Hong Kong: Lam Sai-hung starts Singapore trip Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung today began his visit to Singapore. In the morning, Mr Lam visited a port where he had a birds eye view of the Pasir Panjang Terminals. He also toured an exhibition on the Tuas Port and was briefed by representatives of PSA International on the latest developments of automated port operations, energy conservation and emission reductions. During a luncheon, Mr Lam shared with trade representatives his views on the developments in transport and logistics, and took the opportunity to promote Hong Kongs strengths and business opportunities. Pointing out that the COVID-19 pandemic and international landscape had made significant changes to global aviation, maritime and logistics and led to the emergence of new supply chains, he said the Transport & Logistics Bureau promulgated in late 2023 two major action plans. The action plans - one on the development strategy of modern logistics and the other on maritime and ports - outlined measures based on the latest situation, with a view to supporting the sustainable development needs of Hong Kong and enhancing the long-term competitiveness of its trades. Todays itinerary also included meetings with officials from Singapores Maritime & Port Authority and Land Transport Authority, during which Mr Lam and the officials discussed issues of mutual concern. He also interacted with local trade representatives to learn about Singapore's business environment, in addition to shedding light on Hong Kongs recent transport and logistics developments. This story has been published on: 2024-01-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. French farmers' protests block highways around Paris Xinhua) 10:05, January 30, 2024 French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) PARIS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. Eight "blocking points" have been set up on major highways around the French capital. Almost 800 tractors have surrounded the city, with farmers vowing to "starve Paris." According to the gendarmerie, 30 departments and 16 highways have been affected by the farmers' movement across the country. The French farmers started their movement nearly two weeks ago to protest against decreasing income and increasing rules, regulations and paperwork. Some complained that unfair trade policies had put them in unfair competition with farmers from other countries not subject to the same rules. French Minister of Agriculture Marc Fesneau has announced that "new measures will be taken tomorrow." Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron called a meeting with several ministers on Monday afternoon to discuss the situation, his office said. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal had announced an initial series of measures in response to farmers' anger, including putting brakes on the rising cost of diesel for farm machinery use. He also promised to seek to simplify administrative tasks for farmers and inject subsidies into organic farming. However, these measures did not extinguish farmers' fury. Attal said on Sunday that the initial measures were "just the beginning," and pledged to "continue day after day, week after week, to make progress." French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Lake Zurich School District 95 Board of Education is looking to fill a vacancy on the board after a member stepped down earlier this month. According to a school district news release, Scott McConnell resigned from the board effective Jan. 25. He had served not only as a member since 2012 but also a term as board president. The School Board wishes to thank Mr. McConnell for his leadership and dedication to our students, staff, and community throughout his tenure, officials stated in the release. No reason was provided for his departure. The board is looking to seat his replacement at the March 21 board meeting, the release states. The appointed member would be seated until the spring 2025 election, and to remain on the board they would have to seek election to it. The release details qualifications to apply for the appointed seat, including being a resident of SD95 for at least a year preceding the appointment and a registered voter. The district enrolls about 5,600 students across eight schools, including Lake Zurich High School, two middle and four K-5 schools, and one pre-K to fifth grade school. Families are from the towns of Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, North Barrington and parts of unincorporated Lake County. To apply, a candidate must not hold an incompatible elected office or be employed in certain State or Federal government roles prohibited by Illinois Law, the release states. Any qualified community members interested in apply for appointment to the seat is asked to submit a resume and cover letter explaining their interest in serving on the District 95 School Board by Feb. 9, according to the release. The release explains that the board will review applications submitted and identify candidates who will be interviewed in a closed meeting with the board in February or March. The School Board will review all applications and select candidates to interview in a closed session in February and/or March, Rep. Celeste Maloy was sworn into Congress a little over two months ago, and shes still getting used to life as a lawmaker. Its been a quick ramp-up, especially because of the shortened timeframe for her first term in office. In the weeks after winning a special election for her 2nd District seat in November then getting sworn in as the newest congresswoman Maloy hired and trained staffers, and traveled across her district, which spans from St. George to Tooele, to hear from constituents. And now, shes running for reelection as well. Maloy says she hasnt allowed her never-ending to-do list to discourage her. Its been a really good experience, she told the Deseret News. Im really excited to be here. The Republican representative began working as the chief legal counsel for former Rep. Chris Stewart in 2019. Four years later, when Stewart announced he was retiring, Maloy decided to run to replace him. When asked if much has changed since she stepped into the spotlight, she said, Its a lot different. The time I spent as a staffer was foundational for being able to do what Im doing now, she said. But, she explained, now it's her name and reputation on the line when she casts a vote or appears on television. I still have a hard time believing this is real life, she said. Rep. Celeste Maloy and her friends in Congress Maloy admitted her day-to-day schedule is much more packed compared to when she was a staffer. While working for Stewart, she would spend her time working on policy on the weekdays. Now, I work on policy and vote during the week, and I campaign on the weekend, she said. My days are longer and my weekends are full. Maloy told me she has called Stewart a few times since being elected, including to discuss how grueling the job is. Its a fairly exclusive club Ive joined. There just arent very many people whove ever done this for a living, she said. Maloy said shes also spoken to former Rep. Rob Bishop, who represented Utahs 1st District from 2003 to 2021. According to her, they both understand the pressures of serving as a member of the House of Representatives. Although the position can be a lonely one, Maloy said she has leaned on the Utah delegation for help. For starters, Rep. John Curtis, a Republican representing Utahs 3rd District, has taken me under his wing, she said. Related That isnt surprising since Maloy and Curtis share a passion for protecting public lands and supporting responsible energy development. Before serving under Stewart, Maloy worked on public lands issues as an attorney for Washington County. This followed more than a decade of working as a soil conservationist for the Department of Agriculture in Beaver County, as the Deseret News previously reported. Now, besides serving as the vice chair of the Upper Basin on the Congressional Colorado River Caucus, Maloy is also on the House Small Business subcommittees for contracting and infrastructure, and rural development, energy, and supply chains. Maloy is also on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, alongside Rep. Burgess Owens. She said Owens, who represents Utahs 4th District, has Maloy sit with his friends during House floor votes. Rep. Blake Moore, who represents Utahs 1st District, was recently elected vice chair of the House Republican Conference, becoming a part of House leadership, so having him there has been really helpful, she said. Maloy added that members of the freshmen class made up of 34 Democrats and 40 Republicans, who took office on Jan. 3 have also taken Maloy under their wing. What are Maloys legislative priorities? On negotiations over how to secure the border which have been going on since before she was sworn in without a deal in sight she said it was a clear example of the status quo not functioning well. When Democrats control the Senate and the White House, and Republicans control the House by a number of votes you can count on one hand, its not surprising that things arent moving, she said. Right now, the status quo isnt working very well. So, Im hopeful that that means were going to make some fundamental changes. And Im working on making sure that as things change, theyre changing in a way thats good for the American people, she added. Maloy wants Congress to return to regular order, where it passes spending bills and offers transparency about the budgeting process to the American people. The Utah representative said the root cause of the gridlock in Washington, D.C., is the people who want to have these really important conversations about how Congress should be doing its job. She said that while theres a tendency for everyone to get hung up on the big personalities, shes happy theyve led the way for tough, but necessary, discussions on how Congress should function. Apart from cheering on federal government reform, Maloy has also been reintroducing bills that Stewart introduced, and that Maloy contributed to while working for Stewart. For example, Maloy is a co-sponsor of the Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites from Foreign Adversaries Act, which restricts foreign land purchases, something Stewart previously championed. Maloy said she wants to prioritize the legislation her district is asking for. So far, she has introduced four bills in Congress, including the HYDRO Act, which seeks to reduce electricity costs during a drought, and the True Cost Act, which would require the president to give Congress a detailed report on the financial impact of the deficit on each taxpayer. Rep. Celeste Maloys reelection campaign Even as Maloy is settling into her new role, shes also gearing up for reelection. In her last campaign, she invited her challengers to join her for 13 in-person debates in each of the 13 counties represented in the 2nd District. This time around, she has to juggle her congressional responsibilities alongside her campaign, which Maloy says, is going really well because the duties of a representative require her to travel to each part of her district anyway. They dovetail nicely, she said. Im going to keep showing up for my constituents, being where they are, addressing the issues they want addressed. I think if Im offering good customer service and a cheerful attitude, people are still going to resonate with that. She said she plans to fulfill the promises she made when running for election last year, which she hopes will keep voters energized to come out and support her again. I ran on being a district-focused member, being nerdy about policy and showing up and helping local elected officials, Maloy said. Now Im in and Im doing that. Correction: In an earlier version of this story, Rep. Celeste Maloys congressional district was misidentified in the photo caption. Here are some events happening from Feb. 2 to 8 in the Chicago suburbs and Northwest Indiana. Comedian comes to the Hard Rock Comedian and actor Marlon Wayans performs Feb. 2 at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary. Comedian and actor Marlon Wayans performs at 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Hard Rock Casino in Gary. Tickets are $39.50-$144.25. At 5400 West 29th Ave. 219-228-2383; hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com. Marlon Wayans can currently be seen in Netflixs The Curse of Bridge Hollow and hes also recognized for his role as Marcus Copeland in the 2004 hit comedy White Chicks. He starred with his brother Shawn Wayans on The WBs The Wayans Bros. and has appeared on shows such as In Living Color and Adult Swims Childrens Hospital. Hes also a standup comedian. Flip out for winter Two performances of Cirque Flip Fabrique: Blizzard are at 3 and 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at The McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. Tickets are $39-$49. At 425 Fawell Blvd. 630-942-4000; atthemac.org. This winter-themed contemporary circus includes a trampoline wall, a massive rotating prism, imitation snow and snowballs; original music and a cast of exciting performers displaying juggling, aerial acrobatics and trapeze skills. Rave on John Muellers Winter Dance Party, a tribute to the music of Buddy Holly, Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens, is at 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake. Tickets are $40-$50. At 26 N. Williams St, 815-356-9212; rauecenter.org. The show is an authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Boppers final tour and include the hits like Thatll Be the Day, Peggy Sue, Oh, Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace and more. It stars John Mueller (former star of the U.S. touring version of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story), Linwood Sasser as the Big Bopper and Ray Anthony, star of the Legends of Rock and Roll show at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas, as Ritchie Valens. They are backed by a live band that includes Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Mike Acosta. Cultural dance duo Muntu and Deeply Rooted perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at Governors State University Center for Performing Arts in University Park. Tickets are $29-$60. At 1 University Parkway. 708-235-2222; govst.edu/MuntuDeeplyRooted. Two Chicago-based companies, Muntu Dance Theatre and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, showcase authentic and progressive interpretations of contemporary and ancient African and African American dance, music and storytelling. Thursday night history lesson Your Friendly Neighborhood Historians latest program, Cold Nights, Cold War, is at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Naper Settlement in Naperville. Tickets are $10. At 523 S. Webster St. 630-420-6010; napersettlement.org. Did you know that Naperville has history with the Cold War? In this program, guests will learn about missile sites, emergency plans and training, and changes that shaped Napervilles landscape during the decades of the Cold War. Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun. MANITOWOC, Wis. (WFRV) A 30-year-old Manitowoc man was recovered from the Manitowoc River after authorities located him using underwater sonar scanners. The Manitowoc Police Department and the Manitowoc County Sheriffs Office met near the 8th Street Bridge to search for a missing man after his family reported him missing on Monday. 65-year-old woman accused of making bomb threat to a house of worship in Oshkosh, taken into custody It was reported the man was last seen in the area of the bridge during the early morning hours of Sunday, January 28. Using underwater sonar scanners, the dive team was able to locate and recover the body of the missing 30-year-old Manitowoc man. No foul play is suspected, and due to this incident being under active investigation, the Manitowoc Police Department says it will not be releasing additional information. Green Bay man charged with sexually assaulting children at a hotel The Manitowoc Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the mans family and those that have been affected as a result of this tragic incident, added Captain Matt Wallander. Local 5 News will continue to follow this incident and provide updates when more details are available to the public. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. A retired Catholic priest and his sister were among the dead after a man apparently went on a rampage in Palm Bay, Florida, on Sunday, also killing his grandfather and injuring two officers before police fatally shot him, officials said Monday. Officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at a northeast Palm Bay home and confronted the gunman, ultimately killing him, Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello said. After the shooting, police found the body of a man identified as the suspect's grandfather, Augello said. His name hasnt been released. The bodies of the priest and his sister were found Monday as police went to another home as part of the investigation, Augello said. The priest was identified as the Rev. Robert Bob Hoeffner and his sister as Sally Hoeffner, the Rev. John Noonan, the bishop of Orlando, said in a statement Monday. At a news conference Monday afternoon, Augello said that the suspect had a relationship with the two but that its nature wasn't exactly clear. The suspect was identified as Brandon Kapas, 24. shooting seventh day Adventist church police vehicles (WESH) Officers were called around 2:07 p.m. Sunday to a residence where a birthday party had been taking place. They arrived at the house 12 minutes later and were told by the suspect's uncle that Kapas may have had firearms in the vehicle he used to get there, Augello said. After officers arrived, the suspect walked hastily toward the vehicle, and at least one officer used a Taser, Augello said. Its probes, if they struck him, had no effect, he said. At least one officer then got into an altercation with Kapas, and gunfire erupted, Augello said. The suspect broke free and was ultimately shot and killed by officers, he said. Augello said Sunday that the suspect ran away after officers were shot and that police pursued him before they shot him. The grandfather was found dead at the location of the disturbance, and investigators found an arsenal of weapons in the car, Augello said. The two injured officers were expected to survive, he said. One had surgery Monday and was released; the other was expected to undergo surgery before being released, he said. The werent publicly identified. On Monday, investigators tracked the ownership or registration of the vehicle the suspect drove Sunday to an address where the priest and his sister were found fatally shot, Augello said. Noonan, of the Diocese of Orlando, said the pair were killed Sunday. "Throughout his priesthood, Father Hoeffner served the people of God with compassion and humility," he said in Monday's statement. "We will miss his grace-filled presence. We know he and his sister are received by the Lord with mercy and love." Augello praised his officers as heroic in the face the life-threatening violence and called the suspect "potentially an active shooter" because so much firepower was found in the vehicle he used. The motive is unknown. "We don't know what sparked it," Augello said. He said Kapas had a "criminal history" that included driving under the influence and resisting arrest. It wasn't clear whether he was referring to allegations or convictions. Palm Bay is about 70 miles southeast of Orlando. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Sgt. Michael Warrick of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office holds a press conference Monday night to announce the arrests of five people in connection to last week's discovery of six bodies in the California desert. Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office/X Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Authorities in California's San Bernardino County have arrested five suspects accused of fatally shooting six people last week in a dispute over narcotics. The arrests were announced during a press conference Monday night, nearly a week after the bodies of the six victims were found Jan. 23 on a dirt road in the unincorporated area of Adelanto, Calif., which is located about 85 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Sgt. Michael Warrick of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office told reporters that authorities were notified of the crime by one of the victims who is believed to be 22-year-old Franklin Noel Bonilla. Warrick said Bonilla had called dispatch at about 8:16 p.m. PT on Jan. 23, stating in Spanish that he had been shot multiple times but did not know where he was. Dispatchers were able to track his phone to the area of Lessing Avenue and Shadow Mountain Road where responding officers located multiple gunshot victims and two vehicles, one which had been shot several times. Warrick said four of the victims had suffered severe burns with a fifth located in one of the vehicles, a Chevy Trailblazer. The sixth victim was later found a short distance away from the original crime scene, he said. Three of the victims have been identified as Baldemar Mondragon-Albarran, 34, Kevin Dariel Bonilla, 25, and Franklin Noel Bonilla. The identities of two other victims were still being determined while the identity of a sixth victim was known but being withheld from the public until next of kin has been notified. The motive for the killings appears to be narcotics, Warrick said. "We are confident that this appears to be a dispute over marijuana, which resulted in the murders," he said. Amid their investigation, authorities learned that the victims had arranged to meet at that location for an unspecified marijuana transaction, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. On Sunday, all six suspects were arrested. Authorities executed multiple search warrants in Apple Valley and Adelanto, confiscating eight firearms that are undergoing testing to see if they match those used in the crime, as well as other evidence, Warrick said. "We are still conducting follow up investigations but we are confident we have arrested all the suspects in this case," he said. "They are currently in custody with no bail." The suspects have been identified as Toniel Baez-Duarte, 34, Mateo Baez-Duarte, 24, Jose Nicolas Hernandez-Sarabia, 33, Jose Gregorio Hernandez-Sarabia, 34, and Jose Manuel Burgos Parra, 26. The have been book on charges of murder, the sheriff's office said. Police would not explicitly state what was the nature of the marijuana dispute, but Shannon Dicus, sheriff-coroner for San Bernardino County, said it is fair to call the murders connected to organized crime in an area known for illicit marijuana. He said in the past 12 months in that area, there were 411 search warrants executed for illegal marijuana grow operations, 14 honey oil labs were discovered, 655,000 marijuana plants were confiscated as was 74,000 pounds of processed marijuana and $370 million. Eleven search warrants were executed in that time period for the area immediately around where the bodies were found, he said. "It looks like illicit marijuana was the driving force behind this murder," he said. A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. While former President Donald Trumps path through Republican primaries is clearing up, he faces looming unanswered questions in multiple different courts. Keeping track of the complicated and ever-evolving web of Trump-related court cases is nearly impossible, but some key developments are expected in the coming days and weeks, long before questions of his guilt or innocence in four criminal trials later this year. Is Trumps New York business career over? New York state Judge Arthur Engoron, who previously ruled that the former president engaged in fraud, could rule at any moment how much Trump will have to pay for inflating his wealth to get the friendly loans that helped build his real estate empire. New York Attorney General Letitia James has asked for $370 million. There is also the question of whether Trump can still do business in the state. Engoron had already ordered the dissolution of Trumps New York real estate empire, which is on hold pending Trumps appeal. Status: Closing arguments wrapped earlier this month, and Engoron said he hopes to issue a decision by Wednesday. Expect appeals no matter what happens. Is Trump immune from prosecution? A three-judge panel for a federal appeals court in Washington, DC, is weighing Trumps claim that presidents enjoy absolute immunity from prosecution. While the judges seemed deeply skeptical of the idea that presidents should be completely above the law, the question needs to be answered before Trump can be prosecuted by special counsel Jack Smith for trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The US Supreme Court has, for now, declined to take up the case, because justices wanted this particular appeals court panel to weigh in. Trumps trial date in that election interference case is still currently scheduled for March 4, but that date seems more unlikely with each passing day as we await word on Trumps immunity claim. His other three criminal trials would follow. Status: The panel heard oral arguments on January 9 and could rule at any time. Can Trump be barred from primary ballots for being an insurrectionist? While the Supreme Court has for now declined to consider if Trump can be prosecuted, the justices are gearing up to decide if he can be barred from state ballots for being an insurrectionist. They are set to decide a case out of Colorado, where one judge found after hearing testimony that Trump did engage in insurrection and the state Supreme Court ruled that he should be kept off the states primary ballot as a result. Trump will remain on the ballot for Colorados primary pending the Supreme Court decision. The case is specifically focused on Colorado, and Maine is the only other state to disqualify Trump from the primary ballot. But there are lawsuits around the country that could be affected by the court decision. In Illinois, the bipartisan state elections board declined Tuesday to remove Trump from the ballot, sending the question there to state courts. Status: Supreme Court oral arguments are scheduled for February 8. Colorados primary is set for Super Tuesday, March 5. Will Trump be prosecuted in Georgia by Fani Willis There are allegations that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis had an inappropriate relationship with a prosecutor she hired for the election subversion case against Trump and more than a dozen alleged co-conspirators. While the situation is unlikely, at least for now, to kill the case against Trump, Willis position at the helm is very much in question. Georgias state Senate has launched a special investigation. The questions about Willis are distinct from the larger issue of whether Trump should be convicted for trying to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia, but they have been a gift to Trump as he and his allies seek to discredit the prosecution in the court of public opinion. RELATED: What to know about the Fani Willis allegations and the election subversion case Status: Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee has scheduled a hearing on Willis for February 15. Will Trump have to pay $458.3 million? The back-of-the-envelope total of what he could be ordered to pay in civil penalties is an astronomical sum, even for a man who claims to be a multibillionaire. $370 million at stake in New York civil fraud trial. As noted above, Engoron is expected to rule any day in the New York fraud trial. $88.3 million awarded in defamation trial. A federal jury in New York found last week that Trump must pay $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll, the woman he was found liable for sexually assaulting in the 1990s. A separate New York jury also found last year that he must pay Carroll $5 million. Trump is appealing the Carroll-related decisions and is sure to appeal any adverse decision in the civil fraud trial. Still, thats a combined $458.3 million he could eventually have to pay. Side question: How much money does Trump have? Its not exactly clear. In an ironic twist, his comments bragging about his wealth in an April 2023 deposition in the New York civil fraud trial were played for the jury in the Carroll defamation case. We have a lot of cash, Trump told lawyers from the New York attorney generals office. I believe we have substantially in excess of $400 million in cash, which is a lot for a developer. Developers usually dont have cash. They have assets, not cash. We have, I believe, $400-plus and going up very substantially every month. Professional guestimators at Forbes and Bloomberg have suggested Trump could have somewhere in the neighborhood of $600 million in liquid assets or cash and personal assets. When he launched his current presidential campaign, Trump was required to file a financial disclosure form, but it is an imprecise gauge of wealth. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Amelia Earhart was one of the most famous aviators in the world when she vanished in 1937. Her disappearance is among the greatest mysteries of all time, spurring many conspiracy theories. Here are some of the conspiracies surround her disappearance, from being a spy to faking her death. Amelia Earhart became the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932, nearly a century ago. However, just five years after her famous solo flight, the American aviatrix vanished over the Pacific Ocean during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe by plane. While some researchers who've been on the hunt for what happened to the iconic pilot believe they may have found the wreckage of Earhart's plane at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, to this day, the mystery behind her disappearance remains unsolved. Here's what we know: On July 2, 1937, Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, departed from Lae, New Guinea. They were heading for Howland Island, a small island located in the central Pacific Ocean, but they never arrived. By 1939, both Earhart and Noonan were declared dead. While the case remains unresolved, there are conspiracy theories abound over the late pilot's fate. Here are five of the most compelling guesses behind what happened to Earhart's ill-fated flight. 1. Earhart crashed her plane and drowned in the Pacific Ocean. Earhart was declared legally dead on January 5, 1939. Keystone/Getty Images Crash-and-sink theorists postulate that Earhart ran out of fuel while trying to locate tiny Howard Island and subsequently crashed into the open ocean and drowned. This theory is supported by the fact that Earhart and Noonan put in many calls to the US Coast Guard ship "Itasca," communicating that they were low on fuel and having trouble finding Howard Island. Despite the $4 million rescue authorized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to find the pilots, no trace of the aircraft, Earhart, or Noonan, was ever found. 2. She landed safely but on the wrong island. Amelia Earhart operates the controls of a flying laboratory, ca. 1935. Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Earhart knew she was running low on fuel, which meant one of two things she either crashed somewhere or landed successfully. One theory suggests that Earhart managed to land her aircraft safely just not on Howard Island, as anticipated. The International Historic Aircraft Recovery Group believes that Earhart ultimately landed on Gardner Island, a nearby deserted island that is now called Nikumaroro, when she couldn't locate Howard and then perished as a castaway. However, since her aircraft has not been found, this remains nothing but a theory. 3. She was captured and taken prisoner by the Japanese. Some believe this photo shows Amelia Earhart's back. US National Archives A photo was discovered in the National Archives that depicts a woman who resembles Earhart sitting on a dock in the Marshall Islands near a man who resembles her navigator, Noonan. The discovery of the photograph helps substantiate the theory that Earhart and Noonan didn't crash at all but instead landed in the Marshall Islands, where they were taken prisoner by the Japanese. Retired government investigator Les Kinney told NBC News that the photo "clearly indicates that Earhart was captured by the Japanese," despite Japanese authorities' insistence that they have no record of Earhart ever being in their custody. 4. She was a spy. Amelia Earhart smiling as she leaves the US Embassy in London, 1932. Hulton Archive/Getty Images Some allege that Earhart was more than just a daring pilot out to become the first woman to fly across the globe: She was a government agent. Randall Brink, author of the book "Lost Star," theorizes that Earhart never intended to fly to Howard Island; rather, she and Noonan were on a mission to document the goings-on of Japanese island installations for the US government, when they were detected by the Japanese and either shot down or forced to land. 5. She lived ... and then assumed another woman's identity. One of the more wild conspiracies is that Amelia Earhart lived. Topical Press Agency/Getty Images In 1970, a book called "Amelia Earhart Lives" was published, thus unleashing one of the wildest conspiracy theories surrounding Earhart's death upon the public to date. Joe Klass, the author of the book, argues that not only did Earhart survive her Pacific Ocean plane crash, but that she was taken by the Japanese, found and rescued by US forces, and then secretly repatriated to New Jersey, where she assumed the identity of Irene Bolam, a housewife. The problem, of course, was that Irene Bolam already existed. When she got wind of this news, she filed a lawsuit vehemently denying the claims. Read the original article on Business Insider The Starbucks menu is a treasure trove of tempting beverages, but theres a whole other secret menu that's full of even more drink varieties. Over the years, Starbucks fanatics have discovered that they can ask their baristas to create unofficial drinks that arent on the public menu and there are some pretty delightful and over-the-top options. Ready to get in on the secret? Here are drinks you can order from the Starbucks secret menu. And if you decide to go with a complicated drink, please remember to tip appropriately! Apple Pie Frappuccino This secret menu item may just become the new apple of your eye. Its ideal for Starbucks fans who dont necessarily love coffee. How to order: StarbucksSecretMenu.net recommends starting with a cream base (up to the first line) then a bit of apple juice (up to the second line). Ask your barista to add cinnamon dolce syrup and caramel syrup. Blue Drink Feeling blue? That doesnt have to be a bad thing. This Blue Drink features three simple ingredients but doesnt sacrifice taste. How to order: StarbucksSecretMenu.net suggests ordering a passion iced tea with soy milk and vanilla syrup. And then there was blue! The newest Starbucks Secret Menu addition is the #BlueDrink Recipe: https://t.co/Hs9WQdvHq4 pic.twitter.com/fnntUf1zbN StarbucksSecret Menu (@StarbucksMenu) June 29, 2016 Butterbeer Frappuccino Accio butterbeer! Harry Potter fans will be delighted to know that Starbucks has a secret menu item thats inspired by the films popular Butterbeer drink. How to order: StarbucksSecretMenu.net suggests asking for a Creme Frappuccino base with whole milk, three pumps of caramel syrup, three pumps of toffee nut syrup and a caramel drizzle topping. Capn Crunch Frappuccino If this one doesnt remind you of your childhood, we dont know what will. The cold drink is inspired by the iconic cereal, and TikTok user @creigsilimon shared some tips for ordering it in a video. How to order: Mix strawberry puree and whole milk with a pump and a half of vanilla, two pumps of toffee nut, a pump and a half of hazelnut, a creme base, ice and java chips, then top with whipped cream. Cadbury Creme Egg Frappuccino You can make this sweet treat at home with our DIY recipe or ask your barista to whip it up at your local Starbucks. How to order: Instagram user @snackgator suggests ordering a Java Chip Frappuccino with Frappuccino Roast, vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, vanilla bean powder and whipped cream with your choice of caramel or chocolate. Candy Cane Cold Brew Whether its the holiday season or the middle of July, you can get a candy cane craving at any time. Luckily, Starbucks has a secret Candy Cane Cold Brew to cool you down. How to order: Ask for a venti cold brew, four pumps of white mocha and two pumps of peppermint. Finish it off with vanilla sweet cream cold foam and one pump of peppermint. Caramel Cookie Latte Instagram user @abalosci_personal had our mouths watering with this latte that reminds us of a warm, gooey cookie. How to order: Ask your barista to line the cup with caramel sauce. Order an Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte with heavy cream and vanilla sweet cream or salted caramel cold foam. Add extra cookie crumbles. Caramel Snickerdoodle Macchiato A drink that combines the flavors of cookies and candies? Yes, please! TikTok user @gym_cookie was kind enough to instruct their followers how to order this sweet gem in a video. How to order: Ask for an Iced Caramel Macchiato upside down with three pumps of vanilla and three pumps of cinnamon dolce. Instead of 2% milk, have your barista use soy milk and ask them to squirt caramel drizzle all around the inside of the cup. Chocolate Mousse Cold Brew This ones for the chocoholics among us. TikTok user @abbs.lyfe called the taste of this cold brew spot on and shared a few tips for ordering it at your local Starbucks. How to order: Ask for a Sweet Cream Cold Brew with two pumps of vanilla syrup, four pumps of mocha syrup in the drink, two pumps of mocha syrup in the foam and cookie crumble topping. Churro Frappuccino Churros instantly conjure up images of amusement parks and county fairs for us, so this drink seems like loads of fun. How to order: TikTok user @supersecretmenu recommends asking for a Caramel Frappucino with heavy cream, cinnamon dolce syrup, extra caramel drizzle, cinnamon dolce powder and cinnamon powder. Cinnamon Toast Crunch Frappuccino If you cant get enough of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, this nostalgic Frappuccino will satiate your sweet tooth. How to order: Instagram user @vincoeats got local baristas to whip this baby up by asking for a grande White Chocolate Creme Frappuccino with cinnamon powder, two pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup, one pump of hazelnut, whipped cream and cinnamon dolce sprinkles. Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino Raise your hand if youve always felt like eating a cinnamon roll is like biting into a little slice of heaven. Lucky for us, Starbucks has bottled up that pure joy into a delightful drink. How to order: StarbucksSecretMenu.net suggests asking for a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with white mocha syrup and cinnamon dolce syrup. A little bit of cinnamon dolce powder on the top gives it a nice finishing touch. Cocoa Puff Latte Are you cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs? Then youre going to want to give this latte a try. How to order: TikTok user @starbuckssecretmenupro suggests ordering an iced latte with three pumps of mocha, one pump of toffee nut, one pump of hazelnut, blond espresso and some mocha drizzle on top. Cookie Dough Frappuccino Do you prefer the cookie batter to the actual cookie? This tantalizing treat re-creates the ooey-gooey taste of cookie dough in drink form. How to order: Per StarbucksSecretMenu.net, you should order a Cinnamon Dolce Creme Frappuccino with mocha syrup and java chips. Dont forget to ask for a bit of cookie crumble and whipped cream to top it off! Dirty Chai Latte Ready to get down and dirty? Chai, that is. This secret menu item has a nice chai flavor and can save you a few bucks, according to former barista and TikTok user @gratefulheartcollective. How to order: The TikToker says you can save a few dollars by ordering a cafe latte with four pumps of chai syrup instead of a chai tea latte with two shots of espresso. Dole Whip Frappuccino Have you really been to Disney World if you havent indulged in a Dole Whip treat? Park fanatics certainly dont think so. This copycat drink is delicious and divine, according to YouTuber @TyBottOfficial. How to order: Ask for a venti Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino with sweet cream instead of milk and add a pineapple base. Dragon Fruit Shortcake Drink TikTok user @sakennabrown gave this secret menu drink a 9/10. How to order: Ask for a Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino, two scoops of dragon fruit and whipped cream at the top and bottom. Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino Instagram user @foodiesanctuary raved about the java chips in this imitation drink and said the mocha and hazelnut really jive together well. How to order: The Instagram user recommends asking for a Double Chocolaty Chip Creme Frappuccino with two to three pumps of mocha syrup and one to two pumps of hazelnut syrup plus a hazelnut drizzle. French Toast Frappuccino While describing this drink, TikTok user @abbs.lyfe said its like breakfast in a cup. How to order: The TikToker suggested ordering a Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino with sweet cream, one pump of cinnamon dolce syrup and one pump of hazelnut syrup. Top it off with cinnamon dolce topping. Fuzzy Peach Refresher Feeling fruity? Quench your thirst with this drink that has a pretty adorable name. How to order: TikTok user @abbs.lyfe broke down this recipe for her followers. She recommends asking for a Mango Dragonfruit Refresher with no water or inclusions, half peach juice, two pumps of vanilla syrup and a splash of coconut milk. Hostess Cupcake Frappuccino Theres nothing like ripping open a Hostess Cupcake package and digging in to the sweet goodness. This drink replicates the chocolaty treat, and TikTok user @supersecretmenu shared tips for ordering it. How to order: Ask for a Double Chocolaty Chip Creme Frappuccino with one pump of vanilla syrup, one pump of brown sugar syrup, extra mocha drizzle and whipped cream. Hot Cocoa Cold Brew This one is equal parts simple and satisfying. It features notes of hot cocoa and coffee, and TikTok user @peachiemariam offered the following advice for ordering at your local Starbucks. How to order: Ask for a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew with two pumps of mocha and extra sweet cream. Ice Cream Cold Brew Anyone who loves coffee ice cream will dig this sweet caffeine-filled treat. How to order: Instagram user @vincoeats suggests ordering a grande vanilla sweet cream cold brew with two pumps of classic syrup and two pumps of white chocolate mocha. Matcha Pink Drink Youve likely heard a lot of hype about Starbucks secret menu Matcha Pink Drink in recent years. According to StarbucksSecretMenu.net, its well worth it. How to order: The website recommends asking for three parts of a traditional Pink Drink and adding one part matcha coconut milk on the rocks. Minnie Mouse Frappuccino Calling all Disney lovers! YouTuber @TodaylandAdventures says this drink tastes a bit like a chocolate covered strawberry and is perfect for all ages since it doesn't have any caffeine in it. How to order: Ask for a White Chocolate Creme Frappuccino with a light dose of strawberry puree, Frappuccino chips and dragon fruit inclusions with whipped cream and cookie crumble on top. Nutella Frappuccino You never really need an excuse to treat yourself to a bit of Nutella. This drink bottles up all the best parts of the sweet spread while adding a bit of a caffeine boost. How to order: StarbucksSecretMenu.net suggests ordering a regular Coffee Frappuccino and asking for two pumps of mocha syrup, two pumps of hazelnut syrup and whipped cream blended in. Your barista should top it off with whipped cream and caramel and mocha drizzle. Oatmeal Cookie Latte Comfort in a cup! If oatmeal cookies always make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, youll sip this drink up in a jiffy. How to order: TikTok user @abbs.lyfe shared the following recipe with her followers. Ask for a venti iced latte with oat milk, two pumps of mocha, two pumps of brown sugar syrup and an oat milk foam topping. Orange Drink Fans of fruity drinks will be psyched to sip on this colorful beverage that apparently tastes just like a gummy peach ring. How to order: According to Totally the Bomb, ask for a venti half sweet black tea lemonade, half peach tea, then add a splash of soy milk. The drink should be shaken and served over ice. Oreo Frappuccino Theres something so comforting and nostalgic about Oreo cookies, so it makes sense that Starbucks fanatics have concocted an Oreo-inspired drink. How to order: Instagram user @snackbetch shared the following tips on their page. Start with a Double Chocolaty Chip Creme Frappuccino with white mocha sauce. Ask your barista to add extra chips in the drink and on top of whipped cream. Peanut Butter Cup Frappuccino Constantly find yourself reaching for Reeses cups? This drink was made for you. How to order: Per StarbucksSecretMenu.net, you can ask for a Mocha Frappuccino with toffee nut syrup, soy milk, whipped cream and mocha drizzle. Rolo Frappuccino Instagram user @thejoyfulrbf sang the praises of this underrated drink thats inspired by the chocolate and caramel candy. How to order: The social media user suggests ordering a grande Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino with one scoop of java chips, caramel drizzle and mocha drizzle. Samoa Frappuccino Based off the Girl Scout favorite, this sweet drink gave TikTok user @abbs.lyfe cookie vibes when she tried it. How to order: The TikTok user recommends ordering a grande Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino with coconut milk, one pump of toffee nut syrup, and mocha drizzle on the bottom and top of the cup. Shamrock Frappuccino The luck of the Irish will be on your side when you take a sip of this festive drink. How to order: Instagram user @starbucks.secretmenuu recommends asking for a Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino with peppermint syrup, classic syrup and matcha powder. Shortbread Cookie Frappuccino Worried that this one might be a tad too sweet? TikTok user @abbs.lyfe says, thankfully, its sweet but not super sweet. How to order: The TikToker recommends ordering a Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino with two pumps of hazelnut syrup, whipped cream and caramel crunch topping to the top and bottom of the drink. Strawberries and Cream Refresher Similar to Creme Savers hard candies, this refreshing drink has the flavors of strawberries and cream. How to order: TikTok user @supersecretmenu shared the following recipe on their page. Start by asking for a venti sStrawberry Acai Refresher with no water. Ask your barista to add a light serving of strawberry puree and a regular amount of sweet cream. Strawberry Cheesecake Frappuccino Want to bottle up this classic dessert in a sweet beverage? TikTok user @jonellee shared the following recipe and called the drink golden. How to order: Ask for a Strawberry Creme Frappuccino with four scoops of vanilla bean powder, three pumps of white mocha, heavy cream and a whipped cream topping. Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino TikTok user @abbs.lyfe gave this summery drink a 9/10 after tasting it. How to order: Ask for a venti iced latte blended with strawberry puree, three pumps of brown sugar syrup and one pump of vanilla syrup. Top it off with vanilla sweet cream cold foam, strawberry puree, strawberry inclusions and salted brown-buttery topping. Teddy Graham Shaken Espresso Youre never too old to love Teddy Grahams! This adult beverage is inspired by the crunchable bear-shaped snack and tastes oh-so-sweet. How to order: TikTok user @lizmcelaney_fitness recommends asking for a grande iced shaken espresso with blonde espresso, almond milk, light vanilla sweet cream cold foam, one pump of brown sugar syrup, cinnamon powder, one pump of sugar free vanilla syrup and no classic syrup. Thin Mint Frappuccino Refreshing like an after dinner mint with just the right amount of sweetness, this Thin Mint Frappuccino is a well-balanced treat for your taste buds. How to order: To create this concoction, TikTok user @supersecretmenu asked for a venti regular cold brew with four pumps of mocha, two pumps of white mocha and two pumps of peppermint syrup. For toppings, ask for vanilla sweet cream cold foam and chocolate curls. Tiramisu Frappuccino With notes of coffee, caramel and mocha, this Frappuccino is reminiscent of a creamy, sweet slice of tiramisu. How to order: TikTok user @lexisribanditmong recommends asking for a Coffee Frappuccino with one pump of mocha, vanilla, caramel, hazelnut and toffee nut with an affogato long shot on top. Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew Toasted marshmallows always give us a warm, fuzzy feeling inside, and this secret menu drink takes that essence and bottles it up in a drink. How to order: Instagram user @supersecretmenu suggests ordering a venti Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew with two pumps of vanilla syrup, five pumps of toasted white mocha sauce and some vanilla sweet cream cold foam. Twix Frappuccino Crunchy, creamy, oh my! Twix bars are the perfect mix of cookie and candy, and Instagram user @vincoeats offered up a few tips for ordering the beverage at your local Starbucks. How to order: Order a grande Caramel Frappuccino with a pump of hazelnut and java chips, whipped cream, and caramel and mocha drizzle. Valentines Ombre Drink You dont have to wait for Valentines Day to order this colorful drink. Instagram user @starbucksdrinksig shared the following tips for ordering the beverage. How to order: Ask for a Dragon Drink with a splash of passion tea on top. This article was originally published on TODAY.com The union representing Oak Brook firefighters and the Village Board have reached agreement on a new four-year contract that runs through Dec. 31, 2026. The contract, which is retroactive to Jan. 1, covers 27 firefighter/paramedics, who operate in three separate 24-hour shifts, Village Manager Greg Summers said. He said the new contract calls for salaries for firefighter/paramedics to be adjusted by 3.5% annually throughout its term, while also maintaining the villages management rights to appropriately staff the department. The contract compares favorably with other collective bargaining contracts settled recently, Summers said. He said another stipulation in the new contract changes the way overtime pay is calculated, adjusting from a prior 28-day cycle to the villages standard 14-day cycle. Doing so eliminates multiple manual processes and allows for software automation, thereby reducing several hours of administrative burden per pay period, Summers said. Dave Kornfeind, president of Associated Firefighters of Oak Brook-Local 4646, said the new contract encompasses various important aspects, including competitive wages, benefits, and improved working conditions for its membership. The agreement reached between the parties was a result of constructive and collaborative discussions, he said. This agreement also further underscores the commitment of both the Union and the village to provide a positive work environment, along with a continued effort to ensure the best possible service to the residents of Oak Brook. Both Summers and Village President Larry Herman said they were pleased with the manner in which negotiations progressed and the outcome. The labor agreement reached is largely attributable to improved relationships and trust rebuilding as the village and our fire staff work more collaboratively to improve efficiency, response times, and outcomes, Summers said. While there will always be differences between the Village Board and unionized staff, this contract reflects the balance of each sides needs, without added burden on village finances. Herman said the union contract negotiations with the fire department were more amicable and smoother than they have been in the past. Thanks (go) in part to our vigilant negotiations team led by Villager Manager Greg Summers, Assistant Village Manager Joe Mitchell, Fire Chief Kevin Fleege, and labor attorney Ben Gehrt, of Clark Baird Smith, Herman said. However, negotiations are a two-way process, and finding common ground would not have been possible without the rebuilt relationship between the village and our fire staff. Herman said last years internal promotion of Fleege to Chief began a new era in the relationship between village officials and the fire department That has gone a long way to re-instilling trust between labor and management, he said. Negotiations began in May 2023 with Firefighters Local #4646. The firefighters union voted unanimously Jan. 8 to ratify the agreement. The Village Board approved the new deal Tuesday Jan. 23. Michael Manzo, the Village Boards longest serving current member said he has never seen a more well run and proactive negotiation between the board and fire union representatives in his 13 years as a trustee. I am very happy with the outcome of the process and even more pleased that President Herman and this Village Board have worked collaboratively to put the villages financial house in order, so we can offer fair contracts to our village employees, he said. This negotiation with fire union has been the most amicable in recent memory. Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) seized over 800 firearms at Florida airports in 2023, down slightly from the previous year. Three Florida airports made the national top 10 list, the agency announced in a Friday news release. Frontier adds new nonstop route from Tampa International Airport Orlando International Airport (MCO), Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) were ranked 7th, 8th and 9th on the list, respectively. The amount of firearms seized in 2023 broke records for each airport. Every year, MCO, FLL and TPA are typically in the top 10 or 11 airports across the country for passengers violating federal regulations by bringing firearms to the TSA checkpoints, the news release stated. Heres how many guns were seized by TSA from Florida airports last year: Orlando International Airport 164 Tampa International Airport 144 Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport 135 Miami International Airport 77 Jacksonville International Airport 73 Palm Beach International Airport 35 Pensacola International Airport 27 Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport 20 Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport 18 St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport 17 Punta Gorda International Airport 16 Tallahassee International Airport 14 Orlando Sanford International Airport 13 Daytona Beach International Airport 13 Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport 12 Melbourne Orlando International Airport 4 Gainesville Regional Airport 1 Key West International Airport 1 Total: 825 2023s total was down 3% from 2022, TSA said. TSA officers encountered a record number of firearms in airports across the country. Out of 6,737 guns seized from passengers, 93% of them were loaded. An accidental discharge could result in tragedy, TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz said in a statement. Every passenger bears the responsibility of knowing exactly where their firearm is before entering the federal security checkpoint and that must not be on their person or in their carry-on. Most of the passengers caught with firearms were arrested or given notices to appear in court, and faced a near-$15,000 civil penalty from the TSA. Anyone caught with a gun while enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program could lose access to the program permanently. If you are going to travel with your firearm it must be in your checked bag, but be sure you know exactly what the firearm laws are on each side of your trip or you may be heading to jail instead of to your vacation or business trip, Koshetz said. Firearms may not be legal to transport even in checked baggage in some jurisdictions. Officers in Florida have intercepted 50 firearms so far this year, TSA said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) The state on Tuesday awarded $87.5 million in grants to get sites ready across Michigan for future development. The Strategic Site Readiness Program was passed in 2021 to create investment ready sites to attract projects to the state. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation in a memo said competitor states have already been development sites to attract businesses, and Michigan is playing catch up. (It) must aggressively pursue site availability to compete for projects, the memo says. Applications for a share of $100 million in funding opened in September. The state received grant requests totaling $420 million. It says it looked for sites that included reusing brownfield or former manufacturing sites, that were highly marketable, that can get to market quickly and would have an impact on regional and state economies. The money will be not be disbursed in one sum. Projects will need to meet certain milestones, including a demonstration of community support. The Michigan Strategic Fund ultimately approved $87.5 million in grants divvied up among 18 sites; the rest of the $100 million funding will be used for things like supporting applications that need more time and other funding needs that could come up. The sites range from 1 to 792 acres, with the average size around 200 acres. Ten of the 18 projects are brownfield sites, and the MEDC sent a list of those projects to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for potential further funding. $17.5 MILLION FOR LOWELL TOWNSHIP SITE Among the projects are five located in West Michigan. In Kent County, economic development agency The Right Place, Inc., along with developer Franklin Partners and Lowell Township, received $17.5 million for Covenant Business Park. The 237-acre site in located at 4687 Alden Nash Ave. near I-96 in Lowell Township. The funding will be used to install a new sewer line from Lowells wastewater plant. The new line will serve both the site and residential areas along its path. The infrastructure is needed to make the site marketable. The state dollars are 50% of what the site needs to be ready for development, The Right Place said in a release. It said the spot, which is close to the airport, has been considered to be the finest parcel available in greater Grand Rapids. There will be three community open houses at the Lowell Township Hall to residents to learn more about the site: Jan. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m., Feb. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m., Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Its been our long-standing desire to see this site become a hub of good-paying job opportunities, and this grant funding will help make that a reality, Lowell Charter Township Supervisor Jerry Hale said in The Right Places release. This will cement the Lowell area as a top destination for companies looking to expand in West Michigan and catalyze additional quality-of-life amenities like public recreation space and housing options. Plus, this will certainly positively impact the local businesses in the area, including in Downtown Lowell. A map of the Covenant Business Park in Lowell Township. (Courtesy The Right Place) FOUR OTHER WEST MICHIGAN SITES Muskegon Area First received $121,200 for the Muskegon Heights Industrial Parks. The money will be used to acquire land to create a 27-acre industrial park. The site is ripe for an investment, the memo says, and could have a big impact on the Muskegon Heights community. The project is part of a regional strategic plan and could help reduce the communitys poverty level. Southwest Michigan First received a $2.1 million SSRP grant for the Southwest Michigan Commerce Park, a brownfield site. The funding will be used to extend sewer lines in Comstock and Pavilion Township, which would make the 265-acre site more marketable, along with providing infrastructure for the community. This Brownfield site represents an opportunity to develop significant jobs close to the Kalamazoo/Portage MSA and assist an underserved area in Southwest Michigan, the memo says. Also in Southwest Michigan, Market Van Buren received $476,250 for the 792-acre Hartford Industrial Site. The funds will be used to remediate issues on the site, which has appealed to multiple projects that would be transformational to the state and local economies. In Berrien County, the Cornerstone Alliance, in partnership with developer Franklin Partners, received $3.6 million for the Benton Harbor Data and Tech Park, a 240-acre site. The funding would be used to extend utilities and improve transportation infrastructure. It would also be used for a drain relocation project on the site. The memo says the site is regularly submitted for projects. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. The abbot of one of the temples of the Vinnytsia Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) was convicted for praising terrorists. Source: Security Service of Ukraine (SSU); Vinnytsia Oblast Prosecutors Office; Ukrainska Pravda Details: The circumstances of the case indicate that the abbot in question is Dmytro Tikhov, age 54, whose detention was reported by Ukrainska Pravda in November 2023. Investigation materials indicate that the churchman parroted the Kremlin's narratives about a "civil war" in Ukraine on his Telegram channel and praised Givi, Motorola, and Zakharchenko, fighters in the so-called Donetsk Peoples Republic. Tikhov reposted publications and comments of the Russian Orthodox Church, which justified the occupation of part of Ukraine's territory and glorified Russian occupiers. The abbot also shared personal comments, in which he attempted to discredit the Ukrainian military and insulted the religious sensibilities of representatives of a number of religious denominations. To conceal his criminal activities, Tikhov used a pseudonym on his social media pages. The archpriest also spread anti-Ukrainian propaganda during his sermons and in conversations with his parishioners. SSU agents tracked down and detained Tikhov after he attempted to evade justice by hiding at various addresses in several regions of Ukraine, the special service reports. It is noted that the analysis confirmed the facts of his information-subversive activities in favour of the Russian Federation. Based on the evidence collected, SSU investigators have served the abbot with a notice of suspicion under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Article 436-2.2 (justification, legitimisation and denial of the Russian Federations armed aggression against Ukraine, and glorification of its participants); Article 109.2 (actions aimed at forcibly changing or overthrowing the constitutional order or seizing state power). Considering Tikhovs full cooperation with the investigation, he has been sentenced to two years of imprisonment, as reported by the Security Service of Ukraine. However, the prosecution notes that the accused admitted his guilt in court but did not express remorse. Currently, the verdict has not gained legal force and can be appealed. Support UP or become our patron! A Chicago man was the first charged Friday in connection with a high-profile Munster home invasion. Elkin Castillo, 46, is charged with 10 felonies. He is in custody in Cook County on an unrelated crime, according to Munster Police. Authorities believe the heist was coordinated with at least four men participating and a man matching Castillos description who cased the neighborhood days before. He is ordered held in Indiana on a $150,000, or $15,000 cash surety bond. The victim previously offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Munster Police Chief Steve Scheckel said the reward has not been paid out to anyone. Munster Police responded Oct. 27 in the early afternoon to the 1400 block of Park West Circle. A woman told police she was visiting her relatives home, when she answered a knock at the attached garage door. Thinking it was her daughter and son-in-law, she started to open it. Multiple men rushed in and attacked her. They forced her to the ground, hitting her repeatedly, zip-tied her hands and feet and duct-taped her mouth, before dragging her down the stairs and taking her cell phone. She was later taken to the hospital for treatment. Another man, a visitor, said he was checking on a crying baby when he felt a gun on his forehead. The men also zip-tied his hands and feet, duct-taped his mouth, stole cash, a necklace, bracelet and his ring, according to the affidavit. One man kept a gun pointed at him, ordering him not to move. The homeowner was on his bedroom balcony when he heard commotion downstairs. Two men came out, point a gun and demanding cash and jewelry. He said he didnt have a lot of cash in the house. You have liquor stores, one man said. You have a lot of businesses. You have money counting machine here. You have money here. The man gave him $500 from his pocket. The bedroom was already ransacked. The robbers seemed to be already familiar with the (homes) layout, the affidavit states. They ordered the man to his safe in the closet. Cmon you have some money here, the first robber said. The man hit the victim with his gun, before the second robber zip-tied his hands. They left him on the closet floor. Take whatever you can and lets go, the men said in Spanish. They stuffed a money counting machine in the victims black suitcase and took other stuff. The victim waited a minute, before he went to the balcony, got his cell phone and called 911. He had a cut on head over left eye. He later told police they also took a pricey Breitling watch. Police learned the first robber was a light-skinned Hispanic, aged 30-40, wearing a green construction vest under a black shirt and pants. He wore a tan cap, mask and blue rubber gloves. The man did most of the talking and had a distinctive accent and was mostly on the phone. The second robber was a darker-skinned Hispanic, around 40, wearing the same clothes, aside from a black cap and mask. Security video and license plate readers put a 2010 brown GMC Terrain and 2017 black Nissan Altima in the area that morning around 8:32 a.m. Around 1 p.m. the four men are seen on camera leaving the home and getting into the SUV, according to court records. Chicago Police found and towed the Altima Nov. 12 on the 4100 block of W. Oakdale. They found a black mask and walkie talkies inside. They found the Terrain Nov. 14 parked on the 2300 block of N. Clybourn. Inside, there were walkie talkies and a birth certificate. The father listed died in 2021, but his booking photos included a photo of Castillo, who matched the first robbers description. Chicago Police got a tip after television news ran information from a news release. They learned Castillo had been on the 3700 block of S. Honore in Chicago putting on masks and vests and loading up the SUV before the robbery. Police arrested him. He had a black gun, a fake Puerto Rico drivers license and a Breitling watch, matching the description of the one stolen from the Munster home. His cell phone pinged in the area during the robbery and several days before. On Oct. 27, Castillo texted his daughter: Im getting ready to go to the job Ive been talking about, he wrote. Be safe, always listen to your gut, she replied. If you aint feeling it listen. If you have no bad vibes then go ahead. I want to make sure everyone is okay with money, he responded. Investigators picked up references he planned to flee to Columbia soon afterward. Security cameras appeared to show Castillo bagging vests and an orange hat early morning on Oct. 27 at a Skokie Walmart at the self-checkout, then leaving with the stuff without paying. He was arrested with a gun on June 6 outside St. Stanislaus Church, 1351 West Evergreen in Chicago. He had been out on bond and cut off his ankle monitor, police noted. Castillo was arrested Nov. 26 in the home invasion. He was charged with Level 1 felony burglary, Level 2 felony burglary, Level 2 felony robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, three counts of Level 3 felony armed robbery, and four counts of Level 3 felony criminal confinement. The other robbers are unidentified. Anyone with more information can leave an anonymous tip with Munster Police at 219-836-6658 or email tnosich@munster.org. Two accused thieves were caught driving in a stolen car carrying shoplifted meat, according to Texas police. An officer with the Rosenberg Police Department pulled the vehicle over due to a report of a similar car being stolen recently from College Station, the department said in a Jan. 25 news release shared to Facebook. The two men, ages 31 and 32, were detained while police searched the vehicle and found a total of 18 packages of meat including beef steaks, brisket and pork chitterlings, or about $500 worth of stolen meat, the department said. Though police didnt say why the men stole so much meat, people were intrigued by the alleged thieves, with one commenter dubbing the duo the meat bandits. Some wondered if they were preparing for a huge cookout. The BBQ was canceled, a commenter said. Meanwhile, others judged the suspected meat bandits not only for their alleged actions, but for the particular cuts of meat they are accused of targeting. They stole chitterlings?!?! a commenter said. They needed to be arrested for having that in the car period!!! Good job officers keeping those chitterlings off the streets!!! Officers also found drug paraphernalia in the car, police said. The driver was arrested on a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and the passenger is facing a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia, police said. Additional theft charges are pending for both men. I applaud our Officers for their vigilance in stopping this criminal episode, Police Chief Jonathan White said. Without the intervention of the Officers, more crimes would have likely occurred against citizens and businesses in our area. Rosenberg is about 30 miles southwest of Houston. A group called Take Our Border Back on Monday launched a cross-country convoy starting in Virginia and scheduled to end Saturday with separate rallies in Eagle Pass, along the Texas-Mexico border, and in communities in Arizona and California that are considered hot spots for unlawful immigration. "The time is now for WE THE PEOPLE to PEACEFULLY assemble in honor of our U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights," the organization said in a statement on its website, which calls for military veterans, active and retired law enforcement officers, ranchers, truckers, bikers, and others to join the convoy at various points along the route. The starting point is Virginia Beach, Va., and the route runs south to Jacksonville, Fla., before bending west along the Gulf of Mexico. In Texas, the convoy will pass through Houston, Austin, Dripping Springs and San Antonio before heading to Eagle Pass. Some participants are expected to split off before reaching Eagle Pass and continue on to Yuma, Ariz., and a third group will go to San Ysidro, Calif. The announcement of the convoy, which has been spread on alt-right platforms, such as Alex Jones' InfoWars, comes amid heightened tensions and inflammatory rhetoric over unauthorized immigration and its effect on Texas border communities. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott late last week said Democratic President Joe Biden "has violated his oath to faithfully execute immigration laws" as he again asserted the right of states to defend themselves in the face of "invasion," which Abbott has declared the immigration crisis along the Texas-Mexico border to be. Army National Guard soldiers patrol the banks of the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass on Jan. 9. A cross-country convoy is headed to Eagle Pass and other border destinations to "assemble in honor of our U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights," the organization Take Our Border said in a statement. More: Abbott vows to keep border security fight after Supreme Court rules feds' can cut razor wire Within a day, 25 of Abbott's fellow Republican governors jointly issued a statement praising Texas for "stepping up to protect American citizens from historic levels of illegal immigrants." Abbott has spearheaded an $11 billion border enforcement effort called Operation Lone Star that has sent thousands of National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to cities across South Texas and has included setting up razor wire along the state's shores of the Rio Grande, placing large water buoys in the Rio Grande and building segments of a state border wall. The majority conservative U.S. Supreme Court last week struck a blow to Abbott's border policies and ruled that federal agents may remove the Texas-installed razor wire after the federal government earlier this month sought an emergency ruling allowing it to do so to reach migrants or officers in distress and to patrol the southern border. Biden, long the target of Republicans nationwide as unlawful immigration spiked dramatically over the past three years, has joined in the chorus calling for tough new measures to stem the flow of migrants. On Saturday, the president asked Congress to embrace bipartisan legislation "if they're serious about the border crisis" that is being negotiated and would give him the power to shut down the border if necessary. "And if given that authority, I would use it the day I sign the bill into law," Biden said in the statement. At an appearance in Austin on Monday, Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said, "The state of Texas has been left pretty much abandoned by the federal immigration authorities" because Biden has yet to employ many of the tools already granted to him to curb unlawful immigration. More: Homeland Security demands Texas allow Border Patrol access to Eagle Pass city park "(Congress) passes laws, but it's up to the executive branch and the president to actually enforce the laws," Cornyn told reporters. "And unfortunately, President Biden has not used the laws already on the books to improve the border." Retired Army officer Pete Chambers, one of the convoy organizers who says on his website that he was a "liaison" to Abbott early in the state's COVID-19 response and was deployed as part of Operation Lone Star, likened conditions at the border to those at the Alamo in 1836. Gov. Greg Abbott has spearheaded an $11 billion border enforcement effort called Operation Lone Star that has sent thousands of National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to cities across South Texas. In an interview last week on Jones' podcast, Chambers read from a "fellow citizens" letter he wrote paraphrasing Alamo commander William Barret Travis when he was seeking aid as the siege by Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's forces progressed. "We are besieged on all sides by forces of evil and by those who have chosen not to uphold their oaths to protect both the Texas and U.S. constitutions," Chambers said on the podcast. "We have sustained a continual bombardment upon our inalienable rights and freedoms and have lost many souls." Although the Take Our Border Back website reminds participants to be peaceful, follow the law and respect law enforcement officers, the head of the League of United Latin American Citizens issued a "National Alert" warning that the convoy could lead to lawlessness. "False and inciteful political rhetoric from Governor Greg Abbott is agitating people to possibly commit acts of violence and mass murder," LULAC National President Domingo Garcia said in a news release. "We urge our members, especially those in Texas, to be on alert for armed out-of-state extremists with a hate agenda." Abbott's office did not respond to an American-Statesman request for comment Monday on the convoy or its implications. American-Statesman staff writer Lily Kepner contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Take Our Border convoy protest unlawful immigration in Eagle Pass If the City Council overrides his veto of the How Many Stops Act on Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams hopes members of the legislative chamber will consider amending an aspect of the police transparency bill before its implemented this summer. You dont have to implement the bill until July, the mayor said on 1010WINS as part of a Tuesday morning blitz of media appearances, addressing Council members directly. I say if youre going to override my veto, lets use that moment of time to sit down and lets address just one aspect of the bill. The mayors final push against the How Many Stops Act came just hours before the Council was expected to vote to override his veto of the legislation in an afternoon session. The bill, which passed the Council last month with overwhelming support from the chambers Democratic supermajority, would require NYPD officers to log basic information, like race, age and gender, into a department database about every civilian they have an investigative encounter with. Thats an expansion of current law, which only requires cops to log information about Level 3 encounters, in which they stop an individual reasonably suspected of a crime. The portion of the bill Adams took issue with in Tuesdays media appearances relates to Level 1 stops. Such stops do not require any suspicion of a crime, and Adams said it could, for instance, involve an officer asking a civilian on the street if theyve seen a missing person. In order to document every such interaction, Adams, a retired NYPD captain, argued officers will either have to work more overtime the NYPDs overtime budget has already skyrocketed under his administration or be distracted from doing actual police work. We cannot in any way take seconds, or minutes away from police ensuring that we catch people who are doing harmful things to innocent people, he said on CBS New York. The mayor said hes OK with the bills proposal to require reporting on Level 2 stops, which involve a founded suspicion of criminal activity and arent currently subject to any documentation. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who has expressed confidence her chamber will be able to override the mayors veto, says taking out Level 1 stops from the bill is a nonstarter for her members. The speaker and other Council Democrats have accused the mayor of exaggerating how big of a bureaucratic burden the bill would place on officers, saying it shouldnt take them more than a few seconds on a cellphone app to report a Level 1 stop. Theyve also argued the push for increased transparency is critical at a time that the NYPDs federal monitor reports that the mayors signature modified plainclothes cop units are conducting a disproportionate number of unconstitutional stops of Black and brown New Yorkers. Addressing the mayors request for amending the bill after an override, a Democratic Council member questioned why his team didnt engage more with the Council before the legislation passed in December. The mayors team chose the media as their battlefield on this bill, the member told the Daily News, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of angering the mayor. I never got a single phone call from his team to discuss the bill. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Advocates working to eliminate gun violence in the state held an online summit Monday. Addressing the summit was Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. He says laws passed in 2023 creating a universal background check requirement for firearms sales, safe storage rules and extreme risk protection orders known as red flag laws stand as a solid foundation for more reforms. People shouldnt have to die for policy to change, he told the assembly. People shouldnt have to get hurt for policy to change. And I think that does reflect that weve had leaders for too long who accepted people dying. Gilchrist says many of the laws will be implemented through the states Operation Safe Neighborhoods initiative. That program is designed to remove illegal guns from the street and is part of the broader Community Violence Intervention programming in the state, including Lansing. Sept. 2023: More than 80 guns removed from Lansing streets in three months, police say. (Lansing Police Dept.) Community violence intervention programs, such as Advanced Peace, use community members and resources to help people find alternatives to violence. During the online summit, people from all walks of life shared their experiences with gun violence. That included Bishops, pastors, doctors, senators and MSU student Maya Manuel. She became an advocate to end gun violence after living through the Feb. 13 mass shooting at MSU last year. That shooting was emotional and personal for her. So much so, it drove her to write her will as a result. Its wonderful that weve passed these laws, she told the summit attendees. Especially because weve been demanding them for so long. And, like I said, I never thought I would be in this position. I dont want another 20-year-old or another 5-year-old to have to worry about this. And have to deal with this. Because I want and hope that we can give them a fair life. The ongoing Operation Safe Neighborhood initiation has removed more than 500 illegal guns from the streets in Michigan, Gilchrist said. The new laws are slated to go into effect on Feb. 13 the first anniversary of the MSU mass shooting that left three dead and five injured. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. (Reuters) - The African Union (AU) on Tuesday called for dialogue between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and junta-led countries Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso who have said they will leave the bloc. The trio's decision to exit ECOWAS, which they announced on Sunday, is a blow to the bloc's regional integration efforts after it suspended them following coups. The AU had backed ECOWAS' efforts to restore democracy. "The Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat learned with deep regret of the announcement of the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS," the AU said in a statement. "(He) calls for combined efforts so that the irreplaceable unity of ECOWAS is preserved and African solidarity strengthened." He urged regional leaders to intensify dialogue between the ECOWAS leadership and the three countries, and said the AU was available to help. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger's foreign ministries formally notified the ECOWAS Commission of their decisions to leave the bloc in written notices dated Jan. 29. According to the bloc's treaty, member states wishing to withdraw must give a written one-year notice. So the move to quit the 15-member bloc could yet take time to implement, opening a door for negotiations. The trio's stance towards ECOWAS has highlighted tumult across the region where armies have struggled to contain Islamist militants since seizing power in several countries. (Writing by Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Alexander Winning and Andrew Cawthorne) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced the launch of the Arkansas Child ID Program, a program intended to help law enforcement identify missing children. According to Griffins announcement, the program will involve distributing child ID kits to families of first-grade children throughout the state through sheriffs offices and schools. Families will then complete the kits and have them on hand if their a child in their care ever goes missing. Griffin says by having the information on hand, families will be able to share the kits with law enforcement which would cut down on time that investigators would have to collect the information. The terror and grief felt by parents and caregivers when a child goes missing can be crippling. These ID kits can help give law enforcement clarity in an otherwise chaotic situation. I am proud to be part of this effort to keep Arkansas children safe while also supporting our law enforcement partners, Griffin said. Group sends complaint to Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, IRS alleging political fraud The announcement says the kits will allow parents to provide up to 90% of the information needed by law enforcement to begin looking for the child. Each kit includes an inkless fingerprinting kit, a DNA sample collection, physical identification information, the location of medical records, a place for a recent photo, and easy-to-use instructions. The announcement says the kits will be delivered to each school through its local sheriffs office. According to the announcement, kits should be completed by parents and stored in a safe place at home, and the information will not enter a database. Griffin says the program is being launched in partnership with the National Child ID Program, the Walmart Foundation and the AEP Foundation. The kits will be provided for free to Arkansas families as part of the partnership with the National Child ID Program. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Georgie Purcell, an MP from the state of Victoria, said it was 'very confronting' to see her body altered on TV An Australian television network has apologised after digitally manipulating a photograph of a young female MP to give her bigger breasts and a bare midriff. Channel Nine claimed that the image of Georgie Purcell, a state MP in Victoria, had been inadvertently altered through an automated process on Photoshop. The 31-year-old politician from the Animal Justice Party said she found its response hard to believe and the episode showed how women in public life were often sexualised in an insidious way. The photograph of Ms Purcell was altered by Channel Nine as part of its coverage on Monday of a debate on banning duck hunting in Victoria. The MP, who has spoken about how she worked as a stripper to put herself through law school, was critical of a decision by the government of Victoria not to outlaw the sport. The original image, of her wearing a sleeveless white dress, was altered so that she had bigger breasts and an exposed midriff. I cant imagine this happening to male MP Posting the two contrasting images on Twitter, Ms Purcell wrote: I endured a lot yesterday. But having my body and outfit photoshopped by a media outlet was not on my bingo card. Note the enlarged boobs and outfit to be made more revealing. Cant imagine this happening to a male MP. What gives? pic.twitter.com/NhnkDRMidc Georgie Purcell (@georgievpurcell) January 29, 2024 Channel Nine issued an apology, saying that the alteration to the photo was a mistake. Our graphics department sourced an online image of Georgie to use in our story on duck hunting, Hugh Nailon, the director of the network, said in a statement. As is common practice, the image was resized to fit our specs. During that process, the automation by Photoshop created an image that was not consistent with the original. This did not meet the high editorial standards we have and for that we apologise to Ms Purcell unreservedly. The network blamed the manipulation of the photograph on artificial intelligence, insisting that no member of staff had altered it. But Adobe, which owns Photoshop, said that the changes to the image would have required human intervention. Ms Purcell said on Tuesday that she was not convinced by that explanation. Very confronting Im not an expert in Photoshop Im not sure if I buy it, but I am satisfied with every other way theyve handled this scenario and am willing to move on, she said, adding that seeing your own body altered on TV is very confronting. She said she had raised the issue publicly because she wanted to highlight the more insidious ways females continue to be treated. Ms Purcell, who was elected to Victorias state parliament in 2022, has spoken about her challenges funding her law school education and how she worked as a topless waitress and stripper to cover her tuition fees. Im a really unique combination in terms of my work experience because I obviously was a topless waitress and stripper and I think thats given me really strong skills in dealing with people and particularly difficult people at times, she told an Australian news outlet last year. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Shannon Cano anticipates that shell be homeschooling her kids next year even though the idea of taking them away from their Wallace family breaks her heart. Cano, who has three special-needs children, was one of about 15 parents and Lew Wallace Elementary teachers and staff protesting on Monday its potential consolidation with Kenwood Elementary or worse, the closing of both schools outside the School City of Hammonds Administration Building at 41 Williams St. She cant fathom that the administration would be so shortsighted to tamper with the only elementary school with the equipment staff needs to deal with the districts most vulnerable population. While the administration has yet to announce its full plan to cut $15 million from its budget, the thought stings even worse when she considers what she saw in her older childs class at Eggers Middle School, she said. I went to my kids class, and there was one aide and 10 kids in there. The sub was at the desk apparently catnapping, she said, demonstrating how the sub appeared. The aide was chasing around another one of the kids who was literally mauling the others. I told the staff I would be staying there with my kid for a few days, but I ended up staying to the end of the year. From left, Diana Davis, Shannon Cano and Alexis Hecker chat about their kids and what they will do if the School City of Hammond closes or consolidates Lew Wallace Elementary as it works on its budget woes. Wallace is the only school in the district equipped to handle students with profound disabilities, teachers said. These kids are not safe there, and they hide it from their parents. Shes particularly worried about what would happen to the kids if Wallace closes. Wallace has, for example, the room to have lifts for students who are wheelchair-bound, she said. Whats going to happen to these kids when they have to be slapped on a floor to be changed? Cano said. What about our kids dignity? Its so aggravating to watch what the administration is doing, and I dont know if the parents even know whats going on. At least one School Board of Trustee member, Carlotta Blake-King, doesnt know what the administrations full plan is, either. After initially scheduling three executive sessions with the board for Jan. 27, Monday and Tuesday, the administration canceled both the Monday and Tuesday executive sessions. The draft of the plan has to be submitted to the (Department of Local Government Finance) by Wednesday, but were canceling meetings? We were here until midnight (Jan. 27), and I was prepared to be here until midnight tonight and tomorrow, too, Blake-King said at the protest. If Im responsible for this plan, I should be able to give an educated, well-thought-out response, but were not allowed to take stuff home, either. Pam Austin, a teachers assistant and reading specialist at Wallace, said she understands that everything is just rumors at this point. Nevertheless, she and her colleagues arent going down without a fight, she said. We have 388 students whore mostly African American, Hispanic and Latino and special needs. Our reading scores are third in the district, she said. Sending these kids to different schools would be a lot on them. Our kids would go to Burns-Hicks Elementary, and for that, theyd have to cross Calumet Avenue, and thats dangerous. And what about the 70-some teachers and staff? Theyll be out of jobs. Alexis Hecker and her family moved to Hammond from Chicago about 10 years ago, and shes never forgotten how the staff at Wallace made her feel like family. But shes already homeschooling one of her kids, and the other would be too if she wasnt involved in wrestling. They want more money to give the kids less, Hecker said. Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. The claim: Alex Soros posted a direct violent threat against Trump A Jan. 21 article from Gateway Pundit claims the son of billionaire financier George Soros made a public threat against a former president. Alex Soros Tweets Out Bullet Hole and 47 A Direct Violent Threat to Donald Trump! reads the headline. The article was shared more than 1,800 times on Facebook in less than a week. Other versions of the claim were shared on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter. More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page Our rating: False Soros posted a link to a column in The Atlantic about crime and inflation rates that had an illustration of a bullet hole and a hand holding $47 in cash. The column suggested Americans' views on both issues could help Trump's 2024 prospects, but neither it nor Soros' post contained a threat against Trump. Soros' spokesperson says post was 'nothing more, nothing less' than sharing positive inflation, crime news It's based on Soros Jan. 21 post on X, formerly known as Twitter, which included a link to an article by the outlet. The articles promotional images, which Bross said was an illustration created from two stock photographs, included a bullet hole in glass and a hand holding $47 in cash. The Gateway Pundit article claims the dollar amount is a reference to the 47th president, who will be elected in November. Last year, the crime and inflation crises largely evaporated, Soros wrote, repeating the article's subhead. So did the leading theories about what had caused them. Neither the X post nor the column, part of the outlets Ideas section devoted to analysis and commentary, included a threat to Trump. The claim is "absurd and irresponsible," Atlantic spokesperson Anna Bross told USA TODAY. Rather, the article said Americans largely believe crime and inflation are rising despite evidence to the contrary. It said those beliefs may help Trump in the 2024 election because of voters assumptions that the former president would be better at addressing the problems than President Joe Biden. Fact check: Article fabricates quotes from Alex Soros A spokesperson for George Soros' Open Society Foundations, who declined to provide a name for attribution, said the characterization of Alex Soros' post as a threat is false. "Alex was sharing the positive news that crime and inflation rates are trending downward developments that should be celebrated by all Americans," the spokesperson said. "Nothing more, nothing less. It's amazing the lengths to which some people will go to try to distract and divide the country in the face of objectively good news." Former US President Donald Trump leaves Trump Tower for Manhattan federal court to attend his defamation trial in New York on January 26, 2024. Lawyers in the trial are expected to give their closing arguments. Writer E. Jean Carroll is seeking more than $10 million in damages for defamation by Trump in a federal court in New York, which has the power only to impose a civil penalty, not a criminal conviction. USA TODAY has debunked an array of false claims from the Gateway Pundit, including claims that a software companys contract allows officials to override election results, that Biden gave the World Health Organization full authority over U.S. pandemic policies and that George Soros endorsed Ron DeSantis for president. USA TODAY reached out to Gateway Pundit and users who shared the article for comment but did not immediately receive a response. PolitiFact also debunked the claim. Our fact-check sources: Anna Bross, Jan. 29, Email exchange with USA TODAY Open Society Foundations spokesperson, Jan. 29, Email exchange with USA TODAY Alex Soros, Jan. 21, X post The Atlantic, Jan. 18, The Great Normalization Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here. USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: False claim Alex Soros threatened Donald Trump on X | Fact check Former GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy hit Seed to Table in Naples Monday for a farm-fresh lunch with owner Alfie Oakes. Power brokers and pummelos In an X photo that had more than 17,000 likes Tuesday morning, the two stand grinning next to a box of starburst pummelos ($1.99 a pound), arms around each other under the American flag. "Live with the legendary Alfie Oakes, founder of Seed To Table, who the ATF tried to shut down in 2020 during Covid & he said hell no," wrote Ramaswamy, a Donald Trump surrogate often mentioned as a possible VP pick. The visit came about because Ramaswamy had heard about farmer/retailer/GOP influencer Oakes and his wildly popular Naples store. Live with the legendary Alfie Oakes, founder of Seed To Table, who the ATF is tried to shut down in 2020 during Covid & he said hell no. pic.twitter.com/RkDtelUZpP Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) January 29, 2024 Alfie Oakes, center, stands alongside Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn and addresses the crowd during an election results watch party at Seed to Table in Naples Tuesday November 8, 2022. "He reached out to ask if he could join him for lunch so he could see the renowned Seed to Table," said store General Manager Dan St. Martin, who oversees all of Oakes' retail operations. St. Martin was a little bummed he couldn't be there too, "but I was able to say hello to him over FaceTime." As for how the visit went, "I haven't had any feedback yet from Al, but I know that he was excited." Former president Donald J. Trump and Vivek Ramaswamy address the crowd at a Trump campaign rally at Atkinson Country Club and Resort in Atkinson, N.H., on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. 'They don't want you to hear from me about the truth' The two must have had a lot to talk about. Both men, entrepreneurs and self-made successes, have been lighting rods for controversy. Oakes has become a leading, if polarizing figure in Southwest Florida for refusing COVID-era mask mandates, scorning the Black Lives Matter movement, helping boost pro-Trump local candidates into posts ranging from school board to fire commissioner and funding two buses of Trump supporters bound for Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021 to what Oakes called on Facebook "the most peaceful beautiful demonstration from well over one million people that I've ever witnessed." These subjects are top-shelf for biotech billionarire Ramaswamy too. In an ad he posted earlier this month during the CNN debate, he urged viewers to 'turn this s--- off' ... They don't want you to hear from me about the truth of what really happened on January 6, the truth about the COVID origin, the Hunter Biden laptop story, and everything else they have lied to you about." Seed to Table's Instagram account shared the photo later that day, writing, "Look who stopped by to see @alfieforamerica at Seed to Table!" As seen on X: Vivek Ramaswamy visits Alfie Oake's Seed to Table in Naples This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: GOP entrepreneurs Alfie Oakes and Vivek Ramaswamy light up social media Donald Trumps lawyer Alina Habba on Tuesday suddenly backed off her own claim that the presiding judge in the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial had a conflict of interest, less than a day after she made the initial court filing. Habba filed a letter to Judge Lewis Kaplan on Monday accusing him of failing to disclose the fact that he had worked at the same law firm as Carrolls lawyer Roberta Kaplan (no relation) in the 1990s. Habba said she believed the judge had shown preferential treatment to Carrolls team and would seek to have both verdicts overturned. As Ms. Habba well knows, these allegations are utterly baseless, Roberta Kaplan said in a letter of her own, submitted Tuesday. Roberta Kaplan explained in her letter that she and Judge Kaplan had worked at the same New York law firm, but they overlapped for less than two years. Whats more, Roberta Kaplan has no recollection of interacting with the now-judge whatsoever. She also expressed concerns about the sourcing behind Habbas accusations and the New York Post article cited in her complaint. The Post article cited one anonymous source, who claims that the Kaplans had a mentor-mentee relationship. While both the New York Post and Ms. Habba purport to cite the recollections of an unnamed partner at Paul Weiss that partner (if he even exists) clearly has a very flawed memory about events that occurred three decades ago, Roberta Kaplan wrote. Roberta Kaplan accused Trump and Habba of pushing a false narrative of judicial bias and explained that while she had wanted to respond quickly to Habbas allegations, she might still seek sanctions against the other attorney. Within hours, Habba submitted another letter backtracking on her accusations. The purpose of the letter was simply to inquire as to whether there is any merit to a recently published New York Post story which reported on the alleged existence of such a relationship, Habba said. Since Ms. Kaplan has now denied that there was ever a mentor-mentee relationship between herself and Your Honor, this issue has seemingly been resolved, she wrote, although she added in a footnote that there were other issues about Judge Kaplans conduct, including potential bias hostility towards defense counsel, that she would raise in her appeal of the verdict. Habba butted heads repeatedly with the judge throughout the trial over her disruptive behavior. Kaplan regularly admonished her for breaking the rules he established before the trial even began. Donald Trumps lawyer has made another desperate bid to throw out E. Jean Carrolls case against the former president, but legal experts say Alina Habbas request is doomed to fail. A jury ruled last week that Trump owes Carroll $83.3 million for defaming her in 2019 after she revealed he sexually abused her in the mid-1990s. But Habba argued in a Monday court filing that the ruling should be thrown out. In the document, Habba cited a New York Post article that reported Carrolls lawyer Roberta Kaplan had worked at the same firm as Judge Lewis Kaplan (no relation), who presided over both of Carrolls trials against Trump, in the 1990s. The Post article stated the now judge had been like Kaplans mentor. The underlying defamation case tried last year, and the damages trial completed last week, were both litigations in which there were many clashes between Your Honor and defense counsel, Habba said in her letter. We believe, and will argue on appeal, that the Court was overtly hostile towards defense counsel and President Trump, and displayed preferential treatment towards Plaintiffs counsel. Habba also said that Carrolls other lawyer, Shawn Crowley, had served as Judge Kaplans law clerk, and the judge allegedly co-officiated Crowleys wedding. Multiple legal experts brushed off Habbas attempt to overturn the Carroll verdict. This is a bogus motion by the Trump team. Theres nothing here, CNN legal analyst Elie Honig said Monday night. Every judge in that courthouse knows, socializes with, has worked with, sometimes maybe mentored, dozens, hundreds of attorneys in this city. I used to practice in that courthouse in front of judges who used to be my colleagues, my supervisors, Honig continued, citing his career as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. If anything, they were tougher on me as a result of it. That is not enough for a conflict of interest. Attorney Andrew Fleischman noted on X (formerly Twitter) that it could be argued that the judge would have had a conflict of interest if Carroll had sued Trump in 1992, and then the lawsuit languished for 32 years, and one of the original lawyers who filed that suit was still with the firm. But Carroll didnt bring her first lawsuit until 2019. Alina Habba is such a bad lawyer she forgot not to italicize and bold the part of the law that wrecks her argumenthttps://t.co/EfgDtsVNHy pic.twitter.com/cuBn3rgnRh Andrew Fleischman (@ASFleischman) January 29, 2024 Former U.S. attorney Joyce Vance pointed out that Habba has previously tried to leverage tenuous professional relationships. Habba appeared to suggest in early January that the three Supreme Court justices that Trump appointed owe him allegiance. 1/Donald Trump appointed 3 SCOTUS Justices to the bench. Habba has suggested that they owe some sort of allegiance to Trump after all he did for them. But sure, go ahead & complain that a judge and a lawyer were briefly at the same firm & pretend that's a conflict. https://t.co/40oikF8ji4 Joyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) January 30, 2024 This isnt the first time Trump has tried to get Carrolls cases against him thrown out, or at least delayed. Trump unsuccessfully claimed that he was protected against the legal proceedings by presidential immunity. In June, Trump ally James H. Brady argued Carrolls 2019 defamation suit should be thrown out because the former president was being unfairly treated because he is a white Christian. Trump has also demanded a do-over of the first trial, which took place in May. The jury unanimously found Trump liable of sexual abuse and battery against Carroll and of defaming her in 2022. The jury recommended Carroll be awarded $5 million in damages. Trump claimed that the damages should be reduced, and the second lawsuit thrown out altogether, because he only sexually abused Carroll instead of raping her. So Judge Kaplan clarified the situation, stating that the jury found that the former president did indeed rape Carroll based on the common definition of the word. New York penal law has a far narrower definition of the word rape than common modern parlance, Kaplan said. The finding that Ms. Carroll failed to prove that she was raped within the meaning of the New York Penal Law does not mean that she failed to prove that Mr. Trump raped her as many people commonly understand the word rape. A 22-year-old woman reported missing from Morgantown, West Virginia has been found safe. The Allegheny County Police Department on Tuesday addressed viral social media posts that say Taylor Mras was last seen at Pittsburgh International Airport. County police said they have not gotten an official report about Mras, nor have airport officials. But, officers checked surveillance video anyway and found a person matching her description being dropped off at the airport on Sunday, Jan. 28 around 4:30 p.m., with officials later definitely confirming the woman seen was Mras. Police said Mras appeared to be traveling alone and did not appear to be under duress when she boarded a flight. The Morgantown Police Department investigated thereport and Allegheny County police passed on the information they gathered to that department. The viral posts claimed that Mras is a senior at West Virginia University. We reached out to the university which told us Mras is not a current WVU student and has not been at any point in this semester. Tuesday afternoon, Morgantown police said Mras has been found safely. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: UPS layoffs: 12,000 jobs to be cut Bodycam video released of interactions between Jim Rogers, Pittsburgh police before, during tasing Aliquippa High School running back will represent Steelers at Super Bowl LVIII VIDEO: City of Pittsburgh, Steelers look to host NFL Draft DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Alliance man sentenced for firebombing church that was planning drag events [Watch previous FOX 8 News coverage in the player above.] WASHINGTON (WJW) An Alliance man who admitted to throwing Molotov cocktails at a Chesterland church because it was planning to host drag events was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Monday. Aimenn D. Penny, 20, of Alliance, pleaded guilty in October to violating the Church Arson Prevention Act in his March 25, 2023, attack on the Community Church of Chesterland. He was angered by the churchs plans to host two drag show events and hoped to burn it to the ground, authorities said at the time. He admitted to the attack when interviewed by FBI agents, saying he was trying to protect children and stop the drag show event, according to his criminal affidavit. Cleanup, detours continue at site of deadly SR 8 crash The church was unoccupied at the time of the attack and sustained minimal damage, owners said. The drag show event set for that weekend went on as planned. Penny will be under supervision for three years upon his release. Prosecutors asked for the maximum possible sentence of 20 years, court filings show. Prosecutors in a Jan. 22 sentencing memorandum wrote: Because of the prominent roles that churches and other houses of worship play in a community, attacking a church strikes at the very heart of a community. Burning a church is as potent a symbol of hate as burning a cross on a lawn or leaving a hanging noose. When Defendant Aimenn Penny threw Molotov cocktails at the Community Church of Chesterland, he joined this shameful history of hatred and attacked the heart of the local community, trying to intimidate and frighten those who disagreed with him. Since being arrested, Penny has shown no remorse or regret for his actions. Penny deserves a substantial sentence for using violence to show his hatred for others. Following the attack, the FBI identified Penny as a member of White Lives Matter Ohio, a group it said has racist, pro-Nazi and homophobic views, reads the memorandum. More than 200 workers at Solon Nestle factory to be laid off Wadsworth police had also seen Penny distributing anti-drag queen propaganda in the area before a drag queen story hour set for March 11. The day of the event, he was part of a White Lives Matter protest group there, carrying swastika flags and shouting homophobic slurs. Penny was wearing military style gear, including camouflage pants and a tactical vest, reads the memorandum. Investigators used Pennys phone records to link him to the scene of the church attack nearly an hour drive from Alliance later that month, on March 24. During a warranted search of his residence and car the following week, investigators found gas cans as well as painters tape matching those found on the bottles thrown in the church attack. They also found various firearms and ammunition including an assault rifle with scope, an AR-15 style rifle, a shotgun and a Ruger handgun as well as Nazi memorabilia. When asked by the FBI what kind of message he was trying to send, Penny explained it was intimidation mostly, like theyre not welcome here,' it reads. Interestingly, despite his claim that he was only trying to help kids, Penny does not address how his firebombing of a church protected the children who attend it for preschool. While detained at a federal prison in Youngstown, Penny showed no remorse and instead appeared proud of the attack, claiming he was respected for it in prison, according to the memorandum. While in prison, Penny wrote a manifesto full of twisted and false historical narratives and using an antisemitic slur, that called for members of his extremist groups to commit violence at a drag show event that was planned for the following April 29 at Akron Civic Theatre. The FBI didnt find any evidence of a conspiracy to attack the theater. The event was ultimately pushed three months due to unrelated circumstances and held on July 29 without incident, according to the memorandum. Investigators believe Penny chose to attack the Chesterland church based on matters of gender identity and sexual orientation, reads the memorandum, which prosecutors argued would enhance his sentence. In Pennys recorded interview with the FBI, he stated that he believed he was doing Gods work and that he steered history, bringing attention to his cause by attacking the church, reads the memorandum. Penny viewed inaction as cowardice and realized that he had to do it, and if he believed another similar situation arose where people were grooming kids, he would do it again. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Spiders? Not insects. Ticks? Not insects. These are some of the misconceptions brought up as Valparaiso University Professor Kristi Bugajski introduced herself to the audience of over 80 people who had gathered for her public lecture on insects in lakes. Bugajski, who joked that her husbands last name was destined to be hers, said that bugs have always been her passion, and she teaches biology, entomology, and forensic science classes at VU. She was asked by the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed Group to speak about why we need insects and why they need us. The free presentation was held at the Porter County Administration Building followed by casual pizza night with questions and answers with Bugajski at Greeks Pizzeria. Brothers Teddy and Felix Jandzio of Chesterton take a look at the insect collections on display on Jan. 29, 2024, at the presentation sponsored by the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed Group. Original Credit: Post-Tribune For every human being, there are 200 million insects, said Walt Breitinger, president of Valparaiso Chain of Lake Watershed Group and a local environmental activist. So if you do the math, theres a lot of bugs out there and although some are obviously pests and create problems, we are going to take a look tonight at some insects, especially aquatic insects. There are a lot of reasons why aquatic insects can be really useful, said Bugajski. There are lots of little insects living in the water that are really important to the ecosystem, both to break down some of that organic matter that is in the water, or to be food for fish or larger organisms. Stone flies are an example of one of the smaller insects, as they are important food for some of the big game fish. If you want to go out and fish for bass or trout, you can thank a stone fly for feeding it, said Bugajski. Nobody usually brags on the internet about the tiny fish they caught, you want the big fish so it looks really big and impressive on your profile picture. You can thank stone flies for giving you that big fish. One nice thing about sampling insects from water is that it is pretty cheap and easy, said Bugasjski. And when we are monitoring, a lot of what is happening is done by volunteer groups who dont have massive budgets for sampling. If we did not have insects, we would not be able to survive, said Bugajski. They could very easily survive and thrive without us, but the reverse is not true. We need them. You do not hear campaigns to save insects, but you should, because the short answer is that we need insects because we will die without them, said Bugajski. You can also argue that they have a right to existence at a very basic level and have a right to survival. Over 80 people gathered on Jan. 29, 2024 at the Porter County Administration Building to hear a public lecture from Valparaiso University Professor Kristi Bugajski entitled Insects in our Lakes: Why we need them and why they need us. The Valparaiso Chain of Lakes is a system of lakes located on the north side of the city of Valparaiso and includes many larger named lakes as well as a system of wetlands and smaller ponds and streams. The lecture is part of an ongoing series presented by the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed Group. To learn more, visit www.valpolakes.org or the organizations Facebook page. Deena Lawley-Dixon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. A visitor poses for a photo with a panda mascot at the Chinese New Year temple fair in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 28, 2024. Thousands of Ugandans and the Chinese community thronged Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala for a "temple fair," a traditional cultural event that features all kinds of Chinese folk art, followed by a gala evening, to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon, with the Spring Festival falling on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) The fusion of Chinese and Ugandans in a Tai Chi performance in Kampala, Uganda on Sunday at the Chinese New Year celebration was a sign of the deepening people-to-people ties between the two countries. Thousands of Ugandans and the Chinese community thronged Kololo Independence Grounds in the Ugandan capital of Kampala for a "temple fair," a traditional cultural event that features all kinds of Chinese folk art, followed by a gala evening, to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon, with the Spring Festival falling on Feb. 10 this year. Lion dances and creative performances combining Ugandan and Chinese cultural elements dazzled the audience. The aroma of Chinese cuisine and other exotic dishes filled the place. Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhang Lizhong said the Spring Festival is the most important traditional holiday in Chinese culture, featuring family reunions and good wishes for the coming year. "It not only bears the ideas of Chinese civilization of peace and harmony but also carries the common values of humanity such as harmonious family, social inclusion, and sound relationship between man and nature." He called on the Chinese expatriates in Uganda to "actively fulfill corporate social responsibilities and effectively promote the people-to-people friendship between China and Africa." Henry Okello Oryem, Uganda's minister of state for international affairs, said Africa has a special historical relationship with China, which played a crucial role in helping southern Africa, in particular, to fight colonialism. He said China has financed the construction of major transportation and energy infrastructure projects, which has promoted his country's industrialization as well as social and economic growth. Bruno Ruganzu, a Ugandan visual artist, told Xinhua that artistic activities such as painting and cultural performances are important in promoting understanding among different peoples. "There is a special relationship between Uganda and China, and art is a way to bridge the gap. Art goes beyond language and culture; art is being who we are. By knowing who you are, you can bridge the gap and understand our differences and similarities for the harmony of the universe," Ruganzu said. Magnus Bruun Rasmussen, a Dutch citizen living in Uganda, brought his whole family to the carnival. "It is a great pleasure to come here and visit this festival and experience the culture of China in Uganda. It is a good opportunity to see the exchange of culture between two great nations. We need to know each other's history; we need to know where we come from and what we bring," said Rasmussen. The all-day event was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Federation of Chinese Associations in Uganda. Chinese companies also exhibited their products and services, ranging from heavy machinery to traditional cuisines. Deputies reported that a 38-year-old man from Apple Valley is suspected of setting a camper in Victorville on fire to force out occupants who refused to leave. A 38-year-old Apple Valley man is suspected of setting a camper in Victorville on fire to force out people who were living inside and refused to leave, sheriff's officials said. On Friday morning, Victorville deputies responded to a camper on fire in the 16200 block of Teton Street. The area is between Arrowhead Drive, Fourth Avenue, Nisqualli Road, and Winona Street Mojave, and north of Mojave Vista Elementary School. When deputies arrived, they learned that the suspect, Nicholas Benjamin Ray, had spoken to the people living inside the camper on Jan. 25, sheriffs officials said. Ray allegedly demanded the occupants leave the trailer immediately. He also stated he would be back the following day with friends, authorities said. Ray returned to the location on Friday, demanding they leave the trailer. The occupants did not answer the door for fear that they would be confronted by Ray and his friends, according to police. A short time later, they smelled gas and saw flames and smoke coming in the trailer's front door, they told authorities. The people tried to open the door to leave but couldnt. They were eventually able to escape by kicking the door open, sheriffs officials said. Ray fled the scene before deputies arrived. A warrant was issued for his arrest, police stated. Later that day, deputies arrested Ray in the 13000 block of Mohawk Road in Apple Valley, according to authorities. Ray was booked at the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto on suspension of attempted murder, possession of a controlled substance, and a probation violation, sheriffs officials said. Rays bail was set at $250,000. However, sheriff's booking records show that he is ineligible for bail on the probation violation. Sheriff's officials did not disclose the owners or official tenants of the trailer or why Ray allegedly tried to force them out. Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Victorville sheriffs station at 760-241-2911 or sheriffs dispatch at 760-956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 800-78CRIME (27463) or wetip.com. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Apple Valley man accused of setting camper on fire to force out people The Alamogordo Public Schools Board of Education is searching for someone to fill the vacant District 5 board seat. Executive Assistant to Superintendent & Board of Education Lisa Patterson said that as of Jan. 29, two people submitted letters of interest for the position: Dana Lynn Burks and Ryal McMurry. Burks is a lifelong Otero County resident and retired Alamogordo Public Schools educator and administrator. She served as Alamogordo Public Schools director of special education under Superintendent Philip Knight from 2015 through 2017. "My qualifications for the position of School Board member include a B.S. in Secondary Education, M.A. in Educational Leadership from NMSU and NM PED licensure in School Administration and Supervision," Burks wrote in her letter of interest. More APS news: Alamogordo Schools suspends Pam Renteria, names Michael Crabtree interim superintendent McMurry is also an Otero County resident, having grown up in Alamogordo and a product of Alamogordo Public Schools, he became a teacher for the district before becoming the principal for two schools within the district. "I have a B.A. degree from NMSU, an MA degree in Curriculum and Instruction from NMSU and an Administration Certification from ENMU," he wrote in his letter of interest. McMurry was with Alamogordo Public Schools for 15 years before leaving in 2020 to become a teacher at a state charter school. During this time, he has also worked with the New Mexico Public Education Department as a contractor to visit and evaluate classrooms throughout the state. School Board President Angela Cadwallader said there's not much to do but to wait and see if other applicants step forward. The last day for qualified electors to apply for appointment to the seat is Wednesday, Jan. 31. Individuals who live in the district and are interested can apply at the Alamogordo Public Schools website. "We are still accepting applications for the seat," she said. "If I'm not mistaken, people still have until the (Jan.) 31st to apply and they should. We are taking all applications who qualify and live in the district, but they can send their qualifications to Lisa Patterson." A look back at local elections: Otero County 2023 local election face recount for Tularosa and Cloudcroft school districts Cadwallader said after all letters of interest have been received, the board has 45 days to select a new member. "We are still looking for people in the district who are interested, once we find someone the applications and letters of interest will be sent to the board members individually so there is not chit chat about it," Alamogordo Public Schools Communications Coordinator Michelle Brideaux said. "I have not heard from the board what the plan is once they receive those inquires." Those interested are asked to contact Executive Assistant to Superintendent & Board of Education Lisa Patterson at lisa.patterson@alamogordoschools.org. Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter at @Juan36Corr. This article originally appeared on Alamogordo Daily News: Alamogordo School Board seeks applicant for vacant District 5 seat Changes under consideration by a Washington state council for a huge wind farm just south of the Tri-Cities would make the project nonviable and could discourage other clean energy projects in the state, according to Scout Clean Energy. The developer needs state approval for its Horse Heaven Clean Energy Center with up to 244 wind turbines up to 500 feet tall or another option with fewer but taller turbines. They would stretch over 24 miles along the Horse Heaven Hills from south of Finley to south of Kennewick to south of Benton City. At the December meeting of the Washington state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC), the council discussed possible restrictions on the project, including to protect tribal cultural resources and ferruginous hawks, an endangered species in Washington state with nests in the Horse Heaven Hills. The restrictions could cut in half the number of wind turbines allowed, including eliminating many of those most visible from the Tri-Cities, and also restrict where solar panels, transmission lines and roads could be built. The council further discussed the possibility of eliminating development proposed east of Straub Canyon south of Richland to protect tribal cultural resources. A decision on whether to recommend restrictions to Washington Gov. Jay Inslee could be made as soon as the councils meeting at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31. The changes proposed by EFSEC are an arbitrary, drastic departure from established council precedents, Scout Clean Energy said in comments to the council submitted Jan. 19 and recently, partially made public. Eliminating the eastern half of the project, which is planned to be built first, would delay the project and mean that Scout Clean Energy could likely only buy the taller turbines that are becoming the industry norm, the developer said. Critical grid interconnections also would be eliminated, it said. If feasible at all, these changes will necessitate a major redesign of the remaining project components and include the acquisition of additional land holdings to facilitate the movement of facilities and equipment, Scout Clean Energy said. Further delays will add substantial, unanticipated costs and risks, rendering Scouts substantial investments to date to develop the eliminated infrastructure unrecoverable, the developer said. The sun sets on a field of wind turbines at a wind farm in Indiana, United States. Endangered hawks The councils proposal to require a two-mile buffer area around historically documented ferruginous hawk nests without no exceptions is far stricter than Oregon or Utah standards, Scout Clean Energy said. The Oregon EFSEC recently approved a quarter-mile setback effective only for active nests and Utah recommends a half-mile buffer around nests that have been recently active, Scout Clean Energy said. Roughly 16% of Washingtons Columbia Plateau is within two miles of a current or historic hawk nest, making that land also potentially off limits for energy development under the same restrictions, it said. The historically documented nests in the 110 square miles of the Horse Heaven Hills project include nests going back to the 1970s, whether or not they exist today. But nearly half of the documented nests are now gone or are just remnants of former nests, according to the developer. Some nests have been destroyed by wildfire or residential or commercial development, it said. The last active ferruginous hawk nests within two miles of the project were documented in 2019, the developer said. The decline of the ferruginous hawk statewide has been driven primarily by the loss of habitat for foraging due to agricultural use of land, Scout Clean Energy said. A Washington state council is considering recommending that wind turbines shown by red dots not be allowed in the Horse Heaven Clean Energy Center. They are rated as having the highest negative impacts. Wildlife, tribal concerns Scout Clean Energy also is questioning why eliminating development east of Straub Canyon as traditional cultural property is only coming up now after more than four years of coordination with the Washington state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. The state agency has not objected to developing east of the canyon, said the developer. Scout Clean Energy also has coordinated with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, which it says traditionally held the lands and has treaty rights there. Scout has reached an agreement with the Umatillas on addressing any cultural resources there, it said. Nothing in the public or confidential record for the project suggested there is reason to eliminate half the project area under the guise of protecting Yakama Nation, rather than Umatilla confederated tribes resources, said the developer. Scout Clean Energy also is concerned that a 2013 model of wildlife movement that had no on-the-ground field review was used to restrict placement of infrastructure, including turbines, roads and power lines. Scout biologists found that most of the linkage areas have been developed and used for agriculture and no longer provides viable routes for wildlife to move across the area. Much of what Scout proposes, such as turbines and power lines, would not restrict wildlife, it said. The proposed restriction is unprecedented and would have grave consequences for the states renewable energy future, Scout said. If applied statewide, it would prohibit clean energy projects on more than 5,200 square miles. Early morning low clouds, shroud the wind turbines south of the Kennewick on Jump Off Joe butte south of Kennewick. Tri-Cities support, opposition The Horse Heaven wind farm project, which also includes solar and battery storage, has the support of unions whose members would build the project. Union officials have obtained a pledge that the contractor for the project would hire from Eastern and Central Washington unions, with an estimated 1,000 workers employed over the years of construction work. The project also would provide tax revenue to Benton County. But it also has been met with significant opposition in the Tri-Cities, in part because it would industrialize the southern skyline in a community that prides itself on the colorful sunsets of its desert vistas. Along with the nearby and smaller Nine Canyon wind farm, just over 100,000 residents of Benton County would live within six miles of a turbine, according to Tri-Cities CARES, a group opposing the wind farm as too close to the Tri-Cities. Thats five times more than the estimated 20,000 who live within six miles of a wind farm across the rest of Washington state, according to the group. There is also concern that the turbines would restrict firefighting by planes in an area prone to wildfires. And the Benton PUD has issued a policy paper saying that the continued push for more wind projects by developers and many elected officials will do nothing to alleviate the looming risk of power grid blackouts in the Pacific Northwest. Once Inslee receives the councils recommendation on the Horse Heaven project he will have 60 days to approve the application with changes recommended by EFSEC, to reject it or to send the application back to the council for more work, according to EFSEC. Audio of the Wednesday EFSEC meeting will be broadcast on tvw.org. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs holds a news conference in Phoenix to announce the introduction of bills that will enact her version of Proposition 123, an education funding measure that expires mid-2025, on Jan. 29, 2024. In 2015, then-Sen. Katie Hobbs opposed then-Gov. Doug Duceys plan to raid the state land trust in order to boost funding for schools. Now, nearly a decade later, Hobbs wants to make like a pirate and boost the size of that raid to a full-blown ransack of the kids trust fund. Never mind state Treasurer Kimberly Yees warning that even continuing Duceys raid would amount to fiscal malpractice. Its a given now that our leaders will rob tomorrows children in order to pay todays bills. The only question is how much will they seize from future generations of Arizonas children? Ducey played politics with Proposition 123 Ducey developed the land trust scheme shortly after he became governor and was faced with a court order that he start paying the schools money they were owed money that had been systemically withheld for years by a Republican-run Legislature that isnt exactly a friend to public education. Rather than simply funding the schools as required by law out of existing revenues a move that would have made it all but impossible for him to cut taxes every year Ducey schemed up a plan to temporarily boost school funding by raiding the state land trust. You know, the one that exists as a legacy to our kids and grandkids and their kids and grandkids? The federal government gave Arizona 10 million acres of land at statehood, with a requirement that proceeds from the sale of that land be put into a trust, primarily to benefit schools. Enter Ducey. Instead of continuing to take 2.5% of the trust to spend on schools, as had been done for more than 100 years, Ducey wanted to take 6.9% for 10 years. He successfully marketed Proposition 123 as more money for schools without raising taxes and 51% of voters bought it in 2016, freeing Ducey to continue cutting taxes every year with general fund money that should have gone to the schools. It was masterful politics. Hobbs wants an even more 'unrealistic' payout And it worked out, thanks to the economic gods. What was a $5 billion trust when Ducey began his raid is now worth $7.9 billion. Republicans now propose continuing Duceys 6.9% withdrawal for another 10 years, to fund teacher pay raises. Hobbs, meanwhile, having apparently shed all of her previous misgivings about Duceys scheme, now wants to dig even further into the trust. Shes proposing to bump up the annual withdrawal to 8.9% annual to fund raises all around for all school employees. The trust is healthy and strong and will continue to be under this proposal, she assured us on Monday, as she outlined her plan. But even Hobbs own numbers show that her plan would eat into the principal of the trust. Hobbs assumes the trust will grow an ambitious 7.24% a year. Yet she wants to pull out 8.9%. State Treasurer Kimberly Yee says both Hobbs and Republican legislators plans would reduce the endowment. Citing both past performance and future Wall Street projections, Yee says no more than 5.45% should be withdrawn from the fund to keep the trust whole. The governors recommendation of an 8.9% payout is completely unrealistic, Yee said. Republicans' plan isn't much better And, it must be said, dead on arrival at the Arizona Legislature. Despite Mondays unveiling of Hobbs plan, the governor has no say into what actually will go before voters. Republican legislators can and will send their own plan directly to the ballot. And they, too, are grabbing for the eye patches. Rather than funding state government and teacher pay raises out of existing revenues in a growing state, as they should but cant (thanks to all those tax cuts), theyll ask voters to suck 6.9% out of a trust that is projected to grow by only 5.45% a year. And itll likely pass. The kids who will pay the price for next years pay raises, after all? Well, they arent born yet. Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter at @LaurieRoberts. Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gov. Katie Hobbs makes like a Prop. 123 pirate to cover school costs HEMPSTEAD COUNTY, Ark. Arkansas State Police are searching for a man who they said led authorities on a high-speed pursuit in Hempstead County on Sunday ASP officials said they are searching for 50-year-old Thaddeus Ray Carroll in connection with the incident. Jefferson County deputies catch jail escapee charged with murder During a traffic stop that happened around 9 p.m. on Sunday, troopers said they were taking the driver of the vehicle into custody when Carroll moved from the rear passenger seat into the driver seat and fled the scene with another passenger, 50-year-old Melanie Bormann. Authorities said they deployed spike stripes and use a tactical vehicle intervention maneuver to stop the car. Police said Bormann aimed a firearm at a trooper during the incident. Troopers said Carroll also had a firearm and he and Bormann fled from the scene into a nearby pasture Benton police arrest suspect in sexual assault incidents, detectives seek additional information Officials said the ASPs Criminal Investigation Division, K-9 and Aerial Units then responded to the scene. Officers with the Hope, Texarkana, and Ashdown Police Departments, the Hempstead County Sheriffs Office and Arkansas Game and Fish also assisted in the search. Police said Bormann later surrendered without incident two hours into the search. Authorities warned the public that Carroll should not be approached and should be considered armed and dangerous. Thaddeus Carroll. Courtesy of the Arkansas State Police Anyone with information on Carrolls whereabouts is asked to contact ASP Troop G Headquarters at 870-777-4641 or a local law enforcement agency. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. It is sometime in the future and the U.S. is at war. The 82nd Airborne Division has been ordered to conduct a Jo int Forcible Entry into enemy territory. After the paratroopers seize an airfield and secure its perimeter, the call goes out for the next stage of the operation, and combat-ready armor support commanded by the division is flown in. The first armor rolling off the C-17 in this scenario will be the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle , an armor expert with deep knowledge of how it was developed tells The War Zone. Armed with a 105mm main gun, the Bookers wont have as much firepower as the M1 Abrams main battle tank with its 120mm gun. Nor will the Bookers have as much armor to protect them. But they will require much less fuel and a far smaller logistical tail, and they will still be able to deliver a badly needed punch that can destroy armor, bunkers, and fortifications. Soldiers will soon begin operational testing and evaluations of the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle (U.S. Army photo) Perhaps more importantly, they will get to the secured airfield and into battle significantly faster than an Abrams, said the expert, speaking on condition of anonymity. At 41 tons, the Booker weighs about 40% less than the Abrams. Smaller in dimensions and having no heavy side skirt, two can be delivered by a single C-17 Globemaster III , roll out of its cargo bay, and be combat-ready for wherever needed far more rapidly than an Abrams, the expert said. By contrast, only one 70-plus-ton Abrams can fit on a C-17. Only one M1 Abrams tank can fit on a C-17 Globemaster III cargo jet. (Photo By DoD/Getty Images) Before it even gets on the jet, crews have to take off the side skirt, which has to be reinstalled upon arrival. Its a task that takes hours and requires heavy lift equipment like an M-88 Hercules fully-tracked, steel-armored recovery vehicle. That can be a logistical nightmare, especially at a newly established austere forward operating base, in and of itself given the Hercules size and weight , which equals that of an Abrams. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vIAxgHjZLg By the time you get an Abrams shipped over, its going to take a critically substantial amount of time to make it combat-ready and a very high degree of risk would incur when you give the enemy more time, the expert suggested. The M10 Booker will enormously reduce risk, because it is part of the organization, meaning the Booker tank crews will also be on global response force status. That means the M10s will be ready to fly out immediately and there will be dedicated airlift for it, the expert posited. The Abrams will take days to get ready even before reaching the combat zone. First, however, the M10 Booker has to be fielded at scale. Thats still a few years away. What Booker Brings To The Fight The Armys first newly designed vehicle in four decades , the Booker is set to be delivered this spring to Fort Liberty in North Carolina. Personnel from the 82nds Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) Test Detachment are awaiting orders, said the armor expert. The testing process will begin in the fall, Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, who runs the Bookers development program, told The War Zone. Once fielded, it will give the Army a tracked armored vehicle with a 105mm M35 main gun in a derivative of the M1 Abrams main battle tank turret. It has a version of the fire control system used in the M1A2 System Enhanced Package Version 3 (SEPv3) variant. The Booker is additionally armed with a 7.62mm coaxial mounted machine gun and a .50 cal commanders machine gun. The M10 Booker firing its 105mm main gun. (GDLS screencap) Booker will have a crew of four, one in the turret and three in the hull, with a crew arrangement and turret systems similar to the M1 Abrams, Norman said. With an MTU 8v199 TE-22, 800 hp diesel engine and an Allison transmission , the Booker can travel at up to about 40 mph. https://youtu.be/zS1DPySjqjQ?t=6 The Booker was designed with the option of having additional protection from a system used on other U.S. armored vehicles, explosive reactive armor (ERA) tiles which detonate upon impact from an incoming round, helping to keep the projectile from penetrating the armor. The M10 can be equipped with ERA if the tactical situation dictates, Norman, director of the Armys Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team, explained. M10 Booker (U.S. Army) Initially, however, Bookers will not have a Modular Active Protection System (MAPS ), he added. That system, designed to be adaptable to future threats, helps guard against anti-tank guided missiles and infantry anti-tank rockets by combining radar with launchers that shoot out blasts of metal pellets, intercepting the incoming round. The initial M10 Booker design is complete and vehicles are in low-rate initial production now, Norman told us. The M10 does not include an integrated Active Protection System. The Army is consistently evaluating best-of-breed APS from domestic and foreign sources and may elect to equip M10s with one of those systems in the future but that is not currently programmed. https://youtu.be/FVoLfj161Z0 In addition to not having APS, the M10 will not have anti-tank guided missiles or drone capabilities, at least at first. Given the importance of those two features, that could change as the Army learns more about what Booker can do and how it will be used. The Army will soon begin to match the vehicle with the troops to determine how it performs and how to best use it, according to Norman. Initial Operational Testing & Evaluation [OT&E] will conclude in early Fiscal Year 2025, Norman said. The analysis from this test will be used to validate the M10s design and lay the groundwork for any potential future systems upgrades. Lessons learned from that testing might change the way the Army fights, Norman has said in the past. This is about transforming our mounted formations, Norman posited during the AUSA conference in October . This is about fighting differently, it's about organizing differently. And because of that, we'll likely need to train differently. So foundational to everything we are doing is the notion or the principle that what got us here may not necessarily be what gets us to the future. Army Brig. Gen. Geoffrey A. Norman, director of the Armys Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Holladay, 19th Public Affairs Detachment) The M10 is expected to achieve first-unit-equipped status with the 82nd in late summer of 2026, Norman forecasted. Other light divisions will begin to receive them at around that same time, the armor expert said. Under current plans, the 101st Airborne division will begin receiving Bookers by the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2027, the expert told us. A few months later, an as-of-yet-to-be-determined National Guard unit will begin to receive them. Still, the bulk of the 504 Bookers the Army is currently seeking wont arrive until much later, according to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). The Army is planning to have four Booker battalions fielded by 2030, with most of the planned acquisition scheduled to be completed by 2035, according to CRS. With a projected price tag of about $13 million a piece, the total package would be about $6.5 billion. The total life-cycle cost of the program, including sustainment, military construction and personnel, is estimated at $17 billion, Defense News reported . Return Of The Light Tank The product of the Armys Mobile Protective Firepower (MPF) program to develop a light tank, the service announced it was officially designating the MPF as the M10 Booker infantry assault vehicle on June 14, 2023. The Booker Combat Vehicle was named for two American heroes, said Norman. From World War II Pvt. Robert D. Booker, infantry, awarded the Medal of Honor for actions near Tobruk, Tunisia in April 1943. From Operation Iraqi Freedom Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker, Armor, awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for actions near Baghdad, Iraq. The M10 Booker combat vehicle, formerly known as the Mobile Protected Firepower vehicle, is named for two soldiers, Pvt. Robert Booker, left, and Staff Sgt. Stevon Booker, right. (Courtesy of the U.S. Army) The Army deliberately selected an infantry soldier and an armor soldier to honor when naming the M10 Combat Vehicle, said Norman. The M10 marries the firepower of armor with the agility of infantry to give our soldiers and our commanders a new capability to employ to fight and win our future battles. The M10 Booker Combat Vehicle brings new lethality, protection, and mobility to the Armys infantry forces. Ever since the Army retired the Vietnam-era M551A1 Sheridan light tank in 1997, the service has lacked a comparatively light, mobile, heavily armored fire platform with a large cannon that could be assigned to the infantry. https://youtu.be/o1sv6tX2HFA?t=55 During the two decades of largely counter-insurgency operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, there was little need for a vehicle that could bridge the gap between the Abrams and armored vehicles like the Bradley Fighting Vehicle or the Stryker Armored Vehicle . A mobile gun system Stryker variant had a 105mm gun, but the Army divested that in 2021 because of problems with its dated cannon and autoloader. That platform was also far less protected than the Booker and its wheels meant it could not get to the same places as easily as the M10 can. At present, Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) just have light tactical vehicles Humvees that are now in the process of being replaced by Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) armed with .50 caliber M2 machine guns, 40mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launchers, and TOW anti-tank missiles , for organic mobile fire support. Army Reserve instructors from the 94th Training Division, 80th Training Command taught the very first class of students in the Operators New Equipment Training course for the U.S. Army's new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle at the JLTV Training Center, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin May 6-11, 2019. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) With the advent of increasing competition from China and Russia, however, the Army began to seek out a replacement for the Sheridan in the middle of the last decade. Sending the 82nd Airborne Division early in this new threat environment requires it to once again have a mobile gun system (MGS) to enable their defense and offense while waiting for the Armor Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT) to arrive, said the armor expert. The need for this kind of armored vehicle became even more apparent after the Russians invaded eastern Ukraine and illegally annexed Crimea in 2014. That was a wake-up call to improve the U.S.'s ability to combat conventional opponents equipped with heavy armor. In 2015, the Army began the MPF program to develop such a vehicle. The goal was the production of a vehicle that could destroy bunkers and other fortifications, attack enemy forces sheltering in buildings , and defeat various enemy armored vehicles , the armor expert said. It had to be protected from threats ranging from heavy machine guns to shrapnel airburst artillery rounds to underbelly mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). As we previously mentioned, it also had to be lightweight enough to fit inside a Globemaster. You can read more about those planes in our story here . After a down-selection process, the Army on Dec. 17, 2018 awarded Section 804 Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototyping contracts to BAE Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). They were worth more than $375 million and $335 million respectively. GDLSs entry was based on the company's Griffin II with a turret derived from the one on the M1 Abrams tank . BAE Systems' entry was based on the M8 Buford Armored Gun System (AGS) light tank, which was developed for the Army in the 1980s under a separate program that was ultimately canceled in 1996. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga_mifE3gtE We spoke with an active duty Army master gunner familiar with the MPF development process who expressed concerns about the GDLS version and said there was much to like about the BAE Systems entry. It was lighter than the GDLS version, weighing in at less than 20 tons in its lightest configuration. Equipped with an autoloader, it had a smaller crew - three compared to the GDLSs model. Most impressive, however, was the ease of repair, the soldier told us. The engine access was a lot better in the BAE Systems vehicle, he said. It was more conducive to a light unit. You could just slide the motor out and work on it, which is important for light infantry in an austere environment, the soldier told us. It didnt need the requisition of overhead lifts to work on it if something catastrophically breaks. A BAE Systems Mobile Protected Firepower testbed based on the M8 Armored Gun System preserved at the U.S. Army Armor & Cavalry Collection, Fort Benning c. 2023. (U.S. Army) By contrast, the Booker requires a vehicle like an 8x8 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) equipped with a crane to lift the motor out if that level of repair work is needed, the armor expert explained to us. HEMTT (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ian Schell/Not Released) MPF represents a new capability for the Army, allowing our light maneuver forces to overmatch adversaries, said Maj. Gen. Ross Coffman, director of the Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross Functional Team said of the evaluation process. Through multiple soldier touchpoints, our soldiers have operated the prototypes and provided crucial feedback to the design team, ensuring our forces will have the asset they need on the future battlefield. Days after the rapid prototype testing program wrapped up, in June 2022 GDLS was awarded a contract worth up to $1.14 billion, covering an initial low-rate production (ILRP) order of 96 vehicles. In 2022, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) won a contract to build what would eventually be named the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle. (GDLS screencap) The Army went with GDLS, in no small measure because of the commonality in parts it has with the Abrams, said the master gunner. Additionally, BAE Systems experienced some prototype production delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it delivered systems for the soldier evaluation months later than GDLS, Defense News reported . The MPF demonstrated satisfactory progress toward achieving operational effectiveness, reliability, and availability to support infantry brigade operations, the Defense Departments Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) noted in its January 2023 analysis . The MPF shares many fire control components with the Abrams tank. The similarity in turrets will allow MPF crews to train on existing Abrams simulators, and reduces the vehicle-specific training that maintainers will need to support the MPF. However, as is normal with a weapons development process, there were problems and vulnerabilities uncovered that the Army was working to correct at the time, according to the report. Developmental testing found that the MPF had high levels of toxic fumes when firing the main gun, requiring modifications to crew procedures during gunnery to mitigate the build-up of fumes in the turret. Additionally, live fire testing using operationally realistic threats revealed vulnerabilities, according to the report. However, the details are classified. The M-10 Booker Combat Vehicle firing a projectile from its 105mm main gun. (GSLD screencap) The report recommended four fixes, which were ultimately achieved: Continue implementing system design fixes to reduce the high levels of toxic fumes when firing the main gun. Continue improving the vehicles cooling system to reduce preventive maintenance checks and service time required. Continue addressing the survivability recommendations highlighted in the classified annex found in the DOT&E Operational Assessment Report published in April 2022. Improve Real-Time Casualty Assessment capabilities to replicate target effects against non-vehicle targets such as bunkers and walls to improve combat realism and training value. GDLS was awarded a subsequent $256.6 million contract modification for the second ILRP phase purchase of 26 Bookers in July 2023. An Infantry Asset When they do arrive, the Bookers will be a divisional asset, the armor expert tells us. Selected "light" divisions, a category that includes infantry divisions and the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, will have a battalion divided into three companies of four platoons. Each platoon will have four Bookers. In addition, the company commander and executive officer will each get one. The Army currently uses Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) as its main combined arms formations, with three typically assigned to each division. The service currently has three main types of BCTs - IBCTs, ABCTs, and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs) - with between 3,900 and 4,100 soldiers depending on their configuration. Divisional headquarters will allocate the combat vehicles down to IBCTs based on the threat and mission, he said. It can be as small as only a platoon or the entire battalion. Unlike the Abrams, which belong to ABCTs, the Bookers will be organic to the infantry. That will be a huge advantage, the expert said. M1 Abrams tanks are assigned to Armor Brigade Combat Teams. (Photo by SAKIS MITROLIDIS/AFP via Getty Images) The infantry will have an asset that directly works for them, he noted, adding that it will result in a quicker response to combat situations and better integration. Because the Booker crews will train with the infantry, they can maximize each other's capabilities as well as mitigate each other's weaknesses. Conversely, an M1 Abrams tank will show up at the last minute to a light infantry company and they have no experience working with each other. Having effectively trained with light infantry units to fight combined arms, it will get to infantry battalions and integrate with them much quicker. While the Army has made it a point not to call the Booker a light tank , the armor expert disagrees. Our side of the house, on the armor side, considers it a tank, he said. It has tracks, It has a traversing turret. A gun that can elevate and compress. It has optics and a 105mm main gun. Taiwan, Ukraine And Gaza While it will be years before Booker is tested in combat, there are some real-world scenarios, either occurring or projected, that offer some lessons for how it could be employed. The Army is continuously studying combat operations around the world, said Norman. Current operations confirm the need for combined-arms forces consisting of infantry and armor, enabled by indirect fires, engineers, sustainment and enabler forces. The M10 provides the light armor capability to operate in conjunction with light infantry forces as integrated, combined-arms teams. The M10 Booker's 105mm main gun is powerful enough to take on Chinese armor, says an armor expert. (U.S. Army photo) The Booker would prove a valuable platform in a Taiwan ground fight , the armor expert explained to us. About two-thirds of the island is mostly rugged mountains. It features flat to rolling plains in the densely populated west, which faces mainland China. The M10s smaller size compared to an Abrams would allow it to better maneuver through the tight, restricted urban areas where much of the fighting would take place. It would be able to pass over bridges an Abrams might not be able to cross due to weight concerns and operate, as previously mentioned, with a much lighter logistical footprint. Its 105mm main gun, he added, is powerful enough to handle most Chinese equipment. The vehicle would also theoretically be helpful to Ukraine, particularly in urban areas like those in and around Avdiivka and Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast. A lot of fighting there takes place in rubbled settings like the remains of the Avdiivka coke plant . I can see the Booker being used in conjunction with Ukrainian infantry as they're moving in restricted terrain, said the expert. Still, in both the Taiwan and Ukraine scenarios, as well as Israels tough urban fight in Gaza , the lighter-protected Booker will be more vulnerable than Abrams or the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) Merkava tanks . The various types of rocket-propelled grenades Hamas is using against Israeli vehicles have highlighted that threat, and the expert weve talked to said having the Bookers equipped with ERA and MAPS is essential in any urban fight. A stock photo of a Merkava Mk 4 with the Trophy active protection system and other improvements over earlier types from before the outbreak of the current conflict in Gaza. (IDF photo) The more open terrain found in Ukraine, like in the Robotyne-Verbove salient of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, or even in farmland outside of Avdiivkas urban areas, would be even more difficult for the Booker, he said. The infantry would have to move up first and assess the situation and call in the Booker or place it in an area where they have an increased level of survivability when engaging targets that the infantry wants destroyed. Those situations are proving a difficult challenge to both Ukrainian and Russian tanks and other armor, which are unable to mass without drones either spotting them and correcting artillery fire or directly attacking. For Ukraine, there is the added challenge of having to breach the massive layers of dense minefields built up by Russia. Ukraine lost a lot of armor during its counteroffensive as it tried to attack through Russian defensive lines. (Twitter screencap) The M10 would be able to stay on the battlefield longer because it doesnt consume as much fuel, said the expert. However, if it starts acting like an M1 Abrams and the force that has the M10 Booker considers it more of a tank in the traditional sense, then we might see issues with it because of its level of protection. It is there to provide fire support and mobility for the infantry. So while the Booker may fill an Army need, thinking of it as just a smaller M1 is not the right mindset. The M10 Booker Combat Vehicle provides infantry forces organic, highly mobile, well protected, and large-caliber precise direct-fire capabilities, Norman said. M10s will enable our light infantry forces to attack and maintain momentum in the face of enemy heavy machine guns, prepared positions and field fortifications, and light armored vehicles. In the defense, the M10 provides light infantry forces protected, direct-fire large caliber capabilities to defeat attacking enemy forces. In all cases, he added, M10-equipped quick reaction forces can respond to situations requiring highly protected, fast-moving tracked mobility, employing large-caliber cannons to support U.S. and partnered forces. The M-10 Booker Combat Vehicle was designed to provide quick-reaction armor. (GSLD screencap) The Army has already developed the basic doctrine for how the Booker will be employed, however, the track wont really begin to meet the dirt on that until later this year when the first cadre of soldiers at Fort Liberty begins training on them. The Operational Test and Evaluation phase that concludes late this year or early next year will further refine the Armys understanding of its newest combat vehicle. Those experiences will shape the future use of the vehicle, which will be in full force in the 2030s. Given the eroding security situations around the globe, with Russia directly threatening Europe, Chinas extra-territorial ambitions, North Koreas missile capabilities advancing while its rhetoric becomes increasingly bellicose, and the Middle East once again deep in crisis, it remains to be seen whether Booker will be the right vehicle for the next big fight. But the Army clearly thinks it is needed although just how much the current thinking about how it will be used will morph over time will certainly be fascinating to watch. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com How thoughtful of Art Acevedo. He didnt want to be a distraction. The backlash barely lasted for a news cycle before Austins former police chief walked away from the $271,000 assistant city manager job that thrust him back into the spotlight. While I continue to admire and support these leaders of the Austin community, it is clear that this newly created position has become a distraction from the critical work ahead for our city, the Austin Police Department, and the Austin Police Association, Acevedo wrote Tuesday on social media. And yes, it was wise for Acevedo to move on, considering the news of his return clearly irked half of the City Council, stunned the sexual assault survivors failed by his old police crime lab, riled the criminal justice reform advocates and plainly underwhelmed the Austin police officers union (There is no doubt that Art Acevedo has a checkered past, Austin Police Association Michael Bullock told my American-Statesman colleagues). That said: Acevedos new job wasnt a mere distraction. It. Was. The. Problem. It represented a failure of good government: Not only because Acevedos temporary gig came with a $271,000 salary placing it among the highest-paying roles at City Hall, but because the job seemed to be conjured out of nowhere, without an opportunity for other candidates to apply, created at the whim of interim City Manager Jesus Garza, when Austin already has an assistant city manager who oversees public safety. Former Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo, shown here during a 2016 interview, was recently tapped for an assistant city manager role then declined the job amid public backlash. It represented an affront to sexual assault survivors: Not only because the number of untested rape kits grew during Acevedos decade as chief. But because those boxes reflected lives on hold, as victims tearfully described during 2016 city budget hearings how they felt the agony of waiting more than a year for the DNA samples from their assaults to be tested, and how they feared running into their attacker in the meantime, and how hard it was to heal without resolution. And because we learned after Acevedos tenure that the Austin Police Department had improperly closed hundreds of rape cases over the years without making arrests, boosting its solved-crime statistics while offenders roamed free. The survivors who had sued Austin and Travis County officials over the mishandling of rape cases were days away from a long-overdue public apology when surprise Acevedos return was announced. And at the risk of piling on: The problems at the police-run DNA crime lab under Acevedos watch affected cases beyond sexual assault. Just ask Billy Faircloth, who was released in 2022 after nearly a decade in prison after the courts found his assault conviction rested on faulty DNA analysis of a pack of cigarettes. His was one of hundreds of convictions reviewed by attorneys after problems with the Police Departments DNA analyses came to light. Which brings us to the present day. Austinites have spoken decisively in protests after the deaths of George Floyd and Michael Ramos, and then at the ballot box about the need for greater transparency and accountability in policing. The public rightly expects to be involved in these conversations. Yet, as I noted a few months ago, Garza scrapped the previously promised national search for the next director of the Office of Police Oversight, simply naming his own pick to lead the agency that receives citizen complaints and provides feedback on policing practices. And now, at a time when Austin policing needs to move forward, Garza turned to his rearview mirror and tapped the old chief who left Austin more than seven years ago. It represented a step in the wrong direction. In his social media post explaining his decision to decline the assistant city manager position overseeing policing, Acevedo lamented the finger-pointing and blame game that has caused us to take a step back instead of building a better path forward. Unfortunately, politics and power struggles have hindered our efforts to create real positive improvements for the people of this city, Acevedo wrote. But respectfully: The problem wasnt politics or power struggles. The problem was Garza creating a job that never should have existed and filling it with a person who shouldnt have been hired. This short-lived debacle wasnt a distraction. It deserved the publics attention and even with Acevedo leaving the picture, Austinites deserve better answers on how it all came to be. Grumet is the Statesmans Metro columnist. Her column, ATX in Context, contains her opinions. Share yours via email at bgrumet@statesman.com or via Twitter at @bgrumet. Find her previous work at statesman.com/news/columns. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Art Acevedo's new job wasn't 'a distraction.' It was the problem. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, addresses the opening ceremony of the 11th national congress of the China Film Association and the 10th national congress of the China Artists Association in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 29, 2024. The congresses were convened Monday in Beijing. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) The 11th national congress of the China Film Association and the 10th national congress of the China Artists Association were convened Monday in Beijing, during which attendees vowed to shoulder their new cultural missions and make more films and artworks that are inspirational and encouraging. Chinese film workers and artists attending the events said they should focus on the country's reality, including its efforts to promote Chinese modernization, and their works should reflect the trend of the times and people's real lives. They pledged to enhance the originality of their works and promote Chinese aesthetics and values through their creation. The attendees also agreed that those in the film and art industries should uphold their moral integrity and outstanding cultural and artistic appeal. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, addressed the opening ceremony of the congresses. Tie Ning, vice chairperson of the National People's Congress Standing Committee and chairperson of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, attended the opening ceremony. FREEHOLD - An Asbury Park man has been sentenced to 12 years in state prison after pleading guilty to drug distribution for selling narcotics to an undercover cop multiple times, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Tuesday. Tyheim McGhee was sentenced Monday to 12 years on a first-degree possession of cocaine with the Intent to distribute in excess of five ounces, seven years on a second-degree distribution of over half an ounce of cocaine, and a five-year prison term on a third degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, Santiago said. The terms will run concurrently. McGhee previously entered a plea on Monday, November 6, the prosecutor said. The charges stem from an investigation involving detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office Gang Task Force and the Ocean County Prosecutors Office Narcotics Strike Force in February and March 2023, Santiago said. During the investigation, McGhee sold a total of over half an ounce of cocaine to an undercover officer on four separate occasions. The investigation culminated when authorities executed a search warrant on McGhees Borden Avenue residence on March 24, where they recovered over five ounces of cocaine as well as paraphernalia used in the distribution of narcotics, according to Santiago. Jenna Calderon covers breaking news and cold cases in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Before coming to the Press, she covered The Queen City for Cincinnati Magazine in Ohio. Contact her at 330-590-3903; jcalderon@gannettnj.com This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Asbury Park man gets 12 years in prison for drug distribution ASHEVILLE - The Reparations Commission recently heard the preliminary results of an equity audit, intended to assess harms perpetuated against Black residents in Asheville and Buncombe County through existing policies, practices and programs. The consultant called it the first known audit of this nature to be funded by a municipal and county government. The $174,375 contract cost was shared between the city and county. Florida-based Carter Development Group was selected to conduct the study, dubbed the "Cease the Harm Audit" by commissioners, and began its work over the summer. Adrian Carter, project lead and founder of the Carter Group, led the Jan. 22 presentation. While the report boasts 70 preliminary recommendations only 28 of which were shared at the meeting some of them might look familiar, such as calls for more affordable housing and greater police transparency. But commission members and local activists told the Citizen Times that the report's recommendations, even those that seem to duplicate ongoing efforts, are vital to ensuring the work actually happens. "The squeaky wheel gets the oil," said Rob Thomas, executive director of the Racial Justice Coalition of Asheville. "They have to hear it and hear it. Not only the problem, but they have to start hearing the solutions." Rob Thomas is the community liaison with the Racial Justice Coalition. Similarly, reparations commission member Tiffany De'Bellott said the recommendations were "spot on," and the emphasis they place on certain disparities "speaks to the priority and urgency" that must be taken to address them. Sometimes you have to tell them, and tell them again, and then tell them what you told them," De'Bellott said. A pro-reparations mural painted on the side of Desoto Lounge on Haywood street by local muralist IanThePainter. What did the audit find? Carter said the audit was compiled through the review of more than 1,000 documents, including policies, procedures and reports, across seven focus areas. The Carter Group held 18 meetings with various city and county departments since they were selected last summer. The study looked at information from July 2020 to June 2023. Among preliminary harms presented Jan. 22 were findings surrounding insufficient data-driven practices to determine the level of Black participation and representation in city and county opportunities or whether there was an equitable use of funds allocated to partnership programs. "The data is not being effectively collected," Carter said. The report is a signal to the city and county that they need to begin collecting that data to "ensure representation," he said. "How can you assess representation, how can you ensure access, how can you ensure knowledge if you're not collecting the data to be able to measure that to begin with?" Carter said they also found that the municipalities lack wide-scale racial equity training to create baseline knowledge of equitable practices. He also called out limited affordable housing and "subjective interpretation" of Human Resources' hiring and promotion processes, which could enable covert, latent and explicit biases. "I'm quite sure that's information you already know. The issue is not so much that the county or city has created that particular harm, but it's how are they addressing that particular harm," Carter said of the findings around housing needs. While speaking, Carter drew murmurs of agreement from the room. Adrian Carter, founder of the Carter Development Group, which was selected to perform an audit of the city and county as part of the Community Reparations Commission. The more than two-hour presentation spanned recommendations from the commission's five impact focus areas, which encompass housing, health and wellness, criminal justice, education and economic development. I was shocked at how good the audit was, actually, Thomas said. "To see it all in one place, whether it was the AMI versus the annual income of a Black person, whether it was the percentage of Black people that rely on subsidized housing, whether it was the issues in educational system or criminal justice system or training," Thomas said, he felt the Carter Group had touched on topics he has advocated around for years. In the past, he said, problems have been met with a "Band-Aid solution instead of a massive redress." He hoped this was the way toward "long-term, iterative and adaptive solutions." More data, training and transparency The slides included breakdowns of area median incomes, with findings that reiterated Asheville's steep rent costs, the highest in the state, and the Black homeownership gap coupled with a median household income of $22,312, significantly lower than that of white residents ($70,209) or the average ($64,548). Results were similar to that of the Thrive Asheville report, presented to Asheville City Council in November, which concluded that city housing investments targeting incomes at the higher end of affordability, like 60-80% of the area median income, likely exacerbate racial and gender gaps. Addressing an urgent need for affordable housing was first identified as a strategic priority by Asheville City Council in March 2022. It was named a top spending priority for Buncombe County commissioners in December 2021. Snow falls on Asheville City Hall, January 19, 2024. The presentation also called for the establishment of a Buncombe County Black Chamber of Commerce, more measurable training for Asheville Police Department and the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, and disparity studies to be conducted by the county. The city of Asheville has conducted disparity studies since 2018. Some of the information presented on the slides has since been identified as inaccurate such as a data point that seemed to imply 72% of Black residents of Asheville live in public housing. The city confirmed Jan. 29 the number is being corrected by the Carter Group. Asheville has 9,938 Black residents, according to 2020 census numbers. That's 10.5% of the city's total population, down 1,196 people since 2010. Data provided to the Citizen Times by the Housing Authority in May found that about 2,845 people live in public housing complexes. Of those, 40% are white and 53% are Black. The final report and presentation is expected at the end of February, said city spokesperson Kim Miller. It will go to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on March 5 and Asheville City Council March 12. Find the Carter Group's presentation and other meeting materials on the city website at ashevillenc.gov/department/city-clerk/boards-and-commissions/reparations-commission/ What happened to the reparations extension request? In October, the reparations commission requested an eight-month extension to their two-year timeline, which would prolong the process until December 2024. The request garnered a cold reception from some Buncombe County Commissioners, who seemed to agree on a June extension, and an initial lack of consensus from Asheville City Council. A response from the city, attached to the Jan. 22 Community Reparations Commission agenda, said staff is recommending they continue current levels of support for the work of the commission through June 30. "Staff will continue to provide support needed to ensure the success of this important effort," the memo said. The historic 25-member board is tasked with making short-, medium- and long-term recommendations to repair damage caused by public and private systemic racism. A resolution in support of reparations was first passed by Asheville City Council July 14, 2020. Asheville and Buncombe County are among the first locales in the country to undertake such an effort. No timeline was established in the resolution. Members were appointed to the commission in March 2022. No term limits were included. All draft recommendations will be presented to the full commission by February. Tiffany De'Bellott, a Community Reparations Commission alternate, said preliminary findings from a new equity audit of the city and county were helpful to guide ongoing recommendations from the commission. De'Bellott stressed the need for the commission to have time to integrate Carter's recommendations into the ongoing work of the reparations commission. This is a task that is of monumental proportions and its not going to happen overnight," she said. "We need to consider ways of how we are going to continue this work even if we dont have local city and county support. The Community Reparations Commission will next meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 19 in the banquet hall of the Harrah's Cherokee Center. Meetings are open to the public. More: Asheville Reparations commission calls for extension; awaits final decision in 'limbo' More: What is reparations? 17 months in, Asheville board is still struggling to define itself. See some of the preliminary recommendations Economic Development Develop a "Utilization and Industry Dashboard" that captures city and county procurement dollars. Conduct a disparity study for inclusive procurement practices in Buncombe County. Establish a Buncombe County Black Chamber of Commerce. Education Early Childhood Education universal assessment tool. Use of education subject matter expert. Data collection. Require cultural sensitivity training for School Resource Officers. Pursue legislative changes that tie funding to specific county driven metrics. Housing Increase housing supply. Develop a strategic housing plan with the county, housing authority and other key stakeholders. Develop a joint housing commission consisting of Buncombe County, the city and the Housing Authority to develop collective strategies to increase affordable housing. Health and Wellness Increase the number of indoor winter markets. Create a "Healthy Corner Store" initiative to provide healthier options in food insecure Black communities. Improve advertisement and tracking of pop-up markets that include SNAP-approved opportunities. Improve data collection and visibility for Parks and Recreation program demographics and community involvement. Create health and fitness challenges such as walking or biking campaigns. Criminal justice Implement skills assessments in the form of "measurable scenario-based recorded training" and pre- and post-testing to capture overall proficiency and competency levels of departments. Continue to implement annual race-related training and include a measurable approach. Utilize volunteer citizens to participate in scenario-based training to encourage both peer and citizen review and ensure transparency. Coordinate with the Citizen's Policing Academy, an Asheville Police Department Program. Internal workforce For both city and county: Develop a hiring manager and interview panel policy and procedure. Conduct an annual comprehensive data collection of key Human Relations metrics. Conduct an annual employee engagement survey. For the county: Develop a point system incentive for Buncombe County lead and skill-up course completition. For the city: Develop a women's focused leadership program to support advancement of women of color. Equity Inclusion and Human Rights For both: Collaborate with HR to conduct an annual comprehensive data collection of key employee metrics. Collaborate with HR to conduct and annual employee engagement survey. For the city: Require diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging professional development training for all staff beginning with executive leadership. Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email shonosky@citizentimes.com or message on Twitter at @slhonosky. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: 'insufficient data' and other findings of reparations equity audit A Republican congresswoman on Sunday was called out for seeking credit for legislation that provided money to her district despite previously opposing those bills. Rep. Maria Salazar, R-Fla., was confronted about the posturing during an interview with CBS News Miami, when "Facing South Florida" host Jim DeFede questioned her presentation of a $650,000 check meant to support small businesses at a Florida International University ceremony last month, HuffPost reports. You voted against the bill that gave the money that you then signed a check for and handed and had a photo op, DeFede said. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, right? Salazar joined almost every other House Republican in voting against the $1.7 trillion government funding bill in 2022. She told DeFede, however, that she could not recall the vote. Right now, you have to give me more details, she said. But I do know that every time I have an opportunity to bring money to my constituents, I do so. I just did $400,000, but look DeFede interrupted to confirm that she had voted against the CHIPS and Science Act, which, in part, authorized a slate of programs and activities of federal science agencies. Listen, I right now, I need to, I need to ask my staff, Salazar said. Why dont we look at the $40 million that I have brought to this community. Arent you proud of me? DeFede pushed back, telling Salazar that the sum at times came from bills she had voted against. Salazar rejected the CHIPS and Science Act but had celebrated the South Florida Climate Resilience Tech Hub that the act created, DeFede noted. She also voted against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provided funding for a wide variety of infrastructure projects such as public transit, but lauded the "impressive facilities" at the Miami International Airport that the bill supported. At the same time that youre taking credit for the money that you bring back to the district, in Washington, youre voting against these projects on party-line votes, DeFede said. Salazar said again that she couldn't remember those votes. Listen I, that was, I think, last cycle. I cannot really remember right now, she said. But just look at the Americas Act, which is what Im So you dont want to explain why you voted against things? DeFede interjected. The Florida representative replied that she couldn't explain at that moment. "I'm not trying be a politician, there's so many bills that I've introduced that I know that many of them" she continued, before DeFede interrupted again to remind her that she voted against the bills. I understand. But its, its OK," Salazar said. "Sometimes I vote and sometimes I dont. But lets look at the positive. WATCH: Rep. @MaElviraSalazar continues to take credit for projects brought to #FL27 made possible by bipartisan legislation she voted against like the CHIPS & Science Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. When pressed by @CBSMiami, Salazar says she forgot how she voted. pic.twitter.com/ddoVWV5k7u Justin Chermol (@justin_chermol) January 28, 2024 Former Sen. Claire McCaskill, R-Mo., expressed disbelief at Salazar's spin. "First of all, liar, liar, pants on fire," McCaskill said during a Monday appearance on MSNBC flagged by Raw Story. "She totally remembers. And it's so obvious she remembers." Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. McCaskill pointed to Salazar's body language during the exchange with DeFede. "I mean, this is just so damaging to a political candidate when they're this phony," McCaskill said. The senator went on to call on Democrats in Salazar's district to further call out her "hypocrisy" and praise DeFede for holding the representative to account. "You know what the Democrats down there in that area can do? They can get together in their local Democratic committee and gather enough money and put up some billboards and call this woman out for her hypocrisy, her phoniness, her willingness to look in the camera and lie to them," McCaskill said. "Lying has become part of the Republican Party, and it's so refreshing to see a journalist call them on it in real-time," she added. This story is a collaboration with PopularMechanics.com. Has Amelia Earhart finally been found? The world has searched for the famous pilots missing plane for 86 years and, now, ocean archaeologists believe theyve located it at lastand they have the evidence. Deep Sea Vision, a South Carolina-base ocean exploration team, says its most advanced unmanned underwater drone scanned more than 5,200 square miles before finding what could be the legendary American aviators Lockheed 10-E Electra. If true, this discovery would put a cap on one of historys most enduring tales of adventure and enigmathe fateful disappearance of Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, while attempting an ambitious flight around the globe. On July 2, 1937, the pair took off from Papua New Guinea on the latter stages of their daring journey and were never seen again, vanishing without a trace. Youd be hard-pressed to convince me that this is not an airplane and not Amelias plane, Deep Sea Vision founder Tony Romeo told NPR. Romeo, a former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer, led a 16-member team using the advanced Kongsberg Discovery HUGIN 6000 unmanned underwater drone. Over 90 days, they meticulously scanned the Pacific Ocean west of Earharts anticipated landing site, a region devoid of documented wreckage. Each sonar dive spanned nearly 48 hours, amassing several terabytes of data. Courtesy Deep Sea Vision When they combed through the gathered information, they encountered an image that Romeo described as a surreal moment, which they believe substantiates the theory that Earharts plane ran out of fuel and was unable to reach Howland Island. They believe the image reveals contours that mirror the unique dual tails and scale of Amelia Earharts plane. Courtesy Deep Sea Vision The image alone isnt definitive proof. But according to Romeo, the objects shape in the sonar images closely resembles the Lockheed Electra, and the discoverys location aligns with the Date Line Theory. This theory, crafted by Liz Smith, a former NASA staffer and hobbyist pilot, posits that after a 17-hour flight, Fred Noonan failed to account for crossing the International Date Line, which would have required adjusting the date from July 3 back to July 2leading to a 60-mile navigational mistake and causing he and Earhart to miss Howland Island, as explained by Deep Sea Vision. This oversight would have resulted in Earharts plane crashing into the ocean. Until Deep Sea Vision took on the task, the region and scenario outlined by Smiths theory had remained unexplored. We always felt that [Earhart] would have made every attempt to land the aircraft gently on the water, and the aircraft signature that we see in the sonar image suggests that may be the case, Romeo says in the statement. We plan to bring closure to a great American story. Getty Images Dorothy Cochrane, Aeronautics Curator at the Smithsonians National Air and Space Museum, has worked to validate the findings, according to Deep Sea Vision. We are intrigued with DSVs initial imagery and believe it merits another expedition in the continuing search for Amelia Earharts aircraft near Howland Island, she says in a statement. The ocean exploration team hopes to investigate the area where the images were taken later this year, bringing fresh eyes to a scene that remains underneath waves of speculation and intrigue. How Did Amelia Earhart Disappear? As Biography has highlighted, the mysterious final flight of Amelia Earhart captured the worlds imagination in 1937, just as it continues to today. Earhart and Noonan were six weeks and 20,000 miles into their global journey when they failed to make their scheduled landing at Howland Island, located approximately 1,700 miles southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii. The 2.5-square-mile island proved difficult for Earharts plane to find amidst the vast ocean. Theres no concrete evidence that points to why the plane never made it to the island, or where it went instead. The absence of definitive proof has given rise to a multitude of theories about the fate of Earhart, Noonan, and their plane. The most widely accepted theory suggests that Earhart and Noonan simply crashed into the ocean and sank after running out of fuel. Another credible theory posits that the duo landed on a coral reef around Gardner Island, now called Nikumaroro Island, located 350 nautical miles southeast of Howland. Supporting this theory are distress radio signals traced to that island shortly after the disappearance. Yet another chilling, albeit less plausible, theory is that Earhart met her end at the claws of the islands predatory giant crabs. The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery also contends that a 2009 underwater photo captures Earharts planes engine cowling lying in the ocean. However, without precise information on the photos location, pinpointing and verifying this claim proves challenging. The enduring fascination with Amelia Earharts disappearance is as much about the unsolved end to her historic journey as it is about her pioneering spirit. Earhart wasnt just a pilot; she represented adventure, courage, and all the incredible things women could achieve in the field of aviation. Who Was Amelia Earhart? Getty Images Amelia Earhart, a Kansas native, began her ascent to fame in 1922 when she piloted her bright yellow Kinner Airster biplane, endearingly called The Canary, to a then-record height of 14,000 feet for female aviators. By 1923, Earhart had earned her pilots license, becoming the 16th woman to do so from the Federation Aeronautique. While financial struggles forced her out of flying, she returned to aviation in 1927. Now residing in Massachusetts, Earhart jumped at the opportunity to be the first woman to partake in a transatlantic flight. Although just a passenger on the 1928 adventure led by pilot Wilmer Bill Stultz, her subsequent book chronicling the experience catapulted her into the spotlight. Following her initial fame, Earhart embarked on her own pioneering flights. In 1932, she made history as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, navigating a nearly 15-hour journey from Newfoundland to Northern Ireland. She continued to add a series of impressive flights to her global resume, all culminating in what was to be her most monumental flight of all: an ambitious bid to be the first person, period, to circumnavigate the globe along the equator. After an initial mishap that resulted in damage to her Lockheed on the Oakland, California, to Hawaii leg, the aircraft required shipping back to California for repairs. This setback forced a change in plans due to evolving weather patterns and global winds, leading to a revised route starting eastward from Oakland, placing the Pacific Ocean at the end of the journey rather than at the beginning. How Did Amelia Earhart Die? Earhart and Noonan then embarked on a route that took them through Miami, across Central and South America, over the Atlantic to Africa, and over the Indian Ocean, reaching New Guinea having flown 22,000 out of the approximately 29,000 miles of their intended route. The 2,556-mile flight to Howland Island was always going to be tricky. A flat sliver of land that was only 6,500 feet long, 1,600 feet wide, and no more than 20 feet above the ocean waves, the island often looked like a cloud. With a variety of contingency plansincluding help from the U.S. Coast Guard vessel Itasca stationed off Howland IslandEarhart and Noonan were confident. Getty Images But their plan wasnt foolproof. They had swapped out essential radio equipment to accommodate additional fuel, and the unavailability of high-octane fuel further limited the planes range. Plus, overcast skies hindered reliable celestial navigation, and Earhart and Noonan were relying on outdated maps that incorrectly placed Howland Island. There was also the possibility the planes radio antenna had sustained damage. Due to a misunderstanding between Earhart and the Itasca crew, the two never connected in real time. When it became clear that Earhart was unreachable, an extensive search operation commenced. Despite employing 66 aircraft and nine ships in a search that cost $4 million, they found virtually nothing. Most leading aviation and navigation experts believe that the plane probably crashed due to fuel depletion while seeking a landing spot, leading to Earhart and Noonans demise at seaa consequence attributed to poor planning and even poorer execution. We still dont know anything for certain, and Amelia Earharts last adventure remains unresolved. But if the ocean explorers really have found the most crucial piece of the puzzleEarharts missing planethis could be the breakthrough weve been waiting for, finally offering closure to one of aviations greatest mysteries. You Might Also Like The gas leak that led to an explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel in downtown Fort Worth on Jan. 8 may have started as early as 1 p.m. that day and someone at the hotel called the gas company to report the leak about 11 minutes before the blast, Atmos Energy claims in a lawsuit against property owner Northland Developments. Atmos says in the suit that its representative told the unidentified caller at 3:19 p.m. to follow certain emergency precautions, including evacuating the building and staying clear of the area. But theres no evidence that hotel staff made an effort to evacuate the building before the explosion occurred about 3:30 p.m., injuring at least 21 people. The natural gas supplier headquartered in Dallas has been named as a defendant in at least nine lawsuits totaling 33 plaintiffs so far, according to its suit against Northland. The hotel owners insurance company has also made several claims against Atmos related to the explosion and said it plans to hold the culpable party responsible, the suit says. The lawsuit filed in Tarrant County asks the court to declare that Atmos holds no liability for the explosion. The gas company contends that the leak did not involve Atmos lines outside the building but came from a line or equipment inside the hotel, likely in the basement. The property owner would be legally responsible for defects inside the building, experts say. Atmos suit also seeks to prevent the Fort Worth Fire Department from releasing control of the scene to Northland before or after the investigation is concluded to prevent any evidence that could be used in Atmos defense from being lost, overlooked, or improperly handled. Northland has not yet filed an official response with the court. Its attorneys did not immediately respond Tuesday to Star-Telegram requests for comment via phone and email. The lawsuit, filed Friday, seeks to focus blame for the explosion on Northland. Atmos says in the suit that after it was notified by the caller that there was a possible gas leak, it immediately mobilized a response but its technicians arrived after the explosion. The caller told Atmos that the building may have a leak and expressed concern that there might be appliances in use near the source of the leak, the natural gas company says in the lawsuit. The basement is the location of restaurant Musume, where employees were preparing to open for dinner. In other suits filed by injured restaurant and hotel employees, the workers said they reported a smell of gas to management but they were not allowed to leave the building. The caller expressly acknowledged that he understood the safety precautions that needed to be taken, Atmos attorneys wrote in the gas suppliers suit. It is unknown whether the caller took any steps to heed the warnings provided by Atmos Energy. After the explosion, Atmos responded with a large team of technicians, construction crews and contractors along with equipment, the company says in the lawsuit. It intended to investigate and work to make sure the distribution system was safe and there was no further threat to the public. Atmos employees shut off gas to the building and began working to determine if there were any leaks or problems with distribution outside the building that may have caused the explosion or contributed to it. The company determined its lines did not have any leaks or problems that could have contributed to the disaster from outside the building, the lawsuit says. Atmos reviewed its gas consumption data from the building and found that the leak may have started as early as 1 p.m. and believes the window for the leak starting is between that time and 2 p.m. Atmos is asking the court to keep the building under the control of the fire department instead of releasing it back to Northland because the gas company believes evidence will show that the gas leak that caused the explosion originated inside the building. Atmos believes Northland has little incentive to proactively preserve or protect the critical evidence from spoilation or to cooperate with or permit Atmos Energy and the other claimants to participate in the investigation and collection of that evidence, the suit says. A temporary restraining order in another lawsuit filed by a survivor of the explosion has prevented the removal of any debris until Friday. Fort Worth Fire Chief Jim Davis told the Star-Telegram previously that the injunction has slowed but not stopped the fire departments investigation into the blast. Jose Mira, an employee of the restaurant Musume, is one of the dozens of people suing Atmos Energy. His lawsuit also names the Sandman Signature Hotel, Northland and the restaurants owners as defendants and seeks compensation for injuries and damages from the explosion, according to court documents. Miras attorneys hope the temporary restraining order granted in his suit will give them time to bring in an independent investigator. In the request for the court to declare Atmos free of liability, the company asks the court to declare Northland was at all times responsible for the safety of the building and the condition of the gas lines and any appliances using natural gas. While the investigation into the cause of the explosion has not yet been completed, Atmos Energy is asking the court to declare that the explosion was the fault of Northland Developments. Atmos also asks the court to allow the company immediate access to inspect gas pipes, valves, appliances and equipment responsible for regulating the flow of natural gas inside the building, according to the suit. Millions of Californians were under flood alerts and warnings of excessive rainfall on Feb. 5, 2024, as a powerful atmospheric river sat over Southern California. Los Angeles saw one of its wettest days on record with over 4 inches of rain on Feb. 4, communities reported widespread flooding, and debris and mudslides shut down sections of highways and roads into Malibu. It was the latest in a series of atmospheric rivers to bring extreme rainfall to the West Coast. While these storms are dreaded for the damage they can cause, they are also essential to the regions water supply, particularly in California, as Qian Cao, a hydrologist at the University of California, San Diego, explains. What are atmospheric rivers? An atmospheric river is a narrow corridor or filament of concentrated water vapor transported in the atmosphere. Its like a river in the sky that can be 1,000 miles long. On average, atmospheric rivers have about twice the regular flow of the Amazon River. When atmospheric rivers run up against mountains or run into local atmospheric dynamics and are forced to ascend, the moisture they carry cools and condenses, so they can produce intense rainfall or snowfall. Atmospheric rivers occur all over the world, most commonly in the mid-latitudes. They form when large-scale weather patterns align to create narrow channels, or filaments, of intense moisture transport. These start over warm water, typically tropical oceans, and are guided toward the coast by low-level jet streams ahead of cold fronts of extratropical cyclones. Along the U.S. West Coast, the Pacific Ocean serves as the reservoir of moisture for the storm, and the mountain ranges act as barriers, which is why the western sides of the coastal ranges and Sierra Nevada see so much rain and snow. Why are back-to-back atmospheric rivers a high flood risk? Consecutive atmospheric rivers, known as AR families, can cause significant flooding. The first heavy downpours saturate the ground. As consecutive storms arrive, their precipitation falls on soil that cant absorb more water. That contributes to more runoff. Rivers and streams fill up. In the meantime, there may be snowmelt due to warm temperatures, further adding to the runoff and flood risk. California experienced a historic run of nine consecutive atmospheric rivers in the span of three weeks in December 2022 and January 2023. The storms helped bring most reservoirs back to historical averages in 2023 after several drought years, but they also produced damaging floods and debris flows. Atmospheric rivers forming over the tropical Pacific Ocean head for the U.S. West Coast. NOAA The cause of AR families is an active area of research. Compared with single atmospheric river events, AR families tend to be associated with lower atmospheric pressure heights across the North Pacific, higher pressure heights over the subtropics, a stronger and more zonally elongated jet stream and warmer tropical air temperatures. Large-scale weather patterns and climate phenomena such as the Madden-Julian Oscillation, or MJO, also play an important role in the generation of AR families. An active MJO shift occurred during the early 2023 events, tilting the odds toward increased atmospheric river activity over California. An aerial view shows a flooded neighborhood in the community of Pajaro in central California on March 11, 2023, after a series of atmospheric rivers. Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images A recent study by scientists at Stanford and the University of Florida found that storms within AR families cause three to four times more economic damage when the storms arrive back to back than they would have caused by themselves. How important are atmospheric rivers to the West Coasts water supply? Im a research hydrologist, so I focus on hydrological impacts of atmospheric rivers. Although they can lead to flood hazards, atmospheric rivers are also essential to the Western water supply. Atmospheric rivers have been responsible for ending more than a third of the regions major droughts, including the severe California drought of 2012-16. Atmospheric rivers provide an average of 30% to 50% of the West Coasts annual precipitation. They also contribute to the snowpack, which provides a significant portion of Californias year-round water supply. In an average year, one to two extreme atmospheric rivers with snow will be the dominant contributors to the snowpack in the Sierra Nevada. Together, atmospheric rivers will contribute about 30% to 40% of an average seasons total snow accumulation there. After several winter storms brought record snowfall to Californias Sierra Nevada in early 2023, Lake Oroville, Californias second-largest reservoir, was at 100% capacity. The previous year, much of the state had faced water restrictions. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Thats why my colleagues at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, part of the University of California, San Diego, work on improving atmospheric river forecasts and predictions. Water managers need to be able to regulate reservoirs and figure out how much water they can save for the dry season while still leaving room in the reservoirs to manage flood risk from future storms. How is global warming affecting atmospheric rivers? Warmer air can hold more moisture. As global temperatures rise in the future, we can expect more intense atmospheric rivers, leading to an increase in heavy and extreme precipitation events. My research also shows that more atmospheric rivers are likely to occur concurrently during already wet conditions. So, the chance of extreme flooding also increases. Another study, by scientists from the University of Washington, suggests that there will be a seasonal shift to more atmospheric rivers earlier in the rainy season. There will likely also be more year-to-year variability in the total annual precipitation, particularly in California, as a study by my colleagues at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes projects. This article was update Feb. 5, 2024, with flooding and mudslides in California. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Qian Cao, University of California, San Diego Read more: Qian Cao 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. The assistant public defender for Virgilio Aguilar Mendez, the now 19-year-old Guatemalan arrested after a 52-year-old St. Johns County sheriff's sergeant collapsed and died during a struggle to detain him on suspicion of trespassing, has filed a motion to dismiss his charge of aggravated manslaughter of an officer. Rosemarie Peoples cited two cases where manslaughter charges were dismissed against men in similar arrests where a person died from attempts to detain someone accused of a minor crime. Monday's motion also states that since Aguilar Mendez has been found incompetent, it is not possible for him to swear to any legal pleadings in his case. Aguilar Mendez (whose first name was misspelled Vergilio in the initial arrest documents) also is charged with resisting an officer with violence in the May 19, 2023, altercation with veteran Sgt. Michael Kunovich. That night the teen was outside his Super 8 motel on Florida 16 beside an old vacant Howard Johnson hotel in St. Augustine when Kunovich thought he was suspicious enough to question, court records show. Aguilar Mendez tried to communicate that he was just eating and didn't understand English but pointed to the hotel when asked where he was staying, according to the officer's body camera video. When Kunovich attempted to search him, the situation escalated with Aguilar Mendez saying "No, no" and that he's sorry. Other deputies arrived and helped take the 5-foot-4, 115-pound teen to the ground where Kunovich used his taser on him several times. Aguilar Mendez can be seen reaching for the taser and further intensifying the struggle until he's handcuffed. He was able to retrieve a small folding knife that a deputy knocked loose. In this body camera image, St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Michael Kunovich grabs Virgilio Aguilar Mendez as he begins to attempt to search him on May 19. Shortly afterward, Kunovich experienced medical issues and died at a hospital. The official manner of death, as determined by medical examiners, was natural causes and pre-existing health conditions. Aguilar Mendez has been in jail without bail since the incident and on Dec. 29 was ordered by the judge to undergo competency treatment and training. The judge agreed with Peoples that Aguilar Mendez cannot aid in the preparation of his case or understand the legal system due to his limited English and Spanish. Within 60 days it will be determined if he's capable enough to learn what's needed to go to trial. His charge was already reduced once on July 25 from murder while engaged in resisting an officer with violence. The reduced manslaughter charge is punishable by a maximum 30 years in prison as opposed to life, the State Attorney's Office previously said. What does the motion to dismiss say? This week's motion states Kunovichs death by natural causes, referred to as a heart attack, "was not areasonably foreseeable consequence of any action taken by Mr. Aguilar Mendez" and the charge must be dismissed due to lack of legal cause. Peoples cited a 1989 case where the court dismissed a manslaughter conviction due to the lack of legal cause by William Penton. He and a co-defendant burglarized the garage of Michael Scott, stealing two bicycles. Scott began chasing Penton and fell down in the middle of the street. Attempts to revive him failed and he was dead at the scene. Penton was charged with first-degree premeditated murder or felony murder, burglary and theft. The court found the evidence on the issue of cause legally insufficient to convict him of manslaughter. In Aguilar Mendez's case, Kunovich did not chase him but also died of natural causes, the motion says. "Likewise, the body camera recording demonstrates the actions of the officers were the only violence present during the arrest of Aguilar Mendez. There was no action by Aguilar Mendez to satisfy the element of causation for the death of Sgt. Kunovich." Aguilar Mendez In another 1992 case Peoples cited, the court dismissed a charge of manslaughter based on a similar lack of legal cause by James Todd. He had gone into a church and stole $110 from the collection plate and then fled. A witness and member of the congregation, Richard Voegltin, took off in his car in pursuit. Voegltin, who had a pre-existing heart condition, lost control of his car, crashed and died of cardiac arrest. The court reasoned that the criminal act of the petty theft did not encompass the kind of direct, foreseeable risk of physical harm that would support a conviction of manslaughter. "Here, as in Penton and Todd, there is no 'legal causation' connecting any act committed by Mr. Aguilar Mendez and the death of Sgt Kunovich by natural causes," according to the motion. The State Attorney's Office has not filed its response to the motion yet. Sgt. Michael Kunovich bodycam: 'Family, family!' Guatemalan teen Virgilio Aguilar Mendez repeatedly cries out during fatal St. Johns arrest About 570,000 people have signed a Change.org petition to release Aguilar Mendez from his charges, stating his constitutional and civil rights were violated and he was the victim of an unreasonable search and police brutality. Aguilar Mendez, who was living here illegally and working on farms, also remains on hold for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement until his criminal case is resolved. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Motion seeks dismissal against immigrant in St. Johns officer's death A book series containing rare documents related to Chinese folklore held in collections outside the country was finally introduced to the public after seven years of work by experts. Chinese Folklore Documents Overseas was launched at the National Library of China in Beijing on Jan 20. The series was compiled by the Institute of Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage at Sun Yat-sen University and published by Shaanxi Normal University General Publishing House. The first 18 books primarily focus on presenting original material, explains Wang Xiaobing, chief editor of the series. "The processing of the materials can be divided into three main categories: the first involved the direct reprinting of folk artifacts and documents found outside China," Wang says. Examples include images of tilling and weaving, paintings, contractual documents and shadow-puppet play scripts. Researchers have added introductions, explanations and annotations to these documents, Wang says. The second category consists of translations of records and studies of daily life in China made by Western visitors to the country between the 17th and 20th centuries. This includes Western visitors' abstracts and summaries of the content of Chinese literary documents, ranging from travel accounts, fairy tales and folk songs, to information about ethics and folk customs. The third category consists of specialized studies of overseas collections of folk materials. They include many precious images, documents and texts that demonstrate the deep cultural heritage and appeal of Chinese folklore. "These documents reflect the daily lives of people during specific historical periods and in specific regions of China, as well as the interests and academic ideas of Western collectors," Wang says, adding that this category serves as a vivid testimony to the cross-border dissemination of modern Chinese culture, and the collision and exchange of Chinese and Western cultures. "Some of the materials are being published for the first time in China," she says. Wang says that she and her team discovered that the depth and breadth of the collections of Chinese folklore materials overseas far exceeded their initial expectations. "Despite nearly seven years of exploration and effort, the documents and artifacts we have found can only be considered the tip of the iceberg," Wang says. "To fully catalog these overseas treasures is actually an extremely challenging task that cannot be completed by a single person or team in just a few years." She stresses that the project has also helped open up new areas of research in folklore studies, and has delivered fruitful results. Qu Ruixin, vice-president of Shaanxi Normal University General Publishing House, says the series was developed based on "the research related to the compilation, study and creation of a database of rare Chinese folk culture-related documents and cultural relics preserved overseas", which was a major 2016 National Social Science Fund project. " (We) believe that the organization, research and publication of rare Chinese folk culture documents overseas are significantly important in preserving and passing on cultural heritage, as well as in promoting mutual exchanges and interactions among cultures," Qu says, explaining why the publishing house was interested in the prospect of cooperating with Wang and her team. Qu says that Wang demonstrates a broad range of expertise that includes folklore, ethnology, Chinese literature, Japanese studies and economics, among other disciplines. "With her extensive research experience and broad academic perspective, Wang is in communication and collaboration with research institutions and experts domestically and internationally," Qu says. "She has also undertaken many significant research tasks closely linked to overseas contacts, laying a solid foundation for the smooth running of this project." The series includes many precious images, documents and texts that Qu says showcase the richness of Chinese folk culture. "Due to the advanced age of the materials, and tasks such as translating foreign-language documents, compiling color illustrations and reproducing original texts, the editing and proofreading were challenging, and the restoration and design of the images were time-consuming and labor-intensive," Qu says. "However, the team and project group overcame these difficulties, persevered in their efforts and contributed to the rescue of cultural heritage held in different parts of the world." He believes the publication of these initial achievements will allow more people to understand and come to love China's folk culture. "The series will promote a greater emphasis on the study of documents and artifacts in Chinese folklore studies. It will also provide new research materials for disciplines, such as historical anthropology, bibliography, cultural relics and linguistics, and the research produced by overseas Sinologists will open up new perspectives on folklore research," Qu says. Thierry Meynard, a professor with the philosophy department of Sun Yat-sen University, says that he is especially drawn to a book titled Collection of Japanese Artifacts Detailing Trade With China During the Ming and Qing Dynasties. "I believe that this kind of book is meaningful. It's informative, and the layout is also exquisite," the French national says. Meynard points to the historical research on trade and folklore contained in the book, including information about the relationship between folk customs and complex, nuanced human connections. "While going through the book, I was able to read about interactions and exchanges among Chinese, Japanese and Westerners during that era. So this is very valuable information." Zhang Juwen, a professor of Chinese studies at Willamette University, believes the series has at least two significant meanings. "On one hand, it provides us with historical materials from different perspectives to reflect on the evolution of modern Chinese cultural traditions," Zhang says. "On the other hand, it establishes and promotes a model of learning from the strengths of others and then refining what has been learned, because this series not only translates texts but, more importantly, provides positive and critical commentary from a historical perspective." Zhang has read two books in the series Proverbs and Common Sayings From the Chinese and Chinese Fairy Tales and says that he notices that the team not only chose to translate words to align with changes in Chinese culture and the contemporary context but also provided critical commentary on the original author and historical background of the text. "This is a commendable model. I believe the significance of this series transcends the boundaries of nations, cultures and eras." At the book launch, a copy of the series was donated to the National Library of China. It will enrich the existing folk culture collection in the National Library of China, says Shen Xiaojuan, head of the library's research institute, adding that the books' addition to the national library will enable scholars and the general public to make use of these rare documents. According to Wang, the study of folklore is a discipline steeped in both historical materials and field research. "We hope that through a thorough examination of these materials, we will not only strengthen the foundations of the discipline but also contribute to the development of other disciplines, such as literature, history, museology, religious studies, art and anthropology," she says. "However, the conclusion of the project does not mean the end of research. There are still many materials overseas for us to explore, as well as organize and interpret, and many new questions are worth further exploration." You are here: Business Humanoid robots perform at the World Robot Conference 2023 in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 16, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] China will support the technological innovation, industrial cultivation and safety governance of future industries, according to a government guideline. A batch of incubators and pilot zones of future industries should be built by 2025, while breakthroughs should be achieved in about a hundred core technologies in key fields, according to the guideline released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and six other ministries and agencies. Future industries refer to new industries integrated with advanced technology, such as metaverse, humanoid robots, brain-computer interface and quantum information. The guideline called for efforts to develop signature products, enrich application scenarios and optimize industrial supporting systems for future industries, with a particular focus on six key fields including manufacturing, information, materials, energy, space and health. A catalog for promoting cutting-edge technologies should be published to propel the application of advanced technological achievements, the guideline said. By Peter Hobson CANBERRA (Reuters) - An Australian court on Tuesday heard closing arguments in a class action lawsuit alleging that a weedkiller produced by Bayer caused cancer, the first such case in Australia to reach this stage. Bayer has already paid billions of dollars to settle claims that exposure to its glyphosate herbicide, Roundup, damaged health, in most cases by causing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood cancer. The company faces more than 50,000 claims in the United States, with the latest ruling requiring it to pay $2.25 billion to a single Pennsylvania man and driving its share price down. The Australian lawsuit is one of relatively few outside the United States and is a test case for the country, where Roundup is widely used. It is against subsidiaries of Bayer and brings together more than 1,000 claimants. If the judge at the Federal Court in Victoria rules in the coming months that Roundup caused lymphoma, the court will then consider whether Bayer was negligent regarding the risks its products posed and should pay damages. Bayer says Roundup and glyphosate are safe. It said it "fully stands behind its glyphosate-based products, which have been used around the world for almost 50 years." Damages are likely to be smaller than in the United States, a spokesperson for Maurice Blackburn, the firm representing the claimants, said. But a Maurice Blackburn lawyer has said each person should get a "significant" sum. The lead claimant is 41-year-old Kelvin McNickle, who says he used Roundup to spray weeds for over two decades on his family's property and while working for a vegetation management company. He developed lymphoma aged 35. His lymphoma recurred shortly before the trial began and he is currently undergoing treatment, Maurice Blackburn said. Four other cases have been filed in Australia. Three have been permanently stayed by the Federal court and the fourth, another class action, has been paused pending the outcome of the McNickle claim, Bayer said. MONSANTO Roundup was originally produced by U.S. agrochemical company Monsanto, which Bayer acquired for $63 billion in 2018. The product has been under scrutiny since the World Health Organization's cancer research agency concluded in 2015 that glyphosate was probably carcinogenic to humans, though without concluding whether it posed a risk in real world use. Bayer agreed in 2020 to pay up to $9.6 billion to settle ongoing Roundup lawsuits in the United States but did not get court approval for an agreement to prevent future cases. Bayer said in its most recent annual report that it faced 31 Canadian lawsuits relating to Roundup, including 11 seeking class action certification. It did not mention any other claims outside the United States. The company has replaced glyphosate with new active ingredients in its products for household use in the United States to reduce the risk of litigation, since most claims have come from home users. It continues to sell glyphosate-based weedkillers to farmers, who rely on it heavily. Regulators including in the United States continue to allow Roundup to be used, with the European Commission last year renewing glyphosate's approval for another 10 years. Bayer has a mixed record defending its product in U.S. courts, winning 10 of the last 16 Roundup trials. (This story has been corrected to clarify that Bayer has changed the household version of Roundup, and not phased out sales of the household version, in paragraph 15) (Reporting by Peter Hobson; Editing by Stephen Coates) A Pennsylvania jury handed down a $2.25 billion verdict against Monsanto and its parent company, Bayer, after determining its Roundup herbicide product caused a mans cancer, the plaintiffs lawyers announced. John McKivison, 49, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, sued the company, saying he developed the cancer after using Roundup on his property for two decades, his attorneys with Kline & Specter law firm said in a news release Monday. The jury delivered its verdict, which includes $2 billion in punitive damages, in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court on Friday after concluding Roundup is a defective cancer-causing product, that Monsanto was negligent, and that Monsanto failed to warn about the dangers of the weed killer, the law firm said. The jurys unanimous verdict was a condemnation of 50 years of misconduct by Monsanto and a declaration that its misconduct was in reckless disregard of human safety and a substantial cause of John McKivisons cancer, McKivisons attorneys, Tom Kline and Jason Itkin, said in a statement. Bayer, which acquired agrochemical giant Monsanto in 2018, said it will appeal the verdict and believes it will be able to get the unconstitutionally excessive damage award eliminated or reduced. While we have great sympathy for the plaintiff in this case, we are confident that our products can be used safely and are not carcinogenic, consistent with the assessments of expert regulators worldwide, the company said in a Friday statement. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients started suing Monsanto by the hundreds after a 2015 World Health Organization report suggested glyphosate, the key ingredient in Roundup, might cause cancer. The report, by WHOs International Agency for Research on Cancer, said glyphosate is probably carcinogenic to humans. But Monsanto has continued selling the herbicide. It maintains Roundup does not cause cancer and has refuted the IARC report, saying its greatly outnumbered by studies saying glyphosate is safe. The US Environmental Protection Agency said in 2020 it had found no risks of concern to human health when glyphosate is used in accordance with its current label and that the chemical is unlikely to be a human carcinogen. The European Commission also determined last year that there is no evidence to classify glyphosate as being carcinogenic. The American Cancer Society says the cause of most lymphomas is unknown, but non-Hodgkin lymphoma has been linked to risk factors, including exposure to certain chemicals in herbicides and insecticides. The organization noted that research to clarify the potential links is still ongoing. Over the years, the Germany-based company has paid out more than $10 billion in settlements to thousands of cancer patients and their estates who have sued Monsanto, claiming Roundup causes non-Hodgkins lymphoma and accusing the company of failing to adequately warn consumers of the risk. Very few of the suits over Roundup have gone to trial. In the cases of cancer patients Dewayne Johnson, Edwin Hardeman and Alva and Alberta Pilliod, jurors sided with the plaintiffs and awarded them tens of millions and even billions of dollars, though judges later reduced those award amounts, saying they were too excessive. CNNs Holly Yan and Danny Freeman contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Munich's Joshua Kimmich arrives for the final training session at the Sabener Strasse training ground ahead of the UEFA Champions League group A soccer match against FC Copenhagen. Kimmich questioned the attitude of his team mates after their surprise 1-0 home defeat to Werder Bremen and was unhappy to be substituted. Sven Hoppe/dpa Bayern Munich hope to have injured Joshua Kimmich back "in the foreseeable future," but said the player won't be available for the Bundesliga match against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday. "He definitely won't play at the weekend. His sling makes it look worse than it is. We hope he'll return in the foreseeable future. We need to wait and see," Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said on Tuesday, during the presentation of new defender Sacha Boey. Kimmich suffered a shoulder injury in the Bundesliga match against Union Berlin last Wednesday and joined a long list of injured Bayern players, that include defender Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Konrad Laimer. Winger Kingsley Coman will also be in the medical department for a while after he suffered a internal ligament tear in the 3-2 win against Augsburg on Saturday. But Freund said that he's not sure whether the club will sign new players still in this winter transfer window, which closes on Thursday. "We're not sure if we'll do something else this winter. The Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations are almost finished. We'll see what happens in the coming days or not," he said. Bayern defenders Minjae Kim and Noussair Mazraoui are away at the Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations respectively. "We're discussing things for how we deal with this situation with lots of injuries. But it doesn't have to be a transfer. We'll see," Freund said. He added that the club is trying to bring forward Bryan Zaragoza to Munich earlier. He is originally set to join the German record champions from Granada in summer on a contract until June 2029. "He will definitely be a Bayern player in the summer. We're in talks for whether it's possible to bring him to Munich earlier. There are always three parties involved. We'll have to see what happens in the coming days," Freund said. Several California state agencies and departments have announced they will require employees to come into their offices at least two days per week. And the vast majority of civil servants are to put it mildly upset by this decision. In recent weeks, employees of all levels have expressed their displeasure online, especially on the r/CAStateWorkers Reddit forum. Both rank-and-file union members as well as supervisors who lack union representation have sent emails to The Sacramento Bee voicing their concerns. We want to hear from more state employees about how the return-to-office mandates will affect day-to-day routines, finances, family dynamics and other aspects of life. Please share your thoughts and experiences using the form below, or click this link to access the form directly. A Hong Kong court ordered the liquidation of China Evergrande on Monday. Beijing is unlikely to ensure that overseas investors get their money back, analysts say. The Hong Kong court order may not be enforced in China, where domestic interests rule. On Monday, Chinese real-estate giant Evergrande was ordered by a Hong Kong court to liquidate after two years in a debt crisis. The court has appointed Alvarez and Marsal as liquidator to manage the company, Evergrande said in a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Alvarez and Marsal will now take control of Evergrande's assets and prepare to sell them in order to repay the real-estate developer's debts, which total $300 billion. However, Beijing is unlikely to ensure that overseas investors get their money back, say analysts. That's because while Beijing wants to restore foreign investor confidence in China, authorities are probably not keen to start inflating the country's debt-fuelled property bubble again. "The Chinese leadership faces a delicate tradeoff between attracting foreign investment by maintaining credibility with investors versus holding the real-estate sector on a leash," Emil Mller, the head of research at Steno Research, an independent Denmark-based research company, wrote in a report on January 30. After all, China was trying to cool its red hot real-estate market when it introduced the "three red lines" policy in August 2020 that regulated debt ratios for property developers. The policy worked but it sent Evergrande, alongside others in the industry, into a debt spiral. So, protecting Evergrande's offshore investors probably isn't in Beijing's favor, because it could spur further speculation in the market, Mller added. Besides, there's likely little to recover from the debt-laden company, experts told Business Insider. Evergrande's assets are mostly in China, where domestic interests rule Restoring foreign investor confidence is probably not as important to Beijing as ensuring that money goes back to homebuyers and investors in China, say analysts. After all, Evergrande was a top developer in China. It has more than 1,300 projects to its name and projects in 280 cities across China. It has built property for over 12 million homeowners, its website states. That means there are many people in China who have paid for Evergrande homes, many of which have not been completed. In September 2021 around the time Evergrande's debt crisis went public about 1.3 million to 1.5 million individuals had already made payments for unfinished homes via pre-sales, according to Swiss private bank Lombard Odier. That presents a social and political problem for Chinese leader Xi Jinping's regime, which prizes political power over the economy. "The wind-up of a major property developer like Evergrande could complicate the Chinese government's efforts to support the property sector and ensure the timely delivery of pre-sold homes," wrote Fern Wang, a senior researcher at KT Capital Group in Hong Kong, in a note published on the Smartkarma platform. "In such a situation, the PRC court may potentially reject the judgment on the grounds of potential harm to public interest," Wang added, referring to the People's Republic of China. Furthermore, mainland China runs on a different legal system from Hong Kong, so whether Chinese authorities will comply with the order also remains to be seen. Offshore creditors are owed $25 billion, the Hong Kong court document showed, per CNN. Hao Hong, the partner and chief economist at Grow Investment in Hong Kong, said it's unlikely for shareholders of Hong Kong-listed China Evergrande Group to get anything out of the company's wind-up process, per Reuters. This is because liquidators appointed by Hong Kong's courts are unlikely to have much power over Evergrande's mainland assets, Hong added. On Monday, Evergrande CEO Siu Shawn told 21st Century Business Herald, a Chinese media outlet, that Hong Kong's liquidation order doesn't affect Evergrande's domestic and overseas subsidiaries that are "separate legal entities." They include Hengda Real Estate Group Evergrande's primary real-estate development business in mainland China. He also said Evergrande would ensure the delivery of homes in China. Hong Kong's court order for Evergrande's liquidation comes at a tricky time for Beijing, as China's economy faces significant headwinds from a property crisis, deflationary pressure, and a demographic crisis. Market sentiment over China's economy is so bad that the country's stock markets sold down massively last week as investors made a dash for the exit door. Trading in Hong Kong-listed Evergrande shares has been halted. Read the original article on Business Insider Belgium and Ukraine signed a memorandum to develop bilateral relations, including the field of arms production, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's press service reported on Jan. 29. The memorandum aims to implement joint projects toward Ukraine's defense industry's growth potential and production volume. In particular, Ukraine and Belgium will cooperate to produce specific kinds of weapons, repair arms, and prepare specialists, including technical staff. "It (the memorandum) is vital in regard to the development of the domestic defense-industrial complex, creating joint enterprises, and localization of military production in Ukraine. It is one of our priorities," Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Havryliuk said. The memorandum also implies measures toward building up a modern defense industry in Ukraine. "Ukraine is extremely interested in jointly creating enterprises that will operate according to international standards," Havryliuk said. "I am confident in further productive and mutually beneficial cooperation." The memorandum was signed after Belgium pledged to deliver 611 million euros ($661 million) in military aid to Ukraine in 2024. It is the most extensive package that Belgium has provided to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war. Belgium will also send Ukraine several F-16 fighter jets, with the first ones expected to arrive in 2025. In January, Belgium, as a part of the "fighter jet coalition," announced the delivery of two F-16 fighter jets and 50 training personnel to Denmark to support the training of Ukrainian pilots. Read also: Minister: Ukraine cannot outproduce Russia, needs to focus on advanced technology Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Soaking up Chinese New Year atmosphere in Quanzhou Ancient City People's Daily Online) 10:08, January 30, 2024 Quanzhou Ancient City, situated in the heart of the World Heritage site of Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, is a place of immense cultural significance. It boasts a remarkable collection of world heritage sites, cultural relics, and ancient buildings. Distinctive traditional customs are observed in Quanzhou during the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year. People shop for the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, in Quanzhou Ancient City, situated in the heart of Quanzhou in southeast China's Fujian Province, on Jan. 17, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi) Tourists are seen in Quanzhou Ancient City, situated in the heart of Quanzhou in southeast China's Fujian Province, on Jan. 18, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi) Touching rice "turtle" for good luck During the Spring Festival, a grand rice "turtle" is created at Tianhou Temple and Mazu Temple in Xiazhou community of Quanzhou by stacking bags of rice together. On the first day of the New Year, the red cloth covering the rice turtle is removed, and visitors flock to Tianhou Temple or Mazu Temple to gently touch the rice turtle from head to tail, praying for good luck. After the 15th day of the first lunar month, the rice used to make the turtle is given to sanitation workers and those in need in the community. Photo shows Tianhou Temple in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi) Houcheng is a street behind Guandi Temple in Quanzhou. The temple is dedicated to Guan Yu, an ancient Chinese general from the Three Kingdoms period known for his loyalty and righteousness. During the Spring Festival, people come to Houcheng Street to find out how lucky they will be in the coming year. They choose a household and listen carefully to the first words they hear while making a wish. If the first word they hear is "good," it is believed that their wish will come true. If the first word they hear is "not good," they may need to change their wish. Tourists visit Guandi Temple in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi) Tiangong Temple, also known as Yuanmiao Temple, is located on Quanzhou East Street. Every year during the Spring Festival, Tiangong Temple displays the zodiac signs that are believed to need a boost of luck" for the upcoming year. People born in these specific lunar years visit the temple in the first month of the lunar calendar to seek good fortune. Photo shows the Bell Tower in Quanzhou Ancient city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) What China has achieved in renewable energy is "an example to the entire world," Heymi Bahar, a senior analyst with the International Energy Agency (IEA), has said. In its annual renewable outlook report released earlier this month, the IEA noted that the world added 50 percent more renewable capacity in 2023 than in 2022, with the next five years set to see the fastest growth yet. Bahar further said that in solar photovoltaic (PV) deployment, China alone installed about 220GW of solar PV, the same as the rest of the world combined, doubling its pace in one year. Bahar, the co-author of the IEA's report, said that China stands out as the largest global producer of solar PV modules, contributing to approximately 80 percent of the world's module manufacturing in an interview with the South China Morning Post. The IEA's report highlighted the cost discrepancy in manufacturing costs for polysilicon PV modules. The report said that in 2023, compared with the costs in China, manufacturing a polysilicon PV module was 30 percent more expensive in the United States, 10 percent higher in India, and 60 percent higher in the European Union (EU). That has led to a decline in solar module prices of more than 80 percent over the last decade, said Bahar, noting lower prices for solar modules helped all countries in the world to expand solar PV deployment. You are here: Business In a significant blow to the Japanese automaker, Toyota Motor Corp. said on Monday that power output data had been manipulated for 10 of its models sold globally. The manipulation occurred at Toyota Industries Corp., an affiliate of the automaker, which fabricated data on diesel engines supplied for various models, including the Land Cruiser 300 and the Hilux. In response to the scandal, Toyota announced the suspension of vehicle shipments with the affected engines. At a news conference held on Monday, Toyota Pesident Koji Sato expressed deep apologies for the inconvenience caused to customers and assured that the company is committed to resolving the problem swiftly. The 10 affected models, including the Hiace, Fortuner, and Innova, were sold in various markets, including Japan, Europe, and the Middle East. The data manipulation dates back to 2017, according to Toyota Industries, and the company doctored fuel injection volume in engine output tests to enhance the appearance of torque. Local media reported that a third-party panel's report blamed the corporate culture at Toyota Industries, citing a lack of will to actively increase compliance. The revelation added to a series of quality control challenges that have plagued the world's largest automaker group in recent years. Daihatsu Motor Co., Toyota's small-car unit, suspended all shipments last month after a third-party investigation exposed rigged safety tests for most of its models. Hino Motors Ltd., another Toyota subsidiary, admitted to submitting fraudulent emissions and fuel economy data in March 2022. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan has expressed concern, stating that the problem shakes the foundation of the automobile certification system. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is set to conduct an on-site inspection at Toyota Industries' factory in Aichi Prefecture. Despite the misconduct, Toyota assured that the affected engines now comply with engine output standards after a reevaluation. Monday's announcement follows a revelation in March last year when Toyota Industries admitted to falsifying emissions data for its forklift engines. The third-party panel has been investigating the issue, and Toyota Industries announced on Monday that data rigging was found in more of its forklift engines, leading to the halt of shipment for all affected products. President Joe Biden said Tuesday that hes decided how the U.S. will retaliate after a drone strike in Jordan killed three American soldiers. Biden did not detail how the administration plans to respond, or when those actions would be taken. But the expectation is that it will come soon and possibly in waves over the days ahead. During a brief back-and-forth with reporters outside the White House, Biden said hes not seeking a war with Iran, even though he held the nation somewhat responsible for the attack. I do hold them responsible in the sense that theyre supplying the weapons to the people who did it, Biden said as he left for campaign events in Florida. I dont think we need a wider war in the Middle East. Thats not what Im looking for." The remarks were Bidens first since Sunday after news broke about the weekend drone strike launched by Iranian proxies on a U.S. base in Jordan that killed three troops and wounded dozens more. Biden spoke briefly at the time, saying the U.S. shall respond. He then spent much of Monday huddling with his national security team, weighing options for a response. Later on Tuesday, news surfaced that Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group in Iraq, was halting operations against the U.S. "Actions speak louder than words," Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters when asked for comment, adding "there will be consequences." The U.S. has yet to blame a specific group for the attack, but on Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters that the drone attack had "the footprints" of Kataib Hezbollah. On Tuesday morning, Biden spoke with each of the three soldiers' families, where he offered condolences and support, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. Biden is planning to attend those soldiers' dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base on Friday, after all three of the families gave their permission. The White House has refused to specify what choices were presented to Biden, vowing only to respond forcefully on its own schedule. Yet among the possibilities, officials told POLITICO, were striking Iranian personnel in Syria or Iraq or Iranian naval assets in the Persian Gulf. White House officials have also stressed that, even as the U.S. is obligated to retaliate, theres little appetite for escalating the already tense situation across the region. We do not seek another war. We do not seek to escalate, Kirby said Monday. "But we will absolutely do what is required. Lara Seligman and Jonathan Lemire contributed to this report. President Biden is adopting newly hawkish rhetoric on migration, pledging twice over the weekend to shut down the border if given the power by bipartisan Senate legislation that is still under negotiation. That claim drew fire from both the left and right. Immigration advocates were shocked at Bidens pivot, and Republicans said Biden doesnt need the Senate bill to shut down the border. He is far from the first president to use hawkish border policy as a cudgel, but no U.S. commander in chief has successfully ended all border traffic though some have created chaos by trying. Given the context of Bidens statement, its also clear his shutdown would be limited in scope to asylum-seekers rather than an interruption of regular traffic and commercial crossings. Under current U.S. asylum law, any foreign national present on U.S. soil is afforded the right to claim asylum, in principle dispelling any claim that the federal government can currently limit asylum. Yet both the Biden and Trump administrations put severe restrictions on asylum through Trump-initiated programs including Title 42 and the Migrant Protection Protocols, better known as remain in Mexico. Trump-era border policies largely focused on the idea of bouncing migrants back to Mexico or their home countries, either by summarily expelling them or by initiating their asylum claims but forcing applicants to wait out resolution of their cases outside of U.S. territory. According to reports, the Senate border negotiations underway endorsed by Biden and both Democratic and Republican Senate leadership would set a cap on how many asylum claims federal officials would initiate daily at the border, potentially expelling any asylum-seekers over that cap. Bidens claim that he needs the Senate deal to implement either that cap or a complete cessation of initial asylum processing drew fire from Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), an opponent of the Senate deal. President Biden falsely claimed yesterday he needs Congress to pass a new law to allow him to close the southern border, but he knows that is untrue, Johnson wrote in a statement Saturday. As I explained to him in a letter late last year, and have specifically reiterated to him on multiple occasions since, he can and must take executive action immediately to reverse the catastrophe he has created. Top Stories from The Hill Johnson spokesperson Raj Shah said Monday on social media that the new legal authority the President is seeking shouldnt wait for 4,000 to 5,000 daily illegal crossings. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates fired back Tuesday. Both cannot be true. Presidents either currently have the legal authority necessary to secure the border OR presidents need additional legal authority to secure the border, Bates said in a statement. Either Speaker Johnsons interpretation of the law radically changed over the last 4 days, or Speaker Johnson is twisting himself into a pretzel to delay border security including urgently needed Border Patrol hiring and investments in cutting-edge fentanyl detection technologies. The different interpretations reflect the often contradictory or unrealistic nature of immigration statutes, a hodgepodge of legislation often passed under deadline or trying political conditions. Johnson, for instance, said the Immigration and Nationality Act coupled with recent Supreme Court precedent give [Biden] ample authority to suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate. That law is generally understood to mean border officials can turn away people seeking entry into the United States at ports of entry, rather than an umbrella authority for Border Patrol to forcefully prevent foreign nationals from setting foot on U.S. soil. The latter interpretation is further complicated by geographical realities at the border, where in many cases border barriers are wholly within U.S. territory, sometimes hundreds of yards from the actual border, meaning people on either side of the barriers are technically in the United States. Because Trump-era summary expulsion or remain in Mexico programs either expired or were ended by the Biden administration, theres little legal precedent to conclusively state whether such programs are constitutional or compatible with asylum law. Title 42, which relied on summary expulsions, was in litigation before it expired, and the Supreme Court rendered moot its review of the policy. Yet a Senate deal could in theory give Biden statutory authorities, which would be inherited onward to his successor, to implement an expulsion policy much better bulletproofed against lawsuits. Immigration advocates say that would be a step backward. It would be deeply misguided to revive an expulsion policy that contributed to more disorder and repeat crossings at the southern border, said Krish OMara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge. Policy makers should instead focus on managing migration humanely and efficiently in order to align our immigration system with our humanitarian values and economic needs. Meaningful solutions to this challenge lie in stronger federal coordination, expedited access to work permits, and robust investments in processing capacity, immigration courts, and community-based support programs. And any policy involving returns or expulsions to Mexico of third-country nationals would require Mexicos acquiescence. Trump obtained that cooperation threatening tariffs across the board; Biden has not issued bald threats and has maintained migration talks with Mexico led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, who is currently facing GOP impeachment articles centered on the administrations handling of the border. Shortly before the first round of those talks in December, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials shut down regular traffic at a handful of legal ports of entry, arguing that CBP officials needed to assist the Border Patrol in dealing with prospective asylum-seekers between ports of entry. Those ports were reopened shortly after the first round of meetings between Biden officials and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, coinciding both with elevated Mexican immigration enforcement and a seasonal lull in border crossings after a record-setting December. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Biden has spent millions on gun policy, but future violence prevention depends on who wins the presidency The White House created the first ever national Office of Gun Violence Prevention last September. Congress has greenlit over $438 million in spending aimed at gun safety and crisis intervention. Continued federal action on gun safety will be shaped by the winner of the 2024 election. The future of gun violence prevention policy will likely depend on who works in the Oval Office. President Joe Biden said he is committed to national gun safety. His administration has created a federal office dedicated to the cause, secured $438 million in grant funding, advocated for secure firearm storage, and invested in community crisis response programs. But continued federal action hangs on whether Congress passes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2023, a bill that would cement an office of gun violence prevention in the US Justice Department. The bill was first introduced last spring and has not yet become law. If it fails to move forward, the next president could disband many current efforts toward gun violence prevention. Donald Trump and Nikki Haley the two leading candidates for the Republican presidential nomination have signaled that they support the Second Amendment and will not tighten gun restrictions if elected. Gun violence will be a major issue for young voters in November, per reports from Fox News and Brennan Center for Justice. As election season gears up, gun-related injuries have surpassed car crashes as the leading cause of death for young people, and 18,874 Americans lost their lives to gun violence last year, per the Gun Violence Archive. Breaking down Biden's investment in gun violence prevention It's been almost six months since The Biden-Harris Administration created the first White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention , tasked with reducing gun violence across the country through executive and legislative action. In a public statement, The White House said Biden is "taking more meaningful executive action than any other president to make our schools, churches, grocery stores, and communities safer." In addition, Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022. The law backed by many key Democratic and Republican lawmakers supports state-level "red flag" laws, enhances school security programs, expands access to crisis mental health services, and aims to reduce gun-involved domestic violence. The president said he is calling on Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, require background checks for all gun sales, and mandate the safe storage of firearms. The administration has also taken action to support states in passing gun safety laws. "Gun violence is a nationwide problem that requires a nationwide solution which means federal and state working hand-in-hand to keep guns away from people who have no business being armed," said John Feinblatt, president of the nonpartisan organization Everytown for Gun Safety said in a December press release. Biden's strategy framework is outlined in his "Safer America Plan." The plan has seen support across the aisle, especially for its proposed investment in responsible gun ownership and promise to hold gun manufacturers accountable. And the prevention strategies have seen results as of January, the Justice Department has denied more than 500 illegal gun purchases by people under 21 years old. Annual gun deaths and gun sales have declined slightly in the past two years. Biden's plan also invested in crime reduction by adding "more police officers on our streets for accountable, community policing." However, adding police department resources has been met with concern from some civil rights and advocacy groups. "While we are pleased with the president's commitment to investing in communities, we strongly urge him not to repeat the grave errors of the 1990s policies that exacerbated racial disparities, contributed to widespread police abuses, and created our current crisis of mass incarceration," The American Civil Liberties Union said in a public statement about the plan. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act has made $250 million in grant funding available to community-based organizations working to reduce gun violence, according to The Trace. So far, over $200 million of that money has been awarded. An additional $238 million dollars provided under the act will be used for legislation aimed at disarming dangerous people, mental health resources, and other crisis interventions. The act also set aside $750 million to be used to implement red-flag and crisis intervention laws in individual states over the next five years. However, new laws or budget allocations toward gun violence prevention must also be approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. And although the president can make Executive Orders, laws on gun rights and gun access can only be passed by Congress or at the state level. The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, specifically, is funded through Congress' annual executive office appropriations. Spending for the office is at the discretion of the White House. Read the original article on Business Insider Joe Bidens digital and television ads will run between August and November - Andrew Harnik/AP A Joe Biden campaign group has launched a record advertising campaign in swing states in an attempt to win back the presidents popularity in key 2024 battlegrounds. Future Forward, the main Democratic super PAC (political action committee) supporting Mr Biden in Novembers election, said it plans to spend $250 million (197 million) on digital and television advertising the largest ad spend by a super PAC in US history. The adverts will begin the day after the Democratic National Convention in August, where Mr Biden is set to formally receive his partys nomination for the 2024 race, and run until election day on Nov 5. The new campaign comes after polling that shows Mr Biden is trailing Donald Trump, his likely Republican opponent, in many of the swing states that supported the 81-year-old in 2020. A survey conducted for The Telegraph by Redfield & Wilton Strategies in December found that Mr Trump is ahead in six key states: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Future Forwards campaign will air in five of those states, plus Nevada and Wisconsin. A total of $28 million will be spent in Phoenix, in Arizona, and Atlanta, in Georgia, alone. Another $35 million will be spent on YouTube, with additional ads running on the American streaming platforms Hulu, Roku and Vevo, the New York Times reported. High stakes Chauncey McLean, the president of Future Forward, told the newspaper: The stakes of this election could not be higher, and by Election Day, every battleground voter will know it. Well run a cost-effective and data-driven program of unprecedented scale to re-elect Joe Biden. The $250 million spend comes amid concern in Mr Bidens campaign that he is losing support in key swing states and in demographic groups that historically have supported him. They include young voters, black voters and women. The campaign has already launched television and radio adverts designed to appeal to ethnic minority voters, emphasising the administrations record on supporting black-owned businesses. The budget is more than any independent group spent during the entire 2020 campaign cycle, and represents the single biggest advert campaign by a super PAC in history. Future Forward raised $151 million during the 2020 campaign period. Mr Trumps main backer, MAGA Inc, has raised $46 million in the past six months. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. President Bidens reelection campaign called former President Trump dangerous Tuesday following the release of a new edition of the memoir of John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser. Ammar Moussa, a spokesperson for Bidens campaign, highlighted the new editions release to argue that Americans are less safe under Trump, in a statement first shared with The Hill. Donald Trumps own National Security Advisor issued a stark warning about a second Trump presidency: Americans at home and abroad will be less safe under Trump. Hes already spent four years alienating our allies, cozying up to dictators, and was literally laughed at on the world stage, Moussa said. He argued that Trump has praised Russia President Vladimir Putin, called terrorists smart and threatened to pull the U.S. out of the NATO alliance. When our adversaries are rooting for your candidacy, youre not just weak youre dangerous, Moussa said. Trump has pledged he would end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine if hes elected president and described Hezbollah as very smart. Bolton, in August, also warned that Trump threatens the U.S. relationship with NATO. Boltons memoir details his experiences inside the Trump White House before he left in 2019. In the new foreword, he said he is worried that in a second term Trump would pull out of NATO, side with Russia over Ukraine amid the war and embolden China against Taiwan, according to Axios. Bolton, a former Trump ally, also predicted Trump would pursue isolationism for the U.S. in a second term and warned that four more years would be worse than the first four years, Reuters reported. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Winning Florida in November will likely be an uphill battle for President Joe Biden, but the Sunshine State is still poised to be a cash cow for his campaign. Even as Florida has drifted to the right in recent years, it remains one of the most donor-rich states in the country for both Democrats and Republicans, making it an important stop for Biden as he looks to round up the funds hell need to wage a long and almost certainly expensive fight for a second term in the White House. Biden is set to swing through two fundraisers hosted by deep-pocketed South Florida donors on Tuesday, according to his campaign, one in Palm Beach and the other in Miami. The campaign did not disclose additional details about the events, but two people familiar with the Miami fundraiser said that tickets start at $3,300 per person and go up to $250,000 for co-chair tickets. Among the hosts of the Miami fundraiser is Coral Gables attorney Chris Korge, a longtime Democratic donor and the national finance chair of the Biden Victory Fund, the joint fundraising apparatus shared by the Biden campaign, the Democratic National Committee and state Democratic parties. Korge is also finance chair for the DNC. Nikki Fried, the chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party, said that the Tuesday fundraisers are an opportunity for Biden to relight that spark among the states major donors. Unlike 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic upended nearly every aspect of a normal presidential campaign, Biden now has the chance to put himself face-to-face with some of his biggest givers. For any type of election, your candidates, your incumbents have to resell the image and resell the dream, Fried, whos attending the fundraiser in Miami, said. And thats what he has to do. READ MORE: No conspiracy. Florida Democrats explain cancellation of state presidential primary Florida donors have already poured millions into Bidens political operation over the past year, with some of the largest sums coming from Tampa Bay Buccaneers co-owner Avram Glazer, who has poured $350,000 into the Biden Victory Fund since last April. Kirk Wagar, a prominent Miami Shores-based Democratic donor, put the maximum allowed $6,600 into Bidens campaign in September, the same day he gave $25,000 to Bidens joint fundraising committee. The presidents visit to Florida comes just days after his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, spoke at a Biden Victory Fund reception in Palm Harbor over the weekend. Biden himself has come to the state five times already since he became president, stopping in most recently last September to tour the damage left by Hurricane Idalia. Alexander Heckler, deputy national finance chair for the DNC and Biden Victory Fund, said donors would continue to back Bidens reelection bid regardless of the political hurdles in Florida, but insisted that the state is still in play for the president. We are proud to again host President Biden in Miami, Heckler said. We are happy to send our continued financial support whether or not we send our 30 electoral college votes. But, I am confident that Florida is still in play and that Democrats will invest here. Biden isnt the only 2024 hopeful making a fundraising pitch in Florida this week. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, whos challenging former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, will be in Palm Beach on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. Bidens campaign has already made clear that winning Florida and its 30 electoral votes isnt a make-or-break for his reelection chances. He lost the state in 2020 to Trump by a 3-point margin a relative landslide in a state where presidential elections have often been decided by 1 percentage point or less. FLASHBACK 2020: Why Biden is winning but hasnt won the race for Floridas presidential rainmakers Since then, Republicans have only increased their dominance. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis scored a staggering 20-point reelection win in 2022, while the GOP won supermajorities in both chambers of the state legislature. Voter registration data released by the state last week showed that there are now nearly 780,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats a stunning advantage that would have seemed unthinkable to many Florida political operatives a decade ago, when there were nearly 450,000 more registered Democratic voters than Republican voters. Bidens team has suggested that they still see an opportunity to compete in Florida. The campaign launched a targeted ad campaign in Florida last summer as part of a $25 million national ad buy, and the presidents surrogates have repeatedly slammed the so-called Florida Blueprint DeSantis oft-touted governing agenda as a failed rightwing policy experiment. Democrats are also hopeful that a proposed ballot measure that would enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution will give their candidates a lift in November by driving up Democratic voter turnout. The ballot measure has already obtained enough signatures to appear on the ballot, but the state Supreme Court still has to rule on the language put forth in the proposal. Still, Bidens campaign is approaching Florida with caution, wary of pouring too much time and money into a state that has proved stubbornly difficult for Democrats to win in recent years. In an appearance earlier this month on former White House Press Secretary Jen Psakis show on MSNBC, Biden campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz noted that the president has many pathways to victory in November. Im not going to read out a preview if Floridas gonna be the one or not, he said. But I think we are very encouraged by the fact that there are a couple different ways we can win. Big business is bracing for the return of former President Trump, as Republican voters appear certain to give him a third shot at the White House. After Trump scored key wins in Iowa and New Hampshire against former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley the preferred choice of some major business figures corporate leaders seem keen on getting out of the former presidents crosshairs. Most senior businessmen I talk to cant stand the guy. They just recognize that hes very dangerous for the country, said Larry Harris, a finance professor at the University of Southern California and former chief economist at Securities and Exchange Commission. But nobody wants to open their mouth. Because unless everybody acts simultaneously, whoever pops up gets beaten down immediately. J.P. Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who was urging fellow business leaders to back Haley just two months ago, offered praise for Trumps first-term policies while at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, earlier this month. Just take a step back and be honest, Dimon said. He was kind of right about NATO. He was kind of right about immigration. He grew the economy quite well. Trade, tax reform worked. He was right about some of China. I dont like how he said things about Mexico, but he wasnt wrong about some of these critical issues, he added. Dimon also spoke up in defense of Trumps supporters, urging President Biden and Democrats to grow up. I mean, really, can we just stop that stuff and actually grow up and treat other people with respect and listen to them a little bit? Stephen Schwarzman, chair and CEO of the investment firm Blackstone, has also shifted his tune on the former president. The GOP mega-donor came out against Trump in November, saying it was time for the Republican Party to turn to a new generation of leaders. However, at Davos, Schwarzman didnt rule out supporting the former president again. Im in the, Lets wait and see how this works, he said when pressed on whether he would back Trump in the election. Im not into the hypothetical world yet, as much as youd like me to be. And well see what happens. There are always surprises in these elections. Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly served as Trumps White House communications director and has since become a frequent critic of the former president, accused Wall Street of being basically nonchalant about the 2024 election. I think they view Donald Trump by and large as benign to somewhat beneficial to the economy and business, he said in an interview with The Hill earlier this month. Harris suggested that most business leaders dont want to suffer the consequences of standing against Trump alone. I mean, look what happened to Disney by [former Republican presidential candidate and Gov. Ron] DeSantis in Florida, and DeSantis didnt have anywhere near the power that Trump does, he added. After beating Haley in New Hampshire by a smaller margin than anticipated, Trump turned to Truth Social to warn that any donors who support the former U.N. ambassador would be permanently barred from the MAGA camp. When I ran for Office and won, I noticed that the losing Candidates Donors would immediately come to me, and want to help out. This is standard in Politics, but no longer with me, he said. We dont want them, and will not accept them, because we Put America First, and ALWAYS WILL! Trump added. The former president also has a history of publicly lashing out at business leaders, particularly on social media. Shortly after being elected president in 2016, he urged the federal government to cancel its order with Boeing for a revamped Air Force One, slamming the costs of the project as out of control in a Twitter post. In late 2018 and early 2019, Trump repeatedly called out General Motors CEO Mary Barra and at one point threatened to cut the automakers electric vehicle subsidies after it announced plans to slash 15,000 jobs and close five plants. He also called for a boycott of Goodyear in 2020, after the company banned employees from wearing MAGA Attire. While some companies may stand to benefit from potential tax reforms or deregulation efforts under the former president, business experts suggested that another Trump term would pose risks for big business. The Trump era proved to be somewhat less than stable, said Daniel Alpert, managing partner at the investment firm Westwood Capital. You always have to remember that business interests really are motivated by stability, and thats every form of stability price stability, political stability, consumer demand, every kind of stability because that allows them to plan and make profits, Alpert said. Andrew Lokay, a senior research analyst at Beacon Policy Advisors, also noted that the business community would have to reckon with a return of Trumps protectionist approach to trade in a second term. In a second term, I expect Trump to take his America First policies to the next level, Lokay told The Hill. Hes called for a universal tariff of 10 percent on imports from all countries, which is a move that would significantly withdraw the United States from the global economy. However, some companies, such as domestic manufacturers, have previously enjoyed Trumps tariff policies and are pretty keen on the notion of greater protectionism, Alpert said. He added that heavily regulated industries would likely also support the more laissez faire approach to regulation that would be favored by another Trump administration. Lokay also noted that the business community as a whole would welcome the potential for unified Republican control of government under a second Trump administration, given that provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire in 2025, and GOP control would raise the likelihood of further individual and corporate tax cuts. I dont believe theres a consensus as to what eventually will transpire here, and the reason is that there are so many potential on- and off-ramps that could affect the outcome between now and the general election, Alpert said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. State lawmakers on Tuesday will focus on a proposed bill that could loosen restrictions for minors in the workforce. If it becomes law, the proposal would allow 16 and 17-year-olds to work more than 8 hours in a day. They could also work more than 30 hours in a week and drop out of school to work full time. READ: Community remembers Brevard priest, sister found dead during officer-involved shooting Florida Senate Bill 1596 Employment of Minors was proposed by District 20 Sen. Danny Burgess and filed in early January. Some child labor activists believe it could expose teens to more worker abuse and continue the cycle of poverty by keeping kids out of school. The Committee on Commerce and Tourism is set to discuss the bill at 9 a.m. in Tallahassee. READ: New controversial bill could ban certain flags in government buildings, schools, and universities Stay with WFTV.com for updates on this story. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Chinese police have solved over 1,070 cases involving illegal excavation, theft and sales of cultural relics in the first 11 months of 2023, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Public Security on Monday. Police have worked with cultural heritage authorities in cracking down on such crimes, leading to the arrest of over 2,400 suspects during this period and the retrieval of more than 13,000 pieces of cultural relics, the statement said. Chinese police have focused their efforts on combating crimes including illegal excavation of ancient cultural sites and tombs, theft of cave temples, stone carvings and underwater cultural relics, as well as vandalism of revolutionary relics, the ministry said, adding that it has supervised the investigation of seven major cases related to cultural relics crimes. The authorities have also intensified efforts to hunt down fugitives involved in such activities. The ministry is working with the National Cultural Heritage Administration to enhance a sustained mechanism for cracking down on and preventing such crimes. It is also building online platforms for the public to provide tip-offs and for publishing information about missing relics, according to the statement. Republican Louisiana U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy said he anticipates running for reelection in 2026 during the state's first congressional closed party primary congressional contests, but continued to criticize the new law that he says "makes his blood boil." Cassidy told reporters Tuesday on a conference call that he isn't ready to make a formal reelection announcement but that he is doing "all of the things" in preparation for another run. Cassidy won his second term in a 2020 landslide under the state's current open primary system, but was censured by the state Republican Party after his vote to convict former President Trump in his second impeachment trial. Some political analysts believe that could make Cassidy vulnerable to a Republican challenger in a closed party primary system in which only Republicans and voters who aren't members of any party can vote with the winner moving on to a general election against a Democrat. But Cassidy expressed confidence in his political future. "I anticipate winning my next statewide election," Louisiana's senior senator said. Louisiana Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy addresses supporters at his election night party Nov. 3, 2020, in Baton Rouge. That didn't stop him from blasting the new law that will reshape the state's election system for some offices, including federal offices, passed by the Louisiana Legislature this month in a Special Session and signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry as one of his priorities. Cassidy has been the most prominent critic of the new law while it was being debated and after it passed. He said the new system will unnecessarily increase costs and could disenfranchise many of the state's more than 600,000 voters who aren't members of any political party. The new system is expected to cost an additional $61 million over three years and $135 million over 10 years. "So we're going to spend all of that money on elections while the state is facing a deficit (in the next fiscal year)," Cassidy said. "I'm a fiscal conservative. I can think of a lot of other ways this money could be spent." Cassidy said the new system excludes voters "who aren't members of a club." "It excludes thousands from being able to vote in the primary event though they're paying taxes (to hold the elections)," he said. "My hope is the legislators will reconsider and ... do what is right." Cassidy has built a reputation as bipartisan dealmaker in Washington, one of a handful of senators on either side of the aisle who are able to give traction to stalled legislation. In 2021 he was among the architects of the popular $1.2 trillion infrastructure package under Democratic President Joe Biden and before that he helped advance the first COVID relief package under former Republican President Donald Trump. In 2022 he joined with nine other Republicans and 10 Democrats to create the most significant gun safety legislation in 30 years. More: Speaker Mike Johnson, Cassidy, Kennedy blast Biden for order to delay Louisiana LNG project Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Will Bill Cassidy run for reelection in closed party primary he hates? (WHTM) A Lebanon post office may soon bear the name of the late Lebanon City Lieutenant William Lebo, who was killed in the line of duty in 2022. On Monday, U.S. Congressman Dan Meuser addressed the House floor and spoke on his legislation to rename the post office at 101 South 8th Street in Lebanon, as the Lieutenant William D. Lebo Post Office Building. The bill, which was co-sponsored by Pennsylvanias entire House delegation, unanimously passed in the House. It is my hope the renaming of this post office in his honor will further serve as a lasting recognition of his life, his legacy, during which he always put service above self, said Meuser. The post office is located less than a mile away from the Lebanon City Police Department. Lt. Lebo was shot and killed in the line of duty on March 31, 2022, after responding to a domestic incident in Lebanon. Lt. Lebos passing was the first time a Lebanon City police officer was killed in the line of duty since 1903 and only the third line-of-duty death in the departments history. He had served in the department for 40 years and was weeks away from retirement. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A bill is making its way through Lansing that, if approved, would allow for the use of baby drop boxes under the states Safe Delivery Law. House Bill 5407 seeks to amend the law to allow for the anonymous surrendering of infants who are less than 3 days old by a parent or parents. Anonymity should be an option, said Rep. Gina Johnsen, R-Lake Odessa, a co-sponsor on the bill. Some women are afraid of repercussions of being found out that they did this. Theres stigmas attached to so many (of these) things. There when needed: 1st newborn surrendered at Kentucky baby box Fifteen states have adopted use of the Safe Haven Baby Boxes. The devices notify first responders of activation after the exterior door or drop off door closes. If we dont have a safety net for the dire straight situation, were going to end up with more babies lost and possibly more women injured or dying because theyre trying to do it on their own, she said. In effect since 2000, Michigans Safe Delivery of Newborns Law allows parents or a parent to surrender their newborn directly into the hands of a uniformed employee inside or on duty at a hospital, fire department, police station or ambulance. The newborn is then placed for adoption. But Johnsen says the required face-to-face interaction may be so uncomfortable for the parent who wants to safely surrender their child that they may try something less safe. Florida fight over baby boxes part of bigger culture war The bill would also allow for surrender into drop boxes, which cities would have the option to decide to install at fire departments. A similar baby box bill was vetoed by then-Gov. Rick Snyder in 2018. Opponents of the devices argue for the rights of non-surrendering parents. Additionally, opponents believe babies should have access to their birth and genetic records. Johnsen acknowledged those concerns and said an addition to the bill may be needed to address them. H.B. 5407 was introduced last week and referred to the House Committee on Families, Children and Seniors. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Former U.S.Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta (L) and former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are sworn in during a House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party hearing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Tuesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta warned lawmakers Tuesday that China is increasingly collaborating with nations hostile to the United States, and they urged lawmakers to provide more support to help Taiwan combat Chinese aggression. "I have been critical of many of President Biden's foreign policy actions, but I must say the work that they continue to do to confront the challenge in China, I have approved and appreciated," Pompeo said at a hearing organized by the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. China has undertaken one of the largest peacetime military expansions since World War II, according to committee Chair Mike Gallagher, R-Wis. China's increasing fondness of Russia, Iran and North Korea has heightened tensions on the international stage, Gallagher noted. Pompeo, a longtime China hawk who led the State Department in the Trump administration, also warned that such nations are acting in concert with China to the detriment of U.S. interests. "China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and Venezuela represent a new axis of evil regimes that is pushing a dangerous model for the world," Pompeo said in his written testimony. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta testifies during a House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party hearing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Tuesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI To keep China in check, Panetta encouraged members of Congress to support Biden's $106 billion national security supplemental package, which would provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan to combat increasing aggression in these regions. "To fail would send a terrible message of weakness to adversaries and allies alike," said Panetta, who first served as CIA director and later defense secretary under President Barack Obama. "You cannot be weak on Ukraine and tough on China." Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo testifies during a House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party hearing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Tuesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Pompeo testified that China and Russia have increased their military strength and aggression, leading the United States to lose its ability to deter foreign adversaries in many regions, including Europe and the Indo-Pacific. He also noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping has declared his intentions to absorb Taiwan, which he said is a serious security threat. He said he was dismayed that the United States did not do enough to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from invading Ukraine two years ago. "I'm glad that Europeans stood up, but we should remember that we did not conduct American foreign policy with the diplomatic excellence and the military power to actually convince Putin not to invade Ukraine," Pompeo said. "If we simply play defense economically, defense diplomatically, we allow a spy balloon to travel over our country for five days," he said, referring to a much-watched saga last year during which a Chinese balloon was tracked flying from Montana to South Carolina before being shot down. Lawmakers agreed about the dangers of China's aid for foreign enemies. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., described China, Russia, Iran and North Korea as a "global alliance against democracy." Panetta added that lawmakers should split Biden's request for supplemental funding into independent aid packages if they are unable to pass the full amount. Lawmakers expressed bipartisan support for combating China's collaboration with nations at odds with United States, with Gallagher calling the committee "an oasis of bipartisanship." Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, agreed with Panetta, asserting that the United States must step up to protect democracies like Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. "Congress needs to do more to provide the resources that are requested in [Biden's] national security emergency supplemental," Brown said. "Without these essential resources, our allies will be left in the cold." Panetta also urged lawmakers to invest in training Taiwanese soldiers and providing military aid in order to prepare Taiwan to defend itself in the case of a Chinese invasion or blockade. He said that "strength" is the only way to deal with China, a sentiment that resonated with Republicans and Democrats at the hearing. Pompeo also warned in his testimony that China was at "economic war with the United States for decades; we pretended it wasn't so." He said the United States needed to win such a war and urged stronger policies to keep China's economic ambitions in check. By Jake Spring and Gloria Dickie (Reuters) -A deadly type of bird flu has been found in gentoo penguins for the first time, according to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), stoking concern that the virus could spread among Antarctica's huge penguin colonies. Researchers found about 35 penguins dead in the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic on Jan. 19. Samples taken from two of the dead penguins came back positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus, said Ralph Vanstreels, a veterinarian who works with SCAR. The Falkland Islands government told Reuters that many more gentoos were dying under similar circumstances. As of Jan. 30, "there are over 200 chicks dead alongside a handful of adults", said government spokesperson Sally Heathman. The deaths confirm that gentoo penguins are susceptible to the lethal disease that has decimated bird populations across the world in recent months. However, gentoos rarely travel between the Falklands off Argentina's coast and the Antarctic Peninsula, which lies some 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) to the south. That means traveling penguins are unlikely to drive the spread to the southern continent, said Vanstreels, a researcher affiliated with University of California-Davis. "The role that gentoo penguins could have, instead, is to serve as local reservoirs of infection," he said. "That is, maintain a pool of susceptible hosts that never leaves the islands." Heathman said the Falkland Islands government was also awaiting test results from rockhopper penguins and "preparing for a large-scale outbreak." In nearby South Georgia, authorities ruled out a report of bird flu suspected in king penguins after a detailed survey of the site, said Meagan Dewar, who leads SCAR's Antarctic Wildlife Health Network. Hundreds of thousands of penguins gather in tightly packed colonies on the Antarctic continent and nearby islands, which could enable the deadly virus to easily jump between individuals. Conservationists are more concerned about other species, Vanstreels said. Elephant seals and fur seals have died in larger numbers from bird flu in South Georgia, following mass casualties in those species in South America. "This is especially concerning because South Georgia is home to 95 percent of the world's population of Antarctic fur seals. If that population collapses, the species will be in a critical situation," he said. (Reporting by Jake Spring and Gloria Dickie; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Ros Russell) Bird watchers eagerly gathered Saturday morning at Crowder Landing to confirm a rare sighting: two Tundra swans that migrated all the way to Florida. But the bird lovers were horrified when they watched a hunter gun one of them down right before their eyes. "We were screaming at him," Elizabeth Hawkins said. "Both birds were screaming. It was pretty distressing." Hawkins, one of her friends and two other hunters at Lake Jackson witnessed the "needless killing" and immediately reported the incident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The man shot at both large, all-white birds, which are federally-protected and can't be hunted in the state. One managed to fly away, but he tracked the other down in his kayak. Hawkins said it looked like he wrung the bird's neck, shoved it under water, then slung it onto his boat. "Tundra swans, while seen in flocks during migration, separate in solitary pairs (and) mate for life," according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A tundra swan flies above other waterfowl and swans Saturday, November 12, 2022 on the Mississippi River between Stoddard, Wis. and Brownsville, Minn. In a half-mile stretch of the river sheltered on the leeward side of restored islands, several thousand tundra swans congregate while on their migration south from Alaska and northern Canada. State wildlife officers were waiting for the hunter by the time he got off the water, she said. "Officers responded to a report in Leon County regarding an individual shooting a tundra swan, resulting in its death," a FWC spokesperson told the Democrat in an email. "The subject was cited for violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty act and no Federal Duck Stamp, both misdemeanors. FWC took possession of the swan." (The Democrat rarely names people charged in misdemeanor cases.) The officers approached the hunter and asked if he had any luck that day, to which he said he hadn't. One of the officers then told him he already knew "he had harvested a swan," according to the report. "The individual stated, 'Oh, no. I killed a snow goose,' (and) agreed to show me the snow goose for further inspection," the report says. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating a hunter who shot and killed a swan, Jan. 27, 2024. The hunter told the officers that the bird was in the bag on his boat because "he was nervous," and second-guessing if it was actually a goose or a swan and didn't want anyone to see it, according to the report. "(He) stated he had been duck hunting for 35 years and never misidentified a bird," the report says. Hawkins said "he just broke all the rules" because duck hunters later told her that a bird can only be shot as they fly in the air. These birds were leisurely swimming across the lake, she said, and "this was a pretty ugly thing to witness." The birds breed in northern Canada and then migrate south, but rarely do they ever end up in Florida, she said. This is possibly the third instance the migratory birds have appeared in Leon County, and bird watchers will come from everywhere to see birds like this, she added. "It's just a tragedy," she said. Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X @elenabarreraaa. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Bird watchers report hunter who killed protected swan at Lake Jackson The world's first solar magnetic-field telescope working in the mid-infrared wavelength has achieved a breakthrough by improving its measurement accuracy, according to Chinese scientists. The telescope, known as the Accurate Infrared Magnetic Field Measurements of the Sun (AIMS), is a major project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. It is located in the Lenghu township in northwest China's Qinghai Province, at an average altitude of about 4,000 meters. Scientific data shows that the AIMS telescope has carried out precise measurements of solar vector magnetic fields for the first time with an accuracy exceeding the 10 Gauss level, said Wang Dongguang, chief engineer of Huairou Solar Observing Station of National Astronomical Observatories, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "This means that the telescope has achieved the expected goal of directly measuring the solar magnetic field intensity in the mid-infrared band using a super narrow-band Fourier spectrometer," Wang said. Wang added that this achievement has broken through the bottleneck problem in the century-long history of solar magnetic field measurements by achieving a leap from indirect to direct measurement. The AIMS telescope is the world's first device dedicated to observing the mid-infrared solar magnetic field and it aims to reveal the mysteries of the Sun in the mid-infrared band. "Through optical design to eliminate stray light and technologies such as vacuum cooling, we have solved the challenges faced by infrared solar observations in this band, such as high environmental background noise and detector performance degradation," said Feng Zhiwei, a senior engineer at National Astronomical Observatories. Feng added that the infrared imaging terminal of the telescope consists of three systems, namely, infrared optics, focal plane array detector and vacuum cooling, and all components, including the detector chip, are domestically made. In addition to its role in the measurement of solar magnetic fields, the AIMS telescope can also explore new scientific avenues in the middle-infrared band, according to Wang. By Arshad Mohammed and Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton excoriated former President Donald Trump as an utterly self-interested man who would punish personal enemies and appease adversaries Russia and China in a new edition of his memoir released on Tuesday. Bolton, who served in Trump's White House in 2018 and 2019, accused the Republican presidential frontrunner of having no political philosophy or coherent policy outlook. If re-elected, Trump could leave the NATO security alliance, curb support to Ukraine despite Russia's 2022 invasion, embolden China to blockade Taiwan and generally pursue isolationism, Bolton warned. "Trump is unfit to be president," Bolton wrote in the new foreword to "The Room Where it Happened," his account of the 17 months he spent as Trump's national security adviser. "If his first four years were bad, a second four will be worse." While Trump casts himself as the underdog's champion, once saying "for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution," Bolton argues he is fundamentally self-regarding. "Trump really cares only about retribution for himself, and it will consume much of a second term," he wrote in the forward to the paperback edition of his memoir, which painted a bleak picture of America during a second Trump term. Trump senior advisor Jason Miller said: For someone who professes to have such great disdain for President Trump, Book Deal Bolton sure has found a way to grift off the relationship". Bolton said before serving Trump he mistakenly believed the burdens of office would discipline the president. In the event, he found the former president consumed by self-interest. "He cares almost exclusively about his own interests," Bolton writes, suggesting Trump would want to be surrounded by "a White House of serfs" to execute his orders unquestioningly. He also makes a case that Trump, revered by the right for appointing Supreme Court justices who overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that recognized women's constitutional right to abortion, may not pursue conservative policies if re-elected. Bolton said Trump's inability to run for a third term under the U.S. Constitution means "the political constraints around him are much looser, and the real 'guardrail' of voter opinion will be minimized." Bolton saves some of his harshest words for foreign policy, writing Trump sent an "isolationist virus" coursing through the Republican party and that "in no arena ... has the Trump aberration been more destructive than in national security." He also argued Trump could withdraw from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a prospect likely to please Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that "it is almost inevitable that a second-term Trump policy on Ukraine will favor Moscow." Taiwan and others along China's periphery "face real peril in a second Trump term," Bolton adds, suggesting that the risks of China under President Xi Jinping manufacturing a crisis over Taiwan - perhaps by blockading the island - would rise. "It is a close contest between Putin and Xi Jinping who would be happiest to see Trump back in office," he writes. (Reporting By Steve Holland in Washington and by by Arshad Mohammed in Saint Paul, Minn.; Writing by Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Michael Perry) Update: The bomb threats that led UT Arlington police to evacuate multiple buildings Monday night have been found to be false, according to a news release from the university. The all-clear was given around 8:30 p.m. Earlier Monday night, about 230 miles south of Arlington at Texas State University in San Marcos, a campus alert was tweeted and that out of an abundance of caution five buildings were being evacuated because of an unsubstantiated bomb threat. At 7:23 p.m. Texas State issued another message, saying the threat on their campus was unfounded and all buildings were reopened. Back in Arlington, a Mavs Alert post on social media at 6:14 p.m. from campus police ordered an evacuation of the Meadow Run, Arlington Hall, West Hall and Arbor Oaks buildings while they were investigating multiple bomb threats on campus. All of the buildings are student housing. Students evacuated from the buildings were sent to the Maverick Activities Center while waiting for permission to return to their dorms or apartments, according to campus police. The rest of the campus was allowed to continue normal operations. Today's top stories: Fort Behavioral Health abruptly ends remaining treatment programs More homes coming to this Wise County development along U.S. 287 Video shows West 7th police chase of suspected drunk driver who hit pedestrians Get free alerts when news breaks. Police did not say how they received the bomb threats or how credible they believed the threats to be. Campus police are investigating. Jeff Carlton, a spokesperson for UT Arlington, said in an emailed statement that police are still investigating and working with Arlington Fire and Rescue. Urgent MavAlert! UTA Police investigating multiple bomb threats on campus. Evacuate Meadow Run, Arlington Hall, West Hall, Arbor Oaks. UT Arlington Police (@UTAPolice) January 30, 2024 Boone County legislators on Thursday pledged their support for the University of Missouri to an audience made up of members of the Boone County Chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association at Grand Cru Restaurant. The four Democrats and two Republican said they agree on their support of MU, whatever else they disagree on. "We can all agree that Mizzou is important and keeping Mizzou strong keeps Missouri strong," said State Rep. Doug Mann, D-Columbia. State funding for the university has increased from $360 million in 2020 to a proposed $503 million this year, said Mun Choi, MU chancellor and system president. "The great things that happen at the university would not happen without the people in this room," Choi said. He thanked the legislators, singling out Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, R- Columbia. "I am just so grateful," Choi said. "You believe in the work that we do." Compliments also flowed the other way when Rowden spoke. "Mun Choi is a rock star in ways you cannot describe," Rowden said. Regardless of party everyone loves MU, he said. There will be challenges, he said. "You cannot push back against results," Rowden said. "You get to cut through the politics. You just get to do good things well." When MU was suffering in 2015 and 2016, his job was more difficult, but the university's rise makes for a more easy lift. "I think the future is as bright as it's ever been for the University of Missouri." Rowden received praise from State Rep. Adrian Plank, D-Columbia, for stripping committee assignments from Republicans who prevented business in the Senate. "You deserve props for standing up," Plank said. Those who prevent things getting done aren't helping, Plank said. "That's a waste of our time," he said. "That's a waste of your time. That's a waste of taxpayers' money." State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, D-Columbia said her education from MU allowed for her 34-year teaching career before being elected to office. "I am personally invested in and proud and passionate about public education," Steinhoff said. "I am personally invested in and proud and passionate about the University of Missouri." The state funding proposal for MU is a 3% increase, but she's hoping for 5%, said Steinhoff, who is on the House Budget Committee. "One thing you don't know about the budget is it ain't over until it's over," Steinhoff said. "I'm hoping we can get a little more." The 5% would give MU more money to advance and to pay employees, she said. That also was a point made by State Rep. David Tyson Smith, D-Columbia. "That's a starting point," Smith said of the 3% proposal. "You don't just take that and swallow it." It would be State Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch's last forum, because she's term-limited, she said. "I am so proud of MU," Reisch said. "We all know the impact MU has throughout the state." Last week in a committee hearing Reisch repeated an unfounded and discredited claim that students in Columbia Public Schools act like animals and use litter boxes to relieve themselves. When asked after the forum if she thought MU students used litter boxes, she walked away without answering. Mann promoted the MU Research Reactor. "We are a world leader in that area," Mann said. This session will present challenges, said Mann, who isn't seeking reelection. "One of the problems is going to be egos and the limited amount of oxygen in the building," he said. Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on X at @rmckinney9 This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Mizzou Alumni Association members hear from Boone County legislators This aerial photo taken on Nov. 8, 2023 shows a view of the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center on the China-Kazakhstan border in Horgos, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua] Foreign guests praised the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region's approach to opening-up and the Chinese path to democracy, after they were invited, for the first time, to attend the region's annual legislative and political advisory sessions. "We're very grateful for the invitation. It's a good opportunity to learn about how the things are being done here responsibly by the Communist Party of China and the government," said Sohail Khan, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, after attending the opening ceremony of the second session of the 13th Xinjiang Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on Monday morning in Urumqi, the regional capital. "The session has given a very detailed account of each and every direction that Xinjiang is chalking out in its plan for this year, which includes economy, agriculture and other social uplift programs," he said. Future 'very bright' Khan said that everything he heard about the region's governance and management was very informative and instructive, adding, "I think it's very timely to inform us. "We feel very proud that we are the first group to be here to listen to all these things and see with our own eyes what is happening on the ground here. And we are very confident that the future of Xinjiang is very bright and prosperous," Khan said. The life of people in Xinjiang is "as good as in Beijing or other cities" in the country, he said. After learning about how the region's political consultative body functions, the guests from the embassies of Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Mongolia, Iran and Belarus, and those from the SCO and the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation partnership, as well as foreign reporters, will also attend the opening ceremony of the second session of the 14th Xinjiang People's Congress on Tuesday. During the session, they will learn about how the Xinjiang government performed its duties last year and its plan for this year. Bilal Mehmood Chaudhary, minister and deputy chief of mission at the Pakistani embassy in China, said it was a new experience for him to know how the whole Chinese decision-making system works. "I watched all the proceedings with great enthusiasm, and I'm going back with much more information about these unique Chinese characteristics of decision-making." He said the quality of input and policy proposals made by the speakers was impressive. "It was in-depth and diversified. I think all these proposals were well researched, and a lot of homework went into the formulation of these proposals." This year's hot topics among political advisers include tourism, the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, rural vitalization and air pollution control. From Sunday to Monday, the foreign guests visited Urumqi's Urban Planning Museum, an archives center on urban reconstruction, a community service center and the grassroots contact stations of deputies. Khan said the whole system of the people's congress is democratic. "It's very good to get feedback from the grassroots, and from different ethnic groups. It will bring harmony, unity and prosperity to the region," he added. After learning how a shantytown was changed into a modern area in Urumqi, Desca Lidya Natalia, a journalist from Indonesia's Antara News Agency, said the government makes the utmost efforts to improve the livelihood of people in Xinjiang. "It's good for me to see by myself what happened here. I think this trip can make me see the real Xinjiang and also hear from the Xinjiang people," Natalia said. Objective reporting urged Xu Guixiang, Xinjiang's deputy head of publicity, said the annual two sessions are not only important political events, but also a window of opening-up, as Xinjiang is a core region for the Belt and Road Initiative. He expressed his hope that foreign guests can better understand the practice of comprehensively implementing people-centered democracy in Xinjiang, the achievements in the economic and social development of Xinjiang, and the changes in the lives of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. "We welcome journalists from around the world to learn about the real Xinjiang and report it in an objective way," he said. The News Just how much power does the president have to close off the asylum system? That question is quickly becoming one of the key flashpoints over the Senates bipartisan border security package, even as the text of the deal has yet to be publicly released. During a speech in South Carolina this weekend, President Biden promised that he would shut down the border right now and fix it quickly if Congress were to pass the legislation. In doing so, he appeared to be touting a provision of the bill that would give him authority to halt many new asylum claims and quickly expel migrants if daily crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border rise above a certain level. That same section of the deal has already come under attack from conservatives in the House and Senate, who have criticized it for being too lenient. Any border shutdown authority that ALLOWS even one illegal crossing is a non-starter. Thousands each day is outrageous. The number must be ZERO, Speaker Mike Johnson tweeted on Monday. The Details While the Senate deal would not literally empower the administration to shut down the entire southern border, it would provide significant new authority to turn back the kinds of asylum-seekers who have overwhelmed the governments capacity to process new arrivals and stretched some cities safety nets close to the breaking point. Under the proposal, as described by two sources briefed on the talks, the president would be permitted to temporarily halt new asylum claims by foreigners who arrive in the United States anywhere other than an official port of entry if border crossings reach 4,000 a day over a two-week period. Federal officials could then quickly turn back those migrants to Mexico without a hearing. Such a shutdown would become mandatory if the daily number of crossings reached an average of 5,000 over a week or 8,500 in one day. The US experienced about 10,000 border crossings per day in December, the latest month in which data is available. Even in the event of a shutdown, the U.S. would continue to process 1,400 asylum claims per day by people who do arrive through an official port of entry. (According to one source, those migrants would count toward the 4,000 needed to trigger the presidents emergency powers.) Theres also a cap on the number of days the emergency authority can be used in a year, both sources said. Josephs view In many ways, the new authority looks like an iteration of Title 42, the emergency measure that the Trump administration used to swiftly expel migrants during the pandemic, and which Biden wound down. But it would still represent a major departure from todays law, which allows migrants to apply for asylum regardless of where they enter the country and under ordinary circumstances does not allow the president to close off the system through executive action, according to experts who spoke with Semafor. The right for a person entering the U.S. to request asylum is currently embedded in immigration law through a 1980 change to the Immigration and Naturalization Act, among other statutes in the books, experts noted. We still have the [UN] Convention Against Torture. There are still provisions that prevent people from being summarily expelled and of course, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act protects unaccompanied children, David Bier, the associate director of immigration studies at the right-leaning Cato Institute, told Semafor. So there are both legal and practical impediments to expelling people under current law. The View From Conservatives Congressional conservatives are also pushing to give the White House new emergency powers to curtail asylum claims, but want to put fewer limits on when that authority can be used. The House GOPs party-line border security bill, known as H.R. 2, would let the president begin turning back asylum-seekers any time the Department of Homeland Security deems it necessary to maintain operational control of the border. Johnsons office argued on Monday that any legislation Congress passes should take that approach, which would give broader leeway to a potential Trump administration. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, one of the bipartisan deals chief critics in the Senate, argued last week that the emerging package would normalize 5,000 border crossings a day by making that the trigger for a mandatory shutdown. That works out to over 1.8 million illegal aliens a year, or 6 million under the 3 years of Joe Biden, Cruz told Fox Business. That is absolutely unacceptable. The GOPs lead negotiator on the Senate deal, Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., has ripped such characterizations as inaccurate, however, and described the new emergency powers as the most misunderstood section of the proposal. Speaking on Fox Business, he argued that the measure was simply designed to kick in when the number of migrants outstrips the governments ability to handle them. When we got 4- or 5,000 people crossing the border, we can no longer process those individuals. So right now, the Biden administration is just releasing them into the country, Lankford said. This is a new authority to say, when we can no longer detain and deport, when we cant process the people and actually make a decision right there at the border, then well actually turn those folks back around to Mexico and say, We can no longer do this. A Boston doctor indicted last year on a charge of lewd acts near a 14-year-old girl on an airplane appeared in federal court Monday in Boston for the start of his trial. Dr. Sudipta Mohanty, 33, is getting a bench trial, meaning his fate will be decided by a judge, not a jury. He was indicted on one count of lewd, indecent and obscene acts on an aircraft. Mohanty was arrested in August and released. Claudia Lagos, an attorney for Mohanty, has said he is completely innocent. Investigators say Mohanty was a passenger aboard a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu to Boston in May 2022 with a female companion and was seated next to a 14-year-old girl traveling with her grandparents, who were sitting nearby. About halfway through the flight, investigators said, the 14-year-old noticed that Mohanty had covered himself with a blanket up to his neck and that his leg was bouncing. A short time later, the minor saw that the blanket was on the floor, no longer covering Mohanty, and that Mohanty was masturbating, according to prosecutors. The minor moved herself to an empty seat in a different row. After arriving in Boston, she told family members, and police were notified. The charge against Mohanty carries a sentence of up to 90 days in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of as much as $5,000. Mohanty, of Cambridge, worked as a doctor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. The hospital said last year that he is no longer practicing at the hospital. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A jury has found former Puerto Rico House of Representatives member Maria Milagros "Tata" Charbonier and her husband Orlando Montes-Rivera guilty of conspiracy, theft, bribery, kickbacks concerning programs receiving federal funds, wire fraud, and money laundering. While in office, Charbonier increased the pay of her assistant, Frances Acevedo-Ceballos, from $800 to between $2,100 and $2,900 in each biweekly paycheck. But the assistant kicked back between $1,000 and $1,500 of each paycheck to Charbonier, her husband, and their son. The post Brickbat: Kick It Back appeared first on Reason.com. John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) announced on Tuesday that the HKSAR government launched a public consultation on the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR. Lee made the announcement at a press conference on "Safeguarding National Security: Basic Law Article 23 Legislation Public Consultation" held at the HKSAR government headquarters. Lee said legislation of Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law is something we need to do and have to do as soon as possible because the legislation is a constitutional responsibility of the HKSAR. As Hong Kong has gone through the Hong Kong version of "color revolution" in 2019, people all understand the importance of national security, and that risks to national security are serious, real and can be unexpected, he said. Also, as the geopolitical situation is getting more complicated, Lee said, Hong Kong must remedy this shortcoming as soon as possible. Lee said the legislation proposes to adopt the following principles. First, the supreme principle of the "one country, two systems" policy is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. Second, human rights should be respected and safeguarded and the rights and freedoms enjoyed in accordance with the Basic Law of the HKSAR, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights applicable to the HKSAR, should be protected. Third, acts and activities that endanger national security should be actively prevented and punished in accordance with the rule of law. Paul Lam, secretary for justice of the HKSAR government, said at the press conference that without national security, residents cannot exercise their rights and freedoms, while their personal security and assets are threatened. The legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR targets a very small number of people who endanger national security, and aims to better protect everyone's life, property, investment, rights and freedoms, Lam said. Chris Tang, secretary for security of the HKSAR government, said at the press conference that the HKSAR government had made the proposal after taking into account relevant foreign laws, existing laws applicable to the HKSAR and the actual situation in the HKSAR. The HKSAR government will make appropriate reference to the laws of other countries in safeguarding national security, but will not fully copy the laws of foreign countries into the legal system of the HKSAR, Tang said. Lee said that he hopes to complete the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR at an early date, so that Hong Kong can focus on the economy and development as soon as possible and the public can share more economic dividends. The public consultation lasts till Feb. 28, 2024. Risking its survival? If the House of Lords pushes its opposition to the Government's Rwanda plan too far, it could put its very existence in jeopardy - Andy Bailey/AP Parliament works in mysterious ways, its wonders to perform. The House of Lords gave the Rwanda Bill a Second Reading on Monday but merely delayed the monumental crunch that is coming over this legislation. A Lib Dem motion to kill the Bill was defeated, but not because there was support in the Lords for the measure. Far from it. The Government secured a majority for its efforts to send would-be immigrants to the African republic, even though most speakers registered their opposition. Lord Blunkett, the former home secretary, said peers were being invited to walk into a trap if they voted it down because ministers would say the policy could have worked if only the unelected House had not thwarted their wishes. Rishi Sunak said as much after getting his Bill through the Commons 12 days ago. The treaty with Rwanda is signed and the legislation which deems Rwanda a safe country has been passed unamended in our elected chamber, he declared. There is now only one question: will the opposition in the appointed House of Lords try and frustrate the will of the people as expressed by the elected house? This is dangerous territory for a Conservative prime minister. Many a crime has been committed in the name of the people, which is the sort of demotic appeal you expect to hear from the Left. His reference to the appointed House was a deliberate swipe at its undemocratic make-up, even though many of its members are former ministers put there by Mr Sunak and his predecessors. One of them, Lord Clarke of Nottingham, the former chancellor and three times Tory leadership contender, was having none of it. He was hitherto a supporter of the Rwanda policy because a credible and effective crackdown on illegal migration was required to reassure the public that we have control over our borders. If they think we have lost control, that threatens a very nasty change in public attitudes caused by doubts, he said. Lord Clarke was prepared to accept that sending migrants to a safe third country for processing was proportionate. But the Supreme Court changed everything in November when judges ruled Rwanda was not safe because of the risk of further repatriation to a place of possible danger, known as refoulement. This was a finding of fact, though one that relied heavily on evidence from the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, which could be accused of being parti pris. The principle of non-refoulement prohibits the expulsion, whether directly or indirectly, of a refugee to a country of persecution. It is enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention and given effect by other international treaties to which the United Kingdom is a party. The obvious remedy is for the Government to pull out of all these treaties, something it is unwilling to do, not least because it would not get through Parliament. Moreover, as the Supreme Court observed, the general prohibition on refoulement binds all states regardless of whether they are party to any treaties that give it effect. The mass movement of people, which has only just begun, will confront countries in Europe with an increasingly acute dilemma as the years pass. Already they are trying to farm out their obligations under these treaties to other countries, not just Rwanda. Italy is sending asylum seekers to Albania to have their cases heard and processed. If the applicant succeeds in proving a well-founded fear of persecution, they will return to Italy. The British version is that they will remain in Rwanda. In order for this to be lawful, the Government has declared Rwanda to be safe, whatever the Supreme Court or the UNHCR has said. Its difficulty in making this case has been compounded by the fact that Rwandans have successfully claimed asylum in the UK on the grounds that their home country is unsafe. Politics is full of ironies but the inversion of attitudes to the House of Lords caused by this episode is particularly dramatic. Suddenly, Left-wingers, who have for years derided the Upper chamber as an undemocratic excrescence, now see it as a great bulwark against a ruthless Tory administration prepared to wreck Britains reputation for upholding the rule of law. On the other hand, Right-wing traditionalists, who previously would die in a ditch to keep the House of Lords pretty much as it is, want it abolished. The passions raised by the Rwanda Bill have turned normal political discourse on its head. It has so addled minds that otherwise sensible people are making stupid decisions and even sillier speeches. Why Mr Sunak decided to pin his entire premiership to the removal of a few hundred (at most) migrants to Rwanda will have historians scratching their heads in perplexity. We are talking of around 40,000 people crossing the Channel. Yes, they try to jump the queue, get put up in hotels, claim benefits and make false asylum claims. Yes, the Government has to try to stop the traffic. But its failure to do so will simply expose its powerlessness because it is not prepared to do the one thing that would work return them immediately to the French beaches they came from. Even if the Bill goes through Parliament and flights take off for Rwanda, the numbers involved will be laughably small. Mr Sunak will get no kudos for the simple reason that everyone knows that legal immigration, which the Government can control, is at stratospheric levels. This has caused the population to boom, as the latest ONS figures show, putting pressure on already creaking public services. To get this Bill on to the statute book will involve more grief than it can possibly merit. The Lib Dem attempt to strangle it at birth failed, but that was just the start. When it goes into committee, amendments will pull its teeth. The Government will try to put them back when the Bill returns to the Commons where more ambushes await from both sides. This is a political mess of the Governments own making and threatens to become a constitutional crisis, even one that triggers a confidence vote in Mr Sunak. Will Rwanda come to be written on his political tombstone? Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. It was hearing one of my comrades praying as we crossed the border into Gaza in October 2023 that brought home what we were about to do. Just a few hours earlier, I had been in Tel Aviv with my girlfriend, when I was sent a codeword on my phone which meant we were going to be moving in and I needed to be back with my unit which had been sitting on the southern border for three weeks. In some ways, the waiting was harder than anything else. It was frustrating, because apart from getting acquainted with the newest technology, there wasnt much we could do. On the one hand, we werent in danger, which was great, but on the other, we were still reeling from the events of Oct 7 and we were poisoned with anger about the massacre of our civilians. We wanted to go and get the hostages back and we knew we needed to fight for Israel. But we also knew that some of us may not come back. Even on that first night, as we rolled through the border at 3am with the words of our commanding officer telling us that this was the war of our generation ringing in our ears, we saw coming in the opposite direction a wounded soldier leaving Gaza and it was chilling. It is a shock, surreal, to actually get there. Everything seemed like a mess. Id been told to head to a particular building but the stairs had caved in so I then had to get to another building not knowing what would be in it. Soldiers exit a tunnel that Hamas reportedly used on October 7th to attack Israel, Jan 07 2024 - Getty The whole time you are moving there are these crazy explosions going off, noises of gunfire, bombs. You hear more than you see in Gaza it takes a while to get used to the intense noise. My job is reconnaissance I am the eyes and the ears of my unit, watching out for danger. It is a huge responsibility and I felt it keenly as my girlfriends cousin was among those I was tasked with keeping safe. The sun was going down at 4.45pm and then you cant see anything apart through night vision goggles. I hated seeing the scale of the destruction in Gaza. People have been killed and displaced on both sides and I know that Gazans are suffering too. I am not a war-mongering person and I found it quite tough knowing the human impact of what we were doing even if I knew why I was there; our war is not with the Palestinian people but with Hamas. Going into Gaza we also saw the scale of what we were fighting. I would say that 75 per cent if not more of the homes we went into had some sort of affiliation with Hamas. Lots of weapons; wed find RPGs and grenades on the floor. Youd go into a pink bedroom and think about the young girl who lived there and hope she was safe, feeling terrible, and then go next door and see guns or detailed maps of Israel showing the kind of thing that was happening in that house. Knowing that that stuff was there because they wanted to kill us. I know how strict the protocols are in terms of attacking buildings as one of my jobs was directing fire from helicopters or planes. We never fired indiscriminately and the idea that we deliberately killed civilians is rubbish. There would always have to be a specific danger to our troops and we were always aware not only of the civilians but also of the fact that any of the buildings could contain one of our hostages. Ive always kept an eye on the British media and the picture of us as this monstrous war-mongering child-killing machine couldnt be more wrong. At one point I was having this crazy argument with a former colleague in the UK who was messaging me, calling me a genocidal murderer. She was coming out with these crazy accusations; said everything I was telling her was fake news. I ended up blocking her. Unlike people born in Israel, Ive always had a choice. My Dutch mother and English father met and fell in love on a kibbutz in Israel and, although I was brought up in north-west London, Zionism was an important part of my identity, particularly because I have a keen sense of history. A lot of my mums family were killed in Auschwitz and in other places during the Holocaust and that was always part of my motivation aged 19 to move to Israel and put a uniform on to defend Jewish people when no one could defend them from the Nazis. Israeli soldiers stand on a tank as they secure the border with the Gaza Strip - Getty I think I was pretty naive too; I had a rose-tinted idea of what joining the IDF would really be like; it is not until you are actually in it that you realise, this isnt a game, this is pretty serious stuff. Six months after I joined in 2014 there was a war with Gaza. Because me and my unit were rookies, our job was mainly about transporting injured soldiers out of Gaza. It was there that I was chosen to be part of a commando unit specialising in reconnaissance and during my two years in the IDF we did a lot of recon on the Syrian border as well as Gaza; Israel is surrounded by people who want to invade it on many borders. After my first stint in the IDF, I joined the reserves of my unit there are 22 of us and we have become best friends. Every year we would have two or three weeks of training together I dont think we ever thought we would have to use the knowledge of what we were doing. Not until Oct 7. I remember the day vividly; I was in bed at home in Tel Aviv with my girlfriend. Her father called us to say there were rocket attacks incoming and we went into our safe room. Then the WhatsApp messages started saying we were likely to be called up while we watched on television with increasing horror as we heard people calling the news from their safe rooms begging for help. I never thought Id hear something like that. The sirens were going off continuously as Israel came under rocket fire. By 10am I was packed and ready to join my unit. I could have said I was not coming because I am a British citizen I have never been compelled but after Oct 7 it was something I was proud to do. I didnt even think about it until I saw my girlfriends distraught face. What choice do I have? I asked her. I dont think I realised how hard it was going to be for her and my parents it is not an easy situation to go and fight in a war but I think in some ways its even harder for the people who love you. Being in Gaza you realise how important the reserves are. We have a maturity that the young conscripts dont have. When you are young you think you think you are invincible when you are older you take a bit more care about your safety knowing you have loved ones at home. For the first time I understood why the IDF mixes newer units with the reserves it balances things out. In between stints in Gaza, I did have days at home. But my head was always in Gaza, not knowing when Id be called back and whether my unit was safe. Sometimes I would have flashbacks about the things I had seen. Israel is a country in trauma, the events of Oct 7 playing on the news, the images of the hostages on the streets. In some ways it was easier being away from that in Gaza we had banned each other from watching the footage because people were getting too upset. I think we all became more and more frustrated as the weeks went on. We started off with the idea that we were going to save the hostages but that hope dwindled and dwindled until that awful day when three hostages were killed by our own soldiers. I think thats when my hope bubble completely burst. I left Gaza for good a few weeks ago because my girlfriend at home was finding it so tough that this in turn was having an effect on me it didnt feel right being there if I wasnt 100 per cent and my unit agreed. They have now been released from duty too. After I left, I went to Mexico with my girlfriend I wanted to get as far away as possible and I proposed. It is going to take me a long time to recover mentally, I think. I am a different person. I still feel traumatised by Oct 7 for something like that to happen feels so unthinkable and I dont have faith in a leadership that allowed it to happen. I also learned what is important in life. Israel is important but more important than that is being a regular guy; it is so underrated. Just being able to wake up in the morning next to my now-fiancee, to go to work and watch television. I appreciate these small mundane things so much more. While I am optimistic about our future together, I feel less so about Israel. There is no optimism here, no talk of what is going to happen afterwards, none of the hostages have been saved. And then there is the question of Lebanon and, if war breaks out with Hezbollah, I will have to decide whether to join my unit again. I dont know. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Legendary Broadway performer Chita Rivera, star of West Side Story, Chicago and Kiss of the Spider Woman has died, according to her representative, Merle Frimark. She was 91. In a career defined both by longevity and excellence, she created and performed iconic roles on stage thrilling audiences, wowing critics and inspiring generations of Latino performers. Rivera's daughter, Lisa Mordente, said in a statement that her mother died Tuesday in New York "after a brief illness." She was one of the few performers who put their stamp on Broadway in virtually every decade, said performance historian Brian Herrera of Princeton University. She was a treasure of the American theater. Unlike some theater stars who leave Broadway for television and film, or dancers who transition into choreographers, Rivera never lost her love of being on stage. She was a performer, through and through, Herrera said. She was remarkable, not only for her achievements, but because she was extraordinarily beloved. Of Puerto Rican heritage, Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero was born in Washington, D.C., in 1933. By age 16, she had auditioned for famed choreographer George Balanchine and moved to New York City to attend the School of American Ballet. Her early Broadway career included roles in Guys and Dolls (1953) and Can-Can (1954). Chita Rivera during a performance of 'The Visit' in New York City (Walter McBride / Getty Images file ) But it was in 1957s West Side Story that Rivera had her breakout Broadway role, playing Anita in one of the most popular musicals of all time. On that show, she worked with musical theater legends Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim. Rivera was also known for her association with the creative team of John Kander and the late Fred Ebb. She has always won the highest praise from her collaborators, Herrera pointed out. She was one of the greats. She is one of the consummate Broadway 'triple threats' that inspired us all, said Nina Lafarga, who has appeared on Broadway in In the Heights and Frozen. She recalled that when Rivera visited the cast of In the Heights after a performance, everyone was beside themselves. For more than five decades, Rivera played roles on Broadway ranging from the girlfriend of a rock stars manager in Bye Bye Birdie (1960) to an alleged murderess in Chicago (1975) and a former showgirl at the Follies Bergere in Nine (2003). A 10-time Tony Award nominee, Rivera won for The Rink in 1984 and Kiss of the Spider Woman in 1993. She also received a special lifetime achievement Tony in 2018. For more from NBC Latino, sign up for our weekly newsletter. She truly lived the dancers life, Lafarga said, mentioning the title of Riveras 2005 show. Her heart has always been in live theater. Riveras work on Broadway was remarkable considering that jobs in commercial theater have traditionally been scarce for Latino performers. A 2022 report by the Actors Equity Association, a union for stage performers, found that only 4.1% of union contracts nationwide went to Latinos from 2016 to 2020 and Rivera achieved success long before the industry had any concept of diversity or nontraditional casting. In 2002, Rivera became the first Hispanic woman to receive the Kennedy Center Honor. In 2009, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. At that ceremony, President Barack Obama said Rivera knows the adversity that comes with a difficult name, while noting that she had captured Americas imagination with her magnetic presence and radiant voice. Chita Rivera (Ted Streshinsky / Corbis via Getty Images) Rivera supported many charitable causes, from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to helping Puerto Rico fight the Zika virus and Covid-19 relief efforts. In 2013, she served as grand marshal of New York Citys Puerto Rican Day Parade. Even in her later years, Rivera remained in the public eye. In 2021, she hosted PBS New Years Eve special, featuring an array of Broadway and classical performers. Her book Chita: A Memoir, written with Patrick Pacheco, was released last year. When I was growing up, I knew from a young age that she was someone I wanted to emulate, said Yesenia Ayala, who starred as "Anita" in the 2020 Broadway revival of West Side Story. Ayala remembered watching Rivera in the film Sweet Charity and being drawn to her. I loved that she could sing, she could dance, and she was funny. She even had mannerisms that reminded me of my mom," she said. Rivera was a hero to dancers, Ayala added, because she showed that we are more than just the steps. Ayala also appeared in the West Side Story movie as one of the Shark girls. During shooting (in 2019), Steven Spielberg invited (Rivera) to the set to have lunch with us, and it was wonderful. She was so funny, feisty, and sassy; it felt very special to spend some time with her. Before the opening night of the Broadway revival of West Side Story in February 2020, Ayala said that she felt some trepidation taking on a role that Rivera had created. But Chita was very kind and generous with her advice. She just told me to be myself. She was everything you would want her to be in person, Ayala said. Whatever you may think she is, she was that and more. Rivera is survived by her daughter and her siblings Julio, Armando and Lola del Rivero along with her many nieces, nephews and friends. Mordente said Rivera's funeral will be private and a memorial service will be announced. The family stated that it respectfully requests privacy at this time. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A woman set her 73-year-old Brooklyn neighbor on fire after he failed to pay back money he owed her, police said Tuesday. Denise Wylie, 62, went to collect the debt from her downstairs neighbor in their apartment building on Chester St. near Riverdale Ave. in Brownsville on Sunday, according to cops. Her neighbor didnt have her cash but promised hed pay Wylie the next day, authorities added. The snub enraged Wylie, who allegedly poured gasoline on his face and back and lit a match, police said. The man was rushed to the burn center at Staten Island University Hospital, where he is being treated. Police caught up with Wylie on Monday and charged her with attempted murder. Following an arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court, she was held on a $500,000 cash bail or a $200,000 bond. Its malicious, a building resident remarked of the attack. Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) chief Kyrylo Budanov said on national television on Jan. 30 that Russia's ongoing offensive in Ukraine would run out of steam in early spring 2024. Budanov said that the current offensive has not made any significant advances since its start in November 2023. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Russian troops are trying to advance at the Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, and Avdiivka sectors in the east of Ukraine. Budanov acknowledged that Russian troops have made some advances near Avdiivka, where Moscow is suffering heavy losses in an attempt to encircle the front-line city just kilometers from occupied Donetsk. But this is not what they expected, not even close, Budanov said. According to Budanov, Russia set the goal of reaching the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, quickly reaching the Chornyi Zherebets River. Sometime in early spring, (Russias) offensive will be completely exhausted. We make a move, the enemy makes a move. Now is the enemy's turn. It will end, and then ours will start, he said. In the past weeks, Kyiv has been warning that Russia is intensifying attacks around Kupiansk, aiming to encircle and capture this key logistics hub in Kharkiv Oblast. The Ukrainian military confirmed on Jan. 21 a retreat from Krokhmalne, a village near the administrative borders of Kharkiv and Luhansk oblasts, saying its loss has no strategic impact. However, Ukraines Armed Forces denied Russia's claims about the capture of Tabaivka, another village in Kharkiv Oblast not far from Kupiansk. Read also: Ex-NATO chief: Not inviting Ukraine to join alliance gives Putin incentive to continue the war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Two burglars who police say broke into a Culver City business through its roof were arrested after an hourslong standoff that lasted into Monday morning. The break-in took place at a business on the 5000 block of Uplander Way. Culver City police responded around 10:20 p.m. Sunday for a report of a security alarm being activated. Officers quickly determined that the suspects had gotten into the business through the roof and sounds from inside seemed to indicate they were trying to break into a safe. Police dispatched a drone to the scene and determined that two people were still inside the business despite the presence of police. Around 11:30 p.m., one suspect was taken into custody, although the details of that arrest were not specified. The second burglar, however, refused to surrender and barricaded himself inside the business he had just tried to rob. For hours police tried to de-escalate the situation and get the man to come out. On Monday, more than ten hours after the initial call, the standoff came to a conclusion and the man surrendered peacefully. Two people have been arrested after they allegedly climbed into a Culver City business and tried to crack into a safe on Jan. 28, 2024. (Culver City Police Department) A search of the crime scene led to the discovery of a firearm believed to have been in the possession of the second suspect. Both suspects were arrested and booked into the Culver City Police Department Jail to await future charges for burglary. Culver City Police worked tirelessly alongside additional resources from the CCPD Emergency Response, K9, Crisis Negotiation, and Drone Teams along with Hawthorne Police Department SWAT and the Culver City Fire Department to bring this to a peaceful conclusion, a police spokesperson said. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact CCPD Public Information Officer Jennifer Atenza at 310-253-6120. The surrounding businesses, which were placed on lockdown during the standoff, have since reopened, police said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American Farm Bureau Federation led a coalition of business organizations in filing a lawsuit on Tuesday aiming to block California's two landmark corporate climate disclosure laws. The measures signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year would impermissibly compel thousands of businesses to make costly, burdensome, and politically fraught statements about their operations around the world, the business groups said in their complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The plaintiffs are seeking a ruling blocking implementation of the laws, SB253 and SB261, on grounds that they violate the First Amendment by compelling speech on a controversial issue and that California is attempting to act as a de facto national emissions regulator. The Wall Street Journal was first to report the lawsuit. Thousands of large businesses operating in the state will be required to disclose their carbon footprint and climate-related financial risks under the two first-in-the-nation laws. Notably, SB253 also requires companies to disclose Scope 3 emissions generated throughout their value chains. State Sen. Scott Wiener, the San Francisco Democrat who sponsored SB253, said the lawsuit amounts to "straight up climate denial." Why is the Chamber of Commerce working so aggressively to block basic transparency for the public? We know the answer," Wiener said in a statement. "Its not because of the Chambers bogus arguments about cost and implementation, since its both inexpensive and easy for corporations to make these disclosures. Its not because of the Chambers bizarre and frivolous First Amendment argument. Rather, the Chamber is taking this extremist legal action because many large corporations particularly fossil fuel corporations and large banks are absolutely terrified that if they have to tell the public how dramatically theyre fueling climate change, theyll no longer be able to mislead the public and investors." The two laws overcame fierce business opposition en route to enactment last year, led by the California Chamber of Commerce. Newsom signaled concern over the implementation timeline and potential cost to businesses for SB253 specifically, and opted not to fund the California Air Resources Boards rulemaking process for the law in his recently announced budget proposal. CalChamber had previously hinted at desires for cleanup legislation. Alex Stack, a spokesperson for Newsom, said in a statement that the governor is "in the process of reviewing this complaint" and pointed to Newsom's message during his signing statement in which he said the new laws demonstrate the state's "bold responses to the climate crisis, turning information transparency into climate action. The lawsuit sets the stage for a significant legal fight over California's ability to compel large corporations and big polluters to disclose their emissions and is likely to reverberate beyond the state as others seek to follow suit. We support cost-effective policies that reduce greenhouse-gas emissions as quickly as possible in order to address climate change, CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera said in a statement. However, these new climate reporting laws are far from cost-effective and they will not have any notable impact on climate change. Compelling businesses to report inconsistent and inaccurate information unnecessarily places them at risk for enormous penalties. This will be particularly costly for small businesses who do not have the resources to accurately measure their climate emissions. Californias efforts come in the midst of an evolving landscape on corporate climate disclosures. While many large companies do so voluntarily, given the significantly increased interest in the data on the part of investors, jurisdictions around the world are attempting to codify standards for the disclosures. The Securities and Exchange Commission has yet to finalize a nearly two-year-old climate risk disclosure rule that has faced legal threats and political pushback. Meanwhile, European rules are set to compel a wide range of new disclosures, including on companies carbon footprints, that would apply to large U.S. companies operating on the continent. And with Californias new laws and delays at the SEC, other blue states like Washington, New York and Illinois have proposed copycat bills of their own modeled after the laws that cleared Sacramento. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its California counterpart on Tuesday took legal action to block two 2023 state corporate climate accountability laws from going into effect. The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California targets Senate Bills 253 and 261, and names the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as the defendant. SB 253, by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, requires companies making more than $1 billion in annual revenue to publish their carbon emissions online. SB 261, by Sen. Henry Stern, D-Canoga Park, requires businesses making more than $500 million in annual revenue to file reports on financial risks to investors related to climate change. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed both bills into law in October. Both laws unconstitutionally compel speech in violation of the First Amendment and seek to regulate an area that is outside Californias jurisdiction and subject to exclusive federal control by virtue of the Clean Air Act and the federalism principles embodied in our federal Constitution, the lawsuit alleges. The two laws violate the First Amendment because it forces thousands of companies to engage in controversial speech that they do not wish to make, untethered to any commercial purpose or transaction, the suit contends. And it does all this for the explicit purpose of placing political and economic pressure on companies to encourage them to conform their behavior to the political wishes of the state, the lawsuit continues. The filing cites a statement from California Democratic Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur of Los Angeles, who said in floor comments during debate on SB 253 last year that the bill has the potential to reach far beyond Californias borders. The state does not have that authority. While federal law may permit California to regulate greenhouse-gas emissions within the states own borders, California has no right to regulate emissions in other states or in other parts of the world, let alone to do so through a novel program of speech regulation, the lawsuit says. CARB spokesman Dave Clegern said that the agency does not comment on active litigation. Besides the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and California Chamber of Commerce, other plaintiffs in the lawsuit include the American Farm Bureau Federation, Los Angeles County Business Federation, Central Valley Business Federation and Western Growers Association. In a statement, CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera said that her organization supports cost-effective policies to cut greenhouse gas emissions, but that SB 253 and 261 are far from cost-effective and they will not have any notable impact on climate change. Compelling businesses to report inconsistent and inaccurate information unnecessarily places them at risk for enormous penalties. This will be particularly costly for small businesses who do not have the resources to accurately measure their climate emissions, she said. Stern and Wiener blasted the lawsuit in separate statements Tuesday. Stern accused the U.S. Chamber of Commerce of manipulating a handful of misguided California businesses to join this risky act of political theater. Although their arguments are weak, Im confident that California Air Resources Board and the Attorney General will take this suit seriously. The oil and gas interests funding the Chamber suit are not just trying to undercut these important new laws, but all of our climate laws, Stern said. The senator called the lawsuit a cynical and dangerous ploy to get the U.S. Supreme Court to rewrite environmental federalism under the color of some contorted version of the First Amendment. In his statement, Wiener said that the chambers lawsuit is straight up climate denial. He added that the chamber is taking extremist legal action because fossil fuel companies and big banks are absolutely terrified that if they have to tell the public how dramatically theyre fueling climate change, theyll no longer be able to mislead the public and investors. The chamber and large corporate polluters dont want the public to know how much theyre strangling the planet with carbon emissions thats why they filed this baseless lawsuit, Wiener said. Flash Palestinian children sit on the ruins of a house after it was damaged in an airstrike in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia on May 30, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] China looks forward to the effective implementation of a ruling issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which requires Israel to take measures to prevent genocide in the Gaza Strip, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks when asked to comment on the ICJ on Friday ordering Israel to take all possible measures to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Wang said that the ruling, made by the majority of the judges, responds to the widespread concern of the international community to protect civilians, de-escalate the tense situation in Gaza, and ease the humanitarian crisis. China's position on the Palestinian question is consistent and clear, Wang said, adding that China condemns all acts against civilians and opposes all moves that violate international law. Wang said that the ultimate answer to the Palestinian question lies in delivering on the two-state solution, which could bring a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement to the issue. A California man has been arrested in connection with a massive organized retail theft ring after officials found a warehouse stashed with $5 million worth of stolen Nike merchandise. Roy Lee Harvey Jr., 37, was arrested Saturday and booked on a charge of receiving stolen property, Los Angeles police said in a news release. Nike sneakers seized from a warehouse in Hawthorne, Calif. (LAPD) Detectives executed two search warrants Saturday, one in Hollywood and the other at a warehouse in Hawthorne, where Harvey was "seen delivering stolen Nike products," police said. Detectives, along with Nikes global security director, searched the warehouse and found thousands of pairs of stolen Nike shoes, clothing, accessories and unique prototypes worth $5 million, police said. Stolen NIke products inside a warehouse in Hawthorne, Calif. (LAPD) Officials shared photos of the warehouse revealing shelves seemingly endlessly stocked with boxes of shoes, including highly coveted Nike sneakers and dunk shoes. It is believed Harvey Jr. is responsible for receiving, redistributing, and reselling a high dollar amount of stolen property, police said in the release. It's not immediately clear whether he has a lawyer or how many other people were involved in the operation. Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to call the police Commercial Crimes Division at (213) 486-5920. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com MIDVALE, Utah (ABC4) Investigators say a man from California is responsible for the death of a Chinese immigrant at a massage clinic in Midvale on Jan. 4, 2024. Prosecutors have charged Steven Chance Brinkerhoff, 39, with the first-degree felony murder of Yuping Jiao, 45. Jiao was found dead by her brother in her massage clinic located near 7400 South and State Street. According to investigators, Jiao had been stabbed 56 times and had several smaller cuts and lacerations all over her body. Body recovered out of icy Tooele reservoir after 4-hour search Police said surveillance video showed a man in a wheelchair with only one leg, later identified by investigators as Brinkerhoff, arriving at the clinic around 12:30 p.m. on the day of her murder. Surveillance video reportedly shows him leaving the clinic just two hours later. According to investigators, several DNA samples collected from blood stains at the scene came back as a positive match for Brinkerhoff. Following the murder, Brinkerhoff allegedly fled Utah for California, where he is currently being held in custody. According to court documents, he was arrested in California after he was located outside another massage clinic. [Brinkerhoff] does not have any family in Utah, but has family in Oregon, Colorado, and California, Police said in court documents. [Brinkerhoff] has an extensive criminal history in California to include possession of a dangerous weapon, assault on a peace officer, fighting in public, drugs, possession of stolen property and violation of court order to prevent domestic violence. Behind the Badge: Sandy Police give behind-the-scenes view of SWAT standoffs Authorities did not clarify a possible motive for the murder or why Brinkerhoff was in Utah, however, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said it was not an accidental meeting. During a press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 30, Gill said that Brinkerhoff had been speaking with Jiao through text messages before her murder. Cell phone data also allegedly places Brinkerhoff in the area at the time of her death. This was a really brutal crime. When our officers responded on Jan. 4, they knew immediately that this was going to take a lot of work to find this individual, said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera. Brinkerhoff is reportedly on probation in California and faces extradition to Utah to face the accused crime. He has been ordered to be held without bail. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. [Source] The influx of Chinese immigrants seeking entry into the U.S. through Mexico has reached its highest levels in a decade, contributing to a surge in migrants settling in California. The numbers: According to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), there have been approximately 15,700 Chinese migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border in just the first few months of fiscal year 2024. The figure already surpassed the total encounters around 14,600 involving Chinese nationals who attempted to cross the border in the previous fiscal year. Over 24,000 Chinese citizens were apprehended crossing into the U.S. from Mexico in the previous fiscal year. This represents a 7,000% increase from 2021 which saw only 323 crossings and exceeds the total for the entire previous decade combined. Where they settle: California has reportedly become the primary destination for these migrants, registering a 33% increase in Chinese population between 2010 and 2020. As of last year, about 24% of California's population is Chinese, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Trending on NextShark: Michelle Yeoh opens up about divorce with ex-husband The path they travel: China's visa-free access to Ecuador makes it the starting point for many Chinese migrants seeking to reach the U.S. via Panama's Darien Gap. From Ecuador, they venture to Necocli, a Colombian town on the Caribbean coast. Desperate for passage, some migrants reportedly shell out up to $35,000 to smugglers who promise them help in navigating the treacherous terrain so they can reach the U.S. border. Why they migrate: The Migration Policy Institute attributed the surge in Chinese immigration to various factors, including economic conditions and the desire to escape poverty. These factors are compounded by aspirations for religious and cultural freedom. Chinese asylum seekers interviewed by the Associated Press cited a worsening political climate and bleak economic prospects as reasons for their perilous journey. Some migrants choose to surrender at the border, presenting themselves to CBP agents and expressing their intention to seek asylum. They are then detained and processed, which can involve interviews, background checks and physical examinations. The entire process could take years. Trending on NextShark: Eileen Gu reveals passion for quantum physics, movies and inspiring millions Implications and response: In response to the surge, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has implemented stringent measures, including the deployment of the National Guard and controversial border fortifications. This has faced opposition from the Biden administration and critics who deem them as dangerous and cruel. The Supreme Court has ruled to temporarily remove the barriers erected by Texas, pending further court proceedings. Trending on NextShark: Ukraine-born Miss Japan 2024 relinquishes title following report of affair Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Camila Cabello was back in her old, um, trotting grounds on Saturday, attending the way elite Pegasus Cup at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach. The native Cubana, who grew up in Miami, put a boho twist on her Kentucky Derby look, rocking a beige cut-out, two piece ensemble, accessorized by a hipster black booties and furry top hat. HALLANDALE BEACH FL - JANUARY 27: Camila Cabello attends the 2024 Pegasus World Cup Presented By Baccarat at Gulfstream Park on January 27, 2024 in Hallandale Beach, Florida. mpi04/mpi04/MediaPunch/IPx The 26-year-old pop princess did the old step and repeat routine on the bluecarpet joined by such celebs as rapper Rick Ross, reggaetoneros Anuel AA and Prince Royce; Queer Eye vet Carson Kressley; baller Tua Tagovailoa; Real Housewife Guerdy Abraira; and DJ Calvin Harris, the evenings talent. The former Fifth Harmony member, who dated Shawn Mendes for a time and was recently photographed palling around with Drake (yes) in Turks and Caicos, apparently arrived without a date. And thats OK. Cabello has a lot going on, namely an upcoming indie film called Rob Peace, based on a true story. The Havana hitmaker plays Naya, the girlfriend of the title character, a Yale student who turns to a life of crime to help his wrongfully imprisoned father (Chiwetel Ejiofor, also the director). I really related to her and her hustle for wanting to make the world better, Cabello told Variety of the gritty role. For me, its really whatever makes me feel something. Its not that thought out for me. Its whatever feels new or challenging, or what I havent done before. HALLANDALE BEACH FL - JANUARY 27: Camila Cabello attends the 2024 Pegasus World Cup Presented By Baccarat at Gulfstream Park on January 27, 2024 in Hallandale Beach, Florida. mpi04/mpi04/MediaPunch/IPx You are here: World Flash Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on Monday he has decided to resign. "I want to announce the decision that I am leaving the post of prime minister today," Garibashvili told a press conference. Earlier in the day, local media said Garibashvili will be appointed the head of the ruling Georgian Dream party, while Irakli Kobakhidze, the current party leader, will become the country's prime minister. Ballots will start to arrive in Sacramento mailboxes next week, including four contenders for mayor. New documents give voters a glimpse into whos funding their campaigns. Assemblyman Kevin McCarty has the most cash on hand with $612,992, including some big checks from labor groups, politicians, corporations, and statewide law enforcement groups. Former city councilman Steve Hansen, supported by the city police union and the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, has the second most cash on hand at $235,797. Former state senator Dr. Richard Pan came in third with $124,982. Epidemiologist Flojaune Cofer, who is not accepting money from corporations, came in last with $100,215. Hansen in a Friday news release took a swipe at Pan for his $80,000 in outstanding debt including $50,000 from a personal loan and at McCarty for transferring $463,283 from his assembly account. That type of transfer, which Mayor Darrell Steinberg also used in 2016, is legal. When McCartys transferred amount is removed, Hansen has raised the most in new money, at $500,000, according to his news release, which he has partly used to send out mailers and on social media ads. The primary will be held March 5. If no single candidate receives a majority of the vote, the winner will be determined in a Nov. 5 runoff during the general election. Whos donating to Kevin McCarty? Labor Dignity California SEIU Local 2015: $4,050 United Food and Commercial Workers: $4,000 Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522: $12,900 SEIU California State Council: $13,550 AFSCME Local 399 Issues PAC: $4,050 California Nurses Association: $12,700 CalFire Local 2881: $4,000 SEIU Local Healthcare Workers: $13,550 Politicians Alana Mathews for DA: $1,500 Alex Lee for State Assembly: $4,000 Dave Jones for Treasurer: $4,000 Roger Dickinson: $100 Developers Rachel Bardis, 29th Street Capitol: $300 Angelo Tsakopoulos and Affiliated Entities: $4,050 California Real Estate PAC: $1,000 CFY Development: $2,500 Katina Tsakopoulos Investments: $4,050 Sotiris Kolokotronis: $2,500 Paul Petrovich: $4,050 Sofia Tsakopoulous Investments: $4,050 Teichert Inc.: $1,550 Azzie Youssefi: $4,050 Law Enforcement LA County Probation Officers Union: $8,050 California Correctional Peace Officers: $4,050 California Statewide Law Enforcement Association: $2,000 Other Capitol Compliance Management: $8,000 Knighted Ventures LLC: $4,050 Park West Casinos: $4,050 PG&E: $200 Amazon: $4,050 Anheuser Busch Companies: $4,050 Anthem Blue Cross: $4,000 AT&T: $1,500 California Cable and Telecommunications Association: $4,050 California YIMBY Victory Fund: $2,500 Capitol Casino: $4,050 Committee to Expand the Middle Class Candidate Committee: $2,500 Sean Loloee: $3,000 River Cats: $750 Home Depot: $2,000 Whos donating to Steve Hansen? Labor Sacramento Electrical Contractors Association: $4,050 Re-Elect Scott Wiener for State Senate: $1,000 Politicians Ricardo Lara for Lt. Governor: $1,000 Developers Teichert Inc.: $1,000 Steve Lebastchi, D and S Development: $2,000 Mark Fischer, Grupe Co. Law Enforcement California Association of Highway Patrolmen: $1,000 Peace Officers Research Association of California: $4,000 Other Capitol Compliance Management: $4,000 Association for Home Ownership of the Northstate Building Industry: $6,250 Craig Powell, Powell Properties: $1,000 Josh Wood, Wood Public Affairs: $4,050 Horizon Collective Inc.: $4,000 LGBTQ Victory Fund California: $2,500 Cultivated California: $4,000 Randall Selland and Nancy Zimmer, Selland Family Restaurants: $4,000 Whos donating to Richard Pan? Labor American Federation of State and County Employees Local 3299: $4,050 SEIU Interns and Resident Physicians: $4,050 United Nurses Association of California: $4,050 in 2023 Union of American Physicians and Dentists: $4,050 Politicians Angelique Ashby for Senate: $4,000 Developers Mark Friedman: $2,000 LDKV Management Inc.: $4,000 John Vignocchi: $500 Other California Dental Association PAC: $4,050 California Hospital Association PAC: $4,050 California Permanente Medical Groups PAC: $4,000 California Medical Association PAC: $4,050 Centene Management Company: $1,000 Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association of America PAC: $4,000 Yee Family Properties LLC: $1,000 Mulvaneys Building and Loan: $2,215 Whos donating to Flojaune Cofer? Labor Dignity California SEIU Local 2015: $4,050 Sacramento City Teachers Association: $5,000 SEIU 1021: $4,050 Flash Luo Zhaohui (2nd R), head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, who participates in the reopening ceremony of the Chinese embassy in Nauru as a representative of the Chinese government, and Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea (2nd L), unveil a plaque of the Chinese embassy during the ceremony held in a hotel in Nauru, Jan. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The reopening ceremony of the Chinese embassy in Nauru was held on Monday evening in a hotel in the southeastern part of the Pacific island country. A plaque of the Chinese embassy was unveiled by Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea and Luo Zhaohui, head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, who participated in the event as a representative of the Chinese government. Aingimea said in his speech at the ceremony that developing relations with China is very welcome in Nauru. "Nauru looks forward to what we can do together," he said. Wang Xuguang, head of the team responsible for reestablishing the Chinese embassy in Nauru, said in his speech that the recognition of the one-China principle is the political foundation for the restoration and development of the two countries' bilateral relations. "From this new beginning, the two countries will continue to enhance political mutual trust, support each other in independently pursuing a development path suited to their national conditions, accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, support and cooperate closely with each other in international and regional affairs, and push bilateral relations to a new height," Wang said. Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea speaks during the reopening ceremony of the Chinese embassy in Nauru held in a hotel in Nauru, Jan. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The event was also attended by Marcus Stephen, speaker of the Nauru parliament, and other members of Nauru's government and parliament, as well as representatives of a Chinese company and the local Chinese community. A Chinese national flag-raising ceremony was held on Monday morning in Nauru by the Chinese diplomatic team, marking the first time in nearly 19 years that the five-star red flag has been raised in the island country. China and Nauru signed a joint communique in Beijing on Jan. 24 on the resumption of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. What amount of savings is needed for American workers to retire? | Adobe.com Having enough savings to be capable of retiring someday may be turning into a pipe dream for many Americans. The amount of savings Americans think they need to retire comfortably rises each year, with the latest amount being $1.8 million, according to a Charles Schwab survey. While this amount hasnt shifted drastically, only 37% of workers think its very likely theyll achieve this target, down by 10% from last year at $1.7 million, the survey said. The U.S. retirement system places a significant emphasis on individual responsibility for retirement savings. The adequacy of retirement income often depends on personal savings habits, investment choices and the types of retirement plans available through employment. Data from the Economic Innovation Group found that in 2021, 69 million or 55.5% of workers lacked any kind of employer-provided retirement plan, a group made up disproportionately of low-income earners. The data also found that states had different access to retirement plans provided by employers. Idaho was the best state, with 47% of the states low-income workforce having access to an employer-provided retirement plan, while Florida was the worst state at 23%. Utah had a 30% share of low-income workers with access to an employer-provided retirement plan, but only 16% participated, and 260,134 low-income workers do not have access at all. Roughly 40 million Americans lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, which represents a significant roadblock to achieving financial security for their retirement, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said in a press release. Thillis, along with Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., and Reps, Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., and Terri Sewell, D-Ala., introduced the Retirement Savings for Americans Act to Congress for the second time last year after first introducing it to the Senate in 2022. What is RSAA? The Retirement Savings for Americans Act is a bipartisan bill introduced to improve retirement security and financial well-being for low- and middle-income American workers. Key provisions of this act include the following: Eligibility and auto enrollment: The act targets full- and part-time workers who do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. These workers would be eligible for an account and automatically enrolled, with contributions set at 3% of their income. They have the option to adjust this contribution rate or opt out entirely, and independent workers, such as gig workers, are also included in this eligibility. Federal contribution: To support low- and moderate-income workers, the act proposes a 1% automatic contribution and up to a 4% matching contribution via a refundable federal tax credit. This benefit starts to decrease at median income levels. Portability: One key benefit of the program is the portability of the accounts. They remain with the workers throughout their careers, allowing them to stop and start contributions as needed. Private assets: The accounts are the property of the worker, and the assets can be passed down to future generations, aiding in wealth and financial security building. Investment options: The act provides a range of investment options similar to those in the current Thrift Savings Plan. These include low-fee investment choices like lifecycle funds, which are aligned with the workers estimated retirement date, and index funds composed of stocks and bonds. Americans who work hard their entire lives deserve to retire with dignity, Hickenlooper said, per 401K Specialist. This bill helps low-income workers enjoy a secure retirement and fulfill their American dream. RSAA has received big-name endorsements The act has garnered support from various sectors and organizations, reflecting a bipartisan interest in improving the U.S. retirement savings system. In October, American multinational financial services company Charles Schwab offered its strong support for the act. Creating this kind of program meets an obligation we all share to help every working American build financial security and well-being in retirement. I also know it will offset future support we surely would have to provide if we dont help more people begin to build that security today, founder and co-chairman Charles Schwab said in his support letter. And in true American spirit, it isnt a giveaway, but an incentive for working individuals to begin helping themselves and their families, he added. A prominent nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, the American Association of Retired Persons is the latest company to fully endorse the Retirement Savings for Americans Act. Nearly 1 out of 4 Americans has no retirement savings, and more than half of all Americans report they are concerned they will not achieve financial security in retirement. We know that Americans are much more likely to save when they have access to retirement savings options at work. Today, nearly half of all private-sector employees do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement savings program, Bill Sweeney, senior vice president of government affairs at AARP, in the RSAA endorsement letter. Everything, everywhere, all at once! one more time! Its never too early to seek out the new years cultural arts opportunities in the greater Lowcountry and beyond. This years variety of events are so phenomenally diverse, they will simply stop you in your tracks. Look forward to experiencing live music, theater, documentaries, exhibitions, celebrations and even more. What a year this will be, but more to our immediate cultural possibilities, what a February is in store for all of us! Happy New Year! Happy February! PERFORMING ARTS ARTS CENTER OF COASTAL CAROLINA August Wilsons Fences Set in 1957, Fences is brilliant and spellbinding with a natural sense of humor that explores the life of Troy Maxson. A former Negro League baseball star, Troy now is a working-class man providing for his family. Facing thwarted aspirations, Troy attempts to control his wife and his son, who now wants his own chance to play ball. Fences explores the walls we build around ourselves and our loved ones, while also illuminating one familys struggles during this era. Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head When: Jan. 31 through Feb. 24 Info: 843-842-2787 or artshhi.com LEAN ENSEMBLE Love for Lean, a No Tie Fun-raiser Join Lean Ensemble favorites Matt Mundy and Peggy Trecker White, along with newcomers Daniel Robert Sullivan and music director Jacob Yates as they offer a variety of soul stirring, funny and gorgeous musical selections. The $150 ticket for Love for Lean includes cocktail hour with hors doeuvres, buffet dinner, live entertainment and a few Valentine surprises! Where: USCB Culinary Campus, 1 Sand Shark Road, Hilton Head When: 5-8:30 p.m. Feb. 15 Info: 843-715-6676 or leanensemble.org Actors with Sea Glass Stage Company rehearse for Tick, Tick Boom! on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. The show opens Feb. 16 at Coligny Theatre. Allison Manning/Submitted SEA GLASS STAGE COMPANY Sea Glass Soiree and Fundraiser and Tick, Tick... Boom! Sea Glass Stage Company will kick off its residency at Coligny Theater with the Sea Glass Soiree, a musical fundraiser featuring the jazz band Folderol, drinks, hors doeuvres, giveaways and themed gift basket raffles. The companys inaugural production will be Jonathan Larsons Tick, Tick Boom! a musical crowd-pleaser from the creator of Rent. Where: Coligny Theatre, 1 North Forest Beach, Building I-5, Hilton Head When: Soiree 6 p.m. Feb 3; production Feb. 16 through March 3 Info: 843-295-6631 or sgstage.org MAY RIVER THEATRE COMPANY Calendar Girls The production is based on the Miramax motion picture by Juliette Towhidi and Tim Firth. When Annies husband John dies of leukemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow Womens Institute members to pose nude with them for an alternative calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village. Where: May River Theatre, Bluffton Town Hall, 20 Bridge St., Bluffton When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23, Feb. 24, March 1 and March 2; 2 p.m. Feb 25 and March 3 Info: 843-837-7789 or mayrivertheatre.com VISUAL ARTS THE ARTISTS OF SEA PINES Heart to Heart The exhibit is a collaboration between the Artists of Sea Pines and Hilton Head Plantation Artists Association. Paintings, photographs, sculpture and stained glass will be on display. Where: Sea Pines Community Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head When: Reception 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb 1; exhibit 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday A painting by Jonathan Green Rob Kaufman/Submitted RED PIANO GALLERY Lowcountry Landscapes The gallery is featuring a new collection of Lowcountry Landscapes by West Fraser, three new Dry Brush Originals by renowned artists Stephen Scott Young and an absolutely massive work by Jonathan Green. Where: 40 Calhoun St., Suite 201, Bluffton When: Through February Info: 843-842-4433 or redpianoartgallery.com COASTAL DISCOVERY MUSEUM AND ART LEAGUE OF HILTON HEAD The work of Alvin B. Glen Experience two extraordinary gallery events featuring the legendary works of artist Alvin B. Glen. His portraiture skillfully captures emotion through expression, gesture and adornments, set against the backdrop of historically reminiscent Lowcountry environments. Stance in Circumstance Where: Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head When: Meet the artist at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Discovery Lecture Program ($7 tickets); exhibit through March 12 Info: 843-689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org Arts ob We People Where: Art League of Hilton Head gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head When: Opening reception Feb. 7; exhibit Jan. 30 through March 1 Info: 843-681-5060 or artleaguehhi.org Work from the The Society of Bluffton Artists High School Art Show SOBA/Submitted SOBA High School Art Show The Society of Bluffton Artists will feature the artwork of local students from Bluffton High, May River High and Cross Schools. Where: 6 Church St., Bluffton When: Opening reception 3-5 p.m. Feb. 11 and exhibit Feb. 5 through March 3 Info: 843-757-6586 or sobagallery.com PLUFF MUDD ART GALLERY Featuring Nancy Patrick Carney Nancys imaginative original paintings invite us to see the people, places and animals of the Lowcountry in a fun and fanciful light. Where: 27 Calhoun St., Bluffton When: Artist reception 3 to 7 p.m. Feb 9; exhibit through February Info: 843-757-5590 or pluffmuddart.com Celebrating Black Mermaids: From Africa to America runs through March at University of South Carolina Beauforts Center for the Arts. Submitted USC BEAUFORT CENTER FOR THE ARTS Celebrating Black Mermaids: From Africa to America The free exhibit features the work of dozens of esteemed and award-winning fiber artists whose mixed-media works celebrate African goddesses as mermaid and water spirit, honoring the past and exploring them anew. Where: 801 Carteret St., Beaufort When: Through March 29 Info: 843-.521-4145 or uscbcenterforthearts.com EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES HISTORIC MITCHELVILLE FREEDOM PARK Freedom Day Freedom Day is a very special time of reflection for the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. It commemorates the signing of the resolution that proposed the 13th Amendment. Join in a celebration of African American art that highlights Gullah culture. This special event will feature visual and performing arts paired with soul-stirring music. Where: 229 Beach City Road, Hilton Head When: Breakfast 8-11 a.m. Feb. 3 (Tickets $20); Celebration 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Info: 843-255-7301 or exploremitchelville.org COLIGNY THEATRE Mountainfilm on Tour Mountainfilm on Tour Hilton Head provides a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival in Colorado. Matinee is family-oriented and the evening event includes hors doeuvres and a silent auction. Where: Coligny Theatre, 1 North Forest Beach, Building I-5, Hilton Head When: Feb. 9; 4:30 p.m. matinee and 6:30 p.m. evening event Info: hhiacademy.org/events Author Jeffrey Blount will discuss his novel Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way with novelist Rebecca Dwight Bruff at a Pat Conroy Literary Center event. Facebook PAT CONROY LITERARY CENTER An Evening with Author Jeffrey Blount The Conroy Center will host an evening with award-winning writer Jeffrey Blount, author of the newly published novel Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way, in conversation with fellow novelist Rebecca Dwight Bruff, author of Trouble the Water. Where: Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce, 711 Bladen St., Beaufort When: 5-7 p.m. Feb. 1; reception to follow Info: 843-379-7025 or patconroyliterarycenter.org March Forth registration The eighth annual March Forth, scheduled for March 2 and March 3, is a special event commemorating the anniversary of Pat Conroys death on March 4, 2016, with programs on major themes of his writing and teaching life, including social justice, inclusivity, conservation, education and storytelling. Free and ticketed events are planned at several venues. To reach Nancy K. Wellard, email her at coastalartnews@gmail.com. A Cherokee County man accused of killing his wife was found guilty of all charges. Charles Terry Collins, 71, was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, family violence aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony during a six-day jury trial. On July 24, 2023, after 2 a.m., deputies arrived at Collins home off New Light Road in Canton and found Collins holding a Smith & Wesson .38 special revolver and the body of his deceased wife, Deborah Sherry Collins, 64, lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to the neck. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Collins admitted to shooting his wife but claimed it was in self-defense. He told police his wife threatened him with a knife. Police say after he shot her he did not attempt any life-saving measures or call 911. Evidence at the scene indicated that she was not holding a knife at the time of the murder. TRENDING STORIES: The jury deliberated for less than three hours before finding him guilty of all charges. Sentencing for Collins will take place later this week. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Nearly two hours elapsed before aldermen broached the subject of conditions at city shelters for migrants at a hearing called Tuesday specifically for that purpose. Instead, after Mayor Brandon Johnsons Monday announcement that he would not move to evict thousands of shelter residents until March, questions at the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights meeting were relatively tame and largely centered on the slow pace of federal authorities granting migrants the right to seek work. The bureaucratic focus of aldermens testimony belied the heated rhetoric and protests that have characterized discussions of the migrant crisis for months across Chicago, and the ongoing controversy about the conditions in which migrants are living in shelters. City officials did give the first public glimpse into the grievance system available for residents and staff to use for shelter problems. On average over the past three months, residents have filed 37 grievances per week. In January, an average of 55 resident grievances were filed per week. . City officials did not detail what grievances focused on. The hearing was called after reports emerged of migrants sleeping upright on buses and digging food out of trash at the citys landing zone, as well as unsanitary conditions at one of the citys 28 shelters in Pilsen where a 5-year-old died in December. Health care specialists have also questioned both the conditions and coordination of care in the warehouse where that child, Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero, became sick, and across the citys entire shelter system. We have a pretty rigorous grievance process, Beatriz Ponce de Leon, Johnsons deputy mayor of immigrant, migrant and refugee rights, told reporters after the hearing concluded. She noted that a final medical examiners report for Martinez Rivero is not yet available and that theres no evidence that he died as a result in being in that shelter. Ponce de Leon echoed the refrain from city officials about the unprecedented effort it took to stand up emergency housing in a matter of months and the complexities of delivering care especially at large shelters like the one in Pilsen during the hearing. It really is a huge system. If you think about 28 shelters, basically 15,000 residents having the oversight and the systems in place has taken some time, she said. Focusing on quality and safety is one of our top priorities. Brandie Knazze, commissioner of the citys Department of Family and Support Services, said the Halsted Shelter where residents complained of cold and where a nearby alderwoman said she had heard complaints about sanitation, pests and access to showers had seen several improvements. The shelter is being monitored for temperatures and exits have a heated vestibule to prevent cold from seeping in, Knazze said. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have been installed, bathrooms are deep cleaned three times a day and laundry is provided on-site. So far, more than 13,000 incident reports have been filed by shelter staff members across the city, according to the presentation from Johnson administration officials, of those that are closed, 1,905 involved health and wellness. In all, 12,371 reports have been closed; 4,715 involved curfew violations, 1,400 involved a residents violation of a code of conduct, and 818 concerned unattended children, according to the presentation, while 795 incident reports are open. Aldermen have limited access to the shelters themselves, and must give 48 hours notice before a visit. The press is also barred from entering shelters or the landing zone. Were always gonna have concerns about what the treatment is about the folks at the landing zone and the shelter. I think baseline, were getting limited information on what that looks like, committee chair Ald. Andre Vasquez, 40th, said. Tuesdays hearing was the start an attempt to get a grip on data, though he said those efforts would be helped if residents had better services around language access. What I felt good about is the fact that we now do have some metrics around what the grievances look like, Vasquez said. Now, I want to track that over time because it seemed like a big number. Resident grievances about staffers, facilities or services can be filed anonymously online by scanning a QR code on flyers throughout shelters. The citys goal, according to the administration presentation, is to review submitted grievances within three to seven days. The citys resident grievance team will either reach out to speak with the resident if they provided personal information to talk about their submission or gather information on their own via interviews or incident reports. They then submit recommendations to the relevant city departments, and a resolution is determined with DFSS officials, the shelter staff or the citys Department of Fleet and Facilities Management. The citys main shelter contractor, Favorite Staffing, however, was absent. Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th, said she was troubled that the city did not have the ability to directly discipline contractors for potential violations. Vasquez said he hoped to have a hearing with GardaWorld, Favorite Staffing and Catholic Charities in the near future. The costs of shelter staffing from contractors like Favorite Staffing have contributed to daily migrant response costs of $1.5 million each day, Johnson noted at a City Hall news conference Monday, putting Chicago on track to tap out the $150 million dedicated to migrant response in April. When asked at an unrelated event Tuesday how the state will address the issue after the money runs dry, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state will continue serving the needs of those who are in this humanitarian crisis. Were gonna have to continue to manage the influx of migrants to the city, Pritzker said. The city is going to have to be right there at the table, as they are now. aquig@chicagotribune.com ostevens@chicagotribune.com Leave your ideal system aside; here in the real world, tax codes are used for all sorts of purposes. States that want to make a Hollywood splash pass tax credits to lure film production companies. Progressives like to pass tax provisions that will reward environmentally conscious companies. Various R&D tax credits are justified, according to their supporters, because they encourage firms to invest in socially beneficial activities they may not otherwise have. What, then, is the rationale for the child tax credit (CTC)? And how should we think about the recent deal reached by Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden and Republican Rep. Jason Smith, currently being negotiated in Congress, that could incrementally expand the CTC for low-income families? For many progressives, the argument for the CTC is fairly straightforward. They see the high rates of child poverty in the U.S. as a scandal and believe cash payments would bring families out of poverty. The Biden administration, famously, enacted this goal for six months with its pandemic-era transformation of the CTC into near-universal child benefitsmonthly payments to all but the very richest parents, simply for having a child. Many on the right oppose this approach. The Heritage Foundation, for example, claims that over 90 percent of the proposed CTC changes in the Wyden-Smith bill are cash welfare payments, a callback to the worst kind of dependency that was supposed to have been reformed in the 1990s. Similarly, Advancing American Freedoman advocacy group founded by former Vice President Mike Penceopposes the Wyden-Smith deal for transforming the CTC into yet another welfare program. These claims are extremely contestable. The benefits under discussion would only be available to families with a wage earner bringing in a modest income. And as the debate over Sen. Mitt Romneys proposed Family Security Act illustrated in 2022, there is nearly universal consensus among Republican politicians that any support for families through the tax code needs to be connected to work, helping parents stay in the job market and increasing their odds of self-sufficiency. No part of Wyden-Smith would come close to restoring the pandemic-era work-free, unconditional cash aid that Heritage ominously warns about. The reason why many conservativessuch as Ryan Ellis of the Center for a Free Economy and Oren Cass of American Compasssupport the CTC has less to do with its anti-poverty function and more because of its recognition that parents incur costs related to the bearing and raising of children that society as a whole benefits from. The Wyden-Smith deal would take a modest step toward improving the CTCs ability to support families, most notably by ensuring low-income families with multiple kids arent worse off than those with only one child. First and foremost, the CTC serves as a modest subsidy for those who have kids at home. In its simplest incarnation, parents take a certain amount per child off of their income tax liability. Currently, the CTC is set to $2,000 per kid (though it could be cut in half next year without congressional action). So far, so straightforward. But what about parents whose federal income tax liability is lower than the CTC amount they could otherwise receive? A family of four with an income of $32,000, for example, would be eligible for a total of $4,000 in CTC but would only owe (assuming no other deductions or credits) $430 in federal taxes. The CTC wipes out all of their liability, but theres still a difference of $3,570. Currently, this family would receive that difference as a direct payment known as the additional child tax credit. In 2023, low-income and working-class taxpayers can receive up to $1,600 per child through this refundable tax credit. So our family from above can currently receive a payment of $3,200 on top of its $430 in direct tax reliefa total benefit of $3,630, short of the full $4,000 a family with a higher income would receive. The Wyden-Smith deal focuses specifically on families who make too little to benefit from the full amount of the CTC, particularly those with more than one child. If it passes, the refundable part of the CTC would be increased. It would also be calculated based on a per-child, rather than per-household, basis. As the Niskanen Centers Josh McCabe estimates, this would effectively make any family working full-time at the federal minimum wage eligible for the maximum refundable amount. Our family of four would now receive a total benefit of $3,600 for 2023 and $3,800 in 2024. Another point of contention is the deals introduction of a so-called lookback option, which would allow households to use the prior years income to bolster their CTC eligibility if their income from the current tax year was too low. Pences group, scholars at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), and the Wall Street Journal editorial board have rained down fire on this provision, worrying that it would lead to low-income workers dropping out of the labor force. Yes, lookbacks have been used in the past for natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and so they may not be fully appropriate as a permanent addition to tax policy. But even so, skeptics concerns seem largely overblown. Even if there were some parents who wanted to drop out of the labor force and rely on their earnings from the prior year to qualify for CTC payments, they would be incentivized to rejoin the subsequent year when their eligibility expires. Kyle Pomerleau, a senior fellow at AEI, disagreed with his colleagues estimates on labor supply and the CTC. Similarly, the Congress Joint Committee on Taxation estimated the lookback option would have a minimal impact on labor supply. All of these proposed changes are fairly modest and targeted to a specific slice of the population. (Most families will hardly notice any difference at all.) Theyre paired with business-friendly R&D incentives, affordable housing tax credits, disaster relief, andcrucially for fiscal hawkspaid for over the short run by ending the pandemic-era employee retention credit. The path forward for the Wyden-Smith deal is still rocky. Republican leadership in the House seem to have created a pathway for it to go to the floor for a vote, perhaps as early as this week. But its far from a done deal. Republicans from high-tax states like New York and California have quietly threatened to undermine the package if it doesnt include adjusting the state and local tax deduction. In the Senate, key Republicans remain unenthused; if all Democrats vote in favor, 10 GOP senators would need to support a bill to get it across the finish line. And all these tweaks, while well-intentioned, still ignore a more fundamental question: What is the CTC for? Is it, as many on the left would have it, meant to reduce child poverty? It may helpsome estimates have it lifting 400,000 children above the poverty linebut the poorest families, with no or little income, are left out of this agreement by design. Is it meant as a substitute for increasing parents choices for care when their children are young? As progressive policy analyst Elliot Haspel wrote, a slightly more generous CTC wont address some of the problems in the child care industry. Is it meant to reduce abortion rates, or boost our nations declining fertility rates? While a tangible gesture in a pro-life direction, the amounts in question are far from sufficient to do much on those fronts. The strongest argument for the Wyden-Smith deal may be the most precarious to say out loud. Because it increases benefits for those working but who have little or no federal tax liability, the compromise lays the groundwork, however tentatively, for a broader rethinking of the way our nation addresses child benefits. The kind of holistic improvement envisioned by Romney a few years ago would treat low-income, middle-income, and high-income families even-handedly. The best case for the CTC, or other child-related tax benefits, is the one that recognizes the burdens parents bear, particularly in an era of declining fertility, and recognizes the intergenerational interest all of us have in making having a family a little more achievable. Allowing benefits to phase-in on a per-child, rather than per-household basis, would help instantiate that policy goal. The CTC is notand shouldnt bean explicit incentive aimed at having more children, or a reward for having both parents in the workforce (or, for that matter, one at home). Instead, it should aim to give parents a little more flexibility to raise their families in the way they deem bestto pay for food, diapers, child care, school uniforms, or whatever their stage in life needs most. The Wyden-Smith deal would help, though its far from a cure-all. It could also be a lamentable excuse for inaction, if Congress decides they already fixed the CTC and broader pushes for reform lose momentum. After all, if Congress doesnt act, the $2,000 value of the CTC for all families will be cut in half next year. That reality, and the need to support families in an era of declining birth rates, should push members of Congress to take the Wyden-Smith deal. As a deal for the real-world, the compromise moves the needle in the right direction. Editors Note: This article is part of a Dispatch debate series. Yesterday, Kevin Corinth made the case against Congress latest child tax credit proposal. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. You are here: World Flash The Council of the European Union (EU) on Monday extended its restrictive economic measures against Russia for a further six months. Due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the sanctions would be extended until July 31, said the EU Council in a press release. Additionally, specific measures were introduced to strengthen the EU's ability to counter circumvention of sanctions, it added. As long as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, the EU says it will maintain in force all the measures and will take additional measures, if necessary. The EU has so far adopted 12 packages of sanctions against Russia, and Russia, in response, has taken countermeasures. Evergrande, the embattled Chinese real estate giant with debts of $300 billion, has just been ordered to liquidate by a court in Hong Kong. What effect will this have, both within China and across the global economy? This latest twist is no surprise. Evergrande has long been dead in the water. The point to grasp is that Evergrandes latest setback will not trigger a financial crisis in China; it is rather the result of the financial crisis which has been deepening for at least four years. For far too long, up to 30 per cent of the Chinese economy had depended on a grossly inflated domestic property bubble. By 2020, when the government finally took urgent measures to limit this debt, its corrosive effects had distorted and disabled both the formal banking sector and also the much less accountable and manageable Shadow Banking system. Both are now in serious disarray as a result. Ramifications of this unregulated borrowing and lending crisis have spread across the economy at large. The collapse of the property and construction bubble has weakened domestic economic confidence, deepening the unemployment crisis and posing major challenges to local government budgets. These domestic concerns have led to the current implosion of the Chinese stock market. In turn this has compelled foreign investors to take a more realistic position on China risk than believing the golden goose fables still being peddled by Beijing. Meanwhile, with some notable exceptions such as EVs, contraction of markets abroad for Chinese products has highlighted how much China remains export-dependent in a cooling global economy. All of this calls into question the capacity of the Chinese leadership to halt and reverse the decline of the wider economy. Western commentators have been saying for years that China still has significant potential to revitalise its stagnant economy. Provided swift and deep-rooted reform policies are driven through, China could still pull itself out of the current downward spiral. But this prospect is rapidly vanishing. The piecemeal efforts Beijing has made to prop up failing property giants like Evergrande and their backers, including the likes of Zhongzhi and Wanxiang, have had no fundamental impact. The CCP needs to devolve more economic powers to the private sector, and reverse the trend to ever-tightening centralisation. Yet Xi Jinping, seemingly unable to relinquish the self-defeating Marxist-Leninist ideology of strengthened Party and personal control, has abandoned the former and doubled down on the latter. Evergrande had effectively defaulted by late 2021. It lost around 66.3 billion that year. Its founder sold $343 million of shares that November. Losses in 2022 were around 14.6 billion. Complex efforts since to manage debt down have all failed, which is reflected in Mondays Hong Kong ruling. Evergrandes operation in the US applied for bankruptcy in August last year. The chances are minimal that Evergrande creditors, whether in China or abroad, will see any of their money back. The Hong Kong ruling may not in itself deliver the death-blow to Evergrande; the chances of full PRC co-operation in the process of liquidation in mainland China are slim. Some other formula will probably be adopted to disperse its toxic fragments more discreetly. But this too symbolises the issue of credibility the CCP is facing. Beijing remains astride the obsolete economic tiger on which Party power and authority has long depended. Now the tigers days are plainly numbered, the Chinese leadership still lacks both the vision and courage to dismount. But the risks of clinging to this misguided orthodoxy are growing. The new generation of Chinese workers, who should drive forward the revival of their nation, no longer enjoys the growth which brought their parents out of poverty and into the now disintegrating housing market. Their inheritance has been frittered away buying millions of properties that will never be completed. Local government, in default of any more realistic strategy, has become largely dependent for its budgets on questionable land sales to developers who are now going under in their tens of thousands. Public resentment and disaffection with the CCP is on the rise. Xi and his henchmen, as yet safe in their Party citadel, may have fewer and fewer choices to make. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who has said Texas should ignore the Supreme Courts order allowing federal authorities to remove barbed wire along the southern border, compared the decision Tuesday to the 1857 high court ruling that upheld slavery. Roy is among a number of Republicans who have described immigrants crossing the border as an invasion and said during a House hearing Tuesday that he will not let statute books stop him from defending his home. The conservative Texan invoked Dred Scott v. Sandford while pressing witnesses over whether state governors could take action to defend their borders. Omar Jadwat, director of the Immigrants Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), said they did not when it comes to immigration policy. Again, 150 years of Supreme Court precedent says that states do not have the authority to take immigration matters into their own hands, Jadwat said. Was Dred Scott a good opinion that we should follow? Roy fired back. Were not talking about Dred Scott here no government has the authority to override that Supreme Court precedent, Jadwat responded. In the 1857 ruling, the Supreme Court determined that Dred Scott, an enslaved man, remained the property of his enslaver even in states where slavery had been abolished, and that the Constitution did not recognize citizenship for people of African descent. The Dred Scott decision outraged abolitionists at the time and remains among the Supreme Courts most notorious rulings. Roy hammered home his point by asking whether there was any justification for states taking matters into their own hands. What amount of death or destruction among the people of Texas or any other state is sufficient to say that the state should take action? he asked. Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) said later, With all due respect to chairman Roy, I believe his call for Texas to ignore the Supreme Court is an endorsement of lawlessness and chaos. Fellow Republican members of the House Judiciarys Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government backed Texas in its ongoing feud with the Biden administration, in which members of the Texas National Guard have been deployed to the border. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has ordered law enforcement and National Guard members to place razor wire, buoys and shipping containers along the border to prevent migrant crossings. The Supreme Court earlier this month ruled that federal authorities can remove concertina wire strung up along the border, spurring Abbott to issue a declaration arguing he has the legal power to overrule federal authorities in case of an invasion. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) said Monday that Texas will continue to place obstacles despite federal law enforcement removing them. Roy pointed to Article 1 Section 10 of the Constitution, which provides that no state may engage in war unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay. Former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich testified at the hearing that the extensive, well-documented and persistent threat posed by cartels at the border creates conditions for the states to exercise emergency powers. Christopher Hajec, director of litigation at the Immigration Reform Law Institute, also argued that because the Biden administration is attempting to accomplish the opposite of the purpose of federal immigration law, states can step in to enforce federal law. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) pressed Hajec for his definition of invasion, raising a federal court ruling that states could not act unless confronted with a military incursion. Courts that have said that, in my belief, are wrong, Hajec said. Democratic members including Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.) blasted Abbotts border action as premised on a crackpot legal theory and an attempt to subvert constitutional order for political purposes. Scanlon said that Republicans want to grandstand in camo at the Rio Grande ahead of the 2024 election instead of pursuing legislative action in good faith. Nadler said that todays hearing is meant to be one more distraction from [Republicans] desperation to avoid blame in their utter inability to govern while they take marching orders from former President Trump. Jadwat of the ACLU called the belief that states can supersede the federal governments control over the border profoundly dangerous, especially under the pretense of war. In particular, when you think about the term invasion, it paints the so-called invaders as violent, and even more so, it authorizes violence against those people, he said. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) sided with Democrats on the question of whether immigration counted as an invasion, explaining, this question is the rightful province not of Congress, but of the U.S. Supreme Court. He said Republicans could pass a law enshrining their legal theory to make it so. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. FRESNO, Calif. (KGPE/KSEE) Snow in Shaver Lake is looking very packed specifically on Saturdays and Sundays, according to CHP Fresno. With snow only in the higher elevations, it is said to be more congested. According to CHP the busiest times to visit are the weekend, as parking is limited, especially in the Sno-Parks. Courtesy: CHP Fresno Courtesy: CHP Fresno Courtesy: CHP Fresno Winter driving on roads and highways in the snow-capped mountains of California can be an adventure or it can be frustrating, tiring, and sometimes even hazardous according to CHP. CHP Fresno advises to plan accordingly, pay attention to signs, do not park in the roadway, and pack trash out. For more information about driving up before heading towards the snow in the mountains, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R-N.H.) on Monday expressed confidence that former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley can win the South Carolina Republican primary contest next month despite polling showing Donald Trump having a steady lead in the state. Sununu cited the fact that Haley has been elected governor twice in the Palmetto State as evidence that she has the ability to sway voters her way. Shes won there before, Sununu told NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas Reports. She knows how to do it. She can talk about successes there that Trump cant talk about so she has all the possibility to make it happen. However, polls show Trump currently leads Haley by over 31% of the vote in South Carolina, according to an average of polls compiled by FiveThirtyEight. Sununu, though, dismissed the numbers as irrelevant. Polls, schmolls, he said. Nobody cares about the polls. They just care about the final result. The governor explained that Haley could benefit by encouraging conservative voters, who usually stay home, to vote for her on Feb. 24, given the low turnout there. Theres a lot of opportunity there, a lot of campaigning to go and, again, shes only kept surging and surging, Sununu said. Haley performed better than expected in New Hampshire but still lost to Trump by about 11 percentage points. She told NBCs Meet the Press Sunday she is focused on closing the gap with the former president in her home state even if she doesnt manage to defeat him. What I do think I need to do is I need to show that Im building momentum, Haley said. I need to show that Im stronger in South Carolina than New Hampshire. Does that have to be a win? I dont think that necessarily has to be a win. But it certainly has to be better than what I did in New Hampshire, and it certainly has to be close. Related... PALESTINE, Texas (KETK) CHRISTUS Health has announced that they are opening a new emergency hospital campus in Palestines Magnolia Medical Plaza. CHRISTUS to expand in Mount Pleasant with new HealthPark campus We have had a footprint in Palestine for a number of years now, and this is a great way for us to continue to extend our health care mission to the community, said Chris Glenney, CHRISTUS Northeast Texas senior vice president for group operations. We know there is a need for patients in the Palestine area to have access to our health system and the exceptional health care we provide. We are honored to meet that need and continue our mission to expend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. The new 20,000-square-foot emergency facility will include a freestanding emergency department, inpatient beds, imaging and laboratory services. Our clinic has been serving Palestine and the surrounding communities for more than 30 years and the addition of emergency medicine will only enhance our ability to care for patients today and for many more years to come, said Dr. Alec Law, lead physician of primary care. The Magnolia Medical Plaza at 3201 Texas Loop 256 joined CHRISTUS in 2017 and currently they serve Palestine with six physicians, four nurse practitioners and four physician assistants. CHRISTUS commemorates opening of new hospital in Longview The new emergency hospital campus will provide 40 full-time jobs including registered nurses, radiologists, laboratory technologists and more, according to CHRISTUS. We are incredibly excited to continue our work in the Palestine community, said Dr. Brent Wadle, vice president of physician operations at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. The Trinity Clinic provides access to over 600 physicians and nearly 360 nurse practitioners and physician assistants across Northeast Texas. This type of access will allow the residents of Palestine and the surrounding communities the opportunity to get the care they need in a timely manner without having to leave the region to do so. Construction is set to take about 120 days and CHRISTUS said they expect the project to be completed by the end of summer 2025. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Senate Intelligence Committee holds hearing on William Burns nomination to be CIA director on Capitol Hill in Washington By Arshad Mohammed and Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Ukraine will likely face a tough year fighting Russia in 2024, CIA Director Bill Burns said on Tuesday, arguing that to cut off U.S. aid to Kyiv would be an error of "historic proportions." In an article on the Foreign Affairs journal's website, Burns also said Ukraine could raise the costs of the war to Russia by striking deeper behind the front lines. A former U.S. ambassador to Moscow, Burns said the war has begun to erode Russian President Vladimir Putin's power and suggested China could adopt a more aggressive stance toward Taiwan if it saw U.S. support for Ukraine wane. "This year is likely to be a tough one on the battlefield in Ukraine," Burns wrote. "For the United States to walk away from the conflict at this crucial moment and cut off support to Ukraine would be an own goal of historic proportions." "Ukraine's challenge is to puncture Putin's arrogance and demonstrate the high cost for Russia of continued conflict, not just by making progress on the frontlines but also by launching deeper strikes behind them and making steady gains in the Black Sea," he added. The comment appeared to refer to hitting territory Russia has seized from Ukraine and claimed as its own, rather than to strikes on Russia itself. The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden bars Ukraine from firing U.S.-supplied weapons at targets inside Russia, refusing Kyiv's requests for long-range missiles known as HIMARS. "The U.S. does not enable or encourage strikes inside of Russia," said a Biden administration official. While some senior Republicans in Congress favor continued U.S. funding for Ukraine, others on the right oppose it and an effort to tie such assistance for Ukraine and Israel to a U.S. policy shift on immigration undercut such a bill in December. Congress has approved more than $110 billion for Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022, but no new funds since Republicans took control of the House of Representatives in January 2023. Saying Putin may threaten to use nuclear arms, Burns wrote, "it would be foolish to dismiss escalatory risks entirely. But it would be equally foolish to be unnecessarily intimidated by them." He also said support for Ukraine might temper a Chinese view that the United States "was in terminal decline" and would send "an important message of U.S. resolve that helps Taiwan." "One of the surest ways to rekindle Chinese perceptions of American fecklessness and stoke Chinese aggressiveness would be to abandon support for Ukraine," he wrote. (Reporting by Arshad Mohammed in Saint Paul, Minnesota and by Jonathan Landay in Washington; Additional reporting by Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Writing by Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) Top intelligence officials are scheduled to brief members of the House Intelligence Committee on Tuesday, days after an Iranian-backed drone attack killed three U.S. service members over the weekend. CIA Director William Burns and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines are set to brief lawmakers at the Capitol, two sources told The Hill. The briefing which was previously scheduled will cover Israel, the Middle East and Ukraine, but the sources said they expect it to also focus on the weekend drone strike in Jordan. The briefing is scheduled to take place in the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST, one source said, and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will join the group between 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. It comes days after an Iranian-backed drone strike at a military base near the Syrian border in Jordan killed three U.S. service members and injured more than 40 others. The Pentagon identified the three casualties as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers of Carrollton, Ga.; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders of Waycross, Ga.; and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett of Savannah, Ga. President Biden said in a statement Sunday that the U.S. will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing. The briefing also comes as wars in Israel and Ukraine drag on, and amid a heated debate on Capitol Hill over the White Houses national security supplemental request. The president unveiled a roughly $100 billion emergency funding request in October, including about $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, almost $14 billion for personnel and operations at the U.S.-Mexico border, $10 billion in humanitarian aid and $2 billion for Indo-Pacific security assistance. Republicans had insisted on pairing any Ukraine funding with border security legislation, prompting a bipartisan group of senators to begin negotiations on a package to unlock aid for the embattled U.S. ally. Negotiators have said they are putting the final touches on the deal, but conservatives are now slamming the impending agreement, arguing its reported details do not go far enough to address the situation at the southern border. They have also said Biden should use tools at his disposal to curb the situation before lawmakers pass more border security legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) last week wrote in a letter to GOP lawmakers that If the rumors about the contents of the draft proposal are true, it would have been dead on arrival in the House anyway. Additionally, former President Trump has urged Republicans to reject any compromise unless GOP lawmakers get everything they want in the negotiations, putting pressure on conservatives to torpedo the agreement. I do not think we should do a Border Deal, at all, unless we get EVERYTHING needed to shut down the INVASION of Millions & Millions of people, he wrote on Truth Social earlier this month. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Bill Burns described Russias invasion of Ukraine as a new era for the CIA, akin to the Sept 11 terror attacks - KENT NISHIMURA/LOS ANGELES TIMES The director of the CIA has warned that cutting off US funding to Ukraine would be an own goal of historic proportions amid a campaign by the Biden administration for Republican support. Bill Burns described Russias invasion of Ukraine as a new era for Americas premier spy agency, akin to the Sept 11 2001 terror attacks. The post-Cold War era came to a definitive end the moment Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, he wrote in a piece for Foreign Affairs magazine. Mr Burns lauded Americas role in coalescing an international alliance to back Kyivs forces, but warned the key to success lies in preserving Western aid. Joe Biden, leaving for Florida from Washington, is seeking Republican support for funding for Ukraine - EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/REUTERS His remarks came amid mounting Republican scepticism over Washingtons financial burden and doubts about Ukraines battlefield progress after nearly two years of grinding war. In his op-ed, Mr Burns argued the cost of supporting Ukraine has amounted to less than five per cent of the US defence budget. Its a relatively modest investment with significant geopolitical returns for the United States and notable returns for American industry, he said. Keeping arms flowing to Ukraines front lines, he added, offers a chance to ensure a long-term win for Ukraine and a strategic loss for Russia. For the United States to walk away from the conflict at this crucial moment and cut off support to Ukraine would be an own goal of historic proportions, Mr Burns said. The public appeal comes amid deep unease at the White House about the months-long delay in securing more funding from a recalcitrant Congress. Antony Blinken (right), US secretary of state, held a press conference in Washington with Jens Stoltenberg, Natos secretary general - CHUCK KENNEDY/ALAMY President Joe Biden has requested a further $61 billion (48 billion) in funding for Kyiv, but has so far been stonewalled by conservative hardliners who say US support lacks a clear end game. Republican sceptics have been bolstered by Donald Trump, who has opposed the appeals for sprawling funding packages for Ukraine. In recent days, the Biden administration has issued a number of public warnings over the potential risks of withdrawing US support. On Monday, Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, held a joint press conference in Washington with Jens Stoltenberg, Natos secretary general, to stress the urgency of the situation. Mr Blinken warned that Ukraines gains on the battlefield were in doubt if Congress did not act soon. Without it, simply put, everything that Ukrainians achieved, and that weve helped them achieve, will be in jeopardy, he said. Meanwhile, Mr Stoltenberg visited Capitol Hill on Tuesday to make the case to senior leaders of both parties that continued military support was in Americas own security interest. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Chinese police solve over 1,070 cultural relics crimes from Jan-Nov 2023 Xinhua) 10:12, January 30, 2024 BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese police have solved over 1,070 cases involving illegal excavation, theft and sales of cultural relics in the first 11 months of 2023, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Public Security on Monday. Police have worked with cultural heritage authorities in cracking down on such crimes, leading to the arrest of over 2,400 suspects during this period and the retrieval of more than 13,000 pieces of cultural relics, the statement said. Chinese police have focused their efforts on combating crimes including illegal excavation of ancient cultural sites and tombs, theft of cave temples, stone carvings and underwater cultural relics, as well as vandalism of revolutionary relics, the ministry said, adding that it has supervised the investigation of seven major cases related to cultural relics crimes. The authorities have also intensified efforts to hunt down fugitives involved in such activities. The ministry is working with the National Cultural Heritage Administration to enhance a sustained mechanism for cracking down on and preventing such crimes. It is also building online platforms for the public to provide tip-offs and for publishing information about missing relics, according to the statement. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The City of Delavans effort to revitalize its downtown area is not only an investment in the communitys future, but a drive to preserve its historic buildings. Delavan City Administrator Matt Fick acknowledged that when the Harvest Cafe moved to Peoria in 2017, other downtown businesses shut down. To counter the economic impact on downtown, the city has to date approved $210,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) redevelopment agreements for five local businesses, as well as $13,000 in various facade improvement grants. Weve done different things over the last few years to try to build momentum and some confidence for investors to come to town, Fick said. These projects will kind of breathe new life into downtown, which will be key for our sales taxes. Keystone Construction Enterprises, Inc. has undertaken the restoration of two historic downtown Delavan buildings. Keystone owner Adrian Rabe plans to convert the buildings into apartments and retail space. One of the citys more significant redevelopment agreements was a $100,000 deal with Keystone Construction Enterprises, Inc., for the acquisition, stabilization, and improvements to two 19th Century buildings on Locust Street. Keystone owner Adrian Rabe intends to install six apartments in the two buildings and lease 1,600 square feet of retail space to prospective business owners. We had two very distressed buildings, said Rabe. We had greenery growing up through the floors and a lot of structural concerns. Those have been remedied and now were going to have two apartments in the rear (of the buildings), retail in the front and four apartments upstairs. The City has been instrumental in putting this together and making things work smoothly. According to Fick, the City of Delavan has adopted three complementary initiatives to revitalize downtown. The Commercial Corridor Plan, developed in 2019 by the Peoria-based engineering consultant Dewberry, is a guide for future development that focuses on attracting new visitors and businesses. The City of Delavan Strategic Plan, developed in 2021 by City Council and staff, created a guide for development over the next three to five years. And a 2022 Downtown Development Plan from the consulting firm Win Together, LLC highlights the importance of community engagement and aligning downtown growth with citizens interests. We've done quite a bit of internal reflection as to what do we want to do, where do we want to go, and what do we want to be, said Fick. I think a lot of communities fly blind. They say we're business friendly, but what does that mean? Do they have the processes in place and the policies in place that match that statement? So, we want to be able to back up what we say and have programs and policies in place that are business friendly. Fick indicated that prospective entrepreneurs have expressed interest in opening an Italian restaurant at the site of the defunct Old Town Bar and Grill, and an ice cream and candy shop at the site of the former Captain Zaks Sugar Shack. Revolution Cannabis has purchased the buildings once occupied by The Harvest Cafe for a dispensary. Because the facility will employ about 200 people with an average age of 26, Fick predicted it will help bring new life to downtown Delavan while creating a demand for more activities catering to young people. We've done surveys of (Revolutions) work force to try to find out what they're looking for, he said. A lot of it is there's just not enough to do for a young person in town. So, we're trying to create that type of environment to where they want to live here, which spurs on developers to build houses and apartments because there's a demand for them. Formerly Captain Zak's Sugar Shack, this building on Locust Street in Delavan awaits a new tenant who will once again cater to the community sweet tooth. This article originally appeared on Pekin Daily Times: Two 19th Century buildings in Delavan, Illinois being remodeled LAGRANGE, Ga. (WRBL) The city of LaGrange announced it will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of a new community resource website and community resource center on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the LaGrange City Hall. The city says the new website, www.troupcounyresources.com will offer information about free resources provided by local nonprofits and organizations in LaGrange, Hogansville, West Point and Troup County. The opening of the community resource center is the first of its kind and will be located in the citys customer service area on the first floor of the LaGrange City Hall. The city said the center is a desk with a computer that allows free access to the community resource website. The resource center will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The city said it plans to install additional resource centers throughout Troup County within the next year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. The City of Memphis on Tuesday released hours of additional footage of the night last year when Tyre Nichols was beaten by five now-former Memphis Police Department officers. Nichols would die in the hospital three days later. The records released Tuesday only included video footage and audio of police radio communications. While some of the newly-released footage including from traffic, skycop and business security cameras shed very little light on why Nichols was stopped, the additional body camera footage and audio paint a fuller picture of the response by the police department and additional conversation between the officers after the beating. Tuesday afternoon, attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who are representing Nichols' family in a $550 million lawsuit against the city, MPD and several individuals, said they were reviewing the footage. The latest update: As some Memphis officers joked about Tyre Nichols beating, others criticized special unit "As our legal team reviews the new body cam videos of Tyre Nichols' horrific death at the hands of Memphis Police, we expect the videos to affirm what we have said from day one: that there was absolutely no justification for the officers' brutal and inhumane actions. We will continue our unflinching look at this tragedy and stand strongly with Tyre's family in their continued grief and fight for justice." Additional documents related to Nichols' killing, the internal MPD investigation into the incident and the five ex-officers who have been charged in state and federal court will also be released. "The City is continuing to review documents for compliance with court order and will begin releasing documents in 14 days," the city said on its website Tuesday. New footage shows MPD officers talking to Tyre Nichols' parents Lt. Dewayne Smith, who was not criminally charged and resigned prior to his administrative hearing, can be seen in Desmond Mills' body camera knocking on the door of RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, Nichols' parents. "Are you familiar with a Tyre Nichols?" Smith asks Rodney Wells. Rodney asks what he's been arrested for. Smith pauses, then Mills says, "DUI," and Smith tells Rodney that Nichols was being charged with a DUI. "DUI?" RowVaughn Wells asks. "Why? What happened?" Rodney and RowVaughn Wells, the parents of Tyre Nichols, look down at a painting of their son as they pose for a portrait in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, January 11, 2024. "Well, he was intoxicated," Smith replied. He asks if Nichols had taken any narcotics because "he was on something other than alcohol" and they "couldn't get anything from him." RowVaughn's answer could not be heard, but Smith responded with "no, it was something other than marijuana." RowVaughn then asks, "Where's he at?" and Smith tells her that Nichols is with paramedics and being treated "in the neighborhood," but doesn't give a specific location. "Is he going to jail?" RowVaughn asks "Yes ma'am, he's gonna go to jail after he gets some medical treatment," Smith told her. RowVaughn Wells, the mother of Tyre Nichols, looks at a photo of her son in the hospital during a candlelight vigil for Nichols held at the site where he was beaten to death by Memphis Police Department officers on the one year anniversary of his death in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, January 7, 2024. As the two officers walked away, Smith tells Mills that the Wells family "know more than what they said." Nearing the scene, Mills tells Smith "He need to make it, though. He ain't looking too good." Smith tells Mills that he "did everything by the book, though," as they walk by an EMT who shouts, "His oxygen is very low." Additional, extended body camera footage shows officer reaction Footage from officer Chris Wilson's body-worn camera showed officers move Nichols from below a street sign, leaning him up against a car. Demetrius Haley, one of the five ex-MPD officers who has been criminally charged, begins explaining what he saw to other officers who had just made the scene. That man got Tased, with the prongs running down f--king Ross (Road), Haley said. He on something bad. We did him up, wont stop. We did it again, wont stop. Im talking about finna take folks out in oncoming traffic and everything. After a brief pause, Haley walks off camera, shaking his head, and said, F--k, mane. Wilson, who is not facing criminal charges, then walks over to former officer Justin Smith, asking, Whats up man? Good? before giving him a fist bump. While standing over Nichols, officers can be heard speculating that Nichols is high as a kite, before talking about the force they used on him. It was just a traffic stop, one officer, who cannot be seen on camera, said. Shit, the motherf--ker get out the car, and we were like, mane, bruh, chill. Motherf--ker started fighting. A previously released video showed Nichols trying to speak with officers before one pulled him from the car and took him to the ground during that initial traffic stop. He strong as a motherf--ker, former officer Tadarrius Bean said to some of the bystanders as EMTs evaluated Nichols. In one of the clips of officer Irma Montes' rear seat camera, a female officer, presumably Montes, can be heard talking with another individual about concerns they have with the SCORPION Unit's tactics. At one point, the other person said "I feel like they're a little too..." before Montes jumped in and said, "hands on?" MPD radio communications The records release included about two hours of MPD radio communications. On the recording, an unidentified officer radios in and says Weve got one male Black running. Later, former officer Preston Hemphill who has not been criminally charged radios in that officers are at the intersection of Raines and Ross roads, that a Taser was used and provides a description of Nichols. A dispatcher asks if they have any charges on him, and someone radios back to say SCORPION Unit officers are in the area. Another officer then radios in to say that a chemical agent was used and that a supervisor should be advised. One of the officers requests that the tags be run because they believe Nichols lives nearby. An officer radios in, breathing heavily, and says that he is chasing Nichols before cutting out. Hes fighting at this time, the dispatcher said. One officer radios in for an ambulance and an ambulance radios in to say they made the scene. Moments later, an officer says, We have him in custody. More: What to expect in the 4 legal cases a year after Tyre Nichols' fatal police beating The emergency medical technician asks for the officers to bring Nichols to them, but no officer responds. Does the fire department need to come to you or are you bringing him back down here? the EMT says again. Bring them down here, the officer responds, and the EMT says they are on their way to them. Minutes later, another officer radios in to clear that shots fired out on Bear Creek. Heres what we located down at Castlegate and Bear Creek, wasnt no shots fired. A photo of Tyre Nichols can be seen as Rodney and RowVaughn Wells, the parents of Nichols, hold a candle and bow their heads in prayer during a candlelight vigil for Nichols held at the site where he was beaten to death by Memphis Police Department officers on the one year anniversary of his death in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, January 7, 2024. After Nichols was taken to St. Francis Hospital, one officer called in to ask where Nichols was taken. He then asks for a condition update. That request stays open, with dispatch saying Nichols had not made it to the hospital yet. Another officer later calls for a tow truck to tow Nichols car to an impound lot. Throughout the conversation, there appears to be some confusion over where the scenes are. The first scene, at the corner of Raines and Ross, was where Nichols was pulled over originally, or the intersection of Castlegate and Bear Creek was where he was beaten by officers. What else we learned from the new video, audio Although adding detail to the night Nichols was beaten, none of the audio or video that was released Tuesday showed the initial stop. The audio between officers at the scene and dispatch also did not include a conversation over why Nichols was stopped. MPDs initial narrative was that Nichols had been pulled over for driving recklessly, though MPD Chief Cerelyn C.J. Davis later said there was no evidence to show Nichols had done so. Throughout the video, officers can be heard recounting the incident, with one saying everything started with a traffic stop. Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn C.J Davis and Mayor Paul Young hold candles during a candlelight vigil for Tyre Nichols held at the site where he was beaten to death by Memphis Police Department officers on the one year anniversary of his death in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, January 7, 2024. That officer went on to say that Nichols got out of the car and started fighting, but video that was previously released showed that Nichols was not the aggressor and that it was an officer who pulled him from the car and took him to the ground. In the initial release of the compiled footage from the night of Jan. 7, 2023, the public learns the officers involved made several claims in the aftermath of the beating. Attorneys for the Nichols family have characterized these claims as the accused officers seeking to set up their defense preemptively. Those claims Nichols was high on drugs, he was endangering lives of drivers around him due to erratic driving, he put his hands on one of the officers weapons, and that he exhibited superhuman strength due to intoxication were expanded on in more detail through the newly released footage. Haley, in the first minute after the beating, as officers stood over a slumped over, bleeding, and incoherent Nichols, paced around the scene. He must have been on drugs, something bad, Haley said. Im talkin' like, he was about to take people out, driving in oncoming traffic and everything. The footage from Haleys body camera shows the other four officers gathered, catching their breath, and nodding in agreement. Another officer claims that Nichols was tased, but took the prongs out and kept running after the initial stop. This claim is contradicted by another officer, the officer who deployed his taser on Nichols. As the suspects confer, Hemphill, who is still at the initial scene where the suspects aggressively pull Nichols from his blue Nissan Sentra, tells his own version of events to another law enforcement officer. I shot him, with a Taser, Hemphill said, but, it didnt hit him. Throughout the body camera footage of all five officers present at the scene where Nichols lay dying, the tone shifts initially from claims of the danger Nichols posed to one of concern, possibly as the extent of Nichols' injuries becomes clearer. He alright? one officer asked. Attendees hold candles during a candlelight vigil for Tyre Nichols held at the site where he was beaten to death by Memphis Police Department officers on the one year anniversary of his death in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Behind the attendees, the MPD camera that recorded part of the traffic stop and beating can be seen. A now-former Memphis Fire Department paramedic, Robert Long, is seen reaching down towards Nichols on the ground multiple times. Fifteen seconds of a sternal rub, Long says to the surrounding officers. Nichols, Nichols, another officer can be heard calling out. Officers then start calling out to Nichols repeatedly, at one point one officer asks for Nichols' mothers name. Another officer, in the background, suggests Nichols receive a shot of naloxone, a drug used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Tears roll down the cheeks of Rodney Wells, the father of Tyre Nichols, as RowVaughn Wells, Nichols mother, finishes speaking at a candlelight vigil for Nichols held at the site where he was beaten to death by Memphis Police Department officers on the one year anniversary of his death in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Many of the statements from the former MPD officers who have been charged with killing Nichols and violating his civil rights were inconsistent with video of the incident and beating. One aspect that was consistent, however, was statements about hitting Nichols repeatedly. Dewayne Smiths administrative hearing file alleged that he was misleading when speaking with Nichols parents, but Mills body camera footage provided more detail as to how he was misleading the parents. Smith also insinuated that Nichols was high on something other than marijuana, telling the parents the officers couldnt get anything from him. Dispatch radio also points to confusion among officers and EMTs at the scene, with EMTs repeatedly asking if officers were bringing Nichols to the ambulance or if the ambulance was needed at the scene. Minutes later, an officer calls in and requests EMTs come to the scene. What we already knew about Tyre Nichols' beating, death Nichols was driving during the evening hours of Jan. 7 when he was pulled over by MPD officers with the since-disbanded SCORPION Unit, which was billed as a violent-crime fighting unit. The officers pulled him from his car, then to the ground, while yelling conflicting orders at him. More: MPD's SCORPION Unit was billed as a violent crime-fighting unit, but most of its cases were traffic violations and drug crimes At one point, officers could be seen on Hemphill's body camera holding Nichols on the ground, with Hemphill pointing what appeared to be a Taser at his back. One of the other officers was pepper spraying Nichols throughout the first incident. Nichols then appeared to jump up and began to run away. Hemphill fires his Taser at Nichols, but it is not clear from the video if it hit him or not. Nichols, after the Taser was fired, pulled off his jacket and continued to run away. As one of the other officers gives chase, Hemphill can be heard saying, "I hope they stomp his ass." About 100 yards from his mother's house, Nichols was tackled by additional officers who saw him run by. Over the following minutes, as other officers arrive, Nichols appears to be held by his arms and punched. Eventually, Nichols falls to the ground and is kicked by another officer. This combo of booking images provided by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office shows, from left, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Jr. and Justin Smith. The five former Memphis police officers have been charged with second-degree murder and other crimes in the arrest and death of Tyre Nichols, a Black motorist who died three days after a confrontation with the officers during a traffic stop, records showed Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. The beating continues, and officers pepper spray him more with former officer Desmond Mills Jr. spraying himself at one point. Mills would eventually come back, extend his baton, yell, "I'm gonna baton the f--k out of you," and hit him multiple times with his baton. The officers then drag Nichols to an unmarked squad car and lean him against it. When medical personnel arrive, they appear to check on Nichols but wait multiple minutes before a stretcher is brought out to take Nichols to the hospital. He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in critical condition. He died three days later. Nichols' autopsy report, obtained by The Commercial Appeal through a public records request that was filled in early May, cited his cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head. The manner of death was a homicide, though that designation from a medical examiner does not necessarily indicate criminality. More: How Tyre Nichols' parents stood strong in their publicized grief, focused on son's life Five of the officers involved in beating Nichols were criminally charged at the state and federal level. The state charges include second-degree murder and aggravated assault charges, and the federal case charges the officers with violating Nichols' civil rights and obstruction of justice. In November, Mills pleaded guilty to excessive force and conspiracy to witness tamper in federal court and in state court he pleaded guilty to the slew of charges related to Nichols' death. He has not yet been sentenced. "My use of force was excessive and I gave misleading statements," Mills told Judge Mark Norris, who is overseeing the federal criminal case, when asked by the judge to give his account of what happened. Personnel files obtained through a public records request, and reviewed by The CA, showed that four of the five criminally charged officers had been reprimanded before Nichols was beaten, and faced little-to-no consequences as they made forceful arrests with no documentation and drove recklessly to scenes. In at least two cases, officers were praised, and their actions were described by MPD colleagues as one-off events for a good employee. It is unclear if the department required records to prove those assertions. Candles spelling out Tyre can be seen during a candlelight vigil for Nichols held at the site where he was beaten to death by Memphis Police Department officers on the one year anniversary of his death in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, January 7, 2024. One summary from a hearing about a domestic violence call that went undocumented credited the police officer under review for being a "top producer." Only Tadarrius Bean had no prior reprimands. Hemphill, who was also fired from the department but will not face criminal charges, also received prior reprimands. Dewayne Smith, who oversaw the SCORPION Unit team that Hemphill and the five criminally charged officers were part of, also had prior reprimands. Smith also had a case he investigated dismissed after a federal judge found he illegally searched a man's car. Lucas Finton is a criminal justice reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com and followed on Twitter @LucasFinton. Micaela Watts is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal covering healthcare, hospitals, resource access, and anything else that pops up. She can be reached at micaela.watts@commercialappeal.com. Brooke Muckerman covers Shelby County Government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at (901) 484-6225, Brooke.Muckerman@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @BrookeMuckerman. John Klyce covers education and children's issues for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at John.klyce@commercialappeal.com. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: New Tyre Nichols video released: What we learned from hours of footage Columbus police homicide detectives are investigating the shooting early Sunday of a 23-year-old man at an Eastland apartment complex who died about 38 hours later on Monday afternoon. A Columbus man who was shot early Sunday morning at an apartment complex in the Eastland area died nearly 38 hours later on Monday afternoon, city homicide detectives report. DeAngelo Williams Jr., 23, died Monday at 2:41 p.m. at Mount Carmel, according to a Columbus police Homicide Unit news release. Detectives had said following the shooting that Williams, who lived on Columbus' West Side, was not expected to survive his injuries. Columbus police dispatch reports that officers were dispatched just after 12:45 a.m. Sunday on a report of property damage from vehicles involved in a crash at The Flats at Kimberly apartments off the 2400 block of Kimberly Parkway East. Moments later, 911 dispatch received a call of a shooting at the same location. Responding officers found Williams unresponsive with a gunshot wound in the driver's seat of a vehicle that had crashed into parked vehicles. He was taken by medics to Mount Carmel, where he died Monday. Detectives said they were not sure what led to the shooting, and did not publicly identify any suspect(s). An investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked by Columbus police homicide detectives at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477). smeighan@dispatch.com @ShahidMeighan This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus man, 23, dies about 38 hours after shooting in Eastland area The deaths of three Army reservists from Georgia hits especially hard at Fort Moore. All three soldiers were stationed at the Army installation just outside Columbus. The fort was known as Fort Benning until last year. When the close-knit military community around the fort loses a soldier, its like losing a member of the family. Fort Moore and Columbus have shared a bond for more than a century. When soldiers dont come home, the whole community shares the pain. Specialist Kennedy Sanders, Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, and Specialist Breonna Moffett were all killed over the weekend by a drone attack in Jordan. All of them were called to duty at Fort Moore. Katie Thomas manages a store just outside the Army post. RELATED STORIES: Its sad. Its tragic. Young people giving up their lives every day for it, Thomas said. She told Channel 2s Bryan Mims that the deaths underscore the dangers those in uniform confront every day. And their sacrificial love of country. Did it really hit home for you, knowing that they came from Fort Moore? Mims asked Thomas. It does. Theyre part of our community, Thomas said. Its the community state Sen. Ed Harbison calls home, too. He said the U.S. must have a strong response to this attack that killed his fellow Georgians, his neighbors. Just hopefully and prayerfully, we will make a difference by not making their lives be in vain -- make it count for something with the proper decision and retaliation thats needed, Harbison said. Gov. Brian Kemp spoke words of gratitude about the reservists. On behalf of a grateful Georgia, we appreciate their service to our state and nation, Kemp said. Around Fort Moore and Columbus, the loss of the three soldiers leaves a deep wound. For Captain David Chung, they were comrades. He didnt know them, but they -- like him -- answered the call to serve. They -- like him -- found a home at Fort Moore. Its a sad day for anybody dying really. And then especially for the people who actually participated or lived in the community, I think its really sad for the community in general, Chung said. Fort Moore was established as Fort Benning more than a century ago and now has nearly 13,000 active-duty soldiers. They are an integral, and revered, part of the community, standing ready to answer the nations call. RELATED NEWS: A complaint against Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe has been dismissed, but the state board that disciplines Kansas attorneys cautioned him, saying statements in news releases need to be accurate. Sheila Albers, the mother of John Albers, who was shot and killed by a former Overland Park police officer in January 2018, filed the complaint in September 2022. She alleged Howe pushed a narrative that differed from the facts of the case as part of an effort to paint a picture that the officer had legitimate reason to fear for his life, she previously told The Star. Her complaint was investigated by the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator, an arm of the Kansas Judicial Branch. In a letter dated Jan. 29, the disciplinary office said the complaint was being dismissed, though it did not find the complaint to be meritless. The committee was concerned with the conduct of the respondent and directed that he be cautioned. Sheila Albers said she wishes the disciplinary administrator had taken strong action. However, we are pleased that DA Howe was strongly cautioned from making false statements in the future, she said in a statement on Tuesday. The District Attorney of the most populous county in Kansas should not have to be reminded to speak truthfully or be reprimanded not to conflate opinion with fact, she said. Yet here we are. Howe, a Republican, said Tuesday that he was grateful for the offices dismissal after a careful investigation. A month after the fatal shooting, Howe wrote in a news release that, Right out of the garage, the teen drove the minivan directly toward the officer in an aggressive manner. An investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice concluded that John Albers began to slowly back the minivan out of the garage and down the driveway. As the vehicle began to move, the first officer stepped towards it. The disciplinary office said the Justice Departments account gave a more accurate description of the incident than compared to the description contained in Mr. Howes press release. The review committee concluded, however, that Mr. Howes statement appeared to express an opinion justifying his decision not to charge the officer rather than a knowingly false statement of fact, the letter said. Debate over Jacksonvilles Confederate monument in Springfield Park rages on 108 years after its dedication and a month after its removal. In just three years, plans have been made, changed and abandoned as the city reckoned with the Women of the Southland monument. Weekly protests and hours of public comment, for and against leaving the structure, dominated City Council meetings. Campaigns waged on a candidates beliefs about the fate of the monument. The state Legislature entered the fray, potentially voting for Jacksonville to return the statues. Now, though parts of the monument rest in a storage facility, the debate continues. Removal: Confederate monument removed from Jacksonville's Springfield Park early Wednesday List of Jacksonville monuments: Here are the 11 Jacksonville Civil War monuments, markers coming down Mayor Donna Deegan ordered the removal of the two bronze statues one of a woman in robes carrying a Confederate flag and another of a woman reading to two children on Dec. 27 of last year without getting City Council or Planning Department approval. In the month since, City Council has interviewed the citys top lawyer twice to discuss what gave Deegan the legal authority to accept the private financial donations from two local nonprofits that paid for the work and whether she needed approval from the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission for the work. As council continues looking for answers and considers future action, heres everything you need to know about what has happened so far: Have Confederate monument removals happened without council approval before? Yes. Mayor Lenny Curry, a Republican, removed the Confederate monument in James Weldon Johnson Park, at the time Hemming Park, downtown in two parts without publicly informing City Council ahead of time. In 2020, Curry removed the statue of a soldier on top of the monument using money from the Parks Department. The removal happened as the city and members of the Jacksonville Jaguars called for police accountability after a Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd, an unarmed Black man. Curry promised the protestors he would work to remove all of the Confederate monuments on public property. In May 2023, Curry removed the obelisk of the same monument, again without council approval and with public funds. He did not make a statement at the time but his office disclosed later that the removal was part of the parks renovation. What made the Springfield monument removal different? Like Curry, Deegan did not seek City Council approval for the removal. But, instead of using public funds, she received a grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and anonymous donations to 904WARD that covered the cost. Under current Jacksonville law, mayors do not have to get council approval to accept private donations. The structure itself was in a historically designated park, bringing legal challenges Curry did not face for the monument downtown. Deegan received a verbal opinion from the citys top lawyer, General Counsel Michael Fackler, confirming she had the authority to alter the structure. Opponents of the move, however, say Deegan needed the approval of the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission in the form of a certificate of appropriateness. A certificate can affect the seemingly most minor details of projects, such as what windows can be put in a historic home, or the most significant, like what design a home must have to blend into the neighborhood. What did the General Counsel opinion say about the removal? General Counsel Michael Fackler speaks during a City Council workshop regarding the Office of General Counsels legal memorandum Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 at City Hall in Jacksonville, Fla. City Council questioned city lawyers about the process of crafting the opinion meant to justify the removal of two statues from the "Women of the Southland" Confederate monument in Springfield Park on Dec. 27, 2023. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Fackler broke from the opinions of his predecessors who told Deegan and previous mayors that a certificate of appropriateness was necessary. He wrote a legal memorandum explaining the opinion after City Council President Ron Salem requested it after the monument removal. Fackler reiterated points he explained to City Council in previous meetings, that Deegan had the legal authority to use private funds without council approval, but expanded on the lack of certificate. The city created the Springfield Historic District in 1992, covering an area that includes the park, which used to be called Confederate Park. The district, including the park, also is on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1991 legislation requiring a certificate for buildings in historic districts had an attached exhibit outlining the actions where a certificate would be necessary. Fackler said the partial removal of a structure not a building did not require the certificate, giving Deegan clearance. Because the Code requires that all actions requiring a COA be listed in the designation ordinance the City is prohibited from requiring a COA for alteration of the Monument, the opinion says. If the City Council desires to prohibit such an activity from occurring on any of Springfield's non-buildings in the future, it should consider amending the Code or the specific legislation to specifically require that. What have we learned from public records requests? Public records requests have shown two other reactions to how the monuments were removed. Emails obtained by the Times-Union showed debate within OGC over whether Deegan needed to obtain a certificate. Former General Counsel Jason Teal said it was necessary. The team met over the following days, however, and reached a consensus, Fackler told City Council. The Times-Union also learned that the Public Works Department did not submit a formal request to the Procurement Division for the administrative award to the company paid to remove the statues until after they were already removed. Public Works retroactively awarded the company, Acon Construction, the $187,000 contract Jan. 3. The procurement division chief, however, determined that award null and void and recommended to Deegan in a Jan. 16 memo that she should cure the error by authorizing a contract with Acon Construction, which happened on Jan. 17. What has City Council said about the removal? City Council President Ron Salem speaks during a City Council workshop regarding the Office of General Counsels legal memorandum Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 at City Hall in Jacksonville, Fla. City Council questioned city lawyers about the process of crafting the opinion meant to justify the removal of two statues from the "Women of the Southland" Confederate monument in Springfield Park on Dec. 27, 2023. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Reactions from City Council members have largely split down party lines. The majority of Republicans, with the exception of Matt Carlucci, have taken issue with the process Deegan used to remove the monument. Some council members, like Nick Howland, have called the move an abuse of power. The majority of Democrats, like Jimmy Peluso, have spoken in support of the removal. Salem, the council president, requested Fackler answer council questions in a Rules Committee meeting Jan. 16. Salem hosted another meeting Jan. 25, during which the nine Republican council members present questioned whether Deegan influenced Facklers decision because of meetings Fackler took with her and her staff prior to releasing his official opinion. What would the local proposed legislation do to stop removal in the future? Salem introduced legislation following the removal that would prevent mayors from using private donations for public projects without City Council removal. The bill will head to committees in February. What has Mayor Donna Deegan said since? Deegan has repeatedly defended her decision to take down the monument, as she promised she would do when running for mayor. Ahead of councils meeting with Office of General Counsel attorneys, Deegan released a statement rejecting certain council members opinions that she overreached or would make similar moves in the future. "If some City Council members want to continue litigating the Civil War for their perceived political gain, that is their choice," Deegan said in a Jan. 23 statement. "My administration will continue moving forward from this unnecessary distraction and keep delivering on policies and projects that are good for our city." In the news release, the mayors office also called council member scrutiny over the Acon Construction contract a clear double standard because of lack of reaction to similar actions when Curry was mayor. Contract curing has happened 32 times over the past four fiscal years, including 26 times under the Curry administration, the release said. When council members questioned whether she influenced Facklers decision, she said she only acted on the advice he gave her. "There seems to be a lot of projection going on with some council members, Deegan said. At no time did I or my staff exert any pressure or try to influence the decision of the General Counsel. My message to him has always remained the same from day one: call balls and strikes." What would state proposed legislation to do stop removal? Rep. Dean Black, R-Jacksonville, proposed legislation last year that would prevent Florida municipalities from removing Confederate or other historical memorials and require them to return any that have already been taken down. The bill last cycle died in committee, but Black refiled it for the current session. If passed and signed into law, it could lead to elected officials being removed from office and levy fines and damages to any "person or entity" who "remove(s) a monument or memorial displayed on public property." Accordingly, the state preempts any local elected officials who may be swayed by undue influence by groups who may feel offended or hurt by certain actions in the history of the state or the nation, the bill reads. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: What to know Jacksonville Confederate monument removal debate continues Ukraine's state budget has received more than UAH 32 million (US$842,500) of funds confiscated from sanctioned persons thanks to a court decision. Source: Vitalii Koval, Head of Ukraines State Property Fund Quote: "Today, for the first time, the sanctions money is starting to work for the state. More than UAH 32 million has already been transferred to the state budget. These are the personal funds of such collaborators as Vorona and Saldo, and the funds from the company of Russian oligarch Deripaska," Koval wrote. "The Fund, having received the court decision, is taking measures to manage and dispose of the recovered assets as efficiently as possible. This includes initiating the lifting of previously imposed arrests," he added. Reminder: In May 2023, the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine ruled to confiscate part of assets belonging to Saldo, who headed the occupation administration of Kherson. In February 2023, it was reported that Ukraine had nationalised the factories owned by Oleg Deripaska, the sanctioned Russian oligarch, worth UAH 10 billion (US$264 million). Dmytro Vorona, Former Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine (2012-2014), began working as a freelance adviser to the "head" of occupied Crimea in 2018, and in 2020, he served as the head of the development corporation of the so-called "Republic of Crimea". In September 2022, he was appointed an adviser to the so-called "head of the Zaporizhzhia military-civilian administration" operating in the temporarily occupied territories. He is now a Russian "senator" from the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The High Anti-Corruption Court confiscated Vorona's assets late in July 2023. Support UP or become our patron! ASHEVILLE Buncombe County District Court judge candidates, legal experts and elected officials weighed in on the technical malfunction that frequently kept defendants in jail from seeing the judge during first appearances in district court for about two years. Opinions vary on the severity of the situation and whether the current district court judges acted prudently while the problem persisted. Since the Citizen Times first reported this issue Jan. 25, the contractor responsible for maintaining the technology has made repairs, Buncombe County has developed a new process for collecting information on technology issues in the courthouse and county and court officials have started discussions on making long-term fixes. Judges who presided over first appearances navigated the technical difficulty by telling defendants they could join the courtroom or giving them the option to continue with a blank screen while sitting in a room in the jail. Some judges were more explicit about defendants rights in these situations than others. Defendants in these proceedings said they didnt know they were waiving a right by continuing without being able to see the judge. "While the day-to-day operation of the court facilities is under the jurisdiction of the judges, the county has an affirmative responsibility to address the capital needs to assure the functionality of the facilities. Under state law, defendants must be able to physically see and hear the judges when they make their appearance," Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chair Brownie Newman told the Citizen Times in a Jan. 29 statement. "Defendants should not be placed in the situation of being asked whether they want to be able to see a judge or if it is acceptable for them to only hear the judge. This is a state law. If the courts are going to utilize a video-camera option for appearances, the camera must consistently work. Whether it involves addressing issues with the current system or replacing it with a different system, the county is committed to working with the courts to assure the state standard is met." Buncombe County Courthouse (left) on Aug. 16, 2023. What do campaigning judges say about malfunctioning system? Emily Sutton Dezio, Robin Merrell, Todd Lentz and Meredith Pressley Stone are the four candidates vying for two district court judge seats in the March 5 primary. After a recent candidate forum, the Citizen Times asked each of the candidates whether they thought the current judges acted as good stewards of the state general statutes while the technical system malfunctioned, if they thought "seeing" during a virtual court proceeding was a waivable right and how they would handle the situation. Dezio and Merrell did not talk about how the current judges presided over the situation but said that they would have handled it differently. Dezio said that if she was elected, she would not give defendants an opportunity to waive their right to see the judge, and instead bring individuals to the courtroom. I think if we can prevent asking people to waive their rights, we should, Merrell said. The better solution would be either to fix the monitor or just take the defendants over to the district court. It makes me uncomfortable to ask people to waive their rights. Even if we explain what the right is, and they say they understand, doesnt necessarily mean they do. Lentz said that he thought the right to see all parties during a proceeding was waivable. I think the judges have done what they had to do, he said. Lentz said he doesnt know how he would have handled the situation, saying that he wasnt in the judges position. Stone initially declined to comment because she works in District Attorney Todd Williams office as a prosecutor, referring the Citizen Times to Williams. After refusing to comment on the Citizen Times initial story about the monitors, Williams said on a local radio show that the judges offer to join the courtroom cures the whole thing." "There is a technical violation here, maybe, it's not functioning 100% ideally, but the judges are saying, 'Hey, if you want to see me, we'll just bring you on over' and most inmates are like, 'No, this is fine. I can hear you just fine,'" Williams said during the radio appearance. Representatives from Williams office practice in the courtroom with the malfunctioning monitors. Williams pointed the Citizen Times to entities that have jurisdiction over the monitors in a Jan. 29 statement, giving the judges, county administration and the sheriffs office as examples. More: Malfunctioning Buncombe court video monitor may violate detainees' rights, break state law More: After Citizen Times report, Buncombe looks to correct malfunctioning court video system Under the North Carolina State Bar rules of professional conduct dictating the special responsibility of a prosecutor, Williams has an obligation to ensure the courts follow proper procedure. A prosecutor has the responsibility of a minister of justice and not simply that of an advocate; the prosecutor's duty is to seek justice, not merely to convict or to uphold a conviction, the rules read. This responsibility carries with it specific obligations to see that the defendant is accorded procedural justice and that guilt is decided upon the basis of sufficient evidence. Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams Stone did not answer a Citizen Times question about whether Williams opinion reflected her own. "I believe our court personnel and court partners work hard every day to ensure that the rights of all defendants are upheld," she said in a Jan. 29 statement to the Citizen Times. "If elected as District Court Judge, I would continue to work with court partners to uphold the rights of defendants and be fair and impartial to all." Legal advocacy groups question whether judges can waive right to see Second Vice President of the Washington D.C.-based National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Charlotte attorney C. Melissa Owen questioned whether state law allowed judges to waive the requirement for sight during a proceeding. She spoke to the Citizen Times ahead of the initial story about the court monitors. Other legal advocacy groups agreed. Southern Coalition for Social Justices Chief Counsel of Justice System Reform Jake Sussman told the Citizen Times Jan. 24 that it would not be a reasonable solution to place the burden on the person facing the charges. Securing waivers from people to proceed without being able to see the judge would appear to be completely inappropriate, since it's hard to argue that that would actually be a voluntary and intelligent waiver, Sussman said. Defendants begin their first appearance without an attorney assigning a lawyer is part that stage of the process. Staff Attorney for ACLU North Carolina Muneeba Talukder told the Citizen Times Jan. 26 that she agreed that any waiver would need to be clear and informed. Based on Citizen Times reporting, she said that was not happening, calling the situation troubling. This affects folks who are not represented and do not have legal counsel, she said. Theyre the ones who dont know that this is a right that they have and are often unaware about the criminal legal system. More: Buncombe district court judge forum: Bail bonds, criminal justice reform, jail disparity Mitchell Black covers Buncombe County and health care for the Citizen Times. Email him at mblack@citizentimes.com or follow him on Twitter @MitchABlack. Please help support local journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Statutory violation? Legal advocates, judge candidates and DA speak The Attorney General has ordered an independent review of the decision by prosecutors to accept Nottingham killer Valdo Calocanes guilty pleas to manslaughter. Victoria Prentis has also asked independent watchdogs to investigate whether the Crown Prosecution Service sufficiently consulted the families of his victims over the decision. Calocane, a paranoid schizophrenic, was handed an indefinite order to be detained in a high security hospital on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility. The 32-year-old took the lives of 19-year-old university students Barnaby Webber and Grace OMalley-Kumar before killing 65-year-old school caretaker Ian Coates in a series of violent attacks in Nottingham on June 13 in 2023. Calocane was originally charged with murder but this was downgraded to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility owing to his schizophrenia. Valdo Calocane pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility - Nottinghamshire Police/PA Outside Nottingham Crown Court after the sentencing, Mr Webbers mother Emma criticised the CPS saying the family had felt rushed, hastened and railroaded over the manslaughter plea. Mr Coates son James said: This man has made a mockery of the system, and he has got away with murder. Ms Prentis has asked His Majestys Crown Prosecution Service inspectorate to carry out a prompt and thorough review of the case following Calocanes sentencing. A spokesman for the Attorney General said this would include looking at the CPSs decision to accept Calocanes guilty pleas to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility and whether the CPS met its duties to consult with families ahead of accepting pleas. Ms Prentis said: The senseless deaths of Barnaby Webber, Grace OMalley-Kumar, and Ian Coates have horrified the country. While nothing will bring their loved ones back, the families understandably want to understand what happened in this case. Thats why I have asked the inspectorate to carry out a prompt and thorough review of CPS actions so we can properly investigate the concerns raised by the families in this devastating case. A CPS spokesman said: We will fully engage with the review. It comes after the families of the victims met Rishi Sunak and separately the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Monday. Public inquiry possible On Tuesday, Mr Sunak said there was still a prospect that there could be a public inquiry into the killings a move urged by the families of the three victims. In an interview with ITVs This Morning, Mr Sunak said: What theyve expressed to me are a bunch of questions about whats happened that they have. How did the NHS operate? Was mental health properly checked? How was the police investigation conducted? How was the Crown Prosecution Service operating and interacting with them? I think those are all perfectly reasonable questions. What I said to them is that we will get the answers. Thats what they deserve. Thats what Ive committed to. Weve set up investigations, independent ones, into all those areas I mentioned. The NHS, the Crown Prosecution Service, the police forces. So, theyre all going to be looked at independently so we can get those answers. Thats going to happen promptly and thoroughly and effectively, as quickly as possible. Once we hear back from that, then we can sit down with them and decide if there are more questions that need answering. Is the inquiry then the next logical step? The Prime Ministers official spokesman said Mr Sunak remains open to an inquiry. The Attorney General has already announced that she will consider whether to refer Calocanes case to the court of appeal to decide if his sentence should be increased. It followed a complaint to her office about the unduly lenient sentence just hours after he was sentenced. Victoria Atkin, the Health Secretary, has also ordered a special review of the mental health services at the NHS Trust where Calocane was treated, which will report back within weeks. Leicestershire Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. On Tuesday, a separate independent review was launched into the police handling of the case by Caroline Henry, the Nottinghamshire police and crime commissioner. It will be conducted by the College of Policing, whose chief executive Andy Marsh said: The killings of Barnaby Webber, Grace OMalley-Kumar and Ian Coates were horrific and our thoughts remain with their families and friends at what continues to be an incredibly difficult timeThe work to commence this review will start immediately. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. TOOELE, Utah (ABC4) Crews are searching for a man after he fell through the ice on a reservoir near Tooele Monday night just moments after he pulled a woman from the frigid water. Cpl. Colbey Bentley with Tooele police said the woman called police shortly before 7 p.m., saying that a man fell through the ice on Settlement Canyon Reservoir, which is just south of Tooele. 1 critically hurt in Salt Lake City shooting; police searching for suspects The woman, identified as being in her early 20s, told police that the man saved her after she broke through the ice, but as she got out of the water, he fell in and went under. She wasnt able to see him where he fell in, Bentley said. Theres a pretty steep grade, and they were approximately two feet off the bank. Crews search for a man who fell through the ice on Settlement Canyon Reservoir. Search and rescue crews responded to the reservoir, and trained divers entered the water. Flood lights were set up to shed light on the search, and a robot was called up to help search under the ice. When asked if the rescue had turned into a recovery mission, Bentley said crews were still hopeful to find the man alive. The man was also identified as being in his early 20s. The woman who fell into the water was treated for cold exposure and brought to a nearby hospital. She is expected to recover. Its unclear what the two were doing earlier in the night, other than going out onto the ice. Roughly a year ago, a teenage boy died after falling through the ice on Settlement Canyon Reservoir. The boy broke through the ice near where crews are searching for the man. Ice can be so tricky, Bentley said. It turns dangerous so fast. He urged people to stay off the ice on the reservoir. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A street artist in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Venice is turning mounds of abandoned dog poop into tiny works of social commentary. For weeks, local residents say, pieces of poop on the side of the road have been marked with small white flags, each with a unique, aggrieved message for those who fail to clean up after their pets. Get therapy, reads one. Must be nice to be such a lazyass, reads another. Why get a dog, then? asks a third. While the identity of the Venice poop flagger is still a mystery, the person is already becoming something of a folk hero to people who live on the residential blocks around hip Abbot Kinney Boulevard, not far from Venice Beach. I have no idea who it is, zero clue, said Ava Carpentier, a longtime resident who was walking her dog, George. But, she said, its brilliant. I think its hysterical. Id like to shake the hand of the person whos doing it. The style of the flags that have appeared over the past weeks is consistent: white paper, with a sharp message written in black marker. On a tour of the neighborhood on Monday, a Guardian reporter documented five separate flags on mouldering piles of excrement, some with simple messages such as Pick. Up. Your. Poop!! and others more passive aggressive: Life is hard if you cant afford poop bags. Im a big fan, said Will Inbusch, who said he often shares a chuckle with a neighbor as they pass one of the flags. No one wants to see a bunch of dog poop everywhere. His favorite two flags, Inbusch said, read who raised you? and cmon, youre better than this. From the handwriting, I assume its one [person]. I cant imagine theres a coordinated team of people who do all that, Inbusch said. He had few guesses as to the identity of the guerrilla flagger: Just someone with a good sense of humor and solid handwriting. The proliferation of dog droppings in parks, yards and neighborhoods is a problem in many locations around the world, and one that may only have worsened during the pandemic, when many people adopted new dogs. Fecal bacteria is rampant on the streets of New York City, and a deluge of dog droppings may also be harming nature reserves, researchers have warned. Attempts to police this excrement epidemic range from fines to signs asking dog owners to be respectful or warning that there is no magic poop fairy to pick up their droppings. The issue remains a profound social flashpoint, a constant reminder of what it means to respect, or disrespect, public space. At first, several Venice residents said, they assumed the flags had been placed on the poop by a particular homeowner or business owner upset about their particular lawn. But as they began to see the poop flags scattered across the neighborhood, they realized that this was part of some larger endeavor. I dont know whos doing it, which makes it even cooler, Clare Ramsey, another local resident, said, as she walked her dog, Charlie. Is it one person? Is it a crowd of people? When are they going out? Sometimes it helps me out, Im not going to lie, said a postal worker delivering mail in the neighborhood, who declined to give her name. Seeing a little flag has stopped me from stepping in poop, she said, a frequent risk In Venice, where a lot of people have dogs. Residents said they were still guessing about the identity of the person, or people, behind the flags. Was it someone out walking their own dog, carrying the flags with them as they went? Does the flagger hand-make the flags with little toothpicks? Carpentier wondered. Or were the flags mass produced, perhaps designed for labeling party hors doeuvres? I think that more than one person is doing it now, the Venice postal worker said. Its catching on. Ramsey said the effort didnt seem menacing but rather conceptual, with the flags reminding her of the distinctive tags of graffiti artists. But it was also possible, this being Los Angeles, that the poop flags were part of a deliberate marketing campaign. Is it some brand? she asked. Is it someone just looking for notoriety? Residents said they had started texting photos of their favorite flag sightings to friends and family, and that at least one person had photoshopped a flag perched atop a disintegrating piece of poop so that it read Trump 2024. Nothing like a good sense of humor and a cause, Inbusch said. Two days after her friends mom was murdered in 1991, a Bristol Township police detective drove Colleen Kelly Merhar was driven around an apartment complex parking lot to look at cars. They wanted to see if the then 16 year old spotted the dark blue Chevy Monte Carlo she claimed was parked haphazardly outside the home of Joy Hibbs around the time police believed she was killed. Hibbs, 35, a mother of two, was found stabbed, strangled and beaten in her Croydon home, which was intentionally set on fire, a crime that went unsolved for more than 30 years before a former neighbor was charged in 2022, authorities said. Lori Kennedy, Joy Hibbs' aunt, holds a button she made reading 'Justice For Joy' just before the trial of Robert Atkins at the Bucks County Justice Center in Doylestown on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. Daniella Heminghaus | Bucks County Courier Times More on this 2013 Hilltown cold case How Bucks County murder victim's fiance, son escaped after being held hostage for hours On Monday, the opening day of the bench trial for Robert Atkins, 57, at the Bucks County Justice Center, Merhar was among half a dozen witnesses who testified about their recollections of the crime and the subsequent police investigation. Hibbs' children, David and Angie, who were 12 and 16 respectively at the time of her murder, and her husband Charlie testified that they initially believed that Hibbs had died in an accidental fire at the home on April 19, 1991. It was only after her autopsy was completed the next day that it was revealed her death was no accident. Merhar was among a handful of Croydon Acres neighbors that police interviewed in the days after the murder who claimed they saw a dark blue Chevy Monte Carlo parked outside the Hibbs home before the fire, which police considered a significant lead in the case. Decades later, in 2014, Robert Atkins allegedly told a Bristol Township detective looking into the Hibbs murder that he owned a black Monte Carlo that he later painted blue. Defendant Robert Atkins is escorted to the police car after his preliminary hearing for the 1991 murder and arson of Joy Hibbs, 35, of Bristol Township on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. After Atkins was charged with Hibbs' murder in 2022, his family members who live in Tennessee provided authorities with a photo of the family posing with a dark blue Monte Carlo in the background. The photo was allegedly taken during an Easter visit two weeks before Hibbs was murdered. On Monday, Christina Raudenbush, another neighbor in 1991 and friend of Angie Hibbs, testified that she noticed a blue Monte Carlo outside the Hibbs home on her way to work the day of the murder. Raudenbush estimated she saw the Monte Carlo between noon and 12:30 the day of the murder. Authorities estimated that Hibbs was likely killed during an hour-long window between 11:50 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. Merhar also testified Monday that she drove past the Monte Carlo twice that day; the second time was around 1 p.m.,, she testified. Deep dive in the Joy Hibbs murder Did police ignore evidence in 30-year-old Bristol Township murder? Family seeks answers Charlie Hibbs goes back into the Bucks County Justice Center for the the trial of Robert Atkins in Doylestown on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. Daniella Heminghaus | Bucks County Courier Times Later that same day, while she was watching the unfolding chaos at her friend Angies house, Merhar recalled telling David Hibbs that she saw a dark blue Monte Carlo parked outside their house earlier that day. Thats Aprils car, David Hibbs told her. April was April Atkins, who was married to Robert Atkins, who at the time was an unemployed, small-time drug dealer and confidential drug informant for Bristol Township police. The Atkins family lived on Spencer Drive two doors away from Hibbs for about 18 months before losing their home in a foreclosure in 1991. April Atkins and Joy Hibbs were close friends, according to David Hibbs. David Hibbs testified Monday that he knew Robert Atkins had a blue Monte Carlo because one day he saw him cleaning it and he asked about it. Robert Atkins was initially a prime suspect in the murder and arson but police quickly dismissed him after they allegedly verified his alibis that he and his family were on a planned vacation in the Poconos. Merhar testified at the time she didnt know who April Atkins was, but she told police about seeing the Monte Carlo and what David told her about it. At the apartment complex where police took her, Merhar testified she didnt recognize any Monte Carlos as the same one she saw outside the Hibbs house. Among the models she was shown was a 1987 black Monte Carlo parked near the building where the Atkins family lived, according to Bucks County Detective David Hanks, who investigated the case in 2021. Hanks testified that records show that a Bristol Township police officer ran the black Monte Carlos registration around 10 a.m. on April 21, 1991 and it came back as registered to April and Robert Atkins. While the car was in the parking lot, police tracked the Atkins family to the Poconos, some two hours away. The attorneys Monday did not question witnesses about any other vehicle the Atkins owned. The motel registry showed the Atkins family checked in shortly before 5 p.m. on April 19, 1991. They checked out shortly before 11:30 a.m. two days later, Hanks testified on Monday. The trial will continue on Tuesday when April Atkins is expected to testify. More Buicks County crime news More sex assault charges filed against former Neshaminy school-based day care worker. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Trial in cold case 1991 murder of Bucks County mom opens Two men rescued in Gulf of Mexico by cruise ship (Carnival Cruises) Two men stranded on a kayak in the Gulf of Mexico were rescued by a passing cruise ship. Cruise operator Carnival said that the crew of its 6,500 capacity liner the Carnival Jubilee had spotted the men off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, on Monday. The men said their boat sank, and they used the kayak to stay afloat, the company said in a press release. Once brought aboard safely they were evaluated by the ships medical staff and given first aid and food. Pictures showed the two men being helped aboard by the crew. The ships team and Carnivals Fleet Operation Center staff in Miami kept in close contact with Mexican Navy officials and arranged a transfer of the men. The two men were spotted on a kayak by crew members of the Carnival Jubilee (Carnival Cruises) This was completed shortly after the rescue. According to Carnival, the Carnival Jubilee is proceeding with its regular schedule and will visit Mahogany Bay, Roatan on Tuesday. Mondays rescue occurred around a month after a similar incident where the team from the Carnival Vista another ship from the companys fleet saved six men stranded in the ocean near the Dominican Republic after a small cargo vessel capsized. For the first time since the Oxford High School shooting, the world on Monday heard James and Jennifer Crumbley express regret about leaving their son in school after seeing a violent drawing he had made that included a gun and the words "The thoughts won't stop. Help me." "I really wish we ..." Jennifer Crumbley said in a police substation hours after the massacre. "Would have taken him home," her husband added, as they completed the sentence together. More than two years later, video of that conversation was played Monday in Jennifer Crumbley's historic trial, in which prosecutors are trying to convince jurors that the Crumbleys made numerous missteps that cost four children their lives. The parents are charged with involuntary manslaughter after their son Ethan Crumbley killed four and injured seven at the school on Nov. 30, 2021. James Crumbley is seen holding his head in his hands as his wife, Jennifer, sits to hi right as they are interviewed by Oakland County Sheriff deputies after their son, Ethan Crumbley, shot and killed four students at Oxford High School in on Nov. 30, 2021. The video was shown during day three in the trial of Jennifer Crumbley as she is being tried on four counts of involuntary manslaughter in the Oakland County courtroom of Judge Cheryl Matthews on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. Among the alleged mistakes was not pulling their son from school after being summoned to the counselor's office over the teenager's troubling drawing. The Crumbleys promised to get him therapy within 48 hours and went back to their jobs. Two hours later, their son fired his first shot, using a gun that his parents had bought him just days before as an early Christmas present. The gift, and many other acts, would lead to the Crumbleys being the first parents in America charged in a mass school shooting. Jennifer Crumbley is being tried first. James Crumbley's trial is scheduled for March. Their son has pleaded guilty and is sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Dad: Gun was hidden in armoire, bullets stashed under jeans On Day Three of testimony, more details were disclosed about where the murder weapon was stored before the then-15-year-old shooter used it to terrorize his school. In a videotaped interview that was played in court, James Crumbley told investigators that the 9mm handgun at issue was hidden in an armoire, in a gun case, and that the bullets were tucked underneath some jeans in a different spot. "The gun was empty and the bullets were in a completely different place, James Crumbley is heard telling the investigator, adding he and his son go to the shooting range all the time. Ive been trying to teach him safety. It was a hobby that they did together, Jennifer Crumbley added. Prosecutors have alleged that the Crumbleys were grossly negligent on a number of levels, including ignoring their son's mental health issues, buying him a gun instead of getting him therapy, and giving him access to that gun. Jennifer Crumbley stands in court as she is being tried on four counts of involuntary manslaughter in the Oakland County courtroom of Judge Cheryl Matthews on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. Crumbley's son, Ethan Crumbley, is convicted on killing four students at Oxford High School in 2021. The Crumbleys, however, have maintained that target shooting was a family hobby, that they had no way of knowing their son would carry out a mass shooting and that the gun was secured in this case, hidden in an armoire. The couple also had a safe with two other guns. The combination was 0-0-0. 'Why? Why?' Prosecutors also showed jurors previously unreleased video of the Crumbleys talking with Oakland County sheriff's investigators after the shooting. James Crumbley asked for water, saying he was freaking out, and an emotional Jennifer Crumbley could be heard saying Why? Why?" and "hes never done anything bad. An investigator asked the parents what had happened that morning and as James Crumbley started telling them about meeting with the counselors about their son doodling on a test or a practice test, his wife interrupted and asked whether they should get an attorney. James, left, and Jennifer Crumbley are shown leaving an interview room at the Oakland County Sheriff's department on Nov. 30, 2021 after their son Ethan Crumbley (seated in middle) was being held after he killed four fellow students at Oxford High School. This interview video was evidence showed at the trial of Jennifer Crumbley as she is being tried on four counts of involuntary manslaughter in the Oakland County courtroom of Judge Cheryl Matthews on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. I think we probably should have a lawyer, Jennifer Crumbley is heard saying in the video. But James Crumbley jumped in: I think we can speak to the cops. Jennifer Crumbley then described texting with her son that day, saying she sent him a text at 12:21 p.m. asking whether he was OK. He told her he had just gotten back from lunch. She said she texted her son that he could talk to his parents and that they wouldnt judge him. He said he knew and I love you. Ten minutes later, he fired his first shot. At the police substation that night, the parents were taken into a room where their son was being held. As they left, James Crumbley could be heard saying to his son repeatedly: I love you. School counselor testifies: Multiple teachers raised red flags Oxford High School counselor Shawn Hopkins, who met with Ethan Crumbley and his parents on the morning of the shooting, was on the witness stand for several hours Monday, explaining his interactions with the shooter before the rampage and the numerous red flags about the boy in the months and days before. According to his testimony: The shooter first landed on his radar in May 2021, the school year before the shooting, when a teacher reported that the shooter was falling asleep in her class. It was deemed a minor issue, and his mom was not notified, Hopkins said. Four months later came an email from a Spanish teacher. "Hi Shawn. Could you please touch base with Ethan Crumbley?" the teacher wrote on Sept. 8, 2021. "In his autobiography poem, he said that he feels terrible and that his family is a mistake. Unusual responses for sure." Oxford High School counselor Shawn Hopkins testifies during the trial of Jennifer Crumbley as she is being tried on four counts of involuntary manslaughter in the Oakland County courtroom of Judge Cheryl Matthews on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. Hopkins replied that he would follow up, but said the teacher later gave him more context about the incident, so he did not do so. Ethan Crumbley's mom was never notified. Two months later came another email from the Spanish teacher, again about the shooter. "Hi Shawn. Ethan is having a rough time right now. He might need to speak with you," the teacher wrote on Nov. 10, 2021, just 20 days before the shooting. Hopkins testified that he met with the boy and told him that he was there for him. He said he did not contact the student's parents because being sad was common for kids. Nineteen days later came another warning, this one from an English teacher who said she spotted the shooter looking at bullets on his cellphone in class one day before the shooting. At 9:34 a.m., the English teacher emailed three school officials, including Hopkins. "Now that he's on my radar, I'm also noticing that some of his previous work that he's completed from earlier in the year leans a bit toward the violent side," the English teacher emailed. The shooter was pulled from class. According to Hopkins, Ethan Crumbley explained that he had gone to the shooting range with his mom over the weekend, that shooting is a shared hobby and that's why he was looking at bullets. Hopkins said he was sent back to class. Warnings continue, parents summoned Hopkins said his next encounter with the shooter was on the morning of the shooting, when he got an 8 a.m. email from a teacher reporting: "Today he is watching videos" of a man "gunning down people." "My first reaction was, here we go again," Hopkins testified. Then came another email, this one at 9:32 a.m. A math teacher found the troubling drawing on the shooter's worksheet of a gun, a bleeding human and the plea to "help me." The parents were summoned. Hopkins said he had hoped the parents would take him home that day, stressing he did not want Ethan Crumbley to be alone. Hopkins testified that he did not specifically ask them to take him home, but did ask them to get him therapy. Hopkins said that while he told the parents that he wanted their son to be seen that day, it was made quite clear that it wasnt possible to do that day because they had to return to work. Absent a disciplinary reason to keep Ethan Crumbley from class, Hopkins said he allowed him to go back. Jennifer Crumbley asked whether they were done, and he recalled responding: I guess so. Hopkins said he wrote Ethan Crumbley a pass so he could go back to class and just let him know I cared about him. Hopkins testified that his follow-up plan was to meet with Ethan Crumbley the next morning to check on additional discussions at home about getting him help. If not, he testified, he planned to call Childrens Protective Services. Under cross-examination from Shannon Smith, Jennifer Crumbley's lawyer, Hopkins said that he did not call the shooter's mom the first three times he heard concerns from teachers about her son. She was not contacted until the day before the shooting, when her son was discovered researching bullets in class. A social worker left her a voicemail about the incident, saying she had addressed it with her son and to have a nice holiday. Hopkins said Jennifer Crumbley was not asked to return the call. Smith also questioned Hopkins about the drawing that included the gun. Hopkins saw a photo of the original drawing and an altered version, in which the shooter had written happy comments about school to conceal the original dark content. Smith asked whether when Hopkins saw the gun drawn on the sheet it was not enough to make you believe that Mrs. Crumbleys son posed a risk to himself or other students, correct? I wasnt sure whether he posed a risk to himself and so that is why I called in the parents, Hopkins testified. I was concerned, and I wouldnt call in parents unless I was concerned. Horse barn owner once said mom needed a police escort to visit Jurors also heard more than an hour of testimony about the Crumbleys' horse hobby. Kira Pennock, who owned the barn where the Crumbleys boarded their two horses, testified that Jennifer Crumbley spent $10,000 on two horses, and took horse riding lessons from her about three times a week during the evenings and during the day on the weekends. Pennock said the Crumbleys spoke frequently about their horses' health issues, paid by check for her services, spent $5,000 on each horse and sometimes drank alcohol at her barn. Smith objected to the testimony about drinking, arguing that it was irrelevant. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald disagreed. "If you're buying a $5,000 horse and drinking," it's relevant regarding their priorities as parents. The prosecution has long argued the Crumbleys paid more attention to their personal lives than they did their son. The farm owner said that she met the Crumbleys' son only once, and that Jennifer Crumbley mentioned him once in awhile, "called him weird" and referred to him as an "oopsie baby." "There was not really much talk of her son," Pennock said, and what there was "was nothing truly positive." Pennock testified about the day of the shooting. That morning, she said, she learned the Crumbleys' horse Billy needed medication for mud fever and his legs were swollen. Jennifer Crumbley also had plans for a riding lesson that night, she told jurors, noting Crumbley contacted her after the morning meeting at her son's school, and told her that she still planned to be at her lesson and that her son was coming along. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald questions witness Kira Pennock during the trial of Jennifer Crumbley as Crumbley is being tried on four counts of involuntary manslaughter in the Oakland County courtroom of Judge Cheryl Matthews on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. According to Pennock, Crumbley explained that her son was having a "shit" day at school and showed her a photo of the violent drawing on the math worksheet. Pennock suggested her son could use horse therapy. "He needs something," Jennifer Crumbley responded in a Facebook Messenger chat. "Let's make him a cowboy," Pennock wrote back. Pennock testified that later that day, when she heard there was a shooting at Oxford High School, she immediately thought it was Crumbley's son. Why? the prosecutor asked. "It's not normal for someone to draw these things at school," Pennock testified. At 4:07, she messaged Jennifer: "Is everything okay If you need anything please let me know." At 4:42: Jennifer Crumbley wrote her back: "I need to sell my horses, STAT." Pennock said she offered to buy the horses. Jennifer Crumbley told her she paid $5,000 for each horse, but wanted $8,000 each for them. Pennock said she became concerned that the Crumbleys might come to her barn and steal items. The defense objected. The prosecution was instructed to reword the question. Pennock testified: I did not truly feel bad for Jennifer. I was upset that this had happened to all of the kids and families." The jury also saw a string of Facebook messages between Pennock and Crumbley, during which Crumbley talked about needing $200,000 for a lawyer and selling her house to get money. "I'm bawling right now. My son ruined so many lives today," Crumbley wrote. "I'm still in shock, too. Take it one day at a time I will take care of the boys," Pennock wrote back, referring to the Crumbleys' horses. "Okay, thanks for not judging, unlike the whole world," Jennifer Crumbley wrote back. "I know you and James and this doesn't even remotely make me think it's your fault. It sounds like Ethan was a troubled kid. It's unfortunate this happened," Pennock wrote back. Another message from Jennifer Crumbley said, "I wish we had warnings. Something. He was a good kid that made bad decisions." Pennock wrote back, "There probably were warnings, but nobody saw them. Hindsight is 2020." Later, she told Jennifer Crumbley not to come to her barn without a police escort. "I'm really sorry. I need to look after my business." "Seriously? Those horses are the only good things in my life right now." Jennifer Crumbley wrote back. A text message from witness Kira Pennock to Jennifer Crumbley after Crumbley's son was identified as the shooter in the Oxford High School was shown in the Oakland County courtroom of Judge Cheryl Matthews on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. Pennock has a farm where the Crumbleys kept their horses. Pennock also testified that at one point, she changed her mind about letting Jennifer Crumbley come to the barn alone, and messaged her that it was OK to visit the horses. But Jennifer Crumbley wrote back: "We're out of the area in a safe place." According to Pennock's testimony, she and Crumbley communicated about the sale of the horses and their well-being in the days after the shooting, with Jennifer Crumbley noting at one point that her messages "are probably being monitored." On Dec. 3, when Pennock suggested they meet to discuss selling the horses for cash, Crumbley responded: "Maybe. They're announcing charges at 12." According to Pennock, she did not buy the horses. Rather the animals were signed over to her per the boarding contract. The Crumbleys have been jailed for more than two years, since those charges were announced. On cross-examination by Smith, Pennock conceded she was also friends with Jennifer Crumbley, not just a business associate. She also testified that she had bad cell service at her barn as it was in a remote area, and that customers had difficulty making calls. This detail is important to the defense because the Crumbleys have been accused of ignoring their son's text messages about hallucinating when they were out riding horses. Smith also tried to impeach the barn owner, questioning her about prior testimony when Pennock said in 2022: "I have never gotten the feeling that Jennifer and James had those types of issues with their son." Smith asked Pennock why her current testimony is different that she thought the Crumbleys had issues with their son. She couldn't explain the difference. Smith then asked Pennock why she didn't call police after seeing the troubling drawing the shooter had made on the math sheet. "I would not have known that something like this would have happened," Pennock responded. That's precisely what Smith has been arguing about her client: that she could not predict what happened, not even after seeing that math paper, and that hindsight is 20/20. "If you had a crystal ball," would you have called police? Smith asked Pennock. "Correct," the barn owner answered. Smith also asked Pennock whether she ever had any problems with Jennifer Crumbley stealing from her, or whether she ever contacted police about such problems or concerns. No, she answered, but she feared the Crumbleys, given their circumstances, may do things they hadn't done. Defense attorney apologizes for 'kill myself' comment Monday's proceedings also included an apology from the defense attorney over a comment she had made last week while struggling with a witness. Smith said, in front of the jury: "I'm going to kill myself." While the prosecution blasted her over the comment, the judge concluded it was a slip of the tongue. Jennifer Crumbley, left, stands with her attorney Shannon Smith as she is being tried on four counts of involuntary manslaughter in the Oakland County courtroom of Cheryl Matthews on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. CrumbleyOs son, Ethan Crumbley is convicted on killing four students at Oxford High School in 2021. I am apologizing for that comment, Smith said. I truly did not mean to say the comment I made. Judge Cheryl Matthews said: I believe that. On Friday, after testimony concluded and jurors left the courtroom, prosecutors expressed concern about Smiths comment. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said parents of teens killed in the shooting were in the courtroom and she was simply asking that we be respectful to victims. Smith said she did not mean to offend the families. Matthews said on Friday she thought it was a slip of the tongue. Emotions are running high. Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com Contact Gina Kaufman: gkaufman@freepress.com. Follow her on X: @ReporterGina. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Oxford school shooter's parents hid gun in armoire, bullets under jeans Amidst continuing vacancies and deterioration at the shopping center that once was the highlight of the town center, Bloomfield leaders are getting ready to plan a new approach including perhaps trying to get control of the property. The town has been concerned for years about the Wintonbury Mall, but the pressure for action has built because of an increase in empty storefronts, the shutdown of the AMC Cinema in 2022 and a structural failure this month that temporarily closed two of the most popular remaining businesses. The town council last week unanimously agreed to take the first step toward creating a commission focusing on the town center and specifically the future of the 110,000-square-foot shopping center. Resident Marcus Williams said Monday that the property has been in long-term decline and hurts the rest of the town because of its prominent location. In a Facebook discussion in early January, he wrote Its been an eyesore for a decade We have all these apartments and no in-town dining, local pubs or any place to walk to enjoy an evening. Its why everyone goes to Blue Back, Evergreen Walk and Parkville Market. Get with the program and lets start developing our town before everyone starts leaving. When it was constructed in the 1970s, the Wintonbury Mall became the centerpiece of Bloomfields town center. Its near the post office, library and town hall, and over the years signed the movie theater, Carbones Kitchen and Pasticceria Italia some of the communitys most well-known and successful businesses as tenants. But like most many large shopping centers, it later suffered as online shopping ate away the foot traffic that once kept it full. It was sold to Los Cabos II Equity LLC in 2015, but the retail vacancies continued expanding and becoming more prolonged. Its directory has space for 31 shops and service businesses, but lists only 15. At least one of those, the Ginza Japanese restaurant, has been gone since the summer; debris on the floor and fallen ceiling tiles are visible through the plate glass window. A second restaurant, Thai Palace, was shut down for more than two weeks because of water damage from the leaking roof, and is only reopening this week. Pasticceria Italia closed for several days in January for the same reason, and the son of the late founder posted on Facebook that this wasnt the first trouble. This is now the second time the roof collapsed on our bakery destroying our ovens and hood system on top of ruining the whole electrical system. Ginza, which is next door, has been leaking since June of last year and unfortunately theres only a very thin wall between us and them, which is now starting to rot, Emiddio Botta wrote in a message to customers. Last September, the malls ownership sued Mayor Danielle Wong and the town, claiming that her disparaging remarks about the property along with extensive talks of taking it through eminent domain had hurt its ability to sign new tenants. The lawsuit accuses the town of selective enforcement from its inspectors, claiming that a 2022 designation of the mall as a blighted property was unfair and malicious. The condition of the mall was no better or worse than other commercial properties in the area and was not in a blighted condition, the suit claims. The towns attorney has raised defenses of governmental immunity as well as free speech provisions of the state Constitution. The suit is currently scheduled to be heard in 2025, but settlement conferences are also planned before then. The council last week did not specify that it plans an eminent domain action to obtain the mall, or whether it might try to get a new developer to form a partnership with the current owner and either renovate or replace the shopping center. The council voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing where we will field questions and comments from our community around amending an ordinance aimed at developing our town center, and acquiring Wintonbury Mall is the focal point of this effort, Wong wrote in an email Monday. If the amendment is approved by this council, the ordinance will create a Special Development Authority with a laser-focused initiative of creating an Economic Development Plan for the center of Bloomfield, she wrote. The Town Center Economic Development Authority (TCEDA) will work directly with our legal, planning and economic teams to create, vet, and present the best and most innovative plan for developing a town center that is amongst the best in the nation. In the past several years, numerous residents have complained that the town is falling behind others that are modernizing their town centers. Bloomfields is largely a collection of shopping plazas that arent within easy walking distance of each other, and as far back as 2013 business leaders have recommended consolidating the numerous retail parking lots that take up a substantial amount of real estate. The hearing has not been scheduled, but is expected in February. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Cuba gets a closer look in Mobile starting this week. The Exploreums newest exhibit about the island nation opens later this morning. For much of the 20th Century, the relationship between the US and Cuba was fraught with political discord and a trade embargobut this exhibit explores a lot more. There are displays showing classic cars and high-end hand-rolled cigars. But this exhibit focuses on the whole culture of Cuba, its long history, and its rich ecology. The Exploreum has been closed for a month as this exhibit was being installedand finally reopens with Cuba! Tuesday. This is trying to show the wide and varied world of Cuba. It gives people perspective in general. I think a lot of times its hard to even imagine something outside of our, you know, our day-to-day and what were used to. And so I hope just within that, it, you know, encourages people to see a world beyond mobile and to learn about it and to kind of pursue those scientific discoveries like they are on this island nation, said Director of Education Savannah Holland. The exhibit is bilingualin Spanish and English. Mobile has close ties to CubaMobile was the first US city to sign a sister city agreement with Havana more than 30 years ago. The Exploreum exhibit will be open until late July 27th so theres plenty of time to catch it for nowbut once it closes its gone for good. It will officially retire after its Mobile run. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A car buyer who claimed to have trouble registering a newly purchased vehicle and getting a title for it now has the title and some extra cash. The Office of the District Attorney says it got a complaint from the buyer and began investigating Maize Motors LLC, a used car dealership, and its owner, Gabriel Nicholson. The DAs Consumer Protection Division alleged that Maize Motors and Nicholson failed to deliver the title on a Mustang within 60 days as required by Kansas law and failed to disclose to buyers that the dealership could not provide a title within 60 days. Jackie Robinson statue update: truck found, fundraising starts The investigators claim that the dealership sold the Mustang two previous times and tried to transfer the title through a Permit to Sell obtained from a Louisiana seller. The DAs office says the previous buyers returned the Mustang when they could not register it. According to the DAs office, Maize Motors believed the Permit to Sell was sufficient to transfer a title in Kansas. Investigators say the dealership got a quiet title to the Mustang and delivered the title to the buyer outside of the 60 days required by law. District Attorney Marc Bennett says Nicholson and the dealership denied violating the Kansas Consumer Protection Act intentionally but agreed to enter a consent judgment to resolve the allegations. Teen shooting victim identified; mother shot by police Judge Stephen Ternes approved the judgment last week. It calls for Nicholson and Maize Motors to: Be on probation for 12 months with the Consumer Protection Division Be liable for $5,000 in civil penalties, as well as additional investigative expenses and court costs Pay $1,000 in restitution to the impacted consumers Cooperate regarding any future complaints Bennett says the dealership and Nicholson have agreed to provide full refunds to buyers if the dealership fails to deliver a title within 60 days and the buyer cancels the purchase. KSN News reached out to Maize Motors and the owner for a comment but have not heard back yet. The district attorney says any vehicle buyer should receive certificates of title within 60 days of purchase so they can register the vehicle. Failure to provide the title within 60 days makes the transaction fraudulent and void and entitles the buyer to a full refund. Click here for the District Attorneys Office Consumer Protection Division. The website includes a consumer complaint form. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. European nations must seriously consider the potential risks of Donald Trump winning the U.S. election and crafting an agreement with (Russian dictator) Vladimir Putin, which could be disadvantageous for both Ukraine and Europe, Czech President Petr Pavel said on Jan. 30, according to Polish outlet TVN24. Its not about undermining transatlantic ties, its not about questioning the United States as an ally, but we have to realistically recognize that Donald Trump sees many things differently, Pavel said. Read also: Team Trump aims for nomination by March, says Reuters Ukraine, unlike Russia, currently has limited capabilities on the battlefield, he said. Therefore, the allies recommend limiting offensive actions and strengthening the defense. Read also: Prague remains committed to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, Czech President says For this purpose, Kyiv needs not only purely defensive weapons but also weapons that can disrupt the supply routes of the Russian army, such as artillery, longer-range cruise missiles, and F-16 aircraft, stated Pavel. Read also: EUs Borrell shades Trumps boastful peace plan to end Russias war on Ukraine in 24 hours Trump repeatedly claimed that he would swiftly end Russias war against Ukraine within 24 hours if re-elected as president. Additionally, he expressed willingness to allow Russia to take over parts of Ukraine, arguing that Washington is providing Ukraine with excessive weaponry. Incumbent U.S. President Joe Biden officially announced in April 2023 his candidacy for a second term in the 2024 elections. Republican leader Donald Trump declared his candidacy for the 2024 White House race in November 2022, despite facing formal criminal charges. 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 (COLORADO SPRINGS) On Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, a group of students from Harrison School District 2 in Colorado Springs will host a space chat with the International Space Station. Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) will speak directly to students from Stratton Meadows Elementary and Thrive Home School Academy. Students from around the world get to speak to astronauts via ARISS, which holds 60-80 chats per year. For the past year, Harrison School District 2 students have been learning about space, solar eclipses, and the International Space Station. On Monday, Jan. 29, two former astronauts will visit D2 kids to prepare them for the chat on Friday and will hold an assembly to explain what kids can expect to hear, and what will happen during the call. A year-long ARISS grant was awarded to Harrison School District 2 and the Thrive Home School Academy kids, providing these opportunities. The mission of ARISS is to administrate contact between the space station and students who are curious about space. They exist to inspire, encourage, and promote exploration and education in technology, science, math, and the arts. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Dakota leaders are expressing concern that this years Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion was hidden at a site they consider sacred. Treasure hunters found the medallion Saturday at the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary in St. Paul. Although the sanctuary is designated a public park, a nonprofit has partnered with the city to have the area recognized as a sacred space. Initial funding has come together for a cultural and interpretative site to be called the Wakan Tipi Center at the entrance of the Bruce Vento sanctuary. Hiding the medallion in a sacred site is pretty disappointing because for us its a place of prayer and a final resting place for our people, said Shelley Buck, former chair of the Prairie Island Tribal Council, who now serves as vice chair of the Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi board. The nature sanctuary where the medallion was found is adjacent to Indian Mounds Regional Park, an area that sits atop Daytons Bluff east of downtown St. Paul and is one of several spiritual sites for Dakota people in the metro area. If medallion hunters were searching in churches and cemeteries, people would be appalled, Buck said. We may call it different things but its our place of worship. We dont have a church or synagogue, but its the same. We worship outdoors, we pray outdoors. We just ask for the same respect you would give your own (places of worship and burial), Buck said. Lori Swanson, a marketing consultant who directs the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt, said the nature sanctuary will be off limits for future hunts, which is already the case for Indian Mounds park. We respect history, culture and everybody who cares about it, and we take concerns about the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt seriously, she said. This years medallion was hidden a few feet off the trail on the southern edge of the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, near a fence between the park and a rail yard. Early clues included a note that the medallion was set on open ground to discourage potential disturbance of plant and wildlife, Swanson said. Clue explanations included history about the area and about how work is going on now to reclaim the land and restore it to its natural beauty.' Swanson said Treasure Hunt boundaries will exclude the park going forward in light of that work, a central aim of which is to redesignate the area from a park to a sacred place. Were grateful to the Dakota leaders, treasure hunters and residents who communicated their concerns about where we hid the medallion this year, Swanson said. Wakan Tipi Center Steps are well underway to change the sanctuarys designation through the Wakan Tipi Awanyankapis partnership with the city of St. Paul. Part of those efforts include the construction of the Wakan Tipi Center at the end of the sanctuary farthest from Wakan Tipi, a sacred cave in the northern portion of the sanctuary also known as Carvers Cave. Two significant sites within this landscape are Wakan Tipi (Carvers Cave), a sacred cave site within Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, and the Dakota burial mounds above the cave, along the bluff, in Indian Mounds Regional Park, according to wakantipi.org. The activities here have been extensively documented in the historical record, and especially in the journals of Jonathan Carver in 1766-1767, when he lived with the Dakota near this site for six months. In his journals, Carver describes beautiful landscape and extensive rock art within the cave entrance at Wakan Tipi that tell of ancient stories and the holiness of the cave. The nonprofit spawned from resident efforts to turn the heavily polluted, neglected, and forgotten area of the sanctuary into a city park in 1997. East Side and Lowertown activists joined together to restore the former railroad and industrial site by creating Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi (formerly known as Lower Phalen Creek Project). According to the nonprofits website, the goal was to restore the land and create a nature sanctuary that offers high quality native wildlife habitat and protection for this culturally significant place of power, all in the heart of the urban core. Related Articles In 2005, the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary was opened to the public. As part of the efforts to educate the public about the importance of the area, a cultural landscape study was conducted by the city. As a result, last fall, signs were installed in Indian Mounds Park letting visitors know that they are in a sacred place of burial and there are relatives of those buried who are still here. In addition, posted QR codes in Indian Mounds Park now link visitors to videos of Native American individuals talking about the site and additional physical cues that remind visitors they are in a special, sacred space, according to the citys messaging plan. Dakota leaders have raised similar concerns about park installments previously planned on the Indian Mounds site. Instead of installing a playground, the city redirected that money toward the cultural study of the park. Education is key Its frustrating because incidents like this continue to happen and will continue to happen until the space is officially recognized and designated as a holy and sacred space, said Maggie Lorenz, executive director of Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi. Until that happens, people wont understand that many seemingly innocuous activities, such as walking dogs through the area, are harmful and desecrate the holy land, Lorenz said in a phone interview on Sunday. Because the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary is still considered a city park until a designation occurs, education is key, she said. The building of the community center will help, along with signs and outdoor exhibits put in place this spring to help educate the public about the space while the city and the nonprofit organization hammer out the complexities of re-designation of the sanctuary, Lorenz said. Construction of the Wakan Tipi Center is currently out for bids through the city, she said. There are a lot of areas to consider including caring for our unhoused relatives while still not wanting them to camp at the site, the need and want to recognize Bruce Vento and all hes done for the East Side. And naming this appropriately as a sacred site, she said. When something like a treasure hunt creates a lot of foot traffic, it highlights the need to speed up the process of getting the area designated as a sacred place, she said. It urges (our organization), the tribes and the city to bump this work up on our priority list, she said. It does take time, investment, involvement and engagement, but the longer we wait, the more opportunities there are for desecration. People are not even intentionally out there trying to cause harm, but without clear education about the work we are doing with the city, there is no way people can realize the harm. Lorenz said the area shouldnt be considered a former sacred space: It is an active spiritual space where people still go to pray. And visitors dont have to be Dakota to spend time there, she pointed out. We would want to see people (from any background) visiting for purposes of prayer, mindfulness and meditation, she said. In the metro area, there are five such sacred spaces: the entire Indian Mounds Park (including the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary) is considered one. Others are Bdote (Fort Snelling State Park where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers come together); Oheyawahi (also known as Pilot Knob in Mendota); Mini Owe Sin (also known as Coldwater Spring by Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis); and Owamniyomni (at St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis). One Mississippi River site, Wita Wanagi (also known as Spirit Island), is now gone. It was quarried and its stone used for construction of buildings such as the St. Anthony Falls mills, Lorenz said. The Wakan Tipi center is expected to open in late 2025. The 7,500-square-foot center will house public program and restoration teams to educate people about the sacred space but also provide active stewardship and restoration. It will include indoor and outdoor exhibits and interior classrooms, a teaching kitchen to revitalize traditional food preparation as well as community spaces. Its super important work, said St. Paul Parks and Recreation director Andy Rodriguez. I think this is a site where we have the opportunity to set a standard for other park agencies, he said. We have an opportunity to set an example for the nation, honestly. Were leaders in this area and looking to define a path for how this will go forward in future. Related Articles MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A Marion County man is facing attempted murder and other gun charges after a 15-hour standoff that ended with his arrest late Tuesday morning, authorities said. Jeffrey Scott Shelley, 42, allegedly shot at two people Monday night and then barricaded himself inside a home on Highway 9 in the Gresham community, according to the Marion County Sheriffs Office. The incident began at about 8 p.m. Monday and wasnt resolved until about 11 a.m. Tuesday. Marion County sheriffs deputies and SLED agents worked throughout the night and morning to bring the situation to a safe ending. Neither of the two people who told deputies that they were shot at by Shelley was hurt. After deputies arrived Monday night, Shelley allegedly threatened to shoot any and all law enforcement that responded, the sheriffs office said. Earlier Tuesday morning, a sheriffs office spokesperson called it a dangerous situation and said the area remained blocked by law enforcement. People were urged to avoid the area. According to arrest warrants provided to News13, Shelley allegedly fired multiple gunshots into an occupied vehicle. He faces two counts of attempted murder, one count of discharging a weapon into a vehicle and one count of possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He remains in the Marion County Detention Center pending a bond hearing, which is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division assisted deputies in an attempt to bring a peaceful resolution to the situation, the sheriffs office said. No additional information was immediately available. Count on News13 for updates. * * * Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Daylight-saving time begins at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and ends at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November. Wisconsin residents adopted it in 1957 through a statewide referendum. Days are starting to get longer and Wisconsinites will soon set their clocks to "spring forward" as daylight saving time approaches in March. While it unfortunately means we'll get one less hour of sleep, we can look forward to some more sunlight in the evening hours. Here's why our clocks "spring forward" and "fall back" during daylight saving time and other facts to know: How does daylight saving time work? Daylight saving time occurs when we set our clocks back one hour ahead of standard time to make use of more sunlight in the spring, summer and fall evening, according to timeanddate.com. In the fall, the daylight saving time period usually ends and our clocks are set back to standard time again. During the "fall back" we gain one hour, so the day of the transition is 25 hours long. When does Wisconsin spring forward in 2024? Daylight saving time starts on March 10, 2024 at 2a.m. EST. Sunrise and sunset will be about an hour later on March 10 than the previous day. When does Wisconsin fall back in 2024? Daylight saving time ends on Nov. 3 at 2 a.m. EST as the sunrise and sunset will fall back one hour earlier. Who invented daylight saving time? Daylight saving time was invented by New Zealand scientist George Vernon Hudson and British builder William Willett. In 1905, Willet proposed setting the clocks ahead 20 minutes on each Sunday in April, and then switching them back in September, totaling eight time switches per year. Willet's plan inspired a British Member of Parliament, Robert Pearce, to introduce the bill to the House of Commons in 1908. The United Kingdom started using daylight saving in 1916. Benjamin Franklin is also credited for being the first to suggest daylight saving time. But his suggestion didn't involve turning the clocks. What states don't practice daylight saving time? Hawaii and Arizona, with the exception of the Navajo Nation, are the only states that don't observe daylight saving time in the U.S. Arizona agreed to not practice daylight saving time in 1968 because the state has a warmer climate and residents would benefit from cooler night hours. Hawaii doesn't have daylight saving time because it's so close to the equator that the amount of sunlight during the day doesn't vary as much during the year. Wisconsin resisted daylight saving time for decades The Journal Sentinel has previously reported that "[i]n 1930, when some Milwaukee businesses started changing their clocks on their own, an odd alliance of farmers, labor and movie theater operators worried "extra" sunlight would keep moviegoers outside pushed the state Legislature to up the ante. By 1931, not only was it illegal to impose daylight saving time in Wisconsin; a business operator could go to jail for doing so, with up to a $50 fine and as much as 30 days behind bars." For the next 10 to 15 years there were almost annual attempts to roll back the law, but the Legislature refused to approve any change. After World War II, as more and more states allowed saving time to remain the law, business groups wanted Wisconsin to join them. A referendum was held in 1947 that would have let municipalities decide for themselves. It failed. Finally, in 1957 another referendum was held and Wisconsinites adopted daylight saving time. What is the Sunshine Protection Act? Proposed in 2021, the Sunshine Protection Act is a proposed U.S. federal law that would make U.S. daylight saving time permanent, meaning states would no longer change the clocks twice per year. The U.S. House of Representatives still needs to pass the bill before it can go to President Joe Biden to be signed. When is daylight saving time in 2025? Daylight saving time starts March 9, 2025 at 2 a.m. EST will fall back Nov. 2 at 2 a.m. EST. JS reporter Drew Dawson contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: When is daylight saving time 2024 in Wisconsin? A thriving downtown Montgomery requires more than just a focus on today's downtown business. Its about being part of a larger family that lives and works well together, and plans for the future. I think its important that not just our downtown businesses, but our downtown community has a voice, and that things are being taken care of that affect the community its residents and businesses, said Keiauna White, the new president of Montgomerys Downtown Business Association, who has been in her elected role for about three weeks. While building up the heart of downtown is a major part on Whites new job, her goals extend beyond the city's limits. The vision is for (DBA Montgomery) to be a partnership with all of the tri-county area, White said, referring to Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore counties, which have a great deal of consumer crossover. New Downtown Business Association President Keiauna White is shown at her store, BeYOUtiful Boutique, in downtown Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday January 30, 2024. Even beyond that, DBA Montgomery is officially joining forces with the nonprofit group Main Street Alabama a statewide network of linked community organizations. At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Kress Building, 39 Dexter Ave., DBA Montgomery will be joined by Mayor Steven L. Reed, the citys director of economic development Darryl Washington, and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce for the partnerships formal announcement. The public is invited to attend. Main Street Alabama is proud to work with downtown Montgomery as our newest designated district," said Mary Helmer Wirth, Main Street Alabama state coordinator, in a release. "We couldn't be more excited to partner with them on their revitalization journey. With its rich history and vibrant community, Montgomery is a perfect addition to our network of thriving downtowns. We can't wait to see what the future holds for this dynamic city and look forward to working together to make it an even more amazing place to live, work, and play. Welcome to the family, Montgomery! New Downtown Business Association President Keiauna White is shown at her store, BeYOUtiful Boutique, in downtown Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday January 30, 2024. White said she's excited about the things to come for DBA Montgomery, which will transition into the Main Street Designated program. "Main Street Alabama will build upon prior endeavors to rejuvenate the district and its notable development activities," Main Street said in a release. "The Main Street approach will play a pivotal role in crafting economic strategies to enhance existing businesses, cultivating a dedicated group of volunteers committed to improving the district, fostering an inclusive atmosphere, and creating year-round experiences for both residents and visitors to enjoy." Its time. The time is now, White said. We have to cultivate as a community. We are responsible for cultivating the culture that we would like to experience. That takes teamwork, so it takes partnerships. New Downtown Business Association President Keiauna White is shown at her store, BeYOUtiful Boutique, in downtown Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday January 30, 2024. Former DBA Montgomery president Jonathan Avant referred to Main Street Alabama as the light thats going to shine the way for us as an organization. Main Street Alabama has been around for 10 years. Last year, DBA Montgomery announced that Main Street Alabama had selected Montgomery as an "aspiring city." On Monday, Main Street Alabama announced that downtown Montgomery had been giving an official designation with the group. "This recognition marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to revitalize and enhance the heart of Montgomery," Main Street Alabama wrote in a release. Avant, who served as president for five years and didnt seen a term this year, said White and other DBA Montgomery board members are bringing new leadership and fresh ideas. Youve got to step out of the way for evolution, Avant said. Thats the same thing that happened with me when I came on This next set of leaders are in a position now to take it to the next level. Im going to cheer them on the same way the last leadership cheered me on. Montgomery business owners are dear to White. After all, shes one of them. White has BeYOUtiful Boutiques, 1 Court Square, Suite 102. Shes been in business since 2013, much of which as a mobile business doing pop-up events, before falling in love with a downtown location. White thinks of herself as a retail therapist. She loves helping people to feel empowered about themselves through fun fashion. My business focuses on community building, White said. We have fun through relationships and retail. Prior to her new role, White said she was active in DBA Montgomery, where she also served as interim vice president. As a musician, the arts have been a part of Avants vision in DBA Montgomery. White said that growth will continue. We will expand on that and leverage our partnerships to promote our local artists of all types, White said. New Downtown Business Association President Keiauna White is shown on Dexter Avenue in downtown Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday January 30, 2024. Just ahead, DBA Montgomery will host its annual Mardi Gras Block Party j on Feb. 10, with a tentative time from 2-6 p.m. Details are still in the works, but White said plans include family fun, a business and pub crawl, and street festival. I feel like downtowns are made up of the people, the experiences, the stories, the history, and being able to share that with others, whether theyre visiting or just enjoying a new experience, White said. Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: DBA Montgomery: New president and Main Street Alabama designation Reports of fighting, tardiness, vaping and other common school infractions have dropped considerably from this time last year, Hillsborough County school district leaders told the school board at a work session Tuesday. Overall, disciplinary referrals dropped from 66,313 to 58,963 when two mid-year reports were compared. The number of times students were caught skipping class dropped by more than 2,400. Were talking about an overall 11% decrease, said Superintendent Van Ayres. All improvements we want to make as a district, all the gains we want to make start with the students being in class. Behavior, which is widely recognized to have worsened after the 2020 COVID shutdown, is an important issue as the district works to rebound from disappointing academic results in 2022-23. In that year, Hillsborough schools received more D and F grades from the state than any other district in Florida. Teacher turnover which is exacerbated by behavior problems is also considered a factor. Ayres and his team believe this years numbers were helped by increased use of a strategy called Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports, a researched-based system that addresses students emotional needs while working towards consistency in disciplinary practices. Teachers and administrators are receiving training in the strategy at the University of South Florida, and the district says it now has 67 schools using it. District leaders also made a concerted effort to monitor middle and high schools, where most of the infractions occur. Schools get discipline report cards every two weeks that show administrators the trends on their campuses, broken down by race. The reports also make it clear when one student has multiple referrals. Despite the encouraging numbers, school board members had questions and concerns. Chairperson Karen Perez, studying the racial breakdown of the reported incidents, noted that even in this improved year, 48,118 of the 58,963 incidents 82% were among Black or Hispanic and multiracial students. Thats unacceptable, she said. I dont care if its one child that was sent home 48,000 times. That number is still unacceptable. Seventeen percent were among white students, who make up 30% of enrollment. Board member Stacy Hahn noted that many of todays teachers pursue alternative certification methods instead of taking the traditional path of majoring in education in college, where they are taught classroom management skills. Now were certifying teachers really quick and dirty, she said. Often they are placed in high-needs schools, where the demand is greatest, and theyre not really prepared. Hahn suggested the district find ways to make up for the gaps in training. Board member Nadia Combs said it is important to remember that the vast majority students adhere to school rules. And she urged the board, as she has in the past, to consider a ban on cell phones in class. The board and district staff also discussed the need to fill administrative positions at all schools to avoid situations in which students are unsupervised in between classes. When we looked at these report cards, especially in middle and high school, the referrals werent coming from the classroom, said Joshua Kristol, the districts general director of climate and culture. The majority were from everywhere outside the classroom. The majority were happening where there werent eyes. . Israeli troops killed three members of the militant Palestinian group Hamas in a raid of a hospital in the West Bank on Tuesday, officials said. The Israeli military entered the Ibn Sina hospital, disguised as civilian women and medical workers, in the northern city of Jenin. The military killed three men, whom Hamas claimed as members. The Israeli military said the men killed were using the hospital as a hideout and that at least one was planning an attack, after allegedly transferring weapons and ammunition to others, The Associated Press reported. The Health Ministry said Israeli troops opened fire in the hospital, but a clinic spokesperson said there was no exchange of fire, according to AP, suggesting it was a targeted killing. Hamas has frequently used hospitals as hideouts for military activity in an effort to provoke international condemnation of Israeli tactics. Health officials in the region called on the international community to urge Israels military to stop hospital operations. Israel has also come under fire for targeting Gaza hospitals, which Hamas has used to hide weapons, per the AP. The recent attacks are part of Israels retaliatory offensive against Hamas, which the U.S. has designated a terrorist organization, after the group carried out a deadly surprise attack on Israel in October. The Oct. 7 massacre left 1,200 Israelis dead and more than 240 taken as hostages. In the months since, Israels strikes have killed more than 26,700 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, which said about two-thirds of the people are women and children. About 85 percent of the population has been displaced in the fighting and a quarter of the residents have been pushed to starvation, the AP reported. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. After killing Rodney Clayton, Serena Sanchez "disposed of him like he was trash," Clayton's sister, Yolanda Johnson, said Monday. Johnson read a letter from Clayton's family at Monday's sentencing hearing for Sanchez, 27, who pleaded guilty Nov. 20 to unintentional but reckless second-degree murder in the stabbing death of the 57-year-old Clayton. Sanchez showed no mercy, and Clayton's family asked that none be given to her, Johnson said. "He did not deserve what happened to him," she said of her brother. Serena Marie Sanchez looks back toward the gallery before walking out of the courtroom after her sentencing Monday. What sentence was imposed? Defense attorney Jonathon L. Noble replied by stressing that Sanchez was taking responsibility for her actions and was asking the court to sentence her to 10 years, three months in prison. Shawnee County District Court Judge Maban Wright then sentenced Sanchez to serve 10 years, three months in prison. That sentence was part of the plea agreement reached last year in the case between attorneys representing Sanchez and the office of District Attorney Mike Kagay. As part of the agreement, prosecutors dropped a charge of intimidation of a witness or victim against Sanchez and reduced a charge of intentional second-degree murder to unintentional but reckless second-degree murder. Shawnee County District Judge Maban Wright talks with, from left, defense attorneys Scott William Jacobs Jr. and Jonathon L. Noble and prosecutor Shannon Dawn Szambecki during Serena Marie Sanchez's sentencing hearing Monday. The sentence Sanchez received Monday was the same sentence Kansas sentencing guidelines mandate for someone who had Sanchez's prior criminal record, which includes convictions for two misdemeanors but no felonies, and is then convicted of reckless but intentional second-degree murder. Wright told Clayton's family that just because she was honoring the plea agreement did not mean that Clayton's life was not of "profound value" to the court, the community and his family. Wright ordered that Sanchez receive credit for time she has served since March at the Shawnee County Jail and said she would be eligible to earn as much as 15% in good time credits off her sentence. Wright chose not to order Sanchez to pay court costs after Sanchez told her she has no assets and hasn't held a job since about a year before she was arrested in Clayton's death. What were the circumstances of the case? Topeka police said they found Clayton's body tightly wrapped in multiple layers of plastic bags outdoors on the ground toward the back near the southeast corner of Sanchez's then home at 232 S.W. Harrison. Court records say Clayton in October 2022 allegedly punched Sanchez, slapped her in the face and dragged her by her hair, after which he was charged in January 2023 with battery and interfering with a law enforcement officer. Clayton was ordered, as a condition of bond, to have no contact with Sanchez. Scott William Jacobs Jr., left, and Jonathon L. Noble, right, review documents Monday during the sentencing hearing for their client, Serena Marie Sanchez. Sanchez told police last year that she invited Clayton into her home March 6 in an effort to reconcile with him, but Clayton got into a shoving match there with a male guest. Sanchez said she stepped between Clayton and the guest, Clayton hit her in the mouth, and she reached into her pocket for the pepper spray she normally carried there. The pepper spray wasn't present but a knife was, and Sanchez grabbed it with plans to hit Clayton on the shoulder with the knife while keeping its blade closed, Sanchez said. But the blade came open and severed an artery in Clayton's shoulder, she said. Sanchez told police she felt scared and went to talk to her mother, suggesting others must have moved Clayton's body. Sanchez chose not to exercise her option of addressing the court Monday. Prosecutor Shannon Dawn Szambecki, right, looks over at Serena Marie Sanchez during her sentencing hearing Monday. Sanchez initially invoked 'Stand Your Ground' defense Johnson called Sanchez a "murderer" Monday and made it clear Clayton's family doesn't believe her story. "Miss Sanchez was on a mission to murder Rodney, and she did that," Johnson said. After stabbing Clayton, Sanchez told others who were present not to help him, Johnson added. Sanchez still "has her whole life ahead of her" while Clayton's life has ended, she said. Sanchez and her attorneys initially contended she was protected from prosecution by the Kansas Stand Your Ground law. That law considers a person justified in the use of deadly force against another when the person using force reasonably believes such use of force is necessary to prevent "imminent death or great bodily harm" to themselves or a third party. Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Serena Sanchez sentenced to 10 years, three months for Topeka murder The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals declined to hear a bombshell voting rights case Tuesday, likely putting a case that existentially threatens the Voting Rights Act on track to the Supreme Court. An 8th Circuit panel had ruled in November that, despite years of precedent, individual voters could not actually bring Section 2 claims under the VRA, the primary method of bringing racial gerrymandering cases at the federal level. Instead, the majority wrote, only the United States attorney general could bring the cases. The ramifications of this decision, if it continues to hold, are enormous. The vast majority of vote dilution cases under the VRA are brought by individual voters in conjunction with good government and civil rights groups. As one expert told TPM, of the over 200 redistricting cases his organization is tracking following the most recent election cycle alone, the Department of Justice is only involved in three. Under this regime, Republican administrations likely wouldnt bring any VRA cases at all. The 8th Circuit is overwhelmingly composed of Republican appointees, with only one active judge appointed by a Democratic president. That judge, Jane Kelly, joined George W. Bush appointee Steven Colloton, who wrote for the dissenters. Fellow Bush appointee Lavenski Smith, whod dissented at the panel level, also would have granted the rehearing en banc. The mistakes in this case are almost entirely judge-driven, Colloton wrote, singling out both the district judge (a Donald Trump appointee whod brought up the question of whether individuals could sue under Section 2 himself) and the panel majority that affirmed him. The panels error is evident, but the court regrettably misses an opportunity to reaffirm its role as a dispassionate arbiter of issues that are properly presented by the parties, he added. Colloton echoed many of the arguments Smith had made in his panel dissent, pointing out that Congress had renewed the VRA many times while courts processed VRA cases brought by individuals, and that the Supreme Court, while deciding a case on a different part of the VRA, indicated that Section 2 did have this private right of action. The panel majority had dismissed that Supreme Court record as mere dicta at most. The panel majoritys unusual notion of dicta, and its refusal to treat Morse as controlling precedent for an inferior court, are worthy of further review, Colloton wrote. The dissent is also unusually candid about the politics at play, the clear subtext that the right-wing judges are operating under a belief that the new conservative-supermajority Supreme Court might break with what its justices previously thought. For this court to proceed on a hunch that a reconstituted Supreme Court would repudiate those precedential VRA cases, Colloton wrote, would be too clever by half. The plaintiffs in the case may next appeal it to the Supreme Court. The Roberts Court has been legendarily hostile to the VRA, and, over the last decade, has dealt enormous damage to the statute, though it issued a decision supportive of the law last summer that came as a surprise to voting rights experts. Read the 8th Circuit ruling here: This embedded content is not available in your region. An Arizona lawmaker who signed on to be a fake elector for Donald Trump after the former president lost his bid for a second term has introduced a bill that would allow members of the statehouse to overturn future election results that they dont like. The bill, formally known as Senate Concurrent Resolution 1014 and sponsored by state Sen. Anthony Kern, seeks to bypass the popular vote altogether. [I]t is the responsibility of the Arizona Secretary of State to certify elections, including elections for President of the United States, but the sole authority to appoint presidential electors is granted to the Legislature, the four-line bill reads. Therefore, it concludes, [T]he Legislature, and no other official, shall appoint presidential electors in accordance with the United States Constitution. Giving the legislature absolute power to control Arizonas electoral college votes, regardless of who won the popular vote, would disenfranchise millions of Arizonans. This is a full sound-the-alarm moment for American democracy. Arizona Republicans are attacking the most essential tenet of our elections: that the people decide their representatives, Sam Paisley, national press secretary for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, said in an emailed statement. Since 2020, weve seen hundreds of Republican legislators across the country willing to support efforts to challenge and overturn election results, but this latest attempt to remove the will of the people from the presidential selection process is one of the gravest threats to democracy weve seen yet. Kern did not immediately respond to requests for comment left with his office on Tuesday. A Minnesota native, Kern says in his official bio that he had a heart felt [sic] desire to serve in the military during Desert Storm but being a single dad and raising two sons at that time he was unable to. He has a degree in business administration, is self-employed, believes in entrepreneurs and owed [sic] a private investigation business, it goes on, noting that he has been involved in the Block Watch program, and started the City of Phoenix Employees for Christ organization in 1995. A former code enforcement officer in the City of El Mirage, Kern was fired in 2014 for lying to his supervisor about a lost tablet computer. His name was added to the Maricopa County Attorneys Offices so-called Brady List, a database of police employees with known credibility issues, that same year. (Kern later tried, unsuccessfully, to get his name removed from the list, only to be outed for the brazen attempt in a Phoenix New Times expose.) Paisley described Arizonas Republican caucus as a hotbed of MAGA extremism, and Kern has made no secret of his affinity for the cause. He attended the Jan. 6, 2021, Stop the Steal rally and subsequent Capitol riotalthough he has not been accused of entering the building itselfand allegedly used campaign cash to fund his trip. SOLIDLY TEAM MAGA, Kern says on his campaign page for his current congressional run. In October, Josh Gray, an IT worker who lives in Kerns district, filed a complaint against the lawmaker, claiming he illegally spent roughly $2,000 donated to his failed re-election bid on airfare to and from D.C. plus lodging while there. Reached by phone on Tuesday, Gray said Kerns proposal to undermine the popular vote in Arizona is hardly a shock. Its literally what he tried to do back in 2021, Gray told The Daily Beast. It doesnt surprise me that Kern would be the one to put it out there, considering he was one of the fake electors in Arizona. Kerns brazen behavior has largely gone unchecked, according to Gray, who said, If theres no accountability, it could inspire people to follow his lead in other states. Im not, like, a full-time activist, I work in IT, Gray said. I just dont like some of the ways people try to manipulate the system, people like Kern, who attack democracy, in a way, to get their way. Were pretty familiar with that in Arizona. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A divided Lexington council will soon take up a vote on whether landlords can discriminate against residents who use federal vouchers and other sources of income to pay their rent. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council voted 12-2 Tuesday to put the ordinance, which would prohibit landlords from discriminating against renters who use other sources of income besides employment, on its docket for Thursday. The council will give it a first reading to the ordinance on Thursday. A final vote could come as early as Feb. 15. The council has been discussing a ban on source of income discrimination for months. A council committee voted 7-3 on Jan. 24 to move the ordinance to the full council. The council has had multiple meetings about the proposal. Meanwhile, the Kentucky General Assembly is moving two bills forward prohibiting local governments from enacting such bans. The House passed House Bill 18 last week. That bill now goes to the Senate. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 25, which is similar but not the same as H.B. 18, also passed the Senate last week. Neither bill is final yet. Many Lexington council members expressed reservations Tuesday about moving the ordinance forward due to the pending bills in Frankfort. Councilman Chuck Ellinger mentioned both the House and Senate have passed bills by an overwhelmingly majority, largely along party lines, with Republicans voting in favor and Democrats against. Right now, its a little premature, Ellinger said. Ellinger made a motion to table the ordinance until March 5, which was defeated 10-4. Those who voted in favor of tabling include Ellinger, Fred Brown, Whitney Elliott Baxter and Kathy Plomin. Councilwoman Liz Sheehan said securing safe, stable housing is necessary. I do have some concerns about the timing of this, Sheehan said due to the pending legislation in Frankfort. Sheehan ultimately voted in favor of putting the ordinance on the Feb. 1 council agenda. Vice Mayor Dan Wu said he thought the city had spent a lot of time working on the ordinance. Im a big fan of home rule, which simply means local government gets to govern, Wu said. Wu said it is up to Lexington council members to make laws and ordinances to govern the city, not the Kentucky General Assembly. Do we not want to pass any potential controversial legislation in the four months they are doing work? Wu said. Councilwoman Denise Gray agreed. Waiting is not an option. We have residents of Lexington who deserve housing. Ellinger and Fred Brown voted against putting the ordinance on the docket for Thursday. Those who back the bill say too many people with federal housing vouchers, called Housing Choice, struggle to find landlords to take those vouchers. Many social service providers have said people are waiting months to leave city-paid-for shelters because they cant find landlords that take housing vouchers. Others say the majority of Fayette County federal housing voucher recipients are Black. Yet the majority of rental properties that take federal housing vouchers are largely in the north part of town or areas with higher concentrations of minorities. Landlords have said they dont want to be forced to take someone on a voucher, and do not want to be forced to participate in a federal program that requires inspections and other rules. Councilmembers David Sevigny and Shayla Lynch, co-sponsors of the local ordinance, testified before House and Senate committees earlier this month, asking the legislature not to pass the bills. ASHKHABAD, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to enhance further cooperation with the Turkmen parliament, said a senior Chinese legislator during his visit to Turkmenistan on Sunday and Monday. Hao Mingjin, vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks while heading a Chinese delegation at the invitation of the Turkmen parliament. During the visit, Hao met respectively with Dunyagozel Gulmanowa, chairperson of the National Assembly (Mejlis) of Turkmenistan; Rashid Meredov, Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister; and Shamuhammet Durdylyev, mayor of the city of Arkadag. China and Turkmenistan are good friends, good partners and good brothers, Hao said, adding that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Sino-Turkmen relations have achieved continuous and substantial development under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state. In 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov jointly announced that the two countries would elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, practice a community of shared future for mankind at the bilateral level, and usher in a new chapter in Sino-Turkmen relations, Hao said. The National People's Congress of China is willing to continue strengthening cooperation with the Turkmen National Assembly, implementing the consensus of the two heads of state, and enriching the substance of bilateral relations, he said. Hao also briefed the Turkmen side on the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese-style modernization, the whole-process people's democracy, and jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative. The Turkmen side reiterated that it firmly upholds the one-China principle, is ready to actively engage in cooperation between the two governments and two legislative bodies, and is ready to further enhance cooperation in various fields and deepen bilateral relations continuously. A dog named Stanley was euthanized at an Indiana animal shelter despite having a foster parent ready to pick him up just hours later, a no-kill rescue center said. Proving Animals are Worth Saving (PAAWS), of Evansville, Indiana, said Stanley was in need of a foster parent after the death of his owner. The no-kill animal rescue described Stanley as a little anxious, but otherwise a good boy. One day after posting about Stanley on Facebook, the group said in a Monday, Jan. 29, post that the 2-year-old dog had died at Evansville Animal Control. He was euthanized this morning because he was terrified and growled at an EAC employee (ripped from the only home he had ever known) and they said they were out of space, when PAAWS had left them a message that we had a Foster and would pull the sweet boy out of there at NOON! PAAWS said. Evansville Animal Control said it was unaware Stanley had a home lined up, WEVV reported. The facility told the station it is closed on Sundays and does its Monday euthanizations before staff members begin answering phones. PAAWS said its hearts are broken over Stanleys death. The nonprofit does not have a building or shelter, but its volunteers work to rescue neglected, abused and unwanted animals. I think thats what makes it that much harder that he was so close to being able to get out, Julie Frazier, the treasurer for PAAWS, told WFIE. The Evansville Animal Control facilitys lack of space also reportedly attributed to the decision to euthanize Stanley. There are only 30 dog kennels in the shelter, despite Evansville having a population of around 117,000, WEVV reported. Euthanizations are necessary to control overpopulation of animals, a representative for the animal control told WEVV. Evansville is in Vanderburgh County in southwestern Indiana. In a Facebook post later in the day Monday, the Vanderburgh Humane Society defended Evansville Animal Control. The humane society says that since 2020, 91% to 93% of animals brought to them have been saved from euthanization. It said that when it does have to euthanize animals, workers carry an emotional weight that never leaves. So its incredibly disheartening when organizations whose #1 goal should always be to support the animals at overwhelmed, understaffed, and underfunded organizations, get on social media to put those organizations on blast or allow the public to do so, the humane society said. Even when they make mistakes. Isnt the goal to get MORE people to go adopt & foster from that organization? More public support and teamwork = more animals safely out the door. Period. Some of the blame, the humane society said, should be placed on people who do not spay and neuter their pets or pet owners who drop off their animals because they are too much energy or work to care for. THATS who we can collectively blame, the group said. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that around 3.1 million dogs enter shelters across the U.S. each year, with around 390,000 dogs of those euthanized. Dog trainer tells owner her pup died of heart attack, but she was abused, MN cops say Snuggly dog needed home after months in NC shelter and fast. She was deteriorating Former President Donald Trump speaks at an event at the South Texas International Airport in Edinburg, on Nov. 19, 2023. Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday endorsed a primary challenger to Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, the latest development in a race that has become a referendum on the power of the far-right faction of the state Republican Party. On the social media platform Truth Social, Trump announced his support for former Orange County Republican Party chair David Covey in the House District 21 race. David is an America First Conservative who will Secure the Border, Restore Election Integrity, Protect our Families and Military/Vets, and Defend our under siege Second Amendment. Trump criticized Phelan for supporting the impeachment of his ally, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, which the former president called fraudulent. Paxton was acquitted by the Senate. The announcement came just days after Phelan endorsed Trumps reelection campaign. Trump said Phelans support, however, does not mitigate the Absolute Embarrassment of the Paxton impeachment. In a statement Tuesday, Phelan sought to tether himself to the former president while casting the endorsement of Covey as an ill-informed decision. I have voted for President Trump twice, and I plan on voting for him a third time, Phelan said. Trump himself has stated he does not know me nor does he know my record of fighting for Southeast Texans. Unfortunately, my opponents have sought this endorsement in yet another attempt to get retribution against me for holding public officials accountable and defending the Texas House against outside interests. Phelan, first elected in 2014, had never faced a primary opponent until this year. Now he faces two, Covey and anti-tax activist Alicia Davis, in the district that covers Orange, Jasper and part of Jefferson counties. This isnt the first time Trump has taken a special interest in Phelan, notable because of the former presidents willingness to get involved in a seemingly granular state legislative issue. Trump was critical of Phelan throughout Paxtons impeachment. And in October 2021, Trump blasted the House leader for inaction on an election audit bill that was a priority Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick another close ally of Trump. Texans are tired of Phelans weak RINO leadership in the State House, Trump said at the time. If this doesnt pass soon, we look forward to seeing him in the Texas primary. Asked at the time whether he used Trump to target Phelan, Patrick did not deny his involvement, saying his displeasure with the Speaker at the end of the session is not a secret. We cant wait to welcome you to downtown Austin Sept. 5-7 for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival! Join us at Texas breakout politics and policy event as we dig into the 2024 elections, state and national politics, the state of democracy, and so much more. When tickets go on sale this spring, Tribune members will save big. Donate to join or renew today. LEXINGTON, Va. (WFXR) As we get deeper into the weeds of the 2024 election, we also edge closer to Mock Convention, the 115-year-old project led by students at Washington and Lee University to guess the nomination. This year, theyre predicting the Republican likely to face off with President Joe Biden. Monday, Mock Con announced its list of speakers arriving to campus on Convention Weekend, Feb. 8-11. Gov. Glenn Youngkin Donald Trump Jr. Gov. Brian Kemp Gov. Asa Hutchinson Former Sec. of State Mike Pompeo Former Acting Sec. of Defense Chris Miller Rep. Wesley Hunt Mike Allen Charlie Kirk Kayleigh McEnany Candance Owens Kristen Anderson Johnathan Haidt The Ruthless Podcast This slate of speakers is the most impressive in Mock Conventions history, the press secretary for the project said in a release. Mock Con predicts who the party out of power will nominate for presidency every four years. Beginning in 1908, the Lexington-based project boasts the reputation of being the most accurate political mock convention in the nation. They hold a 74% accuracy rate in predicting nominees. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. Former President Donald Trump can run in Illinois presidential primary, the states election board ruled in a unanimous decision Tuesday. The move came a week before the U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether an anti-insurrectionist safeguard in the Constitution can be used to disqualify Trump. The former president has already been barred from ballots in Colorado and Maine over his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, though he's fighting the decisions. Trump immediately celebrated the decision, sharing on his Truth Social platform "The VOTE was 8-0 in favor of keeping your favorite President (ME!), on the Ballot." The Illinois board that found Trump can run in the state's 2024 primary is composed of four Democrats and four Republicans. Their decision came after a former Republican judge who had been appointed to hear arguments in the case found that Trump is ineligible based on a preponderance of the evidence." But the judge also recommended that the board leave the decision in the hands of the courts. Trump has asked the Supreme Court to overturn the Colorado Supreme Courts ruling that he is disqualified from the states primary ballot. President Donald Trump departs for his sexual assault defamation trial in New York on January 25, 2024. Their case hinges on a section of the 14th Amendment, enacted after the Civil War to bar from office those who had engaged in insurrection after previously promising to support the Constitution. Trump argues the amendment does not apply to former presidents. And even if it does, he did not engage in insurrection. Trump never told his supporters to enter the Capitol ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot , and he did not lead, direct, or encourage any of the unlawful acts that occurred at the Capitol, his lawyers have told the Supreme Court. In addition to Colorado and Maine, Trumps eligibility has been challenged across the country. Some state courts and officials looked at the idea and passed, including California, Minnesota and Michigan. Colorado's Supreme Court and the secretary of state in Maine concluded Trump's actions barred him from their ballots. Those decisions have been put on hold until the Supreme Court weighs in. Contributing: Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump can stay on Illinois ballot after push to disqualify him Over the last three decades, former President Donald Trump has been involved in thousands of lawsuits in state and federal courts. But things became more serious since he won the 2016 presidential election, as federal and state prosecutors began criminal proceedings. Last year, Trump was indicted four times for a handful of charges, ranging from mishandling classified documents to trying to illegally overturn the 2020 election to falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to an adult film actress and former Playboy model. His federal and Georgia election interference cases have raised questions about the constitutionality of Trump even being on the ballot in November, while Trump has claimed his status as a former president grants him immunity from prosecution. Still, the former President's legal troubles haven't prevented him from running for office. Trump remains the top contender for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2024 election. If you feel lost among the various civil lawsuits and criminal charges Trump is facing, you're not alone. Here is a brief overview of the cases Trump is fighting and where they stand. Fraud allegations in New York v. Trump On Sept. 21, 2023, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a civil lawsuit against Trump, his adult sons and his former business associate Allen Weisselberg for real estate fraud. James claimed Trump engaged in fraud by inflating the property values of his real estate empire to get insurance and borrowing benefits. Other claims include conspiracy to falsify business records, issuing false financial statements and insurance fraud. James is seeking $370 million from the defendants, largely from Trump himself and entities tied to him. In Sept. 2023, New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Trump had fraudulently inflated his assets in his financial statements and would lose his New York business certificates. An appeals court put the business certificates order on hold. The trial began on Oct. 2, 2023. Closing arguments took place on Jan. 11. Judge Engoron ordered Trump and his company to pay $453.5 million, with additional penalties against two of his sons, and barred them from conducting business in the state. More trials than Al Capone? Trump dominates the GOP primary field, but his legal battles are intensifying Falsifying business records for hush money payments in New York v. Trump Trump was indicted by a New York grand jury on March 30, 2023. This made him the first former U.S. president to be indicted. He is accused of falsifying business records about hush money payments to two women: former Playboy model Karen McDougal and adult film actress and director Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors accused Trump of making $280,000 worth of payments to silence the women: A $130,000 payment was allegedly made to keep Daniels' story from going public during Trump's 2016 presidential run, while McDougal was paid $150,000. Trump faces 34 felony counts in this indictment. He was arraigned on April 4, 2023, and pleaded not guilty. The trial is set to begin on March 25. Mishandling classified documents at Mar-a-Lago in United States v. Trump Trump was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida on June 8, 2023 for alleged mishandling classified documents seized at his Mar-a-Lago Florida estate. The charges against Trump also include obstructing justice, removing government records and violating the Espionage Act. Trump faces 40 felony counts in this indictment. He was arraigned on June 13, 2023. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. This trial is set for May 20. Election subversion in United States v. Trump Trump was indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 1, 2023 for his alleged role in conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results. He is accused of conspiring to steal the 2020 election from President Joe Biden, leading up to the Jan. 6 insurrection. He faces four felony counts, including: Conspiracy to Defraud the United States. Conspiracy to Obstruct an Official Proceeding. Obstruction of and Attempt to Obstruct an Official Proceeding. Conspiracy Against Rights. The indictment alleges Trump directed his supporters to march to the Capitol on Jan. 6, worked with six co-conspirators to devise strategies to submit a fraudulent slate of electors to Congress and pressured former Vice President Mike Pence to reject the election results. Trump was arraigned on Aug. 3, 2023 and plead not guilty. The trial is scheduled to begin on March 4. Scheduling conflicts: How Donald Trump's campaign schedule is headed full speed for a crash with his court dates Election subversion in Georgia v. Trump Separate from the federal investigation, Trump was indicted by a Georgia grand jury on Aug. 14, 2023, after an investigation was launched in Feb. 2021 by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Willis is currently facing a controversy of her own that threatens to jeopardize her case. Trump, along with Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, Jeffrey Clark and 15 other co-defendants, are accused of "knowingly and willfully join[ing] a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump and discarding President Joe Bidens win in Georgia during the 2020 presidential election. Several former co-defendants, including Trump's former attorney Jenna Ellis, accepted plea deals this past fall. Among Trump's charges are racketeering, soliciting state officials to violate their oaths of office, filing false statements and conspiracy dealing with fake electors in the state. On Aug. 31, 2023, Trump pleaded not guilty to the Georgia charges. Willis proposed the trial start on Aug. 5, while Trump and his attorneys opposed having the trial that soon. A judge hasn't set an official date yet. Defamation in E. Jean Carroll v. Donald J. Trump Author and journalist E. Jean Carroll sued Donald Trump twice. In 2019, she filed a lawsuit against Trump alleging that he defamed her when, as president, he denied her statements that he assaulted her in a New York City department store in 1996. Carroll filed a second suit in 2022 under the Adult Survivors Act, a New York state law that gave victims a one-year window to sue their alleged attackers. She also sued him for statements he made after he left office. In May 2023, a federal jury found Trump liable for defamation and sexual abuse. Trump was ordered to pay $5 million in damages. Trump is appealing the verdict. At the trial this month, the jury was asked to decide how much Trump must pay Carroll for his 2019 statements. On Jan. 26, the jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump's trials, lawsuits from Georgia to New York The E. Jean Carroll defamation damages trial showed that Donald Trump is just a guy and not to be feared, Carroll and her lawyers said on The Rachel Maddow Show Monday night. Carrolls legal team was led by Roberta Kaplan, a lesbian whos legendary for her advocacy of womens and LGBTQ+ rights especially bringing down the Defense of Marriage Act and Shawn Crowley, one of her partners in the firm of Kaplan Hecker and Fink. Both appeared with Carroll, a well-regarded journalist, on Maddows MSNBC show to discuss the trial in which a jury awarded $83.3 million to Carroll in her suit against Trump for saying she was lying about being sexually assaulted by him. Trump plans to appeal. I feel that this bodes well for the future, Carroll told Maddow. I think weve planted our flag. I think weve made a statement that things are going to be different, that theres going to be a new way of doing things in this country because of this indestructible team of lawyers. This team of brilliant young people have, as you said, stood up to the man who, by the way, Rachel, is not even there, she continued. He is nothing. He is like a walrus snorting, like a rhino flopping he is not there, which was the surprising thing to me. Carroll said she was initially terrified, a bag of sweating corpuscles, about being in the same room with Trump, who she says raped her in a New York department store dressing room in 1996. She had a breakdown, losing her ability to speak, at one point before the trial, she said. But when the trial began and she was on the witness stand, being questioned by Kaplan, Carroll looked out at Trump and saw he was nothing, she said. He was a phantom. It was the people around him who were giving him power. He himself was nothing. It was an astonishing discovery for me. Hes nothing. We dont need to be afraid of him. He can be knocked down. Twice by this woman right here. She pointed to Kaplan, who won a previous verdict against Trump as well, with a jury finding him civilly liable for sexually assaulting Carroll.. Kaplan added, It is time to stand up to the United States current biggest bully. And the way to do that is by using the facts and the law and our legal system to say that were not afraid, and we saw a jury of nine New Yorkers stand up to him just as much as we did and say not only did you do this, but you need to pay her $83 million. Asked by Maddow if the award is big enough to make Trump stop lying about Carroll, Crowley said its hard to tell, but so far hes put his lies on pause. He actually helped their case, she said, by ranting about the trial on his Truth Social platform, holding press conferences where he continued to defame Carroll, and refusing to follow the rules in the Manhattan courtroom. When he stormed out during Kaplans closing argument, it was something Id never seen before in a court of law, Crowley said. It helped the jury to actually see it with their own eyes the way that this guy believes he is not bound by any rules or laws, she noted. We beat Donald Trump: E. Jean Carroll and lawyers on Trump's fallibility youtu.be Kaplan said the trial showed who he really is, as Carrolls lawyers were making the case that Trump acts like a bully who believes hes not subject to any rules, and thats exactly how he behaved in the courtroom. If Trump resumes lying about her, Carroll said, she would absolutely take him back to court. We did what people thought was impossible, she said. We beat Donald Trump. She said the fight is not just about her, but for all women and men whove been sexually assaulted. The fight now is really to take back our future, she continued. This is a man who stacked the Supreme Court and took away womens rights over their own bodies. We would like to be a part of turning our eyes to the future and taking back our rights. When Maddow asked Carroll what shell do with the money, Carroll joked about taking Maddow shopping and buying them both new wardrobes, buying Crowley a motorcycle, and buying Kaplan a new fishing rod. If Maddow wanted a penthouse in France and to go fishing there, its hers, Carroll added. If me fishing in France could do something for womens rights, I would take the hint, Maddow replied. With Trump facing multiple trials, including for charges of taking classified documents from the White House and trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, Maddow asked Kaplan and Crowley if they had advice for the lawyers going up against him. Crowley noted that when hes stripped of the fanfare surrounding his rallies and press conferences, hes not that scary, and he also can be controlled. Hes not the guy that you see on TV. Hes just a guy, sometimes acting like a petulant toddler, but just a guy. Pictured, from left: Roberta Kaplan, E. Jean Carroll, and Shawn Crowley A Douglas County jury found a man guilty of shooting and killing another man over a social media post. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] It was November 6, 2020, when Douglasville police were called to a person being shot. When officers arrived, they found the victim on the ground bleeding and suffering from a gunshot wound to his neck. According to Douglasville officials, witnesses told police that the suspect, identified as Malik Mason knew the victim. Mason and his girlfriend were at the apartment complex a few minutes before the shooting and reportedly began talking with the victim in the parking lot. Authorities said a conversation between Masons girlfriend and the victim became heated because a social media post had allegedly identified Mason as a rat, claiming he was an informant for police. TRENDING STORIES: The Douglas County District Attorneys Office stated as the argument escalated, Mason shot the victim, who was unarmed, in the neck. Officials said Mason ran back to his car and drove away. Several witnesses identified Mason and testified that Mason was the shooter. Police found Mason days later and arrested him in Alabama. During his sentencing, Mason described the victim as his best friend, but he took no responsibility for his actions or the events that led to the victims death, the district attorneys office said. Douglas County District Attorney Dalia Racine stated, Its difficult to understand how two young men who were friends would let a social media post lead to the murder of one. The victims identity was not released. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] On Friday, a jury found Mason guilty of two counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, cruelty to children in the third degree, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by first offender probationer. Superior Court Judge Cynthia Adams sentenced Mason to life in prison plus 16 years. IN OTHER NEWS: SAN DIEGO Residents wont have to worry about blaring train horns as the city reinstated the areas Quiet Zone in downtown San Diego. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) determined the Quiet Zone is in full compliance with its standards, the City of San Diego said in a news release Monday. City crews installed more than 120 railroad crossing signs and new road markings at the Laurel Street, Grape Street, Cedar Street, Beech Street, Ash Street, Broadway, Kettner Boulevard, G Street, Hawthorn Street, Market Street, Front Street, First Avenue and Fifth Avenue crossings. Live in storm-damaged area? You may be at risk of getting your vehicle towed The Citys Transportation Department expedited all of the required sign installations and striping to achieve restoration of the Quiet Zone faster than anticipated, Mayor Todd Gloria said. I am grateful to the City crews for getting this work done quickly and to Federal Railroad Administration staff for working with the City to resolve this issue. Train horns may still be used during emergency situations or to comply with other federal regulations or railroad operating rules in an established Quiet Zone, according to a letter received by the city. During emergency situations, train horns may still be used or to comply with other federal regulations or railroad operating rules in an established Quiet Zone. The Average Daily Trip County, a required traffic survey to determine the number of vehicles entering the crossings daily, was also completed, the city said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at the opening of the General Debate of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Rui) Antonio Guterres reminds all parties that attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday condemned the deadly violence over the weekend in the disputed Abyei Administrative Area, in which two peacekeepers and numerous civilians were killed, his spokesman said. "He condemns the violence and attacks against the peacekeeping force and calls on the governments of South Sudan and Sudan to swiftly investigate the attacks, with the assistance of the peacekeeping force, known as UNISFA, and to bring the perpetrators to justice," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman. "He reminds all parties that attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes." Dujarric said Guterres conveys his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased peacekeepers from Ghana and Pakistan, the Abyei civilians and to the governments and people of Ghana and Pakistan. Officials in Juba, South Sudan, confirmed on Sunday at least 42 deaths from clashes on Saturday between armed youth of the Twic community and Ngok Dinka. Rou Manyiel Rou, the secretary general of Abyei Special Administrative Area, said attacks in Nyinkuac, Majbong, and Khadian areas by armed youth from the Twic community and youth loyal to their spiritual leader Gai Machiek also left 35 people wounded. Simon Aguek Chan, the commissioner of Twic County of Warrap state, said their youth were not involved in the violence in the Abyei Administrative Area. Aguek said that the fighting was between armed Nuer youth staying within Abyei and the local Ngok Dinka youth. UPDATE: The Topeka Police Department announced it found 91 animals in the house. They seized live 73 animals and recovered 18 dead. Police arrested two people and booked them into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on pending charges of cruelty to animals; abandon without provisions for care. TPD is continuing to investigate the situation. TOPEKA (KSNT) Officers with the Topeka Police Department (TPD) helped the Humane Society rescue numerous cats and dogs from poor living conditions from a local home on Tuesday. Rosie Nichols with the City of Topeka said in a press release that the TPD executed a search warrant in the 1400 block of SW Fillmore Street following a report of animal abuse occurring there. The TPD was accompanied by members from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and animal welfare partners to help find new homes for the animals at the house. The TPD made contact with homeowners when it executed the search warrant, finding dozens of dogs and cats that were living in hazardous conditions with little to no access to food and clean water. Criminal charges are expected to be filed in connection to the investigation. The conditions these animals were living in ranks as one of the worst Ive ever seen in my career, said Topeka Police Department Captain Colleen Stuart. I am extremely proud of our Animal Control unit, and we are grateful to have the HSUS partner in this terrible situation. The HSUS was able to provide the needed resources to allow these animals a second chance for a loving forever home. Topeka woman sentenced for stabbing man to death in 2023 Animals found at the home were distributed by the HSUS and animal welfare organizations for care and treatment. Nichols said the HSUS is taking rescued animals to a safe, confidential location for examination by licensed veterinarians. Kirsten Peek with the Humane Society said in a separate press release that multiple Great-Dane type dogs and cats were discovered living in filthy conditions in the debris-filled home. Many of the dogs are severely underweight with some animals appearing to suffer from eye, skin and upper respiratory issues. Nothing can prepare you to see animals suffering in such terrible conditions, said Midge Grinstead, Kansas state director for the HSUS. We are grateful to the Topeka Police Department and all the agencies working together to get these animals the help they need. Kansas AG Kris Kobach calls for border security in challenge to Biden Administration TPD ACOs recognized the nature of the situation and requested the assistance of HSUS, Nichols said. We would like to thank our ACOs and partners in animal welfare for their dedication to the well-being of animals in Topeka and the work they do every day. For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Dozens more bats found and removed from UGA dorm building Dozens more bats were found in a University of Georgia dorm on Thursday, nearly two weeks after students first reported a bat infestation at Oglethorpe House. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< University officials say 25 to 30 bats were found in the rafters of a rooftop mechanical space that is not accessible to students. Bats are very little and are good at hiding, so we knew there may be a few remaining in the community, said Linda Kasper, UGAs executive director for housing. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Kasper told Action News Jaxs sister station WSB-TV that a pest control crew from Aardvark Exterminating immediately removed the bats. Students first reported bats in the stairwell of Oglethorpe House on January 14. The bats entered the building through several openings in the roofline that pest control experts closed last week, university officials said. Read: Final Stretch of Wekiva Parkway opens completing the Central Florida Beltway With access points to the residence hall sealed last week, it is believed that these bats have been trapped inside the space since this time, according to a statement from the university. Since we first noticed there were bats, we contracted with a local pest control company, Kasper said. Theyve been here and been on call. We have asked students to not touch or interact with any bat if they happen to see one. The crew has put in bat valves, which are one-way doors that allow bats to leave but not get back inside. Bats are a protected species and cannot be exterminated. The Georgia Department of Health says only a small percentage of bats have rabies. Read: Jackie Robinson statue stolen from baseball field in Kansas The state Department of Natural Resources did not respond to the infestation, but Rick Lavender, an agency spokesman, said the bats are Mexican free-tailed bats. During extreme cold snaps (i.e. below freezing for long periods), this species is known to seek out heated structures to avoid freezing, Lavender wrote in an email. At other times, they will roost in natural and humanmade structures with generally stable temperatures, such as hollow trees, rock crevices, unheated buildings, etc. Students who live in Oglethorpe House provided photos of bats hanging above dorm room doors and in stairwells of the building. Personally, Im not using stairwells, Im mostly using the elevators, said Pranav Rohit, a resident of Oglethorpe House. He said the infestation has been troubling. Its more my parents that have been extremely scared, he said. My mom especially, shes been concerned. Read: Super Bowl LVIII: Ticket prices soar to record levels Cooper Mattox, who also lives in the dorm, says he appreciates the universitys response to the infestation. Im pretty concerned about it, he said. I dont want to get bit by one of them. UGA officials say it doesnt appear any more bats are getting into the building. CLICK HERE to read the original article by WSB-TV. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. More than half of voters in Northern Ireland would vote to remain in the UK if there was a referendum - Peter Morrison Its been almost eight years since the UK voted to leave the EU and nearly two years since the DUP began its boycott of power-sharing over the Irish Sea border. Brexit could now soon finally be done in Northern Ireland after Sir Jeffrey Donaldson announced the DUP was backing the deal. The announcement in the early hours of Tuesday came after a supposedly secret meeting, lasting more than five hours, descended into chaos as Sir Jeffrey faced down his critics. So deep are the divides in the Brexit-supporting party, that someone leaked details of Sir Jeffreys speech to a loyalist activist who live-tweeted his remarks about the so-called surrender deal. Hardline unionist and loyalist opposition wont be going away anytime soon. Neither now will the Irish Sea border, the customs barrier between Britain and Northern Ireland created by Brexit. What does that mean for the United Kingdom, which left one of its four nations behind when it left the EU? Northern Ireland continues to follow hundreds of EU rules and remains subject to the European Court of Justice. British goods will face fewer checks when they enter Northern Ireland but border controls still exist. It is effectively part of the Single Market, like the Republic. For many unionists, this amounts to being trapped inside an economic united Ireland. Brexit - and frustration with the lengthy mothballing of Stormont - has put fresh impetus behind the debate over Irish reunification in a region that voted to Remain in the EU in 2016. Sinn Fein, which wants a united Ireland, toppled the DUP as the regions largest political party for the first time in 2022s Assembly elections and repeated the trick in local elections a year later. The restoration of Stormont will mean Michelle ONeill becomes the first Sinn Fein First Minister of Northern Ireland in the regions history of more than 100 years. The Republic of Ireland is expected to hold elections this year and poll-leading Sinn Fein has a real chance at government. Sinn Fein in power in the North and South will strengthen calls for a border call. The nationalist party has predicted a unity referendum by as early as 2030. But more than half of voters in Northern Ireland would vote to remain in the UK if there was a referendum, which can only be called if there is thought to be a majority in favour of unity. And the Irish Sea border could ultimately anchor Northern Ireland in the Union. The Windsor Framework treaty gives the region unique and lucrative dual access to both the UK and EU internal markets, which should make it a magnet for foreign investment. Leaving the Union, re-uniting the island of Ireland and rejoining the EU would cost the UKs poorest region this dual access. It would mean the same trade barriers between GB and NI as any other EU member state; undoing all the years of work to remove them in a kind of a mini Brexit. The details of the Governments deal with the DUP have not been made public. But it is clear it falls short of any renegotiation of the Windsor Framework with Brussels and the DUPs seven tests for any agreement. It includes 3.3bn for Stormont, a patriotic rebrand of the border and Westminster legislation guaranteeing Northern Irelands place in the UK. Northern Ireland is one of the anchors, along with the war in Ukraine, the cost of living crisis and the heft of the blocs Single Market, slowly pulling the UK back into the EUs orbit. A future Labour government has pledged to do a veterinary deal with the EU, which will diminish the border further, albeit at the cost of closer alignment with Brussels regulations. As The Telegraph revealed last week, the Government has promised the DUP it will screen all new UK laws to ensure they dont create extra trade barriers in the Irish Sea. Brexiteers fear this sacrifices hard-won Brexit freedoms to regulate independently of Brussels and will tie the Governments hands in diverging from EU rules. For the Brexit-backing DUP, its a pyrrhic victory and a key factor in the return to Stormont. They would rather betray the spirit of Brexit than the spirit of the Union. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Recent Muslim extremist attacks in an area of central Nigeria resulted in dozens of deaths and the closure of 10 Baptist churches, including one now used as a mosque, a denominational leader said. The attacks in Plateau states Mangu County by Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists included an assault on one village that killed 24 Christians, said Plateau Baptist Conference President Koeleh Kelvin Saleh. The raids drove 500 church members from 10 villages and resulted in the closure of a Baptist church in each community, he said. One of the church worship places in the affected Christian communities was converted into a mosque by the Muslim Fulani herdsmen who took over three communities, Pastor Saleh told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. An attack by herdsmen in Kantoma village on May 16 resulted in the slaughter of 24 members of Bethel Baptist Church, including Pastor Mangmwos Tangshak Daniel, while nine members of a Baptist church in Jwak Maitumbi village were killed, Pastor Saleh said. The sad thing is that, we didnt have a place to bury the corpses of our church members killed in the Kantoma attack, and so corpses were dumped in a mining pit, he said. Officials feared that burying so many mutilated bodies would lead to further security threats, so church leader arranged for a mass burial in a neighboring area, he said. An understanding was brokered with the Mararaban Kantoma community, which is of another local government area, for these bodies to buried there, Pastor Saleh said. Nobody was ready to release his land for such, and in fact the bodies littered the ground from morning to evening, and so when they searched and found a mining pit, an agreement was brokered with the community to push the bodies into the mining pit. The burial of Pastor Daniels body was carried out separately afterward, so that it can be used as a contact from his family to other families who hadnt the opportunity to give the Christian rites of burial to their relations, because they were just pushed into a mining pit, he said. The mass burial was undertaken under tight security watch. Its so pathetic that while the burial was ongoing, the Muslim Fulani herdsmen were shooting at Christians at the burial site, he added. The presence of police personnel who were at the burial site helped, because they also fired warning shots, which halted the attacks from the herdsmen. The burial was completed hurriedly because of the herdsmen shootings, Pastor Saleh said. The Christians there lost a lot; the church was destroyed, and theres no single house standing in Kantoma all houses of Christians have been destroyed, he said. Its one of the communities where we had the largest Baptist church. The ruins of the community have been taken over by the herdsmen who now use the place to graze their cattle. The herdsmen have also stolen windows and doors from destroyed homes, he said. The situation in Kantoma is horrible. Christians who survived the attacks have nowhere to return to, he said. A few Christians who attempted to return there to salvage anything they can find in their destroyed houses had to be accompanied by security agents. And this they did hurriedly. Accompanied by security agents, Pastor Saleh and other Christian leaders visited the affected areas and discovered that Fulani herdsmen had taken over three Christian communities, he said. In fact, one of the church buildings which served as a worship hall for Christians has been converted into a mosque, he said. Humanitarian Challenge The attacks have created a serious humanitarian challenge to try to meet the needs of church members scattered to other areas. Weve had an emergency meeting of the Plateau Baptist Conference in order to map out how well be able to reach out to the displaced Christians, Pastor Saleh said. At the moment other unaffected churches have taken in the displaced Christians, and theyre accommodated by some families and households. The denomination has held emergency fund collections in churches for the displaced, he said. Weve had to do this because most of the victims escaped with nothing except their lives, Pastor Saleh said. Right now, we have about 75 families hosting the displaced members from the affected communities in their houses here in Jos. There are about 200 displaced people being cared for. Baptist churches also raised 2 million naira (2,220USD), which along with a 1 million (1,110USD) naira gift was used to purchase food, blankets and mats for more than 100 displaced people in Mangu town and in other areas. We have also gone there and reached out to them with food items and clothing, he said. Another center for displaced Baptist members in Barkin Ladi town provides aid to 35 families, he said. In Pankshin, the situation there is really pathetic those who were displaced had to move into hostels at the Federal College of Education, Pastor Saleh said. The 78 displaced people there include members of other denominations such as the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) and Assemblies of God. The Christians in Pankshin are those displaced from the axis of Wokshina, Panyam, and Gindiri areas, he said, adding that the camp there includes 44 children. They need food, clothing, medical supplies and medicines. The needs are overwhelming, as the 3 million naira we raised is like a drop of water in an ocean. We are calling on spirited individuals all over the world to please come over to assist us. The sad reality is that no government institution has assisted these people in anyway. The displaced hope to return to their communities and rebuild their houses, for which theyll need roofing sheets and other materials, but that depends on whether government can restore a safe living environment, he said. Weve never as a church had it this bad in Plateau state, Pastor Saleh said. The current attacks in Plateau state in the rural communities have affected the Baptist church immensely. Nigeria remained the deadliest place in the world to follow Christ, with 4,118 people killed for their faith from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023, according to Open Doors 2024 World Watch List (WWL) report. More kidnappings of Christians than in any other country also took place in Nigeria, with 3,300. Nigeria was also the third highest country in number of attacks on churches and other Christian buildings such as hospitals, schools, and cemeteries, with 750, according to the report. In the 2024 WWL of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria was ranked No. 6, as it was in the previous year. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson entered into negotiations with the Government, which ended the boycott Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has announced the DUP will end its two-year boycott of Stormont over post-Brexit trading arrangements. What has Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, offered the DUP leader to convince him to return to power-sharing and what does it mean for Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole? Here is everything you need to know about the Irish Sea border, Brexit, a row that has paralysed Northern Ireland and what happens next. What has happened? The DUP has overcome internal divisions to back an offer from the UK Government over the Irish Sea border. This should bring an end to the DUPs boycott of the Northern Ireland Assembly, which has lasted almost two years, and return a devolved government to the region. What is the Irish Sea border? The land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland became invisible as border infrastructure was removed after the Good Friday Agreement 25 years ago. Brexit risked the return of checks because the UK left the EU, while Ireland remained a member state. The DUP campaigned for Leave but most people in Northern Ireland voted Remain. The UK and EU agreed to prevent a hard land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic after Brexit to prevent inflaming Troubles-era tensions. Northern Ireland continued to follow hundreds of Brusselss rules and was subject to the European Court of Justice in some matters as part of a deal that gives it unique dual access to the UK and EU markets. The Northern Ireland Protocol introduced checks in the Irish Sea on British goods and animals entering the region to ensure they met EU standards, in case they crossed into the Republic. It came into force on Jan 1 2021. That sounds controversial It was. The Government threatened to tear up the Protocol because it was damaging trade with Northern Ireland. That threat pushed the UK and EU to the brink of a trade war, which heavy focus on whether British sausages could still be sent to the region. The DUP walked out of power-sharing in Stormont in protest against the post-Brexit trading arrangements, which it argued put Northern Irelands place in the UK at risk, in February 2022. In February 2023, Rishi Sunak agreed the Windsor Framework with the EU, which reduced the number of checks and introduced a less stringent green lane for goods that were meant to stay in Northern Ireland. However, the Windsor Framework was not good enough for the DUP. Its leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, entered negotiations with the Government to end the Stormont boycott, which resulted in Tuesday mornings announcement. Whats in the deal? The full detail has not yet been made public. However, it involves a 3.3 billion finance package for Stormont, and Westminster legislation to guarantee Northern Irelands place in the UK. It also includes a new east-west council to bolster intra-UK trade ties. The Telegraph has revealed that the Government offered to rebrand the green lane as the UK Internal Market Lane and to screen any new laws so they do not create barriers to trade. The Government insists this will not damage its ability to diverge from EU rules, after Brexiteers raised fears the screening commitment would sacrifice hard-won Brexit freedoms. The Government has also promised to discuss further reductions in border checks with the EU in the future. But, and perhaps crucially, the Irish Sea border remains in place, as well its checks, and the deal is not a renegotiation of the Windsor Framework with Brussels. What does the EU say about all this? The European Commission said it was not party to the negotiations but was pleased that a devolved government could be restored. It added that it expected the UK to uphold the Windsor Framework deal. How were the DUP able to boycott Stormont? A majority of Northern Irelands political parties support the Irish Sea border but that did not prevent the DUP, which campaigned for Brexit, from mothballing Stormont. The Northern Ireland Assembly, a cornerstone of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, is run on a mandatory power-sharing coalition between the largest unionist party and largest nationalist party. The DUP lost its status as the regions dominant political force to Sinn Fein for the first time in May 2022s Assembly elections but remained the largest unionist party and entitled to form half of the coalition. Fresh Assembly elections would not have broken the deadlock as polls showed the DUP would have remained the largest unionist party, not least because many of its voters support its tough stance on the Irish Sea border. Sinn Fein is understood to have seen the deal for the DUP, but other political parties have not yet, which has led to accusations of a carve up between the largest unionist and nationalist parties. Mary Lou McDonald, the president of Sinn Fein, left, and Michelle O'Neill said of the deal that 'Stormont can't be short-changed' - Sky News Has the lack of devolved government hurt Northern Ireland? It certainly prevented necessary action on NHS waiting lists, the longest in the UK, and the cost of living crisis in the UKs poorest region. In January, Northern Ireland endured its biggest public sector strike in 50 years, with up to 170,000 workers downing tools, which could have been avoided if the Assembly was sitting. The financial package includes money to settle the pay claim. The boycott has also damaged trust in politicians, who are regularly accused of drawing salaries without doing any work. Westminster imposed painful budget cuts on Northern Ireland in the absence of a devolved government. The lengthy deadlock has coincided with increased discussion over a referendum on Irish reunification, an issue given fresh impetus by Brexit. What happens next? The DUPs support is conditional on the Government bringing forward the promised legislation, which is expected imminently. The deal should be published on Wednesday and the legislation passed in Westminster on Thursday. The Northern Ireland Assembly could be recalled on Friday or Saturday to elect a new speaker. The next step will be the nomination of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. The two roles have equal weight, but different titles, and neither can act without the support of the other. Sinn Fein is entitled to nominate the First Minister for the first time in Northern Irelands history and that will be Michelle ONeill. The DUP will nominate a Deputy First Minister but has not said who that will be. Sir Jeffrey remained as an MP in Westminster while the boycott continued, despite winning a seat in the Assembly elections, so it could be his ally Emma Little-Pengelly instead. Ministers for the other nine Stormont departments are distributed around Northern Irelands political parties, using the dHondt mechanism. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson speaks to media after news of a possible deal to restore a government - Charles McQuillan/Getty What does the Government say? Rishi Sunak told the Cabinet it was a positive step. Chris Heaton-Harris, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, said it would safeguard the regions place in the Union and improve its public services and finances. Is Brexit finally done in Northern Ireland? Not quite. Hardline unionists and loyalists have vowed to fight the deal every single day and the DUP is clearly deeply divided over the issue. While the partys Assembly members wanted to end the boycott, its Westminster MPs were understood to be against accepting the deal. The agreement could still fall apart unless the parties move quickly. Tory Brexiteer backbenchers in London may not be convinced that the deal does not sacrifice Brexit freedoms, despite the Governments insistence it provides no legal barrier to divergence. The UK and EU will continue to meet regularly to discuss the post-Brexit trading arrangements. There is a consent vote on the Irish Sea border, which must take place before the end of this year. That vote should pass but part of the Governments offer to the DUP is the offer of an independent report if it does not have majority unionist support. That report on Northern Irelands constitutional status must be finished within seven months of the vote and the Government has promised to respond to it and discuss its findings with the EU. Labour has promised to negotiate a veterinary agreement with Brussels, which would reduce UK-EU border checks, as well as checks between GB and NI, if it forms the next government. However, Brussels will demand greater alignment with EU rules for that deal. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Graduates of the Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology received diplomas from then-School Board Chairman Warren Jones in this 2020 photo. Duval County school administrators are cheering data showing graduation rates rising faster than the state overall and a trctonic continuing upturn that totaled almost 24 percentage points since the latest graduates entered first grade. These results are proof that we are making strides in preparing our students, Superintendent Dana Kriznar told teachers and other district employees in an email detailing 2023 graduation figures the state Department of Education released last week. Two schools Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts and Stanton College Preparatory had 100% graduation last year, she noted. The school districts 2023 rate of 87.2% is actually less than a pandemic-era peak of 90.2% graduation in 2020, but that level had been skewed by the state waiving normal testing requirements that regularly weed out some otherwise-qualified students. Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dana Kriznar speaks at the August opening of Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School. Details matter: Florida's climbing high school graduation rates aren't always what they seem The school district touted the 2023 results as a record-high graduation rate because it was the highest the district had reached without the waivers. The state graduation rate was 88% also a record, Kriznar said, and higher than Duval County but the Duval rate rose 1.6 percentage points since 2022, compared to 0.7 points for the state as a whole. Duval Countys graduation rate was 63.3% in 2011, the year most of the Class of 2023 were first-graders, so the latest increases returned the school district to a routine of incremental progress that the superintendent said included record graduation levels for students who were African-American (85.5%), from low socioeconomic backgrounds (83.9%) or required exceptional education (88%). Despite its progress, the Duval graduation rate remained below those of Clay (90.9%), Nassau (91.0%) and St. Johns (94.0%) counties, while higher than Baler County (76.4%). Who's graduating the most? From highest to lowest, these were 2023 graduation rates and number of graduates for Duval County high schools in the states report: School Rate Graduates Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts 100% 76 Stanton College Preparatory 100% 324 Douglas Anderson School of the Arts 99.6% 230 Paxon School for Advanced Studies 99.3% 302 Duval Charter High School at Baymeadows 98.8% 80 Samuel W. Wolfson High School 98.8% 169 Global Outreach Charter Academy High School 98.2% 54 Mandarin High School 96.9% 563 Andrew Jackson High School 96.5% 221 Duncan U. Fletcher High School 95.8% 407 Jean Ribault High School 95.7% 267 San Jose Prep (Charter) 95.7% 45 Baldwin Middle-Senior High School 95.4% 146 Atlantic Coast High School 95.3% 533 River City Science Academy (Charter) 94.4% 102 William M. Raines High School 94.4% 270 Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center 94.4% 17 Sandalwood High School 92.4% 535 Frank H. Peterson Academies 91% 191 Ed White High School 90.9% 280 First Coast High School 87.2% 429 A Philip Randolph Academies 84.8% 56 Riverside High School 84.5% 317 Terry Parker High School 84.5% 240 Westside High School 82.4% 290 Englewood High School 80% 333 Florida Cyber Charter Academy 77.8% 84 San Jose Cyber (Charter) 73.9% 17 Bridge to Success Academy at W. Jacksonville 71.9% 23 Duval Mycroschool (Charter) 65.5% 93 Duval Virtual Instruction Academy 60.8% 172 Lone Star High School (Charter) 49.4% 42 Biscayne High School (Charter) 48.6% 53 Horizon Institute 34% 55 This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Duval's high school graduation rate is up. Which schools are doing best? The man who stole one of the last remaining pairs of Judy Garlands Ruby Red Slippers from The Wizard of Oz will be spared jail time, as he has only months to live. Terry Jon Martin, 76, was a reformed thief until he went back to his old ways for one last job stealing Dorthy's slippers. The scheme started with a misunderstanding about the value of the slippers, according to Martin's defence attorney. Martin was involved in criminal activity in the 1990s. He eventually hung that hat up after a prison stint that ended in 1996, but a former associate with ties to the mob told him the famed Ruby Red Slippers were worth $1m because they were decorated with real gems. At first, Terry declined the invitation to participate in the heist. But old habits die hard, and the thought of a final score kept him up at night, Martin's defence attorney, Dane DeKrey, wrote. After much contemplation, Terry had a criminal relapse and decided to participate in the theft. In reality, the movie prop was not adorned with priceless gems, but rather glass beads and sequins. On the night of the heist, Martin reportedly climbed into the museum through a window, broke the display case housing the slippers, and fled the scene, according to ABC News. The museum's alarm was tripped, but it failed to alert the local police, The Guardian reports. Terry Jon Martin prepares to leave the federal courthouse in Duluth, Minnesota (MPR News. No sales, no redistribution.) When Martin had the slippers appraised by a fence, he was told that there were no rubies on the shoes, and their only value would be on the collector's market. He got rid of the slippers after 48 hours, oblivious to their cultural value because he had never seen The Wizard of Oz, according to his attorney. The slippers were insured for $1m, but had a collector's market value of about $3.5m. In 2017, a source came forward and said he had information that could lead to slippers' recovery, according to the FBI. The agency launched a year-long investigation and ultimately used phone records to build a case against Martin. Using his wife's immigration status as leverage to secure a search of his house, investigators eventually convinced Martin to confess and turn over the slippers. Stolen Ruby Slippers (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) He ultimately pleaded guilty to theft of a major artwork in October 2023. Martin is currently in hospice care and is expected to die sometime in the next few months. He appeared in court connected to an oxygen tank, which he needs to help with his chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. While Chief US District Judge Patrick Schiltz said he did not want to "minimize the seriousness of Mr Martin's crime noting that the man "intended to steal and destroy an irreplaceable part of American culture" he ultimately agreed with the defence and prosecution's recommendations to issue a "time served" penalty on account of his condition. Mr Schiltz told Martin that had he adjudicated the case in 2005, he'd have given him 10 years in prison. Ultimately Martin will spend no time in jail, but will be required to pay a $23,500 restitution to the museum in $300 monthly payments. Hanadi Gamal Saed El Jamara, 38, says sleep is all that can distract her children from the aching hunger gnawing at their bellies. These days, the mother-of-seven finds herself begging for food on the mud-caked streets of Rafah, in southern Gaza. She tries to feed her kids at least once a day, she says, while tending to her husband, a cancer and diabetes patient. They are weak now, they always have diarrhea, their faces are yellow, El Jamara, whose family was displaced from northern Gaza, told CNN on January 9. My 17-year-old daughter tells me she feels dizziness, my husband is not eating. As Gaza spirals toward full-scale famine, displaced civilians and health workers told CNN they go hungry so their children can eat what little is available. If Palestinians find water, it is likely undrinkable. When relief trucks trickle into the strip, people clamber over each other to grab aid. Children living on the streets, after being forced from their homes by Israels bombardment, cry and fight over stale bread. Others reportedly walk for hours in the cold searching for food, risking exposure to Israeli strikes. Even before the war, two out of three people in Gaza relied on food support, Arif Husain, the chief economist at the World Food Programme (WFP), told CNN. Palestinians have lived through 17 years of partial blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt. Israels bombardment and siege since October 7 has drastically diminished vital supplies in Gaza, leaving the entire population of some 2.2 million exposed to high levels of acute food insecurity or worse, according to the Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Phase Classification (IPC), which assesses global food insecurity and malnutrition. Martin Griffiths, the UNs emergency relief chief, told CNN the great majority of 400,000 Gazans characterized by UN agencies as at risk of starving are actually in famine. UN human rights experts have warned Israel is destroying Gazas food system and using food as a weapon against the Palestinian people. Over more than 100 days, Palestinians in Gaza have seen mass displacement, neighborhoods turned to ash and rubble, entire families erased by war, a surge in deadly disease and the medical system wrecked by bombardment. Now starvation and dehydration are major threats to their survival. We are dying slowly, reflected El Jamara, the mother in Rafah. I think its even better to die from the bombs, at least we will be martyrs. But now we are dying out of hunger and thirst. Israels strikes on Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attacks have killed at least 26,637 people and injured 65,387 others, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health. The Israeli military launched its campaign after the militant group killed more than 1,200 people in unprecedented attacks on Israel and says it is targeting Hamas. People in northern Gaza eat grass to survive Mohammed Hamouda, a physical therapist displaced to Rafah, remembers the day his colleague, Odeh Al-Haw, was killed trying to get water for his family. Al-Haw was queueing at a water station in Jabalya refugee camp, in northern Gaza, when he and dozens of others were struck by Israeli bombardment, Hamouda said. Unfortunately, many relatives and friends are still in the northern Gaza Strip, suffering a lot, Hamouda, a father-of-three, told CNN. They eat grass and drink polluted water. Israeli air strikes on Gaza have decimated swathes of Palestinian territory, including the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza City, pictured on October 11. A displaced health worker told CNN his colleague was killed by Israeli bombardment in the region, while trying to get water for his family. - Yahya Hassouna/AFP/Getty Images Israels blockade and restrictions on aid deliveries mean stocks are desperately low, driving up prices and making food inaccessible to people across Gaza. Shortages are even worse in the northern parts of the strip, according to the UN, where Israel concentrated its military offensive in the early days of the war. Communication blackouts stifle efforts to report on starvation and dehydration in the region. People butchered a donkey to eat its meat, Hamouda says friends in Jabalya told him earlier this month as shortages worsened. In what could be a serious blow to humanitarian efforts, several Western countries have suspended funding to the main UN agency in Gaza, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in recent days over explosive allegations by Israel that several of its staffers participated in the October 7 attacks. The UN fired several employees in the wake of the allegations. Jordans foreign minister urged those countries suspending funding to reconsider, saying UNRWA was a lifeline for more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza and that the agency shouldnt be collectively punished over allegations against a dozen of its 13,000 staff. No clean water Gihan El Baz cradles a toddler on her knee while comforting her children and grandchildren, who she says wake each day screaming for food. In the shelters, there is not enough food, the sun sets on us, and we havent even had any lunch, El Baz, who lives with 10 relatives inside a weather-worn tent in Rafah, told CNN. She nurses her husband, who she says fell and broke his arm while dizzy from exhaustion. There are no drinks, no clean water, no clean bathrooms, the kid cries for a biscuit and we cant even find any to give her. Infant orphans Hoor (left) and Kanan (right) shelter inside a tent in a displacement camp in Rafah, in southern Gaza, on January 25. Palestinian caregivers say the stress of being unable to protect children from strikes is exacerbated by their inability to provide enough food. - Courtesy Hazem Saeed Al-Naizi Displaced parents in Rafah, where OCHA reported more than 1.3 million residents of Gaza have been forced to flee, say the stress of being unable to protect their children from bombardment is compounded by their inability to provide enough food. Limited access to electricity makes perishable goods impossible to refrigerate. Living conditions are overcrowded and unsanitary. People are forced to cut down trees to get firewood for heating and preparing food. Smoke is everywhere and flies spread widely and transmit diseases, said Hazem Saeed Al-Naizi, the director of an orphanage in Gaza City who fled south with the 40 people under his care most of whom are children and infants living with disabilities. A displaced man makes bread next to a tent he set up on a sidewalk in Rafah, in southern Gaza, on January 22. - Courtesy Mohammed Hamouda Hamouda, the displaced health worker, used to feed his children aged six, four and two a mixture of fruits and vegetables, biscuits, fresh juices, meat and seafood. This year, he said, the family has barely eaten one meal a day, living on dried bread and canned meat or legumes. Children are being violent towards each other to get food and water, said Hamouda, who works at Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital and volunteers at a nearby shelter. I cant stop my tears from falling when I talk about these things, because its very hurtful seeing your kids and other kids hungry. All 350,000 children under the age of five in Gaza are especially vulnerable to severe malnutrition, UNICEF reported last month. Increased risk of dying The scale and speed of potential famine in Gaza will consign child survivors to a lifetime of health risks, said Rebecca Inglis, an intensive care doctor in Britain who regularly visits Gaza to teach medical students. The first 1,000 days of a childs life are absolutely critical for physical growth and cognitive development, Inglis told CNN. Malnourished children have an 11-fold increased risk of dying compared to well-nourished children, she said. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies force the body into an emergency shut-down state where it loses the ability to make energy, put on weight, or maintain kidney and liver functions, she added. Malnourished children, especially those with severe acute malnutrition, are at greater risk of dying from illnesses like diarrhea and pneumonia, according to the World Health Organization. Cases of diarrhea in children under age five have increased about 2,000% since October 7, UNICEF said. Hamouda said his own children have diarrhea, cold and flu symptoms. The childrens bodies are dehydrated their skin is dehydrated. In times of severe stress, pregnant women are more likely to miscarry or give birth prematurely, health workers previously told CNN. Gaza is home to 50,000 pregnant women, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Babies who do survive in utero are more likely to be born underweight and are therefore at higher risk of dying, Inglis said. Starving and dehydrated mothers cannot provide enough breast milk for their babies. Challenges to food distribution, blocked aid Shadi Bleha, 20, is trying to feed a family of six. Twice a week, they receive two water bottles, three biscuits and sometimes two cans of food from UNRWA, he said. It is not enough to meet my familys needs at all, the student, who is sheltering in a tent in Rafah, told CNN. Palestinians in southern Gaza also told CNN that poorly regulated humanitarian distribution means some civilians get no aid at all, while those who do may sell for profit. In other cases, vendors purchase aid from merchants and trade at markets for inflated costs. Some people with cars travel further afield to get water, returning to displacement camps to resell water for hiked prices. Intensified strikes also raise prices. Three weeks ago, a 25-kilogram bag of flour cost $20 in Khan Younis, according to Al-Naizi, but after the IDF intensified attacks on the southern city, it became $34. Others say they receive humanitarian parcels that have been opened, with items missing. Dates, olive oil and cooking oil found in aid packages are reportedly sold on the black market for more than double their value. On January 21, Israels Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), said 260 humanitarian trucks were inspected and transferred to Gaza, marking the highest number since the start of the war. But aid agencies say it is not enough. The Israeli military in January only granted access to a quarter of aid missions planned by humanitarian agencies to Gaza, OCHA said on January 21. CNN reached out to COGAT for comment on OCHAs statistics and did not get a reply. The WFP has called for new aid entry routes, more trucks to pass through daily border checks, fewer impediments to the movement of humanitarian workers, and guarantees for their safety. On January 5, the agency reported six bakeries in Deir al-Balah and Rafah had restarted operations, but three remained out of use. Bread is the most requested food item, particularly as many families lack the basic means for cooking, it said. Meanwhile, Israels military offensive has razed at least 22% of Gazas agricultural land, according to OCHA. Livestock are starving and fresh produce is hard to come by. Displaced civilians queue for aid distributed by the World Food Programme in Rafah, in southern Gaza, on January 21, 2024. - Courtesy Mohammed Hamouda Juliette Touma, director of communications for UNRWA, said the needs of displaced civilians in Gaza outweigh the amount of aid allowed into the strip by authorities. We simply dont have enough, and we cannot keep up with the overwhelming needs of people on the ground, she told CNN. That makes the delivery of humanitarian assistance extremely challenging. Both UNRWA and WFP told CNN while they could not verify reports of individuals reselling aid for higher prices, it is entirely possible given the scale of desperation and hunger in Gaza. Its absolute chaos and people are absolutely desperate, people are absolutely hungry, added Touma. The clock is indeed ticking for famine. WFP told CNN that aid distributions are based on verified beneficiary lists and observed by food monitors, who report back that the food is delivered to its intended recipients. Sometimes families make a personal decision to sell WFP food in exchange for other household items that they might need. To be clear, any food distributed by the WFP is not for sale, the agency said in a statement. The war has also caused widescale loss of employment in Gaza, further draining residents purchasing power as prices rocket. Hamouda now spends $250 per week to buy food and supplies for his family compared with $50 to $70 before the war. In an invoice seen by CNN, monthly supplies for orphans under Al-Naizis care were purchased from a procurement company for $6,814 including $2,160 for infant formula alone. Before the war, the same quantity of formula would have cost $1,680. We live almost in a jungle where war, murder, the greed of merchants, the injustice of institutions in distributing aid, and the absence of government lead to this deadly chaos, al-Naizi said. Correction: This story has been corrected to reflect that CNN reached out to COGAT about OCHAs figures on aid missions, not the IDF. CNNs Nourhan Mohamed, Christiane Amanpour, Eyad Kourdi, Celine Alkhaldi and Hira Humayun contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Roberta Kaplan on Tuesday said allegations raised by Donald Trumps attorney of a mentor-mentee relationship with the judge presiding over her client E. Jean Carrolls lawsuits against Trump are false and utterly baseless. The comments came in a letter responding to Trumps lawyer Alina Habba, who on Monday accused the judge of overtly hostile behavior against Trump and his lawyers and asked for more information about the professional relationship between Judge Lewis Kaplan and Roberta Kaplan, citing a New York Post report. Judge Kaplan and Roberta Kaplan (the two are not related) overlapped for about two years in the early 1990s at the Paul, Weiss firm when he was a senior partner and she was a junior associate. Judge Kaplan left the high-profile firm in 1994 when he was nominated to the Southern District of New York where hes been a sitting federal judge since. More specifically, I have no recollection from that time period of ever interacting with Your Honor on a case, participating with Your Honor in a client or case-related meeting, or attending a court proceeding with Your Honor. In fact, I remember no direct interaction from that time period with Your Honor at all, Roberta Kaplan wrote in her letter Tuesday addressing the judge. Their interactions have been limited to E Jean Carrolls litigation against Trump and one other case he presided over, according to Roberta Kaplan. Needless to say, at no point have we ever had a mentor type relationship, as alleged by Ms. Habba. Judge Kaplan oversaw the civil trial that ended Friday with a jury awarding Carroll $83.3 million in damages from Trump for his defamatory statements disparaging her and denying her rape allegations. Trumps lawyers were already planning to mention the judges overtly hostile demeanor toward the former president and his legal team, Habba said in her letter Monday. We believe, and will argue on appeal, that the Court was overtly hostile towards defense counsel and President Trump, and displayed preferential treatment towards Plaintiffs counsel. Indeed, the rulings, tone, and demeanor of the bench raised significant concerns even before the New York Posts investigative journalism unearthed these new facts, Habba wrote. Her letter asked the judge to provide defense counsel with all of the relevant facts or to make a specific factual denial that you had a mentor-mentee relationship with Ms. Kaplan. Habba on Tuesday afternoon indicated the issue is resolved for now. The point of my January 29 letter was to verify whether the information contained in the New York Post article is accurate, Habba wrote to the judge. Since Ms. Kaplan has now denied that there was ever a mentor-mentee relationship between herself and Your Honor, this issue has seemingly been resolved. The District Executive for the Southern District of New York said, the court does not comment on matters before the court. Roberta Kaplan questioned the timing of Habbas letter filed days after the verdict, noting that the work history information is public record. From the very start of the recently concluded trial, Donald Trump and Ms. Habba have pushed a false narrative of judicial bias so that they could characterize any jury verdict against Trump as the product of a corrupt system, Roberta Kaplan wrote. While that strategy has now moved into its post-verdict phase, it is now time for Defendants false and vexatious claims of bias or impropriety to stop, she added. Carrolls lawyer also said she wanted to respond to the allegations quickly but reserves her right to seek sanctions against Trumps attorneys. CNN has reached out to the New York Post for comment. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com China congratulates Assoumani on re-election as president of the Comoros Xinhua) 10:15, January 30, 2024 BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- China congratulates Azali Assoumani on his re-election as President of the Comoros, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday. The Comoros' Supreme Court confirmed on Wednesday the victory of incumbent President Azali Assoumani in the presidential election held on Jan. 14. According to the official account, Assoumani received 57.02 percent of the votes cast. In response to a related query, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a daily news briefing that China believes under the leadership of President Assoumani, the Comoros will achieve greater success in national construction, as well as economic and social development. He said China is committed to building friendly relations with the Comoros. "We would like to work with the new government of the Comoros to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and inject new impetus into the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for a shooting at a Catholic Church service in Istanbul, Turkey on Sunday (Jan. 28) that killed a Muslim citizen, news agencies reported. Authorities in Turkey have detained the two gunmen, both foreigners, who targeted a Turkish Muslim attending the service at the Italian Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbuls Sariyer District, according to Reuters, citing Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. The suspects, one from Tajikstan and the other Russian, were affiliated with the Islamic State, Yerlikaya told reporters. He said they were captured in raids on 30 locations in Istanbul in which 47 people were detained. The mayor of Sariyer District, Sukru Genc, told local newspaper BirGun that the slain man was a Muslim from the Turkish city of Bayburt who was near the entrance to the church building when the gunmen opened fire, according to CNN. It stated that Yerlikaya identified the victim as Tuncer Murat Cihan. According to the priest, he was constantly going to church, and the priest knew this person and referred to him as a good person, Genc told local BirGun, according to CNN. Church lawyer Avsin Hatipoglu told AP that the victim, Cihan, was an Alevi. Alevism is a sect of Shia Islam; ISIS and most of the population of Turkey are Sunni Muslims. Reuters reported that CCTV footage from inside of the church building showed the gunmen wearing masks enter the building and shoot a man walking in front of them. Islamic States claim of responsibility, published on its media arm, Aamaq, asserted that one person had been wounded in addition to the one killed, but Turkish authorities said no one was injured except the slain man, according to The AP. We will never tolerate those who try to disrupt the peace of our country terrorists, their collaborators, both national and international criminal groups, and those who aim at our unity and solidarity, Yerlikaya said, according to AP. ISIS had reportedly never targeted places of worship in Turkey previously, though its militants killed 39 people in an Istanbul night club in 2017 and 109 people in a 2015 bombing in Ankara, among other attacks. Since June, Turkish authorities have detained 2,086 people suspected of ties to Islamic State during 1,046 operations, with 529 of them arrested, Yerlikaya reportedly said. Reuters reported that President Tayyip Erdogan conveyed condolences and support to the churchs priest, and Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni on X condemned the shooting as a despicable act. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. On Tuesday, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals declined to hear a case about Arkansas voting redistricting in a decision with far-reaching implications. The Arkansas State Conference NAACP v. Arkansas Board of Apportionment case was unique in the courts original decision about the Voting Rights Act. In a 2-1 ruling last year, the court held that the Voting Rights Act does not allow voters to sue in order to challenge districting. Federal appeals court deals a blow to Voting Rights Act, ruling that private plaintiffs cant sue In the past, groups representing voters have brought redistricting cases to court under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. In delivering the Feb. 2, 2023 decision, the judge said if the states attorney general joined the case as a plaintiff, the case would then have standing before the court. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin declined to join the case, while at the same time indicating a disagreement with the courts decision on the terms of Section 2, stating: The United States continues to take the position that private parties, like the Plaintiffs here, have the ability to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Actthrough a private right of action. A private right of action is what allows individuals to file suit. The Tuesday decision was to a further appeal, asking the court to hear an appeal en banc, where all judges of the court hear a case. The appeal was denied, although three of the courts judges, including its Chief Justice Lavenski Smith, a President George W. Bush appointee, stated they would have granted the rehearing petition. Federal court rules for Arkansas House redistricting case to go forward; AG, NAACP react Judge Steven Colloton, one of the three dissenting, called the panels decision flawed and disagreed with its conclusion that private parties cannot enforce Section 2. He also would have returned the case to the district court to allow the plaintiffs to assert their claims under a different statute. In denying rehearing, the judge concluded, the court regrettably misses an opportunity to reaffirm its role as a dispassionate arbiter. The suit was filed, citing that the states District 2 map stifled the voting strength of Black Arkansans. Barry Jackson, president of the Arkansas State Conference NAACP called the Tuesday decision a denial of justice. The refusal of the Eighth Circuit to grant a rehearing is not just a denial of our request; its a denial of justice for the Black community in Arkansas, Jackson said. This decision ignores the vital protections against discrimination that have been hard-won over decades. We are now more determined to find alternative pathways to challenge this unjust ruling and continue our fight to ensure that every voice is heard in our states political process. Judge allows new court in Mississippis majority-Black capital, rejecting NAACP request to stop it ACLU of Arkansas executive director Holly Dickson called the Tuesday decision dangerous. The decision by the Eighth Circuit to not revisit the case is a serious blow to the rights of Arkansas voters, Dickson said. By allowing this ruling to stand, the court set a dangerous precedent that could have far-reaching implications for our democracy. However, our fight is far from over. We are exploring all available options to ensure that every Arkansans right to vote is protected and respected. The Eighth Circuit ruling only applies to areas including Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Arkansas redistricting lawsuit petitions against court decision A similar case before the Fifth Circuit in November found that private groups, in this case in Louisiana, did have a right to sue for redistricting under Section 2. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. As the furor erupts over the upcoming presidential election, the U.S. Senate battle and a longline of state and local races down the ballot, the race for mayor of El Paso is only just beginning. Mayor Oscar Leeser, now in his second term, is no longer eligible to run, so the field is wide open for a contender. Enter businessman Renard Johnson, the first to announce his candidacy for the city's top seat. Johnson, virtually unknown in the El Paso political orbit, will likely have well-known company in a few short months current El Paso City Council members can't announce their candidacies until July if they want to avoid a special election for their seat, so it's likely at least a couple of familiar names will jump into the race then. El Paso mayoral candidate Renard Johnson speaks with voters on the streets of El Paso. Johnson became the first candidate to enter the mayor's race this week and is running on a platform with a sharp focus on economic development. Still, Johnson's business savvy and at least a few political allies his campaign treasurer is Elisa Samaniego, daughter of El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego give this first-time candidate a fighting chance against any opponent who might enter the race. "I know I have the experience," he said. "I know I have the love and the passion for this community, and I think now is the time to get in there and show what I can do for El Paso. "The time is now." A track record of success Born in Chicago, Johnson found his way to El Paso in the late 1960s when he was only 7 months old. A graduate of Andress High School, he studied management and received his bachelor's degree at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he was recognized by receiving the school's Golden Nugget Award and its Distinguished Alumni Award. It's also where he started his company, Management and Engineering Technologies International Inc., an engineering and information technology company serving the federal government. Additionally, Johnson has served on numerous boards and committees over the years he is a former member of the Boys and Girls Club Board, the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and several UTEP boards and is a current board member for the Hospitals of Providence. He also spent 12 years as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. But with his company stable and his children growing, Johnson believes now is the time to serve El Paso in another way. El Paso mayoral candidate Renard Johnson, seen here with his daughters, is the first to announce his campaign for mayor. Born in Chicago, Johnson moved to El Paso at only seven months old and is ready to "give back" as mayor. "This is a community that I adore and I love," he said. "It's given me and my family so much." 'We're all part of economic development' With his deep business ties, it's not surprising that economic development tops Johnson's list of priorities as he eyes the top seat at City Hall. But for him, economic development is much more than just recruiting new businesses it ties into every woe now facing El Paso. "We need to work on recruiting industries to El Paso," he said. "That will start adding to our tax base with a goal of lowering taxes for residential homeowners. We need more industry." Johnson specifically has an eye on the aerospace industry, which is already getting a boost from the work being done through UTEP's aerospace program. "I don't know why we're not an aerospace region," he said. "We should be the mecca when it comes to aerospace." Johnson also sees opportunity in the healthcare industry, which he said will see an explosion of activity with the creation of El Paso's new cancer center. "We've got so much opportunity in the region to bring in jobs, high-paying jobs, and close the wage gap," he said. "It's El Paso's time." But part of recruiting those new industries to the region hinges on quality-of-life issues such as parks, sporting events, farmer's markets, safe streets and neighborhoods. El Paso mayoral candidate Renard Johnson, the first to enter the race, speaks with voters on the streets of El Paso. Though facing no opposition now, Johnson will likely face a slate of familiar candidates before the Nov. 5 election. "All of that is important to attracting people to our region," he said. "You've got to do all those things to have that place that people want to visit and enjoy." That means investing in public safety, he said, and regaining the city's designation as the safest in the nation. "El Paso ... was the number one safest city in the nation," Johnson said. "We've fallen from that spot. I will do everything in my power to work with the public safety officers to give them all the resources they need to get back to number one." And though he acknowledges the crushing weight of El Paso's burdensome property taxes, which are consistently among the highest in the nation, Johnson stopped short of supporting a no-new revenue budget if he's elected. "I would have to get in there and see what the budget looks like," he said. When it comes to balancing economic development priorities with the day-to-day needs of the average El Pasoan, Johnson said the two are essentially one and the same. "One of the things we should stack hands around is, often times, El Paso gets a bad image," Johnson said. "When you tell people you're going to El Paso, the first thing they say is, 'Why El Paso?' So, it's up to all of us ... to be a part of economic development. "We've got to talk highly about our community, we've got to praise our community ... and all of that ties into economic development, it ties into our businesses in El Paso, especially small businesses," he continued. "Everyone in El Paso, whether you're pro-business or not, we're all part of economic development. This is our community." Addressing immigration Addressing issues at the U.S.-Mexico border is an obligation unique to border towns and one that any mayor along the southern border has to contend with. From coordinating with state and local partners, setting up shelters and support infrastructure, overseeing travel arrangements and keeping people off of city streets, addressing immigration is nearly a full-time job in itself for mayors along the border. For Johnson, even that connects tangentially to economic development. "Immigration issues in our community, that goes back to what I said about the stigma El Paso has," he said. "The national media paints us as this terrible place." At the heart of any response, he said, has to be caring for asylum-seekers while they are in El Paso. "The immigration issue is truly an issue where, when they're in your community, you have to treat them with dignity and respect," Johnson said. "However, this is a federal issue." Migrants prepare to cross the Rio Bravo from Ciudad Juarez to El Paso hoping to seek asylum on Jan. 6, 2024. Johnson said his expansive business experience has helped him establish "great ties" with state and federal authorities, something he plans to leverage if elected mayor. "I will work with the state and federal people to make sure El Paso gets what it needs to handle immigration issues in El Paso," he said. "But while they're in our community, we have to take care of them." Though he has big plans for how to push El Paso forward, at the heart of his campaign is a desire to use his experience and expertise to give back to El Paso and its people. "My father has taught us that you can't always take from the community, you have to give back ... and I'm at a point in my life where my business is doing well, it's very stable, and I have a passion where I want to give back now," Johnson said. "I want to take what I've learned in my business life and apply it to running for mayor." This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Businessman Renard Johnson first to announce campaign for El Paso mayor Operation Rescue Endorses Trump for President and Encourages All Pro-Life Groups to Unify Behind Him NEWS PROVIDED BY Operation Rescue Jan. 30, 2024 WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- Operation Rescue has enthusiastically endorsed Donald J. Trump for President. "We recognize that during President Trump's first administration, he accomplished more to protect innocent babies from abortion than any other president in American history," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "His administration was committed to policies that reflected the sanctity of life. President Trump is a promise keeper. In fact, he went beyond his promises to protect babies from the heinous practice of abortion, and he will do so again if elected." Newman now calls on all pro-life organizations and every American of good will that opposes abortion to unite with us behind President Trump and work tirelessly to ensure his victory on Election Day, November 5, 2024. "President Trump has earned our support. His strong pro-life record speaks for itself. We must now work together in unity to halt the radical abortion expansion agenda of the corrupt Biden/Harris regime, which threatens to encode abortion on demand throughout all nine months of pregnancy and force it upon every state as the supreme law of the land," said Newman. "As our forty-seventh president, Trump will collaborate with us to end the inhumane and barbaric practice of abortion." President Trump's First Term Pro-Life Accomplishments Appointed Supreme Court Justices that overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which decriminalized abortion in America a historic decision that has so far resulted in 14 Abortion Free States. Appointed over three hundred conservative judges to the Federal Bench, which are now upholding pro-life laws. Halted international funding of abortions. Stripped Planned Parenthood of millions in Title X grants funding that the radical Biden Administration has now restored and will continue to increase. Allowed states to withhold Medicaid money from abortion businesses. Defunded the pro-abortion United Nations Population Fund and its depopulation agenda. Defunded the pro-abortion World Health Organization. Signed the Pro-Life Geneva Consensus Declaration in 2020, establishing better health for women, protecting human life, and strengthening the family. Protected babies born alive during abortions. Stopped funding experiments with aborted baby parts. Created the Office for Conscience Protections, which provided stronger civil rights for health care workers who decline to participate in abortions. Opposed internet censorship, which has stifled pro-life viewpoints. Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the U.S. Our goal is to expose abortion abuses, demand enforcement, save innocent lives, and build an Abortion-Free America. Click here to support Operation Rescue. SOURCE Operation Rescue CONTACT: Troy Newman, President, 316-683-6790 ext. 111; Anne Reed, Senior Policy Advisor, 316-683-6790 Share Tweet EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) El Paso Locomotive FC and FC Juarez announced Derby Paso Del Norte as the official name for the exhibition match set to take place March 20 at Southwest University Park. A new tradition Derby Paso Del Norte tickets go on sale this Wednesday, January 31 at 10 am! Fans who purchase Locomotive single match tickets will receive a special pre-sale access code for the match against @fcjuarezoficial! Get tickets at https://t.co/V3NHZdf5D1 pic.twitter.com/H3ncZ6EtvM El Paso Locomotive FC (@eplocomotivefc) January 29, 2024 The rivalry name pays homage to El Paso Del Norte, the original name of the region that would one day become the home of two future binational cities on opposite sides of the Rio Grande River: Ciudad Juarez and El Paso. The logo for the Derby Paso Del Norte was also revealed on Monday. The Derby Paso Del Norte logo features El Pasos Star on the Mountain and Ciudad Juarezs The X monument. A Derby Paso Del Norte banner sits atop the shield. This match marks the first public edition of the Derby Paso Del Norte. The sides have met on the field over the years (most recently in 2022 in Ciudad Juarez) in preseason friendlies played behind closed doors. The 2024 Derby Paso Del Norte is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. MT kick-off and tickets for the general public will go on sale Wednesday, January 31 at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time via eplocomotivefc.com/tickets. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. By Sarah Kinosian and Nelson Renteria SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) - El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who has described himself as the "World's Coolest Dictator," has in less than five years transformed El Salvador from a country infamous for its record on murder and gangs to a nation with one of the lowest homicide rates in the Americas. That record means he is all but certain to be re-elected in a presidential election on Sunday for another five-year term - despite a constitutional bar on immediate re-election, voter worries about the economy, and criticism of his draconian crackdown on civil and human rights. Under him, more than 2% of the adult population of the Central American country is behind bars and several constitutional rights have been shelved, prompting critics to call him a modern day autocrat. But Salvadorans weary of years of gang violence can live in ways unimaginable before. Once barred from going to neighborhoods controlled by rival gangs, residents can now freely move around. They can open businesses without paying crushing extortion fees. They can play with their children or sit with friends outside past sunset. They may be torn over the erosion of civil liberties, but many say they will still support Bukele. "Why switch leaders? To go back to the same? We're happy without the gangs and he needs power to keep making change," said Elmer Martinez, a 53-year-old construction worker in the capital San Salvador. Under Bukele, security forces can now arrest anyone without a warrant on evidence as flimsy as an anonymous tip, the government has unfettered access to private communications, and detainees can be held without charge. Rights groups have denounced the arbitrary arrests of innocent people, torture, and deaths of prisoners in custody. "They can take anyone at any time and do whatever they want," said Laura, a teacher who declined to give her last name for fear of reprisal. "This isn't democracy." Still, she said she planned to vote for Bukele, adding that for her there were "no good options." A January 2024 opinion poll from the University of Central America's public opinion institute showed 82% of voters supporting Bukele. At just 4% in polls, the next closest candidate is Manuel "Chino" Flores for the legacy left-wing Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), which ran the country for 10 years prior to Bukele. With approval ratings that any sitting president would envy, Bukele has become an inspiration for hardline crackdowns on crime elsewhere in Latin America. "Bukele proved a 'zero tolerance' model suspending rights works - and quickly," said Amparo Marroquin of the University of Central America. "Now others in Latin America want rapid results in security and the polls, and along with that comes more power in the executive." MEDIA MACHINE Bukele, a 42-year-old former publicist, has alongside the gang crackdown sought to project an image of a transformed, modern nation. He made El Salvador the world's first to accept bitcoin as legal tender and is a regular on Instagram and TikTok. Rejecting suits in favor of jeans with tight crew-neck sweaters, he set the tone for his presidency when he opened his address to the U.N. General Assembly in 2019 by taking a selfie posted to Twitter, now known as X. His popularity has been reinforced by a powerful media machine that includes teams of paid internet trolls who flood social networks with government propaganda while whitewashing controversy, manipulating facts, drowning out dissent and targeting journalists and political opponents. Bukele has warned that a vote for the opposition would mean a return to the past, when El Salvador was known as the "world's most dangerous country." "The opposition will be able to achieve its true and only plan, to free the gang members," Bukele said in a video weeks before the election. The front page of government newspaper Diario El Salvador on Jan. 23 read: "War against the gangs could be reversed if the opposition wins more deputies." The opposition fiercely denies this. It has warned Bukele is chipping away at El Salvador's young democracy in a country that fought a civil war from 1979 to 1992 to end one-party rule. "It's completely untrue that we want to free gang members," said Claudia Ortiz, a lawmaker from the emergent Vamos party. "We want to let innocent people out of jail and investigate with due process." Seats in Congress will also be up for grabs on Sunday and Bukele's New Ideas party is predicted to keep its majority. Recent electoral reforms slashed the size of Congress by nearly a third and consolidated the country's 262 municipalities into 44 districts. New Ideas says the move will reduce spending, while civil society organizations like Citizen Action say they will reduce smaller parties' participation and ultimately tip the scales in Bukele's favor. The president has also stacked courts with loyalists who have blocked investigations into an apparent early government pact with the gangs and ministers accused of embezzlement. Their interpretation of the constitution paved the way for him to run for re-election. In the longer term, Salvadorans say they will need change beyond the security situation. Extreme poverty and hunger rose during Bukele's time in office and state debt shot up. Many voters Reuters spoke to noted the skyrocketing costs of food and housing that stretch monthly expenses beyond income. "Security yes, but everything else is the same we need improvement in health and education, and most of all, the economy," said Marcos Rodriguez, a 60-year-old coffee farmer. (Reporting by Sarah Kinosian and Nelson Renteria, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) A 71-year-old Florida woman allegedly tried to kill her husband after he received a postcard from an ex-girlfriend from 60 years ago, according to NBC 6. Bertha Yalter allegedly bit, battered, and tried to smother her husband of 52 years on Sunday, according to a North Miami Beach Police report. The victim had bruises, cuts, and bite marks that were actively bleeding, according to NBC 6. Yalter is facing charges of attempted murder in the second degree, aggravated battery on a person older than 65, and tampering with the victim. Read it at WESH Read more at The Daily Beast. Elizabeth Emmanuel is stepping down as director of the Downtown Improvement Authority. Five years ago, Elizabeth Emmanuel came into her position at the Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority with 10 goals to reach within 10 years she did it in five. Her goals centered around a need to help residents return or fall in love with downtown and build awareness of the existing businesses and attract new ones. Emmanuel, 36, wanted to build the DIA's "community goodwill and organizational relevancy" at a time when her predecessor, Paige Carter Smith, was facing public corruption charges and was later sentenced and released from federal prison for her role in a bribery scheme involving former City Commissioner Scott Maddox and businessman J.T. Burnette. The DIA needed a fresh yet familiar face to step in as its executive director. Emmanuel answered the call. Now, she's stepping down. Emmanuel presented her resignation on Jan. 29 and it will be effective April 2. "I feel really good about the upward momentum and the opportunity for somebody to come in while things are great, and the vision has been accomplished to create a new one," she said. A DIA project: Sculpture inspired by Gerald Ensley hopes to illustrate Cascades Park, Tallahassee roots Elizabeth Emmanuel saw job as 'big rebrand and refresh' for DIA Emmanuel saw her first days as an opportunity for a "big rebrand and refresh." For many, she was an ideal person for the job. She already lived downtown at the Plaza Towers off South Duval Street. At the time, she was a newly married woman who soaked up every chance to enjoy downtown amenities. She and her husband, instead of watching TV at home, saw movies on the gigantic IMAX screen at The Challenger Learning Center. They walked to their favorite restaurants. The Pride and Filipino festivals, along with many others, offered culture and fun on the weekends. "It was the the dream that you get to see a lot of other folks live in major metropolitan areas," said Emmanuel, sitting in a quiet space at the Lounge at the Governors Club. "We were able to do that in downtown, and we're seeing more and more people be able to do that." A look at downtown Tallahassee from the rooftop of City Centre on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. Although, there were challenges. Emmanuel said she and her husband were one of the first homeowners to need a mortgage at the Plaza Towers. Most of the property's condo owners were seasonal occupants or residents who downsized from their previous property. Now, she said, the property is 60% owner occupied. "That was one of the things that initially attracted me to this job because I recognized the barriers," said Emmanuel, adding more than 2,000 residents call downtown home year-round. "I was living them." She also wanted to increase downtown's foot traffic with more events, like concerts and the Downtown Market a hotspot for local favorites every Saturday from March through November. Another photo of the crowd at the Adderley Amphitheater Growth at the market has tripled by 202% in size from September of 2019 to September of 2023. "We did it and we showed how it could be done," she said. "I think it's easier to kind of step back and see the puzzle when you've been helping put together the pieces." Other notable accomplishments tied to Emmanuel Some accomplishments during Emmanuel's tenure include advocating for increased parking, which went up about 11% or 300 spaces. She said 10 new bars and restaurants opened, which she described as "huge for downtown." They include Amicus Brewing Tallahassee, JoEllen's and Argonaut Coffee all signs of a growing private sector interest in downtown Tallahassee. In addition, the DIA's budget expenses were reduced by $147,883 from fiscal year 2018 to fiscal year 2019. She said the budget was reorganized and, since 2019, has grown from $278,748 in revenue to $579,401 for fiscal year 2024. The DIA oversees a designated tax for the downtown area, where more than 630 businesses with 28,000 employees (non-session period) operate. Downtown tax revenues rose from $199,449 in 2018 to a projected $317,171 in Fiscal 2024, according to the DIA based on records at the Leon County Property Appraisers office. DIA Board Vice Chairman Agustin "Gus" Corbella gives much credit to Emmanuel's vision and leadership in driving several significant initiatives to make a lasting impact. "Elizabeth has put so much work and effort and passion into making sure that our downtown meets the goals that we all want, which is to make it a more active and lively and growing and successful part of our city," said Corbella, a lobbyist at Greenberg Traurig and co-owner of the Poco Vino Tallahassee wine bar on South Adams Street. While she said she's leaving the DIA, downtown will always be like home. Emmanuel, who had two young children during the pandemic, moved from her Plaza Towers condo but still maintains the 700 square foot unit she called home for so many years. "I am not leaving this position because there's anything better than what I've had. I'm not leaving this because there's something next," she said. "I'm just leaving because it's a natural opportunity to hand someone something on a high and to kind of get a break ... The past few years for the whole world have been a wild ride." Contact Economic Development Reporter TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com and follow @TaMarynWaters on X. More Downtown Improvement Authority highlights under Elizabeth Emmanuel 17 Art Projects with 29 groups that involved 58 paid artists, including tallest mural with Junior League and Department of State, "Project Daring" and a mural with the Seminole Tribe of Florida Artists, "First Mothers Mural" Events increased 73%; public art projects and graffiti abatement increased more than 1,600%. Assisted Challenger Learning Center with funding through the Community Redevelopment Agency for new theater Worked with the CRA on a 28-point Pedestrian Connectivity Improvement Plan Created sponsorships for events that provided new funding streams to run events off of donations This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Elizabeth Emmanuel resigns from Downtown Improvement Authority Semafor Signals Insights from Gizmodo, Bloomberg, and New Scientist The News Brain-computer company Neuralink implanted a device in a live human patient for the first time, founder Elon Musk said Monday, marking a significant step for the startup seeking to allow humans to communicate externally using just their thoughts. Musk said the patient is recovering well, and that data from the implant was promising. U.S. authorities gave Musk the green light last year to start human clinical trials after a series of controversial animal tests. Neuralink was the subject of a federal probe after killing about 1,500 animals, including sheep, pigs and monkeys, Reuters reported in 2022, though the agency didnt identify any animal research rule violations. Several companies, including overseas competitors, are already working on human brain implants, though experts say Neuralinks is more expansive and could allow for greater precision. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Musk has lofty goals for brain implants Sources: New Scientist, The Washington Post, Wired Researchers hope brain implants could eventually be used to enable paralyzed people regain movement and control prosthetics, but Musk has angled for a wider application and said the tech could enhance general human function, The Washington Post wrote. A neuroscience ethics researcher said a world where some people are cognitively enhanced and others arent could create a class divide like nothing ever. Musk has also pitched an ambitious goal of using Neuralink to achieve a symbiosis with artificial intelligence, though its unclear what that might look like. Competition for brain implant innovation is heating up Sources: BBC, Smithsonian Magazine, Gizmodo, Bloomberg While Musks work may get the most attention, other companies have already demonstrated successful human implants: An institute in Switzerland has enabled a paralyzed man to walk just by thinking, and a team at Stanford University allowed a man to effectively type just by thinking about handwriting. Brain implants could present the greatest international technology battle of the next decade, Gizmodo wrote, after Chinas industry and tech ministry said this week that the country hopes to develop a brain-computer interface by 2025. The life-changing potential of brain implants is obvious, Bloombergs Dave Lee said. If it takes Musks skill for publicity to inject some urgency and financial backing I think thats a good thing. FILE - Elon Musk appears at an event with Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London, on Nov. 2, 2023. According to Musk, the first human received an implant from his computer-brain interface company Neuralink over the weekend. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, Pool, File) NEW YORK (AP) According to Elon Musk, the first human received an implant from his computer-brain interface company Neuralink over the weekend. In a Monday post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Musk said that the patient received the implant the day prior and was recovering well. He added that initial results show promising neuron spike detection. The billionaire, who co-founded Neuralink, did not provide additional details about the patient. When Neuralink announced in September that it would begin recruiting people, the company said it was searching for individuals with quadriplegia due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrigs Disease. Neuralink is one of many groups working on linking the nervous system to computers, efforts aimed at helping treat brain disorders, overcoming brain injuries and other applications. There are more than 40 brain computer interface trials underway, according to clinicaltrials.gov. Neuralink reposted Musk's Monday post on X, but did not publish any additional statements acknowledging the human implant. The company did not immediately respond to The Associated Press' requests for comment Tuesday. Neuralink previously announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had approved its investigational device exemption, which generally allows a sponsor to begin a clinical study in patients who fit the inclusion criteria, the FDA said Tuesday. The agency pointed out that it cant confirm or disclose information about a particular study. Neuralinks device is about the size of a large coin and is designed to be implanted in the skull, with ultra-thin wires going directly into the brain. In its September announcement, Neuralink said the wires would be surgically placed in a region of the brain that controls movement intention. The initial goal of the so-called brain computer interface is to give people the ability to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone. In a separate Monday post on X, Musk said that the first Neuralink product is called Telepathy which, he said, will enable users to control their phones or computers just by thinking. He added that intial users would be those who have lost use of their limbs. Its unclear how well this device or similar interfaces will ultimately work, or how safe they might be. Clinical trials are designed to collect data on safety and effectiveness. Laura Cabrera, who researches brain science at Pennsylvania State University, said that even though Neuralink uses an innovative procedure robotic surgery to get the device in the brain, no one has implanted it before in humans and much remains unknown. Brain surgery is not a trivial thing, she said, pointing to significant potential risks such as brain hemorrhage or seizures. And so I think we have to be mindful that even though theyre using a novel way to implant the device, we just dont know if its truly going to be a safer approach for human patients. She pointed out that Neuralinks competitors plan to use their devices for medical applications only, but Musk has been outspoken about going beyond medicine. For example, Cabrera said, Musk has talked about implants for the masses that will allow people to record everything that happens to them and access the information when they want which may raise red flags for some. We know that he has very bold claims, she said. People not really assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the technology is something that I worry about. ___ Ungar reported from Columbia, Missouri. Video journalist Christine Nguyen contributed from Houston, Texas. ___ 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. Tech billionaire Elon Musk said Monday that his brain-science startup company, Neuralink, had implanted a device in a human for the first time, a possible step toward a product that he said would allow people to control almost any external device just by thinking. Musk made the announcement on X. He said the patient, whom he did not identify, received an implant Sunday and is recovering well. The initial results, he added, showed promising neuron spike detection. He gave no other details about the procedure, the patient or the device the company implanted. Scientists for decades have worked on similar ideas for brain-computer interfaces that, if successful, could one day assist people who are physically disabled, change how people communicate or more. Elon Musk In Krakow, Poland (Beata Zawrzel / AP) There was no immediate independent confirmation of Neuralinks progress. One of Neuralinks competitors, Precision Neuroscience, implanted its device in a human for the first time last year. Musks announcement comes eight months after Neuralink said it had received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to conduct its first in-human clinical study. In September, Neuralink said it would begin recruiting patients for the study. Neuralink, which is based in San Francisco, did not immediately respond to a request for more information. The FDA, which regulates medical devices and would need to approve any consumer product, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Musks announcement. Neuralink has said it was building a brain implant called the Link to help patients, including those with severe paralysis, use external technologies. Musk said Monday that Neuralinks first product would be called Telepathy. He did not say whether it was a new device or a new name for the previously announced device. Neuralink has faced accusations in recent years that it mistreated some of the monkeys it used in its experiments. The Agriculture Department said last year after an investigation that it did not find any violations of animal research rules other than a self-reported 2019 incident in which a Neuralink surgeon used an unapproved sealant to close holes drilled into a monkeys skull, Reuters reported. The Telepathy product would allow people to control their phones or computers and, through those devices, almost any other device with thought only, Musk said. Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs, he wrote on X. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal. Musk co-founded Neuralink in 2016, adding it to a roster of other companies he leads, including Tesla and SpaceX. He bought X, formerly known as Twitter, in 2022. Neuralink is backed by more than 30 investors, including PayPal co-founder Peter Thiels Founders Fund, according to TechCrunch. Musk said in 2022 that he plans to get one of the Neuralink implants himself. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com FILE - Elton John, left, and Bernie Taupin, winners of the award for best original song for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" from "Rocketman", pose in the press room at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) NEW YORK (AP) The songwriters who gave us Your Song, Tiny Dancer and Rocket Man will add to their stuffed awards shelf later this year when Elton John and Bernie Taupin are awarded the Gershwin Prize. The Library of Congress said Tuesday that songwriter-performer John and lyricist Taupin will receive the library's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, called by the institution one of the great songwriting duos of all time. They will be bestowed the prize at an all-star tribute concert in Washington, D.C., on March 20. PBS will air portions of it on April 8. Elton John and Bernie Taupin have written some of the most memorable songs of our lives. Their careers stand out for the quality and broad appeal of their music and their influence on their fellow artists, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said in a statement. Their hits include Your Song, Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man Dont Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Bennie and The Jets and Crocodile Rock. John has retired from touring. The prize, named after Jazz Age songwriters George and Ira Gershwin, is described as the nations highest award for influence, impact and achievement in popular music. Taupin was in many ways the Ira to Johns George Gershwin, a lyricist who liked to tell stories with his words, whether giving a mohair suit, electric boots to Bennie and the Jets or calling Marilyn Monroe and later Princess Diana A Candle in the Wind. John was the showman, pounding his piano and famous for impressive melodic hooks and elaborate costumes. Past recipients include Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett,Lionel Richie,Joni Mitchell, Emilio and Gloria Estefan and Garth Brooks. Ive been writing songs with Bernie for 56 years, and we never thought that that one day this might be bestowed upon us, John said in a statement. Its an incredible honor for two British guys to be recognized like this. Im so honored. To be in a house along with the great American songwriters, to even be in the same avenue is humbling, and I am absolutely thrilled to accept, Taupin said in a statement. Taupin and John were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992. In 2023, John inducted Taupin into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. John this month achieved EGOT status after winning an Emmy for "Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium. The historic Emery Theatre in Over-the-Rhine will get a new lease on life as the permanent home of The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati. This is an updated version of a story originally published in 2023 The Emery Theatre off of Central Parkway is poised for redevelopment a few years after being declared beyond repair. Tucked away inside a 74-unit luxury apartment complex in Over-the-Rhine and next door to Coffee Emporium, the historic venue will be the new playhouse for The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati. Tuesday morning theater officials will hold a groundbreaking this morning to mark the official acquisition of the theater. The event will feature a ceremonial cutting of the chains on the front doors and "fairy dust," according to a release. Here, the theater group will return to its roots: it performed out of the Emery Theatre for 21 years in the middle of the 20th century before moving to the Taft Theatre downtown. For over 50 years, The Children's Theatre has shared production space at the Taft for 40 days annually and has run its TCT Academy out of its headquarters on Red Bank Road for the last seven. Top 10 developments: Here's what to watch in Greater Cincinnati and NKY this year 'We will move quickly': City to pay $3M for downtown Saks building Come 2024, it will have its own theater space to call home once again at 1112 Walnut St. And it can be used 365 days a year. "The fact that the Emery was our first home and that having our own space will allow us to expand beyond our limited days at the Taft, produce more original works and take more risks are all reasons why we're moving back," said Kim Kern, managing director and CEO of The Children's Theatre. "We're in effect returning home while also building for our future." This won't be an easy move for the arts organization. There's a reason why the Emery Theatre has been out of commission for so long. The University of Cincinnati, its former landlord of five decades, struggled to sell the six-story, block-long building that it's housed in and declared it "beyond repair" in 2019. But Kern said the rumors of its irreparability are exaggerated. Yes, it needs upgrades: its 1,600 seats need to be replaced, a new heating and cooling system installed, the original lobby restored, new balcony railing put in, peeling paint scraped off the auditorium walls and the orchestra floor leveled and made accessible. But the rest of the theater is structurally sound. As one of just four music halls built for orchestral performances, the Emery Theatre's proscenium arch was designed on the principle of an u0022isoacoustic curve,u0022 which bounces sound out to equal parts of the room. The Emery Theatre holds a special place in the history of American theater design. Renowned local firm Hannaford & Sons designed it and it's one of just four buildings in the country created for symphonic music: Carnegie Hall in New York City, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, The Emery and Orchestra Hall in Detroit. It also was one of the first concert halls to have no obstructed seats thanks to two, elongated steel support trusses that hold up the balconies. "One of the things that makes this venue incredibly unique for the city is the sight lines," said Marcene Kinney, a principal and director of arts at GBBN, the local design firm behind the project. "If you compare this to Music Hall, it's much gentler and longer. Because of how the balconies wrap around, you feel like you're close to the stage no matter where you sit." Moving back but planning ahead The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati is one of the oldest children's programs in the country. Established in 1919 by Helen Schuster-Martin and later run by the Cincinnati Junior League, it was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1949 just before it began its 66-show tenure at what was then the Emery Auditorium. The space was originally used as a performance hall for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (which previously played at the too-large Music Hall) and as a college auditorium for the Ohio Mechanics Institute, which owned the entire building for half its lifespan. When the symphony moved out in 1936, the Emery was used for the Federal Theater Project of the Works Progress Administration, and then as a stop for touring Broadway productions. The Children's Theatre moved out around the time the hall was incorporated, along with the building, into the University of Cincinnati. The program's exit, according to Kim, mostly had to do with the incoming installation of a famous Wurlitzer organ in the 1970s, which operated out of the then-deteriorating Albee Theatre, and took up too much space on the Emery's shallower stage. Now five decades later and with the organ now at Music Hall, The Children's Theatre will not only renovate the Emery but expand it by building a new entrance and lobby that will run the length of Walnut Street toward Central Parkway. The street-level facade will be covered in glass, allowing passersby to see what's going on inside. The new space will feature a more contemporary feel compared to the preserved theater next door. Kern described the lobby as a whimsical and immersive environment fit for kids, complete with The Children's Theatre's signature purple and sculptural interior architecture. A new entrance and lobby will serve as a contrast to the preserved Emery Theatre. The design team saved and will install an original mural from the 1911 building. Adding the new lobby is one of the central reasons why the plan by The Children's Theatre will work, according to the architects. Past groups, in an effort to increase accessibility throughout the Emery Theatre, were unable to outfit the building with elevators while also maintaining a high enough seat count in the house that's needed to make a profit. The Children's Theatre also bought the carriageway between the Emery and the now-adjacent lobby space, which will be capped with a roof and used as an elevator bank and additional support space. Kinney said the shallow depth of the theater's 30-foot stage dissuaded past potential buyers of the Emery. (The average depth of a contemporary theater stage is 60 feet.) Since 2000, GBBN has conducted eight different design studies for various interested parties, none of which have moved forward until now. For The Children's Theatre, recent advances in production technology will allow them to embrace the stage's smaller size. "Because the size and configuration of the stage was set up for music, it has limited depth and no wing space for changing out scenes," she said. "One of the reasons why Children's and the Emery have a successful marriage is their reliance on new tech." Three key elements will allow this to work: a 16-foot turntable and stage lift will be installed, allowing set pieces and actors to quickly be brought up from the basement (Children's changes scenes an average of every six minutes), while an oversized LED video screen will cover a structural wall at the back of the stage, giving the illusion of depth. "We're used to having 72 different line sets that we can fly down on rigging and change within seconds, but the most this space could accommodate is about 31," Kern added. "So having a digital wall instead to adjust the backdrops makes a huge difference." Lastly, projection mapping (what's used during Blink Cincinnati) will cast scenery on the walls of the Emery Theatre so audiences feel immersed in the show. Now that The Children's Theatre will have its own space, the development will also include a private room where children who experience sensory sensitivity can watch the show. Projection mapping on the walls of the Emery Theatre will allow The Children's Theatre visitors to feel immersed in the show. What's next for funding the Emery's future The Emery Theatre as it exists today is a living legacy to Mary Emery, the philanthropist behind the original building project and wife of the late real estate investor and Emery Oleochemicals company heir, Thomas J. Emery. Not only did she finance the entire building's construction, she affected the innovative isometric design of the proscenium arch (which controls acoustics in the hall), as well as the number of seats in the auditorium. She also stipulated that the Emery Theatre be forever maintained as a public gathering place. The 21st-century rebirth of the Emery Theatre is closer than most may think. The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati has already orchestrated a fundraising campaign for the project, with the total development cost yet to be disclosed, and it plans to announce its public capital campaign this spring. In January, Cincinnati city council voted unanimously to approve $1 million in tax-increment financing money from the fund that covers Over-the-Rhine toward the acquisition and renovation of the theater. The Children's Theatre will be the sole owner of the property once the purchase-and-sale agreement with the building's current proprietor, City Center Properties, is complete this year. The project may need to be presented before the full council again. The Children's Theatre hopes to be open and operating its first show at the Emery Theatre in October of 2024. For patrons, parking will not be included, but there are several public lots and garages near the property. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Emery Theater: Children's Theatre to hold groundbreaking at new home German painter Caspar David Friedrich's oeuvre was almost completely disregarded by the contemporary art world following his death, especially after being associated with Nazis amid World War II. However, a major exhibition in Hamburg, Germany celebrating his works in time for his 250th birthday marked the resurgence of the Romantic artist's mystifying work, headlined by his most notable work: "Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog" (c. 1817). Friedrich Exhibition in Hamburg's Kunsthalle, 'Art for a New Age' Hamburger Kunsthalle commemorated what would've been the German Romanticist's 250th birthday through an anniversary exhibition dubbed "Caspar David Friedrich: Art for a New Age" starting last Dec. 15 and running through April 1 of this year. This ongoing show is the most comprehensive in highlighting the forerunning work that Friedrich has done in contribution to Germany's Romanticism movement, which comprises more than 60 paintings from the artist. Among these works are some of Friedrich's most iconic, such as his oil on canvas painting "The Monk by the Sea" (1808 - 1810), alongside 100 drawings and curated artworks inspired by the artist's expansive oeuvre. The retrospectives featured in the show are made by a total of twenty contemporary artists, including Kehinde Wiley, whose "The Prelude (Babacar Mane) (2021)" work is derived from Friedrech's "Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog". In Wiley's version, the explorer is replaced by a Black male figure sporting the modern "cornrows" hairstyle. Read Also: Franklin Expedition Divers Discovered New Artifacts Within the Erebus and Terror Shipwrecks Along Canada's Coast Friedrich's Dedication to the Natural World The exhibition is more than a showcase of Friedrich's genius and flair for depicting the mystifying energies of the natural world, as it also celebrates the enduring influence of such an undertaking in the art world as a whole, as evident in the featured retrospectives. Of this endeavor, Wiley told London's National Gallery in a 2021 interview: "Painting is more than a pretty picture on a wall; it is something that we espouse, something that points out to the world, something that, at its best, communicates our virtues." This viewpointis perfectly surmised by one of the most known quotes by Friedrich, where he once said: "'I must stay alone and know that I am alone to contemplate and feel nature in full; I have to surrender myself to what encircles me." "I have to merge with my clouds and rocks to be what I am," he added. The Hamburg exhibition is, however, only the start of the "Caspar David Friedrich Festival" that was initiated to celebrate his anniversary year. Following this particular show, Berlin's Alte Nationalgelrie and the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden will also hold their shows dedicated to Friedrich, each with its own different focus. After 2024's series of exhibitions, the resurging movement will culminate with the first US solo Friedrich showcase called "Caspar David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature," as held by New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Surely, decades after his death, Friedrich is now reaching new heights; one that he deserved. Read More: Discovery of 1,700-Year-Old Roman Artifact With Twelve Sides Puzzles UK Archaeologists Who Found It 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A group of employees are coming together to file a class action lawsuit against a Jacksonville company after they said their dream job turned into a nightmare. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< It meant I could provide for my family better. I finally got a job that I thought was paying me my worth, Rhonda Wilson said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] She took a supervisor position for the new telecommunications company in December last year. Empress Professions was hiring AT&T service reps to work from home. Wilsons job wouldve paid $20 an hour with extra benefits. I wanted to devote 100 percent to this job. It was up and coming. A new company, Wilson said. She even quit her previous job to take this one. While she said she put in 100%, Wilson claimed she got nothing in return. Wilson said shes owed about $2,400 after three weeks of work without pay. Shes not the only one. Action News Jax told you last week that 30 people were in a similar situation as a result. The employees were from across Jacksonville and even over state lines as far as California. Read: Community alert warns residents about jury duty scams I feel like Ive been robbed. Like Ive been taken advantage of, John Stevenson said. He was hired to handle training for the employees. Many of them would get notifications from the payroll company called Fingercheck that a paycheck was on the way. Then they claim they would wake up the next morning with nothing in their bank account, but would still receive a pay stub. Many have gone weeks without a paycheck. The owner of Empress Professions, Sharessa Taylor, told Action News Jaxs Robert Grant last week that it was a payroll issue and Fingercheck was holding the funds to verify her account. Read: Former Jaguars employee accused of stealing more than $22M from team to buy condo, crypto, cars In a statement, Fingercheck said it does not hold or verify funding, and that is instead the job of the clients bank. Fingercheck also said Empress was on wire status, which means the business would wire funds to the bank to be released to employees. In the case of Empress, Fingercheck said the owner did not complete any wires...which means the employees are not paid because theres no funds. Employees told Action News Jax that Empress Professions is still hiring. An email to a prospective employee shows they were setting up interviews days after our previous report. Action News Jax reached out to Taylor with the same phone numbers we talked to her on last week, but both are now disconnected. Read: New St. Johns County program to protect seniors from scammers and put money back in their pockets The Attorney Generals office has received five complaints which were forwarded to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and Department of Labor. An incident report from JSO said some employees learned that Sharessa Taylor was arrested in 2023 for grand theft. The complainant believes she has been scammed. According to court documents, Taylor was arrested last year and found guilty of grand theft for stealing thousands of dollars worth of gift cards from the vault of a Southside company. These employees plan to take this current case to court with a class action lawsuit so that someone is held accountable. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] As old as I am, truth be told, its hard to start back over and right now Im just holding on and hoping relief will come in some way. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. ST. LOUIS An endangered person advisory was issued Monday for a woman after she left her house Friday. Nia Washington, 21, left her house on foot in Florissant on Jan. 26 around 11 a.m. after a family dispute and has not returned. Officials say she suffers from severe cognitive delays and mood disorders. Washington is described as a Black female, 56 and weighing 100 lbs. She has brown hair, brown eyes, and a dark complexion. She was wearing a white furry jacket and grey and black shoes. Anyone with information on Washingtons whereabouts should call 911 or the St. Louis County Police Department immediately at (636) 529-8210. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. An endangered juvenile right whale was found dead in the water off Martha's Vineyard on Sunday, entangled in a rope wrapped around its tail, the National Marine Fisheries Service announced. Marine mammal experts responded to the scene on Monday to investigate, amid snowy conditions, with near-freezing temperatures and reports of wind gusts up to 38 mph. This is the second tragedy involving one of the critically endangered right whales this month; another right whale was seriously injured in a vessel collision. The cause of this whale's death or its identity hasn't yet been determined, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. The female whale was found near Joseph Sylvia State Beach on Martha's Vineyard Sunday afternoon, according to NOAA and the animal welfare fund, which responds to stranded marine mammals on Cape Cod and the south shore of Massachusetts. Edgartown Police, the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution also were participating. "The deceased whale was found entangled," said Sarah Sharp, an animal rescue veterinarian with the international fund. "While we don't know the cause of death yet, we know that entanglements can lead to long-term suffering and death." The tribe and the animal welfare fund secured the whale and plan a necropsy when weather conditions improve, NOAA said. The tail of a dead North Atlantic right whale, found dead off Martha's Vineyard on Jan. 28, shows a black tow strap used to pull the animal out of the surf and pieces of the rope found entangling the tail and deeply embedded in the wounds. Taken under NOAA Permit #24359 How many right whales are there? The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium puts the estimated right whale population at 356 animals. This is the 37th death of a right whale since 2017. Since then, at least 86 right whales have been found with serious injuries. Of those, nine have died as the result of entanglement, and at least 70 have been seriously injured by entanglement. Human-related deaths in the form of fishing gear entanglements and boat strikes are the two biggest threats to the whales, scientists say. Even one of those deaths puts the species at risk of extinction, the New England Aquarium said last week. Fewer than 70 breeding females remain in the population. Through October last year, the aquarium had detected 32 human-caused injuries to right whales, including six entanglements with attached fishing gear, 24 entanglement injuries, and two vessel strikes. A female right whale was found dead with its tail entangled in rope, off Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts on Sunday. Photo taken under NOAA Permit #24359. Calf wounded in January is still alive Monday's death is the second right whale to be added to NOAA's list of confirmed or expected whale deaths this year. On Jan. 10, the agency announced a recently born calf had been struck by a vessel and was expected to die. The offspring of a whale known as Juno, the calf was gravely wounded with propeller wounds to its head and mouth. Last Friday, NOAA said the vessel involved in the collision was 35 to 57 feet long. The calf was still alive and being monitored, with some signs of healing, although the extent of its injuries was unknown. Any sightings of injured or stranded whales should be reported to 877-942-5343 (877-WHALE-HELP.) A right whale calf with propeller wounds was discovered by fishermen off the Edisto River Inlet on Jan. 3. Right whale births reach 16 this winter season Whale advocates learned Tuesday that another mom-calf pair of right whales had been seen off the Southeast coast, where the whales migrate for the winter to give birth in the warmer waters off Florida and Georgia. That makes 16 calves this season, including the calf injured in the vessel collision. Another of the calves is believed to be dead because the calf was seen only once with its mother, and subsequent aerial surveys have seen the mother without her calf. Whale scientists say 40 to 50 whale calves are needed each year for the massive marine mammals' population to recover. Asha traveled over 100 miles: Now, the endangered Mexican wolf has a mate. Expanded whale protections debated Efforts to curtail gear entanglements and vessel strikes have been controversial and the source of bitter dispute. A federal judge ruled in 2022 that NOAA was not complying with federal law because it had not done enough to protect the right whales from fishing gear entanglements. As the agency prepared to adopt new regulations, Maine's congressional delegation was able to win approval for a rider to federal legislation that delayed the effective date of the new rules until December 2028. The International Fund for Animal Welfare is among the groups that have advocated for requiring on-demand or ropeless fishing gear to prevent injuries and deaths to the animals. "We also know that entanglements must be prevented to save this species from extinction," the fund's Sharp said Monday. Meanwhile, NOAA's plan to enact additional speed limits off the Atlantic coast has been delayed. In a statement last week, the New England Aquarium released new research that concluded expanding the 10-knot vessel speed limit over a larger area would protect not only the right whale but also other large whale species. "Our study shows that we dont need to slow vessels down in all U.S. waters, but we need to implement restrictions in larger areas that cover important whale habitats, said lead author Jessica Redfern, associate vice president of ocean conservation science at the aquarium's Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life. Whale advocacy groups respond The Center for Biological Diversity is among the groups urging NOAA to do more to protect the whales. Ben Grundy at the Center for Biological Diversity said the death was "another devastating reminder that North Atlantic right whales are plunging toward oblivion." Two right whale tragedies this month underscore an "urgent need for continued, strong and mandatory protection to safeguard these whales from entanglements in fishing gear and ship strikes," said Kim Elmslie, campaign director at Oceana in Canada. "Each loss significantly impacts the already fragile population." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Right whale found dead off Martha's Vineyard, 37th death since 2017 Overnight on January 29-30, Russia carried out a massive attack with Shahed loitering drones, causing damage to equipment at one of Ukrenergo's substations in central Ukraine. Source: Ukrenergo The utility company notes that industrial customers continue to be supplied with power via backup infrastructure. Emergency repair work began immediately after the all-clear was given. The company plans to replace damaged equipment as soon as possible with new equipment taken from their emergency stockpile. The Ministry of Energy reported that a local company has been left without power and forced to pause production due to the damage suffered by the substation. The power grid in Semenivka hromada [an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories] of the Chernihiv Oblast was also damaged, with more than 800 consumers in six localities losing power. As a result of the hostilities in Konstiantynivka, distribution equipment was cut off from its control centre, and a substation and several household consumers were disconnected. A widespread energy shortage is not expected to occur. The electricity generated by all power plants is sufficient to provide energy supply to all business and household consumers. In addition, one power station unit is expected to come back online after repairs are complete. Ukrenergo adds that electricity is imported from Slovakia, Romania, and Moldova in the morning and evening. The total capacity is 4,743 megawatt-hours, with a maximum possible throughput of 830 megawatts in one hour. On the other hand, the utility was unable to export surplus power today. Background: Previously, it was reported that one building of the thermal power station was undergoing emergency repair. One complex of three units is being kept on standby in case it is needed. Support UP or become our patron! A Latvian member of the European Parliament (MEP) is under investigation for being a trusted asset of Russian intelligence since at least 2005, Yuriy Lass, a representative of the EU Parliament Speaker, told DW. The European Parliaments Advisory Committee on the Conduct of Members is looking at Latvian MEP Tatjana Zdanokas ties to the aggressor state. The accusations must be "taken very seriously", said European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. This issue is also to be brought up at the Conference of Presidents on Jan. 31. Read also: Latvia donates another batch of cars seized from drunk drivers to Ukraine The European Parliament did not want to comment on the accusations, but mentioned that they had already been reported in Latvia for some time, the European Parliaments press service told DW. All MEPs are emphasized to be subject to the same rules [1976 Electoral Act, The Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and the European Parliament Rules of Procedure] regarding independence of mandate and ethics, the press service wrote. The deputy is responsible to the voters, like all members of the European Parliament. Read also: SBU detains former leader of banned party, now corrector, linked to former KGB officer The European Parliament President can impose sanctions for code of conduct violations, but the decision to remove MEP from office is made by the competent authorities in her country. The Insider published an investigation earlier revealing the Russian FSB had recruited a Latvian MEP. It is not known exactly when, but in 2005 Zdanoka was already in regular contact with her case officer a veteran FSB cadre from the St. Petersburg central directorate, Dmitry Gladey. Zdanoka was the organizer of public hearings in the European Parliament regarding the attitude of the Estonian authorities to the protests in Tallinn after the removal of a monument to a Soviet soldier. She also received additional money from Gladey to purchase St. George's ribbons to celebrate the Russian so-called Victory Day in Latvia. (St. Georges ribbons are a pro-Russian military symbol consisting of three black and two orange stripes ed.) The MEP used her seat in the European Parliament to help FSB employees get into the EU, journalists reported. 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 Evergreen State College will be dipping into its reserve fund to cover expenses related to a carbon monoxide poisoning death of a student on campus last year. Jonathan Rodriguez, 21, was found dead in campus housing in December. Two other students were hospitalized. The colleges board of trustees voted on Monday to spend up to $1 million. The money will cover the cost of the Washington State Patrol investigation into Rodriguez death, repairs to student housing, and moving students into temporary housing, The Olympian reported. The housing where Rodriguez lived was heated by propane. Since the death, all students have been moved out of propane-heated housing. Some students have raised questions about maintenance on campus, saying theyve been concerned for some time about the condition of the buildings. Evergreen President John Carmichael told The Olympian there is a huge backlog of needed repairs. Michael and Nancy Trubl stand between their attorneys, Josh Hitch (at left) and Brian Goldberg (at right), during their sentencing in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday. A husband and wife who stole tens of thousands of dollars from an organization that raised money for performing arts programs at Winton Woods schools were ordered Tuesday to repay the money or face incarceration. Between 2017 and April 2022, the couple worked together to systematically loot the Winton Woods Performing Arts Boosters of nearly $41,000, prosecutors said. Nancy Trubl was elected as the organizations treasurer in 2017, the same year the theft began. But Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor William Anderson said in court Tuesday that investigators believe her husband, Michael Trubl, was the one pulling the strings. Last year, prosecutors allowed Nancy, 55, to plead guilty to a misdemeanor theft charge. Michael Trubl, 61, pleaded guilty to felony charges of theft and unauthorized use of property. Both were sentenced by Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Jennifer Branch to five years of probation and ordered to pay $40,782 in restitution. After two years, if the money has been repaid, Branch said each will be able to apply to have probation terminated. Nancy Trubls attorney, Brian Goldberg, said the couple has given him $21,000, which he will forward to prosecutors who will then give the money to the organization. She will do everything in her power to make sure this gets paid off, Goldberg said about the remaining restitution. The theft began after Michael Trubls job was eliminated in 2017, his attorney, Josh Hitch, said. Trubl worked in aviation engineering, Hitch said, but was unable to find another job in that field. He gradually began to use money from the organization to keep up the lifestyle they had, Hitch said. He intended to pay it back once he found a job. But that didnt happen. It was the wrong thing to do, Michael Trubl told Branch. Everything snowballed. I couldnt make car payments or house payments. It should have never happened. Branch noted that a report from investigators with the state Attorney Generals Office showed that in addition to bills, money was spent on things like Starbucks, boutiques and restaurants. Students were victims, judge says She said the couple had taken money that students raised through hard work to fund performing arts activities. According to the school district's website, about 1,000 students in grades 4 to 12 participate in music and performing arts in the district. The sentences, the judge said, take into account the fact that the couple are paying half of the restitution almost immediately. She said probation will help ensure that the rest of the money is repaid. What I care most about is making the victims whole, she said. Branch also ordered each to undergo mental health assessments and comply with any treatment that is recommended. She said Michael Trubl would be on intensive supervision probation, a program that focuses on making good choices and understanding the consequences of ones actions. If he violates probation he could serve up to three years in prison. His wife would face 180 days in jail if she violates probation. Failing to pay restitution would be a violation. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Michael and Nancy Trubl sentenced on theft from schools arts group The U.S. government made its cocaine-smuggling case against a British Virgin Islands premier by casting a confidential informant as a Mexican cartel trafficker. The informant, who went by the name Roberto, collected hundreds of recorded conversations and text messages with BVI premier Andrew Fahie while they discussed million-dollar bribery payments for access to the British territory, a prosecutor said Monday at the start of the former politicians drug-trafficking trial in Miami federal court.. Fahie agreed to let thousands of kilos of cocaine pass through his ports to be sold in the United States all so the defendant could stuff his own pockets with bribe money, prosecutor Sean McLaughlin told jurors during an opening statement dominated by themes of greed, arrogance and corruption. Yet Fahies defense team countered that his words will show he had no intention of using his power to enrich himself on cocaine shipments to the United States, without elaborating. Rather, one of his lawyers argued during an opening statement that Fahie was framed by the United Kingdom, which oversees the BVI archipelago as an overseas territory. He believed the U.K. government was involved in a scheme to frame him to remove him from office, attorney Joyce Delgado told the 12-person jury. What Delgado did not tell the jurors was that the undercover operation was directed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, not the British government. At the time of the DEA sting, the U.K. government was concluding a corruption investigation of Fahies administration but British authorities said it was not related to the DEAs sting operation. Visit to Miami led to his demise Fahies demise came on April 28, 2022, when he and BVIs port director, Oleanvine Pickering Maynard, were visiting Miami for a cruise convention. During their visit, they were lured to a Miami airport to check on a huge cash payment that was promised to them by the DEA informant pretending to be a member of the Sinaloa cartel. The sting ended with the arrests of Fahie, 53, and Maynard, 61, leading to an indictment charging them with conspiring to import cocaine and engage in money laundering, along with attempted money laundering and racketeering. Maynards son, Kadeem Stephan Maynard, 32, was also arrested in the Caribbean, brought to Miami and added as the third defendant. After his arrest, Fahie was granted a $1 million bond and allowed to live with his daughter in South Florida. But Fahie was stripped of his official position as BVIs premier, which he held from February 2019 to early May 2022. Hes facing trial alone in Miami federal court and up to life in prison if convicted of all four charges in the indictment since the two co-defendants already pleaded guilty to the cocaine-smuggling conspiracy. Oleanvine Maynard, the former BVI port director, is scheduled to testify as a government witness during the two-week trial, according to a court filing. So are several federal agents. Fahie and Oleanvine Maynard were arrested by Drug Enforcement Administration agents when the foreign officials went to Miami-Opa-locka Executive Airport to check out the purported $700,000 cash payment on an airplane that they believed was destined for them in the British Virgin Islands, according to court records. Oleanvine Maynard and her son, Kadeem Maynard, both detained in Miami, admitted in plea deals that the scheme involved agreeing to provide protection for the DEA informants purported shipments of thousands of kilos of cocaine through the Island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands to the United States in exchange for a cut of the multimillion-dollar profits. In November, Kadeem Maynard, 32, was sentenced to nearly five years in prison. His plea agreement did not require him to testify at Fahies trial. Kadeem Maynards attorney, Jose Rafael Rodriguez, argued that he played a relatively minor role in the cocaine-import scheme by introducing the DEA informant to his mother, and coordinating meetings between the informant, the mother and BVIs premier, Fahie. In her plea agreement, Oleanvine Maynard admitted that she introduced the informant to Fahie and together they used their authority to facilitate the purported cocaine-smuggling plan. She is scheduled for sentencing after Fahies trial. Her plea agreement required that she testify against Fahie. The U.S. undercover probe began in the fall of 2021 with a series of mysterious meetings between the confidential DEA informant posing as the Mexican drug smuggler and a group claiming to be Lebanese Hezbollah operatives with connections to the Caribbean territorys leaders, according to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in the case. With their help, the informant eventually met up with Kadeem Maynard, his mother, Oleanevine Maynard, and then Fahie, BVIs premier. He then lured them into providing protection for purported Colombian cocaine shipments through the British Virgin Islands to Miami, U.S. authorities say. Recorded meetings in the BVI and Miami In return, the informant, who claimed to be working for the Sinaloa cartel, promised to pay the premier and port director $700,000 at first and millions later as their cut of the planned cocaine shipments all during recorded meetings in the British Virgin Islands and Miami in March and April 2022, according to the documents filed in Miami federal court. According to the 15-page DEA affidavit, when he was taken into custody in Miami, Fahie confirmed his identity but then asked: Why am I getting arrested? I dont have any money or drugs. Both Fahie and Oleanvine Maynard, who were in Miami for a cruise convention, went to the Opa-locka airport after the DEA informant and another undercover operative told them that it was their initial payoff, according to the affidavit filed by federal prosecutor Frederic Shadley. Throughout the affidavit, the DEA informant emphasized the critical role of the British territory an archipelago with a population of only 30,000 that is adjacent to the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Mexican cartels purported drug-smuggling operation. In one recorded meeting in Tortola, the informant described how the transport plan would start with test runs to Miami and eventually make them rich. At one point during an April 7, 2022, meeting with BVIs premier, the port director and her son, the informant gave Fahie $20,000 saying this is a good faith gift to seal that we have an agreement, according to the affidavit. Despite the gesture, Fahie still seemed suspicious of the DEA informant, asking him if he was an undercover operative. The informant said he was not and told Fahie: Well, first of all, youre not touching anything, a reference to the planned shipments of cocaine. According to the affidavit, Fahie replied: I will touch one thing, the money. At the start of Fahies trial Monday, McLaughlin highlighted that comment to the jurors. McLaughlin, who is prosecuting the case with colleague Kevin Gerarde, said the informant and Fahie agreed that the BVI premier would receive a 12% cut of all drug shipments through the British territory to the United States. In response to the arrests of the premier and the others about two years ago, then-BVI Gov. John Rankin issued a statement saying the U.S. government informed United Kingdom officials of the drug-trafficking case in Miami. He called it shocking news. Rankin pointed out that the narco-trafficking arrests were unrelated to a U.K. corruption investigation of Fahies government at the time. Corruption in the small islands of the Caribbean, which became a major drug transshipment point for U.S.-bound cocaine shipments in the 1980s, has always been a concern for the U.S. government. In recent years, U.S. officials have been helping the U.K. government in its investigation of money laundering allegations in the self-governed, dependent British territories in the Caribbean. NATO should extend an invitation to Ukraine at the Washington Summit in July, as it could serve as an instrument to ending Russias war, the alliances former Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said on Jan. 30 in Kyiv. I know that (NATO's invitation to Ukraine) would be a controversial and at least an unprecedented decision to take, to invite a country already at war into NATO. And I know this would be used as a counterargument from those who are skeptical about extending such an invitation, Rasmussen said. But that's an extremely dangerous argument to use because it gives (Russian President Vladimir) Putin an incentive to continue his war to prevent Ukrainian membership of NATO. It gives de facto Putin a veto right. And obviously, that's not acceptable, he explained, adding that this would send an extremely dangerous message to the rest of the world, such as to China regarding Taiwan. The high-profile diplomats visit to Kyiv comes amid the worlds fading attention to Ukraine and the continuous stalling of EU and U.S. aid. Ukraine officially applied for NATO membership in September 2022. The incumbent NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, said in a Jan. 28 interview that Ukraine would join NATO "at a certain stage," without elaborating further. It is widely considered extremely unlikely that NATO would extend an invitation to Ukraine before the war with Russia is over. President Zelensky stands with world leaders during the G7 Declaration of Joint Support for Ukraine during the Vilnius NATO summit on July 12, 2023. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv after a meeting involving President Volodymyr Zelensky and his chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, Rasmussen, who is also the former Danish prime minister, insisted that Western allies must provide all the weapons Ukraine needs to win the war as fast as possible. Time has come to lift old self-imposed restrictions on weapons deliveries and deliver all the weapons Ukraine needs as fast as possible, Rasmussen reiterated. We need to give Ukraine all the weapons Ukraine needs to win this war. That means long-range missiles, fighter jets, heavy battle tanks and electronic warfare systems, drones, everything you need. Read also: F-16s for Ukraine: When will they arrive and what can they do? Asked by the Kyiv Independent to name NATOs most crucial mistakes in helping Ukraine win the war, Rasmussen said, Obviously, it was a mistake back in 2008 to promise Ukraine membership to NATO and then doing nothing to follow up. Rasmussen refers to NATO's 2008 decision at the Bucharest Summit not to invite Ukraine and Georgia but say that they would become members one day. Russia has repeatedly threatened NATO against inviting the two nations. Germany and France blocked the invitation in 2008, a decision heavily criticized by Kyiv but defended by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel herself. And we should not repeat that mistake, insisted Rasmussen, who served as the Secretary General from 2009 to 2014. Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak (L) and Former Secretary General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen (R) during meeting with Ukrainian media on January 30, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Yermak and Rasmussen met with media representatives regarding the official launch of the International Working Group on Security Issues and Euro-Atlantic Integration. (Vitalii Nosach/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Answering the Kyiv Independents question on what he perceives as NATOs critical mistakes during the war, Yermak said that he believes it is the fact that Ukraine is still not in the alliance. Rasmussen and Yermak also said during the 30-minute press conference that the Working Group On International Security Guarantees for Ukraine, co-chaired by the two officials, strives to present to the allies that an invitation could be used to build peace. At the previous NATO summit in Vilnius, Stoltenberg said that Ukraine is now closer to NATO than ever before and that the alliance would extend an invitation when Allies agree that conditions are met without elaborating on the conditions. Read also: Ukraine gets a fraction of what it wanted at NATO summit Now the question is, which condition? Rasmussen said. And that's what the group will look upon. So, we will identify which conditions are the most important. Are they already fulfilled? And if they are not fulfilled, how can they be fulfilled, and when could or should they be fulfilled? The working groups nine-page proposal, Kyiv Security Compact, was published by the Presidents Office in September 2022. Zelensky summarized it as "political, financial, military and diplomatic resources" to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and should become the baseline of a new security architecture for Kyiv. How could an invitation to Ukraine to join NATO be used as an instrument to give Putin an incentive to stop the war? Rasmussen raised a question. That's what the international working group will look upon so that we could say an invitation paves the path to peace. Ukrainian soldiers firing a mortar south of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, on Nov. 20, 2023. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent) More than a year after the pacts publication, the front-line situation appears to have reached a new stage in which it is extremely tough for either side to make any noticeable progress. Russia is launching fierce all-out offensives on multiple axes, particularly on Kupiansk in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast and on Avdiivka in eastern Donetsk Oblast. Ukraines much-anticipated summer counteroffensive ended without achieving any major targets. Despite that, Yermak insists that there is no plan B. There is only Plan A victory, our membership in the European Union, our membership in NATO, he said. At the press conference, Rasmussen also paid tribute to the Ukrainian troops for their bravery. (Ukrainian troops) are not only fighting to defend their own people. They are fighting to defend all of us. They are fighting to protect freedom and democracy, he said. That's why we owe them to help them all we can. And that's why I'm here. Read also: Ukrainian soldiers storming eastern bank of Dnipro fear their mission is hopeless Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A UN truck brings food supplies to Palestinian citizens staying in one of the UNRWA schools in the city of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa The former head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Matthias Schmale, has charged that the timing of revelations about alleged participation of several UNRWA workers in attacks on Israel is politically motivated. Twelve employees of the UN relief agency are suspected of being involved in the major attack on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas on October 7. The reports emerged shortly after the International Court of Justice's ruling on the Gaza war on January 26, Schmale told German broadcaster Deutschlandfunk on Tuesday. Schmale said it was entirely possible that the employees in question were involved, and noted that the reports didn't surprise him. "But the timing seems very politically determined to me," he stressed. Schmale does not believe it is likely that around 10% of the aid agency's approximately 12,000 employees working in the Gaza Strip have connections to Hamas or Islamist Jihad, as the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing an Israeli intelligence dossier. There are people among the employees who have sympathies for Hamas, he said. "But during my time, we always observed very closely how people work, how they behave, whether they behaved in accordance with UN values and took measures when we understood that this was not the case." At that time, eight people were "expelled" over a period of almost four years - not just because of connections to Hamas, but because of behavior that did not correspond to the values of the United Nations, said Schmale. That is a much smaller percentage. "I think what has just appeared in the Wall Street Journal is totally exaggerated," Schmale asserted. Senior employees at EY are looking at data that shows how frequently staff are in the office. At least 50% of some of its teams are disregarding its mandate to be in the office two days a week. EY joins firms like JPMorgan and Citigroup that have made their return-to-office policies increasingly strict. Consulting giant EY is keeping track of how often staff attend its offices through turnstile access data as some teams disregard its return to office policies in the UK, the Financial Times reported first. Partners at the accounting firm are being shown anonymized turnstile data as well as swipe card entry data so they're aware of how frequently staff are attending its offices, people at the firm informed the FT. The firm's hybrid working policy requires staff to come into the office twice a week, but at least 50% of some teams are flouting this rule. One person told the FT that some partners are being shown data that connects office attendance to mid-year performance ratings. Another source said the statistics would be used as a "carrot rather than a stick" strategy to encourage teams to follow its hybrid working policies. EY is the latest in a string of financial services and consultancy companies firms to put strict return-to-office mandates in place. Citigroup started monitoring whether workers were coming in for the required three days a week by checking swipe card data in August. It said workers who are consistently not in the office may be disciplined from adjusted bonuses to being fired. Similarly, JPMorgan required employees to return to its office three to five days a week, depending on seniority. It also collected data to see which employees were meeting its in-office quotas and compiled it into reports for managers. Meanwhile, Kevin Ellis, the boss of another Big Four firm PWC, recently said that junior workers need to be in the office more to progress because AI is ready to take over parts of their jobs. "If you're asking me my opinion on how you succeed in your career," he said at the World Economic Forum. "I'd be in the office four to five days a week." EY declined to comment when contacted by Business Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider FILE - A Boeing 737 MAX 7 takes off on its first flight on March 16, 2018, in Renton, Wash. Facing severe criticism after a door plug blew out on a 737 Max over Oregon this month, Boeing said Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, that it is withdrawing a request for a safety exemption needed to certify the new model of the plane. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond, File) SEATTLE (AP) Facing severe criticism after a door plug blew out on a 737 Max over Oregon this month, Boeing said Monday that it is withdrawing a request for a safety exemption needed to certify a new model of the plane. The company asked federal regulators late last year to allow it to begin delivering its 737 Max 7 airliner to customers even though it does not meet a safety standard designed to prevent part of the engine housing from overheating and breaking off during flight. But after a door panel blew out on a different version of the plane a Max 9 leaving a gaping hole in the fuselage of an Alaska Airlines flight out of Portland, Oregon, on Jan. 5, the company's quality control and commitment to safety have been questioned. Last week, Democratic Sens. Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Tammy Duckworth, chair of its aviation safety subcommittee, urged the Federal Aviation Administration to deny the request. Boeing said Monday it would withdraw it. While Boeing never should have sought this exemption to put another new aircraft with a known safety defect into service in the first place, Im both relieved and appreciative that they are putting the flying publics safety first by withdrawing this petition, Duckworth, of Illinois, said in an emailed statement. I hope this decision marks the beginning of a turnaround in Boeings safety culture." In its announcement, the company said it was "committed to being transparent, listening to all our stakeholders and taking action to strengthen safety and quality at Boeing. The safety standard concerns an anti-icing system, and the issue affects other models of the 737 Max that are already flying. Federal officials said last year that Boeing was working to fix the hazard on current Max planes, and in the meantime regulators urged pilots to limit the de-icing system's use in dry conditions because inlets around the engines could get too hot and parts of the housing could break away and strike the plane, possibly breaking windows and causing rapid decompression. The issue affects only the Max because it has engine inlets made from carbon composite materials rather than metal. The company had hoped to be able to deliver its new, smaller Max 7 to customers and have pilots operate the model under the guidance given to Max 8 and Max 9 pilots. It asked for an exemption until May 2026 while it worked on a long-term fix. In its statement, Boeing said that while it believed the exemption request followed established FAA processes to ensure safe operation, the company will instead incorporate an engineering solution that will be completed during the certification process. This is good news, Cantwell said in an emailed statement Monday night. "I hope this means they can quickly develop a compliant design across other MAX planes. The FAA grounded all Max 9s in the U.S. the day after the blowout. Last week the agency approved the inspection and maintenance process to return the planes to flying, and Alaska and United Airlines the only two U.S. airlines that fly Max 9s began returning some to service in the last few days. Southwest Airlines, the main customer for the Max 7, reported last week that it had removed the model from its fleet plans for 2024 while Boeing works with the FAA to certify it. The FAA said last year that it had not received any reports of the overheating problem happening on Max flights, but that it issued the warning to pilots because of the severity of the risk, which was discovered on a test flight. The 737 Max went into service in May 2017. Two of the planes crashed in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people. All Max jets were grounded worldwide for nearly two years while the company made changes to an automated flight-control system that pushed the nose down based on faulty sensor readings. More recently, Max deliveries have been interrupted to fix manufacturing flaws, and last month the company told airlines to inspect the planes for a possible loose bolt in the rudder-control system. Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal said in a message to Boeing employees Friday that the companys most immediate goal is to help airlines restore operations. Frankly, we have disappointed and let them down," he wrote. "We are deeply sorry for the significant disruption and frustration for our customers, some of whom have been publicly and unfairly criticized. Claim: Donald Trump's uncle was a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Rating: Rating: True In an effort to highlight his supposed mental and genetic superiority over U.S. President Joe Biden during a Las Vegas campaign rally on Jan. 27, 2024, former President Donald Trump pointed to his uncle, whom he described as the longest-serving professor in the history of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): I had an uncle he's the longest-serving professor, Dr. John Trump in the history of MIT. Same genes. We're smart people. We're like racehorses, too. The fast ones produce the fast ones, and the slow ones? Doesn't work out so well. This was not the first time Trump used this talking point. He first mentioned John Trump in a political context on the second day of his 2016 campaign at a June 17, 2015, rally in New Hampshire: I had an uncle who went to MIT who is a top professor. Dr. John Trump. A genius. It's my blood. I'm smart. Great marks. Like really smart. As Snopes wrote in August 2016, Trump also brought up his uncle in a portion of a July 19, 2016, campaign speech in South Carolina ostensibly about Obama's nuclear deal with Iran that later went viral: Look, having nuclear my uncle was a great professor and scientist and engineer, Dr. John Trump at MIT; good genes, very good genes, OK, very smart, the Wharton School of Finance, very good, very smart. Nuclear is so powerful; my uncle explained that to me many, many years ago While this familial link's use as evidence of Donald Trump's cognitive strength is at best limited, it is true that his uncle was an accomplished scientist and a long-serving professor of engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he also received his Ph.D. as described in 2016 in The New Yorker: John Trump really does seem to have been a brilliant scientist. He was at M.I.T. for decades . Trump was involved in radar research for the Allies in the Second World War, and in 1943 the F.B.I. had enough faith in his technical ability and his discretion to call him in when Nikola Tesla died in his room at the New Yorker Hotel, in Manhattan, raising the question of whether enemy agents might have had a chance to learn some of his secrets before the body was found. (One fear was that Tesla was working on a death ray.) His work received media coverage throughout his career. A 1939 Boston Globe article, for example, highlighted an X-ray generator designed by Trump and Robert Van de Graaff (of Van de Graaff generator fame): It is unclear whether John Trump was ever considered the "longest-serving" faculty member at MIT, but he was associated with the school for decades he received his Ph.D. there in 1933 and partially retired, while continuing to give lectures, in 1973. He died in 1985. According to his obituary, his work, among other things, advanced radiation therapies for cancer patients: After the war. Dr. Trump, while still on the faculty at M.I.T., became associated with the Department of Radiology at the Lahey Clinic in Boston and later became chairman of its board. Under his direction rotational radiation therapy was developed, ''an idea that created quite a stir in those days,'' he recalled later. He also conceived and developed the use of high-energy electrons in the treatment of superficial skin lesions. Because it is well-documented that former President Trump's uncle was a professor at MIT, we rate this claim as "True." Sources: CNN.Com - Transcripts. http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1506/30/acd.01.html. Accessed 29 Jan. 2024. JOHN TRUMP DIES; ENGINEER WAS 78. The New York Times, 26 Feb. 1985. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/1985/02/26/us/john-trump-dies-engineer-was-78.html. Legaspi, Althea. Trump Touts Cognitive Skills Citing Hes Related to an MIT Professor: Same Genes. Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2024, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-las-vegas-rally-touts-cognitive-skills-1234955590/. New X-Ray Generator at Tech. The Boston Globe, 25 Feb. 1939, p. 16. newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-new-x-ray-generator-at/139840856/. Sorkin, Amy Davidson. Donald Trumps Nuclear Uncle. The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2016. www.newyorker.com, https://www.newyorker.com/news/amy-davidson/donald-trumps-nuclear-uncle. The Trump Show Hits New Hampshire. POLITICO, 17 June 2015, https://www.politico.com/story/2015/06/the-trump-show-hits-nh-119137. Whenever a new year approaches, many like to look back on what they did and didnt achieve in the past year. State Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, did just that when he took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to lament what legislation wasnt passed in Wisconsin. Our far-right legislature has thwarted (Gov. Tony Evers) every attempt to enact proven, progressive policies in WI. In 2023, we saw our neighbors (Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois) blow past us with a host of highly popular, landmark policy wins like cannabis, paid family leave, abortion rights, and more. Now Larson mentions a lot in his Dec. 12 post, but paid family leave caught our eye. That refers to policies requiring employers to offer workers paid leave to care for a new child or care for themself or loved one with a serious health condition. It was introduced by Evers twice in last years legislative session but never made it to a vote. So, lets look at what happened to Wisconsins paid family leave proposal, how popular the policy is in the Dairy State and what moves our neighbors made toward it in 2023. One of Wisconsins neighboring families gained paid leave in 2023 Larsons post reads as though all three states passed policies on cannabis, paid family leave and abortion rights. But when asked for backup, Justin Bielinski, Larsons communications director, told us the tweet didnt intend to say all three states passed marijuana, abortion and paid leave policies in 2023, but that each had passed at least one of the mentioned policies. So, the poor phrasing gets Larson off on the wrong foot from the start. Of the states mentioned, Minnesota was the only one to pass specific legislation on paid family leave in 2023. The measure will provide nearly every working Minnesotan paid leave when they cannot work due to serious health or caregiving needs. Last year, Illinois passed the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, which requires 40 hours of paid leave per year at companies with at least five employees. But paid leave can differ from paid family leave. The former provides compensation for any number of reasons, while the latter is specified leave to care for a child, family member or ones health. Additionally, general paid leave provides full hourly wages for time off, while paid family leave typically provides a designated portion of income and comes with more time off. So, Minnesota and Illinois laws differ in that Minnesotas law guarantees workers the right to paid leave when they cannot work due to serious health or caregiving needs. In contrast, Illinois law gives workers paid leave to be used for any reason. And vice versa, Minnesotas new law only requires paid leave of employers for health and caregiving reasons but doesnt require a general paid leave option. Our other neighbor, Michigan, didnt pass any new paid leave laws last year, though it did renew a 2019 paid sick leave law. Wisconsin Republicans block Evers paid family leave bills There were two times last year Evers introduced paid family leave bills and little if any action on paid family leave was initiated by the Republican-controlled Legislature. Evers proposed public and private sector workers get 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave benefits in his budget plan at the beginning of 2023. But that proposal was cut by Republicans during the budget adoption process. Paid family leave reemerged in September when Evers drafted an expansive bill on funding the states child care providers. The proposed legislation included provisions for a paid family leave program. Evers requested a special session for the bill and after multiple changes were made to it by GOP lawmakers, Evers vetoed the bill. Paid family leave is popular in Wisconsin - even among Republicans Larsons tweet also claims policies like paid family leave are highly popular. A November 2022 Marquette Law School poll found 73% of Wisconsinites favor paid family leave for mothers and fathers of new babies. This includes 62% of Republicans favoring it and 95% of Democrats. The poll had a margin of error of 4.6 percentage points. Those numbers support Larsons claim that paid family leave is popular in Wisconsin. Our ruling Larson said in the past year, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois passed "highly popular policies on cannabis, paid family leave and abortion rights issues that have been stymied in Wisconsin by Republicans. Evers made two attempts at passing paid family leave policies and both were blocked by GOP lawmakers. This is despite recent polls finding the policy favorable among voters in both parties. In 2023, Minnesota did manage to get its paid family leave bill into law, but the other states did not. The post was poorly worded something his office acknowledged, and in our view confusing to anyone who read it. It reads as though all three neighboring states passed paid family leave policies. Based on how the post reads, we rate the claim Half True, which we define as the statement is partially accurate but leaves out important details or takes things out of context. Sources Wisconsin Sen. Chris Larson, X, Dec. 12, 2023 Email exchange, Justin Bielinski, Chris Larsons communication director, Dec. 19, 2023 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Tony Evers is proposing paid family and medical leave. Here's how it would work and why Republicans may not be on board., Feb. 21, 2023 Wisconsin Examiner, Governors child care funding proposal might get a second life, Sept. 22, 2023 Illinois Department of Labor, Paid Leave for All Workers Act, accessed Dec. 19, 2023 American Progress, Fast Facts About Minnesotas New Paid Leave Law, May 19, 2023 Michigan Bureau of Employment Relations, Wage & Hour Update Regarding Litigation on Minimum Wage and Paid Medical Leave, accessed Dec. 20, 2023 September 2023 Special Session Senate Bill 1, accessed Dec. 20, 2023Marquette Law School, Final pre-election Marquette Law School Poll, Nov. 2, 2022 This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Wisconsin Sen. Chris Larson is off the mark on neighboring state paid family leave policies Claim: A photograph authentically shows Osama bin Laden seated with former U.S. President George W. Bush or his father, the late President George H.W. Bush, in a Pentagon meeting that included other U.S. officials. Rating: Rating: Fake Context: This is a manipulated photograph. Bin Ladens face was edited onto the face of another individual. Former President George W. Bush was in the original, unaltered photo; George H. W. Bush was not. An image claimed to show 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden sitting with either former U.S. President George W. Bush (in office from 2001 to 2009), or his father, U.S. President George H. W. Bush (in office from 1989 to 1993). The former al-Qaida leader was killed in 2011. The example below is captioned (originally in French): Oh dear!!! Who's on the left? Wouldn't that be Bin Laden? And who is next to it? Wouldnt that be Papa Bush? The father of the one who told us that bin Laden is a terrorist? (Screenshot via X) Here is a Facebook variant from 2022: Is this bin Laden with G.W. Bush? (Pilots for 9/11 Truth/Facebook) This image was manipulated to make it appear that bin Laden was among a group of U.S. officials seated around the table, the implication being, apparently, that bin Laden carried out the 2001 attacks in collusion with the U.S. government a staple belief among "9/11 Truthers," i.e., conspiracy theorists who believe the 9/11 attacks were a "false flag" operation. The actual, unedited photograph was taken on Sept. 12, 2001, and shows then-President George W. Bush at the head of the table, then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, and then-National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice, among others, meeting at the Pentagon in the aftermath of 9/11. (Mai/Getty Images) In the low-resolution, altered version of the image, bin Ladens likeness was pasted over that of Wolfowitz. (A photograph from the same meeting taken from another angle clearly shows Wolfowitz next to Rumsfeld.) Just as notably, George H. W. Bush, who was no longer in office at the time, was not in the room. The Pentagon was one of the buildings targeted on 9/11, resulting in the deaths of around 184 people. President Bush visited the Pentagon the next day in order to thank the people who assisted in containing the fires and rescuing victims, according to the Department of Defense. Sources: George W. Bush. The White House, https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/george-w-bush/. Accessed 23 Jan. 2024. How SEAL Team Six Took Out Osama Bin Laden. HISTORY, 3 Aug. 2023, https://www.history.com/news/osama-bin-laden-death-seal-team-six. Accessed 23 Jan. 2024. "President Bush Meets with Secretary Rumsfeld and His Staff." Department of Defense. https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Photos/igphoto/2002019373/. Accessed 23 Jan. 2024. "Secretary Rumsfeld Introduces Staff Members to President Bush at Their Pentagon Meeting." Department of Defense. https://dod.defense.gov/OIR/gallery/igphoto/2001240202/. Accessed 23 Jan. 2024. Watch 9/11 Inside the Pentagon on PBS Wisconsin. PBS Wisconsin, https://pbswisconsin.org/watch/911-inside-pentagon/911-inside-pentagon/. Accessed 23 Jan. 2024. Claim: Photographs shared on Jan. 29, 2024, authentically showed U.S. President Joe Biden in a military combat uniform. Rating: Rating: Fake On Jan. 29, 2024, multiple photographs were circulated online that purportedly depicted U.S. President Joe Biden in military combat uniform. "The Commander-in-Chief planning the upcoming devastating strikes against America's numerous enemies," one post on X (formerly Twitter) read. "This cannot be real," another user captioned the photograph. Google reverse-image search results showed the images were shared online dozens of times. (X user @The_Real_Fly) Because the photographs had various signs of being AI-generated, we have rated this claim as "Fake." For instance, social media users noticed that Biden had six fingers in one of the pictures. Do they purposely draw 6 fingers? I feel like I keep seeing this in many AI images. pic.twitter.com/rMysD8cPRg Question More (@RuskiArtem) January 30, 2024 In another image, the text visible on Biden's uniform was illegible (see the image below). (X user @luke_brocks) Moreover, in the third picture the phone cord was dissolving into Biden's forearm, while an unidentified object was visible on the table. (X user @luke_brocks) AI-detection software Hive showed the photographs were 100% likely to be AI-generated. Finally, the original poster of the images acknowledged on X that the photographs were created using AI: Yeah, it's far from perfect, but it took me about a minute to see the original post, generate my own AI images, and post it in the replies. If I spent 10 minutes cleaning it up, it'd be a lot harder to decipher. If you don't want to be deceived by AI-generated images and videos in the future, read our tips for detecting them. Sources: Lee, David Emery, Jessica. 4 Tips for Spotting AI-Generated Pics. Snopes, 16 Apr. 2023, https://www.snopes.com/articles/464595/artificial-intelligence-media-literacy/. Claim: A screenshot shows an authentic Truth Social post by former U.S. President Donald Trump about his lawyer, Alina Habba, in which he wrote: "Maybe next time, Ill choose a law firm and lawyer that has some more practical experience in high ticket litigation. Rating: Rating: Fake On Jan. 28, 2024, a viral screenshot purportedly showed a post on Truth Social by former U.S. President Donald Trump about his lawyer, Alina Habba. A Manhattan jury had ordered him two days earlier to pay $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll for defaming her in 2019 after she accused him of raping her in the 1990s. The screenshot supposedly conveyed Trumps response to the jurys decision and his lawyers work. He allegedly wrote: Alina may have lost the case. She may not have the experience that was needed in this very high profile case, probably higher profile than she ever thought she would be involved in at this point. Maybe next time, Ill choose a law firm and lawyer that has some more practical experience in high ticket litigation. But she stood her ground and she learned. Stay strong. MAGA! (Screenshot via X) The above screenshot is fake. We found no evidence on Trumps Truth Social account that he ever made such a post, nor any link that would indicate such a post had been archived. Had he said this, it would have been reported on in a number of reputable media outlets. Furthermore, the X account that posted the screenshot noted that it was fake. @David_Leavitt wrote in a follow-up post: If it was real it wouldve been in all caps. (Screenshot via X) Trump did, however, comment on the case in a real Truth Social post, writing: Absolutely ridiculous! I fully disagree with both verdicts, and will be appealing this whole Biden Directed Witch Hunt focused on me and the Republican Party. Our Legal System is out of control, and being used as a Political Weapon. They have taken away all First Amendment Rights. THIS IS NOT AMERICA! He later shared an article from The National Pulse, a self-described radically independent media outlet that called the case the greatest miscarriage of justice in contemporary American history." During the trial, Habba frequently quarreled with Judge Lewis Kaplan who even threatened her with jail time when she incorrectly introduced evidence into her closing arguments. Habba also said she and Trump would immediately appeal the verdict, indicating that she would still represent him. She was also defending him in a civil fraud case brought by the New York attorney general. According to the BBC, she is a senior adviser for MAGA Inc., a political action committee supporting Trump's 2024 presidential bid. Carroll, who accused Trump of a decades-old rape in 2019, said he had defamed her by attacking her on Truth Social, at news conferences and during the trial. Her lawyers said she needed a large award to stop Trump from continuing to attack her. One day during the trial he made about 40 disparaging posts about Carroll on Truth Social, according to The New York Times. Sources: Kassam, Raheem J. The Trump-Carroll Case Is Blatantly the Greatest Miscarriage of Justice in Modern American History. The National Pulse, https://thenationalpulse.com/analysis-post/kassam-the-trump-carroll-case-is-blatantly-the-greatest-miscarriage-of-justice-in-modern-american-history/. Accessed 30 Jan. 2024. Trump Lawyer Vows to Appeal Verdict That E. Jean Carroll Calls a Great Victory: Highlights. NBC News, 27 Jan. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/live-blog/trump-e-jean-carroll-trial-live-updates-rcna135759. Accessed 30 Jan. 2024. Weiser, Benjamin, et al. Trump-Carroll Defamation Trial: Jury Orders Trump to Pay Carroll $83.3 Million for Defamation. The New York Times, 26 Jan. 2024. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/01/26/nyregion/trump-carroll-defamation-trial. Accessed 30 Jan. 2024. "Who Is Trumps Trial Lawyer Alina Habba?" BBC, 19 Jan. 2024. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68014329. Accessed 30 Jan. 2024. FILE PHOTO: Injection pens of Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug Wegovy are shown in this photo illustration in Oslo (Reuters) - Novo Nordisk has launched its wildly popular weight-loss drug Wegovy in eight countries since 2021 at prices ranging from $200 to almost $2,000 a month as Eli Lilly starts selling its rival drug in Europe and the United States. The Danish drugmaker is working to convince European governments and insurers to reimburse the drug, seeking to position it as more than a lifestyle drug. It says its factories are running 24 hours per day but it has struggled to keep up with demand. The weekly injections start at 0.25 milligrams of active ingredient semaglutide and gradually increase to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Below are the countries where Wegovy has been launched in date order and prices are for a four-week maintenance dose: UNITED STATES Wegovy was launched in the U.S. in June 2021 but it took Novo until December 2022 to make all doses available there because of an initial production problem. The list price of four-week treatment is about $1,350, regardless of dosage, not taking any coupons and rebates into account. DENMARK Wegovy was made available in all dose strengths in Denmark in early 2023. A four-week supply costs 2,370.60 Danish crowns ($343). The public health care system does not reimburse weight-loss drugs and the country's largest private health insurer, which covers roughly half the population, stopped reimbursing it this month due to high demand. The government said reimbursing Wegovy would cost the state as much as $4 billion each year. NORWAY Wegovy was launched in all dose strengths in early 2023 at a cost of 2,775.30 Norwegian crowns ($265). The Norwegian Medicines Agency said in January 2023 it would not subsidise the drug, saying the price would be too high in relation to the documented health effects. GERMANY Wegovy debuted in its first major European market in late July, priced at 301.91 euros ($326). The drug will not be reimbursed for about 90% of Germans covered by public health insurance plans, under a law that bans them from covering weight-loss drugs. For the 10% with private health insurance, coverage varies. Insurer Allianz has said it would pay if the patient has a medical need, while rival Debeka said its plans excluded weight-loss treatments. BRITAIN Wegovy was made available in Europe's most obese nation on Sept. 4, in what Novo called a "controlled and limited launch". The company has not published the price of the drug which is available for free within the National Health Service's weight management scheme and for payment on the private market. Simple Online Pharmacy, a UK-based online pharmacy chain, said it would sell Wegovy in the range of 199-299 pounds ($252-379), including a consultation with a general practitioner, prescription and dispensing costs. ICELAND Novo launched Wegovy in Iceland on Oct. 2. Icelandic Medicines Agency said in November that co-payment could be granted for obese patients with a weight-related co-morbidity. SWITZERLAND Novo launched Wegovy in Switzerland on Nov. 7, where residents are required to have private health insurance, at a monthly cost of 835 Swiss francs ($966). The government does not require insurers to pay for the drug. Three major private insurance companies -- Sanitas, Helsana, and Groupe Mutuel -- said they will not cover it because it is not on the government's compulsory list. Groupe Mutuel said that it covers Wegovy for adults and adolescents who have its premium insurance plan. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) Novo introduced Wegovy to the UAE on Nov. 20 at a monthly cost of 6,848 AED ($1,864). The UAE, which offers free public health care to its citizens, has not said if it will pay for it. Expatriates must pay for private insurance. PLANNED LAUNCHES: JAPAN Novo will launch Wegovy in its first Asian country on Feb. 22, with most patients paying 30% of medical expenses, in line with reimbursement for other drugs. The monthly cost for patients will be 42,960 yen ($290). SOURCE: Novo Nordisk unless specified otherwise ($1 = 6.8988 Danish crowns) ($1 = 10.4490 Norwegian crowns) ($1 = 0.9255 euros) ($1 = 0.7886 pounds) ($1 = 147.7300 yen) ($1 = 0.8635 Swiss francs) ($1 = 3.6724 UAE dirham) (Compiled by Agata Rybska and Elviira Luoma in Gdansk; Reporting by Maggie Fick in London, John Revill in Zurich and Alexander Cornwell in Dubai; Editing by Milla Nissi, Josephine Mason and Ed Osmond) The Department of Education announced Tuesday that information in response to the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms wont be given to colleges until March, dramatically reducing time frames for many students choosing their schools. The department touted, however, that more than 3 million of the newly updated forms have been successfully submitted. The information from the FAFSA forms was supposed to begin transferring this month but is now two months delayed. Colleges traditionally take a few weeks to process the data, and students may not have their final financial aid offers from their prospective schools until April. However, the traditional decision day for college applicants is May 1, leaving little time for applicants to compare offers. The delay was caused by the department not fixing the income exemption guidelines in the FAFSA formula, which would have caused some students to lose additional aid. The department is working to fix the issue now. We remain committed to ensuring students and families have stable and secure access to more than $114 billion in federal financial aid. We know how crucial this support is to pursue higher education, particularly for the most underserved communities, and the positive ripple effects an education beyond high school makes in the lives of millions, their communities, and the country, said Richard Cordray, head of the Federal Student Aid office. The announcement adds further trouble for the department as the new FAFSA form rollout has been riddled with delays and difficulties. The FAFSA forms normally come out in October, but the department said it needed more time and waited until the end of December. When the form was finally made live, it was only active at select times for the first few days, causing confusion and frustration among applicants. The forms themselves, however, have reportedly been easier and quicker to fill out. The department highlighted Tuesday that 3.1 million students have filled out the applications. The Better FAFSA makes it as simple and easy as possible for families to get help paying for college, and updating our tables will help even more students get the help they need, Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal said in a statement. Updating our calculations will help students qualify for as much financial aid as possible. Dozens of Republican lawmakers recently sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office asking it to investigate the rollout of the FAFSA forms. I recently met with several leaders of Louisiana colleges who independently told me they are concerned about FAFSA. This rollout has been a disaster, said Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The Department of Education had three years to prepare the rollout of the updated FAFSA. Their inability to do their job has real consequences for students and families. These unacceptable delays from the Biden administration creates the real likelihood that many students will forgo college because they cannot choose a school without knowing their eligibility for student aid, Cassidy added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ruth L. Okediji, a Harvard law professor and renowned scholar in international intellectual property law, speaks at the BYU Forum at the Marriott Center in Provo on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Religion is for the public sphere, not the private sphere, Harvard law professor Ruth Okediji told an audience of thousands of Brigham Young University students. Her remarks entitled The Costly Arc of Religious Freedom were the center of BYUs forum Tuesday. I am fully an academic and I am fully a person of faith, Okediji said. I am never less of one or the other. Okediji, an internationally recognized authority on intellectual property law and co-director of the Berkman Klein Center, spoke from experiences she gathered during her storied career closely collaborating with United Nations agencies and her path of Christian discipleship. She addressed what she called a paradox at the heart of narrow conceptions of religious freedom: it can prevent people from fully integrating faith into every aspect of their lives. This, she said, is intended to limit people of faiths engagement in the public sphere and is detrimental to pluralism. As some have conceived it, she noted, religious freedom focuses only on the individual, not on the collective, not on the community. The more that a Christian cares about preserving their private religious rights alone, she argued, the less disposed they may be to integrate their faith into all aspects of their public life. And for Okediji, faith is ever present in her life. Let me be clear that the reason why Im so rigorous as a scholar is not because Im an academic, its because Im a Christian. Okediji said she has a habit of praying in her classroom before her students arrive. Yes, at Harvard, she quipped to audience applause. On one such occasion, she prayed for 45 minutes and ended up before a picture of the family who brought the first lawsuit challenging the right of Christians to pray in public schools. For Okediji, seeing this picture evoked the idea that we are designed to be fully integrated people. Whether were having fun, whether were at school learning, whether we are worshipping in church, whether our worship is internal or external, we are fully integrated across all, she said. Ruth L. Okediji, a Harvard law professor and renowned scholar in international intellectual property law, speaks at the BYU Forum at the Marriott Center in Provo on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News This means that intellectual work is directly connected to faith. I invite you to think about this, the most magical defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ was not done through supernatural science, Okediji stated, ... instead, it is a classic method: the dialectic. Persuasion and the dialectic is essential to productive spiritual growth, Okediji explained, pointing toward how people in the scriptures were persuaded that Jesus was the Messiah after careful conversation. It was embodied in the physicality of Jesus: the son of God, the son of man. He was a carpenter, he was a teacher. He was a servant, he was a leader. He was a prophet with a message that the world desperately needed then and desperately needs now. It was a world that had to be persuaded and still does, Okediji said. What Jesus did thats written in scripture shows that spiritual life is not isolated to only some parts of our lives, Okediji said. A limited understanding of religious freedom can fall short when it seeks to impede the full integration of a spiritual life in the public sphere. Due to the demands of Christianity, a disciples life functions best when the person makes no distinction between private and public behavior. Can you love God privately? Okediji asked. Is that possible as an integrated person? When the state seeks to silo religion into exclusively the private sphere, then a Christian cannot actually love God in the way the faith demands, she argued. Once couched as religion, the states power gets deployed to marginalize and to limit the spaces and the places and the ways in which Christians express their faith. You see, the most important thing we can do is love God. And if we must love him with everything, then it goes without saying that we will be driven to lives that are increasingly full of God, Okediji said. Whether its at school, whether its at work or at church, there will be no private sphere or public sphere that youre defining. Clark G. Gilbert, left, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and BYU President C. Shane Reese talk with Ruth L. Okediji after she spoke at the BYU Forum at the Marriott Center in Provo on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Theres no way to love God privately, she said. In fact, loving God privately is uniquely un-Christian, I would argue. But thats exactly what religious freedom suggests this so-called private zone where were supposed to practice our faith. Separating religious freedom into public and private spheres prevents the integration of certain virtues into public life. This distinction cannot be accepted when the evidence tells us that faith actually improves peoples lives. Speaking to a Marriott Center audience, she told students that when they bring their faith with them into any discipline, you are impacting the world, you are changing the world, you are making a difference. Drawing an analogy to how Shakespeare actors perfect their craft, Okediji surmised that faith in the public sphere is necessary for Christians to live out their faith. As we study religious truths, biblical truths, we ought to have a place where we can perform better, where we can look more like Christ, where we can engage as a leader, Okediji concluded. And that place is the public sphere, not the private sphere. The aftermath of a Russian attack. Photo: Head Office of Ukraines National Police in Kyiv Oblast A fire broke out at a business in Kyiv Oblast after the falling wreckage of a downed Russian Shahed drone crashed on the premises. An administrative building and a warehouse were damaged in the blaze. Source: Ruslan Kravchenko, Head of Kyiv Oblast Military Administration, on Facebook Details: Kravchenko reported that the Russians struck Kyiv Oblast with loitering munitions overnight. Air defence forces were responding to the attack on the region. "Unfortunately, a fire broke out on the premises of one of the facilities because of falling [drone] wreckage. The administrative building and warehouse were damaged," Kravchenko said. The official added that the fire was quickly extinguished. Three vehicles were damaged in addition to the buildings. Early reports indicate no civilian casualties. Relevant operational teams are currently working at the scene to record the aftermath of the Russian attack. Support UP or become our patron! I got a walk-up table at Oga's Cantina in Hollywood Studios. Jill Robbins After trying to get reservations at Oga's Cantina for years, we finally got lucky with a walk-up. The theme and decor at the Hollywood Studios bar are straight out of the "Star Wars" movies. My family enjoyed our visit, but the experience is overrated, and I won't be rushing to return. We got lucky with walk-up availability. It can be hard to get an advance reservation at Oga's Cantina. Jill Robbins Since it opened at Disney World's Hollywood Studios in 2019, it's been difficult to snag a dining reservation at Oga's Cantina. All the tricks I usually use, like refreshing the My Disney Experience app at midnight Orlando time, never worked in my favor. After years of trying to get a reservation, I swung by Oga's to get on the walk-up list, fully expecting to be told no. But I was pleasantly surprised to hear the words, "We can seat you right now." The immersive theme is fun for "Star Wars" superfans. There's a droid DJ at Oga's. Jill Robbins Oga's is a galactic watering hole on the fictional planet of Batuu. The general vibe of the interior closely resembles the Mos Eisley Cantina in the 1977 film "Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope." My husband and one of my sons are obsessed with "Star Wars," but my other son and I aren't as into it. The employees are fully in character, which makes for some pretty fun banter. There's a list of "rules" written in the Batuu language. Jill Robbins The bartenders and servers are in character and direct the guests to read the rules upon entry. These are written in Aurebesh (the language on Batuu) and include no Kowakian monkey-lizards; no staring, fighting, or biting; and cleaning up after animals or droids. This level of immersion was definitely fun for "Star Wars" fans. We weren't lucky enough to snag a booth, but we got a standing-room-only table. There are only a handful of booths at Oga's Cantina. Jill Robbins There are a few booths at Oga's I counted six. Otherwise, it's standing room only with a few high-top tables. We shared our table with another party of four, and there was little space between our groups. My kids, 11 and 12, did OK, but younger or shorter kids may not be able to reach the table. Oga's serves drinks ranging in price from $6.50 to $85. One of the drinks has a fizzing topping. Jill Robbins Oga's is primarily a bar, and it's best known for its fun mix of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. My husband and I ordered cocktails. We tried the $17 Fuzzy Tauntaun (peach vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice with tangerine, pure cane sugar, and "buzz button" tingling foam) and the $19 Bespin Fizz (rum, yuzu puree, pomegranate juice, white-cranberry juice, and a cloud swirl). The prices at Oga's have since increased, and the cocktails cost $18.50 and $20.50, respectively. Our server playfully warned me that the foam on my Fuzzy Tauntaun (made from the buzz-button herb) wasn't safe for humans. I'm happy to report I survived, though there was a definite tingling-numbing sensation in my mouth. My kids ordered Jabba Juice ($7, now $7.50), which had orange-pineapple juice, kiwi, cantaloupe, and blueberry popping pearls. There are also snacks on the menu, but the options are limited. The Batuu Bits snack at Oga's Cantina. Jill Robbins Because Oga's is more of a bar, there are only two food items on the menu. We ended up ordering the Batuu Bits ($11, now $12), which is an assortment of crispy snacks with a dip. There's also a Happabore Sampler ($21, now $22), which includes meats, cheeses, and pork crackling. With the four drinks and the appetizer, our bill came to $65. We had fun, but it's a one-and-done spot. Bartenders serving drinks at Oga's Cantina. Jill Robbins I'm glad we finally got the opportunity to visit Oga's Cantina, but I don't think we have to come back. Although kids are welcome at the barlike spot, I don't think it's ideal for younger fans. Oga's is a fun experience, but it isn't a relaxing one. It may not be ideal for parents who want to get off their feet or take a break from holding a small child. There's also a 45-minute time limit, and the two food options on the menu aren't very satisfying. I'd rather spend my money somewhere we could relax and have a full meal or a more substantial snack without feeling rushed. This story was originally published on February 5, 2022, and most recently updated on January 30, 2024. Read the original article on Business Insider Joe Santana, center, the father of a slain police officer, called for the firing of two emergency dispatchers outside the El Monte Police Station on Jan. 29, 2024. (Nathan Solis/Los Angeles Times) The family of a slain El Monte police officer blames two emergency dispatchers for failing to tell the officer and his partner that they were on their way to confront a possible armed suspect high on PCP before the gunman ambushed and killed them. Officer Joseph Santana and Sgt. Michael Paredes were responding to a domestic violence call on June 14, 2022, when they were ambushed by Joseph Flores, a felon out on probation, who was living at a motel with his wife. The officers were aware of the basics of the call: A woman may have been stabbed by her husband. What the officers were not verbally told was that the suspect had a history of violence with his wife, was armed with a gun and was high on PCP, according to reporting by the Los Angeles Daily News. The incident is still under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the district attorney's office. "Having that information could have allowed them to be aware of the threat that they were facing, potentially even sparing their lives," Santana's sister Bianca Santana said Monday outside the El Monte police station during a protest. Friends and family wore black T-shirts emblazoned with Santana's face, and his father, Joe Santana, held a sign that read, "My Son's Life Mattered." The protesters demanded the Police Department fire the two emergency dispatchers who took the 911 call and relayed the information to the officers in the field. Paredes and Santana were fatally shot at the hotel in what police describe as an ambush. Flores ended up taking his own life during a shootout with officers in the motel parking lot. Read more: Chaotic morning chase, collision in downtown L.A. streets ends in police shooting motorist The 911 call that set off the series of events was made by Maria Zepeda, Flores' mother-in-law, according to an audio recording obtained by the Daily News. Zepeda told the dispatcher that Flores stabbed her daughter and he had recently abused her. "He's on PCP. He has a gun," Zepeda told emergency dispatcher Ruth Bonneau, according to the news outlet. When the officers got the call shortly before 5 p.m. dispatcher Kristen Juaregui did not relay information about the suspect possibly being armed. But she did enter that information into the call report, which the officers would have read from inside their police cruiser, the Daily News reported. Santana's family were not aware of those details until the news story broke over the weekend, said Satana's wife, Sasha Santana. Santana's twin 3-year-old boys, Jakob and Joshua, joined their family while carrying protest signs along with their stuffed animals. "I don't want anyone else to go through what we go through," she said, renewing her call for the department to reprimand the dispatchers and terminate their employment. "I do not want them to set foot in another police department. I am angry. My husband would not have been knocking nonchalantly on that hotel door if he was aware of what was going to happen. If he was aware that there was a man in there armed and on PCP." Read more: The killing of two homegrown police officers leaves El Monte reeling Family members said they believe the officers are unfairly being partly blamed for their own deaths, because pertinent details about the 911 call were fed to the officers in a written update while they were racing to the motel. Sasha Santana said that the officers would have not had the time to read that update. It has felt as though the department has ignored the family's well-being, Joe Santana said. "No one came to us and said, 'We messed up, we're sorry,'" Joe Santana said as he sobbed in front of the station. "I know my son was new, but he was proud to be part of the El Monte PD family." Paredes, 42, was sworn into the El Monte Police Department in 2000. Santana, 31, joined the department about a year before the shooting. Santana's family does not condemn all the officers with the Police Department, but believes leadership have concealed vital information that led to the two officers' deaths. "We might appear strong as we stand here seeking justice, but internally we are filled with anger and pain," said Santana's sister Jessica Santana as her voice broke. "And it's that pain that fuels us to fight for the truth." The shooting and response to the incident is part of an ongoing investigation by the Sheriff's Department and the district attorney's office, according to a statement from El Monte Police Chief Jake Fisher. "Together we are moving forward as we collectively continue to grieve and recover from the horrific event," the statement said. Read more: Ring will no longer allow police to request doorbell camera footage from users After interviewing witnesses, reviewing police camera footage, reports and call logs, Fisher said, the Sheriff's Department and district attorney's investigators have found there was no "wrongdoing by our police officers or civilian personnel." But the investigation has not concluded, and it's unclear when the findings will be made public. "We fully anticipate this finding to hold and that our D.A. will officially clear all involved officers and close the investigation," the statement said. Wyatt Reneer, president of the El Monte Police Officers Assn., attended the protest in support of the Santana family, but also in support of the officers and dispatchers with the department. "Our dispatchers, our officers, everyone here is doing their job to the best of their ability, and they're doing the right thing," Reneer said. Santana's mother, Olga Garcia, said: "There has been no worse feeling in my life than losing my son. Learning a year later that there was information he did not have that could have saved his life, information he could have used to protect himself and his partner, it shatters my heart each day that goes by." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The following details in the article below may be disturbing to some readers. (COLORADO SPRINGS) The family of four-year-old Elijah Rudd, who tragically lost his life in November 2022, is still grappling with grief and searching for answers as they reevaluate the circumstances surrounding his death. Elijahs mother, 25-year-old Raven Rudd, is currently facing charges of child abuse resulting in his demise. Four-year-old Elijah Rudd, Courtesy: Melesha Merriweather Four-year-old Elijah Rudd, Courtesy: Melesha Merriweather Four-year-old Elijah Rudd, Courtesy: Melesha Merriweather Four-year-old Elijah Rudd, Courtesy: Melesha Merriweather PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mother arrested in death of 4-year-old in 2022 Elijahs family recently spoke with FOX21 expressing anguish over the pain the young boy endured. Court documents reveal that at the time of his death, Elijah was in so much pain, he was unable to walk. His family is now questioning why Rudd did not seek medical attention for him until he was found unresponsive, foaming at the mouth, and covered in vomit. Rudd was arrested earlier this month in connection with the death of her son, on felony charges of Child Abuse Causing Death. Raven Rudd, Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mother facing child abuse charges in death of 4-year-old Melesha Merriweather, Elijahs grandmother, lamented, My thing is, he was a really, really good kid. Very smart, very bright, and it hurts because no child deserves this. In the months leading up to Elijahs death, concerns were raised by his biological father, Derrick Rudd, who noticed Elijah appeared unkempt, with matted hair, and overall disheveled whenever he stayed with Raven and her boyfriend. Like he hadnt bathed in days, looking like he could be homeless, Derrick also revealed that Elijah often asked if he could stay with him. Days before the incident, Elijahs grandmother spoke to him and Raven over a video call. Elijah, lying down and complaining of a stomach ache, was allegedly cut off by Raven before he could explain further. Eli was in so much pain that they told Raven she needed to take him to the hospital I feel that she did not take him to the hospital because she knew the extent of his injuries, Merriweather alleged. Court documents indicate that Raven did not take Elijah to the hospital because she believed she knew what was best for him and anticipated his recovery by the end of the week. As the family continues to grapple with the loss, they question why Raven did not prioritize Elijahs well-being, especially given the severity of his injuries. On the day Elijah died, Derrick arrived at the hospital trying to figure out what happened. He said Ravens account of the events leading to his death changed three times. The evolving narratives included stories of Elijah falling off a bunk bed and falling off a rock during a hike. However, medical professionals pronounced Elijah dead at the hospital, revealing injuries, including bruising, fractured ribs, a lacerated liver, and a brain bleed, none of which were consistent with the stories she told Derrick. The coroner determined that these injuries were three to five days old, ruling Elijahs death as a homicide. The devastating news has left the family in profound grief, with Merriweather expressing anger toward Raven, stating, I felt like, even if you didnt do this, you allowed this to happen because you did not protect your child at all costs Our lives are forever changed, and theres nothing that anybody could do or say to bring Elijah back. We will always have that hole in our hearts. To the family and police, Raven denied any knowledge of what caused Elijah to become unresponsive. Raven is currently being held at the El Paso County Jail on a $60,000 bond. Her next hearing is on Feb. 7, where they are supposed to decide whether her case will go to trial. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. The family of one of the three American soldiers killed in a drone strike in the Middle East on Sunday has spoken out to reveal that she was only on her first tour of duty. In an interview with CNN, Spc Breonna Moffetts family said the 23-year-old was nervous and had mixed feelings ahead of her first deployment and didnt know what to expect. Moffett, an Army reservist from Savannah, Georgia, died alongside two other US soldiers, named as Spc Kennedy Sanders, 24, and Sgt William Rivers, 46, following a drone strike on the US Army base known as Tower 22 in Jordan, close to the Syrian border. William Rivers, Breonna Moffett and Kennedy Sanders, who were killed in a drone attack on an outpost in northeast Jordan (via Reuters) At least 34 other US service members were also injured in the attack, which officials have blamed on Iran-backed militants. The Pentagon confirmed the overnight attack likely happened while the victims were in their sleeping quarters. Moffetts parents paid tribute to the 23-year-old on Monday, describing her as a loud, loving person who would light up the room and was always there for everybody. Moffett had enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2019 and deployed in August 2023. She honoured her service, she was always proud to be in the military, her mother, Francine Moffett, said, adding that she had also spent time in the military. She became the second female in the family to join the military, she said of her daughter. She was very proud of herself. I was always very proud of her. Ms Moffetts parents also described the moment they were told she had been killed. It was extremely rough, her father said. We didnt hear of the attack until after we were notified. We were getting ready for church when the military arrived and let us know that it was our baby. Sundays attack marked the first time US troops have been killed by enemy fire in the Middle East since the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel, which started renewed conflict in the Middle East. An Iran-backed militia group known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the deadly strike on Monday. But Irans mission to the United Nations has sought to distance Tehran from the attack, saying: Iran had no connection and had nothing to do with the attack on the US base. It is still being determined which militia group specifically is responsible. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has threatened more attacks if the US keeps supporting Israel. All the US interests in the region are legitimate targets and we dont care about US threats to respond, we know the direction we are taking and martyrdom is our prize, the group said in a statement. President Joe Biden vowed to respond to the attacks, saying US forces would hold those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing. We know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq, he said on Sunday. These service members embodied the very best of our nation: Unwavering in their bravery. Unflinching in their duty. Unbending in their commitment to our country risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism, the president continued. The service members deaths increase domestic pressure on the president over the USs involvement in the Middle East conflict, which has included bombing Iran-backed groups, including Houthi rebel targets in Yemen, to protect international shipping through the Red Sea. The Houthis said they were targeting Israeli ships in solidarity with the Palestinians, and have now extended their missile strikes to include American and British vessels as well. Donald Trump, the likely Republican party nominee for this years presidential election, issued a statement blaming the Biden administration for the growing conflict and claiming that, if he was president [we] would right now have peace throughout the world. Instead, we are on the brink of World War Three, Mr Trump said. There have been 158 attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria since 7 October, though most have not resulted in serious injury or damage to infrastructure and have largely been intercepted by US air defences. While it is unclear why US air defences failed to intercept the drone in Sundays attack, officials said on Monday that US forces may have mistaken an enemy drone for an American one and let it pass unchallenged into the desert base in Jordan. Jordanian officials have denied that the attack happened on their territory, saying it occurred on Syrian territory at the Al-Tanf base. An aerial rendering depicts the plan for the Puerta del Lobo development between Fredericksburg and Johnson City. Courtesy of CB Wine Tourism A rendering depicts the plan for the Puerta del Lobo development between Fredericksburg and Johnson City. Courtesy of CB Wine Tourism An aerial rendering depicts the plan for the Puerta del Lobo development between Fredericksburg and Johnson City. Courtesy of CB Wine Tourism A rendering depicts the plan for the Puerta del Lobo development between Fredericksburg and Johnson City. Courtesy of CB Wine Tourism An aerial rendering depicts the plan for the Puerta del Lobo development between Fredericksburg and Johnson City. Courtesy of CB Wine Tourism A Queretaro, Mexico-based company has bought 218 acres in the Hill Country, with plans to build luxury houses, a boutique hotel, restaurants and other amenities surrounded by vineyards. CB Wine Tourism bought the land at 576 Young Ranch Road along U.S. 290 between Fredericksburg and Johnson City, where a slew of wineries have opened from Balcones Land Co. for an undisclosed price, according to a recent announcement. The companys development, named Puerta del Lobo USA, will encompass 100 1.5-acre lots of high-end houses on about 200 acres, along with a spa, fitness center, fresh food market, parks, trails, restaurants, a hotel, a coworking space, a health care clinic and event spaces for music festivals and wine classes. The lots are expected to cost $650,000 to $700,000. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Texas wine country has been called the Napa Valley of the 1960s, and though its already booming, the potential for growth abounds, Luis Miguel Correa, CEO of CB Wine Tourism, said in a statement. For someone looking to be a part of this growing market, the chances to find a prime piece of property along the heart of the wine trail in the Texas Hill Country are dwindling. Construction is expected to begin this year or in early 2025 and take 48 to 60 months to complete. The development is forecast to draw more than 100,000 visitors annually, according to CB Wine Tourism, which developed a similar project in Queretaro in 2014 under the Puerta del Lobo brand. With its expansive views, rolling topography, terraced land, and an abundance of lush, mature oak trees, as well as being a major tourist attraction, we know this land will be the perfect property for us to bring our Puerta del Lobo concept to Texas, Correa said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Hill Country is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. It is drawing families seeking a small-town feel, more space, a quieter lifestyle near outdoor attractions, wineries and breweries, and jobs at facilities that corporations such as Tesla and Samsung have opened or plan to build. Development has exploded in recent years, with companies building custom houses, hotels, restaurants and shops on hundreds of acres. Thats transforming the area, prompting concerns from residents and environmental advocates about the effects on natural resources and infrastructure, escalating housing prices and overcrowding at schools. The median sale price in the Central Hill Country an area that encompasses Blanco, Gillespie, Kimble and Mason counties, where Johnson City and Fredericksburg are located was $499,000 in 2023, up 37% from 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Central Hill Country Board of Realtors. Convention calling for Israel to rebuild settlements in the Gaza Strip and the northern part of the Israeli-occupied West Bank By Dan Williams JERUSALEM (Reuters) -A far-right partner in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition threatened on Tuesday to quit the government over any attempt to enter a "reckless" deal with Hamas to retrieve hostages held by the Palestinian militants. "Reckless deal = dismantling of the government," Itamar Ben-Gvir of the Jewish Power party posted on X, amid media reports that Israel was considering a long-term pause, brokered by Qatar and Egypt, to its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The conservative Netanyahu has stressed his commitment to destroying Hamas, whose Oct. 7 cross-border killing and kidnapping spree blindsided Israel, and argues that the military pressure improves the chances of recovering the 132 hostages. But at least one member of Netanyahu's decision-making war cabinet - former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, whose own son and nephew died fighting in Gaza - has cast doubt on the prospects for rescue missions and called for a hostage deal. That has set off speculation that Netanyahu is under pressure from both his left- and right-wing flanks, spelling a potentially wider shakeup - and perhaps even a snap election. Jewish Power accounts for six of the 64 seats that Netanyahu's religious-rightist coalition held in the 120-seat parliament before the Gaza war. He has since brought Eisenkot's 12-seat centrist party National Unity into an emergency cabinet. Ben-Gvir and another ultranationalist coalition partner, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism party, have chafed at their exclusion from the war cabinet. They have called for no let-up in the offensive and for Israel to resettle Gaza, from which it withdrew in 2005. Netanyahu has ruled out rebuilding of Jewish settlements there but says post-war Gaza will be under Israeli security control. The centrist leader of the parliamentary opposition, Yair Lapid, who did not join the unity war cabinet, said he would shore up the government from the outside in the event of a right-wing mutiny over a hostage deal. "We will give the the government a safety net for any deal that will bring the abductees back home," Lapid said on X. (Writing by Dan Williams, Editing by Ari Rabinovitch and Ros Russell) A sign urges resident to oppose a proposed concert venue near Dripping Springs on Jan. 5, 2023. Property owners in the area have banded together to fight plans for the 5,000-seat amphitheater. Jerry Lara, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Sheldon Wayne, an attorney with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, speaks during a public meeting Monday in Dripping Springs. Dozens of people urged the state agency to reject the application for a wastewater treatment permit for a proposed concert venue on Fitzhugh Road. Opponents say it will harm the water quality in nearby Barton Creek, as well as in the Edwards and Trinity aquifers. Liz Teitz Steve Warntjes speaks during a public meeting on the wastewater treatment permit for a proposed concert venue in Dripping Springs. He told Texas Commission on Environmental Quality staff that he's concerned about the project's impact on the Trinity Aquifer, a major source of groundwater. Liz Teitz DRIPPING SPRINGS More than two years in, opponents havent given up their fight against a planned music venue in northern Hays County that they say could pollute Barton Creek. More than 300 people turned out Monday night to urge state regulators to reject a wastewater permit for the 5,000-sear outdoor venue near Dripping Springs, citing concerns about water quality in the creek and the Edwards and Trinity aquifers. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has determined the application meets statutory and regulatory requirements, but has not yet issued final approval. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wastewater, and what to do with it, has increasingly become a flash point amid rapid growth and development in the Hill Country. Residents and environmental advocates around Central Texas have attempted to block commercial and residential developments plans for their sewage effluent, most often due to water quality concerns. TCEQ issued a draft permit for Blizexas LLC, a California-based company, which plans to build the 5,000-seat amphitheater near Crumley Ranch and Fitzhugh roads. The permit, if approved, would allow the company to discharge up to 12,000 gallons of treated wastewater per day through a drip irrigation system on 2.75 acres of land. Dripping Springs, a city of about 6,000, is about 70 miles from San Antonio in northern Hays County. The location of the music venue is in the drainage basin of Barton Creek, a Hill Country waterway that begins in Hays County and feeds Austins iconic Barton Springs, as well as the Colorado River. READ MORE: State moves closer to approving wastewater plant that will empty into Helotes Creek Pushing for answers While a notice from the state agency specifies that the permit will not authorize a discharge of pollutants into water in the state, residents Monday pressed regulators for answers about stormwater runoff, the treatment systems capacity and the risks to water sources during rainstorms or if the system is overloaded. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The public meeting, held at Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center, was the second scheduled by TCEQ on the project since Blizexas applied for the permit in 2022. The latest meeting was held in response to a request from state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, whose six-county district includes parts of San Antonio and Austin. An engineer and attorney representing the applicant attended the meeting, but residents criticized the developers for not attending. TCEQ staffers responded to questions from attendees, but the agency did not make anyone available for an interview with the San Antonio Express-News or other media outlets. During the three-hour meeting that included a question-and-answer period and formal comments, residents repeatedly said the project will harm water quality in Barton Creek and the two aquifers, which are groundwater systems that provide much of the water supply for Central Texas. Mike Clifford, technical director for the nonprofit Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, asked why the sewage treatment fields are planned to be surrounded by parking lots. Engineer Erin Banks said she was working around the site plan when designing the system. Clifford said stormwater will move from the parking lot to the fields, creating problems with runoff, and asked whether TCEQ staff considered the design of the site in the agencys analysis. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Deba Dutta, an engineer in TCEQs water quality division, said there are no specific limits for that scenario, so the permit was considered based on general rules for Texas Land Application Permits. HILL COUNTRY HEADLINES: Top stories from the booming region Concerns about soil Advocates and residents also argued the geology and soil of the area arent suitable for this kind of system, which they said will result in contaminants entering the creek and aquifers. They said the area has thin soil on porous limestone, and questioned whether TCEQ had done sufficient assessments of the property and the subsurface. They also questioned how the system will handle heavy rains. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Alan Barraza, a natural resources specialist with the agencys water quality division, said the applicant is required to have 12 inches of soil below the drip lines and six inches above, and that the company may need to bring in additional soil to meet those requirements. He said the project also calls for soil moisture sensors that will automatically shut off lines to prevent oversaturation. Resident Madelline Mathis, who said she previously worked for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, said samples show the level of phosphorus in soil at the site is already high, and questioned how the soil and plants will be able to absorb more phosphorus from the wastewater, as the system intends. Barraza said the amount of phosphorus in the wastewater is extremely minimal, and that calculations indicate the plants would be able take up all of the mineral. Opponents said the phosphorus and nitrogen levels allowed in the draft permit also pose threats to water quality, because the nutrients contribute to the growth of algae, which affects aquatic life. Several residents spoke about the lack of monitoring to ensure there are no adverse impacts to the surface and groundwater, which they said will make it impossible to know if the wastewater system is affecting the creek or nearby wells. Most residential properties around the project site rely on wells for their domestic water, and some speakers said they worry the wastewater will contaminate their drinking water. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Without mandatory monitoring, there would be no way to determine if degradation has occurred, resident Andrew Clamann said. He said the application is meeting boilerplate standards, but this is not a boilerplate location, and that the extraordinary quality of Barton Creek requires higher standards to protect it. STURGIS - A fire on Saturday significantly damaged a business in Sturgis, with an investigation into its origin ongoing. Personnel from the Sturgis Department of Public Safety were dispatched at 9:34 p.m. to Carniceria Michoacan at 1264 E. Chicago Road, on a report of a structure fire at a commercial building. The Carniceria Michoacan is pictured Monday after a fire heavily damaged its interior. Firefighters arriving at the scene reported heavy smoke coming from the rear of the one-story building. They entered the business, which was closed at the time, and found fire in the attic space. Firefighters opened the ceiling space to douse the fire, resulting in "significant structural damage, as well as smoke and water damage," according to the report. The cause of the fire at press time was unknown, and the investigation into its origin is being led by the Sturgis fire marshal. The Sturgis Department of Public Safety was assisted at the scene by the Sturgis electric department and Michigan Gas. Carniceria Michoacan was previously known in the local community as the Burger Dairy Store. This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Fire damages Sturgis business WICKSBURG, Ala (WDHN) A home in western Houston County was destroyed over the weekend in a blazing fire. On Saturday, January 27, crews rushed to a home on Hubbard Road in Wicksburg and found a home fully engulfed in flames. After a quick offensive fight, firefighters were able to contain the flames. Officials with the Wicksburg Fire Department tell WDHN the home was empty at the time of the fire, and crews were demolishing it. The home was determined to be a total loss, and the cause of the fire has not been determined. Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration is getting ready for Arkansans to navigate the 2024 tax season. DFA began accepting state income tax returns on Monday, the same day the IRS began accepting federal income tax returns. Tax season is under way. Here are some tips to navigate it. According to a DFA spokesperson, approximately 97% of Arkansans file online, while the remaining 3% file paper returns. A DFA spokesperson said the quickest way to get a refund is to file online. As always, DFA will work to process returns and issue refunds as quickly as possible, DFA spokesperson Scott Hardin said. However, the Department does have a thorough process it must complete to avoid increasing efforts to fraudulently obtain the refunds of hard-working Arkansans. These efforts come from across the world and DFA must remain in front of all of them. The IRS is launching a direct file pilot program for the 2024 tax season here is how it will work Arkansas is a member of the Free File Alliance, where software providers work with Arkansas and the IRS to donate free tax preparation. Arkansans who meet the qualifications, including active-duty military, can use one of the free providers on the DFA list. In 2023, DFA issued individual tax refunds totaling more than $824 million, a 72% increase from 2022s $480 million in refunds. Taxes on Social Security hit some for first time: What to know DFA maintains a website to check on the status of a refund at DFA.Arkansas.gov. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Boeing 737 Max 9 airplanes are back in service nationwide. The federal government grounded these planes for three weeks after that midflight scare involving the door plug of an Alaska Airlines plane. United and Alaska Airlines are the only two domestic carriers that use 737 Max 9 airplanes. Both airlines said these planes are going through rigorous inspections that can take as long as 12 hours. On Friday, Alaska Airlines flight 1146 was the first flight using Boeing 737 Max 9 since the initial incident. Read: Alaska Airlines has begun flying Boeing Max 9 jetliners again and United flies plane on Saturday I thought maybe thats the safest plane because they probably went through and made sure that it was safe and good to go, said Joe Plaisance, a passenger on that flight. These Boeing aircrafts now face a new inspection process. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it involves detailed visual inspections of mid-cabin exit door plugs as well as the bolts, guide tracks, and fittings. At this point, FAA has done its work with the airlines as well as with Boeing to make sure that those safety procedures and protocols are detailed enough for the inspectors to do their job and do it safely, said Hassan Shahidi, President and CEO at the Flight Safety Foundation. Read: What you should know if youre about to fly on a Boeing Max 9 Shahidi said he also wants Boeing and its suppliers to address any quality control concerns. Making sure that the quality assurance procedures, processes and systems are revamped or revised to make sure that this doesnt happen again, he said. In a statement, Boeings commercial airplanes president and CEO, Stan Deal said the company is working to improve their practices and regain confidence with customers. His statement said in part, We own these issues and will make them right. The flight attendants union said it is also giving their crew members information about these safety inspections so they can talk with concerned travelers. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Five of Mississippi's six congressional seats are up for grabs this year, and all five incumbents face several challengers. Congressmen who face opponents this year are Sen. Roger Wicker, R, and Reps. Trent Kelly, R; Bennie Thompson, D; Michael Guest, R; and Mike Ezell, R. Sen. Cindy Hyde Smith is not up for reelection this year, and her current term ends in 2027, meaning she could run for her seat in the 2026 election cycle. All five races up for grabs this year had qualifying deadlines of Jan. 12, though, not all candidates have filed financial documents with the Federal Elections Committee, according to its website. Candidates have until the end of 2024s first quarter to release campaign finance reports or face fines. Get ready to vote: Check out these key dates for 2024 elections that include races for senate and president Senate races U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (Tupelo-R) addresses residents of the south Delta gathered at a town meeting held in Rolling Fork, Miss., to address the decades-long failure to install the Yazoo Pumps to mitigate flooding Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022. Wicker, who has been serving as the states senior senator since 2007, announced his candidacy in 2023. A native of Pontotoc, Wicker had previously served as a state senator from 1988 to 1995, and as the states District One representative from 1995 to 2007. In his time as a U.S. Senator, Wicker has served as a ranked member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, previously served on the Senate Commerce Committee and chaired the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Wicker will face two fellow Republicans in the March primary. Dan Eubanks, R, announced his candidacy earlier this year. He has served as representative in the state House for nine years, serving DeSoto County. Ghannon Burton, R, announced his bid to run last year. Though he has never held any state-elected office, Burton served in the United States Marine Corps from 1991 to 2021, earning the rank of Colonel. Whoever wins the March primary will face off against Democratic candidate Ty Pinkins, who re-announced his campaign earlier this month. Pinkins, a native of Rolling Fork, previously announced his bid for the Senate in January 2023, but also ran a failed campaign for Secretary of State in the past year against Republican incumbent Michael Watson, replacing Democratic candidate Shuwaski Young, who dropped out in August due to health reasons. More on Pinkin's bid for Senate Ty Pinkins House races District 1: Kelly will face no opponents in the primary this year, but he will be competing against whoever wins the Democratic Primary in March. Dianne Black announced her candidacy last year. She previously ran for the same position in 2022 and for Mississippi House District 52 in 2023, but she lost both races. Black will be facing off against Democrat Michael Williams, who announced his candidacy earlier this month. Williams previously ran for office ion 2019 to represent District 28n in the Mississippi House of Representatives, but he lost. District 2: Thompson, D, will face whoever wins in the Republican primary this year. Thompson has served in his seat since 1993, and he previously served as an alderman and then mayor of Bolton from 1969 to 1979, and as a Hinds county supervisor from 1979 to 1993. U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson speaks at a press conference following Friday's deadly tornado in Rolling Fork, Miss., Sunday, March 26, 2023. Republican challengers are Ronald Eller, Andrew S. Smith and Taylor Turcotte. Eller previously ran for the same seat in 2022, but he lost. He also served in the Army and owns Buck Warrior Enterprises, a Raymond-based company. Smith and Turcotte have not previously run for state or higher offices, according to state records. District 3: Guest will also be facing only one Democratic challenger. Guest previously served as the District Attorney for Rankin and Hinds counties from 2009 to 2018, and is currently the chair of the U.S. House Ethics Committee. Jarvis Gordan, D, has not run for office in the past, according to start records. No information on Gordan was available at press time. District 4: Ezell, R, will face three challengers, Carl Boyanton, Michael McGill and Craig Raybon. Ezell took office in January 2023 after previously serving as a police officer in Pascagoula from 1980 to 1998, before becoming chief of police in for Ocean Springs from 1998 to 2000. Ezell also served as an FBI agent and later was elected sheriff of Jackson County in a 2014 special election. Boyanton ran for the same seat in 2020 and 2022, but he lost both times. Boyanton also owns a business, Farmer Fresh Produce, LLC. McGill previously served in the Army and has been the president of School of Athens Charity, a nonprofit, since 2018, according to his LinkedIn account. No information on Raybon could be found by press time. More on MS politics: Medicaid expansion Does Medicaid expansion in Mississippi have a chance? See what MS lawmakers say Grant McLaughlin covers state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi Primary: 13 candidates qualify for state Congressional seats District 10 Council Member Marc Whyte speaks with journalists about being stripped of his committee assignments following his DWI charge on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 in City Council Chambers in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Councilman Marc Whyte speaks to the media after a vote censuring him for his recent arrest was passed by the San Antonio City Council during a special session late Sunday morning. Robin Jerstad District 10 Council Member Marc Whyte on Tuesday was supposed to make his first court appearance after being charged with driving while intoxicated a month ago but that wont happen. His arraignment hearing was kicked to March 26. David Christian, Whytes defense attorney, asked to reschedule the hearing because the Northeast Side council members blood alcohol concentration test results arent in yet. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its standard, if they dont have all the evidence yet, to reset the case, and so we asked for a reset, Christian said. Whyte isnt the first District 10 council member that Christian has defended. Last year, Christian kept Whytes predecessor, Clayton Perry, out of jail after he drunkenly crashed into a car and fled the scene in late 2022. Christian also is defending KSAT reporter John Paul Barajas after his arrest on a DWI charge in November. Whyte was arrested the night of Dec. 29. He refused to have his blood drawn and turned down a breathalyzer test, a police affidavit says, but police obtained a warrant ordering Whyte to comply. His blood was drawn at 1:30 a.m. Dec. 30. It could be another month before results are in. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The police officer who pulled Whyte over said in an affidavit that Whyte was driving erratically in the eastbound lanes of the Northeast Loop 410 access road south of San Antonio International Airport. Whyte told officer D. McCroy that he had consumed three beers that night: one at El Mirasol, a popular Mexican restaurant at the upscale shopping and dining center Alon Town Centre on Northwest Military Highway; a second at Myrons Prime Steakhouse next door; and a third at the Thirsty Horse Dance Hall & Saloon. Whyte met up with friends at El Mirasol, including District 6 Council Member Melissa Cabello Havrda, who also visited Myrons with Whyte. However, she told the San Antonio Express-News that when the group decided to go to the Thirsty Horse, she opted to go home because she was suffering from allergies. She had taken an Uber to El Mirasol, but Whyte drove her home, dropping her off between 9 and 9:30 p.m. before meeting his other friends at the Thirsty Horse. Whyte was arrested shortly after 11 p.m. that night. Advertisement Article continues below this ad DWI is defined in the Texas Penal Code as driving with a blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, of 0.08 or higher. Its a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail. A driver with a BAC of 0.08 is four times more likely to crash than a sober driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Driving with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, a level sometimes called extreme intoxication, is a more serious offense: a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and the loss of driving privileges for 90 days. On Jan. 14, City Council convened on a Sunday to formally reprimand Whyte. The body voted 10-0 to censure him following his arrest, an action that carries no concrete consequences. Mayor Ron Nirenberg said the censure was meant to send a message that council does not take drinking and driving lightly. Nirenberg also temporarily stripped Whyte of his three City Council committee assignments. Council members all serve on several committees, which help shape policies before they go to the full council for a vote. Five men were arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of six men in an unincorporated area of Adelanto, San Bernardino County Sheriffs officials announced. During a press conference on Monday, Sheriff Shannon Dicus said Illicit marijuana was the guiding force behind these murders. Sheriffs officials identified the suspects as: Toniel Baez-Duarte, 34, of Apple Valley Mateo Baez-Duarte, 24, of Apple Valley Jose Nicolas Hernandez-Sarabia, 33, of Adelanto Jose Gregorio Hernandez-Sarabia, 34, of Adelanto Jose Manuel-Burgos Parra, 26, of Adelanto San Bernardino County Sheriffs officials announced Monday the arrest of five suspects in the fatal shooting of six people in an unincorporated area of Adelanto, east of El Mirage. Sergeant Michael Warrick, with the sheriff's Specialized Investigations Division's Homicide Detail, stated that apprehension of the suspects came through extensive investigation. "On Sunday, January 28, 2024, we were able to search multiple search warrants in the town of Apple Valley, Adelanto and the Los Angeles County area of Pinon Hills," Warrick said. Sheriffs officials said they don't believe there are additional suspects. Investigators recovered eight firearms, which are being tested to see if they match the weapons. Six victims were identified as: Baldemar Mondragon-Albarran, 34, of Adelanto Franklin Noel Bonilla, 22, of Hesperia Kevin Dariel Bonilla, 25, of Hesperia A 45-year-old Hispanic man. The release of his identity is pending notification of his family. Two unidentified Hispanic men FILE - This aerial still image from video provided by KTLA shows law enforcement vehicles where several people were found shot to death in El Mirage, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said Monday, Jan. 29, that arrests have been made in the investigation into six bodies found dead at a dirt crossroads in the Southern California desert last week. (KTLA via AP, File) The shooting At 8:16 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, Franklin Bonilla spoke Spanish as he told sheriffs dispatch that he had been shot near Adelanto. Unable to give his exact location, dispatchers pinpointed Bonillas call in Lessing Avenue and Shadow Mountain Road. A California Highway Patrol helicopter was used to locate the bodies of five dead men. They discovered Franklin Bonillas body nearby. Homicide detectives said the men had been shot. Four of the victims were partially burned, sheriff's officials said. San Bernardino County Sheriffs deputies found the bodies of six people at a remote area off of Shadow Mountain Road and Lessing Avenue near Mirage on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Investigators believe the victims had arranged to meet at the location for a marijuana transaction. The five suspects arrived at the location and, for reasons still under investigation, allegedly shot the six victims. Multiple search warrants were served during the investigation, sheriff's officials said. Several firearms were seized, and additional evidence was found, authorities said. On Sunday, the suspects were arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of murder and are being held without bail. Sheriff blames Prop. 64 During the press conference, Dicus claimed that the passing of Prop. 64 has led to a rapidly increasing illicit marijuana market. The reality is Proposition 64 took illicit marijuana and moved it from a felony to a misdemeanor, Dicus said. The reality of this is by allowing that, we have unleashed a plague here in California. The plague is the black market or marijuana and certainly cartel activity. Sgt. Warrick did not mention if the incident was connected to a cross-border drug trade, or was cartel related. On Nov. 8, 2016, California voters passed Prop64, which legalized the non-medical use of cannabis by adults 21 and older. Dicus explained that the Shadow Mountain area, just west of the murder site, is known for illegal marijuana activity. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Michelle Del Rio with the specialized investigations division at 909-890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous by contacting We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or wetip.com. This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Five suspects arrested in connection with murders near Adelanto The meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Ministry and his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto was "very timely and useful," Kuleba said in an interview for Ukrainian outlet Ukrinform on Jan. 30. He also pointed out that the Hungarian FM recognized Ukrainian territorial integrity. Szijjarto according to Kuleba, "did not say anything bad and the meeting discussed "concerns about each other's intentions". Read also: Hungarian FM commends Zakarpattya Oblast head for new reconciliation approach "We explained everything to each other, Kuleba said. The Hungarians have distrust of us and we have distrust of them, due to various circumstances, said Kuleba. It is understandable. And the fact that we were able to talk through everything, I think, is very important." Kuleba added that three topics were discussed during the meetings, namely the rights of the Hungarian minority, negotiations with Russia, and a possible meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Read also: Hungarian FM arrives in Uzhhorod for talks on normalizing relations with Ukraine The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Szijjarto talks with Kuleba and Yermak lasted more than six hours. On Dec. 11, Kuleba met with Szijjarto in Brussels for the first time since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. The main topic of the talks was the European Union's decision to start negotiations with Ukraine on EU accession. Szijjarto and his team arrived in Uzhhorod on Jan. 29. The head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, and FM Kuleba met Szijjarto and his team. 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 Ohio lawmakers introduced a bill Tuesday that would allow the state to execute people using nitrogen gas. The legislation, introduced by state Reps. Brian Stewart (R) and Phil Plummer (R) and backed by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R), is aimed at kickstarting the states stalled capital-punishment system, Yosts office said in a press release. If passed, the bill would allow people on death row to choose between execution by lethal injection or nitrogen gas, but it would require nitrogen to be used if lethal injection drugs were not available. Ensuring that the consequences align with the severity of an offense is essential to providing solace to grieving relatives, Yost said although in reality, some victims of crime oppose the death penalty. Death Penalty Action co-founder Abe Bonowitz accused Yost of grandstanding on the pain of [murder victims] families rather than actually doing something to help them. Ohio has not executed anyone since 2018. Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said in 2020 that lethal injection executions were no longer an option, after a federal magistrate judge compared the states execution process to a combination of waterboarding, suffocation and exposure to chemical fire. DeWine has delayed multiple executions, citing concerns with the lethal injection process and difficulty obtaining the drugs. There have been repeated, bipartisan efforts to abolish the death penalty in Ohio, including a bill introduced last September. DeWines office declined to comment for this story. Ohios nitrogen execution push comes days after Alabama carried out the first ever nitrogen gas execution, killing 58-year-old Kenneth Smith, who had previously survived a botched lethal injection execution. Smith appeared to shake and writhe on the gurney for at least two minutes, followed by several minutes of heavy breathing, according to The Associated Press. Alabamas attorney generals office had previously claimed without evidence that nitrogen was perhaps the most humane method of execution ever devised. Rev. Jeff Hood, Smiths spiritual adviser who was in the execution chamber, described it as torture. It was the most horrible thing I think Ive ever seen, said Hood, who has witnessed five executions in the past 13 months. I stood there and cried while I saw someone get suffocated. Alabama became the third state to authorize nitrogen gas executions in 2018, amid lawsuits over the constitutionality of its lethal injection protocol and problems securing the drugs. After three consecutive botched executions in 2022, Alabama rushed through a nitrogen execution protocol, using Smith as a test subject. The publicly available version of the protocol is heavily redacted. The authors of Ohios nitrogen execution bill aim to maintain that level of secrecy. The proposed bill would provide indefinite confidentiality to suppliers of nitrogen and drugs used in executions. Related... (FOX40.COM) A Redding man is facing charges related to the alleged theft of some $700,000 worth of hospital equipment from a Folsom hospital, according to the Folsom Police Department. Reports were first filed with the police department in March 2022 by a representative of Mercy Folsom Hospital who suspected an employee of stealing medical equipment. Scams to look out for during the 2024 tax season The suspect was identified as a 33-year-old Redding man who was working at the hospital as a Materials Management Technician at the time of the alleged thefts. The Folsom Police Department, Mercy Hospital and other county and federal-level agencies assisted in investigating the suspect. Man found lying dead on Interstate 80 in Solano County An arrest warrant was issued for embezzlement, grand theft and tax evasion-related charges, and the man was located and arrested by the Redding Police Department on Thursday. He is now being held at the Sacramento County Main Jail. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. China assists Cambodia in achieving mine-free goal by 2025 10:22, January 30, 2024 By Liu Hui ( People's Daily The "Pure Homeland-2023" multinational joint demining operation is launched in Cambodia in September, 2023. Photo shows a Chinese soldier installing detonation and disposal devices. (Photo/Zhao Wenhuan) Cambodia is one of the countries with the most severe landmine problem in the world. The decades-long conflicts in the past century have left an estimated 4 to 6 million landmines and other unexploded ordnance in the country, mainly distributed in the border provinces near Thailand and Laos. The landmine issue poses challenges to farming, accessing water sources, and road construction, hindering Cambodia's economic and social development. The impoverished population in rural areas, in particular, suffers the most from the dangers of landmines. Over the past more than 30 years, the Cambodian government has been dedicated to clearing minefields and providing its people with a safe and healthy living environment. It has set a goal to be mine-free by 2025. Over the years, Cambodia has made significant progress in mine clearance and assistance to victims. The total area cleared of mines has continuously expanded, and the capacity and expertise in mine clearance have also improved. To support Cambodia in achieving its goal of becoming mine-free, China has engaged in comprehensive and extensive cooperation with Cambodia in the field of mine clearance. Since 1999, China has provided mine clearance assistance to Cambodia through various means, including training courses, donation, providing mine detection equipment, and dispatching experts for on-site guidance. The minefield near the Training School for Multinational Peacekeeping Forces of Royal Cambodian Armed Force in Cambodia is covered by dense vegetation and sprawling bushes. This place, a legacy of the Cambodian civil war dating back several decades, is a complex and highly dangerous minefield. Photo shows metal signal sources detected by China. (Photo/Zhao Wenhuan) Chinese demining soldier Lin Rongchang, after clearing away the bushes, discovered a live artillery shell buried beneath the roots. He immediately reported the finding to his team leader, Wu Gaojian, and under Wu's command, he marked the unexploded ordnance. This scene took place during the "Pure Homeland-2023" multinational joint demining operation in Cambodia in September last year. During this operation, the Chinese task force successfully cleared over 3,000 pieces of explosive remnants and destroyed 13 unexploded ordnances. Last year, a three-month humanitarian demining training program sponsored by China was held at the Army Engineering University of PLA in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu province, joined by 40 trainees from Cambodia and Laos. The trainees received comprehensive instruction, ranging from theoretical knowledge to specialized skills, and from practical operations to simulated minefield drills. Additionally, they learned to utilize new technological methods such as unmanned aerial vehicles for surveying minefields, robotic demining, and laser-based mine clearance. They greatly benefited from this training program, saying the Chinese instructors demonstrated solid expertise in demining and left a deep impression on them. It is learned that the Army Engineering University of PLA has launched eight demining training programs for Cambodia and Laos so far, cultivating over 300 professional technicians in this field. China and Cambodia have contributed to the international demining efforts through their cooperation. From 2021 to 2023, as the co-chairs of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts' Working Group (EWG) on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA), China and Cambodia collaborated with more than ten countries in various forms. Chinese soldiers uncover mines. (Photo/Zhao Wenhuan) During the "Pure Homeland-2023" joint demining operation, in particular, field joint demining and multinational joint demining training were conducted. Discussions were held to revise the draft version of an ASEAN standard operating procedure for demining and the draft version of a standard operating procedure for joint command centers. Activities such as a demining forum were organized as well. According to reports, China has helped Cambodia clear more than 100 square kilometers of minefields, discovering nearly 78,000 landmines. This has benefited over 1.5 million local people. A man in a village in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia noted, "I want to thank China for its assistance. The landmines in our village have been mostly cleared, and people can live their lives safely now!" Nowadays, except for a small forest area, it is safe to cultivate rice and drive tractors in other parts of the village. It is expected that the demining work in the village will be completed within this year. Rath Pottana, director of Cambodian Mine Action Center's planning and operation unit, said that China's assistance in mine clearance holds significant importance to Cambodia. The cleared land has been utilized for agricultural production, residential purposes, and infrastructure development. Ly Thuch, senior minister and first vice president of Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, said that China has provided substantial support and assistance in Cambodia's efforts to achieve its demining goals, playing an indispensable role. Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian noted that mine clearance cooperation is an important part of the China-Cambodia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. It is also a vivid embodiment of both sides' efforts in implementing the Global Security Initiative, he added. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Roger Lee-Canada McCracken, right, at his murder trial last week. He testified in his own defense Monday, saying he shot Ronnie Riddle, 34 on Sept. 11, 2021, because he thought Riddle was going to kill him, his wife and his daughters. Jessica Phelps A San Antonio man testified in his own defense at his murder trial Monday, crying as he described how he shot a neighbor who he thought was about to kill him, his wife and their daughters. Roger Lee-Canada McCracken, a U.S. Army veteran, had argued with Ronnie Riddle, 34, at their apartment complex in 2021 and fired multiple shots at him. Two of the bullets struck Riddle in the chest and he died at at Brooke Army Medical Center. McCracken has been free on bond. His attorneys, led by Joseph Hoelsher, have called his actions self-defense. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Riddle routinely acted standoffish and paranoid during the six months he had lived downstairs from him at the complex in the 3400 block of East Southcross Boulevard, McCracken told the jury. McCracken said he and his wife had called police several times because of violent sounds coming from the apartment where Riddle lived with his girlfriend and her mother. He said he and his wife routinely heard noises there that sounded like someone was getting beaten up, and that Jackie McCracken called police the night before the shooting because they heard stomping, screaming and crying from children in the apartment. When they arrived home at the complex minutes before the shooting, McCracken said, Riddle began mouthing off at him and his wife. I turned and said, Watch your mouth, McCracken said. I saw him hovering over my daughter and my wife. His voice broke when he told the jury how he tried to position himself in a way that got his daughters and wife out of the way, saying he thought they all were going to be shot. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He (Riddle) took off his hoodie and took a step to the left side, and got close to my wife and daughter, the defendant said. McCracken said while he and his wife were in the breezeway of the apartment complex, the men argued about his calling the police. Riddle said he and his wife were (expletive) cop callers, then said, Matter of fact, Ill handle yall bitches myself, and reached behind his back, McCracken said. It was a place where Riddle was known to carry a gun, and McCracken, his voice breaking again, said he thought Riddle was grabbing it. I thought he was going to shoot one of us, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad McCracken said he pulled out his own Glock and shot twice. Riddle ran toward the parking lot. McCracken said he continued to shoot when Riddle got behind a pickup. READ MORE: Judge lectures lawyers whose mutual sniping during a San Antonio murder trial got nasty Authorities found a .45 caliber handgun in the parking lot of the apartments several hours after the shooting. Prosecutors Andrea Vizcarra and Neal Cordero have not disputed that the weapon belonged to Riddle but have argued that McCracken was not justified in firing multiple shots at him. CINCINNATI, Ohio (WCMH) A federal jury convicted a former U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer for crimes related to abusing his position According to the U.S. Attorneys Office Southern District of Ohio, 52-year-old Andrew Golobic of Cincinnati and Mason, was found guilty on the following four charges: Obstructing a sex trafficking investigation, deprivation of rights under color of law, witness tampering, and destruction of records in a federal investigation. Reynoldsburg man charged with rape of 5-year-old girl During Golobics trial, which began Jan. 8, prosecuting attorneys accused him of forcing a woman to engage in nonconsensual sex while under his supervision in the ICE Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program. After being approached by agents from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General in June 2020, Golobic deleted evidence from his cellphones. The jury began deliberations on Jan. 19 and found him guilty on four of seven counts against him. Golobic was employed as a deportation officer with ICE from 2006 to 2020 and was assigned to the ICE office in Blue Ash, Ohio. There, he was assigned to the ATD program from approximately 2015 to 2020. He will be sentenced based on federal guidelines at a future hearing. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of "wilfully" leaking sensitive classified information. File Photo by Chamila Karunarathne/EPA-EFE Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of "wilfully" leaking sensitive classified information. Khan, 71, who is already serving a three-year prison sentence after being convicted on corruption charges in August, was sentenced by a special court sitting within Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, foreign minister in Khan's administration and vice chairman of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, was also sentenced to 10 years in prison. Naeem Panjutha, a lawyer for Khan, condemned the ruling in a post on X. "We don't accept this illegal decision," he wrote. A spokesman for the PTI party added that it would challenge Tuesday's ruling. Gohar Ali Khan, who succeeded Khan as the leader of the PTI party, called for calm within the party. "An effort is being made to shift our focus from the elections, everyone will be held accountable on Feb. 8," he told reporters. The convictions under the country's Secrets Act come nine days before a general election in which Khan is banned from taking part. Khan was found to have "illegally retained and wrongly communicated" a document containing top-secret information regarding the United States and Pakistan while he was prime minister in 2022. The case relates to a cable from Pakistan's U.S. Ambassador to then Foreign Minister Shah Qureshi claiming that Washington wanted Khan out due to his failure to denounce Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The cable was reported missing from the prime minister's official files in September 2022 and the cabinet subsequently claimed it had been stolen. But Khan was found to have earlier taken it home where he conspired with Qureshi to misuse the document, specifically producing it at a rally of supporters in March 2022 as proof that there was a foreign plot to remove him from office. A month later Khan was ousted as prime minister in a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly. Neither man was convicted of the more serious charge of damaging diplomatic relations which carries a sentence of life in prison or possible execution. The trial was the second in the case after the original indictment was "voided" in November by the High Court in Islamabad, ruling it illegal because the correct procedures for holding a trial inside jail had not been followed. Khan and Qureshi were re-indicted on the same charges and a new trial got underway Dec. 13 only for the Supreme Court to intervene within days, ordering both men be released on bail on grounds they posed no threat to society. The three judges also ruled that "incarceration of a political competitor during the period of elections ... gravely affects the fundamental rights of the voters and prejudices the genuineness and integrity of the elections." However, Khan was not released because he is currently serving a three-year sentence after being convicted in August on corruption charges related to profiting from selling official state gifts, worth $635,000, received from foreign dignitaries while he was prime minister. That resulted in him being slapped with a ban prohibiting him from running for office for five years by the Electoral Commission for the second time in 10 months. In October 2022, the commission banned Khan from holding office for five years and removed him as an MP days after his party won six of eight parliamentary seats and a number of provincial seats in a general election. Khan, who is appealing all the cases against him, alleges he is a victim of a plot by his political opponents to silence him and suppress his populist PTI party-led movement. A former Poudre School District bus attendant agreed to plead guilty to seven felony counts of assault against an at-risk individual as well as four misdemeanor charges in Larimer County District Court on Monday. Tyler Zanella, 37, entered the tentative guilty pleas, with the charges each representing one of the 11 named victims in the case, for his conduct last spring while working on school buses transporting children with special needs. He did so as part of an agreement with prosecutors to avoid a trial. The agreement is only tentative at this point, 8th Judicial District Judge Daniel McDonald said, pending his review of a presentence investigation and evaluation of the defendants suitability for serving a prison term in community corrections vs. state prison. A sentencing hearing was set for April 12 in his courtroom at the Larimer County Justice Center, at which time the judge will either approve the deal and impose a sentence or reject the agreement and schedule a trial. Zanella entered separate guilty pleas to seven of the 27 counts of assault in the third degree against an at-risk individual, a Class 6 felony, that he was facing in this case and two counts apiece of harassment and child abuse that knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury, both Class 1 misdemeanors. The felony charges are each punishable by 12-18 months in prison plus a fine of up to $100,000, McDonald said. The misdemeanor charges are each punishable by prison terms up to 364 days and a fine of up to $1,000. The judge will have the ability during sentencing to determine whether those sentences will be served concurrently or consecutively. Tyler Zanella appears in court for a plea on Monday in Fort Collins Zanella was facing a total of 164 charges brought forward by the district attorneys office following an investigation by Fort Collins police, who reviewed school bus surveillance video. Police said the video shows Zanella striking the children, all autistic and most of them nonverbal, with his hand, cellphones and/or backpacks, while also taunting them verbally. Some of the children were in five-point harnesses that restrict their movement because of their specific disabilities, police said. I think the plea agreement is self-explanatory, Zanellas attorney, Andy Gavaldon, said outside the courtroom. Hes taken responsibility for 11 of the at-risk children; those are the 11 victims in this case. Hes taken full responsibility by entering these pleas. This is a sincere effort on his part to resolve this. He wants the healing to start now. Laura Hinojos, the chief deputy district attorney prosecuting the case, told the judge that some victims families were in favor of the plea agreement while others were not. Families of the victims were not involved in discussions about the plea agreement, parents said, and only learned about it when it was first presented to Zanella and his attorney in November. Gavaldon asked the court for additional time to review the deal during a hearing last month, and the hearing was postponed until Monday for that reason, McDonald said at the time. Five parents of victims spoke during the hearing, four in person and one through a livestream link. Three, representing four victims, were in favor of the plea agreement and two, representing the same victim, were opposed. McDonald said victims and their families will have a chance to speak again at the sentencing hearing if he chooses to accept the plea agreement. If the agreement is rejected, Zanella will be allowed to withdraw the guilty pleas he entered Monday. The three parents who spoke in favor of accepting the plea agreement generally expressed concern about their children having to relive the trauma by possibly having to testify in a trial. In everyones best interest, I dont believe that going to trial is good because of our need to move on and heal, but I would encourage you to take into account how horrific what he did to our children is, one of the parents said. Said another: There will never be justice. There will never be anything that can be done that will take away what happened. I feel that going to trial is not in the best interest of these kids. What I will ask of you, Judge McDonald, is that you give him the maximum sentence that you possibly can. Another, speaking against the agreement, said, I want to emphasize that everyone whos seen this footage has used descriptors of evil and demonic. We cant have people like that hurting other people. That parent went on to express concern that other children witnessed these incidents. Neurotypical kids saw someone abusing several disabled children and they think its OK, the parent said. They need to be shown that its not; that its not OK. That you dont just get slapped on the back of the hand for doing that. That victims other parent told the court that her review of the goals of a criminal sentence under Colorado law include rehabilitation, punishment for the offender, healing for victims and the community and to deter others from committing similar offenses. Assuming its even possible to rehabilitate a 37-year-old man who thinks its appropriate to abuse disabled children in his care, its going to take a lot to turn that level of twisted morality around, she said. There are three-plus months of actions to punish, the victims have to heal from physical and emotional abuse, and the community will take a long time to regain trust in Poudre School District after their choice to hire him and ignore complaints against him. I dont think this plea deal is capable of doing any of that, even if you choose to impose maximum consecutive sentences. Too many charges have been removed. Zanella had been out on bond awaiting trial but was taken into custody Jan. 12 for violating terms of his bond agreement and remained in custody as of Monday's hearing. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime. 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: Judge considering plea deal in former PSD bus attendant's assault case Dmitry Medvedev, Russian Security Council Chairman, has declared that Russia will place new types of weapons on the Kuril Islands, which Japan seeks to return. Source: Medvedev on Twitter () Quote from Medvedev: "The Kuril Islands will actively develop, and concurrently, their strategic role will increase, including the placement of new types of weapons there." Details: Medvedev has threatened that the "territorial issue" would be closed "once and for all" according to the Constitution of Russia. Medvedev said that Russia does not care about the Japanese feelings regarding the Kuril Islands because, as he says, they supposedly belong to Russia. At the same time, he stated that "Americans who are kissing with the French have it much easier because they have forgotten about Hiroshima and Nagasaki." Background: On 7 October 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree recognising the Kuril Islands as the territory of Japan, temporarily occupied by Russia. Support UP or become our patron! Michael Fronimos has been hired as Fort Gratiot Fire Department's new chief. Fort Gratiot Township has hired a firefighter from out-of-state as the new chief of its fire department. Michael Fronimos, a Michigan native, is returning to the state and bringing 34 years of experience in firefighting to the township's department, according to a news release announcing his hiring. "(Fronimos) has served as a career, volunteer and part-time firefighter/EMT rising to the ranks of Battalion Chief and Assistant Chief," Fort Gratiot Township Supervisor Rob Crawford wrote in the news release. "He is well respected across the United States and beyond in the public safety community as an instructor, speaker and leader." Fronimos is replacing former Fort Gratiot Fire Chief Patrick Smith, who retired in September after 12 years on the job. The Fire Chief Hiring Committee recommended Fronimos among six candidates, including three from within the department. The Fort Gratiot Board of Trustees approved Fronimos' appointment on Dec. 27 and his first day will be Feb. 5. A badge pinning ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Fort Gratiot Municipal Center and will be open to the public. Fronimos has held positions at fire departments across the country, most recently working as the assistant fire chief at the Wytheville Fire Department in Virginia. His firefighting career began in Michigan, but he left the state in 2000. Fronimos was a public information officer at several fire departments, and has twice been president of the National Information Officers Association, an organization representing communications officers nationwide. I am looking forward to returning to Michigan and teaching my son the things I enjoyed as a youth, Fronimos said in the news release. Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Fort Gratiot hires new fire chief OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) A Fort Walton Beach man was arrested and charged with multiple felonies stemming from a December 2023 police chase, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office. OCSO deputies say they located the suspect who ditched their car following a high-speed police chase. According to arrest reports, 30-year-old Roderick Mckinnon failed to stop when deputies attempted a traffic stop near Mary Esther Cut-Off on Dec. 31, 2023. Deputies said that McKinnon abandoned his Mercedes during the chase and ran off on foot. Wisconsin man accused of molesting Okaloosa County boy According to deputies, they found 9 grams of fentanyl, 14 grams of mushrooms, 6 grams of crack cocaine and a 9mm handgun loaded with a 10-round magazine when they searched McKinnons vehicle. Deputies also found that McKinnon had three prior convictions for driving with revoked or suspended licenses and 10 previous felony convictions. McKinnon was arrested and charged with trafficking in fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of cocaine, fleeing and eluding, and driving with a suspended license, third or more offense. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. U.S. officials are struggling to explain how three Army reservists were killed by a drone strike at a military base in Jordan. Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo thinks shes found the answer: diversity initiatives. Bartiromo suggested to Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) on Tuesday that the attack may have been caused by DEI, a shorthand for diversity, equity, and inclusion and the latest right-wing anti-diversity boogeyman. Maybe [the military is] focused too much on DEI, Bartiromo said. Theres a concern at the FBI because theyre dropping the FBI special agent requirements in the name of DEI. Im just wondering if that has anything to do with missing an important drone that just killed three of our heroes. The three service members killed in the attack, Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, Spec. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, and Spec. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, were all Black. Maria Bartriomo blames DEI for three soldiers being killed in Jordan pic.twitter.com/hcxjgPtPAp Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 30, 2024 U.S. officials told The Wall Street Journal on Monday that the Sunday attack occurred partially because servicemembers confused the approaching enemy aircraft with an American drone that was returning to the base at around the same time. The Pentagon added that while their investigation is ongoing, the attack had the footprints of the Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah. Republicans have been hammering military officials, accusing them of crippling the Defense Departments military capabilities by promoting diversity and inclusion within its ranks. Wokeness, DEI, and Critical Race Theory are just a few of the conservative dog whistles used to malign efforts to curb discrimination against underrepresented groups in American institutions, particularly people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ groups. Earlier this month, conservatives began boycotting various airlines, citing bogus claims that the aviation industrys DEI initiatives were allowing unqualified pilots to captain planes. The panic gained steam after several highly reported malfunctions of Boeings 737 Max 9 model, including a door flying off an Alaska Airlines plane mid-flight. Instead of leveling scrutiny at Boeing, conservatives chose to attack female and non-white pilots. If I see a Black pilot, Im going to be like, Boy, I hope hes qualified, Turning Point USA founder and director Charlie Kirk said on an episode of his podcast. Tesla billionaire and X owner Elon Musk asked his 170 million followers if they want to fly in an airplane where they prioritized DEI hiring over your safety? That is actually happening. The false notion that diversity makes industries and institutions less safe has been around for some time now, particularly when it comes to right-wing attacks against military leadership. Before his firing from Fox News, white nationalist commentator Tucker Carlson was criticized by military officials after he attacked the Defense Department for accommodating the needs of pregnant Air Force servicemembers. In June of last year, Trump claimed the military had gone woke during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity. You know, our military is great. A lot of things going on with our military with the woke and all this nonsense, he said. Theyre not learning to fight and protect us from some very bad people. They want to go woke. They want to go woke. Thats all they talk about now. I see letters that are being sent. Its horrible. While Republicans claim to be deeply concerned over the readiness and capabilities of the military, they also seem perfectly comfortable obstructing its functioning. In December, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) relinquished a months-long blockade against the approval of military appointments over his opposition to the Pentagons policy of reimbursing service members, veterans, and dependents for travel expenses related to abortion and reproductive health care. The freeze on nomination approvals became so large that at one point three branches of the U.S. military, the Navy, Marines, and Air Force, were forced to operate since August without a Senate-confirmed leader. Tuberville was also widely criticized last year after he explicitly defended the presence of white nationalists within the U.S. armed forces, and criticized initiatives aimed at weeding out racism from the enlisted ranks. They call them that, the senator said. I call them Americans. In September, former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley addressed the accusations that the armed forces were too woke. This military is a lot of things, but woke, its not. So I take exception to that. I think that people say those things for reasons that are their own reasons, but its not true. Its not accurate, Milley said. What I see is a military thats exceptionally strong. Its powerful; its ready. In fact, our readiness rates, the way we measure readiness, is better now than theyve been in years. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Myrta Romanos, 47, accused of tampering with evidence in connection with the death of Savanah Soto,18, Matthew Guerra, 22, and their unborn child, will be represented by prominent San Antonio criminal lawyer John Charles Bunk. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News Defense attorney J. Charles Bunk addresses the jury at the start of the first day of testimony in the retrial of Daniel Moreno Lopez, 31, in the 379th state District Court at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center on Friday, May 25, 2017. Bunk also represents Myrta Romanos. Marvin Pfeiffer/San Antonio Express-News The stepmother accused of helping her son in the deaths of Savanah Soto, Matthew Guerra and their unborn child is being represented by a prominent San Antonio criminal defense lawyer. John Charles Bunk has been appointed by the court to represent Myrta Romanos, 47, who is charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and altering, destroying and concealing human remains. Romanos was arrested Jan. 10, nearly a week after Christopher Preciado, 19, and his father, Ramon Preciado, 53, were arrested in connection with the killings. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The younger Preciado is charged with capital murder, abuse of a corpse and altering, destroying or concealing a human corpse, in the execution-style killings of the young couple and their unborn son. His father was charged with abuse of a corpse and altering, destroying or concealing a human corpse. Christopher Preciado is being represented by Monica E. Guerrero. John J. Kuntz IV is representing Ramon Preciado. The bodies of Soto, 18, and Guerra, 22, were found in Guerras Kia Optima in the parking lot of a Northwest Side apartment complex. The two were found shot in the head days before Soto was scheduled to give birth to a baby boy, Fabian. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Authorities believe the killings were triggered by a drug dispute. Bunk was a prosecutor for Bexar County for over 13 years and handled hundreds of criminal cases before going into private practice. He handled cases including capital murder, aggravated sexual assault, robbery and intoxication manslaughter. During his time as a prosecutor, Bunk was assigned to the DWI task force and served in the family violence section. He spent his last six years as a first chair felony prosecutor, where he was assigned to various district courts and prosecuted several capital murder cases. Bunk also was appointed as a special prosecutor in the 156th Judicial District of Texas and a special prosecutor in Bexar County for seven years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Recently Bunk, alongside Lindsey C. Shaw, represented Christopher Bustos, 40, who was convicted of murder for fatally shooting a friend of his ex-girlfriend in 2019. Bustos shot Gumesindo JR Gonzales, 36, in the chest after driving to his home and demanding to know where his wife was. In August, Bustos was sentenced to 60 years in prison. Romanos is set to make her first court appearance on Feb. 20. Both Preciados will make their first appearances on April 16, according to court records. EDITORS NOTE: This report was updated to clarify what Myrta Romanos is accused of. Rescuers searching for an escaped monkey in the Scottish Highlands are responding to a fresh sighting as a mountain rescue drone joined the hunt. A team from Highland Wildlife Park said they had received a new report of the Japanese macaque being spotted on Tuesday morning, with residents in the town of Kincraig urged to remain on the lookout for the primate. After a commercial heat-seeking drone failed to locate the monkey on Monday, Cairngorms Mountain Rescue has joined the search by offering use of its own hi-tech thermal imaging drone. The male monkey escaped from its enclosure on Sunday, with keepers claiming it fled its home following a fight during mating season. Keith Gilchrist, living collections operations manager at Highland Wildlife Park said on Tuesday: There has been a sighting of the macaque this morning, which we are currently responding to. Throughout the day our expert team of animal keepers will be patrolling the local area using a variety of techniques to try and coax him in, as well as using our thermal image drone contractor to aid with the search. He added: As with yesterday, were asking locals to please bring any obvious potential food sources like bird feeders or food waste inside, as were hopeful that the monkey will return to the park if he cant find food elsewhere. Although the macaque is not presumed dangerous to humans or pets, our advice is to not approach him but to contact our hotline on 07933 928377 with any sightings. Drone operator Ben Harrower searching for the escaped monkey at Kincraig in the Scottish Highlands - NORTHPIX/PETER JOLLY The search has focused on vast woodland to the north of Kincraig. Residents in homes on the treeline have reported seeing the monkey attempt to get into bird feeders. However, it has fled at the sight of keepers and locals have compared finding it to searching for a needle in a haystack. While Japanese macaques do not typically attack humans, they have been known to bite and scratch when threatened. Parents of children at a local primary school have said their children have only been allowed out to play in small groups and under supervision due to fears the monkey could attack a child. Kirsty Graham, an animal communication expert at the University of St Andrews, said the monkey may have been looking for another group to join. Return to wildlife park by itself She said it might seek to return to the wildlife park by itself once it realised there are no other Japanese macaques roaming Scotland. These are also known as snow monkeys and live in mountainous regions in Japan that gets down to minus 40 degrees in winter, she said. So temperature wise, it should be fine out in the Highlands. Food is going to start to be an issue for it. Its also going to start missing other monkeys. They are very social so it wont do very well on its own without a group. It might be making some contact calls so people might be able to recognise it from its sound. I think it can be safely captured. Hopefully within the next couple of days they will recover it. I think it might start to get lonely, realise there arent any other monkeys out there in the Highlands, and start to wander back by itself. They have a good sense of memory and direction. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) The Fresno Police Department is asking for the publics help in identifying a man who snatched a womans purse earlier this month. Police say on Jan. 10, a male suspect sat next to a victim who was seated at the bus stop located at South Blackstone Avenue and Divisadero Street. After a few minutes, the suspect forcefully removed the victims purse. According to police, the suspect then proceeded to run eastbound towards Divisadero Street and P Street. Police say the suspect appears to be a thin male adult in his 20s to 30s. The Fresno Police Department The Fresno Police Department The Fresno Police Department Police say if anyone has information on the suspect or recognizes the suspect from the images above, to please notify Detective Sebastian Rodriguez, Southwest Investigations, at the number 559-621-6131 or email at Sebastian.Rodriguez@fresno.gov. You can also submit a tip through Crime Stoppers at 559-498-STOP. If your tip leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. Trees at more than 2,000 homes in a California city will be stripped of their fruit, according to a state agency. The large-scale fruit removal, which is slated to begin in late January, is set for a designated area in Redlands in San Bernardino County, the California Department of Food and Agriculture said in a Jan. 18 news release. The large-scale fruit removal, which is slated to begin in late January, is set for a designated area in Redlands, according to a state agency said. The reason? An invasive insect, according to the agency. If left unchecked, the Oriental fruit fly could become permanently established and cause billions of dollars worth of losses annually, which would significantly impact Californias food supply, the agency said. By stripping the fruit trees, the agency said it hopes to break the lifecycle of the invasive fly. The fly lays eggs in fruit that develop into larvae, which threatens citrus and more than 230 crops, like nuts, vegetables and berries, the agency said. Trees at more than 2,000 homes in a California city will be stripped of their fruit, according to a state agency. The Oriental fruit fly, which is larger than a housefly and measures about 8 millimeters, or about 0.3 inches, in length, was first discovered in the state in 1960 and has been introduced every year since 1966, according to the agency. Although infestations have occasionally been found in California, these have all been successfully eradicated, the agency said. The agency said if an Oriental fruit fly infestation is not eliminated, it could cost between $44 and $176 million in crop losses, additional pesticide use, and quarantine requirements. The removal will continue into late February, according to the agency. Residents will get a notice two days prior to removal, which is mandatory. The agency said residents should not remove fruit on their own. Should fruit fall from trees, the agency said residents should double-bag it and place it in a trash bin and not in green waste bins or other organic refuse designations. This approach significantly reduces the risk of spread of Oriental fruit flies, larvae or maggots, the agency said. Redlands is about 60 miles east of Los Angeles. California has an exotic fruit fly problem. Gavin Newsom proposes spending $22 million to fix it More destructive Japanese beetles found in Tri-Cities. WA state to spray some home lawns WA proposes yard debris quarantine for some of Tri-Cities after destructive beetles found Authorities are investigating a cybersecurity attack that targeted Georgias Fulton County this past weekend, causing widespread technological outages. Local officials revealed in a Monday press conference they learned of the widespread that affected the county governments phone lines, the court system and the tax system. Fulton County Chair Robb Pitts confirmed Monday that the outage was a result of a cybersecurity incident, and it is being investigated by law enforcement. We do not yet have a specific time frame for when these systems will be restored, but we ask for your patience during this response, Pitts said. We at Fulton County take cybersecurity seriously, and we place a high priority on the protection of sensitive information. He added that officials were not aware of any transfer of sensitive information about citizens or employees at the time. While we are in the early phase of this incident, we want the public to be aware that we will keep them informed as additional information becomes available, Pitts said. The cybersecurity attack is especially notable given that former President Trump and 18 others were charged by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) last year in an election interference case. Trump is facing charges related to efforts to allegedly pressure state officials into reversing the Georgia 2020 election results. Willis is now facing backlash after being accused of hiring a romantic partner as a top prosecutor in the former presidents case. It remains unclear whether these allegations will affect it. According to the Fulton County website, certain transactions related to the tax and justice systems have been impacted by the outage, including marriage and firearm licenses. The website also noted that most offices are unable to accept phone calls due to the incident. The FBI office in Atlanta said it has been in contact with county officials. We are aware of the incident with Fulton County IT and have been in contact with them, the field office said in a statement to The Hill. While we cannot comment on any specific incidents, the FBI routinely advises the public and private sectors about cyber threats in order to help them guard against the actions of cyber criminals. We work with our interagency partners to identify, pursue, and defeat all those who partake in cybercrime, the statement reads. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Atlanta-area taxpayers are on the hook for nearly $1 million to settle a civil sexual discrimination claim against Fulton County Commissioner Natalie Hall. Judge Jason Patil awarded Halls former chief of staff, Calvin Brock, $902,487 following an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission discrimination suit Brock filed in February 2021, claiming he was fired in retaliation for breaking up with Hall following a year-long love affair. The ruling stems from a hearing in August in which Hall and Brock gave testimony about the affair. Natalie Hall is the Fulton County Commissioner of District 4 in the Atlanta metro area. (Photo: Instagram/Natalie Hal) Hall tried to force Brock to remain in an exclusive sexual relationship with her, stalked him for months, and ultimately fired him, Patil said in the ruling, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Brock won on the claim of sexual discrimination, but the judge determined there was not enough evidence to support his allegation that Hall retaliated against him after he filed the legal complaint against her. Because the violations occurred as part Halls official public duties, Fulton County is responsible for covering all the punitive damages in the case. Hall will keep her seat on the commission until her term expires at the end of the year. Under the decision, Brock is entitled to $460,000 plus interest in back pay, plus another $143,392 in pay for the duration of Halls current term as commissioner. Brock sued for three years of future pay and an additional $300,000 in compensatory damages, but Patil cut off the award for these items at $65,000. The judge tacked on another $184,000 to cover Brocks attorney fees and court costs. As part of the decision, Fulton County is mandated to provide Hall with training on supervisor responsibilities, and a public notice must be posted acknowledging that a commission employee faced sexual discrimination on the job. On Wednesday, the commission voted 5-1 to accept the ruling and agreed not to challenge the decision, with Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. casting the only no vote, while Hall recused herself in the matter. During the proceedings, Brock indicated that he never had both his feet firmly in the romance, while the judge found Halls explanation of the affair implausible, siding with Brock on key aspects in the legal claim. Even if the relationship began mutually, it did not remain consensual for long because Hall initiated a dizzying array of deceptions designed to monitor and control his interaction with other women, Patil wrote. Evidence was presented showing three tracking devices were discovered in Brocks vehicles, presumably to surveil his movements. The judge also highlighted that Hall invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 150 times to avoid self-incrimination, particularly when questioned about the surveillance devices. In the ruling, Patil noted that pleading the Fifth does not forbid adverse inferences against parties. Additionally, there was a dispute over whether Brock voluntarily resigned or if he was terminated in September 2020. Allegations of the Sex Scandal Between Natalie Hall and Calvin Brock The scandal first emerged in February 2018 when Brock relocated to Atlanta after retiring as a police officer in New Jersey. Several months later, Brock moved into his mothers basement while trying to start his own business, leading to a chance encounter with Hall at a local furniture outlet. Soon, Brock was gainfully employed as a community relations manager on Halls staff, earning $60,000 per year. Next, Halls chief of staff DaVena Jordan departed not long after Brock arrived, allowing Brock to step into a higher position, which boosted his annual salary to $105,000. A little more than half a year later, Brock got another $20,000 raise, resulting in a $139,363 salary, including benefits. The pair started sleeping together at Brocks apartment in early 2019, and the affair sizzled for more than a year as the lovers visited each others homes, and concealed the relationship from friends and co-workers. But by March 2020, the relationship began to sour as Hall became jealous that Brock had started dating other women and this was around the same time that she began planting tracking devices in Brocks vehicles, according to Patils ruling. Another woman who was dating Brock filed a whistleblower complaint concerning his relationship with the Fulton commissioner. Ultimately, the complaint landed on the desk of Fulton County Auditor Anthony Nicks, who notified Hall and two commissioners, however no action was taken immediately to discipline Hall, although commissioners voted 5-0 in September to censure Hall more than two years after the scandal came to light. Brock said he confronted Hall after he came across two tracking devices planted inside his vehicles in June and August 2020. Hall asserted she found the remote devices in Brocks car, removed them, then reinstalled them after a retired Atlanta police officer purportedly advised her to do so. Brock discovered a third tracking device in one of his cars on Aug. 31, 2020, and used it to check if Hall was still monitoring him. Two days later, Hall terminated Brocks employment over text message. Fulton County Taxpayers Will Pay Nearly $1M to Commissioners Ex-Staffer Who Alleges She Fired Him Because He Ended Inappropriate Relationship with Her A boisterous weekend convention held at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem in which Israeli officialsincluding several of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus ministerscalled for Israeli resettlement in Gaza is exposing deep rifts between Washington and Jerusalem. At the conference, a number of top Israeli officials advocated for Israels reoccupation of Gaza after Israels war in Gaza comes to a close. Some advocated for the voluntary removal of Palestinians from the enclave. Footage of the gathering posted to social media show many dancing, jumping, and fist-pumping in apparent celebration. That, even in the face of Israel killing tens of thousands of Palestinians in its bombardment of Gaza in recent months, the dire humanitarian situation and human suffering in the enclave, and over 100 hostages still held captive by Hamas. . . , , pic.twitter.com/wVdMHdjBSR (@KarivGilad) January 28, 2024 God willing, we will settle and we will be victorious, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reportedly said at the convention, according to The Times of Israel. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said it was time to return home to Gush Katif, a former Israeli settlement in Gaza that Israel dismantled in 2005. If we don't want another Oct. 7, we need to return home and control the land. The White House lambasted the forum, noting that it was troubled by the gathering. This rhetoric is incendiary and irresponsible, and we take the prime minister at his word when he says that Israel does not intend to reoccupy Gaza, the National Security Council said in a statement. We have also been clear, consistent, and unequivocal against the forced relocation of Palestinians outside of Gaza. The Palestinian Authority, too, said the calls amounted to forced removal of Palestinians, according to Reuters. Families of hostages still held captive were appalled at the conference. Israeli Hostage Families Vow More Disruption After Storming Parliament Merav Leshem-Gonen, the mother of Romi Gonen, a hostage, called the gathering shocking. Deporting another ethnic group isnt that what was done to us in Europe? Are we not here to discuss antisemitism, are we not here to be better? Leshem-Gonen said, according to The Jerusalem Post. Its not the first time questions have been raised about the Israeli post-war Gaza after Israel stops its war campaign. Smotrich previously said that he objected to a provisional plan for Gaza after the war, which was announced by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, since it did not contain plans for the removal of Palestinians and the resettlement of Israelis. In all, 11 ministers and 15 coalition lawmakers attended the conference, which was organized by the Nachala settlement group for the religious-Zionism community, which has been calling for Israeli resettlement in Gaza. The sheer number of members of Netanyahus cabinet who attended the eventnearly one-third of his cabinethas raised questions about whether Netanyahu is serious about his statements that Israel does not intend to occupy Gaza at the end of the war. Israel has said that although it will reserve its operational freedom of action in the Gaza Strip, it does not want to resettle the enclave. The defense ministers plan for post-war Gaza, though, leaves a lot to the imagination. A copy of the plan previously obtained by The Daily Beast reveals several bullet points about Gaza and how reconstruction and governance ought to look after the war is over, but it is scant on details. Israels Day After Plan for Gaza Is Full of Holes The French and British have also called out the conference for its alarming message. In this respect, France recalls that the International Court of Justice recently set out Israels obligation to take all measures within its power to prevent and punish this kind of rhetoric, the French Foreign Ministry said, referring to a ruling from the ICJ last week. The UKs position is clear: Gaza is occupied Palestinian territory and will be part of the future Palestinian state, the U.K. Foreign Office said. Settlements are illegal. No Palestinian should be threatened with forcible displacement or relocation. The controversial conference exposes the layers of deep divide that still remain in Israel over what a post-war Gaza ought to look like. While Netanyahu has issued a statement reassuring his policy is not aligned with the conferences, its organizers have made it clear that they are interested in making plans for settlements. Only a transfer [of Palestinians from Gaza] will bring peace, one banner at the confab read. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. SA2020 Executive Director Kiran Kaur Bains meets with the Express-News Editorial Board on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. KIN MAN HUI/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS Kiran Kaur Bains, Executive Director of SA 2020 speaks at a rally held at City Hall to dispel misinformation about Prop A ahead of Election Day May 6. Jessica Phelps Director of Community Impact, SA2020,EKiran Bains,Eintroduces panelistsEfrom left, Mobility Advocate and Research Specialist, Salud America!,EAmanda Merck,EManager of Government Relations and Community Affairs, Lime Scooters, Joe Deshotel, andE USAA'sEInnovation Director, Marina Gavito. Eduring a Fireside Chat session entitled "Leveraging Transit to Advance Equity" at Geekdom on Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, in San Antonio.E E Carlos Javier Sanchez | Contribu/Carlos Javier Sanchez | pixelref SA2020 Executive Director Kiran Kaur Bains meets with the Express-News Editorial Board on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. KIN MAN HUI/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS SA2020 is shutting down after the organization issued a strongly worded call in November for a cease-fire in Gaza, sparking a backlash among its donors. The policy-oriented nonprofit, a brainchild of former Mayor Julian Castro, will announce Tuesday that it is ceasing operations, more than 13 years after a highly touted kickoff that ushered in Castros community initiative to set ambitious goals for San Antonio. We had multiple institutional funders that threatened our 501(c)(3) status, said Kiran Kaur Bains, who has served as SA2020s executive director for the past three years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dissolving SA2020 was a heavy decision, of course, but its one that weve painstakingly deliberated, she said. After a series of community brainstorming forums in 2010 and 2011, SA2020 established itself as an independent organization that would enable the city to measure its progress by collecting and interpreting local data. In the course of that work, SA2020 developed partnerships with 160 local organizations. Bains 2021 emergence as the organizations leader signaled SA2020s commitment to focus on racial equity, an area of expertise for her, given her background as chief equity officer for the city of San Antonio. She said that focus on racial equity met with institutional resistance. We know the way that progress gets achieved, Bains said. We know its the result of being able to hold institutions accountable and also the commitment on behalf of institutions to say, Yeah, we want to examine our policymaking, our budgets, our philanthropy, in order to do better. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But what were finding over and over again is that as SA2020 has gotten better at doing our mission of driving progress and specifically doing it through racial equity, its like the backlash from institutions has become greater, she said. In 2021, SA2020 threw its support behind Proposition B, a local ballot initiative designed to spur police reform by taking collective bargaining power away from the San Antonio Police Officers Association. In 2023, the organization backed Proposition A, a proposed city charter amendment that would have decriminalized abortion and small-scale marijuana possession. It also would have expanded the San Antonio Police Departments cite-and-release program. Shortly after taking a stand in favor of the highly polarizing Proposition A, SA2020 lost its $150,000 in annual funding from the city. SA2020 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Under federal tax law, such groups are prohibited from endorsing or contributing to political candidates, but they can take positions on ballot measures, such as Prop A. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a Nov. 8 Facebook post, SA2020 sharply criticized local leaders for enabling the government of Israel in its retaliatory attacks against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip after an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas against Israeli civilians. Mayor Ron Nirenberg read a letter of support for Israel, and condemnation for Hamas, at the City Council meeting Oct. 12. San Antonio also maintains a friendship city agreement with Tel Aviv. The SA2020 Facebook post accused Israel of subjecting Palestinians to genocide and apartheid and called for an immediate cease-fire in the region. In the wake of the controversy over that statement, SA2020 faced the threat that its grant funding might dry up. I knew that there would be a backlash. I was surprised that it was more than we had ever seen before, Bains said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She said SA2020 still had six months of funding secured, but that the institutional backlash it faced made it increasingly difficult for the organization to fulfill its mission. I truly would not encourage any WOC (woman of color) to lead a local nonprofit in San Antonio, Texas. The level of self sacrifice required is fully unsustainable and Im shocked Ive lasted almost 3 years as an ED, she wrote. The revolution will not be and has never been led by a 501c3. On Dec. 7, the SA2020 board approved the staffs recommendation to dissolve the nonprofit. On Tuesday, SA2020 releases its final community data report, which, for the first time, includes a policy agenda informed by the data it has gathered. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The nonprofit appeared to be on firm financial footing, at least at the end of 2022, according to its most recent 990 tax return. SA2020 reported revenue of $527,000, including $393,000 in contributions and grants, and finished the year in the black, with a surplus of $91,000. Traditional irrigation systems often water more often and for longer periods than necessary. Smart irrigation controllers adjust watering cycles based on weather. They can reduce water use by 20 percent or more. MARVIN PFEIFFER/Marvin Pfeiffer/ Express-News Traditional home irrigation systems dont think for themselves. You set them to water at certain times, and thats what they do. Smart irrigation controllers automatically adjust the dials based on weather conditions. If it just rained or rain is in the forecast, they will turn off the sprinklers or shorten the watering period. They also can make minute adjustments based on temperature, humidity, wind, the intensity of sunlight and other factors. Leak detective: SAWS will pay you to put in a sensor to monitor your plumbing for leaks Advertisement Article continues below this ad Smart controllers can reduce water usage by 20 percent or more. Thats why the San Antonio Water System will front you $100 toward the purchase of one. Here are the details. Whos eligible? Any SAWS residential customer in good standing who has an in-ground irrigation system, a smartphone and strong WiFi. Why should I do this? You can save water and money. Smart controllers also offer convenience: Its easier to track your water consumption, and you can shut off your system or adjust its settings remotely. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How do they work? Sprinklers water a lawn at a home on Howard Street in Monte Vista Terrace in 2022. Timothy Fanning Smart controllers are internet-connected devices that use hyper-local weather data to adjust your irrigation settings. For instance, your controller will skip watering cycles, or shorten them, if weve just had rain or rain is in the forecast. It also will tinker with your settings to reflect soil conditions in your yard, the slope, the amount of shade cover, the type of plantings and the kind of sprinkler heads. How does it know about my plantings, soil conditions and sprinkler heads? It will ask you to input that information. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Any asterisks? A few. Bear in mind that weather-based adjustments work both ways. Your smart controller will reduce water use during wet, cool periods, but it will call for more watering when its hot and dry. Thats why SAWS is careful to say, in the participation agreement you have to sign to get the $100 discount, that a smart controller does not guarantee water savings. Also, SAWS will not install your smart controller. Youll have to do it yourself or hire a contractor. And SAWS does not offer technical support or a warranty. Thats up to the manufacturer. Having a smart controller does not give you a pass on drought-related watering restrictions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Can I install any smart controller I want? No. To qualify for the $100 SAWS discount, you have to buy a SAWS-approved model, and right now, theres just one: the Rachio 3. How far does that $100 go to cover the cost? Pretty far. Rachio says its Rachio 3 normally sells for $174.99 plus tax. If you have a SAWS coupon, the price is $74.99 plus tax. What if I try it and dont like it? You can hang on to your old-school controller and reinstall it any time, without penalty. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ive heard enough. How do I apply? First, read this FAQ. Then give the participation agreement a once-over, and read up on the Rachio 3 here and here. Now youre ready to complete and submit your online application. Then what? Within two weeks, SAWS will email you a code for your $100 discount and a link to a site where you can order your Rachio 3. Any fine print? You have to install the smart controller within 30 days of receiving it, and you must contact SAWS if you have problems installing it. If you dont, SAWS will revoke the discount and bill the $100 to your account. What if I want to talk to a human being about this? A Georgia man was killed Tuesday morning when a tree fell on him at a construction site, according to WGXA. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The accident happened on Highway 247 in Bonaire, which is in central Georgia. The victim was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Hes been identified by the coroner as Selso Sanchez, according to WGXA. TRENDING STORIES: Its unclear why the tree fell or what the workers were doing when the accident happened. Earlier this month, three people were killed in metro Atlanta by falling trees during storms and heavy rain. Herbert Lee Williams, 78, was killed when a car fell on his car in Clayton County. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Two workers were killed when a tree fell across a road in Cobb County and their van slammed into it. They were identified as 61-year-old Nicolay Boytchev and 46-year-old Alberto Alvarado Nicacio. IN OTHER NEWS: Close-up of a vest with the inscription "ver.di strike! Airport security staff at major airports across Germany will go on strike on Thursday, according to a report from the Hessischer Rundfunk public broadcaster, citing the Verdi trade union. Hannes P Albert/dpa Airport security staff at major airports across Germany will go on strike on Thursday, according to a report from the Hessischer Rundfunk public broadcaster, citing the Verdi trade union. The one-day strike is expected to paralyse passenger air traffic in large parts of Germany, as security checkpoints cannot operate without the staff responsible for clearing passengers, baggage and crews. The strike is expected to last from early morning until about midnight on Thursday. Verdi officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment from dpa. The trade union represents about 25,000 employees who work in airport security. They are demanding higher pay in ongoing collective bargaining talks. Germany has been hit with a series of labour strikes in the transport sector in recent days amid demands for wage increases and changes in working hours. A major six-day strike against state-owned railway Deutsche Bahn by the trains drivers' union GDL ended on Monday, while workers at local public transit agencies in most of the country are due to strike on Friday. Airport security staff also briefly went on strike last March over working conditions. Close-up of a vest with the inscription "ver.di strike! Airport security staff at major airports across Germany will go on strike on Thursday, according to a report from the Hessischer Rundfunk public broadcaster, citing the Verdi trade union. Hannes P Albert/dpa Airport security staff at major airports across Germany will go on strike on Thursday, according to the trade union Verdi. Germany has been hit with a series of labour strikes in the transport sector in recent days amid demands for wage increases and changes in working hours. A major six-day strike against state-owned railway Deutsche Bahn by the trains drivers' union GDL ended on Monday, while workers at local public transit agencies in most of the country are due to strike on Friday. An air force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft takes off from Wittmundhafen airbase in front of the rising sun. A Russian reconnaissance aircraft flying without a detection signal was spotted over the Baltic Sea off Germany, prompting fighter jets to be scrambled. An emergency patrol was sent up from the Laage Air Base in north-eastern Germany, the Luftwaffe said on 30 January. Hauke-Christian Dittrich/dpa A Russian reconnaissance aircraft flying without a detection signal was spotted over the Baltic Sea off Germany, prompting fighter jets to be scrambled. An emergency patrol was sent up from the Laage Air Base in north-eastern Germany, the Luftwaffe said on Tuesday. The Russian military aircraft was "identified in international airspace off Rugen and briefly escorted before turning eastwards again," the German Air Force said in a statement on the X platform, formerly Twitter. An almost identical incident occurred in April 2023. The emergency patrol usually consists of two Eurofighters, which take off as soon as possible to check for possible threats or to avert them if necessary. Two Eurofighter Typhoon fighter planes of the German Air Force fly over the tarmac at Wittmundhafen airbase. A Russian reconnaissance aircraft flying without a detection signal was spotted over the Baltic Sea off Germany, prompting fighter jets to be scrambled. An emergency patrol was sent up from the Laage Air Base in north-eastern Germany, the Luftwaffe said on 30 January. Hauke-Christian Dittrich/dpa BERLIN The German navys priorities for 2024 will focus on increasing its presence in the Baltic Sea and Indian Ocean, top service officials said this month, while a deployment to the Red Sea to protect trade ships recently targeted by Houthi rebels in Yemen also is on the horizon. Speaking at an annual panel event hosted by the sea service to discuss security trends, the commander of the maritime arm of Germanys armed forces, Vice Adm. Jan Christian Kaack, emphasized the need to become more flexible and better able to project power to hotspots near and far. Aside from personnel and munitions, one of the three priorities for the year is the German navys Indo-Pacific visit this summer, Kaack said. An accompanying document outlining the vice admirals vision describes the mission as serving Berlins diplomatic ambitions in the region. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced during a visit to Singapore last June that two warships a frigate and a supply ship would travel to that part of the world in 2024 amid high tensions over the South China Sea, where expansive Chinese territorial claims overlap with those of more Western-friendly countries. The region is a crucial chokepoint for global trade. A similar German mission took place in 2021 with just one frigate, the Bayern, which made port calls in numerous Asian countries ranging from Japan and South Korea to Oman and India. The navy chief also touted the importance of a new naval facility on Germanys Baltic coast to strengthen the services logistics capabilities there and by extension, the ability to project forces in that region. Sending the warships to protect German trade objectives, as is currently being debated in the context of the Red Sea crisis, was a controversial position in Berlin as recently as 2010. Former German President Horst Kohler resigned that year following remarks made in an interview where he suggested the countrys military should be used to protect national economic interests. At the time, critics accused him of gunboat diplomacy. Now, Germany looks to be among the supporters of a planned European Union naval mission to protect shipping routes from Houthi attacks off the coast of Yemen. An European Union deployment to the region has been the works since at least December. Negotiations are progressing well, deputy spokesperson for the German foreign ministry, Christian Wagner, told journalists at a press conference on Jan. 19. The federal government is ready to contribute to a mission in the Red Sea, he said. On Jan. 22, the EUs foreign ministers agreed to a Red Sea mission to protect shipping routes, the blocs top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said. A start date has yet to be announced. German officials have designated a frigate, Hessen, as Berlins contribution. Annalena Baerbock German Foreign Minister, takes part in a press conference after the bilateral talks alongside Radoslaw Sikorski, Foreign Minister of Poland. Michael Kappeler/dpa Germany and Poland want to renew their cooperation in various areas following the change of government in Warsaw, but the issue of World War II reparations remains a sticking point. "A strong Europe, whose centre will continue to move eastwards in the coming years, needs more than ever a lively German-Polish friendship and deep trust between Warsaw and Berlin," Germany Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Tuesday in Berlin after a meeting with the new Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski A centre-left, pro-European government under Donald Tusk has been in office in Poland since mid-December after toppling the national conservative Law and Justice party (PiS) in elections. Several PiS decisions severely strained relations between the two countries including anti-German rhetoric and demands for 1.3 trillion ($1.4 trillion) in reparations for the damage caused by Nazi Germany during World War II. Sikorski said: "Relations based on a partnership between democratic Germany and Poland should be restored." There are though still some issues where the search for common ground requires more effort, he said. "But this should be approached constructively and, above all, without confrontational rhetoric." Poland's foreign minister also made it clear that his government had not completely dismissed the issue of war reparations even 80 years on. Sikorski said the German government should "think creatively" about how reparations could be made. Baerbock did not respond directly. The German government considers the reparations issue to be closed and refers to the Two Plus Four Treaty on the foreign policy consequences of German unification in 1990, in which Poland was not involved. SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Scranton Police say a drug investigation led to the seizure of one ounce of methamphetamine and a bag of fentanyl. On Saturday, the Scranton City Police Department said their officers set up a sting in the 300 block of Meadow Avenue. Officers say a man, later identified as 47-year-old Mahli Junious from Philadelphia, arrived at the location where police were observing. Man accused of selling fentanyl in Kingston Police say the undercover officer called Junious, and the man who was on the scene answered the phone. Once police confirmed Junious was the man attempting to sell drugs to their undercover officer, they converged on Junious. According to arrest documents, Junious saw police converging and fled the scene on foot. After a short foot chase, Junious was arrested and searched. While police were searching Junious, the release states he pushed and pulled away from officers while stating Youre going to have to kill me. Investigators say they found an ounce of methamphetamine, a packet of fentanyl, and a one-gram bag of MDMA on Juniouss person. Court documents show Junious has been charged with two drug-related offenses, resisting arrest, attempting to evade arrest, and other related charges. Junious has been taken to the Lackawanna County Prison on a $150,000 cash bail. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has talked openly about targeting states like Texas that have open primaries. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Texas Republicans are increasingly debating who should be allowed to vote in their primary as the March 5 contest nears with the presidential nominee at the top of the ticket. The debate has increased in recent days as presidential candidate Nikki Haley has talked openly about targeting states like Texas that have open primaries, or primaries that are open to voters regardless of partisan affiliation. But even before the former South Carolina governor started trumpeting her strategy, GOP activists in Texas were zeroing in on limiting the states primary to Republicans, crafting a nonbinding ballot proposition on the March 5 ballot to gauge support for the idea. Haleys strategy only added fuel to the fire. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is a very obvious call for Democrat crossover voting in the Republican Primary, which we know already happens in Texas on a large scale, Texas GOP Chair Matt Rinaldi said last week in response to a Haley campaign memo on the topic. The (Texas GOP) must prioritize closed primaries. Even U.S. Sen. John Cornyn who is often at odds with the state party under Rinaldi said he is fine with closing the primary. I dont have any problem with closing the primary, but I dont see it as a huge issue in Texas, Cornyn said in a radio interview last week. Texas is one of 16 states that have open primaries, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Texas voters do not have to declare a party affiliation when they register to vote, and they can choose to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primaries. In the event of a runoff election, they cannot switch to the other partys primary runoff to vote. Eight states have fully closed primaries, according to the NCSL. Those are states where a voter formally affiliates with a party and can only vote in that partys primary. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There are shades of gray, however. In several states, voters can identify as unaffiliated with any party before a primary and then choose which primary to vote in. That is the case in New Hampshire, where Haley recently finished second to former President Donald Trump in its primary. Trump and his allies were quick to note that Haley appeared to benefit from New Hampshires primary. Exit polls showed that independents or something else made up 44% of the electorate and they favored Haley by a comfortable margin. Democrats comprised 6% of the votes, and they almost all preferred Haley. In a memo the day after New Hampshire, Haley campaign manager Betsy Ankney said they were looking forward to competing in upcoming open primaries, including Texas, calling them significant fertile ground for Nikki. Texas voters do not have to declare a party affiliation when they register to vote, and they can choose to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primaries. Texas is one of 16 states that have open primaries, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Eric Gay/Associated Press Signs point to a Republican primary polling location in the 2018 primary. This year, the state GOP will have a nonbinding ballot proposition measuring support for closing primaries in Texas. Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle Eleven of the 16 Super Tuesday states have open or semi-open primaries, Ankney wrote. Of the 874 delegates available on Super Tuesday, roughly two-thirds are in states with open or semi-open primaries. Those include Virginia, Texas, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina and Vermont, all with favorable demographics. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ironically, on the same ballot where Haley hopes to attract non-GOP voters, the state GOP will have a nonbinding ballot proposition measuring support for closing primaries in Texas. The proposition one of 13 asks primary voters to vote yes or no on whether the Republican Party of Texas should restrict voting in the Republican primary to only registered Republicans. Closing the primary in Texas would require the state or parties to come up with a party registration system. Proponents have largely avoided that topic for now, instead focusing on raising alarm that Democrats are meddling in Texas GOP primaries. Beyond the presidential nominee, Texans will be asked to vote for their partys nominee for U.S. Senate, Congress and Texas Legislature. The state has long been dominated by one party the GOP and after redistricting the general election is less competitive than it has been in years, placing even more importance on the primary. So its not new that Democrats may feel like their vote matters more in a Republican primary than a Democratic one. But measuring the effect of crossover voting is seldom easy and accessible, requiring granular analysis of voters and their preferences. Even as he expressed openness to a closed Texas primary, Cornyn suggested it would not affect how he runs his races. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ive run in a number of primaries, and you know, typically repeat primary voters are the target for advertising and those are the ones youre talking to, Cornyn said in the radio interview with Mark Davis in Dallas. And once the primaries are over, then you broaden your appeal to the people who are not primary voters, who are general-election voters, who you need to win. On the right, there has been a more specific outcry over crossover voting in special elections in Texas, which are also open and often have such low turnout that crossover voting can make more of a difference. The dynamic was closely watched in 2021, when U.S. Rep. Jake Ellzey of Waxahachie upset a Trump-endorsed rival, Susan Wright, in a special election runoff for an open congressional seat in North Texas. One GOP analysis later found that 14% of voters in the runoff were likely Democrats. It could be a factor in a special election runoff Tuesday for a Texas House seat in North Texas, where Jill Dutton is searching for a coalition that could defeat fellow Republican Brent Money and his army of big-name GOP endorsers. I personally dont like special elections, conservative consultant Luke Macias, who supports Money, said in a recent podcast. Politically, I hate them. The reason I hate them is because Democrats vote in special elections. Its not a Republican primary, so you can actually win the Republican primary voters in a Republican district 55-45 or 60-40 and still lose if enough Democrats show up and all vote for the more liberal option. On Sept. 12, 2001, 24 hours after the 9/11 attacks, representatives of the then-19-member NATO convened to invoke Article 5 of the organization's charter, which holds that an armed attack on one member shall be considered an attack against them all. This was the first and only time Article 5 has been put into effect. For the following two decades, NATO forces fought alongside us in Afghanistan and elsewhere. On Saturday, former President Trump ranted against the North Atlantic Treaty Organization at a rally in Las Vegas. Were paying for NATO, and we dont get so much out of it, he lied. And you know, I hate to tell you this about NATO: If we ever needed their help lets say we were attacked I dont believe theyd be there. I dont believe. I know the people. I know them. I dont believe theyd be there. Trump has long talked about NATO as if its some sort of obsolete club where everyone is supposed to pay dues into a common kitty, but the U.S. has been left picking up everyones tab. Thats not how it works. NATOs standalone budget is about $3.5 billion , of which we pay 16%, roughly $560 million. A new aircraft carrier costs about 20 times that. All other NATO spending takes the form of domestic defense expenditures by individual member states. When he was president, Trump was right to pressure other countries to spend more, but now that they are spending more, he doesnt care or credit the change. Read more: Biden vows to respond after 3 U.S. troops die in drone attack by Iran-backed militia Trumps calumnies against NATO are offered to bolster his distortions about supporting Ukraine. In his telling, both are examples of how the United States gets ripped off by its alliances and foreign engagements. He claimed weve spent $200 billion-plus on Ukraine, while the Europeans are in for $20 billion. This, too, is false. According to the Ukraine Support Tracker , the European Union has contributed more to Ukraine than the United States. Weve committed not $200 billion-plus but about $75 billion , about half of that in military assistance. The EU total is roughly 77 billion euros, or $83 billion. In terms of share of gross domestic product, the U.S. ranks 30th for Ukraine support, just behind Ireland and Malta . We look better if you count only military aid, for the simple reason that we have the hardware Ukraine needs; Malta, not so much. Indeed, as my American Enterprise Institute colleague Marc Thiessen notes , the important thing about our military aid at least for domestic political purposes is that it doesnt take the form of giving Ukraine a blank check, as many Republicans claim. Nearly 90% of military aid dollars stay in America, disproportionately in Republican districts and states , because theyre used to purchase the weapons that go to Ukraine. Read more: Column: Biden is late but right to strike against Yemen's Houthis If you care about U.S. relative military superiority, supporting Ukraine has been a huge bargain degrading Russias military, helping to update ours and bolstering the security of our biggest trading partner without putting American troops at risk. While its always useful to point out Trumps thumbless grasp of the facts, none of this is exactly new information for people who actually care about the facts. The problem is how little facts seem to matter these days. Prior to Russias lawless invasion of Ukraine, the argument that NATO was obsolete had some superficial plausibility. But now that Russia has repeatedly signaled that it has aims beyond Ukraine, toward NATO members , those weak arguments have evaporated. Certainly, our allies believe the threat is very real. Read more: Opinion: The right's antisemitism problem is well known. What about the left's? And those arent the only threats on the world stage. Proxies for Iran killed three U.S. servicemen over the weekend in a drone attack in Jordan. Russia, China and Iran have grown quite chummy. Our ally Israel is in a bloody war with Hamas, an Iranian proxy that ignited the conflict on Oct. 7. In short, this is the dumbest possible time to be talking about how America shouldnt honor its alliances and commitments. President Bidens critics love to argue that when it comes to Iran and China, weakness is provocative. Theyre right. But its also true with Russia. And tough talk can signal weakness, too. Trumps denigration of NATO might sound like political toughness to his fans. But what Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping hear is evidence of NATOs weakness. NATO, and our alliances generally, make America stronger. They allow us to project power globally at a fraction of the cost of doing so in other ways. For those who disagree, its worth considering why the case against NATO made by the former president has to rest on so many lies. If the facts were on Trumps side, hed offer some. @JonahDispatch If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) A woman who, according to prosecutors, was savagely beaten to death by her husband inside their Santa Clara home was identified in court documents. The murder victim was identified as 27-year-old Xuanyi Yu, according to court documents filed by prosecutors in Santa Clara County. Yu and her husband, Liren Chen, both worked for Google as software engineers at the time of the killing. A Google spokesperson, Bailey Tomson, told KRON4 Monday, We are shocked and deeply saddened by what has happened to Xuanyi. Our thoughts are with her family at this time, and we are working to provide support to them and to co-workers who are processing this tragic news. Chen, 27, made a chilling confession after police officers found his wifes lifeless body on the floor of the couples blood-splattered bedroom on January 16. Paramedics asked Chen how he hurt his right hand, which was extremely swollen and purple, Santa Clara Police Department Detective Frank Hagg wrote in court documents. Chen replied, I punched my wife, according to Hagg. Paramedics asked him when, and he allegedly answered, Yesterday. An Android character is displayed at Google headquarters on December 19, 2023 in Mountain View. (Photo by Justin Sullivan /Getty Images) The detective wrote, Based on my training and experience I believe suspect Chen murdered his wife, victim Yu, by striking her in the head repeatedly. Chen has no prior criminal record within the county, court records show. The Google engineers friends told police that they first became worried about the couple during a dinner party. The night before Yu was found dead, she and her husband hosted a dinner party inside their house, located at 713 Valley Way in Santa Clara. One friend told police that he was concerned about a noticeable change in Chens demeanor. Chen was quiet and staring blankly for much of the evening, Hagg wrote. Xuanyi Yus LinkedIn page (Screenshot) The friend was so unnerved by Chens sudden behavior change that he went back to the house the following morning. After no one answered the front door, he looked through a window and saw Chen motionless on his knees, had his hands in the air, and was staring blankly, the detective wrote. When police arrived at the house, officers found the husband covered in blood and standing near Yus body. She had severe blunt force injuries to her head and there was significant blood spatter on the floor, wall, and the back of the bedroom door where she was found, Hagg wrote. The District Attorneys Office charged Chen with first-degree murder. Scott Peterson writes I am innocent in new court documents In addition to the murder charge, prosecutors filed special allegations that Chen targeted a vulnerable victim, took advantage of a position of trust, and used violence with a high degree of cruelty, viciousness, or callousness, a felony criminal complaint states. Ever since his arrest, Chen has been a no-show in court. He failed to show up in court multiple times for arraignment, and inmate records show he remained in a hospital Monday with no bail. His next court date is scheduled for February 5, at 1:30 p.m. in the Hall of Justice. He has not entered a plea. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. File - Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai leaves the federal courthouse in Washington, Oct. 30, 2023. Alphabet will publish results after the close of the market on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Googles corporate parent returned to double-digit revenue growth during last years final quarter, signaling the internet powerhouse has regained its footing even as it grapples with regulatory and competitive threats to its digital empire. The results announced Tuesday by Alphabet Inc. marked the third consecutive quarter of escalating revenue growth for the Mountain View, California, company, with most of the sales coming through Googles dominance of search and online advertising. The rebound followed an unprecedented drop in Googles ad revenue coming out of the pandemic following nearly 20 years of uninterrupted growth. Even so, Google's ad sales growth lagged the increases in other areas, such as cloud computing and subscriptions to YouTube. That raised concerns that advertisers still are worried about the direction of the economy amid still high interest rates, a U.S. presidential election and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, causing Alphabet's shares to fall nearly 7% in extended trading, despite fourth-quarter results that exceeded analysts' projections. Alphabets disappointing ad revenue numbers suggest that corporations worldwide are still uncertain about the pace of interest rate cuts from global central banks, thus keeping some powder dry while waiting for more clues before opening up their wallets," said Investing.com analyst Thomas Monteiro. What's more, Googles search engine and ad network are under attack in the courts, where regulators have been leveling allegations of abusive tactics that they contend are stifling innovation and competition. One case, brought by the U.S. Justice Department, went to trial last autumn and will move to closing arguments in May. Google also recently lost in an antitrust trial that may undercut the commissions that it brings in from its Play Store for apps running on its Android software for smartphones. Meanwhile, long-time rival Microsoft has been making inroads in artificial intelligence that have helped re-establish the nearly 50-year-old software maker as the worlds most valuable company, while Google has been scrambling to roll out its own versions of a technology that is expected to transform the world. Google reaffirmed its plans to soon unleash even more advanced AI-powered services through its Gemini project. For now, though, Google is thriving. Alphabets revenue for the October-December period climbed 13% from the previous year to $86.31 billion. It marked Alphabets first quarter of double-digit revenue growth since the April-June 2022 period, at the tail end of the pandemic. Google posted a year-over-year 11% increase in fourth-quarter ad sales, with the marketing network that operates outside its search engine showing weakness. Alphabet earned $20.69 billion, or $1.64 per share, in its most recent quarter, a 52% increase from the same time in the previous year. The robust gain came despite a $1.2 billion charge taken to account for more than 1,000 layoffs that the company has made since the start of this year, and its plans to pare its office space as more employees spend part or all of their time working remotely. We remain committed to our work to durably re-engineer our cost base as we invest to support our growth opportunities, said Ruth Porat, Alphabet's chief investment officer. During a conference call, Porat said Alphabet anticipates doling out $700 million to cover the severance payments to all the employees who lose their jobs from January through March. Alphabet ended December with about 182,500 employees, only slightly more than at the end of September. The workforce is down substantially from the end of 2022 when Alphabet employed more than 190,000 people. With investors apparently still unsatisfied with the fourth-quarter performance, Monteiro predicted Alphabet will have to keep improving margins, even by stepping on the gas for further layoffs. The Senate is poised for a border showdown with the House as it gets ready to move ahead with legislation, despite Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) warning that it is likely dead on arrival in the lower chamber. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and his allies arent ignoring Johnson, but theyre betting if the legislation passes the Senate with strong Republican support, Johnson will come under heavy pressure to put it up for a vote in the lower chamber. Senior aides say they expect the legislation to reach the Senate floor before the end of next week, though leaders havent yet formally announced a decision on timing. If Johnson doesnt act on the bill, House Republicans would risk getting blamed for abandoning Ukraine on the battlefield and undermining American credibility with its allies. They would allow Democrats to hammer them for blocking reforms to significantly reduce the flow of migrants across the southern border. I think it can pass the Senate because there are enough Senate Republicans who have been working on this bill for four or five months. There were also a lot of Senate Republicans who were there in 2013 when we got 68 votes for bipartisan immigration reform only to see it die in the House. Those people still know that we need to solve the problem and theyre willing to work on it despite what Donald Trump is trying to do, said Jonathan Kott, a Democratic strategist and former Senate aide. Fourteen Republican senators voted for a sweeping immigration reform bill 10 years ago that would have hired 20,000 border patrol agents and required the government to construct 700 miles of fencing, but it never reached the floor of the GOP-controlled House. Former President Obama was in office at the time. Former President Trump has made an already difficult situation for Johnson even tougher by declaring Republicans should oppose the bill to deny President Biden a legislative victory, calling it a gift to the Radical Left Democrats who need it politically. Theres a danger. If Republicans say the stated reason why we are turning our back on this deal is expressly political, theres obvious political danger in that, said Scott Jennings, a Republican strategist who has advised McConnells past campaigns. Jennings said its tough for Republicans who support the border security deal to defend it to fellow GOP critics because the entire text of it has yet to be made public. But McConnell and his top deputy, Senate GOP Whip John Thune (S.D.), argue that Democrats have made major concessions on reforming asylum law, and this is a unique opportunity to toughen the nations immigration laws that might not be available if Republicans win back control of the White House and Senate. They reason that under unified GOP control of Washington, Democrats would block any reforms from moving through the Senate, where most bills need 60 votes to move. McConnell and his allies are ramping up their argument that the GOP needs to show voters it knows how to govern, and funding the war in Ukraine and making substantial progress to tightening border security would do just that. If we dont get this done, it will not get done in a Trump administration. We will not have the votes, warned Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who has been involved in the talks. If we do our work and we get the endorsement of key organizations, like the Border Patrol Council, go out law enforcement, go down and talk to Texas officials, do the work, then I do believe that we will give Speaker Johnson a lot of things to consider to try to move it forward, he said. Jennings, the GOP strategist, said Trump could take some political credit if the bill passes by claiming he put the issue of border security in the spotlight during his presidency. More critically, he said House Republicans could show they can govern after months of turmoil and chaos when Congress flirted with a national default in June, then a government shutdown at the end of September, and three weeks of infighting after booting former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from his job. The biggest victory may be showing governing responsibility. We control one of two chambers and thats it. To get policy movement when you dont control but one part of it, that would be a victory for the Republican Party, he said. McConnell, however, is getting strong pushback from Senate conservatives, who are accusing him of putting Johnson in a bind by moving ahead with a Ukraine funding bill that includes the border security reforms negotiated by Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and White House officials. Why on earth would you be teeing up a vote with every Democrat and 10 or 12 Republicans that has no chance of passing the House? Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) demanded of his leadership last week. The only purpose of taking this up is giving Democrats political cover to say, Gosh, we would have secured the border, but those pesky House Republicans wouldnt let us, he declared. This bill represents Senate Republican leadership waging war on House Republican leadership. McConnell and his allies have had a hard time parrying conservatives attacks on the border deal because many details of the bill remain secret. Murphy, the lead Democratic negotiator, announced over the weekend that senators have a deal on the border security provisions and are now finishing up the text of the complicated legislation. McConnell at a Senate GOP conference meeting last week floated the idea of dropping the border security provisions from Ukraine funding, but he didnt recommend that option and later backed away from it at a Thursday lunch after some GOP colleagues who favor a border deal expressed their displeasure at the idea of splitting the issues. One Republican senator who requested anonymity to discuss the tensions between Senate and House GOP leaders said passing a border security deal through the Senate would put Johnson in a tough position because he could lose his job if he puts it on the House floor. I think has a lot of influence in the House and particularly with Johnson. I think [Trump] coming out strong against this really puts Johnson in a bind. I dont think Johnson can pass this, the senator said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. El Paso, Texas (KTSM) Lawmakers in the U.S. Senate have been working on bipartisan border legislation, but not everyone is behind the effort. Under the proposed deal, the Department of Homeland Security would be granted emergency authority to shut down the border if migrant crossings increase above 5,000 per day in any given week or if average daily encounters reach 4,000 in a one-week span, In December, Customs and Border Protection agents recorded 249,787 illegal crossings along the U.S-Mexico border, making it the highest monthly total ever. While lawmakers in Washington try to reach a deal, KTSM talked to El Paso native Irene Armendariz-Jackson, who is running for U.S. Congress in District 16 as a Republican. Armendariz-Jackson, who has run twice before for the same congressional seat, said the immigration bill would not bring any real solutions. The cost of it is unsustainable, not only because its costing us millions of dollars but it is putting a lot of stress into our institutions, including our public schools, Armendariz-Jackson said. Immigration advocates like Marisa Limon Garza, the director of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, says the countrys current immigration system is broken. However, she added the government could take a different approach such as adding more space to the ports of entry for processing people. As the wealthiest country in the planet we have the capacity to be able to find pathways to figure out ways to support asylum seekers just like we did for refugees, Limon Garza said. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut, who is one of the senators brokering the deal, told CNN that a deal could be reached in the next few days. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. House Republicans novel approach for impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is earning criticism from the left and even the right, who argue the GOP is falling short of the constitutional standards to remove a Cabinet official from their post. Articles set to be marked up by the House Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday accuse Mayorkas of failing to follow immigration laws pointing to detention standards that have never been met under any administration, including during the Trump era. They also accuse him of breach of public trust something they say amounts to a violation of his oath to well and faithfully discharge the duties of his office. While Republicans say their case rises to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors, Democrats are blistering in their criticism. Others see small and large issues with the case, from its failure to identify a crime to in some cases including incorrect information, such as accusing Mayorkas of terminating agreements with Latin Americans governments that were actually suspended by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. There is no treason. There is no bribery. There is no high crime and misdemeanor. You have two completely made-up accusations in a litany of articles of impeachment that simply recite policy disputes because the Republicans do not like how President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas have tried to address the issues at the border, Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), a member of the committee, said at a Monday press conference. Some Republicans also have been pointed in criticizing the House GOPs approach to the second-ever impeachment of a Cabinet secretary. In a Sunday op-ed, former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, who served under former President George W. Bush, cautioned: Dont Impeach Alejandro Mayorkas. They have failed to put forth evidence that meets the bar, Chertoff wrote. This is why Republicans arent seeking to hold Mr. Mayorkas to the Constitutions high crimes and misdemeanors standard for impeachment. They make the unsupported argument that he is derelict in his duty. Conservative commentator and legal expert Jonathan Turley said Monday: I just dont believe that they have a cognizable basis here for impeachment. Republicans on the Homeland Security panel in response have sent out a compilation of statements from Democrats expressing concern over the border. The bulk of the articles are dedicated to breaking down the immigration laws the GOP says Mayorkas has defied. That includes a focus on language in the Immigration and Nationality Act that says migrants shall be detained. Top Stories from The Hill But the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has never met that standard since the law was first passed in 1996. Its also an impossible standard to make, since the DHS has neither the bed space nor funding to do so. It is Congress not the executive branch that determines how many detention beds to fund. It settled on 34,000 last year, and this years appropriations bill bumps the figure to 41,000. This Administration has removed, returned, or expelled more migrants in three years than the prior Administration did in four years, the DHS wrote in a memo responding to the articles, a figure that includes a dip in immigration over the course of the pandemic. A standard requiring 100 percent detention would mean that Congress should have impeached every DHS Secretary since the Department was founded. Republicans have argued that allowing this type of flouting of the law could create a dangerous precedent. Congress can enact whatever words it wants. The point is that those words if theyre going to be rendered meaningless by any executive official, then theres no point in producing legislation, said a GOP source close to the impeachment proceedings. It doesnt matter if theres a Republican or a Democrat president. If we allow the precedent to stand that a secretary can unilaterally pick and choose what laws hes enforcing, then its just going to be chaos. Both sides could take advantage of this terrible precedent of this secretary if its allowed to stand. Goldman said such logic creates its own dangerous precedent. If the Republicans are going to open the door to impeach a secretary because they dont like how that secretary is doing his job, well, what happens if theres another child separation policy? What happens if another president pulls out of the Paris climate agreement over the will of Congress? There are a slippery slope of any number of different disagreements that would then rise to the level of impeachment, he said. Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.) Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.) speaks at a House Homeland Security Committee markup of Articles of Impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas at the Capitol on January 30, 2024. (Allison Robbert) Republicans have also faulted Mayorkas for creating programs that allow migrants to be paroled into the country even if they might not otherwise meet immigration criteria. The DHS has used the power for Afghans, Ukrainians and migrants from certain Latin American countries. But a report by Democrats attacking the impeachment efforts said Mayorkas was acting well within his authorities to use the power for large groups of people, as had previously been done in response to wars and global instability. Secretary Mayorkas has complied with the case-by-case adjudication requirement for parole applications. DHSs parole programs allow designated populations to apply for parole, with each persons application adjudicated on a case-by-case basis, Democrats wrote in their report. The articles also misstate some other details. The resolution faults Mayorkas for leaving an agreement made under the Trump administration that would have limited U.S. asylum rights for Guatemalan asylum-seekers, though it was Blinken who terminated the agreement. When you look at things like an article of impeachment that references an action taken by a completely different Cabinet secretary, or things like satisfying a detention mandate that everyone knows is impossible to meet, I think this indicates some of the factual issues that will come up if theres ever a trial in the Senate, said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council. It really emphasizes the flaws with a lot of the factual assertions in here. This has always been a rushed process. Republicans also argue Mayorkas breached the public trust by rescinding Trump administration immigration policies, including his effort to build a border wall. But while the articles accuse Mayorkas of terminating contracts for the wall, it does not mention that the secretary resumed construction of the wall in Texas where the Biden administration determined it was required by appropriations law. Sundays articles similarly claim Mayorkas has misled Congress an argument that primarily rests on his response to questions about whether the border is operationally secure. During appearances before Congress, Republicans repeatedly grilled Mayorkas about whether the border was operationally secure under the definition set by the Secure Fence Act. That law creates a standard of perfection that has never been met, defining the status as one in which not a single person or piece of contraband improperly crosses the border. Mayorkas has said one must view the law with a layer of reasonableness, saying he sees the law as requiring the secretary to maximize the resources they have to make the border as secure as possible, asserting to lawmakers he believes he is complying with the law. I do. And congressman, I think the secretary of Homeland Security would have said the same thing in 2020 and 2019, Mayorkas said in a 2022 exchange. The articles also accuse Mayorkas of giving misleading comments about the vetting of Afghanistan evacuees and migrants apprehensions, without identifying the comments directly. They have failed to put forth evidence that meets the bar necessary for impeachment, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), another member of the committee, said Monday. They know that thats the truth. We know its the truth. Tomorrow, were going to make sure that the American people know its the truth. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, a major backer of Republican campaigns, called former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley (R) a tremendous candidate for president but expressed doubt about her road forward Tuesday. In an interview with CNBC at the MFA Network Miami conference, the billionaire hedge fund executive said he was still unsure whom he would support in the 2024 presidential election. So heres the big picture. Were down to two people on the Republican side running for president. I have supported Nikki Haley; I think she is a tremendous candidate, he said when asked about reports from a few months ago that he supported Haleys bid for president. And then, you know, frankly, I think Nikki Haley would run away with the general election, he added. Asked whether he thinks Haley has a path to victory, Griffin said, Its a narrower road than it was eight weeks ago. Its just narrower. Griffin, whos been a critic of former President Trump in the past, reiterated sentiments he has previously expressed toward the Republican front-runner, praising Trumps economic policies while criticizing some of his behavior. Griffin said, however, that despite Haleys strong foreign policy background, he thinks the geopolitical climate still favors Trump. So I know many of us, me included, you know, struggle with some of Trumps behaviors, Griffin said. But there was a dimension of greater global security with him as president, particularly from U.S. interests. I think theres a sense of: Do we want to return to a president who was just viewed as more powerful, more in charge? And thats going to be difficult for Nikki to overcome right now, Griffin said. Her poise? Admirable. Her foreign policy experience? Tremendous. Her ability to unite this country? Phenomenal. I just dont know, though, that at this moment thats going to get her where she needs to get to in South Carolina and thereafter, he continued. Griffin did not answer directly about which candidate he would support in a hypothetical match-up between President Biden and Trump. Instead, the executive referenced polls about the number of Americans who dont want a Biden-Trump rematch and said he counts himself among that majority. He also said he would still be involved in some down-ballot races. And Ive said this to my friends who are involved in politics: You can be frustrated, you can be angry, you can be disappointed, but you cant be uninvolved, Griffin said. So Ive been involved in a number of the Senate races, a number of the House races. Ill be very deeply involved here in Florida and Florida races locally. Just because we can struggle with who our choice of president is, doesnt mean that we have to walk away from the field. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Moderate House Republicans sent a warning shot to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Tuesday, coming close to blocking legislative action on the House floor in protest of the bipartisan, bicameral tax deal not including an increase in the state and local tax deduction (SALT). Taking a page out of the playbook normally used by hard-line conservatives, four moderate New York Republicans Reps. Anthony DEsposito, Andrew Garbarino, Nick LaLota and Mike Lawler initially joined Democrats in voting against a procedural rule for four unrelated pieces of legislation, enough opposition to sink the effort and shut down business on the floor. The vote sent leadership into a scramble, prompting Johnson and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) to huddle with the four rabble-rousers and their allies. After nearly 40 minutes, the four moderate New Yorkers switched their vote in support of the rule, allowing the procedural vote to squeak through, 216-210. The lawmakers left the House floor saying that while there was not a commitment to adjust the tax legislation, there was an agreement to keep talking about possible paths forward to discuss their concerns. Weve agreed only to talk, to either explore one of two mechanisms either to put it in the overall big tax bill, or to have a stand-alone thing that goes in parallel to that big tax bill, LaLota said, referring to increasing the SALT deduction. Lawler told The Hill after the vote that the New York Republicans are gonna continue the discussions today and onward. For all of us in these districts, you know, that delivered the majority, this is the issue that matters, and were gonna keep fighting to get it done, he added. Votes on rules which govern debate on legislation are typically partisan and predictable, with the majority party voting in support and the minority party voting in opposition. Members of the House Freedom Caucus and their allies, however, have voted against rules several times this Congress to express their frustration with leadership. On Tuesday, the moderates utilized one of the hard-line tactics. It was an escalation of the pushback that many of those members expressed on a call last week with a half-dozen members of the SALT Caucus and GOP leaders, which sources said included some yelling from LaLota, The Hill first reported last week. The rule that the New Yorkers threatened to tank was unrelated to the tax bill but served as a means of protesting the legislation that House GOP leaders said might come up this week under a fast-track process that does not allow for additional amendments. That fast-track process, a suspension of the rules, demands a two-thirds majority for passage, requiring support from Democrats but bypassing the need for a procedural rule and the threat of a small group of Republicans blocking the underlying legislation. The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, a bipartisan compromise struck between House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), would expand the child tax credit by increasing the maximum credit per child from $1,600 to $2,000 until the end of 2025, while also restoring business deductions for research development costs, interest payments and capital investments, among other provisions. It advanced out of the Ways and Means Committee earlier this month in a resounding 40-3 vote, with all Republicans on the panel voting in favor. Moderate Republicans particularly those from wealthier states in the Northeast are angry the bill does not increase the SALT credit. Moderates, especially ones from New York who helped Republicans clinch the majority in 2022, have long made SALT their main priority on Capitol Hill. Some moderates are now aiming their fire at Smith for the lack of SALT provisions in the legislation. Ive talked a lot about folks negotiating in good faith, LaLota said Tuesday morning. I dont consider him one of them. GOP leaders have also gotten pushback from Republicans in the conservative wing over the expansion of the child tax credit. Smith presented the tax bill to Republicans in a GOP conference meeting Tuesday. And in an interview on CNBC earlier in the day, he said the bill has pro-growth, pro-worker, pro-American tax policies that support families and small businesses and it sharpens our competitive edge with China, and it boosts innovation right here in the United States. Critics of the bill and the process of its creation, Smith said, are just distractors. Johnson said in a press conference earlier Tuesday that the bill has some great benefits and praised Smith for his work putting it together. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek released recommendations from her Early Literacy Educator Preparation Council on Monday that aim to help educators and administrators teach reading and writing to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The recommendations align with Oregons Literacy Framework from the Oregon Department of Education and are open for public feedback until Feb. 20. Early literacy is among the issues Gov. Kotek campaigned on and comes as 46.5% of Oregon third graders were reading at grade level in 2018-2019, according to data from the Oregon Department of Education. Thats compared to 82.8% a decade earlier. Astoria residents forced to leave their homes as landslide grows nearby A report from the council includes six recommendations for educators and school administrators to improve their preparation for early literacy education. Among their recommendations, the council suggests standards for demonstrating knowledge of reading development, and writing skills, support for multi-language speakers, and support for students with difficulty reading, students with disabilities, and students with dyslexia. The final recommendations from the council are due in June 2024. Authorities find 42 guns, dozens of types of drugs at Gresham mans residence: Officials Im grateful for the fantastic work members of this council have done over the last few months to start the process of revising these program standards, Gov. Kotek said in a press release. As part of my Early Literacy Success Initiative, this council is part of a comprehensive effort to improve student literacy rates. Before these recommendations are a final product of the Council, we welcome further feedback from educator preparation programs across the state whose voices are critical to implement these recommendations and all Oregonians who want their voices heard during this process. Kotek established the early literacy council under an executive order in May to develop recommendations that strengthen prep for teaching elementary students reading and writing. The council is made up of 20 members, including teachers, principals, representatives from educator prep programs, early literacy experts, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers. ODOT: Highway 30 impacted by lengthy closure due to massive rock fall The executive order is among the governors efforts to improve early literacy education. Kotek also worked with the state legislature to pass House Bill 3198 in 2023, which gave $90 million in resources to school districts across the state to strengthen teacher and administrator prep for early literacy education. The initiative also allocated $20 million for resources to support parents and families with literacy development before their kids are in preschool or kindergarten, which are the more formative years for childrens brain development, the governors office explains. Hendon house for sale after years of criminal activity I feel honored to work with the various stakeholders who are passionate about children and literacy in Oregon, said Susan Gardner, co-chair of the council and Dean of the College of Education at Oregon State University. The collaborative spirit evidenced in these initial recommendations is a testament to this dedication. Working and collaborating with practitioners, experts in the field of early literacy, and legislators, has been invigorating, added Ronda Fritz, co-chair of the council and Associate Professor at Eastern Oregon University. I am hopeful that we are moving Oregon teacher preparation programs toward the goal of preparing our future educators with the skills and knowledge to improve reading outcomes for all children in the state. Later in 2024, the council says they will release recommendations to revise educator and administrator licensing standards. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. MADISON Democratic Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday vetoed a set of new legislative maps passed by Republicans last week amid an order by the liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court to redraw the state's electoral boundaries. The legislative action and subsequent veto comes days before two consultants are set to submit a report analyzing several map proposals submitted as part of the redistricting case before the state Supreme Court, which declared the current legislative maps unconstitutional. The court said it is prepared to draw maps if Evers and the Republican-led Legislature cannot reach an agreement. "My promise to the people of Wisconsin is that I will always fight for fair maps I won't accept anything less. Its about doing the right thing. Simple as that," Evers said in a post Tuesday on the social media platform X. "Republicans passed maps to help make sure GOP-gerrymandered incumbents can keep their seats. Folks, thats just more gerrymandering. Wisconsinites dont want Republican or Democrat maps because we're not a red or blue state were a purple state, and our maps should reflect that." Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said last week that the plans made "minuscule changes" to a maps previously submitted by Evers. Vos said Tuesday he was "disappointed but not surprised" by the veto. His action today only solidifies his trust in the Wisconsin Supreme Court to give him even more partisan, gerrymandered maps for Democrats the very thing the courts newest justice promised on the campaign trail while receiving record-level Democratic Party campaign donations," Vos said, referring to Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz, whom the speaker has threatened to impeach over her participation in redistricting cases given her criticism of the current maps. More: Republicans press Janet Protasiewicz to recuse from challenge to congressional maps Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said Evers "speaks of compromise but governs as an extreme partisan." In his veto message, Evers said the vetoed maps prioritize "protecting incumbent, gerrymandered legislators by making their future campaigns more convenient for them, not better the constituents they serve." Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Evers vetoes redrawn legislative maps Republicans passed last week Students at Veterans Memorial High School in 2020 pledge participation in Alamo Promise, a program by the Alamo Colleges District that covers tuition and fees for graduates of participating high schools. Courtesy Photo / Alamo Colleges Putting the slowdown of the pandemic years in its rearview mirror, the Alamo Colleges District has set another enrollment record with 66,703 students at its five campuses and high school dual-credit programs. The 9.7% increase from last years spring semester, based on preliminary data, makes it one of the few community college institutions in the nation that has staved off enrollment declines by sharpening its focus on student success, the district said Monday. The spring enrollment generally lags behind the fall numbers. Last year, the district reported a record fall enrollment of more than 70,000 students, including an unprecedented number of 14,000 freshmen and more than 6,000 first-year scholars of Alamo Promise, a program that covers tuition and fees for local high school graduates. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Today, high school enrollment is close to 15,000 students, including dual-enrollment students attending high school and one of the districts five colleges or attending an early college high school. On average, they are saving $8,000 in tuition as well as time. The total number of Alamo Promise participants reached 8,047, a 23.6% rise since a year ago. The 2,502 first-year students in the program is a 4.2% jump from last spring. Total enrollment has grown by 24% in the past decade, thanks to AlamoPROMISE, dual credit partnerships and expanded workforce education and development offerings, the district said. It released a statement from Chancellor Mike Flores that also credited our continued work to straighten the pipeline to build strong dual enrollment and early college partnerships, and the expansion of several high-wage, high-demand (training programs) across all five of our colleges, like dental hygiene at Palo Alto College and welding at St. Philips College. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Alamo Colleges Districts new two-story Southside Education and Training Center houses two 11-bed skills labs with hospital beds, wheelchairs and medical mannequins. The labs will be used to train nursing students once the five-semester program is approved. The district hopes to soon open enrollment for classes to start in fall 2024. Sam Owens/Staff photographer These positive numbers are a testament to how the Alamo Colleges are empowering our diverse communities for success, Flores said. We are closer to our moonshot of partnering to end poverty through education and training by providing our community the ability to gain a high-quality education. Mayor Ron Nirenberg addresses the official launch in 2019 of the Alamo Promise program at a rally at Thomas Jefferson High School. Alamo Colleges District credits the program with a steady rise in enrollment that has broken records after the pandemic. Ronald Cortes/Contributor MONEY TALKS: New state formula to aid Alamo Colleges Through local partnerships, the college district seeks to provide wraparound services and low-cost pathways to credentials in high-wage, high-demand fields and transfers to four-year universities that offer bachelors or higher degrees. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Octavia Johnson is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at octavia.johnson@houstonchronicle.com. Before joining the Chronicle, Octavia worked as a digital content producer at WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tenn., where she became a leader in producing fast paced, audience-focused content. Octavia graduated from UNC Pembroke with a bachelor's degree in journalism before earning her master's degree in media and communications at Norfolk State University. A hair trapped in a murder victims ring led police to her killer nearly 30 years later, a court has heard. Marina Koppel, 39, was found dead by her husband in her flat in the west end of London, on Aug 8, 1994. The mother-of-two, who worked as a masseuse and prostitute, had suffered 140 stab wounds. A cold case review was launched in 2022, during which the hair was matched to Sandip Patel, who was 21 years old at the time of the murder. Patel, now 51, was then matched to a bloody, bare footprint on the skirting board in the room where Ms Koppel was found. He had worked at his fathers convenience store near to Mrs Koppels flat in York Mansions, in Marylebone. During the opening of Patels trial at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones said Mrs Koppel had rented the flat to host clients on weekdays, and spent the weekends with her husband David, in the Midlands. He said theirs had been a happy relationship, and Mr Koppel had accepted his wifes line of work. York Mansions, in Marylebone, where Mrs Koppel was killed - Google Maps Mr Emlyn Jones added: On Monday, Aug, 8, 1994, Mr Koppel couldnt get hold of his wife and at about 9 that night he set off from Northampton to drive down to London. He was anxious, because she wasnt answering her telephone. But what he found when he got to London was surely far beyond his worst nightmares. He got to the flat, in York Mansions near Baker Street Tube station, shortly before 11.30 that night. He found a horrific scene. In the second bedroom, the one to which Marina would take her clients, David Koppel found his wife on the floor, dead. There was blood everywhere, on the floor, on the bedclothes, on the furniture, on the walls because she had been stabbed to death she had been stabbed no less than 140 times. He said Mrs Koppel suffered fatal injuries to the front of her neck, with her jugular vein almost completely severed. There were also defensive injuries on her arms and hands, consistent with her making a determined attempt to defend herself against an attack with a knife. Mr Koppel died in 2005 and will never see his wifes murderer brought to justice, the court heard. Tested for DNA Police had previously matched the fingerprint on a carrier bag inside the flat to Patel, but it could have simply been handled by him in a shop previously and was insufficient evidence to charge him. However, in 2008, the strand of hair was found stuck to Ms Koppels ring. It was tested for DNA when the case was reviewed in 2022. Mr Jones said: It turned out that there was a root on a piece of hair from that ring and DNA was obtained from it. The DNA recovered from that piece of hair turns out to be Sandip Patels. Police were also able to use photographs of the crime scene to match the bloody footprint found in the flat to Patel. Mr Emlyn Jones explained that at the time of the original investigation Patel had not been a suspect, so his footprints were not taken. He said: Marina Koppel was brutally murdered. It has taken a terribly long time to solve it, but we now have evidence that she had this defendants hair stuck to the ring she was wearing when she was attacked and killed, and his bare foot was pressed against the skirting board next to her. And that, the prosecution say, can only be because it was him who killed her all those years ago. Patel of St Johns Wood, north-west London, denies murder. The trial continues. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. A Haiti investigative judge has issued an arrest warrant for the widow of former President Jovenel Moise, who was assassinated in his bedroom in the middle of the night nearly three years ago. Judge Walther Wesser Voltaire, the Haitian magistrate charged with overseeing the investigation into Moises July 7, 2021 slaying, ordered the arrest of Martine Moise, who was with her husband inside their private residence with their two children when the assassins broke in and shot him to death. Martine Moise, who survived the attack, was flown by air ambulance to South Florida and treated at Jackson Memorial Hospital before returning to Port-au-Prince with her arm in a sling. Although she initially answered questions from Haitian authorities, Moise has since refused to cooperate with the investigation. The former first lady declined a request to appear before Voltaire, who wants to question her about the attack, and instead demanded his dismissal. The arrest warrant is for failing to appear before the investigative judge. The warrant makes no mention of any potential involvement by Moise in her husbands death. READ MORE: Who was involved in killing of Haiti president Jovenel Moise? The warrant was actually issued months ago and sent to Haitian police, but they have unable to make an arrest because Moise has not been in in Haiti. Its existence, however, was finally made public on Monday when a copy was leaked on Haitian social media. The timing of the leak coincides with the expiration of Voltaires three-year mandate as an investigative judge and amid ongoing questions about who is likely to be charged in the slaying of the Haitian president. Several sources told the Miami Herald that Voltaire has informed justice officials that hes ready to issue formal charges in the long-running investigation, but will need more time. However, hes run into obstructions, one knowledgeable source said, and with his mandate expiring on Friday, it is unclear if or when his term will be renewed. Until then, he cannot work on the case and the investigation remains stalled. Jovenel Moise was shot a dozen times in his bedroom after a group of former Colombian soldiers, joined by Haitian police and two Haitian Americans, stormed his residence in the hills above Port-au-Prince. The attack was made to seem as if it were a raid by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which denied any involvement in the presidential slaying. Despite dozens of arrests and an ongoing U.S. investigation, the motive for the killing and who ordered it remain mysteries. READ MORE: How a Miami plot to oust a president led to a murder in Haiti In June, his widow filed a lawsuit in Florida against 11 suspects currently charged in the U.S. criminal case, seeking unspecified damages for the family. The Herald reached out to Moises attorney in the civil lawsuit, but did not hear back by publication time. The suit, filed in Miami Dade Circuit Court, has not yet been heard. In a separate proceeding, federal prosecutors are trying to get suspects jailed in Miami to pay for the former first ladys medical expenses even though documents obtained by the Herald show the Haitian government took care of the bill. For months, U.S. authorities have delayed a hearing over any restitution payments to Moise by Rodolphe Jaar, a Haitian-Chilean businessman who admitted to providing weapons, lodging and money in the conspiracy to assassinate Haitis president. A restitution hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 16. Jaar has been sentenced to life in prison but is hoping to get his prison term reduced by cooperating with prosecutors. He had previously been convicted of drug trafficking in the United States. There are two ongoing parallel investigations into Moises killing, which have resulted in four suspects already pleading guilty in the United States. After months of slow progress, the Haiti investigation began picking up steam late last year as Voltaire, the fifth investigative judge assigned to the case, began looking more closely at people in the former presidents inner circle, and ordering a new crop of suspects to appear before him. A breakthrough in the case came with the surprise arrest in October of a former government official, Joseph Felix Badio, who had been on the lam since the killing. The following month, Voltaire ordered the arrest of the mayor of a seaside Haitian beach town after questioning him in his chambers. The mayor, Marky Kessa, had met with several of the suspects in South Florida. Kessa, mayor of the city of Jacmel, allegedly admitted to knowing that a plot against the president was brewing but he did not inform authorities. Kessa is the one who introduced Haitian-American suspects James Solages and Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a South Florida pastor. U.S. authorities believe Sanons political ambitions and desire to replace Moise as president led to the Haitian leaders death. Among those who have testified in the investigation are 17 Colombians implicated in the killing and jailed in Port-au-Prince. After refusing to appear before a judge, they finally agreed to speak to Voltaire. A source familiar with the Colombians testimonies told the Herald they continued to maintain their innocence and demanded a face-to-face confrontation with Martine Moise to ask her who shot her, and where exactly she was shot. The former first lady has given only a few interviews since her husbands killing. But in one with France 24, she accused the present government of being involved and insisted that the truth will come out. There have been ongoing questions, however, about some of the statements she has made about the night the president was killed. One point of contention: reports that Martine Moise survived by hiding underneath a bed. In April, FBI agents visited the presidents private residence in the Pelerin 5 neighborhood accompanied by Voltaire. They toured the murder scene where the bedroom floor was still stained with blood and saw that the bed was not high enough off the floor to allow anyone to hide underneath. Moise is believed to be living in South Florida awaiting a decision by U.S. immigration authorities on whether she can extend her stay. She was visiting on a travel visa that has since expired. Miami Herald reporter Jay Weaver contributed to this story. The government of Haiti has asked Kenya to set up a bilateral security agreement that it hopes will allow for the deployment of 1,000 police officers from the East African nation and salvage a Multinational Security Support mission that was put in doubt last week with a Nairobi court ruling. The request was confirmed to the Miami Herald by a Haitian government source who was not at liberty to discuss the matter, and had few details about what the document entails, including what Haitis responsibility in such an arrangement would be. But in an interview with Reuters, Kenya President William Ruto on Tuesday confirmed that his government is working on putting a reciprocal agreement in place with the Haitian government. On Friday, the High Court in Nairobi blocked the deployment of Kenyan police officers to the volatile Caribbean nation, citing the lack of a reciprocal agreement between the two nations. Only countries that have such an arrangement with Kenya can receive police officers, the courts sole judge, Enock Chacha Mwita, ruled. Otherwise, only the Kenya military can be deployed abroad. The U.S., which had taken the lead in trying to find a country to head an international armed force into Haiti to help battle gangs that have taken over much of the capital, has insisted that the intervention be led by police officers and that it not be a United Nations mission. The U.S. later co-wrote with Ecuador a U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing the deployment one of several stipulations dictated by Ruto when he agreed in July to consider helping Haitis beleaguered national police root out violent gangs. The Security Council approved the resolution in October. In the interview with Reuters, Ruto said he expects a response shortly that would satisfy the issues raised by the court. So that mission can go ahead as soon as next week, if all the paperwork is done between Kenya and Haiti on the bilateral route that has been suggested by the court, Ruto told the wire service following an Italy-Africa summit in Rome. Ruto said Haiti had actually sent the request formally months ago. Port-au-Prince, June 23, 2022 - A Haitian National Police officer direct traffic at a Police checkpoint in Port-au-Prince. We reaffirm our support of ongoing international efforts to deploy a Multinational Security Support mission for Haiti, as requested by Haiti and authorized by U.N. Security Council Resolution 2699, and renew our calls for the international community to urgently provide support for this mission, the statement said. While acknowledging the ruling of the high court, the statement also noted the government of Kenyas stated intent to appeal. It is urgent that the international community respond to the unprecedented levels of gang violence and destabilizing forces preying upon the Haitian people. At the same time, we call for the restoration of democratic order through an inclusive political process in Haiti, the State Department said. We continue to urge Haitian stakeholders to reach consensus on power-sharing and inclusive governance. The only legitimate path to long-term peace and stability is through free and fair elections. READ MORE: Haiti judge issues arrest warrant for wife of slain president in investigation into his death Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who took control of the country after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, first requested the international communitys help in October of 2022 when armed gangs blockaded the countrys main fuel terminal in Port-au-Prince for the second time in a year. The blockade went on for nearly six weeks. forcing hospitals, schools and businesses to close their doors as they ran out of fuel, drinking water and food. By the time Kenya volunteered to lead the effort last summer, the situation had grown more desperate. After Ruto made the announcement that Kenya would lead the mission, the U.S. lobbied other nations at the Security Council to offer their support. Secretary of State Antony Blinken later pledged $200 million in U.S. support. Part of the money would come from the Department of Defense, he said, while the other half would need to come from Congress. Just how much of that money is available remains unclear, but Kenyas U.N. ambassador, Martin Kimani, told the Security Council a day before the court ruling that there are gaps in funding and equipment. Despite the ongoing concerns about the lack of funds and the ongoing tensions in Haiti, Ruto insisted that he has not changed his mind about helping. The mission is on course, he told Reuters. The mission is a bigger calling to humanity. FILE - First Lady Martine Moise arrives for a tribute for her late husband President Jovenel Moise at the National Pantheon Museum in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, July 21, 2021. A Haitian judge investigating the July 2021 assassination of Moise issued an arrest warrant for his wife late last year to interrogate her about the case, according to a legal document leaked late Monday, Jan.29, 2024, that The Associated Press obtained. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph, File) PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) A Haitian judge investigating the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise issued an arrest warrant for his wife late last year for failing to meet with him so he could interrogate her about the case, according to a legal document leaked late Monday that The Associated Press obtained. The warrant is dated Oct. 25 and signed by Judge Walther Voltaire, who is overseeing an ongoing investigation into the killing that occurred at Moises private residence, where authorities say a group of heavily armed men shot him a dozen times and injured his wife, Martine Moise. The one-page warrant contains little detail except to say that authorities are seeking to interview Martine Moise about the case. It does not state nor suggest any involvement. Martine Moise could not be immediately reached for comment, and a spokesman for an attorney of hers based in Florida said he was trying to reach the attorney. Messages sent to people close to her went unanswered. After the July 7, 2021 assassination, Martine Moise was airlifted to a hospital in Florida for treatment. She returned unannounced to Haiti less than two weeks later, surprising many. Since then, she is believed to be residing in the U.S. and has on occasion posted about the assassination on X, the platform formally known as Twitter. In December, she wrote that the assassinsfeel that their reign of impunity and untouchability seems to be coming to an end. This month, she repeated her call for an international tribunal to investigate the case, writing, Haiti stand up, so that the social injustice done to the people can be repaired. In June last year, attorneys for Martine Moise filed a lawsuit against those accused in the killing seeking unspecified damages and a trial by jury. Voltaire, the judge investigating the case, did not immediately respond to calls for comment. He was appointed in May 2022 to oversee the case, becoming the fifth judge to do so. Previous judges have stepped down, including one who said he feared for his life and another who left a day after one of his assistants died under unclear circumstances. The case has largely stalled in Haiti, where more than 40 suspects were arrested in the killing, including 18 Colombian soldiers and at least 20 Haitian police officers. Meanwhile, U.S. authorities have prosecuted several extradited suspects in the case. Four of 11 suspects in Miami have pleaded guilty, including a retired Colombian army officer and a former Haitian senator. ___ Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Nikki Haleys presidential campaign is taking a page from Regina George, responding to former President Trumps 2024 advisers call for the former South Carolina governor to leave the White House race with a Mean Girls meme. In a memo released Monday by Trumps campaign, advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles called out Haley for losing to Donald Trump by every metric used to measure political viability. South Carolina is different than New Hampshire and, as such, poses serious questions about the viability of the Haley campaign, they said in the memo ahead of the Republican primary in the Palmetto State on Feb. 24. LaCivita and Wiles accused Haley and her team of directly aiding and abetting Joe Biden by staying in the race when even a 10-year-old knows theres not a path to winning. On Tuesday, Haley campaign manager Betsy Ankney issued a one-line response to Trumps camp. Then why is Donald Trump so obsessed with us? Haleys team asked, including an image of Mean Girls villainess George, played by Rachel McAdams, reciting the famed line from the 2004 film. Its not the first time lawmakers and candidates have turned to Mean Girls to provide some political jabs or get across their messages. Top Stories from The Hill Trump was on the receiving end of some Mean Girls-inspired ribbing back in 2016, when then-Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, some fetch advice for the New York real estate developer-turned-GOP presidential nominee. Calling somebody else fat wont make you any skinner. Calling someone stupid doesnt make you any smart All you can do in life is try to solve the problem in front of you, Lindsay Lohans character said in a clip from the movie that McCaskill shared. In 2022, on Oct. 3 whats known as Mean Girls day President Biden tweaked an iconic line from the flick, writing on social media, Get in, folks. Were building a better America. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. GOP presidential primary candidate Nikki Haley hit President Biden on Tuesday over his decision in 2021 to restore funding to United Nations relief agency for Palestinians after it was halted under the Trump administration. I know UNRWA well, Haley, the former UN ambassador under Trump, said of the UNs Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in an interview on Fox News Fox and Friends. I sat in President Trumps office and said We have got to stop the money to UNRWA. The State Department fought me on it. And the reason I did that is, I knew all the officials at UNRWA, she added. Last week, the Biden administration announced that it was halting funds to UNRWA due to allegations that a dozen of its staff members had been involved in the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel. Haley said she had seen schools affiliated with the agency preaching all this terrorist hate against Israelis, and insisted to Trump that no U.S. tax dollars should go to the body. It is not something that is safe for us, or for our friends. And we knew that, and Biden and the State Department once again went back and gave that money. Its terrible, she said. In 2018, the Trump administration announced that it would stop funding UNRWA. In a statement at the time, a spokesperson for the State Department said that the administration had carefully reviewed the issue and determined that the United States will not make additional contributions to UNRWA. The U.S. will no longer commit further funding to this irredeemably flawed operation, Heather Nauert said at the time. She said the U.S. was aware the decision would hurt innocent Palestinians, but blamed the failure of UNRWA and key members of the regional and international donor community to reform and reset the UNRWA way of doing business. As a presidential candidate, Biden committed to restore assistance to Palestinians, including UNRWA, and followed through as president. In April 2021, the Biden administration announced $235 million in funding for the agency. Todays announcement is a long-overdue step toward resuming positive U.S. relations with the Palestinian people and re-establishing the United States as a credible and constructive leader in the region, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said at the time. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long called for the dismantling of UNRWA, and this week repeated his claims that the group is perforated with Hamas. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, and U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas. The two are running to be the Democratic nominee to face Ted Cruz in the 2024 senatorial race. Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune Over two straight days of rare in-person political clashes, a clear line of division emerged between the leading contenders in the state's hottest Democratic primary race to take on U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. On both border security and Israels war with Hamas, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred and state Sen. Roland Gutierrez exemplified a broader fight in the party over how far left Democrats can go and still be effective even when a Republican majority in Congress and the Texas Legislature often set the agenda. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Allred, a Dallas Congressman and civil rights attorney, presented himself at separate events in Austin and San Antonio as a bipartisan leader who isnt afraid to question Joe Bidens handling of the border. He stopped well short of calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and said he isnt ready to back "Medicare for All," an approach to universal health care championed by progressives. Ive shown in my time in Congress that it is possible to work across the aisle Im the most bipartisan member of the Texas delegation while also standing up for my values, Allred said at a Sunday debate sponsored by the Texas AFL-CIO in Austin. Gutierrez, an immigration attorney in San Antonio who has been in the Texas Legislature since 2008, used the debate and joint appearance before the San Antonio Express-News editorial board on Monday to criticize Allred for going too far right in the name of bipartisanship. Gutierrez proudly called himself one of the most progressive members of the Texas Legislature. If sent to Washington, he said hell demand comprehensive immigration reform, a ceasefire in Gaza and "Medicare for All." The pair's differences extend from policy into style. Allred said people want their politicians to get things done instead of being a partisan lightning rod that will continue this divisiveness. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While he never named Gutierrez directly, it was clear to the San Antonio Democrat that Allred was taking aim at him. Gutierrez acknowledged he tends to upset Republicans, but said hes still been effective in passing legislation for his district. He pointed to the Texas Senate where he said he forced Republicans who control the chamber to add a teacher pay raise amendment to one bill, even though it was later stripped out in the Texas House. You have to push to the brink, Gutierrez said in an interview on Monday. He said Republicans, particularly on immigration, want to talk about the issue but dont really want to solve it so there is no compromising on key values. We dont need to have Democrats throwing our President under the bus, as happened here last week, Gutierrez said. We dont need to adopt Trump and Cruzs causes." Gutierrez was referring to a GOP-crafted resolution Allred voted for earlier this month that says Bidens open-borders policies have created a national security and public safety crisis along the southwest border. Allred was one of 14 Democrats, three from Texas, who backed the Congressional resolution. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Allred defended the vote during the debate and the editorial board meeting as siding with Texas voters, the bulk of whom he said see the border as a problem amid a record number of border crossings last month. Allred said he saw the resolution as asking whether or not members of Congress believe the Biden administration has done enough to address the surge of migrants. Ive been saying for months I dont think they have, Allred said. The White House needed to be much more aggressive on this, and now we are seeing it. Allred and Gutierrez are among the nine candidates who have qualified to be on the Democratic primary ballot on March 5, with in-person early voting starting on Feb. 20. Allred has dominated in early fundraising and leads in the few public polls that have been released. Gutierrez has also emerged as a top challenger due, in part, to his advocacy of the families in Uvalde. Gutierrez has used his statewide campaign to call for gun safety including, banning assault weapons. Others in the race warn that position is getting too close to what many believe was the downfall of former gubernatorial candidate Beto ORourke, who said he supported taking away assault-style guns during an earlier presidential campaign. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Candidate Mark Gonzalez, the former Nueces County district attorney, said Democrats cant win Texas without crossover Republicans and anyone who calls for taking away guns risks losing them. Aint nobody going to take my guns, he said at the San Antonio Express-News editorial board meeting on Monday. State Rep. Carl Sherman, a Democrat and former mayor of DeSoto in North Texas is pitching himself as something between Gutierrez and Allred. Sherman said he isnt afraid of pushing Democrat values, including when he and other House Democrats fled the state in 2019 to block passage of a GOP bill that would have reduced voting hours and limited polling sites in minority communities. Republicans ultimately passed the legislation, but stripped out those provisions. At the same time, Sherman said his background in local government makes him attuned to working across the aisle and building relationships with Republicans. There are no more scheduled debates in the race. Advertisement Article continues below this ad BRAINTREE The town will ring in the Year of the Dragon at its second annual celebration of the Lunar New Year from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Braintree High School gym. The event is sponsored by the Chinese American Association of Braintree and the high school's Asian Student Association. Justine Huang, the president of the Chinese American Association, said last year's inaugural celebration at town hall was so popular it needed to be moved to a larger venue this year. The event generated "overwhelming excitement," she said. The Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 10 this year, is the first day of the new year based on the lunar calendar. Huang said it is one of the most important holidays in Asian culture, and is celebrated with large family gatherings, gift-giving, symbolic foods and festive decorations. The focus is on bringing good luck for the new year and celebrating the imminent arrival of spring. Music, games, food and more at Lunar New York festival The event will feature a traditional lion dance ceremony, music, games, food, a marketplace and other performances. Admission is free. The first 200 visitors will receive a gift. Huang said festivals like this are a way of "letting our youth know their heritage." The 2020 U.S. census found that 19.7% of the town's 38,587 residents are Asian. That's a nearly 43% increase since the 2010 federal census. Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com. Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Patriot Ledger subscription. Here is our latest offer. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Lunar New Year celebration in Braintree on Sunday By promoting vulnerability, positivity and literacy, 33-year-old librarian Mychal Threets has become a TikTok sensation. In less than a year, Mychal Threets, a supervising librarian at the Solano County Library in California, has earned a handful of monikers: Hes human sunshine. A modern-day Mr. Rogers meets Levar Burton. Americas favorite librarian. Threets has captured the hearts of thousands online with his viral TikTok videos and Instagram reels in which he recounts touching anecdotes and teachable moments from day-to-day library interactions. His compassion radiates through the screen as he promotes positivity, belonging and library joy. In a country faced with a dire literacy crisis, coinciding with regressive and discriminatory book bans and attacks on third spaces from conservatives, Threets work to make reading more accessible is needed now more than ever. Library joy in its simplest form is just the joy of the library. What that means is just what I try to and what I hope all library workers embody. It is [fostering that sense of] belonging, Threets, who has more than 600,000 followers on social media, told HuffPost. I keep on saying that the library is for everybody: library kids, library grown-ups, mentally ill, unhoused. I love telling people that they dont have to leave their anxiety, depression or PTSD outside the library. Theres no sign that says you cant bring your anxiety in. In 2020, Threets went viral when he led a campaign to launch a Scholastic Book Fair for adults. He had hoped the events would be hosted in breweries and wineries and would tap into nostalgia; the proceeds would be donated to local schools so no child would leave their book fair empty-handed. Although the idea didnt materialize due to hesitance from some publishers, it taught him the power of social media. March 2023 is a date when I started getting the same attention for every single post, which has been a whirlwind, he said. Ive been sharing library stories probably since 2018, when I became a childrens librarian, but Ive been more dedicated to it since the pandemic because it was either you download TikTok or you download Animal Crossing. Threets, 33, described his newfound virality as wild and overwhelming. He has been lauded for his joyful presence, soothing inside voice and affirming vulnerability. But as is the double-edged nature of the internet, others have leapt at the opportunity to ridicule him. In December, an account on X posted a video from Threets with the caption, People are getting weirder, garnering an onslaught of insensitive, hurtful comments. Nonetheless, more than 12,000 users on X came to Threets defense including New York Times bestselling author Angie Thomas quoting the post with positive responses, which Threets says outweigh the negative ones. Of course, he responded with the utmost grace. I know how much other people get from what I post, and I know how much I get from what I post and how much joy it brings me, Threets said. But its been amazing for libraries to have this attention, for people to remember that libraries exist and that theyre for everybody. So many people send me pictures of their library cards, saying Hi, just thought you should know I got a library card. I thought youd be proud. he's literally just encouraging ppl to go to the library YOU'RE the weird one https://t.co/PxCuh3YKr3 (@vancssasbeckett) January 1, 2024 Imagine being terrible to someone who is demonstrating revolutionary levels of kindness, empathy, and patience in a field that is so overlooked. Ive said this before, and I will say it again. People are so mean to people who are earnest and having fun. Yall are bullies. https://t.co/93OZLEOeAN Yves (@yvesandthemoon) January 3, 2024 Imagine hating someone who loves their job and is throwing their all into re-popularizing libraries. Clown. https://t.co/Vtl7JZVUuy Jeremy, Pelagian Reconstructionist (@jeremymcnabb) January 1, 2024 Threets has been a library kid his entire life, so much so that he has tattoos of Arthur Reads library card, Lowly Worm from Richard Scarrys books and several other bookish references on his body. I was always that kid who had a book in their arms, wherever I went, he said, rattling off titles such as Beverly Clearys Henry Huggins, Ramona and Beezus and Bud, Not Buddy. I was a shy kid, very reserved. I now know I suffered from social anxiety at a very early age. For me, books were my solace. Books were where I was, like, Ah, I can be myself. I can relax while Im reading books. As a home-schooled student in Fairfield, California, his mother was maxing out her card to bring books to Threets and his siblings, so she eventually signed them up individually. At the age of 5, Threets received his first library card and became a voracious reader. My parents were always big about [ensuring I] read for an hour a day. As much as I love libraries and library cards, my parents loved them even more, he said. They were just so desperate to take more resources from the library for us that they took advantage of me being the oldest child and getting the library card. Threets became a supervising librarian of the Fairfield Civic Center Library the very same library where he earned first library card in January 2023. With over 10 years of experience under his belt, you might think that Threets was always drawn to librarianship, but that was not the case. After a series of career paths that did not pan out, Threets returned to his roots. I was very discouraged. I was sitting at what is the Fairfield Cordelia Library, which is part of my Solano County Library system, reading books and thinking about my next steps. I always tell people that to this day, I dont know what came over me, but something popped in my head: Why dont you try to apply to the library? I applied as a library departmental aide, a.k.a., a library shelver. They posted a job opening for a library assistant, and when I applied for that job, I said, You know what? Im really loving being at this place. This is one of the best jobs Ive ever had. If I get this job, if I get this promotion, maybe libraries are for me. Soon enough, he began furthering his education to advance his library career. During the coronavirus pandemic, Threets became a marketing librarian at Fairfield Civic Center Library, working on its social media and website presence and inadvertently developing an arsenal of skills that would become useful much later. Now Threets, who wondered if libraries were for him, is fostering inclusivity and changing the face of what librarians are supposed to be. Stereotypes portray librarians as stern, grouchy, glasses-wearing elders, often white women whose pleasure is derived from shushing young visitors. However, Threets vivid outfits, bubbly personality, tattoos and piercings buck those notions. Moreover, Threets, whose father is Black and mother is Mexican, is one of few men of color in the profession. According to an updated study published by the American Library Association in 2009, less than 1% of credentialed librarians in the U.S. were Black men. Thats not the reason that I got the job originally, but its definitely something that Ive recognized that Ive embraced, Threets said. I never saw men behind a library desk, men of any color, and I didnt see a lot of people of color behind the library desk. I think thats why, as much as we talked about me loving books and loving the library, it wasnt something where I ever considered that the library might be a career. It never even registered in my mind as a possibility. To be a Black person, to be Black and Mexican, it just means so much to me. My family is so proud of our culture, of who we are. I just love that I can represent that, be it when my hair is most often in an Afro, if its ever in braids. The best part of being a librarian is how much you build these connections over time. I am just privileged and blessed that I can see these interactions, these stories day in and day out. They mean so much to me. It means so much and to be able to show them that it is possible. Both online and off, Threets is a conduit for human connection that people so desperately crave. Although he maintains that hes merely an observer and its not his presence that makes things happen, his influence shows up in little, intentional ways. Rather than waiting for library visitors to visit the front desk, he floats around, checking in on their needs and even introducing young readers to books that align with their interests, be it Jason Reynolds Miles Morales comics for Marvel or classics such as Shel Silversteins Where the Sidewalk Ends. I love that theres much more representation on the shelves now. Im like, Hey, this is the book with the Black protagonist that I read. Heres what Nick Stone writes. I think thats what means something to people, seeing a person like me in the library who loves the library the way that I love the library. For one, people are just shocked because Im young in general, but I look significantly younger than I am, Threets said. However, after great strides have been in representation in publishing and media, conservative activists and politicians continue to whittle away at all progress with draconian book bans. In Florida, more than 300 books have been removed from schools shelves; teachers in Texas and Georgia have even lost their jobs for merely reading books such as The Diary of Anne Frank to their students. Grappling with right-wing censorship, the Scholastic Book Fair announced a separate selection of books on race and gender under the name Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice. Soon the organization faced backlash from advocacy groups such as PEN America, alleging that the separation actually enables schools to opt out of the collection. Shortly after, New York Mayor Eric Adams ended New York Public Librarys Sunday service due to budget cuts. Threets said that efforts to diminish access to books and to libraries such as the New York Public Library, which he refers to as the mecca of libraries, make him feel awful. While the Solano County Library rarely receives requests to ban books, he said, whenever any library is suffering, other library workers are suffering, too. Its all one fight that were in together, Threets said. Librarians are just trying to put good books in the hands of people. Theres nothing wrong with the books. Its not critical race theory. Its not that people are trying to indoctrinate anybody. It happens to be a book with a Black character. It happens to be by a Black author illustrated by a Black person. Threets said that another problem is how the panic is often stoked by adults who havent even read the books. Theyre just books that weve all wanted all our life that we never got, he said, noting that published authors from diverse backgrounds were previously few and far between. Authors are just telling our stories, which is very difficult because people are just so adamant about banning the book that theyre not even really willing to listen. He said that while the library adult is well within their right to deem a book inappropriate for their child, the problem lies in their insistence on banning it for all children. Threets approach is to celebrate the freedom to read, meet people where they are and use these opportunities as a vehicle to create conversations regarding all of the resources available at the library beyond books. When asked about the obstacles that libraries face, Threets approached it from an internal and external perspective. Some libraries with far fewer resources and significantly tighter budgets than the NYPL often rely heavily on donations to maintain a catalog of books. They cant offer programs. They only have books. Some are just now getting movies because thats all they can afford. Moreover, a smaller budget results in lower staff salaries. The biggest issues in library land that the public is often unaware of, Threets said, are burnout, mental health and caring for the unhoused. As conversations take off on X (formerly Twitter) expecting libraries to be everything to everyone, most librarians know they are already wearing multiple hats. Though Threets shares the best aspects of library life on social media, audiences are shielded from librarians more precarious situations. Many librarians in the United States have a masters degree. We were not trained in assisting the unhoused, Threets said. We werent trained in aiding those who are mentally ill, but these are still hats we wear. Were a community who believes everybody does belong. So when you believe everyone belongs and you put your money where your mouth is, then youre going to allow the homeless people to come on inside, those who are mentally ill to come on inside just as they are. "I never saw men behind a library desk, men of any color, and I didn't see a lot of people of color behind the library desk," Mychal Threets said. "To be a Black person, to be Black and Mexican, it just means so much to me." There are weeks when Threets has been cursed out by multiple people, who later come back and apologize. He has even received violent threats from disgruntled individuals. Online, Threets is transparent and genuine about his own mental health struggles; he talks about his experiences with panic attacks and offers uplifting words and coping mechanisms to his followers. With the growing hypervisibility, he reminds himself that its OK to take a step back and indulge in his self-care practices: going on walks or watching comfort TV, like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air or Greys Anatomy. Despite the few hateful online comments that come his way, Threets has a legion of supporters. One of his most recent followers was the official Arthur Read TikTok account, based on Marc Browns beloved aardvark character. I freaked out, Threets said. I know full well that there is a team of people behind that TikTok account, but in my brain, thats Arthur. This past month, the American Library Association honored Threets with the I Love My Librarian Award for Outstanding Library Service. Out of 1,400 nominees, Threets was one of 10 librarians selected. In November, a small Change.org petition to revive PBSs Reading Rainbow with Threets as the host began. When Threets learned about it, he loved the idea but he also laughed it off and said, Guys, LeVar Burton is very much alive. He is out there! He has his own book club! But the significance of those comparisons to Burton and Mr. Rogers is not lost on him. The people they compare me to are my literal heroes, people that I grew up watching, Threets said. I think it kind of makes sense that the people that I grew up watching are who Ive kind of started to emulate. Until recently, I dont think they knew why it meant so much to me that they were describing me as my heroes. It makes my day every single day because it means Im getting close to making them proud. It is appreciated far more than they know. Threets said that hes trying to serve as a reminder to people that there is some positivity in this world. Its not him being fake or performative. Threets shares stories the way he does because hes trying to remind himself to keep on going. Though Threets has been a library worker for a decade, if he were to consider pivoting, his dream would be to travel the nation visiting libraries, museums and bookstores and just listening to the unhinged silliness and love that people have for their local institutions. It really is almost more of a YouTube-style show, sharing the stories, then talking about libraries and doing mental health checks with the audience on the other side of the screen. But I love being a librarian. Its a lot of fun doing what I do day in and day out. There are a lot of hard days, and I wish I could just make videos all day long, but I do know that Im not made to be an actual actor. Threets said that the best way to support your local libraries is as simple as going and signing up for a free library card, even if you dont use it. He noted that administrators and city leaders pay attention to the registration numbers as well as the door count, both of which are indicators that people are visiting and the public library is a necessity. I think some library people are burned out, he said. They just feel so unloved, so unneeded sometimes. So just a simple Hello, Im not going to use the library, but I just want to come in and say hi and thank you for what you do for the community means the world. Thats what I love doing. Thats why Im always talking about other library people because, again, theyre the ones who made me who I am today. Until his next act, Threets will continue to spread library joy. Related... Michael Gove, the Housing Secretary, plans to ensure council houses goes to those with the greatest need - THOMAS KRYCH/ZUMA PRESS People with high incomes would be banned from renting council houses under proposals by Michael Gove to ensure that homes go to those in the greatest financial need. Mr Gove, the Housing Secretary, is consulting on a law that will impose a nationwide salary threshold for new social housing tenants, meaning they would not be able to take up homes for which poorer people are waiting. The latest figures show that 186,000 social households have an income exceeding 50,000 4.6 per cent of the total despite there being long waiting lists among people in much greater need. It has not yet been decided what the level of the income test would be, although it would cover the salaries of both partners. Mr Goves new powers would not affect existing tenants on high salaries, and people would not be evicted if they received a pay rise that took them above the threshold, because that would penalise people for improving their lot in life. In addition, he wants those who commit anti-social behaviour to face a ban of up to five years under the proposals. People with the closest connections to the UK and their local areas would be able to jump the housing queue as part of a British homes for British workers policy. Under the new rules, people would have to show a link with Britain lasting a decade and a two-year link with the local area. Not going to be a soft touch Lee Rowley, the housing minister, said the Government was determined to crack down on people who abuse the system. Today we are proposing further steps to make the allocation of social housing fairer for people, he said. If you abuse the system, making peoples lives a misery or actively work against our British values, you are making a choice such choices will have consequences and our proposals seek to stop such people getting a social home. The message is clear: play by the rules, pay in and we will support you. If you choose not to, this country is not going to be a soft touch. For years, there has been anger for years at wealthy people taking up council housing when there is such a long waiting list. Apsana Begum, a Labour MP, lives in a riverside council flat in the London borough of Tower Hamlets, even though she takes home a salary of 86,584. Some councils have set their own income cap for social housing, but in Tower Hamlets it is as high as 90,000. Around 23,000 households are on the social housing waiting list in the deprived East End borough, facing waits of up to six years. Vast majority of social housing lettings to UK nationals At present, individual councils can impose their own income tests, but not all do. A national requirement would ensure fairness and consistency, the Governments consultation document said. While it would not set an income test until after the consultation, it noted that 80 per cent of households new to the social housing sector were on below 30,000. Almost 2,000 people with household incomes in excess of 40,000 were given homes in 2021/22. Some councils may be able to set their own lower thresholds, based on local circumstances, under the plans. The income test would not be applied to those in receipt of Universal Credit, those who need supported housing, or members and veterans of the UK Armed Forces. Darren Rodwell, the housing spokesman for the Local Government Association, said: The vast majority of social housing lettings go to UK nationals, and many councils already have policies relating to anti-social behaviour, criminal behaviour, rent arrears and income thresholds in their allocation policies. The LGA has raised concerns that restricting eligibility criteria for social housing and extending qualification periods could result in a rise in homelessness. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a press conference at Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. Joining Abbott are from left, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News WASHINGTON Gov. Greg Abbott says it would be a political blunder for President Joe Biden to seize control of Texas National Guard as some have urged him to do in response to the states takeover of a key stretch of border. That would be the biggest political blunder he could make, Abbott said Monday night during an appearance on Sean Hannitys Fox News show. Thats why I think he will not do it. The comments come amid an unprecedented standoff between the state and federal government sparked by Texas troops earlier this month seizing a 2.5-mile stretch near Eagle Pass. National Guard soldiers have mostly been blocking Border Patrol from accessing the area, which includes a public park that has been among the most frequently crossed points of the border. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Biden administration repeatedly has demanded the state give Border Patrol access to the park. The Department of Homeland Security last week sent a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton demanding state officials remove any and all obstructions on federally owned land around the park. The letter gave a Friday deadline, but the state has not relented and so far the administration has not taken further action. Some, including U.S Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat, have called on Biden to take control of the Guard, but the White House so far has shown no indication he intends to do so. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said last week that the president has that option. But Kirby said the Guard soldiers have a chain of command under the governor, and we respect that chain of command. TOPEKA (KSNT) Governor Laura Kelly is celebrating the reconstruction of the Docking State Office Building. Monday, Jan. 29 a ceremony was held for the reconstruction of the Docking Building located at Southwest Ninth Street and Topeka Boulevard. Kelly, along with Secretary of Administration Adam Proffitt, former Governor Robert Dockings grandson, Brian and other state and community leaders left their mark by signing steel beams that will be used in the project, according to a press release from Kellys office. Bill would cut time Kansans have to cast advance votes Photo courtesy/Governor Kelly Since it opened over 65 years ago, the Docking State Office Building has served the people of Kansas well. It is important that we appreciate and honor the role the new building has played in our history and will now play in our future, Kelly said. The new Docking Building is taking us to a brighter future for our state government and the people we serve. The Department of Administration, working with Hutton Construction, is in charge of the reconstruction project. We have intended for Docking to be a gateway for Kansans into their government. It was that vision that guided us through the design processto keep Kansas and Kansans centered, Proffitt said. The artwork, the materials, the exhibits inside the building will all be a nod to Kansas. Take place every day in every area of the city: Topeka repairs potholes daily, as reported Reconstruction for this historic building is expected to last 18 month and should be able to house occupants in the summer of 2025, according to the press release. In the new Docking building, people can expect an exhibition space, a cafe, a gym, a health clinic and an event center. The Docking building was built in 1957, and was named after former Kansas Governor Robert B. Docking, 38th Governor of Kansas in 1987. Demolition of the Docking building started in early 2023. In October, 2023, 27 News reported rubble from demolishment of the Docking building was being dumped into the Kansas River. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. A new law designed to increase protections for victims of sexual assault in New York by redefining rape in the states penal code is set to take effect in September. The Rape is Rape Act, which was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Hochul, updates the legal definition of rape to include other forms of forced sexual conduct. Under current law, rape is defined as vaginal penetration by a penis. The new law a version of which has been in the works for over a decade redefines rape to include nonconsensual vaginal, oral and sexual conduct. The legislation, which will apply to sexual assault cases committed starting on Sept. 1, will make it easier for victims and survivors of sexual assault to come forward and prosecute perpetrators, Hochul said Tuesday at a bill signing ceremony in Albany, We are reassuring survivors that when they walk into a police station or approach the witness stand that the full weight of the law is behind them now going forward, the Democratic governor said. Rape will be treated like the horrific crime that it is. The voices have been heard, and we affirm that justice will be served. According to Hochul, the legislation will ensure that all survivors are equally protected from such crimes while making sure offenders are held fully accountable. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who sponsored the legislation, applauded his fellow lawmakers for the passage of the bill, which he says will be particularly important in helping to protect members of the LGBTQ+ community, who are victims of rape and sexual assault at higher rates than cis-gendered heterosexual Americans. Rape is Rape, plain and simple, Hoylman-Sigal, one of the few openly gay elected officials to ever serve in the Senate, told the Daily News in an email. In New York State we cannot allow outdated, heteronormative notions of sex to limit our ability to acknowledge that fact and to hold those who commit acts of sexual violence accountable. The Rape is Rape Act, which was first introduced in the Assembly in 2012, was inspired by a 25-year-old elementary school teacher who was raped by an off-duty police officer. Even though now-former NYPD officer Michael Pena was charged with rape, criminal sexual act and predatory sexual conduct, he was only convicted of the lesser charges because the jury could not reach consensus on the rape charge, since they couldnt agree whether there had been forced vaginal penetration. With the signing of this legislation and the expansion of the definition of rape, New York States penal law finally comes into alignment with the experiences of thousands of survivors across New York, Emily Miles, the head of the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, said. President Joe Biden said Tuesday that he had made a decision on how to respond to the recent attack at a military base in Jordan that killed three U.S. troops and wounded 25 others. Asked if he holds Iran responsible, Biden said: "I do hold them responsible in the sense that they're supplying the weapons to the people who did it." Biden spoke to reporters on the White House South Lawn before heading to Palm Beach, Florida, for a fundraiser. The president's remarks follow a vow he made on the day of the attack to take swift action to deal with the attacks. We shall respond, he said Sunday. President Joe Biden speaks during the First in the Nation Dinner and Celebration in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, Jan 27, 2024 Biden blamed the unmanned aerial drone attack on the troops stationed in northeast Jordan near the Syria border on radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq. He vowed to hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing. In his remarks on Tuesday, Biden did not reveal any specifics about what the response will look like. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on Tuesday said he was not in the position today to confirm exactly which militant group was responsible for the attack. "We're still working through the analysis, but clearly the work has all the hallmarks of groups that are backed by the IRGC and, and in fact by Hezbollah as well," he said. The three American troops were the first to be killed by enemy fire in the Middle East since Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, igniting the war that has led to more than 26,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a statement, also vowed retaliation. Meanwhile some Republicans have blamed Biden, and others, responded calling for a military response of "targets of significance inside Iran." Those in favor of some sort of strike include Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott of South Carolina, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. Former President Donald Trump, the leading GOP presidential contender, blamed Biden for the attack on Truth Social. "This brazen attack on the United States is yet another horrific and tragic consequence of Joe Bidens weakness and surrender.," he wrote. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House Correspondent focusing on the economy for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden has made decision on response to attack on US troops in Jordan Few people likely know much about the lives of individual Jews before they perished during the Holocaust or even about the lives of those who committed those atrocities. But last January, thats a perspective which captured scholar Judy La Pietras imagination when she first saw Seeing Auschwitz, in London. Its an exhibit of 100 curated photos, sketches and testimonies depicting the lives and worlds of both Holocaust victims and the Nazi perpetrators who caused it. The exhibit was something that La Pietra, the associate director with the Stan Greenspon Center of Holocaust and Social Justice Education at Queens University of Charlotte wanted to bring to the city. A year later, the traveling exhibit, hosted by the Greenspon Center, will make its U.S. debut Feb. 9 at the Visual and Performing Arts Center. It humanizes many untold stories of the Holocaust, which claimed the lives of 6 million Jews. The exhibit lends a small snapshot of the Auschwitz complex which had more than 40 concentration camps, where more than a million people were murdered. The visuals come from two photo albums curated after World War II by experts in Holocaust history and education, La Pietra said. The first is called the Auschwitz album, which is largely a collection of personal photos and portraits from victims families of their lives before being forced to Auschwitz. The second, called the Hoecker Album, are photos of the Nazis who committed those crimes and their activities at Auschwitz, La Pietra said. Theyre not photos in the camps, per se. Were building a picture of life and what was lost, La Pietra said. Its not a very scholarly approach to Auschwitz, but rather, presented in a way that kind of everyday people without any background knowledge can really understand what took place. And that is the goal, you know, to touch people with this history. Photo of a wall display from the Seeing Auschwitz exhibit, which makes its U.S. debut in Charlotte in February. What visitors will see at Seeing Auschwitz The exhibit is by Musealia, a Spanish organization dedicated to exploring powerful stories through exhibitions, in collaboration with the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, the United Nations and UNESCO, according to a news release from the Greenspon Center. To date the exhibit only has appeared in London and in Durban, South Africa. Visitors in Charlotte can expect to see photos and whole wall displays of maps showing the transports. Each piece of media is accompanied with an audio component. La Pietra believes the exhibit is a welcome arrival amid escalating antisemitism around the nation, some sparked by tensions created in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war. La Pietra said this exhibit can help reinforce the Holocaust history for the broader community, especially for deniers and revisionists of the genocide. There is a challenge, quite honestly, to the historical record that were seeing now, La Pietra said. I think it speaks to the power of the individual in society, and what our roles are, and how we can impact the direction our country takes. So theres a lot to be gained at this point. Holocaust education in NC The photo exhibit is free to North Carolina students in grades 7 through 12. In the year it has taken La Pietras modest staff set up the exhibit at VAPA including creating graphics more than 4,000 students from around the region and points north already are scheduled to come and see it, she said. One reason for the draw is the states new Gizella Abramson Holocaust Education Act of 2021. The measure sets aside funding to create and teach a Holocaust curriculum for all North Carolina middle and high school students. La Pietra said the timeliness of the exhibit coming to North Carolina now is serendipitous. It means that at some point in a students middle school or high school experience, they have to be exposed to Holocaust history in some way, shape, or form, she said. The response that were getting from schools and teachers (is) that educators are kind of hungry for this type of experience for their students. Its done in a way that respects the viewer. Its not a graphic expose of the Auschwitz camp. It asks us to really consider ... to look through the eyes of the... perpetrator and the victim, and to ask really deep questions. I think educators really are embracing this opportunity. A section of the Seeing Auschwitz exhibit coming to the VAPA center in Charlotte in February. Want to go? What: Seeing Auschwitz Where: 9189 Studio Gallery at VAPA, 700 N.Tryon Street When: Feb. 9-April 15 Cost: $8.50 children 12 and under; $15 for adults. Exhibit hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 12-5 p.m. More info and to purchase tickets: https://seeingauschwitz.com/charlotte/ More arts coverage Want to see more stories like this? Sign up here for our free Inside Charlotte Arts newsletter: charlotteobserver.com/newsletters. And you can join our Facebook group, Inside Charlotte Arts, by going here: facebook.com/groups/insidecharlottearts. A wildlife filmmaker and a biology student believe they may have captured the first-ever footage of a newborn great white shark. Carlos Gauna, a wildlife filmmaker, and Phillip Sternes, a UC Riverside biology doctoral student, used a drone to film a 5-foot-long white shark swimming 1,300 feet off the coast of Carpinteria, California, when they made the discovery on July 9, 2023, according to a statement from the university. "We enlarged the images, put them in slow motion, and realized the white layer was being shed from the body as it was swimming," Sternes said in a press release. "I believe it was a newborn white shark shedding its embryonic layer." Front view of the great white shark Sternes and Gauna observed. The duo observed a shark with a pale color that looked like a thin white film covering its body. According to the press release, the whitish film was being sloughed off as the shark swam. Large, likely mature sharks were recorded in the same area before and after, according to the duo's observations. The shark's pale color could be because of intrauterine substances being sloughed off due to it being a newborn shark or an unknown skin disorder not reported before in white sharks - the presence of which would be a significant finding on its own, Guana said . Why is finding a newborn great white shark spectacular? Great white sharks, the largest predatory sharks and responsible for the most fatal attacks on humans, have never been seen as newborn babies in the wild, according to an article by UC Riverside. "Where white sharks give birth is one of the holy grails of shark science. No one has ever been able to pinpoint where they are born, nor has anyone seen a newborn baby shark alive," Gauna said in a news release. "There have been dead white sharks found inside deceased pregnant mothers. But nothing like this." According to a report published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Biology of Fishes, the discovery of a newborn great white shark in Southern California highlights the crucial significance of this region to Eastern Pacific white sharks. Although white sharks are highly protected off the California coast, fishermen sometimes catch them unintentionally. Front view of the great white shark Sternes and Gauna observed. "There are a lot of hypothetical areas, but despite intense interest in these sharks, no one's seen a birth or a newborn pup in the wild," Sternes said in a news release. "This may well be the first evidence we have of a pup in the wild, making this a definitive birthing location." Things to know about great white sharks The Florida Museum reports that the great white shark is responsible for the highest number of unprovoked attacks among all shark species worldwide. Due to their aggressive nature and deadly potential, great white sharks have become one of the most feared sea creatures globally. However, recent research indicates that these attacks on humans may not be intentional but rather due to the predator's poor eyesight. Based on a recent study and a status review by NOAA Fisheries, the population of white sharks in the northeastern Pacific seems to be increasing and is not currently at risk of becoming endangered in US waters. "Further research is needed to confirm these waters are indeed a great white breeding ground. But if it does, we would want lawmakers to step in and protect these waters to help white sharks keep thriving," Sternes said in a news release. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Great white shark giving birth caught on video, researchers believe Hong Kong already has a national security law. Now its leader is pushing for another one Hong Kong on Tuesday formally began the process of enacting a controversial homegrown national security law in a move that could have deep ramifications for the citys status as a global financial hub. The proposed legislation will cover offenses including treason, theft of state secrets, espionage and external interference, in what Hong Kong officials say will fill loopholes in a sweeping national security law imposed on the city by Chinas central government in 2020 following mass pro-democracy protests. Known as Article 23, Hong Kongs own security legislation was shelved in 2003 after a previous attempt to enact it drew half a million residents onto the streets in protest over fears it would erode civil liberties. But no such public opposition is expected this time around. Beijings national security crackdown of recent years has transformed once-freewheeling Hong Kong, silencing almost all dissent and jailing dozens of political opponents. Many civil society groups have disbanded, and outspoken media outlets have shut down. Hong Kong and Chinese authorities say the Beijing-imposed security law, which criminalizes succession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces in vague and broad terms, has restored order to the city following the 2019 protests and deny it has curtailed freedoms. And on Tuesday, Hong Kongs leader said its now time to enact the citys own additional security laws as soon as possible. Why now? We cant wait. We cant afford to wait, Chief Executive John Lee said in announcing a public consultation for Article 23, calling its enactment the citys constitutional duty. Its for 26 years weve been waiting; we shouldnt wait any longer, he said, referring to the period since the former British colony was handed over to Chinese rule in 1997. Under Hong Kongs mini-constitution agreed by the two powers, the city is required to enact laws to prohibit acts that endanger national security. While we society as a whole looks calm and looks very safe, we still have to watch out for potential sabotage, undercurrents that try to create troubles, Lee said. The consultation began Tuesday and will end on February 28, shorter than the three months allocated for public feedback when the government last attempted to introduce the law more than two decades ago. Lee cited rising geopolitical tensions as a factor in the urgency, highlighting the threat from some Western countries targeting Chinas secure development. Foreign intelligence organizations, including the CIA and British intelligence agencies, have publicly stated that they will do a lot of work to target China and Hong Kong, he said. Foreign agents and Hong Kong independence ideas are still lurking in Hong Kong society. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee speaks during a press conference at government headquarters in Hong Kong on January 30, 2024. - Peter Parks/AFP/Getty Images New offenses Hong Kong officials on Tuesday offered the first glimpse into some details of the proposed homegrown law. A chapter of the consultation document is dedicated to acts of theft of state secrets and espionage, the citys security chief Chris Tang said. The legislation will create new offenses of unlawful acquisition, possession and disclosure of state secrets, he said, and broaden the definition of spying to cover modern-day espionage activities. For example, foreign forces can incite their agents to spread false or misleading information to interfere in Hong Kongs affairs, Tang said. According to a 110-page consultation document released by the government for public comment, state secrets covers a wide range of categories related to both Hong Kong and China, including defense, diplomacy, economy, social affairs, technology, science, and the relationship between the central and Hong Kong governments. There will also be new offenses on external interference, damage of public infrastructure, and the use of computers and electronics systems to conduct actions endangering national security, according to Tang. The new security law could bring further uncertainty for Hong Kong, which is striving to maintain its status as Asias premier financial hub following three years of strict Covid restrictions and Beijings national security crackdown. Beijing has also deepened its own crackdown on state security on the mainland. Last year, it broadened the definition of espionage and conducted raids on foreign consultancy firms, which spooked foreign businesses and investors. Hong Kong officials have in recent years sought to reassure executives that the city would maintain a distinct role to that of mainland China, saying that central government officials had outlined their support for the city retaining its unique position as a conduit between East and West. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Semafor Signals Insights from Bloomberg, the South China Morning Post, and Samuel Bickett The News Expats a new Amazon mini-series set and filmed in Hong Kong is not available for streaming in the city, leading to suggestions Hong Kong officials may have banned the show in line with Beijings broad crackdown on the arts. The six-part show, directed by Chinese-born American filmmaker Lulu Wang, follows the lives of three American women living in Hong Kong in 2014, as they navigate a shared tragedy amid tense class dynamics and an increasingly fraught political landscape. The Hong Kong authorities denied banning the show which portrays the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement that saw the city roiled by protests in 2014 saying local audiences were unable to watch Expats because of Amazons restrictions. Amazon Prime TV and Lulu Wang did not respond to Semafors requests for comment. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Authorities bent quarantine rules to allow a show now seen as bad for Hong Kongs image Sources: Bloomberg, South China Morning Post Hong Kong officials bent the citys strict quarantine rules to allow Nicole Kidman and cast to film during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, to the outrage of locals who were unable to travel for months or years. But the resulting show does not portray Hong Kong in a wholly positive light, one lawmaker told the South China Morning Post, saying it put the Hong Kong government in an awkward position, while Expats has received reviews calling it bleak and boring. Another lawmaker, Dominic Lee Tsz-king, said authorities should have been told about the shows portrayal of the Umbrella Movement and considered whether it would be good for the citys image before granting the controversial exemptions to cast and crew. From what I understand, its about how Hong Kong could be boring, and includes scenes of the illegal Occupy Central movement these cant be positive for Hong Kong, he told the SCMP. Director hits a nerve with comments that Cantonese is dying Sources: Aaron McNicholas, Samuel Bickett The shows director Lulu Wang sparked controversy after wading into a debate over the languages used in the city, where Cantonese is traditionally spoken but use of Mandarin has soared since its handover to China in 1997. Wang drew fury on social media after posting on X that Cantonese is a dying language, saying she witnessed an overwhelming amount of Mandarin while filming the show. U.S. lawyer and Hong Kong activist Samuel Bickett responded: Is everyone involved in promoting this show just playing the part of the clueless Expats characters they created? Meanwhile, The Wire China journalist Aaron Mc Nicholas argued that official data shows the number of primary schools teaching Mandarin in Hong Kong has actually decreased. Missing series raises questions over China-style censorship Sources: Agence France-Presse, Reuters, The Guardian While Hong Kongs Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said the citys censorship laws did not apply to streaming services, online platforms can still be targeted by the sweeping national security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in 2020 and which punishes broad acts of dissent leading some to wonder if China was behind the Expats ban. An episode of The Simpsons containing a controversial scene at Tiananmen Square in Beijing the site of the 1989 student protests in which hundreds are estimated to have died was removed from Disney+ in 2021, raising fears of mainland-style censorship. And a film censorship law passed in Hong Kong in 2021 has pushed many artists, producers, and directors to slash material that could fall under Chinas definition of endangering national security. Hong Kong director Kiwi Chow was forced to find new investors for her projects after initial sponsors pulled their funding over political concerns, Reuters reported. The Biden Admin watered down its gas stove crackdown by issuing less strict regulations. This was confirmed after the Department of Energy published the rules on Monday, Jan. 29. Before this, the DEO's original proposal back in February 2023 aimed to impact around 50% of the existing gas stove units in the United States. The rules in the proposal were supposed to take effect in 2027. However, since the regulations were too strict, Republicans, as well as consumer advocacy groups, criticized the Biden Administration. Because of the serious backlash, the U.S. government had to adjust its proposed rules for gas stove models in the U.S. Here's what Americans need to know. Biden Admin Waters Down Gas Stove Crackdown According to Fox News' latest report, the Biden Administration finalized its gas stove regulations, which are expected to become fully active as early as 2028. "President Biden is committed to using all the tools at the Administration's disposal to lower costs for American families and deliver healthier communities - including energy efficiency measures like the one announced today," said Jennifer Granholm, the U.S. Energy Secretary. Granholm added that the DOE is dedicated to cooperating with the stakeholders and industry partners throughout 2024. She explained that this is needed to improve appliance standards. Aside from this, working with industry partners and stakeholders is also needed to address a backlog of congressionally-mandated energy efficiency actions, which delay an estimated $1 trillion in consumer savings. Because of this, the Biden Admin decided to settle on energy levels that would retain performance and features that American consumers heavily rely on a daily basis. "We do see this as a win for consumers - we retained the features, all the things that we were very concerned about, that we felt like under the original proposal would be lost," said AHAM's spokesperson Jill Notini. Read Also: Biden Admin Introduces Refugee Program Allowing US Sponsors to Recommend Individuals for Migration New Gas Stove Regulations The Hill reported that the new regulations of the Biden Admin's gas stove crackdown effort are significantly weaker than the initial proposal. The Department of Energy said that this is because 97% of gas stoves and 77% of electric stove units sold on the market already meet the requirements in the proposal. Here are the specific changes that happened in the gas stove regulations of the Biden Administration: Gas stove models were affected down to 3% (regulations originally aimed to target 50% of gas stoves). Gas stoves that will be sold in the future are now allowed to have more than 1,770 kBtu per year (rules originally aimed to require only 1,204 kBtu). The DOE clarified that the new rules will only apply to gas stoves that will be sold when the regulations are implemented, meaning that existing units in American households will no longer need to meet the said requirements. Related Article: Biden Admin to Restrict China From Using US Cloud Services for AI Training-Here's the Plan Way down in Amite County in the hamlet of Liberty, adjacent to the Charlie Gordon Building, once my grandfathers law office, is a fine little park remembering county residents who fought in the Civil War. The monuments there were among the first erected in America to remember those who died in battle and those who survived to live a full life. Several names of my bloodline relatives are engraved on those structures. Some of them had forebears who helped win this nations independence a century earlier. They are hallowed personages in my family tree. Far up in Tallahatchie County at Graball Landing, along the bank of the river there, and in the part-county seat of Sumner, is an array of evocative and important memorials and monuments to Emmett Till, the Black teenager whose slain body was pulled from that water in summer 1955. Mac Gordon Included is a 1,000-pound statue of Till. A large crowd witnessed its recent placement. Greenwood Commonwealth newspaper editor Tim Kalich poignantly and correctly wrote that it can be a reminder of the sins of the past a beacon of hope for the future. Till was brutally murdered at nearby Money by vigilantes in an incident seen as the trigger point for the start of the Civil Rights Movement. His alleged misstep was whistling at a white female country store clerk. The Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement that followed it a century later represent two cataclysmic American events of monumental historical context and significance. They cannot be exorcized from history. These two sites on different ends of Mississippi evoke impassioned remembrances of people, places and events spawning sadness, happiness, fear, anger, surprise and disgust. Ive never known of any aversion directed at the memorials in Liberty honoring Civil War participants, but it could happen. There's been a rash of Confederate memorial removals in the South lately and Civil War monuments were recently trashed in Vicksburg. The Till memorials have known nothing but turbulence since the first was erected years ago. Remember, this is Mississippi where racial animosity rears its ugly face so often that most people fail to even flinch when it happens. A new year has turned. The wheels of another four-year term in state government are grinding at the state capitol. New lineups of local officials are taking shape in courthouses from Iuka to Woodville and from Hernando to Pascagoula and dozens of other county seats in between. Considering that, perhaps this would be a good time to reshape attitudes toward these memorials and monuments held dear to the heart and soul of many Mississippians. I suggest that some among us need to accept the markers for what they represent. If thats impossible, at least respect the shrines favored by other Mississippians and leave them the hell alone. Deal? I am mainly referring to the Till dedications in the environs of Tallahatchie and Leflore counties, because theyve been tarnished before. Nobody is traipsing around Amite County with plans to vandalize the memorials in Liberty. Again, it could happen. The newest Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley sites are the result of action by the Biden administration in July. They are located in Mississippi where Till was murdered, and in Illinois, where his mother returned his body for public viewing of the violence that happened to her son in this state. Anyone plotting to desecrate those monuments is putting themselves in for some well-deserved prison time if caught. Mississippi has never been tough enough on those who have attempted to destroy previous remembrances of Emmett Till, and some others. Thus has entered the federal government. Mac Gordon, a retired newspaperman, is a native of McComb. He can be reached at macmarygordon@gmail.com. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Here's hoping Emmett Till monuments in MS will survive test of time A Conway area couple that burned a cross near the home of their Black neighbors could soon be forced to move out of their longtime home. The 15th Circuit Solicitors Office is seeking a court order to have the property on the 1400 block of Corbett Drive declared a public nuisance, allowing Horry County to remove its residents for up to a year. Worden Butler, 28, and Alexis Hartnett, 27, are facing second-degree harassment charges in relation to the cross-burning incident, which occurred last Thanksgiving and has received national attention. Hartnett shouted racial slurs toward their Black neighbors and Butler posted threats against them on social media, according to police reports. Attorneys representing Butler and Hartnett in their criminal cases did not respond to requests for comment. The home, owned by Worden Butlers mother Janet Butler since 2003, was searched by FBI agents in December. Representatives of the NAACP have said the incident is further proof that South Carolina legislators need to create a hate crime law, as the state remains one of just two in the country without one. The complaint seeking the nuisance order alleges that Hartnett and Butler have used their property to harass, threaten and assault neighbors and others near their home for several years, though it only specifically lists the recent Thanksgiving altercation as an example. The home of Worden Evander Butler and Alexis Paige Hartnett on Corbett Drive in Conway where the couple were charged with second-degree harassment in connection with the November 24 cross burning near their neighbors fence. The South Carolina NAACP along with area officials held a press conference today at the Horry County Judicial Center to speak about a cross burning incident that happened Thanksgiving weekend. NAACP leadership are calling for the state to pass hate crime legislation. Dec. 27, 2023. Other neighbors previously told The Sun News that Hartnett had yelled at them for unknown reasons, and one filed a police report after she threatened to murder him, but police deemed that report unfounded because she was in custody at the time. Solicitor Jimmy Richardson declined to discuss the nuisance filing. South Carolinas public nuisance ordinance permits the attorney general, solicitors or citizens to file these suits against people who are using buildings or other places in a manner that constitutes a continuous breach of the peace. Richardsons office has primarily filed nuisance cases in recent years against businesses, including gentlemans clubs and massage parlors allegedly promoting prostitution. An Horry County judge also recently approved the solicitors request to permanently close the infamous Yellow House, which was repeatedly a site for drug dealing and violent crime in Myrtle Beach, after several yearlong abatements. A Mercy Hospital of Folsom employee was arrested on suspicion of stealing more than $700,000 worth of medical equipment, according to the Folsom Police Department. The suspect, a 33-year-old Redding man, is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday after he was arrested on suspicion two felonies: grand theft exceeding $950 and tax evasion, police said and jail records show. Mercy Hospital of Folsom reported the theft in March 2022, police said. The suspect worked as a materials management technician for Mercy Hospital and is accused of embezzling equipment, Folsom police said in a social media post. He was found by the Redding Police Department on Thursday and was extradited to Sacramento, police said. He was in custody Tuesday at the Sacramento County Main Jail with bail set at $707,060, jail records show. House Republicans appear to be on the precipice of torpedoing their best opportunity in years of enacting border legislation. Republicans had long insisted on changes to border and migration policy as a condition of approving any additional aid to Ukraine. But as Senate negotiators close in on a deal that does just that, opposition from former President Trump threatens to sink the bill, which many conservatives say doesnt go far enough to put the brakes on southern migration. The House opposition from GOP leaders on down is frustrating even some conservative immigration reformers, who fear the Trump-led resistance will sink the GOPs best chance in years to bolster border security. [G]iving up on a border security bill would be a self-inflicted GOP wound, The Wall Street Journal editorialists warned this month. Undeterred, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told colleagues in a Friday letter that if the rumors about what is in the proposal are true, it would be dead on arrival in the House. Instead, he has urged President Biden to take executive action to restore Trump-era policies and has pushed for the provisions from a House GOP border bill passed last year with no Democratic votes. Most members of the House GOP conference appear to back Johnsons hard-line demands. And increasingly, they see Republican senators supportive of the emerging deal including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as sellouts for their willingness to compromise with Democrats. This is why we dont listen to the Senate Republicans, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) said in a Sunday interview with Fox News. What they did in the Senate is once again some ham-handed deal that would help the Democrats save face, give Republican leadership an ability to say that they did something. And if it became law, the American people would quickly realize nothing changed, except that the politicians patted themselves on the back. Were just not interested in that. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) talks to press outside the House Chamber before voting on Thursday, January 11, 2024. (Allison Robbert) The full details of the Senate deal are still murky as negotiators work to complete the legislative text. But Republican supporters are pitching several locked-in provisions including new limits on asylum-seekers and new presidential powers of deportation as clear wins for the GOP. In what would be another major concession from Democrats, the deal does not appear to include any new pathways to citizenship for Dreamers based on never-passed proposals in Congress called the DREAM Act brought to the country as children or for other migrants in the country illegally, long a Democratic priority. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), the GOPs lead negotiator, has sought to defuse the criticisms from within his party, arguing much of the griping is based on internet rumors that have mischaracterized what the bill actually does. People just want a secure border where we have legal immigration, but were not promoting illegal immigration, and thats what weve seen in the last three years, Lankford said Sunday on CBSs Face the Nation. Johnson, seeking to get ahead of any announced deal, amplified his red lines on Monday, saying House Republicans wont accept any proposal that allows even one illegal crossing. The number must be ZERO, he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Top Stories from The Hill Much of the pushback has centered around reports that the bill has a provision to shut down the border if crossings exceed 5,000 a day. Lankford has pushed back on that point as well, saying it would be absolutely absurd to agree to that number. The willingness of Democrats to cede some of their long-held demands has prompted some House Republicans to question Johnsons firm opposition to the emerging Senate deal, warning that an insistence on ideological purity will get Republicans nothing at all. Asked earlier this month whether Johnson was making the perfect the enemy of the good on the border deal, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) who negotiated a debt limit deal with Democrats last year and served as Speaker pro tempore before Republicans elevated Johnson to the position advised the Speaker to take incremental steps. Take the moment, man. Take the policy win, bank it, and go back for more. That is always the goal, McHenry said. Democrats have their concerns with the Senate legislation, not least because no members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus have been involved in the negotiations. But their loudest criticisms have targeted Republicans, saying GOP leaders want to sink any deal to maintain the border crisis, which stands among Bidens chief vulnerabilities heading into Novembers elections. Its very clear that House Republicans dont want a solution, said Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), who represents the border district around El Paso. Theyve said as much. The collapse of the deal would follow a familiar pattern for Congress, which has struggled to come to any substantial agreement on immigration policy for decades. House Republicans rejected a 2013 Gang of Eight immigration package, which passed through the upper chamber with a strong bipartisan vote. House conservatives killed another effort by GOP leaders to move similar reforms in 2014. And under Trumps presidency, Republicans forced the longest shutdown in history over demands for more border wall funding and policy reforms that never materialized. And Trump, the runaway favorite for the GOP presidential nomination, is further complicating the calculus for Republicans by pushing them to reject any border legislation until hes in the White House once again a risky bet in the eyes of some Republicans. Moving legislation like this is a tall order in any event there are always members incentivized to vote no, said veteran Republican strategist Doug Heye, a former House GOP leadership aide. But its a huge bet to punt on doing anything to potentially give Donald Trump the opportunity to do what he never tried to do as president. Trump, though, is making clear that hes watching the border fight closely, and wont make it easy for the early GOP opponents to shift away from that position. He said over the weekend that he would fight the border deal all the way and praised Johnson for how he was handling the deal. I think hes going to prove to be a very good Speaker, Trump said. Its tough when you have a very small majority. Very tough. Mike Johnson, Speaker, he just said its dead on arrival in the House. Dead on arrival. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Carnival Corporation said it will reroute a dozen ship itineraries to avoid the Red Sea in light of Houthi rebel attacks in the region. File Photo courtesy of Carnival Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Carnival Corporation said it is rerouting a dozen cruise ships away from the Red Sea as Houthi militants repeatedly bombard commercial vessels. In a statement released Tuesday, the corporation said it made the decision "given recent developments and in close consultation with global security experts and government authorities." Carnival is rerouting 12 ships across seven brands that were scheduled to transit the Red Sea through May. The company said it has not seen an impact on bookings due to the situation in the region, and it has no other Red Sea transits until November. The move follows related ones by other companies relying on shipping routes in the region. Earlier this month, Tesla said it will suspend its German operations for two weeks in February due to Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea. Tesla said the conflict in the Red Sea has delayed parts deliveries from major shipping companies. And Maersk, one of the world's shipping container leaders, said it is avoiding the Red Sea "for the foreseeable future," after one of its vessels was attacked by Houthi militants in December. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have vowed to target ships linked to the United States and the United Kingdom after the two countries launched air and naval strikes in retaliation for Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. The rebel group on Friday attacked the Marlin Luanda as the British oil tanker was sailing east through the Gulf of Aden. The missile blast caused a fire in the cargo tank of the vessel but the ship was saved by Indian, French and U.S. Navy vessels. Houthi military spokesperson Yaha Sarea claimed responsibility for the attack and said the Houthis will continue to enforce a "blockade on Israeli navigation in the Red and Arabian seas until a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza, and food and medicine are allowed in to the besieged Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip." We Are China Helicopters in round-the-clock flight training China Military Online) 10:38, January 30, 2024 Crews assigned to a brigade with the Chinese PLA Army practice flight skills during a round-the-clock flight training exercise recently. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Sun Changyi) Crews assigned to a brigade with the Chinese PLA Army practice flight skills during a round-the-clock flight training exercise recently. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Sun Changyi) Crews assigned to a brigade with the Chinese PLA Army practice flight skills during a round-the-clock flight training exercise recently. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Sun Changyi) Crews assigned to a brigade with the Chinese PLA Army practice flight skills during a round-the-clock flight training exercise recently. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Sun Changyi) Crews assigned to a brigade with the Chinese PLA Army practice flight skills during a round-the-clock flight training exercise recently. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Sun Changyi) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) More than ten countries have suspended funds for a United Nations Palestinian aid agency following Israel's claim that staff members took part in abductions and killings during the October 7 raid. The six-page report, obtained by Reuters, alleges that roughly 190 UNRWA employees, including teachers, have doubled as Hamas or Islamic Jihad militants. The report lists 11 names and pictures for them. The Palestinians doubled down, accusing Israel of falsifying intelligence to mar UNRWA, who are currently investigating the allegations and have fired several staffers as a result. One of the alleged participants is a school counselor who helped his son abduct a woman during the Hamas infiltration in which Israel says 1,200 people were killed and 253 kidnapped. Another is a UNRWA social worker who stands accused of unspecified involvement in the transfer to Gaza of a slain Israel soldier's corpse and coordinating the movements of trucks carrying supplies of weaponry. A third Palestinian on the list is charged with taking part in a rampage in the Israeli border village Beeri, where one-tenth of the residents were killed. Reuters further revealed a fourth name on the list had allegedly participated in an attack on Reim, the site where an army base was overrun and a rave where more than 360 partygoers died. Foreign Minister Israel Katz said UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini should go. "UNRWA employees participated in the massacre of October 7," he said. "Lazzarini should draw conclusions and resign," further quoted by the news outlet. The document was shown to Reuters by a source who could not be identified by name or nationality. The source said it had been compiled by Israeli intelligence and shared with the United States. The U.S. subsequently ceased all funding to UNRWA. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh accused Israel of a "premeditated political attack" on the agency, which it has long criticized, and called for restoration of aid funds. An Israeli official told Reuters the 190 mentioned in the dossier were "hardened fighters, killers" whereas overall some 10% of UNRWA staff were believed to have more general affiliation with Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The agency employs 13,000 people in Gaza. WHAT IS UNRWA? The Financial Times reports that UNRWA employs 13,000 members in Gaza and has an overall staff of 30,000 worldwide. It is the primary agency for overseeing aid as well as running schools and hospitals for Palestinian refugees based in the Middle East, including Gaza and the occupied West Bank. FT explains the allegations made by Israel are founded on documents and identification cards collected since the start of the Gaza conflict, according to the person with intimate knowledge of the dossier. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, in a statement on Sunday, said that he was "horrified" by the accusations against the 12 UNRWA employees, per the Financial Times. The employment of nine had been terminated, one was no longer alive while the status of the two others is still being clarified, he said. The top UN chief, however, pleaded with world leaders to continue funding the agency, saying: "Two million civilians in Gaza depend on critical aid from UNRWA for daily survival. I strongly appeal to the governments that have suspended their contributions to, at least, guarantee the continuity of UNRWA's operations." UNRWA is giving vital support to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by Israel's assault on Gaza. According to Palestinian officials, more than 26,000 have been killed, and more than 85 percent of the 2.3 million population were forced to flee their homes. The Norwegian Refugee Council notes the suspension of aid is threatening the life-saving assistance that UNRWA is providing to the people of Gaza, half of whom are just children. "We are shocked by the reckless decision to cut a lifeline for an entire population by some of the very countries that had called for aid in Gaza to be stepped up," it said. There have been new developments in the concluded Alex Murdagh trial where a member of the jury states that her guilty verdict was influenced by a court clerk. The members of the jury has only been identified as Juror Z but the court clerk has been identified as Becky Hill. According to a report from the Associated Press, the jurors were urged to watch Murdagh's body language and they made him appear guilty which influenced Juror Z's choice to convict Murdagh. However, the other 11 unnamed jurors have stated that their decisions of a guilty verdict were based on testimony and evidence presented during the trial. In addition, only one of them had mentioned hearing something similar regarding Murdagh from Hill. Despite this Juror Z stands by their statement, even going on to say during questioning that it was their fellow jurors who influenced their decision to vote guilty more than Hill's statements regarding Murdagh's movements. They stated, "I had questions about Mr. Murdaugh's guilt but voted guilty because I felt pressured by other jurors." In the state of South Carolina, guilty verdicts must be unanimous. Despite this other jury members continue to say that their decisions weren't influenced by Hill and while one juror said that they had heard Hill's comments the comments did not change their mind. Hill is expected to testify on Monday and is predicted to face heavy questioning from Murdagh's lawyers. The basis for Murdagh's appeal is jury tampering with the defense saying that if true then it does not matter whether a juror had overtly stated that their verdict would change. This is because even a hint of outside influence could have prevented Murdagh from receiving a fair trial. Hill herself has denied any jury tampering. In addition, Judge Jean Toal has deemed that the defense must prove potential misconduct. Additionally, Toal has limited what can be asked of Hill ruling out questions about a criminal investigation conducted by state agents into whether Hill had used Toal's office for financial gain plus emailing prosecutors with tips on how to discredit defense experts and conspiring with her son who is being charged with wiretapping county phones. However, Toal has stated, "I'm very, very reluctant to turn this hearing about juror contact into a wholesale exploration about every piece of conduct by the clerk." What's Next? Even if there is a new murder trial peaking over the horizon for Murdagh, he's still serving 27 years after he admitted to stealing a 12 million dollars from his law firm on in addition to settlements he had previously gained for clients on the grounds of wrongful death and serious injury lawsuits. He does, however, remain adamant that he did not kill his younger son Paul with a shotgun, nor did he murder his wife with a rifle continuing to state that he had found their bodies in their Colleton County home back in 2021. Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Friday announced plans to send Idaho State Police troopers to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas to secure our nations border. At best, its nothing more than political theater that wastes Idaho taxpayer dollars. At worst, it throws gasoline on a smoldering fire. Idaho joins 24 other states in standing with Texas in its fight against the federal government over the use of razor wire at the border. It comes at a time when the state of Texas is suing the federal government in an effort to continue its practice of putting up razor wire along the U.S.-Mexico border as a deterrent to illegal crossings. Federal Border Patrol agents have been removing the wire not only to prevent serious injuries and death, but in order to do their jobs of apprehending migrants crossing the border illegally. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Border Patrol agents can continue to remove razor wire while the Texas lawsuit goes through the courts. So Texas continues to put up razor wire while Border Patrol agents take it down, setting up what has been called, in true, ridiculous Texas fashion, a showdown over the authority of the federal government. Its a touchy situation with dangerous rhetoric. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem used incendiary language by urging Texas to stand their ground against the federal government. Little even declared January the Idaho Stands With Texas in Securing the Nations Border Month. Just rolls off the tongue. If it werent such an incendiary situation, this can be seen as nothing more than political theater. Lets put aside for the moment that this is a waste of Idaho taxpayer dollars. As we have argued before, Idaho has more problems that need to be dealt with that our tax dollars should be applied to. The rallying cry But the fentanyl! is easily debunked. As has been reported many times before, the vast majority of fentanyl is coming across the border through legal checkpoints. In 2021, U.S. citizens made up 86.3% of convicted fentanyl drug traffickers 10 times greater than convictions of undocumented immigrants for the same offense, according to a study by the libertarian think tank Cato Institute, based on data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission. That study found that just 0.02% of the people arrested by Border Patrol for crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally possessed any fentanyl whatsoever. According to Cato, 90% of fentanyl seizures occur at legal crossing points or interior vehicle checkpoints, not on illegal migration routes. Wed much rather see Little spend Idaho taxpayer dollars on prevention and treatment of substance addiction than trying to put his finger in the dike holding back the influx of drugs into this country. As long as there is demand from American consumers, drugs will find their way here. At the same time Republican governors are lining up to stand with Texas, it was revealed that former President Donald Trump has been putting pressure on Republican U.S. senators to quash any deal on the border so that President Joe Biden doesnt get any credit or legislative victory. Trump wants and Republicans are agreeing to prolong the so-called invasion in order to score political points, try to make it look as if illegal crossings didnt exist before Biden took office, make the president look bad for the upcoming election and then take credit for solving the problem if hes reelected. Some migrants have already died trying to cross the border. How many more will die in the coming months if a deal is delayed? Remember, this is a fight over whether to put up razor wire along the border so that anyone attempting to cross will get cut up in their efforts. Perhaps Republicans tactics of putting up razor wire and busing undocumented immigrants to Democratic-controlled cities was meant as a strategy to get Biden to the table to come up with solutions. They even used funding to defend Ukraine to twist Bidens arm on the border. If so, it apparently worked. If theres a solution on the table, get to work on it. Sending Idaho State Police troopers to the border for a photo op is not a solution. Statesman editorials are the unsigned opinion of the Idaho Statesmans editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community members Mary Rohlfing and Patricia Nilsson. Lawmakers in Idaho are now targeting online content they consider harmful to children. Two bills introduced this week involve content children can find online, with one bill introduced Tuesday that would let parents sue companies that post online material harmful to children. Another, Senate Bill 1253, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Cook, R-Idaho Falls, would require cellphone providers to automatically turn on filters against obscene materials when the phone is registered to a minor. The bill to allow lawsuits, from Rep. Julianne Young, R-Blackfoot, and Rep. Elaine Price, R-Coeur dAlene, largely targets pornography or material that appeals to the prurient interest of minors and depicts sex. A judge could award the parents with $10,000 in damages plus nominal and compensatory damages, according to the bill. To avoid being sued, entities would have to require age verification to access their websites through a digitized identification card or the use of a commercial age verification system. The bill exempts news organizations as well as internet providers, search engines or computer manufacturers from liability just for providing access to the internet. Similar bills have been introduced or passed in other states. After a similar law passed in Utah last year, Pornhub, a popular pornography website, cut off access to users in the state. Idaho lawmakers introduced a bill Tuesday to allow tax credits for parents who send their children to private schools, a proposal that opens the door for $50 million in state funds to go toward private education a system that would create whats commonly known as school vouchers. The bill, called the Parental Choice Tax Credit, sponsored by Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, and Sen. Lori Den Hartog, R-Meridian, would allow families to receive up to a $5,000 tax rebate for school expenses, including private school tuition, textbooks, transportation costs, or to pay for schooling received in smaller learning pods. Parents with special needs children who have disabilities could receive up to $7,500. Im passionate about education and I care deeply about every single child in Idaho, Den Hartog told a legislative committee Tuesday. She said she is not a fan of budget busting bills and said the program would not reduce funding for public schools. Parents would only be allowed to claim an amount that covers their expenses, and the bill directs the Idaho State Tax Commission to prescribe forms for the credit. The bill would require the state to offer $40 million in tax rebates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Another $10 million would be available for low-income parents and administered as grants. To be eligible, families would have to qualify for the federal earned income tax credit. Private schools are primarily located in Idahos urban areas. Of the states roughly 120 registered private schools, a majority are in four counties: Ada, Canyon, Kootenai and Twin Falls, according to the Idaho State Department of Education. Private school tuition can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Tuition for Bishop Kelly in Boise is listed as about $10,000 a year, while Riverstones tuition costs up to $26,000 a year. Idaho has about 41,000 K-12 students not enrolled in public schools, according to data from the state and the U.S. Census Bureau. Were each of those students to receive the $5,000 rebate or grant in the future, the total would amount to over $200 million a year. School voucher programs have become more popular in conservative states in recent years, as proponents of home-schooling, private schools, religious schools or nontraditional schools look to gain access to state funds. A school voucher program in Arizona that was initially estimated to cost $65 million ballooned to an estimated $900 million this year, according to the Arizona Mirror. A similar proposal to implement education savings accounts for students failed to become law last year. Democratic lawmakers have adamantly opposed the proposals, which they argue will inevitably reduce funding for public schools. This would siphon money from public schools to line the pockets of predominantly wealthy and urban Idahoans who are the most likely to be able to take advantage of it, House Assistant Minority Leader Lauren Necochea, D-Boise, said Tuesday. Some Republicans on Tuesday expressed skepticism about the new proposal. Rep. Kenny Wroten, R-Nampa, asked whether there is a new source of revenue to pay for this. Den Hartog said the tax rebates would reduce state revenue and that any tax refunds for the program would come out of the states general fund. The bill directs the Legislature to review and evaluate whether the $50 million cap is sufficient to address the needs of the program in 2026. Rep. Richard Cheatum, R-Pocatello, asked for a roll-call vote, in which he, Wroten, and Rep. Lauren Necochea, D-Boise, were the only no votes to introduce the bill. Thomas Creech will remain Idahos longest-serving death row prisoner after the state parole board recommended Monday against his plea to avoid execution with a reduced sentence to life in prison. Creech was convicted of five murders, including the beating death of fellow prisoner David Dale Jensen in 1981. He is suspected of at least several others across the Western U.S. but asked that he be allowed to die of natural causes at a formal hearing earlier this month. The Commission of Pardons and Parole deadlocked in a 3-3 vote, which upholds Creechs death sentence because a majority did not support his request. The parole boards seventh member, a retired longtime Idaho State Police officer, recused himself from the clemency hearing for undisclosed reasons. We do not believe Mr. Creech is worthy of grace or mercy, the three unnamed parole board members said in the ruling. This decision was based on the coldblooded nature of David Dale Jensens murder and the sheer number of victims that Mr. Creech has created over his lifetime, which shows that he does not place value on human life, other than his own. Creechs attorneys with the nonprofit Federal Defender Services of Idaho said in a Monday evening statement that they were grateful to the three parole board members who chose grace over vengeance and vowed to fight on for their client. We believe the split vote clearly reflects the undeniable fact that Tom has made a remarkable turnaround during his 50 years in prison, becoming a deeply remorseful, compassionate and harmless old man who has wide support for clemency across the prison ranks and even from the judge who sentenced him, Deborah A. Czuba, supervising attorney for the legal nonprofits death penalty unit, said in the statement. We are hopeful that the governor will still find a way to favor life and grant clemency. Either way, our fight is far from over and we will continue to do everything we can to spare Tom an execution. Gov. Brad Little, who has the final say on clemency decisions, said in a statement that part of his job is to follow the law and ensure criminal sentences are carried out as ordered. Thomas Creech is a convicted serial killer responsible for acts of extreme violence, Little said. As governor, I have zero intention of taking any action that would halt or delay Creechs execution. His lawful and just sentence must be carried out as ordered by the court. Justice has been delayed long enough. A broad group of advocates backed Creechs push to drop his death sentence to life in prison after having been incarcerated for nearly a half-century. His supporters included several former state prison workers, one current corrections officer who spoke at his clemency hearing, a former state lawmaker and the Ada County judge who gave Creech the death penalty. For me, Tom has become a living symbol for the problems with the death penalty, former state Rep. Donna Boe, who served from 1996 to 2010, wrote in Creechs clemency petition. I have no doubt that he has changed and grown as a person, that he has true care and concern for others including the staff who work at the prison, and that an execution would be a tragic waste of life. Idaho death row prisoner Thomas Creech, pictured here in November 2020, was convicted of three murders in the state and one each in Oregon and California between 1974 and 1981. Now 73, he has been incarcerated in Idaho for nearly 50 years. Creech, 73, has been convicted of five murders, including three in Idaho. He received his standing death sentence after he pleaded guilty to Jensens May 1981 murder. Creech previously said the incident was an act of self-defense, but still apologized for Jensens death at his hearing. Im sorry with all my heart and soul, Creech told the parole board. If I could bring him back and trades places, I would do that. Creech, then 30, beat Jensen, a 23-year-old Pocatello man who was partially disabled before entering prison, using a sock filled with batteries. When the weapon broke, Creech kicked and stomped Jensens throat and head against his cells concrete floor and bed frame, prosecutors said. This is not self-defense. This is part of the lie Creech has been trying to tell you, Ada County Deputy Prosecutor Jill Longhurst said at Creechs clemency hearing. Following release of the parole boards decision Monday evening, the Ada County Prosecutors Office thanked the survivors of Creechs victims, including Jensens family who attended the clemency hearing, for their willingness to relive the pain of losing their loved ones as part of the legal process. In 1981, the state sought the death penalty against Mr. Creech for the first-degree murder of Mr. Jensen, the statement from the Prosecutors Office read. Seeking the death penalty is not an easy decision or process. We continue to stand by the decision to seek the death penalty in this case. Jensens sister, two nieces and his daughter read victims statements at the hearing. Only one of them offered her first name, and the Prosecutors Office cited the victims rights clause of the Idaho Constitution to the Idaho Statesman for declining to identify Jensens family members. Jensens daughter said she was 4 years old when Creech killed her father, and has dealt with decades of torment since his death. Execution is not an act of evil, she said, its the result of actions and choices. Creechs past convictions and suspected murders The three parole board members who voted against Creechs request for a reduced sentence said in their decision that they did not believe he was capable of true remorse. The commission believes that the Jensen family would not receive justice if Mr. Creech received clemency and above all else that they deserve closure in this case, they wrote. If the commission cannot uphold the death penalty in this case, then the death penalty means nothing in the state of Idaho. Just months before killing Jensen, Creech used a razor blade mounted to a toothbrush similar to a weapon Creech said Jensen tried to attack him with to slash a different prisoner in the neck, arm and abdomen, Longhurst said. The Prosecutors Office declined to charge Creech for that assault, she said. Creech was initially convicted in Idaho for the November 1974 double-murder of Edward Thomas Arnold, 34, and John Wayne Bradford, 40, in Valley County. He received the death penalty but had his sentence reduced to life in prison when the U.S. Supreme Court later ruled that death sentences may not be mandatory for a crime, as Idaho had in place at the time. Creech was later convicted of a murder each in Oregon and California. Creech claimed at times, including under oath, to having killed as many as 42 people. He later revised the total to 26 murders he committed or at least participated in. I think everybody would have chose to live, Creech said at his hearing earlier this month. Thats why I feel so bad they could have grown up to be anything. Idaho death row prisoner Thomas Creech, 73, center, seated with attorney Chris Sanchez, left, and investigator Christine Hanley from the Federal Defender Services of Idaho, during his clemency hearing before the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole, earlier this month. Longhurst detailed during her presentations before the parole board that Creech was responsible for at least 11 murders. That includes the October 1973 stabbing death of a 70-year-old man in Arizona for which Creech was acquitted by a jury and the October 1974 shooting of Daniel A. Walker Jr., 21, in San Bernardino County, California, that has gone unsolved for nearly 50 years and the prosecution linked to Creech for the first time at the hearing. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office announced in a press release last week that it resumed the investigation into Walkers death in November after it obtained additional information but did not identify the source or what that information was. On Monday, the Ada County Prosecutors Office said one of its investigators was instrumental in relaying evidence to the Sheriffs Office in Southern California that led to the naming of Creech as the suspect in the Walker murder. Creechs attorneys with the Federal Defender Services called the allegations brought by prosecutors against their client for the San Bernardino cold case troubling and irresponsible, especially given the lack of any real evidence presented at the clemency hearing. We are confident the parole commission will see through the prosecutors ruse and judge Mr. Creech based on the man he is in 2024, whose execution would accomplish nothing but more death and devastation, Czuba said in a statement last week. First Idaho death row clemency case denied by parole board Robert Dunham, a Philadelphia-based lawyer who specializes in death penalty policies, questioned the constitutionality of prosecutors presenting either case at Creechs clemency review, which he said is not designed to be a hearing to consider new evidence. I think theyre both problematic, and its one thing to allege that there are more crimes out there that have never gone to trial, Dunham told the Statesman in a phone interview. Its another thing to say you should punish this person more harshly because he went to trial and he won. With increased frequency, prison workers advocate on behalf of death row prisoners across the U.S. in requests for clemency, he said. The impact of executions on guards and other staffers who develop relationships with prisoners after decades on death row is a significant consideration, even if reduced sentences for death row prisoners are still rarely granted, Dunham said. Creechs clemency hearing was just the third held in Idaho for a death row prisoner since capital punishment was reestablished in the state after a 1976 U.S. Supreme Court decision. In both prior reviews, the parole board voted to grant a reduced sentence to life in prison. Little blocked the most recent recommendation against a prisoners execution in December 2021. Creech still has a handful of outstanding legal appeals over his death sentence, including two that are scheduled to go before the Idaho Supreme Court for oral arguments next week. One appeal argues that Creechs death sentence is unconstitutional because a judge imposed it rather than a jury, which the U.S. Supreme Court amended through case precedent in 2002. The other appeal argues that Creech had ineffective legal counsel during his prosecution for the Jensen murder, because Creechs history of childhood physical and sexual abuse and traumatic head injuries were not presented to the judge for consideration at sentencing. After meeting Creech in person at the maximum security prison some years back, retired Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata of the United Methodist Church advocated for sparing the prisoners life in recorded videos played at the clemency hearing. He told the Statesman by phone Monday night that he felt sadness and despair over the parole boards denial of Creechs plea. We all need to take a wider view of the sanctity of life, and that human judgment is not always what I think God would ask us to use in a case such as this, Hoshibata said. I can get my head around life without parole, but I cannot get my head and heart around the death penalty. For the person who is incarcerated, that just does not make sense to me. Ever since I started practicing law in Idaho in 1973, Idahoans have trusted that they would get a fair shake when their lives or property were at risk in our state court system. Thats because Idaho judges have rightly been viewed as competent and impartial. That, in turn, is a result of the merit-based selection procedures for Idaho judges. In the late 1960s, the Idaho Legislature had the wisdom and foresight to provide for the selection of most judges through non-political vetting committees. Magistrate judges are investigated, interviewed and appointed by regional magistrate commissions. The Idaho Judicial Council was established to consider the qualifications of candidates for the states district and appellate courts. The Council thoroughly vets the candidates and sends a list of the best-qualified to the governor, who appoints from the list. Former Gov. Butch Otter regularly received praise from other state governors for the recognized excellence of Idahos judiciary, which Otter attributed to the Judicial Council selection process. Former Chief Justice Roger Burdick says the chief judicial officers of states across the country likewise praised the competence of Idaho judges. Phil Reberger, who just retired as vice-chair of the Council after two decades of service, played a significant part in this process by serving up lists of well-qualified candidates from which the Governor made his choice. Otter and Reberger are largely responsible for Idahos well-qualified judiciary. It is a real tribute to these long-time conservative Republicans that they valued the appointment of competent, impartial judges over petty partisan politics. Unfortunately, their good work is in danger. Years ago, the Legislature fashioned a compensation/retirement package designed to incentivize accomplished lawyers with at least 10 years of experience to apply for district and appellate judgeships. It was generally understood that accomplished lawyers would take over a 50% pay cut to serve as a district judge. In order to make the transition to a judgeship, there must be some certainty that the Legislature will not make drastic employment changes. When the Legislature gave every state employee, except judges, a 7% cost-of-living increase in 2022 and then refused to make it up last year, it made many sitting judges consider whether it was worth remaining on the bench. Last year, an accomplished Supreme Court justice and a highly-regarded magistrate judge in Bonneville County left their positions because of the low salaries. The Legislature has also tinkered with the non-partisan make-up of the Judicial Council and seems to have an inclination toward requiring partisan elections for appellate and district judges. Years ago, district judge positions were quite competitive, often with upwards of a dozen applicants. From 2021 to the present, there has been an average of less than 5 applicants for the 16 district court vacancies. Magistrate judge positions, which pay $12,000 less but have much better job security, receive more than twice as many applicants. Fewer skilled lawyers are stepping forward to be district judges. That is a real problem because district judges are critical to the court system. District courts handle very few hot-button issues. They deal with cases that touch the everyday lives of Idahoans, regardless of the philosophy of the litigants. They handle felony criminal trials, like the Daybell and Kohberger cases. District courts decide contract, corporate, zoning, personal injury and the full range of civil cases. It is vitally important that those holding the lives and fortunes of people in their hands be the most impartial, experienced and competent judges possible. It is no place for those with little legal experience, politicians or lawyers who just need a steady paycheck. The fact is that we risk getting enough qualified candidates for judicial positions unless there is an immediate and substantial pay raise for all judges. The pay for high court justices equates to $79 per hour, for district judges it is $72 per hour and for magistrate judges it is $69 per hour. In contrast, the Legislature often hires counsel to represent it in court for more than $470 per hour. It makes no sense to have judges deciding complicated cases that vitally affect the lives and fortunes of litigants where lawyers for the parties may well be receiving many times the $69 to $79 per hour that Idaho judges are being paid. A ten percent (10%) across-the-board increase for judges, in addition to any cost-of-living increase that other state employees might receive, would solve the recruiting problem. Idahoans simply cant afford to have unqualified, bargain-basement judges deciding their future. Jim Jones is a Vietnam combat veteran who served 8 years as Idaho Attorney General (1983-1991) and 12 years as a Justice on the Idaho Supreme Court (2005-2017). His columns are collected at JJCommonTater.com One of Knoxville's biggest attractions is planning for an upgrade that will help better connect its 620,000 annual visitors with the city's natural beauty. The 318-acre Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville is planning an events pavilion, canopy walkway, substantial upgrades to Mead's Quarry and a $5 parking fee that will be used to fund the improvements. The parking fee goes into effect Feb. 19, though some Ijams members will be able to park for free. Annual parking passes will be available for $50, and Ijams will offer free parking days throughout the year. The nonprofit educational center provided a glimpse of its master plan in a Jan. 30 news release. New space for rentals, concessions planned at Mead's Quarry Multipurpose buildings included in the Ijams Nature Center master plan would replace the trailer and shipping containers used for kayak rentals and concessions. Mead's Quarry was once a huge pit where workers extracted famed Tennessee marble from deep within the earth but is now a popular swimming hole near downtown Knoxville. Mead's Quarry at Ijams Nature Center has increased in popularity over the years, especially with its Fort Dickerson counterpart, Augusta Quarry, temporarily closed for renovations. It's time for the Ijams quarry to get some upgrades of its own. Kayak rentals and concessions operate out of a trailer and shipping containers at the quarry, but multipurpose buildings replace them in the master plan. The buildings also will have indoor and outdoor seating, as well as outdoor classroom space. Other upgrades include an ADA-compliant trail leading to the water, improved parking and improved common areas. Know Your Knox: What's at the bottom of Mead's Quarry and Augusta Quarry? Homesite at Ijams Nature Center adding an events pavilion Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville has shared renderings of its master plan, which includes this events pavilion at the Ijams Homesite. The pavilion would be built at "the current location of the tent pad" and would "address ongoing plumbing and draining issues." In 1910, illustrator and ornithologist HP Ijams and his wife, Alice Ijams, purchased 20 acres along the Tennessee River to raise their four children. This area is now known as the Ijams Homesite, and it includes areas for events and space for the center's preschool operations. An events pavilion is now planned for the Homesite, which "will be critical to the growth of Ijams educational programs and increasing revenue from rentals," according to the master plan website. Additional parking and trail access also are in the plans, along with upgraded lighting at the Miller Building. Ijams canopy walkway lets people be among South Knoxville trees An accessible Canopy Walk will complement Navitat Knoxville, an adventure park among the trees at Ijams Nature Center. The proposed Canopy Walk is part of Ijams' master plan shared with the public Jan. 30. You can already walk among the trees at Navitat Knoxville, an adventure park at Ijams comprised of ziplines and wooden bridges. Ijams is looking to add another treetop experience to help people who have trouble navigating the center's terrain still experience the beauty of nature. The Canopy Walkway will form a loop that starts and ends at the back patio of the Visitor Center, and the path will will move through the treetops and over bluffs. Island Home Corridor and Ijams Visitor Center will be improved The Ijams Nature Center Visitor Center will be improved as part of the nonprofit's master plan, which includes substantial upgrades at Mead's Quarry and a new events pavilion. "What was once a small, quiet nature center with approximately 100,000 visitors a year" has grown to attract 620,000 annual visitors from East Tennessee and around the world, according to Ijams. Ijams' four main entrances are located along a half-mile stretch of Island Home Avenue known in the master plan as the Island Home Corridor. "This corridor is where visitors get their first impression of the nature center," according to the website. "Currently, pedestrian and vehicular traffic are at slight odds, requiring visitors to cross Island Home Avenue on foot in several locations." Plans call for aligning the entrances, slowing traffic and improving pedestrian safety to "give a sense of arrival to the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to Ijams." Once on site, guests can make their way to the 14,000-square-foot Visitor Center that houses classrooms, offices, animal exhibits, a gift shop, meeting spaces, storage spaces and a back patio. The master plan calls for a makeover to "modernize" the Visitor Center, built in 1997. More classrooms and flexible spaces are in the plans. Improvements to enhance Knoxville Urban Wilderness experience Ijams is a key part of the Knoxville Urban Wilderness, comprised of nine recreational areas connected by trails. The proximity between the center of the city and natural amenities is one of the many unique things about Knoxville. The Tennessee Theatre on Gay Street and Ijams Nature Center are just 3.5 miles apart. Upon arriving at Ijams, visitors are met with 14 miles of hiking and mixed-use trails. The nature center works closely with local government, but only 9% of its annual operating budget comes from the government, Ijams Board President Andy Oakes said in the news release. "Ijams relies on community support, memberships, donations and grants to hire staff and maintain our programs, facilities and trails," Oakes said. The parking fee will help with that, and anyone looking to become a member should visit ijams.org/donate. Memberships include discounts on some programs, as well as access to members-only programs. A membership also gets you benefits at other national nature centers, a 15% discount at Navitat Knoxville and a 10% discount at the gift and on facility rentals. Parking lot improvements are already underway, according to the release, and Island Home Avenue improvements will start this summer. For more information, visit ijams.org/master-plan. Ryan Wilusz is a downtown growth and development reporter. Phone 865-317-5138. Email ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com. Instagram @knoxscruff. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at subscribe.knoxnews.com. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Ijams Nature Center, Mead's Quarry getting major upgrades in Knoxville CHICAGO (AP) Illinois election board on Tuesday kept former President Donald Trump on the states primary ballot, a week before the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on whether his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol disqualifies him from the presidency. The boards unanimous ruling comes after its hearing officer, a retired judge and Republican, found that a preponderance of the evidence shows Trump is ineligible to run for president because he violated a constitutional ban on those who engaged in insurrection from holding office. But the hearing officer recommended the board let the courts make the ultimate decision. The eight-member board, composed of four Democrats and four Republicans, agreed with a recommendation from its lawyer to let Trump the front-runner in the Republican primary remain on the ballot by determining it didn't have the authority to determine whether he violated the U.S. Constitution. Board member Catherine McCrory prefaced her vote with a statement: I want it to be clear that this Republican believes that there was an insurrection on Jan. 6. Theres no doubt in my mind that he manipulated, instigated, aided and abetted an insurrection on Jan. 6. But McCrory said she agreed the board doesn't have jurisdiction to enforce that conclusion. Trump's attorney urged the board not to get involved, contending the former president never engaged in insurrection but that wasn't something it could determine. "We would recommend and urge the board to not wade into this, attorney Adam Merrill said. Trump cheered the decision in a post on his social media network, Truth Social: The VOTE was 8-0 in favor of keeping your favorite President (ME!), on the Ballot, he wrote. An attorney for the voters who objected to Trump's presence on the ballot said they would appeal to Cook County circuit court. Whats happened here is an avoidance of a hot potato issue, attorney Matthew Piers told reporters after the hearing. I get the desire to do it, but the law doesnt allow you to duck. The issue will likely be decided at a higher court, with the U.S. Supreme Court scheduled next week to hear arguments in Trumps appeal of a Colorado ruling declaring him ineligible for the presidency in that state. The nations highest court has never ruled on a case involving Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which was adopted in 1868 to prevent former Confederates from returning to office after the Civil War but has rarely been used since then. Some legal scholars say the clause applies to Trump for his role in trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election and encouraging his backers to storm the U.S. Capitol after he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Dozens of cases have been filed around the country seeking to bar Trump from the presidency under Section 3. The Colorado case is the only one that succeeded in court. Most other courts and election officials have ducked the issue on similar grounds to Illinois, contending they don't have jurisdiction to rule on the obscure constitutional issue. Maines Democratic secretary of state also ruled that Trump violated the 14th Amendment and is no longer eligible for the White House, but her ruling is on hold until the Supreme Court issues a decision. Trump's critics argue he's disqualified by the plain language of Section 3, which forbids those who swore an oath to support the Constitution, then engaged in insurrection against it from holding office. They contend the former president is ineligible just as if he didn't meet the constitutional threshold of being at least 35 years old. But Trump's attorneys have argued that the provision is vague and unclear and that Jan. 6 doesn't meet the legal definition of an insurrection. Even if it did, they argue that Trump was simply exercising his First Amendment rights and isn't liable for what occurred, and that the ban on holding office shouldn't apply to presidents. Though Trump has blamed Biden for the lawsuits because several have been filed by liberal nonprofit groups, there is no evidence the president was involved. On Tuesday, before the Illinois ruling, Biden said he didnt have a problem with Trump being on presidential ballots. Biden made the comment in response to a reporters question before flying to Florida for campaign fundraising. Section 3 was heavily used immediately after the Civil War, but after Congress granted an amnesty to most former Confederates in 1872 it fell into disuse. Legal scholars can only find one example of it being deployed in the 20th century against a socialist who was not seated in Congress because he objected to U.S. involvement in World War I. It has been used a handful of times since the Jan. 6 attack. The Illinois board members ducked the issue by concluding that, under state law, all they can do is assess whether the basic paperwork candidates fill out is true. The only way to remove Trump would be by concluding he made a false statement when he swore under oath in that paperwork that he was eligible for the office he sought. Board member Jack Vrett, a Republican, warned that would create a dangerous precedent, given the dozens of election boards in the state that follow the main one's lead. If we allowed them to say, Dont just look at the papers, look at the underlying allegations, that would open a floodgate, Vrett said. Every possible school board candidate would seek to challenge the qualification of their rival based on some alleged criminal conduct. ___ Riccardi reported from Denver. Joshua Boak in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report. The Illinois State Board of Elections decided unanimously on Tuesday to allow former President Donald Trump to appear on state primary ballots, after receiving a recommendation that the 2024 GOP candidate be removed for violating an insurrection provision in the U.S. Constitution. The bipartisanIllinois board met Tuesday to discuss a petition opposing Trump that was filed by five voters in the state. Like filings in other states, the Illinois petition argued that Trump instigated an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, and including his name on ballots would therefore violate a Civil Warera amendment making it illegal for insurrectionists to run for office. Some board members said they believed they did not have jurisdiction over the question. I want it to be clear that this Republican believes that there was an insurrection on Jan. 6, board member Catherine S. McCrory said at the hearing. Theres no doubt in my mind that he manipulated, instigated, aided and abetted an insurrection on Jan. 6. However, having said that, it is not my place to rule on that today, she said. Clark Erickson, a retired Republican judge who presided over a recent hearing on Trumps eligibility for office, wrote on Sunday that a preponderance of the evidence supported the arguments against Trump. The election boards decision, however, is likely to be appealed. Ron Fein, legal director for Free Speech for People, the voting rights group that is representing the five Illinois voters, said in a statement over the weekend that he expects both the board and ultimately Illinois courts to uphold Ericksons thoughtful analysis. The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments on the subject in early February, after the high court agreed to take up Colorados decision to bar Trump from appearing on primary ballots there. So far, only Colorado and Maine have made such decisions. Trumps allies argue that removing him from ballots is undemocratic, and that the matter should be left to voters. Several other states presented with the same question California, Michigan and Arizona among them decided that Trump should remain on their primary ballots. Related... The attack on Sunday that resulted in the death of three U.S. troops and wounded has amplified pressure on the United States to take action. This is the first deadly strike against U.S. troops since Israel's war on Gaza started in October, marking a major escalation of tension in the Middle East. It was disclosed in a statement from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin, "Let me start with my outrage and sorrow (for) the deaths of three brave U.S. troops in Jordan and for the other troops who were wounded," U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at the Pentagon. "The president and I will not tolerate attacks on U.S. forces, and we will take all necessary actions to defend the U.S. and our troops," Austin added at the start of a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Pentagon. According to Reuters, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that Biden is weighing his options for responding. "We are not seeking a war with Iran," he said. The United States is investigating why the nearly 350 troops at the base in Jordan, known as Tower 22, were unable to intercept the drone. Two officials said a U.S. drone was approaching the base around the same time the attack drone was incoming. One of the officials said the attack drone was also flying low, factors that may have contributed to its miss by base defenses. What Was The Attack? Thirty-four personnel were reportedly injured in the Jordan attack, however that number is expected to change as more people seek care, while eight personnel were evacuated from Jordan for critical-level care. They remain in stable condition. The attack and any potential move from the U.S. continues to elicit a feeling of fear for potentially a much larger conflict in the Middle East. Israel's subsequent assault on Gaza has killed over 26,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry. The United States has already retaliated in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen in response to previous attacks by Iran-backed groups. "He's weighing the options before him," said White House national security spokesman Kirby. "As he said yesterday, we will respond. We'll do that on our schedule and our time, and we'll do it in the manner of the president's choosing as commander in chief," quoted Reuters. "We'll also do it fully cognizant of the fact that these groups, backed by Tehran, have just taken the lives of American troops," Kirby said, adding that the United States was not seeking to escalate and not looking for a war with Iran. Meanwhile, Iran's minister of intelligence said that regional armed groups aligned with Tehran will respond to "American aggressors" at their own discretion. The Illinois State Board of Elections voted unanimously Tuesday to dismiss a challenge to former President Donald Trumps candidacy, but the decision is not expected to be the final word in the matter, with an appeal all but assured. The panel voted 8-0 on a bipartisan basis to dismiss the challenge, finding that it didnt have jurisdiction to adjudicate a dispute involving the 14th Amendment. The decision can be appealed in state courts, where judges could potentially remove Trump from the ballot based on the insurrectionist ban that was ratified after the Civil War. The legal advocacy group behind the challenge, Free Speech For People, said in a statement that it would immediately appeal and expect the issues to be resolved in their favor by the Illinois courts. The election panel accepted a recommendation from retired Judge Clark Erickson, who presided over an evidentiary hearing last week and concluded that the board isnt legally empowered to undertake a complex constitutional analysis of Trumps potential culpability in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. However, Erickson, a Republican, also concluded that, based on the evidence presented at the hearing, Trump did engage in the January 6 insurrection and the 14th Amendment would apply to him. He said state courts which have more power than the election board should decide Trumps eligibility. During the roll-call vote, board member Catherine McCrory, a Republican, made a forceful statement against Trump, blaming him for the insurrection but saying the panel didnt have the authority to remove him from the ballot. This Republican believes there was an insurrection on January 6, McCrory said. There is no doubt in my mind that he manipulated, instigated, aided and abetted an insurrection on January 6. However, having said that, it is not my place to rule on that today. So, I will say yes to the motion as far as not having jurisdiction to rule on that fact today. Matthew Piers, a lawyer for the anti-Trump challengers, had urged the panel to bar Trump from the ballot earlier during the meeting. He took a leading role in organizing, facilitating, supporting, directing and protecting a concerted, armed and violent invasion, seizure, and disruption of the United States Congress on January 6th, as the members of that body were gathering to fulfill their constitutional duty of certifying the electoral votes, Piers said. Trump attorney Adam Merrill, however, urged the state board to keep Trump on the 2024 ballot, pushing back against the findings from Erickson. Mr. Trump did not engage in an insurrection, as that term is used in the Constitution, Merrill said, later adding that no Illinois court has ever suggested that the board has this authority to disqualify him based on the 14th Amendment. Several Illinois voters filed the challenge against Trump, arguing that the state should join Colorado and Maine in removing him from their 2024 presidential ballots. The decisions in those other states were paused pending the outcome of Trumps appeal of the Colorado case to the US Supreme Court. Similar lawsuits have been dismissed on procedural grounds in Michigan, Minnesota and other states. Trump has decried the cases as an abuse of the legal system by partisans who cant beat him at the polls. Trump posted a message on social media after the vote, thanking the board members for protecting the Citizens of our Country. Panel also kills Biden The board also unanimously voted to dismiss a challenge to President Joe Biden, rebuffing a GOP attempt to use the 14th Amendment to strip him from the ballot based on arguments that the border crisis amounts to an insurrection. This is the first time this anti-Biden gambit has been tested before an election authority. Legal experts have panned the move as a meritless stunt. A group of conservative activists filed the Illinois case against Biden earlier this month, hoping to use the same constitutional provision that Trumps critics are deploying to remove him from the ballot. The conservative challengers claimed Biden provided aid or comfort to the enemies of the United States by failing to secure the US-Mexico border. Some Republican officials have publicly embraced the idea of using the 14th Amendment to retaliate against Biden. This includes Missouris secretary of state and Texas lieutenant governor, though they werent involved in the Illinois case. The Illinois election boards general counsel, Marni Malowitz, concluded that the arguments against Biden were obviously devoid of legal and factual validity. David Herman, who was previously appointed by the panel to review the matter, similarly concluded that the case was baseless. Objectors cite no caselaw to support their position that a disagreement with the immigration policies of a sitting president or dissatisfaction with his performance while in office is a basis for preventing him to be placed on the ballot under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, Herman wrote in a written recommendation before Tuesdays meeting. CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct the vote tally by the Illinois State Board of Elections. It has also been updated with additional details and reaction. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The 2024 Illinois primary election is coming up, and you may be wondering when you can get out and early vote or how to check your voter registration. Southwestern Illinois voters will select their choices for a variety of political offices this year, including U.S. president and vice president, U.S. representatives, state senators, metro-east county officials and more. Illinois is one of 46 states to offer early in-person voting to all voters, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Alabama, Mississippi and New Hampshire do not offer general early voting, but may give exceptions to absentee voters, the NCSL reports. The 2024 primary election in Illinois will see a 12th Congressional District race between incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Bost and former state senator Darren Bailey. Madison County will see several contested races in the Republican primary, including for circuit clerk, Madison County board chairperson and more. The News-Democrat is looking for feedback from readers about what issues are important to them and what questions we should ask political candidates in the metro-east. You can fill out our survey online. Heres what to know about voter registration deadlines and early voting this year in Illinois. Important Illinois 2024 election dates Heres what to know ahead of the Tuesday, March 19 primary election in Illinois: Thursday, Feb. 8: Early voting begins; schedules vary by location Tuesday, Feb. 20: Deadline to postmark a paper voter registration application Sunday, March 3: Online voter registration deadline Thursday, March 14: Deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot (though officials recommend requesting one early) Tuesday, March 19: General primary election. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before this date and arrive by Tuesday, April 2 to be counted. Early Voting begins February 8th! You can plan your vote today by finding the Early Voting location that is most convenient to you here: https://t.co/s9ptZDmVF4 pic.twitter.com/OVPowdgloc Illinois SBE (@illinoissbe) January 29, 2024 Heres what to know about the Tuesday, Nov. 5 general election in Illinois: Tuesday, Oct. 8: Last day to postmark a paper voter registration application Wednesday, Oct. 9: First day for grace period registration and voting at the office of the election authority or at a location designated for this purpose by an election authority Sunday, Oct. 20: Last day for online voter registration Monday, Oct. 21: Early voting at permanent polling places other than the office of the election authority begins; schedules vary by location Thursday, Oct. 31: Deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot (though officials recommend requesting one early) Tuesday, Nov. 5: General election. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before this date and arrive by Tuesday, Nov. 19 to be counted. Its important to note Illinois offers grace period voter registration, meaning eligible residents can go in person to a polling place on Election Day, register and vote that day. You can check your voter registration status online through the Illinois State Board of Elections. Last week, a Tennessee Republican lawmaker proposed legislation that could imprison any adult who "recruits, harbors or transports" a pregnant minor to get out-of-state abortion care. Parents and legal guardians would be exempt, but any other adult helping a minor say an aunt or friend or abortion care provider despite receiving the minors permission, would be subject to the penalty of a Class C felony which is three to 15 years in jail. In a press statement, Ashley Coffield in the release, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi said such a measure would have a chilling effect on trusted adults and helpers who assist minors in accessing abortion care. It could be especially harmful to minors living in abusive households. This isnt the first time abortion trafficking legislation has been proposed or passed. Most recently, a lawmaker in Oklahoma proposed a similar bill that could send anyone who helps a minor obtain abortion care to prison for up to five years. In Texas, city officials in Lubbock County, near the border of New Mexico, passed a measure that would, through lawsuits filed by private citizens, penalize people who help women obtain abortions in another state. In Idaho, an abortion trafficking law passed in April 2023 that would charge people who help a minor arrange an out-of-state-abortion with a felony of up to five years in prison, but a federal judge blocked it in November 2023. In 2021, Missouri lawmakers tried to include in a provision in an abortion bill that would have made it unlawful to assist someone in obtaining an out-of-state abortion. Its likely more of these proposed measures will surface as abortion ban states double down on anti-abortion legislation, but one legal expert says these laws are meant to scare people and they are very difficult to enforce if and when passed. Its not like someone's driving through a county in a car with a big sign on the side of their car saying, traveling to New Mexico to get an abortion, David S. Cohen, a professor of law at Drexel Kline's School of Law, told Salon. In a way, they're more symbolic than anything and they're meant to scare people. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. Cohen elaborated that many people travel from one state to another to do something that isnt legal in their home state. For example, people travel to Las Vegas to gamble in casinos. People travel to states where adult-use cannabis is legal while posessing the same plant matter carries steep criminal penalties in their home state. A law that would criminalize people for traveling to another state to do something that is legal in that state should be unconstitutional, he said. But there currently isnt the clearest precedent from the U.S. Supreme Court on this issue, he added. Weve just never had a case addressing this exact issue before the Supreme Court, a state banning someone from traveling to another state, where the activity in the other state is legal, he said. So we don't have an exact precedent to say with certainty that this is unconstitutional or constitutional. According to the Guttmacher Institute, there has been a rise in interstate travel for abortion care since Dobbs overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 which triggered several abortion bans across the United States. The institute estimates one in five abortion patients traveled out of state for abortion care in 2023, compared to one in 10 who did so in 2020. Illinois, which borders Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri, saw the largest increase in the number of patients traveling from out of state for abortion care. New Mexico and Colorado saw the second and third largest spike in interstate travel. In November 2023, the U.S. Justice Department filed a statement of interest stating that the Constitution protects the right to travel across state lines and engage in conduct that is lawful where it is happening. The Reproductive Rights Task Force has been scrutinizing state laws and enforcement actions that threaten to infringe on federal protections of reproductive rights, including illegal attempts to prevent interstate travel, said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta in a statement. Todays filing is just one part of the Justice Departments ongoing work to use all available tools to safeguard reproductive freedoms protected by the Constitution and federal law. While lawmakers and lawyers fight these proposed measures and debate on their constitutionality, Cohen told Salon he fears that media coverage on them instill more fear in people living in abortion ban states. People hear about this and they think they're gonna get in trouble, so they don't do it or they just are really concerned about it, he said. I wish that all the articles that mention these travel bans mention that they are impossible to enforce, and that there's legal support for people if they get wrapped up in them, but the chances of anyone being wrapped up in them are incredibly low. He emphasizes that people are currently allowed to travel freely from state to state in the United States. That doesnt mean that these laws would never be enforced, but he believes its a really low likelihood. If they were, Cohen said there is legal support willing to help these people. People should not be scared away from traveling to get the care they need, he said. Even in places where there may be some law on the books. Opinion editor's note: Editorials represent the opinions of the Star Tribune Editorial Board, which operates independently from the newsroom. After an auditing firm that served dozens of Minnesota charter schools failed under a cloud of wrongdoing, many of the schools were left in the lurch. Lacking a financial adviser, some were unable to fulfill state-required reporting and auditing. The end of St. Paul Paul-based Anton Group exacerbated an existing problem in Minnesota: a shortage of auditing firms that can handle school finances. Better oversight and financial training are needed to ensure that charter operations are being reviewed and evaluated properly. Ultimately, state-approved auditors should be required and supported. Many charters have been started by groups with good ideas about education but little experience managing schools. Some have been taken advantage of by shady accountants or even their own board members. Enrollment and (often related) financial problems are the major reasons that charters have closed over the years. To that end, according to a Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) official, the state plans to put more resources into assisting charters. MDE is looking at doing a "deeper dive" on the enrollment and financial issues as well as helping charters evaluate community needs to assess and better project enrollments. Charter schools are independent public schools of choice for parents and students. They are run by boards of directors and must contract with a state-approved authorizer per state statutes. The idea was conceived in Minnesota, and the first charter schools in the nation opened here in 1992. According to MDE, there were 180 charter programs in the state in 2023. About 68,000 students attended those schools, 55 of which are in greater Minnesota with the remaining majority located in the metro area. Joey Cienian, executive director of the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools, told the Star Tribune that his organization is "hearing about a lot of situations where schools have lost their auditors and can't find a new one." In 2023, an association survey showed that 29% of the state's charter schools had lost auditors, and some were still struggling to find a new one as the deadline for financial reports neared on Dec. 31, Cienian said. As a result of the shortage, he said, financial service costs have doubled or tripled for some charter schools. MDE officials said 46 charter schools missed the 2023 reporting deadline, up from 41 last year. Spokesman Kevin Burns told an editorial writer that eight charters were in statutory operating debt last year and that three of those closed. One of the three was the Legacy of Dr. Josie R. Johnson Montessori, a Minneapolis charter school that shut down earlier this month due to enrollment and financial trouble. It lost its auditor last year and did not submit audits for the past two years, according to the school's authorizer, Osprey Wilds. "They were misled by their financial services provider into believing their audit was underway," said Erin Anderson, Osprey Wilds' director of charter school authorizing. In another blow to a Twin Cities charter school, last month the Minnesota Attorney General's Office said that Burnsville charter school leaders needed to provide stronger oversight because of the questionable activities of a former executive director. An investigation by the AG found that a former director of Gateway STEM Academy violated his fiduciary duties by channeling school funds to companies owned or controlled by three of the school's directors or officers including himself. State Auditor Julie Blaha told a Star Tribune reporter that she'll ask the 2024 Minnesota Legislature to consider changing auditing requirements. "I wouldn't propose cutting auditing requirements for charter schools, but we can look for other places where we can recalibrate so more resources are available," Blaha said. "We aren't going to be able to hire our way out of this. We are going to have to change how we do that work." Strong accounting oversight is needed to help prevent the abuse of public funds whether it's due to inexperience on the part of boards, intentional theft or lack of resources. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Increased police presence was seen at Franklin High School on Tuesday, Jan. 30, in response to information received Monday regarding school safety, according to El Paso Independent School District. The school district says it wants to assure the community that there is no threat to the safety of our students or staff. No further information has been released. This story will be updated once we receive more information. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A picture submitted to Indiana Department of Natural Resources of a bobcat. The DNR collects reported sightings of bobcats and other animals throughout the state to better understand where populations exist. A new bill directs DNR to establish a bobcat hunting season. According to Sarah Bowmans Jan. 17 IndyStar article, there is another attempt to allow hunting and trapping of Indianas bobcats via proposed Senate Bill 241. I thought, What, again? Please, raise your hand if you have ever seen a bobcat. What is it about people feeling the need to hunt these native predators that decided on their own to return to Indiana? The Department of Natural Resources should not be making any decision on this subject without first conducting an official study that would allow enough time to determine what the actual population count is of the bobcats that live in the prospective hunting areas. Currently, one of the ways the DNR has counted them is by the number of sightings reported by John Q Citizen. Not very scientific. Maybe someone claims a sighting because they know the more that are seen the more likely a hunting season will open. What about the person that thinks they see one, but really arent sure? Could be mistaken, right? Is that report counted by the DNR as a sighting? Then, sadly, one gets hit by a car and killed. Does the DNR assume that because it was crossing a road, there are too many in the area? In 2019, the DNR told the IndyStar there was not enough scientific data to support a sustainable bobcat season. Since then, has the DNR been conducting a study to determine the actual number of bobcats and where they live? Because bobcats are elusive, this may be a difficult task. The idea of an open hunting/trapping season is absurd. Bobcats are the only natural predators in our state. They need to be here to do what they are meant to do. They have been welcomed back and are now at risk of being hunted rather than being the hunter. The point is this: Indiana is not likely overrun with bobcats. It is not too late to let your legislators know that, without results from a complete and fair study done by the DNR, that no killing or trapping should take place. Nancy Tatum Carmel Read more letters to the editor here. Submit a letter to the editor here. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana bobcat hunting: Why I oppose Senate Bill 241 Monika Schnitzer, Chairwoman of the German Council of Economic Experts, presents the 2023/24 annual report at the Federal Press Conference. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa The German government's influential panel of economic advisors has spoken out in favour of reforms to the country's strict limits on government deficit spending known as the "debt brake." The rules, which were added to Germany's constitution in 2009, are too strict and inflexible, Monika Schnitzer, chairwoman of the German Council of Economic Experts, told dpa. The policy advisors, who are known in Germany as "the wise men," are proposing changes to the debt brake rules that would give the German government several billion dollars of extra credit leeway each year. As currently written, the rules will force Germany's government to slash spending and drive down public debt more than necessary over the coming decades, potentially damaging the economy, Schnitzer said. The rules generally require Germany to maintain a roughly balanced budget, not spending more than it collects in revenue, although the law allows for exceptions during emergencies. "The debt brake as it is now is too rigid," said Schnitzer. "We want to increase flexibility and create leeway so that future-oriented public spending can be made without undermining the sustainability of public finances." In November, Germany's Constitutional Court cited the debt brake when it struck down government budget plans to use borrowed money to fund billions of dollars worth of long-term climate and infrastructure projects. The decision blew a major hole in government spending plans and plunged Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left coalition government into a major budget crisis that has still not been fully resolved. The decision prompted renewed public debate in Germany over the debt brake rules, which conservative lawmakers championed amid the eurozone crisis, in which several other eurozone countries with high government debt levels were plunged into chaos. Charles Edward Littlejohn, 38, from Washington, D.C., allegedly provided data between 2018 and 2020 to The New York Times and ProPublica in leaks that prosecutors have described as "unparalleled in the IRS's history." According to an article published by The Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes imposed the maximum sentence for Littlejohn on Monday, saying the crime targeted the nation's system of government and its democracy. "When you target the sitting president of the United States, you target the office," she said. "It can not be open season on our elected officials." Defense attorney Lisa Manning sought a reduced sentence consistent with standard guidelines for individuals with no criminal record. Nevertheless, Reyes pushed back, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the crime and insisting that the imposed sentence must "deter others who might feel an obligation to break the law." Littlejohn issued an apology, acknowledging sole responsibility. He stated, "I acted out of a sincere, if misguided, belief I was serving the public interest. My actions undermined the fragile trust we place in government." Forbes revealed Littlejohn faced a charge of unauthorized disclosure of tax returns and return information last October after he admitted to leaking former president Trump's information to The New York Times and the details of other wealthy Americans to ProPublica. Forbes noted from an indictment last September that Littlejohn worked at a consulting firm not named in the filing. The firm primarily dealt with contracts it obtains from the IRS. What Did Littlejohn Do? Littlejohn stole the information from the IRS while working on a contract that included "returns and return information dating back more than 15 years," according to the indictment. CNN reported Judge Ana Reyes also highlighted the gravity of the crime, saying multiple times that it amounted to an attack against the US and its legal foundation. The judge compared Littlejohn's actions to those of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, noting that, "your actions were also a threat to our democracy." "It engenders the same fear that January 6 does," Reyes added. Littlejohn has until April 30 to turn himself in. Nearly 43 years to the day, there is a renewed push for information regarding a 1981 homicide in Winchendon. On January 29, 1981, 19-year-old Nancy Williams was found murdered behind the counter at Cumberland Farms in Winchendon, according to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office. Williams was an employee of the store. Today, we remember the unresolved case of Nancy Williams, DA Joseph Early Jr. said in a social media post. We ask the public if they have any information to please reach out. Any tip you think you may have, no matter how inconsequential you think it might be, could lead us to getting closure. Anyone with information is asked to reach out to Massachusetts State Police Detectives at 508-453-7589 or WorcesterDAunresolved@mass.gov. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Iran and its militia allies showed they have the suicide drone technology to defeat US air defenses. The drone struck Tower 22 near Jordan's border with Syria on Sunday, killing three US troops. "We are now at a point where major change is needed in military thinking," a drone expert said. American combat drones have hunted militants and their leaders for over two decades, key weapons that established America's primacy across vast swaths of the Middle East. But this deadly threat is no longer the exclusive preserve of US forces. In its Sunday attack on a US outpost in Jordan, Iran and its militia allies showed they have the suicide drone technology to defeat US air defenses. The drone struck Tower 22 near Jordan's border with Syria, killing three US service personnel and injuring over 40 . The White House promptly blamed "radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq" in a statement. "We are now at a point where major change is needed in military thinking to ensure the US and its allies can protect interests and ensure military effectiveness in an age of contested airspace," James Rogers, an expert on drones and precision weapons, told Business Insider. Iranian industry is now churning out advanced drones like the Shahed, used to terrifying effect by Russia in its Ukraine invasion, and Tehran is also sharing some of these systems with its so-called "Axis of Resistance" militia network across the region to upset American power. "As Iran has spread around its drone technology, it has (rather too generously) shared it with Axis of Resistance forces in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon," Arash Azizi, senior lecturer in history and political science at Clemson University and author of The Shadow Commander: Soleimani, the US, and Iran's Global Ambitions , told Insider. "But this has spread the dangers of confrontation since these forces don't operate under a simple Iranian command and have a degree of autonomy," Azizi said. "The recent pace of attacks by Houthis in Yemen and now by Iraqi militias (which also operate on Syrian territory) doesn't seem to be in close coordination with Tehran." Azizi said he believes that "emboldened Iraqi militias," who are more frequently targeted in US retaliations than Iranian agents, have stopped respecting the "usual rules of engagement" between the US and Iran in recent months as Iran's militia network has increased its attacks. While the militias remain "loyal to Iran" and act under the general guidance from Tehran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Azizi underlined that the IRGC "doesn't have day-to-day command over their actions." Furthermore, the militias don't always coordinate their responses to developing events with Iran. Satellite view of the US military outpost known as Tower 22 in Jordan on Oct. 12, 2023 in this handout image. Planet Labs PBC/Handout via REUTERS Sunday's attack wasn't the first time these militias have used such drones against American troops. On Oct. 26, another drone launched by militants evaded US air defenses at their base in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, and crashed into a barracks but failed to explode . If it weren't for that malfunction, the US could have suffered fatalities much earlier. Rogers, the drone expert, said that the US assassination of IRGC Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani by a Reaper drone in January 2020 was a watershed moment. "Not only have US military and diplomatic sites been targeted at an increasing rate since the killing of Soleimani, but due to the unchecked proliferation of drones, the number of groups able to conduct such attacks has grown," Rogers said. "The drone was deployed at the same time as a returning US military drone, allowing it to approach undetected," Rogers said. "Drones used by these groups, such as the Samad or Shahed, are deadly due to their range of almost 2,000 km and pin-point precision lethality. Drones like these are, in essence, state military-grade weapons systems." The killing of American troops put more pressure on the Biden administration to respond forcefully. Following earlier attacks injuring American personnel, the US retaliated with airstrikes, including one killing an Iraqi militia leader in Baghdad and others against militia facilities on Jan. 4 and Jan. 23, respectively. Ceng Sagnic, chief of analysis of the geopolitical consultancy firm TAM-C Solutions, said a spate of attacks across the region by Iran-backed groups shows US efforts to contain Iran are struggling and that US retaliation is more likely to strike back at these groups rather than directly into Iran. "These are not actions taken by a pressured, near-contained actor," Sagnic said. "Iran-backed militias definitely crossed a line and are likely to get a harsh response from the US." The US does not "need to look for significant Iranian assets anywhere farther than a few kilometers from its embassies and consulates" in the region, Sagnic continued. "If Washington decides to retaliate against Iran itself, Iraq has a lot of targets to offer.". Read the original article on Business Insider South Carolina conservatives are having difficulty with the question of whether Nikki Haley's record is deserving of a promotion to the Oval Office. Their evaluation seems to be less focused on her experience and abilities, and more centered around the obstacle she faces: Donald Trump. Nikki Haley: Winning in South Carolina is Unnecessary Haley, Trump's final significant Republican opponent, is entering a crucial period leading up to South Carolina's Feb. 24 primary, which could potentially be the final hurdle for Trump in securing his third consecutive Republican nomination. Despite Haley's previous success in her home state, recent interviews with numerous South Carolina Republicans indicate that she is facing challenges in gaining support from conservatives who previously supported her as governor but remain loyal to Trump as president. In an interview with NBC's 'Meet the Press' on Sunday, the former United Nations ambassador expressed that winning the South Carolina primary next month is not necessarily a requirement for her to continue her campaign, according to USA TODAY's David Jackson. On the contrary, she insists on demonstrating that she is "gaining traction." Haley is dismissing the endorsements Trump has received from prominent South Carolina political leaders, claiming that he has "become an insider" and urging her base to disregard his support. In recent weeks, Trump has intensified his criticism of Haley, focusing on her physical appearance and cultural background as he argues that he is the most qualified candidate for the position. However, she is disregarding his criticisms, asserting that Trump is demonstrating that he is his own biggest adversary. Meanwhile, Haley has been cautious in addressing Trump's criminal charges and numerous lawsuits. She expressed her unwavering confidence in the jury's decision, despite the recent ruling that ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million in damages to writer E. Jean Carroll. However, she believes that this should not serve as a reason to disqualify him from the ballot. Read Also: Biden Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Faces Impeachment as House Republicans Move South Carolina Poll: Trump vs. Haley According to a recent poll, it appears that Trump is poised to secure another significant victory over his 2024 opponent, Nikki Haley, this time in her own home state of South Carolina. In the upcoming Feb. 24 Palmetto State GOP primary, Trump, 77, has garnered an impressive 58% support among likely voters, according to a survey conducted by the American Promise and the Tyson Group. Haley, aged 52, had the support of 31% of the respondents, while 11% were undecided about whom to back. Haley received more support than Trump among all political and age groups surveyed, except for self-declared Democrats. Among Democrats, 49% expressed their support for Haley, while only 5% backed the former president. A significant majority of respondents (68%) expressed positive opinions of Trump, with 44% indicating strong favorability. In contrast, a majority of respondents, 56%, expressed favorable opinions of Haley, although only a small percentage, 23%, described their views of her as "strongly favorable." The economy and immigration emerged as the primary concerns for South Carolina voters, with a significant majority of 66% prioritizing the former as one of their top two issues. Additionally, half of the voters expressed their focus on addressing illegal immigration. Haley's performance in the South Carolina contest comes after securing a respectable third-place finish in Iowa, trailing behind Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Additionally, she faced an 11 percentage-point defeat to the 45th president in New Hampshire. The poll marked the debut of a significant survey for the first-in-the-South primary following the outcome in New Hampshire. Haley faces a challenging task in winning her home state, as over 150 current and former elected officials, including Gov. Henry McMaster and US Sens. Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham, have given their endorsement to Trump. Haley has consistently emphasized that she does not rely on the backing of the "political elite," attributing her lack of support to her past efforts to ensure accountability in the South Carolina government. In the midst of it all, Trump has proudly highlighted his backing in Haley's home state and extended invitations to his supporters from South Carolina to join him at his rallies in New Hampshire, making a clear statement to his opponent. It's worth considering whether Nikki's focus on cognitive impairment aligns with her ability to gain traction in her home state of South Carolina within a month. "Can you identify a state that Nikki has a strong chance of winning? There isn't one," stated Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump. A recent online poll conducted between January 24-26 surveyed 543 likely Republican primary voters. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points. Related Article: Haley Pushes Forward with Fundraising Tour Despite Setbacks in Iowa and New Hampshire An Iranian drug trafficker with intelligence ties to Tehran has been charged with hiring members of the Hells Angels biker group to kill a defector and his female companion now living in the US, according to the Department of Justice. According to a newly unsealed indictment, prosecutors say alleged drug smuggler Naji Sharifi Zindashti conspired with two Canadian nationals identified as Hells Angels members, Damion Patrick John Ryan and Adam Richard Pearson, in an unsuccessful plot to assassinate two residents of Maryland, one of whom had defected from Iran. The two victims of the plot have not been publicly identified. The three men are said to have conspired between December 2020 through March 2021, allegedly using an encrypted messaging service to recruit agents to travel to the US and carry out the killings, according to the DoJ. According to the indictment, one of the Canadian men, Damion Ryan, allegedly wrote that carrying out a murder in the US would be challenging, but he might have someone to do it, and recommended two guys go with proper equipment/ The other Canadian man, Adam Pearson, also vowed to make [an] example of one of the victims by blowing his head clean off his body, the DoJ said. Prosecutors allege Zindashti agreed to pay $350,000 plus $20,000 to cover expenses for the murders, to which Ryan responded, We have a four-man team ready. All three men are charged with one count of conspiracy to use interstate commerce in the commission of murder for hire. Pearson is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a fugitive from justice and one count of possession of a firearm by a non-US citizen unlawfully in the US. An Iranian drug trafficker with intelligence ties to Tehran has been charged with hiring members of the Hells Angels biker group to kill a defector (AP) Prosecutors say Ryan and Pearson are currently imprisoned in Canada on unrelated charges, while Zindashti currently resides in Iran. The Treasury Department said Zindashti is a narcotics trafficker and leader of a network that operates at the behest of Irans Ministry of Intelligence and Security. His network has reportedly been responsible for murders in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Turkey. Zindashtis network has carried out numerous acts of transnational repression, including assassinations and kidnappings across multiple jurisdictions, in an attempt to silence the Iranian regimes perceived critics. The network has also plotted operations in the United States, the Treasury Department said in a statement. The US and UK governments announced joint measures against Zindashtis ring on Monday. To those in Iran who plot murders on US soil and the criminal actors who work with them, let todays charges send a clear message: the Department of Justice will pursue you as long as it takes and wherever you are and deliver justice, the assistant attorney general Matthew Olsen, of the justice departments national security division, said. This is not the first time criminal charges have been brought against people believed to have connections to Iran for threats against perceived opponents of the Iranian government. The Justice Department previously charged three men, in a plot they say originated in Iran, to kill an Iranian American author and activist who has spoken out against human rights abuses in the country, and also brought charges in connection with a failed plot to assassinate John Bolton, the former Trump administration national security adviser. The most recent charges come at a time of simmering tension between the US and Iran, including after a weekend drone strike in northeast Jordan near the Syrian border that killed three American troops and that the Biden administration attributed to Iran-backed militias. By Timour Azhari BAGHDAD (Reuters) -Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah announced on Tuesday the suspension of all its military operations against U.S. troops in the region, in a decision aimed at preventing "embarrassment" of the Iraqi government, the group said. "As we announce the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces - in order to prevent embarrassment of the Iraqi government - we will continue to defend our people in Gaza in other ways," Kataib Hezbollah Secretary-General Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi said in a statement. Three U.S. troops were killed in a drone attack near the Jordan-Syria border on Sunday that the Pentagon said bore the "footprints" of Kataib Hezbollah, though a final assessment had not yet been made. A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on the group's statement, adding: "Actions speak louder than words." The U.S. has vowed to respond to the attack. Iran-aligned groups, known collectively as the "Axis of Reistance", have been waging attacks against Israeli and U.S. targets from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Syria, since their Palestinian ally Hamas and Israel went to war on Oct. 7. Kataib Hezbollah is the most powerful faction in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of hardline Shi'ite armed factions that have claimed more than 150 attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since the Gaza war began. The U.S. has responded with deadly strikes in a cycle of escalating violence that Iraqi officials said threatened to undo progress towards stabilizing the country after decades of conflict. Kataib Hezbollah's decision followed days of intensive efforts by Iraq's prime minister to prevent a new escalation after the Jordan attack, his foreign affairs adviser Farhad Alaadin said. "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has been hard at work in the past few days, engaging with all relevant parties inside and outside Iraq," Alaadin said in an interview. "All sides need to support the efforts of the Prime Minister to prevent any possible escalation," he added. In its statement, Kataib Hezbollah also said there were disagreements with allies over its attacks, singling out Iran. It said counterparts in the Axis of Resistance "often object to the pressure and escalation against the American occupation forces in Iraq and Syria," the statement said. Iran has denied involvement in attacks by Iraqi groups. Founded in the aftermath of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Kataib Hezbollah is one of the elite Iraqi armed factions closest to Iran. Iraq's government is backed by parties and armed groups close to Iran, though not directly by the hardline groups that have been firing on U.S. forces, Western and Iraqi officials say. Baghdad has condemned the attacks while also saying regional escalation would continue as long as the Gaza war went on. (Reporting by Timour Azhari; Editing by Sandra Maler and Cynthia Osterman) In a dossier provided last week to the United States government, Israel accused a dozen employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency of participating in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks that left an estimated 1,200 dead in Israel. On Friday, the U.N. said it had fired several employees in response to the allegations. So far, 11 countries including the U.S. have frozen funding to UNRWA, the main aid group responsible for schooling, sheltering and feeding hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the war-torn Gaza Strip, where the reported death toll now stands at more than 26,000. Here are the key facts you need to understand the controversy. What is UNRWA? UNRWA was established in 1949 by the U.N. General Assembly to provide relief to all Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1948 war that followed the establishment of Israel, and subsequent conflicts. A subsidiary body of the U.N., it provides education, health care and social services in addition to basic food supplies. UNRWA is one of the largest employers in Gaza, with 13,000 people on staff most of them Palestinians. What is Israel claiming? According to reports by the Associated Press and the New York Times both of which obtained the dossier in question Israel has alleged that 10 of the UNRWA employees had ties to Hamas; that an 11th employee was affiliated with the militant group known as Islamic Jihad; that seven UNRWA employees stormed into Israeli territory on Oct. 7; that one abducted a woman from Israel; and that another brought the body of a dead Israeli soldier to Gaza after distributing ammunition and coordinating vehicles on the day of the attacks. In total, Israeli intelligence has determined that at least 190 UNRWA workers could be considered operatives of Hamas or Islamic Jihad, according to the document. What evidence has Israel provided? Israeli intelligence says it based its allegations on cellphone data showing movements inside Israel on Oct. 7, calls inside Gaza to discuss the Hamas attacks and text messages ordering UNRWA workers to report to specific locations on Oct. 7 including one that told an employee to come equipped with rocket-propelled grenades that had been stored in his home, according to the Times. Other Western governments have yet to independently verify Israels claims, but American officials say they found them credible enough to warrant suspending aid, according to the Times. As for the U.N., it condemned the abhorrent alleged acts and fired nine of the accused workers. Two others are reportedly dead, and the last is still being identified as part of an ongoing investigation by the U.N.s Office of Internal Oversight Services. How have the U.S. and other countries responded? As of Monday afternoon, 11 countries had suspended payments to UNRWA in response to the allegations: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Estonia and Japan. That represents at least $363 million of UNRWAs $1.6 billion budget. The United States is extremely troubled ... [and] has temporarily paused additional funding for UNRWA while we review these allegations and the steps the United Nations is taking to address them, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement last week. There must be complete accountability for anyone who participated in the heinous attacks of October 7. How has the U.N. responded? In addition to firing the accused employees, the U.N. has announced a comprehensive and independent review of UNRWA a process that will help establish the truth without delay," according to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. Lazzarini added that any UNRWA employee who was involved in acts of terror would potentially face criminal prosecution. Yet Lazzarini also warned of an impending humanitarian catastrophe if relief money is withheld at a time when a quarter of Gazas population is facing starvation. The vast majority of Gazans depend on UNRWA for some form of aid, and its schools alone provide shelter to more than a million residents. It would be immensely irresponsible to sanction an agency and an entire community it serves because of allegations of criminal acts against some individuals, especially at a time of war, displacement and political crises in the region, he said. The lives of people in Gaza depend on this support, and so does regional stability. What is Israels relationship with UNRWA? Israel sees UNRWA as an obstacle to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict because it prevents Palestinian refugees from integrating into new communities and stokes their dreams of one day returning to what is now Israel, according to the Times a goal that Israel says it will never allow. And even before leveling its latest allegations, Israel has long insisted that Gazas UNRWA is under the influence of Hamas, which it claims uses the agencys facilities to store weapons and launch attacks accusations UNRWA has repeatedly denied. Does this have any connection to the genocide allegations against Israel? On Friday the same day Israels UNRWA allegations surfaced the U.N.s top judicial body issued an interim ruling on accusations of genocide against Israel. After South Africa requested provisional measures to stop Israels military campaign while the International Court of Justice considered the broader genocide charge, the court ordered Israel to prevent acts banned under the 1948 Genocide Convention; to prohibit and punish statements that incite such acts; to allow more aid into Gaza; and to report back on its progress in a month. Residents look at the wreckage of destroyed vehicles following a rocket attack from Gaza. One member of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) kidnapped an Israeli woman on October 7, another handed out ammunition and a third took part in the massacre of a kibbutz in which 97 people died, according to a report on Sunday in the New York Times (NYT). Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Israel on Tuesday gave more details of the alleged involvement of several employees of the UN aid agency for Palestinian refugees in the Hamas-led attack on October 7. Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy said at least 13 employees of the UN's main relief agency in Gaza were involved in the atrocities that left roughly 1,200 dead in Israel, thousands more wounded, and some 240 people taken as hostages. Previously there had been allegations of 12 employees with links to the attacks. Levy said information continued to be gathered. Ten of the 13 suspects are members of Hamas, two of Islamic Jihad and one does not belong to any terrorist organization, he said. Six of those allegedly involved in the massacres were also on Israeli territory on October 7, Levy added. He said a total of four employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) were involved in the kidnapping of Israelis, two of whom had also crossed into Israeli territory. At least two Israeli hostages, who have since been released by Hamas, claimed to have been held in the homes of teachers who worked at UNRWA schools in Gaza. Levy accused the UN agency of being a "Hamas front organization," with its staff "aiding and abetting" the militant group for years. Israeli soldiers have found Hamas infrastructure embedded in UNRWA facilities in the Gaza Strip, such as tunnels or hideouts, said Levy. Rockets had also been fired towards Israel from UNRWA schools, he added. Numerous countries, including the United States, Britain and Germany, have temporarily suspended payments to the aid organization after the accusations emerged last week. The UN agency has fired employees allegedly involved in the attacks and says its investigation continues. Even as the controversy grows, some are coming to the agency's defence. The former head of UNRWA, Matthias Schmale, charged that the timing of the revelations is politically motivated. The reports emerged shortly after the International Court of Justice's ruling on the Gaza war on January 26, Schmale told German broadcaster Deutschlandfunk on Tuesday. Schmale said it was entirely possible that the employees in question were involved, and noted that the reports didn't surprise him. "But the timing seems very politically determined to me," he stressed. Schmale does not believe it is likely that around 10% of the aid agency's approximately 12,000 employees working in the Gaza Strip have connections to Hamas or Islamist Jihad, as the Wall Street Journal and others reported this week, citing an Israeli intelligence dossier. There are people among the employees who have sympathies for Hamas, he said. "But during my time, we always observed very closely how people work, how they behave, whether they behaved in accordance with UN values and took measures when we understood that this was not the case." At that time, eight people were "expelled" over a period of almost four years - not just because of connections to Hamas, but because of behavior that did not correspond to the values of the United Nations, said Schmale. That is a much smaller percentage. "I think what has just appeared in the Wall Street Journal is totally exaggerated," Schmale said. During a recent briefing to the UN Security Council, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court presented a compelling case, stating that there is strong evidence to suggest that various parties involved in Sudan's current conflict are engaging in criminal activities in the troubled Darfur region. Karim Khan, who recently visited neighboring Chad where tens of thousands of people from Darfur have sought refuge, expressed concern about the situation. He highlighted the fears of those he met in refugee camps, who worry that Darfur will be overlooked and forgotten. ICC: Sudan's Warring Parties Committed Crimes The government of Sudan was strongly encouraged to grant multiple-entry visas to the investigators and promptly respond to the 35 requests for assistance. The prosecutor expressed strong disapproval of the government's failure to cooperate with the ICC. According to him, despite the government's initiatives to set up a central hub for the Court and provide single-entry visas, it has failed to address 35 appeals for help. The military-led government following the coup has significantly reduced the level of cooperation that was previously established by the civilian government to support the investigations of the ICC in Darfur. In addition, the military had expressed their opposition to the transfer of al-Bashir and other high-ranking officials, such as Harun, who is also facing charges related to the same crimes as the militia leader Ali Kushayb, who is currently being tried. Sudan's ambassador Al-Harith Idris has strongly denied the allegations of ICC non-cooperation, stating that his country is actively working with the Court. He mentioned that all the documents discovered have been handed over to the Prosecutor. Idris expressed concerns about the ICC's assessment of cooperation, highlighting the need to take into account the strategic engagement and operational realities on the ground. In addition, he provided a comprehensive account of the attacks carried out by the Rapid Support Forces and their allied militias, which notably included the armed assaults on the country's second-largest commercial center on December 15. He alleged that these militias were involved in the recruitment of child soldiers and the hiring of foreign mercenaries from neighboring countries and the Sahel region. Per Sudan Tribune, the Sudanese representative also alleged that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been supporting these militias and providing them with weapons. Referring to Article 51 of the UN Charter, the representative from Sudan emphasized that Sudan asserts its right to self-defense and firmly denies any accusations of its armed forces' participation in heinous crimes. Read Also: Iran Refutes Involvement in Jordan Drone Strike That Killed 3 US Troops Sudan War Crimes Last April, Sudan was thrown into turmoil as tensions between the military, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary, commanded by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, escalated into violent clashes in Khartoum and other parts of the country. The prosecutor announced in July that he would be investigating potential war crimes in Darfur amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan between the country's military and the RSF. The conflict started in April and has continued to escalate across the country, showing no signs of abating in the near future. Darfur, located in the western region of Sudan, has unfortunately witnessed extensive war crimes in the past, resulting in the tragic loss of hundreds of thousands of civilian lives and the displacement of millions. Omar al-Bashir, the former longtime leader of Sudan, was indicted in 2009 for allegedly being responsible for directing the atrocities. An urgent message was delivered by Khan to the UN Security Council, highlighting the critical situation in Sudan as conflicts continue to devastate the country. The region of Darfur, which experienced widespread violence and atrocities in 2003, has become a focal point of the ongoing conflict. It has unfortunately become a battleground for ethnic violence, with paramilitary forces and Arab militias targeting African ethnic groups. According to the United Nations, the ongoing conflict has resulted in the displacement of more than 7 million individuals and caused the tragic loss of 12,000 lives. According to local doctors' groups and activists, the actual number of deaths is significantly higher. In 2005, the Security Council referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC, and prosecutor Khan has emphasized that the court still maintains a mandate under that resolution to investigate crimes in the expansive region. In his address to the council, he stated that, according to the findings of his office, there is reason to believe that crimes under the Rome Statute are currently taking place in Darfur, involving the Sudanese armed forces, the Rapid Support Forces, and associated groups. Accroding to AP News, the ICC was established by the Rome Statute in 2002 with the purpose of investigating and addressing the most severe crimes committed worldwide, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression. Related Article: ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meet in Laos to Address Issues in Myanmar, China Jeremy Clarkson has emerged an unlikely hero for protesting French farmers as one tractor driver praised the controversial TV presenter and his show Clarksons Farm. Farmers have for days been protesting across France to put pressure on the government to respond to their demands for better remuneration for their produce, less red tape and protection against cheap imports. In an interview with The Telegraph, 30-year-old Robin Leduc, who has a 200-hectare farm in Canly, praised Clarksons Amazon Prime Video series about his mission to turn his farm in the Cotswolds into a profitable enterprise. We need one of our French celebrities to do the same as Jeremy Clarkson. Its everything he explained, thats why and how we are here today, he told the newspaper on Tuesday (30 January). On Twitter, Clarkson responded with a message of support for French farmers, writing in their language: Agriculteurs francais. Je parie que personne na jamais dit cela auparavant, mais bonne chance, venant dAngleterre [French farmers. I bet no one has ever said this before, but good luck, coming from England]. Clarkson, the controversial former host of Top Gear, has used his platform to higlight the plight of farmers in the UK and even renamed his 1,000-hectare farm Diddly Squat as a reference to its lack of profitability. Agriculteurs francais. Je parie que personne n'a jamais dit cela auparavant, mais bonne chance, venant d'Angleterre. Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) January 30, 2024 During an appearance on The News Agents podcast in 2022, Clarkson said food prices should be double what they are because of the soul-destroying work that goes into food farming. He explained: People simply dont pay enough for their food. The one thing a government will never say, Oh youve got to pay more for food, you dont pay enough. [Prices] should be double what they are. Its soul-destroying, the amount of work. I mean, I was out last week in honestly sideways rain, really heavy, hard rain, trying to get a pigs penis into the back of another pig while Lisa, my girlfriend, was trying to give another sow the impression she was being mated by rubbing her back, he continued. Farmers in France, the EUs biggest agricultural producer, say they are not being paid enough, are choked by excessive regulation on environmental protection and face unfair competition from cheap imports. Some of their concerns, like competition from imports and rigorous environmental rules, are shared by producers elsewhere in the EU, while others such as food price negotiations are more specific to France. In a spillover from French protests, Belgian farmers blocked Zeebrugge port on Tuesday. Spanish farmers associations said they were planning to take to the streets in February, calling for a halt to Mercosur negotiations, among other demands. Additional reporting from wire agencies Ministers and parliamentarians in Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government gathered on Sunday in a far-right conference calling for the resettlement of the Gaza Strip and encouraging the displacement of Palestinians. Sunday's event in Jerusalem, called "Victory of Israel Conference: Settlement Brings Security," was hosted by prominent extremists in Netanyahu's cabinet, such as national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich. Israeli Ministers Attend Far-Right Conference The conference advocated for the construction of new Jewish settlements in the Palestinian territory. The politicians and activists called for a rally in occupied East Jerusalem came amid international pressure on Israel to confirm it would respect Palestinian statehood after its war on Gaza ends. The gathering was attended by approximately 1,000 people, including 15 Knesset members and 11 cabinet members, some of whom were from the prime minister's Likud party. The prominent role of government figures in the conference appears to violate the international court of justice ruling last week that Israel must "take all measures within its power" to prevent acts of genocide in its war in Gaza, including the prevention and punishment of genocidal rhetoric. The war in Gaza is now heading into its fourth month, which began on the unprecedented October 7 attack by the Palestinian group Hamas. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich both advocated for the re-establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza and the northern West Bank, known to some Israelis as Samaria, in their remarks on Sunday. Prominent rabbis, leaders of settlements, and families of soldiers fighting in the Gaza Strip participated in the conference. The participants received maps and comprehensive plans for the re-establishment of a Jewish presence in the areas inside what is internationally recognized as the borders of a potential Palestinian state. Several participants were armed, and outside the convention hall, vendors sold T-shirts reading, "Gaza is part of the land of Israel." Among the speakers was Rabbi Uzi Sharbag, a former head of the banned far-right terrorist group Jewish Underground. "We must encourage voluntary migration. Let them leave. Part of correcting the mistake of the sin of the preconception that brought us to October 7 is to return home to Gush Katif [southern Gaza] and to northern Samaria. We have to return home because that is the Torah, that is morality, that is historic justice, that is logic, and that is the right thing," Ben-Gvir said. Furthermore, he reaffirmed his support for bringing back the death penalty for acts of terrorism. Smotrich claimed in his speech that he took a beating in the eighth grade when they opposed the terrible folly of the Oslo accords. He said they yelled until they were hoarse, saying, "Don't give them guns." However, they did not listen to them, referring to the failed peace process with the Palestinians in the 1990s. He added that he had the privilege of fighting against the expulsion from Gush Katif and northern Samaria. He noted that he paid for that with his own liberty. Read Also: Ukraine-Russia War Ending: Former NATO Commander Shares Prediction Conference Sparks Outrage The event drew horrified reactions from Israeli politicians across the political spectrum and criticism from the US, Israel's most important ally. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said that Netanyahu's coalition government had "reached a new low," which poses international damage, undermines potential negotiations, endangers soldiers, and reflects a grave lack of responsibility. According to a senior US official, the radical right's conference advocating for the resumption of Jewish settlement in Gaza is "simply repulsive." On Monday, France's foreign ministry denounced the conference. A spokeswoman for the ministry stated that they expect a clear denunciation of these positions from the Israeli authorities. Netanyahu's office remained silent about the conference. However, when asked the day before, he said participants were "entitled to their opinions." Related Article: Iran Says UNRWA Funding Suspension Is 'Endorsement of Genocide'-Denounces Allegations Against Agency Staff Sen. Joe Manchins wife was hospitalized Monday after a car crash in Birmingham, Alabama. Gayle Conelly Manchin and her colleague Guy Land were taken to the University of Alabama-Birmingham Hospital after another vehicle struck their car on their way from the airport to their hotel, according to a statement from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). Gayle Manchin is the federal co-chair of the ARC, which provides economic development assistance to people in the Appalachian region. Land works with her as the congressional liaison specialist. The two had traveled to Birmingham to attend a grant workshop. In a statement, the West Virginia Democrat said his wife remains in stable condition but will stay there for a couple of days for precautionary measures. No information has been provided about Lands condition, but the ARC said in a statement that both are receiving excellent medical care and remain at a UAB facility as they recover. In November, the senator said he would not seek re-election, leading to speculation that the centrist was planning a presidential run in 2024 on a No Labels ticket. Manchin has said he can absolutely see himself as president and has been privately floating himself as an alternative to President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, according to CNN. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Donald Trumps former national security adviser has some chilling warnings about what could happen if the former president is elected back into office. John Bolton laid out his terrifying predictions in the foreword to a new paperback edition of his book The Room Where It Happened, which comes out Tuesday. A mountain of facts demonstrates that Trump is unfit to be President, Bolton wrote. If his first four years were bad, a second four will be worse. Trump really cares only about retribution for himself, and it will consume much of a second term. Boltons biggest concern is that Trump will drill down hard on isolationism. This could include pulling the United States out of NATO, cutting support to Ukraine as it battles the Russian invasion, and emboldening China to invade Taiwan. Trump could also seek to reunite with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un or strike some sort of deal with Iranno matter how badto prove his own negotiating skills. It is a close contest between Putin and Xi Jinping, who would be happiest to see Trump back in office, Bolton said. Bolton served as Trumps national security adviser from 2018 to 2019. Since leaving the White House, Bolton has become an outspoken Trump critic, particularly regarding Trumps indictment for hoarding classified documents. When the indictment was announced in June, Bolton called the case devastating and said it should mark the end of Donald Trumps political career. A few weeks later, Bolton said that any 2024 Republican presidential candidates who say Trump shouldnt be prosecuted for keeping classified material dont deserve to be president. This stance is a surprise from Bolton, an Iraq War architect, radical nationalist, and neocon who seemed all too happy to support Trump while the latter was in office. Trumps campaign seized on this shift in position. For someone who professes to have such great disdain for President Trump, Book Deal Bolton sure has found a way to grift off the relationship, Trump campaign spokesman Jason Miller told Axios. John Sweeney: "Being in Kyiv, being in Ukraine feels like what it would've been in London or in Britain in 1940. What's happened is that this peaceful democracy has turned out to be far more of a fighter and full of fights. And it's an honour to tell this story." John Sweeney has an extensive background in British media, including contributions to BBC, The Observer on Sunday, The Jewish Chronicle, and Byline Times. These days Sweeney's daily reporting on Twitter provides a real-time account of the situation in Ukraine. In a conversation with American journalist Joe Lindsley he discusses his reporting experience as a witness to Russia's wars on Chechnya, Georgia, Syria and now Ukraine, his books "Killer in the Kremlin" and "Putin's Prisoner", which gained sudden public attention after Evgeniy Prigozhin's mutiny attempt, and what kind of challenges today's Russia poses to the world. Please subscribe to the "Land Of The Free" updates: Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Spotify Soundcloud Soundcloud YouTube YouTube RSS RSS Mayor Brandon Johnson preempted an outcry from migrants and their supporters Monday, announcing he would not enforce a looming Thursday deadline to start kicking recent arrivals out of city-run shelters. On the eve of a Chicago City Council hearing called to probe conditions at the citys migrant landing zone and shelters and days before thousands were scheduled to be evicted from the shelters, Johnson said that move would be put off again. We have made the decision to extend the shelter stay policy based on original exit dates from mid-January through the end of March, Johnson said at a City Hall news conference. The mayor has held off enacting his controversial deadlines for weeks as Chicago has suffered through a long stretch of wet, cold weather. Migrants who originally had an exit date between Jan. 16 and Feb. 29 will be given a 60-day extension starting from their original exit date, according to Brandie Knazze, head of the citys Department of Family and Support Services. If an individual was scheduled to leave Jan. 16, for example, their new exit date is March 16. There are 5,673 people who fall into that category. The 2,119 individuals who were scheduled to exit between Mar. 1 and Mar. 28 will receive a 30-day extension. Anyone who enters the shelter system starting today will receive the standard 60-day notice. The 5,910 new arrivals who entered the shelter system between Aug. 1 and Nov. 16, 2023, will also receive their 60-day notice starting Feb. 1. Those individuals are eligible for the states three-month rental assistance program. Johnson suggested Chicago was especially generous among the sanctuary cities taking on migrants. In Massachusetts, for example, the state government established a statewide limit of 7,500 beds for 100 cities, he said. Denver has instituted a 14-day limit for single individuals and 42 (days) for families, making adjustments for weather, just as we have. On Feb. (5), Denver will be discharging families again after its pause. New York instituted a 60-day limit for families and a 30-day limit for single individuals on October 16 and began discharging migrants from shelters on Jan. 9. But when asked how the city will find space for newly arriving migrants while letting current shelter residents remain, Johnson said he is working with faith groups, donors and other levels of government. However, the mayor provided no details describing when and where new shelter capacity will be added, again putting the onus on state partners. Illinois remains committed to building new shelters, Johnson said. He called on the state to build at any sites it is considering. The process of prepping buildings for shelters is slow, he added. Remember: the state of Illinois committed to 2,200 beds, right? So, so far they have 200. Theyre still committed to 2,000 beds. But again, the goal is of course, is to resettle families as fast as we can to make sure that we are able to handle the flow in the event that it picks up again, he said. The state of Illinois can move today to build a shelter, and Im confident that that will take place. The resettlement effort costs the city $1.5 million each day and has been a weight on our city, Johnson said. The expensive mission is not sustainable for Chicago to handle without federal support, he added. The federal government has to do more. We know that. President (Joe) Biden has put forth a package. Congress needs to act, Johnson said. Late last week, more than a dozen aldermen including mayoral allies called on Johnson to rescind his 60-day shelter limit policy for migrants, arguing it posed a significant threat to the health and safety of new arrivals and that the city should not be in the business of handing out eviction notices. In response to the letter, the administration said last week they would continue to evaluate the 60-day policy and will provide updates as the situation develops. Ald. Andre Vasquez, 40th, chair of the Immigration Committee and one of the co-signers who called for scrapping the shelter plan, applauded the move after Johnsons announcement. Were leading from the front as a city, he told the Tribune, adding that todays announcement shows the rest of the country what it is to be a city that lives the values this country claims. I really appreciate the fact there was collaboration, partnership and listening in a way I hadnt seen under prior Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Even so, Vasquez said he and other members of council have concerns over food, language access and the conditions at shelters. He hopes Tuesdays hearing gives a clear picture of how and whether the city has addressed complaints: how many grievances have been filed, what kind, and how theyve been addressed. The postponement also came on the heels of several aldermen urging oversight of the mayors planned use of federal American Rescue Plan Act spending to respond to the crisis. Johnson administration officials from DFSS and the citys Office of Emergency Management and Communications are expected to provide testimony about shelter and landing zone conditions to the City Councils Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights on Tuesday. Health care specialists have questioned both the conditions and coordination of care across the citys shelter system, citing overcrowding and cleanliness. The Tribune has also reported on a lack of food at the citys landing zone and whether the citys use of warming buses were considered humane shelter. More than 35,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago to date, and about 14,300 are staying in city shelters including about 4,900 children. As of Friday, about 200 others were in staging areas at OHare airport or the citys landing zones, according to a briefing document the mayors office distributed to aldermen. The number of new arrivals dropped drastically in recent weeks, from more than 1,000 the week of Jan. 14 to roughly 200 last week, the briefing document said. Nonetheless, the Johnson administration continues to struggle to meet the demand for warm beds from the asylum-seekers. The crisis has dominated the public discourse since he took office in May, and threatened to overshadow his broader progressive agenda. The shelter policy was already pushed back during a cold spell earlier this month. Overnight temperatures are expected to dip below freezing for the latter half of this week. Further complicating matters for the mayor, he has been publicly at odds with Gov. J.B. Pritzker about how to handle and pay for the situation. Johnson last week suggested the state should be setting up more shelter space, including in the suburbs. Pritzker again emphasized Monday that the city must continue to handle the brunt of responsibility for sheltering and caring for migrants because most of the services they need are in the city, which has a shelter system like none other. (Migrants) expect to be arriving not in Elmhurst, not in the suburbs, but in the city of Chicago, Pritzker told reporters at an unrelated event. Were providing resources to other jurisdictions but the majority part of whats necessary needs to be in the city. But the governor downplayed any tensions between the city and state over the migrant crisis, saying senior staffers from his office and from Johnsons administration, as well as from Cook County, are working together and meet every day. Were getting a lot done, Pritzker said. There are disagreements, and sometimes those leak into the public. But the reality is, we all understand our responsibilities here, and it is to have a humanitarian response to a humanitarian crisis. aquig@chicagotribune.com jsheridan@chicagotribune.com ostevens@chicagotribune.com Alex Murdaugh will not receive a new double murder trial, a judge ruled Monday after hearing allegations that a clerk of court tampered with the jury during last years proceedings, The Associated Press reported. Lawyers for Murdaugh, a former South Carolina attorney who was convicted of murdering his wife and son, requested a new trial due to allegations Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Becky Hill spoke with jurors about the case and Murdaugh, and pushed jurors to come to a quick verdict. Judge Jean Toal said the 12 jurors who testified during evidentiary hearings Monday all said any comments from Hill did not directly impact their decision to find Murdaugh guilty of murder, the AP reported. Toal noted Monday that she was unsure if Hill told the truth about never having spoken to the jurors about the case and thought the county clerk was attracted by the siren call of a celebrity, the news wire added. Upon reviewing the full transcript of the six-week trial, Toal reportedly said she could not reverse the verdict on the strength of some fleeting and foolish comments by a publicity-seeking clerk of court, whom she noted did not actively influence the jurors decision. The disgraced attorney and admitted thief was convicted last March on all counts, including the murder of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, the murder of his 22-year-old son Paul Murdaugh, and two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The judge heard testimony Monday from all 12 of the deliberating jurors along with Hill, who denied she spoke of the case or Murdaugh with the jurors. Hill was questioned in court over her truthfulness after she claimed she used literary license for some of the parts she wrote about in her book about the trial, the news wire reported. Following last years trial which ended in March Hill, with co-author Neil Gordon, released a book about the proceedings titled Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders. I did have a certain way I felt, Hill reportedly said Monday. Murdaughs defense team also called Barnwell County Clerk of Court Rhonda McElveen, who assisted Hill during the trial. McElveen revealed Hill suggested they write a book on the case prior to the trial beginning, because she wanted a lake house and I wanted to retire, and that a guilty verdict would help sell books. One juror Monday claimed Hill made it seem like he was already guilty and answered yes when asked if this influenced her to vote to find Murdaugh guilty, the AP said. The juror later clarified it was more her fellow jurors than the clerks statements that influenced her to vote guilty. The remaining jurors said their verdicts were not influenced by external factors outside the trial, the AP reported. You have 11 of them strong as a rock who said this verdict was not influenced, prosecutor Creighton Waters said, per the AP. The evidence is overwhelming from the people who mattered. Murdaugh was sentenced in early March to life in prison without parole. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An administrative law judge Monday ruled that a permit should be denied for a new Interstate 95 interchange in Volusia County because the Florida Department of Transportation did not show it is clearly in the public interest. Judge E. Gary Early issued a 55-page recommended order that said the St. Johns River Water Management District should reject what is known as an environmental resource permit for the proposed interchange between Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach, south of Daytona Beach. The district last February approved the permit but drew a challenge from the groups Bear Warriors United and the Sweetwater Coalition of Volusia County and two individuals. Earlys decision hinged on a canal in the project area that has been designated an Outstanding Florida Water. Read full I-95 at Pioneer Trail project report HERE. Early wrote that the Outstanding Florida Water designation required the Department of Transportation to show the project is clearly in the public interest. He said the water management district determined the department met the test because the planned interchange would help with traffic-safety issues such as hurricane evacuation. The judge, however, wrote that the public-interest test is limited to interests that are environmental in nature and that the traffic-safety factors did not determine whether the project met the test. Read: New controversial bill could ban certain flags in government buildings, schools, and universities But for the public interest test, DOT established that the project meets all relevant ERP (environmental resource permit) criteria, Early wrote. If this case did not involve an OFW (Outstanding Florida Water), and if the standard for issuance was whether the project is not contrary to the public interest, the undersigned would have no hesitation in recommending issuance of the permit. However, this case does involve an OFW, and the standard is whether the project is clearly in the public interest. As a result, he wrote that it is concluded that reasonable assurances have not been provided that the activities to be authorized by the permit are clearly in the public interest. Thus, application for (the permit) should be denied. Read: Funeral homes sent warning letters for alleged price transparency violations Under administrative law, Earlys recommendation will go to the water management district for final action. The proposed 74-acre project would create an interchange at Pioneer Trail, which now has an I-95 overpass, according to Earlys ruling. The project has been considered for years, with the Department of Transportation submitting the permit application to the district in February 2022. Read: Lawmakers advance bill forcing counties to crack down on illegal homeless camps A 2017 Department of Transportation report pointed to the interchange being able to help with growth in the area. The purpose and need for the proposed interchange on I-95 at Pioneer Trail is to support the economic viability and job creation associated with planned and approved future development in the vicinity of the study area, reduce congestion at the adjacent I-95 interchanges and to better serve regional trips originating in and destined to the study area, an executive summary of the report said. Additionally, Volusia County and the cities of Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach have identified benefits to emergency evacuation conditions that would be realized by an interchange on I-95 at Pioneer Trail. Volusia County chair calls for state investigation into controversial interchange project. Volusia County chair calls for state investigation into controversial interchange project. Volusia County chair calls for state investigation into controversial interchange project. Volusia County chair calls for state investigation into controversial interchange project. Volusia County chair calls for state investigation into controversial interchange project. Volusia County chair calls for state investigation into controversial interchange project. Volusia County chair calls for state investigation into controversial interchange project. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A judge on Monday morning dismissed charges against a Clark County School District teacher arrested at a school board meeting last August. CCSDPD placed Kristan Nigro in handcuffs and cited her for disturbing the peace during the height of teacher protest over a new contract with CCSD. The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada represented Nigro in the case and filed a motion last week Thursday to dismiss the charge. On Monday, a judge agreed and Nigro told 8 News Now Im a free woman. Charges were also dismissed for the other teacher arrested and cited that day. Neither of our clients should have been cuffed and removed from a CCSD board meeting, and were glad to see these defective citations dismissed, ACLU staff attorney Jacob Smith said to 8 News Now in a statement. Teachers should not have to fear criminal prosecution when advocating for themselves. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. By Tom Hals WILMINGTON (Reuters) -A Delaware judge tossed out Elon Musk's record-breaking $56 billion Tesla pay package on Tuesday, calling the compensation granted by the EV maker's board "an unfathomable sum" that was unfair to shareholders. Shares of Tesla dropped about 2% in premarket trade, and some investors seized on the ruling in hopes it might prompt Tesla to overhaul its governance. The Tesla board has been criticized as failing to provide oversight of its combative, headline-making CEO, who has fought regulators and led several other companies at the same time. The ruling, which can be appealed, nullifies the largest pay package in corporate America. The judge found the share-based compensation was negotiated by directors who appeared beholden to Musk, currently ranked by Forbes magazine as the world's richest person. Tesla's 10-year pay agreement with Musk reached in 2018 would be worth around $51 billion at Tuesday's closing price for Tesla stock, accounting for the cost to Musk to exercise the options. That would be about a quarter of his $210.6 billion fortune, as calculated by Forbes magazine, which currently ranks about $2 billion ahead of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault of France and his family. "Swept up by the rhetoric of 'all upside,' or perhaps starry eyed by Musks superstar appeal, the board never asked the $55.8 billion question: Was the plan even necessary for Tesla to retain Musk and achieve its goals?" wrote Kathaleen McCormick of Delaware's Court of Chancery. McCormick directed the Tesla shareholder who challenged the pay plan to work with Musk's legal team on an order implementing the decision. It can be appealed to the Delaware Supreme Court once the parties agree on a final order and on fees for the shareholder's attorneys, which will be paid by Tesla. The decision comes as Tesla warns of slowing growth and the electric vehicle industry is re-evaluating demand. Tesla has become the world's most valuable automaker under Musk, but much of that value is based on expectations of future breakthroughs, such as self-driving robotaxis. "Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware," Musk said in a post on X, the social media platform he bought in 2022. Musk's lawyer did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment. "Good day for the good guys," said an email from Greg Varallo, an attorney for Tesla shareholder Richard Tornetta, who brought the lawsuit in 2018. CEO COMPENSATION "The incredible size of the biggest compensation plan ever - an unfathomable sum - seems to have been calibrated to help Musk achieve what he believed would make 'a good future for humanity'," wrote McCormick in her 201-page opinion. The ruling comes as Tesla is preparing another round of compensation negotiations with the CEO. Musk said in a post on X this month that he was uncomfortable leading Tesla unless he had 25% of the voting control. The billionaire owned around 13% of the company at the time and he said negotiations would not start until McCormick had ruled. "Given the way she describes the board process - through the testimony of the directors - there is no way that his most recent demand for 25% can get approved," Brian Quinn, a professor at Boston College Law School, said. "It's dead on arrival." McCormick wrote that many of the directors on Tesla's board, including current members Kimbal Musk, Elon Musk's brother, and James Murdoch, son of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, lacked independence because of their close personal ties with the CEO. Two of Tesla's other current directors, Robyn Denholm and Ira Ehrenpreis, showed a lack of independence in the pay decision, she said. The board currently has eight members including its CEO. Ross Gerber, president and CEO at Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management and a Tesla investor, told Reuters the ruling showed the company needed to replace at least three directors with independent board members before it can negotiate a new pay package for Musk. "Essentially, the entire corporate structure of Tesla has been deemed, like not appropriate for a public company," Gerber said. Tesla directors argued during the trial that the company was paying to ensure one of the world's most dynamic entrepreneurs continued to dedicate his attention to the electric vehicle maker. Antonio Gracias, a Tesla director from 2007 to 2021, called the package "a great deal for shareholders". Tornetta's lawyers argued the Tesla board never told shareholders the goals were easier to achieve than the company was acknowledging and that internal projections showed Musk was quickly going to qualify for large portions of the pay package. The plaintiff's legal team also argued the board had a duty to offer a smaller pay package or look for another CEO and that they should have required Musk to work full-time at Tesla instead of allowing him to focus on side projects, like SpaceX and X. Kristin Hull, founder of Tesla investor Nia Impact Capital, described the board as beholden to Musk, a problem she said is common at other big technology companies. "This is the bro-show," she said of the situation. The pay package granted stock option awards for approximately 304 million shares that Musk can buy at about $23.33 each, well below $191.59 where it closed on Tuesday. Musk earned all 12 tranches of stock option awards as Tesla hit escalating financial and operational goals. Musk has not exercised any of the options and once he does he is required to hold the shares for five years before selling, according to McCormick. He was not guaranteed any salary. Tesla's value ballooned to briefly top $1 trillion in 2021 from $50 billion when the package was negotiated. Amit Batish at Equilar, an executive pay research firm, estimated in 2022 that Musk's package was around six times larger than the combined pay of the 200 highest-paid executives in 2021. (Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Noel Randwich and Hyun Joo Jin in San Francisco, Jody Godoy in New York and Kanishka Singh, Eric Beech and Dan Whitcomb in Washington; Ross Kerber in Boston; Editing by Anna Driver and Jamie Freed) Learn how to adapt everyday recipes to be optimised for the air fryer (Philips) Tired of wrestling with your conscience every time you eye that greasy takeaway menu? Well, salvation is at hand. Enter the air fryer, here to give junk food a makeover. Wanting to move away from junk foods is a key reason for the UKs air fryer obsession. Theres a plethora of health benefits to be found, such as reducing the levels of dangerous carcinogens that are usually found in fried food. You can also pimp out your fakeaway staples with healthier ingredients. However, getting hold of an air fryer is only half the battle. To get the best out of your new piece of kitchen kit, you need to know how to adapt those everyday recipes to be optimised for the air fryer. Martin Senders, Philips official air fryer chef, has come up with a set of air fryer recipes to guarantee success. You can get the best of both worlds with your air fryer, by treating yourself to healthy, nutritious recipes and cutting down your cooking time so you have more headspace to focus on your bigger challenges, he says. Whether its a healthy breakfast before work, or a Friday night fakeaway, youll be able to add a nutritious twist to any recipe in a matter of minutes. Martins Top Five Air Fryer Recipes for Success Shakshuka with egg and avocado This recipe is packed full of your favourite vegetables and eggs (Philips) Heart-helping avocado is the perfect topping for this rich, Middle Eastern recipe packed full of your favourite vegetables and eggs. Preparation time:12 minutes| Cooking time:43 minutes Ingredients: 1 onion 1 red bell pepper 1 yellow bell pepper 1 tbsp coriander, fresh 200g tomatoes, diced, canned 2 tbsp olive oil 1 pinch cayenne pepper 1 pinch ground cumin 1 pinch salt 1 pinch pepper 1 dried bay leaf 2 eggs 1 avocado Method: 1. Peel the onion and cut it into half rings. Remove the stalk and seeds of the bell peppers and cut into strips. Cut the coriander, including the stalks. 2. Place the onion and bell peppers in a large bowl and mix with diced tomatoes. Sprinkle with olive oil. Season to taste with cayenne pepper, cumin powder, salt and freshly ground pepper. Mix in the coriander and bay leaf, and transfer into the air fryer. 3. Bake the vegetables in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 180C. 4. Stir the vegetables. Restart the air fryer and cook the vegetables for another 20 minutes at 160C. 5. Remove the bay leaf from the vegetables and make a whole for each egg. Break the eggs into each hole and poach them by cooking in the air fryer for another 13 minutes at 160C. 6. Half the avocado, remove the stone and peel. Cut the avocado into slices. Coarsely chop the coriander. Place the avocado over the shakshuka and sprinkle it with coriander. Serve with bread. 5-minute victory pizza This delicious alternative will make unhealthy takeaways a thing of the past (Philips) Expensive and unhealthy takeaways can be a thing of the past with this easy and delicious alternative. Prep time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes Ingredients: 2 tortillas 80g tomato sauce 125g mozzarella 6 basil leaves 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Method: 1. Tear the mozzarella into pieces. Spread half of the tomato sauce over the tortilla, leaving about 1cm around the edges for the pizza crust. Arrange half of the mozzarella on top. 2. Place the tortilla in the air fryer basket and cook for five minutes at 180C. Repeat process for second tortilla. 3. Once baked, remove the tortilla from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Salmon of champions A twist on a British classic, this dish subs out the regular beef for the tasty, omega-3 superfood that is salmon. Prep time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 140g fresh puff pastry 220g skinless salmon fillets 40g frozen spinach 2 pinches salt 2 pinches pepper 1 egg Method: 1. Cut the fresh puff pastry into two 14x26cm strips. Cut the salmon fillets into 10x5cm blocks. Thaw the spinach and drain before use. Add the spinach to the centre of each puff pastry strip. Place a piece of salmon on top of the spinach and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. 2. Starting from the two longer sides, fold the pastry over the salmon. Then, fold over the other two sides on top to create a compact pastry package. 3. Turn the wellington top side down and, using a sharp knife, cut diagonal lines in two directions forming small diamond shapes on top of the pastry. Put the salmon wellingtons in the air fryer basket. 4. Whisk the egg and gently brush the pastry. Cook for 15 minutes at 170C. 5. Serve warm. Winner winner chicken dinner Juicy chicken and a rich, creamy sauce is an excellent combo (Philips) A rich combination of tender, juicy chicken smothered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. Prep time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 22 minutes Ingredients: 450g chicken breast fillets tsp salt 2 tbsp all purpose flour 1 tbsp vegetable oil 50g tomatoes, sun-dried 3 branches basil, fresh 350g cooking cream (15% fat) 50g parmesan, grated 100ml of water 1 tsp oregano, dried 1 tbsp tomato paste Method: 1. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to get four equal pieces and sprinkle each with salt. Dip both sides of the meat in flour to coat evenly. Brush or spray it with vegetable oil and transfer to the baking accessory. 2. Place the baking accessory in the basket and slide the basket into the airfryer. Cook for 12 minutes at 200C. 3. For the sauce, combine the cooking cream, grated parmesan, water, tomato paste, and dried oregano and mix well. 4. Open the airfryer and pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken. Cook for 10 minutes at 180C. 5. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes of excess oil and chop them. Wash and finely chop the fresh basil. Once done, remove the chicken from the device and set it aside. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and basil to the sauce in the baking accessory and stir. Serve the chicken breast drizzled with the prepared sauce and cooked pasta or rice. Medal-worthy meatballs Try this elevated twist on a classic family favourite (Philips) An elevated twist on a classic family favourite: quick and juicy meatballs in a homemade tomato sauce. Prep time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes Ingredients: 4 garlic cloves 500g ground beef 1 tbsp breadcrumbs tsp thyme, dried 3 tbsp olive oil 300g tomatoes 1 red bell pepper 1 onion Method: 1. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, thyme, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste and mix until well combined. Shape into 12 equal meatballs. 2. Wash and dice the tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion into small cubes. Peel the remaining garlic. Transfer everything to the baking accessory, add the remaining olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. 3. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the left pan. Place the baking accessory in the right pan. Cook the meatballs for 25 minutes at 200C and the vegetables for 20 minutes at 200C. Mix vegetables twice during cooking. 4. Transfer the roasted vegetables to another pot and blend them using an immersion blender into a smooth sauce. Serve the meatballs in the tomato sauce with the side of your choice. For more tips and recipes to make the most of your air fryer, visit the Philips website On Saturday, Israel's military brought foreign journalists to an area of southern Gaza where its forces had demolished an Islamic cemetery as the military searched for underground Hamas tunnels. The neighborhood of Bani Suheila in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis was surrounded by graves excised from the earth and toothless skulls churned rubble. IDF Destroys Gaza Cemetery An Associated Press journalist witnessed the destruction of a mosque where the cemetery had stood, a 140-meter-wide trench that revealed an underground tunnel used by the Hamas militants for its attacks. The military released a video on Monday that showed enormous explosions in the area and claimed that combat engineers had destroyed a portion of the network. Palestinians and human rights organizations criticized Israel for destroying holy sites during its ground and air campaign in Gaza. Israel also claimed that the offensive was an assault on cultural heritage. Cemeteries and religious places are protected under international law, and destroying them could be considered a war crime. Israel said that Hamas uses such sites as military cover, removing them of these protections. It noted that there is no way to achieve its military goal of defeating Hamas without discovering the tunnels where they say the militants have built command and control centers, transported weapons, and hidden some of the 130 captives it is believed to be holding. Furthermore, they claimed that digging up the tunnels involves unavoidable collateral damage to holy spaces. "We're not naive anymore," Israeli Brig. Gen. Dan Goldfus, who led the journalists around the site, said on Saturday. Israel has made similar claims in operations in and around Gaza hospitals. According to Goldfus, journalists were taken inside an underground shaft that extended beneath the cemetery and the mosque. The journalists entered a small group of chambers after walking down a long concrete tunnel that branched in multiple directions. It included three domed rooms with a kitchen with a spice rack and empty cans of beans, a desk-equipped room, and a chamber with four chairs. A military commander reported that the 800-meter-long tunnel was connected to a more extensive network of tunnels in southern Gaza and had a power transformer, fans, wire-connected pipework, and light switches. The military claimed to have discovered similar warrens of rooms in tunnels all over the Gaza Strip. It alleged the quarters shown to journalists included the office of a Hamas commander, an operations room, and living quarters for senior members of Hamas. It also noted that the tunnel was used to plan assaults against the military. According to ABC News, the demolished cemetery appears to have been the Shuhadaa Bani Suheila graveyard. Read Also: UK Navy Ship HMS Diamond Shoots Down Houthi Drone in Red Sea UNESCO Calls Out Hamas, Israel UNESCO urged Hamas and Israel to refrain from targeting culturally important sites. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom states that the demolition of graves and mosques may considered a war crime under the Rome Statute, the 1998 treaty that established the International Criminal Court, which grants them special protection as "civilian property." According to Israel, the sites lose their protection when they are utilized for military purposes and when the operational gain from attacking them outweighs the damage to infrastructure and civilian lives. Goldfus reported that the forces had discovered additional evidence of Hamas activities in the area, including AK-47s that had been seized and a map of the border between Israel and Gaza that Hamas may have used during the October 7 attack. Related Article: Gaza Tunnel Network Exceeds Previous Estimates: New Report Highlights Over 350 Miles BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Jury selection is underway in the trial of Shawna Cash, the woman charged in the death of Pea Ridge Officer Kevin Apple on June 26, 2021. Cash is accused of driving the car that killed Apple. What started as a crowded room full of potential jury candidates, was whittled down to more than 150 in the first round. Benton County Judge Brad Karren selected 153 candidates to ensure impartiality or nonbias. Benton County honors Officer Kevin Apple two years after his death The prosecution and defense lawyers will ask the remaining candidates questions to see if they will remain impartial. The judge gives about two weeks for the jury selection process, ending on February 13. The selection process will involve groups of three candidates with five panels each day from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Judge Karren said jurors could be selected earlier than February 13. He said the trial will begin on Monday if they are selected by Friday. The judge also brought up concerns regarding whether police officers attend the trial dressed in their uniform and if that could cause bias concerns for the jury. He said that will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. FILE - Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., speaks at a news conference to call for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza on Capitol Hill, Oct. 20, 2023, in Washington. The Justice Department is looking into allegations Bush misused government funds for her personal security. Bush said in a statement that federal prosecutors were reviewing her campaign's spending on security services a day after the Justice Department subpoenaed the House sergeant at arms for related documents. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File) WASHINGTON (AP) The Justice Department is investigating whether Democratic Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri misused campaign funds for her personal security, the progressive lawmaker confirmed in a statement Tuesday. Bush, a second-term lawmaker, denied any wrongdoing and said she is fully cooperating with federal prosecutors. As a rank-and-file member of Congress I am not entitled to personal protection by the House, and instead have used campaign funds as permissible to retain security services, Bush said. I have not used any federal tax dollars for personal security services. Her statement came a day after the Justice Department subpoenaed the office of the House Sergeant at Arms for related documents. The Justice Department declined to comment. Since being elected to the House in 2021, Bush, a Black woman with activist roots, has been the target of right-wing attacks. As a result, she has spent a substantial amount of money on private security while she's on Capitol Hill and back home in her district in St. Louis. Federal prosecutors have been asking questions about Bushs security expenses, the threats she received and her decision to pay her now-husband Cortney Merritts with campaign funds to provide security, a person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press. The questions have been similar to those asked by congressional investigators conducting an ethics inquiry, the person said. The person was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. The issue of how Bush has been funding her security is currently under investigation by the Federal Election Commission and the House Committee on Ethics. The FEC has stated that it is not technically against the rules for a member of Congress to use campaign funds for private security as there has been a striking increase of violent threats against lawmakers in recent years. The Office of Congressional Ethics unanimously determined in October to clear Bush of any wrongdoing in their investigation. I look forward to this same outcome from all pending investigations, Bush said Tuesday. Im going to make sure I have security because I know I have had attempts on my life and I have too much work to do, the former Black Lives Matter activist told CBS News in August 2021. So, if I end up spending $200,000, if I spend 10 more dollars on it, you know what? I get to be here to do the work. A spokesperson for Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that Bush is entitled to the presumption of innocence as the investigation moves forward. It is our expectation that the investigation will follow the facts, apply the law and be conducted in a professional manner, Christie Stephenson said. Punchbowl News first reported the news about the investigation into Bush. ___ Associated Press reporters Mike Balsamo and Kevin Freking contributed to this report. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Police confirm a juvenile on a bicycle was critically injured Tuesday morning after being struck by a vehicle in a southwest Las Vegas valley neighborhood. LVMPD investigates a crash involving a bicyclist and vehicle at Cliff Lake and W. Cactus on Jan. 30, 2024. (KLAS) LVMPD investigates a crash involving a bicyclist and vehicle at Cliff Lake and W. Cactus on Jan. 30, 2024. (KLAS) LVMPD investigates a crash involving a bicyclist and vehicle at Cliff Lake and W. Cactus on Jan. 30, 2024. (KLAS) The crash was reported around 7:45 a.m. near Cliff Lake Street and W. Cactus Avenue, west of Rainbow Boulevard. According to Las Vegas Metropolitan police, the juvenile was transported to University Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Police said the driver stayed at the scene and impairment isnt suspected. Drivers are being asked to avoid the area due to street closures. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. After just two hours of deliberation back in November, Kaitlin Armstrong was found guilty of the murder of a professional cyclist and was later sentenced to 90 years in prison. Before she was put on trial, however, Ms Armstrong had spent weeks on the run, fleeing to Costa Rica, triggering an international manhunt that eventually led them to the surf resort of Santa Teresa after a source told them she could be hiding out there. Around a month after Ms Armstrong had vanished, Deputy US Marshals Damien Fernandez and Emir Perez travelled to Costa Rica in June 2022, knowing that the hunt for the suspect would not be an easy task in the tourist area. Ms Armstrong had gone to lengths to conceal her identity, such as cutting and dying her hair; she had a bandage on her nose and had even undergone plastic surgery. However, Mr Fernandez and Mr Perez revealed to CBS show 48 Hours how using an advertisement for a yoga instructor ended her time on the run and eventually led to them luring the suspect out of hiding. Kaitlin Armstrong was captured and is now serving 90 years in prison (US Marshals) The investigators were told they were going to be in for a surprise early on cause a lot of the women in Santa Teresa look just like Kaitlin a lot of them, Mr Fernandez recalled to 48 Hours. They enlisted the help of a female operative to take local yoga classes, hoping to spot Ms Amstrong, who herself is a yoga enthusiast, but was unable to find her, they told the outlet. In a last-minute idea, the investigators decided to post an advertisement on Facebook looking for a yoga instructor. Mr Fernandez described their post to 48 Hours, saying, Hey, were at this hostel; were looking for a yoga instructor as soon as possible. Please contact us at this number. Armstrongs victim Moriah Mo Wilson was one of the top gravel racing cyclists in the world (Instagram/Mo Wilson) Nearly a week went by with no response, and the investigators were set to return home. Then suddenly, Ms Armstrong replied to the posting, saying she was interested in the role. They arranged to meet at a hostel, and Mr Perez told 48 Hours he initially scoped out who they thought was Ms Armstrong by going up to her, speaking only in Spanish. As he got closer, he saw that she had a bandage on her nose and possibly her lips were swollen, but when he saw her eyes, he was sure it was her. The eyes are the exact same ones that I saw in the picture. And this is her 100 per cent, he said. What the now-convicted murderer thought would be a chance to delve into her love of yoga while in hiding turned out to be the pivotal moment that led to her being put behind bars. Ms Armstrong was arrested, taken back to the US and held in jail. Kaitlin Armstrong underwent plastic surgery and dyed and cut her hair (Travis County Jail) She did manage to escape custody while at a medical appointment in October 2023, but only ran for a mile before she was caught once again. Ms Armstrong was sentenced to 90 years in prison for fatally shooting professional cyclist Anna Moriah Mo Wilson on 11 May 2022 Ms Armstrong was in a love triangle with Ms Wilson and Colin Strickland. Ms Wilson had arranged to meet Mr Strickland, also a professional cyclist, whom she had an on-again, off-again relationship with when he and his then-girlfriend, Ms Armstrong, were on a hiatus, according to a police affidavit. Later that night, Ms Wilson was pronounced dead after being found bleeding and unconscious with multiple gunshot wounds. Before Ms Armstrong fled, she was briefly taken into custody, but detectives could not hold her after they learned the arrest warrant was not valid. TOPEKA (KSNT) Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is joining other states in condemnation of President Joe Bidens handling of the border situation in Texas. On Tuesday, Jan. 30 Kobach released a letter to the Biden Administration penned by attorneys general from 26 other states showing their support for Texas ongoing border issues with Mexico. Kobachs signature joins the other attorneys general in a scathing review of the unprecedented border crisis. If President Biden wants to stop the border crisis, he can start right now, today, by enforcing existing immigration laws, by reinstating the remain-in-Mexico policy that is required by federal law and by building the wall, Kobach said. Instead, Biden has taken an America-last position allowing illegal aliens, illicit drugs, and human traffickers to pour into the country. We support Texass efforts to protect its citizens and all Americans from this invasion. The letter alleges that the Biden Administration bears responsibility for more than six million immigrants who have crossed the southern border. This number is around double the population of Kansas and more than the population of several states in the U.S., according to the 2020-2023 U.S. Census Bureau report. Kansas City Chiefs license plates could become a reality Kobach said the current coalition of attorneys general is in support of Texas and demands the Biden Administration enforce the laws that secure the border or allow states like Texas to stop crossings. Other states that signed on to the letter include: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming. On Jan. 25, multiple Republican state governors vowed to aid Texas in its border struggles after Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a letter challenging a Supreme Court decision on the addition of razor wire to the border. Texas had earlier seized a riverfront park and installed razor wire to prevent people from Mexico from crossing illegally, a move that quickly set Texas against the federal officials and the Biden Administration in enforcement of the border. Some states have sent resources and National Guard units to help Texas enforce border security. KSNT 27 News has reached out to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly with questions on the ongoing border situation to learn if the Sunflower State will be deploying its own National Guard to Texas. The Office of the Governor has yet to respond to this inquiry as of Jan. 30. You can read the letter from the attorneys general in full below: Final Letter Supporting Governor Abbott (1) by Matthew Self on Scribd This embedded content is not available in your region. For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Three individuals have been charged by US authorities for allegedly conspiring to commit a murder targeting an Iranian defector residing in Maryland. Naji Sharifi Zindashti, a 49-year-old resident of Iran, reportedly sought assistance from Canadian Damion Ryan in carrying out an assassination. Ryan, a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, later sought the assistance of his associate, Adam Pearson, who is currently incarcerated. Maryland Residents Targeted in Murder-for-Hire Plot Additionally, they have been accused of singling out the defector's female companion. According to an indictment released Monday, Zindashti, who is alleged to be involved in criminal activities targeting Iranian dissidents, has agreed to pay Ryan and Pearson a significant sum of money, along with travel expenses, for the alleged murder-for-hire. The group used an encrypted chat app called SkyECC, which has been linked to several cases of organized crime. In 2021, US authorities took control of Sky Global, the company behind the app. This is unrelated to the media conglomerate Sky Group Limited. According to the indictment, Zindashti, a resident of Iran, contacted Ryan regarding employment opportunities. Their conversation, which began in January 2021, eventually turned to a specific plan in the United States. Ryan discussed the act of shooting the victim in the head and expressed his intention to ensure that his operatives understood the importance of removing the head from the torso. According to his statement, he had put together a team of four individuals, one of whom was Pearson, a Canadian residing unlawfully in Minnesota during that period. The alleged targets in Maryland were not named, and it appears that the plot was never executed. Per BBC, the three individuals face charges of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which could result in a maximum prison sentence of 10 years in the absence of any fatalities or injuries. Furthermore, Pearson is also facing charges related to firearms. There have been previous instances where a member of the Hells Angels has been linked to Iran. In 2023, a man was convicted by a court in Dusseldorf, Germany, for attempting to set fire to a synagogue. German prosecutors revealed that the man had been approached by a member of a gang who had been cooperating with officials in Tehran. The indictment being unsealed coincides with a period of increased tensions between the United States and Iran. This follows the unfortunate incident where three American service members lost their lives in an attack by an Iran-backed militia at a base in Jordan. President Joe Biden has made a firm commitment to respond. Read Also: Sarah Sweeney's Death: Missouri Firefighter's Claim Contradicts Autopsy; Incident Happened Years After Ex-Lover Died in Same Residence Hiring of Hells Angels Bikers for Assassinations in US The Justice Department has issued a warning about the growing audacity of certain foreign powers in their targeting of dissidents and refugees residing in the United States. Among these powers are Iran, Russia, and China. In January, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn revealed charges against three individuals involved in a plot originating from Iran. The objective of the plot was to assassinate Masih Alinejad, an American human-rights activist who has been vocal about the country's oppression of women. In June, an Indian man was indicted by a federal grand jury in New York for his alleged involvement in a plot to murder a Sikh dissident residing in New York. According to the charges, it is alleged that Nikhil Gupta, 52, collaborated with an undisclosed Indian government official in the recruitment of a hit man. Mr. Gupta has been apprehended in Prague and is currently being transported to the United States under the custody of Czech authorities. The three defendants facing charges are accused of conspiring to commit two murders for hire. Pearson faces charges of possessing a firearm while being a fugitive from justice and possessing a firearm as an alien unlawfully in the United States. Following the public indictment, both the Treasury Department and British officials have taken action by imposing sanctions on Zindashti and his associates. These individuals have been accused of engaging in various acts of transnational repression, such as assassinations and kidnappings. According to Treasury officials, Zindashti has been implicated in the 2020 abduction of a dissident who was later brought to Iran, given a hasty trial, and subsequently executed. Zindashti and his men were also accused of being involved in the assassination of a former Iranian cybersecurity official in 2019, who had openly criticized the country's leadership, The New York Times reported. Related Article: One of NY's Most Wanted Shamar Legette, Suspect in Live Streamed Church Robbery Killed by US Marshals ALLIANCE The city's Health Department has started demolition of nine more structures this week. Two of the condemned structures were involved in deadly house fires. A crew knocks down this condemned structure at 1044 Homestead Ave. in Alliance, one of nine on the city's latest demolition list. Randy Flint, the city's health commissioner, said Aster Hardwood Services of Bellaire, Ohio, was awarded the contract for $62,000. Knocking down blighted or condemned structures has become a priority in recent years in Alliance, and there have been several rounds of demolition. The nine buildings on the current list are: 1044 Homestead Ave. 774 N. Webb St. 1036 S. Mahoning Ave 1187 S. Mahoning Ave. 676 S. Linden Ave. 707 Walnut Ave. 400 Johnson Ave. 247 Hester Ave. 1335 S. Arch Ave. Fire investigators are investigating the cause of a deadly house fire Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, on South Arch Avenue in Alliance. Pictured is what remains Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. The blaze killed one person. The South Arch Avenue property was the scene of a fatal fire that killed a 55-year-old man in January 2023. In March 2-23, the Walnut property was involved in a fire that killed two dogs. Flint said the Homestead property was the first structure knocked down. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Alliance starts demo for nine more structures; two had fatal fires A UCL study has revealed that five children treated with growth hormone injections went on to develop early-onset Alzheimers - Getty The story was one of the biggest medical scandals of the second half of the 20th century. Twenty years ago, neurologists first reported that 80 out of an estimated 1,848 children treated with human growth hormone injections between 1959 and 1985 to prevent short stature, went on to develop a rare but devastating form of dementia called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), later in life. CJD is driven by abnormally shaped proteins called prions which infect the brain before spreading rapidly, triggering other healthy proteins to change their shape and form toxic clumps, a process which results in progressive brain cell death. Now, neurologists at the UCL Institute of Prion Diseases have published a new study in Nature Medicine, suggesting that five more children treated with growth hormone injections later developed early-onset Alzheimers between the ages of 38 and 55. Peter Garrard, an honorary consultant neurologist at St Georges University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, told The Telegraph that he has treated one of these five patients. He presented with memory problems, and from a clinical point of view I didnt have any hesitation in diagnosing him with Alzheimers disease, says Garrard. Over the three years since I first saw him, he has progressed in a relentless and unfortunate way, such that his cognitive deficits are no longer confined to memory. He requires help with significant amounts of daily life. So how did this scandal happen? A now-banned procedure It sounds archaic by modern standards, but for much of the 20th century the only means of producing growth hormone was to remove the pituitary glands from the brains of deceased individuals who had donated their bodies to medicine. These hormone-producing glands are located at the base of the brain and doctors would often have to collect glands from many different brain samples to collect sufficient growth hormone to perform a procedure. This was then injected into children in the hope that it would boost their growth rate, until the use of human-derived growth hormone was eventually banned in 1985 after health risks started to become apparent. Growth hormone injections are still used in some rare cases of children with severely restricted growth, but this is now entirely done using synthetic forms of the hormone. Now, all growth hormones are made in the laboratory so its entirely safe, says Prof Jonathan Schott of the UCL Institute of Neurology. Its important to point out that this was an outdated legacy procedure from a moment in time. What are prions? In the 80 cases of children who developed CJD, the growth hormone they received contained prions, which then progressed into their brains with slow but lethal consequences. At the time, doctors did not understand the full implications of prion contamination and the connection to CJD. Since the 1980s, we have learnt that eating prion-contaminated meat can lead to a form of CJD known as mad cow disease. Research has also shown that cases of prion-induced disease can stem from human cannibalism. Papua New Guinea was afflicted by an epidemic neurodegenerative disease called kuru which was spread through prions ingested through consuming human flesh. After somebody had died, as a mark of respect there were feasts when the body and brain was eaten, says Schott. That again, has now stopped, but that was a way that prions were passed. What about these new five cases? UCL neurologists are intrigued by the latest cases described in the Nature Medicine study, because they may represent a new mechanism by which Alzheimers disease can be transmitted. The research team tracked down the original growth hormone samples injected into those five patients, which are still stored by the Department of Health, and found that rather than being contaminated with prions, they contained some very small seeds of misfolded or abnormally shaped beta amyloid proteins. UCL has shown interest in the findings because they demonstrate how Alzheimer's could be transmitted - PA Large toxic clumps of beta amyloid have long been pinpointed as one of the tell-tale signs of Alzheimers disease. Schott and others suggest that the misfolded beta amyloid proteins may have behaved in a prion-like manner after they were injected into patients, spreading through the brain, and causing rapid damage. It was shown in the prion unit at UCL that if you took some of those seeds of beta amyloid and put them into mice, they could spread through the brain, says Schott. Should we be concerned? Dementia researchers are keen to reassure the public that these new findings do not carry any health implications regarding procedures which are carried out today. We shouldnt be worried about dementia passing between humans and we shouldnt be worried about surgical procedures, says Prof Tara Spires-Jones, a group leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute. Schott points out that hospitals now have well-worked safety procedures in place to prevent any chance of possible prion contamination. Its not an infectious disease, he says. These were very, very tragic cases and this was a very unfortunate episode in time with some very peculiar circumstances. Theres lots of measures now in surgery and so forth to prevent the spread of prion disease and other things. Could it lead to new Alzheimers treatments? Instead, Schott believes that the findings could help neurologists solve one of the biggest enduring mysteries of Alzheimers disease. While Alzheimers is connected to the presence of misfolded beta amyloid and tau proteins, we still dont know how the disease then develops and spreads within the brain, something which is vital to understanding how best to stop it. If misfolded beta-amyloid proteins can indeed behave like prions, moving from protein to protein and inducing them to change their shape in a destructive pattern, it would go some way to explaining how Alzheimers progresses. Prions form various shapes which then have the capacity to replicate themselves and to spread, says Schott. One of the questions is whether beta amyloid takes on similar characteristics and thats how its able to grow and spread throughout the brain. Not all dementia researchers, however, are convinced. Spires-Jones accepts that the five patients who developed early-onset Alzheimers, received seeds of beta-amyloid through a growth hormone injection and that these likely progressed into their brains. However, she feels it is too much of a jump to suggest that these proteins must have behaved like prions, purely on the basis of rodent studies. She points out that many healthy people in mid to later life have been found to have a significant presence of misfolded beta amyloid in their brains, and yet do not have any symptoms of Alzheimers. Most of us have a bunch of misfolded amyloids in our brains, and we have no symptoms whatsoever, she says. Your brain can cope with that. To have Alzheimers, you have to have lots of amyloid and tau proteins, then the loss of neurons, and we dont know how the latter happens. Schott though is hopeful that this will lead to more breakthroughs in terms of understanding the progression of Alzheimers in the future. I think this is going to be a very fruitful area of research moving forward, and that might open up new ideas about how we might be able to stop Alzheimers from spreading if it gets established, he says. Recommended If you find out youre at high risk of Alzheimers, what can you do? Read more Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. At the Kansas Republican Partys annual convention in Overland Park on Saturday, Nikki Haleys presidential campaign was nowhere to be found. Party activists proudly sported Make America Great Again hats and the Trump Store hosted a large booth selling sweatshirts, teddy bears and socks bearing former President Donald Trumps name. It was as if Trump had already secured the nomination not even a single Haley button or sign could be spotted. At the state committee meeting, party chairman Mike Brown announced the leaders of Trumps campaign in Kansas Browns wife Kristi Brown and former Gov. Jeff Colyer. Haley, a former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador, was mentioned just once, in reference to a straw poll of party members showing Trump with a strong lead over Haley. We are getting very, very, close to calling it, Brown told the state committee. Its time to move on with a nominee and get busy beating Joe Biden. Since November, Haley has enjoyed the support of Americans for Prosperity Action, the organization that serves as a political arm of the Kansas-based Koch family. AFP promised significant cash and on-the-ground support for her campaign. While the operation may have helped Haley, shes failing to generate the critical mass of voter support needed to overtake Trump, even in Kansas, the home state of Charles Koch, the co-owner and CEO of Wichita-based Koch Industries. The Koch name has long played a major role in Republican politics, both in Kansas and nationally, spending millions to promote an ideology focused on small government and few business regulations. But that influence doesnt always extend to the everyday Republican voter. Anybody that establishment doesnt want is who I want, Angel Cushing, a Lyon County resident who attended the Kansas GOP convention, said in explaining her support for Trump. She included the Kochs in her definition of establishment. Kansas doesnt hold its Republican primary until March 19, two weeks after Super Tuesday, when 15 states and one territory hold primaries to determine their nominees for president. By then the field of candidates has narrowed, which means it doesnt get the same focus as states like Iowa, New Hampshire and Haleys home state of South Carolina. Haley came in third place in the Iowa caucus, second in New Hampshire and is the last serious candidate standing between Trump and the nomination. But its not clear that Haleys campaign will have enough steam to last to the Kansas primary. I think we all wish we could have had it earlier, House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said of the Kansas primary. Hawkins said Kansans were excited about Trump. Haley, he said, will get some votes. Will she win it? No. Jason Jisa, owner of the Trump Store, points out merchandise to customers at the Kansas GOP Convention in Overland Park. Katie Bernard/The Kansas City Star From Cruz to Trump to ... Trump? Haleys struggle for support in Kansas the home base of her biggest benefactor helps explain why her campaign may fade before the state even votes. Kansas Republican voters backed Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas in the 2016 presidential caucus by 15 percentage points amid a national primary battle where Trump was slowly marching to the nomination as a political outsider threatening to break up the status quo. But since winning the primary in 2016, Trump has effectively become the Republican Party. His most loyal Kansas supporters have now taken leadership roles in the state party. His supporters have also been galvanized by the criminal charges brought against the former president over hush money payments to a porn actress, his handling of classified documents after leaving office and his attempts to overturn Bidens 2020 victory by advancing false claims of a stolen election. Trumps hefty support is smack-dab in the middle of two wings of the Republican primary electorate: One wing is more establishment, moderate Republicans who adamantly oppose Trump, the other wing are the people who like Trumps policies but arent fond of the man himself. In the crowded primary, Haley went after one wing, the more establishment, moderate Republicans. She took a traditional approach to Republican policies, promoting an aggressive foreign policy tied to economic conservatism. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, on the other hand, went after conservatives seeking a Trump alternative, playing up his response to the COVID-19 pandemic and culture war issues like which books should be allowed in school and a six-week ban on abortion in Florida. Now, with DeSantis out of the race, Haley is trying to unite these two wings of the party while hoping its enough to overcome Trumps steady tight grip. I mean, if you had the Kansas GOP look like Lynn Jenkins, if that was emblematic of your rank and file grassroots Kansas Republican voter, probably, it would be a state shed do rather well in. But I dont think thats how it works, said Liz Mair, a Republican political consultant who worked on presidential campaigns for John McCain and Scott Walker, referring to the former representative who represented the Topeka area in Congress for a decade. Colyer, the former governor and co-chair of Trumps campaign in Kansas, said the campaign was not worried about Haley but was well organized and not taking anything for granted. I think many people had their mind made up years ago for this, Colyer said. Youre driving down I-70 and you see big 18 wheelers with Trump for president signs with lights on it and theyve been up there for a couple of years. I think ordinary Kansans are definitely leaning towards the president. That was true of voters from across the state who attended the GOP convention. Everett Rogers of Leavenworth said he felt good about Trump getting another opportunity because I think it was stolen from him, if you will. Archie Williams of Kansas City, Kansas, said Trumps love for America was clear as deals with with lawsuits and criminal charges. Vicki Kline of Overland Park said Trump was chosen by God to lead the country and had unfinished business. Not necessarily die-hard Trump supporters Still, convention participants represent a small subset of Kansas Republican voters. Registered Republicans make up 44% of all Kansas voters. Any Republican is eligible to vote in the March primary. Alexandra Middlewood, a political science professor at Wichita State University, said the election of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly indicates voters in the state prefer moderates and might be willing to support Haley. There are going to be people who turn out to vote in that primary who are not necessarily those die-hards, Middlewood said, referencing voters who supported both Kelly and Republican Sen. Jerry Moran in 2022. Those are Republicans who are more likely to turn out and vote but are not necessarily die-hard Trump supporters. The Kansas GOP gathered Saturday for its annual convention. Chairman Mike Brown addressed the state committee meeting at the end of the day. Katie Bernard/The Kansas City Star Mair, like many Republicans, had low expectations for Haley entering the race. Most of the attention focused on Trump, who faces four indictments on more than 90 charges, and DeSantis, whose 2022 gubernatorial victory in Florida positioned him as a potential alternative for those eager to move on from Trump. But as the DeSantis campaign steadily lost momentum, Americans for Prosperity aided the Haley campaign, both financially and with campaign volunteers who knocked on doors in the chilly Iowa and New Hampshire winters. I think it got really overhyped, Mair said of the Koch support for Haley. But I think it delivered some for her. The support of Americans for Prosperity and other wealthy groups was essential to Haleys campaign, said Rep. Ron Estes of Wichita, but he was unsure if it would be enough. Im kind of waiting to see what happens in South Carolina and also Nevada, Estes said. Estes has not yet offered an endorsement in the primary. In a memo about its endorsement, Americans for Prosperity argued that Trumps baggage hurts the Republican Party in down-ballot races for the Senate and House, pointing to the partys lackluster results in the 2022 elections. In sharp contrast to recent elections that were dominated by the negative baggage of Donald Trump and in which good candidates lost races that should have been won, Nikki Haley, at the top of the ticket, would boost candidates up and down the ballot, winning the key independent and moderate voters that Trump has no chance to win, the memo said. But Republican primary voters havent seemed bothered by Trumps conduct. Some Republicans have said the indictments against Trump have only made his support in the primary stronger. People like to be entertained, Mair said. And hes been entertaining us one way or another, love him or hate him, for as long as Ive been alive. Trump supporters at the GOP convention often said they knew Trump wasnt perfect, but that he was being unfairly attacked by the left. I like Nikki Haley, said Richard Levin, a Kansas City, Kansas, Republican. but I dont think shes the person to run this country. A missing 5-year-old girl, Lela Black, has been found safe while her father, Byron Black, suspected of the murder of the child's mother, is now in custody. The unfolding drama prompted an Amber Alert, which was later canceled after authorities located the young girl on Monday afternoon. Kentucky State Police issued an Amber Alert earlier on Monday, revealing that Lela was believed to be with her 42-year-old biological father, who had an outstanding arrest warrant for the murder of Kelly Black. The alert described Lela as 3 feet, 6 inches tall, with brown hair and eyes, while her father is 6 feet, 180 pounds, also with brown hair and eyes. Lela's Mother Found Dead in Princeton Residence The tragic incident came to light when police responded to a Princeton residence on Sunday after a welfare check. There, they discovered the lifeless body of Kelly Black. The investigation indicated that the mother had been shot in the back of the head and that she had been murdered. The situation escalated when it was revealed that both Lela and Byron had not been heard from since Friday. The issuance of an Amber Alert raised the stakes, as officials feared for the well-being of the missing child given the circumstances surrounding her mother's murder. The Amber Alert described Byron Black as potentially "armed and dangerous." He had left the scene prior to law enforcement arriving, and was last seen in a white 1996 Chevrolet Silverado with the California license plate 5J83779. The alert also highlighted the deteriorating condition of the vehicle, with paint peeling off the hood. State police canceled the Amber Alert as they announced on Monday afternoon that Lela had been found safe and her father, Byron, was in custody. However, the authorities did not disclose where the two were located. The incident has shocked the community in Princeton, which is about 40 miles north of the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Read Also: Philadelphia: U.S. Marshals Capture Escaped Teen Murder Suspect After 5-Day Hunt What is Amber Alert? The Amber Alert system plays a crucial role in child abduction cases, with the U.S. Department of Justice reporting that 149 children were rescued last year due to the dissemination of such alerts. However, a USA TODAY investigation highlighted the rarity of Amber Alerts and the uncertainty surrounding their effectiveness in safely recovering missing children.The analysis indicates that only a tiny fraction of missing-child cases in the U.S trigger Amber Alerts. In 2021, only 254 Amber Alerts were issued compared to over 337,000 missing-child reports. Delays and confusion in the alert process are common, as authorities often spend crucial hours navigating strict requirements for an Amber Alert to be issued, leaving families in distress and questioning why an alert was not issued sooner. The report also notes that the criteria exclude alerts for missing children considered runaways, the predominant classification in most cases. The analysis suggests a need to revisit Amber Alert criteria for a more effective and inclusive system. Related Article: Florida Man Shot Dead by Police After Fatally Shooting 1, Injuring 2 Officers General view of the memorial altar for victims before a press conference in Seoul General view of the memorial altar for victims before a press conference in Seoul By Hyunsu Yim SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol blocked on Tuesday a bill to launch a new probe into a Halloween crowd crush that killed 159 people in Seoul's Itaewon district in 2022, in a move slammed by the opposition and relatives of the victims. Yoon's office announced his veto of conducting an investigation with an independent panel hours after the prime minister described the opposition-backed bill as politicised and potentially in breach of the constitution. "The pain from the disaster cannot be used as a tool to justify political strife and a possibility of unconstitutionality," Prime Minister Han Duck-soo told a cabinet meeting, denying an earlier probe by police and prosecutors was flawed. The move to block the bill has been criticised by relatives of the victims and opposition party officials who have long argued the government's handling of the disaster had been inadequate. Park Young-soo, a mother who lost her son in the crowd crush, accused the government of being "petty" by blocking the inquiry and offering financial compensation instead. "That's not what we have been fighting for more than a year for," Park told Reuters. Song Hae-jin, another mother of a victim, said families who have been trying to get justice for their children would have a "very tough time" accepting the government's position. The United Nations Human Rights Committee said last year that South Korea should establish an independent and impartial body to investigate the disaster and ensure those responsible are brought to justice, including top officials. Song Doo-hwan, chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, South Korea's top human rights watchdog, has also backed an independent probe. South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has called the Yoon administration "cold-blooded" for blocking the bill. A police investigation published early last year concluded that a lack of preparations and an inadequate response were the main cause of the deadly crush. No senior government figures, including the interior and safety minister, however, have resigned or been sacked over the crush. Prosecutors indicted the head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency earlier this month, charging him with contributing through negligence to the disaster. The special bill put forward by parliament planned to include a panel appointed by the ruling party, the opposition and relevant groups to lead a fact-finding investigation. The bill was supported by opposition parties but criticized by the ruling People Power Party (PPP) which said the panel would be biased in favour of the opposition. Yoon won a close election in 2022 but his PPP is a minority in the parliament, which is controlled by the rival Democratic Party. The next general election will be held in April. (Reporting by Hyunsu Yim and Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Ed Davies and Michael Perry) MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin, asked on Tuesday about potential U.S. strikes on Iranian interests, said tensions in the Middle East were high and that steps were needed to de-escalate rather than destabilise the wider region. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday vowed the U.S. would take "all necessary actions" to defend its troops after a deadly drone attack in Jordan by Iran-backed militants, even as President Joe Biden's administration stressed it was not seeking a war with Iran. "We do not welcome any actions that lead to destabilisation in the region and increase tensions, especially against the backdrop of the excessive potential for conflict," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "We will not welcome the continuation of such actions, regardless of who they come from. The level of tension is high now and we need to take steps to de-escalate. This is what will prevent the conflict from spreading." Russia enjoys increasingly close ties with Iran at a time when its ties with the United States are at their lowest level since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis over what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Mark Trevelyan, William Maclean) Kudos to Hampton ZBA for standing strong in face of bullies and fools Jan. 23 To the Editor: The decision for the proposed Lafayette\ High\Dearborn development is in the hands of the ZBA now. The January 18th meeting confirmed the position and values of many townspeople. There were restauranteurs who seem to expect that the Dearborn Avenue residents need to support their businesses by compromising their long-established neighborhood. That is a very generous subsidy. The Chamber of Commerce apparently agrees, if I understand the word salad of the Chamber director correctly. Those who spoke in favor of the development all support and endorse the ZBAs violation of their oaths in order to give a nice guy who loves Hampton what he wants. The nice guys team of representatives seemed to be threatening to place a 500 seat night club on Rt. 1, if his proposal doesnt pass. That does not sound like a person who loves this town. To me, is sounds like an arrogant bully. Truth be told, that was not the first time that was threatened to the residents. One person seemed to challenge the boards competency, intimating that the only experts in the room were the proposals team. That team didnt seem to know, understand, or care that the citizens of the town voted for the current zoning ordinances and have never voted for the Master Plan. The team did not recognize that the closest town in comparison to Hampton, Exeter, was not mentioned by the assessor. One person seemed to believe that we would immediately be afflicted with a high crime rate because people would be living here who cannot afford a $700,000 homes. The ZBA chair and members were treated with a rudeness that I would never have allowed in my middle school classroom. Persons wishing to address the variance issues were allowed three minutes to do so. I think all who supported the development managed to avoid any semblance of knowledge of the topics at hand. Lack of affordable housing was not on the table. Songs of praise werent either. Worst of all, people on both sides ignored the chairmans pleas to cease speaking. The chair and member Devries reminded multiple speakers to address the variance issues only. Only those opposed to the project addressed the variances. Many were very brief and articulated their concerns clearly, as I witnessed the meeting. The projects team did nothing to help either side. The buyer knew the regulations before the property was purchased. The buyer has created his own hardships. Ms. Devries made it quite clear that NO ONE had come before the town to change any of the regulations pertaining to the Historic District. One of the audience speakers reiterated that. To me, that exhibits an arrogance indicating that the laws and regulations do not apply to them. This project is not the process used to change regulations and codes. A three acre parcel of land in the middle of a community and in an historic district is not the place for 4 townhouses, an 18 room hotel, a restaurant, boutiques, and 94 apartments. That housing alone will triple the current population of all of Dearborn Ave. to say nothing of the traffic issues it causes. If those 3 acres were for 6 townhouses, at one-third acre each, it would be in keeping with that area. Not only that, but, if the houses were individually owned, the taxes would compensate for schooling, infrastructure, and town services. My heartfelt thanks as a longtime citizen and lover of our town are extended to the ZBA. Their patience, forbearance, tolerance of inexcusable conduct was remarkable. Again, I never saw adolescents so off topic and rude. Sheila Nudd Hampton Three-dimensional renderings of Al Fleury's proposed multi-use development on Route 1, High Street and Dearborn Avenue. The project would bring 94 apartments to downtown Hampton. First time presidential candidate from Portsmouth thanks voters Jan. 24 To the Editor: A big thank you to all the Granite Staters who came out and voted yesterday, I couldn't have asked more. Proving that the unknown small business owner stands a chance against the candidates with millions of dollars in campaign spending, campaign managers, and billionaire backers is incredible. I did it all by myself with no money, DNC support, and without selling my soul to corporate backers. I'm incredibly humbled and awe struck at the turnout. This isn't the end, in fact I'm just getting started. This was the first term in which I was able to become a candidate. At 38 years old, with a little ambition, intelligence, and hard work, I aimed at putting the power back into the hands and voices of actual hashtagamericans and inspire change. The average American people deserve to be heard, represented, and lobbied for. Too long have we been under-represented in Washington. The tide has turned, and New Hampshire spoke loud and clear last night. New Hampshire spoke loud and clear last night. The battle for the rights and freedoms of all Americans isn't over, and we refuse to be trampled on or looked over. This is just the beginning, and I thank and am truly humbled by the Granite Staters for the tremendous turnout yesterday. We sent a message, proving that the average American can stand up there with the PAC backed candidates, and is sure going to ripple throughout Washington and the halls of Congress. We need to demand more from our candidates, and representatives in office and that's exactly what I plan to do. I'm not going anywhere, and will continue the fight for hashtagfreedom, liberty, justice and livelihood of all Americans. Let's Go! Derek Nadeau Portsmouth Editor's note: The writer received 1,612 votes in the New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary for a fourth place finish. I strongly support NH End of Life Options bill Jan. 24 To the Editor: I am writing in response to a recent letter opposing the NH End of Life Options bill (HB 1283), to voice my strong support for the bill and set the record straight. Unfortunately, the writers of that letter are wrong on the bill and wrong on the facts. The bill is explicit in what is allowed and to whom it applies. There is no slippery slope. The bill provides the end of life option only to terminally ill adults with six months or less to live, who can make their own medical decisions. It also requires consultation with two medical professionals. The people to whom it applies are not interested in suicide, they are interested in a peaceful death rather than one in which they may suffer horribly. The facts are; the bill is written for New Hampshire, but ten other states and the District of Columbia have similar laws which have been on the books for years. Decades in some states. There has been NO evidence of any individual being put in jeopardy due to these laws, while they have provided terminally ill people great comfort at the end of their lives. I encourage readers to learn more about the bill and offer their support to get the bill passed. A great resource is a grass roots organization, the New Hampshire Alliance for End of Life Options (https://www.nhendoflifeoptions.org). Mark Kaplan Portsmouth This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Hampton NH ZBA stands strong in face of bullies and fools: Letters Sri Lanka's export earnings decline slightly in 2023: data Xinhua) 10:39, January 30, 2024 COLOMBO, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's total exports for 2023 were 14.49 billion U.S. dollars, a minor decline of 0.39 percent compared to 2022, data from the Export Development Board (EDB) showed on Monday. The EDB said that cumulative merchandise exports in 2023 decreased by 9.54 percent to 11.85 billion dollars, compared to 2022. On the other hand, the estimated value of services exports in 2023 increased by 63.1 percent compared to 2022, the EDB said. The service imports for 2023 were around 3.1 billion dollars, the EDB said. Earnings from the export of apparel and textiles, rubber and rubber-finished products, coconut and coconut-finished products, and seafood are among those that decreased. Meanwhile, earnings from the export of tea, spices and concentrates, electronics and electronic components, and food and beverages increased, the EDB said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, currently in Washington, joins Nick Schifrin from the Pentagon to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and the support provided by western countries to the beleaguered nation. Stoltenberg is working to convince US legislators to give their approval to a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine. This package has been facing opposition from congressional Republicans since October 2023. NATO Chief in Washington to Push For More Support For Ukraine Stoltenberg emphasized the crucial need for ongoing support to Ukraine during a meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, highlighting the unprecedented assistance provided by NATO allies. "Our support is not charity; it's an investment in our own security because the world will become more dangerous if (Russian) President Putin wins in Ukraine." On January 29, Stoltenberg and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a joint press conference, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their support for Ukraine. Stoltenberg highlighted the significant financial support provided to Ukraine by NATO allies and partners, surpassing the individual contribution of the US. Blinken emphasized the ongoing bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress, highlighting the crucial importance of maintaining funding for Ukrainian troops. "There is no other source of funding available, and we have currently depleted the military assistance we have been providing for Ukraine. The consequences of this are becoming evident on the battlefield," stated Blinken. Stoltenberg is aiming to convince Republicans in Congress to release the much-needed funds that have been delayed for a long time, which are crucial for Ukraine's front line. In December, the funding bill was blocked by Senate Republicans who insisted on implementing stricter measures regarding border and immigration policy. Stoltenberg is scheduled to meet with lawmakers on Jan. 30, engaging in discussions with members from both the Republican and Democratic parties in both chambers of Congress. On January 31, he is scheduled to address the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, where he will make a direct appeal to those who strongly oppose providing aid to Ukraine. Read Also: ICC Believes Sudan's Warring Sides Commit Crimes in Darfur United States' Financial Aid to Ukraine Supporters of former US President and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump have voiced their opposition to providing further financial aid to Kyiv. Senate negotiators have reportedly reached an agreement on border policy and funding for Ukraine. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has already expressed his opposition, stating that any proposal of this nature will not be considered in the House. During the joint press conference, Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of achieving peace, highlighting the need for the defeat of Russian troops, as per Yahoo. According to a NATO military official, the ongoing conflict is being described as a "long-term engagement" that is closely linked to the demonstration of American leadership, which is widely supported and encouraged. Nevertheless, Stoltenberg has achieved notable successes to highlight this week in anticipation of the alliance's upcoming 75th anniversary celebration in Washington in July. Several countries, including Poland, Romania, France, Germany, the UK, and the Baltic states, have significantly boosted their defense budgets by tens of billions of dollars. Additionally, Finland, a new member, and Sweden, a soon-to-be member, have also committed to making major investments in defense. Per Politico, Stoltenberg will also have an interesting narrative to share regarding the efforts of NATO countries to boost defense production and establish partnerships with Ukrainian arms manufacturers in order to revive Kyiv's ability to produce its own weapons. This message of self-reliance is likely to resonate with the audience in Washington. "There appears to be significant interest from both Ukrainian and US defense industry stakeholders regarding potential collaborations with Ukraine," stated Mira Resnick, head of the State Department's Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, during an interview. Related Article: Ukraine-Russia War Ending: Former NATO Commander Shares Prediction Labour has called on the government to update MPs on the plight of Afghan special forces soldiers who fought with the British army but were abandoned and left to the mercy of the Taliban. Some 400 soldiers who served in two specialist units will have their applications to settle in the UK reviewed after the Ministry of Defence decided to change how it assesses their claims, The Independent understands. Ministers have not yet updated MPs on the changes despite some politicians taking to social media to suggest that sanctuary will soon be granted. If their reviews are successful, the special forces soldiers will be allowed to bring their family members with them to the UK, meaning thousands in fear of their lives in Afghanistan and Pakistan could come to Britain. Labours shadow armed forces minister Luke Pollard has asked for MPs to be updated about the Triples cases (PA) The government U-turn comes after a joint investigation by The Independent, Lighthouse Reports and Sky News found that members of the units, known as the Triples, were being denied help by the MoD despite evidence to show that they were paid, trained and worked alongside British special forces. The two units are known as the Triples because their full titles are the Afghan Commando Force 333 and Afghan Territorial Force 444. Now Labours shadow armed forces minister Luke Pollard has written to his government counterpart James Heappey, asking that he comes to the House of Commons to clarify the governments position on the Triples. He referred two tweets posted by veterans minister Johnny Mercer and security minister Tom Tugendhat, saying: They allude to the fact that action may be taken to grant sanctuary to the Triples. Responding to media reports of the reprieve, Mr Tugendhat took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say: We should never have left our comrades behind. Johnny Mercer has been working hard to turn this around. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer has committed to helping the Afghan special forces soldiers (PA) Mr Mercer retweeted this, adding: This government will see through our commitments. Labours Mr Pollard told armed forces minister Mr Heappey that the ministers comments indicated a different position than the one previously issued by yourself, as minister responsible for the Arap scheme. The Arap scheme is the resettlement programme run by the MoD, designed to help those Afghans who helped the British armed forces find safety in the UK. Defence minister Mr Heappey had previously played down help available to the Triples in the House of Commons, telling MPs that they are not automatically in scope for relocation. Defence minister James Heappey is in charge of Afghans evacuation to the UK (PA) Mr Pollard wrote to the minister, saying: The government must clarify its position on the Triples and whether they will have their applications under Arap reviewed, as reported in the media today. Britains moral duty to assist Afghans is felt most fiercely by the UK forces they served alongside. For the sake of those Afghans who fear for their futures, they should hear any changes in government policy from ministers and not from media speculation. He asked that MPs are updated very soon A spokesperson for the MoD has said that they would not comment on speculation and insisted that all Arap applications would be considered on a case-by-case basis. (Bloomberg) -- Britains Labour opposition has pledged to remove political roadblocks to business investment, saying it will ensure greater consistency in policy making and more coordination across government if it wins the next election. Most Read from Bloomberg Responding to a review of government relations with the private sector, Labour said it would end the spin cycle of policy and policymakers, engage better and communicate more clearly. The strategy is aimed at raising business investment in the UK, which has lagged other nations for years, and sparking growth in the sputtering economy. Opposition leader Keir Starmers aim is to make Labour the undisputed party of business, wresting that reputation from the Conservatives. Starmer is also trying to cement a double-digit lead in the polls and deliver growth at the highest sustained level in the Group of Seven advanced economies. A general election is expected to be called in the second half of the year. Iain Anderson, a former adviser to the ruling Conservatives, conducted the review for Labour and spoke with more than 300 people and organizations. The plans were first reported by Bloomberg last week. The key proposals are: Better coordination in government because sometimes the right hand doesnt know what the left hand is doing, Anderson said. Regular communication between ministers and regulators would further help join up policy. End the stop-go approach to policy and policymakers, including civil servants, to foster a sense of continuity and embed knowledge across the institutions of state. Create open and transparent engagement with business so all opinions are heard not just those with proximity to power. Implement the recently published Harrington Review on foreign direct investment, which recommended a strategic state-led business investment plan. The Conservative government has already pledged to introduce the proposals in full. To demonstrate the partys commitment to the issue, Labour has promised to hold a business and investment summit every year. The process will start this week with a conference in London for 400 senior industry figures attended by Starmer and his would-be Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves. Labour has been on a charm offensive with the City of London as it seeks to reassure business it can be a trusted partner ahead of the election. It is also taking advantage of the damage the Conservative government has done to its own credibility. Boris Johnson used a swear word to describe his thoughts about business when he was prime minister and his successor Liz Truss triggered a market meltdown with a plan for massive uncosted tax cuts. Andersons review is an important step in putting the voice of business at the heart of government, said Jonathan Reynolds, the shadow business secretary. It is my absolute conviction that the major economic issues before us low investment, poor productivity, and low growth can only be fixed with a better relationship between government and the private sector. Anderson, the founder of Cicero public relations, was the LGBT champion in Johnsons government. He said: It is clear that the UK has incredible potential, but constantly changing government priorities alongside constantly changing structures for engagement have damaged trust and confidence. Business wants to see our country governed well again. Labour said the principles of this report will inform how a Labour government will reform the way government and businesses interact. --With assistance from Katherine Griffiths, Emily Ashton and Andrew Atkinson. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Lachlan Murdoch, the billionaire media mogul who took over as chief executive of both Fox and News Corp. last fall, will travel to Israel and meet with top leaders in the country amid its ongoing war with Hamas. Murdoch is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu and a number of other leaders, including National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz, during the previously unannounced visit. News of Murdochs trip was first reported by the Times of Israel. Murdoch, who took over for his father running the two media conglomerates in November, now presides over some of the largest and most influential media companies in the world, including the Wall Street Journal and Fox News in the United States. His visit to Israel this week comes as Fox News, which has long been the preferred cable news channel among conservative audiences, has made inroads with Jewish viewers over its coverage of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack carried out by Hamas and ensuing war in Gaza. Netanyahu has had a relationship with the Murdoch family for years, the Times of Israel reported, noting a 2016 effort by a former top Netanyahu aide to get the family to invest in a right-wing television channel in Israel modeled after Fox. Murdoch made a similar trip to Ukraine in November, during which he and Fox reporter Benjamin Hall, who was severely injured covering the conflict in Ukraine, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. After working up to 40 hours a week, Jayme Hayes would go home to a tent at the homeless camp on Merritt Island where he has spent the last 18 months. Even at $13 an hour, his job at a local fast food restaurant didn't pay enough to put a roof over his head, the 38-year-old former welder said. "Monthly, I was only making about $1,250. Anything around here, even some of the 'better' ones, are all moldy and nasty, rundown apartments. And they want $1,100 a month. That doesn't include anything else, like food or electricity," Hayes said. "They make it impossible." Homelessness is on the rise in Brevard County and, while advocates are hopeful, the problem driven in large part by the ongoing affordable housing crisis, they say only seems like its getting worse. In the last week of January each year, hundreds of volunteers with dozens of partner agencies fan out across the county for the annual "Point in Time" count, seeking to get a grip on the latest numbers of people struggling with housing insecurity on the Space Coast. Michelle Green, resident volunteer interviews Jayme Hayes, 38, who is currently living in a tent. Volunteers (in yellow shirts) from Family Promise of Brevard and Brevard Homeless Coalition conducting Point in Time interviews at a homeless encampment on Merritt Island. The nationwide count, mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, helps to determine the level of funding for which local organizations can qualify to provide critical resources to those in need. Recent figures are not encouraging. Last year, 1,052 people were experiencing some form of homelessness in January 2023, according to data from the Brevard Homeless Coalition up 15% from the year before. Only about a third were sheltered in emergency or transitional housing; the rest, about 63%, were living on the streets, in cars or other places not meant for human habitation. More: 'I am homeless, too': Why 'Point-in-Time' count of Brevard's homeless matters This year's snapshot won't be clear until the numbers are tallied, but advocates say the crisis shows no signs of abating. Tara Pagliarini, executive director of Family Promise of Brevard in Cocoa, said the growth in families seeking services has been "exponential" since the pandemic. "To put it in perspective, in 2020 we served 375 families. This past year, we served 2,500 families," Pagliarini said. First-time homeless numbers growing Especially concerning is a recent uptick in the number of people that have reported becoming homeless for the first time, she said. That statistic is worrying precisely because it's much harder to help someone off the streets than it is to prevent them from becoming homeless in the first place, Pagliarini said. That's what makes the "continuum of care" services offered through the network of organizations coordinated by the Brevard Homeless Coalition so important, said coalition executive director Amber Carroll. That includes not only housing assistance, but transportation, nutrition, education, career counseling and others, most of which are funded entirely by donations and government grants. The underlying factors that contribute to homelessness are complex, but experts like Carroll and Pagliarini agree the most acute is the lack of affordable housing especially in Brevard, where housing costs have been among the fastest growing in the nation, according to a 2022 joint study by Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University. People are paying more for housing than ever before, and for many, that's stretching their dollar past its breaking point. "Forty percent of Brevard County is actually one paycheck away from potentially losing housing," Pagliarini said. "It means that 40% of our community is at risk of losing their housing if they have that major life event that's happening." "We didn't choose this." Hayes said he worked for years as a welder and fabricator, and even owned his own home in Cocoa, before a difficult divorce kicked off a crisis that left him couch surfing about five years ago. For the past year and a half, "home" has been a small clearing in a wooded area off the beaten path on Merritt Island. For a while, no matter how bad things got, they only seemed to get worse. "I lost my career of 10 years. ... I lost my license," he said. "I lost everything." To stay clean, he would take showers at a local gym. He gets water from the sink at a local community center, and depends on food banks and the kindness of volunteers to eat, he said. That didn't stop him from trying to work, though. Until recently, Hayes said, he worked fulltime at a fast food restaurant, sometimes more than 40 hours a week when he could get the hours. But with rents across the county skyrocketing, it still wasn't enough. "People want $800 just for a room, with shared living quarters and all that," he said. "It's just ridiculous, you know?" More: Study says Brevard ranks near top of ranking of overvalued housing markets Lack of transportation and difficulties replacing his social security card without a permanent address "You get caught in a rainstorm out here, the card just turns to mush," he said have only made it harder to find decent-paying work, he said. "Most of us out here, we didn't choose this. Sometimes people just get in a jam," he said. "We're just doing what we can to survive." The problems can be especially devastating for those who are unable to work, including people with severe disabilities, older adults on fixed incomes, and children. Thankfully, more attention is being paid to those vulnerable groups than in past years, Carroll said. Homeless teens a new focus for service providers According to the Brevard Homeless Coalition, the number of unaccompanied youth living on the streets during last year's count jumped to 21 from only seven in 2022. Youth homelessness overall increased about 56%, and data from Brevard Public Schools showed about 1,400 students lacked secure, permanent housing in January 2023 WAYS for Life (short for "Wrap-Around Youth Services") in Melbourne has been aiding struggling teens and young adults since January 2020. This year, it's serving as a first-ever hub dedicated to counting Brevard's homeless youth population. Not only do teens find it harder to land living-wage jobs, said WAYS for Life executive director Pamela Bress, many who lack parental support especially those aging out of foster care don't have the basic skills to know how to get help. "There is a mental health issue as far as anxiety, stress, lack of life skills, so they don't even know how to navigate the systems, how to get an ID, how to get your social security card to even get a job," said Bress, who also chairs the homeless coalition's End Youth Homelessness initiative. Places like WAYS For Life provide not only a hand up but a safe haven for young people like 18-year-old Mariah Shack. For the last four years, Shack said she was shuffled between 12 different foster homes before finally moving in with her former case worker after aging out of the system. WAYS has given her a sense of stability, she said, which has allowed her to start getting a handle on trauma that Bress said is all too common among former foster kids. "I can get away from my situation, just being in a hole and not having any hope for myself, and also I'm getting my GED" through the program, Shack said. She plans to go to college for religious studies when she's done, she said. A lot of people aren't even aware there is a youth homelessness crisis in America, Bress said. "Imagine your own kids navigating life and all the systems, whether it's the judicial system, the public school system, the health care system, social security on their own, without a supportive network," Bress said. "We're trying to break that cycle." What can you do to help People interested in helping can donate their money or their time to local organizations dedicated to combating homelessness, Carroll and Pagliarini said, whether that be through faith-based groups or nonprofits like Family Promise or WAYS For Life. The biggest thing people can do to help is to support the development of more affordable housing across the county, Carroll said. "When their city council or county commission come together about a new development, affordable housing that's coming in, to not be afraid to just say yes (and) to question their own biases about what they think affordable housing is," she said. "A lot of progress is stopped when the community doesn't support the work of affordable housing development." Eric Rogers is a watchdog reporter for FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Rogers at 321-242-3717 or esrogers@floridatoday.com. Follow him on X: @EricRogersFT. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard's affordable housing crisis is driving rising homelessness The Lafayette Police Department has begun implementing tactics and strategies specifically designed to tackle the violence in Lafayette, as the number of homicides reached record levels in 2023. "While our city has seen a decrease in overall crimes committed, we have witnessed a record number of homicides last year. Domestic violence, juvenile crimes, lack of proper conflict resolution, social media engagement, and several other factors have all contributed to these acts of deadly violence," said Chief Judith Estorge in a video message via Facebook. Lafayette Police Department investigated a total of 29 homicides in 2023, according to police information officer Robin Green. This was a record number compared to 22 homicides in 2022 and 25 homicides in 2021. Lafayette police crime scene where detectives document the shooting scene late afternoon on Feb. 21, 2023. "Gun violence is a constant fight that our agency and many other communities are battling. This type of violence is a nationwide problem," said Sgt. Robin Green. Going forward into 2024, with the support of Mayor President Monique Blanco-Boulet, The Lafayette Police Department tactics include increased number of cameras in Lafayette with the placement of over 100 police cameras throughout the city, and deploying more officers to areas of high crime activity. "I am also constantly meeting with my street teams and patrol officers to brainstorm more ways that we can improve our efforts," green added. "Given the number of shootings that we had last year, the number of deaths could have been much higher; but due to the quick responses of our officers, and having top-notch trauma centers here in Lafayette, weve been able to save the lives of several individuals." "These, and other tactics, will aid us in locating individuals who are illegally carrying and discharging firearmsin hopes that we can reduce the gun violence. I can assure you that individuals who elect to commit these crimes of violence will be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law," said Chief Judith Estorge in the video message. The chief continues to express that the safety and well-being of the community is the number one goal of The Lafayette Police Department. "And while it may not be easy, please know that we are working diligently to gain your trust, support and cooperation," said Estorge in her video. "This is our community, and it will take a cooperative effort between The Lafayette Police Department and every concerned citizen to stop criminal activity from occurring." Sergeant Green advises the community to help with preventive measures by reducing firearm access to youth and individuals, encouraging responsible gun ownership, and asking vehicle owners to lock their vehicles and remove firearms. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Lafayette Police Department tackles crime, as 2023 reached a record high LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA) The Lake Wales Police Department arrested a doctor Monday after he was charged with video voyeurism. According to detectives, Dr. Pola Gayed of Ava Rehab Clinic was accused of using a hidden Ring Camera to record a 16-year-old patient in a changing room. Wrong-way I-4 driver is Polk County assistant principal, district says Deputy Chief Troy Schulze said the victim had been a patient at Ava Rehab Clinic for some time, having attended several appointments with Gayed. The deputy chief said on her first two visits, the victim was accompanied with a parent. According to the police, she was instructed to change in a bathroom and was given a towel to cover herself up because the paper gown she had was too thin. Dr. Pola Gayed being escorted by police (Photo by Lake Wales Police Department) However, authorities said on her third and fourth visit, she was sent to an exam room to change without a towel. It was on the fourth visit that she saw the partially hidden ring camera with the record light on. Obviously, shes shaken, Schulze said. Shes upset by this. Shes a 16-year-old girl. I think any adult would be shaken by that, just a complete breach of trust here from a doctor. The recording from the Ring camera was deleted after the patient left, police said According to the deputy chief, the patient told her parents what happened and on Jan. 25, the family went to Lake Wales police to report the incident. The exterior of the Ava Rehab Clinic (WFLA) Gayed was arrested on felony charges of video voyeurism and tampering with evidence. Schulze said there could be more victims and encouraged anyone who may have noticed the Ring camera to come forward. However, the deputy chief stated that there is no indication that other patients were victimized at this time. Its disgusting that somebody would go to this level to breach that trust that where you go to get help, youre victimized, the deputy chief said, adding that he hopes Gayed never sees another patient again. On the Ava Rehab clinic website, Gayeds bio states that he is family oriented and happily married and treats all patients as he wishes to be treated. The clinics informational page also suggests it is a faith-based practice, citing Christian values. Police asked anyone with information on the allegations to call them at 863-678-4223 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477). For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. LANCASTER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A deputy with the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office received a Medal of Valor for responding to a shooting call that involved a man who was threatening suicide, the sheriffs office announced on Tuesday. Deputy Thomas Luke Humanik was presented with the award on Jan. 25 by the South Carolina Sheriffs Association at the Sheriffs Association winter conference in Columbia. The Medal of Valor is given to an officer who demonstrates exceptional courage in the line of duty. From left to right: Patrol Captain Eric Jaillette, Deputy Humanik, Sheriff Faile; Credit: Lancaster County Sheriffs Office Deputy Humanik was the first to arrive at the scene, officials said. The man and his family were experiencing financial difficulties and he was also drinking at the time. Before deputies arrived, officials said the man fired a shot from a handgun inside the home which did not hurt anyone. When Deputy Humanik arrived, the man stepped onto the front steps with the pistol pointed at his head. Other deputies arrived at the scene and the man walked into the street, sat down, and continued to point the gun to his head. During the incident, the man fired the gun into the air twice. Shortly after, his girlfriend ran out of the house and into the street with him and deputies were able to get her out of harms way. Over the next 10 to 12 minutes, Deputy Humanik talked with the man in a calm, compassionate, and reassuring voice to let him know people cared about him and that help was available. He was able to convince the man to put the pistol down and walk away from it. He was then detained for his safety without incident or injury to anyone. Pepper X factor: Fort Mill breeder hires workers in recovery, giving them a second chance at life After reviewing this incident, it was obvious that Luke recognized the gravity of the situation, yet he maintained his composure and relied upon his training as a deputy and a military police officer to bring this matter to a peaceful end with no injuries to anyone. Deputy Humanik was concerned about and took appropriate actions to ensure the safety of the man, his girlfriend, his fellow deputies, and citizens in the area. He embodies what it means to be a true public servant, and through his bravery he clearly put himself last in order to save this young mans life. Sheriff Barry Faile Click here for more heartwarming news across the Carolinas For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A Kansas City woman was awarded $40,000 after renting a home on the East Side where she was subjected to unsafe conditions, including living without electricity, a jury found. In 2017, Mary Smith and her then-teenage son became tenants in a two-bedroom house near 50th and The Paseo owned by Charles White and Sheldon Gray, who own several properties. But she encountered problems with the residence, including a rat infestation. It was a living hell, she said. Court documents said she also provided evidence of locks that were in disrepair, leaks, and crumbling walls and ceilings. She went without electricity for a month. Healthy Homes, the citys inspection program, intervened to get the electricity fixed, court records noted. The conditions made her depressed, she told The Star. Smith, who has a disability, said the situation was stressful and that she lost sleep over it. When she did not pay rent for seven months, White and Gray took her to court to evict her. Court documents said the two plaintiffs blamed Smith for some of the problems. When a kitchen cabinet fell down, they alleged it was because she had put too many cans in it. They also argued that they had fixed many of the other issues. A trial began Jan. 22 in Jackson County Circuit Court and ended late Friday with the jury awarding Smith $40,000. Smith was represented by the Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom. The organizations executive director, Gina Chiala, said eviction cases rarely reach a jury. So this was a historical moment, Chiala said in a statement. The message is clear: landlords need to clean up their properties and ensure that tenants homes are safe and healthy or the consequences could be heavy. The Heartland Center filed two counterclaims alleging the landlord violated a Missouri law requiring rentals are habitable and the Merchandising Practices Act, which protects consumers against fraud and deception. An attorney for White and Gray did not return a call seeking comment. Smiths court victory comes as a tenants movement in Kansas City pushes for expanded rights. The efforts, led by activists with KC Tenants, have previously halted evictions and helped secure a $50 million housing trust fund. In 2021, the City Council passed an ordinance guaranteeing legal representation to tenants facing eviction. Last week the council passed an ordinance that will require landlords rent to people who wish to pay the bulk of their rent with federal housing assistance vouchers. Smith said she felt happy and relieved after the verdict. She wanted others to know that they shouldnt have to go through this and if they did, they have rights. Theres help, she said. They shouldnt have to suffer like I did. Amid apparent infighting in the Oklahoma Republican Party, a resolution was passed over the weekend to formally condemn Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), who has caught the ire of Donald Trump supporters for working on the bipartisan immigration bill that Trump had asked congressional Republicans to spike. There appear to be bigger tensions within the Oklahoma GOP ranks that have left some current and former members of the state Republican Party calling that condemnation vote which accused Lankford of playing fast and loose with Democrats on border policy they say is antithetical to the state partys platform illegitimate. But the move to punish Lankford, legitimate or not, signals that GOP activists are taking Trumps cue, and repercussions may be coming down the pike for any Republican who dares to defy the former president in his attempt to torpedo the legislation. My colleague Kate Riga reported on this unraveling dynamic last week. In short, Trump has been communicating to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and other Republicans in Congress that border deal is bad and should be dropped. Thats not because he or any other Republicans besides those working on the bipartisan commission have seen the language of the bill. Its because solving the border crisis now gives Republicans one less thing to campaign on during a presidential cycle in which they, once again, have no policy platform. Trump himself also wants to use it to attack Biden in the months leading up to the general election. Trump has openly criticized the bill as a gift to Democrats during a presidential election year. Over the weekend, he doubled down, telling supporters at a Las Vegas rally on Saturday that hes fine accepting the blame for killing the bill, which is not only the result of months of bipartisan negotiations, but was also intended to be coupled with aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. As the leader of our party, there is zero chance I will support this horrible open borders betrayal of America, Trump said Saturday. Ill fight it all the way. A lot of the senators are trying to say, respectfully, theyre blaming it on me. I say, thats okay. Please blame it on me. Please. In response to the perhaps-toothless condemnation from his state party, Lankford went on Fox News Sunday to defend the bill and the work he and other Republican and Democratic senators are doing in the face of Trumps baldly political strong arming. He called out his fellow Republicans for going along with the former presidents campaign gambit. So we actually locked arms together and said were not going to give you money for this. We want a change in law, Lankford said on Fox News Sunday. When were finally going to the end, theyre like, Oh, just kidding. I actually dont want a change in law because its a presidential election year. We all have an oath to the Constitution and we have a commitment to say were going to do whatever we can to be able to secure the border. It all reflects a point that Democrats began to make last week as Trump executed his power play: Republicans think a crisis at the border will help them during an election year, good faith efforts to address it be damned. Trump is fine with airing that strategy out in the open, as he is wont to do. The Best Of TPM Today Relish What One Person Can Do To Defend The Rule Of Law David Kurtz Yesterdays Most Read Story Michigan Selects Its Legislative Redistricting Commissioners The Way The Ancient Athenians Did TPM Cafe What We Are Reading Trump calls UAW president a dope after union endorses Biden Politico ACLU mounting legal challenge against Ohio gender-affirming care ban The Hill Retired Republican judge: Absolutely damning evidence in new bid to bar Trump from Illinois ballot Salon A fire is under investigation after large explosions were reported near a Sacramento County Sikh temple on Monday afternoon, according to Sacramento Metro Fire. Metro Fire said crews arrived to a working fire around 3:30 p.m. at a stand-alone building in front of a Sikh temple on the 7600 block of Bradshaw Road. The Sacramento County Sheriffs Office said deputies were dispatch to the scene after receiving reports of large explosions. The Gurdwara Sacramento Sikh Society is near the intersection of Bradshaw and Gerber roads. After initial crews reported they heard loud explosions, Metro Fire said the explosions came from multiple large 50-gallon propone tanks that were stored against the building in the path of the fire. Explosions from the tanks traveled at least 50 feet high and the fire burned into the attic space, causing a partial collapse of the roof, Metro Fire said. Parker Wilbourn with Metro Fire told FOX40 the cause of the initial fire is still under investigation. Person stabbed near California State Capitol building in Sacramento In videos shared to FOX40, a car is shown to be on fire near the entrance of the complex on Bradshaw Road. A video shared by Metro Fire shown two burnt cars near the building. The sheriffs office said no one was injured and everyone was evacuated from the temple, The temple didnt sustain any damage from the nearby fire, Metro Fire said. I know the Sikh community is on edge right now when we first heard of the reports of the explosion, but this is where you want to have a tempered response and make sure all of the investigators and first responders have an opportunity to do the investigation, Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen, who spoke on behalf of the the Sikh temple, told FOX40. The area of the Sikh temple is in the Vineyard community of Sacramento County, which is located north of Elk Grove and about six miles east of Highway 99. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. A judge rejected disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh's request for a new murder trial in the killings of his wife and son. The development comes after the defendant was convicted last year for the murder of the two victims. His attorneys had asked the judge handling the case for a new trial, alleging that the court clerk tampered with the jury that found him guilty nearly a year ago. Alex Murdaugh Murder Trial The decision was made by Judge Jean Toal who spoke as Murdaugh could be seen wearing orange prison clothes. The judge held that the clerk of the court made improper comments to the jury but ruled that the remarks did not influence the jury's verdict. The judge added that she was not convinced that the clerk in question, Rebecca "Becky" Hill, was a completely credible witness. She believed that she had been affected by the "siren call" to be a celebrity and later wrote a book regarding the trial. Before Toal left the bench and adjourned for the day, she said that now that she had read the record, she believed that the evidence was overwhelming, adding that the jury's verdict was not surprising, as per CNN. In a statement following the latest ruling, Murdaugh attorney Dick Harpootlian said that their next step is the Court of Appeals and then the South Carolina Supreme Court. Another of the defendant's attorneys, Jim Griffin, said that the matter would either be decided in their favor in the appellate court or five years down the road in federal court. The remarks come as Hill's attorneys, Justin Bamberg and Will Lewis, said that they respect the judge's decision. They noted that they agreed with Justice Toal's ruling that the Colleton County jurors operated within the instructions of the court. On Monday, one of the jurors who found Murdaugh guilty of murdering his wife and 22-year-old son testified. She said that the comments made by the Colleton County, South Carolina, clerk of court influenced her verdict. Read Also: Alex Murdaugh Juror Alleges Prejudgment by Court Clerk Influencing the Jurors That particular juror said that she also had questions about the defendant's guilt, but felt pressured by the other jurors in the case. Another juror told others to watch Murdaugh's body language before he took the stand in his own defense, according to USA Today. Hill's testimony noted that she did not talk to any juror about anything like that, denying the allegations levied against her. When she was asked why she told people that she expected deliberations to be short, she said she had a gut feeling based on years of working in courtrooms. Despite the conviction, Murdaugh has always maintained his innocence in the murder of his wife and son. However, a key video that was shown at his trial revealed that he was at the family's dog kennels with his wife and son shortly before they were killed. This contradicted his claim that he had not been with them at the time of the horrific crime. Prior to this, Murdaugh had been stealing millions of dollars from clients and law partners for years and was convicted of the crimes in a separate trial, said the New York Times. Related Article: Iranian Man, 2 Canadians Face Charges in US for Plotting To Kill Refugees The most recent Medal of Honor recipient died Sunday after a lengthy battle with cancer. Capt. Larry Taylor, 81, waited 55 years before his piloting heroics that saved the lives of four men during the Vietnam War were recognized with the nations highest award for military valor. President Joe Biden presented Taylor with the medal at the White House on Sept. 5, after a years-long effort by friends, fellow soldiers and officials to have his June 18, 1968 actions reviewed. The president said in his remarks that when he called Taylor to inform him he would receive the medal, that Taylor said, I thought you had to do something to receive the Medal of Honor. Well, Larry, you sure in hell did something, man. If you ask anyone here, Im pretty sure theyd say something you did something extraordinary, Biden said at the ceremony. Roger Donlon, the first American to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in the Vietnam War, died Thursday of complications from Parkinsons disease. He was 89. This daring Vietnam rescue finally results in Medal of Honor award Army Sgt. David Hill led the effort to see Taylor recognized. Hill was one of the four soldiers saved by Taylor. Hill and his three fellow soldiers were conducting a nighttime reconnaissance mission near the Saigon River in South Vietnam when multiple enemy platoons surrounded them. In a whisper, they radioed for help and Taylor was on duty with Troop D (Air), 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division about 30 miles away. Capt. Larry Taylor, circa 1967. (Army) Taylor rushed to his AH-1G Cobra helicopter with his co-pilot and two other soldiers in a separate Cobra. The pair of helicopters found Hills team in the dark by having them radio now when they flew over their position. Taylor then fired rockets and the Cobras 7.62mm mini gun to strafe enemy positions as Hills team placed claymores, shot and ran from their position. The four men reached a clearing that was open enough for Taylor to land. The Cobra is a two-person crew aircraft. It has no passenger seats or space. Two men straddled the rocket launchers like horses while the other two hugged the aircrafts landing skids. Taylor flew the four of them to friendly lines. They hopped off the helicopter, ran to the front and saluted the pilot whod saved them. That would be the last time theyd see each other for more than 30 years. The Army later gave Taylor the Silver Star Medal, which Hill only learned about at a 1999 reunion. He thought Taylor deserved much more. He made two attempts over the next 20 years that failed to gain any traction. But after finding new information not previously submitted, including interviews with the surviving soldiers, a third submission, made in 2021, proved successful. Taylor grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and joined the Army Reserve Officer Training program at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He became an Army aviator in 1967 and deployed to Vietnam. During his deployment to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, Taylor flew 2,000 missions, taking enemy fire 340 times. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Taylor was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and received the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, among other awards. His remains will be buried at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, home to those of fellow Medal of Honor recipients Charles Coolidge and Desmond Doss, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported. Nestle is cutting 216 jobs at its Solon manufacturing facility, the company announced Monday. The company issued a statement that said it is "optimizing our manufacturing network and shifting some production from our Solon factory to other sites within our U.S. network." In a November 2023 notice of layoffs and closures filed with the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, the company announce it would be laying off 77 employees from its Northeast Ohio headquarters in Solon. A notice regarding the current layoff announcement was not available online Monday. News5 Cleveland: Nestle to lay off 77 Solon workers Nestle Prepared Foods is a subsidiary of Nestle USA, which is owned by Nestle S.A. of Vevey,Switzerland. It employs more than 3,000 employees in nine manufacturing plants and its Solon headquarters. "The Solon factory will continue to be an important part of our manufacturing network and will run lines dedicated to our growing Out-of-Home business," the statement continued. "The business will actively review opportunities to add capacity to the factory in the future as the business environment evolves." November plant closing: 227 laid off as Nestle shuts Freehold Township, N.J. coffee plant Pet food factory opening in southern Ohio Nestle expects to bring 300 new jobs to the Cincinnati area this year. "In 2020, Nestle Purina PetCare announced a $550 million investment to build a new factory in Williamsburg Township to meet increasing demand for its high-quality, nutritious pet foods. Upon completion, anticipated to open late 2024, the facility will bring 300 new jobs to the state," the spokesperson added. "We are committed to doing all we can to support our people during this change, such as developing comprehensive separation packages to ease employees' career transitions and collaborating with state and local officials to provide additional resources and support," the statement continued. "Impacted employees will also be able to apply for open roles at other Nestle manufacturing facilities, including those in Ohio." "Nestle remains committed to Ohio with more 3,000 employees across 9 facilities including: Nestle USAs corporate campus and factory, a Nestle Professional factory, two Purina factories, a Nespresso boutique, a sales office, quality assurance lab and R&D center." In 2015, the company opened a $50 million, 144,000-square-foot research and development center in Solon, augmenting its presence in the city. At the time, it employed 2,200 in the Cleveland area and 3,400 in Ohio. The Solon headquarters had been the launching point for brands including Stouffers, Lean Cuisine, and Nestle Toll House cookie doughs. Brands that had relocated to Solon include Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets, DiGiorno, California Pizza Kitchen, Tombstone and Jacks pizza. Eric Marotta can be reached at emarotta@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Nestle announces it will lay off more than 200 from Solon factory VERNON PARISH, La. (KLFY) The body of a Pineville man has been recovered by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents after a fatal boating incident. LDWF said they are investigating a fatal boating incident that occurred in Vernon Parish on Jan 28. The body recovered from Lake Vernon has been identified as Derek Green, 42, of Pineville. French LSU student accused of rape flees US; ordered to pay $700K to Lafayette woman Officials said agents were made aware of a missing boater on Vernon Lake around 9:40 a.m. on Sunday. LDWF, along with the Vernon Parish Sheriffs Office, Leesville Fire Department and the Alexandria Fire Department searched for Green. Green was said to be operating the trolling motor on his boat, when a wave hit the boat and knocked him into the water. Authorities said the two juvenile passengers on the boat said Green resurfaced a few times and then was not seen again. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest LDWF said they will be leading the investigation of the fatal incident. Greens body was turned over to the Vernon Parish Coroners Office to determine an official cause of death. He was recovered without a personal flotation device. Latest Posts For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. A lawsuit represents only one side of the story. A full copy of the lawsuit can be found at the bottom of this article. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is facing another lawsuit over the alleged misuse of member tithings this time filed in the state of California by a married couple. This is the latest lawsuit to come from the fallout of whistleblower David Nielson, a former senior portfolio manager with the Churchs investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors. In December 2019, Nielson claimed the Church misused billions of dollars in tithes, including $1.4 billion to fund the City Creek Center in downtown Salt Lake City. Body recovered out of icy Tooele reservoir after 4-hour search The plaintiffs, Gene and Michelle Judson, who have been members of the Church since 1967 and 1971, respectively, echoed Nielsons claims in their lawsuit. The California couple explained in court documents that they believed their tithing was to used for charitable and welfare purposes or to build and maintain temples and support missionary work. Instead, they claim the Church used their tithes an estimated $40,000 between 2003 and 2020 to help fund the construction of the City Creek Center mall in downtown Salt Lake City. The Judsons described themselves in court documents as not wealthy and at times living on limited means, but still routinely paid tithing on an annual basis, until recently. The misrepresentation made by Defendants through their agents and employees including the president of the LDS Church and other high-ranking LDS Church leaders who were also members of Defendant LDS Corporation that tithing funds would not be used to finance City Creek Center or other commercial, for-profit, purposes were false, intentional, and made to induce Plaintiffs and Class Members to pay tithing funds in spite of Defendants having amassed a $100 billion fund, alleges the lawsuit. Utah lawmakers signal support for bid to bring NHL team to Salt Lake City ABC4 has reached out to the Church for comment on the newest lawsuit but has not received a reply by the time of publication. In the past, the Church has repeatedly stated that it did not use tithing funds for projects such as the City Creek Center, but rather the interest from investments. The Judsons are asking to be awarded damages not only for themselves but for class members also affected by the alleged tithing misuse. This is the second such lawsuit filed against the Church in California and the third lawsuit overall since Nielson made his allegations. In 2019, James Huntsman, the brother of former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., filed for the return of the $5 million he donated before he left the Church. Another lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court of Utah in October 2023 by three Church members claiming to have donated a collective total of $350,000 over the years they say were also misused. The Church has previously sought to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Huntsman and has so far found limited success. A U.S. District Court dismissed Huntsmans lawsuit in September 2021; however, two years later, that ruling was overturned and the lawsuit was reinstated. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Judsons_v_Church-et.-alDownload For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The US State Department issued a travel advisory on Friday for travelers to the Bahamas, urging them to exercise increased caution as the nation's capital has recorded 18 murders this year. Most crimes occurred on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands, home to Freeport and Nassau. US Issues Travel Advisory Amid Increase in Bahamas Murders The elevation to Level 2 follows a security alert posted on Wednesday by the US Embassy in Nassau, which expressed concern that gang violence in the nation's capital might harm Americans. "Murders have occurred at all hours, including in broad daylight on the streets," the embassy said in its alert. "Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders." US travelers were advised to exercise extra vigilance in Nassau, especially at night in the Bahamas. It noted to "keep a low profile" and be aware of the surroundings, avoid resistance if confronted by robbers, and prepare and review security plans. The State Department also mentioned that short-term vacation rentals do not have the same private protection as hotels. It claimed that Nassau's gang crime is not fenced out of areas frequented by tourists. The travel advisory acknowledged that violent crimes, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. The department also issued a warning that many recreational watercraft trips, tours, and rentals are inconsistently regulated and thus come with an additional layer of risk. It said watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have safety certifications. It warned to continually review and heed local weather and marine alerts before engaging in water-based activities. Furthermore, the department also advised Americans not to swim alone in the Bahamas due to recent shark attacks. Read Also: UK Government To Ban Disposable Vapes To Combat Youth Vaping US Woman Killed in Shark Attack in Bahamas The local police confirmed that a US woman was killed by a shark while paddleboarding in the Bahamas on Monday. The unidentified 44-year-old victim from Boston was attacked less than a mile off the coast of New Providence island, which is home to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. The woman was in the water with a male relative who was unharmed. The International Shark Attack File reported that there were 57 unprovoked shark attacks last year globally. According to Sgt Desiree Ferguson, a spokesman for the Royal Bahamas Police Force, a lifeguard at the neighboring Sandals resort witnessed the situation and hurried out to help. The victim was carried back to shore, and CPR was performed. However, she was declared dead at the scene. Furthermore, Ferguson claimed that she suffered severe injuries to the right side of her body, including the ripped hip region and also her right upper limb. It is unknown what kind of shark attacked the woman. The BBC has contacted the Royal Bahamas Police Force for a statement. Related Article: Tourist Boat Sinks in Bahamas-at Least 1 American Dead RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) In whats expected to be the most competitive race for governor in the country in 2024, new reports filed with the NC State Board of Elections show the leading candidates in the race raised millions of dollars in the second half of last year. Candidates were required to submit their latest fundraising reports by last Friday. Attorney General Josh Stein, the leading Democrat in the race, reported earlier this month that he raised $5.7 million between July and December last year and had about $11.5 million in cash on hand going into 2024, which Steins campaign noted is a new record in a North Carolina governors race. It brings his fund raising total this cycle to nearly $17 million. Headed into 2024, their support puts us in a uniquely strong position to make clear to voters in every corner of the state the stark choice they have in this election: someone who fights for them or someone who fights the culture wars, Steins campaign manager Jeff Allen said in a statement. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who has led on the Republican side, raised almost $3.4 million during the second half of 2023 and had about $4.3 million in cash on hand. Hes raised nearly $10 million this cycle, the report states. While Robinsons fundraising has lagged behind Steins, his campaign noted he has raised more than any other Republican at this point in a gubernatorial election cycle in North Carolina. This race will be one of the most hotly contested elections in the country this year, and could be the most expensive governors race this cycle. From record-breaking fundraising to consistent leads in nearly every major poll for both the primary and general elections, Lt. Gov. Robinson is in a strong position to flip the North Carolina governors office Republican, said Conrad Pogorzelski III, senior adviser and general consultant for Robinsons campaign. With Republicans currently holding a supermajority in the General Assembly, the governors race will be key in determining how easily GOP leadership can continue enacting their agenda in 2025, as leading Democrats are doubtful of their ability to flip control of either chamber. Republicans have exactly enough seats to override vetoes by Gov. Cooper. I think it will ultimately come down as the most expensive gubernatorial race in North Carolina history, and I think it will probably be bumping against one of the most expensive in the history of the United States, said Chris Cooper, an expert on state politics at Western Carolina University. Its just prominent candidates, swing state during a presidential election year. Its a perfect recipe for big money. While polling indicates substantial leads for Robinson and Stein in their respective primaries, they do face challengers. On the Republican side, attorney Bill Graham has committed at least $5 million of his own money to the race. Hes been running ads on television since the fall. This month, he began his attacks on Robinson over the lieutenant governors past comments regarding Jews and the Holocaust. Treasurer Dale Folwell is also seeking the GOP nomination for governor. He reported having about $1.27 million on hand, which includes a $1 million loan to the campaign. Stein has the backing of current Gov. Roy Cooper (D) who cannot run for a third term. He faces a few other candidates in the primary including former state Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan, Gary Foxx, Marcus Williams and Chrelle Booker. The primary election is on March 5. Mail-in ballots have already begun being sent to voters who request them. In-person early voting begins Feb. 15. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. Federal legislators have taken the first steps to rename the Lebanon City Post Office in honor of of Lt. William Lebo. On Monday, The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 3865, a bill that would rename the 101 South 8th St. post office as the "Lieutenant William D. Lebo Post Office Building. Lebo was shot and killed in the line of duty March 31, 2022. Congressman Dan Meuser, who introduced the bill, said it was his hope that the renaming of this post office in Lebo's honor "will further serve as a lasting recognition of his life (and) legacy." "Lt. Lebo was a dedicated public servant, who is remembered by his colleagues and those he served as a calm and ethical police officer who was deeply devoted to protecting the Lebanon community," he said on the House floor Monday. The legislation was co-sponsored by the commonwealths entire House delegation. Congressman Meuser welcomed members of the Lebo family and Lebanon City officials to Washington Monday for the passage of H.R. 3865 honoring Lt. William Lebo. Pictured from left to right: Police Chief Bret Fisher, Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello, Rina Lebo, and Lora Lebo. Those in attendance for Monday's vote included Lebo's wife, Lora, and mother, Rina, Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello and Police Chief Bret Fisher. Watching the bill getting passed and seeing the tears Lebo's wife had as the House honored her husband is a moment in time Fisher said he will never forget. "Lt. Lebo, when he was here at the police department, was impactful," he said to the Lebanon Daily News. "He touched a lot of officers' careers, and I believe he was looking down on all of us yesterday and probably thought it was quite a tribute." Lebanon City Police Lt. William Lebo In 2022, Lebo, Officer Derek Underkoffler, Officer Ryan Adams, and Officer Kris McCarrick were responding to a domestic disturbance report. Lebo died in a shootout with a man who had broken into a home on the 1100 block of Forest Street. Lebo had more than 40 years of service and was 30 days from retirement. Lebo's shooting: DA reveals new details in shooting death of Lebanon Police Lt. William Lebo Remembered one year later: 'A fantastic officer': Lebanon Police Lt. William Lebo's sacrifice remembered a year later Lora Lebo created the Lt. William D. Lebo Memorial Foundation to honor her husband's memory. Over the last year the foundation's contributions included providing $18,000 to the Lebanon City Police Department for a new K9 officer. "Lt. Lebo was quite an officer with a 40-year career," Fisher said. "How do you match that?" U.S. Senator Bob Casey introduced a similar bill, S.B. 2758, in the Senate on Sept. 11, 2023. To donate or volunteer for the William Lebo Memorial Foundation, visit the organization's website at ltwdlebo.org. Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on Twitter at @DAMattToth. If signed into law, H.R. 3865 would rename the Lebanon city post office at 101 South 8th Street as the "Lieutenant William D. Lebo Post Office Building. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Lebanon PA post office could soon be named after police Lt. William Lebo Vacation rental companies like Airbnb and Vrbo have blurred the line between home and hotel, and perhaps nowhere are the resulting legal issues so thorny as in Lone Mountain Shores, a development on Norris Lake entering its third year of a divisive legal dispute. Lawyers representing the board of the Lone Mountain Shores Owners Association and a handful of homeowners whom the board sued over short-term rentals made their cases before a judge in Claiborne County Chancery Court on Jan. 25. Their arguments hinged on a simple question: Is a home rented on Airbnb or Vrbo more like a single-family home or a hotel when strangers come to stay? The neighborhood rules in Lone Mountain Shores do not prohibit short-term vacation rentals by name or place a time limit on rentals. They were amended in 2013 to ban "any rental accommodations and services" provided by hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, boarding houses, apartments or condominiums. They also ban "atypical rental services of a commercial nature." Preston Hawkins, the lawyer for the homeowners' board, argued the rules clearly forbid short-term vacation rentals, some of which cost over $900 a night during peak travel season in Lone Mountain Shores. Ryan Sarr, lawyer for the defendants, argued the rules were ambiguous and his clients did not provide the same services as a hotel. Short-term rentals are defined by the state of Tennessee as rentals shorter than 30 days. The Lone Mountain Shores homeowners' association board allows long-term rentals, which the board says falls under single-family residential use. Both sides have filed for summary judgement, asking the judge to rule that the facts so clearly favor their side that a trial is unnecessary. Chancellor Elizabeth Asbury could rule in favor of the HOA board or the defendants by Feb. 25, ending the saga before it heads to trial. A sign reading "Vacation rentals not welcome here" is displayed in the Lone Mountain Shores community last summer. Courtroom is split, just like the neighborhood The Jan. 25 courtroom crowd, like Lone Mountain Shores itself, was split between homeowners who support the homeowners' board in its mission to enforce rules against short-term rentals and homeowners defending what they see as a property right. In August 2022, the board sent cease-and-desist letters to homeowners who were using their homes at short-term rentals and a lawsuit came a few months later. Several homeowners who say they were not renting at the time or who swore they would stop renting have since been released from the lawsuit. More than a year later, on one side of the courtroom, a packed crowd of full-time residents nodded along as the HOA board's attorney spoke. Some said the neighborhood rules didn't mention short-term vacation rentals by name because Airbnb was not as ubiquitous 10 years ago. They also said the rentals change the residential peace of their New Tazewell neighborhood by bringing in a steady stream of strangers. Last year, they put up signs on Lone Mountain reading "People Over Profit: Save Our Community" and "Vacation Rentals Not Welcome Here." The signs have since been taken down. On the other side sat fewer than 10 homeowners supporting the right to rent their homes through Airbnb and Vrbo. Many of the defendants and their supporters have permanent addresses in other states and use rental revenue to pay for the vacation homes. Founded in 1998 and home to more than 500 voting members, Lone Mountain Shores is a retirement destination where most homeowners live only part-time. Defendants have said they were misled about the board's intentions to sue them, and some even mounted a case against board members personally, alleging they committed civil conspiracy to defraud homeowners. That separate case is ongoing, fueled by the deep pockets and deeper resentment of part-time residents who say they bought property in Tennessee because they were seeking greater personal liberty. Both sides think Tennessee Supreme Court case favors them The Tennessee Supreme Court took up a similar vacation rental dispute in a Middle Tennessee neighborhood, ruling last October that a homeowner could not list his home on sites like Airbnb and Vrbo. In Lone Mountain Shores, both sides say the ruling bolsters their case. The state's highest court said the Center Hill Lake neighborhood's original rules were too ambiguous to ban short-term rentals on their own, since they limited property use to "residential" purposes. In the court opinion, Justice Sarah K. Campbell turned to dictionary definitions of "residential" to argue the word was too ambiguous. But the court ruled that a later amendment banning rentals fewer than 30 days applied to all homeowners, even if they moved into the neighborhood before the amendment. For the defendants in Lone Mountain Shores, the ruling simplified their argument: As long as the neighborhood rules could be deemed ambiguous, they would not prohibit short-term rentals on their own. The ruling, however, is a precedent for a court preventing homeowners from using their homes as short-term rentals. It also provides another pathway to rid Lone Mountain Shores of Airbnb and Vrbo. Even if the HOA board loses the case in Claiborne County, it could try to amend its rules to ban short-term rentals by name and length of stay. Ryan Sarr, representing the defendants, said in court that the board does not want to have to pass an amendment because they are worried they would not get a majority of members to vote for the measure. Though elections in Lone Mountain Shores tend to favor candidates who support banning short-term rentals, they are sometimes won or lost by razor-thin margins. When pro-renters tried to oust a former HOA board president in a recall vote last summer, he kept his position by just two votes. In board elections last September, anti-renter candidates won by slightly larger margins. Defendants say they will appeal if judge rules for HOA The case of Lone Mountain Shores might not end even if the judge rules in the HOA's favor and says the rules clearly ban short-term rentals. For one thing, residents say the divide on the mountain could take years to heal. For another, defendants have told Knox News they plan to appeal the decision if the judge rules against them. Those statements have made their way into the politics of the neighborhood, causing concerns that a small group of residents is willing to drag the case out to get their way. Claudio Biltoc, a retired Navy officer and the HOA board president who inherited the case, said in campaign statements that he does not hate short-term rentals and that there was "too much anger, vitriol, and frankly personal attacks" in the neighborhood. Central to the case is the decision by previous boards to allow short-term rentals, even as the neighborhood rules prohibited "any rental accommodations and services." Referencing a Knox News article, Biltoc said he would work with defendants to try to avoid further appeals. If Asbury sides with the defendants, he said he would work to develop a code of conduct for renters. "I have no idea which way the judge will decide," Biltoc said. "In either case, my plan is to accept the current case disposition as issued by the presiding Judge, and take that as the definitive answer and move forward." Daniel Dassow is a growth and development reporter focused on technology and energy. Phone 423-637-0878. Email daniel.dassow@knoxnews.com. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Airbnb rentals in Tennessee vacation town at stake in legal fight Elon Musk's neurotech startup Neuralink has achieved a significant milestone by successfully implanting a brain chip into its first human test subject. Musk revealed on Monday that the surgery took place on Sunday, and the patient is reported to be "recovering well." This development marks a pivotal moment in the quest to develop advanced "brain-computer interface" technology, potentially opening doors to improved interactions for individuals facing debilitating conditions such as paralysis. 'Think-and-Click' Mechanism The initial announcement was made through Musk's social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), where he shared that the first human recipient of Neuralink's brain implant is responding positively to the procedure. Although Musk did not disclose specific details about the patient, Neuralink had previously announced its search for a trial participant suffering from quadriplegia, indicating a focus on addressing conditions that severely limit physical functionality. Neuralink's journey toward human trials began after receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last year. Prior to this, the company conducted extensive tests on animals, drawing criticism from animal rights groups for potential abuse. The recent successful implantation in a human signals a significant step forward for Neuralink in its mission to develop practical applications for its brain-computer interface technology. The brain chip itself boasts an impressive 1,000 electrodes, designed to enable wireless computer functions through a revolutionary "think-and-click" mechanism. Musk's tweet hinted at promising initial results with neuron spike detection, showcasing the potential for individuals to perform computer tasks simply by thinking about them. Named "Telepathy," Neuralink's first product aims to empower patients with severe paralysis, offering them the ability to control external technologies using neural signals. The company envisions a future where individuals with degenerative diseases like ALS can communicate or access social media by moving cursors and typing with their minds. Musk expressed the ambitious goal of surpassing even the communication speed of a professional typist or auctioneer, illustrating the transformative impact this technology could have on individuals' lives. Read Also: Documents Show Musk's Brain Implant Firm Breached US Regulations on Transporting Hazardous Materials Neuralink's Short And Long-Term Goals While Neuralink did not disclose the exact number of participants in its initial human trial, the company emphasized its commitment to building a generalized brain interface. The short-term goal is to restore autonomy to those with neurological conditions, with the long-term vision of making the technology available to billions, unlocking human potential beyond biological capabilities. Neuralink's achievement comes amid a burgeoning field of brain-computer interface companies, with Paradromics, Precision Neuroscience, Synchron, and Blackrock Neurotech also making strides in the industry. As the competition intensifies, Neuralink's high-profile status, propelled by Musk's involvement, positions it as a leading player in the race to bring this transformative technology to the market. The journey towards commercialization involves rigorous data safety collection and testing, with medical device companies required to undergo multiple rounds of scrutiny before securing final FDA approval. The six-year timeline for completing the trial underscores the complexity and thoroughness necessary for ensuring both the safety and functionality of Neuralink's brain implant. Related Article: Elon Musk's X, Formerly Twitter, Takes Down Giant Flashing Sign at San Francisco HQ Just after 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 1937, a shop teacher at the New London School in Rusk County, Texasa prosperous little community in the oilfields two hours east of Dallasswitched on a belt sander and blew the roof off the impressive new steel and concrete school. Thank God that the students in the lower school had been dismissed early, but some 500 students and 40 teachers from grades 5-12 were still there. And they too were nearly spared. There were just 20 minutes or so left in the school day when a spark from that sander ripped a hole in their world. I had a headache that day, and I had gone out to my uncles car to lie down in the backseat, recalled then-seventh-grader Margaret Nichols in an interview 70 years later. I guess I was asleep when a boulder came through the front windshield. All of a sudden I was covered with dust. That headache probably saved her life. Nearly 300 students and teachers were killed that day, and it remains the worst school disaster in American history. Young Margaret was fortunate in her location at the time of the blast, but not unusual in her headaches. Students had been complaining of them for months, but no one saw a pattern that pointed to a larger problem. The problem was that the school district, in order to save the $300 a month it was paying in the winter months for natural gas heat, had its plumbers tap into the wet gas line from a neighboring oilfield. This waste product released when pumping liquid petroleum, often burned off at the top of wells in spectacular plumes, was of no value to the oil companies and, while much less reliable than purified methane, was abundant and free. But the plumbers had failed to secure the lines properly, and the school had been built on a slope, so that there was a 253-foot long, 6-foot wide chamber underneath the building to make it level. When the gas ignited, it went off like a bomb. A young reporter from the Dallas bureau of United Press, Walter Cronkite, came out as soon as the news reached the city moments later. Decades afterward, Cronkite, who went on to cover the campaign against the Nazis in the North African desert and the Battle of the Bulge, remembered that day in East Texas this way: I did nothing in my studies nor in my life to prepare me for a story of the magnitude of that New London tragedy, nor has any story since that awful day equaled it. The whole world heard about the disaster. Even Adolf Hitler sent a telegram of condolence. There was much anger, but no accountability for school officials. Even so, the legacy of the disaster is with us still today. The putrid sulfur smell we associate with leaking natural gas comes from the addition of foul-smelling thiol gases, which became standard thanks in part to the tragedy. And for most of the 20th century, that was how Americans thought of natural gas. It was good and clean burning for home heating in warmer and temperate climates, but too scarce and too dangerous to be a reliable source of energy for most. It was common for making chemicals, but always remained a specialty item. The safer bet was electricity, and most electricity was produced by burning coal to generate steam that turned turbines. In 1950, natural gas accounted for almost none of the electricity produced in the United States. Coal was the biggest source, with some hydroelectric power rounding out the picture. But over the next two decades, one of the most ambitious building projects weve ever seen began to crisscross the country with pipelines. There are now about 3 million miles worth under our feet. With new ways to get the gas to market, it became increasingly popular for home heating and, to a lesser degree, for generating electricity. From 1950 to 1970, U.S. natural gas production nearly quadrupled, but still mostly to serve industrial and home heating needs. And that was part of what made gas, though cleaner burning than coal, unattractive as a power source even as new environmental restrictions came on line. Every winter brought price increases, and in hard winters like the one weve had, price shocks. But another revolution was just over the horizon. Gas producers had long been pushing the boundaries of exploration, using new materials and technologies to go deeper than ever imagined offshore and on land. But huge reserves of gas were unrecoverable because they were locked in the strata of the earth or mixed with silt. Gas producers had used shooting since the late 1800s, a process in which explosives broke loose the gas, but it was dangerous work. In 1921, though, Oklahoman Erle Halliburton won a patent for his technique for cementing wells. What began as a way to combat mud and muck in the gas fields would, in time, become what we now know as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. By pushing heavy liquid into the earth, drillers could isolate and extract gas from deep, massive, previously unusable reserves far from the traditional oil patches around the Gulf of Mexico. Appalachia and the Great Plains turned into the new Saudi Arabias. After remaining constant for nearly 40 years, natural gas production skyrocketed, doubling between 2006 and 2020. But what to do with it all? Gas producers knew that to prevent a glut and crash in prices, they needed to open up new markets. And the most obvious target was electric utilities, which were then still dominated by coal. Already under pressure over carbon emissions, power companies were desperate for alternatives. Also looking for a way out just then was a new Democratic president who had gotten elected promising to crack down on global warming, juxtaposing himself with the Texas oilman whom he had succeeded. Driving up the price of energy during the deepest recession since the Great Depression wasnt a viable option, but the new profusion of natural gas offered an alternative. Cheap, plentiful natural gas allowed Barack Obama to crack down on coal, decrease emissions, and not send consumer energy prices into the stratosphere. By 2014, the natural gas revolution had helped power Obama to a second term and made the United States into a net energy exporter. After generations of decrying a lack of energy independence, America had done that and more. But the problem in the Democratic coalition was that what Obama had described as a bridge fuel wasnt leading anywhere except to more gas production and consumption. Environmentalists, who were already furious over the side-effects of fracking, which had become a cause celebre on the left, warned that cheap carbon-based energy was the problem, not the solution. The consensus in the climate activist community hardened around the idea that by delaying the pain of the transition to renewable energy, natural gas was the next major target for action. But the industry wasnt standing still, either. New advances in shipping and storage had arisen to meet the boom in production, including new terminals to process and ship liquefied natural gas for the export market. American gas exports increased nearly fivefold from 2014 to today. And environmentalists had identified an emerging threat in the American energy industry. And that brings us to President Joe Biden and his decision to pause the development of new natural gas export facilities. Its an understandable election-year play for a candidate who has serious problems on his left, particularly with younger voters who tend to be more interested in environmental causes than their older counterparts. But it also poses some problemsshort, medium, and long term. One of the countries that the United States leapfrogged to become the global leader in natural gas exports was Russia. Thats particularly important because the U.S. and Russia have the same primary market for their gas: Europe. Access to more U.S. gas has decreased the leverage Vladimir Putin has over our European allies, freeing them up to take harder lines against Russias aggression in Ukraine and elsewhere. Reducing supplies would also increase the price that Russia could get for the energy its already producing. But there are domestic political considerations, too. Pennsylvania is the second-largest producer of natural gas in the United States, second only to Texas. Nearly a quarter of all production comes out of the Keystone State. There are nearly 260,00 Pennsylvanians working in the energy industry, many in natural gas, and many in the kinds of positions that Biden describes as jobs that deliver dignity. That all points to the strong possibility for the pause to be an election-year bait and switch. Its good politics now, as Biden is looking for strong showings in the primary contests that start this week with South Carolina, to be seen as cracking down on natural gas. But as the president gets closer to November, he may decide to follow the lead of Pennsylvanias popular Democratic governor, and come to terms with the industry. Biden would like to generate some enthusiasm with younger voters, but he just cant win without his native Pennsylvania. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Szijjarto attends a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Kuleba in Uzhhorod BUDAPEST (Reuters) - There is a long road ahead before a meeting between Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy can happen, the Hungarian foreign minister said at a briefing on Tuesday. Peter Szijjarto, who was speaking a day after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart, said that if Ukraine met Hungary's conditions that would create a "clean slate" in bilateral relations and allow for a top level meeting. Szijjarto also reiterated a shift in the Hungarian government's stance and said Budapest was open to using the European Union budget for a proposed 50 billion euro ($54 billion) aid package to Ukraine if it was reviewed annually with a need for unanimity from member states. Replying to a reporter's question, Szijjarto also said he saw no need to call an extraordinary session of the Hungarian parliament to vote on Sweden's bid to join NATO. "Parliament's regular session starts in late February, so I think we can wait for the regular session and put this on the agenda then if the majority agrees, of course," he said. Hungarian opposition parties submitted a motion calling for an extraordinary session of parliament to ratify Sweden's NATO bid next Monday. Parliament speaker Laszlo Kover said last week that opposition attempts at an extra session would likely fail. (Reporting by Boldizsar Gyori, Gergely Szakacs and Anita Komuves, editing by Ed Osmond) Wayne LaPierre will resign from the National Rifle Association at the end of January 2024. During most of the 33 years he spent at its helm as its executive vice president, the gun groups membership, revenue and clout grew sharply. I am a historian of firearms politics and have researched the NRAs long history. LaPierres legacy as leader includes an increasingly polarized political debate around the utility of guns and how easy it should be for Americans to buy them. LaPierre, 74, cited health reasons as his rationale for resigning. The group announced his impending departure shortly before the NRAs civil fraud trial began in New York City. A few days later, the NRA clarified that he had chronic Lyme disease, and a filing from his doctor stated that he was experiencing cognitive decline with difficulty performing daily tasks. From defeat to victory Wayne LaPierre became the NRAs executive vice president, its most powerful official, in 1991. Previously, hed led the NRAs lobbying arm, the Institute for Legislative Action. He joined the NRA as a state lobbyist after working as a legislative aide to Virginia state Delegate Alfred Victor Vic Thomas, a conservative Democrat. Often described as bookish and quiet, LaPierre brought to the NRA his considerable skills as a political strategist. But his first few years at the helm coincided with some significant legislative defeats. In 1993, then-President Bill Clinton signed into law the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which established a system of background checks for people who buy guns from federally licensed dealers. The following year, Clinton signed the assault weapons ban into law. That measure instituted a 10-year ban on the manufacturing of a small number of specific military-style assault weapons, such as the Colt AR-15, and high-capacity ammunition magazines. The law did not, however, ban guns that were already on the market or in private hands prior to its enactment. Partly because of the NRAs relentless opposition, Congress failed to renew that ban a decade later. Over the course of his leadership, LaPierre cemented the NRAs relationship with the Republican Party and made unwavering commitment to gun rights a politically viable, if volatile, strategy. He also developed a pugnacious public persona, memorably calling federal agents jack-booted government thugs in a 1995 fundraising letter. Men check out pistols on display at the National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Indianapolis in 2023. Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Fighting gun control During LaPierres reign, the NRAs messaging celebrated armed individualism. He advocated for loosening gun regulations and denounced what he believed were partisan plots to confiscate guns from law-abiding citizens. The NRAs pitches to its members under LaPierres leadership, and the advertisements on the pages of its flagship publication, American Rifleman, reflected a change in tone from the NRAs earlier culture. Though it occasionally celebrated and supported hunting or shooting sports, it increasingly emphasized the importance of firearms for self-defense. At the same time, LaPierres NRA engaged in a concerted effort to change state laws regarding the concealed carrying of handguns. Today, Idaho, Florida and 25 other states allow people to carry firearms without a permit: Nearly any adult can legally carry a concealed handgun without undergoing training or applying for a license. With LaPierre at the helm of the NRA, congressional action toward gun control ground to a near halt. For lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, but especially for the NRAs Republican allies, it became a political third rail, much like attempting to cut Social Security spending. LaPierre also led the NRA through a sea change in the prevailing legal interpretation of the Second Amendment as its long effort to enshrine gun ownership as a constitutional right came to fruition. This work began in the late 1970s prior to LaPierres tenure at the top of the organization. But two landmark Supreme Court rulings, District of Columbia v. Heller in 2008 and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen in 2022, held that the Second Amendment guaranteed the civilian right to own guns and be armed outside the home. Those rulings have forced states to reassess gun regulations already on their books. Losing members, waning influence An explosive 2019 report by The Trace in partnership with The New Yorker brought alleged misuse of the groups funds to the attention of New York Attorney General Letitia James. James has accused LaPierre of using the NRA as his personal piggy bank. Hes being sued, along with three other current and former NRA employees and the gun group itself, although one individual plaintiff already has reached a US$100,000 settlement. All told, they allegedly misused $64 million of the funds in the NRAs coffers. When he took the stand in the trial on Jan. 26, LaPierre confirmed that hundreds of thousands of dollars spent for his own private jet travel and for trips by his relatives were paid for by the NRA. He also acknowledged multiple jaunts on a luxury yacht with one of the groups vendors. LaPierre retained the support of most of the NRAs 76-member board in the early period following the first reports of misuse of its funds, but the costs of the trial and these travails for the association are growing beyond dollars and cents. The NRA is reportedly hemorrhaging members, a key source of its operating revenue and the heart of its political power. According to a report by Stephen Gutowski in The Reload, the NRA had lost over 1 million members out of around 5 million since the allegations of corruption inside the leadership ranks came to light. That drop occurred even as more than 5 million additional Americans became first-time gun owners and gun sales hit record numbers in 2020 and 2021. Tumbling revenue has also led to staff and program cuts, including hunter and shooter safety training programs that serve as important recruiting opportunities for gun owners who do not belong to the NRA. For the moment, its still the largest gun advocacy organization, though the spending gap between gun rights and gun control groups continues to narrow. Students demonstrate for stricter gun control legislation as part of a March for Our Lives rally at the Iowa State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2024, in Des Moines. Scott Olson/Getty Images No permanent replacement yet The NRAs courtroom strategy appears to be an attempt to distance itself from LaPierre. During opening arguments, NRA counsel Sarah Rogers acknowledged that Wayne LaPierre was not always a meticulous corporate executive. The NRAs attorneys are arguing that LaPierres resignation is one of many steps the association has taken to tidy up its house. And yet his influence will remain in the short run, as longtime confidant Andrew Arulanandam will step into his shoes on an interim basis. The NRAs board will decide on a permanent replacement in May, when the group holds its annual meeting in Dallas. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Cari Babitzke, Boston University. Read more: Cari Babitzke 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. LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) The Longview Public Library is hosting a book sale that starts on Wednesday that will run through Friday. According to the library, the sale will include donations, gently used books and older library books that need a new home. Texas A&M AgriLife to name Tyler school as Healthy School Recognized Campus Each item is $1, excluding marked items, and special sales will be held on certain days. The following is a list of the book sales hours and special sales: Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., buy one get one free Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., fill a bag for $1 or a box for $2 The library said all sale profits will go to the Friends of the Longview Public Library. These funds are used to improve your library, like the brand new bookshelves that replaced the old book towers in the foyer entrance, the library said in a release. Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted at the sale. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. The head of the National Rifle Association (NRA), Wayne LaPierre, acknowledged during his corruption trial that he wrongly expensed private flights as well as the purchase of a handbag for his wife. On the second day of the defendant's trial, he took to the witness stand to talk about his lavish spending as the NRA chief. After years in which LaPierre ran the agency, the country's best-known gun-advocacy group, internal dissension over its financial practices and controls put him and the organization in the sights of New York Attorney General Letitia James. Wayne LaPierre's Corruption Trial LaPierre admitted on Monday that much of his spending had not been authorized by the NRA's board and violated the agency's policies. The legal developments appeared to be a part of a strategy to bolster the contention of LaPierre and the NRA that they have reformed governance and that regulatory intervention is unnecessary. However, the acknowledgments reinforced criticism from LaPierre's former lieutenants that he was an inept and corrupt manager. The 74-year-old defendant is facing a lawsuit that James brought in 2020, according to the New York Times. On the eve of the civil trial, LaPierre announced his resignation as the NRA chief, which will take effect on Wednesday. The agency itself is also a defendant in the case, along with John Frazer, its general counsel, and Wilson Phillips, a former finance chief. The state has detailed many instances of the NRA chief's extravagant spending, which includes more than $250,000 on suits at one Beverly Hills boutique. They also cited trips where LaPierre and his family were hosted by NRA vendors with lucrative contracts on a luxury yacht called Illusions. There was also spending on charter flights and LaPierre did not dispute that some flights were solely for relatives. It was shown that one family trip to the Bahamas cost the NRA nearly $38,000. Read Also: Missing Kentucky 5-Year-Old Found Safe; Father in Custody for Alleged Murder of Child's Mother Acknowledging Misuse of Agency Funds Over the past week, lawyers for the state showed the jury handling the case receipts that documented LaPierre's expenses. These also included a $1,000 handbag that the NRA chief bought for his wife using the agency's money, according to Yahoo News. During the trial, LaPierre said, "I now know there was a limit of $25" for NRA-sponsored gifts. He said on Monday that he was leaving the organization on "good terms." During recent trial proceedings, the NRA chief said that he was not aware that travel tickets, hotel stays, meals, and yacht access counted as gifts. LaPierre also acknowledged that he received $274,000 in tailored suits over the years from a media contractor who was working with the NRA. He argued that the suits were needed for TV interviews, adding that producers insisted that he update his wardrobe. The NRA chief also acknowledged that he authorized private helicopter flights for NRA executives to and from the Texas Motor Speedway during NASCAR events. While he said that the immediate purpose was to avoid getting stuck in traffic, the flights were also part of a larger effort to ingratiate the NRA with country music stars and mainstream groups, said the Washington Post. Related Article: South Carolina Judge Rejects Alex Murdaugh's Request for New Murder Trial The League of United Latin American Citizens issued a National Warning on Monday concerning the potential for violence prompted by Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott's immigration rhetoric. File Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/EPA-EFE Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The United States' oldest Latino civil rights organization is warning that comments made by Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott in his protracted feud with the federal government over immigration could encourage extremists to commit violence and mass murder. The League of United Latin American Citizens issued a national alert, only its second in its nearly 100-year history, on Monday, urging members in Texas to be on alert for "armed out-of-state extremists with a hate agenda" amid plans of a convoy to descend upon the U.S. southern border on Saturday. The civil rights group warned that "false and inciteful political rhetoric" made by the state's Republican governor could incite violence, including mass murder, such as in August 2019 when a gunman, targeting Hispanic people, opened fire at an El Paso Walmart, killing 23 people and injuring nearly two dozen others. "Hate speech is being used yet again to ratchet up anger and hatred that are putting Hispanic Texans, law enforcement, military service members and innocent civilians in the crosshairs," Domingo Garcia, LULAC national president, said in the warning. The announcement comes amid the latest round of litigation between Abbott and the federal government over immigration. During the Biden administration, Abbott has employed a series of controversial moves retaliating against the White House's immigration policies, including bussing migrants from Texas to Democratic-led states, deploying a water barrier of buoys along the Rio Grande River and taking control of Eagle Pass city park along the U.S. southern border. Last week, the Supreme Court handed Abbott a defeat when it ruled the Biden administration may remove the miles of razor wire Texas has installed along its border since the governor launched his anti-immigration Operation Lone Star in March 2021. The Biden administration has been removing the barriers, saying they hinder its ability to manage the border, which prompted Texas to file its lawsuit against the federal government in October. LULAC described Abbott's policies as "stunts" that encourage "lawlessness" and fail to fix the country's immigration system. "The Supreme Court ruled that erecting deadly barriers is illegal, and it is also inhumane to let women, children and families die because of them," Garcia said. Meanwhile, a group that calls itself the "Take Our Border Back Convoy" plans to descend upon Eagle Pass on Saturday, seemingly in support of Abbott. "'We The People' are uniting to take our border back," the organization said on its website. Garcia accused Abbott and his supporters of creating "a media circus" surrounding the border issue to achieve political gains and raise money. "LULAC abhorrently condemns hate speech, actions and lies that hurt human life, especially those coming to the United States to survive deplorable conditions and seek refuge," Garcia said. "Let's see immigration for the good it provides our country rather than calling it a threat to divide and weaken us as a nation." NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) The MacArthur Memorial is partnering with the Filipino American National Historical Society and the Council of United Filipino Organizations of Tidewater to host a Philippine-American War Remembrance Event. The event will mark the 125th anniversary of the Philippine-American war, a three-year war fought between American forces and Filipino nationalists, which resulted in the death of over 4,200 Americans and over 20,000 Filipinos. A newly restored copy of Philippine General Emilio Aguinaldos 1899 declaration of independence, which is considered by the Virginia Association of Museums to be the one of the top ten endangered artifacts in Virginia, is set to be unveiled during the event. Several presentations by a panel of international scholars are also scheduled for the event. The presentations aim to examine the war from the perspective of both the U.S. Army and the Filipino people. The event will take place on Feb. 3 in the MacArthur Memorial Visitors Center. Doors will open at 9 a.m., and the event will begin at 10 a.m. While the event is free and open to the public, registration is encouraged. To register, click the link here. Keep up to date with the latest news on WAVY.com. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Looking to start a small business? A little help may come in the form of the 2024 City of Macomb Small Business Competition, which is set to kick off next month. Teaming with Western Illinois University, the City of Macomb and WIU's Illinois Small Business Development Center will be bringing entrepreneurs and new businesses into Macomb. According to a news release, the Small Business Competition will assist potential small business owners who are seeking to open a new business. The release said that future business owners will attend a series of classes and workshops in order to learn how to run a small business. This will include writing a comprehensive business plan, writing a business plan and creating individualized pitches for the prospective business. Both the business plans and the business pitches will be judged by a panel of local successful business owners and community leaders, notes the release. The goal of the Small Business Competition project is to be a catalyst to new businesses for Macomb from concept to realization. This is not a new project as the Small Business Competition was previously known, in 2018, as the Downtown Business Retail Competition. The city has set out to enhance the opportunities for entrepreneurs and the ability for economic growth in Macomb by altering the parameters of the competition this year, according to the release. This includes broadening the competitions boundaries to include service and industrial-based business ideas as well as the expansion of an existing business. Not limited to the downtown area, entrepreneurs will have the freedom to open their business anywhere within the city. To increase the number of opportunities for growth, the City of Macomb will award three prize packages for first, second and third place business ideas. We are looking forward to the 2024 version of the Small Business Competition, Mayor Michael Inman said. We had at least two new businesses successfully launch from our 2018 competition, and we look to have even greater success this coming year. An informational presentation will be held at 6 p.m. on Feb. 6, at Spoon River Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St. Workshops begin on Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. at Spoon River Outreach Center. This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Small Business Competition looks to drive economic growth in Macomb It could have been a scene from a "Fargo"-style crime drama: A frozen dead body partially protruding from a frozen pond. A group of investigators, with tape measures and cameras, studying footprints in the snow. Except one of the clues was a piece of rabbit poop. That's what happens at an outing of the Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project, a group of hobbyists and experts interested in the ancient art of animal tracking. Their goal is to hone their skills searching for, identifying and interpreting the tracks and signs that our fellow mammals leave behind in the environment we share. On a recent and very cold Sunday, they were looking for stories in the snow of the animals that lived and some that died at the Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. Tracking is a way to more deeply connect us with nature, according to Jonathan Poppele, a 52-year-old field guide author from St. Paul who started the Tracking Project in 2013. "Tracking is a window into the lives of the secretive mammals that live around us," Poppele wrote in the guidebook he published in 2012, "Animal Tracks of the Midwest." It's also a way to connect us to our past. Poppele says tracking may be "the most ancient of all sciences." All of us are descended from trackers, early humans who relied on the ability to track animals to put dinner on the table. "We instinctively are drawn to tracks. We follow tracks. That's part of our human nature," he said. "Because it's such an innate thing for human beings, when we learn it, it feels good." Modern trackers test their skills by getting certification from Tracker Certification North America, an organization that uses an international standard originally developed in South Africa. Poppele is a Track & Sign Specialist, the highest level of certification. And about 30 people in the Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project have some level of tracking certification. The group hosts free monthly outings, typically held on the third Sunday of the month at a local park or wildlife center, with certified trackers leading activities. About 20 people came to the meeting on Jan. 21 (Squirrel Appreciation Day) at Elm Creek. Kirsten Welge, a Level 3 certified wildlife tracker from St. Paul, pointed to a set of tracks cutting across a frozen pond near Elm Creek's Eastman Nature Center and asked her fellow trackers to try to decipher what happened based on the clues left in the snow. "Who left that? What happened here? Which trail is older?" Welge asked. "What are these animals and how are they moving?" What happened next was like a scene out of "CSI: Minnesota,"with the detectives looking for clues and questioning the motives, opportunities and means of four-footed suspects. The trackers peered into the footprints in the snow to see if the formation of hoarfrost or sintering of the snow crystals could give them clues on how old the tracks were. They crawled around on all fours to model different animal gaits for each other. The highlight of the morning was when the group found the dead deer. "It's like a detective story. You can put together clues on what's happening," said Alan Holzer, a naturalist for the Three Rivers Park District who was taking part in the tracking session. At one set of tiny footprints, the trackers were trying to determine if they had been made by a mouse, a vole or a shrew. Adrian Iacovino, a Level 2 tracker and an education program coordinator with the Three Rivers Park District, helped out with a literal rule of thumb: If the tracks are one finger-size in width, that's suggests a vole. Two finger widths could be a vole. Three for a short-tailed weasel. Four for a red squirrel. Five for a grey squirrel. But the trackers wanted to do more than just identify what animal it was. They also wanted to know what it had been doing. At a set of tracks showing three deer crossing the frozen pond, they discussed the direction and speed of travel, and whether the animals were male or female, adult or juvenile. At a set of tracks on the pond left by a coyote, they noticed one footprint that was out of place and much shallower than the rest. Perhaps it was the spot where the coyote hesitated and looked around just before leaving the ice to run into the brush. "There's a lot of stories in the snow here," said Bill Kass, a Level 3 tracker who was leading some of the discussions. "Now I see so much more," said John Bauhs, a retired 3M physicist from North Oaks who has been going to Tracking Project outings for about three years. "I see tracks everywhere." By looking at a set of tracks in the snow, Bauhs can picture what the animal was doing at that moment. "It's almost like I'm seeing a little bit of a movie." Trackers also looking for clues to see if the animal was eating, pooping, sleeping, digging, chewing or rubbing against something. "It's getting an understanding of who these animals are and why they do what they do," said Welge, who teaches tracking, forest bathing and meditation in nature classes with St. Paul Community Education. Kass pointed out a trail in the snow that suggested a rabbit run. Then he found a neatly cut twig sliced at a 45 degree angle that's characteristic of a rabbit bite. The final confirmation was a single piece of scat that he rolled around in his hand. "It's so woody and dry," he said. Rabbits eat their poop so they can more fully digest their meals, Kass explained. Welge said the location, texture, contents and even the smell of animal scat can be helpful in identifying what animal was present. "It's one of the stinkier parts of tracking and sign, but it tells you so much good information," she said. Welge even teaches a St. Paul Community Education class for adults and kids about scat identification, which includes a recipe for edible faux animal scat. (We've included her recipe below so you too can fool your friends.) Many of the trackers work in the nature arena. Others participate in citizen science projects, including a daylong wildlife survey at the University of Minnesota's Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve. Poppele, a pro, brings along a tape measure when he tracks to gather data on stride lengths for research he's doing about animal locomotion. But for many, tracking is just about satisfying one's curiosity. "I just like knowing what's around me," said Liz Perelman, a 19-year-old University of Minnesota student from Champlin. "I feel like this gives us another sense." Chocolate-Almond Deer Pellets Makes two average-sized adult deer scats. By Kirsten Welge and Natural Awareness. 1 cup almond flour 2 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil. Directions 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a ruler on the counter for easy access. 2. Put first six ingredients and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil into a food processor. 3. Process ingredients for about 20 seconds, until the dough is thoroughly mixed and holds together. 4. Scoop a Tablespoon of dough into your palms, squish together, and attempt to roll into a ball. If it's too dry and crumbly, add more coconut oil by the teaspoon until the dough just binds together. If you add too much oil, it will ooze out when you form the pellets. If this happens, place a couple tablespoons of dough on a clean dishcloth, wrap it over the ball, and press out the excess oil. Then continue shaping the pellets. 5. To shape each scat pellet: Scoop level tablespoon of dough from the food processor bowl (about 3 pellets' worth). Divide into three pieces. Roll and form each dough piece into a sphere with your palms, then press with your fingertips to form an oval pellet. Measure with your ruler to ensure you're in the right size range for white-tailed deer. Diameter: " - ". Length: " - 1. 6. Add the finishing touch: Pinch the dough pellet at one end to form a nipple, then gently poke your pinky tip into the opposite end to form the dimple. 7. Place completed pellet on lined baking sheet. Once you've formed a batch of pellets slide the baking sheet into the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up the pellets and reduce shininess. If you don't mind the fresh appearance, enjoy immediately. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba summed up the results of the meeting with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto and Andrii Yermak, the head of the Office of the Ukrainian President, in Zakarpattia Oblast. Source: Dmytro Kuleba in an interview with Ukrinform; European Pravda Kuleba recalled that before the meeting, the last time he met with Peter Szijjarto was in 2022. "Therefore, this meeting was very relevant and, of course, useful. I believe that we made the most out of it today. Firstly, Peter didn't say anything bad," the Ukrainian foreign minister said. Kuleba said that he and Szijjarto discussed "concerns about each other's intentions". "We spoke frankly about concerns about each other's intentions. We explained everything to each other. Hungarians have a distrust of us; we have a distrust of them due to various circumstances, this is understandable. And the fact that we have discussed all this today, the three of us, I believe this is very important," the foreign minister said. He added that the talks mainly touched on three topics: the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, the war and the logic of the actions of Vladimir Putin, and the meeting of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Kuleba noted that Szijjarto also explained "why Hungarians hold meetings with Russians and how they see the path to peace". The Ukrainian foreign minister said at a press conference following the talks with Szijjarto that they were frank but constructive. In particular, he said that the Ukrainian side is determined to finally resolve the dispute with Hungary regarding the rights of national minorities and a special commission under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will present a "concrete understanding" in 10 days on this issue. In turn, Szijjarto said that Budapest wants the rights of the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia in place until 2015 to be returned. Support UP or become our patron! A major Harvard donor has halted financial support for the university and accused elite US colleges of producing whiny snowflakes instead of future leaders. Ken Griffin, an alumnus who donated $300 million (237 million) to Harvard last year, is the latest in a string of wealthy donors who have halted donations amid uproar over the universitys handling of anti-Semitism on campus after the Oct 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. Mr Griffin announced he was pausing support for Harvard unless it makes significant changes. Im not interested in supporting the institution, Mr Griffin said of Harvard at a conference in Miami on Tuesday. The university, he said, must make clear that it will resume its role of educating young American men and women to be leaders and problem solvers. According to Bloomberg, he accused leading US colleges of producing whiny snowflakes instead of future statesmen. Harvard is still struggling to resolve tensions even after Claudine Gay, its former president, resigned this month amid an onslaught of criticism over her response to anti-Semitism, as well as accusations of plagiarism in her scholarship. The US education department is conducting a probe into anti-Semitism at Harvard and other schools - APCORTIZASJR/iSTOCK UNRELEASED The school has also come under intense scrutiny from lawmakers, students and alumni. Two congressional committees have begun investigations, with one of them criticising Harvard last week for providing woefully inadequate responses to its questions. The US education department is conducting its own investigation of anti-Semitism at Harvard and other schools. Mr Griffin, the founder and chief executive of hedge fund firm Citadel with a personal net worth of $36.8 billion, said he was concerned after watching Ms Gay testify before Congress on Dec 5. She and two other university presidents declined to give a definitive yes or no answer to a question on whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate their schools code of conduct on bullying and harassment, saying it would have to be balanced against free-speech protections. His decision to withhold support will deepen the financial pain for Harvard. Len Blavatnik, the billionaire and Harvard alumnus, whose family foundation has given at least $270 million to Harvard, paused donations last month. Donors such as Idan Ofer and Leslie Wexner had earlier halted support, while Mitt Romney, the US senator, accused the university of ignoring the safety of Jewish students. Earlier on Tuesday, Lawrence Summers, a former Harvard president, took aim at its leaders, describing the scandal over the universitys handling of anti-Semitism as the worst stretch in its 387-year history. My confidence in Harvard leaderships ability and will to confront antisemitism and the demonisation of Israel continues to decline, Mr Summers wrote on Twitter. Unfortunately, it is becoming ever clearer why Harvard ranks first on anti-Semitism, even as it ranks last on upholding free speech. I cannot think of a worse stretch in Harvard history than the last few months, he added. Mr Griffin last year backed a bid by the British hedge fund co-founder Sir Paul Marshall to acquire The Telegraph in an auction. The sale was cancelled when Abu Dhabi-backed RedBird IMI helped the Barclay family repay a 1.2bn debt to Lloyds Banking Group in part exchange for the publisher. That takeover is now suspended for regulatory investigations of its potential threat to press freedom and Sir Paul continues to pursue ownership of The Telegraph. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Several mobile operators and internet service providers in central Russia reported service disruptions on Jan. 30. Many websites and applications were inaccessible in the .ru and . domains. Russias Ministry of Digital Development confirmed the issues with website access and assured the public that the problem had been rectified. Read also: Russia makes fake Der Spiegel and Fox News websites to spread disinformation Most of the outages were recorded in Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Krasnodar region, Bashkortostan, and Kostroma. According to the website Downdetector, users most frequently reported problems accessing Russian sites Yandex (search engine) and VKontakte (social network), as well as various service apps, including banking applications. Read also: Ukraine's Agrarian Ministry website targeted in cyberattack, is inaccessible Russian media outlet RBC reported that problems with accessing websites in .ru and . domains were due to an infrastructure glitch in the DNSSEC. Read also: Pro-Ukrainian hackers breach Moscow engineering service website DNSSEC is a tool for ensuring the authenticity of responses from a DNS (domain name system) server, aimed at protecting against IP address spoofing. It helps safeguard users from fraud and protects websites from various types of cyberattacks and traffic hijacking. Another Russian outlet, Sirena, suggested that this indicates ongoing experiments in Russia with the creation of a national DNS service. 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 You have a day or two in paradise. What are you going to do? Sure, you can find a beach with a tiki bar in Key West and laze the weekend away. But you can also hit other attractions. MORE: Where are the secret hangouts in the Florida Keys? How to find them and what to do there Heres a list of some of the best things to do in the Southernmost City during your quick trip: Duval Street In Key West, the crosswalks in the 700 and 800 blocks of Duval Street reflect the colors of the original LGBTQ rainbow flag. World famous Duval Street is where the party starts. Duval awaits visitors with bars, live music, restaurants, art galleries, hotels and guesthouses, and clothing and souvenir shops. The 1.25-mile-long Duval Street stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Conch Tour Train In Key West, you can ride the Conch Tour Train, rent a bike, take in a museum, go parasailing or climb a lighthouse. The Conch Tour Train, which started in 1958, is an easy way to see the major sights in Key West and learn the islands history. The ride starts at a depot on Front Street and ends right behind it in Mallory Square. The 75-minute trip makes a loop through Old Town and runs daily. Key West Cemetery The sun sets on the tiny plot where a statue has been erected in memory of the 266 victims of the Maine tragedy. The Key West Cemetery was created in 1847 after a disastrous hurricane unearthed the beachside cemetery, according to the citys website. Between 80,000 to 100,000 souls rest inside the fenced 19 acres. From simple markers to elaborate mausoleums with statues, the centrally located cemetery displays the history and diversity of the islands residents. There are also several well-known wry epitaphs. The grave of B.P. Pearl Roberts famously reads, I Told You I Was Sick. Another states, If Youre Reading This, You Desperately Need A Hobby. And one says, I Always Dreamed Of Owning A Small Place In Key West. The main entrance and sextons office are at the intersection of Angela and Margaret streets. The Hemingway Home and Museum This is the house Ernest Hemingway lived in at 907 Whitehead St. in Key West. The Key West Cemetery was created in 1847 after a disastrous hurricane unearthed the beachside cemetery, according to the citys website. Between 80,000 to 100,000 souls rest inside the fenced 19 acres. From simple markers to elaborate mausoleums with statues, the centrally located cemetery displays the history and diversity of the islands residents. There are also several well-known wry epitaphs. The grave of B.P. Pearl Roberts famously reads, I Told You I Was Sick. Another states, If Youre Reading This, You Desperately Need A Hobby. And one says, I Always Dreamed Of Owning A Small Place In Key West. The main entrance and sextons office are at the intersection of Angela and Margaret streets. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West is home to the islands favorite beach. This state park on the southern edge of Key West boasts some of the best ocean views in Key West. Fort Taylor predates the Civil War and is a National Historic Monument. Its also home to the best beach on the island. Youll have to pay admission fees, but in addition to the beach, you can check out the red-brick corridors of Fort Zachary Taylor, past cannon and gun ports, or roam the grounds, where tree names are marked and butterflies are known to visit. The Southernmost Point buoy Key Wests Southernmost Point buoy landmark attracts visitors on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. City workers finished repainting the buoy the night before, days after it was vandalized. This waterfront spot downtown is possibly Key Wests most photographed attraction, claiming the southernmost point in the continental United States and a landmark 90 miles to Cuba. You will likely have to wait in line for a turn to stand before the giant marker located where Whitehead and South streets meet. Mel Fisher Maritime Museum The Mel Fisher Maritme Museum is named after one of the most famous shipwreck treasure hunters. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, named for one of the most famous treasure hunters, lets you step back into the martime history of Florida and the Caribbean. While the museum at 200 Greene St. isnt involved in the ongoing searches at sea, its collections feature artifacts recovered from the Spanish galleons Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita of 1622. The museums staff also takes deep dives into maritime archaeology and has created exhibits on slave ships and the 1860 African Cemetery at Higgs Beach. Key West Historic Seaport The Key West Historic Seaport includes restaurants, bars, shops and charter boats trips. Key Wests old seaport is a gem: a waterfront harborwalk with shopping and dining in the middle of a marina that features fishing charters, sunset-sailing catamarans and tall ships. The 20-acre complex is a place to mix with locals and visitors and take in exceptional dockside views. Key West Lighthouse The Key West Lighthouse, opened in 1848 and decommissioned in 1969, today is restored as the Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters Museum. You can walk up 88 steps to the top of the Key West Lighthouse, which opened in 1848 and was decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1969. Today, its a museum dedicated to Key Wests maritime heritage, honoring those who kept the light shining through trying times. In addition to the view, the museum includes belongings, photos and memories of the lighthouse keepers and their families. The scene in Southwark after a man was shot dead by police officers following reports he was armed with a crossbow - Jamie Lorriman A man armed with a crossbow who forced his way into a property in south London has been shot dead by armed police. A witness told The Telegraph she heard screams moments before a man believed to be in his 30s was killed by officers. The incident occurred shortly before 5am on Tuesday in Bywater Place, Southwark, following reports that an armed man was trying to break into a home in the area and had threatened to harm the occupants. Valeria Bocanegra, 37, a neighbour, said: I heard people screaming to each other at 4.56am, it was a woman and a man and I thought it was a couple fighting. Its a very quiet area so this kind of situation never happens. The woman was screaming. It lasted for about a minute then everything became quiet. Local officers attended the scene but called for back up after being threatened - Jamie Lorriman They added: I was talking to my neighbour who is a friend and she said she heard something and reported it to the police and they killed this guy. She lived on the corner and saw the body which wasnt covered, out the front of the house. She [the neighbour] saw this guy trying to get into the house and he couldnt, so she called the police. Im super in shock. Local officers attended the scene and attempted to speak to the man but called in armed backup after they were threatened by him. When the man, who was also carrying other weapons, managed to get inside the property, armed officers opened fire. Officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service immediately provided first aid but the man died at the scene. Police said two occupants of the property received minor injuries during the incident. A police forensics officer surveys the scene from inside the property in Bywater Place - Jamie Lorriman Akber Baloch, another neighbour on the cul-de-sac and a 52-year-old restaurant owner, told The Telegraph: I was sleeping and then I heard some shouting and someone hitting something like a door, bang bang bang. It was a man and a woman shouting. After a few minutes, I heard a police siren and I didnt hear the gunshot. The police came so quick. I was frightened and afraid, thinking whats happening?. Im really worried now, suppose if someone came and threatened my family when my wife and children are alone? Im feeling insecure. I came here from Pakistan for peace of mind. Im worried about whats going on in London robberies, killings, kidnappings, murders, muggings in the area of east London. The Mets Directorate of Professional Standards was informed of the incident and a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is standard for all police shooting incidents. Det Ch Supt Seb Adjei-Addoh, responsible for policing Southwark, said: My thoughts are with all those affected by this incident. I understand the local community will be concerned at the events that have taken place this morning. We will fully support the IOPC investigation into the full circumstances of what happened. A double filtered gas respirator among items scattered after the incident - UKNIP A Met spokesman added: Armed officers are highly trained and patrol the streets of London on a daily basis, dealing with challenging, fast moving and often dangerous situations to try and protect the public and their unarmed colleagues. They discharge their weapons very rarely and all officers understand and expect that when they do, their actions will be closely scrutinised. A heavy police presence remains at Bywater Place, a small cul-de-sac on the Rotherhithe peninsula of the River Thames. A white and yellow forensic tent has been put up in the middle of the small residential street next to a large sign that reads careful, children playing. A large area of the estate remains cordoned off with red-and-white police tape. The aftermath in Bywater Place where paramedics from the London Ambulance Service attended - Marcin Nowak Police were seen combing the garden of the four-bedroom 1990s home, where a back window has been broken. The rear of the house backs onto a riverside plaza, which has been taped off while police continue to investigate. Investigators from the IOPC remain at the scene of the shooting, with one member of staff in an orange jacket seen observing forensic officers as they searched the scene. The forensic officers are scouring the scene as various markings and medical equipment remain scattered across the cul-de-sac. Police officers are carrying out patrols along the neighbouring streets. Local dog walkers have been passing by the area visibly shocked as the news filters through the community. The street is situated opposite a 35-acre woodland to one side, with the River Thames and Canary Wharf on the opposite side. A heavy police presence remains at Bywater Place after the incident - Lucy North Local dog walker Steve Cornish, a 70-year-old retired engineer and chairman of a local community group, said: Its a very quiet area and an unbelievably quiet cul-de-sac. We dont have incidents like these its unheard of. As an area we have our incidents, some say crime is getting worse and others say its not. I wouldnt say Im worried as its generally a one-off incident. Ive lived here for 70 years and there are incidents and stabbings but that happens anywhere in London. For this area, I have to say its very quiet, people have moved into the area rather than out. On my dog walk this morning I came across cameras, police, vans, the area taped off and a lot of people walking past it thinking its a minor incident because its in a cul-de-sac, when obviously its actually major. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Two brothers residing in New York City, Andrew Hatziagelis, 39, and Angelo Hatziagelis, 51, were accused of accumulating an arsenal of explosive devices and ghost guns in their family residence. The discovery, made after a rigorous six-month investigation, led to the indictment of the siblings on 130 counts, encompassing various charges such as criminal possession and sale of weapons, as per ABC News. Queens DA Exposes Brothers' Threatening Arsenal Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, in a statement released on Monday, disclosed that the brothers were found to possess not only a cache of weapons but also an alarming hit list containing references to police officers, judges, politicians, celebrities, bankers, and others. The list, discovered alongside anarchist propaganda, raised concerns about potential threats to public figures and individuals in positions of authority. The arsenal was unearthed in the brothers' apartment, which they shared with their mother and another sibling, located opposite a Con Edison power facility at 804 36th Ave. The inventory included six operable ghost guns, body armor, ammunition, smoke bombs, and eight Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The volatile nature of these homemade explosives prompted the bomb squad to evacuate the building multiple times, highlighting the potential danger posed by the stash. Neighbor Shaleen Heffernan, residing in the same building, expressed her awareness of the brothers' conspiracy theories but emphasized the escalated nature of the situation. "They just have a huge chip on their shoulder. It has gotten to that point," she commented, revealing the discomfort experienced by neighbors due to the brothers' extreme beliefs. District Attorney Katz, cautious about divulging too many details, mentioned that neither brother was previously on law enforcement's radar, with one having a misdemeanor conviction dating back to 1994. When questioned about the investigation's initiation, Katz pointed to online activities and the procurement of weapon components as key elements, according to CBS News. Read Also: Secretary of Defense Assures 'Necessary Actions' after U.S. Troop's Deaths Detained Brothers' Homemade Weapons The potential scale of catastrophe became apparent as officials highlighted the volume of homemade weapons discovered, capable of causing significant damage. Inspector Courtney Nilan of the NYPD Intelligence Division remarked, "One wrong mix of chemicals or one wrong wire could have taken that whole building down." The brothers, now detained, are set to appear in court on February 15, facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Katz stressed that, at this point, there is no indication that the Con Edison power facility was a target, and the investigation, involving Homeland Security and state police, remains ongoing. The siblings' extreme ideologies, characterized as a blend of far-left and far-right anti-government sentiments, were not linked to any known networks. NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner highlighted the complexity of such cases, describing them as a "lone actor threat" that defies easy categorization. As authorities investigate the brothers' motivations, the community is coming to terms with the fact that the indictment and arrests may have prevented a serious threat. The silence surrounding the brothers' intentions and the diverse range of their ideological influences indicate the difficulties law enforcement encounters when dealing with emerging threats that do not fit into traditional categories, ABC 7 Eyewitness News reported. Related Article: Drone That Killed Three American Troops May Have Confused Observers, Report CARTHAGE, Texas (KETK) A Beckville man was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a shooting Monday night in Carthage. According to Carthage PD, they received a 911 about a reported shooting around 9:25 p.m. in the 500 block of Reese Street. Officials said when police got to the scene they found a man who had been shot lying in the yard. Reported explosion leads to discovery of marijuana growing facility in East Texas The man allegedly told police that CD, whose full name is Corey Ward, had shot him before leaving in a dark colored Tahoe. According to police, a witness at the scene said they saw someone shoot the man at point plank range who left the scene in the same car. Officials said a Panola County deputy observed a car matching the description entering Beckville, and after conducting a traffic stop, the driver was identified as Ward. One weapon was reported to be in plain view to authorities and another gun with extra ammo was found. Ward was booked into the Panola County Jail for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, prohibited weapon and two charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Carthage PD said they were assisted by the Panola County Sheriffs Office, Panola County District Attorneys Office, Texas DPS and the Panola County Fire Marshal in Wards arrest. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Amazon has decided to terminate its proposed acquisition of iRobot, the renowned manufacturer of Roomba robot vacuums, citing insurmountable regulatory hurdles in the European Union. The fallout from this decision has rippled through iRobot, leading to significant job cuts and a change in leadership. iRobot Responds to Failed Amazon Deal The termination of the deal was not only attributed to EU regulators but also implicated US lawmakers who played a role in complicating the agreement. The aftermath of this development sees iRobot taking drastic measures, including a reduction of almost one-third of its workforce, affecting 350 employees. The specific types and locations of jobs being eliminated remain undisclosed, with notifications expected to be dispatched by March 30. Colin Angle, the longtime chief executive and co-founder of iRobot, stepped down from his position. In the interim, Glen Weinstein, iRobot's chief legal officer and executive vice president, will take over the leadership role. The unexpected announcement sent shockwaves through the market, causing iRobot's stock price to plummet by 9% to $15.50 per share on Monday. Over the past month, the stock had already experienced a significant 56% decline amid speculations of regulatory obstacles. iRobot's financial woes were further underscored by a 25% drop in sales in 2023, amounting to $891 million. As part of the fallout, Amazon is obligated to pay iRobot a $94 million termination fee. Colin Angle, the outgoing CEO, expressed disappointment but conveyed iRobot's determination to forge ahead independently. He emphasized the company's commitment to developing innovative robots and intelligent home solutions. The severed ties with Amazon have compelled iRobot to make strategic cutbacks, discontinuing the development of new products in air purification and robotic lawn mowing. The cost-cutting measures include a $20 million reduction in the research and development budget and a $30 million decrease in marketing expenses. Additionally, certain offices and facilities in underperforming areas will be closed, and surplus space at iRobot's headquarters will be leased out. The air purification initiative, initiated with the acquisition of Aeris Cleantec AG for $72 million in 2021, and the robotic lawn mower project faced setbacks in the wake of the terminated acquisition. These developments mark a shift in iRobot's focus and a reevaluation of its strategic priorities, according to The Boston Globe. Read Also: ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meet in Laos to Address Issues in Myanmar, China Amazon Disappointed as iRobot Deal Collapses The collapse of the deal also prompted Amazon to express its disappointment, with David Zapolsky, Amazon's general counsel, lamenting the denial of potential benefits to consumers in terms of innovation and competitive prices. Despite this setback, iRobot's departure from the proposed acquisition did not surprise local robotics experts, who noted the company's recent financial challenges. Tom Ryden, executive director of the local nonprofit MassRobotics, highlighted the significance of Colin Angle's departure and the concerning job cuts. He expressed hope that the laid-off employees might contribute to or join startups, thereby strengthening the regional robotics ecosystem. Ben Z. Rose, president of Battle Road Research, acknowledged iRobot's need to make tough decisions in light of the deal falling through. He noted that the anticipation of joining Amazon might have been a distraction for iRobot, and the company must now focus on right-sizing its business to navigate the evolving landscape. iRobot, founded in 1990 by Colin Angle, Rodney Brooks, and Helen Greiner, gained widespread acclaim for its Roomba vacuum cleaner. However, the company has faced challenges in producing another blockbuster product in recent years.The proposed acquisition faced scrutiny from regulators and privacy advocates, particularly in the European Union, where concerns were raised about potential anti-competitive practices by Amazon. While privacy advocates celebrated the deal's collapse, critics argued that it could have strengthened Amazon's dominance in the smart home devices market. The termination of the $1.4 billion acquisition deal raises questions about Amazon's regulatory challenges and its impact on future deals. iRobot, on the other hand, must navigate a challenging landscape, reassess its strategic direction, and weather the financial consequences of the failed acquisition, Reuters reported. Related Article: Chinese Court Orders Liquidation of Evergrande Over $300 Billion in Liabilities LOGAN, Utah (ABC4) A man has been identified in connection to Monday mornings bank robbery in Logan, according to Logan Police. Joseph Edward Allen, 42, was taken into custody and will be booked into the Cache County Jail on suspicion of first-degree felony aggravated burglary, second-degree felony robbery, and third-degree felony theft. PREVIOUSLY: Bank robbed in Logan, suspect in custody Just after 9 a.m., police received a bank alarm from the Goldenwest Credit Union near 200 East 1400 North in Logan. Bank employees said a man, later identified as Allen, went into the bank and demanded money. Allen left with about $2,000 in cash, according to police. The bank was able to provide officers with information and surveillance footage of the incident. Based on that information, officers found Allen in a Lowes Home Improvement store across the street. The stolen money has reportedly been recovered. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. EL CAJON, Calif. A wrong-way crash on Interstate 8 over the weekend resulted in the drivers death, as well as major injuries to a 17-month-old, authorities said. Around 7:40 p.m., an unidentified person driving a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling eastbound on westbound I-8, located west of Second St., Officer Jared Grieshaber with the California Highway Patrol said in a news release Monday. The driver of the Chevrolet was in the No. 1 lane of westbound I-8 moving at an unknown speed in the wrong direction when they made an unsafe turn to the right, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and crash into a concrete guardrail wall on the south road edge of westbound I-8. Stolen 1971 Plymouth Barracuda drag racer found in North County The impact of the collision sent chunks of concrete debris toward several vehicles traveling north-and-southbound on Second St. underneath I-8, according to authorities. The debris strikes caused a 17-month-old to suffer major, non-life-threatening injuries while seated in one of the vehicles on Second St. The child was taken to Rady Childrens Hospital. The driver of the Chevrolet was killed when their vehicle then crashed into a concrete wall on the east sidewalk of Second St. and erupted into flames, per CHP. Crews were able to extinguish the fire. Authorities are determining if driving under the influence was a factor in the crash. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. WEBER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) A mans life was saved Monday after a fellow construction worker dug him out of a muddy trench that had collapsed and buried him, according to the Weber County Fire District. At around 9:45 a.m. on Jan. 29, a man in his late 20s working at a construction site entered a trench that was reportedly muddy. The trench collapsed and buried the man, according to David Reed, Weber County Fire. Another man working next door reportedly came to help, using a backhoe to get as close to the man as possible and dig him out. Bank robbed in Logan, suspect in custody It looked as though he at least broke his femur, Reed said. The man was conscious but taken to the hospital in critical condition. No one else was hurt in the incident. Officials said the workers on-site saved the mans life. When you are working in trenches deeper than four feet, you need to use trench blocking to prevent collapse. Make sure you shore up the sides and have support, Reed said. No further information is available at this time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A Pittsburgh man, who is a former Allegheny General Hospital graduate nurse, pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to a computer fraud charge, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced Tuesday. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was told that, on Dec. 5, 2022, Kevin N. Ukaegbu, 31, used the hospital credentials of a Highmark resident doctor and attempted to modify prescription medications for two patients, putting one of them at risk of serious bodily harm. Medicine was never given to the patients in either case. Ukaegbu will be sentenced on May 21. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: UPS layoffs: 12,000 jobs to be cut Bodycam video released of interactions between Jim Rogers, Pittsburgh police before, during tasing Aliquippa High School running back will represent Steelers at Super Bowl LVIII VIDEO: City of Pittsburgh, Steelers look to host NFL Draft DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KGPE/KSEE) In the South Valley, the Tulare County District Attorney sounded the alarm Monday over the possibility of a man who was sentenced to life and could be released in just three years. The man in this was convicted of threatening to kill people with a knife at a store in Pixley in 2021 and was sentenced to 56 years to life. District Attorney Tim Ward, says Prop 57 could reduce his time served by 95%. DA: Prop 57 may intervene for Tulare County man 38-year-old Luis Nuno is set to begin serving a 56-year to life sentence after violating Californias three-strike law. Nuno was convicted in late January of threatening to kill people in Pixley. Nuno already has an extensive criminal record before the Pixley incident. He has a very lengthy criminal record. He had a separate case in Tulare County pending. He broke into a business, a commercial burglary stole some property, said Ward. According to Ward, Nuno has criminal records in Utah and Arizona as well. The prior two strikes in California for Nuno came in 2013 and 2014. But, Nuno could only potentially have to serve three years in prison, the equivalent of just one of his charges, because of Prop 57. A life sentence, you know, 56 to life, thats not authentic in California now, said Ward. Ward says Prop 57, which was voted on in 2016, could cut Nunos sentence from 56 years down to just three. Why is that? Under prop 57, California does not consider criminal threats to be a violent crime, responded Ward. I think thats a front to victims not only here in Tulare County but across the state. 23 crimes are considered violent under Prop 57, like murder, rape, and assault. However, threats and even domestic violence are considered non-violent. Ward feels Prop 57 is a slap in the face to the victims in this case. Going all the way through the process, to testifying at trial, to sit in court and hear a sentence of life in prison, but the sad reality is, this person could be subject to release in just three years, he said. Nuno also had been charged in August of 2021 for stealing a car. It was charged as a felony and wouldve been his third strike, but he was deemed mentally incompetent, and the case was dismissed in May of last year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. A Mississippi man who called police to say his wife had been shot is now charged in her death, authorities told news outlets. Myles Johnson, 53, of Canton, was arrested Tuesday, Jan. 30, and charged with murder, WLBT reported, citing city Police Chief Otha Brown. Officers arrived at Johnsons home at about 10 a.m. and found his wife in bed, Brown told WAPT. She had been shot in the back and was pronounced dead, police said. Authorities said they believe the shooting happened a day earlier, the station reported. Johnson was detained and told police he and his wife got into a fight Monday, Jan. 29, before the fatal shooting, according to WJTV. Additional details werent released. McClatchy News reached out to the City of Canton Police Department on Jan. 30 and was awaiting a response. Canton is about 30 miles northeast of downtown Jackson. Mystery lingers as womans body found by road, husbands truck burned, Florida cops say Man kills exs new boyfriend, tells kids, Dont tell anybody, Virginia officials say Man kills wife, 8-year-old niece and two others when wife rejects him, Texas cops say Continued violent clashes in the disputed Sudan-South Sudan border have resulted in the death of at least 54 people, including women, children, and two UN peacekeepers. The latest fatalities happened in what officials called the deadliest in a spate of incidents since 2021 related to a boundary dispute. The raids were carried out by armed young men from South Sudan's Warrap State. Sudan Border Dispute On Monday, the information minister for Abyei said that the soldiers marched into their region on Saturday. The area is an oil-rich area that is jointly administered by South Sudan and Sudan, which have both staked claims to it. Koch added that because of the current dire security situation that they are facing, which has resulted in fears and panic, they were forced to impose a curfew. Among those who were killed was a Ghanaian peacekeeper from a United Nations force that was based in Abyei. A day after the first peacekeeper was killed, a second one, who was from Pakistan, lost his life along with four colleagues while they were transporting civilians from a UNISFA base to a hospital, as per Reuters. The Abyei information minister noted that hundreds of displaced civilians sought shelter at a UNISFA base amid the violence. Warrap State's information minister, William Wol, said that his government will conduct an investigation in coordination with the Abyei administration into the matter. There have been many reported clashes in Abyei between rival factions of the Dinka ethnic group. The violence is born out of a dispute over the location of an administrative boundary where significant tax revenue is collected from cross-border trade. Koch added that young Dinka men from Warrap and the forces of a rebel leader from the Nuer ethnic group are responsible for the attacks against Dinkas and Nuers in Abyei. The civil war in South Sudan erupted soon after the region won independence from Sudan. Read Also: Israeli Ministers Join Gathering Calling for Resettlement of Gaza Violent Clashes Between 2013 and 2018, the horrific war in South Sudan killed thousands as fighting continued between rival factions. Furthermore, violent clashes between various armed groups have continued to kill and displace large numbers of civilians, more after South Sudan deployed troops to Abyei last March, according to Aljazeera. After South Sudan became independent from Sudan in 2011, the Abyei region's ownership status was left unresolved. Previously, an African Union panel proposed a referendum for the oil-rich territory but there was disagreement over who could vote on the resolution. On Monday, Britain, Norway, and the United States issued a joint statement saying that they were deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in Sudan. They added that all leaders who have influence with involved communities and who fail to use it to support peace in the region are disregarding the interests of their people. The UN special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Hanna Tetteh, said that Abyei's proximity to the violent fighting threatened to destabilize the already fragile region. She added that the Sudanese crisis has also effectively put on hold talks between leaders over Abyei's ownership, said France24. Related Article: IDF Demolishes Gaza Cemetery Used by Hamas as Military Cover Alain Delon, aged 88, has been placed under legal protection by a guardianship judge, raising concerns about his health and the ongoing disputes among his children regarding his medical care and living arrangements. The legal protection order, implemented this week, does not significantly impact Alain Delon's daily life but restricts him from selling major assets. Additionally, it mandates a third-party representative to assist the actor in making decisions related to medical treatment and choosing suitable healthcare professionals. Alain Delon's Health Crisis Sparks Family Feud Alain Delon's health struggles have been a focal point of public attention since his stroke in 2019. The recent legal intervention comes amidst a public dispute between Delon's children, particularly between his eldest son Anthony, born to French model Francine Canovas, and his daughter and son Anouchka and Alain-Fabien, born to Dutch model and TV presenter Rosalie van Breemen. The family feud gained media attention in early January following an interview with Anthony Delon in Paris Match. Anthony expressed concerns about his father's health, suggesting that there were significant risks that 2023 might be Delon's last Christmas. Alain Delon's health issues became even more contentious as it was revealed that cognitive tests conducted between 2019 and 2022 showed cognitive degradation. Anthony criticized his sister Anouchka for not keeping him and his brother informed about these tests, conducted in a Swiss clinic. Alarming statements from Delon's lawyer, Christophe Ayela, followed Anthony's comments, revealing that Anthony had withdrawn conventional medical treatment and opted for unconventional approaches like fruit juice and vegetables prescribed by a naturopath. Both Anthony and Ayela separately approached the public prosecutor in Montargis, seeking legal protection for Alain Delon for different reasons. The legal protection order, as issued by the guardianship judge, aims to address the disagreement among Delon's children, appointing a "neutral and impartial" judicial agent to assist the actor, as per Deadline. Read Also: Vicious Pit Bull Attack Leaves Disabled Man Gravely Injured in Miami-Dade County Delon's Children Back Judicial Protection Intervention In response to the legal intervention, Delon's children expressed approval of the decision. Anthony Delon, in a statement to the Europe 1 radio network, stated that if the legal protection helps clarify matters and prevents unfounded discussions about his father's illness, it could put an end to the ongoing medical controversy. A court document obtained by AFP indicated that Alain Delon is now "under judicial protection," with a legal representative appointed to assist him in medical matters. The order, dated January 25, highlights the existing dissension among Delon's children regarding his medical care and the practitioners responsible for his follow-up. The legal protection granted to Alain Delon is a short-term measure, allowing an adult to be represented for specific everyday acts. This protection, renewable once for a year, is often implemented while awaiting the opening of guardianship or curatorship. Guardianship is a more restrictive measure, involving the appointment of a guardian by the judge to represent the person in all patrimonial acts of civil life. From the start of January, the ongoing fight between Alain Delon's children began engaging in the media and in the courts. Anthony and Alain-Fabien suspect that their sister Anouchka is exerting influence over their father and trying to convince him to move to Switzerland. Frank Berton, the lawyer representing Anouchka Delon, expressed his contentment with the legal intervention, including the relevance of justice appointing a representative to address the ongoing challenges within the family, according to Daily News. Related Article: Bongbong Marcos Drug Watchlist Allegation Denied by PDEA Martin Bashir interviews Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1995 Martin Bashir claimed racism and professional jealousy were behind accusations that he used forged documents to help secure his 1995 Panorama interview with Diana, Princess of Wales, newly released files show. The former BBC reporter said in an internal email that colleagues did not like the fact that a second-generation immigrant of non-white, working-class roots had secured the scoop, and that it would have been easier if one of the dynastic families such as the Dimblebys had got it. Mr Bashir emailed Robert Seatter, the BBCs head of history, in July 2020 dismissing what he described as this so-called forgery story after documentary maker Andy Webb submitted a Freedom of Information (FoI) request to the corporation about how the interview was secured. In the months after the interview was broadcast, it transpired that Mr Bashir had arranged for mock-ups of bank documents to be made, which purported to show members of the Princesss staff receiving payments from the media. At the time, he said he had not used the forgeries, and that he had not shown them to anyone, but Mr Webb believed he had been lying and asked the BBC to release documents about the programme. The Princess's interview on Panorama was seen as a huge coup for the former BBC reporter In the same month that Mr Webb made his request, Mr Seatter contacted Mr Bashir asking him for a short statement on the matter as he had received a request to release an archive interview that mentioned a forgery story. In his reply now released under a separate FoI request by Mr Webb Mr Bashir wrote: In the first instance, I would wish to respond to you privately and in confidence. I am sorry to hear that this so-called forgery story has reared its head again. It played no part in the interview but did allow professional jealousy, particularly within the corporation, to hang its hat on alleged wrongdoing. At the time, it was also apparent that there was some irritation that a second-generation immigrant of non-white, working-class roots should have the temerity to enter a Royal Palace and conduct an interview. It would have been so much easier if one of the dynastic families (Dimbleby et al) had done it! In October 2020, just 48 hours before the transmission of a Channel 4 documentary by Mr Webb about the Princess Diana interview, the BBC sent Mr Webb an internal report from 1996 alleging that Mr Bashir had been supplied with the raw data for the forged bank statements by the Princesss brother, Earl Spencer. It did not, however, share with him an eight-page document which later came to light which showed that the BBC knew in 1996 that Mr Bashir was a proven liar. Mr Webb believes this shows that as recently as 2020, senior BBC executives were still covering up what happened in 1995. Outraged Lord Spencer said in 2020 that he was outraged at the false suggestion that he had shown Mr Bashir the original bank statements on which the forgeries were based. The truth, he said, was that Mr Bashir had shown him the forgeries when he was trying to secure the interview with the Princess. Later that year, Lord Dyson, the former Supreme Court Justice, was asked to investigate the affair, and in 2021 he published a report in which he said Mr Bashir had used deceitful behaviour by forging the bank statements and showing them to Lord Spencer, and that the BBC had covered up what it knew about Mr Bashirs behaviour in the 1990s. Mr Webb is trying to get to the bottom of what he calls the cover-up of the cover-up in 2020, and on Tuesday the BBC released more than 10,000 pages of documents to him in response to an FoI request originally submitted in 2021. But a large number of documents have been redacted in full, meaning Mr Webb will have to launch an appeal to the Information Commissioner if he is to stand any chance of seeing the most sensitive documents. They include an email sent on Nov 11 2020 by Mr Seatter to BBC lawyer Peter de Val, which has the subject: RE: Diana Panorama: amended minute? but which has been withheld under legal privilege. Another email, sent on Nov 18 2020 from Tim Davie, the BBCs director-general, to Phil Harrold, the BBC company secretary and chief of staff, is also redacted in full. It was on that date that Lord Dyson was appointed to chair the inquiry into the Panorama affair. The BBC has so far spent more than 150,000 on external legal advice alone in its attempt to avoid handing over the documents. Martin Bashir rejoined the BBC in 2016 as a religious affairs correspondent Mr Bashir rejoined the BBC in 2016 as a religious affairs correspondent, and claimed in his letter to Mr Seatter that senior staff in the then Prince of Waless office (now the King) had expressed their gratitude for my declining of all requests to discuss the interview. He added: As I am sure you will understand, the words of the late Princess have been deployed to attack surviving members of the Royal family particularly the Prince of Wales something that I have never wanted to do. Some day who knows when (!) I will need to look back and reflect upon a career that included but hope was not wholly defined by a single interview. For that Ill need to work hard at recollection. Findings accepted in full A BBC spokesman said: There is nothing to support the allegations that the BBC acted in bad faith in 2020 and we maintain this suggestion is simply wrong... Further, as has been said many times, far from attempting to conceal or cover up matters, the BBC commissioned Lord Dyson to conduct an independent investigation so that he could gain a full picture of what happened in 1995 including by obtaining any additional materials that people other than the BBC might possess. The BBC provided all relevant documentation that was in the BBCs possession to the Lord Dyson inquiry. Other individuals involved in these events also supplied Lord Dyson with written materials, which are detailed in the report. This was published in 2021 and the findings accepted in full by the BBC. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Marwan Barghouti is Israels most celebrated prisoner and, by all accounts, the person most likely to succeed Palestinian Authority president and PLO leader Mahmoud Abbas whenever the Palestinian Authorityand the PLOholds elections. Since 2002, he has been serving five life sentences plus an add-on of 40 years for his role in the Second Intifada. Barghouti was convicted of the direct murder of five Israeli citizens and for planning additional murders as the head of the Tanzim, the military wing of the nationalist Fatah party (also Abbass party), during the 1990s Second Intifada. Since then, he has renounced violence. In 2012, for example, in his court hearing, he spoke in Arabic, telling the Palestinian people to fight for peaceful popular resistance of the occupation. There is faint hope that he could be released soon, as part of a deal with Hamas for the Israeli hostages. More likely, he will be released by a post-Netanyahu government if there is any hope for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian crisis. There is simply no other leader who can deliver this scenario. Indeed, his prisoner status gives him extraordinary gravitas among the Palestinian people. He is also seen as not corrupt, unlike the current leadership of Abbas and those around him. Once he is released, it will be difficult for an Israeli government to defy momentum toward a two-state option. In a recent Haaretz interview, Ami Ayalon, a former head of Israels Shin Bet security services, stressed not only that it was in Israels security interest to agree to a Palestinian state but that Barghouti must be released to negotiate and lead this state. Marwan is the only Palestinian leader who can be elected and lead a united and legitimate Palestinian leadership toward a path of mutually agreed separation from Israel, he told the Israeli newspaper. Every poll since his imprisonment shows Barghouti to be the favorite to lead the Palestinian people in a free election. The most recent survey by Ramallah-based pollster Khalil Shikaki shows the same. When I met with Shikaki in January, in his Ramallah office, he told me: Barghouti remains the most popular by far. We have never seen Barghouti losing, even during wartime, when Hamas gains ground. No other Fatah leader can claim the same. Journalists are not permitted to interview Barghouti in prison. His wife, Fadwa Barghouti, herself a noted Fatah leader, womens activist, and lawyer, hasnt seen him in 18 months. Once heading a thriving legal practice, since her husbands imprisonment she is active full-time keeping him in the public eye and advocating globally for his release. Barghoutis closest political ally is Qadora Fares, who spent 13 years in Israeli prisons for his activities during the Intifada. The current commissioner of the Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs for the Palestinian Authority, he oversees family needs and rehabilitation of prisoners kept in Israeli jails and is himself a popular political leader with the grassroots. Once called the Fatah Young Guard, he and Barghouti are now in their late fifties. Fares is a veteran of earlier peace initiatives, and today he still stands by all of them. So does Barghouti, Fares told me when I visited him at his office in Ramallah. One of the most important documents never to be implemented was a 2006 Prisoners Letter co-authored by Barghouti on behalf of Fatah, Hamas, and other Palestinian factions inside the Israeli prisons, which offered an outline for a two-state solution. At the time, it made headlines precisely because Barghouti was able to negotiate it with the Hamas and more radical factions in prison. While it clearly articulates two states, it is likely more sweeping in other details than anything the Israeli government could accept, but the two-state declaration in it is clear. When I asked Fares if it is still relevant, he said, emphatically, Yes, yes, yes. An earlier document, the Geneva Initiative of 2003, negotiated by former Israeli Justice Minister Yossi Beilin and former Palestinian Authority Minister Yassar Abed Rabo, also outlines a two-state solution roughly along the 1967 lines, with a refugee-return formula that is more likely to be accepted by an Israeli government than the prisoners document. It has been used by Israels shrunken peace camp as an aspirational model for years. Fares, who signed Geneva at the time, told me that if Barghouti had objected to his signing, he would not have done so. Fares thinks that Geneva, if you have a serious partner in Israel, will be accepted by the Palestinian majority, including Hamas. This initiative makes the parameters of an agreement clear, according to Fares, with solutionsJerusalem, refugees, borders, economic cooperation, everything. Some people criticize us because of the exchange of border swaps. The compromise is to split Palestine. All this land is Palestine, he told me. But when we signed the agreement, it became Palestine and Israel, OK? If you accept the principle of splitting it, OK ... if we want to check which kind of solution I find there, if tomorrow I became the representative of Palestinians, I will sign this. Today, there is a completely different opportunity than existed 20 or so years ago: to include all of the Arab states, most importantly Saudi Arabia, in an agreement sponsored by the kingdom and called the Arab Peace Initiative, which offers Israel full peace from regional governments with a Palestinian state. Though it was originally promoted by the Saudis in 2002, Benjamin Netanyahus government ignored it, and until recently Netanyahu (lured into a sort of unreality regarding the Palestinians thanks to the Trump strategy regarding the Abraham Accords, which gave Israel agreements with several Gulf States minus Palestinian recognition) thought that Israel could amend the agreement for peace with Saudi minus a Palestinian state. (As recently as at the 2023 U.N. General Assembly plenum, Netanyahu held up a map that included all of Israels neighbors minus a future Palestine.) That was highly unlikely, to say the least, but October 7 shattered it completely. According to Fares, who also agrees with this Saudi initiative, its been accepted by Marwan. But for Israel to engage, there will have to be a new government. He adds: First of all, the Israelis have to say that they decide to end the occupation, and they want to cooperate with the Arab world, with the Palestinian people. If there is an international effort, a real serious effort to react to a serious political process that will lead to end the occupation and to build our own state, I think that the behavior of Hamas, the policies of Hamas, the decision will be different. Thats because the Hamas political leadership understands that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has to find a solution one day. One hopes that Faress optimism could be warranted, though its difficult to imagine a shaken and frightened Israeli public buying it. Regardless, a political resolution promoting two viable states, with a strong Palestinian leaderwith the overt support of the leading Arab statescould someday be a positive outcome of the Hamas attacks on October 7. Thats also why Faress comments about a demilitarized Palestine were of vital importance. This is something that all Israeli political factions (and the United States) demandand, though its unstated, the Arab states will also probably demand it. If I am at peace with Israel, with Jordan, with Egypt, with the international community, and I need the support of the international community to rebuild our state to act according to the Palestinian peoples interest, I have to think about an army? he quips. I have to create in Palestine what is most necessary we have to build hospitals, schools, universitiesto rehabilitate everything. We have around us here in the region a lot of strong armies. What have they done? Nothing. So it should be invested in education. Let me imagine that I am a dominant person in the Palestinian leadership. And we are an independent state. Let us prepare the plan for the first five years. For what do I need the army? So, returning to the awful moment in which we still find ourselves, why, I ask, did Hamas attack on October 7? Fares surmises that it was because Netanyahu was telling Israel and the world that there is no Palestinian issue. That there could be a new Middle East without finding a solution. He continued: The Palestinian Authority in Ramallah is a weak one Netanyahu wants to bring it in as part of his administration indirectly. As has been widely documented, Netanyahu thought he could stave off an independent Palestinian state by, as Fares characterized it, taming Hamas. Its common knowledge now that Netanyahu had been allowing funding from Qatar to Hamass military and governing arm in Gaza for yearsas a means of defanging Fatah. Meanwhile, at the wars start, Barghouti was moved to Ayalon Prison and placed in solitary confinement for five days. The Israeli authorities claimed that Barghouti wrote a letter supporting October 7. He and his wife deny this vehemently, as does Fares. This was used as an excuse to isolate him, where his cell was dark 24 hours daily, Fares said. Barghouti has been given minimal food, his mattress taken away during the day, and sleep deprived by blasting music. They tried to humiliate him when they tied his hands to his back. They want his head to be close to the ground, Fares explained. Partly due to the family hiring one of Israels leading human and civil rights attorneys, he is now back in Rimonim Prison in the center of Israel. According to Fares and others quite close to Barghouti with whom I met, Marwans resolve remains. Hes a true, true believer in the two-state solution, someone very close to the family stressed to me during my recent Ramallah visit. Barghouti has become a bit of a legend among both the Palestinian people and, increasingly, the Israeli security establishment. The only way to test the promise of his leadership will be for a visionary Israeli leader to take the bold but necessary step to release him. As the 2024 legislative session gains momentum, Gov. Wes Moore introduced legislation Monday aimed at fighting generational wealth disparities and childhood poverty. Brought on behalf of his administration, the ENOUGH, or Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments, and Households Act of 2024, would create a grant program that feeds public funding and money provided by the private sector and philanthropies into Marylands rural, suburban and urban communities with the highest rates of generational poverty in an effort to transform them into safer communities with economic momentum. ENOUGH will be a rallying cry not just here in Baltimore, but across the state of Maryland that we have had enough of poverty, Moore, a Democrat, said during a news conference at LIFE Church Ministries in Brooklyn. Weve had enough of crime. Weve had enough of a system where generational challenges go unaddressed. Under the bill, the state will fund accepted proposals crafted by community leaders through a mix of public and private dollars via the recently established Governors Office for Children. The state would provide $15 million in grant funding for the first year, which Moore called an important down payment on a larger fight toward ending concentrated poverty. Moore said his administration believes that the people closest to the problems are the ones closest to the solutions and its imperative that Marylands state and local governments provide them a seat at the table, because every community has a unique set of problems. Moore said the bill is the first of its kind coming from a state and a continuation of the frontal assault on child poverty that he promised to tackle on the campaign trail. Before turning to politics, Moore served as the CEO of Robin Hood, a New York City-based nonprofit with the aim of fighting poverty. I remember people used to say to us, poverty is a choice, Moore said as he reminisced on his time at Robin Hood. I remember what Id say in response: Youre right, poverty is a choice. But its not the choice of the person who wakes up in the morning with the weight of poverty on their shoulders. Its a state choice, its a legislative choice, its a policy choice. Moore also emphasized that the provision of funding without a clear, community-based strategy does little for success. He pointed to the 1990s when tens-of-millions-of-dollars from philanthropy flooded into Sandtown-Winchester for neighborhood revitalization, he said, adding that even more was funneled into the community after Freddie Grays death in police custody in 2015. Whats the result? Moore asked. Today, the poverty rate in Sandtown-Winchester is more than double the state average decades later. Money is important. Strategy is imperative. The fact that the news conference was held in Brooklyn had its own significance, as Moore recalled the harrowing, late-night phone call he received from Mayor Brandon Scott in early July informing him of the mass shooting that killed two and injured 28. That night, while we focused on the tragedy that stood in front of us, in the days and the months that followed, I was able to shape a much deeper and much more enduring tragedy that was taking place in this community, he said. According to the governor, Marylands statewide median income is $98,000 and one of every eight children live in poverty, while the median income in Brooklyn is only $35,000, and one of every two children are impoverished. Scott, a Democrat, said that Brooklyn has been neglected, ignored and often intentionally disinvested in. It happened here in South Baltimore, it happened in Park Heights where I grew up and it happened all across East and West Baltimore, the mayor said. That intentional disinvestment lets be very clear has been the underpinning of so many challenges facing our city for decades. House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones of Baltimore County and Senate President Bill Ferguson of Baltimore City spoke alongside Moore in support of the bill on Monday. Both are Democrats. Their presence sends a message that fighting child poverty is not just a priority of the Moore-Miller administration, the governor said of Jones and Ferguson. Fighting child poverty is the aspiration of our entire state. Ferguson, who represents the Brooklyn community in the Maryland Senate, talked about his stint as a young teacher at the now-closed Southwestern Senior High School and how the kids he taught experienced more hardship daily than he had in his whole life. As Ive said to the governor many times over this last year, when I sit back and think, What do I really care about now? I think back to the former teacher, Ferguson said. What do I really think right now? Its that we in Maryland we in South Baltimore were building again, and were building together. _____ WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A Maryland man who was arrested for robbing one Georgetown business multiple times made his first appearance on Monday, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) for the District of Columbia. The release said that Roberto McBean, 30, robbed the Glover Park Market on 37th St. NW several times between Nov. 23, 2023, and Jan. 8, 2024. Officials said that during this time, he robbed the store of over $1,000. Lyft driver attacked rabbi in DC, rabbi says According to the USAO, McBean frequently used a gun in the robberies, ordering store employees to open the cash register and give him money. FBI agents with the Washington Field Office arrested McBean on Friday after he was indicted. He made his first appearance in D.C. on Monday, and his detention hearing was set for Thursday, Feb. 1. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. BALTIMORE An investigation of a recording of racist and antisemitic remarks allegedly made by the principal of Pikesville High School that surfaced earlier this month is ongoing, the county superintendent said at a news conference Tuesday. Myriam Rogers, the superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, said two Pikesville administrators are leading the schools operations during the investigation of Principal Eric Eiswert. She declined to comment on his employment status, but a county school spokesperson said Eiswert was not in the building. BCPS asked Baltimore County Police to help analyze the audio. Rogers said there is no timeline for when the investigation is expected to be complete. The recording was posted on several social media accounts Jan. 17 and sparked immediate outrage. The conversation in the audio includes highly offensive and inappropriate statements about African American students, Pikesville High School staff, and Pikesvilles Jewish community, Rogers previously said in a statement when announcing the investigation. In the audio, what sounds like a man complains about Black students, teachers and Jewish parents. When asked about reports that the recording was made with artificial intelligence, Rogers declined to comment. I cant make any additional statements, but as soon as we have definitive information one way or another, that information will be shared with the community, she said. Rogers visited Pikesville High last week and talked to students and staff. The school received additional counseling support, healing circles for students and staff, and targeted staff support through an employee assistance program and the Department of Equity and Cultural Proficiency, Rogers said. As you can imagine, this has been a very difficult time for the Pikesville High School community, Rogers said. The statements on the recording do not reflect the core values of the school system. Speaking to the districts school communities, Rogers said BCPS will use all available tools and resources to keep students safe and hold rule-breakers accountable. A week after the audio recording was posted online, community members denounced the comments at the Baltimore County Board of Education meeting. Billy Burke, executive director of the Council of Administrative and Supervisory Employees, a union that represents BCPS principals, including Eiswert, and other administrators, did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Burke spoke at the county board meeting Jan. 23 and said that Eiswert and his family have received harassing and threatening calls and emails since the release of the audio. Burke said hes also been harassed by email and didnt feel safe coming to the board meeting in person. Rogers and her staff helped coordinate a police presence at Eiswerts house to ward off potential harassment, Burke said. Our legal system is founded on the tenet that you are innocent until proven guilty, Burke told the board. Press coverage and social media have made it possible for people to make statements and tell stories with no evidence and no accountability. ________ Federal law enforcement officials arrested a Massachusetts man on a charge of threatening to bomb a local synagogue and kill its members, the US Attorneys Office in Massachusetts said Monday. John Reardon, 59, was charged with one count of using an interstate commerce facility to threaten a person or place with harm via an explosive, according to court documents. In this case, Reardons cell phone was the instrument of interstate commerce, according to a criminal complaint. Reardon has been in custody since his initial arrest by local law enforcement officers on January 25, the US attorneys office said in a statement. CNN was unable to reach Reardons attorney, Jessica Thrall, for comment. On the morning of the January 25, Reardon left a threatening voicemail for Congregation Agudas Achim, an Attleboro, Massachusetts, synagogue, federal officials say. The expletive-laden message threatened to bomb the house of worship and to kill members and their children, according to the US attorneys office. Reardon then called another local synagogue and a separate Jewish organization, officials said, and he was arrested later that day. The allegations here about the series of threats Mr. Reardon made against the Jewish community are deeply disturbing and reflect the increasing torrent of antisemitism across our country and right here in Massachusetts, Acting US Attorney Joshua S. Levy said. The numbers do not lie incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia are spiking. The federal charge against Reardon carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine, according to officials. Reardon appeared Monday in US District Court in Boston, where he will return January 31 for a detention hearing, according to court documents. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former President Donald Trump's eligibility to seek re-election under the Fourteenth Amendment will soon be before the U.S. Supreme Court. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Illinois' state board of elections voted unanimously Tuesday to reject a petition to block former President Donald Trump from the primary ballot, joining Massachusetts as the latest states to do so. A three-person panel from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rejected a petition Monday that sought a decision on Trump's eligibility. Illinois' eight-person board followed suit on Tuesday, dismissing a challenge to the former president's eligibility. The petition in Illinois was filed by a group of five voters and the organization Free Speech For People on Jan. 5. The organization Free Speech For People and Massachusetts law firm Lichten and Liss-Riordan filed also filed an appeal last week, arguing that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution bars Trump from holding office. Maine, Michigan and Minnesota courts have also rejected attempts to remove Trump from the ballot. Trump is campaigning for the Republican presidential nomination. The Illinois board of elections ruled that it does not have the authority to make a decision on Trump's eligibility. Justice Frank M. Gaziano's opinion in the Massachusetts case stated that the issue of Trump's eligibility is not "ripe" because he has not yet been officially declared the Republican nominee. He added that the provision of the Constitution does not apply to Trump's position on the primary ballot, because he did not get on the ballot through the submission of nomination papers or any certificate of nomination. "The petitioners' objections have, in essence, come too soon," Gaziano ruled. "If there is any question whether the commission has the authority or jurisdiction to consider the petitioners' objections regarding Trump's eligibility to appear on the general election ballot, that question will not become ripe until, and if, he is selected as his party's nominee for president." Gaziano also noted that Trump's eligibility under the Fourteenth Amendment will soon be before the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court agreed to take up the decision by the Colorado Supreme Court to bar Trump from the primary ballot earlier this month. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung applauded the decision by the Massachusetts court in a campaign email on Monday, calling it another "crushing defeat" for "left-wing activist groups." The Fourteenth Amendment challenge in Colorado was brought forward by a group of Republican voters and nonpartisan watchdog organization Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Republican voters have also been petitioners for challenges in other states. The War Zone recently spoke with the commander of Nellis Air Force Base's 57th Wing, Brig. Gen. Richard Goodman about the latest developments at the famed installation. He explained how Nellis's role as the nexus for evolving cutting-edge capabilities and tactics development, training, and the latest warfighting rehearsals, is expanding. This includes a brand new large-scale exercise, dubbed Bamboo Eagle, which is keenly focused on preparing to fight a major war in the Pacific. The U.S. Air Force-led air combat exercise is already underway and taking place from airbases along the California coastline. It's a spin-off of Exercise Red Flag that was just held at Nellis Air Force Base this month. The participants from the latest iteration of this exercise, Red Flag 24-1 , including U.S., Australian, and British squadrons, decamped from Nellis between January 26-27 and made the short hop to the west coast in preparation for Bamboo Eagle. F-15C Eagles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Keifer Bowes) A U.S. Navy media release gave an indication of the commencement of this new and unique training event. While not naming the exercise or providing any details, it stated that as of January 26, 2024, "aircraft will be arriving at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), Point Mugu , in support of a U.S. Air Force Warfare Center exercise. The exercise will focus on training and readiness across multiple domains. Flight operations will occur in designated airspace off the coast of Southern California, through February 2, 2024. Communities in the Camarillo, Oxnard, and Thousand Oaks area may experience increased jet activity and noise during this time." The kind of activities that happen at Nellis lead the way for the U.S. Air Force, the Joint Force, and our allies, Brig. Gen. Goodman told The War Zone. Over the past two to three years the Weapons School here has moved to a model of advanced integration that notably includes maritime operations, Joint Force integration in the maritime environment, operations in long-range over-water environments, Agile Combat Employment , disaggregated mission generation, and aggregation of combat air power. In May 2024, the USAF Weapons School at Nellis will mark its 75th anniversary, having started out as the Aircraft Gunnery School in 1949. The Weapons School trains the USAFs brightest minds to become its next-generation leaders and mission experts. It has spearheaded a new construct of Exercise Red Flag that were executing right now as well as what were about to do in Exercise Bamboo Eagle, explained Brig. Gen. Goodman in an interview shortly before the exercise kicked-off. An F-22 from the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron is prepared to forward deploy from Nellis AFB for Exercise Bamboo Eagle. USAF/TSgt Curt Beach Bamboo Eagle and some of its critical elements, such as command and control (C2), were rehearsed in the during a recent Virtual Flag exercise. The INDOPACOM AOR [U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Area Of Responsibility] challenged the combined force to address unique problem sets associated with tyranny of distance, including geographic separation, logistics, time, distance, and communications with a focus shift from a primarily land-based exercise to an expanded sea component, said Maj. Andrew Metz, of the 705th Combat Training Squadron/Distributed Mission Operations Center and Virtual Flag Coalition 24 exercise director, in a recent media release . The Distributed Mission Operations Center (DMOC) located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, reports to the 505th Combat Training Group at Nellis and it is responsible for multi-domain training, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for development, test, and experimentation. A Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 and USAF F-15Es at Red Flag 24-1, which focused on warfighting in the Indo-Pacific theater. USAF/William R. Lewis Exercise Virtual Flag: Coalition 24, held in December 2023 at Kirtland, supported the USAF Warfare Centers (USAFWC) Pacing Challenge Campaign Plans and was designed to enhance theater-level situational awareness where command and control (C2) over vast distances is of paramount importance. It was followed by the USAFWCs first-ever combined C2-driven, live-fly, and live-virtual constructive (LVC) exercise Bamboo Eagle, which effectively fitted in as the third week of Red Flag 24-1 in January 2024. "Bamboo Eagle will execute 24/7 operations at Nellis, Kirtland, and Hurlburt Field, as well as at distributed locations," according to the news release. An F-15E flies on the Nevada Test and Training Range. Jamie Hunter The advanced training portfolio we have within the 57th Wing at Nellis has pivoted towards what we call the Pacing Challenge , which includes a lot of the Indo-Pacific challenges, said Gen. Goodman, the 57th Wing commander. We are talking about things like distributed basing , challenged command and control [C2], dis-aggregated operations, and the aggregation of combat air power to be applied at the time and place of our choosing. With advanced threats, over water, tyranny of distance, and really stressing elements such as air-to-air refueling, long-range communications, command-and-control these are certainly a part of our Red Flag experience and the events that we are focusing on within the 57th Wing. As noted earlier in this piece, Bamboo Eagle follows hot on the heels of the well-established Red Flag exercise at Nellis, which makes extensive use of the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). It is leveraging the units assigned to Red Flag, which moved away from the Nevada base to a series of locations along the West Coast. I believe its an important evolution not to replace Red Flag but to complement it in our operational level warfighting capabilities, comments Gen. Goodman. In 2023, the USAF experimented with an initial maritime pivot away from Nellis as the final part of a Red Flag exercise. Its different this time in terms of magnitude and scale, and training audience, said Goodman. It will still be like a Red Flag, preparing participants for that first week of combat, but it will also include a logistical component and combat representative agile combat employment, resupply, and distribution. Its a big deal! A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler at Nellis AFB for Red Flag 24-1. USAF/William R. Lewis Well be practicing the hub and spoke concept along with agile combat employment to sustain operations across four spokes for the duration of Bamboo Eagle, said Col. Kevin Jamieson, commander of the 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW). As the host wing for four spokes forward operating locations the 3rd AEW is acting as the Bamboo Eagle mission command center, planning, directing and coordinating four fighter units and one airlift unit at the operational level. Overall, the exercise sees more than 150 aircraft from 24 units operating from 10 locations. The four spokes, all of which are located closer to the airspace that is being used for the exercise, set up secure communications, ground refueling, air mobility teams, and aircraft security elements in preparation for the start of this eight-day Agile Combat Employment exercise. The inclusion of training in the eastern Pacific allows units to train in a combat representative environment and will incorporate scenarios in the maritime domain. An F-22 Raptor taking part in Exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-1. USAF/TSgt Curt Beach Lt. Col. Terry Fregly, commander of the F-22 Raptors of the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, led the squadron through Red Flag 24-1 operations at Nellis, which also serves as the hub for Bamboo Eagle, and is leading his units operations at Naval Air Station North Island, California, another one of the spokes for Bamboo Eagle. In a USAF news release, Fregly said Bamboo Eagle is crucial because it exercises concepts of distributed control, mission planning, and operations, which enable multiple fighter squadrons to disperse among various installations to complete missions on their own, at the direction of a geographically separated Wing Operations Center. Distributed control allows subordinate commanders to respond to changes in the operational environment and exploit emergent opportunities. This concept does not dilute the authority of the commander; rather, it proliferates that authority across a command, the release added. A C-130 Hercules is loaded at Nellis AFB as Red Flag participants forward-deployed to operating bases for Bamboo Eagle. USAF Weapons School at Nellis spearheads change As evidenced in Bamboo Eagle, the USAF Warfare Center and the 57th Wing are evolving to meet the immediate needs of high-end warfighter training in both live and synthetic environments . The establishment of a second F-16 aggressor unit , and a similar squadron of F-35s is all geared towards providing a suitable threat-representative force for visiting units and resident test squadrons to pit themselves against in live flying missions. Genuine concern at the prospect of a near-peer conflict underscores the mandate for Nellis to reside at the cutting edge of not just training, but also USAF capabilities as a whole. The Warfare Center and Nellis' resident operational test units, such as the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES), work with emerging technologies that are set to be commonplace in the USAF Combat Air Forces over the coming decade. This is likely to involve Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) in the future as the USAF develops these advanced drones to meet its requirement for affordable mass to complement manned combat aircraft and maintain air supremacy. Developing this kind of technology in terms of tactics, techniques, and procedures will be right in Nellis wheelhouse. However, it will come with its own unique set of challenges for manned aircraft to operate with unmanned combat air vehicles within the confines of a range complex, as well as the need to protect the emerging technology and practices from foreign powers, even in the remoteness of the Nevada desert. The Virtual Test and Training Center [VTTC] provides an incredibly important synthetic environment here at Nellis. It has the ability to transcend geographic and airspace limitations, as well as replicate adversary, long-range air-to-air, and surface-to-air capabilities in advanced training scenarios. It also provides the ability to conceal tactics, techniques, and procedures for OPSEC purposes. We want to do some training within the confines of a synthetic environment, both from a tactics and capabilities standpoint and in relation to technology that is going to be involved in the advanced fight. I see a very promising future for the synthetic environment, and thats why we are particularly excited about the VTTC here at Nellis. The Nellis Virtual Test and Training Center is an important synthetic training facility. USAF We are focusing on the synthetic environment to make it as good as it can possibly be, while at the same time ensuring the ranges and live fly experience are as good as they can be for our training audiences. The concept of the synthetic environment through the VTTC takes simulators to a new level of integration in a high-fidelity joint synthetic environment. But we still need to live-fly. Our maintainers still need to generate aircraft, we need those skill sets. We need to exercise the supply chain to keep the aircraft flying. However, the role of advanced training in the synthetic environment will be incredibly important. With the likes of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) crewed fighter aircraft, and the unmanned CCAs, Nellis will inevitably play a crucial role in ensuring success, although no decisions or announcements have been made regarding NGAD and CCA basing. However, the development of and training with these systems will likely play out significantly in the live and synthetic environments at Nellis, both of which must work in harmony and where the success of which rests on the shoulders of team Nellis, including the USAFWC and the Weapons School. As the USAF Weapons School looks towards its 75th anniversary, it does so preparing for some of the biggest changes in air warfare in a generation. One can imagine live-fly exercises blended with virtual wars being played out in advanced battle laboratories, with perhaps pilots in cockpits inside the VTTC controlling virtual swarms of mesh networked drones . An F-16C newly-assigned to the recently-established 706th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis. Jamie Hunter Nellis is declared the Home of the Fighter Pilot but at this base in North Las Vegas, the stakes are growing higher. The future of the USAF combat air force is perhaps a more apt moniker for Nellis, that will play out in live and hidden synthetic worlds. Case in point, Bamboo Eagle was rehearsed in the virtual world in December 2023, and it is now being flown as a live exercise, and designed to stress U.S. and partner air forces in a manner that will replicate a potential conflict in the Pacific. We have an entire team at Nellis thats dedicated to providing the most representative, realistic, threat environments . They look at ways to create those to keep us honest with regards to our warfighting capabilities, says Gen. Goodman. If were not training correctly, were going to learn the wrong lessons. We need the high-fidelity training environment to ensure that were not setting ourselves up for failure either through overconfidence or by being too restrictive we rely on that truth data. Contact the editor: tyler@thewarzone.com In a brazen display of support for their recent attacks in the Red Sea against the United States and Israel, thousands of Houthi followers, many of them armed, gathered in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on Monday for a parade. The rally, marked by waving guns and Palestinian flags, underscored the fervent backing for the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. As part of the demonstration, participants trampled over Israeli and American flags, expressing support for the armed resistance of the Palestinian Hamas movement against Israel. Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea The rally coincided with a Houthi claim that they had attacked a United States (US) Navy mobile base at sea, the USS Lewis B. Puller, in the Gulf of Aden. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree asserted that they fired a missile at the mobile base, which serves as a floating landing base. This attack was apparently in response to American efforts to curb Houthi assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. However, a US defense official rejected the claim, stating that there had been no reported attack on the Puller. The USS Lewis B. Puller had recently served as a mobile base for a US Navy SEALs operation, during which Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missile components bound for Yemen were seized. Two SEALs involved in the operation went missing and are presumed dead. The Houthi attacks have escalated since November, primarily targeting ships in the Red Sea in response to Israel's offensive in Gaza against Hamas. These attacks, however, have often targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, posing a threat to global trade routes between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Last Friday, the US military announced that Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a missile targeting a U.S. warship conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden. A recent incident also involved the Houthis hitting a commercial vessel with a missile, resulting in a prolonged fire. Read Also: Houthi Rebels Strike U.S. Navy Ship US, British Retaliatory Strikes The US military destroyed a Houthi anti-ship missile in Yemen that was poised to launch into the Red Sea after the group attacked a British oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden. In light of the increasing threat posed by the Houthi rebels, the United States and Britain have initiated retaliatory strikes against the group. These strikes aim to dismantle the Houthi military capabilities that could be used to target commercial ships in the Red Sea. The Biden administration, in a reversal of its 2021 decision, recently relisted the Houthi rebels as a specially designated global terrorist organization. The Houthi leadership, led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, remains defiant, vowing to continue the attacks until the conflict in Gaza comes to an end. The Houthi rebels, who seized Sanaa, in 2014, triggered a protracted and devastating war in Yemen. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015, aiming to restore Yemen's exiled, internationally recognized government to power, according to AP News. However, the conflict has since devolved into a stalemated proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, causing widespread suffering to the Arab world's poorest country, Yemen. The war has resulted in more than 150,000 casualties, including both fighters and civilians, and has created one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters. Despite a ceasefire technically ending over a year ago, sporadic hostilities persist. Peace talks, including a Houthi delegation invited to Riyadh in September, have yielded no permanent resolution. Related Article: Red Sea: Houthi Rebels Fire Missile at US Warship Amid Escalating Middle East Crisis Mayor Adams proposed $250 million cuts to preschool programs and youth services will drive more working class families out of the city, according to a letter from a coalition of more than 100 organizations obtained by the Daily News. Close to 8 in 10 families cannot afford to pay for child care or after-school [programs], according to the Citizens Committee for Children of New York, part of the so-called Campaign for Children. Advocates say further reductions will only make a bad situation dire. The warning comes amid growing concern over the affordability of the city for middle- and lower-income families. There is no doubt that reductions of this magnitude will harm children and youth and the workforce in these crucial programs, read the memo signed by the campaigns eight-member steering committee, driving greater numbers of families out of New York City. The cautionary letter follows reporting by The News in November that local families were wondering if they can afford to stay in the city after Adams shaved $120 million off the early childhood education budget. Another $50 million cut added insult to injury a couple of weeks ago just as preschool application season began. Close to $20 million is being cut from a popular summer program for middle school students, and $7 million from city-funded COMPASS after-school programs that will deprive more than 3,500 young people of services, according to the coalition. The Adams administration earlier this month secured long-term funding for a smaller-scale version of the summer program that ends earlier and does not include Fridays. Fears over the cost of living in the city, including child care and other factors such as record-high rents, have been growing as a clearer picture emerges of who left during the public health crisis. While the citys population of wealthier households returned to prepandemic levels by 2022 after many fled during its peak, those with lower incomes have not rebounded in the same way. A recent state comptroller report found people that moved out of the city that year had a median wage of $49,000, or 18% lower than the year before. We are really fearful, given what we already know about whos leaving, said Jennifer March, executive director of the Citizens Committee for Children of New York. Were worried that the elimination of hundreds of millions of dollars for services in after-school, summer and early education will just make life much more difficult for that income cohort and encourage greater flight from the City of New York. Adams has defended the cuts to preschool programs as necessary with the loss of federal pandemic aid. We dont want you to leave the city, Mayor Adams said Monday to a concerned caller, a Brooklyn mom of an almost 3- year-old, on WNYC. A family like yours is who we want here in our city. First of all, 3-K, PreK was on temporary dollars. It was dollars, stimulus dollars that the previous administration put in place. Those dollars are sunsetting. We have to find the right funding. Adams also said the demand for 3-K in some neighborhoods does not match up with available seats in that area. While some neighborhoods have empty slots in local programs, others have programs with lengthy waitlists and no nearby availability. We were not paying for bodies in seats, said Adams. We were just paying for seats, the misalignment of the number of seats that were needed in a particular community left open We are properly aligning these seats, and our goal is to make sure every child that wants a seat will get a seat, and we have lived up to that. The local Department of Education warns on its own website that due to limited seats, not all children will receive a 3-K offer in half of the citys 32 geographic school districts, mostly in Brooklyn and Queens. Rather than cut the vacant slots in 3-K classrooms, advocates are pushing for changes that they say will make the process of applying for care less difficult and time-consuming and ultimately fill those seats like they did in universal pre-kindergarten programs. Whats clear to me is when there was the public will and interest to fill seats [during the pre-K rollout], they were filled, said March. Adams last year directed all city agencies to find savings in response to the ballooning costs of caring for migrants. But some advocates say that funding early childhood and youth programs in time will pay for themselves, helping migrants integrate into the fabric of the city and longtime New Yorkers avoid more costly services down the road. These are the prevention investments, said Phoebe Boyer, president and CEO of Childrens Aid. The alternative, Boyer said, is: We end up with families leaving the city entirely, and this becomes a city just for those who can afford it. No one wants that. Its not what brings vitality to a city. Adams on public radio Monday also underscored that his administration has cut subsidized child care costs from $55 a week down to less than $5 a week. So we are very much in line with making sure that we can make child care affordable, said Adams. We know how important it is. Mayoral spokeswoman Amaris Cockfield defended the cuts. Facing a significant budget gap, we had to make difficult decisions to balance the budget as required by law and we did so without tax hikes, massive service reductions, or layoffs, she said in a statement. Thanks to measured, responsible fiscal management and better-than-expected tax revenue, we balanced the budget in January and made critical investments in schools and summer programming for our young people. AUSTIN (KXAN) For Joy Jiles son, Miguel, often the only access he has to mental health treatment and housing is the time he spends in jail. And hes done a lot of that. Jiles said her son suffers from Schizophrenia. And despite her best efforts, Miguel hasnt gotten the professional help he needs. Its led to a lifetime of bouncing in and out of jail and homelessness. And its doing him no justice. So Ive advocated, Ive tried to talk to different organizations, different people. And nothing is being done, Jiles said. There are concurrent efforts by Travis County and the City of Austin right now to get people suffering from mental health illnesses more help. While Travis County works through a plan to build a mental health diversion center, which could divert people from jail to resources, a big factor in the citys approach will be the reopening of the updated Austin State Hospital. Judge Andy Brown names mental health diversion program, passenger rail among 2024 priorities Which is something I worked on in the Texas Senate and helped get funding for. Well cut the ribbon on that probably in May and people will be in that hospital right after that, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. The state allocated more than $300 million to reconstruct the hospital, but Watson said the 240 rooms it will create will go fast. He thinks now is the time for grand ideas about what can go hand in hand with that improved service. Hes got one: Creating therapeutic housing to serve the people moving in and out of that facility. It could be an option for people who have nowhere else to go, but arent quite ready for a full hospitalization. And for patients transitioning out of care who are experiencing homelessness, a possible lifeline. What that will do is not only better stabilize people that are addressing a brain health issue that are living on the street homeless, but what it will also do is it will create even more beds at the state hospital, he said. As for right now, its just an idea. Watson hopes there will be plenty more before the state hospital ribbon cutting this Spring. Were looking at different ways that we might could do that and how we would afford that and some of that might very well be some money that the state has already allocated to the city but wait and see, its very much in the infancy, he said. Jiles hopes those resources come online sooner rather than later, so that families like hers have somewhere to turn for longer-lasting help. I just feel like a lot needs to be done, and it hasnt been done. And I dont know if it ever will be. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Republicans discuss impeaching DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Heavily disguised IDF troops kill 3 militants in a hospital raid. Plus, a person has a brain device implanted by Elon Musk's startup. Heres what to know today. House Republicans push for Mayorkas House Republicans hope a hearing today will bring them a step closer to a vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, a push that comes after a yearlong investigation of the situation at the southern border. At todays hearing, members of the House Homeland Security Committee will discuss the impeachment articles against Mayorkas. A formal impeachment vote in the full House could come as soon as next week, a source said. In the first impeachment article, Republicans contend that Mayorkas willfully and systemically refused to comply with Federal immigration laws. The GOP blames him for allowing millions of people to enter the U.S. illegally and says that many migrants have unlawfully remained. The second impeachment article accuses Mayorkas of breaching the public trust and knowingly making false statements to Congress that the border is secure. This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your morning. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. Mayorkas and Democrats have pushed back, arguing that the impeachment effort is political. In a letter to Rep. Mark Green, chair of the Homeland Secretary committee, Mayorkas wrote, The problems with our broken and outdated immigration system are not new. Read the full story here. In his letter, Mayorkas also mentioned hes involved in bipartisan talks with senators over a bill that would include new border security measures. Hes not the only one to mention the bill in recent days. At a campaign event in South Carolina over the weekend, President Joe Biden said he wants the authority to shut down the border. According to two sources familiar with the negotiations of the bill under consideration, DHS would shut the border if migrant numbers get too high and stay shut until the numbers drop to a set level for two weeks. During a shutdown, certain rules would be in place for how many people would be allowed to cross into the U.S. legally. If that bill were the law today, Id shut down the border right now and fix it quickly, Biden said. However, current and former DHS officials, as well as some Customs and Border Protection rank-and-file officers, are upset over Bidens comments. Heres why. Read more: It has been 148 years since the last successful impeachment of a Cabinet member, and Mayorkas impeachment would only be the second in U.S. history. Congress calls out Bidens Middle East airstrikes Amid a widening Middle East conflict, President Joe Biden is facing fresh demands from Congress to vote on authorization for military action before proceeding further. The White House insists that the president already has approval to carry out strikes in the Middle East from two votes on the authorizations for use of military force, or AUMF, more than 20 years ago, in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. But both senators and House representatives have questioned the recent strikes on the Houthis and demand he come to Congress before launching additional strikes. Elon Musk announces first human Neuralink brain implant Elon Musks brain-science startup company Neuralink has implanted a device in a human for the first time, the tech billionaire announced yesterday on X. If successful, the technology could result in a product that Musk said would allow people to control almost any external device just by thinking. Neuralink received FDA approval eight months ago to conduct its first in-human clinical study. In September, the company said it would begin recruiting patients for the study. In yesterdays announcement, Musk said the patient received an implant and is recovering well. So far, initial results showed promising neuron spike detection. A possible third way to develop Alzheimers Five patients in the U.K. developed Alzheimers disease decades after receiving contaminated injections during their childhood, according to a newly published study, which its authors say could indicate a previously unknown way to develop the disease. The study found that all five participants had received injections of human growth hormone from cadavers for several years. It wasnt until later that scientists realized the injections contained amyloid-beta protein the protein involved in the formation of brain plaques and tangles that cause Alzheimers disease. Before now, Alzheimers cases were generally divided into two categories: those caused by genetics and those caused by risk factors such as smoking, obesity and high blood pressure. Now, the researchers say these findings suggest the disease can be developed through contaminated medical products. Taylor Swift draws conservative ire Taylor Swift is headed to the Super Bowl, and shes triggering conservative pundits along the way. Her appearance at Sundays game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens was met with vitriol from some conservatives, who believe her dominating presence in pop culture is part of a psychological manipulation effort, known in fringe circles as a psy-op. And more recently, some right-wing pundits have suggested without evidence that all the hype around Swift could be part of an orchestrated election year plot. Todays Talker: Amelia Earharts long-lost plane may be... about halfway between Australia and Hawaii at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, about 100 miles from where the famous pilot and her navigator were expected to land in July 1937 during their trip around the world but never did. Tony Romeo, the CEO of Deep Sea Vision, said he believes that a blurry, plane-like shape caught by an underwater drone from his research voyage is Earharts plane. Its too soon to determine whether it is indeed the missing aircraft. Romeos team is already planning their return and next steps. Politics in Brief Drug enforcement: Senate Democrats are asking the Biden administration in a new letter to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act altogether, rather than simply placing it in a lower schedule. Justice Department: Attorney General Merrick Garland will temporarily hand over his official duties to his deputy while he undergoes back surgery. IRS docs leak: Charles Littlejohn a former IRS contractor who leaked the tax records of former President Donald Trump, as well as the tax records of billionaires was sentenced to five years in prison. Staff Pick: Decades of contamination, then a tragic end Gilbert Kip Wyand (Zack Wittman for NBC NBC News) Last year, I received an email from a man, who said his father, Gilbert Wyand, a Navy veteran, had been diagnosed with a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that can be caused by radiation exposure. He asked me to look into radioactive materials that have contaminated the now-closed Long Beach Naval Shipyard in California for decades. It turns out the Navy had not alerted tens of thousands of veterans to the potential exposure. Two weeks ago, Gilbert Wyand died. His story, and its tragic end, highlights an issue that has only become more urgent since my reporting began. Melissa Chan, reporter In Case You Missed It Convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh was denied a new trial based on allegations of jury tampering by a court clerk. Federal authorities planted a phony advertisement seeking a yoga instructor to capture the Texas woman later convicted of murdering an elite bicyclist and perceived romantic rival, officials said. A woman in Florida said her medically fragile father is hospitalized and unable to speak after he was falsely accused of stealing a banana at a grocery store last week and then seriously injured in an encounter with police. Five people were arrested in the killings of six people found in Californias Mojave Desert, believed to have stemmed from a dispute over marijuana. A pandemic of snow in Anchorage, Alaska has set a record for the earliest arrival of 100 inches of snow. A Colorado man died while skydiving after his parachutes failed to deploy over the weekend, authorities said. Select: Online Shopping, Simplified Your favorite water bottle may look and smell fine, but experts recommend you empty and wash it daily or at least every other day. To clean your water bottle, start with dish soap, vinegar and baking soda and use these expert-recommended tools. Sign up to The Selection newsletter for exclusive reviews and shopping content from NBC Select. Thanks for reading todays Morning Rundown. Todays newsletter was curated for you by Elizabeth Robinson. If youre a fan, please send a link to your family and friends. They can sign-up here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas fiercely defended himself against allegations of breaching the publics trust and refusing to comply with the law in a withering letter sent to the Homeland Security Committee mere hours before the panel considers articles of impeachment against him. Over more than six pages, Mayorkas rigorously defended his lifes work in public service and slammed the impeachment proceedings against himthe first targeting a Cabinet secretary in almost 150 years. I assure you that your false accusations do not rattle me and do not divert me from the law enforcement and broader public service mission to which I have devoted most of my career and to which I remain devoted, Mayorkas wrote in the message, delivered early Tuesday. Homeland Security Chief Alejandro Mayorkas Failures Are Not Impeachable I will defer a discussion of the Constitutionality of your current effort to the many respected scholars and experts across the political spectrum who already have opined that it is contrary to law, Mayorkas added. The Homeland Security Committee will mark up a resolution accusing Mayorkas of committing high crimes and misdemeanors in his implementation of immigration policy. Two articles of impeachment released over the weekend claimed Mayorkas willfully and systemically refused to comply with the law by permitting catch and release scheme that allows migrants to be released into the United States while awaiting court proceedings. The second alleges that he knowingly made false statements, and knowingly obstructed lawful oversight of the Department of Homeland Security about the security of the border. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), the top Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee, said the articles lack even a shred of evidence of high crimes or misdemeanorsthe Constitutional standard for impeachment, further alleging that his Republican colleagues are abusing Congress impeachment power to appease their MAGA members. In his letter, Mayorkas said that he takes his responsibility to cooperate in good faith with congressional oversight very seriously and noted that hed testified publicly in 27 Congressional hearings since becoming DHS secretarymore than any other member of the Cabinet. He also pointed out that he has adhered scrupulously and fervently to the Oath of Office I have taken six times in my public service career. He added that hes held a lifelong reverence for law enforcement, starting in his childhood as the son of Cuban immigrants. My parents experienced such loss at the fisted hands of authoritarianism that the American law enforcement officer stood as a tangible symbol of safety and the rule of law in our new home, he wrote. Mayorkas also expressed support for the bipartisan border deal being negotiated in the Senate, saying it would make a substantial difference at our border. While House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has indicated he would reject the deal, he has vowed to bring the articles of impeachment against Mayorkas to the floor quickly. The Democrat-controlled Senate will likely acquit Mayorkas even if House Republicans secure an impeachment, potentially rendering the effort futile. The point was not lost on the DHS, which earlier decried the evidence-free impeachment charges, accusing Republicans on the House panel of wanting to campaign on the border crisis rather than address it. Thats why they have undermined efforts to achieve bipartisan solutions and ignored the facts, legal scholars and experts, and even the Constitution itself in their quest to baselessly impeach Secretary Mayorkas, a DHS memo responding to the articles read. Whatever proceedings you initiate, however baseless, my responsiveness to oversight requests will not waiver, Mayorkas wrote in his own letter. In a statement to Axios, House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green (R-TN) said: This 11th-hour response demonstrates the lack of seriousness with which Secretary Mayorkas views his responsibilities to Congress and to the American people. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. There were 216 confirmed cases of measles in the West Midlands between Oct 1 and Jan 18, which rose to 260 by Jan 23 - Mumemories/iStockphoto Measles cases in the West Midlands have jumped by 20 per cent in less than a week, data show. There were 216 confirmed cases in the region between Oct 1 and Jan 18, which rose to 260 by Jan 23, according to provisional UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data. Health authorities warned that the ongoing outbreak in the West Midlands remains a concern despite efforts to tackle it with a catch-up vaccination campaign. Since October, there have been 347 confirmed cases across the country, with 75 per cent of these occurring in the West Midlands, and the overwhelming majority of those in Birmingham. Officials have continued to warn that the disease is likely to spread to other towns and cities because of low uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. There have also been 46 cases, or 13 per cent, in London and 24 cases, or 7 per cent, in Yorkshire and the Humber since October, with only the North East of England unaffected by the outbreak so far, according to the UKHSA. The highly infectious disease can be life-threatening in those without protection - Torsten Asmus/iStockphoto In the first 23 days of January there had been 127 cases, which sparked the UKHSA to declare a national incident. More than two thirds of the cases have been in children under the age of 10. Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist for UKHSA, said: The ongoing measles outbreak in the West Midlands remains a concern. MMR vaccine coverage has been falling for the last decade with one out of 10 children starting school in England not protected and so there is a real risk that this outbreak could spread to other towns and cities, she said. Uptake of the MMR jab has fallen to a 10-year low with fewer than 85 per cent of people having received both doses of the vaccine. Last week, the NHS launched a national catch-up campaign, inviting more than one million under 25s in the West Midlands and London to get missed jabs, as well as all primary schoolchildren, who may have missed one or both doses at pop-up clinics or GP surgeries. Children are invited to get the vaccines at around 12 months old and then a second dose at three years and four months, which provides them with 99 per cent, lifelong protection from measles. The highly infectious disease can be life-threatening in those without protection, and can lead to lung infections and inflammation of the brain. It can also damage and suppress the immune system, meaning children can be more vulnerable to becoming ill, according to the NHS. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Measles outbreaks around the world, including in the U.S., have health officials urging parents to get their children vaccinated against the virus and coaching doctors and nurses to recognize the infection to hasten treatment and arrest spread. Measles highly contagious, hard to recognize Because robust vaccination programs technically eliminated measles in the U.S. by 2000, many people have never seen a case, said Dr. David J. Weber, medical director at the Department of Infection Prevention and associate chief medical officer at UNC Medical Center. It can be hard to recognize a disease you havent seen, so it wouldnt surprise me if some people dont realize right away theyre looking at a case of measles, Weber said. Between Dec. 1, 2023 and Jan. 23, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control says it has been notified of 23 confirmed cases of measles across the country. The agency said seven of those were direct importations by international travelers, meaning those patients picked up the virus outside the U.S. and came back with it. It also includes two outbreaks of more than five cases each, the CDC said, and most of those were unvaccinated children or adolescents. Weber said measles is one of the most highly contagious viruses known, three to four times more contagious than SARS, which resulted in a global epidemic in 2003-2004. Where a person with SARS might infect two to four other people, Weber said, a person with measles will infect 15 to 18. If a person with measles presents at a hospital emergency department, Weber said, two hours after they leave, its still possible for someone who enters the room to get measles. Measles has been eradicated from the U.S. but still appears here as travelers bring the virus back from international travel and then spread it within their community. Its highly contagious. How serious are measles cases? Measles is airborne, and the illness can lead to severe complications, and one to three people in 1,000 who get the measles die. Complications can include: ear infections diarrhea pneumonia and other respiratory infections encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which can cause brain damage Weber, who remembers treating measles patients, said, We dont want to go back to that. Before a vaccine was developed, the CDC says measles was nearly a rite of passage for children, with more than 90% getting the virus by age 15. Its still common and often fatal in developing countries; the World Health Organization estimates there were 128,000 deaths from measles around the globe in 2021, mostly among unvaccinated children under age 5. In the U.S., the most recent significant outbreaks were in 2014 and 2019. Recently, health officials in Philadelphia have confirmed an outbreak of 9 cases there and here have been cases in Washington and other places. The rash is the best-known symptom of measles, but the patients first develop a fever, cough and runny nose, not unlike the flu. What are the symptoms of measles? While its most known for the rash that first appears on the face and neck and then spreads to the rest of the body, measles actually starts with a fever that lasts for a couple of days. Thats followed a cough, a runny nose and conjunctivitis, or pink eye. The rash doesnt show up until several days into an infection, but the patient is infectious four days before the rash appears, and for four days after. The incubation period for the virus is about 11 days from the time of exposure, the CDC says. Measles vaccine is 99% effective, required for school The best way to prevent measles, health officials say, is with a vaccine. In the U.S. thats typically through one that combines the measles vaccine with ones that also protect against mumps and rubella. Dr. Michael Smith, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Duke University, said the two-shot vaccine is safe and 99% effective against the measles., even for people who were vaccinated half a century ago. If youre vaccinated, youre protected, Smith said. This is a disease that picks out unvaccinated children. All states require children get vaccinated unless they have: a medical reason a strong religious or personal objection Because of how infectious the measles virus is, epidemiologists say a 95% vaccination rate is the target for community protection. That vaccination rate protects those who arent able to get the vaccine because of immune disorders or other medical issues such as ongoing cancer treatment. Preschools, after-school programs, public and private schools and universities all check immunization records before admitting students. How to get a measles vaccination Childhood vaccinations are considered an entitlement in the U.S., and those who cant afford the shots or dont have insurance can arrange immunization through their county health departments. You can find phone numbers and links to all of North Carolinas county health departments at ncdhhs.gov/LHD. How a French family found their ancestors painting at UNC 80 years after Nazis sold it Its been almost 2 years since it snowed in Raleigh. Could it still happen this winter? Russia's largest cities, Moscow and Saint Petersburg, will be particularly impacted by the population decrease predicted to occur in Russia over the next 20 years, the Russian state-controlled media outlet RBC wrote on Jan. 30, citing data from Russia's Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat). Russia's population is projected to decline by some 7 million over the next two decades, largely reflecting an aging population. Rosstat estimated in October 2023 that Russia's population would drop to 138.77 million by 2046, down from 146.45 million in 2021, a figure that included 2.5 million people in illegally occupied Crimea. RBC's estimations do not include those who live in the four partially occupied oblasts of Ukraine that Russia illegally annexed in September 2022. Moscow and Saint Petersburg are projected to lose more than almost 700,000 and close to 467,000 people over the next two decades, respectively. At the same time, the expected inflow of migrants will likely mean that the cities' total populations will remain similar. Life expectancy is projected to rise to 83 years for women and 75 years for men in 2045. As the population shrinks and those at pension age increasingly become a larger percentage of the country, it will likely stretch the state's capacity to provide for its population. The low birth rate, with around 1.14 million newborns projected in 2027, will not be enough to offset the aging population. Rosstat's projection also predicted an increase of almost 5 million immigrants by 2046, roughly 200,000 per year. The grim forecast does not mention the impact of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, which has caused hundreds of thousands of losses, according to Ukraine's General Staff, as well as instigating a mass exodus of perhaps close to a million Russians from the country. Some regions of Russia, particularly the North Caucasus, are expected to see a higher-than-average birth rate, with Chechnya's and Dagestan's populations projected to increase by some 600,000 and 500,000, respectively. These predicted changes would likely alter Russia's demographic makeup, decreasing the share of ethnic Russians. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kyiv denies Russia captured village in Kharkiv Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Senior CPC official meets guests from Singapore, Rwanda Xinhua) 11:23, January 30, 2024 BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Monday met separately with guests from Singapore and Rwanda in Beijing. Liu met with Sim Ann, Deputy Party Whip and Chair of the Women's Wing of the People's Action Party, Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Development, Singapore. He also met with a delegation led by Wellars Gasamagera, secretary general of the Rwandan Patriotic Front. Liu exchanged views with the guests on strengthening inter-party exchanges and promoting bilateral relations. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Brazilian law enforcement personnel raided former President Jair Bolsonaro's villa in relation to alleged spying conducted by his son on political opponents. The Monday raid included properties linked to Carlon Bolsonaro, who is a Rio de Janeiro city councilor who is already facing a Supreme Court investigation. That particular probe is for allegedly running a fake news factory from within the presidential palace. Jair Bolsonaro Villa Raid The former Brazilian president's son has denied any wrongdoing and did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the raid on Monday. The police operation was ordered by the top court's Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The search of the younger Bolsonaro's properties marks a sharp escalation in the fast-moving illegal spying probe. It also shows how the investigation into the crime has already reached the former president's inner circle. Bolsonaro, who has already been ruled politically ineligible until 2030 in relation to his conduct during his unsuccessful re-election run in 2022, faces multiple legal challenges that could land him in prison, as per Reuters. A spokeswoman for the Bolsonaro family, Fabio Wajngarten, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Bolsonaro and his sons were not present at their beach house during the police raid. They were allegedly gone for a fishing trip and left early in the morning before police showed up to search the property. Wasjngarten also denied reports that police seized a mobile phone and laptops that belonged to the younger Bolsonaro who is part of the investigation. The federal police are looking into accusations of illegal monitoring of citizens by the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin) during the former president's 2019 to 2022 term. Law enforcement authorities served eight warrants on Monday in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, and two other cities. They were to identify the "main recipients and beneficiaries of information illegally produced by Abin through clandestine actions." Read Also: IDF Demolishes Gaza Cemetery Used by Hamas as Military Cover Alleged Spying on Political Opponents The former Brazilian president has been staying at the raided villa along with his three sons, who all have roles in the country's political world. The other two are Eduardo and Flavio Bolsonaro, according to The Guardian. Furthermore, Bolsonaro's former intelligence chief, Alexandre Ramagem, was the one who ran Abin during the former president's reign. He also had his home and offices searched by law enforcement personnel last Thursday as part of the criminal case. One of the accusations against Ramagem is that when he was running Abin, he was involved in a "criminal organization" that used Israeli spyware to track Bolsonaro's political opponents. Law enforcement officials also suspect that intelligence material was produced by members of a "parallel" intelligence agency in order to benefit members of the Bolsonaro clan. Police statements and Supreme Court documents showed that law enforcement authorities were probing the so-called "organized crime" group that operated during Bolsonaro's presidency. The group is believed to have tried to interfere with ongoing police investigations. The statement on Monday released by police noted that the latest operation was trying to advance the political side of the investigation. It was to figure out exactly who the illegally produced information would support, said Fox News. Related Article: NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg in Washington To Join American Leaders in Discussing Western Support for Ukraine Russia may be retooling aspects of its air defense system amid continued Ukrainian drone strikes within Russia, the Institute for the Study of War reported in its daily assessment on Jan. 29. Russian state media Kommersant reported earlier today that the Russian Ministry of Digital Development ordered local authorities in Novgorod, Leningrad, and Pskov oblasts to block 4G LTE internet connection until June 30 so Russian officials can "fine-tune" anti-drone and air defense systems. According to ISW, Novgorod, Pskov, and Leningrad oblasts announced disruptions to 4G LTE internet services between Jan. 25 and Jan. 30, possibly associated with technical adjustments to the "radio frequency spectrum." Kommersant also reportedly stated that Voronezh Oblast is implementing similar changes that have been "planned at the federal level" and that many other Russian federal subjects are potentially pursuing these efforts. Drone attacks inside Russian territory have increased in frequency over recent months. A Dec. 30 strike on Belgorod, located about 40 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, reportedly killed 25 people and injured over 100. Officials in Belogorod claimed Ukrainian forces launched the attack, however, Ukraine did not claim responsibility. Earlier this month, Novatek's gas-condensate plant caught fire at the port of Ust-Luga in Russia's Leningrad Oblast following a possible coordinated effort by Ukraine to strike key targets deep inside Russian territory. The Russian Defense Ministry also accused Ukraine of launching multiple drone attacks over Tula, Smolensk, and Oryol that same night. Similarly, the Russian city of Voronezh declared a state of emergency on Jan. 16 following an overnight drone attack. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kyiv denies Russia captured village in Kharkiv Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Philippines and Vietnam have solidified their commitment to regional stability by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on incident prevention and management in the South China Sea. The agreement, made during a state visit by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Hanoi on Tuesday, aims to enhance cooperation between the two nations' coastguards, with a specific focus on preventing untoward incidents in the strategically vital waterway. Agreement on Maritime Cooperation This agreement gains prominence against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the South China Sea, driven by China's assertive actions in the region. The Philippines and Vietnam, both with competing claims in the disputed waters, have joined forces to strengthen their ties and address shared concerns. The Understanding of Incident Prevention and Management in the South China Sea, a pivotal component of the bilateral agreements, underscores the commitment to promote trust, confidence, and understanding. This commitment extends not only bilaterally but also within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and with other dialogue partners. One of the notable aspects of the agreements is the establishment of a hotline communication mechanism between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG). This mechanism, set to be implemented under a separate MOU on maritime cooperation, aims to strengthen mutual trust and understanding by facilitating real-time communication between the two coastguard agencies. Additionally, a Joint Coast Guard Committee will be formed to address common issues and interests, fostering a collaborative approach to maritime challenges. Read Also: South China Sea Dispute: Philippines Denies China's 'Provoking Claims,' Condemns Beijing's Behavior Rice Trade Agreement Simultaneously, the Philippines and Vietnam have expanded their cooperation beyond maritime affairs. The signing ceremony witnessed the inking of several agreements, highlighting the diverse areas of collaboration between the two nations. Among these, the MOUs on rice trade cooperation and cooperation in agriculture and related fields stand out. The MOU on Rice Trade Cooperation establishes a detailed framework for collaboration to ensure a sustainable food supply amid challenges such as climate change and pandemics. Vietnam has committed to a five-year trade agreement, supplying the Philippine private sector with 1.5 million to 2 million metric tons of white rice annually at a competitive and affordable price. In parallel, the MOU on Cooperation in Agriculture and Related Fields aims to intensify collaboration between the Philippines and Vietnam in various agricultural domains. This agreement outlines 19 areas of cooperation, ranging from high-value crops and livestock to aquaculture and smart agriculture technologies. Marcos emphasized the significance of these agreements during his bilateral meeting with Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong. He highlighted that while maritime cooperation forms the foundation of their strategic partnership, the collaboration extends to defense, trade, agriculture, and culture. Related Article: Philippines' Marcos Hoping for Maritime Cooperation With Vietnam During State Visit The matriarchy: the Princess Royal, the Queen and the Duchess of Edinburgh - Chris Jackson/Kirsty Wigglesworth/Getty Images/Reuters/ With the King temporarily out of action and the Princess of Wales laid up recovering from surgery, there was only one thing for it. The women of Windsor, as ever, have stepped up to the plate. The Queen, Princess Royal and Duchess of Edinburgh are to hold the fort for the coming week as the only senior members of the Royal family on public engagements. The Queen will be out and about every day on visits, the details of which will be kept under wraps until her arrival for security reasons. Princess Anne, whose reputation as the hardest-working member of the Royal family precedes her, is doing two or three engagements on most days, travelling from London to Moray in Scotland, to Cardiff in Wales and then Wiltshire, Nottingham and back again. The Princess Royal at the opening of the Reaseheath Equestrian College on Tuesday - Chris Jackson Close to her home in Windsor, the Duchess of Edinburgh will do one engagement in Surrey. The unexpected royal matriarchy will end only on Feb 7, according to plans, when the 79-year-old Duke of Gloucester enters the fray, followed by the Duke of Edinburgh on the 8th. Prince Edward is taking a short break from public duties after his trips overseas in January to South Africa and St Helena. The King was notable for his absence at the launch of the Big Help Out on Tuesday evening, where a speech he had written was read out by Tobyn Andreae, his communications secretary, at the Royal Geographical Society. In a message signed Charles R, the King called on the nation to come together in times of hardship. In his first statement since spending three nights in the London Clinic, he described the volunteering as an opportunity to build kinder, closer communities. He said: I have long believed that one of the greatest strengths of our nation is our ability to come together and help each other through times of hardship. Throughout my life, I have been encouraged and inspired by those selfless volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to helping others, across all communities and across the full breadth of our country. He added it was wonderful to hear of the millions who took part last time, describing it as a source of great pride to my whole family that the coronation celebrated kindness and service to others. The King, who is ordinarily vying with his sister for the most engagements in a year, is expected to be out of the public eye for around a month, in line with medical advice following treatment for an enlarged prostate. Having walked out of hospital on Monday after a three-night stay, the King will be able to work from home on day-to-day tasks including his red boxes. He is also expected to host some audiences. The Princess of Wales was also discharged on Monday and is now at home in Windsor and reunited with her three children. She is not expected in public until Easter, with a long period of recuperation from abdominal surgery. She will be able to complete some of her work at home, closely following her Early Years project, but will not be making any in-person visits until at least April in a major change to the Royal calendar. The Prince of Wales is due to return to his own public engagements after taking time off to be by his wifes bedside, but only once when she is settled at home. The Queen holds a reception for the new Miniature Library collection at Windsor Castle on Tuesday - Kirsty Wigglesworth/Reuters The Duke of Sussex and Duke of York, who years ago would also have been undertaking royal duties and would have stepped in to fill the gaps left by the King and Princess, are no longer working members of the family. In 2023, the King undertook 516 engagements at home, while the Princess Royal had 410 and the Duke of Edinburgh 259. The Queen carried out 218 engagements, the Duchess of Edinburgh 179, and the Prince and Princess of Wales 175 and 134 respectively. The Princess Royal recently offered warm words about how her sister-in-law Queen Camilla had fitted into the Royal family. Ive known her a long time off and on, she said, in a documentary about the Coronation. Her understanding of her role and how much difference it makes to the King has been absolutely outstanding. This role is not something she would have been a natural for but she does it really well. And she provides that change of speed and tone which is equally important. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) The Mesa County Sheriffs Office is asking for help locating a missing adult woman. 88-year-old Ruby Kane was last seen Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the 3200 block of 32 Road in Clifton. She suffers from a cognitive deficiency which may cause confusion, as well as other medical issues that require medication. Ruby is a white female, 135 pounds and 54 tall with gray hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a red shirt and blue denim jeans. Ruby drives a green 2007 Subaru hatchback wagon bearing Colorado license plate 735-YQF. The vehicle has a luggage rack on top and a dent near the latch at the back of the vehicle. She previously resided in California and still has ties there officials say its possible she could be traveling in that direction. If you have seen Ruby Kane or know where she is, contact the Mesa County Sheriffs Office at 970-242-6707 or call 911. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. A Metropolitan police officer hit a shopkeeper after mistaking him for a vandal, a court heard. Metropolitan Police officer Jonathan Marsh, 34, was called to a shop in Atlanta Boulevard, Romford, east London, on November 13 2022 by the shop worker, who said someone was damaging his shop sign. Marsh and a colleague tried to find the suspect, but then mistakenly identified the shopkeeper as the culprit and bundled him to the ground, with Marsh then punching him in the back of the head. The shopkeeper was handcuffed and put in the back of a police car before the officers realised their mistake and de-arrested him. He complained to the Met, and the force referred the case to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to investigate. Marsh, from Canvey Island in Essex, was found guilty of common assault at City of London Magistrates Court on Monday and will be sentenced on February 29. Unnecessary force IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin said: Police officers may only use force when necessary, proportionate, and reasonable in the circumstances. There was no policing purpose or justification for the officer to strike the man, who posed no genuine risk. The shopkeeper was a law-abiding member of the public who had called the police to report a crime when he became a victim of mistaken identity. We appreciate cases of mistaken identity can happen, however, Pc Marsh made no attempt to establish the facts and the situation escalated quickly when he immediately used unnecessary force on the man who posed no threat to him or his colleague. Now Pc Marsh has a conviction against his name. The Met Police said its internal misconduct process would now begin and that Marsh remained on restricted duties. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. A metro Atlanta mother said she shipped her 15-year-old sons ashes from a local UPS store to a family member, but the package never made it. Channel 2s Tom Regan was in Hiram Tuesday, where Tangenika Lee said that now, it feels like shes lost her son all over again. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Deontray died of a fentanyl overdose in 2020. In early January, she sent his ashes to her sister, who makes customized cremation urns, in Connecticut. Weeks passed and the ashes never arrived. They were supposed to be at her sisters house by January 10. TRENDING STORIES: Lee said corporate customer service sent her a $135 check to compensate her for the lost ashes. Its a check she said she refuses to cash. Lee said she shipped the ashes from the UPS store in Hiram along with some gifts. She told employees what was in the wooden box. When the ashes failed to arrive, she went back to ask what happened. She said the police also were there. They went back into the store and they pulled cameras from January 8th, and they told me that the package had actually left their facility, there was nothing they could do about it, Lee said. I just lost it, started crying. Lee said the ashes were last tracked to a distribution center in Connecticut. She said she plans to go there herself to look for her sons remains. I cremated him so he could be right here with me, and travel and do things together, Lee said. And he aint here. UPS reached out to Regan and said that with the time constraints we had to investigate, we found the content of the package was declared by the customer as clothes. UPS does not accept shipments of human remains. We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and our heartfelt thoughts are with them during this time. Unfortunately, the package was lost. IN OTHER NEWS: Miamis racial gerrymandering trial ended Tuesday with a federal judge saying some of the most striking evidence in the case was presented 10 months ago, the same evidence that previously led him to throw out the citys voting map. At public meetings in early 2022, multiple city commissioners clearly stated their goal was to preserve the racial and ethnic makeup of the five-person board: three Hispanic commissioners, one Black commissioner and one non-Hispanic commissioner. The comments could tee up another legal victory for the group of community organizations and citizens who together sued the city in December 2022, accusing commissioners of passing a voting map that year that was unconstitutional. If the judge finds the city liable for approving a racially gerrymandered voting map, another new map would be drawn, and many city voters could see their districts changed. On Monday, the citys outside attorneys spent most of the day questioning plaintiffs about whether they lived inside city limits. On Tuesday, both sides presented expert witnesses who ran through thick statistical analyses and explained Miamis demographics. When testimony concluded Tuesday afternoon, U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore told attorneys for both sides that the words uttered by commissioners during the citys redistricting hearings in early 2022 still loom large as he weighs a decision in a case that could redefine Miamis political battle lines and deal another blow to a City Hall already bruised by scandal. The problem that I have been confronted with in this was not so much the statistical or circumstantial evidence that weve heard a lot about in the past two days, Moore said Tuesday afternoon. It was the direct evidence in those commission hearings that were well familiar with. Back in 2022, Commissioner Joe Carollo said the point of creating single-member districts a process he participated in was to ensure there would be an African American sitting in this commission and there would be an Anglo and that there were three Hispanic districts. At one point, Commissioner Manolo Reyes said yes, we are gerrymandering to preserve those seats, referencing the racial and ethnic makeup of Miamis five-person City Commission. Then-commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla echoed his colleagues during those hearings. Moore referenced some of those comments in court Tuesday as he suggested it will be hard to look past commissioners words. After that, its really hard to get around the conclusion that race was part of the conversation, the judge said. Moore already cited the commissioners comments last year when he invalided the 2022 map and forced the city to draw a temporary map for the November election. On Tuesday, he noted that the updated map is similar to the one he tossed last May, signaling that the city might need to prepare for another round at the drawing board. Although it will probably be weeks before the judge issues a ruling, discussion in court suggested the city and the plaintiffs could reach a settlement before then. Before the short trial, Miami commissioners instructed the citys legal team to hash out a settlement. Attorneys for the city said they will have a chance to discuss a settlement with commissioners on Feb. 8 during the next city commission meeting. The plaintiffs legal team, led by attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union and Dechert LLP, has argued that if the plaintiffs win the case, the city should hold elections in all five commission districts this year. During the closing discussion with the judge, the plaintiffs attorneys seemed open to another possible resolution, where both sides would collaborate on a new map that would trigger elections in all five districts in 2025, coinciding with a regularly scheduled citywide mayoral election as Mayor Francis Suarez hits his term limit next year. After the trial ended, a pastor representing one of the community groups in the lawsuit said in a statement that he believes the citys leadership ignored the voices of voters and egregiously disregarded federal and state law. It is our hope and prayer that this trial will result in a mighty flood of justice and an endless river of righteousness in the City of Miami, said Rev. Nathaniel Robinson III, board member of Grove Rights and Community Equity (GRACE). Amid a flurry of financial scandals and an ongoing federal lawsuit that threatens to overturn the citys voting map, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez on Tuesday announced a proposal for an independent auditor to ensure elected officials are free of conflicts, re-upped the possibility of increasing the mayors powers and suggested the city could eliminate voting districts altogether. No government is perfect, the mayor said during his annual State of the City address Tuesday morning. But our record is strong and historic. And whenever we can improve and innovate, we must and we will. Suarez announced a series of proposals that he plans to advance or support through the citys up-and-coming Charter Review Committee, recommendations that could eventually land on the ballot. The mayor said he would support increasing the number of voting districts in the city from five to seven, either by redrawing the maps or by making the commissioners at-large, meaning they would be chosen by all city voters and serve the whole city rather than a particular area. He also proposed moving election dates to even-numbered years to increase voter participation and floated the idea of hiring an independent auditor to review officials financial disclosures for potential conflicts of interest to help avoid appearances of impropriety. Public office is a public trust, Suarez said. READ MORE: Miami mayor pushed for no-bid city contract benefiting his private employers partner He also re-upped a proposal to make Miamis mayor the citys top administrator, with control over the municipal governments day-to-day operations. He has pushed for a strong mayor form of government since his time as a commissioner, with his most recent attempt in 2018 failing when voters resoundingly rejected the referendum. Whether Suarezs proposals will gain traction among the commissioners remains to be seen. Recently elected City Commissioner Damian Pardo, who ran on a platform of reform, told the Miami Herald he was very happy that Suarez was embracing the kind of change that several of us on the commission have been moving forward. Pardo said the host of reforms are better discussed as a package by the forthcoming Charter Review Committee, rather than one-by-one. Among the items that piqued Pardos interest: stronger rules around elected officials outside employment. Weve talked about guardrails, Pardo said. Thats exactly the kind of thing we need to have in the city of Miami. Pardo referenced a story the Herald published Tuesday morning about how Suarez last year pushed for a no-bid city contract that would have benefited his private employers partner, saying the mayors situation is exactly what were trying to prevent in the future. Suarez has not responded to the Heralds requests for comment on the matter, and he declined to answer Herald reporters questions at Tuesdays event. READ MORE: After touting transparency, Miami mayor declines to discuss side jobs, alleged conflicts City of Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez and his wife, Gloria Fonts Suarez, react after the mayors 2024 State of the City address, where he recapped the citys accomplishments in 2023 and shared his vision for this year. Homelessness, housing and crime in Miami Aside from his ideas for reform, the mayors speech focused on two major areas: reducing crime and reducing homelessness. At the City Commissions next meeting on Feb. 8, Suarez said commissioners will discuss how to expand the existing capacity to serve more homeless individuals. He noted that homelessness both in Miami and nationwide is tied to a broader mental health crisis. Suarez said that in 2023, the city moved 104 unsheltered homeless people into a shelter, decreasing the unsheltered population from 640 people to 536. He added that the regions unprecedented investment boom has contributed to a housing shortage and that the city will need to increase its housing supply to reduce homelessness. Suarez also touted 2023 crime statistics, saying the city last year recorded the lowest per-capita number of homicides since it started tracking them in 1947. 2023 will go down in history as the safest year in the city of Miami, Police Chief Manny Morales said in a prerecorded video played at Tuesdays event. City of Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez talks with Stephanie Severino, his director of communications, after the mayors 2024 State of the City address at an event at Camillus House on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. California authorities believe that a desert "marijuana transaction" is what led to the fatal shooting of six men who were found in a remote area of the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said on Monday that five individuals have already been arrested in relation to the mysterious murder case. The suspects that were taken into custody were all male and ranged in age from 26 to 34 years. They could face homicide charges in relation to the crime. Marijuana-Related Murder In a statement during a news conference on Monday evening, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Sgt. Michael Warrick said that they are confident that the matter appears to be a dispute over marijuana. The department said that it first received a 911 call regarding the shooting at 8:16 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2024. The report was made by a man identified as Franklin Noel Bonilla, who said that he had been shot, as per the San Francisco Gate. Deputies then tracked the call to an unincorporated area of Adelanto at the crossroads of Lessing Avenue and Shadow Mountain Road. The area where they went to is located 90 miles northeast of Los Angeles. They later found five people deceased at the scene, two of whom were identified as 34-year-old Baldemar Mondragon-Albarran of Adelanto and 25-year-old Kevin Dariel Bonilla of Hesperia. Near the two bodies, deputies found 22-year-old Franklin of Hesperia, who was also dead. The three other deceased were not publicly identified by authorities. Afterward, detectives arrived at the scene and determined that all six individuals had gunshot wounds, while four of them had burn injuries. A news release noted that through extensive investigation, it was determined that the victims had arranged to meet at the area for a marijuana transaction. While officials said that the scene showed a "level of violence" that was reminiscent of a drug cartel, investigators could not immediately confirm that cartels were involved. On top of the five arrests, authorities were also able to seize eight firearms, according to AOL. Read Also: Iranian Man, 2 Canadians Face Charges in US for Plotting To Kill Refugees Arresting Suspects This came after deputies served search warrants on Sunday in the Adelanto and Apple Valley areas of San Bernardino County and the Pinyon Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles County. Officials noted that they believe that all of the suspects in the case are already in custody. The crime comes as California voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2016 and the state has since become the largest legal cannabis marketplace in the world. Now, there are billions in annual sales related to the product. However, the illegal market continues to thrive due to a variety of factors. San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said that from the moment they started the investigation, they received strong leads. After he was briefed, he was confident that they were able to apprehend the subjects involved in the crime. The sheriff added that dumped bodies connected to illegal marijuana growing was not new to the region. He said that the recent incident was not an "anomaly," Dicus noted that the unique thing about the crime was the number of people who were murdered, said the New York Times. Related Article: Missing Kentucky 5-Year-Old Found Safe; Father in Custody for Alleged Murder of Child's Mother By Stephen Nellis, Yuvraj Malik and Anna Tong (Reuters) -Microsoft beat market estimates for quarterly profit and revenue on Tuesday, as new artificial-intelligence features helped attract customers to its Azure cloud service as they built out their own AI services. But Microsoft shares were down 1% after-hours as investors absorbed news about rising costs to develop these AI features. The company forecast operating expenses of $15.8 billion to $15.9 billion in the current quarter, up from $15.4 billion in the previous one. It also said it expects capital expenditures to "increase materially" on a sequential basis. Microsoft, in collaboration with ChatGPT creator OpenAI, has pushed chatbots into its core products such as its Office software and Bing search engine over the past year, attracting business customers eager to try the tech industry's next breakthrough. Investor buzz over AI helped Microsoft's shares rise by 57% in 2023. But this has also increased Microsoft's costs, and investors are watching growth in its Azure and Office business closely to see if that keeps up with the massive investments it plans to pour into data centers this year to deliver generative AI. "We've moved from talking about AI to applying AI at scale," CEO Satya Nadella said in a statement. "By infusing AI across every layer of our tech stack, we're winning new customers and helping drive new benefits and productivity gains across every sector." Brett Iversen, Microsoft's vice president for investor relations, told Reuters that 6 percentage points of the growth rate of cloud-computing platform Azure in the second quarter was attributable to AI. That is double the 3 percentage points in the first quarter. There are now 53,000 Azure AI customers, a third of whom were new to the service in the past 12 months, Nadella told analysts on a conference call. "Overall, we are seeing larger and more strategic Azure deals with an increase in the number of billion dollar plus Azure commitments," he said, without giving a time frame. Total revenue grew 18% to $62 billion in the quarter ended Dec. 31, compared with the average analyst estimate of $61.12 billion, according to LSEG data. Adjusted profit of $2.93 per share beat an average estimate of $2.78 per share. Revenue at Microsoft's Intelligent Cloud unit, which houses the Azure cloud computing platform, grew 20% to $25.9 billion. Sales of Azure grew 30% - its best growth rate in four quarters - compared with a 27.7% consensus estimate from Visible Alpha, and outstripping a 25.7% growth in Google Cloud. Sales at Microsoft's More Personal Computing segment, which includes its Windows operating system and gaming business, grew 19% to $16.9 billion, powered in part by the close of its $69 billion purchase of "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard. Analysts had expected $16.8 billion. Microsoft's Productivity and Business Process segment, which contains the LinkedIn social network in addition to Office sales, reported that sales rose 13% to $19.2 billion, just beating estimates. "The software giant has delivered a healthy set of results, but not in a strong enough dose to appease the market," said Sophie Lund-Yates, lead equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. AI-related companies lost $190 billion in stock market value late on Tuesday after Microsoft, Alphabet and Advanced Micro Devices delivered quarterly results that failed to impress investors who have sent their stocks soaring. AI-POWERED SURGE While analysts have said that any meaningful gains from AI may not come before next year, investors have rewarded the company's push into AI and strategic partnership with Silicon Valley startup OpenAI. In November, Microsoft started selling Copilot, an AI assistant that can summarize an email inbox or craft a slide show, for $30 per month, which analysts say is a premium price. Early sales of the product showed up in the firm's commercial sales of Office software, where revenue grew 17%, compared with analyst expectations of commercial Office sales growth of 14.2%, according to data from Visible Alpha. Microsoft does not provide an absolute dollar figure for the sales. Microsoft's Iversen said on Tuesday that Office's commercial offerings, where Copilot is being sold, now stand at 400 million paid seats, up from 382 million in April 2023. The company's capital expenditures grew by $300 million from the previous quarter to $11.5 billion, putting the company on track to spend more than $46 billion this fiscal year. "That's a sign of the customer demand that we're seeing," Iversen said. Microsoft's stock surge has helped it topple Apple as the world's most valuable listed company in the past few trading sessions. That was undented by a power struggle within OpenAI that highlighted the software giant's lack of direct control over its important partner. Microsoft also faces some legal and regulatory challenges. (Reporting by Yuvraj Malik in Bengaluru and Anna Tong and Stephen Nellis in San FranciscoEditing by Krishna Chandra Eluri, Sayantani Ghosh and Matthew Lewis) RAF Wethersfield will continue to house hundreds of migrants under the plans - David Rose Ministers are preparing for the migrant crisis to last at least another three years, with plans to retain a former RAF base to house asylum seekers until 2027. The Home Office is proposing to continue to use the RAF Wethersfield site, in Essex, as an accommodation centre for up to 1,700 migrants who are expected to enter the UK illegally during the period. The site, near Braintree, has been used to house hundreds of Channel migrants, but its planning permission is due to run out in April, forcing the Home Office to seek a special development order (SDO) to retain it for another three years. The former base is in the constituency of James Cleverly, who previously expressed concerns that it was an inappropriate location for asylum seekers because of the lack of a proper road infrastructure and its location in the middle of nowhere. The move came as Mr Cleverly, the Home Secretary, announced that the UK and France would go further and faster under their 480 million deal to stop the boats. In a meeting in Paris with Gerald Darmanin, his French counterpart, the pair agreed to bring forward the deployment of extra aerial surveillance, including drones and planes, to give unprecedented capability to quickly spot small boats. Legal constraints have prevented the French authorities deploying aerial surveillance of its coastline since the small boats crisis began in 2018 but they have now agreed to deploy drones regularly for the first time over the north coast of France to detect migrant movements. Mr Cleverly also endorsed a new commitment to greater intelligence sharing in order to disrupt the supply of small boats and lifebelts, and welcomed work by French law enforcement that saw the number of small boat migrants reaching the UK fall by 36 per cent in 2023 compared with the previous year. Wethersfield is one of three mass accommodation sites designed to reduce the 6 million a day cost of housing some 50,000 migrants, amid a backlog of around 100,000 asylum seekers applications waiting to be decided. The migrants are free to come and go from the site, with buses laid on to local towns. However, the plan to extend the use of Wethersfield as an asylum centre is being opposed by residents and Braintree district council, which claims it runs against the spirit of national planning policy. To retain the site, the Home Office is using an SDO, a form of secondary legislation that grants permission for specific developments in a particular area. The Government had deployed Q powers to use the base as an asylum centre. These permit indefinite developments on Crown land without local authority planning approval if they are needed to prevent, reduce, control or mitigate the effects of an emergency, in this case the migrant crisis. Graham Butland, leader of Braintree council, said: Theyve bypassed us as the local planning authority, as well as local residents, on the opportunity to engage and express their views, which runs against the spirit of national planning policy. The council is appealing against a High Court judgment that the Home Office acted lawfully in its decision to use Wethersfield to accommodate 1,700 asylum seekers. Put an end to this madness Wethersfield has also been identified as a potential site by the Ministry of Justice for two mega-prisons, and it is being considered as a potential location for a detention centre for migrants. Alan MacKenzie, the chairman of the Fields Association, which represents residents, said: It sounds like the Government is trying to develop a small city in the middle of remote rural Essex. We are calling on Michael Gove [the planning minister] to consider the cumulative impact of all of these proposals and to put an end to this madness. Braintree council has shared its view with the Home Office that its aim to seek planning permission for its asylum accommodation centre at Wethersfield airbase via an SDO runs against the spirit of national planning policy. A Home Office spokesman said: Delivering accommodation on surplus military sites provides more orderly, suitable accommodation for those arriving in small boats while reducing the use of hotels. We understand the concerns of local communities and are liaising with councils and local services to manage the impact of using these sites on a temporary basis. We remain committed to working with key partners to facilitate their visions for Wethersfield in the future. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. The firm that left flyers promoting free migrant relocation trips at a Latino church in east Orlando sparking controversy and questions among local advocates is a state contractor for Gov. Ron DeSantis highly publicized relocation initiative, records show. Leaflets in English, Spanish and Creole were placed on the doorstep of the church about a week ago from an organization calling itself My Bright Horizons. State records show My Bright Horizons is actually a fictitious name for Access Restoration Services, a Texas-based company that is one of three firms receiving a lucrative contract under the program authorizing the state to transport migrants to other states. Across Central Florida, entities ranging from churches, law enforcement and a nonprofit have received queries from the company seeking help in finding migrants to transport. Agencies reached by the Orlando Sentinel Monday said theyve ignored the inquiries. The messages, and their recipients, reveal the strategy being pursued by at least one of the state relocation contractors to recruit migrants for transport in order to get paid under the terms of its deal with the state. Records show Access Restoration Services, or ARS, has been allocated at least $20 million. As part of this program, we are coordinating with local Sheriffs Offices, Community Outreach programs and Homeless shelters to assist with the identification of eligible migrants that may be interested in voluntarily relocating outside of Florida, according to an email sent to one local church by My Bright Horizons. That message was titled Governors Migrant Transportation Program and was signed by the Customer Care Team at My Bright Horizons. A different email stated the company was an authorized vendor tasked with assisting the relocation of inspected unauthorized aliens and that it was entirely voluntary, and individuals will be treated with compassion and dignity. All volunteers will be provided shelter, food, hygiene kits, medical examinations, and basic care prior to, and during transport, it reads. It is not clear whether anyone has taken My Bright Horizon up on its offer. Access Restoration Services has been paid more than $15 million so far this fiscal year by the DeSantis administration, state records show. One payment for $747,398 is labeled as unauthorized alien transport program, and another $807,000 payment is titled illegal migration. A $13.8 million transaction is listed as Public Assistance state operations. The company also has been involved in the DeSantis administrations efforts to fly Americans home from Israel in October following an invasion by Hamas, as well as in hurricane recovery efforts. It was also paid $830,400 last year for flights taking migrants to California. ARS directed questions on its operations in Florida to the states Division of Emergency Management, which didnt respond to an emailed inquiry. The Rev. Ken Green, a senior pastor at Prince of Peace, said his church had received at least four different emails from My Bright Horizons dating back to November, and said he was disgusted when he realized what they were for. Since very few states do this, move migrants to other states as part of a program, I think of it as politicized, Green said Monday. Its just inappropriate for anyone to try to politicize churches its not what were for. Floridas migrant flights first made waves in 2022 when DeSantis sent about 50 migrants from Texas to Marthas Vineyard, rather than moving them from Florida. Then last year, the governor signed a bill creating a $10 million program for migrant relocations, which allowed Florida to move migrants from anywhere in the country. Contracts with three vendors of the program were obtained by American Oversight, a nonprofit watchdog, which show expectations are for the contractors to Develop and provide a detailed plan identifying and relocating a group of Inspected Unauthorized Aliens. Prince of Peace, at the corner of Curry Ford Road and Semoran Boulevard in Orlando, draws about 250 people every Sunday, as well as about 60 people for its Spanish-language worship, Green said. The church also offers English and citizenship classes, he said. The church is about two miles away from Iglesia Episcopal Jesus de Nazaret, the Azalea Park church that received them a week prior. There, hard copies of the flyers in English, Spanish and Creole were left at the doorstep, but the Rev. Jose Rodriguez told reporters Friday he removed them from public view before Sunday morning service began. He and U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Orlando, said at the time they were aware of at least one other church that had received them. The Orange and Seminole County Sheriffs offices each said they received similar messages as the churches, but arent working with My Bright Horizon. A homeless nonprofit also received several inquiries from the group. Green said the flyers were sent to the churchs general email inbox and werent distributed. Our main approach is people are in Orlando, we want them to feel like theyve found a home, Green said. We just deal with people as people, and people need to build to build community. _____ (Jeffrey Schweers of the Sentinel staff contributed.) _____ 2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) says it is absurd to suggest that he aims to give Donald Trump an edge in the 2024 presidential election by killing a bipartisan border deal. On Tuesday, CNNs Manu Raju asked the speaker about his opposition to the proposed Senate package and whether the former president had any input. Are you simply trying to kill this to help him [Trump] out on the campaign? Raju asked. No, Manu, thats absurd, Johnson shot back, shaking his head. We have a responsibility here to do our duty. Our duty is to do right by the American people, to protect the people, he went on. The first and most important job of the federal government is to protect its citizens. Were not doing that under President [Joe] Biden. House Speaker Mike Johnson talks at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. House Speaker Mike Johnson talks at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. Though Johnson denied the claim about seeking to boost Trumps election chances, he said that he had talked with Trump about the legislation at length. He understands that we have a responsibility to do here, the House speaker said. Trump took a hard stance against the deal during a weekend campaign event in Nevada. There, he told crowds that there was zero chance I will support this horrible, open-borders betrayal of America. The deal has not been made public, but Biden on Friday said that it would allow him to shut down the border. According to mediareports on the proposal, the legislation would give Biden the power to essentially suspend asylum between official border entry points if migrant crossings reach a certain threshold. The agreement is also said to include aid for Ukraine and Israel. Related... False rumors circulated about the supposed resignation of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, according to a statement by Mykhailo Zhyrokhov on Radio NV on Jan. 30. "It's very difficult to say anything specifically, but I will say one thing: it was not a fabrication from below, and this is not a work of PSYOP neither Russian nor ours Zhyrokhov said. It was a fabrication, if it was a fake, from the very top. Read also: Zelenskyys office denies conflict with Zaluzhnyi However, highly-placed sources personally told him that this information does have a certain basis. It is difficult to know precisely what is going on behind closed doors among the country's military and political leadership, but Zhyrokhov notes that this controversy will almost certainly affect the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Read also: Zelenskyys office denies sacking Zaluzhnyi "This will have a very, very negative impact on the [morale] of the army, he said. And in times of war, engaging in such activities is, at the very least, wrong due to the risk of reaching a critical point of demoralization." On Jan. 29, a number of Ukrainian media outlets, citing their own sources, reported Zaluzhnyi's resignation. A source in the National Security and Defense Council, speaking to NVs partner publication Ukrainska Pravda, claimed that Zaluzhnyi "was invited and offered an ambassadorial position but refused. Read also: Some in Zelenskyys party want to oust Zaluzhnyi NV interview The Ministry of Defense, responding to rumors that Zaluzhnyi and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had been fired, simply stated that "this is not true." The rumors that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had resigned Zaluzhnyi were also denied by the President's press secretary, Serhii Nykyforov. The President's Office allegedly planned to change the entire line of leaders of the security and defense forces. The post of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces may have been offered to the head of the HUR intelligence services, Kyrylo Budanov. However, HUR unofficially told NV that they have no information about such plans. 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 Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has just endorsed a deal to return to power-sharing government after a two-year political deadlock. The announcement was made by the party's leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who noted that it provided a basis for the return. He noted that it is subject to new legislation being passed in the country's parliament and a final agreement on a timetable. Northern Ireland's Political Deadlock The situation comes after the party boycotted the government at Stormont for nearly two years. However, Sir Jeffrey came face to face with criticism from some within his party who spoke against the agreement during an executive meeting. The party collapsed the Northern Irish Assembly in 2022 in protest against post-Brexit trade arrangements. Since then, the DUP has been in talks with the United Kingdom government to change the arrangements agreed in the UK-EU Windsor Framework deal. In a statement, Sir Jeffrey noted that the newly-agreed legislation with Westminster would "remove checks on goods moving within the UK and remaining in Northern Ireland, and end the latter blindly following EU laws, as per BBC. Sir Jeffrey added that there will be legislation protecting the Acts of Union, which he said guarantees unfettered access for Northern Ireland business to the rest of the UK. He added that regardless of who forms the next government in the UK, the measures will be taken as "legislative commitments." Read Also: German Elections: Far-Right AfD Loses in Regional Run-Off Amid Mass Deportation Controversy The meeting that was held on Monday night lasted more than five hours and was plagued with security issues. While the venue of the event was kept secret, senior DUP members were still confronted by protesters who held placards and called them "sell-outs." Loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson, who claimed that the meeting was beset by arguments and chaotic scenes, live-tweeted the event itself. Despite the issues, the DUP leader said that the vote had been "decisive" and that he was mandated to operate on that. Return to Power-Sharing Government Sir Jeffrey added that over the coming period, they will work alongside others in order to build a thriving Northern Ireland that is firmly within the union for this and the succeeding generations. However, he noted that the return to power-sharing was conditional on a new set of measures, that have yet to be publicly revealed, being enshrined, according to the New York Times. Many voters would most likely welcome the DUP's decision as they have been frustrated by the political deadlock. They have also been strained by the British and Irish governments, which placed pressure on the party to end the stalemate. Westminster's Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris called the latest development a "welcome and significant step." He expressed his gratitude to Sir Jeffrey and colleagues for the "constructive dialogue" over the past few months. Additionally, the deputy leader of the Alliance Party, Stephen Farry, said that Northern Ireland is now a "more hopeful and better place." In a social media post, he said that a "lot of damage" has occurred in the last two years and "much work lies ahead." He noted that the development has further highlighted the fundamental instability in the institutions. Farry added that it also reinforces the need for reform within the country, said BBC. Related Article: France: Farmers Threaten 'Quasi-Military Siege' of Paris, Major Cities as Protests Continue Russia shows no willingness to return bodies of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POW) allegedly killed in an Il-76 plane crash on Jan. 24, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) spokesperson Andrii Yusov said in a comment to Suspilne, published on Jan. 30. Russia has alleged that the Russian military aircraft that crashed in Russia's Belgorod Oblast last week was destroyed by Ukrainian forces and that it was carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners. Ukraine has called Russia's narrative into question and demanded an international investigation, which Moscow refused. Yusov reminded that, as of now, there is no evidence of the presence of the POWs on the crashed plane apart from Russia's claims. "At the moment, there is no readiness to transfer the bodies from their (Russia's) side. Nevertheless, such efforts continue from our side," Yusov told Suspilne. "If the worst possibility turns out to be true, we will do everything possible to return our defenders." Yusov noted that it was possible that the plane was carrying both prisoners and ammunition, with the POWs serving as human shields. On the day of the crash, several Ukrainian media outlets reported, citing military sources, that the aircraft was transporting S-300 missiles. "Considering that the plane was loaded only to one-third, based on their (Russian) version, other supplies may have been present, as this is the main purpose of the aircraft," the spokesperson said. Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War confirmed that a prisoner swap was planned for Jan. 24 that was meant to involve 65 Ukrainian POWs. Ukrainian officials nevertheless said that Russia provided no evidence that these prisoners were on the crashed plane. Read also: Ukrainian officials meet relatives of POWs who Russia claims were in crashed Il-76, say no evidence to confirm that Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Belarusian observers reported that between 8 and 11 January, a Chinese aircraft presumably transporting military supplies touched down in the country. The exact nature of the cargo remains undisclosed, but it is noteworthy that the plane parked in the airports VIP zone, usually reserved for the exclusive use of self-proclaimed president Aleksandr Lukashenko. Source: Independent Belarusian military monitoring media outlet Belaruski Hajun; Motolko.help Quote: "At the beginning of January, the Belaruski Hajun monitoring group recorded unusual activity by the Chinese cargo airline Air China Cargo at Minsk National Airport. Over a period of four days, the Boeing 747-400F registered B-2476 completed four round-trip flights between Urumqi (airport code ZWWW) and Minsk (UMMS)... We have reason to believe that the cargo plane transported military equipment from China to Belarus. The cargo likely bypassed customs clearance and was transshipped out of the airport immediately, as staging the freight in the usual military cargo area would have attracted additional attention with the consignment sitting out in the open." Vip apron is full Details: The specific contents of what these planes brought remain unknown for now. The flights occurred as follows: On 8 January 2024: Flight CAO1095 to Minsk, returning as flight CAO1096. On 9 January 2024: Flight CAO1097 to Minsk, returning as flight CAO1098. On 10 January 2024: Flight CAO1095 to Minsk, returning as flight CAO1096. On 11 January 2024: Flight CAO1097 to Minsk, returning as flight CAO1098. All flights arrived in Minsk at basically the same time of day, between 09:30 and 10:10 in the morning. Additionally, they all stayed in Minsk for the same period of time to unload cargo - three hours. Minsk National Airport has a dedicated freight terminal at which all cargo flights are usually parked. However, the Chinese aircraft in question, B-2476, was parked in an entirely different area. Observers say that every time the Air China Cargo 747 landed, it parked in space 1A. This spot is reserved for Belarusian government planes, including the Boeing VIP jets registered EW-001PA and EW-001PB, the self-proclaimed president Aleksandr Lukashenko's official aircraft. Additionally, VIP parking space 1A is located far away from all others, and the exit route from the area is the shortest of any in the airport, bypassing scrutiny in the freight terminal. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian forces struck a Russian radar station used in coordination with air defense systems near the village of Rozdolne in northwestern Crimea early on Jan. 30, the Ukrainian military reported. As the full-scale war has developed, military facilities and infrastructure in Russian-occupied Crimea have become increasingly vulnerable to long-range Ukrainian drone and missile strikes. Most spectacularly, separate Ukrainian strikes in September 2023, reportedly with British-made Storm Shadow missiles, destroyed a Russian landing ship, submarine, and the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol. The Ukrainian military didnt specify which weapons were used to hit the radar system on Jan. 30. Neither Moscow-installed occupation authorities in Crimea nor the Russian Defense Ministry reported on the attack near Rozdolne. Yurii Ihnat, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Air Force, said on Jan. 20 that Russias air defense was thinning out, with a sufficient capacity on Ukraine's front lines and in occupied Crimea but not on Russian soil. According to the U.K. Defense Ministrys Nov. 2 intelligence update, Ukrainian strikes had destroyed at least four Russian surface-to-air missile (SAM) launchers located in occupied territories in one week. Russia's high-tech, expensive SAM systems have reportedly suffered significant losses due to Ukraine's introduction of modern precision strike weapons onto the battlefield. In order to compensate for the losses in Ukraine, Russia was probably forced to cycle out air defense systems from other locations, such as within Russia, which could have weakened its defenses there, the ministry wrote. Read also: These are the most important Russian ships destroyed by Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Iran-backed Iraqi paramilitary group Kataib Hezbollah announced in a statement that it is suspending all military operations against American troops, according to a statement shared with local media outlets. The statement comes a day after the Pentagon blamed the group, which is designated by the U.S. as a terrorist organization, for the drone attack that killed three U.S. troops and injured over 40 others in Jordan this weekend. President Joe Biden has said the United States will respond to the attack, though the group said it wanted to suspend attacks against U.S. troops to prevent embarrassment to the Iraqi government. Iranian-backed proxies have been wreaking havoc in the Middle East ever since the Israel-Gaza war broke out in October, with proxies launching over 150 attacks against American entities in Iraq and Syria so far. The attack over the weekend in Jordan, which hit a logistics base known as Tower 22, was the first known enemy attack to have taken American lives since the war in Gaza began. Mother of U.S. Soldier Killed in Jordan Reveals Her Last Goodbye The Biden administration and other governments have sought to quell tension in the region to prevent Israels war in Gaza from spilling over into a wider war. The United States attacked several Kataib Hezbollah facilities earlier this month in response to earlier attacks. The United States has met Houthi rebels attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea with strikes against Houthi targets to degrade their tactical capabilities. Two U.S. Navy SEALS died in an operation aimed at intercepting Iranian weapons destined for the Houthi rebels earlier this month. U.S. Navy Identifies First American Troops Killed in Red Sea Crisis President Biden has met with his national security staff on multiple occasions since the Jordan drone attack to plot the next steps. As of Tuesday morning, he had decided on how to respond to the attack, according to a White House pool report. Biden has been reiterating that the United States is not seeking a broader war, even as the administration plans to retaliate for the attack in Jordan. I don't think we need a wider war in the Middle East. That's not what I'm looking for. It was not immediately clear if the Kataib Hezbollah statement would impact or change the administrations planned response. The White House did not immediately return a request for comment. The Pentagon indicated it wouldnt take the statement at face value. Actions speak louder than words, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters Tuesday. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Kyle Davis, 38, swapped living in a cave on a farm in Hawaii for living aboard a sailboat. He loved feeding himself off the farmland but was frustrated by what he called a "lack of freedom." Now he collects and sells sea glass in the Caribbean, satisfied by the constant change of scenery. Kyle Davis was living in a cave in Hawaii and still wanted more adventure out of life. The now 38-year-old planted and tended to fruits and flowers on a lava-filled corner of the Big Island while hosting rave parties and teaching volunteers how to farm. It sounds like an exciting life for anyone confined to a cubicle. But Davis got bored. So he decided to sail the seas hunting for sea glass. Davis, who calls himself Captain Ky or the Bored Pirate, said he's fulfilled by constantly staying on the move. "The cool thing about going to new places and waking up with a different view inside your window every day is that every day is different, and you're able to make new memories," he said. Davis was drawn to the idea of living off of his own land Born in California, Davis grew up in Virginia and lived there until he enlisted in the Army. At 19, he was posted at Schofield Barracks on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. After serving as a combat medic in Iraq for two and a half years, he returned to Hawaii in search of a unique place to live. "I'd always been a big Batman fan as a kid, so I always wanted to have my own cave," he said. "How cool would it be to have your own underground lair?" Davis lounging in his underground lair. Courtesy of Kyle Davis. Davis was also motivated by the idea of living off the grid and off of the land. "I just really liked having the idea of sustainability of not having to worry about anybody else taking care of you," he said. Davis found six acres of farmland with a large cave for sale on the Big Island, he said, and bought it in 2014 for about $65,000. Around the same time, he enrolled at the University of Hawaii at Hilo to study agriculture. After three and a half years of life as a farmer, Davis had cultivated the self-sufficient life he thought he always wanted: He could wake up in the morning and harvest fruit from trees he planted for breakfast. Side by side image of the view from Davis' cave and his farm in Hawaii. Courtesy of Kyle Davis. But it still felt too static, he said. "The thing about having a farm is you have to be there every day, morning and night, starting first thing in the morning when the roosters start crowing and the pigs start screaming at you for food. And you can't skip a day there are mouths to be fed," Davis said. "Your freedom is your self-sustainability on the farm, but also your lack of freedom is that same sustainability where you have to manage and take care of it at all times." Davis traded the farm life for one at sea Inspired by pirate movies this time, Davis sold his farm for about $400,000, he said, and set out on his next adventure around 2018. With the proceeds from his land sale in Hawaii, he purchased a sailboat in Maine for $120,000 with the intention of leaving all his cares ashore. "I always wanted to have the freedom to be able to go wherever you could want at a moment's notice," he said. Kyle Davis sold his six-acre property in Hawaii to sail the seas. Courtesy of Kyle Davis. He took a 10-day sailing course in Thailand to learn the ropes. For the past six years, Davis said, he's lived aboard the 50-foot sailboat about 90% of the time, with breaks on shore here and there while the boat gets repaired. His time is spent mostly in the Caribbean, sailing from beach to beach on islands including Aruba and Curacao looking for pieces of colorful sea glass to resell online . According to Davis, he's sold single pieces for hundreds of dollars. He also said he supplements his income by making videos he posts on social media. He earned about $1,000 in October from Facebook alone, for example, according to a remittance from Meta he shared with Business Insider. It's a gig that keeps him island-hopping, fulfilling his desire for ever-changing surroundings. The more colorful the sea glass the more valuable, Davis said. Courtesy of Kyle Davis. No day looks the same for Davis anymore. Once, he said, the boat's propeller fell off in the middle of the night, forcing him to grab a flashlight and hold tight to a rope while checking out the damage to make sure he didn't get swept away into the pitch-black ocean. Another time, he got struck by lightning. After all, he added, a traditional house with a yard just isn't his thing. "If every day is monotonous and kind of the same, going to work nine to five, five days a week, most of your life you can't even remember because it was always the same," he said. "Doing the same routine makes for a pretty forgettable life." Read the original article on Business Insider Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh confirmed on Tuesday, Jan. 30 that his group has received a proposal for a hostage deal with Israel, saying that it would study the details and be "open" to serious discussions as hundreds more hostages remain in Gaza for over 100 days. Sky News reported that the group would submit its response to the proposal made by US, Egyptian, Israeli, and Qatari officials "on the basis that the priority is to stop the aggression," pertaining to Israel's offensive on the strip. However, Haniyeh added, any deal would require a complete and permanent ceasefire, a prospect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet are not considering. "The movement is open to discussing any serious and practical initiatives or ideas, provided that they lead to a comprehensive cessation of aggression... lifting the siege, and achieving a serious prisoner exchange," his statement said. Senior Hamas officials have also been invited to Egypt for talks on the deal. Read Also: IDF Demolishes Gaza Cemetery Used by Hamas as Military Cover NZ, 6 Other Countries Cut UNRWA Funding Meanwhile, New Zealand, France, Austria, The Netherlands, Iceland, Romania, and Estonia have joined several other countries, including the US and UK, in suspending their funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) amid allegations that several employees were involved in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel. According to The Independent, the European Commission also said that no additional funding would be provided to UNRWA until the end of February, indirectly suggesting it would join individual nations in its boycott against the UN agency. The commission also said that upcoming funding decisions would be determined in light of the "very serious allegations" of UNRWA employees participating in the Hamas attack. However, the Spanish government announced that it would not be making "any modification" in its relations with UNRWA, with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares calling UNRWA an "indispensable" agency in mitigating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Albares also stressed that there were no more than 12 of its 30,000 employees involved in the Hamas attack. The stance was similar to that of UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, who warned that the UNRWA's operations in Gaza would collapse with the continued defunding of several nations. Related Article: Palestinian Relief Agency Employees Allegedly Participated in Hamas Assault on Southern Israel, Document Claims SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) The San Francisco Police Department is searching for a missing woman. Dorothy Lewis, 87, was last seen Sunday on the 500 block of North Point Street in San Francisco. Police say she is known to frequent Oakland and may be there currently. Lewis is described as a Black woman who is 5-foot-7, 172 pounds with long gray hair. She was last seen wearing a black top, black pants and black-and-white Nike shoes. She is considered at-risk due to a medical condition. Image from SFPD. Image from SFPD. Anyone who sees Lewis is asked to call 9-1-1 and report her location and description. Anyone who knows where she might be should call SFPDs tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. JACKSON, Miss. The Mississippi Court of Appeals on Tuesday overturned the conviction of a former Jackson police detective in the 2019 death of a man who was pulled from a vehicle while officers were searching for a pastor's killer. In acquitting Anthony Fox of culpable negligence manslaughter, a majority of the appeals court wrote that prosecutors failed to prove Fox acted in a grossly negligent manner or that the death of 62-year-old George Robinson was reasonably foreseeable under the circumstances." In August 2022, a Hinds County jury convicted Fox, and Circuit Judge Adrienne Wooten sentenced him to five years in prison a 20-year sentence with 15 suspended. More: 3 police officers charged with second-degree murder in death of George Robinson in Jackson Anthony Fox An indictment accused Fox of pulling Robinson from a car on Jan. 13, 2019, and striking him in the head and chest as police were searching for a juvenile who was a suspect in the killing of a pastor. Robinson died in a hospital two days later. An autopsy report listed Robinson's death as a homicide caused by at least three blunt injuries to the head, according to court records. A medical examiner, Dr. Mark LeVaughn, testified that an autopsy conducted by another physician showed abrasions on Robinson's face but no evidence of traumatic injury to the chest," according to court records. George Robinson Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch filed papers last year asking the appeals court to overturn Fox's conviction. She argued that prosecutors failed to prove the core element of culpable negligence manslaughter, which is wanton disregard of, or utter indifference to, the safety of human life. Robinson received a small, superficial abrasion on his forehead but had no other visible injuries from the struggle with officers, Fitch wrote. The Hinds County District Attorneys Office said it could find no other case in which the attorney general, who represents the state in criminal appeals, argued to reverse a conviction. In a dissenting opinion Tuesday, Appeals Court Judge John Emfinger wrote it was clear that Fox and another officer forcibly removed Robinson from a vehicle and that Robinson's head hit the asphalt roadway as officers were restricting his hands. Based on the evidence presented and the jury instructions given, I find the evidence was legally sufficient for twelve reasonable, fair-minded (jurors), in the exercise of impartial judgment to find Fox guilty of culpable-negligence manslaughter, Emfinger wrote. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Former Jackson police officer conviction overturned in 2019 death After the head of Mississippi Medicaid said his agency needed more time to research a policy that would make it easier for poor moms to receive timely health care, a medical advisory board said it would meet in January to decide whether to recommend that the Legislature establish it. However, with just a few days left this month, the committee has not met. And documents show the board and agency have been aware of the policy, presumptive eligibility for pregnant women, for months if not years. Drew Snyder, executive director of the Mississippi Division of Medicaid, gives an agency update to members of the House Medicaid Committee at the state Capitol, Jan. 23, 2019, in Jackson. The state Medicaid director, Drew Snyder, and CEO of Memorial Health System, Kent Nicaud, thwarted efforts at the Mississippi Medical Care Advisory Committees December meeting to make a decision on recommending pregnancy presumptive eligibility. Pregnancy presumptive eligibility allows people to receive health care when theyre pregnant, even if theyre not on Medicaid because its presumed that they qualify. It makes receiving timely health care easier, which is an important part of safe pregnancies and deliveries. In Mississippi, most births are covered by Medicaid. According to Mississippi Medicaid, a person can qualify by attesting they are pregnant, but many doctors and expecting people are under the impression a pregnancy test from a health care provider is required to be covered. Some doctors wont see patients without health insurance, and for those people who can get appointments with Medicaid coverage, they have to pay out-of-pocket until their Medicaid application is approved. The Mississippi Medical Care Advisory Committee, composed of 11 people appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House, advises the Division of Medicaid. The Mississippi Division of Medicaid is located in the Walter Sillers Building in Jackson. Though lawmakers say they will move forward on pregnancy presumptive eligibility regardless of any bureaucratic impasse, the committee is influential. Last year, its recommendation to the Legislature to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage was instrumental in its passage. At the December meeting, two doctors presented research showing that presumptive eligibility for pregnant women would positively impact perinatal health in Mississippi. The latest maternal mortality report shows Mississippi is still one of the most dangerous places in the country to give birth, and one of just three states that has neither expanded Medicaid nor established presumptive eligibility for pregnant women. Research shows that preterm births are less likely for low-income people when they live in a state with presumptive eligibility and expanded Medicaid. However, Snyder, a lawyer reappointed to his position by Gov. Tate Reeves, suggested at the meeting that his agency needed more time to research the policy. Nicaud, one of Reeves top donors, then pushed for a January meeting to discuss presumptive eligibility. Twenty minutes of discussion from two presenters is not enough on this complex issue, Snyder said at the meeting. But documents show that the Division of Medicaid has had ample time to research presumptive eligibility for pregnant women. Rep. Missy McGee, R-Hattiesburg, emailed officials from the board and Medicaid on August 31, 2023, a records request revealed. I have come to believe presumptive eligibility would be very beneficial for health outcomes for both expectant mothers and babies in our State, she wrote. I am contacting you today to request the Medical Advisory Board for Medicaid offer an opinion on this issue and to ask you to add this to your agenda in a coming meeting. Your opinion would be very helpful as we begin preparations for the 2024 legislative session. The board has been hearing about this measure long before McGees August email. Dr. Anita Henderson, a pediatrician from Hattiesburg and one of the presenting doctors at the December meeting, told committee members about pregnancy presumptive eligibilitys benefits at a meeting in 2022, and again in 2023. And the approval of presumptive eligibility for pregnant women is recommended in a report released by the Mississippi State Department of Health in January 2023. State leaders can facilitate early initiation in prenatal care by implementing presumed eligibility for Medicaid or expanding Medicaid such that people enter pregnancy with necessary insurance and primary care, the 2017-2019 Maternity Mortality Report reads. Its not clear whether Medicaid has the power to establish presumptive eligibility on its own or the policy needs legislative action. Snyder has said previously that the Division of Medicaid wouldnt utilize pregnancy presumptive eligibility unless directed to by the Legislature. The boards next meeting has not been scheduled the current board members terms expired at the beginning of the year. Once new appointments are made, the Division of Medicaid will facilitate the scheduling of the next meeting, said Matt Westerfield, spokesperson for the Division. Its not clear when new committee members will be selected. Regardless of the committees actions, McGee, who was recently named chair of the House Medicaid committee, has once again introduced legislation this session to establish pregnancy presumptive eligibility. I believe we have strong support for this measure in the Mississippi House and look forward to taking it up in the weeks to come, she said. American Airlines will improve its customer service department by laying off employees. This is quite a surprising plan for the U.S.-based travel company. Most organizations and companies tend to increase their customer service representatives to ensure that all their consumers are being accommodated properly. This can give them numerous advantages, such as reducing the wait times that customers need to go through when calling the customer service department. But, American Airlines has another thing in mind. Unfortunately, its effort leads to a mass layoff that will affect hundreds of staff. American Airlines To Layoff Hundreds of Customer Service Reps On Monday, Jan. 29, American Airlines confirmed that it will be laying off 656 employees in its customer service department. Among the affected staff are those in Phoenix, which will be 335 staff, as well as another 321 customer support employees in Dallas-Fort Worth. These AA staff are part of the Customer Relations Central Baggage Resolution, as well as the AAdvantage Customer Service group. These groups are under American Airlines' Service Recovery Team. For those who are unfamiliar with this department, it is responsible for assisting customers of AA with their concerns. Most of the queries they resolve are after-flight issues. These include damaged baggage, loyalty program problems, and lost items. Since they mainly focus on after-flight issues, they no longer handle reservation processes. American Airlines promised that it would work closely with affected employees to support them through the transition. Those who are lucky will be offered exclusive access to job openings throughout AA. "The immediate impact will be on roughly 600 jobs, but the company is looking to accommodate employees in other roles, which will mitigate the impact," said AA Reservations and Service Recovery Vice President Carolyne Truelove via CNBC. Read Also: American Airlines Passenger Removed From Flight After Excessive Farting-Here's the Full Story How Layoff Can Improve AA's Customer Service Department According to Fox Business' latest report, American Airlines' customers are being handled by multiple team teams to handle their issues. This could be stressful for passengers since they have to talk with different AA employees just to solve one concern. Because of this, American Airlines plans to eliminate the inconvenience of reaching out to multiple AA staff. The Texas-based airline said that it will do this by launching its new Customer Success team. AA said that this new team will be dedicated to offering "more convenient, elevated support" to their customers, especially on most complex travel needs. Related Article: American Airlines Flight Attendant Charged for Allegedly Recording Young Girls in Aircraft Restroom China has allegedly deployed four warships at four different locations around Taiwan to prevent the United States from having any opportunity to dispatch forces in the event of a Chinese attack, according to a Japanese media outlet, reported Taiwan News. The Yomiuri Shimbun quoted multiple government sources saying that China strongly objected to the visit by former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in August 2022. China is conducting large-scale military exercises around the country. Four of the People's Liberation Army Navy warships have deployed in the waters surrounding Taiwan's air defense to stand guard at all times. The patrolled areas include the perimeters around Yonaguni Island in Okinawa Prefecture, one between Yongaguni Island and the Philippines, and one each in the waters southwest and north of Taiwan. Additionally, one is stationed to the northwest of the Diaoyutai Islands permanently. Newsweek reported that on Saturday, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said that the People's Liberations Army's 33 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels entered Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone, of which 13 aircraft crossed the median line. On January 24, the USS John Finn transited through the Taiwan Strait, which the U.S. Navy described as its "commitment to upholding freedom of navigation for all nations." What Exactly Does It Mean? The positioning of these warships carry significant implications regarding the security of Taiwan and surrounding countries. Yoji Koda, a former commander of the Self-Defense Fleet, emphasized the need for Japan to remain vigilant, stating, "If Japan is left with an opening, there is a strong possibility that China will use force to intervene in the Senkaku Islands in the future. Japan must be fully prepared." The situation is exceptionally worrisome around the Senkaku Islands, and are enclosed on three sides by Chinese warships. China asserts its territorial claims over these islands, viewing them as an integral part of Taiwan. Newsweek said experts have raised the possibility that any Chinese military action against Taiwan could lead to an incident involving the Senkaku Islands, further complicating the already tense situation in the region. In August 2022, China organized a crucial military exercise, launching ballistic missiles in all directions around Taiwan. Missiles landed near the Senkaku Islands and within Japan's exclusive economic zone south of Yonaguni Island. These actions have only perpetuated the heightened concerns surrounding China's military presence and intentions in the East China Sea. Admiral John C. Aquilino expressed agitation about China's coercive pressure campaign against Taiwan, especially in wake of recent elections, while speaking at the Pacific Forum in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 26. "The coercive pressure campaign against Taiwan continues, and we're watching it in the wake of the elections. I'm not sure what they're going to do, but I expect some demonstration of force against Taiwan in the near term," Aquilino said. The situation grows more intense with reported incursions of balloons crossing into Taiwan's air space. According to Newsweek, nearly half of these balloons have violated Taiwan's territorial airspace, with some flying over the island. This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters Nearly 50 Memphis-Shelby County public schools would receive new investments for their physical buildings or their academic programming under an ambitious plan that district leaders are developing in an effort to improve learning experiences for children. Another 21 school buildings could close under the plan, district documents show, meaning their students would have to go to school elsewhere. In all, nearly half of the districts buildings, and their communities, could be affected if the district follows through on the plan. The facility plan is described in general terms in draft documents and maps compiled by Memphis-Shelby County Schools that Chalkbeat obtained through open-records requests. Chalkbeat used further research to identify the specific schools targeted for new investments or closure. (To learn more about how Chalkbeat reported this, see below.) The broad plan has been shown to select community members convening for early rounds of input, along with maps showing the school locations, but the documents havent been shared in any public forum. Chalkbeats analysis of the documents provides the general public with the first look at which schools the district is considering for possible closure or consolidation, all identified by name. The plan is still in the draft stage as district leaders collect feedback from some community partners. But as described in the documents, it represents an effort by district leaders to formulate a comprehensive strategy to tackle a complex set of problems: academic struggles that undermine faith in public schools, persistent funding shortages for capital projects, enrollment shifts, and the high cost of maintenance for aging buildings. Interim Superintendent Toni Williams smiles while Memphis-Shelby County Schools school board member Keith Williams praises the job she has done during the MSCS school board meeting in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. I think its appropriate to have an investment discussion before you have a closure discussion, interim Superintendent Toni Williams recently told a group gathered at Colonial Middle School to discuss the draft plan. In touting their approach over the past year, school district leaders have said they want their infrastructure vision to stand out from previous ones in key ways: They want the community to feel involved in the decisions. They want to play a more active role in facilitating redevelopments when schools close, so that neighborhoods arent left with empty buildings. And they want the plan to stick. Community partners are helping to shape the facilities plan In presentations in the fall and winter, officials have suggested that a first round of building changes would take place over the next five years, with more to come. Board policy describes a set of community meetings and reports that must take place by the end of February for any school to be closed by the following fall. The district has been active in engaging community partners, and has convened one steering committee and nine neighborhood-based subcommittees to solicit input on the general draft plans. Many of the roughly 100 people across those committees comprising school board members, other elected and government officials, plus business leaders, community leaders, parents, and students have already received the districts early proposals, which include the maps that show where major changes would take place. The maps produced by the district use color-coded dots to show the locations of schools targeted for investment or possible closure, but the district documents dont identify the schools by name. Using other public records, Chalkbeat was able to connect the dots with the school names to give Memphians a clearer picture of the proposals the school district is making. tn-investment-map-toggleswap-20240117 Chalkbeats review did not include preschool locations or administrative buildings, which are also set for changes. Chalkbeat gave the district an opportunity to review the matched data that it compiled based on the districts documents, to check its accuracy, correct any discrepancies, and provide updates. District officials did not dispute the specific information we shared. The district responded with a copy of a statement from Williams that was published to social media on Jan. 24 and distributed to district employees. The statement broadly dismissed any reporting about plans for Memphis school buildings. Any potential changes to our educational landscape will only be brought forth after thorough evaluation, community engagement, and formal board approval, the statement said. Several MSCS board members contacted by Chalkbeat said that figuring out how to deal with the districts building issues is a critical step, but stressed that the plan is still being worked out with the community. We need probably fewer schools so we can offer more things to the schools that we have, board member Mauricio Calvo said. He said he recalled a school visit where students without desks were seated on filing cabinets, and their librarian was wearing multiple scarves to stay warm. More: MSCS will interview 3 superintendent finalists in early February. Here's what to expect He said that difficult conversations about how the district uses its resources can lead to better learning experiences but that any board decisions about closures are still months away. Board member Michelle McKissack said, Its going to take an entire community to figure out how to deal with the legacy of decades of deferred maintenance and declining conditions in school buildings. So thats where we are right now. In an email to Chalkbeat, board member Amber Huett-Garcia said she was concerned that publishing the names of schools that may close could be destabilizing to communities amid district efforts to build a culture of trust, safety, and achievement. Nothing is decided right now, she wrote, and words such as draft or pending community input can be lost. Board Chair Althea Greene, pointing to the community meetings that are underway, said in a statement: Our goal is to continue to be transparent throughout this process. How the Memphis district is analyzing schools To sort out which schools would be affected and how, the draft proposal looks at a combination of criteria describing a schools academic performance, enrollment, capacity, and facility needs. The district has said it analyzed those factors alongside how the school fits into district feeder patterns the set of schools that students in a particular community are assigned to and other neighborhood zoning and development trends. Selected slides from a Memphis Shelby County Schools presentation on infrastructure planning discussions. The presentation explains the criteria and process district officials will use to make decisions about buildings. Some 80 district schools would not see changes, and the districts draft plan does not directly affect buildings or academic programs at most charter schools, which are managed by their own operators. Many of the schools that stand to receive investments under the draft plan are ones that could get new students from other schools targeted for closure or consolidation. That means that the plan envisions reassigning some students to different schools based on where they live. Some of the proposed closures and consolidations shown on the districts map are expected, including six school buildings the district has said it expects to replace or sell. Another four are former MSCS schools that are currently operating as charters as part of the state-run Achievement School District. Some of these schools could remain open if they successfully apply to continue as charter schools after their 10-year terms in the ASD expire. Delano Head Start, a preschool building, and Raineswood Residential Center, which has most recently been a service hub for students with disabilities, could also be closed. The district has two new high schools in progress, in Cordova and in Frayser. The draft plans suggest a new Treadwell K-8 school, as well as a new Orange Mound elementary school, similar to the proposals for new school buildings made by former Superintendent Joris Rays administration in 2021. Success of new facilities plan depends on sustained support, funding Williams has talked about a comprehensive facilities plan for a year now, and has just months to go in her term as interim superintendent. For her vision to materialize, the facilities plan her team is working on will have to survive the transition to a new superintendent, who is expected to take over this summer. (Williams contract allows her to stay on as finance chief or a consultant for one year after her superintendent term ends.) It would also have to transcend any changes in the composition of the school board after this Augusts election, when five of nine board seats will be on the ballot. In her recent visit to Colonial Middle School, Williams met with a subcommittee of people representing school board District 9s Orange Mound and Parkway Village neighborhoods. The interim superintendent criticized past facility plans that looked only at numbers. Those plans erred in not incorporating the community, she said, and inflamed tensions between the district and neighborhoods and, in some cases, among neighbors themselves. Williams acknowledged that the district has left neighborhoods with vacant school properties, and that when closures happened, officials neglected to invest in schools that would be gaining additional students. Germantown Elementary School is in session Thursday, March 24, 2022. Shelby County leaders have also been talking about a comprehensive facilities strategy for a long time, and even considered setting up a separate agency to oversee school building construction projects across the county. Williams thinks her vision will help rewrite the current dynamic where the district continually appeals to county commissioners for piecemeal funding for specific projects, or makes large capital budget requests that commissioners have been reluctant to grant. A comprehensive plan that pitches investments in schools alongside redevelopment of old school buildings, she has said, could even bring access to new, nontraditional funding streams. To that end, the district has been working on the plan with More for Memphis, a $100 million community development initiative spearheaded by the education-focused nonprofit Seeding Success. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news organization covering public education. Laura Testino covers Memphis-Shelby County Schools for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Reach Laura at LTestino@chalkbeat.org. How Chalkbeat reported this story We reported this story over three months by attending committee meetings that were not advertised to the general public, requesting public records, and compiling what we received with additional public information. Chalkbeat attended two meetings of the districts steering committee, reporting first about the broad scope of the plan. We then obtained documents from this meeting through requests for public records from Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Shelby County, and the City of Memphis. We plotted the locations of district schools on the map, and checked our results against the district presentation, which included descriptions of the plan as it applied to different regions of the district. Those descriptions cited specific schools and feeder patterns for investment, and types of schools one elementary school and one middle school, for instance designated for possible closure. Chalkbeats map uses records from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury to graph exact locations of public schools addressed by the Memphis districts infrastructure plan, as well as public charter schools in Memphis that arent covered by the plan but could experience ripple effects of any decisions MSCS makes. Chalkbeat asked the district to review its analysis of public documents before publication of this story to identify any errors of fact, such as a misidentified school. The school district did not dispute any of the specific data presented. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: MSCS building strategy in the works: See which schools may be affected SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW) A Myrtle Beach man charged with murder in October after allegedly shooting two people outside a Socastee bar is now facing a lesser punishment. Kvon Tyrese Lawhorn, 24, is now charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the Oct. 18 death of 23-year-old Starquan Washington outside of Barfields Bar & Grille. Additional charges including attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime remain, the 15th Circuit Solicitors Office told News13 on Tuesday. The murder charge was downgraded earlier this month, and Lawhorn is waiting for a judge to rule whether hes eligible for a bond hearing. Lawhorn also has a criminal past, including an arrest after a reported armed robbery in November 2018 near Myrtle Beach. Lawhorn, who was 19 at the time, was among three adults and three juveniles arrested in the incident. Barfields shut down in early November, shortly after the state Department of Revenue said it would revoke the bars liquor license. The South Carolina Department of Revenue notified the owners in an Oct. 25 letter of its intent to revoke the bars licenses. According to the letter, Barfields had 30 days from the date of the letter to request a hearing with the South Carolina Administrative Law Court. In the letter to Barfields owners, the state Department of Revenue said a gun believed to be the one used in the shooting was recovered from a brushy area behind the bar and that surveillance video shows the suspect discarding a firearm in the same area. The letter also said the bartender told police that the suspected shooter was a regular at the bar and that it is routine practice to secure the individuals firearm while inside the bar. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. There is still a lot we dont know about the robocall in New Hampshire that impersonated President Joe Biden, likely using AI voice cloning technology. The call went out on Jan. 21, two days before the primary, trying to discourage Democrats from heading to the polls. Its not certain who was behind the call, what software was used in its creation, or how many voters got one. The New Hampshire attorney generals office is investigating. But it made one thing clear: The pressure is on for regulators to take action on deepfakes ahead of the election. This story originally appeared in Digital Future Daily, POLITICO's newsletter about how technology is redefining global power. Subscribe here. The impact of deepfakes on society and elections particularly has been an anxiety for years. Easy-to-use generative AI tools have recently moved it from an issue in niche areas to a top security risk across the board. Before the Biden robocall, AI deepfakes were used in attempts to disrupt elections in Slovakia and Taiwan. Congress has taken note. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) told POLITICO that as the Senate hashes out its priorities on AI legislation, there is growing recognition that tackling the use of AI in campaign ads and communications should top the list. And after explicit deepfakes of Taylor Swift spread on X last week, lawmakers renewed calls for urgent legislation on the issue. A reminder: no federal laws currently prohibit the sharing or creation of deepfakes, though several bills have been proposed in Congress and some states have passed laws to crack down on manipulated media. The Federal Election Commission, too, has been considering rule changes to regulate the use of A.I. deepfakes in campaign materials. Deepfakes is the first test that generative AI has thrown at us because it fundamentally eliminates all trust, Vijay Balasubramaniyan, CEO of the phone fraud detection company Pindrop, told Steven Overly on a POLITICO Tech podcast episode that delved into the Biden robocall incident. If we can't get together and figure out how to solve that problem, yeah, the killer robots will definitely get us. No surprise thats easier said than done. One especially tricky part will be figuring out how to tackle the full range of manipulated media from older techniques like splicing in fake audio to the new generative AI-fueled advancements, and all the hybrids in between. The robocall, for one, was not a very advanced audio deepfake, according to Matthew Wright, who chairs Rochester Institute of Technologys cybersecurity department. There are tools available now that that can do a better job, and consequently be more dangerous, he told DFD. Looking at the proposed federal bills and enacted state laws, it turns out theres not a whole lot they collectively agree on, starting with even what should be regulated. California and Washingtons laws target false depictions only of political candidates, while Texas and Minnesota go further to include those created with the intention of harming a political candidate or influencing election outcomes. Consensus on what constitutes a deepfake is also lacking. Some bills distinctly cover images and video, while others extend to audio. This episode does highlight how important it is to have audio be included in these efforts, said Mekela Panditharatne, counsel for the Brennan Centers Democracy Program. It could be kind of separated and done piecemeal. But I do think it makes sense to consider those different forms of gen-AI production together. Piecemeal seems to be the way regulation on deepfakes is moving. Wright drew parallels with the landscape for privacy legislation, where a patchwork of laws offer varying levels of protection. A key question is who should be held accountable: phone service providers, platforms, developers or distributors of the deepfakes? How you answer that ends up defining the focus of proposed solutions. At the federal level, bills have assigned responsibility to two main groups, said Panditharatne. The first includes the actors that fall under campaign finance disclosure requirements: campaigns, super PACs and donors. Often, the resulting bills address the timing of deepfakes like one act that bans false endorsements and knowingly misleading voting information 60 days before a federal election or transparency, as in the case of Rep. Yvette Clarkes(D-N.Y.) bill which requires that political ads reveal their use of AI-generated material through mandatory labeling, watermarking or audio disclosures. The second category targets deepfake disseminators, so long as they meet certain knowledge or intent requirements in some cases. Rep. Joe Morelles (D-N.Y.) Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act would make it illegal to share deepfake pornography without consent. There is relatively little attention both at the federal and state level in holding other actors to account for deepfakes, Panditharatne added, giving social media companies and AI developers as examples. As with past content moderation issues, social media giants enjoy some protection from legal liability under federal law (thanks to the famous Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act), which complicates such efforts. The bipartisan Senate NO FAKES Act is one attempt; it proposes holding liable anyone who makes or publicly shares an unauthorized digital replica including companies and allowing for penalties that start at $5,000 per violation. Still, its unclear to Wright whether any regulations under consideration, or industry solutions in development, could have prevented the Biden robocall. Wright said he has built a deepfake detection tool of his own, but also offers one solution for which the technology does not currently exist on phones. Every microphone is going to have to have even live audio being constantly re-certified. That might have to be whats required. The design of the scheme exploited an area on which detection focuses less: a direct line with no real-time feedback from social media and limited playback capabilities. Enforcing the regulations being floated will require some sort of detection mechanism (many have been invented). But for now, some bad actors with just a voter registration list, phone, and 30-second clip of a political figure can inevitably fly under the radar. The FTC has sponsored a challenge with a $25,000 top prize for the most effective approach to safeguard against the misuse of AI-enabled voice cloning, covering everything from imposter fraud to using someone's voice without consent in music creation. Its suggestions include real-time detection and monitoring to alert users to voice cloning or block calls. The mystery took wing on a thunderstorm. Now, this was no mere black cloud of driving rain and lightning bolts. This was a stampede of wind, the likes of which cattle farmer Charles Marchant, in all his 81 years, had never seen. The wintertime tempest of Jan. 9 howled north across Hurricane Creek. It whistled over Kirkland Still Road, where tobacco once grew. On its midday charge toward Marchants 115-acre spread in Jeff Davis County, the storm sheared metal rooftops, clipped pine tops and sucked wooden shingles off an 1890s farmhouse. Then it took aim on Marchants pastures, where 150-odd cows and calves in the Marchant herd graze under the watchful eyes of three black bulls. Two of those bulls were penned in a grassy enclosure ringed by a taut, 5-foot-high, galvanized barbed wire fence. The bulls had been isolated to keep them from overbreeding. In a corral beside them, just across the barbed wire, were horses. No gates were open. Short of an improbable nigh impossible leap, there was no escape; no way for the bulls to get inside the horse pen. Enter the tempest. Its 100-plus-mph winds blew away part of a metal barn near the horse pen, which sits next to the brick house where Marchants son, Zachary, lives. A 600-gallon water trough there was tossed over treetops, sent sailing some 200 yards. In the water trough were, perhaps, 2 tons of water. One of the Marchant bulls, a particularly ornery specimen purchased a few years back at a University of Georgia livestock sale, weighs in substantially less than that, but is still hefty at roughly 1,500 pounds. As the storm subsided, Zachary Marchant peeked outside. I know I dont see as good as I used to, he said to his wife, but that looks like theres a damn bull in there with them horses. Sure enough, there was. Zachary Marchant inspected the fence. None of it was broken, sagging or tugged loose. The gates were shut. It made no sense. Could the bull, with nary a scratch, have been blown over the fence? Might a tornadic force, some atmospheric anomaly, have launched the beast just over the barbed wire and deposited it, unscathed, in the horse pen? Charles Marchant on his farm in Jeff Davis County, Georgia, on Jan 23, 2024. Joe Kovac Jr./AJC Wasnt there a flying cow in that 1996 storm-chaser flick Twister? And if a fairy-tale cow jumped over the moon, might one, in an adrenaline-fueled moment of sheer terror, defy gravity enough to vault a 5-foot fence? Days later, word of an airborne bovine was mentioned in a blurb from the National Weather Service. In the wake of the storm, a weather service meteorologist from Jacksonville, Fla., had been sent north into Georgia. He had gone to examine destruction at the Marchant farm and in surrounding Jeff Davis County, just below where the Ocmulgee River meets the Oconee, 90 miles southeast of Macon. The meteorologist met the Marchants, heard tell of the bulls mysterious change of latitude, and, in a preliminary write-up, logged this account: that wind appeared to or may have literally lifted a bull from one pasture to another. The media latched on to that account. Its just hilarious In the couple of weeks since then, the tale has taken flight. The farmer, Charles Marchant, a Vietnam veteran and the son of a sharecropper, has taken his share of ribbing in his hometown of 4,088. A flying bull? Seriously? Ive had more people give me hell, he said. The other day, while a reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was visiting his farm, he said, The first thing I want you to write down in your notes is, Im 81 years old, and Im too old to start lying now about flying damn bulls. He reckoned that maybe the bull jumped the fence. But he didnt break the wire nowhere, he said. Hed have to really hop. So how could it happen? I dont know, he said. But, if wind can lift an 18-wheeler off a highway, it can surely pick up a 1,500-pound bull, he reasoned. Then he said, Im not saying thats what happened, though. This bull has become the talk of Hazlehurst. Was he blown into a difference pasture during a storm? Or did he jump a fence? Joe Kovac Jr./AJC An appearance on the TV news in Savannah has afforded Marchant a small dose of celebrity. He has jokingly offered his autograph to a former state representative who watched the flying-bull segment and called to say hello. Its just hilarious, Wanda Marchant, his wife, said of the cattle caper. She was the local tourism director years ago. If wed have had this going on, she said, I could have really marketed Hazlehurst. When cows fly The area has a history of seemingly tall tales involving animals. In 1932, the world-record largemouth bass, a 22-pound, 4-ouncer, was caught in an oxbow lake about 10 miles west of the Marchant farm. Until his death in 1996, a Belgian draft horse named Peppermint Pete may have been the most famous animal in Jeff Davis County. He was, according to published accounts, the town pet, as gentle as any dog. Petes owner, Steve Underwood, who learned by chance of his horses penchant for chomping candy, began buying peppermint by the 5-gallon jug. On a recent afternoon around lunchtime, Underwood was dining at the Hazlehurst Dairy Queen. It so happens that Underwood, the proprietor of a horse auction just up the Golden Isles Parkway, lives a mile or two from the Marchant farm. He went there himself soon after the storm. And, yes, he heard about the flying bull. Its weird, but its possible, Underwood said. That old big cow cant jump that high. He may run through (the fence), but he aint gonna go over it. At another booth on the other side of the Dairy Queen, a man named Todd Moseley was having lunch with his son, Will. Moseley was working near the Marchant farm the day of the storm and drove by to check on downed power lines. The cow wasnt hurt. The cow was just standing there, said Moseley, who is familiar with the bulls ornery reputation. I dont know if he got picked up (by the wind) and put in there or if he tore in there. But he had a different attitude after that storm. Will Moseley, his son from nearby Snipesville, plays guitar and sings country music. He is a contestant on the upcoming season of American Idol. Last week, the show sent a camera crew to Hazlehurst to chronicle his roots. It was unclear whether the producers caught wind of the bull. But a chance remains they might. Speaking of his musician son, Todd Moseley said, He needs to write a song about the cow. When cows fly and American Idol comes to town, we know its special. Definitely seems credible The weather service has since clarified its findings on the bull. Jacksonville-based meteorologist Al Sandrik, in an email, explained how he had gone to Hazlehurst and spoken to the Marchants very nice, friendly people for more than half an hour. And I never do that during a storm survey, he wrote. Sandrik went on to say that the account of the bull being blown over the fence definitely seems credible. The tricky part, he noted, is that most of the damage there was caused by what are known as straight-line winds. However, there is some evidence of twisting, which is what it might have taken to blow the bull into the pen where he ended up. Such damage is perhaps attributable to a vortex or whirlwind that can form in thunderstorm downbursts. Theyre not tornadoes, but are akin to dust devils, with a name that sounds like the title of a horrendous B-movie: gustnadoes. Now whether a gustnado is capable of the account, Sandrik explained, were just not sure. In sum: The analysis on the bull is unproved. That is not saying its a fabrication, we just cant scientifically prove it one way or the other. Even so, brilliant minds somewhere may still be running the numbers. Juergen Rauleder, a professor of vertical lift aerodynamics at Georgia Tech, is an expert on the forces required to, as he put it, lift something up. As for what it might take to send the 1,500-pound bull aloft, he said, if wind alone needs to do that, what you basically need is a pressure difference above and below the bull that is equal to that weight. He wasnt sure that a windstorm like the one on the Marchant farm could pack such power. Its not an airfoil. Its not a wing. Its not a barn door either. Its a bull, Rauleder said. So I think that even with a very strong wind speed in the order of 100, 110 miles per hour ... it doesnt generate this kind of lift. But the story of the flying bull does not end there. No, the far-fetched fable seems to have blown farther and wider. About a week ago, someone mentioned to Rauleder that a student was interested in tackling an unusual homework assignment. The subject, you guessed it, the aerodynamic lift generated by a bull. Sometimes, the professor said of the remarkable coincidence, I dont know how the universe functions. This story comes from our partners at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. For more on the news and events in metro-Atlanta and Georgia, visit AJC.com. A naked Florida woman has been arrested after police say she drunkenly threatened convenience store workers with a vegetable peeler and masturbated in front of law enforcement officers. Celia Barrett, 35, was taken into custody on Sunday following the incident at a RaceTrac store in St Petersburg, Florida. According to court documents obtained by The Smoking Gun, Ms Barrett had been threatened with arrest on Saturday, but showed up a day later armed and without clothes. She allegedly showed up with the sharp-edged vegetable peeler around 6.40pm local time and threatened two workers in the store, one of whom told police that Ms Barrett said she would kill him. Ms Barrett then also toppled and broke a display of Red Bull energy drinks and spilled a carton of cigarettes all over the floor of the store, according to authorities. Celia Barrett was arrested following a naked rampage in a Florida convenience store (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office) According to an arrest affidavit, Ms Barrett also exposed herself in the store and then prior to being taken into custody, began masturbating in front of deputies while still inside the store. The document also noted that Ms Barrett was under the influence of alcohol during the incident, but not drugs. She reportedly admitted to being intoxicated and said she had consumed approx six shots of liquor. Ms Barrett was charged with aggravated assault, disorderly intoxication, trespass, criminal mischief, and exposure of sexual organs, and is currently being held in the county jail, according to The Messenger. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi is now straddling the thin line between vile demagoguery and pure idiocy. During a Sunday appearance on CNN, she smeared protesters whove been demanding a ceasefire to end Israels slaughter of Palestinian people in Gaza. The former House speaker said, without offering evidence, that she believed some protesters are connected to Russian President Vladimir Putin, NPR reported. "For them to call for a ceasefire is Mr. Putins message," Pelosi said. "Make no mistake, this is directly connected to what he would like to see. Same thing with Ukraine. Its about Putins message. I think some of these protesters are spontaneous and organic and sincere. Some, I think, are connected to Russia. And I say that having looked at this for a long time now." Like Congress as a whole, Pelosi refuses to acknowledge that so many Americans are protesting because the Israeli armed forces have been engaged in mass murder in Gaza for more than three and a half months. And an inconvenient truth is that polling shows a large majority of people in the United States favor a ceasefire, including over 70 percent of young voters who say they disapprove of President Joe Bidens handling of the war in Gaza. Pelosi is hardly unusual on Capitol Hill. Bipartisan loyalty to Israel has been the political reflex, with few exceptions. But Pelosi is notably servile to Israel. Shortly before starting her second stint as House speaker in January 2019, Pelosi was recorded on video at a forum sponsored by the Israeli American Council as she declared: I have said to people when they ask me if this Capitol crumbled to the ground, the one thing that would remain is our commitment to our aid, I dont even call it aid our cooperation with Israel. Thats fundamental to who we are. Such attitudes have fueled the massive flow of U.S. weaponry and other military aid to Israel, which has been greatly boosted since Israeli forces began methodically killing hundreds of civilians per day immediately after the Hamas attack on October 7. All of our missiles, the ammunition, the precision-guided bombs, all the airplanes and bombs, its all from the U.S., retired IDF Major General Yitzhak Brick said in late November. He added: Everyone understands that we cant fight this war without the United States. Period. When Pelosi smears people who are expressing their moral objections to the continuing carnage financed by U.S. taxpayers, she is tacitly echoing what then-Vice President Joe Biden said in 2015 at the Annual Israeli Independence Day Celebration in Washington: As many of you heard me say before, were there no Israel, America would have to invent one. Wed have to invent one because Ron [Dermer, Israels ambassador] is right, you protect our interests like we protect yours. The interlocking interests of powerful pro-Israel forces like AIPAC and overall U.S. foreign policy have led, most recently, to the extreme rhetorical and military support for Israels ongoing mass murder in Gaza from the Democrat in the White House and both parties in Congress. In this context, Pelosis channeling of tactics honed by the likes of Joe McCarthy and Roy Cohn should not be too surprising. And Pelosi seemed to be channeling Richard Nixon when she told CNN that she wants the FBI to investigate the financing of ceasefire protesters. But theres also another key aspect of Pelosis nonsensical yet calculated smear effort. Bidens poll numbers have kept dropping, most recently while so many Americans especially those whose votes hell need this fall find his support for the Gaza slaughter repugnant. Grasping at straws, Pelosi evidently hopes for some political benefit by casting blame on Russia for how Bidens deference to Israel has met with strong public opposition and erosion of support for re-election. Yes, her gambit is ridiculous but at a time when the administration is revving up the Cold War with Russia instead of genuinely seeking diplomatic solutions for the Ukraine war and the rampant nuclear arms race, Pelosi decided to throw down a handy demagogic gauntlet to tar ceasefire protesters. Like President Biden and so many others in the political establishment, Nancy Pelosi cannot imagine breaking with the murderous Israeli government and pursuing a foreign policy of peace instead of nonstop U.S. efforts to dominate as much of the world as possible. Napoleon Bonaparte brought engineers, architects, and scientists when he invaded Egypt. In three stages, these "savants" meticulously illustrated the ruins of ancient Egypt. Their scientific approach helped bring about archaeology as we know it today. General Napoleon Bonaparte is remembered as a crusader, tyrant, and initiator of a series of wars. But one of his lesser-known offenses abandoning a crew of scholars and scientists in Egypt led to the unexpected byproduct of formal archaeology as we know it today. When the French general invaded Egypt in 1798 an event depicted somewhat ahistorically in the Ridley Scott film "Napoleon" he brought along more than 150 engineers, mathematicians, and naturalists. Napoleon wanted these "savants," as scientists were called at the time, to focus on projects that could benefit France, such as purifying water from the Nile River, hops-free beer brewing, and better bread ovens. Just a year later, Napoleon secretly returned to France to stage a coup and seize power, leaving his savant squad and 30,000 troops behind. They stayed until defeat forced them to retreat in 1801. While the soldiers fought, some of the savants got busy conducting archaeological surveys. The ruins of Upper Egypt wowed one of Napoleon's first savants Archaeologists remove the cover of an ancient painted coffin discovered at al-Asasif Necropolis in the Valley of Kings in Luxor, Egypt. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany "Very few of the scholars were antiquarians, those quintessentially eighteenth-century characters, mostly wealthy, who filled their curiosity cabinets with strange old objects picked up on their travels, barely understanding what they had," Nina Burleigh writes in her book, "Mirage," about Napoleon's scientists in Egypt. "Collecting old objects without understanding their use or meaning was a pastime for gentlemen, not a scientific undertaking." In short, these men were approaching the exploration of Egypt with a different attitude that was more scientific. At the time, many Europeans had heard of the Great Pyramids or the Sphinx, but the ancient temples and monuments of Upper Egypt were unknown. Dominique-Vivant Denon, an artist and writer, accompanied Napoleon's soldiers up the Nile. He wrote about rounding a river bend to suddenly see the ancient temples of Karnak and Luxor rising from the ruins of Thebes. "The whole army, suddenly and with one accord, stood in amazement... and clapped their hands with delight," he wrote, according to Scientific American. Denon's drawing of the Edfu Temple. The people give a sense of the huge scale of the monuments. Art Media/Print Collector/Getty Images Denon returned to France with Napoleon and quickly published a book with his descriptions and drawings, "Travels in Upper and Lower Egypt." That was not enough for Denon, though, who pushed for sending more savants to the Nile to document its monuments in greater detail. Napoleon approved, and two fresh commissions of savants arrived in Egypt on an archaeological mission in September 1799. Napoleon's savants published a giant encyclopedia of Egypt This crew of young architects and engineers made careful drawings and measurements of a large number of ancient structures. Their depictions were so faithful that they preserved inscriptions that have since disappeared, according to Scientific American. All these surveys were published in "La Description de l'Egypte," a multi-volume tome that included maps, hundreds of copper engravings, and essays describing what they'd learned about Egypt. It divided Egypt into ancient and modern times, and launched the modern vision of ancient Egypt as we know it today. "La Description de l'Egypte" was extremely popular. The structures, symbols, and images of ancient Egypt became fashionable features of European art and architecture. Europe's Egypt obsession led to its first museums of archaeology A mummy found at the Tuna al-Gebel site in Egypt. Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Goaded on by Napoleon's savant expeditions, the European fascination with ancient Egypt gave rise to archaeological museums in Europe, beginning with the Louvre opening the first Egyptian museum in 1827. Eventually, this fascination led to the field of Egyptology, which has been a heavy influence in modern archaeology. "Napoleon's scholars and engineers are remembered most as men who helped found archaeology as a science," Burleigh writes. Read the original article on Business Insider Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. was shut down last week but its CEO says he is working to reopen the Sawyer Yards restaurant and taproom. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. moved to Sawyer Yards in 2018. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer In a new letter to Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. employees and supporters, CEO William McLucas said the troubled company is working to reopen after it was locked out of its three-story space in Sawyer Yards last week. The companys lease at Sawyer Yards, the mixed-use development in Houstons First Ward neighborhood, was terminated on Friday due to nonpayment of rent, said Sawyer Yards owner Jon Deal on Tuesday. Buff Brew had been served a notice of default on Jan. 15. There were so many stories and promises and things that just didnt materialize that we didnt see the possibility of a workout, said Deal, adding that he had encouraged McLucas to gather a group of investors with turnaround experience. We were happy to sit down and listen, but we havent heard back from him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In fact, we reached out to their lawyer twice yesterday, Deal said. Weve got to get somebody on site to manage the liquid thats in the tanks and the beer thats been canned that doesnt belong to us. The lawyers didnt return the calls and emails from our attorney. Were kind of at a standstill now. McLucas didnt immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted through his personal website. In his letter, posted on Instagram on Tuesday morning, he described the shutdown as temporary. By now, most of you are aware of the unfortunate events of late last week that temporarily halted our business, McLucas wrote. Despite the circumstances that led to our building closure, we are working quickly to settle our financial commitment with our landlords and return home to our beloved Sawyer Yards taproom and brewery. He added that he is working to quickly return our incredible staff to our payroll. Advertisement Article continues below this ad To all appearances, the circumstances that led to the closure were several years in the making. Buff Brew quickly became popular with customers after opening in 2011 in Rice Military. After raising $1 million from about 600 investors on crowdfunding platform NextSeed, it moved to a large new brewhouse and restaurant at 2101 Summer in 2018. Since then the company has faced financial woes, including defaulting on its payments to the NextSeed investors, as well as a series of lawsuits, the most recent of which was filed Jan. 4 by one of its lenders, Frost Bank. Bryan Neely, a consultant who had been serving as Buff Brews chief of staff, told CultureMap last week that losses in the craft beer sector had contributed to a struggle with profitability. While the sector has seen dizzying growth over the past decade or so, with breweries popping up right and left in cities and small towns alike, the market seems to be settling down. The Brewers Association, a not-for-profit trade association for U.S. craft brewers, noted a dip in craft beer production in 2023 amid a slow-growth environment for all beer that year. Still, McLucas expressed confidence in Buff Brews future in his letter. As I work day and night with our legal team and investors, please be assured that Buff Brew will return to serving the best craft beer in Houston in the very near future, he wrote. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Deal said that while he wouldnt rule out a return to Sawyer Yards, he would have to see evidence of a viable plan from Buff Brew, and the capital to back it. As it stands, he added, the Sawyer Yards development has four other breweries, and since Friday he had fielded a number of unsolicited calls expressing interest in Buff Brews former space. This analysis also appears at Brookings Institutions Chalkboard. In 1983, a special commission organized by the U.S. Department of Education released A Nation at Risk, an unapologetic critique of Americas public schools. Its publication prompted both a firestorm of public response and a seismic shift of policy and practice reforms at every level of the education system, permanently altering the policy landscape that has shaped todays public schools. The report directed many pointed barbs at the teacher workforce and those tasked with preparing them. It concluded that both the quality of current teachers and the quantity of available talent to fill teaching roles in schools were sorely deficient; both dimensions needed immediate intervention to achieve educational excellence. What the report failed to do, however, was reconcile the inherent tensions in simultaneously pursuing both higher quality and quantity, or offer a strategy to systematically develop the teacher workforce that was desired. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Consequently, as A Nation at Risk unleashed a wave of education reform, the initiatives focused on teachers were both expansive and incoherent. In my essay, Strategically prioritizing teacher quality and quantity can reinvigorate the teacher pipeline, recently published in the Hoover Institutions A Nation at Risk +40 series (edited by Stephen L. Bowen and Margaret E. Raymond), I recount the divergent approaches to reforming the teacher workforce that developed over time. Related 40 Years after A Nation at Risk: What Worked, and Meeting the Challenges Ahead This post highlights some of the lessons learned from looking back at the 40 years of reform and research on the teacher pipeline since the reports publication. Teachers: Part of both the problem and the solution In the late 1970s and early 1980s leading up to the reports publication, the public seemed to be losing confidence in the nations public schools. Student achievement was stagnating, enrollments were falling, and desegregation efforts were widely perceived as increasing racial tensions but not school outcomes. The teacher workforce was also viewed as a depreciating asset. The professional workforce was opening for educated young women, and fewer college students chose to pursue teaching as a career. The profession was also increasingly unionizing starting in the late 1960s, and public sentiment turned decidedly anti-union under the Reagan administration, with unions often perceived as stymying public schools ability to serve students. It was into this downtrodden atmosphere that A Nation at Risks scathing critiques were published. Yet instead of arguing for divestment from public schools, the report offered a laundry list of recommendations to promote comprehensive reform. Policy recommendations regarding teachers, and the pipeline leading to the classroom featured prominently in this list, including compensation reform, student grants or loans for those who commit to becoming teachers, and alternative certification. The reports authors clearly felt that the teacher workforce had problems with both the quality of the workforce and the quantity of people signing up for the profession, and both needed to be remediated. However, the report failed to acknowledge that quality and quantity are inherently in conflictfor example, as far as the teacher pipeline is concerned, prioritizing quality will limit the quantity of people who can meet the higher expectations. Improving the teacher pipeline on either dimension would have been challenge enough, but to address both teacher quality and quantity simultaneously would be a Herculean feat. Two approaches to reform teaching, frequently in conflict Some teacher policy actions started immediately in the wake of the reportfor example, four states had adopted alternative certification pathways by the following year. Other initiatives incubated for a bit before reaching maturation, including the establishment of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in 1987. Looking back at the various approaches to shoring up the teacher pipeline, I categorize these policy actions into two types. Actions that seek to shore up weak points in the teacher workforce and recruit more into the profession I call outside-in reforms, as they see the primary challenge of teaching as a failure to attract and retain the best talent (think of alternative certification or loan forgiveness policies). Another approach sees the failure to support and develop talent within the workforce as the primary challenge. I call these inside-out initiatives (think of NBPTS or career ladders). These two approaches are not inherently in conflict, but they take different stances on the relative importance of teacher quality versus quantity. The outside-in approaches lean heavily on teacher quantity first (through recruiting to high-need settings, say) and then assume policies will follow that enable school systems to be more selective to ensure teacher quality. The inside-out approach reverses that prioritization, focusing on developing quality within the workforce first (through demonstrating mastery through NBPTS certification, for example) and assuming that elevated role will attract new supplies of teacher candidates. With limitations on both funding and public attention, these two approaches often find themselves in conflict within the education policy space. Moreover, these diverging approaches have attracted different sets of advocates and public champions over time (for example, think of philanthropic megadonors often representing the outside-in approach and teacher unions as representing the inside-out approach). These groups frequently engage in conflict over teachers role (or blame) for past failures and offer contrasting views towards school improvement. Conflicts like these are at the heart of why teaching has earned the ignominious label of the most embattled profession. Strategically deploying different strategies, based on school context Despite these conflicts, both policy approaches offer good ideas that have been borne out in the evidence, though they also come with limitations. And neither set offers enough to ensure a sufficient supply of effective teachers accessible for all students, a key objective. If only we could deploy these policies in complementary ways, then we can make headway on some of the real staffing challenges facing schools. What this looks like in practice is that we develop a systematic plan about workforce management that is sensitive to workforce needs on the ground. The most important context herethe one conspicuously omitted from A Nation at Riskis school settings that serve high-need student populations. We must recognize that these schools have a unique difficulty attracting and retaining quality teachers. Consequently, these schools spend disproportionate amounts of money and time recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding new teachers. Even if they could invest in building teacher quality, the high levels of turnover lower the expected return on that investment. In other words, these schools have a problem with teacher quantity first. I propose that policymakers and school leaders prioritize efforts that build and sustain teacher quantity in these settings; in other words, the outside-in options are those most readily applicable. For example, monetary bonuses for teachers or generous service scholarships conditioned on working in high-need settings would be an excellent way to shore up the workforce. This does not mean that we ignore quality in these schools entirely, but we should only look to building quality once policies prioritizing a robust supply of qualified teachers are firmly in place, avoiding the unfortunate (but too common) scenario in which disadvantaged schools are seen as mere training grounds for novices before moving to greener pastures. Thus, the quality-developing inside-out reforms come second. Outside of these high-need settings, where teacher supply is not nearly such a pressing need, these schools should emphasize building teacher quality first. Thus, the inside-out options come to the foreground. Further, as they develop and sustain these approaches, they can in turn offer a supply of high-quality teachers to support higher-need settings. The state of the teacher pipeline continues to challenge schools The state of public schools now is, on the surface, very different from that in 1983. We have just recently witnessed schools shutting down for months on end to limit the spread of COVID. Schools have also become new battlegrounds in culture wars. These developments have impacted the teacher workforce. First, teachers became frontline workers aiding childrens learning recovery, and signs point to increased burnout and elevated turnover in the wake of the pandemic. Second, the culture wars appear to have had a chilling effect on teachers. These challenges are layered on top of a teacher pipeline that was already weakened before the pandemic hit, prompting some experts to warn of a perfect storm forming in the teacher labor market. The pipeline into teaching is objectively worse than any point in recent memory, with nearly 162,000 completers of teacher training programs in 2020-21, a decline of over 40% from the 1970 peak (284,000 completers). These teacher graduates are now serving a student body that is more than 10% larger today than it was in 1970. The growing cost of college is also a widely perceived barrier for entry into profession, especially for people of color who are have fewer financial resources and are more burdened by debts to get through school. Yet, enrollment in colleges are on the decline, offering little hope for a resurgent teacher pipeline. Under the surface, though, I also observe parallels between then and now. In 1983, like today, student achievement was tapering off after a period of high growth, and there was growing dissatisfaction with the current state of public schools. Also, student enrollments were dropping, as some families began opting for non-public school options. It was clear then, as it seems now, that our public schools are far from returning to that level of performance in our recent past. Another fascinating parallel comes from a 2022 study by Kraft and Lyon. Looking at historical trends in teacher prestige, interest in the profession, teacher preparation, and teacher satisfaction, the authors conclude that the teacher workforce is now near or at historic lows. In fact, the last time we were in this position was in the early 1980s, right before A Nation at Risk. Afterwards, there was a quick upsurge in public support for and interest in the teaching profession, though the authors could not pinpoint exactly what the catalyst was back then. Perhaps part of this turnaround was new messaging about the nobility of the teaching profession (championed by those reforming from the inside out). Perhaps part of the new interest in teaching was due to easier access into the profession and visible pay reform efforts (thanks to the outside-in reformers). Regardless of the source, what it suggests to me is that a much-improved prognosis for the teacher workforce and pipeline may not be far around the corner. We dont need to think of new solutions. We just need to deploy the ones we have with more strategy and purpose. The 74 is partnering with Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the A Nation At Risk report. Hoovers A Nation At Risk +40 research initiative spotlights insights and analysis from experts, educators and policymakers as to what evidence shows about the broader impact of 40 years of education reform and how Americas school system has (and hasnt) changed since the groundbreaking 1983 report. (See our full series) If you are a lover of the fluffy, buttery, flaky, pastry known as a croissant and you're always looking for a good reason to eat it, here's one: Jan. 30 is National Croissant Day. What is a croissant? How is it made? "At its most basic level, its a frugal kind of breakfast pastry, made from pate feuilletee (soft flour of flour, yeast, butter, milk and salt)," National Today wrote of croissants on their website. While it is known as a French pastry, it actually originated in Austria and was known as kipferls. The patry made its way to France when Marie Antoinette, the French queen who was from Austria requested the pastry be made. The French bakers created their own version of kipferls, which is what we now know today as a croissant. So if you're looking to celebrate National Croissant Day and need to know where to get them locally, here's a list of five bakeries that sell them in Indianapolis. French pastries: You don't have to go to Paris for these treats that taste as good as they look 4 Indianapolis bakeries that serve croissants Amelia's is a production bakery based in the Holy Rosary neighborhood in downtown Indianapolis. Their purpose is to bring high-quality, old-world bread to the people of our city. Visit them at one of their three locations to pickup a croissant. Fletcher Place: 653 Virginia Ave. | Windsor Park: 1637 Nowland Ave. | The Stutz: 1060 N. Capitol Ave. Circle City Sweets is known for their French style pastries and breads, including croissants. You can stop by to purchase croissants and also sign up for their cooking class to learn how make them yourself. 16Tech/Riverside: 1220 Waterway Boulevard (Inside the AMP at 16 Tech. The entrance is located off of Gent Street). Gallery Pastry Shop offers brunch, dinner, cocktails and European inspired pastries. You can stop by and pick up a croissant from their pastry case or dine in for brunch or dinner. Meridian Kessler: 4573 N College Ave. Leviathan Bakehouse offers viennoiserie, bread, coffee, sandwiches and pastries. You can try their Croissant Pain au Chocolate (filled with dark chocolate), Almond Croissant, Everything Croissant or a breakfast sandwich on a croissant. Chatham Arch: 1101 N College Ave. Rene's Bakery is a local bakery that specializes in fresh, European-style breads and pastries. While Rene's Bakery is not open on National Croissant Day, they do have an assortment of croissants. You can get a butter, chocolate, almond, pan au raisin, walnut or cream cheese croissant. You can stop by for a croissant from Rene's on Thursday through Sunday this week. Broad Ripple: 6524 Cornell Ave. Katie Wiseman is a trending news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: National Croissant Day: Five Indy bakeries that have croissants The Scoop House Speaker Mike Johnson told a group of Baltic speakers of parliament on Tuesday that the national security proposal combining aid for Ukraine with border policy reforms would likely be split up, a person familiar with the conversation told Semafor. Johnson acknowledged that the path forward couldnt be certain until the text of a forthcoming border security deal is released, the person said. Johnson spokesman Raj Shah downplayed the comments and said they were made in a hypothetical context when asked about them by Semafor. Still, the remarks are the latest sign that Johnson believes the broader package which would include changes to border security policy negotiated by the Senate to be dead on arrival in the House and is charting the path forward under that assumption. Its unclear whether splitting up the package would mean the House takes a separate vote on all of the pieces, including aid for Ukraine. Holding a standalone vote on military assistance for Kyiv could open up Johnson to criticism from lawmakers on the right who oppose further aid. President Joe Bidens proposed supplemental includes aid for Ukraine and Israel, border security funding, and money to counter China. Republicans have insisted on border security policy changes in exchange for funding Ukraine, and a bipartisan group has been working out a package to curtail the flow of migrants at the southern border. Johnson and other conservatives, however, have lambasted the emerging deal as insufficient while calling on Biden to use his executive authority to address the situation at the border. Former President Donald Trump has also been lobbying publicly and privately against any border deal. Know More Johnson met with the speakers of the parliaments of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania Daiga Mierina, Lauri Hussar, and Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday along with Reps. Mike Waltz, R-Fla. and Tom Kean, R-N.J. According to a readout from the speakers office, they discussed support for Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the Biden administrations recent decision to pause new permits for liquefied natural gas projects. Johnson heard from the group their views on the importance of decisive action when it comes to addressing Russian aggression, including on weaponized migration aimed to destabilize national sovereignty, the readout said. N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa/Cherokee), one of the most prolific contemporary Native American writers, has passed away at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Momaday, who was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1969 for his debut novel House Made of Dawn, was a storyteller, poet, and educator. He was 89. Momaday is credited with a resurgence of Native American literature and earned his place as the founding member of the Native American Renaissance. After receiving the Pulitzer Prize, he wrote The Way to Rainy Mountain in 1976. Throughout his illustrious career, he became known for Indigenous oral tradition, which he taught during his 35 years as an educator. Momaday earned a Ph.D. in English literature from Stanford University and went on to teach at several universities, including the University of California-Santa Barbara and the University of California-Berkeley. He retired as Regents Professor at the University of Arizona. In 2007, Momaday was presented a National Medal of Arts award by President George W. Bush. At the time of the award presentation, the White House said Momaday was given the award for for his writings and his work that celebrate and preserve Native American art and oral tradition. In 2019, Momaday was featured on a PBS American Masters documentary, Words from a Bear, in which he discussed his belief he was a reincarnation of a bear connected to the Native American origin story around Devils Tower in Wyoming. The film captured the essence of Momadays writing with a strong emphasis on Native American oral history. "Words From a Bear" was produced and directed by Jeffrey Palmer (Kiowa). Filmmaker Jeffrey Palmer with N. Scott Momaday on set of PBS' American Masters "Words From a Bear." (Photo/Courtesy of Jeffrey Palmer) Palmer, who teaches film at Cornell University, told Naive News Online on Monday that he worked with Momaday for three and half years to complete the documentary, which allowed him to spend a lot of time with the author. "He made Native American literature and storytelling palatable to the rest of the world. He opened countless doors of Native American storytellers," Palmer said. "He was a changemaker and an icon. For the Kiowa people it was profound to see our stories told to the rest of the world. I put Momaday up there with Whitman and Faulkner. He was a great American writer, not only a Native American writer." Born on February 27, 1934, in Lawton, Oklahoma, at the Kiowa and Comanche Indian Hospital, Momadays father was full-blooded Kiowa, and his mother was Cherokee, English, Irish, and French. He spent several years growing up at the Jemez Pueblo in New Mexico, which influenced much of his writing. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, Momaday was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Academy of American Poets Prize; the National Medal of Arts; the Ken Burns American Heritage Prize; the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundations Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award; and the 2021 Frost Medal for distinguished lifetime achievement in poetry. About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke to U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan about NATO allies unflinching support for Ukraine as Russia continues its war of aggression and conquest, the White House reported. Allied progress in ramping up defense production was discussed, as well as Russias procurement of North Korean military equipment for use against Ukraine. They also underscored Allies shared commitment to military readiness and to defending every inch of NATO territory. Read also: Ukraine will join NATO at a certain stage NATO head Stoltenberg The pair discussed planning for the July 2024 NATO Summit in Washington and NATOs improved military readiness. They welcomed Turkeys recent approval of Swedens NATO membership and expressed a shared desire to see Sweden join the Alliance as soon as possible. Stoltenberg plans to meet with representatives from the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden and legislators and allies of former U.S. President Donald Trump. His trip is aimed at obtaining $60 billion dollars in financing for Ukraine. Read also: NATO official urges civilians in the West to prepare for 'all-out war' with Russia Stoltenberg also met with U.S. Defense Minister Lloyd Austin and discussed the production of weapons, specifically for use by Ukraines Armed Forces. The way to a lasting and just peace is the continuation and increase of military aid to Ukraine from Western allies, Stoltenberg said during a joint press conference with U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken. 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 Danny Sorrells, oil and gas director for the Texas Railroad Commission, told commissioners that plugging the well leaking in Crane County well was completed this week. Sarah Stogner Sarah Stogner identified herself as the drone pilot who inspired the original no-fly zone over a leaking well issued last month in Crane County. The railroad Commission said Tuesday the leak had been plugged. Sarah Stogner State crews plugged an unusual well at the center of a West Texas no-fly zone on Monday, yet investigation into the still-unidentified well is ongoing, according to an update provided Tuesday during a meeting of the Texas Railroad Commission. Danny Sorrells, oil and gas director for the Texas Railroad Commission, told commissioners that plugging the well was a challenging task that cost the state $2.5 million and defied industry norms. He said there have been weekly war room meetings between commission staff and the Bureau of Economic Geology since the Crane County well erupted Dec. 7. It is unusual, has unusual geology and it also has unusual water flows, so were looking into that also, he told commissioners Tuesday. This is ongoing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ZOMBIE WELLS: How forsaken oil wells are causing environmental chaos in Texas The super-salty toxic water that flowed for six weeks contained dangerous levels of the carcinogen benzene and threatened to contaminate protected aquifers. Its the latest sign of trouble under the aging oil fields just north of Fort Stockton, where water under pressure can travel underground at times carrying radioactive elements, chemicals and other oil field waste until it finds the path of least resistance to the surface, often an unplugged well, and bursts to the surface. Sorrells said commission staff was unable to confirm the well ever produced oil, which would have given it clear jurisdiction over the well. Still, he said, intervention was necessary for the sake of freshwater protection. It wasnt a normal plug job that we were moving on, Sorrells reported. This was something that we needed to do for the freshwater in the state of Texas, in my opinion. TOXIC TEST RESULTS: Railroad Commission critic pledges to violate no-fly zone as tests reveal toxic water Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Railroad Commission obtained a no-fly zone from the Federal Aviation Administration after at least one critic, Sarah Stogner, flew drones near crews working to stanch the flow. The commission said a drone flew dangerously close to crews and equipment. Stogner has denied flying close to crews. The RRC crews ended up digging 20 pits to contain the massive amounts of brine flowing from the well, Sorrells told the commission. Hauling water away from the site was a 24-7 operation that required two crews, he said. It wasnt easy, he said. It wasnt an easy plug, but we did plug it. After crews initially stopped the flow on Jan. 21, Sorrells said breakouts cropped up around the well, including some quite a distance from the well. He said they later stopped the breakouts by halting the flow of water into the wells casing, or the lining of the well. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The well doesnt exist on any historical maps despite it having production casing, he said. We dont really know why this well was drilled, he said. We have no records of it. And we have I mean, its not like we just looked at a couple places. Weve looked at everything. Stogner, who lives on a nearby ranch, said Tuesday after the meeting that she hopes the Railroad Commission is investigating aging wells within a two-mile radius of this mysterious well, noting an earlier blowout two years ago was only 400 yards away. The water in that geyser bears striking resemblance to water that burst to the surface last month, suggesting they may share a common source, a groundwater scientist said last week. That pressure and flow has to go somewhere, Stogner said. So where is it going now? That question also vexes Bill Wight, a cattle rancher who owns the property where the well is. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Im glad they got it stopped and I hope it stays stopped," he said Tuesday after the meeting, "but they need to deal with all that pressure." An old oil well leaks salt water and oil on Antina Ranch near Monahans. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer Hawk Dunlap shows a stick, reeking of crude oil after dipping it until an improperly plugged well on Antina Ranch near Monahans. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer WASHINGTON Almost 18 months after hundreds of millions of dollars started flowing to Texas to plug inactive oil wells threatening land and water supplies, the state is struggling to reduce its backlog of abandoned wells, according to a review of Texas Railroad Commission data. The Texas Railroad Commissions most recent list of wells needing to be plugged numbered almost 8,200, a 3% increase from August 2022 when the state received its initial $25 million grant. That should have been enough to plug an additional 800 oil wells beyond what the commission was already doing. But with new abandoned wells constantly being added to the list, Texas and other oil-producing states are stuck in a constant game of catch-up to plug old wells before they begin to leak a toxic mess of oil and salt water. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Railroad Commission plugged 19,000 wells between 2005 and 2022, but another 21,000 sites were added to the orphaned well list during that time, according to a coalition that includes the Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity. While some states like Pennsylvania boast large inventories of (older abandoned) wells, for most states the orphan well crisis is a present problem, the group said in comments to the Department of Interior last month. The Railroad Commission declined to make officials available for an interview. But in a written response, a spokesperson for the agency described the orphaned well list as constantly fluctuating. Understand that the RRC aggressively plugs wells and prioritizes high risk wells and plugs those first to prevent groundwater pollution, she wrote. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Congress passed legislation in 2021 setting aside $4.6 billion toward plugging the hundreds of thousands of orphaned oil wells that have been identified in the United States. More than $100 million of that money has been distributed nationwide so far, with 730 abandoned wells plugged in Texas, more than any other state, the Interior Department reported in November. At the same time, the number of wells the Texas state government is paying to be plugged is declining, according to analysis by the Austin-based watchdog group Commission Shift. Between 2016 and 2021, the Railroad Commission plugged 1,661 wells a year on average. Now federal funding has started flowing, state officials are projecting that number to rise to 2,000 this year and 2,200 next. But more than half of those wells are being paid for with federal money, meaning 600 fewer wells will be paid for with state funding each year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad State budget data shows state funding for orphaned well plugging rising steadily between 2016 and 2021 to almost $72 million per year. But that funding, which is collected through fees on oil and gas companies, has declined since then, with the commission requesting only $63 million per year for 2024 and 2025. They could have put way more money into plugging, and they chose to decrease funding, said Virginia Palacios, executive director of Commission Shift. The commission talks about getting it down to a manageable number near zero, but I dont see how its possible. Asked about the decline in funding, the Railroad Commission said its state-funded plugging program was in line with legislative targets. Weve exceeded well plugging targets set by the Legislature for seven straight years, said the commission spokesperson. It is also important to note that a majority of operators responsibly fulfill their obligations to plug wells. ONGOING STRUGGLE: West Texas struggles to address toxic water produced through fracking Advertisement Article continues below this ad Oil companies, which are required to fill oil and gas wells with cement plugs within 12 months of halting production, close off close to 7,900 wells a year, about 80% of all the wells plugged, according to the Railroad Commission. The falloff in state-funded plugging could well be an issue for the Railroad Commission as it seeks additional federal funding. While the early rounds of grants were based on states' catalogues of orphaned wells, future rounds will be based both on states increasing their funding beyond what they spent between 2010 and 2019, as well as writing tougher regulations, that will reduce future orphaned well burdens and improve plugging standards and procedures, the Interior Department reported in November. In Texas, landowners and environmental activists have long campaigned for tougher rules, seeking to limit companies ability to get years-long extensions on state plugging requirements, as well as their ability to shift liability for older wells to less well-capitalized companies that often go bankrupt. SEARCH THE MAP: Are there orphan wells near your home? Map shows locations around Houston Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Legislature so far has resisted such changes, wary of placing additional costs on oil and gas companies. Mainland-HK civil, commercial arrangement comes into operation Xinhua) 13:07, January 30, 2024 HONG KONG, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The courts of mainland and Hong Kong may recognize and enforce reciprocally effective judgments in civil and commercial matters after a new arrangement came into effect on Monday. The Mainland Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters (Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance and the Arrangement on Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters by the Courts of the Mainland and of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) came into operation Monday. The new mechanism will significantly enhance the demand of parties outside the jurisdiction to choose Hong Kong courts for resolving cases related to the Chinese mainland, said Vice President of the Supreme People's Court (SPC) Yang Wanming at a seminar held Monday in Hong Kong about the arrangement. It will stimulate the expectations of mainland enterprises to choose Hong Kong as a platform for "going global" cooperation, and add momentum to the development of Hong Kong as an international legal and dispute resolution service center in the Asia-Pacific region, Yang said. Paul Lam, secretary for justice of the HKSAR government, said the arrangement showcases the unique advantages enjoyed by Hong Kong under "one country, two systems." It helps consolidate Hong Kong's status as a regional intellectual property trading center as well as a regional center for international legal and dispute resolution services as outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan, Lam said. The seminar was co-organized by the SPC and the HKSAR government's Department of Justice, attracting about 300 participants on-site. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Marissa Luck is a senior real estate reporter at Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at marissa.luck@houstonchronicle.com. Previously, Luck covered commercial real estate in Texas for CoStar News; real estate for Austin Business Journal; energy for Houston Chronicle; and business news for The Daily News in Longview, Wash. Shes won awards from Society of Professional Journalists and National Association of Real Estate Editors, and her byline has appeared in numerous publications nationally. Originally from Hawaii, Luck grew up in the Pacific Northwest and studied international political economy at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash. She now lives in Midtown Houston. Abdallah's is closing its Hillcroft location this month, but the family will open a new cafe by the summer at a new location. Courtesy of Abdallah's One of the first Lebanese restaurants in Houston will close its doors this week as it transitions to a slightly different concept near the Heights. Abdallah's will serve its last meal at its 3939 Hillcroft location on Wednesday, Jan. 31. The Abdallah family said it was a tough decision to choose not to renew their lease, but that the area isn't what it used to be. Instead, they will start a new chapter just south of the Heights. "It's really a tough decision, but (the Heights) is where the business is and that's what's up and coming," said one of the family owners Susan Abdallah Hage. "We're hoping that we'll be able to give even more to our community by being in a location that will work better for us." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Located at 2795 Katy Freeway, the new space has a patio and will be more of a cafe style with walk-up ordering and servers delivering food. The streamlined menu will consist of some existing dishes at Abdallah's and serve specialty items on certain days. Abdallah Hage, daughter of one of the original owners, said they may be choosing a new name for the cafe, but the Abdallah name would be incorporated. The family awaits permitting to set an opening day, but expect it to be by the summer. Abdallah's was founded by brothers Elias and George Abdallah in 1976 in North Houston before it moved to its current location in 1990. It started as a bakery and deli that also had a market in it. The family claimed to be the first Lebanese bakery in Houston. While the family will continue to make fresh pita at the new cafe, it won't be a full-scale bakery. Abdallah Hage points to the COVID pandemic for a shift in business. Pre-pandemic she said they would get a lunch crowd from the nearby offices, but 90 percent of that traffic never came back as workers didn't go back to the office or switched to hybrid schedules. It's just not economically feasible for them to stay in that location, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The original plan was to close the Hillcroft location and open quickly on Katy Freeway, but city permitting has delayed the opening. Changing the family business has been emotionally difficult, Abdallah Hage said. She said it can be hard to embrace something new when they've been doing the same thing for so long but they believe this is a great opportunity. Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, right, walks alongside Herman Stude with the Houston Parks Board during a tour of the Hill at Sims, currently home to a 100-acre regional detention basin owned by the Harris County Flood Control District. The Harris County Commissioners Court votes Tuesday to approve the last major piece of funding for the project, a new, $28.3 regional park in the Sunnyside area that will feature hiking and bike trails along Sims Bayou Greenway. It offers views of downtown, the Texas Medical Center and the Galleria. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, right, goes through renderings and other maps with the help of Megan Palathra during a tour of the Hill at Sims, currently home to a 100-acre regional detention basin owned by the Harris County Flood Control District. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, left, walks with Houston Parks Board member Beth White during a tour of the Hill at Sims. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A worker with Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis office, drives a Gator utility vehicle during a tour of the Hill at Sims. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, left, talks with Houston Parks Board member Beth White, center, and Tina Petersen, director of the Houston Flood Control District, during a tour of the Hill at Sims. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis gives a tour of the Hill at Sims. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Michael Sherman with Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis office, drives a Gator utility vehicle during a tour of the Hill at Sims, currently home to a 100-acre regional detention basin owned by the Harris County Flood Control District, for a tour, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, in Houston. The Harris County Commissioners Court votes Tuesday to approve the last major piece of funding for the project, a new, $28.5 regional park in the Sunnyside area that has been a pet project of Commissioner Ellis that will feature hiking and bike trail along Sims Bayou Greenway and views of downtown, the medical center and The Galleria. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, right, walks with Herman Stude, with the Houston Parks Board, during a tour of the Hill at Sims in the Sunnyside area. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, left, walks through brush behind Herman Stude of the Houston Parks Board, during a tour of the Hill at Sims. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Megan Palathra, left, and Michael Sherman with Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis office, discuss the best way to get around the Hill at Sims. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Megan Palathra of Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis office, Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer On a bike ride around Sims Bayou eight years ago, former state Sen. Rodney Ellis gazed upon a mound composed of 1.6 million cubic yards of dirt and imagined something beautiful. Ellis returned later as Harris County Commissioner to scale that hill. There, in the Sunnyside neighborhood where he grew up, he looked upon Houston. Several miles to the west, the Williams Tower. To the east, refineries. Between them, the downtown skyline gleamed. On a sunny day that followed a rainy week, Ellis treks through the mud to the top of the hill once again. When he reaches the top, he makes a few 360-degree turns, careful not to trip over discarded beer bottles. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Look at that view, Ellis says. Ellis has grand plans to share that view with his fellow Houstonians. He has shepherded a project managed by the Houston Parks Board that will make the brown artificial mound into a flora-cloaked epicenter of the Hill at Sims, a lush green space with hiking and biking paths and a cluster of lakes. The project feels radical, creating splendor from the utilitarian. The 100-acre green space will emerge from a regional detention basin owned by the Harris County Flood Control District. The Harris County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to approve the final funding for the $28.3 million project. The Hill at Sims is projected to be completed in late 2025. 'Something memorable' Urban parks are frequently framed as a respite from the city: insular spaces where residents can pretend concrete, blacktop and glass are farther away than they are. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The plans for the Hill at Sims take a different approach. The space will be dedicated to nature, without park prerequisites like playgrounds. But its panoramic view celebrates its connection to the sprawling city. Parks like this make us connect more as human beings, Ellis says. Its a good thing for the city. 'The most diverse city in the country.' Thats nice to talk about. But that diversity needs ways for us to interact with one another. A new bridge will link the Hill at Sims 1.5-mile loop, which encircles an additional 4.5 miles of trails, to the Sims Bayou Greenway, which itself boasts another 20 miles of trails. For those seeking a swing set, Cloverland Park remains across Scott Street. Beth White, president and CEO of Houston Parks Board, remarks on its value as part of a regional complex. Theres great synergy here with parks and recreation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ellis wants to emphasize a sense of connection, so he pushed for a bridge across Sims Bayou that looks like no other in the city. I wanted something unique, he says. Something memorable. Renderings for the bridge indicate Ellis got his way. A dramatic rust-colored structure will contrast the green around it as it crosses the bayou before splitting at the Hill at Sims. Part of the bridge will connect with a path to the parks trails, while an offshoot leads to a cantilevered viewing area. Park equity Ellis original bike ride accompanied by renewable energy entrepreneur Michael Skelly led to Precinct 1 hiring the Houston Parks Board to do a planning study for the space in 2019. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ellis calls the expansion of equitable access to green spaces in Houston a priority for me. And this, we are standing in the heart of an underserved community. The oldest African American community in south central Houston, Sunnyside became the first community south of the city to be developed for Black residents in 1915. Theres no secret there. Lower-income neighborhoods historically have been deprived of city services, Ellis says. Inequity was more pronounced if the neighborhood was African American or Hispanic, people who generally didnt have political clout, and it was exacerbated over time. Once there was some political clout, there mightve been more equity, but it doesnt take into account historical inequities. Ellis sees the parks link to the Bayou Greenways project a $220 million public-private endeavor that connects 150 miles of trails along the citys bayous as a sign of progress. Ive always been an avid cyclist. I like going through different neighborhoods because we have segregated communities, he says. You see diversity on those trails. Something that pulls us together. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The current cost for the Hill at Sims sits at $28.3 million, with $18.8 million contributed by Precinct 1. The Brown Foundation donated $7.5 million through the Houston Parks Board, and another $2 million was secured by state Rep. Alma Allen and U.S. Rep. Al Green from public federal and state funds. A quick turnaround In addition to the bridge and two pavilions, the money raised will go toward the shaping of the space: planting trees, paving paths and clearing out a space long left unattended. Because the property is dedicated to water detention, trespassing abounds. It has been marred by nests of tires, congregations of empty bottles, a pair of waterlogged mattresses, and a vanity that somebody disliked so much they lugged it through the mud to dispose of it instead of leaving it on the street where the city would pick it up. The muddy paths up and down the hill have become popular with people riding four-wheelers. Ellis thinks a few citations will put an end to the practice. Im reluctant to add dirt to it right now, he says, because theyll think were trying to improve it for them. Those thick, muddy spaces will become footpaths to a hilltop pavilion that looks out over the city. An open-air nature pavilion will be constructed along Scott Street, the point of entry for the park. Some green space will also be available for active programming. With Cloverland Park offering recreation across the street, Ellis constituents, over the course of 20 community meetings, lobbied for a different sort of green space. The Hill at Sims cinches together a number of initiatives by parties with similar interests: Ellis desire for park equity, the Houston Parks Boards large-scale efforts to enhance regional parks along the Bayou Greenways system, and the Harris County Flood Control Districts efforts to make use of spaces that have specific functionality. Or, as Tina Peterson of the Flood Control District says, to make what we do one piece of a much bigger thing. That cooperation helped the project move with uncharacteristic swiftness. Stakes have already been hammered into the ground for the site of the bridge. Permitting and bidding for the parks components the hill and basin, the nature pavilion, and the greenway along Scott Street will all take place this year. Full development should be complete before 2026. Nap Bar, owned by Khaliah O. Guillory, has been package together within a custom box for the Grammys Gifting Lounge. Khaliah Guillory/Nap Bar A Houston business owner used her resilience and help from the community during the mailing issue to get sample products shipped for one of the largest award shows in America the Grammys. Like many others, Nap Bar CEO and Founder Khaliah O. Guillory faced delays in getting her sleep aid products shipped with the United States Postal Service in early January. After getting help from the community and other partnered organizations, Guillory was able to send her company's samples and even had her extra baggage fees waived by United Airlines. "When our team became aware of Khaliahs unforeseen circumstances and the need to transport her products to Los Angeles, we got in touch and sponsored her bag costs," United Airlines Vice President of Airport Operations Phil Griffith said in a statement that touted United's customer service. Advertisement Article continues below this ad RELATED: USPS oversight agencies address public outcry over Houston mail delays Through her excitement, Guillory texted the Houston Chronicle stating the airlines would waive 10 of her additional bags. The road to getting her business' products to the 66th Grammys was difficult, but Guillory never gave up. The certified sleep expert owns an innovative, wellness rest sanctuary for people who have trouble sleeping that opened in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating in the Galleria Mall, Guillory was able to provide a "better sleep box" filled with white-label and soy-based candles, vegan pillow mist, blackout eyemasks, and downloadable soundscapes during the pandemic. The virtual reality experience for those looking to sleep better was also in operation. Guillory's business led to multiple opportunities including working with other corporations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nap Bar even debuted at South by Southwest within the artist lounge where she showcased the virtual reality experience. In the lounge, she met one of the artist managers who recommended she send the products to the Grammys Gifting Lounge for the swag bags. After much thought and saving money to fund the opportunity, Guillory decided to go to this year's Grammys partnering with Wesper a company focused on sleep care. "I'm so happy I listened to my entrepreneur's heart and did it," she said. "Because the Grammys came out of it and who knows what else is going to come out of this amazing opportunity." HOUSTON NEWS: Mail delays shouldn't affect upcoming property tax payment deadline However, as her team put together the packaging for the samples and shipped it out on Jan. 10, she found that the boxes never left Houston. The business owner then returned to her local mailing service and found that there was a mailing issue in Houston. USPS has stated that the overarching cause of the delays is the implementation of its Delivering for America plan, which is a 10-year plan designed to modernize the postal system. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Guillory said it took a lot of funding to try to ship the products during the delays. She added the Grammys allowed an extension after she communicated what was happening in the city. For the swag bags, the Grammys allows the press to take photos included in the swag bag which could help when marketing Nap Bar's products. "For me, to one have my own business and two, have this opportunity ... the Grammys, is unspeakable. It's unheard of," she said. " My mom sacrificed too much for me to play small, so I'm going to have to figure this thing out. I don't have time to go in the corner and lick my wounds. I got to figure out a resolution." She soon turned to the Bayou City community on social media which was able to offer insight for her next steps. A person recommended that she file a claim to get the issue sorted, and according the Guillory, her packages were shipped to Dallas the next day. Now, Guillory has the other custom boxes ready for Los Angeles as she is set to prepare on Wednesday with her team. The Gifting Lounge will open in Los Angeles Thursday leading up to the Grammys Friday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad MAIL DELAYS: UPS plans to cut 12,000 jobs across company "I can't even articulate the outpouring of love and support, and just people sharing their wisdom ... to help me get through things," she said. "I mean it's utterly just breathtaking for me as a small business owner to receive the love from a community because they want me to win." Guillory also wanted to thank the partnerships in collaboration for the custom boxes including her social media managers, Dr. Tara Word, Lonez Scents, Dom & Gray and Dr. Cwanza Pinckney. She also wanted to send her thanks to Chelsea Edwards, Re'Chelle Echols and Layle Ellis for getting her connected with United Airlines, and the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce who supported her. For anyone else dealing with mailing issues, Guillory simply says "keep going" and "ask for help" because "it will always be a 'no' until you ask." Moving forward, Guillory hopes the USPS mail services will provide employees with information to provide customers coming in with tight deadlines. A plague of grackles hang out on wires on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer Have you ever seen huge flocks of blackbirds crowd Texas parking lots and wondered what attracts them there? Heres why. Those big flocks of blackbirds have a name great-tailed grackles and theyre likely congregating for one of two reasons: food and flocking. According to Tulsa Audubon Society president John Kennington, grackles, as theyre affectionally called, will eat almost anything since theyre omnivorous. Theyll eat seeds, theyll eat insects, theyll eat trash, said Kennington. Theyll eat french fries. A McDonalds parking lot will always have some grackles there because theyre out looking for free french fries. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There are two kinds of grackles the common grackles and the great-tailed grackles. Common grackles come in two colors, purple and bronze. But its the great-tailed grackles most commonly seen in shopping centers and fast-food restaurant parking lots. Theres a lot of trash around parking lots, so thats the big attraction, especially for grackles, black birds, house sparrows and perhaps, pigeons (rock doves) is to gather around parking lots because there is a ready source of food there, said Kennington. Banding together also offers the birds protection from predators. Your lingering questions, answered What have you always wondered about Houston? In this Chronicle series, we aim to dig into some of the many weird, wonderful, curious questions our readers have about the greater Houston area: Why do we call them feeder roads? Is Houston really built on a swamp? If you have something youd like us to get to the bottom of, please submit your ideas here. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its sort of harder for a predator to pick off one bird in a flock than just one bird sitting by itself, because it can confuse the predator, Kennington said. So, its pretty well known that flocking helps deter predators. According to the National Audubon Society, great-tailed grackles make their habitat in groves, thickets, farms, towns or city parks. They avoid desert situations and look for open and semi-open country specifically lowlands, farmlands, marshes, irrigated fields, suburban lawns or brushy areas. CITY OF FOOD: Exploring Houston through the belly of the Bayou City A lot of birds show flocking behavior in the wintertime, Kennington said. In the summer, birds are very territorial and they space themselves out for the most part because theyre nesting basically. Liam Wolff, Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies conservation and biodiversity research specialist, said that hed describe grackles as gregarious birds, meaning they enjoy being together in large numbers. He said grackles typically roost at night in parking lots and on power lines nearby. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Asphalt retains heat better than the ambient air, so grackles are able to stay warm near the asphalt, Wolff said via e-mail. Trees and cars provide cover from the elements and safety. Theres also plenty of food available (french fries, pizza crust, etc.) for them to exploit and artificial light sources enable them to forage even after dark. Wolff said great-tailed grackles' history with humans dates back centuries, all the way back to the Aztecs, who would release them in cities as sacred birds that were not allowed to be harmed. Grackles arent the only birds that gather in large groups in parking lots. Kennington says people can see starlings, house sparrows and pigeons crowd together, too. During the summer parking lots can also attract some other kinds of species that eat bugs, because all of the lights lighting up the parking lot attract bugs, he said. So, sometimes you see different types of fly catchers and night hawks in particular are another one that youll see flying around parking lots attracted by the bugs that are attracted to the lights. But, dont fret. Kennington says theres no need to worry about a bird attack in a parking lot. He insists with people disposing their trash poorly or simply dropping their food, theyre more concerned about their next meal versus human interaction. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Parking lot grackles is a thing, said Kennington, laughing. Theyre extremely well-known for hanging out and at McDonalds in particular. Theyll gobble up any McDonalds french fry or a pizza crust someone tosses out of the window or whatever, they will eat it. Kennington says people should expect to see grackles year-round even if they appear more in the winter. A post office is seen Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, on North Shepherd Drive in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Management of the United States Postal Service facility in North Houston knew capacity constraints were a problem well before the recent onslaught of delays, according to a November audit. The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General an independent agency focused on USPS oversight through audits, investigations, reports and research audited North Houston last year and found issues in the category of clearance times and late, canceled and extra trips. Auditors blamed the problems on implementing the USPS Ground Advantage service, which started in July. However, management disagreed with the finding and laid the blame elsewhere in response to a draft of the audit. Advertisement Article continues below this ad N. Houston transportation issues did not just happen after Ground Advantage activation. The facility has been dealing with capacity constraints and significant growth in package volume throughout the pandemic. Space has become one of the major concerns in package processing in this facility, according to the management response letter dated Nov. 20. AWARE OF THE SITUATION: USPS oversight agencies address public outcry over Houston mail delays The management response letter was electronically signed by Larry R. Wagener and GiGi L. Griffin-Earnest. Wagener is listed as the southwest processing operations senior division director, and Griffin-Earnest is listed as the southwest division director for logistics. The USPS Office of Inspector General had recommendations to resolve problems with clearance times and late, canceled, and extra trips. One was to analyze current sort plans and adjust package processing operations to meet clearance times. The target implementation date for that was set for Feb. 29. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The independent agency published the official report Nov. 28. The time covered in the audit doesnt overlap with the current mail and package delays. The audit was one of two released within the past three months on operations within the Houston area. The second one looked at the operations of three post offices: the Fairbanks Post Office at 7050 Brookhollow West Drive, the Oak Forest Post Office at 2499 Judiway St. and the Conroe Post Office. In the North Houston facility audit titled Efficiency of Operations at the North Houston Processing and Distribution Center, Houston, TX, the agency said the North Houston facility had deficiencies for four of the five areas it reviewed. The USPS Office of Inspector General also suggested ways to help improve performance. We found issues with clearance times; late, canceled and extra trips; delayed mail; scanning compliance; and safety, a USPS Office of Inspector General spokesperson said. WHAT TO KNOW: Everything you need to know about the USPS mail delays in Houston Advertisement Article continues below this ad While there was disagreement on the findings for clearance times and late, canceled and extra trips, the auditors and management were in greater lockstep for the other three categories. The two sides agreed on the findings for scanning and safety. There was a partial disagreement on delayed mail but an agreement on the recommendation to enforce the existing process to properly identify mail in the manual letter operation unit and report any delayed mail. Three of the recommendations have a target implementation date of Feb. 29. Two have a target implementation date of Feb.16. One has a target implementation date of Jan. 31. The audit of the three post offices also found issues of delayed mail, package scanning, property conditions, and carrier complement and timekeeping in all three. While the timeline of the audits does not include current mail delays, the agency is aware of what is going on currently. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are aware of recent complaints about the new South Houston Local Processing Center, the spokesperson said. The OIG remains dedicated to evaluating the impact to the public of network changes related to the Postal Services Delivering for America 10-year plan and how they may impact service performance nationwide. Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee speaks at an informational meeting hosted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on a proposed concrete crushing facility near Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital for community members, lawmakers and environmental justice advocates on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer George Floyd was raised in Houston's Third Ward, but he died on the streets of South Minneapolis. There, in May 2020, police officers pinned him to the ground, one with his knee pressed into his neck for nine and a half minutes that proved fatal. All four of the officers involved were fired and charged. Less than a year later, Officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 22 and a half years. It was an all too rare example of accountability. Umeka "UA" Lewis wonders, though, what would have happened if he had died here at home. That case would probably still be going on right now, she told the editorial board. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lewis, 52, is challenging incumbent Christian Menefee, 35, in the Democratic primary for Harris County attorney. Lewis, who is a civil rights lawyer and often battles law enforcement agencies, has focused her campaign largely on the countys use of qualified immunity, a legal defense used to shield law enforcement from prosecution. Its frustrating for my families, said Lewis, who said she also struggles to get the public records she needs to fight on their behalf because the county attorney files to block access. The criticisms Lewis raises are appropriate but Menefee isn't the best target. As the county attorney, he told us he can advise his clients to do the right thing but cannot force them down certain paths or pass laws. Its up to law enforcement agencies if they choose to invoke the qualified immunity defense and how they handle their public records. But Menefee assured us, he still evaluates the merits of the defense in each case and works for a speedy resolution for families. When a decade-old case landed on his desk, Menefee pushed for a multimillion-dollar settlement for the family of Jamail Joseph Amron, who died in 2010 after a deputy constable stepped on his face while he was handcuffed on the ground. Voters should also keep in mind that police defense cases make up only a small fraction of the total handled by the Harris County Attorneys Office, which is responsible for serving as the lawyer for county officials and neighborhoods, and using civil law to protect against environmental crimes, illegal enterprises and other threats. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We believe Menefee is carrying out his duties diligently. With just one term in office, hes backed up his progressive credentials and then some. Menefee came in on a promise to expand the environmental enforcement and he delivered, growing the office from four to 11 full-time attorneys and bringing the fight to some of the most long-neglected communities. In a state that produces the most ready-mix concrete and a county with scores of concrete batch plants, Menefees commitment to neighborhoods choking on the dust of this multibillion dollar industry has been unwavering. In Fifth Ward, hes been instrumental in finally getting the federal government involved in the testing and potential cleanup of creosote contamination. In Carverdale, he helped stop the expansion of a landfill. Along I-45, hes joined the city to push back against plans for a massive highway project that hadnt sufficiently heard community concerns. And hes struck important wins for the county, from tightening safety standards for construction companies working with the county to standing up for voting rights and starting a paid summer legal academy for underserved high school students. When I was growing up, I didnt know any lawyers, he said. I didnt even know anybody who went to college. Menefee has combined his legal and personal experience to create a competent, effective and equity-minded office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Migrants walk the Rio Grande searching for a way through the concertina wire and into the U.S. at Eagle Pass, Texas, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. Migrant crossings have surge in the area leading the city to declare a state of emergency. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News Immigration debate Regarding "Abbott plays chicken with Supreme Court on barbed wire (Thumbs)," (Jan. 27): The hypocrisy of conservative Republicans who call themselves Christians is astonishing. What do you think Jesus would have to say about border walls and razor wire? Ed Rains, Nassau Bay Have you all lost your minds? How dare you come down on Gov. Greg Abbott? Whether you realize it or not, many Texans are extremely happy with Abbott's efforts to stop this invasion into our country. You call yourselves true Texans. Maybe you should get out of your comfy offices and into the country, around real people who are losing their jobs and homes because of these immigrants. I'm not alone in realizing that a lot of upper-class people do not speak for people like myself. It's enough to really anger a majority of country folks who I know personally. We have lost our businesses to immigrants coming in and under-bidding us. Businesses that are small and that have taken years to build are suffering. Abbott has been the only voice with the guts to stand up for our Constitution and our rights as American citizens. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As a Texas newspaper, you should be standing behind us, not against us. You should be ashamed. A true patriot and a true Texan would never go against its people. Thank God for Gov. Abbott! Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dawn Newman, Huntsville Regarding "We are in this border mess because of Joe Biden (Opinion)," (Jan. 27): I have read ad nauseam the politicians and other politicians' people, including the Chronicle editorial board, saying that our border policy is broken and needs to be fixed. Our border policy is not broken. Its on the books as law. It is simply not being enforced. Kathy Becktell, Houston What I find interesting about the border naysayers is that they never can quote what laws the Biden administration is ignoring. Page 6 of Sundays Chronicle has an Associate Press report that more people than ever are being arrested at the border. That doesnt sound like open borders to me. It sounds like U.S. Customs and Border Protection are doing the best they can to enforce the border laws. The quandary is that those who gripe about open borders provide no proof of their statements, and push a fear-mongering position instead of actual facts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The other interesting part of all this is that the very same Republicans who are griping and whining about not doing enough are choosing to deny CBP and Border Patrol the funds with which to do the needed work. This is being done for political reasons. They would rather enlarge a political crisis than be seen as working with Democrats in Congress. Jeffrey P. Phillips, Houston Is there anyone available with the knowledge and skills necessary to explain the constitutional legalities involved regarding legal versus illegal immigration to the United States? Or to furnish a reading list that provides that information? What's the difference between a legal and an illegal immigrant? What constitutes legal entry by non-residents into the United States? Advertisement Article continues below this ad What constitutes illegal entry by non-residents into the United States? What is the extent of the law concerning illegal entry into the United States? What is the law regarding application for asylum? What can the United States government legally do to stem the flow of immigrants? For instance, do our laws apply to Canada? Can Canadian residents legally cross our northern border into the U. S. anywhere along the boundary between the two countries, without passports, as long as they ask for asylum? Do the same laws apply to crossing anywhere along the Rio Grande from Mexico to the U.S.? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Somehow over the past 50 years or so we moved from permits for Braceros and non-citizen workers who moved between Mexico and the U.S., to, it seems, allowing thousands of people from other countries to remain in the U.S. for indefinite periods, apparently with no visa or permit. I'm a social liberal, but I do have some qualms about how these people are vetted, where they end up and their source of support. Bottom line, I am not a constitutional scholar, and I'm tired of argumentative articles by political partisans filled with mostly unproven pros and cons. I've visited Ellis Island and found the information on immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries most helpful, but find myself clueless on the current laws. Where do I go, how do I start, to find the truth on this issue? State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, and U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas. The two are running to be the Democratic nominee to face Ted Cruz in the 2024 senatorial race. Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune Over two straight days of rare in-person political clashes, a clear line of division emerged between the leading contenders in the states hottest Democratic primary race to take on U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. On both border security and Israels war with Hamas, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred and state Sen. Roland Gutierrez exemplified a broader fight in the party over how far left Democrats can go and still be effective even when a Republican majority in Congress and the Texas Legislature often set the agenda. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Allred, a Dallas member of Congress and civil rights attorney, presented himself at separate events in Austin and San Antonio as a bipartisan leader who isnt afraid to question Joe Bidens handling of the border. He stopped well short of calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and said he isnt ready to back Medicare for All, an approach to universal health care championed by progressives. Ive shown in my time in Congress that it is possible to work across the aisle Im the most bipartisan member of the Texas delegation while also standing up for my values, Allred said at a Sunday debate sponsored by the Texas AFL-CIO in Austin. Gutierrez, an immigration attorney in San Antonio who has been in the Texas Legislature since 2008, used the debate and joint appearance before the San Antonio Express-News editorial board on Monday to criticize Allred for going too far right in the name of bipartisanship. Gutierrez proudly called himself one of the most progressive members of the Texas Legislature. If sent to Washington, he said hell demand comprehensive immigration reform, a cease-fire in Gaza and Medicare for All. The pairs differences extend from policy into style. Allred said people want their politicians to get things done instead of being a partisan lightning rod that will continue this divisiveness. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While he never named Gutierrez directly, it was clear to the San Antonio Democrat that Allred was taking aim at him. Gutierrez acknowledged he tends to upset Republicans, but said hes still been effective in passing legislation for his district. He pointed to the Texas Senate where he said he forced Republicans who control the chamber to add a teacher pay raise amendment to one bill, even though it was later stripped out in the Texas House. You have to push to the brink, Gutierrez said in an interview on Monday. He said Republicans, particularly on immigration, want to talk about the issue but dont really want to solve it so there is no compromising on key values. We dont need to have Democrats throwing our president under the bus, as happened here last week, Gutierrez said. We dont need to adopt Trump and Cruzs causes. Gutierrez was referring to a GOP-crafted resolution Allred voted for earlier this month that says Bidens open-borders policies have created a national security and public safety crisis along the southwest border. Allred was one of 14 Democrats, three from Texas, who backed the congressional resolution. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Allred defended the vote during the debate and the editorial board meeting as siding with Texas voters, the bulk of whom he said see the border as a problem amid a record number of border crossings last month. Allred said he saw the resolution as asking whether or not members of Congress believe the Biden administration has done enough to address the surge of migrants. Ive been saying for months I dont think they have, Allred said. The White House needed to be much more aggressive on this, and now we are seeing it. Allred and Gutierrez are among the nine candidates who have qualified to be on the Democratic primary ballot on March 5, with in-person early voting starting on Feb. 20. Allred has dominated in early fundraising and leads in the few public polls that have been released. Gutierrez has also emerged as a top challenger due, in part, to his advocacy of the families in Uvalde. Gutierrez has used his statewide campaign to call for gun safety including, banning assault weapons. Others in the race warn that position is getting too close to what many believe was the downfall of former gubernatorial candidate Beto ORourke, who said he supported taking away assault-style guns during an earlier presidential campaign. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Candidate Mark Gonzalez, the former Nueces County district attorney, said Democrats cant win Texas without crossover Republicans and anyone who calls for taking away guns risks losing them. Aint nobody going to take my guns, he said at the San Antonio Express-News editorial board meeting on Monday. State Rep. Carl Sherman, a Democrat and former mayor of DeSoto in North Texas is pitching himself as something between Gutierrez and Allred. Sherman said he isnt afraid of pushing Democrat values, including when he and other House Democrats fled the state in 2019 to block passage of a GOP bill that would have reduced voting hours and limited polling sites in minority communities. Republicans ultimately passed the legislation, but stripped out those provisions. At the same time, Sherman said his background in local government makes him attuned to working across the aisle and building relationships with Republicans. There are no more scheduled debates in the race. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houston City Council member Tiffany Thomas (District F) photographed on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Mayor John Whitmire on Monday evening blocked an unauthorized housing committee meeting called by District F Council Member Tiffany Thomas, who had scheduled a Tuesday discussion on a highly competitive affordable housing program. Council committees play a critical role in shaping city policy across key areas, including transportation, economic development, housing and ethics. These committees are subject to reorganization by incoming mayors, who often choose to modify their structure and leadership. TAX CREDITS: Houston leaders divided on support for controversial affordable housing projects Advertisement Article continues below this ad Whitmire has not yet unveiled his committee assignments, according to the mayors office. But Thomas, who served as chair of the Housing and Community Affairs Committee under former Mayor Sylvester Turner, attempted to organize a committee meeting Tuesday morning to review this years 9% tax credit program applications. The program allows developers to charge lower rent by offsetting a portion of their federal tax liability. Thomas posted the meeting agenda online last week and asked six other council members, including three first-term members, to attend the meeting. One of the newcomers, At-large Council Member Julian Ramirez, confirmed that he was never appointed by the mayor and said he was invited by Thomas based on his predecessors role on the committee. Whitmire emailed council members Monday evening and said that the meeting would not occur. He does respect Council Member Thomas and her housing expertise, but this is not the way to do it, said Mary Benton, a spokeswoman from the mayors office. For over a week, the housing committee was the only one with names of its chair and members listed on the city website. Benton said Whitmire never approved anyone to post these names on the webpage. The information has since been removed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its not unusual for a new mayor to take the time to really review (committee assignments) and make sure that its done accurately and done the right way, Benton said, adding that Whitmire is planning to announce committee appointments by the end of February. Thomas acknowledged that she has not been appointed as the committees chair but noted that it was a special called meeting intended to deal with the rushed timeline of a tax credit program that has grown contentious in the past. The program has been one of the largest drivers of affordable housing in Texas for decades. To qualify, developers need to submit their applications to the state, and Texas officials make the final determinations. But the city still plays a role by passing a resolution of support for projects it endorses, a critical component of the applications. There are many steps the city must go through including a public briefing and likely several rounds of council deliberations ahead of the states March 1 program deadline. Thomas said there simply is no room for delay, adding that she did not consider whether calling the meeting without authorization would violate any city rules. Thomas released a statement Tuesday morning defending her commitment to affordable housing and expressing her concern that the mayors timeframe might not allow enough time for council members, residents and developers to thoroughly review and discuss the proposed projects. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I am acutely aware of the depleted housing legacy in Houston, the Not-in-My-Backyard campaigns, and the limited knowledge the general public has about how the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program works in our city and our role, she said in the statement. At the current pace, I am concerned the city may not create space for robust dialogue regarding projects that can potentially guard against the growing unaffordability in Houston. She said she and Whitmires administration share the core principle of transparency, with the word transparency bolded and underlined in her statement. She also invited residents to contact their council members and join her at a Feb. 6 public meeting at City Hall to participate in the process. Whitmire is committed to ensuring a transparent application review process, as well, according to Benton. To address the pressing timeline, the mayor has directed the housing department to publicize the initial list of recommended projects and arrange one-on-one meetings with council members to go over the list, he said in the Monday email. China donates 10 mln USD worth of communications equipment to Syria Xinhua) 13:20, January 30, 2024 DAMASCUS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- China has donated communications equipment worth approximately 10 million U.S. dollars to Syria aimed at helping restore and strengthen the country's war-damaged telecom stations. A delivery ceremony was held on Monday here in the Syrian capital with the attendance of Syrian Minister of Communications and Technology Iyad Mohammad al-Khatib and Chinese Ambassador to Syria Shi Hongwei. The batch would equip 26 major base stations in four Syrian provinces of Rural Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, and Deir al-Zour to offer voice and Internet services to over 100,000 families, the Chinese embassy said in a statement. The project's installation and maintenance are expected to create nearly 1,000 new jobs in the regions, improving the local economy and people's livelihood, it noted. Al-Khatib said the donation would play a key part in restoring basic services and communications in areas plagued by terrorism, building a more robust local economy, and indirectly facilitating the return of displaced people to their homes. Shi, for his part, voiced China's commitment to providing further assistance according to the needs of the Syrian people. He underscored the historical and distinguished relations between China and Syria. The donation is part of the ongoing humanitarian and relief aid provided by the Chinese government to Syria, which has been fractured by a nearly 13-year civil war. China has consistently extended medical and relief aid to Syria, demonstrating its unwavering support for easing the immense suffering endured by the Syrian people. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) State Representative candidate Janis Holt, left, chats with Sandra and James B. Sterling, III during a meet and greet at Generations Coffee and Sandwich Shop, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 in Liberty. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer From left, Liberty County Commissioner Pct. 1 candidate Toby Wilburn, Glenn Williams, Lori Tidwell and State Representative candidate Janis Holt, chat during a meet and greet at Generations Coffee and Sandwich Shop, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 in Liberty. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Campiagn cookies sit on a platter during a Janis Holt State Representative campaign meet and greet at Generations Coffee and Sandwich Shop, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 in Liberty. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer From left, State Representative candidate Janis Holt, offers Andrew and Connor Cook campaign cookies during a campaign meet and greet at Generations Coffee and Sandwich Shop, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 in Liberty. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer State Representative candidate Janis Holt assembles campaign signs before a meet and greet at Generations Coffee and Sandwich Shop, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 in Liberty. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Texas State Rep. Ernest Bailes IV discusses the pros and cons of a private school voucher bill in the classroom of his wife, Courtney, Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Coldspring. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Texas State Rep. Ernest Bailes IV walks up the stadium bleacher steps before Coldspring High Schools rivalry football game against Shepherd, Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Coldspring. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer LIBERTY Groundhog Day isnt until Friday, but its come early for Rep. Ernest Bailes. Two years ago, Bailes breezed to reelection over Republican challenger Janis Holt, a school board trustee and owner of an air purification company. Now, in one of the key Republican primary races that could set a course for Texas public education for years to come, Bailes is facing off with Holt once again. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Since their first face-off, Bailes emerged as a leader of the House Republicans who blocked Gov. Greg Abbotts priority school voucher bill. The governor is now trying to oust the lawmakers who defied him. Earlier this month Abbott threw his support behind Holt, making her latest challenge to Bailes much more formidable. Its been a game changer, said Holt an avowed supporter of the governors plan to subsidize private schooling with public funds. It just lends a different air to the campaign. Since then, she said her fundraising has taken off, including from large pro-voucher national groups. Thats in addition to the $25,000 she received last year from the Family Empowerment PAC, a pro-voucher group that has donated heavily across the state to supportive lawmakers. Holt declined to say exactly how much shed raised in recent weeks, and that information wont be public until the filing of next months campaign finance reports. She raised about $40,000 in the second half of last year, while Bailes took in more than $200,000. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the district northeast of Houston, Abbotts people have been knocking on doors on Holts behalf, both candidates said. Abbott is also planning to come to the district himself to stump alongside Holt on Feb. 15 as he has begun to do for other candidates around the state. And the governor recently received a $6 million donation from a Pennsylvania pro-voucher billionaire that he said hell use to support his chosen candidates. Bailes said that the floodgates are just now starting to hit with campaign spending and television advertisements attacking him on vouchers and other issues. Two years ago, Bailes didnt need to campaign aggressively, but he said that is changing with the extra funding and attention. She promised the governor shed be there for vouchers and therefore all of this funding has come to her as a windfall, Bailes said. It will (be closer). It will have a negative impact. I dont think itll be enough, but we arent going to take anything for granted. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In addition to Holt and Bailes, Stephen Andrew Missick is running in the GOP primary, although he reported no fundraising last year and has no major endorsements. No Democrats filed to run in the ruby red district, meaning the winner of the GOP primary will clinch the November general election. The race is one of eight where Abbott has endorsed a challenger to a sitting House Republican; hes also backed four candidates in races for open House seats. The governor has said his goal is to elect members who will vote for his voucher plan providing families with public funds to pay for private education. If he succeeds in enough races, the policy could gain new steam in the next legislative session. Last week, Holt glad-handed for a few hours with voters at Generations Coffee and Sandwich Shop in Liberty. In the back, there was a table of Texas-shaped cinnamon cookies and square ones with Holts campaign logo stamped on the frosting. At one point, a local attorney asked Holt why she was running. Well, Holt said, the district is the third-most conservative in the state, and Bailes is too moderate. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its not so much on the big things, but the small things, Holt said. And youre either a conservative or youre not. Holt says shes a strong supporter of vouchers, believing such a program would empower parents to choose the schools that are best for their children. One person at her event, perhaps skeptical of the policy, asked whether private, non-Christian schools could also receive funds. Holt said yes. Muslim schools, Church of Satan, she said, the choice is that I dont have to send my kids there. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While Abbott campaigned hard for vouchers during last years legislative sessions, the policy ultimately failed. In November, 21 Republicans including Bailes voted with House Democrats to strip Abbotts preferred plan from an omnibus education bill that would have also given teachers raises, increased special education dollars and funded a number of other public education initiatives. Public school groups oppose vouchers, even in exchange for an immediate funding boost, because they believe they will drain dollars from public education in the long run. Bailes noted that Abbott has endorsed him in past reelection bids even knowing then that Bailes opposed vouchers. Now, he says, Abbott is seeking to throw him out of office because of it. He said if you dont stick with me on this, I will work against you, Bailes said. Bailes feels vouchers would be damaging to public schools and would not provide much of a benefit in his rural district where there are few private schools. The district stretches across Hardin, Liberty and San Jacinto counties. I said so be it, Im going to do what I said I would do and whats best for the kids in the state of Texas, he recalled. At the cookie store, Holt and her supporters took a cautiously optimistic tone when talking about the race. Leon Blackwelder, a local retiree, said he was supporting Holt because he wanted to see Ernest face a tough test. He said Bailes was hardworking and honest and he cares, describing him as the whole package as a lawmaker. He even said he could give Bailes a pass for voting against the voucher bill, but Blackwelder said he felt that Bailes too frequently sided with Democrats on important issues, although he did not offer specifics when asked. Another attendee, Richard Pegus, joked, lets put the Phelan-Bailes dartboard away when he saw a reporter at the event. Pegus and others said they viewed Bailes as an ally of House Speaker Dade Phelan, a Beaumont Republican whom they criticized for impeaching the states attorney general and allowing Democrats to serve as committee chairs in the House. As the Holt event ended, two men lingered. They chatted with the candidate for several minutes about how Donald Trumps campaign was going and who he should select for his vice president and Cabinet. Finally, before heading to a nearby Chilis for a drink, one said with cautious optimism that it seemed like Holt had a lot more support than two years ago. Turnout would likely be higher in a presidential year, he said, and folks just seemed to be paying more attention. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton before his impeachment trial in the Senate Chambers at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Sep. 6, 2023. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News The Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday temporarily blocked the deposition of Attorney General Ken Paxton in the whistleblower case that spurred his impeachment. Paxton was set to be deposed Thursday, and three top aides were also set to testify in the following days. The depositions could have huge implications for Paxton anything he says could be used by federal criminal investigators and could put pressure on state lawmakers to revisit the impeachment allegations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Paxton is accused in the suit of having fired four employees in retaliation for their claims that he accepted bribes and abused his office to help a friend and campaign donor. He has denied wrongdoing. The Texas Senate acquitted him last fall on those and other claims after a two-week impeachment trial. The high court on Tuesday did not explain its decision to grant the temporary relief in its brief order. It had denied a similar appeal from Paxton earlier in January. The court has requested a response from the whistleblowers attorneys by Feb. 29. The third-term Republican filed a motion this month saying he would no longer contest the allegations in the lawsuit and asked a Travis County court to award damages. The whistleblowers attorneys have said Paxton is desperate to avoid testifying and is attempting to have it both ways denying the former employees the right to prove their allegations in court while also declining to admit any wrongdoing. Despite Paxtons no-contest motion, the whistleblowers have all agreed they would prefer to continue with depositions and the trial. A judge in the case initially did not address Paxtons petition and ordered the depositions. Paxton then appealed to the Austin-based 3rd Court of Appeals, which within hours denied his request. He then embarked on this appeal to the states highest civil court. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lawyers for Paxton did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the order. Attorneys for two of the whistleblowers remained optimistic. "We look forward to continuing the fight for justice in this case," they said in a statement. "The people of Texas deserve answers from Ken Paxton." Former President Donald Trump and his allies, including his son Donald Trump, Jr. and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Green, had been exerting pressure on the court to rule in Paxtons favor. A group run by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller submitted paperwork this week to be admitted as part of Paxtons legal team in the case. Trump on Tuesday wrote on the social media platform TruthSocial that the legal system was being politicized and abused to attack Paxton. The great Supreme Court of Texas now has a big choice to make, the former president wrote, hours before the court intervened. Enough time and money has been wasted forcing Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, to defend himself. Donald Trump speaks during his event at Trendsetter Engineering on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday endorsed a GOP activist challenging House Speaker Dade Phelan in the March primary, the latest example of right-wing backlash sparked by the Beaumont Republicans role in the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton. In a post on his social media site, Truth Social, Trump threw his support behind David Covey, an energy consultant and former chair of the Orange County GOP, calling him an America First Conservative. Trump, this years likely Republican presidential nominee, also accused Phelan of leading the Fraudulent Impeachment of Paxton and spurned the House leaders recent show of support. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Last week Dade Phelan said, I voted for President Trump twice for President, and Im going to vote for him a third time. I think hes going to be the Nominee, Trump posted. Words, however, do not mitigate the Absolute Embarrassment Speaker Phelan inflicted upon the State of Texas and our Great Republican Party! The endorsement is Trumps first in Texas this election cycle, and signals yet another major player jumping into a field of competitive Texas House races that could determine the GOP-led chambers direction. Paxton, a close Trump ally, was impeached by the Phelan-led state House over charges of bribery and abusing the power of his office to benefit a friend and campaign donor. He was acquitted by the state Senate, the chamber controlled by another of the former presidents political confidants, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Phelan has stirred opposition among GOP activists and a handful of openly hostile Republican House members over his role in the impeachment, along with the lower chambers resistance to certain policies pushed by Patrick and the more conservative Senate, from property taxes to school vouchers. The pushback has come even as the Legislature has passed a cascade of high-profile conservative measures during Phelans two terms as speaker, from allowing the permitless carry of handguns to banning transition care for transgender minors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even with Trumps support, Covey faces an uphill climb unseating Phelan, who had more than $5.3 million in his campaign account by the end of 2023. Covey had about $24,000 at the same point, though he has since received at least $100,000 from a PAC funded by West Texas oil magnates Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks, the states biggest far-right megadonors. A third candidate, Jasper County resident Alicia Davis, also is running in the GOP primary for Phelans House District 21. The seat covers all of Jasper and Orange counties and parts of Jefferson County in the states southeast corner. Trump, whose support is thought to carry weight among Republican primary voters, has taken aim at Phelan several times over the last few years, most recently calling on the speaker to resign in the wake of Paxtons acquittal. He also previously slammed Phelan for not prioritizing an election audit after his 2020 presidential election loss, in which he carried Texas by the narrowest margin for a Republican presidential nominee since 1996. In a statement, Phelan downplayed the importance of the endorsement and said he still plans to vote for Trump later this year. Trump himself has stated he does not know me nor does he know my record of fighting for Southeast Texans, Phelan said. Unfortunately, my opponents have sought this endorsement in yet another attempt to get retribution against me for holding public officials accountable and defending the Texas House against outside interests. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Phelan previously has suggested that Trumps hostility was being driven by Patrick, whom Trump has credited as the driving force behind his endorsements in Texas. Patrick, who acted as judge during the impeachment trial, clashed repeatedly with Phelan last year on a range of political and policy disputes and said the speaker was just flat-out impossible to work with. Paxton is also closely aligned with Trump, having waged an unsuccessful legal challenge to his loss in the 2020 presidential election. The attorney general also has endorsed Covey, along with dozens of primary challengers running against Phelan allies who voted to impeach him. Great endorsement by @realDonaldTrump for @CoveyTX, Paxton wrote on X. Its time for HD 21 to fire @DadePhelan. According to the polling I have seen, sounds like its voters are ready to send him back home. Trump previously claimed credit for Paxtons impeachment acquittal, contending that his eleventh-hour panning of the shameful proceedings helped swing the GOP-led Senate to acquit Paxton on all 16 impeachment charges. There is no evidence Trumps statement played a decisive role in the senators decision. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now being urged to probe into protesters, including those online, for calling a ceasefire in Gaza over the supposed link to Russia. Speaking during CNN's "State of the Union" program, former House speaker Nancy Pelosi claimed the protests might be "connected" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Pelosi claimed the protests could affect the voters' decision in the upcoming 2024 Elections and that FBI should investigate the financing of these campaigns. Pelosi asserted that only some are linked to Russia with the other protesters "are spontaneous and organic and sincere." Pelosi did not name which campaigns she was pertaining to. The former House speaker did not provide any evidence to her assertions, but a representative of her office said the Democrat is "aware of how foreign adversaries meddle in American politics." Also Read: NSA is Buying Americans' Data Activity Without Warrant Protesters Blast Pelosi Over Russian-Linked Claims Following Pelosi's statements, several protest groups immediately criticized the former House speaker for her suggestion The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim-led group in the US, dismissed Pelosi's claims as "downright authoritarian" to censor protests for the affected citizens in Gaza. The council claims urged Pelosi to cease the "unsubstantiated smear" and instead "respect the will of the American people" in pushing to stop the "genocidal war" on Gaza. Pelosi's call came as pro-Palestine protests continued to surge during President Joe Biden's, a Democrat, speeches. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators have also disrupted Pelosi's speech during her visit to Seattle last week. Recent surveys have shown that many voters "broadly disapprove" of Biden administration's handling of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The US is among the countries, along with Israel, that rejected calls for a ceasefire in the war-torn Gaza. Online Protests Continue on Social Media Despite the threat of an FBI investigation, pro-Palestine protests continue across social media as many users urge for peace talks. Many of the posts regarding US policies have also started shifting towards its actions on Gaza as the 2024 Presidential Elections inch closer. At the same time, disinformation has also become more rampant as the death toll ramps up. Multiple accounts have since been suspended for spreading false information about the war. Related Article: Google No Longer Collecting Users' Location History on Maps App US President Joe Biden is injecting additional funds to 18 more states for "research and technology advances" ahead of the 2024 Presidential Elections. The newest addition to the Biden administration's "Investing in America" initiative included several battleground and Republican states. These states are set to receive a total of $150 million in federal investments in addition to another $350 million in contributions from private partners. Recipient states include swing regions like Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Several states that announced support for Biden's top contender, former President Donald Trump, like Florida, Louisiana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming will also receive substantial funding. Democrat states where Biden has secured votes, such as Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, New York, and Virginia, will also receive support from the program. Also Read: Colorado, Oregon to Receive $162 Million to Expand Computer Chip Production Biden Bolsters 'Innovation Engines' for Semiconductor Industry Select states are set to also receive an additional $2 billion budget from the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act to revitalize the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Biden earlier announced to roll out $52 billion in subsidies to support semiconductor and research facilities across the US. The initiative will be under the National Science Foundation to set up "innovation engines" for "regions that were left out of the recent decades' technology boom." The programs are expected to produce at least 40,000 jobs and restore the country's status as one of the leading semiconductor industries in the world. The US currently contributes only 10% of the global chip supply. Related Articles: Biden Pledges $82 Million to North Carolina for High-Speed Internet Biden Clashes with Trump Ahead of November Elections The sweeping pledges to the tech industry under the Biden administration can be seen as the current government's efforts to bolster its chances against its biggest election competitor. Trump touted his accomplishments on his economic war against China and his so-called "tax legacy" as the highlights of his administration. Biden has been lagging behind Trump in the last surveys conducted by the New York Times after receiving broad disapproval across several presidential policies. Democrats in the House of Representatives are now urging the US government to tackle the increasing number of deepfakes and robocalls as the 2024 Elections arrive within months. New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone is now proposing further clarifications to the definition of robocalls to include AI-generated texts and calls. The Supreme Court has previously only determined robocalls to only certain phone dialing systems under the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act, excluding text messages. Pallone said the new legislation will "plug up the loopholes" in the Supreme Court decision and possibly "put some serious limitations" on the surge of robocalls in the US. Calls for the new law came after a deepfake of President Joe Biden, Democrat's leading candidate, started calling New Hampshire residents to not attend the state's election primary. Also Read: Deepfake Audio of Biden Tells Democrats Not to Vote, Alarms Watchdogs AI-Powered Disinformation on the Rise in the US The continuous development in AI technology has prompted a surge in AI-fueled disinformation in the country, including robocalls and automated text messages. Robocall watchdog YouMail reported 55 billion robocalls were made in 2023, affecting one person per 167.7 calls. This was the biggest recorded number of robocalls placed since the reports breached the 50 billion marker in 2021. More websites hosting AI-generated "fake news" have also grown exponentially by 1,000% since May 2023, according to The Washington Post. There are only a few legislations that have been approved in order to address this rising threat to democracy. How to Spot Bogus Robocalls One of the biggest giveaways in scam robocalls is the urgency of the situation, requiring the recipient to shell out money immediately or to do something over important matters. Authorities recommend people always ensure the number calling them and immediately block and report a number if proven that they are impersonating someone. The Federal Trade Commission has also released samples of scam robocalls to help consumers identify and avoid fraud in the future. Related Article: How to Spot Election 'Fake News' on Social Media "Avatar: The Last Airbender" will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary since the first episode aired in 2005, but the series has continued to capture the hearts of many generations. The animated show Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino made for Nickelodeon has expanded into a veritable franchise spanning different protagonists and stories. Now that recent updates on the live-action adaptation from Netflix, many longtime fans of the original "Avatar" series are much louder towards their praises of the animated show. But why is that? Also Read: Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' is Removing a Major Plot Point Avatar's Core Themes Resonated with People For a show mainly marketed for children and teenagers, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" introduced many serious themes throughout the three seasons without exhausting the mind of the audience. Despite being set place in a fantasy world, the problems the protagonists face can be reflected in real life and have helped many young minds relate to their struggles. Even the characters' flaws, like Sokka's misogyny or Prince Zuko's anger, from the start became meaningful lessons for watchers as they go through their individual character arcs. Timeless Story Like many movies and shows that made it to the hallmark of pop culture, "The Last Airbender" has cemented itself as a timeless tale that will endure through culture and time. The fantasy setting helped retain the relevance of the story, but its main pull is the lovable cast that is sure to attract viewers no matter the generation. Promises of new installations, including a continuation of the original Avatar gang, also bring many fans old and new anticipating what's coming next for the world of Avatar. So, it never really goes old. At least, for now. Doubts on the Live Adaptation The Netflix adaptation was not the first time that "The Last Airbender" has been translated to live action, although many fans have denied that such a film ever existed. The disappointing result in the first attempt to bring the beloved series to the big screen has soured many people's idea of ever adapting the show outside of its original media. It did not help that previous adaptations of other beloved animated series were broadly considered as massive flops, including Netflix's version of "Cowboy Bebop" and "Death Note." Things are better now with the success of "One Piece," although speculations are still up in the air after the "Avatar's" original creators left the project mid-production. Related Article: The Secrets Behind 'One Piece's' Long-Term Popularity (Photo : Unsplash/Pawel Czerwinski) A hidden path to America's dinner tables is a former Southern slave plantation, now the largest maximum-security prison in the country, the Louisiana State Penitentiary, according to The Associated Press' comprehensive two-year investigation. Prison workers are some of the most vulnerable in America who may risk parole or face punishments like solitary confinement if they refuse to work and are frequently denied protections that most other full-time workers receive, even in cases of serious injury or death on the job. Hidden Workforce Linked to the World's Largest Food Companies Unmarked trucks transport cattle raised in prison, where men, predominantly people of color, are sentenced to hard labor for minimal pay or sometimes nothing. A local rancher then buys these cattle, and, following a journey of 600 miles, they reach a Texas slaughterhouse and enter the supply chains of major companies like McDonald's, Walmart, and Cargill. The Associated Press revealed intricate connections between some of the world's largest food companies and popular brands to jobs performed by U.S. prisoners, tying hundreds of millions of dollars worth of agricultural products to goods sold on the open market, including Kroger, Target, Aldi, and Whole Foods. Some of these goods are also exported to countries with restrictions for using forced or prison labor. The products made by these prisoners end up in the supply chains of various items commonly found in American kitchens, such as Frosted Flakes cereal, Ball Park hot dogs, Gold Medal flour, Coca-Cola, and Riceland rice. READ MORE: Starbucks Anti-Union Tactics Not True, Calling It Pure Propaganda Amidst Employee Relations Controversy Legality of Forced Labor as a Punishment for a Crime Numerous companies that purchase directly from prisons are breaking their rules against using this type of labor. However, it is entirely legal, rooted mainly in the necessity for labor to aid in reconstructing the South's economy after the Civil War. The 13th Amendment to the Constitution prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime. This clause is currently being challenged on the federal level, and efforts to eliminate similar language from state constitutions are expected to reach the ballot in multiple states this year. Certain prisoners work on the same plantation soil where cotton, tobacco, and sugarcane were harvested more than 150 years ago, with some present-day scenes resembling the historical past, with men in Louisiana, a state with one of the highest incarceration rates, working on the "farm line," bending over crops that extend far into the distance. Brutality on Prison Laborers Willie Ingram spent 51 years in the state penitentiary known as Angola, where he worked on various crops like cotton and okra. He recounted being supervised by armed guards on horseback, witnessing fellow workers passing out in triple-digit heat while having little or no water. Workers would protest by throwing their tools in the air, fully aware of the potential consequences, and describing instances of punishment as, "They'd come, maybe four in the truck, shields over their face, and they'd beat you right there in the field. They beat you, handcuff you, and beat you again." Ingram, who pleaded guilty to a crime he claims he didn't commit, received a life sentence but was released in 2021 by a sympathetic judge at the age of 73. The number of people behind bars in the U.S. started to increase in the 1970s when Willie Ingram entered the prison system. Today, with approximately 2 million people in prison, U.S. prison labor has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry that goes beyond traditional images of prisoners making license plates, working on road crews, or fighting wildfires. Correction Official's Stance on Forced Labor According to officials and supporters, prison jobs are not always mandatory, arguing that these jobs benefit taxpayers by saving money. For instance, the food produced can be used in prison kitchens or donated to those in need. Supporters claim inmates learn valuable skills for their post-release life, fostering a sense of purpose and potentially reducing repeat offenses by repaying their debt to society. Some places even allow prisoners to shorten their sentences through work. While many critics acknowledge that not all jobs should be eliminated, they emphasize the importance of fair pay, humane treatment, and voluntary work for incarcerated individuals, highlighting challenges faced by those with criminal records, even when they receive specialized training. Law professor Andrea Armstrong, an expert on prison labor at Loyola University New Orleans, points out concerns about forcing incarcerated people to work in an unsafe field, saying, "They also aren't learning skills that will help them when they are released." Companies Responses on Incorporating Prison Labor in Their Supply Chains Some companies unknowingly incorporate prison labor into their supply chains through third-party suppliers, while others directly purchase from prisons. Major commodity traders like Cargill, Bunge, Louis Dreyfus, Archer Daniels Midland, and Consolidated Grain and Barge, which together post annual revenues exceeding $400 billion, have acquired millions of dollars worth of soy, corn, and wheat directly from prisons, which competes with local farmers. The AP contacted the companies associated with prison labor for comments, but most did not respond. Cargill admitted to purchasing goods from prison farms in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Ohio, emphasizing that this makes up only a tiny part of their total volume, adding, "We are now in the process of determining the appropriate remedial action." McDonald's pledged to investigate any connections to such labor, while Archer Daniels Midland and General Mills, the producer of Gold Medal flour, referred to their existing policies prohibiting suppliers from using forced labor. Whole Foods stated directly that they do not allow the use of prison labor in products sold at their stores. Bunge mentioned that in 2021, they sold all facilities sourcing from correction departments, and they are no longer part of Bunge's footprint. Dairy Farmers of America, a cooperative claiming to be the leading global raw milk supplier, stated that although it has purchased from correctional facilities, it currently only has one "member dairy" at a prison, and most of that milk is used internally. RELATED ARTICLE: Fashion Brand Shein Issue: Stories Reveal Child Labor Practices, Bad Working Conditions 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Korean actor Park Hae-soo has been cast in the new spy series "Butterfly" on Amazon Prime, the actor's agency said Tuesday, marking his debut in Hollywood. The upcoming thriller centers on a deadly chase between a former, mysterious U.S. intelligence operative, played by Daniel Dae Kim, and a young agent assigned to kill him. Based on the graphic novel of the same name, the show also features Korean actress Kim Tae-hee, the actress' agency confirmed Tuesday. Details of the roles of Park and Kim have yet to be known. Park shot to global stardom after starring in the smash-hit "Squid Game." In 2022, the actor signed with UTA, one of Hollywood's top agencies in the U.S. (Yonhap) Exhibitions offer platform for new names within wider art world By Park Han-sol A string of international blue-chip galleries that have made inroads into the Korean art scene in recent years through the opening of their Seoul outposts are kicking off 2024 with exhibitions spotlighting Korean-born creatives. Establishments such as Lehmann Maupin, Thaddaeus Ropac and Perrotin have mounted shows in Seoul with a primary emphasis on emerging painters and sculptors from the country, offering an established platform for these new names within the global and, to some extent, local art community. Lehmann Maupins Wonderland Entering the Hannam-dong space of New York-headquartered Lehmann Maupin feels like being transported to a land of enchantment pulsating with swirling colors and textures. Aptly titled Wonderland, the gallerys group exhibition brings together four Korean-born painters and sculptors from different generations You Guimi, Hyun Nahm, Ken Gun Min and Mie Yim who each conjure their own versions of beguiling utopias. The works of these artists evoke a surreal wonderland, presenting spaces saturated with vivid hues and are seemingly futuristic. Paradoxically, these very images contain stories from the past something forgotten and vanished that one longs to remember, curator Tae Um said during a recent press preview. Take the sumptuous canvas works of Los Angeles-based painter Min, for example. Through a mix of Western oil paints with Korean pigments, beads and embroidery threads, he summons scenes that, on the surface, exude brilliance and joy. But hidden behind their fantastical facade are still-obscured stories of queer identity, race and cultural assimilation. Among them are his own experience as a gay Asian first-generation immigrant, as well as the repressed modern history of Los Angeles, including the 1992 riots. Through weaving and painting, I am working to create and share a tapestry of stories of those with little voice and power, the artist said at the gallery. New York-based painter Yim similarly fills her canvas with luscious colors and imagery reminiscent of mutated organisms. The often-fragmented figures in her pieces recall the diasporic, scattered existence led by the 60-year-old in her youth the abrupt migration from Korea to Hawaii in the 1970s, followed by frequent changes of residence in the United States during her teenage years the curator said. Wonderland runs until Feb. 24. Thaddaeus Ropacs Nostalgics on realities A 10-minute ride from Lehmann Maupin will bring visitors to another group exhibition of rising Korean-born talents this time, with more diverse mediums and a notably different ambiance at Thaddaeus Ropac Seoul. Organized by Kim Sung Woo, who served as a co-curator for the 2018 Gwangju Biennale, Nostalgics on realities features six creatives across its two-floor space: Jesse Chun, Eugene Jung, Kwon Yong-ju, Minsun, Nam Hwa-yeon and Yang Yoo-yun. This marks the gallerys second group show dedicated solely to artists of Korean descent, following last year's three-person showcase, Myths of Our Time. All of the artists here have previously been invited to participate in domestic and global biennials, including the Venice Biennale. Their body of work and visual language are certainly gaining attention within the (critical and academic) field. However, a certain distance still exists between such a world and the commercial realm, Kim said. By bringing local creatives, who have already been validated through esteemed biennales, to a stage like Thaddaeus Ropac, the show could serve as a tipping point, bridging the gap between the art market and the art world in Korea, he told The Korea Times. In her intriguing experiments with photographic materials, Minsun applies chemical agents to existing printed images of human-made structures such as a quarry or an imposing train station to completely dissolve their ink. She then uses that very ink, now in its free-flowing liquid form, as her paint to produce an entirely new, otherworldly landscape, ranging from deserted crags to grotesque heaps of internal organs. Other standouts include Chuns various attempts at unlanguaging, where she breaks down the English alphabet into unrecognizable visual and aural building blocks. This approach aims to dismantle the cultural and political hierarchy typically formed between English and non-Western languages. Her paper cutouts of these abstract linguistic fragments also reimagine Koreas sacred paper-cutting shamanistic rituals as she seeks to reassert the presence of historically marginalized folk practices within her art. There is also Nams striking new video on view, which frantically juxtaposes vivid shots of blood-red fruit with those of a food waste disposal facility in operation. Nostalgics on realities runs through March 9. Perrotins Forme desprit The 70-year-old artist Lee Sang-nams landscape paintings draw inspiration not from panoramic nature, but from intricately geometric shapes witnessed in human-made urban architecture and industrial machinery. While its easy to assume that the immaculately polished surface of his canvas, brimming with these graphic icons, has been digitally printed, it is, in fact, the result of months-long handiwork involving acrylic paint, lacquer and sanding. Forme desprit at Perrotin Seoul brings 13 such kaleidoscopic works produced by Lee over the last three decades. The pieces on display are made up of lurid colors and image fragments that the painter has habitually collected from real cityscapes and reassembled since his relocation to New York in 1981. In fact, Lee sees himself as a collector of cities in a way. Its just that his version of urban civilizations is populated by jumbles of abstract geometric signs, and he chooses to create unexpected beauty out of such chaos. Forme desprit runs through March 16. Hong Kong: Stable Mainland food supply ensured Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan today met a Mainland delegation to discuss the supply and safety of food to Hong Kong. Led by Ministry of Commerce Department of Foreign Trade Director Li Xingqian, the delegation was tasked to ensure the stable supply and safety of agricultural products to Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year. Its members include representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs and Guangdong Provinces Department of Commerce. Mr Tse said the Mainland is the major source of agricultural products, especially live and fresh food, for Hong Kong. He thanked the delegation for visiting the city before the Chinese New Year to look at the latest food supply situation from the Mainland to Hong Kong, so as to ensure people in Hong Kong have sufficient supply of high quality and diversified food. Officials from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government held a meeting with the delegation this morning. Both sides noted that with the approach of the Chinese New Year, the Ministry of Commerce has required all relevant Mainland agencies to ensure the stable supply of quality and safe agricultural products to Hong Kong during the festive season with five measures: attaching importance on the stable supply of food; strengthening the sources of supply; enhancing the contingency plans; solidifying the safety defence and strengthening the sense of service. Both sides agreed that their relevant departments should continue to maintain close contact and communication. The delegation also visited Wan Chai Market to exchange views with stall representatives to learn about issues such as the volume and price level of food supplied from the Mainland to Hong Kong, while at the Western Wholesale Food Market, they were briefed on its operations. This story has been published on: 2024-01-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Italy's fashion brands have Chinese connection 13:25, January 30, 2024 By Wang Mingjie and DJ Clark ( China Daily The idyllic countryside in Qingtian county, near Wenzhou in Zhejiang province. DJ CLARK/CHINA DAILY For centuries, Prato has stood as a prominent center of Italian fashion production, nestled within the picturesque central region of Tuscany, celebrated for its rich artistic heritage. However, in the 1990s, this medieval city faced a pressing challenge scarcity of labor and inability to keep pace with the rapid changes in the fashion industry. Consequently, a wave of Chinese immigrants flocked to the city, answering the call to collaborate with their Italian counterparts for swiftly producing affordable garments. As a result, Prato now boasts one of the largest concentrations of Chinese immigrants in Europe, with one in four originating from China. Many of them actively contribute to the realm of "fast fashion", or as it is known in Italian, pronto moda. One such person is Xu Qiulin, whose connection with Prato goes back to 1989 when he embarked on a career in fast fashion. Recounting his modest beginnings, Xu said his first workshop occupied an estimated area of 150-200 square meters in the city, and the space was divided into five or six rooms, each equipped with around five or six sewing machines, sometimes even a dozen. "I had a team of two or three workers, and I actively participated in material sourcing and assisting them with their tasks," he said. "Communication posed a challenge due to my limited proficiency in Italian language. "When I first arrived, there were very few Chinese, only about five to six hundred. However, the Chinese population has now reached 50,000." His story highlights the significant growth of the Chinese community in Prato over the years. An aerial view of the city of Prato in Tuscany region, central Italy. DJ CLARK/CHINA DAILY In 2000, he ventured beyond the fast fashion industry and established a midrange clothing company called Giupel, which does some of its own designs. Over time, the Chinese community in Prato has experienced a notable transformation, embracing the entrepreneurial spirit of their hometown, Wenzhou in Zhejiang province, while carving their own path. "Wenzhou people are very smart," Wang Zengli, a Chinese business owner in Prato, said. "After working in the Italian factories for a while, they realized it wasn't difficult to operate such factories. "Gradually, between 2000 and 2006, they all became their own bosses. Fast fashion reached its peak between 2005 and 2010. Almost the whole of Europe flocked here to place their orders." The influx of Chinese immigrants into Prato brought about economic growth, but also gave rise to feelings of grudge among some locals. As the Chinese population continued to increase, these issues became politicized, with right-wing politicians making promises to take stronger measures against them. Lamberto Gestri, former president of the greater Prato Province, said: "Prato has a long history of immigration, starting with internal migration within the Tuscany region, where people from other parts of Tuscany moved to Prato in search of employment opportunities. Later on, immigration from both the northern and southern parts of Italy also contributed to the city's diverse population." But the arrival of the Chinese community brought a unique dynamic to Prato, Gestri said. "The Chinese community has a distinct vision and mentality that differs from the Italian population. They have a strong emphasis on work and productivity," he said. "These cultural differences have occasionally led to conflicts, as the Chinese way of doing business and their work ethic have posed challenges for Italian industries trying to compete. These conflicts have been one of the reasons for tensions between the two communities." Daniele Cologna, a professor at the University of Insubria and an expert on Chinese immigrants in Italy, said the blame for financial losses experienced by businesspeople in Prato lies with the Italians themselves. "The fact that Italians were losing money had nothing to do with the Chinese; it had to do with the fact that the Prato garment district was unable to find a way to relaunch its business model in a globalized economy, and that is not on the Chinese, it's on us, it's on Italians," he explained. A Chinese worker crafts a high-end luxury handbag at a Chinese-owned factory in Florence, Italy. DJ CLARK/CHINA DAILY Ancestral lineages Interestingly, as highlighted by Cologna, the majority of Chinese residents in Prato can be traced back to ancestral lineages originating from the vicinity of the Chinese city of Wenzhou. Yan Xiaohai, an officer of the Overseas Chinese Bureau in Qingtian, a small town near Wenzhou, said Zhejiang province has witnessed four major waves of immigration to Europe, with the immigration from Qingtian playing a crucial role. "It began in the late 19th century when opportunities arose through exhibitions," Yan said. "In 1911, a devastating flood struck the county, prompting people to seek new opportunities elsewhere, leading to an increase in immigration to Europe." The first major wave of immigration occurred in 1925-30, ending with the onset of a worldwide economic crisis. World War II further slowed immigration for about 20 years. The second significant wave began in the 1980s, after China's reform and opening-up. Yan estimated that the population of Qingtian is about half a million, with approximately 300,000 individuals officially recorded as having emigrated to Europe, accounting for nearly 60 percent of the population. "People from Qingtian were among the first Chinese immigrants to Europe, primarily due to the limited resources and opportunities in their small county," Yan said. "The lack of natural resources and limited space for agricultural work pushed the rural population, including the farmers, to seek better prospects abroad." But why did a large number of people from Wenzhou choose to settle in Prato, a city 20 kilometers from Florence with a population of 200,000? Zhang Yili, a professor of economics at Wenzhou University, whose research focuses on Wenzhou immigrants in Italy, said that in the late 1980s, the local youth in Prato showed less interest in working in their parents' textile workshops. Instead, they sought opportunities in larger cities, including Milan and Rome, which caused a decline in the development of the garment industry. This created a pressing need for a new labor force. Exquisite luxury fashion items are showcased at a high-end store in Milan, Italy. DJ CLARK/CHINA DAILY Because people from Wenzhou living in Europe are a tight-knit group and are willing to share information with each other, it was not long before word spread that Prato had launched new preferential policies to encourage more people to move there. Thus began their new journey. "This is a very good opportunity for 'Wenzhou-nese', because many of them had gained experience in clothing manufacturing in Wenzhou, a city renowned for its expertise in this field," Zhang said. "Upon arriving in Prato, they discovered that the local industry was similar to what they had been doing in their hometown or what their relatives were engaged in in places like France." Wenzhou people were instrumental in the transformation of Prato from a textile-focused industry to a center of fast fashion, Zhang said. "The Wenzhou model is famous for its specialization in the production of small-scale products for a large market. The people who made the community had a tendency to come together and form industry clusters based on shared interests and expertise," he said. Drawing from their experience in China, he said, they brought their collective knowledge and skills to Prato. With their extensive background in shoes and clothing, they knew how to effectively transition from traditional textile manufacturing into pronto moda, he added. A Chinese man measures materials for fast fashion garments in Prato. DJ CLARK/CHINA DAILY Going upmarket Made in Italy these are more than just three words on a manufacturing label. They have come to represent quality. What makes "Made in Italy" so special that consumers are willing to pay a premium price? Cologna from the University of Insubria said it is the combination of beauty, rich historical heritage and a certain form of elegance tied to a job well done by a fine Italian hand. "But now, of course, we also have a fine Chinese hand working at it," he added. Italians take the "Made in Italy" label seriously so seriously that they even passed a law in 2009 saying companies can claim a "Made in Italy" tag only if products are designed, planned, processed and packaged on Italian territory. But the law did not put any restrictions on the workers who make the products. Workers did not have to be Italian, or even European. For more than two decades, Chinese fast fashion factories in Prato have been operating, initially catering to the lower end of the Italian fashion market and providing affordable clothing to the masses across Europe. However, some Chinese factories are now breaking into the high-end market, manufacturing for reputed fashion houses such as Armani, Gucci and Prada. Fu Fanghui, a first-generation Chinese immigrant, has made a name for himself as a producer of bags for prestigious Italian high-fashion brands. He emphasized the utmost importance of embracing a mindset that places the brand's quality above any short-term gains. "You must prioritize quality as if it were your own life," he said. "Once you possess such a spirit, there is nothing you cannot achieve. Over time, these esteemed fashion houses have become increasingly convinced that we Chinese possess this remarkable spirit. "It is not only our dedication to product quality that impresses them, but also our ability to seamlessly integrate their culture and concepts. This is particularly evident among the Chinese people, particularly those hailing from Zhejiang province, who readily assimilate these values with great enthusiasm." Six out of 10 factories in Florence producing products for big Italian high-fashion brands are owned by Chinese entrepreneurs, Fu said. Chinese women make fast fashion garments at a workshop in Prato. DJ CLARK/CHINA DAILY The Chinese in Italy are not solely engaging in fast fashion or manufacturing for Italian brands. Some individuals have managed to break the glass ceiling and ascended to the upper echelons of Italian design. Xu Yuejuan represents a striking departure from the prevalent perception of native Chinese involvement in the Italian fashion industry, which often revolves around fast fashion, assembly-line production, long work hours and cheap labor. Xu has become the first native Chinese member of the esteemed Milan Fashion Club. Her fashion label, Delves-JK, is now mentioned in the same breath as industry icons such as Armani, Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton. However, Xu's journey to the top tier of Italian design was not without its challenges, as she encountered bias along the way. "When people see me, they often remark, 'You are not Italian', as if assuming that European designers are inherently superior," she said. "There was a prevailing bias within the fashion industry that Chinese designers were only capable of imitation and copying. The perception was that our strengths lay primarily in replicating the work of others." Xu emphasized the significance of originality in gaining recognition from European counterparts, saying: "When you create something unique and authentic, Europeans will undoubtedly acknowledge it. The key lies in your originality." Xu also believes prioritizing quality is paramount. "It is through maintaining impeccable quality within your brand that your reputation can endure and thrive over time," she said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Program to offer two-week training program to selected startups By Yi Whan-woo Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) is inviting startups in Korea to join a program that offers mentoring and funding opportunities in the United States, the state-run lender said Tuesday. The program, titled "IBK Changgong Silicon Valley Accelerating Program," is the second of its kind following the success of the first one in 2023. 500 Global, a U.S.-venture capital firm that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies, is co-organizing the program. Applications are due July 31 and can be submitted online at: ibkchanggong.com. The selected startups will join a two-week management and other business skills training program in Silicon Valley, California. Other benefits include networking opportunities with U.S. investors, mentoring programs and investments made via a fund 500 Global manages. "We're pleased to nurture prospective startups and help them unleash their potential abroad," an IBK spokesperson said. Korea's imports of whiskey surpassed 30,000 tons for the first time to hit an all-time high last year amid rising popularity of whiskey-based cocktails, customs data showed Tuesday. Imports of whiskey products came to 30,586 tons in 2023, up 13.1 percent from 27,038 tons a year earlier, according to data compiled by the Korea Customs Service. But the combined value of imported whiskeys decreased 2.7 percent on-year to $259.6 million on increased shipments of cheaper ones. Market observers attributed the sharp increase in volume of imported whiskey to the high popularity of highball cocktails, a mix of usually cheaper whiskey and a carbonated beverage, among those in their 20s or 30s. Meanwhile, imports of wine dropped for the second consecutive year last year on reduced home consumption following the COVID-19 pandemic. The volume of imported wine slid a record 20.1 percent to 56,542 tons. The value of imported wines also decreased to $506 million last year from $581.3 million a year ago. (Yonhap) Korea's exports of passenger cars reached an all-time high last year by rising more than 30 percent on the back of growing demand for eco-friendly models, the customs agency said Tuesday. Domestic carmakers shipped passenger cars worth a combined $63.81 billion in 2023, up from $49 billion, or 30.2 percent, tallied a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Korea Customs Service. The number of cars shipped also jumped 18.3 percent on-year to 2.73 million units, it added. The performance was attributable to the improvement in supplies of automotive chips and robust demand for electric vehicles and other eco-friendly models. Exports of eco-friendly models spiked 50.6 percent on-year to reach $24 billion in 2023, also a record high. They accounted for the highest-ever proportion of the country's total passenger car exports of 37.6 percent last year, the data showed. By destination, exports to the United States and Canada soared 44.7 percent and 43.9 percent, respectively. Shipments to Germany and Australia also climbed 62.3 percent and 5.7 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, Korea's imports of passenger cars reached a record high of $14.5 billion last year by going up 3.3 percent on-year, though the number of imported units fell 8.1 percent to 300,000 in 2023, according to the data. (Yonhap) Exports of Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) retreated for the second consecutive year last year, due to reduced outbound shipments to China, data showed Tuesday. SME exports amounted to $111.8 billion in 2023, down 2.3 percent from a year earlier, according to data compiled by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. It marked the second straight on-year decrease following a 0.9 percent drop in 2022. Despite the overall decrease in outbound shipments, the number of exporting SMEs rose 2.4 percent on-year to 94,635 last year. SMEs pulled off positive growth in exports in six out of ten key export categories, including cosmetics and automobiles. However, the other four categories, such as plastic products and semiconductors, experienced a decrease. Exports of cosmetics products jumped 20.2 percent on-year to $5.4 billion on successful diversification of trade partners amid weaker sales in China. Automobile exports soared 57.4 percent to $4.9 billion largely driven by increased demand for used cars in countries neighboring Russia, where car production was halted due to the ongoing war with Ukraine. By country, outbound shipments to China declined 10.5 percent on-year to $19.2 billion on sluggish chip demand amid the U.S.-China conflict and Chinese consumers' patriotic spending on cosmetics. Shipments to Vietnam, Japan and Taiwan also dropped 5.7 percent, 6.8 percent and 20.6 percent to $10.4 billion, $10 billion and $2.7 billion, respectively. But exports to the United States climbed 5.2 percent on-year to hit a record $17.1 billion, thanks to high demand for auto parts amid strong momentum in the U.S. automotive market. Exports to Russia and Mexico also advanced 14.7 percent and 5.9 percent to $3.1 billion and $2.7 billion, respectively. (Yonhap) North Korea has formed a committee led by a key aide of leader Kim Jong-un to oversee the construction of modernized factories in backward provinces to spur regional development, state media said Tuesday. The move came as Kim has been stressing the importance of developing the economy in areas outside of Pyongyang by building modernized factories in 20 counties over the next decade to raise the "basic material and cultural living standards of the people." The committee, led by Jo Yong-won, secretary for organizational affairs in the ruling Workers' Party, will oversee the design and construction of the envisioned industrial factories based on the party's regional development policy, the Korean Central News Agency said. During a meeting of the political bureau of the Workers' Party last week, Kim said the overall regional economy is in a "terrible situation" and defined the insufficient provision of basic living necessities in provincial areas as a "serious political issue." South Korea's unification ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs has assessed the North's recent emphasis on regional development as efforts to tackle a widening economic gap between Pyongyang and backward provinces amid prolonged economic difficulties. The North has been under tightened U.N. sanctions, which call for, among other things, a ban on the country's exports of coal and other mineral resources to cut off North Korea's access to hard currency. The ministry expressed skepticism over the development plan Tuesday, questioning whether the resource-scarce country would have sufficient equipment and funding to implement the plan in addition to ongoing policy efforts to build more houses and raise crop output. "North Korea has been emphasizing agriculture and the construction of residential flats, and if it prioritizes manpower and resources for the regional development plan, it would likely affect other plans," a ministry official told reporters condition of anonymity. "Even if it succeeds in completing the exterior of the factories, operating them efficiently is another issue," the official said. (Yonhap) Russia reported to the United Nations that it had supplied around 100,000 barrels of refined petroleum to North Korea last year, data showed Tuesday. According to data from the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) sanctions committee on North Korea, Russia reported to the committee that it had provided refined petroleum totaling 50,523 barrels to the North between March and December last year. Under the UNSC Resolution 2397 adopted in 2017, member countries' shipments of refined petroleum to North Korea were capped at 500,000 barrels per year. Member states providing such items to the North should report their monthly supply to the U.N. On the website of the committee, Russia's related data for January and February 2023 were missing. But Moscow earlier reported it had exported refined petroleum of 44,655 barrels and 10,666 barrels, respectively. When combining those figures, Russia is believed to have supplied 105,845 barrels of refined petroleum to Pyongyang for the whole of 2023. In December 2022, Russia resumed the provision of refined petroleum to North Korea for the first time in more than two years. Despite deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, Moscow's 2023 supply of refined petroleum still stayed far below pre-pandemic levels. Russia reported to the U.N. that it had exported 241,114 barrels and 277,365 barrels of such a product in 2018 and 2019, respectively. North Korea is believed to have obtained petroleum through illegal ship-to-ship transfers when it shut down its border over the COVID-19 pandemic. (Yonhap) The number of foreign tourists visiting Korea rebounded to 63 percent of pre-pandemic levels last year, the state-run tourism promotion agency said Tuesday. Korea welcomed 11,030,000 international tourist arrivals last year, a remarkable 245 percent increase from the previous year, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said. The number of arrivals had sharply declined from 17.5 million in 2019 to 2.52 million in 2020 and further to 970,000 in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as Korea began to lift most of its COVID-19 restrictions in 2022, arrivals started to rebound to 3.2 million that year and surpassed 10 million in 2023. Japanese tourists accounted for the largest portion of foreign arrivals in Korea last year at 2.32 million, followed by Chinese (2.02 million), Americans (1.09 million), Taiwanese (960,000) and Vietnamese (420,000). December alone witnessed 1,037,000 foreign arrivals, marking the sixth consecutive month the number has surpassed the one million mark. Overall, the total number of foreign visitors to the country reached 63 percent of the pre-pandemic level in 2019. Outbound Korean tourists totaled 22.72 million last year, representing about 79 percent of the 2019 level. Last year, Korea's tourism revenue increased 26.4 percent year-on-year to $13.52 billion, while tourism spending surged 47.8 percent to $22.4 billion. This resulted in the tourism balance recording a deficit of $8.88 billion, according to the agency. (Yonhap) Gunma Prefecture demolishes monument amid backlash from civic group By Lee Hyo-jin The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in the hot seat for its lukewarm response to Japan's removal of a memorial stone that was dedicated to Korean victims of wartime forced labor, with observers criticizing the government's passive stance regarding Tokyo's attempt to distort or ignore historical events. On Monday, the Gunma Prefecture Office in Japan initiated the removal process of the memorial stone, erected in 2004 to commemorate Koreans who were forced to work in the region during Japan's colonial rule. The demolition came after the Japanese Supreme Court's 2022 ruling in favor of the local government, refusing to renew the installation permit in 2014, citing "political remarks" made by a civic group during a commemoration ceremony held in 2012. In response, the foreign ministry said, Tuesday, that it hopes the issue can be resolved in a way that does not undermine bilateral relations, reiterating its earlier stance. "Given that this matter is also related to local authorities in Japan, our government anticipates, as we have mentioned earlier, that this issue can be resolved through communication between the two countries without undermining friendly relations," ministry spokesman Lim Soo-suk said during a briefing. "The passive response from our government aligns with its foreign policy prioritizing good relations with Japan. Apparently, the government does not want to cause a feud, even if that means turning a blind eye to Japan's distortion of history," said Yang Ki-ho, a professor of Japanese studies at Sungkonghoe University and former consul-general of Korea in Kobe. But Yang commented that it may have been difficult for Seoul's foreign ministry to resolve the matter with its Japanese counterpart through diplomatic channels, as the decision was made by the Gunma municipal government, not the central government. "But still, the ministry should have at least shown a robust response, expressing strong regret over the prefectural government's decision," he said. Yang also expressed concerns that Seoul's tepid stance over historical issues may encourage Tokyo's ongoing efforts to submit the Sado mines for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The mine was used as a facility to produce war-related materials during World War II, where as many as 2,000 Koreans were forced to labor there, according to historical documents. Rep. Yoo Gi-hong of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) criticized the government's conciliatory approach. "When our Supreme Court ruled against Japanese companies and ordered them to compensate forced labor victims in Japan in December last year, the Japanese government lodged protests. On the contrary, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has merely expressed a lukewarm statement about Japan's decision to remove the monument," he said in a statement, Monday. "The Yoon Suk Yeol government should lodge strong protests, if it were not aligning with Japan's attempt to erase the history of forced labor." The Asahi Shimbun, a Japanese media outlet, also scrutinized the removal of the monument. "It is not too late for Yamamoto (governor of Gunma Prefecture) to change his stance and seek a way to preserve the monument through fresh talks with the citizens' group. What the prefectural administration should do is to create an environment where open discussions about history can be held, not take the initiative in shutting down the forum for discussion," the newspaper wrote in its editorial, Tuesday. During a press conference held earlier in the day, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi refrained from commenting on the matter, saying that the decision was made by the local government. Bill proposed to allow gov't to make own judgment on 'terrorist' status regardless of UN stance By Jung Min-ho Soon after Hamas militants carried out a surprise attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 1,000 people, many of whom were civilians, including children, South Korea denounced the assaults as terrorist acts. But, in South Korea unlike in the United States and Japan Hamas is not legally recognized as a terrorist organization because Korean law does not allow the designation. Korea's Terrorism Act defines terrorist organizations as those designated as such by the United Nations. Many experts on foreign relations and human rights find this problematic. Speaking to The Korea Times on Tuesday, they said a country should be able to make its own judgment about the status of every organization that may pose dangers to its citizens. Deferring to the U.N.'s opinion on issues of national security is not only nonsensical but also could be viewed as dereliction of its duty, they added. The government and people of South Korea pay little attention to the law, perhaps because the country has long been considered safe from terrorist attacks. But with threats increasing from North Korea and means of terrorist methods evolving, we should be more proactive in dealing with such risks, said Kim Sung-soo, a professor of international relations at Hanyang University. With the U.N. becoming increasingly divided and, as a result, ineffective, South Korea should set its own legal definition to effectively counter and prepare for the risks, Shin Hee-seok, a legal analyst at Transitional Justice Working Group, a Seoul-based NGO, said. What Hamas did was the very definition of terrorism. President Yoon Suk Yeol said it was a terrorist act, a position also confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We should call the group, and others like it, what they are and treat them as such, he said. In response to such calls, a group of lawmakers proposed a bill to revise the law on Nov. 10. There is no legal basis to punish terrorist groups not designated by the U.N. and those who sponsor them, such as Hamas, which raises concerns over the loophole in the governments response, the 10-member group, headed by Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the ruling People Power Party, said in the bill. They said the National Counterterrorism Center, a state division under the prime ministers office, should be given the right to designate terrorist groups, just like many other countries do. They added the center should be allowed to exercise that right only to the organizations based overseas as there are worries that it could be exploited for political purposes. In its response sent to Rep. Tae Yong-ho, obtained by The Korea Times, the foreign ministry said Hamas random attack on civilians including women and children was clearly a terrorist act. But it also noted that, if the National Assembly passes the revision bill, South Korea may be pressured diplomatically by other countries to also apply the designation to certain other groups. Despite evidence of murder, rape, mutilation and other brutal crimes against civilians, the U.N. has not labeled Hamas as a terrorist organization, drawing criticism from Israel and other states. In another recent accusation, Israel claimed a dozen employees of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency played a role in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks against its people, prompting some major donor countries including the U.S. and Germany to suspend their funding to the agency. Korea "strongly protests" Japan's repeated claims to its easternmost islets of Dokdo, the foreign ministry said Tuesday, after Japan's top diplomat renewed the claim in a speech before the parliament. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa reiterated the claims to the islets, called Takeshima in Japan, during a speech on this year's foreign policy objectives in a parliamentary session earlier in the day. "The government strongly protests against the Japanese government's repeated unfair territorial claims over Dokdo, which is clearly our own territory historically, geographically and under international law," ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-suk said in a commentary. Lim restated that such unreasonable claims by Japan have no impact on Korea's sovereignty over the islets that are Korea's inherent territory. He said Japan should realize that repeating these claims about Dokdo would not be helpful in moving the bilateral relations forward in a future-oriented way. "We urge Japan to immediately withdraw the statement," Lim said. On Kamikawa's mention of a former Japanese gold mine that Tokyo is pushing to register as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seoul's foreign ministry again called for reflecting "the entire history," including its forced mobilization of Koreans into hard labor during World War II, when Korea was a Japanese colony. "The Sado mine has a painful history of wartime forced mobilization. We reiterate that it is most important to reflect the entire history in order to discuss the registration," Lim said. (Yonhap) Things to do in Quanzhou, UNESCO World Cultural Heritage city People's Daily Online) 13:37, January 30, 2024 Quanzhou, a coastal city in southeast China's Fujian Province, is renowned for its long history and rich culture. It was once the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and a global maritime trade center back in the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties. In July 2021, UNESCO listed 22 sites in the city on its World Heritage List for its role as the "Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China." Quanzhou's profound history, cultural diversity, and architectural heritage make it a captivating destination. Here are some must-visit sites in this historic and cultural city! Visit Quanzhou Ancient City Located in Licheng district, Quanzhou Ancient City is essential for any visitor. Home to eight World Heritage sites, the entire ancient city falls within the UNESCO World Heritage Site's buffer zone. One notable site is the Confucius Temple, which served both as a place for worshipping Confucius and as the most prestigious educational institution in Quanzhou during the Song and Yuan dynasties. File photo shows a view of Quanzhou Ancient City in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Photo/qzwb.com) Kaiyuan Temple was the largest and most significant government-sanctioned Buddhist temple in Quanzhou during the Song-Yuan era, and the Qingjing Mosque stands as one of China's oldest mosques. The Tianhou Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, is another notable site in Quanzhou. Additionally, the Site of Deji Gate marks the ruins of the southern gate to the ancient city. The Site of the Southern Clan Office was an administrative center established for the imperial relatives of the Song Dynasty, who began relocating to Quanzhou in 1130. Visitors can immerse themselves in the unique architectural styles, street and lane layouts, local customs, traditional culture, and religious practices, all meticulously preserved across the 173 streets and alleys of the ancient city. For many tourists, a city walk is the ideal way to experience the ancient city. A variety of cultural and tourism activities are also held in the core area of the ancient city during holidays. Here are some recommended classic city walk routes in the ancient city: The first route starts at the Bell Tower, passes through several alleys, and ends at the Confucius Temple via West Street. The second route begins at Kaiyuan Temple and leads to West Street, the Bell Tower, the Confucius Temple, the Qingjing Mosque, and then to the Temple of Guan Yu and Yue Fei. The third route takes you from Kaiyuan Temple to the Site of the Southern Clan Office, then to the Site of the Maritime Trade Office, followed by the Confucius Temple, the Qingjing Mosque, the Tianhou Temple, and the Site of Deji Gate, finally concluding at the Site of Shunji Bridge, which was the main access to ancient Quanzhou's commercial district. Appreciate the moon If you visit Quanzhou during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you'll have the chance to admire the moon at any of the 22 World Heritage sites and other ideal locations throughout the city. You can savor tea and mooncakes on a teahouse's rooftop terrace on West Street, basking in the romantic sight of the moon rising behind Kaiyuan Temple's east and west pagodas. Wanshou Pagoda in Shishi, a county-level city under Quanzhou's jurisdiction, is an ideal location to watch the moon ascending over the sea. File photo shows the Qingjing Mosque, one of China's oldest mosques, in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Photo/qzwb.com) Feel the grandeur of the moon from atop Qingyuan Mountain, a national 5A-class tourist spot where the Statue of Lao Tze stands, or watch the moon from Luoyang Bridge, which was a crucial transportation link connecting Quanzhou northward to Fuzhou, Fujian's capital, and to the nation's vast heartland during the Song-Yuan period. The following World Heritage sites are excellent for moon viewing: the Statue of Lao Tze and Qingyuan Mountain, Kaiyuan Temple, Qingjing Mosque, Tianhou Temple, Site of Deji Gate, Luoyang Bridge, Anping Bridge, Liusheng Pagoda, Wanshou Pagoda, and the Estuary Docks. Other recommended spots in the city for watching the night sky include Xisha Bay, Banyue Bay, Qingyuan Mountain, Zimao Mountain, Jiuxian Mountain, and Shiniu Mountain. Watch local operas You can watch many local operas, including Liyuan opera, Quanzhou marionettes, Quanzhou Nanyin, which is hailed as the "living fossil" of ancient Chinese music, and Gaojia opera in Quanzhou Ancient City. You can also enjoy many other quality cultural performances. File photo shows artists performing a local opera in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Photo/qzwb.com) Discover a variety of dishes Quanzhou was recognized in the 2023 list of China's top 10 cuisine and tourism cities by the country's Ministry of Culture and Tourism Data Center. File photo shows a local delicacy of Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Photo/qzwb.com) The city boasts over 140 types of local delicacies, including the "Banquet themed on Maritime Silk Road in Song and Yuan Dynasties." This cultural theme banquet combines the heritage and characteristics of Fujian cuisine, renowned for its light and fresh flavors. Last year, Quanzhou introduced a new Fujian cuisine dish, the "Song Yuan Zayton Banquet." This dish both restores and innovates distinctive dishes that embody the culture of the Maritime Silk Road and features aesthetic elements of the Song and Yuan dynasties. Quanzhou cuisine, known for its seafood, mirrors the city's diverse cultures. Visitors are captivated by the fusion of different ethnicities, cultures, beliefs, and unique dining customs in the city. If you have enough time, consider planning a five-day trip to fully engage with the history and culture of Quanzhou. Below are some recommended routes that include World Heritage sites in the city. File photo shows a view of Tukeng village in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian province. (Photo/qzwb.com) Day 1: Visit Kaiyuan Temple, Quanzhou Maritime Museum, and Qingyuan Mountain, which includes the Statue of Lao Tze, the Jiuri Mountain Wind-Praying Inscriptions, and Islamic Tombs. Day 2: Explore the Confucius Temple, Qingjing Mosque, Tianhou Temple, Site of Deji Gate, Quanzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, and Zhenwu Temple a Taoist temple dedicated to Emperor Zhenwu and the venue chosen by Quanzhou officials for sea sacrifices during the Song and Yuan dynasties. Conclude the day at Luoyang Bridge. Day 3: See the Statue of Mani in Cao'an Temple, the only remaining statue of the Manichaean religion's founder in the world, Anping Bridge, Wudian Traditional Culture Tourism Zone/Wulin Traditional Village, Shimao Maritime Silk Road Museum, Wanshou Pagoda, Liusheng Pagoda, and Shihu Dock. Day 4: Visit the Sites of the Dehua Kilns, outstanding examples of porcelain kiln sites from the Song-Yuan period, Shunmei Ceramic Culture World, Longpeng Ceramic Museum, Ruci Cultural Center, and Shiniu and Jiuxian mountains. Day 5: Explore the Xiacaopu Iron Production Site in Qingyang village, Anxi county of Quanzhou, and Qingshui Rock. In addition to World Heritage sites, there are many other tourist destinations to visit in the city. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul met with the top U.S. envoy to Seoul on Tuesday to discuss ways of boosting the bilateral alliance and trilateral cooperation with Japan amid growing threats from North Korea. In his talks with Ambassador Philip Goldberg, Cho stressed that the South Korea-U.S. alliance has stepped up to an unprecedented level since the allies marked their 70th anniversary last year and proposed they continue to advance the alliance, the foreign ministry said in a press release. Goldberg congratulated Cho for assuming his post, noting the "historical achievements" made between the allies, including the summit meeting among the leaders of South Korea, the United States and Japan at Camp David in August last year. The two expressed deep regret over North Korea for its continued aggressive rhetoric and provocations while refusing to engage in dialogue. They agreed on the need to urge China to play a "constructive role" in resolving the North Korean issue, and to strengthen their trilateral cooperation with Japan. Cho and Goldberg also agreed to respond sternly against recent military cooperation between North Korea and Russia that they say threatens peace and stability in the region and beyond. This marks Cho's first talks with the ambassadors based in Seoul since he assumed his post earlier this month. (Yonhap) By S Latham A ginger cat approaches prudently on a snow-laden side street of Uiwang's Gocheon-dong, south of Seoul, stopping and then disappearing into the vacated spaces of this liminal place, once a flourishing neighborhood now awaiting its own destruction. In the depths of winter, mid-January, broken windows, death-rattling pipes, severed wires and hazard tape tell the story of Gocheon-dongs ponderous demise, but there is still life in this fading community, albeit one stuck in limbo. Not far from Mount Morak, the site of a decisive battle during the 1950-53 Korean War which enabled U.S., South Korean and Turkish allied forces to take control of nearby National Highway No. 1, Gocheon-dong is packed with a mix of red-brick villas, small apartment blocks, older hanok-style houses, industrial blocks and architecturally distinct structures. Remnants and memories of a once-flourishing and youthful community full of children's bookstores, stationery shops, hair salons, hapkido schools, cram schools, butchers, locksmiths, cleaning stores, metal shops and more, fade and crack in and on lifeless buildings. In 2011, the area was partitioned into two zones identified by the Korean syllables "Ga" and "Na" as part of a redevelopment project. The largely residential Na area was vacated after disposal approval in 2022. However, development administration of the more commercial Ga area has stalled, leaving merchants and small businesses stuck in limbo waiting for due process and compensation, as their customer base, once largely residents of Na, has already moved on. The development, involving heavyweight Korean companies, is part of a broader urban renewal plan underway in Uiwang connecting several redeveloped districts across the city. Mayor Kim Seong-je who has been central to the easing of the city's green belt regulations envisions the transformation will turn Uiwang into the most livable city in the country by 2030. Passing through Walking through the Na area, theres a subtle cosmopolitan melange of architectural styles, shapes, forms and facades that still manifest the stories and relationships between brick-and-mortar and the people who once called this place home. These traces will be erased to make way for the new concrete behemoths that are to come, optimized to sell modern convenience and luxury. Still, for now, European-inspired dormer roofs angle sharply into the sky. A great many buildings feature tiled exteriors with rounded corners, and beautiful ornamental railings depicting cranes, pines, deer, turtles and mountains. Cylindrical glass features run like spines up narrow corner buildings that split the little roads in two. Most dwellings are no higher than a few floors or the still-abiding trees that command pride of place throughout. The abstract joh-eun ssal building reaches its height at five floors with an idiosyncratic trapezoid shape dotted with a circular feature window. A friend from Australia suggested it had been designed by a heroin addict. Beside it, narrow staircases zig-zag to rooftop terraces skirted by little arches and pillars, and hanok-style tiled roofs. Neatly patterned brickwork in browns, oranges and reds fills walls. These are the most energy-efficient, the most eco-friendly homes of the country homes that have already been built. The piping at Sinyang Village APT is making death rattles in the icy cold. Theres a quaint hair salon lined with floral wallpaper, turquoise cabinetry, large mirrors and faded posters showing yesterday's styles. In the midst of it all, and at the center of some allegations leveled at authorities over delays, is Gocheon Elementary School painted in bright blocks of yellow, orange, green and red. The school is still in operation, but students will need to move temporarily to alternatives before resettling at a school to be rebuilt nearby. Opposite it was once the Korean Womens Construction Union, the Dreaming Workshop and Josephs Bookstore. Nestled beside the silent villas of Sageunae-gil sits a brick Presbyterian church. A dormant creeper is tightened over the buildings facade, a white cross on the roof and a steel tower that reaches into the sky with loudspeakers and another cross at its top. The main hall is empty, the basement flooded. Three or four of the area's parochial steeples which jut out against the skyline will soon go too, as will the flags of two Buddhist buildings and the beautiful red manja that greets motorists on the main road. Life goes on Life goes on in Gocheon-dong. A large community of cats squat in lonely homes and prowl in the snow. A caring local leaves open cans of tuna and bowls of food for them. They watch from fence tops and poky holes. None of the cats I reached out to for comment responded. Nor did the occasional pedestrian passing quietly through the streets offer much more than a forlorn glance of acceptance. Young couples seem to drift about giggling in the dark of the night here. A locksmith remains open, but the art supply shop is finally being emptied. Removalists heave a washing machine out onto the road and light up cigarettes under the falling snow. The Good Day Good Trophy shop seems to be closing too one of the last signs of activity in Na. Outside its front door are cabinets, books, tables, a running machine, a shovel, frames, jars and a sewing machine sitting unresolved. Further toward the national highway in the Ga area, theres the old hof (beer house) still serving good times under its cosmic-themed painted ceiling to a few faithful clientele. A few shops down is Obongjujo, established in 1974. It's a makgeolli brewery rendered with bold and bright orange paint. If you call ahead, you can still have a tour while sipping on their product. In a few years, this spot will be leveled under the principle of might is right. After that, maybe there will be a Starbucks here to keep you warm under the long cold shadows cast by 100-meter-high conforming blocks of concrete. By Mark Boesch In Anjeong-ri, a short jaunt from the Walk-In Gate at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Sams Sushi is serving a mouthwatering odyssey across landscapes of seafood, rice and spice. Sams Sushi is one of the most popular restaurants in the neighborhood and the hands-down favorite for Japanese food including fresh sushi, sashimi, maki, teriyaki and specialty rolls. For those in search of sashimi, the quintessential Japanese delicacy, Sams serves an extensive selection of thinly sliced cuts of fresh raw seafood. They offer classics like tuna, octopus, crab and yellowtail, along with house favorites like crab, swordfish and red snapper. The chefs selection of assorted sashimi, a treasure trove of oceanic gems more dazzling than pirate loot, comes in nine-piece or 25-piece sets. Their cuts are esteemed for their natural flavors and delicate textures. For maki aficionados, Sams serves large eight-piece sushi rolls wrapped in seaweed and sweet vinegar rice. Their lineup of house specialties includes the California Roll with crab, avocado and cucumber, offering a creamy and crunchy contrast; the spicy Tuna Roll, a mix of tuna and spicy mayo, providing a savory kick; and the Philadelphia Roll, where the richness of salmon meets soft cream cheese. The harmony of ingredients, the subtle tang of vinegared rice and the umami of seaweed come together in each perfect bite-sized piece. They dont call it The Special because it's trying to stay humble on a menu full of show-offs. Loosen your belt buckle, The Special is a proper meal, hands down the most popular item on the menu. Customers are served rice and their choice of chicken, beef or salmon teriyaki, along with mixed tempura (including two pieces of golden-fried jumbo shrimp and four pieces of fried-vegetables), and choice of eight California Rolls, eight Spicy Tuna Rolls or four pieces of sushi, as well as miso soup and a side salad. Their inventive lineup of special sushi rolls puts Sams creativity on full display. Each roll contains a unique fusion of flavors and textures designed to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience. Among the most popular is the aptly named Philadelphia Experiment, an inside-out roll with salmon, cream cheese and deep-fried avocado topped with spicy tuna. This and other daring combinations deliver modern twists on classic favorites, and are a testament to the artistry and innovation at Sams Sushi. Sams Sushi opens daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours until 10:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. If you're in the area, you can skip the queue, pay online, and place pickup or delivery orders using the Shuttle app or shuttledelivery.co.kr. Mark Boesch is co-founder and chief marketing officer of Shuttle Delivery. By Jon Dunbar Mike's Korean Kitchen, a social media culinary project run by a guy named Mike, is returning to Seoul this Saturday for a pop-up event at Southside Parlor in central Seoul's Itaewon. He will start selling his authentically seasoned Jamaican patties at 11 a.m. and keep going until he runs out. A Jamaican patty is a bright golden semicircular pocket stuffed with meat. The patties weigh over 112 grams, and are priced at 10,000 won each. "I use real Jamaican hot curry powder, lots and lots of real butter," Mike told The Korea Times. "Working on having Crisco but that takes a while... need that if I'm gonna ever try to make a vegan patty." He added that he uses real fresh scotch bonnet peppers. "Hopefully this pop-up gets my biggest turnout," he said. "That's what I'm gonna try and prepare for." Mike is active mostly outside Seoul, with his last Seoul pop-up being held at View 33 in Itaewon on Feb. 7, 2020, for a Bob Marley birthday event he helped organize. This isn't on Bob Marley's birthday, which falls next Tuesday on Feb. 6, but it's clear Mike has Bob in mind. "I always try to do something for Bob Marley's bday every year," he said. Follow @mikeskorean_kitchen or @southsideparlor on Instagram for more information. The defense ministry said Tuesday it is not considering conscripting women for the country's mandatory military service after the issue received renewed attention in a campaign pledge ahead of the April general elections. On Monday, the leader of the newly created Reformative Conservative Party, Lee Jun-seok, proposed having women serve in the military first if they want to apply for jobs as police officers or firefighter as a campaign pledge. When asked about the possibility of female conscription, the ministry's spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyou denied considering it. "The issue needs to be carefully considered or decided upon as it requires social consensus," he told a regular briefing. Lee's proposal came amid looming concerns the number of people who enlist could decline due to Korea's chronic low birth rate. To address such concerns, the defense ministry has eased rules on the requirements of mandatory military service to include more overweight men. In Korea, all able-bodied men must serve mandatory military service for at least 18 months, while women can volunteer for military duty as officers or noncommissioned officers. The country's troop numbers have dwindled in recent years, falling from about 600,000 in 2017 to around 480,000 in 2022, according to a report by a researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. (Yonhap) The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a motion demanding the National Assembly reconsider a special bill mandating a new investigation into the Itaewon crowd crush in 2022. President Yoon Suk Yeol is expected to endorse the Cabinet's decision so as to exercise his veto power against the legislation that the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) railroaded through the National Assembly earlier this month. Once Yoon endorses the Cabinet's decision, the bill will be sent back to the National Assembly. The legislation calls for establishing a special investigation committee to reexamine the causes of the deadly crowd crush that claimed 159 lives in a narrow alley in central Seoul's Itaewon during Halloween weekend in 2022 and to ensure the rights of the victims. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said the legislation gives the special investigation committee too much power in a way that could potentially undermine constitutional principles and that fairness and neutrality cannot be guaranteed in the committee's formation. According to the law, the 11-member committee will consist of four members recommended each by both the ruling and opposition parties, along with three recommended by the parliamentary speaker in collaboration with the victim's families. "There is considerable concern that fairness and neutrality may be compromised in the process," Han said while presiding over the meeting. In response to calls for assistance for the victims and their families, Han assured that the government would strengthen both financial and mental support, which includes expanding the coverage of medical costs and attendance allowances. Furthermore, the government will expedite compensation for victims' families, regardless of the final outcomes of ongoing civil and criminal trials. In addition, Han announced plans to proceed with the establishment of a memorial area. According to the government's plan, a committee will be formed under the Prime Minister's Office to discuss support measures and maintain communication with the victims' families. The ruling People Power Party has opposed the bill, asserting that the special bill is unfair as it would allow the opposition bloc to dominate the committee with individuals favorable to the DPK and arguing that a comprehensive investigation has already been conducted. Civic groups, families of the victims and the DPK have called for Yoon not to reject the bill, calling for a further investigation to uncover the root cause of the incident. The DPK again criticized Yoon's anticipated endorsement of the Cabinet's decision, arguing that exercising veto power without justification and proposing support measures without a thorough investigation is an insult to the victims' families. "The exercise of veto power without justification is turning the Republic of Korea into a country without accountability for disasters, without apologies and without efforts for truth-seeking," said Rep. Hong Ik-pyo, the floor leader of the DPK, during a party meeting. This would be the fifth time Yoon has exercised his veto power, with a total of nine bills rejected. (Yonhap) Seoul to station 145 digital guides to assist older adults with tech usage By Jun Ji-hye The government will introduce an outreach program to teach how to use kiosks to older adults in rural areas to ensure that older, less digital-savvy people are not alienated from the growing use of technology. The measure announced on Monday is part of the Ministry of Education's plans for 2024 to offer literacy education for adults. A total of 6.73 billion won ($5 million) has been earmarked for the plans, including 185 digital literacy educational programs and 400 classes to teach basic literacy skills and arithmetic. The outreach program comes as the use of digital platforms and devices, such as kiosks, delivery and shopping apps, have become common outside big cities as they are one of the most effective cost-cutting measures businesses adopt. The program will utilize a bus equipped with relevant devices and materials that will visit centers for older people or village halls in underserved areas to bring services closer to where they live. "I have found the use of kiosks inconvenient as I am not used to it. But these days, not many shops offer in-person services even in locations outside Seoul," a 65-year-old Gwangju resident said. "I hope that the government will offer more educational programs on digital devices for older adults, and at the same time, I hope that companies will refrain from excessive expansion of digital services." In a similar move, the Seoul Metropolitan Government held a launching ceremony on Tuesday for 145 "digital guides" who will work at major subway stations, large supermarkets or parks in the capital to assist senior citizens with the use of digital devices. Beginning from Wednesday through the end of June, these guides wearing orange vests will work in pairs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays to help those who experience difficulties using kiosks or booking train tickets and calling taxies via smartphone apps. Since the city government started the digital guide program in the second half of 2022, some 400 guides have participated, assisting about 270,000 citizens. User satisfaction reached 98.6 percent, according to the city. Meanwhile, the education ministry will also carry out the first-ever survey this year to look into the digital literacy of people aged 18 or older. The door-to-door survey will then be conducted every three years. "We will support people who experience rapid changes and continue their learning under difficult conditions," Choi Eun-hee, in charge of human resources management policies at the ministry, said. "We will continue to expand digital literacy educational programs and actively find those who need such education." According to the National Institute for Lifelong Education, the number of adults who are not literate and thus need learning at the elementary school level has reached some 2 million, accounting for 4.5 percent of the entire population. The education ministry has offered similar programs since 2006 and began providing digital literacy education last year. President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed Tuesday to improve services in the digital government, online gaming and telemedicine sectors, saying digital technologies should be a tool to promote people's freedom and welfare. Yoon made the remark during a government-public debate on people's livelihood issues, the seventh in a series, which brought together some 50 ordinary citizens, including experts and businesspeople from the gaming, medicine and administration fields, and officials from the Presidential Committee on the Digital Platform Government, the interior, culture and health ministries, and the presidential office. "Even though we have established an excellent digital government, there are lots of areas that are lacking when it comes to the people actually feeling the convenience," he said during the session held at a startup support hub in Pangyo Second Techno Valley in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, noting Korea ranks No. 1 on the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's digital government evaluation. Yoon said large businesses have designated departments or employees to handle administrative work, but the same cannot be said of self-employed people or small business owners, for whom it is a large burden to have to visit multiple places to get various official documents issued. "Our government will provide a one-stop tailored service that breaks down the walls between ministries and combines the scattered information and data in one place," he said, outlining plans to digitize the required documents for some 1,500 administrative services over the next three years, and replace personal seals, which are still widely used in Korea, with digital stamps. "Even if we digitize just 30 percent of the required documents, which number 700 million cases every year, we can make savings in our budget in the trillion-won range," he said. Yoon also talked about the need to protect consumers from unfair practices in the online gaming industry, and especially damage caused by randomized in-game items, saying the government will respond strictly to instances of game operators deceptively profiting off of item purchases. He further vowed to do his best to get legislation passed to expand telemedicine services, which have been significantly cut back since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Yonhap) Impeached ex-President Park's case draws parallels with Yoon's troubles By Nam Hyun-woo President Yoon Suk Yeol is still contemplating how to deal with the allegations that his wife Kim Keon Hee received a Christian Dior bag as a gift in an inappropriate manner. It appears that the two possible scenarios are either to hold a televised interview to address the controversy or remain tightlipped on the issue to avoid giving the opposition ammunition ahead of April's general elections. According to sources at the presidential office, they are yet to decide how to communicate with the public on the occasion of the Lunar New Year from Feb. 9 to 12. An official said Yoons aides have already delivered various scenarios of Yoon engaging with the public, but nothing has been confirmed so far. Reportedly, working-level aides have already delivered their opinion that the best possible scenario is Yoon taking part in a pre-recorded televised interview with broadcaster KBS, but the president has yet to make a decision. Korean presidents have often engaged with the public through a New Year press conference or other types of communication methods, but Yoon has not held press conferences on domestic issues since Aug. 17, 2022, during his first 100 days in office. Due to this, calls are growing that Yoon should communicate with the public this time, but the office has been taking a cautious stance on holding a press conference in line with concerns about possible questions related to Kims luxury bag controversy. Also, Yoons veto on a special counsel probe bill related to other allegations that the first lady was involved in a stock manipulation scandal. Voice of Seoul, a liberal YouTube-based news channel, claimed in November that the first lady had been gifted the Christian Dior handbag valued at around 3 million won ($2,240) from a pastor in September 2022, who then later, released video footage of the incident. The video was filmed secretly by the pastor using a camera watch device. Despite the presidential offices efforts to prevent questions about the first lady stealing the show, the handbag controversy continued to snowball, with influential foreign news outlets also reporting on the issue. This aggravated public sentiment toward not only the first lady but also the entire Yoon administration, and triggered calls for Yoon to explain the controversies to prevent the negative sentiment from spilling over onto the entire ruling bloc. According to a poll by Realmeter, released Monday, Yoons job approval rating stood at 36.2 percent in the fourth week of January, down 0.6 percentage points from a week earlier. The negative sentiment reached 60 percent, up 0.2 percentage points during the same period. In a poll by Gallup Korea, released on Thursday, 63 percent of respondents said Yoon is not performing his role correctly, and 9 percent of them cited the issue of first lady as the reason for their disapproval. The Realmeter poll surveyed 2,506 from Jan. 22 to 26 at the request of the newspaper Energy Economy. The Gallup Korea poll surveyed 1,001 from Jan. 23 to 25. Further details are available on the National Election Survey Deliberation Commissions website. Even if Yoon tackles controversies surrounding his wife during a televised interview, his remarks are anticipated to concentrate on stressing that Kim is a victim of a set-up using a spy cam, and the presidential office will employ measures to prevent such acts. On Jan. 19, the presidential office said the pastor asked Kim to meet several times, citing that their family members are acquaintances. Asking for anonymity, a different source at the presidential office said even if theres an interview, there is a fairly good chance that Yoon will not apologize, because the office believes Kim is the victim of a set-up using a spy cam, and hasty apologies may end up giving the opposition a chance to amplify its criticisms of the first lady, not state affairs. Against the backdrop, some of Yoons secretaries reportedly voiced opinions that Yoon should not follow in the footsteps of former conservative President Park Geun-hye, who was impeached in 2017 for her involvement in a corruption scandal. On Oct. 25, 2016, a day after a news report that Parks civilian confidant Choi Soon-sil had received drafts of 44 presidential speeches, the former president apologized to the public, saying that she asked for Chois advice before the presidential team was fully operational. However, reports continued on Parks relations with Choi, resulting in the public demanding that Park step down. In her memoir, former president Park said that the apology was an irreversible mistake, because she intended to apologize for asking for advice from Choi, but the public interpreted it as the presidents admission that Choi was deeply involved in a lot of the state's affairs. Ruling People Power Party (PPP) Rep. Lee Yong, who is one of the closest lawmakers to President Yoon, wrote on the PPP lawmakers Telegram chatroom on Jan. 20 that former President Park was impeached because she apologized and as soon as (Yoon) apologizes, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea will never stop going after this issue. Lawmakers from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) filed a complaint Tuesday against President Yoon Suk Yeol and presidential chief of staff Lee Kwan-sup, accusing them of interfering in the affairs of the ruling People Power Party (PPP). Reps. Seo Young-kyou, So Byung-chul and Kang Byung-won filed the complaint with the National Police Agency, accusing the two of violating the Public Official Election Act. The DPK has accused the presidential office of inappropriately interfering in politics, following reports that Lee met with PPP leader Han Dong-hoon to demand his resignation. The demand came amid a clash between Yoon and Han over how to respond to allegations that first lady Kim Keon Hee received a luxury bag as a gift in 2022 and concerns about party nominations for the upcoming general elections in April. (Yonhap) Pakistani PM affirms commitment to consolidate bilateral ties with Iran Xinhua) 13:39, January 30, 2024 ISLAMABAD, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has reaffirmed his country's strong commitment to further consolidate bilateral ties with Iran, the prime minister's office said in a statement. In a meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Kakar emphasized the need to address common challenges through collaborative and cooperative approaches, rooted in the respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter, in particular, territorial integrity and sovereignty of both Pakistan and Iran. In highlighting the importance of such diplomatic principles, the Pakistani prime minister underscored the significance of fostering a shared commitment to upholding the sovereignty of both nations and respecting established international norms. Kakar also extended an invitation to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Backlash expected as victims' families, opposition cry foul By Nam Hyun-woo President Yoon Suk Yeol rejecteda special act aimed at investigating the 2022 crowd crush in central Seoul's Itaewon, which resulted in the death of 159 people. The government justified the rejection by stating that the act, driven by the opposition, undermines constitutional principles due to its intent to establish an investigation committee. The Yoon administration intends to offer compensation and support to the families of the victims rather than pursue a special investigation. This plan is designed to address their needs before a local court rules on lawsuits filed against the government. However, the government's rejection is expected to trigger a backlash, because the families of the victims say they do not want compensation, but wish to find out if the police and civil servants failed to do their jobs to prevent the crowd crush. Yoon's repeatedvetoes of bills proposed by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) are contributing to a growing feeling that the legislative process has ground to a virtual halt. During a Cabinet meeting, Tuesday, ministers and other Cabinet members decided to call on the National Assembly to reconsider the Itaewon act, which was passed by parliament on Jan. 9. The presidential office said hours later that Yoon approved the decision. The bill specifies that the investigation committee would have extensive powers, including the authority to issue orders for accompanying individuals or request searches and seizures. This provision raises concerns about the potential infringement of the Constitution's rule of warrant and the violation of the basic rights of the people, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said during the meeting. Also, there are notable concerns regarding the fair and transparent process of appointing members of the investigation committee. Given the government's responsibility to uphold constitutional values, there is an obligation to carefully scrutinize whether this act should be enacted. When the president asks the Assembly to reconsider a bill, it necessitates the presence of more than half of all registered lawmakers and approval by two-thirds of the attending legislators for the act to be passed again. This process makes it more challenging to secure approval. Consequently, demanding a reconsideration is widely viewed as a de facto veto by the president. The Itaewon special act is notable for proposing the establishment of an investigation committee to probe the factors contributing to and identify those responsible for the tragic crowd accident. This initiative comes in response to criticism directed at the police and local authorities for inadequate preparation for crowd control and mishandling the emergency response. The committee will be comprised of 11 members appointed by the president, with National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo recommending three and the rival parties each recommending four. As Kim is a former member of the DPK, the government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) have been against the act due to concerns that the committee would be composed of at least seven members favoring the opposition. This disagreement led the DPK, which holds a majority of seats in the Assembly, to pass the act unilaterally. Family members of the victims have been protesting Yoons intention to veto the special act. On Monday, a group composed of some of the family members staged a walk-and-bow rally from Itaewon to the presidential office, protesting the envisaged veto and demanding a meeting with officials from the presidential office. On Jan. 18, 10 bereaved family members shaved their heads in front of the presidential office when the ruling party requested Yoon to veto the bill. In an effort to resolve conflicts, the government said on Tuesday that it is working on a compensation package for the families. The prime minister said, "The government will welcome a law that can heal the wounds of the victims." Nevertheless, the families of the victims are expressing discontent, asserting that the proposed compensation is humiliating. For the past two years, we have never spoken of compensation or other financial support, because that is not essence of this issue, Lee Jeong-min, head of the family group, said in a radio interview with broadcaster SBS, Tuesday. We believe the essence of this issue is finding the truth behind many questions surrounding the tragedy And we believe there is no time limit in finding the truth and we will continue to make efforts to find the truth (after the veto). During a press conference after the Cabinet's veto decision, the victims' families said in a statement, The president should exercise his veto power exceptionally when a law seriously harms the basic rights of the people or the general public is opposing it and added that Yoon is refusing the act for reasons that make no sense at all. The main opposition slammed the veto decision. How can finding the truth behind the death of 159 innocent people be a waste of the countrys administrative power and resource? DPK spokesperson Rep. Lim O-kyeong said. The Yoon government should stop humiliating the bereaved families and the general public who want to find the truth behind the tragedy. DPK floor leader Rep. Hong Ihk-pyo also said the governments idea of compensating the families is an attempt to dodge the responsibility of the veto and is an insult to the victims. This is the ninth bill Yoon has vetoed, which establishes him as the president who has rejected the largest number of bills passed by the National Assembly since the country transitioned to direct presidential elections in 1987. The presidential office cites the DPKs advancement of a problematic bill as one of the reasons for the rejection. But the president's consistent vetoes on bills approved by the Assembly are supporting views that Yoon is unwilling to compromise. President Yoon Suk Yeol attended a Buddhist New Year's gathering Tuesday and pledged to do more to better preserve Buddhist and other religious heritages. The gathering co-organized by the Association of Korean Buddhist Orders and the Buddhist leaders' forum of the Jogye Order brought together some 800 members of the public, Buddhist leaders, including Jogye leader Ven. Jinwoo, lawmakers and government officials, to mark the 2568th year in the Buddhist calendar. In congratulatory remarks, Yoon noted the central place Buddhism holds in South Korean culture and thanked the Buddhist community for the important role it has played in preserving and continuing the nation's cultural heritage. He also said the government will protect Buddhist and other religious heritages more effectively by establishing a new position to handle the job as part of the Cultural Heritage Administration's reorganization in May. Meanwhile, a new bill calling for preserving and supporting traditional temples was passed by the National Assembly last week, enabling the proper inheritance of Buddhist heritage, he added. (Yonhap) By Simon Hutagalung In the intricate landscape of international relations, the Korean Peninsula stands as a focal point of geopolitical tensions, presenting a challenge that calls for innovative solutions. This analysis delves into the potential role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in diffusing these tensions. While acknowledging ASEAN's unique mechanisms and trust-building capabilities, it emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of ASEAN's capabilities, the complexities of the Korean situation, and the diverse roles individual member states can play. As we explore ASEAN's historical engagements, potential mechanisms, and limitations, a comprehensive strategy emerges, suggesting that through consensus-building, incremental progress, and coordination with major powers, ASEAN can contribute to fostering a more stable and peaceful future on the Korean Peninsula. Despite limitations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) possesses unique mechanisms and enjoys a level of trust that could potentially contribute to diffusing tensions and fostering dialogue on the Korean Peninsula. However, effective engagement necessitates a nuanced understanding of ASEAN's capabilities, the complexities of the Korean situation, and the potential roles of individual member states. ASEAN's engagement with the Korean Peninsula dates back to the organization's early years. It enjoys cordial relations with both North and South Korea, evidenced by its Look East policy and its engagement in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). This forum, established in 1994, serves as a platform for dialogue and security cooperation among 27 member states, including North Korea and the United States. The ARF's consensus-based approach and emphasis on non-confrontational dialogue align with ASEAN's principles of neutrality and non-interference, making it a potentially valuable tool for facilitating communication and addressing regional security concerns. Specifically, ASEAN can leverage its mechanisms and strengths by utilizing its network of informal dialogues and backchannel communications, ASEAN can foster unofficial discussions between North and South Korea, paving the way for formal engagement later. By promoting regional dialogue and cooperation on issues like maritime security and disaster risk reduction, ASEAN can build trust and understanding between stakeholders, laying the groundwork for addressing more sensitive topics. Through its existing economic partnerships and initiatives like the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation, ASEAN can offer North Korea incentives for denuclearization and economic integration, providing an alternative path to prosperity and development. While ASEAN holds promise, its ability to meaningfully influence the Korean situation is constrained by ASEAN member states having varying levels of engagement and interests regarding the Korean Peninsula, potentially hindering the formation of a unified and impactful regional response. ASEAN lacks the economic and military clout of major powers like the United States or China, limiting its ability to exert pressure or offer significant inducements to North Korea. The broader strategic competition between major powers in the region can complicate ASEAN's efforts to remain neutral and facilitate constructive dialogue. Despite these limitations, individual ASEAN member states, particularly those with established ties to North Korea, can play complementary roles. Indonesia, with its long history of non-aligned diplomacy and its experience mediating regional conflicts, Indonesia, under former President Megawati Sukarnoputri's leadership, could contribute to confidence-building and backchannel communication. Singapore's strong economic ties with North Korea and its neutral stance could make it a valuable channel for exploring economic incentives and facilitating dialogue on denuclearization. To maximize its effectiveness, ASEAN's engagement with the Korean Peninsula Member states must establish a unified regional position grounded in ASEAN's core principles. Instead of aiming for immediate breakthroughs, ASEAN should prioritize small, achievable steps that build trust and momentum. Effective engagement requires working alongside major powers like the United States and China, leveraging their influence while preserving ASEAN's neutrality. In conclusion, while ASEAN faces limitations, its unique mechanisms, trusted relationships, and commitment to peaceful dialogue position it to play a valuable, albeit indirect, role in diffusing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. By working within its strengths, coordinating with key stakeholders, and focusing on incremental progress, ASEAN can contribute to a more stable and peaceful future for the region. Simon Hutagalung is a retired diplomat from the Indonesian Foreign Ministry who received his master's degree in political science and comparative politics from the City University of New York. The opinions expressed in this article are his own. Fundamental solution needed to create safer work environment Following a two-year grace period, the Serious Accidents Punishment Act (SAPA) came into effect on Saturday for smaller businesses. This regulation applies to companies with fewer than 50 employees, encompassing 837,000 firms and impacting approximately 8 million employees nationwide. In the event of major on-the-job accidents including deaths, these smaller estalishments can face penalties including a minimum sentence of one year in prison or fines of up to 1 billion won ($749,000), provided they did not have the necessary health and safety measures in place. It's noteworthy that smaller firms were initially exempt from the act when it was initially applied to larger companies in 2022. The labor sector welcomed the broadening of the law, as workplace fatalities continue to be reported. The smaller businessess associations and the government have expressed deep regret, saying the law could lead to business closures and the firing of employees. Reports found that some restaurants or bakeries were not even aware that they would be subject to the law. Since it went into effect in January 2022 on companies with 50 or more employees, there have been efforts to improve the law to make it more specific and move toward "self-regulation and prevention as well as punishment. But the implementation of the law faces challenges due to ongoing partisan conflicts, government and Assembly inaction, and a significant number of smaller businesses admitting their financial incapacity to afford safety personnel and establish proper safety systems. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) attempted to pass a revised bill extending the grace period for firms with fewer than 50 employees, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Both parties are now blaming each other, accusing one another of prioritizing their traditional voter bases instead of finding a bipartisan solution. There is a slim possibility that they may reach a belated agreement during the National Assembly plenary session on Feb. 1, even as President Yoon Suk Yeol in his meeting Monday with ruling PPP interim leader Han Dong-hoon and other party leaders called for continued negotiations after expressing strong regret last week. While buying time could offer a quick solution, it may not address the underlying issues and provide a fundamental resolution. Ensuring workplace safety is important for the workers and for sustainable growth. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, there were 644 workplace deaths in 2022, a small drop over the previous year. While the 2023 figures are still not available, it is expected to drop below 600 according to reports. The penalty in case of workplace deaths is strict, especially for the smaller firms. To alleviate concerns among smaller establishments, the labor ministry has been releasing figures and information aimed at calming any sense of panic or apprehension. It recently announced that since SAPA went into effect two years ago for firms with 50 or more employees, 510 violations were found with 33 indictments made by the prosecution at the end of last year. Additionally, the labor ministry reported that within the businesses employing five to 49 individuals, the deaths within the restaurant and accommodations sector accounted for less than 1 percent, totaling five out of 644 workplace fatalities in 2022. The figures, however, underscore the fact that workers across the nation are still exposed to accidents at the workplace. It is imperative that we exert our utmost efforts to prevent such incidents, as they can wreak havoc on families and individuals. After Yoon ordered related ministries to minimize the confusion and side effects for businesses and to come up with necessary assistance for those smaller firms requiring it," the labor ministry pledged to offer customized consulting, training, and financial assistance in safety. Over the next three months, the ministry plans to assess all 837,000 smaller business establishments to better tailor its support. Within this time frame, the government should work to provide detailed guidelines for different business types regarding SAPA, and make sure it has enough experts to assist the firms in training and installing safety systems. By Baek Byung-yeul Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are set to showcase their next-generation displays at a business-to-business (B2B) display exhibition in Europe, seeking breakthroughs amid declining demand for home appliances and semiconductors, according to the companies, Tuesday. The two tech companies are to unveil their next-generation B2B displays at ISE 2024, Europe's largest display exhibition, which is held in Barcelona, Spain, from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2. The companies said that they showcase not only new hardware such as transparent displays, large displays and displays for educational purposes, but also software technologies that emphasize convenient connectivity and management for customers to use displays more conveniently, such as product introductions, advertising and delivering messages to consumers. Samsung will focus on presenting a connected experience in the B2B environment by expanding its internet of things (IoT) platform known as SmartThings at the exhibition. Samsung supports SmartThings connectivity in commercial displays such as smart signs and hotel TVs. At its promotional booth, the company welcomes visitors to experience how its SmartThings connected experience works in various environments such as stores, offices and hotels. Using this feature, customers can automatically turn on or off lighting and menu boards according to store operating hours. In a hotel room, the IoT platform can control the interior mode and automatically execute energy saving for the connected devices. Samsung also enables its customers to develop a customized dashboard containing the information they want to have. LG Electronics has decorated the exhibition hall with various concepts such as hotel suites, conference rooms, educational spaces, studios and retail stores, allowing visitors to experience innovative products and software. In particular, it is aiming to strengthen its position in the next-generation commercial display market by showcasing a large number of products from the LG Magnit micro LED product line. Micro LEDs are renowned for their ability to reproduce colors from various angles accurately and vividly while also boasting high durability. LG will introduce a variety of software including an online software platform for B2B services and a security system for commercial displays such as LG Business Cloud platform, which allows customers to manage commercial display management software in one place through the cloud. The company also presents the LG Creative Board for education, which shares the screen wirelessly with up to nine smart devices, and a transparent OLED sign for retail stores. The Korean government has disapproved an offshore wind project pushed by a sub-subsidiary of global investment firm BlackRock, citing a lack of data to prove its financial ability and power system issues in the region, officials said Tuesday. Kredo Holdings is working to build five wind power generation complexes in waters off the southeastern county of Sinan worth over 10 trillion won ($7.51 billion) and recently filed for winning a business license. But an electricity commission under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, denied permission, saying part of documents that Kredo submitted failed to meet due criteria needed to prove its financial ability. The commission also noted the current electrical power systems in the region would not be able to support four out of the five envisioned complexes. The South Jeolla Province regions have long suffered a lack of power transmission and other related infrastructure. "The government plans to build an underwater high-voltage direct current transmission system in the Yellow Sea by 2036 and to further seek measures to enhance power transmission capabilities in the region," a ministry official said. The power capacity by Kredo's five wind power complexes is expected to amount to 2 gigawatts, and if approved, it will be the largest-ever offshore wind power project in Korea. Last year, Denmark's Orsted was granted a 1.6 GW electricity business license for an offshore wind project off the coast of the western port city of Incheon, which will be the largest such project in Korea when completed in the early 2030s. In 2021, Global Renewable Power Fund III, managed by BlackRock, became the sole shareholder of KREDO Holdings. (Yonhap) By Ko Dong-hwan Korea's Carbon Free (CF) Alliance is struggling to get global firms to participate as the country's fledgling initiative tries to build up its environmental efforts worldwide so as to reduce global carbon emissions, according to the Seoul-based organization and industry experts, Tuesday. Launched last October by former Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Chairman Lee Hoe-sung, the alliance has so far registered 20 member companies, all of which are based in Korea, including Samsung, Hyundai, SK, LG, POSCO and Hanwha. But while it aims to expand its network of member companies worldwide, no company outside of the country has signed up for the scheme. Compared to RE100 and 24/7 CFE Compact, the alliance is far behind when it comes to the level of global companies participating. RE100, launched in 2014 by London-based non-profit organization Climate Group, has attracted 426 companies worldwide, including 36 Korean firms. 24/7 CFE Compact, organized by Google and UN-Energy in 2021, has attracted 145 firms, two of which are Korean. What makes the CF Alliance difficult for companies to join, according to a nuclear engineering professor in Korea, is that it requires binding conditions to acquire and maintain the membership. "Such measure can kind of scare them off," Chung Bum-jin from Kyung Hee University said. "RE100, which is very much like a non-government organization, accepts any company with a willingness to join. Also considering that CFE Compact is now in action and functions similarly to CF Alliance, I think it will be difficult for the alliance to gather global interest especially when it is under the control of the central government." CF Alliance will fail unless it comes up with a certification regulation system that satisfies global standards and expectations, according to a government official from the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth. "The alliance is no doubt a key to reaching carbon neutrality since the country's current scenario aims to use renewable energy for 60 to 70 percent of total power output to reach the goal by 2050, isn't feasible," the official said. "But still, the alliance that was born only a few months ago is now hard-pressed to encourage foreign companies to join it." On Monday, Chairman Lee held a press conference at Sejong Government Complex, sharing the achievements of the CF Alliance so far. He said that the alliance has held 20 exchanges with global agencies and gained endorsements from the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This year, he said that he will complete writing the alliance's certification blueprints for global standardization and promote it to the world to gain further international endorsements. A key strategy of the alliance is that it approves using all types of carbon-free energy resources to achieve carbon neutrality. Unlike RE100 which only approves renewable energy resources, the alliance welcomes nuclear power and hydrogen as well. Lee said that the use of renewable energy only, isn't sustainable for achieving carbon neutrality and that world leaders at COP28 in Dubai agreed with the CF Alliance's comprehensive carbon-free initiative. Kim Jin-mi from the alliance's secretariat office said that it is now working on designing its carbon-free certification requirements that can be agreed and jointly pursued by other countries, which she said is its current priority. "We've already garnered endorsements from Microsoft, Google, Apple and Exxon Mobile at a roundtable we hosted during APEC last November," Kim said. "We've confirmed the companies' affirmation that our initiative is essential for carbon neutrality by 2050." Antitrust agency open to meeting with US tech firms By Park Jae-hyuk The Korean government is willing to engage in discussions with American companies not just in Korea but also in the U.S., dismissing the latest claim by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which suggested that the government is hastily regulating dominant online platforms in the market without sufficient dialogue with the American business community and the U.S. government, according to the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), Tuesday. The refutation came after the U.S. Chamber of Commerce urged the FTC on Monday (local time) to show transparency and open dialogue regarding this issue. The envisioned Platform Fair Competition Act is aimed at banning unfair activities by monopolistic online and mobile platforms by designating specific companies as "influential players." While the FTC is expected to unveil a detailed government plan next month, it is possible that U.S. companies such as Apple, Google, Amazon, and Meta, along with Korean companies like Naver and Kakao, could be among those included in the legislation. Charles Freeman, senior vice president for Asia at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement that it is crucial that the full text of any proposed legislation should be made publicly available, and that the Korean government needs to provide ample opportunities for engagement with a range of stakeholders. Having closely monitored legislative conversations in multiple countries, including failed attempts to pass platform legislation in the U.S., the U.S. Chamber can attest that these platform proposals are deeply flawed, he said. They trample on competition that clearly benefits consumers, ignore good regulatory practices fundamental to sound regulatory models, and place governments in a position of violating their trade commitments by arbitrarily targeting foreign firms. In response, the FTC emphasized that its officials met twice this month with members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) to discuss the planned platform regulations. The antitrust agency also said that its chairman will deliver a presentation to AMCHAM members on March 7. However, FTC officials failed to meet the representatives of Google, Apple and Meta during their visit to AMCHAM's head office on Jan. 25. The U.S. tech giants reportedly skipped the meeting due to concerns that Korea's forthcoming competition policy rules might unintentionally provide an advantage to Chinese latecomers such as Aliexpress and Temu. These Chinese platforms are expected to be unaffected by the regulations due to their comparatively lower market shares. In addition, AMCHAM is not affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, although the two organizations have sometimes cooperated with each other to defend American companies in Korea. An AMCHAM spokesperson explained that the recent statement by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is not related to AMCHAMs official stance. The FTC told The Korea Times that it will also communicate with American companies in the U.S. if they contact the Korean antitrust agency's officers in Washington, D.C. To streamline communication in terms of time and cost, our primary engagement has been with AMCHAM. The expectation is that the discussions held with AMCHAM will be effectively conveyed to the U.S. stakeholders, said the head of the FTCs digital economy policy division, who is in charge of handling platform regulations. Earlier this month, the Center for Strategic & International Studies said in a report that Koreas proposed platform regulations unfairly target U.S. companies which will, in turn, end up helping Chinese rivals gain a larger market share. Last December, Robert OBrien, former national security adviser for former U.S. President Donald Trump, claimed that Koreas proposed regulations to prevent unfair market activities by major online platform businesses would be a gift to China, warning they could cause friction with the U.S. if enacted. Consequently, concerns are escalating that the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's efforts to regulate online platforms may be developing into a potential diplomatic dispute with the U.S. A Democrat-controlled Virginia Senate panel on Tuesday removed Gov. Glenn Youngkin's chair of the parole board from a list of gubernatorial appointees requiring General Assembly confirmation. Also Tuesday, Lisa Coons, Youngkin's state superintendent of public instruction, cleared a key hurdle when Democrats kept her name on a list of appointments requiring legislative confirmation. Coons had faced criticism from some Senate Democrats ahead of the February deadline for her confirmation. Last August Youngkin announced that Virginia Parole Board Chairman Chadwick Dotson would become director of the Department of Corrections, succeeding Harold Clarke. Youngkin named Patricia West, a veteran of multiple high-level posts in GOP administrations, as the new chair of the parole board. West is a former judge who has served as a member of the State Corporation Commission, director of juvenile justice and secretary of public safety under Gov. George Allen and as chief deputy attorney general under Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. The parole board, which decides when or if inmates can be released early, drew fire from Youngkin and from Attorney General Jason Miyares for its releases of inmates as the COVID-19 pandemic peaked during his predecessor's administration. Days after he was sworn in in January 2022, Youngkin fired the existing parole board, saying an investigation revealed some of the inmates released had shortly before been denied parole, raising questions about the lawfulness of those abrupt reversals. He said the board violated victims rights and broke state law by not giving the required notice to victims. Democratic critics have said that under Youngkin the board too seldom grants parole. When the resolution goes in front of the full Senate, legislators could try to restore West's name. On Tuesday Senate Democrats on the Privileges and Elections Committee also removed Garren Shipley, the spokesman for House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, from an appointment to the Board for the Blind and Vision Impaired, citing "caucus concerns." A Youngkin spokesman did not immediately respond to questions from the newspaper. As for Coons, earlier this month, said Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that she had heard some serious concerns around leadership in VDOE and was gathering facts and details. Now that the list of Youngkin appointees has been amended and approved by the Senate Privilege and Elections Committee, it will go before the full Senate chamber next. The legislature faces a Feb. 10 deadline to confirm Coons or her appointment will expire, according to the state constitution. She could still face trouble on the full floor, but approval from the Senate Privilege and Elections Committee is a good sign for her. Democrats, who now have slight margins in both legislative chambers, have been in a long-running battle with Youngkin over key appointments. Last year, Senate Democrats voted to remove Youngkin appointee Suparna Dutta from the State Board of Education. In 2020, Dutta led the fight against admissions policies that aimed to boost Black and Latino enrollment at the prestigious Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County and resulted in fewer Asian Americans being admitted. In January 2023, a Virginia Senate committee struck the name of then-Health Commissioner Dr. Colin Greene from a list of appointees requiring General Assembly confirmation. Greene had come under fire in 2022 after he reportedly said he believed there was no evidence that racism plays a role in maternal and infant mortality rates. Senate Democrats also voted last year to remove former prosecutor Steven Buck, a Youngkin appointee, from the Virginia Parole Board. Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, now the majority leader asserted that Buck, a former Richmond, Henrico County and Albemarle County prosecutor, almost never voted to grant parole. In February 2022, Democrats who controlled the Senate rejected Youngkins nomination of Andrew Wheeler former head of the Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump as Virginias secretary of natural resources. It was the first time legislators had spurned a governors Cabinet nominee since 2006, when House Republicans defeated Daniel LeBlanc, former state leader of the AFL-CIO, as then-Gov. Tim Kaines nominee for secretary of the commonwealth. PHOTOS: Richmond teacher of the year 2024 TOKYO, Jan 30 (News On Japan) - As winter bites, the Japanese tradition of oden, a hearty pot of simmered goodies, takes on national comfort food status. A household in Japan indulges in oden on average three times a month during the chilly season. So what are the most loved ingredients in this winter favorite pot? From Fukuoka, a 60-year-old prefers konnyaku for its health benefits. A 50-year-old from Kagawa enjoys the egg, especially when the yolk mixes with the broth. And a 60-year-old from Tokyo swears by chikuwabu, a Tokyo specialty known for its mochi-like texture. Major food manufacturer Kibun conducted a survey among 1,400 people nationwide to find out the most popular oden ingredients. Chikuwa ranked fifth, hanpen fourth, and mochi-filled kinchaku bags third. For ten consecutive years, egg has held the second spot. The undisputed leader for a decade has been daikon, soaking in the victory of oden champion. While these rankings are dominated by traditional choices, an oden specialty shop, Masuei Kamaboko, offered insights into less conventional yet popular choices. Yukitoshi Nakajima, the owner, mentioned potato as a crowd favorite. In some days, they sell up to 300 potatoes, a staple in regions like Osaka and Hyogo but less known in Kanto. A 70-year-old from Tokyo expressed curiosity in trying potato in oden. However, there's a catch potatoes can cloud the broth. Nakajima explains, "To avoid disintegration, cool the boiled potatoes first before adding them to the oden pot." This technique ensures the potatoes retain their texture without affecting the clarity of the soup. Oden, a simple yet profoundly versatile dish, continues to warm hearts and stomachs across Japan, with both classic and innovative ingredients taking center stage in this beloved winter tradition. Source: ANN TOKYO, Jan 30 (News On Japan) - Commemorative coins for national parks across the country are set to be issued in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of the national park system, with the unveiling of the designs for the first series of coins featuring three national parks in Okinawa Prefecture. The government formally agreed at a cabinet meeting on the 30th to issue commemorative coins sequentially for national parks nationwide, leading up to the centennial of the national park system in 2031. The coins will be 1,000-yen silver coins, each featuring designs that capture the natural beauty of the respective national parks. The designs for the first series of coins representing three national parks in Okinawa were revealed on January 30. The obverse of the coins will vividly depict in color: - Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park with Kabira Bay and the Iriomote cat - Kerama Islands National Park with its coral reefs and the loggerhead sea turtle - Yanbaru National Park with Hiji Waterfall and the Okinawa rail The reverse side of all the coins will feature a unified logo representing the national parks. Each coin will be sold for 13,800 yen including tax, with 40,000 pieces to be minted for each design. The Mint Corporation, an independent administrative agency, will sell the coins through mail order, and applications for the first series, whose designs were announced, will be accepted for about three weeks starting from May 14 this year. The government plans to continue issuing approximately five types of commemorative coins for national parks each year leading up to 2031. Source: NHK TOKYO, Jan 30 (News On Japan) - Hinako Ashihara, the manga artist behind the popular series 'Sexy Tanaka-san', passed away on Monday at the age of 50. Ashihara had openly shared her thoughts and the troubles surrounding the drama adaptation of her work on social media. A statement mourning Ashihara's death was posted on the Nippon Television Network's website on January 29. 'Sexy Tanaka-san', an ongoing popular manga with over a million copies in circulation, portrays a plain-looking office worker in her forties, Tanaka, who transforms into a seductive belly dancer at night. This quirky love comedy involves the people drawn to her unique charm. Ashihara debuted in 1994 and has written numerous works, including her well-known series 'Sand Chronicle' and 'Piece', both of which have been adapted into dramas and movies. 'Sexy Tanaka-san' was adapted into a drama by Nippon Television and aired from October to December last year. Ashihara had expressed her excitement about the adaptation on the network's website. Ashihara said, "I am thrilled about the collaboration with music, dance, and the wonderful cast. There are many things I can't express with my drawings, like the atmosphere of a live show." Trouble Surrounding the Drama Adaptation of 'Sexy Tanaka-san' However, a month after the broadcast ended, Ashihara posted on social media about the troubles related to the drama adaptation. The post, which has since been deleted, read: "I have been struggling with this, but I felt it necessary to share the circumstances leading me to write the scripts for episodes 9 and 10. 'Sexy Tanaka-san' might seem like a frivolous love comedy, but it's a manga I've carefully created with my editor, hoping to warmly and strongly connect with people struggling with low self-esteem. I wanted the drama adaptation to be 'faithful to the manga.' If it deviated, I insisted on making necessary amendments. The original ending for the drama, which is still an incomplete manga, had to be prepared by the original author, from the synopsis to the dialogue." Significant Alterations Despite Prior Agreements Ashihara had insisted that the drama's content should not affect the ongoing manga series and requested no changes to her original material. These conditions were repeatedly confirmed with Nippon Television through Shogakukan, the publisher acting as the original work's agent. Ashihara mentioned, "I understood it was a disrespectful condition to the drama's production staff, so I had Shogakukan confirm with Nippon Television if they were really okay with it." Despite these agreements... "Every time, plots and scripts that significantly altered the manga were submitted. I pleaded repeatedly to stop if it meant erasing the uniqueness of my work 'Sexy Tanaka-san.' After much insistence and revisions, I managed to ensure the scripts for episodes 1 to 7 remained mostly true to the original." Due to these repeated interactions, Ashihara decided to write the scripts for episodes 9 and 10 herself. "I understand some may be dissatisfied with the scripts for episodes 9 and 10. I still don't know what the best decision was, but I apologize from the bottom of my heart." Ashihara's confessions led to a debate on social media among fans and manga artists who have experienced drama adaptations. Ashihara deleted her series of posts on January 28th, saying, "I didn't mean to attack anyone. I'm sorry." According to Tokyo polioce, a missing person report was filed by her company associates on the night of the 28th, and her death was confirmed in Tochigi Prefecture on the 29th. The circumstances at the scene suggest suicide. Source: ANN A pursuit by law enforcement that began in midtown Omaha traveled through Council Bluffs early Monday morning and ended near Shelby. Omaha police told the Nonpareil that a pursuit began near 33rd and Leavenworth streets after officers saw an occupant of a vehicle discharge a firearm from the vehicle. No one immediately went to a local hospital with a gunshot wound. "Officers attempted a traffic stop and the vehicle refused to stop," police spokesman Officer Michael Pecha said in an email. Council Bluffs police took over the pursuit once it reached Iowa, and the vehicle was stopped near mile marker 36 of Interstate 80. The driver of the vehicle, 30-year-old Cachelle Martin, was arrested. Charges are pending against her, and extradition to Nebraska will be sought. An Israeli document obtained Monday spelled out allegations against a dozen U.N. employees the country says took part in Hamas' Oct. 7 assault claiming seven stormed into Israeli territory, including one who participated in a kidnapping and another who helped to steal a soldiers body. The allegations against staffers with the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees prompted the United States and several other countries to freeze funds vital for the body, which is a lifeline for desperate Palestinians in Gaza. The White House indicated that funding could be restored depending on the agencys investigation and subsequent actions. The U.N. condemned the abhorrent alleged acts and fired nine of the accused workers, who include teachers and a social worker. Two are reportedly dead, and the last is still being identified. The accusations come after years of tensions between Israel and the agency known as UNRWA over its work in Gaza, where it employs roughly 13,000 people. UNRWA is the biggest aid provider in Gaza, where Israel's war against Hamas has displaced the vast majority of the population within the besieged territory and plunged it into a humanitarian catastrophe. U.N. officials say a quarter of the population is starving . With the majority of its budget in doubt, and because UNRWA spends contributions as they come in throughout the year, the agency says it will be forced to halt operations within weeks if funding isn't restored. The threat to the U.N. agency came as Israel said cease-fire talks held Sunday were constructive but that significant gaps remained in any potential agreement . The talks are meant to bring about some respite to war-torn Gaza and secure the release of more than 100 hostages still held in the territory. Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan told reporters in Beirut that discussions are continuing but that the group is still insisting on a more permanent cease-fire before releasing any more hostages. The prime minister of Qatar, which has served as a key mediator with Hamas , was more upbeat, saying U.S. and Mideast mediators had reached a framework proposal for a cease-fire and hostage release to present to the militant group. Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the mediators had made good progress. Israeli forces are meanwhile still battling Palestinian militants in different parts of Gaza, even in areas where the army has been operating for months. Israel issued an evacuation order to residents in the western part of Gaza City, urging them to head south. The military also said it had battled militants and carried out airstrikes in recent days in other parts of northern Gaza, which was pummeled in the first weeks of the war and where Israel has claimed to have largely dismantled Hamas. Militants also fired a barrage of around 15 rockets at central Israel for the first time in weeks. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The war was sparked by Hamas Oct. 7 attack, which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw some 250 people taken captive, according to Israeli authorities. Israel responded with an intense air, sea and ground offensive that has killed more than 26,000 Palestinians, most of them women and minors, according to the Gaza Health Ministry . The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. The war has also threatened to set off a wider regional conflict. In the latest example of high tensions, the U.S. announced that three of its troops were killed in a strike blamed on Iran-backed militias in Jordan. The Israeli document, which has been shared with U.S. officials and was obtained by The Associated Press, lists 12 people, their alleged roles in the attack, job descriptions and photos. The findings detailed in the document could not be independently confirmed. The document said intelligence gathered showed that at least 190 UNRWA workers were Hamas or Islamic Jihad operatives, without providing evidence. It said of the 12 workers, nine were teachers and one a social worker. Seven of the employees were accused of crossing into Israel on Oct. 7. Of those, one was accused of taking part in a kidnapping, another of helping to take away a dead soldier and three others of participating in the attacks. Ten were listed as having ties to Hamas and one to the Islamic Jihad militant group. Two of the 12 have been killed, according to the document. The U.N. previously said one was still being identified. The allegations have stoked longstanding tensions between Israel and UNRWA. Israel says Hamas uses the agency's facilities to store weapons and launch attacks. UNRWA says it does not knowingly tolerate such behavior and has internal safeguards to prevent abuses and discipline any wrongdoing. Even before the latest allegations, the agency's commissioner, Philippe Lazzarini, had announced that he was ordering an external review of the agency's operations and its safeguards. Israel has long been critical of the agency and accuses it of helping to perpetuate the 76-year-old Palestinian refugee crisis. Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he canceled a Wednesday meeting between Israeli officials and Lazzarini, and called on the UNRWA head to resign. The U.N. says the entire agency should not be penalized over the alleged actions of the dozen workers, who it says will be held accountable. It has called for the donors to resume funding. A coalition of 20 aid groups, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, Oxfam and Save the Children, also called for funding to be restored, saying UNRWA's delivery of humanitarian assistance cannot be replaced. The United States, the agencys largest donor, cut funding over the weekend, followed by more than a dozen other countries. Together, they provided more than 60% of UNRWAs budget in 2022. But National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said it would be wrong to impugn the good work of a whole agency because of the potential bad actions here by a small number, He appeared to leave the door open for a resumption of aid. I think a lot of its going to depend on what the investigation finds and what accountability measures and corrective measures UNWRA is willing to make, he said. UNRWA provides basic services for Palestinian families who fled or were driven out of what is now Israel during the 1948 war surrounding the countrys creation . Refugees and their descendants now number nearly 6 million across the Middle East. In Gaza, they are a majority of the population. UNRWA is unique in the U.N. system because it is only focused on one national group, with refugees from other conflicts falling under the purview of the agency known as UNHCR. Since the war began, most of Gazas 2.3 million people have come to depend on UNRWAs programs for sheer survival, including food and shelter, Lazzarini said. Communications Director Juliette Touma warned that the agency would be forced to stop its support in Gaza by the end of February. (AP) Whether you planned it originally or held off because of dry conditions in the fall, the time for spring alfalfa planting is just around the corner. Selecting the right seed is crucial, and two traits to consider are fall dormancy and winter survival. These traits often are treated the same Politicians and experts in Germany have called on the European country to continue its involvement in Africas Sahel region even after the 2020s did not turn out as expected for Berlin. According to Deutsche Welle, Africas Sahel is considered a strategic location for Germany, which has long been a significant player in stabilization and development efforts in the largely francophone region. Berlin in July 2023 took over the rotating one-year presidency of the Sahel Alliance, a key development body for the region that aimed to help Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger in their struggle against poverty and terrorism. But after military takeovers in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, it became obvious that Europes initial security strategy in the Sahel has failed, says Malte Lierl, a research fellow at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) in Hamburg. However, as Lierl also points out, the current situation is not one of total withdrawal but rather a new orientation of Europes engagement in the region. One way of establishing that new direction could be by shifting the focus away from cooperating with governments and instead serving people directly, said Julian Bergmann, an expert on EU-Africa relations at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) in Bonn. But this recalibration of Germanys policies in the Sahel region also requires Berlin to take a wider perspective on the entire region, Bergmann added. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock last year summed up the complex and dilemmatic situation for Berlin succinctly: Whether we like it or not, whatever happens in the Sahel is of great importance to us all. A Kenyan High Court has ruled against the governments plan to deploy police officers to violence-hit Haiti to lead a United Nations-backed multinational mission, declaring it as unconstitutional. The UN-approved Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission was aimed at restoring order in the gang-plagued Caribbean nation. According to the Kenyan court, the East African nation can only send police officers to Haiti if both Kenya and Haiti have a reciprocal agreement under sections 107 and 108 of the National Police Service Act. The ruling comes amid warnings from UN experts about surging gang violence in Haiti and its governments mounting calls for an urgent deployment of the multinational force to help the countrys overwhelmed police battle rampant violence. The UN Security Council gave the go-ahead for the Kenya-led mission in October last year amid criticism at home that led to a legal challenge filed at the Nairobi High Court. Nairobi declared in July 2023 its preparedness to dispatch 10,000 police officers to Haiti with the aim of addressing and mitigating the prevailing gang violence in the nation. But on Friday (26 January), judge Enock Chacha Mwita ruled that any decision by any state organ or state officer to deploy police officers to Haiti contravenes the constitution and the law and is therefore unconstitutional, illegal and invalid. He also added that an order is hereby issued prohibiting deployment of police forces to Haiti or any other country. There was no immediate response from the Kenyan government to the ruling. The chair of the African Union Commission (AUC) has welcomed Italys plan to strengthen relations between Europe and Africa that also includes a proposal to swap Europes energy investment for African efforts to curb migration but says we are not beggars. Italys far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hosted a one-day Italy-Africa summit on Monday (29 January) that was attended by more than two dozen African leaders and European Union officials. Meloni used the summit to unveil Italys development plan for the continent, which the government hopes will stem migration flows. Speaking of migrants, 155,754 of whom arrived on Italian shores in 2023, more than half of them Africans, she said that human traffickers will never be defeated, if the causes that push a person to abandon their home are not addressed upstream. To that end, among other initiatives, Melonis plan named after Enrico Mattei, founder of state-controlled oil and gas giant Eni seeks to swap energy investments for African efforts to curb migration. The AUC chairperson Moussa Faki welcomed the so-called Mattei Plan aimed at helping African countries to prosper in return for curbing illegal immigration but said that we are not beggars. We cannot be satisfied with mere promises that cant be kept, According to Faki, a paradigm shift was required to usher in a new model of partnership and pave the way towards a more just and coherent world. The far-right Italian prime minister has long campaigned for people migrating from Africa to be helped at home. Fighting human trafficking would be central to the plan, Meloni said, adding that people had the right not to be forced to migrate for a better life which is difficult to find in Europe. As part of this effort, Meloni pledged an initial funding of more than 5.5 billion for the project that would be earmarked for investments in a variety of sectors, including energy, education, health and infrastructure. As the US top diplomat wrapped up his visit to Cape Verde, Cote dIvoire, Nigeria and Angola (21-26 January), experts have hailed what they call the United States finally making serious efforts to strengthen its relations with Africa. The four-nation tour of the continent by the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken was also officially touted as part of the effort to accelerate the US-Africa partnership since the US-Africa Leaders Summit held mid-December 2022 in Washington, particularly in key areas such as climate, food, and health security. But experts and observers have also pointed out that Blinkens visit has also highlighted that the United States is playing catch-up with China and Russia in Africa. This was most notable in the case of the oil-rich Angola that long turned to China for infrastructure and to Russia for tanks and missiles, but its foreign relations now appear to be undergoing a major realignment. The Central African country has rejected China and embraced the US and European countries to help it build Angolas vast $250 million Lobito Corridor that will eventually link Angola with mineral-rich parts of Zambia and the DR of Congo. This major railway project will channel cobalt, copper and other critical minerals out, diversifying US supplies of raw materials critical to the green revolution. Biden administration officials have hailed Angolas warming relationship with the US is a win-win and a model for economic cooperation that could be an especially positive sign of Washingtons appeal as a partner in Africa and across the developing world. But as analyst Emmanuel Bensah points out, the US task to roll back the Russias and Chinas influence is very daunting since the BRICS is already emerging as a important counter to the United States.Yet, according to Kester Kenn Klomegah, a Modern Diplomacy Africa editor, time is still on the side of United States, it only needs moving faster and implementing viable projects and show more comprehensive actions. The General Staff of Moroccos Southern Zone is currently hosting the main planning meeting for the 20th African Lion drills. The event, taking place in Agadir from January 29 to February 2, is jointly organized by Moroccos Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and the United States Armed Forces. The announcement was made on Monday by the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) in a statement. The meeting will bring together representatives from the FAR and the US Armed Forces, in addition to ten partner countries who will hold discussions on the strategic planning. The meeting would allow planners to finalize the details of the various activities of African Lion 2024. The statement explained that the exercise, renowned as the most significant multinational event on the African continent, aims to enhance operational, technical, and procedural interoperability between the armed forces of participating nations. The planning meeting will define the intricacies of the various activities scheduled for the 2024 African Lion. According to the statement, these activities include comprehensive training in operational domains, a strategic planning exercise for staff officers, joint interarm and inter-army joint maneuvers, civil-military actions, and exercises focusing on nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical (NBC) decontamination. The exercise is slated to take place May 20-31, across several regions, including Agadir, Tantan, Mehbes, Tata, Kenitra, Benguerir, and Tifnit. Beyond fostering cooperation and interoperability, African Lion 2024 is designed to provide valuable training in the planning and execution of complex military operations. This years edition is particularly significant as it marks the 20th anniversary of the African Lion exercise. The event, a testament to the enduring relationship between the Royal Armed Forces and their American counterparts, has been instrumental in promoting peace and security in the region. The FAR statement emphasized that the anniversary celebration underscores the strength and longevity of the bonds between the participating armed forces, and highlights the commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. Mahamat Saleh Annadif, Chads Foreign Minister, indicated Monday January 29 that last week trip by the countrys transitional leader to Russia was meant to diversify partners, not exclude others. Mahamat Idriss Deby met last week with Russias Vladimir Putin in Moscow in a visit that his office said was to strengthen ties with Russia. Chad is a key partner to western powers namely France in the Sahel region. Paris had backed the Chadian leaders father Idriss Deby Itno who led the central African country for decades until his death in April 2021. It has no other purpose than to diversify our relationship. Contrary to what Ive heard. Its not about replacing one partner with another. Its not about letting go of another partner to conquer another. Theres no question of dependence or influence. Our relationships with our former or traditional partners remain the same, Annadif said about Debys visit. Its true that since the war in Ukraine, there have been quite a few problems between some of our partners and Russia, but thats their business. We defend the interests of our country, and they defend the interests of their country, and that doesnt stop us from being partners, he added. Debys trip came as Russia is steadfastly returning to the continent after several decades of absence. Moscow has so far bolstered ties with Libya, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Central African Republic, in many areas including security, defense, agriculture and energy. Morocco on Tuesday condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack on a post at the Jordanian-Syrian borders, which killed three US soldiers and injured several others. Morocco rejects and condemns all terrorist attacks, whatever their origin and instigator, which would threaten the security and stability of the brotherly Kingdom of Jordan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said following talks in Rabat with US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Bonnie Jenkins. Bourita also expressed Moroccos full solidarity with Jordan, as well as his sincere condolences to the United States and his wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. Spains Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jose Manuel Albares, has renewed his countrys determination to further develop its relations with Morocco in all areas. Our objective is to continue to make progress in our economic relations, to strengthen cooperation in areas such as the fight against terrorism and the mafias that traffic in human beings, and to increase the cultural and educational exchanges nourishing relations between our two countries, Albares told the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Congress of Deputies on Monday. Morocco is a neighboring country with which we share human and economic ties, noted the Spanish top diplomat, emphasizing the importance of Morocco, a friendly country, for Spain. For all these reasons, I opted for Morocco as the destination for my first official trip of this legislature, stressed Albares, recalling the importance of the meetings held during this visit. The Italian government has excluded the Algeria-backed Polisario separatist group from the Italy-Africa summit, held in Rome, despite the pressure exerted by the Algerian regime which has tried to no avail to buy the support of Rome through discounted gas deals. The Algerian blackmail strategy of weaponizing its gas supplies to get political gains has totally failed as the Italian authorities have not invited the Polisario armed militia to the summit which is opened only to sovereign States recognized by the United Nations. Italys decision of refusing the participation of a phantom entity means that the deceptive propaganda of the Algerian junta is no longer working as evidenced by the stands adopted by several superpowers including Russia which had excluded Polisario from its first and 2nd Russia-Africa summits. The latest Saudi Arabia-Africa summit also refused the Polisarios participation. Seoul has also adopted the same stand for its upcoming Korea-Africa summit, making the Algerian diplomacy buffeted as it is losing credibility and becoming more and more crippled by the Polisario quicksand. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday vowed the U.S. would take "all necessary actions" to defend its troops after a deadly drone attack in Jordan by Iran-backed militants, even as President Joe Biden's administration stressed it was not seeking a war with Iran. The attack on Sunday killed three U.S. soldiers and wounded more than 40 troops. It was the first deadly strike against U.S. troops since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October and marks a major escalation in tensions that have engulfed the Middle East. "Let me start with my outrage and sorrow (for) the deaths of three brave U.S. troops in Jordan and for the other troops who were wounded," Austin said at the Pentagon. "The president and I will not tolerate attacks on U.S. forces and we will take all necessary actions to defend the U.S. and our troops," Austin added at the start of meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Pentagon. "As the president said yesterday, we will respond and that response could be multi-leveled, come in stages and be sustained over time, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. But officials across the Biden administration said they did not want the situation to escalate. The Pentagon suggested Iran didn't want a war either. "We certainly don't seek a war and frankly we don't see Iran wanting to seek a war with the United States," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters. She added that the Pentagon believed Iran did not want a war either. "We are not seeking a conflict with the regime in the military way," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said, adding that Biden was working his way through response options. The United States is trying to determine exactly why the nearly 350 troops at the base in Jordan, known as Tower 22, were unable to stop the drone. Two officials said a U.S. drone was approaching the base around the same time the attack drone was incoming. One of the officials said the attack drone was also flying low, factors that may have contributed to it being missed by base defenses. The U.S. military released the names of the victims, the youngest of which was a 23-year-old Army Reserve specialist, Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. U.S. troops have been attacked over 160 times in Iraq, Syria and Jordan since Oct.7 and warships been attacked in the Red Sea as well. Houthi fighters in Yemen have been firing drones and missiles at them on the Red Sea. The attacks are piling political pressure on Biden to deal a blow directly against Iran, a step he has been reluctant to take out of fear of igniting a broader war. Biden met with Austin and other members of his national security team in the White House Situation Room on Monday morning to discuss the latest developments regarding the attack, the White House said. The president's options could include targeting Iranian forces outside or inside Iran and opting for a more cautious retaliatory attack solely against the Iran-backed militants responsible, experts say. "Iran continues to destabilize the region, this includes backing terrorists who attack our ships in the Red Sea," Stoltenberg said. Conflict spreading The attack, and any potential U.S. response, is likely to fan fears of wider conflict in the Middle East, where war broke out in Gaza after Palestinian Islamist group Hamas' raid on Israel on Oct. 7, which killed 1,200 people. Israel's subsequent assault on Gaza has killed over 26,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry. The United States has already retaliated in Iraq, Syria and Yemen in response to previous attacks by Iran-backed groups. Singh said the weekend attacks had the "footprints" of the Kataeb Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned armed group, but the Pentagon had not yet made a final assessment. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Monday he was concerned about tensions in the Middle East and urged Iran to de-escalate. Iran's minister of intelligence said that regional armed groups aligned with Tehran respond to "American aggressors" at their own discretion. Experts have cautioned that any strikes against Iranian forces inside Iran could force Tehran to respond forcefully, escalating the situation in a way that could drag the United States into a major Middle East war. (Reuters) On Wednesday, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in 1700 block of North Iowa Avenue in York, the patrol said. Clark was arrested on suspicion of two counts of possession of child pornography. For clarification, per the U.S. Department of Justice, the term child pornography is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, child sexual abuse material is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. For the second time in his career, Opelika Middle School Principal Keith York has received recognition statewide for his work as an educator. York was named the 2024 Alabama Middle School Principal of the Year. The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals made the announcement on Friday. "Mr. Keith York's recognition as Alabama's Middle School Principal of the Year is a testament to his exceptional leadership and commitment to education," said Vic Wilson, the executive director of the AASSP and Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. This is the second time the Opelika educator has earned the award. York, who has been principal at OMS since 2011, also earned the title in 2017. York has earned an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Troy University, a masters degree in educational leadership from Troy University and a bachelor's degree in physical education from Auburn University. He went on to lead a 31-year-long career in education. He's served as an assistant principal, physical education teacher and more. A CLAS press release announcing the award credited York for creating an environment at Opelika Middle School that is referred to as the "OMS Family," through being a positive role model and supporting his staff and students. Under York's leadership, OMS has introduced programs such as the Career Discovery initiative, where students can meet community partners from various careers. This program works in tandem with the You Science Career Development program, which allows the students to explore different career paths that align with their interests. In addition to creating those programs, Wilson said that York inspires other educators in Alabama with his involvement in state organizations. "His active involvement in the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools Board of Directors and the Alabama Association of Middle School Principal reflects his dedication to not only Opelika Middle School but also to the broader educational community in Alabama. His contributions to these organizations are invaluable, making him a beacon of inspiration for educational leaders statewide," Wilson said. In addition to receiving the award, York will be representing Alabama in the Principal of the Year program hosted by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He will be recognized at the Awards Luncheon during the CLAS Convention in June and at the AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference in November. The AASSP is an affiliate association of CLAS, which serves thirteen different affiliates that are comprised of Alabamas public school administrators. For more information on the CLAS, visit www.clasleaders.org. MSHA Cited 247 Violations in December 2023 Mine Inspections The agency identified a total of 2,739 violations throughout 2023. In December 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) concluded impact inspections at 16 mines across 11 states. This resulted in the issuance of 247 violations, including 57 deemed significant and substantial (S&S) and three unwarrantable failure findings. According to a release dated Jan. 29, MSHA completed impact inspections in Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The agency launched monthly impact inspections following the 2010 explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia, which claimed 29 lives. Mines are selected based on poor compliance history, past accidents, injuries or death, and other compliance concerns. In 2023, MSHA employees demonstrated the importance of conducting impact inspections by identifying hazards, issuing violations, and ensuring that corrective actions were taken to protect miners health and safety, MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson said in a statement. In 2024, the Biden-Harris administration will continue to focus on good jobs, including ensuring that miners are able to return home each day to their families and their communities safe and healthy. Throughout 2023, MSHAs impact inspections uncovered 2,739 violations, including 764 categorized as S&S and 56 unwarrantable failure findings. An S&S violation poses a serious risk of injury or illness, while an unwarrantable failure indicates negligence beyond the ordinary. Something strange is happening in the U.S. oil patch. Oil drillingan activity that has always been energy-intensivehas turned into a massive drain on the grid. The trend is an ironic twist to the U.S. grid problem, which is how to accommodate soaring demand for electricity in a non-inflatable grid. Last November, the North American Reliability Corp. warned that blackouts could happen in the winter as demand for electricity soars and supply is constrained by coal and gas plant retirements and the variable nature of wind and solar output. This was the second warning by NERC for the year and the latest in a series of warnings that also featured Federal Energy Regulatory Commission officials telling legislators earlier in 2023 that the grid was becoming increasingly vulnerable because of the transition. While this was happeningand the portion of wind and solar in the energy mix continued to growoil drillers were being pressured by their shareholders and activist groups to reduce their emissions footprint. According to a new report in the Wall Street Journal, one way that drillers chose to do this was by ditching gas generators in the field for electricity from the grid. But they are not the only industry switching from hydrocarbons to grid connections for their electricity demand. Cue a surge in demand and the realization that the amount of electricity on the grid is not infinite. Grid constraints have emerged as one of the biggest obstacles to the transition of the United States from a hydrocarbon-powered to an electricity-powered economy. Various estimates have revealed that in order for the Biden administration to hit its target of a 100% low-carbon grid by 2035, the transmission network in the country would need to expand dramaticallyin just over ten years. But even before this could happen, if it could at all in that short timeframe, businesses are being pressured into going electric in order to reduce their emissions. As a result, the grid is getting strained. And oil drillers are starting to build their own power supply infrastructure. The WSJ reports that oil producers in Texas, New Mexico, and North Dakota are contributing to a substantial increase in electricity sales. At the same time, they are finding out there is only so much electricity on the grid that is accessible to them. This is one reason flaring is getting reduced, in addition to stricter regulations. According to the WSJ, some drillers are building gas-power plants and using the gas that would have been otherwise flared to generate the electricity they need to power their machinery. It is really a win-win decision. On the one hand, these drillers are emitting less because they are not flaring the gas, and on the other, they get some reliable electricity on site. Yet, the WSJ report also suggests this is not enough to alleviate the strain on the grid as oil production continues to grow, and so do drillers efforts to become smaller emitters. It appears the only way to achieve the latter is to become fully electric-powered with electricity produced by wind and solar farms. And this is where the transmission challenge of the decade comes in to cast a shadow over the possibility of that happening. The U.S. grid took over a century to build to its current size. Transmission lines take years, even if everyone along the way is okay with them, and many communities are not okay with transmission lines passing over their backyards. Yet there is a shortage of qualified technicians to build all the transmission lines necessary, which further complicates the matter. It seems that oil drillers will have to keep relying on themselves to secure the electricity they need to boost their green credentialsand utilize some gas they cannot market because there are not enough pipelines to take it from the field to the network or the liquefaction plants along the Gulf Coast. ADVERTISEMENT By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Perhaps the single most important factor in NATOs united stand against Russias invasion of Ukraine was the quick substitution of the cheap and plentiful Russian gas that had fuelled economic expansion in Germany for decades with emergency liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from the U.S. and Qatar. Without these new supplies, there is little doubt that Germany, the de facto leader of the European Union (E.U.), would have led continental Europe into doing nothing meaningful to sanction Russia, just as it had done when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014 and then annexed Crimea, as analysed in full in my new book on the new global oil market order. Doing nothing again this time would likely be seen by Russia as reason enough to press on with President Vladimir Putins ambition to reconstitute the European Empire of the U.S.S.R., which stretched in the West from the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, down through Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, and Serbia, and winding up through Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria. It is little wonder, then, that the pausing of key LNG export permits announced at the end of last week by the White House including for the U.S.s flagship new LNG export project, the 20 million metric tonnes a year (mtpy) Venture Global CP2 have caused consternation among those who understand how fragile this anti-Russian NATO stance really is. From the moment in April 2005 when President Putin lamented the collapse of the U.S.S.R., it was clear to many that he would seek to restore as much of its empire as he could get away with without provoking a direct military response from NATO, as also analysed in full in my new book on the new global oil market order. More specifically, he said: The collapse of the Soviet Union was the biggest geopolitical catastrophe of the century. For the Russian people, it became a real drama. Tens of millions of our citizens and countrymen found themselves outside Russian territory. The epidemic of disintegration also spread to Russia itself. It was from then as well that plans began to be put into place to test the will of NATO to stand up to Russian military forays into countries that had left the U.S.S.R. and were looking to E.U. and NATO membership at some point. These plans culminated in the 8 August 2008 Russian invasion of the European sovereign country of Georgia. This had followed the Russian-backed creation of two self-proclaimed republics in Georgia (of South Ossetia, and Abkhazia), which Russia then supported militarily based on unsubstantiated claims by Russia that the government of Georgia was persecuting the Russian-aligned inhabitants of the two breakaway republics as part of a wider genocide being committed upon them. As with Russias first invasion of Ukraine just six years later, no significant repercussions befell it from either the U.S. or E.U. Related: New Sanctions on Venezuela Oil Likely As Maduro Bans Opposition The key reason was that Germanys huge economic growth from 1999 was in large part predicated on plentiful supplies of cheap gas from Russia, which brought its manufacturing costs down. The other key element of Germanys economic success over those two decades especially was due to the effective devaluation of its currency from the mighty deutschmark to the much less mighty euro which made those manufactured exports even cheaper. Given this economic power, Germany was also the de facto political leader of the continental part of the E.U. over those years (the U.K. had long been a reluctant leading member), so the U.S. wanted to keep it on side both for trade purposes and for the continuation of the NATO security alliance. So, in the immediate aftermath of Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Germanys principal concern was ensuring that Russia did not stop supplying it, or other E.U. states, with either oil or gas, due to their not being able to pay in the way Moscow preferred, as also detailed in my new book on the new global oil market order. This followed the 31 March decree signed by President Vladimir Putin that required E.U. buyers to pay in roubles for Russian gas via a new currency conversion mechanism or risk having supplies suspended. The official guidance document sent out to all 27 E.U. member states on 21 April by its executive branch, the European Commission (EC), of which Germany is a key member, simply stated: It appears possible [to pay for Russian gas after the adoption of the new decree without being in conflict with EU law], EU companies can ask their Russian counterparts to fulfil their contractual obligations in the same manner as before the adoption of the decree, i.e. by depositing the due amount in euros or dollars. Crucially at this point, though, the U.S., U.K., and other Five Eyes security alliance members Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, plus several NATO members that were Former Soviet Union states, determined that a line must be drawn in Ukraine against Russias plans for further westwards expansion. To accomplish this, it was vital to provide Germany with substitute gas from somewhere other than Russia before the approaching winter of 2022, otherwise, any political resolve the E.U. had to implement meaningful energy sanctions against Russia was liable to break. Other European countries were heavily reliant on Russian gas for their overall energy supplies. As at the end of 2021, according to International Energy Agency figures, the E.U. imported an average of over 380 million cubic metres (mcm) per day of gas by pipeline from Russia, or around 140 billion cubic metres (bcm) for the year. Additionally, around 15 bcm was delivered in LNG form. The total 155 bcm imported from Russia accounted for around 45 percent of the E.U.s gas imports in 2021 and almost 40 percent of its total gas consumption. Germany itself was reliant on Russian gas for around 30-40 percent of its own commercial and domestic gas needs, depending on the time of year. May 2022, then, saw Middle East LNG powerhouse Qatar sign a declaration of intent on energy cooperation with Germany aimed at becoming its key supplier of LNG. These new supplies of LNG from Qatar would come into Germany through existing importation routes augmented by new infrastructure approved by the German Bundestag on 19 May. This would include the deployment of four floating LNG import facilities on its northern coast, and two permanent onshore terminals, which were under development. These plans would run in parallel with, but were likely to be finished significantly sooner than, the plans for Qatar to also make available to Germany sizeable supplies of LNG from the Golden Pass terminal on the Gulf Coast of Texas, as also analysed in my new book on the new global oil market order. QatarEnergy holds a 70 percent stake in the project, with the U.S.s ExxonMobil holding the remainder. The Golden Pass terminals estimated send-out capacity is projected to be around 18 million mtpy of LNG. Underpinning all of this was the U.S.s growing importance as a global LNG supplier itself, which acted as a backstop reassurance for emergency LNG supplies for the E.U. going forward. From zero LNG exports before 2016, the U.S. is now the worlds biggest exporter, with around 86 million metric tonnes of LNG shipped in 2022. Around two-thirds of all the U.S.s LNG exports since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022 have gone to Europe. There is no doubt that the U.S. has been the key factor in ensuring cohesion in the E.U.s approach to punishing Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, both in terms of brokering deals with other suppliers such as Qatar, and in providing LNG itself, a senior figure in the E.U.s energy security complex exclusively told OilPrice.com last week. The big fear here is not just that these pauses in permits for the big U.S. LNG projects will take months and maybe longer but also that some of them may not be allowed to go ahead at all, he added. Both of them raise questions about the U.S.s entire commitment to the LNG sector now, and with that there is a very great danger of this [E.U.] cohesion [in its approach to punishing Russia for the invasion of Ukraine] being seriously undermined, he concluded. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Since the EU embargo on Russian oil products, Brazil has become a major buyer of Russias diesel and gasoil, with Brazilian imports soaring as Moscow found new outlets for its petroleum products banned by the EU and U.S. Since the EU embargo on imports of Russian fuel came into force in early February 2023, Russia has diverted most of its diesel exports previously going to the EU to Turkey, the Middle East, North and West Africa, and Brazil in South America. Russia has shipped so much diesel and other fuels to Brazil that it became the top diesel supplier of the South American country last year, surpassing the U.S. as the cheaper Russian diesel has spurred record imports. In 2023, Brazils imports of Russian diesel surged by a massive 6,000% to 6.1 million tons, from just 101,000 tons a year earlier, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing official government figures. The value of Brazilian diesel imports in U.S. dollars soared by 4,600% to $4.5 billion, compared to $95 million worth of diesel purchases from Russia in 2022, according to government data. While there has been some speculation that Brazil, under leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, may be sympathetic to Russia, the main reason for the surge in imports of oil products from Russia is the cheaper price, with which Brazil is looking to support its huge agriculture sector and keep domestic fuel prices relatively low. In August 2023, Russia was already the top supplier of diesel to Brazil, having surpassed the United States. Between January and August, Russia had a 35.6% share of the value of diesel imported by Brazil, and a 40.6% share in terms of volumes, Brazilian business daily Valor reported in September. Meanwhile, a surge in fuel oil exports pushed Russias refined petroleum product shipments in the four weeks to December 31 to the highest level in eight months, data from Vortexa compiled by Bloomberg showed earlier this month. In December, Brazil was the third-largest buyer of Russian oil products with a 10% share, preceded only by the largest buyer Turkey with 24% and China with 12%, the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said in its monthly analysis of Russian fossil fuel exports and revenues. Last month, all of Brazils imports of Russian fossil fuels consisted of oil products. Oil imports from Russia jumped by 16% month-on-month, mirroring the rise in volume of total oil imports for the month. Russias share of Brazils oil imports rose throughout 2023, surging from 13% in January to 40% in December, CREA said. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Chinas independent refiners continue to delay purchases of crude from Iran for February as the Islamic Republic is now demanding higher prices and upfront payments before loading the cargoes, trading sources familiar with the matter have told Reuters. The stand-off between Iran and the independent Chinese refiners, the so-called teapots, began in the middle of December, and has cooled the market for Iranian oil under U.S. sanctions with the private buyers in China. Iran seeks higher prices for its crude going to its top customer, China, and has been withholding some supply, Reuters reported at the beginning of this month, citing trading and refinery sources. China has continued to buy cheaper crude from Iran even after the U.S. re-imposed sanctions on Iranian oil in 2018. But now Iran is reportedly seeking narrower discounts to Brent for its crude supply to China, which has led to a stalemate between Iran and its Chinese customers. Iran has sought discounts of $5 to $6 per barrel for its light crude for December and January compared to Dated Brent, trading sources who handle the crude have told Reuters. The deals for December and January were agreed in November at prices of around $10 per barrel discounts to Brent. The buyers are still struggling to find a solution as the new prices are too high, a Chinese buyer based in Shandong told Reuters in early January. The situation seems to have persisted throughout January for February loadings, too, per the trading sources who spoke to Reuters this week. Current offerings of Iranian crude oil are at prices of around $4.50 a barrel discount to Brent on a delivered ex-ship (DES) basis, according to the sources. The Iranian oil market is now colder than the outdoor weather, one of those sources told Reuters. ADVERTISEMENT As a result of disagreements with its main customer, Irans total oil exports are estimated by analytics firm Kpler to have dipped to the lowest level since March 2023. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: There is no geopolitical risk premium on oil markets right now and the only thing that could change that is actual physical disruption of supply. This is what fund manager Eric Nuttall from Ninepoint Partners told CNBC this week in comments about oil prices after news of two more incidents in the region emerged, one of them involving a fuel tanker. The Yemeni Houthis hit a fuel tanker transporting cargo for Trafigura on Friday, to which the U.S. Navy responded with strikes on Yemeni targets. Then, on Sunday, U.S. troops were attacked at a base in Jordan, according to official reports, with three casualties and several dozen injured personnel. The news sent oil prices higher but they quickly shed some of their gains as traders focus once again moved to China and its demand prospects. The latest bout of worry about Chinese demand after the news broke that real estate giant Evergrande was ordered into liquidation, deepening fears of a real estate sector meltdown. Not everyone agrees with Nuttall, however. "If U.S.-Iran tensions escalate, particularly through a direct confrontation, the risk rises that Iran's oil supply is adversely impacted. Iranian's oil exports are likely the most vulnerable via potentially greater enforcement of sanctions," Commonwealth Bank of Australia analyst Vivek Dhar said in a note, as quoted by Reuters. Following the drone attack that killed three U.S. troops, U.S. officials said they had no doubt the party responsible was an Iran-backed militant group and that the U.S. would respond. ADVERTISEMENT "Have no doubt - we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing," President Biden said in a statement. It seems there is some war premium factored into prices but it might not yet reflect the full scale of the disruption risk. For this, as Ninepoint Partners Nuttall says, actual disruption would need to occur. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Saudi state has ordered energy major Aramco to stop work on expanding its maximum sustainable capacity to 13 million barrels daily, instead keeping it at 12 million bpd. The company said in a statement today that its maximum sustainable capacity is determined by the state under a law from 2017. Aramco added that it would update its capital spending plans for the year in accordance with the new government directive in March when it announces its 2023 financial results. Saudi Arabias state oil company said it was working to boost its production capacity to 13 million barrels daily back in 2021. The capacity expansion will come fully online by 2027 and will come on in chunks, chief executive Amin Nasser said at the time. The Saudi giant, the worlds biggest oil firm and the largest oil exporter globally, was working as fast as it could to reach that production capacity expansion, the executive said, noting that upstream investment has a long lead time. Aramcos CEO has often warned the market that the industry is underinvesting in new oil supply, which, regardless of many scenarios, will continue to be needed for decades. Even so, the perception of oil demand among traders has failed to match these warnings. Despite extended and sizeable production cuts effected by Saudi Arabia and some of its fellow OPEC+ members, prices have remained stubbornly range-bound. This may be the reason for the new order. Alternatively, the long-term outlook for oil demand in Riyadh may have changed. Oil prices inched higher this week, following the latest news from the Middle East, which included a fuel tanker attack by the Yemeni Houthis and a deadly drone attack on U.S. troops. However, their gains were pared by real estate news from China, believed to affect its oil demand prospects. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Trans Mountain expansion project may be in for yet another delay as the company in charge of it reported encountering technical issues during construction. In a statement, the company said that the issues will result in additional time to determine the safest and most prudent actions for minimizing further delay. The expanded pipeline was scheduled to begin operation by the end of the first quarter of this year, after a series of delays. The Trans Mountain expansion project started as a Kinder Morgan endeavor to bring the capacity of infrastructure carrying crude from Alberta to Canadas West coast to 890,000 barrels daily from an original 300,000 barrels daily. Opposition from environmentalist organizations and the government of British Columbia was so fierce that Kinder Morgan at one point gave up on the project and the federal government of Canada had to buy it, spending some $$3.3 billion. After the purchase, Ottawa had to make Trans Mountain work by any means necessary, which led to additional expenses of as much as $23 billion. The latest roadblock for the pipeline expansion project was when the Canadian energy industry regulator denied a variance request from the project developer to move a small section of the pipeline due to challenging drilling conditions. On the second attempt by the Crown corporation to get the variance, the Canada Energy Regulator granted it and work continued. The Trans Mountain corporation had warned that if the variance was not granted, the expansion project could run into a delay of up to two years on top of all the other delays so far. This probably influenced the decision of the watchdog. Alberta oil producers are looking forward to the completion of the pipeline and already boosting production in anticipation of the sizeable additional offtake capacity. In November 2023, the oil province booked a record output of over 4 million barrels daily. ADVERTISEMENT By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Chinas most powerful spectral telescope expected to enter use in Northwest Chinas Qinghai in 2026 Global Times) 15:23, January 30, 2024 Photo: CCTV Chinas most powerful spectral telescope with an aperture of 4.4 meters which can realize multi-target and high-resolution spectral observation simultaneously is expected to be completed and enter use in 2026 at the Lenghu Astronomical Observation Base, the largest astronomical observation base in Asia. According to the Lenghu Astronomical Observation Base located in Northwest Chinas Qinghai Province, Shanghai Jiao Tong University plans to build a large-aperture multi-functional spectral telescope, Jiaotong University Spectroscopic Telescope (JUST), at the base. After three years of monitoring and testing conducted by the research team, the location of JUST at the Lenghu Astronomical Observation Base in Lenghu area on Saishiteng Mountain in Qinghai was found to enjoy advantages including good air quality, clear night skies, and other stable atmospheric conditions for constructing the worlds first-class large-scale observation base for optical and infrared astronomy. So far, a total of 12 telescope projects from 11 scientific research institutes have been launched at the base. After their completion, the base will become Asias largest astronomical observation base. With an aperture of 4.4 meters, the spectral telescope project adopted a lightweight design and is equipped with multiple spectrometers, allowing for rapid switching of target sources and timely spectroscopic observations. According to the plan, JUST is expected to be completed and put into use in 2026, and carry out research work covering three aspects including exploring the dark universe, tracking the dynamic universe and searching for exoplanets as planned. After the project is completed, it is expected to achieve a series of breakthrough research results with significant impact in the fields of time-domain astronomy, exoplanet search, and cosmic web structure and evolution. The JUST project is one of the major projects in the astronomical field strategically planned by the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The JUST site will be located near the Lenghu Town on the Saishiteng Mountain in Qinghai. The JUST will be installed at the point B at an altitude of 4,322 meters above sea level on the Saishiteng Mountain. The current largest dome at the point C at an altitude of 4,200 meters, is the 2.5-meter Wide Field Survey Telescope (WFST) Mozi for time-domain surveys. After it is completed, the JUST is expected to carry out characteristic spectral observations around scientific goals such as cosmic web structure, multi-messenger astronomy, and exoplanet exploration. By that time, the JUST will be the most powerful spectral telescope in China and will work closely with the survey telescope Mozi and the upcoming space-survey telescope, Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST), to provide indispensable first-hand observation data for the further development of astronomy in China. JUSTs high-resolution spectrometers will realize multi-target and high-resolution spectral observation simultaneously for the first time in the world, expected to greatly improve the efficiency of exoplanet detection. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Israeli forces disguised as civilian women and medical workers stormed a hospital Tuesday in the occupied West Bank, killing three Palestinian militants in a dramatic raid that underscored how deadly violence has spilled into the territory from the war in Gaza. The Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli forces opened fire inside the wards of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the town of Jenin. The ministry condemned the raid and called on the international community to pressure Israel's military to halt such operations in hospitals. A hospital spokesperson said there was no exchange of fire, indicating that it was a targeted killing. The military said the militants were using the hospital as a hideout, without providing evidence. It alleged that one of those targeted in the raid had transferred weapons and ammunition to others for a planned attack, purportedly inspired by the Hamas assault on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that triggered the war in Gaza. Footage said to be security camera video from the hospital that circulated on social media showed about a dozen undercover forces, most of them armed, dressed as women with Muslim headscarves or hospital staff in scrubs or white doctors coats. One in a surgical mask carried a rifle in one arm and a folded wheelchair in the other. The forces were seen patting down one man who kneeled against a wall, his arms raised. The Associated Press has not independently verified the footage, but it is in line with its reporting. Meanwhile, fighting continued in the Gaza Strip, even as talks inched forward on a cease-fire to pause the war, which began when hundreds of Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250 others. In response, Israel launched a blistering air, sea and ground offensive that killed more than 26,700 people in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory . The ministry count does not distinguish between fighters and noncombatants, but it says about two-thirds of the dead are women and minors. The conflict has also leveled vast swaths of the tiny coastal enclave, displaced 85% of its population, and pushed a quarter of residents to starvation . That humanitarian crisis may soon be exacerbated, the U.N. has warned, after several countries froze funding to the main aid provider to Palestinians in Gaza following Israeli claims that a dozen of its workers participated in the Oct. 7 assault. Israel has come under heavy criticism for its raids on hospitals in Gaza , which have treated the tens of thousands of Palestinians wounded in the war as well as providing critical shelter for displaced people. Gazas health care system, which was already feeble before the war, is on the verge of collapse, buckling under the scores of patients, the lack of fuel and medical necessities limited by Israeli restrictions and repeated interruptions from fighting in and near the facilities. Israel says militants use hospitals as cover, hiding out in them or launching operations from them. The military has found underground tunnels in the vicinity of hospitals, and says it has located weapons and vehicles used in the Oct. 7 attack on hospital grounds. Since Oct. 7, violence in the West Bank has also surged as Israel has cracked down on suspected militants, killing more than 380 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most were killed in confrontations with Israeli forces during arrest raids or violent protests. The Israeli military says it has arrested nearly 3,000 Palestinians in the West Bank over the past four months. The military said in Tuesday's hospital raid, forces killed Mohammed Jalamneh, 27, who it said was planning an imminent attack. The two other men killed, brothers Basel and Mohammed Ghazawi, were hiding inside the hospital and were involved in attacks, the military claimed. The military did not provide details on how the three were killed. Its statement said Jalamneh was armed with a pistol, but made no mention of an exchange of fire. Hamas claimed the three men as members, calling the operation a cowardly assassination. Hospital spokesperson Tawfiq al-Shobaki said there was no exchange. He said the Israelis attacked doctors, nurses, and hospital security during the raid. What happened is a precedent, he said. There was never an assassination inside a hospital. There were arrests and assaults, but not an assassination. He said Basel Ghazawi had been a patient in the hospital since October with partial paralysis. The raid took place in Jenin, long a bastion of armed struggle against Israel and the frequent target of Israeli raids even before the war began. Israeli operations there and in an adjacent built-up refugee camp have left vast destruction. Israel captured the West Bank, along with the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, in the 1967 Mideast war. Israel withdrew troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005, but imposed a stifling blockade on the territory, along with Egypt, when Hamas came to power in a violent takeover in 2007. It maintains an open-ended occupation of the West Bank, where more than half a million Israelis now live in settlements. The Palestinians claim these territories as part of their future independent state, hopes for which have increasingly dimmed since the war began. Progress, meanwhile, appeared elusive on a new deal between Israel and Hamas that could lead to a pause in fighting and see the release of dozens of hostages still held in Gaza. On Tuesday, Hamas' supreme political leader Ismail Haniyeh said the group was studying the latest terms for a deal, but said the priority was the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, something Israel opposes, and that any agreement should lead to a long-term cease-fire. He said Hamas' leadership had been invited to Cairo to continue talks. Israel had said that cease-fire talks held Sunday were constructive but that significant gaps remained in any potential agreement. The prime minister of Qatar which has served as a key mediator along with Egypt and the United States was more upbeat, saying American and Middle Eastern mediators had reached a framework proposal. Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington on Monday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the mediators had made good progress. The Israeli military said it was fighting Palestinian militants in south, central and northern Gaza, which was pummeled in the first weeks of the war and where Israel has claimed to have largely dismantled Hamas. It said aircraft destroyed the rocket launcher that fired a barrage of rockets at central Israel on Monday, the first rockets targeting the populated area in weeks. (AP) Its been a long journey already, but a space-worthy version of a miniaturized surgical robot invented by a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor and others has finally blasted into space. The robot, named MIRA, for Miniaturized In vivo Robotic Assistant, launched at 11:07 a.m. Tuesday from Floridas Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard a Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo spacecraft bound for the International Space Station. The Cygnus was carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The launch went perfectly, and MIRA is on its way, Shane Farritor, a UNL engineering professor and one of the devices inventors, said Tuesday. He and his family traveled to Florida to attend the launch, as did Rachael Wagner, the projects engineering lead, and her family. The Cygnus is scheduled to dock with the space station 40 hours after the launch. Once aboard the space station, plans call for spaceMIRA to perform a surgical simulation sometime within the next 30 days, said Farritor, chief technology officer for Virtual Incision, the Lincoln startup company he co-founded to bring the miniature robot to the commercial market. Were just at the beginning of our adventure here, he said. The device will be the first surgical robot on the space station. The experiment, called a technology demonstration, will be among just a few tests of remote surgery tasks conducted in space so far. We want to show this kind of thing is feasible, Farritor said in an interview before the launch. While the experiment is intended to help identify the next steps for creating surgical technologies suitable for long-distance space travel, Farritor and his team also have more down-to-Earth goals. Remote surgery, he said, has the potential to help patients get the care they need when no doctor is at hand. That could include rural areas, the battlefield or in space. On the battlefield, for instance, a surgeon might be able to remain in a safe place while remotely delivering care to an injured soldier in a forward location. A 2010 report published by the American College of Surgeons indicated that one out of three counties in the United States alone lacks a surgeon. A 2021 report by the Association of American Medical Colleges estimated that the United States could see a shortage of up to 30,000 surgeons by 2034. The robot device is designed to be used inside the body to perform surgery, unlike the large robotic-assisted surgical systems now used in a growing list of minimally invasive abdominal and heart surgeries. Those systems sit outside the body. Our goal is to make every operating room robot-ready so robot technology can be applied in smaller hospitals and different situations, Farritor said. He and his colleagues began developing MIRA nearly 20 years ago. But the robots small size, and their potential for remote or telesurgery, have long interested NASA and the military, he said. He and his team have been preparing a space-worthy version for about two years. NASA provided a grant through the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) in 2022 to begin preparing MIRA for an autonomous test aboard the space station. The space agency awarded an additional grant in 2023, also through EPSCoR, to prepare the system to attempt remote guidance from the ground. Functionally, Farritor said, the space version of the robot is about the same as other models. But the team made it a little shorter to fit in the microwave-sized box, called a locker, that NASA allocated for the experiment. The lockers, which are used to house a variety of different experiments, are designed to fit in a rack on the space station. To test the system before launch, the team prepared a ground unit, an identical version of the one that would eventually go to space, said Wagner, a UNL doctoral student from Lincoln. You can use it for tests to prove youre ready to fly, without risking your pristine hardware in the one that will go to space, she said. She and Victoria Nelson, a masters student from Sioux City, Iowa, spent a week at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, this summer working with NASA engineers to evaluate the robot. That included electromagnetic interference testing to ensure that the device wouldnt interfere with important systems on the space station once it was powered on, Wagner said. The teams also had to make sure the device was compatible with the space stations software and power supply. Its not quite as simple as plugging it into a wall outlet, unfortunately, said Wagner, a mechanical engineer who worked for Virtual Incision for more than three years before returning to UNL to study biomedical engineering. Altogether, the team worked with NASA for about a year to prepare for the launch. Originally, the space version of the robot was to be programmed to perform surgery-like tasks on simulated tissue with no human guidance. But in the upcoming experiment, Dr. Michael Jobst, a Lincoln surgeon who has assisted with previous tests of the device, will guide space MIRA from Virtual Incisions offices in Lincoln. Hell use both arms equipped with a grasper on the left and a pair of scissors on the right to manipulate the simulated tissue, pulling on it to create tension and dissecting the material with the scissors. Providing guidance from the ground makes the operation more challenging. One concern is latency, the delay that occurs while waiting for a signal to travel from Earth to the space station. But Wagner said NASA has been wonderful in helping the team test their systems and its own. I think were as ready as well ever be, she said. Farritors team will receive data about the robots performance during the tests on the space station and later when MIRA returns to Earth this spring. It doesnt feel real, Wagner said before the launch, because its just been at the grindstone the whole time. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of January 2024 Major hotel chains operating in Nebraska will have to be more transparent about hidden mandatory fees throughout the booking process, under a settlement agreement reached last week with the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office. The AGs Office announced Tuesday that it reached a settlement with Hilton Hotels after a four-year legal battle about the practice of so-called drip pricing, defined as gradually disclosing fees as a customer goes through the booking process instead of advertising the full price upfront. Tuesdays settlement is the fourth such agreement reached with major hotel chains since the AGs Office began filing lawsuits against hotel chains in 2019. In the settlement, Hilton agreed to clearly and conspicuously display all mandatory fees as part of the total price in any advertisements or offers. It will also be required to disclose what amenities are covered by mandatory fees, and will pay $300,000 in attorneys fees to the AGs Office. These settlements will benefit not only the residents of Nebraska but also consumers nationwide, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said in a statement. Omni, Marriott and Choice Hotels have all reached separate settlements with the AGs Office in recent years. They are similar to the Hilton settlement and generally bar each company from misrepresenting the total price or gradually disclosing additional fees throughout the booking process. None of the hotel chains admitted wrongdoing as part of the settlement. In a statement released Tuesday, a spokesperson for Hilton said they are pleased to have settled the matter amicably. They added that changes were made in 2023 to show mandatory fees upfront on all Hilton websites and apps. Through objects big and small, a new center offers a snapshot into the lives of members of Omaha's Jewish community dating back to the 1850s. Some objects inside the Milton Mendel and Marsha Kleinberg Jewish Omaha Heritage Center are hopeful. Others are a reminder of a painful past. In one display case is a red, white and blue nail file that encouraged voters to reelect Ed Zorinsky to the U.S. Senate because he was "A Man for the rank & FILE." Zorinsky was the first Jewish person elected to statewide office in Nebraska. In another display case is a Torah belonging to the Erman family, who came to the United States from Nazi Germany in 1938. They arrived in New York, just days before Kristallnacht or the "Night of Broken Glass" in which Nazis terrorized Jews throughout Germany and Austria. The story goes that they came to the United States with the Torah under one arm and their 3-month-old son under the other arm, said Jane Rips, executive director of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. The Kleinberg Heritage Center is at the Jewish Federation of Omaha on the Staenberg Kooper Fellman Campus, 333 S. 132nd St. From sports, to businesses, to military and public service, visitors can learn about the history of Jewish families and the impact they've had on the Omaha community. Rips said some people may not know that some of Omaha's most notable businesses, like Nebraska Furniture Mart and Borsheims, were started by Jewish entrepreneurs. The people came to Omaha, and they became a part of Omaha," Rips said. "They didnt just move here and have a small insular community. So thats part of what we were trying to show was their influence on Omaha but also the lives that they made. Large photos on the walls serve as a backdrop to artifacts behind glass cases and signs with paragraphs of information. The hope is that groups from church and schools will tour the center and learn more about the Omaha's Jewish community. Many of the objects included in the center were drawn from the archives of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, which is part of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Its the next way of really taking what weve had in an archive in a basement and sorting through it and saying what are the most important things?" said Margie Utesch, director of marketing for the Jewish Federation of Omaha. "What are the things that we want people to understand and relate with? On touchscreens throughout the center, visitors can read about Holocaust survivors or listen to interviews with people in Nebraska's Jewish community. Scott Littky, executive director at the Institute of Holocaust Education, said it was important to the people organizing the center that the memories and stories of survivors be included. Specifically, the stories of those who moved to Nebraska after World War II. Littky said eight survivors of the Holocaust still live in Nebraska. The youngest is 85, and the oldest is 99. As with everybody in this exhibit, theyre unique individuals who added to the fabric of our Jewish community," Littky said. "And they lived. They didnt come here to die, they came here to live. And re-create their lives. They had children, grandchildren and opened businesses. The Jewish community has had an impact in this city forever," Littky said. "So this is a nice way to honor them. The Kleinberg Heritage Center is open to the public Mondays to Thursdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Photos: Milton Mendel and Marsha Kleinberg Jewish Omaha Heritage Center An Omaha man was sentenced Monday to one to two years in prison for attempted sexual assault of a minor, six years after fleeing from Douglas County. Gabino Vargas-Perez, 27, was also sentenced to two years of probation for failing to appear in court in 2017. He skipped town after being charged with first-degree sexual assault of a minor. Vargas-Perez, a legal immigrant from Guatemala, was accused of raping a 14-year-old girl in Omaha. He was taken into custody Feb. 16, 2023, by the U.S. Marshals Service in Houston, according to Montgomery County, Texas, jail records, and returned to Omaha in March. When Vargas-Perez was charged in 2017, his bail was set at $50,000. Someone paid 10% $5,000 but Vargas-Perez failed to appear at a preliminary hearing. At the time he was charged, Vargas-Perez was a 20-year-old former Central High School student. The girl told police that she met Vargas-Perez in fall 2016 and that he told her he was 16. Vargas-Perez, who is listed in Douglas County Jail records as being 5 feet tall and 130 pounds, asked her to come home with him to meet his family. He took her upstairs and raped her, the girl told police. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said in 2017 that ICE officials told prosecutors Vargas-Perez was legally in the country. Kleine said then that he didnt know the nature of that status whether it was because he had a work visa or another form of documentation. Court documents indicate that Vargas-Perez, then age 16 or 17, had suffered neglect and abandonment by his parents. So he left Guatemala for the United States, the court document said. NEW YORK Two men accused of killing Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay were both close to the trailblazing DJ, but were driven by greed and revenge over a failed drug deal when they ambushed him at his recording studio more than 20 years ago, prosecutors argued as the men's trial began Monday. In opening statements in Brooklyn federal court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Miranda Gonzalez laid out the prosecution's case that Karl Jordan Jr., the hip-hop star's godson, and Ronald Washington, a childhood friend, killed the 37-year-old in 2002 after they were cut out of a lucrative cocaine deal. Both men have pleaded not guilty. While the case languished for almost two decades until Jordan and Washington were arrested in 2020, becoming one of the hip-hop worlds most elusive mysteries, Gonzalez told jurors that they would hear from eyewitnesses who were in the studio that night, and that the pair confessed their involvement to others. Each defendant was proud that they had taken down Jam Master Jay and got away with it, she said. Washingtons lawyer Ezra Spilke, however, argued the case was held together with tape and glue and declared that prosecutors have no clue who killed Jay, who was born Jason Mizell. This case is about 10 seconds, 21 years ago, he said. Its a blink of an eye, a generation ago. The men face at least 20 years in prison if convicted. The government has said it would not seek the death penalty. Mizell worked the turntables alongside rappers Joe Run Simmons and Darryl DMC McDaniels as the group helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream in the 1980s with hits like Its Tricky and a remake of Aerosmiths Walk This Way. Run-DMC famously espoused an anti-drug stance in lyrics and PSAs, but Gonzalez said that as the spotlight faded, Mizell turned to the drug trade, serving as a middleman to sellers and buyers across the country. A few simple calls, she said, could earn him hundreds of thousands of dollars. Mizell had allegedly acquired 22 pounds of the drug, which Washington, Jordan and others were going to distribute in the Baltimore area. But the dealer involved in the sale refused to work with Washington, cutting both defendants out of a potential $200,000 payday, she alleged. Gonzalez said that in the days leading up to his death, Mizell acted troubled and carried a gun. On the night of Oct. 30, 2002, however, he barely had time to react when the two men and an accomplice, Jay Bryant, showed up at his studio in Jamaica, Queens. Bryant was charged last year after he was seen going into the building the night of the killing and his DNA was recovered at the scene. He will be tried separately. Prosecutors say Washington waved a gun and ordered one person to lie on the floor, while Jordan shot Mizell in the head at point-blank range, killing him instantly. Another shot hit and wounded another man in the studio at the time, Mizell's friend Uriel Tony Rincon, before the killers fled, Gonzalez said. It was a brazen murder of a world-famous musician, she said, but police struggled to close the case because witnesses did not fully cooperate and even moved out of state. Lawyers for Jordan and Washington argued that the police still haven't figured it out, and they urged jurors to be skeptical of witnesses who are cooperating in exchange for leniency on their own legal troubles. Spilke, Washingtons lawyer, questioned why his client would want to kill Mizell since Washington was an alcoholic, relied on the rap star financially and was living on Mizells sisters couch at the time. Why bite the hand that feeds?" Spilke said. Why kill the one man that was helping you? In a Playboy article published a year after the killing, Washington was quoted as saying he was on his way to the studio the night of the killing when he heard gunshots and saw Jordan fleeing. Washingtons lawyers also questioned Monday why none of the people with Mizell at the time of his death bothered to call police. Instead, Randy Allen, a friend and business partner who was among those in the studio, went directly to a nearby police precinct to report the shooting, according to Washingtons lawyers as they cross-examined the first witness of the case, James Lusk, a police detective who was among the first on the scene. Jordans lawyer John Diaz, meanwhile, said his client wasnt even at the studio that night. His attorneys have said in court documents that Jordan, then 18, was at his pregnant girlfriends home at the time of Mizell's death and that witnesses can place him there. He was first named as a possible suspect in the slaying in 2007, while he was on trial for a string of armed robberies, though he maintained he had no involvement. Jordan also faces gun and cocaine charges in the trial to which he has pleaded not guilty. While he has no prior adult criminal record, prosecutors allege he has continued to be involved in narcotics trafficking and say they have footage of him selling cocaine to an undercover agent. The trial will resume Tuesday after the jury heard Monday from three police officers, including crime scene investigators who collected evidence and a detective who was among the first on the scene. DULUTH, Minn. A dying thief who confessed to stealing a pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz because he wanted to pull off one last score was given no prison time at his sentencing hearing Monday. Terry Jon Martin, 76, stole the slippers adorned with sequins and glass beads in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum in the late actors hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He gave into temptation after an old associate with connections to the mob told him the shoes had to be adorned with real jewels to justify their $1 million insured value, his attorney revealed in a memo to the federal court ahead of his sentencing in Duluth. Martin showed little emotion as the judge handed down the sentence and was physically unable to fully rise from his chair as the judge adjourned the hearing. He declined to address the court. But defense attorney Dane DeKrey said the resolution of the case should bring a measure of closure to the government, the museum, the slippers' owner and to Martin himself. The government was able to hold one person accountable, DeKrey said, while the museum and the collector who owns the slippers got to find out what happened. And Martin was able to close this chapter in the final months of his life instead of taking his secret to his grave. They will never be made whole in this case, the attorney said of the victims. But they're more whole than they had been in the last 18 years. The FBI recovered the shoes in 2018 when someone else tried to claim a reward. Martin wasnt charged with stealing them until last year. Prosecutor Matthew Greenley said in court Monday that investigators used phone records to zero in on Martin, and used his wife's immigration status as leverage to search Martin's home and get him to confess. He pleaded guilty in October to theft of a major artwork, admitting to using a hammer to smash the glass of the museum door and display case to take the slippers. But his motivation remained mostly a mystery until DeKrey revealed it in a court filing this month. Martin, who lives near Grand Rapids, said at the October hearing that he hoped to remove what he thought were real rubies from the shoes and sell them. But a person who deals in stolen goods, known as a fence, informed him the rubies weren't real, Martin said. So he got rid of the slippers. DeKrey wrote in his memo that Martin's unidentified former associate persuaded him to steal the slippers as one last score, even though Martin had seemed to have "finally put his demons to rest after finishing his last prison term nearly 10 years earlier. At first, Terry declined the invitation to participate in the heist. But old habits die hard, and the thought of a final score kept him up at night, DeKrey wrote. After much contemplation, Terry had a criminal relapse and decided to participate in the theft. Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz accepted the recommendation of both sides that he sentence Martin to time served because he is housebound in hospice care and is expected to die within the next few months. He requires constant oxygen therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and had to be brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair. The loud hum of his oxygen machine echoed through the courtroom. Schiltz told Martin he probably would have sentenced him to 10 years in prison if it was still 2005. The judge also accepted the recommendation from both sides that Martin should pay $23,500 in restitution to the museum and ordered him to pay $300 a month. I certainly do not want to minimize the seriousness of Mr. Martin's crime, the judge said. Mr. Martin intended to steal and destroy an irreplaceable part of American culture. According to DeKrey's memo, Martin had no idea about the cultural significance of the ruby slippers and had never seen The Wizard of Oz. Instead, DeKrey said, the old Terry with a lifelong history involving burglary and receiving stolen property beat out the new Terry who had become a contributing member of society after his 1996 release from prison. After the fence told Martin the rubies were fake, DeKrey wrote, he gave the slippers to his old associate and told him he never wanted to see them again. The attorney said Martin never heard from the man again. Martin has refused to identify anyone else who was involved in the theft, and nobody else has ever been charged in the case. The FBI never disclosed exactly how it tracked down the slippers. The bureau said a man approached the insurer in 2017 and claimed he could help recover them but demanded more than the $200,000 reward being offered. The slippers were recovered during an FBI sting in Minneapolis the next year. Federal prosecutors have put the slippers' market value at about $3.5 million. In the classic 1939 musical, Garlands character, Dorothy, had to click the heels of her ruby slippers three times and repeat, Theres no place like home, to return to Kansas from Oz. She wore several pairs during filming, but only four authentic pairs are known to remain. Hollywood memorabilia collector Michael Shaw had loaned one pair to the museum before Martin stole them. The other three are held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Smithsonian Museum of American History and a private collector. 100 best G-rated movies to watch as a family #100. The Out of Towners (1970) #99. The Time Machine (1960) #98. The Italian Job (1969) #97. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) #96. The Last Unicorn (1982) #95. The Rescuers (1977) #94. Oklahoma! (1955) #93. The Great Mouse Detective (1986) #92. The Princess and the Frog (2009) #91. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) #90. The Emperor's New Groove (2000) #89. The Sound of Music (1965) #88. The Parent Trap (1961) #87. Winnie the Pooh (2011) #86. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) #85. Cars (2006) #84. The King and I (1956) #83. A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (2019) #82. The Secret Garden (1993) #81. Fiddler on the Roof (1971) #80. Hercules (1997) #79. Mulan (1998) #78. The Three Caballeros (1944) #77. Gigi (1958) #76. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) #75. The War of the Worlds (1953) #74. Oliver! (1968) #73. The Haunting (1963) #72. Lassie Come Home (1943) #71. The Road Home (1999) #70. A Man for All Seasons (1966) #69. Peter Pan (1953) #68. A Bug's Life (1998) #67. Not One Less (1999) #66. The Muppet Movie (1979) #65. Animal Crackers (1930) #64. The Secret of NIMH (1982) #63. Lady and the Tramp (1955) #62. The Winslow Boy (1999) #60. Babe (1995) #59. Tarzan (1999) #58. Yellow Submarine (1968) #57. The Music Man (1962) #56. Whisper of the Heart (1995) #55. Footlight Parade (1933) #54. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) #53. Forbidden Planet (1956) #52. Babette's Feast (1987) #51. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010) #50. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) #49. Old Yeller (1957) #47. Treasure Island (1950) #46. The Black Stallion (1979) #45. Cinderella (1950) #44. A Little Princess (1995) #43. Planet of the Apes (1968) #42. Chicken Run (2000) #41. Captains Courageous (1937) #40. Giant (1956) #39. Monsters, Inc. (2001) #37. Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) #36. Toy Story 4 (2019) #35. Funny Girl (1968) #34. The Odd Couple (1968) #33. The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) #32. Ponyo (2008) #31. Bambi (1942) #30. The Little Mermaid (1989) #29. How Green Was My Valley (1941) #28. The Straight Story (1999) #27. Mary Poppins (1964) #26. Aladdin (1992) #25. A Summer's Tale (1996) #24. My Neighbor Totoro (1988) #23. Toy Story 2 (1999) #22. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) #20. The Wild Child (1970) #19. The Circus (1928) #18. A Hard Day's Night (1964) #17. Ben-Hur (1959) #16. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) #15. Finding Nemo (2003) #14. My Fair Lady (1964) #13. Fantasia (1940) #12. The Wizard of Oz (1939) #11. The Lion King (1994) #10. Pinocchio (1940) #9. Beauty and the Beast (1991) #8. Toy Story 3 (2010) #7. Ratatouille (2007) #6. Gone with the Wind (1939) #5. Toy Story (1995) #4. WALLE (2008) #3. Modern Times (1936) #2. Singin' in the Rain (1952) #1. City Lights (1931) WASHINGTON By any standard, the past 18 months were remarkable for getting wrongfully detained Americans home. There were major swaps with adversaries such as Iran and Russia, including one that secured the freedom of WNBA star Brittney Griner, and a large prisoner exchange just last month with Venezuela. But Harrison Li has had little to celebrate. Despite the succession of high-profile releases, jubilant family reunions and triumphant photos on government airplanes, his father, Kai, remains detained in China on espionage-related charges his family says are bogus and politically motivated. Li, a Stanford University doctoral student, says though he feels "so much joy and happiness" for the other families many of whom he's become friendly with over the years "I'd be lying if I didn't say that then the next thought is, you know, when's it our turn?" He added, "When you see so many folks come home but then you still see your loved one not, then, yeah, there's definitely an element of frustration." Some see few signs of progress Li is not alone. For all the releases of wrongly detained Americans, many more remain either locked up or missing in countries including Russia, Syria and Afghanistan often held by a hostile foreign government. In some instances, there have been few signs of progress, and families sometimes have seen the countries that are holding their loved ones release other detainees but not yet their relatives. Those sensitivities are not lost on Roger Carstens, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs and the Biden administration's public face for matters related to hostages and wrongful detainees the label applied to Americans jailed in foreign countries for what the government considers legally specious allegations or for improper motivations. He handles negotiations with foreign governments and once the deal is done flies out to bring the released American back, routinely telling them that, on behalf of the U.S. government, "I'm here to take you home." "There's always a very short-lived celebration because we still have a lot of work to do to bring other people home," Carstens said in an interview. Notable recent exchanges The Biden administration has been notably aggressive in cutting deals, signing off on prisoner exchanges and other concessions that once would have been unthinkable and achieving releases at what advocates say is a historically high level. Last month, Venezuela freed 10 Americans and returned to the U.S. for prosecution an indicted Navy contractor known as "Fat Leonard" in exchange for the U.S. releasing an ally of President Nicolas Maduro charged in a money-laundering conspiracy. In September, five Americans jailed for years in Iran walked free in a deal that saw the release of nearly $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets. Months earlier, Rwanda freed Paul Rusesabagina, who inspired the film "Hotel Rwanda," after a U.S. diplomatic intervention. In 2022, the U.S. swapped an imprisoned Taliban drug lord for an American contractor in Afghanistan, and a notorious Russian arms trafficker for Griner. U.S. officials called bringing home wrongfully detained Americans a core administration priority even when it collides with other foreign policy or law enforcement interests. In all cases, the ability to achieve a deal depends on negotiators reaching mutually agreeable conditions no small thing when countries otherwise have little they agree on. As hostage diplomacy generated front-page news and became a key area of focus elevated in part by the October capture of scores of hostages in Israel by militant group Hamas families of detainees jostled for attention from the U.S. government, including from President Joe Biden himself. The president has met with some families he had in-person and virtual conversations with families of American hostages held in Gaza though some, like Li, are still seeking their first encounter. Kai Li, a Chinese immigrant who started an export business in the U.S., was detained in September 2016 after flying into Shanghai. He was placed under surveillance, interrogated without a lawyer and accused of providing state secrets to the FBI. The U.S. government designated him as wrongfully detained. A United Nations working group called his 10-year prison sentence arbitrary. Complicating the matter are diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and China. Harrison Li regards last November's summit between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping as a missed opportunity to more forcefully move his father's case toward resolution. Maryam Kamalmaz has seen no trace of her father, Majd Kamalmaz, since the Texas psychologist was stopped at a checkpoint in Syria in 2017 after traveling there to visit a family member. He remains one of several Americans missing in Syria, including journalist Austin Tice, despite a 2020 visit by Carstens to try to negotiate their release. "Other families know their loved ones' condition. They know what's going on," Kamalmaz said. "In my father's case, there's been no trial, there's been no case. There's nothing against him. He's just basically disappeared into their system, disappeared completely." Part of Carstens' job involves regular communication with families. Sometimes the updates are cheerful, sometimes they're painful. Just before Griner's release, a representative from his office visited the sister of Paul Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan detained in Russia since December 2018, to break the news in person that Griner would be coming home but Moscow refused to free Whelan. Carstens said deals like that are "no small thing" and weigh heavily on his team. "Unless someone's coming off a plane, onto a tarmac, in the United States of America and into the arms of their loved ones," he said, "we're not getting a win." JERUSALEM Israel's military announced it would review the shooting of a Palestinian man who was killed in the Gaza Strip while walking in a group of people waving a white flag, saying footage of the episode raised concerns of possible wrongdoing by soldiers. A video shows a group of five men walking slowly down a street in an area west of the southern city of Khan Younis, a current focus of Israel's ground offensive. As clouds of dark smoke billow overhead, the men hold their hands in the air. One waves a white flag, an international symbol of surrender. Suddenly, shots ring out, killing Ramzi Abu Sahloul, a 51-year-old Palestinian shopkeeper, who was part of the group. The shooter is not seen in the video. But before the shots are fired, the camera pans, showing what looks to be an Israeli tank positioned nearby. Ahmed Hijazi, a citizen journalist who filmed the episode, told The Associated Press that an Israeli tank fired on the group. After the soldiers shot him, I rushed to help, but the firing continued toward us, Hijazi said. An Israeli military official said Sunday that the army was reviewing the shooting, which took place Jan. 22. The official said the video, first broadcast by CNN, had helped authorities understand that there were military forces in the area and that there might possible wrongdoing by soldiers. The British channel ITV earlier had aired a similar video. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because there had not yet been an announcement, would not say whether a formal investigation would take place. The military says forces take great care to verify targets before they strike. In the video, Hijazi interviewed Abu Sahloul shortly before he was shot. Abu Sahloul said that the group of men was trying to reach relatives whom they had left behind earlier in the day while evacuating their home in southern Gaza. The Israelis came to us and told us to evacuate, but they didnt let my brother out, Abu Sahloul says. We want to go and try to get them, God willing. Within seconds, Abu Sahloul is shot dead. The other men quickly grab his body and rush back in the direction from which they came. The men declined to be interviewed for fear of retribution. Palestinians and human rights groups have accused the Israeli military of using disproportionate or indiscriminate force in its Gaza offensive, leading to heavy civilian casualties. They say that even when such killings are caught on video, military investigations rarely result in indictments of the soldiers involved. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, over 26,000 Palestinians have been killed by a blistering Israeli ground and air offensive, according to health officials in Hamas-run Gaza. They do not differentiate between civilians and combatants but say two-thirds of the dead are women and minors. Israel launched the offensive in response to an Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel in which militants killed 1,200 Palestinians and brought some 250 hostages back to Gaza. Israel says that Hamas fighters have embedded themselves within civilian infrastructure, making it difficult to destroy the militant group without harming civilians. It says over 9,000 militants have been killed, though it hasn't released evidence to back the claim. Abu Sahlouls widow, 50-year-old Hanan Abu Sahloul, said that in the hours before last week's shooting, the army had entered a building where the family was sheltering along with over 300 others. She said that Israeli forces ordered residents to leave without their belongings. When I tried to take my bag, a soldier aimed his gun at my head and ordered me to leave it, she said. In the video taken by Hijazi, Hanan Abu Sahloul can be seen running toward her husband, screaming, while the group of men hastily haul his limp body back toward safety. As gunshots continue to ring out, a bloodstain quickly spreads over her husbands chest, dark red quickly enveloping the white flag that one of the other men placed on his chest. He was immediately killed without even a few breaths to say goodbye, Hanan Abu Sahloul said. TEL AVIV, Israel An Israeli document obtained Monday spelled out allegations against a dozen U.N. employees the country says took part in Hamas' Oct. 7 assault claiming seven stormed into Israeli territory, including one who participated in a kidnapping and another who helped to steal a soldier's body. The allegations against staffers with the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees prompted the United States and several other countries to freeze funds vital for the body, which is a lifeline for desperate Palestinians in Gaza. The White House indicated that funding could be restored depending on the agency's investigation and subsequent actions. The U.N. condemned "the abhorrent alleged acts" and fired nine of the accused workers, who include teachers and a social worker. Two are reportedly dead, and the last is still being identified. The accusations come after years of tensions between Israel and the agency known as UNRWA over its work in Gaza, where it employs about 13,000 people. UNRWA is the biggest aid provider in Gaza, where Israel's war against Hamas has displaced the vast majority of the population within the besieged territory and plunged it into a humanitarian catastrophe. U.N. officials say a quarter of the population is starving. With the majority of its budget in doubt, and because UNRWA spends contributions as they come in throughout the year, the agency says it will be forced to halt operations within weeks if funding isn't restored. Cease-fire talks The threat to the U.N. agency came as Israel said cease-fire talks held Sunday were constructive but that "significant gaps" remained in any potential agreement. The talks are meant to bring about some respite to war-torn Gaza and secure the release of more than 100 hostages still held in the territory. Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan told reporters in Beirut that discussions are continuing but that the group is still insisting on a more permanent cease-fire before releasing more hostages. The prime minister of Qatar, which serves as a key mediator with Hamas, was more upbeat, saying U.S. and Mideast mediators reached a framework proposal for a cease-fire and hostage release to present to the militant group. Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the mediators had made "good progress." Israeli forces, meanwhile, are still battling Palestinian militants in different parts of Gaza, even in areas where the army has been operating for months. Israel issued an evacuation order to residents in the western part of Gaza City, urging them to head south. The military also said it battled militants and carried out airstrikes in recent days in other parts of northern Gaza, which was pummeled in the first weeks of the war and where Israel claims to have largely dismantled Hamas. Militants also fired a barrage of about 15 rockets at central Israel for the first time in weeks. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The war was sparked by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw some 250 people taken captive, according to Israeli authorities. Israel responded with an intense air, sea and ground offensive that has killed more than 26,000 Palestinians, most of them women and minors, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. The war has also threatened to set off a wider regional conflict. In the latest example of high tensions, the U.S. announced that three of its troops were killed in a strike blamed on Iran-backed militias in Jordan. Calls to resume funding The U.N. says the entire UNRWA agency should not be penalized over the alleged actions of the dozen workers, who it says will be held accountable. It has called for the donors to resume funding. A coalition of 20 aid groups, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, Oxfam and Save the Children, also called for funding to be restored, saying UNRWA's delivery of humanitarian assistance "cannot be replaced." The United States, the agency's largest donor, cut funding over the weekend, followed by more than a dozen other countries. Together, they provided more than 60% of UNRWA's budget in 2022. But National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said it would be wrong to "impugn the good work of a whole agency because of the potential bad actions here by a small number," He appeared to leave the door open for a resumption of aid. "I think a lot of it's going to depend on what the investigation finds and what accountability measures and corrective measures UNWRA is willing to make," he said. UNRWA provides basic services for Palestinian families who fled or were driven out of what is now Israel during the 1948 war surrounding the country's creation. Refugees and their descendants now number nearly 6 million across the Middle East. In Gaza, they are a majority of the population. UNRWA is unique in the U.N. system because it is only focused on one national group, with refugees from other conflicts falling under the purview of the agency known as UNHCR. Since the war began, most of Gaza's 2.3 million people have come to depend on UNRWA's programs for "sheer survival," including food and shelter, Lazzarini said. Communications Director Juliette Touma warned that the agency would be forced to stop its support in Gaza by the end of February. A Lincoln woman and former nurse at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center pleaded guilty Monday to stealing fentanyl from the hospital's pharmacy. Krista Lierz, 36, changed her plea to guilty on the charge of intentionally violating the state's drug law. She is scheduled to be sentenced in April in Lancaster District Court. Lierz, a registered nurse who resigned from the east Lincoln hospital in July, checked fentanyl out of the hospital's pharmacy more than 200 times between May and June 2022, Nebraska State Patrol investigator Nicholas Frederick said in an arrest affidavit. Investigators found discrepancies in 55 of those sign-outs, Frederick said, leaving 2.65 milligrams of fentanyl missing. In some cases, Lierz allegedly checked out fentanyl for patients without a doctor's order. In others, she reported administering the drug to patients within five minutes of discharge, Frederick said in the statement. Internal investigators at St. Elizabeth confronted Lierz about the discrepancies in June 2022. She denied stealing or using the drug, Frederick said. But her urine later tested positive for fentanyl, according to his statement. French President Emmanuel Macron was welcomed Tuesday with pomp and ceremony at the start of a two-day state visit to Sweden during which he will meet Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and the Scandinavian countrys monarch, King Carl XVI Gustaf. Macron and his wife, Brigitte, were greeted by the king in the inner courtyard of the downtown Stockholm royal castle that is the official residence of the Swedish royals. There, Macron and Carl Gustaf reviewed members of the Grenadier Guards that had lined up. Macron noted that it had been too long since a French president visited Sweden the last time was in 2014, when Francois Hollande traveled to the Scandinavian country. Later Tuesday, Macron is to discuss the future of European security at a military academy in Stockholm, together with Kristersson and the king. Russia's war on Ukraine and Swedens NATO application are likely to be on the table. After more than a year of delays, Turkey earlier this month completed its ratification of Swedens bid to join NATO , meaning Hungary is now the last member of the military alliance not to have given its approval. All NATO countries must agree before a new member can join the alliance. Following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Sweden and neighboring Finland abandoned their traditional positions of military nonalignment to seek protection under NATOs security umbrella. Finland joined the alliance last year. On Wednesday, Macron and his wife are to travel to Malmo, Swedens third largest city, in southern Sweden, where they will visit a European multidisciplinary research facility under construction and visit a company to discuss green technologies. At home, Macron's government faces angry farmers who have camped out around Paris. They demand better pay, fewer constraints and lower costs. On Monday, they encircled Paris with traffic-snarling barricades, using hundreds of tractors and hay bales to block highways leading to the capital. The French president initially was to travel to Sweden in late October, but the visit was postponed due to the Gaza war that began with Hamas attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7. (AP) It is common knowledge that thousands of Nigerian youth are addicted to codeine a medicine thats become a street drug. The Nigerian senate estimated that 3 million bottles of codeine syrup are drunk every day in just two states, Kano and Jigawa. A year ago, BBC Nigeria released a documentary, Sweet, Sweet Codeine, that explored this growing problem and the real, human victims of this rise of codeine addiction in Nigeria. Well, the documentary has now been nominated for an International Emmy. Guys, I am still taking it all in buthere goes: Sweet Sweet Codeine has just got an #emmys2019 NOMINATION for News and Current Affairs, the FIRST for the BBC World Service and #Nigeria! CONGRATULATIONS, Team Africa Eye! Ruona J. Meyer (@RGAMeyer) August 6, 2019 Led by an award-winning Nigerian investigative journalist, Ruona J. Meyer, BBC Africa Eye went undercover to investigate the people behind Nigerias cough syrup crisis. And while theres still a long way to go, the documentary is still breaking records. The doc has won and been nominated for many awards, but perhaps the most significant is its 2019 Emmy nod. Sweet, Sweet Codeine has deservedly been nominated for an Emmy in the News and Current Affairs category. Their documentary exposed the horrors of the opioid crisis that Nigeria was unwittingly facing, as well as the corrupt forces behind it. This nomination is the first for the BBC World Service and the BBC Nigeria team. We are rooting for them! [embedded content] President Bola Tinubu has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take over responsibility for crude oil sales from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The President has also announced a shake-up in the oil sector to ensure transparency amid concerns about declining oil revenue and opaque practices within the NNPC. Previously, the NNPC solely controlled crude oil sales, only submitting accounts to the federal government. Critics have long argued that this arrangement lacked transparency, allowing the NNPC to underreport earnings. The new directive requires the NNPC to submit all receipts for crude oil sales to the CBN for vetting and documentation. This aims to close any potential gaps in reporting and ensure accurate records of oil revenue. CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, had last week said the collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the NNPCL is to ensure that all foreign inflows are returned to the Central Bank. This coordinated effort will greatly enhance the Banks foreign exchange flows and contribute to the accretion of reserves, he said. Cardoso, who was delivering a keynote address at the launch of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) 2024 Macroeconomic Outlook Report, said, The expected stability in the foreign exchange market for 2024 can be attributed to the reduction in petroleum product imports and the recent implementation of a market-determined exchange rate policy by the CBN. This reform is designed to streamline and unify multiple exchange rates, fostering transparency and reducing opportunities for arbitrage. The resulting consistent and stable exchange rate will not only boost investor confidence but also attract foreign investment, elevating Nigerias appeal to global investors. We are implementing a comprehensive strategy to improve liquidity in our FX markets in the short, medium, and long term. Our focus is on addressing fundamental issues that have hindered the effective operation of our markets over the years. Upholding the integrity of financial markets is crucial for building confidence. With the completion of an independent forensic review, we are addressing the backlog of valid FX transactions and we remain steadfast in our commitment to decisively address any infractions and abuses, he added. Some agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were distributing money to electorates at Polling Unit 001, Pilot Primary School, Bwari Central. The polling i=unit, which is also the Registration Area Centre (RAC) of other polling units in the area, had a large turnout of voters. A party agent with the PDP tag was seen handing out N200 to voters who clustered around him. He requested the voters to show their PVCs before handing over the money after which they proceed to vote in favour of the party. On another side, a female PDP agent addressed as mama was seen distributing N500 to voters following the same process as the male agent. A voter who gave his name as Bonaventure said an agent of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had distributed N500 earlier, which he collected. PDP even tried. APC people were here earlier and distributed N500 to people to vote for them. Me, I collected their money but I still voted for PDP. I dont know if its by force to vote for APC, he said (in pidgin English). At the polling unit, there were many security personnel; but no one stopped the vote buying process. The chairmanship and councillorship elections are currently ongoing in the Federal Capital Territory. A Lagos trader and mother of three on Wednesday told an Ile-Tuntun Customary Court in Ibadan, that her ex-husband, Kasali Adeleke, allegedly killed her daughter for ritual. President of the Court, Chief Henry Agbaje, had in 2016 dissolved the union between Rafiat and her husband Adeleke on thegrounds of battery, attempted sale of child and lack of care. The court in that judgment awarded custody of the three children to the husband because they were already grown-up and directed the wife to approach the court anytime she desired seeing the children. Testifying in the Court, Rafiat, prayed the court to give her custody of the two children left with her ex-husband because she was scared that Adeleke might expose their lives to danger I was shocked when our first child informed me that their father, Adeleke buried his younger sister after she died in 2018. After our separation, I went to work in Lagos State and when I returned to Ibadan in December 2018, I went to visit my children. My first child told me that his younger sister had died and had been buried by his father. Then, I asked my relatives who also live in Ibadan whether Adeleke carried them along concerning how the girl died or not. They informed me that they were not aware of anything. I suspected that he may have used her for ritual,Rofiat said . Denying the allegation, the defendant, who is a trader dropped the bombshell that Rafiat was a child trafficker. He prayed the court to dismiss Rafiats request to take custody of the remaining two children based on her insincerity and dubious character. My lord, there is nothing strange about the circumstances that led to our daughters death. When I was burying the girl, Rafiats mother, three sisters and a man married to one of the sisters were present. Before Rafiat and I separated, the girl had been nursing a leg injury which she also took care. The leg injury developed some complications and she was hospitalized, where she later died. Rafiat is infact responsible for the girls death through her misbehaviour which the daughter was unhappy about. One of the reasons why I called it quits with Rafiat then was due to her dubious character and the attempt she made at selling our last child. I was called from Ibadan while on a business trip to Abeokuta that Rafiat had concluded plans to sell our last child at a camp, Adeleke stated. The courts president, however, requested them to provide more evidence to substantiate their arguments, asking them to bring along their family members. He adjourned the case until April 4, for judgment. The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, yesterday received a courtesy visit from the now popular Kano State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Wakili at his palace. Recall that CP Wakili was praised by many Nigerians after he prevented Kano State deputy governor from disrupting election in the last local government where the PDP was leading. Mrs Aniefiok Otobong Jumbo has accused men of the Nigerian Army Attached to 6th Battalion, Nigerian Army, Ibagwa, Akwa Ibom State, of killing her husband after she refused advances from them. Her husband, Otobong Jumbo was killed at Uta Ewa waterside, Ikot Abasi LGA on Tuesday, 26/3/2019. Narrating how it happened, the woman said; When I bent down to defecate, I saw flashes of torchlights pointed at me, it happened to be men of the Nigerian Army on duty at Uta Ewa waterside They asked me to relocate to another point which I obeyed. They continued to point the torchlights on me. At that point I protested, which led to series of arguments.That particular Soldier has been pestering me for sexual relationship, which I rebuffed, telling him I am a married woman Mrs Jumbo said that while the argument lasted, people of the community had gathered to witness what was going on. Angered by the incident with the woman, two soldiers headed to the residence of the deceased which is within the waterside area and forcefully dragged her husband to the scene of the argument at the waterside. According to the wife and some eyewitnesses, Mr. Otobong Jumbo was severely beaten, totured and manhandled. He was hit by the soldier with their gun butt which led to his collapsing into the river. According to eye witnesses had the soldiers allowed us to rescue him at that point, his life would have been saved. But they didnt allow. It was when the soldiers saw that Otobong was no more moving in the water, they fled the scene. At this point he was rescued and with the help of the men of NNS Jubilee of the Nigerian Navy who arrived later, the deceased was rushed to the Naval Clinic. After much effort, he was referred to Emmanuel Hospital, Eket. Due to the critical condition he was first taken to Betany Hospital, Ata Udo Usung, Ikot Abasi LGA where the doctors on duty cerfied Mr Otobong Udo Jumbo dead. His corpse was deposited at Ikot Abasi General Hospital Mortuary. According to SaharaReporters, at least 11 persons have died including 4 soldiers and hundreds of houses torched when the Boko haram militants attacked outskirts of Maiduguri yesterday night, residents said. The terrorists stormed in military style convoys and attacked Molai on the outskirts of Maiduguri at about 6:30pm, killing 11 persons and injuring dozen others. According to a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force domiciled in Molai, Mohammed Abdul said the attackers came with explosives and threw them into their houses. We lost 11 persons in the attacks, 4 civilians in Molai and 7 others at check points including 4 soldiers. We dont know how many people are currently at hospital but many were wounded, we are still looking for our families now since last night, many are yet to reunite with their families. Abdul added. Another resident, Ali Umar told SaharaReporters that the fire was so enormous and all their food items was set on fire after looting. The destruction is too much for us to bear, all our houses was burnt down and our shops looted as well burnt down. All the source of our livelihood is gone. We are helpless! It is unfortunate that the authority concerns are not doing much to protect us, the soldiers were telling us yesterday to run because they dont want to die. I think it is high time we stand up and face reality. We cant go beyond 5km from Molai without seeing Boko Haram and every time we keep reporting to them (the army) but nothing was done about it. Ali told Saharareporters. A security source also confirmed that 4 soldiers lost their lives in the attacks. The source said, AOG vehicles loaded up with explosives probably joined a convoy from Damboa on getting to the vicinity of Molai rammed into special force (SF) vehicle. 4 soldiers were killed in the explosion excluding the bomber. No details on civilian casualties he added. SaharaReporters gathered that many houses were burnt down and wailing was all over the village from children to women, and many families are still missing alive or dead. The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF),Sir Joseph Ari, has urged graduates seeking for white collar jobs to stop having the perception that skills acquisition is only preserved for the illiterates and never-do-well in the society. He, therefore, advised the generality of Nigerians , irrespective of educational background to take advantage of the numerous skill acquisition intervention programmes introduced and implemented by the scheme to facilitate the achievement of the President Muhammadu Buharis administration on job and wealth creation. Ari , said the state of unemployment in the country is quite worrisome , as even in the face of existing vacancies in several sectors of the national economy , as revealed by surveys conducted by the ITF and other organisations, youths still roam the streets without any form of gainful employment . The DG boss who spoke at the graduation ceremony of 300 youths in Bauchi , Friday , who benefitted from the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP) , courtesy of ITF, therefore said hands on skills should not be seen as dirty and preserve for the illiterates and never -do- wells in the society. Sir, Joseph Ari who was represented by the zonal director in Bauchi strate, Suleiman Abdullahi Ningi therefore urged parents to encourage their wards to embrace skill acquisition. He said further that since inception, the ITF through the NISDP and other skill acquisition programmes has equipped over 450,000 Nigerian youth nationwide and over 4000 youths in Bauchi with skills for employability and entrepreneurship. Our Commitment to skill acquisition is based in the fact that it is the most sustainable solution to combatting unemployment, reducing poverty and youth restiveness in the country. It is incontrovertible that any society that neglects the development of its human capital is bound to retrogress in terms of growth and development. Read Also: NSITF: over N2b claims paid since inception In Nigeria , the situation is especially worrisome as even in the face of existing vacancies in several sectors of the national economy , as revealed by surveys conducted by the ITF and other organisations, youths roam the streets without any form of gainful employment giving rise to crimes and other social vices that have beset out dear nation today Similarly, parents and guardians have to begin to see hands-on skills as vocations and as real alternatives that could lead to a meaningful life The era of white- collar jobs for all by government is well and truly over. The perception that hands on skills are dirty and preserve for the illiterate and never -do- wells in our society must change .Parents and guardians must therefore encourage their wards to acquire skills He said He said further that the NISDP focuses on skill acquisition to create jobs to stem rampant unemployment and breed new generation of entrepreneurs, in order to transform the economic landscape of the country. Mr Ari did advise the beneficiaries of the NISDP to make the most of the opportunity provided by the ITF skills acquisition programmes not only as a source of living but to contribute to the Nigerian economy. He said the ITF is working vigorously to equip Nigerians with lifelong skills in Agriculture, Construction, Transport and services sectors and others. Earlier in his welcome address, the Area Manager of the ITF in Bauchi,Richard Baba, said the organization has recorded tremendous success courtesy of the tireless effort put together by the management of the fund under the able leadership of the Director General ,Sir Joseph Ari. He said the NISDP was solely fashioned out by the Federal Government and ITF to take away the teaming unemployment youth from the streets of the nation. He therefore advised the trainees not to kill their dream but nurture it by putting into use the skills acquired and the starter pack given for their benefit and other people in their locality and the state as a whole. Meanwhile , the representative of the 300 trainees, Adamu Abdulkadir has also urged his follow trainee to take advantage of the opportunity by contributing their quota to the community and the state in its entirety. Highlight of the graduation ceremony includes presentation of certificate,and starter packs to the trainees. The youths were trained on Catering and Event Management, Tiling and Plaster of Paris (POP) and Aluminum Fabrication. Goodluck Jonathan Former President Goodluck Jonathan has emerged as the Chairman of the African Unions International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP), TheNation has reported. Jonathan also urged AU to set minimum acceptable standards for appointing the leadership of electoral commissions as a means of building citizen confidence and ensuring credibility of elections on the continent. The former President spoke on Friday at the International Leadership Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he emerged as the chairperson of the newly inaugurated ISCP, a body made up of mainly African former Presidents and ex-Heads of State. The two-day conference tagged Africa Summit and Leaders Conference 2019 has in attendance government officials, former African Heads of State, clergy and traditional rulers from across Africa. South African President was represented by Mr. Gwade Mantashe, national chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) and minister of mines and energy. In a keynote speech titled The Need for Good Governance and Peaceful Electioneering Process in Africa, former President Jonathan noted that the credibility and legitimacy of electoral processes are hugely dependent on the competence, impartiality and independence of electoral management bodies (EMBs). He also stressed that many African nations face election-related crises in cases where the citizens have no confidence in the electoral process, especially when they suspect that the election umpires do the bidding of the partisan appointing authorities. The former President said: It is interesting that almost all the EMBs in Africa are identified with the prefix Independent, but the jury is still out on whether these agencies are truly independent as their names imply. As a means of deepening democracy on the continent Jonathan, therefore, urged the African Union to establish minimum standards and benchmarks for constituting electoral management bodies and encourage member-nations to ratify such declaration. He said: The AU should, through its Political Affairs Department, set up a team of electoral experts to study different models and recommend the system they consider best for the continent. Such benchmark should also take cognizance of the need to review the election of judicial processes to ensure that, where election tribunals are set up to specifically handle election cases, one judicial officer do not handle the role of appointing all members of the tribunals. Since neutrality of the security services is absolutely necessary in ensuring free and fair elections, it is also important that the Africa Union should establish a code of conduct guiding security officials in charge of elections. All these recommendations should be accommodated in AUs procedures for elections that should serve as guidelines for election observers. Jonathan praised South Africans for the peaceful conduct of last Mays national and provincial elections, adding that the credibility of the process stemmed from the fact that all the stakeholders in the elections had confidence in the electoral commission and the security systems. He said further: Once you get to that point where all role players in elections can express confidence in the umpire and the security systems, you would have solved more than 70% of your electoral challenges. Sadly, not many African countries have got to this point. The point where they can beat their chest and boast of political freedom, inclusiveness, independence of the electoral management body and credibility of the political process. As the Chairman of International Summit Council for Peace the former President is expected to lead the charge for the associations crusade for peace and good governance on the continent. Speaking further Jonathan argued that Africas leadership problem has more to do with weak institutions than the case of leaders serving in office for long periods of time. When the democratic institutions are strong they will develop firewalls that will resist attempts to alter the constitution and manipulate electoral processes for selfish reasons. According to the President: Democracy is not about holding periodic elections but conducting credible, transparent, free and fair polls. African elections must meet minimum acceptable standards for democracy to be beneficial to the people of the continent. African nations must improve their electoral processes by establishing systems that will support and deliver credible elections. That is the impetus the continent needs to achieve lasting peace that will catalyse growth and sustainable development. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has replied Femi Adesina who in his recently published book said former President Muhammadu Buhari had stopped an attempt to eliminate detained leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu. In the book titled Working with Buhari: reflections of a special adviser, media and publicity (2015-2023), Adesina said the former president was on several occasions, opposed to suggestions to eliminate Kanu in his hideout and preferred him to be arrested and brought back to the country. But in response to the part of the book that touches on its leader, the pro-Biafra agitators said Buhari knew the consequences of eliminating Kanu, hence his decision to opt for his arrest. Media and Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Emma Powerful, in a statement on Monday, described Adesinas book as a toilet paper which no sane person wants to purchase. He continued, the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great and indefatigable leader, Nnamdi Kanu, calls a bluff the claim from Femi Adesina that Muhammed Buhari did Mazi Nnamdi Kanu a favour by arresting him as opposed to their assassination plans, the statement reads in parts. The murderous government of Buhari understood the consequences of eliminating Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanus lawyer drags FG before British Parliament, wants IPOB leader repatriated to UK Femi Adesina wrote a book thinking that the mention of Nnamdi Kanu will sell his book and that revealing their secret plans against Nnamdi Kanu, Ndigbo, IPOB, and the Biafra struggle will be to his advantage. The book has turned into toilet paper. No sane person will spend their money or time to buy that book or read it. Kanu is bigger than him and his masters. Without tangible development in Nigeria after eight years of governance, they are unarguably the most hated administration in all of Nigerias miserable existence. We are very happy that Adesina and his principal, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, retired, planned and failed in eliminating Kanu because they tried it during the time they attacked his fathers compound that led to his mothers and fathers deaths. Adesina thought that if he mentioned Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in his book, Nigerians would praise him. In his infamous book written as the aide of the former President of Nigeria, Late Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesena disclosed that the murderous government of his late boss planned to assassinate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, but his boss did Mazi Nnamdi KANU a favour by only just arresting him. Its revealing that the former aide to the former President, Femi Adesina, has exposed the devilish agenda of his principal in his book. We know that they have tried so many ways to eliminate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu without success, Powerful added. The new year traditionally offers a window for an upbeat economic mood in China, falling between the Communist Party's annual economic work conference in December - the usual arena to inject support for growth and the private sector - and the celebratory Spring Festival, typically in late January or early February. But this new year feels a bit different. Only 10 days after the annual central economic work conference, which this year set a modestly supportive policy tone and emphasised economic growth for 2024, Chinese regulators churned out draft rules to restrict spending that drives much of the gaming revenue for technology companies. The move immediately raised fears of the sorts of industrial clampdowns the market has seen in other sectors, triggering a global sell-off in China's tech stocks and wiping out billions of dollars of value. In response, the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA), the gaming regulator behind the rules, said it would improve the regulations and "seriously study" the feedback it had received. The regulator then sacked Feng Shixin, a long-serving official and publication bureau chief at the NPPA, sources told the South China Morning Post. Feng was expected to stay on in a different position, but that post has not yet been confirmed, another government source told the Post. The NPPA did not respond to the Post's request for comment, nor has it announced the personnel change. The reversal added to public confusion about Beijing's intention to balance economic growth, regulate the market and achieve national security in a geopolitical environment leaders have described as harsh and "unprecedented." Official data showed that China's economy expanded 5.2 per cent over the previous year, hitting Beijing's target. However, business confidence remains low. China's stock markets were among the worst performers last year. As a property crisis drags on and geopolitical tensions flare with the United States and other Western countries, private and foreign investment have contracted, falling to their lowest levels in more than a decade. Private investment shrank 0.4 per cent year on year, while foreign investment dropped by 8 per cent from 2022. Adding to the pessimism is Beijing's unclear stand on domestic policies. After years of prioritising security over development, and severe crackdowns on the property, financial, private tutoring and internet technology sectors to rein in "blind expansion" of private capital, Beijing signalled that it would fine-tune policies last year to aid the country's faltering post-pandemic economic recovery. Various government documents were issued calling for more support for the private sector. But according to observers, the government's vague and mixed messages have generated widespread uncertainty about Beijing's priorities, making it even harder to restore near-term business confidence. Still, officials and insiders familiar with Beijing's economic policymaking have dismissed the confusion and shrinking confidence, pointing to China's multiple policy goals, a lack of communication between departments, and an intense geopolitical environment as reasons for the hazy perceptions. The message of support for growth, they say, has been clear all along. "The mixed messages revolve around where the government wants to be on the continuum between economic development and growth on the one hand, and security and stability on the other," said George Magnus, a research associate at Oxford University's China Centre. "The government is supposed to keep a balance between the two, but in his rhetoric and actions, [Chinese President] Xi [Jinping] consistently favours the latter. "[Premier] Li Qiang and some other officials, including the NDRC [National Development and Reform Commission] on the other hand, seem to have a different slant but as everyone has to line up behind Xi, we sometimes get the impression the government itself is not aligned." While Li tried to convince world elites to trust and invest in China during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, security topics have been the focus of several annual national conferences in Beijing, with Xi urging institutions from the foreign ministry to the country's courts, prosecutors and public security authorities to "safeguard national security." Meanwhile, as the agenda-setting central economic work conference fuelled hopes that Beijing would focus more of its attention on the economy, it also puzzled observers with empty and bewildering phrases such as "establishing the new before abolishing the old," "seeking progress while maintaining stability", and "pursuing stability through growth", according to Magnus. "They comprise rhetorical support for the economy establishing the new, progress, growth but without a coherent agenda, and a reluctance to change much not abolishing the old, stability," he said. During the work conference, Xi pledged to make development a top political priority, guide public opinion, and play up China's "bright prospects" in 2024. The Ministry of State Security then inserted itself into the discussion, promising to fight back in what it described as a narrative war over the state of the economy by framing the issue as a matter of economic security. "The conference readout and other public rhetoric, moreover, has emphasised the need to tell good stories about the economy and economic development. This really is politics in command, with little sign that the government has grasped the need for extensive reform of the development model," Magnus said. "A focus on economic development would entail more ambitious measures to boost demand and reforms, but the government's security and stability bias is the antithesis, and certainly seems to be where Xi's intent and belief lie." To shore up market confidence, China's central bank last week announced a 50 basis points cut in the reserve requirement ratio from February 5 for all banks to free up 1 trillion yuan (US$139.45 billion) to the market, after it skipped a widely expected policy rate cut two weeks ago. Policymakers have also urged banks to provide commercial property loans to eligible developers to allow them to pay off debts to ease a liquidity crunch facing troubled real estate firms. The measures were welcomed by the market. However, they cannot fundamentally change the economic and policy outlook, which is the ultimate driver of the equity market and not forceful enough to restore business confidence, according to analysts. Andrew Batson, an analyst with Gavekal Dragonomics, said the crossed wires resulted from the downgraded importance of China's economic growth in recent years. "Xi Jinping has given extremely clear and consistent instructions over many years that economic growth needs to be downgraded in importance relative to other political priorities. At the moment, growth is getting more attention for cyclical reasons, but the basic orientation has not changed," Batson wrote in a research note this month. "The agencies charged with delivering on political, social and security priorities have been given more power to achieve those objectives, and will be reluctant to yield it back to the economic bean counters." Chen Daoyin, an independent political analyst, said Beijing missed the window of opportunity to clarify its policy orientation and align all party organisations and government departments for the Third Plenum, which did not convene last year. The top leadership has not announced a date for the party's twice-a-decade third plenum, when China's development strategy and priorities are set for the following five years. It was the first time since 1984 that the party had not convened the plenary session in the year following the five-yearly party congress, usually held in October or November. "The absence of an announcement likely suggests disunity within the party. Thus the work focus down the road will not be clear to all stakeholders," Chen said. "Under such circumstances, government departments will maximise their own interests, shirk their responsibilities or behave irresponsibly, which is expected to further dampen business confidence." Chinese officials and executives at state-owned enterprises generally do not see a problem in Beijing's messaging. Three sources from the central government and SOEs pointed to "moving forward amid twists and turns", a quote by Xi from July's Politburo meeting, as the main theme for economic recovery in 2024. A government source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the incident over tech gaming rules was only caused by some department which has "limited understanding on macroeconomics or the potential impact of its proposed regulations". An SOE executive said it was partially due to Beijing's emphasis on driving the "real economy", which the gaming industry was not considered a part of. The government contact also noted that a personnel assessment system that did not directly correlate with economic performance could be a factor in the seemingly conflicted signals. "As civil servants, we are dealing with a different assessment system for our work. Despite the fact that we are working on managing the country's economy, its performance does not directly translate into our career advancement or promotion," the source said. The sources generally played down the impact of mixed signals on business confidence. Instead, they named the Taiwan issue and China's longer-term economic problems - an ageing population and a tech sector held back by US sanctions - as the main concerns for business investors, justifying Beijing's emphasis on security and science and technology development. Closer to the front lines of China's economic troubles, Fred Tang, an entrepreneur in the manufacturing sector in the eastern province of Jiangsu, said he has not been impressed by government rhetoric about boosting confidence and supporting the economy. "I've received piles of government documents promising support in recent months. I lost interest quickly when I read the details," Tang said. For instance, he said, the proposed government funding for new investment projects came with many strings attached, meaning applicants were required to navigate assorted procedures and obtain various licences to qualify. I've received piles of government documents promising support in recent months. I lost interest quickly when I read the details Fred Tang, entrepreneur "The whole process will be time-consuming and troublesome. In the end, you have to deal with all kinds of government officials. They are the industry examiners, inspectors and watchdogs. They are watching you, instead of serving you," he said. While Premier Li called on his audience in Davos earlier this month to "zoom out and look from afar" to appreciate China's economy as they would appreciate the beauty of the Alps, Tang felt more concerned about the short term. "Industrial clampdowns are hanging over our heads like the sword of Damocles. As long as the government wants to be the big boss of everything, few would feel assured enough to invest," he said. Read the full story at SCMP The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday dismissed reported list of venue for Edo State 3 ad-hoc delegate congress for the forthcoming governorship election. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement on Monday declared: Official PDP Nigeria @OfficialPDPNig Press Statement PDP Has Not Released List of Venue for Edo State 3 Ad-Hoc Delegate Congress The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) @OfficialPDPNig has been drawn to a publication in a section of the media purported to have been signed by the National Organizing Secretary as the list of venue for Edo State PDP 3 Ad-Hoc Delegate Congress for the PDP Governorship Primary election in the State. READ ALSO: My own leader, Atiku, has not called since Ibadan bomb explosion Makinde The PDP states in clear terms that it has not released any list of venue for Edo State PDP 3 Ad-Hoc Delegate Congress as claimed in the said publication. For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP is a Party of Due Process and will publish the authentic and official list of venue for the PDP 3 Ad-Hoc Delegate Congress through the appropriate channel of communication of the Party. The NWC therefore calls on all members of our Party in Edo State and the general public to discountenance the said publication. The PDP charges the media to always rely on the official communication channel of the Party for information as provided in the Constitution of the PDP. From Joshua Chibuzo Andrew No fewer than two policemen have been killed in a fresh attack by gunmen in Imo State, on Monday, January 29. Also killed were two civilians along Ohii Junction in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the South-Eastern state. The Imo State Police Command is yet to confirm the unfortunate killing as at the time of filing this report. Our correspondent gathered that the incident happened during the noon Hours of the day. However, Residents within the Nworieubi and Owerri metropolis are in serious panic. .. More details in subsequent Bulletin Related The Oil Producing States Progressives Association has vehemently refuted allegations against the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, published by former Premium Times staffer Samuel Ogundipe, currently residing in the United Kingdom. The association urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismiss what they termed fallacious and baseless claims, asserting that the allegations were an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and bunkering activities in oil-producing states. The group said since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, there has been a noticeable increase in daily crude oil production, including condensates, adding that enemies of Nigeria are not happy with the achievements so far. In a statement sent to journalists by its president, Tamunor Charles Wokne, the association said: From 1,430,146 barrels per day in May 2023, the output surged to 1,572,315 barrels per day in September 2023, achieving the highest production for the year. The administration aims to reach a daily production target of 2 million barrels, and the Oil Producing States Progressives Association believes this goal is under threat from those engaged in oil theft and economic sabotage. Under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the fight against crude oil theft has yielded significant results. Notable achievements include intercepting vessels carrying stolen crude oil, destroying illegal refineries, and apprehending individuals involved in these illicit activities. In December 2023, the Anti-Crude Oil Theft Patrol Team intercepted MT Vinnalaris with 15,000 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil, leading to the arrest of 17 crew members. The Nigerian Navy also intercepted MV Mother Gabrini attempting to take delivery of 15,237 metric tonnes of crude oil with fake documents in Bony, River State. Furthermore, the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS Pathfinder destroyed a three-million-litre capacity illegal refinery in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. Collaboration between the Nigerian Army, Tantita Security Services Limited, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp resulted in the arrest of a vessel with 15,775 litres of crude oil/illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. On January 18, 2024, the Nigerian Army uncovered an illegal refining camp with a capacity of 2.8 million litres of crude oil in Odagwa community, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. These efforts have contributed to an increase in crude oil production, reaching 1.6 million barrels per day in December 2023, leading to Nigeria being declared the Highest Crude Oil Producing country in Africa by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The association urged the CNS and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain focused on the fight against crude oil thieves and their collaborators for the overall good of the country. Nigerian actor, Alexx Ekubo has expressed concern about the popular 2024 slogan, No gree for anybody, cautioning Nigerians against its potential to incite violence in the country. The slogan No gree for anybody has gained widespread popularity in Nigerias online space since the commencement of 2024. In a post shared on his Instagram page, Alexx Ekubo advised Nigerians against embracing the slogan, suggesting that it could fuel violence and contribute to a culture of revenge. He emphasized the importance of being more tolerant and considerate towards others, encouraging kindness, as everyone is facing their unique challenges. The actor wrote, I took time out to introspect. As I crawl out of my solemn place, I can see the same negativity and gbas gbos that have stunted our progress. Please, what is No gree for anybody that Im seeing everywhere? It is breeding violence and fostering revenge culture. Can we instead be more tolerable and considerate towards others? Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. We are raised under different circumstances, with different degrees of luck. KanyiDaily recalls that Alex Ekubo recently reflected on the paradoxes of human behavior, expressing how society tends to mourn the deceased while harboring ill feelings toward the living. The gubernatorial ambition of Asue Ighodalo, the aspirant apparently anointed by Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, as his successor, may have run into a headwind following revelations that a southern governor, a current minister and a South-South national officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have allegedly moved against him. The screening of aspirants under the main opposition party took place at the national secretariat in Abuja on Monday against the backdrop of agitation by nine other aspirants seeking to block Ighodalo. It was gathered that the governor, minister and the national office who had previously led the onslaught against the Dr. Iyorchia Ayu-led National Working Committee (NWC) on the one hand and the partys presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar on the other, have vowed not to allow Obaseki to handpick his successor. The two-term Edo governor was on the side of Ayu/Atiku during the 2023 party crisis. A petition, attributed to the camp of the trio, has now emerged, pressing for the disqualification of Ighodalo on the grounds that he has not achieved the mandatory period of stay in the party for a member to be eligible to contest election. The opponents argued that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party can grant him waiver in lieu of the minimum 24 months stay as prescribed by the partys constitution. However, they pointed out that he has not been granted as the NEC has not met in nearly two years. But News Direct made some checks which revealed that the NEC has since donated its power to the NWC that enables it to act on such matters on its behalf when necessary. The petition against Ighodalo dated January 26, 2024 and addressed to the Chairman, Edo State Gubernatorial election 2024 screening committee and Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, kicked against any attempt to grant waiver to Ighodalo Part of it stated: It has come to our notice that the planned waiver directly contravenes the partys constitution as amended in section 9, paragraph 3, of page 68, which unequivocally states that There shall be a minimum of two years membership span for a member to be eligible to stand for election into any public office. It is evident that the anointed candidate of the governor (Asue Ighodalo) does not meet this requirement as stipulated in the partys constitution. We believe that adhering to the provisions of the partys constitution is paramount to upholding the principles of fairness and equality within our political processes. Granting a waiver that overlooks this vital membership requirement not only undermines the integrity of the democratic process but also goes against the fundamental tenets of our partys constitution. With this in mind, we respectfully urge the screening committee to consider this petition and to refrain from making any erroneous decisions that could potentially jeopardize the partys chances of retaining the state. It is crucial that the screening committee upholds the rule of law as outlined in the partys constitution, thereby ensuring that the Edo people are presented with a viable and befitting leadership capable of addressing the social, economic, and infrastructural challenges that they currently face. The petition was signed by Musa Aliyu (Owan East), Osadolor Ogie (Oredo), Victor Ikponwonsa (Egor), Ebosele Odion (Esan Central and Suleiman Braimoh (Etasko West). It was also learnt that nine of the aspirants met on Sunday night without extending an invitation to Asue, resolving to support anyone among them who clinches the ticket with the exception of the incumbent deputy governor, Phillip Shaibu who is from Edo North. They told Phillip Shaibu point blank that they cannot support him because it is the turn of Edo Central to produce the state governor, an aspirant who attended the meeting volunteered. The chairman of the screening committee has, however assured that all the aspirants will have a level-playing ground. Speaking before the commencement of the exercise on Monday, Governor Mutfwang reminded the aspirants that only one would emerge as the candidate, stressing the need for others to work with the eventual flag bearer for the sake of the unity of the PDP. He said: I want to assure you that we will give all the support we can to ensure that PDP retains Edo State. Ultimately, only one person will emerge. If we believe that it is God that gives power, then it is not today, nor is it on the election day that God is going to determine who will govern. He has already determined. But we as humans dont yet know. That is why these processes are ongoing. We appreciate the concerns that you have expressed. Putting in place a level playing field, we are going to be strong advocates of that. And ensure that at the end of the day, we have a process that is transparent, a process that is fair. I am a beneficiary of that process, that when all is said and done, we will still work together as one big family. At the end of the screening exercise, Phillip Shaibu, who spoke on behalf of the aspirants, said it was peaceful and went well. As you all can see right here, we are grateful to the NWC for their prompt action regarding the fake 3-Ad-hoc delegate venue. On behalf of my co-aspirants here for screening today, we say thank you to the NWC, he said. Meanwhile, the national leadership of the PDP has denied that it has released the list of venues for Edo State PDP 3 Ad-Hoc Delegate Congress as claimed in a publication. A statement issued on Monday by Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary, said: For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP is a Party of Due Process and will publish the authentic and official list of venue for the PDP 3 Ad-Hoc Delegate Congress through the appropriate channel of communication of the party. The NWC therefore calls on all members of our party in Edo State and the general public to discountenance the said publication. A student of a private health technology institution in Ogun State, Adebayo Adeyemi, had a girlfriend, Mercy, also a colleague, in the same school in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. But the girls name did not work for her recently when Adeyemi decided to deal with her for seizing his phone over an alleged relationship with another girl. Mercilessly, Adeyemi put an abrupt end to Mercys life by allegedly slaughtering her with a knife, though he claimed he hit her on the head with a big stick inside the bush he took her to. He was accompanied by his colleague and friend, Michael Huessinon, and Mercys friend (name withheld) who initially thought Adeyemi was taking his lover to a police station, as he said, and decided to be with her. Mercys friend got her own portion of the punishment as she was allegedly raped by Michael and threatened with death if she dared to tell anyone about her friends murder and the sexual abuse she went through. The two suspects were arrested by detectives in Ogun State Police Command for conspiracy to commit murder and rape. Confirming the story, the police image-maker in Ogun, SP Omolola Odutola, said the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, directed the transfer of the case to Homicide Section at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, for further investigation. Dateline was January 16. Nigerian Tribune learnt that Adeyemi went to the residence of his girlfriend whom he accused of taking his phone. The phone issue, according to police sources, began in September 2023 when Mercy took Adeyemis phone and kept it after discovering that he was cheating on her. When she refused to return the phone, Adeyemi left for Lagos State to do the practical of his course. On his return to Ijebu Ode in January, he went to Mercys hostel to ask why she took his phone. It was gathered that he met Michael there and told him about what he intended to do. Michael reportedly suggested taking Mercy to Island, a code said to be understood by cultists. It was further gathered that they saw a driver that Michael was familiar with as he was moving out. They stopped him and asked him to pick them, as Adeyemi claimed he was taking Mercy to a police station for the matter to be settled. When they got to a spot along the way by a bush, Adeyemi, Michael, Mercy and her friend got down. Adeyemi reportedly took Mercy to a field in the bush where he reportedly queried her concerning his phone. He was said to have eventually slaughtered her there, with Michael pinning her down. The source told the Nigerian Tribune that when they came out of the bush, Mercys friend saw Adeyemi with a bloody knife. He also had blood stains on his clothes. She asked of Mercy, her friend. This made Adeyemi tell his friend, Michael, that they should kill her also to cover up their deeds. However, Michael advised Adeyemi not to do so, with the belief that the young lady would not spill the beans. In fear, she followed Michael until they got to their hostel. Michael was said to have further instilled fear in her by telling her to give him whatever he asked if she didnt want to be killed. Terrified, the lady asked him what he wanted, and he demanded N200,000. With wide eyes, the lady told him that she didnt have such money, and Michael then demanded s*x. He was also said to have brought out a padlock which he presented as a charm and asked the lady to swear by it that she would not tell anyone of what happened between them or else she would face the consequence. After having his way with her, the lady went to the police to report what was done to her and her friend. In an interview with Adeyemi, he said that he didnt know the spirit that came over him to commit such an act. He claimed that it was fueled by the anger he felt when he was hit by the deceased as he was trying to cuddle her on the neck. His narration went thus: Im from Atiba, Oyo State, but based in Ijebu Ode. Im 30 years old. Im a student of Dental Therapy Department of a College of Health Technology, Ijebu Ode. Last year, my girlfriend, Mercy, a fellow student, took my phone on September 2, 2023, and didnt return it. When I saw her one-on-one, I asked her to give me my phone, but she refused to do so. I went for practical in Lagos State on September 4, and on my return this year, I went to her again but she was just dodging me until I asked people to help get in touch with her. I went to where she was residing and asked her again to give me my phone. She didnt respond. I told a man living in the same house with her that I would take her to a police station where she would give me the phone. She agreed with me on that. I asked the man, who was attending the same church with my friend, Michael, to give me his car key for me to drive to the station but he said he would not give me the key but would drive us there. I knew him through that friend who is also a student in my school. On our way, I decided not to go to the police station and asked him to drop us by a bush. It was that my friend whom I had initially told of taking my ex-girlfriend to police station who said I should take her to the bush and torture her into submission. We were six in the car, including me, Mercy, Mercys friend, Michael, the driver and one other student who was going to school. The driver dropped us by a bush side and left with the student. On getting into the bush, I asked Mercy to sit on the ground. Michael and her friend were with us. I started questioning Mercy on what I did to her that warranted her taking my phone. At last, she told me that I offended her by cheating on her and ditching her for another girl, which made her seize my phone. I asked for the phone and she said that she had given it to someone, promising to buy me another one. After that, I held her on the neck and started cuddling her and told her that what she just told me was what I had been waiting to hear from her. I was telling her that she f****d up and other things. That was how she picked something from the ground and hit me on the head with it. I became so mad at her that I didnt know when I was possessed by a spirit. I hit her head with a big stick and she fell and died. She told me she was 20 years old when we were dating. When asked whether he was into drugs, Adeyemi denied using drugs, saying that he only used to take alcohol poured on herbs for medicinal purposes. He also said that he had never joined a cult. The second suspect, Michael, also spoke thus: I am an Egun from Benin Republic but my parents relocated to Ipokia in Ogun State. I will be 29 in February. Im also a student in the same school with Adeyemi. In the morning of the fateful day, Adeyemi came to Mercys compound to ask about his phone. I was there with the driver. Later, he said he wanted to take Mercy to the police station but I didnt want to go there with him because I didnt want any trouble. So, I asked him to go somewhere within the community to ask her questions. He asked for my friends car key but that one refused to give him, offering to take him to the police station. On the way, Adeyemi asked him to stop by the bush side and I came down with him, Mercy and her friend, while the driver left with the student in the car. Adeyemi and Mercy entered the bush and I stayed by the side with her friend. Later, I saw Adeyemi come out with a wound on his head. I asked him what happened and he replied that Mercy injured him and he also hit her. I asked about her and he said that she was inside the bush, in the throes of death. Mercys friend and I immediately moved away from the spot and headed home, leaving the body in the bush. I was frightened by Adeyemis looks. We got to the compound where Mercy and the driver lived and stood there. The friend was scared and said that she would go to my room to rest. When we got to my place, I told her that I wanted to sleep with her, but she refused. She pleaded with me, saying that she would give me money if that was what I wanted. She promised to transfer the money immediately. I demanded for N200,000 and she said she didnt have such money. That was when I slept with her. When I was done, I brought out a dish with black soap in it and warned her not to tell anyone about what happened between us, or else the consequences would be dire. Later, Mercys friend went to a brother with whom I was attending the same church and reported what happened. That was how the police were informed and Adeyemi was apprehended while he was with his current girlfriend. Adeyemi just told me that he wanted to torture Mercy. He didnt tell me he would kill her. I didnt know what took over me that made me rape Mercys friend. By Mohammed Suleiman, Dutse THE Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed sadness over the pronouncement by the Military authority in the Republic of Niger indicating that the Republics of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have withdrawn membership of their countries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In a statement on Monday, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, said Nigeria remained opened for engagement with the three countries. For half a century, ECOWAS has worked to promote peace, prosperity and democracy in the region. Nigeria stands with ECOWAS to emphasise due process and shared commitment to protect and strengthen the rights and welfare of all citizens of Member States, the statement partly read. Nigeria has worked sincerely and in good faith to reach out to all members of the ECOWAS family to resolve the difficulties being faced. It is now clear that those seeking to quit the Community do not share that same good faith. Instead, unelected leaders engage in a public posturing to deny their people the sovereign right to make fundamental choices over their freedom of movement, freedom to trade and freedom to choose their own leaders. Nigeria remains open for engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger so that all the people of the region can continue to enjoy the economic benefits and democratic values that ECOWAS embraces. On Sunday, the military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their immediate withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS, saying it has become a threat to member states. The leaders of the three Sahel nations issued a statement saying it was a sovereign decision to leave ECOWAS without delay. Struggling with insurgents and poverty, the regimes have had tense ties with ECOWAS since coups took place in Niger last July, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020. All three founding members of the bloc in 1975 were suspended from ECOWAS with Niger and Mali facing heavy sanctions as the bloc tried to push for the early return of civilian governments with elections. The sanctions were an irrational and unacceptable posture at a time when the three have decided to take their destiny in hand a reference to the coups that removed civilian administrations. The three nations have hardened their positions in recent months and joined forces in an Alliance of Sahel States. The leaders joint statement added that 15-member ECOWAS, under the influence of foreign powers, betraying its founding principles, has become a threat to member states and peoples. Related TWO traditional rulers in Ekiti State have been killed by kidnappers who abducted them along Oke-ako road in Ikole Local Government Area of the state. One monarch luckily escaped from the scene of the killing. This newspaper gathered that while the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin, and the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olushola, were ambushed and killed by the gunmen on Monday, the Alara of Ara-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, escaped from the scene. According to a source, the monarchs were returning from a security meeting at Irele-Ekiti when they were attacked by the kidnappers. When contacted, spokesman of the Ekiti State Police Command, DSP Sunday Abutu, said, I will get the details and get back please. Speaking on the killing, chairman of the Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Micheal Ogungbemi, said the gunmen attempted to kidnap the three traditional rulers. Lamenting the killing of the traditional rulers, Ogungbemi said he had mobilised local security outfits, including the Amotekun corps, to comb the forest in a bid to arrest the perpetrators. I just returned from the scene of the unfortunate incident along Oke-Ako road and I can confirm that two traditional rulers; the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti and Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti were killed by the gunmen who ambushed them. The Alara of Ara-Ekiti managed to escape from the incident when the incident happened. We have evacuated the remains of the monarchs and deposited them in the morgue at the Ikole General Hospital. Our local security outfit and Amotekun have been drafted to the scene and the bush to arrest the bandits who committed this dastardly act. Ogungbemi, who begged the federal government to approve usage of arms by the local security outfits in the state, said the attacks have been on in the last few years. I am extremely sad with the situation and I want to call on the government to allow our local security network to carry arms because the traditional ruler who escaped told us the gunmen were carrying AK-47 and other dangerous weapons. These people are killing us and it is becoming unbearable. Also speaking, the secretary of Majority Obas of Ekiti Land (MOBEL) and Onikun of Ikun-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde David Olushola, who condemned the killing of the traditional rulers, said the time had come for the government to localize security system in order to address the growing insecurity in the land. The two traditional rulers were active members of our association(MOBEL) and it is very sad. We have been talking over the years but government is paying lip service to the issue of security. The time has come for them to localize the issue of security and sit down with the traditional rulers to secure our communities, we know what to do. This is not issue about money, government should immediately sit down with the traditional rulers for us to secure our land and maintain peace, he said. Related The Nigerian Army have killed two terrorists and rescued 35 kidnap victims in a clearance operations in Katsina State. The Information Officer Operation HADARIN DAJI, Captain Yahaya Ibrahim, in a statement highlighted: Nigerian Army @HQNigerianArmy TROOPS OF OPERATION HADARIN AGAIN RESCUE 35 KIDNAP VICTIMS, NEUTRALIZE 2 TERRORISTS IN KATSINA STATE READ ALSO: Tinubu playing fiddle while Nigeria drowns in ocean of insecurity Atiku In continuation with the series of simultaneous well coordinated clearance operations in its Areas of Operational Responsibilities in the North West which has continued to yield tremendous successes. Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD) operating in Katsina state have rescued 35 kidnapped victims and neutralized 2 terrorists in Katsina state in a search and rescue operation. The feat was achieved on 27 January 2024, during clearance operation to some identified terrorist camps at Dumburum forest. During the operation troops had an encounter with the armed terrorists, neutralizing 2 of the terrorists while others escaped with severe gunshot wounds. The rescued victims include 19 males, 12 females as well as 4 children and were immediately handed over to the Katsina state Government by the Commander 17 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation HADARIN DAJI, Brigadier General OA Fadairo, who pledged to continue the attack on the terrorist enclaves. Senator Victor Umeh The lawmaker representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Victor Umeh, has been ordered by a Federal High Court in Abuja, to pay the sum of N135,722,303.40k along with accrued interest to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) over his unpaid bank loan. Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo issued the order in a judgement delivered in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/AMC/12/2022 filed by AMCON. Justice Ekwo, who declared that Umeh was actually indebted to AMCON, issued an order directing the forfeiture of Umehs 5,000,000 units of Skye Bank shares in the records of the Central Securities & Clearing System to AMCON. The judge also awarded a cost of N2m in favour of AMCON and against Umeh, who is currently the Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora. According to court documents filed by AMCON, Umeh got a loan of N23,250,000.00 from the now defunct Skye Bank in January 2008 to enable him invest in and purchase shares of a financial institution in Nigeria. The tenor of the credit facility granted the defendant was specifically fixed for 356 days. The offer letter contained various other explicit terms and conditions, which the defendant accepted by duly executing the memorandum of acceptance. The defendant utilised the funds granted to him as credit facilities by the bank. However, at the expiration of the tenor of the facility, the defendant failed and neglected to liquidate the credit facility as per the contract. AMCON stated that it later acquired the unpaid debt when Skye Bank became unsuccessful in making Umeh repay. It added that its suit was to recover the debt, which stood at N135,722,303.40k as of April 2011. Justice Ekwo, in his judgement, noted that despite being served with court documents in relation to the case, Umeh failed to file any response or make any effort to enter a defence. The judge said: It is to be noted at this point that the defendant, upon being served, failed to enter a defence in this case. It is trite law that the net effect of the failure of a defendant to file pleadings is that the assertions of the claimant in his pleadings stands unchallenged and are deemed admitted and established It is also true that the effect of a defendants failure to call evidence in defense of the claims against him at the trial is that he is presumed to have admitted the case made against him by the claimant. The judge added that despite Umehs failure to file a defence, the plaintiff was able to prove its case through the evidence it presented. He held that, based on the evidence presented by the plaintiff, the indebtedness of the defendant has been proven. I find that the plaintiff has established its case by preponderance of evidence as required by law. Consequently, judgement is entered per terms as follows: *A declaration is hereby made that the defendant is indebted to the plaintiff, in the sum of N135,722,303.40 representing the principal debt sum plus all the accrued interest and charges, at the rate of 15 percent per annum drawn up to January 25, 2021, being the sum due and outstanding from the defendant to the plaintiff. *A declaration is hereby made mandating the defendant to pay to the plaintiff the sum of N135,722,303.40 representing the principal debt sum, plus all the accrued interest and charges, at the rate of 15 percent per annum drawn up to January 25, 2021, in settlement of the debt due and outstanding from the defendant to the plaintiff. *An order is hereby made mandating the defendant to pay the plaintiff a sum representing 15 percent of the principal sum as interest on the judgement sum from January 26, 2021, until the date of delivery of the judgement. *An order is hereby made mandating the defendant to pay the plaintiff a sum representing 15 percent of the judgement sum as interest on the judgement sum, from the date of delivery of the judgement till the date of full and final liquidation of same. *A declaration is hereby made that the defendant is liable to a total forfeiture and divestment of all his title, rights, interests, benefits, and claims in respect of the 5,000,000 shares of Skye Bank shares in the record of the Central Secures & Cleaning System while the plaintiff is entitied to take over, as beneficial owner, all the title, rights, interests, benefits and claims in respect of same. *An order of final foreclosure and final forfeiture is hereby made foreclosing and divesting the defendant of his title, rights and interests, in respect of the 5,000,000 units of Skye Bank shares in the records of the Central Securities & Clearing System and vesting same in the plaintiff in furtherance of part liquidation and satisfaction of the outstanding debt obligation of the defendants due to the plaintiff. *An order is hereby made mandating the defendant to pay to the plaintiff the sum of N2,000,000 00 as costs for filing and pursuing this claim. At least four women have been killed after a mining site collapsed in Gudum Sayawa. The incident happened in a rural settlement of the Bauchi metropolis in Bauchi state. According to a Nigerian Tribune report published on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, residents of Gudum Sayawa are mostly agrarian people who engage in all-season farming but recently ventured into mining activities in order to complement their earning. However, because of the poor harvest witnessed in recent years, mining activities have increased, with women and children mostly involved. It was gathered that the site collapsed on Thursday, January 25, 2024, killing three of the women instantly, while one died a few days later at the hospital where she was receiving treatment. According to an eyewitness, the women were unable to escape the cave site on time and the falling earth crushed them to death. Reacting to the incident, a community leader, Daniel Iliya, who is the Galadima of Gudum Sayawa, described it as most horrible and unfortunate. We need the government to come and assess the mining sites to see if it is safe for artisanal miners to work there, so we dont lose our villagers again. If that is done, it will reduce the risks associated with mining operations, he said. He opines that the removal of fuel subsidy compelled them to engage in unregulated mining activities in the area, which has led to the death of four people, with several others still receiving treatment Family members of the affected victims also shared their thoughts, saying that the current high cost of living necessitated their actions to jump into mining activities as a means of survival since the fuel price is no longer stable. Jonah Saraki and Mary Jonah, who are the parents of one of the victims, described the incident as worrisome despite fetching income for the immediate family to reduce the high cost of living currently in the country. We cautioned some of them at the site to be on alert so that if they sense any danger, they can leave immediately, the bereaved parents said. Mining is helping us a lot because some of our people have started reaping the benefits through several means, as those who barely afford food can now do so. We and our children go to the mining site and dig for precious stones. Since the cost of living has shot up, we have no choice; our husbands cannot afford to foot our bills anymore, leaving us with no choice, they added. Saraya Audu, a miner and mother of many children who were among those involved in the early discovery of monoxide at the mining site, narrates her experience as a mixed one. After discovering the mine site, our people shifted to mining immediately. I joined them last year, but while working at the site, I got fractured, she said. The proceeds from mining are helping us and our family members, especially some of us who have plenty of children. At the mining site and separation area, operators said at least 100 people go there on a daily basis to mine different minerals, such as monoxide, zaicon, and other precious stones, for transactions with other business communities as a source of income. A British-Nigerian minister, MP Kate Osamor, has been suspended by the United Kingdom. Osamor was suspended after accusing Israel of genocide on the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day. The minister sparked outrage after claiming in her weekly newsletter that Gaza should be added to the list of recent genocides. Posting a photo of herself signing the Holocaust Education Trusts commemoration book in Westminster, she wrote on X, Tomorrow is Holocaust Memorial Day, an international day to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions of other people murdered under Nazi persecution of other groups and more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and now Gaza. However, Osamor later posted an apology on social media on Friday night, writing on X, Holocaust Memorial Day is a day to remember the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust and the genocides that have occurred since. I apologise for any offence caused by my reference to the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza as part of that period of remembrance. The Board of Deputies, the Jewish Labour Movement, and the Holocaust Educational Trust reacted to her controversial remarks. A Labour source confirmed to MailOnline on Sunday evening that the Chief Whip has suspended Kate Osamor from the Parliamentary Labour Party pending an investigation. A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said, The International Definition of Antisemitism, adopted by the Labour Party, lists comparing Israel to Nazis as an example of antisemitism. That is what Kate Osamor effectively did. The Labour Party has acted correctly in taking swift action against Ms Osamor and we will be following the matter with interest. There are some who wish to drag the Party backwards to darker days when views like those expressed by Ms Osamor were common, and they must fail. A Jewish Labour Movement spokesperson added, This is wholly inappropriate. This week we have been commemorating the murder of six million Jews in the Holocaust and those who perished in subsequent genocides, as listed by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. Unilaterally co-opting the war in Gaza, despite the horrific suffering there, on to that list is wrong and offensive. The United Nationss top court on Friday said Israel must take all measures to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza but stops short of ordering an immediate halt to operations. The current war began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October, killing about 1,300 people, mostly civilians, and taking 240 hostages, BBC said. The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, in the last general election, Omoyele Sowore, has claimed that his prediction about the depreciation of the naira in 2024 has come to pass. In a post on his official X handle on Tuesday, the activist said he had predicted that the local currency would depreciate to N1,500 to $1 by 2024. Citing the current economic crisis, Sowore declared that the country has been finished, urging Nigerians to take their country back from those allegedly killing it. He wrote, My prediction in December of 2023 is that the Nigerian currency -Naira- will be exchanged for N1,500 to $1 by 2024, and it has come to pass, and we are still in January. The exchange rate fell to a fresh low of N1,460 per dollar at the parallel market on Tuesday morning with traders expecting further weakness in the coming days as dollar shortages worsen. The naira also fell to an all-time low of N1,348.63 per dollar at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) on Monday, a 33.87 percent decline compared to the N891.90 quoted. READ ALSO: Why I didnt join LP, PDP, others to challenge 2023 presidential electionSowore Nigerias currency is teetering towards a record-low of N1,500 against the US dollar in the face of a severe dollar shortage in the parallel market. The exchange rate fell to a fresh low of N1,460 per dollar at the parallel market on Tuesday morning with traders expecting further weakness in the coming days as dollar shortages worsen. The naira also fell to an all-time low of N1,348.63 per dollar at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) on Monday, a 33.87 percent decline compared to the N891.90 quoted on Friday, according to data from the FMDQ. The exchange rate had hit an intraday high of N1,414.94 per dollar on the day as the daily FX market turnover dropped by 36.68 percent to $64.29 trillion on Monday from $100.97 million recorded on Friday. A group, the Arewa Youth Alliance for Progress and Development (AYAPD) has said that those bent on sponsoring campaign of calumny against appointment of Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, as Executive Vice President (Upstream) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), have failed. This was expressed in at a press briefing, with the text, jointly signed by AYAPD President, Amb Umaru Bala Babayaro and Secretary. Comr. James Ishaku, made available to our correspondent in Kaduna yesterday. The so-called idle, groundless and unwarranted gimmicks are sponsored by irreconcilable enemies of the success recorded so far within the petrochemical industry in the country. We make bold to say that their plans failed on arrival, the group said. The group therefore, hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he made the right decision by appointing her. According to the text of the briefing, the group said, The attention of Arewa Youth Alliance for Progress and Development (AYAPD) has been drawn to certain unfounded and spurious calls by invisible groups operating under the aegis of Niger Delta Forum For Truth And Justice, (NDFTJ) calling for the sack of a hardworking alpha woman, the Executive Vice President (Upstream) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan. Without much thoughts it is obvious that these calls are maliciously laced with intentions to defame, the impeccable mettle of this hard working Nigerian who was only recently appointed. They saw no other allegation to drive their inconsequential point, but the Pipeline surveillance contract which we are aware was awarded many months ago before her assumption of office. They described the actions of those they described as sponsored blackmailers as not only a sham but a claptrap, bogus, cheap blackmail and unsubstantiated allegations. The aforementioned unreliable, baseless, delusional, unpatriotic, democratic ants, ethnic bigots who fuel this false show of shame, misusing the privilege of freedom of expression, have failed. And will continue to labour in vaiThe President Bola Ahmed Tinubus government is that of national unity, working hard to use our diversity for our advantage. We wont regret to tag this show of shame and commercial stage-out, envious move and unpatriotic efforts as undemocratic attempt to deny Nigeria the peace in the oil region and increase in Nigeria crude production, especially the relative peace enjoy by our brothers in the Niger Delta Region, who have experienced oil spill as a result of pipeline deterioration. We as Arewa Youths are happy to say that in just few months in office, we have observed that the competence, intellectual capacity, courage of Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan are enormous. Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa has shown enormous propensity to national economy recovery plan with clarity of vision and certainty of purpose. Her actions have shown that she is Pan-Nigerian, a lover of our nascent democracy, and her character is an embodiment of rule of law. We wish to put it on record as it is general knowledge that Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, was awarded a Surveillance contract through a rigorous due process under an ljaw man from the Niger Delta region, who happens to be the immediate past Executive Vice President Upstream NNPCL, Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, after meeting all criteria set out for the award of the job at the same time other companies like Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, were awarded theirs. We have confidence that the Federal Government headed by a born tactician, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, will not capitulate to this greedy, flunk script, selfish and uncoordinated show of shame. Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan appointment as Executive Vice President Upstream is cement with holistic track record and her remarkable trajectory in public service, they pointed out. They stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a right choice with appointment of Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan,adding that one of her distinguished features include being self-confident, productive, optimistic, a go-getter, a fear-tackler, transparency, advocate for due process, unafraid to stand up for what she believes in, proud, unbothered by what others say or think, and undistracted in serving the best interest of Nigeria. We urge those who are masquerading, claiming to stand for Truth and Justice to engage in meaningful business or employ their youthfulness to prepare for rigorous process that led to the award of Surveillance Contract to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited since they believe they have what it takes to get the contract, instead of engaging in ethnic-base blackmail. The Bad news for these politically misplaced instruments of anarchy is that we trust that the President of Nigeria will not succumb to their mischief. We call on the Public to disregard the hate speeches and malicious contents that may be circulation as they are sponsored.Arewa Youth have confidence in the integrity of the Executive Vice President (Upstream) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and we look forward to greater strides. The group expressed. Related At the parallel market, the Nigerian naira is currently exchanging N1506/$. This is after it had previously sold at N1,410/$. However, at the official market, the Naira exchanged at N1,349 from the N891.90/$ it traded the previous day. The window also saw an intra-high of N1,410. This was recorded amid the release of $500 million by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to various sectors to address the backlog of verified foreign exchange (forex) transactions. The Ogun government, on Thursday, promised the victims of flooding in Isheri community in Ifo local council area of governments support to ameliorate their suffering. The state Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, gave the promise when she led a government delegation on an on-the-spot assessment of the area. Salako-Oyedele said that the visit was aimed at finding lasting solutions to the challenge and bringing succour to the people of the area. She assured that the government was aware of the situation and was committed to ameliorating the suffering of the people. Im here with consultants on works and representatives from ministries of environment, works and infrastructure, Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority, Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC), town planners, NEMA and SEMA to ensure a holistic approach to the challenge. We are here for the purpose of finding lasting solutions and bringing succour to the residents of the affected areas. This visit will enable us make immediate, short and long term plans, and come up with the designs and cost implications, which will be sent to the governor to provide the required fund. Necessary data will also be collected from the geological services department in order to know the volume of water to be re-channelled to the area, she said. The deputy governor, who appealed to the residents to be calm, assured them of the governments determination to keep them abreast of its plans as they evolved. The Chairman of the Riverview Residents Association in Isheri, Mr Abayomi Akinde, in his remarks, commended the government for the prompt intervention and pledged the continued support of the people of the area. BLOOMINGTON Illinois Wesleyan University is hosting an international scholar in February who will be discussing mining practices in Latin America. Barbara Galindo will visit campus Feb. 7-10 to provide lectures, host a documentary screening and meet one on one with students. She is a postdoctoral fellow of the American Council of Learned Societies in race, ethnicity and indigeneity at the Institute of Research in Humanities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her studies have taken her across Latin America, including into the Peruvian Amazon and Brazil. IWU students will have the opportunity to hear from Galindo during seven classes held throughout the week, but she will also give a public lecture at 4 p.m. Feb. 8 at Beckman Auditorium in Ames Library, called "Tortured Cities: State-Corporate Mining and Slow-Motion Urbicide in Peru and Beyond." Galindo will also host a screening at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 in Beckman Auditorium, showing the 2005 documentary film "The Devil's Miner," directed by Kief Davidson and Richard Ladkani, about the plight of Bolivian miners. The IWU community can find more information about scheduled events at my.iwu.edu. The lectures and programs were sponsored by Wesleyan's 2023-25 Global Engagement grant through the U.S. Department of Education's Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language program. 23 photos from the 48th Annual MLK Awards Luncheon Friends and family of the I Have a Dream honoree Bradley Ross Jackson (center) I Have a Dream award winners Harini Shloka Ravinuthala, Siddhi Hindurao with Shree Aytam (center) Willie Holton Halbert, Ryleigh Rose Beaulieu, Shirley Boykin Dan Brady, Greg Fraley Memuna Lee, Michael Brown Shari Harris, Barb Waddell, Kiara Armstrong Jeff Jurgens, Mose Rickey, Michael Brown Carol Calhoun, Vanessa Rice, Mamie Duggon Delta Sigma Theta Sorority alumnae Cheryl Jackson, Krystal Shelvin, Cheryl Fluker, Beverly Butler Gay, Debra T. Thomas, Jaeda Thomas Dr. Cathy Lust, Valeda Harvey, Kim Taber Messina Lambert Donise Brown, Arlene Stevens, Carolyn Ware Senator David Koehler, Sharon Chung, Mike Matejka, Kevin McCarthy Dr. Carla Campbell Jackson, "I Have a Dream" honoree Bradley Ross Jackson Virgie Ray, Kiara Armstrong Shari Harris, Barb Waddell, Vanessa Rice Longtime friends Bradley Ross Jackson, Seth Harrison Cheryl Fluker, Chemberly Harris Prajna Kurella, Pritika Jakka Rhonda Smith, Tony Jones Pamela Davidson, Sharon Chung, ISU Interim President Aondover Tarhule, Rose Tarhule Rev. Terrance Thomas, Rev. Elexis Wilson Doris Houston, Terrance Bond, Janet Hood Cody Hendricks, Mose Rickey Dan Brady, Shirley Boykin How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region. 100 years ago Jan. 30, 1924: J.L. Murray, of Bloomington, was elected as a director of Illinois Automobile Association at the annual meeting in Chicago. Mr. Murray was one of the organizers of the state association in 1905 and attended the sessions as a McLean County Automobiles club delegate. 75 years ago Jan. 30, 1949: Normal Sanitary dairy, Beatrice Foods company (Meadow Gold) and Little Boss milk will drop one cent a quart effective Tuesday, officials of the three firms announced Saturday. The one cent cut will bring ungraded milk, home delivered, to 20 cents and grade A to 21 cents. 50 years ago Jan. 30, 1974: Has Normal's pursuit of an Amtrak station left Bloomington with the short end of the stick? That feeling was present at a meeting of the Twin Cities' mayors and city managers called to discuss the station. The Illinois Department of Transportation is to issue its report today. 25 years ago Jan. 30, 1999: Students at Chenoa Grade School have spent weeks creating dinosaur projects from shell "fossils" imprinted in clay to large-scale drawings of pterodactyls and a cardboard Brontosaurus that touches the ceiling of a second-grade classroom. So when a part of the real thing came to town a real dinosaur claw, brought by visiting University of Chicago paleontologist Gabrielle Lyon the students were in for a treat. SPRINGFIELD Former President Donald Trump will remain on the Illinois primary ballot at least for now as the State Board of Elections ruled unanimously Tuesday that a decision to remove him was not for the board, but instead for the courts to make. The ruling by the bipartisan panel is in line with the recommendation of hearing officer Clark Erikson, a retired Republican judge from Kankakee, who found by a "preponderance of the evidence that President Trump engaged in insurrection" but the state board of elections was not the proper venue for "constitutional analysis." "All in all, attempting to resolve a constitutional issue within the expedited schedule of an election board hearing is somewhat akin to scheduling a two-minute round between heavyweight boxers in a telephone booth," Erikson wrote in his non-binding opinion. The board, an eight-member body composed equally of Democrats and Republicans, agreed with this assessment, though some shared Erikson's belief that Trump was ultimately guilty of inciting insurrection. "I want it to be clear that this Republican believes that there was an insurrection on Jan. 6," said board member Catherine McCrory. "There's no doubt in my mind that he manipulated, instigated, aided and abetted an insurrection of Jan. 6. However, having said that, it is not my place to rule on that today." Jack Vrett, another Republican member of the board, said the board would be inviting "a floodgate of litigation" if it ruled in the constitutional issue instead of sticking to its more typical purview, ensuring candidates' nominating petitions are in good order. "There was wisdom, I believe, in the legislature when they created the election code and said what our authority was and what what our authority wasn't," Vrett said. Trump attorney Adam Merrill agreed with the interpretation that the board did not have authority to wade into constitutional issues, though he maintained Trump did not participate in the Jan. 6 insurrection, an event that has resulted in criminal charges for more than 1,200 people. "Mr. Trump did not engage in insurrection as that term gets used in the Constitution," Merrill said. Trump responded favorably to the board's decision, thanking them in a post on his Truth Social social media website "for ruling 8-0 in protecting the Citizens of our Country from the Radical Left Lunatics who are trying to destroy it." The objection was filed by five Illinois voters and backed by a national group seeking to remove Trump's name from the ballot in several states on the grounds that the former president is ineligible to hold office under the 14th Amendment. The amendment prohibits those who "have engaged in insurrection or rebellion" from holding public office. It was enacted following the Civil War to prevent senior Confederate officials from returning to office in Washington. Trump was tossed from the ballot in Colorado after that state's Supreme Court ruled 4-3 in December that he was ineligible under the so-called "insurrection clause." Soon after, Maine's secretary of state struck Trump from that state's ballot using similar reasoning. Those decisions have been put on hold pending review from the U.S. Supreme Court, which is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Feb. 8 the same day early voting begins across Illinois. Matthew Piers, attorney for the objectors, told reporters in Chicago his clients were "disappointed" in the board's ruling, calling it "an avoidance of a hot potato issue." He said they would soon file an appeal of the ruling in Cook County Circuit Court, though the case may soon end up at the Illinois Supreme Court absent earlier resolution from the nation's high court. "I'm pretty confident that whatever happens on appeal, this ruling is not going to stand," Piers said. "What the ultimate outcome will be, we shall see." Board of Elections spokesman Matt Dietrich confirmed the objectors have five days to file notice of their intent to seek judicial review in the case. Besides Colorado and Maine, no other state has disqualified Trump on 14th Amendment grounds. Challenges have been filed in nearly three dozen states. They have been dismissed or rejected in 17 states, according to The New York Times. Meanwhile, the State Board of Elections dismissed three separate challenges to President Joe Biden's candidacy. One sought Biden's removal because he used an out-of-state notary for his nominating papers, which is permitted under the law. Another challenged Biden on 14th Amendment grounds for allegedly giving "aid and comfort to enemies" of the United States. But the only examples objectors provided were mere policy disagreements. A third objection was dismissed because objectors failed to show up to the hearing. Illinois' primary election will be held March 19. The first day for early voting and vote-by-mail is Feb. 8. Lee Enterprises' Kellie Foy contributed to this report. Banks in the country are way ahead of their recapitalisation plans and are in line to restore their capitals before the 2026 deadline, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Addison, has said. He said looking at the 2023 performance of the banks so far, it had become clear that a lot of them could even recapitalise from the profits they made in 2023. He said there was therefore no cause for alarm, as banks continue to demonstrate their strength and resilience. Addressing the media at the 116th Monetary Policy Committee press conference, Dr Addison said a few of the banks have already recapitalised, with most of them also in the process. From what we have seen from the current data, a lot of them will be able to fill the gaps from the profits they made from 2023 so the situation has improved. They are doing much better than we anticipated. We have given them up to 2026 to recapitalise but they are way ahead of their plans, he stated. He said most of the banks have already had their annual general meetings and have asked their shareholders to raise the needed resources to recapitalise. So the problem has been taken care of and be rest assured that our banks are strong, resilient and we dont foresee any major problems with regards to the recapitalisation, he added. He said the central bank was closely monitoring the capital restoration efforts of the banks in line with approved plans, including through support from the Ghana Financial Stability Fund. He said it was expected that early recapitalisation and effective risk management by banks would help promote overall banking sector stability and resilience and ensure effective financial intermediation to strengthen the economic recovery efforts Impact of DDEP Banks in the country have relatively been stable following the financial sector clean-up which saw them increase their stated capitals to GH400 million. However, the recently concluded DDEP which saw the participation of all the 23 commercial banks in the country hit hard at the industry, with 16 banks recording significant losses in 2022. An analysis by the BoG indicated that the banks recorded losses totalling GH8 billion in the year under review. The debt restructuring exercise forced the banks to set aside huge amounts of money as impairment losses and this is what has led to majority of the banks recording losses in 2022. This also led to severe liquidity and capital challenges for the banks, with the BoG having to introduce some regulatory reliefs to keep them afloat. As a result of the impairment in capital, banks were given a period of three years to recapitalise to pre DDEP levels, with a deadline of September 2023 to submit their plans. The central bank in July 2023 announced that all banks whose capital have been affected by the DDEP had submitted their plans ahead of the September deadline. Stability fund To help address the negative effects of the DDEP, the government introduced the Financial Sector Stability Fund to help solve the liquidity and solvency challenges of the affected banks. The World Bank has committed to support the establishment of the fund with US$250, with the government also in discussions with African Development Bank (AfDB) for another US$100 million to support the fund. Government recently noted that it has so far raised US$750 million for the operationalisation of the fund. The fund intends to raise US$1.5 billion in total. Commenting on the operationalisation of the fund, Dr Addison said the terms and conditions have been published on the website of the Ministry of Finance, noting that about GH2.5 million has already been disbursed under the fund. Update on banks Giving an update on the banking sector, Dr Addison said the banking sectors performance improved as adverse spillovers from the domestic debt restructuring and macroeconomic challenges receded. As of end 2023, he said the data shows that the banking sector remains stable, liquid and profitable. Profitability improved for the sector from the loss position recorded in the 2022 audited accounts, reflecting sustained increases in net interest income and fees and commissions. The industrys balance sheet was generally strong, underscored by increased assets in December 2023, funded largely by deposits. Key financial soundness indicators remained broadly positive with the Capital Adequacy Ratio (adjusted for reliefs) above the regulatory minimum, while liquidity and profitability ratios were higher in December 2023 compared to the same period last year, he said. He said the non-performing loan ratio, however, increased in 2023, because of general repayment challenges on the part of borrowers, reflecting the impact of general macroeconomic challenges encountered in 2022. Source: graphiconline 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. Featured Video OmniBSIC Bank, the fastest-growing Bank in Ghana and Bank of the Year, 2023 has relocated its Anloga Branch in Kumasi to the City Style Building on Stadium Road Amakom, Kumasi as part of the Banks ongoing brand enhancement effort. The relocation of the branch is aimed at providing an improved banking experience, easy accessibility, ample car parking, and a welcoming environment, reflecting the Bank's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its clientele. The new branch offers an upgraded and modern banking environment with a focus on convenience and exceptional customer service. Eric Evans Abban, Divisional Head for Ashanti and other Regions, in his opening remarks, on behalf of Management expressed the Banks dedication to elevating customer service standards. He emphasized that the move symbolizes the Bank's commitment to exceptional customer service. "Our primary goal has always been to provide support to our customers, offering them tailored solutions for their individual, family, and business needs. He added that we recognize that this new beautiful physical office alone cannot make our customer service excellent thus we also ensure that the right staff are selected and trained to serve our cherished customers. Rev. Ernest Odame, District Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, KNUST, commended the staff of the Amakom Branch for their dedication to customer service and encouraged them to continue giving their best, emphasizing that exemplary customer service is pivotal to growing the customer base and building a lasting relationship. Rev. Odame also urged the staff to be proactive and responsive, adding value to customers' financial journeys. In recognition of the Banks commitment to excellence, OmniBSIC Bank has received prestigious awards, including Bank of the Year (Ghana Business Awards, 2023), Fastest Growing Corporate Bank, Ghana (Global Banking and Finance Awards, 2023) and CIMG 2022 - 5 Stars In Customer Satisfaction - Consumer Banking, 5 Stars In Customer Satisfaction - Business Banking, 5 Stars In Service Quality - Business Banking and 5 Stars In Service Quality. These accolades serve as a testament to the Bank's dedication to delivering outstanding financial services and further solidifying its vision of becoming the number one bank in customer service delivery and value creation for all stakeholders. 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. Featured Video Gathered in the Crystal Palace Suite at the London Hilton hotel on Park Lane, were a collection of key UK corporate leaders with roots in Ghana, including High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, H.E. Papa Owusu-Ankomah and Tullow Plc Chief Executive, Rahul Dhir. Other Tullow Executives, including Director of People and Sustainability, Julia Ross, Ghana Managing Director Wissam Al-Monthiry, his deputy, Cynthia Lumor and External Affairs Manager, David Amoah, were also present. It was the second time such a gathering was taking place in Englands capital in the last three years. Dubbed, The Ghana Energy Evening, it is a platform created by H.E. Papa Owusu-Ankomah and Tullow Executives, to bring together key players with ties to Ghana to collaborate and share ideas about the countrys energy future and how to sustain investments over the next decade. The first edition, held in 2022, threw light on critical topics, including climate change, the energy transition, and the search for an answer to the existential question of the energy trilemma how to ensure secure, affordable and accessible energy for the world. Much of the discussions that year also focused on how to support countries like Ghana with the right investment to utilise its endowed natural resources for the wellbeing of its citizens and economic growth. On this evening in 2024, however, the participants were meeting at a crucial time for the energy sector in the world, especially in Africa. Questions around the trilemma still remained. But other emerging issues needed attention, including how to ensure a just energy transition for African countries, amidst talk of the phase-down of fossil fuels. Additional issues, including the need to promote the right investments in countries like Ghana, the commitment to clean energy by 2030 and empowering local resources to transform the sector, were all concerns on the minds of these guests. The main speakers at the event were immediately recognisable by almost all the participants Dr. Bassam Fattouh, Director at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies and Yaw Nsarkoh, former Unilever Executive Vice President. Their presentations elicited the kind of engagement that such a crowd needed. Dr. Fattouh was quite vocal about the need to recognise that a just transition for energy must allow countries in sub-Saharan Africa the right to transition at a pace that will allow them to develop their hydrocarbon reserves to promote industrialisation and energy access. He acknowledged the expansion of the energy mix, made possible by the growth of renewables and clean energy advocacy. However, he was emphatic that oil and gas will remain an important part of the energy mix in most parts of the world, especially Africa, until around 2050. He added that a just energy transition is necessary if you consider that Africa has contributed less than 3 percent to the worlds cumulative energy-related carbon emissions since 1890. Yaw Nsarkoh dissected the African leadership and governance problem, insisting that unless something was done about the mindset of political and economic leadership, it will be difficult to promote a just transition and progress for the energy sector. He also said despite being a committed defender of the climate change agenda, it should be pursued from a segmented approach or risk an entire collapse. Yaw advocated that the decarbonisation agenda must be viewed as a means to an end where the end means that an improved society gives a better capability to secure long-term health, which translates into improved livelihoods for the people. He added that to remain a relevant energy provider, Ghana must advocate to have a thriving society at all times. The conversations that followed the presentations demonstrated the importance of the topics for the Ghanaian diaspora. Many of the comments signalled a recognition that Ghanas energy sector was at an inflection point, requiring proactive measures to uphold its two-decade success story. Ghanas High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, H.E. Papa Owusu-Ankomah, acknowledged the role of leadership and governance, highlighting the need for Ghanaian diaspora talents to look towards home with their skills to transform the economy. Fresh from announcing that Tullow was on track to deliver $600 million free cash flow in the next two years, Chief Executive Rahul Dhir said the energy sector is respected for what it does for humanity and Tullow remains well positioned to be a leader in the African energy industry - and unlock value of hydrocarbon resources for its host nations and communities. Rahul further insisted that the challenges Tullow currently faces will require much stronger collaboration between host governments and industry to address; adding that a natural alignment is needed to ensure that the nations resources are developed in a timely manner and not stranded. The Ghana Energy Evening, a joint effort by the Ghana High Commission in the UK and Tullow, brings key players together annually to collaborate and partner for the good of Ghana's energy agenda. It also aligns with Tullows vision of building a better future for Ghana by linking the right minds and investments to reshape the countrys energy landscape. 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. Featured Video In an engaging event held today at MTN House in Accra titled "Time with Selorm," the outgoing Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevoh, shared insights on the company's approach to remote work and its impact on staff motivation. During the event, Mr. Adadevoh discussed the hybrid work system that was implemented groupwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the flexibility it provided, allowing employees to work two days in the office and three days from home, based on agreements with their managers. Mr. Adadevoh said the cost savings associated with working from home, pointing out the significant expenses incurred by employees commuting to the office daily. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the rising external environment and stressed the importance of adapting to changes. The CEO underscored the positive impact of remote work on encouraging diversity and achieving gender balance within the workforce. He noted that the flexibility offered by the hybrid system contributed to a sense of normalcy and significantly motivated team members. Reflecting on the lessons learned after implementing the hybrid work model, Adadevoh highlighted the improved performance of the business and the heightened sense of responsibility among employees. He addressed concerns about productivity, citing positive trends in productivity numbers shared towards the end of the previous year. Adadevoh commended the management capabilities and style that evolved to effectively handle the challenges of the hybrid system, ensuring continued improvement in productivity. He expressed satisfaction with the overall benefits gained from the initiative, including positive feedback from staff. The outgoing CEO concluded that, from a business standpoint, MTN Ghana has not sacrificed performance but has gained valuable benefits in terms of motivation and flexibility for its staff. Source: graphiconline 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. Featured Video A Leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Otchere-Darko, has given insight into the massive banking sector clean-up that left many astonished and downhearted. He described the hapless exercise as very painful, adding that even those who took the exercise, it was painful for them. Banking Tsunami In a bid to restore confidence in the banking and specialized deposit-taking sector, the Bank of Ghana embarked on a clean-up exercise in August 2017. Spending over GH20 billion, the Central Banks action was to resolve insolvent financial institutions whose continued existence posed risks to the interest of depositors. Finance Minister, Ofori-Atta supervised the banking sector clean-up from mid-2017 to January 2020. The clean-up saw a reduction in the number of banks from 34 to 23, whilst 347 microfinance institutions, 15 savings and loans and eight finance houses had their licences revoked. While some of the commercial banks were merged to form the Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited, state-owned GCB was allowed to swallow others. The Securities and Exchange Commission also announced the revocation of the licenses of 53 Fund Management Companies. A number of these institutions were found to have varying degrees of corporate governance lapses. The total estimated cost of the states fiscal intervention, excluding interest payments, from 2017 to 2019 was pegged at GH16.4 billion. Why it was necessary? Speaking to Bola RAY on Starr Chat, Gabby Otchere-Darko said By 2016, the government then [NDC government] had passed a law which was part of the IMF conditionalities, so this government inherited a situation which was backed by the new law. Because whoever would have won the elections in 2017, by that law passed in 2016 would have had no room but to implement the same thing in the banking sector. They knew it. It was painful. he lamented. Pains in Akufo-Addo's eyes Mr Gabby Otchere-Darko further said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was not in support of the banking clean-up but could not have changed the situation. I got to see the president [Akufo-Addo] after, and I could see the pain, I could feel it. It was a painful exercise to protect depositors, he narrated. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Henry Kwabena Kokofu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the parliamentary aspirants who emerged victors in the party's just-ended elections to reach out to those who lost. Mr. Kokofu applauded the party for a successful and violence-free primary over the weekend. The New Patriotic Party held their parliamentary elections on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at constituencies with sitting Members of Parliament. Some of the Members of Parliament retained their seats and others unfortunately ended their journey to the Legislative House. Over 20 sitting Members of Parliament of the New Patriotic Party will no longer join the next Parliament; they add up to the 19 MPs of the party who decided not to contest their seat again. In some of the constituencies such as Bantama, the incumber MP, Francis Asenso-Boakye who doubles as Work and Housing Minister retained his seat but lawyer Sarah Adwoa Safo, MP for Dome-Kwabenya, lost her seat to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Mike Oquaye Jnr. Speaking on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", the EPA Boss implored the candidates to unite behind a single mission which is to seek the success of the New Patriotic Party. "They should let their victory become the New Patriotic Party's victory. They should reach out to their fellows who lost. The same goes for those who lost; they should admit their defeat and unite with the winners. We should all unite and work for the party", he said. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Head of the Center for Ageing Studies at the University of Ghana, Prof. Joseph Osafo, has sympathized with the losers in the New Patriotic Party's parliamentary elections held on Saturday, January 27. The senior psychologist urged the losers to reorganize themselves and recontest the elections in the next four years. "Sorry for you, but I think you should organize yourselves again. Four years is not too long; you can come back and reclaim your good works," he said. He also called for the losers to undergo psychotherapy, saying "there must be a strategic way of managing the pain. Life challenges will always continue to confront us, but some challenges must always be strategically managed, or they can become an albatross." "People will become bitter in life; that's how it is. But there is a kind of bitterness that, if not managed, will make it worse. I think political parties will need a certain service, where every aspirant who represents the party in any election should find a way of managing them before and after the elections, he requested. He further advised the political parties to utilize the services of psychologists, saying, "preparing them mentally and then, after a loss, managing them mentally so that the person will still say I am still part of the competition, but not to see the recent primaries that he or she has lost means the party doesn't like him." Prof. Joseph Osafo made these submissions on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A first-of-its-kind study of the 2019-2020 "Black Summer" bushfires in Australia has revealed that the tourism industry nationwide took an immediate hit of $2.8 billion in total output to its broader supply chains and almost 7,300 jobs disappearing nationwide. The fires four years ago triggered widespread tourism shutdowns in many parts of the country in the lead up to the peak Christmas and New Year season, resulting in $1.7 billion in direct losses to the tourism industry, which triggered the larger drop in supply chain output. "These results are an illustration of what can be expected in the future not only in Australia, but in other nations that are vulnerable to climate-change driven disasters," said Vivienne Reiner, a Ph.D. student with the Centre for Integrated Sustainability Analysis in the Faculty of Science and lead author of the study, published in Economics of Disasters and Climate Change. "It's important to note that our study, which measured tourism's losses through Australian supply chains, did not quantify other economic costs, such as the supply-chain impacts of losses from agriculture or forestry, which were also substantially impacted by the fires," she said. While the fires had the biggest impact on Australia's east coast, the impact from tourism losses was national and felt across the economy, the researchers found. "Tourism is a vital Australian industry. Before the fires that started in 2019, statistics showed that in rural areas 8 percent, or almost one in 12 people, were employed in jobs connected to the tourism industry," Reiner said. "As well, tourism is a top export, with travel services responsible for more export income than natural gas in 2018-19." Associate Professor Arunima Malik, a co-author who heads the Centre for Integrated Sustainability Analysis and is also affiliated with the Business School, said, "With bushfires increasing compared to other natural disasters and expected to intensify due to climate change, it is important for countries such as Australia to quantify their economic impact as part of routine practice, including supply-chain spillovers." Co-author Professor Manfred Lenzen, also with ISA in the School of Physics, said, "Although the losses we calculated only represented a small fraction of the nation's economic output, Australia's reputation as a pristine destination could become permanently damaged under global warming, with fewer people traveling within and to Australia in our peak holiday season." The research showed varied impact nationwide across the supply chain, including in job losses: New South Wales: 3,171 jobs Victoria: 1,430 jobs Queensland: 1,499 jobs South Australia: 516 jobs Western Australia: 479 jobs Tasmania: 13 jobs Australian Capital Territory: 110 jobs Northern Territory: 75 jobs The researchers warn that the Australian economy could face further losses as the effects from climate change increase. Reiner said, "As part of the Asia Pacificthe world's most disaster-prone regionAustralian tourism has a lot to gain from climate-change mitigation. In terms of responses, studies such as ours also help indicate hotspots in supply chains where rebuilding may be required in communities and industries. "By including the entire supply chain in our research, using input-output analysis, we calculated total output losses of $2.8 billion, which is a 61 percent increase on direct damages identified." More information: Vivienne Reiner et al, Wish You Were Here? The Economic Impact of the Tourism Shutdown from Australia's 2019-20 'Black Summer' Bushfires, Economics of Disasters and Climate Change (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s41885-024-00142-8 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: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Chinese citizens who rarely voice open criticism of their government reveal stronger negative views when they can answer questions anonymously, according to a new study published in The China Quarterly. The study by researchers at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences shows an enormous drop in citizen support for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and government policies when citizens are surveyed using a method that hides their identities and makes them feel more anonymous than a typical survey. The study authorsErin Baggott Carter and Brett Carter, both assistant professors of international relations, and doctoral candidate Stephen Schickbelieve documenting citizens' true opinions on these matters is key to understanding the depth and nature of support for the CCP and its government policies. Accurately documenting citizens' opinions is important to disprove recent assertions that autocratic governments, including the CCP, genuinely have popular support. The study also highlights the complexities of public opinion under autocratic regimes. Still, even when using online methods that hide a person's identity, such as "list experiments," many worry about surveillance by the government. Traditional surveys conducted in China, which directly question respondents, overstate Chinese citizens' support for the CCP by up to 28.5 percentage points, according to the study. When using a method called a "list experiment," which confers a heightened sense of anonymity by asking respondents how many statements they agree with rather than which ones, researchers showed CCP support hovers between 50% and 70%, and not 90% as reported in traditional surveys. The traditional direct-question survey also showed that only 8% of citizens cited fear of repression as a reason for not protesting, while the list experiment survey revealed that about 40% acknowledged fear as a deterrent. When the researchers looked at regime support across several demographics, the list experiments revealed that ethnic Han respondents, educated respondents, and CCP members were more supportive. When asked directly, 94% of respondents said they backed Chinese President Xi Jinping, and 91% said they believed the government works for the people. When using the list experiment method, on the other hand, support for Xi and the government dropped by nearly 30 percentage points. In list experiment surveys, however, college-educated respondents are between 10 and 20 percentage points more supportive of the CCP than those who completed early middle school. This may suggest the CCP's efforts to reshape educational curricula have succeeded. Similarly, in list experiment surveys, CCP members are about 10 percentage points more supportive of the regime than in direct questioning surveys. CCP strategies to win over these demographics have been effective. A surprising finding showed that when asked directly, respondents who are members of China's predominant and favored ethnic group, the Han, are less inclined to express support for Xi compared to minority respondents. This suggests that minority groups tend to conceal their true beliefs more than Han respondents about Xi and the government when asked directly. When using the list experiment survey, this result flips, revealing that ethnic Han support for Xi is about 20 percentage points more than minorities. "Given recent claims that autocratic governments often enjoy genuine support, it is especially important to get accurate information about what citizens in countries like China feel about their governments," said Baggott Carter. The study highlights the need for refined survey methods in politically sensitive areas. The researchers underscore the need for scholars to stop using direct-question surveys to measure public opinion in China and other repressive environments. They also urge a reassessment of presumed broad support for regimes such as the CCP. Finally, the researchers recommend scholars reevaluate previous empirical work that overlooks the existence of concealed preferences. More information: Erin Baggott Carter et al, Do Chinese Citizens Conceal Opposition to the CCP in Surveys? Evidence from Two Experiments, The China Quarterly (2024). DOI: 10.1017/S0305741023001819 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: Credit: Cambridge University Press The idea of creating a "universal library" that contains the entirety of all the human knowledge and heritage has inspired the imaginations of the brightest minds of scholars and humanists since ancient times. A good example is the Library of Alexandriathe most famous library of classical antiquity in Egypt from the early 3rd century BC. It aspired to contain a copy of every book ever written or translated and its bibliography long remained a standard reference work until its destruction during a civil war in 48 BC. In the 21st century, the development of digital technologies and the internet has given us technologies to protect our heritage from material loss and destruction. Furthermore, they enabled a global hyperconnected network of knowledge that transcends cultural, linguistic and geographic boundaries. Not surprisingly, there are now many grand projects that aspire to bring together our human shared heritage into a single space, existing in a virtual reality. The exponential growth of technologies that digitize content means human heritage can be easily captured, stored and globally shared in a wide variety of formats, from mere texts to music, images, videos and interactive multimedia installations. This has given birth to so-called digital heritage aggregatorslarge-scale virtual libraries that collect, format and manage collection data from different heritage institutions to create a single access point via an online portal. There are no limits to the size or geographical scope of the heritage collectionsfrom local collections to ambitious global projects. For example, the National Library of Australia developed Trove, which it says "brings together billions of pieces of information," giving everyone free access to "amazing collections from Australian libraries, universities, museums, galleries and archives." Similarly, the European Union (EU) funded Europeana which displays digital cultural heritage from more than 2,000 cultural institutions, in dozens of different languages, covering the whole EU and beyond. An even greater ambition for a true "universal library" that aims to bring all human heritage together is the Google Arts and Culture project, which aspires to "bring the world's art and culture online so it's accessible to anyone, anywhere." Although not truly "global"the project currently collaborates with just 2,000 cultural institutes in 80 countriesthe COVID-19 pandemic elevated its global popularity, as it provided a way to visit places and collections that were otherwise inaccessible. Digital heritage aggregators promise to realize long-lived dreams for a universal library with the help of rapidly upscaling technologies, which now also include the metaverse for immersive heritage experiences, and AI that enhances human heritage preservation and sharing. However, we should not ignore the lessons from our history. Previous attempts to create universal libraries have failed spectacularly. The accumulation, preservation and (more importantly) the display and circulation of digital heritage is hugely resource demanding and highly expensive exercise. Only certain wealthy states like Australia, intergovernmental political entities like the EU, or the largest transnational media corporations in the world, like Google, may be ableor willingto pay this cost. This is an issue, because heritage preservation activities to sustain these large-scale "history machines" are never politically neutral and, in fact, come with their geopolitical ambitions diving their investments. Geopolitics is also as old as the history of humanity; it is a competition among world actors to control people, places and ideas for political or economic advantageor even to pursue global domination. However, in the digital era, this power does not necessarily sit with military might, but rather depends on digital infrastructures and the capacity to "globalize" technological systems to shape international standards, products, rules and even social norms and cultural values. Digital geopolitics is a more sophisticated game to shape global informational environments, mobilize online communities and control cultural representations to influence our values and identities. Not surprisingly, digital heritage aggregators are quite effective geopolitical tools. The immense storytelling abilities of our digital heritage make aggregators highly politicalespecially when these stories concern cultural and political borders, contested territories and cross-cultural communication issues. Geopolitics is not disconnected from everyday life: "the actions you take, and the way you respond to events, matter in terms of their geopolitical outcomes." My new book, "Geopolitics of Digital Heritage," written with Dr. Liz Stainforth from the University of Leeds, explores how politics manifests in the development of digital heritage platforms to serve different actors, ranging from national governments to transnational corporations, in their geopolitical competition for human attention and the power to control our thoughts and feelings. In it, we explore questions like: Is browsing Trove materials that aspire to project the national Australian identity a geopolitical act? And if we connect to this projection, what does it mean if our marginalized cultures, be it First Nations Australians or immigrants from emerging economies, are missing from the grand narratives of the aggregator? Similarly, do EU citizens get a chance to taste the real "European culture" when they explore the millions of objects in the Europeana collections and how do the "borders" of these heritage treasures different from the EU legal borders? And then there's Google. Does it matter if it tracks our digital paths to generate income every time we click to virtually visit a museum, explore a digital exhibition, or enjoy a cultural tour to an exotic destination on its Arts and Culture platform? Are we victims of human heritage politization and commodification on behalf of governments and transnational corporations seeking global media domination, or do these digital pathways allow us to discover who we are by traversing the human heritage on the Internet? Having an awareness of those writing the history of humanity and shaping our memories is the first step to navigating heritage geopolitics. The next step is to claim our right to participate in creating our own heritage platforms, spaces and communities and letting the ancient dream of a "universal library" be a good history lesson for generations to come. The monograph, "Geopolitics of Digital Heritage," is in free Open Access until 4 February 2024. 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: Both the donation number and amount are influenced by emotional and contextual cues derived from the disease relief projects on a fundraising website. Images and textual data from 1,763 projects were assessed to determine how positive and negative emotions, and external contextual cues factored in donation behavior on the Tencent Gongyi platform in China. Credit: Journal of Social Computing, Tsinghua University Press The digital age has profoundly changed how we communicate as humans. Today, we can regularly interact with people we are unrelated to and unacquainted with in real time across the world. Because of this, individuals can now engage in prosocial behaviors, including cooperating, sympathizing, helping and donating, with complete strangers, but the motivating factors behind these behaviors are poorly understood. Analysis of data generated from a fundraising website suggests that positive emotions elicit higher total donation amounts while negative emotions result in higher individual donation amounts. Fundraising sites depend on the information provided on their websites to elicit donations to individuals or organizations that donors do not know. Social scientists from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China recently designed a study to determine how internal emotional cues and external contextual cues could influence donating behavior on an online fundraising platform, Tencent Gongyi, in China. The team collected textual and visual data from 1,763 fundraising projects and performed analyses to assess the emotional state of the faces and text present in each project. The study explored the impact of emotional cues on the behavior of donors and how other factors can influence this process. The researchers published their study in the Journal of Social Computing. "Not only in China but also globally, online donations are becoming an increasingly important trend in the charitable sector. The impact of emotional cues on donations is not only a crucial perspective in studying online donation behavior but also a controversial variable in related research. By further introducing contextual factors, our study explored explanatory variables from project characteristics," said Lihan He, first author of the study and doctoral candidate in the School of Public Policy & Management at Tsinghua University. The researchers developed several hypotheses regarding online donation behavior based on several behavioral theories and past research studies. In the first part of the study, the team hypothesized that positive emotional cues would result in a larger number of total donations, and that negative emotional cues would elicit larger donations from individual donors. In fact, the study found that projects with pictures with positive emotional cues received at least 1,606 more donations than projects with pictures associated with negative emotions. Projects with negative visual emotional cues also resulted in donations an average of 2.5 yuan higher than projects with pictures that evoke more positive emotions. The team made additional hypotheses regarding how emotional cues would influence donation behavior depending on the target amounts of each project, first-person pronoun usage, the social class of the recipient and the type of executor that is in charge of each project, such as a government-organized organization, grassroots organization or an individual. Data analysis revealed that projects with lower target amounts and negative visual emotional cues received an average of two yuan more per donation compared to projects with higher target amounts. The team also found that projects that increased empathy with their audience by using more first-person pronouns like "we" elicited approximately 2,000 more donations if organizers used pictures that result in a positive emotional response and two to four more yuan per donation if organizers used pictures that create a negative emotional response. The types of executors were more relevant to fundraising projects with grassroots organizers, where campaigns with pictures evoking negative emotions resulted in donations about four yuan higher. If individuals are functioning as executors, projects using pictures that create positive emotions result in an average of 2,532 more donations compared to projects that use images associated with negative emotions. The team also found that projects that use terms such as "farmer," "worker," "migrant worker" and "rural area" to describe the social class of the recipients had between 1,990 to 2,797 more donations if their project included pictures that elicited a positive emotional response. "The key takeaway is that individual online donation behavior is complex and shaped by both internal and external factors; therefore, we need richer data and methods to study this behavior. Previous laboratory studies have their advantages but also limitations. If we can obtain more data from the real world and use big data analysis methods, it can help us further test existing theories and discover more interesting influencing factors," said He. Ultimately, the research team acknowledges that this is only the beginning of analyzing online donation behavior. "This study is a starting point. Currently, there is not a lot of quantitative research on nongovernmental organizations and charity in China, partly due to limitations in data availability. We hope to further integrate computational social science methods with research in this field, engage in more interdisciplinary collaboration and uncover more interesting and meaningful data," said He. More information: Lihan He et al, How Facial Expressions of Recipients Influence Online Prosocial Behaviors?Evidence from Big Data Analysis on Tencent Gongyi Platform, Journal of Social Computing (2024). DOI: 10.23919/JSC.2023.0026 Provided by Tsinghua University Press 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: Engineered strain NZ1. (a) Scheme of the regulation: cheZ expression driven by Plac/ara-1 is suppressed by the LacI suppressor. Exogenously adding IPTG induces cheZ expression by reducing LacI suppression. (b) Cells are expected to tumble continuously at low IPTG concentration and to enter a smooth swimming state at high IPTG concentration. Credit: Physical Review Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.038302 In a joint effort with various international institutions, researchers from the University of Innsbruck have described the movement patterns of the bacterium Escherichia coli. To do so, they used an engineered bacterial strain, experiments under the microscope and complicated functions. Escherichia coli is one of the world's best-known bacteria. Not only is it found in abundance in our intestines, it is also a favorite model organism in research. Under the microscope, E. coli bacteria can be recognized as a bunch of rods that are always on the move. The exact form of this movement has now been investigated by several teams in an international research project. Scientists cultivated a new strain of bacteria whose movements can be controlled and compared experimental data with a physical model that describes the movement patterns of E. coli over long periods of time. This model was confirmed by the experimental study. The comparison of experiments and theory using an intermediate scattering function is the achievement of Tyrolean scientist Christina Kurzthaler. This work began as part of her doctoral thesis in Thomas Franosch's research group at the Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of Innsbruck. Kurzthaler is one of the first authors of the study and now heads her own research group at the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems in Dresden. Her work has just been published as an Editor's Pick in Physical Review Letters. Swimming and tumbling In biophysics, the movement of E. coli is described by the "run-and-tumble" model. With the help of many small flagella, the bacteria swim in a certain direction. At a certain point, the movement turns into tumbling and the bacteria change direction. This characteristic behavior has been known for a long time, but could not be described precisely until now, as it was hardly possible to measure how long the bacteria swim before they begin to tumble. "E. coli bacteria swim in a solution, which means that they move very quickly in a three-dimensional space. This movement is difficult to measure because it requires a lot of data," says Kurzthaler. "Tracking individual bacteria over a long period of time is very time-consuming and requires special experimental instruments." The tumbling behavior is very important for the bacterium. E. coli uses it to search for food or to escape from toxic substances. "Knowing this behavior in detail opens up many new experimental possibilities," says Kurzthaler. Confirmation through scattering function In order to accurately characterize the movement processes, partner groups at Chinese research institutions developed an engineered strain of E. coli in which the frequency of tumbling can be reduced or increased when grown in certain chemical solutions. A group at the University of Edinburgh conducted experiments on these bacteria and took microscopic images of the entire bacterial population at multiple time points. The researchers in Innsbruck then analyzed the collected data by using an intermediate scattering function developed by Kurzthaler, which indirectly measures the distribution of the bacteria in space and time and provides information about their dynamics. This made it possible to calculate a variety of data over long periods of time, for example, the speed of the bacteria and the duration of their tumbling. The result was a detailed description of the movement of E. coli bacteria in three-dimensional space. "The run-and-tumble model itself is not new," says Franosch. "Our approach of calculating a movement in space with numerical solutions on the computer is. This is already common practice in other fields such as solid-state physics, but it is an innovation in biophysics. "And the result is something fascinating: that this really simple run-and-tumble model perfectly describes the movement of bacteria. We checked it with our complicated function and couldn't find any deviation. In the field of biophysics, it is quite amazing that a theoretical model can be confirmed so precisely by experiments." More information: Christina Kurzthaler et al, Characterization and Control of the Run-and-Tumble Dynamics of Escherichia Coli, Physical Review Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.038302 Journal information: Physical Review Letters 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: Simulated mass loss of the Greenland ice sheet from 1990 until 2090, expressed as a sea-level contribution, under different conditions:RCP8.5 (red; worst-case scenario, unabated warming), RCP4.5 (green; intermediate scenario, possibly achievable under current conditions), and GeoMIP G4 (blue; RCP4.5 plus the injection of 5 million metric tons of sulfur dioxide per year into the stratosphere during 20202070). Credit: Ralf Greve One of the many effects of global warming is sea-level rise due to the melting and retreat of the Earth's ice sheets and glaciers. As the sea level rises, large areas of densely populated coastal land could ultimately become uninhabitable without extensive coastal modification. In order to stave off this possibility, carbon emissions need to reach net negative, a state that is hard to achieve under current circumstances. There are many proposals to drastically mitigate the effects of climate change, and the most expansive of these involve interventions that will alter aspects of the entire globegeoengineering techniques. While they have some promise, we do not understand enough about natural cycles to fully assess how beneficial such interventions will be. An international team of researchers led by Professor John C. Moore, at the University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland, and Professor Ralf Greve, at the Institute of Low Temperature Sciences, Hokkaido University, has used simulations to examine the potential effects of a geoengineering technique called stratospheric aerosol injection on ice sheet melting. Their findings were published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface. "Stratospheric aerosol injection, or SAI, would artificially introduce aerosols into the stratosphere by aircraft or high-altitude balloons to create a cooling effect via global dimming and increased albedothe degree to which Earth reflects sunlight," Moore explains. Results of the SICOPOLIS simulations comparing the change of the Greenland Ice Sheet between GeoMIP G4 and RCP4.5: ice thickness (H). Stratospheric aerosol injection of sulfur dioxide will have the greatest protective effect on the margins (which remain thicker; yellow and red) of the ice sheet. Credit: Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2023JF007112 Moore, Greve and colleagues used the SICOPOLIS model to simulate the changes in the Greenland Ice Sheet for the period 19902090 under three different scenarios: RCP8.5 (worst-case scenario, unabated warming); RCP4.5 (intermediate scenario, possibly achievable under current conditions); and GeoMIP G4 (RCP4.5 plus the injection of 5 million metric tons of sulfur dioxide per year into the stratosphere during 20202070). The simulations showed that SAI of sulfur dioxide would have a clear protective effect on the Greenland Ice Sheet. Under RCP8.5, there would be ice loss equivalent to approximately 90 mm sea-level rise; under RCP4.5, ice loss would be approximately 60.6 mm sea-level rise; but under GeoMIP G4, ice loss would be limited to approximately just 37.6 mm sea-level rise. When these scenarios were tested with a different model, Elmer/Ice, the results were similar. The margins of the ice sheet would benefit the most under GeoMIP G4. "While this study shows that SAI could contribute to the protection of the Greenland Ice Sheet, and hence, potentially, all other ice cover on Earth, geoengineering is a highly contentious topic," Greve concludes. "The biggest issue is that it addresses only the symptoms of global warming, not the root causesand may even delay the changes required to address the causes. Furthermore, due to the immense complexity of the natural systems on Earth, it is impossible to predict exactly what positive and negative outcomes could result." More information: John C. Moore et al, Reduced Ice Loss From Greenland Under Stratospheric Aerosol Injection, Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2023JF007112 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: Some of the vortices identified by Jovian Vortex Hunter volunteers. NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Sankar The Jovian Vortex Hunter project, launched on Zooniverse in June 2022, is out of data as of December 23, 2023. Over 6,000 registered volunteers joined the project to view images from NASA's JunoCam instrument of the swirling clouds in Jupiter's atmosphere and draw on them using a computer mouse. Together, they contributed over a million marked-up images indicating exciting features such as vortices, where winds move in circular patterns. The newly marked-up data from the Jovian Vortex Hunters project revealed more than 7,000 vortexes, a much bigger collection than earlier studies contained. The hard work of volunteers resulted in trends nobody had seen before. For example, the new data shows that white and dark ovals are more prominent in the higher latitudes, while the brown vortices are in the mid-latitudes. Want to see those trends (and others) for yourself? Read the Jovian Vortex Hunters Blog. And stay tuned The science team is hard at work analyzing the data and writing up papers on the results. They hope to launch another round of the Jovian Vortex Hunters project soon. Provided by NASA 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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Research in the International Journal of Education Economics and Development has used the entrepreneurial intention model to investigate what if any influence of parental self-employed status has on the aspirations of their offspring. The researchers obtained data and questionnaire results from 319 respondents at a public university in Spain. The data and answers were analyzed through structural equation modeling, using multi-group analysis (MGA) to discern the differences between those individuals with self-employed parents and those without. Kwaku Amofah, Jones Lewis Arthur, and Edward Owusu of Sunyani Technical University in Sunyani, Ghana, and Ramon Saladrigues Sole of the University of Lleida in Lleida, Spain, demonstrated that respondents with self-employed parents were much more likely to have a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control, entrepreneurial skills, and environmental support compared to those without such parental background. However, the MGA showed that, despite these differences, the overall entrepreneurial intention in both groups was comparable. The results reinforce the role of parental self-employment in this kind of study. They also underscore the importance of conducting multi-group analysis to reveal the nuances and variations among different groups. The researchers thus suggest that their work has implications for education and policy-making, particularly when it comes to entrepreneurship teaching and learning. By shedding light on the impact of parental self-employment on key elements of the entrepreneurial mindset, the team suggests the need for a more subtle approach to teaching entrepreneurship skills as well as recognizing influences that might be shaping a student's perception and intention when starting their own business. The insights regarding family background, individual perceptions, and environmental support are important in shaping entrepreneurial ambitions. The current findings will contribute to defining educational strategies and policies. The team also uncovered a discernible gender gap in entrepreneurial intention. This, the work suggests, highlights the need to explore further and to consider other cultural and contextual factors that might influence entrepreneurial intentions in different settings. An additional notable contribution of this research lies in its approach in that the exploration using the integrated form of the entrepreneurial intention model was shown to be rather useful whereas it has received less attention in previous studies. More information: Kwaku Amofah et al, Entrepreneurial intentions: the role of parental self-employment, International Journal of Education Economics and Development (2024). DOI: 10.1504/IJEED.2024.136223 Provided by Inderscience 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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The residency period for physicians typically lines up with their optimal childbearing years. "It can be easy to think, 'Oh, you're just focusing on your career.' But people don't realize how often women are having children during residency," said Lilly Springer, a doctoral student in the Department of Economics at the University of Kansas. "Also, we expect physicians to be hyperaware of the medical process. So we assume they should have the best health outcomes because they have the most information possible. But we found that's just not the case." Her paper, titled "Occupational Hazard? An Analysis of Birth Outcomes Among Physician Mothers," compares birth outcomes between physicians and another highly educated group, lawyers, and between surgeons and non-surgeon physicians. The research concludes that physician mothers have overall worse outcomes than a comparable group of lawyer mothers. It is distributed by both IZAInstitute of Labor Economics and the National Bureau of Economic Research. "We find that they have lower birth rates, shorter pregnancies and are slightly more likely to deliver preterm," said Springer, who co-wrote the paper with David Slusky, KU professor of economics, and Harvard Medical School professor Anupam Jena, who is both a physician and economist. Additionally, the researchers determined that the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) duty hour reform introduced in 2011 provided no effect on improving physician health outcomes. Despite physicians and lawyers having differing skill sets, Springer chose to compare these professions. "Both lawyers and physicians are highly educated people," said Springer, who is a Madison & Lila Self Graduate Fellow. "Physicians go through four years of med school before entering residency. Lawyers go through three to four years of law schoolso in that sense, they have the same level of dedication and education requirements. But also, those first couple of years of being a lawyer and being a physicianwhich is primarily the fertility age of womenis incredibly similar stresswise." The reasons for physicians suffering worse birth outcomes than lawyers are still up for debate. But Springer speculates surgeons may be the ones who are tipping the scale. "We think it is the time on their feet, the extra hours, the long periods of standingsurgeons have a very physically demanding job," she said. "This is especially demanding because surgeons likely practice in a hospital, versus someone in internal medicine or dermatology, who tends to practice outside of a clinic." The researchers examined Texas birth data from 20072014. These records included family demographics, race, ethnicity, information about the labor and delivery process, and a variety of birth outcomes. Their subset of data included births where at least one parent had a doctorate or a doctoral-level professional degree. "Texas is also a microcosm for the United States," Springer said. "When you look at race based on what's in our Texas data sample, it's very similar to that of the country in general." An Indianapolis native, Springer specializes in health economics and gender economics. She said she hoped this article makes people realize labor and delivery are major medical procedures that can present many complications. "All of the things experienced during the nine months that you are pregnant really impacts how the labor and delivery process will occur," she said. "I want people to say, "Let's figure out how we can make the work environment the best for everybody, even individuals who are pregnant at the moment.'" Should these findings dissuade female physicians to not have children of their own? "No, I would never imply that," she said. "We want to make sure everyone is cognizant of the fact that physicians have potentially worse birth outcomes. And we believe when policymakers and female physicians have this information, they'll be able to make better decisions about their own fertility options. Then everyone can help create a more equitable work environment." More information: IZA DP No. 16655: Occupational Hazard? An Analysis of Birth Outcomes among Physician Mothers. www.iza.org/publications/dp/16 ng-physician-mothers 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: Magnetic structure of a material. The colored spheres represent atoms and the arrows stand for their magnetic moments. The curved surface illustrates how the atoms assume the most energetically favorable positions. The magnetic moments, likewise, adopt the most energetically favorable orientations. Credit: Pavel Odinev/Skoltech PR Researchers from Skoltech and MIPT and their German, Austrian, and Norwegian colleagues have proposed and tested a new method for computer modeling of magnetic alloys. The method, which relies on machine learning, accurately predicted the energy, mechanical and magnetic characteristics of the alloy of iron and aluminum. This has been made possible by accounting for the so-called magnetic moments of atoms that give rise to the effects of magnetism. The study is published in Scientific Reports and is a stepping stone toward modeling chromium nitridean ultrahard and corrosion-resistant material used in metal forming, medical tools and implants. Computer modeling of materials is often a balancing act between speed and accuracy. The gold standard for predicting material structure and properties with the least error is quantum mechanical calculations, such as solving the Schrodinger equation. There are ways to accelerate these demanding computations, the most popular among them being density functional theory. The way DFT saves computation time is this: Rather than solve the equation with respect to the electron wave function, we find the so-called total electron density in the lowest energy state. However, even that only allows systems tens or hundreds of atoms large to be modeled on a supercomputer. Larger systems require further simplification: Ignoring the electronic structure and considering so-called interatomic interaction potentials, which characterize the forces between atoms. Naturally, this sacrifices some accuracy in predicting a material's properties. Recent years have seen the rise of a new solution that offers the best of both worlds. It retains the accuracy of quantum mechanical calculations and drastically increases computation speed even for systems numbering thousands of atoms. One popular approach is to use machine learning to obtain interatomic potentials trained on quantum mechanical calculation results. Such potentials give better predictions of material properties than their experimentally sourced analogs. However, machine learning interatomic potentials do not necessarily account for the magnetic moments of atoms, and this can cause errors in modeling magnetic materials. To model the properties of such materials, a group of physicists and mathematicians from MIPT and Skoltech updated its Moment Tensor Potentials method for obtaining machine learning interatomic potentials, generalizing it to version mMTP. This new "magnetic" MTP has already been used to predict the energy of iron in its para- and ferromagnetic states. The new study in Scientific Reports applies the method to the two-component alloy of iron and aluminum. Ivan Novikov, a senior research scientist at Skoltech and an associate professor at the MIPT Department of Chemical Physics of Functional Materials, commented, "Our team is developing machine learning potentials that speed up the quantum mechanical calculations needed to describe the properties of materials by approximately five orders of magnitude. "Over the past three years, machine learning potentials with magnetic moment have been emerging, and we created our own mMTP and validated it on the system of iron. In the new paper, we sought to validate the potential on a two-component system and demonstrate the algorithm for building a dataset for training the potential." The researchers compiled the dataset on the basis of quantum mechanical calculations, and used it to train five mMTPs. The team then tested how well the potentials could predict the structure and the magnetic properties of the iron-aluminum alloy depending on the proportion of aluminum. The first stage of the study, which lasted the longest, involved creating the dataset for model training. Sixteen-atom systems were chosen for the quantum mechanical calculations. The systems differed in the number and relative positions of the iron and aluminum atoms. For every configuration, density functional theory allowed the team to find the positions of the atoms, lattice geometry, and magnetic moments that corresponded to that particular system's lowest energy state. Next, the researchers introduced perturbations into the system by displacing atomic positions and extending or compressing the lattice vectors, which characterize lattice geometry. The final stage involved exciting the magnetic moments for the structures from both the first and the second stages using density functional theory and the constraints it imposes on magnetic moments. The resulting dataset contained more than 2,000 configurations, both excited and in an equilibrium state. The scientists then proceeded to train an ensemble of five mMTPs on the newly formed dataset and test their predictions of a configuration's equilibrium magnetic moments and lattice vectors against quantum mechanical calculations. The new method proved highly accurate regardless of the proportion of aluminum in the alloy. Magnetic MTP predictions agreed well with the experiment, too. The researchers considered how the ratio between the metals in the iron-aluminum alloy affects the lattice vectors. It turned out that the geometry of the lattice remained unchanged for the proportion of aluminum between 20% and 40%. A quantitative mismatch was observed, but it could be accounted for by the fact that modeling assumed the absolute zero of temperature, unlike the experiment. The scientists went on to compare the magnetic moments of the alloys given by mMTP and by quantum mechanical calculations. The values agreed with each other and with theory: As the proportion of aluminum grew, the alloy's magnetic properties diminished. But while mMTP predicted a complete loss of ferromagnetism at 50% aluminum, quantum mechanical calculations didn't. This mismatch calls for further investigation. The researchers are planning to supplement their method with active learning, so that the selection of configurations suitable for training the potential will happen automatically. This will enable multicomponent paramagnetic systems and materials at nonzero temperatures to be studied. "Combining our knowledge and the 2022 research findings on iron with this new paper on the iron-aluminum alloy, we will add active learning and verify mMTP on another materialchromium nitride," Novikov said. "Specifically, we will be able to predict the variation of specific heat capacity and examine paramagnetic states. I am in favor of the approach when you begin by thoroughly validating your method and only then do you turn to practical matters. And this is the path our research has been taking so far: First we validated MTP on benchmark systems, and we're now at a point where we can start predicting the phase diagrams of more complex materials." More information: Alexey S. Kotykhov et al, Constrained DFT-based magnetic machine-learning potentials for magnetic alloys: a case study of FeAl, Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46951-x Journal information: Scientific Reports 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: (a), Diurnal expression of OsGRP3/OsGRP162 regulated by OsELF3-2. Under warm day conditions, the expression of OsGRP3/OsGRP162 (blue line) is largely suppressed by Evening Complex (EC) at midnight because OsELF3-2 (red line) is highly expressed at this timepoint. Under warm night conditions, the expression of OsELF3-2 is down-regulated by heat stress, lifting the expression level of OsGRP3/OsGRP162 at midnight. (b), Promoting exon inclusion by OsGRP3/OsGRP162 under heat stress conditions. Serine-rich (SR) proteins bind to exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs) and interact with U1/U2 components to stimulate RNA splicing and joining two adjacent exons, in contrast, glycine-rich (GR) proteins OsGRP3/OsGRP162 bind to ESEs and interact with U1/U2 components to promote exon inclusion (prevent exon skipping) in rice under heat stress conditions. (c), Diurnal regulation of thermotolerance by OsGRP3/OsGRP162. Heat stress rhythmically down-regulates the expression of OsELF3, one of the EC components, to release the inhibitory effect of EC on the expression of OsGRP3/OsGRP162, leading to rhythmical expression peak of OsGRP3/OsGRP162 at midnight (ZT 18 h) and diurnal thermotolerance in rice. Credit: Science China Press Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the staple food for more than half of the world's population. Based on mathematical modeling, worldwide cereal production is estimated to have a loss of 6%7% yield per 1C increase in seasonal mean temperature associated with extreme heat disasters. In the past century, the daily minimum temperature in nighttime increased more than the daily maximum temperature in daytime. Crops, such as rice, have different sensitivity to heat stress between day and night and among different varieties. However, how this diurnal difference in thermotolerance is acquired in plants remains elusive. The circadian clock is a ubiquitous controlling system that allows plants to coordinate their growth and development with day and night signals, however, factors that provide temporal resistance in a diurnal manner await discovery. Chuang Yang and a team from Zhejiang University found two rice glycine-rich proteins with RNA recognition motifs, OsGRP3 and OsGRP162, are rhythmically expressed and heat-induced at night time, and such rhythmical induction by heat stress at midnight is largely dependent on OsELF3-2, one of the EC components. The study, led by Prof. Jian-Xiang Liu (State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University), is published in the journal Science Bulletin. To examine whether EC can repress the promoter activity of OsGRP3/OsGRP162, the team carried out effector-reporter assays. The results support that the diurnal induction of OsGRP3/OsGRP162 by heat stress is due to the diurnal reduction of EC activity under high temperature conditions. To explore the biological function of OsGRP3/OsGRP162 in heat-stress tolerance in rice, the team generated several alleles of gene-edited double mutants of OsGRP3/OsGRP162 and carried out phenotypic assays at both seedling and reproductive stages. The survival rates and seed setting rates of the double mutants were much reduced compared to that of wild-type control plants after heat stress treatment. These results support that OsGRP3 and OsGRP162 are required for heat stress tolerance in rice. Subsequently, the team checked thermotolerance in the wild-type and the double mutant of OsGRP3/OsGRP162 at reproductive stage when heat stress occurred between daytime and nighttime. The results showed that the seed setting rate and grain weight of the double mutants were more reduced by heat stress when heat stress occurred at night time than the at daytime. Thus, OsGRP3/OsGRP162 are involved in the diurnal regulation of thermotolerance in rice. To further investigate the mechanism of thermotolerance conferred by OsGRP3/OsGRP162, the team carried out RNA-seq analysis. Upon heat stress, the double mutant of OsGRP3/OsGRP162 displayed globally reduced expression of heat-stress responsive genes and increased mRNA alternative splicing dominated by exon-skipping. Multiple experimental results demonstrated that OsGRP3/OsGRP162 directly bind to target mRNAs and participate in alternative splicing through interacting with the U1/U2 spliceosomal factors. In all, the team demonstrated the important role of OsGRP3/OsGRP162 in rice heat tolerance and revealed that OsGRP3/OsGRP162 regulate thermotolerance through controlling mRNA alternative splicing in a diurnal manner. Since plant growth and yield production are constantly subjected to environmental stresses day and night under natural conditions, this study sheds light on how circadian clock regulates diurnal thermotolerance in plants. More information: Chuang Yang et al, Diurnal regulation of alternative splicing associated with thermotolerance in rice by two glycine-rich RNA-binding proteins, Science Bulletin (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.11.046 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: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A typical British countryside walk may conjure up images of vast green fields, heather-topped moorlands, and of course, countless stiles providing access throughout the right-of-way network. However, while stiles connect trails and public pathways, they are a physical barrier to accessible green spaces for all. Over the last two decades, national parks across England have been removing stiles as part of a program of measures to create more easy-to-navigate walking routes. Research by us and others shows how opening up natural spaces in such ways can particularly benefit young and disabled people. If such schemes were adopted more widely, the benefits could be spread even further. Disabled people access natural and rural green spaces, including national parks, much less frequently than non-disabled people. And the physical barriers that stiles and other aspects of the landscape present are not the only issue. Rural green spaces can simply feel daunting for some people, often requiring skilful navigation, specialist equipment and confidence. These things can also act as barriers for young people, who reportedly spend less time outside now than ever before. Many children and young people in the UK, particularly those with special educational needs or disabilities, do not regularly access natural, wilder green spaces for play and recreation, despite the broad-ranging benefits doing so can offer. As a result, schools are often tasked with introducing young people to these spaces through outdoor and adventure education. This can be beneficial, but the short-term nature of these programs leads to short-term gains, such as improved social skills. That said, our latest independent evaluation reports of Nottinghamshire YMCA's access to nature program with marginalized and vulnerable young people show it can improve confidence, increase connection to nature and improve environmental awareness. It can also enhance physical, social and mental health. While outdoor and adventure education programs offer a glimpse into available opportunities such as climbing or kayaking, regular involvement in these activities is difficult for many families. More regular access to green spaces for young people can benefit them over the longer term by enabling more creative play, opportunity to experience risk and direct hands-on interaction with nature. Removing barriers Improving accessibility could be one step towards young people spending more time outside in natural landscapes, like those found in the UK's 15 national parks. Launched by the Lake District National Park nearly two decades ago, the Miles Without Stiles initiative improves the accessibility of many public footpaths and trails. Adopted now by National Parks England, this scheme involves the removal of stiles, resurfacing of pathways, and a clear grading system which rates routes depending on their gradient and surface conditions. Improving accessibility also involves more consistent signposting and waymarking, decent public transport links and carpark provision, plus availability of toilets, cafes and other facilities. The Lake District National Park now boasts 51 Miles Without Stiles routes, the Peak District National Park has 20 and South Downs National Park has seven. Miles Without Stiles is endorsed by charities like the Disabled Ramblers who advocate for a more accessible countryside. And 21% of visitors to the Lake District National Park choose routes because of their accessibility, according to a 2019 Lake District National Park Authority report. Many of these routes offer a gentler introduction to wild spaces, which may make young people feel more confident in accessing these places easily, either independently or with family members. No specialist equipment is required beyond a sturdy pair of shoes, wheelchair or buggy, and more people can go at their own pace. Connecting with nature When we interviewed a group of secondary school teachers for our research in 2020, it was clear that inclusive physical education provision involves differentiating lessons for mixed abilities and offering activities that could be modified accordingly. That relates to nature access too, and is especially relevant for young people with special educational needs and disabilities who experience a range of barriers to regular physical activity. In the case of Miles Without Stiles, well-surfaced and clearly signposted routes are clearly graded as suitable for all, for many or for some, depending on their gradient. We believe that schools, sport, and other physical activity providers could learn much from Miles Without Stiles about accessibility. Given the notable benefits of physical activity and of spending time outdoors, if National Parks England were to extend the Miles Without Stiles program across the country, it would provide more accessible options for more people. Promoting Miles Without Stiles to local authorities and schools could increase awareness of the initiative, and encourage young people and their families to spend more time being active outdoors. Beyond the countryside, local authorities could even use the Miles Without Stiles model to make urban green spaces more accessible, promoting more active lifestyles for all. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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: Comparison of holotypes of different species of Middle Miocene felines in buccal view. A , Magerifelis peignei from Principe Pio 2 (MN 5, Madrid, Spain); B, holotype of Styriofelis turnauensis from Goriach (MN 5, Austria) original drawing taken from Hoernes; C, MHNG GEPI 3197, cast of the holotype shown in B. Credit: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (2024). DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2023.2288924 A small team of paleontologists at Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC has discovered a new species of ancient feline based on study of a jawbone fossil. In their paper published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, the group describes a jawbone fossil uncovered near what is now Madrid, some of its features and where it fits in on the family tree of felines. Prior research has suggested that felines first evolved approximately 25 million years ago. In this new effort, the research team has found evidence of a feline that lived approximately 15.5 million years ago, near what is now Madrid, Spain. The evidence came in the form of a nearly complete hemimandible (half of a lower jawbone), including all its teeth except the incisors. It was discovered at a dig site called Principe Pio-2 in 2007, where construction had been underway to extend a metro stop to a shopping center. It was taken to the National Museum of Natural Sciences where it was archived. The research team describes the fossil as well preserved. Study of the fossil found that its owner belonged to a new feline species, one they named Magerifelis peignei. The researchers found that the ancient cat belonged to a sister clade that now includes modern species such as Lynx pardinus. The team also noted that the cat had a unique feature: a lower second molar, which is present in just one modern cat. They estimated that the feline weighed approximately 7.61kg, making it nearly twice as heavy as a modern house caton par with the modern lynx or bobcat. They also noted its hemimandible was large in proportion to the rest of its body, which would have given the cat a robust appearance. Thus, the cat had a strong bite, allowing it to take down relatively large preylikely by tearing at the throat. It also meant that the cat would have been able to purr, but not roar. The researchers note that the fossil, because of its second molar, also helps to fill in some gaps in feline evolutionary history. More information: Manuel J. Salesa et al, Unraveling the diversity of early felines: a new genus of Felinae (Carnivora, Felidae) from the Middle Miocene of Madrid (Spain). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (2024). DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2023.2288924 Journal information: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 2024 Science X Network 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: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Startups are best known as innovation labs, disruptors that bring new products, services and technologies to market. But their reach goes beyond the products or services they create, according to new research from Texas McCombs. The work is published in the Strategic Management Journal. These fledgling companies inspire others in emerging industries, helping to accelerate the development of new technologies, finds Francisco Polidoro Jr., professor of management. They spur more future inventions than established companies do. "Consumers benefit from the work of startups well beyond what is immediately apparent to them," Polidoro says. "These startups generate a lot of knowledge spillovers. Other entities can build on their ideas to create subsequent inventions, some of which may eventually benefit consumers in product markets." But that spillover effect can be a double-edged sword for tech startups, he adds. Unless a startup has enough resources to build on its own inventions, it may be hard to profit from them. Established companies with deeper pockets may take the next steps. "There is a silver lining to being an entrenched player when it comes to adapting to a new technology that supports the emergence of a new industry," says Polidoro. Spotlight on solar cells Polidoro and co-author Charlotte Jacobs of Louisiana State University looked at patents in one emerging industry: photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. The industry attracts a combination of startups and established companies from other industries, such as oil and gas. The researchers analyzed 6,116 patents from the mid-1970s to 2016. They counted the number of citations these patents received in subsequent patents filed by other organizations: an indication that the initial patents led to more innovations. The study found that although startups accounted for only 13% of patents, they had an outsized number of future citations. In any given year, a startup's patent had 8.5% more citations than patents of established companies. Over nine years, startups' patents received 21% more citations than those of established companies. Polidoro suggests several potential reasons startups' inventions spur more innovation by other companies. Resource disparities Larger competitors may have more resources for building on a startup's innovations than the startup itself does. In the analysis, companies were more likely to cite a startup's patents when the startup had a poor record in building on its own innovations. Academic citations In emerging industries, university research helps identify which inventions are most promising. When a university cites a startup's patents, it draws more attention to the companymeasured in more citationsthan when a university cites patents from an established company. Prior lawsuits Established companies can benefit from a reputation for filing patent infringement lawsuits, as rivals are less likely to build on inventions of litigious companies. But startups do not enjoy the same deterrent effects. "Startups have a hard time building a reputation for toughness," Polidoro says. "They may lack sufficient resources to sustain a litigious strategy." Although rivals may profit from a startup's innovations, it can still come out on top, he says. By sparking a flurry of innovation, it might attract attention to itself and bolster its industry position. Even though he looked at PV cells, Polidoro believes his findings have implications for other rapidly evolving technology industries, such as artificial intelligence. He says, "This dynamic interplay between startups and established companies is vital for the development of emerging industries fueled by new technologies." More information: Francisco Polidoro et al, Knowledge diffusion in nascent industries: Asymmetries between startups and established firms in spurring inventions by other firms, Strategic Management Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1002/smj.3568 Journal information: Strategic Management Journal 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: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain On 28 October 2022, just one day after acquiring Twitter, Elon Musk published a message that summed up his vision for its future: "The bird is free." The social network's emblematic blue color quickly gave way to the black Xreminiscent of the dark webwhen Musk's X Corp, took control. Soon after, the billionaire announced the restoration of 62,000 previously suspended accounts, includingand this was to make headlinesthat of Donald Trump. The technology mogul clearly stated his intention: to transform Twitter into a platform where freedom of speech would approach the absolute. In so doing, he gutted the site's moderation mechanisms, intended to reduce hate speech and counter the epidemic of misinformation on the platform. Put in place at the encouragement of the US Congress, Musk felt that they had no place in the brave new world of X. Predictably, this new direction generated polarized reactions in the United States. Some feared a rise in extremism, in particular supremacist movements, due to the spread and possible normalization of racist and anti-Semitic content. At the same time, others saluted the new "freedom of expression," and even called for the accounts of white nationalist leaders to be reinstated. Just over a year later, Musk retweeted his original message on the anniversary of his takeover, embellishing it with the word freedom. So what is the actual state of white nationalist accounts on the social network, and what are the foreseeable implications for the evolution of extremism in public discourse? The persistent suspension of white nationalist leaders X carried out an initial wave of restorations of suspended accounts from November 2022, including white-nationalist leaders suspended from 2017 to 2021. The waves of "deplatforming" started after the Charlottesville "United the Right" rally that turned deadly and continued through the assault on the US Capitol. During that period, the accounts of well-known figures such as Ku Klux Klan icon David Duke were suspended. The measure also affected less high-profile but equally important individuals, such as Jared Taylor, founder of the white supremacist website American Renaissance, and Greg Johnson, publisher of the white nationalist magazine Counter-Currents. Even with Musk's arrival, however, these and other accounts have remained inaccessible. Because they all promote the idea of a racial state in the United States based on a homogeneous white identity, their content contradicts X's new security rules, which prohibit associations with violent or hateful entities. Other key accounts were deactivated by Elon Musk's teams, such as that of the anti-Semitic and white nationalist psychologist Kevin MacDonald in April 2023. While the persistent absence of these leaders deprives a fragmented movement of points of ideological convergence, this does not mean that the platform is free of anti-democratic racialism. Many minor figures already on Twitter have managed to slip past X's new rules and establish themselves as the new voices to follow. The platform carried out a second wave of restorations in January 2023, and while it didn't restore high-profile theorists of racialism, groups close to white nationalism, such as Nick Fuentes's Groypers, have attempted to reestablish themselves. The intellectual dark web or 'authentic' right-wing X Musk's Twitter tends to favor an essentializing line of the intellectual dark web, a motley collection of personalities who claim academic qualifications in order to define themselves as thinkers. Their shared ideology is often based on a biological conception of gender, crystallizing traditionalist roles that confine men to a productive, masculine power, while assigning women a femininity centered on the home. The account of Stefan Molyneux, once part of the alt-right movement, was reinstated back in January 2023. With a following of several hundred thousand, he is known for his libertarian views within the "manosphere", a particularly reactionary version of masculinism characterized by militant hostility to anything that its members consider to be "wokism." This ideological trend has been reinforced by the reactivation of the accounts of Jordan B. Peterson and James Lindsay, two figures in this movement. The "manosphere" also tends to serve as a gateway to other groups adjacent to white nationalism. The synthesis of identity is embodied by the return to X of Bronze Age Pervert (known as "BAP" to his followers), the provocative pseudonym of Costin Alamariu. His world view is based on a rigid sexual hierarchy dominated by alpha males who enjoy ephemeral seduction. It also adds the ambiguity of virile friendships marked by a warrior aesthetic. Since given a green light by Elon Musk, BAP has found a growing audience, which now exceeds 130,000 followers, an increase of two thirds in one year. Its presence has restored structure to a movement that commonly refers to itself as the "authentic" right-wing Twitter. It has also encouraged a shift from simple anti-woke libertarianism to more overt neo-fascism. Indeed, BAP is not so different from the white-nationalist accounts that are inaccessible on X. He subscribes to a neo-Nietzschean philosophy, placing his elitist notion of fraternity against ethnic groups. Social relations are essentialized to the extreme: they are no longer euphemistic, but sublimated by the illusion of belonging to a community based on the celebration of a strength that is achieved solely through the domination of others. The NatCon movement At first glance, X's rejection of explicitly racialist or anti-Semitic accounts while allowing the presence and growth of an adjacent neo-fascist network may seem paradoxical. There are several possible explanations. From a semiotic point of view, this faction of the extreme right has developed its own codes of language that enable it to bypass the recommendation algorithms. Masculinist discourses, which take a stand against gender theories, seem to be favored by Elon Musk. Indeed, he made his opposition to the "woke virus" explicit when he reinstated the satirical Babylon Bee account. The right-wing extreme influencers returning to the platform tend to gravitate towards the "NatCon" movement, a nationalist conservatism bringing together various illiberal political branches, under the leadership of Yoram Hazony. From 2019, BAP received the support of the Claremont Institute, a think tank closely associated with the NatCon network, for the promotion of its book Bronze Age Mindset. This inclusion in a key organization of national conservatism establishes a link to libertarian Peter Thiel, founder of Palantir, co-founder of PayPal and former associate of Elon Musk. The relationship between a Silicon Valley tycoon and a masculinist philosopher may seem tenuous, yet Thiel is a major donor to the Republican Party and has never hidden his adherence to an anti-democratic ideology akin to the neo-reactionary thinking of Curtis Yarvin. BAPtism enjoys considerable support, and is at the extreme of the continuum promoting a "New Right". The question of white nationalism can therefore be posed in strategic terms. Despite their ideological proximity, the refusal of the NatCon conference organizers to accept the presence of the movement's leaders is justified by the concern not to see their image linked to such an openly extreme movement. Association with what is labeled "white nationalism" is seen as detrimental to attracting a broad and diverse audience. On the contrary, staging its rejection helps to reassure and reinforce NatCon's respectability. In the conference rooms and on X, NatCon seems to have set about rebuilding a movement on the basis of new codes and new figures. It is these choices that will determine whether the anti-democratic project can be perceived as acceptable, and whether masculinist extremism can become the political norm in the Republican Party. As far back as 2022, Blake Masters, the unsuccessful Republican candidate for Senator of Arizona, gained the support of the hard right with a program that was both traditionalist and protectionist. The Twitter bird may be free, but X is being selective. A year after Elon Musk took control, fears about the rise of white nationalism need to be contextualized and rationalized more than ever. A study of the influential accounts that are actually active shows that the terms of the debate are in danger of shifting from the alt-right to the New Right. As the 2024 elections approach, this framework will be of great importance in analyzing the resurgence of all forms of white supremacism in the United States. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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: TESS phase-folded light curve of Wolf 327 b after subtracting the photometric variations from the time series (top panel). The best-fit transit model is shown in black, the circles are TESS binned observations. Bottom panel: residuals of the fit. Credit: Murgas et al., 2024. Using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), an international team of astronomers has discovered a new ultra-short-period exoplanet. The newfound alien world, designated Wolf 327 b, is slightly larger and about 2.5 times more massive than the Earth. The finding was reported in a paper published January 22 on the pre-print server arXiv. To date, TESS has identified over 7,000 candidate exoplanets (TESS Objects of Interest, or TOI), of which 415 have been confirmed so far. Since its launch in April 2018, the spacecraft has been conducting a survey of about 200,000 of the brightest stars near the sun with the aim of searching for transiting exoplanetsranging from small, rocky worlds to gaseous giants. A group of astronomers led by Felipe Murgas of the University of La Laguna, Spain, now reports the confirmation of another TOI monitored by TESS. According to the recently published study, a transit signal has been identified in the light curve of Wolf 327a nearby M-dwarf star. The planetary nature of this signal was confirmed by follow-up photometry, high resolution imaging, and radial velocity (RV) measurements. "The detection of the transit events was led by NASA's TESS mission, and ground-based observations confirmed that the transit events occur on the star Wolf 327. Follow-up RV measurements taken with the CARMENES spectrograph allowed us to establish the mass of the candidate and confirm its planetary nature," the researchers wrote. Wolf 327 b has a radius of 1.24 Earth radii and its mass was measured to be 2.53 Earth masses, which yields a bulk density at a level of 7.24 g/cm3. The planet orbits its parent star every 13.7 hours at a distance of about 0.01 AU from it, and its equilibrium temperature is estimated to be almost 1,000 K. Therefore, Wolf 327 b was classified by Murgas' team as an ultra-short-period (USP) super-Earth. The results suggest that Wolf 327 b is a rocky planet with a Mercury-like internal composition. The astronomers assume that this exoplanet has a substantial iron core surrounded by a small mantle layer, and possesses a negligible hydrogen/helium atmosphere. When it comes to Wolf 327, it is a 4.1-billion-year-old M dwarf of spectral type M2.5 V, located some 93 light years away. The star is only 40% the size and mass of the sun, has an effective temperature of 3,542 K, and a metallicity estimated to be approximately -0.17 dex. Summing up the results, the authors of the paper say this is an interesting addition to the known sample of USP planets orbiting M-dwarf stars, due to its interesting internal structure and favorable metrics for secondary transit detection with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). According to the authors, there is also a high probability that other planets also orbit Wolf 327, given that USPs are usually found in multi-planetary systems. More information: F. Murgas et al, Wolf 327b: A new member of the pack of ultra-short-period super-Earths around M dwarfs, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2401.12150 Journal information: arXiv 2024 Science X Network From Warren County Sheriffs Department: A Vermont woman and New York City man were arrested for burglarizing Target on Aviation Road in Queensbury on Jan. 21. Mindee L. Burke, 45 of Rutland, Vermont was charged with felony first-degree reckless endangerment, one count of felony second-degree reckless endangerment, fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, tampering with physical evidence, two counts of misdemeanor seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and felony fourth-degree grand larceny. Desmond James, 43 of New York City was charged with one count of felony fourth-degree grand larceny. Police said they received a report on Sunday, Jan.21 at 5 p.m. of a larceny in progress at Target on Aviation Road. A Warren County Sheriffs Officer located and stopped the suspect vehicle, a gray 2022 Toyota RAV 4 as it was attempting to leave the parking lot. Police said the driver was Burke, and the passenger was James of New York City. Both were informed of the complaint against them and asked to exit the vehicle, but instead they drove off, and a pursuit of the vehicle ensued involving members of both the sheriffs office and New York State Police. According to police Burke struck a second vehicle at the intersection of Round Pond Road and Route 9 in Queensbury, also intentionally tried to hit a Sheriffs patrol car. The pursuit continued through Queensbury and down the interstate eventually ending with their arrest on Greenway Road in South Glens Falls by a State Police unit. Both were held in police lockup and were arraigned on Monday, Jan. 22. The creative voices and opinions of North Country teenagers have received national recognition, and its all because of clubs that prioritize art and literature. Cambridge Jr./Sr. High Schools Whatever! and Queensbury High Schools Seeing Blue were awarded prestigious honors for their literary and art magazines. Everyone in the club is very passionate about embracing one anothers voices. We all bring our own opinions, thoughts, personalities. Its a great representation of our school, said Grace Denious, editor of Seeing Blue. The honors were awarded by the National Council of Teachers of English. They announced the distinguished schools in the 2023 Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) program. REALM is designed to publicly recognize exemplary art and literary magazines published by students with support of teachers from middle schools, high schools, and higher education. Around 375 student magazines were nominated from 46 states and five countries for the REALM program, making 2023 the year with the largest number of nominations yet, according to press materials. From 2022 to 2023, nominations jumped up by 113 submissions. REALM winners are given a distinction of class: First Class, Superior, Excellent, Distinguished, and Honorable Mention. Even with a smaller-than-average club size, Queensbury still secured a distinction of Excellent. Cambridge Highs Whatever! student magazine took home a Superior distinction. Seeing that we come from a small school, this means a lot, said Adeline Record, the editor-in-chief of Whatever! There are a lot of talented students who dont always get recognized for their creative abilities. Receiving this designation is a testament to all the hard work that the students put in throughout the year, she said. The editors we interviewed said, there size may be small, but they look to the full student body for content. Lee and Denious, contributed to the winning edition in different ways. Lee submitted a photo of origami, a writing piece, and an original poem, while Denious contributed a piece of writing as well as work on the layout team. The layout team designs how the pages of the magazine are printed. Anyone at the school can submit pieces for the magazine, Lee said. Its a good symbol to represent the community we have here. Seeing Blue is guided by faculty members, Kerri Bundy and Jackie Foster, but the club is heavily student led, which is what made Queensbury eligible for the REALM program. Student editors of Whatever! included Elijah Lulla, Adeline Record, Caleb Blackler, Aya Dansin, Fyona Barber, Neve Marotta, Quentin Schneider, Gladys Dougherty, Coral Boehlke, Peyton Harrington, Andrew Maher, Olivia Record, and Josha Roopnarin. REALM encourages schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, United States territories, Canada, and American schools abroad to nominate student magazines. New York States standardized testing changed last spring, and the math results for some regional schools reflect a significant change in proficiency across multiple grade levels. However, this does not necessarily mean that students are performing poorly, officials say. The latest proficiency results mark the first time that results were measured under New York States Next Generation Learning Standards, according to the New York State Education Department. Due to the change in testing, the change in scores may not mean a change in students understanding of the material. It is important to note that comparisons cannot be made between the 2023 test results and prior years results because the spring 2023 tests were based on the newly implemented Next Generation Learning Standards, Erica Komoroske of NYSED wrote in an email to The Post Star. Still, for local schools, levels of proficiency varied greatly. For the 2022-2023 school year, math proficiency for grades 3-8 in regional school districts ranged from 17% to 81% proficiency. Math test scores under the old Common Core testing standards showed similar proficiency ranges. For most local schools, average scores remained similar regardless of the testing standards. However, variation among grade levels is significant for some, and the shared data excludes the years of 2020-2022 due to COVIDs impact. For districts such as Fort Edward Union Free School District, math proficiency varied greatly between grade levels, as well as from year to year. Third grade students in Fort Edward had proficiency at 17% and at fifth grade, 71%. For others such as Lake George Central School District, math scores stayed rather consistent despite the change in testing, ranging from 69% in sixth grade to 81% in fifth. Despite schools experiencing a variety of results under the Next Generation Learning Standards, the state has shared insight into how scores are broken down with the new math testing standards. The state made small-scale changes to the curriculum and assessments. They added in 1-point constructed responses, and they took away three multiple choice questions, Queensbury Union Free School District superintendent Kyle Gannon said. Questions are designed to cover the key math concepts for each grade level. Credits are given to correctly answered questions, and scores are generated from the credits. Its worth noting that since June, Principals and teachers have had access to instructional reports showing how students in their classroom performed on each question on the test, Komoroske wrote. In the past seven months since the reports were released to schools, many regional districts have been proactive in adjusting their curriculum to prepare for this years testing. Every year we adjust our curriculum based on what we are seeing at the state level and based on what we see in the classroom on quizzes, tests and individual student work, Gannon said. For Queensbury, no proficiency numbers were released for eighth grade students due to an alternate approach to testing. We are a district that offers Algebra for all students in eighth grade. In a curricular sense, thats a year ahead. We are giving all middle school students a chance to take a high school class to start them out in a positive light in high school. In fact, 94% of our eighth-grade students received algebra credit in 2023, Gannon said. Lake George transitioned to a new curriculum this year, now utilizing Eureka Math. According to the curriculums website, they conduct a detailed alignment study to show how the curriculum aligns with each states standards. For New York, the curriculum fully addresses the states standards in all aspects. It will be interesting to see how students do on the tests this year with the new curriculum, Lake George Central School District superintendent John Luthringer said in a phone interview. Glens Falls City School District uses Ready Math, a curriculum designed for Common Core standards, but has made changes in order to customize the curriculum to the districts needs. As our students needs evolved, the district further enhanced this curriculum and added math intervention specialists at each of our elementary buildings to support teachers and students, Amanda Simmes, director of student learning and achievement at Glens Falls City School District, said. At Hudson Falls Middle School, additional instruction math teacher assured they also tinker the curriculum to prepare for the test, as it is always their goal to make sure students have what they need for the test. Proficiency scores are only a small measure of the quality of education a student receives, with many other factors needing to be considered. The New York State Education Department strongly believes that no single test score, on its own, can fully or accurately depict what a student knows and can do. To best support students, we must first collect information about where they are in terms of learning. This information should come from multiple sources, including teacher interactions, classroom assessments, state-level assessments, and other measures, Komoroske wrote. For every district, our job is to make sure we teach the New York standards. We are certainly proud of our scores. Its a testament to the work of our teachers and ensuring that we meet the needs of our students, said Luthringer. Math proficiency levels for grades 3 to 8 in the 2022-2023 school year for regional school districts under the new Next Generation Learning Standards by school and grade are: Fort Edward Union Free School District: 3rd, 17%; 4th, 22%; 5th, 71%; 6th, 54%; 7th, 56%; 8th, 31%. Glens Falls City School District: 3rd, 53%; 4th, 52%; 5th, 50%; 6th, 48%; 7th, 56%; 8th, 58%. Hudson Falls Central School District: 3rd, 41%; 4th, 41%; 5th, 41%; 6th, 42%; 7th, 40%; 8th, 40%. Lake George Central School District: 3rd, 74%; 4th, 73%; 5th, 81%; 6th, 59%; 7th, 67%; 8th, 80%. Queensbury Union Free School District: 3rd, 57%; 4th, 63%; 5th, 60%; 6th, 51%; 7th, 69%; 8th, n/a. South Glens Falls Central School District: 3rd, 36%; 4th, 43%; 5th, 36%; 6th, 53%; 7th, 44%; 8, 39%. On Sunday morning at 28 Newton St, in the Town of Lake George units reported that the fire had been extinguished by a family member, but Kimberly S. Quay, age 58 died as a result of the fire. Daniel W. Quay, age 72, was awakened by a smoke alarm and able to self-extricate from the residence. He was transported by Lake George EMS to Glens Falls Hospital with minor smoke inhalation. The Warren County Sheriffs Office was assisted at the scene by the Lake George Fire Department and Lake George EMS. This story comes to The Post-Star through an agreement with NYFocus.com, a nonprofit news website dedicated covering the issues facing New York State. Editor. In late June, the states commissioner for addiction services, Chinazo Cunningham, stood in front of a packed ballroom of care providers. There was a map of New York on a projector screen, covered in blue splotches. Those blobs, she assured the room, would help get methadone to people in treatment for opioid addiction. Each blob was supposed to show a two-hour driving radius for the states new fleet of mobile medication units effectively methadone clinics on wheels, operated by healthcare contractors. On paper, its a simple proposal: Bring the medication to patients who cant get it. The state would fund up to 35 units, Cunningham told the room, eliminating a vast treatment desert that spans most of the state. The commissioner was optimistic. So was her boss. In her State of the State book, Hochul touted several vans that had hit the streets, delivering the medication to New Yorkers who struggled to get access. But those 35 vans wouldnt materialize. In reality, 11 were planned. And two years after the state proposed them, only two are in operation both in New York City. Upstate New Yorkers are more likely to die from an opioid overdose than people living in the city. Theyre admitted to emergency departments for overdoses 31 percent more often per capita than people in the five boroughs, and theyre prescribed opioids more than twice as often. Although its one of the oldest, methadone remains often the best treatment option for patients with severe addictions and it has become increasingly necessary as the drug supply has become both more addictive and more lethal. While the states plan lags, more and more New Yorkers have struggled to get one of the gold standards for opioid treatment. A New York Focus analysis of treatment data from the states Office of Addiction Services and Supports found that methadone is incredibly difficult to access in most of the state. In huge swaths of upstate New York, its almost entirely unavailable. New York Focus found: The average New Yorker has to travel at least 9.6 miles to reach the nearest clinic offering methadone on site. When New York City is excluded, the distance is 15.1 miles. That distance is growing every year. Since 2018, the average distance traveled has increased by more than three and a half miles a 60 percent hike over five years. Even as overdoses spike, fewer people than ever are getting access to treatment in New York. Admissions to opioid treatment programs were at their peak in 2007, at 14,326. By 2021, the latest year for which data is available, that number declined to 11,609 a 19 percent drop, and a close second to the lowest number in 14 years. Just 34 of New Yorks 62 counties have an opioid treatment program site. The vast majority of opioid treatment capacity 68 percent is concentrated in New York City, even though 57 percent of New York state residents live outside the five boroughs. Although the city covers just over half a percent of the states total land area, it accounts for more than half of all locations that offer methadone on site. As a result, people outside the city have to travel nearly three times further on average to reach an opioid treatment program. Experts reviewing New York Focuss findings expressed dismay about the significance of the disparity. It becomes an issue of privilege and access the minute that you see a map like this, said Megan French-Marcelin, senior director for New York State policy at Legal Action Center. For many people who live upstate, the distances can be crushing. They dont have the same robust public transportation system as patients in New York City, and they often dont have a car. This can make the average nine and a half miles virtually impossible to cover and at least 1,150 people admitted to treatment programs had to travel twice that distance to reach a treatment program. If theyre lucky, they might have a bus that will take them near the clinic or be able to take a cab paid for by Medicaid, but the commutes can still take hours out of their daily lives. In many cases, experts have pushed buprenorphine as a solution in rural areas. It isnt as strictly regulated, and its well-suited to combat heroin addiction. But with fentanyl in circulation, more physicians are realizing that buprenorphine isnt a one-size-fits-all solution. Some clinicians have suggested that current dosing guidelines for buprenorphine arent sufficient to control cravings for the more potent synthetic opioid. And in some cases, people on buprenorphine run a higher risk of going into severe withdrawal than those taking methadone. Methadone, French-Marcelin said, is a solution thats readily available, scientifically tested, and considered a gold standard of medication. But the state is not enabling people to use that in a safe and effective way. In a statement to New York Focus, OASAS spokesperson Evan Frost wrote that Medication for addiction treatment, including methadone, has been proven to be safe and effective, and reduce overdose deaths by as much as 50%. OASAS continues to work closely with our providers to increase access to this medication across the state. Frost could not provide more information when asked about the discrepancy between Cunninghams public remarks and the states plans. According to the vision Cunningham presented last summer, the vans will help patients by eliminating at least some of their daily commute. But a hypothetically simple task outfitting a cargo van with a locking refrigerator and delivering medication is massively complicated by a tangle of state and federal regulations. Its not a mystery, said Dr. Noa Krawczyk, a professor of population health at New York Universitys Grossman School of Medicine, We know very well why theres gaps in these areas. In her view, federal policies on methadone distribution are the largest impediments to access in rural areas like upstate New York. From 2007 to 2021, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency maintained a moratorium on mobile units, citing concerns about safety and medication diversion. When pandemic-era restrictions put many methadone clinics out of reach, the DEA announced a rule change to allow new mobile units. A few months later, OASAS issued a request for proposals for providers to begin rolling out the vans, hopeful that they would be able to bridge the gaps in methadone access. There was a major catch. Under federal rules, the vans can only be run by preexisting brick-and-mortar opioid treatment programs which are rare in upstate New York. Opioid treatment programs are difficult to start in rural areas. Providers have to recruit trained staff, develop a large enough client base to be financially viable, and potentially defeat local opposition. As a result, some rural counties with high overdose death rates also have disproportionately little capacity in treatment programs. New York City, where the two operational methadone vans are located, does not have these problems for the most part (though some local advocates have pushed to reduce the number of methadone programs in Harlem). To get the client bases they need, some of the methadone vans will likely target population-dense areas instead of the hard-to-reach corners of the state that Cunningham pointed to during her presentation. One of the first upstate methadone vans is expected to hit the road in March. Run by Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services, it will travel from their facility in Ithaca to Norwich with two stops: the county jail, and a parking lot in the latter city. I think it was a smart choice for that program to kind of figure out where people need the access here in our community, said Allegra Schorr, President of the Coalition of Medication-Assisted Treatment Providers and Advocates of New York State. I dont know that they have a plan to go much further away. Even if the economics work out, the rats nest of paperwork, bureaucracy, and inspections can set back the rollout for a new van by months. VIP Services, which operates one of the two city-based vans, reported that its unit was sitting, waiting to be used, from July to November. Pressure is mounting on Hochul to expand treatment upstate and to get overdoses under control. As the governor pushes her priorities for the state budget, observers will be looking for new tactics to connect people with medication-assisted treatment and for any evidence that the mobile medication units are being rolled out. Weve all seen lives in every corner of the state sapped by opioid dependence, Hochul said during her State of the State address, promising to expand access to naloxone and fentanyl test strips. She made no mention of methadone or other medication-assisted treatments. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. ATLANTIC CITY Actor Kelsey Grammer will be the second grand marshal for the Atlantic City St. Patrick's Day parade, organizers announced Sunday. Grammer will be joined by Steve Troiano, a local philanthropist and proprietor of Maynard's Cafe in Margate. Troiano was announced as the first parade grand marshal last week. Grammer has been frequenting Atlantic City more often over the past year. To kick off Memorial Day weekend, Grammer appeared during Resorts Casino Hotel's opening of the sea ceremony and beach ball drop. Grammer also was the grand marshal of the city's Winter Wonderland Christmas parade last month. Mayor Marty Small Sr. also has presented Grammer with a key to the city, and he's appeared at many local bars where his Faith American Brewing Company beers are sold. The Atlantic City St. Patrick's Day Parade will step off at 1 p.m. March 9 on the Boardwalk. Lineup will be at Rhode Island Avenue. For more information on the parade, visit acstpatricksdayparade.com. Written in 1916, in the middle of the First World War, Lenins Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism is an essential work for understanding the phenomena of war and imperialism today. [Originally published in Portuguese at colectivomarxista.org] Lenin explains that modern imperialism is the inevitable result of the development of the productive forces under capitalism. Imperialism is therefore not the result of militaristic or nationalist values, ideas or policies, but of concrete economic imperatives. This has key implications for the way we understand international politics today. If we consider the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Russian invasion did not take place because Putin is a bad person, or because Russian values are inherently nationalist and domineering, as opposed to Western democratic values. While ideas, cultures and political traditions have an impact on events, ultimately the decisive factor is the material, economic reality. Russia and the United States are fighting a proxy war over spheres of influence. The war in Ukraine is not a war between good and evil or between democracy and authoritarianism. The war in Ukraine is the consequence of the struggle between two gangs of imperialists, vying for control over a countrys resources and markets, not only as a source of raw materials, but also as a destination for the export of goods and capital. Unlike the empires of old, contemporary imperialism as characterised by Lenin is not just about conquest and plunder. It results from the expansion of the productive forces, the production of goods and the accumulation of capital which, given their development, at a certain point come into contradiction with the limitations of the market and the nation state. This gives rise to the need to conquer new markets, in order to facilitate exports. In times of general capitalist expansion, the main powers manage, through diplomacy and negotiations, to divide up the global market. However, in times of crisis, the market shrinks, diplomacy becomes futile, and war emerges as the continuation of politics by other means. While it is true that war becomes more acute in times of capitalist crisis, it never disappears entirely, because war is inherent to the capitalist system itself. Although imperialist powers generally tend to keep their colonies and dependent countries impoverished, this relationship is somewhat more complex and contradictory. In Lenin's time, the export of French, English and German capital made possible the development of cutting-edge industries in Tsarist Russia, which nevertheless remained a relatively backward country compared to Western Europe. This was an example of what Trotsky characterised as combined and uneven development. In Russia at the time, the most advanced technologies coexisted with the most archaic techniques. While some industries developed by leaps and bounds, Russia lagged behind the more developed countries in terms of economic development. The export of capital to China over a period of decades has allowed it to develop rapidly / Image: public domain Nowadays, the export of capital to China over a period of decades has allowed it to develop rapidly, providing it with the most advanced industries and technologies. Although China is a leading country in various technological areas, its average productivity is still far behind that of the most advanced capitalist countries. This development is therefore uneven, as the most advanced sectors of the economy exist alongside others that are still lagging behind. Imperialism expands the capitalist system, but this development, being uneven, inevitably ends up destabilising the power relations between the various countries. As Lenin explained: Half a century ago Germany was a miserable, insignificant country, if her capitalist strength is compared with that of the Britain of that time; Japan compared with Russia in the same way. Is it conceivable that in ten or twenty years time the relative strength of the imperialist powers will have remained unchanged? It is out of the question. Just as in Lenin's time, when British hegemony was threatened by the rise of new powers, resulting in two World Wars that redivided control of the world market; so today we are witnessing the rise of China and Russia, which are challenging US hegemony. Due to the development of nuclear weapons, a direct confrontation between the major powers is more unlikely today, but this only furthers the likelihood of proxy wars in countries such as Ukraine, Yemen, Taiwan and others. China's role One mistake made by the leadership of Communist Parties, such as the Portuguese Communist Party, is to deny that countries such as Russia and China are imperialist. Certainly it is true that the greatest imperialist power in the world today remains the United States, which is the most aggressive, warmongering and reactionary force in the world. For this reason, communists are resolutely opposed to US imperialism. However, the struggle to build a better world does not involve supporting the governments of China and Russia in their disputes with the United States. Lenin defined five fundamental features of imperialism: the concentration of production and capital into monopolies. the merging of banking with industrial capital, and the creation, on this basis, of finance capital. the export of capital as distinguished from the export of commodities. the formation of international capitalist associations which share the world among themselves. the territorial division of the whole world among the biggest capitalist powers. Can anyone deny that all five of these are current features of Russian or Chinese capitalism? Some will argue that China, since it is ruled by the Chinese Communist Party, is not a capitalist country. But this argument cannot withstand the facts. In China, there has been decades of privatisation, foreign investment and the creation and rise of a capitalist class and a private sector that accounts for 60 percent of China's GDP, 60 percent of investments, 80 percent of businesses and 80 percent of new jobs. China is a capitalist economy, in which a highly centralised state maintains the public sector and retains elements of economic control / Image: Dong Fang, Wikimedia Commons China is a capitalist economy, in which a highly centralised state maintains the public sector and retains elements of economic control, which are remnants of the 1949 Chinese Revolution. The elements of centralisation do not undermine Chinas capitalist nature. For instance, despite areas of the economy having been nationalised, Portugal has never had a socialist economy. Public companies, agricultural cooperatives and self-managed companies have continued to work according to the laws of the capitalist system. A country's foreign policy is the manifestation of the interests of its ruling class. Chinas plans to build ports, roads, airports and railways in other countries, as part of its New Silk Road initiative, are neither innovative nor philanthropic. This is simply the export of capital. British imperialism did the same in India during the 19th century. The fact that China has not yet shown imperialist aggression comparable to that of the United States is due to its role as a minor, albeit rising, imperialist power. The United States continues to play the role of the world's policeman and, given the difference in military power between China and the United States, the former has so far preferred to develop its sphere of influence through trade, diplomacy and so-called soft power. This has not, however, prevented China from massively expanding its military. China has the second largest military budget in the world. Sooner or later, the enormous military power that is being built up will be used in defence of China's national interests, that is, in defence of the interests of its ruling class. The concentration of capital The concentration of capital, the formation of monopolies, the growth of finance capital and the development of international capitalist associations are the central features of contemporary imperialism. At the dawn of capitalism, a number of small companies competed for their place in the market. This led to the strengthening of some companies, the absorption and merger of others and the disappearance of many more. A hundred years ago, when Lenin wrote Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism, monopolies were already dominant. Rather than competing with each other in a free market, these monopolies distorted and manipulated the market to their own ends. Just as the concentration of capital allowed banks to cease to be mere intermediaries and instead exercise control over production and investment, so the control of financial capital over national governments has intensified. Due to globalisation and the creation of international capitalist associations, nations protect, serve and maintain close relations with these groups. And they are willing to fight for them, whether in the form of trade sanctions (such as those against Russia), the imposition of barriers and customs duties (such as those against China), or in the form of an open, armed conflict. Shortly before the First World War broke out, Kautsky (one of the leaders of the social democrats) argued that the creation of international capitalist cartels would reduce the inequalities and contradictions inherent in world capitalism. The Great War proved this false in practice, while Lenins Imperialism, the highest stage of capitalism proved this wrong in theory too. Indeed, the last 100 years has shown conclusively that finance capital has only increased inequality between the different parts of the world economy, exacerbating imperialist rivalries and perpetual war. The last 100 years has shown that finance capital has only increased inequality between the different parts of the world economy, exacerbating imperialist rivalries and perpetual war / Image: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Wikimedia Commons The concentration of capital and dominance of finance capital were the cornerstones of Lenin's characterisation of the imperialist phase of capitalism, but even he would be astounded by the extent of these today. Twelve years ago, three academics from the Swiss Institute of Technology put together a database of 37 million companies and 43,000 international corporations, noting which companies had shares in other companies. They tracked where different companies income came from and mapped the entire edifice of the world economy. They came to the astonishing conclusion that just 147 of these companies control 40 percent of the total wealth on the planet. In addition, just 737 companies control 80 percent of the global economy. The tendencies of the capitalist system, which Lenin exposed, have only become more pronounced over the last 100 years. In his work, Lenin also stated that imperialist domination gave a parasitic character to the main imperialist countries, in which part of the population lived off the dividends extracted from investments abroad. These large profits in some countries made it possible for the imperialist ruling class to bribe the most privileged layers of the working class, forming a labour aristocracy. This, therefore, allowed the ruling class to achieve a certain social peace and funnel opposition to imperialism into democratic and pacifist channels. There are clear similarities here with the opposition that, even today, certain leftists continue to express towards imperialist aggression. Lenin rightly explained that socialism was the only alternative to imperialism. The capitalist system is so rotten that even in the most developed countries, it is no longer possible to bribe the labour aristocracy. On the contrary, what we are seeing is a constant attack on the rights and gains that were won by workers in the past. What we are seeing now is a new generation of workers that is facing bleaker prospects than their parents and grandparents. Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism remains an absolutely up-to-date work, demonstrating Lenin's genius, but above all the validity of Marxism as a theory for analysing and understanding the world. Nonetheless, it is not enough to interpret the world, the point is to change it! Capitalism cannot be reformed, but it will not collapse on its own either. It has to be overthrown. If capitalism is not overthrown, it will always be able to temporarily overcome its crises and contradictions at the cost of the working class, by perpetuating exploitation, inequality, imperialism and war. To overthrow capitalism, we need to get organised and build a revolutionary party. ATLANTIC CITY High school students must live with the decisions made by school boards, but the vast majority are under 18, so they have no right to vote in school board elections, NAACP youth leaders told City Council last week. They asked council to lower the age for voting in local school board elections to 16, as Newark did earlier this month after Gov. Phil Murphy called for such a move statewide. (The change) would allow for and result in inclusive and unbiased policies, said Destiny Austin, president of the NAACP Atlantic City Branch Youth Council. Studies have shown that young citizens and marginalized youth are disproportionately affected by decisions made by older generations. ... We should be given a say in policies that directly affect us. Council made no promises, but Vice President Kaleem Shabazz, who also is president of the Atlantic City NAACP, said Tuesday he will introduce an ordinance at the Feb. 21 meeting. School board elections have the lowest rate of participation, Shabazz said Tuesday. Vote 16 will speak to engagement, participation and awareness in education in a positive way. He said lowering the voting age to 16 elsewhere for some local elections has increased voter turnout. Under current New Jersey law, 17-year-olds can register to vote but cannot actually vote until they turn 18. There are bills pending (A1176/S321) in the state Legislature to allow 16-year-olds to register to vote, but they still would be unable to actually vote until they turn 18. This month, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation that would allow 17-year-olds in New Jersey to vote in primaries if theyll be 18 by the next general election. New Jersey joins 19 other states and the District of Columbia with similar laws on the books, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, though not until 2026. Austin is a senior at Absegami High School in Galloway Township. Newark officials have said the city is the first municipality in the state to lower the school voting age to 16 from 18. There are several efforts underway on the issue, especially Vote16USA, which calls itself a national campaign, organized by Generation Citizen, that supports efforts to extend voting rights to 16- and 17- year-olds on the local and state levels, help start new local campaigns, and elevate the issues prominence on a national level. Youth Council secretary Akira Ali, a freshman at Oakcrest High School in Mays Landing, said other cities around the country have also given 16-year-olds such rights. The majority of people 18 and older are not directly affected by school board elections whatsoever, unless they are staff that work at the school, Ali said. According to the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, 16-year-olds can vote in local school board elections in Oakland and Berkeley in California; in some local elections in Brattleboro, Vermont; and in all local elections in Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Riverdale Park and Tacoma Park in Maryland. Early in January, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., reintroduced legislation (House Joint Resolution 16) that would lower the voting age in the United States to 16 for all elections from federal on down. It would require a Constitutional amendment, however, replacing the 26th amendment with a new one allowing 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote. Over the past few years, we have seen the influence young people in our nation have on trends, political movements, and elections, Meng said in a news release. They continue to advocate for many crucial issues for which they are deeply passionate. It is time to give them a voice in our democracy and reward their passion so that their voices are heard at the ballot box. She argued they are legally permitted to work, drive and pay federal income taxes, so they should be allowed to vote. They are contributing members of our society, and I believe it is right and fair to allow them to vote in our elections, she said. Constitutional amendments require passage by two-thirds of the House and Senate, and ratification by three-fourths of the nations state legislatures, Meng said. She said the last time the voting age was lowered was when it went from 21 to 18 in 1971. MIDDLE TOWNSHIP There still isnt any legal cannabis for sale in the township, but with a new mayor, the township will again amend the rules governing how and where it is sold. An ordinance set for a public hearing and final vote Feb. 21 will clarify how far weed stores can be from schools, churches, recovery centers and other sites. The distance is to be measured from one front door to the next, under the amended ordinance. More widely, the township plans to slow down on cannabis approvals, even as some hopeful businesses become impatient. Were on a pause. Were proceeding very cautiously, said Mayor Chris Leusner, the former police chief who took elected office in early January. The pause relates to supporting a second cannabis business locating in Middle Township. The township has lent its support to one cannabis business, but has said no to recent requests for support for other cannabis businesses. An expression of support from the local government is a necessary step in gaining final state approval to open a cannabis business. Earlier this month, the members of the Township Committee heard an appeal of that rejection from one of those businesses, Ganja Babe LLC, which has a conditional state license from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. The township will likely revisit that proposal, along with other requests that have also been rejected. Once we move off the pause, well take a look at their application again, Leusner said. So far, the township has approved a letter of support to one proposal, to the Massachusetts company Insa. In January, the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved a conditional license for Insa of Middle Township, LLC, along with 21 other conditional licenses and 12 new annual licenses. On Jan. 25, the township Planning Board approved a plan from Insa for a cannabis retail location at 1580 Route 9, at Avalon Boulevard, a location that originally served as a Wawa. Cape May Countys 2nd weed store said to be close to opening A new cannabis store is set to open in Lower Township, the second in Cape May County. The owner expects to begin sales in February. As mentioned in the latest township ordinance, introduced Jan. 17, more than two-thirds of New Jersey voters said yes to legal weed in November 2020. After the state established the framework for the legal market, which included a provision allowing towns to opt out of allowing dispensaries, Middle Township initially joined a number of Cape May County towns in saying no to weed shops. At that point, township officials said they did not have enough information and wanted to be very cautious about the new industry. Eventually, the township approved allowing cannabis sales, and after more than one new ordinance, settled on allowing two cannabis retailers within the community. The latest township cannabis ordinance prohibits licensed cannabis businesses from operating within 1,000 feet of schools, child care centers, places of worship or addiction recovery facilities, as measured from door to door. A previous ordinance did not make it clear where the measurement would be taken to establish the minimum distance. It is set for a public hearing and final vote at 6 p.m. Feb. 21. While municipalities cannot ban marijuana, which remains illegal under federal law but is legal in New Jersey and multiple other states, they do have significant leeway in establishing zoning rules for cannabis businesses, or keeping them out entirely. For instance, Atlantic City has created an overlay zone that allows weed businesses in most of its commercial districts, and did not include any restrictions on how close the stores can be to houses of worship, which has led to concerns being raised by some churches. Middle Townships ordinance also sets an expiration date on letters of support for local weed businesses, with the letters expiring after one year. Middle Township rejects two more weed business proposals The Middle Township Committee this week said no to two requests for local support for a cannabis business in the township. The Township Committee has formally rejected several applications for local support for state licenses, and more proposals keep coming. We get calls all the time, Leusner said. West Cape May saw Cape May Countys first licensed weed store last year with the opening of Shore House Canna on Sunset Boulevard. Work on Lower Townships first dispensary is underway, with an opening expected soon at Sea & Leaf in the North Cape May shopping center at 3860 Bayshore Road. New Jersey is getting close to 100 dispensaries, according to a listing on the Cannabis Regulatory Commission website, with only Salem County showing no licenses. Not far away, Camden County seems to make up for it, with 11 licensed dispensaries open, the largest number in any county. The site lists seven licenses in Atlantic County, which includes a new site in Egg Harbor City, Med Leaf at 201 Philadelphia Ave. A man and woman whose bodies were found by Moline police on Wednesday were shot to death. Officers found bodies of Steven Herring, 55, and Donna Ericson, 79, during two different calls Wednesday morning, according to the Moline Police Department. Police found Herring around 9:41 a.m. at a residence in the 3300 block of 25th Avenue. Officers found Ericson at about 10:37 a.m. at a residence in the 1800 block of 46th Street. Both had gunshot wounds, and their deaths have been ruled homicides. During the investigation, detectives learned Ericson's son was Chad Hillyer, 55, Aledo, the department said. Hillyer was also a close friend of Herring. Evidence indicated his possible involvement in the killings. During the investigation, police recovered video footage that placed a vehicle belonging to Hillyer near both addresses early Wednesday, according to the department. Officers also gathered other evidence, including telephone records and interviews. Around 7:30 p.m., Moline police officers, Illinois State Police troopers and Mercer County Sheriffs Office deputies executed a search warrant at Hillyers Aledo property, the police department said. The team did not find Hillyer there, but found a shell casing. There were also casings recovered when Herring and Ericson's bodies were found. Moline police took the casings to the Davenport Police Department for processing through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, the department said. That examination indicated that the casings were used in the same handgun. At around 9 p.m. Wednesday, Coralville police officers found a body in a vehicle on a rural road near Tiffin, according to the Moline police. Investigators identified the dead person as Hillyer and determined that he had a gunshot wound that appeared self-inflicted. The Rock Island County Coroner's Office had scheduled autopsies on Herring and Ericson for Friday. Both the Moline and Coralville police continued their investigations Thursday afternoon, the Moline Police Department said. The Moline Police Department asked that anyone with information about the case contact investigators at 309-797-0401. Persons with information can also call the Quad-Cities chapter of Crime Stoppers at 309-762-9500 or use the P3 Tips app. Multiple other agencies assisted Molines police in the investigation, according to the department. They were the Rock Island County Sheriffs Office, the Rock Island County States Attorneys Office, the Johnson County Medical Examiners Office, and the Rock Island and Milan police departments. From our archives: Aerials of Moline Local high school student invited to Washington, DC, as part of national coding competition Moline High School junior Akhil Kumar is the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Illinois' 17th Congressional District, Congressman Eric Sorensen has announced. Kumar won with his app, FoodFlow, which connects restaurants that have excess food to nonprofits and food banks to reduce waste and feed the hungry. "Being born to immigrant parents who really taught me the value of each meal, knowing that I am able to through my passion of coding help others and those in need who don't often have access to those healthy meals. It really means a lot to me," he said in a news release. Kumar is the first winner of the competition for the 17th Congressional District to be selected by Sorensen. As part of the competition he will be invited to Washington, DC, to connect with other winners from around the nation. The Congressional App Challenge is a national competition established by Congress in 2013 for middle and high school students to create their own software applications and gain experience with computer coding. To learn more about the Congressional App Challenge, visit https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/. Hoover Presidential Foundation announces scholarships for Iowa high school juniors The Hoover Presidential Foundation will award over $60,000 in scholarships to Iowa students this year through the 27th annual Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award. The scholarship program for Iowa high school juniors will choose as many as 15 students to receive a $1,500 scholarship. In addition, four $10,000 scholarships will be awarded for study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university anywhere in the United States. Applicants submit a proposal for a project which relates to former president Herbert Hoover, who was known as a great humanitarian, entrepreneur, engineer and loved technology and the environment. Students are not evaluated on the basis of grades, test scores, essays or financial need. Instead students are selected based on the stated project goal and detailed plans to reach that goal. Finalists spend a weekend in West Branch during the summer between their junior and senior year. During that time, they receive mentoring and assistance developing the projects. Time is also spent behind the scenes at the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum to help students become more familiar with Hoover's ideals regarding humanitarianism and public service. In November of their senior year, finalists make presentations about the projects at the library. At that time, each student receives a $1,500 scholarship, and four are chosen to receive the $10,000 scholarships. The deadline to submit an application is April 1, 2024. Information and applications may be found at www.UncommonStudent.org. WIU-QC welcomes new chemistry faculty member Western Illinois University has announced chemistry professor Garima Mishra has joined the faculty to spearhead the inaugural offering of chemistry courses on the Quad Cities campus. Dr. Mishra's role is pivotal in the university's strategic plan to expand STEM course offerings in support of engineering programs on the Quad Cities campus. Mishra received her doctorate degree in polymer chemistry from Harcourt Butler Technological University, India, in 2007. She previously worked as a scientist at Agharkar Research Institute in India and later joined the corporation, Halliburton, working as a senior scientist in petrochemicals. Additionally, during a short stay in the Quad Cities in 2015, Mishra taught Introduction to Chemistry at Black Hawk College in Moline. Students can explore new ideas at CommUniversity in February Black Hawk College will offer students the opportunity to explore new ideas and engage in lively discussions this February during CommUniversity. CommUniversity features a series of Sunday afternoon seminars taught by local experts in arts/humanities, personal enrichment, regional studies and theology/spirituality. The friendly learning atmosphere has no exams or papers to write. Most of the classes will be offered in-person at the Quad-Cities Campus in Moline with three classes offered virtually. Some of classes offered include: American Sign Language, Basic Spanish, Beginning Crocheting, Can Creativity Save the World?, Exploring the Gifts of Celtic Spirituality, Introduction to Quilling, Life and Times of the American Cemetery, Mindfulness and Landscape Photography, Navigating the Digital World, Positive Psychology, Rock Island County: Transformation to Settled Land and Sketch Journaling. Participants can select one class that will meet 2-4 p.m. on Sundays from Feb. 4 to 25. Cost is $40. For more information, visit www.bhc.edu/CU or call 309-796-8223. Autism Self-Advocacy Network donates to Western Illinois University The Autism Self-Advocacy Network, ASAN, has donated a wide range of books aimed at enhancing the sensory experience for individuals with autism to the sensory rooms on both of Western Illinois University's campuses. Alongside the book donation, access to ASAN's resource library will be granted, providing valuable technical reports, self-advocacy curriculum and additional informative materials. As part of this initiative, books will be allocated for use in sensory rooms and the virtual sensorium. The selection of books covers a variety of topics to cater to diverse preferences and interests within the autism community. ASAN, a prominent advocate for autism self-advocacy, envisions a world where all individuals on the autism spectrum have the right to decide their own destinies. The organization works tirelessly to empower individuals with autism, promoting acceptance, inclusion and understanding. For more information on the sensory rooms and virtual sensorium, email tcaseylafrance@gmail.com. National Democrats have targeted an Eastern Iowa congressional district in their quest to regain control of the U.S. House in this falls elections. The campaign arm of U.S. House Democrats announced Monday that Iowa City congressional candidate Christina Bohannan has been named to its "Red to Blue" program that works to help Democrats running against Republican incumbents flip control of competitive districts. The announcement was first reported by NBC News. Bohannan is among House Democrats first slate of 17 candidates given the stamp of approval from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, sending a signal to donors and activists about whom they see as best positioned to win in critical districts. Also named to the list is Lanon Baccam, a Democrat running for Congress in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District, which is represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, of Bondurant. He is serving in his first term and narrowly defeated Democratic incumbent Cindy Axne in 2022 to win the seat that has flipped in two of the last three elections. Melissa Vine, a Des Moines nonprofit leader, also is running in that Democratic primary. House Republicans control a razor-thin majority of the chamber, holding 219 seats to Democrats' 213. The Democrats Red to Blue program arms the partys top-tier candidates with organizational and fundraising support and the national committee provides strategic guidance, staff resources, candidate training and more. Bohannan, a University of Iowa law professor and former state representative, is making her second bid for Iowas 1st Congressional District, which covers 20 counties in Southeast Iowa, including Johnson County. She is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, of Ottumwa. Bohannan lost by nearly 7 percentage points, or more than 20,000 votes, to Miller-Meeks in 2022, who won re-election to a second term in November after winning her first election by the slimmest of margins six votes over Democrat Rita Hart in 2020. Bohannan and the DCCC say they play to highlight Miller-Meeks record against abortion rights, including support of a nationwide abortion ban. Miller-Meeks has said she supports a national 15-week ban on abortion with exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. She also co-sponsored the Life At Conception Act, which would criminalize abortion but would not allow the woman having the procedure to be prosecuted. It has no exceptions for rape, incest or the womans life. As a doctor, I believe that every life is precious and should be protected, Miller-Meeks said in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, earlier this month. Speaking to reporters in August following a town hall in Iowa, where she fielded questions about womens reproductive rights, she criticized Democrats, who she said voted for a bill that would legalize abortion up until birth. Shortly before the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, which provided a federally protected right to abortion, Democrats in Congress introduced a bill that would allow abortion after a fetus is viable outside the womb in cases where the patients life or health is at risk. Republicans claim that the bill would allow abortion on demand up to the moment of birth. Democrats counter thats not what they support, and that such a scenario is exceedingly rare. Bohannan told The Gazette she supports a return to Roe v. Wade. I believe that we need to put Roe v. Wade back into federal law where it was before the Supreme Court overruled it, she said. You know, Roe vs. Wade was the compromise. It was the balance. It recognized a right to abortion. And recognize that women need to have the freedom and the privacy to make some of the most difficult and personal decisions that anyone will ever have to make. But, it also did allow the state to regulate abortion as the pregnancy progresses and it is a balanced approach. It was the compromise. We need to return to that. I support Roe. No more, no less. Bohannan has also pledged to make passing a Farm Bill among her top priorities if elected to represent Iowa in Congress. She held a round table discussion last week in Walcott with a dozen farmers, rural landowners and a former state USDA official. Lawmakers in Washington, failed to pass a Farm Bill before the end of the year. Instead, Congress extended the former bill for an additional year. Bohannans announced raising more than $650,000 in the most-recent fundraising quarter, bringing her total contributions to $1.3 million since she launched her bid in August. Bohannans campaign said 81% of her contributors were from Iowans. According to most-recent Federal Election Commission filings, Miller-Meeks raised more than $1.8 million this election cycle and had nearly $1.4 million cash on hand as of the end of September. She had not yet announced her campaign donations for the final fundraising quarter of 2023. Photos: Congressional candidate Christina Bohannan visits with local farmers Applications are now being accepted for 2024 scholarship awards from Farmers State Bank. This unique scholarship opportunity is aimed at graduating seniors with a GPA of 2.5 to 3.5 and family income of $50,000 or less, who plan to attend a two- or four-year college, technical or trade school full time. $10,000 scholarships are available to a qualifying student in Darby, Hamilton, Corvallis, Victor, Stevensville, Florence, Missoula, Helena and Kalispell. Applications will be accepted from Feb. 1, through March 15. Applications are available online at farmersEbank.com/scholarship. Since 2001, the scholarships have benefitted 189 students, with a total award of $1,486,250. To ensure impartiality, this program is administered by Scholarship America, the nations largest manager of scholarship/tuition assistance. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability or national origin. For more information and scholarship eligibility requirements, visit www.farmersebank.com/scholarship. WASHINGTON A bipartisan Senate deal to pair border enforcement measures and Ukraine aid faced potential collapse on Thursday as Senate Republicans grew increasingly wary of an election-year compromise that Donald Trump, the likely Republican presidential nominee, seems likely to oppose. Senate negotiators have been striving for weeks to finish a carefully negotiated compromise on border and immigration policy that is meant to tamp down the number of migrants who come to the U.S. border with Mexico. But now that negotiations have dragged for weeks, election-year politics and demands from Trump are weighing it down. At stake is a plan that both President Joe Biden and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell have worked for months to broker in hopes of cajoling Congress to approve wartime aid for Ukraine. The U.S. has run out of money to supply Ukraine, potentially leaving the country stranded without robust supplies of ammunition and missiles to fend off Russias invasion. In a closed-door Republican meeting on Wednesday, McConnell acknowledged the reality of Trump's opposition, that he is the party's likely presidential nominee and opened the door to other options, including potentially separating Ukraine and the border, according to two people familiar who spoke anonymously to discuss the private meeting. We're still working on it, McConnell told reporters on Thursday morning. For weeks, McConnell has been stressing the need for Congress to approve tens of billions of dollars in aid for Ukraine, Israel and other allies, as well as enact border changes, in almost daily floor speeches, but on Thursday, he made no mention of Ukraine's fight. McConnell's comments raised fresh doubts in the Senate about his commitment to the border deal, though advocates for moving forward countered that the leader's remarks were being misinterpreted. Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford, the head GOP negotiator, said the group is still working on the package. He said that McConnell was advocating for the proposal while simply acknowledging the political reality that the presidential primary season is fully underway. I think thats the shift that has occurred, that hes just acknowledging, Lankford said. Thats just a reality. Lankford has been working with a small bipartisan group and White House officials to try and close out the border deal. But release of the legislation has been held up by haggling over the price of the new policies and continued disagreements over limiting the president's ability to allow people into the country under special circumstances, such as fleeing war and unrest. White House spokeswoman Olivia Dalton told reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday that the Biden administration has been working with the negotiators in good faith and feels that progress has been made. We hope that will continue, Dalton said. Were at a critical moment, and weve got to drive hard to get this done," said South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the second-ranked Senate Republican. "If we cant get there, then well go to plan B." But congressional leaders have not identified any other way to push wartime funding for Ukraine through the darkening political prospects of the cause. Scores of House Republicans are unwilling to send more money to the fight, even as longtime party stalwarts, like McConnell, have tried to convince them that preventing Putin's advance in Europe is directly in America's interest. Trump has loomed large over the talks, first skewering American support for Ukraine and now potentially upending a political compromise on the border that would hand his likely opponent, Biden, new policies meant to contain the historic numbers of migrants making their way to the country. With Republicans continuously raise the issue on the campaign trail, the border will likely remain central to elections this year. Although many in Congress are anxiously awaiting the bill text, Trump has already said on social media that there should be no bipartisan border deal unless we get EVERYTHING needed to shut down the INVASION of Millions & Millions of people. The lead Democratic negotiator, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, said he still has hope that Republicans will decide to accept the compromise even though Democrats didnt want to tie Ukraine aid and border security together in the first place. A lot of Republicans have become used to this being just merely a political issue, not an actual policy problem, Murphy said. And thats hard for them to get over. But there is a big group of Senate Republicans who do want to solve the problem. Seeking to hold off objections from Trump, Republican senators have argued that the policies under discussion would not have an immediate effect on problems at the border and would even give Trump greater border enforcement authority if he is reelected. The issue will still be a live issue and Id think itd be one of the defining issues in the campaign, said Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican. So we need to do our job here. But a vocal contingent of Republicans have raised objections this week, including with heated exchanges during a closed-door Republican lunch on Tuesday, according to several senators in the meeting. They have argued that presidents already have enough authority to implement hardline border measures and Trump should have his say. If we expect him to be able to secure the border, he ought to be able to see this bill, and he ought to be able to be engaged and say, is this going to help me secure the border or not, said Sen. Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, at a Wednesday news conference. What we know is, he doesnt need it. Sen. J.D. Vance, an Ohio Republican who is a Trump ally, said he spoke with the former president about the deal last week and he expressed worry that it would be too weak. When it fails, as it will, it allows the president to blame quote, unquote MAGA Republicans for the failure of a border security package when in reality what failed was very weak border security package that didnt actually do anything," Vance said. But some Republicans worried walking away from an opportunity to enact border policy could backfire. If we were given an opportunity, and we decided for political purposes, not to do it, yeah, I think we could be in serious trouble, said Sen. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican. A lot of our candidates could be in serious trouble back home." Read more: Americas reeling as flow of migrants reaches historic levels Efforts last legislative session to pass two bills that paved the way for the first publicly funded charter schools in the state exposed the deep fissures dividing Montanans on the issue. House Bills 549 and 562 created parallel paths that allow community members to call for and create alternatives to existing public education offerings. Both engendered heated debate on their merits and larger implications for public education in Montana, whose state constitution guarantees every child the right to free and high-quality schooling. The contours of that debate are reflected in the coalitions built in support of each of the bills, Republican lawmakers and school choice advocates on the side of HB 562 and public school supporters such as the Montana School Board Association behind HB 549. I suspect that some public school administrators feel kind of defensive as if we are saying that they arent doing their job well, said Mike Petrilli, a longtime education academic and president of the Fordham Institute, a conservative-leaning policy think tank. The way I would try to say it is, We know youre working hard and trying hard, but weve inherited this system that is broken. Given the contentious tone around charters in Montana and across the country, it can be difficult to discern whats real and whats convenient political rhetoric. Now that these laws are being rolled out, its becoming increasingly possible to predict their effect on students and families in the state. State law governs charter schools As with any policy, the devil is in the details. But thats especially true with charter schools. Montana became the 46th state to create a path for public charters, which means there are just as many variations to how these programs look state-by-state. If traditional public school systems arent effectively serving some students, charter schools provide a path to work outside the constraints of the system and experiment with new strategies that might lead to better instruction or so the argument goes. Those schools are granted autonomy and public funding on the condition of results, meaning improved student outcomes. Not autonomy for the sake of autonomy, said Robin Lake, director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education, a nonpartisan national education policy organization. We will give you more autonomy, and in exchange for that, we will hold you accountable for the results. Thats what the charter is all about. The crux of the case for charters is they are able to be more agile and less encumbered by the slower-moving behemoth that is public education. Who gets to decide whether a charter school should exist and how to evaluate its performance is determined by state law. These entities are called authorizers, and experts say they are the most critical part of the charter school process. Weve seen good practices in all types of organizations, Lake said. Specialized state organizations have the advantage of being able to develop specialized expertise in charter oversight, so that can be really good. But it really depends on how its all implemented. Montanas parallel laws create two separate authorizers to oversee two separate groups of schools. Under HB 549, local school boards field requests from parents and apply for charters, if deemed appropriate, which must adhere to the same state-mandated standards around hiring, licensing and curriculum as traditional public schools. The Board of Public Education acts as the authorizer of these public charter schools, approving applications, crafting contracts and enforcing standards. Critics say BPE has no charter-specific expertise and is tasked with a litany of other responsibilities that cloud its ability to be the direct manager of an entire school system. Opponents also say it curtails the schools ability to innovate. The BPE approved 19 public charter school applications at its Jan. 19 meeting. A number of the greenlit applications will convert programs already operating in school districts into charters. Trustees grappled with the question of whether this qualified as innovative under the law, even seeking legislative clarity. As we saw BPE go through the approval process, it became abundantly clear that they are really grants for traditional schools, they are intended for traditional school boards, said Trish Schreiber, chair of the newly minted Community Choice School Commission created by HB 562. Schreiber said she believes both types of approaches could work for Montanans, but that only one community choice schools truly reflects the intention behind charters across the country, which are meant to operate outside the system. I wish they would have picked something else (to call them), Schreiber said. I think even calling them charter grants or in-district charters since they are intended for traditional school boards. Done well, it could be a great idea for the state of Montana. By contrast, HB 562, although currently held up in a lawsuit thats slowing its implementation, is more akin to charter school legislation across the country. It creates the Community Choice School Commission as overseer of charters, which it dubs choice schools. These schools arent required to adhere to the same standards as existing public schools and are theoretically supposed to be more responsive to the variety of learners in a given school district. Theres not one best path, Lake said. The concept of choice is one that is hugely popular with parents and can be a really effective way to improve outcomes for kids, but we dont want to limit it to just one path, there need to be multiple. Why choose? See what the outcomes deliver. Supporters say its a false dichotomy Charter schools are a flashpoint for contentious debate. But it wasnt always that way, according to Lake, of the Center for Reinventing Public Education. Minnesota was home to the first publicly funded charter school in 1991. Charters were created as a way to test new educational strategies in order to help students failing in the traditional learning environment and work the most promising of those approaches into public schooling more broadly. People with different political interests will often try to make charters into a partisan question, but they werent in the beginning, Lake said. I think theres a profound disconnect between how politicians talk about these things and how normal people talk about these things. Nevertheless, the arguments made by Montana politicians and idealogues on both sides during the 2023 legislative session debates reflected the current polarization on charters nationally people in favor seek to defund public education, and those against will limit educational optionality for students and parents. Its a false dichotomy, Lake said. Charter schools are public schools. Its a different way of conceiving of public education. Her argument, echoed by Schreiber and other charter school advocates, is that any Montana student can attend any of the schools created by the states two laws, free-of-charge. They are funded by public dollars, and community choice schools would receive a lower cost per pupil than their traditional counterparts in the district. At least in Montana, authorizers in each of the bills are public bodies made up of appointed members and accountable to taxpayers. We still buy into the notion of a place where kids come together and are educated together for the common good, Petrilli said, noting that per-pupil funding stays within the district for any given student who attends a charter school. However, charters are generally considered their own nonprofit entities. Under HB 562, that is the case for community choice schools. Under HB 549, public charter schools are attached to the local school district. Operating outside the system in this way means they can be taken out of school board politics that have often made it hard to focus on kids and instead focus on getting strong results, Petrilli said. But the reality is unlikely to be so simple based on results in other states. Research nationally shows that when students leave traditional public schools for charters and the per-pupil funding theyre allocated goes with them, it can lead to a budget crunch. Thats because while the overall amount of money in the district has remained steady, the traditional public school campus still has to foot the bill for fixed costs such as administrator salaries or facilities, but with less money. One study from Syracuse University in New York found charter schools can have negative fiscal impacts on school districts. Thats particularly true when there is rapid growth in charter schools and declining or stagnant enrollment bases, but less so when overall K-12 enrollment is increasing. According to the Office of Public Instruction, 150,669 students enrolled in Montanas public schools for the 2022-2023 academic year. Thats higher than the previous seven years. Its also true that state law and the entities responsible for overseeing charter schools can take steps to ensure traditional public schools are safeguarded. Part of Montanas HB 562 calls for the creation of a community choice school account, a fund for private donations meant to fund these schools and offset some of the costs that would otherwise be footed by the district. This is a way thats cheaper for the state and requires much more philanthropy and people to step up and to say they want the district to offer something different, Schreiber said. Are charter schools more effective? Charter schools currently serve nearly 4 million kids, a disproportionate number of whom are students of color or come from historically marginalized communities, according to data from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. The Center for Research on Education Outcomes at Stanford University found that, generally speaking, charter school students perform about the same as their matched peers, or those who are similar in terms of socioeconomic status, previous academic history, race and a number of other variables. CRPE researchers are quick to point out that this statistic could underestimate the role that charters play in professional opportunities after graduation, closing the wealth gap between communities and encouraging traditional public schools to rethink how they educate in order to better compete with the charters and attract larger swaths of students. Factors outside the classroom matter in determining whether a charter project will be effective, too. Policymakers should pay attention to what Lake calls enablers of equity, things like transportation access, help with the enrollment process, support in understanding school choice, the provision of adequate nutrition and digital literacy. Those things really matter, she said. The first class of public charters could open their doors as early as this fall, and the timeline for community choice schools depends largely on whether it survives current legal challenges. Much remains to be seen about the efficacy of Montanas charter experiment. It depends on what kinds of schools Montana chooses to open, Petrilli said. Hopefully there will be a great deal of variety and some will work for some kids and others for others. Gov. Greg Gianforte on Monday applauded efforts by the new team at Montana State Prison to recruit new officers. In late 2022, the Department of Corrections reported vacancies among correctional officer staff at about 40%, requiring the prison to constrict inmates and suspend visitation. The department that year launched a recruitment and retention team to tamp that vacancy rate down, and on Monday that figure had fallen to roughly 3.9%. "By investing in the hardworking employees who serve in our correctional facilities, were creating more good-paying jobs and building safer, stronger communities," Gianforte said in a press release. "Ive heard loud and clear that repairing the state prison and increasing correctional officer wages are priorities. Its great to be back at Deer Lodge to celebrate our progress and thank recruitment officers for their commitment to achieving a near historic low vacancy rate." The governor honored the department's recruitment and retention team, headed up by Capt. Howard Wigert, with the Outstanding Service Award for their efforts on Monday. The changes made by that team include a more robust outreach campaign, streamlining the hiring process and implementing a job shadowing program for recruits. "Theres a whole bunch of people to thank," Wigert said in the press release. "The biggest part was the Director giving me free range, allowing us to think outside of the box and do things that had never been done before. Now, our biggest thing is retention, weve got to keep them here." The news came just a day after CBS News' 60 Minutes reported the vacancy rate for correctional officers in the federal prison system is an estimated 40%, the same figure Montana currently has in its rear-view mirror. The vacancy rate can change daily. The Department of Corrections spokesperson said Monday that 3.9% vacancy number represents 10 open positions of the 256 correctional officers budgeted for the state prison. The governor on Monday also recognized the prison's maintenance team for their quick work in repairing the 1,500-bed facility's heating system earlier this month amid a record-breaking cold snap. The incident required a temporary relocation of 159 inmates within the prison, although quick repairs meant the temperature inside buildings there never fell below 60 degrees, the department said. Congratulations to our recruitment and retention team and our maintenance team at Montana State Prison for being recognized for their work by @GovGianforte with Outstanding Service Awards! #MTCorrections pic.twitter.com/ZNeWOuHIjQ Montana Department of Corrections (@MTCorrections) January 29, 2024 The downward trend in correctional officer vacancies in Montana has also tracked with a steady rise in pay for those positions at Montana State Prison outside Deer Lodge and the state's other prison facilities. The state Legislature last year passed a historic pay raise for state employees, highlighting the prison's staffing issues as the greatest need to address. Gianforte signed that bill at the prison last March. Four months later, the state announced the gap in correctional officers had fallen by about half from its 40% high. "Its been an incredible year at Montana State Prison with the governor and Legislatures support," Department of Corrections Director Brian Gootkin said. "We appreciate the numerous trips the governor has made out to Montana State Prison and all of our other facilities to show his support for the work our staff does. Its nice to have these employees and teams receive the support and acknowledgement theyve earned and deserve." Editor's note: Although Libby has a city deer plan based on chronic wasting disease action, it does not have a Fish and Wildlife Commission approved plan like the 13 other Montana communities. Despite mule deer populations declining across portions of Montana recently, an increasing number of communities have approached the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks to create urban deer management plans. The plans were authorized by legislation in 2003. Colstrip and Helena were the first to adopt the process, but utilize different means to lower urban deer populations. In Helena, deer are trapped and then euthanized. Colstrip has hosted an annual archery hunt since 2006. Different towns, different plans Since 2008, Helena has removed 1,158 deer under its management plan, according to an annual report it provides to FWP. The city estimated 30,000 to 35,000 pounds of venison have been donated to food banks over the course of the program. Using archery hunters, the community of Roundup along the Musselshell River has removed 61 deer since 2014, with an average success rate of 12%. In its 2022 report to FWP, the community said the number of complaints of aggressive deer and deer-vehicle collisions has dropped since the hunt was initiated. In Fort Benton last winter, 50 deer were shot by the towns police. In 2003, the community offered a late-season hunt in which 185 deer were killed, some of which were shot by game wardens. In Havre, which started an urban deer hunt last year, regional FWP biologist Scott Hemmer was uncertain how many animals had been shot by hunters, adding it was nominal. The city removed seven deer last year that were donated to the Havre food bank. Expanded to 14 towns Thirteen communities now have urban deer plans in Montana, including: Circle, Lewistown, Fort Benton, White Sulphur Springs, Roundup, Havre, Glendive, Ekalaka, Jordan, Geraldine, Philipsburg, Helena and Colstrip. Commissioners for Anaconda-Deer Lodge County recently voted to establish a task force to consider an urban wildlife management plan. Not all of the towns have implemented lethal removal of deer and for those that have, records werent available for all communities. Yet the reason behind the plans is always the same. They all deal with public safety issues, said Brian Wakeling, FWPs Game Management Bureau chief. Thats required under the states statute and often applies to situations like aggressive deer injuring or threatening humans and pets, or vehicle-deer collisions. According to research published in 2022 in the journal Current Biology, about 2.1 million deer-vehicle collisions occur each year in the United States, causing more than $10 billion in economic losses, 59,000 human injuries and 440 deaths. Deer populations declining According to FWPs annual deer survey areas, about 50 out of 138 hunting districts have mule deer populations more than 25% below the long-term average with fewer than 20 fawns per 100 adults. The trend seems concentrated in the middle of the state as well as the northwest, mainly in FWP management Regions 1, 2, 4 and 5. Statewide, the mule deer population in 2023 was estimated at more than 255,900, 17% below the long-term average. In comparison, white-tailed deer numbers were estimated at more than 193,400 in 2022, down 6% from the long-term average. The biggest drop in whitetail and mule deer populations was in Region 7, both of which are almost half of recent high points. In its Adaptive Harvest Management plan, updated in 2021, FWP noted, Changes in habitat conditions, competition with other ungulates, and/or predation rates may have greater impacts on populations than hunting season regulations. It may not be feasible to return a population to a higher level through hunting season adjustments without changes to other limiting factors. Urban vs. rural Why do deer populations seem to thrive in some communities while declining in rural areas? The reasons could be several, including that towns provide protection from predators as well as access to irrigated foods, whereas outlying areas may suffer from drought and a loss of habitat. Research has also shown that female deer entering winter in poorer health are more likely to not birth fawns, or give birth to unhealthy fawns. Communities are also often built in prime wildlife habitat, along rivers and streams, Wakeling noted. Large undeveloped urban parks also provide homes for deer and other critters. Unfortunately, some residents feed wildlife, which is against state law but difficult to enforce. People want to be able to experience wildlife, but there are different tolerances, Wakeling said. FWP takes action In early January, FWP announced it was seeking nominations to an advisory council to help with the rewriting of its mule deer management plan. The goal is to have a new plan completed by the end of 2024. In December, the Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to ban all mule deer doe hunting in Eastern Montanas Regions 6 and 7, except on Block Management Areas and private lands. Last legislative session, a bill was passed limiting nonresident hunters to only two mule deer doe tags. In the past, up to seven could be purchased in some hunting districts. A wealth of information on Montana deer populations, hunter harvest and research can be found on FWPs website at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/deer. A suspect has been charged in connection with the December killing of the Hollywood Cemetery buck, as well as two other deer. Ryan Shuler, a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, said Jason Walters, 36, of Richmond, was arrested and charged with 19 separate wildlife violations, including illegal possession of wildlife, trespassing, failing to check and tag a deer and littering. Charges against another suspect, identified by Shuler as Alan Proffitt, 36, of Richmond, are pending. Proffitt is believed to be an accomplice, Shuler said. Shuler said officials executed 10 search warrants in the course of the investigation and recovered two sets of antlers, including antlers from the Hollywood Cemetery buck. The probe stems from photos that were posted to a hunting Facebook page in December 2023. The photos showed Walters posing next to a nontypical, 29-point buck, which Walters claimed to have shot in Prince Edward County using a muzzleloader, Shuler said. But several people who saw the Dec. 14 post recognized the animal as a frequent visitor of Hollywood Cemetery in the Oregon Hill neighborhood and reported the post to the DWR, Shuler said. Shuler thanked the investigators who worked on the case for their hard work and diligence. The (officers) involved in the investigation devoted countless hours to gathering evidence in this case, Shuler said. We appreciate the support of the Richmond and Chesterfield County police departments, as well as Hollywood Cemetery and the James River Park System in bringing the suspect to justice. The illegal killing of this deer was a blow to the community, Shuler added. It damaged the reputation of law-abiding hunters across the commonwealth. Walters could not immediately be reached for comment. PHOTOS: Hollywood Cemetery, from the RTD archives During a storm earlier this month, Charlottesvilles largest pump station was damaged, filling with wastewater that later poured into two city parks and a tributary of the Rivanna River. A $40 million update to the Rivanna Pump Station nearly seven years ago was supposed to prevent that very thing from happening. With this upgrade in the wastewater system, sewers will no longer be at risk of overflowing into the Rivanna River during big storm events, reads the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authoritys description of the 2017 upgrade to the pump station that is posted online. Jan. 9 was not even an especially big storm. We had three inches of rain that day, which is a lot of rain but its not excessive, Bill Mawyer, director of the sewer authority, said at the organizations Tuesday meeting. But something went wrong at the pump station and the system overflowed anyway, causing wastewater to flood into Darden Towe and Riverview parks in the city. The authority also said it was forced to discharge 6.2 million gallons of wastewater into nearby Moores Creek over a 26-hour period a number that does not account for sewage that may have spilled out from manholes which were backed up due to the damaged pump station. And while the areas drinking water supply went unaffected, residents were urged by the sewer authority to avoid contact with the Rivanna near the flooded parks. Nearly three weeks later, the sewer authority doesnt know what caused the flooding. Thats because the pump station itself is still flooded. Once it is fully drained, crews will be able to enter the facility and identify what went wrong, the authority has promised. But draining the remaining water likely wont happen any earlier than Feb. 4, and the investigation that follows could take weeks. Mawyer said a number of things could have happened. Perhaps the issue was an increase of water from the storm. Or maybe a pipe burst. Or the pumps didnt work as they should have. Or the controls ceased operating correctly. He doesnt know. Whatever the case, itll take time and money to fix. But how long and how much is also not clear. The sewer authority said it hopes to have the station fully restored by the end of the year. In the meantime, temporary pumps have been installed so that more wastewater does not enter local waterways. The damaged pump station normally has a capacity of 53 million gallons per day. Roughly 6 million gallons of wastewater from northern Charlottesville and Albemarle County are now being conveyed through the temporary pumping system every day, according to the sewer authority. An initial temporary pumping system with a capacity of roughly 10 million gallons per day has been installed to convey normal wastewater flows around the damaged pumping station, and a secondary temporary pumping system with a capacity of 50 million gallons will be completed over the course of the next several weeks. The Rivanna Pump Station does not actually clean wastewater. Instead, it serves as a transportation facility. Wastewater enters the station that then pumps it 100 feet uphill to the Moores Creek Advanced Water Resource Recovery Facility that does the cleaning. The Rivanna stations pump rooms and the equipment within are meant to stay dry. So when the station overflowed on Jan. 9, its pumps and other mechanical gear ceased functioning, preventing wastewater from reaching the treatment center. The issue we had on Jan. 9 is we had some sort of failure, and the dry areas became submerged, and they are to this day submerged, Mawyer said at Tuesdays meeting. In order for crews to enter the facility and install the temporary pumps, Mawyer said there was no other choice but to release millions of gallons of wastewater into Moores Creek. We dont diminish the seriousness of what we had to do, but it is a relative thing, Mawyer said, adding that the gallons discharged into the creek pales into comparison to the 420 million gallons moving through the Rivanna River and the 4.5 billion moving through the James. Were sorry for it, but when the system is overloaded, thats what happens to your sewer system. The sewer authority said it contacted nearby Fluvanna County and Lake Monticello, which are both downstream from the creek. It also alerted the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality of the discharge within 24 hours, as required by law. DEQ does not authorize releases of untreated sewage; however, DEQ recognizes that this may be necessary to fix the pumps and has discussed recommendations for additional water quality monitoring during and after the discharge, department spokeswoman Irina Calos told The Daily Progress via email. DEQ is continuing to work with RWSA to identify the cause of the equipment failure at the facility and take steps to avoid recurrence of this failure. Calos said that because temperatures were low at the time of the flooding, the agency does not expect significant environmental impacts. Colder temperatures result in higher dissolved oxygen levels and less microbial activity in the water, Calos said. Charlottesville city councilor Brian Pinkston sits on the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authoritys board of directors. Wow, Pinkston said at Tuesdays meeting after learning the pump station was updated in 2017. So this is not very old. Indeed, its not. Dede Smith served on Charlottesville City Council from 2011 to 2016 and remembers the stations update being controversial. One of the biggest issues is the pump station is five or six years old, and it was a very expensive model, Smith told The Daily Progress. The update allowed a larger pipe to be installed at the facility, increasing the stations capacity from 37 gallons per day to 53. More capacity, at least in theory, should have reduced the likelihood that a storm could overwhelm the system. Part of the reason for the $40 million price tag was a decision to put the pipe through a hill. That required a boring machine to excavate a tunnel. Smith recalls that decision costing an additional $11 million. It was pretty controversial, and even more later on when we had to come up with cost sharing between city and county, Smith said, adding that mediators were brought in to help the city of Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County determine who would pay for what. Thats all to say, this very expensive, pretty controversial project has now failed after five years, she said. Its just an interesting question as to why. Smith said that 3 inches of rain is not much compared to historical averages. After making the large investment not that long ago, Charlottesville and Albemarle may be back on the hook for another large bill, assuming insurance doesnt cover the full cost of repairs. That remains to be seen, as it could take several weeks before the authority even identifies what went wrong, how it can be fixed and what that fix will cost taxpayers. With more money likely to be spent, localities in the region that rely on the pump station will want some assurance that they wont be met with another day like Jan. 9 in a few years time. If you cant adequately clean your sewage, youve got a big problem, Smith said. A showdown is brewing between Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Democrats in the General Assembly over control of the state agency that designs and manages state construction projects, as well as other general services of state government. Secretary of Administration Lyn McDermid told a Senate committee that the governor opposes legislation that would create a board mostly appointed by the assembly to manage the Department of General Services and hire its chief administrator. Senior Democrats responded by insisting on an explanation from the administration on why it was not following directions in the state budget to begin planning to replace a state building being demolished in downtown Richmond to house state agencies that would be displaced by the planned abandonment of the high-rise Monroe Building. Last year, Youngkin canceled construction of a new building at the site of the former Virginia Employment Commission at East Main and North Seventh streets as unnecessary with the current glut of commercial office space after the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration said it would leave the site open until a future use for it is decided. In the meantime, it proposes to move employees in mid-2025 from the 29-story Monroe Building into other leased and state-owned buildings, including Main Street Center and the recently renovated Old City Hall next to Capitol Square. But McDermid acknowledged to legislators earlier this month that the administration had mistakenly not proposed to amend the state budget to eliminate the requirement that it begin planning for a new building. The requirement remains in the budget that Youngkin introduced in December. That was an oversight, I think, on my part, McDermid told a Senate Finance subcommittee on capital outlay on Jan. 19. The confrontation has been building over control of the Department of General Services, a low-key agency with high-level responsibilities that range from laboratory testing to statewide procurement, management of state vehicles and real estate, as well as prominent construction projects around Capitol Square and the seat of government in Richmond. The department lost its longtime leader, Joe Damico, to retirement at the end of last year only to see him reappear the next month on the other side of East Broad Street at City Hall as a lead official in the potential creation of a general services department for Richmond. Legislators have also been wary of pressure that the Youngkin administration has applied on the department to find savings from its procurement operations, as recommended by a consultant that the administration hired and a new chief procurement officer that it appointed. Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, proposed Senate Bill 584 to create a general services board to oversee the agency and assume the power to hire its chief administrator, currently the prerogative of the governor. The Senate General Laws and Technology Committee endorsed the legislation last week and referred it to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, which is reviewing the governors proposed budget. Deeds said the bill would transfer some of the governors powers, while preserving others, to ensure consistency from one four-year administration to the next. Virginia is the only state in which the governor is not allowed to serve consecutive terms. It kind of adheres to a lesson that I learned long ago from a fellow named Hunter Andrews who served in this body, who said, governors come and go, but the General Assembly is forever, he said, mimicking the sonorous tone of the former longtime Senate majority leader and finance committee chairman. These are basic functions of government, he said. We need to have consistency. We need to have stability. We dont have it right now. McDermid opposed the bill as too complicated and unwieldy for an agency with such wide-ranging daily responsibilities. We are very happy to work with (Deeds) and any member of the legislature to review the DGS functions whats working, whats not working get a better understanding of what it is that you are all intending for this to do, she said. Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William, who chairs the Senate Finance capital outlay subcommittee, reminded her of its concerns about the administrations decision to unilaterally abandon planning for replacing the building at Main and Seventh. McPike accused the administration of taking zero action on the required planning for a new building on the site and providing zero input to the General Assembly. Wed like some answers, he said. PHOTOS: Lewis Ginter hosts Richmond Road Runners Clubs Frostbite 15k U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., is demanding answers from the U.S. Postal Service over late delivery of hundreds of cancer screening results from military veterans to the Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, which is part of the Central Virginia VA Health Care System. Kaine called on the Postal Service to explain why the results of 870 immunochemical screenings for colon cancer arrived late to the VA Medical Center, including an estimated 450 results for tests dating as far back as mid-summer that are no longer usable. The patients send the results of at-home screening to the VA to indicate whether they need to test further for potential signs of colon cancer. We want to be clear; this is unacceptable, the senator wrote in a letter co-signed by Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and members of Virginias congressional delegation and released Tuesday. These issues with postal delays have caused unnecessary stress and harm for our constituents and suggest to us that the issues in the region are worse than we thought. We are unsatisfied with the level of urgency and responsiveness the agency has demonstrated with the issues we have raised previously, and this must change with this new revelation. Postal Service spokesman Philip Bogenberger said Tuesday, We are investigating this matter. We apologize to customers who are impacted by this situation. Bogenberger said that when the Postal Service receives a formal inquiry from elected officials, its postal protocol to respond directly to the officials. Among the congressional representatives signing the letter are Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, who represents Richmond and much of the region; Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, who represents parts of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties in a district that extends from the Northern Neck through much of tidal Virginia; and Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, a Henrico resident who now represents a Northern Virginia district extending from Caroline County through the Fredericksburg area to eastern Prince William County. Also signing the letter are Reps. Bob Good, R-5th, whose district includes western Hanover, Louisa and Goochland counties, and Jen Kiggans, R-2nd, whose district is based in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Suffolk. Kaine raised the issue at the monthly meeting of the Virginia congressional delegation on Tuesday. People were shocked and were not letting it go, he said. Battles over lagging postal deliveries have intensified in the Richmond area in recent months, as Kaine and other members of the states congressional delegation have expressed frustration over the Postal Services unwillingness to meet publicly with their constituents over unreliable service. Virginia lawmakers previously have raised concerns about problems with mail delivery in the Charlottesville area. Among other impacts, these delays have caused people to miss needed medications or to receive billing notices after payment deadlines have passed, Kaine and the congressional representatives said in the letter. We have shared these with the agency formally and via staff in an effort to identify if these are isolated cases or signs of a systemic challenge with postal delivery in this area. Tell us your mail service story Do you have a story about poor mail service? Contact reporters Michael Martz at mmartz@timesdiapatch.com and Em Holter at eholter@timesdispatch.com The delayed deliveries of home-screening test results for colon cancer represents even more alarming consequences of faulty mail delivery, they said. The Veterans Administration Center in South Richmond, formerly named for Hunter Holmes McGuire, a Confederate surgeon, said it recently received postal delivery of about 870 immunochemical test samples, which veterans collected in their homes and returned by mail to detect early signs of colon cancer. For the test results to be valid, the VA Center must receive them within about two weeks of collection. It is our understanding that upon delivery of this recent batch of tests, more than half of the samples were older than two weeks some dating back to mid-2023 and therefore were unusable by the VA, Kaine and the congressional representatives said. In a press briefing Tuesday, the senator said the mailed samples appeared to have been put aside, stacked up and delivered in batches. Its almost like they planned to do it that way, he said. It doesnt seem like an accident. Thats so negligent to almost be beyond negligence. In the letter, the senators and representatives said the VA Center has been working with the Postal Service to understand how this could have happened but has indicated that precise answers have not yet been forthcoming from USPS. Kaine said the fault appears to lie solely with the Postal Service, not the medical center. Kaine and the other officials requested a timely briefing by the Postal Service to understand how this could have happened and what is being done to keep it from happening again. They also asked to tour the USPS facility that processed the mailed samples to see firsthand the operational challenges. It is imperative that we understand the systemic issues that are causing these operational challenges on the ground at Virginia postal facilities, so that we may provide the resources and support these facilities require from the federal level in order to prevent further service delays and disruptions, they said. Postal service customers in Central Virginia deserve transparency and explanation, as soon as possible, regarding these issues. However, Kaine and the others noted that the Postal Service had declined previous requests for meetings and tours to discuss mounting concerns over faulty mail deliveries in the Richmond area. He said it has refused requests for town meetings and facility tours. He warned that Congress has other tools at our disposal to force the Postal Service to address the concerns that he may use soon. Youre not going to solve the issue by putting your head in the sand, he said. From the Archives: Mail in Richmond A Democrat-controlled Virginia Senate panel on Tuesday removed Patricia West, Gov. Glenn Youngkins chair of the parole board, from a list of gubernatorial appointees requiring General Assembly confirmation. When the resolution goes in front of the full Senate, legislators could try to restore Wests name. Senate Democrats said they are concerned that West never votes to grant parole, but her voting record is unclear. Theres some concern about her voting record on the parole board, said Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, but were trying to get some clear data on that and have a meeting with her, so well see how it goes. Surovell said the Senate panel needed to start moving on resolutions with the names of gubernatorial appointments, because there are constitutional deadlines involved. Last August, Youngkin announced that Virginia Parole Board Chairman Chadwick Dotson would become director of the Department of Corrections, succeeding Harold Clarke. Youngkin named West, a veteran of multiple high-level posts in GOP administrations, as the new chair of the parole board. West is a former Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge who has served as a member of the State Corporation Commission, director of juvenile justice and secretary of public safety under Gov. George Allen and as chief deputy attorney general under Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. The parole board, which decides when or if inmates can be released early, drew fire from Youngkin and from Attorney General Jason Miyares for its releases of inmates as the COVID-19 pandemic peaked during his predecessors administration. Days after he was sworn in, in January 2022, Youngkin fired the existing parole board, saying an investigation revealed some of the inmates released had shortly before been denied parole, raising questions about the lawfulness of those abrupt reversals. He said the board violated victims rights and broke state law by not giving the required notice to victims. A Youngkin spokesperson declined to comment. Also Tuesday, Lisa Coons, Youngkins state superintendent of public instruction, cleared a key hurdle when Democrats kept her name on a list of appointments requiring legislative confirmation. Coons had faced criticism from some Senate Democrats ahead of the February deadline for her confirmation. Senate Democrats on the panel also removed Garren Shipley, the spokesman for House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, from an appointment to the Board for the Blind and Vision Impaired, citing caucus concerns. Shipleys younger brother was born with a rare condition in which both irises are completely absent, making him functionally blind since birth. East Tennessee in the late 1980s was not a great place to have a child with a significant disability, Shipley said, but his parents worked hard to ensure that his brother had the resources he needed to succeed in school and taught him that he could overcome any limitations. Shipleys brother, Luke, now has a wife and two children in Knoxville, where he runs a family law practice. It was this experience that moved me to serve. No parent should have to feel so alone, so at sea, when all they want for their child is the same dreams all parents have, Shipley said. Its not a board clothed in immense power. It meets four times a year, and offers advice. The board helps hand out about $200,000 in grants every year which mainly go to send blind kids to summer camp. It costs me time and money to serve on this board. I really just wanted to help people dealing with what my brother and parents went through. As for Coons, earlier this month, Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that she had heard some serious concerns around leadership in VDOE and was gathering facts and details. Now that the list of Youngkin appointees has been amended and approved by the Senate Privilege and Elections Committee, it will go before the full Senate chamber. The legislature faces a Feb. 10 deadline to confirm Coons or her appointment will expire, according to the state constitution. She could still face a challenge on the Senate floor, but approval from the Senate panel is a good sign for her confirmation. Democrats, who now have slight margins in both legislative chambers, have been in a long-running battle with Youngkin over key appointments. Last year, Senate Democrats voted to remove Youngkin appointee Suparna Dutta from the State Board of Education. In 2020, Dutta led the fight against admissions policies that aimed to boost Black and Latino enrollment at the prestigious Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County and resulted in fewer Asian Americans being admitted. In January 2023, a Virginia Senate committee struck the name of then-Health Commissioner Dr. Colin Greene from a list of appointees requiring General Assembly confirmation. Greene had come under fire in 2022 after he reportedly said he believed there was no evidence that racism plays a role in maternal and infant mortality rates. Senate Democrats also voted last year to remove former prosecutor Steven Buck, a Youngkin appointee, from the parole board. Surovell asserted that Buck, a former Richmond, Henrico County and Albemarle County prosecutor, almost never voted to grant parole. In February 2022, Democrats who controlled the Senate rejected Youngkins nomination of Andrew Wheeler former head of the Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump as Virginias secretary of natural resources. It was the first time legislators had spurned a governors Cabinet nominee since 2006, when House Republicans defeated Daniel LeBlanc, former state leader of the AFL-CIO, as then-Gov. Tim Kaines nominee for secretary of the commonwealth. In 2019, Republicans, who then controlled both chambers of the legislature, could not agree on a replacement for State Corporation Commission Judge Jimmy Dimitri after he retired early that year. The next year, they chose West, but Democrats retaliated after winning control of the assembly by replacing her with Jehmal Hudson in 2020. PHOTOS: Richmond teacher of the year 2024 Chiquila boatmen block Holbox ferry boarding in protest Chiquila, Q.R. Angry Chiquila boatmen blocked ferry boarding to the island of Holbox Monday for nearly five hours for an alleged breach of agreement. The group of mainland boatmen were upset at what they called abusive practices by the two ferry companies that run the route. It wasnt until early Monday afternoon that the Chiquila boatmen and the ferry companies managed to establish an agreement. The men placed handmade posters along a section of fence Monday morning when they began their 8:00 a.m. protest that left ferry passengers stranded. Dozens of would-be ferry passengers were left to wait at the Chiquila maritime terminal where the boatmen held their demonstration. The men vowed to remain in place until a state authority with the power to resolve the conflict arrived. According to the disgruntled men, neither of the ferry companies comply with agreements made in May of last year, which included a consistent ferry ticket price as well as the sale of tickets only through the official offices. Dozens waited in line for hours due to the protest. Photo: Judge Swampy January 29, 2024. We arrived in Chiquila this morning to find the sandy roads swarming with tourists. 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express ferries, the only two companies available to take patrons to Isla Holbox, are at odds with each other over an attempt to slash prices and create a monopoly. Small boats block the ferries until the two companies can come to an agreement as local restaurants enjoy the booming business of confused but patient backpackers. We have been instructed to check in hourly for updates with no confirmed end in sight, one reader wrote in to Riviera Maya News. The boatmen claim the ferry companies are undermining the agreement that they say was signed before state authorities last year. The men say that the ferry companies often charge less for their tickets to draw passengers, a practice that leaves them unable to compete. Ferry crossing tickets are supposed to be sold only at the official offices. Photo: January 29, 2024. They also claim the companies hire ticket sellers who are offering round trips for as little as 200 pesos and that these sellers are often seen on public roads and near bus terminals. This practice is another area of their agreement that has been breached since the agreement reached last year includes ferry ticket purchases only at their official windows. Four killed in ordered hit for failed Costa Maya drug delivery Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q.R. Four men in the Mayan community of X-Hazil Sur were shot to death early Monday. Municipal authorities of Felipe Carrillo Puerto were sent to a home in the normally quiet community where they found four dead bodies. The men were sitting on an outside patio of a private home they shared when the attack took place. Armed men arrived at the home where they opened fire against all four. Two were found shot dead on the patio while the other two ran and were found dead near the property. The 9-1-1 emergency call to police was made by a woman from inside the home. Felipe Carrillo Puerto Municipal authorities arrive at the home to find four dead bodies. Photo: January 29, 2024. According to the call, the woman said the men entered the patio shouting that they were from the prosecutors office and ordered the men to not move as they began shooting. Wendolin H, Abraham H, Jesus N and a fourth unidentified man were killed. Those responsible for the attack fled on foot into the cover of darkness. Municipal Police were accompanied by National Guard responding to the shooting. The deadly attack is reported to have been related to a Costa Maya shipment of drugs by the Caborca Cartel that was not received and was believed stolen by the men killed. Two bodies were found on the patio of the home while the other two ran and were found near the property. Photo: January 29, 2024. The ordered hit is believed to have been lead by a cartel member known as Yegua. According to neighbors, at least two of the now-deceased men were known to participate in illegal activities. MARTINSVILLE Gov. Glenn Youngkin quietly visited New College Institute on Friday to discuss NCIs business plan. Youngkin, Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera, Deputy Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent and Deputy Secretary of Finance Jason Powell and others toured NCI for an hour, then met with key NCI staff and board members for their discussion. There was no public notice that the meeting was set to be held. This visit took place in the wake of Youngkins proposed budget, released in December, that allocated NCI $4.69 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year but nothing for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Along with his proposed budget, Youngkin also required NCI to present to the state a business plan by October. But that plan was already in the making with its final version expected to be completed and presented within the month, a press release from NCI states. Following the release of Youngkins proposed budget, NCI Board Chair Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, met with the governor and invited him for a tour of NCIs programs and partners. The business plan was discussed with the governor and his staff during Fridays meeting, said Stanley. Stanley, NCI Board Vice Chair Richard Hall, NCI Executive Director Joe Sumner, NCI Deputy Director Christina Reed and NCI Director of Institutional Advancement Olivia Garrett were at the meeting and Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones, Vice Mayor Aaron Rawls, Henry County Public Schools Superintendent Amy Blake-Lewis, Martinsville City Public Schools Superintendent Zeb Talley and more were not at the meeting, but in attendance to greet Youngkin. Meanwhile, legislation is moving through the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates in support of NCIs continued operations and evolution, the release states. Senate Bill 62, introduced by Stanley, would require NCI to work with the state departments of education and labor and industry, the Virginia Community College System, the State Council for Higher Education, the Virginia Board of Workforce Development and other agencies on workforce development programs that support the governors workforce initiatives. The Senate Education and Health committee approved the bill 14-1 on Jan. 18 and it now sits with Finance and Appropriations committee. House Bill 1445 is the same it was introduced in the House by Del. Eric Phillips, R-Henry, and is pending. The purpose of the bill is to streamline our ability to track what we deliver in our workforce development programs, Stanley said. The NCI Code, created in 2006, includes six pillars: work with other agencies and institutions to diversify the regions economy; use resources to support economic diversity; develop a trained workforce; provide access to degree programs; focus degree programs on areas of critical shortage; and serve as a resource and referral center. A lot of things have changed in education since 2006, Phillips said. Including that a lot of traditional 4-year education, is being done online now. The bill is for more money and development for workforce training while still having and offering a 4-year degree education. Stanley, Del. Betsy Carr, D-Richmond, and Phillips introduced budget amendments (SB30 Item 234 #1s, HB30 items 234 #1h and #2h) to reinstate NCIs second year (FY26) funding of $4,686,850. According to Hall, Youngkin arrived prepared and ready to help and offered his guidance and expertise on how we can better fit within the workforce development and educational systems within the Commonwealth while functioning as an impactful community resource to Martinsville and Henry County. It was a very constructive meeting, Hall added. They talked about how NCIs plan is to supplement the Commonwealths workforce offerings without duplication of existing programs, Sumner said about the meeting. Developing relationships with different organizations at the state level will enhance NCIs efforts statewide and continuing to build and improve on existing partnerships was encouraged, Sumner added. That includes, the release said, working with programs that cultivate extracurricular learning in K-12 to cultivate a student base primed to continue education on higher levels. Between the talk about increased workforce training and offering all the community things they [NCI] do, theres a whole lots of dots there, Phillips said. With the governors guidance, NCI can connect those dots together and make sense out of it, and that way theres a clear direction. Words cannot adequately express how grateful I am that Gov. Youngkin would take time out of his busy schedule to visit with New College, our dedicated staff, our community leaders and education programming partners who are committed to the future success of our region, said Stanley. He was clearly impressed with what we are doing here at NCI, and he provided us with great insight and new ideas on how we can be better every day for the people that we serve. In the end, this may be the best thing that ever happened to NCI, Phillips said. During the Governors visit, he was able to talk with many of NCIs partners including: Robert Rob Spilman Jr., a Dominion Energy lead director; Instructor Lee Renfroe of the GoFar fiber optic training school; and Eastman Performance Films Human Resources Director Chris Coyne; Dr. Pam Randall and Dr. Stephanie Watts, Longwood University; Piedmont Regional Criminal Justice Training Academy staff and cadets; Helen Howell, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Junior Chapter; Warrick Scott, President and CEO of the Wendell Scott Foundation; students from the STAGS Team 1262 Robotics and Magna Vista High Schools MagnaFlux Robotics; Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services; Mark Heath, executive director of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation; City of Martinsville Fire & EMS; Joanie Petty, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Blue Ridge; Just Call Granny; local officials; and representatives from both local school systems. Gov. Youngkins spokesman Christian Martinez said, Governor Youngkin toured the New College Institute facility and received an update on the higher education centers draft business plan. As with any utilization of state resources, its critical to understand where NCI is spending its resources to ensure it is effectively and efficiently fulfilling its mission. The administration will continue to work with NCI to finalize a viable business strategy, bolster workforce training initiatives, and ensure the center is meeting key performance measures. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. BEIJING, Jan 30 (News On Japan) - The Chinese government is considering resuming the visa exemption for short-term stays of Japanese citizens in China, which has been suspended, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on January 29. In addition, the ministry called for Japan to take some measures for Chinese visitors to Japan. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, the Chinese government has suspended the visa exemption that allowed Japanese citizens to stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa, and both the Japanese government and Japanese economic organizations have been calling for an early resumption of this policy. During a press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, "We are seriously considering the requests from various sectors in Japan for the resumption of the visa exemption measures." Wang also expressed his hope that "Japan will meet China halfway and that the mutual exchange of people will become smoother," urging Japan to take some measures for Chinese visitors, with the concept of "reciprocity" that China has long advocated in mind. While China agreed on January 28 to mutually exempt short-term stay visas with Thailand, and since December last year, has implemented visa exemption measures for short-term stays for six countries including France, Germany, and Italy, there is still no clear prospect for resuming the policy for Japan. Source: NHK Two poll workers unintentionally rattled David Bohlken two decades ago when he walked into a small country church near Tulsa to vote for his first time as an Oklahoman. They wouldnt offer him a ballot. Only a cup of coffee. The ballot got flipped upside down on me. I wasnt even allowed to look at it, Bohlken said, noting that the two apologetic poll volunteers his friends were just doing their jobs. That kind of made me feel bad. Bohlken grew up in Minnesota, a state with open primaries, where all registered voters may participate in any partys primary election. He didnt realize his status as a registered independent in Oklahoma would exclude him from partisan primaries. Millions of voters in states like Oklahoma with primaries that are at least partially closed are shut out from voting in contested races because of their independent status or party affiliation, denying participation in elections their tax dollars fund. In some cases, those primaries decide who wins the seat outright. Across nine closed or partially closed primary states, about two in five registered voters in districts with contested U.S. Congressional primary elections in the 2022 midterms were barred from casting ballots in those races, according to a Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism team analysis of publicly available data. Similarly, about two in five registered voters throughout those nine states in districts with contested state legislative primaries in 2022 were prohibited from participation. In 181 of those 590 contested federal and state primaries, disallowed voters were entirely blocked from a choice in who represents them because the primaries decided who won the office either directly or with an uncontested general election, according to Lee Enterprises analysis. Thats almost one in three districts where the excluded voters had no say in their representation. Jeremy Gruber, a lawyer and senior vice president of Open Primaries, a national advocacy group, frames the issue in stark terms. Theres a country where when you vote in the general election, half the time theres only one person on the ballot. Almost every time its an uncompetitive election, and half the voters in the country are barred from the first round or limited, Gruber said. And even the voters that can participate are segregated into warring camps. People would say, Well, that doesnt make sense. That doesnt sound democratic. Where is that? What strange country has that system? But thats us. Thats our system. Gruber is part of a burgeoning movement across the U.S. to open up primaries so all registered voters can participate. As the 2024 election season begins, there are already about a dozen active campaigns in states across the U.S., including Oklahoma, Arizona, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Idaho. Proponents who are pushing for changes through citizen-led ballot initiatives, state law changes or even lawsuits say open primaries strengthen American democracy by allowing all registered voters equal access to taxpayer-funded elections while broadening voter choice and improving outcomes through competition. But open primary efforts are running up against opposition from some political party leaders and partisans who think only party members should choose their candidates for the general election. In the 20 years since Bohlken first tried to vote in Oklahoma, the states Democratic Party has opened its primaries to independent voters. But neither Republicans nor Libertarians have followed suit. State Sen. Nathan Dahm, chair of the Oklahoma GOP, said he adamantly opposes open primaries because political parties are private organizations with specific ideals that should be able to decide who participates in their affairs primary elections included. You dont want the out-of-town atheist coming in and voting on who your next pastor should be in your church, Dahm said. Dahm said no requirements force a person to vote in a primary. In fact, he said, most registered voters dont participate. And many citizens arent even registered to vote. The purpose of the primary is for the party to determine who they want to be their nominee, Dahm said. However, primaries often are where the real decisions are made, Gruber said. General elections in most state and federal races have ceased to be determinative, he said, becoming more of a dance a formality. All of a sudden, weve allowed the parties to control the process that we pay for that our tax dollars pay for and its perverted our democracy in all kinds of ways, Gruber said. Most U.S. states have some form of open primary even if advocates like Gruber argue theyre more limited or less inclusive than they should be. He emphasized that the de facto model for municipal governments are nonpartisan elections, which he said are effective and elicit the highest satisfaction in voter surveys. Bohlken, a farmer and rancher who lives in Leonard, an unincorporated town near Tulsa, described his move to Oklahoma from Minnesota as a sort of slap in the face politically. His voting power was erased from primaries that his tax dollars support. As an independent, he prefers to carefully consider candidates from both sides of the aisle. I feel like I hesitate to say this out loud, but the primaries seem to drive a lot of real zealots some people who are really extreme in their views, Bohlken said. So those few people who can show up for a primary really determine whos going to be put in office. And that just kind of freaks me out. What research has found The high level of voter disenfranchisement that Lee Enterprises analysis found in states such as Oklahoma was surprising even to a researcher who studies open primaries. Thats nuts, said John Johnson, a research fellow at Marquette University in Wisconsin, a state with open primaries. Johnson said he would be angry if he lived in a state in which he couldnt participate in the primary, particularly if the general election wasnt competitive. In stark contrast, Wisconsins open primary system doesnt require voters to register with a party and allows them to decide in which partys primary they want to vote. Its mostly people just voting with the party that they prefer, and then when they cross over its because they genuinely feel some stake in the contest thats happening inside the other party, Jo hnson said. Johnsons research has found that crossover voting when Republicans vote in a Democratic primary, for example happens at such low levels as to be inconsequential in swaying the results, despite fears of party-raiding expressed by opponents of open primaries. In analyzing both the 2016 and 2018 Wisconsin primaries, an identical share of Republicans and Democrats 2% crossed over to the opposite party. Even if this tiny share of people were indeed party raiding, they canceled each other out, Johnson wrote in a summary of the study. But there is no good evidence suggesting they werent voting in good faith. Still, high-profile stories of voters trying to disrupt primary elections pop up. For example, some Democratic and independent voters in Wyoming crossed over to the Republican primary in 2022 to try to save former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney from her GOP challenger. They were unsuccessful as Cheney lost by more than 30 percentage points. Johnson thinks the academic literature is pretty settled in that open primaries dont cause harm but they do increase voter turnout. The Bipartisan Policy Center examined the 2022 midterm primaries and found that open primary states had higher voter turnout on average than closed primary states. The average turnout was 24.5% in states with fully open primaries or what are referred to as top-two or top-four formats, according to Bipartisan Policy Centers analysis. Meanwhile, average turnout was just 21.5% in states with semi-open primaries and 20.7% in states with closed primaries. Fully open primaries allow individuals to decide in which partys primary they want to vote. Top-two or top-four formats place all candidates on a common ballot for all voters, with the top vote-getters advancing to the general election. Generally, partially open primaries permit independent or unaffiliated voters to choose a partys primary but dont allow party members to switch to another partys primary. Closed primaries only authorize party members to vote and only within their designated party. And partially closed primaries let the recognized parties decide whether any independent or unaffiliated or minor party voters can participate. Primary systems can be nuanced and vary widely by state. For example, Nevada and New Mexico technically closed primary states allow any person to register to vote or switch parties at the polls on primary day. Other state deadlines for switching parties are weeks or months in advance of primary elections. Wyoming, for example, requires that individuals who want to change or declare a new party affiliation for the primary must do so before the candidate filing period even begins. Oklahoma Republican mayor reverses view Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, a Republican, is now one of the faces of a grassroots movement to open up the Sooner states primaries, called Oklahoma United For Progress. But a decade earlier, he said he wrongly campaigned against the concept. Bynum, then a city councilor, opposed the citizen-led ballot question that made Tulsas municipal elections nonpartisan on his mistaken belief that political parties fundamentally are supposed to educate and motivate voters. He had feared voter interest would wane in a nonpartisan process. At the core of Bynums change of heart? He said he unexpectedly unseated the Republican incumbent for mayor in 2016 by building a broad coalition that he couldnt have mobilized in a partisan primary. And contrary to his belief, average voter turnout in the three mayoral primaries after Tulsa switched to nonpartisan elections rose 35% compared to the same period before the reform. In his 2020 re-election bid, Bynum said the center held despite a strong primary challenge from his ideological left and right opponents. The fact that Im sitting here as a mayor right now and didnt lose in 2020 is testament to the fact that most people are not in the vocal, angry extremes, Bynum told a crowd in July at a burger restaurant in Oklahoma City. Most people are in between there somewhere, but theyre not as loud. The Lee Enterprises analysis of publicly available voter data for the 2022 midterm primary illustrates how Oklahomas partially closed system and others like it stifles voter participation. In districts with contested U.S. House races, about 49% of registered voters or 889,880 eligible Oklahomans were shut out from casting a ballot in them. Similarly, about 45% of registered voters or 350,669 eligible Oklahomans in contested State House races and about 40% or 252,197 in contested State Senate races were blocked from voting in them. And 31 of those 52 contested state and federal seats about 60% were decided outright by the primary and not the general election, meaning hundreds of thousands of registered voters who were disallowed a primary voice had no vote at all for who would represent them in public office. Bynum called that data one of the great arguments in favor of open primaries. From a democracy standpoint, he said, its much better to have elected leaders chosen by all of the people not half of half the people, in many cases. Dahm, who has been chair of the Oklahoma GOP since May, said it isnt fair to consider closed primaries as keeping voters from participating because all someone has to do is register with the party. He said Democrats werent pushing for open primaries when they had control of the state 20 years ago. What happened is Republicans organized better, Dahm said. We got better candidates people that better represent the will of the people in those districts and we flipped those seats from Democrat seats to Republican seats. And if those people want to continue to participate in that, they can become registered Republicans. Privately, Bynum said he hears from many elected officials who support the open primaries effort but wont do so in the open. The party in control in a state no matter whether Republican or Democrat doesnt have incentive to change a system that could loosen its grip on power, he said. He said he is sticking out his neck publicly for a shot at generational change because he sees better focus on policy and improved outcomes in nonpartisan races. I think a fear of (open primaries) would betray a lack of confidence in the ideas that one political party or another is supporting, Bynum said. Organized party pushback in some states like Missouri While momentum to open up primaries is building among the countrys independent voters, some states including Missouri, Tennessee and Ohio are facing action in the other direction, forcing advocates to play defense. In Missouri, voting rights advocates like Denise Lieberman of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition so far have successfully staved off Republican efforts to close the states open primaries, but the threat is constantly looming, she said. Major changes to the states voting system already have taken place, such as the 2022 elimination of the Republican presidential primary election in favor of a caucus system, which tends to encourage participation by loyal party members and decrease turnout overall. This is all part of a national trend to constrict who is able to cast a ballot, Lieberman said. I do think these efforts to close primaries that weve seen in about a half-dozen states are part of this effort to make the electorate smaller. Lieberman said a consequence of shutting out voters from primaries is making them feel like it was rigged from the beginning. What we know from the data is that fewer and fewer people are choosing to affiliate with the major political parties, Lieberman said. If you have no say in who the party candidate is going to be, why even bother to show up at the general election to vote? It remains to be seen what happens in this legislative session in Missouri. A Republican state senator who last year sponsored a bill to close primary elections, Sen. Andrew Koenig, doesnt appear to be focused on it in 2024. Dave Evans, communications director for the senator, said I dont know that thats an issue thats going to be a burning issue this year. But Evans said the senators view hasnt changed on the matter. In fact, the Missouri Republican Party states on its party platform that it believes in closed primaries requiring all voters who cast a ballot to declare a partisan affiliation and maintain declared party affiliations as a public record. Political parties are in fact private organizations, Evans said. They ought to have the right to have freedom of association like any other group. Independents the new plurality in Arizona In swing-state Arizona, independent voters, or individuals not with a recognized party, became the plurality of registered voters in October. But those voters are excluded from the states version of a presidential primary, called a presidential preference election. Ray Kimball is a retired U.S. Army officer who is a relatively new independent voter in Arizona after nearly three decades as a registered Republican. Kimball said the GOP alienated him over its refusal to acknowledge that Joe Biden is the duly elected president, prompting his move to independent status. Kimballs wife received notice in the mail of the forthcoming presidential preference election and that she automatically will get her partys ballot. Kimball himself wont be sent any such mail and wont be able to participate in what he called a crucial election. Im fiercely proud of my vote, and I will cast it at any opportunity available, said Kimball, who lives in Gilbert in the East Valley of the Phoenix metro. Im just angry that I dont have the ability to make that voice heard in every election. I think thats wrong. Kimball, who works in higher education after his military retirement, is open to considering a return to the GOP if it were to find its bearings and embrace reality. But he does find meaning in his fresh status as an independent. I feel proud to be close to what George Washingtons original vision for politics in this country was he warned against partisan politics, Kimball said. He was concerned about what it would do to our country. So I feel proud that Im exercising a political tradition that has its roots in the origin of our country. Paul Johnson, a former Democrat mayor of Phoenix, is helping lead the Save Democracy Arizona petition effort to enshrine nonpartisan primaries and uniform signature requirements into the state Constitution. As it stands, Arizona law requires independent or unaffiliated individuals who want to run for legislative office to come up with tens of thousands of signatures more than someone who is with a recognized political party. Now an independent, Johnson said voters breaking away from a desire to be identified as a member of a party is one of the most powerful movements ongoing in American politics. The countrys single greatest achievement has been to empower individuals over itself, he said. He added that the magical key to democracy is talking to people with whom you dont necessarily agree. The single biggest thing that defines (the parties) is they hate each other. They cannot stand one another, Johnson said. And my answer is, I dont want to eliminate them. I want to get the best from them. Pennsylvania voters push for open primaries Meanwhile, Pennsylvania is closer than it ever has been to adopting an open primary system. But its not there yet. For the first time in October, a bill to open up primary elections to an estimated 1.2 million excluded unaffiliated and independent Pennsylvania voters passed out of a house legislative committee. One of the key proponents of the bill, Democratic Rep. Jared Solomon of Philadelphia, said he feels a shift, that more and more folks are coming on board. The proposal has been around forever and its the first time it passed the House (committee), Solomon said. I think its a really big deal. We need to finally get this bill to the finish line. However, the full House chamber still hasnt acted on the bill yet. A spokesperson for the House speaker, who has the power to call the bill down for a vote, told Lee Enterprises that the measure is currently being reviewed. Solomon says hes pushing hard on this because he believes its the right thing to do. The fastest group of unaffiliated independent voters are people aged 18 to 35, he said. Imagine youre a new voter in Pennsylvania and were basically saying to you no thanks, not welcome, not here. At the same time, Solomon said the state will take their tax money to prop up the primary system. It doesnt really roll out of the welcome mat, he said. This is not the look we want in PA. One of those new young voters is Ethan Barnes, a Dickinson College student who was disappointed to find out upon moving to Pennsylvania that he wouldnt be able to vote in primary elections unless he registered as a Democrat or a Republican. But at heart, hes an independent, just like his dad, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who instilled in him the importance of being politically active at a young age. Its really sad that you cant register as an independent and still be able to be as politically active as you could if you were registered as either a Democrat or Republican, Barnes said. Thats what many of my friends (and I) have had to go through. Why should I not be able to participate just because Im registered as an independent? Barnes said. The issue led Barnes to join BallotPA, a statewide advocacy group of independent and unaffiliated voters who are trying to push lawmakers on the issue. I always cared a lot about politics, but I dont know if I would have imagined myself getting this strongly involved in the fight for open primaries, Barnes said. But Im happy that I did. I think the ability to participate in politics and being able to vote should be open to all. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko Vladimir Putins ally, Alexander Lukashenko, just suggested Russia bears the greatest burden in the world and suffers more than anyone else. Lukashenko, the Belarusian president, is one of Putins closest allies following Russias invasion of Ukraine. While much of the international community particularly the West has severed ties with Moscow, neighbouring nation Belarus has remained close. So it was no surprise that Putin and Lukashenko seemed very friendly when they spoke at the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus earlier this week. According to Lukashenko on Monday, he and Putin had discussed the whole world from the South Pole to the North Pole. He claimed the two leaders have really done some very serious work in their discussions, Russian state news agency, TASS, reported. Lukashenko said: Take the aspirations of Russia and Belarus, and the Peoples Republic of China. Russia is at the forefront of this, because it bears the greatest burden and suffers more than anyone else. Its not clear exactly what Lukashenko was referring to here. While Moscow has faced some economic difficulties since the war broke out linked to the retaliatory sanctions issued by the West most of the war is still being fought in Ukraine. And it was Russia who invaded Ukraine back in February 2022. Approximately 3.6 million people in Ukraine are now displaced and around 6.3 million others have sought refuge abroad as of January 2024, according to humanitarian aid organisation World Vision. Referring to the brewing geopolitical tensions around the world right now, Lukashenko continued: The reason for all of this is the Houthis, the Middle East, the South China Sea, and problems with Taiwan. Its all because the multipolar world is coming, the Belarusian leader said, while also claiming that the West has resorted to armed conflicts to preserve its status. Story continues The West is not actually directly engaged in a war with Russia, but it is supporting Ukraine. The US and the UK have also launched missile strikes at Houthi rebels in the Red Sea recently but maintain the West is not at war with the Middle East. Still, Russia has routinely accused the West of supposedly provoking Moscow into invading Ukraine by expanding NATO eastwards. And even over the weekend, at a World War 2 memorial, Putin lashed out at supposed Russophobia in Europe. Related... State senators advanced a bill Monday that would ban financial institutions from debanking or discriminating against people on the basis of their religious or conservative political beliefs. Advocates speaking on behalf of Iowa banks, credit unions and businesses said a measure banning financial institutions from discriminating against people on the basis of their religious or conservative political beliefs was a solution in search of a problem that would hamper free markets. Lawmakers moved Senate Study Bill 3094 out of subcommittee Monday. It calls for prohibiting financial institutions such as banks and credit unions from discriminating against providing financial services to a person by using a social credit score, defined in the legislation as an institution keeping track of a persons religious practices, associations, protected speech, expression or conduct. Financial institutions could not decline providing services to a business owner because that person does not disclose information about their business greenhouse gas emissions, does not conduct diversity audits or refuses to assist an employee in obtaining an abortion or gender reassignment service under the bill. A persons participation in business activity related to firearms, gas and oil sales could also not be considered. Supporters of the bill said an amendment, not yet public, is planned for the bill that would clarify that the measure applies to large banks that serve over $100 billion in assets. It also would add the anti-discrimination requirements to large payment processors, like PayPal, that process over $100 billion in credit card transactions. Matt Sharp, senior counsel with the conservative Christian advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom, told lawmakers the bill is necessary because of cases in the U.S. and abroad of large financial institutions closing accounts or denying services to individuals and groups because of their beliefs. Sharp cited allegations by Indigenous Advanced Ministries, a Tennessee-based Christian nonprofit focused on mission work in Uganda, that Bank of America closed their accounts unexpectedly in 2023 due to it speech and religious beliefs as the organizations website details its stances against abortion and same-sex marriage. Bank of America sent a letter to the nonprofit saying its risk profile no longer aligns with the banks risk tolerance, Fox News reported, and that the accounts closed due to the banks internal debt collection policy. Bank of America officials said religious beliefs do not play a factor in the decision to close accounts, but some, including Alliance Defending Freedom advocates, disputed this claim. Sharp said the planned amendment would also address concerns about situations like the Indigenous Advanced Ministries account closure, preventing peoples speech or religious views from being considered while banks assess risk. (Risk-based standards) are fine when youre talking about an industry, Sharp said. Obviously if the banks making a loan, theres different risks with a toy manufacturer or car manufacturer factor in that industry than there is in oil and gas. But as written right now, that allows banks a huge loophole that they can say anything is too risky, and doing it based upon someones speech or religious views, we dont think thats appropriate. Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, said enforcement of the law and evaluating discriminatory risk-based standards could be dicey issues if the bill becomes law. He brought up a hypothetical situation where a business seeking to borrow money has enough collateral to cover the costs of a loan, but that an investigation finds they are currently facing a lawsuit that could put them at risk of not being able to pay back the outstanding loan. If those lawsuits are in cases that involve charges based on releasing dangerous pollutants, like lawsuits brought against tobacco or asbestos producers, Quirmbach said, they could be considered unlawful by social responsibility considerations even though its in the best financial interest of a bank to deny the loan. Now, along comes this law, and says, Well, you cant use the social-related, directly or indirectly, readings to deny alone,' Quirmbach said. What kind of situation is that leave that bank or credit union in? Theyre making a purely financial decision based on the well-being of their stockholders and depositors by turning down this loan, but then they have an alternative legal exposure if they do that. I see all kinds of enforcement problems here that could create just a thicket of legal lawsuits and other filings. Quirmbach also said that Iowa already has strong protections against religious discrimination in the Civil Rights Code of Iowa, making the bill unnecessary. Mike Rozenboom and Sharon Presnall, lobbyists with the Iowa Bankers Association, said the bill was unnecessary as there are not any social credit scores being used at Iowa banks that they are aware of, and that the anti-discrimination provisions in the bill are already covered by both state and federal law. The Bankers Association pointed to Wells Fargo, the largest employer in the Des Moines area, as an example that the issues highlighted in the bill are not a problem in Iowa. Wells Fargo lobbyist Doug Struyk said the financial services company is the number one agriculture lender in the state, number one firearms lender in the country and one of the top lenders for the oil and gas industries. Rozenboom also said there are concerns that the bill would limit banks ability to make any decision for reputational reasons, such as declining services to the Church of Satan or working with the pornography industry, even if it goes against a bank employees own First Amendment rights or the banks best financial interests. He also said that the measure would abridge free markets in the state. Iowa Bankers opposes government intervention in markets, whether thats from the left or the right, Rozenboom said. This certainly is government intervention of markets, and we oppose that. We think markets should function freely. Republican Sens. Lynn Evans and Dave Rowley advanced the bill with plans to amend it. Evans said while he supported the measure, he had concerns about the possibility of frivolous lawsuits resulting from the measure, with people attempting to sue banks for denying loans on the basis of religion or their financial dealings, even when that is not the case. Rowley said when he read the bill, he thought of Canada banks decision to freeze assets in more than 200 accounts under emergency powers during the Truckers Convoy protests in Canada over COVID-19 restrictions. He said while the issue may not be present in Iowa at the moment, he believed it was important to pass the legislation now to prevent the issue from arising in the state. There is a constituency with an interest in wanting to know that if they have certain beliefs, if they hold certain positions or they are among a certain group, that theyre not going to be discriminated against in the financial world, and that their bank accounts will not be closed or if there are threats to something, Rowley said. PRIMGHAR, Iowa A Hartley, Iowa, woman, has been sentenced to jail and probation for smoking marijuana around her 3-year-old son. Victoria Barnes, 25, pleaded guilty Monday in O'Brien County District Court to a misdemeanor charge of child endangerment. As part of a plea agreement, a charge of neglect or abandonment of a dependent person was dismissed. In accordance with terms of the plea agreement, District Judge John Sandy sentenced Barnes to 364 days in jail, suspended 323 days and gave Barnes credit for the remaining 41 days previously served. Barnes was fined $855 and placed on probation for one year. She also must undergo a substance abuse evaluation and comply with its recommendations. An Iowa Department of Human Services caseworker removed the boy from the Hartley home on Nov. 8 after receiving allegations of the use of illegal substances by Barnes and the child's father, Johnathan Peters. On Nov. 17, the caseworker notified authorities the boys hair tested positive for the presence of marijuana. During interviews with investigators, Barnes admitted smoking marijuana a few times a week at a friends house but not around her son. Peters said he usually smoked marijuana in the garage and sometimes in the house while on a different floor from his son. Peters, 26, pleaded guilty of child endangerment and was sentenced to 364 days in jail, with 328 days suspended and credit for the remaining 36 days previously served. Peters was fined $855 and placed on two years' probation. Kenneth Dawdy, 39, entered his plea Friday in U.S. District Court in Sioux City to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Dawdy admitted he took part in the sale of at least 3,500 grams of meth from January 2021 through June 2023. He also admitted to being a middle man, helping others by acquiring and delivering money and meth to others. STORM LAKE, Iowa A Minnesota man was sentenced Monday to 40 years in prison for sexually abusing a young girl in Storm Lake. Ka Toe, 42, of St. Paul, Minnesota, entered an Alford plea in Buena Vista County District Court in November to charges of second-degree sexual abuse, lascivious acts with a child and incest. In an Alford plea, a defendant admits no guilt, and the judge enters a guilty plea into the record. Toe must serve 17.5 years before he's eligible for parole. He also will be required to register with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry, and District Judge Charles Borth ordered him to serve a lifetime special sex offender sentence after he completes his prison sentence. If he were to violate terms of the special sentence, he could be sent back to prison. Charges of second-degree sexual abuse, lascivious acts with a child, child endangerment and two counts of indecent contact with a child were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. St. Paul authorities notified Storm Lake police in April of a report of sexual abuse alleged to have occurred in Storm Lake. Police investigated the accusations and arrested Toe in June, when he turned himself in to Storm Lake police. Toe had sexual contact with the girl numerous times in a Storm Lake home between January 2019 and March 2020. SIOUX CITY The Benson Building's owner wants the City Council to take action on the former Sioux City auditorium, the future home of LAMB Arts, and even suggested they consider tearing down the historic building if it can't be saved. The roof on the old auditorium, 625 Douglas St., began leaking in the fall of 2022 and gradually collapsed on the brick structure's west side. At last week's City Council meeting, Benson Building developer Steve Nelson relayed to council members that, in the last five years, "nothing has happened" with the auditorium, which is located across the street from his property. He said the building has "deteriorated to a worse condition." "At some point, if that roof continues to collapse, there's a chance that building could fall, or a portion of it, or a couple of the walls," Nelson told The Journal. Lamb Arts collapsed roof The partially collapsed roof of the old Sioux City Auditorium, 625 Douglas St. is shown Thursday. LAMB Arts plans to remodel the 1909 building LAMB Arts, a nonprofit professional non-equity theater, purchased the auditorium in 2017 with plans to renovate it into a regional theater. The auditorium, which was built in 1909, has been red-tagged since June 2022, according to a placard affixed to the front door. The American Legion Post 64 once owned the building and operated it as the Tomba Ballroom. Most recently, the auditorium housed KCAU's studios. Photos taken by a Journal photographer Thursday from the Benson Building, 705 Douglas St., show an HVAC system precariously perched on the caved in portion of the auditorium's roof. Sioux City Code Enforcement Manager Darrel Bullock said the structure has experienced "some additional roof collapse." He said the building, which contains asbestos, was initially red-tagged due to dilapidation. "The roof structure has a portion of it that has collapsed and it's supported internally by some other wall structures," he said. "It is going to collapse, a portion of it, but it is also on a pile, if you will, of other walls and other debris on the inside." Economic Development Director Marty Dougherty said the city recently made a formal request to LAMB Arts founders Russ and Diana Wooley to provide a report on the building's structural condition. In October 2017, the City Council approved a $350,000 economic development loan to LAMB Arts to purchase the building. "It's a significant issue, so we are waiting to hear back from them on that. We should see some information on that very soon," Dougherty said. "It's their building. We have an agreement and a loan, but we also make sure that buildings are safe." Diana Wooley told The Journal LAMB Arts is trying to "keep everything quiet" concerning the project. She said, "Things will start happening very soon." "We're in kind of a funny spot. We're looking at everything, looking at all of our options right now. We're working daily on this," she said. "We have a developer from Omaha that we're working with. We've got a campaign guru that's helping us with funding and all that sort of thing. We've got some incredibly beautiful plans drawn up." Lamb Arts collapsed roof The partially collapsed roof of the old Sioux City Auditorium, 625 Douglas St. is shown Thursday. LAMB Arts plans to remodel the 1909 building The Wooleys previously told the council LAMB Arts has raised a substantial portion of its $20 million project goal and made progress toward securing various tax credits, grants and private contributions. In February 2020, the council approved an ordinance designating the auditorium as a local landmark, which made it eligible for state historic preservation tax credits. If the auditorium can't be salvaged and LAMB Arts has to build a new theater from the ground up, the project would no longer be a contender for those tax credits. LAMB Arts' latest extension Since the loan was granted to LAMB Arts, the City Council has approved three repayment extensions. The first two extensions in 2018 and 2020 were two-year extensions. The most recent extension, a one-year extension, ended Oct. 22, 2023. The Wooleys, however, have not repaid the $350,000 loan from the city, which is secured by a mortgage on the property, according to Dougherty. The city could take legal action on the mortgage, but Dougherty said the city continues to work with the Wooleys. He said the council has not formally approved another loan repayment extension for the auditorium. LAMB Arts has leased the former Webster School, 417 Market St., from the city for more than 30 years. "They're changing their plans a little bit. We've been meeting with them, talking to them and waiting for them to make a proposal as to how they're going to move forward," he said of the Wooleys. Diana Wooley initially called the partial roof collapse a "wonderful happenstance." She said in July it would allow LAMB Arts to add a full fly system, or theatrical rigging system, in what would be Gilchrist Theatre, one of three theaters planned for the auditorium. "We're going to go into the ceiling further up so that we'll have a full fly system, which is awesome," Wooley said at that time. "It was lemons at first, and, now, it's lemonade." 'Their building is dilapidating and falling in' LAMB Arts purchased the auditorium from Loyce Archer-Dunbar for $400,000 in November 2017, according to the Sioux City Assessor's website. Roughly two years after the sale of the auditorium to LAMB Arts, Harkay Development, LLC purchased the Benson Building for $350,000 from Warnock Development Inc. Nelson Construction & Development is redeveloping the Benson Building as Harkay Development, LLC. The six-story brick and terracotta structure is being transformed into commercial spaces and luxury apartments. With the Benson Building slated to open in April, Nelson is not only concerned about the structural integrity of the former auditorium, but how the sight of the partially collapsed roof, which is visible from the fifth and six floors of the Benson Building's south side, could negatively impact his investment. "They were going to restore that building to its historical period of significance and do a historical improvement, which was part of my consideration when I bought the Benson Building," he said. "Four years later, as I'm finishing, their building is dilapidating and falling in." Nelson said the apartments on the Benson Building's fifth and sixth floors have the greatest views of the city. However, as things currently stand, tenants of the building's south side would be looking down onto the auditorium's collapsed roof. "They're looking right down onto a building that the roof has collapsed. You can see clear to the floor," Nelson said. "It hurts me." Dougherty said people have asked him if the city is going to "take back" the auditorium from LAMB Arts. "No. We never owned it. They bought it from the long-time owners," he said. Regardless of whether a red-tagged building is owned by the city or a private person, Bullock said safety is the main concern. If the city ends up demolishing the building, Bullock said the Iowa DNR would be involved in the demolition. "There's a process where you demolish it with asbestos-containing material in it. There's precautions that you take so it doesn't become friable and airborne. It's a different type of demolition process that you would go through to demolish that structure," he said. "Anytime you see a historic building that's gone that far in decay, it's kind of sad that you're going to lose it. But safety first." As the toll from the COVID-19 pandemic continued to mount, antiviral medications such as Paxlovid were hailed by health officials as an important way to reduce the risk of severe illness or death. Yet the drugs have remained underused, studies have found. In Boston, a group of researchers wanted to know why and what could be done about it. Their new findings, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suggest that some vulnerable patients were not offered the prescription medicines at all, and that doctors need more education to make sure the drugs get to patients who could benefit. Researchers from the VA Boston Cooperative Studies Program delved into records from the Veterans Health Administration to look more closely at what happened to high-risk patients who never got Paxlovid, remdesivir or molnupiravir. They focused on 110 patients who received organ transplants or had other medical conditions such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia that were likely to leave them immunocompromised and thus at greater risk from COVID-19 despite being vaccinated. Their analysis in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that 20% of those patients turned down the drugs when they were offered. But the remaining 80% of patients were never offered such treatment in the first place. In some cases, medical providers decided not to give patients the COVID-19 drugs because they were worried about how they could interact with other medications patients were already taking, including cholesterol-lowering statins and a drug used to reduce the risk that a transplanted organ would be rejected. In other cases, doctors demurred because their patients had experienced COVID-19 symptoms for more than five days beforehand, beyond the recommended window for getting Paxlovid. Despite public alarm about "Paxlovid rebound," in which symptoms recur after treatment, none of the medical records noted it as a reason not to give the drug, the study found. But in almost half of the cases in which people weren't offered the medication, no reason was given by medical providers other than patients having mild symptoms, the researchers found. But people with mild symptoms early in their illness are "exactly the target group for getting the treatment," said Dr. Paul Monach, who heads the rheumatology section at the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System and was the study's lead author. The drugs are recommended for people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of severe illness due to their age or medical conditions the same kind of patients the Boston researchers were scrutinizing. The CDC urges doctors to treat high-risk patients within five days rather than waiting for their symptoms to worsen. "Every case starts off mild," and it's unpredictable whether they will become more severe, said Dr. Davey Smith, an infectious disease specialist at UC San Diego who was not involved in the study. "It might not be until the fifth or sixth day that you get into trouble and by that time it's too late to take these medications." Smith said he was especially alarmed that people whose immune systems were weakened were not getting the antiviral drugs. "Those are the people who are still coming into our hospital. And those are the ones who are dying. ... It breaks my heart every time I see them in the hospital and they just didn't get the medication." The Boston researchers said their findings suggest that physicians need more education about when to consider using the drugs. Patients, in turn, could be encouraged to reach out to medical providers sooner after they start showing symptoms. Monach added that some Veterans Health patients who weren't offered the drugs went home before their coronavirus test results were returned. Clinical staff such as nurses phoned them to follow up, but did not appear to have mentioned the possibility of antiviral medication, based on the records reviewed by the researchers. "That doesn't mean that people weren't doing their jobs," Monach said, "but I don't think those people had been informed, as part of their normal jobs, what the indication would be for giving Paxlovid." Concerns about Paxlovid and other COVID-19 medications not reaching patients who could benefit have persisted since soon after the drugs became available. Just months after Paxlovid received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, a national survey from the COVID States Project found that among people infected with the coronavirus between May and early July of 2022, only 11% reported having taken antivirals. Among a higher-risk group of people those over the age of 65 the rate was 20%, "higher, but still low." Another study of patients in the Veterans Affairs health system found that as of early 2023, less than a quarter of outpatients who tested positive for coronavirus infections were receiving any kind of anti-COVID medication. And researchers have also found alarming gaps in who is getting Paxlovid, with Black and Latino patients obtaining such treatment at markedly lower rates than white and non-Latino ones, even among immunocompromised patients. "I have been banging my head against the wall for my colleagues not using medications," Smith said. If physicians or patients are concerned about "rebound," he said, "COVID has this waxing and waning of symptoms anyway," whether you take medication or not. "And we know this medication, in higher-risk individuals, keeps people out of the hospital and from dying." One patient recently told him, "'Well, the last time I got COVID, I didn't take the medicine and I was fine,'" Smith said. The problem is "that's true until it's not. You can only dodge the bullet so many times," and the risks grow for an individual as they age. "Every time that you get COVID, you are getting it at a time when you are older." Chronic absenteeism is still up in schools across the US Chronic absenteeism is still up in schools across the US An improving situation, but not enough China raises national flag in Nauru after 19 years (People's Daily App) 16:01, January 30, 2024 A Chinese diplomatic team held a national flag-raising ceremony on Monday in Nauru, marking the first time in 19 years that the five-star red flag of China was raised on the Pacific island. The Nauruan government recognizes that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. (Compiled by Liu Haozhe) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden told reporters Tuesday he has made a decision about the U.S. response to the drone strike that killed three U.S. service members and injured dozens in Jordan. Asked by CNNs Arlette Saenz whether he has decided how to respond, Biden said, Yes, but declined to provide further details. The Sunday attack on the small outpost was the first time American troops have been killed by enemy fire in the Middle East since the beginning of the Gaza war. Administration officials have feared that outcome since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel because it would require a strong American response, which the administration has worried could lead to a broader conflict. The president reiterated that he is hoping to deter a broader conflict in the Middle East, saying on Tuesday, as he prepared to depart for a fundraising swing in south Florida, I dont think we need a wider war in the Middle East. Thats not what Im looking for. Along with the three U.S. Army soldiers who were killed, more than 40 other service members were injured in the drone attack. A U.S. official previously told CNN that the drone appeared to have followed an American drone onto the base, leading to uncertainty about the drones origin and a potential delayed response. The attack was the most serious of scores of strikes launched by Iran-backed militia groups on U.S. forces in the Middle East since Oct. 7. Along with those strikes, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have repeatedly attacked vessels in the Red Sea a crucial international shipping lane. Earlier this month, two Navy SEALs were swept into the ocean off the coast of Somalia while boarding a vessel in search of illicit Iranian weapons. The SEALs were declared dead on Jan. 21. All this comes as Israel continues its campaign inside Gaza, which has killed more than 25,000 people. Israel has also struck Hezbollah targets inside neighboring Lebanon adding up to an extremely precarious and deadly situation across the Middle East. The Biden administration has been criticized, primarily by Republicans, for not taking strong enough action against the Iran-backed groups for their attacks. In a statement on Sunday following the news of the three Americans killed, Sen. Lindsey Graham said the Biden administrations policy of deterrence against Iran has failed miserably, and called on Biden to escalate by launching strikes against targets inside Iran. Biden had warned in a statement shortly after the drone attack that the U.S. will respond in a time and manner of our choosing as he weighs how to deter future attacks without escalating the conflict. U.S. officials on Monday said that the American response was likely to be more powerful than previous U.S. strikes in Iraq and Syria against Iranian interests, but they have suggested it is unlikely the U.S. will strike within Iran. Biden said he holds Iran responsible for the attack, which CNN has reported was carried out by suspected Iranian proxy forces. Tehran has denied responsibility for the attacks, calling allegations of Iranian involvement baseless. I do hold them responsible in the sense that theyre supplying the weapons to the people who did it, he said. Biden said, Well see, when asked whether the expected U.S. response will deter future attacks. ___ Israel-Hamas war at 100 days DES MOINES Foreign owners of Iowa farmland would be required to report more detailed information, although most of that information would not be made public under legislation that got its first legislative approval Tuesday at the Iowa Capitol. The legislation was proposed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who raised the topic during her Jan. 9 Condition of the State address. Her proposal would require more robust reporting of information about foreign farmland owners, require the Iowa Secretary of States office to increase its tracking of such ownership and grant the Iowa Attorney Generals Office broader subpoena authority to investigate potential violations of state law about foreign farmland ownership. Reynolds and state lawmakers in support of the proposal say Iowa already has strong laws regarding foreign land ownership, and her bill would make them even stronger. I think this is a great piece of legislation thats going to advance our understanding of who our neighbors are, Sen. Dan Zumbach, a Republican from Ryan and a farmer, said during the subcommittee hearing. And I think all of us need to know who they are. Currently, that might be a question. But other than the people of Iowa, Iowas land is the most precious resource we have. And this bill will clarify who (landowners) are. Still, the proposal would shield most of the newly reported information from public view. The Iowa Secretary of State would be required to file an annual report on foreign farmland ownership in Iowa which would be made available to state lawmakers but not the public. Zumbach said he is not concerned with those provisions. I think the information, when this is all said and done, that the public will be able to have some redacted versions of that of whats going on, Zumbach told reporters. But I think at this point, were good where were at. I think at this point, I like where the legislation is. The proposed legislation was approved by Zumbach, his fellow Republican Sen. Dawn Driscoll, of Williamsburg, and Democratic Sen. Todd Taylor, of Cedar Rapids. Iowas current primary foreign land ownership law says that a non-resident alien, foreign business or foreign government shall not purchase or otherwise acquire agricultural land in this state. However, foreign people or firms who owned Iowa farmland before Jan. 1, 1980, were allowed to keep it but prohibited from buying more. There are some exceptions, including farmland used for testing, developing or producing seeds or plants for sale or resale to farmers and land used for research or experimentation, not profits. Farm group advocates spoke in favor of the governors bill during Tuesdays hearing. There are no lobbying organizations registered in opposition to the bill. Legislative liaisons for the governors and Attorney Generals Office also spoke at the hearing. We think its a positive change for Iowa. We want to make sure that land stays in the hands of Iowans, said Dan Breitbarth, with the Iowa Attorney Generals Office. With that first approval, the bill Senate Study Bill 3113 becomes eligible for consideration by the full Iowa Senate Agriculture Committee. Iowa Republican lawmakers advanced a bill Monday that would reinstate the death penalty for individuals who murder a peace officer. A three-member subcommittee voted 2-0 to advance Senate Study Bill 3085, with a proposed amendment, for consideration by the full Senate Judiciary Committee. As written, the bill would make anyone convicted of first-degree murder eligible for the death penalty. But lawmakers said they would amend it to pertain only to someone who murders a law enforcement officer. For the death penalty to be considered, the person must be 18 years or older and have knowledge that the victim was a police officer. The act must also be intentional and the offender must not be mentally ill or intellectually disabled, and must be a major participant in the commission of the crime. A jury or judge would need to find the defendant guilty, and then decide in a separate proceeding whether the death penalty should apply. It also would require the Iowa Supreme Court to automatically review all death penalty sentences to examine whether the sentence is excessive or disproportionate to penalties in similar cases. Capital punishment was abolished in Iowa in 1965. Previous attempts to reinstate the death penalty have failed to gained traction in the Iowa Legislature. Religious groups and others opposed to the bill said studies have shown the death penalty doesnt deter crime. US states using the death penalty have a similar murder rate to states that dont use it, with opponents arguing the threat of capital punishment does not appear to prevent homicides. Others noted racial disparities in death penalty prosecutions, and the inherent risk the death penalty carries of executing an innocent person. Since 1973, at least 190 people have been exonerated from death row in the U.S., according to the Death Penalty Information Center. You never get to what you want because revenge does not reward you. That's all the death penalty is, is revenge, said subcommittee member Sen. Tony Bisignano, D-Des Moines, who declined to sign off on the bill. Frankly, life in prison without parole has to be one of the most painful, mentally torturing things I would think that you could go through. Bisignano also took issue with the fact that death penalty would only apply to law enforcement who signs up for and are equipped for dangerous duty and not extend to children killed in a school shooting. I think it's a political round. We keep playing with politics in election years, he said. And this cop killer bill seems to be that thing that you want to put in your brochure, but I hope you'll put along with that that you excluded children killed in school shootings. Subcommittee member Sen. David Rowley, R-Spirit Lake, mentioned Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram, who was shot and killed last year as he tried to serve an arrest warrant. A husband. Father of three. Son. Grandson. That is who wants to be heard when this sensitive issue comes up, Rowley said, because their pain and suffering, regardless, goes on and on. Sen. Scott Webster, R-Bettendorf, who chaired the subcommittee, echoed Rowley. I know there's a lot of conversation about this doesn't deter anybody. But that closure that those parents need for the wife, or the husband, or the kids need, should be considered also, he said. I agree with that. This is a difficult situation and I believe that we should back our police officers and our peace officers that work within our prisons. We should make sure that we realize and we know that they're out there defending us and we defend them. Lawmakers are also considering advancing a bill that stalled during last years session that would bring back the death penalty in Iowa for murder in the first degree when it involves kidnapping and sexual abuse offenses against a child. Bill would ban so-called social credit scores Financial institutions would be prohibited from declining to provide services based on an individuals beliefs or social actions under legislation advanced by Republicans on a Senate subcommittee. The legislation bars financial institutions from refusing to provide services based on a so-called social credit score, which is defined in the bill to include an individuals religious beliefs, behaviors related to climate change, refusal to participate in diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and other social matters. Republicans and conservative advocacy groups that spoke at a subcommittee hearing said the legislation is needed to protect people who hold conservative beliefs from political backlash from financial institutions like banks, credit unions and credit card companies. Republican Iowa Sens. David Rowley, of Spirit Lake, and Lynn Evans, of Centerville, signed off on advancing the bill, Senate Study Bill 3094, to the full Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee. Democratic Sen. Herman Quirmbach, of Ames, declined to support the bill. Iowa AG leads Texas defense letter Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird co-authored a multi-state letter showing support for Texas border enforcement actions as the protracted standoff between the state's governor and President Joe Bidens administration continues. Bird and Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes co-led the letter, joined by 24 other Republican attorneys general and the Arizona State Legislature. In the letter, the attorneys general argue that Texas has the constitutional right to conduct border enforcement at its southern border, including setting up razor wire fencing. The U.S. Supreme Court this week cleared the way for Border Patrol agents to cut razor wire at the Texas border after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sued to prevent Border Patrol from intervening. The ruling did not impact Abbotts ability to continue placing the razor wire. Abbot has declared the rise in illegal border crossings an invasion, saying he has a constitutional duty to enforce border policies. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds last week joined most Republican governors in a statement defending Texas actions at the border. While the Biden Administration has opened the door wide for drug cartels, traffickers, and potential terrorists to cross our border, States have been left to fend for themselves," Bird said in a statement. "If the Biden Administration wont do its job to secure our border and keep Americans safe, it should step aside to let the States do the job for them. Iowa proudly stands with Texas in this fight. DES MOINES Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds pitched a number of changes in a proposed amendment to a controversial bill that would overhaul the states area education agencies. Reynolds previously said she would propose changes to the bill after state lawmakers said they received a deluge of complaints in response to the proposal. The amendment has not been filed with the Iowa Legislature, but it was shared with lawmakers and published by the School Administrators of Iowa. Under the proposed amendment, the states nine AEAs would be allowed to continue offering education services like professional development and literacy programs as well as media services to school districts who request it, if approved by the Department of Education. Under Reynolds original proposal, AEAs would have been restricted to providing only special education services, which are a central piece of their current function. Reynolds said the proposal was needed to address Iowa's lagging test scores for students with disabilities. The AEAs, which are governmental agencies separate from the Department of Education, provide special education to school districts in their boundaries and assist with classroom equipment and media services, professional development and talented and gifted instruction, among other services. In a statement provided by a spokesperson on Monday, Reynolds said she introduced the changes after hearing feedback from parents, teachers and other stakeholders. From the start, my focus has been on improving special education for Iowas students with disabilities. After introducing the bill, I met with legislators and heard feedback they received from parents, teachers, and school superintendents, Reynolds said. While we agreed changes to the AEA system are necessary, our amendment allows us to address some of the issues schools raised. We made significant changes that support teachers and staff, without compromising the students this bill prioritizes. Reynolds new proposal would keep intact a $35 million property tax levy that schools can use to pay for the AEAs educational services, but remove a $33 million property tax stream that funds the agencies media services. The education service funds could be used for media services. The amendment would also dictate that all AEA services be reasonable and consistent with current market rates for such services. The amendment would send state and federal special education funds directly to schools, who could then decide whether or not to contract with the AEAs. If they do not, schools would still have the legal obligation to educate students with disabilities, and could obtain that instruction from a third party, like a private company. The amendment would move back the deadline for schools to opt in to AEA services from April 30 to Feb. 1 in future years. In the first year, the deadline would be June 1. Under the proposed amendment, AEAs would have the option of adding special education coverage to a school district at any time after the deadline. The amendment would not change the proposal to bump the starting pay for teachers up to $50,000. The bill will receive subcommittee meetings on Wednesday. Senate lawmakers will take up the bill at 2 p.m., while House lawmakers will consider it at 12 p.m. Lawmakers weigh in on proposal Democrats said Monday they are not satisfied with the new proposal. Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-Waukee, said the amended bill includes more state control of AEAs than the original bill. Reynolds' amendment keeps much of the original language that would move an array of oversight, budget and operations responsibilities of the AEAs under the Department of Education. It does nothing good to make this bill better, Trone Garriott said. And it is not a response to the concerns of Iowans. It's just kind of moving some things around, but nothing has really changed. Trone Garriott also said she was concerned about the amendment not reinstating the property tax funding for media services to school districts. The previous bill prohibited media services. This bill allows them, but it doesn't fund them, she said. "So both bills cut the money to fund the services. The schools don't get that money. It just goes away. Rep. Sharon Sue Steckman, a Democrat from Mason City, said she thinks the amendment does not do much to address Democrats concerns. Steckman said Democrats dont have a problem with reviewing the AEAs, but she said the proposal should have been made in consultation with teachers, parents and AEA staff. It doesn't look much different than what we had, she said. And why you want to put all that power into the Department of Ed in Des Moines and take it away from local schools and local AEAs, I have no idea. Rep. Steven Bradley, a Republican from Cascade, said he passed the proposed amendment on to superintendents in his district and has received mixed feedback. Its just like everything I like this piece, and I dont like this piece. So thats what were trying to work through right now," he said. "That bill is a work in progress. Bradley, who said he has grandchildren who receive AEA services, said he was watching the proposal and listening to feedback from stakeholders. He said hes received around 2,000 emails on the bill, mostly against it. Everything depends on the final bill, he said. This is just an amendment, and Im sure there could be some more, another amendment. So well see what the final bill is. Im not going to make a decision until I see the final bill, right in front of me. AEAs could voluntarily dissolve The original bill limited the ability of AEAs to voluntarily dissolve and granted the Department of Education director the authority to dissolve and reorganize agencies unilaterally. The amendment keeps the power to direct reorganization and dissolution of AEAs with the Department of Education director, but also allows an agency to voluntarily dissolve if approved by the Department of Education. Reynolds office previously said the bill is not intended to close any AEAs. In an appearance on Iowa Press on Iowa PBS this month, though, Reynolds said she does not think Iowa needs nine AEAs. We need to do something big, she said. We need to reform. And I think by giving the districts the ability to hold the AEAs accountable, to decide what program works best for the students that they are serving. PIERRE, S.D. For every pay period, the average correctional officer in a South Dakota prison works an average of 14 overtime hours. Thats an hour more than the last fiscal year and four more than 2022. Those hours will continue to pile up until the Department of Corrections can cut the workforce vacancy rate at the states prisons a rate thats scarcely budged since 2022 despite multiple pay raises, referral bonus offers and recruitment efforts. That was one of the messages delivered by Department of Corrections officials on Monday during a budget hearing at the Legislatures Joint Appropriations Committee. DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko said the overtime problem was amplified by a short-lived staffing decision. When Wasko first arrived in 2022, staff were working 12-hour shifts. They demanded a return to 8-hour shifts. Wasko signed off on the idea, but the change only held for six months. People were working disgusting hours of overtime, Wasko told the committee. People were literally working 70 and 80 hour weeks. Overtime keeps growing Overtime payments dropped by about $441,000 between fiscal years 2022 and 2023, but average overtime hours still climbed by one during the same time frame. Vacancies climbed as high as 30% in 2022, according to the DOCs budget presentation, with a high of 156 missing staff. At the end of 2023, the vacancy rate was 27%. Brittni Skipper, the DOCs director of finance and administration, also told the committee that the figures could be worse. Workforce challenges are common in corrections, she said. Tennessee has a similar rate for correctional officer vacancies, she said, and two Wisconsin prisons had vacancy rates between 41% and 55%. Were not the worst in the nation, Skipper said. The DOC has taken several steps to address the issue. In July of 2022, the starting salary for a correctional officer jumped to $20 an hour. The pay stepped up again twice thereafter, landing at a starting salary of $25.15 an hour last July. Appropriations Committee Co-Chair Sen. Jean Hunhoff, R-Yankton, asked why the monthly vacancy rates fluctuated in 2023 in spite of the pay raises. Those two spikes that we had to vacancy rates was when the schedule changed, Skipper said. Wasko told Hunhoff that the change to an 8-hour shift wasnt sustainable because of the overtime hours. Had the change continued, staff likely would have wound up leaving anyway. I gave it six months, and I wasnt going to put the risk of staff burnout on the facilities, Wasko said. Addressing the issue In addition to the pay raises, theres a $1,500 referral bonus for current staffers. Those who choose the night shift get an extra $2 an hour, and nursing staff get an extra $5 an hour. Nursing staff can get help paying off student loans, as well. Recruitment has also become a more serious focus. The DOC contracted with a firm called RCI Advanced Recruitment Solutions to create targeted social media advertising, as well as billboards and ads in movie theaters this fall. The 45-day campaign focused on the Sioux Falls area, and Skipper said that made a difference at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. We were able to hire 20 correctional officers in that time frame, and 16 of them are still with us, Skipper said. The agency has since extended the contract to target potential employees in Springfield, the location of Mike Durfee State Prison, and Pierre, the site of the South Dakota Womens Prison. The DOC is also now tracking reasons for employee departures. Skipper told the committee that 74% of those who left the DOC last year did so voluntarily, but most were shorter-term employees. Just 13% of those departing had five years or more of experience, she said. Of those who completed an exit survey, the majority said they left because theyd reached retirement. Another seven people cited working conditions, six mentioned agency leadership and the others mentioned relocation, working conditions or health reasons. On the most recent Saturday Night Live, host Dakota Johnson dragged herself to hell for being the child of famous parents. It happened during a sketch with the shows in-house filmmaking trio, Please Dont Destroy, two members of which can claim veteran SNL writers as their fathers. The sketch finds our hostthe progeny of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffithlocked in a roast battle with second-gen comedians John Higgins and Martin Herlihy. The insults are brutal. Many of them are based, thrillingly, in reality. Once they broach the topic of parents, both sides hesitate and the tension mounts. Johnson then suggests a nepo truce, and the three join rings like the Planeteers summoning Captain Planet, invoking what is meant to be their tribal mantra: a foot in the door and so much more. This level of self-awareness is apparently what it takes to win the nepo baby narrative. Like Francesca Scorsese, who said earlier this month that shes just trying to be the best nepo baby I can be, Johnson has now officially acknowledged her advantages on record. (Again.) Displaying a sense of humor about ones charmed life has emerged as the last, best defense people like Johnson have against the charge of inheriting success as a birthright. But honestly, we should all just move on from calling anyone and everyone with famous parents nepo babies, regardless of their actual talent. It was a good idea for a short timebut now its run its course. Advertisement When New York magazine dedicated a late-2022 cover story to nepotism in show business, it crystallized a phrase that had gained steam all year and sent the discourse into hyperdrive. Professional and amateur opinion havers had not only an occasion to vent about a salient class issue, but a new vocabulary for it. At a moment when gatekeeping and other systemic tools of inequity were finally being discussed out in the open more often, the term nepo baby leapt out of Twitter and into broader ubiquity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was amusing for a while to watch celebrities squirm in trying to say the right thing when asked about being a nepo babya topic interviewers quickly learned led to sound-bite pay dirt. The discourse may have also helped keep alive broader conversations about class politics in Hollywood throughout Hot Strike Summer, when certain TV stars who could comfortably withstand going without work for a while showed up for their unions and others didnt. At some point, though, legacy celebs either figured out that pretending they faced the same struggles as everyone else was a bad look, or their crisis PR teams did so for them, and the schadenfreude ended. Any conversations that bordered on being productive then fizzled out with the strikes. All that remains now are those two little words, which still get tossed around constantly, without much discernible point beyond insult. Even people who love Riley Keough often call her their favorite nepo baby, instead of calling her an electrifying actress or whatever. Advertisement Worse still, many of the folks who have most embraced the term nepo baby seem engaged in an ongoing performance art piece of pretending its just a neutral descriptor. In reality, calling an adult a baby already sounds like an insult, even before getting to the intention behind it or frequency of use. At best, its a fun fact that makes examining Maya Hawkes cheekbones into an act of anthropology. But more often than not, its meant to diminish someones talent or dismiss it outright, and to gloss over more nuanced and interesting criticism. The members of Please Dont Destroy should be able to make a movie you thought was horrible without seeing themselves photoshopped into a golden baby stroller. Advertisement Advertisement The problem with calling for an end to nepo baby discourse, though, is that it sounds an awful lot like sticking up for some of the people who least need defending. It has the class-traitor aftertaste of rooting for the Walt Disney Corp., even if its because its up against Gov. Ron DeSantis. Many so-called nepo babies have only known life as a catered party with every possible whim on the menu. Thats probably why its so frustrating for them that they cant force everyone to stop calling them nepo babies. But some of those nepo babiesthe ones we all talk and hear about, because they are bona fide starshave stuck around thanks to actual talent and tenacity. They are also not inherently ignorant, especially at this point, that their advantages gave them a start ahead of others. Yes, this is where we are now: Siding with genetically blessed millionaires who have a modicum of self-awareness now seems like a more attractive option than siding with the armchair antagonists who insult them all either equally or arbitrarily. Advertisement Advertisement The nepo baby conversation has run out of places to go. Its stuck in a repetitive cycle, like a toddler learning how to speak. Why bother still bringing up someones nepo-ness whenever their name is mentioned, with both the mic-drop confidence of a gotcha and the rote formality of a gesundheit? Where do we go from here: petition Wyatt Russell to credit his parents more often? Occupy Zoe Kravitzs mentions? Add an asterisk to Jamie Lee Curtis Oscar? Does each nepo baby need to host SNL and do a song and dance routine acknowledging their nepo babyness for all the world to see? This discourse has not yet yielded any concrete positive results, like inspiring new ways to give underprivileged creatives more opportunity. All its done is put publicists on the offensive and create awareness around Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippes son, who has equally symmetrical features. Its time for the nepotism conversation to actually go somewhere or go away entirely. If we must talk about the children of celebrities, though, lets do it like adults. How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Stoya and Rich here. Its anonymous! Dear How to Do It, How do I chew on a dick? My new partner recently requested that I incorporate teeth/chewing into my blowjobs, and I dont know where to start. Im very nervous about itI dont want to hurt him in a way that doesnt feel goodand I dont want to harm him. But I do adore him and I want to be open to at least trying something he wants. Ive asked him for guidance before going down on him, but sometimes I struggle to stay on top of listening, sucking, and nibbling all at the same time, so I think some advice outside of the moment might be helpful. Like a Dog With a Chew Toy? Dear Chew Toy, Have a sex session less focused on pleasure and more on finding the edges of what you can do with your teeth, so you both can focus entirely on communication and what his and your boundaries are. Im not sure whether your sign-off was facetious, but yes do try biting dog with a chew toy style on the shaftfrom the side and also with his head in your mouth. Also, try nibbles along the edges of the shaft, and running your teeth up and down the sides. Slowly increase pressure and ask your partner for ongoing feedback along the lines of more, you can go harder, and stop. Have some fun with itif you feel silly go ahead and giggle. I think once you know what the acceptable range of pressure is, youll feel more relaxed during intimacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Help us keep giving the advice you crave every week. Sign up for Slate Plus now. Dear How to Do It, Last year, I had an experience involving consent/lack thereof that Im confused about. I know the answer will likely be to talk about it in therapy, which Im going to do, but Id still like your advice. I was having sex with a friend with benefits when I noticed something a change in him (demeanor, body language, facial expression, I dont remember what exactly) that reminded me of a previous time we were having sex and the condom broke. I asked him if everything was OK and he said it was. Once he had finished, we realized the condom had also broken this time. I wasnt too worried about it because Im on birth control and had reason to believe we were both STI-free (I got tested anyway, just to be sure). Later on, after our sexual relationship had ended, we had a conversation about it where I asked if he had known the condom broke before finishing, and he said that he wasnt 100 percent sure but he thinks he may have suspected it. We both acknowledged this was not great, but in general, it didnt bother me too much. Advertisement Advertisement We had a slightly rocky friendship/sexual relationship, and he ended up lying to me about something pretty major that ended our friendship when I found out. Since then, Ive been feeling pretty weird about the condom incident. Any time I think of it (which is often-ish), its in the context of how its important to my sexual autonomy that Im able to define these situations in my own terms, and while someone else may describe that situation as assault (and I would of course support that persons right to define it that way), I dont consider it any more than something a little shitty that happened. But lately, Ive been wondering if this is a the-lady-doth-protest-too-much situation, and Im actually repressing some sort of trauma about it. Advertisement Advertisement Its not a clear-cut situation regarding consent, and I have no way of knowing to what extent he may have realized the condom broke. It feels disingenuous for me to start thinking of it as nonconsensual now when I didnt have a problem with it at the time. I even thought it was kind of hot! I feel confident that if this had been the only issue with our friendship, I would not feel weird about it at all. I only had complicated feelings after the other friendship-ending lie. Im wondering if Im pinning all my other hurt about the situation onto this incident because its the one where he most clearly did something wrong, as other bumps in the road were murkier and had more to do with complicated emotions and communication. Again, Im going to talk through all this in therapy, but do you have any suggestions for things to read/do/think about in terms of processing a situation that wasnt necessarily a violation but youre still feeling a little weird about it? Feels Off Dear Feels Off, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im guessing part of the reason this event feels different in retrospect is that the major, friendship-ending lie makes the condom incident seem like it might be part of a pattern. Sometimes we beat ourselves up for what we perceive as missing the signs, or wonder why we allowed disrespectful treatment so many times. The former can be chalked up to forgiveness and seeing the best in people, and the latter is a bit more complicated. I agree with you that every person has the right to define their experience, and that if you feel what happened is a little shitty then thats valid. You seem to be stuck on this, though, and part of the way youre stuck is in analyzing the experience. So Im glad youll be bringing this up in therapy to get a sounding board and some help organizing your thoughts. Im not so sure that your former friend was unaware that the condom had broken, or that he was being completely honest with you when the two of you talked about it. And its worth considering whether something can be a violation without being intentional, or without being pre-meditated. Advertisement Advertisement As for ways to process something, journaling is a pretty popular one, but my gut says what you need is a break from thinking about this one. Get outside when the weather permits. Do an activity. Spend time with friends. Dear How to Do It, About five years ago, my girlfriend and I (both now 27, F/M) elected to give non-monogamy a shot. We had been each others only intimate partners at that point and wanted to have the opportunity to engage in new experiences and explore being with other people. Fast forward to todayshes been with a mutual friend of ours for most of that time and is content with having him be her sole additional partner. Its worked out well and we all have an amicable relationship that includes the occasional threesome where she is the center of attention. Advertisement Unfortunately, I have had almost no success in finding partners on my own. The few times Ive ended up actually meeting with people, its ended a short time later with no explanation or understanding of why things fizzled. Im sure part of this can be chalked up to the fact that Im effectively brand new to thismy current partner and I got together in high school, so I have almost zero experience dating as an adult. But on the other hand, surely I shouldnt be struggling this much to find someone open to a casual, respectful relationship in a major city? Im not exactly a supermodel, but Id like to think Im reasonably attractive, financially stable with a good career, and have put effort into creating a dating profile on Feeld that reflects who I am and what Im looking for. Im bisexual and open to meeting couples, which Id like to think expands my pool even further. Despite all this, I just cant seem to get any attention. Im not even getting likes, let alone matches. Its really starting to eat at my self-confidence, and its hard not to feel like I am just not a valuable prospect in the current dating market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My question is twofold: First, could you provide me with a non-monogamous dating primer for someone whos had almost zero dating experience, monogamous or otherwise? And second, how can I go about meeting like-minded people outside of the apps? It seems to me like most people would assume monogamy if theyre being flirted with, and the last thing I want to do is make someone uncomfortable. Hard to Get Bi Dear Hard to Get Bi, Dating apps, much like social media, use algorithms to decide whose profiles get shown to other people. The Feeld algorithm may simply not be for you. So do put yourself out there in personmore on that laterbut also consider other apps. Advertisement Despite the recent New York Magazine cover story on polyamory, you are correct that its likely someone at a random bar will assume monogamy. You have a couple of options for mentioning your open relationship status early in the conversation. If an opening comes up where you would usually mention your girlfriend, do so and follow it with something like, Were open and I was hoping to flirt with you. If youre already flirting, go with something along the lines of, I should tell you, Im in an open relationship, and Im really enjoying our conversation. Advertisement One way you can set yourself up for success in this major city you live in is to find where the other polyamorous people hang out. Sex education events tend to attract open-minded folks. Theres usually a club or bar where people commonly gather. Five years is a long time, but you may have to continue exercising patience. Theres no set timeline for finding affectionate, intimate partners. Sometimes it happens quickly (you met your current partner in high school) and other times it takes actual decades. Advertisement Advertisement For what its worth, people with tons of dating experience also experience the fizzle phenomenon you describe. Ghosting abounds, as does the slow fade. These are simply a part of modern dating. Try not to take it personally, and take breaks from dating when youre feeling frustrated. Keep spending time with friends, and engage in activities like group hobbies. Not only will this keep your life well-rounded, but they provide great opportunities to meet someone without an app or alcohol involved. Dear How to Do It, My fiance and I have been together for almost five years. Hes had problems with going through phases of watching too much porn since before we got together. Hes somewhat been open about it and weve had our conversations. Porn makes me extremely uncomfortable and insecure, especially when Im in the house with him and we could easily be having sex together instead (this has been a firm boundary that weve set together and agreed on). I find myself comparing what hes watching and wondering if hes more attracted to the woman on the screen, or if hed rather be doing certain other acts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont mind that he may watch something every now and then while hes out of town. I get it, and I dont want to be that partner that says, No porn because Im insecure! But today, I had to go through his email to resend something to myself that never sent. I saw an email he got two days ago about confirming his email address for OnlyFans. I admit it, I then went through his browser history and saw multiple profiles he visited. The fact that its OF and he knows how I feel about porn in general, upsets me as is. But the real kicker is the dates. The day he signed up for his account was the last day of the holiday week. We were both off of work the whole week and were going at it like rabbits the whole time. Multiple times a day, roleplay, different positions, different areas of the house, etc. I am just so hurt that we set boundaries so long ago and now hes making accounts for actual real people, not just porn stars and actors, while Im laying right next to him and were exhausting ourselves with all the sex were having. I calmly confronted him about it over the phone and he told me he didnt know what I was talking about. I told him I saw it all and now hes giving me the Im a piece of poop monologue. I just dont know what to think about it all. Im so hurt and dont know how to talk to him about it without sounding controlling or insensitive to his prior problems with porn in general. Hurt and Heavy Dear Hurt and Heavy, Advertisement Advertisement I know youre hurting, but porn stars and actors are also actual real people. Also, you should know I used to be a performer in pornography, in case that changes the value of my opinion in your eyes. Youve set boundaries around porn consumption with your partner, and he has violated those boundaries. It sounds like hes claiming, and youre accepting, an addiction framework. Here at How to Do It, we do believe that anything done in excess can become problematic, but we dont put much stock in the idea of porn addiction. That said, there are plenty of therapists who do, and one thing you could ask your partner to do is get help for his self-control issues around this subject. Couples counseling is another option you might suggest to him during a conversation in which you bring this up. Advertisement Youre engaged. Marriage is a big step. Before you go through with it, spend some time considering how much youre willing and able to compromise, and how much you think your partner is able to do so. Meanwhile, do lean on your support system for help in processing the hurt you feel. Stoya More Advice From Slate Im a straight, single guy in a casual relationship thats been going on for almost a year. Peggy and I hang out two or three times a monthdrinks or a movie, conversation, then ending the night in bed. Neither of us wants anything more serious, but we enjoy each others company tremendously and the sex is great, especially oral, which we both dig giving and receiving. Heres the issue: The last time Peggy slept over at my place, she woke me up with a blow job. Kaama Press, January 19, 2024 Fidel Rahmati The U.S. Department of State has confirmed that it sends $80 million in cash to Afghanistan under Taliban control every 10 to 14 days. This comes as the Taliban, since June does not disclose the receipt of $40 million packages through the media to avoid criticism. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) reported on Friday, January 19th, citing the United Nations Office (UNAMA) that this cash is held in a dedicated account at a private bank and is not transferred to the Central Bank under the Taliban control. However, critics argue that the Taliban still influence how this money is spent. In June 2023, a reliable source at the Central Bank of Afghanistan under Taliban control confirmed that $40 million packages of humanitarian aid are being sent to Kabul, but the Taliban no longer publicizes this news through the media. The Central Bank of Afghanistan under Taliban control last time announced in April of 2023 that a $40 million aid package had arrived in Kabul. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, they have not been recognized by the international community and remain under sanctions. Despite this, the US continues to send $40 million in so-called humanitarian aid, raising concerns about the groups influence over the financial assistance. This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become. For them to call for a cease-fire is Mr. Putins message I think some of these protesters are spontaneous and organic and sincere. Some, I think, are connected to Russia and I want to ask the FBI to investigate that. Nancy Pelosi on CNNs State of the Union, speaking about U.S. activists who are protesting Israels war in Gaza One thing about Democrats that is pretty much not up for debate is that they support a cease-fire in Gaza. Somewhere between three-fourths and four-fifths of Democratic voters are saying as much in polls, a position that is at odds with the Biden administrations approach. Disapproval for the presidents strategy with Israel is especially high among young voters, Black voters, and Latino voters. Another other thing about Democrats? They are headed into an election cycle feeling nervous. Joe Bidens numbers are perilously soft with groups that have in the past tended to be loyal Dems and critical to their success. Those groups, too, are heavy on young voters, Black voters, and Latino voters. With those two pressing realities in mind, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, supposedly semiretired as one of her partys leaders, took to CNN on Sunday to propose a new approach: Why not sic the Federal Bureau of Investigations on pro-cease-fire activists? If Democrats very own core constituency wasnt thrilled with Biden before, surely harassment from a federal police force will bring them around! Advertisement Where did she come up with this inspired idea? Well, perhaps from a fellow Democrat she probably voted for in 1964, when she was in her 20s, 60 years ago. That year, President Lyndon B. Johnson dispatched FBI agents to the Democratic National Convention to carry out a spying operation against members of his own party. For good measure, he also unleashed the CIA on protest groups in 1967, many of whom were also Democrats, Civil Rights, and anti-war activists, aka young people of color. (Just to close the loop on how that whole thing went, the 1968 presidential election was won by the Republican, Richard Nixon.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be clear, she only advocated for investigating the financing links between protesters and Putinif that is somehow better. And she later clarified that she supports a right to peaceful protest but is acutely aware of how foreign adversaries meddle in American politics to sow division and impact our elections. But her timing was absolutely terrible. Advertisement At the same time she was blithely dismissing the concerns of a wide swath of Democratic voters, the Biden campaign team announced a record-setting ad buy, via its super PAC Future Forward, to woo them backspecifically, $250 million in forthcoming digital and TV ad spend, targeting in particular younger voters, Hispanic voters and Black voters, according to the New York Times. In essence, theyre spending a quarter of a billion dollars to try to offset the contempt that could easily be construed from Pelosis own commentary. (So while young, Black, and Latino voters and activists are shaken down by undercovers on one hand, theyll be privy to soft-touch Instagram ads reminding them that Joe Biden is their friend in Washington. Does that balance out?) Advertisement And the relationship between Democrats and Black Americans, in particular, is increasingly strained. Representative Jim Clyburn sounded the alarm to NBC that he is unable to reach Black voters like he used to, while Black religious leaders have become increasingly vocal in their own campaign for a cease-fire. But Pelosi is arguing, essentially, for more stick and less carrot. Send in the feds! There are cheaper and easier solutions to this problem. They involve submitting to the democratic will of the Democratic voter base. But the octogenarians at the top of the party dont seem to be interested. At the end of the summer of 2022, I made a bold prediction. I proclaimed that former President Donald Trump would not win the Republican nominationthat he would not even run a real campaign for president. I based my theory, somewhat hubristically, on the idea that he would not run because he would not win. To wit: [Trump] may say out loud, I am a candidate for president, at some point, but if he does I bet he will find an excuse to pull the plug on such a candidacy before the start of the primaries in early 2024 because of his fear of being branded a loser. Welp, the first primary came and went last week, and Trump beat his final remaining GOP opponent, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, by 11 points in the state deemed her best chance at pulling off an upset of her former boss. Ah! Well. Nevertheless, as they say. How did I get this so horribly wrong, aside from an apparently mediocre-at-best acumen for political analysis and total lack of insight into the Republican primary electorate? As a coastal-based journalist (I live in L.A.), its worth considering if I deceived myself about Trumps powerand in particular his continued hold on powerbecause of a liberal cocoon Ive built around myself. But I dont think thats the issue: I have attended Trump events and been diagnosing the Republican cult of personality around Trump for nearly a decade. (I have friends and extended family members who vote for Trumpsome of whom are deeply in that cultand so I dont dismiss its ability to persuade even intelligent and decent people to ride or die for its wannabe dictator.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyway, its not really that I thought the most devoted Trump supporters would turnI just figured the rest of the GOP electorate would be strategic enough to seize an opportunity to be rid of a figure that has wreaked so much damage on the party. Despite this not happening, I still think that several parts of my theory have been mostly borne out by the past year and a half. I figured that members of the political press were overestimating Trumps political strength for fear of being shown to be wrong about a former president who seemed to have the ability to wriggle out of any and every jam. In doing that, they failed to take into account the several data points showing that things had, in fact, changed. Advertisement Trumps political strength was being vastly exaggerated, I reasoned. Considered in the cold, harsh light of reality, he was one of only a handful of defeated incumbents in the modern history of the presidencyand he lost in 2020 by a historically significant margin in the popular vote. Trump will be a politically crippled figure heading into the 2024 primary, I argued back in August 2022. At his most dangerous, he will be a political albatross hanging around the neck of the Republican Party, tearing it apart. Three months after I wrote this, the Trump-led GOP crashed and burned in its bid to retake the Senate and barely retook the House of Representatives against an unpopular Democratic president, with the most vocally Trump-backed candidates experiencing the most spectacular failures. Sure, one short week after that election, Trump declared his run for the presidency. But I think its fair to say that, at that point, he seemed quite wounded. Advertisement Advertisement My other (correct) premise was that Trump was facing a series of state and federal criminal investigations that threatened his very freedom. Trump had better odds of ending up in an orange jumpsuit or losing his fortune in a lawsuit than returning to the White House. And I wrote that before the FBI conducted a surprise search of Trumps home at Mar-a-Lago, uncovering scores of classified documents the former president had been illegally hoarding at his house after leaving office. In the interim between then and now, Trump has been charged criminally in four separate jurisdictions, and civilly in New York in a fraud case that could strip him of all of his properties in his home state. Oh, and each of the two times hes faced a jury over allegations of sexual abuse and defamation by E. Jean Carroll, hes lost. Last week, a diverse and unanimous jury of New Yorkers ruled that Trump had been malicious in his defamation of Carroll, slapping him with a whopping $83 million in damages. So, hes already lost a large chunk of his fortune and could, as soon as this week, lose even more of it. He also still has the significant potential to lose his very freedom in the looming criminal trials, which, even though it feels as if theyve been hanging around forever, have yet to really get started. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back before any of these cases had even been filed, I assumed that Trump would run only because he felt it would offer him some kind of protection from these myriad legal woes. Now that we have spent 14 months witnessing a candidate who is constantly in court, weve confirmed some things about whether the presidential campaign is beneficial to Trump in the courtroom setting, and the result is pretty clear: No, it is not. Judges have the power to restrict Trumps attempts at attacks on the legal system with gag orders and restrictions on what juries were allowed to hear, I noted as part of my very wrong campaign prediction. Indeed, Trump has been subject to such gag orders, in both the civil and criminal cases, and has even incurred fines for violating them. Last week, his testimony in Carrolls second defamation case lasted all of three minutes, as his attempts to violate the judges decrees about the scope of that testimony were repeatedly shot down by Judge Lewis Kaplan. Advertisement More to the point, statements Trump has made as part of his political campaign have killed him in the courtroom. The Carroll jury punished Trump for his outrageous behavior in and out of court by declaring that he owes nearly $100 million, a sum he wont be able to avoid paying. In winning that massive judgment, Carroll cited Trumps continued defamation at a May 2023 CNN town hall that was widely hailed in the political press as a domineering performance that all but cemented his front-runner status. Prosecutors have further cited statements Trump made in that town hall as evidence against Trump in his pending criminal cases, and they will seek to use those statementsin all likelihood, successfullyagainst him at trial. In short, the courtroom has been a hostile environment for Trump, as I predicted, and will remain so for the rest of this year. His political campaign, meanwhile, has only been a millstone for his legal team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think I got one other thing right. Back when I made my errant prediction, I saw a desire in some sections of the GOP for something other than Trump, based on a series of polls, focus groups, and donor activities. Ultimately, Trump dominated his rivals in the first two contests in the country, but I think even those states showed an ongoing desire for a non-Trump alternative among a large minority of the GOP. Though he won with more than 50 percent in two very different statesdark red Iowa and shaded-blue New HampshireTrump was crushed among independent voters and lost big in areas with the wealthiest and best-educated electorates in both states. A total of 49 percent of the GOP electorate voted against Trump in Iowa and 45 percent against him in New Hampshire. In New Hampshire, 90 percent of those voters said they would be dissatisfied if Trump were the nominee. Advertisement So, there is clearly an appetite for a non-Trump alternative in the Republican Party. That appetite, however, was not enough to prevent Trump from getting a stranglehold on the nomination. Which leads to the big things I got wrong. First, I thought there were financial incentives based on Trumps legal woes against him running. The opposite ended up being true. As I noted at the time, Trumps already extensive legal fees were being footed by the Republican National Committee, a situation that would end the moment he declared his candidacy, along with him losing access to his $100 million juggernaut super PAC funding. How could this notorious cheapskate continue to avoid having to personally pay tens of millions of dollars for his high-powered legal teams if he jumped into the race? It turns out, thanks in part to the incompetent and broken Federal Election Commission, he found a way. Trump has used a loophole caused by a 42 March decision of the FEC, in which one Biden appointee joined three Trump appointees, to funnel tens of millions of small-donor dollars into his legal defense and that of some of his alleged criminal accomplices. (Ah, well. Nevertheless.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate After $80 Million Verdict, Trump Has a Jury Problem Ahead of Criminal Trial Read More A second thing that I got dead wrong was that I significantly overestimated the strength and competence of Trumps opposition within his party, nearly all of whom burned out, ended their failed campaigns, and ultimately endorsed the former president before the start of February. Particularly, I misjudged Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose donor strength and near-Trumplike ability to harness the bizarre whims of the Republican base for media attention seemed promising within a GOP contest in the beginning. I, however, was unaware of his footwear issues, weird pudding fingers, and complete inability to replicate a facsimile of a real human smile, which ultimately resulted in the top Trump rivals lacking charisma so fully that he never stood a chance. Advertisement Third, I thought I could see into Trumps soul, never a good bet. I believed that he knew, deep down, that he had lost the last election and his ego would not allow him to attempt and fail yet one more time. Instead, it seems as if the fact that he lost last time makes this time impossible to resist. (Againah! Well. Nevertheless.) In the end, I think I very clearly understood the devastating legal situation facing Donald Trump but missed how that would translate when it came time for voters to cast their primary ballots. Instead of turning supporters away from him, each indictment only fueled surges in what had previously been moribund small-dollar donations for the former president, turning the cult hero back into a martyr, and bonding his small but powerful base even more tightly to him. I miscalculated when considering the interplay of Trumps political and legal campaigns. I thought Trump wanted to win in court and would have to abandon the political side of things because of the inevitable damage it would do to that goal. As demonstrated by months of disastrous and losing appearances in his various legal proceedings, however, Trump doesnt much care about winning in court. He wants to capture then destroy the legal system itself, through the vote. Given the number of cases against him, can you blame him? (Yes.) Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, despite my earlier protestations, my myopia on this question maybe is a matter of being trapped in my own bubble, though not in the traditionally defined way. By this I mean: Clearly, a part of me refused to believe that my friends, neighbors, and extended family members could see what this man was promisingrampant and unchecked criminality, more mob violence, coup attempts, weaponizing the military against the American people, trading national security for personal gain, sheer chaos, and violence against marginalized groups and, indeed, journalists like myselfand say, Yes, more, please. What this has led to is the GOP primary electorate delivering a clear win for Trump, even as a wider swath of GOP voters and would-be voters is increasingly hesitant. Even those core supporters seem to have their lingering doubts. According to the New York Times, 1 in 10 Trump voters in Iowa said they might not vote for him if he were convicted of a crime. Whether that actually turns out to be true remains to be seen, but I think weve learned plenty about how the legal system, the political campaign, Trump, and his electorate will interact in the coming months. Trump is more and more willing to risk it all for the win, because he has to. Increasing desperation will likely lead to increasing martyrdombut the people to whom that appeals are contracting, not expanding. And most importantly, the legal system has not bent to Trumps whims. Now that Trump is the likely nominee, though, the survival of that legal systemand our very democracydepends on the general electorate continuing to refuse to do the same. What is a change management plan? In order to succeed, businesses must constantly evolve. Companies must constantly reassess and readjust what theyre offering to customers, how they carry out key processes, whos responsible for what tasks and how they could be improving. Running a business is a constant game of trial and error, and so companies have got to be nimble and be able to adjust to big changes if they want to survive. Unfortunately, change isnt always well received. When a business owner decides to bring about a big shift at his or her company, individual stakeholders dont always react with enthusiasm and sometimes, these changes dont work well for the company as a collective. Thats why businesses should always draft a Change Management Plan to help guide staff members and stakeholders through those rocky transition periods. What is a Change Management Plan? Simply put, a Change Management Plan is a working document that spells out activities or roles that will need additional focus during the execute and control stage of a project or noticeable institutional change. For example, if youre introducing a new middle manager into your workforce, planning to make staff redundancies, or are preparing to add new steps into a manufacturing process, you are going to cause tremors across your companys workforce. By drafting a Change Management Plan, you should be able to measure and mitigate any potential resistance or unintentional drawbacks of implementing said changes. Key Components of a Change Management Plan Reason for Change : Before implementing any change, its crucial to understand and articulate why the change is necessary. This could be driven by factors such as market demands, technological advancements, or internal strategic shifts. : Before implementing any change, its crucial to understand and articulate why the change is necessary. This could be driven by factors such as market demands, technological advancements, or internal strategic shifts. Impact Analysis : This involves assessing the potential impacts the proposed change might have on different areas of the organization. Its essential to foresee any potential challenges or disruptions that might arise as a result of the change. : This involves assessing the potential impacts the proposed change might have on different areas of the organization. Its essential to foresee any potential challenges or disruptions that might arise as a result of the change. Stakeholder Communication : Ensuring all relevant stakeholders, from employees to suppliers, are informed about the changes. This includes why the change is occurring, how it will be implemented, and the expected outcomes. Effective communication can alleviate concerns and reduce resistance. : Ensuring all relevant stakeholders, from employees to suppliers, are informed about the changes. This includes why the change is occurring, how it will be implemented, and the expected outcomes. Effective communication can alleviate concerns and reduce resistance. Training & Support : If the change involves new tools, processes, or behaviors, employees may need training or resources to adapt. This could range from formal training sessions to informational materials or even one-on-one mentoring. : If the change involves new tools, processes, or behaviors, employees may need training or resources to adapt. This could range from formal training sessions to informational materials or even one-on-one mentoring. Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing channels for employees and other stakeholders to provide feedback on the changes. This can be invaluable for making necessary adjustments in real-time and for identifying unforeseen challenges. How To Write a Change Management Plan? Change Management Plans come in two varieties. The first type is designed to measure the impact of an institutional change with a view to ease any necessary transitions. The second type of Change Management Plan is put in place to track progress on particular projects. This type of plan sees change measured against a project baseline which is generally going to be a detailed outline of a projects scope, schedule and its budget. Both types of Change Management Plans have a few basic things in common. First and foremost, all Change Management Plans must start by demonstrating the reasons for a change such as addressing performance gaps, emerging technologies or waning consumer activity. Then, a plan must define the scope of recommended changes. Youll need to outline how youre reacting to issues, which job roles it could affect or any potential policy or organizational changes. After that, you must identify a series of KPIs that can be used to measure progress and success. A Change Management Plan must also provide a description of stakeholder support, and will ideally elect a change management team that will be responsible for maintaining constant communication with stakeholders throughout the implementation period of any given change. This list must include all employees, as well as any partner organizations such as suppliers, contractors or major clients. Assessing Organizational Readiness for Change Before launching any change initiative, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate the organizations current systems and processes. This assessment should aim to understand how prepared the company is for change. It involves looking at existing workflows, employee skill sets, technology infrastructure, and other resources. Evaluating Current Systems : Analyzing how current processes and systems might be affected by the proposed changes. : Analyzing how current processes and systems might be affected by the proposed changes. Employee Readiness Assessment: Conducting surveys, interviews, or meetings to gauge the staffs readiness for change. This includes understanding their adaptability, concerns, and potential resistance. Change Capacity Analysis This involves a careful examination of the organizations capacity to handle change. Its about understanding whether the necessary resources are available and how the change might impact current operations. Resource Allocation Review : Checking if there are sufficient resources, including financial, human, and technological, to support the change. : Checking if there are sufficient resources, including financial, human, and technological, to support the change. Workload Impact Analysis: Determining how the change will affect existing workloads and whether there is a need for hiring, training, or redistributing tasks among current staff. Developing a Risk Management Strategy in Change Plans Identifying Potential Risks Every change initiative comes with its set of risks. It is crucial to identify these risks early in the process to develop effective mitigation strategies. Risk Identification Process : Identifying potential operational, financial, and HR risks associated with the change. : Identifying potential operational, financial, and HR risks associated with the change. Risk Impact Assessment: Evaluating how these risks might impact various aspects of the organization, including employee morale, customer satisfaction, and financial health. Risk Mitigation Plans Developing robust risk mitigation strategies is key to ensuring the smooth implementation of change. Formulating Contingency Plans : Creating specific plans for the most significant identified risks to minimize disruption. : Creating specific plans for the most significant identified risks to minimize disruption. Regular Review and Adaptation: Continuously monitoring risks and updating mitigation strategies as the change process evolves and new challenges emerge. Integrating Change Management with Project Management Effective change management should be in sync with the broader goals of the organizations ongoing projects. This alignment ensures that change initiatives complement rather than conflict with other efforts. Synchronizing Objectives : Ensuring that the change management plans goals align with the organizations strategic objectives and ongoing projects. : Ensuring that the change management plans goals align with the organizations strategic objectives and ongoing projects. Coordinated Planning and Execution: Facilitating collaboration between the change management team and project managers to ensure a united approach. Leveraging Project Management Tools Project management methodologies and tools can be invaluable in structuring and monitoring the change process. Applying Project Management Methodologies : Utilizing Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall methodologies to bring structure and clarity to the change management process. : Utilizing Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall methodologies to bring structure and clarity to the change management process. Change Tracking and Reporting: Employing project management software and tools for tracking the progress of change initiatives, documenting milestones, and communicating outcomes to relevant stakeholders. By extensively understanding organizational readiness, developing a comprehensive risk management strategy, and integrating change management within the broader context of project management, businesses can enhance their ability to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving business environment. If you need help writing your first Change Management Plan, there are plenty of templates out there that can help get you started. But at the end of the day, this is a task that all business owners should make a habit of carrying out. Change is good but being able to get everybody on the same page and carry out a major transition can make or break even the best company. Change Management Plan Summary Topic Description Need for Change Businesses must adapt and be flexible to remain successful. Change is essential but can often meet resistance. Change Management Plan (CMP) A strategy that defines activities, roles, and focus areas during significant changes. Helps guide stakeholders through transitions and mitigate potential issues. Purpose of CMP Project-Based: Measures change against a project's baseline (scope, schedule, budget). Institutional: Assesses the impact of organizational change. Components of CMP Justification for change, scope of proposed changes, KPIs for progress, stakeholder support, change management team for communication. Stakeholders Essential to keep everyone informed. Involves all employees and partner organizations such as suppliers, contractors, or major clients. Cloud computing has become a key driver of change, reshaping businesses and how they operate in the 21st century. The cloud engineer job has emerged as a pivotal role in this landscape, directly shaping the digital strategies of businesses across the globe, from startups to large corporations. With an increasing shift towards cloud-based systems for IT infrastructure, data storage, and services, theres a growing demand for cloud engineers, opening up abundant opportunities for those proficient in cloud engineering. Cloud engineers play a crucial role in the engineering and development of modular cloud-based systems, which enable seamless collaboration, enhance data accessibility, and streamline business processes. Their work is at the core of cloud initiatives, as they aim to deliver optimal cloud solutions tailored to a companys specific needs. Cloud Engineer Job Description: The Role of a Cloud Engineer The role of a cloud engineer extends beyond just managing cloud resources. They also play a crucial role in shaping an organizations cloud strategy, working closely with development teams to design, build, and optimize cloud-based systems. A cloud engineer responsibilities typically include: Developing and implementing cloud initiatives aligned with the organizations business objectives. Collaborating with the engineering team to design and develop cloud architecture, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. Identifying and leveraging new cloud technologies to enhance business processes and customer experiences. Ensuring optimal performance of cloud services, and maintaining a secure cloud environment in line with company security policies. Debugging cloud stacks and resolving infrastructure vulnerabilities. Proactively monitor cloud resources and usage, implementing cost optimization strategies to maximize efficiency and reduce expenditure. Develop automation scripts and workflows to streamline tasks and provisioning processes, improving operational efficiency within the cloud environment. Collaborate with the IT team to create robust disaster recovery and backup plans for cloud-based systems, ensuring data integrity and business continuity. Conduct capacity planning exercises to anticipate future resource requirements and scale cloud infrastructure to accommodate growth and changing workloads effectively. Role of a Cloud Engineer Responsibilities Overview Cloud engineers play a vital role in shaping an organization's cloud strategy and optimizing cloud-based systems. Cloud Initiatives Develop and implement cloud initiatives aligned with the organization's business objectives. Cloud Architecture Collaborate with engineering teams to design and develop cloud architecture for seamless integration with existing systems. Technology Innovation Identify and leverage new cloud technologies to enhance business processes and improve customer experiences. Performance and Security Ensure optimal performance of cloud services and maintain a secure cloud environment in accordance with security policies. Debugging and Vulnerability Resolution Debug cloud stacks and resolve infrastructure vulnerabilities to maintain system reliability. Cost Optimization Proactively monitor cloud resources and usage, implementing cost optimization strategies to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. Automation and Efficiency Develop automation scripts and workflows to streamline tasks and provisioning processes, improving operational efficiency. Disaster Recovery Planning Collaborate with the IT team to create robust disaster recovery and backup plans for cloud-based systems. 9. Capacity Planning Conduct capacity planning exercises to anticipate future resource requirements and scale cloud infrastructure effectively. With the ability to work on multiple cloud platforms and handle various cloud applications, cloud engineers are integral to an organizations digital transformation journey. What Skills Do You Need to Be a Cloud Engineer? Becoming a cloud engineer requires a blend of technical, analytical, and operational skills. Here are some key skills that cloud engineers typically need: Technical Skills : Proficiency in cloud computing platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure is essential. Knowledge of programming languages, APIs, and database management is also important. : Proficiency in cloud computing platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure is essential. Knowledge of programming languages, APIs, and database management is also important. Analytical Skills : Cloud engineers need strong problem-solving abilities to debug cloud stacks, identify infrastructure vulnerabilities, and optimize cloud solutions. : Cloud engineers need strong problem-solving abilities to debug cloud stacks, identify infrastructure vulnerabilities, and optimize cloud solutions. Operational Skills : From managing cloud resources to implementing cloud initiatives, cloud engineers need to effectively manage a variety of operational tasks. : From managing cloud resources to implementing cloud initiatives, cloud engineers need to effectively manage a variety of operational tasks. Strategic Skills: Given their role in shaping an organizations cloud strategy, cloud engineers also need to understand business objectives and how to align cloud solutions with these goals. Moreover, as cloud technologies continue to evolve, cloud engineers need to stay updated on new developments and trends. This includes keeping abreast of emerging cloud platforms, tools, and best practices. Cloud Engineer Insights Working as a cloud engineer involves a mix of technical, operational, and strategic responsibilities. On the technical front, cloud engineers manage cloud-based systems, debug cloud stacks, and ensure the efficient functioning of cloud services. They also play a strategic role, helping organizations navigate their cloud journey and adopt new cloud technologies. Cloud engineers work in collaboration with different IT professionals, including solutions architects, cloud developers, and security services teams. Together, they work towards creating and maintaining secure, scalable, and efficient cloud infrastructures. Cloud Engineer Job Description Example So, what does a cloud engineer do? Heres a snapshot of a typical cloud engineer job description: Role : Cloud Engineer : Cloud Engineer Key Responsibilities : Designing, developing, and managing cloud-based systems and applications; implementing cloud initiatives; ensuring optimal performance of cloud services; ensuring a secure cloud environment; collaborating with development teams and solutions architects. : Designing, developing, and managing cloud-based systems and applications; implementing cloud initiatives; ensuring optimal performance of cloud services; ensuring a secure cloud environment; collaborating with development teams and solutions architects. Required Skills : Proficiency in cloud computing platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure); knowledge of programming languages and APIs; understanding of data storage solutions; ability to debug cloud stacks; strong analytical skills. : Proficiency in cloud computing platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure); knowledge of programming languages and APIs; understanding of data storage solutions; ability to debug cloud stacks; strong analytical skills. Qualifications: A bachelors or masters degree in computer science or a related field; relevant experience in managing cloud-based systems; certifications from recognized cloud platforms are an added advantage. Working as a cloud engineer can be a rewarding career path, offering a unique blend of technical challenges and strategic initiatives. In addition to being at the forefront of new technology, cloud engineers also contribute to significant business decisions, directly impacting an organizations operational efficiency and strategic direction. Cloud Engineer Career Path Cloud engineering offers a dynamic and promising career path. Rooted in computer science and specialized skills in various cloud technologies, cloud engineers work in collaboration with developer teams to build and maintain cloud infrastructure. The cloud engineer job role could involve designing, developing, and managing cloud-based systems and applications, ensuring their efficient functioning. Many cloud engineers start their careers in roles like software development or network management, where they acquire knowledge and experience of cloud-based platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. As they further engage with cloud computing applications, they may choose to specialize in areas like cloud security, cloud database management, or cloud network engineering. Cloud engineering isnt just about technical knowledge. A good cloud engineer also needs strong analytical skills to solve complex problems, an understanding of company security policies to ensure a secure cloud environment, and knowledge of programming languages and APIs to develop and manage cloud applications. How Much Does a Cloud Engineer Make? The earnings of a cloud engineer can vary significantly, depending on factors like experience, location, and the specific demands of the job. However, given the high demand for cloud engineers, its generally a well-compensated role. Entry-level cloud engineers can expect to earn a competitive salary, which only grows with experience and further specialization. The earning potential also goes up with mastery of specific cloud platforms, such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure. Companies often seek cloud engineers who can navigate these platforms to leverage cloud resources optimally, build secure and efficient cloud environments, and drive new cloud initiatives. Job Description Template When creating a loan processor job description, it is essential to outline the specific duties and responsibilities, required qualifications, skills, and experience, as well as any expectations for the workplace, schedule, and potential collaboration with other professionals. Here is a template to help guide you: Job Description Template 1: Job Description: Cloud Engineer This template emphasizes the dynamic and innovative nature of the company, highlighting its specialization in a specific industry. It seeks a skilled and motivated Cloud Engineer who can design and implement scalable cloud solutions. The template also emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional teams and the importance of availability, performance, and security in the cloud environment. Location: [City, State] Company: [Company Name] About Us: [Company Name] is a dynamic and innovative small business specializing in [industry]. As we continue to grow and expand our operations, we are seeking a skilled and motivated Cloud Engineer to join our team. If you have a passion for cloud technologies, a strong background in infrastructure management, and the ability to design and implement scalable cloud solutions, we invite you to apply. Job Description: As a Cloud Engineer at [Company Name], you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining our cloud infrastructure. Your role will involve collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements, architecting cloud solutions, and ensuring the availability, performance, and security of our cloud environment. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of cloud technologies, excellent problem-solving skills, and a proactive mindset. Responsibilities: Design, implement, and manage our cloud infrastructure to support business operations and scalability. Collaborate with internal teams to understand their requirements and design cloud solutions that meet their needs. Provision and configure cloud resources, including virtual machines, storage, networks, and security components. Monitor and optimize the performance, availability, and cost-efficiency of our cloud environment. Ensure the security and compliance of our cloud infrastructure, including data protection and access control. Implement automated deployment and scaling processes to support continuous integration and delivery. Troubleshoot and resolve cloud-related issues, working closely with vendors and internal stakeholders. Stay up to date with the latest cloud technologies, best practices, and industry trends. Document and communicate cloud architecture, processes, and guidelines to the team. Collaborate with the IT team to integrate on-premises systems with cloud infrastructure. Qualifications: Bachelors degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Proven experience as a Cloud Engineer or in a similar role, preferably in a small business environment. Strong knowledge of cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, and their services. Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools, such as Terraform or CloudFormation. Proficiency in scripting languages, such as Python or PowerShell, for automation and infrastructure management. Solid understanding of networking concepts, security principles, and best practices in cloud environments. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues in a cloud environment. Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams. Benefits: Competitive salary, based on experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Opportunities for professional development and growth. A collaborative and inclusive work environment. To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience, and any references to [email address] with the subject line Cloud Engineer Application [Your Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and will review your application with care. [Company Name] is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees. Job Description Template 2: This template focuses on the rapid growth of small business and its specialization in delivering cutting-edge cloud solutions. It seeks a Cloud Engineer who can play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and managing the cloud infrastructure. The template highlights the need for collaboration with internal teams, optimization of cloud resources, and integration with DevOps processes. Job Description: Cloud Engineer Location: [City, State] Company: [Company Name] About Us: [Company Name] is a rapidly growing small business in the [industry] sector, specializing in delivering cutting-edge cloud solutions to our clients. As we expand our client base and services, we are seeking a skilled and motivated Cloud Engineer to join our team. If you have a passion for cloud technologies, strong problem-solving skills, and a desire to innovate, we invite you to apply. Job Description: As a Cloud Engineer at [Company Name], you will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and managing our cloud infrastructure. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand their requirements, architect scalable solutions, and ensure the optimal performance and security of our cloud environment. The ideal candidate has a solid understanding of cloud architecture, excellent technical skills, and a proactive mindset. Responsibilities: Design, deploy, and maintain scalable and secure cloud infrastructure on platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Collaborate with internal teams to gather requirements and provide technical expertise for cloud-based projects. Implement and manage cloud services, including virtual machines, databases, storage, networking, and security components. Optimize cloud resources for performance, cost, and scalability. Monitor and troubleshoot cloud infrastructure, addressing any issues or incidents promptly. Implement and maintain security measures to protect cloud assets and data. Automate deployment and configuration processes using infrastructure-as-code tools, such as Terraform or CloudFormation. Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices for cloud security and governance. Collaborate with DevOps teams to integrate cloud infrastructure with continuous integration and delivery pipelines. Stay up to date with the latest trends, tools, and technologies in cloud computing. Qualifications: Bachelors degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Proven experience as a Cloud Engineer, Cloud Administrator, or similar role. In-depth knowledge of cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, and their core services. Strong understanding of cloud architecture, infrastructure-as-code, and automation concepts. Proficiency in scripting languages, such as Python or PowerShell. Experience with containerization technologies, such as Docker and Kubernetes. Solid understanding of networking concepts, security best practices, and data protection in the cloud. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues. Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with teams and stakeholders. Benefits: Competitive salary, based on experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. A collaborative and supportive work environment. To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience, and any references to [email address] with the subject line Cloud Engineer Application [Your Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and will review your application with care. [Company Name] is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees. Job Description Template 3: This template positions the company as a leading small business in the industry, specializing in cloud-based solutions. It seeks a talented Cloud Engineer who can design and maintain scalable and secure cloud infrastructure. The template emphasizes the importance of the availability, performance, and cost-efficiency of cloud resources, as well as staying updated on industry trends and emerging technologies. Job Description: Cloud Engineer Location: [City, State] Company: [Company Name] About Us: [Company Name] is a leading small business in the [industry] sector, specializing in cloud-based solutions for our clients. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, we are seeking a talented Cloud Engineer to join our team. If you are passionate about cloud technologies, possess strong technical skills, and enjoy working in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply. Job Description: As a Cloud Engineer at [Company Name], you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining our cloud infrastructure to meet our clients needs. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop cloud strategies, optimize performance, and ensure the security and reliability of our cloud environment. The ideal candidate has a solid understanding of cloud computing, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a continuous learning mindset. Responsibilities: Design, implement, and manage scalable and secure cloud infrastructure using platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Collaborate with internal teams to understand their requirements and translate them into cloud-based solutions. Ensure the availability, performance, and cost-efficiency of cloud resources through monitoring and optimization. Implement and maintain cloud security measures, including identity and access management, data encryption, and network security. Automate cloud infrastructure provisioning and configuration using infrastructure-as-code tools, such as Terraform or CloudFormation. Troubleshoot and resolve cloud-related issues, working closely with the IT team and vendors. Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in cloud computing. Collaborate with development teams to support the deployment and management of cloud-based applications. Document and communicate cloud architecture, processes, and guidelines to stakeholders. Qualifications: Bachelors degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Proven experience as a Cloud Engineer or in a similar role, preferably in a small business environment. Strong knowledge of cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, and their services. Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools, such as Terraform, CloudFormation, or Ansible. Proficiency in scripting languages, such as Python or PowerShell. Solid understanding of networking concepts, security best practices, and cloud governance. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues in a cloud environment. Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams. Benefits: Competitive salary, based on experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Opportunities for professional growth and career development. A supportive and inclusive work environment. To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience, and any references to [email address] with the subject line Cloud Engineer Application [Your Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and will review your application with care. [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees. Job Description Template 4: This template highlights the forward-thinking nature of the small business and its focus on cloud solutions for businesses in a specific industry. It seeks a Cloud Engineer who can architect, implement, and manage the cloud infrastructure to support clients business operations. The template emphasizes the need for scalability, security, and availability of the cloud environment, as well as the commitment to delivering high-quality results. Job Description: Cloud Engineer Location: [City, State] Company: [Company Name] About Us: [Company Name] is a forward-thinking small business specializing in cloud solutions for businesses in [industry]. As our client base continues to grow, we are seeking a skilled and motivated Cloud Engineer to join our team. If you are passionate about cloud technologies, have a strong background in infrastructure management, and enjoy working in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply. Job Description: As a Cloud Engineer at [Company Name], you will be responsible for architecting, implementing, and managing our cloud infrastructure to support our clients business operations. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable cloud solutions, optimize performance, and ensure the security and availability of our cloud environment. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of cloud technologies, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results. Responsibilities: Design and implement scalable and secure cloud infrastructure using platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Collaborate with internal teams to gather requirements and develop cloud solutions that meet their needs. Provision and configure cloud resources, including virtual machines, storage, networks, and security components. Monitor and optimize the performance, availability, and cost-efficiency of our cloud environment. Implement and maintain cloud security measures, including access controls, encryption, and vulnerability management. Automate deployment and management processes using infrastructure-as-code tools, such as Terraform or CloudFormation. Troubleshoot and resolve cloud-related issues, working closely with the IT team and vendors. Stay updated on the latest cloud technologies, industry best practices, and emerging trends. Document cloud architecture, processes, and guidelines for internal reference and knowledge sharing. Qualifications: Bachelors degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Proven experience as a Cloud Engineer or in a similar role, preferably in a small business environment. Strong knowledge of cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, and their services. Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools, such as Terraform or CloudFormation. Proficiency in scripting languages, such as Python or PowerShell, for automation and infrastructure management. Solid understanding of networking concepts, security principles, and best practices in cloud environments. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues in a cloud environment. Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams. Benefits: Competitive salary, based on experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. A collaborative and supportive work environment. To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience, and any references to [email address] with the subject line Cloud Engineer Application [Your Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and will review your application with care. [Company Name] is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees. Template Features Job Description Template 1 Job Description Template 2 Job Description Template 3 Job Description Template 4 Company Description Dynamic, innovative small business in [industry] Rapidly growing small business specializing in cloud Leading small business in [industry] specializing in Forward-thinking small business specializing in cloud Emphasis Scalable cloud solutions Scalable cloud solutions Scalable cloud solutions Scalable cloud solutions Responsibilities Focus Collaboration with cross-functional teams Optimization of cloud resources Industry trends and emerging technologies Security, scalability, and availability Infrastructure Platforms AWS, Azure, Google Cloud AWS, Azure, Google Cloud AWS, Azure, Google Cloud AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Automation Tools Terraform, CloudFormation Terraform, CloudFormation, Ansible Terraform, CloudFormation, Ansible Terraform, CloudFormation Scripting Languages Python, PowerShell Python, PowerShell Python, PowerShell Python, PowerShell Security and Compliance Data protection, access control Network security, data encryption, access management Cloud governance, security best practices Access controls, encryption, vulnerability management Problem-Solving Emphasis Troubleshooting complex issues Troubleshooting cloud-related issues Troubleshooting complex issues Troubleshooting complex issues Benefits Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package Culture and Inclusion Inclusive work environment Inclusive work environment Inclusive work environment Inclusive work environment Integrating Cloud Engineering with Business Innovation Facilitating Business Model Transformation : Cloud engineers play a crucial role in enabling businesses to shift towards more agile and innovative models. By leveraging cloud technologies, they help companies to quickly adapt to market changes, experiment with new ideas, and deploy solutions rapidly. : Cloud engineers play a crucial role in enabling businesses to shift towards more agile and innovative models. By leveraging cloud technologies, they help companies to quickly adapt to market changes, experiment with new ideas, and deploy solutions rapidly. Supporting Startup Ecosystems: In the startup world, cloud engineering is pivotal in launching and scaling new ventures. It allows startups to access sophisticated IT resources with minimal investment, fostering a culture of innovation and rapid growth. Cloud Engineerings Role in Sustainability and Green IT Practices Promoting Energy-Efficient Operations : Cloud engineers are at the forefront of implementing Green IT strategies. By optimizing resource utilization in the cloud, they help reduce the carbon footprint of IT operations, making them more environmentally sustainable. : Cloud engineers are at the forefront of implementing Green IT strategies. By optimizing resource utilization in the cloud, they help reduce the carbon footprint of IT operations, making them more environmentally sustainable. Advancing Sustainable Data Management: They also contribute to sustainable practices by ensuring efficient data storage and processing, reducing energy consumption, and supporting eco-friendly cloud data centers. Enhancing Customer Experience through Cloud Engineering Personalizing Customer Interactions : Cloud engineers facilitate the creation of personalized customer experiences by leveraging cloud-based analytics and AI tools. This allows businesses to offer tailored services, anticipate customer needs, and enhance customer engagement. : Cloud engineers facilitate the creation of personalized customer experiences by leveraging cloud-based analytics and AI tools. This allows businesses to offer tailored services, anticipate customer needs, and enhance customer engagement. Ensuring Seamless Service Delivery: By maintaining robust and scalable cloud infrastructures, cloud engineers ensure that customer-facing applications are reliable, fast, and accessible, thereby improving overall customer satisfaction and loyalty. Is Cloud Engineering a Hard Job? Like any tech job, cloud engineering comes with its challenges. The fast-paced nature of cloud technologies means that cloud engineers must continually learn and adapt. They need to understand different cloud platforms, programming languages, and cloud-based solutions, and how to integrate these into an organizations existing systems. However, for those passionate about technology and problem-solving, these challenges can be exciting. The role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies, collaborate with different IT professionals, and contribute to significant business decisions. The high demand for cloud engineers also means there are numerous opportunities for growth and advancement. With the right skills and mindset, a career in cloud engineering can be both rewarding and fulfilling. Whether youre a recent computer science graduate or an experienced IT professional looking to specialize, theres never been a better time to become a cloud engineer. So, are you ready to embark on a career in cloud engineering? With a clear understanding of the cloud engineer job description, the skills needed, and what the role involves, youre well on your way to a promising career in this exciting field. FAQs: Cloud Engineer Job Description What is the primary role of a Cloud Engineer in a small business? The primary role of a Cloud Engineer in a small business is to manage and optimize cloud infrastructure, design and implement cloud-based solutions, and ensure the security and performance of cloud services. What are the key skills required for a Cloud Engineer? Key skills for a Cloud Engineer include proficiency in cloud platforms (such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure), programming languages, problem-solving abilities, and a strong understanding of cloud security and applications. What kind of educational background is needed to become a Cloud Engineer? A Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science or a related field is typically required for a Cloud Engineer role. However, relevant experience and certifications in cloud platforms can also be considered. Is prior experience necessary for a Cloud Engineer position at a small business? While prior experience in cloud engineering can be beneficial, small businesses may consider candidates with a strong educational background in computer science and demonstrable skills in cloud platforms and applications. What are the potential career growth opportunities for a Cloud Engineer at a small business? Cloud Engineers at small businesses can advance their careers by becoming Cloud Architects, Cloud Security Specialists, or Cloud Team Leads, among other roles. As the business grows, there may be more opportunities for growth and specialization within the company. What kind of cloud platforms do Cloud Engineers typically work with? Cloud Engineers typically work with popular cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure. However, they may also work with other cloud platforms depending on the specific needs of the small business. As a business evolves and scales up, the need for managing financial data becomes more prominent. In such scenarios, a Controller often takes the helm. If youve been wondering what the controller job description at a small business entails, this article aims to clarify the subject. The Role of a Controller A controller is a senior-level manager involved in the day-to-day operations of a small businesss finance and administration functions. They are responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, including producing periodic financial reports, maintaining an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of internal controls designed to mitigate risk. Controllers focus on ensuring the companys financial information is accurate and presented clearly, and that all accounting processes are compliant with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Controller Job Description: Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Controller The controllers role varies depending on the companys size and needs. However, some general responsibilities are common across industries and sectors. Financial Management The controller plays a vital role in financial management, ensuring the companys assets are well-managed and finances are in order. They analyze and present financial data in a way that helps senior managers and owners make informed business decisions. Budgeting and Forecasting Controllers handle budgeting and forecasting tasks, looking at the companys past financial performance and projecting future revenue and expenses. This process helps businesses anticipate future financial needs and plan accordingly. Financial Reporting and Analysis Controllers are responsible for preparing financial reports that detail the companys financial position. These financial reports include income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, which provide insight into the companys profitability and financial health. Accounting Operations A key part of the controller job description is overseeing the accounting functions. This includes managing payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other detailed accounting tasks. Controllers ensure that the companys bookkeepers follow the appropriate accounting principles and procedures. Internal Controls and Compliance Controllers are tasked with implementing and monitoring internal controls to protect the companys financial information and ensure compliance with financial regulations. They are also responsible for coordinating with external auditors and implementing their recommendations during financial audits. Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Controller Description Financial Management - Manage company assets and financial stability. - Analyze and present financial data for informed decision-making. Budgeting and Forecasting - Create budgets based on past performance and future projections. - Anticipate financial needs and plan accordingly. Financial Reporting and Analysis - Prepare financial reports (income statements, balance sheets). - Provide insights into profitability and financial health. Accounting Operations - Oversee payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. - Ensure compliance with accounting principles and procedures. Internal Controls and Compliance - Implement and monitor internal controls for data protection. - Ensure compliance with financial regulations. - Coordinate with external auditors during financial audits. Key Skills and Qualifications for a Controller Education and Certifications Most controllers have a bachelors degree in finance, accounting, or business administration. Some also hold a masters degree in business administration (MBA) or accounting. Certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) are typically preferred. Experience Given the seniority of the role, controllers are usually experienced accountants who have worked their way up the corporate finance ladder. They often have a background in public accounting or have held financial positions in smaller companies. Skills Controllers need strong analytical skills to interpret financial data and find patterns, trends, or anomalies. Excellent leadership skills are crucial, as controllers often lead accounting teams. In addition, communication skills are vital, as controllers frequently present financial information to non-finance senior managers. Controller Job Description: Templates for Hiring at Your Business Controller Job Description Job Template 1: Position: Controller Location: [City, State] Company: [Company Name] About Us: [Company Name] is a small business in the [industry] sector. We are currently seeking an experienced Controller to join our team. As the Controller, you will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the company, ensuring accuracy and compliance. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the financial management of a small business. Responsibilities: Manage all accounting operations, including financial reporting, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. Prepare and present accurate and timely financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations. Maintain an effective system of internal controls to safeguard company assets. Manage the budgeting and forecasting process to support business planning and decision-making. Provide financial analysis and insights to senior management to drive financial strategy. Collaborate with external auditors during financial audits and implement their recommendations. Oversee payroll administration and ensure compliance with payroll regulations. Manage relationships with financial institutions, vendors, and other stakeholders. Lead and develop a team of accounting professionals. Qualifications: Bachelors degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. CPA certification is preferred. Proven experience as a Controller or similar finance leadership role. In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and financial regulations. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent leadership and team management abilities. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in accounting software and MS Office Suite. Experience in a small business or startup environment is preferred. Benefits: Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Collaborative and supportive work environment. Chance to play a key role in the financial management of a small business. Make a significant impact on the companys financial success. To Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or references to [email address]. Kindly include the subject line Controller Application [Your Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and will review all applications thoroughly. [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Controller Job Description Job Template 2: Position: Controller Location: [City, State] Company: [Company Name] About Us: [Company Name] is a small business in the [industry] sector. We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Controller to join our team. As the Controller, you will oversee the financial operations of the company, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and financial stability. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a small business. Responsibilities: Manage all accounting functions, including financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. Prepare and analyze financial statements, providing insights to senior management. Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations. Monitor cash flow and manage working capital to support business operations. Coordinate with external auditors during financial audits and implement audit recommendations. Oversee tax planning and compliance to minimize tax liabilities. Maintain a system of internal controls to safeguard company assets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support financial strategy and decision-making. Manage relationships with financial institutions, vendors, and stakeholders. Lead and mentor a team of accounting professionals. Qualifications: Bachelors degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. CPA certification is preferred. Proven experience as a Controller or similar finance leadership role. Thorough understanding of accounting principles and financial regulations. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent leadership and team management abilities. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in accounting software and MS Office Suite. Experience in a small business or startup environment is preferred. Benefits: Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Collaborative and supportive work environment. Chance to play a key role in the financial management of a small business. Make a significant impact on the companys financial success. To Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or references to [email address]. Kindly include the subject line Controller Application [Your Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and will review all applications thoroughly. [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Controller Job Description Job Template 3: Position: Controller Location: [City, State] Company: [Company Name] About Us: [Company Name] is a small business in the [industry] sector. We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Controller to join our team. As the Controller, you will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the company, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strategic financial management. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success and growth of a small business. Responsibilities: Manage all aspects of the companys accounting functions, including financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis. Prepare and present accurate and timely financial statements, providing insights to senior management. Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations. Monitor cash flow, manage working capital, and make strategic financial decisions. Oversee internal controls to safeguard company assets and mitigate financial risks. Coordinate with external auditors during financial audits and implement audit recommendations. Provide financial analysis and support to drive strategic planning and decision-making. Manage relationships with financial institutions, vendors, and stakeholders. Lead and develop a team of accounting professionals. Qualifications: Bachelors degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. CPA certification is preferred. Proven experience as a Controller or similar finance leadership role. In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and financial regulations. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent leadership and team management abilities. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in accounting software and MS Office Suite. Experience in a small business or startup environment is preferred. Benefits: Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Collaborative and supportive work environment. Chance to play a key role in the financial management of a small business. Make a significant impact on the companys financial success. To Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or references to [email address]. Kindly include the subject line Controller Application [Your Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and will review all applications thoroughly. [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Controller Job Description Job Template 4: Position: Controller Location: [City, State] Company: [Company Name] About Us: [Company Name] is a small business in the [industry] sector. We are currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Controller to join our team. As the Controller, you will oversee the financial operations of the company, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the financial success of a small business. Responsibilities: Manage all accounting functions, including financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. Prepare and analyze financial statements, providing insights to senior management. Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations. Monitor cash flow and manage working capital to support business operations. Coordinate with external auditors during financial audits and implement audit recommendations. Oversee tax planning and compliance to minimize tax liabilities. Maintain a system of internal controls to safeguard company assets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support financial strategy and decision-making. Manage relationships with financial institutions, vendors, and stakeholders. Lead and mentor a team of accounting professionals. Qualifications: Bachelors degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. CPA certification is preferred. Proven experience as a Controller or similar finance leadership role. Thorough understanding of accounting principles and financial regulations. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent leadership and team management abilities. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in accounting software and MS Office Suite. Experience in a small business or startup environment is preferred. Benefits: Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Collaborative and supportive work environment. Chance to play a key role in the financial management of a small business. Make a significant impact on the companys financial success. To Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or references to [email address]. Kindly include the subject line Controller Application [Your Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and will review all applications thoroughly. [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Job Template 1 - Controller Job Template 2 - Controller Job Template 3 - Controller Job Template 4 - Controller Position: Controller Position: Controller Position: Controller Position: Controller Location: [City, State] Location: [City, State] Location: [City, State] Location: [City, State] Company: [Company Name] Company: [Company Name] Company: [Company Name] Company: [Company Name] About Us: [Company Name] About Us: [Company Name] About Us: [Company Name] About Us: [Company Name] Responsibilities: Responsibilities: Responsibilities: Responsibilities: - Manage all accounting operations, including financial reporting, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. - Manage all accounting functions, including financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. - Manage all aspects of the company's accounting functions, including financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis. - Manage all accounting functions, including financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. - Prepare and present accurate and timely financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. - Prepare and analyze financial statements, providing insights to senior management. - Prepare and present accurate and timely financial statements, providing insights to senior management. - Prepare and analyze financial statements, providing insights to senior management. - Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations. - Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations. - Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations. - Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations. - Maintain an effective system of internal controls to safeguard company assets. - Monitor cash flow and manage working capital to support business operations. - Monitor cash flow, manage working capital, and make strategic financial decisions. - Monitor cash flow and manage working capital to support business operations. - Manage the budgeting and forecasting process to support business planning and decision-making. - Coordinate with external auditors during financial audits and implement audit recommendations. - Oversee internal controls to safeguard company assets and mitigate financial risks. - Coordinate with external auditors during financial audits and implement audit recommendations. - Provide financial analysis and insights to senior management to drive financial strategy. - Oversee tax planning and compliance to minimize tax liabilities. - Provide financial analysis and support to drive strategic planning and decision-making. - Oversee tax planning and compliance to minimize tax liabilities. - Collaborate with external auditors during financial audits and implement their recommendations. - Maintain a system of internal controls to safeguard company assets. - Manage relationships with financial institutions, vendors, and stakeholders. - Maintain a system of internal controls to safeguard company assets. - Oversee payroll administration and ensure compliance with payroll regulations. - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support financial strategy and decision-making. - Lead and develop a team of accounting professionals. - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support financial strategy and decision-making. - Manage relationships with financial institutions, vendors, and other stakeholders. - Manage relationships with financial institutions, vendors, and stakeholders. - Manage relationships with financial institutions, vendors, and stakeholders. - Lead and develop a team of accounting professionals. - Lead and mentor a team of accounting professionals. - Lead and mentor a team of accounting professionals. Qualifications: Qualifications: Qualifications: Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. CPA certification is preferred. - Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. CPA certification is preferred. - Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. CPA certification is preferred. - Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. CPA certification is preferred. - Proven experience as a Controller or similar finance leadership role. - Proven experience as a Controller or similar finance leadership role. - Proven experience as a Controller or similar finance leadership role. - Proven experience as a Controller or similar finance leadership role. - In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and financial regulations. - Thorough understanding of accounting principles and financial regulations. - In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and financial regulations. - Thorough understanding of accounting principles and financial regulations. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. - Excellent leadership and team management abilities. - Excellent leadership and team management abilities. - Excellent leadership and team management abilities. - Excellent leadership and team management abilities. - Effective communication and interpersonal skills. - Effective communication and interpersonal skills. - Effective communication and interpersonal skills. - Effective communication and interpersonal skills. - Proficiency in accounting software and MS Office Suite. - Proficiency in accounting software and MS Office Suite. - Proficiency in accounting software and MS Office Suite. - Proficiency in accounting software and MS Office Suite. - Experience in a small business or startup environment is preferred. - Experience in a small business or startup environment is preferred. - Experience in a small business or startup environment is preferred. - Experience in a small business or startup environment is preferred. Benefits: Benefits: Benefits: Benefits: - Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. - Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. - Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. - Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. - Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. - Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. - Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. - Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. - Collaborative and supportive work environment. - Collaborative and supportive work environment. - Collaborative and supportive work environment. - Collaborative and supportive work environment. - Chance to play a key role in the financial management of a small business. - Chance to play a key role in the financial management of a small business. - Chance to play a key role in the financial management of a small business. - Chance to play a key role in the financial management of a small business. - Make a significant impact on the company's financial success. - Make a significant impact on the company's financial success. - Make a significant impact on the company's financial success. - Make a significant impact on the company's financial success. To Apply: To Apply: To Apply: To Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or references to [email address]. Kindly include the subject line "Controller Application - [Your Name]." We appreciate your interest in joining our team and will review all applications thoroughly. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or references to [email address]. Kindly include the subject line "Controller Application - [Your Name]." We appreciate your interest in joining our team and will review all applications thoroughly. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or references to [email address]. Kindly include the subject line "Controller Application - [Your Name]." We appreciate your interest in joining our team and will review all applications thoroughly. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or references to [email address]. Kindly include the subject line "Controller Application - [Your Name]." We appreciate your interest in joining our team and will review all applications thoroughly. [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply. [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply. [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply. [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Controller Salary and Job Outlook According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for financial managers, including controllers, was $129,890 in May 2019. However, the salary of a financial controller varies depending on the companys size and the controllers experience and education level. The employment of financial managers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. As the economy grows, more controllers will be needed to prepare and examine financial statements, manage investments, and help decision-makers with strategic planning. Integrating Technology in Financial Management The integration of technology plays a pivotal role in financial management. For controllers, embracing automation in accounting practices is essential. This includes adopting advanced software solutions for streamlining tasks such as invoicing, payroll processing, and financial reporting. The implementation of these technologies not only enhances accuracy and efficiency but also frees up valuable time for strategic analysis and decision-making. Leveraging Financial Data Analytics Another key aspect of integrating technology is the utilization of financial data analytics. Controllers must harness the power of data analytics tools to extract meaningful insights from large volumes of financial data. This involves analyzing trends, forecasting future financial outcomes, and providing actionable intelligence that can guide the companys financial strategy. The ability to interpret complex data sets is crucial in shaping business decisions that drive profitability and growth. Navigating Regulatory Changes and Compliance Controllers are the guardians of financial compliance within a business. As such, they are tasked with staying abreast of the latest financial regulations and legislative changes. This requires a proactive approach to understanding and implementing new compliance requirements, ensuring that the companys financial practices adhere to current laws and standards. The controllers vigilance in this area safeguards the company against legal and financial risks. Risk Management and Internal Auditing Controllers also play a critical role in risk management and internal auditing. They are responsible for identifying potential financial risks and implementing strategies to mitigate these risks. This includes conducting regular internal audits to ensure the integrity of financial processes and controls. Through these audits, controllers can identify inefficiencies, prevent fraud, and maintain the overall financial health of the organization. Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis At the heart of strategic financial planning and analysis is the controllers ability to develop and oversee long-term financial strategies. This involves setting financial goals that align with the companys broader objectives, analyzing market trends, and predicting future financial needs. Controllers must create comprehensive financial models and scenarios to guide the company through various business cycles and decisions. Cost Management and Profitability Analysis A critical component of strategic planning is cost management and profitability analysis. Controllers are charged with scrutinizing every aspect of the companys finances to identify areas where costs can be reduced and efficiency can be improved. By conducting thorough profitability analyses, controllers help the company optimize its financial resources, improve its bottom line, and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Controllers Role in Business Growth and Expansion The controllers role extends significantly into the realm of business growth and expansion. As companies scale, the complexity of financial management increases exponentially. Controllers must ensure that the companys financial infrastructure is robust enough to support growth while maintaining financial stability. This includes overseeing financial planning for expansions, mergers and acquisitions, and entering new markets. The controllers strategic foresight in financial planning is crucial in navigating the financial challenges of scaling a business, ensuring that growth is sustainable and aligned with the companys long-term goals. FAQs: Controller Job Description What is the role of a financial controller at a small business? A financial controller, also known as a controller, is a senior-level manager responsible for managing financial data and overseeing the finance and administration function of a small business. They ensure accurate financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance with accounting principles and regulations. What are the responsibilities of a financial controller? A financial controllers responsibilities include financial management, budgeting and forecasting, preparation of financial reports and statements, overseeing accounting operations, maintaining internal controls, coordinating with external auditors, and ensuring regulatory compliance. What financial reports and statements does a financial controller prepare? A financial controller prepares various financial reports and statements, such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, to provide an overview of the companys financial position and performance. What is the importance of internal controls in the role of a financial controller? Internal controls are crucial for a financial controller as they help safeguard financial transactions, ensure accuracy and reliability of financial information, and mitigate risks. Controllers monitor and maintain internal controls to protect the companys financial data and ensure compliance. What qualifications and certifications are required for a financial controller? A financial controller typically holds a bachelors degree in finance, accounting, or business administration. Certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) are often preferred. Advanced degrees, such as a masters in business administration (MBA) or accounting, can also be beneficial. How does a financial controller contribute to a financial strategy and risk management? Financial controllers play a key role in developing and implementing financial strategies, assessing financial risks, and providing insights for decision-making. They analyze financial data, evaluate performance, and help identify opportunities for improvement. What is the salary range for financial controllers? The salary of a financial controller varies based on factors such as experience, education level, company size, and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for financial managers, including controllers, was $129,890 in May 2019. What is the significance of regulatory compliance for financial controllers? Financial controllers ensure that the company complies with financial regulations and standards, such as those set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Compliance helps maintain transparency, integrity, and trust in financial reporting. What are some essential skills and qualities of a financial controller? A financial controller should possess strong analytical and leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and proficiency in financial analysis and accounting software. They should have a solid understanding of financial regulations, project management, and team management. How do financial controllers work with other financial professionals in the company? Financial controllers collaborate with various stakeholders, including chief accounting officers, chief financial officers, finance managers, and accounting professionals. They coordinate financial activities, provide guidance, and ensure effective communication across departments. What is the job outlook for financial controllers? The job outlook for financial managers, including controllers, is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. As businesses evolve and financial regulations become more complex, the demand for skilled financial controllers is expected to increase. Ephantus Mwangi, a Missouri man and owner of True Payments Solutions Inc. (TPS) based in Kansas, faced his initial court appearance yesterday. The appearance follows an indictment by a federal grand jury in December 2023, charging him with willful failure to pay over-employment taxes to the IRS. Between 2017 and 2018, Mwangi allegedly withheld federal income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from TPS employees wages but failed to remit these withholdings to the IRS. This failure has reportedly led to a tax loss of approximately $337,350. If convicted, Mwangi could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each of the six employment tax counts. Additionally, he may be subject to supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. The sentence, determined by a federal district court judge, will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Governments Stance on Tax Compliance This case, announced by Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Departments Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas, underscores the governments rigorous approach toward ensuring tax compliance, especially among small businesses. The IRS Criminal Investigation unit is actively investigating this case, highlighting the seriousness with which the government views employment tax evasion. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney J. Parker Gochenour of the Justice Departments Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Huschka for the District of Kansas. Its important to remember that an indictment is merely an allegation. Mwangi, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Implications for Small Business Owners This case serves as a crucial reminder to small business owners about the importance of adhering to employment tax laws. It highlights the potential legal and financial risks associated with non-compliance. For small business owners, this incident is an educational opportunity to review their tax practices. Ensuring proper withholding and timely payment of employment taxes is not only legally mandatory but also critical for maintaining the financial health and reputation of a business. As the case progresses, it will likely offer further insights into the enforcement of tax laws and the consequences of evasion. Small business owners should take this opportunity to assess and reinforce their tax compliance measures to avoid similar legal challenges. The Mwangi case is a stark reminder of the importance of tax compliance in the business sector. While the legal process unfolds, its an opportune moment for small business owners to reflect on their tax practices and ensure they are fully compliant with IRS regulations. This approach is essential not only to avoid legal pitfalls but also to contribute to the integrity and stability of the business environment. Slovakia discovered the Slovak architect 15 years ago. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share It's not as tall as the other works of the Slovak architect, but it's the only monument left by him in Europe. The chapel in the Stiavnicke Vrchy mountains, central Slovakia, from 1913 was consecrated 110 years ago, in July 1914. It stands near the Termal spa house in Vyhne. https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1KAjxdhg4Ui0Ev5ST3qeKHH6cCe2Z1X4&ehbc=2E312F In the records of this Roman Catholic parish, there are mentions of how much the building cost and who contributed to it. For decades, however, contemporaries had no idea that it was designed by world-renowned architect Ladislav Eduard Hudec, at that time still a student at Budapest University, referred to as the father of Asian skyscrapers. Related article Related article Building skyscrapers in Shanghai Read more The most famous, Park Hotel, connected to the bank, designed by a native of Banska Bystrica, was the first and for decades the tallest building in Asia. The architect did not only design high-rise buildings, he signed more than 60 buildings in China's most populous city. About a third are on the list of protected historical monuments. Also a place for marriages Slovakia discovered Hudec 15 years ago, when the Chinese were preparing an exhibition about his life and work. A helping hand in the heart of Europe offers for you Slovakia travel guide. A postcard of the spa church in Vyhne was found in his family archive, forgotten for almost a hundred years, with the words: "This is my first church building 1912/1913". It was a surprising discovery, says the text on the information panel beside the chapel. "It's in good condition. Weddings were also held in it a few years ago," said the mayor, Martina Kmetova, adding that the chapel belongs to the Roman Catholic Church. The door to the chapel is locked, the interior can be seen through the glass on the door. "We only open the chapel for an announced groups of visitors," explained parish priest Jan Matik from the parish office in Vyhne. By locking, they protect its interior from possible vandalism. The area of the swimming pool stretches under the hill on which the chapel stands. The pool was constructed on the site of former bathhouses and hotels. The Vyhnianske Spa and its fame was buried by an extensive fire in 1945. Twelve years after death Ladislav Hudec was captured by the Russians in Siberia during the First World War. After escaping, fate led him to the Chinese city of Shanghai, where he lived for 29 years. In 1947, he secretly left Shanghai, the reason being that social conditions had changed. He settled in Berkeley, USA. His name remained unknown for a long time. It was not mentioned in China, Czechoslovakia or Hungary for more than half a century. He is buried in the family tomb at the Evangelical cemetery in Banska Bystrica; he himself designed its form. The underground part of the tomb was built by his father Juraj Hudec, a successful builder from Banska Bystrica. The above-ground section was drawn by Ladislav Hudec in 1920, the stone company finalising it 10 years later according to his design. At that time, the forgotten architect died in 1958 in Berkeley, his remains transferred to the Banska Bystrica family tomb based on his wishes 12 years after his death. Navigation advises you to turn earlier Do not rely on the navigation if you want to visit the chapel, at least not in winter: it will point you to the first access road to the Vyhne chapel between the garages. The sloped approach to the garages covered with frozen snow is rather discouraging. But there is another way to approach the chapel. A tourist has to turn off the main road a little further, right behind the primary school, which is next to the municipal office. Traffic on the steep and extremely narrow road is regulated by a traffic light, which alternately lets cars in from above and below. You can park in the lot at the Sitno hotel. The walk to the Chapel of the Virgin Mary takes about five minutes from there. My Zvolen https://sk.frame.mapy.cz/s/perozuteba Spectacular Slovakia travel guides The doctor who criticised Zuzana Dolinska on social media has been allegedly intimidated. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Health Minister Zuzana Dolinkova (Hlas) took a photo with a premature baby during her visit to Poprad hospital, eastern Slovakia, last week. Despite the fact that such babies require an extremely careful approach, Dolinkova did not wear a mask and other protective clothing, which are worn by parents in such cases, writes the website Korzar. "Id never allow myself to violate the regulations of any workplace, in any medical facility. I was assured that everything was in accordance with the regulations," said the minister after the criticism she received. "In addition to being a minister, Im also a woman and a mother who would never allow the health of any child to be put in danger." Attention was drawn to Dolinkova's photo after Vanda Chovanova, chief physician of the Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Medicine at the Children's Faculty Hospital in Kosice, left a comment underneath the photo on social media. The doctor advised the minister to put on a disposable gown and take off her rings and watches next time to minimise the risk of infection in a premature baby. After a wave of criticism, Dolinkova removed the photo from her profile. The post about her visit was also deleted by Poprad hospital. "The minister passed a hygienic filter before coming into contact with the newborn and at the same time showed no signs of an acute respiratory infection, and therefore, in our opinion, contact with her did not pose any risk for the newborn," said the hospital. The patient whom the minister visited is in full health, the hospital added. Alleged intimidation The health minister slammed for her photo with a premature baby, a talented Ukrainian bandurist, and a restored ancient mill. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Good evening. Here is the Tuesday, January 30 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes. Slovak govt tries to please Brussels Smer MP Tibor Gaspar. (Source: TASR - Pavel Neubauer) The major ruling party Smer has come with a large-scale proposal to amend the Penal Code. It has 22 pages, but the changes are only very small, writes the daily Sme. The coalition initially refused to modify its first proposal. Smer and its two partners, Hlas and SNS, decided to make concessions after criticism from the opposition, part of the experts and Brussels. It is charged Smer MP Tibor Gaspar, who is the ex-police chief from the time of former Smer administrations, that has recently submitted the amendment to the house. Experts and NGOs don't have the opportunity to comment on the proposal. The ruling coalition aims to approve the amendment via a fast-track procedure in the house this week. Opposition MPs received the proposal on Monday evening. MPs will meet in the debating chamber on Wednesday, but the legal affairs committee met already on Tuesday morning to discuss Gaspar's proposal. The biggest changes concern crimes criticised by the EU. Brussels threatened to stop EU funds for Slovakia if the initial changes were passed. The essence of the amendment to reduce punishments for economic crime and corruption remains, nevertheless. The Special Prosecutor's Office is to be abolished by March 15, the proposal reads. Related: Corruption cases that regard oligarch Miroslav Vyboh (the charged entrepreneur should appear in court on March 4), businessman Jaroslav Hascak, and National Bank of Slovakia Governor Peter Kazimir (ex-finance minister for Smer) should be time-barred for good if the coalition changes the Penal Code, even if only for a day. With the amendment, Smer, Hlas and SNS coalition parties also want to shorten the statute of limitations after which criminals can no longer be tried. (Dennik N) Corruption cases that regard oligarch Miroslav Vyboh (the charged entrepreneur should appear in court on March 4), businessman Jaroslav Hascak, and National Bank of Slovakia Governor Peter Kazimir (ex-finance minister for Smer) should be time-barred for good if the coalition changes the Penal Code, even if only for a day. With the amendment, Smer, Hlas and SNS coalition parties also want to shorten the statute of limitations after which criminals can no longer be tried. (Dennik N) Poll: 24.5 percent of voters would vote for Smer in January. Progresivne Slovensko would receive less than 21 percent. Fifteen percent of the voters would vote for Hlas, the latest Ipsos poll shows. So far, the popularity of the ruling parties has not been shaken by the intention to reduce penalties for corruption and abolish the Special Prosecutor's Office, which brought tens of thousands of people to the streets of Slovak towns. (Dennik N) More stories from The Slovak Spectator website Politics: A doctor who criticised Health Minister Zuzana Dolinkova (Hlas) for a photo with a premature baby was allegedly intimidated. A doctor who criticised Health Minister Zuzana Dolinkova (Hlas) for a photo with a premature baby was allegedly intimidated. Sport: Slovak figure skater Adam Hagara captures silver at the Youth Olympics. Watch his free routine. Slovak figure skater Adam Hagara captures silver at the Youth Olympics. Watch his free routine. Culture: An ancient mill in Senica, western Slovakia, is restored. If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you. FEATURE STORY FOR TUESDAY Artist who plays the bandura, 'the voice of Ukrainian people' Olga Smorkis during a charity fair in Bratislava. (Source: Yury Krivosheya) In addition, Ukrainian musician Olga Smorkis always tells people how important the role of bandura has been in the history of the Ukrainian people, and what an unique instrument it is. EVENT FOR CHILDREN IN BRATISLAVA Fur coats, jars, and boots Mediaeval markets at the Bratislava Castle in 2023. (Source: TASR - Jaroslav Novak) Who did people go to when they needed new shoes or a coat? This Sunday, a guide in period costume will tell children interesting information about the history of well-known and lesser-known crafts in Bratislava. And to top it off, they can see the products of some craftsmen up close. The walk is suitable for children aged 6-12. Date: February 4 (Sunday) at 10:00. Registration is required (only 6 places are left). In other news Slovakia has historically achieved the best position in the ranking of corruption perceptions by Transparency International. It finished in 47th place out of 180 countries, two places higher than the year before. The ranking reflects the period of the Heger and Odor governments. by Transparency International. It finished in 47th place out of 180 countries, two places higher than the year before. The ranking reflects the period of the Heger and Odor governments. The Nation's Memory Institute (UPN) draws attention to the spreading of fake StB (the secrete police force in communist Czechoslovakia) documents about the presidential candidate Ivan Korcok. According to the UPN, there are no dates, ranks or signatures of StB officers on them, and some names were made up. According to the UPN, there are no dates, ranks or signatures of StB officers on them, and some names were made up. "If the neutral position of Ukraine should contribute to the end of the war and should guarantee peace, I would be in favour of Ukraine not being a member of NATO ," said presidential candidate and Speaker Peter Pellegrini (Hlas). Ukraine's neutrality, he assumes, will be Russia's demand in any peace negotiations. (Markiza) ," said presidential candidate and Speaker Peter Pellegrini (Hlas). Ukraine's neutrality, he assumes, will be Russia's demand in any peace negotiations. (Markiza) Slovakia is negotiating with the USA on the purchase of Patriot systems , Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (SMer) said on Sunday. According to him, Slovakia needs a long-range air defence system. He would like to negotiate with the US the possibility of using the discount originally intended for Viper combat helicopters. Slovakia is currently using a system from Italy. Slovakia will request an extension of its stay on the territory. (RTVS) , Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (SMer) said on Sunday. According to him, Slovakia needs a long-range air defence system. He would like to negotiate with the US the possibility of using the discount originally intended for Viper combat helicopters. Slovakia is currently using a system from Italy. Slovakia will request an extension of its stay on the territory. (RTVS) On Tuesday, the leader of the non-parliamentary far-right party LSNS, Marian Kotleba, submitted the signatures needed for the presidential race. He collected more than 20,000 of them from people. The first round of the presidential election will be held on March 23. LSNS leader Marian Kotleba carries a box with plenty of sheets of paper that are full of signatures supporting his presidential run on January 30, 2024. (Source: TASR) Due to an accident involving a lorry and a car on the D1 motorway near Hlohovec, a section of the motorway is closed on January 30, 2024. (Source: TASR/Trnava Region Police) Ticket seller Kiwi.com will lay off 18 percent of its more than 1,200 employees . The company has been at a loss for a long time. Most people work for the firm in the Czech city of Brno, where a large Slovak community lives. Recently, the ticket seller entered into a strategic partnership with Ryanair. This happened after several lawsuits, when the airline was against the Czech seller offering its flights on its website. Now it will be possible. (CTK) . The company has been at a loss for a long time. Most people work for the firm in the Czech city of Brno, where a large Slovak community lives. Recently, the ticket seller entered into a strategic partnership with Ryanair. This happened after several lawsuits, when the airline was against the Czech seller offering its flights on its website. Now it will be possible. (CTK) The company Alma Career conducted the 12th annual poll on the most attractive employers . Four companies within 11 categories defended their victory from the previous year - Henkel, Lidl, Socialna Poistovna and Slovenske Elektrarne. See the full list of winners. . Four companies within 11 categories defended their victory from the previous year - Henkel, Lidl, Socialna Poistovna and Slovenske Elektrarne. See the full list of winners. The economic mood in Slovakia is improving slightly . Although the indicator of economic sentiment increased by only 0.4 points in January, its value reached the level of 96.7. It is the highest value in the last nine months. The economic mood improved among entrepreneurs in services, construction and trade. The deterioration of the situation is seen only in industry. Slovak consumers are also optimistic. (Statistics Office) . Although the indicator of economic sentiment increased by only 0.4 points in January, its value reached the level of 96.7. It is the highest value in the last nine months. The economic mood improved among entrepreneurs in services, construction and trade. The deterioration of the situation is seen only in industry. Slovak consumers are also optimistic. (Statistics Office) Subway franchise chain is closing operations in Slovakia . There is only one left in Bratislava - in the Avion shopping centre. In addition to the capital, Subway also operates in Trencin, Trnava, Nitra and has two restaurants in Kosice. (HN) . There is only one left in Bratislava - in the Avion shopping centre. In addition to the capital, Subway also operates in Trencin, Trnava, Nitra and has two restaurants in Kosice. (HN) Last year, Slovak ferroalloy producer OFZ announced plans to gradually move part of its production from Slovakia to Uzbekistan due to better conditions. However, the situation became complicated on the part of the Uzbek partners. But OFZ has two other plans: the construction of a completely new factory in Asia and Africa. (HN) WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY: Heavy cloud cover. The highest daytime temperature will range from -1C to 6C. Light breeze. (SHMU) JANUARY 31 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Emil. Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us. P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook and Instagram (@slovakspectator). Outsiders might know Albuquerque as the memorable setting for both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, modern westerns fixated on the moral downfalls of ordinary people. The city is also home to a thriving modern food and beverage scene, and some really great coffee. Today were taking a closer look at Little Bear Coffee, a coffee bar with three locations across the ABQ metro and a major focus on coffee as a conduit for arts and culture. These are gorgeous cafes with a distinctly New Mexico point of view and aesthetic, playing with a color palette of sand and sky. Want your cafe to be considered for a Sprudge Maps Spotlight? All you have to do is register your shop for Sprudge Maps, our user-driven compendium of coffee shops around the globe. And the best part is, its completely free! Sign up today! Sprudge Maps is presented by La Marzocco and Pacific Barista Series. As told to Sprudge by Sarah Gonzalez de Fox. Introduce yourself to our readerstell us about your cafe! Little Bear Coffee is a specialty coffee company and roastery serving fully-traceable, ethically-sourced, specialty-grade coffee in Albuquerque, since 2017. With the slogan, Love People Use Coffee, Little Bear works to be an inclusive, supportive space for the community and provide an experience as great as their coffee. Little Bear has three cafes in the city, the most recent is the bright and airy Little Bear at Civic Plaza location in Downtown Albuquerque. This cafes interior draws inspiration from New Mexicos big, vast skies. The space is filled with natural light, muted earth tones, walled with leafy, green plants and features two custom art pieces made by local artists. What equipment do you use in your shop? Espresso machine Synesso S200 Grinders Mahlkonig EK43, E65S, K30 Brewers Fetco CBS What is the neighborhood like where youre located? Whats some other cool stuff nearby? We are thrilled to be located in the heart of downtown Albuquerque. This location is walking distance from the citys convention center, offices and historic Civic Plaza. Downtown ABQ is home to some of our best venues, bars, and restaurants. Sister Bar and Anodyne are two iconic watering holes that often host amazing shows and bands. Founders Speakeasy is also a cool bar with a killer cocktail program that is accessed through a hidden door in a nearby convenience store. Whats something cool or unique about your cafe you want folks to know? A very cool feature of the cafe is our custom artwork on the main wall and behind the back bar. Both pieces are mixed media works designed by local artist Marquez Torres. When you enter the cafe, you will see a custom art piece; the work of Marquez Torres in collaboration with NEO THREAD. The piece is one part paint, one part textile. Marquez Torres design takes inspiration from the cloudscape paintings of Maynard Dixon and New Mexicos big, vast skies. NEO THREADs textile clouds are made from vintage deadstock fabric in a dusky pink that mimics the skys movement into pastels as the day comes to a close. When you turn to order, you will find a complementary work along the backbar; it is an incredible mixed media work of paint and gold leaf on reed glass panels, backlit by a warm glow. The three panels complete a cloudscape and golden sun with our logo in a handmade script. It was a true labor of love; Torres hand-painted and laid all three pounds of gold leaf on the piece. Is there a community organization or charity youd like to shout-out as part of this feature? ABQ Art Walk is an independent arts organization and community of artists working to elevate New Mexicos emerging creative economy. Their purpose is to spark the vibrancy of the arts by organizing experiences at the neighborhood-level. Supporting our local art community is very important to us; we support local artists by offering free art shows and rotating the artwork in our cafes. We are incredibly grateful for the impact ABQ Art Walk has had on downtowns creative businesses and local artists in NM. Thank you! Want your cafe featured in a Sprudge Maps Spotlight? Register your shop for Sprudge Maps, our user-driven compendium of coffee shops around the globe. Its completely free. Sign up today! Sprudge Maps is presented by La Marzocco and Pacific Barista Series. East London Advertiser, January 23, 2024 The Taliban are restricting Afghan womens access to work, travel and healthcare if they are unmarried or do not have a male guardian, according to a UN report. In one incident, officials from the Afghan vice and virtue ministry advised a woman to get married if she wanted to keep her job at a healthcare facility, saying it was inappropriate for an unwed woman to work. The Taliban have barred women from most areas of public life and stopped girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade (aged 11-12) as part of harsh measures they imposed after taking power in 2021, despite initially promising more moderate rule. They have also shut down beauty parlours and started enforcing a dress code, arresting women who do not comply with their interpretation of hijab, or Islamic headscarf. In May 2022, the Taliban issued a decree calling for women to only show their eyes and recommending they wear the head-to-toe burka, similar to restrictions during the Talibans previous rule between 1996 and 2001. In its latest quarterly report, covering October to December last year, the UN mission in Afghanistan said the Taliban are cracking down on Afghan women who are single or do not have a male guardian, or mahram, accompanying them. There are no official laws about male guardianship in Afghanistan, but the Taliban have said women cannot move around or travel a certain distance without a man who is related to her by blood or marriage. Three female health care workers were detained last October because they were going to work without a mahram. They were released after their families signed a written guarantee that they would not repeat the act, the report said. In Paktia province, the vice and virtue ministry has stopped women without mahrams from accessing health facilities since December. It visits health facilities in the province to ensure compliance. The ministry, which serves as the Talibans morality police, is also enforcing hijab and mahram requirements when women visit public places, offices and education institutes through checkpoints and inspections. In December, in Kandahar province, ministry officials visited a bus terminal to ensure women were not traveling long distances without mahrams and instructed bus drivers not to permit women to board without one, said the UN. Women have also been arrested for buying contraception, which the Taliban has not officially banned. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240129/26-republican-state-attorneys-general-pledge-support-for-texas-border-stance---report-1116475667.html 26 Republican State Attorneys General Pledge Support for Texas' Border Stance - Report 26 Republican State Attorneys General Pledge Support for Texas' Border Stance - Report Sputnik International 26 Republican state attorneys general sent letters to Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to affirm their support for the actions Texas has been undertaking to repel the record number of illegal immigrants on its portion of the US border with Mexico, Fox News reported on Monday. 2024-01-29T22:24+0000 2024-01-29T22:24+0000 2024-01-29T22:24+0000 texas americas border security us-mexico border illegal migration us https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/1d/1116476236_0:187:3309:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_7ddea79e519780bda167b27cad20f53e.jpg West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey on Monday was among the 26 officials to send a letter to US President Joe Biden saying that his administrations approach to the crisis on the US border with Mexico is wrong and the state of Texas has a constitutional right to defend itself from an invasion of illegal immigrants.Last Monday, the US Supreme Court ruled that federal agents can cut razor wire fencing Texas installed on swaths of the border, but it does not require the state to remove it. The Texas National Guard placed razor wire fencing along the state's border with Mexico to deter the record level of migrants coming into the United States illegally and overwhelming local resources and communities struggling to cope with the crisis. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on Friday that he was prepared for a conflict with the federal authorities over the border protection dispute. The Biden administration also recently asked the Supreme Court to prevent the Texas National Guard from blocking federal Border Patrol agents from accessing a stretch of land along the US southern border town of Eagle Pass, Texas. The border town has been a hot spot for illegal migration since President Joe Biden came into office in 2021. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton vowed to continue the state's efforts "to protect the border against every effort by the Biden administration to undermine the state's constitutional right of self-defense." US Customs and Border Protection recently revealed that there were more than 302,000 migrant encounters on the US southern border in December, marking the highest single-month figure ever recorded. The Biden administration has experienced three consecutive years of record numbers of illegal immigrants on the US southern border. texas americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International border crisis, us border crisis, us-mexico relations, illegal migrants, illegal migration, influx of migrants, deteriorating migration situation, migration situation, immigration policy, us-mexico border, illegal immigrants, us-mexico relations, border crossings, zero-tolerance policy https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/biden-says-decided-how-to-respond-to-attack-on-us-base-in-mideast-doesnt-want-wider-war-1116498591.html Biden Says Decided How to Respond to Attack on US Base in MidEast, Doesn't Want Wider War Biden Says Decided How to Respond to Attack on US Base in MidEast, Doesn't Want Wider War Sputnik International President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that he has decided how to respond to the drone attack on a military base on Jordan-Syria border that killed three US soldiers, but indicated that he does not want a wider war in the Middle East. 2024-01-30T16:26+0000 2024-01-30T16:26+0000 2024-01-30T18:34+0000 americas us joe biden jordan syria us military base drone attack https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/1e/1116498431_0:0:3221:1813_1920x0_80_0_0_9eeae7d6d6850a6eda60e660b13a96b2.jpg "Yes," Biden told reporters when asked whether he has chosen a response, adding, "I don't think we need a wider war in the Middle East, that's not what I'm looking for." Biden also said he holds Iran partly responsible for the deadly attack on the US troops. "I do hold them responsible in the sense that they're supplying the weapons to the people who did it," Biden said.US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby in turn said that the guiding principle of US President Joe Biden's decision on responding to the drone attack is ensuring that Washington continues to degrade the capabilities of the groups attacking US forces.When asked what is the guiding principle as the president makes his decision, Kirby said that it was making sure that the US continues to degrade the kinds of capabilities that these groups have at their disposal to use against US troops and facilities.On Sunday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said three US soldiers had been killed and 25 others injured in a drone attack at a US military base in Jordan's northeast near the border with Syria. On Monday, CENTCOM said the number of injured US soldiers had risen to 34, eight of whom had to be evacuated. Jordanian cabinet spokesman Muhannad Mubaidin said that the strike targeted the US's Al-Tanf base in Syria, not a base on Jordanian territory.US President Joe Biden pinned the blame on unspecified Iran-backed militant groups, while also saying the US was still gathering the facts. Iran has denied playing any role in the attack.On Monday, US media reported that US President Joe Biden discussed a "significant military response" to the attack during a meeting with top US officials on Sunday. Later in the day, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that the White House was seeking to respond to the attack "in a very consequential way," but was not willing to escalate tensions in the Middle East. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240129/direct-us-attack-on-iran-would-open-pandoras-box--mideast-experts-1116473612.html americas jordan syria Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International joe biden, us military base in middle east, drone attack on us military base, how us will respond to drone attack on its base https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/cutthroat-politics-republicans-refuse-to-bail-out-biden-on-border-ukraine-1116480567.html Cutthroat Politics: Republicans Refuse to Bail Out Biden on Border, Ukraine Cutthroat Politics: Republicans Refuse to Bail Out Biden on Border, Ukraine Sputnik International The border policy standoff between US President Joe Biden and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has intensified in recent days, with the Republican governor pledging to install more razor wire in defiance of a Supreme Court order. 2024-01-30T03:11+0000 2024-01-30T03:11+0000 2024-01-30T03:18+0000 analysis border security texas us-mexico border us joe biden republican biden administration https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/1e/1116480847_0:103:3276:1946_1920x0_80_0_0_21678cd7d1328b18665343d19840fb06.jpg The border policy standoff between US President Joe Biden and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has intensified in recent days, with the Republican governor pledging to install more razor wire in defiance of a Supreme Court order.Immigrant rights activists have slammed the measure, claiming Texas officials actions have contributed to the deaths of migrants.Eager to secure more military aid for Ukraine, Biden has advocated compromise legislation combining the two issues, but has been rebuffed by House Republicans. As Congressional dysfunction seems poised to stall progress on yet another legislative priority, Jamarl Thomas and Garland Nixon, the hosts of Sputniks The Critical Hour program, discussed the fallout on Monday.It is rather shocking when you think about it, agreed Thomas. And, look, to be honest, Joe Biden can call for the military, for the federal troops in Texas to be federalized. So, the federal law is right.Historic political polarization combined with the prospect of an encounter between armed state and federal agents has led many to suggest a civil war could be in the making. The conflict between state and federal power is among the most historically contentious aspects of the United States system of governance. Thomas noted the potential for a violent incident is an unsettling place to be.Meanwhile, legislative efforts to address border policy have fallen victim to election year politics.Thomas speculated Republicans would continue to stall legislation on both aid for Kiev and immigration, forcing Biden to seek reelection amidst accusations of chaos at the border and Ukraine in danger of collapse.It's not nice and it ain't right, agreed Nixon. It's cut-throat politics. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240126/border-standoff-escalates-into-constitutional-crisis-after-biden-messes-with-texas-1116406788.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240127/us-border-patrol-union-says-its-upsetting-biden-prevents-securing-us-southern-border-1116442100.html texas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg border crisis, us border crisis, us-mexico relations, illegal migrants, illegal migration, influx of migrants, deteriorating migration situation, migration situation, immigration policy, us-mexico border, illegal immigrants, us-mexico relations, border crossings, zero-tolerance policy https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/farmers-to-go-on-protest-in-brussels-same-day-as-eu-summit-1116501036.html Farmers to Go on Protest in Brussels Same Day as EU Summit Farmers to Go on Protest in Brussels Same Day as EU Summit Sputnik International BRUSSELS (Sputnik) - Brussels police warned on Tuesday of a large-scale protest by farmers in the Belgian capital on February 1 that will take place at the same time as the EU summit and could paralyze traffic in the city. 2024-01-30T18:45+0000 2024-01-30T18:45+0000 2024-02-02T13:27+0000 world brussels europe belgium european union (eu) european commission eu summit europe's farmer protests https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/101606/44/1016064418_0:258:2500:1664_1920x0_80_0_0_10beb1925606d51be7f65ecc974c58c8.jpg On Monday, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said that the EU countries will consider alternatives to the current plan for long-term financing of Ukraine only after the special summit on February 1, as the current goal is to reach an agreement on the existing proposal. Streets in the city center will not be available for motorists, including Schuman Square in the European District, where the European Commission and the Council of the EU headquarters are located. The protests are also planned in the area of Luxembourg Square, where the European Parliament is located. From the center the participants of the demonstration intend to go to different districts of Brussels. In January, mass protests of farmers have been sprawling in EU countries. The protesters threaten to block European capitals and demand to change the pan-European agricultural policy, to lift numerous restrictions, including environmental ones, and to stop the uncontrolled import of cheap foreign products. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240126/be-careful-dear-ursula-von-der-leyen-slammed-online-for-neglecting-european-farmers-1116400904.html brussels belgium Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International brussels, belgium, farmers, farmers protest, farmers protest in brussels, farmers protest same time as eu summit https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/german-farmers-block-road-to-stuttgart-with-some-200-tractors-on-way-to-rally---reports-1116495120.html German Farmers Block Road to Stuttgart With Some 200 Tractors on Way to Rally - Reports German Farmers Block Road to Stuttgart With Some 200 Tractors on Way to Rally - Reports Sputnik International German farmers on about 200 tractors paralyzed traffic for several hours on a highway to Stuttgart, the capital of southwest Germany's Baden-Wuerttemberg state, where they are expected to rally later on Tuesday, German news agency DPA reported, citing police 2024-01-30T14:03+0000 2024-01-30T14:03+0000 2024-02-02T13:27+0000 world europe germany stuttgart dpa european union (eu) farmers europe's farmer protests https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/08/1116051430_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_f58919df51aee0728af6707b697db9ba.jpg The traffic jam occurred on the section of the A81 road between the towns of Sulz and Empfingen and was cleared with police involvement, the news agency said. The farmers headed onward to Stuttgart, where more than 2,000 tractors are expected by 1 p.m. local time (12:00 GMT) for a demonstration against the abolition of subsidies, the report read. Traffic jams can also be seen at the entrances to the city, DPA added. In December 2023, the German government announced plans to scrap diesel subsidies for farmers amid the budget crisis, which would bring 440 million euros ($476 million) to the federal budget. The government also planned to end tax breaks on vehicles for forestry and agriculture, gaining an additional 480 million euros. The announcement triggered multiple farmer protests throughout the entire country. In early January, German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said that instead of canceling diesel subsidies all at once, their level would be cut gradually, and vehicle tax breaks for forestry and agriculture would remain in place. However, farmers have continued to protest and strike across the country. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240129/german-farmers-partly-block-access-to-major-port-with-tractors---reports-1116468049.html germany stuttgart Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International farmers protesting in europe, why are farmers protesting, what are the farmers asking, farmers protests in eu, farmers protests in france, farmers protests in germany, where are farmers protesting, economic protests in europe, whars happening with farmers in europe https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/hamas-says-received-proposal-on-truce-in-gaza-strip-will-give-response-after-studying-it-1116487239.html Hamas Says Received Proposal on Truce in Gaza Strip, Will Give Response After Studying It Hamas Says Received Proposal on Truce in Gaza Strip, Will Give Response After Studying It Sputnik International Palestinian movement Hamas has received a proposal regarding a truce in the Gaza Strip and will give a response after studying it, the chairman of the movement's political office, Ismail Haniyeh, said on Tuesday. 2024-01-30T10:18+0000 2024-01-30T10:18+0000 2024-01-30T10:25+0000 world gaza strip hamas palestine-israel conflict palestine israel https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/11/1115013783_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_f70465e7afc0f7b121e81d1a02e5c6b5.jpg On Monday, the NBC News broadcaster reported, citing sources, that Israel, the United States, Egypt and Qatar agreed in Paris on the basis of a new deal for the gradual release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. The new deal includes a phased release of the remaining US and Israeli hostages, starting with women and children, along with gradual pauses in fighting and aid supplies to the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons."The movement received a proposal from the meeting [in Paris], is considering it and will give a response on the basis that the priority is to stop the brutal aggression against the Gaza Strip and the complete withdrawal of the occupation forces [the Israeli forces] from the enclave," Haniyeh said in a statement.The Hamas leadership has also received an invitation to visit Cairo to discuss a framework agreement reached in Paris, the statement read.On October 7, 2023, the Gaza Strip-controlling Hamas movement launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel and breached the border. As a result, over 1,200 people in Israel were killed and some 240 others abducted. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. Over 26,600 people have been killed so far in the Gaza Strip, local authorities said.On November 24, Qatar mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire was extended several times and expired on December 1. More than 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240128/as-palestinians-in-gaza-face-mass-famine-us--allies-cut-funding-to-un-aid-agency-1116442762.html gaza strip palestine israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International hamas, gaza war, gaza strip, palestine-israel conflict, israel-hamasconflict, us support for israel, israel gaza ceqasefire, isarel hamas truce https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/israeli-military-kills-over-2000-palestinian-fighters-in-gazas-khan-yunis-1116482422.html Israeli Military Kills Over 2,000 Palestinian Fighters in Gazas Khan Yunis Israeli Military Kills Over 2,000 Palestinian Fighters in Gazas Khan Yunis Sputnik International The Israeli military killed more than 2,000 Palestinian fighters during an operation in the city of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman RDML Daniel Hagari said on Monday. 2024-01-30T04:21+0000 2024-01-30T04:21+0000 2024-01-30T04:21+0000 world israeli-palestinian conflict israel-gaza conflict palestine-israel conflict hamas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/0c/1114905557_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_a5ba6bbb0f4b784b4147859e58e7a917.jpg The Israeli military claims that about 9,000 Hamas fighters were eliminated in the three months since the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. Various estimates put the total number of Hamas troops between 30,000 and 40,000. On October 7, 2023, the Gaza Strip-controlling Hamas movement launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel and breached the border. As a result, over 1,200 people in Israel were killed and some 240 others abducted. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. Over 26,600 people have been killed so far in the Gaza Strip, local authorities said. On November 24, Qatar mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire was extended several times and expired on December 1. More than 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240129/protests-do-not-help-netanyahu-wags-his-finger-at-families-of-hostage-victims-1116457496.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International israeli-palestinian conflict. israel-gaza conflict, palestine-israel conflict, hamas https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/mali-burkina-faso-niger-send-formal-withdrawal-notifications-to-ecowas---reports-1116481556.html Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Send Formal Withdrawal Notifications to ECOWAS - Reports Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Send Formal Withdrawal Notifications to ECOWAS - Reports Sputnik International Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger sent official notices to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of their intention to leave the bloc, the media reported on Monday. 2024-01-30T04:04+0000 2024-01-30T04:04+0000 2024-01-30T04:09+0000 africa economic community of west african states (ecowas) niger burkina faso mali https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/1e/1116481236_0:480:2788:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_5de05535b8e3d414da6710f1977018a3.jpg On Sunday, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali said in a joint statement that the three countries would withdraw from the bloc as ECOWAS had become a "threat" to member states. The statement added that the regional bloc introduced "illegal, illegitimate, inhumane and irresponsible" sanctions on the countries. The foreign ministries of Mali and Niger sent to ECOWAS on Monday written notices on their decision to withdraw from the bloc, Reuters reported. On the same day, Burkina Faso also sent an official notification to ECOWAS to confirm its decision taken jointly with Mali and Niger, Burkina Faso news agency AIB reported, citing sources. The three western African states were targeted with sanctions by ECOWAS after it demanded the restoration of civilian governments following coups in Mali in 2020, in Burkina Faso in 2022, and in Niger in 2023. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230917/mali-burkina-faso-niger-sign-charter-to-create-defense-alliance-1113425182.html africa niger burkina faso mali Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ecowas, mali, burkina faso, niger, economic community of west african states https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/musk-says-his-startup-neuralink-has-implanted-first-brain-chip-in-a-human-1116481067.html Musk Says His Startup Neuralink Has Implanted First Brain Chip in a Human Musk Says His Startup Neuralink Has Implanted First Brain Chip in a Human Sputnik International US billionaire and business owner Elon Musk says his tech start up Neuralink has successfully inserted a chip into the brain of its first human test subject. 2024-01-30T04:25+0000 2024-01-30T04:25+0000 2024-01-30T04:26+0000 elon musk neuralink science & tech technology future technologies cyberpunk beyond politics paralysis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0b/09/1103947517_0:164:3059:1884_1920x0_80_0_0_d1951eaf1ea1befa0c3160d8b46fa696.jpg US billionaire and business owner Elon Musk says his tech start up Neuralink has successfully inserted a chip into the brain of its first human test subject.Last month, the company announced it was looking for quadriplegics under 40 years of age to participate in their testing. According to a report, the companys testing involves removing part of the patients skull before allowing a 7-foot-tall robot to implant 64 threads lined with electrodes into that persons brain.The short-term goal of the company is to build a generalized brain interface and restore autonomy to those with debilitating neurological conditions and unmet medical needs, said DJ Seo, the co-founder of Neuralink.Last year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave Neuralink clearance to conduct its first trial to test its implants on humans after the company performed hundreds of tests on pigs, sheep and monkeys.The company has killed about 1,500 animals as a result. The medical device company fell under a federal investigation for potential animal-welfare violations amid complaints that animal testing was being rushed, and that animals were needlessly suffering and dying as a result, according to a report from December of 2022.Current and former Neuralink employees claimed that the number of animal deaths was higher than is typical for medical research due to Musks demands to speed up the process. According to the report, he sent staffers a news article which claimed Swiss researchers were able to help a paralyzed man walk again with the aid of an electrical implant.We could enable people to use their hands and walk again in daily life! Musk wrote in an email in 2022 to staff. In general, we are simply not moving fast enough. It is driving me nuts!Earlier this month the company was also fined for violating US Department of Transportation (DoT) rules regarding the movement of hazardous materials, according to a report. The companys facilities in Texas and California were investigated in February of 2023 and the DoT found that Neuralink had failed to register itself as a transporter of hazardous material. https://sputnikglobe.com/20221206/neuralink-is-symbiosis-between-human-brain--ai-worth-the-pain-and-risk-1105112440.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20210409/elon-musk-showcases-monkey-playing-pong-with-its-mind-using-neuralink-brain-implants---video-1082583310.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg elon musk, neuralink, animal cruelty, technology, medical science, medical experiments, brain surgery, quadriplegia, paralysis https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/netanyahu-on-talks-with-hamas-israel-will-not-withdraw-troops-until-complete-victory-1116495629.html Netanyahu on Talks With Hamas: Israel Will Not Withdraw Troops Until Complete Victory Netanyahu on Talks With Hamas: Israel Will Not Withdraw Troops Until Complete Victory Sputnik International Israel will not withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip until the complete victory over Hamas and will not free "thousands" of Palestinians, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday. 2024-01-30T14:26+0000 2024-01-30T14:26+0000 2024-01-30T14:31+0000 world middle east benjamin netanyahu ismail haniyeh israel gaza strip hamas palestine-israel conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/07/1116035190_0:320:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_ee658cf5eb68c38e759e20ad789c7e85.jpg "I hear statements about various deals, so I want to make it clear we will not end this war until all its goals are achieved. This means the elimination of Hamas, the return of all our hostages and guarantees that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel. We will not withdraw the military from the Gaza Strip and we will not free thousands of terrorists. None of this will happen," Netanyahu said.On Monday, NBC News reported that Israel, the United States, Egypt and Qatar agreed in Paris on the basis of a new deal for the gradual release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. The new deal includes a phased release of the remaining US and Israeli hostages, starting with women and children, along with gradual pauses in fighting and aid supplies to the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons.The Palestinian movement Hamas has received a proposal regarding a truce in the Gaza Strip and will give a response after studying it, the chairman of the movement's political office, Ismail Haniyeh, said on Tuesday.The Hamas leadership has also received an invitation to visit Cairo to discuss a framework agreement reached in Paris. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/hamas-says-received-proposal-on-truce-in-gaza-strip-will-give-response-after-studying-it-1116487239.html israel gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International palestine-israel conflict, gaza war, hamas, israel, benjamin netanyahu, gaza ceasefire, israel-hamas conflict, israel-hamas truce Afghanistan Time News, January 23, 2024 United Nations Assistance Mission in its latest report has said that the Talibans Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice played a key role in enforcing restrictions on womens rights, particularly in areas of work, education, and freedom of movement. The ministrys actions, including impeding unmarried women and those without a male guardian from working or accessing services, were documented during the reported period. The report covers the last quarter of 2023, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in a country grappling with humanitarian issues. Factors such as non-compliance with the hijab or dress code, the absence of a male relative (mahram), and other restrictions on women visiting public places led to the dismissal of at least 600 women from their jobs in two Afghan provinces. In one instance, the report noted that 400 women were prohibited from working in a pine-nut processing plant in Nangarhar province without providing reasons, while male employees continued their work. Additionally, 200 women were reportedly dismissed from a Taliban-run power plant in Balkh province, allegedly due to financial reasons, without any corresponding action taken against male employees. The enforcement of restrictions extended to advising an unmarried female healthcare worker to get married or risk losing her job, highlighting the pervasive impact on womens lives. The report also detailed instances of officials visiting a bus terminal to ensure women were not traveling without a male relative, limiting their freedom of movement. While the report emphasized that there is no general ban on womens employment in Afghanistan, it underscored how the mahram requirement effectively limits womens right to work unless they have a male relative to accompany them. UNAMAs findings also touched on arbitrary arrests, detentions, and limited freedom of expression for human rights defenders and journalists, including women, from October to December. The report documented a concerning rise in suicide bombings and attacks on the predominantly Shiite Hazara community, with Islamic State militants claiming responsibility for the violence, resulting in the death of nearly 50 Afghan Shiite Muslims and numerous injuries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/new-us-restrictions-on-ai-another-china-watch-operation-show-tech-hegemony---analysts-1116492401.html New US Restrictions on AI Another 'China Watch' Operation, Show Tech Hegemony - Analysts New US Restrictions on AI Another 'China Watch' Operation, Show Tech Hegemony - Analysts Sputnik International This action is another example of Washingtons continuous tech hegemony, blockade 30.01.2024, Sputnik International 2024-01-30T11:54+0000 2024-01-30T11:54+0000 2024-01-30T11:54+0000 beyond politics science & tech joe biden china beijing washington global times shenzhen baidu huawei https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/11/1112659038_0:0:1451:816_1920x0_80_0_0_01327c926db7a54ccd12215e48a8737b.png The Biden administration has been taking steps to prevent China from developing advanced technology, from high-end chips to artificial intelligence (AI). Recent remarks by the US commerce secretary on AI showed another "China watch" operation, which analysts said could hinder international cooperation, while again showing US hegemony in the scientific and technological sectors.The Biden administration may require US cloud companies to determine whether foreign entities are accessing US data centers to train AI models, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said on Friday in an interview with Reuters.The proposal would require US cloud computing companies to verify the identity of foreign persons who sign up for or maintain accounts that utilize US cloud computing resources. A draft regulation was released on Friday for public comment and will be published on Monday, Reuters reported.There may be an effect on China's AI sector for a short period, but the effect will decline over time, Wang Peng, an associate researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Sunday.However, from the perspective of the independent, safe and controllable development of AI, China should try to use its own big data and computing power, Wang noted.A Shenzhen-based chip industry insider told the Global Times on Sunday that in some core AI technologies, China is already at the forefront of the world, such as facial and voice recognition.The insider pointed out that computing power, the availability of data training and algorithms are the three main ingredients for AI progress.According to a white paper on global computing power released in September 2023, the US accounted for 34 percent of global computing power in 2022, while China accounted for 33 percent. The proportions remained flat from 2021.If US cloud companies cannot provide services to foreign entities, it could limit the technological development of these companies in AI model training. Meanwhile, this could reduce their business opportunities on a global scale, Zhang Xiaorong, director of the Beijing-based Cutting-Edge Technology Research Institute, told the Global Times on Sunday.In recent years, the Biden administration has repeatedly abused export control measures to maliciously block and suppress China in the high-tech sector, the insider stressed."I'm not surprised by Raimondo's remarks as the US remains committed to suppressing China's scientific and technological development. In general, this practice of the US reflects not only its hegemonic thinking in the field of science and technology, but also the contradictions in its policies toward China," the insider said, citing the recent high-level bilateral meeting.Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a new round of meetings with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Bangkok, Thailand from Friday to Saturday. The two sides agreed to jointly implement the "San Francisco vision," including holding the first meeting of the China-US inter-governmental dialogue mechanism on AI this spring, according to a statement by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.He noted that the US hopes to restrict China's sci-tech development and maintain its own sci-tech hegemony through blockades and suppression, while it also recognizes the need to cooperate with major powers such as China in the face of global challenges.The global AI market is estimated to have reached $249.6 billion in 2023, with China's market at about $38.8 billion, accounting for 15.5 percent of the total, according to Dongfangqb.com, a Shanghai-based industry data provider.By 2035, China's AI market is expected to reach 1.73 trillion yuan ($241 billion), accounting for 30.6 percent of the global market, according to a report released by the China Center for Information Industry Development on January 16.But Wang Peng doubted if there would be substantive cooperation or progress arising from the first AI dialogue mechanism, as the bilateral foundation of trust and cooperation has been damaged, and it needs to be rebuilt through multi-faceted efforts and communication.Zhang said that substantive cooperation is hard to come by in the current environment. However, dialogue is always good because it provides a platform where both sides can exchange views and understand each other's positions and concerns.The industry insider also pointed out that for China and the US, promoting cooperation and development in the field of science and technology on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit will require long-term attention and efforts.This article was originally published by Global Times. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231009/us-bound-to-lose-big-if-it-chips-away-at-chinas-tech-sector-1114040146.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/us-chipmakers-warn-bidens-semiconductor-spat-with-china-could-backfire-1113973804.html china beijing washington Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International science & tech, joe biden, china, beijing, washington, global times, shenzhen, baidu, huawei https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/opinion-us-sanctions-on-venezuela-arent-about-democracy-theyre-about-control-1116483393.html Opinion: US Sanctions on Venezuela Arent About Democracy, Theyre About Control Opinion: US Sanctions on Venezuela Arent About Democracy, Theyre About Control Sputnik International US sanctions have killed tens of thousands of Venezuelan, according to the 2021 United Nations report that examined the effects of banking restrictions and economic embargo imposed on the South American country. 2024-01-30T05:44+0000 2024-01-30T05:44+0000 2024-01-30T09:03+0000 us sanctions americas venezuela us sanctions on venezuela us us hegemony nicolas maduro joe biden unipolar world order border security https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/1e/1116483616_0:50:3072:1778_1920x0_80_0_0_aae3b916bab5d36034a1e18250c32e30.jpg US sanctions have killed tens of thousands of Venezuelans, according to the 2021 United Nations report that examined the effects of banking restrictions and economic embargo imposed on the South American country.The United States, naturally, claims the sanctions are for Venezuelas own good. In fact, the Biden administration is threatening to tighten them further.They did, and the Sandinistas won with two-thirds of the vote. And so, Nicaraguans suffered the consequences as US-funded death squads wreaked havoc across the country. The Contras were responsible for some 1,300 terrorist attacks throughout Nicaragua, targeting schools, health clinics, and using rape as a weapon of war.Six years later, support for the Sandinistas social programs remained high, but Nicaraguans were eager to put the Dirty War behind them. The Sandinistas lost the presidential election.A few months ago, President Nicolas Maduro was asked about the United States criticism of Venezuelas electoral system. Do you want free elections? he asked. We want elections free from sanctions, blockades, aggression and economic warfare. Lift all the sanctions.Maduro insisted he wouldnt be blackmailed by US threats. And, with polls showing him set to win the countrys upcoming election, it seems the Venezuelan people wont be, either. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230422/venezuelas-losses-due-to-us-sanctions-amount-to-232bln-since-2015-1109754325.html americas venezuela Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us-venezuela relations, us sanctions, us hegemony, us dominance, unipolar world, unipolar world order, global tyranny of us, american tyranny https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/russia-to-put-on-agenda-creation-of-anti-money-laundering-system-in-brics-in-2024-1116479187.html Russia Discussing Integration of Payment Infrastructure With BRICS Russia Discussing Integration of Payment Infrastructure With BRICS Sputnik International Russia is discussing with other BRICS countries the interaction of national financial message transmission systems, and currently 159 foreign participants from 20 countries have already joined the Russian platform, Russian Central Bank Head Elvira Nabiullina told Sputnik. 2024-01-30T00:09+0000 2024-01-30T00:09+0000 2024-01-30T04:12+0000 russia elvira nabiullina russia brics russian central bank money laundering multipolar world dedollarisation national currencies national currency https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105736/28/1057362814_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_e5d2372f2c77a6d1744d5517934156aa.jpg "Russia has a Financial Messaging System that is an alternative to SWIFT. Some other countries have similar infrastructure. We are discussing the interaction of such platforms, but the interest and technical readiness of our partners are important here," Nabiullina said, commenting on whether the BRICS countries are ready to integrate national financial communication systems.A total of 159 foreign participants from 20 countries have already joined the Russian system, the official added.Furthermore, the Russian Central Bank is conducting talks with many friendly countries on cross-border settlements in digital currencies, Nabiullina said.Many countries are now thinking about introducing digital currencies of central banks, Nabiullina added.The share of the BRICS countries in Russia's trade balance has doubled in two years to 40%, and settlements with those countries in national currencies have more than tripled to 85%, Nabiullina emphasized.The share of the BRICS countries in Russia's foreign trade has significantly grown, the Central Bank head stressed.Meanwhile, the share of the Chinese yuan in Russia's exports over the past two years has increased by 86 times to 34.5%, and by more than 8 times in imports to 36.4%, Nabiullina emphasized.Moreover, Russia will raise the issues of mutual recognition of ratings and the creation of a joint anti-money laundering platform in BRICS in 2024, Nabiullina said."Yes. Firstly, we would like to promote the topic of mutual recognition of ratings. This is very important for mutual trade and investment," Nabiullina said, answering the question of whether Russia will raise new issues as part of its BRICS presidency. Within the framework of BRICS and the EAEU, the creation of supranational rating agencies is being discussed, the official said, adding that this issue is promising, but there are "a lot of difficult questions" within the issue. The second topic that Russia intends to raise in the BRICS is countering money laundering, the official said. Russia would also like to develop within the framework of the association the building of a settlement and depository infrastructure, the Central Bank head said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230927/growing-use-of-yuan-in-russia-china-trade-eroding-dollar-dominance-1113729588.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240129/share-of-brics-exceeds-g7-in-global-economy-by-end-of-2023--russian-central-bank-head-1116474426.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230607/new-brics-currency-can-challenge-dollar-hegemony-of-us-led-g7-economic-gang-1110984675.html russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International money laundering, brics cooperation, elvira nabiullina, counter money laundering, brics gdp, g7 gdp, brics economic growth, dedollarization, de-dollarization, national currencies, trade in national currencies, polycentric world, inclusiveness, shared future of humanity https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/russia-warns-us-against-returning-tactical-nuclear-weapons-to-uk-1116492726.html Russia Warns US Against Returning Tactical Nuclear Weapons to UK Russia Warns US Against Returning Tactical Nuclear Weapons to UK Sputnik International Russia strongly warns the US against returning its tactical nuclear weapons to the territory of the UK, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Tuesday. 2024-01-30T11:57+0000 2024-01-30T11:57+0000 2024-01-30T12:07+0000 military united kingdom (uk) sergey ryabkov russia london us tactical nuclear weapons https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0c/12/1091632234_0:202:2925:1847_1920x0_80_0_0_83fc64a7a2b42d7cdbbc78e996e40420.jpg "Regarding the hypothetical return of US tactical nuclear weapons to the UK territory, I would like to strongly warn against this destabilizing step," Ryabkov told reporters. The move would not strengthen the security of either the UK or the US, but would increase the level of escalation and threat in Europe, the diplomat said. The Telegraph reported on January 26 that the United States is expected to station B61-12 gravity bombs, which are three times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, at the Lakenheath base for the first time in 15 years after Washington decided to remove its nuclear arsenal from the United Kingdom in 2008.A Pentagon spokesperson, commenting on the development, said in a statement to Sputnik that it is a US policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence or absence of nuclear weapons at a specific location amid reports that Washington plans to station its nuclear weapons in the United Kingdom.The statement noted that the United States routinely upgrades its military facilities in allied nations.Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said that the Kremlin would view the deployment of US nuclear weapons in the United Kingdom as an escalatory action. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240126/us-planning-to-station-nuclear-weapons-in-uk-amid-tensions-with-russia---reports-1116418970.html united kingdom (uk) russia london Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us nukes, american tactical nuclear weapons, us nukes in europe, us nukes in uk, russia against us nukes in europe https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/tehran-summons-uk-ambassador-over-londons-anti-iranian-statement---reports-1116498011.html Tehran Summons UK Ambassador Over London's 'Anti-Iranian' Statement - Reports Tehran Summons UK Ambassador Over London's 'Anti-Iranian' Statement - Reports Sputnik International The Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned UK ambassador to the country, Simon Shercliff, following Londons statement which Tehran sees as "anti-Iranian," Iranian state-run news agency IRNA reported on Tuesday. 2024-01-30T14:56+0000 2024-01-30T14:56+0000 2024-01-30T15:58+0000 world middle east rishi sunak united kingdom (uk) tehran london iranian foreign ministry iran https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/06/1110959090_0:146:3072:1874_1920x0_80_0_0_d62da8cbd0753630aa8cd3a125c72f24.jpg On Monday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak voiced concern over the situation in the Middle East and called on Tehran to de-escalate following an attack on a US military base in Jordan. Shercliff was summoned by the director general of the Iranian Foreign Ministrys West Europe Department, according to the report. Tehran has lodged a strong protest with him. https://sputnikglobe.com/20221225/irans-irgc-says-arrested-7-leaders-of-group-linked-with-uk-intelligence-1105787379.html united kingdom (uk) tehran london iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International iran summons uk ambassador, iran, uk, simon shercliff, middle east tensions https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/us-government-employees-plan-day-of-fasting-for-gaza-to-denounce-bidens-policies-1116482141.html US Government Employees Plan Day of Fasting for Gaza to Denounce Bidens Policies US Government Employees Plan Day of Fasting for Gaza to Denounce Bidens Policies Sputnik International US government employees of the group Feds United for Peace are planning a day of fasting in an attempt to raise awareness of the humanitarian conflict in Gaza. The group is made up of dozens of officials who are against US President Joe Bidens policies toward Israel, and had organized a walkout earlier this month, also in protest of Bidens policies. 2024-01-30T05:26+0000 2024-01-30T05:26+0000 2024-01-30T05:26+0000 americas us israel-gaza conflict gaza strip palestine-israel conflict genocide protests demonstration fasting humanitarian crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/1e/1116483146_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_7275bc97acba0b372dd32fcc60c31049.jpg US government employees of the group Feds United for Peace are planning a day of fasting in an attempt to raise awareness of the humanitarian conflict in Gaza. The group is made up of dozens of officials who are against US President Joe Bidens policies toward Israel, and had organized a walkout earlier this month, also in protest of Bidens policies.Government officials who participate in the protest are also expected to show up to their offices dressed in black or wearing keffiyeh scarves as a symbol of Palestinian solidarity. Forgoing food out of choice, said one federal employee, is representative of Israels use of starvation as a weapon of war by intentionally withholding food from entering Gaza.This month, an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report found that the Gaza Strip conflict has left those in the area food insecure and at risk of famine.The group is made up of members who represent more than two dozen agencies including the department of defense, homeland security and state, those with careers in the public service, and political appointees. According to a report published on Monday, the group expects hundreds of government employees to participate in the hunger strike.A walkout by the group earlier this month drew criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. US House Speaker Mike Johnosn (R-LA) said that those who participated deserved to be fired. But the Feds United for Peace Group say that they are only hoping to start a conversation about the Gaza conflict in their offices, in hopes of working towards a policy that would support a ceasefire.However, one report notes that Biden seems unswayed by any political protests regarding the conflict in Gaza. And White House insiders reportedly say that Biden has the final say on any of the administrations decisions regarding Israel policy.The US president has repeatedly refused to encourage a ceasefire in Gaza, which has claimed more than 26,000 Palestinians. The administration also bypassed Congress in order to funnel millions of dollars worth of weapons to Israel, and the president has continued to seek billions more.As a result, Biden (who faces a looming battle to keep his position in the White House this year) has lost support from his base. Just one in three registered voters reportedly approve of his handling of the conflict, according to polls. And the figure drops even more among young voters with just 20% of those under the age of 30 supporting his decision. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231210/us-vetoes-gaza-ceasefire-profits-from-arms-sale-on-same-day-1115505751.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231121/ex-cia-analyst-us-responsible-for-gaza-genocide-by-empowering-netanyahu--1115100230.html americas gaza strip israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg fasting, protesters, fasting protesters, fasting demonstrators, demonstrators, demonstrations, humanitarian disaster, humanitarian catastrophe, humanitarian ceasefire, israel-hamas conflict, gaza strip crisis, shelling of gaza, gaza devastation, israel-palestine conflict, palestine-israel conflict, israeli-palestinian conflict, palestinian-israeli, zionist regime, zionists, hamas attack, israeli strikes, israeli forces, hostages, israeli military, hamas fighters, hamas soldiers, hamas military, killings of civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilians dead, civilians die, israel kills civilians, civilian casualties, civilian deaths https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/us-intervention-perpetuates-cycle-of-violence-as-war-with-iran-looms-1116479797.html US Intervention Perpetuates Cycle of Violence as War With Iran Looms US Intervention Perpetuates Cycle of Violence as War With Iran Looms Sputnik International Anti-Iran hardliners in US Congress are calling for strikes on Tehran. But why do people in the Islamic Republic and throughout the Middle East resent the United States? 2024-01-30T02:15+0000 2024-01-30T02:15+0000 2024-01-30T02:19+0000 analysis us us hegemony iran drone warfare drone strike drone attack drone war us bases us military bases https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/1e/1116480262_0:143:3133:1905_1920x0_80_0_0_97bdba9ad08d2c51d9b70319129c2047.jpg This weekends deadly drone attack on a US base near the Syria-Jordan border drew outraged responses from pro-war hardliners.We will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner [of] our choosing, responded US President Joe Biden in a statement released Sunday. But to what degree is Iran actually responsible for this weekends attack, and why do militants across the region resent the United States? Dr. Hasan Unal, a political science professor at Bashkent University in Ankara, Turkiye, joined Sputniks Fault Lines program Monday to discuss these questions and more.It is actually escalating, said the international relations expert of the attacks launched against US troops in the Middle East in recent months. There are dangerous dimensions to which it can actually escalate.When it comes to Iran-backed groups, there's no question that they are certainly interacting with Iran, and I'm sure Iran is backing them politically, diplomatically, economically, as well as militarily, said the analyst. But does that mean that Iran basically tells them to or Iran, basically, presses the button, and then they get into action? I would hardly think so They may be taking their own initiative.Unal claims that incidents like the one this weekend would typically spur behind-the-scenes talks to attempt to rein in militant groups, but Sundays attack comes amidst a particularly fraught moment. Domestic political pressure is bearing on Biden to project strength during an election year. And Israels campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip, which has killed northwards of 26,000 Palestinians, has greatly inflamed tensions across the region.Because Israel's strategy in Gaza doesn't seem to be working, he said. You know, it has got bogged down in every sense.Unal asserts that much of the opposition to the United States throughout the Middle East is driven by its support for Israel, which has historically been the US largest recipient of foreign aid. Solidarity with the Palestinian cause was one of the founding principles of Irans 1979 revolution. The Islamic Republic has championed a strong sense of anti-imperialism in its foreign policy, informed by the 1953 US-backed coup that overthrew the countrys government and secured Iranian oil for British interests.More recently, the United States post-9/11 wars throughout the region have resulted in the excess deaths of as many as 4.7 million people, according to recent analysis from Brown University. The US presence in Iraq and Syria is especially resented, as the countries governments have rejected the role of American troops.They certainly say 'We don't need you. We don't want you, leave our country,' said Unal. They don't. And in the case of Syria, the United States has no legal ground to basically station troops on Syrian soil. But they came in 2014, 2015, and then they have stayed on.It is because of the United States military presence there that we have much of this problem, he concluded.The analyst claimed that the recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in South Africas genocide case is a very big warning to Israel, speculating that emerging multipolarity in global power may see the country pay a heavy price for its war crimes. But, facing substantial corruption charges if forced to step down, many observers have speculated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has an incentive to continue military action to secure his position.Netanyahu once expressed confidence in his ability to manipulate the United States to serve his interests. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240128/american-base-near-syria-jordan-border-attacked-amidst-rejection-of-us-role-in-area-1116455518.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221208/us-theft-of-syrian-oil-driving-diesel-prices-sky-high-in-areas-of-government-control-1105239001.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240126/economic-political-repercussions-icj-ruling-may-entail-dire-consequences-for-israel-1116419415.html iran syria israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg us bases, us military bases, us troops, american soldiers killed, american bases, us-iran relations, us-iran tensions, iran attacks american bases, iran attacks us, iran-us war, us-iran war, us bases shelled, american bases shelled, us base under attack, israel-hamas conflict, israel-palestine conflict, palestine-israel conflict, drone attack, drone strike, drone warfare https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/us-mix-up-over-drone-identity-in-mideast-reveals-stark-lack-of-combat-experience-1116499363.html US Mix-Up Over Drone Identity in Mideast Reveals Stark Lack of Combat Experience US Mix-Up Over Drone Identity in Mideast Reveals Stark Lack of Combat Experience Sputnik International The US military recently reportedly failed to identify an enemy drone in the Middle East, taking it instead to be one of its own, as per the Wall Street Journal. Nikolay Kostikin, expert of the Military-Political Analysis Bureau, sat down with Sputnik to discuss the incident. 2024-01-30T17:42+0000 2024-01-30T17:42+0000 2024-01-30T17:42+0000 analysis us middle east ukraine russia opinion drones uav drone swarm drone warfare https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/18/1116363772_0:0:2668:1501_1920x0_80_0_0_b534227d8dfb0df4abe95cb3b641bace.jpg The latest lethal drone attack on a US Mideast base left three American soldiers dead after the incoming unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was reportedly mistaken for an American surveillance drone.Speaking to WSJ on Monday, a senior US official claimed that the mix-up had happened due to the fact that "the enemy drone approached its target at the same time an American drone was also returning to base."IFF is an identification system that allows positive identification of friendly manned and unmanned aircraft. However, traditional methods of recognizing friend or foe and identifying targets do not always work, Kostikin noted, stressing that "the combat experience of the crew decides a lot."To illustrate his point, the expert referred to Russia's combat experience gained during the almost two-year-long Ukraine conflict.Per Kostikin, an "air defense duel is somewhat reminiscent of a game of volleyball with many balls." One can overload the system with a large number of false targets. One needs to identify air defense targets and strike them or use electronic warfare. For example, the modern Russian Kh-101 missile is capable of releasing decoys in order to mislead enemy missile defenses, he noted.In the Middle East, the incident described by WSJ could have been caused by the lack of experience of the US military, according to Kostikin. This experience is precious, therefore American and British personnel operating in the combat zone of the Russian special military operation are certainly trying to get it, the expert pointed out."However, the crux of the matter is that they either die or get captured before they can share it with their [Western] colleagues," Kostikin remarked. "Their experience cannot be compared with that of the armies of the Russian Federation or Ukraine." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240129/air-defenses-at-us-military-base-confused-enemy-drone-for-american-drone---reports-1116472818.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230528/is-aukus-weaponizing-drone-swarms-against-china-1110752233.html ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Russian Tor-M2 crews protect assault units from enemy drones and aircraft in the Krasny Liman direction Sputnik International Russian Tor-M2 crews protect assault units from enemy drones and aircraft in the Krasny Liman direction 2024-01-30T17:42+0000 true PT0M40S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova us mideast base, drone attack on us mideast base, drone attack on us base on jordanian border, us military confused enemy drone for an american one, three killed and 34 injured in drone attack on us base, russia's experience in combating enemy drones https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/us-prepares-action-against-iran-backed-groups-amid-escalation-worries-1116479008.html US Prepares Action Against Iran-Backed Groups Amid Escalation Worries US Prepares Action Against Iran-Backed Groups Amid Escalation Worries Sputnik International On this episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins covers various global topics, including the drone strike killing three US soldiers on the Syrian-Jordanian border. 2024-01-30T04:20+0000 2024-01-30T04:20+0000 2024-01-30T08:51+0000 the backstory us syria ukraine migrants nancy pelosi gaza strip israel radio https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/1d/1116478690_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_2592164a421743157e721550ebd8896e.png U.S. Prepares Action Against Iran-Backed Groups Amid Escalation Worries Sputnik International On this episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins covers various global topics, including the drone strike killing three U.S. soldiers on the Syrian-Jordanian border. In the first segment, Syrian journalist Steven Sahiounie discusses the drone strike carried out by an Iran-backed group against US troops. International relations analyst Mark Sleboda addresses Ukraine's SBU corruption investigation within the Ministry of Defense.In the final hour, Mark Krikorian, Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies, talks about the ongoing US-Mexico border migration crisis. Host of The Modus Operandi on RT Manila Chan later joins to discuss Nancy Pelosi's allegations that Russia is behind Gaza protests in the US.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM syria ukraine gaza strip israel texas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Rachel Blevins Rachel Blevins News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Rachel Blevins the backstory, us base attacked, corruption in ukraine, us border crisis, us vs texas, https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/us-says-could-reinstate-sanctions-on-venezuela-in-april-over-elections-issues-1116479621.html US Says Could Reinstate Sanctions on Venezuela in April Over Elections Issues US Says Could Reinstate Sanctions on Venezuela in April Over Elections Issues Sputnik International The United States may let the sanctions waiver on Venezuela's energy sector expire in April if Caracas does not commit to free and fair elections, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Monday. 2024-01-30T01:37+0000 2024-01-30T01:37+0000 2024-01-30T01:37+0000 americas sanctions us john kirby nicolas maduro joe biden venezuela white house us hegemony us sanctions https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/09/1110220172_0:159:3077:1890_1920x0_80_0_0_fe0bc93df38f17af9cda3f7082769dda.jpg "The Maduro regime... made some commitments about opposition political parties, about free and fair elections and they haven't taken those actions," Kirby said during a press briefing. "They got until April to do so." Kirby pointed out that the Biden administration has available options, including imposing sanctions, but declined to preview any of those at this time. Venezuela must allow opposition members to run for office and release "political prisoners," Kirby said. Venezuelan Prosecutor General Tarek William Saab recently said that the country's security forces had thwarted preparations for five terrorist attacks and conspiracies, with 27 people detained in the case, which the United States claims includes political figures. The detainees are believed to have recruited Venezuelan military personnel and planned, in coordination with the US authorities, assassination attempts on President Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking officials. In addition, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez alleged that US oil giant Exxon Mobil had sponsored preparations for the foiled assassination attempts. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230422/venezuelas-losses-due-to-us-sanctions-amount-to-232bln-since-2015-1109754325.html americas venezuela Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us-venezuela relations, us sanctions, us hegemony, us dominance, unipolar world, unipolar world order, global tyranny of us, american tyranny Blog Archive: Mar 2024 (90) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (156) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/us-speaker-johnson-on-5000-illegal-crossings-rule-in-senate-bill-why-would-we-do-that-1116499043.html US Speaker Johnson on 5,000 Illegal Crossings Rule in Senate Bill: 'Why Would We Do That?' US Speaker Johnson on 5,000 Illegal Crossings Rule in Senate Bill: 'Why Would We Do That?' Sputnik International US House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Tuesday that Republicans in the lower chamber of Congress would not agree to support a Senate bill that would include a rule allowing shutting down the border after "only" 5,000 immigrants cross it illegally per day. 2024-01-30T16:45+0000 2024-01-30T16:45+0000 2024-01-30T16:45+0000 americas us republicans us-mexico border border crossings migrant crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/05/1116000256_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_9ce93ca718f4baf2d575f2fee1c1af09.jpg "I can't make a full judgment on the national security supplemental as the full details have not yet been released, but based on the news reports of this agreement that had been leaked it seems the new authority to shut down the border would kick in only after as many as 5,000 illegal crossings happen each day. Why? Why would we do that?" Johnson said. Johnson added that House Republicans agreeing to this rule would be tantamount to a surrender. On Monday, Johnson said any potential deal allowing even a single illegal border crossing into the United States is a "non-starter." Senator Ted Cruz said on Monday that senators have only been provided bullet points on a potential border deal with the Biden administration. Cruz said allowing 5,000 immigrants to illegally enter the United States daily would amount to a yearly total of some 1.8 million people. Cruz added that any US president willing to enforce existing immigration laws does not need further legislation to secure the country's border. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240129/26-republican-state-attorneys-general-pledge-support-for-texas-border-stance---report-1116475667.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us border crisis, us border illegal crossings, us senate border bill https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/west-starts-to-understand-that-ukraine-project-failing---lavrov-1116485909.html West Starts to Understand That Ukraine Project Failing - Russian Foreign Minister West Starts to Understand That Ukraine Project Failing - Russian Foreign Minister Sputnik International The West is beginning to understand that the Ukraine project is failing but can not stop assisting Kiev because of its economic benefit and fear of losing prestige, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday 2024-01-30T09:25+0000 2024-01-30T09:25+0000 2024-01-30T09:29+0000 world sergey lavrov russia ukraine un security council (unsc) ukrainian crisis us arms for ukraine ukrainian drone attacks on russia ukraine crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/0d/1115554302_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_3202e7d9821a317a521e39ecadac3377.jpg The figures that are hidden in Ukraine, they speak a lot about how important it is for the West to prevent the failure of their Ukraine project. Moreover, they already understand that the failure has already begun. But nevertheless they cannot stop. And not only for reasons of prestige And also from the point of view of economic benefits, Lavrov said during a meeting with foreign diplomats in Moscow.Addressing the UN Security Council meeting on January 22, 2023, Lavrov emphasized that there are no interests - and there never were - in the conflict with Russia in favor of the Ukrainian people. There are only the interests of the Anglo-Saxons, their henchmen and the criminal, rotten Kiev elite, which is tied to the West by mutual responsibility and which is afraid of being swept away the day after the end of the war."The Russian top diplomat pointed out that Moscow has never given up on a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240124/russian-fm-lavrov-russia-has-no-need-to-attack-anyone-statements-suggesting-otherwise-are-nonsense-1116367855.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International military aid for ukraine, is us giving more money to ukraine, why is us giving more money to kiev, whats happening to money given to kiev, will us give more money to kiev, how much money does ukraine get, how much money us gives to ukraine, how much money eu gives to ukraine, how much money europe gives to ukraine, what weapons does ukraine receive, does us give ukraine new weapons Researchers at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) have received a $640,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study abnormalities in sex development that affect the reproductive capabilities of some horses. The new project will examine a diverse group of about 100 sterile horses, including those whose chromosomes dont match their sex based on the presence of their reproductive organs. Studying these unexplained abnormalities will give equine scientists and veterinarians vital information for giving care and treatment advice to horse owners. This project will allow us to properly diagnose these abnormalities in the future, said Dr. Terje Raudsepp, a professor in the VMBS Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences and director of the Molecular Cytogenetics Lab. Well be able to give owners a definitive answer regarding whether a certain horse is capable of reproduction so they dont spend valuable time and resources on reproductive therapies. It will also improve the animals quality of care, she said. A Threefold Question The horses in the study can be separated into three distinct groups, each with a different reproductive abnormality that renders them sterile. The first group are mares with underdeveloped reproductive organs, which is often a sign of X monosomy, a condition in which a female animal is born with only one X chromosome instead of two. Its the most common sex chromosome abnormality in horses and one of the main causes of mare sterility, said Raudsepp. If we know that an animal has X monosomy, we can tell the owners so that they dont continue to look for a fertility treatment. That mare may be a good companion, or a good riding horse, but she wont ever reproduce. But previous chromosomal analysis has revealed that the mares did not have X monosomy they had a normal karyotype (the number and appearance of an organisms chromosomes) of XX. Raudsepp and her team hope to discover why these mares have underdeveloped reproductive tracts despite having normal-looking chromosomes. The second group of horses in the study have a normal male karyotype with an X and Y chromosome as well as the sex determination region (SRY) or maleness gene, but their organs did not develop as expected. If their sex chromosomes are XY and they have the SRY gene, then they should be male, said Raudsepp. But these horses have underdeveloped ovaries instead of male sex organs. They appear to be female. A third group of horses in the study are intersex they are not easily identifiable as either male or female by their physical features and reproductive organs. However, when we look at all their chromosomes together, we see normal female XX karyotype. So this third group should be female, but theyre not, said Raudsepp. Identifying Abnormalities Raudsepp and her colleagues collected the genetic samples for this project over the course of more than 20 years in the Texas A&M Molecular Cytogenetics Lab, which provides testing to inform owners of chromosomal abnormalities in their animals. The tests are especially useful when an animal has a health condition like sterility and the underlying cause is unknown. Over the years, the samples collected from mares with different disorders of sex development and reproduction showed that some mares had sex chromosome abnormalities, while others did not; the researchers realized there was no clear scientific explanation. We also work with many other kinds of animals; the comparisons with other species helped us notice the patterns in horses that led to this project, she said. To understand what mutations are causing these abnormalities, Raudsepp and her colleagues will use genome sequencing to see the genomic features of each gene in an organisms DNA. Twenty years ago, the technology was too expensive to do at this scale. But we also didnt have enough samples yet. Now we have better technology, more animal health data to compare with our findings, and more collaborators to work with, said Raudsepp. In addition to the members of the Molecular Cytogenetics Lab, Raudsepp is working with VMBS faculty members Dr. Brian Davis, an associate professor in the Departments of Veterinary Pathobiology and Small Animal Clinical Sciences, and Dr. Rytis Juras, director of Animal Genetics Laboratory. The team will also collaborate with Dr. Alan Conley, at the University of California, Davis, who is conducting hormonal profiling of the horses. (Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences; Photo of horse not associated with the study) Winbak Farm has announced its 2024 stallion roster along with the stud fees for those horses. The farm is standing stallions in Ontario, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania for the upcoming breeding season. Beach Glass, p, 2, 1:51.1s; 3, 1:47.2 -'22 ($1,189,416), stands his first season in 2024 at Winbak Farm of Canada. The last great son of Somebeachsomewhere won the Meadowlands Pace, Cane Pace, Max C. Hempt Memorial and Progress Pace. Lawless Shadow, p, 2, 1:52.1s; 3, 1:48.2f ($995,579), stands his introductory year at Winbak Farm of Canada. The Shadow Play son was an OBrien Award winner at age two. At three, he won the Meadowlands Pace and Max C. Hempt Memorial. Nutcracker Sweet, p, 2, 1:50.2; 1:50.1f ($527,704), stands his first Delaware season at Winbak Farm of Delaware in 2024. He is a Bettors Delight half-brother to U.S. Pacing Sire of the Year, Sweet Lou, p, 2, 1:49s; 3, 1:47.4s; 1:47f ($3,484,251), and a full brother to Bettor Sweet, p, 2, Q2:00.1; 3, 1:49.3; 1:47.2 ($2,816,687). His stakes wins include divisions of the International Stallion Stakes and Bluegrass at two. Six Pack, 2, 1:55.4f, 3, 1:49.1 ($1,973,661), stands his first New York season at Winbak Farm of New York in 2024. The three-time world champion was an USHWA Award winner for Three-Year-Old Trotter of the Year and Aged Trotter of the Year at four. His first crop was two in 2023 and was led by Sunkist Beauty, 2, 1:54.1 -'23 ($97,750), and Blazing Deo, 2, 1:54.4 -'23 ($91,150). Slick Tony, p, 2, 1:51.4f; 3, 1:50.2f; 1:49.3f ($1,049,516), stands his first season in 2024 at Winbak Farm of Maryland. The 66-time winner was a Delaware champion at two and three. His many accolades include being Harringtons Horse of The Meet two times. Artspeak, p, 2, 1:50.2s; 3, 1:47.4 ($1,770,980), is new to Indiana in 2024. He will stand at Schwartz Boarding Farm. Artspeak is a proven sire of stakes winners including Magical Arthur, p, 2, 1:52s; 3, 1:50.3s -'22 ($387,870), and Seth Hanover, p, 2, Q1:55.2f; 3, 1:52f; 1:52h -'22; BT1:51.3h-'23 ($380,289). The complete 2024 Winbak Farm lineup is listed below. Ontario Pacers Beach Glass - $7,500 USD (new in 2024) Betterthancheddar - $4,000 CAD (multiple mare & loyalty discounts available) Betting Line - $5,000 CAD (multiple mare & loyalty discounts available) Bettors Delight - $20,000 CAD (contact Blue Chip Farm) Lawless Shadow - $4,500 CAD (new in 2024) McWicked - $6,500 CAD Ontario Trotters Archangel - $7,500 CAD (multiple mare & loyalty discounts available) My MVP - $4,000 CAD (multiple mare & loyalty discounts available) Trixton - $7,500 USD (contact Deo Volente Farms) Delaware Pacers Badlands Hanover - $4,000 USD Classic Card Shark - $2,500 USD Hes Watching - $5,000 USD Nutcracker Sweet - $3,000 USD (new in 2024) Roddys Bags Again - $2,500 USD Sports Column - $2,500 USD Delaware Trotters Glidemaster - $3,000 USD Top Flight Angel - $3,500 USD Indiana Pacer Artspeak - $3,000 USD (new to Indiana, standing at Schwartz Boarding Farm, contact Winbak Farm of Canada for bookings) Maryland Pacers Quik Pulse Mindale - $2,000 USD Slick Tony - $3,000 USD (new in 2024) Wearinmysixshooter - $4,000 USD New York Pacer Courtly Choice - $6,000 USD New York Trotters Mets Hall - $5,500 USD Six Pack - $7,500 USD (new to New York, contact Deo Volente Farm) Pennsylvania Pacer Heston Blue Chip - $6,000 USD (standing at Diamond Creek Farm, call 717-638-7100 for bookings) More information on the stallions, including booking applications, can be found at winbakfarm.com. Please note that booking for Bettors Delight is managed by Blue Chip Farms, booking for Heston Blue Chip is handled by Diamond Creek Farm and booking for Six Pack and Trixton is conducted with Deo Volente Farm. Artspeak is standing at Schwartz Boarding Farm in Indiana but his bookings are handled through Winbak Farm of Canada. The 2024 breeding season will start on Feb. 12 and end on July 5. Winbak Farm staff is available six days a week to help with breeding-related questions and to help find the right match for your mare. Email [email protected] or call 410-885-3059 if assistance is needed at Winbak Farm of Delaware or Maryland. Email [email protected] or call 905-838-2145 for Winbak Farm of Canada stallions. Call 845-778-5421 for Winbak Farm of New York stallions. Be sure to follow the Winbak Farm Facebook page during the upcoming foaling season (January-July) for your chance to name a Winbak Farm foal! In 2023, over 130 people had at least one of their names chosen for a Winbak Farm foal. (With files from Winbak Farm) The recipient of the 2023 Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce Awards have been involved in everything from leading communities to educating young people about finances. Local business leaders celebrated the accomplishments of three award recipients during the chambers award banquet Wednesday, Jan. 24. Trail Blazer of the Year Award Tony Kaufman, Platte Valley Bank Former Gering Mayor Tony Kaufman garnered the Chamber of Commerces most prestigious award, the Trail Blazer of the Year Award. The award recognizes an individual who gives their talents and resources to the community in such a way that the entire community reaps the benefits. Kaufman grew up in Wyoming, the eldest of three boys. He graduated from the University of Wyoming, first with a bachelors degree in 1998 and then a masters degree in 2000. He continued his education, attending the Graduate School of Banking in Colorado, graduating in 2014. In 1999, Kaufmans parents purchased a ranch in the Scottsbluff area. He helped them settle into their new ranch before being offered a position at Platte Valley Bank as an ag lender. He had interned at the bank while attending graduate school. After some deliberation with his wife, Libby, he took the opportunity. He loved agriculture and the ranch way of life, but also banking and financing, Owen Palm, the 2022 Trail Blazer of the Year Award winner, said as he outlined Kaufmans accomplishments. He began his career at Platte Valley Bank in 2004 and he remains there today, recently being appointed as the banks Scottsbluff/Gering community president position. He remains a commercial and ag lender. Though he is dedicated to his career, hes also been dedicated to the community. Fifteen different organizations were listed among the boards and opportunities he has volunteered for through the years, including the Riverside Discovery Center board of Directors, Leadership Scottsbluff and The American Council of Young Political Leaders delegation to China and Taiwan. During his eight-year tenure as mayor, Gering saw many changes and improvements, including the construction of the Gering Civic Plaza, the Oregon Trail Park Stadium and the Dome Rock Diamonds. He also is cited as having paved the way for a regional land bank program. He is also described as a devoted husband and father, but one of his biggest assets is his ability to build relations and connect with people. Visionary Super Star Becca Pierce, Riverstone Bank The Visionary Super Star Award honors an individual who has been in business for six years or more and works for the betterment of the community with their time, talent and resources. This year, Becca Pierce of Riverstone Bank received the aware for her contributions to the community. Her strongest asset is her willingness to go above and beyond for her community, Todd Lewis, the 2022 Visionary Super Star, said. Lewis presented the award to Pierce. Pierce, who grew up in Scottsbluff and graduated from Scottsbluff High School, attended college at the University of Wyoming, where she was involved in numerous organizations. She began her career in January 2009, working for First State Bank, now known as Riverstone Bank. As the banks director of marketing, she has been instrumental in its annual key giving campaigns, the Tree of Love and Truck of Love campaigns. She has also been instrumental in forming a relationship with Community Christian Schools, which included the launch and operation of the schools in-school bank branch which helps students understand savings. She has also been important in presenting finance classes at Gering High School and ReConnect. She and her husband, Cody, married in 2021 and she enjoys spending time with him and her three children. In addition, she has been involved throughout the community, serving as the president of the Mediation West board, in roles with the United Way and having graduated from the Leadership Scottsbluff program in 2013. She is also involved in service organizations such as the Western Nebraska Agri Women and at Community Christian School in many roles and at her church, Calvary Lutheran Church. Visionary Rising Star Award Megan Hayward, Trails West Architecture The Visionary Rising Star Award is presented annually to a Chamber member in business five years or less, to recognize those who have had a successful start and gives their time, talents and resources to benefit the community. Megan Hayward, owner of Trails West Architecture firm, was this years recipient. Hayward began her architecture career after graduating from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with her bachelors degree in May 2010 and earning her masters degree in May 2012. She worked with the firm Hewgley & Associates as an architecture design associate for about seven years before deciding to start her own firm in 2019. Friend Dawne Wolfe described the woman as an example for others and selfless. She gives 110% to everything she does, according to the nomination. Wolfe said, When she says she admires me, I am humbled to my core, because on my best day, I aspire to have a fraction of the flame that burns inside her. Her contributions to the community included giving of her talents to volunteering for different organizations. She has contributed her design skills to the community, helping to create the Angel of Hope Childrens Memorial Park to be located in Gering. Currently, Hayward heads the Scottsbluff/Gering Rotary Club as its president and she has been a member since 2012. She is very passionate about Rotary and its mission to help the community, Monica Shambaugh, president-elect of the chamber board, said as she presented the award. Hayward also serves on the Scottsbluff Parks and Recreation Board and is an incoming chair of the Western Nebraska Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Hayward and her husband, Andy, have two children. American policy could lead to escalated violence in the region and potentially trigger a new Turkish invasion, Abdulmnem Issa writes in the pro-government al-Watan. Reports from Foreign Policy and Al-Monitor last week, citing sources within the White House and the U.S. Departments of State and Defense, conveyed a similar narrative about the potential withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria. President Joe Bidens administration reportedly considers the American military presence in Syria as unnecessary, with Al-Monitor suggesting that this withdrawal could be imminent, following a U.S. National Security Council meeting on January 18. The articles also highlighted the financial and security costs of the U.S. presence in Syria and Iraq, with 130 attacks on American bases since October 7th. The discussions about withdrawal coincided with the Turkish Parliaments approval of Swedens NATO accession treaty, hinting at a possible linkage between these developments. This suggests a potential shift in the U.S.-Turkey relationship regarding American military involvement in Iraq and Syria. Two additional factors support this interpretation. Firstly, the Iraqi Presidents insistence on forming joint committees to discuss the end of the U.S. military presence in Iraq emphasizes its significance as a sovereign matter. Secondly, the U.S. appeared to overlook recent Turkish attacks on SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) targets in Iraq, signalling a potential change in its policy. Contradictions appear in how the U.S. communicated with the SDF. While Al-Monitor reports that the U.S. informed the SDF about discussions in the White House, including a proposed partnership with the Syrian government against ISIS, the SDFs media outlets deny any knowledge of American withdrawal plans. This discrepancy suggests the U.S. might use the media to indirectly inform the SDF, reflecting a possible lack of direct partnership and hinting at a U.S. readiness to abandon its commitments, akin to its withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Given this backdrop, the SDF faces a critical need for strategic reassessment. Its essential for them to distinguish between forging immediate alliances with Damascus under national sovereignty and planning for a scenario following a potential American withdrawal. This consideration also extends to other groups like the Free Syrian Army in the Syrian desert. These factions must carefully evaluate their dependence on U.S. support, as shifts in American policy could lead to escalated violence in the region and potentially trigger a new Turkish invasion, especially if the U.S. withdraws its protective presence. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. The subsidies had been halted since the beginning of 2023 without any prior official announcement, Kasioun says. Prime Minister Hussein Arnous announced the discontinuation of subsidies on rice and sugar during the Peoples Assembly session held on January 21st. The subsidies had been halted since the beginning of 2023 without any prior official announcement and the distribution of these commodities via smart cards ceased. Arnous emphasized, We do not encourage harm, and we will not provide support for anything that may cause harm to individuals, sarcastically referring to sugar. He expressed his firm belief in the governments role in supporting local products and alternatives like beans, lentils, and bulgur, as reported by loyalist websites. The Prime Minister revealed that the Syrian Trade had acquired 50,000 tons of wheat to produce bulgur, signalling a shift in government policy toward cutting subsidies on all imported consumer items. He highlighted the redirection of government support towards local production, including the subsidization of lentils at 3,000 Syrian pounds per kilo and direct support to livestock breeders, aiming to positively impact the dairy and cheese industry. Critics find the justifications for lifting subsidies on sugar and rice unconvincing, arguing that these essential consumer goods have been supported for decades to benefit the citizens, not the importers. Despite official promises to expand the list of subsidized staples, the announcement contradicts these commitments. Ending subsidies on rice and sugar does not mean citizens will cease consuming them, as they are essential commodities. Rather, it exposes consumers to the exploitative practices of importers, creating vulnerability in both imports and the market. The Prime Ministers announcement to the Peoples Assembly signifies the official elimination of subsidies on rice and sugar, marking the beginning of what critics describe as unjust economic policies. These policies, coupled with past government decisions, have resulted in a majority of citizens facing food security challenges. Despite high rates of food insecurity, official policies persist in perpetuating injustice against citizens, extending beyond the reduction of subsidies. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Lavrentiev announced Moscow's plans to host an upcoming summit on Syria, according to al-Baath. In a recent statement, Alexander Lavrentiev, the Russian Presidents special envoy to Syria, accused the United States of intensifying terrorist activities in the al-Tanf region of Syria. Speaking to TASS, Lavrentiev highlighted a significant rise in terrorist operations in various parts of Syria, particularly pinpointing the U.S.-controlled al-Tanf area as the primary hotspot. According to Lavrentiev, the Rukban camp, located in the al-Tanf region and inhabited by temporarily displaced persons, is being misused by the U.S. Despite calls for its dismantling, the camp remains operational, and as per Lavrentievs claims, serves as a training ground for Daesh (ISIS) terrorists and other militant factions. These groups are reportedly trained and then dispatched for missions across Syrian territories, fueling terrorism in the region. Furthermore, Lavrentiev announced Moscows plans to host an upcoming summit on Syria, involving guarantor states Russia, Turkey, and Iran. The decision to convene this summit was made in 2022, aiming for a 2023 meeting. However, escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip and other urgent issues have delayed this gathering, necessitating swift diplomatic efforts to address these emerging challenges. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. The attack on Sayyida Zeinab occurred shortly after a Syrian passenger plane arrived from Baghdad at Damascus International Airport, according to Sawt al-Asima. A site near the town of Sayyida Zeinab in Damascus countryside was reportedly targeted by Israeli shelling on Monday, January 29th. According to Sawt al-Asima sources, the attack focused on a farm close to the Rawda Hotel, less than one kilometre from where Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) General Reza Mousavi was killed in late December. The farm is allegedly used by IRGC for meetings with affiliated militia leaders and as temporary accommodation. The incident resulted in the death of four people, and the identity of the casualties could not be verified by sources from Sawt al-Asima. Iranian state television acknowledged two deaths without specifying their identity or role, attributing them to Israeli raids on the Iranian Revolutionary Guards headquarters in the Damascus countryside. According to an Israeli intelligence network, the attack on Sayyida Zeinab occurred shortly after a Syrian passenger plane arrived from Baghdad at Damascus International Airport. The network suggested that IRGC Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani, who was visiting Iraq, was expected to come to Syria. The reported Israeli attacks are characterized as part of a series of countermeasures by the Israeli military targeting Iranian generals involved in operations against Israel or US bases in the region. The bombardment follows the assassination of IRGC General Mousavi on December 25th. Sowt al-Asima sources mentioned the possible use of Space 1000 smart missiles by Israel, which are claimed to be undetectable by conventional air defence and early warning systems. This echoes the pattern observed in recent Israeli attacks on Damascus and its countryside. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. The report highlights the Syrian regime's involvement in manufacturing Captagon and alleges that it conceals its warehouses in civilian areas, Akher Khabar writes. On Monday, the Syrian Network for Human Rights released a report titled Investigation Confirming Jordanian Forces Responsibility for Arman Town Bombing in Suweida Countryside, Resulting in the Deaths of 10 Syrian Civilians, Including Two Children and Five Women on January 18th, 2024. The report highlights the Syrian regimes involvement in manufacturing Captagon and alleges that it conceals its warehouses in civilian areas, posing a threat to the lives of Syrian citizens. The report aims to document a massacre that occurred on January 18th, 2024, following an air attack by fixed-wing aircraft believed to be from the Jordanian army, targeting the town of Arman in the southern countryside of Suweida governorate. The attack carried out under the pretext of combating Captagon and drug dealers, led to the death of civilians. Additionally, the report holds the Syrian regime accountable for hiding Syrian and non-Syrian drug traffickers among civilians, especially in areas under its control, in collaboration with Lebanese Hezbollah and Iran-affiliated militias. These areas have allegedly become the worlds largest exporter of Captagon. The document reveals an escalation in cross-border drug smuggling operations from Syrian territory to Jordan since December 2023, accompanied by armed smugglers attacking Jordanian border guards. The Jordanian army claims to have thwarted eight drug smuggling operations through Syrian territory, resulting in clashes and casualties on both sides. Between December 1st, 2023, and January 19th, 2024, at least four aerial bombardments occurred in southern Syria along the Syrian-Jordanian border, originating from fixed-wing aircraft likely belonging to the Jordanian army. These attacks resulted in the death of at least 18 civilians, including four children and seven women. The report clarifies that Arman town, situated in the southern countryside of Suweida governorate, is currently under the control of Syrian regime forces. Contrary to claims, there are no Lebanese Hezbollah members or Iranian militias present, and the town lacks Captagon or drug manufacturing centers. Local sources suggest that Arman serves as a transit point for smuggling groups, with Fares al-Saymoua being identified as a prominent figure in the drug trade. According to residents, Saymoua left his farm, including a warehouse believed to store Captagon, about an hour before an air attack on January 8, conducted by Jordanian forces. The report speculates that this prior attack, on January 8, was the only one on the town before the massacre on January 18th. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria. On Monday, the Syrian military reported casualties from an Israeli airstrike on a Damascus suburb, as conveyed by state media. Opposition activists claim that the targeted area was a stronghold of Iran-backed groups. Simultaneously, Iran has refuted any connection to a drone attack in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three US military personnel and left numerous others injured, as reported by state media. An Israeli strike on a Damascus area where Iran-backed groups operate caused casualties, Syria says An Israeli airstrike on a Damascus suburb on Monday killed and wounded several people, the Syrian military said in a statement carried by state media. Opposition activists said the area hit was a stronghold of Iran-backed groups, AP reported. There was no immediate comment from Israel. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said the strike hit a farm housing members of Lebanons Iran-backed militant Hezbollah group and other Iran-backed factions. It said the strike killed seven people, including four Syrians, one of whom was the bodyguard of a member of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. It did not give the nationalities of the others. The strike comes amid rising tension in the Middle East with the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza and a drone attack on Sunday that killed three U.S. troops and injured dozens more in northeastern Jordan, near the Syrian border. Days earlier, an Israeli strike on Damascus destroyed a building used by the Iranian paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, killing at least five Iranians. Iran denies involvement in drone attack that killed 3 US soldiers in Jordan Iran has denied involvement in a drone attack in Jordan that killed three US military personnel and injured dozens of others, state media has reported, according to al-Jazeera. US President Joe Biden and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron have blamed Iran-backed groups for Sundays attack near the border with Syria. As we have clearly stated before, the resistance groups in the region are responding [to] the war crimes and genocide of the child-killing Zionist regime and they do not take orders from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Nasser Kanaani was quoted saying by IRNA on Monday. These groups decide and act based on their own principles and priorities as well as the interests of their country and people. Kanaani said claims of Iranian involvement were motivated by specific political goals to reverse the realities of the region and were influenced by third parties, including the child-killing Zionist regime. Iran-backed groups in Iraq, Syria said to evacuate ahead of feared US retaliation Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria are vacating their military posts in anticipation of a US retaliatory strike, according to The Times of Israel. A source from the Islamic Resistance in Iraq umbrella group tells al-Araby al-Jadeed that the group has evacuated its positions along the Iraq-Syria border, leaving only one or two guards to man each post, amid intensified reconnaissance activity by American aircraft in the area, which has led the militias to fret that the US response will come quickly. After leaving their positions, militia leaders have reduced their use of mobile phones for fear of being tracked and targeted, the source adds to the London-based Qatari-owned outlet. Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist who heads the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet, says Iran-backed fighters in east Syria also began evacuating their posts. He tells The Associated Press that the areas are the strongholds of Mayadeen and Boukamal. Three officials with Iran-backed militias in Iraq, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with journalists, said the drone attack against the base in Jordan was launched by one of the Iraqi groups. No faction has yet officially claimed responsibility. WhatsApp messages reveal UK mothers detained in Syria fear death amid worsening conditions The alarming situation in a prison camp in northern Syria has led to British mothers incarcerated there fearing for their safety, The Guardian reported on Monday. The newspaper said it had seen WhatsApp messages sent by British women in Roj camp for former Daesh affiliates, including one in which a mother in her 20s wrote: Im going to die here if they dont get me out soon. She added: I really, really want to go back and be with you guys. I really need hospital care. The Guardian said the revelations would put pressure on the UK government to repatriate the estimated 60 citizens, including 40 children, currently in Roj. They include Shamima Begum, the London-born woman who left the UK in 2015 aged 15 to join Daesh, and who was subsequently stripped of her British citizenship. The UK and Australia remain the only two Western nations that routinely oppose the repatriation of citizens currently in detention in Syria. Others, including France and the US, have brought citizens home from Syria and neighboring Iraq to face justice, amid fears leaving people in the region could help destabilize it. A UN report into Roj published last year said countries have an absolute obligation to protect the right to life of their nationals. Sources told The Guardian that the UK government is aware of the poor conditions in Roj, which include cases of child malnutrition as well as deaths caused by treatable illness and pollution from nearby oilfields. Iran Must Pay An article from National Review, titled Iran Must Pay, discusses the Biden administrations response to Irans alleged sponsorship of militancy and terrorism in the Middle East, particularly highlighting a recent drone attack on a U.S. position in Jordan by Iranian proxy forces. This attack, which resulted in American casualties, is portrayed as part of a broader pattern of Iranian aggression in the region, including attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. The piece criticizes President Biden for what it perceives as a lack of decisive action against Iran, arguing that the administrations responses have been belated and inadequate. The article suggests that the administrations strategy has failed to deter Iran or secure regional stability, as evidenced by ongoing attacks by Iranian proxies, including the Houthis in Yemen. The author advocates for a more assertive U.S. policy towards Iran, citing the Trump administrations approach, including the neutralization of IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani, as an example of effective deterrence. The article also references Ronald Reagans response to Iranian aggression during the Iran-Iraq War as a model. In summary, the National Review argues that the Biden administration needs to take stronger action against Iran to prevent further American casualties and to restore deterrence in the region, suggesting that Iran should face significant consequences for its actions. What is Tower 22 the secret US base at centre of Iran-backed drone attacks? The Telegraph published a report explaining the significance of Tower 22, which was attacked Sunday. Tower 22 is a secretive U.S. military base located near the Jordan-Iraq-Syria border, overlooking a refugee camp housing 15,000 people in northern Jordan. Situated just 12 miles from the Al-Tanf garrison in south-eastern Syria, Tower 22 is believed to play a key role in logistical support and border security for Jordan. Although the Jordanian government does not officially acknowledge its existence, Tower 22, alongside Al-Tanf, has been integral in the U.S. fight against Islamic State (IS) remnants in the region. Al-Tanf is strategically important as it sits on a critical road connecting Iranian-backed forces from Tehran to southern Lebanon, near Israel. After IS initially took control of this border area, it was later secured by U.S.-backed forces and Iran-backed militias. Tower 22, which reportedly houses around 350 U.S. Army and Air Force troops specializing in various support roles, plays a crucial part in disrupting a potential land bridge that would enable Iran to link directly to the eastern Mediterranean. The base has recently gained attention due to a drone attack by the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq, resulting in American casualties. This incident has raised questions about the ongoing U.S. military presence in the region and increased domestic pressure on the Biden administration for a more forceful response to Iran-backed militias. Since the Syrian civil wars outbreak in 2011, the U.S. has supported Jordan with military funding and surveillance systems to monitor militant activities. The U.S. military presence, including undisclosed numbers of contractors and special operations forces, aims to prevent an IS resurgence and address the ongoing threat from al-Qaeda-affiliated groups and Iran-backed militias. This presence is also strategically significant in countering Irans influence and restricting the movement of weapons into Lebanon for use by proxies like Hezbollah against Israel. Despite discussions about possibly withdrawing the 900 troops from Syria, the U.S. also maintains a significant presence in Iraq, with upcoming discussions anticipated between Washington and Baghdad regarding the 2,500 troops stationed there. The Mark Morris High School class of 1966 plans to meet for lunch at noon Friday at Stuffys, 804 Ocean Beach Hwy. All classmates, spouses, friends and teachers are encouraged to attend. For more information, call Cathy Cleek Healea at 360-425-5191. The Mark Morris class of 1967 plans to meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 6 at The Regent, 3353 Washington Way, Longview. For more information, contact Kandy Emerson Lewis 360-425-9761. The Kelso High School Class of 1965 will meet for lunch at the Kelso Elks at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 8. All classmates and spouses are welcome. For more information, call Cindy Loranger Quick at 360 864-6932. The Mark Morris class of 1971 plans to hold their monthly luncheon at noon Feb. 8 at Poker Petes Pizza, 168 N.1st St., Kalama. All classmates, spouses and significant others are invited to attend. For more information, contact Jack Farrand at 360-431-8545. R. A. Long Class of 1958 plans to meet for lunch at noon on Feb. 21 at the Kelso-Longview Elks, 900 Ash St., Kelso. The group meets the third Wednesday of every month at the same location. Classmates, spouses and friends are welcome. Call Donna Stein Miller at 360-501-6334 for more information. Four of the seven Woodland councilmembers voted to add longer severance packages for three top city officials before outgoing Mayor Will Finn terminated one of those employees and another top official just before his term ended. Finn said the terminations were a way to protect the employees from being treated unfairly by incoming mayor Todd Dinehart a claim Dinehart chalks up to Finns sore losing of the November election. But before Finns abrupt decision which Dinehart said cost the city $200,000 the City Council OKd upping the severance packages for three city leaders to match former City Administrator Peter Boyces six-month package. Now, a councilmember who voted for the change says he feels used by the outgoing mayor. What happened? Boyce and Public Works Director Tracy Coleman were let go from their contracts on Dec. 28 for no cause, according to termination letters from Finn, which also included compliments for both employees, showing they werent let go due to poor performances. Their notices were given on a Friday, and Dineharts term started the following Monday. Prior to any recent council-approved changes, all of the employees contracts included they could be let go for no cause. On Nov. 20, City Council increased three severance packages to match Boyces: Colemans package increased from three to six months; Woodland Police Chief Jim Kellys went from four to six months; and Community Development Director Travis Goddards went from two to six months. A clause specifying the termination must be agreed to in writing by both the employer and employee was also added to each contract. Only Coleman and Boyce were let go, while Kelly and Goddard still work for the city. In addition to those changes, Woodland Police Lt. Jennifer Ortizs contract was also altered Nov. 20 to allow her to keep the dog in the departments canine program after working for a year, compared to three years under the previous agreement. Ortizs position was eliminated in Woodlands 2024 budget OKd prior to Dinehart taking over, and Finn also spoke highly of Ortiz in his email announcing the terminations. The position was re-budgeted once Dinehart took office. Who voted against contract changes? Councilmembers who voted no to the November contract changes say they could tell the alterations seemed suspicious. Councilmembers John Burke, Melissa Doughty and Monte Smith voted against increasing all of the department leaders severance packages. Burke told The Daily News he voted no because the department heads recommended the changes. Before the Nov. 20 vote, Burke tried to remove the item from the agenda and postpone the issue to 2024, but the motion failed. Smith told The Daily News he voted no because he didnt want to put a financial burden on the city. He said he wasnt told directly of Finns plan to let Boyce and Coleman go, but understood the measure was aiming to try to protect employees if they were let go unnecessarily. He and Doughty also expressed concerns at the Nov. 20 meeting about the financial impact of extending severance packages, and Smith said potential wrongful termination suits could be filed against the city. I would like to see any termination come before (the) City Council to make sure that its a valid termination before it just happens, he said during the meeting. However, Boyce clarified at that meeting the mayor holds the authority to fire staff. Who voted for contract changes? Terry Hall, DeAnna Holland, Carol Rounds and Aaron Alderman voted to OK the contract changes, and one of the councilmembers says they now feel betrayed. Alderman, who was replaced by Douglas Freimarck Sr. in the November election, said he voted for the change because Colman, Boyce and Goddard have done more for the city while theyve been in those positions than the previous office holders. He also heard Dinehart was going to clean house. (I was) under the impression (Dinehart) was going to come in and just wipe everything out, he sad. Anything or anybody that had anything to do with Will Finn was going to be gone. Alderman said Finn brought up changing the contracts to protect the employees from the incoming mayor. He said he feels pretty used by Finn. I think once he realized that he was not going to win the election, (he and the departing officials) had this worked out, said Alderman. At the Nov. 20 meeting, Hall tried to reassure Burkes concerns about spending too much money. He said there would be costs associated with increasing the severances except in the case of a cavalier move to terminate somebody without cause. Holland, who lost to Gabe Huston in the November election, said she stands by her yes vote. She said she voted to change the contracts to match Boyces six-month severance package with the other officials contracts to put everyone on the same playing field. She said anyone who says they didnt know what they were voting on is lying because the changes were attached to the agenda well before the vote. Im 1,000% OK with how I voted, she said. I remember the information that was provided at the time. Huston, who was not on the council at the time of the vote, told The Daily News Finn, Boyce and Colemans exit was premeditated and dishonest. At the Jan. 2 meeting, Dinehart said filing lawsuits against the terminations would be futile. We cant chase good money out of bad money, he said, meaning litigation could cost the city more in attempting to retrieve the funds. During the councils first meeting of the year, residents also sounded off about the changes. Wow, Finn screwed the taxpayers, said Woodland resident and former city clerk Mari Ripp. Golden parachute for sure. The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum is closed until further notice. Rainier City Hall's clerk's office has been moved to the museum floor while emergency repairs are underway on the clerk's office, according to the museum. Previously, the museum planed to open again on the third floor of City Hall on Feb. 10, but now there is no timeline to reopen. Typically the museum is open on Saturdays from noon until 4 p.m. 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: (A) Typical MBTA bus stop signs among the selected trial locations in downtown Boston. Very few bus stops in the area covered by the transit agency are sheltered, and the distinctive sign is often the only visual identification of the bus stop. (B) Operation of the All_Aboard app in the general vicinity of a bus stop. The lower inset shows the app detecting the bus stop sign (the bounding box is drawn around the detected sign in the camera view displayed on the smartphone screen). The percentage value around the bounding box indicates the confidence of detection. The upper inset shows a successful detection at night in low light conditions. Credit: TVST/Mass Eye and Ear A team of researchers from Mass Eye and Ear have developed a micro-navigation smartphone app to provide assistance to those who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) in finding their bus stops, and a new study published in Translational Vision Science & Technology found the success rate of the app was substantially higher than that of Google Maps. Current GPS systems have sufficient macro-navigation for planning routes using public transportation. However, micro-navigation, such as finding the exact locations of bus stops and destinations, remains an issue for people who are BVI, as GPS-based localization for this is less accurate. To combat this problem, the researchers developed a mobile app called All_Aboard, which is meant to be used in conjunction with mainstream GPS systems and focuses on improving micro-navigation. When a GPS indicates that a BVI user is nearing their destination, that is when All_Aboard should be opened. The app uses the phones' camera to detect street signs from 30 to 50 feet away. It then uses auditory cues to direct the user towards their destination, with the frequency of the sounds changing as they approach the endpoint. The app is powered by artificial intelligence, using a deep learning neural network trained on about 10,000 images of bus stops collected in a given city or region. The app is currently capable of recognizing bus stops in 10 major cities/regions around the world. Credit: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary In the study, 24 BVI individuals used All_Aboard along with Google Maps to navigate a set route with 10 bus stops at an urban (Boston) and suburban site (Newton, Mass.). The results of the study were measured in terms of localization error and rate of successful localization. Localization error, or gap distance, is defined as the distance between the desired destination and maps marked end point. The rate of successful localization is the probability of getting close enough to the bus stops. The researchers found that in both urban and suburban locations, All_Aboard had a success rate of 93%, whereas Google Maps had a 52% success rate. Additionally, the average gap distance with Google Maps was 6.62 meters and 1.54 meters with All_Aboard. GPS accuracy is supposed to be acceptable in suburban areas, according to Luo, who added it was not initially expected that the performance with Google Maps in Newton, Mass. would be so low. Previous research from Luo and his team found this problem may be due to widespread errors in bus stop location mapping data in Google Maps. "Our findings suggest that the All_Aboard app could help travelers with visual impairments in navigation by accurately detecting the bus stop, and therefore greatly reducing their chance of missing buses due to standing too far from the bus stops," said Gang Luo, Ph.D., of the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear. "This study indicates that computer vision-based object recognition capabilities can be used in a complementary way and provide added benefit to purely mapping-based, macro-navigation services in real-world settings." More information: Shrinivas Pundlik et al, Field Evaluation of a Mobile App for Assisting Blind and Visually Impaired Travelers to Find Bus Stops, Translational Vision Science & Technology (2024). DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.1.11 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: Cristina Quirino Mariano, a member of the Ticuna people, writes a message using the Linklado app in Manaus, northern Brazil. For Indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon, getting online is a challenge. Now, a smartphone app is making it easier to connect by allowing them to use their own native languages. Hyper-connected Brazil has more cell phones than peopleover 250 million, for a population of 203 million, according to communications consultancy Teleco. But even when they have smartphones and internet connections, the sprawling country's 1.7 million Indigenous inhabitants have often been excluded from the connectivity revolution, since devices typically have keyboards in Brazilian Portuguese and not Indigenous languages. "Linklado," an app developed by two young friends from the Amazon region, offers a fix: It is a digital keyboard enabling native communities to write with the mix of Latin letters, bars, swoops, accents and other marks used in many Indigenous alphabets in Brazil. Launched in 2022, it is helping Indigenous users communicate with each other and the world, whether from far-flung villages deep in the Amazon or the cities and towns that dot the region. "Linklado has done so much good for Indigenous peoples, including me," says Cristina Quirino Mariano, 30, a member of the Ticuna people. "Before, we couldn't write on our phones. Now we can," she told AFP, speaking Portuguese, Brazil's official language. The original inhabitants of the land now known as Brazil had oral traditions before Portuguese colonizers arrived in the 16th century. When Europeans began writing down these languages, they denoted the different sounds by adapting the Latin alphabet with symbols known as "diacritics." Witoto Indigenous leader and teacher Vanda Witoto hopes the Linklado app will help 'save the Bure language,' which is spoken by her people. But these alphabets were unavailable on cell phonesuntil now. The situation "left Indigenous people sending audio messages on their phones, because they couldn't write exactly what they wanted to say," says Noemia Ishikawa, Linklado's project coordinator. The 51-year-old biologist had trouble getting her own research translated. "I spent 14 years complaining we needed a keyboard to fix this problem," she says. Four-day challenge Today, "the app works for every Indigenous language in the Amazon," around 40 in all, says Juliano Portela, who developed it with a friend, Samuel Benzecry, when he was just 17. Both natives of the Amazon region in northern Brazil, the pair are now studying in the United States. Benzecry, who knew about the difficulties some of their Indigenous neighbors had writing on their phones, enlisted Portela, a programming whiz, to find a solution. "At first, I was going to make a physical keyboard. But then I realized it wouldn't be practical, because some Indigenous people don't have computers," Portela told AFP. The Parque das Tribos neighborhood, where Indigenous people from 35 ethnic groups are currently living in Manaus, Brazil. "It took us four days to make the app. We had no idea it would be so fast." They began testing their creation in May 2022, then launched the official version that August. It has been downloaded more than 3,000 times since. But the number of users is higher. "A lot of Indigenous people are still using the test version we sent out on WhatsApp, which people forwarded to each other," Portela says. Getting paid to translate Linklado is free. But it offers an option for non-speakers to pay to have texts translated into Indigenous languages. The revenue-generating project is helping Indigenous womenwho are often left out of Latin America's biggest economyearn income with their knowledge of local languages. Rosilda Cordeiro da Silva, a 61-year-old Indigenous languages teacher, is part of the app's pool of translators. The Linklado app is enabling Brazil's native communities to write with the mix of Latin letters, bars, swoops, accents and other marks used in many Indigenous alphabets. "It's been very positive for me," she says. Having the digital keyboard, she adds, "has made me surer of myself when I translate." The app is also helping the effort to save Indigenous languages at risk of dying out. Vanda Witoto, a 35-year-old Indigenous activist, hopes it will help "save the Bure language, which is spoken by the Witoto people." "This keyboard means we don't have to use characters that don't belong to our language," she says. Beyond the Amazon, saving endangered languages is a global challenge. Fully half the world's languagesmostly Indigenous onesare at risk of disappearing by the turn of this century, according to a 2018 report by the United Nations. 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain As artificial intelligence starts to reshape society in ways predictable and not, some of Colorado's highest-profile federal lawmakers are trying to establish guardrails without shutting down the technology altogether. U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, a Republican from Windsor, is cosponsoring legislation with California Democrat Ted Lieu to create a national commission focused on regulating the technology and another bill to keep AI from unilaterally firing nuclear weapons. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat, has publicly urged the leader of his caucus, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, to carefully consider the path forward on regulating AIwhile warning about the lessons learned from social media's organic development. Sen. John Hickenlooper, also a Democrat, chaired a subcommittee hearing last September on the matter, too. "We are intimately aware that even seemingly innocuous digital products can have deeply damaging effects on mental health, civic discourse, democratic legitimacy and Americans' economic agency," Bennet wrote in his letter to Schumer in late summer. "Repeating our oversight failure when it comes to more powerful technologies like AI would be disastrous." No proposed regulations have found footing in Congress yetwhere almost nothing happens fast, even in more cooperative timesbut the focus shows it may not be that way for long. Already, the European Union has reached a deal on how to regulate AI, and the United Nations has turned an eye toward the technology, too. Inside Colorado, state lawmakers, with the backing of Secretary of State Jena Griswold, likewise have previewed legislation aimed at regulating AI's use in election campaigning. "Artificial intelligence represents a huge turning point in our history, and we must act to protect our elections," Rep. Junie Joseph, a Boulder Democrat, said during a news conference Thursday in Denver. Concerns about the future of AI run the gamut, from how it could be used to influence elections to potential economic disruptions to an apocalyptic nuclear weapons scenario. But it also has significant potential upsides, including its usefulness in reading medical scans to identify irregularities, as an educational tool and other yet-to-come innovations. "When the Industrial Revolution happened, there was a real change in our society," Buck said in an interview. "When the internet came around, it was a real change in our society. And so this is something that is going to create a lot of difficulties and it's hard to identify right now what some of those are going to be." Reining in Big Tech? Buck said he turned his attention to AI as he looked into Big Tech and whether its major players needed to be reined in. Many of the companies behind everyday internet, including Facebook's parent company, the social media platform X and Google's parent company, are also developing AI tools. He emphasized that he doesn't want to stop innovation in the field, but make sure to prevent potential harm to Americans, similar to how he doesn't want to shut down search engines but does want to make it hard for people to access information like how to build bombs or harm themselves. Daniel Weiner, director of the Brennan Center's Elections and Government Program, warned in an essay that "the early 2020s will likely be remembered as the beginning of the deepfake era in elections," using the term for audio and video that's been manipulated with artificial intelligence. He goes on to cite elections far and near where AI-generated fakes have made the rounds. In Slovakia, they may have contributed to a pro-Western political party's narrow loss to a pro-Russia faction; in the United States, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign last year released a fake video in which former President Donald Trump kissed former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci on the nose, according to Reuters. And the New Hampshire attorney general's office announced Monday that it was investigating a robocall ahead of its first-in-the-nation primary that apparently used artificial intelligence to mimic President Joe Biden's voice and discourage residents from voting. "Advances in generative AI have become a real force multiplier," Weiner said in an interview, referring to the AI used to generate media. "Photoshop and low-tech manipulation have been with us forever. Those sorts of dirty tricks are nothing new. But the way AI and synthetic content can be generated and distributed. The potential in a very fraught political time for this technology to sow chaos is huge." Simply banning that use of the technology is off the table, because some of it can be used for satirical purposes, or for political commentary that's protected by the First Amendment, Weiner said. Other uses fall into a distinctly gray area, such as if an AI-generated video made a digital clone of Trump read tweets that were legitimately sent from the former president's social media accounts. Weiner, for his part, thinks the most elegant solution is clear: prominent, mandated watermarks on AI-generated media. Bennet made a similar point in his letter to Schumer, and it's the main thrust of a bill he introduced last spring. Worries about stifling innovation But that's just one showy way that AI might can disrupt society. Weiner said he was just as worried about election officials using AI for things like routine verification of voter rolls without guardrails to keep the machines from removing voters inappropriately. While Weiner's specialty is election lawand he notes political campaigns are already pretty heavily regulatedhe also acknowledged the desire for a "light regulatory touch" broadly to not stifle innovation or put U.S. industry at a disadvantage. He said Buck and Bennet are "among the group of members taking a leadership role" on artificial intelligence broadly. His organization hasn't taken an official position on their efforts to put together a commission to study the matter, but he called it "generally a good idea." He noted that, absent congressional action, Biden has also issued an executive order to establish safety and security protocols while protecting Americans' privacy. "It's urgent to start developing solutions," Weiner said. "It's also not smart to think you're going to come up with one round of policy solutions and be done." Buck, who announced last fall that he wouldn't seek reelection in 2024, agreed with that sentiment. As AI progresses, so will Congress' need to revisit it and its capabilities, he said. In addition to just regulating it for security and health purposes, it's also about keeping America economically competitive both internationally and internally. "You're going to have a whole lot of people in the have-not category, and some people in the have category," Buck warned. "Some people who understand the technology, (who) have been trained and have used the technology, and a whole of people who aren't. That is going to create a wealth disparity in this country and that really undermines one of the strengths of our society, our middle class." 2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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: A diagram overview of how TalkLock works. Users can embed a secure QR code in a live recording of an event in real-time and later verify other multimedia content against this code. Credit: Nirupam Roy Photo, audio and video technologies have advanced significantly in recent years, making it easier to create convincing fake multimedia content, like politicians singing popular songs or saying silly things to get a laugh or a click. With a few easily accessible applications and some practice, the average person can alter the face and voice of just about anyone. But University of Maryland Assistant Professor of Computer Science Nirupam Roy says media manipulation isn't just fun and gamesa bit of video and audio editing can quickly lead to life-changing consequences in today's world. Using increasingly sophisticated technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, bad actors can exploit the lines between fiction and reality more easily than ever. To combat this growing threat, Roy is developing TalkLock, a cryptographic QR code-based system that can verify whether content has been edited from its original form. "In 2022, a doctored video of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was circulated on the internet by hackers. In that fake video, he appeared to tell his soldiers to lay down their arms and give up fighting for Ukraine," said Roy, who holds a joint appointment in the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies. "The clip was debunked, but there was already an impact on morale, on democracy, on people. You can imagine the consequences if it had stayed up for longer, or if viewers couldn't verify its authenticity." Roy explained that the fake Zelenskyy video is just one of many maliciously edited video and audio clips circulating on the web, thanks to recent surges in multimedia content called deepfakes and shallowfakes. "While deepfakes use artificial intelligence to seamlessly alter faces, mimic voices or even fabricate actions in videos, shallowfakes rely less on complex editing techniques and more on connecting partial truths to small lies," Roy said. "Shallowfakes are equallyif not moredangerous because they end up snowballing and becoming easier for people to accept smaller fabrications as the truth. They make us raise questions about how accurate our usual sources of information can be." Metadata provides basic information about a piece of multimedia. Credit: Georgia Jiang Finding a way to tamper-proof recordings of live events After observing the fallout from the viral falsified Zelenskyy video and others like it, Roy realized that fighting deepfakes and shallowfakes was essential to preventing the rapid spread of dangerous disinformation. "We already have a few ways of counteracting deepfakes and other audio-video alterations," Roy said. "Beyond just looking for obvious discrepancies in the videos, websites like Facebook can automatically verify the metadata of uploaded content to see if it's altered or not." Metadata contains information about a piece of media, such as when it was recorded and on what device. Image editors like Photoshop also leave editing history in a photo's metadata. The metadata embedded in a file can be used to cross-check the origins of the media, but this commonly used authentication technique isn't foolproof. Some types of metadata can be added manually after a video or audio clip is recorded while other types can be stripped entirely. These shortfalls make using default metadata alone as an authenticator unreliable, especially for recordings of live events. "A big problem we're running into is what happens at a live event, like a public speech or press conference," he added. "Any audience member can technically record a video of a speech and upload it somewhere at their convenience. And once it's up, it's free to be downloaded and re-uploaded again and again, recirculating through multiple people who might have malicious intentions. We just don't have source control over media that's recorded at a live event by a member of the audience." To solve this problem, Roy and his team created TalkLock, a system that can generate a QR code capable of protecting the authenticity of a public figure's likeness. "The main idea is to use a device like a smartphone or tablet to continuously generate cryptographic sequences created from little bits of the live speech, forming a unique QR code. That QR code captures carefully extracted features of the speech," Roy explained. "Because the QR code will be displayed on the device's screen with the speaker, any authentic recordings of the speaker will also contain the QR code. The presence of the QR code marks the verifiability of the live recording, even if it's posted in different formats, uploaded on different social media platforms or shown on TV." In addition to its ability to place a unique marker on a video or audio clip, TalkLock can also systematically analyze features from a recording and check them against the code sequence generated from the original live version. Any discrepancies found by TalkLock would indicate that the content was altered. "As long as the generated QR code is recorded along with the speaker, political leaders, public figures and celebrities would be able to protect their likenesses from being exploited," Roy said. "It's the first step to preserving the integrity of our information, protecting people from crimes like targeted defamation." Not just for celebrities and politicians It's only the beginning for TalkLock and its capabilities, according to Roy. "Although it may seem like actors and politicians are the only ones who should be worried, they're no longer the only targets of malicious media manipulation," Roy said. "Ordinary people are at risk now, too. Their likenesses can also be used to create false narratives, fraud and extortion attempts, blackmail and more." Roy noted that publicly posted photos and videos on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook make it easier than ever for abuse and privacy violations to occur. To address this need for protection at the individual level, his team is developing a mobile app version of TalkLock, which will be more tailored to the average person's needs and can be used by anyone who owns a smartphone. He expects the app to be completed in summer 2024. "People can just hold their phone nearby with the app on as they speak and just doing that will create a layer of protection from malicious editing," he explained. "Users will be able to control their own audio-video footprint online with just their phones." Roy hopes that similar protections will be available to the public as default settings on all mobile devices soon. Computer science Ph.D. students Irtaza Shahid and Nakul Garg and undergraduates Robert Estan and Aditya Chattopadhyay are working with Roy to develop an open-source implementation of the TalkLock software stack and the mobile app. The team recently published a paper explaining the key concept of the project in the proceedings of MobiSys '23, the International Conference on Mobile Systems, Applications and Services. "Our ultimate goal is to make sure that everyone can have equal access to real, genuine information," Roy added. "Only then can we make a step closer to a truly equitable and democratic society." More information: Irtaza Shahid et al, "Is this my president speaking?" Tamper-proofing Speech in Live Recordings, Proceedings of the 21st Annual International Conference on Mobile Systems, Applications and Services (2023). DOI: 10.1145/3581791.3596862 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: At a press conference, board chairman Akio Toyoda bowed in apology. Toyota's chairman said Tuesday he was "ashamed" of recent scandals involving subsidiaries of the Japanese auto giant, as the firm announced record vehicle sales of 11.2 million across its brands last year. The bumper figurean industry recordsees Toyota retain its position as the world's top-selling automaker for the fourth successive year, thanks to a recovery in demand and easing chip shortages. Taking only the Toyota and Lexus brands, global volume sales totaled 10.3 million units, but growth fell for Daihatsu, which builds mini-vehicles and is embroiled in a rigged safety test scandal. Truck and bus-maker Hino, which has also been hit by a scandal related to rigged tests of its engines in Japan, saw volume sales sink almost 10 percent. It came a day after Toyota said it was suspending shipments of 10 models that use diesel engines linked with testing irregularities at an affiliate, Toyota Industries. Board chairman Akio Toyoda bowed in apology at a press conference on Tuesday and said he was ultimately responsible for the misconduct. "I deeply apologize for the repeated wrongdoings by Hino Motors, Daihatsu Motor, and Toyota Industries that have caused troubles and worries to customers and stakeholders," he told reporters. "They lost sight of the values and priorities that should have been upheld," he said, adding that he was "ashamed" of the situation. "It will take time to recover the trust back from our customers," Toyoda said, promising to lead a "transformation". Top-selling automaker Toyota's total vehicle sales figure was a jump of 7.2 percent on-year and compares with 9.2 million for Germany's Volkswagen Group, whose unit sales soared 12 percent. South Korea's Hyundai-Kia retained third place in 2023 with 7.3 million units sold, up 6.7 percent. In terms of market value, however, Elon Musk's US electric automaker Tesla remains number one ahead of the Japanese giant. Toyota has been slower than some other rivals to embrace electric vehicle investment having long-focused more on hybrids. Toyota credited for its performance "solid demand in each region, in addition to easing semiconductor shortages in each region." Tuesday's figure combined sales for the Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino brands, and beat Toyota's own previous record of 10.7 million set in 2019, the year before it overtook Volkswagen. Volkswagen's 2019 unit sales of 10.97 million was the previous industry record. EV targets Scandals involving subsidiaries "could potentially have repercussions on Toyota's overall reputation, especially if there are concerns about corporate governance or ethical practices," Tatsuo Yoshida, an auto analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, told AFP. "However, there are millions of happy owners of Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino vehicles... such strong consumer confidence is a valuable asset and won't deteriorate instantly," he said. Toyota has been slower than some other rivals to embrace electric vehicle investment having long-focused more on hybrids. In 2023 it sold just 104,018 EVsa fraction of the 1.81 million for Tesla and 1.57 million for China's BYD. Toyota's hybrid unit sales were 3.4 million last year, a jump of 31.4 percent. But the company has said that by 2025 it plans to have an electrified version for every Toyota and Lexus model globally. It also aims to sell 1.5 million EVs annually by 2026 and 3.5 million by 2030, and said this month it will significantly expand an electric battery plant in North Carolina. Toyota's slow EV sales progress and a recent backlash against battery-powered vehicles means meeting the 2026 target may be "more difficult" than when the target was set, Yoshida said. "Whether this goal is achievable or might be postponed depends on various factors, including advancements in technology, market demand, regulatory environment, and Toyota's ability to ramp up production and innovation." 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Correlation between estimated risk of automation and a measure of routine task intensity. Note: The bubbles represent occupations, the size of which determined by their relative frequencies in the data. Credit: Labour Economics (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.labeco.2023.102386 The Swedish trade union IF Metall is demanding that a collective agreement be established with Tesla, but the electric car manufacturer is refusing to collaborate. As a result, well over a hundred Swedish Tesla workers have been on strike since late October. Trade unions from several Nordic countries have recently supported the demand. In addition, the Norwegian United Federation of Trade Unions recently announced that they too will initiate a Tesla boycott if a collective agreement is not in place soon. However, Tesla shows no signs of giving in to the demands. On the contrary, the electric car manufacturer appears to be stepping up its opposition. Cultural differences and poor knowledge of the Nordic working life model are among the reasons why Tesla is digging its heels in, says Fredrik Bakkemo Kostl, a researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Gjvik. American and Norwegian trade unions are different Fredrik Bakkemo Kostl works at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management. His research interests include the Norwegian model and how trade unions affect companies' productivity and technological development. His work is published in the journal Labour Economics. "The trade unions still hold quite a bit of sway in the automotive industry in the United States. As a car manufacturer, Tesla should therefore be well acquainted with the trade union movement," says Kostl. Elon Musk is against trade unions because he believes they create conflict in the workplace. "At the same time, we are used to trade unions both operating and being treated in quite a different way in the United States," Kostl explains, citing union busting as an example: "In the United States, employees working in companies that do not voluntarily facilitate unionization must vote on whether to join a union or not. There have been quite a few examples of employers hiring lawyers who are experts in making sure the unions lose these elections. It is a form of criminalization of the trade unions that would have been completely inconceivable in Norway," says Kostl. Elected in Norway, hired in the United States He also points out differences in the way the trade union movement operates. "While union representatives in Norway are voted for by their colleagues, the people they will represent, union representatives in the United States are more like hired consultants who the unions send into workplaces to safeguard the employees," says Kostl. "Seeing as the decision to join a trade union is determined through an election, the distinction between unionized and non-unionized employees can quickly become more pronounced in the United States than we are used to here in Norway," says Kostl. That might help explain Tesla owner Elon Musk's recent statements that he is against unions because they create conflict in the workplace. Establishing a collective agreement is absolutely crucial However, according to research conducted by Kostl and his colleague Elin Svarstad, Musk's description does not reflect the way trade unions influence companies in the Nordic countries. On the contrary, their findings indicate that a collective agreement can help improve collaboration within a company. "There are good reasons to believe that the institutional framework established by collective agreements helps improve working conditions in a company. The establishment of a fixed framework for collaboration, communication and participation becomes a formal recognition of the employees' importance to the company." Musk is overlooking the benefits Kostl also believes that Elon Musk is probably not aware of the other benefits that well-unionized employees can bring to a company. By studying detailed registry data from a period of 16 years, Kostl and Svarstad found that trade unions can also contribute to increased productivity. "If the degree of unionization is sufficiently high and a collective agreement is in place, we find that the presence of trade unions at the workplace has a positive effect on productivity," says Kostl. However, their findings show that having a collective agreement in place is crucial for this effect to occur. "Without a collective agreement in place, a high degree of unionization can have the opposite effect, i.e. negatively impact a company's productivity," explains Kostl. The researcher explains that employees often unionize themselves in the hope of establishing a collective agreement, and that not reaching such an agreement will result in a breeding ground of discontent. Contributing to technological development Kostl and Svarstad have also looked at how the degree of unionization can affect a company's technological development. Although it is not a direct measure of productivity, technological development is expected to contribute to productivity growth. Despite the fact that there is still no end in sight in the conflict between the Nordic trade union movement and Tesla, Kostl is fairly certain that the stand-off will eventually result in a collective agreement. "If the degree of unionization affects technological development, it therefore also affects productivity," explains Kostl. There are two main mechanisms at work here: "One shows that trade unions can have a positive impact on technological development through wage compression. This is where wage differences between employees are evened out. By making labor that is compatible with new technology cheaper, and labor that the new technology can replace more expensive, companies are given incentives to invest in new and more productive technology. "The second mechanism concerns how the local union representatives potentially influence decision-making processes through close collaboration with the management. "In some cases, these two mechanisms are contradictory; other times they will pull in the same direction. It all depends on the industry in question, and may possibly stem from different traditions of trade unionism or other differences in market conditions," says Kostl. Confident there will be a collective agreement Despite the fact that there is still no end in sight in the conflict between the Nordic trade union movement and Tesla, Kostl is fairly certain that the stand-off will result in a collective agreement. "There have been a number of similar cases in recent years where companies have suddenly terminated collective agreements or discriminate between departments that have and do not have collective agreements. More often than not, they end up reintroducing the collective agreement, especially when the case gets a lot of media coverage," says Kostl. More information: Fredrik B. Kostl et al, Trade Unions and the Process of Technological Change, Labour Economics (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.labeco.2023.102386 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: VR pegboard image and study participant. Credit: Laurent Voisard et al Virtual hand interactions are one of the most common and useful applications that virtual reality (VR) systems offer users. But, as a new Concordia-led study shows, personal preference remains an important factor in how the technology is applied, regardless of the effect on overall performance. In a paper presented at the IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR) in October 20203, the researchers shared their findings from experiments involving participants performing repetitive tasks on a VR-based Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT). One of the many applications of PPT is as a therapeutic tool for patients who have suffered neurological damage, such as a stroke. It is designed to improve gross and fine motor skills. The participants were equipped with a VR headset. They were then instructed to pick up a virtual object and place it in a hole as quickly and as accurately as possible. Variations involved using dominant and non-dominant hands, both hands and assembly tasks. The tasks were repeated across three separate modes. In the first instance, the user's virtual hand was opaque, meaning they could not through see through it. In the second instance, the outline of the user's hand was visible but the hand itself was transparent. And in the third case, the hand disappeared once the peg was picked up. Metrics such as duration, downtime, movement time, path length, linear velocity, angle and angular velocity were recorded. The opaque hands were found to have performed noticeably slower. Users opened their fingers more narrowly and performed fewer tasks when compared to invisible hand visualization. "This is what we hypothesized, because the invisible hand visualization does not occlude the object the participant is holding," says lead author Laurent Voisard. "The invisible hand gives users more control and lets them see where they are placing their peg better. It also increases motor dexterity when performing movements requiring fine hand movements. This case could be used to create more effective and efficient medical applications in VR. "But the participants did not all necessarily prefer the invisible hand," he adds. "In fact, 10 participants said they preferred the transparent hand while seven chose the opaque hand. Seven others selected the invisible hand." left to right: Transparent hand, opaque hand, invisible hand. Credit: Laurent Voisard et al Participants who preferred the transparent hand emphasized that they felt the hands and the environment were easier to perceive at the same time. They also said it was easy to interact with the objects. Participants who preferred the opaque hand said movements were easier to track and control. Conversely, participants who liked the invisible hand said they found it easier and more comfortable to accomplish the task and to understand when it was completed. Personalizing home rehab The researchers say they hope the study can serve as a basis for more research. Potential topics include how VR and PPT can be used therapeutically, and how they can be applied in technical fields such as surgery planning. "Every individual is different, so they will have different preferences. That is why we recommend giving users the choice of how they visualize their VR experience," says co-author Anil Ufuk Batmaz, an assistant professor the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science. Batmaz is also the director of the EXIT Lab. "One visualization may have better results. But if it is not preferred by users, then they may not use the system at all." "The PPT is often used as a diagnostic tool by neurologists for people who have suffered brain injuries or strokes. However, it can also be used for rehabilitation," notes co-author Marta Kersten-Oertel, an associate professor in the same department and the director of the Applied Perception Lab. "Studies like ours show the best interaction methods for doing this type of rehabilitation at home in a virtual environment." Amal Hatira and Mine Sarac at Kadir Has University in Istanbul, Turkey, also contributed to this study. More information: Laurent Voisard et al, Effects of Opaque, Transparent and Invisible Hand Visualization Styles on Motor Dexterity in a Virtual Reality Based Purdue Pegboard Test, 2023 IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR) (2023). DOI: 10.1109/ISMAR59233.2023.00087 No deaths or injuries were sustained when a massive fire broke out at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Feather Crest Farms off Texas 21, east of Kurten. The fire was contained to two large metal buildings on the chicken farm and it is expected to burn for days, according to Jason Ware, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for Brazos County. The cause of the fire is still not known. The type of buildings lost is unknown and it is also unknown whether any chickens were lost due to the fire. Upon arrival there were two buildings on Feather Crest Farms property, Ware said at a Monday night press conference near the scene. At this time the fire is contained to the two buildings. There have been no injuries, no deaths to any personnel or civilians. Traffic along Texas 21 East will remain normal and the Brazos County Sheriffs Department is asking drivers not to stop along the road, Ware said. However, some surrounding roads may be affected. Right now Democrat Road is closed from Highway 21 to Oak Lake Road, Ware said. This is going to be a multi-day operation. At this point it is too dangerous for our firefighters to get into the building. Ware said local volunteer firefighters were able to respond quickly and that multiple departments from around Brazos County were called in to assist. We have approximately 100 firefighters on scene, Ware said. Including all the Brazos County volunteer fire departments and emergency service districts (ESDs), along with the cities of Bryan and College Station. We have multiple surrounding counties here as well to provide manpower and water. Chief Harold Watkins with Brazos County ESD Two was the incident commander on the scene and in charge of the tactics to contain the fire, Ware said. Early on we did have winds, but as the night sets on us and the winds died down it becomes a little bit easier to contain that fire, Ware said. [It was] probably a hour before we had forward progression stop, Watkins said. We had to preform what we call a block find a less susceptible area in the building and set up and prepare for the fire to get to us. A train of water trucks was quickly assembled in order to supply the firefighters with water and as of Monday night they had not yet run out of water, Ware said. The majority of the water is being supplied by Kurten. We had to set up what we call a water shuttle, Ware said. In rural operations like this, the hydrants get fewer. Once we identify them we use them. So far, we have kept water flowing the whole time weve been on scene. Watkins said it required teamwork from all the departments and local police in order to contain the fire and secure the area. The outpouring from the community and the sheriff and his staff has made it able for us to get in and out, Watkins said. All the resources in the world doesnt do you good if you cant get there. In 2020, 70-plus-year-old Feather Crest Farms was acquired by an Indiana egg producer. The farm had been operated by the Barrett family since the 1970s. The current operator is T.J. Klein, a 2006 Texas A&M University graduate. Officials from Feather Crest Farms were not available for comment Monday but are expected to release a statement Tuesday. Further updates can be found here. 03 Mar : The aerotrain at our main airport, KLIA, is quite old. Last century technology. But the trains have served us well. They have done ... By SA Commercial Prop News Artist rendering the landmark Sandton building, the Sandton Twin Towers which forms part of Sandton City complex is set to be reinvented as it entrenches its reputation as the premier office address in Gauteng. Image gallery Liberty Holdings and Pareto have approved the R450 million investment for the refurbishment of the iconic Sandton Twin Towers office complex situated on 5th Street in Sandton CBD. The building, which forms part of the landmark Sandton City complex is set to be reinvented as it entrenches its reputation as the premier office address in Gauteng. Giles Pendleton, Managing Director of Developments at Liberty Properties says: The time is right to give this grande old dame of Sandton a contemporary new look. The building is a prime asset in its owners property portfolios (Liberty 75% and Pareto 25%) and as the development managers, we are proud to once again be involved in redefining the Sandton skyline. Most notably, external improvements will include a refreshed facade, making it one of the most eye catching buildings in Sandton. A glass atrium will centrally link the two structures from top to bottom, creating a statement feature that will do much to refresh the look of this iconic property. Other enhancements include a redesigned lobby and lift area that will incorporate glass and marble finishes as well as a green living wall. Pendleton comments that it is Liberty Properties intention to revive the complex into a premier space, with much attention paid to sustainability. Our vision is to create the first 4-star green rated commercial building in the Liberty Portfolio. From a leasing perspective we are targeting the high end local and international corporate market. We envisage key businesses securing whole floors at a time. concluded Pendleton. Speaking on behalf of Liberty Holdings, Amelia Beattie, Chief Investment Officer for STANLIBs Direct Property Investments Franchise (the asset management arm that manages Libertys property portfolio) says the company is pleased to be continuing its investment in the prime Sandton Central node. This superior property forms part of a broader Sandton complex that includes the Sandton Convention Centre, Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton Sun and the InterContinental Sandton Towers; and the redevelopment will once again make the building relevant in its location. Marius Muller, CEO of Pareto which has a 25% share of the building, added that the significance of the building could not be underestimated, particularly with regard to its outstanding location within the Sandton CBD and its proximity to the Gautrain. This major investment is in line with both our strategies to ensure our property portfolios are kept well maintained and pertinent to their surroundings. As the renovations will be extensive, a relocation plan has been agreed with several existing tenants. The complex will be aptly renamed Atrium on 5th and Liberty Properties is confident that on completion the complex will vie for the title of top business address in Gauteng. Construction is planned for 2013 with completion anticipated in late 2014. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been sentenced to 10 years in jail in the cipher case, local media reported. The order was announced by special court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain during the hearing held at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Geo News reported. Earlier, talking to media persons, Khan said the speed of the trial suggested that the "match is already fixed". Khan alleged that every effort is being made to save US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, Dawn reported. He expressed his willingness to hold dialogue with the establishment, saying the recent events had discredited the general elections. He alleged that the chief justice of Pakistan is responsible for the arrests of PTI workers. He said he would ask for conducting an inquiry against those who have not come out for electioneering. The PTI founder claimed that PML(N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan under a deal with the establishment and he is still relying upon 'Vigo vehicle' to reach the Prime Minister's Office. He challenged to hold the biggest-ever rally if allowed for once. Khan claimed that former army chief retired Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was "seeking a deal for the opposition leaders, adding that he would ask the court to summon Gen Bajwa, Donald Lu and the military attache as witnesses", Dawn reported. Rare footage shows China's YY-20 aircraft aerial refueling of seven J-10 jets (People's Daily App) 16:05, January 30, 2024 Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force on Monday released a video clip showing the rare scenario of a YY-20 aircraft refueling seven J-10 jets in the air. The J-10 jets from PLA Air Force's Bayi Aerobatic Team are on their way to Saudi Arabia to participate in the World Defense Show 2024, which is set to be held February 4 to 8 in Riyadh. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) By Peggy Kelly Santa Paula News The procession Saturday at 3:00 p.m. will no doubt draw thousands when one of Santa Paulas favorite saints, El Santo Nino de Atocha returns for a visit to what is now considered the icons second sanctuary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. The doll of The Holy Child of Atocha, nicknamed El Nino Azul because its usual garb is blue, depicts the Christ Child and is the Catholic Churchs third-most cherished religious icon in Mexico This is the 10th year that El Santo Nino has been on loan from its shrine in Plateros, Mexico. The sacred doll is enshrined in Santa Paula to allow visits by pilgrims who cannot travel to Plateros to visit the original and draws worshippers from throughout Southern California, the western states as well as Mexico. The number of visitors and how far they travel to see El Santo Nino de Atocha depends on the icons schedule. The Little Saint will be in Santa Paula from May 28 to June 5, City Manager Jaime Fontes told the City Council at the May 16 meeting. The closing Mass can draw 5,000 people, as can the opening ceremonyweve had over 50,000 people come into Santa Paula, for the week the icon is at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. On Saturday the procession will gather at Harding Park (also home to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley Clubhouse), 1400 E. Harvard Blvd. and travel to Our Lady of Guadalupe, 427 N. Oak St. where a Mass and Novena will be held at 6 p.m. Father Aureo Gerardo Armas Garcia, OFM Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan, will lead the Novenas. On Sunday May 29 there will be Masses at 8 and 10 a.m. in English, 11:30 a.m., 1, 4 and 6 p.m. (Novena); Monday, May 30 Masses will be held at 7:30 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. (Novena). Novena Mass in Spanish will be held weekdays at 7 p.m. and on Saturday June 4 Masses will be held at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. On Sunday, June 5 leading up to the 4 p.m. Farewell Mass Masses will be held at 8 and 10 a.m. (English), 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Night Vigil Mass will be at 8 p.m. on the last day of the Novena. The Sunday, June 5 Farewell Mass will be celebrated by the Most Rev. Jose H. Gomez, the Archbishop of Los Angeles. The Mass will start at 4 p.m. at Las Piedras Park. The procession will leave the church at 3 p.m. Father Charles Lueras will be busy the week of The Little Saints visit: many worshipers bring clothing for the icon to be changed into. During the processions the tiny wood-and-plaster doll is carried on a bed of flowers and traditionally dressed in Renaissance clothing. The arrival procession features scores of participants that dance, play instruments, sing and ride horses to accompany El Nino Azul who is carried above the crowd resting on a bed of flowers. Garret Doty stands in the halls of the Hall of Justice before attending his trial at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Doty was acquitted of charges that he attacked a former San Francisco fire commissioner. He was arrested again in January on suspicion of attacking a person with a guitar. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The San Francisco District Attorneys Office said it will not file criminal charges against Garret Doty, a homeless man accused of assaulting a person with a guitar. Doty, 25, had been acquitted in December after being charged with assaulting former San Francisco Fire Commissioner Don Carmignani. Police arrested Doty on Sunday night and booked him into San Francisco County Jail at 2:22 a.m. Monday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. But the DAs office said Tuesday it would not prosecute Doty due to insufficient evidence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The charges against him (Doty) are being discharged at this time as there is not enough evidence available to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury that he committed the alleged crime, said Randy Quezada, a spokesperson for the San Francisco District Attorneys Office. Although the charges against Mr. Doty are being discharged, if additional information is developed charges could be filed at a later date. San Francisco police said Tuesday that they arrested Doty after another person reported being assaulted by a man wielding a guitar. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and declined treatment, police said. Police said they developed probable cause to arrest Doty, and observed him to be the same man from a previous incident that evening, where officers were sent to the 1800 block of Lombard Street for an altercation between two subjects who had screwdrivers. Both parties had declined to press charges following the alleged screwdriver incident, police said. The alleged incidents Sunday took place at the same corner where police and prosecutors said Doty assaulted former Carmignani with a metal pipe last year. Doty was acquitted by a jury of two counts of assault after his defense attorneys argued the confrontation was self-defense because Carmignani doused him with bear spray. Carmignani required 51 stitches and suffered a fractured skull and broken jaw, prosecutors said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After the verdict, Doty pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor of violating an order to stay away from the Marina district, where the confrontation with Carmignani occurred. After the trial, Deputy Public Defender Kleigh Hathaway said Doty planned to move back to his hometown in Louisiana. Jordan Parker is a breaking news reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle. He graduated from Sacramento State University in May 2022 with a degree in journalism. During his time there, he spent three years as a reporter and editor for the university's award-winning student newspaper, The State Hornet. He spent his senior year of college serving as The Hornet's first Black editor in chief, leading the organization to two Pacemaker awards and several other national honors from the Associated Collegiate Press. When he's not chasing down a story, he likes watching movies, traveling and trying new restaurants. He can be reached at Jordan.Parker@sfchronicle.com. Descendents, a Southern California punk rock band formed in 1977, will headline the daylong Punk in the Park American Road Trip festival at the Cow Palace on May 4. Epitaph Records Southern Californias Punk in the Park music and craft beer festival will mark its fourth year with the American Road Trip, a multicity tour boasting a lineup of old-school hardcore and punk acts. Organized by Brew Ha Ha Productions, based in Orange County, the all-ages festival is slated to kick off on May 4 at the Cow Palace in Daly City, just outside of San Francisco, with additional dates announced soon. The lineup features performances by Descendents, the Vandals, Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, the Exploited, T.S.O.L., Adolescents, the Dickies, Dwarves and others. For those age 21 and above, there will also be over 100 craft beers and other artisanal beverages on offer from local and regional breweries. Advertisement Article continues below this ad General admission tickets start at $49.99, while VIP tickets begin at $149.99. Both are currently available for purchase at www.punkinthepark.com. Punk in the Park originated in Orange County in 2020. Following various delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers put on single-day events in Tempe, Ariz.; Denver; and Silverado (Orange County) in 2021, featuring Pennywise, Strung Out, the Vandals, NOFX, Fear, Voodoo Glow Skulls and others. More Information Punk in the Park American Road Trip: Noon, May 4. $49.99-$149.99. Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City. www.punkinthepark.com State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code HASTINGS How important is a current exhibit at Hastings Colleges Jackson Dinsdale Art Center? Hastings College art professor Turner McGehee told a group assembled Saturday they were standing amid the best art show in the world at this moment. It sort of feels nice to have little Hastings, Nebraska, to be that pinnacle, McGehee said. McGehee was referring to Beautiful Black, a collection of works from contemporary Black artists from all over the world. The pieces come from the holdings of four Lincoln residents Karen and Robert Duncan and Kathryn and Marc LeBaron. The Duncans attended Saturday afternoons gallery talk at the Dinsdale Art Center. McGehee spoke very highly of the quality of the works provided by the Lincoln couples. Publicity material says the exhibit is among the most significant, timely and thought-provoking shows that have ever been presented at Hastings College. Beautiful Black, which opened Jan. 9, runs through Feb. 23. In addition to McGehee, the speakers at Saturdays event were Peggy Jones of the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Anne Pagel, who is curator of the Karen and Robert Duncan Collection. Jones is an associate professor of theater of UNO. A playwright and artist, she was formerly associate director of womens and gender studies at UNO. Jones said she is amazed and intrigued by the Beautiful Black works every time she sees them. McGehee said the Duncans bought the pieces at a time when they were affordable. One of the paintings on hand, by Kehinde Wiley, would surely be worth more today than it was then, because Wiley has since completed an official portrait of former President Barack Obama, which hangs in the National Portrait Gallery. McGehee talked about the connection of the word activism to the Roman term, Atavism. The Roman word specifically refers to a great-grandparent. Most of us dont meet our great-grandparents, or get to know them only briefly. But the experiences they had are within us, McGehee said. For that reason, many of the artists in the show seem to be talking about some very similar things, he said. Pagel talked about the persistence of roots, or heritage, apparent in the works. McGehee discussed the importance of twins in the Yoruban culture of West Africa. He and Pagel referred to a piece by Willie Birch, called The Twins. People in that culture believe that if a person dies at a young age, the surviving twin has a link to the spiritual side, he said. A Gordon Parks photo included shows a scene of segregation. McGehee and Pagel are both natives of Alabama. McGehee said it is crucially important at this time that we understand more about the Black experience. When McGehee was a child in the South, everything was segregated. White water fountains delivered water that was refrigerated. African-American fountains provided water straight out of the pipe, he said. When Parks photos were published in the 1950s, That had a lot to do with breaking the Jim Crow system in Alabama, McGehee said. But the exhibits Parks photo displays more than tragedy, Pagel noted. Among other things, it depicts the clothing and daily life of Black people in the 1950s. The pieces dont just show life from a Black perspective, Jones said. They show what its like to be human. There is joy and sadness in every one of the works, Pagel said. In an interview, Robert Duncan said he and his wife have collecting in their DNA. As kids, he collected miniature license plates from cereal boxes, and she was attracted to butterflies. And as we got to know more about fine art, which to us is now the ultimate in collecting, we were pulled in that direction, he said. But they never deliberately set out to collect works by Black artists. We were drawn to the beauty of the works, and the pieces in what they said to us, he said. Probably in a lot of cases we didnt even know they were Black artists when we purchased the pieces. Referring to a piece by Nick Cafe, We loved that the second we saw it. And we had no idea he was a Black artist. PHOTOS: Starr Elementary School holds Family Literacy Night Starr Elementary School students and parents attend Family Literacy Night at the school on Friday, Jan. 26. Focused on literacy, the event allow students of any reading level to take their own book home. The event also had activities, games, and members of the Grand Island Senior High boys and girls soccer team to read stories, sign posters, and take photos with attendees. Reading Fun at Family Literacy Night Starr Elementary School students and parents attend Family Literacy Night at the school on Friday, Jan. 26. Focused on literacy, the event all Family Literacy Night Students and families attended Family Literacy Night at Starr Elementary School on Friday, Jan. 26. This is the first time Family Literacy Nig Family Literacy Night TOP LEFT: Teacher Emily Broadwell, left, helps children make a blackout poem at Family Literacy Night at Starr Elementary School. The event ha Family Literacy Night Teacher Emily Broadwell, left, helps children make a blackout poem at Family Literacy Night at Starr Elementary School. The event had stations Family Literacy Night Kathie Zimmer, left, and her son, Jackson Morgan, check out books at Family Literacy Night at Starr Elementary School on Friday, Jan. 26. Morg Family Literacy Night Grand Island Senior High soccer player Cristian Hernandez, second from right, signs a poster at Family Literacy Night at Starr Elementary Scho Family Literacy Night Valentina Mendoza, left, and Nicole Roman play with blocks at Family Literacy Night at Starr Elementary School. The gym had several games for Family Literacy Night Leo Gonzalez, left, hands over a ticket at Family Literacy Night at Starr Elementary School on Friday, Jan. 26. Each child could get one book Family Literacy Night Emma Hayman, left, reads with Grace Zotoglo at Family Literacy Night at Starr Elementary School on Friday, Jan. 26. Hayman and Zotoglo were re South Carolina State University junior Dierra Jasmine Haynes knows computer science and cybersecurity are male-dominated fields. She wants to change that. The 20-year-old Orangeburg resident has her sights set on a cybersecurity career with the FBI. She is one of four SC State students who attended a national artificial intelligence conference at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. University Relations asked her to answer a series of questions about her experience at the conference and her education at SC State. Q: How did your visit to Harvard and MIT contribute to your professional development? Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. Haynes: I had the opportunity to see the beautiful city of Boston and meet some amazing, influential, and barrier-breaking individuals. There were many lovely and knowledgeable conversations, panels, discussions, and workshops held. In these events, I had the opportunity to network and socialize with HBCU students from Grambling State University and Norfolk State University, as well as CEOs, college deans, directors, presidents, innovators, funders and non-profit organizations. It was truly a wonderful experience that I will never forget. The conference broadened my knowledge of so many amazing possibilities and changed my perspective of Artificial Intelligence as a whole. I cannot wait to incorporate my takeaways into my future endeavors to contribute to the vast field of computer science. It was truly a blessing being able to represent my HBCU at such an esteemed event. Q: Why did you choose your major? Haynes: Selecting computer science as a major stemmed from my intrinsic curiosity and profound fondness for the world of computers. Since childhood, I have been very tech-savvy and have enjoyed disassembling, rearranging, and creating things. My major allows my creativity to flow endlessly. Anything becomes possible with the right code, click of a button or use of the right tool. Sometimes it feels as if I have the world at the end of my fingertips. Technology is an essential part of my daily life and knowing that with the right skills, I can do anything is neat to me. Furthermore, knowing that if I harness my skills correctly, I could contribute to and better the lives of a few or even thousands of people is even more desirable. Q: What are your goals for using your degree? Haynes: My goals once I obtain my degree are to be as successful as possible and to open doors for as well as be an example for others. Within my field, there are few women. Most jobs have predominantly male workforces and teams. I want other young, educated women like me to know and see that we can enter spaces like those and make a difference. We should step up and not back down or feel intimidated by others. We should chase our dreams regardless of the odds or cons. Change starts with us. Also, another one of my goals is to one day work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). I want to be a cyber special agent, applying my skills and knowledge to real-world situations to catch criminals and save the lives of others. I plan to achieve these goals by working hard, putting more time and effort towards my studies, and never giving up or doubting myself. Q: Please tell us about your campus involvement at SC State. Haynes: Here on the campus of The Illustrious South Carolina State University, I am involved in various aspects. Being that I am a Presidential Scholar, I am a proud member of the Emily Clyburn Honors College and have been since August of 2021. Furthermore, I am a member of the Association of Computational Machinery, National Society of Leadership and Success, Golden Key International Honor Society, Student Orientation Leaders, ITSMF College Mentorship Program, and a 2023 Grace Hopper Celebration Scholar. Also, inside my department, I have been the leader of three National Cyber League Teams and a research project for the United States Navy, as well as a volunteer Computer Science and Mathematics tutor. Having the opportunity to partake in so many things comes with a multitude of wonderful experiences. It has also enhanced my skills, knowledge, and mindset. I feel as if I have grown a lot as an individual and a student. Q: Please share a personal story that has helped shape your life. Haynes: One thing that has helped shape my life has been the transition from high school to college. Everyone speaks about how exciting it is, but no one speaks about the challenges you face. My transition was rough, but it contributed greatly to the person I am today. Even, though I am from Orangeburg, it feels like I entered an entirely different world. After my graduation, everything changed drastically. I now had new responsibilities and a shifted focus. It was time to completely let go of the old and focus on the new. I had to take time to find and get to know myself before taking the next step. I had no idea what I wanted to go to college for or even what college I wanted to attend and had no one to guide me. That is one of the many challenges of being a first-generation college student, no ones footsteps to follow or to talk to that has taken the route that I am getting closer and closer to. However, in the end, I took a leap of faith and decided that South Carolina State University was the school for me. So far, it has been the best thing that has happened to me. I have been growing, thriving, and partaking in phenomenal opportunities that were only dreams before. Q: Who in your life or education has shaped your worldview and how? Haynes: The person in my life who has shaped my worldview is my mother. She taught me everything I know. She is the most hardworking, independent, caring, and nurturing person I know. If a person is in need and she can do something about it, she will without hesitation. She would give her last to another if she felt they needed it more than her. Being around her and seeing how she interacts with everyone else no matter her situation has made me look at the world differently. I realized that keeping a positive attitude, walking by faith, and helping others is very important. You should not let others get in the way of your success no matter what. The world is a huge place with endless possibilities and opportunities, but we the people tend to block our potential and blessings by not working hard enough, getting distracted, and procrastinating. Her favorite saying is Anything is possible with God, a little hard work and dedication. South Carolina State University students, alumni and stakeholders commemorated SC State Legislative Day on Jan. 23 at the State House in Columbia. SCSU Legislative Day SC State student leaders, faculty, staff and alumni gather Jan. 23 at the State House in Columbia. We got the opportunity to network with alumni and be recognized by various legislators. It was a very eye-opening experience, SGA President Zyah Cephus said. For many students, this was their first time inside of the State House. Tuesday marked the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that the university was able to celebrate Legislative Day, also known as SC State Legislative Day, at the State House. Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. Student leaders from various campus organizations attended the Student Government Association (SGA), the Campus Activity Board (CAB), Royal Court, Dr. Emily E. Clyburn Honors College, NAACP, Call Me Mister, Dedicated Outstanding Ladies Living Strong (D.O.L.L.S.), 1890 Agricultural Innovation Scholars and more. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to network and talk with legislators. Legislators welcomed them as they toured the Senate and House of Representatives. Todays purpose was to have our stakeholders primarily students, faculty, staff and alumni show up in Columbia with the General Assembly so that they know that were present, that were registered voters and to ask for their continuous support for SC State, SC State President Alexander Conyers said. Going forward, our mission is to simply be assertive and to ask for a greater investment in SC State so that our students and our community will benefit from it. SC State Legislative Day was established for students and other university stakeholders to be able to advocate for university funding and other university needs that legislators can address to help improve the SC State campus. Some of the university needs addressed at the State House included: Loan forgiveness. Funding for a new library. Academic facility for the College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Science. Replacement building for Staley Hall. Funding for infrastructure support. Master Plan funding. SC State Legislative Day is all about us showing our support for our university; and more importantly, letting our elected officials see the type of support we have for our university with the long and short-term goal of getting their increased support, said SC State Trustee Hank Allen. Allen is an alumnus from the class of 1978 who acts as the president of the SC State National Alumni Association. Julian Arreola (left) mixes cocktails and Bree Flores (right) grabs a bottle of alcohol to make drinks for customers at Friends and Family in Oakland in 2021. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Les eggs with yuzu kosho aioli and smoked trout roe at Friends and Family in Oakland. Courtesy Cayce Clifford A James Beard Award-nominated chef from Michelin-starred San Francisco restaurant State Bird Provisions is now running the kitchen at an acclaimed Bay Area bar. Its an exciting development for Friends and Family at 468 25th St. in Oakland, which was on the verge of ditching its full food menu until chef Gaby Maeda entered the picture. As Friends and Familys former chef was getting ready to leave in December, owner Blake Cole considered scrapping all but the most minimal dishes. The beloved, queer-friendly bar was ranked among the best in North America and a semi-finalist for the James Beard outstanding bar award in 2022. But recently, business has been hard, she said, as customers post-pandemic habits continue to change unpredictably. Costs have gone up. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Then, a serendipitous dinner and drinks with Maeda ended with the chef agreeing to run Friends and Familys food program. A brand-new dinner menu, packed with Asian-inspired dishes that draw both on Maedas Hawaiian upbringing and years in San Francisco restaurants, debuts at Friends and Family on Thursday, Feb. 1. It was either get rid of everything, or lets go 100% all in and be inspired again, Cole said. Friends and Family owner Blake Cole, left, and new chef Gaby Maeda, right, at the Oakland bar. Courtesy Cayce Clifford Maeda was a finalist for the James Beard Awards rising star chef of the year in 2020, and the following year was named one of Food & Wine magazines best new chefs. She grew up in Honolulu, left to attend culinary school and then cooked at San Francisco fine-dining mecca Gary Danko. At State Bird, she worked her way up from cook to sous-chef to chef de cuisine. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ingredients like shoyu, aioli spiked with Maggi seasoning and chewy Korean rice cakes now show up throughout the Friends and Family menu. Pickled mushrooms ($9) take on the flavors of hot and sour soup vinegar, soy and ginger while a slice of toast is inspired by a banh mi with sardines and herbs ($14). Underneath luscious, shoyu-cured eggs blanketed in a yuzu kosho aioli ($10) hide Japanese rice crackers for a textural surprise. A wedge salad ($13), inspired by the ubiquitous miso-ginger salad found at sushi restaurants, is accompanied by bacon-esque roasted shiitake mushrooms. (Much of the menu is vegan or can be made vegan.) Tteokbokki, rice cakes often served in a gochujang sauce, get the Italian arrabbiata treatment instead ($18) with a spicy tomato sauce, pancetta and pecorino. Its substantial but elegant, Maeda said, and the rice cakes evoke the same unctuousness of gnocchi. Banh mi toast with sardines, pickled carrots and Maggi aioli is on the new food menu at Oakland bar Friends and Family. Courtesy Cayce Clifford Friends and Family is also starting late-night Danish hot dogs (after 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and after 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday) and lasagna nights on Mondays. The bar will continue to serve carrot cake for dessert, made from Coles mothers recipe. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The bar is also debuting several new cocktails this week, many of which are low-ABV and sherry- or vermouth-based. Expect a variation on the Bamboo made from several kinds of vermouth infused with Sumo mandarin peels, rosemary and sage, then blended with manzanilla sherry and bitters. A new sherry cobbler uses apple-fennel kombucha from nearby cafe the Crown. (TBTCO) - San luong nha may va doanh so ban le cua Trung Quoc vuot ky vong trong giai oan tu thang 1 en thang 2/2024, anh dau su khoi au vung chac cho nam 2024 va mang lai mot so cuu tro cho cac nha hoach inh chinh sach, ngay ca khi su yeu kem trong linh vuc bat ong san van la luc can oi voi nen kinh te va niem tin. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). LONDON Britains King Charles III has been discharged from a hospital in London after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace said the 75-year-old monarch had left the hospital and that his upcoming public engagements have been rescheduled to allow for a period of private recuperation. The palace added that he would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days. The King spent three nights at the London Clinic a private hospital near Regents Park after being admitted on Friday, and was said to be doing well following the procedure. Queen Camilla, who has been visiting her husband daily, was by his side as he left on Monday. Camilla previously said her husband was fine and looking forward to getting back to work while on recent engagements. The Kings departure comes hours after Kensington Palace announced that Catherine, Princess of Wales had left the same private hospital and returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from abdominal surgery. The princess went into the London Clinic two weeks ago for an abdominal operation. A Kensington Palace spokesperson said Catherine is making good progress and that she and her husband, Prince William, were grateful to the staff at the hospital for the care they have provided. The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world, the spokesperson added. The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital on January 16 for planned abdominal surgery. A day later, Kensington Palace announced the operation was a success and that she would remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days. News of Catherines surgery, which was announced only 90 minutes before Buckingham Palace separately revealed Charles diagnosis, sparked concern at the time. It is unclear what her surgery was for, but a royal source told CNN on January 17 that the 42-year-olds condition was non-cancerous. It is expected that the princess will need to recuperate for several months, as Kensington Palace previously said she was unlikely to resume her public duties until after Easter. According to a royal source on Monday, the princess return will depend on medical advice closer to the time. Prince William has also taken a step back from public engagements to support his wife while juggling childcare duties. Charles was diagnosed after experiencing symptoms and receiving a check-up while at his Birkhall residence in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, the UKs PA Media news agency previously reported. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished the monarch a speedy recovery after his procedure, PA reported, citing a Downing Street spokeswoman. Buckingham Palace previously said the King was delighted to have helped raise awareness with his diagnosis. NHS England said visits to its enlarged prostate webpage which provides information on causes, symptoms and treatment options saw traffic surge more than 1,000% above its daily average after the palaces announcement on January 17. ___ ENERGY Minister Stuart Young has taken umbrage at comments made by Ronald Harford, former chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Ltd, as he boasted about the success of the energy sector. Young said whenever somebody becomes a former, their mouth gets big, as he quoted from an article in Fridays Express report where Harford made critical comments. A new camera system is being installed along this countrys roadways with the aim of tackling traffic congestion and reducing the countrys crime. This was said yesterday by Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan, who spoke with the media at the intersection of the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway and Golden Grove Road in Piarco. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor walks among students while speaking Monday at UC Berkeleys Zellerbach Hall. Noah Berger/Special to the Chronicle U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor speaks with students at UC Berkeleys Zellerbach Hall on Monday. At left is Berkeley Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky. Noah Berger/Special to the Chronicle Speaking at UC Berkeley, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor was asked Monday how she copes with the steady stream of rulings by the courts conservative majority, usually over the dissents of Sotomayor and her two liberal colleagues. Every loss truly traumatizes me but I get up the next morning, she replied, to applause from the audience of 1,300 students. Change never happens on its own, the 69-year-old justice said, reminding her listeners of civil rights warriors like Thurgood Marshall, the courts first Black justice, and John Lewis, whose skull was fractured by state troopers at a 1965 march in Selma, Ala. Sotomayor was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009, becoming the courts first Latina member and its fourth-ever female justice. She was born in New York to parents from Puerto Rico, and attended Princeton University and Yale Law School before becoming a federal judge in 1992, appointed by President George H.W. Bush. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She has attributed her admission to Princeton in part to affirmative action, and issued a strongly worded dissent when the courts 6-3 conservative majority ruled in June that it was unconstitutional for a college to consider an applicants race or ethnicity. The courts superficial colorblindness will succeed only in turning the clock back on minority admissions, Sotomayor wrote. In such dissents, Im really writing for the future, and probably for a different culture, she said Monday. But she said some of her dissenting opinions appear to have had a more immediate impact for example, when she dissented in 2017 from the courts refusal to consider a challenge to an Alabama law that allowed a judge to impose the death penalty even when jurors had voted against execution. The state then repealed that law, Sotomayor noted although it was still used last week to enable the execution by nitrogen gas of Kenneth Smith, whose jury had voted 11-1 in 1996 against executing him for a 1988 murder. Questioned for most of the hour by Berkeleys law school dean, Erwin Chemerinsky, Sotomayor voiced one critique of the current court majority. My originalist colleagues have come up with new ways to interpret the Constitution, changing interpretations that some of us believed were well established, she said. In overturning past rulings, the courts conservatives contend they are returning to an originalist understanding of constitutional language, a view emphasized by Justice Clarence Thomas in a 6-3 ruling in June 2022 that Americans have a right to carry concealed firearms in public. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Sotomayor later said that Thomas is the only justice who knows the name of every employee on the Supreme Court, and he also knows their families. I can have a very civil conversation with him, even though I have very passionate disagreements with some of his opinions, she said. Thats how I lower the temperature. Still, she said, knowing that we are the final word on constitutional law is, in some ways, frightening, and in the current dysfunctional Congress, the court must also do more work to interpret disputed federal laws. Sotomayor left the podium after about 10 minutes and spent much of the rest of the hour walking down rows of students while answering questions, mostly from Chemerinsky. Asked by one student about the atmosphere on the court, she said it had been much worse in the 1930s and 1940s, when some justices publicly criticized their colleagues and refused to have lunch with them. When did that change, she asked, and then quoted the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: It was when a woman came to the court, Sandra Day OConnor, appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With ten people murdered between Thursday and Saturday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley took to Facebook yesterday to assure citizens that State agencies will not give up the fight to rid our streets and other places of the evil that is now widespread as a gun culture in Trinidad and Tobago. And in a voice note to the media, Commissioner of Police Erla Christopher said, We are determined to dismantle criminal gangs and make a difference in transforming impacted communities. Arizona Opera is celebrating its 50th anniversary season by revisiting an opera that started it all. This weekend, Arizona Opera opens its Main Stage series at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall with Rossinis The Barber of Seville, which was the first production from the then Tucson Opera Company in 1973. With this season in particular, as we are bringing audiences back to the theater, we thought it was really important to have an opera that was great for families, adults and young people alike, said Arizona Opera President and General Director Joseph Specter. 'Barber of Seville is one of those pieces. Its so perfect. This is a show that if you never heard of opera and you want to try it for the first time, this is something you can enjoy with young ones. The performance is part of the operas Arlyn M. Brewster Operatunity Program that brings fully-staged, 40-minute adaptations of classic operas to schools throughout Arizona. Specter said the program last fall presented 52 performances at Tucson schools. The kids just go crazy for opera; they love opera, he said. When they see an opera performance up close, its so over the top, the characters are so big, the storylines are so engaging, they really love it. Kids love opera; its one of the things we have going for us as an art form. Barber, one of the 19th century Italian composers most enduring and popular operas, has landed on the Arizona Opera stage every decade or so since that first performance. This is the first production since Arizona Opera presented it in the 2017-18 season. Here are five things to know before you go: 1. This is an opera buffa; youre allowed to laugh: That literally means comic opera, which defines Rossinis The Barber of Seville, a story of love longed for and love rejected, mistaken identities, greed, lust, comical hijinks and some pretty hilarious bait-and-switch scenarios. Its the story of Count Almaviva who falls desperately in love with the beautiful Rosina, the young ward of the elderly and spiteful Dr. Bartolo, who plans to wait it out until Rosina is old enough to marry then marry her himself to steal her sizeable dowry. Enter Figaro, who choreographs several subplots and plot twists in an effort to get Rosina into the arms of the Count. 2. Return of the video wall: Arizona Opera is using its state-of-the-art video wall to project sets that recreate 17th century Spain. Its the same technology the company used in October for the world premiere of Gregg Kallors Frankenstein, which Arizona Opera commissioned. Arizona Opera has been using the video wall since the 2017 production of Riders of the Purple Sage and it has made star turns in several productions since, including Candide and The Falling and the Rising. The company purchased the 27-by-52-foot screen with a grant from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. Its such a powerful tool. It can achieve anything that traditional hard scenery can achieve but on another level, Specter said, explaining that with hard scenery, you get a single look throughout the production. With a video wall, that same surface can have not just varying static images, but transitions. The goal is never to have the video wall be the star but to enhance the action on the stage. Were really blessed to have this resource available to us. 3. About Figaro: Yes, he is the same Figaro as the title character in Mozarts The Marriage of Figaro, composed 30 years before Barber. The character was central in French playwright Pierre Beaumarchaiss trilogy on which both Barber and Marriage of Figaro are based. Both operas are among the top 10 most performed in the world. 4. Some say Italian is the language of love: Its also the language of loves silly side. Barber is sung in Italian with English and Spanish supertitles. 5. Fun facts: Rossini wrote The Barber of Seville in less than three weeks although the composer himself put that timeframe at 12 days. While it is arguably one of the greatest opera buffas ever composed, it received lukewarm reviews and was booed from the audience when it premiered in Rome in February 1816. Apparently some fans of Giovanni Paisiellos Barber of Seville opera composed in 1775 and still wildly popular at the time of Rossinis premiere felt Rossini was treading on Paisiellos legacy. Arizona Opera will perform Rossinis The Barber of Seville at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave., with Detroit Opera Music Director Roberto Kalb at the podium. The opera in two acts runs 2 hours, 47 minutes with a 30-minute intermission. Tickets ($30-$145) are available through tickets.azopera.org. The performance is part of the 2024 Tucson Desert Song Festival, which includes Ballet Tucsons world premiere Feb. 9-11 of Eternal Love, choreographed by the companys artistic director and resident choreographer Chieko Imada and featuring soprano Katherine Byrnes. Performances are at Leo Rich Theatre, 260 S. Church Ave. For tickets and details, visit ballettucson.org. About 40 members of the Arizona National Guard were wounded in Sundays aerial drone attack in northeast Jordan, including one critically injured, the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs said Tuesday. Injuries to the Guard members ranged from cuts and bruises to traumatic brain injuries, but 34 of the injured were able to return to duty, Arizona Guard spokeswoman Capt. Erin Hannigan said. Three injured service members were expected to arrive at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on a U.S. Air Force Aeromedical Evacuation flight Tuesday evening and be transferred to nearby Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. One of the injured service members is reported in critical condition, however, all three are reported to be stable, DEMA said. After further examination by the centers trauma team, a determination will be made by medical staff if any of the injured servicemembers will require evacuation back to the U.S. for further treatment. Landstuhl Regional Medical Center is the largest U.S. Department of Defense hospital outside the continental U.S, serving as the sole military medical center and only forward-stationed evacuation and treatment center for more than 205,000 health care beneficiaries throughout Europe. The remaining injured are undergoing continued observation to ensure they are recovering so they may return to duty, Hannigan said. The injured Guard members serve in the Arizona Guards 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment Bushmasters, which was deployed in September in support of Operation Spartan Shield. The regiment is based in Phoenix with dispersed companies in Tucson, Florence, Prescott and Buckeye. Hannigan said that under Pentagon rules the identities of the injured servicemembers will be withheld. President Joe Biden blamed Iran-backed militias for the Jan. 28 attack, which killed three Army Reserve engineers from Georgia, though Iran on Monday denied it was behind the strike. The Pentagon identified those killed in the attack as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia.; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia, all of whom were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade in Fort Moore, Georgia. For the last eight years, Trehon Cockrell-Coleman has sent an email newsletter chock full of events, resources and other information for the community. The newsletter goes out to more than 400 people all of whom have met Trehon during his decade in Tucson. While he was connected to all of these people, he knew they weren't connected to each other. "That listserv was really my personal lifeline when I was a bachelor, before I was married, before I had kids," Trehon says. "I said, you know what? I need a channel of blessings instead of a reservoir of selfishness. I knew these people but they didn't know each other." With $750 in their pockets last May, Trehon and his wife, Carmishun Coleman, decided to host monthly gatherings, dubbed Connections That Count, at the historic Dunbar Pavilion, 325 W. Second St. Connections That Count is the signature program of their organization, A Better Community (ABC). The two started slow, committing to just three months of events, every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m., to see if the community would show up. Thirty people came to the May gathering. That number doubled to 60 the second month, then nearly doubled again to 109 by July. "When we started in May, people thought we were crazy, that no one was going to show up at 5 o'clock on a Wednesday," Trehon says. "We've had an event that almost 300 people came to on a Wednesday. My slogan: Tucson is what you make it." They've now hosted Connections That Count every month since, with an even bigger bash planned for 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7. Their goal is for 500 people to attend what they're calling The Merchant and Mission-Focused Marketplace. "I want 500 so those vendors can see the love and feel the love," Trehon says. Trehon says attendees can expect to meet creatives, doctors, dentists, lawyers, musicians "you name it." "It is important for (Connections That Count) to exist because when we moved to Tucson, we didn't know anyone," Carmishun says. "We have provided a safe place for people to come and create a connection." "The last time we checked, the African American population in Tucson is 5%," Trehon says. "We did not know that so many people love Tucson, but they always feel like they wanted a safe space to come together. We ended up serving as a conduit of people coming together." Each Connections That Count event has a different theme. The Colemans have previously hosted social mixers, live music and local nonprofits to share their mission with attendees. "The purpose of ABC is to create a community. The reason we create these different themes is out of love and is out of what we wish we had when we first moved here," Carmishun says. "We feel we have the opportunity to leave Tucson a little better than we found it," Trehon says. "The biggest thing is we desire to provide an ecosystem for those that desire that ecosystem. You have to put yourselves in that system to allow others to be part of it," he says. "At bare minimum, we knew what it felt like to move away from our family, our friends, to start a better life, to start better careers. You desire community, you desire togetherness, you desire collaboration. If that's not there, you could complain or be the change you want in the world." Vendors don't have to pay a dime to participate in The Merchant and Mission-Focused Marketplace Trehon and Carmishun even provide the tables and chairs. The two spent 48 hours texting and calling potential vendors days before the New Year, seeing if they'd be interested in joining the event, emphasizing to them that they wouldn't have to pay any kind of fee to be there. Connections That Count is made possible in part thanks to Arizona Coalition for Change, who pays the venue rent at The Dunbar each month. The Regina Hart State Farm Agency is sponsoring The Merchant and Mission-Focused Marketplace. The Colemans decided on The Dunbar to hold their events for two reasons: "We did not know anyone else that would take a gamble on us," Trehon says. With only $750 to spend, Trehon thought many venues would take the money and allow him to host only one event. Dunbar said he could host three. "Dunbar is a hidden gem," he says. "Its history is big but you have to really go there and understand how big that space is." For more than three decades, The Dunbar was home to Tucson's only segregated school. Named after African-American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, the school served Black students from 1918 until the state ordered desegregation in 1951. Now, The Dunbar's mission is to "honor the past, celebrate today and shape the future of the African-American community." "You talk about the Tucson gem show, but The Dunbar is the true gem of Tucson," Trehon says. An inmate serving 10 years at the federal prison in Tucson for was found dead earlier this week, officials say. Brandon Zimmerlee was convicted in Oklahoma of racketeering and kidnapping and had been in custody at the high security prison here since July 15, 2022, according to the Department of Justice. About 9:45 a.m. on Jan. 28, Zimmerlee was found unresponsive in his cell. Prison staff began lifesaving measures, but he died before medics arrived, officials said. No other details about the circumstances surrounding the death have been released. Multiple members of the Arizona National Guard were among those injured in an aerial drone attack Sunday in northeast Jordan that left three U.S. troops dead, according to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. The Arizona National Guard 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment "Bushmasters" were identified to be in the area during the Jan. 28 unmanned aerial drone attack near the Syria border, said the department, which manages the Arizona Guard. Multiple service members were identified as being injured, with three medically evacuated for further care who are expected to recover, DEMA said. The 158th Infantry Regiment is based in Phoenix, with companies in Tucson, Florence, Prescott and Buckeye, according to the state adjutant general's 2023 annual report. Out of respect for the service members families, and in accordance with Department of Defense policy, the identities of the injured service members will be withheld. We are in contact with the Arizona Battalion Commander in the area of operations, Major General Kerry L. Muehlenbeck, Arizona National Guard Adjutant General, said. Our priority is to the soldiers and their families. What impacts them, impacts us all. We continue to gather information, please keep them in your prayers. In September, more than 350 service members of the 1-158th Bushmasters deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield serving U.S. Forces and our Allies throughout various countries in the Central Command area of responsibility, for about one year. The unit's role while on deployment is to provide law and order and personal security capabilities. We can confirm that our Bushmasters are accounted for and are continuing mission, said Lt. Col. Joseph L. Mayeaux, 1-158th Battalion Commander. The Bushmasters performed superbly, doing exactly what they were trained to do, and we can all be extremely proud. "I am heartbroken to hear reports of the Arizona National Guardsmen wounded in action during the attack in Jordan," Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a message on the social-media platform X. "Im actively monitoring the situation and my administration is in contact with AZ NG Adjutant General Muehlenbeck. We are ready to offer support for the Guardsmen and their families, and will be prepared to take action as the situation develops." President Joe Biden blamed Iran-backed militias for the attack, though Iran on Monday denied it was behind the strike. The Pentagon identified those killed in the attack as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Ga.; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Ga., and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Ga. The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade in Fort Moore, Georgia. Aside from the soldiers killed, the Pentagon said more than 40 troops were wounded in the attack, most with cuts, bruises, brain injuries and similar wounds. Eight were medically evacuated, including three who were going to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The other five, who suffered minor brain injuries, were expected to return to duty. The Pima County Sheriff's Department is seeking information on the drivers of one or more vehicles who struck a pedestrian in a deadly crash earlier this month. Willius Ventura, 35, was struck by a vehicle just after 7 p.m. Jan. 17 on South Palo Verde Road, south of East Irvington Road, the department has said. Ventura apparently then fell into the street and was struck by as many as two more vehicles, said a news release Monday from the department. The driver of the first vehicle that hit Ventura stopped, but the others fled the crash scene, the release said. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME, the anonymous tip line. Members of the Senate will interrogate CEOs of five social media giants about their efforts to address child sexual exploitation Wednesday. Associated Press WASHINGTON Members of the Senate will interrogate CEOs of five social media giants Wednesday about their efforts to address child sexual exploitation. Linda Yaccarino of X Corp. (formerly known as Twitter), Shou Chew of TikTok Inc., Evan Spiegel of Snap Inc., Mark Zuckerberg of Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram) and Jason Citron of Discord Inc. will address the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday morning. Yaccarino, Citron and Spiegel will testify after being subpoenaed by the committee; Chew and Zuckerberg voluntarily agreed to testify. The grilling will take place amid growing concerns about social medias impact on young users mental health. And as a recent episode involving AI-generated, sexually explicit images of pop star Taylor Swift distributed without her knowledge or consent drives home, artificial intelligence is amplifying the dangers of online platforms. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The tech CEOs at Wednesdays hearing will likely emphasize steps their companies have already taken to implement new safety tools and guardrails to protect minors. But lawmakers, advocates and the public could press them to go much further. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle think big tech companies control too much of Americans personal data and target children for their own monetary gain. In President Joe Bidens 2023 State of the Union speech, a rare moment of bipartisan applause came when he called for legislation to stop Big Tech from collecting personal data on kids and teenagers online, ban targeted advertising to children and impose stricter limits on the personal data these companies collect on all of us. The hearing is aimed at highlighting the need for congressional action on bipartisan legislation already passed by the Judiciary Committee. Three bills to address the issue have already been approved by the Judiciary Committee but have yet to receive a vote by the full Senate. They would expand protections for victims in federal court and ease the process for asking tech companies to remove child sexual abuse material; decrease the liability protections of tech companies for alleged violations of child sexual exploitation laws; and criminalize distributing or threatening to distribute sexual material of a nude minor or an adult without that persons consent. A bill to create new measures aimed at strengthening reporting of online child sexual exploitation passed the full Senate in December. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The companies have largely declined to publicly state their position on the legislation. Days before the hearing, X announced plans to hire 100 full-time content moderators, and Meta said it would block children from receiving messages from people they dont follow or arent connected to. California officials passed a sweeping law in 2022 requiring tech companies to design their platforms with privacy protections for minors and to limit their business use of information gathered from them. The law was challenged in court by NetChoice, a lobbying group whose 42 members include X, TikTok, Snap and Meta (Discord is not a member of the association). A federal judge blocked the law last year before it was set to take effect. Attorney General Rob Bonta appealed the ruling to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in October. Im sure all the CEOs are going to say, Were doing everything we can. We care about kids safety online. Its really important to us. But I think the question is, Are you devoting engineering time? Assembly Member Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, who authored the state law, told the Chronicle. Every engineering hour they spend to address (child sexual exploitation) is an engineering hour theyre not spending to figure out which algorithms they want to push out to keep you on the platform longer. Meanwhile, California and 32 other states filed suit in October against Meta, alleging the company unlawfully enticed and addicted young people to its social media platforms. Attorneys general for eight other states and Washington, D.C., filed similar suits in their own state courts. Hundreds of such cases have been filed by individuals nationwide. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, who is handling the cases, ruled in November that the lawsuits could proceed, but didnt weigh in on the merits of the claims. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Common Sense, a San Francisco-based advocacy group, has proposed a ballot measure for the November election that would make social media platforms liable for offering products that foreseeably cause injury to kids. But Wicks said protections are needed beyond California. Were going to keep moving forward, doing everything we can to protect kids, and we hope Congress acts. It shouldnt just be kids in California who are protected, it should be kids across the country (who) are protected, Wicks said. There is likely to be no horse racing season at Rillito Downs this year, ending an 80-year Tucson tradition. The decision, made last week by the Pima County Board of Supervisors, is due to incomplete financial audits for the past three years, according to a Jan. 24 memorandum from county administrator Jan Lesher. Other issues, however, also make it unlikely there will be horse racing in Tucson in 2024. The bottom line is there will not be racing this year at Rillito, Lesher said to the Board of Supervisors. The last communication I had with the board indicating we had a variety of requirements . . . including an audit and a variety of things. Those things have not occurred. Commercial races at Rillito Downs have been operated by Rillito Racing and the Rillito Park Foundation. According to the county, the foundation has not completed financial audits for 2021, 2022 or 2023. Ed Ackerley, Rillito Park Foundation president, says there are four factors creating the pause in this years racing season: First, the wait on its financial audits, which Ackerley says stems mostly from administrative issues from their third-party accounting firm being bogged down. Second is scheduling conflicts with other Arizona racetracks whose seasons begin this spring. Third is ongoing renovations to the clubhouse, which Ackerley says could lead to a race season delay for the year. And fourth, is the wait for an allocation of covid relief aid for the racetrack. Rillito Race Track received $167,500 through Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans approved by then-Gov. Doug Ducey before he left office, according to ProPublica. But further funds have been put on hold by Gov. Katie Hobbs, Ackerley said. The county gave the track operators until Jan. 15 to provide the past due audits They missed the deadline. The county will not consider granting approval for any commercial racing dates until the audits are received, a county memo says. Rillito race days werent the only races held at the Old Pueblos track. County fair horse racing days, which in the past have been held at Rillito, are operated by the Pima County Fair Horse Racing Commission. According to a Jan. 19 memorandum from Lesher, these race days at Rillito are no longer required for the first half of this year. This resulted in the county commission requesting approval for the races to move to Turf Paradise, a track in Phoenix. The county approved the move. Races at Turf Paradise are set for March 7, March 14, March 21 and March 28. Just because racing wont be in Tucson soon, that doesnt mean theyre gone for good, Ackerley said Tuesday. There could be a possibility that once Turf Paradise finishes their season in the summer, then in the fall theres a window where we could possibly run for a few weekends, Ackerley said. The message is, yes, racing will return. When? We dont have a specific date, but were working as hard as we can and well do whatever we need to do from a community-perspective to meet the requirements of the county and the state. Ackerley said he hopes racing will be back in here by the fall. But, he said hes tentatively, earmarking the spring 2025 season as a return for Tucson racing. PHOENIX Republicans who control the Arizona Legislature are trying again to address the states housing affordability crisis by limiting the ability of cities and towns to set minimum standards for single-family homes. Rep. Leo Biasiucci and Sen. Sonny Borrelli, both from Lake Havasu City and serving as majority leaders of their respective chambers, are sponsoring identical proposals that would overrule zoning laws adopted by cities of 50,000 residents or more. Were here because the American dream of homeownership has become unattainable for many hardworking Arizona families and young adults, Senate President Warren Petersen said at a Monday news conference. Their idea is designed to spur the development of starter homes, smaller homes that could be much less expensive than the traditional tract homes that dominate the states single-family home housing market. Reducing lot size would help developers pack more homes into a project and reduce costs. Rising home costs have shocked longtime Arizona residents who are used to affordable homes. The median price for a detached single-family home in metro Phoenix sits at $430,000, a 53% rise just since 2020. Their plan would erase minimum lot sizes and any setback requirement of more than 5 feet for new developments, bar cities from setting minimum square footages for new homes and block limits on how much of a lot must be left open as front, side or back yards beyond that minimum street setback. The bills HB 2570 and SB1112 also block municipalities from adopting rules mandating specific design, architectural or aesthetic elements for new homes, and it would bar cities from requiring homeowner associations or common walls, landscaping and other features maintained by HOA fees. Petersen blamed cities and counties for the lack of affordable starter homes, saying lengthy delays in approving new developments, city-imposed impact fees and things like design reviews are boosting costs for developers. He also pointed a finger at Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs for last years actions by the state Water Resources Department. The department said a lack of available groundwater in some outlying parts of the Phoenix metro area meant it could not approve some new developments. Biasiucci said there is no reason to tell a developer or a property owner that they can build on a lot only if the house has a minimum number of square feet. He insisted, though, that the proposal would not override the right of cities to have zoning laws that limit the number of homes on a particular parcel. Biasiucci said if land is zoned for four homes per acre, nothing would allow the construction of more than that. But Tom Belshe, executive director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, said thats flat wrong. As the bills are written, he said, cities would be barred from limiting lot sizes, both in new developments and in existing neighborhoods. That removes the ability of municipalities and their citizens, through the planning process, to limit density. This effectively gets rid of single-family zoning and deregulates the standards for development, Belshe said. And it really severely limits setback requirements, he continued. You might imagine youre going to have people high-fiving from one window to the next between houses. He also said blaming municipalities for the shortage of new homes is inaccurate. Homebuilders are just now getting back to the number of homes they were building in metro Phoenix before the mortgage crisis cratered the housing industry in 2008-2011, despite continued population growth in Arizona. He also noted that there are a lot of homes that have been approved but arent yet being built. In metro Phoenix alone, 275,000 new homes and apartments are in the development process and 106,000 have full approvals and are ready to be built, according to the League. So, we may be one part of the issue, but there are a lot of other issues that are not being talked about at all, Belshe said. Its all being laid at our feet. Those issues include rising material and labor costs and a shortage of skilled crafts people to actually build new home and apartment. And the rising cost of new and existing homes isnt just an Arizona issue, since home prices have increased nationally as well. While he acknowledged that sometimes city planning takes a long time, cities and towns are working on plans to adopt rules specifically intended to shorten the approval process. This is the second year Republican lawmakers have taken aim at cities and how they regulate new home construction. Last year, an even more far-reaching plan to overhaul their ability to oversee zoning failed. After months of battle, GOP lawmakers were unable to pass the overhaul bill sponsored by then-Rep. Steve Kaiser even after striking a deal with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns on a slimmed-down version. That deal would have set state standards for zoning, requiring cities and towns to allow backyard casitas and a mix of new smaller developments including small lots sizes, duplex and tri-plex homes and manufactured housing. Democrats got Kaiser to include incentives for affordable apartments to be developed in the states major metro areas. In the end though, even many Republicans opposed a state takeover of local development rules and the plan was axed. Belshe, the leader of the organization that represents cities and towns across the state, said his groups opposition to this years plan is solid. And he said residents of cities and towns are not likely to agree to their local government being stripped of zoning rights and their residents participation in it. To just say well, that doesnt matter anymore, that isnt necessary, I dont think citizens are going to like that, Belshe said. But Peterson, Borrelli, Biasiucci and other Republican lawmakers at Mondays news conference appeared determined to push through the new overhaul. Government has been the problem, particularly local governments, Petersen said. This problem becomes bigger and bigger every time local government starts restricting builders from building. Famous Oklahoma lawman Bill Tilghman, who was called "the greatest of us all" by another former deputy marshal, was shot to death outside a dance hall in Cromwell by a federal prohibition enforcement officer. Tilghman, 70, died almost instantly after the Nov. 2, 1924, shooting by Wylie Lynn of Holdenville, who surrendered to a federal magistrate. Lynn refused to say anything that night except to admit he was the shooter but later claimed he acted in self-defense, a claim apparently believed by a jury that acquitted him of a murder charge several months later. Lynn said that he had gone to Cromwell, known as the state's wildest town, to investigate reports that the women at Ma Murphy's dance hall were providing liquor to patrons. He said one of his guns accidentally fired and the shot attracted Police Chief Tilghman's attention. Witnesses said Tilghman, aided by a couple of friends, struggled with the intoxicated Lynn and managed to get two of his guns but Lynn pulled a third weapon and fired three shots into Tilghman's chest. Witnesses said Lynn was armed with two .38-caliber automatic pistols and a .44-caliber revolver, but he testified later that he had only two guns. After Lynn was acquitted in a trial at Wewoka, he was sentenced to 90 days in jail for contempt of court for carrying a pistol, which fell out of his pocket in the courtroom during the trial. Lynn was mortally wounded in a 1932 shootout in a Madill drug store that also left the other gunman, a friend of Tilghman, and a bystander mortally wounded and a second bystander less seriously wounded. Witnesses said Lynn saw his enemy, Crockett Long, a state agent, sitting in the store among about 25 customers and ordered him to put up his hands. "I'm going to get you some time and it might as well be now," witnesses said Lynn yelled as he pointed his pistol at Long. Long rose, pulled his own pistol and the two fired at each other until their guns were empty. Each man was hit by five bullets. Long died on an operating table a few hours later, as did one of the bystanders who was hit by a stray bullet. Lynn died the next day. Tilghman had frequently expressed his desire to "die with his boots on" in true frontier style, Muskogee County Sheriff J.F. (Bud) Ledbetter, a former marshal, said of his old-time friend. Tilghman's career as a law officer began as a city marshal in Dodge City, Kan., where he killed at least 20 men in shootouts before he moved to Guthrie in 1889 and became one of three U.S. deputy marshals for Oklahoma Territory. During his career, he also had served as Oklahoma City police chief, as a state senator and as an adviser on a movie about outlaws in Oklahoma. He and former train robber Al Jennings toured the country showing the epic movie with Jennings making short talks to illustrate the doom that awaited bad men. Tilghman didn't talk but stood by for scenery, wearing his pearl handled guns and his gold badge from Dodge City. Tilghman came out of retirement to take the marshal's job in the oil boomtown at the request of Gov. M.E. Trapp to help bring some order to the town that often was referred to as the most wicked city in the world. After Tilghman was killed, Bat Masterson, another famous deputy marshal, described Tilghman as the "greatest of us all." Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive. Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today A resolution condemning U.S. Sen. James Lankford revealed a schism in Oklahoma Republican Party leadership over the weekend. One faction of the GOPs state committee, led by Vice Chairman Wayne Hill of Osage County and meeting in Oklahoma City on Saturday, voted to withdraw party support for Lankford because of his work with Democrats on a comprehensive border security bill. The resolution included a provision that it be published on the party website along with a press release. But after some social media back-and-forth on Sunday, a second press release under the Oklahoma GOP letterhead was sent out on Monday, apparently at the behest of Chairman Nathan Dahm, calling the earlier resolution illegitimate. The meeting held by certain Republicans on January 27th was an illegitimate meeting, said the second press release. Proper notice was not provided to all members of the State Committee meeting. None of the actions done at the meeting are the official position of the OKGOP and the media is advised to refrain from reporting or suggesting this was an official action of the OKGOP or Oklahoma Republican Party regarding the motions, resolutions, or procedures done at this illegitimate meeting. Oklahoma GOP Executive Director Stan Stevens and others familiar with the situation said the resolution was passed by a meeting of 110-125 of the state committees roughly 400-plus members. Although far from a majority, this constituted a quorum under state GOP rules. After complaints from state committee members who said they were not notified of the meeting, Dahm who was not involved in the Saturday meeting declared it invalid. The state committee consists primarily of county party officials and the Republican legislative caucuses. It generally meets as needed for party business. Stevens said the next scheduled meeting is a few weeks before the May state convention, which historically has been when most resolutions are considered. That changed in 2021 when the state committee came close to censuring Lankford and then-U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe for not trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election. In appearances on national television on Sunday, Lankford said he believes opposition to the border security negotiations are based on misinformation. He encouraged skeptics to wait until the bill is actually printed before judging it. Lankford said he is particularly miffed by allegations that the bill will permit up to 5,000 illegal entrants a day. As it now stands, the agreement would allow the president to completely close the border on days in which 4,000-5,000 illegal entrants have been apprehended. Several elements figure into some Republicans opposition to an agreement, including former President and likely 2024 GOP presidential nominee Donald Trumps desire to maintain border security as a campaign issue this year. Also at issue is a rift in the Oklahoma GOP between those who backed Dahm for the chairmanship last year and those who supported former state Rep. Sean Roberts, an ally of Hills. Dahm and other recent chairmen, it is alleged, have refused to release the full state committee membership list, making it impossible for anyone to call a state committee meeting without the chairmans consent. Among the resolutions passed over the weekend was one requiring that the list be made available to the vice chairman. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. OKLALHOMA CITY State Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said he offered Gov. Kevin Stitt and House Speaker Charles McCall a quarter-point income tax rate cut last spring as part of a broader negotiation over education policy and they turned it down. I cant help it if they dont know how to negotiate, Treat said Monday. Treat said he was willing to accept the tax cut if McCall and Stitt had agreed to the Senates education proposal last year. Gov. Stitt and Speaker McCall both rejected that outright, Treat said. And then two weeks later theyre standing at a podium championing the very package I offered them. On Monday, the House and Senate convened in a special session called by Stitt one week before the start of the regular session to vote on the same 0.25 percentage point rate cut. It doesnt look like that is going to happen. The House remains on track to vote on the measure House Bill 1002xxx on Wednesday, but the Senate gaveled in and then recessed to the call of the chair. Treat said the Senate wont meet again this week but indicated that hes willing to let the special session run concurrently with the regular session, just to keep all options open. There would be some irony and perhaps strategic irony to that, since Stitt has sued Treat and McCall in an effort to negate everything done during the concurrent session they called last year. House Majority Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, speaking Monday morning before the Senate met, again advanced the claim that Oklahomans are clamoring for a tax cut that, for most households, would amount to $100 a year or less while trimming $250 million from state revenue. Echols all but acknowledged that tax relief was unlikely to come this week but said he is optimistic that it will occur before the end of the regular session. We believe the Senate is negotiating in good faith, Echols said. We will continue to negotiate in good faith. He, like McCall and other members of House leadership, did not rule out other tax measures, including rebates or tax credits. The House and Senate previously voted $100 one-time rebates to taxpayers, only for Stitt to veto that as insufficient. Treat repeated what he said is his caucus position that no decision about taxes should be made until the final fiscal year 2025 revenue estimate is delivered on Feb. 15. He noted that last years estimate shrank by $611 million from December to February. Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Those who monitor such things agree that Oklahoma is in the grip of a serious mental health and substance abuse dilemma. Why is not clear, but experts say easy access to more potent and in some cases deadlier drugs is likely one reason. How strong are todays drugs of choice, including alcohol? According to various sources, illegal methamphetamines have gone from around 66% pure to 99%. Legal medical marijuana products are 10 to 50 times more potent than the clandestine pot of the hippie-dippy 60s. The synthetic opioid fentanyl is 100 times more powerful than morphine; 1 kilogram 2.2 pounds is enough to kill half a million people. It causes mental disease, but also it drains resources from important areas, said Dr. Jason Beaman, a psychiatrist and addiction researcher at Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences. If we could stop methamphetamine use overnight, wed need half as many psychiatric beds. Thats an incredible cost of resources, he said. Not only is methamphetamine deadly, but its use also contributes to mental illness. Long-term psychosis from methamphetamine use is increasingly common, Beaman said. An informal one-month study at the Tulsa Center for Behavioral Health found that 54% of admissions for psychosis were connected to meth use. Methamphetamine absolutely causes psychosis, Beaman said, and the more potent it is, the worse its going to be. A billion of anything is bad for you While marijuana can have beneficial uses, too much THC can trigger unpleasant side effects, including psychosis, Beaman and other experts say. Edibles and other concentrated forms of marijuana can pack dozens of doses into a tiny package, making it easy to consume more THC than is recommended. Beaman compares it to a nuclear bomb in the head. No studies have indicated a medical benefit from these levels of THC, he said. Products such as edibles are tested and labeled according to the amount of THC they contain. Patients can buy a single chocolate bar with 1,000 mg of THC. For comparison while suggested dosages for cancer patients vary widely Canadas national health policy agency recommends a combination of 32.4 mg THC and 30 mg cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD is a nonintoxicating chemical found in marijuana plants that can counteract negative effects of THC over-consumption. Beaman, asked to compare some of todays cannabis products with those of the past, said, Probably not going to get psychotic smoking a doobie at a Grateful Dead concert. Taking a gummy today in Oklahoma, Ive seen people get psychotic. Ive been involved in homicide (trials) caused by cannabis-induced psychosis. Were seeing a lot of negative outcomes caused by THC. Beaman agreed that the medical efficacy of cannabis is still a matter of some dispute but advised common-sense caution. I get a headache or a sore knee, I take some ibuprofen. I dont take a billion of them, he said. A billion of anything is bad for you, and thats what were doing with marijuana in Oklahoma today. Drug suppliers get better, supply gets deadlier Fentanyl, by contrast, doesnt cause or worsen mental illness. Its just highly addictive and kills people. At a recent Oklahoma House of Representatives hearing, officials with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services said it has given out 400,000 opioid antagonist doses about 100 times its expected doses. Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado says not even near-death experiences can persuade some of his jails inmates to give up fentanyl. So what is Oklahoma to do? Twenty years ago, Oklahoma thought the solution to meth manufacturing was to restrict the sale of popular over-the-counter allergy medications containing precursor chemicals. It didnt work. Yes, makeshift labs in rural shacks and urban apartments stopped blowing up, and people concocting meth in 2-liter pop bottles didnt catch themselves and their cars on fire anymore, but the meth itself didnt go away. It just became stronger and purer and mass produced, mostly in Mexico. According to the Oklahoma Bureau of Drugs and Dangerous Substances, through 2022 meth was still Oklahomas No. 1 cause of accidental drug overdose deaths, even with the rise of opioids via a cycle almost identical to meths. Root cause of drug abuse unaddressed When overdose deaths skyrocketed a few years ago because of prescription opioid abuse, Oklahoma and other states clamped down on doctors, pharmacists and drug manufacturers and marketers. As with meth, opioids did not go away, either. They just became stronger, purer and more deadly. One teaspoon of the synthetic opioid fentanyl can kill as many as 2,500 people. And because its so concentrated, its much easier to smuggle. And now fentanyl is being laced with another drug to make it even more dangerous. Xylazine, commonly known as tranq, is essentially a non-opioid horse tranquilizer. So, methamphetamine and opioid potency grew exponentially despite or perhaps because of legal intervention. But the same is true of marijuana, which is now more or less legal and regulated to some extent in most of the U.S. Where does that leave those combating the effects of overuse and addiction? Beaman said trying to cut off illegal drugs and regulating legal ones should continue but that the problem wont be solved unless the demand side of the equation is addressed. You will not be able to incarcerate yourself out of this problem, he said. We have to put serious effort into the supply, with interdiction of drug volume, but also weve got to get really, really serious about people wanting to use this stuff. We should not be asking why there is so much opioids or fentanyl or heroin in Oklahoma, he said. We should be asking, Why do so many Oklahomans want to use opioids? Until we stop and ask this question, we will always have this problem. It may be opioids; it may be methamphetamines; it may be marijuana; it may be alcohol, but if we dont change the brains of Oklahomans from the way they feel right now, they will always have this problem. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Vehicle models distributed in Vietnam are not among those affected by power output data manipulation from a Toyota Motor Corp. subsidiary, according to the Japanese automotive manufacturers website and internal communications. The manipulation occurred at Toyota Industries Corp., an affiliate of the automaker, which fabricated data on diesel engines used in various models, including the Land Cruiser 300 and the Hilux. In response to the scandal, Toyota on Monday announced the suspension of vehicle shipments with the affected engines. At a news conference held on the same day, Toyota President Koji Sato expressed deep apologies for the inconvenience caused to customers and assured that the company is committed to resolving the problem swiftly. The 10 affected models, including the Hiace, Fortuner, and Innova, were sold in various markets, including Japan, Europe, and the Middle East. Information from Toyotas website and internal communications confirms that Vietnam remains unaffected, as Toyota Vietnams vehicles primarily utilize gasoline engines or are domestically produced. Models equipped with affected engines. Photo: Toyota Toyota Indonesia has also issued a similar announcement. The data manipulation dates back to 2017, according to Toyota Industries, when the company doctored fuel injection volume in engine output tests to enhance the appearance of torque. Local media claimed that a third-party panels report blamed the corporate culture at Toyota Industries, citing a lack of will to actively increase compliance. The revelation added to a series of quality control challenges that have plagued the world's largest automaker group in recent years. Daihatsu Motor Co., Toyotas small-car unit, suspended all shipments last month after a third-party investigation exposed rigged safety tests for most of its models. Hino Motors Ltd., another Toyota subsidiary, admitted to submitting fraudulent emissions and fuel economy data in March 2022. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his spouse arrived in Hanoi on Monday afternoon for a two-day state visit to Vietnam, aimed at creating new momentum for bilateral cooperation in all fields. This is the first visit to Vietnam by President Marcos since his taking office in 2022. The visit is made at the invitation of State President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Philippine leader and his entourage were welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi by Chairman of the Presidential Office Le Khanh Hai, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, and other officials. President Marcos was accompanied by Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, a number of Philippine ministers, and a Philippine Coast Guard representative, among others. President Thuong will chair an official reception for his Philippine counterpart in Hanoi on Tuesday, and the two leaders will then hold talks and witness the signing of a number of cooperation agreements. The host and guest have been scheduled to jointly visit the Thang Long Imperial Citadel on Tuesday afternoon. The Philippine president will also have separate meetings with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. Marcos' visit comes at a time when the two countries are set to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership next year. The trip aims to beef up mutual political trust, strengthen the strategic partnership, and create a new impetus for boosting bilateral cooperation in all fields, the Vietnam News Agency quoted Ambassador Binh in an interview ahead of the visit. Against the backdrop of political and security uncertainties in the region and the world, encompassing issues such as the situation in Myanmar and the East Vietnam Sea, this visit holds particular significance in terms of fortifying ASEAN's unity and maintaining its centrality, Binh said. Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre told the media that the visit will help strengthen the relationship between the Philippine president and Vietnam's highest-ranking leaders while further promoting strategic cooperation for mutual interests in peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. After 48 years of diplomatic relations, the relationship between Vietnam and the Philippines has developed fruitfully in multifaceted areas. Political cooperation has been enhanced through many high-level visits and meetings. Economic cooperation between the two nations has also developed well, with the Philippines being Vietnams 6th-largest trading partner in ASEAN and 16th in the world. The Philippines continues to be Vietnams largest rice export market, with exports reaching 2.63 million tonnes valued at US$1.41 billion in the first 11 months of 2023, according to official figures. Cooperation in other fields such as security, defense, education, training, culture, labor, and tourism has also been boosted. The two countries continue to maintain close coordination at regional and international forums such as the United Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Vietnam and the Philippines are part of the 10-nation ASEAN bloc, whose eight other member states include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A court in Vietnam sentenced four fishermen to one to eight years in prison for arranging for others to illegally leave the country to engage in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in Malaysian waters. The Peoples Court of southern Kien Giang Province on Monday gave an eight-year jail term to 43-year-old Tran Van Luyen, the owner of two fishing boats in the provinces Rach Gia City, the mastermind of the case. Two of Luyens three accomplices, Pham Chi Dung, 59, and Tran Minh Tam, 40, were given the same seven years in prison, while the last defendant, Tran Van Nhut, 37, was sentenced to one year in jail. All the four fishermen were found guilty of organizing illegal exits for others in relation to committing illegal fishing in foreign waters,' the court said. This was a typical hearing for seamen who committed IUU fishing violations given the efforts Vietnam has been making for the removal of the IUU fishing yellow card warning that has been imposed by the European Commission (EC) on Vietnamese seafood since 2017, according to the Kien Giang administration. According to the indictment, Luyens two vessels were seized by Malaysian authorities on May 16, 2022 for illegally fishing in the countrys waters. Later that month, Luyen and Tam discussed making two new profiles for the seized boats to conceal their infringement history so that they could continue using them after getting the vessels back from Malaysia. Tam then contacted and hired Nguyen Bao Duy, a ship registration officer, to make the new profiles that indicated new identification numbers for the ships for VND400 million (US$16,350) as renumeration. In late August 2022, Luyen, Tam, and another person went to Malaysia to retrieve the two seized vessels. When the boats they had recovered reached the waters of the southernmost Vietnamese province of Ca Mau, they erased the existing identification numbers on both vessels before applying new ones, according to Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper. In the following month, under Luyens direction, Dung arranged for Nhut and many others to exit Vietnam illicitly by boarding the two vessels that later encroached on Malaysian waters for illegal fishing. Dung directed the crew to turn off the cruise monitoring devices on both boats and erase the last two digits of the ship numbers to avoid detection. On October 18, 2022, while the pair of boats returned to the Doc River in Ca Mau to sell fish, they were stopped by a unit of Vietnams Coast Guard Region 4. Following an inspection, the unit imposed a total fine of VND27.9 million ($1,140) on Dung for the absence of a captain's license, seafood exploitation certificate, and lifebuoys. About a week later, Dung and his seamen continued using the pair of fishing boats for illegal fishing in Malaysian waters and were detected by Malaysia's naval forces. During their escape from Malaysian forces, the two vessels illegally entered the waters of Indonesia and they were stopped and seized by Indonesian naval authorities. Dung and the crew members of both boats were detained in Indonesia until April 2023, when they were released back to Vietnam. Luyen, Dung, and Tam were arrested and prosecuted between October and December 2023, while Nhut was prosecuted and banned from leaving his residence on January 5, 2024. Regarding Duy, Kien Giang police will continue their investigation and verification of his acts and will handle his case later, Voice of Vietnam said, citing the provincial Peoples Procuracy. At court, all the four defendants pleaded guilty to the offenses specified in the indictment, saying that they committed the crimes because they needed money to support their poor families. They begged the court to give them light sentences so that they could be reunited with their families soon. Duong Tan Tai, a local fishing boat owner, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that this trial has contributed to raising awareness among fishing boat owners about legal fishing and avoiding IUU fishing activities. "I believe that fishermen will act more responsibly and engage in legal seafood harvesting, thereby contributing to the lifting of the EU's 'yellow card' warning on IUU fishing," Tai stated. He also suggested authorities create policies to help fishermen stabilize their lives in the long run. Le Quoc Anh, deputy chairman of the Kien Giang administration, said provincial authorities have long facilitated the legal operations of local fishermen and their vessels, while educating and asking them not to violate foreign waters. Anh emphasized that any actions that violate the national interest for personal gain will face stringent punishment. We organize public handling of violations to help raise fishermen's awareness," the official said. "Localities will also have policies to create other jobs for fishers whose fishing business is not enough to help them stabilize their familys living conditions. After imposing the yellow card warning on Vietnamese seafood in October 2017, the EC sent its teams to Vietnam four times for inspections, with the latest taking place in October 2023. But the warning has yet to be removed due to limitations of some localities in compliance with relevant EC requirements, according to local media. On November 14, 2023, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued a dispatch urging relevant ministries, agencies, and authorities to focus all efforts on making preparations for the fifth IUU fishing inspection by the EC, expected to take place in April 2024, so that the warning can be lifted as soon as possible. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Catch up on the news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his spouse arrived in Hanoi on Monday afternoon, starting their two-day state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse. This is the Philippine leaders first Vietnam visit since he assumed office in late June 2022. Society -- Vietnam welcomed over 1.5 million foreign tourist arrivals in January, surging 73.6 percent over the same period last year and up slightly against January 2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic had yet to hit the country, the General Statistics Office reported on Monday. -- The owner of an illegally-built 12-story building in Phu Quoc, an island city off Kien Giang Province in southern Vietnam, has had the building demolished following local authorities requirement. The demolition will take three months, the Kien Giang administration informed on Monday. -- Ho Chi Minh City will provide Wi-Fi at no charge on all buses in the city to serve the demand of commuters, according to the municipal Department of Transport. Business -- Vietnam attracted US$2.36 billion of foreign capital in the year to January 20, surging 40.2 percent year on year, according to the General Statistics Office. -- FPT Retail, a retail chain under Vietnamese tech giant FPT, closed 31 FPT Shop stores, which sell phones, laptops, and electronic products, in 2023, reducing the number of these outlets nationwide to 755. The firm also reported its first loss since it listed shares on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange in 2018, according to FPT Retails 2023 financial report. Lifestyle -- People living down alleys in Ho Chi Minh City have embellished their neighborhoods to ring in the Lunar New Year, commonly known as Tet, which is due in February. World News -- A batch of newly released images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope show in remarkable detail 19 spiral galaxies residing relatively near our Milky Way, offering new clues on star formation as well as galactic structure and evolution, Reuters reported. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The construction of the Oceanwide Center project at 50 First St. in San Francisco has been stalled for years. But a judges upcoming decision could pave the way for a sale of the prominent property. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Nearly four years after work on what was envisioned as a project adding two signature towers to San Franciscos skyline came to a full stop, some of the legal issues hanging over the notoriously stalled Oceanwide Center development at First and Mission streets appear to be headed toward a resolution. The former general contractors on the planned 2 million-square-foot project at 50 First St. a joint venture between Swinerton and Webcor Builders are seeking a judicial foreclosure and sale of the property, Andrew Van Ornum, an attorney representing the construction firms, confirmed on Monday. The unfinished project on a 1.2-acre site across the street from Salesforce Tower today is nothing but a gaping hole in the ground. Construction on the two-tower project which was entitled for more than 1 million square feet of office space, a hotel and hundreds of new condos prior to the pandemic was previously valued at $1.6 billion. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The foreclosure sale process is a next step to be initiated after a San Francisco Superior Court judge signs off on a settlement reached late last year in a string of unpaid work claims filed against the projects original developer Oceanwide Holdings, the U.S. unit of Chinese conglomerate China Oceanwide Holdings Group and its contractors, according to Van Ornum and court documents filed in recent months. The site at 50 First St. in San Francisco was supposed to hold a tower, but the construction of the promising Oceanwide Center was stopped when the pandemic hit. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Per the settlement agreement reached in November, the projects contractors would be awarded around $28 million for services rendered before the plug was pulled on the troubled project in the fall of 2020, Van Ornum said. Court documents show that Swinerton-Webcor Joint Venture is slated to receive roughly $21.1 million, which also covers outstanding balances from a number of the joint ventures subcontractors. In order for the companies that worked on the project to get paid, the court is going to have to sell the project, said Van Ornum. However, it is unclear when that process, if approved, would launch, as there are other entities besides the contractors that also have active claims on the project that need to get wrapped up before the property is sold, he said. The judges confirmation of the settlement award, as well as a ruling on a pending motion to consolidate more than a dozen related lawsuits by subcontractors, are expected in the coming weeks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When work on the Oceanwide Center broke ground in 2016, the project was supposed to be the next jewel on the citys skyline. The larger of the two towers was slated to rise 910 feet, and was approved for 1.2 million square feet of office space and 109 condos. The smaller, 600-foot tower at 512 Mission St. was slated to house a 169-room Waldorf Astoria hotel and another 156 residential units. But the project never even made it out of the ground. Oceanwide halted construction on the smaller tower in the fall of 2019, at the time citing local market changes and economic uncertainties. A year later, construction on the taller tower was halted in light of the pandemic. Oceanwide spent most of 2020 trying to sell the project, but negotiations with potential buyers on two separate occasions were unsuccessful. The construction project at 50 First St. has become one of San Franciscos most prominent stalled downtown projects. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Swinerton and Webcor quit the troubled project shortly after construction stopped in the fall of 2020, joining the chorus of construction firms that alleged they had not been paid for work they performed. In early 2021, a few months prior to suing Oceanwide Holdings, the joint venture filed a $108 million mechanics lien, which is a security interest in the title to the property for the benefit of those who have supplied labor or materials for its improvement. If unpaid, a mechanics lien allows a foreclosure action. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In all, mechanics liens filed by the general and subcontractors between 2020 and 2022 on the project totaled about $150 million. The situation came to a head in October 2021, when Oceanwides creditors seized the project as collateral after two of the companys subsidiaries missed payments of notes worth $321.5 million, and appointed receivers to manage the property on their behalf. The projects receivers said in court filings this month that they do not oppose the negotiated settlement with the projects contractors, but added that any judicial process put in place with respect to the final judgment and order of foreclosure sale should maximize the proceeds for the benefit of all parties involved. The receivers also said that they had preliminary discussions with the general contractors about the parameters of such a process, which could include the retention of a broker to aggressively market and sell the property given current market conditions, but that no agreement has been reached. A San Francisco real estate broker who is familiar with the project, but spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that they are aware of a number of parties that are interested in acquiring the Oceanwide Center project, but that attempts to sell the project have been dampened by the ongoing legal challenges. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Whoever steps in immediately has to write a check, the broker said. Additionally, the projects design is not feasible to build in the current market, given that nearly 36% of San Franciscos office space sits vacant in the wake of the pandemic. Less than two months before the Oceanwide Center project was taken over by its creditors in 2021, Oceanwide Holdings attempted to bring a new investor into the project to move it forward. The developer planned to form a joint venture with BXP (formerly Boston Properties) the nations largest publicly traded developer, which, in San Francisco, is responsible for the citys tallest building, the Salesforce Tower at 415 Mission St. and even inquired about striking the projects hotel component with city planning officials. Traffic police in Hoi An, a tourist city in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, have heightened their patrol and control of traffic, with dozens of foreigners found breaching traffic safety regulations while riding a motorbike. Senior Lieutenant-Colonel Vuong Quoc Hoi, head of the citys police agency, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday that among traffic violators were several foreigners who work, live, and travel in the locale. It is not uncommon to observe foreigners in Da Nang City, the central Vietnam capital, and Hoi An Ancient Town riding motorcycles on the streets, with a notable number of them neglecting to wear helmets while riding. Lots of young foreigners are often seen riding a motorbike on the seaside road connecting Da Nang with Hoi An without a crash helmet on their heads, which is one of the traffic safety offenses in Vietnam. Nguyen Tan Thanh, a souvenir shop owner in Hoi An Ancient Town, mentioned that he had previously reminded many foreign riders to wear a helmet and cautioned them against running red lights. Some of them happily thanked me, but many others felt irritated, Thanh said. A foreigner undergoes a breath test in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Q.H. / Tuoi Tre Christ James, an Australian who is living in Hoi An, noted that after visiting Vietnam, many overseas guests were not accustomed to riding motorcycles. James said that some young foreigners believed they would not face penalties from traffic police while using roads in Vietnam. However, James added that adhering to traffic rules, such as wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle, becomes second nature for foreigners who live in the Southeast Asian nation for an extended period. Hoi An welcomes a large number of international visitors each day, and is home to 300 families hailing from many nations worldwide. The citys traffic police have tightened street patrols as many foreigners disobey traffic safety regulations, according to Senior Lieutenant-Colonel Hoi. Multiple checkpoints have been set up on key routes in the city. Apart from booking road users who fail to wear a helmet, traffic police officers are also stopping riders to conduct a breath test, where drivers are asked to blow into a device known as a breathalyzer through a plastic tube to determine whether there is any hint of alcohol in their breath. In addition to sanctioning foreigners who violate traffic safety regulations, police also penalize motorcycle-renting service providers who hand over motorbikes to the traffic violators. Traffic police officers in Hoi An have taken action by booking and fining 46 foreigners for various violations, including failure to wear a crash helmet, exceeding the prescribed number of passengers, disregarding traffic light signals, and entering restricted roads. Administrative fines have been levied on 19 owners of motorcycle rental stores in the city. A foreigner is booked for violating traffic safety regulations in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Q.H. / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Over the past few days, temperatures in several cities and provinces in northern Vietnam have tumbled, leading to a high hospital admission rate among elderly people. They are primarily affected by respiratory and cardiovascular ailments, including strokes. The National Geriatric Hospital in Hanoi has seen multiple lines of old people wait for their turns to have their health checked each day over the past week. The hospital has reported a dramatic increase in hospitalizations among senior citizens over the past few days, said Dr. Ha Thi Van at the hospital. The hospital normally admits an average of 10 elderly patients a day. However, the figure has doubled due to the freezing weather, according to Dr. Van. These hospitalizations were linked to high blood pressure, heart failure, pneumonia, and sciatica pain, she added. While waiting for a medical check-up, Nguyen Van Tien, a 75-year-old resident of Hanoi, said on Monday that he developed a runny nose and cough three days earlier. The ongoing cold spell, paired with rain, prevented me from going to hospital for a medical examination, he recounted. He said that due to the lack of improvement in his health condition and experiencing severe coughing, he chose to visit the hospital. A senior woman is taken to the National Geriatric Hospital in Hanoi for a medical check-up and treatment. Photo: Duong Lieu / Tuoi Tre The Ha Nam Province General Hospital has recorded a surge in the number of elderly patients going down with respiratory illness over the past few days. Many stroke patients have been rushed to the hospital, according to Dr. Dinh Ngoc Tuan, deputy head of the emergency department at the hospital in Ha Nam Province, over 50 kilometers from Hanoi. Dr. Tuan stated that individuals with a medical history of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, dyslipidemia, smoking, and drinking may be at risk of strokes due to frost and chilly winds. The extreme cold weather might cause Bells palsy, which leads to sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. Dr. Ha Thi Van at the National Geriatric Hospital in Hanoi take a senior citizens blood pressure. Photo: Duong Lieu / Tuoi Tre The Duc Giang General Hospital in Hanoi has recently admitted three or five patients diagnosed with Bells palsy a day. These patients include the youth and elderly. Dr. Doan Van Phuc, deputy head of the hospital, noted that a significant portion, up to 80 percent, of patients experiencing facial paralysis had neglected to stay warm during freezing days. Dr. Phuc advised residents, particularly seniors, to wear warm clothing and restrict bathing when temperatures drop to prevent such health issues. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The owner of an illegally-built 12-story building in Phu Quoc, an island city off Kien Giang Province in southern Vietnam, has had the building demolished following local authorities requirement, the Kien Giang administration informed on Monday. The demolition will take three months. The building developer has erected a sign reading 'project under demolition, authorized personnel only at the construction site in Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc City.' To ensure safety, the developer hired a unit specializing in building demolition to dismantle the illegal property. Many machines, equipment, and workers were mobilized to pull down the building. Six floors of this building were built prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the remaining six stories were constructed after. The land on which the building was developed belongs to a man named V.M.H., residing in Hanoi. In August 2022, the Phu Quoc Peoples Committee imposed an administrative fine of VND61.5 million (US$2,513) on the developer, including VND55 million ($2,248) for the illegal construction of the building and VND6.5 million ($265.7) for the unlawful conversion of agricultural land use into non-agricultural use. On May 16 last year, Phu Quoc City chairman Huynh Quang Hung issued an order for the dismantling of the building, covering an area of 2,746 square meters, and instructed the restoration of the original status of the 473-square-meter plot of land. V.M.H. wrote to the Phu Quoc administration on December 6, 2023, suggesting the city create conditions for him to address the consequences of his violations. The Phu Quoc government later assigned the citys urban management unit to coordinate with an urban order inspection team and the Peoples Committee of Duong To Commune to supervise and instruct H. to demolish the building. The illegally-built 12-story building in Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province is under demolition. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A man was fined VND3.5 million (US$143) for driving a truck and dumping garbage in Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City last week. The Peoples Committee of Vinh Loc B Commune in Binh Chanh summoned the driver and imposed an administrative fine on him for his illegal dumping, which led to environmental pollution, an official said on Monday evening. While checking surveillance cameras, local authorities discovered the truck driver dumping waste on Tran Hai Phung Street, so they reported the case to the Vinh Loc B administration. The chairman of the commune quickly asked police officers to identify the man and vehicle. The driver, identified as L.V.N.E., a native of An Giang Province, over 180 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, confessed that he drove his truck to the street and saw an empty location, so he dumped the garbage there on Thursday last week. The environmental workers in the commune, along with E., gathered and collected the waste discharged on the street for proper treatment. The garbage weighed 320 kilograms. Garbage dumped from a truck on Tran Hai Phung Street in Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Supplied Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! People living down alleys in Ho Chi Minh City are embellishing their neighborhoods to ring in the Lunar New Year, commonly known as Tet, which is in February. Many streets and alleys in the citys downtown areas have donned eye-catching Tet-themed decorations. Households in Alley No. 153 on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 1 have finished embellishing the alleyway with artificial yellow apricot and peach blossom branches and a thatched hut five days ago. Nguyen Thi Diep, a 73-year-old resident, said the decoration of the alley not only beautifies the neighborhood but also brings joy and memories to locals. They are all excited and happy as the Tet atmosphere permeates all corners of the alley. The embellishment of the alley ahead of Tet has been done for four consecutive years thanks to the contributions of residents there, Diep shared. Do Thi Mai, a 58-year-old retired teacher in Ho Chi Minh City, says this is the third year she has decorated her neighborhood with her neighbors. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre In Alley 18A on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 1, thousands of red lanterns have been hung, creating an unprecedentedly brilliant scene. These alleys attract many residents and foreign tourists in Ho Chi Minh City, who come to admire the scenes and take photos. Alley No. 100 on Tran Hung Dao Street in District 1 is also bustling as locals are decorating their neighborhood and their own houses. Similarly, residents down Alley No. 178 on Pasteur Street in District 1 have created a nice corner with many Tet-themed decorations, including a pot of yellow apricot, flags, a bamboo table and chairs, and models of banh chung (square glutinous rice cakes). Women pose in ao dai (Vietnam's traditional long gown) for photos with Tet decorations. Photo: Be Hieu / Tuoi Tre Alley No. 153 on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City is full of yellow apricot and red envelopes. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre Le Thi My Hang, a 36-year-old resident in Ho Chi Minh City, is excited as the alley where she is living is decorated beautifully. Photo: Be Hieu / Tuoi Tre Two foreigners take a walk in an alley donning Tet-themed decorations in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Be Hieu / Tuoi Tre Residents in Ho Chi Minh City embellish their neighborhood and their houses to welcome a warm Tet. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre Thousands of red lanterns are hung high above in Alley 18A on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre A corner of Alley 18A on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City is decorated with many flower pots. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre Tet decorations on Tran Dinh Xu Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre A bus stop on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City is also decorated with Tet-themed items. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Comedian Matt Okine will host of the 22nd Annual Screen Producers Australia Awards. Last year he starred in and executive produced the reboot of the Mother and Son, alongside Denise Scott. His other credits include Stateless, Orange Is The New Brown, Doctor Doctor, Aquamarine, Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Christmas Ransom. Okine is currently working on a film adaptation of his novel, Being Black N Chicken & Chips with Wooden Horse Productions and the team at Aquarius Films. The SPA Awards celebrate productions and achievements by its members, to be presented on March 21, the final day of Screen Forever 38 on the Gold Coast. A poster with an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the wall of the Narva Castle opposite the Russian border in Narva, Estonia on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (Associated Press - image credit) In Estonia, they're talking about building more public bomb shelters and making them mandatory in all newly constructed homes. In neighbouring Latvia, the government is going through the second draft of mandatory military service legislation. Next door in Lithuania, there's talk of universal conscription. "I understand that when we speak from the Baltic perspective, it might sound somewhat dramatic and shocking," Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen, the speaker of the Seimas, Lithuania's legislature, told CBC News Monday in Ottawa. "It is obvious that today, democracy itself, democratic countries, democracies all around the world are under pressure from Russia and its autocratic allies." Since the beginning of 2024, security warnings in Europe about Russia's future intentions have been landing fast and furious. And they've come in different forms and from different officials many of whom are known best for their discretion and lack of hysteria. These warnings are being driven in part by Russia's stated plans to put defence and munitions production on a war footing something western nations, and Canada in particular, have struggled to accomplish in their efforts to bolster Ukraine's defence against Russia's invasion. Many observers wonder whether the security warnings are even being heard by Ukraine's allies, especially Canada and the United States. Two weeks ago in Sweden, a political debate erupted after the country's two top defence officials warned that war could be on the horizon. Sweden's Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin and its military commander-in-chief Gen. Micael Byden said people should prepare mentally for the possibility and begin stocking up on supplies. A land war in Western Europe? The head of the British Army, Gen. Sir Patrick Sanders, said in a recent speech that the United Kingdom should train a "citizen army" and be ready to fight a war on land in the future. Story continues Three parliamentary speakers from the Baltic nations of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are the latest to deliver fresh warnings about how prepared western nations are for the prospect of an even bigger conflict in Europe. They visited Ottawa on Monday and met with senior government officials before heading to Washington for more meetings. Lauri Hussar (left), speaker of the Estonian legislature; Daiga Mierina, speaker of the Latvian parliament and Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen (right), speaker of the Lithuanian legislature visited Ottawa on Monday to meet with senior Canadian government officials. Lauri Hussar (left), speaker of the Estonian legislature; Daiga Mierina, speaker of the Latvian parliament and Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen (right), speaker of the Lithuanian legislature visited Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 to meet with senior Canadian government officials. (CBC News) Daiga Mierina, the speaker of Latvia's legislature, said that because Baltic nations were occupied by the Soviet Union, they have a decidedly more visceral approach to the threat posed by the Kremlin and can "very clearly see what we can expect from Russia. "We understand Russia differently." The speaker of Estonia's legislature said building up public resilience in western nations starts with understanding that an information war is already underway. "This is really important in a moment because it's full-scale war and [that's what] underlies the online attacks in social media and elsewhere," said Lauri Hussar. Whether these warnings are registering in western countries is debatable. Opposition politicians in Sweden described the warning from the defence chief as alarmist. Former Swedish prime minister Magdalena Andersson told Swedish TV that while the world's security situation is serious, "it is not as if war is just outside the door." Since many defence experts say the professional Russian Army that started the war in Ukraine has been virtually destroyed, there's a kernel of truth to Andersson's argument. Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with service members, involved in the country's war in Ukraine, at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia, January 1, 2024. Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with service members involved in Russia's war on Ukraine at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, on January 1, 2024. (Kristina Kormilitsyna/Reuters) But Moscow has an ambitious rebuilding plan. Russia's military spending in 2024 will increase to 7.1 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) and will account for 35 per cent of total government spending, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. What's needed in the West, in addition to ramped-up production, is a shift in mindset, said Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, chair of NATO's Military Council. "I think a nation needs to understand that when it comes to a war, as we see in Ukraine, it is a whole-of-society event," Bauer said recently following a meeting of NATO chiefs of defence staff. Ukrainian women assemble military drones at the drone manufacturer Atlas Aerospace in the capital Riga, Latvia, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. Since Russia invaded Ukraine last February, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia three states on NATOs eastern flank scarred by decades of Soviet-era occupation have been among the top donors to Kyiv. Ukrainian women assemble military drones at the drone manufacturer Atlas Aerospace in the capital Riga, Latvia, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. (Sergei Grits/AP) The West, he said, has for decades been labouring under the belief that "the professional military ... would solve these security issues that we had in Afghanistan in Iraq." That approach isn't good enough any longer, he said. "You will need more people from society to sustain the military in terms of people," he said. "You need the industry to have enough ammunition to produce new tanks, new ships, new aircraft, new artillery pieces. All that is part of this discussion of a whole-of-society event. "I think more people need to understand it's not just something of the armed forces and money. We need to be readier across the whole spectrum." When asked about the recent comments in Sweden during an interview with CBC News last week, Defence Minister Bill Blair said the rising alarm in Europe is totally understandable, given the proximity to the threat. He insisted Canadians understand that their way of life, and the rules under which western nations have operated for decades, are at stake. In this handout photo provided by Britain's Ministry of Defence, British and German air force fighter jets are scrambled to intercept a Russian aircraft flying close to Estonian airspace on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Britain's defense ministry said the Typhoon jets responded Tuesday after a Russian air-to-air refueling aircraft failed to communicate with Estonian air traffic control. The Russian plane didn't enter the airspace of Estonia, a NATO member. In this handout photo provided by Britain's Ministry of Defence, British and German air force fighter jets are scrambled to intercept a Russian aircraft flying close to Estonian airspace on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. (Ministry of Defence via AP) "We've always been a country that stood up [for] those rules and those principles and we're going to continue to do so," Blair said. But do Canadian leaders truly share that sense of urgency felt across much of Europe? Last fall, a House of Commons committee heard about a critical shortage of artillery ammunition, notably the NATO standard 155 millimetre shells. Unlike its allies, Canada has not signed an agreement with munition-makers to radically boost production. In a strategic move to safeguard President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu from potential impeachment, the Maldivian Attorney Generals Office has filed a case with the Supreme Court challenging the recent amendment to Parliaments standing orders. This amendment, introduced by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has lowered the threshold required to impeach the president. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu [Photo: Mihaaru] The controversy stems from the resignation of seven lawmakers in November, who subsequently assumed key positions in President Muizzus administration. The Elections Commission, however, opted against conducting by-elections, citing the proximity of the parliamentary elections scheduled for later this year. Seizing the opportunity, the MDP amended the standing orders, ensuring that vacated seats wouldnt be factored in when determining the total number of MPs. Consequently, the impeachment threshold dropped from 58 to 54 votes, given the current total of 80 MPs instead of the original 87. Last week, an alliance between MDP and the opposition Democratic Party was announced, with the shared goal of holding the government accountable in Parliament. Together, they command 56 MPs 43 from MDP and 13 from the Democrats, providing them the numerical strength to potentially impeach President Muizzu. Attorney General Ahmed Usham confirmed that his office submitted the case to the Supreme Court on Sunday, though as of Tuesday afternoon, the court had yet to register the case. On Monday, an MDP lawmaker disclosed that the party had gathered sufficient signatures for an impeachment motion but had not submitted it at the time. Adding another layer of complexity, Parliament on Monday rejected approval for three members of President Muizzus cabinet: Ahmed Usham, Housing Minister Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed, and Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. This decision followed the MDP passing a three-line red whip to reject the three ministers and Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, with Saeed narrowly surviving the vote. However, in a swift response, Usham, Haidar, and Shaheem were promptly reappointed to the cabinet within hours of the vote and subsequently took their oath before Justice Husnu Al Suood. The Seven Seas Splendor ship. If daylong stops during cruises leave you wanting more, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a solution. The luxury cruise line is launching a new series of sailings that offer overnight stays in each destination they visit. The six itineraries will take place between 2024 and 2025. Regents history of innovation is what made us industry leaders in ultra-luxury cruising, and we continually strive to elevate the unrivaled Regent experience for our discerning and well-traveled guests, Andrea DeMarco, the lines president, said in a news release. Our Immersive Overnights collection featuring an overnight stay in every single port of call will change the way luxury travelers cruise. When are the Immersive Overnights cruises? The cruises will depart from October 2024 through June 2025, aboard four of the lines ships. Where will the cruises sail? Guests will explore the Mediterranean, Asia and Northern Europe. The Adriatic Elegance cruise will leave from Trieste, Italy, on Oct. 5 on the 698-guest Seven Seas Voyager. The 10-night itinerary also includes stops in Zadar, Croatia and Kotor, Montenegro, with two nights in Piraeus, Greece at the end. Passengers on the Majestic Mediterranean will sail from Istanbul to Barcelona, Spain, over 10 nights, also on Seven Seas Voyager. The Oct. 27 cruise will visit Dubrovnik, Croatia and Civitavecchia, Italy as well. The seven-night Mediterranean Tapestry itinerary begins in Civitavecchia on Nov. 15 aboard the 496-passenger Seven Seas Navigator. Guests will then visit Livorno, Italy, and Toulon, France, before ending their trip in Barcelona. The Blossoms, Towers and Temples cruise will sail round-trip from Tokyo over 14 nights beginning March 5, 2025. The sailing, which will take place on the 746-guest Seven Seas Explorer, will stop in Kobe, Incheon, South Korea, and Shanghai. On the Flair, Flavor and Culture itinerary, passengers will leave from Monte Carlo in Monaco on April 20, 2025. During the 10-night sailing, travelers will spend two nights in Salerno, Italy, before heading to Kusadasi, Turkey, and ending in Piraeus, Greece. The cruise will take place on Seven Seas Splendor, which can accommodate 746 guests. Story continues The Enchantment in Northern Europe cruise will depart from Copenhagen, Denmark, on June 27, 2025. The 10-night sailing aboard Seven Seas Navigator will stop in Warnemunde in Germany where guests will spend two nights and Helsinki. The voyage will end with two nights in Stockholm. The extra time will allow for evening shore excursions, such as a wine tasting in a Tuscan villa while the sun sets, and the chance to see art by Pablo Picasso and other greats in a Swedish princes former home. There will also be excursions during the day on offer, along with other programming. Are luxury cruises worth the money? We did the math How much do the cruises cost? The sailings start at $7,599 per person based on double occupancy. The fares include food; drinks including wines and spirits; many excursions; gratuities; round-trip flights in business class on intercontinental air travel from the U.S. and Canada; and more. Passengers booked in Concierge-level suites and up will also get a one-night hotel stay before the cruise. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stay overnight in every cruise port with this luxury line Welcome Guest! You are here: Home India Chandigarh Mayor Polls challenged in HC after BJP candidate declared winner The Punjab and Haryana High Court Tuesday January 30, 2024 allowed urgent hearing on a plea filed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) challenging the Chandigarh Mayor elections. Read More Tuesday January 30, 2024 10:36 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court Tuesday January 30, 2024 allowed urgent hearing on a plea filed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) challenging the Chandigarh Mayor elections. Polling to elect the new Mayor of Chandigarh was held today amid tight security. Manoj Sonkar of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Kuldeep Kumar Singh of Congress-AAP combined were in direct contest. How BJP candidate won? As per the vote count, Kuldeep Singh got 20 votes whereas Manoj Sonkar secured 16 votes. However, Presiding Officer Anil Masih termed 08 votes of Congress and AAP members invalid and declared the BJP candidate winner. In his plea, Kuldeep Kumar alleged tampering in the ballot papers and petitioned the High Court to order fresh elections. Voting to elect the new Mayor of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation was originally scheduled on January 18, 2024. The election was however cancelled citing law and order issue. The postponement of the election was challenged in the High Court. In response, the HC asked the Chandigarh Administration to hold the Mayor Elections on January 30, 2024. Along with the Mayoral elections, the High Court also asked the Chandigarh civic officials to hold elections for Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Did Presiding Officer rig the ballot papers? Earlier, AAP and Congress members alleged that the Presiding Officer rigged the ballot papers. They alleged that the Presiding Officer tick-marked on the ballot papers so as to term them invalid. The also release a video to justify their claim. Commenting on the manner in which the BJP candidate was declared winner in the otherwise one-sided elections in the favour of Congress-AAP candidate, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal compared it with the 2020 U.S. elections that Donald Trump lost but refused to leave the office. "Today's election showed to what lengths they (the BJP) can go to win an election. I think they will do anything... falsify voter lists, falsify votes, and capture EVM (Electronic Voting Machines)... I am also thinking that, by grace of God, if INDIA wins then, like Trump, they won't leave their seats, Kejriwal told reporters. Soon after the Chandigarh Mayoral Election result was announced Kejriwal took to the social media site X to express his concerns. "If these people can stoop so low in a mayor's election, then they can go to any extent in the country's elections. This is very worrying", he wrote on the micro blogging site originally launched as Twitter. Speaking at a hurriedly called press conference, AAP leader Raghav Chadha claimed that all 08 votes declared "invalid" had been for his party's candidate. Had those votes counted, the AAP would have won. "This is an act of treason (desh droh). Eight votes, all ours, declared (invalid)," he said. "When a vote is declared invalid, the Presiding Officer has to show agents of all parties (the ballot paper). But today this didn't happen", the AAP Rajya Sabha MP said. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. HCM CITY Confectionary producer Mondelez Kinh o has recently launched a campaign called "Together with Kinh o, keep togetherness stories alive," which will run during Tet 2024 to not only serve as a timely source of spiritual upliftment but also demonstrate Kinh o's deep understanding in the cherished traditional cultural values of community bonding and generosity inherent in the Vietnamese people. Accordingly, centred around the concept "Special Invite," Kinh o carries out engaging and meaningful interactive activities on the digital platform https://loimoisumvay.com/. Here, consumers can craft a special invitation to someone they know may not come back home this Tet holiday for any reason to celebrate this Tet holiday with them and their family. Notably, for every invitation generated, participants stand a chance to win the premium "Kinh o Loc" Tet giftset from Kinh o. Sameer Yadav, marketing director of Mondelez Kinh o, said: "Having navigated through the past year with numerous challenges, fostering optimism and joy in the coming new year is more important than ever. As our top priority, Mondelez Kinh o has dedicated itself to orchestrating a more cheerful Tet season. This involves not only curating a diverse Tet product portfolio with proactive measures to stabilise prices for key Tet products and enhancing distribution channels but also a continuous effort to rejuvenate meaningful Tet messages. Our hope is that Vietnamese consumers will celebrate a Tet holiday that is more joyful and connected than ever." Through this thoughtful Tet initiative, millions of individuals, distanced from their homes, now have the opportunity to partake in a unique Tet celebration in the warm embrace of friends and community. Responding to this Tet season festive spirit, Mondelez Kinh o Vietnam has unveiled a diverse range of Tet offerings featuring well-established brands in Viet Nam like Kinh o, Cozy, and Solite, alongside internationally well-known names such as LU, Oreo, and Cadbury Dairy Milk with enhanced product and packaging quality. The company ensures its products are readily available through a wide range of channels, strategically covering nearly 100,000 sales points in supermarkets, convenience stores, traditional markets, and grocery stores across the country. Mondelez Kinh o products are extensively available on popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and Tiki, as well as online channels of supermarkets such as Coopmart, Big C, and Bach Hoa Xanh, with enticing promotions to bring a joyful shopping experience for consumers. Kinh o has also debuted the Kinh o Karaoke channel on YouTube, helping to make Tet moments even more connected and filled with laughter together. VNS HCM CITY Wholesale markets in HCM City will be gradually reformed to better serve both buyers and sellers and keep pace with socio-economic development trends, according to the city Department of Industry and Trade. There are three major agricultural and food wholesale markets: Binh ien in District 8, Thu uc in Thu uc City and Hoc Mon in Hoc Mon District. They receive up to 8,000 tonnes of goods every night on average, including vegetables, fruits, meats, and seafood. The wholesale markets play an important role in supplying especially essential items to the city, the department said. But Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, deputy director of the department, said they are overloaded and have shortcomings, and have failed to keep up with socio-economic development. Their infrastructure and technology use are limited, oversight and control of food hygiene and safety is difficult and impromptu selling in their vicinity is rampant and lack oversight, he said. At the Binh ien Wholesale Market, for instance, many illegal agricultural and food sellers sell on the street and sidewalk, and discard garbage around them, posing food safety and sanitation risks and significantly affecting small traders at the market, he said. Switch to modern models needed At a recent conference on the future development of wholesale markets in the city, experts emphasised the urgent need for investing in upgrading their facilities, standardising operating procedures and embracing digital transformation. Wholesale markets face challenges due to the rise in online shopping and changing customer behaviours, and digital transformation could help them overcome challenges, they said. Phuong said e-commerce is growing at 20-30 per cent a year, with HCM City being among the leaders in the list, and so, to adapt to the new situation, its wholesale markets could not ignore the trend of digital transformation of businesses. HCM City seeks to build a new wholesale market model that meets five requirements: modern and ensuring hygiene and food safety and reliable supply, having systems to control the quality of inputs until they are transported to retail points, brand building and export orientation, an efficient management apparatus, and ensuring the management and operation of wholesale markets in line with the context of digital transformation, he said. According to a research group from the University of Economics and Law (Vietnam National University, HCM City), the digital transformation of the three wholesale markets can be carried out in three stages: digital transformation of their business models and management models and incorporation of technologies to create new products and services. Nguyen Thanh Hoa at the city Department of Information and Communications said relevant parties need to pay attention to the four basic pillars of digital transformation: human resources, new business processes, technology, and data. If any of these four elements is missing, the digital transformation process would face many difficulties and have a low success rate, he added. Phan Thanh Tan, director of the Binh ien Market Management and Trading Company, said there is great focus on digital transformation to better manage the wholesale market. It has studied information technology models and learned from the successful digital transformation of wholesale markets in developed countries to select appropriate technologies and models, he said. The company has also urged traders, partners and employees to limit the use of cash and adopt information technology for tracing pork origins (using identification rings), adding that it has also enhance the use of technologies in its management and access control system he said. Stepping up food inspections At the three wholesale markets in HCM City, inspection of goods origins and environmental sanitation are regularly carried out, according to the city Department of Food Safety. Its units and the markets management also regularly remind traders not to use chemicals and preservatives in fruits and vegetables, it said. Its management team No. 10, stationed at Binh ien market, regularly checks the quality of goods and takes samples of all items that enter the market to test for borax, it added. Nguyen Van Sac, head of the team, said: "We are inspecting all agricultural products to ensure they contain no banned substances. Particularly, We conduct more regular tests of some high-risk items. Only goods that have all indicators within allowable levels and clear documents are allowed to enter the market. According to the departments management team No. 9 at the Hoc Mon Wholesale Market, nearly 500 samples of pork, vegetables and fruits were tested last year, and all met food safety standards. Speaking about unregulated trading around wholesale markets, Pham Khanh Phong Lan, director of the department, said the city has established teams to focus on dealing with this headache. VNS HA NOI Private investors are expected to be gain interest in railway infrastructure development projects that have so far not had significant success in raising private capital. The CT Group recently proposed that the Prime Minister approve investment of US$9.98 billion to build a high-speed railway linking HCM City and the Mekong Deltas Can Tho City. The railway line will stretch 174 km and have 12 stations, passing through HCM City, Binh Duong, Long An, Tien Giang and Vinh Long provinces, and Can Tho City. It will be invested under the public-private partnership (PPP) form. The CT Group is not the first private investor interested in railway infrastructure projects. In early 2018, Koreas Lotte E&C applied for investment research in a project to upgrade the Yen Vien - Lao Cai railway and build another railway connecting Lao Cai - Ha Khau under the PPP method. In March 2023, East Japan Railway Company also sent a document to the leaders of the Ministry of Transport expressing interest in a project to upgrade Ha Noi - Hai Phong railway. However, none of the above projects have made any progress on the ground, despite receiving active support from the Ministry of Transport. In fact, unlike seaports, roads and aviation, investment in railway infrastructure in the form of PPP is always slow and receives little attention from private investors. The biggest barrier in luring private investment in railway infrastructure development is that projects in this field need very large investment capital and offer low profits, leading to long payback periods. In addition, incentive and support mechanisms for private investors have not yet been guided by competent agencies for implementation. Currently, there is still no specific guidance on the railway development mechanism according to the transit-oriented development (TOD) model, which integrates urban railway projects into real estate projects. As the Politburo issued Conclusion 49-KL/TW, dated February 28, 2023, orientating the development of Viet Nam's railway transport to 2030 with a vision to 2045, experts suggested that management authorities need to boldly propose breakthrough legal mechanisms that are higher than normal legal regulations to solve the problem of resources for railway infrastructure development. In which, the top priority is to build specific mechanisms and policies to promote resources from the people and encourage investors to participate in TOD projects. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President of the Philippines Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. co-chaired a meeting with businesses from the two countries on Tuesday during the Philippine President's State visit to Viet Nam. PM Chinh described the fruitful Viet Nam - Philippines relations as an important foundation that creates motivation and confidence for enterprises from both countries to expand investment and business as well as promoting trade and investment cooperation. Bilateral economic, trade and investment ties have lagged behind the two countries sound political relations, he pointed out, suggesting they work together to renew the existing cooperation locomotives in the areas of investment, trade and consumption while developing new connections in digital transformation, green transition and climate change response, as well as boosting collaboration in the fields on strength and demand. Recognising the complementary factors of the two economies, the PM highlighted that Viet Nam and the Philippines should enhance competition to improve the quality of products and services to meet customer requirements and promote cooperation to leverage common strengths. The PM also highly appreciated the role of President Marcos Jr. in the socio-economic development of the Philippines, including promoting and creating conditions for Philippine businesses to develop; especially creating conditions, new motivation, and inspiring businesses of the two countries to approach, to co-operate, and connecting the two economies. The Vietnamese Government leader urged both sides to remove bottlenecks and grant investment licences in a swift manner as well as lifting irrational technical barriers, adding that relevant authorities in Viet Nam have worked to create a better business climate and development space for businesses from the two countries. As there are no roadblocks in the bilateral cooperation, PM Chinh asked both sides to organise more meetings and exchange events to push ahead the two economies connectivity, concretise high-level agreements, and develop the Viet Nam Philippines Strategic Partnership into a deeper and more practical and effective fashion for prosperity in each nation and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. President Marcos Jr. emphasised that the Viet Nam - Philippines strategic partnership needed to be further expanded to businesses, especially in the fields of innovation and creativity, towards sustainable development, bringing practical benefits for the two countries, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region. Appreciating the open policy and active support by Viet Nam, the Philippine President believed that Philippine businesses would continue to cooperate and expand investment in Viet Nam. He recommended they continue to develop traditional economic and trade cooperation fields, especially agriculture and other non-traditional fields such as mining, green technology investment, traffic and technology. Regarding Viet Nams concern over the Philippines trade defence measures and technical barriers, he said the two countries should build a good business environment and step up cooperation at governmental and business levels. The event drew the attendance of many Vietnamese and Philippine enterprises who are engaging in the fields of infrastructure development, trade, realty, automobile industry, aviation, IT, food, energy, education-training, among others. They were updated with the socio-economic development in each nation and business cooperation outcomes between the two countries in the past and shared new investment trends and orientations for the future. Vietnamese firms want to cooperate with their Philippine peers in digital transformation, green transition, hi-tech industries and food processing. Meanwhile, the Philippines hopes to collaborate with Viet Nam in electric automobile production, infrastructure development, telecommunications, energy, food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and retail sales. VNS HA NOI Effective public-private partnership (PPP) and support from partners are key to the success of the project on developing 1 million ha of high-quality, low-emission rice linked with green growth in the Mekong Delta region by 2030, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan said at a talk on January 30. Speaking at the on-line talk on the role of public-private partnership and innovation in implementing the major rice production project in the Mekong Delta, Hoan said to implement the project, Viet Nam needs to mobilise resources and technical advances. One of the important tools is the "Food Innovation Hub Vietnam (FIHV) which was established under an initiative of the World Economic Forum to link domestic innovation networks and international ones, and promote the use of digital technology to develop smart agricultural value chains. He said the FIHV will help expand the scale and accelerate the transformation process of Viet Nam's agricultural sector in particular and the economy in general to become a green, sustainable, and low-emission agricultural powerhouse. The minister also said that, in addition to efforts from state agencies in developing policies and creating favourable conditions to develop green and sustainable agriculture, the engagement of the private sector, support of international partners, organisations, non-governmental organisations, research agencies, and domestic and international experts are important. Effective public-private cooperation and support from partners will be the key to the project's success, he said. Paavo Eliste, Practice Manager from World Bank said that like many other countries which are affected seriously by climate change, Viet Nam has been proactive in implementing new policies to promote the transformation process in the direction of low emissions and green development. At the same time, Vietnam also takes action to increase competitiveness in the international market. Paavo Eliste said that the implementation of the project opens up great potential for promoting activities in innovation, mobilising carbon financial resources, applying digital technology, and engaging the private sector in unprecedented ways to expand access to markets. VNS HA NOI The opening ceremony of the programme Tet Viet-Tet pho 2024 (Vietnamese Tet - Old Quarter Tet 2024) celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) 2024 has taken place at Kim Ngan communal house, Hoan Kiem District. The Management Board of Hoan Kiem Lake and Ha Noi Old Quarter organises the programme, aiming to introduce to Ha Noi's citizens and visitors the traditional Tet space, rituals and activities of Ha Noi and the Northern Delta. Traditional rituals such as the procession to present offerings at the communal house gate, the Ceremony to declare the Thanh Hoang and worship the Craft Ancestors, and the Ceremony of erecting the Neu tree were adapted in the programme. The procession to present offerings at the communal house started from the Heritage House at 87 Ma May Street, passed through Ha Noi Old Quarter Street to the Kim Ngan communal house. More than 300 people joined the procession, including up to 200 worshipers, most of whom were of the young generation. Those participating in the procession all wear ao ngu than (traditional five-panel dress). The people performing the ceremony wore ao tac (wide-sleeved shirt), while the rest wore ao tay chen (short-sleeved dress). The offerings are traditional Ha Noi craft products such as green rice cake and sweet lotus dessert. The programme also features traditional folk activities such as building bamboo trees, wrapping cakes, and exchanging and introducing craft village products. "This year's procession has had a significant change, with more people wearing the ngu than instead of wearing hybrid costumes," said Nguyen uc Binh, Chairman of the Vietnamese Village Communal Club. "This year, the procession is completely inclusive of the Ha Noi community." "Preserving and promoting tangible and intangible cultural heritage values in the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ha Noi Old Quarter area is a key task for the People's Committee of Hoan Kiem District to carry out," said Tran Thuy Lan, Deputy Head of the Management Board of Hoan Kiem Lake and Ha Noi Old Quarter. Activities under the Vietnamese Tet - Old Quarter's Tet 2024 programme will continue until the end of Tet holiday for Ha Noi's citizens and visitors. VNS. HA NOI Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) will continue cultivating friendships and cooperative relations with people from all over the world, contributing to the cause of national construction and development, for peace, stability, sustainable development and social progress. That was the message from Phan Anh Son, chairman of the VUFO, speaking on Monday evening when he chaired a friendship meeting to celebrate Lunar New Year (Tet) with ambassadors, charge d'affaires, chief of diplomatic representatives, international organisations, foreign non-governmental organisations, friends and partners of the VUFO. Son said the foreign non-governmental organisations contributed nearly US$228 million to implement programmes and projects in Viet Nam last year. The result was achieved thanks to the attention and direction of the Party and State leaders, and the guidance and coordination of ministries and sectors, especially, the support and coordination of ambassadors, embassies, diplomatic representative agencies, international organisations, foreign businesses and foreign non-governmental organisations in Viet Nam, he said. The VUFO plans to strengthen its organisational system from central to local levels; train officials and staff to better implement people-to-people diplomacy tasks; strongly innovate the approach and implementation of people-to-people diplomacy activities to promote the achievements this year. It will also expand a strong, reputable and widespread network of partners in the regions; effectively participate in multilateral mechanisms; improve the effectiveness of cooperation and support for activities of foreign non-governmental organisations; enhance the application of modern technology and new media trends to improve the effectiveness of foreign affairs dissemination. Son also said that the VUFOs people-to-people diplomacy activities last year were closely attached and effectively contributed to high-level foreign affairs activities of the Party and State leaders. It served to create a positive social foundation, promoting friendship relations and cooperation between Viet Nam and other countries. The VUFO actively supported foreign non-governmental organisations in Viet Nam to take administrative procedures and connect with Vietnamese localities, ministries and sectors; coordinate with partners and sponsors to implement activities and projects in localities in many fields, he said. 2023 was a successful year for foreign affairs in general, including people-to-people diplomacy when many important results of historical significance were obtained, creating new breakthroughs as Viet Nam continued to upgrade diplomatic relations with many countries. The VUFO sent 30 delegations to other countries and welcomed 32 delegations to Viet Nam, and organised nearly 1,000 foreign-affairs activities both bilaterally and multilaterally at both central and local levels, including the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and 16 countries; working with many high-level delegations from other countries visiting Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong on Tuesday hosts a welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace for Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. in Ha Noi on Tuesday morning, as the latter was on a two-day State visit to the country. The convoy escort transported President leader and spouse Louise Araneta Marcos to the Presidential Palace, where President Thuong and spouse Phan Thi Thanh Tam welcomed and greeted them. After the 21-gun salute, the two leaders reviewed the guards of honour of the Vietnamese People's Army. The two presidents then greeted the members of the high-level delegations from both countries participating in the reception. This is the first visit of Philippine President Marcos Jr to Viet Nam since taking office in June 2022. The visit aims to reaffirm the strong strategic partnership between the two countries, enhance political trust at the highest levels, and generate momentum to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields, on the eve of significant milestones in the bilateral relationship, including the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership in 2025 and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. Viet Nam and the Philippines officially established diplomatic relations on July 12, 1976. Over the years, the friendly and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries has significantly developed and deepened, especially since the establishment of the strategic partnership in November 2015. In recent years, economic cooperation has been a bright spot in the relationship between the two countries. The Philippines is currently the leading rice consumer market for Viet Nam, with the rice export volume to the Philippines reaching 3.1 million tons (worth about US$1.75 billion) in 2023, accounting for over 38 per cent of the country's total rice exports. Following the solemn welcome ceremony, the two leaders, leading their respective delegations, engaged in discussions to assess the results of the cooperation between the two countries in the past and outline the direction of future cooperation. January 29, 2024: Turkey has, since the 1990s, become more of a problem for itself and many other nations in the region. This mischief remained active in 2023 into 2024, and caused substantial economic and diplomatic damage to Turkey, but its leader for the last two decades, President Erdogan, survived the 2023 national elections and will remain in office for another five years. Even when out of office Erdogan will remain a political king maker and major factor in Turkish politics. Currently Erdogan is angry at the Iraqi Kurds because of their role in the deaths of 21 Turkish soldiers in the last month. Turkish troops have been fighting Syrian Kurds of the Syrian Democratic Forces/SDF as well as the Iraqi Kurds. The Kurdish majority regions of Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran remain vulnerable to Turkish air strikes and occasional attacks by Turkish ground forces. Turkey was never content with the establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq and the impact that had on Kurdish minorities in Syria, where an autonomous region is already a reality for the moment. The Kurds remain under attack in Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Iran while also suffering from internal feuds between those who are willing to fight for a unified Kurdish state and those who are willing to make deals with local governments to obtain benefits for local Kurds, like less economic and cultural discrimination and persecution. The Syrian Kurds thought the Americans might stick around after ISIL was defeated and take on Turkish and Syrian forces to guarantee Syrian Kurds their autonomy. The U.S. was willing to stick around until ISIL was suppressed in eastern Syria and perhaps longer if the Syrian Kurds provide useful support. Americans also remain in northern Iraq. Turkey has problems in the Black Sea from the Ukraine-Russia war. In mid-2023 there was a sudden increase in the number of free-floating mines between Crimea and the narrow straits Turkey controls that lead to the Mediterranean and the worlds oceans. Turkey and other NATO nations control most of the Black Sea coastline, especially the southern and western Black Sea coasts. The Russian navy still controls most of the eastern Black Sea and is believed responsible for more than 400 free-floating naval mines showing up west of Crimea since mid-2023. In 2024 Turkey agreed to cooperate with NATO allies Bulgaria and Romania, which also border the Black Sea, to clear the Russian mines in the Black Sea. Turkey will not allow mine clearing vessels from any other nation to enter the Black Sea to assist. Turkey controls the only entrance to the Black Sea and has a lot of discretion about who is let in and who is not. Few of these mines appear to be tethered mines that broke loose from their chains. That is an old problem with Russian made floating mines. Tethered mines are designed to have their weighted base sink to the bottom of shallow, less than 20 meters, of water. Most of the mines currently in the Black Sea were apparently released into the water without any tether. The use of naval mines is diminished because they are not much of a threat to warships, which are constantly on the lookout for them, and most commercial ships are too big to sink after encountering one of these mines. There is some hull damage and flooding, but not enough to sink a ship. Turkey continues to maintain military forces in Libya and recently announced that Turkish and hired Syrian mercenary troops would remain in Libya at least until 2026. The Turks are there to block efforts to hold national elections and bring an end to eleven years of civil war. By early 2020 the Turks had sent enough troops to rescue the GNA (Government of National Accord), a failed UN and Moslem Brotherhood backed government, from its rival. The GNA failed to attract a national following and a local military leader with a locally recruited army of trained and better disciplined soldiers did what UN diplomacy and threats could not. The eastern force, the LNA (Libyan National Army) has been around since 2015, when it was formed in eastern Libya and proceeded to eliminate rivals, especially Islamic radical groups, throughout the country. By early 2019 all that the GNA had left was the traditional capital (Tripoli) and the nearby (to the east) coastal city of Misrata. Both cities are dominated by dozens of rival militias, many of them seeking an Islamic government but mainly looking out for themselves. The LNA went after Tripoli in early 2019, from two sides and slowly pushed back the desperate militias, who would lose their independence and lucrative criminal enterprises if the LNA succeeded. The UN condemned the LNA and ignored Turkey shipping in weapons and military advisors to assist the GNA. By the end of 2019 Turkey was threatening to send in combat troops and warships to blockade Libyan ports. The Turkish support violated the UN arms embargo on Libya, as does the support Russia, Egypt, the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and a few other countries have provided for the LNA. The LNA agreed to a ceasefire and national elections. The Turks and thousands of their Syrian Arab mercenaries are still there and are prepared to stay indefinitely. At the end of 2023 the Turkish parliament approved the continued presence of Turkish troops in Libya at least until 2026. EU/European Union warships and surveillance aircraft have, since 2020, been trying to enforce a weapons blockade off the Libyan coast. This effort has not been completely successful. Meanwhile Turkey continues to invest in Libyan economic development. So far, these Turkish investments amount to $120 million. Currently most of this activity is in territory controlled by the Turkey backed GNA faction. Most Libyans want the Turks out of Libya. The Turkish investments are seen as directed at creating economic benefits for Turkey rather than Libya. Turkish troops in Libya and naval forces off the coast prevent the Libyans from sabotaging Turkish economic projects in Libya. HA NOI President Vo Van Thuong on Tuesday held talks with his Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., lauding the progress of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Viet Nam is the Philippines only strategic partner in ASEAN, the Philippine leader said, expressing hope that the bilateral cooperation would become even more effective and practical. The two presidents agreed that Viet Nam-Philippines political and diplomatic relations have been strengthened through delegation exchanges as well as bilateral cooperation mechanisms. An action plan for the strategic partnership in the 2025-30 period is also underway. The Philippines continues to be Viet Nams largest rice importer. Two-way trade turnover has witnessed a significant increase in recent years, and is aimed to reach US$10 billion by mitigating trade barriers and facilitating import-export in sectors of strengths for both countries such as seafood, fruits and vegetables. Businesses from each country are encouraged to take advantage of regional trade agreements and invest in key sectors such as processing technology, high-tech agriculture, infrastructure and oil and gas. They can also expand cooperation in new areas such as green and digital economy, digital transformation, renewable energy and enhancing supply chain resilience. Viet Nam and the Philippines also agreed to coordinate on climate change response, mitigating pollution and plastic waste issues and reducing carbon emissions. President Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude towards Viet Nam as a long-term and stable rice provider for the Philippines, praising the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on rice trade cooperation on the occasion of his visit. The two leaders also agreed to promote collaboration in national security and defence, preventing transnational and high-tech crimes, while highlighting the importance of maritime cooperation. President Thuong suggested extending the agreement on the hotline between Vietnamese and the Philippine agricultural ministries, which facilitates information exchange on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; and hoped to receive support in removing the European Commissions yellow card regarding this issue. The Vietnamese and Philippine presidents agreed to strengthen cooperation in education, culture and tourism, including opening more direct flights between the two countries, people-to-people exchanges and promoting friendship organisations for mutual understanding. They also gave high regard to the two countries coordination and support to each other at international forums, and in working with other ASEAN members to maintain unity and solidarity in the bloc. President Marcos Jr. expressed his support for Viet Nams successful hosting of APEC in 2027. Regarding the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), the two countries committed to maintaining peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, calling for all parties to respect diplomatic and legal procedures, refrain from using force, and address disputes by peaceful means based on the fundamentals of international principles, especially the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). A joint press release was issued following the talks, alongside the official ceremony for cooperation agreements in the fields of agriculture, rice trade, maritime cooperation and culture. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., who is on a state visit to Viet Nam, in Ha Noi on Tuesday. Welcoming the Presidents first state visit, on the threshold of Viet Nams traditional Tet (Lunar New Year), PM Chinh said that the visit will contribute to promoting the two countries friendship and multi-faceted cooperation. President Marcos Jr. affirmed that the Philippines always attaches importance to and wants to lift the Philippines-Viet Nam strategic partnership to a new height. The two sides agreed to increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, affirming that regular meetings between leaders of the two countries contribute to consolidating and strengthening political trust and comprehensively promoting bilateral collaboration. They also agreed to soon fully carry out bilateral cooperation mechanisms; and comprehensively review the action programme to implement the strategic partnership for the 2019-2024 period, and develop another for the new period, with priority given to new and potential fields such as digital transformation, green economy, circular economy, climate change response and energy transition. The leaders discussed measures to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation with a goal of bringing two-way trade to US$10 billion by 2025; and to create a favourable business and investment environment, especially in areas where both sides have needs and strengths such as processing technology, infrastructure, automobile supporting industries, renewable energy and hi-tech agriculture. Regarding rice trade, PM Chinh affirmed that this is one of the important areas of cooperation, not only for economic benefit but also for ensuring food security. He proposed the two sides effectively implement the memorandum of understanding on rice trade cooperation signed on this occasion. As for defence and security cooperation, the two leaders affirmed that they will continue to promote the role of the defence, security and maritime cooperation mechanisms; soon resume the joint committee on sea and ocean cooperation at the deputy foreign ministerial level; improve the effectiveness of joint patrols, and search and rescue at sea; and strengthen cooperation in the fight against drug crime, cybercrime, high-tech crime and economic crime. President Marcos Jr. agreed with PM Chinh's proposal to promote cooperation in potential fields such as education and training, science and technology, tourism, culture, people-to-people exchange, and collaboration between localities; and encouraged the opening of more direct flights connecting famous destinations of the two countries. Discussing international and regional issues, the two leaders appreciated the close coordination at regional and international forums such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM); and emphasised the maintenance of solidarity and the central role of ASEAN, as well as the consensus on building a strong, united and resilient ASEAN Community. Regarding the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) issue, the two sides agreed to continue to coordinate closely with each other and with ASEAN countries and partners to maintain and implement ASEAN's common viewpoint on the East Sea; ensure the full and serious implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC); speed up negotiations on building an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); and build the East Sea into a sea of peace, cooperation and development, thus contributing to the stable, prosperous and sustainable development of the region and the world. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam and the Philippines have issued a joint press statement on the occasion of the State visit to Viet Nam by Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. The following is the full text of the joint press statement: At the invitation of H.E. Mr. Vo Van Thuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, H.E. Mr. Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, paid a State-visit to Viet Nam from 29 - 30 January, 2024. During the visit, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. was accorded an official welcoming ceremony, and held bilateral talks with President Vo Van Thuong. The President of the Philippines also paid courtesy calls on H.E. Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Viet Nam, and H.E. Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue, President of the National Assembly of Viet Nam. At their talks, both Leaders highly valued the strong and substantive development of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Given the many similarities in views and interests of both countries, they agreed to further strengthen and develop the partnership in a deeper and more comprehensive manner ahead of key milestones of the 10th anniversary of Viet Nam Philippines Strategic Partnership in 2025 and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. The two Presidents agreed to enhance political trust, friendship and comprehensive cooperation through holding regular high-level engagements and visits at all levels through Party, State, Government and parliamentary channels as well as people-to-people exchanges. They committed to uphold established bilateral cooperation mechanisms and implement effectively the instruments signed between the two countries to enhance mutual understanding and trust. The Leaders agreed to deepen economic relations and encourage joint initiatives between the two countries. They emphasized the importance of increasing the volume of two-way trade and investment, including through leveraging on the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in promoting more integrated supply chains among companies from the two economies. Both sides agreed to work closely on creating favourable conditions for smooth trade flows in order to achieve the trade target of USD 10 billion at the earliest, as well as enhancing the business environment to make it more conducive to invest in sectors of interest to both countries. They also discussed promising cooperation in areas such as agriculture, particularly in rice trading, market access for agricultural products, food security, energy security, infrastructure development, education, transportation management, innovation, tourism, connectivity, science and technology, and environmental protection, among others. Both sides took note of strong security and defence cooperation, which contributes to enhancing the strategic cooperation between Viet Nam and the Philippines. In this regard, both Presidents agreed to: (i) continue high-level visits, information sharing, education and training exchanges, and defense dialogue mechanisms; (ii) further enhance collaboration on defense industry, as well as cooperation on military medicine, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, maritime and aviation security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, peacekeeping operations, among others; (iii) intensify law enforcement cooperation against transnational crimes, including those related to migrant smuggling, human trafficking, gambling, underground and illegal credit facilities, illegal residence and labour as well as other traditional and non-traditional security concerns, and called on concerned officials to build on each others expertise and experience. The two Leaders agreed to strengthen existing maritime cooperation mechanisms, notably the Joint Commission on Maritime and Ocean Affairs at the Deputy-Minister level, the hotline communication mechanism between coast guard authorities of both countries, among others, and to adopt other measures to ensure the safety and security of fishermen from both countries as well as to solve amicably the unexpected incidents at sea. The Leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in education, culture, tourism, healthcare, people-to-people exchanges, cooperation between localities, and promoting the role of each others friendship organizations in order to strengthen their peoples bond, increase mutual understanding, boost connectivity, enrich cultural diversity and promote the overall relations. The Leaders exchanged views on a wide range of sub-regional, regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the situation in Myanmar and the South China Sea. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to upholding peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, including advancing ASEAN community building efforts through the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the ASEAN Communitys Vision 2045, supporting the sub-region cooperation, including Mekong cooperation mechanisms and BIMP-EAGA. Towards this end, the two Presidents welcomed the effective cooperation between Viet Nam and the Philippines within the ASEAN and agreed to enhance cooperation, coordination, and consultation with one another to respond effectively to regional and international issues of mutual concern in a timely manner, thus, further contributing to the consolidation of ASEANs solidarity, centrality and pivotal role in ASEAN-led mechanisms and processes. Both Presidents appreciated the close coordination, consultation and mutual support, including on each others candidacy bids, within international organizations and multilateral frameworks, particularly in the United Nations (UN), Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). Both Presidents emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, maritime security, safety, and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea. They called for exercise of self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect regional peace and stability, and avoidance of unilateral acts that can change the status quo and increase tensions, as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes without resorting to the threat or use of force in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS). They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the full and effective implementation of the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and working towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) that is in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS. In this regard, they urged the promotion of an environment that is conducive to the COC negotiations. During the visit, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and President Vo Van Thuong also witnessed the exchange of bilateral documents in various fields including the MOU on Rice Trade Cooperation, Understanding on Incident Prevention and Management in the South China Sea, MOU on Cooperation in Agriculture and related fields, Programme on Cultural Cooperation for the period 2024 2029, and the MOU on Maritime Cooperation. President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. highly appreciated the warm welcome and kind hospitality extended to the Philippine delegation by the Leaders and the people of Viet Nam during his visit. The President of the Philippines further invited the Leaders of Viet Nam to visit the Philippines at a mutually convenient time. HA NOI President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse hosted a banquet in honour of Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his spouse, who are on a state visit to Viet Nam, in Hanoi on January 30 evening. In his remarks, President Thuong said the first visit to Vietnam by the Philippine President and his spouse, taking place just ahead of the Vietnamese peoples traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) festival, further inspires the confidence in a bright future and new prospects to continue strengthening the sound friendship and cooperation between the two countries, which will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership in 2025 and the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026. He expressed his delight that for the last almost 50 years, political trust between the two countries have been nurtured by generations of their leaders at all levels, providing a foundation for them to build up extensive and intensive cooperation with fruitful results in such spheres as politics, diplomacy, economy, defence - security, maritime affairs, agriculture, fisheries, education - training, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, which is expected to be expanded to new and potential fields. Since the countries are dynamic economies complementary to each other, he voiced his belief that bilateral trade will reach US$10 billion in the near future. The Vietnamese leader added he believes the major orientations and measures for further enhancing bilateral ties, along with the documents and agreements reached during the visit, will be carried out effectively and substantively by both sides so that the Vietnam - Philippines strategic partnership will develop more strongly and reach a new height for the sake of the happiness and prosperity of the two peoples, contributing to regional and global peace, stability, cooperation, and development. As both are active members of ASEAN, President Thuong held that Viet Nam and the Philippines are connected with each other by shared values, shared vision, and shared determination to work together to surmount challenges of the era and the world while building an independent, self-reliant, and resilient Southeast Asian region and an ASEAN Community of unity and sustainable development. For his part, President Marcos Jr. shared the view with President Thuong, saying that the friendship between the two countries over the past nearly 50 years has been tightened by common values of history, culture, and aspirations for development. The two nations have witnessed their political, economic and defence ties, maritime cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges have gradually been deepened. That is a hallmark of the vibrant and profound strategic partnership between the two sides, he said. He recalled the history of diplomatic relations between the two countries and expressed his delight at the continuous development of the bilateral relationship. In the post-pandemic context, both countries want to have a resilient and adaptive supply chain by increasing two-way trade. According to the Philippine President, the relationship between the two countries is a testament to the limitless possibilities ahead when they cooperate to build a resilient world and self-reliant nations. On behalf of the Government and people of the Philippines, President Marcos Jr. expressed his thanks to President Thuong for the opportunity that helped the two countries to reaffirm and promote the bilateral relations. The Philippine leader believed that after this visit, the bilateral relationship will see a bright future. VNS HA NOI Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vuong inh Hue met with President of the Philippines Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. in Ha Noi on Tuesday, describing the latters first state visit to Viet Nam as a strong impetus to tighten the strategic partnership between the two countries. The host leader applauded the outcomes of the earlier talks between Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and his Philippine counterpart, during which the two sides handed over documents on agricultural, rice trading, maritime, and cultural cooperation. Chairman Hue held that trade is a bright spot of the bilateral ties, adding it has helped generate benefits for enterprises and people of both countries amid obstacles to global investment and trade flows. He suggested the two countries expand cooperation in just energy transition, safe digital transformation, and green energy, among others in the spirit of the strategic partnership. Thanking the Philippine President, Government, and people for their recent assistance to Vietnamese workers and citizens, he recommended the two governments to sign a labour cooperation agreement early. The Chairman highlighted the increasingly practical connections between the Vietnamese NA and the Philippine Congress, especially since the House of Representatives and the Senate of the archipelago nation adopted resolutions on enhancing the bilateral relations before and during the Vietnamese NA delegations official visit in 2022. He expressed his hope that the two parliaments will continue increasing mutual visits by their leaders and specialised agencies, and share experience in parliamentary activities and the building of legal frameworks for bilateral investment, economic, and trade ties. The two sides should actively implement the Vietnamese NAs agreement with the Philippine House of Representatives and Senate so as to turn their parliamentary cooperation into a model of its kind in the world, Chairman Hue continued. At the meeting, both leaders voiced their delight at the signing of the rice trading agreement, considering this as not only a contributor to the two countries trade turnover but also a demonstration of mutual trust and a help to food security. President Marcos Jr. shared his hosts view about the need to enhance political trust; expand cooperation in the fields of labour, agriculture, education, and training; and exchange experience in natural disaster prevention and control, vocational training, the building of labour, employment and social protection policies, and response to social impacts of epidemics and climate change. He also agreed on the need for the two sides to step up exchanges of Party, parliamentary, and government delegations as well as people-to-people exchanges, improve the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, encourage the two countries parliamentary friendship groups to boost practical activities, foster partnerships between localities, facilitate people-to-people exchanges, and connect enterprises. That will help intensify cooperation within the framework of the Philippines - Viet Nam strategic partnership for the sake of both nations' people, the President opined. Talking about regional and international issues of shared interest, the two leaders agreed that Viet Nam and the Philippines will support each other at multilateral frameworks. The two nations will continue their close coordination with each other, and with other ASEAN countries, and partners to maintain and carry out ASEANs common stance on the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), ensure the full and serious implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and promote the negotiations on and building of an efficient and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Philippine leader said together with striving for US$10 billion in bilateral trade, the two countries need to capitalise on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to expand economic, trade, and investment ties. On this occasion, Chairman Hue called on the Philippines to create more favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live and work there and serve as bridges of cooperation between the countries. Via President Marcos Jr., he invited the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate of the Philippines to pay official visits to Viet Nam in the near future. VNS HA NOI The number of international visitors to Viet Nam in the first month of 2024 reached over 1.5 million, an increase of 10.3 per cent compared to the previous month and a 73.6 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. The notable increase in international visitors in January, with many markets experiencing remarkable growth, is the result of extensive, systematic efforts to promote and advertise Viet Nam's tourism, with the country being recognised as a safe and friendly destination for international visitors, according to the General Statistics Office's January report released on Monday. Most arrivals are via air routes (nearly 1.3 million, 85 per cent of the total), followed by entries by road (176,900, or 11.7 per cent), and by sea (48,400, or 3.2 per cent). Of these, the majority of visitors in the first month still came from Asia with over 1.1 million, visitors from Europe reached over 216,000, and visitors from the Americas reached over 97,000, followed by Oceania and Africa. South Korea remains the largest source market for Viet Nam tourism in January with 417,576 visitors, an increase of 112.2 per cent compared to the previous month and a 161.3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. China, which used to be the biggest source of foreign arrivals to Viet Nam in pre-pandemic times, is the second-largest source market for visitors in January with 242,181 visitors, up 103.4 per cent from the previous month and a staggering 1,525.5 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, signalling a recovery. Taiwan (China) comes next with 84,213 visitors. The United States market ranks fourth with 75,651 visitors to Viet Nam in this period, up 128.9 per cent compared to the previous month and 97.1 per cent compared to the same period last year. Notably, January witnessed remarkable growth in the Australian market as it rose to the fifth position with 62,100 visitors, more than 1.5 times the previous month (37,040 visitors). The Japanese market ranks sixth with 60,630 visitors. Visitors from India continue to increase significantly with 46,136 visitors, rising to eighth position among the top 10 source markets for visitors to Viet Nam in January 2024. GSO report shows that the revenue from tourism in January 2024 is estimated at VN4.4 trillion (over US$179 million), an 18.5 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Some localities with high growth rates include: Ha Noi (up by 24.4 per cent); HCM City (22.8 per cent); ong Nai (9.1 per cent); and Quang Ninh (9 per cent). Meanwhile, the revenue from accommodation and dining services in January 2024 is estimated at VN58.9 trillion, an increase of 10.2 per cent compared to the same period last year. Some localities with high revenue growth include a Nang (29.9 per cent), HCM City (14.7 per cent), and Ha Noi (10.8 per cent). In 2024, Viet Nam sets the goal of receiving 17-18 million international visitors, serving 110 million domestic tourists, and achieving total tourism revenue of around VN840 trillion ($34.18 billion). The growth in the first month also is also an auspicious signal that the international arrivals target this year is entirely within reach. The Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism stated that the entire tourism industry has actively provided recommendations on policies to facilitate the attraction of tourists. The National Assembly and the Government have approved new policies on granting electronic visas for citizens of all countries and territories, as well as extending the temporary residence period for countries unilaterally exempted from visas to 45 days. This is a crucial policy aimed at making a breakthrough in attracting international tourists to Viet Nam in the near future. In 2023, Viet Nam received 12.6 million international visitors (against the initial target of 8 million, which was later revised to 12 million following China's reopening policies), while estimated total revenues from all tourism activities hits VN678 trillion ($27.58 billion). Recently, at the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Laos' capital Vientiane last week, the organisers honoured and awarded the "Clean ASEAN Tourism City" prize for 2024 to 3 cities in Viet Nam: the coastal city Vung Tau, the ancient imperial city of Hue, and south-central beach town Quy Nhon. The "Clean ASEAN Tourism City" award is an annual ASEAN award aimed at honouring and developing high-quality tourism brands in the region. The award is given every two years in even-numbered years. Experts evaluate registered cities based on 108 criteria in seven main categories of the award, including: environmental management, waste management, cleanliness, environmental protection awareness, green space, urban infrastructure safety and health, and tourism facilities. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for drastic action to ensure traffic order and safety during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday and spring festivals, as roads are expected to be extremely busy. In an Official Dispatch sent to ministries, agencies, and localities, the PM highlighted the communications work in order to promote the observance of traffic rules. Specifically, the Minister of Transport was asked to instruct the Department for Roads of Viet Nam to tighten control vehicles through the monitoring system, and promptly handle violations. The Ministry of Transport will direct its units, departments and companies to ensure the quality and safety of passenger and cargo transportation services, with more attention to be paid to Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai international airports. Transport departments and contractors need to ensure the safety of infrastructure projects, the PM said, urging the smooth operation of the non-stop toll collection system. The upgrade and maintenance of major traffic routes must be completed one week ahead of Tet, and plans devised to regulate traffic on major routes to the centres of Ha Noi and HCM City, as well as railway stations, airports, wharves and festival sites. The Ministry of Information and Communications was requested to instruct press agencies to increase information about traffic order and safety during Tet and spring festivals. The leader also asked the health sector to mobilise human resources, equipment and drugs in case of traffic accidents. Ministries, agencies and localities will present reports on traffic order and safety during the seven-day holiday, starting February 8, to the National Traffic Safety Committee that will submit them to the PM. VNS HA NOI President Vo Van Thuongs spouse Phan Thi Thanh Tam guided Mme. Louise Araneta Marcos, the spouse of visiting Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr, in a tour around the Ha Noi Old Quarter and Hang Luoc Street, the venue of one of the oldest and typical flower markets in the capital city for the coming Tet (Lunar New Year) festival. The two took a walk through streets and explored the Old Quarter and popular flowers during Tet. The host briefed the guest on cherry blossoms, a traditional kind of flower that is present in the houses of Vietnamese people in the north during Tet. Hang Luoc Flower Market has formed part of the unique culture of residents in the Ha Noi Old Quarter as well as the capital city. The market convenes only once in a year, spanning from the 15th day to the last day of the last lunar month. The two ladies then visited stalls selling Tet products where they were introduced to the traditional craft of making incense, as well as the types of the products used in each traditional Vietnamese holiday and Tet. After enjoying tea, they got pieces of calligraphy featuring Vietnamese words of "Phuc An" and "Hoa An", which mean Luck and Peace and Harmony and Peace, respectively. Both Vietnamese and Philippine people celebrate Lunar New Year. VNS HCM CITY In a historic medical breakthrough, Viet Nam witnessed the first successful delivery of a baby over three weeks after having undergone foetal heart surgery. At 9:17am yesterday, the baby was delivered via Caesarean section, evoking emotional responses from the medical team. This birth marks a significant milestone not only in Viet Nam, but also stands as the first instance of successful foetal heart surgery in Southeast Asia. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Deputy Director of Children's Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, reported that the surgery lasted 25 minutes. Post-birth, the neonatal intensive care team from Tu Du Hospital and the Neonatology Department of Children's Hospital 1 assessed the baby's condition. Fortunately, the baby exhibited promising signs of health with an SpO2 level of 89 per cent, breathing independently. "I have never felt such emotions in the operating room. This case is remarkable, surpassing the expectations of the medical team. The baby cried loudly upon birth," said Huong. Initially, doctors anticipated the need for immediate oxygen supplementation post-birth. However, direct ultrasound imaging during the surgery revealed excellent blood flow through the narrowed pulmonary artery, eliminating the immediate need for intervention in the early stages of life. After birth, the baby will undergo continuous monitoring and evaluation at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children's Hospital 1 in HCM City. Tomorrow, experts will reassess the situation and plan for the baby's long-term treatment. Tran Ngoc Hai, Director of Tu Du Hospital and the lead surgeon, highlighted the baby's normal breathing and skin-to-skin contact with the mother after cutting the umbilical cord. The successful pregnancy reached 37 weeks and 4 days. "Doctors were very emotional. Cases of infants without pulmonary artery valves are usually very severe, with a poor prognosis. But today, the baby was born very well. The progress of neonates will change every hour, and we will closely monitor," explained Hai. The mother's determination served as motivation for the entire medical team. "I was deeply moved when I saw the mother lying on the operating table, tears streaming down. This is the result of the mother's courage, and her determination is the motivation for the entire team because this is the first case in Viet Nam. Although we prepared everything to ensure safety, the family's determination and the mother's courage were the driving force for the entire team," said Huong. On January 4, doctors in HCM City successfully performed fetal cardiac surgery on the baby, then a 32-week-old foetus with congenital heart defects. This marked the first instance of prenatal heart surgery in Viet Nam and Southeast Asia, making the dream of saving a child with congenital heart defects within the mother's womb a reality for Vietnamese doctors. According to experts, the technique of foetal heart surgery has only developed in the last five years, with successful procedures performed in Brazil and Poland. The mother, a 28-year-old woman from a Nang, upon detecting abnormalities in the foetuss heart, was transferred for observation to HCM City. At Tu Du Hospital, at 26 weeks of pregnancy, doctors decided to intervene during a critical period and went through three consultations. By 32 weeks and five days of pregnancy, the baby's life was at risk. Urgent consultation with Children's Hospital 1 concluded that immediate prenatal intervention to dilate the pulmonary artery valve was necessary, or the foetus could face death in the womb. If born immediately, the baby could encounter life-threatening complications shortly after delivery. Director of Tu Du Hospital emphasised that prenatal intervention is an urgent solution to save the life of a foetus still in the womb. The success rate of intervention within the womb is higher than after birth, as the foetus has a remarkable mechanism for self-healing without leaving scars, thanks to stem cells. Large specialised hospitals in HCM City are planning to establish teams for anaesthesia in adults, prenatal intervention, cardiac catheterisation, and neonatal intensive care for emergency C-sections. These teams will be prepared to perform foetal surgery and childbirth if complications arise. On January 4, doctors initiated foetal heart intervention at 9:05am, utilising an 18G needle for nearly 40 minutes. Subsequent ultrasound results revealed good blood flow through the foetus's pulmonary artery valve, with no fluid leakage around the heart. The mother was safely discharged on January 8. VNS HAI PHONG Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang on January 30 presented the Navy High Command with VN 1.55 billion (US$ 63,500) donated by overseas Vietnamese (OV) to a programme on greening Truong Sa (Spratly) islands. The donation was handed over during a visit by a delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to offer greetings to the Navy High Command in the northern city of Hai Phong ahead of the Tet (Lunar New Year) festival. The Greening Truong Sa programme was launched by the Vietnam Peoples Navy in 2023. Hang, who is also Chairwoman of the State Committee for OV Affairs, noted that during 2012 - 2023, the OV community donated over 28 billion VND for building patrol canoes and some facilities, and presenting essentials and gifts to soldiers and residents on the islands and the DK1 platforms, which are economic, scientific, and technical stations on the country's southern continental shelf. Besides, OVs have also made practical spiritual contributions to the safeguarding of the Fatherlands maritime sovereignty over the past many years. Following trips to Truong Sa, they have become the key force in many activities supporting the islands such as establishing the Vietnamese peoples fund for the seas and island sovereignty in the Republic of Korea in 2015, the Truong Sa Club in Germany in 2017, along with the Hoang Sa - Truong Sa Club in Poland in 2019 and another in the Czech Republic in 2022. They have also organised a number of workshops and forums on the East Sea, she noted. The Deputy Minister thanked leaders of the Navy High Command and relevant units for providing favourable conditions for the State Committee for OV Affairs to successfully arrange 10 trips for its staff members and OV representatives to visit soldiers and residents in the island district of Truong Sa and the DK1 platforms so far. She voiced her belief that navy officers and soldiers will always fulfil their duties, including firmly safeguarding the maritime sovereignty as well as peace and security at sea. Rear Admiral o Van Yen, Deputy Political Commissar of the navy force, pledged to continue coordinating closely with the State committee to organise more trips to Truong Sa for OVs. Expressing his hope for the OV communitys continued support for the homelands seas and islands, he appreciated their material and spiritual assistance and considered this as a source of encouragement for Truong Sa soldiers and residents to keep defending the countrys sacred territorial waters. VNA/VNS 60 years of diplomacy: Chinese perceptions of France (People's Daily App) 16:08, January 30, 2024 January 27 marked the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between China and France, sparking various sentiments and reflections on the relationship between the two nations. Discover more about Chinese perceptions of France! (Video source: City News Service) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) January 30, 2024: The American F-16 fighter first flew fifty years ago, and the Americans didnt realize how many F-16 fans were pilots in the Ukrainian Air Force. Currently some Ukrainian pilots have been training in F-16s and deliveries of dozens of F-16s will begin in the next few months. F-16s have been the worlds most popular post-Cold War combat aircraft. Communist governments and the Soviet Union collapsed by 1991 and eastern European nations, recently under communist rule, wanted to join NATO so the Russians, Communist or not, would be less likely to return. During the last three decades these former Communist controlled nations joined NATO and have been replacing their Russian weapons with Western models. The Ukraine War that began in early 2022 was often a desperate battle for Ukrainians. Nevertheless, Russia suffered heavier casualties. Two years later the Russians have lost 370,000 soldiers and 17,000 armored vehicles, a third of them tanks. So far Russia has lost 20,000 thousand artillery systems which includes howitzers, large caliber mortars and MLRS (Multiple Launcher Rocket Systems). Ukrainian losses have been nearly half as much, but Ukraine is one third the size of Russia. Aircraft losses have also been heavy, with over 600 manned and unmanned aircraft lost by both sides. Currently Russia has 1,100 jet fighters and strike aircraft. Russia is a large country and most of these aircraft are stationed in distant areas of Russia with about a third of the aircraft concentrated against Ukraine. Russia started this war with a larger air force than Ukraine had. Russia has an aircraft production industry. While crippled by sanctions, Russia can still build some new warplanes each year and repair and refurbish even more of them. Ukraine also produces aircraft, but those production facilities have been the target of many attacks and operate at low levels of productivity. Ukraine depends on its NATO allies for replacement aircraft. Eastern European NATO nations once used Russian warplanes and are phasing them out in favor of Western models, like the F-16. These NATO nations have already donated dozens of their older Russian warplanes to Ukraine. This is done as they receive newer Western aircraft, mainly F-16s. Ukraine noted this and asked for preference to receive F-16s but had to convince the Americans that they could quickly adapt to them. Ukrainian MiG and Sukhoi pilots demonstrated that they could quickly adapt to F-16s. Meanwhile, Ukraine has lots of experience with MiG-29s and Su-27s, and uses them extensively. Some have been modified to handle Western anti-radar missiles as well as GPS guided bombs. While the Ukrainians have made good use of their MiG-29s, they always wanted Western aircraft, especially F-16s. The F-16 and MiG-29 are both considered 4th generation, 1970s and 80s, aircraft. The 5th generation, so far, consists of the American F-22 and F-35 as well as Chinas J-20. Each generation has been about twice as expensive, on average, in constant dollars, as the previous one. But each generation is also about twice as safe to fly and cheaper to operate. Naturally, each generation is more than twice as effective as the previous one. The Russians had a hard time developing their 5th generation, although some of the derivatives of their Su-27 are at least generation 4.5. Other nations did the same and it wasnt until the 2020s that there were three different fifth-gen fighters purportedly in service. There were several decades between fourth and fifth generation aircraft, which is partly due to the end of the Cold War in 1991 and China not becoming a major military power until two decades later. The MiG-29 dates from the 1980s and was the last aircraft designed by the now defunct MiG company. Rival Sukhoi later introduced two new aircraft, the Su-24 and Su-35. Both performed poorly in combat over Ukraine. The MiG-29 entered service in 1983. Some 1,600 MiG-29s have been produced so far, with about 900 of them exported. The 22-ton aircraft is roughly comparable to the F-16, but it depends a lot on which version of either aircraft you are talking about. Russia is making a lot of money upgrading MiG-29s. Not just adding new electronics but also making the airframe more robust. The MiG-29 was originally rated at 2,500 total flight hours. At that time, Russia expected MiG-29s to fly about a hundred or so hours a year. Didnt work out that way. India, for example, flew them at nearly twice that rate, as did Malaysia. Eventually Russia offered an upgrade to the airframe so that the aircraft could fly up to 4,000 hours, with more life extension upgrades promised. This has not been easy, as the MiG-29 has a history of unreliability and premature breakdowns, both mechanical and electronic, which indicates a flawed design. Western warplanes are built to last longer. The F-16C was originally designed for a service life of 4,000 hours in the air. Advances in engineering, materials, and maintenance techniques extended that to over 8,000 hours. Because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, F-16s sent to these areas flew over a thousand hours a year more than what they would fly in peacetime. That led to a refurbishment program to extend F-16C flight hours to 10,000 or more. The U.S. Air Force had to refurbish several hundred of its 22-ton F-16 fighters, because their replacement, the 31-ton F-35, did not arrive on time. Most existing F-16s are old, and by 2016, many were too old to operate. Back then the average age of F-16s was over 20 years, and the average aircraft has over 5,000 flight hours on it. In 2009 the first Block 40 F-16 passed 7,000 hours. In 2008 the first of the earliest models, Block 25 F-16s, passed 7,000 hours. While older F-16s are being retired for their age, they tend to have at least twice as many flight hours as their Russian counterparts. Because of greater durability and ease of maintenance, the seemingly more expensive Western fighters are actually cheaper in the lifetime of an aircraft because they last longer and are easier to maintain than equivalent Russian designs. The Block 70 F-16 was also sold to Slovakia which ordered 14, Bulgaria asked for eight and Bahrain received 16 new F-16s plus twenty older F-16s upgraded to Block 7o. South Korea upgraded over a hundred of its F-16s to the Block 70 standard. The F-16V was the popular choice for post-Cold War members of NATO, like Slovakia and Bulgaria, seeking to replace early model MiG-29s. New users of the F-16 also purchase spares, maintenance equipment, training, aircraft accessories, like look and shoot helmets plus tech support and assistance in setting up maintenance and support facilities. These can be used for other aircraft types and are a good investment. The sale includes air-to-air missiles and smart bombs as well. The F-16V was introduced in 2012 as the last model of the F-16 but production of the F-16 did not as planned in late 2016 because possible further sales of the F-16V became a reality. Additionally it became possible to upgrade some or all of the older F-16s to the Block 7o standard. These Block 7o upgrades are not always possible, or practical, for the oldest models of the F-16. These upgrades include replacing many structural elements as well as installing more powerful engines and the most modern electronics and fire control systems available. Although production of the F-16 ceased temporarily, its manufacturer Lockheed Martin, also known as LockMart, continues to do upgrades and refurbishments, and produce new F-16Vs due to buyer demand. The changes in the V model are considerable. The airframe is upgraded and strengthened to enable 12,000 flight hours per aircraft. The electronics undergo an even more extensive upgrade which involves replacing the mechanical radar with an AESA phased array radar, an upgraded cockpit, a Sniper targeting pod, a Link 16 digital data link and upgraded navigation gear. The newly redesigned cockpit is all digital and flat screen touch displays that replace dozens of gauges and switches and make it much easier to fly. AESA and the new fire control system make it possible to track multiple aircraft at once as well as track vehicles on land or vessels at sea. The targeting pod enables the pilot to confirm visually what is on the surface and promptly attack it with smart bombs or missiles. LockMart initially expected to get orders for at least 700 newly built F-16V or less expensive upgrades. An upgrade brings in as little as $10 million per aircraft while five or ten of these upgrades equals the price of one new F-16V. But when you have orders for hundreds of F-16V upgrades you have a lot of F-16 work. The F-16 thus follows the path of previous best selling fighters. During the 1947-1991 Cold War Russia built over 10,000 MiG-21s and the U.S over 5,000 F-4s. After 1991 warplane manufacturing plummeted about 90 percent. However, the F-16 has been popular enough to keep the production lines going strong into the 2020s. The U.S. still has about 1,200 F-16s in service, with about half with reserve units. F-16s built so far went to 27 countries before Ukraine requested them. America has hundreds in storage, available for sale on the used airplane market. The end of the Cold War led to a sharp cut in U.S. Air Force fighter squadrons. Moreover, the new F-35 is on its way to replacing all U.S. F-16s by the late 2020s. The U.S. has plenty of little-used F-16s sitting around, while many allies need low cost jet fighters. Many current F-16 users planned to replace the F-16 with the F-35 but that aircraft costs more than twice as much as a new F-16V so air forces are seeking to operate a mixed force of F-35s and late model F-16s. A current example of this is Poland, which is sending its older MiG-29s to Ukraine. These have a few good years left, which is all Ukraine needs. Since the 1990s most F-16s produced were for export and some cost as much as $70 million each, like the F-16I for Israel. Some nations, like South Korea, built over a hundred F-16s under license. The 16 ton F-16 also has an admirable combat record and is very popular with pilots. It has been successful at ground support as well. When equipped with 4-6 smart bombs, it is an effective bomber. Since first entering service some 4,600 F-16s have flown over 12 million hours. Despite fears that a single engine fighter would be less safe, F-16s have, in the 21st century, suffered an accident rate (loss or major damage) of 2.4 per 100,000 flight hours. The F-16 is one of the most modified jet fighters in service. While most are still called the F-16C, there are actually seven major mods, identified by block number like 32, 40, 42, 50, 52, 60, 70 and 72, plus the Israeli F-16I, which is a major modification of the Block 52. The F-16D is a two seat trainer version of F-16Cs. The various block mods included a large variety of new components and can choose from five different engines, four sets of avionics, five generations of electronic warfare gear, five radars and many other mechanical, software, cockpit and electrical mods. Until Block 70 came along the most advanced F-16 was the F-16 Block 60. The best example of this is a special version of the Block 60 developed for the UAE (United Arab Emirates). The UAE bought 80 Desert Falcons, the F-16Es which are optimized for air combat. It is a 22 ton aircraft based on the Block 52 model, which the KF-16 was originally, but with an AESA radar and lots of other additional useful accessories. Block 70 goes beyond Block 60, especially in terms of electronics and airframe enhancement to extend flight life. The most successful F-16 user is Israel which set a number of combat records with its F-16s. Israel plans to keep some of its late model F-16s flying until 2030 as it retires the oldest ones. At the end of 2016, Israel retired the last of its 125 F-16A fighters. The first 70 were acquired in 1980 and 1981 and included 8 two-seater F-16B trainers. One of the F-16As achieved a record by being the single F-16 with the most air-to-air kills, 6.5, all achieved in 1982 using three different pilots. Israel received 50 used F-16As in 1994 including 14 B models and used these mainly as trainers. The Ukrainians are well aware of the F-16s track record, especially when compared to the MiG-29. Thats why Ukraine keeps asking for F-16s. Ho Chi Minh City-based fruit export major Vina T&T Group ships dozens of containers full of fresh fruits to the United States and EU markets every week. The recent Red Sea tensions have driven up transportation costs by 30-50 per cent, while also extending transportation time by around 15 days, having negative impacts on the product quality. A source from Trung An High-tech Farming JSC, based in Can Tho city, revealed that though the companys rice export volume to the EU and US is not as big as to Asian markets, the volatility of shipping costs have affected the companys operations. Formerly, rice exports to Europe cost less than $1,000 per container, but have now soared to $3,000-$4,000, putting a real burden on firms shoulders, said the source. Cao Huu Hieu, CEO of state group Vinatex, revealed that member units belonging to the group have incurred increasing input costs due to the Red Sea tensions. It is difficult to raise the unit rate for export items as order intake is still on a downward trend due to the impacts of the global economic turmoil and tightened spending in major markets. Currently, container transportation costs from Asia to Europe and the Americas have soared by about 88 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels. According to the Vietnam Maritime Administration (VMA), container transportation costs from Asia to Europe and the Americas in the first week of January spiked by about 60 per cent compared to late 2023. Currently, those same costs have soared by about 88 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels. As such, a container from Vietnam to western America reportedly fetches $2,650/40-foot unit, with eastern America reaching $3,900 and Europe hitting $4,900. It is worrying that besides a jump in transportation costs, there are also shipment cancellations from major global shipping lines. For instance, from the second week of January to mid-February, the rate of cancelled shipments reached 12 per cent (78 out of 850). Normally, the shortest way with optimal costs for container transportation from Asia to Europe is by going through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Since the conflicts in Red Sea areas, shipping companies have had to alter their itineraries, not passing the Suez Canal and instead travelling around the Cape of Good Hope, extending the voyage by 10-14 days and significantly driving up the cost. To avoid delays, many firms resort to air transport, leading to a sharp hike in their expenses. The commodities transported on flights from Vietnam to Europe are mainly apparel items, which is hard for firms as they need to spend more on transportation, but the unit rate cannot go up correspondingly. In this context, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) is requesting support for container transportation to Europe and the Americas. The MoT has asked state management bodies in the maritime sector to join forces with relevant units to ensure a smooth seaport system throughout the country. The hope is that measures to bolster the efficiency of maritime infrastructure can be expedited. The VMA needs to quicken its procedures for ships to enter and leave the ports, as well as those for the loading and unloading of goods, particularly for container vessels to Europe and the Americas. It is also necessary to work with shipping firms, calling on them to maintain their routes and supplement container shells for Vietnam to meet the burgeoning freight transportation demands, said the MoT. Exporters being stifled by VAT tweaks The constant changes of requirements for verification of records and invoices are being called too challenging for exporters, with businesses complaining that VAT refund procedures are becoming more baffling. MoIT to counteract rising electricity costs The Ministry of Industry and Trade has suggested a three-month adjustment to the average price of electricity, instead of every six months as currently. Green development the first choice for businesses, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com After the most difficult year in 30 years for textile and garment exports, according to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, Garco 10 is aiming to accelerate recovery and achieve growth in 2024. In early January, general director Than Duc Viet said that the company will take advantage of even the smallest opportunities from the market, expanding customer numbers to maintain production and business activities. We have a plan to transform green production, which started with reducing energy use from 2022. This process is expected to last for many years, but the biggest challenge for us is changing the perception of both management and employees, Viet said. Last year, Garco 10s revenues and profit only reached 91 and 82 per cent, respectively, compared to 2022. This year, the business aims to exceed 6.6 per cent of revenue and 5.7 per cent of profit compared to 2023 by investing more resources in production activities, new product research, and greener production. Garco 10 is among the top garment and textile enterprises in Vietnam, with about 80 per cent of products serving the export market. Its three main export markets are the United States, Europe and Japan, which all high have demands and strict requirements on partners such as having to participate in green production chains and providing greener products. The enterprise also aims to gradually convert from conventional production activities to fully green production by 2030. According to Viet, some of Garco 10s biggest customers such as Zara and H&M all have a strategy to prioritise fashion products using green materials. Meanwhile, other customers from the US and Japan prefer fashion products that are recyclable and made from organic materials. If businesses want to survive and develop, they must meet customer requirements, Viet said. We are focusing on finding more non-traditional markets such as South Korea, Taiwan, and Canada. Last year, we exported products under orders from markets such as Australia, China, Thailand, and the Philippines. Nguyen Quang Vinh, vice chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), assessed that the picture of the business community in 2023 was of contrasting colours, with the upstream reflected in the quantity and quality of businesses commitment to sustainable development goals. At the 10th Sustainable Businesses in Vietnam awards organised by the VCCI and the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development at the end of last year, out of nearly 500 business applications registered to participate, nearly 25 per cent were new businesses contributing for the first time. More and more Vietnamese businesses realise that sustainable development practices are the best weapon to improve competitiveness in a volatile economic context, Vinh said. Dao Thuy Ha, deputy general director of pharma giant Traphaco, agreed that its sustainable development strategy has helped the company build a stable foundation to create momentum for business development. Traphaco has developed a green value chain from input materials to factories that meet international standards, bringing quality medicinal products at reasonable prices to customers. The path of sustainable development has never been smooth, Ha expressed. However, we believe that difficulties are only temporary and that businesses can completely overcome them to create more sustainable progress in the coming years, thanks to the support of the community and the encouragement and determination of the government. According to a sustainability survey from Schneider Electric for 2023, published in January, 99 per cent of Vietnamese businesses said they have set goals for sustainable development. Almost half of them have or are implementing comprehensive strategies to reach their commitments, but there still exists a gap from aspiration to action. Dong Mai Lam, general director of Schneider Electric Vietnam and Cambodia, said, We see a positive increase in awareness and commitment of Vietnamese businesses in setting sustainable goals. Many organisations may be pursuing sustainability, but still lack an overall roadmap and are focusing only on short-term goals. Meanwhile, Furusawa Yasuyuki, general director of AEON Vietnam, commented that Vietnamese companies are making greater efforts to build sustainable and effective business models to contribute more value to society. Building a sustainable business model requires numerous diverse activities and investing plenty of resources. Therefore, companies of all sizes need to receive support from the government, Yasuyuki said. Vietnam is AEONs second key market after Japan. In the next stage of development, we will accelerate the promotion of sustainable development activities like Cleaning Day, an eco-bag contest, the rent a bag initiative, and make more coordinated efforts with stakeholders to jointly attain this goal, especially promoting sustainable consumption and spreading green lifestyles to customers. According to a survey by the Enterprise Development Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, 83 per cent of businesses believe that green production helps improve their image and reputation, and 57 per cent realise the need to convert towards green and sustainable production in order to expand markets and find partners in Europe and the US. Vietnam to introduce criteria for national green development Vietnam is soon to introduce a new set of national criteria aimed specifically at speeding the development of green industries in line with international standards, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI). Foreign community pushes initiatives for Ho Chi Minh City's green development More than 100 CEOs from global corporations gathered on September 14 in Ho Chi Minh City to push forward their initiatives and cement their commitment to collaboration with the city to implement its green development and zero carbon goals. Part of the LEGO factory under construction in the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park III in Binh Duong province (Published by VNA) The interim executive committee of the Vietnam Industrial Park Finance Association (FAIP) was recently launched in Hanoi. One of the key missions of the FAIP, which is a member of the Vietnam Financial Consulting Association (VFCA), is to become a trusted focal point for investors and partners, connecting supply and demand in terms of finance for organisations and individuals operating in industrial parks (IPs). In addition, it will represent the IP developer community to advise state management agencies in building relevant policies, while advising the VFCA in consulting and social appraisal activities. According to the VFCA, the new entity is necessary in the context that demand for capital from industrial real estate developers is large. According to Vietnams land use planning strategy, by 2030 the land area for IP development will reach almost 211,000 hectares. Thus, from now to 2030 there will be about 120,000ha of IPs, of which the area of industrial land for rent is about 80,000-85,000ha. According to a survey by the Institute for International Investment Studies, the current average estimated investment cost to develop one hectare of IP land is about $600,000. The need for capital to develop infrastructure in IPs before 2030 and carry out construction is about $72 billion. If the average investment rate of $6.5 million per ha of industrial land is taken into account, the need to attract investment capital to fill the remaining area of Vietnams planned IPs is about $600-650 billion. In a report summarising 30 years of industrial and economic zone development by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the government agrees that by 2030, up to half of localities will have plans to convert existing parks to eco-IPs, and 8-10 per cent of localities will plan to build new eco-IPs. Large real estate corporations are seeking foreign rather than domestic capital because the latter market remains cool. The capital demand is large and capital resources for green economic development in general and eco-IPs in particular are still very limited, according to Le Minh Nghia, chairman of the VFCA. The current financial policy system applied to Vietnams IPs only focuses on tax policy, land policy, investment incentive policy and other local support policies. Meanwhile, the role of credit policy is still relatively obscure. There are almost no preferential credit policies prescribed to promote capital access for IPs in general and eco-IPs. Without timely investment, it is very difficult for the eco-IP model to develop in reality, and this may cause Vietnam to miss the wave of green funding that is increasingly becoming a central trend of international investors, said Nghia. As of the start of 2023, the total outstanding green credit debt in Vietnam reached $20.37 billion, accounting for about 4.3 per cent of the total outstanding bank credit debt for the economy, according to VFCA statistics. State budget capital to support IP infrastructure development is still low compared to demand. In the medium-term public investment plan 2016-2020, the capital allocated to support IP infrastructure development only met half of the demand, said Can Van Luc, chief economist of BIDV. It takes a long time to invest the IPs and recoup the capital, thus the industrial real estate developers depend heavily on credit capital and corporate bonds, so their need for medium and long-term loans is huge, which serve to clear land, rent land, build infrastructure, Luc added. Ngo Cong Thanh, vice chairman Institute of International Investment Studies Industrial parks (IPs) and economic zones (EZs) have contributed positively to Vietnams growth and socioeconomic development achievements in recent times. The Ministry of Planning and Investment has set targets to pull in investment in IPs and EZs this decade. Total registered capital is expected to reach about $390-460 billion, of which domestic capital is about $110-130 billion, and foreign invest ment is the remainder. To reach these targets, we need to have available industrial infrastructure. Nevertheless, attracting investment to develop IPs and EZs has revealed limitations. For example, investors of IP infrastructure projects, due to limited financial capacity, have the mentality of waiting to find secondary investors before putting money into shared infrastructure in IPs. Meanwhile, foreign financiers want to have the premises and technical infrastructure immediately, and then decide to act. This struggle and waiting have caused many IPs to have low occupancy rates. In light of that situation, mobilising huge capital for IPs in the coming years requires fundamental changes in opening up capital flows, creating stronger conditions to access production factors, and innovation in promotional activities. Ranjit Thambyrajah, chairman Acuity Funding Acuity is currently working on many IP projects in the world, including more than five projects in Vietnam that are at various phases of their development. These projects include a completed and operating park requiring refinance, and a few half-built infrastructure projects on partly cleared sites requiring more money to complete. Vietnam is currently lacking the diversified financial products and specialised services needed for the growth it is experiencing. The country needs long-term and large-scale funding, and it also needs progressive credit policies that are user-friendly to the developers and their projects. We mainly arrange senior debts from $100 million to billions of US dollars, with a 60 per cent lending ratio on improved valuation. When needed, we can also assist with sourcing preferred equity participants to assist good projects that need equity to qualify for our loans. On occasions, we can also consider alternative forms of equity and/ or serviceability, for example, bank guarantees, future purchase contracts, lease agreements, and recognition of pre-sales. Our typical loan terms are 20-40 years, including a 3-5 year grace periods from payments. This is a much-needed credit policy for Vietnamese developers and will help make their projects safer, profitable, and successful. PM visits northern region's first semiconductor chip factory in Bac Giang Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 23 visited Hana Micron Vina Ltd., a company invested by the Republic of Korea (RoK) and the first semiconductor chip manufacturer in the northern region, which is located in Van Trung industrial park, Viet Yen district , the northern province of Bac Giang. Industrial development gains from cross-border investment Further economic integration has enabled Vietnam to improve the quality of industrial development, with a lions share created by foreign investment, helping to ameliorate the nations export structure. Industrial parks seek answers for potential power shortages Many industrial areas face the risk of power shortages in 2024, which will undermine production, tenants, and investment. On January 25, Danang Hi-Tech Park Management Board announced that it had just granted an investment registration certificate to KP Aero Industries to implement the KP VINA aerospace components factory. With a total investment of $20 million, the project will specialise in manufacturing, processing, and assembling aircraft parts, including the APU door, MIC tip, wingbox, winglet, and flap support fairing of Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 Max aircraft. This is the second project in the aerospace field to be sited in Danang Hi-Tech Park. Universal Alloy Corporation from the United States is also running a facility in the park to produce aerospace components for Boeing. In Vietnam, Boeing has seven sub-tier suppliers, which sell components to its direct suppliers. Boeing wants to grow those numbers and is currently working with Vietnamese firms to train them in getting to the safety and technical standards necessary to join its supply chains. A representative of KP Aero Industries said, "During the initial period of researching investment locations, the company was concerned about the potential difficulties in Danang's business environment due to a lack of infrastructure and delays in administrative procedures. However, the company has received enthusiastic support from the management boards of Danang Hi-Tech Park and Danang Industrial Park, allowing it to complete its procedures quickly." We believe that nothing is impossible in Danang thanks to the smooth administrative coordination. Immediately after signing the land lease contract, we will urgently begin construction in accordance with the law, expecting to start in early February. The project is slated to be completed and put into operation by the end of 2024, the representative added. KP Aero Industries is a partner of leading companies in the aerospace field, such as Boeing, Airbus, and Korean Air. The implementation of the factory is expected to create the foundation for an aerospace technology complex in Danang Hi-Tech Park, thereby contributing to the socioeconomic development of the locality. Taiwan's Foxlink International Investment to build factory in Danang Taiwan-based Foxlink International Investment Ltd. will develop a new manufacturing factory in Danang Hi-Tech Park with the total investment capital of $135 million. Danang awards investment certificates for projects worth nearly $400 million On November 25, Danang People's Committee awarded investment registration certificates and investment approval decisions to seven projects. OTT services, data centre, and cloud computing services, collectively referred to as 'new services', have been introduced and defined as 'telecommunications services' in Law on Telecommunications No.24/2023/QH15 which was passed by Vietnams National Assembly last November, and shall become effective from January 1, 2025. Bui Thi Viet Ha (left) and Trinh Linh Chi New regulations shall create more opportunities for foreign investors who intend to carry out the above services, as the foreign shareholding through business cooperation contracts in such areas shall not be restricted. Specifically, under the new law, enterprises providing new services are entitled to construct, install, and own telecommunications equipment system and transmission line; lease transmission line to interconnect their own telecommunications equipment system; be allocated with telecommunications resources; and research, develop, and implement new technologies and new models in telecommunications activities. Enterprises providing data centre services or cloud computing are not responsible for the information of service users during the process of processing, storing, and retrieving information, unless otherwise prescribed by law. Under the new law, enterprises providing new services have to register, announce the provision of telecommunications services with the telecommunications regulatory agency; register contracts according to standards, and general transaction conditions in accordance with the provisions of the law on consumer rights protection with the telecommunications regulatory agency. Businesses providing OTT services are only responsible for announcing the service quality which they provide under certain conditions, while this obligation is applied to all enterprises providing data centre services, and cloud computing services. In the rollout of new services, the safeguarding of user personal data remains a paramount concern for telecommunications companies. The disclosure of such sensitive information is tightly regulated, adhering to stringent conditions to ensure both user privacy and compliance with the law. The first condition under which user data may be shared is upon receiving explicit consent from the telecommunications service user. Additionally, telecommunications firms are permitted to disclose user data under the framework of a written agreement with their customers, primarily for the purposes of accurate pricing and efficient invoicing. This approach ensures that financial transactions between the provider and user are transparent and accountable. In situations where a user evades payment for services, telecommunications companies may release subscriber information as a necessary step in pursuing their financial rights. This action serves as a deterrent against non-compliance and protects the economic interests of the service providers. Lastly, the disclosure of user data is permissible when mandated by competent state agencies, in accordance with legal provisions. This clause underscores the commitment of telecommunications firms to adhere to national regulations and legal directives, ensuring that their operations remain within the bounds of the law. In the case of providing services with payment from users, enterprises must determine the service price, make billing and payment, refund service fees if telecommunication services are not provided on time and with the quality agreed to in the contract, and compensate the other parties for direct material damage caused by their fault, except in cases of force majeure. Finally, enterprises providing data centre and cloud computing services are responsible for the quality of telecommunications networks and services under the list of telecommunications networks and services with mandatory quality management, and ensuring telecommunications businesses can connect and provide services to data centre services users. In conclusion, the new law will open up more opportunities for investors in the 'new services'. It is expected that the government will issue a decree that provides more detailed regulations on how provisions of the new law should be implemented. New law clears path for foreign buyers The new Law on Housing passed by the National Assembly will bring positive changes related to housing ownership of foreigners in Vietnam when it comes into effect in 2025. Criteria is still being built so that many more ventures are started in Vietnam that align with quality goals, Photo: Le Toan In late December, the decision was made to introduce procedures regarding ventures with outdated technology, and especially with potential for environmental pollution and resource depletion. The new rules come into effect on February 15. According to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), the decision will contribute to perfecting the legal corridor and implementing new regulations on tech management according to provisions of the Law on Investment 2020. The MoST clarified Article 44 of this law, which stipulates that upon expiry of the duration of a project, if the investor wishes to continue executing it and satisfies the conditions as prescribed by law, the duration of the venture may be extended unless it is based on obsolete, environment threatening, or resource-intensive technologies. In addition, projects in which the foreign investor must transfer assets without reimbursement to the Vietnamese government will also be removed. This is an important move because, in some localities, many foreign-invested project approvals are mainly based on experience, without detailed instructions, specific criteria, and detailed evaluation. Remarkably, many ventures are perfunctorily chosen in some localities, especially aspects such as environment and society that are less focused, said Dau Anh Tuan, deputy general secretary and head of the Legal Department under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). In addition, some businesses do not comply well with the environmental regulations of Vietnamese law, creating a devastating effect on society. Major sea pollution incidents here in 2016 and further back in 2009 remind us of the potential environmental risks if foreign-invested projects are not properly managed and strictly supervised. Therefore, the problem is how to clarify poor quality foreign-invested projects to be removed from the country. A report from the Ministry of Planning and Investment outlining Vietnams strategy for foreign investment towards 2030 suggested that only 5 per cent of foreign-invested enterprises in the country are using high technology. Meanwhile, around 80 per cent are using mid-level technologies and 14 per cent low technologies. In addition, the localisation of foreign-invested enterprises is lower than that in other countries in the region. In November 2023, at least two electronic component and telecommunications equipment manufacturers were fined for flouting construction and environmental regulations. Hai Duong-based Synopex Vietnam, making electronic circuit boards and glass for camera equipment, phones, and tablets, was fined $9,700 for discharging wastewater. As the first-level vendor of Samsung Group in Vietnam, it is also a partner of large corporations such as Vingroup, Foxconn, and BKAV. Phu Tho-based Electro M Vina Co., Ltd. was also fined $18,000 for violations in environmental protection. The South Korean-invested electronic spare parts and component manufacturer did not approve the results of the appraisal of an environmental impact assessment report according to regulations. It is necessary to have more criteria to filter quality foreign-invested projects from investors with a responsible business orientation. Along with new policies, it is necessary to have detailed instructions or tools to support the screening, assessment and appraisal of ventures in localities, said Tuan of the VCCI. Along with the filters to remove existing poor-quality projects, Vietnam has been attempting to build filters to select high-tech projects. In November 2022, the VCCI along with the United Nations Development Programme launched a mechanism to review foreign-invested projects applying for permits in Vietnam. The filter includes categories and factors to help localities evaluate when receiving investment certificate applications from foreign investors. Specifically, the tool includes mandatory assessments on the compliance of investment regulations in Vietnam; mandatory assessments of potential economic, social, and environmental risks; and criteria to encourage business compliance based on international best practices and responsible business practices. In addition, the toolkit includes a list of relevant factors in the screening and appraisal of foreign-invested projects. FDI prospects off to stellar start for 2024 Numerous ventures worth hundreds of millions of USD are pouring into Vietnam, promising positive results in foreign investment mobilisation and contributing to economic growth for 2024. Safeguards to be met with credit reform, photo Le Toan The pivotal amendments to the Law on Credit Institutions, effective from July 1, aim to enhance system safety as well as enforce more transparent lending practices across the banking sector. Under the new law adopted two weeks ago by the National Assembly, individual shareholders are restricted to a maximum 5 per cent ownership in a credit institutions charter capital, while an organisations limit is set at 10 per cent. Additionally, the combined ownership of shareholders and related persons is capped at 15 per cent. These measures are crucial for establishing a safeguard against the risks associated with cross-ownership, noted a representative of An Binh Securities. The new law also revises lending limits to individual customers, reducing the cap from 15 to 10 per cent of a banks own capital, and from 25 to 15 per cent for a customer and related parties. These changes will be implemented gradually, reaching the new thresholds by 2029. This phased approach is designed to diversify credit portfolios, mitigating default risks and moral hazards, he added. Pham Van Thinh, member of the National Assembly Economic Committee, said, These new ownership limits in the Law on Credit Institutions align with a global movement towards more secure and transparent banking practices, reducing the control of dominant shareholders or their related groups. The issue of cross-ownership in banking, a topic of concern for over a decade, remains a complex and evolving challenge for state regulators over the past few years. Addressing cross-ownership has been problematic for regulators, but the latest reforms are a significant step in tackling these issues, Thinh noted. By focusing on transparent ownership structures and limiting shareholder power, Vietnams banking reform is aimed at fostering greater accountability and stability. Banks exceeding these new limits must restructure their loan portfolios, potentially impacting credit availability for certain customer segments, said a senior analyst from Maybank Investment Bank. While the new law aims to limit concentrated lending, it could challenge banks ability to fund large-scale projects, he said. Key projects like Hoa Phat Groups financing by Vietcombank or the Long Thanh International Airport project may necessitate more varied funding strategies under the new regulations. The reform is seen as a significant step towards aligning Vietnams banking practices with international standards, aiming to fortify the sector against financial instabilities, the analyst added. By enforcing these changes, Vietnam is promoting a more resilient banking system and enhancing transparency and public trust in financial institutions. Cao Viet Hung, director of Banking Analysis at ACBS Securities, added, While larger banks with diversified lending and increased capital bases are well-positioned to absorb these changes, smaller and medium-sized institutions, especially those focused on corporate loans, could face challenges. Banks might need to overhaul their lending strategies to comply with the new law. On the other hand, the revised law mandates credit institutions intending to enter the securities and insurance markets to establish separate subsidiaries or form new, independent joint ventures, a move aimed at enhancing financial stability and diversification. This regulation requires approval from the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) for such expansions. Yuanta Securities Vietnams latest report also highlighted the impact of these changes, especially on the bancassurance sector, where banks like VIB and ACB have previously seen substantial earnings. Banks with a high dependency on bancassurance revenue will need a longer period to adjust and recover from these regulatory changes, the brokerage noted. The law also addresses systemic risks, as exemplified by the 2022 mass withdrawal incident at Saigon Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SCB). New provisions allow the SBV to intervene early in troubled institutions, especially those showing significant financial distress or non-compliance with liquidity and capital safety ratios. Such pre-emptive measures are crucial to maintain depositor confidence and market stability in the face of potential future liquidity challenges, Yuanta Securities added. In the early days of January, the construction steel market witnessed its first price surge in 2024. Domestic steel prices experienced a significant jump, fluctuating between $6.25 and $15.42 per ton, marking the fifth price increase in the past two months. In the correction session on January 29, both Hoa Sen Group and Hoa Phat Group closed at their lowest points of the day with corresponding declines of 3 per cent and 1.2 per cent, reaching $0.95 per share and $1.17 per share, respectively. However, their liquidity was the most vibrant in the market, reaching 22.5 million units and 21.58 million units, respectively. This indicates that the steel stock market is becoming more dynamic, making it easier to find buyers and sellers. At present, following a significant upturn, the steel stock group is trading at elevated valuation levels, largely reflecting a one-year outlook with a projected price-to-earnings forward (P/E forward) ranging from 15 to 17 times, surpassing the historical average by about 10 times. According to SSI's iBoard data that was made public on January 24, the P/E valuation for HSG stock is 578.2 times and HPG stock stands at 88.1 times. According to SSI Research projections, the P/E forward ratios in 2023 for the three leading steel stocks, including HPG, HSG, and Nam Kim Steel, are expected to be 26 times, 452 times, and 36 times, respectively. Looking ahead to 2024, the P/E forward ratios are forecast to be 14 times, 18 times, and 16 times, maintaining a level approximately 10 times higher than the historical average established by the steel stock group over the years. Lam Van Van, representative of ECI Capital Investment Fund said, "Steel prices may experience a short-term surge as the market anticipates economic recovery and government initiatives to address challenges in the real estate, construction, and building materials sectors. Additionally, optimistic forecasts for the recovery of major global economies contribute to this positive sentiment. Stock markets tend to react promptly to positive information and investor expectations, potentially leading to a certain degree of positive momentum in steel stock prices in the short term." The Vietnam Steel Association forecasts a potential 10 per cent increase in Vietnam's steel production in 2024 and 8 per cent in 2025, as the demand in various economic sectors is expected to rise due to increased disbursement of public investment capital for major transportation infrastructure projects. Similarly, SSI Research anticipates significant profit growth for steel companies in 2024, rebounding from the low levels in 2023 thanks to improved consumption. Gross profit margins are also on the rise after years of low levels, possibly indicating the end of the previous downward trend in steel prices. The growth is attributed to a robust push in public investment, exemplified by the initiation of 12 public ventures by the Ministry of Transport at the end of 2023. These projects span across the nation, from the Provincial Road 255 and Expanded Dien Bien Airport in the North to the My Thuan-Can Tho Expressway in the southernmost regions. Nguyen Hong Khanh, head of Analysis at Vietnam International Securities said, "The steel industry has overcome its most challenging period in the past year and is currently in the process of recovery. Greater opportunities lie ahead for leading companies, and the upcoming year could be noteworthy for the steel sector. While the stock prices of many steel companies have already rebounded by 15-20 per cent in the latter part of the year, the potential for this stock group remains into 2024." The driving force behind domestic steel consumption in 2024 primarily stems from the expectation of a robust recovery in the civil construction sector. This is explained by the National Assembly passing amendments to the Land Law on January 18, with changes that are considered appropriate and positive, contributing to the resurgence of the real estate and civil construction markets this year. Vietnam's steel sector revitalised in 2024 In the early days of January, the domestic construction steel market underwent its first price adjustment as manufacturers collectively raised prices for rolled steel and various reinforced steel types by a common margin of $8.33 per tonne. Steel stock prices on rise despite unsatisfied warnings The stock price of steel companies like Hoa Sen, Nam Kim, and Hoa Phat are still on the rise despite securities companies warnings to rein in buyers. A former Midway administrator is on trial this week in the 2016 hit-and-run death of a Baylor University sophomore who was riding a bike on Franklin Avenue. Tammy Renee Blankenship, 56, is on trial in Wacos 54th State District Court on second-degree felony charges of manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid in a wreck about 10 p.m. Oct. 6, 2016, in the 3200 block of Franklin Avenue that killed David Grotberg, 19, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. A pool of 100 prospective jurors answered questionnaires Monday at the courthouse, and the jury selection process is expected to last most of the day Tuesday, McLennan County District Attorney Josh Tetens said. Witness testimony could start Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. The crash Witnesses who saw an SUV strike Grotberg reported the vehicle was going very fast and did not stop after striking Grotberg, an arrest affidavit for Blankenship says. Blankenship was arrested in the case in March 2019, after police received an anonymous letter in September 2018 claiming Blankenship had hit Grotberg and had been drinking before the crash. At the time of the crash, she was Midway Independent School Districts executive director of special populations and federal programs. She resigned from the district in May 2018, writing in a resignation letter she wanted to pursue other opportunities. Investigators learned through a search warrant that she had filed an insurance claim on her vehicle Oct. 29, 2016, according to her arrest affidavit. She said the damage was from hitting a stop sign on University Parks Drive a day earlier, but based on photos of Blankenships car, police believed the damage looked more consistent with a collision with a person than a stop sign, the affidavit says. When detectives interviewed Blankenship later in October 2018, she said she hit a sign after attending a gathering in Woodway, where she had been drinking wine. Blankenship told police she thought she hit a stop sign after she saw the stop sign on University Parks Drive, the affidavit says. She later said she thought she may have hit a homeless person on her route, according to the affidavit. Police found blood along the inside mirror of the passenger side and under rubber molding under the front windshield, but a swab of the blood tested inconclusive as to who the blood belonged to, the affidavit says. Her arrest affidavits used the name Tammy Renee Blankenship Harlan, but her more recent indictments did not use the name Harlan. If convicted, Blankenship could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. If convicted on both counts, her terms would likely run concurrent since both counts stem from the same action. Prosecutors filed a deadly weapon notice, so Blankenship would have to receive credit for half her time before becoming eligible for parole. Grotberg The day after Grotberg died, a large crowd of students and faculty held a prayer gathering in Alexander Hall in his memory, the Tribune-Herald reported at the time. Students hugged outside the honors residence hall, sharing memories and stories of Grotberg, a Baylor Golden Wave Marching Band trumpet player who was also president of the Ballroom Dance Society. Grotberg, a sophomore, had been involved in Alliance Bible Church and was an active member in the Honors Residential College community, according to a statement at the time from Baylor. He also participated in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, Honors Program and the University Scholars Program with a very active and visible presence on the Baylor campus, the statement said. His parents, Clark and Diane Grotberg, of Minnesota, endowed a scholarship at Baylor in Davids memory. January 30, 2024: In mid-January 2024 Russia lost one of their nine remaining A-50U AWACs (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft in Ukraine. This A-50U was shot down off the Ukrainian coast, in the Sea of Azov. Another A-50U was damaged by friendly fire but managed to land safely. At the same time, a nearby a multi-engine Il-22 airborne command aircraft was mistakenly fired on by Russian anti-aircraft forces. A Russian missile damaged the aircraft, and it made an emergency landing at a nearby Russian airbase. It was a bad day for rare and expensive specialized Russian aircraft. These aircraft cost about $300 million each to build, and Russia cannot afford to build any new ones. In 2019 the Russian Air Force received its sixth A-50U AWACs aircraft and described in some official detail the capabilities of this new version. In 2015 A-50Us were spotted operating in Syria, where the first four A-50Us delivered were apparently getting some practical experience in a combat zone. In Syria American and Israeli aircraft were active and available for the A-50U to practice their new detection and tracking capabilities on. The Syrian experience also made it possible to tweak the A-50U capabilities in spotting large naval and land targets and directing airstrikes at them. The new U version entered service in 2011 but foreign ELINT electronic intelligence experts did not have a good opportunity to see how effective it was until 2015. To do that you have to get your ELINT aircraft close to an A-50U in a combat zone. In this case, the most effective ELINT aircraft turned out to be several American F-22s stealth fighters quietly and apparently undetected operating over Syria. Officially the F-22s were there to perform missions where effective stealth was a requirement. That meant reconnaissance missions during periods when the Russians or Syrians were angry at the U.S. Russia had some of its most modern electronic warfare systems operational and vulnerable to close examination by American and Israeli ELINT. In addition to American ELINT aircraft, there were several new F-35Is owned and operated by Israel. These have been seen flying near the Syrian border, but no one was sure if an F-35I or two slipped across the border to seek action the F-22s had monopolized until 2018. The F-22 and F-35 have more than stealth in common. Both have impressive software that automatically operates the many passive sensors that dont broadcast and reveal their position, on board both aircraft. The U.S. Air Force recently admitted that the F-22 was, as was always suspected, carrying out ELINT missions. The F-35 uses a similar but different array of sensors and apparently more powerful software to control the collection and analysis of what is out there and do it in real time. The Israelis have installed a lot of their own hardware and software in the F-35I, which is why it isnt called F-35A and both Israelis and Americans want to see what the Israeli version of ELINT does, compared to the F-22 and, one suspects, an F-35A pretending to be Israeli for the purpose of playing with the hostile electronics found in Syria. Having the new version of the A-50 there was a bonus. By the end of the 1990s, the A-50 was long overdue for an upgrade and the money wasnt available in the 1990s, a period when most of the A-50s didn't fly much at all because there was no money to pay for it. The original A-50 first entered service in 1984 and 40 were built by the time the Cold War ended in 1991. The A-50 is based on the Il-76 transport. After over a decade of development, the A-50 became a growing presence in Russian air operations during the late 1980s. But many defects and deficiencies, especially compared to the American AWACS were noted, and an upgrade was planned, but delayed after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. The inspiration for the A-50 was the U.S. Air Force E-3 AWACS, which entered service in 1977. This was a continuation of American AWACS development that began in 1944. The first AWACS appeared in 1945 when the U.S. Navy deployed radar-equipped aircraft to control large numbers of airborne warplanes in combat. The Navy continued developing airborne early warning and control aircraft in the 1950s, the E-1, and replaced it with the E-2 in the early 1970s. This one is still in service as the E-2 Hawkeye naval surveillance aircraft. The original A-50 used less capable technology than the U.S. AWACS. The A-50 radar only had a range of 200 kilometers, compared to 400 for the E-3. The A-50U uses modern digital, rather than analog systems and has increased range and accuracy. The new computers allow 150 aircraft to be tracked and this is done more quickly and with fewer equipment breakdowns. The more powerful radars and computers make it possible for the A-50U to maintain a view of distant aircraft more accurately and, Russia implies, provides some capability of positively detecting stealth aircraft. That capability may have been enhanced by modifications made to A-50U electronics because of their experience in Syria. Larger flat screen displays replaced the older bulky CRTs. The A-50U can control ten warplanes at a time while those aircraft perform air-to-air or ground attack missions. The upgrade also included welcome crew amenities like a rest area with a galley and improved toilet for the ten equipment operators and five flight personnel on board. Russia has also developed a new version of the A-50, the A-100. These aircraft are based on the more recent Il-76 model; the IL-76MD-90. The A-100 has all the modern electronics and other upgrades of the A-50U but also has a new radar, which can spot aircraft 600 kilometers away and ships up to 240 kilometers distant. The A-100 first flew in 2017 and was supposed to enter service in 2020. Whether it did is still unknown. China bought some of the older A-50s and were so dissatisfied that they switched to a new AWACS design based on the Boeing 737-800 airliner. The 157 ton Il-76 jet is considered less reliable and more expensive to maintain than the twin-engine, 79 ton, Boeing 737-800. Chinese airlines, some of them controlled by the Chinese Air Force, have been using the 737-800 since 1999. This was a year after this model entered service. That means no matter how much Russia upgrades the A-50, they are still stuck with an expensive aircraft to carry everything around. By 2017 the presence of modern Russian S300/S400 air defense systems in Syria, along with their own ELINT aircraft and the first foreign excursion by the A-50U at the same time F-22s and F-35s are in the neighborhood, is another reason why Russia has been rather cozy with Israel even though Russia is technically an ally of Iran and the Assad government. There are apparently understandings that the Israelis will not do anything, as specified in a long list of potential troublemaking, to embarrass Russian arms salesmen in the Middle East and elsewhere. While the A-50U may be a much more capable AWACS, the Russian air force cannot afford many of them, with only six purchased in the eight years since the new version became available. There have been no export sales either. India still operates three of the older A-50M models and has expressed an interest in upgrading them to the U standard if the price is right and the promised performance is real. Meanwhile, India is looking at the many AWACS offered by Western firms. China is happy with its own locally developed AWACS and not interested in what Russia has to offer. The Russian air force recently listed 22 older A-50Ms in service but most of these are basically retired in the hope that money will be available for upgrades to the U standard. New campaign finance reports show a nearly fivefold fundraising advantage for House District 56 state representative candidate Pat Curry over Devvie Duke, his rival in the March 5 Republican primary. The two are seeking to replace longtime State Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson, who announced that he is ready to step down. Curry, a Waco businessman, has raised $188,000 over the course of his campaign, according to Jan. 16 campaign finance reports. Duke, a former State Republican Executive Committee member from Waco, reported about $40,000 in donations in the same period, Sept. 21 to Dec. 31. Meanwhile, Democratic House District 56 candidate Erin Shank has raised about $28,000 this period while spending about $50,000 on her campaign, with about half that sum coming from her own personal finances. She is unopposed in the Democratic primary. Duke, who touts endorsements from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Anderson, has relied more on small donations than her Republican opponent, the filings show. Larger donations include $5,000 from Angela Granger, regent of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; $1,000 from attorney and former county GOP chairman Jon Ker; $250 from David Russell, a Woodway City Council member; $3,000 from Woodway resident Kathy Endres and $1,700 from Lorena resident Patricia Cummins. During filing period, Duke reported spending $29,000, including $19,000 on advertisements. She loaned $10,000 to her campaign, the finance report shows. Meanwhile, Curry, who has endorsements from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara, received donations from several prominent Waco-area business owners. Contributions include $500 from construction firm owners Ed and Vicky Mazanec; $1,000 from George's owner Kyle Citrano; $1,000 from developer and investor Todd Behringer; $1,000 from professional angler Alton Jones, $1,000 from former Hillcrest hospital CEO Glenn Robinson; and $2,600 from Honda dealer Greg May. Curry also received $5,000 from Chris DeCluitt, current vice chair for the McLennan County GOP; $5,000 from Karen Keith, owner of Keith Ace Hardware; and $15,000 donation from William Guderian of Waco. Texans for Lawsuit Reform, a political action committee, also donated $10,000 to Curry's campaign. Curry reported raising $188,000 total by the end of 2023 while spending about $97,000 on his campaign during that same period. He spent $25,000 on advertisements and he loaned his campaign $320,000, the report shows. Shank, the lawyer who previously ran for House District 56 in 2022, reported raising about $28,000 and has spent about $50,500, with $26,000 coming from her own personal funds, the report shows. She also donated $15,000 to her campaign. Shank's campaign spent about $19,000 on advertising, with an additional $25,000 spent on consulting expenses, including polling, to APH Digital LLC, a marketing firm based in San Antonio. Sheriff's race In the race for McLennan County sheriff, challenger Jeff Aguirre raised more than three times as much as incumbent Sheriff Parnell McNamara. However, the three-term incumbent sheriff is sitting on a treasure chest from previous campaigns. Aguirre raised nearly $28,000 in the filing period ending Dec. 31, while McNamara reported only about $8,000 in the same period. McNamara, the longtime lawman who has been sheriff of McLennan County for 12 years, has $226,000 remaining from previous campaigns, the report shows. By Dec. 31, McNamara's campaign spent about $49,000, with about $24,000 of that spent on advertising. McNamara's campaign has also made many donations, with $6,000 donated to the Sheriff's Association of Texas, $1,000 to the American Cancer Society, $1,850 to the Elm Mott Volunteer Fire Department and $1,200 to Jesus Said Love, a local nonprofit. In terms of notable donors, McNamara has received $500 each from law partners Vance and Jim Dunnam. Jim Dunnam served as a Democratic state representative in from 1997 to 2011. Woodway City Council member David Russell also donated $250 to McNamara's campaign. Aguirre, a longtime police officer who currently is an investigator with the McLennan County District Attorney's office, raised about $28,000 for his campaign from July 1 through Dec. 31 while spending about $32,000. Aguirre's campaign also received $53,495 total in in-kind political contributions, with most of those being reported as advertising-related, including $32,000 for billboards. Aguirre's campaign spent about $11,600 on advertisements, with an additional nearly $44,000 of advertisements reported as in-kind political donations, according to the reports. HD 13 In the House District 13 race, incumbent Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, has raised about $83,000 with a large amount of support from Texas PACs, while her Democratic opponent Albert Hunter has yet to raise a dime and has spent only about $150 on his campaign as of Jan. 16. Orr's campaign also spent about $100,000 in that same period, with nearly $46,000 spent on advertising. An additional $6,000 in advertising was reported as in-kind donations. Much of Orr's donations came from political action committees and similar organizations. She received a $40,000 donation from Texans for Lawsuit Reform, $10,000 from the Charles Butt Public Education PAC, $1,000 from the Texas Professional Educators PAC, $1,500 from Oncor Texas State PAC, $1,000 from the Texas Dairymen PAC and $2,500 from the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma. In contrast, Hunter, a retired educator from Bosque County, has not received any political donations and has only spent about $150 on his campaign, with $15 spent on a name badge and $125 spent on car magnets. Hunter also does not have a website, but said he is working to get a website up and running. Friends and colleagues of McLennan County Commissioner Patricia Miller, who died unexpectedly Sunday, still pursued answers early this week. Miller, 65, reportedly entered Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest, where she underwent surgery and passed away Sunday afternoon. Miller, the first Black woman elected to the commissioners court, had served since 2019, and would have been up for her second reelection in 2026. County Judge Scott Felton said the decision now is addressing the vacancy, deciding if commissioners can conduct the countys business effectively until an election in November, or if the court needs to appoint someone to serve in the interim. That process would include input from the countys political parties. Felton said county officials Monday spent some time addressing the needs of Millers Precinct 2 until a replacement emerges soon or in November. All commissioners are focused on her family, the staff in Precinct 2, and providing information and counseling to anyone who needs it. They are a dedicated group, and want to keep moving forward, Felton said. Asked about the courthouse mood, Felton said, It was pretty solemn. He said county officials received a lot of condolences from the community: business leaders, religious leaders and politicians. Bellmead City Manager Yost Zakhary said he last spoke with Miller on Thursday, when they agreed to have lunch Tuesday at Ninfas. He said he and Miller often meet to discuss issues percolating in Bellmead, portions of which lie in Millers Precinct 2, and in eastern McLennan County. She was true, Zakhary said. What you see is what you get with Pat. She cared deeply about her constituents. She cared very much about every city she served, as well as the county. She was always willing to build relationships and build bridges. She was accessible. Zakhary said he could not believe the text message about Millers death he received Sunday afternoon. He said he vowed to himself not to call anyone until he had confirmed the information, he found it so unbelievable. Zakhary said he and Bellmead City Council Member Karen Coleman got in touch, and she was shaken up, didnt want to believe it, just like the rest of us. The McLennan County Democratic Party released a statement, saying, Pat was an inspiring and impactful leader who applied boundless energy and drive to the task of helping improve the lives of the people of Precinct 2 and all of us who live in McLennan County. Her service on the McLennan County Commissioners Court as the first African American woman was truly historic and placed high expectations on her shoulders. She met every challenge and exceeded every expectation. We have suffered a great loss and will remember her always as we work hard to live up to the example she set. In the statement, McLennan County Democratic Party Chair Mark Hays wrote, Personally, I can say that she challenged me and taught me a great deal. I keep hearing her voice as I write this. I imagine that I will always hear it in many moments to come. I so wish we all could have had more time with her. Waco City Council Member Andrea Barefield said she does not know details of Millers passing but knows the communitys loss is immense. Waco lost a trailblazer, a champion and a compassionate leader, Barefield said. Her legacy speaks for itself. Waco Mayor Dillon Meek described Miller as smart, compassionate, tactful and strategic. More importantly, she was a good person, he said. This was very shocking and sad news, Meek said. We will circle up with our team and determine a way to show our respect to a great partner. Commissioner Ben Perry said he was numbed and stunned upon hearing news that Miller had passed. He said he and his colleague were close, though their political affiliations differed, she being a Democrat, he a Republican. She and I were very close, and she and I saw many things the same, Perry said. I used to tease her and tell her she was more conservative than she thought she was, and she told me not to say that. She was a sweetheart to work with. Im broken-hearted, Im not going to lie to you. She will be missed greatly. Kris Collins, senior vice president of economic development at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, worked with commissioners on economic development initiatives and incentives for industrial prospects. I am saddened to learn of the passing of Commissioner Miller, Collins said. Ive had the honor of working with her for many years. She was a thoughtful leader, always working to help her constituents and all of McLennan County. She embodied the values we all desire in our elected officials. Her dedication and wisdom will be missed. Waco City Manager Bradley Ford said Miller served on several city of Waco boards. He appreciated her leadership in both city and county government. I personally enjoyed her storytelling and how she would weave her personal experiences into the work to make it relatable and understandable, Ford said. She has left an imprint by serving thoughtfully and with deep passion to better McLennan County. The city of Waco expresses our deepest condolences to all those impacted by her life. Miller had been a member of Toliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church more than 50 years. She served as assistant director of Sunday School and was active in the Sanctuary Choir, Celestial Voices Choir and Womens Chorus. Jimmy Hunter, pastor of Toliver Chapel, said he would visit Monday evening with the Miller family to discuss services. She was a devout Christian, a woman of faith, Hunter said. Whether it was the county or the community, she was very knowledgeable, knew her history, knew politics. She fought for causes all across the county. It certainly could not be disputed that she carried herself in a very respectful way. Hunter said he visited Miller on Saturday evening. They prayed together. Yes, she was in good spirits. Shes always in good spirits. Thats her nature, Hunter said. We were all devastated. None of us knows where death is. Naturally it is something that catches you off-guard. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on Nov. 10, 1958, Miller and her family moved to McLennan County when she was 10 years old. She attended the former Richfield High School and East Texas State University and had been a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority since 1979. Among her many awards and recognitions of service, Miller in 2023 received the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Womens Clubs Sojourner Truth Award. She was past vice chair of the Community Race Relations Coalition board of directors, member of the Eastern Waco Development Corp. board, the board of Compassion Ministries, the United Way Allocations Committee and the Womens Resource Center Advisory Board. Details of services for Miller remained pending Tuesday. Among survivors is her husband, Robert Miller Sr. Elise Schaecher didn't begin collecting vintage furniture because she saw a business opportunity. Schaecher and her husband, Jeff Schaecher, just wanted their new house to feel a little more like home. They wanted to find sturdy, childproof furniture that fit well with the architecture of their 1958 house. Three years later, the Schaechers have made their house a home and in the process found a shared passion for finding, restoring and now selling vintage furniture. After opening an online store in 2021, they opened a brick-and-mortar store at 38th and Dodge streets in Omaha in September. We found out we were more compatible than we expected, I guess, because we both really have the interest in it, and we enjoy the research and seeing the pieces go on their journey of restoration, Elise Schaecher said. The store's name, A Little More Like Home, reflects the original intention of their journey. The Schaechers specifically sell mid-century modern furniture from the 1960s and 1970s. Elise Schaecher said furniture from that era has clean lines and lacks the fuss of other design styles. More traditional things will have more frills and embellishments, but mid-century modern was like just focusing on the form and the function," Schaecher said. "Geometric shapes. Just like bright colors." Inside the store earlier this month, Schaecher had vintage lamps, artwork, desks, couches, dressers, dishes and coffee tables for sale. One lamp was bright yellow. Another lamp hung from a chain attached to the ceiling and looked like a fluffy snowball. Theyre just really well-made pieces," Schaecher said. "Theres dovetailing in the drawers and solid-wood components so theyre just made to last. And they look nice too, so its like a win-win. Photos of the entire inventory can be found on alittlemorelikehome.shop. The website is also where Schaecher shares what she calls "furniture history deep dives" on furniture-makers. She spends time researching the items they sell and shares the information she finds with customers in blog posts. Since opening the online store in May 2021, the Schaechers have had 675 orders. They have shipped furniture and decor to Arizona, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, California, Kansas, Iowa, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida and Tennessee. Schaecher often finds the furniture at estate sales or online, but sometimes people reach out to her as they clean out loved ones' homes. The amount of restoration required varies by item and is done either by Jeff Schaecher or by a professional refinisher. Its a lot of restoration so the things that lasted a lifetime can last another, Elise Schaecher said. Schaecher said she "almost always" finds mementos from the previous owners of the furniture tucked away in dresser drawers or desks. It might be photos, foreign currency or receipts from the original purchase of the furniture. "I think people just stash things in their drawers over time," Schaecher said. There were love letters in a drawer that chronicled the relationship between two people starting when they were teenagers in the 1960s. They eventually got married. "The husband must have just kept the letters throughout his life," Schaecher said. Schaecher hopes to return the letters to the family. In the store's bathroom, Schaecher hung photos she's found inside furniture. A woman in red pajamas looks at the dog on her lap in one photo. In a black-and-white photo, a man holds a child on his lap, their faces partially in shadow. Hanging next to the photos is the "Recipe for Living" handwritten on an index card. It includes, "1 cup of good thoughts," "1 cup of elbow grease," "2 cups of good logic" and several more ingredients. Many of Schaecher's customers find her store because they're in a stage of transition and trying to find their own recipe for living. "They might be moving or have recently moved, expecting a child, new relationships, downsizing, updating their furniture now that their kids are older," Schaecher said. "Home is a source of comfort during times of change, and I feel privileged to help make their spaces feel the 'a little more like home' that they are seeking." Photos: Omaha furniture store focuses on restored vintage pieces WATERLOO A Waterloo man has been sentenced to probation for attacking his girlfriend and her family members with a box cutter last year. Now federal authorities are prosecuting him for returning to the United States after he was deported. On Friday, Eslyn Hernandez Milla was sentenced to 15 years in prison suspended to two to five years of probation after he pleaded to charges of willful injury causing bodily injury, domestic assault with strangulation and domestic assault with a weapon in Black Hawk County District Court in Waterloo. Authorities allege Hernandez was involved in an argument at his Polk Street home ay 18. As it turned physical, he allegedly held a box cutter to his girlfriends neck and then stabbed her and two male family members who attempted to intervene. Also Friday, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent submitted a complaint charging Hernandez with illegal re-entry in U.S. District Court. Court records allege Hernandez, a citizen of Honduras, had returned to the United States after having been removed from the country June 18, 2018. WATERLOO A roof over someones head is a matter of life or death during subzero temperatures in Iowa winters. The years first cold snap threatened the lives of many people who dont have shelter. As winter continues, the Hospitality Houses new warming center for those experiencing homelessness is now open at 1022 W. Fifth St. The former dentist office has two rooms for sleeping 15 beds for men and two for women in a separate room. Joni Hansen, the executive director of Hospitality House, said most homeless people are men. During the nights with minus 40 degree windchill, even more cots were put out into the buildings community room to make space for anyone who needed a warm place to stay and sleep. The center has a total of 30 cots as well as two showers, bathrooms and washing machines. The organization also provides blankets and winter gear to those in need. The shelter will be used for warming from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. from Jan. 1 to March 31. In April, the building will be used as a resource center. The organization received a $75,000 grant from the Black Hawk County Gaming Association in 2021. Hansen was required to match that amount so she, along with Bill and Lisa Bradford, asked for donations. They ended up raising around $240,000. The community room is named after the Bradfords and one wall is made up of bricks with donors. Gary Kroeger, who is on the board of the warming shelter, said the project came to be because of the generosity of the community. He said that the Cedar Valleys help didnt stop at the construction of the building. The shelter had not received every required city inspection in order to open, but when the board learned the temperatures would be so slow, Hansen contacted Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart. Kroeger said they worked with the city to open for one of the most brutal weeks of winter. All of the changes that were necessary to make this finally open became a reality in a day, he said. The mayor recognized the urgency with the temperatures that we had, that weve got to get this facility open. Kroeger said the Cedar Valley is not fully aware of how many homeless people live in the area. In this community, theres a tendency to think that were a small town, (that) its an invisible problem, he said. But Hansen said, on Jan. 24, Hospitality House did a point in time count of the number of homeless people living in Waterloo and Cedar Falls. Workers with the organization walked around Waterloo and Cedar Falls looking for those without a home from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. to get a snapshot of the homeless population and provide them with information and resources. She said in Waterloo alone both the east and west side they encountered 17 people living outside, along with eight that were already inside the warming shelter. Hansen did not have the numbers for those in Cedar Falls available. She said thats up 50% from last year. Kroeger said many homeless people just had one instance of bad luck, as simple as missing one paycheck, that can result in someone not paying their rent and being evicted. Its real, and its not self-inflicted, he said, stating many people argue that homeless people are lazy and could just get a job. Get a job without clean clothes, or a shower, or a good nights sleep, or transportation or a telephone? Thats the cycle of poverty that perpetuates (homelessness). It could be anyone. Kroeger and Hansen both said they hear arguments that homeless people dont try to get out of their situation and prefer to be homeless. When you sit and you talk to people, they dont want to be there. They dont want to be in that situation, Kroeger said. (The shelter) is a nice way to recognize people and say that you matter. Its to say, you may be down on your luck, but you still matter, he said. Hansen said the idea of a warming shelter came to her after the polar vortex in 2019 and 2020. She said a few people died from the elements that winter. Hospitality House has provided a warming shelter since, but this is the first permanent location. Its a terribly sad thing to think that someone has to die alone in a situation like that, she said. Theyre a son or daughter, you know? They have parents, they have a life. Every year on the winter solstice, the organization holds a vigil for the people who have died who were either homeless at the time, or have previously used Hospitality Houses services. In 2023, 14 names were read in Lincoln Park. Kroeger, who read the names, started to tear up when he and Hansen explained why the organization does this. Many of them dont ever have an actual funeral or they dont have family that does something, Hansen said. We kind of take that upon ourselves to try to be a family for them. Hospitality House is hosting another event to try and keep homelessness at the forefront of the communitys mind. At 10 a.m. Feb. 24, the organization is holding a 5K titled Put the Homeless in Your Heart. There is a reason it is happening in the middle of winter. Its an experience for people to actually come out and walk in the elements and think about while theyre walking that, you know, this is what these people are going through, Hansen said. Those interested in the 5K can visit Hospitality Houses Facebook page to register. States Most Impacted by Rising Heating Costs This Winter States Most Impacted by Rising Heating Costs This Winter Residential Winter Heating Fuel Prices Over Time Geographical Differences in Primary Household Heating Fuels 15. Nebraska 14. Indiana 13. Colorado 12. New York 11. Connecticut 10. Texas 9. Massachusetts 8. Kansas 7. Oklahoma 6. Illinois 5. Pennsylvania 4. Florida 3. Louisiana 2. Maine 1. New Hampshire Methodology Each January and July, local service agencies and volunteers make their way out into the area to take a Point in Time census of people experiencing homelessness. In North Iowa, census nights are coordinated by Friends of the Family, a housing and advocacy agency. In conjunction with law enforcement, public health officials and other agency staff, volunteers set out in the evening and spend hours traversing streets, parks and parking lots in search of people who may be living unsheltered or at serious risk for homelessness. The census is done at the end of the month. Residents who rely on limited sources of income such as Social Security, disability or other monthly disbursements and do not have permanent housing may find themselves unsheltered by the end of the month. Volunteers are out from early evening into the early morning hours. On Wednesday, 53 staff, volunteers and community partners headed out in 20 counties including the cities of Waterloo, Waverly and Mason City to locate people and determine their housing status, if possible. In the Cedar Valley, 25 people experiencing homelessness were located. Volunteers from Community Housing Initiative, Hospitality House and Black Hawk-Grundy Metal Health Center conducted the census. Workers with Hospitality House walked around Waterloo and Cedar Falls looking for those without a home from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. to get a snapshot of the homeless population and provide them with information and resources. In Waterloo alone, they encountered 17 people living outside, along with eight who were already inside the warming shelter. Joni Hansen, executive director of Hospitality House, did not have the numbers for those in Cedar Falls available. She said thats up 50% from last year. In total, 24 people experiencing homelessness were contacted and offered services and shelter in north central and Northeast Iowa. The National Alliance to End Homelessness reports that in 2022, 2,419 Iowans, or 7.6 per 10,000 Iowa residents were experiencing homelessness. Theres no way to tell someones housing status just by looking at them, said Caitlyn Kupka, service access manager for FOF. There are two types of homelessness; sheltered and unsheltered. Unsheltered means they live in a place that is not designed for human habitation, like a park, a vehicle or an abandoned building. Our focus is to meet everyone, but especially to get anyone unsheltered into shelter if they want it. The Alliances State of Homelessness: 2023 Edition is based on twice yearly Point in Time censuses. Done in July and January, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development census is required if communities and agencies wish to access funding for programs that address homelessness. Kupka said that especially in Mason City, many people experiencing homelessness have high barriers to shelter access, including mental health issues, drug abuse or a combination of the two. Nicole Jacobs serves as an outreach and diversion specialist and spends plenty of time getting to know her clients. Jacobs spends one night each month on outreach assignments, bringing needed items and checking on anyone experiencing homelessness or at risk for it. The Point in Time census is an extension of the regular outreach I do, Jacobs said. The census is how we make reports to our funders about the needs in the community. The Jan. 24 census was conducted between 6 p.m. and midnight. Divided up two or three census takers to a car, they set out to locations where unhoused people have been contacted in the past. In total, 24 people were contacted who were currently experiencing homelessness and many others were offered resources specific to their region. Of the 24 people identified, 19 were in Cerro Gordo County, three in Bremer and one each in Franklin, Howard and Allamakee counties. In Mason City, Jacobs met a man named Mike riding his bicycle and pulling a trailer down the street. Mike is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, making him eligible for immediate shelter and a host of programs through the Veterans Administration. Northern Lights Alliance of Homeless Shelters is ready to receive people who want to take the necessary steps to gain housing in Mason City. During the cold winter months, NLAHS is a low-barrier shelter, but year round, staff and volunteers are eager to work with people making positive changes. Jesse Germundson, NLAHS executive director, spoke briefly to the census takers during the pre-shift kickoff. We have beds available. Were ready and willing to take on anyone who wants shelter tonight. Even if they say theyve been to NLAHS and cant come back, bring them by. Sometimes people misunderstand the rules and think they arent eligible for services. The PIT census is a snapshot in time. It is not a complete count of those experiencing or at risk for homelessness, but it does give an indication to program directors about the needs in the area. In the January 2023 census, 30 individuals in need of housing were identified. According to the Alliance to End Homelessness, The nations progress on veteran homelessness has been particularly robust. The size of the group was cut in half over a decade-long period (2010-2020), decreasing by 50 percent. Similar attention and resources could be extended to other subgroups in an effort to attain similar success. DES MOINES Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds raised $1.4 million in 2023, the first year after her most recent re-election, her campaign announced Monday. Reynolds campaign finished 2023 with nearly $1.7 million, her campaign said. In 2023, we kicked off a national school choice revolution, cut the size of government, and delivered historic property tax reform, Reynolds said in a campaign news release. 2024 will be no different defending the sovereignty of our country, cutting taxes, putting Iowans above government bureaucracy, and ensuring every student has a premier education. Iowa has cemented itself as a national leader and we are just getting started. Reynolds 2023 haul includes contributions from each of the states 99 counties, her campaign said. Reynolds has served as Iowas governor the first female governor in the states history since 2017, when she was promoted from lieutenant governor when former Gov. Terry Branstad became U.S. ambassador to China. Reynolds won her first election in 2018 by just under 3 percentage points, and then in 2022 won re-election by 19 percentage points. Democrat announces for Eastern Iowa seat Ed Chabal, a longtime public school professional and community advocate, announced his campaign as a Democratic candidate for Iowa Senate District 46, according to a news release. District 46 includes Washington and Iowa counties and rural portions of Johnson County. The district currently is represented by Republican Sen. Dawn Driscoll, of Williamsburg. I am running for the Iowa Senate to give every Iowan the opportunity to send their children to the best public schools possible while ensuring that all of our residents have better quality lives, Chabal said in a news release. This means affordable, quality child care, access to first-rate health care in rural Iowa, which includes freedom for womens reproductive health care, clean water, and enhanced recreation opportunities for all generations to enjoy. Photos: Quad Cities High School Apprenticeship Signing Day For Monique Verdin, art portraying the Mississippi River goes beyond something for people to look at on the walls of a museum it's a way to tell important stories from her home in Louisiana. "My work is really a reflection of trying to visibilize what's been silence and specifically indigenous women's stories and my elder stories from the Delta. And, as our land, this territory is disappearing, our stories are being lost as well," Verdin, a Houma Nation citizen, said Friday as her exhibit was unveiled at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona. On the other end of the river, Verdin's artistic partner, Minnesotan artist Karen Goulet, a White Earth Ojibwe Band member, uses art focused on the Mississippi River to honor her ancestors and acknowledge their stories and history. "I'm always thinking about my ancestors, the people that I come from, honoring them, but loving the people I meet along the way," she said. With the shared focus of the river that connects them and the desire to tell the stories of the people who live along its banks, the two artists have come together to create an exhibit full of varied art forms like textiles, photographs, maps and more. The exhibit, titled "Aabijijiwan / Ukeyat yanalleh, It Flows Continuously: Karen Goulet and Monique Verdin," is one of four new installations that focus on freshwater at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Goulet and Verdin, along with fellow artist Mustafah Abdulaziz, made their way to Winona this weekend to celebrate the exhibits openings, including during the museum's New Look Preview Party on Friday. Abdulaziz's exhibit, "Mustafah Abdulaziz: Water," also reveals the stories of those who depend on freshwater bodies. Abdulaziz, an American photographer who is based out of Germany, travels around the world to take photos of the impact of climate change and the issues people face in accessing water. The photos on display at the museum in his exhibit come from around the globe, including California, Somalia, Ethiopia and more. Both of the exhibits along with the other two new exhibits "Reflective Impressions: The American Society of Marine Artists 19th National Exhibition," and "Across a Wide Ocean: Remarkable Stories about the Origins of Identity" fit into the museums overall goal for this year. In 2024, MMAM is presenting a year-long suite of exhibitions and programs that explores bold and often under-told narratives, examines fresh new perspectives of water, and features game-changing artists who help us better our relationship to this precious resource, the museum stated earlier this month. For more information about all the new exhibits or to learn more about the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, visit mmam.org. Minnesota Marine Arts Museum 2024 event in pictures The public library in Baraboo is a historic facility but now has a modern flair after a large renovation and expansion project. Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library celebrated its revamp, which includes additions and changes to the original facility and a new connected building to the east, on Saturday. The renovated library features an expanded childrens section, a separate teenage section, additional study spaces, a small auditorium, and modern appointments such as new light fixtures and seating areas. It was not an easy process, Baraboo Mayor Rob Nelson said in his speech at the grand opening. It took a lot of creative work, creative thinking and overcoming obstacles to get us here. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this sparkling jewel to our downtown. Baraboo library renovation photos A gallery of photos from the recently renovated and expanded Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library is below. Built in 1903, the library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and with the Wisconsin Historical Society. The renovation project needed to maintain elements of the original building, particularly the woodwork and 20th-century windows and wall carvings. The core of the approach that was taken, and a proper one for a historic building, is to expand it and remodel it and respect the original building, said Carter Arndt, an architect for the project. What you want to do is preserve whats there, accentuate it, and then complement it with an expansion project that intentionally is distinct from it in design. The original library building is a gem of downtown Baraboo, Arndt added. Library director Jessica Bergin said that an addition to the library in 1982, which added a fourth corner that now includes additional book inventory and a small computer area, was designed to blend in to the original structure. Historic preservation requirements have changed since then, and the difference between the original library and the recently completed expansion needs to be clear, she added. We still pulled in the diamond designs from the windows, the peak of the roof, the bricks and stone, to kind of complement and highlight the original building, Bergin said. I was really impressed with the interior design and the architects on this. Quinn Evans, an architectural design company that does preservation work, partnered with MSA on the project, Arndt said, adding that it was responsible for much of the interior design in the original building. The new study rooms feature modern light fixtures and windows with classic woodwork around the ceiling. Brochures regarding the project list nature, city history and historic photographs of other Andrew Carnegie-funded facilities as inspiration for the project. The original library was funded by Carnegie and the Schadde family, which remains involved with the library and was recognized by Nelson as one of many contributors to the expansion, saying that the family provided a large early donor gift of an unspecified amount. Library staff and the Friends of the Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library raised $4.5 million of the $11 million project, Bergin said. Most of the rest of the funding came from a $6 million loan in December 2021 to the citys Community Development Authority by the United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, Rural Development program. Its just an absolutely wonderful library renovation and addition, Julie Lassa, the Wisconsin USDA Rural Development director, said. You could really tell that this was a labor of love for the community. The library officially reopened during the fall of 2023. Bergin said renovation and expansion talks had taken place for roughly 20 years. Initial renderings for the project were released in 2014, Nelson said, showing them in his ceremony speech. The completed project has generated positive feedback, according to Bergin, who added that hearing comments regarding the new and expanded childrens area have been some of the best moments of my life. She also said the new spaces have made it easier to host different events, particularly at the same time. It has been an amazing process, Bergin said. We just had so much community support and support with all of the companies and vendors we worked with. To actually have it happen is a little bit unreal. GALLERY - Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library Anyone in Monona who wants to be city judge ruling on traffic tickets, disorderly conduct and other ordinance violations could get the job by writing their name on the ballot this spring. You dont even have to be an attorney. No candidates filed to replace Michael Finley, who is retiring after serving as municipal judge since 2015, and no one has launched a write-in campaign. A person who gets any or the most write-in votes on April 2 will become judge if the person is interested and eligible, election officials say. The judge must live in the city of roughly 8,600 residents but doesnt have to be a lawyer. About half of Wisconsins 232 municipal judges arent. The vacancy shines a light on municipal courts, which some states dont have and Wisconsin municipalities vary in adopting. Many small towns and villages in the state together form combined courts, while some larger cities, such as Appleton and Eau Claire, go without them. The Monona opening also speaks to the difficulty, generally, in finding candidates for some local government posts. In village board elections this spring, for example, just two people are running for three seats in Brooklyn, and two people are competing for three seats in DeForest. In Stoughton, no one is running for a three-year seat on the city council. Trying to get people motivated to make that commitment has been a challenge, Stoughton Mayor Tim Swadley said. How municipal courts work Thirty states have municipal courts, according to a Harvard Law Review article in 2021. Those without them include Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. In most states, such as Ohio, the courts can take criminal cases. In Wisconsin, the courts are limited to civil violations of municipal ordinances. If municipalities choose not to have their own courts, state circuit courts handle the disputes. The vast majority of cases before Wisconsins 229 municipal courts are traffic violations, which include first-offense drunken driving. Others involve disorderly conduct, shoplifting, building code and animal code violations, and juvenile truancy, or unjustified absence from school. Dick Ginkowski, president of the Wisconsin Municipal Judges Association and judge for the Kenosha County village of Pleasant Prairie, said municipal courts efficiently handle minor infractions, allowing circuit courts to use limited resources on more serious offenses. A 17-year-old who steals lipstick at Target might end up getting a $200 fine in a municipal or circuit court, but the more complex circuit court process would cost more and result in a criminal record unless the ruling is expunged, Ginkowski said. Do you really need to use a sledgehammer on a fly? he said. Municipal courts are a cost-effective way of providing a community-based alternative to the criminal justice system. Speeders likely appreciate municipal courts. If a police officer issues a basic speeding ticket in a city without its own court, Ginkowski said, the fine is the same as if a sheriffs deputy or state trooper wrote it: $175.30. In a municipal court, the violation costs $98.80, or 44% less. Variation among cities, towns Many jurisdictions, even small ones like the villages of Maple Bluff and Shorewood Hills, have their own courts. The state has 79 joint courts combining multiple locations. One, called Lake Country, includes the city of Oconomowoc and 16 nearby villages and towns. In smaller courts, many of the part-time judges are former teachers or police officers and not attorneys, as allowed by state law, Ginkowski said. There is mandatory training. The city of Milwaukees court has three full-time judges, and Madisons has one, Dan Koval. Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha and La Crosse have municipal courts, but Appleton, Eau Claire, Oshkosh and Janesville dont. Appletons use of Outagamie County Circuit Court for municipal citations has been efficient and effective, said Chris Behrens, city attorney. Former police chiefs have looked at setting up a city court, but startup costs have prevented it, Behrens said. Ginkowski said circuit courts prioritize criminal cases, so municipal matters can be delayed, causing police officers to wait in court instead of being on patrol. Monona write-in could win Finley, Mononas judge, was a longtime assistant district attorney for Dane County. When his predecessor retired and moved out of Monona, the city council appointed Finley. He successfully ran for election in 2016 and reelection in 2020. Now 65, he is stepping down so he can travel more. Mononas municipal court is held the first and third Tuesday of each month, with juvenile court each following Wednesday. The sessions typically last a couple of hours, Finley said. The salary is $9,485 a year. Ginkowski, whose court is held weekly, makes $22,800. Its the best job I ever had, Finley said. For a lot of people, its their only time theyll have a brush with the legal system. A single write-in vote could win the election, Monona City Clerk Alene Houser and Dane County Clerk Scott McDonnell said. If nobody gets any votes or the write-in winner doesnt want the job or is ineligible, the city council will appoint someone, said Neil Stechschulte, city administrator. City staff haven't sought candidates and prefer to see what the election yields, Stechschulte said. Its probably not the most appropriate thing for us to be going out and trying to identify our chief elected officials, he said. Its supposed to work the other way around. Challenges in Stoughton Write-in winners have become something of a norm in Stoughton, a city of nearly 13,000 residents where each of four districts has three city council members, whose pay is $300 a month. In District 4, in the northwest part of the city, no one filed to run this spring for a three-year term to replace Ald. Ben Heili, who is stepping down. Ald. Patrick Butler, appointed last year after the resignation of Frank Raff, a write-in winner in 2022, is running unopposed to finish Raff's term. Ald. Jonathan Schroerlucke was a write-in winner last year. Swadley, the mayor, said the city has added more public members to committees and made virtual participation in meetings an option to train and attract more candidates. But people are busy or contribute to the community in other ways, he said. Oftentimes people dont run unless theres an issue thats really near and dear to them, he said. That may or may not be a good reason to run. Editor's note: This story has been updated to remove an erroneous reference to the election for village board in Cottage Grove. Five people are running for three seats in that race. 27 states where online gambling is legal Arizona Colorado Connecticut Delaware Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New York Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island Washington DC West Virginia Wyoming Arkansas Illinois Maryland Michigan Ohio Tennessee We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Reba McEntire is a country music legend, a spirited Broadway talent and a long-running sitcom star. Shes hosted awards shows, coached young singers on NBCs The Voice and helped revitalize her hometown of Atoka, Oklahoma, with Rebas Place, a restaurant, bar and live music venue that opened last year. But wait, theres more shes also an author! In Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots, McEntire treats fans to a decidedly delicious glimpse at the memories and the meals that continue to fuel her. From working the land with her family to tackling Broadway for the first time, McEntire dishes on the moments that made her a household name alongside recipes for the dishes she enjoyed along the way. The best stories are usually told around a dinner table, McEntire tells AARP. Stories and food just go together. And if theres a little wine or a cocktail involved, the stories usually get even better. Here, AARP catches up with McEntire about the book, her new restaurant and the lessons that continue to lead her forward. What role did cooking and food play in your upbringing? Growing up on the ranch in Oklahoma, we didnt eat Michelin-star-chef-prepared meals. Mama made do with what we had and it usually involved a lot of ketchup and mountain oysters. In the book, you say you learned early that the work is in the waiting, from ranching to rising in the music business. What does that adage mean to you now? So much of this business is a hurry-up-and-wait process. Waiting to record or film, and then waiting for it to be released after youve done the work. And sometimes things dont pan out the way you hoped they would. That can be humbling when something youve worked so hard on, like a TV show, doesnt get picked up. It teaches you patience. It teaches you about believing in something bigger at work. Thats where my faith comes in. In the foreword, Garth Brooks praises your business acumen as much as your kindness and talent. Whats one piece of advice you would give your younger self? Dont sweat the small stuff. Half the stuff I stressed out about and lost sleep over, I dont even remember. In the moment, everything seems bigger than it really is. MBABANE The business community has encouraged the government to review the way it pays suppliers because as it stands, some of them may still be inclined to increase the prices of their products in lieu of late payment. The business community was reacting to the recently launched market price reference catalogue for commonly used items produced by the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA). Business Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nathi Dlamini said they welcomed the innovative initiative by the Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC) and ESPPRA to compile an easy to access new market price reference catalogue for all products produced in Eswatini. He said they believe that it would not only enrich Eswatini Governments thinking but it would also empower the procurement officers in government to know the ranking of goods. As a result, we do hope that government will realise a sizeable amount of savings because of the transparency and clearly traceable process of procurement. It is for this reason that as the private sector, we are aligned to the exercise, he said. Dlamini said, however, they were also mindful that some suppliers may have from time to time stepped up their prices when pricing goods for government which they did in order to cater for the costs of payment delays. He said suppliers incurred hefty fees with the banks if their overdraft facilities were not set off as agreed and government has always been the main culprit. He said creating a prompt payment system could only benefit both sides. Meanwhile, Johannes Manikela, the Chairperson of the Federation of Eswatini Business Community (FESBC) in the Hhohho Region lamented that as businesses, they were not engaged in the entire process of developing the price catalogue. He said if they were involved in the first place, they would have made significant input towards these issues as they were the ones affected the most as suppliers. Manikela stated that it was unfair for government to allow them to charge not more than 5 per cent of the market price when supplying government as the cost of goods and services was increasing almost every month. Manikela said they have tried many times to seek an audience with the Ministry of Finance in vain as that was where they would have raised all these issues that were affecting their businesses. It is worth noting that suppliers can only charge 5 per cent more or less than the market price of items that they will be supplying to government and its institutions. This benchmark was declared by the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, when launching the Market Price Reference Catalogue for commonly used items recently. Mancoba Nkambule from ESEPARC explained that the prices in the catalogue included value added tax (VAT), hence suppliers were not supposed to add VAT to the prices. The prices in the catalogue would be revised every two years to ensure that they remained relevant to the market. Nkambule explained that the 5 per cent above and below market price would be scrutinised, hence it was imperative for procurement officers within government departments to stick within the price range in the catalogue. ESPPRA CEO Vusi Matsebula said they would constantly monitor that public procurement officers use tenders according to the prices listed in the Market Price Reference Catalogue. He highlighted that the Public Procurement System drives the countrys economy and it was through procurement that the government fulfilled its promise to citizens in providing supplies for education, construction, maintenance of infrastructure, health supplies, medical supplies, agricultural supplies as well as security equipment among others. Quarterly Activities Report Perth, Jan 30, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Raiden Resources Limited ( ASX:RDN ) ( YM4:FRA ) is pleased to provide its report on activities and progress made during the December 2023 Quarter. Highlights of quarterly activities Andover South Project - Significant results from Andover South (selected results >2% Li2O from recent sampling) include: o 3.80% Li2O - sample R21843 o 3.64% Li2O - sample R21952 o 2.97% Li2O - sample R21923 o 2.87% Li2O - sample R21989 o 2.79% Li2O - sample R21949 o 2.77% Li2O - sample R21922 o 2.71% Li2O - sample R21918 - X-Ray Diffraction analysis ("XRD") analysis confirms spodumene as dominant lithium mineral - Independent technical analysis by CSA Global confirms five new potential target zones at Andover South Project - Native Title and Heritage Deed executed with the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation across Raiden's recently acquired Andover tenements Mt Sholl Project - Raiden secured 100% of LCT & Ni-Cu-PGE Mineral Rights at Mt Sholl - Raiden has entered into a memorandum of understanding ("MOU") with First Quantum Minerals Australia Ltd ("FQMA") in relation to the Mt Sholl Ni-Cu-PGE project - Soil sampling program defined several clear lithium in soil trends at Mt Sholl Lithium Project during the quarter, along strike of GreenTech Metals Ltd.'s ( ASX:GRE ) Osbourne JV pegmatite discovery Arrow Project - Raiden secured 100% of LCT Mineral Rights at Arrow - Reconnaissance work defined outcropping pegmatites and visually confirmed spodumene* mineralisation on the Arrow project *In relation to the disclosure of visual mineralisation, the Company cautions that visual estimates of spodumene material abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analysis. Laboratory assay results are required to determine the type and grade of the visible mineralisation reported in geological field mapping described in this announcement. *To view the full quarterly report, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/2GM9Q983 About Raiden Resources Limited Raiden Resources Limited (ASX:RDN) (DAX:YM4) is a dual listed exploration and development company which is advancing the Mt Sholl Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-Palladium deposit in the Pilbara. The Company's portfolio host metals and commodities considered critical for the energy and electrification revolution. Related Companies MBABANE Top Models Eswatini Director Mbalenhle Manana as well as two other models from the same stable have been nominated in the Africa Heritage Fashion Awards. The Africa Heritage Fashion Week and Award is an initiative that aims to celebrate excellence in African Fashion. They honour the rich cultural tapestry and extraordinary talent of African fashion designers, models as well as industry players. Mbalenhle Manana has been nominated in these awards as Best African Fashion Promoter of the Year. Worth mentioning is the fact that Manana is an African Icon award-winner, she has also made it to Nigerias top 50 most industrious women in Africa. She has also been honoured by Africa Fashion Week London as Woman King of Africa. Upon being nominated in the Africa Heritage Fashion Week and Award, Manana was further asked to suggest two models that have excelled in the fashion industry over the year. She then nominated two models, who are housed under Top Models Eswatini, namely, Nonjebo Lusenga and Wendy Baxter. According to her, these two models have worked hard during the past year, showing their genuine passion for their career. During an interview with Manana, she shared that being nominated for these awards has been a great motivation to herself as well as to her two models. Its such a great motivation, its what I do best, Im very happy and honoured. Im one person in Eswatini and in the whole of Africa who works with different Fashion Weeks. I scout models and designers from different countries for fashion weeks. We have a WhatsApp group of designers across Africa. Its working for us as well as for the whole fashion industry. I met some of them through the World Stage Pageants for Models, I always request them to give me contacts of their designers, hence the group was formed, Africans united through fashion, Manana said. She further encouraged people to vote for her as she is looking to bring the award home. I am kindly requesting my African people, designers, models and show producers to vote for me as I have added value too to their shows previously, by bringing renowned designers who have brought so much change to their shows today. I am looking to bring this award back home without any fear, she said. The former EVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Disney+ Hotstar, Sidharth Shakdher, has transitioned to ANI Technologies (Ola Mobility) as the Global Chief Business Officer. In his new role, he will oversee Ola's revenue, growth, and marketing endeavours both domestically and internationally. This encompasses managing existing mobility ventures and exploring new sectors such as e-commerce. Various functions including growth, marketing, and new initiatives across Ola's global operations will fall under his purview. During his tenure at Disney+ Hotstar, Shakdher was integral to its founding leadership team, spearheading marketing, international growth, and direct-to-consumer (D2C) business efforts. Across eight years, he played a pivotal role in propelling Hotstar to become India's foremost premium video streaming platform and the country's largest D2C subscription enterprise. Under his guidance, Hotstar achieved several live streaming world records. Throughout his time at Hotstar, Shakdher held diverse responsibilities, including overseeing growth, operations, data science, and leading the advertising-supported video on demand (AVoD) business. Shakdher's professional journey includes previous roles such as leading marketplace and category marketing at Amazon in the US and driving innovations for Reckitt Benckiser's flagship brand Dettol in North America. He notably launched and established Dettol in the personal care segment in the US for Reckitt. With a career spanning over two decades, he has also held positions at Xerox, HP, Canon, and Samsung. The main gist of South Africas (SA) case was that Israel had committed genocidal acts in Gaza with genocidal intent. South Africa set out to prove that this intent is evidenced both by a pattern of conduct and by a genocidal speech by political and military leaders, including soldiers on the ground. SA also set out to prove that Israel, as a State, has also failed to prevent and punish incitement of clear genocide. What is genocide? In my attempt to answer this question, I took an extract from the Times of Israel newspaper, which reads as follows: The 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, defines the crime as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such. It lists the acts as killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm; deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the groups physical destruction in whole or in part, imposing measures intended to prevent births, and forcibly transferring children from their biological parents or legal guardians. We will briefly step back in history and recap, in an attempt to see briefly what the 17 judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) faced in giving their judgment. Question of Palestine land As has been stated in earlier articles, the Children of Israel (biblically speaking) had been scattered across the world with no State of their own for more than 2 000 years. Numerous Bible verses predict the scattering of the Children of Israel. Their original home, where Jerusalem stood, belonged to the Arabs and was called Palestine. Ninety per cent of the population of Palestine was now of Arab descent and as little as 10 per cent of Jewish descent. The British had made it part of its empire, ruling it as one of its territories. What was Balfour Declaration? On November 2, 1917, Britains then Foreign Secretary, Arthur Balfour, wrote a 67-word letter addressed to Lionel Walter Rothschild, a figurehead of the British Jewish community. The letter committed the British Government to the establishment, in Palestine, of a national home for the Jewish people and to facilitate the achievement of this object. The letter is known as the Balfour Declaration. In essence, a European colonial power promised the Zionist movement a country where Palestinian Arab natives made up more than 90 per cent of the population. A British colonial mandate was created in 1923 and lasted until 1948. During that period, the British facilitated mass Jewish immigration many of the new residents were fleeing Nazism in Europe and they also faced protests and strikes. The fact was that the British had experienced first-hand the atrocities of the two world wars and the genocide committed against the Jewish people. It was this very genocide that prompted the United Nations to officially call genocide a crime against humanity. However, this move by the European powers left the Palestinians who were living in Palestine alarmed by their countrys changing demographics and British confiscation of their lands to be handed over to Jewish settlers. This was the beginning of the conflict we see today. 1948 Nakba or ethnic cleansing of Palestine Even before the British mandate expired on May 14, 1948, Israeli paramilitaries were already embarking on a military operation to destroy Palestinian towns and villages to expand the borders of the State of Israel that was to be born. In April 1948, more than 100 Palestinian men, women and children were killed in the village of Deir Yassin, on the outskirts of Jerusalem. That set the tone for the rest of the operation, and from 1947 to 1949, more than 500 Palestinian villages, towns and cities were destroyed in what Palestinians refer to as the Nakba or catastrophe in Arabic. It is alleged that an estimated 15 000 Palestinians were killed, including in dozens of massacres. The Zionist movement captured 78 per cent of historic Palestine. The remaining 22 per cent was divided into what are now the occupied West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip. An estimated 750 000 Palestinians were forced out of their homes then and now millions are displaced. The collective punishment by the Israeli military has continued for terrorist acts committed by Hamas, PLO or any other. All human rights were suspended over decades and strict apartheid laws were imposed on all of Palestine to this day. Israel has case to answer on genocide The ICJ has found that it is plausible that Israel has committed acts that violate the genocide convention. In a provisional order delivered by the courts President, Judge Joan Donoghue, the court said Israel must ensure, with immediate effect, that its forces do not commit any of the acts prohibited by the convention. Donoghue said the court cannot make a final determination right now on whether Israel is guilty of genocide. But she said that given the deteriorating situation in Gaza, the court has jurisdiction to order measures to protect Gazas population from further risk of genocide. Judge Donoghue outlined the provisional measures and how each of the 17 judges voted. The court voted 15-2 on the order that Israel must take all measures in its power to stop anything in relation to genocide in Gaza. By 16 votes to 1, the court voted that Israel needs to take all measures within its powers to prevent and punish those involved with inciting genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. No order for ceasefire Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu only welcomed the ICJs decision not to order a ceasefire but rejected the claim of genocide as outrageous and said Israel would continue to defend itself; effectively calling the ruling ridiculous and that nothing will change. This perhaps tells us why the ICJ decided not to order a ceasefire that was not enforceable. Israel has put the reputation of the ICJ on the line accusing some UN agencies of supporting Hamas during the October 7 2023 Jewish massacre. Comment septembereswatini@gmail.com As India gets ready for interim Budget 2024 ahead of Lok Sabha elections, ET NOW, Indias leading English Business News channel and ET NOW SWADESH, Hindi Business News Channel, have announced an exclusive Budget special programming under the theme, Budget 2024 Vikas Ki Guarantee. Capturing the tone and the mood for the Budget 2024, ET NOW and ET NOW SWADESH offer its viewers a comprehensive 360-degree perspective of this interim budget that will set the tone as India continues to leap ahead to achieve its economic aspirations. Using cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art AR graphics to present a simplified Budget analysis, ET NOW and ET NOW SWADESH present a line-up of engaging shows that will decode the Budget& its impact along with dedicated expert advice on stocks, markets, wealth creation ideas, investment insights and more. Led by Nikunj Dalmia, Editor-in-Chief, ET NOW and ET NOW SWADESH, the channels team of seasoned journalists will unravel the paramount financial event of the year, demystifying intricate jargon and presenting valuable perspectives from seasoned industry experts. Commencing with LIVE coverage of the Finance Minister's announcements on Budget Day, February 01, 2024, ET NOW & ET NOW SWADESH will track the economic and political impact of the Budget, covering a series of in-depth discussions and interviews with market experts, fund managers and economists. Budget programming on ET NOW includes, Nikunj Dalmia's Insightful Analysis: Embark on a journey of financial understanding with India's most experienced markets anchor, Nikunj Dalmia, offering unparalleled insights. Swaminathan Aiyar On Vikas Ki Guarantee: Gain a deeper understanding of the economic context through Swaminathan Aiyar's expert analysis. In-Depth Insights from an Elite Think Tank: Featuring top CEOs, fund managers, ex-bankers, and economy experts, the show provides a comprehensive analysis beyond the budget speech. This panel includes Shyam Srinivasan, MD & CEO, Federal Bank, Shashank Srivastava, Sr. Executive Officer-Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, Ashok Tyagi, Whole Time Director, DLF, Hitesh Chimanlal Doshi, CMD, Waaree Group, Rohinton Sidhwa, Partner, Deloitte India and Alok R Agrawal, Partner, Deloitte India. Other India Inc leaders also include Keki Mistry, Former VC and CEO of HDFC, and Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Co-Founder of Info Edge. A-Star Market Panel: Craft your post-budget investment strategy with insights from market veterans like Porinju Veliyath, Equity Intelligence India, Vijay Kedia, Kedia Securities, Maneesh Dangi, Macro Mosaic Investing, Ravi Dharamshi, ValueQuest Investment Advisors, Sandeep Tandon, Quant MF, Sunil Singhania, Abakkus Asset Manager, Prashant Jain, 3P Investments, Nilesh Shah, Envision Capital, Navneet Munot, Chairman, AMFI, Nilesh Shah, Kotak AMC, and Sunil Subramaniam, Sundaram MF. Top Chartists Revealing Profitable Stock Recommendations: Receive stock recommendations from India's top chartists including Kunal Bothra, Nooresh Merani, Sanjiv Bhasin, Sandip Sabharwal during the Finance Minister's speech. Deloitte's Expert Team: A dedicated team from Deloitte India will meticulously analyse the FM's speech to provide the fastest top takes and decode the budget fine print. Recap of Budget Exclusives: Offering a quick recap of all budget exclusives, breaking stories, and behind-the-scenes buzz. BUDGET & YOU The Money Show Special The show featuring Feroze Azeez, Deputy CEO, Anand Rathi and DP Singh, Joint CEO, SBI MF, decodes the implications of all that was announced on personal finances. ET NOW SWADESHs Budget Day programming includes, Trading Akhara - The show featuring technical experts including Santosh Meena, HOR Swastika Investmart Ltd, Shrikant Chouhan, Senior VP - Equity Research, Kotak Securities, Aditya Arora , Founder and Multi Asset Research Analyst, Adlytick, Ratnesh Goyal, Sr. Technical and Derivative Analyst, Arihant Capital, Soni Patnaik, AVP , JM Financial Services Ltd, Sanjiv Bhasin, Director, IIFL Securities, Vaishali Parekh, Vice President - Technical Research, Prabhudas Lilladher Pvt and Jay Patel, Research Head, Investmentor Securities Limited will provide recommendations on trading opportunities throughout the day, guiding viewers through the market fluctuations. Nikunj Ki Nazar: Nikunj Dalmia, the most credible and learned face of Business TV Journalism elaborates on the budget in simple language, providing insightful perspectives. Big Market Voices on Budget Featuring the big names in the market including Vijay Kedia, Veteran Investor, Punita Kumar Sinha, Pacific Paradigm Advisors, Sunil Singhania, Founder, Abakkus Asset Manager LLP, Gautam Shah, Founder, Goldilocks Premium Research, Manish Dangi, Founder, Macro Mosaic Investing, Navneet Munot, MD & CEO, HDFC MF, Chairman, AMFI, Nilesh Shah, MD & CEO, Kotak MF, DP Singh, Deputy MD & Joint CEO, SBI MF, Sanjeev Bhasin, Director, IIFL Securities, Dhirendra Kumar, CEO, Value Research and Arnav Pandya, Founder, Moneyeduschool will analyze the budget, offering valuable insights and perspectives. Viewers will be presented with a comprehensive breakdown of the interim budget from renowned market voices. Corporates on Budget Dive into the budget analysis with corporate leaders sharing their perspectives on the economic implications. The panel will include Atul Chaturvedi, Executive Chairman, Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd, Suvankar Sen, MD & CEO , Senco Gold Limited, JK Arora, Chairman, Som Distilleries, Anil Gupta, CMD, KEI Ind, Ashish Jain, CFO, KRBL, Keshav Bhajanka, ED, Century Ply, Baldev Prakash, MD & CEO, J&K Bank, Shashank Shrivastava, Senior ED Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki, Dinesh Nolkha, MD, Nitin Spinners Budget Kamaal, Jeb Ka Haal - Explore the extraordinary aspects of the budget and its impact on personal finance. Bano Apna Finance Minister - Budget Special - In this special show, viewers will be equipped with insights related to personal finance, offering guidance on managing finances effectively. Budget Ke Baazigar A special panel discussion with key contributors to the budget, including Ajay Seth, Secretary, Economic Affairs, TV Somanathan, Finance Secretary, Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Secretary, DIPAM, V Ananth Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor, Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Financial Services, Sanjay Malhotra, Revenue Secretary, Nitin Gupta, Chairman, CBDT, Sanjay Kumar Aggarwal, Chairman, CBIC Budget Par Sarkar- Hear the opinions of government ministers, including Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnav, Dharmendra Pradhan, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Hardeep Singh Puri, and Anurag Thakur, as they discuss the budget's impact. Budget & Commodity Bazaar - Explore announcements from the budget affecting the commodity market. Dive into discussions on the implications for various commodities. Ye Bharat Ka Budget Hai - The show analyses decisions that will have a significant impact, emphasizing the "Made in India" theme, manufacturing, infrastructure, and more. Budget Ka Swadeshi Andaaz - Delve into decisions taken for farmers and small cities. The show will address how the budget addresses the needs of these critical segments. Budget Meter A Post-budget analysis show will feature market veterans including Punita Kumar Sinha, Pacific Paradigm Advisors, Sunil Singhania, Founder, Abakkus Asset Manager LLP, Manish Dangi, Founder, Macro Mosaic Investing, Navneet Munot, MD & CEO, HDFC MF, Chairman, AMFI, Nilesh Shah, MD & CEO, Kotak MF, DP Singh, Deputy MD & Joint CEO, SBI MF, Sanjeev Bhasin, Director, IIFL Securities, Dhirendra Kumar, CEO, Value Research, Arnav Pandya, Founder, Moneyeduschool , Shashank Shrivastava, Senior ED Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki who will offer their insights and reactions to the interim budget. Budget Bioscope Unveil the budget in a filmy style, offering an entertaining yet informative perspective on the economic roadmap. Promising viewers an immersive TV viewing experience, ET NOW and ET NOW SWADESH add on to the Budget excitement with an on-air contest, Budget Master on February 1, 2024. Participants can enter the contest by watching the channels and answering simple questions asked every hour between 8 am to 4 pm to stand a chance to win a smartphone. Authored by Gaurav Bhagat, Managing Director, Consortium Gifts. Indias dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem has undergone a remarkable transformation as the mindset of hardworking entrepreneurs shifts from merely contributing towards maximizing profits to employing innovative social media marketing strategies. By 2022, India boasts a staggering 448 million social media users, a number that is projected to exceed 500 million by 2025. According to sources, this massive growth in digital connectivity has become a compelling factor for new entrepreneurs who, not only specializing in online activity content but tangible digital communication, have also mastered the art of turning it into money. From the vibrant streets of Delhi to the bustling industrial areas of Bangalore, this article delves into the business minds of clever Indians. These forward-thinking individuals have successfully harnessed the power of social media, reshaping traditional business models and establishing a unique footprint in a fiercely competitive market. As we absorb their story, we unravel the ongoing narrative of 19th-century labour. Growing Fraction of Social Media Marketing in India Forget tea shops and boutiques; Indias shopping scene is going digital! Social media marketing is exploding, fueled by a 54% internet penetration rate and the fastest-growing smartphone market in the world. With 270 million users glued to their screens, local platforms like Meesho and Spark are giving the giants a run for their money. Throw in the power of influencers 77% of Indians trust their recommendations and you have a recipe for a retail revolution. From regional-style sarees to handmade chai kits, brands weave lifestyle stories that sell, captivate, and swipe at the same time. How to Master the Art of Social Marketing Say goodbye to dusty brochures, India! Todays savvy entrepreneurs are garnering millions of likes in the art of social marketing. Spicy Stuff: Think mouth-watering food demos, insightful local fashion tips, and interactive Q&As that tap into your audiences appetite. 80% of Indians engage with relevant content, so let it sizzle! Think mouth-watering food demos, insightful local fashion tips, and interactive Q&As that tap into your audiences appetite. 80% of Indians engage with relevant content, so let it sizzle! Understanding the Market: Go beyond still photos! 46% of Indians make purchases while watching a live stream, so showcase your products in action, answer questions in real-time, and turn shopping into a virtual celebration. Go beyond still photos! 46% of Indians make purchases while watching a live stream, so showcase your products in action, answer questions in real-time, and turn shopping into a virtual celebration. Influencer Chai Parties: Partner with local social stars who inspire your niche. Their recommendations carry the weight of trusted auntie advice, influencing 77% of Indian consumers. Partner with local social stars who inspire your niche. Their recommendations carry the weight of trusted auntie advice, influencing 77% of Indian consumers. Ultra-Local Haats: Dining for everyone! Tailor your offerings to regional tastes and celebrations. From Kerala handmade sarees to Rajasthani spices, celebrate the diversity of India and watch the benefits dance. Dining for everyone! Tailor your offerings to regional tastes and celebrations. From Kerala handmade sarees to Rajasthani spices, celebrate the diversity of India and watch the benefits dance. Customer Service with a Hello: Treat every like like your digital tavern guests. Respond promptly, answer questions cheerfully, and provide seamless customer service. 64% of people in India switch brands due to poor online experiences, so make them feel like family! Takeaways: Content King (and Queen): 80% of Indians engage with relevant content, so make it come alive like your Holi! Embrace the available market: 46% buy after a live stream, so showcase your products in action and turn shopping into a virtual fair! Find your local influencers: They are the trusted "aunties" of the digital world, influencing 77% of Indian consumers. Partner with the right ones and watch your brand sizzle! The ultra-local is ultra-powerful: From saris to perfumes, it caters to regional tastes and celebrations. Indias diversity is your goldmine! Customer Service with a Hello: Treat every interaction like a hot cup of tea. 64% of people switch brands for a negative experience online, so make them feel like family! Remember that Indias social selling revolution has just begun. Grab your apron, stir up some fun, and watch your business rise like a fragrant dosa on a Sunday morning! Ian Rumsby, one of Australias most experienced corporate communications advisors, joins APCO as a chief client officer for the Southeast Asia region, based in Sydney, Australia, announced Masayo Nagai, chairman of APCOs Asia region. Rumsby brings deep knowledge and expertise based on more than 20 years of experience helping the worlds leading organizations navigate complex engagement assignments in markets across the region. Ian is an exceptional professional and we are excited to have him join our team. His expertise and deep ties in Southeast Asia will elevate APCOs ongoing dedication to our clients and help our company continue to grow in the region, Nagai said. In an ever-changing industry we are always working on transcending ourselves for the benefit of our clients and Ian will elevate our corporate communications offering. Prior to joining APCO, Rumsby served as a managing partner at Stonehaven, a strategy and communications consultancy, where he has worked closely with APCO to provide support and representation in the Australian market on selective assignments. Rumsby previously worked for a large communications firm, where he held many roleshe chaired operations in Australia, served as the chief strategy officer, lead the firms social impact service and worked as the regional head of the organizations culture transformation and change management business. The Southeast Asia region is an extremely diverse and competitive region that sits at the center of trade, people, information and capital from around the world. Led by Southeast Asia Managing Director JJ Lee, APCO has established expansive expertise in the communications, energy, education, finance, food, consumer products and retail, health care, philanthropy and technology sectors in the region. Ian further augments APCOs market-leading expertise and capabilitiessupporting leading clients from multinational companies and international organizations to governments and NGOsand with our offices in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, we offer valuable insights to help clients navigate the dynamic challenges and opportunities across the region, Lee said. Rumsby joins APCO in a milestone year, with the upcoming 40th anniversary of its founding. Founded by Margery Kraus as a single-person operation in 1984, APCO has grown to a global advisory and advocacy consultancy with more than 30 offices worldwide. News State Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh, the sister news channel of News Nation has clinched the prestigious National Media Award for the year 2023. The Election Commission of India, responsible for recognizing outstanding contributions in the media landscape, bestowed this honour upon News State for its remarkable voter awareness campaign named "Vote Guru." The comprehensive and insightful coverage provided by News State Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh became the linchpin for its selection as the recipient of the National Media Award in the electronic media category. The channel's commitment to delivering informative, accurate, and balanced content earned it acclaim from the Election Commission, which lauded the "Vote Guru" campaign as the Best Coverage. On January 25, National Voters' Day, the honorable President of India, Shrimati Draupadi Murmu, conferred the award upon News State in New Delhi "Vote Guru," a special program curated by News State, played a pivotal role in disseminating essential information to voters, presenting intriguing stories, and addressing concerns related to the electoral process. The Election Commission commended the program for its accuracy, balance, and its significant role in providing voters with crucial information, thereby encouraging greater participation in the democratic process. News State's dedication to empowering its election coverage was evident through the utilization of its reporter network. The channel highlighted challenging areas with polling booths and shed light on issues faced by ordinary voters, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the election landscape. In the backdrop of the 2023 assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, News State transformed the electoral process into a celebration of democracy. The channel deliberately shifted its focus towards a voter-centric approach, deviating from the conventional emphasis on political parties and leaders. Through this strategic coverage, News State not only earned the National Media Award but also played a crucial role in fostering an informed and engaged electorate. Mr. Sanjay Kulshreshtha Managing Director, News Nation Network said, " We are truly honored and humbled to receive the prestigious National Media Award for 2023 for News State Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the News States team. As we celebrate this achievement, we renew our commitment to journalistic excellence, ensuring that all our network channels continue to be a beacon of credible journalism for our audience." Mr. ManoJ Gairola, Director & Editor-In-Chief News Nation Network added I am deeply honored and grateful for the recognition bestowed upon News Nation Networks channel News State Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh with the prestigious National Media Award for 2023. This achievement reflects the collective effort of a dedicated team at News Nation Network. Winning in the electronic media category is a testament to our commitment to delivering informative and balanced journalism. The Vote Guru campaign has not only promoted voter awareness but also strengthened our resolve to empower communities through impactful storytelling. This accolade inspires us to persist in our pursuit of excellence, and we remain dedicated to providing credible and insightful content for our audience. As India gears for the big Lok Sabha elections this year, the political machinery is on full swing to woo the voters and highlight their election manifestos. Along with parties mandates and candidates outreach, Public Relations has come to play a crucial role in the political arena as well. Public Relations has evolved into a critical tool for both governing bodies and opposition parties. For the ruling government, it functions as a platform to exhibit its accomplishments, rally public support on key matters, and address grievances by soliciting feedback. Today, the government enlists PR agencies to drive stakeholder and community involvement to secure backing for forthcoming infrastructure projects. Similarly, for the opposition, PR represents a powerful mechanism to express dissenting views and spotlight significant policy deficiencies to the public. Adgully reached out to PR experts to delve into the inner workings of the political side of the public relations industry. We sought insights into the key tactics political candidates employ to shape their public image, the new challenges and opportunities in this sector, and more. Evolution of Political PR Anup Sharma, an independent political communications consultant, observed, It has been almost a decade since India witnessed its first social media election in 2014. The upcoming 2024 national elections will be significantly influenced by Artificial Intelligence, which will have a profound impact on the election campaigning process. From analysing vast amounts of data to identifying trends and patterns in public opinion, sentiment and behaviour, advances in digital technology are providing new and faster tools for political messaging. The AI-fueled 2024 election season is already here and were seeing political leaders engaging with their voters using a lot more AI generated content to communicate effectively in hyper local cohorts. Now, with the power of generative AI, the campaign managers are able to scan the internet, think about strategy, and come up with a hard-hitting appeal be it a speech, press release, meme, reel or video touting the benefits of one candidate over another. AI has armed the campaigners with an inexpensive way to respond instantly to campaign developments reducing the response time, he added. Commenting on the new ways in which the industry is engaging with the audience, Sunil Nair, Executive Director, Concept Public Relations, said, The new ways are integrated and strategically multiplatform, multilingual, and multimodal messaging. It is like a tribal dance, where the message is a performance that involves haptics, audio-visuals, and graphics. The messaging process is rhythmic. Key tactics employed by political candidates Nair highlighted, Interpersonal messaging and communication continues to remain the dominant format. This is because misinformation is rampant. The audio visual is the next best and preferred option. Graphics and texts are the least trusted. Either it is in-person engagement or quasi in-person engagement using digital media that is the dominant approach. With time all social media messaging is losing credibility because all are bots or bought. Meanwhile, Sharma noted, With each election cycle, the ability for political parties to engage and target demographic groups is getting sharper. Over the last decade, it is now a proven fact that political messaging over the digital world has the potential to reach more than half the population directly and act like a force-multiplier in political messaging. AI-led campaign strategies are enabling targeting individual voters with specially crafted content. As India heads to the big election, there will be a significant focus on 18-19-year-olds entering the electoral arena for the first time. Ahead of the 2019 General Elections, the Election Commission of India noted 900 million registered voters, with 15 million first-time voters in the 18-19 age group. This number has grown significantly. These young voters, with concerns about employment, education, examinations, skilling, and aspiration, are likely to influence electoral and political agendas. Recognising their importance, political parties have plans to appeal to them. Further highlighting the strategies led by the current ruling party, Sharma said, Staying ahead of the curve, Prime Minister Modi has already addressed thousands of first-time voters virtually on January 25, 2024, the National Voters Day, assembled at around 5,000-plus organised NaMo Nav Matadata Sammelans across the country. New opportunities and challenges in shaping & managing political reputations With a mobile in hand and almost free data, today everyone is a media content creator and also a distributor. Anyone with access to the internet can contribute to the war on misinformation and unfortunately, the politicians are one of the biggest culprits turning the term fake news into a weapon. Now, with AI fuel and deepfake technology, the 2024 elections will see a tsunami of fake information in the form of videos, photographs, and audio content. These will be amplified via social media including YouTube, Facebook, X (Twitter) and especially WhatsApp. And as fake content will be generated and amplified via the social networks, the campaign managers will struggle to counter the false narratives, cautioned Sharma. He further said, As seen in recent assembly elections, the role of popular social media influencers will expand. Parties are already engaging with YouTubers and social media influencers. In addition to key party officials and IT cell heads, political parties are collaborating with content creators and influencers in their war rooms for strategy, training, and message delivery. Local influencers, along with office bearers and booth workers, will contribute as social media influencers, creating memes, videos, and messages emphasising local issues. Sunil Nair of Concept PR noted, There is a rapid shifting and realigning happening across the political spectrum. Typically, the neo-converts want to show they are more loyal. There is an intergenerational conflict too. Hyper personalised, hyper local and free content is required but generating such a narrative is in itself a costly business. Overall, this means that many politicians are under pressure to comply with top bosses, they are exhibiting a troller mentality, are looking for short term gains, and lack their own ideological and philosophical bearings. This makes PR plans and strategies focus only on tactics. A winner takes it all approach has already set in. We are seeing this behaviour, where the loser is wiped out while the winner lacks capacity to do anything other than win the election. This puts a lot of commercial and economic pressure on long term work both for clients and PR agencies. The total telecom and pay-TV services revenue in Thailand is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from $10.9 billion in 2023 to $12.8 billion in 2028, primarily driven by the mobile data and fixed broadband segments, according to GlobalData , a leading data and analytics company. GlobalDatas Thailand Telecom Operators Country Intelligence Report reveals that the mobile voice service revenues will decline during the forecast period, in line with the steady decline in mobile voice service ARPU, with operators offering unlimited free voice minutes as a part of their bundled plans. Mobile data service revenues, on the other hand, will increase at a CAGR of 4.7% over the forecast period, driven by the continued rise in smartphone adoption, growing mobile internet subscriptions, and increasing consumption of mobile data services, on the back of increasing adoption of relatively high ARPU-yielding 5G services. Sarwat Zeeshan, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData, says: 4G services accounted for a majority share of the overall mobile subscriptions in 2023 in Thailand. 5G subscriptions, however, will increase at a rapid pace and surpass 4Gs share of total mobile subscriptions in 2026, driven by the rising demand and growing availability of 5G services and 5G network expansion efforts by operators across the country. In the fixed communication services segment, fixed broadband service revenue will grow at a CAGR of 5.5% over 2023-2028 period, supported by the steady growth in fiber-to-the-home/business (FTTH/B) broadband subscriptions, on the back of the rising demand for higher speed broadband connectivity and operators focus on expanding fiber network coverage across the country and improving FTTH networks in urban areas. Fixed voice services, on the other hand, will continue to decline given the steady decline in circuit-switched subscriptions. Zeeshan adds: Growing demand for high-speed broadband connectivity, governments focus on fiber-optic network expansion in the country, and the gradual phasing out of DSL services in the country will support the growth in fiber broadband subscriptions over the forecast period. Pay-TV services revenue in the country will increase at a CAGR of 5.6%, over the forecast period, supported by the strong growth in IPTV subscriptions and steady rise in DTH and cable TV subscriptions. The Hype Studio, a prominent PR agency recognized for its interactive expertise, is thrilled to announce its recent triumph securing the PR mandate for Hecta, a pioneering force in repossessed property marketing. Hecta, leading the charge in the real estate sector, is dedicated to the efficient marketing of repossessed properties from Bank and Financial Institution auctions. The Hype Studio's exceptional track record and innovative, customised PR strategies positioned them as the ideal choice for Hecta's PR endeavours. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Hecta as they strive to enhance their brand presence and communicate their commitment to providing superior solutions in the repossessed property market. The Hype Studio, known for its human-centric approach to public relations, is deviating from AI-generated content, opting for authentic, human-driven communication to emotionally connect with its target audience. In a statement, Hecta's Founder, Sridhar Samudrala expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We believe that The Hype Studio's expertise in producing compelling content will play a vital role in our mission to reach a wider audience. Their commitment to human-centred communication seamlessly aligns with our values, and we anticipate a rewarding collaboration." The Hype Studio has solidified its PR prowess through successful partnerships with esteemed agencies in the past. Recent collaborations have garnered attention, reaffirming The Hype Studio's status as a formidable player in the PR landscape. Vineet Malhotra, Director at The Hype Studio, remarked, "We are honored to be selected as the PR partner for Hecta. Our team is dedicated to leveraging our experience and creativity to narrate Hecta's story, encouraging an emotional connection with the audience." As The Hype Studio embarks on this exciting journey with Hecta, both organizations are poised for mutual success, committed to crafting powerful narratives that resonate with the community. Rafael Lavor has been appointed as the new Head of Strategy at VICE Media Group, emphasizing the company's dedication to fostering innovation and delivering cutting-edge content to its global audience. With over 18 years of experience, Lavor has developed expertise in creative strategy, in-depth qualitative research, consumer studies, service innovation, digital communication, and brand management and development. His extensive portfolio includes work with local innovation consultancies and global creative agencies, contributing to the success of brands such as du, NEOM, Nissan, KFC, Peugeot, Nokia, Mastercard, Smirnoff, Volkswagen, Ford, Chevrolet, Embraer, Stella Artois, Tang, Uber, Deezer, Amazon, McVities, Hilton, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and more. Lavor's leadership on various teams and projects has garnered recognition at prestigious marketing awards such as the Brazil Effies, LATAM Effies, and MENA Effies. Tarek Khalil, Managing Director of MEA for VICE, expresses enthusiasm about Lavor's addition to the team, citing his extensive regional experience and ability to tackle complex brand challenges. Khalil is confident that Lavor's leadership will contribute to the creation of even more impactful content for VICE's clients and audiences across the Middle East and Africa. Lockheed Martin has delivered the 75th APY-9 radar under its contract with Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Navy's E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program. This radar system represents a significant advancement in sensor capability, enhancing the U.S. Navy's information dominance. Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link The APY-9 delivers critical capability for the U.S. Navy and others around the world, and it will continue to provide game-changing information to the warfighter well into the future (Picture source: Northrop Grumman) Chandra Marshall, the vice president of Lockheed Martin's Radar & Sensor Systems business, emphasized the importance of the APY-9 radar as the primary sensor for the E-2D. This radar has a long history of providing crucial support for 21st-century security efforts, ensuring the safety of military personnel. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, often referred to as the U.S. Navy's "eyes of the fleet," offers unparalleled surveillance capabilities, simultaneously monitoring air, land, and sea activities. Whenever a Navy carrier deploys aircraft, the APY-9 radar plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the United States and its allies. The U.S. Navy has allocated funding for 80 out of the 86 planned aircraft in the current program. Additionally, international demand for the E-2D Hawkeye is on the rise, with Japan purchasing 18 units and France acquiring three. This strong demand ensures the continued production of the APY-9 radar into the late 2020s, with ongoing modernization and maintenance support extending into the 2040s. Lockheed Martin's collaboration with Northrop Grumman on the E-2D program spans over two decades, and the Advanced Hawkeye platform remains vital in delivering critical data for joint forces and first responders. These advancements significantly enhance situational awareness, reducing the time between initial detection and active engagement. Lockheed Martin is well-recognized for its extensive experience in developing and delivering advanced radar solutions. Their radar systems excel in early warning, counter-target acquisition, situational awareness, and integrated air and missile defense. These radars are versatile, highly reliable, and deployed worldwide, earning the trust of more than 45 nations across six continents. Culinary Dropout will open its first Alabama location at Birminghams The Summit on March 20. The restaurant is now hiring, according to its website. Fox Restaurant Concepts, founded by James Beard-nominated restaurateur Sam Fox, announced the restaurants coming back in 2022. Culinary Dropout has locations in Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina, Texas, and one coming soon in Atlanta. Termed by some in the restaurant sector as a gastropub, Culinary Dropout mixes comfort food and cocktails with live music. The menu, which varies which each location, features salads, sandwiches, snacks and desserts. One favorite is the 36-Hour Slow Roasted Pork Ribs, basted in jalapeno barbecue sauce. Theres also the house made soft pretzels, with whats called soul-warming provolone cheese fondue. For those looking for cocktails, the restaurant offers the El Matador, made with anejo tequila, elderflower liqueur, ginger agave and a dash of orange bitters. Theres also Room Service, shaken and served with American gin, lemon, strawberry and topped with wine. MBABANE Cabinet ministers were horrified to discover that two years after the civil unrest, Mqolo Primary School has still not been reconstructed. Mqolo Primary School is located in Corporation township, in Mbabane. In 2021, during the civil unrest, two at the schools classrooms and a staffroom were burnt. These were Grade II and VII classrooms. It was gathered that Prime Minister Russell Dlamini also attended the same primary school. Yesterday, the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela and Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko, toured five schools in the capital city. These were St Francis Primary and High schools, Mater Dolorosa (MDS) Primary and High schools and Mqolo Primary School. This was part of the fact-finding mission by Cabinet ministers, aimed at getting first-hand information on how schools are performing and which areas government needs to improv on in order to deliver quality education, while ensuring that every child went to school. All the schools that were visited by the Cabinet ministers and the Ministry of Education and Training Under Secretary Schools Manager Lungelo Nhlengetfwa, as well as inspectors of the ministry, have structural challenges. However they express shock at what they found at Mqolo. Enrolment The schools Head teacher, Archie Thwala, told the ministers that the school had an enrolment of 524 pupils, of which 157 were orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs). Among the challenges, he also disclosed was that the civil unrest was a huge setback to the school. The head teacher was overcome with emotion as he related the loss and inconvenience to the school. He mentioned that in the Grade II classrooms, nothing was salvaged from the flames, as desks, chairs and everything else was gutted. Thwala added that the fire also affected the schools electricity distribution board, and printers. He added that the roof of the Grade VII classroom was not spared. I cried as if it was my house that was burning, he said. Thwala said what made him emotional was that he knew that most of the parents of the pupils in the school, despite being located in an urban location, had limited financial strength. Thwala highlighted that the school even struggled to apply for top-up fees, because most of the parents were low-income earners. The Grade VII classroom, which had its ceiling and windows burnt, was utilised for learning, despite the holes and shaky ceiling that could fall at any time. The same situation was witnessed at the staffroom. Thwala explained that the reason they utilised the staffroom and the Grade VII classroom under the status quo was that there was no alternative classroom. He said Microprojects came to the school to conduct assessment but did not return to start the reconstruction work. Thwala said as a result, learning had been disrupted, and the school had not been producing good external results. Inasmuch as the Grade VII classroom and staffroom were utilised, soot, according to Thwala, would occasionally fall from the roofing. He said temporary remedies to the situation were estimated to be around E130 000. The head teacher said the cost of the Grade II class repairs were estimated at E80 000, while the Grade VII and staffroom were estimated to cost at least E50 000, combined. He added that Mbabane Municipality Council inspectors threatened to shut down the school, because it was not safe for pupils and teachers. Depressing Minister Maseko said it was devastating to learn that there were schools that had not been repaired two years after the unrest. The minister said what was even depressing was that the school was located in an urban setting, just a few kilometres from government offices. Maseko noted that there was a likelihood that the school was burnt by residents. Please tell the community members to stop undermining childrens rights to learn and leave the school alone. If they have issues that need to be addressed they should use proper channels and stop stealing the future of the children, he said. Meanwhile Prince Lonkhokhela said he understood what was meant by Sibaya and the King, when they said government should be closer to the people. Now I understand what was meant by the King when he said asisondzele kubantfu. If we did not leave our offices to visit the school, we would not have known this. If we were lucky we were going to read it through newspapers and still believe that the journalists were exaggerating, but today we are here as we are seeing it with our own eyes, he said. I am shattered to see a school that produced a prime minister sitimbobombobo, he said, while pointing at the broken windows and the black walls in one of the classrooms, opposite the assembly square. The minister promised that they would ensure that the classrooms were repaired within two months, so that the school could be safe for learners. Truman Capotes legend endures for his writings (especially the true-crime novel In Cold Blood), his relationship with Harper Lee (immortalized in To Kill a Mockingbird), his childhood in Alabama (lovingly depicted in A Christmas Memory), his flamboyant love of the national spotlight, his self-destructive descent into booze and drugs, and more. But theres a chapter of Capotes life thats not quite as well known, and itll be highlighted this week on TV. Feud: Capote vs. the Swans an eight-episode series with an all-star cast, makes its debut on Wednesday at 9 p.m. CT on FX. Tom Hollander of The White Lotus stars as Capote in the prestige project, teaming with actresses such as Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Demi Moore, Molly Ringwald, Chloe Sevigny and Calista Flockhart. Capote vs. the Swans is the second installment in Ryan Murphys Feud anthology for FX, and it tells a story of friendship and betrayal, society and scandal, power and punishment, set in New York City during the 1960s and 70s. Like the first season of Feud, which focused on the rift between Hollywood legends Bette Davis and Joan Crawford as they were filming Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, the new season has divas aplenty. The egotistical and ambitious Capote might be the biggest diva of all, interacting with a cluster of New York socialites he calls the swans, and eventually writing about them in a way that causes outrage among the women and results in his social demise. Heres how FX describes Capote vs. the Swans in a press release: Acclaimed writer Truman Capote (Tom Hollander) surrounded himself with a coterie of societys most elite women rich, glamorous socialites who defined a bygone era of high society New York whom he nicknamed the swans. Beautiful and distinguished, the group included grande dame Barbara Babe Paley (Naomi Watts), Slim Keith (Diane Lane), C.Z. Guest (Chloe Sevigny) and Lee Radziwill (Calista Flockhart). Enchanted and captivated by these doyennes, Capote ingratiated himself into their lives, befriending them and becoming their confidante, only to ultimately betray them by writing a thinly veiled fictionalization of their lives, exposing their most intimate secrets. When an excerpt from the book, Answered Prayers, Capotes planned magnum opus, was published in Esquire, it effectively destroyed his relationship with his swans, banished him from the high society he so loved and sent him into a spiral of self-destruction from which he would ultimately never recover. Tom Hollander stars as Truman Capote and Naomi Watts portrays Barbara Babe Paley in "Feud: Capote vs. the Swans," an eight-episode series that premieres on Jan. 31. 2024, on FX.(Courtesy of FX) The series is based on a 2021 book by Laurence Leamer, Capotes Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal and a Swan Song for an Era. Murphy the creator and producer of American Horror Story, Glee, American Crime Story, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and more told The New York Times hed long been fascinated by Capote, and reading Leamers book inspired him to choose the topic for a new season of Feud. Its very easy to do a show where people are just nasty to each other, Murphy said. But feuds are never about hate. Theyre about love. This period of Capotes life also illustrates the very fragile, wonderful relationships that exist many times between gay men and straight women, Murphy told The New York Times. READ: Capotes Women: Understanding the doomed love of Truman Capote and his socialite swans Capote evidently valued his friendships with the high-profile and influential women, but placed more importance on his career as a writer and provocateur. Capote also assumed his swans wouldnt recognize themselves in the magazine excerpt of Answered Prayers, reportedly telling biographer Gerald Clarke they were too dumb. Capotes downward spiral after being shunned by his society pals was documented by Clarke, who credits extensive interviews with the author and several hundred others in the source notes for his 1988 biography. However, the FX series promises to bring the entire tale to vivid life for TV viewers, and give them extra insight into the colorful and eccentric Capote, who died in 1984 at age 59. If you watch: Feud: Capote vs. the Swans premieres with two episodes on Jan. 31 at 9 p.m. CT on FX and FXX. The eight-episode series continues on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. CT. Episodes also air the following day on Hulu. Nicki Minaj has announced her Pink Friday 2 tour, her first headlining tour since 2016, and tickets are officially on sale. Minajs 2024 world tour comes after the release of her Pink Friday 2 album, which was released Dec. 8, 2023. This was a highly anticipated album among Nicki Minaj fans as its meant to be a sequel to her famous Pink Friday album that came out in 2010. The Pink Friday 2 tour will officially kick off in North America March 1 in Oakland, Calif. and will wrap up May 13 in Oklahoma City, Okla. before Minaj starts touring internationally. Tickets for Minajs Pink Friday 2 tour are available primarily through Ticketmaster, however, more tickets can be found through official resale sites such as Vivid Seats, StubHub and SeatGeek. The ticket seller sites mentioned carry official resale tickets that have already been purchased through Ticketmaster, providing fans with more seating options that would otherwise not be available, which is especially great for events that are in high demand. After purchase, any tickets bought from these resale vendors will be transferred to your Ticketmaster account. SeatGeek in particular will let the buyer know if the seller is actually offering a fair price for their tickets or not. However, those who purchase tickets through Vivid Seats can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 with the promo code AL20 at checkout. This promo code will work for any tickets purchased through Vivid Seats. The Lunar New Year is being celebrated with a new U.S. Postage Stamp. This month, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled the Lunar New Year: Year of the Dragon Forever stamp during a ceremony with dignitaries, professors, and artists in Seattles historic Chinatown - International District. For more than three decades, the Postal Service has issued stamps highlighting the Lunar New Year and this subject has been some of the most successful stamp releases in the long history of the Postal Service, said Eduardo H. Ruiz, Jr., the USPS vice president of retail and delivery operations for the Postal Services WESTPAC in a press release. The Postal Service has one of the most diverse workplaces in the United States, and its customer base is as diverse as the country itself. This stamp is a great example that reflects our nations rich, multicultural heritage and traditions. The Postal Service has printed 22 million stamps that are now on sale at post offices are the county and at usps.com. The stamp features an image of a yellow dragon mask symbolizing strength, health, and luck. Artist Camille Chew constructed the dragon mask out of hand-printed paper, then cut, scored, and folded it into shape. She embellished the mask with acrylic paint and other paper elements, like flowers and tassels, and covered the back of the mask in a layer of papier-mache. The completed mask was photographed on a white background. For many Asian Americans, the Lunar New Year celebrates a chance to leave behind the troubles of the past year and invite prosperity and good luck moving forward, said University of Washington professor Connie So. This Year of the Dragon stamp ceremony recognizes the importance of the diversity and cultural significance Asian Americans bring to the United States and provides Seattle an opportunity to promote the significance of the Lunar New Year. Feb. 10 marks the start of the Lunar New Year holiday. Beginning on the night of the second new moon following the winter solstice, the Lunar New Year festival celebrates the coming of spring and a time of renewal. It also marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, the fifth of the 12 animals associated with the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Dragon ends on January 28, 2025. Lags Eatery, once a popular Homewood breakfast and lunch restaurant, will reopen in 2024 after closing 15 years ago. Coming soon to Crestwood/Avondale! the restaurants website and Facebook page say. The new location: 4350 3rd Court S. When Anthony Lag Gagliano opened the Homewood location in the 1970s, as the website statement says, their concept was meant to create A place to meet friends, see friends, and be friends. The diner, previously located on Broadway Street, went up for lease after owner Gerard DeFrank closed shop. He took over the business during the 1990s, but shut down after he suffered a heart attack in April 2009, and then a stroke. AL.com reported then that employees ran the business for months after, but the slow economy led to permanent closure. The simple menu customers likely remember: Breakfasts of pancakes and eggs and lunches of sandwiches and hot dogs. A signature sandwich had two beef patties, two slices of bacon and four slices of cheese. Almost nothing cost more than $6 back then. The website will allow customers to join an email list that gives them an early look at the new menu, updates on renovations and timelines and chances to collaborate with our team. The restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and will be open late night, according to the websites. Taking over the business are former Lags employees Justin Shubert and Eric Wallace, whom DeFrank hired when the previous location was still open. These two best buds and longtime Birmingham residents are set to honor the community that raised them: LAGS IS BACK! the website/Facebook statement says about the Crestwood residents. They are active in the community and hope to share the spirit of a place they loved with a community they love. When he closed in 2009, DeFrank told AL.com that he did not expect to work again, adding he couldnt drive and had hearing and vision problems. I never imagined this happening, he said. I wasnt ready to give up working for a living. At the time, DeFrank remained active during physical therapy and said the support of his wife Linda and his friends at the West Homewood Lions Club had been invaluable. DeFrank passed away in 2017. Africatowns sixth annual Spirit of our Ancestors Festival has begun, with a variety of events celebrating the legacy of the community founded by survivors of the slave ship Clotilda. Presented by the Clotilda Descendants Association, the festival features a full slate of activities including film screenings; appearances by historian Hannah Durkin, author of a revelatory new book, The Survivors of the Clotilda; a keynote address by Smithsonian curator Mary Elliott; and presentations of the original play An Ocean in My Bones, first seen in an early form at last years fest. Over the years, we have honored the men, women and children who survived some of the worst conditions imaginable, said festival organizer Joycelyn Davis, a co-founder of the Clotilda Descendants Association. They lived courageous and influential lives in spite of being homesick and abused. Dr. Hannahs book shed light on new names, whose stories will be added to ours and remembered. Mary Elliott taught me the importance of remembering my own Ancestors stories, Davis continued, in a statement released by the association. This is why our Festival theme this year is Pieces of the Dream: Reconciling Our History. Now, we can honor even more of the African Ancestors at this and future festivals. A timeline of related events: Film Festival The Spirit of Our Ancestors Film Festival, which began Jan. 26-27 at the Prichard Public Library, continues through Friday, Feb. 2, at the Mobile Public Library. The Netflix documentary Descendant and 60 Minutes segments on the Clotilda will be shown from 5 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Ben May Main Library. They will be shown at the Toulminville Branch Library from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, and from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2. Screenings are free to the public and no tickets are required. Author appearances Hannah Durkins new book, The Survivors of the Clotilda: The Lost Stories of the Last Captives of the American Slave Trade, reaches beyond Africatown to pull together the stories of Clotilda survivors scattered across southwest and west-central Alabama. On Wednesday, Jan. 31, in conjunction with the Spirit of Our Ancestors Festival, she will speak at the Historic Avenue Cultural Center, 564 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. in Mobile. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. admission is free and is on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, visit theclotildastory.com. On Sunday, Feb. 4, she will visit the Haunted Book Shop at 9 S. Joachim St. from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is billed as a book-signing and a conversation; according to the shop, she will be joined by Jeremy Ellis of the Clotilda Descendants Association. Attendance is free but space is limited, so online advance reservations are strongly encouraged. Spirit of Our Ancestors program (Saturday) The central event of the festival starts at noon Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Mobile County Training School Gymnasium, 800 Whitley St. and will feature vendors and a health fair, according to promotional information. Festivities begin at noon with a libation ceremony, followed by an invocation and then a welcome by Delisha Marshal, a descendant of Peter Lee, also known as Gumpa, and Josephine Lee. Tiffany Pogue, a descendant of Pollee Allen, will give a spoken word presentation at 12:40 p.m. and then University of South Alabama professor Kern Jackson will introduce Mary N. Elliott, a curator at the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture, who will deliver a keynote address at 12:45 p.m. Playwright Terrence Spivey, writer and director of the play An Ocean in My Bones, will introduce a preview of the play at 2 p.m. Jeremy Ellis, president of the Clotilda Descendants Association, will make closing remarks at 3:05 p.m. Spirit of Our Ancestors program (Sunday) The festival will again open with a libation ceremony and drumming by Wayne Curtis at noon, followed by an invocation and a welcome from Delisha Marshal. After a spoken word presentation by Tiffany Pogue, a presentation will be given on Storytelling Honoring the Orishas. An Ocean in My Bones will be presented at 2 p.m., with closing remarks at 3:05 p.m. by Bill Green, treasurer of the Clotilda Descendants Association. An Ocean in My Bones Playwright Terrence Spiveys original work on the voyage of the Clotilda and the experiences of its survivors began development in Mobile ahead of the 2023 Spirit of Our Ancestors Festival and a developmental version of it was presented at the fest. Development of the play has continued since then, and a newer, fuller version of the drama will be presented three times in conjunction with the festival. Public performances take place at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 3-4. For information on reserving free tickets, visit theclotildastory.com. Note: As this story was published, the Saturday performance was listed as sold out, and the Sunday performance was listed as having only a few seats remaining. A performance on Monday, Feb. 5, is for students. An investigation is underway into an afternoon shooting in Birmingham. The shooting happened at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday in the 100 block of Ninth Avenue West. The extent of the male victims injuries was not immediately known, said Sgt. LaQuitta Wade. No arrests have been made. This story will be updated if more information is released. An investigation is ongoing into a Sunday-night shooting in Tuscaloosa that left one man dead. Tuscaloosa police were dispatched at 10:24 p.m. to a report of shots fired at Landmark Apartments on Old Greensboro Road. The victim was found dead on the scene. His identity has not yet been released. The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation. Capt. Jack Kennedy said no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call the Violent Crimes Unit at 205-464-8690. A 53-year-old Lee County man has been indicted in the death of his son. Auburn police on Tuesday announced a grand jury indicted Mark Edward Watford on a charge of felony murder. He was previously charged with aggravated child abuse. His wife, Kelly West Watford, was arrested last year on a felony murder warrant. Auburn police and fire medics were dispatched Wednesday, June 14, 2023, to the 2200 block of Core Drive on a report of a child medical distress. They arrived to find the 6-year-old boy unresponsive and not breathing. The boy was taken to East Alabama Medical Center where life-saving efforts continued, police said Thursday. The measures were unsuccessful, and doctors pronounced the child dead. His name has not been released. Investigators quickly determined suspicious circumstances, police said. Evidence consistent with drowning was discovered during medical treatment and the subsequent autopsy. Additionally, police said, evidence showed the child appeared to be extremely malnourished and had sustained prolonged willful abuse and maltreatment. Following the couples initial arrests, detectives continued to investigate the case. Additional evidence was collected to include forensic evidence from the childs autopsy. Both parents are being held without bond in the Lee County Jail. The Alabama Public Library Service executive board voted to leave the American Library Association at Tuesdays executive board meeting. In front of about 40 people in attendance, three members of the library service board voted to leave the library association immediately instead of in March when the services membership expires. The national organization offers grants and training to libraries around the country; since 2021, it has provided $293,200 in grants to 36 Alabama libraries. Alabama is one of several states to recently leave the ALA, citing complaints with training, material and how the organization handles sexually explicit content. Hannah Rees, the founder of Clean Up Alabama, which has been leading book challenges in state libraries, agreed with the decision to disaffiliate -- but also said Tuesday that she wants the state to go further and sever all ties. That includes financial, training, advocacy, programming, certifications, all the above, not just not renewing our membership, Rees said. Board member Angelia Stokes moved to leave the ALA due to the controversy surrounding libraries since ALA president Emily Drabinski Tweeted about being a Marxist lesbian. APLS director Nancy Pack wrote a letter to Drabinski describing how her Tweet caused a lot of turmoil in Alabama libraries. (The letter can be found at the end of the story.) Drabinskis term as president ends in April. Stokes said the APLS could rejoin in the future. Three of the five current members of the board voted on the issue. John Wahl, who also serves as the president of the state GOP, and Jerria Martin were not present. Matthew Layne, president of the Alabama affiliate of the American Library Association, said he was disappointed in the decision. However, this wont sever the relationship between the Alabama association and the APLS and doesnt negate individual library or librarian memberships. I think that its unfortunate that the board has been pressured into withdrawing from an organization that benefits Alabama libraries over some remarks by a president whos going to be gone by spring, said Angie Hayden, co-founder of the library advocacy group Read Freely Alabama. In a state where library funding is already difficult to come by, every little bit counts. Its truly unfortunate that they let politics and optics harm our libraries. Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Shelby County) was one of four people to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting. She said Iveys recommendations to make libraries more conducive to parent and child-friendly environments are sensible and reasonable, and said that if the library service doesnt approve policy changes, state funding may be at risk. The code changes that need to be added include a policy for physical location and relocation of sexually explicit or other material deemed inappropriate for children and youth, DuBose said. Exercising discretion in the location of sexually explicit material or other material deemed by the public library board to be inappropriate for children or youth does not constitute a denial of service on the basis of age. Later in the meeting, Pack told DuBose that the Legislative Reference Service determines how and when administrative code changes are made, including a set period for public comments. She said its a very serious and involved process. Hayden also spoke during the public comment part of the board meeting. She said shes alarmed by what she called a blacklist of books collected by the state, which contained books on Amish romance novels, divorce, and the Left Behind Series. All of this with an estimated price tag of potentially tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars, making this very expensive experiment to prove that parents have very subjective opinions when it comes to what is appropriate material for their own children, Hayden said. Not only are we troubled by this move toward authoritarian governance, we are incredibly concerned by the absence of forethought and good stewardship. Hayden said all of the books on the list belong in the library because even religious minority groups deserve representation in a taxpayer-funded public forum. How will Alabama raise its profile nationally, politically and culturally if we continue to present this ignorant image to the rest of the country that we accept extremism and discrimination of Americans and are willing to censor libraries to achieve that? Alabama will become a bellwether for government overreach and censorship if we continue down this path. And its not a winning strategy. The library service surveyed Alabama libraries on Jan. 8 to assess complaints about books. Out of 95 respondents, eight reported receiving complaints about 121 individual books. I think that shows most libraries do not consider this to be a problem to the extent we sometimes hear, board president Ronald Snider said. The libraries that responded with a number of books challenged since April 1, 2023, were: Autauga-Prattville Public Library (48) Gadsden-Etowah County Public Library (30) Dothan Houston County Library (24) Mobile Public Library (6) Lexington Public Library (Lauderdale County) (6) Scottsboro Public Library (Jackson County) (4) Ozark Public Library (Dale County) (2) North Shelby Library (1) The board also recognized former vice chair Virginia Doyle as a passionate advocate for librarians. Ivey removed Doyle from the board after Doyle criticized tying state funding to Iveys recommended code changes. Layne spoke in front of the board to recognize Doyle for her passionate defense of funding for libraries at the November board meeting. I was shocked, however, when three days later, she was capriciously removed from this council by the governors office, Layne said. If we cannot engage in honest and open dialogue with one another about difficult concepts and ideas, are we truly Americans? Are we truly Alabamians? I expect more. We, as citizens of this great state, deserve better. When we silence anothers voice, either in this room or out in the world, we only diminish ourselves. The next meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on March 21. The letter from Pack to Drabinski is below. This year, the Lede is reaching out to your elected representatives and asking what theyre anticipating for the 2024 session and what theyre doing to stay in touch with constituents until then. This week District 50 Rep. Jim Hill, R-Odenville, answered some questions about whats on his mind for the upcoming session. MBABANE The Minister of Public Service, Mabulala Maseko, says government has budgeted E65 million for hiring 1 000 permanent teachers. The minister said in the year under review, 1 000 teachers were also confirmed into permanent positions, with benefits. The minister was speaking yesterday during the fact-finding mission exercise conducted in schools around the country. During the tour, Maseko was with the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela and Ministry of Education and Training Under Secretary, Schools Manager Lungelo Nhlengetfwa, as well as the schools inspectorate department. During the tour, the head teachers lamented the shortage of teachers in their schools. The head teachers added that having a huge number of contract teachers in the schooling system was another hindrance to performance. All four schools that were visited by the ministers had contract teachers and some of them were among those whose contracts expired last year in December. Mater Dolorosa (MDS) High School Head teacher Fikile Ndlovu, stated that some of the teachers had been on contract for over 10 years. She said during the start of a new school calendar, some teachers did not return to school until government renewed their contracts. Ndlovu said the learners suffered during that process. Teachers have sent me to plead on their behalf on two issues. The first one is the signing of contracts. The second issue is salary review. They say they are struggling to make ends meet,because the money they are paid does not meet their needs, she said. The head teacher mentioned that she had eight temporary teachers. She also mentioned that two of the teachers took an early retirement and went to work in the Republic of China (Taiwan). Ndlovu was not the only head teacher who lamented about the shortage of teachers. MDS Primary School Head teacher Thabo Nkambule said he had four teaching vacancies. In response, Maseko said government was working on converting more teachers who were on contracts to permanent employment. He highlighted that the first step was to confirm teachers who were occupying permanent positions. He said the next step was to ensure that more teachers were permanent, with benefits. He said the ministry understood the need to ensure that teachers were hired permanently, so that their lives could go on. He explained that this would also help the learners, because the teacher would be motivated. Maseko said in the next financial year, 1 000 more teachers would be given permanent posts and E65 million had been budgeted for that exercise. A South Carolina exploratory team claims it may have found the plane Amelia Earhart was flying when she disappeared in July 1937. Robotic company Deep Sea Vision (DSV) said in a press release that a sonar image it recorded in a swath of the Pacific untouched by known wrecks could finally put to rest one of the nations most enduring mysteries. That ocean floor image from west of the trailblazing aviators intended landing point reportedly mirrors the unique dual tails and scale of Earharts Lockheed 10-E Electra aircraft. DSV said it came upon the images location based on the 2010 Date Line Theory, which suggests Earharts exhausted navigator forgot to turn his calendar back a day after crossing the International Date Line. That could have caused a celestial star navigation miscalculation, landing the plane 60 miles west of its intended destination. No one had explored that area until now, DSV said. Company CEO Tony Romeo said the wreck they spotted appears to be intact. We always felt that she [Earhart] would have made every attempt to land the aircraft gently on the water, and the aircraft signature that we see in the sonar image suggests that may be the case, he said. Assisted by underwater archaeologists, DSVs marine robotic experts spent 90 days searching a 5,200-square-mile area of the Pacific Ocean floor using a submersible called the HUGIN 6000. The vehicles side scan sonar is said to have nearly four times the reach of previously used equipment of its kind. The company is keeping the exact coordinates of its find private pending further examination. DSV hasnt responded to a request for further information. Earhart, along with navigator Fred Noonan, disappeared during a 2,500-mile flight from New Guinea to Howland Island as they attempted to circle the globe. Speculation about their final flight has held the nations attention ever since. Researchers at the Pennsylvania-based International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery said in 2014 they believed a piece of debris discovered on a remote Pacific atoll in 1991 came from Earharts aircraft. An anthropology professor at the University of Tennessee said in 2018 he believed skeletal pieces found on the west Pacifics Nikumaroro Island in 1940 belonged to The 37-year-old pilot. Dozens of alleged witnesses claimed they heard Earhart calling for help via radio as her situation worsened. Smithsonians National Air and Space Museum aeronautics curator Dorothy Cochrane told Smithsonian the image captured by DSV is intriguing and merits further examination. 2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A Birmingham teen has been deemed incompetent to stand trial on capital murder in the 2022 shooting death of a man at a Woodlawn gas station. Jeremy Tellis Lee Hawkins, now 19, is one of two suspects charged in the slaying of 43-year-old Marcelo Hopson. The second suspect, 25-year-old Jason Martez Johnson, is set to go to trial in May. The deadly shooting happened Oct. 22, 2022, at the Woodlawn Chevron. Hopson was in a vehicle when he was shot. Police marked multiple shell casings in the parking lot of the convenience store. Hopson died at UAB Hospital eight days later. Charging documents against Hawkins state he was in the backseat of a vehicle at the gas station when he reportedly got out and fired into Hopsons vehicle. Jason Martez Johnson (l.), Jeremy Lee Hawkins Hawkins attorney, Michael Rasmussen of the Jefferson County Public Defenders Office, asked for a mental evaluation of Hawkins who, according to court records, was previously examined in 2019 and 2021 on charges as a juvenile. In those cases, he was found incompetent to stand trial because of below average intellectual functioning as well as attention and concentration difficulties. In September 2023, Hawkins was evaluated by the Alabama Department of Mental Health Forensic Outpatient Program. The doctor found that Hawkins suffers from learning impairments and lacks the ability to assist in his defense. The doctor said that competency related legal education will likely be effective in restoring Hawkins to competency. Jefferson County Circuit Judge Kechia Davis ruled Hawkins incompetent to stand trial and said all further proceedings will be stayed pending treatment. Hawkins was released from the Jefferson County Jail on Jan. 18 and committed to the Department of Mental Health to restore his competency. A missing 16-year-old Montgomery high school student has been found dead. Michael Anthony Cole Jr. was pronounced dead at 10:51 p.m. Monday, according to court records. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency issued an emergency missing alert for Michael Anthony Cole Jr., a 16-year-old high school student, on Monday and several members of the Montgomery City Council offered a $5,000 reward for his safe return. On Tuesday morning, ALEA canceled that alert but offered no explanation. Court records showed two suspects have been charged. Nedvin Maynard Jones Jr., 18, and Nicholas Treyvon King-Sheppard, 18, are charged with felony murder. Both suspects were booked into the Montgomery County Detention Center before 7 a.m. Tuesday. Charging documents state that the suspects fired shots into an occupied dwelling, causing Michaels death on Jan. 25, which is when Michael was reported missing. Michael Anthony Cole Jr.(Contributed) At a press conferenced held midday by Montgomery Police Chief Darryl Albert and Chief Deputy John Hall, authorities disclosed that Michaels body was found in the 6500 block of Selma Highway. Michael was last seen about 8:30 p.m. Jan. 25 in the area of Southmont Drive in Montgomery, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Hall said the family filed a missing persons report Friday with Montgomery police. At that time, based on information provided by the family, police believed Michael was a runaway. He said they quickly began searching, and learned of places Michael might be. Hall said police went to the Catoma Creek area where they carried out a foot search and deployed drones. The Montgomery Fire Department also searched by water. He said they covered several miles but to no avail. Authorities said they began receiving more tips from community members and elevated the cases status from a runaway to a missing person. They determined that a shooting incident on Jan. 25 at 3545 Gaston Avenue was linked to Michaels disappearance. Police found evidence of a shooting - bullet damage - but did not find the missing teen. The chief said investigators worked night and day throughout the weekend. At no time were we sitting on our hands doing nothing,' Albert said. We never did stop. Authorities have not said what led them to the location where the body was found - the 6500 block of Selma Highway - nor how they identified the suspects in the case. There is indication that all parties knew each other,' Albert said. All to often its individuals who know each other. Thats why its so important when we talk about de-escalation and conflict resolution. Albert and Hall did not disclose how Michael was killed but, as previously stated, court records indicated he was shot while inside the Gaston Avenue home. A motive has not been determined. Police officials said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to police or Crime Stoppers 334-215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP. Tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers P3-tips app. Three people are dead and a fourth injured in a shooting at a Gwinnett County, Ga. apartment complex early Tuesday morning, according to authorities. Gwinnett police said they were called about a domestic disturbance around 1 a.m. at The Views apartments on Country Walk in unincorporated Snellville. When officers arrived, they found two men dead and two women with gunshot wounds. Both women were rushed to a hospital, but one of them did not survive. A motive for the shooting is unclear, but investigators believe one of the men the alleged shooter and the woman who survived were in a relationship, police said. Detectives are investigating a shooting that leaves three people deceased. Shortly after 1:00 a.m., officers assigned to South Precinct responded to a domestic disturbance at 2300 Country Walk in unincorporated Snellville. pic.twitter.com/UYdnUEhj2W Gwinnett County Police (@GwinnettPd) January 30, 2024 Anyone with information about Tuesdays shooting is asked to contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. Exactly two weeks ago, officers were called to the same apartment complex after a woman called 911 around 2 a.m. to report she was in an apartment with a man who had a handgun and was threatening to harm himself. The man, Martavious Crawley, was then shot by police after he first fired at them, officials said at the time. He was hospitalized and then jailed on several charges, including four counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer. He remains in jail, online records show. Police have not said if there is any connection between the two incidents. Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates. 2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A Labor Day weekend concert featuring rap artists from Mobile was billed as an end of summer pool & beach bash at the largest venue on Alabamas lone barrier island. But in the days leading up to Pirates Bar & Grills concert, some board members with the Dauphin Island Property Owners Association (DIPIOA) claimed the concert wasnt happening because the bars owner didnt secure the appropriate insurance policy. Facebook posts reportedly marked DIPOA members Safe from the 2023 Dauphin Island Beach Concert Riot. There was no riot, and no violence of any note. One of two lawsuits, filed Jan. 11 in Mobile County Circuit Court, seeks damages up to $1.6 million for breaches of contract, and intentional actions aimed at hurting a bar that is Dauphin Islands largest employer. A second lawsuit accuses the DIPOA of defamation and slander. Pirates Bar & Grill, owned by Philip Patronas, leases the old Isle Dauphine Clubhouse that includes a pool and beach house and a circular-shaped building on Dauphin Islands Ocean Drive. Pirates Bar & Grill has operated at the site since 2015. This property would not be open or active, said Patronas, during a nearly two-hour Aug. 28 special meeting before the DIPOA in which the Sept. 2 concert was the subject of concern, and a vote was taken on whether to shut it down. It was borderline bankrupt. There is not a restaurant (at the property) without us. Ive maintained and repaired everything. I was trying to bring in a show that was unique it backfired unfortunately. Immoral activity The Aug. 28 meeting sparked spirited remarks over concerns about hosting a concert next to a public beach where children and families will be on Labor Day weekend. Board members objected to some of the artists who were set to perform, citing their violent history. The concert was headlined by artists NoCap, MGM Lett and BSC Ziggy all Black musicians. The lawsuit claims the board felt the concert was in violation of an unsubstantiated morality clause. A second concert, on Sept. 3, featured local country artists Jon Langston, Ryan Dyer, and Jonboy Storey. The country acts, all white performers, did not stir any debate among board members who, during the Aug. 28 meeting, questioned whether they were being hypocritical about objecting to the contents of the rap performers when they, themselves decades ago, were listening to songs like Cocaine, a 1976 title by Eric Clapton. My daddy thought I was going to hell in a hand basket because I loved hard rock music, said board member Merrill Mitchell. I still do. I try to be a good person, but with that said, we cannot police everything. Dennis Knizley, a board member and attorney from Mobile, said it wasnt fair to compare classic rock songs like Cocaine, to modern hip-hop music with references to guns, violence, and drugs. We all know what moral standards are in a community, he said during the meeting. Its not a matter of free speech. (The songs from the artists) talk about gun violence. You talk about hoes. Its clear to anyone that this is immoral activity. There is a social conscious we all have, and this is not a moral activity. The board voted 6-3 on Aug. 28 to not discontinue the concert. The concert took place, but the lawsuit claims the boards resistance in the weeks and days before it depressed turnout. Patronas has also lost valuable relationships for future music series events due to the obstructionist and discriminatory efforts by the DIPOA. Liability insurance A central concern in the lawsuit is that Patronas was required to secure an additional $5 million commercial liability insurance policy that included coverage for assault and battery. That requirement, the lawsuit claims, was not legally required and was unattainable. The lawsuit also alleges the DIPOA distributed a mass email that falsely stated our lessee has failed to meet the agreed upon deadline of noon today to provide documentation of adequate insurance to cover the event scheduled for Labor Day weekend. We have instructed the lessee not to conduct the activity on the premises. Knizley, who was speaking individually and not on behalf of the entire board, told AL.com last fall that the Labor Day weekend event was being held outside what the traditional restaurant business allows and required special events insurance. He said there was no insurance for the event to take place. He said that deadlines were set, and Patronas missed them. We decided that we could not go forward without the insurance and put the association at risk, Knizley said. He said that Patronas did submit an insurance policy quote of $1 million ahead of the concert but did not submit an actual policy. The issue was insurance, no question about it, Knizley said. People have their different choices of music. But some hip-hop music is dramatically different from others. Violent pasts NoCap, who has used billboards to advertise his presence in the Mobile area, is among the rappers cited by Rolling Stone as an example of the Mobile scene's energy.Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Knizley noted the violence has occurred during NoCap performances, including a 2019 incident outside a night club in Warner Robbins, Ga., in which a security guard was killed by an employee of the artist. He also said the Easter 2018 shooting death of a 15-year-old at the Grand Hall in Mobile occurred during a NoCap performance. Another one of the artists, Knizley said, had been previously arrested in a drug case in Mobile. It caused us concerns about liability, Knizley said. Because of some of the history of the performers, and not so much the content of the presentation, it seemed to be an elevated risk for potential violence especially with two murders taking place at a concert. Knizley noted that the Dauphin Island Town Council had no problems with the concerts, and OKd Patronas request during a meeting in August. The POA is a separate entity, and we represent 3,300 members who owner property on Dauphin Island, Knizley said. (Pirates Bar & Grill) is owned by the POA and, of course, if there were landlord liability or injury, we are responsible for the 3,300 people we represent, and our assets. The $5 million didnt seem like a high amount to me. Knizley also said he had concerns with how Patronas handled lining up the concerts before the event took place. He said the DIPOA was only notified about the concert two weeks before it was supposed to take place, despite reports he said that Patronas had been planning on organizing it since February. He said he had six security guards, but two off-duty police officers, Knizley said. My research in that regard is that if you have eight police officers, and he was anticipating 2,500 to 3,000 (attendees) a standard for an outdoor concert is it comes down to one security guard for every 100 people. (Patronas plan) would have been woefully inadequate. Race issue Knizley said he would prefer the venue not host any concert of any genre. That might be an issue, as the venue not had any general liability insurance coverage since October, according to DIPOA board members during a Jan. 18 meeting. But as far as special event coverage, the lawsuit claims that the DIPOA did not request additional coverage during past concerts. That includes a 2022 event held at Pirates Bar & Grill, featuring three country music artists. According to the lawsuit, the artists like other genres, featured lyrics about coming of age, sexual relationships, pre-martial dating, partying, and even rural life and conflict. The lawsuit was filed by Mobile attorneys Moshae Donald and Marcus Foxx. Neither responded Monday to a request for comment. Patronas was unavailable for comment last fall after the Labor Day concert. The DIPOAA also did not respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit notes that the DIPOAA was organized to serve the interests of Caucasian property owners in 1963, but that it eventually would evolve to allow all races, creeds and colors to be associated with the association. I dont think Black or white has anything to do with it, Knizley said. I wouldnt want David Allen Coe and a few other artists performing there. I want Dauphin Island, personally, to be a family-friendly place. If someone wants to make it a race issue, thats their business. Race is not the issue, but its the content of the music. David Allen Coe is the perfect example. Hes tame, but he has music that could rival No Cap and company. A 16-year-old girl was arrested for allegedly shooting two students inside LeFlore High School on Tuesday, neither of whom suffered life-threatening injuries. The shooting occurred at approximately 12:03 p.m. at 700 Donald Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 16-year-old girl had engaged in a verbal altercation with a 15-year-old male victim. During the argument, the girl produced a handgun and shot the 15-year-old, causing a superficial wound, according to Mobile police. The bullet also struck a 17-year-old male student who was subsequently transported to the hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury. Mobile County School Superintendent Chresall Threadgill, in a statement, said the two students are in stable condition. With the assistance of her parents, the girl surrendered to the police, according to police. No other students or faculty members were injured during this incident. Mobile Police Corporal Katrina Frazier, in a news release, said the girl was charged with two counts of assault 1st degree, possession of a deadly weapon on school grounds and discharging a firearm into a school building. She has been taken to Mobile Metro Jail. Frazier, earlier in the day, said the shooting was not considered an active shooter incident and that none of the kids in school are in danger. The shooting did spark chaos outside the school. It was crazy, and it was crowded and people were worried about their children with kids hanging outside the window trying to communicate with them, said Racquel Murphy, who lives next to the high school. It was a whole bizarre thing. Threadgill, in a statement, said the school system continues to work with police to ensure the matter is fully investigated. Incidents such as this are not tolerated, and as superintendent, I want to assure our parents and community that this matter will be handled to the fullest extent as allowed by law, Threadgill said in a statement. Both school personnel and law enforcement responded quickly to the incident and worked collaboratively to secure the school and to keep the other students, faculty and staff safe. He said the school system will be reviewing all safety protocols and procedures and will made adjustments as needed to prevent something like this from happening again. This was a very unfortunate event, he said. The injured students are in stable condition and currently communicating with the school administration. We will continue to keep the students and their families in our thoughts and prayers. The shooting also resonated across the Mobile Bay, where Baldwin County Superintendent Eddie Tyler released the following statement, Our hearts are broken today over the shooting in Mobile. I have sent messages to Mobile County offering our services and support. School violence is an issue we deal with every day and, in fact, all educators are dealing with it across Alabama and across the country. Schools must be a safe place for children and we will do anything we can to support Mobile County in this difficult time and mission. This story was updated at 4:44 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2024, to include a statement from Mobile County Superintendent Chresal Threadgill. It was also updated at 6:10 p.m. to include the criminal charges assessed on the shooter. Several agencies collaborated in an 18-hour search for a missing man in Colbert County that came to a successful conclusion Monday. The Colbert Sheriffs Office said a hunter was reported missing at about 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the New Bethel community. Using the hunters last known location as a starting place, deputies and members of the New Bethel Volunteer Fire Dept. began a search that initally proved unsuccessful. When the search resumed at daybreak, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) sent up an aircraft with thermal imaging. After 18 hours, the sheriffs office said, the hunter was found in good condition and received medical treatment from Keller EMS as a precaution. The Franklin County Sheriffs Office also helped in the search. Foster parents on the Mississippi coast have been arrested after an 11-month-old child in their care was found dead in a bathtub after an apparent drowning. Police in Gautier, Miss., -- about 40 miles west of Mobile -- say officers responded to a residence just before 2 p.m. Saturday and found the child unresponsive in the bathtub. The child was pronounced deceased after being transported via ambulance to Ocean Springs Hospital. The foster parents, identified as Tonya Winter and Deborrah Winter, were charged with felony child endangerment and transported to the Jackson County (Miss.) Adult Detention Center. Monday, bond for each was set at $20,000 and both later posted bond and were released. Gautier police chief David Bever said two other foster children, ages 8 and 3, in the Winters home have been removed by child protective services. Police said the case remains under investigation and additional information would be released when available. Mobile having first Mardi Gras is untrue, screamed a headline in the January 15 edition of The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate. A few days before, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson signed a proclamation granting New Orleans permission to celebrate Carnival this year. Mobile is known for having the oldest Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, it read. Interstate billboards, funny signs outside bars in the French Quarter, and Twitter jousting between mayors have underscored the age-old debate over an age-old question: Which city started Mardi Gras in the U.S.? Officials call it friendly banter, but it also carries a high-stake historical footnote: To the winner comes a claim that arguably the biggest cultural celebration in the country was started in its hometown. Mobile is planting its flag and claiming Carnivals roots and has done it seemingly louder over the past 10 years since Stimpson first became mayor. The result, officials say, is a boost of tourism money and a reinvestment through a tourism district to generate more publicity for Mobiles event. There is an old saying that any publicity is good publicity and that may not be true, but in this case, it has worked, said historian Wayne Dean, who has long portrayed the Mobile Mardi Gras character, Chief Slacabamarinico. I hear from time to time about people posting to social media saying, I didnt know Mobile had Mardi Gras at all. I have to check it out. People are learning whether we started it or not, we got it and have had it a long, long time and thats good. Claiming Mardi Gras A billboard, erected in 2018 along Interstate 10 near Slidell, La., advertising Mobile's Mardi Gras celebration.submitted photo Examples in recent years, both official and quirky, include: Officials have long pushed Mobile as the Birthplace of Mardi Gras, as promoted by Visit Mobile and other local organizations. The phrase has worked: Southern Living Magazine, in a Jan. 14 article, highlighted the city as the birthplace of the modern-day Carnival celebration. Since 2015, Visit Mobile the citys convention and visitors arm has operated under a slogan, Born to Celebrate, that borrows on the theme of Carnival and birth. Visit Mobiles president & CEO David Clark said that Mardi Gras remains a key event the city tries to promote, and the formation of a Tourism Improvement District (TID) in 2019, has enabled the agency to reinvest additional lodging tax revenues toward luring publicity for Carnival. There is more purple and gold merchandise sold at stores throughout Mobile that illustrate a connection to Mobiles Mardi Gras. There is also a Mobile Mardi Gras flag that debuted in 2018 and was designed to honor Mobiles Mardi Gras, with the phrase, Est. 1703, which officials say is the first time a Mardi Gras celebration was held in the United States in Mobile. The flag replete with purple and gold colors only, and without the green that was introduced as part of New Orleans Mardi Gras in 1872. There are new, and growing, groups participating in this years Joe Cain Procession who are keeping the color battle going. Nevergreens, former during the Porch Parades of the pandemic in 2021, highlight the purple and gold colors of Mobiles Mardi Gras, further distinguishing itself from New Orleans. The Nevergreens will hand out farce citations along the Joe Cain Procession route to anyone their masked members see wearing the color green. As a response, last year, a group called the Forevergreens were formed. Its ringleader will join this years procession as the green devil, and there are talks about offering a pardon to those who are ticketed along the route. Dean, himself, said more good-natured jabbing is to come. He said there are plans for Mobile Mardi Gras boosters to travel to Point du Mardi Gras, and reclaim the first Mardi Gras. That spot, some 60 miles south of New Orleans along the Mississippi River, is purported to be where the first Mardi Gras-like gathering took place in 1699. In 1999, a delegation from Rex a famed parading krewe in New Orleans along with other krewes based in the Big Easy, traveled to the site and to erect a commemorative plaque honoring the 300th anniversary of the first Mardi Gras celebration in Louisiana. But Mobile was the first capital of Louisiana before New Orleans was counted, Dean said. So Mobile could claim that. Mobile or New Orleans? Cart Blackwell is curator at the Mobile Carnival Museum, a year-round ode to Mardi Gras in Mobile. "Mardi Gras is Mobile's greatest living tradition." (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). Four years later, in 1703, was the year Mobile claimed the first true Mardi Gras festivity occurred on the tiny French settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile. New Orleans wasnt settled until 1718 15 years after Mobiles first Mardi Gras celebration. The city has long hanged its hat on the 1703 date, when a group of French soldiers held an impromptu celebration. From there, the first Carnival organizations were purportedly formed. Cart Blackwell, curator at the Mobile Carnival Museum, said the banter of the 1700s events is less important for historians because there is no recorded celebrations of Carnival in the 18th century for the whole of the American Gulf Coast. Blackwell said the ingredients that define American Carnival celebrations were established in Mobile, starting in 1830 with the Cowbellion de Rankin Society led by Michael Krafft. In 1843, after refusing to join the Cowbellions, the Strikers Independent Society was formed, as did the documented proof of the celebrations. Blackwell said the mystic societies were formed in New Orleans after they started in Mobile largely by Cowbellions who defected to the Big Easy. If you define Carnival in this country with mystic societies and parades and the ball, happening year after year, it was established in this country in Mobile, Blackwell said. Modern Carnival started in Mobile. Its a historical fact. Except, for this footnote: Those earliest Carnival events in Mobile revolved around New Years Eve. In New Orleans, its something that historians like to point out. Alabamas initial parades were not Mardi Gras Day, but New Years, said Judy Weitz with the website MardiGrasNewOrleans.com, established in 1996, and includes contributions from historians. She noted that the first recorded Mardi Gras parade didnt stroll through New Orleans until 1857, with the formation of Comus. The earliest celebrations in Mobile did not connect with Fat Tuesday until after the Civil War, when Joe Cain dressed as Slacabamarinco paraded through Mobile past the occupying Union troops. If anyone decides to proclaim either city the original, Im sure it will be surprising to those who have lived here their entire lives, Weitz said. Its so associated with Mardi Gras. But going way back, its very complicated to assign celebrations to either. An image of a sign outside The Upper Quarter Bar in New Orleans, Louisiana, taken on Fat Tuesday, February 21, 2023. The image was taken by Tim Shea Carroll who operates the Facebook page, NOLA A.F. (image provided with permission by Tim Shea Carroll) Arthur Hardy, a New Orleans-based Mardi Gras historian, said Mobiles claim that its the motherland of Mardi Gras parades is a viable one, recognizing the 1830 parade by the Cowbellions. How can we say we dont owe Mobile something? Hardy said. But their parades were on New Years until after the Civil War. Our first Mardi Gras parades were on Fat Tuesday. I jokingly say, Mobile had it first but we told them where to put it. Mother of mystics Mobile sees no complications with the New Years or Fat Tuesday issue. The city and its backers have been embracing its Carnival roots for over 150 years. Mobile has always, since the 1870s, championed being the mother of mystics, Blackwell said. It goes back to the 1870s, when the Chamber of Commerce and the Mobile Carnival Association, and the existing mystic societies of that day, all proclaimed Mobile as the birthplace of Carnival. He added, It pops up constantly in various accounts of Carnival in all levels. Its long been touted in this city. Clark, the head of Visit Mobile, said the history is important as the city invests in creating itself as a Mardi Gras destination. He said the TID generates money that is reinvested into marketing Mobile, which includes touting Mardi Gras, which is listed as one of the agencys top pillars. Mobile County has seen a boost in tourism since the pandemic, which Clark attributes some to Mardi Gras. He said tourism spending went from around $1.3 billion in 2019, to $1.7 billion in 2022. Mardi Gras is really in our DNA all year long and that is why a lot of people need to understand that it just doesnt happen for a three-week period of time, Clark said. There is planning, building of floats, making costumes, buying supplies and all of that. The friendly Mobile-New Orleans banter also helps drive attention, Clark said. It drives social media interest, digital advertising, and intrigue from travel writers who visit the city to tell the Mardi Gras story and discover the differences between the two Carnivals. Family-friendly, its what we try to be and when you look at our streets during Mardi Gras, its loaded with families from our visitors to our residents, Clark said. We get a lot of families and our throws are different. We throw MoonPies. A lot of other places dont throw MoonPies. They throw beads and things. But as Carnival rolls on, the debate will continue. Case in point just this past weekend, a Facebook debate broke out on the Jean Lafittes Blacksmith Shop page over a map drawn to show that Louisiana was the only state celebrating Carnival where Everywhere else: Thank goodness the holidays are over. The Blacksmith Shop is known as the oldest and continuously running bar in the U.S., dating back to 1774. I think we can take this stuff too seriously sometimes, Hardy said. Its a good natured competition. Who cares who is on first? Charges have been dismissed against St. Clair County parents in the 2021 death of their infant daughter. Ashley Jacks, 27, and Joshua Lovechio, 24, were arrested two years ago on felony murder charges. The investigation began on May 23, 2021, when St. Clair County sheriffs investigators were notified by the Department of Human Resources that the child had been brought to Childrens of Alabama in Birmingham. The girl died from injuries consistent with child abuse. No additional details about the childs injuries or her death were ever made public. After a lengthy probe, the evidence was presented to a St. Clair County grand jury which issued indictments against Lovechio and Jacks. The St. Clair County District Attorneys Office this month filed a motion to dismiss the charges. Chief Assistant District Attorney Mike Anderton wrote this in his motion: In preparation for trial, the state of Alabama has determined that sufficient evidence does not exist at this point to support the level of proof required by law for conviction, that being, beyond a reasonable doubt. St. Clair County Circuit Judge Billy R. Weathington Jr. granted the dismissal without prejudice, meaning the charges could once again be brought in the future. SIPHOCOSINI A 56-year-old businessman of KaNdlelalula, Siphocisini, has been found hanging from a tree near Luphohlo Dam. He was found by police officers already unresponsive. Richard Duma Dlamini was found in a forest next to the Luphohlo Dam and the reasons for taking his life are still unknown. Dlamini is said to have been found hanging from the tree by a family member, after spotting his car in a forest. The family member is said to have then called the police. According to some sources, the deceased was operating a butchery at Sidwashini. Some members of the family were still traumatised to talk about the matter during a visit to the Dlamini homestead. When this reporter visited the Dlamini homestead, some family members were found in a meeting next to one of the houses. The situation was so tense. A member of the Dlamini family, when sought for comment regarding the incident said: BakaDlamini bafake ingubo emlonyeni, meaning the Dlamini family is bereaved. This was after this publication wanted to find out what happened exactly. The man pleaded with this reporter to return today for more information, as they were awaiting the arrival of the deceaseds wife and the family elders. Respect May you kindly respect our plea of not saying much while awaiting the arrival of the elders of the family. Even his wife has not yet arrived home, said a family member. When Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni was sought for comment regarding the incident, she confirmed a case of the man who was found dead in the said area. Indeed a man was found in the morning, said Mnguni. In another incident, a man from Motshane was found dead last Wednesday in another suspected suicide. The deceased is suspected to have ingested a poisonous substance. Mnguni said she had not come across such a case at Motshane. Ohio lawmakers are preparing legislation that would allow executions using nitrogen gas as a way to resolve the states years-long problems with obtaining lethal-injection drugs. The Republican-sponsored legislation, which a co-sponsor says will be introduced in the next few days, comes after Alabama carried out the nations first execution using nitrogen gas last week. The proposed Ohio bill would allow the use of pure nitrogen gas, which causes death via asphyxiation, as a backup method for executions if lethal-injection drugs arent available, according to state Rep. Josh Williams, a Toledo-area Republican who has signed on as a co-sponsor of the bill. The legislation would also restate that manufacturers of lethal-injection drugs have legal immunity when such drugs are used in Ohio executions, Williams said. Besides Alabama, two other states -- Mississippi and Oklahoma -- have authorized executions using nitrogen gas, and several other states are considering such a move, according to the Associated Press. Ohio hasnt carried out an execution since 2018, as state officials have struggled to obtain lethal-injection drugs from U.S. and European pharmaceutical companies, which have cut off sales on moral and legal grounds. Gov. Mike DeWine, since taking office the following year, has refused to let any executions go forward, repeatedly expressed his concern that if drug companies find that Ohio used its drugs to put people to death, they will refuse to sell the state any of its drugs not just the ones used in executions. That, he said, would endanger the ability of thousands of Ohioans including Medicaid recipients, state troopers and prison inmates to get drugs through state programs. DeWine said he would only allow executions to go forward if state lawmakers pass legislation authorizing an alternative to lethal injection. Until now, though, legislators have shown little interest in taking such action, though efforts to abolish the states death penalty have also gone nowhere. Ohio currently has 118 inmates on death row. DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney, in a statement, said the governors office hasnt yet seen the proposed legislation. The governor has not generally commented on death-penalty legislation, Tierney stated, noting that while state lawmakers have introduced several death-penalty bills in the past, none have moved through the Ohio General Assembly so far. Williams said the hope is that authorizing executions using nitrogen gas would resolve those concerns. He noted that a federal court ruled prior to Alabamas execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith last Friday that using nitrogen gas wouldnt violate the U.S. Constitutions guarantee against cruel and unusual punishment. Now that weve had other states litigate this issue, I think its time that we move forward looking for alternative means, Williams said. Cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer has reached out to the primary co-sponsors of the proposed bill, Republican state Reps. Brian Stewart of Pickaway County and Phil Plummer of Montgomery County, for comment. After Smith was put to death, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost indicated he supports the use of nitrogen gas for Ohio executions. Perhaps nitrogenwidely available and easy to manufacturecan break the impasse of unavailability of drugs for lethal injection, Yost, a Columbus Republican, posted on X. Death row inmates are in greater danger of dying of old age than their sentence. Yost, along with Stewart, Plummer and Lou Tobin of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, have called a news conference on Tuesday morning to discuss the upcoming legislation authorizing executions with nitrogen gas. The prosecuting attorneys association has, for years, been a vocal advocate of allowing nitrogen gas as a way to resume executions in Ohio. Were interested in finding a path to justice for the victims of these crimes, Tobin said Monday in an interview. And that means finding a way to resume executions in Ohio. Death-penalty critics have said that using nitrogen gas is inhumane and experimental, noting that Smith appeared to remain conscious for several minutes after the gas was turned on, then appeared to shake, convulse and pull against his restraints. Allison Cohen, executive director of Ohioans to Stop Executions, predicted in an interview that an Ohio execution carried out via nitrogen gas will go wrong. Even when they have the best of intentions, humans still make mistakes, and executions in Ohio have gone wrong in the past, she said. Cohen also said she doesnt think this latest attempt to revive executions in Ohio will pass the legislature, given opposition to the death penalty both from within the Ohio Statehouse and among the states population overall. This piece of legislation is wildly out of step with the way that Ohioans feel about executions, she said. Jeremy Pelzer covers state politics and policy for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. A Pine Hill woman was killed over the weekend when she was struck by a teen driver. Alabama State Troopers identified the fatality victim as Chasidy N. Peace. She was 33. The wreck happened at 7:05 p.m. Saturday on Wilcox County 18, about three miles east of Pine Hill in Wilcox County. Trooper Cpl. Reginal King said Peace was struck by a Toyota Camry driven by an 18-year-old. The investigation is ongoing. A Pinson man is under arrest after authorities say he stole a St. Clair County Sheriffs Office patrol vehicle early Monday and then caused a crash with injuries on Interstate 20. Anthony Marzenell, also known as Anthony Hassler, is charged with two counts of first-degree theft of property, and one count of leaving the scene of an accident. The 42-year-old suspect is also accused of stealing a citys vehicle Monday as well. He is being held without bond in the St. Clair County Jail in Pell City. He is also facing a probation revocation on a previous charge. The car was stolen from a deputys residence in Moody at 3:20 a.m., said Sheriff Billy Murry. Authorities said Marzenell struck another vehicle on I-20 and fled the scene. According to Alabama State Troopers, the stolen vehicle was a 2023 Ford F-150. The driver crashed into the rear of a Ford Mustang driven by 27-year-old Trevon K. Oliver of Birmingham. Oliver was taken to UAB Hospital in stable condition. Details of the theft of the second vehicle werent immediately released. The wife of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin is hospitalized in Birmingham after she was hit by a suspect fleeing Homewood police. Sen. Manchin (D-WV) released a statement Tuesday saying that his wife, Gayle Manchin, was injured in the wreck while en route from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to an area hotel. Gayle Manchin, 76, is the federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission and was in Birmingham for an event. She and her colleague, Guy Land, both were injured in the crash. Homewood police said Gayle Manchin was a passenger in the SUV, which was driven by Land. The pursuit started at 3:31 p.m. in Homewood at Columbiana Road and Green Springs Highway. Officers spotted a man wanted on outstanding warrants. The suspect, driving a white SUV, refused to stop. The chase wound through Homewood and Birmingham, lasting seven minutes. Gayle Manchin, the 76-year-old wife of Sen. Joe Manchin, was injured in Birmingham on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, when a suspect fleeing Homewood crash into her SUV.(Carol Robinson) It came to an end when the fleeing man struck the SUV carrying Gayle Manchin at 18th Street North and 15th Avenue North in Birmingham. Gayle Manchin and Land were taken initially to UAB Hospital in Gardendale and then transported again to UAB Hospital in Birmingham. Homewood police Sgt. John Carr said the suspect was already wanted on attempting to elude and certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm. The suspect is being held in the Homewood City Jail pending formal charges. On Monday, my wife Gayle and her colleague Guy Land were involved in a car accident on the way from the airport to the hotel in Birmingham, Alabama for an Appalachian Regional Commission event that was planned for today, Sen. Manchin said. Both were admitted to UAB Hospital and are receiving excellent care. She remains in stable condition but will stay there for a couple of days for precautionary measures. We want to thank the first responders who answered the call and were first on-site to provide assistance and support. ARC said in a statement that another vehicle struck their car while they were driving to attend a grant workshop. Wesley and I are praying for a speedy recovery for Gayle Manchin and Guy Land, Sen. Katie Britt posted on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter. We are grateful for the work of some of Alabamas tremendous first responders who answered this call and know that theyre in excellent hands at UAB, Britt posted. Im praying for everyones speedy recovery from this accident here in our state, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt posted. Sen. Manchin was the governor of West Virginia from 2005 until 2010, when he was elected to the Senate in a special election. The couple has been married since 1967 and have three children together. Gayle Manchin, the former first lady of West Virginia and a former educator, served as president of the West Virginia Board of Education and as the states secretary of education and the arts under Republican Gov. Jim Justice. She was sworn in as the Appalachian Regional Commissions thirteenth federal co-chair in 2021 after being nominated by President Biden. A Cypress Inn, Tenn. man was killed in a one-vehicle crash early Saturday morning. Senior Trooper Cody Farrar of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said the incident happened at about 1 a.m. Saturday on Lauderdale County 5 near Graceland Drive, about 10 miles north of Florence. Jerry W. Copeland, 62, was operating a 2003 Harley-Davidson motorcycle when it left the roadway and struck a drainage ditch. Copeland was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers with ALEAs Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate. On Sunday, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida ended his presidential bid and announced his endorsement of former President Donald Trump after landing just over 20% of the Iowa caucus vote. The race is down to two, and after primaries in New Hampshire left Nikki Haley in the dust, its looking like Trump will lead the party this November. Nevertheless, party infighting only continues with online attacks and congressional hold ups threatening the unity of the GOP. The Republican party needs to reset its priorities: There will be plenty of time to fight over budgets, abortion rights, and foreign policy after securing the presidency. Until then, any internal squabbles can be used as free ammunition by the Democratic party. Republicans will need to get their house in order to secure a majority vote in November. Moments after DeSantis declared his campaign over, many prominent figures in the Republican party took to Twitter to express their personal feelings on the matter. Many people reacted specifically to Charlie Kirks X post that DeSantis should have to give back any money he raised since he wasted peoples time. Things have only escalated following the New Hampshire primary where Haley came in second and claimed that there are dozens of states yet to go while people such as Ronna McDaniel, RNC Charwoman, are calling for Haley to bow out. This infighting regarding the two top Republican candidates comes on the heels of some equally dirty debate fighting. During the final pre-caucus debate on January 10, Ambassador Nikki Haley and Gov. DeSantis argued back and forth on CNN while Trump held his own town hall on Fox News. The programs were like an infomercial on mud-slinging, with Haley and DeSantis repeatedly accusing each other of lying. Haley demonstrated her ability to sow further division in the party by announcing that DeSantis has so many lies that she had to create a website to show them all, desantislies.com, while DeSantis continued to attack Haley for her support of Trump policies. Now that DeSantis is out of the way, Haley has aimed both barrels at the former president, who is likely to be the Republican nominee. Haley has attacked Trumps relationship with the Chinese leader, his age, and his unwillingness to debate her -- all in the three days since the Florida governors departure from the race. All of this points to larger issues playing out on X within members of the party: No one wants to unify. Just days before announcing he was going to drop out, DeSantis himself was participating in the slander by telling people that if they want to succeed around Trump they just have to kiss the ring. How can any candidate in good faith recommend their supporters move to another candidate they just finished attacking? Its not just the candidates engaging in this infighting. During the middle of this cycle, when Rand Paul (R-KY) endorsed Trump, he not only vowed to support his chosen candidate, but made it clear that he was never Nikki. Meanwhile, conservative commentator Candace Owens is having to dedicate an entire portion of her show to explaining how supporting or liking Vivek Ramaswamy was not in fact a betrayal to President Trump. Even Congress reflects this internal division. Just months ago Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted from his position, by his own party, over budget disagreements. Now again, Republicans are unhappy with some of the conciliatory moves from new speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and are threatening another removal. YouGov polls reveal that since last year, unfavorability of the Republican party has risen from 49% to nearly 58%. Meanwhile, Pew is reporting that as of December, Republicans rank below Democrats in almost every measure of leadership, including tries to unite the country and is concerned with the needs of people like me. These poll numbers mark the severity of the situation. At some point, Republican party members must admit these political fights, low punches, and X spats are more damaging than any actual policy disagreement there may be. These debates may be important, but they wont mean anything at all if Republicans cant win an election. The presidential election will take place in under 300 days, at which point the Republican party needs to have demonstrated to the countrys voters why their party is the best. That argument is made all the more impossible when throwing baseless accusations at their own side that will later be used by the opposing party. In his video ending his campaign, DeSantis harkens back to Reagans Time for Choosing speech, reminding the Republican party that its not about fighting one another, but about fighting against opposing forces. His message rings especially true for Trump and Haley, who at some point must realize that only one person can obtain the nomination, and whoever it is must gain the support of the other to win the general election. Its time to rally, stop the pettiness, and get to work. There is a country to fight for. Jasmine Campos is a second-year MPP student at Pepperdine University studying American Politics and policy. She writes about freedom in higher education and cultural issues in America today. Image: White House I just received one of my daily emails from Justia Verdict, a legal blog. In it, Dean Falvy lays out a number of legal questions regarding the Supreme Court case to resolve the Colorado effort to remove Donald Trump from the ballot. His leftist leanings should not be surprising, given his legal heritage in the Poison Ivy League (Harvard) and position on the Left Coast (University of Washington). Twice he is unable to hide his prejudice and says the quiet part out loud. If they overturn the Colorado decision on dodgy technical grounds (for example, by excluding the presidency from the scope of the word office), they risk their own credibility, while dismantling an important constitutional guardrail[.] In the sequel to this article ... I will also consider the possibility, however slim, that the Court will see Sec. 3 of the 14th Amendment for what it is a necessary tool to protect the Constitution from its known enemies and apply it accordingly. [Emphasis added in both quotes. Translation: Trump is an enemy of the Constitution.] The egregious bias in that concluding statement should require no further comment. But Falvys analysis substitutes emotional ranting for actual legal scholarship and critical thinking. I may not have his law school credentials, but I believe its time to explain something he seems to misunderstand about the English language that was used to write the Constitution. Contrary to the common rants about how the Founders were antiquated in their thinking and couldnt possibly understand our legal concerns, most were highly educated, with a considerable number studying law at prestigious institutions. They were extremely deliberate, often discussing word choices at length. Put bluntly, they knew what they were doing, and why they were doing it. Thats why it took them almost four months to craft a 4,400 word document. Thats the size of an ordinary chapter in many books. While the drafters of the Fourteenth Amendment may not have been quite as distinguished, they were also very careful, and fully aware of the document they were amending. The key words in Falvys screed are office and officer. To illustrate, imagine that you are invited to the Internal Revenue Service for an audit. You will enter the IRS office and go through the process with an officer. The office is the position, and the officer is the person. Thats the basic lexicon, and this is how these words are used over forty times in the Constitution. But theres one key difference in the way the terms are used in a few places. Those differences come with what are known in grammar as modifiers. These are phrases that add specific meaning. Again, we must illustrate. My wife and I drive cars. Hers is silver, and mine is burgundy. Her car is different from cars by being identified in more exact language. My burgundy Honda is now even more exactly specified. Adding under the United States to office or of the United States to officer is a way of describing them more exactly so that they cannot be confused with similar but less exact terms. Continuing with our grammar lesson, the less exact form is often used in the Constitution for a simple reason. There are a lot of places where a person is described as holding a specific position. In those cases, theres no reason to add extra language because it would add words without adding meaning. Modifiers are used in the Constitution when their additional meaning is important. So its time to look at those modifiers. Officer(s) of the United States occurs four times (Art II, 2, Cl. 2; Art II, 3; Art II, 4; Amend XIV, 3). Office under the United States occurs six times (Art I, 3, Cl. 7; Art I, 6, Cl. 2; Art I, 9, Cl. 8; Art II, 1, Cl. 2; Art VI, Cl. 3; Amend XIV, 3). Thats it. Since these modifiers show up twice in Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, we have to go to the other eight spots to figure out what they mean. After all, the Congress that folded, spindled, and mutilated draft after draft of the Fourteenth Amendment to get it just right wasnt about to change the meaning of the language. They were using the existing Constitutional language to get their meaning just the way they wanted it. Before we move on to the specifics, lets brush by some common uses. Congress elects its own officers (Art I, 2, Cl. 5). Article I, 3, Cl. 5 speaks of the Office of President being filled by a substitute in the absence of the President and Vice President. These are non-technical, vernacular uses of office and officer. Clause 7, the Impeachment Clause, starts the same way, but notes a conviction can result in disqualification from holding any Office under the United States. Welcome to Falvys dodgy technical grounds. Lets start at the beginning. Officer(s) of the United States are appointed by the President. [H]e shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States[.] The President nominates or appoints a specific list of Officers and all other Officers of the United States. This isnt open to interpretation. The President nominates every officer of the US. He does not nominate himself. Continuing on, the President shall Commission all the Officers of the United States. (Art II, 3). Once again, the President does not commission himself. Grammatically, this clause excludes the President from being an officer of the US. The last use of this term before the Fourteenth Amendment is in Article II, Section 4. The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. This clause shines a brilliant light on the meaning of the two uses of office I mentioned earlier. The list of President, VP, and all civil Officers (not military) makes it abundantly clear that the President and VP are not civil officers. Scalias Canons of Legal Construction point out that and joins two different groups together. But both civil officers of the US and the President and VP can be removed from office by impeachment and conviction. In other words, their nameplate leaves the desk. Moving down to Offices under the US, there are four clauses to check. The first one is the complement to what we just saw. Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States. (Art I, 3, Cl. 7) Unfortunately, this clause does not help us define the term. It is being used as an understood term. Since the Founders considered themselves English subjects until the Revolution, this is almost certainly the source for this language. Under the US is an adaptation of under the Crown in English law. The King was the Crown, and he appointed all subordinates who were officers under the Crown. The Ineligibility Clause (Art I, 6, Cl. 2) gives us our first bit of help. Senators and Representatives cant be appointed to any civil office under the Authority of the United States, and if they hold such an office, they have to give it up if theyre elected to the House or Senate. Civil offices under the US are appointed positions, and the President isnt appointed. It also says something that becomes important later on. Senators and Congressmen cant accept offices where the emoluments, or pay has been increased. Section 9, clause 8 says no Person holding any Office (under the US) can accept any present, Emolument from any foreign government. In short, they cant be salaried by foreigners. The Electors clause (Art II, 1, Cl. 2) uses the same language, and offers no more help. The Congressional Oath clause (Art VI, Cl. 3) is more of the same. An officer of the United States is appointed by the President, who logically cannot be such an officer. In fact, this is the point made by Joseph Story in his 1833 Commentaries on the Constitution (259-60). The President derives his office from a source paramount to the national government. The President, VP, and Congress are the United States for purposes of Constitutional interpretation. The drafters of the Fourteenth Amendment knew this and agreed. The term office under the US simply describes an office held by delegated authority from the President and Congress. Thus, Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment does not apply to Donald Trump. The grammar of the Constitution is very clear. Offices under the US are filled by officers of the US, who are appointed, not elected, officials. Ted Noel, M.D. is a retired anesthesiologist/intensivist who podcasts and posts on social media as DoctorTed and @vidzette. His Doctor Teds Prescription podcasts are available on many podcast channels. Image via Pxfuel. The Western world remains reluctant to acknowledge the ongoing threat posed by radical Islam. The conflicts battleground, which initially unfolded in Israel, runs through Europe and has now extended its reach to the United States. This war presents a new and unprecedented danger to the West. Americans and Europeans failed to recognize that radical Islam is not just a religion; it is also a political totalitarian movement akin to communism and fascism. The movement embraces a fanatical agenda that includes religious supremacy and a Marxist-type utopian/egalitarian standard of virtue. Its sustained by an ideology embodied in unlimited human resources around the globe. It is not a nation-state and cannot be defeated militarily, nor can diplomatic solutions be found. Therefore, the war on Radical Islam is not limited to military confrontation; it is foremost an ideological and political affair. Just as happened centuries ago, thanks to Europeans fatal error in allowing Muslim refugees to enter the continent, Islam has launched itself across Europe in an unrelenting wave of religious acclamation and territorial expansion. Entire areas of major European cities, including London, Paris, and Marseille, have been de facto annexed to the possession of Islam, and the sovereignty of the host states is no longer recognized in those sizable enclaves. Image: President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. YouTube screen grab. Consequently, the Arab ghettoes have become a haven for Islamists, who have successfully built a covert and efficient support network. This network enables terrorists to evade security forces, sustain their operations, strategize, recruit fresh members, and conduct training. Overwhelmed by Arab hordes, Europeans are losing their capacity for self-governance. In light of these circumstances, the French people might now better understand the wisdom of De Gaulles decision to disengage France from Algeria. Furthermore, the Islamists adeptly imitate the strategy the Nazis employed in their approach to participating in democratic elections. On 30 April 1928, Goebbels wrote in his paper Der Angriff, We enter parliament to supply ourselves, in the arsenal of democracy, with its own weapons. If democracy is so stupid as to give us free tickets and per diem for blockade its own affair, we come as the wolf bursts into the flock, so we come. Once in power, Islamists hijack democracy and push for policies that align with their radical ideologies. It is important to note that this phenomenon is not confined solely to Europe; they effectively employ this strategy within the United States as well. Therefore, this monster first of all, must be defeated ideologically by superior principles advanced by Islam itself. It is not a mission impossible. Some Muslim leaders are awakening to the realization that violence will not turn the clock (which the Arabs invented) back to their greatness. They find support among the Muslims who adhere to a peaceful and pluralistic interpretation of their faith. In 2014, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi removed the Muslim Brotherhood from power, outlawed the organization in Egypt, and jailed and executed thousands of its members. Sisi has denounced Islamic extremism and challenged religious clerics and scholars to revolutionize the religion and bring it in line with Western morality. In 2017 came Donald J. Trump. His Abraham Accords stand as the most momentous peace treaty since the Treaty of Westphalia of 1648 ended Europes Thirty Years War. These accords can establish a durable peace, similar to the Treaty of Westphalia, for they were not enforced upon a vanquished adversary through military might but, rather, emerged as recognition of objective reality. In his inspiring and direct speech during his visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2017, Trump emphasized that Israel and the Arab world shared an interest in charting a constructive outcome. He offered the Saudis, who spent billions spreading Islamic extremism across the globe, a choice: they had to decide whether they were a country respected by the world community or a futile cause. The groundbreaking Abraham Accords removed urgency from the Palestinian issue that had been viewed for decades as an essential element of regional and, ultimately, world peace. They gave the Saudis a free hand to move toward normalization of relations with Israel and the rest of the world. Indeed, at an October 2017 conference for international investors, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responded positively by laying out Saudis new approach to radical Islam: We want to live a normal life, a life that translates our moderate religion, our good customs, we want to coexist and live with the world. The prince also said, I believe that we will eradicate the rest of extremism very soon, and We will not spend the next 30 years of our lives dealing with these destructive ideas. Bin Salman pronounced a death sentence for Muslim terrorism worldwide, and they got the message. Indeed, that pronouncement explains Hamass attack on October 7. It was lashing out in an agony of defeat. While Donald Trump and Prince Mohammed bin Salman emerged as champions of peace, not everyone grasped the message. President Biden persistently disregards the reality and keeps beating the two-state solutions dead horse killed by the Arabs back in 1948. In the meantime, the US, EU, and various international organizations, including the United Nations, either due to naivete or stupidity, continue providing financial support to countries known for their association with terrorism, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, South Sudan, and the territories of Gaza and Western Sahara, which the terrorists fully control, all under the guise of humanitarian aid. The Biden administrations failure to contain Irans nuclear program may potentially enable terrorist organizations to acquire nuclear capabilities. There are tens of millions of fanatics in Turkey, Jordan, and Egypt who embrace a doomsday outlook and crave death. They would not hesitate for a moment to blow up the world. For these reasons, peace in the Middle East and safeguarding the rest of the world from Islamism cannot be achieved by a single dramatic decision. The Abraham Accords were a magnificent step, but they were only a step. Ensuring long-lasting peace requires incisive leadership from the United States. That leader must be a person who has exhibited an aptitude for defining shared interests and inspiring the Arab nations to address their own challenges. This leader needs no introduction; we are all aware of who he is. Alexander G. Markovsky is a senior fellow at the London Center for Policy Research, a think tank that examines national security, energy, risk analysis, and other public policy issues. He is the author of Anatomy of a Bolshevik and Liberal Bolshevism: America Did Not Defeat Communism, She Adopted It. Mr. Markovsky is the owner and CEO of Litwin Management Services, LLC. He can be reached at alexander.g.markovsky@gmail.com. From 1860 to 2000, in the largest legal migration in human history, over 61 million immigrants arrived in the United States. They were not only escaping poverty and oppression, but they were eager to assimilate and attain the most sought-after national status in the world -- American citizenship. Today in the 21st century, American citizenship and its one-of-a-kind written contract with the government, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, is teetering on the edge of meaninglessness brought about by the relentless onslaught of the nations ruling class and their American Marxist allies. The first seven words of the U.S. Constitution are: We the people of the United States. It is a document by American citizens for American citizens. Yet it has been hijacked by those who are determined to transform the nation into one mirroring and subservient to a socialist global government. One of the basic birthrights of American citizenship, faith in fair and free elections, has been seriously imperiled. The nations borders are being deliberately dismantled. The enumerated rights of Americans are being relentlessly eroded. And one of the primary foundational underpinnings of America, assimilation and belief in the uniqueness of the nation, is being rapidly and ruthlessly undermined. As non-citizens are increasingly being granted the right to vote and after the blatant unconstitutional voting law changes and ballot manipulations which eventuated in the Democrat Party winning the 2020 presidential election, no longer can the citizenry rely on open and honest elections to choose their representatives. Millions of mail-in ballots with no security controls were indiscriminately distributed and unaccounted for throughout the length and breadth of the country, millions of ballots were illegally harvested by paid campaign workers, and hundreds of thousands of ballots were feloniously stuffed into innumerable drop-off boxes. The denials of election fraud and subsequent cover-ups by the media and the ruling class ring hollow and insincere as they, in essence, have told American citizens that the fundamental right to choose their representatives is no more as they have little or no say in who is chosen to run or how their leaders are elected. No nation can maintain its status as a nation without secure and identifiable borders. Citizenship means nothing if untold millions of illegal immigrants openly defy the laws without consequence. It is estimated that at least 22 million illegals resided in the United States as of 2018. Responding to an explicit invitation from the Biden administration, another 10+ million have walked unchallenged across the border in the past 36 months. These absurdly labeled undocumented immigrants are becoming indistinguishable from citizens as they openly reside in 500 sanctuary jurisdictions, receive welfare, education, and medical care, are granted drivers licenses, and given tuition breaks at public universities, as they, not legal immigrants or American citizens, are exempt from federal immigration, health, and travel laws. Among the most important and unique aspects of American citizenship are the written guarantees of rights as enumerated in the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Four of these amendments (the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth) are devoted to making certain that the legal process is fair and protects the citizens from injustice. Another amendment, the Fourth, limits the ability of the government to conduct warrantless searches and seizures. Thus, five of the ten amendments in the Bill of Rights focus on the citizens right to fair and impartial justice. Yet over the past two decades the ruling class, in conjunction with their fellow-travelers in the state and federal judiciary, have systematically ignored these enumerated rights of American citizenship and created a two-tier system of justice. Their political allies and followers as well as politically correct felons and criminals are treated leniently or, in many cases not prosecuted, while their political adversaries, most notably Donald Trump, and their followers as well as non-politically correct felons and criminals are single-mindedly hounded and punitively prosecuted. The most egregious example is the disproportionally harsh treatment of the non-violent protestors on January 6, 2021 as compared to the lack of prosecution and leniency shown toward de facto allies of the Marxist-controlled Democrat Party. A leniency exemplified by the lack of prosecution of those who throughout the spring and summer of 2020 sowed death, destruction, looting, and arson throughout the nation. In todays America not all citizens are equal under the law. Additionally, activist federal judges habitually overturn legislation they find contrary to their left-wing political beliefs, willfully impose their cultural beliefs on American society, and inject themselves in congressional redistricting to benefit the Democrat Party. They do so in the unconcerned knowledge that they are cancelling the votes of untold millions of American citizens. The nations motto E Pluribus Unum (Out of many, One) has been deliberately and maliciously replaced with the incessant drumbeat of degenerate tribalism. The current iteration of the ruling class, in their self-serving alliance with the radical left, has tacitly and relentlessly promoted the concept that individual citizens do not owe their allegiance to the United States but instead owe their allegiance to racial or ethnic groups that look like them or to those that profess certain sexual proclivities or to those that wallow in corrosive anti-Americanism. This elitist and Marxist-inspired heterodoxy aspires to destroy statues and rename streets, buildings and military installations, as well as rewrite and recast American history, and erase the art and architecture that does not reflect either their socialist globalist views or their narcissistic racial, ethnic, sexual, or class-structured self-gratification. Being a woke citizen of the world is far more important than being a citizen of the United States. The vast bulk of the American elites and their status-seeking hangers-on see nothing exceptional in America either past or present. Turning their backs on their American citizenship while denigrating it, these apostates are deliberately attempting to fuel shame among the citizenry over what they claim to be the iniquitous origins and traditions of America. Consciously opting to be considered a vital part of the cabal that are the global elites, the American ruling class has succeeded in undermining the distinctiveness and unique privileges of American citizenship which is the glue that has held this society together for nearly two hundred and fifty years. It is no longer the Constitution but the ruling class in alliance with the Marxist-controlled Democrat Party that defines what encompasses the rights and privileges of American citizenship. All constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and the unalienable right of self-defense, are increasingly optional and subject to the whims and fiats of the elected and unelected politically correct and self-righteous elites. This nation is unraveling, transforming American citizens into mere residents of a vast stretch of land between the borders of Canada and Mexico. The most meaningful day in my life occurred in 1956 when I became a citizen of the United States. Little did I know that in my lifetime I would see the descent of American citizenship into near meaninglessness. A collapse that came about internally and was not directly precipitated by the nations foreign adversaries. Unfortunately, the vast bulk of Americans are oblivious to the erosion of American citizenship. This nation is rapidly approaching the point where the distinctiveness of being an American will be permanently diminished as being a citizen of a socialist-inspired world government will take precedence. Image: U.S. Department of Homeland Security MBABANE Officers in the Master of the High Courts Office allegedly told a former teacher and her daughter that they did not deal with issues of sikhwele. The former teacher and trade unionist, Simangele Mtetwa, also accused the Masters Office of being hostile towards her son, who was suffering from depression after the death of his father. Mtetwa appeared before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry yesterday, on its second sitting at the Industrial Court of Appeal. The commission was established to investigate allegations of malpractice in the Masters Office. Judge Majehenkhaba Dlamini is the Chairperson of the commission. The other members are Judge President Sifiso Nsibande, Judge Mzwandile Fakudze, Judge Maxine Langwenya and Judge Lorraine Hlophe. The first sitting of the commission was last Wednesday. The commission has been given three months within which to conduct the investigation. Mtetwa was the third person to appear before the commission. She appeared together with her daughter, Gugulethu Vilakati. Mtetwa said she was married to the late businessman Dumisani Mmema, who was the director of Eco Zone, which was an air conditioner installing company. She told the commission that they had one son, Mzwandile, who is also now deceased. Dumisani, according to Mtetwa, wanted only one child and they agreed that she would tie her tubes after the birth of Mzwandile. The former teacher said they both had one daughter from previous relationships when they got married. During the marriage, according to Mtetwa, she advised Dumisani to start his business and he did. She said at the time he was employed at Hoageys (Pty) Ltd. As a teacher, she said she took a loan at SNAT Co-op to provide Dumisani with capital for the business. Installing She stated that they divorced after 20 years of marriage and the company was doing well, installing air conditioners all over the country, including at the Marula Festival venues, among others. Dumisani married another woman after some time, said Mtetwa. Mtetwa told the commission that their problems with the Masters Office started when they attended a next-of-kin meeting at the latters offices in Mbabane. She stated that they were informed by officers from the Office of the Master that there only names in the estate file of Dumisani; were Mzwandile, Thembisile (Dumisanis daughter from a previous relationship) and his new wife, Phumla. According to Mtetwa, those were the only people the Masters Office officers said they expected to be at the meeting. She said Mzwandile told them that Phumla was appointed as the executor since she was the surviving spouse of the deceased. Mtetwa, who told the commission that they wanted justice for Mzwandile and Dumisani, submitted that the Masters Office officers were allegedly hostile towards her son. She alleged that Mzwandile told them that when he informed the officers that the inventory was not complete, he was told that abaketeli kutoteka amacala and he should have discussed that matter with the executor before attending the meeting. Response She said when he asked about his fathers cars, which were not included in the inventory; he was allegedly given the same response by the masters officers. He told me that he was not being listened to and he was not allowed to say anything. He was devastated by his fathers death. He was even taking medication from the psychiatric centre. When he returned from the inventory meeting, he was crying and he wanted us to ask from the Masters Office to assist by appearing with him during the meetings, because he had a mental issue. He was forgetting things, submitted Mtetwa. Mtetwa said together with her daughter, Vilakati, they went to the Masters Office and a male officer attended to them. She alleged that the officer asked how they featured in the estate of the deceased and Vilakati told him that they were requesting to be present during the meetings because Mzwandile was not mentally stable due to severe chronic depression. The sobbing mother said Mzwandile died a depressed man. She alleged that when her daughter told the officer from the Masters Office that they were requesting to appear together with Mzwandile during the meetings, he said: abayisebenti indzaba yetikhwele. Mtetwa said it was her daughter who wanted to appear with Mzwandile in the meetings, not that they wanted to fight jealousy issues in the Masters Office. Ordered The male officer, according to Mtetwa, ordered her and Vilakati out of the office and remained with Mzwandile. She said they sat on a bench outside the office. When we went out, a female officer entered. They said to him he was a grown man and wondered why he could not speak for himself. They told him to speak as they were listening. He explained to them that he was suffering from depression and wanted his sister to assist him during the meetings. They said to him they doubted if he could propose love to a woman. Mtetwa narrated. Mzwandile was knocked down by a car that did not stop after the accident, said Mtetwa. She said he was about to cross the road when the car hit him. The officers are alleged to have told Mtetwa and her daughter to obtain a written explanation from the psychiatric centre, explaining that Mzwandile was not of a stable mind. Mtetwa said they went back and forth as the doctor at the psychiatric centre told them that Mzwandile was issued a card at the psychiatric centre and it should suffice. Mtetwa said the doctor even said Bayahlanya leka Master and he was tired of their issues. Last week I wrote a blog on an explosive audio recording that featured Jeff DeWit, the chair of the Arizona Republican Party (before he promptly resigned in disgrace), attempting to bribe Kari Lake out of the senate race with a cushy corporate position and money from shadowy figures somewhere on the east coastthe revelation was only explosive to some because, for those of us whove had firsthand experience dealing with the AZGOP, it really was not surprising at all. The chair of the state party leading the charge to derail the America First (and Arizona first) movement? This is nothing out of the ordinary; DeWits predecessor, Kelli Ward, repeatedly undermined and sabotaged the grassroots, all to aid and abet Martha McSally in handing over another federal seat to Democrats. The chair of the state party protecting the interests of the political establishment? Again, wed just been through this with Kelli Ward, who imploded when confronted about the fact that she had no plans to force governor Doug Ducey to end the Covid emergency he was using to tyrannize the people of Arizona. To add another level to the betrayal, at the time Ward refused to take any action against Ducey, hed recently certified the 2020 presidential election results for Joe Biden, despite the endless evidence that things had gone awry. The chair of the state party sabotaging election integrity and the will of the people? Ill say it one more time Kelli Ward. (Ward herself signed off on the accuracy of the machines after Maricopa County GOP Chair Linda Brickman cited a problem with Maricopa Countys handling of the presidential election.) DeWits resignation on January 24th came at a rather fortuitous time because the party had its annual mandatory meeting on the books for this past weekend. On Saturday, party members elected a new chair, a woman by the name of Gina Swoboda. I hate to be the reliable cynic or the bearer of bad news, but the Arizona GOP is still firmly under the control of the same Uniparty politics that controlled DeWit so prepare yourself for more of the same from the Grand Canyon state come election time. This is only the tip of the iceberg with Swoboda, but see the post to X below from someone with a strong opinion about what happened: The Patriot Party gave One Day One Vote legislation for free. #SwindlerSwoboda produced no legislation that would secure our elections for $15,000/mo. pic.twitter.com/8Rz7MS6jQO Michelle (@ThatParentP4P) January 29, 2024 If that agreement lasted through last years legislative session, that means Swodoba raked in as much as $60,000 in consulting fees from the Arizona taxpayers, and what did she produce? Well, dont shoot the messenger, but it appears that she produced absolutely nothing. Civil servants spend our hard-earned cash like its Monopoly moneyI mean, seriously, how does a legislator justify consultants anyway? Ask the people what they want. You need to pay a third party to tell you how to do your job best? Seems like you just proved how unnecessary you, and your role, really are. Secondly, $15k a month? Those are real dollars, that we the people actually earned through legitimate work, only to have confiscated by the state, to fork over in cushy government contract work. What a sick joke. Yet, aside from the great offense that this is all on its own, theres additional context that makes it so much worse. First of all, as you can see in the post above, the legislators already had a bill that would have secured elections in 2022! It was known as HB2289, or the One Day, One Vote bill, and it was put forth by a group of patriots in Arizona, who didnt siphon $15k a month from the taxpayers for their genuine civil service. HB2289 eliminated mail-in ballots (except for the military and the disabled), required paper ballots and valid voter ID, and prohibited machines. In fact, one of the men who helped author the bill, Steve Daniels, actually ran against DeWit last year for the Arizona GOP Chair seat, but the Uniparty made sure to subvert anyone who would have secured elections from ever holding such position in the party. As involved and concerned citizens, they did the work for the legislators, free of cost, so there was no excuse, just one expectation: the legislators do their job, and secure elections. Unsurprisingly, the latter shirked their duty. When 2023 rolled around, instead of running the bill again, they hired Swodoba, to get ideas. Give me a break. Oh, and heres Swoboda promoting the idea of mail-in ballots, ostensibly to avoid any disasters on election day but for someone whos a purported election integrity expert, why would you promote the very thing that cost Trump the election, a system most vulnerable to fraud, and proven to have been exploited? Securing elections isnt anything cosmic, they just love to act like it is, so they have an excuse to never secure elections. Argentina just showed how elections can be conducted on paper, in-person, on one day. Its election DAY, not election season. Sharing a video of her promoting mail-in and early voting instills NO CONFIDENCE in her or secure elections https://t.co/cd7TIhC3KW Michelle (@ThatParentP4P) January 30, 2024 And how could I forget? Heres Katie Hobbs, praising Swodoba as a great employee; a worker so great that Hobbs kept her on when Hobbs became the Secretary of State, a position from which she managed the 2020 presidential race, as well as her own gubernatorial race against Kari Lake: Arizona @GovernorHobbs had nothing but praise for new @AZGOP chair @GinaSwoboda. Swoboda was hired by Hobbs' GOP predecessor as secy of state & stayed on about a year-plus when Hobbs was SoS. pic.twitter.com/3QNcfAXcFJ Brahm Resnik (@brahmresnik) January 30, 2024 I would say thats a bit of a red flag when Hobbs heaps praise on your election work. But, but, but Swoboda has President Trumps endorsement, and Kari Lakes, and shes been promoted on Charlie Kirks podcast, along with Steven Bannon! (As a reminder John McCain, Martha McSally, and Doug Ducey, all received Trump endorsements, and howd that turn out?) Uniparty Republicans threshold for a win is so low, and their resistance to the discomfort of the danger exposed by the canary in the coalmine is so strong, theyll seemingly go for anything but a strong conservative. First Ward, then DeWit, and now... Swoboda. Image from X. Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble. Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia), 1940-2020 The late Rep. John Lewis repeatedly said that activists such as Black Lives Matter and Antifa should get into good trouble and necessary trouble. He died just as the summer of mostly peaceful rioting was getting underway after George Floyds death. The Good Trouble was just getting rolling; and dont call them riots... the politically correct euphemism for these violent outbursts is now rebellion. Lets review the good trouble caused by Democrats allies over the summer of 2020: The BLM violence in 2020 left close to 20 people dead in just two weeks; the riots caused more than $1 billion in losses, the costliest in U.S. history; several cities witnessed over 600 riots. Compare that to the geriatric unauthorized tour which was mischaracterized as an insurrection: Four people died on January 6th, and they were all Trump supporters. The government estimated the property damage cost of January 6th to be $2.73 million. But the woke U.S. Justice Department mostly gave Antifa and BLM a pass on all their mayhem; after all, it was good trouble in the name of George Floyd and social justice. But, you may ask, Didnt the January 6th rioters disrupt an official proceeding of Congress? Well, how many times over the past several years have we seen reports of BLM/Antifa disruption of local/state/federal legislative proceedings? They literally happen every week, and several have turned violent with assaults on law enforcement and bystanders. But again, good trouble. All is forgiven. Here are a couple of examples of good trouble by the far left in the years since January 6th, 2021: The so-called Tennessee Three stunt in which three Democrat lawmakers led a gun-control protest from the House floor, disrupting the session in April 2023. The rebellion included protestors striking and shoving law enforcement personnel and storming the legislative chamber, egged on by three Democrat legislators. There were minimal legal consequences for these political terrorists because, you guessed it, good trouble. In March 2021, Democrat political insurrectionists resumed their sustained attack on the Portland Federal Courthouse, including the breaking of windows, spray-painting graffiti on the building, and firing fireworks at police and federal officers. One of the worst offenders, Darby Howard, was sentenced to time served for kicking and damaging an automatic sliding door and punching a television in the buildings lobby. In addition, he was accused of punching a Portland police officer in the head when police attempted to arrest him. As he was being arrested, Howard tried to push through a line of officers, but fell and was then handcuffed, prosecutors said. If he were a conservative protester, Im sure that Attorney General Merrick Garland would have pushed for decades in prison for this thug. But hey, since hes a radical Leftist, he has good trouble privilege. Look for the Democrat shock troops to flash their Good Trouble Privilege Card throughout the 2024 presidential election year. And we can fully expect Garland to look the other way. Good trouble has its privileges. Michael A. Bertolone, M.S. is a past Executive V.P. of the Monroe County (N.Y) Law Enforcement Association, and a freelance writer in Rochester, NY. His eBook The War on Equality: How Equity is Destroying Our Society is available on Amazon. Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required. For days weve been waiting to hear what Joe Biden and the Bidenites are planning to do after three of our service members were killed in a drone strike at Tower 22, an American outpost on the border of Syria and Jordanare we getting into another war or not? Were already involved in Ukraines conflict were buckling under the military invasion at our southern border were being pulled into war with the Houthis were entangled in Israels campaign against Hamas and now this? Let me preface this with a profane language warning, but it seems like everyone is getting pretty fed up with multiple warfronts even leftist MSNBC pundits: So whos going to ask Joy Reid about this comment ??? Based Joy Reidpic.twitter.com/yPu0zJAmmr Common Cent$ (@Common_Cent1) January 30, 2024 I mean, whats Bidens delay? The Democrats already have established foreign policy protocol when terrorist regimes kill our troops: Cut a check or send a pallet of cash, move the red line, and send a strongly worded letter calling on the responsible regime to definitely not do that again. Jokes aside, who knows whats taking so long for him to let the American public know if hes going to be requiring more dollars and death, but he didnt earn the nickname Slow Joe for nothingand, it turns out, thats not the only part of this whole mess where he displays his complete lack of urgency. Heres this, from a Fox News report out today: The parents of one of the U.S. soldiers killed in a drone strike in Jordan spoke out Tuesday morning about the loss of their daughter, as they await a phone call from President Biden. Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders of Waycross, Ga., was killed alongside 23-year-old Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett and 46-year-old Sgt. William Jerome Rivers during the drone attack near the Syrian border over the weekend. Kennedys parents, Oneida and Shawn Sanders joined Fox & Friends to discuss the unexpected loss and how they want America to respond to the deadly attack that took their daughters life. Oneida mentioned that the family expects a call from President Biden, and they have already been in contact with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and various lawmakers. She said they have to complete paperwork before they can speak to the president. Im sorry, did she say paperwork? Its been days, and he still hasnt called? And hell only call when the grieving families fill out the correct forms? If this werent the Biden regime, Id think this were satirea government agency requiring paperwork to get a condolences call. Again, what does this man even do all day? Eat ice cream cones, take beach naps, and wear hardhats backwards for photo ops? His schedule cannot be that busy. Will Kennedy Sanders get three funerals like George Floyd did? What about the other dead soldiers? Will the Democrats in Congress get down on their knees for an extended period of silence, to honor our fallen military members? No, of course not. Democrats just hate our troops, and if the death cant be exploited to fit the agenda, then Biden and the Bidenites have better things to do. Image from X. President Trump worked hard with Central America to close the border; on day one, Joe Biden worked very hard to open that border back up. Trump worked very hard to cut off funds from Iran, to stop the sponsorship of terrorism, and Biden turned the spigot back on, deluging the regime with billions of dollars. Trump gave the world the Abraham peace accords; Biden gave the world a massive disaster by sparking conflict after conflict between nations with fragile relations. Trump worked very hard to keep oil prices low and make America energy independent; Biden told the world we were going to destroy our domestic oil industry, which jacked up the global price, and allowed Iran to fund the terrorists and Russia to fund its war. I dont understand why Iran is still sponsoring all these attacks since the Biden administration has told Iran in strongly-worded terms, many times, to stop sponsoring terrorism. But, according to the media, other Democrats, Nikki Haley, and many establishment Republicans, it is Trump who causes chaos. The question is, when will the media and establishment politicians acknowledge that it is the Biden administration that is causing cascading disasters? I hope the voters recognize the problem! (It is easy to recognize.) Trump went to NATO and told them to increase their funding for defense to 4%, as they were obligated to do, and he was repeatedly derided. He never was going to leave NATO. He wanted to make them stronger so they could defend themselves against adversaries, instead of having American taxpayers foot the bill. When Trump lectured NATO members on how dangerous it was for them to depend on Russia for their energy, idiotic leaders laughed at him: Europeans Laughed at Trump Over Russian Gas. No Longer. They are learning what happens when you give the very nation NATO was set up to oppose the power to cut off your energy. Trump took out Irans General Qasem Soleimani, and Biden and other Democrats castigated him for such a dangerous action; but Iran and its terrorist benefactors stopped attacking American bases at will after that happened, because they knew Trump meant what he said. Peace through strength. Isnt the world so fortunate that the media campaigned so hard to put the adults back in the room? Thank goodness we now have an incompetent president who took his son around the globe collecting kickbacks, instead of Trump who gave the world relative peace and prosperity! The media should be so proud of themselvesthat they contributed so greatly to the cascading world disasters, by lying continuously about Russian collusion, and by burying the truthful stories about the Biden family corruption, as they have relentlessly interfered in elections. Misinformation is their method of operation when they target people they want to destroy. Image: Public domain. It was one of my late fathers favorite tunes, or Nat King Coles Mona Lisa; I mean the one that goes like this, Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa men have named you. Well, the lady with the mystic smile is back in the news for all the wrong reasons. Here is the story: Environmental protesters have thrown soup at the glass-protected Mona Lisa in France, calling for the right to healthy and sustainable food. The 16th Century painting by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the worlds most famous artworks, and is held at the Louvre in central Paris. The Louvre said the work was behind protective glass and was not damaged. Video shows two female protesters wearing T-shirts that read food counterattack throwing the liquid. Well, who knew that da Vinci was a climate denier or employed by Big Oil or Big whatever? I guess that I missed that part of his biography. In this case, a group called Riposte Alimentaire (Food Counterattack) claimed responsibility. Im lost, but Im usually lost when I have to comment on these attacks on works of art. My good guess is that this is another one of those groups with few members. They get their kicks pulling these stunts knowing that they will be treated as victims rather than criminals. In other words, we in the West are responsible for nurturing these groups. I dont see anyone throwing soup at a work of art in Russia or North Korea. I guess that Putin will draft them to fight in Ukraine or the fat guy in North Korea will have them eat grass for the rest of their lives. So the clowns do it because they know that many in the West are sympathetic to their cause, and tolerant of their antics. Thank God that the lady had a glass cover. Once upon a time, you worried about crowds at the museums, but now its someone destroying art. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Image: Public domain. Presidential spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre is being deservedly pilloried by Conservative pundits for her stumbling, bumbling, patently disingenuous (all of which qualities she exhibits perhaps in emulation of her boss) remarks on the loss of three American soldiers (and dozens more wounded) in a drone strike Sunday night in Jordan, near the Syrian border. Her cluelessness reminded me of another tragic news story, just a week or so earlier, that two U.S. Navy SEALs who were missing in action in the Arabian Sea off the Somali coast had been declared dead. The two had been on a mission to interdict Iranian weapons, which are supplied to various terrorist militias such as perpetrated the aforementioned drone attack. What struck me about how that story was reported was this: the Navy ship to which the SEALs were assigned, an expeditionary mobile base vessel for such operations, was identified in some of the reports as the USS Lewis B. Puller. And yet I found it odd that in none of the news reports that mentioned the name of the ship was there a single remark as to the significance of that name, Lewis B. Puller. That significance is one of those things that you either know or you dont. Im not a Marine, nor am I any kind of serious student of military history, butby Golly!I certainly know who Lewis B. Puller was! Were speaking of Lieutenant General Lewis B. Puller, USMC, aka Chesty Puller, the Marines Marine, the most decorated Marine in history (among his decorations are five Navy Crosses!) and possibly the toughest Marine ever. Many are aware of his legendary exploits at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea, but his record of service goes back to World War I and includes four campaigns in World War II; he also served in China, Haiti and Nicaragua. The respect and reverence that Marines hold for Chesty Puller (who retired in 1955 and died in 1971) is exemplified in the way that, for many Marines, the phrase that accompanies Lights Out is Goodnight, Chesty, wherever you are! My awareness, even as a civilian, of a Marine Corps legend comes from a time when every American had either served in the armed forces or knew someone who had; that can no longer be presumed, and its too bad. The esteem, respect, and even love of Americans for their military has been seriously eroded, perhaps even deliberately. Such awareness appears to be missing from the Mainstream Media, and one cant help but wonder if theres any such awareness in the Biden White House. Image: Chesty Puller in 1950. Public domain. Authors Note: Stu Tarlowe is a dinosaur who has, since 2010, contributed over 150 pieces to American Thinker. He has a Substack newsletter, Stus Stack oStuff, which he has allowed to lie dormant for a year or so, but which he has been threatening to resurrect. Denmark recently capitulated, forfeiting its hard-fought freedoms to those who hate it. According to a recent report, Denmarks parliament has passed a bill that makes it illegal to burn copies of the Quran in public places... The bill, which prohibits inappropriate treatment of writings with significant religious importance for a recognized religious community, was passed with 94 votes in favor and 77 opposed... In practical terms, it will be forbidden to burn, tear or otherwise defile holy texts publicly or in videos intended to be disseminated widely. Those who break the law risk a fine or up to two years in prison The purpose of the law is to counter the systematic mockery that, among other things, has contributed to intensifying the threat of [Islamic] terrorism in Denmark, the Ministry of Justice said. There is much to say here. First, it is interesting to note that the new bill does not single out Islam or the Koran by name, but rather seeks to protect from desecration writings with significant religious importance for a recognized religious community. By employing such generic wording that applies to and presumably protects every religious text and community -- though everyone knows the law exists exclusively to protect the Muhammadan creed -- the Danes appear to have copied a play from the Islamic gamebook. As it happens, the blasphemy laws of many Muslim nations do not officially protect Islam alone but extend to other religions. (Egypt, for example, criminalizes the mockery of heavenly religions -- Islam, Christianity, and Judaism -- though the law is virtually exclusively used to protect Islam.) Muslim nations -- and now Denmark -- pretend to protect all religions in order to appear neutral, objective, not siding with this or that faith. Muslim nations also do it for their image: better to appear interested in protecting the sanctity of all religions rather than appear as rabid fanatics who cannot tolerate criticism. Second, in adopting what amounts to a blasphemy law, Denmark has effectively declared that it is not a nation of principles, but rather one willing to compromise its ethos to appease thugs. Denmark, bear in mind, was once at the fore of zealously defending free speech and expression. No more; now Danish law is being dictated by non-Danes. What other Danish principles will need to make way for the conquerors of Europe? As Inger Stojberg, leader of the anti-immigration Denmark Democrats party said in response to this new law: History will judge us harshly for this and with good reason What it all comes down to is whether a restriction on freedom of speech is determined by us or whether it is dictated from the outside [meaning the Muslim world and their globalist abettors]. Supporters of Denmarks new blasphemy law insist that this law has been promulgated for Denmarks security. Due to the burning of Korans in Denmark (and Sweden), violence in and threats to these Nordic nations has grown. Not only does this position ignore why Europeans are burning the Koran in the first place (because they abhor its violent teachings) and why Muslims are reacting with terrorism (because they uphold its violent teachings), but it is a fact that if the shoe was, as they say, on the other foot, Denmark would not capitulate its principles to appease its enemies. Imagine for a moment if an atheist or Satanist burned a Bible in Denmark (and many have), and throngs of Christians responded with violence and terrorism. Would Denmark respond by banning the burning of the Bible, or would it have pontificated about the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression, grandstanded about how no religion can be singled out for preferential treatment, expressed zero tolerance, and arrested every last protesting or rioting Christian? Some will say Christians do not react this way, but what if they did? Would Denmark respond with appeasement or force? The answer should be as clear as day. In retrospect, rather than ban the burning of the Koran, it seems that Denmark would have served itself much better had it banned the Koran altogether. Raymond Ibrahim, author of Defenders of the West and Sword and Scimitar is the Distinguished Senior Shillman Fellow at the Gatestone Institute and the Judith Rosen Friedman Fellow at the Middle East Forum. Image: Global Panorama Around 36 hours ago, a shocking video emerged: Arizonans were booing Kari Lake, the hottest political star, not just in Arizona but in America (other than Donald Trump, of course). However, theres a strong possibility that the video may have been a matter of the videographers proximity rather than a large-scale opposition to the Arizona political star. The big news was that, on Saturday, when Kari Lake made her appearance at the states GOP gathering, she was greeted with boos. The excitement from political observers about this bit of news was palpable, especially from the left side of the aisle: Kari Lake getting booed and heckled this weekend by Republicans at the AZ State convention. pic.twitter.com/fHFyK9hlba Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) January 29, 2024 Arizona Republicans Relentlessly Boo Kari Lake On Home Turf Following Scandal https://t.co/MUCTVH1Rpv HuffPost (@HuffPost) January 29, 2024 Why would the Arizona GOP boo its sitting Republican governor Kari Lake like this? pic.twitter.com/CWbZBec2fO Cryptid Politics (@CryptidPolitics) January 29, 2024 #DemVoice1 #Fresh Boo. Boo. Boo How far you have fallen Kari Lake. Evidence that eventually even your most ardent supporters get sick of the continuous election lies. Maybe you need to new schtick. pic.twitter.com/azPymJkIvR Margie (@MargieVotes) January 29, 2024 Was it really true that Lake, having exposed Jeff DeWit for having offered her a bribe to get her to withdraw from the race to become Arizonas Republican senator, went too far? Its one thing to have problems within your party. Its another thing to expose them to the world. Based on the information available yesterday, reasonable minds suspected that Kari Lake might have damaged her career in Arizona (a state sadly known for political corruption) by exposing DeWits conduct. However, theres another hypothesis, and that is based on the nature of sound and how it travels. For example, if you find yourself at a concert seated right next to the brass, brass is all that youll hear. Likewise, if youre too near the flute section, all the music has a flute-y overtone. Thats why an orchestra is carefully arranged with the loudest instruments in the back, the conductor in the dead center, and the audience at some distance from the orchestras discrete parts. Without that balance and distance, you will never understand the whole. I mention all of this because I heard from someone who was, as he said, present, with voting privileges, Saturday when Kari Lake took the stage. According to my correspondent: In the Maricopa County contingent, I was seated very near the middle of the venue. The roar of approval was so loud that it sounded enthusiastic and comprehensive. We may have given her standing applause, but my memory is hazy since we did for several people who took the stage, but I think she was one. It wasn't until that evening when I looked at a NYT article on the event, that I learned someone had booed. I saw that repeated in the Daily Mail and Newsweek, but still had my doubts. However, the clip with the American Thinker article does show some few people booing so it did occur. But the group sounds tiny and isolated compared to the mass of attendees. Perhaps it is only a coincidence that the microphone was placed near this group where booing could be recorded. And perhaps not. Odd how this became the headline for so many news stories at once and so quickly. From this area of the forum we had many, many, many points of order and even a motion to adjourn later in the day that mainly aimed to keep the candidate who ultimately won by a landslide off the ballot. Seemed similar to the many efforts to prevent us from having a vote one way or the other for President Trump. If those in the corner who were booing near a microphone represented any significant number, why did the candidate they fought so hard to keep off the ballot win by a landslide? The booing story seems to me to have been rigged, but perhaps I am reading too much into it. We at American Thinker cannot provide a definitive answer to whether Kari Lake was roundly booed or whether a small group booed her. That answer will come from Arizonas Republican voters during the states primary. All we can do is point out that, while facts are stubborn things, our understanding of those facts may vary depending on our perspective. Image: Kari Lake (edited). YouTube screen grab. Now that the U.S. is in a dangerous confrontation with Iran, following its murder of three U.S. servicemembers, it pays to look at some recent reporting on Iran's influence in the U.S. Leaked emails and reports have recently unveiled a clandestine Iranian operation known as the Iran Experts Initiative (IEI). This covert endeavor, designed to cultivate support for Iran's nuclear program, has already sent shockwaves through the corridors of power. But that's just the beginning. Within this revelation, another thread has emerged -- the involvement of key figures from the Biden administration with the IEI. According to National Review, citing an investigative piece published at Semafor last September: The IEI members allegedly laundered the regimes talking points, publishing op-eds, giving interviews with news outlets, and seeking the input of regime officials on their public engagements. Two of the scholars involved in the program, Ali Vaez and Ariane Tabatabai, have close ties to [now-sidelined Biden envoy to Iran Robert] Malley. He hired Tabatabai to join his office at the start of the Biden administration; she subsequently moved to a role within the Pentagon. Vaez, meanwhile, is a longtime expert on Iran policy at the International Crisis Group think tank. Malley, who worked with him at ICG, tried to bring him on board at State but was blocked from doing so when Vaez failed to obtain a security clearance for the role, according to Iran International. Yet even after he was denied clearance, Vaez continued to write Malleys tweets from his perch outside of government. Now that the U.S. is dealing with the deaths of three U.S. service members at the hands of Iranian drones, it's worth remembering that Biden administration aides with ties to the IEI work within the highest echelons of the U.S. government. The nature of these links and their implications on U.S. policy decisions remain under scrutiny. But this revelation raises profound questions about foreign influence and its implications on U.S. policy. The IEI, previously shrouded in secrecy, has now been exposed for what it is -- a covert Iranian operation. Its primary objective? To garner international support for Iran's nuclear ambitions. This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing global discussions about Iran's nuclear program. The IEI is not limited to a single sphere of influence. It has infiltrated academia, leveraging the credibility of scholars to propagate its agenda. Meanwhile, sympathetic journalists played their part, shaping public perception subtly. Think tanks, known for their role in policymaking, were strategically targeted. Case studies vividly illustrate the IEI's success in influencing policy decisions. And it didn't stop there; former government officials transitioning into advocacy roles created conflicts and ethical dilemmas that continue to raise eyebrows. The Biden administration's approach to Iran stands in stark contrast to previous administrations. It is marked by a commitment to re-engage with the Islamic Republic of Iran, a notable departure from the aggressive stance of the past. This shift in policy has not only raised eyebrows. Still, it has caused genuine concern among policymakers and the public, who worry about potential risks and the implications of this new direction, making it a central point of debate in the broader context of U.S. foreign policy. Amidst these revelations, the potential for undue influence on U.S. policy looms large. The need to mitigate foreign impact is paramount, echoing concerns about the integrity of policymaking. It's a complex issue with no easy answers. Ariane Tabatabai's Controversy As this international intrigue unfolds, Ariane Tabatabai, a former Georgetown University security studies professor and current senior adviser to the U.S. Department of Defense, finds herself at the center of the controversy. Genuine concern has arisen regarding her purported ties to Iranian regime influence networks and her security clearance. The acquisition of her security clearance remains a shadowy enigma, with scant details emerging. Yet, one report suggests that her connections to the Islamic Republic networks went undetected during the clearance process. The security clearance saga erupted in April 2021 when a group of U.S. lawmakers demanded the revocation of Tabatabai's clearance, citing her involvement in an "Iranian influence network" that they believed endangered national security. Fast forward to September 2023, and Republican lawmakers intensified the call. They demanded an investigation into Islamic Republic-backed influence operations on U.S. soil, advocating the suspension of clearances for officials, including Tabatabai, potentially swayed by these networks. In response, Tabatabai can only refute these allegations. She tries to label them "baseless and unfounded," portraying them as part of a "smear campaign" orchestrated by lawmakers seeking to undermine the Biden administration's diplomacy with Irans regime, yet she has provided no clear explanations to counter the accusations. And yet, despite the ongoing furor, Tabatabai's security clearance endures as of September 2023, and surprisingly, she remains a senior adviser within the U.S. Department of Defense. It's not just her alleged ties to Irans regime influence networks that have been scrutinized. The accusations against her are part of a broader discourse surrounding U.S. policy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran. Some U.S. officials and lawmakers contend that the Biden administration's stance is overly lenient, failing to adequately support the Iranian people's battle for democracy and human rights. Conversely, others advocate for diplomatic engagement and peaceful resolution in the U.S.-Iran relationship. This exposure of the Iran Experts Initiative raises critical questions about foreign influence on U.S. policy, especially now. Whether through academia, media, think tanks, or former officials, vigilance is imperative to maintain the integrity of U.S. policymaking in a complex and interconnected world. As for Ariane Tabatabai's security clearance acquisition, details remain opaque. Now her ties to the Islamic Republic of Iran influence networks may kindle a political storm. Lawmakers' calls for revocation have yet to bear fruit, so far as is known, and she continues her work at the U.S. Department of Defense. This controversy mirrors broader debates on U.S. policy towards Iran, illustrating today's complexity of international diplomacy. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License The other day, the Irish Foreign Ministry published a little tweet to honor Holocaust Remembrance Day. The problem is that it forgot to note the primary purpose behind the Holocaust: To exterminate world Jewry. This was not an accident. For decades, the left has been trying to de-Judaize the Holocaust. I first noticed this in 2013 when I was in Amsterdam and visited the Anne Frank House. Although it did a good job of walking thousands of people through the Annex, the museum mostly erased antisemitism from the Holocaust. At the time, I wrote: At the end of the museum, theres a room with very short videos, many of which are about special interest demands against a greater European culture that is not bowing to their dressing, immigration, or marriage requirements. The videos begin by focusing on a fictional young person with needs, and then, having personalized that need, gives a brief, shallow, fairly even-handed look at the issue, whether its veils in schools, forcing Christian civil servants to perform gay marriages, or allowing people to serve in the military while wearing religious garb. Having started each video with the personalization, everyone knows what theyre supposed to think. None of the videos delves into the deeper issues. For example, are the veil-wearing girls embracing Dutch culture, or undermining it? (E.g., are they fifth columnists, like Maj. Hasan, or multicultural patriots?) If the veil is a symbol of religious faith, thats one thing. If it represents the thin edge if the wedge for sharia, its another. By simplifying and personalizing the matter, the Anne Frank museum manages to say that a countrys desire to protect certain laudable institutions against a self-professed form of religious fascism is tantamount to Nazis killing Anne Frank. I watched about ten or twelve videos, and the only nod to antisemitism was in the video about Holocaust Denial on YouTube. The museums erasure of Jews and antisemitism is not unique. In 2016, under leftist aegis, the Anne Frank Center USA (which Otto Frank founded) renamed itself the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect and repositioned antisemitism as just one among many bad things. In 2017, it described its mission as fighting hatred of refugees and immigrants, anti-Semitism, sexism, racism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, bias against the differently abled and any other hate that runs counter to the American promise of freedom. Image: Auschwitz 1945, which (according to the Irish government) had nothing to do with the Jews. Interestingly, the above-quoted language no longer exists at the site. Now, in a brief mission statement that doesnt even bother with antisemitism, the Anne Frank Center explains only that it exists to inspire emerging adults through creative educational programs in order to build the informed and compassionate world Anne imagined in the pages of her diary. Meanwhile, the Anne Frank Fonds Basel, which was established to handle money from the sale of her diary, signed a partnership agreement with the New Israel Fund. The New Israel Fund, in turn, is a fiercely anti-Israel leftist activism group. Again, the Holocaust is irrelevant to the Jews, as the group Otto Frank founded funds antisemitic activities. Currently, the New Israel Fund is supporting a movement to protect Hamas from the Israel Defense Force. With this context, I hope youll appreciate the Irish governments tweet in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day: On Holocaust Remembrance Day we remember the millions of innocent victims who perished during the Holocaust. This day grants us the opportunity to honour their memory & renew our commitment to protect peace, security & human rights in todays world#ProtectTheFacts @he_ireland pic.twitter.com/ux90TepP4r Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) January 27, 2024 The Twitterati were not amused: Who was killed in the Holocaust? Mark Rudolph (@markrudolph2701) January 29, 2024 Rich, coming from a country whose leader Eamon de Valera issued condolences on the death of Herr Hitler. Ragnar Danneskjold (@Beaf333) January 28, 2024 Once again the Irish refuse to acknowledge what happened in the Holocaust and side with terror. Who would have guessed? Tamir Magen (@tmgn66) January 29, 2024 Who were the victims? Failing to utter the word Jews in the holocaust remembrance is antisemitism. It is intentional. Shame on you. (@yair_y) January 29, 2024 Ireland is a gorgeous country with a grand, glorious, and tragic history. Its people are often lovely, especially the ones who came to America. However, its governments values are beyond disgracefuland thats entirely to be expected from a leftist government. After all, as too few remember, Hitler was not right-wing (a meaningless term referring to one of the two totalitarian sides in the pre-revolutionary French government). Hitler was a socialist, which is right there in the name; i.e., National Socialists. The only difference between him and Stalin was that fascism allowed private industry under government control, which communism, which nationalized all private ownership, did not. Chinese private equity fund, Saudi Investment Ministry sign MoU Xinhua) 16:49, January 30, 2024 RIYADH, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese private equity fund MSA Capital and the Saudi Ministry of Investment signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to bolster investment cooperation and foster innovation in key sectors in Saudi Arabia. Formalized by Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Investment Minister and Yazeed Al-Shammari, MSA Partner in its Saudi Innovation Initiative, the strategic partnership seeks to bolster economic cooperation and foster innovation across strategic sectors in the Kingdom, according to a joint press release on Monday. Via the fund's emerging markets investment arm MSA Novo, the MoU sets out to support Saudi companies in securing strategic global investments, particularly from Asian investors. The agreement further aims to develop the country's venture capital ecosystem and facilitate joint ventures across sectors. MSA Capital has been a significant investor in Saudi Arabia over the last five years. It has facilitated the entry of 19 global portfolio companies and over 45 million U.S. dollars in investment in nine companies operating in the Kingdom. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) MBABANE Councillors of the Municipal Council of Mbabane have recommended a candidate who scored the lowest in the recent interview for the position of chief executive officer (CEO). This happened yesterday during a council meeting convened to, among other things, deliberate on the report of the consultant, who carried out the recruitment exercise. Meeting It has been gathered that during the council meeting, which had members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) present; the councillors ignored the recommendation made by the consultant, as they picked a female candidate who scored 49 per cent and was placed third. They are said to have completely overlooked a candidate who had scored 87.5 per cent and had topped them all. In terms of the Urban Government Act, 1969, a council is mandated to appoint a fit person to be town clerk or CEO, upon such terms and conditions as it may determine. The candidate chosen by the councillors once worked for the municipality a few years ago, but will not be named as the recommendation is yet to be handed over to the Minister of Housing and Development Appolo Maphalala, as per the procedure. The one who scored the highest mark is well-known in the local government circles, having worked in different municipalities before joining the corporate sector. The latest developments come at a time when reports had surfaced that there was division among the councillors regarding a variety of issues, one of them being that of the recruitment of the CEO. Excelled Our sister publication, the Times SUNDAY, reported that some of the councillors wanted the next CEO to have excelled during the interview, while the others were vouching for the one with the lowest mark. A councillor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he was unhappy with the decision taken, as he believed that the candidate selected by the consultant deserved the post. She has all the experience and that is why she passed the interview with flying colours. There is a report but no time was spent to deliberate on it. One wonders why the consultant was engaged in the first place, because it looks like some of us already knew who they wanted for the CEO position. It means hiring the consultant was just a waste of ratepayers money, the aggrieved councillor said. He mentioned that the council needed to apply the best practice of good governance when it came to such issues.The recruitment of the CEO has had its own fair share of controversial moments. Applied In August last year, some of the candidates who applied for the post, along with other ratepayers, as well as some of the elected 12-member council questioned the selection of the recruitment agency by the Office of the Director of Corporate Services. They claimed Dlamini had overly undue advantage from the others as he had shown interest in applying for the position while still acting CEO. It was like the scene in Casablanca. United Nations bigshots were shocked, shocked, not to find out that they were employing terrorists, but that the West would yank aid from their crummy little terrorism operation as a result of that information getting out there. Twelve United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine and Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) employees were found to have participated in the barbaric atrocities against innocent Israelis on October 7. Another thousand UNRWA employees have been found to be affiliated with Hamas and that's just the ones Israel knows about. And 3,000 of them danced and celebrated when they heard about all the mass murder of Jews committed by Hamas terrorists. Here's how gross it was, according to a Wall Street Journal lead editorial: A new U.N. Watch report, to be released and discussed in Congress on Tuesday, shows "how a Telegram group of 3,000 UNRWA teachers in Gaza celebrated the October 7th Hamas massacre." The message group's administators, identified by name and Unrwa contract number, are seen praising Hamas's "holy warriors" and praying for them to murder Israelis: "O God, tear them apart," "kill them one by one," "leave none of them behind," "execute the first settler on live broadcast." One urged that Gazans stay in place to help Hamas. Sound like people who belong around kids? Sound like people who ought to have bloated-salary United Nations jobs, or any jobs at all? Well. that's who the United Nations was hiring -- dirtbags who held hostages, danced at murder victims paraded through the streets, mass-raped innocent women, men, and children, killing many afterwards to prevent them from talking about it, burned tied-up families alive, and baked and beheaded babies and children in ovens. Those are their employees. Not surprisingly, nine nations, including the U.S., have yanked financing for this agency and U.N. officials are cluck-clucking in panic. [UNRWA Commissioner-general Philippe] Lazzarini said: Our humanitarian operation, on which 2 million people depend as a lifeline in Gaza, is collapsing. I am shocked such decisions are taken based on alleged behaviour of a few individuals and as the war continues, needs are deepening and famine looms. Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment. This stains all of us. Guterres said the loss of funding meant the UN could not guarantee aid into Gaza for the whole of this month. Two million civilians in Gaza depend on critical assistance from UNRWA for their daily survival, but current UNRWA funding will not allow it to meet all needs in February, he said. Not a lot of outrage at the fact that they were employing 12 actual terrorists who carried out unspeakable atrocities on innocent Israelis and then danced about it in public. Or that their "teachers" taught Palestinian schoolchildren their Jew-hate. The U.S. was financing that crap as their largest donor, and is belatedly now freezing about $130 million in aid, signaling the end to the gravy train for terrorists. Since Joe Biden took office, the U.S. has forked over about $780 million to them. President Trump yanked funds earlier for their terrorist orientation but Joe Biden of course, restored it, only to have to pull it again now that the indefensible is going on. Israel calls them a "Hamas front group" and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu says that a post-war Gaza is going to be an UNRWA-free Gaza. The Journal's editorial points out that UNRWA is the actual reason Gaza gets called "an open air prison." I'd like to know how again Hamas's leaders, ensconced in their luxury digs in Qatar, got to be billionaires. Frozen aid from the U.S. is not all that's in store for them. Rep. Brian Mast, a Florida Republican in Congress, wants to get rid of the terrorist-hiring service entirely. According to the Washington Examiner: Dubbed the UNRWA Elimination Act, the bill seeks to establish the policy of the United States that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East should be disbanded completely and to transfer UNRWAs responsibilities to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees a separate agency headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. No Federal funds are authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, including for the salaries or expenses of any employee of such Agency, the ban provision in the bill outlines. Masts bill, which comes after Republican senators put forth a similar one in December of last year, is the latest escalation of pressure on UNRWA due to its longstanding connections to terrorism and promotion of antisemitism. The Trump administration froze aid to UNRWA in 2018, though the Biden administration resumed support, culminating in at least $730 million flowing from the U.S. to the U.N. agency since 2021. So as United Nations officials whine that Palestinian children will starve, aid-yanks are coming fast and furious. Aid can be delivered another way, as Germany, which also pulled funds has stated. It couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of dirtbag terrorists. Too bad it didn't happen before October 7. Image: Common meme, Twitter screen shot The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is supposed to be an independent agency looking out for the health of the American people. So why hasnt it protested the endless stream of illegals pouring across the northern and southern borders, all of whom are allowed to enter without being checked for disease or illness? Are these bureaucrats more interested in protecting their jobs and going along with the political agenda of Joe Biden instead of protecting public health? Eight million people, not counting gotaways, have shown up at the southern border during Bidens first three years, and the CDC doesnt require a vaccine passport, or as it appears, check them for anything, despite the fact that these people come from the most unhygienic corners of the world; theyre simply released throughout the U.S. So why havent the concerned scientists at the CDC protested? Here they warn about measles, saying they have tracked seven cases that have been brought into the country yet they dont tell us from where, or how: CDC issues alert that measles cases are up, urging health providers to watch for disease Officials have tracked seven cases of measles being brought into the country and two U.S. outbreaks with more than five cases each, the CDC said. Why didnt the USA Today author ask where they came from, and why didnt he say a word about the open borders? The answer is the media doesnt care. During COVID, draconian restrictions were imposed upon U.S citizens, but not on the people coming in illegally; why? The answer is obvious. It wasnt about keeping viruses from spreading, it was about medical tyranny. Anthony Fauci, the CDC, and other government officials/apparatuses went to great lengths to prevent investigations into whether COVID did in fact come from a lab or not. The media did its part to block an investigation by regurgitating the false talking point that the lab leak theory was a disproven conspiracy. How many people died as a result, because investigations were hampered to prop up an agenda and narrative? Instead of caring about children and science, the CDC catered to big political donors of Democrats to keep the schools closed, which caused massive permanent damage to childrenespecially children who were already behind. From a congressional investigation: Investigation Reveals Bidens CDC Bypassed Scientific Norms to Allow Teachers Union to Re-Write Official Guidance Today, Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis Republicans released an interim report revealing Dr. Rochelle Walensky bypassed customary scientific processes at the U.S. Centers and Disease Control (CDC) to allow the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), a political union and donor to the Biden campaign, to re-write key portions of the Biden Administrations school reopening guidance. The AFTs edits ultimately led to thousands of schools across the country to remain shuttered throughout the 2020-2021 school year. It is no wonder people dont trust the CDC. They are as political as the Justice Department, and clearly care more about politics than our health. Why havent people been fired for their absolute malfeasance? The media is outraged that Trump is claiming immunity. Would the media support the prosecution of Biden for refusing to enforce border laws which have caused so many deaths? What about prosecuting Obama for dictatorially stopping the supposedly independent justice department from prosecuting drug running terrorists to appease Iran? How many deaths from terrorism and drugs did that action cause? Image: Public domain. Johann Josef Loschmidt is a name that might not ring many bells, yet everyone who took chemistry in junior college had surely come across Loschmidts groundbreaking contribution to science. Loschmidt calculated the exact number of elementary units (atoms or molecules) that one mole of a substance containsa number that bears the name of an Italian scientist, which is unfortunate, because even this celebrated Italian scientist didnt know its value. That number is Avogadro's number, or Avogadro's constant. Avogadro's Number. Photo: Ronnie Pitman/Flickr Josef Loschmidt was born into a poor Bohemian peasant family in 1821, in a small village in what is now Czech Republic. With the help of the village priest and the Catholic Church, Loschmidt managed to gain an education in a monastery, before moving to Prague where he became a student at the Charles University studying philosophy and mathematics. At the age of twenty, Loschmidt moved to Vienna and took admission at the Polytechnic Institute in physics and chemistry. He graduated in 1846 with the equivalent of a bachelors degree, but was unable to get an academic position. Dejected, Loschmidt briefly considered migrating to the United States to become a settler in the new state of Texas. Instead, he went to work in a paper factory and then started a company near Vienna to produce potassium nitrate. But the company went bankrupt. Johann Josef Loschmidt In 1856, Loschmidt became a high-school teacher in Vienna. During his free time, Loschmidt conducted experiments in a small laboratory that the school allowed him to keep. Five years later he published his first important treatise on chemistrya 47-page booklet depicting the molecular structures of more than 270 organic compounds. It included compounds that were yet to be made, such as cyclopropane, whose structure he correctly predicted more than two decades before it was discovered. Furthermore, the style which Loschmidt adopted for graphically depicting these molecular structures is remarkable similar to the style used by modern chemistsdouble lines for double bonds and triple lines for triple bonds. Figures of molecular structure, as they appeared in Loschmidts 1861 booklet Chemische Studien I. Photo: Alfred Bader In this same book, Loschmidt discussed benzene, a compound that baffled scientists. Although scientists knew how many carbon and hydrogen atoms a molecule of benzene contains, they couldnt figure out how they were arranged in the molecule. Loschmidt was the first who saw that the atoms had to be arranged in a ring. Unfortunately, Loschmidt got the arrangement wrong, which was corrected by German chemist August Kekule four years later. Kekule insisted that the structure came to him in a dream. Kekule received all the glory while Loschmidts contribution was pretty much forgotten. Ironically, Kekule originally dismissed Loschmidts work, stating that one cannot deduce the molecular structure of organic compounds solely from chemical reactions. Today, he is regarded as the principal founder of the theory of chemical structure. Proposed structure of benzene. The correct one is right-bottom. Image : Ju/Wikimedia Commons A great puzzle of the time was the size of molecules. Many scientists tried to measure it indirectly from other physical properties, such as surface tension or tensile strength of liquids, but the problem remained unsolved until 1865, when Loschmidt deduced a relationship between the size of gas molecules to the distance they travel between collisions. Loschmidt came up with a surprisingly good estimateone nanometer, which was only twice as large as the modern accepted value. While working on the problem of the size of a molecule, Loschmidt realized that its possible to determine the number of molecules in a certain volume of a gas at standard temperature and pressure. The Italian scientist Avogadro had suggested, half a century ago, that if two different gasses at the same temperature and pressure occupy the same volume, they must have the same number of molecules. Avogadro did not know how many molecules that was, but now Loschmidt had an answerapproximately 2.686 1025 per cubic meter at zero degree centigrade and one atmosphere of pressure. That number is now known as Loschmidt constant. Thanks to Loschmidts work, other scientists were able to prove Avogadros hypothesis. They determined Avogadros number, which is defined as the number of molecules contained in one mole of the substance. The Loschmidt constant is barely used, but Avogadro's number (6.0221023) finds wide application in physics and chemistry. The only subtle recognition Loschmidt received for his work is the symbol L, which is sometimes used to denote the Avogadro constant. Lorenzo Romano Amedeo Carlo Avogadro Loschmidt also contributed to Maxwell's and Boltzman's work on thermodynamics. His experimental investigations in electromagnetism now bear the names of people who completed them like Edwin Hall, John Kerr, and Heinrich Hertz. He once joked to his long-time friend Boltzmann that he should start a negative scientific journal to publish his failed experiments. When Loschmidt died in 1895, Boltzmann spoke of his good friend, His work forms a mighty cornerstone that will be visible as long as science exists Loschmidts excessive modesty prevented his being appreciated as much as he could and should have been. References: # John H. Lienhard, Johann Josef Loschmidt, The Engines of Our Ingenuity # Alfred Bader, Joseph Loschmidt, Physicist and Chemist, Physics Today Now that the Galaxy S24 series has reached early buyers, an unexpected display issue has come to the forefront. The new Samsung flagships have washed-out display colors. Switching between Natural and Vivid color modes hardly changes the color tone. All three models appear to be affected by this issue. The Galaxy S24 series has a display color issue Samsung phones usually come with two built-in display color modes: Natural and Vivid. The latter adds a pop effect for a more saturated color tone. The Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra also have these options. However, over the past few days, several users have reported that the colors remain mostly unchanged across the two modes. Advertisement Advertisement We checked on our Galaxy S24 Ultra retail unit and found the same issue. Even manually adjusting the white balance and RGB levels dont affect the color saturation. Theres a mild change in tone but it is only noticeable if you look closely. Of course, this isnt the expected behavior. The screen colors change substantially when switching between Natural and Vivid models on older Samsung phones. You can see a side-by-side comparison between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S21 Ultra in the image below. User reports on Reddit, X, and Samsungs community forums suggest this is a common problem across the Galaxy S24 lineup. The companys official customer support staff couldnt explain what was happening or fix the issue. Some users speculated it to be caused by the new Gorilla Armor screen. However, only the Ultra has it (the other two models have Gorilla Glass Victus 2), so that is probably a false assumption. A more likely explanation of the issue is a software bug causing the Vivid toggle to function inaccurately. If that is the case, Samsung should be able to fix it with a software update. As of this writing, the company has yet to comment on the matter. Advertisement The new Samsung flagships have a few more pesky issues This isnt the only problem Galaxy S24 users are complaining about. The new Samsung flagships have a few more pesky issues. The Always on Display (AOD) doesnt have a landscape mode and lacks separate brightness controls. Its brightness is linked to the main screen, which could be too bright for the night. Some users arent happy with the camera performance either. Thankfully, all of these issues are fixable with software updates. We will let you know when a fix arrives. Galaxy AI fans just had their bubbles burst in a big way. Not too long ago, the company announced that all of the cool and amazing AI features we saw during Galaxy Unpacked will be available to use for free. until the end of 2025. This sparked an uproar throughout the Galaxy Community, as theres a lot of confusion surrounding this announcement. Well, Samsung is confident that people will pay for Galaxy AI features. There are a few things to note. We are still nearly two years from the cutoff date, so anything could change in the intervening time. Also, we are still very much in the dark on a lot of details. All we know is that all the features will be free to use until the end of 2025. We have no idea how Samsung is going to eventually monetize its AI features. This leaves us all with questions that probably will not be answered until the end of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Check out these phones on Best Buy Samsung believes that people would want to pay for Galaxy AI features To be quite frank, were not sure that even Samsung knows whats going to happen at this point. The company has been pretty hush-hush about this news, only reiterating its statement when asked for comment. However, a recent interview with the Economic Times shines a little bit of light on Samsungs mentality. TM Roh, the president of Samsung Telecommunications, said in a statement: According to our analysis, there are various needs for mobile AI. So, there will be consumers who will be satisfied with using the AI capabilities for free. Then there could also be customers who wish for even more powerful AI capabilities, and even pay for them. So, in the future decision making, we will take all these factors into consideration. Advertisement What Samsungs statement could mean The statement brings a few things to the surface. For starters, as noted by DroidLife, Samsung could possibly be looking to charge for augmented AI capabilities while leaving many of the core AI features, the ones were seeing now, free for users. Maybe the paid Galaxy AI features will be powered by a more advanced AI model. That seems very feasible, but its speculation. Another thing this statement reveals is that Samsung is still feeling this whole thing out. In the quote, we see the statement in the future decision making, we will take all these factors into consideration. It sounds like the company is not set in stone quite yet on its decision. This makes sense, as this is the first time Samsung has offered advanced generative AI features on its phones. The company doesnt really have any data on how people are using Galaxy AI. At the time of writing this article, pre-orders are still shipping to users, and many of them wont even land in hands until March. So, the company doesnt really have concrete user data on how people are using these features, which ones people are using the most, which ones people arent using, and so on. Samsung is going to have to take these two years to get the raw customer data and come up with a business plan for what its going to charge. So, only time will tell how Samsung is going to tell what the company is planning on doing. The Sony Xperia 1 VI will seemingly include three 48MP cameras on the back, and the details just surfaced. This info comes from @INSIDERSONY X account and was relayed by Notebookcheck.net. The Sony Xperia 1 VI is tipped to use three 48MP cameras on the back All three 48MP cameras that will sit on the back are Exmor T cameras for mobile, a sensor with a two-layer Transistor Pixel. As a reminder, the Xperia 1 V used a single 48MP Exmor T sensor on the back. That was its main unit, while the other two were 12MP cameras. Sony is boosting the other two cameras this time around. Advertisement Advertisement The main 48MP camera sensor measures 1/1.4-inch and it has a 1.12um pixel size. The lens aperture is set at f/1.4. Full-pixel dual-PD autofocus is also in use here, while that camera can deliver 2x optical zoom. The ultrawide camera on the phone measures 1/2.7 inches, and it has a pixel size of 0.6um. That camera also features Sonys 22 On-Chip Lens (OCL) tech with enhanced sensitivity, capture resolution, dynamic range, and speed. 3x optical zoom will be on offer, along with 6x sensor crop zoom The third Exmor T camera on the back is a telephoto camera of sorts, and it has the same sensor size as the ultrawide camera. It supports 3x optical zoom and 6x sensor crop zoom. Furthermore, the source claims that the Sony Xperia 1 VI will launch on February 26. A poster he shares claims that the phone is arriving at that date and that it will launch in Barcelona, as part of the Mobile World Congress (MWC). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor will be used to fuel this smartphone, almost certainly. High-end specs all around are expected, and this could be the last Xperia smartphone we end up seeing, at least a flagship one. Sony is tipped to ditch the Xperia branding altogether starting next year. Do note the information regarding the cameras and the launch date with a pinch of salt, though. Well wait for at least one usual suspect (well-known tipster) to reconfirm this information because we take it for granted. The European Unions Digital Markets Act will take effect in March, and that means the way certain big tech companies operate in the region is changing. The DMA gives the EU the authority to designate large companies as gatekeepers. Apple, as well as a few of its competitors, is designated as a gatekeeper. Then, the EU can designate a gatekeepers service as a core platform service if it is a crucial connector to businesses and customers in the region. Apples App Store was considered a core platform service, so the company released a DMA compliance plan last week. But according to Spotify, Apples DMA plan is a complete and total farce. To sum it up, Apples plan to comply with the DMA appears to fit the letter of the law, but not the spirit of the law. The DMA requires that core platform service be open and cross-platform, so sideloading, third-party stores and payments, and third-party default browsers are coming to iOS users in the EU. However, Apple is retaining its historic level of control over iOS and the App Store, even with the changes. Apple will still take fees from developers who go outside the App Store, for example. Developers are also subject to app reviews still. Advertisement Advertisement What Spotify is saying about Apples DMA plan To say that app developers are unhappy with the result is an understatement. Many were hoping that the changes would allow an alternative to Apples fees. Additionally, the changes are limited to people within the EU. The European Commission designated Apple as a gatekeeper because of their excessive fees and anti-competitive terms. Apple has proposed an unworkable alternative that developers would have to be locked into until the end of their businesses, Spotify said in its release. Essentially, Apple is rendering the DMAs goals of offering more choice and more control to consumers useless. Spotify calls out a few of Apples rules that it claims to be unfair. First, theres the new fee for app downloads in the EU. After an app reaches one million downloads, the developer owes Apple 0.50 for each first annual install per year. Separately, developers will owe Apple a 10% or 17% commission on sales. The important thing to note here is that developers can either accept these new terms in the EU, or stick with the current App Store rules. Spotify itself faces an untenable situation. With our EU Apple install base in the 100 million range, this new tax on downloads and updates could skyrocket our customer acquisition costs, potentially increasing them tenfold, said Spotify CEO Daniel Ek in a post on X. Under the new terms, we cannot afford these fees if we want to be a profitable company, so our only option is to stick with the status quo. It remains to be seen whether Apples moves will appease EU regulators. Spotify, for one, thinks that Apple is skirting regulation with its DMA compliance plan. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra might go official in less than a month. According to a new report coming from China, the new Android flagship will launch by the end of February. The phone recently popped up on Geekbench with Android 14 and 16GB RAM. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra nears its launch In October 2023, Xiaomi announced the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro as the first two phones with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Three months later, the company has yet to bring the devices to global markets. They are limited to Xiaomis home country, China. In the meantime, the firm is readying a third model in the series. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to top the lineup with the beefiest specs of all. Advertisement Advertisement A recent leak revealed that the new phone will bring a camera upgrade to the table. It will feature a 50MP primary rear camera, which is a Sony LYT-900 1-inch-type sensor with a variable aperture of f/1.6 and f/4.0. The 50MP periscope telephoto zoom camera will reportedly have a f/2.5 lens and 120mm focal length. The device also has a 50MP ultrawide camera and a second 50MP zoom camera. Other rumored specs of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra include a curved OLED display with a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, a 5,180mAh battery with 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, two-way satellite communication, and Android 14-based HyperOS. Noted Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station recently suggested that Xiaomi will unveil the phone at the end of February. While we dont have a precise date, the reported timeframe aligns with MWC 2024 in Barcelona. The company might announce a global launch of all three Xiaomi 14 models at the event. Hopefully, the Ultra will be available globally. Xiaomi limited the 11 Ultra and 12S Ultra to China. The phone showed up in a new Geekbench listing As we wait for the Xiaomi 14 Ultras launch, the phone showed up in a new Geekbench listing earlier today. The 16GB RAM variant scored 9,317 in single-core CPU tests and 26,523 in multi-core CPU tests on Geekbench v4. For reference, the Exynos 2400-powered Galaxy S24+ scored 9,043 and 25,655, respectively. So, the scores are on par with what is expected from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. We will let you know when we have more information about the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, including its launch date. NOKWANE Minister of ICT Savannah Maziya means business and wants the parastatals under her ministry to stop relying on government for subventions. The minister of Information Communication and Technology (ICT), whom many have described as a breath of fresh air due to her leadership and business acumen, said it was high-time some government parastatals learnt to stand on their own. Maziya had a busy day yesterday, where she toured two parastatals under her portfolio, the first being the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP). She vowed to scrutinise the RSTP budget, as she demanded that every cent should count. She said RSTP was the engine of the ministry, and as such, the organisation should do things correctly. She said at the moment, RSTP did not have an image out there and it seemed it was not doing quite well. In that regard, the minister said they had a lot of ground to cover, in terms of reputation. Workers During the engagements between the minister and the staff members, one of the workers raised a concern that some of the departments had limited vehicles and this limited their services to the nation. In response, the minister said she could not promise them cars. However, she said if they could present their solid client base, which they wanted to service and would in turn generate revenue, the ministry could see what it could do. We cannot have enough cars because every government department, including the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), want vehicles, the minister said. She said government did not have enough money to buy all the required cars, thus she would demand that they should present solid clients, which they wanted to service with the vehicles they wanted. We should move away from always asking. There are many children in this family, the minister said. She said they needed to do better in handling their finances. She said they needed to be responsible by being innovative and in a cost-effective manner. It has been noted that some things were bought at ridiculous prices. Therefore, we will scrutinise the budget we give you. You need to stretch what you have and be able to do more with less, the minister said. She said RSTP should globalise its services, as opposed to focusing on selling locally, because the establishment would not grow as Eswatini had a population of 1.2 million. She said inasmuch as it was important to serve the nation, it was equally imperative for them to globalise and commercialise their services to stop relying on government. For example, the minister said at RSTP, they had a state-of-the-art national contact centre and national data server, but they did not show the country and world what they were doing. She emphasised that government would not have money for all the things they would require, hence they needed to go out there to market their services and find ways of commercialising their programmes. Work towards reaching your potential, the minister said. She also challenged the RSTP staff members to update themselves in the field and outside their disciplines. She added that she wanted them to move forward in a different approach, where managers should open doors for the staff members to reach their potential, instead of oppressing them. Also, she said managers should treat the staff members well and in turn, they (workers) should return the favour. The minister added that she had an open door policy and urged the staff members to feel free to approach the office of the chief executive officer (CEO) and principal secretary if they had ideas that would be a game changer. If you feel they are not treating you well, do not hesitate to come straight to me, the minister said. She added that all she wanted to see from the RSTP team was commitment in serving the nation. Strategies On another note, another staff member said in terms of strategies, there was a gap between government and RSTP. She said government planned its own strategy alone, such that there was no link with what was expected of RSTP. In that regard, the staff member said they needed to have constant exchange of information between the two. In response to that, the minister agreed with the staff members. Therefore, she said she would be meeting CEOs of the various departments which were under her ministry. Again, the minister said they would soon present the ministrys five-year strategy to all the departments, that everyone, from CEO to cleaner, knew it. This, she said, would create a conducive environment to have seamless machinery. Commitment Meanwhile, RSTP CEO Vumile Dlamini thanked the minister for visiting them and for her advice. He also said they appreciated the commitment she made that she would work hand-in-hand with RSTP as they put the plans into action. It is worth noting that in the past few years, governments subvention to RSTP was not less than E60 million. At Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC), the minister also challenged the corporation to find ways to decrease its reliance on government subvention. Maziya said EPTC must rely less on government, but still service the public sector and the general public more. She stated that they must be able to generate their own income. Right now government gives you money, but you cannot look on government to come and save you. We have a strong Board and very smart people around us; we got to be able to use the young people to create ways to sustain EPTC, Maziya said. According to Maziya, in the first two weeks in office, they put together a strategy and further looked at how they could collaborate with the other agencies to be more effective. She said it was a fact that post offices globally were closing shop and they should find ways to keep theirs relevant. Maziya challenged EPTC to be future thinkers and not to be stuck in the past. She said they should come up with ideas and projects to ensure that the parastatal continued to be relevant, while also continuing to service the business community and the general public. The country needs to lead in ICT and we must find ways to ensure that we lead, she said.The EPTC Board Chairperson, Mtiti Fakudze, said the minister gave them a mandate that they should think about the future. Challenges Fakudze said their mandate was not to think about challenges but to find ways to avert all challenges within EPTC. He acknowledged that funds were a challenge at EPTC, but through their strategy, they would foster a turnaround. He said they needed to think fast and be ahead, so that EPTC was competitive. Fakudze thanked the minister for showing them the direction but they were yet to sit down and engage as a Board. The minister assured the Board that she had an open door policy. She said she was happy to advise where she could. Maziya explained that she would have issues if she kept coming back to the same problems and excuses, that government was not giving them money. She said government coffers were not growing but they could grow if they worked together as a team. Reports on social media of discussions during an internal executive meeting of the DUP were not a true reflection of what happened, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has insisted. Sir Jeffrey said the word betrayal was used in the meeting to describe whoever leaked details of events to loyalist activist Jamie Bryson. Following a marathon party executive meeting in Co Down, the DUP leader indicated that powersharing in Northern Ireland is set to return after members backed a Government deal aimed at addressing its concerns over post-Brexit trade barriers. Jamie Bryson posted updates on social media from the private DUP meeting (Liam McBurney/PA) DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he would drop the blockade on devolution at Stormont once the Government implemented the various legislative assurances and other measures it has offered his party. Efforts by the DUP hierarchy to keep details of their meeting secret appeared seriously undermined when Mr Bryson, a vocal opponent of the deal to return to Stormont, posted on X, formerly Twitter, what he said were live updates from the confidential briefing posts that included details of apparent attempts to find out who was leaking the information to Mr Bryson. When he spoke to the media after the meeting, Sir Jeffrey was asked if he felt betrayed that someone from his party had been leaking details to Mr Bryson. He said: I have not yet seen all of what was on Twitter, but I have seen a summary of some of it and I can say absolutely clearly, what was being reported on social media does not reflect what was happening in that meeting. There are things on social media tonight purporting to be said in that meeting that are a misrepresentation of what was said and what was happening. But it disappoints me it disappoints me that perhaps there may have been someone in that meeting who was prepared to share some information with others outside of the meeting. The DUP leader added: You used the word betrayal. No-one tonight in our meeting at any stage, or in meetings of my party officers has ever used that word, but it was used to describe the person who was leaking out information that was part of a private meeting. Lord Cameron will pledge that Britain will do everything it can to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from spilling over borders during a return visit to the Middle East. The Cabinet minister will this week make his fourth visit to the region since being appointed Foreign Secretary in November as he presses for a de-escalation of tensions. Starting in Oman, the senior Conservative peer is expected to call for stability amid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and an immediate pause in the conflict in Gaza as he looks to work diplomatically to stop the Israel-Hamas war from escalating into a wider conflict. An attack by Iran-backed militia in Jordan over the weekend that killed three US troops and left dozens injured has stoked fresh fears of a western confrontation with Tehran. The UK, the US and other allies have looked to police the Red Sea after the Houthis, another Iran-backed rebel group, based in Yemen, began targeting commercial shipping on the vital global trade route in recent months. The US and the UK launched a second round of joint strikes against the rebels but it appears to have done little to deter the Houthi missiles. A British-linked oil tanker went up in flames after a strike claimed by the Yemen-based group on Friday, before a further attack on HMS Diamond, a Royal Navy destroyer stationed in the Red Sea, was repelled. Speaking before his return to the Middle East, Lord Cameron said: The Houthis continue to attack ships in the Red Sea, risking lives, delaying vital aid getting to the Yemeni people and disrupting global trade. HMS Diamond fired its Sea Viper missile to shoot down a drone over the Red Sea (MoD/Crown Copyright/PA) And we cannot ignore the risk that the conflict in Gaza spreads, spilling over borders into other countries in the region. We will do everything we can to make sure that does not happen escalation and instability is in nobodys interests. In Gaza, there is an urgent need for an immediate pause to allow aid in and hostages out. We are determined to do all we can to press for a sustainable ceasefire, and are stepping up our engagement with countries in the region to make sure that happens. The Foreign Office said the Red Sea crisis is likely to form a major focus of the former prime ministers discussions during the trip. Officials described the visit as an opportunity to advance the Foreign Secretarys proposal for a so-called contact group which he wants to see formed between the UK, the US, key European Union states, Turkey and Gulf and Arab countries that can use a potential future pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas to build momentum towards a lasting solution. In Oman, the Foreign Secretary is expected to meet his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi to discuss de-escalating rising tensions across the region. Lobbying rules need to be overhauled to create a firewall between UK politicians and the influence of fossil fuel companies, Caroline Lucas told the Commons. The Green Party MP said governments have for years colluded in frankly criminal decisions that have led to more fossil fuel extraction despite warnings from scientists about climate change. The MP for Brighton, Pavilion warned of a revolving door between parliamentarians and ministers and fossil fuel companies and said the industry should be banned from donating to MPs and political parties and from paying for their events or gifts. The Green Party MP has said that fossil fuels need to take their money out of politics (Victoria Jones/PA) Speaking during an adjournment debate in the Commons, the former party leader said: We have to ask ourselves the question: why this Government and other governments before them have presided over and colluded in the frankly criminal decisions that have seen yet more oil, gas and coal continue to be explored and exploited. And I believe that the answer to that question can be traced largely back to one consistent factor: the role of the fossil fuel industry in our politics. She added: Of course lobbying happens, but I think theres a line that gets crossed where money starts to change hands and there are perceptions never mind what the reality is there are perceptions certainly of members and groups potentially pursuing interests that are to their own advantage rather than to the public good. She said over the decades when climate scientists have been warning of the rapidly shrinking window to avert a climate emergency that lobbyists have been denying the science and then delayed and weakened and sabotaged climate action. She said the money comes with strings attached, adding: I think there can be no conceivable justification for allowing the fossil lobby to directly or indirectly buy favours with politicians. So no donating to MPs or to political parties. Certainly no fossil fuel company sponsorship of political party conferences, she added. She said the fossil fuel industrys dirty fingerprints can be seen all over our politics and its time to clean things up, calling for a firewall between the industry and decision-making. It is time to close the revolving doors, no side jobs, not cosy secondments, no blind trusts putting things into the name of your spouse or raking in money through shares or second jobs, and of course tougher sanctions for breaches of the rules, she said. Among other changes recommended, she said there should be no industry representation on Government panels, research or advisory bodies, no staff exchanges and longer periods of time between people serving in Parliament and joining fossil fuel companies. She said: These companies should have no place in our politics, it is undemocratic and it is deeply dangerous for climate action given their priority is putting forward policies that are actively and significantly undermining the UKs climate commitments. Responding for the Government, Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart said: The Governments firm belief is that lobbying activity has an important and legitimate role to play in the policy development process, so long as interactions between lobbyists and political actors are properly declared. We support the existing rules which apply to the lobbying industry, to Government and to Parliament, both to individual members and informal groups and APPGs (All-party parliamentary groups), and shall continue to drive forward reforms to improve transparency. She may disagree, but in a democratic society, public policy is best informed by engagement and political debate. Elected representatives have to meet a wide range of people, not just people they agree with. This is democratic engagement. Such debate should be supported by an independent free press and then at the ballot box we should trust the people. Home Secretary James Cleverly has met his French counterpart in Paris, with the pair promising to build closer ties to tackle crossings in the Channel. The meeting between Mr Cleverly and French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Tuesday evening comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hopes to show progress in his promise to stop the boats. More than 1,000 migrants have arrived in the UK so far this year after crossing the Channel, as the Home Secretary acknowledged that figures were comparable to last year. Speaking to broadcasters in Paris, he said: If you look at the figures, they are comparable, they are not what any of us would want to see. But it is also the case that just before these figures, we had an extended period of no crossings at all. And we will continue to make sure that the work that our French partners have done preventing attempted crossings will continue. The Home Office said the pair would seek to accelerate co-operation efforts between the two countries, as Mr Cleverly praised the exemplary commitment from French officials. France has been tasked with stepping up efforts to prevent Channel crossings in recent years by deploying more police and drawing on extra equipment and facilities in the wake of deals with the UK worth 191.3 million between 2018 and 2022 and 480 million that Mr Sunak promised to spend between 2023 and 2026. In a statement, the Home Secretary said: The UK and France are friends, neighbours and partners. Our co-operation against the full range of security threats and challenges is vital for both our countries and for Europe. A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, earlier this month (Gareth Fuller/PA) France is an essential partner to prevent illegal migration. The UK continues to support the challenges faced by French law enforcement, operating under increasingly difficult circumstances to save lives and disrupt organised criminal gangs. Their commitment is exemplary and the results are impressive. I want to thank my friend Gerald Darmanin for his continued leadership and support in tackling the small boat crisis and pledge to see our countries continue to work closely together, not least as France takes on the challenge of hosting the Olympics this summer. The pair discussed convening the group of northern European countries, the Calais group, later this year to bolster European-level efforts to stop illegal migration. We are committed to stopping the boats. Close working with our French partners meant 26,000 attempted Channel crossings were prevented in 2023. Find out more about the action we are taking pic.twitter.com/M67LSIA3NJ Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) January 29, 2024 Mr Darmanin said: In the follow-up of 2023, France and the UK will deepen their co-operation, which is essential in the very intense fight against violent and reckless smugglers networks. They will also continue calling for a UK-EU agreement on migration issues so as to better manage illegal as well as legal migration. Besides, their joint action will also cover the security of major upcoming events this year, with a particular focus on the Summer Olympics. The dialogue between our two countries should also help improve the fight against radicalisation as well as crimes committed online. Drinks giant Diageo revealed a slump in profits over the past half-year as it was particularly weighed down by a plunge in demand in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Guinness and Gordons gin maker saw shares dip in early trading on Tuesday after it revealed some shoppers are shifting towards cheaper drinks. However, its British business saw positive growth as it was boosted again by soaring demand for Guinness. The FTSE 100 firm recorded an operating profit of 3.3 billion US dollars (2.6 billion) for the six months to December 31, down 11.1% against the same period a year earlier. It came after the group issued a surprise profit warning late last year. Diageo owns gin brands such as Gordons and Tanqueray (Diageo/PA) On Tuesday, Diageo reported that net sales dipped by 1.4% to 11 billion US dollars (8.7 billion) on the back on unfavourable foreign exchange rates and a sharp slump in sales through its Latin America and Caribbean division. Revenues in the region slid by 23%, or 310 million dollars (244 million) over the half-year. It said the drop was caused by weaker consumer demand and high inventory levels in the region. Elsewhere, Diageo revealed a 10% rise in net sales in Europe, despite declines in Eastern Europe. The group said it was buoyed by a strong performance in Great Britain and Ireland, where sales rose by 9% and 10% respectively. It reported continued strong sales of Guinness across Britain, with the drink remaining the UKs most popular pint after knocking Carling off the pedestal last year. Diageo also reported a 17% jump in sales for Johnnie Walker across Europe during the half-year. However, recent weakness in gin continued, with volumes of Gordons and Tanqueray dropping across the Continent during the period, although this was largely offset through higher pricing. Diageo chief executive Debra Crew said: Looking ahead to the second half of fiscal 2024, despite continued global economic volatility, we expect to deliver improvement in organic net sales and organic operating profit growth at the group level, compared to the first half. While the macro environment will continue to present challenges, I am confident that we remain well-positioned and resilient for the long term. We are diversified by category, price point and region and will continue to invest behind our iconic brands to maintain our position as an industry leader in total beverage alcohol, an attractive sector with a long runway for growth. The Arab Health Exhibition and Congress, which was opened on January 29 by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister is expected to welcome over 51,000 attendees. The four-day healthcare showcase under the show theme of Connecting Minds, Transforming Healthcare, Arab Health, is the largest gathering of healthcare professionals and businesses in the Mena region. The 2024 edition of the show is also the largest to date in terms of exhibition space, dominating every hall of the Dubai World Trade Centre, with 3,450 exhibitors and an expected 110,000 professional healthcare visits representing 180 countries from around the world. Continuing Medical Education The Arab Health Congress is featuring ten Continuing Medical Education (CME) conferences dedicated to over 23,600 professional healthcare visitors, where they will hear from more than 330 expert speakers during over 165 sessions. Ross Williams, Exhibition Director for Informa Markets, said: Arab Health's standing as the premier healthcare trade show in the region is based on its comprehensive approach, global reach, unwavering commitment to innovation, and the opportunities it provides for learning, networking, and collaboration within the healthcare sector ultimately delivering the ultimate healthcare experience. "With a sharp focus on groundbreaking technology and transformative products enhancing patient care, the next four days promise to be a catalyst for the future of healthcare in the region and on a global scale. This impact is amplified by our international reach and the exceptional calibre of exhibitors showcased, making it a game-changing event for the industry worldwide." New Era of Public Health Elsewhere on the opening day, Dr Ramadan Al Balooshi from Dubai Health Authority outlined a vision for a New Era of Public Health during the opening session at the Public Health Conference, while the World Health Organisations (WHO) Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, highlighted the lessons learnt during Covid-19 and the importance of leadership. Arab Health 2024 is supported by various government entities, including the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Government of Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority, the Department of Health, and the Dubai Healthcare City Authority. Key partners include the National Healthcare Champion, PureHealth; Premium healthcare partner, American Hospital; Exclusive healthcare partner, Dr Sulaiman Al Habib; Exclusive health services partner, Emirates Health Services; Global health partner, M2; Future health partner, Neom; Innovation partner, GE HealthCare; and Exclusive AI partner, Canon Medical.--TradeArabia News Service A former Metropolitan Police officer has been acquitted of five counts of rape, an admin officer at Kingston Crown Court said. Jade Ebanks, of Kilburn, north-west London, was found not guilty of charges, which alleged he raped one woman on several occasions before he joined the force. The 30-year-old, who joined the Met in June 2021, had been accused of committing the offences between 2018 and 2020. Ebanks was suspended from duty as a police constable after he was arrested in May 2022. The former officer, who was based with the forces North West Basic Command Unit, resigned a week before he was charged on April 28 last year. The cast of Genius: MLK/X have remembered special late co-star Ron Cephas Jones for his kindness, commitment and resilience while he battled pulmonary disease on set. Stars Kelvin Harrison Jr, Aaron Pierre, Weruche Opia and Jayme Lawson appeared on the yellow carpet at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Los Angeles ahead of the fourth instalment of the biographical anthology series on National Geographic. The Emmy-nominated series gives an intimate look at the complex lives of Martin Luther King Jr (Harrison Jr) and Malcolm X (Pierre), following on from previous seasons focusing on the lives of Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso and Aretha Franklin. Kelvin Harrison Jr arrives at the premiere of Genius: MLK/X (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) Chevalier star Harrison Jr spoke about working alongside Cephas Jones, who played Elijah Muhammad in the series but died aged 66 in August last year due to a long-standing pulmonary issue. Jones had a double lung transplant in 2020 because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which causes breathing difficulties and spent nearly two months in a hospital in Los Angeles. Hes such an incredible actor, Ive always looked at his work, its next to none the level of detail he brings, the level of commitment, his transformation abilities, Harrison Jr told the PA news agency. I didnt get to directly work with him in the show but I remember seeing him off-set and he was always so kind and so warm and he held us with so much love because he knew what the responsibilities we were about to take on. I am so grateful for that man. Lawson, who plays Malcolm Xs wife Betty Shabazz, described Cephas Jones as inspirational. Jayme Lawson arrives at the premiere of Genius: MLK/X at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) He was battling on set and I havent seen anything like that, I havent seen commitment and resilience even through the fight that he was fighting personally, she said. He still had joy and he was still in a place to receive something from us and to teach us thats special. You dont meet too many people like that and so for the short time I did get to meet him, I was truly honoured to have that privilege. British-Nigerian star Opia, who plays Harrison Jrs on-screen wife Coretta Scott King, also described it as an honour to watch the talent of Cephas Jones and to be in a project that was one of his last ones. Speaking about feeling the pressure to portray important figures of history, she said: We know a lot about Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr, but we dont know a lot about the wives. If they didnt have their wives, the women who were actually important and instrumental to who these men were, if they didnt have those wives I dont believe they would have been the men they were. Weruche Opia arrives at the premiere of Genius: MLK/X at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) Producer and co-director Crystle Roberson said Cephas Jones, who won two Emmy Awards for his role as William Hill in This Is Us, was a genius in his own right. He worked as an actor at a level that Ive never seen before, she told PA. His script notes were very intricate, every single line he thought about, he had intention behind, and it was like working with a genius, it really was, and Im so so happy I got a chance to work with him before he passed on. His work will speak volumes in this series. British star Pierre spoke about the pressure he felt stepping into the shoes of Malcolm X. Aaron Pierre arrives at the premiere of Genius: MLK/X (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) What drew me to the project was the huge opportunity to portray a hero of mine and a hero of many, and to embark on a deep exploration of everything that he was and is and in doing that I was terrified, he told PA. But I leaned into that fear and I made that propel me forward, propel me to seek and to convey him in the most authentic and truthful capacity that I had the ability to do. He said that most people see Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X as diametrically opposed, but he sees them as opposing forces that ran parallel. They had the same objective, the same end goal, they just had different perspectives on what was most conducive on how to achieve that main goal, he added. Genius: MLK/X will debut on February 3 at 9pm with a double bill on National Geographic. More than 30 million worth of illegal medicines were seized in the UK in 2023, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has said. The regulator worked with law enforcement agencies to confiscate more than 15.5 million doses of illegally traded medicines. This included more than two million doses found during Operation Pangea an international initiative co-ordinated by Interpol, last year involving more than 80 countries, cracking down on medicines crime. In 2023, six MHRA investigations resulted in significant jail sentences for many of those convicted, the agency said. Prescription-only anti-anxiety medicines, opioids and sleeping pills were among the drugs found over the course of last year, as well as falsified and unlicensed lifestyle products like erectile dysfunction and hair loss medications. Also seized were a small number of aesthetic products such as Botox and weight loss products containing semaglutide a drug approved for NHS use by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in March last year to help tackle obesity. The MHRA also disrupted more than 12,000 websites illegally selling medical products and shut down almost 3,000 social media profiles during the year. Andy Morling, MHRA deputy director of criminal enforcement, said: Public safety is our number one priority. Our criminal enforcement unit works hard to prevent, detect and investigate illegal activity involving medicines and medical devices, to protect people and defeat this harmful trade. This year, working with partners across public and private sectors, our efforts have led to more medicines seizures than ever, custodial sentences for offenders, the removal of criminal profits, and considerable success in disrupting the trade online. We would urge everyone to think very carefully before buying medicines they see online and to take the necessary steps to assure themselves the seller is legitimate. Buying powerful medicines from illegitimate sellers poses a real and immediate danger to your health, as you have no idea what they might actually contain. Unlicensed medicine will not have been assessed by the MHRA for its safety, effectiveness or the quality of its manufacturing and distribution. The agency warned that anyone buying such a product cannot be sure what it contains or whether it will cause them harm. The seizure figures include all those made by the MHRA between January 1 and December 31 last year, as well as seizures made with law-enforcement partners between January 1 and September 30. Data from partner agencies for seizures made between October 1 and the end of December has not yet been submitted to the MHRA, the agency clarified. Anyone who suspects their product is fake is encouraged to report it to the MHRAs Yellow Card scheme: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/. Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has said he has no regrets about posting live social media updates from a confidential DUP meeting over a Government deal to address concerns over post-Brexit trading arrangements. Mr Bryson, an outspoken critic of the proposals which are expected to lead to the return of the powersharing institutions in Northern Ireland, also denied he misrepresented elements of the meeting. The PA news agency understands that Mr Bryson was able to relay live updates of DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldsons speech with the use of a recording device from someone inside the meeting. The loyalists posts on X, formerly Twitter, included apparent attempts from within the meeting to find out who was leaking the information to him. Asked if regretted his actions, Mr Bryson said: Absolutely not. No criticism from unionists opposed to the protocol and who have a right to know what is going on in this glossy powerpoint presentation. I did not share any of the details of the private contributions in the DUP in that meeting, simply the PowerPoint presentation of what Sir Jeffrey was claiming was on the table. During a press conference after the DUP meeting, Sir Jeffrey said the social media posts were not a true reflection of what occurred. He also said the word betrayal was used in the meeting to describe whoever leaked the details. Mr Bryson responded: I think Jeffrey should reflect very carefully on that. If there is anything he feels was a misrepresentation, I think he should particularise what he said was a misrepresentation and we can let the public decide for themselves. DUP leader Sir Jeffery Donaldson said social media posts were not a true account of what happened at a party meeting (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Bryson said he does not believe the deal the DUP has negotiated with the Government will lead to the removal of the so-called Irish Sea border. Sir Jeffrey has said the deal to restore Stormont powersharing will remove all post-Brexit checks on goods moving into Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. Mr Bryson added: Sir Jeffrey has set a high standard for himself zero checks, zero customs paperwork on goods staying in Northern Ireland. That requires tearing up the Northern Ireland Protocol and fundamentally changing the Windsor Framework. Lets see when this legislation comes through if this does what Jeffrey Donaldson says that it does. He added: The DUP Executive have only seen a PowerPoint presentation presented by those who negotiated the deal; they have not seen the legal text. Lets see what the legal text actually says. Mr Bryson has previously appeared publicly with the DUP leader at a number of rallies protesting against the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol. He said: We are fundamentally diverging on issues. I have not changed, I have maintained the same position from January 1 2021 when I said you need to collapse the institutions, make Stormont ungovernable, no unionist should implement the protocol. The DUP came to that position 14 months later and now they are trying to revert back to their initial position. No doubt they have made some progress and Sir Jeffrey deserves credit for that. But dont say you have removed the Irish Sea border, because you havent. K-pop band Stray Kids will headline the British Summer Time (BST) festival for the first time in 2024, it has been announced. The group, who won the best K-pop award for their single S-Class at last years MTV Video Music Awards, will perform in Londons Hyde Park on Sunday July 14 following headline acts Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli on July 5 and British superstar Robbie Williams on July 6. To all our UK STAYs we cannot wait to see you at BST Hyde Park, the eight-piece troupe said. Stray Kids are to headline BST festival in Londons Hyde Park (BST/PA) This is our first time performing at a UK festival and it is such an honour to play in Hyde Park where so many legends have played before us. Come dance with us. Jim King, the chief executive of European Festivals at AEG Presents, said: Were so excited to welcome international superstars Stray Kids to BST Hyde Park in July for the first time. Were honoured to bring Stray Kids to the stage in 2024, as this genre only continues to grow from strength to strength. The boy band from South Korea released their first 14-track debut album entitled Go Live in 2020. Robbie Williams will return to headline BST festival (Ian West/PA) Williams, who headlined in 2019, will return to BST festival with an array of hits from his two decades-long back catalogue as a solo artist. Williams left Take That in 1995 in the middle of their Nobody Else world tour. The group, which now comprises Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, headlined BST festival in 2023, bringing on stage Eurovision winner Lulu Kennedy-Cairns and Britains Got Talent star Calum Scott. Tickets go on sale on Monday February 12 at 10am. What did you miss? Drag artist Crystal, who has won a libel victory over actor-turned-political-activist Laurence Fox has said the star's downfall "is his doing". Former RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Crystal, who competed on the first UK series in 2019, was one of the two men a High Court judge ruled were libeled by the Lewis star when he called them "paedophiles" on social media. Crystal told Kay Burley in Sky News they were not ready to feel pity for Fox over his loss in court. Laurence Fox was found guilty of libel at the high court. (Getty Images) (Jordan Pettitt - PA Images via Getty Images) What, how and why? Burley asked Crystal if they had sympathy for Fox, to which they replied: "The downfall of his own career is his own doing... It's hard to [have sympathy] because I have spent the last three years feeling very attacked by him. I'm not there yet." Crystal - real name Colin Seymour - said: "I have sympathy for the people who have continually been targeted as paedophiles, nonces and groomers by the Far Right people that he's emboldened. I think there's a huge swathe of the population that are experiencing this nastiness right now and I think it's part of what he's contributed to creating." RuPaul's Drag Race UK contestant Crystal was called a paedophile by Laurence Fox. (Getty Images) (Santiago Felipe via Getty Images) Asked how Fox had appeared in court Crystal revealed: "Erratic. Defensive. He used the N word in the box. He defended Black face. He couldn't agree that saying I hate Black people is a racist statement. It was very hard to watch." The performance artist agreed with Burley that social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has become a "sewer". They said: "The day he called me a paedophile I received dozens of horrible, horrible messages. 'There's not enough bullets in the world', things like that. Horrible things to read and that hasn'tt stopped in the three years since." Crystal has given an interview on Sky News. (Sky News grab) (Sky News grab) Fox has shared his plan to appeal the decision on social media. He wrote on X: "I havent slept a wink, so forgive me if this is rambling..." Of his own libel claims he said: "If losing your entire career does not meet the threshold for serious harm, then I dont know what does." He added: "I feel utterly bereft and totally hopeless." Laurence Fox said he feels 'bereft and totally hopeless'. (Getty Images) (Jordan Pettitt - PA Images via Getty Images) Fox, 45, was sued by former Stonewall trustee Simon Blake and drag artist Crystal over a row on X in October 2020. Fox used the term 'paedophile' against Blake and Crystal in an exchange about a decision by Sainsbury's to celebrate Black History Month. The actor and musician counter-sued the pair and former Coronation Street actress Nicola Thorp over tweets which accused him of racism. High Court judge Justice Collins Rice ruled in favour of Blake and Seymour and dismissed Fox's arguments. Read more: Laurence Fox Lethal weapons found at house where man was shot dead by police in London Crossbows, a knife, a sword and a hatchet were found in a house where a man was shot dead by police in south London. Police were called to the address in Bywater Place, Surrey Quays, just before 5am on Tuesday. A 30-year-old man was trying to force his way into a building and was threatening to hurt people inside, police said. Unarmed officers tried to speak to him but were threatened, and when police marksmen arrived he had got into the building and was shot. The man, who was wearing body armour, was given first aid but died at the scene. Investigators from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IPOC) watchdog have been at the scene throughout the day. The dead man was known to at least one of the occupants of the address, the watchdog said. It also said police body-worn footage confirmed he was trying to threaten people at the address. Two shots were fired from a police issue firearm, which will be subject to further analysis. An IPOC spokesperson said: Among the weapons found at the scene were crossbows, a knife, a sword and a hatchet. A detailed search of the scene is continuing this evening and we have conducted house-to-house inquiries in the neighbourhood, which will continue in the coming days. Two people in the building suffered minor injuries. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, who has overall responsibility for firearms, said he firmly believes police actions prevented further loss of life. He added: The first unarmed officers knew they were arriving on scene to reports of man armed with weapons and threatening to harm people inside an address. The officers knew there were people inside and had genuine fears for their safety. Armed officers were called and attempted to get the man to surrender. They entered the property and shots were fired. I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of all our officers who responded and thank all the emergency service staff involved. Neighbours said they were woken up by a burst of screaming and shouting. Restaurant owner Akber Baloch, 52, said: I was sleeping and I heard some shouting. It was also like someone was banging a door. There was banging and shouting. It sounded like a man and a woman. He added: I was afraid about what was happening. I am really worried and it makes you feel insecure. I do not know who is wrong or right in this situation but it makes you feel insecure. IT consultant Valeria Bocanegra, 37, said: I could hear shouting but could not hear what was being said. I could hear someone screaming and then everything became quiet. I think it was a man and a woman fighting. It is quite a shock (to hear that someone has been shot). There is a family behind this situation. A man has died and it is a horrible situation. We declared an independent investigation at 6.40am into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a man by @metpoliceuk earlier this morning in #Southwark, south London. Investigators are at the scene as we begin gathering evidence. pic.twitter.com/PkNbYiEQvt Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) (@policeconduct) January 30, 2024 Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the noises made her dog bark and woke her up. She said: It sounded to me like someone was trying to get in or maybe banging furniture. The woman said: The dog was barking. There was a lot of shouting. There were lots of voices. You can see this sort of stuff on TV but when you see it is real and it is real peoples lives it is just really sad. It is going to be really traumatic for the people who were inside. Forensics officers could be seen working next to a white tent which had been set up behind a police cordon. Police tape, guarded by uniformed officers, blocked the winding roads around the scene which is surrounded by residential flats and terraced houses. Uniformed officers could also be seen patrolling the area. Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, responsible for policing Southwark, said: My thoughts are with all those affected by this incident. I understand the local community will be concerned at the events that have taken place this morning. We will fully support the IOPC investigation into the full circumstances of what happened. Police officers at the scene near Bywater Place in Surrey Quays (Lucy North/PA) IPOC regional director Mel Palmer said: Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragic incident. The mans next of kin have been informed and, in due course, we will be contacting them to explain our role. We will keep them regularly updated throughout our investigation. Given a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police. We appreciate that the community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts and piece together what occurred. The coroner has been notified and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. Fatal police shootings are relatively rare in the UK there were only three in the year to March 31 2023. The most recent Met fatality was the death of Giedrius Vasiljevas, 40, who was shot at his home in Dagenham, east London, in November after calling 999 to say he had loaded guns and wanted to take his own life. A man will appear in court charged with carrying a knife during an alleged hate crime, police have said. Gabriel Abdullah, 34, was arrested minutes after the incident that police said has left our Jewish communities shaken. Officers responded to reports of a man with a knife on Hamilton Road, Golders Green, north-west London, at around 1.27pm on Monday January 29, the force said. Members of the public intervened before officers arrived and Abdullah was arrested within 10 minutes of the incident, it added. The following day, Abdullah, of Hamilton Road, was charged with affray and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He will appear at Willesden Green Magistrates Court. Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, responsible for policing in north-west London, said: Yesterdays incident in Golders Green has understandably caused significant concern and left our Jewish communities shaken. I want to be clear, this matter is being treated as a hate crime and we are dedicating significant resources to the investigation. Our officers responded quickly and were on the scene within six minutes and able to arrest the suspect within 10 minutes of being called. I want to pay tribute to the members of the public who bravely intervened before police arrived. This is being investigated as a hate crime by specialist detectives from our Community Safety Unit. I want to offer my reassurance that officers from the Mets Counter Terrorism Command have carried out a full assessment of the incident and remain in contact with local officers as the investigation continues. While this is not a terror investigation, that in no way detracts from how seriously we are taking this incident. Myself and my senior team spoke with community leaders and other partners over the course of yesterday afternoon to update them on the investigation and keep them informed. This will continue into today and the days ahead. We have been carrying out additional patrols in Golders Green over recent months and these will now increase in light of this incident. Train services on some of the countrys busiest commuter routes will be crippled on Tuesday because of another strike by drivers. Members of Aslef are launching a wave of fresh walkouts in a long-running dispute over pay. Services are already being affected by a nine-day ban on overtime which started on Monday. On Tuesday drivers will strike at Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Thameslink and South Western Railway followed by walkouts at Northern Trains and TPE on Wednesday, at LNER, Greater Anglia and C2C on Friday, at West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast and East Midlands Railway on Saturday February 3 and at Great Western, CrossCountry and Chiltern on Monday February 5. South Western Railway urged passengers to only travel if absolutely necessary on Tuesday, warning that a significantly reduced service will operate on a limited number of lines. A statement said: Large parts of our network will be closed and trains will only run between 0700 and 1900. There will be no services outside of these times. (PA Graphics) There will be similar levels of disruption at other train operators embroiled in the dispute. Where services do run they will start later and finish earlier than usual. Picket lines will be mounted outside railway stations. Aslefs general secretary Mick Whelan says some drivers have not had a pay rise for almost five years. He has accused the Government of giving up trying to resolve the row. The strikes were expected to be the first test of the minimum service levels legislation, aimed at ensuring train operators could run 40% of services. But none of the train companies are using the new law, which the Government is also planning to extend to other sectors. An Aslef union steward (Danny Lawson/PA) Labour has said it will repeal the law if it wins the next general election. Downing Street expressed disappointment at rail operators who are not using the minimum service levels legislation. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told the Daily Mail: Theyre available for train operators to use a key tool that train operators themselves have asked for to reduce the impact of disruption on passengers. They should now use them. Now, the public rightly expect them to be deployed when strike action is called and for train operators to act in the best interests of their passengers. Mr Sunak said Aslef should accept the fair and reasonable pay deal that remains on the table. Its frustrating that yet again, Aslefs leadership have shown no interest in resolving this dispute while continuing their campaign of contempt for British passengers and taxpayers, who have subsidised the railways with 12 billion in the past year alone, he said. The choice for Aslef is clear continue this act of self-harm to their industry and drive more passengers away from the railways, or they can accept the fair and reasonable pay deal that remains on the table. A Department for Transport spokesperson said: Aslefs leadership is refusing to let their members vote on an offer that would see the average train drivers salary increase to 65,000. The Transport Secretary and Rail Minister have already facilitated talks that led to this fair and reasonable offer from industry. Aslef bosses should put it to their members so we can resolve the dispute, which has already happened with the RMT, TSSA and Unite unions. With passenger revenues not having recovered since the pandemic, the taxpayer has had to prop up the railways with 12 billion in the past year alone these strikes will not change the need for urgent workplace reforms that Aslef continue to block. Musicians sit beside abusers at award shows due to culture of silence, say MPs Musicians have to sit beside sexual abusers at award ceremonies, MPs have said as they warned that misogyny and discrimination is endemic in the industry. A report by the Women and Equalities Committee, released on Tuesday, found that there is a boys club where sexual harassment and abuse is common, and the non-reporting of such incidents is high. MPs heard evidence for the report, from the Musicians Union, heads of music festivals and record companies, during the misogyny in music inquiry. Caroline Nokes, chairwoman of the Women and Equalities Committee (Dominic Lipinski/PA) The report concluded: Women in the music industry have had their lives ruined and their careers destroyed by men who have never faced the consequences for their actions. Much of the evidence we received has had to remain confidential, including commentary on television shows and household names. That is highly regrettable but demonstrates the extent of the use of NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) and the culture of silence. People in the industry who attend award shows and parties currently do so sitting alongside sexual abusers who remain protected by the system and by colleagues. The music industry has always prided itself on being a vehicle for social change; when it comes to discrimination, and the harassment and sexual abuse of women, it has a lot of work to do. The committee asked ministers to stop NDAs being used in cases of sexual abuse, harassment, misconduct or bullying as victims are often threatened into silence. It also recommended that suspension of existing NDAs should be looked at along with licensing requirements for studios, music venues, managers of artists and the security staff. Chairwoman of the Women and Equalities Committee, Caroline Nokes MP, said: Womens creative and career potential should not have limits placed upon it by endemic misogyny which has persisted for far too long within the music industry. Our report rightly focuses on improving protections and reporting mechanisms, and on necessary structural and legislative reforms. However, a shift in the behaviour of men and it is almost always men at the heart of the music industry is the transformative change needed for talented women to quite literally have their voices heard and be both recognised and rewarded on equal terms. There is also a lack of representation at the highest level, the report says, as only one in 10 headliners at music festivals in the UK were women in summer 2023 and women represent less than a third of top-selling artists in music and 14% of songwriters. Our Misogyny in music report will be published next Tuesday. The report looks at misogynistic attitudes in the industry and how these attitudes impact on the wider society. Learn more about the inquiry https://t.co/4qYc4a5bMj pic.twitter.com/g2g7532eU9 Women & Equalities Committee (@Commonswomequ) January 26, 2024 However, last year seven of the top 10 tracks and 13 of the top 20 were by women. The report also found that gatekeepers judge women on their looks rather than ability and work has been lost because of people saying they are not attractive enough or do not have the right body type. Employers asking female musicians or some women in a band to promote a sexy image is not uncommon, the report also said. Other measures recommended include amending the Equality Act to ensure protection for freelance workers. Employers should also be required to protect workers from sexual harassment by third parties under law, MPs said. The committee want the music industry and Government to increase diverse talent funding and pathways for women to enter careers in talent scouting and oversee artists development, sound engineering and production. Organisations which have more than 100 employees should publish statistics on the diversity of their workforce and gender and ethnicity pay gaps, MPs say. The committee also hope that the newly created Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) will shine a light on bad behaviour in the music industry but warned that it is not a panacea for all of the problems in the industry and time will tell whether it has the powers required to drive the changes needed. A Government spokesperson said it is considering the recommendations and welcomed Creative UKs work and the creation of the CIISA. YolanDa Brown, musician and BPI chairwoman (Ian West/PA) They added: All women should be able to work in a music sector which is free from misogyny and discrimination. The industry must do all it can to ensure there is a supportive and safe working environment and to address any imbalances of power that exist. In a joint statement, Jo Twist, chief executive of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), and YolanDa Brown, musician and BPI chairwoman, said misogyny is completely unacceptable. They added: This report contains some thoughtful recommendations and recognises that all parts of our industry have a shared responsibility to tackle this important issue head on. We are already working with the wider music sector to build on the progress our label members are leading the way in making and in supporting the work of UK Music and the ongoing development of CIISA. As the committee acknowledges, record companies have increased representation of women in executive positions, and were seeing more women as artists and in their teams achieve success. Two killed, 4 injured in air attack by Ukraine military in Russia 18 Mar 2024 | 5:52 PM Moscow, Mar 18 (UNI) Two people were killed and four others injured as a result of an air attack by the Ukrainian armed forces in Russia's Belgorod Region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Monday. see more.. Afghan, Pak trade blows after suicide attack on Pakistani military Post 18 Mar 2024 | 5:39 PM Kabul, Mar 18 (UNI) Afghanistan and Pakistan targeted each other's border regions with strikes on Monday following a suicide attack on a Pakistani military outpost over the weekend. see more.. Japan's Kishida not planning elections until LDP lawmakers penalised for scandal 18 Mar 2024 | 3:37 PM Tokyo, Mar 18 (UNI) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida plans to take disciplinary action against the lawmakers of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) involved in the slush funds scandal before calling snap elections, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported on Monday. see more.. Leaders of 6 CIS states congratulate Putin on victory in prez election 18 Mar 2024 | 3:26 PM Minsk, Mar 18 (UNI) The leaders of six member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistanhave congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on his victory in the presidential election, noting the broad support of Russian citizens, the Kremlin said on Monday. see more.. People already beginning to see benefit of DUP deal over trading concerns DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has hailed a new agreement on the movement of some goods into Northern Ireland as he said people are already beginning to see the benefits of the deal his party has struck with the Government. Sir Jeffrey also predicted the green lane element of the Windsor Framework will go as he expressed hope that the Stormont powersharing institutions can be restored within days. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has said her party is satisfied that the 1998 Good Friday Agreement has not been damaged or undermined by the DUP deal over post-Brexit trading arrangements. The end of the two-year Stormont impasse was signalled in the early hours of Tuesday morning when Sir Jeffrey secured the backing of his party executive for Government proposals aimed at addressing his partys concerns over Brexits so-called Irish Sea border. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris speaks to the media in College Green, Westminster (Victoria Jones/PA) Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said he now believes that all the conditions are now in place for Stormont to return. The Government has said it will publish on Wednesday proposals to secure Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market and to strengthen the union. The parties eligible to participate in a revived ministerial executive met at Stormont Castle on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the next steps. As the parties were meeting, the UK Government and EU announced an update to the Windsor Framework which governs Irish Sea trade. The new decision allows Northern Ireland to better benefit from a free trade agreement secured by the UK Government covering agri-food foods. However, a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said this was not part of the agreement struck with the DUP. She added: This is separate this is an update on some separate work we have been working on with the European Commission. However, Sir Jeffrey said the change was one of the key elements in his negotiations with the Government. He said: I welcome the fact that we are now beginning to see the delivery of what was promised with the announcement today between the UK Government and the EU that there is further legal change that will be of real benefit to businesses in Northern Ireland, that ensures that Northern Ireland benefits fully from UK free trade deals. These were key elements in our requirements, in our negotiations with the Government. Those who said there will be no legal change, who were predicting things would fall short; I simply asked people to wait and see the outcome. Wait and see the evidence and judge for yourself what this deal does, what it delivers, the change that it secures. I believe we are now beginning to see on day one, that delivery coming through. The DUP leader also predicted that the agreement he had secured with the Government would lead to goods which are destined for Northern Ireland through the green lane element of the Windsor Framework, flowing freely from the rest of the UK. He said: On checks, on goods, moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and staying within the UK there will no longer by physical checks, identity checks, save where, as is normal in any part of the UK there is a suspicion of smuggling, of criminal activity; that is the same for every part of the United Kingdom. On customs paperwork, customs declarations, supplementary declarations, will be gone and therefore we believe this represents a significant change. Some people said youre going to take the green lane and paint it red, white and blue and put a flag on it. If someone wants to put a flag on it, whatever. As far as we are concerned, the green lane will go and be replaced by the UK internal market system that reflects the reality that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, that goods flowing within the United Kingdom, flow freely. That was our core key objective and I believe what we have secured represents real change and everybody will be able to see it for themselves. (left to right) Sinn Fein representatives MLA Conor Murphy, president Mary Lou McDonald and vice-president Michelle ONeill, speak to the media in the Great Hall at Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA) Sinn Fein president Mrs McDonald said her party had no concerns over the deal, which she said had been reached after painstaking work. She said: We have been in close contact with both governments, and indeed with Brussels. We are satisfied that no part of the Good Friday Agreement has been undermined or damaged. We also know that Brussels, Dublin, all parties are satisfied that what has been agreed stays between the hedges of Brussels and the European market and also the concerns that the DUP expressed. All of that has been accommodated and worked on painstakingly. The DUPs return to Stormont is dependent on the UK Government implementing the various legislative assurances and other measures it has offered. It is understood the Government will introduce two statutory instruments at Westminster to give legislative effect to the commitments it has made on trade and sovereignty. The return of Stormont will also see the Treasury release a 3.3 billion package to support under-pressure public services in Northern Ireland. The financial package includes money to settle the demands of striking public sector workers in the region this year. The DUP has been using a veto power to block Stormonts devolved institutions for two years in protest at the post-Brexit arrangements that have created trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Speaking at Westminster, Mr Heaton-Harris said he would publish the proposals on Wednesday. He said: I believe that all the conditions are now in place for the assembly to return. I look forward very much to the restoration of the institutions as soon as possible. There was a financial package worth over 3 billion offered to the parties before Christmas. This will absolutely be available to an incoming executive. The parties entitled to form an executive are meeting today to discuss these matters and I hope we will be able to finalise this deal with those parties as soon as possible and move forward. Meanwhile, Mr Sunak has told Irish premier Leo Varadkar that he was confident the latest developments in Northern Ireland pave the way for the restoration of powersharing in the region. Offering a readout of the talks between the two leaders, a No 10 spokesman said: The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach today to update him on the UK Governments negotiations with the DUP and Northern Ireland parties, following last nights positive step from the DUP. DUP leader Sir Jeffery Donaldson announced his deal at a 1am press conference in Co Down (Liam McBurney/PA) Sir Jeffrey announced his conditional support for a Stormont return at post-1am press conference in Co Down on Tuesday. That came after he had secured what he said was the decisive backing of the 130-strong party executive during a five-hour meeting on Monday night. He said DUP party officers, a key 12-strong decision-making body, had also mandated him to move forward on the basis he was proposing. During the powersharing impasse, the DUP has used seven tests to measure any proposals designed to address its concerns on the trading arrangements. Sir Jeffrey said the package on the table represented progress across all seven tests. Support for the deal is not unanimous within the DUP and several senior figures remain fiercely opposed to the proposed agreement to restore powersharing. Powersharing deal will remove all Brexit checks on GB-NI trade, says Donaldson A deal to restore Stormont powersharing will remove all post-Brexit checks on goods moving into Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK, the leader of the DUP has insisted. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson expressed hope that the Stormont institutions could be back up within days after he secured the backing of his party executive for Government proposals aimed at addressing the DUPs concerns over Brexits so-called Irish Sea border. The parties eligible to participate in a revived ministerial executive are due to meet later on Tuesday to discuss the next steps. Sir Jeffrey conceded that his party had not got everything it wanted in the negotiations with the UK Government, but he said the deal provided the basis for the DUP to drop its two-year blockade on devolution in Belfast. The lengthy wrangling over the shape of an agreement to resurrect powersharing has primarily been between the DUP and UK, but any move to remove all checks and customs paperwork on GB-NI trade would require EU support, as the arrangements that govern Irish Sea trade the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework have been jointly agreed between Brussels and London. Sir Jeffrey has made clear his partys return to Stormont is dependent on the UK Government implementing the various legislative assurances and other measures it has offered. Protesters outside Larchfield Estate where the DUP held its executive meeting on Monday night (Liam McBurney/PA) It is understood the Government will introduce two statutory instruments at Westminster to give legislative effect to the commitments it has made on trade and sovereignty. It is expected to publish details of the agreement on Wednesday. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has welcomed the DUP move and made clear the Government would deliver on its end of the deal. The return of Stormont will also see the Treasury release a 3.3 billion package to support under-pressure public services in Northern Ireland. The financial package includes money to settle the demands of striking public sector workers in the region this year. The DUP has been using a veto power to block Stormonts devolved institutions for two years in protest at the post-Brexit arrangements that have created trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. I welcome the public declaration by DUP Leader Jeffrey Donaldson that power-sharing will now be restored.The parties will come together later today. We have much to do to confront the challenges facing our public services, workers and families which require urgent action. Michelle ONeill (@moneillsf) January 30, 2024 The DUP leader said the if the Government moved with speed Stormont could be back within days. For the movement of goods within the United Kingdom, the protocol of course imposed severe restrictions on the movement of those goods these new arrangements remove those restrictions, he told BBC Radio Ulster. Zero checks, zero customs paperwork on goods moving within the United Kingdom. That takes away the border within the UK between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and that is something thats very important. Now, are these proposals perfect? Have we achieved everything that we wanted to achieve? No, we havent, I will be honest with people about what weve been able to deliver, the substantive change. DUP leader Sir Jeffery Donaldson MP (left) with deputy leader Gavin Robinson MP after a press conference in the early hours of Tuesday at the Hinch Distillery in Ballynahinch (Liam McBurney/PA) Sir Jeffrey announced his conditional support for a Stormont return at post-1am press conference in Co Down on Tuesday. That came after he had secured what he said was the decisive backing of the 130-strong party executive during a five-hour meeting on Monday night. He said DUP party officers a key 12-strong decision-making body had also mandated him to move forward on the basis he was proposing. During the powersharing impasse, the DUP has used seven tests to measure any proposals designed to address its concerns on the trading arrangements. Sir Jeffrey said the package on the table represented progress across all seven tests. Support for the deal is not unanimous within the DUP and several senior figures remain fiercely opposed to the proposed agreement to restore powersharing. Asked about the potential for dissent within the party, Sir Jeffrey added: I am confident that all members of the party will accept what was a decisive move by the party executive. The update from @J_Donaldson_MP is a welcome and significant step. I am grateful to Sir Jeffrey and colleagues for the constructive dialogue over the past months and to the other political parties in Northern Ireland for the patience they have shown during this time. 1/4 Chris Heaton-Harris MP (@chhcalling) January 30, 2024 Around 50 loyalist and unionist protesters assembled outside Monday nights meeting at the Larchfield estate in Co Down, many carrying posters and banners warning against a DUP sellout. Some shouted at DUP members as they drove into the grounds of the venue. Unionist critics of Sir Jeffreys move, both inside and outside the DUP, believe the Stormont boycott should only end when the contentious Northern Ireland Protocol, and the subsequent Windsor Framework, are scrapped. Mr Heaton-Harris hailed what he described as a welcome and significant step by the DUP. I am pleased that the DUP have agreed to accept the package of measures that the UK Government has put forward and as a result they are ready to return to the Northern Ireland Assembly and nominate representatives to the Northern Ireland Executive, he said. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said this is subject to the binding commitments between the Democratic Unionist Party and the UK Government I can confirm that we will stick to this agreement. Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said she was optimistic of an imminent Stormont return (PA) Sinn Fein would be in line to take the First Ministers job in any restored ministerial executive in Belfast. Vice president Michelle ONeill will take on that role. Party president Mary Lou McDonald said she was optimistic Stormont could return before the next legislative deadline for forming an administration, February 8. I am optimistic having heard Jeffrey Donaldsons public declaration that we will see the northern institutions back up and running before the February 8 deadline with a fully functioning Assembly and Executive and north-south bodies, she said. Sinn Fein will now engage with the parties and both governments to ensure we now all press on without delay. It is vital there is political stability to address the scale of the crisis across our public services. Lets now focus minds on the job at hand and to the solutions required to support workers and families who want and deserve functioning government. DUP efforts to keep details of Mondays executive meeting secret were seriously undermined when Jamie Bryson, a loyalist activist and vocal opponent of the Government deal, posted on X, formerly Twitter, what he said were live updates from the confidential briefing posts that included details of apparent attempts to find out who was leaking the information to Mr Bryson. Scottish Government ministers and officials have been accused of orchestrated and concerted efforts to delete their WhatsApp messages during the Covid-19 pandemic. Douglas Ross, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said those who lost loved ones to coronavirus had been betrayed, as he accused the Scottish Government of taking secrecy and cover-up to a new low. Mr Ross challenged the SNP over the issue following evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry from some of the key figures during the pandemic. Former Scotland first minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to give evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry in Edinburgh on Wednesday (James Manning/PA) He spoke out ahead of the Tories challenging the Scottish Government on its sickening cynicism and self-interest in a debate on government transparency on Wednesday the same day that former first minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to appear before the inquiry. Senior adviser and Scottish national clinical director Professor Jason Leitch confirmed last week that he had not retained any one-to-one informal communications in relation to the management of the pandemic in Scotland. And Liz Lloyd, who was chief of staff to Ms Sturgeon, said the former first minister no longer had her messages from during the pandemic. Ms Lloyd, giving evidence during a series of hearings that are currently taking place in Edinburgh, said she had been unable to find messages from before September 2020. Witness @HumzaYousaf MSP (First Minister for Scotland ) is giving evidence to the Inquiry today. You can view it on the live stream (and via playback) through our YouTube channel now https://t.co/okjTPwDYPc pic.twitter.com/h6xdQm2UOG UK Covid-19 Inquiry (@covidinquiryuk) January 25, 2024 Meanwhile, current Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf who was health secretary during the later part of the pandemic has come under pressure from Tories over his messages amid apparently conflicting comments about his messages. Mr Yousaf had previously insisted reports that he had deleted messages were not true, but then told the inquiry last week that documents showing he deleted all messages after a month for cybersecurity purposes were correct. The Tories are now demanding the First Minister refer himself to the independent adviser to determine if he has breached the Ministerial Code. Conservatives also insist Holyroods Covid-19 Committee should be re-formed so ministers can be held to account. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross accused the SNP of sickening cynicism and self-interest (Jane Barlow/PA) Wednesdays debate at Holyrood comes after Mr Yousaf used his own appearance before the inquiry last week to publicly issue an unreserved apology for the Scottish Governments frankly poor handling of requests for WhatsApp messages to be handed over. But Mr Ross said: If Humza Yousafs apology to the bereaved is to mean anything, he must refer himself to the Independent Adviser on the Ministerial Code, for misleading comments on his own WhatsApp messages, and back our calls to reconvene the Covid-19 committee, so that he and other ministers can be held to account. The Scottish Conservative leader insisted: The Covid-bereaved families have been utterly betrayed by an SNP Government which took its trademark secrecy and cover-up to a new low during the pandemic. The inquiry has exposed their sickening cynicism and self-interest. The Covid inquiry has exposed the secrecy within the SNP Govt by deleting crucial WhatsApp messages. Humza Yousaf must explain his comments to the press about his own messages which contradict his statement to the inquiry. Ive written to him seeking full investigation. pic.twitter.com/yZLstCq0hy Douglas Ross MP MSP (@Douglas4Moray) January 28, 2024 We have learned of the orchestrated and concerted efforts of senior ministers and officials to delete WhatsApp messages en masse. And the messages that have been recovered explain the reason for the cover-up: they didnt want us to know that Nicola Sturgeon shamefully exploited the pandemic for purely political purposes to stoke division with the UK Government and push the SNPs independence obsession. Mr Ross added: Thats not an allegation its a fact. Minutes of a Cabinet meeting in June 2020, and messages from the former first ministers chief of staff, explicitly say so. They illustrate the SNPs true, rotten colours. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: We offer our condolences and sympathies to all those who have been bereaved by Covid-19. The Scottish Government is committed to responding to both the UK and Scottish Covid-19 inquiries, as learning lessons from the pandemic is vital to prepare for the future. It would be inappropriate to comment on the detail of evidence being considered by the UK Covid Inquiry while hearings are ongoing. New guidelines for how doctors should behave at work come into force today as regulators move to tackle toxic workplace cultures. The first substantial changes to the good medical practice guidelines in a decade were published in August and included new standards on sexual harassment, whistleblowing and bullying. The measures will be implemented by the General Medical Council (GMC) from Tuesday following a five-month familiarisation period for staff. There will be a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment, which has been included in the guide for the first time. It said doctors must not act in a sexual way towards colleagues with the effect or purpose of causing offence, embarrassment, humiliation or distress. This includes verbal or written comments and displaying or sharing images, as well as physical contact. It adds to existing guidelines that medics must not act in a sexual way towards patients or use their position to pursue sexual or improper relationships. The 2024 document also places emphasis on doctors in leadership and management positions to create a culture in which staff feel safe to speak out about concerns. It also urges doctors who witness bullying or discrimination to do something about it such as challenging the behaviour, reporting it in line with workplace policies and offering support to the victim. Charlie Massey, chief executive of the GMC, said: Good medical practice is the most important document we publish, and the feedback weve received is clear: positive culture is a golden thread running throughout. By focusing on compassionate, fair workplaces where people feel empowered to speak up, we lay a solid foundation for teamwork and ultimately, safer care for patients. As part of the update, the GMC has provided more detailed guidance on particular topics, such as social media use. It advises medics to be aware that when communicating privately using instant messaging services, correspondence may also become public. It also said it has a legal duty to investigate any concerns raised to us that reach our fitness to practise threshold. Dr Catherine Wills, deputy head of advisory services at the Medical Defence Union (MDU), said: Doctors are increasingly coming to us for advice on their social media use. It can be a tricky area as doctors are expected to uphold professional standards when using social media and this extends to their private lives. They can be held accountable for things they say, like or share in private messaging groups, even those that are not work related. Many are not aware of this. Our advice is to carefully consider the private messaging groups you join and the information you post, like, share and comment on within them. Think about how you would feel if a colleague or patient saw the chat, or if it was shared to a wider audience. The guidance will also apply to physician associates and anaesthesia associates when the roles fall under those regulated by the GMC. This is expected by the end of 2024. Powersharing in Northern Ireland is set to return after the DUP party executive backed a Government deal aimed at addressing its concerns over post-Brexit trade barriers. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he would drop the blockade on devolution at Stormont once the Government implemented the various legislative assurances and other measures it has offered his party. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton Harris welcomed the step and made clear the Government would deliver on its end of the deal. Sir Jeffrey told reporters in a post-1am press conference in Co Down that he had secured the decisive backing of the 130-strong party executive during a marathon meeting on Monday night. He said DUP party officers a key 12-strong decision making body had also mandated him to move forward on the basis he was proposing. During the powersharing impasse, the DUP has used seven tests to measure any proposals designed to address its concerns on the trading arrangements. Sir Jeffrey said the package on the table represented progress across all seven tests. Support for the deal is not unanimous within the DUP and several senior figures remain fiercely opposed to the proposed agreement to restore powersharing. Asked about potential dissent within the party, Sir Jeffrey added: I am confident that all members of the party will accept what was a decisive move by the party executive this evening. Around 50 loyalist and unionist protesters assembled outside Monday nights meeting at the Larchfield estate in Co Down, many carrying posters and banners warning against a DUP sellout. Some shouted at DUP members as they drove into the grounds of the venue. The party has been using a veto power to block Stormonts devolved institutions for two years in protest at post-Brexit arrangements that have created trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It has been involved in protracted talks with the Government aimed at securing concessions on the arrangements that would address its concerns around trade and sovereignty. Sir Jeffrey insisted he had secured sufficient party backing to initiate a sequence of events that would result in Stormonts return. The officers, Assembly group, parliamentary group and the central executive of the Democratic Unionist Party have now been briefed and considered all aspects of our negotiations between the UK Government and the DUP, he said. I am pleased to report that the party executive has now endorsed the proposals that I have put to them. The party has concluded that subject to the binding commitments between the Democratic Unionist Party and the UK Government being fully and faithfully delivered as agreed, including the tabling and passing of new legislative measures in Parliament and final agreement on a timetable, the package of measures in totality does provide a basis for our party to nominate members to the Northern Ireland Executive, thus seeing the restoration of the locally elected institutions. A protester checks his mobile phone while standing outside Larchfield Estate where the DUP held a private party meeting on Monday night (Liam McBurney/PA) Unionist critics of Sir Jeffreys move, both inside and outside the DUP, believe the Stormont boycott should only end once all economic barriers created by Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol, and the subsequent Windsor Framework, are removed. While the deal being offered by the Government will seek to reduce red tape and offer additional measures aimed at strengthening GB-NI ties, they will not result in the axing of the EU and the UKs jointly agreed protocol and framework. Mr Heaton Harris hailed what he described as a welcome and significant step by the DUP. I am grateful to Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and colleagues for the constructive dialogue over the past months and to the other political parties in Northern Ireland for the patience they have shown during this time, he said. I am pleased that the DUP have agreed to accept the package of measures that the UK Government has put forward and as a result they are ready to return to the Northern Ireland Assembly and nominate representatives to the Northern Ireland Executive. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said this is subject to the binding commitments between the Democratic Unionist Party and the UK Government I can confirm that we will stick to this agreement. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris outside Hillsborough Castle I now believe that all the conditions are in place for the Assembly to return, the parties entitled to form an Executive are meeting tomorrow to discuss these matters and I hope to be able to finalise this deal with the political parties as soon as possible. Sinn Fein would be in line to take the First Ministers job in any restored ministerial executive in Belfast. Party president Mary Lou McDonald said she was optimistic Stormont could return before the next legislative deadline for forming an administration, February 8. I am optimistic having heard Jeffrey Donaldsons public declaration that we will see the northern institutions back up and running before the February 8 deadline with a fully functioning Assembly and Executive and north south bodies, she said. Sinn Fein will now engage with the parties and both governments to ensure we now all press on without delay. It is vital there is political stability to address the scale of the crisis across our public services. Lets now focus minds on the job at hand and to the solutions required to support workers and families who want and deserve functioning government. DUP efforts to keep details of Mondays executive meeting secret were seriously undermined when Jamie Bryson, a loyalist activist and vocal opponent of the Government deal, posted on X, formerly Twitter, what he said were live updates from the confidential briefing posts that included details of apparent attempts to find out who was leaking the information to Mr Bryson. Sir Jeffrey told the press conference at the Hinch Distillery in Ballynahinch that the package, which he said would be published by the Government in due course, safeguarded Northern Irelands place in the Union and restored its place within the UK internal market. It will remove checks for goods moving within the UK and remaining in Northern Ireland and will end Northern Ireland automatically following future EU laws, he said. There will be legislation to provide new legal and practical protections for the Acts of Union and which guarantees unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses to the rest of the United Kingdom. In the coming days, in addition to the publication of the details of the new package of proposals, the UK Government will be required to deliver on the legislative commitments they have made to us. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson leaving his partys HQ at Dundela in east Belfast ahead of Monday nights executive meeting (Liam McBurney/PA). Sir Jeffrey said he had also secured cross party support for the proposals at Westminster. Therefore, regardless of who forms the next UK Government, these agreed measures will be taken forward beyond the forthcoming general election, he said. Throughout this process, we have been clear and have made clear we will only be able to move after the Government faithfully delivers on the implementation of its legal and other commitments. The package of measures will require a significant number of actions to be taken and we look forward with confidence to their ongoing implementation, according to an agreed timeline. Upon that basis, the Democratic Unionist Party would support the calling of a meeting of the Northern Ireland Assembly to elect the speaker and facilitate the nomination of ministers. He continued: I believe that with the faithful delivery of this package of measures, hard work and dedication, we will be able to look back on this moment as the defining time when Northern Irelands place within the Union was safeguarded, and our place within the United Kingdom internal market was restored. Over the coming period, we will work alongside others to build a thriving Northern Ireland firmly within the Union for this and succeeding generations. When our grandchildren look back on this period, they will be able to say we had a just cause, we held the line, we restored the balance and we secured a positive future for Northern Ireland and its integral place in the Union of the United Kingdom. The return of Stormonts powersharing institutions with Sinn Feins Michelle ONeill as first minister will be a moment of very great significance, party leader Mary Lou McDonald has said. The Sinn Fein president also said she believed that Irish unity was now within touching distance as she said change was happening across the island of Ireland. The end of the two-year Stormont blockage was signalled when DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson secured the backing of his party executive for Government proposals aimed at addressing his partys concerns over Brexits so-called Irish Sea border. Sir Jeffrey has expressed hope that the executive could be back in place within days. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP during a press conference at Hinch Distillery, Ballynahinch, after the DUP party executive held a private party meeting about going back into Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA) Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said he now believes that all the conditions are now in place for Stormont to return. The parties eligible to participate in a revived ministerial executive are meeting to discuss the next steps. Speaking to the media, Mrs McDonald said the return of a functioning Assembly had been a long time coming. She said: We are almost two years away from the last assembly election. I very much welcome the fact that the DUP have now moved to explicitly recognise and respect the outcome of that assembly election. We look forward now to getting the job done, getting ministers in place, having MLAs return to the chamber and Michelle ONeill taking up position as first minister. That will be a moment of very great significance; not simply because we havent had government for so long but because it will be the first time that we will have a Sinn Fein first minister, a nationalist first minister. So, a mark of the extent of change that has occurred in the north and indeed right across Ireland. Ms ONeill said it was a day of optimism. She said: I think the next number of days are going to be crucial to get us to the actual, real, live point where we actually go into that chamber and nominate first and deputy first ministers, put ministers into positions and lets get down to business. (left to right) Sinn Fein representatives MLA Conor Murphy, president Mary Lou McDonald and vice-president Michelle ONeill, speak to the media in the Great Hall at Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA) Mrs McDonald also spoke about the potential for Irish unity. She said: The historical turning of the wheel and the electoral place we are at I think signifies that what we talk about is possible now. As a matter of fact, in historic terms, it is within touching distance and I think that is a very exciting thing and I hope people will find that a very welcoming conversation. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey has made clear his partys return to Stormont is dependent on the UK Government implementing the various legislative assurances and other measures it has offered. It is understood the Government will introduce two statutory instruments at Westminster to give legislative effect to the commitments it has made on trade and sovereignty. The return of Stormont will also see the Treasury release a 3.3 billion package to support under-pressure public services in Northern Ireland. The financial package includes money to settle the demands of striking public sector workers in the region this year. The DUP has been using a veto power to block Stormonts devolved institutions for two years in protest at the post-Brexit arrangements that have created trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris speaks to the media in College Green, Westminster as powersharing in Northern Ireland is set to return (Victoria Jones/PA) Speaking at Westminster, Mr Heaton-Harris said he would publish on Wednesday proposals to secure Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market and to strengthen the union. He said: I believe that all the conditions are now in place for the assembly to return. I look forward very much to the restoration of the institutions as soon as possible. There was a financial package worth over 3 billion offered to the parties before Christmas. This will absolutely be available to an incoming executive. The parties entitled to form an executive are meeting today to discuss these matters and I hope we will be able to finalise this deal with those parties as soon as possible and move forward. Sir Jeffrey said the deal to restore Stormont powersharing will remove all post-Brexit checks on goods moving into Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. For the movement of goods within the United Kingdom, the protocol of course imposed severe restrictions on the movement of those goods, these new arrangements remove those restrictions, he told BBC Radio Ulster. Zero checks, zero customs paperwork on goods moving within the United Kingdom. That takes away the border within the UK between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and that is something thats very important. Now, are these proposals perfect? Have we achieved everything that we wanted to achieve? No, we havent, I will be honest with people about what weve been able to deliver, the substantive change. Sir Jeffrey announced his conditional support for a Stormont return at post-1am press conference in Co Down on Tuesday. That came after he had secured what he said was the decisive backing of the 130-strong party executive during a five-hour meeting on Monday night. He said DUP party officers, a key 12-strong decision-making body, had also mandated him to move forward on the basis he was proposing. During the powersharing impasse, the DUP has used seven tests to measure any proposals designed to address its concerns on the trading arrangements. Sir Jeffrey said the package on the table represented progress across all seven tests. Support for the deal is not unanimous within the DUP and several senior figures remain fiercely opposed to the proposed agreement to restore powersharing. Asked about the potential for dissent within the party, Sir Jeffrey added: I am confident that all members of the party will accept what was a decisive move by the party executive. The Prime Minister has told striking doctors that we dont have a magic money tree as medics prepare to restart negotiations with ministers. Junior doctors in England are to meet with the Government this week with a view to end the bitter dispute over pay. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Rishi Sunak said it is disappointing that junior doctors said no to an offer of an on average 10% pay rise. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that he hopes a sensible agreement can be reached between the Government and junior doctors (Ian Forsyth/PA) We dont have a magic money tree. And we have to be fair to everybody, he said during an appearance on This Morning. A million other NHS workers have all actually come to a reasonable agreement with the Government. Every other bit of the public sector has come to a reasonable agreement. I think what weve done is fair, its reasonable, its been endorsed by an independent body. He added: I really hope that people will get around the table and come to a sensible (agreement). When it was put to him that resolving the pay dispute would boost his chances in the election, Mr Sunak said: My job is to do whats right in the country in the long term. Talks between the Government and junior doctors broke down last year. Medics on the BMAs Junior Doctors Committee said that ministers had failed to put forward a credible offer before a pre-set deadline. As a result, junior doctors staged two strikes, one before Christmas and another, the longest strike in NHS history, at the start of the year. On Monday, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins announced that the British Medical Association (BMA) and health minister Andrew Stephenson are meeting this week to discuss next steps. Speaking on Monday, Dr Robert Laurenson and Dr Vivek Trivedi, co-chairs of the BMAs Junior Doctors Committee, said: After almost three weeks of silence from the Government we could have been using to find an end to this dispute, we can confirm that following our letter requesting talks we will be meeting with health minister Andrew Stephenson later this week. We hope he will come with a constructive attitude toward getting a credible offer we can put to our members, as a matter of urgency, that can end this dispute once and for all. Meanwhile Ms Atkins said that she genuinely thinks that a deal can be reached with consultants in England. Last week the consultant members of the BMA narrowly rejected the Governments revised pay offer by 51.1%. A re-ballot of junior doctors in England will take place from 7 February to 20 March to extend our mandate for strike action, and provide us with a mandate for action short of strike (ASOS). Vote YES for strikes YES for ASOShttps://t.co/W4wO1ko7QP pic.twitter.com/hJ1iiF0Dj1 Junior Doctors (@BMA_JuniorDocs) January 24, 2024 The deal would have seen medics get a pay rise of between 6% and 19.6%. Consultants from the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) rejected the offer earlier this month. The NHS in England has been beset by strike action for more than a year. Walkouts by various staff groups including doctors, nurses, paramedics and physiotherapists have led to more than 1.3 million appointments, procedures and operations being rescheduled. Rishi Sunak was under renewed pressure as projections put net migration on course to swell the UK by more than six million people by the middle of the next decade. The Prime Ministers critics on the Conservative right urged him to act after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the population could reach nearly 74 million by 2036. Some 92% of the 6.6 million projected growth or 6.1 million people was attributed to migration in the research based on current and past trends. (PA Graphics) Downing Street insisted Mr Sunak wants net migration to come down quickly but was not backing a call from former home secretary Suella Braverman to introduce a cap on numbers. Home Secretary James Cleverly said that migration levels are too high and that we must get back to sustainable levels as he detailed a raft of new restrictions. The ONS cautioned that policy changes and the impact of as yet unknown migrant behavioural patterns will affect population levels. But the figures suggest that the UK population could hit 70 million by mid-2026 a decade sooner than in figures published in 2022, which projected a date of mid-2036. Mrs Braverman, the sacked home secretary who is seen as a potential challenger to Mr Sunak, argued that the numbers are too high, placing pressure on schools, the NHS and housing. Recent Government measures will help a bit but theyre very late, she wrote on social media. We need a cap on overall numbers so we can hold Government to account and fix this problem. (PA Graphics) Robert Jenrick, who quit as immigration minister alleging Mr Sunaks Rwanda policy does not go far enough, said the population growth will deepen the housing crisis. There is no democratic consent for this outcome. This pace of change is far too fast, he said. After leaving the EU the power to change this, and set us on course for far more sustainable numbers, is in Parliaments hands. I campaigned for Brexit to reduce migration. These numbers are too high, placing pressure on schools, the NHS & housing. Recent government measures will help a bit but theyre very late. We need a cap on overall numbers so we can hold government to account & fix this problem https://t.co/v4mm18ohHM Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) January 30, 2024 Downing Street sought to appear on the front foot in efforts to bring migration down but chose not to back Mrs Bravermans call for a cap. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: Weve set out the biggest ever reduction in legal migration, we retain the ability to go further. We do think it is something that the public wants us to do. The Prime Minister is certainly of the view that legal migration has been too high it must come down, and it must come down quickly. 1/ The @ONS forecast that 92% of our population growth (2021-36) will come from immigration. Thats not how you create a united country. From 2028 they forecast net migration at 315,000. This will only deepen the housing crisis. https://t.co/V4trUiaIZ8 Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) January 30, 2024 Mr Cleverly added some fresh details to already announced plans were aimed at bringing down levels. Foreign care workers will be restricted from bringing relatives with them from March 11, and from April 4 the minimum salary for a skilled worker visa will rise from 26,200 to 38,700. A hike in the minimum income requirement for family visas will be introduced in stages after Mr Sunak faced criticism that the change was too high and would disrupt households. The first increase, from 18,600 to 29,000, comes into effect from April 11 and is then set to rise to 38,700 by early 2025. Legal migration minister Tom Pursglove told the PA news agency the changes will make a tangible difference to getting net migration to a more sustainable place. But Lee Anderson, who resigned as deputy Tory chairman to rebel over the Rwanda plans, said: This is not sustainable. I have never understood the clamour for cheap foreign labour. It is not cheaper. The true cost is the pressure it puts on all our services. Over the 15 years between mid-2021 and mid-2036, the UK population is projected to grow by 6.6 million people. This includes 541,000 more births than deaths and international net migration of 6.1 million people. pic.twitter.com/MvQLfWi1Iq Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) January 30, 2024 Labours shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said the higher net migration figures were a result of 14 years of Conservative failure on the economy and immigration. He argued the increase in migration for work was a result of their failure on skills, training and domestic workforce planning here in the UK. The population of the UK is projected to grow from an estimated 67.0 million in mid-2021 to 73.7 million by mid-2036, an increase of around 6.6 million or 9.9%. Over this period it is projected that 10.8 million people will be born, 10.3 million will die, 13.7 million will move long term to the UK while 7.6 million people will emigrate. This means that of the projected 6.6 million increase, 0.5 million would come from a higher number of births than deaths, while 6.1 million would result from net international migration. (PA Graphics) The demographic mix of the population is projected to continue tilting towards older age groups. There could be an additional one million people in the UK aged 85 and over during the next 15 years. Downing Street also faced questions on how it could plug the gaps in the economy if immigration levels are brought down. Its the Prime Ministers job, working with the Chancellor, to secure growth in the economy, Mr Sunaks spokesman said. Obviously, we do not think its right to do that relying on migration, which puts excessive burdens on communities. John Swinney manually deleted messages between himself, Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf in a practice which could date back to 2007, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry has heard. The former Scottish deputy first minister said he rarely spoke to his then boss Ms Sturgeon by text message or other informal means, saying texts were generally only used to set up a phone call. These messages, he told the inquiry, were deleted in accordance with Scottish Government guidance. With the current occupant of Bute House, however, the inquiry heard there was some 18 pages of WhatsApp messages between the two men. Mr Swinney had deleted the messages, which were recovered from an old handset of Mr Yousafs and subsequently submitted to the inquiry. The former deputy first minister who also held roles overseeing education, Covid recovery and finance in his time in Government defended his lack of retention of messages, which he said was in line with guidance from the Scottish Government, issued in 2021. He also added that he had held the same deletion practice since becoming a minister in 2007, based on advice from his private office at the time. Asked why he had deleted the messages with Ms Sturgeon, Mr Swinney said: I was advised by my private office that I should not hold information that was relevant to the governments official record in what were called ungoverned sources. Throughout my ministerial career I have deleted material after I have made sure any relevant information was placed on the official record of the government, and that was the approach I was advised to take. He added: That was advice given to me by my private office as far back as 2007 when I entered government and it was also consistent in my view with the governments record management policy. I also think it is consistent with the obligations of the ministerial code. Asked about the retention of messages between himself and Mr Yousaf, Mr Swinney said: They would be deleted by periodic deletion once I was satisfied I had told my private office any info that was relevant so that I was not facing a large number of messages that I would potentially have to delete on one occasion. Mr Swinney said he was acting on the advice of his private office (UK Covid-19 Inquiry/PA) The way he handled messages, Mr Swinney said, was consistent with Scottish Government policy, but apologised unreservedly if he had misunderstood the guidance. Asked by lead counsel to the inquiry Jamie Dawson KC if there was a defect in the policy, rather than Mr Swinneys adherence to it, the MSP said: That might well be the case, and what I would say to the inquiry was that I believed what I was doing was consistent with that policy and I was doing nothing during Covid that I wasnt doing at any stage the previous 13 years of my ministerial life. My handling of information had at no stage been questioned in that process. The former deputy first minister appeared before the inquiry on Tuesday to give evidence, where he said he worked all the hours that god sent during the pandemic. Later in his evidence, Mr Swinney denied Ms Sturgeon was the sole decision maker in the Scottish Government and that the cabinet was merely a ratifying body. He went on to deny that cabinet meetings were driven by Nicola Sturgeons strong mindedness. Mr Swinney went on to apologise to those who felt they had been left behind by decisions taken by the Scottish Government. He said efforts were not made to engage Scottish Secretary Alister Jack in decision making as he would have contributed nothing of useful value in helping solve any problems with the UK Government. Earlier, the inquiry heard that the Scottish Governments equivalent of Cobra meetings the Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) had not been minuted. The group is generally only stood up when there is a crisis to be managed, such as serious flooding or pressures in the NHS. The news comes after the inquiry earlier heard meetings of senior ministers outwith the regular cabinet meetings the so-called gold command group were also not minuted. During an evidence session with former finance secretary Kate Forbes, Mr Dawson said: Neither the SGoRR nor the gold group meetings are minuted, is that correct? Former finance secretary Kate Forbes gave evidence to the inquiry (Jane Barlow/PA) To which Ms Forbes said: That surprises me and this would be the first of me hearing it. Mr Dawson said: The reason we think that is the case is we have obviously asked the Scottish Government for all of its papers concerning these matters and although we have cabinet minutes, we dont have minuted records of either of those groups. It becomes difficult to understand what the ultimate decision-making process was when there is no record of how those decisions were taken. Ms Forbes responded: I can understand that frustration. The former finance secretary added that she was unaware of the gold command groups existence until she was invited in 2021. She also told the inquiry she had kept her WhatsApp messages up until January 2022. Ms Forbes also spoke of her immense sorrow for the impact the pandemic had on people. She told the inquiry: Can I use the opportunity to express my immense sorrow at the devastation that was wreaked amongst so many families, but also the personal cost and loss for those that had to shield, those that had to isolate and particularly those those who were separated from families during that period? She agreed more could have been done to support vulnerable people throughout the pandemic. Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy said: John Swinneys admission that he manually deleted his text exchanges with Nicola Sturgeon during this crisis, when he already knew that an inquiry was bound to follow, is astonishing. Scotlands former finance secretary did not delete any of her WhatsApp messages with senior Scottish Government ministers and officials until January 2022 when all major Covid-19 decisions had been made, an inquiry heard. Kate Forbes told the UK Covid-19 inquiry, currently sitting in Edinburgh, a junior member of her private office told her it was Scottish Government policy from January 2022 for all messages within the private office to be deleted going forward, and she acquiesced because she believed it was an instruction. She said she believed it only applied to the junior member of her private office and did not recall the policy applying to anybody else in and around the cabinet or government. Ms Forbes, SNP MSP for Skye, Badenoch and Lochaber, said she provided her messages to the inquiry in the spirit of being completely open. Use and retention of WhatsApp messages by senior Scottish Government ministers and officials has proved contentious, with First Minister Humza Yousaf making an unreserved apology for the Scottish Governments frankly poor handling of requests from the inquiry for WhatsApp messages to be handed over. Apologising while giving evidence to the inquiry last week, he said he accepted this would have caused serious grief and retrauma for those who lost loved ones during the pandemic. The inquiry has also seen evidence from two of the countrys top clinicians national clinical director Professor Jason Leitch and chief medical officer Professor Sir Gregor Smith referencing deleting messages in exchanges with colleagues. Mr Yousaf has announced an external review into his Governments use of mobile messaging. Former finance secretary Kate Forbes arrives at the UK Covid-19 inquiry hearing in Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA) Questioned further on Tuesday about record retention, Ms Forbes said she was surprised to learn that meetings of the Scottish Governments gold command group had no minutes. She said: That surprises me and this would be the first of me hearing it. Counsel to the inquiry Jamie Dawson KC said: The reason we think that is the case is we have obviously asked the Scottish Government for all of its papers concerning these matters and although we have cabinet minutes, we dont have minuted records of either of those groups. It becomes difficult to understand what the ultimate decision-making process was when there is no record of how those decisions were taken. Ms Forbes responded: I can understand that frustration. She also told the inquiry she could not recall being aware of epidemiological evidence about coronavirus available to the Scottish Government when she became finance secretary in February 2020. Asked by Mr Dawson if she was aware of emerging evidence available to the Scottish Government from epidemiologist Professor Mark Woolhouse about the basic threat of the virus and what it might mean for Scotland. She said: Not that I recall being aware of, no, beyond what might have just generally been discussed in the public domain. The MSP also said she could not recall anything relating to Covid-19 being in the budget she presented to parliament on February 6 2020, that had been prepared by her predecessor Derek Mackay. Abuja, Jan 30 (UNI) At least 30 suspected kidnappers were killed in a Nigerian military airstrike during a weekend raid in the country's northwestern state of Kaduna, authorities said on Monday. The operation on Saturday followed an intelligence report as a military fighter jet sighted the movement of suspects riding in a convoy of 15 motorbikes in the Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna, said Edward Gabkwet, the Nigerian Air Force's spokesperson, in a statement. The intelligence report also revealed that the criminal group was responsible for the ambush on troops in the same area earlier on Saturday, Gabkwet said. "They had also carried out several attacks and abductions on innocent civilians in Birnin Gwari." He added that the suspected kidnappers were trailed to a location where they converged before they were "neutralised" in a precision strike. UNI/XINHUA XC ARN Ali Redmond Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD Theres nothing better after a long day than returning home to a warm and ready-to-eat meal. These recipes include ingredients that help support your gut-health and healthy digestion like leeks, beans and mushrooms. Comforting recipes like our Slow-Cooker Spiced Lentil Soup with Vegetables and our Slow-Cooker Kale & White Bean Stew are nourishing options that celebrate convenience, flavor and health. Slow Cooker Chicken, Bacon & Potato Soup Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas This chicken potato soup is perfect for ushering in fall: It's hearty enough for the beginning of soup season, yet brothy and veggie-packed so it doesn't feel too heavy. This recipe is ideal for a weekend, when you can check on the slow cooker after just a few hours. Although you can't leave it unattended all day, this chicken potato soup still offers the benefit of hands-free, fuss-free cooking. Baby red, Yukon Gold, or fingerling potatoes will all work well here, as they'll maintain their shape nicely during cooking. Pair this easy chicken and potato soup with a slaw or kale side salad and crusty whole-grain bread for a healthy, satisfying dinner. View Recipe Slow-Cooker Spiced Lentil Soup with Vegetables Spices often used in Moroccan cuisine like turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and black pepper give this soup complexity and deep flavor. Make it a day ahead, if you can, to give the spices time to mingle and develop. This easy slow-cooker recipe makes it a cinch to get the soup cooking while you do other things. View Recipe Slow-Cooker Kale & White Bean Stew Ali Redmond Warm up to a hearty bowl of soup made with winter vegetables and protein-rich white beans. Comforting spices like oregano and thyme build flavor, while Parmesan provides an irresistibly savory finish. View Recipe Slow-Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Stew The chicken, sweet potato and chickpeas all contribute to the nice textured bite of this slow-cooker stew. And the tomato broth takes it to the next level. When eating, you'll want to have a toasted baguette at the ready to soak it all up. View Recipe Slow-Cooker Lentil, Carrot & Potato Soup Pureeing some of the lentil-vegetable mixture, and then combining it with the remaining vegetables and lentils gives the soup a texture that satisfies those who love a creamy soup and those who prefer it chunky. Serve this slow-cooker lentil soup with crackers. View Recipe Cacio e Pepe White Beans & Escarole Photographer: Brittany Conerly These satisfying beans are inspired by cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) pasta, a classic Roman dish where black pepper and Pecorino cheese combine with pasta cooking water to make a creamy, punchy sauce. Here, the creaminess of the beans stands in for pasta, and escarole makes it a meal. Escarole is milder than other winter greens like kale or collards, and has a crisp, hearty texture and sweet flavor that is delicious in this dishbut feel free to substitute another winter green of your choice. View Recipe Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup with Garlicky Croutons Fans of split pea soup will go crazy for bowls of this version that requires almost no hands-on time. If you sop up every last drop of this slow-cooker split pea soup, fantastic; if you have leftovers, even better--it might just be tastier the next day once the flavors have melded. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired. View Recipe Slow-Cooker Curried Sweet Potato & Cauliflower with Coconut & Cashews Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely Topped with toothsome coconut chips and roasted cashews, this vegetarian curry is rich and satisfying. A sprinkle of dried fruit serves as a counterpoint to the warm curry spices. Serve with brown rice or naan, if desired. View Recipe Slow-Cooker Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi with Delicata Squash & Spinach Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely This cozy, hearty slow-cooker dinner features tender gnocchi and veggies in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. The dusting of flour in the gnocchi packaging helps thicken the broth over the long, gentle cooking timeand a swirl of cream finishes the dish. Serve with crusty whole-wheat bread for sopping up the tangy sauce. View Recipe Slow-Cooker Green Minestrone with Fennel & Parmesan Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely A strip of Parmesan rind in the broth gives this minestrone soup a deep, layered flavor, and fresh fennel adds a bright anise note. You don't need much pesto hereswirl in just enough to tint the broth and release its fresh-basil scent. If you avoid cheese made with rennet, look for vegetarian Parmesan cheese, which is made without it. View Recipe Lentil & Root Veggie Soup French green lentils and black lentils hold up well to long, slow cooking without becoming mushy. Save the rinds from used-up blocks of Parmesan in a resealable plastic bag or tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. They give soup broths a rich, savory flavor. View Recipe Load-&-Go Slow-Cooker Soup with Mushrooms & Kielbasa Photographer / Brie Passano Styling / Annie Probst / Holly Raibikis The aromatic trio of garlic, cumin and thyme harmonize in this hearty soup that comes together quickly before the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Kielbasa adds protein and a deeply savory note to this dinner in a bowl. View Recipe Slow-Cooker Black Bean-Mushroom Chili Black beans, earthy mushrooms and tangy tomatillos combine with a variety of spices and smoky chipotles to create a fantastic full-flavored chili. It can simmer in the slow cooker all day, which makes it perfect for a healthy supper when the end of your day is rushed. View Recipe Slow-Cooker Cabbage Soup with Sherry Victor Protasio Sherry adds sweetness and flavor to this slow-cooker vegetarian cabbage soup. It's balanced nicely by the crushed red pepper, fire-roasted tomatoes and a pop of acidity from the sherry vinegar. Potatoes give the soup heft and substance. Serve with crusty bread. View Recipe Slow-Cooker Chicken & White Bean Stew This load-and-go slow-cooker chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve this Tuscan-inspired dish with crusty bread, a glass of Chianti and a salad. View Recipe Slow-Cooker Spiced Lentil Soup with Vegetables Spices often used in Moroccan cuisine like turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and black pepper give this soup complexity and deep flavor. Make it a day ahead, if you can, to give the spices time to mingle and develop. This easy slow-cooker recipe makes it a cinch to get the soup cooking while you do other things. View Recipe Spicy Slow-Cooker Chicken with Lime, Basil & Mint Busy week coming up? Cook up these easy poached chicken breasts infused with flavor from fish sauce, Thai chiles and lime zest in your slow cooker on Sunday. Then enjoy the leftover chicken three different ways over the days to comeladled with the broth over rice noodles, layered with vegetables on a sandwich and mixed with mayo to make a creamy chicken salad. View Recipe Bean Medley Chili Three beans are better than one in this slow cooker chili recipe. Each type adds a distinctive flavor and texture. View Recipe Read the original article on Eating Well. Davies played a younger version of her mother's character during flashback scenes on the soap opera Heidi Gutman/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Erika Slezak and Amanda Elizabeth Davies Amanda Elizabeth Davies, the daughter of One Life to Live actress Erika Slezak, has died, PEOPLE confirmed. She was 42. It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Erika's daughter Amanda Elizabeth Davies who died very suddenly. The family is heartbroken and would appreciate privacy at this time, a message on Slezak's official website read. A rep for Slezak also confirmed Davies' death to PEOPLE. No other details were immediately available. Related: One Life To Live star Kamar de los Reyes Dead at 56 Davies played the teenage version of her real-life mothers character, Victoria Viki Lord, on ABCs One Life to Live. She made appearances on the long-running program in 2003 during flashback scenes. Davies' father, Brian Davies, is also an actor, having starred in American Gigolo, Convoy, The Age of Innocence and other films. He and Slezak are also parents to son Michael Davies, 44. Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Amanda Davies and mother Erika Slezak The soap opera aired from 1968 until it was canceled in 2012, although there was a brief revival in 2013. Slezak earned six Daytime Emmy Awards for her role as Viki throughout her decades-long portrayal of the character. Slezak's father is the late Walter Slezak, a Tony-winning actor who also made an appearance on One Life To Live. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. This just broke my heart. My thoughts are with dear Erika at this time. I know how much she loved her children, television journalist Michael Fairman wrote in a post on X following the news of Davies death on Monday. His tweet included a photo of Slezak and Davies smiling together. ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Andrea Evans and Erika Slezak Last summer, Slezak shared condolences after her One Life to Live costar Andrea Evans, who played teenager Tina Lord in the series, died of cancer in July 2023 at 66. Slezak and Evans' characters were half-sisters on the soap. "Andrea and I worked together for so long," Slezak wrote on her website at the time. "On her first day at work, she was living one block away from me and I walked her to work. She was just a child never been to N.Y.C. so sweet and kind and loving. Amazing that she played such a complicated, confused and selfish character so well." Shifting her focus to Evans husband Stephen Rodriguez, whom she married in 1998, and their then-19-year-old daughter, Kylie, the actress continued her heartfelt post. Slezak also sent her "love and deepest sympathies" to Evans' husband, Stephen Rodriguez, and Evans' daughter, Kylie, who "were her whole life." "When she and Steve got married and then got Kylie, it seemed her life was finally complete," Slezak wrote. "She was so happy. So very very sad." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. WASHINGTON (AP) Attorney General Merrick Garland will undergo back surgery this weekend and delegate his duties to the deputy attorney general during the procedure, the Justice Department said Monday. The news comes as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin returns to work at the Pentagon following a hospitalization related to prostate cancer that was criticized for being kept secret for days. Garland, 71, will be under general anesthesia during the back procedure on Saturday, which will last about 90 minutes and is minimally invasive, said Xochitl Hinojosa, director of public affairs at the Justice Department. He is expected to return home the same day, she said. Garland will delegate his duties to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco shortly before, during and for a short time after the procedure as he recovers from the anesthesia, the statement said. He is expected to return to work the week of Feb. 5. Austin returned to the Pentagon Monday after nearly a month-long absence. He underwent a surgical procedure for the cancer on Dec. 22 and was released, but was then admitted to intensive care days later after experiencing extreme pain. He stayed there for two weeks but didnt inform the White House or his deputy that he had cancer, had surgery or returned to the hospital until days later. Austins lack of disclosure prompted two ongoing reviews as well as changes in federal guidelines to ensure the White House will be informed any time a Cabinet head cant carry out their job. When Garland went in for a routine medical procedure in 2022, his office also informed the public a week in advance and outlined how long he was expected to be out and when he would return to work. An attorney betrayed her clients trust in a $250,000 scheme to defraud people she had been appointed to protect, Alabama officials said. Teresa Darwin Phillips has now been sentenced to 20 years in prison, Alabamas attorney general Steve Marshall announced in a Jan. 29 news release. Phillips, 43, was a DeKalb County attorney and candidate for district judge before a 2020 investigation revealed she had defrauded vulnerable clients while acting on their behalf, officials said. The district attorneys office said it was able to uncover the attorneys scheme to use the funds given to her by clients and other elderly individuals for whom she had been appointed as legal guardian or conservator for her own personal gain. An attorney may be appointed someones guardian or conservator if they are declared incapacitated and unable to make financial or personal decisions, according to Alabama law. Once a lawyer has gained the trust of a client, particularly an elderly client, they owe that client the highest degree of (honesty) and loyalty, Marshall said in the release. To see that trust betrayed on such a wide scale warrants a severe reaction from the justice system. In November 2022, Phillips pleaded guilty to nine charges, including multiple counts each of financial exploitation of the elderly, theft of property and theft by deception, according to the plea agreement obtained by McClatchy News. Eight other charges, including forgery and unauthorized practice of law, were dropped as part of her plea agreement. In addition to serving 20 years in prison, Phillips is also ordered to pay more than $181,000 in restitution to a handful of victims and their estates, including $94,000 to one individual, according to the plea. This case should serve as yet another warning to attorneys across our state seeking to take advantage of vulnerable clients you will be found out and held accountable, Marshall said. McClatchy News reached out to Phillips attorney on Jan. 29 but did not immediately receive a response. DeKalb County is in northeast Alabama along the Georgia border, about 70 miles southeast of Huntsville. Hotel manager steals $150,000 in customer payments through fake refunds, feds say Hospital executive created fake company to steal $620,000 in Illinois, feds say Ailing man faked history in Navy for health benefits, feds say. Now hes sentenced Man had hair samples trashed, sent fake results in $5.9M allergy test scam, feds say He led Haitis response to the COVID-19 pandemic after cutting its death rate from waterborne cholera by more than 50 percent. Now, Dr. Jean William Bill Pape has become a victim of his countrys vicious cycle of gang violence and kidnappings. Dr. Papes son, Douglas, was abducted on Nov. 28 near his coffee farm in the mountains of Belot, above Port-au-Prince, the countrys capital. Nearly two months after he and another man were abducted by four men at gunpoint, the 33-year-old agronomist remains captive. A video sent by his captors last month showed the young man being beaten and psychologically tortured, according to those who have seen it. Nothing is working, Father Richard Frechette, a Roman Catholic priest and medical doctor in Haiti, said in an open letter, requesting the help of the international community in securing Douglas Papes freedom. It is over 30 days of degrading captivity, of death threats with videos of abuse by his kidnappers, and with three failed ransoms. The next step, Frechette said, is the closing of GHESKIO, the renowned HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis research organization that Pape founded in 1982 and has continued to run even though one of its sites is across from a known gang-controlled kidnapping lair. Staff members, Frechette said, are thinking, If this can happen to Dr. Papes own son, what is our own security? Fear for themselves and their families, heavy mental distraction and anxiety, and the inability to focus on their vital tasks as the GHESKIO team makes it impossible for them to continue, he wrote, noting the serious risk for AIDS and tuberculosis patients if the facility were to shut its doors. Crowds outside of the Port-au-Prince medical facility, GHESKIO, demanding the freedom of Douglas Pape, son of the Dr. Jean William Bill Pape, a renowned doctor. The 33-year-old agronomist was kidnapped on Nov. 28 near his coffee farm in the hills above Haitis capital and remains captive. On Wednesday, GHESKIO employees and members of the community who benefit from its health services launched a second day of protests. They demanded the release of the young Pape without conditions. The day before, protesters were joined by many of the 360 students enrolled at a school run by the organization, along with Dr. Pape. As the crowd held placards that read in Haitian-Creole, If GHESKIO closes, what are we going to do? Pape addressed them with a bullhorn. People, he said, have claimed that he made money treating cholera and COVID cases. Everyone knows that I was helping; I never received a cent for the work Ive done in the country, he said. As a thank you, they kidnapped my child who was working in agriculture. You all know that its a sectorthat no one wants to work in, he continued. All of his friends left, but he chose to stay because he wanted to work with the farmers. This is how theyve thanked me. Since the ordeal began, Pape has amassed letters of support from various organizations, including the Haitian Medical Association Abroad and the National Academies of Medicine, which sent a letter to both the charge daffaires at the U.S. Embassy and the French ambassador in Port-au-Prince. Others also plan to reach out to Canadas ambassador as well. Crowds outside of the Port-au-Prince medical facility, GHESKIO, asking if GHESKIO closes, what will we do? They are among protesters who took to the streets on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 to demand the freedom of Douglas Pape, son of the Dr. Jean William Bill Pape, a renowned doctor. The 33-year-old agronomist was kidnapped on Nov. 28 near his coffee farm in the hills above Haitis capital and remains captive. On Tuesday night, the staff signed a letter directed to Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon who worked with Dr. Pape on both Haitis response to cholera and COVID-19. Hoping to pressure Henry to do more to help, the staff recounted Papes impressive resume. It includes serving as a professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, sitting as a member of the World Health Organization Scientific Council, and his pioneering work with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Papes reputation, the letter states, is directly linked to the sacrifices made to set up the GHESKIO Centers in order to fight, alongside the Ministry of Health, against old and emerging scourges which have eroded and still erode the health of the people. More than 20,000 patients are currently followed at GHESKIO and receive their treatments, they said, recalling the thousands who were treated underneath tents after the countrys devastating Jan. 12, 2010, earthquake. The purpose of the letters is to pressure Henry, as well as the U.S. and French embassies to do more, says a person familiar with the campaign. Henry, who has had close relatives, collaborators and fellow doctors fall victim to kidnappings, has not publicly responded but has been in touch with Pape and had staff member reach out. His office has taken a hard-line stance by refusing to pay ransoms while refuting allegations that his government has ties to bandits. Instead, it offers the services of the government, like the police. For Haitian nationals who are kidnapped, however, it is often not enough. Unlike foreigners who have the benefit of local embassies, or in the case of U.S. citizens, the FBI, to help them negotiate, Haitian nationals often only have themselves to rely on. As ransom kidnappings continue to see an alarming spike the United Nations reported almost 3,000 cases last year abductions have become increasingly more sophisticated as victims are held for longer and subjected to abuse. In a recent recount of his ordeal, Jeff Frazier, a Florida resident and army veteran who was kidnapped in Haiti, said he was held for 43 days and beaten, terrorized and tortured before his wife was able to secure his release with a ransom payment. Adding to the complications, its not easy to identify the captors. Smaller gangs are increasingly carrying out kidnappings for other gangs or individuals, stashing them with other armed groups. This means that the ransoms sought are often exorbitant amounts to ensure that each group gets it cut. And payment, as in the case of Douglas Pape, does not always guarantee release. Families have reported making multiple payments before victims are freed. In some cases, the police have managed to free victims. But in the majority of cases people are freed because of a ransom payment, which can range from a few thousand U.S. dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Police, meanwhile, not only lack the ability to get into gang-controlled neighborhoods, but are unable to trace certain phone calls. They also lack experienced negotiators to help Haitian families. Many of the Haiti National Police officers trained in recent years by France and others in hostage negotiations inside the countrys anti-kidnapping unit have left Haiti, most of them under the two-year humanitarian parole program the U.S. launched a year ago this month, according to a source familiar with the inner workings of the agency. Eminem, Duran Duran, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie and Carly Simon Lead Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2022 More from Spin: Getting superstar musicians together in the studio is like herding cats. Thats a major takeaway from The Greatest Night in Pop, the documentary about the recording of We Are the World, one of the best-selling singles of all time. The film, directed by Bao Nguyen (Be Water), comes to Netflix 39 years and one day after the single was recorded in 1985. When the song was released on March 7, 1985, the accompanying video showed recording footage of the stars involved: Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Huey Lewis, Bob Dylan, and many others. As USA for Africa, under the production direction of Quincy Jones, they sang in turn, sharing the verses and the microphones, coming together for a worthy cause: providing food and aid to Africa, specifically Ethiopia. The optics of this project have been excellent, not to mention the millions of dollars raised. The Greatest Night in Pop has a two-pronged effect. It triggers all the feelgood nostalgia vibes of a classic song sung by the most super of groups. It also blows up any rose-tinted images that may have existed about the song and the personalities (egos) involved. The majority of The Greatest Night in Pop is extensive archival footage from that momentous night at A&M Studios (now Henson Studios). Also documented is the writing of We Are the World by Jackson and Richie at the formers home. The development of the song is artistic geniusdespite Jacksons menagerie interfering and at times, frightening Richie. His anecdotes about Bubbles, Jacksons famous chimp, his bird, and his snake are a hoot. Autographed sheet music for We Are the World. (Credit: Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images) Additional period footage fleshes out the context of the time and the nascence of the idea, credited to Harry Belafonte and moved along by Richies manager at the time, Ken Kragen. After the release of Band Aids Do They Know Its Christmas the month prior, Belafonte reached out to his famous friends saying, We have White folks saving Black folks. We dont have Black folks saving Black folks. Thats a problem. Still, Bob Geldof, the organizer of Band Aid was on hand in the studio and gave the pre-recording pep talk that put the project in perspective for the artists and brought gravity to the scene. The artists were chosen based on who would sell records. The demo was sent around on cassette tape four days before going into the studio. Two days before recording, the songs arrangement was done, as was the physical arrangement of the artists around the room. The song was recorded the same evening as the American Music Awards, after the ceremony, as many of the artists would be in town, and, provided they didnt go to any afterparties, available. Conspicuously absent is Madonna, but its revealed that Kragen wanted Lauper. The implication is that its one or the other. Ironically, Lauper almost didnt come because her boyfriend heard the demo and didnt think it was a hit. Also missing is Prince. In fact, many minutes of the film are spent talking about the ongoing schemes to get him into the room. Sheila E. goes as far as to say she was asked to sing so she could be used as a carrot to entice Prince to join the recording. Current-day talking heads Richie, Springsteen, Lauper, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Loggins, Smokey Robinson, and Sheila E. bring an insightful perspective to the experience. Also filling out the pictures are the audio engineer, lighting designer, and videographer. This narration brings a lot to the priceless original footage. Loggins says there was a low hum of competitionthe egos were still there. At one point Stevie Wonder helps Ray Charles to the bathroom and the observation is: The blind really leading the blind. That the stars are in awe of each other is tangible and as Lewis says, We got to interact with each other and that was the thrill. Ross broke through this invisible wall when she asked Daryl Hall to autograph her music sheet, which sparked everyone else to do the same. The image that is the most indelible is Bob Dylan looking absolutely terrified, painfully uncomfortable, and about as far out of his element as he can get. After a whirlwind week at Sundance where The Greatest Night in Pop premiered, Nguyen joins SPIN to talk about his presentation of that historic night and how he struck the balance between sentiment and humor. How did you come to this project? Mid-2020, we were looking for projects that had archival footage because we didnt know when we could shoot anything. Through her development team, my producer Julia Nottingham found the story. She knew the song, but she had no idea about the story of how it happened in one night. We decided it was very compelling. I was only two years old when We Are the World came out. I dont remember the huge impact of the song. But my parents, who were Vietnamese refugees, had just come over to America. They didnt speak a lot of English, but they had Lionel Richie albums, Kenny Rogers albums, and they were always playing We Are the World. I had personal connections to it, but I wasnt sure if I was the right person to tell the story. It was a trip to Vietnam shortly thereafter (my parents have since moved back) when I got into a taxicab and the 60- or 70-year-old Vietnamese driver, who spoke no English, put in a mix CD and the first song was We Are the World. I thought that was serendipitous and it made me want to explore why the song was so important to people, but also to find out about making of the song, an impossible feat in many ways. How did you get started on the making of the film? I dont make music documentaries. We didnt have connections to Lionel Richie or Michael Jacksons estate, and we didnt know where to start. But Julia happened to be working on a project with MRC, who used to own Dick Clark Productions, who produced the American Music Awards, which we knew was an entry point into that world. MRC told us we should contact Larry Klein whos in the film. Julia cold-called him and gave him the elevator pitch. He said, Ive been waiting for this call for 35 years. Again, serendipity. We asked, Has anyone approached Lionel? He said, A lot of people have approached him, but he hasnt found the right team. Julia had the tenacity to pursue it. With my vision and my connection, he gave us the keys to the kingdom. Lionel Ritchie in Netflixs The Greatest Night in Pop. (Credit: Courtesy of Netflix 2024) Where was all this amazing original footage? USA for Africa owns the footage. The footage was all over the place because they made the recording for a music video and TV special as part of the release of the song and music video. They didnt think that almost 40 years later, filmmakers would approach them to make a documentary. The footage was in boxes and car trunks and some of it was really damaged from moisture. We had to bake a lot of the tapes to revive it. Now, since its such a historical document, its in the Smithsonian. There is footage from the writing of the song and Ken Kragens office, as well as Los Angeles from that period that really complements the video of the recording. Where were those from? One of the other discoveries of this film through our amazing archival producers was the David Breskin tapes. He was a journalist who was covering the event for Life Magazine. As soon as he got the assignment, he turned on his dictaphone and recorded every conversation he had from three weeks before the recording, as well as the recording. As I mentioned before, a lot of the archival was not in the best shape, and a lot of it was missing audio. They were recording the audio into the feed of the sound board, so it was only when they were recording the song that we heard any audio. A lot of those conversations you hear in the film are David Breskins tapes. We had to eye match that audio to what were seeing from the archival. It created this rich texture and immersion into the story that we didnt have before. Kens office and MJ [Michael Jackson], a lot of that audio was from Breskins tapes. But me playing director, we recreated a lot of those scenes and what youre seeing is my vision of what happened based on those audio tapes. I was adamant about getting the exact same cameras that were shooting the recording studio. For me, its about immersing the audience in the full experience, story, characters and emotion. All we had was audio, but how do we bring you into this world of Ken and MJ and Lionel writing and Quincy? The combination of what we shot on our own in modern day and found archival films of Quincy and Michael, we seamlessly put it together to feel like one cohesive film. You made the stylistic choice of keeping the entire film in 4:3 aspect ratio, including the modern-day talking heads parts, which is very effective in keeping the visual thread. When Im watching a film, I personally dont love talking heads, especially when youre talking about something in the past. Youre jolted into a different time and a different world. I felt for this film, it was important to see the interviews because our participants are so dynamic, so iconic and they tell the story so well. We wanted them to tell it so it felt like it was in the present tense. That was one way to keep the viewers immersed in the story and not think of it like a retrospective or looking back. Stylistically, the whole film is a practice in nostalgia. Most of the interviews were shot at Henson Studios, which was A&M Studios, in the room where it happened. It was important to me to capture that spirit and the energy of that room. A lot of the people that we interviewed hadnt stepped in that room since the night of the recording. When they came back into that room, other memories rushed back to them. Thats another reason why we show the interviews. I dont want to spoil it, but at the end it all makes sense of why were in that room. How did your background in editing come to play in how the film comes across? We had amazing editors. My background in visual storytelling, I wanted to make sure you felt like you were riding along with Breskin or Lionel Richie. Youre traveling through the streets of LA. Youre in Venice. Youre in Hollywood at night. Youre seeing these characters. Every shot was intentional to make sure it all blended in, and viewers were on this journey, driving through 1980s Los Angeles. Its very much a love letter to LA as well. To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here. Photograph: Carlo Allegri/Reuters Microsoft beat analyst expectations on Tuesday as its heavy bets on artificial intelligence bore fruit, particularly for its Azure cloud computing unit. Related: Advertising slump sinks Google investor confidence despite overall high revenue The software giant reported revenue of $62bn, up 18% year-over-year, surpassing anticipated earnings of $61.1bn. Its year-over-year net income rose 33% to $21.9bn. CEO Satya Nadella said: Weve moved from talking about AI to applying AI at scale. By infusing AI across every layer of our tech stack, were winning new customers and helping drive new benefits and productivity gains across every sector. Microsoft Cloud revenue rose 24% year-over-year. Revenue from its Xbox content and services division increased 61% driven by the Activision Blizzard acquisition, according to the earnings report. Activision boosted the companys overall revenue by 4%. Microsoft, which recently overtook Apple as the worlds most valuable company, last week became only the second business in history to reach a stock market valuation of $3tn. Microsoft is seen as a leading player in the realm of AI, both via its own efforts and its close ties to ChatGPT maker OpenAI, of which it is the largest shareholder. In November, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella played a key role in the return of Sam Altman as CEO of OpenAI after Altmans stunning ouster. Microsoft holds an observer seat on OpenAIs board. The companys recent financial performance, marked by a remarkable 18% revenue surge in todays earnings release, signals a potent blend of innovation and strategic foresight, said Insider Intelligence/eMarketer senior director of briefings Jeremy Goldman. While peers like Alphabet and Meta navigate the AI landscape, Microsoft is firmly establishing itself as a frontrunner in the AI race. Microsofts influence on the development of AI has grown so quickly as to attract scrutiny from regulators and those outside the tech industry. Investors shrugged off concerns over the growing headwinds as shares rose 10% over the past month. The US Federal Trade Commission announced last week that it had begun an investigation into the companys $10bn investment in OpenAI, as well as deals made by Google, Amazon and AI startup Anthropic. The United Kingdoms Competition and Markets Authority is likewise examining the deal. European Union regulators have said they may open similar investigations. The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft in early December, alleging copyright infringement by ChatGPT. This quarter also marks the first time Microsoft reported earnings with Activision Blizzard, the A-list gaming studio behind hits like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, under its roof. In October, Microsoft completed its acquisition of the video game maker for $69bn following a lengthy back-and-forth with regulators. Citing redundancies within the two companies, Microsoft laid off 1,900 employees last week across its gaming division, including Activision employees as well as some working on the Xbox console. A priest and two others are dead, two police officers are injured and a suspected shooter was killed by authorities after a shooting on the east coast of Florida Sunday. The shooting occurred after a domestic disturbance at a birthday party Sunday afternoon in Palm Bay, a city roughly 75 miles southeast of Orlando. Palm Bay Police say the suspect, Brandon Kapas, shot his grandfather to death. While responding to the scene, they also found the bodies of retired St. Joseph Catholic Community Father Robert "Bob" Hoeffner and his sister. Police believe Kapas was responsible for all three deaths, and he was fatally shot by police following a brief pursuit Sunday. Autopsies will be conducted on Kapas and the three other deceased as the investigation into the incident continues. Here is what we know so far: More: Florida deputy fatally shoots 81-year-old after she lunged at him with knife: Officials Who are the victims of the Palm Bay shooting? William Kapas Sr., 78, grandfather of the suspected gunman Father Robert "Bob" Hoeffner, 76, retired St. Joseph Catholic Community priest Sally Hoeffner, 69, sister of Father Hoeffner Two officers were also shot, one in the arm and one in the leg. At a Monday press conference, Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello said that one was recovering from surgery and the other was set to be released. A Tuesday press release from the Palm Bay Police Department identified the officers as Stephen Ball and Nicholas Franze. Who is the suspected shooter? Brandon Kapas, 24, suspected shooter Grandfather tried to stop dispute: Police Palm Bay patrol officers were called about 2:07 p.m. Sunday to the Kapas family home. Augello said officers arrived about 2:19 p.m. and immediately met with an uncle who told them Brandon Kapas, his nephew, was possibly armed and being disruptive at a family birthday party. At that moment, Brandon stepped out of the home and quickly began walking away "as Palm Bay officers attempted to talk with him, Augello said. An officer tased Kapas and got into a brief struggle before Kapas reached for his handgun and fired at the officers, the chief said. The gunman's grandfather, William Kapas Sr., attempted to intervene but was shot and killed by the suspect, according to police. The grandfather was trying to help, the chief said. Brandon Kapas was killed by police, while two officers were wounded. Police found more weapons in car, possibly part of larger planned attack Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello, at a Monday afternoon press conference, held up a photo of the weapons that Brandon Kapas had in his car. Officers said the car Brandon Kapas was driving contained several other guns and weapons inside, leading them to believe he may have had a larger attack planned. William Kapas Jr., son of the elder Kapas who died, and uncle to the suspected shooter, told Florida Today, part of the USA TODAY Network, that Brandon was struggling after his mother's death. "Obviously, this is a very traumatic time for us," William Kapas Jr. said. William Kapas Jr., son of the elder Kapas who died, and uncle to the suspected shooter, told Florida Today, part of the USA TODAY Network, that the family had strong ties to the St. Joseph Catholic Church, where Hoeffner was a priest. The car Brandon Kapas was driving was owned by the priest and his sister, police said, though police were not able to identify the relationship between Kapas and the Hoeffners. Community mourns loss of beloved priest Father Robert 'Bob' Hoeffner News of Father Hoeffners death spread quickly, with Bishop John Noonan, who oversees the 400,000-member Orlando Diocese that includes Brevard County, issued a statement about the homicides Monday. Throughout his priesthood, Father Hoeffner served the people of God with compassion and humility. We will miss his grace-filled presence. We know he and his sister are received by the Lord with mercy and love, Bishop Noonan said in the statement. Hoeffner retired after serving 43 years as a priest and was celebrated by congregants, community leaders and others. He was known for his friendly demeanor, humor, the hot chili he made for the church fair, and emphasis on community, parishioners recalled. He also guided both police officers and firefighters through incidents of grief, officers and parishioners said. Sunday afternoon as multiple units from Palm Bay and other police agencies were along Emerson Drive and side streets where a shooting resulted in two deaths, and two PBPD officers being wounded. The suspected gunman who shot at law enforcement was killed. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Palm Bay, Florida shooting: Father 'Bob' Hoeffner among victims Celebrities like Kim Kardashian are boosting the drinks profile with women - Kim Kardashian/Instagram Sales of Guinness are soaring among younger women as enthusiasts such as Kim Kardashian and the Princess of Wales and a reputation as a lower calorie drink help the brand shake off its rugby lad image. Debra Crew, chief executive of Diageo, which owns Guinness, said there had been a 24pc rise in the number of women drinking the Irish stout in Great Britain, despite what she called the drinks intimidating image. She said: We are seeing more and more Guinness drinkers that are women. I certainly notice this in pubs. It looks kind of intimidating, right? And it did come from this kind of rugby lad culture. And yet I think when women find that they try it, actually its lighter than what they think its going to be. Ms Crew also suggested that a lower calorie content compared with other alcoholic drinks has boosted its popularity. I have certainly heard people talk about calories, Ms Crew said, but insisted beer was not a wellness product. A pint of Guinness contains approximately 210 calories, compared with a pint of Brewdog Punk IPA, which contains 292 calories, or an average of around 226 calories for a large (250ml) glass of wine. Guinness has soared in popularity over recent years, becoming the best-selling beer in pubs, bars and restaurants in 2022, according to hospitality data company CGA. It is known for its association with rugby and the brand has sponsored the Six Nations since 2019. Ms Crew credited high-profile drinkers with helping spark a boost in its popularity. She said: You know, you see people like Kim Kardashian all the sudden drinking Guinness when shes in London, or Kate Middleton these things catch on and especially in the social media world. However, Ms Crew said: The rugby lads still like it. Kim Kardashian enjoys a pint of Guinness in a London pub on St Patricks Day 2023 - Kim Kardashian/Instagram She added that the launch of a non-alcoholic version of the drink had helped broaden its appeal. Ms Crew said: Say you go into a pub and maybe your first Guinness is regular Guinness, but you want to stay a little bit longer and its a Tuesday, maybe you get a Guinness 0.0. As well as attracting more women, Ms Crew said Guinness was now appealing to younger generations who previously drank craft beer. There is this hipster element as well, I think anytime you touch something in culture, it does just spread, Ms Crew added. Some of the craft almost got too crafty, in a way. And so it maybe felt a little overdone, whereas Guinness feels more straightforward. Its really resonating with people versus this fruity craft beer or whatever. Ms Crew said the company keeps an eye on S--- London Guinness, a social media account which documents badly poured pints of the beer in the capitals pubs. We do monitor it and we get out there and try to help people make sure that doesnt happen, she said. British pubs are increasingly making the quality of their Guinness serve a selling point to attract drinkers. The recently-opened Devonshire, in Soho, for instance, pulls what has been claimed to be the best Guinness in London. Its co-owner, Oisin Rogers, told the Irish Times in November: Weve spent a year perfecting everything. Weve been meticulous and careful. But Im not sharing specifics. I cant reveal our secrets. It comes as Ms Crew, who took over the role of chief executive at Diageo one of the worlds biggest alcoholic drinks companies last June, vowed to restore the business to its full potential amid flagging profits and a steep decline in its share price. The company said on Tuesday morning that reported operating profits were down 11pc over the last six months of 2023, while sales fell by 1.4pc. Diageo has been hit by a slowdown in demand for expensive spirits as consumer confidence was dented by slowing economies across the world. In November it issued a warning to investors over its performance in Latin America, which accounts for about 11pc of its business, saying sales would be around 20pc lower than previously expected. Diageo shares fell by 3pc as markets opened. They are down by almost a fifth over the last 12 months, and more than 5pc below their price five years ago. Ms Crew said: Let me be clear, we are not satisfied with these results, and I personally am restless to get this business to perform to its full potential. As well as grappling with slowing demand, the company was embroiled in a lawsuit with the rapper Diddy, real name Sean Combs, who accused it of racism and deliberately favouring brands owned by George Clooney and Ryan Reynolds. The rapper had co-owned the DeLeon tequila brand with Diageo and worked on promoting its Ciroc vodka. The row ended earlier this month when Diageo and Mr Combs reached a settlement, which saw Diageo buy DeLeon outright. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. New Delhi, Jan 30 (UNI) Ahead of interim Budget session, the Union Government on Tuesday convened a meeting with the floor leaders of political parties in both Houses at Parliament Library building here. The budget session will begin tomorrow (January 31) and continue till February 9. The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal, Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Muraleedharan. Congress leaders Pramod Tiwari and K Suresh, TMC leaders Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, JD(U) leaders Ram Nath Thakur, DMK leader T R Baalu, MDMK leader Vaiko, CPI(M) leader P R Natarajan, Shiv Sena leader Rahul Shewale among the leaders present in the meeting. The Budget session will begin with the address of President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present her sixth and this governments final budget on Thursday for the fiscal year 2024-25 before going to poll. UNI JA KK WASHINGTON Members of the House Homeland Security Committee are meeting Tuesday to discuss the Republican-led impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. House Republicans accuse Mayorkas and the Biden administration of disregarding federal laws on immigration and seek to make Mayorkas the second Cabinet official impeached in U.S. history. Tuesdays hearing is another step toward a formal vote to impeach Mayorkas in the full House, which could come as soon as next week, a source close to the impeachment proceedings said. Mayorkas and Democrats have pushed back, arguing that the impeachment effort is political. Alejandro Mayorkas during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing (Graeme Sloan / Sipa USA via AP file) According to the first impeachment article set forth by House Republicans, Mayorkas has willfully and systemically refused to comply with Federal immigration laws. Republicans blame Mayorkas for allowing millions of people to enter the country illegally, with many unlawfully remaining in the U.S., according to the articles. The second impeachment article accuses him of breaching the public trust and knowingly obstructing lawful oversight of the Department of Homeland Security. The chair of the Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., opened Tuesday's hearing by saying that Mayorkas "has willfully and systematically refused to comply with the laws passed by Congress and breached the trust of Congress and the American people. The results have been catastrophic and have endangered the lives and livelihoods of all Americans." Making reference to the impeachments of Donald Trump in the last Congress, Green said that the committee has been "meticulous" in its methodology. "Today is a grave day. We have not approached this day or this process lightly. Secretary Mayorkass actions have forced our hand," he said. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the top Democrat on the panel countered in his own opening statement that "this is a terrible day for the committee, the United States Constitution, and our great country. ... The sham impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas is a baseless political stunt by extreme MAGA Republicans." In a process akin to throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks, Republicans have cooked up vague, unprecedented grounds to impeach Secretary Mayorkas," Thompson continued." Refusal to follow the law and a breach of public trust neither of the impeachment charges the committee will consider today are a high crime and misdemeanor under Article Two of the Constitution. Asked ahead of the hearing whether the allegations against Mayorkas meet the necessary requirements for impeachment, Green responded: Absolutely. Green said he expects lots of procedural motions at Tuesdays hearing, which is expected to last for several hours, and a united front from our side. Mayorkas pushed back in a letter to Green early Tuesday, noting that he had testified before the committee seven times and accusing it of ignoring his offer to testify again on another date. The problems with our broken and outdated immigration system are not new. Our immigration laws were simply not built for 21st century migration patterns, Mayorkas wrote, noting that he is involved in bipartisan talks with senators to come to an agreement on changes to immigration and asylum laws. You claim that we have failed to enforce our immigration laws. That is false, he added, writing that DHS has provided Congress with hours of testimony, thousands of documents, hundreds of briefings, and much more information that demonstrates quite clearly how we are enforcing the law. Among the data the department has shared with House Republicans, Mayorkas wrote, is that the Biden administration has removed, returned, or expelled more migrants in three years than the prior Administration did in four years. Green responded to Mayorkas' letter Tuesday morning, saying the 11th-hour response to the Committee is inadequate and unbecoming of a Cabinet secretary. The impeachment articles come at the conclusion of a yearlong investigation of the situation at the southern border by Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, a member of the committee, said Mayorkas failed to uphold his own oath of office to protect the nation from all enemies, both foreign and domestic. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who tried to bring bills to impeach Mayorkas to the House floor twice last year, said Monday that Republicans have all the evidence showing that Mayorkas has willfully violated his oath of office. Were going to impeach him tomorrow. Democrats on the committee released a report Monday accusing Republicans of abusing Congress impeachment power. Republicans baseless investigation into Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is a politically motivated sham to appease extreme MAGA Members and partisan special interest groups, Democrats said in the report. If the impeachment clause could talk, it would beg for Republicans to stop shaming its name, Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., who was the lead impeachment lawyer for Democrats during the first impeachment of Donald Trump before he ran for Congress. There is no treason. There is no bribery. There is no high crime and misdemeanor. Goldman, who is now on the Homeland Security Committee, argued that impeachment proceedings are not going through the Judiciary Committee, because that committee requires due process for impeachment and there has been no due process here. Democrats have repeatedly argued that Republicans are resisting a new border policy that Mayorkas is helping to negotiate between senators and the administration because the bill would give President Joe Biden an advantage in the 2024 election. They know that theres a bill potentially that would give us new law to help us at the southwestern border. President Trump and many of the House Republicans are fighting to oppose that because they think it would give President Biden some benefit at the elections at the polling places, said Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md. Asked when the full House will vote on impeaching Mayorkas, Green said Monday that it is planned and will occur soon. Some moderate Republicans said Tuesday that they support impeaching Mayorkas. Ive intended to because we have a disaster at the border. And I would say theres so many laws on the books that he could enact or enforce, and he does not, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said. Rep. Nick LaLota, a New York moderate, also plans to impeach Mayorkas. Hes been derelict in his duty. Hes broken the public trust. Hes violated the laws of this Congress. Hes gotta go, LaLota said. Mayorkas concluded his letter to Green on Tuesday with an emotional recounting of his work in public service, noting that his parents brought him to the U.S. from Cuba and instilled in him a reverence for law enforcement that led him to lead DHS. I assure you that your false accusations do not rattle me and do not divert me from the law enforcement and broader public service mission to which I have devoted most of my career and to which I remain devoted, he wrote. Two Canadian members of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang plotted with an Iranian drug trafficker to kill a pair of dissidents who were living in Maryland, the Justice Department and federal officials said Monday. Naji Sharifi Zindashti, aka Big Guy, who has ties to Iran's intelligence services, had been communicating with Damion Patrick John Ryan for a month about various "jobs" when, in January 2021, he brought up "a specific job in the United States," according to a federal grand jury indictment. Ryan, who was contacting Zindashti through an encrypted communication service, said that it would be "challenging" but that he "might have someone to do it," the indictment says. That day, the indictment says, Ryan reached out to Adam Richard Pearson, who said he'd need two to three people, including a driver, and "may charge over $100,000 for the job." Ryan replied that he would "get u what you want" but stressed that it needed to be "over kill lol," U.S. officials said. According to the indictment, Pearson promised to deliver that gruesome message, allegedly saying he would encourage the recruits for the job to shoot [the victim] in the head a lot [to] make example and "We gotta erase his head from his torso." In the end, neither of the Iranian dissidents lost their heads or their lives. As alleged, Mr. Zindashti and his team of gunmen, including a Minnesota resident, used an encrypted messaging service to orchestrate an assassination plot against two individuals, Andrew Luger, the U.S. attorney for Minnesota, said in a statement. Thanks to the skilled work of federal prosecutors and law enforcement agents, this murder-for-hire conspiracy was disrupted and the defendants will face justice. Zindashti, who officials think is in Iran, Ryan and Pearson are each charged with conspiracy to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. Pearson, who was living illegally in Minnesota at the time of the alleged plot, is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a fugitive from justice and one count of possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the U.S. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have identified Pearson and Ryan as members of the Hells Angels, which has Canadian chapters that the Justice Department and other law enforcement agencies consider an organized crime organization. Both are in prison in Canada "on unrelated offenses," the Justice Department said. The men used a service called SkyECC to communicate, the feds said. Sometime around Jan. 30, 2021, Zindashti messaged Ryan for an update in the alleged murder-for-hire plot, the indictment says. Ryan allegedly responded that he was getting things in order and that he would need money. Officials say that several days later, Zindashti told Ryan that his organization was ready to move forward and that they agreed on a $350,000 payment for the job, plus $20,000 more to cover expenses. It was at that point, U.S. officials allege, that Zindashti introduced Ryan to Co-Conspirator 1, whom the indictment identifies only as "a resident of Iran." We have a 4 man team ready," Ryan responded, according to the document. In a separate news release, the Treasury Department identified the Iranian alleged to have worked with Ryan as a Zindashti associate named Nihat Abdul Kadir Asan, "who has played a pivotal role in logistical planning for many of the networks operations, including the networks plot to assassinate individuals in the United States." Over the next few days, Co-Conspirator 1 supplied Ryan with information and photographs of the targets, who are a man and a woman, and discussed the price for the double hit, according to the indictment. "When RYAN told Co-Conspirator 1 that two targets would cost more than one, Co-Conspirator 1 assured RYAN that this was not a problem," the indictment says. In March of that year, Ryan got a first payment of $20,000 "for the purpose of covering travel expenses associated with the plot to murder the victims." The Treasury Department has taken "action against Zindashtis criminal network that targets Iranian dissidents and opposition activists for kidnapping and assassination at the direction of the Iranian regime." The Justice Department said in a statement, "Zindashti and several of his key associates are prohibited from engaging in any transaction or dealing that involves a U.S. person or occurs in the United States." Iran's Foreign Affairs Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. Iran has a history of assassinations and abductions around the world, and it has, at times, recruited local criminals to carry out the killings, according to U.S. and European governments. In 2018, an Iranian man who had lived a quiet life as an electrician for years in the Netherlands was gunned down in broad daylight in Almere, east of Amsterdam. The victim turned out to be Mohammad Reza Kolahi Samadi, 56, who had been sentenced to death in Iran after he was accused of planting a bomb at the Islamic Republic Partys headquarters in 1981, killing 73 people including many senior political figures. The Dutch government alleged that the Iranian regime was behind the fatal shooting. Iran denied any role in the killing and has denied being behind other suspected assassinations. Last year, federal prosecutors charged three members of an eastern European criminal organization with ties to Irans government with conspiring to assassinate Masih Alinejad. Alinejad is a journalist and dissident with a large online following who has long been a thorn in the side of the regime. Photograph: Corey Purchase A coastal community in Newfoundland has been left baffled and excited by the sudden and unexplained appearance of a centuries-old shipwreck on the sands of a nearby shore. Gordon Blackmore, a local resident, was hunting seabirds on the sandy shores of Cape Ray when he spotted a dark shadow under the turbid waters. It had not been there when he visited the spot just a few days earlier. He rushed back into the family home, shouting about the discovery, his mother told the Canadian Press. She grabbed her jacket and hurried to the beach to see it for herself. Its amazing, there is no other word for it. Related: Race against time to unlock secrets of Erebus shipwreck and doomed Arctic expedition Cape Ray, a community of 350 on the south-west coast of Newfoundland, shares a common history with an island known as the Rock: it is the final resting site of at least eight ships that fell victim to hostile weather, poor navigation or plain bad luck. But what makes the latest discovery unique is the unexplained nature of the wrecks sudden appearance. Neil Burgess, president of the Shipwreck Preservation Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, suspects the ship was freed by a combination of coastal erosion and the force of post-tropical storm Fiona, which destroyed homes in the region last year. Large oceans swells last week may finally have nudged the wreck free, pushing it towards the shore, he told the Canadian Press. This is perfect, he said. This is a great, great event. Photographs of the wreck on social media a pile of soggy wood beams and planks have given some clues into the ships origins. Wooden dowels and copper pegs were commonly used in the 1800s. And the size at least 24 meters suggests the vessel was larger than a schooner. The provincial government has sent a team to visit the wreck, with the hopes of identifying and possibly preserving what remains of the ship. But the same tides and weather which have long determined a ships fate will also dictate how soon experts can visit the site. Locals expressed concern that strong waves could pull the wreck back into the depths. And while officials have warned residents not to tamper with the site, others point out that nature could also damage the wreck faster than residents pilfering souvenirs. Everyone seems to forget that some years we experience sea ice here, wrote Wayne Osmond, a Cape Ray resident. If that happens, within a few hours it can cause more damage to the wreck crushing it than a century or more of it submerged in deeper water. The communitys Facebook page has transformed into a forum for speculation and research into the wrecks possible origins, with local residents trawling through old records and family knowledge of fatal voyages. But it also serves as a stark reminder, one all too familiar to Newfoundlanders, of the tenuous relationship communities have with the the ocean. It is a part of our history that has just been awakened. Some descendants will still want to know the names and the places where their ancestors were lost in the icy waters off our shores. It would be good for all of us if we could offer some history we know and a place for remembrance. At least a marker, wrote Elizabeth Gover, a resident. This is our history. Lets find out. Rush-hour traffic in a massive city may feel like an eternity on any given Tuesday afternoon. However, for a few thousand Chicago commuters in 2011, no drive home from work ever dragged on quite as it did on Groundhog Day -- nor will any other likely top it. Starting on Jan. 31 of that year, snow began falling in the Windy City harder than ever before. By the time the storm ended, more than 2 feet of snow had accumulated in some areas of Illinois and 11 lives were lost. Hundreds of cars and thousands of residents were suddenly stranded on major roadways, such as Lake Shore Drive, trapped under the rapidly accumulating snow with nowhere to go. "For me, I think this still will probably go down in my personal record book as the number one winter storm that I've covered," WLS-TV Meteorologist Tracy Butler told AccuWeather. "Of course, 1999, that was another big one, too. And 2015. But this one because it truly met the definition of a blizzard, and [because of] the prolonged impact. And, of course, the pictures that you see now from that storm, they're firmly entrenched in the minds of so many Chicagoans." Butler, who has been forecasting the weather in Chicago since the mid-1990s, said that what made the storm so memorable was all of its different components. On top of the immense snow totals, fierce winds from Lake Michigan coupled with steady lightning, thunder and hail shook the city for days. FILE - In this Feb. 2, 2011 file photo, hundreds of cars are seen stranded on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago after a winter blizzard of historic proportions wobbled an otherwise snow-tough Chicago. America's wild weather year has hit yet another new high: a devastating dozen billion-dollar catastrophes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Wednesday that it has recalculated the number of weather disasters passing the billion dollar mark, with two new ones, pushing 2011's total to 12. The two costly additions are the Texas, New Mexico and Arizona wildfires and the mid June tornadoes and severe weather. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File) The results? More than 2,000 canceled flights, at least 177,000 homes without power, over 900 stranded vehicles stranded on Lake Shore Drive and, somehow, nearly 25,000 calls to 911 made in the span of 24 hours. Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford has been a Chicago resident his entire life and has worked for the city's fire department since 2000. Before that, he spent three decades as a reporter. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP However, he told AccuWeather that he has never had a week quite like the days around Groundhog Day in 2011. "That was probably the biggest hit that I can think of," he said. "A typical day of fire calls is about 2,000 calls a day, and 911, maybe 2,500 a day. This one, this just skyrocketed. People were calling 311 looking for information and 911 reporting emergencies, vehicles stranded, accidents and just [asking] general questions." FILE - In this Feb. 2, 2011, Gina Alickolli, right, returns to the bus stop shelter to wait for a different bus as another commuter climbs over the snow bank to catch a bus on Michigan Ave. during a blizzard in Chicago. According to an Associated Press-Weather Underground.com poll conducted Jan 21-26 people in the Midwest are most likely to get depressed in the winter. Eighty-three percent of Midwesterners found it a downer. A quarter of those surveyed have canceled a date due to the weather. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File) Much of the trouble stirred up by the storm, particularly with the hundreds of stuck cars on Lake Shore Drive, was sparked by just a few accidents. With businesses letting workers out early, roadways became congested, cars became stuck, traffic halted, and snow rapidly piled up. According to Langford, one of the main reasons for all that congestion was the trouble the city's buses faced. Articulated buses, also known as accordion buses, were being used to transport loads of people in the city, but once they get stuck in the snow, "it's a real mess," Langford said. "If one of those goes sideways on the drive, it's like a huge roadblock. You can't get around it because on one side you've got a guardrail and the other side you got high curb and grass," which slopes downward toward the lake, he said. "It was bad." Snow accumulates inside of a bus as a bus that was stranded on Lake Shore Drive Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011 in Chicago. A winter blizzard of historic proportions wobbled an otherwise snow-tough Chicago, stranding hundreds of drivers for up to 12 hours overnight on the city's showcase lakeshore thoroughfare and giving many city schoolchildren their first ever snow day. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato) One of the buses, Langford said, blocked a drive with a slightly elevated portion. Another went off an exit that did not accommodate it, getting stuck at the bottom of an exit ramp with nowhere to turn around. "All the cars started backing up; they had no place to go. You couldn't turn around; you couldn't get off," he said. "So you were just there and it just took over." And as the heavy snow fell, "it did not take long to bury those cars." As people sat stuck in their cars for hours, vehicle fires and dangers from the fumes of burning fuel threatened the lives of those who were not even in the direct elements. Langford said one of the most frequent emergency calls received that week was for drivers in stranded cars reporting fumes, running out of gas or needing to be rescued after abandoning their cars. In order to get to cars stranded on blocked roads, the fire department utilized snowmobiles to bring people to shelter. "The men and women of the CFD (Chicago Fire Department) and the Chicago Police Department -- they're so incredibly resourceful," Butler, the local TV meteorologist, said. "They were loading up snowmobiles with the Chicago Fire Department to use as emergency vehicles so that they could possibly try to get to people. They were loading garbage trucks. They had put plows on garbage trucks." In all, 11 people died from the storm's impacts, making it one of the deadliest blizzards in U.S. history. Despite the tragic outcomes, Butler said she believes the public was well-prepared for the storm as the forecast gave residents and businesses the approval to leave work early. But even then, the intensity of the snowfall was hard to fathom. Eileen Black takes pictures inside of a Chicago Transit bus that was stranded overnight on Lake Shore Drive Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011 in Chicago. A winter blizzard of historic proportions wobbled an otherwise snow-tough Chicago, stranding hundreds of drivers for up to 12 hours overnight on the city's showcase lakeshore thoroughfare and giving many city schoolchildren their first ever snow day. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato) On top of the volume of snow, Butler and Langford both said one of the most dangerous elements of the storm was the intensity and rate at which the snow fell. That, coupled with remarkably strong winds, produced whiteout conditions that made safe driving an impossibility. "It was literally pouring snow, and you had that coupled with the wind. We had wind gusts over 60, up to 70 miles per hour," Butler said. "That's hard to contend with when you're getting 1 to 3 inches of snow per hour, you're getting 60-, 70-mph winds and you have traffic that is trying to get out of town," she continued. "It was just a combination of things that all came together and very sadly so many folks were stranded." Those fierce winds also downed many tree limbs, which took out power lines, further adding to the cleanup worries. And in those recovery efforts, Langford said many of the rescued cars taken off Lake Shore Drive weren't able to be retrieved because of the sheer volume of stranded vehicles. After being towed off the road, in some cases days later, they were taken to a north side parking lot. "But they were put so close together by the front-end loaders that people couldn't get them out. They put them so close together that, in some cases, we couldn't read the license plates," Langford said. Going forward, Langford said, the city learned plenty from the storm and its consequences. "Changes were made to the drive, escape lanes were put in, openings were put in so that you could open up the median and cars could drive to the other side if necessary to escape something like that. So improvements were made by the city to alleviate that problem in the future." The 21.2 inches of snow recorded at Chicago O'Hare International Airport was the third-highest total in city history and by far the most from any February storm. Compared to the city's historic storms in 1967, 1979 and 1999, the 2011 storm packed fiercer winds than any other while continually dropping snow for 40 hours. In this Feb. 4, 2011 photo, residents of Roscoe Village, mark their parking spot in front of their home after shoveling snow in Chicago. A blizzard that dumped nearly 2 feet of snow has revived a longstanding Chicago tradition: Break out the patio furniture. Or, if none is available, suitcases, garbage cans, strollers, bar stools and milk crates work, too. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) "I think the storm that had the greatest impact with wind was in the 2011 blizzard," Butler said. "Some people refer to it as snowmageddon. But the wind was relentless, and that's the thing that was so amazing about it." Amid the hardships, however, Butler added that many silver linings emerged from the storm. On top of the heroic rescue efforts from first responders, neighbors were there to help each other, newsrooms worked together with camaraderie and countless residents made memories of a lifetime from the snow that would remain on the ground for weeks. Butler recalled the stories of strangers helping to rescue stranded drivers and neighbors, who may not normally see each other outside in the winter months and spent the unique time together. "People were outside. Kids were outside, and you know, they had the snow days. And I think there was just something kind of nostalgic about that as well," she recalled. "But I think that's one thing that I think about is how neighbors got to meet each other. How people just kind of enjoyed an old-fashioned, good snowstorm and I think that that's something a lot of kids, who were 'wee high' then, can grow up and tell their kids now. 'Hey I lived through the 2011 blizzard and you know my mom pulled me around on my sled.' Or, you know, 'Dad and I -- we built a fort,' or something. I think it's one of those stories that keep these kinds of memories just alive." 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. A Minnesota man is accused of murdering three people after wearing a UPS uniform to gain access to their residence for a robbery attempt that turned deadly, prosecutors said in a criminal complaint filed Monday. Alonzo Mingo, 37, faces three counts of second degree murder committed without premeditation but with intent, according to the complaint filed in Anoka County, Minnesota, district court. It adds a "modifier" to the case an assertion that a firearm was used that can increase a defendant's sentence if they are found guilty. Prosecutors say security camera video and audio from inside and outside the victims' residence in Coon Rapids, a suburb of Minneapolis, supports their claim Mingo drove his Nissan Altima to the home shortly after noon on Friday, went to the front door dressed as a UPS delivery worker, was let inside, and demanded money at gunpoint. forensics crime scene investigation investigate triple murder shooting (KARE) He was accompanied by one other person dressed in a UPS uniform and a third suspect, all of whom went into the residence, prosecutors said. One carried a box, they said. UPS later told NBC affiliate KARE of the Twin Cities that Mingo had been employed as a seasonal worker through mid-January. The complaint alleges that a man who appears to be the defendant is captured by a bedroom camera shooting a woman later identified by the Anoka County Sheriff's Office as Shannon Patricia Jungwirth, 42. Also killed were her son, Jorge Alexander Reyes-Jungwirth, 20, and her husband, Mario Alberto Trejo Estrada, 39, the office said in a statement Monday. Two children younger than five survived and may have witnessed the violence, prosecutors said. "Video captures Defendant Mingo and the female return to the bedroom, where Defendant Mingo shoots the female in the head at point blank range, near the entryway," the complaint said. "The older child can be seen entering the bedroom shortly thereafter, crying hysterically." In its initial statement on the killings, the sheriff's office said deputies responded to the home after someone dialed 911 but left the line open without speaking. Operators heard "sounds of a disturbance in the background," the office said. "Upon arrival, law enforcement located two males and one female deceased inside of the residence," it said. Authorities quickly issued a be-on-the-lookout bulletin for the Nissan, and it was stopped, along with Mingo, later that afternoon, according to the complaint. Investigators found a UPS uniform and box in the vehicle, prosecutors said, and prints on the box matched Mingo's. Prosecutors said the defendant told authorities he had been home all day. He was jailed without bail pending Monday's filing, according to court and jail records. It's not clear what became of the others who authorities allege were with him during the violence. No other suspects have been named. The Coon Rapids Police Department, Midwest Medical Examiners Office, and Anoka County Sheriffs Office continued to investigate, and on Monday they asked for the public's help with any possible clues. A potential motive for the killings was not revealed. The Star Tribune on Monday reported that it obtained an affidavit filed in support of a search warrant connected to the investigation. The affidavit alleges that Estrada had been selling cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine, resulting in cash earnings he sent to Mexico. The publication reported that authorities searched a storage unit affiliated with Estrada later on Friday and turned up psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, methamphetamine and an unspecified white powder. The complaint said each murder count has the sentencing potential of 3 to 40 years if Mingo is successfully prosecuted. It wasnt clear if Mingo had retained counsel for the case. The county public defenders office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A man was taken into custody by police after airport officials say he opened an Aeromexico plane's emergency exit door and walked out onto the wing on a Central America bound flight late last week. Passengers claim it because they were delayed for hours and needed help. The Mexico City International Airport acknowledged in a statement the wild display took place Thursday morning while the plane was on the ground awaiting takeoff to Guatemala. According to the airport's statement posted on social media, the man "posed on a wing and re-entered the cabin, without any harm to anyone ... or the aircraft." Due to international security regulations, the airport reported the man was "put at the disposal of the authorities." USA TODAY has reached out to Aeromexico. A man was taken into custody by police on Jan. 25, 2024, after the Mexico City International Airport said he opened an Aeromexico plane's emergency exit door and walked out onto the wing on a Central America bound flight 'Without ventilation and without water' According to a post circulating on social media, passengers on board claimed they were kept on the tarmac for hours without proper ventilation or water during a flight delay. The delay and lack of air created conditions that endangered the health of the passengers. He saved our lives, passengers wrote in a letter translated from Spanish. "The emergency exit was opened out of desperation after leaving us locked in for almost 4 hours without ventilation and without water," one person, who claimed to be on board, wrote in a caption on X with a handwritten photo of a letter signed by passengers. Mas de 3 horas esperando a que @Aeromexico solucionara la falla de su aeronave, sin aire, con puertas cerradas, sin agua, sin informacion, senoras de la tercera edad al borde del desmayo y su empleada (de cuarta por cierto) burlandose de la situacion @lopezdoriga @CarlosLoret pic.twitter.com/PiFkbd56Vr Regina (@regina_villazon) January 25, 2024 The same passenger wrote the plane's doors were closed, passengers were "without information" and there were "elderly ladies on the verge of fainting." According to an incident report filed with airport officials, the Associated Press reported, passengers "were unhappy and one of them opened the emergency door and stepped out on the wing. This event required the plane to be changed. At least 77 passengers onboard flight AM672, the AP reported, signed the statement circulating online. Caribbean travel warning: US issues travel warning for the Bahamas after 18 murders at the start of the new year Contributing: The Associated Press Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Man opens exit door, walks onto Aeromexico plane wing before take off Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas gave an impassioned and detailed response to House Republicans, challenging arguments in their articles to impeach him as they push ahead with a Tuesday markup without his public testimony. The seven-page letter to House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.) is both personal and precise, reflecting on his career and family background while addressing each of the impeachment arguments point-by-point. The letter reviewed of each of the six times Mayorkas took the oath of office, as an assistant U.S. attorney to his current post as a Cabinet official, countering claims from Green he has failed to uphold his oath of office. He also dove deep into his record as one of the nations top immigration enforcers, seeking to disprove the claim that he has violated immigration laws by failing to detain a sufficient number of migrants a crux of the Republican impeachment case. You claim that we have failed to enforce our immigration laws. That is false. We have provided Congress and your committee hours of testimony, thousands of documents, hundreds of briefings, and much more information that demonstrates quite clearly how we are enforcing the law, Mayorkas wrote. Mayorkas pointed to statistics collected since the Biden administration lifted Title 42 and its limitations on seeking asylum last May, noting more than 500,000 individuals have been removed from the country since. He noted that in three years, President Biden has removed more migrants than in the entirety of the Trump administration a period that included the pandemic. He also cited the implementation of a program that largely mirrors a Trump-era directive by requiring many migrants to first seek asylum elsewhere. Mayorkas echoed Democrats and even some Republicans who have called his impeachment an improper use of the process based on policy differences rather than the constitutional standard of high crimes and misdemeanors. Undoubtedly, we have policy disagreements on the historically divisive issue of immigration. That has been the case between Administrations and Members of Congress for much longer than the past 38 years since the last overhaul of our immigration system. I think it is unconscionable to separate children from their parents as a tool of deterrence. I believe that law enforcement at the border can be tough and humane, Mayorkas wrote, nodding to Trump-era policies. It is our responsibility to the American people to work through our differences and try to reach solutions together. The bipartisan group of United States Senators is currently doing just that. DHS-Letter-to-CHS-1-30-24Download Mayorkas, the first Department of Homeland Security secretary to himself arrive to the U.S. as a migrant, would be the second Cabinet official to be impeached since the 1870s, following a secretary of War who took kickbacks. Mayorkas said while he would leave the questions about the GOPs misuse of impeachment power to experts, what I will not defer to others is a response to the politically motivated accusations and personal attacks you have made against me. My reverence for law enforcement was instilled in me by my parents, who brought me to this country to escape the Communist takeover of Cuba and allow me the freedoms and opportunity that our democracy provides. My parents experienced such loss at the fisted hands of authoritarianism that the American law enforcement officer stood as a tangible symbol of safety and the rule of law in our new home, he wrote, adding that everything America meant and gave to my family motivated him to join public service. I have been privileged to serve our country for most of my professional life. I have adhered scrupulously and fervently to the Oath of Office I have taken six times in my public service career. Mayorkas also responded to allegations that his office wasnt responsive enough during their multimonth investigation, calling them baseless and inaccurate. Of the more than 20,000 pages of documents Mayorkass department has produced to Congress this year, 13,000 have gone to Greens committee. The secretary has also testified before the committee seven times over the last three years. Whatever proceedings you initiate, however baseless, my responsiveness to oversight requests will not waiver, he said. In a Monday morning statement, Green complained that he received Mayorkass letter at 4:48 a.m. on the day the window for testimony closed. Secretary Mayorkas 11th-hour response to the Committee is inadequate and unbecoming of a Cabinet secretary, Green said in a statement. Green asked for Mayorkas to testify before the panel for its Jan. 18 impeachment hearing, giving the secretary roughly two weeks notice in a departure from what is often months of advance outreach. Mayorkass testimony would have been the second panel of the hearing, appearing after the committee heard from two mothers who lost their children in a fentanyl and gang-related death they blame on Biden immigration policies. Mayorkas has said he would like to testify but was not available on the date suggested by the committee; the secretary was already set to host a Mexican delegation to discuss border issues amid broader negotiations on immigration with the Senate. Green did not adjust the hearing schedule or his plans for a markup which he had announced in a late December interview with Fox News instead saying Mayorkas should submit written testimony. A memo from House Homeland Security panel Republicans obtained by The Hill showed the committee had decided to hold a late-January markup the same day it kicked off its two-hearing series to weigh Mayorkass impeachment. Mayorkas ended his letter with an expression of dedication to his job. I assure you that your false accusations do not rattle me and do not divert me from the law enforcement and broader public service mission to which I have devoted most of my career and to which I remain devoted, he wrote. Updated at 9:29 a.m. ET For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Minnesota man is accused of dressing up as a UPS delivery man and killing three people during an attempted on robbery on Friday. Alonzo Mingo, 37, was charged with three counts of second-degree murder committed without premeditation but with intent, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday in Anoka County, Minnesota. Mingo made his first court appearance on Monday and was denied a public defender. The Anoka County Attorney's Office did not respond to USA TODAY's request for the criminal complaint. Several outlets reported that prosecutors say Mingo entered a home in Coon Rapids, a Minneapolis suburb, dressed as a delivery man and demanded money. He then shot three people in the head, The Hill reported. In a press release, The Anoka County Sheriff's Office said they received a 911 call where a disturbance could be heard in the background at around 12:30 p.m. The Coon Rapids Police Department, Blaine Police Department, and Anoka County Sheriffs Office all responded to the home on 200 block of 94th Avenue Northwest and found two men and one woman dead in the home. Video shows three people entering the home Police said Mingo and two other individuals can be seen in video footage leaving Mingo's car on Friday and entering the home. Authorities said one other person besides Mingo was also dressed as a delivery driver and the other person carried a cardboard box. The three victims have been identified as Shannon Patricia Jungwirth, 42, her son Jorge Alexander Reyes-Jungwirth, 20, and her husband Mario Alberto Trejo Estrada, 39. KARE11 reported that police found one of the men dead in the doorway, the second man was found in an office, and the woman was found in a bedroom. All three had gunshot wounds. Two kids witnessed the robbery, killing In another statement, the sheriff's office said two small children under the age of five were inside the home and witnessed the attempted robbery and killing. Video from a camera inside the home showed Mingo, dressed like a UPS worker leading a man into a bedroom at gunpoint. A woman was in the bedroom with two kids under the age of five, police said. According to police, Mingo then held the man and woman at gunpoint and demanded money. He then led everyone out of the room. Mingo then returned to the room with the woman and shot her at point-blank range, authorities said. The older child can be seen entering the bedroom shortly thereafter, crying hysterically, Coon Rapids police wrote in a probable cause statement. When the younger child tried to check on the woman, the older one pulled them away. Mingo and the other two people left the house, about seven minutes after they first entered. The criminal complaint does not mention charges against the other two individuals seen in the security footage. Woman charged: They found a head in her fridge. She blamed her husband.Now she's charged in the case. Suspect Alonzo Mingo arrested Police caught Mingo driving the car several hours later and arrested him. Police say Mingo was employed at UPS until early January. They found a delivery uniform top and vest in a backpack in Mingos car. Additionally, they found his fingerprints on the cardboard box brought into the home. Hes currently in jail on a $5 million bond. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Man charged in fatal shooting while dressed as delivery driver: Reports Missouri, 3. checks out the after-school snack her mom, Allison Reynolds, prepared for her on Jan. 17. The Reynolds family gets nutrition assistance from a US supplemental food program that could see a shortfall this year. Missouri Jayne, 3, surveys the food plate her mom put on the kitchen table in front of her. Its after-school snack time in the Reynolds Ludlow, Kentucky, home. She scoops a spoonful of yogurt, then reaches for some fresh walnuts. Missouri and her mom, Allison Reynolds, are among millions of moms and kids including hundreds of thousands in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana who take part every month in the U.S. Department of Agricultures Women, Infants and Children Special Supplemental Nutrition Program. The program is for low-income pregnant and post-partum people, infants and children through age 4 who are at nutritional risk. It provides nutritious foods, including fruits and vegetables, baby cereal and wholegrain foods, canned fish and eggs, soy-based beverages and, when needed, special infant formulas and medical foods. The average monthly food benefit for each participant in fiscal year 2022 in Ohio was $43.40, according to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. In Kentucky, the average was $43.05, and in Indiana, $39.64. It changed our lives, Allison Reynolds said. But funding for the program commonly called WIC is threatened this year because Congress has yet to approve an increase that would last an entire year. Instead, lawmakers have allowed the program to continue through short periods on 2023 budget levels of about $6 billion. The U.S. Agriculture Department says it needs a billion dollars more in the current fiscal year 2024, which started in October and lasts until the end of September, to offset a rise in food prices and a need among more people for the program. But some lawmakers say they wont support that kind of an increase. The Biden administration asked Congress to approve $7.5 billion for WIC for the fiscal year 2024, and a funding shortfall could leave 2 million people across the country turned away, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan think tank that analyzes federal and state policies. Ohio says it will not turn people away, but USDA head has concerns The Ohio Department of Health in December 2023 was able to provide nutrition, education and support to 176,472 Ohio women, infants, and children, records show. That included more than 15,000 qualifying pregnant and postpartum people, infants and toddlers from Hamilton County. A spokesman for the health department, Ken Gordon, said the program always anticipates receiving the full estimated amount from the federal government. If that changes, (the Ohio Department of Health) can make adjustments to the WIC program without needing to turn participants away, he said. The health department cannot speculate on what adjustments might need to be made were that shortfall to happen, he said. Thomas Vilsack, secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, gave a different take on the situation in a press call this month. He said the nutrition program would face a shortfall in funding by September if Congress failed to fully fund it by Jan. 19. He said Congress directed the agency to spend at a faster rate than Congress has provided the funding. If reserves run out, he said, there will be a shortfall by the end of fiscal the year. On Jan. 19, rather than fully funding the department's request, Congress passed another stopgap spending plan at the 2023 level to last through the beginning of March. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimated that about 52,000 Ohio eligible participants could be turned away in September 2024 if the program is not fully funded. For Kentucky, the center's estimate was 34,000. In Indiana, it's 43,000. 'It changed everything,' Northern Kentucky mom says The idea of cuts to the nutrition program makes Reynolds nervous not for her family, which she said is on the path to being financially stable but for other families who need the same stability she gained from the WIC program. Allison Reynolds, of Ludlow, makes an after-school snack for 3-year-old Missouri on Jan. 17. The costs are covered by a women, infants and children supplemental food benefit, which U.S. Agriculture says is threatened by potential funding cuts. She was a stay-at-home mom and pregnant in 2020 when the children's father left the family due to an addiction disorder, she said. She gave birth to Missouri prematurely that December, at 4.4 pounds, and learned she could not breastfeed her daughter. "The preemie formula we were going to need was about $50 a can," she said. "Missouri probably wouldn't have had the correct formula." But her supplemental food benefit covered the cost. More recently, a WIC nurse recommended that Missouri get her hemoglobin checked. And through that test, Reynolds learned the little girl was severely anemic to the point of having a heart murmur. WIC has helped Reynolds give her daughter the nutrition she needs to overcome imbalances that caused the anemia. Missouri's health has improved. Her murmur disappeared, and Reynolds credits the WIC program both nurses and nutrition for her daughter's health, as well as help for her son and herself. "It changed everything," Reynolds said. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Inaction in Congress threatens WIC benefits, Biden administration says After years of worry over the way people interpret the National Hurricane Centers forecast cone graphic, the weather center will bring an experimental new graphic online this summer. The center is experimenting with changes to its most well-known graphic commonly called the "cone of uncertainty" to try to better communicate the risks that millions face from landfalling tropical storms and hurricanes, said Jamie Rhome, the centers deputy director. For years, forecasters have struggled for ways to illustrate the size of the area covered by the numerous threats from landfalling storms and to correct potentially dangerous misconceptions about the cone graphic. They've been working with social scientists to come up with ways to help the public understand that hazards extend well beyond the cone, Rhome told USA TODAY on Monday. The new experimental graphic to be unveiled later this year will use the same forecast cone, but layer inland areas under tropical storm and hurricane warnings with color to illustrate the total area. Weather and emergency professionals say theyre happy to see the hurricane center experimenting to try to help people more fully comprehend the threats they may face from a storm. Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, stands in front of a mockup of an experimental forecast graphic the center will add to its products later this year, in this screen grab from a virtual interview on Jan. 29. What is the forecast cone? The "cone" was added to the centers official track map more than 20 years ago and has been the centers most well-known graphic. Its roots the forecast points date back to the earliest days of forecasting, Rhome said. It shows the probable path of the center of a storm over the next five days, with points every 12 hours for the first three days of the forecast, then at 24 hours for days four and five. The cone has steadily been shrinking, as the centers forecast skill continued to improve, reducing errors in both track and intensity. The cone does not illustrate the size of the storm or the area that could experience high winds, intense rainfall, or deadly storm surge. Why change the cone? The graphic has been misinterpreted for years, despite a black label at the top that states it does not show the size of the storm or the scope of impacts. The misunderstandings of the graphic have been "hotly debated," with no shortage of proposed solutions, Rhome said. The debate reached a fever pitch in September 2022 as powerful Hurricane Ian approached Florida, and both public officials and private citizens misinterpreted the graphic. Barrier islands on the Southwest Florida coast in Lee County were always in or at the edge of the forecast cone, but residents and officials failed to comprehend that point, delaying critical decisions, experts said at the time. Craig Fugate, former chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the former chief of emergency management in Florida, was dismayed by the misunderstandings he saw. The hurricane center and NOAA correctly communicated the uncertainty but people werent getting it, Fugate said. Afterward, he was among those suggesting the emphasis move to impacts rather than track. The center's latest effort is "a good move" to represent more of the potential impacts of a storm, Fugate told USA TODAY. People want easy answers to a very complicated phenomenon, Rhome said. They look to the forecast cone graphic because its the most familiar and has the longest history. But over the years as track forecasting improved, the size of the cone depicting the potential path got smaller and smaller. The hazards spilled farther and farther "outside the cone with greater and greater frequency," Rhome said. That created ever greater concerns. How do hurricanes form? An inside look at the birth and power of ferocious storms Is the traditional cone graphic going away? No. The experimental graphic will appear alongside it, starting around Aug. 15, after the center gets feedback from weather professionals and emergency managers and addresses any concerns, Rhome said. A mock-up of the new graphic shows just how much color (representing the wind warning) is outside the cone and well away from the center of circulation, he said. It "helps to convey the totality of wind risk, which is exceedingly important because people were just so fixated on, not only where the center of the track might go, but whether they were in or out of these edges." When it comes to impacts, whether your area is in the cone or out of the cone is "insignificant," Rhome said. Its the watches or warnings that should prompt citizens to act and tell them what action to take. Why not add all potential risks to the map? Concerns will linger because the new graphic wont yet depict the two big killers: rainfall and storm surge. The more information that's added to a graphic, the greater potential to clutter the message, Rhome said. Social scientists told the center any changes to the traditional map "would need to be very gradual" over time, he said. Since the historical warnings shown were coastal wind warnings, "it made sense to add the inland wind warnings" first to provide the complete picture of wind threat. Several meteorologists and weather experts told USA TODAY they like adding threats to the map, but agreed the center needs to proceed carefully to strike a balance between conveying threats without making the graphic too confusing. Its "a great idea to show the inland watches and warnings" on the graphic since the hazards of hurricanes extend well away from the coast, said Jeff Masters, an author with Yale Climate Connections, former hurricane hunter meteorologist and Weather Underground founder. It would be "great if the storm surge watches and warnings could also be included, but that would risk information overload." Retired television meteorologist Alan Sealls called the experimental graphic "a good attempt." Any graphic attempt to depict all the threats in a tropical system will be messy, Sealls said, because each storm includes "wind, flooding, rain, storm surge and tornadoes in a multitude of combinations." When does hurricane season start? Hurricane season starts June 1 in the Atlantic and May 15 in the Pacific basin. What will the names be for the 2024 hurricane season: Alberto Beryl Chris Debby Ernesto Francine Gordon Helene Isaac Joyce Kirk Leslie Milton Nadine Oscar Patty Rafael Sara Tony Valerie William Hurricane season 2023 See how the 4th most active season went This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The National Hurricane Center to try a new cone graphic: Here's why Reed Hastings cofounded Netflix. Ore Huiying / Getty Netflix cofounder and executive chairman Reed Hastings gave away 40% of his stake in the streaming giant. He donated the holding, worth about $1.1 billion, to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The charity is favored by the elite of Silicon Valley including Mark Zuckerberg. Reed Hastings, the cofounder and executive chairman of Netflix, has given away 2 million shares in the streaming platform. The stake is worth about $1.1 billion and were given to an unidentified entity, per a regulatory filing on Friday. A Netflix representative told The Wall Street Journal the shares had been donated to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The charity was founded in 2007 and is one of the largest nonprofits in the Bay Area. It's favored by leading tech figures including Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter founder Jack Dorsey. In 2012 the Meta CEO and his wife, Priscilla Chan, donated 18 million shares worth about $500 million to the foundation. It uses donations to fund activities and social enterprises that aim to help "reduce systemic inequities." Individuals can set up tax-free "donor-advised funds" to hold large sums before it is dispensed as grants. At the end of 2022, the foundation had more than $10 billion in assets, per the Journal. Hastings' donation accounted for about 40% of his stake in Netflix. He is worth $5.4 billion and is in 491th place on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index as of Tuesday. Hastings founded the DVD subscription service Netflix in 1997 with entrepreneur Marc Randolph. He stepped down as co-CEO in January last year after nearly 25 years in the role, during which the company became the world's dominant streaming platform. Netflix is valued at $252 billion and its stock is up by 63% over the past 12 months. In 2020 Hastings and his wife Patty Quillin gave $120 million to two historically Black colleges and the United Negro College Fund. They've also signed The Giving Pledge, the philanthropy pact founded by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to inspire billionaire signatories to give away most their wealth. Netflix did not immediately reply to a request for comment from Business Insider, made outside normal working hours. Read the original article on Business Insider ATLANTA A cyberattack that hit government systems in Fulton County, Georgia, over the weekend affected the offices of the district attorney who is prosecuting former President Donald Trump on election interference charges, local officials said Monday. All desktop phones, intranet and devices using county servers are down for all departments, including District Attorney Fani Willis' office, said a county official with knowledge of the situation. County employees received an email notification about the outage Monday, the official said. The Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta (Christian Monterrosa / AFP via Getty Images file) Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts confirmed at a news briefing Monday afternoon that the outage, which he said affected the countys phones, courts and tax systems, "was a result of a cybersecurity incident" and that law enforcement was investigating. "We do not yet have a specific time frame for when these systems will be restored," Pitts said. At this time, we are not aware of any transfer of sensitive information about citizens or employees, but we will continue to look carefully at this issue, he added. A spokesperson for Willis office declined to comment on the cyberattack. The case involving Trump and his co-defendants has several coming deadlines for filings, including one this week for Willis, who is expected to respond to allegations that she had an improper relationship with the special prosecutor involved in the election case. Four of the initial co-defendants have pleaded guilty, while Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty. The county said in a news release Sunday that while most county offices remained open, certain transactions would be limited, and that its Information Technology Department was addressing the outage. A spokesperson for the FBI's Atlanta field office said in a statement Monday that the agency has been in contact with the county about the incident. While we cannot comment on any specific incidents, the FBI routinely advises the public and private sectors about cyber threats in order to help them guard against the actions of cyber criminals," Tony Thomas said in the statement. "We work with our interagency partners to identify, pursue, and defeat all those who partake in cybercrime. A spokesperson for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said it was not investigating the matter. Blayne Alexander reported from Atlanta and Zoe Richards from New York. Democrats have begun ramping up their spending weeks before a Pennsylvania state House special election that will determine control of the chamber. The open-seat contest on Feb. 13 in the 140th state House district has emerged as a prime target for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee the national Democratic arm in charge of funding candidates for state legislative races which said Tuesday it would make an initial $50,000 investment in the race. News of the groups investment was shared with NBC News ahead of its release later Tuesday morning. The money comes from a $21 million fundraising haul, which the group announced this month, that will be allocated across an array of states with competitive legislative races. The DLCC's investment is the first sizable one in the race between Democrat Jim Prokopiak and Republican Candace Cabanas by either party. According to the ad tracking firm AdImpact, there have been only minimal levels of spending in the race so far. The Cabanas campaign, the Republican State Leadership Committee and the Bucks County GOP didnt respond to questions about planned investments in the race. The race for a district in Bucks County a purple area in the northern suburbs of Philadelphia could offer Democrats some clues about how the party is faring in the key county months ahead of the 2024 election. Party control of the state House is tied at 101. Democrats had a one-seat majority before former state Rep. John Galloway, a Democrat, resigned after he won a judgeship in the county in November. Republicans control the state Senate, while Democrats hold the governorship. The race is the seventh special election in the state House in the past year, with partisan control of the closely divided chamber often seesawing with the results. Democrats won five of the six special elections in state House seats last year. The fact that were seeing a positive Democratic overperformance across all these specials tells us that voters Democrats are willing to show up and that they understand the stakes, said Heather Williams, the president of the DLCC. While the 140th District leans blue, its part of a key swing county. Galloway, who had held the seat for 16 years until he resigned, ran unopposed in 2022 and defeated his Republican opponent in 2020 by 20 points. But in the 2020 presidential race, Joe Biden won Bucks County by just over 17,000 votes or by about 4.4 percentage points while in 2016, Hillary Clinton won it by fewer than 2,000 votes. Bidens margin of victory in 2020 and Clintons in 2016 were larger in the 140th District in those years. The districts borders are now slightly different because the state adopted new legislative maps in 2022. Still, Williams views the race as a potential bellwether, given the importance that suburban voters whom both parties have aggressively targeted in recent cycles will have in the 2024 election. Weve seen voters who continue to show up for Democrats to continue to be concerned about their freedoms, including, most prominently, those surrounding abortion rights and reproductive health care, Williams said. This is a suburban district in Bucks County, she added. And suburban voters have told us a lot over the last couple of elections." Adani Samat "Naadier Riles, the founder of Global Heartbreak, is not an independent creator when it comes to footwearhe is a bootlegger," is the opening line of a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey last week by Nike, the world's largest sneaker manufacturer. It's suing Riles, a 26-year-old clothing designer who works out of his apartment in North Brunswick, New Jersey. Known professionally as Naady, he's accused of copyright infringement for selling re-imagined versions of the Air Jordan 1 model. Nike accused Naady's company of causing it "to suffer irreparable injury to its business," claiming that it "will suffer substantial loss of goodwill and reputation unless and until Global Heartbreak is permanently enjoined from the wrongful acts complained of herein." Global Heartbreak has produced 400 pairs of Naady's designs over the years, not all of which have been sold; Nike sells approximately 100 pairs of sneakers every four seconds, or 780 million annually. The lawsuit was "surprising," says Brendan Dunne, editor of the top online sneaker magazine, Sole Collector, since Global Heartbreak's operation is tiny. "I guess nothing is off the table," he told Reason. Naady's sneaker design replaces the iconic Nike Swoosh with a broken heart pierced by a needle and uses different colors and details, though the shape and mold of the shoe are clearly taken from the Air Jordan 1. Nike and its law firm, Arnold & Porter, didn't respond to Reason's interview requests, but the complaint states the company has a zero-tolerance policy when protecting its intellectual property. "Nike cannot allow bad actors such as [Riles]to confuse consumers by building a business on the back of Nike's most famous trademarks, undermining the value of those trademarks and the message they convey." This latest lawsuit is part of a recent, more litigious strategy by the sneakers giant. Trademarks are typically reserved for words, symbols, or logos used to identify a brand, such as the Swoosh or the phrase "Just Do It"; Nike has started filing trademarks based on the shape and structure of its products. Its most high-profile lawsuit is against the trendsetting Japanese fashion brand A Bathing Ape, or BAPE for short, which had been selling its sneakers for 20 years before Nike accused it of trademark infringement. The company, which operates its own chain and has far more resources than Global Heartbreak, continues to push for the dismissal of Nike's lawsuit, and in the meantime, its sneakers have remained on the market. Smaller designers targeted by Nike have often signed out-of-court settlements, similar to the one offered to Naady, that prevent them from further sale of their shoes. NYU Law Professor Christopher Sprigman, co-author of The Knockoff Economy: How Imitation Sparks Innovation, told Reason that the derivative designs of the sort sold by Global Heartbreakknown as "trade dress"are both legal and essential to the creative process. "Copying is what helps set the trend that comes next," he says. "So the fashion cycle runs and the fashion industry's successive waves of innovation depend on copying." Sprigman appeared in a recent ReasonTV video titled, Why is Nike Stomping On Independent Creators?, which featured Naady's sneakers. After Nike's attorneys watched the video, they sent Naady a cease-and-desist. Initially, he planned to comply, telling Reason that he'd eat the loss on his unsold shoes and focus on sales of his other merchandise. According to Naady, three weeks later, Nike offered him a confidential settlement, offering 90 days to sell off his inventory, as long as he complied with a list of demands that included publicly posting a statement saying that he was infringing on Nike's intellectual property. Naady balked at that demand; he says that after he couldn't get Nike's lawyers on the phone, he turned to Instagram. "I'm not signing shit until I get a better agreement from @nike," Naady wrote in a post featuring a crossed-out version of Nike's offered settlement. "Ima keep talking until I get a better offer until then suck dick." He also shared a video of himself setting a pair of his sneakers on fire. Nike lawyers included a screenshot of Naady's post in their lawsuit. "It is what it is," Naady told Reason. "I guess I'll take the hit for everybody that had to shut the fuck up. Maybe this is what I had to do to get noticed." "The amount of money Nike's potentially losing to Global Heartbreak is, of course, minuscule," says Dunne. "It's just like, how small do you have to be for Nike not to care?" The post Nike Sued Him for Making 400 Pairs of a Reimagined Air Jordan 1 appeared first on Reason.com. HANOI, Vietnam (AP) The Philippines and Vietnam signed agreements Tuesday to prevent incidents in the South China Sea and broaden cooperation between their coast guards in a growing alliance that will likely be frowned upon by China, which claims virtually the entire waters. The agreements, along with discussions on enhancing information-sharing and training exchanges between the Vietnamese and Philippine militaries, were forged during a visit to Hanoi by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Both sides agreed to boost trade and investment and signed a key deal on rice. The Philippines and Vietnam have had especially tense confrontations with China in the strategic waterway and key route for global trade in recent years. Territorial faceoffs in the high seas between Chinese and Philippine ships intensified last year, fueling fears of a wider conflict that could involve Washington, Manilas longtime treaty ally. Although Chinese and Philippine officials agreed earlier this month at a meeting in Shanghai to take steps to deescalate tensions, Marcos while in Hanoi raised his concerns over the long-seething disputes and cited increasingly aggressive actions by the Chinese coast guard. "There continue to be unilateral and illegal actions that violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction and exacerbate tensions in the South China Sea, Marcos said in a call to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Transcripts of his remarks were issued by the presidential office in Manila. The Philippine president cited a water cannon assault by the Chinese coast guard that damaged a Philippine vessel on Dec. 10 near the Second Thomas Shoal and a similar incident in another disputed area, the Scarborough Shoal. We are firm in defending our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction against any provocations, Marcos said. But at the same time, we are also seeking to address these issues with China through peaceful dialogue and consultations as two equal sovereign states. Marcos said that in his talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in the U.S. last November, he stressed that need to deescalate tensions in the South China Sea, to which he agreed." It was not immediately clear how the Vietnamese premier reacted to Marcos remarks. Chinese officials also did not immediately comment on that, or on the agreements signed by the neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Vietnamese and Philippine officials did not release specific details of their agreements on preventing and managing incidents in the South China Sea and intensifying coordination on maritime issues to promote trust and confidence. "I hope that we can seriously implement this agreement as quickly as we can, Marcos said. The accord on maritime cooperation aims to establish a comprehensive partnership between our coast guards on capacity building, training and personnel and ship exchanges to enhance interoperability operations between our two countries, Marcos said. The Philippine leader said his country was interested in a joint submission to a United Nations commission that deals with the limits of continental shelves of coastal states. The Philippines is willing to work with Vietnam for a joint submission at the appropriate time, Marcos said. The two countries also signed a deal on Tuesday for Vietnam to supply the Philippines with 1.5 million to 2 million metric tons (1.6 to 2.2 million U.S. tons) of rice each year at affordable prices. Vietnamese rice accounts for 85% of imported rice in the Philippines and the two countries agreed to create a framework for ensuring stable supplies. A rice shortage last year, exacerbated by climate change and some major producers halting exports, resulted in prices soaring globally including in the Philippines. Marcos, who arrived in Hanoi on Monday, also met with Pham Nhat Vuong, Vietnam's richest man and the chairman of the sprawling conglomerate Vingroup, which runs the electric vehicle company Vinfast. Vinfast said after the meeting it would open an EV business network in the Philippines and that the investment would start later this year. VinFasts plans to expand in the Philippines are part of its goal of selling EVs in 50 markets worldwide. It is exporting EVs to the U.S. and also building a $4 billion EV factory in North Carolina, where production is slated to begin this year. It has also said it will build factories in Indonesia and India. ___ Gomez reported from Manila, Philippines. A broad framework for a hostage release and potential ceasefire in the war between Hamas and Israel was agreed to among negotiators in Paris this weekend, according to an official familiar with the talks. While there is a basic framework that negotiators feel they can move forward with, the details are going to be very difficult to work out, the official said. Even though negotiators came to terms on the broad strokes, the office of Israels prime minister indicated Monday that there are concerns about conditions that are not acceptable. Egyptian intelligence delivered the framework to Hamas in Rafah on Monday, the official said. The framework would call for a first phase of civilian hostage releases to take place over a six-week pause with three Palestinian prisoners held by Israel released for each civilian hostage returned from Gaza. That ratio would be expected to go up for Israel Defense Forces soldiers and a longer pause is possible beyond the six weeks for the later phases. It is a melding of different proposals from Israel, Hamas, Qatar and Egypt, along with additional ideas from the United States. The proposals differed on the length of the pause and ratios for swapping prisoners and hostages. Multiple officials have voiced optimism that the proposal could advance a process toward an eventual release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas and a sustained cessation of fighting in Gaza. However, they have cautioned that there are still many details that need to be fleshed out and Hamas still needs to engage in a constructive way. I believe the proposal is a strong one, and a compelling one that, again, offers some hope that we can get back to this process, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday. But Hamas will have to make its own decisions. The top US diplomat did not offer details about the proposal. Sundays discussions made good progress to get things back in shape and at least to lay a foundation for the way forward, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said earlier Monday. We are in much better place than where we were a few weeks ago, Al Thani said at the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC. Al Thani described the framework emerging from the discussions in France with himself, US CIA Director Bill Burns and the Israeli and Egyptian intelligence chiefs as a combination of whats been proposed by the Israelis and whats been a counter-proposal from Hamas. We tried to blend things together to come up with some sort of reasonable ground that brings everybody together, he said. However, the Qatari prime minister downplayed the prospect of immediate results coming out of the talks. We dont know and we cannot predict what (Hamas response) will be and we are sure that we will be faced with some challenges and obstacles. Hamas must get to a place where they engage positively and constructively in the process, Al Thani said. The sides have been unable to reach an agreement to release more hostages since one in November collapsed. That agreement resulted in a weeklong pause in fighting in exchange for the release of more than 100 hostages and another deal to free the more than 100 who remain would be a major breakthrough at a time of huge tension in the Middle East as concerns grow about a wider regional conflict breaking out. In the months since, the IDF has continued its offensive in Gaza aimed at eliminating Hamas in retaliation for the groups October 7 attack, which killed more than 1,200 people. Another 250 were abducted in that attack. Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7 have killed at least 25,700 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza. CNN cannot independently verify the figures due to the difficulty of reporting from the war zone. US officials have repeatedly rebuffed the idea of a ceasefire, but have supported the notion of a pause that would allow hostages to be released and additional humanitarian aid to reach the war-torn strip. Blinken said that he discussed the ongoing efforts to free Israeli hostages and create an extended pause in fighting in Gaza during his meeting with Al Thani on Monday. This is critical to them being able to get to the formula that weve been talking about for putting a durable end to the cycle of violence that weve seen in the region for generation after generation, and the opportunity that exists to actually achieve it, an integrated Israel with relations with all of its neighbors, security commitments, assurances that it needs to make sure that it can move forward in peace and security, Palestinian Authority thats reformed and a clear pathway to a Palestinian state, Blinken said at a news conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Coming out of the discussions in France, Al Thani is in Washington this week for meetings with top Biden administration officials. CNNs Michael Conte contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Russian troops struck an industrial site in a central Ukrainian district for a second day as attacks were launched on wide areas of civilian and critical infrastructure, Kyiv officials said. Ukraines air force said Russia attacked the central Poltava region with two ballistic missiles fired from an Iskander system on Sunday, and fired three surface-to-air missiles over the Donetsk region in the east. For the second day in a row, the enemy is attacking Poltava, regional governor Filip Pronin wrote on the Telegram messaging app, noting that the target was an industrial site in the Kremenchuk district. Pictures posted on social media showed emergency crews battling a blaze. Recent shelling in Donetsk has caused devastation to civilian infrastructure (AFP via Getty Images) Preliminary information did not show any casualties in the attacks, the air force said. A missile attack on Saturday hit an industrial site in the same area, triggering a fire but causing no casualties. Russia and Ukraine have increased their air attacks on each others territory in recent months, targeting critical military, energy and transport infrastructure. On Monday, a Ukrainian rocket strike on the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine killed at least three civilians, Alexei Kulemzin, the citys Russian-installed mayor said. Unverified images circulating on social media showed a car on fire and what appeared to be two bodies lying in a street. Firefighters work in a destroyed building hit by shelling in a residential area in Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine (REUTERS) Further southeast in the Zaporizhzhia region, Governor Yuri Malashko said an infrastructure site had been hit in a drone attack. Emergency crews were at the site, he said, but he gave no details of damage or casualties. Ukraines air defence systems destroyed four out of eight drones launched by Russia overnight, the air force said. Elsewhere, the Institute for the Study of War think tank said Moldova, which includes the pro-Russian breakaway province Transnistria, has become the target of Russian anger. Alexei Polishchuk, the director of the second department of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Countries at the Russian ministry of foreign affairs, claimed in an interview with TASS that Moldova has begun to destroy its ties with CIS member states. He claimed this decision would not benefit Moldovan interests or citizens nor would it be profitable for the Moldovan economy. The CIS was founded in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and is aimed at boosting cooperation between the countries. Meanwhile, the European Union has denied that a confidential document seen by the Financial Times is evidence of a Brussels plot to sabotage Hungarys economy if Budapest blocks a 50bn (43bn) package of aid for Ukraine. A Brussels spokesperson insisted the document was merely a factual background note which describes the current status of the Hungarian economy. Hungarys foreign minister Peter Szijjarto (left) speaks during a press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba (right) (AP) While Budapest was the one EU member state to block the 50bn package in December, Viktor Orbans government signalled it was ready to change its position, despite levelling furious allegations of blackmail against the EU in response to the FT report. But in a meeting on Monday between their foreign ministers, no breakthrough was reached. Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto said that modifications Ukraine made late last year to its education and language laws had doubtlessly stopped a negative spiral that had restricted the rights of ethnic Hungarians in the western Ukrainian region of Zakarpattia to study in their native language. But, he said, those changes were not enough to resolve the dispute over the language rights of the Hungarian minority that has dominated the two countries poor relations for years. Hungary, Mr Szijjarto said, has an expectation that the members of the Hungarian national community will regain their rights that already existed in 2015. We still have a long way to go, he said, but we on the Hungarian side are ready to do this work. Starbucks reported record revenue in its fiscal first quarter but lowered its sales outlook for the rest of the year as spending weakens in China and other markets. The Seattle coffee giant said Tuesday it now expects revenue to increase between 7% and 10% in its current fiscal year, down from the 10-12% increase it forecast in early November. Global same-store sales or sales at stores open at least a year are now expected to rise between 4% and 6%, down from the previous 5-7% range. The update came after a bumpy first quarter that fell short of Wall Street's expectations. Starbucks said its revenue rose 8% to a record $9.43 billion for the October-December period. But that was lower than the $9.6 billion analysts had forecast, according to FactSet. Global same-store sales rose 5%, which was also lower than the 7% increase analysts forecast. Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan said there were pockets of good news in the fiscal first quarter. U.S. holiday sales were strong, and the company saw the highest-ever spending on gift cards in the U.S., with $3.6 billion preloaded onto cards during the quarter. Starbucks also saw record U.S. spending per order as visitors bought more food and spent more to customize their drinks. But starting in mid-November, Narasimhan said, U.S. store traffic slowed. Starbucks faced multiple headwinds during the quarter. On Nov. 16, workers at more than 200 U.S. stores walked off the job to protest lack of progress in negotiating union contracts with the company. It was the largest strike yet in the 2-year-old effort to unionize Starbucks company-owned U.S. stores. Narasimhan on Tuesday reiterated that Starbucks wants to restart negotiations with Workers United, the union that has organized workers in at least 370 U.S. stores. Starbucks has said it wants to reach a labor agreement with workers this year. We believe in a direct relationship with our partners. And in the 4% of our stores in the U.S. where our partners have chosen to be represented by a union, we are committed to finding a constructive path forward with those unions, Narasimhan said during a conference call with investors. Starbucks also faced boycotts in the Middle East and elsewhere after it sued Workers United in October over a pro-Palestinian message posted on a union social media account. Starbucks said it was trying to get the union to stop using its name and likeness, since the post also kicked off protests from pro-Israel demonstrators. But boycotters felt the company wasnt adequately supporting the people of Gaza. Starbucks and Workers United plan to try to resolve the lawsuit in mediation sessions next month, according to court filings. I am deeply distressed by the violence shaking the region, Narasimhan said Tuesday. As I have shared, Starbucks condemns violence against the innocent, hate, and weaponized speech. While Starbucks' most loyal customers have kept up their visits, U.S. stores saw a drop-off in occasional visitors during the quarter, and traffic has continued to be soft in January. Starbucks said it's working to bring those customers back with targeted offers and new menu items. Starbucks also reported mixed results in China during its first quarter. Customer transactions were up 21% but average spending per order fell 9% as consumers spent more cautiously and Starbucks offered more discounts. Belinda Wong, who oversees Starbucks' China business, said Tuesday that the Chinese market is seeing a rash of lower-priced competitors who are building stores quickly and challenging Starbucks on price. But Starbucks thinks those competitors will shake out over time. "Were not interested in entering the price war. Were focusing on capturing high quality, profitable, sustainable growth," Wong said. Starbucks reiterated that it plans to have 9,000 stores in China by 2025, up from nearly 7,000 today. Starbucks said its net income rose 20% to just over $1 billion, or 90 cents per share. Analysts had forecast earnings of 93 cents per share. Starbucks shares rose 4% in after-hours trading. Former President Donald Trump's attorney Alina Habba on Tuesday backed off of a conflict of interest claim against the judge who presided over the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial after Carroll's lawyer threatened to pursue sanctions. Habba on Monday filed a letter with the court citing a New York Post story that said U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan and Carroll attorney Roberta Kaplan, who are not related, had worked at the major law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in the 1990s. An unidentified former partner at the firm, which employs around 1,000 lawyers, told the Post that Lewis Kaplan had been like her mentor." Habba told the New York Post that the situation was "insane and so incestuous." "This is news to us, Habba told the paper on Saturday, a day after the jury in the case hit Trump with an $83.3 million verdict. We are going to include this in our appeal and take appropriate measures. The fact it wasnt disclosed is an ethics violation. The article included a quote from Roberta Kaplan's spokesman Zak Sawyer, who said while they'd worked at the same large law firm, they overlapped for less than two years in the early 1990s." The now-judge "was a senior partner and she was a junior associate and she never worked for him, Sawyer said. In her letter on Monday, Habba said, "If Your Honor truly worked with Ms. Kaplan in any capacityespecially if there was a mentor/mentee relationshipthat fact should have been disclosed before any case involving these parties was permitted to proceed forward." She suggested he had violated the judicial code of conduct and that she might use the allegation as ammunition in a request for a new trial. She noted she'd had "many clashes" with the judge during the trial and another last year and said he'd been "overtly hostile towards defense counsel." Her letter suggested the "conflict" might have something to do with his "rulings, tone, and demeanor." "Here, without knowing more information (or having a specific factual denial by Your Honor that you had a mentor-mentee relationship with Ms. Kaplan), we are unable to flesh out our position concerning what specific relief should be requested, including, but not limited to, moving for new trials on the issues of liability and damages. Surely, however, this Court should provide defense counsel with all of the relevant facts," Habba wrote. "We thank the Court for its prompt attention to this troubling matter." Roberta Kaplan responded in a letter of her own to the judge Tuesday, saying the "allegations are utterly baseless." She said she started at the Paul, Weiss firm as a junior litigation associate in October 1992, when Lewis Kaplan was a senior litigation partner. He was nominated to the bench by then-President Bill Clinton and confirmed by the Senate in August 1994. "During that relatively brief period more than thirty years ago, I do remember the Paul, Weiss partners with whom I worked and none of them was Your Honor. More specifically, I have no recollection from that time period of ever interacting with Your Honor on a case, participating with Your Honor in a client or case-related meeting, or attending a court proceeding with Your Honor. In fact, I remember no direct interaction from that time period with Your Honor at all," her letter said. "Needless to say, at no point have we ever had a '"mentor" type relationship,' as alleged by Ms. Habba," the attorney said. Roberta Kaplan said the allegation was part of the Trump team's scheme to discredit the judicial system and suggested that she might seek sanctions against Habba. "While Ms. Habba ends her letter by characterizing this as a 'troubling matter,' what is actually troubling is both the substance and timing of her false accusations of impropriety," she wrote. "From the very start of the recently concluded trial, Donald Trump and Ms. Habba have pushed a false narrative of judicial bias so that they could characterize any jury verdict against Trump as the product of a corrupt system. While that strategy has now moved into its post-verdict phase, it is now time for Defendants false and vexatious claims of bias or impropriety to stop." Habba responded with another letter a short time later, saying she hadn't made any "false allegations." "The purpose of the letter was simply to inquire as to whether there is any merit to a recently published New York Post story which reported on the alleged existence of such a relationship," she wrote. "Since Ms. Kaplan has now denied that there was ever a mentor-mentee relationship between herself and Your Honor, this issue has seemingly been resolved." A court official said the judge had no comment. Beirut, Jan 30 (UNI) Two Hezbollah members were killed and two civilians injured on Monday in Israeli raids on Lebanon's southern borders, according to Lebanese military sources. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israeli forces had launched 14 airstrikes on eight towns and villages in southern Lebanon and destroyed three houses, adding that around 100 Israeli shells were also fired at 15 towns and villages in the area, destroying eight houses and damaging 25 others. Meanwhile, the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah said its fighters attacked several Israeli targets at sites including al-Samaqa, al-Motella, and the Zarit barracks. The Lebanese-Israeli border has been witnessing increased tension since Oct. 8, 2023, after Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. The confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel have killed 239 people on the Lebanese side, including 173 Hezbollah members and 39 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. UNI/XINHUA ARN Both the U.S. and Iran say they dont want an all-out war. But after months of attacks and spiraling tensions in the Middle East culminating in the killing of three American soldiers in a drone strike by Tehran-backed militants former officials and analysts from the West warn the two countries may be sleepwalking toward conflict. Sundays attack in Jordan was the first time American personnel have been killed in strikes from Irans proxies fired in response to Israels war in Gaza. President Joe Biden has vowed retaliation but who the U.S. targets is as yet unclear. More hawkish voices are concerned that a response thats too weak could fail to stop the mounting threat to American interests; other regional observers fear that a stronger retaliation could be the spark that sets off a wider war. The U.S. is in danger of slow-walking itself into a war with Iran, said Thomas Shannon, former U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs, the third-highest role in the State Department. Though Iran itself may not want a war, experts say it has been able to use its militias to challenge American and Western interests in the region without getting directly involved. While often keeping its language vague, Iran says it has no sway over these groups decision-making, and Western experts agree its unclear to what extent Tehran has direct control over these forces. Partly because of this ambiguity, the risk of miscalculation and escalation is huge, said Shannon, who has worked in a variety of senior roles under Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Were engaging with people who have every reason to escalate with us because our attacks against them elevate them in their world, he said. These Iran proxies can cast themselves as the leading edge of resistance to U.S. presence in the region, to Israel and leading the effort on behalf of Palestinians, he added. Irans proxies have long been active in the Middle East what Tehran calls the Axis of Resistance against American and Western influence. But after Hamas Oct. 7 attacks, and Israels military campaign in Gaza, these Tehran-backed militias have unleashed a fresh wave of violence, which they say is a protest against Israels war and a sign of support for the Palestinian cause. In Lebanon, the militant group Hezbollah has fired daily missiles into Israel, provoking an Israeli response and fears of a repeat of the Israel-Lebanon war of 2006. Yemens Houthis have launched rockets and drones toward southern Israel and targeted international shipping in the Red Sea, a key bottleneck for global maritime trade. Meanwhile, militants in Iraq and Syria have launched strikes against American bases across those two countries and most recently Jordan. Houthi supporters in Yemen (Osamah Abdulrahman / AP) Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday that it was an incredibly volatile time in the Middle East. The world, he suggested at a news conference, had not seen a situation as dangerous as the one were facing now across the region since at least 1973, and arguably even before that referring to that years Arab-Israeli war, also known as the Yom Kippur War. Iran denies orchestrating any of this, although Western governments and independent experts say Tehran is arming, training or funding all of these groups on some level. The U.S. and its Western allies have hit back, striking targets they said were being used by Iran-linked militias in Syria and Iraq. They have also hit Yemens Houthis with airstrikes and lead a multinational task force with the aim of protecting merchant shipping routes in the Red Sea. However, the drone attack in Jordan raises the stakes, with Biden facing pressure to increase the severity of the U.S. response. Thats led some regional watchers to wonder whether the militants intended their attack to be deadly at all, knowing it would provoke calls for such an escalation. It was the third such attack on the base in six months, according to two Pentagon officials, the first two in 2023 being unsuccessful. There are two theories for how the drone evaded defenses at the base, Tower 22: It either flew in as a U.S. drone was also arriving and therefore the defense systems did not recognize it as a threat; or it came in at a very low altitude, the officials said. Three American troops were killed and Its not 100% clear that this was an intentional escalation on the part of Iran or even on the part of the militias, said Frank Lowenstein, Obamas former special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Theyve launched dozens of these kinds of strikes, and theyve never killed any American soldiers before. Even if it was intentional, its unclear how much command and control Iran is exerting over these militias, he said. Is Tehran saying: we want to ramp up the pressure here? Or do these militias, some of whom are fairly obscure, even answer directly to Iran at all? In brief remarks Tuesday, Biden said he had decided on a response to the attacks, without giving details. The president said he held Iran responsible for the strike because it provided weapons to the militants, but he reiterated that he was not looking for a wider war. Blinken said Monday the U.S. would respond strongly and respond at a time and place of our choosing. He said he wouldnt give details as to not give the targets a heads-up, but said the response could be multileveled, come in stages, and be sustained over time. Republican congressmen have been spearheading criticism of the president, suggesting that his limited strikes on Iranian militias rather than Iran itself has allowed Americas interests to be threatened and a wider war to become more likely. The Biden Administration can take out all the Iranian proxies they like, but it will not deter Iranian aggression, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said in a statement. I am calling on the Biden Administration to strike targets of significance inside Iran, not only as reprisal for the killing of our forces, but as deterrence against future aggression. Iran also sees the proxy drone and rocket attacks on U.S. troops as a way of forcing the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq, a long-sought goal for Tehran. The Shiite-dominated Iraqi government, which has friendly relations with its more powerful neighbor to the east, has publicly criticized the U.S. over recent airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. Hostilities Persist On Israel-Lebanon Border (Amir Levy / Getty Images) As the Biden administration weighs its options, the White House may conclude that a strike against a target in Iraq carries just as much political fallout as a bombing raid inside Iran, said Michael Knights, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who closely follows Irans proxy network in the Middle East. Its almost more sensitive to strike in Iraq than it is in Iran, he said. Bidens options could include bombing targets in Iraq, Syria or Yemen, or he and his advisers may opt to go after Iranian naval ships in the Persian Gulf suspected of aiding Houthi missile and drone attacks at sea, experts said. But both Iran and the U.S. may be misreading each other, former Western officials and experts say. Tehran may have wrongly assumed that the Biden administration would not be willing to strike directly at Iran, and Washington may have incorrectly calculated that Iran would pull back from a direct confrontation after a succession of limited U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-backed militia and Houthi forces in Yemen. Theyre trying to deter us and not recognizing that, eventually, we wont be deterred. And then, were doing the same with them, Knights added. Basically no ones deterrence calculus is working. NICOSIA (Reuters) -An envoy for U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres started contacts on divided Cyprus on Tuesday, seeking to break years of stalemate in peace talks. U.N. envoy Maria Angela Holguin, a former Colombian foreign minister, was on her first visit after being appointed envoy on Jan. 5 with a mandate to explore the resumption of negotiations. "I come from a country that lived through 50 years of conflict ... I think I can collaborate and do all my best for a good result for Cyprus," she told reporters, referring to civil war in Colombia which struck peace in 2016 with the main rebels. Cyprus was split in a Turkish invasion in 1974 triggered by a brief Greek-inspired coup and remains a source of friction between fellow NATO military alliance members Greece and Turkey. Countless mediation attempts have failed. The last round of U.N.-sponsored negotiations collapsed in disarray in 2017 over the role of Turkey in a post-settlement Cyprus. Holguin, who was Colombian foreign minister from 2010 to 2018, met with President Nikos Christodoulides, the Greek Cypriot leader, and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. "We reiterated our focus to approach this new phase ... with sincere political will and positive input to create preconditions for the resumption of talks," a spokesperson for Christodoulides said. His administration last week unveiled a series of confidence building measures directed at Turkish Cypriots. Tatar, who has headed a breakaway state in north Cyprus since 2020, wants a two-state settlement. That is rejected by Greek Cypriots, who cite previously-agreed accords and U.N. resolutions that the island reunite under a federal umbrella with a strong central government. "All the efforts during years of talks to find a solution in a federation basis have yielded no result since the other side does not want to share prosperity and governance with the Turkish side equitably," Tatar said after meeting Holguin. "For there to be a fair, sustainable and lasting agreement in Cyprus, the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots must absolutely be recognised ... It is not possible for us to take a step back from this." At present Cyprus's internationally-recognised government is comprised solely of Greek Cypriots, a legacy of a constitutional breakdown in 1963 when a power-sharing administration with Turkish Cypriots crumbled amid violence. (Reporting by Michele Kambas and Tuvan Gumrukcu;Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) By Khanh Vu HANOI (Reuters) -Vietnam and the Philippines agreed on Tuesday to boost cooperation between their coastguards and to prevent untoward incidents in the South China Sea, in an announcement during a state visit to Hanoi by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The two Southeast Asian countries have competing claims over some parts of the South China Sea, a conduit for $3 trillion of annual ship-borne trade that China claims almost in its entirety. The two memoranda of understanding on security covered "incident prevention in the South China Sea" and "maritime cooperation" among coastguards, according to a Vietnamese official who announced the deals during a formal ceremony in the country's presidential palace. The agreements in Hanoi could risk angering Beijing, especially if they paved the way for future compromises on disputed claims. China tends to view progress in the resolution of border disputes among other claimants with scepticism. Both Hanoi and Manila have had run-ins with China's coastguard in the past, but altercations have been frequent in the last year between vessels of China and U.S.-ally the Philippines, adding strain to deteriorating relations. The maritime cooperation deal aims to establish a comprehensive partnership between the two Coast Guards on capacity building, training, and personnel and ship exchanges to improve their ability to run operations together, according to Marcos' remarks at a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. "The South China Sea remains to be a point of contention," Marcos said at the meeting. "We are firm in defending our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction against any provocations. But at the same time, we are also seeking to address these issues with China through peaceful dialogue and consultations as two equal sovereign states." Before meeting Vietnam's President Vo Van Thuong, Marcos said Vietnam was "the sole strategic partner of the Philippines" in Southeast Asia and stressed that maritime cooperation was the foundation of that relationship. "The world and regional situation is evolving in a rapid and complicated manner and therefore we need to unite and cooperate more closely," Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said, noting Marcos' visit helped boost bilateral relations. Vietnam, one of the world's biggest rice exporters, also sealed agreements with the Philippines, a top importer of the grain, covering rice trade and agriculture cooperation. In his two-day visit to Hanoi, Marcos is meeting Vietnamese leaders, but not Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, according to official schedules, in what would be Trong's third consecutive absence from meetings with visiting leaders this month. Trong, 79, however attended a parliament's session in mid-January, partly dispelling concerns about his health after he was not included in official schedules of visiting leaders from Laos and Indonesia. Before meeting Vietnamese political leaders on Tuesday, Marcos met Pham Nhat Vuong, the head of Vingroup, Vietnam's largest conglomerate, on Monday. The company said on Tuesday its electric car unit VinFast will open a business network in the Philippines. Marcos said the Philippines could help produce batteries for electric vehicles, thanks to its reserves of cobalt, copper and nickel, Vingroup said in a statement. He said the two countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion from $7 billion. (Reporting by Khanh Vu in Hanoi; additional reporting by Karen Lema in Manila, Francesco Guarascio in Hanoi; Editing by Martin Petty, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Sonali Paul) WASHINGTON A member of the pro-Nazi group White Lives Matter was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for firebombing an Ohio church that had been planning to host two drag events. Aimeen Penny, a 20-year-old far-right extremist from Ohio, was arrested last year after he made Molotov cocktails and threw them at the Community Church of Chesterland in Chersterland, Ohio, on March 25, 2023. Penny pleaded guilty in October to a church arson hate crime as well as to using fire and explosives to commit a felony. Judge Bridget Meehan Brennan sentenced Penny to a total of 216 months in prison on Monday. In a sentencing memo, federal prosecutors said that church burnings "have a long and sordid history in the United States," and said that burning a church "is as potent a symbol of hate as burning a cross on a lawn or leaving a hanging noose." According to prosecutors, Penny had previously traveled to Wadsworth, Ohio, in advance of a drag queen story hour to distribute propaganda flyers for the group. During an interview with the FBI, Penny "stated that he would have felt better if the Molotov cocktails were more effective and burned the entire church to the ground," prosecutors wrote. Appearing in court for the sentencing, Penny did not apologize and justified his actions as protecting children, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Prosecutors said that Penny was a member of the White Lives Matter group, which they described as having "racist, pro-Nazi, and homophobic views." Inside Penny's vehicle, prosecutors wrote, authorities found a "M4 A1 Carbine 5.56mm assault rifle with scope, 7 rifle magazines containing 5.56mm ammunition, a Ruger handgun, 3 magazines containing 9mm ammunition, a tactical vest, a shield, and 3 knives in sheaths" while a search of his residence found "a Glock 9mm handgun, 4 magazines containing 9 mm ammunition, a Smith and Wesson MP-15 rifle, a Walther Pistol Model P22, Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works 12-gauge shotgun, 15 magazines loaded with ammunition, various boxes of ammunition, and Nazi memorabilia." Penny, the FBI said, wrote a "manifesto" that took pride in the attack, claiming that he "was respected for it" in jail. The manifesto was "full of twisted and false historical narratives, calls for war and violence, justifications for his actions, and the spewing of transphobic and anti-Semitic hatred," prosecutors said. Penny believed that he was doing "God's work" and that he "steered history" by attacking the church, prosecutors said. Penny, authorities said, appeared to have "increasingly radicalized via online interactions since at least 2017," and "gravitated towards Nazi ideology and white supremacist groups." Matthew G. Olsen, the assistant attorney general of the Justice Departments National Security Division, said the sentence "holds Mr. Penny accountable for carrying out violence against an Ohio church because he disagreed with the way congregants chose to express their beliefs, and that "acts of extremist violence have no place in our communities." Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division said officials hoped the "significant sentence sends a clear and resounding message that this type of hate-fueled attack against a church will not be tolerated" in America. "This defendant tried to burn down a church simply because its members created space for and provided support to the LGBTQ+ community," Clarke said. "The Justice Department will vigorously investigate and prosecute such senseless, bias-motivated violence against people exercising their constitutionally protected right to practice their religion and express their beliefs. A pair of brothers in New York City has been charged with 130 counts related to the illegal possession, handling and sale of weapons after an arsenal of ghost guns, assault rifles and improvised explosive devices were discovered in a raid of their Queens apartment, prosecutors said. The brothers, Angelo and Andrew Hatziagelis, have been under investigation by the Queens District Attorneys Office for suspected purchases of firearm components and accessories and the manufacturing of illegal ghost guns a type of untraceable, homemade firearm, the prosecutors office announced in a Monday news release. During a January 17 search of their apartment, authorities found instructions on how to make bombs, anarchist propaganda and a hit list scrawled with cops, judges, politicians, celebrities and banker scum, the district attorneys office said. Angelo, 51, and Andrew, 39, Hatziagelis share the Astoria apartment with their mother and another brother, prosecutors said. The search of the apartment revealed eight fully operable improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, two loaded AR-15-style ghost guns, more than 600 rounds of ammunition and three sets of body armor, among other things, according to the district attorneys office. The Queens District Attorney shared images of improvised explosive devices seized from the brothers' apartment. - Queens District Attorney The apartment building, which sits across from a power plant, was evacuated by the New York City Police Departments bomb squad after the IEDs were found, the release said. US Homeland Security and state police also assisted in the search. This cache of weapons including explosives and untraceable, 3D-printed ghost guns had the potential to wreak horrendous carnage, city police commissioner Edward Caban said in a statement. New York City officials are among the local, state and federal authorities that have been cracking down on the proliferation of ghost guns, which have no serial numbers and can be extremely difficult to track and regulate. Queens has had the most ghost gun recoveries of all New York City boroughs since 2021, discovering more than 30% of the 359 such guns recovered in the city last year, according to Katzs office. The city is safer today, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. My Crime Strategies and Intelligence Bureau launches investigations every day so that we find illegal weapons, including guns and in this case explosive devices. We cannot measure the number of lives that were saved, but we do know that these weapons will never hurt anyone. Andrew Hatziagelis (left) and his brother Angelo are awaiting arraignment on the charges. - Queens District Attorney Office Among the charges against the brothers are criminal possession of a weapon or firearm, reckless endangerment, criminal sale of a firearm and unlawfully handling dangerous fireworks, according to the indictment. Angelo Hatziagelis has pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to a court docket. CNN has reached out to an attorney for his brother. The brothers are awaiting arraignment in the 130-count indictment and are next scheduled to appear in court on February 15, according to Katzs office. If convicted, they each face up to 25 years in prison, according to prosecutors. CNNs Josh Campbell contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Oh, how the time flies. It feels like it was just yesterday that Paris Hilton announced she was adding mom to her long list of titles, with the birth of her son, Phoenix. But it wasnt yesterday. It was a year ago, which means there was a big milestone to celebrate this week. Kevin Ostajewski Paris and husband Carter Reum quietly welcomed Phoenix on January 16, 2023, via surrogate. To commemorate their baby boys first full trip around the sun, the heiress, pop culture icon, and DJ threw a grand Sliving Under the Seathemed birthday party on Saturday. The Little Mermaid appeared to leap out of the TV screen and into Paris' backyard, as the mom of two brought the whimsical fairy tale to life with a huge whale balloon, smaller fantastical fish balloons, hoards of balloons in vibrant oceanic colors, mermaid statues, glittering tinsel, larger-than-life seashells, Greek columns, a big white arch with Phoenix written across it in sky-blue letters, and inflatable coral, seaweed, and starfish everywhere. Paris didnt stop thereshe added real-life land animals into the mix with a petting zoo that featured goats, chickens, bunnies, sheep, and a beautiful white pony. courtesy of Paris Hilton via Instagram courtesy of Paris Hilton via Instagram In addition to being the most gracious, loving host, Paris looked like a princess. She channeled Cinderella in a lavish, sweeping ball gown that featured a sweetheart neckline, a wide A-line skirt, dramatic puffy sleeves, and frilly detailing, all in a playful sky pattern of periwinkle blue and cloudy white. She continued the theme by adding a glittering star charm necklace, white cat-eye sunglasses, and a shimmering star-adorned tiara. The boy of the hour looked adorable in brown khaki pants, a white polo shirt that featured a two-tone brown collar with Fendi across the side, white Velcro sneakers, retro white circle-frame sunglasses, and a cream baker-boy cap. Im so excited, Paris said, holding Phoenix in her arms in an Instagram Story post. Ive thrown amazing birthday parties all my life, so to now be able to do this for my little boy, its such a special memory. Paris and Carter celebrated another monumental family moment two months ago, when they welcomed a second child, a baby girl named London. You Might Also Like Ethan Miller/FilmMagic Since being cast as Rey in the Star Wars franchise, Daisy Ridley has suffered from extreme anxiety which even led to a serious health scare. Ridley, 31, shared how drastically her life changed after being offered the role as Rey by J.J. Abrams in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, in an interview with Inverse published on Thursday, January 25. Understand the scale, Ridley recalled Abrams, 57, telling her at the time. This is not a role in a movie. This is a religion for people. It changes things on a level that is inconceivable. Ridley who is currently promoting her new movie, Sometimes I Think About Dying went on to explain that while she was filming, she convinced herself she was coping fine with the pressure, but the experience still felt isolating to her. Anne Hathaway Not alone. Anne Hathaway, Kendall Jenner, Stephen Colbert and more stars have opened up about their struggles with anxiety and how they cope. The Devil Wears Prada actress, for her part, opened up about how she used to get nervous when attending public events but now feels calmer and more confident. I dont know, Im just [] For friends and family, or any people who see something in a slightly different way than you do, theres this projection of you, and you in that world, and how it feels to do this and that, the actress shared. And youre like, Well, actually, Im just a human being, separate from that. Its quite this wrestle, of the reality and the fantasy thats often projected onto you. Although she managed to handle criticism from die-hard Star Wars fans and her battle with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome quite well, after The Last Jedi premiered in 2017, Ridleys anxiety eventually got so bad she developed holes in her stomach wall. Her health scare led her to take a six month sabbatical before beginning to film The Rise of the Skywalker, which premiered in 2019. Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images After the last Star Wars came out and everything was quiet, I was like, What the fk? I was grieving, she said, adding that the pandemic was helpful in a way she never expected. I realized there was a lot that I hadnt processed properly. Ridley has previously been open about her mental health and going to therapy after being catapulted into fame. Aaron Carter's Funeral Attended by Family and Friends Demi Lovato, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jon Hamm, Carrie Fisher, and Ashley Judd are among the many celebrities who've admitted to struggling with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder I went to therapy for a bit, which was great because a lot of it was about feeling out of control, cause Im quite controlling in that I like to know whats going on and suddenly youre in a situation where you have no idea whats going on, she explained to Glamour UK in a January 2020 interview. You dont know if people are gonna look at you, you dont know if people are gonna be somewhere. Like you dont know to what extent, your day is gonna go. A police raid of a New York apartment yielded a large amount of weapons as shown in a photo from the Queens District Attorney's Office. Two brothers were indicted Monday after a raid on their New York City apartment yielded an arsenal of untraceable firearms, homemade bombs and a "hit list" with cops, judges, politicians, celebrities and banker scum scrawled on it, authorities said. Andrew and Angelo Hatziagelis, 39 and 51, respectively, both face 130 criminal counts related to their collection of weapons and explosives, the Queens District Attorney's Office said in a news release. Detectives began investigating the siblings after it picked up intelligence regarding the purchase of parts and accessories for ghost guns, untraceable weapons often sold in kits and assembled privately. Angelo Hatziagelis pleaded not guilty to all 130 charges, according to the New York State court system website. It's unclear whether Andrew Hatziagelis has had a first appearance. On Jan. 17, New York City police raided the brothers' apartment in Astoria, Queens, which they share with their mother and another brother. When members of an NYPD bomb squad discovered the explosives, they evacuated the entire building. The NYPD seized dozens of weapons and tactical gear, including eight explosives devices, two AR-15 style ghost guns, body armor, over 600 rounds of ammunition and smoke bombs. Photo provided by the Queens District Attorney's Office shows the arsenal of weapons and tactical gear found inside a Queens apartment on Jan. 17, 2024. The city is safer today," Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. "We cannot measure the number of lives that were saved, but we do know that these weapons will never hurt anyone." The brothers' next court date is scheduled for Feb. 15. If convicted, they face up to 25 years in prison, according to the district attorney. What are ghost guns? Ghost guns are often assembled from kits purchased online or 3D-printed and do not have serial numbers, making them untraceable. They also allow the buyer to evade background checks. Many of the weapons recovered from the brothers' apartment, including two semi-automatic pistols, were assembled with parts made by a 3D printer, according to the district attorney. Along with the guns, ammunition and hit list, the brothers' owned a 3D printer that was seized by police. The Queens District Attorneys Offices has successfully led a citywide crackdown on ghost gun manufacturers and traffickers. Since 2021, more ghost guns have been recovered in Queens than in any other New York City borough. A report published last year by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives showed a surge in the number of ghost guns recovered throughout the nation as well as an increase in the weapons being used in crimes. The number of suspected ghost guns seized by law enforcement and submitted to the bureau for tracing increased by more than 1,000% from 2017 to 2021, the report said. The number more than doubled from 2020 to 2021. In 2022, President Joe Biden introduced rules aiming at ghost guns by qualifying them under the Gun Control Act, which requires manufacturers "to become federally licensed and run background checks before a sale." The rules also requires gun parts to have serial numbers. In October, the Supreme Court ordered two sellers of ghost gun parts to comply with Biden's regulation after a federal judge previously sided with the companies. Contributing: Grace Hauck, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arsenal of weapons found in NYC apartment; brothers face 130 charges Jenin, West Bank Undercover Israeli agents, some disguised as medical staff, raided a West Bank hospital Tuesday and shot dead three men whom the army said were Hamas militants planning a terror attack, according to Palestinian and Israeli officials. The raid in Jenin was the first such operation in eight years, and it drew quick condemnation from the Palestinian Authority that administers the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, issued a statement later mourning the three men as members of the group, and vowing that Israel's actions would "not go unanswered." NOTE: This article includes an image showing dead bodies that some readers may find disturbing. An AFP photographer saw what appeared to be a bullet hole in a pillow covered in blood following the raid at Ibn Sina Hospital in the northern city of Jenin, where Palestinians gathered around the bodies of those killed. Israeli intelligence dossier details alleged UNRWA staff links to Hamas The Israel Defense Forces said soldiers entered the hospital a major health facility serving Jenin city and its adjacent, sprawling Palestinian refugee camp to target a "Hamas terrorist cell" that it said was planning "to carry out a terror attack in the immediate period." A screengrab from a security camera inside the Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin, West Bank, appears to show armed Israeli forces in disguise conducting a raid, Jan. 30, 2024. / Credit: Ibn Sina Hospital/Anadolu via Getty Mourners carried two of the men's bodies through the streets of Jenin on stretchers, each with a rifle laid across their chests and both draped in the flag of the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad. Palestinians denounce raid as an Israeli crime Announcing the killing by Israeli forces of three people inside the hospital, the Palestinian Health Ministry in the West Bank stressed that health care facilities are granted special protection under international law. Unlike the much smaller Gaza Strip, the West Bank has never been controlled by Hamas, which has long been designated a terror group by Israel, the U.S. and the European Union. The West Bank is occupied militarily by Israel but administered by the Palestinian Authority. "The minister of health calls urgently on the United Nations General Assembly, international institutions and human rights organizations to end the daily string of crimes committed by the occupation (Israel) against our people and health centers," the ministry said in a statement. A screengrab from a security camera inside the Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin, West Bank, appears to show armed Israeli forces in disguise conducting a raid, Jan. 30, 2024. / Credit: Ibn Sina Hospital/Anadolu via Getty Security camera video obtained by several international news agencies appears to show multiple armed men and women inside the hospital, disguised in medical uniforms or civilian clothes, moving through the wards with guns drawn. The video which could not be immediately verified appears to show them using a baby carrier and a wheelchair as props. Hospital director Naji Nazzal told AFP that "a group of Israeli forces entered the facility undercover and assassinated the men." They used weapons fitted with silencers, he said. Inside the hospital, the AFP photographer saw blood soaked into a mat and a chair and spattered across a wall. The official Palestinian news agency Wafa and the IDF identified the three men as Muhammad Jalamnah, Muhammad Ayman Ghazawi and Basel Ayman Ghazawi. "The operation was carried out at the hospital's rehabilitation ward where Basel Ghazawi had been undergoing treatment," the hospital's director said. IDF says suspect planned "terror attack in the immediate future" The IDF, in a statement, called Jalamnah a Hamas terrorist who "had contacts with Hamas headquarters abroad and was even wounded when he tried to promote a car bombing attack." "In addition, Jalamneh transferred weapons and ammunition to terrorists in order to promote shooting attacks, and planned a raid attack inspired by the October 7th massacre," the Israeli army said. It said the other two men were Muhammad Ghazawi, "a terrorist operative of the Jenin Battalions who was involved in numerous attacks including firing at IDF soldiers in the area, and Basel Ghazawi from the Jenin Camp, Mohammed's brother, an Islamic Jihad terrorist organization operative involved in terror activities in the area." Mourners march carrying the bodies of the two Ghazawi brothers, who were among three Palestinian men killed when undercover Israeli agents raided the Ibn Sina hospital in the city of Jenin, during the funeral in the occupied West Bank city, Jan. 30, 2024. / Credit: ZAIN JAAFAR/AFP/Getty Jalamneh "planned to carry out a terror attack in the immediate future and used the hospital as a hiding place and therefore was neutralized," the IDF said, calling the men's presence at the hospital "another example of the cynical use of civilian areas and hospitals as shelters and human shields by terrorist organizations." The IDF's statement was accompanied by a single photo of a handgun and two ammunition clips that it described as "the weapon carried by the terrorist," without saying which of the men allegedly had the gun. Increasing violence in the West Bank Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, and it has stepped up incursions into the territory's Palestinian towns and cities since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, during which Israel officials say militants killed almost 1,200 people and kidnapped some 240 others. Jenin has been the focus of repeated Israeli raids, in which the army has demolished homes and ripped up streets as well as carrying out airstrikes. While Palestinians frequently accuse Israeli troops of preventing paramedics from reaching those wounded in incursions, deadly raids inside hospitals are rare. The last one happened on November 12, 2015, when undercover agents pretending to bring in a pregnant woman raided a hospital in the southern West Bank city of Hebron. They detained a Palestinian accused of a stabbing and killed his cousin inside Al-Ahli Hospital. Since the Oct. 7 terror attack triggered the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, more than 370 people have been killed by Israeli troops and armed Israeli settlers in the West Bank, according to the health ministry in Ramallah. Palestinian civilians in the enclave told CBS News in November that emboldened settlers had also seized their homes and land by force amid the increasing attacks. U.S. troops killed in drone strike identified Mark Zuckerberg apologizes to families of social media victims at Senate hearing FBI Director Wray says China targeting U.S. civilian infrastructure, economic security A little over three months after the Biden administration lifted most economic sanctions on Venezuela, they are reimposing some of them -- warning the regime of Nicolas Maduro that if he does not lift a ban on opposition candidates, they will reimpose the rest. A National Security Council spokesperson confirmed Monday night that the Treasury Department has ended a waiver that authorized transactions with Venezuela's state-owned gold mining company, effective two weeks from now. They warn that the waiver for Venezuela's oil and gas sectors -- the strongest U.S. penalties -- will end in April "unless the Maduro [government] and his representatives in Venezuela are able to get back on track with allowing all presidential candidates to run." "We have made clear that all who want to run for President should be allowed the opportunity, and are entitled to a level electoral playing field, to freedom of movement, and to assurances for their physical safety. It is up to Maduro and his representatives to correct course," the spokesperson said in a statement. \Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro delivers a speech during a meeting celebrating International Youth Day at Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas, on February 12, 2023. (Photo by FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images) (Federico Parra/AFP via Getty Images) MORE: 5 arrested in deaths of 6 found murdered in desert: Sheriff Last week, Venezuela's top court upheld a ban on Maria Corina Machado, the conservative opposition figure who is supposed to face off against Maduro in presidential elections later this year. That's a clear violation of the agreement reached in October between the Maduro government and the opposition -- a deal the U.S. backed by granting Maduro sanctions relief, until Monday's reimposition. But Maduro's team had been violating parts of that deal for months now, and the pressure had been growing on President Joe Biden to do something in response -- with even a group of Democratic Senators writing a letter to the administration Monday calling for sanctions to be reimposed. Critics, especially Republican lawmakers, have claimed the Biden administration -- desperate for Maduro's cooperation on migration or energy -- had not done enough to impose costs on the Venezuelan leader for flagrantly violating the October deal. US reimposes some sanctions on Venezuela over ban on opposition candidates originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Khartoum, Jan 30 (UNI) Fifty-two civilians and two peacekeepers have been killed in inter-communal clashes in the oil-rich area of Abyei contested between Sudan and South Sudan, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) said in a statement on Monday. UNISFA "is concerned about the continuing inter-communal clashes (in Abyei) that resulted in the death of another UN peacekeeper on Saturday," the statement said. The UN mission added that it was coordinating with local authorities to verify the toll of the slain, injured, and displaced due to the clashes, putting the current number of dead and wounded among civilians at 52 and 64, respectively. UNISFA strongly condemned these attacks against civilians and peacekeepers, citing that violence against blue helmets may constitute a war crime under international law. It noted that it was making every effort to restore calm, including proactively and robustly protecting civilians, reiterating its call for a swift investigation to hold perpetrators accountable. The UN peacekeeping force was established in 2011 by the UN Security Council to monitor the contested Abyei area, with up to 5,326 troops stationed on the border between Sudan and South Sudan. UNI/XINHUA ARN A 71-year-old Florida woman is facing an attempted murder charge after authorities say she tried to kill her husband following his receipt of a postcard from a woman he dated six decades ago. The woman was booked into the Miami-Dade County jail on Monday on charges of second-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery and tampering with a witness in connection to the alleged weekend attack on her husband, online records show. According to information from North Miami Beach police, the woman and her husband, who have been married for more than five decades, got into a dispute after a woman he dated 60 years ago sent him a postcard. A probable cause affidavit was not posted online in Miami Dade County Criminal Court Tuesday, but according to WPLG-TV, officers arrested the 71-year-old woman on Sunday afternoon at the couple's apartment in a gated community in Eastern Shores in northeast Miami Dade County. They found a head in her fridge. She blamed her husband. Now the Brooklyn woman is charged in the case. A not-guilty plea Court records show the woman appeared before a judge Monday for a pretrial hearing and pleaded not guilty to all three charges. The postcard, according to a portion of the report read aloud in open court by Judge Mindy Glazer during the hearing, upset the suspect so she allegedly tried to smother her husband with a pillow. During the hearing, recorded by NBC, a prosecutor said the woman also admitted to police she urinated on her husband. Detectives also wrote in the report the victim was "extremely fragile" after the attack and had several serious bruises and open lacerations" and "open bite marks that were bleeding," the judge said. The 71-year-old woman was charged with tampering with a witness because she allegedly took his cell phone from him around the time of the attack, the judge said. Deadly bus crash: 1 killed, 9 others injured including Greyhound bus driver in crash Jailed without bond The suspect, who remained jailed without bond Tuesday, is due back in court for another hearing on the case Thursday. The judge said if she is ever granted bail, she is to have no contact with her husband. Her attorney of record listed in court documents, Jeffrey S. Weiner, could not immediately be reached by USA TODAY. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How a postcard from a long-ago ex allegedly led to an attempted murder remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. YEREVAN, JANUARY 30, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government carried out projects worth $223 million in Lori Province in 2018-2023. In a press release, the government said that 377 kilometers of roads, 286 kilometers of lighting, 39 kilometers of gasification, 311,5 kilometers of water lines, 7 kindergartens and 7 schools were either built, reconstructed or repaired in 2018-2023 in Lori. YEREVAN, JANUARY 30, ARMENPRESS. The Pan-Armenian Union "Gardman-Shirvan-Nakhichevan" has addressed the processes taking place in Nakhichevan. "The Autonomous Republic of Nakhichevan with its status and geographical location has always been of great importance for the Azerbaijani ruling elite, therefore the issue of political-economic leadership and vice-vassalage of Nakhichevan is one of the main domestic political realities. For 27 years, Nakhichevan has been governed by Vasif Talibov, who resigned from the position of the chairman of the Supreme Majlis of the Autonomous Republic of Nakhichevan in 2022. For 27 years, Nakhichevan has been a closed zone not only for the foreign world but also for ordinary Azerbaijanis, serving as a unique laboratory for the formation of the best practices of dictatorship. This time, Ilham Aliyev has decided to place Nakhichevan, as a feudal estate, under vertical management, under the strict control of security structures. However, this is not done openly, but according to the principle of vassal subordination, through the 'transparent' legality of share ownership by individuals closely related to the mentioned structures. Such political and economic 'centralization' trends seem to correspond to the political aspirations of abolishing the status of Nakhichevan autonomy that are voiced through various channels in Azerbaijan. The issue of granting Nakhichevan the status of an autonomous republic is organically connected with the Russian-Turkish Treaty of 1921 signed in Moscow and the Turkish-Transcaucasian Treaty signed in Kars and the political settlements achieved on their basis. Therefore, the dissolution of the status of Nakhichevan can be considered a unilateral violation of the above agreements. Digitisation has elevated how healthcare services and patient experiences are delivered, but not without significant cost. Todays healthcare IT teams face greater infrastructure complexity than ever, thanks to the rapid inclusion of digital tools and solutions. Managing this complexity effectively requires additional on-site IT expertise, but its often a costly option for many budget-constrained healthcare providers. Compounding these challenges is the rising demand for digital healthcare services and the exponential growth of healthcare data volumes (at a CAGR of 36%), both of which require the support of robust and scalable IT infrastructure. How can healthcare IT sustainably meet these growth pains? The solution may lie in greater infrastructure visibility and the usage of managed IT services to leverage that visibility for optimisation and consolidation opportunities within the healthcare tech stack. Diagnosing IT complexity with visibility solutions Its no secret that healthcare IT teams are burdened with the technical debt of all unplanned digital transformations throughout the pandemic. They also need more resources to unravel the layered complexity of their IT infrastructure, which consists of modern CRMs, ERPs, connected IoT devices, and a large majority of older applications built atop legacy systems. The disparate nature of this sprawl is a thorn in ITs side - and a looming risk for health operations. Whats worse is that this complex sprawl of tools and applications obscures technical deficiencies or gaps that are one bad day away from snowballing into an outage that puts both business operations and patient lives on the line. This lack of visibility is also a cybersecurity and non-compliance risk, adding pressure to healthcare IT and security teams. We regularly work with clients to consolidate anywhere from 3-7 tools into a single pane of glass, which results in enhanced visibility, fosters collaboration amongst teams as well as consolidates vendors, said Dylan Chidgey, Managing Director and Founder of Intrepid Solutions. This results in tangible cost savings, efficiencies within operational teams, and a reduction in third-party risk to ultimately take pressure off often under-resourced IT departments within Healthcare organisations. To make things more interesting, the increasing emphasis on the digital patient journey has resulted in the need to generate, process, and store greater volumes of patient data. And when data moves across the organisations and to external parties like insurers and other hospitals, they trigger security and compliance implications. This necessitates the deployment of secure cloud storage and data management applications - putting more into the hands of overburdened IT teams. The obvious cure to this complexity is greater visibility - one that a full-stack, end-to-end observability solution can resolve. Only then can healthcare IT teams understand the true state of their IT infrastructure and take proactive steps to manage instability or technical glitches before they impact service delivery and the patient experience. Leveraging the right partners to scale For healthcare, not just any observability solution will do. Healthcare IT is complex. It is one of the few industries that still runs a lot of legacy infrastructure, and many solutions are customized. This requires an observability solution that works with legacy tech but also understands modern and open protocols, said Sascha Giese, Global Technology Evangelist, Observability, at SolarWinds. The right observability solution should also include data security measures and event logs that are audit-ready and comply with HIPAA and PII regulations, allowing healthcare providers to ensure patient confidentiality with confidence, and without the need for additional security vendors. Some may ask if adding another solution that healthcare IT teams must manage is prudent. For many healthcare IT teams, when it comes to visibility, there is none, Giese adds. End users are often the first to notice when an application doesnt respond any longer, by which point it already impacts the patient experience. For IT teams, it means they are busy with firefighting under extreme pressure. Theres just no time to be proactive and work on optimizing things instead of fixing whats broken. The benefits arguably outweigh the added load, but for truly stretched teams, theres also the option of using a service provider to handle implementing and managing a chosen observability solution. Providers like Intrepid Solutions recognise the need for healthcare organisations to leverage a specialist to deliver and manage rollouts of Observability, Enterprise Monitoring & ITSM solutions to accelerate the time to value and provide healthcare-specific insights to optimize the solution to a very unique industry. Solutions support on the front-line NSW Ambulance leverages InformCAD as a life-critical system, which logs patients phone calls and dispatches ambulances to those patients quickly. The organisation deployed SolarWinds solutions to monitor this critical infrastructure, and Intrepid Solutions was pivotal in delivering a robust platform within tight deadlines. In our hour of need, Intrepid Solutions Australia answered the call for an urgent business requirement, delivering beyond expectations and ahead of time, said Mick Carthey, Enterprise Monitoring Manager, eHealth NSW. Theyve since been adopted as a strategic partner across multiple SolarWinds platforms, providing valuable insight and expertise supporting our ITOM strategy. Overall, the combination of Intrepid Solutions specialist capability and SolarWinds powerful monitoring and management platform leads to a more efficient, secure, and reliable healthcare IT environment, said Chidgey. These tangible business outcomes positively impact patient care, operational efficiency, and the overall success of healthcare organisations. When it comes to healthcare, time is of the essence more so than any other organisation, so any kind of complexity needs to be reduced or avoided. By working with a simple, powerful, secure full-stack observability solution such as the SolarWinds(R) Hybrid Cloud Observability, technology teams in the healthcare field can focus on what is essential: delivering stable, reliable, and seamless patient services. The TMC supremo has ruled out any alliance with the Congress, which is attempting to draw her into talks Kolkata, Berhampore: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted on Tuesday that only her Trinamul could defeat the Congress, CPI(M) and BJP in the state, the comments coming amid a tug of war between her party and the Congress over seat sharing for the Lok Sabha election. The TMC supremo has ruled out any alliance with the Congress, which is attempting to draw her into talks. Banerjee told a rally at Raiganj in North Dinajpur, Only the party of Maa-Mati-Manush can defeat Congress, CPI(M) and BJP. She added, We are a party that gives away things to people. But they are asking for votes without giving people anything. They should let something go first but they don't. Banerjee also changed the style of her public outreach in her ongoing tour to North Bengal to counter Congress scion Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in the same region. She was seen holding roadshows in North and South Dinajpur. A day before the Congress leader re-enters the state through Malda from Bihar, the TMC chief claimed that Bengal would show the country the way in future. Bengal gave birth to India's freedom movement. The state can take others along while marching ahead. It will show a way to the nation in the coming days, she said at Balurghat in South Dinajpur. Meanwhile, Congress state party chief and Berhampore MP Adhir Chowdhury, who has been accused by the TMC of working against the alliance, backed Banerjees threat to sit for dharna from February 2 if the Centre did not release funds for various social welfare schemes within a week. Chowdhury said in Murshidabad, "I support her demand for funds under the 100-day job project in West Bengal. I can join her dharna if she invites me. But my question is why she isn't starting her dharna in New Delhi to attract the Centre's attention? Why doesn't she file a public interest litigation at the Supreme Court? It is the legitimate right of our rural people to get their long pending dues. ED questioning today, JMM says action reeks of malice Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren waves to the media as he leaves for the Jharkhand UPA's meeting amid ongoing political crisis, in Ranchi, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. (PTI Photo) Patna, New Delhi: Ahead of the likely Enforcement Directorate questioning on Wednesday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday chaired a meeting of JMM MLAs to discuss future strategies regarding the ongoing political scenario. After being traceless for more than 30 hours, Soren returned to Ranchi on Tuesday morning and held a meeting with the alliance partners in the presence of his wife Kalpana Soren. Her presence at the meeting raised speculation in the political circle that the JMM may propose her name as Chief Minister if Soren is arrested by the ED in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land deal scam. The JMM claimed that the Central agencys insistence on interrogating Soren and recording his statement in connection with the land scam case is aimed at harassing him. They pointed out that the ED had questioned the Chief Minister on January 20. Thereafter, the ED issued a fresh summons, asking Soren to be present at his official residence in Ranchi on either January 29 or 31. Its beyond our understanding why the ED officials visited the Chief Minister's Delhi residence on January 29, when he had asked them to record his statement of January 31, JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya said. He blamed the BJP state president and former Jharkhand chief minister Babulal Marandi for conspiring to destabilise the Hemant Soren-led government. Meanwhile, the ED seized `36 lakh, an SUV and some "incriminating" documents after it searched Soren's Delhi house, the ED sources said on Tuesday. The agency on Monday had searched the 5/1 Shanti Niketan building of the Jharkhand Chief Minister in South Delhi and camped there for almost 13 hours in order to question him in the money laundering case. The BJP had earlier claimed that a constitutional crisis-like scenario had emerged in the state after Soren disappeared without an explanation. Marandi had also announced a reward of `11,000 for providing information about the Chief Minister. Amid the evolving political scenario in the state, the BJP demanded presidential rule in the state. Talking to reporters earlier on Tuesday, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said, The JMM is trying to propose the name of Kalpana Soren for the post of Chief Minister. A few JMM leaders are against the move. I think this is the right time for the President's Rule to be imposed in the state. Top sources from Ranchi told this newspaper that all grand alliance MLAs have been asked to camp in Ranchi for at least the next 48 hours. The ruling alliance consists of the JMM, Congress and the RJD. Prohibitory orders were imposed on Tuesday in key areas of Ranchi in the wake of the political situation arising out of the Enforcement Directorate's search at the Delhi residence of Mr Soren. "We have promulgated prohibitory orders (under Section 144 of the CrPC) from 10 am to 10 pm within a 100m radius near the CM House, the Raj Bhavan and the ED office in Doranda," sub-divisional magistrate (Ranchi) Utkarsh Kumar said. As part of the restrictions, demonstrations, rallies or meetings cannot be held in and around these areas. "We have ensured that the law and order situation here is controlled. We have beefed up security in the state capital at these key installations in order to avoid the assembly of people," additional chief secretary home Avinash Kumar told the media there in Ranchi. Today's news: Hong Kong to present new details on national security law; Two ships taken hostage by Somali pirates are freed; CNN office closes in the Philippines; Chinese companies will build Central Asia's first private airport. HONG KONG The Hong Kong government today presented new details about the infamous national security law, which local authorities say covers some loopholes in the law, but critics say will actually further limit civil liberties. Crimes such as treason and theft of state secrets will be covered, and foreign political organizations will be banned from forming ties with local bodies CHINA - UZBEKISTAN An agreement was signed at the Chinese-Uzbek Business Forum in Shenzen to build Central Asia's first private airport in Tashkent. Work will begin this year, for an investment of 380 million dollars, entirely financed by Chinese companies, as Podrobno.uz writes. PHILIPPINES While President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is in Vietnam, where he signed a maritime cooperation agreement, at home he is closing CNN's local bureau due to "significant financial losses." The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said the closure means one less source of reliable information for the public at a time when misinformation and misinformation are rampant. ASEAN MYANMAR Having abandoned the idea of a five-point peace plan, ASEAN foreign ministers said they supported a country-led solution to the crisis in Myanmar, and supported the activities of the organisation's new special envoy, Alounkeo Kittikhoun, from Laos, who met the head of the military junta, General Min Aung Hlaing, at the beginning of the month. However, once again, no concrete results were produced. MALDIVES The main opposition party in the Maldives has announced that it is ready to present an impeachment motion against the current president Mohamed Muizzu, pro-Chinese and elected in November, after a brawl broke out between government lawmakers and opposition MPs over the approval of four new cabinet members. The motion must be approved by a two-thirds majority in the House. INDIAN OCEAN The authorities of India and the Seychelles announced that they had recovered two ships (one flying the Iranian flag and the other Sri Lankan) which had been taken hostage by Somali pirates. Sri Lanka had said its diplomats were in contact with Somali authorities in an attempt to ascertain the whereabouts of a fishing vessel and its six crew members. In fact, the international forces patrolling the region have recently all been diverted towards the Red Sea due to Houthi attacks, leaving a void in the Indian Ocean. UKRAINE For a few weeks in Khar'kov, Ukraine, Metrosad or "Metro-kindergarten" have been opened in some spaces of the subway to gather children and keep them safe from Russian attacks, attended by around 700 children, many of whom had not yet been able to go kindergarten for the pandemic and then for the war, with three two-hour shifts. New Delhi, Jan 29 (UNI) Amid 'unprecedented' increase in visa applicants, the US Embassy and Consulates in India processed a record 1.4 million US visas in 2023. With this, Indians now represent one out of every 10 US visa applicants around the world. "The US Consular Team in India processed more visas than ever before in 2023, bringing down visitor visa appointment wait times by 75%," an official release from the US Embassy said on Monday. As per the official release, the US Embassy and Consulates met the rise in demand for processing visa applications by beefing up its staff strength and adopting innovative technical solutions. The Embassy said that process improvements and investments in staffing have brought the appointment wait time for visitor visas down from an average of 1,000 days to only 250 days around the country. "Wait times are minimal in all other categories," it said. In 2023, the U.S. consular team in India issued over 140,000 student visas more than in any other country in the world setting a record for the third year in a row. Taken individually, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai now stand as the top four student visa processing posts in the world. "As a result of these surging numbers, Indian students have become the largest group of international graduate students in the United States and make up more than a quarter of the over one million foreign students studying in the United States," said the Embassy statement. It further said that employment visas remain a top priority for the US. The statement said that the US Consular Team in India consolidated most petition-based visa processing in Chennai and Hyderabad to increase efficiency, leading to the processing of over 380,000 employment visas for Indians and their family members in 2023 and allowing the US Mission to maintain a minimal appointment wait time. "In 2024, a pilot program will allow eligible H1B holders to renew their visas in the United States, further streamlining the process for this group," it said. The release further said, "Consulate General Mumbai eliminated a queue of over 31,000 immigrant visa cases delayed by the pandemic. Those who have a pending immigrant visa petition and are ready for scheduling can now obtain an appointment within the standard, pre-pandemic appointment window." UNI NK CS1934 by Stefano Vecchia MapaKalamidad was launched in the Philippines with the aim of monitoring typhoons, floods, eruptions and earthquakes and preventing damage, which is increasing due to climate change. A similar platform has already been active for 10 years in Indonesia. These are systems that collect information shared on social networks in real time. Manila (AsiaNews) - A smartphone application that will serve to anticipate and follow the evolution of catastrophic natural events and thus contribute to alleviating their effects: it is called MapaKalamidad.ph and was launched yesterday. According to its creators, it is an initiative that "allows the population to make crucial decisions about safety and navigation during disaster events instead of concentrating decision-making capabilities in a small group of individuals sitting in a control center." The aim is to reduce the enormous costs in material terms and in human lives caused by typhoons, floods, eruptions and earthquakes in an archipelago known for its instability which in recent years has been aggravated by climate change. The underlying principle of the app is the direct sharing of information between all users on ongoing events, so as to have a constantly updated situation, in real time and reported on a map, which will allow the population to make decisions necessary for their safety and authorities to coordinate an effective response. Two aspects, that of immediacy and that of sharing, also underlined by Nashin Mahtani, head of the Indonesian non-governmental organization Foundation for Disaster Mapping (Yayasan Peta Bencana, Disaster Map Foundation). A similar platform has in fact been active for over a decade in Indonesia and in the Philippine archipelago it was launched in a trial version in 2020 only in the municipality of Quezon City and in the province of Pampanga, to be extended nationally in 2022, but exclusively for regarding floods. However, born as an application, today MapaKalamidad - confirms Mahtani - "uses already active social channels (such as FaceBook Messenger and Telegram). This allows us to reach millions of users every day." Its interconnection with radio and short messaging (SMS) services is also important. Due to its potential, the initiative was supported by public structures involved in identifying risks and combating disasters, including the government Office for Civil Defense, the Philippine Civil Protection, whose operational director, Cesar Idio, underlined how Initiating and developing initiatives in the area of information sharing supports various aspects of our disaster risk reduction work. Victims associations and families had asked Yoon Suk Yeol not to reject the bill that would reopen the case, and lead to further investigations to find the main cause of the crowd crush that killed 158 people and injured almost 200 in Seoul on Halloween evening in 2022. Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday vetoed a special bill that included a new investigation into the crowd crush of 29 October 2022 that left at least 158 people dead during Halloween celebrations in Seouls Itaewon neighbourhood, with another 196 injured. President Yoon exercised his veto power by supporting a motion approved by cabinet calling on the National Assembly to reconsider the bill the opposition Democratic Party (DP) had passed through the legislature earlier this month. The matter now returns to the assembly, which had called for a special investigative committee to re-examine the causes of the deadly crush in the narrow alley in Itaewon, central Seoul. In explaining the rejection, Prime Minister Han Duck-so said that the law would give the Special Commission of Inquiry too much power that could potentially undermine constitutional principles and that fairness and neutrality could not be guaranteed in forming the commission, hence, the presidential veto. According to the bill, an 11-member committee would be made up of four members recommended by the ruling party and four by the opposition party, plus three recommended by the speaker of parliament in cooperation with the victims families. There is considerable concern that fairness and neutrality may be compromised in the process," Prime Minister Han said in response to the requests by the victims and their families. He assured the latter that the government would strengthen both financial and mental support, including coverage of medical expenses and attendance allowances. The government also promised to expedite compensation for victims' families, regardless of the outcome of ongoing civil and criminal trials. Victims associations and families had urged President Yoon not to reject the bill, calling for further investigations to find out the root cause of the accident. The exercise of veto power without justification is turning the Republic of Korea into a country without accountability for disasters, without apologies and without efforts for truth-seeking," said Representative Hong Ik-pyo, the floor leader of the opposition Democratic Party, during a party meeting. The latest veto represents the fifth time President Yoon exercised it since he took office, with a total of nine bills rejected. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Quanzhou a witness to long-lasting cross-Strait bond People's Daily Online) 14:31, January 30, 2024 Quanzhou, a coastal city in southeast China's Fujian Province, has witnessed the long-standing bond of kinship between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. During an online activity to explore the vibrance of Quanzhou on Jan. 28, Chen Weiping, curator of the China Museum for Fujian-Taiwan Kinship in the city, shared his stories of witnessing the relationship between Fujian and Taiwan, and the cross-Strait bond. Photo shows a scene from an online activity held to explore the vibrancy of Quanzhou, a coastal city in southeast China's Fujian Province, on Jan. 28, 2024. (Photo/Zhang Jiuqiang) Sharing the same roots, culture, and ethnic identity is an eternal theme of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and the theme of exhibitions of the museum. The museum houses an important artifact - an iron bell dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), which was engraved with the names of 46 companies. It bears witness to the thriving trade between Fujian and Taiwan at that time. Chen said the museum has so far welcomed over 750,000 visitors from Taiwan and received donations of over 6,800 artifacts from Taiwan compatriots. "The cross-Strait bond is unbreakable and undeniable for both sides of the Strait. Telling the stories of our bond of blood and kinship is to safeguard our same roots; this is my wish and my responsibility," Chen said emotionally. Chen Weiping, curator of the China Museum for Fujian-Taiwan Kinship. In 2019, the museum launched a program for the urgent collection and research of family letters across the Strait. Each letter reflects the greater national interests and profound love for China. In February 2022, Shi Mingfa, former curator of the National Taiwan Museum, sent a letter to Chen, asking if he could help find the pedigree of a family surnamed Liang in Tiantouzi, Zhanghua county of Taiwan. Chen and his colleagues helped fulfill Shi's wish. "Culture represents the most fundamental, profound and enduring force. People in Fujian and Taiwan, who share similar mindsets, temperament, customs and an inseparable bond, must strive to make the common spiritual home for the Chinese nation more prosperous," Chen said, hoping everyone who visits the China Museum for Fujian-Taiwan Kinship, especially Taiwan compatriots, will find resonance and gain something meaningful. Quanzhou was a global maritime trade center in the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site in July 2021. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Wheels India Q3 net profit at Rs.12.58 cr Chennai Jan 30 (UNI) Wheels India Ltd., has registered a net profit of Rs. 12.58 crores for the Q3 ended December 31, 2023 as compared to Rs. 15.36 crores registered in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Revenues for Q3 went up 11.1% to Rs. 1,131 crores as compared to Rs. 1,018 crores the previous year. The revenue growth in Q3 was driven by a strong recovery in exports. The company registered export revenues of Rs. 307 crores in Q3 as compared to Rs. 205 crores in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, a company release said on Tuesday. Commenting on the results, Srivats Ram, MD, Wheels India Ltd., said, The profits in Q3 were impacted by low demand in the tractor and mining wheel segments and by the floods that affected our Padi plant in the first week of December. There was no power for a week at our plant in Padi, and we were not able to run it to full capacity in that period. On the revenue growth, Srivats said Despite slowing down of the economy in some geographies, we managed to grow our exports for the 4th consecutive quarter. When compared to Q3 of last year, growth came in the machining of castings for windmills and in hydraulic cylinders, apart from aluminium wheels On the near-term outlook, he said While the global economy is likely to slow down next year, we are hopeful of continuing to grow our exports. On the domestic front, we expect the Indian economy to show reasonable growth post elections. Wheels India is a leading manufacturer of wheels for trucks, agricultural tractors, passenger vehicles and construction equipment; air suspension systems for trucks and buses, and industrial components for the construction and windmill industry with manufacturing plants in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. UNI GV 1854 Audi launched the second facelift for its flagship SUV Q7 in January 2024, thus extending the life of the cars second generation on the market. The German automaker unveiled the second generation of the Q7 in 2015, at a time when customers were craving SUVs and other seven-seat vehicles. The Q7 became a sales hit for the four-ring badged brand with its luxurious cabins and powerful engines. Then, four years later, in 2019, the automaker refreshed the vehicle like it was business as usual. Customers were ready for a new model in 2023, but the automaker introduced a second facelift in early 2024 instead of a new model. Audi considered that it was not ready yet for a third generation of this moniker and just improved the crossover on the outside, inside, and under its skin. Sporting an improved front fascia, the second facelift of the Q7 had a demanding look over the road. Its new LED headlights sported upper daytime running lights instead of lower ones, like the 2019 model year. As an option, customers could get HD Matrix LED headlights with laser lights for improved nighttime driving. Another significant change for the cars front was the massive single-frame grille surrounded by a chromed trim, which was slightly modified and adorned by a new mesh with a big hexagonal pattern. Furthermore, Audi installed new side scoops on the lower side of the bumper, resembling those installed on the Q4 e-tron. While the front fascia was the one that received the most attention from Audis styling department, the 2024 Q7 had some slightly modified lines on the cars profile. It still featured a chromed trim around the window line, but it was slimmer than its predecessor. In addition, the lower side of the car sported aerodynamically-profiled sills, which reduced ground effect. Finally, out back, the automaker offered OLED taillights for the first time in the Q7 lineup, complementing the regular LED lights that were fitted as standard. Inside the cabin, customers found comfortable bucket seats at the front with high-bolstered areas. As an option, these could be upgraded to leather upholstery and various heating, cooling, and massaging functions. Between the front occupants, the Q7 had a wide center console that housed the gear selector and two cup holders. The touchscreen for the HVAC system was at the base of the center stack, where a touchscreen for Audis MIB3 infotainment system was located. For the first time in the Q7, Audi installed third-party provider apps, such as Spotify or Amazon Music, which allowed passengers to listen to their tunes. A seven-seat version with power-operated rearmost seats was available for the entire range. The 2024 Q7 came prepared and qualified to tow up to 3.5 tons behind, regardless of the version. For regular driving modes, cylinder deactivation was available for selected versions and driving behaviors. Audi tried to lower its flagship SUVs fuel consumption but without compromising performance. SUV Best Family Car Volvo EX30 kW Best Large Car BMW 5 Series Best SUV Kia EV9 AWD Best 4x4 & Pick-Up Volkswagen Amarok Best Exclusive Car Aston Martin DB12 Consisting of 75 women motoring journalists from 52 countries on five continents, the jurors had to gradually narrow the list from 62 candidates to only five, one in each respective category. These include Family Car, Large Car,, Exclusive Car, and 4x4 & Pick-Up. To qualify for the award, each vehicle had to be on sale on at least two continents from January 1 to December 31, 2023.Praised for its comfort and roominess, as well as the build quality and safety equipment, the Volvo EX30 is the 2024 Women's World Car of the Year winner in the Family Car category. It is the brand's smallest and quickest model yet, offers up to 422 horsepower (428 ps/315), does 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) in three and a half seconds, and kicks off from just under $35,000 in the United States before destination. This model has an EPA-estimated driving range of 265 miles (426 km) in the most agile flavor.Unveiled last year, the new generation BMW 5 Series won the Best Large Car category. It is the only traditional model to drive home with the golden medal in this year's Women's World Car awards. The model comes in two body styles, sedan, and wagon, featuring multiple powertrain options and, for the first time ever, a battery-electric variant that was christened the i5. Both the 5 Series and i5 are on sale in our market in the four-door body style, carrying respective starting prices of $57,900 and $66,800.Said to stand out due to its "innovative design", as well as the "high technology," the Kia EV9 is the big winner in this category. It also won the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award and comes in five trim levels stateside. The Light RWD is the most affordable version, starting at $54,900, and the GT-Lineis the priceiest at $73,900, before destination and dealer fees.Sharing its platform with the Ford Ranger and Everest, the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok has convinced the jurors that it deserves to sit on the top step of the podium in this category. The German company's pickup was praised for its "radical change," with the panel mentioning its improved interior comfort and equipment, as well as the five engines available in global markets.The second low-slung model after BMW's 5er to drive home with a gold medal is the Aston Martin DB12 . The GT, which is arguably one of the best-looking machines in its class, packs a Mercedes-sourced 4.0L bi-turbo V8 that pushes out 671 hp (680 ps/500 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. It takes only 3.6 seconds to 62 mph (100 kph) and can keep pushing up to 202 mph (325 kph).The 2024 Women's World Car of the Year road will come to an end on March 8, when the jurors will announce the big winner chosen from the models above. So, which one do you think deserves it? EV ICE SUV Everyone knows about Kia's ambitions across thesector it wants models from EV3 to EV9 (and everything in between) going as low as $30k. But that's not the only area where they work to deliver their first-ever models. Instead, Kia is also preparing to unleash some pickup truck ideas including an-powered body-on-frame model to go alongside the upcoming EVs.If anyone thought the former was just vaporware, the upcoming product was recently spied on while clad in heavy camouflage and resting in a parking lot in South Korea. Now everyone believes that, indeed, Kia will bring to market a body-on-frame pickup truck potentially based on the Mohaveplatform and boasting diesel power under the hood. Later on, it could go international instead of only catering to emerging markets with a zero emissions powertrain, too.This is one of the two pickup trucks under development by Kia, with the other one being a dedicated EV solely based on the E-GMP architecture. If we're interpreting the hints correctly, this spied body-on-frame model is a mid-size pickup truck, which means the EV-only product could be slightly larger and used as a means to fight the Ford F-150 Lightning-sized pickup trucks, for example.It's also more likely to reach North America if Kia manufactures it locally and gives a taste of their style to the Lightning, Cybertruck, Silverado EV, Hummer EV, Sierra EV, Ram 1500 REV, or Rivian R1T. Back to the smaller brother, it's allegedly called 'Tasman' according to the rumor mill and carries obvious traits from the Mohave it's boxy and rugged, generally looking ready to go on adventures in the middle of the wilderness.Anyway, its arrival is probably close enough to make some Kia fans a little impatient. Thus, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators has decided to alleviate their concerns and try to uncover the design behind the camouflage. For example, the Halo oto channel on YouTube provides fresh automotive info corroborated with their virtual designs; now, there are some new CGI ideas about the upcoming Tasman based on the recently spied prototype.The boxy appearance is worthy of the mid-size pickup truck segment, and this Kia Tasman will obviously clash with best-selling models like the Ford Ranger. Do take all these renderings with a pinch of salt, though, as nothing is official just yet. All that remains to be seen aside from the interior and exterior design plus the potential powertrain options is Kia's answer to the burning question: Will it come to America?If it does, and it looks like this, it will immediately clash with the rugged representative of the US market Jeep's Gladiator. However, it remains to be seen if Kia dares to attack Toyota's Tacoma territory , especially after they have seen how Hyundai's smaller Santa Cruz performs against a local hero like the cheaper and electrified Ford Maverick unibody compact pickup truck.How about you? Do you plan on buying the Kia Tasman if it looks like this and arrives in your region with gasoline and diesel engines under the hood? Or is it just another model in a sea of unworthy opponents to the international success of the Ford Ranger and the localized American Tacoma powerhouse? Beta Technologies' electric aircraft Alia and dedicated charging station were part of a pioneering three-month deployment with the 413th Flight Test Squadron at Duke Field, Eglin Air Force Base (AFB). VTOL It's no secret that the US military is exploring various emission-free alternatives for its key logistic operations, which include eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing). A complex program that included experimental operations and training was recently concluded at AFB, with promising results it looks like all-electric aircraft such as Alia could be a better alternative to standard military transport aircraft in terms of performance and overall resources (including energy cost per flight).It was Beta Technologies' first deployment with the DoD and the culmination of a collaboration that started back in 2020 when Beta first enrolled in the AFWERX Agility Prime Program. Since then, the Vermont-based eVTOL maker has scored a couple of industry firsts. It was the first to secure an airworthiness certificate for a manned flight from the DoD, and its aircraft was the only one of its kind to conduct piloted evaluation flights with test pilots from the USAF and the Army.The CTOL version of the Alia aircraft participated in this recent deployment. It's still 100% electric but uses conventional takeoff and landing instead of vertical. It arrived at AFB on October 26, last year. A MobileDome simulator was also used as a training tool for all-electric flights and emergency procedures. The experimental operations included a simulated casualty evacuation mission with an electric aircraft (the first of its kind) and a maintenance recovery team mission.In both scenarios, Alia proved to save precious time and use fewer resources. For instance, it only needed a two-person crew and $5 worth of electricity to complete the same tasks as a C-130 with at least three crew members and total fuel costs of $1,600.Beta was also the first to install a charging unit at an Air Force Base. Throughout this deployment, its team and the military personnel used the on-base multimodal fast charger at Duke Field. In addition to these standard charging units, the company is also working on mobile alternatives for contingency and austere locations in support of a wide range of military missions.Both the CTOL andversions of the Alia aircraft are still pending formal FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification. The CTOL Alia is set to obtain it by next year, while the Alia eVTOL still has two years of work ahead.In the meantime, Beta is also gearing up for large-scale production. The Alia will be manufactured in South Burlington, Vermont, where the eVTOL maker has built its first 188,500-square-foot (17,500 square meters) production facility. Plus, Beta continues to expand its charging infrastructure network across the US. The folks at KaRace are back with another spicy racing video. A stock BMW M3 Competition versus a tuned Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio isn't exactly fair, but then again, remember that BMW sandbagging the advertised crankshaft output ratings isn't exactly fair to the competition either. Photo: KaRace on YouTube EV Pictured in black, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio makes 620 metric ponies and heaven knows how much torque from a 2.9-liter V6. From the factory, the Ferrari-derived sixer makes 510 ps (503 horsepower) and 600 Nm (442 pound-feet) of torque. Over at BMW , the M3 Competition's M-specific S58 develops the same kind of power as Alfa Romeo's V6 and 650 Nm (479 pound-feet).The Italian automaker claims 3.8 seconds to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour), whereas Munich's favorite son advertises the rear-drive M3 Competition with 3.8 seconds. Opting for M xDrive improves the 0-60 acceleration time to 3.4 clicks, which is utterly insane for a car this heavy. The pictured M3 Competition is rear-wheel drive and weighs around 1,730 kilograms (3,814 pounds).As for the Giulia Quadrifoglio , the curb weight is 1,620 kilograms (3,571 pounds) for pre-facelift models in European spec. Quite a bit lighter than the M3 Competition, the Giulia Quadrifoglio is running performance-oriented rubber from Hankook at every corner. The Bimmer flaunts Michelin tires out back and weirdly Pirelli rubber in the front.Both cars are running the 8HP torque-converter automatic from ZF, an eight-speed transmission introduced on the F01/F02 generation of the 7 Series in 2008. The Giulia Quadrifoglio was originally available with a manual in Europe, but it was sadly discontinued a few short years ago.The M3 Competition clocked 11.9 seconds in the quarter mile twice, but improved on its 0-100 time from 3.9 to 4.1 seconds in the second of two dig races. To whom it may concern, 100 kilometers per hour is 62 miles per hour. The Giulia Quadrifoglio may have lost the first race (12.04 and 4.4 seconds), but its owner made amends in the second race, clocking 11.6 in the quarter mile and 3.7 to 100.KaRace also tests vehicles from a 50-kph roll, with 50 kilometers per hour converting to 31 miles per hour. Not surprising in the least, the 620-ps Giulia Quadrifoglio made easy work of the 510-ps M3 Competition. The only metric that matters to the peeps at KaRace from a rolling start is the pull from 100 to 200 kilometers per hour (62 to 124 miles per hour), with the Giulia Quadrifoglio recording 7.9 seconds compared to 8.6 for the M3 Competition.Had it been completely stock, the Alfa Romeo may have been defeated by the BMW. In addition to being dishonest in the good sense of the word about its output ratings, BMW is in a league of its own in terms of launch control. These should offset the heavier curb weight of the M3 Competition in a race. Motor did race an M3 Competition against a stock Giulia Quadrifoglio back in May 2021 , and surely enough, the BMW asserted dominance.Due to Alfa Romeo's electric push, the Giulia is living on borrowed time. An electric successor is due in 2025 for model year 2026, and hearsay suggests 1,000 ponies for the Quadrifoglio. The M3 is also getting anspinoff at some point in the future, but fret not because the G80 will continue production until February 2027 . A combustion-engined successor is also possible after the G50 3 Series lands in 2026 for model year 2027. This yet-unconfirmed M3 is reportedly codenamed G84. Donald Trump's Lamborghini Diablo VT roadster made some waves and eventually sold for a fortune during an auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The former US president ordered it new, in a color that Lamborghini did not even offer back in 1997, and drove it until he decided to sell it. It was 1997 when Donald Trump ordered a Lamborghini Diablo VT roadster and was allowed to customize it according to his preferences due to his special relationship with the brand, which means he had several Lambos previously ordered.For his Lambo, Trump chose a paintwork that was not even available in 1997: Blu Le Mans. It is the only Lamborghini Diablo VT roadster that rolled off the production line in Sant'Agata Bolognese with this shade over a contrasting black leather interior. The former US president also asked for a special plaque to be installed on the door. It read "Donald Trump 1997 Diablo."The Italian supercar ticked all the boxes he wanted. It came with a radical design, it was powerful and exclusive. Only 132 such units were produced for the American market between 1997 and 1999.Trump absolutely loved his Lamborghini Diablo VT and drove it until the summer of 2002, when he decided to sell it. The Diablo comes with a mid-mounted naturally-aspirated 5.7-liter 48-valve V12 engine, which delivers 485 horsepower (492 metric horsepower) and 428 pound-feet (580 Newton meters) of torque to all four corners via a five-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel drive system.The Viscous Traction (VT) system steers the torque to the front axle when necessary. With all these in its CV, the supercar can run from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 202 mph (325 kph).With all these figures, the Diablo sold for $1.1 million to an undisclosed buyer, which is far above the price a normal Diablo would sell for. A social media post shows the crowd cheered during the Barrret-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, when the bidding topped seven figures. The price is a world record for a Diablo being auctioned off and it includes the manufacturer's literature, two tool bags installed in the trunk, and a car cover.The odometer reads 15,431 miles (24,834 kilometers), but the CarfFax reports a mileage inconsistency on 08/09/2003 that has not been clarified yet. However, its current owner did not drive it much. Back in 2016, when it was listed on eBay, it came with 14,655 miles (23,585 kilometers).The one who purchased now is the fourth owner. Maybe number 4 is a charm, and this former garage queen gets to stretch her legs along some winding roads. Photo: Ford kW The announcement is official and came from Marc Brennan, the Ford Council Vice Chairperson, via Unifor Local 707, who said that the last Edge is scheduled to roll off the line on April 26.Subsequently, the factory will transition to electric vehicle assembly following a CA$1.95 billion (~US$1.45 billion) cash injection. No fewer than five brand-new EVs will come to life at the Oakville facility, with the first set to hit the assembly line next year and the last in 2028.According to GoodCarBadCar , the second-generation Ford Edge sold over 124,000 copies in 2015, its first full year of production. Sales exceeded 134,000, 142,000, 134,000, 138,000, and 108,000 in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively, and dropped to around 85,000 for the following two years, only to go beyond 106,000 in 2023.As a result, the model has been a successful product, especially for a vehicle that has been around since 2015, with a mid-cycle refresh for 2019. Those who want a brand-new Ford Edge will have a few more months left to pick one up, and chances are they will be able to do so even after the Blue Oval pulls the plug on it, as dealers should still have plenty of copies in their lots.For 2024, the Dearborn company offers it in five different trim levels. The base SE comes with LED headlamps, privacy rear windows, 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, a 12-inch infotainment system, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, and a 250 hp (254 ps/187) and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque 2.0L EcoBoost with an eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive, carrying a $38,465 MSRP.The SEL, ST-Line, and Titanium start at $39,665, $43,720, and $43,820, respectively, and feature the same engine with the same gearbox. The range-topping ST brings a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with twin turbocharging that develops 335 hp (340 ps/250 kW) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque and can be ordered from $47,205. This is the best-equipped version of the mid-size crossover, featuring stuff such as ambient lighting, power liftgate, B&O audio, Wi-Fi hotspot, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats with electric adjustment, and a few other gizmos joined by a plethora of optional gear.The slightly larger Ford Explorer comes in eight grades. It starts at $36,860, $1,605 less than the base Edge, and tops at over $54,770 for the range-topping Platinum. The engine family comprises the 2.3L turbo-four and 3.0L V6, which are good for 300 hp (304 ps/224 kW) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque, and 400 hp (406 ps/298 kW) and 415 lb-ft (563 Nm), respectively. In 1982, the TV series Knight Rider introduced the world to a superhero super-car with a hydrogen jet engine, physics-ignoring speed, impenetrable armor, artificial intelligence, and enough high-tech gizmos to make today's hypercars green with envy. The KITT is probably the most famous Pontiac Firebird Trans Am ever (The Bandit might contest that supremacy) and definitely the coolest car science fiction ever proposed. The universe of spinning wheels knows many fantastic cars, but one is the absolute coolest machine ever devised. No, its not a Batmobile that would come a close second and its not one of James Bonds Astons or Bentleys, either (Ill explain the confusion in a moment).Its the Knight Industries Two Thousand (better known as KITT), the car that embodies every single thing we could possibly want from a car. Speed, stealth, artificial intelligence, more speed, gadgetry, killer looks, and a perfect record sheet of crime-fighting adventures. And dont forget bullet-like acceleration (hows 4.4 seconds for the quarter-mile?)Based on a third-gen Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, the villain-hunting hypercar (yup, thats precisely what KITT is) dressed as the most unassuming sleeper of them all. 300 mph is the sword in the stone King Chiron of the Bugatti Clan has left as a legacy for all his hyper-fast heirs.But KITT did that in the land of fantasy some 35 years before it became reality. Granted, its hydrogen turbine remains a fantasy (but I wouldnt be surprised if one day it would be common-place), and thats a bit of a turn-off for some fans of the Knight Rider Series, who still wait for their four-wheeled hero to spawn into reality. For those who want to refresh their memories about the childhood dream car: just play the video.Here's the good news: it has albeit in the vast reservation of virtual reality and I feel that KITTs loyalists might be a little triggered by one minor detail about this digital interpretation of the movie star car. The pixel tamer Abimelec Arellano from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico (known by his social media persona Abimelec design) added the piece de resistance.Instead of the turbojet engine with its complimentary afterburners, the imaginative respawn of the Knight errant is powered by a modern superhero of the piston realm: a Hellcat crate engine. Mopar loyalists, crossing universes is allowed in the virtual world, so dont be surprised by this team-up of unlikely superpowers.While the hydrogen-burning powerplant was absolutely in line with the rest of the hyper-tech platform, its not inappropriate to graft it with one of the most powerful force-fed HEMIs ever. The legendary V8 bears the four-letter acronym of immortality and is one of the most recognizable engines of the combustion era thats dawning into the piston-less age.With its standard 707 hp and 650 lb-ft (717 PS / 881 Nm), the 6.2-liter supercharged volcano , sure as Hellcat wouldnt disappoint in the streamlined KITT. If you take a close look at the original KITT, youll notice that the artist didnt limit their imagination to just the engine bay and tweaked the formidable machine with a sleeker body.When it was introduced, the third-generation Trans Am was one of the most fluid-profiled cars from General Motors, with an air friction index of 0.32. By 1985, the engineers improved drag to 0.29, making the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am the most aerodynamic vehicle ever to come out of the corporations assembly plants.The car visualist put a widebody kit of the KITT with massive flares over the fatty tires, and the reinterpreted four-wheeled superhero is a lot closer to the ground than the original. The signature trait of KITT its Anamorphic Equalizer front scanner bar is intact and righteously in its place.The retractable rear wing is a nostalgic nod to the fictitious vehicles physics bending top speed. While the Hellcat V8 wont push the Trans Am (or anything else, for that matter) to 500 mph (804 kph), it would probably sound a lot more menacing than the 1982 black vigilante.All the more reasons for the bad guys to try and make a run for it since theyll hear it coming a quarter-mile away. Oh, and about that Bond-Bentley reference: Ian Flemming let the famous 007 use Aston Martin products as his company vehicle. However, the cynical spy preferred a Bentley Blower from the 30s as his off-duty sidekick.For the sake of real-world piston addiction, let's take a moment and remember the Pontiac Firebird upon which KITT is based. The revised model followed in the wake of a 12-year-long production run for the second-generation car, and it proved to be a popular switch to the 80s styling and engineering standards.One of the most notable novelties was the 1982 introduction of the 305 cu in (5.0 L) Chevrolet Cross-Fire Injection V8 as an option for the top-end performance model. It was the debut of fuel injection in Trans Ams, but it didn't prove reliable enough to do the nameplate justice. Over its decade-long production, the third-gen Firebird amassed over 840,000 units, with almost 275,000 sporting the famous Trans Am moniker. Youth Arts Jamboree 2024 Gibraltar Cultural Services has announced the programme for the 2024 Youth Arts Jamboree, which will take place over February and March. As in previous years the aim of the Jamboree is to offer new insights and opportunities and inspire young people to get involved in the arts. The 2024 programme will include the following: Writing Initiative for Young Authors This project and mentorship programme will be open to people aged 16 to 25 years. The successful applicant/s will be given the opportunity to work alongside some of Gibraltars established authors and others experienced in the field of literature who will be able to share their experiences, expertise, and knowledge. The aspiring young writer/s will be mentored to write an original story/composition which then will be published. They will be supported throughout the process through the writing, editing, printing, and publishing stages of their work. Video Project Engaging through the Arts Using videography in an artistic way, young people will be encouraged to create a reel (a short video) to express what culture means to them, or how they view culture and the arts. The Gibraltar Youth Service will collaborate in the project. The minute long videos can include speech, performance, slides etc. and will be uploaded on GCS socials using the hashtags #youthartsjamaboree #gibculturechallenge. The video with the most social media engagement will win a special prize. The top prize being 200 and the opportunity to work with GCS producing a video related to one of their community events. The closing date for entries will be Friday 29th March 2024. Poetry and Short Story Recitals Two events will be held at Gibraltars Bookshop BOOKgem in February 2024. The winners and runners-up of the 2023 Autumn Poetry and Spring Short Story Competitions will be reciting their entries to an audience. The readers will be representing all the categories in the competition, from the overall winner, the adult entrants and school entrants from years 4 to 13. World Book Day 2024 The John Mackintosh Hall will once again host the World Book Day celebrations on Thursday 7th March. The theme will be based on the popular books by author David Walliams, such as Gangsta Granny, Ratburger, Mr Stink, Awful Auntie, Billionaire Boy and more. School children will be invited to visit and take part in fun movement and expression workshops, art themed workshops and our interactive story telling sessions led by the John Mackintosh Hall Library volunteers. There will also be an interactive public storytelling session delivered by GAMPA. Other initiatives to promote books, writing and literature will be part of the weeks offering. Gibraltar International Dance Festival The annual competition will take place at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre from the 7th to the 9th March. The event has attracted participation from over 100 dancers from Gibraltar, England and Spain. Young Artist Exhibition The competition is open to Gibraltarians and residents of Gibraltar attending school in years 9 to 13 (or College equivalent), as well as young Gibraltarian artists aged 18 to 24. The opening will take place on 26th February 2024 at the John Mackintosh Hall with the exhibition running to the 8th of March. Detour has just launched the new Jetour Traveller limited-edition model, which comes with a bombastic name, Land Rover Defender vibes, and a single powertrain option. SUV Theis called Silver Dragon Wing and will only be available for 3,000 customers. The limited-run model is the first under the JMK (Jetour Makers Kingdom) sub-brand, which focuses on custom-made vehicles, making them wilder and more interesting.The JMK division will be following the 'make-to-order' principle, showing a high level of customization. Those who order a vehicle from them will have to wait less than three months, they promise. Each will start at 219,900 yuan, which translates to $30,973.The money brings a very rugged SUV based on the Jetour Traveller. It measures 188.2 inches (4,782 millimeters) in length, 80.1 inches (2,036 millimeters) in width, and 77.1 inches (1,960 millimeters) in height, sporting a wheelbase of 110.2 inches (2,800 millimeters).Enhancing its off-roader credentials are the 24-degree approach angle and the 28-degree departure angle. That is all because of the redesigned bumpers both front and rear. There is an integrated bull bar at the front, while JMK extended the wheel arches to make room for the larger wheels and tires.An LED bar showed up in the radiator grille. That faux air scoop almost tricked us into believing that were dealing with a ventilated hood.To confirm that it is ready to leave civilization behind and venture into the wild, it comes with a multi-functional storage platform installed on the roof. There are also two customized storage containers on each side between the C and D pillars, plus a foldable ladder.Protective grilles made of resin cover the taillights while the spare wheel case is mounted on the trunk door, similar to what the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class come with. The vehicle rides on 20-inch wheels with 255/55 R20 all-terrain off-road tires.As rugged as the exterior is, the cabin displays a high-tech atmosphere. A large four-spoke steering wheel is in front of the digital instrument cluster. Meanwhile, the touchscreen located above the center console comes with a built-in Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip that supports over-the-air (OTA) updates.The Jetour Traveller Silver Dragon Wing is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The engine delivers 251 horsepower (254 metric horsepower) and 288 pound-feet (390 Newton meters) of torque in an all-wheel drive XWD fully automatic intelligent all-wheel drive setup. The XWD, carried over from the Chery brand's models, is capable of automatically distributing torque to the rear axle, as Car News China reports The brand announces a fuel consumption of 10.89 liters/100 kilometers (21.6 miles per gallon), so it is not exactly the most fuel-efficient vehicle out there.JMK is working on three more versions of the Traveller: mountaineering, rainforest, and elite. kWh kW We saw it officially last week when the company released several images showing a heavily camouflaged prototype. Due to the thick fake skin, it was pretty hard to make out some of the details, but it is clear that it will feature a familiar grille that is similar to other Alfa Romeo-branded models.It has muscular shoulders with the waistline kicking up on the rear doors and a roofline that is slightly arched at the rear. For a sportier appearance, the brand's design team placed the rear door handles in front of the C-pillars. Several design traits were likely inspired by some of the automaker's past models and adapted to the modern era.Despite utilizing the e-CMP platform, which is the foundation stone of other similarly-sized products like the Jeep Avenger and Peugeot e-2008, Alfa Romeo says it will have "extremely precise" steering, combined with superior handling for a vehicle in this class and lots of grip. Thus, you can think of it as a sportier alternative to the Jeep Avenger, featuring a different body and a new dashboard, a move that will draw a clear line between this premium crossover and its more mainstream siblings.It is only logical that the Alfa Romeo Milano will get the same electric motor and 54battery pack as the e-2008. The Peugeot has 154 hp (156 ps/115) on tap and a 252-mile (406 km) range, yet we expect the Milano to offer a bit more power. Who knows, maybe it will add a second electric motor for more thrust and quicker acceleration in the range-topping flavors, though this move will leave its mark on the electric autonomy. Some outlets speak of at least one internal combustion engine, perhaps with partial electrification, so it will be one versatile machine.We will find out more about it in a little over two months, as the official unveiling will take place on April 10. In the meantime, we should spot more prototypes and maybe see a few leaks, too. Moreover, rendering artists will keep having their way with it, just like the peeps at Kolesa did with the unofficial digital illustrations shared in the gallery above. These CGIs appear to have been based on the teasers, so they stay true to the original car's design up to a point. We are not entirely sure that the front and rear ends will look exactly like this, but we wouldn't be mad if they did. Would you? Even a miniature house can display the finest craftsmanship and ensure the highest levels of comfort. The Boothbay is big enough for tiny living yet larger than life when it comes to comfort, functionality, and durability. Photo: Tiny Homes of Maine Photo: Tiny Homes of Maine Photo: Tiny Homes of Maine The Boothbay is a dual-loft house on wheels designed to meet the needs of a contemporary lifestyle. Its generous length (30 feet/9.1 meters) and width (8 feet/2.4 meters) allowed it to boast a large, welcoming kitchen that does indeed feel like the heart of the home. Although mainly suitable for a couple, this sturdy dwelling has the character and ambiance of a classic family home. This has a lot to do with high-quality craftsmanship, which is obvious throughout and is paired with classic furniture and the typical appliances of any American household.This wholesome tiny home doesn't try to break the norm with unusual design solutions or special layouts. It applies the rules of traditional home building to a smaller surface with the constraints of a mobile platform. It exudes a sense of familiarity that would make anyone feel at home straight away and even forget about the wheels. Whether they're just embarking on their housing journey or downsizing after decades of hard work, all future owners of the Boothbay tiny are guaranteed to feel the warmth and comfort of a real home.A double entrance door adds a touch of openness to the otherwise classic, austere exterior. It invites guests to step inside the spacious lounge, which takes up quite a bit of the main floor space. Thanks to these glass doors and several windows, this part of the house benefits from an extra luminosity boost. A classic, large sofa takes center stage, with enough room left for additional furniture and storage. It's part of an open-plan layout with the visual effect of an even wider surface.The Boothbay flaunts an unusually large kitchen, but that's not all. It also managed to squeeze a tiny dining nook between the kitchen and lounge area. A regular table and a couple of folding chairs are enough to set up a dining area quickly and easily with no extra space required. This also acts as an extension of the lounge for family get-togethers and summer BBQs.The kitchen might be Boothbay's greatest feature. It looks like a traditional one and doesn't lack any of the basics. The contrast between the all-white cabinets and the dark maple butcher block countertops is reminiscent of classic farmhouses and a fine example of woodwork. The ample countertop space is a rare treat when it comes to tiny houses, particularly since it doesn't need to double as a dining area. Appliances for the standard version include a two-burner electric cooktop, a full-size fridge, and a vented range hood. Traditional-style storage includes large overhead cupboards in addition to multiple self-close cabinets.Tiny houses with generous kitchens usually need to ditch staircases. Still, Boothbay found a balanced compromise. It didn't sacrifice any of the kitchen or lounge space, yet it was also able to add a staircase for the main loft bedroom. This is the one that sits above the kitchen area, and it's fully worthy of a master bedroom it can easily fit in a double bed, it displays beautiful flooring, and it's filled with natural light thanks to multiple windows and a bonus skylight. A solid protection wall adds privacy and safety, while the custom staircase is an easy, comfortable way to access it.In order to free up as much space as possible for the lounge and the dining nook, the second loft was kept to a minimum. There's no staircase or other additional elements. A simple ladder is available for access and stored away the rest of the time. This is a basic storage loft, which is why it doesn't come with a protection wall. It does have a small window for basic ventilation and light. It was built so that it doubles as a beautiful ceiling with beams for the lounge functionality shows up in the tiniest but most effective ways.The bathroom sits at the end of the house, separated by a discrete pocket wall that becomes one with the walls. Inside, the same traditional farmhouse style shines through. A beautifully crafted vanity in dark shades catches the eye. Space-wise, the bathroom is big enough to include a large shower and a standard toilet as basic features.A house could not be a true home if it weren't also built to withstand the test of time. The Boothbay's remarkable craftsmanship is also a testament to its durability, even in harsher climates. Layers of high-quality insulation keep the cold and humidity away, and a mini-split heat pump is included in the standard equipment.This classic beauty designed and built in Maine is also ready to hit the road it can be easily towed with a 1-ton truck. Still, with a cozy lounge like that and such a big kitchen, anyone would find it hard to believe that this is not a traditional house. The Boothbay proves that downsizing doesn't diminish the great feeling of being at home in any way. Enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking. Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal. Curious about our 2023 delivery performance? Despite challenges, we handed over 9.24 million vehicles to customers globally, marking a solid 12% increase. We outpaced the market & slightly expanded our global market share! Take a closer look at our figures here pic.twitter.com/Rh4nsfAif6 Volkswagen Group (@VWGroup) January 9, 2024 Not long ago, Volkswagen AG a multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Germany that comprises both passenger and commercial vehicle divisions presented its full sales results for 2023. Between Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Cupra, Jetta, Lamborghini, Porsche, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial, and Traton (Navistar, MAN, Scania, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus), it managed to deliver 9.24 million vehicles last year most of them in Europe and China.They were up 12%, outpacing the overall market, and also "slightly" expanded their global market share. However, we refrained from any commentary because we first wanted to see what Toyota had to say about that and if the Japanese automaker could retain the crown of best-selling worldwide carmaker for the fourth time in a row. Well, now the figures from Japan are in, and the Toyota results are pretty darn spectacular even if the overall growth is slightly smaller, at 7.2%.However, between Toyota, Lexus , Daihatsu, and Hino, the Japanese company managed to sell a whopping 11,233,039 vehicles last year of which no less than 10,307,395 come from the Toyota and Lexus brands. This led to a 7.7% increase compared to 2022 thanks to solid demand in North America (+7%) and Europe (+9.1%) and big jumps in the Middle East (14.7%) and at home in Japan (29.8%). The reasons for the positive results are easy to explain the semiconductor crisis is almost over, there was strong consumer demand, and the lesser impact of health crisis concerns.The only two regions where Toyota and Lexus experienced negative results were Oceania (-0.8%) and China (-0.2%), but it's pretty obvious they were thoroughly offset. The company's Daihatsu subsidiary also posted solid overall growth it was up 3.2% to over 790k units, though the Hino division experienced a downturn of 9.8% to a little over 135k units. Interestingly, while Toyota launched a barrage of new model introductions last year, it was Lexus that took the crown in terms of absolute growth."Lexus will continue to drive unique initiatives, focusing on the development and promotion of battery electric vehicles in pursuit of realizing a carbon-neutral society. In addition, we are committed to responding promptly and accurately to customer needs, adapting to the changing times, and continuously striving to craft cars that bring joy to our customers," said Lexus International President Takashi Watanabe.The premium division moved 824,258 units last year a record amount. But what's more astounding is that it performed 132% better than in 2022! That's pretty much unbelievable for a traditional carmaker in this day and age, but obviously possible thanks to North America and Japan, which jumped 124% to almost 287k units and 229% to 41,253 vehicles, respectively. Asia was the runner-up with 113% and 209,562 units, while Japan is inching closer to Europe (+146% and 47,304 units). Things are looking great for both brands in the future with the arrival of the 2024 Lexus GX 550, 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, and Tacoma i-Force Max , as well as the impending introduction of the 2025 Camry and 2025 Crown Signia. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. 30 January 2024 20:49 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Recent actions coming from the leadership of Yerevan towards the process of signing a peace treaty with Azerbaijan speak about the reluctance of the RA leadership to cooperate with Azerbaijan. Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan stated that "Azerbaijan must answer whether it is interested in establishing peace or not". It is important to note that such statements are coming from the leadership of Yerevan as it moves closer to Western forces. Let us recall that the recent statement of N. Pashinyan during his speech once again demonstrates that the leadership of Yerevan intends to invest billions of dollars in the purchase of Western weapons rather than make efforts and actions towards the realisation of the peace process. For information, Nikol Pashinyan appointed Kostanyan as Deputy Foreign Minister. Before that, Kostanyan was one of Ararat Mirzoyan's five advisors; after his appointment, he became one of his four deputies, along with Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Vahe Gevorgyan, and Mnatsakan Safaryan. The 28-year-old Kostanyan's career path is as follows: press secretary of the Civil Contract Party, head of the Deputy Prime Minister's office, assistant to the incumbent Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, then-advisor, now Deputy Foreign Minister. By the way, Mirzoyan does not hide the fact that Vahan is his friend. Why are such provocative statements made by the RA leadership when the PM of this country has repeatedly stated that the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is recognised both at the international level and in Armenia itself, which also means agreement to peace? Let's move on to the AR Deputy Foreign Minister, who was recently appointed to this position. The AR Deputy Foreign Minister stated: "The statements of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry raise doubts as to whether the Azerbaijani side is at all interested in the settlement of relations and the establishment of peace." Earlier, speaking last Sunday with a speech dedicated to Armenia's army day, the Armenian PM said that Yerevan offered Baku to introduce a mechanism of mutual arms control and sign a non-aggression pact if "the process of signing a peace treaty is delayed". The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry responded to this statement and said that Pashinyan's statement was aimed at diverting attention from the process of drafting a bilateral peace agreement and establishing interstate relations between the countries, which can be fully confirmed by the recent anti-Azerbaijani resolutions and provocations on international platforms. The Deputy Foreign Minister of AR complains that Azerbaijan still holds (unconfirmed information) 23 prisoners, and nevertheless declares afterwards that the government of AR is ready to continue taking purposeful steps in the direction of regulating relations with Azerbaijan. Unlike Armenia, Azerbaijan does not provoke its diaspora around the world into provocative and propagandistic protests, which only aggravate the peace process, and expects from Armenia adequate actions, not words and statements. Even after the defeat in the Second Garabagh War, the leadership of Armenia did not even make any efforts to provide maps of minefields or the places of mass graves from the First Garabagh War, but claimed that they were acting to "achieve peace. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said at the end of last year that very soon he would conclude a peace agreement with Armenia and the whole Garabagh issue would fade into history. Based on the promises of the Azerbaijani President and their successful realisation, the peace agreement will also be realised, whether Armenia wants it or not. Let us remember that it was the delaying of the process and violation of its obligations under international treaties for 30 years that led the Armenian leadership to the situation they are in now. Every delay and failure to fulfil their obligations led to heavy losses and fighting with Azerbaijan. The statements of Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan speak of a "memorised text" that is used by the leadership of Yerevan whenever it is necessary to provoke further propaganda towards Azerbaijan. Let us remind you about the favourite song of Armenians about alleged "ethnic cleansing" in Garabagh against Armenian nationals and how the Russian Foreign Ministry put a stop to this issue. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said during a briefing that no ethnic cleansing was carried out against Armenian residents of Garabagh, and if there is any document or statement that shows that such ethnic cleansing took place, "please provide us with them. We would like the facts to be provided." If earlier the separatist clan served as a barrier to peace between neighbours (Azerbaijan and Armenia), today the barrier is France, together with the Western Crusader Clan. Armenia's leadership has directly stated that it needs new allies, hinting at an alliance of European Union countries. Therefore, the statement of Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan can be considered a pro-Western provocation, where he apparently does not care about his people, which in his statement chooses unjustified provocative rhetoric against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan does not want to be the object of a global neo-imperialist redistribution of the world, wishing to remain neutral and continue to pursue a balanced foreign policy. Armenia, on the other hand, does not have the potential to pursue an independent policy, hence the feverish, contradictory movements and chaotic statements of its leadership. --- Abbas Ganbay is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @Noend33 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 30 January 2024 15:47 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more Armenia remains in its ampoule and continues its traditional anti-Azerbaijani and anti-Turkish policies all over the world. Regardless of the power and influence of any state in front of it, it is able to accuse over trivial issues, whether it is appropriate or not. This time, Armenia's lobbyist institution, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), which took root in America, strongly reacted to Canada's decision to lift the embargo on arms sales to Turkiye. The Armenian National Committee of Canada reported that, after this decision, the entire Armenian society was seriously disturbed. Even ANCA, which does not recognise any rights or laws, stressed that this decision is a threat to "human rights and justice". It is interesting how the cancellation of the ban on the sale of arms to Turkiye, which was enforced in 2019, by a developed country like Canada may pose a threat to human rights and justice. In general, since the appearance of the concepts of Armenianism, serious and complex problems have arisen in the context of diplomatic and commercial relations between the countries. These problems particularly hang over European countries and the USA like a dark cloud. The question is, what privileges can ANCA rely on to put pressure on the Canadian government? How can such an institution try to dominate the management system of a country much bigger than itself? The Committee calls on the Government of Canada to listen to the concerns of the Canadian Armenian community, civil society organisations, and human rights advocates. No analysis can normally explain that Armenia is neither a member of NATO nor one of the leading states of Europe, but in stark contrast to its size, it tries to challenge the giant states with all its might. ANCA's more sensitive approach to every little issue than the official state institutions and its reactive position, especially on Turkiye and Azerbaijan, do not bring dividends for Yerevan. The institution forgets that the capital city of Armenian society, which it defends for every small issue, is located approximately 120 km from Azerbaijan's border. The ANCA should also not worry that neither Azerbaijan nor Turkiye needs to spend billions of dollars on expensive weapons as much as Armenia. Azerbaijan's manpower alone means a large armoured vehicle, and the combat determination of one manpower is more flexible and powerful than the dozens of ATAGS (Towed Artillery Gun Systems) systems it has purchased from India. This is not rhetoric, but the truth, and this truth was proven on the field exactly three years ago. As for the relations between Turkiye and Canada, the fact that Turkiye, which has a 72-year military experience in NATO, ranks second in terms of manpower in the alliance should arouse a sense of pride for the West. The inclusion of Sweden in the alliance with the consent of Turkiye can be considered one of the most important events for the West. Although the US delayed the official sale of F-16 fighter jets to Ankara for a long time, the deal was completed in favour of Turkiye. Thus, the concept that the world is bigger than five is valid, and Turkiye, as well as Azerbaijan, stand out in the world due to their influence. Today, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe cannot get rid of the leverage of a group of Armenian lobbies, but in the end, Western and European organisations having concessions with Azerbaijan is not as imaginary as Armenia's dream of building a 'great army'. In politics, there is always displacement, and this means that factions are replaced by new ones. --- Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews Deputy Editor-in-Chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 30 January 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Azerbaijan continues to take measures for thriving tourism. As is known, to promote tourism, Azerbaijan sponsored Atletico Madird jerseys describing "Azerbaijan: Land of Fire." In 2018, a new tourism brand and the slogan "Take Another Look" were introduced. Baku introduces e-visas, which facilitate obtaining a visa. Further to this, Azerbaijan began tourism-development planning for 20022005 and 20102014. At the end of 2023, Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (Parliament) adopted new legislation that freed tourism complexes located in the regions (except the Absheron Peninsula) from property taxes. Many experts in the tourism sector welcomed the decision of the Milli Majlis and noted that it would enable the sector in regions to develop further. Recently, in an interview with the local media outlet, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the Russian Federation Poland Bulbuloglu pointed out that the National State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan is planning to restore its activity in Russia and to open a tourism office in Moscow. It is worth noting that Russia is considered a big market for touristic countries. Regions and countries are competing for Russian tourists. For example, Russian tourists rank first in Turkiye and Georgia. Unlike both these countries, Azerbaijan has taken measures to attract tourists from Arab countries so far. Frankly speaking, Russian citizens rank in first place among the foreigners visiting Azerbaijan. However, most of them are Azerbaijani-born Russian citizens who have homes in Azerbaijan, and they do not visit as tourists. Speaking to Azernews on the issue, an expert in tourism, Rahman Quliyev, said that today it is necessary to open tourism offices abroad, especially those suitable for the market. That is why the opening of the tourism office in the Russian Federation by the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan is significant. He draws attention to the fact that the Russian market is important for Azerbaijan and that both nations are close to each other. Besides, there are no strong language barriers either. Also, considering the sanctions imposed by Western countries on Russia, the importance of this market for Azerbaijan increases even more. I believe that in the near future, the opening of new hotels in Azerbaijan and the construction of large hotel complexes in the Garabagh region, as well as the construction of thermal sanatoriums in Garabagh and Kalbajarda Lachin, for the use of both local tourists and foreign tourists, will certainly regularize the flow of tourists to Azerbaijan, and I think that We will bring the number of tourists to the peak, Rehman Quliyev said. The expert underscored that if we individually treat the tourists coming from Russia and also from all over the world to Azerbaijan, if we provide individual service, it is certainly in our favor. He recalled that 34 personnel serve every tourist visiting the country, and underlined that thriving tourism will create conditions for reducing unemployment in the country and increasing activity in the labor market. He also pointed out that the increase in the number of tourists coming to the country also allows the increase of foreign currency entering the country. --- Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 30 January 2024 10:36 (UTC+04:00) Nigar Hasanova Read more The expansion of cooperation between Baku Port and Qingdao Port, one of the largest ports in China, was discussed, Azernews reports. This was informed by Baku International Sea Trade Port CJSC. According to information, the delegation of China Port visited Baku Port today. During the meeting with the staff led by the Deputy General Director of Qingdao Port Xing Dongliang, discussions were held in the areas of cooperation in the development of port infrastructure and increasing the volume of cargo transported through Azerbaijan. Qingdao Port, part of the Shandong Port Group, has built China's first fully automated container terminal, where all cargo handling is done without human intervention. On April 17, 2023, the Port of Baku and Qingdao Port signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Twinned Ports, and a lighthouse monument, a symbol of bilateral cooperation, was installed. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Gibraltar Spring Short Story Competition 2024 Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS), in conjunction with the Gibraltar Chronicle, has announced the launch of the annual Spring Short Story Competition 2024. The competition is open to Gibraltarians and residents of Gibraltar. Participants may submit one piece of work of any subject matter. There will be seven categories as follows: A. School Years 4 to 5 (250 - 350 words) B. School Year 6 to 7 (250 - 350 words) C. School Years 8 to 10 (450 - 550 words) D. School Years 11 to 13 (500 - 1000 words) E. Adults (aged 18 and over) (story must not exceed 1,000 words) F. Spanish (open to all ages) (story must not exceed 1,000 words) G. Llanito (open to all ages) (story must not exceed 1,000 words) Prizes are as follows: The Ministry of Culture prize for the Overall Winner 1,000 1st Prize: English Language (adult) 500 1st Prize: Spanish Language (open to all ages) 500 1st Prize: Llanito (open to all ages) - 500 Additionally, the winner in each school category will receive a voucher and a pen, kindly donated by the Gibraltar Chronicle, plus a trophy from the Ministry of Culture. The winning entries will be printed in the Gibraltar Chronicle. Entry forms and rules are available on www.culture.gi/forms, or at the John Mackintosh Hall reception. Completed forms and entries are to be submitted via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or handed in at the John Mackintosh Hall reception. The closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 8th March 2024. 30 January 2024 10:16 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more In preparation for the new academic year, military units of Azerbaijan have held formation reviews, checked material and training facilities of units, training combat equipment, weapons, and combat equipment of personnel by the staff category, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry. Speakers at the ceremonies held in military formations and units to mark the start of the new academic year wished success to the personnel in the new academic year and said that the effective application of rules should be focused on training. It was also noted that in the last academic year in general, the planned activities were fully implemented, and in the new academic year, the main attention should be paid to further improvement of the knowledge and skills of servicemen, the correct operation of modern weapons and equipment, as well as other combat means available in the arsenal of the Azerbaijani army. "Then a solemn passage in front of the tribune was held," the department said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 30 January 2024 10:58 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Following the instructions of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the return of former internally displaced persons to the restored city of Lachin continues, Azernews reports. Another group of former IDPs, consisting of 23 families or 72 people, left the Gobu Park 3 residential complex in Garadagh for Lachin on January 30. The resettled families will settle in the houses where they once lived in Lachin, which were restored or rebuilt based on instructions from the head of state after the end of the Armenian occupation. Lachin residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation. Thus, until today, a permanent settlement in the city of Lachin has been provided for 431 families, or 1627 people. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 30 January 2024 11:37 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more In connection with the extraordinary presidential elections of the Azerbaijan Republic to be held on February 7, 2024, with the participation of members of the Central Election Commission, employees of the Secretariat, as well as chairmen and secretaries of the relevant district election commissions, the distribution of ballot papers to district election commissions has begun in the Printing House of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament), Azernews reports, citing secki-2024.az. The process was carried out openly and transparently, and all conditions were created for international organisations, election observation missions, media representatives, and interested election subjects to monitor the process closely. On the first day, January 30, it is planned to hand over the ballots to 36 constituencies in general, including the constituencies of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the constituencies belonging to the polling stations in the liberated territories, as well as the constituencies covering remote regions of the Republic, and to all other constituencies of the country within the next 2 days and complete After the election ballots prepared under high-security conditions are handed over to the district election commissions, the protection of their transportation, storage, and distribution to the district election commissions is carried out by the relevant bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Within the framework of the event, media representatives were informed about the requirements of the Election Code and the organisation of the process in connection with the preparation and delivery of ballots. In the meantime, their questions were answered. It should be noted that after the requirements for the text, form, number, and preparation procedure of the ballots related to the presidential elections were approved by the Central Election Commission within the period stipulated by the legislation, the printing of the ballots started on January 24, 2024. By the decision of Commission 6524203 (six million five hundred and twenty-four thousand two hundred and three), ballot papers were printed. After the ballot papers are distributed to the district election commissions in accordance with the procedure defined by the Election Code, they will be delivered from the district election commissions to the constituency election commissions at least 3 days before the voting day. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 30 January 2024 13:19 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Kazakhstan will hold two military exercises with Azerbaijan this year. The Ministry of Defence of Kazakhstan reported on the exercises of the Armed Forces planned for 2024, Azernews reports. According to the information, Kazakhstan will hold two military exercises with Azerbaijan. Command and staff exercises "Birlestik-2024" will be held with the participation of units of the armed forces of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, as well as joint naval exercises of the Caspian littoral states (Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Russia). To recall, According to the joint action plan signed between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the -2024 (Unity-2024) tactical exercises will be held with the participation of marines and special forces of both countries Naval Forces. It should be noted that at the tactical exercises to be held in the Republic of Kazakhstan in July 2024, the main attention will be paid to ensuring combat interoperability, improving management, exchanging experience, and increasing military personnels professionalism during the troops interaction. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 30 January 2024 17:36 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva took part in the 10th meeting of the Board of the Ombudsmen Association of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Pakistan, Azernews reports. The Press Service of the Ombudsman's Office reports that speaking at the event organized by the Federal Fiscal Ombudsman of Pakistan, in which the Ombudsmen of Turkiye, Morocco, Indonesia, Bahrain, and Bulgaria are represented, S. Aliyeva noted that as a result of increasing armed conflicts and natural disasters, serious problems have arisen in the field of ensuring human rights and freedoms. The Ombudsman noted gross violations of the fundamental rights of people and the growth of forced migration. The Ombudsman noted that, against the backdrop of these developments, UN initiatives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals have weakened and emphasised the important role of national human rights institutions in advancing these calls. The Ombudsperson also spoke about the negative impact of occupation and military conflicts on the environment. Referring to the acts of environmental terror committed by Armenia in the territory of Azerbaijan during almost 30 years of occupation, she brought to the attention of the participants the issue of existing mine threats in the liberated territories. The Ombudsman was informed about the construction works carried out in the territories liberated from occupation to ensure sustainable settlement and safe living. S. Aliyeva noted that the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will be held in Azerbaijan. The decision is a vivid example of great trust and respect for Azerbaijan. The Ombudsman suggested organising a joint event on this topic with the participation of OIC countries' Ombudsmen, noting that this meeting will create opportunities for the exchange of positive experiences in the field of environmental protection and propaganda. Several issues of mutual interest between the OIC members were discussed at the meeting, emphasising the importance of the association's representation at international forums. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 30 January 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday announced his exit from the position of head of government, Azernews reports, citing Agenda. In his comments, Garibashvil said he was leaving after having submitted to the public an extensive report on my three years of work at the end of 2023. I started working as the head of government for the second term in the most difficult period, in the conditions of domestic and international political, economic, and social crises," he said in Mondays announcement. I served our country in good faith, uncompromisingly defended the interests of our country and citizens, I am proud of the results we achieved during this period together with the team, the PM continued. Garibashvili noted he had received an offer from the Political Council of the ruling Georgian Dream party to take the position of the party Chair, with the partys congress to be held on Thursday. One of the main factors of the strength of our political team is internal democracy, the most obvious manifestation of which is the principle of rotation. There are many successful leaders in the team and others need to be given the opportunity, Garibashvili said. Now we are facing new tasks. We will elect a new parliament in the fall, and the Georgian Dream Party must prepare to win the elections convincingly in order to continue moving forward to achieve other, larger goals. Based on this political reality, I received an offer from the Political Council to take the position of party chair," he noted. Garibashvili also revealed the Council had discussed the possibility of him staying in the position until the summer and before the election campaign, but added, I chose to make this decision now. It is important that the next Prime Minister presents his team on time and forms a new Government. I wish success to the new Prime Minister, Garibashvili noted. The outgoing Prime Minister thanked Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and Honorary Chair of the party, the leadership and members of the faction, the Parliament, heads and employees of ministries, Government Administration staff, and civil servants for the great support provided during his work in the position. I would like to thank my wife, children, and parents for their support. I hope that now I will have more opportunities to spend more time with my family. I wish peace, prosperity and unity to our homeland. May God be our protector, he concluded. Garibashvili became the Prime Minister for the second term in 2021, having held the position of head of government between 2013-2015. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 30 January 2024 21:20 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva On Monday, a 99-year-old time capsule hidden under a statue of King William II was discovered during the renovation of the Dutch parliament building, Azernews reports, citing foreign media outlets. The capsule contained historical documents and books about the Dutch battles with Napoleon, including a three-volume French-language book about the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The author of the work is the Dutch General Francois de Bas, a popular military historian of the early twentieth century. The discovery of the time capsule stunned historians who had not previously known about its existence. Mayor Jan van Zanen solemnly opened the capsule in the presence of the press to show its contents, including letters, documents and books. In 1815, Willem II commanded the Dutch troops as Crown Prince and the following year arrived in St. Petersburg for the wedding with Grand Duchess Anna Pavlovna, sister of the Russian Emperor Alexander I. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 60th Anniversary John Mackintosh Hall Art Competition Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS) has announced an art competition to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the John Mackintosh Hall. Entries will be exhibited at the John Mackintosh Hall from 16th to 26th April 2024. The competition which includes painting and photography categories, is open to Gibraltarians and residents of Gibraltar aged 16 and over (as of 15th April 2024). Artists may submit a maximum of four entries but no more than two per category. Works must be original and MUST depict the John Mackintosh Hall in any way or form, and may include the building, a past event or an area within the estate, amongst others. The prizes are as follows: The Ministry of Culture Award for the Overall Winner - 2,000 Painting, Drawing, Prints & Digital Painting Award 1st Prize 750 2nd Prize 250 Photography Award 1st Prize 750 2nd Prize 250 The overall winner will become the property of the Ministry of Culture. The Minister for Culture, the Hon Christan Santos GMD MP said: The John Mackintosh Hall complex has been a cultural hub for 60 years, and with the proposed changes and development, will be around for many more to come. I envisage the entries in this competition will be varied, to include not only the physical areas of the estate but also to reflect past events and in many cases past experiences. People know the JMH for its many uses: the Library, the Theatre, meeting rooms and cafeteria. Memories and perceptions will be captured on canvas and photograph for future generations. This competition will produce artworks which I am sure will become part of our social commentary in years to come and I look forward to seeing how our community will interpret and commemorate this iconic building. Entry forms and rules are available from: www.culture.gi/forms The John Mackintosh Hall, 308 Main Street The Fine Arts Gallery, Casemates Square GEMA Gallery, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road Entries to be handed in at the John Mackintosh Hall from Wednesday 3rd April to Friday 5th April 2024 between 4pm and 7pm. The Golden LEAF Foundation supports workforce projects that help close the skills gap and increase the pool of highly qualified individuals with skills aligned to North Carolina businesses' current and future needs. The Golden LEAF Board of Directors fund projects that demonstrate a market demand for skilled workers and aim at developing skill sets required by businesses looking to locate or expand in rural communities.In June 2017, the Golden LEAF Foundation Board awarded $199,977.54 to Davie County Schools to improve high school students' employability in agriculture, health sciences, and culinary careers at the new Davie County High School. The program launched in the 2017-2018 school year with 82 students participating in the three career programs.Out of the 374 Davie County High School students completing these programs in the 2020-2021 school year, 48 students were employed in their field of study immediately after high school. The program also resulted in 46 of these students continuing their education in their fields at a post-secondary school. In total, more than one fourth of the students either were employed after high school in their field of study or continued in their field of study at a college or university.said Anthony Davis, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Federal Programs at Davie County Schools.Golden LEAF funding provided Davie County High School with a science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) Innovation Lab and state-of-the-art career and CTE labs to support students' technical skills in these three career areas. These programs also focus on students' ability to engage in critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and other soft skills required for success in the workplace.said Davis.The project also supported the purchase of industrial kitchen equipment and appliances that enhanced the culinary program's operations. In the health sciences program, patient simulators and other medical devices were purchased.In the 2020-2021 school year, Davie County High School's CTE students completed concentrations in the areas of agriculture, health sciences, and culinary. Davie County Schools reported that 279 of the 374 students participated in work-based learning opportunities that increased the exposure of 183 students to agriculture careers, 47 students to health sciences careers, and 49 students to culinary careers.said Davis.Golden LEAF supports educational opportunities that support area industry needs. Davie County Schools CTE programs offer a clear path to in-demand jobs in the community. To learn more about Golden LEAF's workforce preparedness priority, click here Radical activist groups are spreading a curriculum that trains kids to be activists and hate America through classrooms across the country, according to a report from Parents Defending Education (PDE), a group aimed at taking politics out of the classroom.In the just-released report, first shared with The Daily Wire, the education nonprofit highlights how two activist groups with links to school districts across the country put together atoolkit to guide educators when discussing the war between Israel and Hamas. The toolkit, created by the Coalition for Liberated Ethnic Studies (CLES) and the Liberated Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum Consortium (LESMCC), points educators to anti-American, pro-Palestinian, and anti-colonialist resources from a plethora of leftist organizations.The toolkit put out on November 27 says it is meant for teachers, families, and community organizers. According to PDE researchers, there are at least 18 school districts and one state education agency that have links to CLES, LESMCC, or individuals and groups affiliated with those organizations.PDE researcher Rhyen Staley told The Daily Wire that there could be more schools linked to the two groups, but that their materials would be making their way into the classroom.he said.The CLES is an organization built on the principle of critiquingThe CLES and LESMCC toolkit starts by stating that the mainstream media is dominated by thethe toolkit says.According to the toolkit, critical media literacy is supposed to focus onandStaley said the toolkit was thoroughly anti-Western civilization, and viewed the world from a lens of constant oppression.he said.After going through a list of questions about Palestinians and the media, the toolkit has ansection that asks,This action section is the point of the toolkit, Staley said, saying that the goal was to get students to be activists.The toolkit includes a long list of resources, guiding users toOne of the resources is a petition that accuses Israel of genocide and urges people to call on their lawmakers to support a ceasefire. It also provides a script for people to use when reaching out to lawmakers. The script was provided by the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR), a group that says it works to endAnother resource shared from USCPR encourages people toorganize a local ceasefire resolution, mobilize aand organize aAnother resource shared is from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, better known as CAIR, and directs people on how to react whenIn the curriculum section of the recommended resources, an article on howOne of the authors is Samia Shoman, an associate of the ethnic studies group Acosta Education Partnership.the abstract of the article says.Other curriculum resources recommended come from pro-Palestinian organizations like Black Lives Matter at School, the Zinn Education Project, and the Teach Palestine Project.Slide shows designed for grades 7-12 and 9-12 from the LESMCC organization are also provided. The lesson plan for grades 7-12 encourages teachers to do aforThis is to be followed by anStaley said of the land acknowledgement section.Other resources flagged in the toolkit are from the radical Abolitionist Teaching Network, the Palestinian Feminist Collective, Librarians with Palestine, and Black for Palestine.PDE identified over a dozen school districts across the country that have been linked to the CLES, the LESMCC, or individuals affiliated with the organizations. Many of the schools listed by PDE are in California, where ethnic studies classes are mandated by the state.The PDE report listed 18 school districts that have links to CLES, LESMC, or groups or individuals affiliated with the organizations. Staley said that ethnic studies classes were sold as history and anthropology, but were effectivelyFor example, Berkeley Public Schools have used resources from LESMCC in the past while Castro Valley Unified School District previously approved a contract with LESMC for ethnic studies training. Parvin Ahmadi, the superintendent of Castro Valley Unified School District, told The Daily Wire that she wasLESMCC was also linked to drafts of proposed ethnic studies classes at Fresno Unified School District, an ethnic studies contract with Hayward Unified School District, Lynwood Unified School District, Under the cover of Covid, and now in the shadow of the infamous Election Irregularities of that fated 2020 presidential election, with current emerging alleged election fraud in Nevada and Pennsylvania inconveniently slipping into the public discourse, there is proved a colluded ongoing Election Interference in the nomination of the Republican candidate, the likes of which has never occurred in our Constitutional Republic's history, albeit, the question remains: Do you support the plain-sight Election Interference of the Democratic Socialist party, employing its minions in their Propagandistic Media, and their Two Tiered Justice System? 98.25% No, I do not support Election Interference; I am a patriot unto our Constitution.1.75% Yes, I do support Election Interference; the alternative, Donald Trump, to this mentally diminished president is far worse.0% "What, me worry" if elections are rigged? The following is an exclusive excerpt from The National Pulse from the new MAGA blockbuster book, The Emerging Populist Majority, by Gavin Wax and Troy Olson, published by Bombardier Books. The National Pulse editor Raheem Kassam wrote the foreword to this book, and the following excerpt is from Chapter 4, which deals with the Boomer Alignment beginning in 1992. In many ways, the Trump coalition that would shock the political world in the biggest upset in American presidential politics since 1948 is a combination of Pat Buchanans primary challenge and Ross Perots candidacy and issues. The first vote for president that Donald Trump would ever receive was actually from Perots political party that launched and then was unable to find any sort of successorthe Reform Party in California. Both Buchanan and Trump were possible candidates in 2000 for that nomination. All of this occurred before Trump switched his registration to Democratic in New York, among six other party switches in that closed primary state. Yet despite all those switches there remains a remarkable clarity and consistency on the actual issues and vision. The future anti-Trump coalition are those most committed to the globalization consensus that became established after the 1992 election, which was then brought into hyperdrive and defended by the party establishments of both the Democrats and the Republicans. The Third Civic Order was articulated as needing to make the world safe for democracy, and in the twenty-first century, the more democracy would begin to slip into a recession after the first few years of the War on Terror, the harder it would become to maintain the consensus. Consider the 1992 election results but between only the two challengers to the incumbent (see the map below). What you see here is a remarkable consistency between the country that elected every Democratic president after Harry Truman, with Democrat Bill Clinton putting together a coalition at the county and state levels that is very similar to Jimmy Carter and to a lesser extent, John F. Kennedy, and independent candidate Ross Perot, a full-on skeptic of free trade and the downstream effects of the new economy that would end up propping up the stability of the Boomer Alignment, and therefore the late Third Civic Order, performing incredibly well in what essentially is the old, old Republican coalition of Yankeedom (Northeast) and the Heartland (Midwest) all the way out west and to the coast. Of course, in the three decades since, a lot of Clintons strongest counties, especially in rural America, have gone away from the Democrats, which has made it incredibly difficult for their political results and outcomes to match their aspirations, and the cities have slipped further away as they had for many decades from the Republicans, that isuntil the last eight years or so in many of the former industrialized areas. First under Clinton and a Republican Congress, then under George W. Bush, who endured split, Republican, and Democratic Congresses, the uniparty consensus of liberal immigration bordering on a borderless vision of the world, of free trade and capital flowing throughout, and after 9/11, a foreign policy of undeclared, abstract, unwinnable, and forever wars made the Boomer Alignment and uniparty consensus harder and harder to swallow downstream. And this is where the emerging populist majority, as a rejection of hyper-globalization, really begins to take shape. ************* The Emerging Populist Majority is available now via Amazon, independent booksellers, Barnes and Noble, and beyond. Commentary Remember you heard it first here. The Election of 2024 will be unlike any other in our lifetimes, we predict. Our sense is that a substantial portion of the voting public is disgusted and fed-up with American politics, from top to bottom. We expect that detachment from traditional politics to yield a major political upheaval in both the primaries and the General Election, and onward into future elections of the decade. One characteristic we envision will be a turning away from the traditional political parties. The old days of people getting elected because the party anointed them are gone. We The People are fed up with politicians who are more concerned with holding on to their seats than what is best for the county, state and nation. We predict Joe Biden, if he prevails as the Democrat candidate will suffer the most from this shift. We will not be surprised to see Donald Trump carry at least forty states and win the Electoral College by a landslide. We also sense that Mark Robinson will also be the benefactor of this populist movement, depending on how well he manages his campaign, i.e. how closely he aligns himself with President Trump on issues that resonate with the ordinary folk across the state. And here in Beaufort County we sense a shift with the County Commission and School Board. Conservatives who focus on conservative approaches to modern problem will do well. What we have no doubt about is that it will be an interesting fall. Working as a certified registered nurse anesthetist was recently named among the best and highest-paying jobs in healthcare for 2024 by U.S. News and World Report. The role of CRNA was ranked as the sixth-best job in healthcare overall and the fifth-best paying occupation. Here are five statistics providing insight into how certified registered nurse anesthetists are compensated: 1. The mean annual salary of CRNAs is $205,770, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data. 2. The average hourly pay for CRNAs is $98.93. 3. The average salary among the CRNAs in the top 10% of earners is equal to or greater than $239,200. 4. CRNAs among the bottom 10% of earners make $143,870 annually. 5. In a recent Medscape survey, 68% of CRNAs said they feel fairly compensated for their roles. ASCs are facing major obstacles to secure anesthesia as the provider shortage increases and reimbursements decline. "Today's shortage of anesthesia providers has been compounding for years and has turned into an incredible challenge for all," Andrew Lovewell, CEO of Columbia (Mo.) Orthopaedic Group, told Becker's. "Not only is it difficult to find anesthesia coverage, finding coverage that understands and embraces the priorities and workflow of an ASC are seemingly impossible." Many providers are feeling the effects. Portland, Ore.-based Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center had to cancel several hundred surgeries in November due to a shortage of anesthesia providers during the groups' transition to an anesthesia staffing firm. Anesthesiologist shortages are a major piece of the puzzle. From 2021 to 2022, more than 2,872 anesthesiologists left the workforce, according to a report from Definitive Healthcare. And in 2021, the Association of American Medical Colleges predicted a shortage of 12,500 anesthesiologists by 2033. Another puzzle piece is the decline of reimbursements. Medicare's average anesthesia rate for 2023 was $21.88, a 5.5% decline from 2019, according to an analysis by Coronis Health. Another analysis, from VMG Health, found that Medicare reimbursements for anesthesia services decreased from $22.2730 per unit in 2019 to $21.1249 in 2023 under CMS' final rule. This issue will likely be exacerbated as the number of Americans covered by Medicare increases. Currently, around 18% of Americans are covered by Medicare, according to Coronis Health, and this number is expected to increase as the population ages. Additionally, CMS' No Surprises Act and its independent dispute resolution process have created obstacles to secure reimbursements, according to the VMG Health report. The IDR process has been used by payers to "reduce reimbursement by refusing to go in network with anesthesia providers," according to the report. Some groups are taking action against CMS' reimbursement policy for anesthesiologists. Four anesthesia practices sued CMS and HHS, among other parties, in December, alleging CMS' methodology for calculating reimbursements is illegal in its inclusion of costs associated with nonphysician practitioners. The issue has also been compounded by an increase in procedures moving to the outpatient setting, which has changed the way that providers can receive reimbursements. "The shift of inpatient to outpatient cases is a given, but this trend may be slowed by the abysmal Medicare reimbursement for anesthesia cases," Mr. Lovewell told Becker's in August. "When salaries, wages and benefits are higher for an outpatient total joint than the anesthesia reimbursement, we have a problem. This is a double-edged sword as the case migration needs to happen to save Medicare money on the facility side, but they [Medicare] have to step up the anesthesia reimbursement if this is going to work." ASC leaders are looking for new models to adapt to these changes. Mr. Lovewell and his team have moved to a fully integrated model where the anesthesia staff are employed through the group practice. Erin Vitale, RN, director of Nursing at Hoffman Estates (Ill.) Surgery Center, told Becker's her team is considering switching its cataract cases from monitored anesthesia care to local anesthesia. "This way, we can increase our cataract volume while also freeing up our anesthesia for our growing volume of general and orthopedic programs at our center," she said. John Brady, CEO at Geneva, Ill.-based Fox Valley Orthopedics, is looking to other models, including CRNA-only models. "Ensuring clinical quality and patient safety should be the priorities, but as more ASCs shift to this type of model, they should be able to better control overall costs and avoid or minimize costly management stipends charged by anesthesia groups," he told Becker's. Healthcare's ongoing supply issues, labor shortages and rising costs have led to a tumultuous start to 2024. As supply and labor costs continue to rise and provider shortages persist, some hospitals, clinics and physician groups have been forced to close. Here are six physician practices, hospitals and health systems that have closed facilities, downsized or shut down service lines in 2024: 1. Port Arthur-based Medical Center of Southeast Texas, an affiliate of Dallas-based Steward Health Care, plans to shut down its campus in Beaumont on Feb. 2. The closure includes its emergency department and all hospital-related services, which will be relocated to the center's Port Arthur campus. 2. Green Bay, Wis.-based Prevea Health plans to close 19 health facilities and two hospitals in Western Wisconsin by April 21. The system's newly constructed Green Bay ASC, Prevea Surgery Center, will not be affected by the closures. 3. Marshfield (Wis.) Clinic Health System will discontinue its oral surgery services Jan. 31, citing an inability to meet demand. The decision to cut the line comes after the health system confirmed it would furlough 3% of its workforce about 360 employees, including some in leadership roles to help hit its financial turnaround goals. 4. Saltzer Health, a primary and specialty care group based in the Treasure Valley, Idaho, region, plans to sell or end services by March 29. The group said it is negotiating with healthcare organizations interested in purchasing portions of its operations. 5. The state of New York plans to significantly shrink or close its University Hospital at Downstate in New York City's Brooklyn borough. Closing the inpatient services at SUNY Downstate will free up state funds to build an ASC, a new urgent care center and increase primary care. 6. Troy, Ohio-based Upper Valley Medical Center discontinued its labor and delivery unit Feb. 29 because of physician recruitment issues and a declining birth rate. Silver Spring, Md.-based physician Ishtiaq Malik, MD, has been found guilty for sexually assaulting two patients, Montgomery Community Media reported Jan. 29. Two female victims alleged he groped, inappropriately touched and sexually assaulted them during examinations, according to the report. Eight more victims have since come forward. Dr. Malik was arrested in February 2023 outside of his practice, Advanced Walk-In Urgent Care. He was convicted on two counts of second-degree rape and two counts of fourth-degree sex offense, and he entered a plea for eight counts of fourth-degree sex offense for the other victims. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit A physician assistant has been convicted of 12 counts of healthcare fraud for injecting amniotic fluid into patients in an attempt to manage pain. Fort Worth, Texas-based physician assistant Ray Shoulders, 36, and his conspirators submitted $788,000 in fraudulent claims and received more than $614,000 in reimbursements for injecting amniotic fluid to relieve pain, according to a Jan. 25 news release from the Justice Department. Amniotic products have been approved by the FDA for wound care but not for pain management, thus they are not reimbursable by Medicare. Initially, Mr. Shoulders asked patients to pay out of pocket more than $800 per injection, which they refused. He then identified another amniotic product he believed he could convince Medicare to reimburse; he continued to inject the original product into patients but billed under the second product's new code to receive a higher reimbursement. Patients consented to the procedure because it was allegedly covered by insurance, the release said. Mr. Shoulders faces up to 240 years in federal prison. Noncompete clauses for physicians are a highly contested and evolving aspect of working in the healthcare industry and have been a point of contention for years with no end in sight. A recent survey by the University of Chicago found that approximately 60% of employed physicians were required to sign a noncompete when starting their jobs, limiting the ability to practice at other facilities locally. Increases in consolidation and acquisitions grow the geographic reach of large health systems while increasing the negative effects the agreements have on physicians, according to Marsha Haley, MD, a clinical assistant professor of radiation oncology at the University of Pittsburgh. "Many large health systems have a footprint that spans several states," Dr. Haley told Becker's. "If a physician is let go or leaves the practice, this requires the physician to move a long distance to meet the noncompete clause. Given the size and vertical integration of health systems, they are in no danger of losing a significant number of patients to the departing physician. The physician, however, is now required to move a great distance away from children's schools and extended family to make a living." To counteract this, Dr. Haley suggested noncompete clauses could be tailored to smaller private practices but not be applicable to large health systems or private equity companies. In December, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill banning noncompetes. "New York has a highly competitive economic climate and is home to many different industries," Ms. Hochul said in her veto statement, according to The Wall Street Journal. "These companies have legitimate interests that cannot be met with the legislation's one-size-fits-all approach." Ms. Hochul criticized the full ban's inflexible approach because it did not include an income cap and lacked exceptions for the sale of a business. The Federal Trade Commission, meanwhile, in January 2023 proposed banning noncompete contracts for full-time employees and independent contractors. However, developments in the year since have been scarce. In a recent poll by Doximity, approximately 87% of physicians support the ban proposed by the FTC, though there are providers with dissenting opinions. Practice owner and cardiologist Rishin Shah, MD, is opposed to the proposed FTC rule. "As a small practice owner, I am personally against this," Dr. Shah recently told Medscape. "The noncompete helps me take a risk and hire a physician. It typically takes two to three years for me to break even. I think this will further consolidate employment with large hospital systems unfortunately." Noncompetes have seemingly been perpetually in the crosshairs, leaving physicians to pick up the pieces. "[Noncompetes] absolutely cause strife and stress in physicians' lives and limit fair market competition," John Nelson, MD, a pathologist at Merit Health Biloxi (Mo.), told Becker's. "Physicians are not versed enough coming out [of medical school] to realize these issues." Healthcare real estate firm Flagship Healthcare Properties has acquired a medical office building in Mechanicsville, Va., for $5.4 million, according to a Jan. 30 report from Richmond BizSense. The 15,000-square-foot building is fully leased by Richmond Pediatric Associates and Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. The purchase is Flagship's first acquisition in the county, according to the report. It owns a handful of other properties in the state. Flagship is also planning a new project up the road from its new acquisition. It is currently under contract to purchase a 7.5-acre assemblage of two undeveloped parcels with plans to build a two-story, 38,000-square-foot medical office building. Healthcare development is already in full swing for 2024, with ASCs popping up from coast to coast. Here are 12 new ASCs that have already opened or are underway in 2024: 1. Rockville Centre, N.Y.-based Catholic Health opened an ambulatory care center in Riverhead, N.Y. The 15,600-square-foot facility offers services including primary care, neurosurgery and spine, pediatric orthopedics and spine, pain management, podiatry and urology. 2. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist broke ground on a $78 million ASC in Winston-Salem, N.C. The Cloverdale Outpatient Surgery Center will offer services including general surgery, otolaryngology, orthopedic, urology and plastic surgery. 3. Kyle, Texas-based Plum Creek Surgery Center has signed a 10,500-square-foot lease in Munster, Ind., and plans to open a new facility in the fall. 4. A 5,377-square-foot pain ASC is opening in a newly constructed Magnolia (Texas) Medical Specialists building. 5. New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System opened a new outpatient clinic in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens. 6. The Portsmouth, N.H., city planning board approved a three-story medical office building with an ASC at the former Pease Air Force Base. 7. St. John's Episcopal Hospital has debuted a new ambulatory clinic in Far Rockaway, N.Y., inside its four-story clinical learning center. 8. Houston, Mo.-based Texas County Memorial Hospital is in the final stages of completing a new surgery center set to open in February. 9. Cincinnati-based Christ Hospital Medical Center-Liberty Township, a part of the Christ Hospital Health Network, launched a $20 million expansion project that includes adding a new surgery center and medical office building. 10. Lafayette-based Louisiana Orthopaedic Specialists plans to open the practice's first ASC, dedicated to orthopedic and spine care in the first quarter of 2025. 11. Bel Air-based The University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health announced a $260 million growth plan that includes building a new, 30,000-square-foot ASC. 12. Kelsey-Seybold broke ground on a 125,000-square-foot medical facility with a planned ASC adjacent to its Katy, Texas, facility. Colorado Ophthalmology Associates recently experienced a cyberattack that resulted in the encryption and loss of electronic medical record files. The ophthalmology group discovered the incident on Nov. 14 and launched an investigation, according to a notice on the practice's website. The investigation found that the organization's computer network was affected by the attack and resulted in the encryption and loss of electronic medical record files for patient visits or exams conducted between April 10 and Nov. 14 of last year. The unauthorized access took place between Oct. 4 and Nov. 14. The practice, which has offices in Denver and Lakewood, said there is no indication that patients protected health information was exported or viewed by any unauthorized individual. COA also said it is mailing letters to all patients involved. A notice of the cyberattack submitted Jan. 13 to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights breach portal states that 6,020 individuals were affected by the cyberattack. COA said that in addition to blocking further access, it reset passwords, reviewed its user accounts and purchased threat detection software. DispatchHealth, a tech-based home healthcare company valued at more than a billion dollars, has cut dozens of jobs, the Denver Business Journal reported. The unicorn let go of 88 employees in its corporate workforce, former staffers told the news outlet for the Jan. 24 story. DispatchHealth, which has partnered with health systems on hospital-at-home programs, confirmed the reorganization, while not specifying the number of staffers affected. "We are focused on supporting our patients and our mission to deliver trusted, compassionate care in the comfort of home," a company spokesperson emailed Becker's. "We recently said goodbye to some valued team members and are committed to supporting them through this transition with respect and care. These difficult decisions were made with careful consideration and to maintain the company's leading position caring for high-need patients at home." DispatchHealth, which provides at-home care to keep patients out of the emergency room and urgent care, was valued at $1.7 billion in March 2021. The company raised $330 million in its latest funding round, led by Optum Ventures and also including Blue Shield of California and Humana, in November 2022. DispatchHealth has about 2,100 employees, the same as it had last year at this time. The company previously laid off staffers in recent months across its tech, engineering, clinical and product departments, the former employees told the Business Journal. The financial challenges for many Wisconsin hospitals worsened over the last year, according to Eric Borgerding, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Hospital Association. WEAU 13 News reported Wisconsin hospitals have experienced workforce shortages and unfavorable payer mix, which compounded financial challenges. Hospitals aren't able to operate at capacity because they don't have enough staff and many regions serve a high percentage of patients with government payers. In Eau Claire, for example, hospitals report 60% to 70% of their payer mix as being government payers. Mr. Borgerding said in 2022 there were 84 hospitals with decreasing margins, which ballooned to 139 statewide last year. The number of hospitals operating in the red increased from 32 to 65 year over year. The strain will leave a lasting mark on healthcare access in the state. In recent months, hospitals in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls have announced plans to close, and Green Bay-based Prevea Health aims to close 19 clinics in Western Wisconsin. Englewood (N.J.) Health has named Liza Kind Cooper its vice president for strategy. Ms. Kind Cooper rejoins the system from Bain & Co., where she most recently served as a strategy consultant, zeroing in on healthcare and life sciences for both corporate and private equity clients. She previously served as Englewood's chief of staff from 2015 to 2018, according to a Jan. 30 news release shared with Becker's. In this new role, Ms. Kind Cooper will advise, oversee and collaborate on strategic projects for Englewood's president and CEO. She will also collaborate with the senior leadership team to "drive business growth and operational excellence," per the news release. St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Johns Hopkins All Children's filed a motion on Jan. 25 that aims to let the hospital hold off on a payment for its civil case that was made famous by a Netflix documentary, ABC7 reported Jan. 26. The hospital filed an unopposed motion for executive order for stay of execution. This would spare Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital from making the most recent payment ordered by the court and indicates the hospital is preparing to appeal against the decision. Johns Hopkins is currently ordered to pay $213.5 million to the family of 17-year-old Maya Kowalski after a jury found that the hospital falsely imprisoned and battered Maya in 2016, when she was 10. The jury's verdict included findings of inflicting emotional distress on the Kowalski family and contributing to Maya's mother's suicide. The case gained national attention after being featured in a Netflix documentary, "Take Care of Maya," which has garnered millions of views since its release in June. Earlier this month, an attorney for Johns Hopkins said the hospital would seek an appeal on the case. Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan Health received a bomb threat Jan. 25, targeting a new inpatient tower under construction, the institution confirmed to Becker's Jan. 30. On the same morning the threat was received, university officers and K-9 units certified in explosives were deployed to the scene. They did not find any devices or suspicious circumstances and determined there was no threat to the community, according to Melissa Overton, the university's deputy chief of police and public information officer. The potential target was the construction site of the new Michigan Medicine Clinical Inpatient Tower, a $920 million project that is slated to add 690,000 square feet and 264 beds to the university hospital's main campus, MLive reported. The incident is still being investigated by the university's public safety and security division, according to Ms. Overton. The development of spine robots and navigation comes with the promise of improved precision and efficiency, beneficial to the surgeon and patient. Although the worry of overreliance looms, some spine surgeons remain optimistic about the technology's advantages. Jason Liauw, MD, of Laguna Hills, Calif.-based Hoag Orthopedic Institute, said his outlook on enabling technologies has changed over the past decade. "Even though I am more of a traditional freehand open spine surgeon, I think navigation and robotics will continue to evolve and create a dependency of surgeons on augmented technologies," Dr. Liauw told Becker's. "Certainly this is a different tune than I was singing 10 years ago when I started practice. Amongst the surgeons whom I work with, I already am seeing a comfort level with navigation and robotics develop that didn't exist a decade ago. While I hate to admit it, I do believe these technologies will drive a more reproducible and consistent surgical outcome and will reduce misplaced hardware for surgeons who aren't as familiar with freehand technique." The robot and navigation technologies available continue to sharpen, with new iterations and softwares being added. This year alone, spine and orthopedic surgeons can expect to see multiple new robots from large medtech companies. Some spine surgeons still choose freehand surgery over navigation, however. "I haven't used them at all in my own practice," Michael Kelly, MD, of Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, told Becker's. "I'm currently faster than the machine. The moment the machine gets faster than me or I don't hear the occasional horror story about malpositioned robot screws or navigated screws, I'll switch. But I am just reluctant to change something that I don't feel is a problem for me." But for spine surgeons who want to learn to use the new tools, a strong educational program that builds technological expertise from traditional skills first is key, according to Dr. Kelly. "The most important for navigation when you're training is choosing a program that does both navigated and minimally invasive surgeries and a program that has a large open experience," he said. "It's much easier to know how to go from big, open insertion of crooked screws to understanding what's under the skin using a robot or navigation, than to just do it blindly always and then have to do it open. That doesn't always work. It's not an equal back and forth." Value for money, good food and consistency are the key ingredients to a top-class culinary experience, says the co-owner of a restaurant recently honoured with a Michelin award. Home Restaurant at Wellington Place in Belfast city centre was among 20 eateries presented with a Bib Gourmand in the 2024 selection of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland. The award, named after Bibendum the official name given to the Michelin Man highlights places that offer great quality and great value cooking. Andy Rea, who co-owns Home with Stephen Haller, praised chef Chris Rees, which Michelin said was central to the restaurant regaining the Bib Gourmand. Chris has got a good background and a good pedigree. He worked in the Galgorm, the Muddlers, Ox and has been here for around two years, Mr Rea said. Myself and Stephen are both originally from Roscoff and Cayenne, so were all from a similar background. Chris has got a great team in the kitchen and the front-of-house, because its not just about the food; the ethos of the restaurant would come into play. The Michelin guide is probably the most recognised food guide in the world and one of those things everybody goes mad for. The Bib Gourmand is basically given to a restaurant that has a really high standard in food; not quite a Michelin star, but in the same sort of playing field. Its massive for us, were over the moon. The whole team is buzzing because its rewarding when you set your stall out against whats going on in Belfast especially. Home Restaurant co-owners Andy Rea and Stephen Haller Trading conditions in the city centre have become increasingly difficult, with some restaurants cutting the number of services that they offer amid lower footfall. Mr Rea told of how Home had worked to thrive under the pressure. We open 14 services a week; lunch and dinner every day for basically under 20, so we are working really hard, he said. We identified what price point people want to eat at lunch. It doesnt matter if its a business lunch, if youre a tourist, or you just want to treat yourself. We cater for all of those people. Youre in and out in the right amount of time. Front and back of house have a great team and the product is very consistent. Thats what Michelin reward; consistency. Consistent value for money, good service and good food. If youre going to a restaurant and theres a nice buzz at lunch, its busy and theres a good crowd in, it adds to the overall experience. There are only a handful of restaurants that have it in the north of Ireland. The big ethos is locally-sourced grub, value for money and a consistent standard of service. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, said: It is a joy to see 20 restaurants newly awarded the Bib Gourmand in the 2024 edition of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland. These are establishments that deserve recognition for their continued commitment to offering affordable, delicious cooking. The generosity and value for money they offer is wonderful to see during these challenging economic times for the restaurant industry. Boeing is systemically important for the global economy, says Avolon CEO Leasing firm chief Andy Cronin says the aircraft manufacturers issues will be resolved but plan is tricky Andy Cronin, CEO of Avolon. Photo: Bloomberg John Mulligan Tue 30 Jan 2024 at 07:50 Boeing is systemically important to both the US and global economy and will eventually emerge from its latest crisis but it will take years for undersupply of widebody and narrowbody aircraft to unwind, according to the chief executive of Dublin-based Avolon, one of the worlds largest jet lessors. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson at a press conference after his partys Executive meeting in Co Down Businesses in Northern Ireland have welcomed the acceptance by the DUP of a deal with the UK government which should pave the way towards restoration of power-sharing. But after a two-year hiatus in which Northern Ireland has not had an operational devolved government, business groups said there were many problems to be tackled, including rates reform, planning reform, the need for a childcare strategy and the crisis in public finances. The deal will unlock a 3bn finance package from Westminster for Northern Ireland, including 600m in public sector pay increases. Cathal Geoghegan and Suzanne Wylie, the leaders of the NI Chamber, said they hoped the Executive would be restored within days, but importantly, on a long-term, sustainable footing. They said: Clearly the pressing issue of public sector pay will need to be dealt with immediately and the new Executive will then need to agree a new Programme for Government to deal with the longer-term challenges we are facing. Suzanne Wylie, chief executive of NI Chamber NI Chamber is ready to work in partnership with Executive ministers and our members are prepared to get to work; co-designing and co-delivering on ways to tackle challenges and realise economic opportunities for long-term, shared prosperity. Whilst we await clarity on the details of the proposed deal, it is our hope that it helps to unlock Northern Irelands economic potential, underpinned by its unique capabilities and strengths. Delivery is now the priority, they added, for public finances and public services, as well as economic priorities such as planning, productivity, childcare, skills and infrastructure gaps and developing Northern Irelands unique proposition as a place to do business. Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts called on public transport unions to call off a strike planned for Thursday their sixth full day of strikes since the start of December. "All the main political parties have now committed to getting the much needed pay to all public sector workers and therefore further strike is not necessary. It will only cause further disruption to our economy. He said he hoped ministers would quickly be appointed to a new Executive but added: When devolution is restored, the hard work will really need to start with ministers hitting the ground running making speedy decisions on public sector pay, a budget and a draft Programme for Government. Anna Doherty, CEO of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, said: It will be a huge relief to our business community that the DUP have agreed to accept the deal to return power-sharing to Stormont. After almost two years without an Executive or Assembly, its time to get things moving again. Our businesses need it, and our economy needs it. The return of local decision making can only be positive, and we look forward to working with a new Executive when it is formed, particularly a new economy minister. We hope the necessary legislation will be put in place as swiftly as possible so that a new Executive can be established without delay. Alan Lowry, chair of the policy board of the FSB in NI, wrote earlier this month about its take on priorities for the new Executive. He said: "Northern Ireland doesn`t have a childcare strategy which could help reduce our high levels of economic inactivity. It could facilitate more people, primarily women, into the workforce, returning to work or starting their own business. A restored Executive can ensure that 2024 is the year that talent pool is finally released and resolve a lot of pressure across so many sectors. Alan Lowry, chair of NI policy board at the FSB There were also measures to aid small businesses specifically, including ensuring prompt payment of invoices. He added: A new Executive can also make sure that 2024 is the year that businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in Northern Ireland get access to the 75% business rates discount which is available in other parts of the UK. And they must also revisit NI`s corporation tax powers to reduce the tax rate and overcome the competitive disadvantage we currently suffer compared with businesses just across the border. And he said a restored Executive could also give new impetus in Northern Irelands journey to net zero. Marie Marin, chief executive of charity Employers For Childcare, said: We welcome the return of the Executive and must now ensure that delivering progress on the long overdue and much needed new early learning and childcare strategy is at the very top of its agenda as a day one priority. We know our politicians, across all parties, have expressed their commitment to delivering on childcare. "But the time for talking is over. We now need to see promises translated into policies that put pounds into the pockets of families, and investment into our critical childcare infrastructure and very quickly. Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality NI, said his sector had struggled to keep its head above water with spiralling costs, a protracted cost of living crisis, transport strikes and dwindling budgets. The lack of a functioning government at Stormont has only exacerbated these issues, so the fact that the devolved institutions may soon return is good news for business owners across Northern Ireland. "We understand that there are still legislative hurdles to overcome, and that an exact timetable is still uncertain. However, this forward momentum is good news, and we look forward to working with local MLAs and ministers who can make vital and timely decisions to stabilise our economy and invest in the hospitality sector here. We are clear that a dedicated hospitality strategy is paramount for a revitalised local economy, and Hospitality Ulster will continue to lobby our elected representatives to endorse and implement our three-point plan for this industry, namely, growth, investment and jobs. "For hospitality to thrive, we need our local politicians, and the UK government to understand that Vat needs to be lowered, business rates should be overhauled, and that investment must be prioritised. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets Year 9 students taking part in a personal development lesson as he visits Haughton Academy in Darlington to outline plans for the banning of single use vapes A manufacturer of vaping products in Northern Ireland has criticised the Prime Ministers plans to ban disposable vapes as extreme. Rishi Sunak has set out plans to get rid of disposable vapes to protect childrens health. During a school visit yesterday, the Prime Minister said he is taking strong action to stamp out youth vaping, following a public consultation on the issue in which almost 70% of respondents were in favour of a ban. It is already illegal to sell vapes to anyone under 18, but evidence shows disposable vapes which are cheaper and sold in smaller, more colourful packaging than refillable ones are driving the rise in youth vaping. In 2021, only 7.7% of current vapers aged 11 to 17 used disposable vapes, but this increased to 52% in 2022 and 69% in 2023. Headteachers and parents have expressed concerns over the rise in youth vaping, with data showing 7.6% of 11 to 17-year-olds now vape regularly or occasionally, up from 4.1% in 2020. Mr Sunak said the rise in vaping among children is worrying, adding: Children shouldnt be vaping, we dont want them to get addicted, we still dont understand the full long-term health impacts of vaping. So it is right we take strong action to stamp this out. However, Derry-based VaporLinQ said: It is clear that many of these products are irresponsibly manufactured, marketed, and too readily available to young people. However, given the significant role played by vaping as a quit-smoking tool, as endorsed by the NHS, it is our view that the measures proposed are extreme. Good legislation is developed when it includes all facets of the industry. Nobody at a strategic level in the vaping industry has been involved in the development of this legislation which will undoubtedly lead to flaws. This is a missed opportunity as we are firmly on the record for encouraging enhanced regulations to eradicate the black market and this will likely have the opposite effect. Health officials in Northern Ireland have said they are already preparing legislation for a restored Stormont. Alliance health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA said that Northern Ireland must move swiftly to enact the ban. The South Belfast MLA said: The UK Governments clarification that it intends to ban the sale of disposable vapes in England essentially means that a ban will apply across the whole of Great Britain imminently. With that in mind, it is crucial that Northern Ireland does not become a straggler here, and I am aware that the Department of Health already has legislation prepared to introduce a similar ban. The overall objective must be for a smoke-free Northern Ireland. There is no question that vaping is detrimental to health, as well as to the environment in terms of the impact of disposable vapes, and that vaping should only be potentially viable as an aid to help people off cigarettes. This only reinforces the need to have an Assembly back and acting swiftly, so that legislation can be urgently progressed with the aim of protecting our long-term health. Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland welcomed the plans but called on the Secretary of State to act now, and not wait for Stormont. Disposable vapes, with their pocket money prices and brightly-coloured packaging, have contributed to the increase in under-18s taking up vaping, and we support a well-thought-out, properly enforced ban on disposable vapes in Northern Ireland, he said. Our survey revealed that eight out of 10 of people surveyed in Northern Ireland are concerned about the use of vaping products in schools (83%) and the marketing of vaping products to young people and children (83%). Immediate action to restrict flavours, packaging, and the display of vapes to reduce their appeal and availability to children and non-smokers is also much needed. He added: The Scottish and Welsh Governments have already consented to Westminster legislating despite being a devolved area. We call on the Secretary of State to consult our local party leaders with the aim to extend this ban to Northern Ireland. Our children and young people need protecting from these products now and cant wait until Stormont returns. Naomi Thompson, Health Improvement Manager, Cancer Focus NI, said: We are glad to see action taken to confront the skyrocketing use of vapes by young people. Single-use (disposable) vapes are often the gateway product into vaping, making it easy to start using. As a result, they are often used by both non-smokers and young people. Once used, they get thrown away, adding plastic to our landfills and creating risks from lithium battery disposal. We hope this ban will deter new e-cigarette users and reduce the environmental damage these products can cause. At the same time, we are conscious that some smokers use vapes to quit tobacco and whilst is it best to neither smoke nor vape, vaping can be a step towards quitting tobacco. If disposable vapes are not available, rechargeable or refillable vapes can be used instead if that is the method chosen to quit smoking. This ban and the additional regulations have the potential to reduce the number of new e-cigarette users, especially those who are young, and we encourage NI legislators, and an incoming Assembly, to also pass regulations on single-use vapes and protect our young people from nicotine addiction. An accident management company in Co Tyrone has said it had an outstanding year in 2023, with a 53% increase in the number of cases handled. Shield Accident Management in Moy said it had also expanded its vehicle fleet and offices and recruited additional staff. Office manager Stephen McCann said the companys 53% increase in cases underlined its commitment to specialised accident management services and ensuring a stress-free time for clients after an accident. Mr McCann said: We are thrilled to see such substantial growth in our business. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, and the trust our clients have placed in us, that we have been able to reach these new heights. We have a fantastic network of partners and referrers across Northern Ireland that allows us to handle everything as smoothly as possible for our clients. Shield Accident Management said it had witnessed significant expansion in its vehicle fleet, ensuring that clients receive a like-for-like replacement as quickly as possible. Among the fleet are luxury models, 4x4s, light commercial vehicles and motability vehicles; it also has on-demand access to a large fleet of PSV-approved cars of all makes and models. During 2023, the company opened a second administrative space at its offices in Moy, which enabled the company to hire another four employees. Mr McCann said: Our teams hard work and dedication has been pivotal in achieving this level of success. We are already seeing new opportunities in 2024, which we now have a great team in place to manage, and continue to provide the highest standard of accident management services to our clients. He added that the company was looking forward to building on its achievements in 2024 and continuing to offer top-tier accident management services to clients across Northern Ireland. During the year, the company had also raised almost 16,000 for Helping Hand: Charity to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, its nominated charity for 2023. Musician and composer David Holmes has said he was threatened by the UVF as a young DJ working in Belfast after they falsely told his mum he was a drug dealer. Speaking to Matt Everitt of the BBC on The First Time With series, Holmes said of the encounter: I thought I was getting shot because that was just normal. The 54-year-old, who grew up during the Troubles, composed the music for blockbuster film Oceans Eleven and BBC drama Killing Eve, and was working with Sinead OConnor just before her death in the summer. But all that came after a traumatic time in Belfast at the beginning of his career. "When I was a young acid house DJ I was in Ibiza. I came back from Ibiza and my mum was in tears. "Two renegade members of the UVF had started to get involved in the clubs because where theres drugs, theres money, so they rang my mum and told her I was a drug dealer and told her I was gonna get shot. The two men also threatened Holmes in person, he said, in an attempt to make him stop running a club night in Belfast. "Belfast, being a small place, I quickly found out they were two renegade doormen at another club and they were paramilitary. But lets just say, they were acting in their own interest. Holmes said it was a scary time because he knew it was possible that he could be killed by the paramilitaries. "It had a profound effect on me. I used to sleep with the light on and I used to have escape routes planned in my head, he said. Holmes said there was a time he considered moving away from Belfast due to the threats. "I quickly found out who they were and what the attachment was, that was just their scare tactics to frighten me off, he said. "There [were] moments I was going to leave Belfast and I was going to go and live in Dublin or live in London. "But once I got more information and I could see they werent going to shoot me, they were just trying to scare me, I just stood my ground and decide to continue putting on club nights. Holmes said it was a difficult time to be a DJ in Belfast but he is glad he continued to pursue his career. There was definitely that darker element but it didnt stop us. John Cooper Clarke has spoken against the move to change legislation on assisted dying, saying he cannot see how helping people die improves life. More of a spotlight has been shone on the issue following Thats Life! presenter Dame Esther Rantzen, who has stage four lung cancer, calling for a parliamentary vote on assisted dying. Clarke, 75, who wrote the poem Bed Blocker Blues about health getting worse as you age, told Tuesdays edition of The Telegraph: Im totally against assisted dying. Im sure people have the most heartbreaking tales to tell but extreme cases make for bad legislation. The whole issue is literally a matter of life and death, and in Europe, where its legal, were already seeing a mission creep where people are ending their lives for things like incurable depression. Just because someone is feeling a bit hopeless thats no reason to kill them or help them to kill themselves, and to make it worse its dressed up in the language of human rights, as if there were some kind of liberation to it. I just dont see how helping people die improves life as we know it. The performance poet has toured with the Sex Pistols, The Fall, Joy Division and New Order, along with playing major festivals including Glastonbury. Dame Esther Rantzen who has said she is considering the option of assisted dying if her lung cancer treatment does not improve her condition (Jonathan Brady/PA) He teamed up with Stranglers star Hugh Cornwell to release the album This Time Its Personal in 2016 and Arctic Monkeys released his poem I Wanna Be Yours as a song on the bands 2013 record AM. Currently, assisted suicide is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. Dame Esther told BBCs The Today Podcast in December that she had joined Dignitas, an assisted dying clinic in Switzerland, and is going to consider the option if her lung cancer treatment does not improve. A petition, by the Daily Express, in conjunction with campaigners Dignity In Dying and backed by 83-year-old Dame Esther, for a parliamentary vote on assisted dying has received more than 84,600 signatories. It is currently just shy of the 100,000 signatures needed for Parliament to consider a public vote. The Health and Social Care Committee launched an inquiry in December 2022 to examine different perspectives in the debate and is due to publish a report. Alison Hammond will replace the late Paul OGrady as the host of ITVs For The Love Of Dogs (PA) Alison Hammond will replace the late Paul OGrady as the host of ITVs For The Love Of Dogs. The Great British Bake Off star will head to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to help the animals in its care look for a new place to live. OGrady, who died last March, became an ambassador for the shelter in 2012 after the success of the award-winning programme, which he hosted for 11 series. Alison Hammond (PA) The upcoming six-part series will tell the stories of some of the latest arrivals at Battersea. Hammond said: I am very aware that I can never replace the iconic Paul in this wonderful series, but if I can continue to shine a light on the brilliant work done at Battersea and help to tell the stories of these beautiful dogs, then it will be an absolute privilege to give it my all. I cant wait to share the joy of their searches for new, loving, forever homes and hopefully make lots of furry friends of my own along the way. Satmohan Panesar, commissioning editor for ITV, said: We are thrilled to be able to confirm that the series will return in the spring and that the dogs have a brand-new champion in Alison Hammond. As Paul OGrady always said himself, the stars of the show were the dogs themselves, but the impact that he had and the legacy he leaves will never be forgotten by any of us. We cant wait to welcome back the series with Alison; there will be all the fun and warmth that our viewers have come to expect whilst continuing to showcase the wonderful and important work done by the incredible team at Battersea. OGrady was given a special recognition award at the 2018 National Television Awards for the impact For The Love Of Dogs had on helping find homes for rescue animals nationwide. Battersea chief executive Peter Laurie said: Everyone at Battersea is excited to embark upon a brand-new series of For the Love of Dogs with Alison Hammond. Over the last 12 years, For the Love Of Dogs has shared with viewers the love and expert care Battersea dedicates to all the animals that need our help. Alongside our beloved ambassador, the late, great Paul OGrady, weve enjoyed showing how much joy rescue animals can give, and were pleased we can continue to shine a light on the work our charity undertakes every day to improve the lives of dogs and cats. Were looking forward to welcoming Alison to Battersea and introducing her to the incredible animals in our care as we help them on their journey to finding loving, new homes. Funeral details have been announced for veteran broadcaster Walter Love after his death at the age of 88. Mr Love, who worked for BBC Northern Ireland, died on January 26 in a nursing home following a short illness. He hosted Radio Ulster's Day By Day and Love in the Afternoon, and presented Sunday programme Love Forty. With a broadcasting career spanning 77 years, Jazz Club with Walter Love aired its final show in 2023. He was the "dearly beloved" husband of the late Mary and "much loved" brother of Daphne, Dick and the late Hugh and Brian Love. He was a cherished uncle, friend and colleague, his death notice said. A Service of Thanksgiving will take place in St. Columbas Parish Church, Kings Road, Belfast on Friday February 2 at 2pm. The family has asked for no flowers but donations can be made in lieu if desired to Diabetes NI care of Charles Rourke and Sons Funeral Directors. Mr Love was inducted into the Phonographic Performance Ireland Radio Awards Hall of Fame in 2014 for recognition of his skill and passion. He started out as a freelance contributor to BBC radio in the 1950s, before landing a job as a studio manager in London. He then spent a decade as a TV newsreader in Belfast before joining Radio Ulster in 1978. In 1997, he was awarded an MBE for his services to broadcasting. Director of BBC Northern Ireland Adam Smyth described he was an "incredible performer on air" and was "genial, kind and cheerful". He added Mr Love had "a hint of mischief". "He loved presenting radio programmes and his melodious voice, ability to create rapport, and his encyclopaedic knowledge of music made him one of our longest-serving and best-loved broadcasters," Mr Smyth continued. McGuinness was carrying gun at IRAs secret talks with the government in 1972 If any of us were going down, so were some of them... journalist Mallies new book reveals Provo chiefs admission that he was packing during London meeting to guard against British betrayal Martin McGuinness aiming a pistol as a young man Andrew Madden Tue 30 Jan 2024 at 08:21 IRA leader Martin McGuinness brought a gun to secret talks with the Government in London in 1972, it is claimed in a new book. The loyalist activist said senior members of the party were behind Monday nights leak. Senior members of the DUP took their own risks when opting to wear a wire to leak details of a private meeting on the deal between the party and the government, a loyalist activist has said. The BBC reported that a senior executive member was wearing a listening device during the crunch meeting at which Sir Jeffrey presented the deal he had agreed with the UK Government over post-Brexit arrangements. Watch: Shankill and Falls react to DUP deal to return to Stormont It is understood the party leadership believed the speech was being leaked via a mobile phone and called for all phones to be switched off. The live feed continued to be posted on Jamie Brysons X account. Mr Bryson said he would not reveal which members of the DUP had been behind the tactic. "Whats out there is out there; Im not going to do a running commentary on speculation. It is what it is and the DUP is conducting an investigation so well see what comes out of that, he told the Belfast Telegraph. Chris Heaton-Harris I now believe that all the conditions are in place for the Assembly to return "All Im prepared to say on it is that there are people in the DUP who feel so strongly about this, and who feel this is such a betrayal that extraordinary steps had to be taken. "It may be the case that we have to direct some friendly fire towards each other in the coming weeks and months, but it shows the depth of feeling at a senior level in the DUP. "People are grown adults, theyve been around politics for a long, long time; they take their own decisions and they take their own risks. "Nobody is under duress to me. I will never be exposing anybody no matter what. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has accused Mr Bryson of "misrepresentation". Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Sir Jeffrey has claimed that Mr Brysons detailing of the situation was a misrepresentation, but the activist has said he stands over his reporting of the situation. He said either himself or Sir Jeffrey would be left exposed when the detail of the deal is published. "In the next 48 hours, either me or Jeffrey Donaldson is going to end up looking very foolish, he said. "This deal will be published and could do what the glossy PowerPoint claims it does; it will remove the Irish Sea Border, it will amend EU law, it will restore Article 6 of the Act of Union, it will meet the seven tests and it will essentially tear up the NI Protocol, at which point I will look like an absolute fool. Jim Allister: Not one word of the protocol has been altered "Or the Irish Sea Border will still be here, EU law will still apply, the Act of Union will still be subjugated and Jeffrey Donaldson will have sold his party a pup. "The people who negotiated this deal have produced a PowerPoint about how great their deal is without anybody having seen the legal text. "Weve already seen this morning, Sir Jeffrey has set himself a very high bar; zero checks and zero customs paperwork on any goods staying in NI. "Thats essentially tearing up the NI Protocol. If he has achieved that, I will be the first to congratulate him and apologise for my criticism of him, but lets see if hes achieved what he claims to have achieved. A 66-year-old man accused of knocking out his girlfriends front tooth cannot reside within 20 miles of her home, a judge ordered today. Thomas Sloan also allegedly throttled the woman during a drink-fuelled attack in Co Antrim earlier this month. Sloan, of Carnreagh Bend in Newtownabbey, appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and non-fatal strangulation or asphyxiation. Police attended the womans home on January 7 amid reports of an ongoing domestic incident. At that stage she claimed violence had flared while drinking alcohol with Sloan five days earlier. A verbal argument began and the defendant allegedly grabbed her by the throat with both hands, holding her throat for several seconds and causing her to lose breath, a PSNI officer told the court. She attempted to get away from Mr Sloan, but he punched her in the mouth with a closed fist, resulting in a front tooth being knocked out. Another tooth was partially dislodged in the attack, according to her account. Sloan was arrested but initially made no comment during interviews. When the womans statement was put to him by police he claimed to have no memory of the incident. A defence barrister said the alleged victim has remained in contact with Sloan, requesting money from him to pay for food. Granting bail to the accused, District Judge Steven Keown ordered him to stay at accommodation which must be approved by police. The current address in Newtownabbey is not suitable, and any address within 20 miles of the complainant is not suitable, Mr Keown stressed. Sloan is due to appear in court again on February 27. A jury presiding in a trial concerning a Belfast man accused of murdering his wife was discharged today. A hearing into the August 2020 killing of mother-of-four Susan Baird was opened to a jury of five men and seven women at Belfast Crown Court, last week. The 60-year-old died as a result of catastrophic head injuries in the Windermere Road home she shared with her husband Gary. The 64-year-old has admitted attacking his wife with a hammer in their Four Winds home. He has pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter but this plea was not accepted by the prosecution. As the murder trial was due to enter its second week, a legal issue arose which was dealt with in the absence of the jury. After making a ruling on the legal issue, trial judge Mr Justice McFarland determined that the jury should be discharged. The 12 members were then brought back to court and were addressed by the senior judge. Thanking them for their patience and issuing an apology, Mr Justice McFarland told them: We have been dealing with a lot of issues in this case, all day today, and the long and the short of it is that we're not in a position to proceed with the trial now. We can't really adjourn it so in the circumstances I'm going to discharge you. It's nothing to do with anything that's happened with you but we are not in a position to continue with this trial and bring it to a conclusion. Your services are no longer required so you are free to go now. Thank you. Following this, Baird was remanded back into custody ahead of a re-trial. A Portadown man with suspected links to organised crime gang The Firm has been remanded in custody following a third breach of bail conditions A Portadown man with suspected links to organised crime gang The Firm has been remanded in custody following a third breach of bail conditions the latest involving a claim a puppy chewed through his G4S electronic tag. Ben Craven (24) of Derryhale Road and co-accused Kevin Patrick John Harte (53) from Callan Crescent, Armagh and jointly charged with having a shotgun in suspicious circumstances. Harte is further accused of taking a car without the owners consent while Craven is additionally charged with stealing a vehicle worth 4,000, driving dangerously and without insurance, failing to stop for police and possessing cannabis. Offending allegedly occurred on August 11, 2023 and while both men were initially refused bail this was later granted at High Court, with conditions including electronic tagging. Craven appeared before Omagh Magistrates Court today charged with damaging the tag on January 29. A defence solicitor said Craven, Has a number of puppies and claims one of them caused the tag to come off by biting at his ankle. District Judge Francis Rafferty replied: I commend you for saying that with a straight face. Are you saying the defendant has instructed you to tell the court a puppy managed to remove the tag from his leg by biting it off? Out of curiosity what breed are these puppies. The defence replied they are American Bullies to which the judge said, So its his contention a puppy would be able to bite the tag off a human adult male? This was confirmed and as such the breach was accepted. A detective advised no injuries or marks were found on Cravens ankle nor teeth marks on the tag to align with a dog pulling it off. Pointing out how Craven also breached bail on two occasions and was re-released in both instances the detective said, This is an escalation and the claim of being bitten off by a puppy, while not trying to be flippant, reminds one of the dog ate my homework, The dog ate my tag doesnt have quite the same ring to it, remarked Judge Rafferty. The defence said the court may be sceptical of Cravens account but urged bail to be re-granted. Judge Rafferty enquired: How does he propose to assure the court that the puppies mightnt overpower him and remove his tag again? The defence replied the puppies could be taken by other family members. Throwing out the application Judge Rafferty said: The contentions that a puppy managed to remove his tag is beyond contemptuous. I dont accept it for a second. It shows he has no concern for a court order. Craven will appear again by video-link on February 21. Previously the detective explained police were conducting a welfare check in Eglish after learning a property and occupants were under threat, when a car with blacked-out number plates was observed entering the street before driving back out. It was subsequently found in a lay-by at Killyliss Road, Dungannon and as police came into view, it reversed at speed, partially entering a ditch. Officers attempted to block the car from evading them, but it drove forward colliding with the PSNI vehicle. Given previous information received, officers drew firearms and indicated for Harte and Craven to exit. Checks showed the vehicle was reported stolen on 24 June 2023 and when searched a sawn-off shotgun was recovered with two live rounds in the chamber. The detective said: Police believe these defendants were in the vicinity to carry out an attack and if there hadnt been an intervention this would have gone ahead. It is believed they are involved in a wider series of events and are potentially part of The Firm organised crime gang. A parent and advocate has said the lack of accountability is having an impact Craig Harrison of Carers NI, who form part of the Coalition of Carers Organisations (CCO) The long absence of the Stormont government is causing harm to children and their parent carers every day, a mother-of-three and carers advocate has said. There has been no sitting Executive since February 2022 due to the DUPs boycott. Orla Fitzsimons from Downpatrick has spent almost 15 years battling to secure rights for her son Finn (17), who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. For long periods, Finn was unable to attend school, with Orla forced to leave work to care for him at home. She faced almost daily battles to secure help for Finn and now advocates for other parents through the social enterprise Parent Action NI. Stormonts instability, and in particular its latest impasse, have been hugely disruptive for parent carers. "The government came back in January 2020, but then all focus was on Covid, she told the Belfast Telegraph. "Covid really showed up the suffering of carers, particularly parent carers even though it was awful and children couldnt go to school and the distress they had. Some of the things the other parent carers were going through, the cut-off of everything. There was no respite. "But that was when government was running, and when everything went online, hundreds of parent carers were watching health and education committees. "We could actually see our government, it was great, and I actually did some presentations to some of the committees. Parents suddenly started to get a voice. I have parent carers on my board who were having the same battles 40 years ago for their now-adult children. "When our government was back in 2020-2022, there was such hope; we thought we had started to get some of our power back. Children with special educational needs and disabilities were becoming more visible. "We were all devastated in February 2022. I was crying because I knew that would all come to an end. All the work on violence against women and girls (VAWG), all the fabulous work people were trying to get done during that time that was relevant to us, it was heart-breaking. "We as a group had made so much progress, and we knew it was all going to be stalled. It all stopped and went back to the great black hole of daily battles. Thats what weve been doing since February 2022. The lack of governmental accountability created by the paralysis has led to a sharp upturn in issues being experienced by parent carers. "Weve seen a 74% increase in demand for our services since 2021, and we dont have the capacity to meet it, said Orla. "Without a government to oversee and hold people to account, you cant get hold of a legal advisor, or a lawyer. "Some of the legal professionals I work with would say they are cutting legal aid for children and adults with disabilities right to the bone. "The main issue for me is accountability; there is no way of holding these people to account who have been traumatising us and in turn our children. "We cannot survive without that accountability. The harm that has been caused over the last two years, the hold-up to work that parent carers had initiated. "The Department of Education review into restraint and seclusion of children with special needs in our education system for example, thats all stalled. "Therefore, we have to assume harm is being caused every single day because parent carers dont have a voice. We are suffering and we have no more time. "It has to be today, because there is no accountability, no oversight, no movement. Craig Harrison of Carers NI, who form part of the Coalition of Carers Organisations (CCO) The Coalition of Carers Organisations (CCO), which brings together some of NIs largest charities and trade unions, have said carers are being asked to deliver more and more, despite the stalling of services around them. "Recommendations to improve support for carers through the benefits system, which would immediately lift thousands of unpaid carers out of poverty, have gathered dust on a shelf, said a spokesperson. Public sector pay awards have been unresolved, leading to mass industrial action which severely disrupts health, education and other services and, as a result, puts even more pressure on the shoulders of unpaid carers to cover the gaps. These are just some of the numerous ways that prolonged political impasse is hurting unpaid carers. The situation is insufferable and cannot continue any longer. Every day that the current situation continues is a missed opportunity to begin delivering for unpaid carers and finally giving them the support they deserve. Dissident fined over jail protest released pending report to PPS Alleged New IRA leader Thomas Ashe Mellon was arrested last week and quizzed about an illegal parade that ended in serious violence. The notorious dissident republican was scooped by cops under the Terrorism Act on Thursday and taken to Musgrave Police Station in Belfast to be questioned about his role at an Easter Monday parade in the Creggan area of Derry last year. The unnotified parade ended with the PSNI coming under sustained attack from dissidents throwing petrol bombs and other missiles. Around 30 youths set wheelie bins alight in the middle of the road of the Eastway area to create a roadblock a short time later. Images of the violence showed a number of youths throwing petrol bombs at a PSNI Land Rover, which was installed with a CCTV camera. Trouble flared as a march in the city organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee which has the support of Saoradh made its way down Iniscarn Road on April 10. Tricolours and IRA signs lined the route down Iniscarn Road and Iniscarn Crescent. At the city cemetery, a republican delivering the oration said it is not enough to shout up the IRA, the important thing is to join the IRA. On Thursday, the PSNI said they had released a 48-year-old man who had been arrested in Maghera in relation to offences surrounding the parade. He was released pending a report to the PPS. At the time of the disorder, Derry City and Strabane area commander Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard described the violence as incredibly disheartening. Shortly after the parade commenced, petrol bombs and other objects were thrown at one of our vehicles at the junction of Iniscarn Road and Linsfort Drive, he said. This was a senseless and reckless attack on our officers who were in attendance in the area in order to comply with our legal duties. Mellons arrest comes just a few weeks after he was fined 750 for taking part in a previous illegal gathering outside HMP Maghaberry in 2020. Mellon was one of four people fined a total of 3,200 for attending the unnotified procession and of also breaching Covid regulations. The protest revolved around the treatment being received by Dr Issam Bassalat, who at the time was being held in a Covid-19 isolation area after he returned to prison from hospital. Dr Bassalat is one of 10 defendants eight men and two women facing terror charges after MI5 double agent Dennis McFadden covertly recorded two meetings of the New IRA army council. Two new baby monkeys have arrived at Belfast Zoo Two new baby monkeys have arrived at Belfast Zoo Two new baby monkeys have arrived at Belfast Zoo Belfast Zoo has welcomed two new babies from an endangered species of monkey. They were born just over a month apart on December 11 and January 18 into the zoos resident Francois Langur family group. Francois Langurs are a medium-sized primate that can be found in the forests of south-east Asia from south-eastern China to northern Vietnam. This leaf-eating monkey species is listed as endangered with only an estimated 2,000 individuals left in the wild, which makes the new arrivals even more precious. Two new baby monkeys have arrived at Belfast Zoo Young Francois Langur babies are born a bright orange colour, which makes them easy to spot among the adults which are black in colour with a white stripe on each side of the face that runs from the corners of the mouth to the ears. They gradually turn from orange to black as they age, becoming fully black within the first year. Zoo curator Andrew Hope, who is the Studbook Keeper for Francois langur breeding programme in Europe, said We are delighted to welcome the two new infants into our Francois Langur group. Over 20 langur babies have been born here and each one is crucial to the Francois Langur European Endangered Species Programme, which has set goals to grow the population over the next five years. Two new baby monkeys have arrived at Belfast Zoo The sex of the babies has not been determined yet. The zoo said both babies and mothers are thriving. The oldest of the two is beginning to find its feet and explore independently, and has been spotted trying to interact with its younger sibling, who is not yet ready to leave the protective grasp of its mother Chua. Mid Ulster District Council will request a portrait of King Charles just weeks after the authority voted to reject the offer of a free painting of the monarch. A recommendation to avail of the portrait was endorsed at a meeting of Mid Ulster Council on Thursday, January 25. However, Sinn Feins 16 representatives abstained when the vote was taken. When a previous vote was taken last month, 24 councillors voted against the proposal including all Sinn Fein councillors. It has now been clarified that the portrait would not be displayed in council-owned venues, in keeping with the local authoritys neutrality principle when it comes to cultural symbols. DUP councillor Anne Forde proposed for the portrait of King Charles to be placed in a local community setting, which is not council owned. Independent councillor Barry Monteith recommended that the council should not request a royal portrait and this was seconded by fellow independent councillor Dan Kerr. The SDLPs Christine McFlynn said while her party are not royalists, they recognise the importance of the royal family to our unionist neighbours, and indeed our unionist colleagues in the chamber. Nothing is beyond us when we work together, she said. Respecting each others culture is fundamental to making this place work for all. Theres no cultural supremacy or hegemony. There may be a time in the years ahead when we will neither seek to offend or be offended with cultural expression. Thats the idea that we must work towards. A vote was then taken with 16 councillors voting in favour of the proposal to request a portrait of the King for the benefit of a community group wishing to display it. Three councillors voted against the recommendation and Sinn Fein councillors abstained. DUP councillor Clement Cuthbertson welcomed the change of mindset the SDLP had in recognising unionist culture. A Northern Ireland care worker who filled her water bottle with alcohol several times during a shift with a local charity has been sanctioned. Jekaterina Zaitseva admitted turning up for work while under the influence of alcohol and then continuing to drink throughout her shift as a support worker with Positive Futures. Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson announced the deal in the early hours of Tuesday morning NI Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris speaking to the media in London following news of the deal with the DUP (Credit: Victoria Jones/PA Wire) After a night of political drama, veiled locations and the bizarre spectacle of the DUPs private meeting being live-tweeted to the public, the dust has settled and the deal is done. Four days shy of the two-year anniversary of its collapse, we could now be just days away from the return of Stormonts devolved institutions. I am pleased to report that the party executive has now endorsed the proposals that I have put to them, embattled DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson told the waiting media in the early hours of this morning. Watch: Shankill and Falls react to DUP deal to return to Stormont The content of the deal is expected to be published in the coming days, but will it be enough to placate sceptics like those who gathered outside Lisburns Larchfield Estate last night? And does it satisfy the seven tests which formed the basis of the DUPs election manifestos in both 2022 and 2023? Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson who shocked NI by engineering a live-tweeting of yesterdays meeting says no. Read more Deal means goods will flow freely into Northern Ireland, claims DUP leader Donaldson There are others within the party who would answer similarly, and the endorsement of the deal was not unanimous, but Sir Jeffrey said they had measured the outcome against the seven tests. There were references to those seven tests throughout the Lagan Valley MP's address; some explicit, some less so. DUP return to Stormont: Who is Jamie Bryson's 'mole'? Mr Donaldson said the package would remove checks for goods moving within the UK and remaining in NI and will end Northern Ireland automatically following future EU laws. This line speaks directly to Tests 4 and 5 of the seven, with Sir Jeffrey also appearing to hint at Tests 1, 2 and 7 as he pointed to legislation which he expects the UK Government to implement. There will be legislation to provide new legal and practical protections for the Acts of Union which guarantees unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses to the rest of the United Kingdom, he said. Stormont powersharing set to return after DUP executive backs deal This morning, he gave some further detail, telling the BBC that changes had been made to how EU law arrives in Northern Ireland. He mentioned section 7A of the 2018 Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by then-Prime Minister Theresa May. The section was central to the underpinning of the 2023 Windsor Framework, as it kept NI in line with laws which govern the EUs single market. It also formed part of the 2020 NI Protocol deal. Mr Donaldson said that section would be amended so dynamic alignment with EU rules would cease. All new EU law applied automatically to Northern Ireland, that will come to an end, he said. Asked if the deal removed the so-called Irish Sea Border, the DUP leader said it would remove restrictions on the movement of goods and said there would be zero checks on goods moving within the UK. Until the deal is published, only those who have seen the legal framework can be entirely sure of what it looks like, with NIO Minister Steve Baker issuing one cautionary line on his X account. For the record, there are no commitments of any kind as part of this deal to align GB with EU law; prevent GB from diverging from any retained EU law; or increase alignment in Northern Ireland beyond the strictly limited scope Parliament has approved which is itself subject to democratic consent and safeguards, he said. NI Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris speaking to the media in London following news of the deal with the DUP (Credit: Victoria Jones/PA Wire) What happens next? There is some optimism that Stormonts MLAs could be back at work in a matter of days after the Assembly carries out its eighth attempt at restoration since the collapse in 2022. However, there are a number of things which need to happen first, with Jeffrey Donaldson stressing the DUPs acceptance of the deal is conditional. First, the proposals will be published so the wider public can access them and read what the party has agreed to. Mr Donaldson has stressed the UK Government will be required to introduce and pass the relevant legislation agreed to in the deal before ministers can be nominated and the Executive restored. The legislation is expected to go through the House of Commons on Thursday, paving the way for a potential Assembly recall on Friday. A Speaker will be nominated, before Sinn Fein the largest party will nominate a First Minister, likely to be Vice President and Mid Ulster MLA Michelle ONeill. The DUP will then nominate a Deputy First Minister, with Lagan Valley MLA Emma Little-Pengelly understood to be earmarked for the role. Other ministries will then be shared around the various parties using the DHondt system based on the strength of their Assembly numbers, with the exception of the Department of Justice, which requires a cross-community vote. The SDLP have indicated they would not form part of the new Executive and would instead enter opposition. One further potential development is that Chris Heaton-Harris may be pushed to release funding to resolve the public sector pay dispute without delay as a measure of goodwill. Unions have called on the Secretary of State to do so, as well as a number of local political leaders, including UUP leader Doug Beattie and DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, right, presents US President Joe Biden with a bowl of Shamrock during a St Patricks Day Celebration reception in 2023 (Niall Carson/PA) Irish premier Leo Varadkar is to travel to Washington and Boston for celebratory St Patricks Day events as calls for the event to be boycotted were made by some opposition politicians. Ministers travel plans for the week of March 17 were confirmed at Cabinet on Tuesday, a trip traditionally used by the Irish Government to develop business and diplomatic ties around the world. A bowl of shamrocks are handed to the US president by the Taoiseach at a White House ceremony in what has become a long-standing tradition. Mr Varadkar said that although Ireland had not yet received a formal invite to the White House, he would accept such an invite. If I am invited, I will accept and as always, well use it as an opportunity to speak to the US president and the US administration about matters of interest and matters of concern to the Irish people, he said. And those conversations are not always pleasant ones because while we agree on the vast majority of things, we dont agree on everything. Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheal Martin, is to travel to Vancouver, Ottawa, and Toronto in Canada, and Minister for Environment, Climate and Transport Eamon Ryan is to head to Brazil. Justice Minister Helen McEntee is heading to New York for St Patricks Day (Niall Carson/PA) Minister for Finance Michael McGrath is to travel to China, while Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe is going to France and Bulgaria. Housing Minister Darragh OBrien is travelling to South Africa and Zambia, Minister for Children Roderic OGorman is travelling to the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Osaka, and Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney is travelling to Bangladesh and India. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is travelling to six Australian cities: Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney, while Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue is going to Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Justice Minister Helen McEntee is to travel to New York; Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin to Nashville and Austin; while Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys is travelling to Springfield, Chicago and Madison. Minister for Education Norma Foley is travelling to Edinburgh, Cardiff, Manchester and London; and Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris is also travelling to London. Junior ministers are also being sent to various locations across the world for St Patricks Day: chief whip and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton is to travel to Singapore and minister of state Mary Butler is to travel to the Holy See, Cyprus and Italy. Attorney General Rossa Fanning will accompany the Taoiseach to Washington and Boston. The St Patricks Day events are being organised as some opposition politicians called for the high-profile White House visit to be used to push for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The SDLP has said that it would boycott the White House events over US military support for Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip, but would send a delegation to Washington to make the case for an end to violence. I could not rub shoulders, drink Guinness and have the craic while the horrifying impacts of the brutal war in Gaza continue, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MP said. I think that there should be a boycott of the trip, full stop, this year, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry said. Asked about the opportunity to influence the opinion of President Joe Biden, he said: I think a stronger way to make the point is to do the boycott. Persuasion is not always about parlez vous. Its also about actions and taking a strong stance. Heres a tremendous opportunity to show solidarity with the Palestinian people it should be taken. He added: Senior Irish politicians, whether it be Leo Varadkar, Fianna Fail politicians, or Mary Lou McDonald, should not be in Washington on St Patricks Day this year, handing over the bowl of shamrocks to the Biden administration. Sometimes you have to take a stand. The programme for Irelands national St Patricks festival and parade in Dublin was also unveiled on Tuesday, with this years theme being spreach the Irish word for spark. The MHRA worked with law enforcement agencies to seize more than 15.5 million doses of illegally traded medicines (Julien Behal/PA) More than 30 million worth of illegal medicines were seized in the UK in 2023, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has said. The regulator worked with law enforcement agencies to confiscate more than 15.5 million doses of illegally traded medicines. This included more than two million doses found during Operation Pangea an international initiative co-ordinated by Interpol, last year involving more than 80 countries, cracking down on medicines crime. In 2023, six MHRA investigations resulted in significant jail sentences for many of those convicted, the agency said. Prescription-only anti-anxiety medicines, opioids and sleeping pills were among the drugs found over the course of last year, as well as falsified and unlicensed lifestyle products like erectile dysfunction and hair loss medications. Also seized were a small number of aesthetic products such as Botox and weight loss products containing semaglutide a drug approved for NHS use by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in March last year to help tackle obesity. The MHRA also disrupted more than 12,000 websites illegally selling medical products and shut down almost 3,000 social media profiles during the year. Andy Morling, MHRA deputy director of criminal enforcement, said: Public safety is our number one priority. Our criminal enforcement unit works hard to prevent, detect and investigate illegal activity involving medicines and medical devices, to protect people and defeat this harmful trade. This year, working with partners across public and private sectors, our efforts have led to more medicines seizures than ever, custodial sentences for offenders, the removal of criminal profits, and considerable success in disrupting the trade online. We would urge everyone to think very carefully before buying medicines they see online and to take the necessary steps to assure themselves the seller is legitimate. Buying powerful medicines from illegitimate sellers poses a real and immediate danger to your health, as you have no idea what they might actually contain. Unlicensed medicine will not have been assessed by the MHRA for its safety, effectiveness or the quality of its manufacturing and distribution. The agency warned that anyone buying such a product cannot be sure what it contains or whether it will cause them harm. The seizure figures include all those made by the MHRA between January 1 and December 31 last year, as well as seizures made with law-enforcement partners between January 1 and September 30. Data from partner agencies for seizures made between October 1 and the end of December has not yet been submitted to the MHRA, the agency clarified. Anyone who suspects their product is fake is encouraged to report it to the MHRAs Yellow Card scheme: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/. Italian regulators have said they told OpenAI that its ChatGPT artificial intelligence chatbot has violated the European Unions stringent data privacy rules. The countrys data protection authority, known as Garante, said it notified San Francisco-based OpenAI of breaches of the EU rules, known as General Data Protection Regulation. The watchdog started investigating ChatGPT last year, when it temporarily banned within Italy the chatbot that can produce text, images and sound in response to users questions. Based on the results of its fact-finding activity, the watchdog said it concluded that the available evidence pointed to the existence of breaches of the provisions in the EU privacy rules. Italys data protection authority Garante said they informed OpenAI that its ChatGPT AI chatbot has violated the EUs stringent data privacy rules (Michael Dwyer/AP) OpenAI, which has 30 days to reply to the allegations, said it would work constructively with Italian regulators. We believe our practices align with GDPR and other privacy laws, and we take additional steps to protect peoples data and privacy, a company statement said. We want our AI to learn about the world, not about private individuals. We actively work to reduce personal data in training our systems like ChatGPT, which also rejects requests for private or sensitive information about people. The company said last year that it fulfilled a raft of conditions that the Garante demanded to get the ChatGPT ban lifted. The watchdog had imposed the ban after finding that some users messages and payment information were exposed and because ChatGPT did not have a system to verify users ages, allowing children to get answers from the AI tool that were inappropriate for their age. It also questioned whether there was a legal basis for OpenAI to collect massive amounts of data used to train ChatGPTs algorithms and raised concerns that the system could sometimes generate false information about individuals. The growing popularity of generative AI systems such as ChatGPT are also drawing increasing scrutiny from regulators on both sides of the Atlantic. The US Federal Trade Commission opened an inquiry last week into the relationships between AI startups OpenAI and Anthropic and the tech giants that have bankrolled them Amazon, Google and Microsoft. Competition regulators in the 27-nation EU and Britain, meanwhile, are also examining Microsofts OpenAI investments. AI systems also face broader oversight in the EU, which is finalising its groundbreaking AI Act, the worlds first comprehensive rulebook for artificial intelligence. The blocs 27 member states are expected to give their approval in a key vote Friday. Edward Richmond Jr, a former US army soldier was ordered to jail on charges that he used a metal baton to assault police officers during the 2021 attack on the US Capitol (Department of Justice via AP) A military veteran who shot and killed a handcuffed civilian in Iraq nearly 20 years ago has been ordered to surrender to the courts on charges that he used a metal baton to assault police officers during a mobs attack on the US Capitol on January 6 2021. Chief Judge James Boasberg agreed with prosecutors that Edward Richmond Jr, 40, of Geismar, Louisiana, is a danger to the community. Richmond was initially released after his arrest on January 22. FBI agents found an AR-15 assault rifle in Richmonds closet when they searched his Louisiana home. Richmond is prohibited from possessing firearms after his 2004 manslaughter conviction for fatally shooting an Iraqi cow herder in the head while serving in the US Army. The government is concerned that, under growing pressure, he may snap again, a prosecutor wrote in a court filing. The judge described Richmonds conduct at the Capitol on January 6 as pretty troubling to me. The prosecutor said Richmond was trying to live off the grid with untraceable income before his arrest on charges including civil disorder and assaulting police with a dangerous weapon. But the judge said he did not view Richmond as a flight risk, as prosecutors argued. Last Wednesday, a federal magistrate judge in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, ordered Richmonds release from custody. Prosecutors persuaded Mr Boasberg to overrule the magistrates decision. The judge ordered Richmond to surrender to the US Marshals Service next Monday. Richmond is the sole carer for his 16-year-old son. The judge agreed to give Richmond time to make arrangements for his sons care while he is in jail. I know its important to you. Its important to me also, the judge told Richmond, who appeared remotely with his Llawyer, John McLindon. Mr McLindon said prosecutors are relying on antiquated incidents in Richmonds life to argue that he is a danger to the community. There is not one shred of evidence that in the last three years he has engaged in any type of violence or crimes. He has simply worked and raised his son, the defence lawyer wrote. Richmond was 20 when an army court-martial panel convicted him of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced him to three years of military confinement for killing Muhamad Husain Kadir in February 2004. Richmond also was dishonorably discharged from the army. The army said Richmond shot Mr Kadir in the back of the head from about six feet away after the man stumbled. Richmond testified that he did not know Mr Kadir was handcuffed and believed the Iraqi man was going to harm a fellow soldier. Rioters loyal to Donald Trump rally at the US Capitol in Washington on January 6 2021 (Jose Luis Magana/AP) Richmond was initially charged with unpremeditated murder, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. But the panel of five officers and five enlisted soldiers reduced the charge to voluntary manslaughter. Richmond was dressed in tactical gear when he attacked police outside the Capitol on January 6, according to an FBI agents affidavit. Body camera footage captured Richmond repeatedly assaulting police officers with a black baton in a tunnel on the Capitols Lower West Terrace, the FBI said. Police struggled for hours to stop a mob of Donald Trump supporters from entering the Capitol through the same tunnel entrance. January 6 was not a one-time, innocent mistake, but rather one example of a pattern of dangerous behavior; of responding to tense situations with violence, wrote the prosecutor, Victoria Sheets. Ms Sheets said the rifle found in Richmonds home was registered to his ex-wife. Prosecutors plan to charge Richmond with a crime in connection with the gun, Ms Sheets said. He knows hes not supposed to have this weapon, she told the judge. He knows what those weapons can do. A witness helped the FBI identify Richmond as somebody who had travelled to Washington with several other people to serve as a security team for the witness for rallies planned for January 6, the affidavit says. More than 100 police officers were injured during the riot. More than 1,200 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol attack. Protesters pictured outside the Larchfield Estate, near Hillsborough in Co. Down, where the DUP are holding their meeting to decide on a return to Stormont Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Sir Jeffrey Donaldson will be grateful that history didnt repeat itself as his party executive met in what was supposed to be a secret location in Co Down on Monday night. The Larchfield Estates website reveals how, in 1772, a mob of 300 Hearts of Steel, an exclusively Protestant movement originating in Co Antrim, assembled to burn the house down, but were with some difficulty dissuaded. On Monday night, loyalists again gathered outside what is now a wedding venue. Despite their anger, they kept their powder dry again and any fire was in their bellies, as they jeered or cheered the cars entering the venue depending on the stance of the DUP politicians inside. Hours before, as the sun set over east Belfast and the streets filled with busy people on their way home from the office, Sir Jeffreys work had just started. Watch: Protesters outside Larchfield estate as DUP meeting takes place The DUP leader arrived at party headquarters on Dundela Avenue shortly after 4pm, but remained tight-lipped as journalists surrounded him. Despite their best attempts, the DUP was always going to struggle to keep key meetings out of the public eye. Sir Jeffrey was business-like, carrying a briefcase, as he hurried through the door of DUP HQ. Arriving later, deputy leader Gavin Robinson joked you didnt give me much of a chance as journalists surrounded his car, hungry for details. DUP chief executive Timothy Johnston was also silent, briskly stepping past the waiting media. Another unexpected passer-by was Glenn Patterson, the award-winning novelist, screenwriter of the Good Vibrations movie and director of the Seamus Heaney Centre at QUB. Spotting the media, he joked: They really picked a secret location, didnt they? After speculation that the DUP might have been giving different politicians different locations in a bid to flush out a leak, one social media user joked it was like Flagatha Christie. As reporters and cameramen waited at the side door, one of the partys press officers snuck out the main entrance with posters and a lectern, ahead of the main meeting of the evening, a 30-minute drive away at Larchfield. It was reported at 6.30pm that tea had stopped being served inside, as party executive members embarked on their journeys to the luxurious country estate. Sir Jeffrey spent two hours laying out the details of his recent negotiations with the Government to the rest of his partys parliamentary members. As it broke up after 6.30pm, MPs and peers departed, but were staying silent on what they had heard. North Antrim MP Ian Paisley, thought to be opposed to a deal, departed with what one observer remarked was a face like thunder. Sources had stressed this was persuasion day, not decision day trying to convince the 130-odd members of the executive to back a deal which could see Stormont restored after a two-year impasse. As the Dundela meeting broke up, Sir Jeffrey headed to the party executive gathering, with the following media wondering what kind of new Union would emerge from the wedding venue in the heart of his Lagan Valley constituency. Throughout the day rumours had spread about where the location might be, with loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson revealing on social media that it would be in Larchfield Estate invite only. Larchfield seemed carefully selected. A long lane leads up to the venue, keeping prying eyes at bay, not that it stopped protesters gathering. They certainly didnt seem wedded to any deal that might be about to emerge. The ruling party PDI-Ps presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo (center) and presidential candidate and former Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan (right) greet each other as they arrive to attend the first presidential election debate at the General Elections Commission (KPU) office in Jakarta, Dec. 12, 2023. The presidential candidate of Indonesias ruling party may ally with a competitor against frontrunner Prabowo Subianto if next months election heads to a runoff, a politician from the governing PDI-P said Tuesday. If Prabowo fails to receive enough votes for an outright win on Feb. 14, the PDI-Ps Ganjar Pranowo or the third hopeful, Anies Baswedan, could have a realistic shot at Indonesias presidency if they consolidated their support in a June run-off between the top two vote getters. Most recent polls show that Prabowo, the current defense minister, has the highest support among voters but not enough to win more than 50% of the vote needed to avoid a second round. For now, Ganjars Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) that backs Anies are playing a waiting game, although the two sides have spoken about a possible alliance, Masinton Pasaribu, a senior PDIP member, told BenarNews. Lets see what happens. I and colleagues from 01 [Anies number on the ballot] have had informal talks and may formalize it later, he said regarding conversations about the prospect of joining forces against Prabowo. Masintons comments to BenarNews came a day after he and an Anies campaign spokesman appeared in a YouTube video together calling for unity between the two presidential tickets. The PDI-P politician also used both candidates hashtags on a post on X (formerly Twitter). Anies and Ganjar themselves did not confirm or deny the possibility of an alliance, saying on Tuesday they would wait for the results of the first round of voting. Its too early to say. I think we will see on Feb. 14, by working hard from today, including being here, Ganjar said on a campaign stop in Banda Neira, a small island in eastern Maluku province. On the other side, Anies campaign spokesman Mardani Ali Sera said he did not rule out the possibility of an alliance with Ganjars camp in the second round. Lets just see. We are open to communication with anyone, Mardani told BenarNews. Anies and Ganjar have shown on social media that they are friendly. Earlier this month, Anies was seen chatting and shaking hands with Puan Maharani, the daughter of Megawati Sukarnoputri, the leader of Ganjars party. Indonesia, the worlds third-largest democracy with nearly 280 million people, has held direct presidential elections since 2004 after decades of authoritarian rule under President Suharto. Next months vote will be the fifth direct presidential election in the Southeast Asian nation, which will be held simultaneously with polls for the national legislature and provincial assemblies. An illustration of the four-finger salute with the slogan BukanPrabowoGibran, which means no to Prabowo-Gibran, one of the three Indonesian presidential-vice presidential candidate pairs, is seen on Instagram in a post from Jan. 25, 2024. [Via Instagram/johnmuhammad-] It appears the backers of Anies and Ganjar arent the only ones who want to thwart a potential Prabowo victory. Recently, a widely circulated social media campaign showed people posting illustrations of four finger-salutes, which was meant to convey that voters should cast their ballot for either Anies or Ganjar. The reason for the four-finger salute? The election commission assigns serial numbers to the presidential and vice presidential candidate pairs. Anies is running under the number one and Ganjar under the number 3 that adds up to 4. Proponents of the four-finger salute campaign said the gesture was meant to express opposition to Prabowo and his running mate and urge voters to ensure the duo doesnt win outright. Prabowos vice presidential candidate is Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of President Joko Jokowi Widodo. The campaign has attracted many social media users who posted photos of themselves on X and Instagram saluting with four fingers, using the hashtag #BukanPrabowoGibran, which means no to Prabowo-Gibran. Many critics have accused Jokowi, who constitutionally cannot run for a third term, of trying to build a political dynasty by promoting his family members and loyalists to government. Last October, the judiciary was in the eye of a storm facing allegations of nepotism after a controversial ruling by the Constitutional Court, led at that time by Jokowis brother-in-law. The ruling allowed the 36-year-old Gibran to run as a vice-presidential candidate, despite those under 40 not being allowed to contest for the post. Prabowo himself has a checkered past. He was fired from the army in 1998 for being implicated in the kidnapping of democracy activists when he was commander of the army special forces (Kopassus), although he denied any wrongdoing. He is also accused of grave human rights violations, including in East Timor. Terror convict endorses Anies Analysts said that an alliance between Anies and Ganjar could shake up the political landscape but would face obstacles, such as convincing the grassroots voters of their parties to ally with each other. The main challenge for such an alliance would be the ideological gap between the conservative Muslim-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), which backs Anies, and Ganjars nationalist some say ultra-nationalist PDI-P, said political researcher Dominique Nicky Fahrizal. The key is communication for the sake of finding common interests, Dominique, from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), told BenarNews. The more they open up the dialogue, the easier it will be to adapt to the situation. A former Jakarta governor, Anies, who is of Arab heritage, is a popular figure among conservative Muslims, despite his liberal credentials as having headed Paramadina University, which is seen as a bastion of liberal Islam. His defeat of a Christian candidate in the Jakarta governors race and role in a controversial blasphemy case against his opponent brought him conservative Muslim support. Earlier this month, a tape circulated on social media in which a radical cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, who has been in prison for involvement in terrorism, was heard endorsing Aniess candidature for the presidency. Bashir was the former spiritual leader of the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah, the group behind the 2002 Bali bombings, Indonesias deadliest terrorist attack. In the tape that his son verified was authentic, Bashir said voting in an election was allowed for Muslims as long as it was intended to defend Islam. Anies Baswedan is the only candidate who understands Islam and deserves our vote, Bashir said. If Anies becomes president, he will advance Islam and apply Islamic laws as best as he can, God willing. We need to participate in this presidential election to defend Islam, by choosing a president who understands Islam. Defense Minister and presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto (left) dines with President Joko Jokowi Widodo in a photograph posted on the ministers Instagram page captioned An afternoon eating meatballs with the president of Indonesia in Magelang, Central Java, Jan. 29, 2024. [Via Instagram/prabowo] Meanwhile, President Jokowi has yet to officially endorse any candidate pair, although its understood he supports the one that includes his son Gibran, which is the Prabowo ticket. Jokowi caused a furor last week when he said the president had the right to campaign and pick sides. Election observers and political parties criticized him for potentially compromising the neutrality of the electoral process His comments raised speculation that he favors the Prabowo-Gibran ticket, even though he is a member of Ganjars party. Last week, Jokowi didnt say whether he would campaign for any specific candidate. Jokowi fueled further speculation this week about his support for Prabowo by publicly dining with him on Monday in Magelang, a town in Central Java province. It was the second time this month that the duo were seen having a meal together, after a similar outing in Jakarta. Neither of them commented on the election when they spoke to reporters after dining together on Monday. We talked about meatballs, coconut juice and fried tofu. They were all delicious, Jokowi was quoted as saying by news website Detik.com. Prabowo said Jokowi had a sophisticated palate Mr. Jokowi always knows where to have good meals. For an attention-grabbing speech to the 2022 U.N. climate conference, a Tuvalu cabinet minister stood on one of the atoll nations smallest islands and predicted it could be the first to be submerged by rising seas. The filament of land, known as Te Afualiku, however has more than tripled in area over the past century, geomorphological research shows. The entire land area of Tuvalu a two-hour flight northeast of Fiji increased by 2.9% over four decades despite sea levels around it rising twice as fast as the global average. The increase resulted from land growth outpacing erosion on nearly all of its islands. The findings are part of a dataset of more than 1,100 coral reef islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans that shows most of them have kept pace with sea-level rise likely due to the intrinsic ability of reefs to build the islands that sit on them. The body of research runs counter to a fatalistic narrative about small island nations. Popularized by media coverage, some scientific modeling based on the most pessimistic assumptions, and at times by island leaders in their efforts to galvanize donors, it voyeuristically portrays the low-lying atolls as doomed to disappear within decades and their people as inevitable and helpless climate refugees. In a hundred years there will still be islands in all these countries and people living on them. But the configuration of those islands is going to be looking different to what it currently is, Paul Kench, an expert on changes in tropical coastal environments, told BenarNews. This Dec. 6, 2021 photo shows high-tide flooding and debris covering the road to the airport in the Marshall Islands capital Majuro after storms and tidal surges caused flooding in Pacific island nations. [Chewy Lin/AFP] Kench said his research shows there is no correlation between sea level rise about 24 centimeters (9.4 inches) since 1880 and changes in reef islands. To track the changes it uses satellite imagery as well as geological markers left by reef islands as they gradually move or alter in size. About a third of the islands studied by Kench and other scientists decreased in area over different timeframes that range from a decade to more than a century. They were predominantly uninhabited and small, from 0.1 to 1.0 square kilometers (up to 0.4 square miles) in area and their erosion or movement was in keeping with natural change in reefs. Despite the ability to adapt, atolls and the hundreds of thousands of people who live on them still face significant threats from a hotter planet. Its uncertain whether they can continue to keep up with sea-level rise, which has accelerated in recent decades. Depending on what scenario unfolds for the carbon emissions that drive higher global temperatures, the ability of coral reefs to produce the sediments that underpin island building will be impaired or collapse the latter still, some scientists say, an unlikely eventuality. Deeper water over reefs means stronger waves and also a higher likelihood of events where storm surges wash over the low-lying atolls and inundate the urban centers that have filled slivers of land such as already flood-prone Majuro in the Marshall Islands and Fogafale in Tuvalu. Governments of atoll nations increasingly see land reclamation and other engineering as the answers to projected sea-level rise. At the last U.N. climate conference, in December, the Marshall Islands announced it would cost U.S. $35 billion to raise the height of all its atolls. We call it our survival plan, said John Silk, a Marshall Islands politician. The financial implications of adapting to climate change are immense. We are looking at expenses in the billions to safeguard our homes, our culture and our future, he said, according to a video of the climate conference presentation. The plan requires a robust climate finance strategy and the solidarity of the international community. We urge developed nations to join us in this endeavor. This undated image shows a seven-hectare land reclamation that added about 5% to the area of Fogafale, the principal island of Tuvalus Funafuti, atoll following its completion in November 2023. Tuvalus longer-term plans for land reclamation call for doubling the size of Fogafale by reclaiming 3.6 square kilometers (1.4 square miles) from the lagoon. [Courtesy of Hall Contracting] The Marshall Islands, home to about 40,000 people, says it should make decisions between 2040 and 2050 on which islands to protect, based on what data shows is happening to sea level, and consolidate infrastructure and social services on. It would carry out island engineering between 2050 and 2070 to protect against a future sea-level rise of two meters (6.56 feet). One scenario is to move the people on Majuro and Ebeye atolls 70% of the population to different raised-up islands. Last month, Tuvalu Finance Minister Seve Paeniu told BenarNews the country was seeking $1.3 billion for land reclamation that would create a long-lasting refuge for the countrys 10,000 people. The money would go into doubling the size of the most populated island, Fogafale, by reclaiming 3.6 square kilometers (1.4 square miles) from the lagoon and linking Fogafale to two smaller islets. Contingent on financing, the first phase could start in 2025 and would involve moving the airport runway that dominates the center of the island, he said. Tuvalus plans for Fogafale also double as a solution to some of the problems that stem from its small land area and urbanization. The relocated runway, for example, is envisaged as a rainwater catchment that could ease the islands persistent shortages of fresh water. The plan forecasts that half of Fogafale will be flooded at high tide by 2050 and nearly all of the island by 2100. Its assumptions are based on the most pessimistic but not inevitable scenario for emissions and related sea-level rise developed by the U.N.s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. If you think about it from the perspective of how do I best safeguard my home and youve got one shot to do it, I can get behind engineering for the more extreme variable, said Alex Wegmann, a marine scientist at The Nature Conservancy. Because it could happen or something close to it could happen and you dont want to have a once in a generation investment not be enough, he said. Seve Paeniu, the Tuvalu minister of finance and economic development (second from right), speaks during a press conference at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 11, 2023. [Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters] Wegmann works on the rehabilitation of Palmyra Atoll, a remote reef in the Pacific without permanent inhabitants that was significantly altered by the U.S. military during World War II. Land reclamation, such as that proposed by Tuvalu, also runs the risk that the atoll loses its ability to adapt naturally, he said. Largely left alone since the end of the war, Palmyra has rebounded into an abundantly rich marine world and become an example of how an atoll environment can thrive. It is also a site for long-term conservation experimentation. Since 2019, conservationists have been injecting herbicide into coconut palms to kill them and make more space for native vegetation that seabirds prefer to roost in. It doesnt mean island nations should abandon their copradried coconut meatindustries. The idea is that supporting the seabird population will result in more pooped out nutrients for the reef, underpinning its resilience. What were doing on Palmyra is hopefully going to be informative to atolls but we dont envisage it as a carbon copy scenario because of the uniqueness of it, Wegmann said. In December, 10 scientists, including Kench and Wegmann, put their names to a scientific journal opinion piece that criticized the prevailing pessimism about atolls. They called for more research into measures in parallel to the international efforts to reduce planet-warming emissions to keep reefs healthy. In interviews, some of the co-authors said land reclamation was part of the arsenal but shouldnt be seen as the only option. Climate change, ocean warming, marine heatwaves, theyre all jeopardizing coral reefs but whats tipping the scales between recovery and collapse is in most cases local factors, said Sebastian Steibl, a conservation biologist at the University of Auckland. Reefs that are healthy, they can rebound and recover from these marine heatwaves. But if on top of that we also get sewage release, we get dredging, we get destructive reef practices, these are the corals that really collapse under these marine heatwaves, he said. The rubbish dump on Tuvalus most populated island, Fogafale, is pictured in this screen grab from video shot on May 19, 2023. Scientists say the ability of coral reefs to renew the islands that sit atop them is threatened by warmer seas and human activities. [Stephen Wright/BenarNews] Arthur Webb, the UNDPs technical adviser on Tuvalus land reclamation plan, rejects the idea that natural island building and its uncertainties is a realistic strategy for populated atolls. Storms and cyclones that can dump huge quantities of coral rubble on reefs and islands are known to be part of the island-building process but are untenable for communities, he said. The land reclamation plan for Fogafale, he said, is an engineering solution and will mostly replace natural processes no apologies. Its a viable solution to a problem of immense magnitude to the people of Tuvalu. But crucially it is 100% commensurate with the scale of the problem science tells us they face, Webb said. It will provide a reliable, stable, safe platform that will allow reasonably safe living for a known time horizon, he said. Nothing else comes close. Among the significant uncertainties for atoll nations, according to the Marshall Islands plan, are lack of understanding how reefs will respond to continuing human-driven changes in the climate and what interventions work. Not much is known about adaptation on atolls because there has been little investment in research, it said. Pilot studies are needed, for example, to identify whether nature-based measures will be able to keep pace with an accelerating rate of sea level rise. Kench said he was surprised by his joint initial research in about 2010 of some 30 reef islands that showed them growing in size. The findings were criticized, he said, so the research was expanded. I show people what the islands are doing. People dont like that message quite often. And then they say what I say is controversial, he said. Because it cuts across what an island government might be wanting internationally to portray themselves as. The data, he said, should become the basis for predictive tools that help atoll nations plan amid sea-level rise. We would never suggest this isnt challenging for island communities, but if you stop and look at how islands are changing, that puts you in a much more powerful position to make decisions, he said. Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko (right) and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong attend a welcome ceremony at the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders Retreat in Nadi, Fiji, on Feb. 23, 2023. Papua New Guineas foreign minister has reaffirmed close security ties with Australia following a report that the Pacific island country recently rocked by riots and looting was considering a policing and security cooperation agreement with China. Justin Tkatchenko, who stepped aside temporarily as foreign minister last year after calling some Papua New Guineans primitive animals, said Tuesday in a statement that the Pacific island country will maintain its relationship with Australia our closest neighbor and a traditional security partner. The day before, he told Reuters in an interview that Beijing had offered policing and security assistance in September last year. Discussions had continued and the offer was being considered, including whether it would duplicate existing Australian and U.S. assistance, said Tkatchenko, who was reinstated in January. Tkatchenkos statement lauds Papua New Guineas long relationship with Australia, which was the Pacific countrys former colonial power, but doesnt deny his reported comments of ongoing security talks with China. The comments were a departure from Papua New Guineas usual stance that it wants only expanded economic ties with China. PNG is proud of its long-term agreement with traditional partners like Australia and will continue to maintain that bilateral relationship," the statement said. Minister Tkatchenko made these remarks to put on record PNGs ongoing partnership with Australia in the area of security following reports of a potential security deal with China. Australia and the United States have both recently signed security cooperation agreements with Papua New Guinea, a response to Chinas inroads with Pacific island nations. Beijing has courted Pacific island nations for several decades with loans for infrastructure and aid as it seeks to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and gain allies in international institutions. It has notched up diplomatic wins in the past several years, mostly recently this month when Nauru, a Pacific island nation of 10,000 people, severed ties with Taiwan and established diplomatic relations with China. The Solomon Islands and Kiribati switched their diplomatic recognition to China from Taiwan in 2019. A secretive security cooperation agreement between China and the Solomon Islands, signed in 2022, particularly galvanized renewed U.S. interest in Pacific island nations. Former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter ONeill said he was deeply concerned by reports of a security deal with China and accused leader James Marape of using the recent riots as pretext to further an authoritarian agenda. Marape and the Foreign Minister must pull back from these dangerous developments, he said in a statement on Tuesday. Australia shares the Pacifics geographic place in the world, and we value each others democratic and human rights principles. Police work at the site of a damaged building in Port Moresby, Jan. 12, 2024. Troops patrolled the streets of Papua New Guinea's capital under a state of emergency following riots that killed 16 across the country's two largest cities. [AFP] Papua New Guineas capital Port Moresby was engulfed by chaos on Jan. 10 after its police stopped work to protest a cut in the pay of government employees that was purportedly caused by a payroll system glitch. Some 16 people died in the city, police said, during looting and arson that damaged an economy already struggling to provide sufficient jobs and basic services. Papua New Guinea is the most populous Pacific island country with an estimated 12 million people and endowed with significant mineral and other resources. But it has struggled to develop economically because of corruption, poor infrastructure, frequent tribal violence and deep inequality for women. It has one police officer for about every 1,800 people, nearly four times less than the level recommended by the United Nations to ensure law and order, according to a Griffith Asia Institute report released last year. Australias security agreement with Papua New Guinea, signed in December, is accompanied by a pledge of 200 million Australian dollars (U.S. $131 million) in support of Papua New Guineas national security priorities that include a larger police force. With Australias assistance, Papua New Guinea will set up a Port Moresby-based police training center with the aim of enabling the Pacific island country to recruit and train more officers. Tkatchenko, who was reinstated as foreign minister in a January Cabinet reshuffle that followed the riots, said he wanted to emphasize the importance of implementing the security agreement with Australia and promised his departments cooperation. This is to ensure that successful outcomes are achieved and maintained for a long-term relationship between both countries, he said. A U.S. Marines OV-22 Osprey flies past a bird during Balikatan, a joint military exercise between U.S. and Philippine forces, at a Naval station in Zambales province, northern Philippines, April 26, 2023. This years Balikatan joint military exercises with the United States will be bigger than ever before and could include drills staged in areas of the far-northern Philippines close to Taiwan, officials here said Tuesday. The 2023 edition of Balikatan Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder drew 17,600 troops from the Philippines, the United States, and Australia. The number of participants last year set a record for the annual joint drills, which began in the 1990s. The 2024 exercises may include Mavulis, an uninhabited island and the northernmost territory in the Philippines, as one of the venues. The island is part of the Batanes archipelago, where drills could also be staged this coming April, Philippine military officials said. The Batanes chain lies only within 150 km (93 miles) of southeast Taiwans Orchid Island. This past weekend, military officials went to Mavulis and other islands in Batanes province to inspect the prospective army sites there. We are still at the planning stages at this point, Col. Fransel Margareth Padilla, the newly installed spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), told BenarNews. Its going to happen in April and its going to be bigger than last time and [involve] more key locations. She would not elaborate, but local officials in Batanes said they had been consulted about the plan. Batanes is a natural demarcation line between the Philippines and Taiwan, and is known more for tourism than as a strategic military location. Last year, part of the exercises were also held there, but because the location is remote, it did not receive too much press coverage. In recent years, tensions have risen between rival superpowers the United States and China over Taiwan. Chinas communist government, which has never ruled the democratic island, views Taiwan as part of its territory. The 39th edition of the annual exercise will feature amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, among other drills. We are doing things a little differently. Aside from kinetic activities and littoral, airspace and land, we will also be doing exercises in the nonphysical domain such as cyberspace and information warfare, Padilla told reporters in a separate media forum. Last year, the Balikatan drills got underway after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sought to allay public fears that a beefed-up American military presence in the Philippines would unnecessarily draw the country into a conflict in case war broke out between China and the U.S. over Taiwan. On Tuesday, the vice governor of Batanes, Ignacio Villa, told BenarNews that the local government had been consulted. We had Balikatan in our province last year and there was no objection, he said by phone from the island provinces capital, Basco. Mavulis, meanwhile, is suitable for training too because it is not populated and only military personnel are staying there, he said. Troubled waters China so far has not made any comments about the planned exercises. Last year, nearly 18,000 troops 12,000 Americans, 5,000 Filipinos and about 100 Australians participated in Balikatan. Tensions have also been simmering between China and the Philippines, a longtime U.S. defense ally in Southeast Asia, over the contested South China Sea. Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy spokesman on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), said Tuesday that a multitude of Chinese navy ships, coast guard ships, and Chinese militia vessels had been spotted in disputed waters. At any one time, somewhere from 15 to 25 [Chinese] warships, Trinidad told a press briefing, referring to the number of Chinese warships in the area. He was citing information said based on the latest intelligence data. We have [seen] more maritime militia. As of the last count, I would say around 200. And for the Chinese Coast Guard I think another 10 to 15, said Trinidad, who is also the deputy commander of the Philippine Fleet a major command under the Philippine Navy. Jeoffrey Maitem and Mark Navales contributed reporting from Davao City, southern Philippines. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong (right) look on as Philippine Coastguard Commander Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan and Vietnamese Coastguard Commander Le Quang Dao exchange signed documents in Hanoi, Jan. 30, 2024. Vietnam and the Philippines on Tuesday signed two memoranda of understanding on cooperation in the South China Sea during a visit by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Hanoi, the Philippine Presidential Communications Office said. One agreement covered incident prevention and management in the disputed waterway. The other was on maritime cooperation, the office said in a news release. A memorandum of understanding, or MOU, is non-binding and clarifies the parties intentions and working relationships. On incident prevention and management the two nations agreed to enhance coordination regarding maritime issues bilaterally, within the ASEAN and with other dialogue partners, with both sides intensifying efforts to promote trust, confidence, and understanding, through dialogue and cooperative activities, the office said. The MOU on maritime cooperation is aimed at strengthening the understanding, mutual trust, and confidence between the two parties through development of a Joint Coast Guard Committee to discuss common issues and interests between the two coast guard forces. A hotline communications mechanism will be established between them, it added. No further details were provided. Both Vietnam and the Philippines are claimants in the South China Sea, alongside China, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. Pooja Bhatt, an independent maritime security analyst, said as the risk of escalation caused by competing claims arises, the ability to resolve mutual disputes amicably demonstrates strength and non-interference of a third party. This is a good solid step even before you face a common challenge or threat, said the Delhi-based analyst. It will also set precedence for other similar maritime disputes that South China Sea littorals face. Risk of provoking China Marcos is in Hanoi on a two-day state visit, during which hes set to meet with Vietnams top leaders the president, the prime minister and the chair of the National Assembly but not the general secretary of the Vietnam Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, who is believed to be in poor health. Marcos is the first Philippine head of state to visit Vietnam in nearly a decade, after a visit by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2016. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (right) and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong inspect honor guards during a welcome ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnam, Jan. 30, 2024. [AP] Before leaving for Hanoi on Monday, Marcos said that maritime cooperation would be one of the cornerstones of the strategic partnership which we are going to forge with Vietnam. The two countries in 2015 established a so-called strategic partnership, the only such association the Philippines has with an ASEAN member state. Vietnamese media, while covering Marcos movements in Hanoi extensively, have so far not reported on the maritime cooperation agreements, which analysts say may risk provoking China. The official Vietnam News Agency only said that the two sides pledged to maintain and foster peace, security, stability and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. Beijing claims most of the South China Sea and Chinese vessels have recently had tense confrontations with Philippine coast guard ships near some atolls also claimed by Manila. You can see most of the statements about the South China Sea have been issued by the Philippines and not Vietnam, said a Vietnamese analyst who wished to stay anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue. Manila is keen to get Hanoi involved to form a united front [against China] but Hanoi does not want to publicly show that, the analyst said. Bilateral cooperation Another Vietnamese analyst, however, hailed the agreements on maritime cooperation as a clever move in breaking Chinas dominance by peaceful means. China has been stalling the negotiations for a Code of Conduct [COC] in the South China Sea but step by step Vietnam and other neighbors could cooperate to work out a COC for ASEAN, Dinh Kim Phuc, a well-known Vietnamese scholar, said. Beijing may retaliate by increasing maritime patrols near Vietnams oil fields such as the Vanguard Bank, but I dont think they will react more than that, Phuc told Radio Free Asia. In November last year, Marcos said during a livestreamed event that his country was seeking separate risk-reducing agreements with Southeast Asian neighbors. We have taken the initiative to approach those other countries around ASEAN whom we have existing territorial conflicts with, Vietnam being one of them, Malaysia being another and to make our own code of conduct, the president said. Chinese media, meanwhile, have warned of further risks of conflict should the cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines target a third party and harm others' interests. The state-run Global Times said that if Vietnam and the Philippines cooperate in certain areas to the detriment of China's interests in the South China Sea, it will only irritate the situation in the South China Sea and make the risk of conflict higher. Chinese coast guard ships block Philippine coast guard BRP Cabra as it tries to head towards Second Thomas Shoal (locally known as Ayungin Shoal) in the disputed South China Sea during a rotation and resupply mission on Aug. 22, 2023. [Aaron Favila/AP] In a related development, an ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Luang Prabang, Laos, on Monday also discussed the current situation in the South China Sea. We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety, and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, the blocs ministers said in a joint statement. Some of them expressed concern on the land reclamations and activities, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions, and may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region without naming any country. We emphasized the importance of self-restraint in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states, the statement said, calling on all countries to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS [UN Convention on the Law of the Sea]. Radio Free Asia is a news service affiliated with BenarNews. Thailands Criminal Court in Bangkok is seen in this file photo. The court dropped drug-trafficking charges against a Burmese businessman who is under U.S. sanctions for his alleged ties to the Myanmar junta, during a hearing on Jan. 30, 2024. A Bangkok court dropped drug-trafficking charges on Tuesday against a Myanmar businessman with alleged links to the military junta who is under U.S. sanctions, and four Thai nationals including the son-in-law of a Thai senator, citing insufficient evidence. After the Criminal Court issued its ruling, it ordered Burmese national Tun Min Latt and the other four released from jail, where they had been in custody since their arrest in September 2022. Among the Thais who were freed was Dean Young Gultula, whose father-in-law, Sen. Upakit Pachariyangkun, has been charged in a separate case for suspected involvement in a transnational crime organization, illegal drugs and money laundering. After careful consideration, [the court] found that the prosecutions evidence lacked sufficient weight to prove the defendants guilty of all charges brought against them, an excerpt from the ruling read. Furthermore, the evidence presented by the defense successfully refuted all allegations, leading to the courts decision to dismiss [the case]. In September 2022, Tun Min Latt and Dean Young Gultula were arrested by Thai police for alleged involvement in the illegal methampetamine trade. According to a report by the Reuters news agency, Thai authorities picked up Tun Min Latt in Bangkok on suspicion of laundering drug money through the electricity trade between Mae Sai, a Thai town on the border with Myanmar, and Tachileik, a town in Myanmars Shan state. The Burmese businessman has investments in the hotel, energy and mining sectors, and is a close associate to Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the Burmese junta chief and 2021 military coup leader, according to Reuters, which cited three sources. During Tuesdays hearing, Tun Min Latt was brought to the court from jail to hear the verdict but did not speak to reporters after the ruling. Last March, the United States government put Tun Min Latt on a list of individuals and companies with ties to the Burmese junta to be targeted with sanctions. The U.S. Treasury Department alleged he was closely connected to Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, and that his companies had imported military weapons and equipment into Myanmar. In December 2023, prosecutors in Bangkok filed drug and money-laundering charges, among others, against Sen. Upakit Pachariyangkun. The senator, who posted 10 million baht (U.S. $287,000) bail after he was charged on Dec. 14, is scheduled to return to court on May 13 for the initial hearing in his case. Thai news reports have linked Upakit to Tun Min Latt, the Burmese businessman. After Tun Min Latt was arrested in Bangkok in 2022, Sen. Upakit denied having any close relationship to the Burmese national, the Bangkok Post reported at the time. Upakit was appointed to the Thai Senate in 2019 by the military-led government of then-Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha. According to analyst Zachary Abuza, a regular contributor to BenarNews, documentation has linked Upakit and Tun Min Latt for 24 years. In a column published by BenarNews last year, Abuza said the two had owned companies together including The Myanmar Allure Group, which developed a hotel and casino, along with power companies including United Power of Asia and its Myanmar subsidiaries. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High near 40F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%.. Tonight Variable clouds with snow showers. Low 28F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 40%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. BENNINGTON The defendant in a years-long child sex assault case violated his conditions of probation after pleading guilty to a reduced charge of misdemeanor prohibited conduct with a suspended sentence by contacting the young victim with a hidden note minutes after her emotional victims statement. Corey Cass, 53, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of prohibited conduct during a tense change of plea hearing involving a visibly upset judge, a drastic charge reduction, and the reading of a moving impact statement by the victim's advocate. Cass, initially charged with aggravated sexual assault with a child over several years, was facing a possible life sentence if he was found guilty at a three-day trial that was to start Tuesday. The surprise plea deal, arranged between state prosecutor Jared Bianchi and defense attorneys, called for a dismissal of the felony sex charge in exchange for a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year in jail. Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady, visibly frustrated with the deal, repeatedly asked Bianchi whether the victim agreed with the deal and the sentence, which would eliminate the need for Cass to register as a sex offender, dismiss felony sex charges, and release a seated jury that was ready to hear the case the next day. Bianchi, citing the risk of a trial, the victim having to testify, and the real possibility that certain mental health evidence related to the victim might be part of the trial, told the judge that the victim did agree. After reluctantly accepting the deal, the judge admonished Cass during the sentencing phase of the hearing by making him repeatedly acknowledge every condition of his probationary sentence, warning Cass of the ramifications if he broke any of his conditions. Cass, also seeming to get frustrated by her prodding and having to be calmed by defense attorney Frederick Bragdon, reluctantly answered her questions after looking down and clenching his fists several times at the defense table. Cass was sentenced to an 11-12-month sentence all suspended with a four-year supervised probation that cannot be reduced. He also had to acknowledge a certain sexual act he visited on the victim. Earlier in the hearing, the young victim visibly crying and clutching a tissue listened at the prosecution table as a victims advocate read a moving victims statement from her mother and herself about the trauma they endured. Before I met Mr. Cass, I was a bright, happy little girl. This is the story of how I lost her. The statement went on to tell the rapt courtroom the details of how Cass groomed her, starting at age seven, and how she suffered severe, years-long trauma of abuse and control at the hands of Cass. In the beginning, it was as if I blacked out. I was young and naive. When I started to grow up and see the truth, I started to lose myself and who I was. I lost my creative thing, my curiosity, and my wonder at the world. That scared little girl did not have her voice heard. I am here to speak that voice like it should have been heard years before." The victims mother then spoke, looking directly at Cass, saying, When I look in her eyes, all I see is pain where there was once innocence. You stole that innocence from her. You are a monster. May you never have the opportunity to hurt another child. After the hearing ended, Cass handed Bragdon a stack of sketch pads and other personal items he had in his possession to give back to the victim. Hidden inside one of the sketchbooks was a handwritten note to the victim declaring his innocence. That note violated the no-contact order the judge had just imposed. States Attorney Erica Marthage immediately cited Carr for the violation. At a hearing Tuesday, Cass denied the violation. The court set a merit hearing for the alleged violation of probation. Cass then checked in with Vermont Parole to start the process of transferring his probation supervision to New Hampshire, where he currently lives. BENNINGTON The first two in a string of coming arrests for the 2022 murder of teenager Isaiah Rodriguez in Danby came Monday morning, by investigators from the Vermont State Police as the defendants showed up for an unconnected arraignment at the Bennington Courthouse. Ashley Wicks of Bennington, the first to be arrested, is charged with three counts: conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, accessory after the fact, and aiding in the commission of murder. Shawn Lee Bulson Wicks' boyfriend is charged with accessory after the fact. Wicks and Bulson arrived at the Bennington Courthouse Monday morning to answer different charges during a scheduled arraignment. Immediately after they came through the courthouse metal detector, both were arrested and taken to the VSP Shaftsbury Barracks to be interviewed and await an afternoon arraignment, which was delayed until Tuesday. According to a VSP affidavit, Wicks and Bulson allegedly drove 17-year-old Isaiah Rodriguez of Springfield, Mass., and several other individuals to a secluded stretch of Danby Mountain Road, where a gunman shot and killed Rodriguez, dumping his barefoot body behind a snowbank. Rodriguezs body was found fatally shot in the snow about 10 feet off the dirt road, not far from the Dorset-Danby town line. The Vermont Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said after an autopsy that he suffered multiple shots to the torso and determined his death to be a homicide. Its believed he was shot between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, 2022. Wicks is facing up to life imprisonment if found guilty on just the conspiracy charge. She faces 35 years to life on the aiding charge and an additional seven years on the accessory after the fact charge. If found guilty on the accessory charge, Bulson faces a possible seven years. Both defendants will be arraigned on Tuesday. Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady initially ruled that she did not find probable cause in the conspiracy and aiding charges against Wicks. State Prosecutor Jared Bianchi successfully argued for a 24-hour delay to argue probable cause. That hearing will happen on Tuesday. After the hearing ended, Bianchi gave praise to the two-year joint effort to bring Rodriguez's killers to justice, including the VSP, Homeland Security investigators, and the Bennington Police Department. Bianchi said he expects more arrests in the murder soon. BENNINGTON A Bennington judge released on bail two defendants in the 2022 murder of a Massachusetts teenager after finding no probable cause in two out of the three counts initially charged in the case. Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady released defendants Ashley Wick, 32, and Shawn Bulson, 28, during arraignment hearings Tuesday after a finding of no probable cause in two charges against Wick conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, and aiding in the commission of a murder in the homicide of 17- year-old Isaiah Rodriguez, of Springfield, Mass.. Rodriguez was found shot to death on a snowy bank along a remote stretch of Danby Mountain Road in February 2022. The judge informed both sides during Wicks arraignment that there was insufficient cause after reviewing a police affidavit in the case. She allowed one charge accessory after the fact to stand for both defendants. Both Wicks and Bulson were granted bail and conditions of release. Bulson who visibly fell asleep at the correctional facility during the hearing and had to be woken by a guard has a criminal record, including two failures to appear. He also has a $1,000 cash or surety bond and orders to stay away from Wick. Wick, who has no criminal record in Vermont, was given a $5,000 unsecured bail and conditions to stay away from Bulson. Wick must also abide by a 24/7 curfew at her Bennington residence with allowances for court dates, attorney meetings, and a three-day-a-week two-hour window to do errands. Both defendants were also arraigned on separate charges of operating a vehicle without the owners consent while using the vehicle to commit another felony, receiving or possessing stolen property, and petty larceny. Bail was set in those cases to run concurrently with the bail set in the accessory cases. Wicks and Bulson were arrested Monday morning by investigators with the Vermont State Police at the Bennington Courthouse, soon after arriving for an arraignment on the vehicle charges. They were charged with accessory and other charges in the murder of Rodriguez in 2022. According to a police affidavit in the vehicle case, Wicks and Bulson borrowed a 2004 Dodge Dakota truck from a friend to go Christmas shopping for their children and didnt return it. When the owner went to their residence to find out why, Bulson told the owner hed lost the key. The owner had a spare and drove the truck to his residence. The next day, the truck was missing; Wicks and Bulson allegedly had the original key. After police intervened, Bulson and Wicks both claimed they purchased the truck. When police spotted the truck in Bennington, another individual told them he had just purchased the vehicle from Wicks for $400. In the accessory case, both Wicks and Bulson are charged with being accessories after the fact to the murder of Rodriguez. According to a police affidavit, a surveillance video from a farmstand on Darby Mountain Road and other local surveillance cameras revealed two vehicles driving up and then down the rural dirt road after witnesses heard gunshots on the night of Feb. 2, 2022. Police dash-cams from the Manchester Police Department later revealed the two vehicles driving through Manchester. After an investigation of that video, plus another from a camera at the Maplefields gas station in Manchester that night, police were able to identify both vehicles and drivers. The first vehicle, a Ford F-250, was driven by an as-yet uncharged suspect, Elijah Johnson. The second vehicle, a beige Jeep Cherokee, was allegedly driven by Wicks. Judge McDonald-Cady, in her probable cause decision, said that although there was enough evidence for probable cause that Wicks was the driver of the vehicle, she did not feel that Wicks had the intent needed for the two other charges to go forward. She also noted that according to Vermont statute, an element of violence and evidence of planning needed to be directly present to uphold those charges. In arguing for probable cause in the dismissed counts, Bianchi told the judge, You dont have to be a mastermind in a crime to be part of the conspiracy. The judge disagreed. The affidavit stated Rodriguez, unaware of his fate, and several other alleged members of a Springfield, Mass. gang were inside the car Wicks was driving that night. A witness later interviewed by police told said that Rodriguez told a friend he had a bad feeling when he got inside the car. The affidavit goes on to quote a witness who said, They were going to scare Rodriguez, rob him, and leave him in the woods. When they arrived in the woods, one of the suspects told Rodriguez to run. When he started to run, one of the suspects shot him. Rodriguez attempted to draw a firearm and shoot back. Thats when another individual also opened fire, firing approximately ten times." An autopsy performed on Rodriguez after the homicide found he was shot 16 times from two different firearms, a 9mm and a .45 caliber handgun. Several individuals present that night, including the two individuals identified as the shooters, are mentioned in the affidavit. All of those named, including the alleged triggermen, are currently incarcerated, either in federal lockup or on state cases. There have been no further arrests in Rodriguez's murder. Bianchi told the Banner that arrests are pending. Wicks and Bulson face a possible seven-year sentence if found guilty on the accessory charge. They also face a combined seven years on the vehicle charges. Wicks was released after her hearing. It is unclear if Bulson made bail as of press time. GREAT BARRINGTON A housing developer is now preselling 30 luxury condos still under construction in a former nursing home. Prices at what will be The Laurel complex start at $395,000 for a one-bedroom, according to a Monday news release from The Goldman Group LLC. The upper end is $799,000, according to The Laurels website. Choices will include 13 one-bedrooms and 17 two-bedroom condos for presale, each with an open floor plan, hardwood floors, gourmet kitchens with quartz countertops and luxury-brand appliances, luxurious bathrooms, walk-in closets, and central HVAC. The units will also have private terraces and mountain-view balconies for premier living, according to the Boston-based company. The estimated completion date for the complex is July. The Laurel will also include a pool, fitness center and pet grooming station. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and Barnbrook Realty are listing the condos. The Planning Board in Jan. 2023 approved the project at the former Great Barrington Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center at 148 Maple Ave. The board had its eye on the vacant 29,176-square-foot building as a potential future eyesore, and one that would be difficult to reuse for another purpose. It asked voters to approve a change to the bylaws in 2020 to make it possible to convert former nursing homes into housing and voters agreed. Initially, and amid neighborhood pushback over a feared but unsubstantiated traffic increase, another developer had planned 30 rental units in the property. That fell through due to the pandemic and other reasons and Goldman bought the property and pivoted to condos instead. Company founder Charles Goldman said in 2022 that the numbers worked better this way, and that it would be hard to manage rentals from afar. The new development comes as the town and the state finds itself in a shortage of all types of housing and especially affordable housing. A 2022 report revealed that over the last decade, only 1,501 new housing units of all types were built in Berkshire County. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. A Case Study of State-Level Corporate Political Contributions in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York & Washington Contributors: Jimmy Cloutier, Brendan Glavin, Taylor Giorno, Ciara O'Neill, Anna Massoglia, Pete Quist, Inci Sayki, Rachel Timmons and Harshawn Ratanpal Federal campaign finance law bars contributions made directly by or indirectly from foreign nationals in connection with any federal, state or local election, but U.S.-registered corporations that are subsidiaries of foreign corporations or that have foreign ownership often pour money into U.S. politics. A new OpenSecrets analysis found these foreign-influenced companies (foreign-influenced companies) have poured millions of dollars into political contributions to lawmakers in states that are cracking down on their political giving. Prior to the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United ruling, companies were not allowed to spend money directly from corporate treasuries on independent expenditures that expressly called for a candidate's election or defeat. Citizens United opened the floodgates to corporate giving in elections across the country. While the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling was a federal decision on its face, the ruling essentially invalidated numerous state laws that prohibited corporate and union independent spending. Notably, Montana challenged this in order to maintain its corporate ban, but was rebuffed by the Supreme Court. Prohibitions on corporate giving directly to candidates from corporate treasury funds remains an option for states, and is in place for several of states covered in this report. Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) signed the Democracy for the People Act in May of 2023, prohibiting foreign-influenced corporate spending in Minnesota elections. Similar legislation in other states is also not far behind. In recent years, concerns about foreign influence in U.S. elections have grown, and several states have proposed laws to restrict foreign-influenced companies from engaging in political spending in state or local elections. The states' proposals to rein in political giving by foreign-influenced companies would generally prohibit companies that have substantial foreign ownership from making contributions or expenditures in state or local elections. OpenSecrets' new analysis examines disclosed corporate contributions in six key states, analyzing campaign finance disclosures where the contributors are companies that have met the criteria for being foreign-influenced corporations under the proposed foreign influence legislation. Findings Committees reporting contributions to campaign finance regulators in six states where there has been a recent push to restrict political giving by foreign-influenced companies Search OpenSecrets' database of contributions made by foreign-influenced companies in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York and Washington attracted more than $163 million in political contributions between the 2018 and 2022 election cycles from companies that could be impacted by the new laws. Committees include state-level candidates, party committees, PACs and ballot measure committees as well as independent expenditure committees where available. At least 800 companies with over 5% aggregate foreign ownership or an individual foreign owner over 1% at any point during the 2022 election cycle collectively gave those committees tens of millions of dollars across the six states. This analysis is a conservative estimate of corporate political contributions by foreign-influenced corporations in these states, for several reasons which are explained in more detail in the Methodology section but summarized here. First, many corporations make large political contributions to entities, such as 501(c)(3) or (c)(4) nonprofits, that are not required to disclose their donors but which may spend heavily on ballot measures or candidate elections. Second, some states' records do not cleanly distinguish corporate treasury contributions from corporate employee PAC contributions, and our analysis excluded ambiguous data. Third, OpenSecrets investigators also came across instances where a foreign company owned a stake in the subsidiary of a U.S. company that made political contributions in at least one of the six states. The bills under consideration in these states cover spending by a corporation that has a 1% investor that is itself 50% or more owned by a foreign entity, but these companies were excluded from the final list in this analysis. For these and other reasons, these numbers should be understood as a floor and not a ceiling on the amount of corporate political spending by foreign-influenced companies in these states. The top 33 foreign-influenced companies gave at least $1 million each across the six states, collectively accounting for about $134.0 million in giving between the 2018 and 2022 election cycles, which include the period from January 2017 through December 2022. Altria was the top FIC contributor to state-level candidates with over $18.1 million in contributions in the five states, the bulk of that in Montana. BP is the second-biggest contributor across the five states with over $13.4 million in contributions, the bulk of that in Washington. Coca-Cola, a U.S. based beverage corporation that meets both the threshold for 1% individual ownership and 5% aggregate foreign ownership, is another top FIC giver across the six states during the period from 2017 to 2022 with over $11.6 million in contributions. "The (Mexican) Defense Department has warned the United States about weapons entering Mexico that are for the exclusive use of the US army," Foreign Relations Secretary Alicia Barcena said, who was quoted by AP News. Barcena said, "It is very urgent that an investigation into this be carried out." In June, the Mexican Army announced it had seized a dozen rocket launchers, 56 grenade launchers, and 221 fully automatic machine guns since 2018. #Mexico : A noteable video allegedly shows members of Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (#CJNG Cartel) in #Jalisco. A member of the cartel seemingly fires a noteable RPG-7 Launcher with 85mm PG-7V projectile quite interesting to see. pic.twitter.com/IvhMN9GWF4 War Noir (@war_noir) January 1, 2023 The influx of military-grade US weaponry entering Mexico comes as the Biden administration fails to secure the southern border as millions of illegals flood into the US. But what's rarely discussed, in what seems like an Obama-era Operation Fast and Furious scandal, are weapons flooding Mexico from the US. Last week, at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agent from a field office in southern Texas revealed to us that the agency is very concerned about a flood of 50 cal rifles and belt-fed machine guns that are illegally entering Mexico from the US. The cross-border firearms trafficking of military-grade US weaponry on the southern border is very concerning. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill should investigate this worrisome development to ensure the Biden administration does not repeat the Obama-era Fast and Furious program. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. NEW DELHI (PTI): The inaugural edition of India-Saudi Arabia joint military exercise 'SADA TANSEEQ', which seeks to develop interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops from both the sides, began in Rajasthan on Monday, officials said. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted till February 10. "The Saudi Arabian contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented by Royal Saudi Land Forces. The Indian Army contingent also comprising 45 personnel is being represented by a battalion from the Brigade of the Guards (Mechanised Infantry)," the Defence Ministry said in a statement. The aim of the exercise is to train troops of both sides for joint operations in semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, it said. It will enable both the sides to "share their best practices in the tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting operations in sub-conventional domain". The exercise will "facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops from both the sides," the statement said. It will involve establishment of mobile vehicle check post, cordon and search operation, house intervention drill, reflex shooting, slithering and sniper firing. The exercise will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond, officials said. "It will act as a platform to achieve shared security objectives, enhance the level of defence cooperation and foster bilateral relations between the two friendly nations," the statement said. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Three US soldiers were killed and dozens wounded after a drone hit a military outpost in Jordan, known as Tower 22, on Sunday. The location is just one of many bases the US has in the Middle East. Here is what we know about the US military presence in the Middle East. Advertisement What are US bases in the Middle East? The US has operated bases around the Middle East for decades. At its peak, there were more than 100,000 US troops in Afghanistan in 2011 and over 160,000 personnel in Iraq in 2007. While the number is far lower after withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, there are still about 30,000 US troops scattered across the region. In addition, since the Israel-Gaza war began in October, the US has temporarily sent thousands of additional troops in the region, including on warships. The largest US in the Middle East is located in Qatar, known as Al Udeid Air Base and built in 1996. Other countries where the US has a presence include Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Advertisement The US has roughly 900 troops in Syria, in small bases like al Omar Oil field and al-Shaddadi mostly in the northeast of the country. There is a small outpost near the county's border with Iraq and Jordan, known as the Al Tanf garrison. Advertisement There are 2,500 personnel in Iraq, spread around facilities like Union III and Ain al-Asad air base, though talks are ongoing about the future of those troops. Why are US troops stationed in the region? US troops are stationed in the Middle East for different reasons and, with the exception of Syria, they are there with the permission of each country's government. In some countries like Iraq and Syria, US troops are there to fight against Islamic State militants and are also helping advise local forces. But they have come under attack from Iran-backed forces over the past several years and have taken action against them. Jordan, a key US ally in the region, has hundreds of US trainers, and they hold extensive exercises throughout the year. Advertisement In other cases, like in Qatar and the UAE, US troops have a presence to reassure allies, carry out training and are used as needed in operations in the region. Are there foreign military bases in the US? While Washington's allies sometimes send their troops to train or work with US troops, there are no foreign military bases inside the US. Tower 22 Advertisement Tower 22, where Sunday's drone attack occurred, killing three Army Reserve soldiers, holds a strategically important location in Jordan, at the most northeastern point where the country's borders meet Syria and Iraq. Specifically, Tower 22 is near Al Tanf garrison, which is located across the border in Syria, and which houses a small number of US troops. Tanf had been key in the fight against Islamic State and has assumed a role as part of a US strategy to contain Iran's military build-up in eastern Syria. Advertisement Do US bases in the region get attacked often? US bases are highly guarded facilities, including with air defence systems to protect against missiles or drones. Facilities in countries like Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait are not usually attacked. But US troops in Iraq and Syria have come under frequent attack in recent years. Since October 7th, US troops have been attacked more than 160 times by Iran-backed militia, injuring about 80 troops, even prior to Sunday's attack on Tower 22, which has injured around 40 more. A new wave of violence in the Middle East have erupted since October 7th when Palestinian Islamist Hamas fighters burst into Israel and killed 1,200 Israelis and took 253 others hostage. In response, Israel unleashed a military campaign that left more than 26,000 dead and caused a severe humanitarian crisis in the densely populated Gaza Strip. The Court of Appeal has delivered a landmark ruling that CCTV footage can be used as evidence in trials and stating that arguments against its use are misconceived, lacking in reality and should not be used to take up "valuable court time". Mr Justice John Edwards issued the ruling in the case of Philip Dunbar, who murdered a homeless man with a disability by stabbing him 183 times and then argued at trial and in the Court of Appeal that the use of CCTV was a breach of his rights under the Constitution and EU rights charters. Advertisement Dozens of other trials have heard similar arguments and Mr Justice John Edwards said today that where such evidence exists, it would be a dereliction of duty if gardai did not access and use it to investigate crime and to secure convictions. Advertisement During the trial of Jozef Puska, who made similar arguments after he murdered 23-year-old school teacher Ashling Murphy, Mr Justice Tony Hunt said he was "fatigued" by the "familiar suite of arguments" made by lawyers regarding the use of CCTV. He said that a decision from the Court of Appeal was "long overdue" and pointed out that arguments claiming that CCTV footage should be inadmissible had never succeeded in Irish courts. Delivering Tuesday's judgement, Mr Justice Edwards said some of the arguments in the Dunbar trial and appeal were "lacking in reality" and he noted that similar arguments had been made in other cases "sometimes at great length". Advertisement In respect of arguments made under data protection laws, the judge said the processing of data such as CCTV footage is lawful where it is necessary and proportionate for the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of criminal offences. While data protection laws provide restrictions on the use of a person's personal data, including footage that might show their movements, that right is "subject to necessary and proportionate restrictions for the purpose of the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences," the judge said. In the Dunbar case, CCTV footage was obtained from private homes, local businesses and a Dublin bus. The purpose of having CCTV cameras, the judge said, was to protect premises, deter unauthorised entry, discourage anti-social and criminal behaviour, and to assist in apprehending anyone who did engage in such activities. Advertisement The footage obtained was from public places including footpaths, roads, a public park, a bus and the Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght. "It does not seem realistic to us to suggest that someone walking or visiting such an area would have a reasonable expectation of privacy," Mr Justice Edwards said. Advertisement He said it is "universally known" that such places are equipped with CCTV, adding: "It would be impossible to frequent public areas without becoming aware of it." While in some cases irrelevant CCTV footage was harvested by gardai, Mr Justice Edwards said this became apparent only with the benefit of hindsight. "At an early stage of an investigation, gardai may well be acting under pressure, including time constraints. "A significant margin of appreciation must be afforded to gardai," he said. Mr Justice Edwards said the court does not believe that any of Dunbar's rights were breached, whether under the Constitution, the European Convention of Human Rights or the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Advertisement He said that the challenge to the admissibility of the CCTV evidence was not made out and was "quite simply, misconceived". The CCTV evidence was highly relevant, he said, and in any particular case such evidence could be used to advance an investigation, identify a suspect and provide relevant evidence at trial. In another case, he said, it might exonerate a suspect. Mr Justice Edwards considered a case where gardai did not access evidence which had the potential to advance an investigation and contribute significantly to proving the guilt of a perpetrator, but which also had the capacity to exonerate a suspect who was innocent. "How would the actions of gardai be regarded?" he asked. "Could failure to access the material be regarded as anything other than a grave dereliction of duty?" Advertisement He said the court had no hesitation in dismissing the grounds of appeal, adding: "Valuable court time should not be taken up with such unmeritorious arguments." Dunbar, last of Glenshane Drive, Tallaght, Dublin 24, was convicted by a jury of murdering 23-year-old Adam 'Floater' Muldoon at Butler Park, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on June 22nd or 23rd, 2018. Dunbar, who was 17 at the time, stabbed Mr Muldoon 183 times in an unprovoked attack. Family members of an Irish woman killed in a central London bus crash have paid tribute to their beloved daughter, sister, partner. Catherine Finnegan, known as Kathleen, died after she was hit by a bus at Victoria Bus Station on Monday morning. Advertisement Ms Finnegan (56), from Co Galway, died at the scene despite efforts of land and air ambulance crews. Her family paid tribute via London's Metropolitan Police, and said: Our beloved daughter, sister, partner, most adored auntie and treasured friend Catherine Finnegan, known as Kathleen, lost her life on January 29. The scene where a pedestrian was killed after being hit by a bus at London Victoria bus station (Jonny Dyer/PA) Advertisement She will be remembered as a very unique lady who had the fast Irish wit and who made her family and friends so very proud of her bright, clever personality. She was a whirlwind in any room and lit up this world with her energy, enthusiasm for life and joy. Advertisement She will be forever in our hearts. Officers were called to a collision between a bus and a pedestrian at 8.59am. Advertisement Reports suggested a Number 13 double-decker bus crashed into a shelter at the busy transport hub. The scene where a pedestrian was killed at London Victoria bus station in central London (PA video) The female bus driver, in her 40s, was taken to the hospital and later discharged. Advertisement In 2021, Melissa Burr was killed at the station after bus driver Olusofa Popoola accidentally accelerated into the back of a stationary bus, shunting it into her. She was using a pedestrian walkway at the bus station and crossed towards the door of a 507 bus parked at its stop before she was hit. Victoria bus station was closed late last year for works designed to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility for partially sighted passengers. Problems highlighted included an unconventional layout of pedestrian crossings, use of markings and a lack of tactile paving, as well as one crossing that directed pedestrians into a bus stop. A man who assaulted a female taxi driver after refusing to pay his fare has been given a suspended jail sentence and ordered to pay her 3,000 within nine months. Michael Kelly (34) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting the woman and causing her harm. Advertisement He and his partner shared a taxi home with some friends on the evening of December 19th, 2022, before they were dropped off last at their home address at Earlsfort Road, Lucan, Co Dublin. Oisin Clarke BL, prosecuting, told the court that the couple got out of the taxi without paying their fare and walked into their home, leaving the taxi driver to follow them to their front door, requesting her fare. She knocked at the open front door for a few minutes, before Kelly's partner came to the door and told her she had already given her 20, which she had not, before she tried to close the door on her. Advertisement The taxi driver put her foot in the door to prevent it closing, before Kelly emerged from the house and pulled her by her jumper. The taxi driver retreated to the street before Kelly followed her and punched her a number of times. Advertisement She struggled against him and managed to pull off his Christmas jumper. Kelly left the scene and the taxi driver called gardai, who arrived a short time later. They knocked on Kelly's door, but there was no answer. He later called gardai and arranged to be interviewed on Christmas Eve. The taxi driver suffered bruising and tenderness to her face and was attended to hospital the following day with nausea and dizziness. The fare she was at a loss to amounted to 59.60, the court heard. Kelly initially told gardai that he was acting in self-defence, but CCTV footage of the incident showed his account was unfounded. He has seven convictions for minor road traffic offences. Advertisement Aoife O'Leary BL, defending, said Kelly was co-operative with gardai and entered an early guilty plea. She said he was remorseful for his actions that night, which occurred after alcohol had been taken. The court heard he has four children who are dependent on him and a good work history. Handing down the sentence, Judge Martin Nolan said he would not imprison Kelly at this point. He handed down a two-year sentence, which he suspended on a number of conditions, including that Kelly came up with the sum of 3000 to give to the taxi driver within nine months. The judge said that if the taxi driver did not wish to receive the cash, then it should be donated to charity. A deal to restore Stormont powersharing will remove all post-Brexit checks on goods moving into Northern Ireland from Britain, the leader of the DUP has insisted. Jeffrey Donaldson expressed hope that the Stormont institutions could be back up within days after he secured the backing of his party executive for British government proposals aimed at addressing the DUPs concerns over Brexits so-called Irish Sea border. Advertisement The parties eligible to participate in a revived ministerial executive are due to meet later on Tuesday to discuss the next steps. Advertisement Mr Donaldson conceded that his party had not got everything it wanted in the negotiations with the UK government, but he said the deal provided the basis for the DUP to drop its two-year blockade on devolution in Belfast. The lengthy wrangling over the shape of an agreement to resurrect powersharing has primarily been between the DUP and UK, but any move to remove all checks and customs paperwork on GB-NI trade would require EU support, as the arrangements that govern Irish Sea trade the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework have been jointly agreed between Brussels and London. Advertisement Mr Donaldson has made clear his partys return to Stormont is dependent on the British Government implementing the various legislative assurances and other measures it has offered. Advertisement Protesters outside Larchfield Estate where the DUP held its executive meeting on Monday night (Liam McBurney/PA) It is understood the UK government will introduce two statutory instruments at Westminster to give legislative effect to the commitments it has made on trade and sovereignty. It is expected to publish details of the agreement on Wednesday. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has welcomed the DUP move and made clear the British government would deliver on its end of the deal. The return of Stormont will also see the Treasury release a 3.3 billion (3.8 billion) package to support under-pressure public services in the North. The financial package includes money to settle the demands of striking public sector workers in the region this year. Advertisement The DUP has been using a veto power to block Stormonts devolved institutions for two years in protest at the post-Brexit arrangements that have created trade barriers between Britain and Northern Ireland. I welcome the public declaration by DUP Leader Jeffrey Donaldson that power-sharing will now be restored. The parties will come together later today. We have much to do to confront the challenges facing our public services, workers and families which require urgent action. Advertisement Michelle ONeill (@moneillsf) January 30, 2024 Advertisement The DUP leader said if the British government moved with speed Stormont could be back within days. For the movement of goods within the United Kingdom, the protocol of course imposed severe restrictions on the movement of those goods these new arrangements remove those restrictions, he told BBC Radio Ulster. Zero checks, zero customs paperwork on goods moving within the United Kingdom. That takes away the border within the UK between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and that is something thats very important. Now, are these proposals perfect? Have we achieved everything that we wanted to achieve? No, we havent, I will be honest with people about what weve been able to deliver, the substantive change. DUP leader Jeffery Donaldson MP (left) with deputy leader Gavin Robinson MP after a press conference in the early hours of Tuesday at the Hinch Distillery in Ballynahinch (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Donaldson announced his conditional support for a Stormont return at post-1am press conference in Co Down on Tuesday. That came after he had secured what he said was the decisive backing of the 130-strong party executive during a five-hour meeting on Monday night. He said DUP party officers a key 12-strong decision-making body had also mandated him to move forward on the basis he was proposing. During the powersharing impasse, the DUP has used seven tests to measure any proposals designed to address its concerns on the trading arrangements. Advertisement Mr Donaldson said the package on the table represented progress across all seven tests. Support for the deal is not unanimous within the DUP and several senior figures remain fiercely opposed to the proposed agreement to restore powersharing. Asked about the potential for dissent within the party, Sir Jeffrey added: I am confident that all members of the party will accept what was a decisive move by the party executive. The update from @J_Donaldson_MP is a welcome and significant step. I am grateful to Sir Jeffrey and colleagues for the constructive dialogue over the past months and to the other political parties in Northern Ireland for the patience they have shown during this time. 1/4 Chris Heaton-Harris MP (@chhcalling) January 30, 2024 Around 50 loyalist and unionist protesters assembled outside Monday nights meeting at the Larchfield estate in Co Down, many carrying posters and banners warning against a DUP sellout. Some shouted at DUP members as they drove into the grounds of the venue. Unionist critics of Mr Donaldsons move, both inside and outside the DUP, believe the Stormont boycott should only end when the contentious Northern Ireland Protocol, and the subsequent Windsor Framework, are scrapped. Mr Heaton-Harris hailed what he described as a welcome and significant step by the DUP. Advertisement I am pleased that the DUP have agreed to accept the package of measures that the UK government has put forward and as a result they are ready to return to the Northern Ireland Assembly and nominate representatives to the Northern Ireland Executive, he said. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said this is subject to the binding commitments between the Democratic Unionist Party and the UK Government I can confirm that we will stick to this agreement. Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said she was optimistic of an imminent Stormont return (PA) Sinn Fein would be in line to take the First Ministers job in any restored ministerial executive in Belfast. Vice president Michelle ONeill will take on that role. Party president Mary Lou McDonald said she was optimistic Stormont could return before the next legislative deadline for forming an administration, February 8th. I am optimistic having heard Jeffrey Donaldsons public declaration that we will see the northern institutions back up and running before the February 8th deadline with a fully functioning Assembly and Executive and north-south bodies, she said. Sinn Fein will now engage with the parties and both governments to ensure we now all press on without delay. It is vital there is political stability to address the scale of the crisis across our public services. Advertisement Lets now focus minds on the job at hand and to the solutions required to support workers and families who want and deserve functioning government. DUP efforts to keep details of Mondays executive meeting secret were seriously undermined when Jamie Bryson, a loyalist activist and vocal opponent of the British government deal, posted on X, formerly Twitter, what he said were live updates from the confidential briefing posts that included details of apparent attempts to find out who was leaking the information to Mr Bryson. A property firm faces trial for failing to comply with a fire safety notice issued over a "potentially dangerous building" in Dublin. Green Label Property Investments Limited of Reuben House, Reuben Street, Dublin 8, was summonsed to face prosecution by Dublin City Council. Advertisement The case was listed before Judge Michael Ramsey at Dublin District Court on Tuesday. The firm faces a charge that as the owner of the building, comprising Unit 1, Block G, The Foundry, Beaver Street, Dublin 1, which comprises a potentially dangerous building, it failed to comply with a fire safety notice dated June 29th, 2023. The offence is contrary to the Fire Services Act 1981. The council's solicitor told the court that it was day one of the proceedings, and the defence obtained an adjournment to receive disclosure of the prosecution evidence. Advertisement Advertisement The company, yet to enter a plea, was represented by counsel, who was told the case would resume on March 5th. Meanwhile, the firm and its director, landlord Marc Godart, is being prosecuted in separate proceedings brought by the council for alleged breaches of planning laws through unauthorised short-term lettings in the capital. That case is also before Dublin District Court. Mr Godart, a Luxembourg businessman with significant property holdings in Ireland, faces six charges, and Green Label Property Investments Ltd has five. That set of charges are contrary to section 151 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 2003 for unauthorised short-term lettings at three properties in Dublin 1: 11 Capel Street, Block G, The Foundry, Beaver St, and Unit 2A, The Forge, Railway Street. Advertisement The offences were allegedly committed between June 4 and 6 last year. Mr Godart has the same Reuben House, Dublin 8 address as Green Label Property Investments Ltd. Earlier this month, the council applied "to have the most urgent hearing date as possible in relation to these matters". Asked by a judge about the nature of the allegations, prosecuting solicitor Michael Quinlan had said: "It relates to unauthorised short-term letting in relation to three properties by Mr Godart." "There is the unauthorised short-term letting at 11 Capel Street, the unauthorised short-term letting of Block G, the Foundry and 2A Railway Street," he had said. Advertisement The lawyer also said the council contended that "this is not being let as holiday lets; there is quite a capacity issue in relation to these properties as well". The court had heard that the council would call two prosecution witnesses if the defendants fully contested the charges. That case will be listed for mention in February and was assigned an April 8th hearing date if the defendants plead not guilty. Conviction, in that matter, can result in fines of 5,000 per charge, and a person convicted under the same section of the Act can face a sentence of up to six months. Rishi Sunak used a call with the Taoiseach to confront his counterpart about the UKs disappointment over Irelands decision to legally challenge the UKs response to the Troubles. Laws enacted by the UK government strive to provide a limited form of immunity to those accused of Troubles-related offences. Advertisement The move has faced staunched criticism and is opposed by many victims groups in Northern Ireland and all the main Stormont parties. The UK prime minister, in a conversation with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, confronted Dublin over its own response to pursuing those responsible for sectarian violence that marred Ireland and Northern Ireland for decades. The call between the pair comes after Mr Varadkar in December announced that his administration would be legally challenge the UK government over the Legacy Act in the European Court of Human Rights. Advertisement He said at the time that the strong legal advice was the UK Legacy Act breached the United Nations Convention on Human Rights. Advertisement Downing Street confirmed Mr Sunak raised the legal action during his conversation with Mr Varadkar. Advertisement A No 10 spokesman said: The leaders addressed the Irish governments launching of an interstate case on the UK Governments Legacy Act. The Prime Minister expressed his disappointment at the timing and course of action in December, coming at such a sensitive time. He noted that the Irish government had yet to respond to important questions about its own approach to legacy issues, including with regard to investigations into the 1998 Omagh bombing. The UK Government would continue to pursue answers to those questions which had been laid out by the Secretary of State (Chris Heaton-Harris), including with regard to the lack of criminal prosecutions in Ireland. Advertisement A spokeswoman for the British prime minister denied that the conversation had been terse. She said the Conservative Party leader had been reiterating the Governments disappointment that had previously been set out by Mr Heaton-Harris, the Northern Ireland Secretary. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris wrote to the Irish Government earlier this month about its legal challenge (Victoria Jones/PA) Advertisement Mr Heaton-Harris wrote to Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin earlier this month questioning Irelands opposition to the Legacy Act. Advertisement Aspects of the recently passed UK laws includes a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests. In his letter to Mr Martin, the Northern Ireland Secretary challenged Ireland to set out its own record on tackling legacy issues, pointing out that, while the UK has initiated a public inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bomb, the Irish government has not, despite a court ruling saying it should do likewise. Mr Heaton-Harris also called on Mr Martin to list the number of prosecutions mounted in the Irish state since 1998 related to Troubles incidents. The phonecall with Mr Sunak and Mr Varadkar came after there was a breakthrough in the DUPs two-year boycott of powersharing arrangements at Stormont. Mr Sunak briefed his counterpart on the details of the deal that could see devolved government restored in Northern Ireland. Asked whether the call had been difficult, Mr Sunaks spokeswoman said: No, it was a good call, positive. They both welcomed the step that we saw from the DUP last night. A complaint about a controversial TG4 documentary on the explosion in the Co Donegal village Creeslough in October 2022 which killed 10 people has been partially upheld by the media watchdog. Coimisiun na Mean said the documentary, Iniuchadh TG4 An Craoslach, which was broadcast on February 8th, 2023, had breached the Broadcasting Act 2009 by causing harm/offence. Advertisement The media regulator said TG4 had not sufficiently demonstrated that it took due care in broadcasting material which could cause distress, particularly given it was shown just four months after the tragedy and before a Garda investigation into the explosion was completed. It also ruled TG4 could have avoided causing distress to bereaved families by consulting them in advance of its transmission. Coimisiun na Mean, which replaced the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland for overseeing complaints about TV and radio programmes, said the documentary had also breached the BAI Code of Programme Standards in relation to the requirements to take due care to ensure audiences are not exposed to harmful content. Legitimacy Advertisement However, the regulator acknowledged the legitimacy of making and broadcasting a programme about the response of the local community in Creeslough to the explosion at a shop and petrol station in the village and the impact of the tragedy on the area. Advertisement It did not uphold complaints that the programme had breached the BAI code in relation to respect for privacy and protection of the public interest. The complaint was made by Killian Flanagan on behalf of his sister, Aine, whose daughter, Shauna (5) and her partner, Robert Garwe (50) were killed in the blast at the Applegreen filling station on October 7th, 2022. Mr Flanagan claimed certain aspects of the programme were distressing, particularly because the family would not have detailed information on the explosion until the Garda investigation had concluded. He told RTEs Liveline programme last February that he had asked TG4 not to air the programme while the Garda investigation into the explosion was ongoing. Advertisement Distress Mr Flanagan said the documentary had particularly caused serious distress to his sister when an interviewee had claimed he could hear a little girl talking but was unable to get to her. While the programme did not identify who the girl was, Mr Flanagan said his sister believed it might have been Shauna and that she might have been alive after the explosion with first responders unable to reach her. Advertisement Mr Flanagan said his sister was also contacted by friends and relatives who also thought the girl referenced in the programme might have been Shauna. He claimed the programme caused further anguish and distress when someone described the building as collapsing like a pancake as such information was not previously known by his family. Advertisement Mr Flanagan pointed out that TG4 had stated in advance of the broadcast that the documentary would not report anything about the victims other than what had already been reported publicly. Prior consultation He also observed that the programme was made without any prior consultation with bereaved families and that TG4 had ignored his familys request for information about the programme before it was shown on TV. In response to the complaint, TG4 told the regulator that the decision to broadcast the programme was not taken lightly. The broadcaster explained that the documentary was aimed at giving a voice to those who were involved in the immediate aftermath of the explosion at Creeslough, particularly those who assisted in the rescue of people trapped in the debris. Advertisement TG4 claimed that there had been what it regarded as ill-informed and unhelpful commentary from certain media outlets who had not sought to review the programme in advance of its transmission. Advertisement It claimed this had led to a lot of activity on social media and related distress. TG4 also stressed that the reference to a little girl did not refer or imply in any way that it was Mr Flanagans niece. It informed the regulator that it had sought and received clarification on the day after the programme was broadcast that the little girl was someone else who had been rescued. The station said it had promptly notified Mr Flanagan of this information. TG4 argued that most people viewing the full programme would have concluded that a sensitive and responsible approach had been taken throughout the documentary. In addition, it stated that viewers were warned in advance that it contained sensitive material, while it also carried a notice at the end of the programme of contact details for a helpline for anyone affected by it. TG4 said information in the programme about the cause of the explosion was based solely on Garda press releases and that it did not include any examination or commentary on the cause of the blast. The broadcaster said it was satisfied that the programme was in the public interest as it was important for people to understand the wider impact of the tragedy on those in the local community who were directly involved in the rescue. However, Coimisiun na Mean said TG4 had failed to address why the programme did not identify the little girl referenced in the programme and why it was not explained that she had survived the explosion. The regulator said a similar story concerning a boy was also contained in the programme which clarified that he had survived. It is unclear why this approach was not taken in relation to the story of the little girl, the regulator stated. Only for the fact that the girl referenced in the broadcast was not Shauna, the regulator said it may have decided that the programme had unreasonably encroached on a persons privacy. It also said there was no evidence that TG4 had consulted bereaved families in the making of the programme, which could have mitigated against the possibility of it causing distress. However, the regulator said there was editorial justification for including the observation by an eyewitness about the building collapsing like a pancake. New countries to be added to Ireland's "safe" list, and further fallout from RTE is on the front pages on Tuesday's papers. The Irish Times lead with plans for Algeria and Botswana are set to be added to the list of "safe" countries which people are arriving from. Advertisement The Irish Examiner and The Echo lead with the investigation after a body was found in East Cork on Monday. Advertisement The Irish Independent reports thousands of more people are set to receive a decision over their asylum status within the next 90 days. The Irish Daily Mail leads with calls from the Public Accounts Committee for those involved n the Toy Show musical to come forward in RTE. Advertisement The Irish Daily Mirror also lead with RTE, as their top 10 earners were revealed. The Irish Daily Star leads with the latest in the investigation into the Blanchardstown shooting on Christmas Eve. Advertisement Advertisement British papers The health of the Princess of Wales and the King feature on the front pages of Tuesdays newspapers, alongside fast-tracked NHS tests and protests in France. The road to recovery for Charles and Kate leads the front pages of the Metro and the Daily Mirror after the pair both left hospital following surgery. Tomorrow's Papers Today ROYALS ON ROAD TO RECOVERY King and Kate leave hospital after surgery #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/lN9DOapTLb Advertisement Metro (@MetroUK) January 29, 2024 Millions of lives could be saved by new fast-tracked NHS tests, according to the Daily Express. EXPRESS: New fast-track NHS test will save lives #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/XnUZ7bbge0 Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 29, 2024 The Daily Telegraph looks across the channel where protesting farmers have blocked main roads into Paris with tractors, saying the city only has a supply of food to last three days. The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'Farmers lay siege to Paris with vow to cut off food'#TomorrowsPapersToday Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4OoUh6 pic.twitter.com/9JQNbWo9vi The Telegraph (@Telegraph) January 29, 2024 Advertisement The Times reports on the warning issued by counterterrorism police to Iranian dissidents living in the UK amid an increased risk of violence and kidnappings. THE TIMES: Dissidents in Britain warned of Iran threat #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/W9wRDYerLa Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 29, 2024 The Guardian leads with a 2 billion council tax increase despite the promise of tax cuts. GUARDIAN: Dismay as households face 2bn council tax increase #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/axE7EyrAC3 Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 29, 2024 The Financial Times says gambling group Flutter is set to quit the FTSE 100 index and move its primary listing to New York. Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Tuesday 30 January https://t.co/CFFLjw65JW pic.twitter.com/VJnwVyjkHR Financial Times (@FT) January 29, 2024 Foreign Secretary David Camerons warning that the UK is facing its biggest threat since the Cold War leads the i. Tuesday's front page: Cameron to warn that UK facing biggest threat since the Cold War#TomorrowsPapersToday Latest by @HugoGye https://t.co/brDfvhFZcI pic.twitter.com/qF0dsyC21E i newspaper (@theipaper) January 29, 2024 The Daily Mail continues their coverage of the rail strikes with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemning rail bosses for refusing to use new legislation to limit the impact of strikes. Advertisement MAIL: Rishi goes to war over rail strikes #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/wxTgjWRzT8 Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 29, 2024 The Independent runs with the news that Afghan soldiers who fought alongside British troops will be given sanctuary in the UK. The Sun says Manchester United star Marcus Rashford went on a 12-hour tequila bender before calling in sick for training. On tomorrow's front page: Downing tequila, falling into bed fully clothed then calling in sick to Man Utd inside Marcus Rashfords 12-hour bender https://t.co/4n8yGGKkFW pic.twitter.com/tfjcCJUWOs The Sun (@TheSun) January 29, 2024 And the Daily Star reports on the Beluga whale which was spying for Russian President Vladimir Putin and has found a new home with a pod in Norway. Irish authors Paul Murray and Michael Magee are among the four authors who have been named category winners at the inaugural Nero Book Awards 2024. The winners will receive 5,000 (5,850) each and the yet-to-be-announced overall victor will take home the book of the year title and an additional 30,000. Advertisement The awards, launched by high street coffee chain Caffe Nero in 2023, celebrates the craft of writing and the four category winners were chosen by 12 judges who selected books from Ireland and the UK over the last 12 months. What did our Non-Fiction judges make of Strong Female Character by @FernBrady, published by @Octopus_Books? Have you read Fern's memoir? Let us know what you enjoyed about it! pic.twitter.com/lqTU69gDBc Nero Book Awards (@nerobookawards) January 17, 2024 Advertisement Dublin-born author Paul Murray won the fiction category for The Bee Sting, which follows an Irish family facing financial and emotional troubles. Advertisement His novel was also shortlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize but he was beaten by fellow Irish writer Paul Lynch who won with Prophet Song. Advertisement Belfast author Michael Magee won the debut fiction prize for Close To Home, which details the story of a young man who comes home to the city after university and has to grapple with the aftermath of an assault he commits at a party. Comedian Fern Brady (37), known for appearing on British TV game show Taskmaster, won in the non-fiction category for her memoir Strong Female Character, which details her experience being diagnosed with autism. The winner of the Nero childrens fiction category is Newcastle-based writer Beth Lincoln for murder mystery The Swifts, illustrated by Claire Powell. Advertisement One of these four books will be selected as the overall winner and recipient of the Nero Gold Prize book of the year, which will be announced at a ceremony on March 14th. A final judging panel, led by Bernardine Evaristo, who was joint winner of the Booker Prize in 2019 with Girl, Woman, Other, will select the overall winner. Advertisement Gerry Ford, founder and group chief executive of Caffe Nero, said: The Nero Book Awards are a hugely important part of our programme to sponsor the arts and support creative excellence. Advertisement The four winning books represent the very best writing from the UK and Ireland and we are proud at Caffe Nero to create a platform that celebrates home-grown talent, and to offer a total prize pot of 50,000. Our judges have selected four brilliant books that will appeal to readers of all tastes. The judging panel will be led by author Bernardine Evaristo (Suzan Moore/PA) My congratulations to the winning authors, and thank you to our judges, partners and the wider publishing industry for engaging with these awards so enthusiastically in our first year. It is our goal that these awards come to represent a badge of exceptional quality which is seen as aspirational for authors and within the industry and a trustworthy recommendation for readers. Evaristo said: At a time when literature is under threat from the addictive distractions of social media and the internet, literary prizes not only celebrate individual writers and elevate careers, but draw attention to a beautiful art form that requires and rewards sustained concentration and engagement with words, other peoples lives, and the imagination. The Nero Book Awards are a major new prize. Im looking forward to chairing the Nero Gold Prize, and selecting a book from the category winners that offers readers exceptional riches, one which we judges think deserves to be honoured as the overall book of the year. US president Joe Biden says he has made a decision on how to respond to the drone attack in Jordan that killed three US army reserve soldiers. But talking to reporters before boarding the presidential helicopter, Mr Biden declined to provide more details about what that response would be. Advertisement The weekend drone strike on a US base in Jordan near the Syrian border also wounded more than 40 others. Spc Kennedy Sanders, Sgt William Jerome Rivers and Spc Breonna Alexsondria Moffett who were killed in the drone strike in Jordan on Sunday (Shawn Sanders/US army via AP) When asked how the US response would be different from past responses to aggressions from groups backed by Iran, Mr Biden said: Well see. Advertisement The president said he did hold Iran responsible for supplying the weapons used in the attack. Mr Biden was also asked what he would say to Democratic lawmakers who are concerned about the risks of an expanding war in the Middle East and he, again, said: Well see. Advertisement I dont think we need a wider war in the Middle East, Mr Biden said. Thats not what Im looking for. US officials said they are still determining which of several Iran-backed groups was responsible for the first killing of American troops in a wave of attacks against US forces in the region since the October 7th Hamas assault on Israel. US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters travelling with Mr Biden aboard Air Force One that he would not preview the US response, but indicated it would come in phases. Advertisement Its very possible that what youll see is a tiered approach here, not just a single action, but potentially multiple actions over a period of time, he said. Meanwhile, the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah, one of several groups eyed by US officials, announced on Tuesday in a statement the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces in order to prevent embarrassment to the Iraqi government. The attacks on US forces by Iraqi militias over the past four months have placed the government of Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in an awkward position. He was brought to power by Iranian-allied factions but has also attempted to stay in Washingtons good books and has condemned the attacks on US forces serving in Iraq as part of an international commission to fight the Islamic State. Advertisement Advertisement Iraqi and US officials on Saturday opened talks aimed at winding down the commissions presence. On Tuesday, Mr Biden spoke to the families of the three American service members killed in Sundays drone attack. Mr Kirby said the president extended his condolences and pledged full assistance to the families as they grieve. In separate calls with the families, Mr Biden also gauged their feelings about his attendance at Fridays dignified transfer of the fallen service members remains at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Friday, and all of them supported his presence there, Mr Kirby said. Advertisement He was grateful for their time. He expressed to them how proud we all are of their service, Mr Kirby said of Mr Bidens calls with the families. How we mourn and feel sorrow over their loss. Mr Kirby added: The president will be going to the dignified transfer on Friday. US president Biden is greeted by Col Angela Ochoa, Commander of the 89th Airlift Wing Division, before he boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, en route to Florida (Jess Rapfogel/AP) The solemn ceremony marks the return of fallen service members to American soil as they journey to their final resting place, with silent honour guards carrying flag-draped transfer cases holding the remains from transport aircraft to military vehicles. The Pentagon identified those killed in the attack as Sgt William Jerome Rivers (46), of Carrollton, Georgia; Spc Kennedy Ladon Sanders (24), of Waycross, Georgia; and Spc Breonna Alexsondria Moffett (23), of Savannah, Georgia. Advertisement In 2021, Mr Biden attended the dignified transfer of the remains of 13 troops killed in a suicide attack during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Separately, Landstuhl Regional Medical Centre in Germany said it expected to receive three US service members who were injured in the drone attack, including one listed in a critical, but stable, condition. A judge in South Carolina has denied Alex Murdaughs bid for a new trial after his defence team accused a clerk of court of tampering with a jury. Judge Jean Toal ruled that even if Colleton County clerk Becky Hill did tell jurors to watch Murdaughs actions and body language on the stand, the defence failed to prove that such comments directly influenced their decision to find him guilty. Advertisement One member of the jury that convicted Murdaugh of murdering his wife and son gave evidence on Monday that when the clerk urged jurors to watch his actions and body language during the trial, it made him seem guilty and those comments influenced her decision to convict. But the 11 other jurors said they based their guilty verdicts only on the testimony, evidence and law presented at trial, and just one of them mentioned hearing anything similar about Murdaugh from Ms Hill. Advertisement All 12 jurors took the 90-mile trip from Colleton County to Columbia to give what was typically about three minutes of testimony, mostly yes-or-no questions from the judges script. Alex Murdaugh is brought into court during the jury-tampering hearing at the Richland County Judicial Centre, in Columbia, South Carolina on Monday (Andrew J Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP) Advertisement Murdaugh, now a convicted killer, disbarred attorney and admitted thief serving a life sentence, wore an orange prison jumpsuit as he watched with his lawyers. Ms Hill also testified, denying she ever spoke about the case or Murdaugh at all with jurors. I never talked to any jurors about anything like that, she said. But Judge Jean Toal questioned her truthfulness after Ms Hill said she used literary licence for some things she wrote about in her book on the trial, including whether she feared as she read the verdict that the jury might end up finding him not guilty. Advertisement I did have a certain way I felt, Ms Hill said. Murdaughs defence later called Barnwell County clerk Rhonda McElveen, who helped Ms Hill during the trial. Ms McElveen said that Hill suggested before the trial that they should write a book on the case together, because she wanted a lake house and I wanted to retire, and that a guilty verdict would sell more books. But under cross examination, Ms McElveen said she did not approach the trial judge because she did not think any of Ms Hills comments or behaviours rose to the level of misconduct. Advertisement Ms Hill was also questioned about why she was telling people hours before the jury received the case that she expected deliberations to be short. The clerk said it was a gut feeling after years in a courtroom. Advertisement The unusual hearing was prompted in part by a sworn statement from the first juror called to the stand on Monday. She affirmed what she said last August, repeating on Monday that Ms Hill told jurors to note Murdaughs actions and watch him closely when he testified in his own defence. She made it seem like he was already guilty, said the woman, identified only as Juror Z. Asked whether this influenced her vote to find him guilty, she said: Yes maam. Judge Jean Toal talks to the court during the Alex Murdaugh jury-tampering hearing (Andrew J Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP Advertisement In later questioning, the juror said she also stands by another statement she made in the August affidavit: that it was her fellow jurors, more than the clerks statements, that influenced her to vote guilty. I had questions about Mr Murdaughs guilt but voted guilty because I felt pressured by other jurors, she said. Advertisement The rest of the jury filed in one by one and said their verdicts were not influenced by anything outside the trial. One said he heard Ms Hill say watch his body language before Murdaugh testified, but said Ms Hills comment did not change his mind. What matters is what the jurors heard and whether that persuaded them to change their verdicts to guilty in a way that was anything other than the product of honest deliberation, prosecutor Creighton Walters said in closing. You have 11 of them strong as a rock who said this verdict was not influenced, Mr Waters said. The evidence is overwhelming from the people who mattered. Defence lawyer Jim Griffin, in his closing, cited case law in arguing that any communication about a case from court staff to jurors is presumptively prejudicial. He said the defence clearly proved Ms Hill made prejudicial comments to the jury, and one of those jurors says it influenced my verdict. How is that not prejudice?. Murdaughs fall from his role as an lawyer lording over his small county to a sentence of life without parole has been exhaustively covered by true crime shows, podcasts and bloggers. Jury tampering is the basis for Murdaughs appeal, but Ms Toal set a difficult standard for his lawyers. She ruled the defence must prove that potential misconduct by Ms Hill directly led jurors to change their minds to guilty. Advertisement The defence argued if they prove the jury was tampered with, it should not matter whether a juror openly said their verdict changed, because even subtle influence could have kept Murdaugh from getting a fair trial. Ms Toal was chief justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court for 15 years before retiring. She was appointed by the current high court justices to rule on the juror misconduct allegations. She also limited what could be asked of Ms Hill, ruling out extensive questions about a criminal investigation into whether the elected clerk used her office for financial gain, emailed prosecutors with suggestions on how to discredit a defence expert, conspired with her son who is charged with wiretapping county phones, or plagiarised part of her book on the case using a passage from a BBC reporter who accidentally emailed her instead of her boss with a similar address. Im very, very reluctant to turn this hearing about juror contact into a wholesale exploration about every piece of conduct by the clerk, Ms Toal said. Prosecutor Creighton Waters, left, and defence lawyer Dick Harpootlian stand during the hearing (Andrew J Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP) Ms Hill, in a sworn statement, has denied any jury tampering. She did admit to the lifting the writing of the BBC reporter. I did plagiarise and for that I am sorry, Ms Hill said from the witness box. Advertisement Murdaugh is also serving 27 years after admitting he stole 12 million dollars (9.46 million) from his law firm and from settlements he gained for clients on wrongful death and serious injury lawsuits. Murdaugh promised not to appeal that sentence as part of his plea deal. But Murdaugh has remained adamant that he did not kill his younger son Paul with a shotgun and his wife Maggie with a rifle, since the moment he told deputies he found their bodies at their Colleton County home in 2021. He testified in his own defence. Murdaugh has not started the regular appeals of his sentence, where his lawyers are expected to argue a number of reasons why his murder trial was unfair, including the judge allowing voluminous testimony of his financial crimes. They said this enabled prosecutors to smear Murdaugh with evidence not directly linked to the killings. The US has pulled back part of the sanctions relief it granted Venezuela last year after the South American countrys highest court blocked the presidential candidacy of an opposition leader. The Department of the Treasury gave companies transacting with Venezuelas state-owned mining company until February 13 to wind down operations having allowed transactions in October after President Nicolas Maduros government agreed to level the playing field ahead of this years presidential election. Advertisement On Friday, the countrys highest court upheld a ban on the candidacy of Maria Corina Machado, a long-time government opponent and winner of the primary held by the US-backed opposition faction. She won the oppositions independently run presidential primary with more than 90% of the votes despite the government announcing a 15-year ban on her running for office just days after she formally entered the race in June. Advertisement A sign that reads in Spanish We defend our democracy and freedom of expression stands above supporters of opposition coalition presidential hopeful Maria Corina Machado (Ariana Cubillos/AP) Advertisement The long-time government foe was able to participate because the primary was organised by a commission independent of Venezuelas electoral authorities. She insisted throughout the campaign that she never received official notification of the ban. In December, Ms Machado filed a claim with Venezuelas highest court, arguing the ban was null and void and seeking an injunction to protect her political rights. Instead, on Friday the court upheld the ban, which alleges fraud and tax violations and accuses her of seeking the economic sanctions the US imposed on Venezuela in the last decade. She called the court ruling blocking her presidential candidacy judicial criminality and vowed to stay in the race, declaring that the decision embodies the ruling partys fear of having to face her at the polls. Ms Machado, surrounded by supporters and other opposition leaders, told reporters she expects government repression to increase against her and her team, because it is the only tool they have left to stop adversaries. Advertisement But, she said, the best option for Mr Maduro and his allies is to negotiate with us a peaceful transition. Advertisement Fridays ruling came more than three months after Mr Maduro and the US-backed opposition, known as the Unitary Platform, reached a deal to work on basic conditions for a fair election in the second half of 2024, invite international electoral observers and create a process for aspiring presidential candidates to appeal their bans. The agreement triggered some sanctions relief in the oil, gas and mining sectors. But the US government threatened to reverse some of the relief if Venezuelas government failed to reverse bans preventing Ms Machado and others from holding office and did release political prisoners. The impact of Mondays decision affecting Compania General de Mineria de Venezuela, known as Minerven, was not immediately clear. The license authorising transactions was intended to see some of the illegal trading of gold in Venezuela move to the legal market. Advertisement Sanctions relief in the oil and gas sectors remain in place. They need to make the right decisions here and allow opposition members to run for office and release the political prisoners that theyre holding right now, White House National Security spokesman John Kirby told reporters, mentioning some of the steps Mr Maduro agreed to take as part of the agreement signed in October in Barbados. The Organisation of American States and about 30 political leaders from Spain and Latin America have also condemned the courts decision. US president Joe Biden said on Tuesday he has made up his mind on how to respond to a drone attack that killed US service members in Jordan, as he weighs punishing Iran-backed militias without triggering a wider war. Mr Biden, speaking to reporters as he left the White House on a campaign trip to Florida, did not elaborate on his decision, which came after consultations with top advisers at the White House. Advertisement He said the United States does not need a wider war in the Middle East, echoing comments from other officials on Tuesday that the United States does not want a war with Iran. Mr Biden has been weighing his options and the expectation has been that there will be retaliatory strikes, but the timing of the response has been unclear. Advertisement Three US service members were killed and at least 34 wounded in a drone attack by Iran-backed militants on US troops in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border, officials said on Sunday. Former US national security adviser John Bolton excoriated former president Donald Trump as an utterly self-interested man who would punish personal enemies and appease adversaries Russia and China in a new edition of his memoir released on Tuesday. Mr Bolton, who served in Mr Trump's White House in 2018 and 2019, accused the Republican presidential frontrunner of having no political philosophy or coherent policy outlook. Advertisement If re-elected, Mr Trump could leave the Nato security alliance, curb support to Ukraine despite Russia's 2022 invasion, embolden China to blockade Taiwan and generally pursue isolationism, Mr Bolton warned. "Trump is unfit to be president," Mr Bolton wrote in the new foreword to The Room Where it Happened, his account of the 17 months he spent as Mr Trump's national security adviser. "If his first four years were bad, a second four will be worse." Advertisement While Mr Trump casts himself as the underdog's champion, once saying "for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution," Mr Bolton argues he is fundamentally self-regarding. Trump really cares only about retribution for himself, and it will consume much of a second term. Advertisement "Trump really cares only about retribution for himself, and it will consume much of a second term," he wrote in the forward to the paperback edition of his memoir, which painted a bleak picture of America during a second Trump term. Mr Trump senior advisor Jason Miller said: For someone who professes to have such great disdain for President Trump, Book Deal Bolton sure has found a way to grift off the relationship". Mr Bolton said before serving Mr Trump he mistakenly believed the burdens of office would discipline the president. In the event, he found the former president consumed by self-interest. "He cares almost exclusively about his own interests," Mr Bolton writes, suggesting Mr Trump would want to be surrounded by "a White House of serfs" to execute his orders unquestioningly. Advertisement He also makes a case that Mr Trump, revered by the right for appointing Supreme Court justices who overturned the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling that recognised women's constitutional right to abortion, may not pursue conservative policies if re-elected. Mr Bolton said Mr Trump's inability to run for a third term under the US Constitution means "the political constraints around him are much looser, and the real 'guardrail' of voter opinion will be minimised". Mr Bolton saves some of his harshest words for foreign policy, writing Mr Trump sent an "isolationist virus" coursing through the Republican party and that "in no arena ... has the Trump aberration been more destructive than in national security". He also argued Mr Trump could withdraw from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), a prospect likely to please Russian president Vladimir Putin, adding that "it is almost inevitable that a second-term Trump policy on Ukraine will favour Moscow". Advertisement Taiwan and others along China's periphery "face real peril in a second Trump term," Mr Bolton adds, suggesting that the risks of China under president Xi Jinping manufacturing a crisis over Taiwan - perhaps by blockading the island - would rise. "It is a close contest between Putin and Xi Jinping who would be happiest to see Trump back in office," he writes. American and Chinese officials committed on Tuesday to working together to stem the flow of fentanyl into the United States, the head of a visiting US delegation said. Their meeting was a hopeful sign of co-operation as the two global powers try to better manage their contentious ties. Advertisement The US is seeking more information sharing and law enforcement co-operation on the designation and control of made-in-China chemicals that are ingredients for fentanyl made elsewhere, said Jen Daskal, a deputy homeland security adviser in the White House. Obviously we need to see the results and we need to see action, she said after the meeting. But there was a real spirit of co-operation and a commitment to working together. US deputy deputy homeland security adviser Jen Daskal, second from left, and Wang Xiaohong, second from right, at the meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Tuesday (Ng Han Guan/Pool/AP) Advertisement Advertisement The first meeting of a new US-China counternarcotics working group will be followed by more in-depth meetings in smaller groups on Wednesday. Fentanyl, the synthetic opioid that is ravaging America, is a major focus, and in particular the ingredients and pill presses for the drug that come from China. Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to restart co-operation in drug trafficking and a handful of other areas when he and US President Joe Biden met outside San Francisco in November. The agreements were a small step forward in a relationship strained by major differences on issues ranging from trade and technology to Taiwan and human rights. Advertisement The US wants China to do more to curb the export of chemicals that it says are processed into fentanyl, largely in Mexico, before the final product is smuggled into the US. Chinese public security minister Wang Xiaohong said the two sides had in-depth and pragmatic talks. We reached common understanding on the work plan for the working group, he said at a ceremony marking the inauguration of the group. Ms Daskal said that Mr Biden had sent a high-level delegation to underscore the importance of this issue to the American people. Advertisement Jen Daskal speaks during the meeting to launch the US-China Counternarcotics Working Group (Ng Han Guan/Pool/AP) Advertisement She said there have been some drops in shipments of fentanyl precursors from China since the Biden-Xi meeting and stressed the importance of information sharing to identify trends and keep up with fentanyl producers who come up with substitutes when supplies of a particular ingredient dry up. Theres a real sense of urgency, she said, noting the high number of fentanyl-related fatalities in the US and the violence, corruption and instability fuelled by drug cartels around the world. Advertisement China used to be a major supplier of fentanyl, and the US has credited Beijing for a 2019 crackdown that led to a drastic reduction in seizures of fentanyl shipments from China. Synthetic opioids are the biggest killers in the deadliest drug crisis the US has ever seen. More than 100,000 deaths were linked to drug overdoses in 2022, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. More than two-thirds involved fentanyl or similar synthetic drugs. China had previously rebuffed US appeals for help as relations between the two global powers deteriorated, often responding that the US should look inward to solve its domestic problems and not blame them on China. Talks were formally put on ice in 2022, when China suspended co-operation in several areas including narcotics to protest a visit to Taiwan by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Advertisement The ice began to thaw in the lead-up to the Biden-Xi meeting in November 2023. A US Senate delegation pressed the fentanyl issue on a visit to Beijing in October and said that Chinese officials expressed sympathy for the victims of Americas opioid crisis. But China refused to discuss co-operation unless the US lifted sanctions on the Public Security Ministrys Institute of Forensic Science. The Commerce Department had imposed the sanctions in 2020, accusing the institute complicity in human rights violations against Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Chinas Xinjiang region. The US quietly agreed to lift the sanctions to get co-operation on fentanyl. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi acknowledged the removal of the obstacle of unilateral sanctions in a speech on China-US relations earlier this month. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller called it an appropriate step to take given what China was willing to do on the trafficking of fentanyl precursors. According to the arbiters report released to the public on Monday, Dimitriadis said she invited the four elders to attend the meeting because of a lack of detail provided to councillors over what consultation had been undertaken by the advisory group. She also said she was concerned council was not capturing the views of the Aboriginal community in Darebin, particularly on the Yes position. Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation chief executive Jill Gallagher. The elders had prepared to present their arguments to the council before the vote on the motion to adopt a neutral position, they told The Age on Monday. They didnt want to come out and support a Voice and the council hid behind the advisory committee [to take its position] without bothering to speak to any of the Aboriginal organisations, Gallagher said. Bamblett said she wanted to attend the meeting to make it clear the Advancement League supported a Yes vote. Council never consulted the League. I felt they should know and hear our position, she said. Around an hour after the July meeting started, but before the commencement of the debate on the motion, the elders were very frustrated, very concerned ... very passionate about expressing that concern, one observer later told the arbiter. Aunty Esme Bamblett making her maiden speech to the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria in July. Credit: Justin McManus/The Age According to arbiters report, the overall atmosphere at the meeting was quite charged, with the elders attendance making members of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, who were present in person and online, uncomfortable and contributed to an overall sense of unease. Before the motion was debated by councillors, scheduled speeches by the elders were delayed when the meeting was adjourned. Another councillor later told the arbiter the lack of an explanation for the adjournment distressed the elders, with one allegedly telling the councillor they had faced this type of silencing before. Gallagher said she sought out the Aboriginal Advisory Committees chair, Uncle Alan Brown, who she found in a function room behind the chambers with the Darebin mayor. Gallagher said she was told that Brown felt ambushed by the elders and intended to leave the meeting. When the meeting resumed, the elders presented their arguments, and were followed by Dimitriadis, who questioned council staff about which Aboriginal organisations had been consulted to arrive at the councils motion to take a neutral position. Council should not be silent on this matter but instead make a bold and brave stance remaining silent is effectively a No vote, Dimitriadis said at the meeting. Loading The motion was successful, which authorised the chief executive to implement a formal neutral position as recommended by the advisory committee. But the minutes show there was a decision made to consult all Aboriginal organisations in the municipality, the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, with a report to be produced on their formal positions on the Voice. Dimitriadis said that report was not tabled before the referendum and the elders confirmed their organisations were not contacted by the council either before or after the meeting about the Voice. At the referendum, the federal electorate of Cooper, which Darebin sits within, cast the fifth-highest Yes vote in Australia. The finding of misconduct against Dimitriadis will now result in her council-issued phone and laptop being confiscated and a suspension from all council-related business for a period of 31 days. Among the complaints made against Dimitriadis by Greens councillor and Darebin Mayor Susanne Newton were allegations she yelled at the council CEO at the meeting and breached standards of conduct by questioning council staff and the advisory committee. Cooper maintains that at no time during the meeting was there any misconduct by Dimitriadis. He said he was disappointed to learn she would be sanctioned after pushing to have the elders voices included in the councils consultation process. A Darebin council spokesperson referred The Age to the arbiters report in response to a series of questions submitted to the mayor and chief executive about the Aboriginal Advisory Committee and the council meeting. The report will be formally tabled at a council meeting later this week. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has insisted that Australia remains Papua New Guineas closest friend despite the Pacific nations foreign minister floating the prospect of signing a security and policing pact with China. Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko described Australia as his nations closest neighbour and traditional security partner a day after he revealed that China approached PNG in September about signing a security and policing deal. The prospect has caused a stir among policymakers in Canberra and alarmed former PNG prime minister Peter ONeill, who said he was deeply concerned by Tkachenkos comments. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG Prime Minister James Marape in December. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Before and since independence, PNG has rightfully stuck to Australia when it comes to providing security for our country and the Pacific region, ONeill, who served as prime minister from 2012 to 2019, said in a statement. Opposition leader John Pesutto ignored repeated requests to engage with the co-chairs of Victorias First Peoples Assembly and did not meet with them in the months leading up to the Coalition withdrawing support for a treaty, leaked correspondence has revealed. The revelation comes as opposition Aboriginal affairs spokesman Peter Walsh comes under renewed pressure to reveal why he kept the treaty backflip a secret from assembly members, despite confirmation he met with the co-chairs in November and December after the shadow cabinet secretly agreed to withdraw support. Opposition Leader John Pesutto and Nationals leader Peter Walsh (left), who is also the Coalitions Aboriginal Affairs spokesman. Credit: AAP Following last weeks shock announcement that the Coalition would walk back its support for Victorias treaty process, Pesutto said the decision was, in part, based on an element of secrecy around the treaty process. But he insisted he remained committed to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians. But text messages, seen by The Age, show that in April 2023 Pesutto ignored a text from Marcus Stewart, who at the time was co-chair of Victorias First Peoples Assembly and requested the pair meet for a private discussion. Washington: US forces may have mistaken an enemy drone for an American one and let it pass unchallenged into a desert base in Jordan where it killed three US troops and wounded dozens more, officials say. Details of the attack emerged as US President Joe Biden faced a difficult balancing act, blaming Iran and looking to strike back in a forceful way without causing any further escalation of the Gaza conflict. The killed soldiers (from left): Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett and Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders. Credit: US Defence Department As the enemy drone was flying in at a low altitude, a US drone was returning to the small installation known as Tower 22, according to a preliminary report cited by two officials, who were not authorised to comment and insisted on anonymity. As a result, there was no effort to shoot down the enemy drone that hit the outpost. One of the trailers where troops sleep sustained the brunt of the strike, while surrounding trailers got limited damage from the blast and flying debris. Even with my experience the first years were hard for me. They dont know what they are in for until they learn after the first six months, said Player. I remember what it was like entering the industry nothing like advertised. And yes, that turnstile of brokers in and out of the industry does damage the industry. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Raise Concerns Over 'Relentless' Paparazzi Pursuit in NYC (Photo: REUTERS) Prince Harry has reportedly taken decisive steps to prevent the publication of a potentially revelatory memoir by his wife, Meghan Markle. This development unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing tensions and delicate negotiations within the British Royal Family, further complicating the Sussexes' already complex relationship with the institution. According to insiders, the Duke of Sussex's concerns about the memoir's potential impact on the royal family's public image and internal dynamics have led him to advise against its publication. "Harry has openly spoken about having enough material to write a follow-up to Spare, but those plans have been scrapped. He's also put an end to Meghan's book," a source revealed to New Magazine, highlighting the couple's apparent willingness to reconsider their public disclosures in the interest of familial harmony. The Duchess of Sussex, whose previous endeavors, such as the "Archetypes" podcast and the children's program "Pearl," encountered obstacles, is said to have initially resisted this change in direction. "The conversation didn't go down well with Meghan," the source added, underscoring the tension this decision may have caused within the Sussex household. However, a compromise was reached that would allow Meghan to channel her efforts into a project focused on female empowerment, steering clear of direct commentary on her royal experience. This decision comes at a pivotal moment for the royal family, which has faced a series of challenges, from public scandals to health concerns involving key figures like Kate Middleton and King Charles. The Sussexes' recent appearance in Kingston, Jamaica, amidst these developments, has done little to quell speculation about their position within the broader royal narrative and their future intentions. Commentators have been quick to weigh in on the implications of the Sussexes' actions for the royal family's image. Richard Fitzwilliams expressed skepticism about the couple's strategy, noting on GB News, "They have made money by trashing the royal family." He questioned the sustainability of public support for such endeavors, suggesting a finite tolerance among audiences for the Sussexes' critiques of the monarchy. Conversely, public relations expert Ryan McCormick viewed the couple's engagement with high-profile figures, such as during the "Bob Marley: One Love" premiere, as a savvy image-building exercise. "It's good for their image to be seen in the company of other high-profile and successful people," McCormick advised, emphasizing the benefits of strategic visibility for the Duke and Duchess. The couple's interaction with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness during their visit, despite his advocacy for reform during the Wales' tour, further illustrates the nuanced diplomacy the Sussexes must navigate. Holness's remarks in 2022 about unresolved issues and Jamaica's proud history and ambitions highlight the complex interplay of respect, critique, and aspiration that characterizes the Sussexes' engagements with Commonwealth nations. As the Sussexes continue to chart their course within and alongside the royal framework, their decisions-be it the shelving of a controversial memoir or their public appearances-remain under intense scrutiny. The balancing act between their personal narratives and the collective image of the British monarchy underscores the ongoing dialogue between individual agency and institutional expectations, a theme that resonates far beyond the palace walls. Toyota Motor Corp. sold more passenger vehicles than anybody in 2023, cruising past Volkswagen AG to become the worlds top carmaker for a fourth consecutive year. Global sales, including those of subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor Co. and Hino Motors Ltd., rose 7.2 per cent from the previous year to a record 11.2 million cars in 2023, the company said Tuesday. Output, which refers to cars off the production line, grew 8.6 per cent to 11.5 million units. VWs deliveries increased 12 per cent to 9.24 million units in 2023. Despite falling further behind in the global shift toward electric vehicles, recovering supply chains and steady demand in North America and Europe last year helped Toyota boost production and rake in profits from abroad. Demand for hybrids at home meanwhile remains high and steady across most of the world. While 2023s full-year figures cement Toyotas dominance, it was Chinas BYD Co. that arguably generated the most buzz last year when it surpassed Elon Musks Tesla Inc. as the worlds top maker of electric cars. Shenzhen-based BYD, which only sells EVs and plug-in hybrids, sold around 3.02 million units in 2023. Toyota has gone from struggling with supply chains last summer to selling whatever it makes, Bloomberg Intelligence senior auto analyst Tatsuo Yoshida said. Toyota, by comparison, sold 104,018 battery EVs. Initially the Japanese carmaker aimed to sell 202,000 units during the fiscal year that ends in March, but lowered that goal to 123,000 in November, citing issues of demand and supply. Tesla delivered 1.81 million vehicles last year. Toyota Chief Executive Officer Koji Sato has promised the automaker will be able to sell 1.5 million battery EVs annually by 2026, and 3.5 million by 2030. On Monday, the carmaker suspended shipments of 10 models after an internal investigation revealed that one of its suppliers, Toyota Industries Corp., had been manipulating test results to gain certification for its vehicles. The revelations piled onto a scandal that emerged in December, after unit Daihatsu, which sells and supplies popular lightweight trucks, was found to have manipulated collision safety test results dating back as far as 1989. Read more: Toyota Vows Reform After Affiliate Caught in Safety Scandal While the impact and financial burden of the fraudulent conduct is only just beginning to take shape, Toyota has said it will step in should Daihatsu struggle to compensate its suppliers and business partners while production is partially suspended and vehicle are recalled. Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda who said this month EVs will at most reach a 30 per cent market share is scheduled to speak with reporters Tuesday afternoon in Nagoya prefecture on his vision for the future of the group. Daihatsu was ordered by Japans transport ministry to put forward countermeasures by mid-February to prevent a repeat of such a thing happening again. Toyota has also said it will announce a new structure, though it didnt clarify what that meant. Vivek Saini, the 25-year-old Indian student who was hammered to death by the drug addict (Photo: X/ @HinduAmericans) The Consulate General of India in Atlanta on Monday strongly condemned the attack on a 25-year-old Indian student who was hammered to death by a drug addict he had helped for the past couple of days. "We are deeply anguished by the terrifying, brutal, & heinous incident that led to the death of Indian National/student Mr Vivek Saini & condemns attack in the strongest terms. It is understood that the US authorities have arrested the accused & are investigating the case," the Indian Consulate said in a post on X. It further said that the Consulate got in touch with Saini's family immediately after the incident and provided all consular assistance in sending his mortal remains back to India. We are deeply anguished by the terrifying, brutal, & heinous incident that led to the death of ???????? National/student Mr Vivek Saini & condemns attack in the strongest terms. It is understood that the US authorities have arrested the accused & are investigating the case. 1/2 India in Atlanta (@CGI_Atlanta) January 29, 2024 Also Read: US Embassy sets new record in India, issues 140,000 student visas in 2023 Vivek Saini, a recent MBA graduate in the US, met a tragic end when he was fatally attacked with a hammer by Julian Faulkner, a drug addict whom he had been helping for the past few days in Lithonia City, Georgia. The distressing incident was also captured on camera. Saini, employed as a part-time clerk at a store where Faulkner sought refuge, showed kindness to the accused for nearly two days. Saini went out of his way to offer chips, coke, water, and even a jacket to Faulkner. Unfortunately, on January 16, Saini was attacked on his way home after expressing concern for his safety and urging Faulkner to leave the place or face police intervention. Upon arriving at the scene, the police discovered Faulkner standing over Saini's lifeless body. The young student had moved to the US two years ago after earning a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Chandigarh University. Vivek Saini's remains have been repatriated to India, and the final ceremonies have been conducted. The public sector lenders net profit more than doubled at Rs 5.28 billion in the first quarter Bank of Baroda Q3FY24 preview: Public sector lender : Public sector lender BoB , which is scheduled to report its October-to-December (Q3) results for financial year 2023-24 (FY24) on Wednesday, January 31, may clock subuded profitability on a quarterly basis owing to weak revenue growth. Besides, higher cost of deposits could put pressure on net interest margins, brokerages pointed out in their result preview report. The stock is up 1.2 per cent so far in January 2024, as against a 0.4 per cent dip in the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex. Here's what key brokerages expect: Motilal Oswal Financial Services The brokerage expects Bank of Baroda's Q3FY24 net profit to stay flat at Rs 4,220 crore as against Rs 4,253 crore quarter-on-quarter (Q-o-Q; Q2FY24). On a yearly basis, it would be around 9.4 per cent rise over PAT of Rs 3,853 crore clocked in Q3FY23. The net profit growth, the brokerage said, would be capped as the net interest income (NII) is expected to rise less than 3 per cent Y-o-Y and Q-o-Q to Rs 11,100 crore. NII was Rs 10,818.3 crore in Q3FY23 and Rs 10,830.7 crore in Q2FY24. It expects operating profit to dip 7 per cent on year to Rs 7,630 crore. READ: Bajaj Finance slides 5% as mgt flags rural, B2C stress post Q3 results Business-wise, it pencils in loan growth of 16 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 10.33 trillion, while deposits are pegged at Rs 12.93 trillion, up 12.5 per cent. Asset quality, it said, may improve with gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio pegged at 3.1 per cent vs 3.3 per cent Q-o-Q. NNPA is seen at 0.7 per cent vs 0.8 per cent Q-o-Q. Prabhudas Lilladher This brokerage has a more cautious outlook with PAT estimated at Rs 3,538 crore, down 8 per cent Y-o-Y and 17 per cent Q-o-Q. Pre-provision operating profit (PPOP), too, is anticipated to decline 17 per cent Y-o-Y/14.6 per cent Q-o-Q to Rs 6,846.6 crore. The same was Rs 8,232.1 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal, and Rs 8,019.7 crore in Q2FY24. NII is seen flat at Rs 10,816.3 crore. Elara Securities Analysts at this brokerage see net profit rising 1.5 per cent over Q2FY24/8.7 per cent over Q3FY23 to Rs 4,188 crore. NII, meanwhile, is seen rising less than 1 per cent Y-o-Y/Q-o-Q to Rs 10,912 crore. Kotak Institutional Equities KIE expects operating profit to decline 11 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 7,332 crore as there could be pressure on revenue growth. READ: Bajaj Finance Q3 results: Consolidated net profit up 22% at Rs 3,639 cr NII is seen rising 2 per cent Y-o-Y and Q-o-Q each to Rs 11,059 crore. Further, the brokerage is building NIM to decline 10bps Q-o-Q as it expects benefit of loan growth at 14 per cent Y-o-Y to be offset by rising cost of deposits. It sees PAT declining 6.3 per cent Q-o-Q/up 3.4 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 3,983.3 crore. On the asset quality front, it sees slippages at 1.5 per cent (Rs 4,000 crore) mostly driven from retail and SME. Key discussion on the sustainability of loan growth, deposit-related challenges, and NIM outlook in the near term would be eyed, it said. Axis Securities Amid 1.7 per cent Q-o-Q rise in NII (Rs 11,019 crore), but 5 per cent dip in other income (Rs 3,962 crore), the brokerage projects 5.2 per cent sequential slide in PPOP at Rs 7,605 crore. Accounting for 1.6 per cent Q-o-Q/11.5 per cent Y-o-Y decline in provisions (Rs 2,127 crore), the net profit is seen at Rs 3,976 crore. It expects advances growth to be healthy driven by retail book, but deposits growth could be muted Q-o-Q. Margins, too, are expected to witness marginal compression. While fresh slippages will likely remain in control and asset quality improvement could continue, key monitorables, the brokerage said, would be asset quality outlook and loan book traction. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi held more than 12 hours of meetings in Bangkok, the White House said Monday. "Over the weekend, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held more than 12 hours of meetings in Bangkok with his counterpart from the People's Republic of China, Director Wang Yi," John Kirby, NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House told reporters at a news conference here. "Sullivan and Director Wang took stock of progress on key issues following the meeting between President (Joe) Biden and (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping) back in November. Now, that includes discussing efforts to resume military-to-military communication, which has occurred; addressing artificial intelligence safety and risks; and advancing bilateral counter-narcotics cooperation," Kirby said. In fact, the launch of a working group on counter-narcotics will begin Tuesday in Beijing. The US delegation will be led by Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Jen Daskal. "The two sides also held constructive discussions on global and regional issues, including those related to Russia's war against Ukraine; the Middle East, of course; the DPRK; the South China Sea; and Burma. And they also discussed cross-Strait issues," Kirby said. At a separate news conference with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed that the United States and other allies engage with China in dialogue on issues of mutual concern, like climate change and arms control. "But at the same time, we have to take seriously the consequences for our security, the significant military buildup which China now is undertaking, and also the fact that the war in Ukraine is bringing China and Russia closer, with the substantial support that China provides to Russia in different ways and the promise of a limitless partnership in the midst of this brutal war of aggression against Ukraine," he said. "Of course, the size of the Chinese economy, the significant military buildup, all of that is a challenge for all NATO allies, also for the United States. The United States is by far the biggest ally, but it is a great advantage even for the United States to have so many friends and allies as you have in NATO. No other major power -- Russia and China has nothing similar," Stoltenberg said. "The US represents 25 per cent of the world's GDP. But together with NATO allies, we represent 50 per cent of the world's GDP and 50 per cent of the world's military might. So, there's no reason why the US should deal with China alone. Together, we are so much stronger. It demonstrates that NATO is a good deal for the United States," he said in response to a question. "It's good for all European allies, but also for the United States. So, therefore, one of the messages from the summit next summer I expect will be that we need to stand together in a more dangerous world. NATO is more needed than ever because we live in a more unpredictable and dangerous world," he said. The US government on Monday pulled back part of the sanctions relief it granted Venezuela last year, following through on its threat after the South American country's highest court blocked the presidential candidacy of an opposition leader. The Department of the Treasury gave companies transacting with Venezuela's state-owned mining company until February 13 to wind down operations. The department had allowed transactions with the mining company in October after the government of President Nicols Maduro reached an agreement with the US-backed opposition faction to work toward levelling the playing field ahead of the presidential election. On Friday, however, the prospect of a free presidential election was dealt a heavy blow when the country's highest court upheld a ban on the candidacy of Mara Corina Machado, a longtime government foe and winner of the primary held by the opposition. Machado, a former lawmaker, won the opposition's independently run presidential primary with more than 90 per cent of the votes. Her victory came despite the government announcing a 15-year ban on her running for office just days after she formally entered the race in June. The Japan Prize Foundation announced the winners of the 2024 Japan prize at 1PM, 23 January, 2024. Prof. Sir Brian J. Hoskins (UK) and Prof. John Michael Wallace (USA) are co-winners of the Japan Prize in the fields of Resources, Energy, the Environment, and Social Infrastructure, and Prof. Ronald M. Evans (USA) has been awarded the Japan Prize in the fields of Medical Science and Pharmaceutical Science. For this years Japan Prize, Prof. Hoskins and Prof. Wallace are being recognized for their distinguished contributions to Establishment of a scientific foundation for understanding and predicting extreme weather events, and Prof. Evans is being recognized for his Discovery of the nuclear hormone receptor family and its application to drug development. For the 2024 Japan Prize, the Foundation asked approximately 15,500 prominent scientists and engineers from around the world to nominate researchers working in this years fields. We received 130 nominations for the fields of Resources, Energy, Environment, and Social Infrastructure, and 198 nominations for the fields of Medical Science and Pharmaceutical Science. This years winners were selected from that total of 328 candidates. The award ceremony will take place in Tokyo on April 16th. About the Japan Prize The establishment of the Japan Prize in 1981 was motivated by the Japanese government's desire to create an internationally recognized award that would contribute to scientific and technological development around the world. With the support of numerous donations, the Japan Prize Foundation received endorsement from the Cabinet Office in 1983. The Japan Prize is awarded to scientists and engineers from around the world, who have made creative and dramatic achievements that help progress their fields and contribute significantly to realizing peace and prosperity for all humanity. Researchers in all fields of science and technology are eligible for the award, with two fields selected each year in consideration of current trends in scientific and technological development. In principle, one individual in each field is recognized with the award, and receives a certificate, a medal, and a monetary prize. Each Award Ceremony is attended by the current Emperor and Empress, heads of the three branches of government and other related officials, and representatives from various other elements of society. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240129531251/en/ Premier Cement Mills' profit balloons in 2QFY23-24 30 January 2024 Premier Cement Mills PLC, the second-largest cement maker in Bangladesh, uploaded its financial results on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSX) on 28 January. The company witnessed a surge in profit by nearly 30-fold in the October-December 2023 quarter on the back of higher sales. It earned a profit of BDT220m (US$1.99m) in the second quarter, which was BDT7.5m in the similar three-month period of 2022-23, a YoY increase of 2833 per cent. Managing director of Premier Cement, Mohammed Amirul Haque, told the media that it could ensure an uninterrupted supply to the corporate sector and dealers in line with the increase in the production capacity last year. He added that the manufacturing capacity increased to 27,040tpd from 9500tpd, helping the company reduce the average production cost and profit. Profit in 1HFY23-24 The profit stood at BDT277.3m in July-December 2023 against a loss of BDT258.4 m in the first half of FY22-23. The revenue rose to BDT1.289bn from BDT8.760bn during this period. Published under Heidelberg Materials ends clinker production at Hanover 30 January 2024 Heidelberg Materials has announced that it is shutting down clinker production at its Hanover cement plant in the second half of 2024. Going forward, the company will instead focus its activities in Hanover on the end-product cement and will continue to operate the site as a grinding facility. The adjustment comes after a substantial decline in cement sales following weak construction demand in Germany due to the current economic environment, as well as a stronger alignment of the companys cement portfolio towards low-carbon products, leading to the production of cement with reduced clinker content. As a result of the adjustment, the capacity utilisation of the companys neighbouring Westphalian cement plants which will be supplying cement clinker to Hanover in the future will be strengthened. Meanwhile, the LEILAC 2 (Low Emissions Intensity Lime And Cement) research project, located at Hanover, subsidised by the EU and planned for implementation by the end of 2025, will now be carried out at another Heidelberg Materials site. The demonstration facility in question aims to show that with the patented LEILAC technology, the CO 2 released during cement production can be captured in a highly pure form via a separate waste gas stream and used in other processes. Published under Chinese embassy in Nauru holds reopening ceremony Xinhua) 08:04, January 30, 2024 Luo Zhaohui (2nd R), head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, who participates in the reopening ceremony of the Chinese embassy in Nauru as a representative of the Chinese government, and Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea (2nd L), unveil a plaque of the Chinese embassy during the ceremony held in a hotel in Nauru, Jan. 29, 2024. The reopening ceremony of the Chinese embassy in Nauru was held on Monday evening in a hotel in the southeastern part of the Pacific island country. (Photo by Chen Guolong/Xinhua) YAREN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The reopening ceremony of the Chinese embassy in Nauru was held on Monday evening in a hotel in the southeastern part of the Pacific island country. A plaque of the Chinese embassy was unveiled by Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea and Luo Zhaohui, head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, who participated in the event as a representative of the Chinese government. Aingimea said in his speech at the ceremony that developing relations with China is very welcome in Nauru. "Nauru looks forward to what we can do together," he said. Wang Xuguang, head of the team responsible for re-establishing the Chinese embassy in Nauru, said in his speech that the recognition of the one-China principle is the political foundation for the restoration and development of the two countries' bilateral relations. "From this new beginning, the two countries will continue to enhance political mutual trust, support each other in independently pursuing a development path suited to their national conditions, accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, support and cooperate closely with each other in international and regional affairs, and push bilateral relations to a new height," Wang said. The event was also attended by Marcus Stephen, speaker of the Nauru parliament, and other members of Nauru's government and parliament, as well as representatives of a Chinese company and the local Chinese community. A Chinese national flag-raising ceremony was held on Monday morning in Nauru by the Chinese diplomatic team, marking the first time in nearly 19 years that the five-star red flag has been raised in the island country. China and Nauru signed a joint communique in Beijing on Jan. 24 on the resumption of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea speaks during the reopening ceremony of the Chinese embassy in Nauru held in a hotel in Nauru, Jan. 29, 2024. The reopening ceremony of the Chinese embassy in Nauru was held on Monday evening in a hotel in the southeastern part of the Pacific island country. (Photo by Chen Guolong/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The enthusiastic endorsement for the future Amtrak express from Nashville to Atlanta with an intermediate stop in Choo Choo City with anticipated luxurious waiting facilities at the site formerly known as Chickamauga Station near our international airport continues to be newsworthy. (It is unfortunate that one of our prominent local politicians has candidly stated that it wont be in service during their lifetime!) Nevertheless, the words of advice promulgated by Lewis Grizzard (LG) are eternal and those expressed in his first full length national bestseller, Kathy Sue Loudermilk, I Love You (1979- Peachtree Publishers) should be considered when the train finally arrives at the station. After conducting diligent research while riding trains in the Big Apple (NYC) LG published certain rules of the rail that may apply to persons waiting at the terminal to board the futuristic train to avoid the I-24 to I-75 traffic snarl still under construction. (With a life expectancy survival rate for a white male born in 1967 being 19.7 years, there is an outside chance that one or both of the train or freeway expansion will be completed.) LG suggests the following rules that Gig City boarders should remember in the future: 1. If somebody decides to choke his lover on a commuter train, don't interfere unless you want your head bashed in; 2. No matter how crowded a car looks, it will always hold one more; 3. Let sleeping drunks lie. Unless one happens to be driving your train. In that case, launch an immediate search of the cars for a priest; 4. In case of an emergency, like having to walk out of a tunnel, avoid the third rail. Ignore this rule and that sizzling sound is you, Bacon Face; 5. Discourage pickpockets and thieves. Swallow your wallet before entering the train; 6. If several young men in black leather jackets appear and ask for your wallet, do not tell them you swallowed it. Notice the fellow passenger who did is now minus one wallet and bleeding to death; 7. Never shove a friend off a platform in front of a speeding commuter train as a practical joke. Unless he gave you a hot foot when you were packed in like sardines during rush hour the day before. Then it's OK. You owe him one; 8. If you are now frightened about riding Atlanta's new commuter trains after reading all of the above, don't be. Remember, none of that could ever happen in our city. 9. Be sure to get out of the way of any disembarking immigrants from NYC, LA, Chicago, or San Francisco who bring their creative ways to upgrade the image of the Scenic City. (#9 was submitted by a disgruntled resident at the plush gated community on the pristine Tennessee River who was aggrieved that it took her two hours to travel east on Market Street past the Walnut Street Bridge to make it to River Street to the pickle ball courts.) * * * You can reach Jerry Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: AGUILAR CABRERA, ASTOLFO 807 STOCECREST CIRCLE CHATTANOOGA, 37421 Age at Arrest: 33 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE ARNOLD, DEBORAH LYNN 15760 MAY ROAD SALE CREEK, 37373 Age at Arrest: 62 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL. OR MANUFACTURING) TAMPERING WITH OR FABRICATING EVIDENCE ATCHLEY, GEORGE FRANKLIN 727 E 11TH ST Chattanooga, 374033104 Age at Arrest: 63 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD DISORDERLY CONDUCT BAKER, LAKISHA RENEE 2005 HUFF PL CHATTANOOGA, 37404 Age at Arrest: 45 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA BOWMAN, ARLETTE NICOLE 1603 DALLAS LAKE RD HIXSON, 37343 Age at Arrest: 34 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff LEAVING SCENE ACCIDENT BRADLEY, FREDRICK LABRON 529 N HAWTHORNE ST APT A CHATTANOOGA, 37404 Age at Arrest: 33 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE CAMPBELL, DUSTIN ANDREW 225 ROLLING RIDGE DRIVE CHATTANOOGA, 37421 Age at Arrest: 37 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff HARASSMENT CHANDLER, BRIAN ERIC 176 EVERETT RD RINGGOLD, 30736 Age at Arrest: 50 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CULPEPPER, JAMES PLEASANT 1606 WILLIIAMS ST CHATTANOOGA, 37408 Age at Arrest: 26 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE) DAVENPORT, ANTRELL LAMAR 2308 BARBARA LN SODDY DAISY, 373793056 Age at Arrest: 33 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD DOMESTIC ASSAULT DODEZ, ALEXANDER LYNN 354 FOSTER DRIVE RINGGOLD, 30736 Age at Arrest: 42 years old Arresting Agency: East Ridge DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (2ND OFFENSE) HARASSMENT DURHAM, ALBERT EMANUEL 6316 WALDEN AVE CHATTANOOGA, 374212328 Age at Arrest: 35 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) GRAVITT, ROBERT MICHAEL 1835 BAY HILL DR HIXSON, 37343 Age at Arrest: 30 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff DOMESTIC ASSAULT VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF ESPECIALLY AGGRAVATED KIDNAPPING KING, SHARON 1717 FOUST ST CHATTANOOGA, 37404 Age at Arrest: 60 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA LEES, ANTHONY DEWAYNE 12156 DOLLY POND ROAD BIRCHWOOD, 37308 Age at Arrest: 36 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) MCCLAIN, CURTIS LAMONT 800 ROCKWAY DRIVE CLEVELAND, 37411 Age at Arrest: 42 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff VIOLATION OF PROBATION (ATTEMPT ARSON) VIOLATION OF PROBATION (THEFT OF PROPERTY MCGLAMERY, ZEKE EDWARD 410 DOGWOOD LN Chattanooga, 374054417 Age at Arrest: 54 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA MILLER, ASHLEY BROOK 337 BROOMSEDGE TRL APT 104 CHATTANOOGA, 374051121 Age at Arrest: 40 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA NEWTON, CHERYL LYNN 410 DOGWOOD LN CHATTANOOGA, 37405 Age at Arrest: 49 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA PERIAN, DAVID EARL 413 SLOAN GAP RD OCOEE, 37361 Age at Arrest: 44 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SEAT BELT LAW VIOLATION PRESLEY, MICHELLE LEE 215 COLEMAN ROAD SODDY DAISY, 37379 Age at Arrest: 53 years old Arresting Agency: Soddy Daisy POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL. OR MANUFACTURING) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA STOP SIGN VIOLATION FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SAUNDERS, SHAWN LOUIS RICHARD HOMELESS CHATTANOOGA, 37403 Age at Arrest: 39 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD PUBLIC INTOXICATION TAYLOR, CARLTON LEWIS 3935 JASMIN ST CHATTANOOGA, 37421 Age at Arrest: 48 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff VIOLATION OF PROBATION DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE TROTT, SHANNON LYNN 11 TERESA DRIVE ROSSVILLE, 30741 Age at Arrest: 39 years old Arresting Agency: East Ridge POSSESSION OF LEGEND DRUG POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES SCHEDULE IV TUMINSKI, MICHAEL PAUL 8425 PARADIGM PLACE OOLTEWAH, 37363 Age at Arrest: 47 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE WALTON, ANDRIEL SHANICE 1607 MULBERRY ST CHATTANOOGA, 37404 Age at Arrest: 32 years old Arresting Agency: East Ridge DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE WEST, KEVIN AUSTIN 1061 EASTVIEW CIR GEORGETOWN, 37336 Age at Arrest: 31 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY WILKINS, NICKEY ANTHONY 727 E 11TH ST CHATTANOOGA, 37403 Age at Arrest: 50 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD ASSAULT ON FIRST RESPONDER 911 VIOLATION (IMPROPER USE) VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF DISORDERLY CONDUCT YOCKMAN, ELIZABETH WILSON 166 HICKMEN FORSYTH, 31029 Age at Arrest: 35 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD DOMESTIC ASSAULT Here are the mug shots: AGUILAR CABRERA, ASTOLFO Age at Arrest: 33 Date of Birth: 04/28/1990 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE ARNOLD, DEBORAH LYNN Age at Arrest: 62 Date of Birth: 04/23/1957 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL. OR MANUFACTURING) TAMPERING WITH OR FABRICATING EVIDENCE ATCHLEY, GEORGE FRANKLIN Age at Arrest: 63 Date of Birth: 06/25/1960 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): DISORDERLY CONDUCT BAKER, LAKISHA RENEE Age at Arrest: 45 Date of Birth: 06/13/1978 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA BOWMAN, ARLETTE NICOLE Age at Arrest: 34 Date of Birth: 06/04/1989 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): LEAVING SCENE ACCIDENT BRADLEY, FREDRICK LABRON Age at Arrest: 33 Date of Birth: 08/17/1990 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE CAMPBELL, DUSTIN ANDREW Age at Arrest: 37 Date of Birth: 11/19/1986 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): HARASSMENT CARTER, DALLAS RYAN Age at Arrest: 35 Date of Birth: 05/04/1988 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): THEFT OF PROPERTY OVER 5000 CHANDLER, BRIAN ERIC Age at Arrest: 50 Date of Birth: 05/17/1973 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CULPEPPER, JAMES PLEASANT Age at Arrest: 26 Date of Birth: 04/09/1997 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE) DAVENPORT, ANTRELL LAMAR Age at Arrest: 33 Date of Birth: 04/26/1990 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT DODEZ, ALEXANDER LYNN Age at Arrest: 42 Date of Birth: 07/25/1981 Arresting Agency: East Ridge Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (2ND OFFENSE) HARASSMENT DURHAM, ALBERT EMANUEL Age at Arrest: 35 Date of Birth: 11/20/1988 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) GRAVITT, ROBERT MICHAEL Age at Arrest: 30 Date of Birth: 04/20/1993 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF ESPECIALLY AGGRAVATED KIDNAPPING KING, SHARON Age at Arrest: 60 Date of Birth: 07/10/1963 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA LEES, ANTHONY DEWAYNE Age at Arrest: 36 Date of Birth: 02/09/1987 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) MCCLAIN, CURTIS LAMONT Age at Arrest: 42 Date of Birth: 04/17/1981 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF PROBATION (ATTEMPT ARSON) VIOLATION OF PROBATION (THEFT OF PROPERTY MCGLAMERY, ZEKE EDWARD Age at Arrest: 54 Date of Birth: 09/22/1968 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA MILLER, ASHLEY BROOK Age at Arrest: 40 Date of Birth: 12/06/1982 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA NEWTON, CHERYL LYNN Age at Arrest: 49 Date of Birth: 12/09/1974 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA PERIAN, DAVID EARL Age at Arrest: 44 Date of Birth: 06/01/1979 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SEAT BELT LAW VIOLATION SAUNDERS, SHAWN LOUIS RICHARD Age at Arrest: 39 Date of Birth: 06/18/1984 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): PUBLIC INTOXICATION TAYLOR, CARLTON LEWIS Age at Arrest: 48 Date of Birth: 02/27/1975 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF PROBATION DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE TROTT, SHANNON LYNN Age at Arrest: 39 Date of Birth: 10/27/1984 Arresting Agency: East Ridge Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF LEGEND DRUG POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES SCHEDULE IV TUMINSKI, MICHAEL PAUL Age at Arrest: 47 Date of Birth: 06/10/1976 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE WALTON, ANDRIEL SHANICE Age at Arrest: 32 Date of Birth: 01/23/1992 Arresting Agency: East Ridge Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE WEST, KEVIN AUSTIN Age at Arrest: 31 Date of Birth: 02/02/1992 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY WILKINS, NICKEY ANTHONY Age at Arrest: 50 Date of Birth: 01/20/1974 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 01/29/2024 Charge(s): ASSAULT ON FIRST RESPONDER 911 VIOLATION (IMPROPER USE) VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF DISORDERLY CONDUCT As a proud Chattanooga native and alumnus of three Hamilton County public schools, I strongly support increasing student success in college-level courses. Among the most prestigious college-level courses for high-school students are those offered by the Advanced Placement program, which allows students to earn college credit based on their performance on end-of-course exams. Data provided by Hamilton County Schools through an Open Records Request shows that the number of AP classes students can access varies significantly across the county. Additionally, many students who enroll in AP classes do not pass the corresponding exam, meaning they dont demonstrate mastery of course content or earn college credit. Expanding the AP program in Hamilton County without giving students the academic foundation necessary to succeed in it would solve the problem of unequal access. Still, it would do little to address Hamilton Countys low exam passage rates. The number and type of AP courses available vary significantly between schools. Students often have access to other college-level courses, such as Dual Enrollment and State Dual Credit courses, but those offerings also vary between schools. For instance, the STEM School of Chattanooga offered 37 DE courses last year, while Brainerd offered nine. The disparities in course offerings can hurt students. Equally bright students at different schools will experience unequal preparation for college, even if each takes the most rigorous courses available. Moreover, a students school can strongly influence their chances of admission to top colleges since colleges often assess the rigor of a students high school curriculum in making admissions decisions. During the 2022-2023 school year, there were 2,151 individual AP course enrollments in Hamilton County Schools, and students collectively passed 794 14 exams. In other words, just over a third of AP enrollments produced a passing AP exam score. Unfortunately, researchers generally find that the effects of enrolling in an AP class without subsequently passing the exam are limited. The College Board maintains that participation in AP classes offers some benefits to those who fail a courses AP exam, but recent independent studies have found contradictory results. Furthermore, a 2010 AP research compendium concluded that whereas earning good grades in AP courses can improve a students chances of college admission, there is little additional benefit to those who dont pass the corresponding exam, saying AP appears to offer an advantage only to students who perform well on the AP exam. These findings mean that most AP enrollments in Hamilton County confer little benefit to the average participant beyond increased college admission chances. Policymakers might consider making AP classes more accessible to academically prepared students to address some of the inequalities in Hamilton County. Indeed, increasing the availability of AP classes benefits students with a strong academic background, which could help to address some of the inequities in Hamilton County. However, expanding AP courses without giving more students the foundation necessary to succeed in them does nothing to address the countys low AP exam passage rates. In addition, offering more AP classes or increasing the number of students enrolled in existing ones also comes with several risks. Increasing the number of AP classes in a school can divert the best educators away from low- or middle-achieving students. A school typically charges its most effective and experienced educators with teaching advanced classes (e.g., AP, DE, Honors, etc.), meaning those educators have less time to instruct middle- and low-achieving students. Accordingly, schools that expand AP offerings without enough quality educators could make learning more difficult for many students. Implementing a new AP class if only a few students are qualified or interested can increase the student-to-teacher ratio of non-AP classes, which can also hurt middle- and low-achieving students. To mitigate these risks, schools might consider leveraging the Tennessee AP Access for All program, which allows students to access most AP courses online. Schools could also increase access to Dual Enrollment courses, which are generally less rigorous but have consistently high passage rates in Hamilton County Schools, instead of AP courses. The district might also continue to improve the quality and effectiveness of pre-secondary schools so that students have the academic foundation necessary to succeed in AP classes and beyond. The Times Free Press suggested a similar approach in 2018, saying [s]tudents have to be prepared for higher level courses as juniors and seniors in the classes they are taking as freshmen and sophomores. Ample evidence suggests that preparation should begin even earlier. Early childhood education, for instance, has been proven to play a significant role in determining a students level of future academic achievement. Therefore, preparing students for advanced coursework involves effective teaching and intervention at all grade levels. Hamilton County Schools have expanded the AP program since the 2017-2018 school year, enrolling more students and offering more classes. Despite this growth, Hamilton Countys implementation of AP classes faces several challenges. Disparities in access to AP courses persist between schools, and most students who enroll in an AP class do not pass the corresponding exam and do not receive college credit. There are short-term strategies to help address these issues; however, the most effective way to increase student success in AP courses is to ensure students have the foundation necessary to excel in them. Gabriel Armstrong The Bessie Smith Cultural Center announces the schedule of events and activities in celebration of Black History Month this year in their aim to "honor the rich history, achievements and contributions of the African American community."Officials said, "Throughout the month of February, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center will host a diverse range of events, providing an opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to come together, learn and celebrate. The center is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes education, awareness and appreciation of Black history and culture."Event highlights:1.Local History Unearthed: The Steele Home Archaeological Project Date: Feb. 1 Time: 6 p.m. Location: Bessie Smith Cultural Center Description: Join the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and UT Knoxville as well as the Bessie Smith Cultural Center as they host an information session on the Steele Home for Needy Children Archaeological Project. Livestream Available at www.bessiesmithcc.org/bhm. Registration required (free) for in-person attendance.2. Screening: GOSPEL A sneak peek at the PBS Documentary series before the broadcast Premier followed by a community discussion. Date: Feb. 8 Time: 6 p.m. Location: Bessie Smith Cultural Center Description: In partnership with WTCI-PBS a sneak peek of GOSPEL, a documentary series from acclaimed scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr., GOSPEL explores Black spirituality in sermon and song. From the blues to hip-hop, African Americans have been the driving force of sonic innovation for over a century. While musical styles come and go, there is one sound that has been a constant source of strength, courage, and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir lofts on any given Sunday: gospel. The screening will be followed by a community discussion on the evolution of Gospel. Registration required (free) for in-person attendance.3. Bessie Smith Art Contest Exhibit Opening and Community Day Date: Feb. 10 Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: Bessie Smith Cultural Center Description: Join us for the exhibit opening of the Bessie Smith Art Contest entries. Area students created images depicting African American Culture in one of three artist styles: Kara Walker, Jean Michael Basquiet, and Jacob Lawrence. Their artwork will be exhibited at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center through the end of March. The museum will be open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with free admission.4. Minority Health & Health Equity Series Cardiovascular Disease Date: Feb. 15 Time: 6 p.m. Location: Bessie Smith Cultural Center Description: Join us for the Minority Health and Health Equity Series on Cardiovascular Disease an empowering panel discussion with local physicians. Discover the importance of understanding cardiovascular disease in minority communities. Gain insights, ask questions, and be part of a conversation that matters. Presenting Sponsor Erlanger Health System will be providing door prizes. Livestream Available at www.bessiesmithcc.org/bhm. Registration required (free) for in-person attendance.5. Folk Art & Music Night Featuring a performance and talk by Dom Flemons, The American Songster. A black folk-art exhibit from the Bessie Smith Cultural Center archives curated by UTC Student Koleby Gilbert will be on display. Date: Feb. 15 Time: 6 p.m. Location: Bessie Smith Cultural Center Description: As a resolute preservationist, storyteller, and instrumentalist, Dom Flemons has long set himself apart by finding forgotten folk songs and making them live again. His work has been recognized with a GRAMMY Award, Two-Time EMMY Nominee, and 2020 U.S. Artists Fellow. As a resolute preservationist, storyteller, and instrumentalist, Dom Flemons has long set himself apart by finding forgotten folk songs and making them live again. His work has been recognized with a GRAMMY Award, Two-Time EMMY Nominee, and 2020 U.S. Artists Fellow. Dom Flemons is originally from Phoenix, Arizona and currently lives in the Chicago area with his family. He has branded the moniker The American Songster since his repertoire of music covers over 100 years of early American popular music. Flemons is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, actor, slam poet, music scholar, historian, and record collector. He is considered an expert player on the banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, percussion, quills, fife and rhythm bones. Flemons is the host of the American Songster Radio show on Nashvilles WSM Radio. In 2022, he was awarded a degree as a Doctor of Humane Letters from his alma mater Northern Arizona University. The Folk Art exhibit curated by UTC intern Koleby Gilbert will feature rarely seen art pieces from the BSCC archive and information about the importance of Folk Art in Chattanoogas Black History. Livestream Available at www.bessiesmithcc.org/bhm. Registration required (free) for in-person attendance.6. Black Imprisonment: A Screening of 13th Documentary and Community Discussion Date: Feb. 29 Time: 6 p.m. Location: Bessie Smith Cultural Center Description: A documentary screening and community discussion will analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom. The film delves into the systemic injustices that have led to the disproportionate imprisonment of African Americans, exploring factors such as poverty, racism, and political policies. Registration required (free) for in-person attendance."Join us at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center throughout February as we commemorate Black History Month with a series of events that reflect the spirit of unity, diversity and resilience," officials said.For more information, visit www.bessiesmithcc.org/bhm or call 423-266-8658.Registration required for attendance to all Black History Month programs (Community Day/Art Show excluded). Additional information at www.bessiesmithcc.org/bhm. BASF process catalysts, a leading provider of innovative catalyst technology, announced a new collaboration with Envision Energy, a leading green technology provider of comprehensive net zero solutions. The collaboration aims to further develop the conversion of green hydrogen and CO 2 into e-Methanol through an advanced, dynamic process design. Backed by their respective expertise, the two companies aim to optimize the process of producing e-methanol from green hydrogen and CO 2 , paving the way for a more sustainable energy landscape. This collaboration will see BASF provide its cutting-edge SYNSPIRETM catalyst technology, which Envision Energy will integrate with its innovative energy management system. The two organisations plan to demonstrate the viability of the advanced process design next year, at Envision Energys Chifeng site in Inner Mongolia, China. The new catalyst developed by BASF represents a significant breakthrough in sustainable energy solutions. It enables the efficient conversion of green hydrogen and CO 2 into e-methanol. Methanol (or e-methanol when produced with renewable energy) is one of the most versatile and clean-burning fuels. E-methanol offers immense potential to replace fossil fuels and their derivatives gasoline and kerosene by providing an alternative source of energy for road, shipping and air transport, as well as other industries. Not only can e-methanol be used without a change in infrastructure, but its inherent stability also allows it to be stored at room temperature and ambient pressure, giving it an indefinite shelf life, thereby to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable energy ecosystem. Envision Energy will design a process package that maximizes the efficiency of the catalyst technology while fully enabling the dynamic conversion of green hydrogen and CO 2 into e-methanol, in sync with the onstream time of wind power. Envision Energy will leverage its pioneering AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) platforms to optimize the novel, dynamic mode of chemical plant operation. Detlef Ruff, Senior Vice President, process catalysts at BASF, said: BASF process catalysts looks forward to working with Envision Energy in our shared mission to drive sustainable energy solutions. By combining our innovative catalyst technology with Envision Energys deep expertise, we are confident we can unlock the full potential of green hydrogen and CO 2 conversion to e-methanol. Frank Yu, Vice President of Envision Energy added: Driving and delivering sustainable energy solutions can only be achieved through organizations coming together. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to bringing innovative advances to the sustainable energy value chain, to create sustainable energy solutions that are economically viable and environmentally friendly. For Envision Energy, it is all about optimizing our clients and partners environmental sustainability, as we work towards becoming the leading provider of green hydrogen and its derivatives. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Last fall, The New York Times Michael Barbaro, host of The Daily podcast, declared the overturn of Roe v. Wade had backfired. Barbaro and Times reporter Margot Sanger-Katz said abortion numbers had risen nationwide since the Supreme Courts 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Womens HealthOrganization decision, which turned over abortion policy to individual states. Though abortion rates had plummeted after Dobbs in states with restrictions, Sanger-Katz said, When you consider that there are all of these states that banned abortion totally, where abortions went to zero, what its really telling us is that the states where abortion stayed legal increased by so much that they were able to sort of counterweight that reduction. But pro-life activists are celebrating rising birthrates in 2023 and challenging the narrative that abortion restrictions dont work, or worsethat they actually increase abortions. The question of the effectiveness of abortion legislation is especially relevant as more states consider whether to restrict, ban, allow, or even promote abortion within their own borders. Since Dobbs, voters in Vermont, California, Michigan, and Ohio have enshrined a right to abortion in their state constitutions. In Kentucky, voters rejected a constitutional ban on abortion. This year, at least 13 other states will consider new abortion policies ranging from adding abortion rights in their state constitution to banning the practice altogether. Last October, the Guttmacher Institute, once the research arm of Planned Parenthood, estimated more than a million abortions would be committed in America in 2023. That would be roughly a 10 percent increase over 2020. The Society of Family Planning, a nonprofit whose mission is, in part, to ensure all people have access to evidence-informed and person-centered abortion, estimated there were 2,200 more abortions nationwide in the year post-Dobbs. Michael New, a senior associate scholar at the pro-life Charlotte Lozier Institute, which studies abortion trends, said the Society of Family Plannings estimatesreferenced in the Times reportingare unreliable because researchers used abortion numbers from only two months before Dobbs to estimate a monthly average, to which they compared the 12 months following Dobbs. He also questioned the validity of the Guttmacher Institutes data. While some pro-life activists are reticent to take any Guttmacher statistics seriously, New said their numbers tend to line up with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this case, however, he said their methodology allowed such a huge margin for error as to make the numbers statistically meaningless. Guttmachers estimates for Florida, for example, span a difference of nearly 10,000 abortions between their upper and lower estimates. Article continues below Other groups, including The Heritage Foundation and Secular Pro-Life, also questioned the validity of claims that the Dobbs decision caused abortions to increase, pointing out that the birthratethe number of babies born among women of childbearing agerose substantially in states that passed abortion restrictions. Secular Pro-Life executive director Monica Snyder argued that even if the Society of Family Plannings numbers were accurate, they indicate a far more modest increase than in recent yearsshowing Dobbs did impact behavior. If abortions were increasing 8 percent before Dobbs, and in the first 12 months after Dobbs they increased only 0.2 percent, Snyder wrote, referencing the uptick in abortion between 2017 and 2020, we already see suggestions of a massive impact from Dobbs. Trying to count or even estimate the abortion rate is inherently tricky. Most states require clinics to report annual abortion numbers, but many are years behind in submitting their data. Abortions will become even harder to track as the abortion-pill regimen, which now accounts for more than half the abortions committed nationwide, is widely available by mail. Despite the confident framing of the numbers in the Times and elsewhere (The Atlantic said the data demonstrated Dobbss Confounding Effect on Abortion Rates), New agrees with the Guttmacher Institute that the available data do not yet support a clearcut narrative on national abortion trends. (In the National Review, he has countered claims that Dobbs didnt reduce abortions as well as new estimates of pregnancies conceived in rape in states with pro-life laws.) Pro-life advocates dont think we know for sure how many abortions happened across the country last year but argue the evidence in the states that have restricted abortion shows legislation does work. Birthrates rose 2.3 percent across states that banned abortion after Dobbs. By looking at birthrates beginning seven to eight months after the passage of abortion restrictions compared with prior years, or comparing states with new abortion restrictions to rates in states with more permissive abortion laws, both pro-life and pro-abortion groups acknowledge that pro-life laws have had a major impact. Article continues below Analysis of preliminary data from the CDC shows that birthrates rose in 2023 by an average of 2.3 percent across states that banned abortion after Dobbs (and 2.7 percent including Texas, whose ban went into effect in 2021). For example, at least two different studies found an average of 1,000 additional births per month in Texas, beginning seven months after the states heartbeat law, which banned abortions after roughly five weeks of pregnancy, went into effect in 2021. Researchers found the bump in birthrates in states with total abortion bans represented approximately 32,000 additional annual births resulting from abortion bans. Debi Wehmeier is the founder and executive director of Heart of Texas Pregnancy Resource Center, a Christian ministry with a location in Austin and another in Dripping Springs, a nearby rural town. Two hundred women visit Heart of Texas every month, Wehmeier said. She hasnt noticed an increase since the heartbeat law took effect, but she has noticed a shift in demeanor among the women who come in. Before Texas outlawed abortion, they were more like, Im pregnant and I dont know what to do, so Ill get an abortion, she said. Now its more like, Im pregnant and I dont know what to do because I cant have an abortion. Wehmeier, who opened Heart of Texas 11 years ago, said its mission to serve women in crisis pregnancies hasnt changed, and she still firmly believes abortion harms women as well as their babies. Shes hoping to open another location in nearby Hays County, Texas, which has a high rate of teen pregnancy. Wehmeier celebrated the passage of Texas heartbeat law and said her team has grown even more sensitive to women grappling with the shifting culture in Texas after it took effect. Our hearts go out to them, she said. Its such a paradigm shift, for a woman who is sexually active to become pregnant. Before, when they came in, abortion was an option. Now its really not. We have sympathy for them. Theyre scared. Texas women seeking an abortion could travel to next-door New Mexico to legally obtain one, but that would be at least a 600-mile trip for women from Austin. Article continues below The CDC data also found that the 2023 birthrate increases were highest in Texas and Mississippi, where the distance to nearby states that allow abortion is the greatest. New said his data confirmed that geographical (and therefore economic) barriers do, in fact, protect women and babies from abortion. I have county and local birth data from Texas, and we saw the biggest birthrate increases in those Texas counties that were farthest away from out-of-state abortion facilities, New said. Hes seen similar trends in Missouri, where a trigger law went into effect immediately after the Dobbs decision, effectively outlawing abortion there. Abortion facilities are strategic; there are a couple in Illinois that are very close to the Missouri border. I think they do try to promote abortion to women in Missouri, he said. The abortion landscape in Michigan is a sort of mirror reflection of the situation in Texas. In 2022, Michigan voters passed a constitutional amendment allowing abortion at virtually all stages of pregnancy. Jim Sprague, CEO of Pregnancy Resource Center Grand Rapids, said hes seen fewer women choose life since the amendment passed. In 2022, we saw 285 women make a life decision, Sprague said. Thats among the roughly 1,500 women facing crisis pregnancies that come into his center every year. In 2023 our number currently stands at 202, but were continuing to see relatively the same number of women, he said. PRC Grand Rapids also serves women not immediately at risk for abortion. Sprague said last year his team ministered to an additional 3,700 women in need of diapers, formula, car seats, baby clothes, parenting classes, or other family resources. In churches and schools throughout Michigan, the center also offers a sex-ed curriculum that encourages abstinence. Like Debi Wehmeier in Texas, Sprague said hes noticed the new legal landscape has shifted the way women in his state think about abortion. Weve seen an increase in the number of what I would call challenging caseswomen who are set on abortion and wont change their minds, Sprague said. Part of whats happening is this attitude that abortion is this free-for-all in Michigan. Michigans Prop 3 took effect in late 2022, and Sprague expects data will show an increase in abortions for 2023. After that, he expects the state will stop tracking them. Prop 3 didnt automatically undo the states abortion restrictions, including the mandatory reporting requirements, but state lawmakers are steadily working to undo them. Article continues below I know whats going to happen in 2024, because were no longer going to be required to report abortions, Sprague said. The abortion rate will probably fall right off. As more states cover abortions through state-funded insurance, such as Medicaid, funding can be a factor in increasing abortion rates. Last year, abortions went up the most in California, which voted to cover abortions under Medicaid in 2022; Illinois, which voted to cover abortions under Medicaid in 2017 and borders Missouri, where abortion was essentially banned right after the Dobbs decision; and New York, where abortion has been covered by Medicaid for a long time, but Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill in 2023 mandating that all insurance plans in the state must cover abortions. Nationally, the abortion rate has been rising since 2017, though it is nowhere near as high as its post-Roe peak from 1980 to 1990. There is evidence that when abortion is legal, or is made legal, that does tend to change sexual behavior, New said. The numbers seem to demonstrate something Paul taught the Galatians: that the law is a guardian or teacher (Gal. 3:24). After the Dobbs decision, pro-life professor and author Carl Trueman wrote: One argument that has surfaced recently, even in pro-life Christian circles, is that the fall of Roe is not a cause for rejoicing because the problem of abortion can only be solved by changing heartsnot by changing laws. This reasoning fails to acknowledge that laws do not stand in isolation from a societys moral imagination but are actually constituent parts of its transformation. There is little doubt that Brown v. Board of Education helped to shift American thinking on segregation, as Obergefell v. Hodges has with thinking on gay marriage. We should pray that Dobbs does the same on abortion. Advocates within the pro-life movement dont always agree on strategy. Abortion abolitionists believe any policy short of an outright ban on all abortions with no exceptions would be tantamount to defeat. Others have a pro-life scope that includes sex education, embryo adoption, and crisis care for moms and babies. But most in the movement would agree that preventing abortions is a central goal. For them, the drop in abortion and uptick in birthrates in states with bans is renewing confidence that pro-life laws save lives. Home News Catholic group rails against 'sexualized and effeminate' depiction of Jesus in Spain Institute of Social Policy blast artwork as an 'abomination' A Catholic group in Spain expressed outrage regarding a "sexualized and effeminate" depiction of Jesus Christ that is being used to promote Easter week in Seville. The artwork, which was designed by Seville artist Salustiano Garcia, shows a thin, semi-nude Jesus in front of a red background with His grave linens suggestively placed over his genitals after His resurrection. Spanish celebrations of Holy Week feature prominently in the historically Catholic country, especially in Seville. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe According to the Council of Brotherhoods and Guilds, which organizes Holy Week events in the city, the depiction shows "the radiant side of Holy Week" in the "purest style of this prestigious painter," according to The Daily Mail. The Institute of Social Policy (IPSE), a conservative Catholic group, disagreed, denouncing the painting as a "sexualized" and "effeminate" portrayal of Jesus, according to a post by the group on X. Este cartel es una verdadera aberracion. ? Un Cristo sexualizado y amanerado Desde el Instituto de Politica Social (IPSE), consideramos una ofensa grave este cartel que descontextualiza completamente el verdadero significado de la #SemanaSanta. Exigimos su retirada isofacta pic.twitter.com/6amhDQX3E5 Instituto de Politica Social (@IPS_Esp) January 27, 2024 "We consider this poster a serious offense that completely decontextualizes the true meaning of [Holy Week]," the group wrote. "We demand its [immediate] removal." The group also described the painting using the Spanish word "aberracion," a strong word that can be translated into English as "outrage" or "abomination." Other conservatives in Spain railed against the portrayal, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP). Javier Navarro, a member of Spain's conservative Vox Party, claimed in an X post that the portrayal "sought to provoke" and failed in its purported aim of "encouraging the faithful to participate in Holy Week in Seville," according to AFP. Garcia defended his artwork to Spanish newspaper ABC as a "gentle, elegant and beautiful" depiction of Christ that was based on his own son and fashioned with "great respect." "To see sexuality in my image of Christ, you must be mad," he said, suggesting that there was nothing in that piece that couldn't be found in other artistic depictions of Jesus going back centuries. Juan Espadas, a politician with the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, also defended the artwork, claiming it exhibited a combination of "tradition and modernity," according to AFP. Controversy similarly erupted last year over an artistic display by Swedish artist Elisabeth Ohlson in the European Parliament that showed Jesus delivering the Sermon on the Mount while accompanied by homosexual men dressed in leather attire associated with BDSM fetishism. MEPs from Italy, Spain and Poland denounced the artwork, which was displayed in a restricted area of the E.U. Parliament building, as disrespectful and blasphemous. Italian MEP Maria told The Times (U.K.) that it "represents Jesus surrounded by apostles dressed as sadomasochistic slaves." Jorge Buxade, also a member of Spains Vox party, accused the European Parliament at the time of giving a platform for the LGTBIQ+ lobby with the complicity of leftist parties. Home News Influential group of black churches push for cease-fire in Gaza as Pelosi calls it Putins message An influential group of more than 1,000 black pastors with thousands of congregants are calling on President Joe Biden and his administration to push for a cease-fire in Gaza as the war between Israel and Hamas deepens, but former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the call for a ceasefire is the message of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Black faith leaders are extremely disappointed in the Biden administration on this issue, the Rev. Timothy McDonald, senior pastor of First Iconium Baptist Church in Atlanta, which has more than 1,500 members, told the New York Times. We are afraid, said McDonald who was one of the first pastors of more than 200 black clergy in Georgia to sign an open letter calling for a cease-fire. And weve talked about it its going to be very hard to persuade our people to go back to the polls and vote for Biden. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The call for a cease-fire in Gaza isnt new and has been a constant refrain from groups such as the Black Church Pac which began calling for a cease-fire almost as soon as the war began. Megachurch pastor, the Rev. Jamal Bryant, who leads the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, who is one of the founding members of the Black Church Pac, told the NY Times that he believes the war in Gaza could threaten Bidens chances for re-election in November. I think Biden threatens his own success, he told the publication, noting that Democrats seem to be almost on cruise control and feel like: Oh, the black people will come around. Theyll be forgiving, and theyll go along with us. The pastors, who are also calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas, as well as an end to what they describe as Israel's "occupation of the West Bank," according to the Times, said that unlike other wars, the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza has resonated with black Americans. We see them as a part of us, Rev. Cynthia Hale, founder and senior pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, explained. They are oppressed people. We are oppressed people. Black clergy have seen war, militarism, poverty and racism all connected, Barbara Williams-Skinner, co-convener of the National African American Clergy Network, whose members lead some 15 million black churchgoers added. The Israel-Gaza war, unlike Iran and Afghanistan, has evoked the kind of deep-seated angst among black people that I have not seen since the civil rights movement. A survey conducted Oct. 20-25 by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in the wake of the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, found that 43% of black Americans supported some form of cease-fire in Gaza, while 24% believe the U.S. should not get involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The survey of 1,600 adults which included 800 black Americans and 800 white Americans had a margin of error of +/- 3.6% for the black sample of respondents and +/- 3.51% for the white sample of respondents. While the feelings of black Americans toward Biden remained largely unchanged, in general, as a result of the war, the study found independent, and young voters felt slightly worse about the president. Though nearly half of black Americans said they did not feel connected to the plight of Israelis or Palestinians, more of them said they felt connected to Israelis, the report said. Yvette Carnell, president and co-founder of The American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS) Advocacy Foundation, questioned the framing of the narrative presented by the black church leaders in the NY Times piece and whether or not their claim is truly representative of the hundreds of thousands of congregants that make up their churches. Support what you want, but I tire of this framing, Carnell began in a statement on X, in response to the groups call on Biden. There are African leaders/dictators who oppress African people. Russia is bombing Ukraine. Bosnia, Herzegovina etc. Oppression is not a lens through which we find sameness. There are oppressed people everywhere. Are the Jews the same as #ADOS bc of the Holocaust? Werent Palestinians just recently calling a dead Black Israeli soldier the N word? Carnell asked. And is this where black pastors take a stand? Plant their flag? I was at the Baptist Convention last week, and although I heard Dr. Cornel West speak on Palestine, I didnt hear it anywhere else. Are these black pastors representing their constituents? The needs of their constituents? When asked by CNN political commentator Dana Bash on "State of the Union" Sunday if she was concerned young people, progressives and Arab Americans might stay home instead of voting this year due to anger over Bidens support for Israel in the war against Hamas, former House speaker, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the call for a ceasefire is Russian President Vladimir Putins message. "For them to call for a ceasefire is Mr. Putin's message," she said. "Make no mistake, this is directly connected to what he would like to see. Same thing with Ukraine. It's about Putin's message. I think some of these protesters are spontaneous and organic and sincere. Some, I think, are connected to Russia. And I say that having looked at this for a long time now, as you know." Pelosi further noted that while she doesnt think people protesting the war in Gaza are Russian plants she does believe some organizations protesting Bidens position on the war could be influenced by Russian money. I think some financing should be investigated, she said. And I want to ask the FBI to investigate that. Home News Islamic State claims attack against Catholic Church in Istanbul that killed disabled Muslim man 'We are worried about the future,' apostolic vicar of Istanbul says The Islamic State claimed a Sunday terrorist attack against a Roman Catholic church in Istanbul, Turkey, that killed a mentally disabled Muslim man. The terrorist organization admitted through its media arm to attacking "a gathering of Christian unbelievers during their polytheistic ceremony" at the Santa Maria Church in Istanbul's Buyukdere neighborhood, according to The Associated Press. Footage obtained by Reuters shows the moment masked gunmen opened fire during the church's Sunday Mass. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Two masked gunmen shot one person dead during Sunday service at a church in Istanbul, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said https://t.co/FLIXYiCV5fpic.twitter.com/gLJyPZBRkK Reuters (@Reuters) January 28, 2024 Police arrested two men early on Monday, one of whom is Russian and the other from Tajikistan, according to Turkey's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. The arrests followed police raids at more than 30 locations, during which 51 suspects were detained, AP reported. "Both of the suspects are foreign nationals," Yerlikaya said. "One of them is from Tajikistan and the other is Russian, and we evaluated them to be with the Islamic State." Yerlikaya also said Sunday in a post on X that he and the Turkish government "strongly condemn this vile attack." Tuncer Cihan, 52, who was shot and killed during the attack, was "a person who had done nothing wrong," according to the church's lawyer, Avsin Hatipoglu, who spoke to the AP. He said the church is reportedly requesting increased security in the vicinity. The lawyer added that Cihan was not even a Christian but Alevi, a sect of Shia Islam. Cihan's nephew identified him and noted that he was mentally disabled, according to The New York Post. Yerlikaya also confirmed the identity of the victim. Sukru Genc, the mayor of Sariyer District, told a local news outlet that Cihan was standing near the entrance to the church when the attack took place, according to CNN. "According to the priest, he was constantly going to church, and the priest knew this person and referred to him as 'a good person,'" Genc said. "Such provocations will never be allowed in our country," Akif Cagatay Kilic, one of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's top political advisers, wrote in a statement posted to X on Sunday. "The perpetrators will be caught as soon as possible and held accountable before justice." Bishop Massimiliano Palinuro, who serves as the apostolic vicar of Istanbul, told EWTN News that Cihan was murdered "during the consecration while all the congregation was praying." "We are worried about the future because if this is a sign of the religious intolerance, for our community, it could be a bad sign. Let us pray," Palinuro said. In response to news of the arrests, Palinuro said, "We trust in the justice of God." The Turkish bishops' conference condemned the attack in a Sunday statement, urging people to pray and to avoid "[spreading] the culture of hatred and religious discrimination," according to Catholic News Agency. "We firmly condemn this act of violence against humanity," the statement said, which was signed by Archbishop Martin Kmetec of Izmir. "We trust that the Turkish state security forces will find those responsible and that justice will be done," he said. "We firmly demand that the truth be revealed and that greater security be guaranteed to our communities and churches." Pope Francis wrote on X: "I express my closeness to the community of the Church of St. Mary Draperis in Istanbul, which suffered an armed attack during Mass that killed one person and injured several others." I express my closeness to the community of the Church of St. Mary Draperis in Istanbul, which suffered an armed attack during Mass that killed one person and injured several others. Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 28, 2024 Approximately 25,000 Roman Catholics live in Turkey as of 2022, according to the U.S. State Department. Yerlikaya claimed Turkey has detained 2,086 people with suspected ties to the Islamic State and arrested 529 since last June, according to Reuters. Twenty-five people suspected of having ties to the Islamic State were arrested in Turkey on Jan. 3 amid allegations that they were planning to attack churches and synagogues, according to the Turkish news outlet Anadolu Agency. Home News Pope Francis says opponents of gay couples blessings are small ideological groups' and Africans Addressing the controversy surrounding the Vatican's decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples, Pope Francis said the critics of the guidance, except for Africans, belong to "small ideological groups." The pontiff claimed that even in Africa, the resistance is more cultural, as homosexuality is generally not tolerated, Reuters quoted him as saying in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa. Francis was referring to the December 2023 document "Fiducia Supplicans" issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, which has sparked widespread debate within the Catholic Church. The guidance stated that priests may bless same-sex couples that approach them for blessings but distinguishes between liturgical blessings and pastoral blessings, which do not give approval to same-sex relationships. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "Those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups," Francis was quoted as saying. "A special case are Africans: for them homosexuality is something 'bad' from a cultural point of view, they don't tolerate it." "But in general, I trust that gradually everyone will be reassured by the spirit of the 'Fiducia Supplicans' declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: it aims to include, not divide," the pope said. He acknowledged the strong resistance from African bishops as there are harsh legal penalties for same-sex relationships in some African countries. The pope stressed the importance of context and sensitivity when blessing same-sex couples. Pope Francis remains undeterred despite opposition from some theological conservatives. He advised focusing on moving forward rather than dwelling on talks of schism, which he believes are led by small groups. "We must leave them to it and move on ... and look forward," he said. In his remarks at the plenary session of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith last Friday, Pope Francis clarified that the Church's teachings on homosexual practices and same-sex relationships remain unchanged. The "Fiducia Supplicans" declaration, while allowing blessings for same-sex couples, does not equate these blessings with marriage, nor does it validate relationships deemed irregular by the Church. The Pope explained that these blessings are meant to demonstrate the Church's closeness to those in various situations without demanding moral perfection. He emphasized that the blessings are for the individuals, not the union, and should consider the local context and sensitivities. Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, author of the declaration, released a statement earlier this month to clarify the document's intent. He stated that the blessings, lasting no more than 15 seconds, are a pastoral response and do not justify anything morally unacceptable. The declaration has faced opposition from some bishops, like the leader of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana, Kazakhstan, who has prohibited these blessings in his diocese. The Vatican's guidance is part of a series of responses to questions from bishops worldwide. It includes clarifications on issues like the eligibility of single mothers who have confessed their sins to receive the eucharist. Home News Alistair Begg: 'I'm not ready to repent over' same-sex wedding advice 'The fact of the matter is, I'm not ready to repent over this. I don't have to,' pastor says Pastor and Christian radio personality Alistair Begg says hes not ready to repent over remarks he made in a podcast last year in which he recalled advice he gave to a grandmother to attend her grandsons same-sex wedding. The controversy stems from recently resurfaced comments Begg, 71, made in a podcast for "Truth For Life" in September, in which he discussed his new book, The Christian Manifesto. Begg serves as senior pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio, along with his radio ministry "Truth For Life," carried by nearly 1,800 radio stations nationwide. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe As part of the podcast, Begg touched on a specific question he said a grandmother asked him about her grandson, whom she said was "about to be married to a transgender person," and whether she should attend the wedding. Despite the podcast being nearly three months old, Beggs advice resurfaced on social media, leading to a controversy that ultimately led to American Family Radio (AFR), the radio ministry of the American Family Association, making the decision to "no longer air" "Truth For Life" after more than a decade. After initially declining to comment, Begg addressed the issue in front of his congregation during his Sunday sermon at Parkside Church. In the message, taken from Luke 15, titled Compassion vs. Condemnation, Begg warned about our inclination toward Pharisaism that is alive and well within all our hearts. In that conversation with that grandmother, I was concerned about the well-being of their relationship more than anything else, he explained. Hence my counsel. Don't misunderstand that in any way at all. If I was on the receiving end of another question about another situation from another person at another time, I may answer absolutely differently, but in that case, I answered in that way, and I would not answer in any other way no matter what anybody says on the internet. Begg also pushed back against critics who called on the Scottish native to repent for his advice. If people want me to recant and to repent I repent daily because I say a lot of things that I shouldn't say, he said before cracking a joke about his wife, Susan. I mean, check with Sue. But the fact of the matter is, I'm not ready to repent over this. I don't have to. In his message, Begg compared the different approaches of Jesus and the Pharisees in how they dealt with the culture of first century Palestine. All the publicans and sinners who said, We got to go meet Jesus, and the Pharisees were grumbling, Can you believe this thing? He goes to the house of publicans and sinners, He meets with sinners, said Begg. He acknowledged some dissension over his comments, even among his own pastoral team, and conceded that on another occasion with a different person and a different context, the advice may be very different. But, added Begg, his advice for this particular situation was more about wrestling with biblical principle than dispensing with a piece of catch-all advice for every situation. You got a problem with the grandmother showing up, sitting on the front row in a context that she absolutely despises, and sitting on her lap nicely wrapped with beautiful paper and a bow around it is her gift the gift of a Bible for a granddaughter she knows has no interest in the Bible, he said. But because she believes that the entrance of God's word brings light, she is prepared to trust the Holy Spirit to do the work. Begg said in his experience such an act of Christian boldness can go one of two ways. What happens to homosexual people, in my experience, is that they are either reviled or they are affirmed, he said. The Christian has to say, We will not treat you in either of those ways. We cannot revile you, but we cannot affirm you. And the reason that we can't revile you is the same reason why we can't affirm you, because of the Bible, because of God's love, because of His grace, because of His goodness. Begg, who has been in pastoral ministry since 1975 and became senior pastor at Parkside in 1983, also pointed out how little attention his years of teaching on biblical marriage received compared with one podcast episode. Where were they when I was speaking at the Christian college on the West Coast, and I had a lesbian walk out, and they shut the whole thing down and walked out, and the campus went into chaos for a week? he asked. You know why? Because I was explaining Ephesians Chapter 5, and I made the most unbelievable mistake of saying the only place for sexual relationships is within a heterosexual, monogamous relationship between one man and one woman for life, amen, and at that, they stood up and walked out. Well, why didn't somebody catch that one? Home News Cecile Richards, former Planned Parenthood president, battling brain cancer Former Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards, who led the United States leading abortion provider for over a decade, is battling brain cancer, according to a recent report. New York Magazine published a feature on its website, The Cut, on Sunday, noting that Richards had received a diagnosis of glioblastoma, an incurable form of brain cancer, about six months ago. The cancer diagnosis for the 66-year-old came around the same time as the birth of her first grandson, with Richards telling NY Magazine that Teddy is getting hair And Im losing it. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The publication noted that Richards is a bit thinner and has had to learn how to write again, but that she remains remarkably cogent and continues to engage in pro-choice activism. This has included working on Charley, an online bot that Richards helped to create alongside former Planned Parenthood chief strategy officer Tom Subak, which provides resources to pregnant women seeking abortion. Ive been blessed to have always had work that I cared about, Richards told NY Magazine. I have been one of the really privileged few that could do what I thought needed doing. And so whatever comes next, I have that. The daughter of former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, Richards served as president of Planned Parenthood from 2006 to 2018, and is credited with expanding the organizations overall influence. During her time as president, Planned Parenthood became the subject of controversy when a series of undercover videos were released in 2015 showing employees and abortionists engaging in the illegal sale of aborted baby body parts, including hearts, lungs, liver, limbs and tissue. Released online by the pro-life group Center for Medical Progress, the videos prompted several investigations into Planned Parenthood at the state and federal level, with Richards denying any wrongdoing. In September 2015, before the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee, Richards testified that, contrary to the claims of herself, other pro-choice activists and politicians, Planned Parenthood clinics did not provide mammograms. "There aren't any Planned Parenthood clinics, I believe, to the best of my knowledge, not any have mammogram machines at their facilities," responded Richards. "We have different kinds of arrangements with, depending on the state, to refer women for mammograms." In past interviews, including a 2011 interview with Joy Behar, Richards had warned that if the federal government defunded Planned Parenthood, it would harm women's health, including mammogram access. "If this bill ever becomes law, millions of women in this country are going to lose their healthcare access. Not to abortion services, to basic family planning, mammograms, cancer screenings," said Richards at the time. In January 2018, Richards resigned from her role as president of Planned Parenthood. She was succeeded by Dr. Leana Wen, who was then ousted the following year due in part to her belief that the organization should focus more on medical services and less on abortion advocacy. Home News Christian mom fired over Facebook post questioning trans lessons at son's school takes case to Court of Appeal Granting permission for her legal challenge to move forward, Lady Justice Elisabeth Laing said "all the grounds of appeal are arguable with reasonable prospects of success." "Even if they were not, this appeal raises at least three important questions about the dismissal of an employee for the expression of her beliefs," she said. These questions include the "erroneous view that [Kristie Higgs'] views constituted unlawful discrimination," and "the extent to which an employer may lawfully dismiss an employee for expressing views which are based on her religious beliefs in a forum which is not in the workplace, is not controlled by the employer, and which has a limited number of members." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The case relates to two Facebook posts shared in 2018 by Higgs on her personal Facebook account which was in her maiden name and did not have any links to her employer. In the first post, she shared a link to a petition challenging the government's plans to introduce compulsory RSE lessons to schools. The second post linked to an article raising concerns about books promoting trans ideology in schools. She was investigated by the school after a single complaint about the posts, before later being sacked for gross misconduct. The school alleged "illegal discrimination," "serious inappropriate use of social media," and "online comments that could bring the school into disrepute and damage the reputation of the school." In 2020, an employment tribunal found in favor of the school. In 2022, her appeal was postponed after Justice Eady recused trans campaigner Edward Lord from sitting on the presiding panel. His replacement, Andrew Morris, the former assistant general secretary of National Education Union (NEU), was recused the following year, leading to more setbacks. The Christian Legal Centre (CLC), which is supporting Higgs in her case, said the hearing at the Court of Appeal is expected to take place this year. Responding to the news, Higgs said she was "very grateful" to Justice Laing for allowing the case to proceed on all grounds, and that she hoped to "receive full justice" at the Court of Appeal. "From the beginning, despite the many attempts by the school to suggest otherwise, this has always been about my Christian beliefs and me being discriminated against for expressing them in my own time," she said. "I was, and still am, appalled by the sexual ideology that was being introduced to my son's Church of England primary school. What has happened since in schools with extreme RSE and transgender ideology shows that I was right to be concerned as a parent." The CLC's chief executive, Andrea Williams, said it was an important case. "For Kristie's case to be heard at the Court of Appeal is a huge moment for Christian freedoms and the freedom of any employee to be able to express opposition to LGBT+ ideology without fear of losing their jobs," she said. Originally published by Christian Today Home News Death of comedy 'a danger' to country, Vivek Ramaswamy warns Babylon Bee CEO Former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy stressed the importance of comedy to a free society and floated the idea that "wokeism" could legally be treated as a religion under civil rights statutes, thereby preventing employers from forcing it on their employees. After Ramaswamy dropped out of the GOP primary and endorsed former President Donald Trump earlier this month, The Babylon Bee took flak on social media for a satirical headline suggesting that Ramaswamy had been offered a job in the administration running the White House's 7-Eleven. Ramaswamy took the joke in stride, sarcastically telling Dillon that he found it "devastating" and that he might have to undergo therapy because of it. The two went on during their wide-ranging discussion to talk about the dangers of being too easily offended, and the threat that such a mindset poses to free speech. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Vivek Ramaswamy sits down with Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon to discuss rallying behind Donald Trump, social media censorship, Nikki Haley ruining America, and how he really felt about that one 7-Eleven joke. Timestamps: 0:08 That 7-Eleven Joke 4:20 Comedy 9:01 DeSantis and Nikki pic.twitter.com/sUjY80UxdA The Babylon Bee (@TheBabylonBee) January 26, 2024 Noting that there is "a hunger for sanctimony right now," Ramaswamy said there is "a hierarchy of holiness" in the culture that finds its ultimate expression in the impulse to clamp down on speech. "We live in a society of hierarchies," Ramaswamy said. "There's the intersectional hierarchy of who's the higher victim on a totem pole, and then there's the opposite totem pole based on who's actually more virtuous, based on sanctimony shown to those who may have been in a more oppressed class." "And it's just a weird thing going on in our culture more broadly, where people are so eager to be offended that they even lose their anchoring to what they're actually offended about in the first place," he added. Ramaswamy suggested the impulse to censor jokes and other speech is ultimately one that emerges from "self-indulgence," and warned that it poses a threat to liberty. "Humor being treated as harmful is not dangerous; that's annoying," he said. "I think the part that's dangerous is the people who most will abuse the death of comedy or the assault on comedy, will be those who actually are in power, [who] are using it to silence dissent." Humor has the ability to hold leaders accountable more than anything else, Ramaswamy said, who noted how even the ancient Romans were able to get what they wanted from their emperors by mocking them. "If we think about the greatest tyrants or autocrats throughout human history, what they eventually do is they suppress comedic relief," he said. "But one of the things that they're most responsive to is actually people who are hitting them at the expense of a joke. That actually is a way that you hold people accountable, especially the kinds of people who need to be held accountable." Ramaswamy added that he believes comedy "is one of the levers we have to hold people in positions of power accountable for their failures," and that losing it is both "a loss" and "a danger" for the country. The two later pivoted to talking about Big Tech censorship and how private companies are getting involved with stifling dissent. Dillon noted that The Babylon Bee's Twitter account was suspended after the outlet labeled U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health Rachel (Richard) Levine their "Man of the Year." Their account was reinstated in November 2022 after Elon Musk took over the company. Ramaswamy also suggested that liberal "wokeism" has all the trappings of a religion, and that it could potentially be labeled as such under civil rights statutes, which he said would prevent employers from forcing their employees to accept it. "The religion prong of the civil rights statutes say that you can't discriminate against an employee based on his religion if you're a large employer, but it also means that you can't force your employee to bow down to your religion," he said. "So if what's happening today effectively threatening to fire somebody because they wore a MAGA hat or they had the wrong political posts online if that's effectively like forcing your employee to bow down to your religion, then I think you have a good argument in the tech companies cases that forcing the employees to do that [is a civil rights violation]," he insisted. Ramaswamy brought up how a federal court ruled in 2016 that a belief system known as "Onionhead" was considered a protected religion for the purposes of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits religious imposition by an employer. In EEOC v. United Health Programs of America, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York ruled in favor of plaintiffs who alleged reverse religious discrimination when they were fired for declining Onionhead-related meetings and workshops. "If Onionhead counts as a religion, modern woke leftism definitely meets the Supreme Court's test to a tee: a comprehensive belief system, certain words you can't say, clothes you can't wear, apologies you must recite," Ramaswamy said. "So I wouldn't go so far as to say there's no precedent for it." Ramaswamy conceded that such is "a little bit more creative as a legal argument." Home News Bill allowing Maine to seize children from parents opposed to gender transition dies A bill that would have given the state of Maine authority to seize a child from their parents if the child expressed confusion about their sex and wanted body disfiguring trans procedures was killed by lawmakers. The Maine Legislatures Standing Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing last week discussing LD 1735, also known as An Act to Safeguard Gender-Affirming Health Care. In a 12-0 vote last Thursday, members of the committee voted in favor of a motion declaring that the legislation ought not to pass. The committee, which includes three members of the state Senate and nine members of the state House of Representatives, consists of seven Democrats and five Republicans. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Introduced by State Rep. Laurie Osher, D-Orono, the measure declares: A law enforcement agency may not knowingly make or participate in the arrest or participate in any extradition of an individual pursuant to an out-of-state arrest warrant for violation of another states law against providing, receiving or allowing a child to receive gender-affirming health care or gender-affirming mental health care in this State, if that care is lawful under the laws of this State, to the fullest extent permitted by federal law. The legislation defined gender-affirming health care as medically necessary health care that respects the gender identity of the patient, including interventions to suppress the development of endogenous secondary sex characteristics, interventions to align the patients appearance or physical body with the patients gender identity and other interventions to alleviate symptoms of clinically significant distress resulting from gender dysphoria. In addition to prohibiting law enforcement from cooperating with other states seeking to enforce bans on the body-mutilating procedures, the measure would have granted a state court emergency jurisdiction over a child if he or she has been unable to obtain [so-called] gender-affirming health care or gender-affirming mental health care. The proposed legislation also included a section allowing the state to seize a child from his or her parents for the purpose of obtaining gender-affirming health care or gender-affirming mental health care for the child. The introduction of the proposed law comes as over 20 states have enacted bans on some or all forms of trans procedures performed on children, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and sex-change surgeries, including castration and double mastectomies. In contrast, 14 states have either adopted "shield" laws or implemented executive orders that allow for such body-deforming procedures to be performed on children who exhibit confusion about their sex. Liberty Counsel founder and Chairman Mat Staver, whose organization describes itself as a Christian ministry that proclaims, advocates, supports, advances, and defends the good news that God in the person of Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who accept him as Lord and Savior, cheered the defeat of LD 1735 in a statement on Friday. This reprehensible medical mutilation trafficking bill attempted to legalize kidnapping in Maine to subject minors to damaging and often irreversible procedures, he said. There is no sane logic in the world that could justify trafficking gender-confused children. The unanimous vote killing this bill sends a clear message that parents have the fundamental right to protect their children. The American College of Pediatricians has warned that puberty blockers, frequently prescribed to youth suffering from gender dysphoria, can cause osteoporosis, mood disorders, seizures, cognitive impairment and, when combined with cross-sex hormones, sterility. Other side effects include an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, blood clots and cancers. Jamie Reed, a former employee at a pediatric gender clinic at Washington University in St. Louis, wrote an op-ed for The Free Press last year detailing how a 17-year-old girl who was prescribed testosterone suffered severe vaginal bleeding that soaked through an extra heavy pad, her jeans, and a towel she had wrapped around her waist. Another patient treated at the same gender clinic who was prescribed testosterone developed an enlarged clitoris that extended below her vulva and chafed and rubbed painfully in her jeans. However, other prominent medical professional groups, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, have expressed support for "gender-affirming care" and has expressed opposition to "any laws or regulations that discriminate against transgender and gender-diverse individuals, or that interfere in the doctor-patient relationship." Home News Investigative report on Mike Bickle to be released very soon IHOPKC reveals After months of unsuccessful negotiations with a group of former leaders known as the advocate group over a third-party investigation of abuse allegations against founder Mike Bickle, International House of Prayer Kansas City's Interim Executive Director Gen. Kurt Fuller said a report from an independent investigator hired by the ministry will be available to the public very soon. I know in my heart that this investigator is absolutely independent. She's a professional. She's got decades of experience doing these kinds of investigations. She's trauma informed and she understands abuse in the context of a ministry setting. So I don't believe there's any reason for another investigation, Fuller said in an interview with Charisma magazine founder and CEO Stephen Strang on his "Strang Report" podcast last Thursday. Fuller made the announcement shortly after revealing that he had ended all negotiations with the advocate group after they published a series of videos making even more allegations against Bickle that blindsided the ministry. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe My statement last night was just to say I've had enough negotiating, Fuller told Strang. The concept (behind the advocate groups approach) is the victims themselves who we don't know, we don't know their identities, the advocate group says they have them. And then, the advocate group themselves get to decide for us who does the investigation, and if we don't agree to that then we're at a stalemate, Fuller explained. On the other hand, if we pick our own investigator and they don't agree to that, we're also at a stalemate. So that's how we've arrived at three months of negotiations trying to sort this out. Fuller, who explained that he didn't understand why the advocate group chose to publish the videos publicly instead of submitting them as part of the ongoing investigation against Bickle, said when IHOPKCs independent investigator, attorney Rosalee McNamara, releases her report on Bickle, he is certain it will show that the ministry was not involved in influencing it. The statement I made last night, we're going to press ahead with the person we've already hired, and we still urge everyone, anyone, who has any relevant information, to provide it to our investigator Rosalee McNamara and her report will be out very soon, Fuller said. And I'm certain it's going to show that we had no influence over her during the course of her investigation. Strang, who counts Bickle as a personal friend, defended him and IHOPKC on the podcast and called the scandal a spiritual attack. I believe that it's a spiritual attack. You know the Bible says we wrestle not against flesh and blood. This isn't about people who have brought accusations. It isn't about different leaders in the ministry. I believe this is a spiritual attack to bring down what for many years has been a very, very, effective ministry to call the entire Body of Christ to a deeper intimacy with Jesus focused on 24/7 prayer in a way that no other ministry has, he said. This is a spiritual attack, and we need to recognize it for what it is now. Spiritual attacks use circumstances and people. You know it doesn't mean one side is all right and the other one is all wrong, but we have to recognize that this is a spiritual attack, and we need to take authority over those spirits in the name of Jesus, he asserted. And I like to believe that the Scripture, that all things work together, is true even in horrible situations like this. I hope that IHOPKC comes out stronger. I hope that Mike Bickle, this is my opinion as his friend, I hope that he reemerges in ministry stronger than he has before, he added. This is a humbling experience to have your name thrown all over social media. To his credit, he has been very quiet and doesn't defend himself. This has been his stance over the years, and I respect him for that. I think that other Christian leaders and other organizations can learn from this. Home News Evangelist Hans Schmidt returns to church months after being shot in head while preaching Hans Schmidt, the 26-year-old military veteran and outreach director of Victory Chapel First Phoenix in Arizona, who was shot in the head while street preaching last November and wasn't initially expected to recover, has returned to his church, his wife announced Sunday, saying, "he walks, he talks, [and] he even plays the drums." In a fresh update on her husband's "miracle" recovery, Zulya Schmidt, who shares two young children with the preacher, published videos and photos in an Instagram post showing him smiling and playing the drums at their church. "We serve a miracle working God. He walks, he talks, he even plays the drums," she wrote about her husband in the post. "God has done an incredible work in Hans' life, and every day, he continues to improve. Please continue to pray for a full restoration." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In a statement on its website, Victory Chapel First Phoenix stressed that their prayers have been answered. "We are rejoicing and thanking God for the miracle we have seen," the church's statement reads. "Hans has been released from the hospital and is home with his family. Please continue to pray for this family as they navigate the road to recovery." Schmidt, a former military medic, was shot in the head on the evening of Nov. 15, 2023, at the intersection of 51st Ave and Peoria in Glendale, Arizona, while doing church outreach before a Wednesday night service. "Single entry point on the side on the left temple. The bullet traveled through his brain. ... No one heard the shot or saw where it came from," family friend Brad Currell wrote in a GoFundMe campaign that has raised more than $78,000 as of Tuesday on behalf of the Schmidt's family. "Police detectives reviewed the intersection video footage. He initially fell but got back up and was walking and talking but bleeding. No one had realized what happened at first. He had started seizures and vomiting, and they took him to the hospital." The latest update comes just over a month after Zulya Schmidt revealed that her husband was making "stunning progress" but was still not able to speak. At the time that Schmidt was shot, his wife said he had been preaching on the street for about a year. "He's been doing that for over a year, and usually he street preaches for 30 minutes before every evening service for our church," she told CBN News. "That day, he just ended street preaching early, and I thought that was odd." She said her husband packed up the sound system and drove back to the church. She eventually noticed he was bleeding. She had no idea he had been shot. "I had no idea what really had happened," she said. "He drove our vehicle to the church [and] unloaded the sound system." Schmidt was eventually rushed to a local hospital, where doctors did not realize he had been shot until they did a CT scan, and he became unresponsive. "My heart sank," the faithful wife said. "I just felt sick to my stomach." She said doctors and investigators did not think that her husband would still be alive today. She said neurosurgeons told her that because of the bullet's location in her husband's brain, it could not be removed. In the aftermath of the shooting, the pastor's wife also recalled hearing a detective say, "We'll know more after the autopsy." Drone Strike Kills 3 U.S. Soldiers, Abortionists Claim 64K Babies Conceived In Rape Post-Roe, CoE School Allows Trans 4-Year-Old link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:56 07:56 Top headlines for Tuesday, January 30, 2024 In this episode, we start in Northeast Jordan, discussing the recent deadly drone strike on a U.S. base and dissecting the harsh critique aimed at the Biden administration. Then, we move to Ukraine's controversial strategy against weaponized religious institutions they deem as threats. We also explore a troubling case of a whistleblowing doctor in the U.S. who alleged unethical practices at a renowned pediatric hospital. Lastly, we tackle the unfolding controversy in a Church of England primary school over a trans child's enrollment causing distress among the community. Subscribe to this Podcast Follow Us on Social Media Get the Edifi App Subscribe to Our Newsletter Links to the News Top headlines for Tuesday, January 30, 2024 In this episode, we start in Northeast Jordan, discussing the recent deadly drone strike on a U.S. base and dissecting the harsh critique aimed at the Biden administration. Then, we move to Ukraine's controversial strategy against weaponized religious institutions they deem as threats. We also explore a troubling case of a whistleblowing doctor in the U.S. who alleged unethical practices at a renowned pediatric hospital. Lastly, we tackle the unfolding controversy in a Church of England primary school over a trans child's enrollment causing distress among the community. Home Opinion Asbury revival My reflection 1 year later Evangelicals have prayed for revival in America for decades. But do we know what to do when it happens? Its been nearly one year since the revival at Asbury University in central Kentucky began on February 8, 2023. The widely publicized revival brought 50,000-70,000 people to Wilmore, Kentucky, population 6,000, overwhelming the infrastructure of a small community. Sadly, school authorities were obligated to shut it down after nearly continuous worship, night and day, across over two weeks. It began in the university auditorium after a routine chapel service when students declined to leave, gaining national attention, and attracting visitors from around the world. Asbury Theological Seminary across the street, a separate institution with common Methodist Holiness roots, opened its own chapel, auditorium, and gymnasium to accommodate the crowds. At one point, the main road into crowded Wilmore was closed to traffic. The worship was Methodist in spirit, which means simple, earnest, and non-flamboyant. Students and other worshippers sang hymns, prayed, shared testimonies, and confessed sins. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe One Asbury Seminary professor recounted his brief visit to the university auditorium, citing a great sense of serenity. He could have stayed for hours, he said. But like the woman healed by the mere touch of Jesuss garment, as he described it, he felt whole and left contentedly after 90 minutes. I was in Wilmore not long after the revival, attending the Wesleyan Theological Society. The revivals embers were still warmly felt, and everyone spoke of it glowingly. The seminary president recounted that a Malaysian seminary student at Asbury had prayed for years for revival. Back in Malaysia, he sensed he should return to Wilmore, and in the Singapore airport, he first learned of the revival. He surprised many when he entered the Asbury auditorium. Wilmore is about sixty miles from Cane Ridge, a highpoint of the Second Great Awakening, originally hosted by Presbyterian clergy but attracting Methodists and Baptists, spawning the Restoration Movement now known as the Churches of Christ and Disciples of Christ. For a week, thousands worshipped amid shouts, groans, and falling to the ground in ecstasy over salvation or mortification over sin. There was no equivalent drama at the Asbury Revival. The singing, prayers and testimonies were measured. The worship remained student-led, but professors were often on the sidelines to assist, at times discouraging older people and visitors from taking center stage. There was no giant screen, pyrotechnics, or choreography. Other than electricity, heat and indoor plumbing, the technology for the Asbury Seminary was not much more advanced than at Cane Ridge 223 years ago. But the tone at Asbury was decidedly less emotive, which makes a Wall Street Journal critique a little odd. D.G. Hart recalled Mercersburg Seminarys John Williamson Nevin, whose 1843 The Anxious Bench critiqued Charles Finneys revivalism. Amid public hoopla, conversions could be faked, Nevins fretted. What you see in a revival, he suggested, isnt necessarily what you get, Hart noted, asking. Revivalism may produce some good, too, but can it be a mass vehicle for spiritual exhibitionism? Probably. Hart also asked if the emotional highs of revivals can endure the disappointments of life? Perhaps, echoing Nevins, slow, steady growth in faithis a more reliable path to Christian maturity? Hart lamented: The most fervent proponents of revivalism wont appreciate these queries. Few if any at Asbury or in the wider Methodist world would resent these questions. Asbury Revival participants typically report encouragement and peace, not emotional highs. Students from many Christian backgrounds attend Asbury University and Asbury Seminary. But both emerged from the Wesleyan Holiness movement, which emphasized the primacy of sanctification and perfection in Methodist spirituality. For Wesleyan Holiness people, conversion, with or without emotional highs, is only the start of a Holy Spirit-led journey to greater closeness with God. John Wesley had his celebrated conversion at a Moravian meeting on Aldersgate Street in London, listening to Martin Luthers Preface to the Epistle to the Romans. Wesleys heart was strangely warmed, as he recalled: I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death. For Wesley and his theology, God worked through heart and head. Wesleyan spirituality is not so much about emotional highs but steady, methodical perseverance through divine grace. Any spirituality, even if practiced alone, can be faked. But Methodism, like all major Christian traditions, knows God sees the heart. Hart, in his mild critique, accurately noted the Asbury Revival pleased many evangelicals for attracting favorable publicity, even from The New York Times. It also offered a counternarrative to supposedly relentless secularization. Anecdotally, the spirit of the Asbury Revival over the last year has spread globally through its many international participants, besides throughout the U.S. Hopefully a social scientist someday will try to quantify it. Likely decades from now we will learn of new churches, and perhaps even new denominations or communities, that arose from the revival. The Asbury Revival was a needed reminder that God often has surprises, and His redemptive work continues. Most of Gods redemptive work doesnt occur dramatically at large public events. Mostly it unfolds quietly in the lives of believers. But occasional large, public outpourings are helpful reminders of the Gospels power. Originally published at Juicy Ecumenism. Home Opinion God has never been lonely One of the persistent errors in contemporary thinking about God is the idea that God created out of loneliness. Dwight Lee Wolter recently wrote an article for Religion News Service entitled, The Bible suggests even God gets lonely. Why dont religious people talk more about it? He doesnt develop this claim much, but partway through the article asserts, In Hebrew and Christian Scripture, God created humankind in Gods own image in part, it seems, because even God was lonely. It may seem that way to Wolters, but there is no hint of it in the biblical text. Scripture tells the story of God creating a world filled with creatures in a flourishing environment but does not suggest that loneliness motivated Gods creative work. Nor did the Christian tradition develop a doctrine of the loneliness of God. On the contrary, classical Christian theology speaks of the blessedness of God the unquenchable happiness of God. Yes, God is compassionate; God is kind and gracious, a comforter to the sorrowing; God cares about us so much that He sent his Son to die for our sins and rise to bring us life. But God is also blessed, possessed of perfect life and eternal joy. Scripture paints a picture of God who is not only wondrously near to us but infinitely beyond us. We need to have a very big picture of God because God is most assuredly far greater than our imaginations can even hint at. Look at the awesome transcendent language the apostle Paul uses to describe God: He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see (1 Tim. 6:15-16, ESV). He is not a needy god. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe This divine blessedness is one of the implications of the doctrine of the Trinity. Yes, a unitarian god might be lonely; indeed, a unitarian God who existed in perpetual solitude could hardly be loving, or even personal. But the one true and Triune God was never lonely. He has a relationship with the perfection of His own Triune life. God is eternally personal, loving and blessed. What difference does this make for us? It means that rather than a needy, co-dependent god who created out of loneliness, we have a blessed and perfect God who created out of the abundance of His love and joy. Therefore, God loves freely, not out of need but out of fullness. His grace is truly gracious. He is able to save and does not Himself need saving. You see, we have a self-centered culture, and therefore we struggle with faith. Its hard for us to believe that we really are unworthy of Gods love, and yet that He loves us anyway. Since its hard for us to believe the true Gospel, we try to nudge it this way and that, to push ourselves up or pull God down so that the distance between us doesnt look so big. We say that were so valuable that were worthy of Gods saving work, or that God is lonely and vulnerable like us. Neither is true. The solution is to recognize that we dont need sympathy as much as we need salvation and that God is so great He saves unworthy sinners. When we recognize that, we can find hope in the majesty of God no matter who you are, no matter what youve done. Loneliness is a terrible burden. But God isnt lonely, and out of His perfect life, He has reached down to offer us life with Him. We dont need to pretend loneliness is good; we need to receive the gift of life with God. He will never abandon His children, and when this life ends, He takes them to be with Himself. Indeed, when Jesus sent His first followers out on their mission to make disciples of the Kingdom, that was the comfort they carried with them on their journeys near and far: Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20). Home Opinion The hypocrisy of never again this past Holocaust Remembrance Day I just returned from Israel. My life has become marked by before October 7th and after October 7th. This is infinitely more true for Israelis, especially those whose loved ones have been murdered or taken hostage by Hamas. I work for Passages, an organization that brings Christian students on life-changing trips to Israel and equips them to know God, stand firm and take action. My story is inextricably connected to Israel. Its divine. I dont have any other way to put it. When the attacks of October 7th happened, our team was shocked and devastated. All of a sudden, the eyes of the world had turned toward this land we love so much and its people whom we love even more. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe At first, those eyes of the world looked on the October 7th attacks with shock and horror. The terror regime in Gaza Hamas had infiltrated Israel by surprise, shattered Israels defenses, and searched door-to-door for men, women and children. They proceeded to beat, torture, rape, stab, burn alive, behead and gun down Jewish people of all ages including the elderly and infants. They killed around 1,200 in the initial attack and took around 240 hostages to Gaza. As a result, thousands upon thousands have been displaced, made refugees in their own country. And still, over 130 hostages remain missing. October 7th was the single bloodiest day in Israeli history, the bloodiest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust, and the equivalent of nearly 15 9/11 events given the size of Israels population compared to the United States. Sure, people were shocked and horrified by all of this. But that shock and horror quickly turned to indifference, and indifference turned into contempt toward the Jewish people. It simply doesnt make sense. But the narrative shifted. Lies began to spread faster than the truth. And before we knew it, so much of the world had erupted in protest against Israel. Claiming Israel (not Hamas) is guilty of genocide (see: the trial at The Hague). Comparing Hamas terror attack to a resistance movement. Chanting from the river to the sea without even knowing which river and which sea and what that chant is actually calling for the total extermination of the Jewish people from the land. The devastating reality is that the Jewish people are all too used to the world turning its back on them. Theyre all too used to being targeted just for their Jewishness. To call October 7th a resistance movement or to make some kind of argument of moral equivalency is to grossly misunderstand the nature of Hamas as a terrorist organization and, even more importantly, to ignore how the past few thousand years of history have treated the Jewish people. We commemorated the Holocaust on January 27th a dark time in history in which six million Jews were killed. Most of the world didnt wake up to the horrors until it was too late. No one is coming to save us was a gut-wrenching realization for many people living in kibbutzim or other small villages along the Gaza border on October 7th. During the attack, the IDF was taken completely by surprise and overwhelmed. The civilians were left vulnerable and unprotected. When these civilians heard the sirens announcing incoming missiles, the blasts of grenades, the gunshots in the distance drawing closer to their homes they believed that someone would come for them. That the military would come. Someone had to be coming. The story of so many civilians that day was that no one came. Hundreds of peace-loving people, murdered in cold blood in their homes. Many of them hid alone, sending goodbye messages to their family members over WhatsApp, not knowing which breath would be their last. On the Passages solidarity trip, I personally walked through the neighborhood of the Young Generation in Kfar Aza and saw the devastation for myself the small, once-beautiful homes reduced to rubble as the hiding occupants were found, killed, or taken hostage. Ive not seen anything like it in my lifetime, and it is seared into my memory forever. Many heroic civilians and soldiers did come to the rescue for some. Yet for others, it was too late. The fear that no one was coming to save them proved true again. Holocaust Remembrance Day was different this year. Our remembrance is made all the more visceral in the darkness of the terror attack of October 7th 3,000 Hamas terrorists with the same objective as Nazis in the 20th century: to exterminate Jewish lives. But this time, the Jewish people have a home. A state. Self-determination and the strength to protect themselves. We say never forget when we talk about the Holocaust, and yet sadly, the loud (whether ignorant or malicious) chants of from the river to the sea prove that so many have forgotten. Today, let us remember the Holocaust not in word, but in deed. Let us remember that in order for never again to be true, the flourishing of the State of Israel must also be true. And for the flourishing of the State of Israel to be true, the world must acknowledge and support the right of the State of Israel to defend its civilians (as well as Palestinian civilians) from the evil of Hamas. This isnt about politics. Its about right and wrong. I appreciate what one of Passages alumni, David Peters, said during our recent solidarity trip to Israel: We live in a world where we call evil good and good evil, especially in my generation, the younger generation. We just want to speak the truth and call evil, evil and good, good. Its time to identify evil for what it is. Its time to point to whats right and true based on what the Bible says not what society says. Its time to speak out. Right now, the loudest voice on campuses, in streets across the globe, and throughout news feeds on social media is the demonization of Israel, double standards, and confirmation of the ultimate Jewish fear that we are alone and no one is coming to save us. Our Jewish friends need to hear a different voice. The world needs to hear a different voice. One of wisdom, of understanding, of solidarity, of friendship, of hope. May this voice become the loudest. For this to be so, remaining neutral is no longer an option. Ive just spent the past week in Israel, and it will take me a lifetime to process what I saw and heard. Words arent enough. And yet, here I am, undertaking the impossible task of calling us all to action as a result of this experience that around 25 people shared together hoping that it will beckon us all to stand up and speak out. A response to Alistair Begg's suggestion that Christians should attend same-sex weddings A few years ago, I had the privilege of attending a pastor's luncheon at Focus On The Family with guest speaker, Alistair Begg. I jumped at this opportunity and thoroughly enjoyed my time listening to Pastor Begg rightly divide the Word of God and encourage us pastors with the importance of faithfulness to God and to His Word. Recently Pastor Begg has fallen under criticism for his latest comments and the American Family Association has chosen to remove his programme, "Truth For Life" from their programming due to Pastor Begg's advice regarding the attendance of a Christian at a same-sex ceremony. Pastor Begg believes that if the person you are supporting knows you don't approve, it is okay to attend and "bring a gift". Here is an excerpt from the embroiled issue from Pastor Begg: "We field questions all the time that go along the lines of, 'My grandson is about to be married to a transgender person, and I don't know what to do' which is a huge responsibility," Begg said. "And in a conversation like that just a few days ago and people may not like this answer but I asked the grandmother, 'Does your grandson understand your belief in Jesus?' 'Yes.' 'Does your grandson understand that your belief in Jesus makes it such that you can't countenance in any affirming way the choices that he has made in life?' 'Yes.' "I said, 'Well then, OK. As long as he knows that, then I suggest that you do go to the ceremony. And I suggest that you buy them a gift.'" Begg went on to explain that Christians not attending such a ceremony could reinforce "judgmental" stereotypes the culture holds about the Church. "I said, 'Well, here's the thing: your love for them may catch them off guard, but your absence will simply reinforce the fact that they said, 'These people are what I always thought: judgmental, critical, unprepared to countenance anything.' "And it is a fine line, isn't it? It really is." Well, let's break down Pastor Begg's comments from a definition of countenance point of view and then a biblical point of view. The internet's universal definition of countenance is: "If someone will not countenance something, they do not agree with it and will not allow it to happen." It appears Begg's advice goes against the universal definition of "countenance." If you disagree with something you are to not only disagree with it, but not allow it to happen, meaning in this case at the least, don't attend and certainly don't take a gift! As Christians, when we engage in a formal ceremony with our faces turned toward the "altar" of this ceremony, we are giving credence and approval to the ceremony we are attending and anything beyond this is a representation of approval. Marriage is primarily a symbol of Jesus' relationship to us the church (Ephesians 5). Jesus' first miracle was at a wedding. Marriage is the centerpiece relationship of God's created world. Adam and Eve were not just the first humans, they were also the first male and female to be married, and the first two to give us the example we are to follow as a society. Outside of your relationship with Jesus Christ, there is no more important relationship in human society. Once it is removed, tampered with, or redefined, as Romans 1 tells us, this is the beginning of the end. Once this occurs God eventually turns us over to a series of unfortunate realities that produce greater and greater self-destruction. Now I understand the reality that we don't want to be "perceived" as judgemental and we want to show "love" to our loved ones, me too. Yet the Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13, the great chapter on love, that love in verse 6 "does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth." In other words, God's love has its limits. A same-sex or transgender ceremony is not God's design, meaning it is evil. It is sin. God's love requires us not to go to a same-sex or transgender ceremony. And if we go, we are functioning outside of God's love and delighting in evil and the "taking of a gift" becomes the celebration or rejoicing against truth. God requires our love not to delight in evil and not to rejoice in untruth. We have a responsibility to our loved ones to turn our countenance from them because we love them. It is shocking to me that Pastor Begg would give such advice with no biblical backing when his own life and ministry has been centered around this approach. The moment Scripture is not our primary means of informing how we engage the relationships of our lives, it is the moment when everything becomes grey. If I apply Pastor Begg's approach to my life then I am obliged to engage all relationships of my life this way, thus if someone needs an abortion I don't agree with, but a ride to the clinic, then I drive them and show "love" to them. If someone wants to destroy their life through drug usage, but I don't agree, I give them a place to live while they use their resources to destroy their life, but I "love" them regardless. Sometimes love requires you to choose Jesus over the human relationships of your life when their choices go against the life Jesus has called us to live. Jesus spoke of this in Luke 14:26, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple." The choice is yours: do you want to be 'perceived' as non-judgemental by the human relationships of your life or do you want to be known as a disciple of Jesus? The choice is yours in this. Pastor Begg was right when he said, "we must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling." God's love requires we choose wisely! Alistair Begg stands by same-sex wedding advice Pastor Alistair Begg is refusing to backdown following a backlash over his advice to Christians about attending same-sex weddings. In the podcast for his radio ministry "Truth For Life", the Ohio-based pastor discussed the advice he gave to a grandmother who asked him whether she should attend her grandson's wedding to a transgender person. He told her that as long as her grandson was aware of her disapproval, it was okay for her to attend and that she should even "buy them a gift". He argued that staying away from the ceremony could reinforce "judgemental" stereotypes about the Church and that attending could "build bridges" with an unbelieving culture. His comments led to the American Family Radio, run by the American Family Association, dropping his programme. Addressing the controversy in front of his congregation at Parkside Church in Cleveland on Sunday, Begg suggested the pushback from critics reflected a form of "Pharisaism" and suggested that Christians attending same-sex weddings was no different to Jesus eating with sinners. He also suggested that his answer was specific to the particular circumstances of the grandmother and could not necessarily be applied to every situation. "In that conversation with that grandmother, I was concerned about the well-being of their relationship more than anything else. Hence my counsel. Don't misunderstand that in any way at all," he said. "If I was on the receiving end of another question about another situation from another person at another time, I may answer absolutely differently, but in that case, I answered in that way, and I would not answer in any other way no matter what anybody says on the internet." He continued, "If people want me to recant and to repent ... I repent daily because I say a lot of things that I shouldn't say ... But the fact of the matter is, I'm not ready to repent over this. I don't have to." The comments by the influential 71-year-old have stirred debate on both sides of the Atlantic, with Christian Concern's Paul Huxley calling it "deeply unwise counsel". He argued that the participatory nature of a wedding ceremony makes it challenging for Christians to attend without signalling their approval and that Christians themselves could be tempted. "The ceremony and reception are going to present this union as beautiful and good. Many Christians who know and believe what the Bible says on sexuality will still be emotionally vulnerable to this kind of deception," he wrote. "A strong story, the smiles on peoples' faces, music, dance, wine; many Christians have been tempted by such things to believe that sin isn't such a big deal after all. "On top of those temptations, the Christian is going to be pressed by others in attendance: 'wasn't that beautiful?', 'they make such an adorable couple, don't they?'. How many Christians would deftly handle that situation without either compromising or causing a scene?" Christian school assistant sacked over Facebook post can take her case to Court of Appeal A Christian school teacher who was sacked after expressing concerns on Facebook about Relationships and Sex Education lessons and transgenderism in schools has been given permission to take her case to the Court of Appeal. Kristie Higgs, 47, has been fighting against her dismissal by Fairford Secondary School in Gloucestershire for the last five years. Granting permission for her legal challenge to move forward, Lady Justice Elisabeth Laing said that "all the grounds of appeal are arguable with reasonable prospects of success". "Even if they were not, this appeal raises at least three important questions about the dismissal of an employee for the expression of her beliefs," she said. These questions include the "erroneous view that [Mrs Higgs'] views constituted unlawful discrimination", and "the extent to which an employer may lawfully dismiss an employee for expressing views which are based on her religious beliefs in a forum which is not in the workplace, is not controlled by the employer, and which has a limited number of members". The case relates to two Facebook posts shared in 2018 by Mrs Higgs on her personal Facebook account which was in her maiden name and did not have any links to her employer. In the first post, she shared a link to a petition challenging the government's plans to introduce compulsory RSE lessons to schools. The second post linked to an article raising concerns about books promoting transgender ideology in schools. She was investigated by the school after a single complaint about the posts, before later being sacked for gross misconduct. The school alleged "illegal discrimination", "serious inappropriate use of social media", and "online comments that could bring the school into disrepute and damage the reputation of the school". In 2020, an employment tribunal found in favour of the school. In 2022, her appeal was postponed after Mrs Justice Eady recused trans campaigner Edward Lord from sitting on the presiding panel. His replacement, Andrew Morris, the former Assistant General Secretary of National Education Union (NEU), was recused the following year, leading to more setbacks. The Christian Legal Centre (CLC), which is supporting Higgs in her case, said that the hearing at the Court of Appeal is likely to take place this year. Responding to the news, Mrs Higgs said she was "very grateful" to Justice Laing for allowing the case to proceed on all grounds, and that she hoped to "receive full justice" at the Court of Appeal. "From the beginning, despite the many attempts by the school to suggest otherwise, this has always been about my Christian beliefs and me being discriminated against for expressing them in my own time," she said. "I was, and still am, appalled by the sexual ideology that was being introduced to my son's Church of England primary school. What has happened since in schools with extreme RSE and transgender ideology shows that I was right to be concerned as a parent." The CLC's chief executive, Andrea Williams, said it was an important case. "For Kristie's case to be heard at the Court of Appeal is a huge moment for Christian freedoms and the freedom of any employee to be able to express opposition to LGBT+ ideology without fear of losing their jobs," she said. Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on church in Turkey (CP) The Islamic State claimed a Sunday terrorist attack against a Roman Catholic church in Istanbul, Turkey, that killed a mentally disabled Muslim man. The terrorist organization admitted through its media arm to attacking "a gathering of Christian unbelievers during their polytheistic ceremony" at the Santa Maria Church in Istanbul's Buyukdere neighbourhood, according to The Associated Press. Footage obtained by Reuters shows the moment masked gunmen opened fire during the church's Sunday Mass. Police arrested two men early on Monday, one of whom is Russian and the other from Tajikistan, according to Turkey's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. The arrests followed police raids at more than 30 locations, during which 51 suspects were detained, AP reported. "Both of the suspects are foreign nationals," Yerlikaya said. "One of them is from Tajikistan and the other is Russian, and we evaluated them to be with the Islamic State." Yerlikaya also said Sunday in a post on X that he and the Turkish government "strongly condemn this vile attack." Tuncer Cihan, 52, who was shot and killed during the attack, was "a person who had done nothing wrong," according to the church's lawyer, Avsin Hatipoglu, who spoke to the AP. He said the church is reportedly requesting increased security in the vicinity. The lawyer added that Cihan was not even a Christian but Alevi, a sect of Shia Islam. Cihan's nephew identified him and noted that he was mentally disabled, according to The New York Post. Yerlikaya also confirmed the identity of the victim. Sukru Genc, the mayor of Sariyer District, told a local news outlet that Cihan was standing near the entrance to the church when the attack took place, according to CNN. "According to the priest, he was constantly going to church, and the priest knew this person and referred to him as 'a good person,'" Genc said. "Such provocations will never be allowed in our country," Akif Cagatay Kilic, one of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's top political advisers, wrote in a statement posted to X on Sunday. "The perpetrators will be caught as soon as possible and held accountable before justice." Bishop Massimiliano Palinuro, who serves as the apostolic vicar of Istanbul, told EWTN News that Cihan was murdered "during the consecration while all the congregation was praying." "We are worried about the future because if this is a sign of the religious intolerance, for our community, it could be a bad sign. Let us pray," Palinuro said. In response to news of the arrests, Palinuro said, "We trust in the justice of God." The Turkish bishops' conference condemned the attack in a Sunday statement, urging people to pray and to avoid "[spreading] the culture of hatred and religious discrimination," according to Catholic News Agency. "We firmly condemn this act of violence against humanity," the statement said, which was signed by Archbishop Martin Kmetec of Izmir. "We trust that the Turkish state security forces will find those responsible and that justice will be done," he said. "We firmly demand that the truth be revealed and that greater security be guaranteed to our communities and churches." Pope Francis wrote on X: "I express my closeness to the community of the Church of St. Mary Draperis in Istanbul, which suffered an armed attack during Mass that killed one person and injured several others." Approximately 25,000 Roman Catholics live in Turkey as of 2022, according to the U.S. State Department. Yerlikaya claimed Turkey has detained 2,086 people with suspected ties to the Islamic State and arrested 529 since last June, according to Reuters. Twenty-five people suspected of having ties to the Islamic State were arrested in Turkey on Jan. 3 amid allegations that they were planning to attack churches and synagogues, according to the Turkish news outlet Anadolu Agency. The Christian Post From left, Cam Woham, CEO of Centerfire Energy Group; Kyle Frohaug, Element Control director of operations; and Parker Salo and Alasdair Montgomery, Element Control project managers, lift their caps during the Prosperity Northwest Conference and Trade Show last February in Thunder Bay. This year's event begins today in the city at the Chanterelle and Wednesday at the Valhalla Inn. SAP is offering on-premises S/4HANA users a credit of 60% of their first years fees if they migrate to its all-in-one cloud-based offering, Rise with SAP. The credit, to be spent on other SAP services, should be enough to offset around half of the overall cost of a typical migration, according to Jan Gilg, the companys chief product officer for cloud ERP. Last year, SAP faced criticism for leaving behind its most loyal customers, those that adopted S/4HANA early and ran it in their own environments, after CEO Christian Klein announced in July 2023 that only Rise customers would get new S/4HANA features, such as AI and carbon accounting tools. But treating customers with such disregard forcing them to move to the cloud to access innovation, and raising support costs for those who wont hasnt worked out, so now SAP is offering them the discount incentive if they move to its managed cloud. In Q4 of 2023, when SAP sales staff were allowed to offer the 60% credit on a case-by-case basis, the carrot proved persuasive. We were able to convince a lot of customers to take advantage of this offering and then move to Rise, Gilg said. It seemed to hit the right spot. Now the company is opening up the offer to all on-prem S/4HANA users signing up to Rise in 2024. That goes for users of SAPs legacy ERP Central Component (ECC) software too although in their case, the credit for migrating to S/4HANA is smaller, just 45% of the value of their first years Rise with SAP contract, he said. With the December 2027 deadline for the end of mainstream support looming, though, SAP may assume itll take less to persuade ECC and Business Suite 7 users to migrate. User acceptance User representatives cautiously welcomed the changes. Anunt concurs pentru post vacant Institutia Publica Centrul de Consiliere Agricola si Rurala (CCAR) este in cautare de un profesionist dinamic si dedicat, pentru pozitia de Sef/a de Sectie la sectia Inovare si transfer de cunostinte in cadrul institutie Primeste notificari pe email Nota bene: Adresele email cu extensia .ru nu sunt acceptate. Contractare si Achizitie Bunuri Anunturi de Angajare Granturi - Finantari Burse de studiu Stagii Profesionale Oportunitati de voluntariat Toate Articolele A UK charity under investigation has confirmed that it agreed to repay millions of pounds it received from a failed controversial cryptocurrency platform and its foundation. Effective Ventures Foundations (EV UK) told Civil Society that it paid $4.3m (around 3.4m) to the FTX estate, which includes failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX and the FTX Foundation, after the former went bankrupt in 2022. This amount is equal to the entire amount which EV UK received from FTX and the FTX Foundation during 2022, a spokesperson for the charity said. The FTX Foundation, which shut down in November 2022 when Sam Bankman-Frieds FTX collapsed, was one of EV UKs largest founders. Bankman-Fried has since been convicted of seven charges of fraud and conspiracy and is due to be sentenced in March, according to media reports. Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2022 state that EV UKs total income tripled that year, from 18.6m in 2021 to 55.7m, while total expenditure grew from 14.1m to 37.5m. The accounts say that the charitys main sources of income over the period were donations from individuals and grant income from Open Philanthropy. $26.8m collectively paid to FTX estate In a recent statement, Zachary Robinson, interim chief executive officer of EV US, said that both EV UK and EV US had collectively reached settlements with the FTX bankruptcy estate. As part of these settlements, EV US and EV UK (which Ill collectively refer to as EV) have between them paid the estate $26.8m, an amount equal to 100% of the funds the entities received from FTX and the FTX Foundation (which Ill collectively refer to as FTX) in 2022. All of this money was either originally received from FTX or allocated to pay the settlement with the knowledge and support of their original donor. This means that EVs projects can continue to fundraise with confidence that donations wont be used to cover the cost of this settlement. We strongly condemn fraud and the actions underlying Sam Bankman-Frieds conviction. Structural governance and oversight improvements An investigation into the relationship between FTX and EV, which concluded last September, found no evidence that anyone at EV, including the trustees, knew that FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried had committed criminal fraud. Robinson said: While we arent publishing any additional details regarding the investigation because doing so could reveal information from people who havent consented to their confidences being publicised and could waive important legal privileges that we dont intend to waive, we recognise that knowledge of criminal activity isnt the only concern. He added that EV began to work on structural improvements shortly after FTXs collapse and continued to do so alongside the investigation. Over the past year, we have implemented structural governance and oversight improvements, including restructuring the way the two EV charities work together, updating and improving key corporate policies and procedures at both charities, increasing the rigor of donor due diligence, and staffing up the in-house legal departments. Robinson said the settlements should permanently resolve matters between EV US and EV UK and the FTX estate, enabling EV, our teams, and our projects to move forward. The Charity Commission opened an inquiry into Effective Ventures UK last year, which remains ongoing. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Oxfam Oxfam GB has decided to withdraw funding from Barclays due to concerns over its continued financing of fossil fuels. The international development charity has stopped using Barclays for foreign exchange and told the bank that it plans to withdraw all the cash deposits it holds. Oxfam said it has had a relationship with Barclays for approximately 15 years, although Natwest is its main bank, and continues to use it for processing retail sales in shops, online and at festivals. According to its most recently filed accounts, Oxfam has more than 200m in assets, some of which are non-financial. It said a very small proportion of these are still held at Barclays and will be withdrawn by the end of February. It follows a similar move by Christian Aid last year , which announced its plan to switch from Barclays over its record on fossil fuel finance and weak commitment to future improvements in this area. The National Trust, meanwhile, has called on Barclays to do much more to address the financing of the fossil fuel industry but did not cut ties with the bank when encouraged to last year. Oxfam: Something we have been considering for some time Oxfam has long campaigned on green issues, with new chief executive Halima Begum saying on her appointment : At a time when the world is beset by conflict and climate change, inequality and division, Oxfam has a crucial role in supporting communities efforts to escape poverty and ensuring that their voices cannot be ignored by those who hold power. The charity said it tries to use financial services in line with its mission and values where possible, however there are very few institutions which do so fully. An Oxfam spokesperson said: We wrote to Barclays in December to give notice of our intention to withdraw any funds currently held by them and that we will cease using them for foreign exchange with immediate effect. This is something we have been considering for some time due to their record on climate change. Through our work with communities around the world, we see firsthand the injustice of the climate crisis which is destroying homes, livelihoods and lives on an unprecedented scale. We decided that the extent of Barclays continued financing of fossil fuels was such that, where possible, we should move our business elsewhere. According to the Banking on Climate Chaos report, between 2016 and 2022 Barclays spent approximately $190bn (150bn) financing fossil fuels. A Barclays spokesperson told the Times : Barclays has reduced its financed emissions of the energy sector by 32% since 2020, which exceeds our 2025 target. We are committed to financing the energy transition, investing in the climate technologies required to build low-carbon capacity as we support those clients investing to achieve net zero. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, In 2019 the mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts, pronounced the local newspaper dead. There is no real newspaper in the City of Worcester, he said. The Telegram & Gazette, which started in 1866, was not folding. It remains the largest employer of journalists in this midsize working-class city, known for its grit and its punk scene and for having invented the smiley face. It had, though, just dismissed its last columnist in another round of layoffs after a chain of acquisitions led the paper to be owned by Gannett. When we think of national columnists, we think of breathless and endless takesa bloated and exhausting corps of self-declared experts perpetuating tribal groupthink. But the opposite is true for local news. Local columnists usually started as reporters. They tend to know everyone, and have seen a large swath of local history firsthand. Maybe even made some. Their voices are informed, earned. The news industrys decline is marked as much by the loss of journalists like these as by newspapers. The country has lost a third of its newspapers since 2005 but two-thirds of its newspaper journalistssome forty-three thousand jobs. The majority of the cuts have come from the hundreds of regional daily newspapers owned by ten large conglomerates (of which Gannett is the largest). The Telegram, for example, had some hundred and four staffers in 2005. Today, it employs just twenty. By December 2018, the paper no longer had an opinion page editor. Then they came for the columnists. Dianne Williamson was first to go, in 2018. In 2019, the paper laid off its last columnist, Clive McFarlane, the dismissal that led the mayor to declare that the paper was no longer real. During their time, Williamson and McFarlane both regularly took on the sort of city-specific, niche issues that a national columnist couldnt or wouldnt. In order to capture the talk of the town, you need to be in the town, talking to people. McFarlane especially wrote about the citys issues with race and class in a way that afflicted the comfortable and comforted the afflicted. He took to task the code of silence among police, covered racism and sexual assault in the public schools, and offered the occasional heartwarming slice-of-life story. Its not the sort of stuff that gets you a CNN talking-head gig, but for a communitys understanding of itself, its invaluable. Around the same time, Gatehouse, another conglomerate that would later merge with Gannett, purchased the Telegram opinion pages main competitor, Worcester Magazine, where I was a columnist and one of four editorial staffers. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Within months, Gatehouse had cut the staff to one: me. I put out the magazine by myself for a miserable summer until it was restructured as a product of the Telegrams already strapped features desk. For some forty years, WoMag had been a real, independently owned alt-weekly known as the Telegrams small and scrappy competitor. Today, its a digital-only product of the competition. In June of 2020, after two of my columns were shelved without explanation, I, too, walked. The same day that I resigned I launched a Substack newsletter called Worcester Sucks & I Love It. It was a moment of desperation: either go independent or leave journalism entirely. The smiley face, invented in Worcester and now the mascot for the citys new triple-A baseball team, dons riot gear and bludgeons a local skater. Drawn by local skater Johnny Garlin. I had a strong sense that readers would follow me. I felt that fraught summer was a moment when an independent voice, willing to dig into issues like racism and policing, would find an audience. And it did. I hit four hundred paid subscribers in a month. Soon I had enough to match my Worcester Magazine salary. Now, at some 680 paid subscribers and a total mailing list of 3,650, the newsletter is my full-time job, and Im in the process of parlaying it into a larger project: the Worcester Community Media Foundation, headquartered out of a small video rental store. There is a hunger for thoughtful opinion writing about local issues where so much of the content is thin. The need I am fortunate to fill is not a need unique to Worcester. Theres been little written about the specific demise of the local columnist amid the grander decline of local news, but in their new book What Works in Community News, Dan Kennedy and Ellen Clegg dedicate a chapter to Pulitzer Prizewinning editorialist Art Cullens staunch commitment to opinion writing for his Iowa community. Its a sentiment that resonates with me. Reliably, I get the strongest reader responses to my work in Worcester Sucks that takes to task the citys handling of a growing unhoused population. In long essays blending opinion with policy review, analysis, and intimate portraits of specific unhoused people, I try to offer work that deepens understanding of an uncomfortable but important issue. Im aware that the years I spent at Worcester Magazine lent me the clout that made the newsletter launch successful. But its not work I could produce any longer within the constraints of a typical local reporting job. Certainly not in Worcester. The outlets that remain are either devoted to high volumes of short, timely stories, favoring those easily produced by harried reporterspress release rewrites, crime stories, short meeting recaps, and real estate listings. One, the Worcester Guardian, was launched by the local Chamber of Commerce and receives funding from key city power brokers. By contrast, my business model is very simple: I need to provide local journalism that people want enough to support directly. Reader trust is the currency, and I am blissfully unbothered by the typical considerations of content volume, eyeballs, and clicks. It was likely those considerations that, at least in part, led the Telegram to get rid of its columnists. There is value in a local columnists role that doesnt neatly translate to the spreadsheet. But the same thing goes for the loss of that value. Newspapers like the Telegramand their readersare finding that out the hard way. Bill Shaner is an independent journalist based in Worcester, Massachusetts. In his newsletter, Worcester Sucks & I Love It, he covers city life and politics in the spirit of the scrappy alt-weeklies of old. Microsoft Corp. said a Russian-linked hacking group attacked its corporate systems, getting into a small number of email accounts, including those of senior leadership and employees who work in cybersecurity and legal. The company said its acting immediately to fix older systems, which will probably cause some disruption. The hacking group doesnt appear to have accessed customers systems or Microsoft servers that run outward-facing products, the software giant said Friday in a blog post. Microsoft also has no evidence the group, named Midnight Blizzard, got into source code or artificial intelligence systems. We will act immediately to apply our current security standards to Microsoft-owned legacy systems and internal business processes, even when these changes might cause disruption to existing business processes, the company said. This will likely cause some level of disruption. The group that Microsoft deemed responsible, also known as Nobelium, is a sophisticated nation-state hacking group that the US government has tied to Russia. The same group previously breached SolarWinds Corp., a US federal contractor, as part of a massive cyber-espionage effort against US federal agencies. The company said hackers beginning in November used a password spray attack to infiltrate its systems. That technique, sometimes known as a brute force attack, typically involves outsiders quickly trying multiple passwords on specific user names in order to try breaching targeted corporate accounts. In this case, in addition to the accessed accounts, the attackers also took emails and attached documents. Microsoft said it detected the hack on Jan. 12, adding that the company is still notifying employees whose emails were accessed. Eric Goldstein, executive assistant director for cybersecurity at the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said government officials are closely coordinating with Microsoft to gain additional insights into this incident and understand impacts so we can help protect other potential victims. Microsoft technology has frequently been the target of major hacking campaigns. The US Cyber Safety Review Board, which reports to the Department of Homeland Security, is already assessing a 2023 intrusion against Microsoft Exchange Online that the company attributed to China-linked hackers. That breach enabled the hack of senior US officials email accounts and has prompted growing concerns about cloud computing security. Microsoft said in September it identified five different errors in how its systems that have been corrected. In an interview with Bloomberg in 2023 following that breach, Jen Easterly, director of the agency that manages the board, suggested that Microsoft should recapture the ethos of what Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates called trustworthy computing in 2002, when he instructed employees to focus on security over adding new features. I absolutely positively think they have to focus on ensuring their products are both secure by default and secure by design, and we are going to continue to work with them to urge them to do that, Easterly said of Microsoft. In November, Microsoft said it was overhauling how it protects its software and systems after a series of high-profile hacks. Now the company said it must pick up the pace on changes, particularly to older systems and products. For Microsoft, this incident has highlighted the urgent need to move even faster, the company said Friday. (Updates with comments from cyber agency in the eighth paragraph.) Top photo: Microsoft signage is displayed outside a Microsoft Technology Center in New York, U.S., on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. Microsoft Corp. is set to post quarterly results after the closing bell and the tech bellwethers performance will likely uphold its standing as a darling of Wall Street. Photographer: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) company Freeport LNG said on Friday it expects one of three liquefaction units at its Texas plant will be out of service for about a month after it faced a technical issue during last weeks Arctic freeze. This shutdown was the latest in a series of incidents at the plant since it exited an eight-month outage from June 2022 to February 2023 following a fire and explosion. Since April, at least one liquefaction train at the plant has shut or tripped sometimes several times, according to company filings with state environmental regulators. One of our refrigeration electric motors at our liquefaction facility experienced an electrical issue that will necessitate a replacement of the motor with an on-hand spare, the company told Reuters about the latest incident in an email. Natural gas prices around the world were little changed following the Freeport news as the global market is already well supplied with fuel due to a mostly mild winter. NGA/NG/EU So far in January, each of the three trains at Freeport have either tripped or experienced shutdowns for other reasons at least five times, according to company filings with state regulators. Those filings showed that Train 1 had a trip or shutdown that caused an emissions event on Jan. 24-25, Train 2 on Jan. 24, Jan. 22 and Jan. 16-17, and Train 3 on Jan. 17. Each of the three trains at Freeport can turn about 0.7 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of natural gas into LNG. Those Freeport outages helped cut the amount of gas flowing to the nations seven big LNG export plants by around 6% to an average of 13.8 bcfd so far in January, down from a monthly record of 14.7 bcfd in December. One billion cubic feet of gas is enough to supply about 5 million U.S. homes for a day. The U.S. became the worlds biggest LNG supplier in 2023, ahead of recent leaders Australia and Qatar, as much higher global prices NGc1, TRNLTTFMc1, JKMc1 fed demand for more exports due in part to supply disruptions and sanctions linked to Russias war in Ukraine. (Reporting by Vakil in Bengaluru and DiSavino in New York; Editing by Jan Harvey, David Gregorio and Marguerita Choy) WASHINGTON A pair of advisories from the U.S. State Department caution travelers to be aware that two tropical locations stops popular with the cruise lines -- also have high crime problems. In advisories for the Bahamas and Jamaica, the State Department warns travelers that crime rates are high in the two countries. Each of the nations are popular destinations for cruise lines. The advisory for Jamaica, one issued at a higher warning level, also warns that access to medical care may be spotty. The more recent advisory, a Level Two warning that urges travelers to exercise extreme caution, is a result of crime issues in both tourist and non-tourist areas in the Bahamas. Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence, the advisory states. Among its warnings for travelers is to not answer the door at their hotel/residence unless you know who it is and to not physically resist any robbery attempts. The State Department issued the advisory Friday, Jan. 26. The Level 3 advisory for Jamaica, issued Jan. 23, urges travelers to reconsider their plans and notes that U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to many areas due to increased risk. Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts, the advisory states. Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, according to the advisory. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Travelers are urged to avoid walking or driving at night, avoid public buses, avoid secluded places or situations and keep a low profile. They should not physically resist any robbery attempt. Medical care can be problematic, the State Department said, because public hospitals are under-resourced and cannot always provide high level or specialized care. Private hospitals often require that payment be made up front. More information is available through the State Department, which issues travel advisories for each country of the world. CNBC's Jim Cramer on Monday said tech companies dominate the market because their primary customers are cash-rich businesses, not strapped consumers. "We have a market made of companies that sell into the enterprise and those stocks are doing fabulously," he said. "Then we have even more companies who serve the consumer, which is a much less attractive customer base right now, and their stocks, they're very tough to own." A lot of businesses are reporting record profits and were able to refinance when rates were low, Cramer said, and they're not burdened with as many inflated costs as consumers. Cramer used this logic to explain why many in the Magnificent Seven Amazon , Apple , Alphabet , Meta , Nvidia , Microsoft and Tesla are seeing such significant gains. Microsoft primarily sells its products to businesses, while individuals are "small potatoes" to the company. Although consumers use their products, Alphabet, Meta and Amazon's real customers are advertisers. But Cramer conceded that Apple and Tesla differ slightly from the pack. Tesla's disappointing earnings and slower growth forecast reflect a consumer base that can't afford its products. Similarly, Apple has little enterprise exposure, making its business vulnerable to consumer spending habits. "I don't worry about the concentration of winners in tech because, alas, the concentration makes sense," Cramer said. "And it does so in a really bullish way." The U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., June 20, 2023. The Department of Justice on Monday announced criminal charges against two people and the guilty plea of a third person for orchestrating a worldwide $1.9 billion cryptocurrency Ponzi fraud scheme known as HyperFund, among other names. The Securities and Exchange Commission, in a related civil action, charged two of those individuals for their involvement in the alleged crypto pyramid scheme, which collapsed in 2022. The three defendants charged by the DOJ falsely claimed that investors in HyperFund would receive "substantial returns paid from cryptocurrency mining operations, which did not in fact exist," said acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri of the DOJ's Criminal Division. "The level of alleged fraud here is staggering," said Erek Barron, the U.S. Attorney for Maryland. Charged in the criminal case were Sam Lee, an Australian citizen who lives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, who is accused of co-founding HyperFund, as well as two HyperFund promoters, Rodney Burton of Miami, and Brenda Chunga of Severna Park, Maryland. Lee, a 35-year-old also known as Xue Lee, is charged with a single count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud. Burton, 54, who is also known as "Bitcoin Rodney" is charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business and another count of operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. Both men face a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison if convicted. Chunga, who is also known as Bitcoin Beautee, pled guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, for which she faces the same possible maximum sentence. Chunga separately agreed to settle civil charges by the SEC for violating the anti-fraud and registration provisions of U.S. securities laws. As part of that settlement, she agreed to disgorge money she made in the scheme and civil fines to be determined later. The SEC complaint says she received more than $3.7 million from both the HyperFund platform and from investors. "She used her earnings to fund extravagant personal expenses and help recruit others into the scheme by showing off the potential wealth to be earned through HyperFund," the complaint said. Lee was charged by the SEC with the same violations. HyperFund was also known as HyperTech, HyperCapital, HyperVerse and HyperNation. The DOJ alleges that from June 2020 through November 2022, Lee and his co-conspirators sold investment contracts online through HyperFund's platform and claimed that investors would earn returns of between .5% and 1% each day until their original investment was either doubled or tripled through revenue from large-scale crypto mining. In July 2021, HyperFund began to block withdrawals by investors, the DOJ alleges. Elon Musk's neurotech startup Neuralink implanted its device in a human for the first time on Sunday, and the patient is "recovering well," the billionaire said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday. The company is developing a brain implant that aims to help patients with severe paralysis control external technologies using only neural signals. Neuralink began recruiting patients for its first in-human clinical trial in the fall after it received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to conduct the study back in May, according to a blog post. Musk said Monday that Neuralink's first product is called Telepathy, according to an X post. If the technology functions properly, patients with severe degenerative diseases like ALS could someday use the implant to communicate or access social media by moving cursors and typing with their minds. "Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer," Musk wrote. "That is the goal." The in-human clinical trial marks just one step on Neuralink's path toward commercialization. Medical device companies must go through several rounds of intense data safety collection and testing before securing final approval from the FDA. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hold a press conference at the State Department in Washington, U.S., January 29, 2024. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday vowed the U.S. would take "all necessary actions" to defend its troops after a deadly drone attack in Jordan by Iran-backed militants, even as President Joe Biden's administration stressed it was not seeking a war with Iran. The attack on Sunday killed three U.S. soldiers and wounded more than 40 troops. It was the first deadly strike against U.S. troops since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October and marks a major escalation in tensions that have engulfed the Middle East. "Let me start with my outrage and sorrow (for) the deaths of three brave U.S. troops in Jordan and for the other troops who were wounded," Austin said at the Pentagon. "The president and I will not tolerate attacks on U.S. forces and we will take all necessary actions to defend the U.S. and our troops," Austin added at the start of meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Pentagon. "As the president said yesterday, we will respond and that response could be multi-leveled, come in stages and be sustained over time," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. But officials across the Biden administration said they did not want the situation to escalate. The Pentagon suggested Iran didn't want a war either. "We certainly don't seek a war and frankly we don't see Iran wanting to seek a war with the United States," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters. She added that the Pentagon believed Iran did not want a war either. "We are not seeking a conflict with the regime in the military way," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said, adding that Biden was working his way through response options. The United States is trying to determine exactly why the nearly 350 troops at the base in Jordan, known as Tower 22, were unable to stop the drone. Two officials said a U.S. drone was approaching the base around the same time the attack drone was incoming. One of the officials said the attack drone was also flying low, factors that may have contributed to it being missed by base defenses. The U.S. military released the names of the victims, the youngest of which was a 23-year-old Army Reserve specialist, Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. U.S. troops have been attacked over 160 times in Iraq, Syria and Jordan since Oct.7 and warships been attacked in the Red Sea as well. Houthi fighters in Yemen have been firing drones and missiles at them on the Red Sea. The attacks are piling political pressure on Biden to deal a blow directly against Iran, a step he has been reluctant to take out of fear of igniting a broader war. Biden met with Austin and other members of his national security team in the White House Situation Room on Monday morning to discuss the latest developments regarding the attack, the White House said. The president's options could include targeting Iranian forces outside or inside Iran and opting for a more cautious retaliatory attack solely against the Iran-backed militants responsible, experts say. "Iran continues to destabilize the region, this includes backing terrorists who attack our ships in the Red Sea," Stoltenberg said. A longtime Nvidia partner has dramatically raised its fiscal 2024 revenue guidance offering yet another reason to stick with the leading AI chipmaker and Club name whose stock keeps hitting all-time high after all-time high. AI server maker Super Micro Computer on Monday evening hiked its 2024 revenue guidance to between $14.3 billion and $14.7 billion, a monster revision from its $10 billion to $11 billion projection issued in November. Super Micro's new revenue guidance which would represent a doubling from fiscal 2023 levels also was far ahead of Wall Street's $11.7 billion consensus estimate, according to FactSet. The San Jose, California-based firm's fiscal year ends in June. Super Micro makes computer servers for data centers, competing with the likes of Dell and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise . It designs servers for Nvidia's coveted AI chips. It works with Advanced Micro Devices and Intel , too. While Nvidia has a dominant position in the fast-growing AI chip market, AMD and Intel are both aiming to grow their share of the pie in 2024. Wall Street generally sees AMD as best positioned to do so, thanks to the ongoing rollout of its AI-focused MI300X chip. SMCI 1Y mountain Super Micro Computer 1 year Shares of Super Micro were on pace for a record close Tuesday, jumping 4%, to nearly $515 each pushing year-to-date gains to roughly 80%. Over the past 12 months, the stock has gained more than 600% as demand for its AI servers has soared. Still, the magnitude of Super Micro stock move Tuesday, compared to the size of the forecast revision, is a sign that investor expectations had already accounted for most of this good news. How the market reacts to these undoubtedly positive numbers could be something to watch as more tech earnings are released in the coming days and weeks. Nvidia on Tuesday, meanwhile, high another all-time high. It was the top-performing stock in the S & P 500 last year after more than tripling in value. In 2024, Nvidia has continued to soar up about 27% year to date. Nvidia's market value has rocketed higher, currently above $1.5 trillion. By comparison, Super Micro has a market value of $28.5 billion. "You keep coming back to Nvidia being the sun, and all these other planets revolve around it," Jim Cramer said Tuesday. "I don't know whether [Super Micro] is Mercury or Venus, but I will tell you it ain't Pluto." NVDA 1Y mountain Nvidia 1 year Super Micro's earnings report is the first of many this week to offer clues into Nvidia's business and the market for AI chips, more broadly. After the close Tuesday, Club holdings Microsoft and Alphabet both buyers of Nvidia chips are scheduled to release quarterly results. Bullpen name AMD , which has projected a t least $2 billion in MI300X sales this year, also is set to report earnings Tuesday night. Another pair of Nvidia chip buyers, Club holdings Meta Platforms and Amazon , are slated to report after Thursday's close. The next quarterly report from Nvidia itself is still weeks away on Feb. 21. Super Micro's dramatic guidance revision was the key new detail in Monday's release because t he company preannounced better-than-expected preliminary second-quarter results back on Jan. 18. Super Micro said it continued to see record demand for AI systems in its second quarter. In a note to clients, analysts at Wedbush labeled Super Micro's report as positive for Nvidia, writing that the server maker's results suggest Nvidia sales "remained strong" through the end of 2023 and the company "should again provide robust guidance" next month. In addition to sustained demand, Super Micro said its results were partially bolstered by a gradually improving supply of AI chips notable given the pronounced shortages Nvidia experienced last year. Wall Street currently expects Nvidia to generate $93.3 billion in companywide sales in its upcoming fiscal year, a 12-month period that ends in January 2025. That would be a 58% increase from the $59 billion in sales Nvidia is projected to record in its fiscal year ended Sunday. Having an adequate supply of AI chips will be key for Nvidia to meet the lofty growth expectations. Nvidia has been ramping up supply with third-party producer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company , and management has said it expects chip availability to get better throughout 2024. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long NVDA, MSFT, AMZN, GOOGL and META. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. The logo of Nvidia Corporation is seen during the annual Computex computer exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan, on May 30, 2017. Tyrone Siu | Reuters (This is CNBC Pro's live coverage of Tuesday's analyst calls and Wall Street chatter. Please refresh every 20-30 minutes to view the latest posts.) Some of the biggest U.S. banks got major upgrades Tuesday. Morgan Stanley raised its rating on Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and Citigroup to overweight, calling for roughly 20% upside for all three stocks. Elsewhere, UBS upgraded Spotify as it grows bullish on the streaming giant's efforts to grow margins. Check out the latest calls and chatter below. All times ET. 8:38 a.m.: Bank of America says buy this cybersecurity stock ahead of a recovery cycle Bank of America is sticking by Fortinet for the long run even as Wall Street braces for another weak quarter for billings and guidance. "We believe the underlying demand for hardware-based Firewalls remains solid, and Fortinet's value proposition of lower pricing and greater feature set/throughput should continue to fuel the growth in the long term," wrote analyst Tal Liani. "By 2H24 we expect supplies of Fortinet's new ASIC chip, FortiSP5, to improve, potentially driving some replacement with the existing installed base." When the cybersecurity company reports fourth-quarter results next month, the firm anticipates a year-over-year decline in billings, along with slower revenue growth versus 2023. Liani also views Wall Street estimates as too high and in need of a reset, expecting first-quarter billings to face "greater seasonality headwinds and continued tough comps." Despite this near-term overhang, Bank of America regards Fortinet as a "strong competitor" in the network security space, and a stock to buy before its recovery cycle. "We believe the company will continue to demonstrate a strong price/performance value proposition due to its custom ASIC products," he said. "We see this, along with new product introductions, as driving replacement cycles and opening new opportunities in the high-end data center market given its competitive throughput." Samantha Subin 8:33 a.m.: Bank of America hikes price target for Uber ahead of earnings Uber is set to cap off its 2023 fiscal year on a high note and continue that momentum into 2024, according to Bank of America. Analyst Justin Post hiked his price target for Uber to $73 per share from $68, saying in an earnings preview note that the rideshare company was poised to improve its margins in the new year. "Margin progress has been a top theme for the stock, and with strong driver supply and advertising traction we see an opportunity for another year of incremental margins above LT target of 7% ... While bar gets tougher as Uber laps the introduction of high-margin ads, we see strong driver supply, a stable competitive environment, and new advertising services (and partners) as contributing to margin expansion in 2024," the note said. The new price target is 9% above where Uber's stock closed on Monday. Bank of America has a buy rating on the stock. For the fourth quarter, Bank of America said it expects Uber to beat expectations for revenue and a key profit metric when the company reports its results on Feb. 7. Jesse Pound 8:32 a.m.: Seaport downgrades Netflix after the stock's recent rally There's a lot of enthusiasm around Netflix , but the recent rally has left the stock fully valued, according to Seaport Research Partners. The firm downgraded the streaming giant to neutral from buy on Tuesday. Shares have jumped more than 18% since Netflix reported stronger subscriber growth than expected for the fourth quarter last Tuesday and announced it will air the WWE flagship program Raw starting next year. The stock closed at $575.79 on Monday, just below Seaport's price target of $576. Seaport said Netflix's addition of live sports rights will support the streamer's strategy of building a global, in-demand platform with an advertising model layered on top. However, that will come at a cost, with the WWE rights costing about $5 billion, analyst David Joyce wrote in a note. "Netflix has its qualities and attributes - including ease of use, recommendation engine, programming sourcing, talent relationships, global footprint from which to build incremental businesses in advertising and gaming, positive FCF, and capital returns," analyst David Joyce wrote in a note. "That said, various valuation metrics relative to growth expectations through 2027 appear to be rather full," he added. Michelle Fox 8:14 a.m.: BTIG hikes price target on TripAdvisor, sees 35% upside BTIG is bullish on TripAdvisor heading into the travel company's earnings report next month. The firm said it sees healthy underlying trends and raised its price target on Tuesday to $30 from $22.14, implying 35% upside from Monday's close. It specifically sees strength in its experiences booking platform, Viator. "Traffic trends suggest Viator bookings growth in the 20% range and that could push revenue growth to the mid-20s after layering in a take-rate tailwind," analyst Jake Fuller wrote in a note to clients. He upgrade TripAdvisor to buy in December. "Further out, our perspective on 2024 is firming with increased confidence in above-Street estimates given the topline trajectory of Viator, $35M in identified Core segment cost savings and Viator/TheFork shifting from EBITDA losses to profits," he added. TripAdvisor is expected to release fourth-quarter earnings Feb. 13. Shares are up nearly 3% year to date. Michelle Fox 8:13 a.m.: Roth MKM maintains neutral on Pinterest, says investors should wait for 'better' entry point Analyst Rohit Kulkarni thinks Pinterest is one of the "highest quality SMID-cap Internet stocks with identifiable catalysts," maintaining his neutral rating but adjusting his price target from $31 to $37. The new target suggests shares could decrease about 5.5% from Pinterest's latest closing price. "We remain constructive over the longer term, however, near-term, we believe rising 1Q/2024 expectations are fairly captured at current valuation levels," Kulkarni wrote in a Tuesday note. "We await a better growth-adjusted entry point along with sustained user growth to become more constructive." The photo-sharing website saw record-high 90% incremental EBITDA margins last year, Kulkarni noted, saying consensus expectations are calling for roughly 40% and 50% incremental margin growth in 2024 and 20205, respectively. Given that Amazon's ad-spending business is expected to grow in 2024, Kulkarni added that Pinterest's partnership with Amazon could also lead to between $137 million and $150 million in incremental revenues for Pinterest this year. In the fourth quarter, roughly 0.05% of Amazon's ad spending was allocated to Pinterest, he said. Pinterest shares gained 1% in premarket trading. The stock is up about 5.8% so far this year. Pia Singh 7:37 a.m.: Oppenheimer initiates bowling name with outperform rating Oppenheimer says it's "aiming to bowl a strike" with Pinstripes Holdings . The firm initiated coverage on the bowling company with an outperform rating and $6 price target on shares. The price target suggests shares could rally around 50% from Monday's close. "PNST represents an intriguing and more speculative investment opportunity within the attractive 'eatertainment' category. The company is armed with robust unit economics and proven portability as it enters a growth inflection aimed at scaling its profitable EBITDA model," analyst Brian Bittner wrote in a Monday note. Shares have declined around 65% since the stock began trading on Jan. 2. Bittner cited investor concerts regarding capital structure overhangs, which he believes could ease if management manages to successfully execute its new unit opening strategy and achieve its financial targets. "Underlying fundamentals are compelling with appetizing venue-level economics, above-average new unit paybacks, and a long-term opportunity to exponentially expand its current 15-unit footprint," said Bittner. Hakyung Kim 7:08 a.m.: BTIG upgrades Block to buy, bullish on Cash App and Square growth Analyst Andrew Harte upgraded Block to buy from neutral, saying margins are poised to expand. His $85 price target implies shares could gain more than 23%. "We see the company's growth opportunities paired with management's focus on bottom-line as presenting an attractive investment opportunity," Harte wrote in a Tuesday note. "Our core investment thesis is focused on SQ's attractive position between the consumer and merchant with its Cash App and Square ecosystems and potential for each segment to become stronger as integrations are built between them." Harte said Cash App and Square are strong as individual units and are expected to grow throughout fiscal 2024 and beyond. Square's increased focus on costs are attractive, he added, saying he expects the company to reach its goal of mid-20s adjusted operating margin by 2026, which should pose an opportunity for investors who are increasingly focused on GAAP profitability. Block's stock price traded nearly 3% higher in early morning trading. Shares are down 10.8% so far this year. Pia Singh 6:33 a.m.: Western Alliance shares are 'fully valued', according to Wells Fargo Wells Fargo downgraded Western Alliance Bancorp to equal weight from overweight. "Current results and guidance leave little room for error risk/reward scenarios at this stock price level seem skewed to the downside," analyst Timur Braziler wrote in a Monday note. "Valuation is now about in line with peers and fully valued, in our view." Shares are up about 6.6% this year, last closing at $70.11 per share. Braziler's new price target of $72, higher by $10, suggests about 2.7% potential upside over the next 12 months. Braziler noted that the bank's costs have increased, reflecting higher deposit earnings credit rate, higher tech and insurance spend. Liquidity and capital build are also taking away from profitability, he added. "Near-term efficiency and profitability still lag pre-pandemic levels," Braziler said. "In an upside scenario, WAL is able to return to industry leading growth, establish a solid capital base, and regain its prior levels of profitability. WAL has never had an issue being profitable, it has had an issue getting the proper multiple for that profitability." Pia Singh 6:07 a.m.: Oppenheimer downgrades Five Below on worries of slowing growth Five Below's valuation may not be aligned with its fundamentals, according to Oppenheimer. Analyst Brian Nagel downgraded Five Below to perform from outperform. He also lowered his price target on the discount retailer to $200, suggesting shares could gain just 7% over the next year. During premarket trading on Tuesday, shares fell 1.7%, adding to the stock's losses of more than 12% this year. "Strategic positioning of the unique Five Below model and consumer proposition remain robust," Nagel wrote in a Tuesday note. "That said, we are starting to fret that underlying growth dynamics for FIVE are slowing, at least somewhat, given a now larger base of units, waning remodeling opportunities, and stepped-up reinvestment requirements, on top of already elevated operating margins." As the pace of growth for Five Below gradually diminishes, Nagel forecasted that the premium multiple shares at which shares trade could also moderate towards "recent troughs." He expects new store expansions to also gradually slow to the low-double digits. Pia Singh 6:05 a.m.: Raymond James initiates CrowdStrike with outperform rating Cybersecurity company CrowdStrike is a bullish play for the long run, according to Raymond James. Analyst Adam Tindle initiated coverage on the stock with an outperform rating and $330 price target, which implies 9.8% potential upside for the stock. "Our thesis is predicated on a near-term view that net new ARR (key growth metric) should accelerate alongside stabilization/improvement in the device end market as CY24 progresses," Tindle wrote in a Monday note. "We model this metric slightly above Street estimates for the next few quarters, but would not be surprised to see actual results well in excess of our current estimates." Tindle added that, for longer-term investors, CrowdStrike with its detection and response services will be a beneficiary of the value chain in cybersecurity shifting from proactive to reactive, given that high-profile security breaches have become seemingly inevitable. CrowdStrike's customer base is also roughly half the size of peers Palo Alto Networks and a fraction of Fortinet's, suggesting room to grow in customer acquisition. These shifts should drive operating leverage and cash flow generation, according to the analyst. Shares gained 0.4% in premarket trading. Tindle acknowledged that the stock which has gained about 17.8% so far this year is one of the most expensive in the firm's coverage universe, and that downside from valuation multiple compression could be significant at more than 50%. Pia Singh 5:42 a.m.: Spotify gets an upgrade from UBS as efficiency initiatives play out UBS thinks Spotify still has room to run as the streaming giant focuses on margin expansion, price increases as well as subscription and advertising growth. These initiatives, in turn, should lead to higher earnings and revenue, according to the firm. Analyst Batya Levi upgraded shares of Spotify to buy from neutral and increased his price target by $104 to $274, which implies 25.3% potential upside for the stock. "We think efficiency initiatives remain the focus and have increased conviction on sustainable margin expansion and stronger bottom line trends in the coming years," Levi wrote in a Tuesday note. "While investors have struggled in the past with valuation given lack of profitability, we expect SPOT to gain valuation support with EBITDA now firmly in positive territory and growth pegged against peers." The analyst said Spotify's podcast business is on track to break-even in the first half of this year, and that its music segment should also benefit from new royalty deals with labels, which should support ad-supported margins. Revenue should grow 13% CAGR between 2023 and 2027, and gross margins should also expand during that period, Levi said. The stock is up more than 16% higher this year, and jumped more than 118% over the past year. Shares traded about 2% higher in premarket trading. Pia Singh 5:42 a.m.: Raymond James downgrades AMD Artificial intelligence expectations for AMD are becoming too elevated, according to Raymond James. The firm lowered its rating on the chipmaker to outperform from strong buy. It also raised its price target to $195 per share from $190, but that only implies upside of 9.6%. "We project AMD's base business to earn $3.5-4 in 2025, which means AI GPUs will need to contribute > $3 EPS. That is equivalent to $12B revenue or 800k units," wrote analyst Srini Pajjuri. "In comparison, we estimate NVDA shipped 2M units in CY23 and are projecting 3.2M units for CY25. While ~20% unit share is not impossible, we think it's a little premature to give the benefit of the doubt." AMD shares dipped slightly in the premarket. The chipmaker's stock is off to a roaring start for 2024, surging 20.6%. AMD YTD mountain AMD in 2024 Fred Imbert 5:42 a.m.: Morgan Stanley upgrades Bank of America, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs Morgan Stanley is getting bullish on major banks. Analyst Betsy Graseck raised her rating on Bank of America and Goldman Sachs to overweight from equal weight. She also upgraded Citigroup to overweight from underweight. Broadly, she cited three reasons for her optimism on the major banks: Risks from upcoming "Basel Endgame" rules "coming into focus: "Reading the tea leaves, it looks like Basel Endgame will be significantly lightened up vs. the current proposal." The possibility of greater buybacks, "especially given large banks have the highest excess capital levels ever in an environment where loan growth is tepid." "Our conviction in a capital markets rebound is growing." Specifically for BofA, Graseck said the stock is now trading at an attractive valuation, adding the banking giant benefits from a "strong consumer deposit franchise, with 92% of consumer checking accounts being primary accounts and 67% of deposit balances being with customers that have been at BAC for more than 10 years." The analyst raised her price target on Bank of America to $41 from $32. The new forecast implies upside of nearly 22%. Graseck also called Citigroup "the biggest beneficiary among the money centers from potentially lighter Basel Endgame rules as their stock trades at only 0.5x [book value per share]. That means they have the ability to buy back stock below book, a very accretive financial transaction." Morgan Stanley raised its price target on Citigroup to $65 from $46, implying upside of 20.1% over the next 12 months. As for Goldman, Graseck noted it's the bank with the most exposure to a "capital markets rebound, with 64% of revenues coming from Global Banking & Markets in 2024 in our model." She raised her price target on the stock to $449 from $333, implying 18% upside. Bank of America and Goldman shares are off to a sluggish start for 2024, losing 0.2% and 1.4%, respectively. Citigroup has outperformed early in the year, rising 5.2%. BAC C,GS YTD mountain BAC, C and GS in 2024 Fred Imbert In this article BA Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Boeings reputation has taken a significant hit this month, according to surveys conducted by Morning Consult. A report by the market research company shows net trust dropped 12 percentage points among U.S. adults from December 2023 to January 2024. Net trust represents the share of people who say they trust a brand minus those who say they dont. Net trust also fell among frequent flyers and, to a lesser extent, business travelers, according to the report, which polled nearly 170,000 people, according to Joanna Piacenza, Morning Consults head of industry intelligence. watch now The drop in trust comes on the heels of a door plug that blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines on Jan. 5. Notably, we arent seeing the same negative impact for Alaska Airlines, or for United Airlines, which announced that its crew had found loose bolts on its own 737 Max 9s during inspections, according to Morning Consults report. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Boeing has not yet replied to CNBCs request for comment. In a statement issued on Jan. 23, the company's Commercial Airplanes CEO Stanley Deal said, "We have let down our airline customers and are deeply sorry for the significant disruption to them, their employees and their passengers. We are taking action on a comprehensive plan to bring these airplanes safely back to service and to improve our quality and delivery performance." Weathering tough times Boeings reputation has seen worse times, with net trust among U.S. adults falling below 6% after two Max 8s crashed within five months Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019. Since 2020, net trust in Boeing has slowly, but steadily, increased with confidence levels among by high-dollar investors leading the way, according to Morning Consult. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Americans typically show greater net trust in its homegrown Boeing brand than in the European-based Airbus, its largest competitor. But for the second time in five years, U.S. respondents this month showed more confidence in Airbus, according to the report. Fallout not over The fallout likely isnt over yet, said Piacenza. Expect Boeings net trust metrics to tick down a bit more, especially as the brands name remains in the headlines, but not to the extent that we saw in March 2019, she said. Boeings big trust drop in March 2019 occurred after two deadly crashes while the Alaska Airlines 1282 incident was horrifying, it didnt result in any casualties. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Activist investor Bluebell Capital Partners is pushing for BP to urgently change tack, saying it is "highly debatable" whether the oil major's strategy of reducing fossil fuel investments in favor of clean energy has any chance of succeeding. Giuseppe Bivona, partner and co-chief investment officer at Bluebell, on Tuesday said that the FTSE 100 energy company's depressed share price relative to its U.S. and European peers had been "totally underwhelming" in recent years, and that it should now consider deploying capital in a "rational way." "This was as a result of a strategy which was intended to blindly shrink BP's core business in oil and gas and venture in other business in clean energy where, quite frankly, it is highly debatable whether BP has any chance to succeed," Bivona told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe." "The path to get to net zero by 2050 is very narrow, which means it is very unlikely that we are going to be at net zero in 2050. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy that we all not just the oil major companies as part of society aim toward this goal," he added. "But I think it is very rational for a company to make as its base case a scenario which, actually is very, very unlikely to happen. And on that front, we are not asking BP to renege on its strategy, but to adapt its strategy to the reality." His comments come shortly after it was revealed Bluebell co-founders Bivone and Marco Taricco wrote a letter to BP Chair Helge Lund and then-interim CEO Murray Auchincloss in October. Auchincloss has since been appointed as permanent CEO of the British oil and gas major. Bluebell's letter, which was first reported on by the Financial Times on Monday, said BP's investment strategy assumed a "drastic decline in oil and gas demand, which we consider to be utterly unrealistic." In response to the publication of the letter, a spokesperson for BP said the company "welcomes constructive engagement" with its shareholders. The Carnival Radiance cruise ship at the Avalon, California, harbor on May 19, 2023. Carnival announced on Tuesday that it would reroute cruise itineraries for a dozen ships scheduled to transit the Red Sea as tensions rise in the Middle East. "Given recent developments and in close consultation with global security experts and government authorities, the company has made the decision to reroute itineraries for 12 ships across seven brands, which were scheduled to transit the Red Sea through May 2024," the cruise line said in a press release. Repeated attacks on vessels by Iranian-backed Houthi Rebels have forced major shipping and oil companies to divert their routes, adding days to shipping times and driving up costs. The U.S. has responded by striking the Houthis in Yemen, but U.S. President Joe Biden admitted earlier this month the retaliation was not stopping the group. A weekend attack by Iranian-backed militants killed three U.S. service members in Jordan and also heightened tensions in the region. Carnival expects the rerouting to affect its adjusted earnings per share by 7 cents to 8 cents in 2024. The company forecast adjusted full-year earnings per share of 93 cents, according to its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings released last month. The cruise liner is expected to release its fiscal 2024 first-quarter earnings in March. Carnival is the latest company to announce disruptions due to the conflicts in the Red Sea. Earlier this month, Royal Caribbean and Swiss-Italian operator MSC Cruises said they would cancel trips in the region. A spokesperson for Carnival told CNBC the cruise line or a travel advisor would directly contact customers affected by the changes. Shares of Carnival traded flat Tuesday. The stock is up more than 50% in the past year. While bookings have rebounded from the Covid-19 pandemic, the stock is almost 70% off its pre-pandemic high. Don't miss these stories from CNBC PRO: Oil prices rose Tuesday after the International Monetary Fund boosted its global growth forecast for the year and as the market waited to see how the U.S. will respond to a deadly drone attack on its forces in the Middle East The West Texas Intermediate contract for March gained $1.04, or 1.35%, to settle at $77.82 a barrel. The Brent contract for March rose 47 cents, 0.57%, to settle at $82.87. WTI and Brent are up 8.6% and 7.5% respectively this year. The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday raised its forecast for the global economy on unexpectedly strong growth in the U.S. and stimulus in China. The IMF forecast growth of 3.1% this year, an increase of 0.2 percentage points from its October projection. The two benchmarks were down more than 1% earlier in the session after Saudi Aramco paused plans to raise its crude production capacity to 13 million barrels per day, raising questions about the future supply and demand picture. Hamas also said it was studying a proposal to pause fighting in Gaza, in a sign that diplomacy to de-escalate the war might be gaining some traction. Oil prices had settled down more than 1% on Monday as China's real estate crisis raised worries about demand in the world's second-largest economy. "The ramifications of a possible collapse in the China's property sector makes moot any authority stimulus and will have very negative global shockwaves," John Evans with the oil broker PVM wrote in a note. Attorney Roberta Kaplan delivers her closing argument during E. Jean Carroll's second civil trial as Carroll accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of raping her decades ago, at Manhattan Federal Court in New York City, U.S., January 26, 2024, in this courtroom sketch. E. Jean Carroll's lawyer on Tuesday rebutted a claim that she was mentored by the judge who oversaw the rape defamation trial of Donald Trump, and said there is "no basis' to toss the recent $83.3 million verdict against the former president in Carroll's favor. Carroll's lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, blasted Trump's attorney Alina Habba for raising "false allegations of a mentor-mentee relationship" between Kaplan and U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan when they both worked at the prestigious and large New York law firm Paul, Weiss three decades ago. The Kaplans are not related. Roberta Kaplan, in a letter to the judge, noted that "the length of our overlap at Paul, Weiss was less than two years," and that she does not remember ever interacting with Judge Kaplan during that time, when she was a junior litigation associate and he was a senior litigation partner. Roberta Kaplan joined the firm in October 1992 and Lewis Kaplan left Paul, Weiss in August 1994 upon his confirmation as judge. Roberta Kaplan also told the judge in a letter that she reserved the right to "seek sanctions" against Habba for making "false and vexatious claims." Habba replied to the letter later Tuesday, denying she made any false claims, noting that she had merely asked if there was such a mentor relationship with the judge. General Motors reveals the new 2016 Chevrolet Volt to the media at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on January 12, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. DETROIT General Motors is changing its product lineup strategy to include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, CEO Mary Barra told investors Tuesday. Barra did not disclose specific details of the plans other than that PHEVs, which include an internal combustion engine along with battery technologies, will be rolled out on "select vehicles" in North America to assist in meeting more stringent federal fuel economy regulations. More companies are reconsidering the viability of hybrid vehicles to appease consumer demand and avoid costly penalties related to those federal fuel economy and emissions standards. Most of GM's main competitors offer traditional hybrids as well as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. "Let me be clear, GM remains committed to eliminating tailpipe emissions from our light-duty vehicles by 2035, but, in the interim, deploying plug-in technology in strategic segments will deliver some of the environment or environmental benefits of EVs as the nation continues to build this charging infrastructure," Barra said during the automaker's quarterly and 2023 earnings call. Barra alluded to the automaker using plug-in hybrid technology that the company has already adopted overseas in countries such as China. The only hybrid GM currently offers in the U.S. is a traditional hybrid version of the Chevrolet Corvette. GM led the way for plug-in electric vehicles with the Chevrolet Volt during the 2010s. The company discontinued the vehicle in early 2019, citing demand and cost concerns. The Detroit automaker previously planned to forgo plug-in hybrid vehicles and move all of its traditional cars and trucks with internal combustion engines to all-electric models for consumers. The shifting strategies are counterintuitive to the industry's recent messaging on EVs. Many auto companies have begun to invest billions of dollars in all-electric vehicles, and the Biden administration has made a push to get more EVs on U.S. roadways as quickly as possible. Don't miss these stories from CNBC PRO: Chinese flags and Hong Kong flags are hung in Tsim Sha Tsui district on Oct. 4, 2023 in Hong Kong, China. The Chinese government imposed a National Security Law in the special administrative region on June 30, 2020. Hong Kong's leader confirmed on Tuesday his intention to pass fresh national security laws soon, building on sweeping legislation Beijing imposed on the city in 2020, saying the city has the constitutional responsibility to impose the new laws. Some business people, diplomats and academics are watching developments closely, saying the prospect of new laws targeting espionage, state secrets and foreign influence, known as Article 23, could have a deep impact on the global financial hub. A consultation document will be released later on Tuesday, Lee said, and the government will attempt to pass the legislation "as soon as possible." "Why now? We can't wait. We can't afford to wait any longer," Lee said. "While we, society as a whole, looks calm and looks very safe, we still have to watch out for potential sabotage, undercurrents that try to create troubles," he said, saying some foreign agents could still be active in Hong Kong. Lee said freedoms would be safeguarded and the laws would meet international standards. Matthew (first name only), a Pacific Islander with Japanese permanent residency status (front L,) Syed Zain, a Japanese citizen with Pakistani origin (front C) and Maurice (first name only), a US citizen with Japanese permanent residency status (front 2nd R), walk outside the Tokyo District Court in Tokyo on Jan. 29, 2024. A group of Japanese citizens, including a man of Pakistani descent, launched a civil lawsuit against the country's police on Monday, accusing the authorities of racial profiling and discrimination and demanding an end to the alleged practice. The case, to be heard in Tokyo District Court, comes as Japan in recent years has seen an influx of workers from abroad. The number of non-Japanese living in Japan reached a record high last year, at nearly 3 million people. One of the three plaintiffs, Syed Zain, a 26-year-old Japanese citizen of Pakistani descent, says he has been repeatedly stopped by police, including getting searched in front of his home. He has lived in Japan for two decades, attended Japanese schools and is fluent in the language, he said. "They don't recognize us as a Japanese," he said of the police. "From the first moment, they think I'm a criminal." The three plaintiffs are demanding 3 million yen ($20,000) each in punitive damages over "unconstitutional and illegal" treatment, plus 300,000 yen ($2,000) per plaintiff in attorney fees. "Racial profiling is nothing but discrimination on the basis of race, nationality and color," their claim alleges. Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, a billionaire and major Republican campaign donor, gave $5 million to a political action committee backing former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley over Donald Trump in the GOP primary for president, according to his company spokesman. Griffin wrote the seven-figure check in January to the SFA Fund, a super PAC that can raise and spend an unlimited amount of money to help Haley, but which cannot coordinate directly with her presidential campaign. "Governor Haley has a tremendous track record of leadership and America would be well served by someone with her foreign policy credentials and policy priorities in the White House," Griffin said in a statement to CNBC. "She cares deeply about the future of all Americans and has demonstrated effective leadership advancing policies that promote lifelong prosperity, upward mobility, and our nation's safety and security," said Griffin. "While voters decide on who will serve as the Republican Party's nominee for President, I will continue my focus on actively supporting U.S. House and Senate candidates prioritizing economic freedom and a strong defense of America at home and abroad," he said. The announcement came just hours after Griffin told CNBC he "supported" Haley, during an interview at the Managed Funds Association conference in Miami. Griffin has an estimated net worth of $37 billion, according to Forbes. Despite the Haley donation, Griffin also praised Trump on Tuesday during his conversation with CNBC. "I know many of us, me included, you know, struggle with some of Trump's behaviors," he said. "But there was a dimension of greater global security with him as president, particularly from U.S. interests." Griffin's move comes as Haley faces a steep climb to the Republican nomination. The former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations came in third in the Iowa caucus, behind Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. A week later, she came in second in the New Hampshire primary to Trump after DeSantis dropped out. Haley is currently trailing Trump by almost 30 percentage points in her home state of South Carolina, which will hold the next Republican primary on Feb. 24. Haley is not the only Republican candidate for whom Griffin has cut a big check this cycle. He has also donated $10 million to a super PAC supporting Pennsylvania Senate candidate Dave McCormick, the former CEO of hedge fund Bridgewater Associates. A super PAC that is backing Montana Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy received $5 million from Griffin, according to a Citadel spokesman. Sheehy is running to unseat incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester. But Sheehy still faces a potential primary challenge from GOP Rep. Matt Rosendale. Don't miss these stories from CNBC PRO: Chinese automaker BYD had one of the biggest stands at the IAA show in Munich, Germany in 2023. BEIJING Competition for China's electric car market will continue to heat up in the next two to three years, according BYD , which claimed it wants to work with Tesla to grow the market. Chinese battery and electric car maker BYD has grown rapidly in recent years, with total vehicle production in 2023 surpassing that of Elon Musk's Tesla. Fierce competition in China's electric car market in the last two years has resulted in the lowest prices for the vehicles globally, Yunfei Li, general manager of branding and public relations at BYD, told reporters Monday. "I think this is an inevitable process, but it may take another two to three years," he said in Mandarin, translated by CNBC. "In the end, many brands that aren't able to compete in the market will be eliminated." Battery-only and hybrid powered cars a category known as new energy vehicles constituted more than one-third of new passenger cars sold in China last year, according to industry data. Government subsidies and license plate restrictions have helped boost new energy car sales, while startups and traditional automakers have incorporated flashy new tech to attract buyers. Dmitry Rybolovlev, president of As Monaco Football Club SA, arrives at court in New York on Jan. 9, 2024. Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev on Tuesday lost a New York federal court lawsuit in which he had accused the Sotheby's auction house of helping an art buyer defraud the oligarch by having him grossly overpay for various pieces of art. A jury after several hours of deliberations found for Sotheby's on all counts in Rybolovlev's civil suit. The case related to more than $100 million in purchases the 57-year-old fertilizer magnate made through art buyer Yves Bouvier. Bouvier for more than a decade had acted as the billionaire's agent, helping him buy 38 masterworks for more than $2 billion. Rybolovlev's suit in U.S. District Court in Manhattan said he believed that Bouvier was conducting "hard-fought negotiations with sellers" on his behalf, when in reality, he was inflating the actual sales prices by nearly 100%. The suit said Sotheby's, as a broker for the transactions, helped Bouvier "justify the fraudulent prices he charged" Rybolovlev's companies Accent Delight International Limited and Xitrans Finance Limited. "It knew the actual prices Bouvier paid to the sellers and the fraudulently inflated prices Bouvier induced Plaintiffs to pay to him," the suit said. Among the four artworks that were the subject of the trial was the Leonardo da Vinci painting "Salvator Mundi," which Bouvier purchased from Sotheby's for $83 million only to sell it a day later to Rybolovlev for $127.5 million. Rybolovlev later sold the piece at an auction through Christie's in 2017 for $450.3 million, a record price for a painting. At trial, Sotheby's lawyer Sara Shudofsky told jurors that Rybolovlev was "trying to make an innocent party pay for what somebody else did to him." "Sotheby's didn't know anything about those lies," Shudofsky said. "Sotheby's had no knowledge of and didn't participate in any misconduct." After the verdict on Tuesday in its favor, the auction house in a statement said the decision "reaffirms Sotheby's long-standing commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and professionalism in all aspects of the art market." "We are grateful to the jury for its verdict, which totally vindicates Sotheby's of any alleged misconduct," Sotheby's said. "Throughout the trial, there was a glaring lack of evidence presented by the plaintiff and, as has been clear from the beginning, Sotheby's strictly adhered to all legal requirements, financial obligations, and industry best practices during the transactions of these artworks." Rybolovlev's lawyer Daniel Kornstein said, "This case achieved our goal of shining a light on the lack of transparency that plagues the art market. That secrecy made it difficult to prove a complex aiding and abetting fraud case." "This verdict only highlights the need for reforms, which must be made outside the courtroom," Kornstein added. Rybolovlev, who bought a Palm Beach, Florida, mansion from former President Donald Trump in 2008 for $95 million, settled his claims against Bouvier for undisclosed terms, the art buyers' lawyers said last month. Bouvier's lawyers in a statement to the Associated Press earlier this month said Rybolovlev's legal claims against him had been rejected "by authorities around the world" in nine legal cases filed in Singapore, Hong Kong, New York, Monaco and Geneva. Don't miss these stories from CNBC PRO: Valvoline had last year decided to separate its retail services and global products divisions following a strategic review. Saudi Arabia's state-controlled Aramco on Tuesday announced it is pausing plans to raise its crude production capacity from 12 million barrels per day to 13 million barrels per day. In a statement, the world's largest crude exporter said it had been ordered by the Saudi Ministry of Energy to maintain its Maximum Sustainable Capacity (MSC) at current levels, several years and billions of dollars since it received a directive to boost production capacity to 13 million barrels per day by 2027. Aramco, which went public in 2019, did not disclose the reason behind the ministry's decision and said it will update its capital spending guidance when its full-year 2023 results are announced in March. At 7 a.m. London time, Brent crude prices for March delivery were up 0.24% from previous close price at $82.60 per barrel. WTI contracts for March delivery were up 0.35% at $77.05 per barrel. The Tuesday announcement comes amid mounting concerns over the outlook for oil demand worldwide, given a progressing global transition toward decarbonization that casts a shadow over long-term investment projects in fossil fuels. Global oil demand is projected to have risen by 2.3 million barrels per day in 2023 to 101.7 million barrels per day, according to the International Energy Agency's annual report published in December. Check out the companies making headlines in postmarket trading. Microsoft The tech giant slipped 1% after releasing its quarterly results. Microsoft posted earnings of $2.93 per share on $62.02 billion in revenue. Analysts surveyed by LSEG, formerly known as Refinitiv, had expected earnings of $2.78 per share and revenue of $61.12 billion. Revenue from Azure and other cloud services rose 30% on a yearly basis. Tesla Shares of the electric vehicle company fell nearly 2%. A Delaware judge agreed to void Tesla CEO Elon Musk's $56 billion compensation package . The decision involves a lawsuit filed by Richard Tornetta, a Tesla shareholder. Electronic Arts The stock declined 3.3% after its fiscal third-quarter revenue came in below estimates. EA reported $2.37 billion in revenue, while analysts had estimated $2.39 billion, according to LSEG. Alphabet Shares fell around 5.8% on the company's fourth-quarter results . Google ad revenue came in at $65.52 billion, short of analysts' expectations for $65.94 billion, per StreetAccount. Separately, Alphabet posted a beat on top and bottom lines. Mondelez The snack company slipped more than 3% after reporting higher-than-expected adjusted earnings and revenue that was in line with analysts' forecasts, per LSEG. Meanwhile, organic growth and volume in the Asia and North America markets came in lower than expected. Starbucks The coffee chain advanced 3% in extended trading. Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan noted in a statement that the company's brand is strong, even as it faces "headwinds." Starbucks' fiscal first-quarter adjusted earnings came in at 90 cents per share on revenue of $9.43 billion. This fell short of analysts' expectations for 93 cents in earnings per share and revenue of $9.59 billion, per LSEG. Advanced Micro Devices The chipmaker lost 4% following its fourth-quarter earnings. The company's adjusted earnings were in line with estimates, while revenue came in slightly above expectations, according to LSEG. Revenue guidance for the first quarter came in lower than expectations. AMD said it expects $5.4 billion in revenue, versus estimates of $5.73 billion. Stryker The medical tech company jumped 4%. Stryker reported adjusted earnings of $3.46 per share on revenue of $5.82 billion, while analysts called for $3.27 per share in earnings and $5.6 billion in revenue, per FactSet. The company also issued rosy guidance for the full year. Skyworks Solutions The chip supplier rallied 3% on the back of its fiscal first-quarter results. Skyworks' adjusted earnings per share beat estimates, while revenue came in line with expectations. CEO Liam Griffin said the company sees signs of recovery in the Android smartphone market. Powell Industries The maker of electrical infrastructure equipment surged almost 13% after posting fiscal first-quarter earnings of $1.98 per diluted share versus 10 cents per diluted share a year ago. Revenue came in at $194 million, reflecting a 53% increase from a year earlier. Robert Half The staffing agency slumped 9.5% postmarket after forecasting first quarter earnings of 54 cents to 68 cents per share versus analysts' consensus estimate of 78 cents, FactSet said. Teradyne The maker of electronic test equipment and robotics fell more than 6% after hours. First quarter guidance for earnings of 22 cents to 38 cents per share missed a FactSet consensus analyst estimate of 54 cents per share. It was also below the lowest estimate of 48 cents. The revenue outlook fell short of the lowest estimate. CNBC's Darla Mercado and Scott Schnipper contributed reporting. Apple CEO Tim Cook holds a new iPhone 15 Pro during the Wonderlust project launch event at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California, Sept. 12, 2023. Shipments of iPhones are likely to take a hit this year due largely to the growing popularity of foldable phones and Huawei's resurgence in the Chinese market, says top Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities. Apple, which became the top smartphone vendor in China last year for the first time, trimmed shipments of "key upstream semiconductor components" to around 200 million units, translating to a 15% year-over-year drop in iPhone shipments, according to Kuo's blog post on Tuesday about his latest supply chain survey. Kuo wrote that Apple's weekly shipments in China have fallen by 30% to 40% from a year earlier in recent weeks, "and this downward trend is expected to continue." "Apple may have the most significant decline among the major global mobile phone brands in 2024," Kuo wrote. Huawei's comeback as a leading smartphone maker coupled with the "increasing preference for foldable phones among high-end users as their first choice" in the Chinese market are key reasons for the iPhone's potential decline, Kuo wrote. New phone designs integrating generative artificial intelligence are also altering the market. Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Samsung has upped shipments of its new Galaxy S24 series this year by 5% to 10% as it sees "higher-than-expected" demand thanks to its AI-powered features, Kuo wrote. Apple, meanwhile, has lowered its shipment forecast for the iPhone 15 in the first half of 2024, he added. With no major changes to the iPhone's designs expected until 2025 "at the earliest," Kuo wrote, Apple's "shipment momentum and ecosystem growth" are poised to diminish in the meantime. Apple is scheduled to report quarterly results Thursday. Analysts are expecting to see revenue growth of just 0.6% from a year earlier to $117.91 billion, according to LSEG, formerly Refinitiv. And average projections show Apple recording single-digit growth for the rest of the calendar year. Apple shares were down 1.7% on Tuesday afternoon to $188.46. Don't miss these stories from CNBC PRO: WATCH: The headset wars Industrial technology company Trimble announced on Tuesday it would buy back up to $800 million worth of shares and add two directors to its board, just a few weeks after activist investor Jana Partners disclosed a stake in the company. Ron Nersesian and Kara Sprague will join Trimble's board effective February, the company said in a release. Sprague is an executive vice president at Nginx owner F5 . Nersesian is the chairman and former CEO of Keysight , an equipment and software company. "We are thrilled to welcome Kara and Ron to our Board," Trimble CEO Rob Painter said in the release. Jana partner Kevin Galligan said the firm was "pleased" with the additions to the board and the expanded share buyback plan. Jana revealed its stake in Trimble at Bloomberg's Activism Forum in December. Galligan said at the time that it would encourage Trimble to improve margins and focus on organic growth. Galligan also said industrial buyers looking to grow their recurring revenue through software or technology might consider acquiring Trimble. The activist investor has previously disclosed positions in Fidelity National Information Services, Macy's, New Relic, Qualcomm and Zendesk, according to 13D Monitor. Jana says it relies on a network of industry experts to help identify targets, help shape strategies and serve on target boards. Shares rose as much as 1.5% on the news. Trimble stock is up more than 7% since Jana first disclosed its stake. "We look forward to supporting Rob and the Company as they execute their strategy to compound value," Galligan said. Jana did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for further comment. Don't miss these stories from CNBC PRO: Sergei Baburin (rear L), now-former presidential candidate nominated by the Russian All People's Union Party and Russia's President Vladimir Putin (rear R) during a meeting at Moscow's Kremlin in Moscow in 2018. Russian nationalist politician Sergey Baburin on Tuesday announced that he is withdrawing his candidacy in Russian presidential elections due to take place on March 15-17 and called on voters to endorse the incumbent, President Vladimir Putin. Baburin, the leader of the conservative Russian All-People's Union party, pulled out of the race on Tuesday, despite collecting enough public signatures to endorse his candidacy. "I am glad that after our own verification of signature sheets, 102, 670 voter signatures are ready to be submitted to the Central Election Commission." He added that, in the context of the war against Russia, he accepts "perhaps the most difficult decision in my life," according to Google-translated comments published by Russian state news agency Tass. "In a difficult hour for the Motherland, this is not the time to fragment the forces of the people. All national patriotic organizations of Russia, all nationally oriented citizens of Russia need to unite around the candidacy of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, who is today the national leader," Baburin was quoted as saying. Putin has already collected enough signatures at least 300,000 collected from 40 regions of Russia in order to stand as an independent candidate in the election. He's expected to win easily, with non-systemic opposition figures routinely harassed and silenced. So far, there are four candidates registered for the polls, including Putin. An anti-war candidate, Boris Nadezhdin, must submit signatures to the electoral commission by the deadline on Wednesday. It's uncertain whether he has met the bar. The Kremlin said last week that it did not consider Nadezhdin as a serious rival to Putin. Holly Ellyatt As China's electric vehicle market goes from strength to strength, investors worldwide are showing a growing interest in getting involved. "We're particularly bullish on this fanning out of Chinese competitiveness in EV makers," Kingsley Jones of boutique advisory firm Jevons Global told CNBC's Pro Talks on Thursday. "There's lots of them." The chief investment officer singled out BYD , which recently beat Tesla to become the top global EV maker, as a "favorite" car maker, and battery-making giant Contemporary Amperex Technology ( CATL ). But significant hurdles remain for retail investors before they can be part of China's EV growth story. For example, many stockbrokers charge a premium to trade Hong Kong-listed stocks, and Chinese regulations prevent retail investors abroad from buying mainland-listed "A-shares" directly. Kingsley acknowledged that CATL, which has doubled its annual sales every year since 2020, was "very difficult for retail investors to buy". The Chinese battery maker has deals with BMW , Merecedes , Hyundai , Honda , Li Auto and NIO among others. However, the veteran investor pointed out that ETFs with concentrated positions remain viable options for those seeking exposure to the Chinese EV growth potential. ETFs for China EV investments For instance, the Amplify Lithium & Battery Technology ETF (BATT) and CoreValues Alpha Greater China Growth ETF (CGRO) are two such funds that enable U.S. and Europe-based investors to buy into restricted Chinese shares. BATT provides broad exposure to the EV supply chain with holdings in advanced battery materials and technology companies globally. CATL is among the fund's top 10 holdings at 6.6% weighting. The fund also has a 5% position in Chinese EV maker BYD, according to FactSet data. Jones, who has been a portfolio manager for over 20 years, revealed to CNBC Pro Talks on Thursday that he had bought more shares of BYD in recent weeks since the stock has slumped 13% this year. "Technically, we think the valuation is reasonably attractive for the growth rate that they're posting. But the most important thing of all is the news flow on their model releases is all positive," he added. He also noted that BYD is posting solid sales momentum within China and in export markets like Australia, where EV penetration rates are high. "I happen to live in the bush capital in Canberra, and we are the biggest adopters of EVs in terms of penetration in Australia...now I see more and more of [BYD cars]," Jones said. The median analyst rating on BATT's holdings is a Buy, with a price target implying a 48.7% upside from current levels. BATT CGRO 1Y line Similarly, the China-focused CoreValues Alpha Greater China Growth ETF gives investors access to BYD as its second-largest holding at 7.87% weighting, while CATL features at 3.65%. Nearly 4% of the fund is also invested in Xiaomi , a smartphone maker Jones said he was "keenly watching" as an interesting option given its plans to launch an electric vehicle called the SU7. More than 85% of analysts have a buy rating on the stocks held by CGRO and expect the ETF to rise by 44.3% over the next 12 months to $27.3. [The stream is slated to start at 10:10 a.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] Citadel CEO Ken Griffin is slated to speak to CNBC's Leslie Picker on Tuesday at the MFA Network event in Miami. The chat comes a day after the S&P 500 reached a fresh record high, building on its strong start to 2024. It also comes as traders brace for major tech earnings this week and the first Federal Reserve policy announcement on Wednesday. Griffin's hedge fund, Citadel, is also coming off a year in which it posted double-digit returns. However, it lagged the S&P 500's 24% gain in 2023. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. The main opposition MDP, which holds a majority in the Maldivian Parliament, on Monday said it plans to submit a motion to impeach President Mohamed Muizzu, a day after clashes broke out in the House between pro-government MPs and opposition lawmakers following differences over the approval of four members of his cabinet. The development comes on a day when the President Muizzu re-appointed three members of his cabinet, who were earlier in the day denied approval during a vote in the Parliament where the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has the highest number of members. On Sunday, clashes broke out in Parliament between pro-government MPs and opposition lawmakers over differences over the approval of four members of the pro-China President's cabinet. Muizzu, 45, defeated India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the presidential runoff held in September 2023. "The MDP, in partnership with the Democrats, have gathered enough signatures for an impeachment motion. However, they have yet to submit it," Sun.com reported, quoting a lawmaker from the MDP. The decision to submit an impeachment motion was taken unanimously in the parliamentary group meeting of the MDP held on Monday, The Edition.mv reported. "The Constitution, along with the Parliament's standing orders, dictates that the president can be impeached with 56 votes," the Sun.com added. The Parliament had recently amended its standing orders to make it easier to submit an impeachment motion. The MDP's plan to impeach President Muizzu was opposed by the government coalition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC). The coalition leaders said that they would not allow efforts to remove President Muizzu to proceed through parliament. At a press conference, PPM Parliamentary Group (PG) Leader Eydhafushi constituency MP Ahmed Saleem said that the coalition would stop any efforts from MDP to remove President Muizzu from his office. "We will not allow them any opportunities to go ahead with this. They will have to kill us all first before they can even think of removing the President from office," Saleem was quoted as saying by The Edition.mv. The Maldivian Parliament has a total of 80 members. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has 45, followed by its ally The Democrats (DEM) with 13 members. Of the ruling coalition of PPM-PNC, the Progressive Party of the Maldives has 2 while the People's National Congress has 13 members. There are three independents while the Jumhooree Party and the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) have two each. The gathering of signatures for an impeachment motion against the President comes a day after the PPM-PNC coalition, submitted no-confidence motions against Speaker Mohamed Aslam and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem both from MDP. Earlier in the day, Parliament voted to deny approval to Housing Minister Ali Haidar Ahmed, Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and Attorney General Ahmed Usham, while Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed narrowly survived the same fate himself, Sun.com reported. After the MDP and The Democrats' parliamentary group decided to withhold parliamentary approval for four members of President Muizzu's cabinet ahead of the voting on Sunday, the pro-government MPs from the ruling party Progressive Party of Maldives and People's National Congress (PPM/PNC) coalition initiated a protest, obstructing the parliamentary sitting. Two MPs were injured during a brawl. On November 20 last year, President Muizzu made a formal request for the approval of his cabinet, two days after his administration took office. The Parliament had been scheduled to vote on the cabinet on December 18, but the original report by the Government Oversight Committee was rejected. The Parliament held an extraordinary sitting on Sunday to take the vote on the committee's new report, which was passed on December 30, Sun.com reported. But just ahead of the vote, the main opposition MDP, the largest party in the house, issued a three-line red whip to deny approval to the four cabinet members. When it was clear that the MDP might vote against the approval of the four members of the cabinet, President's top Advisor Abdul Raheem Abdullah on Sunday itself had hinted that the government was expected to reinstate the Ministers and Attorney General Usham to their posts. "Abdullah said that the President has the discretion to reinstate any cabinet member who is rejected by the Parliament to the same post," The Press, an independent news portal said on Monday. Soon after taking oath as the President of Maldives on November 17, Muizzu formally requested India to withdraw 88 military personnel from his country by March 15, saying the Maldivian people have given him a "strong mandate" to make this request to New Delhi. Earlier on January 24, calling India the "most long-standing ally", the MDP and the Democrats had expressed concern about the Muizzu government's "anti-India stance". The open support (for India) by the two parties had come a day after the Maldives government said a Chinese ship, equipped to carry research and surveys, would be docking at a Maldivian port after being permitted to make a port call for replenishment. The permission to allow the Chinese ship had come amid strained ties between India and Maldives after President Muizzu made Beijing his first port of call early this month soon after assuming office. Traditionally, New Delhi has been the first port of call for a Maldivian President. News and Info from our Community Partners Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?) Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. A hundred years ago at Hood River News: "The Oregon National Forest bordering upon Hood River County, will be known from now on as the Mount Hood National Forest, according to the district forester. It is the belief of the forest service that connecting the name of the mountain with the timber area on its slopes will serve better to identify its location..." Generative artificial intelligence (genAI) like ChatGPT has to date mostly made its home in the massive data centers of service providers and enterprises. When companies want to use genAI services, they basically purchase access to an AI platform such as Microsoft 365 Copilot the same as any other SaaS product. One problem with a cloud-based system is that the underlying large language models (LLMs) running in data centers consume massive GPU cycles and electricity, not only to power applications but to train genAI models on big data and proprietary corporate data. There can also be issues with network connectivity. And, the genAI industry faces a scarcity of specialized processors needed to train and run LLMs. (It takes up to three years to launch a new silicon factory.) So, the question is, does the industry focus more attention on filling data centers with racks of GPU-based servers, or does it focus more on edge devices that can offload the processing needs? said Jack Gold, principal analyst with business consultancy J. Gold Associates. The answer, according to Gold and others, is to put genAI processing on edge devices. That's why, over the next several years, silicon makers are turning their attention to PCs, tablets, smartphones, even cars, which will allow them to essentially offload processing from data centers giving their genAI app makers a free ride as the user pays for the hardware and network connectivity. "I have data that I dont want to send to the cloud maybe because of cost, maybe because its private and they want to keep the data onsite in the factoryor sometimes in my country." -- Bill Pearson, vice president of Intels network and edge group. GenAI digital transformation for businesses is fueling growth at the edge, making it the fastest-growing compute segment, surpassing even the cloud. By 2025, more than 50% of enterprise-managed data will be created and processed outside of the data center or cloud, according to research firm Gartner. Intel Michelle Johnson Holthaus, general manager of Client Computing at Intel, holds the Core Ultra mobile processor with AI acceleration for endpoint devices. Microprocessor makers, including Intel, AMD, and Nvidia, have already shifted their focus toward producing more dedicated SoC chiplets and neuro-processing units (NPUs) that assist edge-device CPUs and GPUs in executing genAI tasks. Coming soon to the iPhone and other smartphones? Think about the iPhone 16, not the iPhone 15, as where this shows up, said Rick Villars, IDCs group vice president for worldwide research. Villars was referring to embedded genAI like Apple GPT, a version of ChatGPT that resides on the phone instead of as a cloud service. Apple GPT could be announced as soon as Apples Worldwide Developers Conference in June, when Apple unveils iOS 18 and a brand new Siri with genAI capabilities, according to numerous reports. Expected soon on those iPhones (and smartphones from other manufacturers) are NPUs on SoCs that will handle genAI functionality like Googles Pixel 8 Best Take photo feature; the feature allows a user to swap the photo of a persons face with another from a previous image. Those processors inside a Pixel phone or an Amazon phone or an Apple phone that ensure you never take a picture where someone isnt smiling because you can retune it with five other photos and create the perfect picture thats great [for the consumer], Villars said. A move in that direction allows genAI companies to shift their thinking from an economy of scarcity, where the provider has to pay for all the work, to an economy of abundance, where the provider can safely assume that some key tasks can be handled for free by the edge device, Villars said. The release of the next version of perhaps called Windows 12 later this year is also expected to be a catalyst for genAI adoption at the edge; the new OS is expected to have AI features built in. The use of genAI at the edge goes well beyond desktops and photo manipulation. Intel and other chipmakers are targeting verticals such as manufacturing, retail, and the healthcare industry for edge-based genAI acceleration. Retailers, for instance, will have accelerator chips and software on point-of-sale systems and digital signs. Manufacturers could see AI-enabled processors in robotics and logistics systems for process tracking and defect detection. And clinicians might use genAI-assisted workflows including AI-based measurements for diagnostics. Intel claims its Core Ultra processors launched in December offer a 22% to 25% increase in AI performance throughput for real-time ultrasound imaging apps compared to previous Intel Core processors paired with a competitive discrete GPU. AI-enabled applications are increasingly being deployed at the edge, said Bryan Madden, global head of AI marketing at AMD. This can be anything from an AI-enabled PC or laptop to an industrial sensor to a small server in a restaurant to a network gateway or even a cloud-native edge server for 5G workloads. GenAI, Madden said, is the single most transformational technology of the last 50 years and AI-enabled applications are increasingly being deployed at the edge. In fact, genAI is already being used in multiple industries, including science, research, industrial, security, and healthcare where it's driving breakthroughs in drug discovery and testing, medical research, and advances in medical diagnoses and treatment. AMD adaptive computing customer Clarius, for instance, is using genAI to help doctors diagnose physical injuries. And Japans Hiroshima University uses AMD-powered AI to help doctors diagnose certain types of cancer. We are even using it to help design our own product and services within AMD, Madden said. A time of silicon scarcity The silicon industry at the moment has a problem: processor scarcity. Thats one reason the Biden Administration pushed through the CHIPS Act to reshore and increase silicon production. The administration also hopes to ensure the US isnt beholden to offshore suppliers such as China. Beyond that, even if the US were in a period of processor abundance, the chips required for generative AI consume a lot more power per unit. Theyre just power hogs, Villars said. A standard corporate data center can accommodate racks of about 12kw per rack. One of the GPU racks you need to do large language modeling consumes about 80kw. So, in a sense, 90% of modern corporate data centers are [financially] incapable of bringing AI into the data center. Intel, in particular, stands to benefit from any shift away from AI in the data center to edge devices. It's already pitching an AI everywhere theme, meaning AI acceleration in the cloud, corporate data centers and at the edge. AI applications and their LLM-based platforms run inference algorithms, that is, they apply machine learning to a dataset and generate an output. That output essentially predicts the next word in a sentence, image, or line of code in software based on what came before. NPUs will be able to handle the less-intensive inference processing while racks of GPUs in data centers would tackle the training of the LLMs, which feed information from every corner of the internet as well as proprietary data sets offered up by companies. A smartphone or PC would only need the hardware and software to perform inference functions on data residing on the device or in the cloud. Intels Core Ultra processors, the first to be built using the new Intel 4 core process, made its splash powering AI acceleration on PCs. But its now heading to edge devices, according to Bill Pearson, vice president of Intels network and edge group. It has CPU, GPU, and NPU on it," he said. "They all offer the ability to run AI, and particularly inference and accelerate, which is the use case we see at the edge. As we do that, people are saying, 'I have data that I dont want to send to the cloud' maybe because of cost, maybe because its private and they want to keep the data onsite in the factoryor sometimes in my country. By offering compute [cycles] where the data is, were able to help those folks leverage AI in their product. Intel plans to ship more than 100 million processors for PCs in the next few years, and it's expected to power AI in 80% of all PCs. And Microsoft has committed to adding a number of AI-powered features to its Windows OS. Apple has similar planns; in 2017, it introduced the A11 Bionic SoC with its first Neural Engine a part of the chip dedicated and custom-built to perform AI tasks on the iPhone. Since then, every A-series chip has included a Neural Engine as did the M1 processor released in 2020; it brought AI processing capabilities to the Mac. The M1 was followed by the M2, and just last year, the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max the industrys first 3-nanometer chips for a personal computer.. Each new generation of Apple Silicon has added the ability to handle more complex AI tasks on iPhones, iPads, and Macs with fastermore efficient CPUs and more powerful Neural Engines. This is an inflection point for new ways to interact and new opportunities for advanced functions, with many new companies emerging, Gold said. Just as we went from CPU alone, to integrated GPU on chip, nearly all processors going forward will include an NPU AI Accelerator built in. It's the new battleground and enabler for advanced functions that will change many aspects of software apps. Apple Apple's lastest AI-enabled M3 chip, released in 2023, came with a faster Neural Engine. Each new generation of Apples chips allows devices to handle more complex AI tasks. AMD is adding AI acceleration to its processor families, too, so it can challenge Intel for performance leadership in some areas, according to Gold. Within two to three years, having a PC without AI will be a major disadvantage," he said. "Intel Corporation is leading the charge. We expect that at least 65% to 75% of PCs will have AI acceleration built-in in the next three years, as well as virtually all mid-level to premium smartphones. For an industry fighting headwinds from weak memory prices, and weak demand for smartphone and computer chips, genAI chips provided a growth area, especially at leading manufacturing nodes, according to a new report from Deloitte. "In 2024, the market for AI chips looks to be strong and is predicted to reach more than $50 billion in sales for the year, or 8.5% of the value of all chips expected to be sold for the year," the report stated. In the longer term, there are forecasts suggesting that AI chips (mainly genAI chips) could reach $400 billion in sales by 2027, according to Deloitte. The competition for a share of the AI chip market is likely to become more intense during the next several years. And while numbers vary by source, stock market analytics provider Stocklytics estimates the AI chip market raked in nearly $45 billion in 2022, $54 billion in 2023. "AI chips are the new talk in the tech industry, even as Intel plans to unveil a new AI chip, the Gaudi3, said Stocklytics financial analyst Edith Reads. This threatens to throw Nvidia and AMD chips off their game next year. Nvidia is still the dominant corporation in AI chip models. However, its explosive market standings may change, given that many new companies are showing interest in the AI chip manufacturing race." OpenAI's ChatGPT uses Nvidia GPUs, which is one reason it is getting the lions share of market standings, according to Reads. Nvidias bread and butter in AI are the H class processors," according to Gold. Thats where they make the most money and are in the biggest demand, Reads added. AI edge computing alleviates latency, bandwidth, and security issues Because AI at the edge ensures computing is done as close to the data as possible, any insights from it can be retrieved far faster and more securely than through a cloud provider. In fact, we see AI being deployed from end points to edge to the cloud, AMDs Madden said. Companies will use AI where they can create a business advantage. We are already seeing that with the advent of AI PCs. Enterprise users will not only take advantage of PC-based AI engines to act their data, but theyll also access AI capabilities through cloud services or even on-prem instantiations of AI, Madden said. Its a hybrid approach, fluid and flexible," he said. "We see the same with the edge. Users will take advantage of ultra-low latency, enhanced bandwidth and compute location to maximize the productivity of their AI application or instance. In areas such as healthcare, this is going to be crucial for enhanced outcomes derived through AI." There are other areas where genAI at the edge is needed for timely decision-making, including computer vision processing for smart retail store applications or object detection that enables safety features on a car. And being able to process data locally can benefit applications where security and privacy are concerns. AMD has aimed its Ryzen 8040 Series chips at mobile, and its Ryzen 8000G Series for desktops with a dedicated AI accelerator the Ryzen AI NPU. (Later this year, it plans to roll out a second-generation accelerator.) AMDs Versal Series of adaptive SoCs allow users to run multiple AI workloads simultaneously. The Versal AI Edge series, for example, can be used for high-performance, low-latency uses such as automated driving, factory automations, advanced healthcare systems, and multi-mission payloads in aerospace systems. Its Versal AI Edge XA adaptive SoC and Ryzen Embedded V2000A Series processor is designed for autos; and next year, it plans to launch its Versal AI Edge and Versal AI Core series adaptive SoCs for to space travel. Its not just about the chips Deepu Talla, vice president of embedded and edge computing at Nvidia, said genAI is bringing the power of natural language processing and LLMs to virtually every industry. That includes robotics and logistics systems for defect detection, real-time asset tracking, autonomous planning and navigation, and human-robot interactions, with uses across smart spaces and infrastructure (such as warehouses, factories, airports, homes, buildings, and traffic intersections). As generative AI advances and application requirements become increasingly complex, we need a foundational shift to platforms that simplify and accelerate the creation of edge deployments, Talla said. To that end, every AI chip developer also has introduced specialized software to take on more complex machine-learning tasks so developers can more easily create their own applications for those tasks. Nvidias designed its low-code TAO Toolkit for edge developers to train AI models on devices at the far edge. ARM is leveraging TAO to optimize AI runtime on Ethos NPU devices and STMicroelectronics uses TAO to run complex vision AI for the on its STM32 microcontrollers. Developing a production-ready edge AI solution entails optimizing the development and training of AI models tailored to the specific use case, implementing robust security features on the platform, orchestrating the application, managing fleets, establishing seamless edge-to-cloud communication and more, Talla said. For its part, Intel created an open-source tool kit called OpenVINO; it was originally embedded in computer vision systems, which at the time was largely what was happening at the edge. Intel has since expanded OpenVINO to operate multi-modal systems that include text and video and now its expanded to genAI as well. At its core was customers trying to figure how to program to all these different types of AI accelerators," Intels Pearson said. "OpenVINO is an API-based programming mechanism where weve strapped the type of computing underneath. OpenVINO is going to run best on the type of hardware it has available. When I add that into the Core Ultra..., for example, OpenVINO will be able to take advantage of the NPU and GPU and CPU. So, the toolkit greatly simplifies the life of our developers, but also offers the best performance for the applications theyre building, he added. Companies that mandate a return to office (RTO) for their workers fare no better than companies that do not and, in fact, forcing people to give up remote work hurts employee well-being and retention, new studies found. A Gartner survey of 2,080 knowledge worker employees released today measured the impact of mandated requirements on employee outcomes among various employee categories. The result: On average, when companies force workers back to the office, their intent to stay with the organization declined by 8%. Among high-performing employees, their desire to stay dropped by 16%. And among millennials and women, plans to stay in their current role declined by 10% and 11%, respectively. Mandated on-site requirements can carry very steep costs for talent attraction and retention, said Catilin Duffy, a research director in Gartners HR practice. This is especially true for high performers, women, and millennials three employee segments who greatly value flexibility. Often, these costs far outweigh the moderate benefits to employee engagement and effort. We also found no benefit to performance. While a September 2023 Gartner survey of 170 HR leaders found that 63% had an increased expectation about employees spending days in the office, 48% of employees in the newest survey said RTO mandates prioritize what leaders want over what employees believe they need to do good work. Gartners latest study follows research published last week by the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh; it found RTO mandates dont help an organizations financial performances, and can make workers less satisfied with their jobs and work-life balance. We do not find significant changes in firm performance in terms of profitability and stock market valuation after the RTO mandates, the study concluded. Instead, such mandates hurt employee satisfaction. We demonstrate that one of the most frequently cited motivations by managers for implementing the RTO policy, namely, firm performance improvement, might not be a valid justification for such a policy in the post-pandemic era. The University of Pennsylvania study compared a sample of Standard & Poors 500 firms that had RTO mandates to those that appeared not to have such mandates. (The sample covered 457 firms and 4,455 quarterly observations between June 2019 and January 2023.) University of Pennsylvania Other studies have indicated remote work actually improves worker productivity. For example, a June 2023 survey published by Tech.co found that slightly less than half (47%) of companies experienced higher productivity by remote employees. One-third (32%) of hiring managers say productivity has increased since remote work policies were implemented, and 22.5% found that it decreased, according to an Upwork survey. "Multiple studies confirm these types of mandates reduce job satisfaction and employee retention without improving productivity or company performance, said Jessica Kriegel, chief scientist of workplace culture at management consultancy Culture Partners. Kriegel said her companys research has shown organizations that issued broad back to work orders have since softened their stance after losing top talent or failing to recruit the best talent. "Fully remote may not suit everyone or every role, but neither does mandating fixed in-office days, she said. Companies find the greatest success with hybrid flexibility focused on employee needs instead of one-size-fits-all policies." Previous studies have also shown that as organizations engaged in RTO policies post-pandemic, productivity rates dropped. For leading Fortune 100 organizations, we have found that [RTO] mandates have not been effective nor successful over the long term, said Peter Miscovich, global future of work leader at JLL, a real estate investment and management firm that tracks remote work trends. The workplace has been completely redefined post-pandemic, according to Miscovich, including a wholesale reimagining of the purpose of the workplace. Work should not be defined by where you work or when you work, Miscovich said. Work should be defined by what you do in terms of outcome-based workforce performance that will drive superior business results. The rate of office occupancies has hovered just below 50% over the past year in major metro areas, according to Kastle Systems, a provider of fob security key technology for 2,600 buildings in 138 US cities. Those numbers are even worse for the federal government. Kastle Systems Last year, a study by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that federal buildings had been dramatically underutilized in the first three months of 2023 due to longstanding challenges and increased telework. Seventeen of the 24 federal agencies in GAOs review used an estimated average 25% or less of their headquarters buildings capacity. On the higher range, agencies used an estimated 39% to 49% percent of the capacity of their headquarters on average, the study found. That prompted US President Joe Biden to tell Cabinet members to get federal employees back into the office by last fall. But little more than a week ago, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients reportedly sent an email to various cabinet secretaries and agencies heads telling them to pressure federal employees to get back into the office, and to "personally track" their progress and develop "concrete plans" to achieve their goals, according to Axios. Even as office occupancy rates remain moribund, corporate leaders seem to sense shifting workplace priorities. Just 4% of US CEOs (or six out of 158 surveyed) said they would prioritize a full-time return to the office, according to a survey released this month by The Conference Board, a US-based think tank. A clear majority (68%) of Fortune 100 companies have now adopted hybrid work strategies for office workers that average two to three days with employees in the office, according to JLL Research. Those firms that expand their hybrid work offerings to include greater flexibility combined with essential technology workplace investments these firms will drive to greater levels of innovation and future business success, Miscovich said. While in-person collaboration can yield some benefits such as increased employee engagement, organizations are finding it challenging to get employees to return to the office more frequently. Some HR leaders have been met with low compliance after encouraging employees to spend more time at work, causing them to resort to stricter RTO mandates. According to Gartner's Duffy, those strict in-office requirements are to the detriment of employees. "Even requiring only a few days back in the office reduces employees' autonomy compared to a fully flexible hybrid model, and past Gartner research has shown that increased rigidity of hybrid work models corresponds with lower intent to stay, worse performance, and higher fatigue in employees," Duffy said. How companies plan to enforce RTO mandates Overall, the results of studies on RTO policies have been mixed. A study released in August 2023 by Resume Builder claimed 72% of companies believe their RTO policies have improved revenue and 91% plan to require their employees to go to the office on a monthly basis this year; 75% will require them to work from the office at least once a week. In order to enforce RTO policies, 8 in 10 companies said they intend to track employee office attendance this year. And 28% indicated they would threaten to fire employees who dont comply with RTO mandates. One result of tracking employee office attendance has been the rise of coffee badging, where employees do the bare minimum to satisfy in-office requirements; they simply show up long enough to get credit for being at the office before returning home to work. A survey of 2,000 full-time US workers conducted by videoconferencing tech vendor Owl Labs last year found that 58% of hybrid workers said they're coffee badging to meet the minimum in-office requirement each week. Another 8% of respondents said they haven't been coffee badging, but would like to try it. The idea of coffee badging is consistent with other behaviors we've seen during the hybrid work era, J.P. Gownder, a vice president and principal analyst at Forrester Research, said in an earlier interview. One client told me that he, himself, drove into the parking garage to badge in because he knew his company tracked it. He drove right out afterwards. Avoiding worker attrition with RTO policies Data suggests executive teams continue to struggle with the best way to approach and enforce RTO decisions, with 74% of HR leaders citing RTO mandates as a source of leadership conflict, according to Gartner. "Many HR leaders foresee challenges from the negative impact on employee work-life balance, productivity, and overall satisfaction that could follow returning to the office, putting talent outcomes at risk," Duffy said. According to Gartner, the best way to prevent employee attrition is for HR leaders to avoid rigid mandates and instead create strategies that maximize talent and business outcomes. Gartner identified its four best practices HR leaders should consider if their organizations seek to formalize in-office work requirements 1. Motivate employees to return to the office rather than mandate. Organizations can motivate employees to come to the office by designing their office space and hybrid policies to make employees feel capable, autonomous, and connected. 2. Consider policies that focus on-site attendance per year, not per week. Gartner research found that organizations mandating a minimum number of in-office days per year achieve greater employee performance than those mandating a minimum number of in-person days per week. 3. Enable employees to shape the RTO policy. Employees who contributed to their teams hybrid work arrangements and felt like their needs were considered demonstrated both higher engagement and work performance. 4. Provide a clear reason behind requirements for working on-site. Organizations that transparently communicated their reasons for wanting employees to come into the office saw positive impacts on engagement, discretionary effort, and retention. In fresh troubles for OpenAI, Italian watchdog Garante said the companys generative AI platform ChatGPT has breached data privacy norms set by the EU. Garante, which reportedly has a history of holding proactive assessments, investigates whether different companies and their AI platforms are complying with the EUs data privacy regulations. While OpenAI didnt respond to the queries, the watchdog has given the ChatGPT-maker 30 days to respond to the charges and prepare arguments in its defense. The Italian Garante will take account of the work in progress within the ad-hoc task force set up by the European Data Protection Framework (EDPB) in its final determination on the case, the watchdog said in a statement. However, this is not the first time that Garante has brought charges of breaching data privacy norms against ChatGPT. Last year, the watchdog temporarily banned the generative AI platform, alleging that it flouted data privacy norms, especially the age limit of its users who are supposed to be 13 years or older. The ban was lifted within 30 days after OpenAI promised to provide better visibility of its privacy policy and also provide a form that allows users in the Union to disallow the company from using their data to train its underlying large language models (LLMs). Although the ban was lifted, the watchdog has been investigating ChatGPT for over nine months now and has said it has yet again found evidence that suggests that the company is flouting norms. However, the watchdog has not shared any details. The charges come at a time when OpenAI is already dealing with multiple lawsuits that allege that the company trained its models without taking explicit permission from content creators or compensating them for it. One of the lawsuits has been filed by The New York Times. OpenAI has contested via a blog post that The Times was not telling the entire story. We have four stories for you today, and all of them are horrible. They span the spectrum from very horrible to the most horrible thing youve heard of in your life. Any one of these stories could have been their own article, but we couldnt bring ourselves to go into yet further detail about them because each is just so horrible. Theyre all stories about people being confined at home. That doesnt sound so bad, you might say. Thats just house arrest, right? Oh, we assure you, these are so much worse than that. 4 The Confined Woman of Poitiers In 1876, a woman in France made the mistake of telling her family she wanted to marry a lawyer. This lawyer wasnt very rich, you see, which made him an unsuitable match for Blanche Monnier. Some sources also say that he got her pregnant, but this is unconfirmed. The story only becomes well documented in 1901, when police received a tip that Blanches family had imprisoned her in her room for the past 25 years. via Wiki Commons Someone should get her a lawyer. Police found her in a room whose shutters were nailed closed to keep her in darkness. She was naked and had apparently been so for years. She weighed 56 pounds. Its unclear if this figure includes her hair, which weighed 4 pounds. The hair weighed so much not just because there was so much of it, but because it was thick with feces. The whole room was thick with feces, along with insects and rotting food. All of this was shocking, of course, but the distribution of the feces pushed this to a whole other level. Mere neglect didnt explain the way it was plastered around the room. Investigators would speculate that Blanches brother Marcel had arranged the stuff like that not just to torture Blanche but because he really, really liked feces. In his own home, he kept his chamber pot in his room as long as possible, and he would place his filled pot on his wifes nightstand so that she smelled the odor well. via Wiki Commons Everything youve heard about the French not showering is a foul lie except for this. Advertisement Marcel was initially convicted for his part in Blanches confinement, but he won an appeal. His mother was the real guilty party, people agreed, and Marcel could not be found guilty for merely failing his duty to rescue. As for the mother, police arrested her, but she died two weeks after being taken into custody. As you might expect, Blanche never quite adjusted after being freed, and she spent her last years in a psychiatric hospital. Among other conditions, she was diagnosed with exhibitionism she never did regain a taste for clothing. She was also diagnosed with coprophilia she always did retain a taste for feces. 3 Fused With a Toilet In 2006, Pam Babcock headed into the bathroom of her Kansas trailer. She stayed in there for two years. Her boyfriend, who lived in the same trailer, brought her food and water every day and also set up a TV for her inside the tiny room. She refused to leave, and he finally went to the police to get her out of there. Advertisement The police assumed that the boyfriend, Ken, had been holding her in there against her will. For some examples of why that would seem the most reasonable explanation, look to every other story in this article. They charged him with mistreatment, but Pam would go on to say that none of this had been his idea at all. As a result, Ken avoided jail time, but a judge gave him six months probation, reasoning that he should have fetched help sooner. This isnt 19th-century France, and when you live with someone, it's quite fair to say you do have a duty to rescue. dirtyboxface/Flickr Also a doody to rescue. Advertisement When the authorities found Pam, she was largely clothed but had her pants down low enough so she could sit bare-bottomed on the toilet. She had spent so much time on that seat that her butt had fused to it. Shed developed sores, whose squeezings had adhered to seat, to the point that witnesses described this as her skin growing over it. Police were unable to peel her off, so they used a crowbar to break the seat from the toilet. They left the final job of separating porcelain from flesh to medical professionals. Advertisement Ken had always realized that living in a bathroom is a poor choice, but he attributed it to a phobia of Pams and said he hadnt been willing to question her decision. After a while, you kind of get used to it, he explained. Also, the same time he was sentenced to probation over this incident, he was sent to jail for six months for exposing himself to a teen, but that was unrelated. 2 The Feral Russian Girl The subject of our next story suffered five years of mistreatment. This is less than the victims in a couple of these stories but was still a particularly long time, relatively speaking, because the girl was five years old. Advertisement Police found Natasha in a flat in Siberia, where her family had corralled her with a litter of cats and dogs. She didnt speak a word of English. Actually, thats not so surprising, as this was Siberia, but she also didnt speak a word of Russian, or any other human language. During her time living with her parents and grandparents, Natashas family had made her lap food from plates on the floor, in the same way their pets did. Or as the British press put it, she had never learned how to use cutlery. Chris Benson This must be that classic British understatement we keep hearing about. Advertisement Welfare officers moved her to an orphanage, with hoped that she still had plenty of time to develop into a normal child. Its a challenge to stay on top of it since the vendors can add new AI services any time, Notch says. That requires being obsessive about staying on top of all the contracts and changes in functionalities and the terms of service. But having a good third-party risk management team in place can help mitigate these risks. If an existing provider decides to add AI components to its platform by using services from OpenAI, for example, that adds another level of risk to an organization. Thats no different from the fourth party risk I had before, where they were using some marketing company or some analytics company. So, I need to extend my third-party risk management program to adapt to it or opt out of that until I understand the risk, says Notch. One of the positive aspects of Europes General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is that vendors are required to disclose when they use subprocessors. If a vendor develops new AI functionality in-house, one indication can be a change in their privacy policy. You have to be on top of it. Im fortunate to be working at a place thats very security-forward and we have an excellent governance, risk and compliance team that does this kind of work, Notch says. Assessing external AI threats Generative AI is already used to create phishing emails and business email compromise (BEC) attacks, and the level of sophistication of BEC has gone up significantly, according to Expels Notch. If youre defending against BEC and everybody is the cues that this is not a kosher email are becoming much harder to detect, both for humans and machines. You can have AI generate a pitch-perfect email forgery and website forgery. Putting a specific number to this risk is a challenge. Thats the canonical question of cybersecurity the risk quantification in dollars, Notch says. Its about the size of the loss, how likely it is to happen and how often its going to happen. But theres another approach. If I think about it in terms of prioritization and risk mitigation, I can give you answers with higher fidelity, he says. Pery says that ABBYY is working with cybersecurity providers who are focusing on generative AI-based threats. There are brand-new vectors of attack with gen AI technology that we have to be cognizant about. These risks are also difficult to quantify, but there are new frameworks emerging that can help. For example, in 2023, cybersecurity expert Daniel Miessler released The AI Attack Surface Map. Some great work is being done by a handful of thought-leaders and luminaries in AI, says Sasa Zdjelar, chief trust officer at ReversingLabs, who adds that he expects organizations like CISA, NIST, the Cloud Security Alliance, ENISA, and others to form special task forces and groups to specifically tackle these new threats. Meanwhile, what companies can do now is assess how well they do on the basics if they arent doing this already. Including checking that all endpoints are protected, if users have multi-factor authentication enabled, how well can employees spot phishing email, how much of a backlog of patches is there, and how much of the environment is covered by zero trust. This kind of basic hygiene is easy to overlook when new threats are popping up, but many companies still fall short on the fundamentals. Closing these gaps will be more important than ever as attackers step up their activities. There are a few things that companies can do to assess new and emerging threats, as well. According to Sean Loveland, COO of Resecurity, there are threat models that can be used to evaluate the new risks associated with AI, including offensive cyber threat intelligence and AI-specific threat monitoring. This will provide you with information on their new attack methods, detections, vulnerabilities, and how they are monetizing their activities, Loveland says. For example, he says, there is a product called FraudGPT that is constantly updated and is being sold on the dark web and Telegram. To prepare for attackers using AI, Loveland suggests that enterprises review and adapt their security protocols and update their incident response plans. Hackers use AI to predict defense mechanisms Hackers have figured out how to use AI to observe and predict what defenders are doing, says Gregor Stewart, vice president of artificial intelligence at SentinelOne, and how to adjust on the fly. And were seeing a proliferation of adaptive malware, polymorphic malware and autonomous malware propagation, he adds. Generative AI can also increase the volumes of attacks. According to a report released by threat intelligence firm SlashNext, theres been a 1,265% increase in malicious phishing emails between the end of 2022 to the third quarter of 2023. Some of the most common users of large language model chatbots are cybercriminals leveraging the tool to help write business email compromise attacks and systematically launch highly targeted phishing attacks, the report said. According to a PwC survey of over 4,700 CEOs released this January, 64% say that generative AI is likely to increase cybersecurity risk for their companies over the next 12 months. Plus, generative AI can be used to create fake news. In January, the World Economic Forum released its Global Risks Report 2024, and the top risk for the next two years? AI-powered misinformation and disinformation. Not just politicians and governments are vulnerable. A fake news report can easily affect stocks price and generative AI can generate extremely convincing news reports at scale. In the PwC survey, 52% of CEOs said that generative AI misinformation will affect their companies in the next 12 months. AI risk management has a long way to go According to a survey of 300 risk and compliance professionals by Riskonnect, 93% of companies anticipate significant threats associated with generative AI, but only 17% of companies have trained or briefed the entire company on generative AI risks and only 9% say that theyre prepared to manage these risks. A similar survey from ISACA of more than 2,300 professionals who work in audit, risk, security, data privacy and IT governance, showed that only 10% of companies had a comprehensive generative AI policy in place and more than a quarter of respondents had no plans to develop one. Thats a mistake. Companies need to focus on putting together a holistic plan to evaluate the state of generative AI in their companies, says Paul Silverglate, Deloittes US technology sector leader. They need to show that it matters to the company to do it right, to be prepared to react quickly and remediate if something happens. The court of public opinion the court of your customers is very important, he says. And trust is the holy grail. When one loses trust, its very difficult to regain. You might wind up losing market share and customers thats very difficult to bring back. Every element of every organization hes worked with is being affected by generative AI, he adds. And not just in some way, but in a significant way. It is pervasive. It is ubiquitous. And then some. In a motion-to-dismiss filing with the US Southern District Court of New York, SolarWinds issued a complete denial of any internal mishandling of the 2020 Sunburst cyberattack, contesting an October 2023 US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) lawsuit against it for insufficient disclosure. The filing seeks dismissal of all SEC charges against SolarWinds and its chief information security officer, Timothy G. Brown which included misleading investors by not disclosing known risks, violating rules on disclosure controls, and misrepresenting the companys cybersecurity measures during and before the Russian-backed cyber-espionage attack. The SEC seeks to revictimize the victim, by bringing securities fraud and controls charges against the Company and its CISO, Tim Brown, SolarWinds said in the court filing. The case is fundamentally flawed and should be dismissed in its entirety. Calling the charges completely unfounded, SolarWinds added that it had promptly and transparently disclosed the attack and continued to update investors as its investigation progressed. The motion calls SEC charges inexplicable In the motion to dismiss the SEC charges, SolarWinds maintains that SEC allegations were flawed and outside of its area of expertise, calling it a trick to establish a mandate for security regulations it currently does not have. As for the controls charges, the SEC fails to identify any disclosure controls that were unreasonably designed, said SolarWinds. And its theory of internal accounting controls violations amounts to a wholesale rewriting of the law. Hawkish eyeballs swivelled in watery sockets and ageing, rattly chests inflated with indignation. The Upper House had begun debating the Government's latest Rwanda Bill. Yes, their lordships had an attack of the most almighty if wheezy conniptions. We were facing Nazism. It was the end of British oxygen. One chap indeed said that if the Bill passed, 'we shall be living in a different land, breathing a different air'. With that, ex-newspaper hack Lord Hennessy (Crossbencher) sank back to his red leather bench, seemingly almost overcome with sobs. He had to be given a consoling pat by a chum. The very oxygen of England would be tarnished? From the sound of some peers' lungs, that would push them into the abyss. And yet these opponents of the Bill simultaneously complained it was pifflingly inconsequential. When not surging with emotion, the old gaspers were giggling at the Government's uselessness. Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, speaking in the House of Lords as they debate the Rwanda legislation The Government was 'damaging our unity', whined the Most Rev EL Wisty (sorry, Welby) A man in a dress near the Throne started wheedling in a type of voice the comedian Peter Cook used for nerds. On closer examination, this was the Archbishop of Canterbury come to preach that admirers of the Bill were rotters and Antichrists. The Government was 'damaging our unity', whined the Most Rev EL Wisty (sorry, Welby). Polls suggest the country is in fact near-united in wanting illegal immigration to end, but hey ho. The Archbish went off on a peculiar rant about how bishops did not take a party whip. Had he been at the chalice? Lord German (who is in fact Welsh) was also close to breaking point. He led a Lib Dem effort to kill the Rwanda policy stone-dead. The Bill would hurt 'our place on the world stage', bawled his Krautship. People like him often tell Brexit already did that. It's hard to keep up. He complained that the Rwanda Bill 'asks us to believe black is white'. That unfortunate phrase was echoed by Lord (Ken) Clarke, who burbled away from his wheelchair for ages like a club bore. 'Rwanda's not as bad as some African countries,' he conceded. It was all starting to sound like a Ukip rally, but the 'closet racists' this time were the Leftists. The Archbish went off on a peculiar rant about how bishops did not take a party whip. Had he been at the chalice? Lord (Ken) Clarke (pictured) burbled away from his wheelchair for ages like a club bore A former Cabinet secretary, Lord Butler (Crossbencher), told peers they were 'wasting their time' on 'a kamikaze mission' but they might as well have a bash because it was their democratic duty. When unelected parliamentarians talk of defending democracy, one's head swims a little. Another Whitehall poohbah, Lord McDonald of Salford, insufferably snooty, had a Baldrick-like cunning plan. He suggested that the Lords should agree to the Bill but only if months of extra training were given to officials. Classic Sir Humphrey tactic. The Bishop of Durham, wet as cottage cheese, said Rwanda's benefits weren't generous enough, language-training would be needed for migrants, their mental health might be harmed and some Rwandans weren't always terribly nice. The House of Lords has started debating the government legislation A file photograph of migrants about to be picked up in the Channel We kept being told that the Bishop of Bristol (herself not the mildest of ladies, nicknamed 'Vicious Viv') had been unable to join the debate. Instead we had the Bishop of London. Beside her, the Bishop of Durham closed his eyes like a organ-recital goer enduring a tough passage of Messiaen. The Bishop of St Edmundsbury also spoke. He was a ringer for the vicar from Dad's Army. Lawyer peers fretted about Dicey's first principle of the rule of law. Lord Marlesford (Con), voice nowadays high as a piccolo, said a patch of Libyan desert would have been better than Rwanda. Viscount Hailsham, the noted moat-owner, came over all Donald Sinden and hammed up Pastor Niemoller's 'first they came for the socialists...' riff about Hitler. But a few peers did support the Bill. Lord (Ken) Baker argued that extremism would flourish unless governments controlled our borders. And Lord Green of Deddington said our population could grow by 20 million in just 25 years. I say, Marjorie, that should be good for house prices. Recuperating at Windsor, the Princess of Wales, who is off duty until Easter, will not be able to down a Guinness while presenting shamrock to the Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day. Just over a year ago Kate replaced William as their Royal Colonel. She hopes to be fit in June when No 9 Company troop the colour for the King. A week earlier she is due to take the salute at the Colonel's Review, the first female regimental colonel to do so since Princess Elizabeth in 1951. The Princess of Wales meets members of the Irish Guards and enjoys a glass of Guinness during a visit to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards for the St Patrick's Day Parade in 2023 Just over a year ago Kate replaced William as their Royal Colonel. She hopes to be fit in June when No 9 Company troop the colour for the King Leaving hospital after prostate surgery, was the King presented with his jumbo emergency radar toilet key, which unlocks any disabled toilet in 10,000 pubs across the UK? My abacus calculates that with 80 bathrooms in Windsor Castle and 78 in Buckingham Palace, he shouldn't need it! Frustrated by Lord Ken Clarke and Justin Welby delaying his Rwanda Bill, Rishi could follow the example of Tony Blair and use the Parliament Act to see off Lords opposition and force it through. My constitutional mole, warning he can only do so in a new session of Parliament, suggests using his powers to hold a mini-prorogation. He can then begin a new parliamentary session with a low-key state opening after just a few days. Hey Presto! Blair used the Act to push through his hunting ban in 2004. Frustrated by Lord Ken Clarke and Justin Welby delaying his Rwanda Bill, Rishi could use the Parliament Act to see off Lords opposition and force it through Beavering away on her BBC documentary about Elizabeth Taylor, Kim Kardashian could be going up against Taylor/Burton biographer Roger Lewis. He has sold the TV and film rights of his book Erotic Vagrancy to an associate of ITV Studios. 'For Kim,' says Lewis, 'my book is essential reading. It explains how to wear diamonds and get on and off private jets wearing mink snoods.' Beavering away on her BBC documentary about Elizabeth Taylor, Kim Kardashian could be going up against Taylor/Burton biographer Roger Lewis Harriet Harman, retiring from the Commons at the next election, recalls her introduction to Westminster in 1982. Carrying her newborn son Harry, she dodged PM Margaret Thatcher. 'I didn't want her eyes to go down on my baby, somehow, like one of those fairy stories where the eyes would fall down and it turns to stone,' she recalls. 'So I literally dashed into the loo.' Harry, now 41, has a concrete job in marketing. Harriet Harman, retiring from the Commons at the next election, recalls her introduction to Westminster in 1982. Pictured: In her constituency in 1982 Melvyn Hayes, star of It Ain't Half Hot Mum ditched by the BBC because white actors 'blacked up' as Indians has called for its revival. 'It's hard to see why it was seen as too offensive to be shown,' says Melvyn, 89, who played cross-dressing Gunner 'Gloria' Beaumont. 'Nobody swore, there was no rudeness and what we used to call 'the coloured characters' came out on top every time. And I'm not just saying that because of the repeat fees I'd get!' Sublime chef Raymond Blanc credits his late dad for his love of soil, recalling: 'He took a big clump of earth, shiny and black, and said, 'Taste it'. There were thousands of flavours acid, bitter, sour, musty.' Coming soon to Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons? Steak au poivre with gravel and red wine divots followed by mud pie. Angus soon fell unconscious and was hospitalised due to glycerol intoxication A mother has issued an urgent warning over the sale of slushies to children after her toddler son became 'intoxicated' before falling unconscious after sipping on the iced beverage. Victoria Anderson, 29, from Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, Scotland, had taken her youngest son, three-year-old Angus, and an elder sibling out shopping on January 4. Not long after the trio ventured out, Angus requested a raspberry-flavoured slushie after spotting the bright, pink-coloured ice drink while in a local corner shop. Without thinking twice, Victoria purchased the drink for her son, who had 'never had a slushie before,' only for horror to unfold soon after Angus wolfed down the cold, sweet beverage. Approximately 30 minutes later, while in another store, the three-year-old unexpectedly collapsed and fell unconscious, leaving a panicked Victoria fearing for his life. A mother has issued an urgent warning over the sale of slushies to children after her toddler son suffered a 'fit' before falling unconscious after sipping on the iced beverage Mother Victoria Anderson, 29, with father Sean Donnelly, 29, and their sons Angus (left), 3, and Archie (right), 5 The mother-of-five said: 'After drinking the slushy, we went into another shop and Angus kept saying he wanted to go home. What is glycerol? Glycerol, or E422, is a key ingredient used in slush ice drinks to stop them from freezing solid. Although glycerol is generally of low toxicity, there are concerns about its effect on young children when consumed in large quantities over a short period of time. Mild signs of glycerol intoxication include vomiting and headaches. However, it can also cause shock and cause children to lose consciousness. The Food Standards Agency warns retailers to use the minimum amount of glycerol, or E422, as possible. Advertisement 'I thought he'd thrown himself on the floor having a temper tantrum, but when I looked his eyes were at the back of his head and he was having a seizure. He went limp as anything.' She added: 'I started screaming "somebody get me an ambulance." I thought I'd lost him. His body went stone cold.' The mother-of-five described how Angus' body remained limp and 'stone cold' as paramedics rushed to the scene and attempted to revive the toddler, whose blood sugars became dangerously low. Angus was quickly bluelighted to Glasgow Children's Hospital, where he remained unconscious for two hours while doctors undertook tests to determine the cause of his episode. Victoria said: 'He was unconscious for about two hours. It was the scariest thing I'd ever experienced. He was well that day - there was nothing obviously wrong with him. There's nothing like this in the family. 'I was scared he would die, considering the way he went down and how limp he was and how unresponsive he was. They gave him a jab in the leg and he wasn't even flinching.' Eventually, Victoria was given the news that the three-year-old had suffered from glycerol toxicity - which can be caused by through the consumption of slushies. Angus was quickly bluelighted to Glasgow Children's Hospital, where Victoria was given the news that the three-year-old had suffered from glycerol toxicity - which can be caused by through the consumption of slushies She said: 'They'd asked what he'd eaten and drank that day and I told them about the slushy. The doctors said the slushy had caused glycerol toxicity. His blood sugars went very low. 'It's not something I'd ever heard of before. There was definitely a link to the slushy.' According to the Food Standards Agency, slushies can contain glycerol as a substitute for sugar to create the slush effect. While glycerol is found in some other foods, it is added at much lower quantities than in slush ice drinks. If a child consumes excessive amounts of glycerol, it can lead to glycerol intoxication, which in turn can cause headaches, sickness, shock, a 'drunk-like state,' hypoglycaemia and loss of consciousness. In the aftermath of the nightmarish experience, Victoria is now calling for a ban on slushies to be served to children FSA chiefs based their recommendations on a 350ml-sized drink, similar to ones available in shops and cinemas across the UK (Photo: Getty) It is advised that children under four years of age avoid drinking slushies due to the fact the effects of glycerol are related to body weight. In the aftermath of the nightmarish experience, Victoria is now calling for a ban on slushies to be served to children. The mother said: 'I think slushies should be banned altogether or at the very least there needs to be a warning sign for under-4s. But this could potentially happen to any kid of any age. 'I'll never buy slushies again. You just don't know what's in these drinks. I just want to make as many mums aware as possible what can happen buying these drinks.' This comes as the Food Standards Agency ruled last year that Tango Ice Blast drinks and slushies are 'not fit for under-4s' and that free drink refills should be stopped. As part of the new guidelines, they have warned cinemas, restaurants and shops to put a stop to promotions such as 'free refills for under 10s'. Pawel Sawicki, from Poland, has worked at the memorial centre for 16 years Taking a selfie at the Auschwitz memorial has been known to cause upset, but the museum's social media manager says that he doesn't consider it inappropriate. Pawel Sawicki, 42, from Poland, has worked at the largest of Nazi Germany's concentration and extermination camps for the past 16 years. He's experienced a handful of disrespectful people who smoked and threw their butts on the floor or posed on the train tracks that transported Jews to the death camps. However, in conversation with Vice, Pawel put forward an alternate narrative and claimed that it is not necessarily disrespectful to snap a selfie at the museum. 'Selfies are a visual expression of our time', he said. UK-based Jamie Wilson took to Instagram to share a solemn-faced selfie at the memorial centre in Krakow Pawel explained that there are conditions that make a selfie acceptable, such as a sensitive caption. 'Selfies are a visual expression of our time. I think it's quite normal that people also want to document the places they visit in this way', he explained. The social media manager, who undertakes several roles at the museum, added that he often uses photos of Auschwitz from social media for lecture material. However, he draws the line at individuals 'fooling around' and 'making funny faces' in front of the camera, and will inform tourists when they have crossed this boundary. 'There are also visitors who take professional photos with expensive cameras and then write an inappropriate caption. When I see those posts, I report them. There are more than 500,000 photos on Instagram under the hashtag,' he added. Despite the inconsiderate tourists, Pawel stated that most visitors are respectful and engage with the museum in an appropriate fashion. The memorial centre attracts millions of visitors each year, and only a handful are disrespectful, according to Pawel Pawel (pictured) monitors every social media comment across all channels, including Instagram and Facebook On the social media accounts that the site does have, Pawel monitors all online comments. Across all platforms the centre roughly gains 5,000 new comments a day, and Pawel will read every single one. Only a small few leave negative remarks, and he typically blocks between five and 20 accounts each day, some being bots. Established shortly after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Auschwitz grew into being the biggest killing machine in history. By the time of its liberation in 1945, more than 1.3 million people had been killed in its gas chambers, and by executions and torture. A quick search on social media will reveal several people taking selfies at the Krakow-based memorial with respectful captions Zoe from Ireland smiled for a photograph by the metal railings at the former concentration and extermination camp and described the experience as 'harrowing' Valeria Corpuz, from Amsterdam, shared a photograph of her walking down the train tracks on Instagram - an action not approved by Pawel The memorial account asked that people reminded respectful when visiting the site It comes after dozens of tasteless photos of tourists posing at Auschwitz surfaced online in April last year after the memorial museum called on visitors to show respect at the site of the death camp. The debate commenced after a photo of a woman at the Auschwitz Memorial Museum went viral on Twitter. The social media post of the woman sparked fury as she was seen sitting on the railway tracks where the Nazis transported 1.1 million, including a million Jews, to their deaths. The Auschwitz Memorial Museum has since pleaded with so-called 'Holocaust tourists' to 'respect' the site. But despite the museum's calls for restraint, dozens of other social media photos have been unearthed of tourists posing crudely at the death camp. In one instance, a glamour model who claims to have Spain's biggest breasts posed beneath the 'work sets you free' sign at the entrance to the death camp. Elsewhere, tourists have posed tastelessly on the tracks that transported over a million to their death. She's worked closely with the Princess of Wales for over a decade - and yesterday, Natasha Archer was spotted leaving the hospital where the royal has spent the past two weeks recovering from surgery. The Princess' personal assistant and stylist was one of a trusted few who visited the royal during her stay at the London Clinic in Mayfair. Earlier this week, Kensington Palace confirmed that the royal mother-of-three, 41, has returned home to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, where she will continue her recovery from a planned abdominal procedure. Mother-of-two Natasha - who is married to royal photographer Chris Jackson - has been by Kate's side for some of her biggest life events of the past decade, from royal births to overseas tours. Despite her high-profile job, the stylist, 36, has managed to stay mostly out of the spotlight - but still appears to be unwavering in her support of the Princess. The Prince and Princess of Wales seen with Natasha Archer watching rugby during their Australia tour Here FEMAIL takes a look at Kate and Natasha's close bond over the course of the Princess' working life. How Natasha became Kate's stylist Natasha Archer first started working for the Royal Family in 2007 - after graduating from King's College with a degree in Hispanic Studies. She had attended the private boarding school Uppingham School in Leicestershire, where she obtained A-Levels in English, Spanish, Italian and Art. The stylist, who lives in Barnes, London, got her first job as a personal assistant at Kensington Palace - working for Prince William and Prince Harry. After Kate married into the Royal Family in 2011, Natasha - who also goes by the nickname 'Tash' - started reporting to the Duchess of Cambridge too. In 2014, she was promoted to the position of Kate's personal stylist and was said to be the mastermind behind the Duchess' wardrobe for the Cambridges' successful tour of Australia. According to Grazia, Natasha was brought in to make Kate's wardrobe look more 'regal' as per the late Queen's request. The Princess of Wales pictured wearing a bright red cocktail dress by Preen during her tour of Canada in 2016 Mother-of-two Natasha Archer seen disembarking a plane as she arrived with the Prince and Princess of Wales for their 2016 Canada tour A source told the fashion magazine: 'Natashas main role is as a PA, but over the last few months she has assisted Kate as a style adviser. 'Natasha and Kate get on very well. She has always supported and advised Kate - and the Duchess loves Natashas style, so it seemed like an obvious appointment. Natasha has been helping Kate pick outfits for the [New Zealand and Australia] tour. At the time, it was reported that Natasha often shopped online for Kate's wardrobe - particularly from ASOS and Topshop. During the tour, Natasha and Kate were seen happily enjoying an evening off from royal duties when they watched a rugby match with Prince William. The two women - who were both dressed in grey - were pictured happily chatting during the match. Taking on Prince William's 'estate agent' style As well as curating Kate's wardrobe and helping with her diary, it was reported that Archer, a Jenny Packham devotee, was ordered to spruce up Prince Williams estate agent style. For the tour of Canada, the then 29-year-old stylist known to friends as Tash added linen jackets, and sweaters from J Crew, Jaeger and Reiss, her favourite high street label. Natasha reportedly assured the Prince, then 34, that she was merely helping him to edit and freshen his wardrobe. Natasha Archer is also said to have given Prince William's 'estate agent wardrobe' an overall in 2016. The family pictured in December 2016 For more formal occasions, William was given suits by Savile Row tailor Gieves & Hawkes, and never double-breasted a style favoured by his father. At the time, it was reported that Natasha was responsible for getting rid of Prince William's white Asics trainers - that he had worn for the best part of a decade. A source said: You wont be seeing him in those again any time soon. Encouraged Kate out of her style comfort zone Following the success of the Australia tour, it has been reported that Natasha started encouraging Kate to experiment more with her wardrobe. In 2016, Natasha also joined Kate on her tour of Canada - and was responsible for some of her most glamorous looks from the trip, including a bright red Preen cocktail gown. An insider previously told Vanity Fair: 'Initially Kate was a reluctant fashion icon, but now she enjoys it. 'Tash helps source some of the clothes. She shops a lot for Kate online, and calls in hundreds of dresses for Kate to try on. Maheen, who has been described Coco Chanel of the East, was responsible for three of the duchess's ensembles during the tour, including this teal silk chiffon kaftan that Kate sported when visiting Lahore's famed Badshahi Mosque The Princess of Wales' Private Secretary Sophie Agnew (left) and the Duchess of Cambridge's PA and Stylist Natasha Archer seen arriving in India in 2016 'She has persuaded Kate to take some more risks. The hemlines are shorter and Kates really pushing the boat out in the fashion stakes. In 2019, the mother-of-three was highly praised for her style during her historic royal tour to Pakistan along with her husband Prince William, but her 'secret weapon' stylist Natasha Archer had a large part to play. It was Natasha who introduced Kate to much-loved Pakistani designer Maheen Khan after finding her designs at O'Nitaa, in London's Chelsea Green, and getting in touch with the 74-year-old to create some custom-made pieces for the royal. Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, the designer said: 'Natasha picked up a lot of outfits for approval, including the teal outfit before she went back and asked O'Nitaa for my contact details. 'Then Natasha approached me and asked if I had the teal in a smaller size. It was lucky that I had one in stock as I don't believe in machine embroidery.' Maheen, who has been described Coco Chanel of the East, was responsible for three of the duchess's ensembles during the tour. Maheen created a bespoke blue kurta and trousers, hand embroidered in white silk and pearls, for the duchess to wear when visiting Islamabad's Model College. 'It was quite simple as I was given a brief but allowed the freedom to create what I thought would be appropriate,' she revealed. 'They didn't give me any firm directions - they gave me a brief and left it to me. I chose an existing graphic for the neckline embroidery. 'I was very taken with her wedding dress: it was simple and beautiful. She has a long swan-like neck, like a ballerina. So, when they asked me to do a bespoke outfit, I instinctively created a neckline like her wedding dress.' Bonded over motherhood? Pictured: The Princess of Wales wore a blue-and-white polka dot dress by Jenny Packham to introduce Prince George to the world in July 2013 Pictured: Natasha Archer and her husband Chris Jackson - who is Getty's royal photographer - at Cartier Queen's Cup Polo final in June 2017 Natasha is such a trusted member of staff that she was one of a select few number of people who visited the Princess of Wales after she gave birth to her three children at the Lindo Wing in London. In July 2013, the stylist was seen entering the hospital to give Kate the blue polka dot Jenny Peckham dress they had chosen for the public appearance. A source told The Telegraph: 'She was seen arriving at the Lindo Wing following the birth of Prince George with a hanger bag, presumably containing the blue and white polka dot Jenny Packham dress which Kate then wore to give the world its first glimpse of the future King a few hours later.' What's more, the two women both welcomed sons in 2018 - with Kate giving birth to Prince Louis in May and Natasha announcing the arrival of Theo in December. Kate and Natasha's similar circles The Prince and Princess of Wales chose photographer Matt Porteous to take this portrait of the family for Mother's Day last year. The photographer also captured Natasha and Chris' wedding day in 2017 In 2017, Natasha married Chris Jackson - who is the royal photographer for Getty. As part of his role, Natasha's husband regularly accompanies the King and Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales on official royal engagements. After getting down on one knee in Cornwall in 2016, Jackson wrote on Instagram: Im definitely punching above my weight. He had been courting Tash since 2015 and adds of his proposal: Apparently, it was a long time coming. The happy couple chose photographer Matt Porteous - who has ties to the Prince and Princess of Wales - to capture their special day. The photographer has also captured several key occasions for the Prince and Princess of Wales over the years - including their Mother's Day post last year and Prince George's third birthday. Royal Victorian Order in December 2018, it was confirmed that Natasha Archer had been invited to become a member of the Royal Victoria Order. The Princess of Wales' personal stylist Natasha Archer was made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order in 2019 The Princess of Wales seen arriving at the opening of Evelina, London's new children's day surgery unit She was given the honour in recognition of her services to the Royal Family. The Royal Victorian Order was established in 1896 by Queen Victoria and recognises distinguished personal service to members of the Royal Family. Natasha opted for a 250 polka dot midi dress by LK Bennett - a brand beloved by the Princess of Wales. Miss Archer accessorised the look with a statement knotted headband in a soft pink and drop earrings in the same delicate shade. Her husband, Chris Jackson, took the official photographs for Prince Charless 70th birthday. Sharing a photograph of his wife and son on Twitter, Mr Jackson wrote: Could not be more proud of these two!! Absolute legends I think this may be the best photo Ive ever taken! Other honours for Royal staff include a Royal Victoria Medal (RVM) for Austin David Clarke, the former head groom for Princes William and Harry. In a new Disney+ series about his life, Cristobal Balenciaga claims he was the only person capable of running his brand Balenciaga. And it seems as though that may be the case - as the fashion house has never fully bounced back from a series of damaging scandals in recent years. In 2022, the Spanish brand sparked fury when it used controversial images of children holding teddy bears dressed in bondage gear in their Christmas campaign. The adverts sparked shockwaves through the industry and prompted brand ambassador Kim Kardashian to distance herself from the fashion house. As a result of this controversy, eagle-eyed critics started examining the rest of Balenciaga's campaigns closely - and were horrified to find a printout of a Supreme Court ruling on whether or not internet child porn could be legally considered free speech in another. Balenciaga never fully bounced back after its Christmas 2022 campaign, featuring images of children holding teddy bears dressed in bondage gear Spanish-born Cristobal Balenciaga pictured in 1927. The designer set up the brand in 1917 Before this, Balenciaga had gained a reputation for its unconventional campaigns and shows, including runway presentations where models navigate through mud and endure blizzard-like conditions, while adorned in luxurious clothing. The Spanish brand, founded by Cristobal Balenciaga in 1917, has become synonymous with subversiveness, particularly since the appointment of creative director Demna Gvasalia in 2015, who famously said: 'Who doesn't love a fashion scandal?' Here FEMAIL takes a look back at the rise and fall of the fashion house - as Disney+ releases a new drama inspired by the early days of Balenciaga. Early Days of Balenciaga Cristobal Balenciaga, born in San Sebastian, Spain, achieved instant success when he launched the brand after moving to Paris in 1937. The designer was the son of a fisherman who took an interest in fashion after working as an apprentice for a tailor from the age of 12. In 1919, Cristobal opened his first boutique in San Sebastian, Spain, later expanding with branches in Madrid and Barcelona. Balenciaga's designs quickly gained popularity among the Spanish royal family and aristocracy. But with the onset of the Spanish Civil War, he was forced to close his stores and subsequently relocated to Paris. Wallis Simpson seen wearing a Balenciaga dress at her home with the Duke of Windsor in France in 1951 Cristobal Balenciaga designed a variety of colourful evening dresses during the 50s and 60s Gloria Guinness wearing a black capsleeve dress and black velvet Balenciaga hat in her Waldorf Towers suite In August 1937, Balenciaga opened his Paris couture house on Avenue George V, unveiling his first fashion show featuring designs heavily influenced by the Spanish Renaissance. He achieved rapid success, and within two years, the press hailed him as a revolutionary force, with his creations becoming highly sought-after. Fellow designer Coco Chanel and Carmel Snow, the editor of Harper's Bazaar, emerged as early supporters of Balenciaga's groundbreaking work. Subsequently, his designs were worn by celebrities Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy and Wallis Simpson. Balenciaga was one of only 60 businesses allowed to operate in Paris throughout World War II - and his influence during this period played a transformative role in the fashion industry. Signature silhouettes, such as the sack dress, baby doll dress and cocoon coat revolutionised the way women dressed. King Baudouin I and Dona Fabiola de Mora y Aragon posing at the Royal Palace of Brussels before their civil wedding on December 15, 1960 A model showcasing a suit designed by Cristobal Balenciaga for Fall 1965. In 1919, Cristobal opened his first boutique in San Sebastian, Spain, later expanding with branches in Madrid and Barcelona Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor seen wearing a Balenciaga Hindi sari to attend a black tie event in 1967 'Balenciaga alone is a couturier in the truest sense of the word. Only he is capable of cutting material, assembling a creation and sewing it by hand, the others are simply fashion designers,' declared Coco Chanel. The wife of former MP Thomas Loel Guinness was a central figure of the postwar social scene and a keen Balenciaga client. She was also a Harpers Bazaar contributing editor in the 60s and a regular on international best-dressed lists. Gloria liked Balenciagas simple necklines, and the fact that, by pulling his jacket collars back an inch from the neck, he was allowing women and their pearls to breathe. But when sales began to decline with the rise of ready-to-wear clothing, Balenciaga was forced to close his fashion house and retire in 1968. He passed away four years later, and the house of Balenciaga remained dormant until 1997, when the company was sold to Kering, who appointed Nicolas Ghesquiere as creative director. Balenciaga's feuding directors Zendaya, left, and designer Nicolas Ghesquiere pose for photographers prior to the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2023-2024 show in March 2023 Kering appointed Nicolas Ghesquiere as creative director of Balenciaga in 1997. Pictured a 2002 fashion show Ghesquiere, who is currently creative director at Louis Vuitton, revitalised the brand, drawing in celebrity clientele, including Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Despite achieving success in dressing Kylie Minogue for her Showgirl tour and designing Nicole Kidman's wedding dress in 2006, the company made a surprising announcement of parting ways with Ghesquiere after 15 years - naming Alexander Wang as his successor. In an interview with System, Ghesquiere accused Balenciaga of 'lacking in direction' and claimed he was 'sucked dry, like they wanted to steal my identity while trying to homogenise things'. Kering subsequently filed a lawsuit against Ghesquiere for breach of contract, seeking damages amounting to 7 million (6m). The legal dispute was eventually resolved out of court. Demna Gvasalia attends the CFDA Fashion Awards at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York in 2017 Pop star Justin Bieber became a brand ambassador for Balenciaga in 2021. Pictured attending a fashion show Kim Kardashian was a huge fan of the Balenciaga Pantaleggings (pictured in 2022) before distancing herself from the fashion house Demna Gvasalia (simply known as Demna) replaced Alexander Wang in 2015. The new creative director secured a number of brand ambassadors, including Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian, thanks to his distinctive approach to streetwear. Demna was behind Kim's famed 2021 Met Gala look, which saw her wearing all-black head-to-toe, including a balaclava, as she arrived at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Shocking adverts In January, the fashion house released a number of images as part of it's campaign celebrating the Year of the Tiger, which included a child sitting on the lap of a male model In January 2022, the fashion house released a number of images as part of it's campaign celebrating the Year of the Tiger. The 57 piece collection is modelled by children and adults in a homely setting, interacting with each other as though they are family. However the models are position in unusual poses for the images, which were taken by Chris Maggio. In one, a child can be seen sitting on the lap of a male model, while in another, a child lies down with their head on the male model's shoulder. And it's not just Balacengia which has faced controversy over it's adverts. The label is owned by Kering, which owns a number of other controverisal labels, including Gucci. And in another one of the company's campaigns from this year, a number of child models can be seen posing in recreations of classic horror scenes. From The Shining's terrifying twin girls to Clockwork Orange and even the masked party from Eyes Wide Shut, Gucci spared no expense in bringing the scenes to life as only Gucci can. Unconventional Runways The label's spring runway left many fashion fans shocked, after the collaboration with Adidas saw the brand dressing models in gimp masks before walking them down the runway in Paris The label's spring 2022 runway left many fashion fans shocked, after the collaboration with Adidas saw the brand dressing models in gimp masks before walking them down the runway in Paris. Attendees wore colourful red, blue and yellow latex masks across their face while wearing the label's clothing. That summer, the label's Paris Fashion Week show also raised eyebrows after rapper Kanye West joined other models to trudge through mud while sporting the fashion house's latest designs. Balenciaga is known for its quirky designs but people were left perplexed by the muddy runway, as models walked down as if they were on a grim powerwalk through a wet field. The show opened in Paris, with it girl Doja Cat in attendance, model Bella Hadid also made an appearance, as a model wearing studded facial prosthetics. The show featured interesting designs including corsets for men and long black dresses with matching gloves. In Summer 2022, the label's Paris Fashion Week show raised eyebrows after rapper Kanye West joined other models to trudge through mud while sporting the fashion house's latest designs. Kayne opened the runway, almost disguised in an all black security style suit, his beard long and bedraggled looking. The strange show was built around a wet, mud catwalk, which saw models walking through a muddy pit, covering the new designs in splatters - Social media users were baffled by the showcase, with some saying it was like a 'social experiment gone wrong'. One tweeted: 'Imagine being a part of the Balenciaga ss23 and realising you have to walk in mud.' One joked: 'Balenciaga having a mud fashion show, I know it smells crazy in there.' Another wrote: 'The photos from the Balenciaga mud show are awful!' Bizarre Fetish Masks Keeping it simple: Kim Kardashian completely covered up her face in an all-black head-to-toe Balenciaga ensemble including balaclava as she arrived at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City last year Ha! Kim likely left the Balenciaga dinner feeling hungry after being unable to eat due to a hard-shell mask covering her mouth In September 2021, Kim Kardashian surprised many as she went for a completely minimalist look for the Met Gala. The 40-year-old mogul completely covered up her face in an all-black head-to-toe Balenciaga ensemble including balaclava as she arrived at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City The ensemble designed by creative director Demna Gvasalia for the Paris-based high-fashion label featured several matching dark pieces including a T-Shirt dress over a curve T-Shirt with a bodysuit. The black look had several intricate pieces despite the simplicity of its look as it also included jersey boots Pantaleggings. The accessories were kept uniform as she also sported long gloves and a full-faced mask which kept her make-up under wraps. Her brunette tresses poked out of the balaclava in the form of a ponytail featuring extensions which hung down to below her derriere. And while she may have been mocked on social media for the look, she has since gone on to wear the full face mask on a number of different occasions. Shortly before the MET, she stepped out in a very daring leather Balenciaga look which included a zentai face covering, before checking into the Ritz Carlton. The bodysuit was layered underneath a leather trench coat and she sported thigh high black boots and gloves while carrying a sparkly Balenciaga bag. Her face was completely shielded by the leather face mask which had a zipper up the front and two where the eyes would be, with only her long ponytail sticking out of the back. She wore a full face mask for a third time in July. The reality personality, 43, who walked for the fashion house earlier in spring 2022, joined the likes of Bella Hadid and Nicole Kidman at the star-studded dinner. 'Offensive products' Earlier this year, Balenciaga launched a new range of 450 trainers that are full of holes, with fans mocking the range Meanwhile the BDSM style teddy bear bag isn't the first controversial product from the brand which shoppers have deemed offensive. However, the praise was short-lived, as in in 2022, Balenciaga came under fire for selling 1,470 'trash pouches' that resembled plastic bin bags. When asked about the controversial product, Demna told WWD: 'I couldn't miss an opportunity to make the most expensive trash bag in the world, because who doesn't love a fashion scandal?' A number of people were baffled by the Trash Pouch and disappointed fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts. One user said: 'Luxury fashion' is legal theft. High fashion is a joke at this point. Balenciaga made a 'trash bag' pouch for $1,790. And on top of shit like that, a lot of you fashion n***as just simply can't dress.' Many individuals noted that Balenciaga's $2,090 'Barbes East-West Shopper Bag' resembles a bag design that originated in West Africa, informally referred to as 'Ghana Must Go' bags. The bag earned the nickname during the 1980s, after 'hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants, most of them Ghanaians' were forced to quickly stuff their belongings into them after being given short notice to flee Nigeria, the BBC reported. Last year, a pair of $1,190 sweatpants caused quite a stir, after multiple critics accused the design as a form of cultural appropriation. The 'Tropme-L'oeil' grey sweatpants feature an exposed boxer short built-in above the waistband - a style made famous in hip hop culture during the 90s. Critics caught wind of the controversy after TikTok user @mr200m__, whose real name is Josiah Hyacinth, posted a video mocking design at a Selfridges on September 2. Many individuals also noted that Balenciaga's $2,090 ' Barbes East-West Shopper Bag' resembles a bag design that originated in West Africa, informally referred to as 'Ghana Must Go' bags 'This feels racist. This feels very racist, guys' Hyacinth said, while inspecting the pants. 'They have woven these boxers inside the trousers.' The video is captioned, 'You know when something feels racist @sxbwxyy I have questions,' and has garnered over 1.6 million views. In an email statement to CNN, Marquita Gammage, an associate professor of Africana Studies at California State University, Northridge, said she was disturbed by the Balenciaga item and what she witnesses as 'Black culture with the hopes of securing major profits,' Gammage, who is the author of 'Cultural Appropriation as 'Agency Reduction'' notes that the style has often 'been used to criminalize Blacks, especially Black males as thugs and a threat to American society.' 'Balenciaga men's Trompe-L'Oeil sweatpants in red triggers immediate concern given the grotesque similarity to the iconic African American hip hop aesthetic worn by Black Americans for decades that has resulted in the imprisonment and death of Black men,' Gammage added in the email to CNN. 'The trousers have commercial cultural appropriation written all over them; branded with the name Balenciaga.' The ' Tropme-L'oeil' grey sweatpants feature an exposed boxer short built-in above the waistband - a style made famous in hip hop culture during the 90s. Kim Kardashian attends the 2021 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York In an additional email to CNN, Ludivine Pont, chief marketing officer for Balenciaga, said 'in many of our collections, we combine different wardrobe pieces into a single garment, such as denim jeans layered over tracksuit pants, cargo shorts merged with jeans and button-up shirts layered over t-shirts.' 'These Trompe L'Oeil trousers were an extension of that vision,' she added. Individuals immediately responded to the design online, slamming the fashion brand for gentrifying yet another aspect of black culture. 'Black men being discriminated against and devalued for sagging pants and Balenciaga is profiting off the style. Crazy how it's ghetto until they put a price on it,' user @HighestPriestess criticized the design on Twitter. The fashion house, popular with A-listers like Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber, in May released a new range of 1,290 'fully destroyed' footwear, covered in holes and scuff marks. Fans were quick to mock the brand after the shoes went viral when they launched. The shoes were a limited edition version of the brand's Paris high top trainers, which usually cost 450. CONTROVERSIAL HEAD STYLIST Balenciaga's main stylist, Lotta Volkova is no stranger to shocking the fashion world with her unusual choices (left) Among the jaw-dropping designs from Lotta is the 500 Gaultier 'naked' illusion printed dress for a jaw-dropping changing room snap Balenciaga's main stylist, Lotta Volkova is no stranger to shocking the fashion world with her unusual choices. She was born in Russia, raised by a naval captain father before leaving to study art and design at London's Central Saint Martins aged 17. She relocated to Paris in 2007 and shifted her focus to styling, before she began working with designer Demna Gvasalia. She has since become an essential part of the creative vision behind Vetements and Balenciaga. Earlier this year, she shocked many by designing a naked dress for Jean Paul Gaultier which made the dresser appear totally nude. While the printed maxi dress completely covers the wearer, at first glance they appear naked as the dress is printed with a realistic looking crotch, bottom and breasts. The 'trompe l'oeil' number was launched a a capsule collection of pieces from the Jean Paul Gaultier archive. Also in the eccentric collection is a reimagined cone bra, first made famous by Madonna's Blond Ambition tour in 1990. Gaultier used trompe l'oeil - technique that uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects exist in three dimension - in provocative collections throughout the nineties, often superimposing a naked body onto a dressed body. 'It was an incredible honour to be able to discover the archives, obsess and fetishize - reimagine the iconic Jean Paul Gaultier collections in the context of 2022 reintroducing them into a contemporary wardrobe,' Lotta said on Instagram. Speaking to Vogue about the collection, Lotta said: What really struck me was this extreme eccentricity, the uncompromising vision, and celebration of and passion for culture, art, and music. It's this awareness that forms the incredible, extravagant, and extraordinary world of Jean Paul Gaultier.' 'A friend of mine wants to wear the nude dress with a fur coat to dinner and then take off the coat,' she added. She added her purpose was to 'reframe the mischief and awesomeness' of Gaultier's collection for a 'contemporary audience'. She was also responsible for styling the viral Miu Miu campaign which was the tiny micro mini skirt be seen everywhere. Advertisement The fully destroyed versions come in black, white or brown and are littered with holes across the cotton sides, top and back. The fashion giant's brand name is daubed on the side of the soles to look like marker pen graffiti. And ironically, Balenciaga says if they get dirty just 'wipe with a soft cloth.' Shoppers were quick to poke fun at the scruffy sneakers. One said: 'I was having a good day until I saw this. Shaking my head.' Another quipped: 'I was just about to throw out my 12-year-old Vans. But I guess they are high fashion.' Another joked: 'Need these for my collection. Or I just won't pay rent and in a month or so my shoes should look the same.' One mum said: 'Are they having a laugh?' Another said: 'Pre-f****d up shoes, what a world.' Bondage-themed advert The following scandal erupted when Balenciaga released its 2022 Holiday ad campaign that featured children posing with its Plush Toy Bag. The bags, which looked like teddy bears, were dressed in bondage gear. In the photo shoot, the children also appeared surrounded by empty wine and champagne glasses. The distinctly adult themes immediately troubled many who asked why children had ever been used. Balenciaga ignored the scandal at first and seemingly allowed the photographer, Gabriele Galimberti, to take the heat. He released a statement saying he had no control over the content of the shoot and eventually, Balenciaga released its own statement agreeing and taking responsibility for the campaign. After the BDSM bears fiasco, eagle-eyed critics started examining the rest of Balenciaga's campaigns closely. They soon discovered that in the background of an image from the Spring 2023 campaign was a printout of a Supreme Court ruling on whether or not internet child porn can be legally considered free speech. On the back of the bears scandal, many critics said it pointed to a troubling pattern within Balenciaga. Balenciaga was quick to blame North Six, a production company that helped arrange the shoot, for the inclusion of those documents. They claimed that they entrusted all of the props from the photoshoot to North Six, and that their team was assured everything that was included was fake. 'I was shocked when I heard about their presence... it was a set of negligent and unfortunate but not intentional coincidences,' Demna told Vogue. The Trash Pouch debuted as part of the opening look from Balenciaga's Fall 2022 show during Paris Fashion Week Balenciaga unveiled a 695 'towel skirt' as part of its Spring 2024 collection As #cancelBalenciaga rapidly gained traction on Twitter and TikTok, numerous voices accused the brand and Demna of endorsing paedophilia and child exploitation. The impact was considerable, and even Kim Kardashian publicly condemned the controversial advertisements, stating she was reevaluating her relationship with the brand, 'basing it off their willingness to accept accountability for something that should have never happened to begin with.' In March 2023, Balenciaga showcased its first collection in Paris following the controversy, with Demna focusing on reinstating the house codes. 'There will be nothing to see but clothes. I need to be the radical antidote - to not be in that conversation at all,' he said prior to the show. 'That's what Cristobal Balenciaga would do.' However, the brand later released a 695 'towel skirt' as part of its Spring 2024 collection, which sparked further criticism. The knee-length garment, made from terry cotton, was mocked by countless shoppers, as well as Dame Kelly Holmes on an episode of Loose Women. One individual on Twitter made reference to the backlash the brand received for its controversial 2022 holiday campaign, penning: 'To dry themselves from washing away their sins?' Nicole Kidman blasted by association Pictured: Nicole Kidman seen arriving at the Balencaiag F/W 2023 fashion show in Paris after being announced as a brand ambassador Nicole Kidman has been a fan of Balenciaga for decades - having chosen the fashion house to design her 2005 wedding dress. However, the A-List actress was slammed last December when she was named the face of Balenciaga. The news sparked backlash among the Eyes Wide Shut actress's social media followers, many of whom have left comments expressing their disappointment. 'Bad choice Nicole!!! Do better!!!' one concerned fan wrote, after Nicole shared black-and-white images of herself attending the fashion show. 'Disappointed you chose that brand,' another added, while someone else added: 'Nice campaign to make us all forget [eyeroll emoji].' Another person wrote: 'Nicole is always such a beauty, but DANG... money must be tight for all these movie stars and musicians too when they have to support that business.' However there were plenty of positive comments praising Nicole's glamorous photos. 'Absolutely gorgeous,' one wrote, while another user added: 'Holy hell, these are brilliant!' Nicole's latest collaboration with Balenciaga comes a year after the company received immense criticism for releasing a set of images that showed children posing alongside a slew of BDSM-related items. In addition to being Mrs. Elvis Presley, Priscilla Presley is often remembered for her iconic fashion and beauty sense. From her big black bouffant hairstyle to her long almond-shaped nails, exaggerated winged eyeliner and ladylike dresses, her signature style was beloved by many. And since the release of 'Priscilla' (a biographical drama film written, directed, and produced by Sofia Coppola) she's inspiring a whole new generation. In addition to being Mrs. Elvis Presley, Priscilla Presley is often remembered for her iconic fashion and beauty sense An analysis of Google Trends worldwide data from beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha reveals that searches for 60s makeup skyrocketed by 455% around the movie release. Alongside 60s makeup, the term 'winged eyeliner' saw a 133% increase in popularity the same day as its US release, and again raising 181% ahead of the UK premiere. 'The recent surge in searches reflects a collective fascination with her iconic looks and indicates a modern resurgence of vintage beauty trends, cementing Priscilla as a beauty icon for the ages,' said a spokesperson for Fresha. Actress Cailee Spaeny, 25, who plays Priscilla in the film told People magazine that she spent about an hour and a half with the movies hair, makeup and wardrobe departments top prep for the role. Since the release of 'Priscilla' (a biographical drama film written, directed, and produced by Sofia Coppola) Mrs. Elvis Presley is inspiring a whole new generation Want to recreate Priscilla's look? Celebrity makeup artist Jenna Kristina offers a few super-simple and surprisingly easy way to create a sharp cat-eye. The go-to medium to create a neat wing is most often a liquid eyeliner, but this may not be the smartest tool for a beginner. 'I like to suggest using a pencil that has the ability to smudge but also sets after about 30 seconds,' says Jenna, who has worked with Megan Fox, Lucy Hale, Rebecca Rittenhouse, and many more A-listers. 'This helps to prevent making a mess, and youll have more control.' Another option for a beginner is to create a wing with shadow and a wet brush. The expert suggests using a very sturdy angle brush and working in small sections. 'Its easier to nail little sections of the eyeliner,' she explains. Adding: 'You can also use this as a template or guide for where to place the liquid eyeliner when you feel ready. Apply the shadow or gel eyeliner and then trace the liquid eyeliner on top.' 'I actually start at the outer edge of the eye,' shares Jenna. 'But if it feels too overwhelming, I suggest facing the liquid liner with the narrowest point towards the hairline and gently pressing down almost like a stamp.' For a natural look, keep the wing tip short. The further you extend the feline-like flick, the bolder the look. An analysis of Google Trends worldwide data from beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha reveals that searches for 60s makeup skyrocketed by 455% around the movie release Alongside 60s makeup, the term 'winged eyeliner' saw a 133% increase in popularity the same day as its US release, and again raising 181% ahead of the UK premiere To experience total control you must master the grip. 'Make sure your grip on the pen/pencil/brush is light, it helps the movement flow easier,' Jenna says. 'Think delicate and graceful.' While some products are easier to grip than others, 'the best way to hold your hand is whatever way is most comfortable to you.' A steady hand is also crucial for creating a precise line across the lash line. Always use a handsfree mirror, and some suggest leaning the elbow of the drawing hand against a stable surface like a countertop for support. To make both eyes look symmetrical, 'Always stare directly into the mirror with your eyes open,' instructs Jenna. 'That way youll know exactly what it looks like when its finished. 'I always tell people not to pull your skin out, the skin will indefinitely move back and thus change the shape of the line you just drew.' Priscilla's fashions evolved over the years but during her time with Elvis it aligned with the 1960's mod aesthetic. The look leaned toward short hemlines and sleeveless silhouettes, Priscilla favored A-line minis paired with ladylike pumps Jordan Plath, Professional Makeup Artist and Head of Education at Kryolan Professional Make-Up believes Priscilla's false lashes were 13mm in length, very dense, and slightly flared Anyone who has attempted a winged eye knows that mistakes are pretty inevitable. But instead of starting over and making an even bigger mess, dip a pointed Q-tip into makeover remover and gently dot over the unwanted product. If the wing is not as sharp as you would like it, use concealer and a flat brush to fine tune it. Priscilla always completed her winged-eye with long false lashes. It's said that she even wore them while giving birth to Lisa Marie. Jordan Plath, Professional Makeup Artist and Head of Education at Kryolan Professional Make-Up believes the falsies were 13mm in length, very dense, and slightly flared. 'Density was embellished with mascara and a smudged black liner, blended out especially far on her top lids,' says Jordan. Before applying, the expert suggests testing the false lash against your eye and trimming the outer edge if theyre too big. 'Loosen the lashes by wrapping them around your finger. Apply adhesive to the band, wait 30 seconds, and use a flat mirror on a table to help apply with eyes open. 'Hold the center of the band, press it into the lash root, and gently work the sides along your lash line. 'After placement, lift the lash by gently pushing it up with your finger.' Wool-crepe mini dress by Rowen Rose, now $543; net-a-porter.com Ivory Patent Croc by Aspinal of London, $795; aspinaloflondon.com Baby, Take a Vow by O.P.I., $11.99; opi.com False lashes by Kryolan in 13mm, $10.80; us.kryolan.com Better Than Sex Easy Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner by Too Faced, 425; toofaced.com Aurelie Imitation Pearl Strap Pointed Toe Pump by Jimmy Choo, $925; nordstrom.com Gel Pump Effect by O.P.I, $14.99; opi.com Fans of the film are going crazy over the star's nails. To get the look, Lia Smith, OPI North America Education Manger, shares some tips. 'The best type of extension for this style would be a nail enhancement which can be accomplished with acrylic or full cover tip gel,' says Lia. Adding: 'You will want an enhancement that allows for shaping.' While length is a personal preference, to get the look Lia recommends medium. 'The shape depicted is a classic almond shape the almond shape is not as pointed as a stiletto nail but not a true round its the perfect middle shape.' To get the right shade, opt for a polish in the light pink family. Fans of the film are going crazy over the star's nails. To get the look, Lia Smith, OPI North America Education Manger, recommends an acrylic or gel nail enhancement filed in an almond shape The expert recommends a few OPI colors, including Machu Peach-U paired with Switch to Portrait Mode, Im an Extra paired with Rosy Future, Tagus in that Selfie! paired with Throw Me a Kiss, and Baby, Take the Vow paired with I Meta My Soulmate. To achieve a glossy look, you'll need a top coat. 'For nail lacquer try OPI Gel Plump Effect Top Coat or OPI Gel Color Stay Shiny Top Coat which provides long lasting high shine.' Priscilla's fashions evolved over the years but during her time with Elvis it aligned with the 1960's mod aesthetic. The mod (from modernist) style was a subculture that began in the 1950s in London. It was a revolutionary decade that ushered in a new generation of creatives wanting to make a statement. The look leaned toward short hemlines and sleeveless silhouettes, Priscilla favored A-line minis and shift dresses, paired with ladylike pumps featuring a small heel. Research found that Pinterest saw a 177% jump in searches for Priscilla Presley outfits since October 1st. Shoppers are flocking to their nearest Kmart stores to get their hands on several of the retailer's 'stunning' brand new buys. Kmart's new range includes several home decor, kitchen, cleaning, and storage products Australians are 'obsessed' with. Some of the top new products include a fashionable twirl vase ($12) perfect for fresh flowers at the tail-end of summer and a magical blue glass table lamp ($20) to make any room more cosy. Shoppers who need to update their kitchen utensils are particularly keen on the reusable silicone baking tray divider ($15), the handy mini rice cooker ($15) and the budget milk frother ($2.25). Kmart has also come out with various new stylish storage items such as shoe organisers, cabinets, wardrobe separators, and more. Shoppers are flocking to their nearest Kmart stores to get their hands on several of the retailer's 'stunning' brand new buys Some of the top new products include a fashionable twirl vase ($12) perfect for fresh flowers at the tail-end of summer and a magical blue glass table lamp ($20) to make any room more cosy The twirl vase is a light earthy tone and its delicate stoneware material adds an elegant touch to every room. As autumn rolls in, most Aussies want to make the most of summer's last florals and decorate their homes with beautiful natives. The blue lamp is also an easy way to add a pop of colour to your living spaces, with many already reaching for the home buy in stores. In terms of the kitchen appliances, as the price of coffee at cafes soars - most Aussies are turning to home-made beverages. Kmart's mini rice cooker can cook food for up to four people and takes up half of the space in your kitchen cabinet Aussies on a time crunch will also value the silicone baking tray organiser as it will help you cook multiple foods in the oven at the same time without worrying about cross contamination The budget milk frother is an amazing way to make cafe-quality lattes at home - and you won't have to worry about missing the perfect layer of foam. Aussies on a time crunch will also value the silicone baking tray organiser as it will help you cook multiple foods in the oven at the same time without worrying about cross contamination. In addition, more and more people want the convenience of a rice cooker but don't have the space to store large objects. Kmart's mini rice cooker can cook food for up to four people and takes up half of the space in your kitchen cabinet. The five-star rated panelled corner unit ($35) has also been dubbed a life saver for homes that need a little extra space without looking too clunky As families grow and accumulate more items, many have also been searching for better storage options - and Kmart has delivered. The linen underbed shoe organiser ($10) is the ultimate solution for those who want sleek and tidy homes as it just fits under a bed or cabinet and provides easy access. The five-star rated panelled corner unit ($35) has also been dubbed a life saver for homes that need a little extra space without looking too clunky. Its sleek design and subtle off-white colour complements most pre-existing decor with ease, and the dual shelves have ample room for trinkets, glassware, utensils, and more. An elderly woman from Shanghai has left her 2.2million fortune to her pets It's no secret that dogs are man's best friend and most people consider their pets to be beloved members of their family. However, one owner in China has taken the sentiment to the extreme and has opted to leave her 2.2million fortune entirely to her pets, not leaving a penny behind for her children. The elderly woman from Shanghai, who goes by the last name Liu, erased all mentions of her children from her will because she claims they neglected her in her old age. She insisted that her pets provided companionship when she had nobody else and her offspring never bothered to visit her, even when she was ill. However, a report by South China Morning Post, citing Zonglan News, said that a local vetenary clinic has instead been appointed as administrator of the inheritence, because there were legal issues with leaving behind money to animals. A Chinese woman has opted to leave her 2.2 million fortune entirely to her pets, not leaving a penny behind for her children (stock image) READ MORE: People care about their dogs more than their cats, study confirms Advertisement Liu told the outlet that only her cats and dogs have been there for her and she wants the money to be used only to care for her animals and their offspring when she dies. Despite there being legal challenges surrounding this in China, Chen Kai, an official from the countrys Will Registration Centre headquarters in Beijing, explained there are 'alternatives to solve this issue'. He said: 'Lius current will is one way, and we would have advised her to appoint a person she trusts to supervise the vet clinic to ensure the pets are properly cared for.' This unique story has sparked debate about family dynamics and inheritence pracices in China. However, this isn't the first time pet owners have tried to bequeath their cash to furry friends. New York property billionaire Leona Helmsley left 6million to her toy Maltese terrier, Trouble. Helmsley, who died in 2007, left part of her fortune to the dog - although a judge later reduced it to 1.5 million. The will was contested by two of Mrs Helmsley's grandchildren who had been excluded from it 'for reasons known to them'. They claimed their grandmother was not of sound mind when she made the will, two years before her death from heart failure. Now a court has reduced Trouble's trust fund to 1million, awarding the grandchildren - Craig Panzirer, 40, and Meegan Panzirer Wesolko, 37 - 2million and 1 million respectively. Similarly, according to Guiness World Records, German Countess Karlotta Liebenstein left her 315million fortune to her dog Gunther IV and his descendants when she died in 1992. Fashion designer Alexander McQueen also left behind 50,000 per dog for his three English bull terriers. Cat back packs are becoming increasingly fashionable - thanks in no small part to their appearance in some current pop culture moments. The bags are backpacks with a transparent 'window' that can be used to tote around animals - normally cats, but also sometimes small dogs. And they split opinions, with some people thinking they are useful for carrying their pets around with them. However, many believe they are cruel. They are just one of the bizarre trends that are garnering support from the public - many of whom have seen celebs using them - but not all of these pet trends are popular with vets. Here, FEMAIL looks at some of the trends more and more people are using for their pets including leads for cats, prams for dogs, and slings for dogs... Cat backpacks Claudia Schiffer is seen donning a model of 'Chip the cat' who is a motif from upcoming major motion picture Argylle A range of celebrities, who have been seen using the back carrying cat bags. For example, megastar Taylor Swift was seen toting her feline in one in Miss Americana. In addition, the cat in a back pack has become the motif for what has already become 2024's most talked about movie - retro spy film Argylle, which stars Dua Lipa and Henry Cavill. Due to the cat motif, celebrities were seen toting a model of the animal from the film in a back pack. German model Claudia Schiffer looked typically glam as she attended the world premiere of spy model Argylle in London earlier this month, with a model of the film's 'Chip the cat' in a bag on her back. In addition, other celebrities have been see out and about toting their cats around in the carriers, including Queen's Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy, and actor Kate Beckinsale is another famous fan of the carriers, and shared Instagram images of herself carrying beloved moggies Clive and Willow back in 2021. But while all this promotion of the bags means more and more people may be tempted to buy into the trend, this is not necessarily a good thing, according to an RSPCA spokesperson. In fact, they told FEMAIL that they would not recommend that the backpack are used to transport felines. This, they explained, is because 'cats naturally hide or try to run away when they feel stressed or scared - but this instinct could be restricted when they are contained inside these clear bags'. The spokesperson added that they 'know that loving cat owners may have the best of intentions by wanting to have their cats close to them'. They added: 'Although cats love to explore and are naturally inquisitive they are also inherently territorial which means they are homely creatures who often feel most secure in their own home and local area.' Finally, the expert pointed out, these backpacks are 'often small, very restrictive and can interfere with temperature regulation'. 'We also advise owners to monitor their cats for any signs of stress when introducing them to new or different experiences but this becomes very difficult when cats are travelling on their owners backs,' they concluded. Cats on leads Many do not think that it is a good idea to put cat on leads, with some vets saying it puts the animals under stress Another trend has seen people put their cats on leads to take them out for walks - usually in urban environments. It's often clear to see that the animals are in discomfort (although some seem to enjoy it). PDSA Vet Lynne James told FEMAIL: 'Cats are generally quite independent and like to do things on their own accord. 'There are many ways you can ensure an indoor cat has plenty of opportunities to be active and mentally stimulated, without the need for them to go out on a walk, the same way youd take a dog out. 'Generally, we wouldnt advise taking your cat out on a lead as they lose the sense of control when they cant climb, run or walk away as they may naturally do so when out and about.' Dogs in prams Former Made in Chelsea reality star Georgia Toffolo pounding the streets with her pooch in a pram There are various reasons for people using prams for their dogs, many of which are cultural. For example, in Taiwan, dogs in prams are a common sight, a phenomenon some have linked with falling birth rates - notably, because Taiwans birthrate is among the lowest in Asia. For others, it's changing view around how they see their pets, with many seeing them as 'furry babies' - which again some link to the declining birthrate. Some put their dogs in strollers as a fashion statement. For others, they are used for dogs whose health is declining, which is something that is supported by a number of vets. Vet Lynne said: 'Whilst most dogs shouldnt need a pram to get out and about, they can be useful in specific situations, such as if your dog has mobility issues, is of an old age or is currently recovering from an injury, or a surgery. 'Most dogs would much rather be on their own four feet if at all possible, being able to sniff and experience their surroundings to the fullest, even if the walks are shorter.' Dogs in slings Demi Moore appears to be carrying her little pooch in some kind of sling as she walks along carrying the tiny dog Known as 'pooch pouches', these slings which are similar to the ones used for babies are becoming increasing popular for small dogs. They are a major trend in the US, and many animal advocates are hoping the trend doesn't cross the pond. PDSA vet Lynne James told FEMAIL: 'Slings may seem like an easy hands-free way to carry your dog around; however, they arent necessarily the most comfortable for your dog. 'They restrict most natural movement, meaning if your dog isnt comfortable and wants to reposition, they wont be able to. 'A spacious dog carrier, with room to move around freely is a better idea to make sure your dog is happy and safe.' A savvy couple have revealed the secret to their exciting globetrotting lifestyle, which has so far seen them visit a whopping 32 countries in six years. Alex Stroud, 26, and her husband, Scott, 32, from Devizes, Wiltshire, maximise their 25 days of annual leave to travel the world with their daughter, Adelaide, two. The family - who said they never book time off work 'to do nothing' - met six years ago and instantly found themselves itching to explore the world, but they didn't want to give up their jobs. Alex, a marketing manager, and Scott, a construction project manager, have already visited more than 30 countries, including New Zealand, the US, Egypt, Japan, South Korea, Iceland, Singapore, Samoa and Latvia - while Adelaide has joined them for 15. They each have 25 days of holiday a year, plus bank holidays and try to plan their trips around them, as well as working weekends to build up days in lieu. Savvy couple Alex and Scott Stroud have revealed the secret to their exciting globetrotting lifestyle (Both pictured with daughter Adelaide, two in Egypt) Alex, 26, and Scott, 32, have visited a whopping 32 countries in six years. Here, the family is pictured in New Zealand They each have 25 days of holiday a year, plus bank holidays and try to plan their trips around them (Pictured: Father and daughter go for a swim in Iceland) The couple say they never book time off work 'to do nothing'. (Scott poses with Adelaide at the Grand Canyon) Alex revealed: 'We've visited 32 countries in six years. We only use our annual leave. 'Try booking around the holidays and be flexible with your dates. Work any extra days you can to get time back. 'We'd never just have time off to chill. Neither of us had been the type of people to book time off to do nothing. 'Montenegro was one of our favourites. We went to Kotor and Tivat and it was so peaceful'. When Alex and Scott met six years ago the pair went on a few holidays together before realising they wanted to explore the world more. They began booking as many holidays as they could, and managed to see a whopping 13 countries in two years, such as Cyprus, Denmark and Montenegro. But when the pair welcomed their daughter, Adelaide, in July 2021, they didn't know if they would be able to carry on travelling but decided to give it a go. At three-months-old, Adelaide accompanied her parents to Gran Canaria, Spain, and the pair soon discovered it was easier - and cheaper - than they thought to bring their tot along. The family-of-three have also enjoyed a memorable trip to Kyoto in Japan Alex, a marketing manager, and Scott, a construction project manager, have already visited over 30 countries - while Adelaide has joined them for 15. (The family take in the views at the Grand Canyon) Alex and Scott are pictured having a swell time on holiday in Egypt The family also count a trip to Hoover Dam between Nevada and Arizona among the many places they've visited Alex's top tips to get the most out of your annual leave and trips Use Skyscanner to get the cheapest flights at inconvenient times Go off season Book around the bank holidays - for 2024 book off the 2nd - 5th January, 25th - 28th March, 2nd - 5th April, 7th - 10th May, 28th May - 31st May, 27th - 30th August, 23rd, 24th and 27th December to get 52 days off Be flexible with your dates Work weekends/bank holidays to bank up lieu days Book as much of your leave in advance as possible Make the most of your evenings to travel See what countries you can visit while in a certain area of the world - to see more in one go Advertisement Now Adelaide is fast accruing a holiday catalogue to rival her parents, and can boast seeing 15 countries - including France, Slovenia and Belgium. Alex said of the family trips: 'Taking her from a very young age helped. She wasn't phased at all. 'You get a discounted price for a baby when travelling. She'll get to grow up knowing the world isn't just our home town. 'It makes her more aware of the world'. To fit in all their trips around their jobs Alex says they try to plan ahead. The couple tend to go away in March, early summer, in September and in December to see the Christmas markets abroad. When the pair welcomed their daughter, Adelaide, in July 2021, they didn't know if they would be able to carry on travelling but decided to give it a go (The mum and daughter are pictured in Japan) At three-months-old, Adelaide went on her first trip abroad. (Pictured in Japan) The Strouds have already visited New Zealand, the US, Egypt, Japan, South Korea, Iceland, Singapore, Samoa and Latvia (Pictured in Japan) They fit in long weekends by just taking a few days off as well as saving up lieu days for a longer time off. She said: 'We plan out a year's worth of holidays. We roughly know what months we go away. 'Scott always has to have something booked. We try and visit several countries in one go. Places the Strouds have visited September 2018 - Luxemburg October 2018 - Wales November 2018 - Cyprus January 2019 - Cuba March 2019 - Denmark May/June 2019 - Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro September 2019 - Serbia November 2019 - Switzerland & Liechtenstein December 2019 - Estonia January 2020 - Cape Verde February/March 2020 - Singapore, Australia & Malaysia August 2020 - Poland September 2020 - Italy & The Vatican City November 2021 - Gran Canaria, Spain (with Adelaide) May 2022 - Slovenia (with Adelaide) September 2022 - France (with Adelaide) November 2022 - Malta (with Adelaide) December 2022 - Belgium (with Adelaide) January 2023 - Egypt (with Adelaide) March/April 2023 - Japan and South Korea (With Adelaide) July 2023 - Iceland (with Adelaide) September/October - Singapore again, New Zealand, Samoa, USA (with Adelaide) December 2023 - Latvia (with Adelaide) Advertisement Detailing the travel hack, Alex added: 'I work weekends instead of during the week sometimes and I save them up for lieu days'. For those scratching their heads about how the couple can afford to tour the world - with trips ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds - Alex revealed that the couple simply cut back elsewhere. She said the pair were 'not materialistic people' and they barely went out for meals or takeaways while in the UK. Scott added: 'One of the ways we manage to afford the holidays is by spreading out the costs. We book the flights one month, accommodation the next, and activities the month after. The couple say they fit in long weekends by just taking a few days off as well as saving up lieu days for a longer time off The parents said their daughter has taken to travelling well and they intend to keep it up (Pictured in Yosemite National Park) Alex and Scott met six years ago and instantly found themselves itching to explore the world, but they didn't want to give up their jobs. (Alex and Adelaide take in incredible views near Lake Rotoita, New Zealand) For those scratching their heads about how the couple can afford to tour the world - with trips ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds - Alex revealed that the couple simply cut back on takeaways and eating out (Pictured in Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand) 'That way we spread it over a few months and a few different paydays and it doesn't seem like one big chunk of money disappearing'. For those intending to follow in the Strouds airsteps, Alex said this year by using just 27 days of annual leave you can get 52 days off to travel. She advised people do this by booking off the first week of January, the days surrounding the Easter holiday, May bank holidays, the August bank holiday and the days before and after Christmas. She concluded: 'We base everything around going away. It's not relaxing. That's the element of our life we choose to prioritise'. See Alex's tips here: ashotoftheworld.com Female firefighters who skied from West Antarctica to the South Pole have broken a world record. Georgina Gilbert and Rebecca Rowe, from Wales, who are known as the 'Antarctic Fire Angels', have become the first ever all-female service team to complete the route. The pair, who set off in November 2023, were unassisted and unsupported for the entirety of their 1,900km journey, attached to 85 Kg pulls (supply sleds) in temperatures as low as -58F. Speaking on ITV's Lorraine about their emotions when they finally reached the South Pole, they said it was 'a real mixture of feelings'. Georgina said: 'It was surreal, because it was four years in the making, you finally get there and it's a real mixture of feelings because you are so excited to get there, but so overwhelmed by it. Georgina Gilbert and Rebecca Rowe, from Wales, who skied from West Antarctica to South Pole have broken a world record 'Also sad, because it's taken so many years of planning and that moment of time has come to an end.' Rebecca said: 'It was the toughest thing that we have ever done, it was literally Groundhog Day every day. We were doing the same thing every single day for 52 days. Georgia added: 'We would get up at 6:30am every morning, breakfast get ready etc, it would take over an hour just to melt the snow so we could eat, we would pack up, leave about 9am and ski for 10 hours, then put the tent up, get everything ready for bed, that was basically our day, every day.' The women explained that the terrain 'felt like a different planet' and the lack of anything to focus on in the horizon left them with 'funny eyesight.' Rebecca said: 'There was nothing to focus on, the horizon felt like it was ever changing, it was downhill flat, but it always felt up hill because the snow was so dry. 'We both came back with a funny eyesight, it was blurred because we had nothing to focus on for that amount of time .' Georgia and Rebecca even spent Christmas Day in the northern continent and tried to make the day special. Rebecca said: 'We took a few hours off at the end of the day and we spoke to our partners in the morning as well. 'In the afternoon we had some Christmas cake. We dragged this cake from the start, we had it for about five weeks.' The pair, who set off in November 2023, were unassisted and unsupported for the entirety of their journey covered 1,900 Km, pulling 85 Kg pulls (supply sleds) in temperatures as low as -58F Georgina and Rebecca who are known as the 'Antarctic Fire Angels', appeared on Lorraine as they have become the first ever all-female service team to cross the northern continent Speaking on ITV 's Lorraine about how it felt when they finally reached the South Pole they said it was 'a real mixture of feelings' The women now speak to schools about their courageous adventure in the hopes of inspiring women and girls to achieve their ambitions. Speaking to South Wales fire and rescue service Georgia said: 'When we first approached insurance companies about this expedition, there was no cover in existence for women over 45 attempting an unguided expedition. 'The equivalent cover existed for men, but absolutely nothing for women, and this was unanimous across the globe.' 'This is just not acceptable. It should be possible for every woman or girl to take every opportunity in life to achieve their ambitions without these kinds of restrictions.' In 2022, the pair spoke to Lorraine about how they hope to inspire women to take on adventures of their own. 'Everything is possible and women can do those things as well, that's it,' added Rebecca, a former Team GB Rower who played rugby for Wales in the Six Nations before becoming a firefighter. The women explained that the terrain 'felt like a different planet' and the lack of anything to focus on in the horizon left them with 'funny eyesight' The pair documented their journey on Instagram and slept in tents for the duration of the challenge The women now speak to schools about their courageous adventure in the hopes of inspiring women and girls to achieve their ambitions 'There aren't a lot of female explorers compared to men. We want to go out there and show women we can do this kind of thing. 'We hope to inspire other women to have the confidence to go out there and achieve the thing they want to do but they're not quite sure not quite confident to do it,' Rebecca added. The also spoke about the demanding ski training that went into the challenge. 'As firefighters, we're used to heat and smoke and now we're putting ourselves in a totally different environment,' said Georgina, who has 20 years under her belt as a firefighter in Wales. Rebecca explained they were preparing to travel to Sweden, for ice hold drills, which involve submerging themselves in freezing water. 'We'll be getting in the water to help with resilience. And then dealing with the aftermath, so getting out of the cold and dealing with how we warm up and understanding how long it takes us to warm up,' she explained. On top of this demanding training, the women admitted they have had to prepare mentally too. 'A positive mentally can take you a long way. If it's getting really really tough, just smile, and it just elevates the mood, even if it's only 5 per cent,' Georgina said. Meghan Markle purchased 1990 worth of diamond earrings from a female-founded jewellery business, the owners have revealed. The Duchess of Sussex, 42, was sent the jewellery by artificial diamond brand Kimai when she was still a working member of the Royal Family in 2019. The mother-of-two wore the brand's Felicity earrings, which are sold separately for 995, when she visited the charity Smart Works' headquarters in London. Earlier this month, Kimai's founders Sidney Neuhaus and Jessica Warch appeared on Dragons' Den where they boasted about the Duchess of Sussex wearing their designs. The founders - who were looking for a 250,000 investment for a three per cent equity stake in their business - revealed how the royal endorsement boosted their business, just a two months after they first launched. Pictured: Meghan Markle seen wearing the 1990 pair of diamond earrings to visit the Smart Works headquarters in January 2019 They explained: 'We've launched without investment, and then two months after our launch we got Meghan Markle to wear our pieces, which enabled us to grow the revenue significantly, and from there we raised $1.2 million.' Steven Bartlett - who ended up investing in the business - questioned the duo on how they managed to get the Duchess of Sussex sporting their jewellery. Sidney said: 'Cold emails.' Jessica then added: 'We're big believers in cold emails!' Despite also peaking the interest of dragons Deborah Meade, Sara Davies and Peter Jones, the pair ended up choosing Steven. The entrepreneur said he was convinced to make an offer after seeing that Meghan Markle had worn their designs. 'The moment you told be about hounding down Meghan Markle, you had me,' he said. The deal is the biggest investment made by The Diary Of A CEO podcast host since he first joined the programme in 2022. Kimai's founders, Antwerp-born friends Sidney Neuhaus and Jessica Warch, were frustrated with the lack of supply chain transparency across the industry, so pioneered the use of 100 per cent traceable lab-grown diamonds. Kimai's Felicity Earring features 26 lab-grown diamonds, totalling 0.24 carat, and retails at 995 each. Dragons' Den's Steven Bartlett with Kimai's Co-founders Jessica Warch and Sidney Neuhaus after investing 250,000 in their business In 2019, the pair made 350,000 in revenue and a net loss of minus 350,000. The second year of trading saw a revenue of 890,00 and a net loss of minus 350,000 again. Last year, sales spiralled, and they made 3 million, with a net loss of 100,000. 'And this year, we're on track to do 5 million, and a profit of 500,000,' Jessica told the judges. Steven offered the duo their asking price in exchange for a five per cent equity stake of the company, which they rejected. Jessica's negotiating skills successfully haggled Steven down to the original three per cent Kimai offered. Kimai's global e-commerce is growing at a rapid rate of 120 per cent year-over-year, as the online market for sustainable fine jewellery is on the rise. The Antwerp-born duo were chuffed after receiving three offers, but it was Steven they went for After the negotiating was over, Steven embraced both Jessica and Sidney with a warm hug After the negotiating was over, Steven embraced both Jessica and Sidney with a warm hug 'They are two of the most impressive entrepreneurs I have ever seen in the Den', said Steven. 'Rock solid on their numbers, vision and convictions. Kind, humble, smart, tenacious and passionate. 'Annoyingly, really incredible negotiators - which is annoying as an investor but perfect as business partners, so I'm happy to be in business with them. 'They are the absolute full house. I'm going to support them in any and every way I can - I'll bring a wealth of knowledge to the business as it relates to marketing, innovation, community growth, scaling and I'm planning to use my vast network of contacts to open doors that will help to accelerate their incredible business even more'. Crafted without environmentally harmful mining practices, the firm's sustainable stones are said to be physically, optically and chemically identical to mined counterparts. Using cutting-edge technology, labs are able to replicate the heat and pressure that create natural diamonds found in the earth. These sustainable gems can also provide 100 per cent supply chain traceability. Catering to an eco-conscious clientele, the brand offers a range of lab-grown diamond and recycled 18k gold earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings and is proud to be one of the few fine jewellery labels to be certified B-corp. Kimai will be working with Steven and his team to amplify their digital presence, and the investment will be used to elevate the customer experience at the brand's flagship store in Marylebone, London. This article has been amended since initial publication to correct a suggestion that Kimai had gifted a pair of earrings to the Duchess of Sussex. We are happy to clarify that the Duchess purchased the earrings. While January may have felt like a never-ending month for workers across the UK, the end of the most miserable month - and pay day - are finally in sight. To celebrate making it to the first pay day of 2024, Krispy Kreme is slashing the price of their Original Glazed Doughnuts to just 31p each on January 31. However, fans will have to be quick as this offer is available for one day only, with normal prices resuming on February 1. The sweet treats will usually set you back 2.65 for one doughnut, so this bargain means doughnut fans will be paying less than a quarter of the price. The 31p PayYay doughnuts will be available on a first-come-first served basis in Krispy Kreme shops UK-wide. To celebrate making it to the first payday of 2024, tomorrow Krispy Kreme are slashing the prices of their Original Glazed Doughnuts to just 31p each The sweet treats will usually set you back 2.65 for one doughnut, so this bargain means doughnut fans will be paying less than a quarter of the price READ MORE: Food blogger reveals how to make doughnuts in an air fryer with just TWO ingredients Advertisement Those looking to spread the pay day joy with friends, family or colleagues can also pick up an Original Glazed dozen for just 10, whilst stocks last - this usually costs 14.95. There is a little catch - the promotion entitles customers to one doughnut each at the reduced price you need to be a Krispy Kreme Rewards member to collect your 31p treat. If you're opting for the 10 glazed dozen, these are limited at two boxes per customer. You can sign up to their rewards scheme online for free, which will allow you to earn 'smiles' each time you buy a treat instore. Once you've signed up, simply add the PayYay offer to your app wallet and show your rewards barcode at the till to get your hand on the 31p doughnut deal. The offer is only available in Krispy Kreme stores in the UK, not other retailers such as Selfridges, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury's or Asda - it's also not available for delivery, so you'll need to go to your local store in person. Emma Colquhoun, Chief Customer Officer at Krispy Kreme UK & Ireland said: 'Forget Blue Monday or January doom and gloom - were all about helping the nation celebrate the joy of making it through January. 'We want to make this payday the happiest one yet and were so pleased to be offering our iconic Original Glazed doughnuts for just 31p all day on 31st January'. The promotion comes after the doughnut chain previously gave away 60,000 free doughnuts around the world in November, to celebrate World Kindness Day. UK customers had the opportunity get their hands on an Original Glazed Sharer Dozen completely for free. Brexit may be the single biggest political event this century for the British people...but it seems to have breezed past the latest batch of students on University Challenge. Dubbed a 'classic moment' for the quiz show, presenter Amol Rajan didn't even try to hide his disbelief after both Trinity College, Cambridge and the Open University team served up what could well be the clanger of the series. Mid-way through the quarter-final clash, Rajan asked them to name two countries that are in both the EU and the Commonwealth. To his surprise - and everyone else's - both teams offered up the UK as an answer. Whaaat? A bemused-looking Amol Rajan, host of University Challenge, can't quite believe his ears when both Trinity College, Cambridge and the Open University claimed the UK was in the EU in the latest episode First up, contestant Romans, a nursing student from Oxfordshire, confidently answered 'United Kingdom and Malta'. Her incorrect answer saw captain of the Cambridge team, Kang, quickly chime in with 'United Kingdom and Cyprus'. Rajan, who's been at the helm of the academic quiz show since the departure of long-term host Jeremy Paxman last year, deadpanned: 'I presume you guys have all forgotten this thing called Brexit.' As the penny dropped, Kang threw his arms in the air in despair at his answer, while the rest of the contestants broke out in laughter. Former fan favourite Bobby Seagull dubbed it a 'classic moment' in the show's history. Double disaster: Romans, left, a nursing student from Oxfordshire, confidently answered 'United Kingdom and Malta' to Rajan's question, and her incorrect answer saw captain of the Cambridge team, Kang, then chime in with 'United Kingdom and Cyprus' The quiz host was tickled by the idea that some of the nation's finest brains had momently forgotten about that 'thing called Brexit' Realisation hits...and Trinity Cambridge's Kang throws his hands up at his gaffe On social media platform X, others watching at home admitted they were shouting at the TV after witnessing the Brexit-sized blunders. A viewer described it as: 'The moment of the entire tournament from me! 'Amol's joy at seeing them waltz into that elephant trap with the aplomb of Boris Johnson on that ep of Have I Got News For You...Priceless!' Another said: 'Amusing but depressing when our brightest brains seem unaware of the disastrous implications of Brexit.' One wrote: 'Who could forget Brexit? I wish I could', while one viewer penned: 'Found myself thinking that they were probably barely teenagers in 2016, so' The Queen appeared in high spirits as she prepared to host a reception for authors, illustrators and binders who have been involved a new Miniature Library collection displayed alongside Queen Mary's Dolls' House - in celebration of its centenary year. It was her first royal engagement since King Charles left the hospital yesterday. Camilla, 76, hosted the event at Windsor Castle, to commemorate one of the largest and most famous dolls' houses in the world - built for King George V's wife in the 1920s. The King's wife, who was greeted by Royal Collection Trust Curators, enjoyed a short tour of the house before seeing the 20 works created to celebrate its 100-year anniversary. This includes stunning miniature manuscripts which were painstakingly penned and decorated by hand. They were bound by leading designer-bookbinders 'as part of the anniversary initiative to establish a Modern-Day Miniature Library, providing a snapshot of contemporary literature in Britain'. The King's wife, who will be greeted by Royal Collection Trust Curators, will enjoy a short tour of the house before seeing the 20 works created to celebrate its 100 year anniversary Camilla then mingled with artists in the Waterloo Chamber, where she also saw a close-up display of the featured works. The royal grinned as she enjoyed conversing with guests. The royal had also joked that her eyesight had 'deteriorated' as she revealed a miniature book she wrote for the exhibit - which will go on display. She got a first look at the 4.5cm high tome she penned for the collection, which also worked with twenty authors, including Sebastian Faulks, Jacqueline Wilson and Charlie Mackesy. They also include the Daily Mail's royal expert Robert Hardman who was asked by The Royal Collection Trust to contribute a work on last year's major royal event 'The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, 6. V. 2023,' with illustrations by his daughter, Phoebe, 14. It was bound by Ted Bennett. Camilla penned her 254-word message across 16 pages of her tiny book, and said 'it's lovely' when she got her hands on the bound copy yesterday. Glenn Bartley, Head of Royal Binders, described how the Queen had used a regular pen nib to write the message, also described as a foreword. She was given frames with dimensions to keep the words inside the 4.5cm pages to write her message on ordinary cartridge paper which were then bound into a book with her cypher. He said: 'For a lot of authors it was quite a challenge. The handwriting is extraordinary. The Queen's was very good and legible.' The Queen looked cheerful as she took a look at a tiny book made for a doll house, presented to her by Glenn Bartley Mr Bartley, who is head of the Royal Bindert, showed the Queen some miniature books The tiny book contained Queen Camilla's handwriting: 'Queen Mary's Doll's House' Presented with her book, she said: 'It's so lovely, thank you so much, very kind.' She thanked the authors in the room and hailed it as 'a fantastic scheme' Without notes, Camilla said: 'As a child seeing the Dolls' House for the first time, I was always fascinated by the books, the idea of actually seeing very prominent writers actually seeing their writing was huge excitement. 'I know the future generation are going to feel the same about all of you, they are going to look at these books and say "goodness", wonderful to see Alan Bennet and Tom Stoppard and see their writing. 'What I was particularly thrilled to see was the amount of authors and daughters who have been doing the illustrations and it's really nice to see mothers and daughters working together. 'I am thrilled by this and hope you will all be very proud of what you've done. 'And also the wonderful binders, I've never seen such exquisite works of art, it's not an easy task to do something that small, so congratulations. 'So again thank you very, very much, I hope your eyesight hasn't deteriorated that much, certainly mine did. Camilla hugged Mallory Blackman, who penned A Message to Jessica for the display and kissed her on both cheeks, saying: 'Very nice to see you.' Playwright Alan Bennett, who wrote The Mantelpiece for his miniature book, greeted Camilla and told her he was 'thrilled and excited'. Speaking afterwards, he said: 'I was flattered to be asked as I don't regard myself as part of the establishment but it was nice that she remembered me.' The two tiny books were boud in both red and white covers with gold embossed cyphers The dolls' house was built with contributions from 1,500 of the finest artists, craftspeople and manufacturers of the day Camilla was all smiles as she chatted with the artists involved in the miniature library project today Jacqueline Wilson, who entered 'The House Mouse', spoke to Camilla about her book. She said afterwards: 'I loved the Doll's House when I was a little girl and loved the library so to be asked to take part was extraordinary. 'It was a little challenging to get my handwriting neat enough to be legible. Just took a deep breath and went for it.' In her heartwarming foreward, Camilla wrote: 'I am delighted and grateful that, thanks to the kindness of some of today's brilliant authors and binders, we are now able to add a snapshot of literature in the 2020s to the Dolls' House library. 'These new books highlight the incredible richness of twenty-first century literary talent and demonstrate how fortunate we are to have access to so many outstanding writers, whose work brings joy, comfort, laughter, companionship and hope to us all, opening our eyes to others' experiences and reminding us that we are not alone.' The Queen was effortlessly elegant in a monochrome ensemble, including an embroidered navy blazer with white detailing and a matching skirt. She sported some simple black boots and styled her tresses in a signature style. Queen Mary's dolls' house was built between 1921 and 1924 as a gift to the wife of King George V following the First World War. Camilla, 76, is hosting the reception at Windsor Castle , to commemorate one of the largest and most famous dolls' houses in the world - built for King George V 's wife in the 1920s Now, visitors to Windsor Castle - where the house has been on display since 1925 - will be able to see a series of items usually contained within it. The perfect 1:12 scale replica boasts a fully stocked wine cellar, tiny Crown Jewels with real diamonds and rubies and a grand piano with functioning keys. The model of an Edwardian residence also has electricity, working lifts and running water and features a library stocked with miniature books specially penned by authors including Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The dolls' house was built with contributions from 1,500 of the finest artists, craftspeople and manufacturers of the day. The house is being displayed in Windsor Castle's majestic Waterloo Chamber. Items from the tiny home's kitchens and servants' quarters include a vacuum cleaner, which in the 1920s was a relatively new innovation. A servant's sewing machine, complete with thread and minuscule scissors that can actually cut, also feature. A copper kettle that was made from a coin features George V's head on its base. It comes as earlier this month Queen Camilla picked a racy novel that see the royal family get taken hostage to kickstart her book club. Camilla was full of awe for the artists as she addressed guests at the reception in Windsor Castle today A delighted Camilla received a miniature book from today's event as she celebrated the dolls' house The vent celebrated a Miniature Library collection displayed alongside Queen Mary's Dolls' House for visitors to enjoy throughout 2024 Camilla pictured receiving a miniature book from Glenn Bartley, head of the Royal Bindery during a reception at Windsor Castle Pictured: Queen Camilla poses for a group picture during a reception at Windsor Castle for authors, illustrators and binders who have been involved in the new Miniature Library collection The perfect 1:12 scale replica boasts a fully stocked wine cellar, tiny Crown Jewels with real diamonds and rubies and a grand piano with functioning keys The house is being displayed in Windsor Castle's majestic Waterloo Chamber. Items from the tiny home's kitchens and servants' quarters include a vacuum cleaner, which in the 1920s was a relatively new innovation The dolls' house was built with contributions from 1,500 of the finest artists, craftspeople and manufacturers of the day. Pictured: a miniature library set to celebrate it Camilla examined stunning miniature manuscripts which were painstakingly penned and decorated by hand Camilla appeared to be in high spirits as she chatted with guests at the reception this afternoon Camilla will mingle with artists in the Waterloo Chamber, where she will also see a close-up display of the featured works Camilla spoke to guests as she hosted a reception at Windsor Castle for authors, illustrators and binders who have been involved in the new Miniature Library collection The Queen appeared in high spirits as she prepared to host a reception for authors, illustrators and binders who have been involved a new Miniature Library collection Camilla was effortlessly elegant in a monochrome ensemble, including an embroidered navy blazer with white detailing and a matching skirt She sported some simple black boots and styled her tresses in a signature style and accessorised with pearl earrings Director of the Royal Collection, Mr Tim Knox, will conclude the event with a speech before presenting Her Majesty with her own miniature book The 76-year-old has been delving into her literary favourites in a new podcast series The Queen's Reading Room. And she's made quite a surprising choice with the first novel set to feature in her book club this year The Lords' Day by English author Lord Michael Dobbs. The thriller explores themes of love and devotion after the most powerful people in the country, including The Queen and the Prime Minister, are taken hostage at the State Opening of Parliament an event Camilla has witnessed firsthand. In conversation with The Telegraph, Lord Dobbs, known for writing House of Cards, revealed that he sent the novel to the royals on a whim, and in an 'unexpected' but 'wonderful' twist, it was announced on the Queen's book club line up weeks later. In 2007, The Lord's Day caused a stir for revealing faults in parliamentary security, which led Dobbs to be accused of lending ideas to terrorist organisations. Fast forward some 16 years, and The Queen has recognised the book alongside national favourites by the likes of Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and Ian McEwan. Dobbs revealed that he sent a copy of his book to King and Queen via his publisher, 'I thought it would be rather fun,' he said. And the result was remarkable. In conversation about the Camilla's decision, Dobbs said: 'I think it shows how inclusive and open-minded she is. This isn't a fussy traditionalist; this is a Queen who has got her eyes open to the modern world.' Her Majesty is a bookworm who has used her royal role to promote reading and help improve national literacy. Her Instagram book club, which boasts 167,000 followers, was set up after she shared some of her lockdown reading favourites during the pandemic. It has since become a charity and launched its own annual literary festival at Hampton Court Palace, which will be held again next year on June 8. In the 1980s, NASA's Voyager 2 captured pictures of Neptune's blue ocean. Recent reprocessed images suggest it's paler than we thought. But who hasn't gone greyer since the 80s?! Today, we don't need a makeover in order to feel confident. As the Mercury/Saturn link encourages maturity, we can act in ways that show our self-development. It's an ideal time to make decisions about the future. ARIES March 21 - April 20 We use the phrase 'I'm only human' to excuse our mistakes. Yet being human is to be intelligent and creative. Thoughtful and compassionate. Generous and considerate. Even having just some of these qualities is reason to celebrate. To have all of them, and others, is to be magnificent. That phrase 'only human' has a negative connotation. It suggests there's something better to be. But to get everything right (which you need to get right) in your world, you only have to be human. Enjoy using your many qualities today. OSCAR CAINER: Today, we don't need a makeover in order to feel confident Make February a month to remember! Visit cainer.com/dmfree TAURUS April 21 - May 21 Why go to the trouble of stopping to contemplate an issue that doesn't require much thought? Aren't our lives too busy and stressful to designate time into philosophical thinking? Surely, we should just be grateful for any obvious issues, and take them as they are? Hmmm.... not if we want to avoid the possibility of being influenced by an unfounded prejudice. You don't need to make a hasty decision today. Even if pausing makes you look indecisive, there's merit in being hesitant. Revising your ideas is a good idea! Take full advantage of February's opportunities! Visit cainer.com/dm GEMINI May 22 - June 22 None of us are indestructible. Obviously. But you're stronger and more resilient than you think. As you've recently proved, you can deal with a lot of pressure. And carry a weight of responsibility on your shoulders. Do you need to go through more tests? No. The only person who can limit you, is you. But why would you do that? It's time to shake off a defeatist attitude. And rid yourself of any self-doubts. As your ruler, Mercury, links with resilient Saturn, it's time to move into your power and start realising your potential. February is going to be amazing! For inspiring insight to guide you, visit: cainer.com/dailymail CANCER June 23 - July 23 Enthusiasm is infectious. If someone is genuinely excited about something, we can sense it. Even if we're not particularly interested in the subject they're so enthused about, we can't help but listen, with a positive ear. It seems there's an 'empathetic urge' hard-wired into us. But you know this. You're a sensitive Cancerian. And as such, you're highly aware of your ability to be affected by other people's moods; and to influence theirs. If you show someone how much something means to you today, you'll get the support you need. For uplifting news about February, check out your forecasts at cainer.com/dmfree LEO July 24 - August 23 You've got lots to feel encouraged by. Although your situation isn't perfect, you're not going to let it bother you... are you? Because if you are, you need to stop. The issue you're dealing with doesn't deserve to be treated as a source of concern. It's just that you've got lots on your plate (and your mind). When we're feeling overwhelmed, it's easy to listen to other people and take their negative views on board. But don't. Those opinions are theirs. Focus instead on doing what needs to be done. You're on the right track. For sure. You're going to enjoy February. Find out why! Visit cainer.com/dm VIRGO August 24 - September 23 Every day we put on an invisible protective suit designed to shield us from psychological and emotional attack. It's our defence system, which we build over time, as a barrier to unnecessary angst. Yet it's never 100% effective. And yours has allowed a criticism through, which you're taking very personally. But does it really deserve so much attention? No. Especially when there are so many positive developments to focus on. You don't need to react or respond. Be confident. And get cracking. There's lots to achieve. For news you need to hear about this February, visit: cainer.com/dailymail LIBRA September 24 - October 23 When confronted with a challenging situation, you can either let your confidence crumble or you can resolve to find a way to move beyond it. Today, try not to be overly sensitive to a cause of worry. You need to get past your irritation at the circumstances that led to a problem. And ignore the instincts telling you you wouldn't be facing this scenario if somebody else had made a different (smarter) decision. Instead, look at the most positive route you can create from here. You'll soon be on a better, more satisfying path forwards. February's cosmic events could transform your life! Find out how! Visit cainer.com/dmfree SCORPIO October 24 - November 22 It's never a good idea to go food shopping when you're hungry. You're almost certain to end up buying things you don't really need. In the same way, making big decisions when you're tired isn't a good idea. Nor is it wise to make big emotional pronouncements when you're feeling sensitive. You're aware of a real need right now. You're under pressure to deal with a complex issue. Even so, it's better to let it remain infuriatingly unresolved than to hasten to a conclusion that you'll end up regretting when things have calmed down. February is going to be amazing! For inspiring insight to guide you, visit: cainer.com/dailymail As the Mercury (pictured) / Saturn link encourages maturity, we can act in ways that show our self-development. It's an ideal time to make decisions about the future SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21 You're dealing with several issues in your world that seem unfair (not to mention less-than-desirable). The more you focus on the downsides of this situation, the bigger the problem gets. While it would be inappropriate to ignore what's wrong, if you don't put some kind of a brave face on it, you risk losing your enthusiasm. And you need that. If you can do your best for a bit longer, things will improve (at least to the point where you can take an objective, constructive look at your options). The planets help you assess, calmly, today. It's nearly February! For uplifting news on the opportunities waiting for you, visit: cainer.com/dailymail CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20 With any information we need only a 'click' away, and online purchases appearing within 24 hours on our doorsteps, we've grown accustomed to instant gratification. We expect things to happen when we want them to happen. Waiting makes us resentful. 'What's the problem?' 'Why can't we have what we want when we want it?' If you're still anticipating the benefits of your auspicious cosmic climate, be reassured. Know that the planets are taking steps to transform your life. You're about to start seeing positive signs. Keep looking. A new month awaits! For inspiring forecasts visit: cainer.com/dmfree AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19 Deep within you lies a resource of infinite love, kindness, concern, empathy and generosity. But I'm not telling you anything you don't know. These have often been the cause of many compromises (even sacrifices) that you've made over the course of your life. Which doesn't mean they're 'wrong' emotions. Remember that today. And remember too, that this same reservoir lies within other people's hearts. Although you're dealing with the consequences of someone's challenging behaviour, you can access their softer side. February brings great potential for positive change. Find out more! Visit cainer.com/dm PISCES February 20 - March 20 'Any way the wind blows, doesn't really matter... to me.' A Freddie Mercury lyric for you today. It sums up the attitude you need to adopt. Being a Piscean, you're an expert at going with the flow. Your ability to adapt is second to none. Yet circumstances have contrived to make you feel more guarded than usual. You've been trying to make things turn out in a certain way. Today brings an affirmation that allows you to reconnect with your more free-flowing nature. As you're about to see, things are going better than they seem. Welcome to February! For inspiring predictions to take you through the month, visit cainer.com/dailymail Princess Anne beamed as she visited an equestrian centre for disabled riders this afternoon to mark the official opening of its Platinum Jubilee stables - and made some four-legged friends. The Princess Royal, 73, an equestrian herself with a long-standing love of the sport, arrived at Reaseheath Equestrian College in Nantwich to visit the riders and the horses in the Nantwich and District Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Group. The mother-of-two wrapped up in a grey scarf and donned a navy coat, accessorised with a horse brooch, as she arrived at the college. As she met with staff and riders, she also popped into the stables to pay some attention to the steeds - and beamed as she stroked them. Princess Anne, 73, beamed as she opened Platinum Jubilee stables at the Reaseheath Equestrian College in Nantwich this afternoon Her enthusiasm for the visit is no surprise considering her hugely successful equestrian career, first competing when she was just 11 years old. Princess Anne's visit comes after she and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, carried out a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka earlier this month. The princess, often dubbed 'the hardest-working royal' and King Charles's 'right-hand woman', toured the north of the country and completed charity visits, plus a meeting with the nation's president Ranil Wickremesinghe. The Princess Royal couldn't help but make a fuss of the horses as she visited the stables within the college Anne, a keen equestrian and former Olympian, demonstrated her natural affinity with horses during the visit During her visit the Princess Royal met with some of the riders who are part of the group A little treat! A beautiful black and white horse appeared to receive a little treat from the Princess Royal During her visit, Princess Anne chatted to staff at the college about their shared passion The Princess Royal donned a navy coat and a grey scarf as she visited the college in Nantwich Since her return, she has carried out business as usual amid the disruption caused at the heart of the royal family by health issues. Both King Charles and the Princess of Wales left hospital yesterday following medical procedures, leaving them out of action for the time being. While the monarch's procedure for an enlarged prostate was described as 'routine', he will take a little more time off from his duties while he rests up. Mother-of-three Kate also returned home yesterday following a two-week hospital stay after having 'planned abdominal surgery'. While she recovers from the procedure, she will not carry out royal engagements in person, but may continue some work from home depending on doctor's orders. The Daily Mail reported on Monday that Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis were not taken to visit their mother in hospital after she recovered from what has been described as abdominal surgery. However, the three children were reunited with their mother at Adelaide Cottage after returning from school. A woman has revealed she cancelled her date the minute her suitor arrived at her front door after he sent her a 'huge red flag' text message. Utsha Saha, who is originally from Canada but lives in the UK, received an unsavoury message from her date when he announced he was on his way to pick her up for their second meeting - after a successful first date. Utsha, who goes by @shahutasaha on TikTok, posted a video explaining how the date took an awkward turn before it had even begun. The clip, which has been viewed 4.5 million times since it was posted last year, features a frustrated Utsha breaking down the events of the evening after her date called her a 'b***h' - leaving her with no option but to break off the whole thing. She explained: 'So, I've dressed to get dinner tonight and this man is on his way, and he's booked dinner, and he's coming to pick me up.' Utsha Saha received a rather crass message from her date before he drove for 30 minutes to pick her up - leaving the tech worker feeling less than impressed Utsha continued to explai she received a text as she was getting ready for the date when her date, whom she hasn't named, announced he was on his way to pick her up from her house. Revealing the text that left her feeling insulted, she said: 'He goes, I kid you not, word for word... "Alright you shallow b***h. Don't judge my car. I've had it since I was 18 and no one has a car in London."' The content creator gave further insight into their 'barely friendly' relationship by admitting that it was the second time the pair had decided to meet following a successful first date. Utsha revealed that the man is approximately 30 years of age with a 'normal career' and was appalled to be called a 'cuss word' before any relationship had been established. She said: 'I barely call my friends cuss words, and if we ever do playfully call each other b***h, it's like people I'm very close with.' I have very little tolerance for cuss words, especially from men I go on dates with. So, this really threw me off.' After consulting her brother, she decided to confront the suitor when he arrived at her house, and ultimately decided to call off the date. And according to Utsha, the man's response confirmed she'd made the right decision. He later called her and branded her rude for 'intentionally' allowing him to drive across the city before letting him down. She claims he then hung up on her before she could explain why his behaviour had been disrespectful. Revealing the text which left her feeling insulted, she said: 'He goes, word for word... "Alright you shallow b***h. Don't judge my car. I've had it since I was 18 and no one has a car in London"' Thousands of supportive comments poured in from individuals who commended Ushta for standing up for herself and 'dodging a bullet' Following their disagreement, the man allegedly called up Utsha once more to apologise and attempt to sway her decision, hoping for a second chance. However, viewers of Utsha's video were certain she should hold firm and praised her for standing up for herself - arguing she had 'dodged a bullet'. One person wrote: 'HUGE RED FLAGS,' while another warned, 'Run girl don't look back. First red flag he hung up on you then the 'I'm sorry'.' A third said: 'His insecurities are showing before you even went on the date,' while another wrote, 'Wow! Dodged a huge bullet on that one!' A final person commented: 'Yip, maintain your boundaries/standards, his comment was disrespectful & not needed! Good for you for remaining polite.' Picture a Guinness drinker, and what probably comes to mind is a burly rugby lad. But, thanks to the influence of the Princess of Wales and Kim Kardashian, it seems women are determined to kick that image into touch. There was a 24 per cent rise in the number of female Guinness drinkers in the UK in the second half of last year compared to the same period the year before. Debra Crew, chief executive of alcohol company Diageo, which owns the brand, said this was largely thanks to endorsements from two of the world's most famous women, who have both been pictured enjoying a pint. Ms Kardashian made headlines last year when she posed with a pint of the Irish stout during a visit to London. Kate enjoying a pint of Guinness during a trip to Ireland in 2020. Thanks to the Princess of Wales' endorsement of the drink, the number of women drinking Guinness saw a 24 per cent rise compared to in 2022 William and Kate drinking a pint of Guinness on St Patrick's Day in 2017. Picture a Guinness drinker, and what probably comes to mind is a burly rugby lad. But, thanks to the influence of the Princess of Wales and Kim Kardashian, it seems women are determined to kick that image into touch Kim Kardashian enjoying a pint of Guinness and a shot of baby Guinness in a pub in London in March 2023. Ms Kardashian made headlines last year when she posed with a pint of the Irish stout She also drank a 'baby Guinness' shot, which is made with coffee liqueur and Irish cream. Kate has also been spotted with a Guinness in hand on numerous occasions, including on a visit to Ireland in 2020 and on St Patrick's Day in 2017 where she was seen swigging a glass with the Prince of Wales. Ms Crew said: 'You see people like Kim Kardashian all of a sudden drinking Guinness when she's in London, or Kate Middleton these things catch on.' Stockholm was awash with glitz and glamour this evening as the Swedish royal family hosted a gala dinner for some very special guests. The royals are currently welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron, 46, and his wife, Brigitte, 70, to their nation on a state visit. And to make their guests feel especially welcome, King Carl Gustaf, Queen Silvia and the rest of the family donned all their finery to attend a banquet with the President and first lady at Stockholm Palace. Also in attendance at the dinner were Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, and Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia. Stockholm was awash with glitz and glamour this evening as the Swedish royal family hosted a gala dinner for President Macron and his wife Brigitte. Pictured: Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel Princess Sofia of Sweden donned a champagne gown with mesh sleeves and a metallic body. Pictured arriving with Prince Carl Philip Elegant as ever, Brigitte Macron, 70, opted for a sleek and sctructured powder-blue gown complete with sequins The Palace halls glimmered with gems as the royals and special guests arrived for dinner. Crown Princess Victoria, 46, donned a one-shoulder baroque-style ballgown complete with gold detailing as she walked arm-in-arm with her husband down the red carpet. She accessorised with a stunning gold and diamond tiara, diamond earrings and metallic clutch bag. King Carl Gustaf addressed guests at the gala dinner ahead of the lavish meal, while Brigitte appeared to read a French translation of the monarch's speech President Macron, looking sharp in a tuxedo, also addressed the guests at the dinner King Carl Gustaf and Brigitte appeared deep in conversation as they dined at the Stockholm Palace The guests stood at the table and sang the Swedish National Anthem ahead of the dinner Crown Princess Victoria beamed at the dinner table Enchante! The French first lady smiled as a guest took her hand and appeared to bow to her Queen Silvia of Sweden, dressed in an amethyst gown, stood with the Macrons as they met with guests ahead of the event The King of Sweden and President Macron looked stately as they stood together at the Palace Fab four! The President and First Lady of France beamed as they stood in the palace, flanked by the Swedish King and Queen Meanwhile style queen Brigitte stuck to her chic roots with a structured, floor-length gown in a powder blue shade. The frock was accessorised with sequins around the neckline and waist - and Brigitte wore diamond earrings to accessorise. Princess Sofia, too, upped the style stakes as she arrived at the Palace with her husband Prince Carl Philip. The royal donned a floor-length gown in a champagne shade, with mesh sleeves and a metallic body. As the Swedish royal family went out of their way to make their French guests feel at home, they appeared to put some classic French dishes on the menu - including moules mariniere. Kit Kat Australia have succumb to fans' demands to return its cookie dough flavoured chocolate bar to the shelves. The iconic bar is the 'most requested' flavour in Australian Kit Kat history and landed in two forms - chunky and the family-sized block - across the country on Tuesday. Both products feature KitKat's signature crisp wafer, combined with Cookie Dough filling covered in smooth milk chocolate, with both promising to be 'dough-lightfully delicious', according to the people at Nestle. Nestle Head of Marketing Confectionery, Melanie Chen said it is 'no surprise' the bar is a fan favourite. 'Its delicious, exciting and elevates any break, thanks to its indulgent filling.' Kit Kat Australia have succumb to fans' demands to return its cookie dough flavoured chocolate bar to the shelves But not all foodies were pleased with the launch. Russ, from Russ Eats, a popular food review page on Instagram was all too happy to share is lackluster experience trying the new bar. 'As usual the block is sh*t, you don't taste anything but a normal KitKat,' he fumed. He admitted he is a big fan of the KitKat Chunky range, in general, so also gave that a go. 'You definitely taste something different but it is kind of like a sour cookies and cream flavour,' he said. Adding he's not sure if that's the flavour he remembers from the first edition of the bar. 'I am a little disappointed,' he said, scrunching his face. Others agreed. 'Was disappointed with this. I thinks its bc its a cookie dough creme and not actual cookie dough,' one man wrote on Russ' video. 'I was so excited. They missed the spot completely,' said another on Facebook. Some didn't. 'KitKat cookie dough chunky is elite come on man,' one said. 'I tried it already and it is delicious,' one person said on the Grocery Geek's announcement on the sweet product drop. Russ from Russ Eats did not rate the newly launched flavour Another posted raving about the chocolate bars that Russ described as sh*t. 'This is a dream come true, thanks KitKat,' they said. Some had already made up their minds before trying the product, and were not going to be swayed by Russ' review. 'Cookie dough though - that is an easy 9.5 out of ten,' one person said - contradicting Russ' score of 6.5. The KitKat cookie dough bars and blocks are available at supermarkets and convenience stores across Australia. A man wanted to stop paying utility bills when he went on holiday A young man has been slammed for a 'selfish' suggestion that he abstains from bills at his sharehouse while he's on holiday overseas. The Australian, who is living in America, shared that he was planning on visiting his home country for three months later in the year. 'I live with three other people and I plan on paying my rent - but we also pay out own bills including internet, water, gas, electricity,' he wrote on Reddit. 'I've floated the idea that while I'm overseas, I won't pay bills except internet. Logically, because of my absence, all the bills except internet will be less because I won't be using any electricity.' He thought it was 'unfair' for him to have to pay extra money while not using any of the amenities. A young man has been slammed for a 'selfish' suggestion that he abstains from bills at his sharehouse while he's on holiday overseas Most utility services including gas, water, and electricity have a minimum connection fee per month that renters are charged regardless of how much power they use. 'My close friend and roommate whom I've floated the idea with shut me down immediately,' the young man added. He revealed that his friend claimed he should 'pay the bills anyway' because even though he's going away, the cost isn't too high and the household would anyway use less electricity in his absence. 'Am I wrong for suggesting that they cover most if the bills while I'm gone?' he asked. Many claimed he was being 'selfish' and 'unrealistic'. 'Their portion of rent and utilities should stay the same as already agreed. That you've elected to go on holiday doesn't mean your roommates should take on a heavier burden,' one said. 'There are basic costs associated with having these services connected so even if no one used water or electricity, there is usually a minimum amount per month payable. Your commitments don't take a holiday when you do,' another wrote. But some saw merit to his argument. 'In my opinion, whenever someone goes away in a sharehouse, they stop paying for the utilities they aren't using, but of course keep paying the rent. This is what people always do,' a man revealed. 'Find better roommates - I personally wouldn't be paying,' a second said. 'You're not using the services so why should you have to pay for it?' Phillippa Lee's symptoms, including chronic pain and fatigue, were trivialised and dismissed for more than 30 years before she was finally diagnosed with a degenerative genetic disease. While an extreme example, Philippa's story is hardly unique: feeling that your physical symptoms are being downplayed by your doctor is common. According to a poll by the think-tank Engage Britain, more than one in four people have experienced 'medical gaslighting'. Those affected describe being patronised, rebuked or told their problem was not as bad as they were making it out to be, according to the survey of 4,010 people conducted in July 2021. Women with endometriosis (where tissue that normally grows in the womb grows outside of it) are among those affected, as revealed in a study published last week by Manchester Metropolitan University. The condition can cause crippling pain when the womb-like tissue is shed each month but, in interviews, many patients reported being told the pain was all in their head. Phillippa Lee suffered for decades with deteriorating health and was finally diagnosed with a rare form of motor neurone disease aged 48 Medical gaslighting is now receiving attention at the highest level, and Dr Henrietta Hughes has been appointed as the first Patient Safety Commissioner, an office independent of government. The aim of the role is to ensure patients' voices are heard. 'Time and time again we hear of patients, often women or parents, not being listened to when they raise concerns about a health condition,' she told Good Health. 'There is an imbalance of power and if patients' voices aren't listened to and acted upon, serious harm can occur.' Patients with certain conditions are more likely to have their symptoms dismissed or not investigated, says Dr Martin Scurr, a retired GP and Good Health columnist. 'With endometriosis, there's a wide spectrum of symptoms and if yours are mild you probably won't get diagnosed until later, when they are worse. This is because the only way to find out if you have it is via an invasive procedure such as laparoscopy (where a small telescope is inserted into the abdomen).' He adds: 'Any condition for which there is no clear-cut diagnostic test is a grey zone. These include fibromyalgia [pain that is often widespread] and irritable bowel syndrome. Neuroses can result, as patients don't get diagnosed and feel like their symptoms are dragging on.' He points out that GPs don't always have time to take a detailed history and listen to patients' symptoms, as they only have six to ten minutes with them on average. 'In the end, patients can feel brushed off because their doctor didn't spend enough time taking a careful history and being sympathetic. I think that's what patients want,' says Dr Scurr. Medical gaslighting occurs when you are patronised, rebuked or told your health problem is not as bad as you are making it out to be However, he is not convinced that the phrase 'medical gaslighting' is appropriate. 'It's so connected with abusive relationships and people being dumped. It would be a pity if we thought the relationship between doctors and patients had become in any way abusive rather than merely inadequate or lacking in mutual confidence.' But psychologist Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo says that whatever the terminology, the first step to handling the problem is recognising that it may be happening. 'It can make you doubt what you are experiencing,' she says. 'This could take the form of a medical professional minimising what you've told them or having symptoms normalised repeatedly, which can lead you to doubt yourself. 'For example, if you've been labelled as anxious then your doctor might tell you that you're more likely to perceive something as more serious because you're anxious.' If it represents a power imbalance [between doctor and patient], addressing this issue 'to keep people safe' involves ensuring 'patients are seen as part of the clinical team and their views are taken seriously and acted on', says Dr Hughes. She is part of a group set up to help hospitals introduce Martha's Rule. This will allow patients or their loved ones to call for an urgent second opinion if they're in hospital, are deteriorating fast and feel they are not getting the care they need. It is named after Martha Mills who died aged 13 after developing sepsis following a bike injury. The inquest into her death in February 2022 heard she would have likely survived had consultants moved her to intensive care earlier. Martha's Rule is set to be implemented in England; an announcement is expected by the end of this month. But what can you do if you feel your doctor is not taking you seriously enough? Be frank about what's worrying you, says Dr Ann Nainan, a GP based in London. 'Tell your doctor what you are specifically concerned about if you have gut symptoms, for instance, and you're worried it's stomach cancer, say so. Women with endometriosis are among those affected by medical gaslighting, as revealed in a study published last week by Manchester Metropolitan University 'And if you've been to see your doctor multiple times about the same issue and feel you're not being taken seriously, flag how many times you've come about your symptoms. At this point your doctor should discuss a plan or refer you to a specialist.' Dr Quinn-Cirillo adds: 'Use assertive language rather than ask 'Is a referral possible', say 'I would like a referral'. Research suggests that using 'I' can affect how the other person sees you, it gives you more power,' she says. 'It's not about attacking or disagreeing but about having a discussion discuss your health as if it's a joint collaboration with your doctor.' A spokeswoman for the Patients Association adds: 'While patients do not have a legal right to a second opinion, they can request one and most doctors will respect this request.' Take someone with you to your appointment, suggests Healthwatch England, an independent body that supports patients in getting information and advice. 'People have the right to have a loved one accompany them to their appointments,' says its policy manager, Paul Callaghan. Dr Scurr says taking someone to your consultation means they can remind you of anything you have forgotten to mention, which may help your doctor understand the impact your symptoms are having although it may not always be the panacea you hope for. 'I did this a few years back when my wife was experiencing hair loss and I thought it was connected to the menopause the GP didn't know I was also a GP. When my wife suggested she might need HRT he just said he didn't know anything about HRT, and she'd have to see someone else.' Dr Scurr also suggests keeping a symptom diary and taking a list of points to a consultation to help your GP build up a picture of the pattern of your symptoms. 'Don't go in with a huge list, but with four or five points; a summary of your problems and what you want to achieve,' he says. If you fear you're not receiving the correct treatment, check the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines (nice.org.uk) so you know what your doctor should be considering in your care, suggests the Patients Association. 'You can also get support from relevant charity helplines and their Facebook groups,' agrees Gemma Barry, a former nurse and author of Periods Aren't Meant To Bloody Hurt. She spent eight years battling to get a diagnosis for her heavy periods, severe pelvic pain, and bloating. 'Every month I'd be doubled over with severe period pain for days, passing clots the size of 50p pieces and having to change jumbo sanitary towels every hour or the blood would flood my clothes,' says Gemma, 42, who lives in Loughton, Essex, with husband Mark, 45, who works in IT. 'Yet when I went to my GP about it, I was told these symptoms were normal and that we should 'just see how things go'. I must have gone 25 times in eight years from my early 30s. All they could offer was the contraceptive Pill, but I couldn't take that as it caused me migraines. It made me feel as if I was going mad.' Gemma's pelvic pain and cramps were so bad she had to go to A&E on three occasions over eight years: the first time she was diagnosed with kidney stones even though nothing was visible on the scan; and the second time, appendicitis. 'The third time I went to A&E, a scan revealed I had an ovarian cyst that was the size of a cantaloupe melon and was in danger of rupturing, and I was going to need surgery,' says Gemma. 'They said I'd probably had it for years. When I had the surgery six weeks later, they discovered I also had endometriosis, and that was the cause of my pain and heavy bleeding. A month after that they discovered I had adenomyosis too, where the lining of the womb starts growing in the muscle wall of the womb. I couldn't understand why nobody had listened to me about this.' Gemma has retrained as a complementary health practitioner, and now supports women with similar experiences. She advises them to keep detailed symptom diaries, recording how many painkillers they had to take and how many sanitary products they used in each cycle. If you feel your symptoms are being consistently downplayed or dismissed, 'it may be time to get a second opinion or even change of GP practice or consultant', she says. 'And write to the practice manager to say why you're leaving as that way they may take action.' Making an official complaint If you feel your symptoms are being downplayed or dismissed and the steps outlined above (see main piece) haven't helped, one option is to speak to an NHS complaints advocate (a free service) contact the charities voiceability.org or pohwer.net. Some local Healthwatch England branches run NHS complaints advocacy services; the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is another free service that helps resolve problems with hospital care (via your local hospital). The Patients Association has a free phone line, 0800 345 7115,or email: helpline@patients-association.org.uk. Trans men can become pregnant if they still have female reproductive organs The US taxpayer has spent millions funding the pregnancies of transgender men, official data shows. A recent study by University of Michigan researchers found there were 1,907 births among people who were born biological female but who identified as men between 2014 and 2018, the equivalent of nearly 500 a year. Of the total, 256 trans men were insured under Medicaid - a government program that provides health insurance to people with limited income, which is funded by Americans. The average cost of childbirth in the US is around $19,000, meaning the deliveries would have cost taxpayers around $4.8million. Bennett Kaspar-Williams, his partner and their newborn just after the birth in 2020 Kaspar-Williams and his partner wanted to have children, and weighed the options available to them because it meant he would have to stop the testosterone hormone therapy he'd been on for several years to enable his ovaries to function Becoming pregnant as a trans man is possible if the person still has their female reproductive organs. And while the hormone therapy transmen take to transition will block the person from having a menstrual cycle, it is not a form of birth control. The hormones do not prevent pregnancy and trans men are able to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Pregnancy options remain the same as cisgender women, including sexual intercourse with a partner with a penis or through fertility assistance like in vitro fertilization. Medical experts, however, recommend trans men stop taking their testosterone hormone therapy during pregnancy because it can be toxic to babies. Testosterone - the male sex hormone that gives trans people a deeper voice and facial hair - can cause heart problems and genital development issues to the fetus. After going through six rounds of artificial insemination to get pregnant, Aaden Darr, who was born biologically female but came out as transgender at 16 years old, gave birth to twins The Michigan research - which was quietly released in May 2023 - sought to analyze the outcomes of pregnancies among transgender men compared to outcomes among cisgender people. Researchers analyzed all deliveries from 2014 to 2018 from the Medicaid and commercial insurance databases. They looked at medical records and identified patients with male gender at the time of delivery who suffered from gender dysphoria. They identified 256 trans men among those who gave birth while insured through Medicaid and 1,660 covered by commercial insurance. Their finding is thought to be the first estimate of how common the phenomenon of men giving birth is in the US. The research also showed that trans people were 50 percent more likely to have vaginal births than cisgender women. But being trans was not significantly associated with severe parental morbidity or preterm birth and was associated with lower rates of C-section delivery. Bennett Kaspar-Williams six months through his pregnancy After five months and six rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI) - using donor sperm - Aaden Darr finally got pregnant with twins in August 2020 The authors said the results were unexpected because the transgender population usually has overall worse health outcomes than the cisgender population. Meanwhile, trans people were also younger (23 versus 26), more likely to be an ethnic minority and more likely to suffer other health problems. Data on the subject area is extremely limited and the authors wrote larger studies are necessary to obtain more complete information. The researchers, led by Dr Eric Marsh, the chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Michigan's women's hospital, wrote in the study: 'Prospective data and larger sample sizes, as well as studies evaluating patient-reported outcomes, are needed to better characterize birth outcomes and for future quality improvement.' There is currently no official data on how many transgender men give birth in the US each year but experts believe the numbers are likely higher than many would expect. Thomas Beatie made headlines in 2008 when he became the world's first pregnant trans man Freddy McConnell is a trans man from the UK who gave birth to his son in 2016 Mr McConnell (pictured left as part of a BBC documentary) is a single parent who was born a woman but now lives as a man following surgery Data estimates there are 1.4 million adults in the country identifying as transgender. And recent data has shown rates of gender dysphoria have soared in nearly every state from 2018. A report by the health data analytics firm Definitive Healthcare shows the rate of gender dysphoria increased in every state except South Dakota from 2018 to 2022. Regarding transmen and pregnancy, a 2019 study from Rutgers University found there is no data on how many transgender men give birth each year because medical systems track them as female. And while data is limited, the study found 64 percent had vaginal births and 25 percent requested C-section delivery. Rutgers researchers also estimated 'unintended pregnancies occur in up to 30 percent of transgender men.' Following the birth of their children, the 2019 team found half of transgender men breast fed their infants, even if they had already had their breasts removed as part of gender-affirming surgery. A 2016 study in Sage Journals stated: 'While no studies currently document the number of transgender men who have had a pregnancy, news reports, documentaries, social media list-serves and video-sharing sites, guidebooks, fact sheets... suggest [the number] of transgender individuals who are seeking family planning, fertility, and pregnancy services could certainly be quite large.' And additional studies have found that trans men and cisgender people express a desire to have children at the same rate. READ MORE: How trans women use a mix of hormones, drugs and pumps to 'chestfeed' babies Experts warn biological males breastfeeding babies can be 'self-indulgent' and 'selfish' with powerful medication used to produce the milk itself carrying a potential health risk. Advertisement The phenomenon of self-identifying males getting pregnant and giving birth is becoming increasingly common in the US, and stories are appearing in other countries as well. Most recently, an Italian transgender man made headlines when it was discovered he was five months pregnant after undergoing a mastectomy to remove his breasts as part of his gender-affirming surgery. The man, only identified as 'Marco,' was close to completing his transition but was forced to stop taking hormone therapy due to his pregnancy. Bennett Kaspar-Williams from Los Angeles, first realized he was trans in 2011 and began transitioning about three years later. In 2017 he met his future husband - who he married in 2019. The couple decided they wanted to have children and weighed the options available to them. If they wanted to try and conceive a child naturally, it meant Mr Kaspar-Williams would have to stop the testosterone hormone therapy he'd been on for several years so his ovaries could function properly. Bennett, who had surgery on the top half of his body but not on his genitalia, eventually decided he would be comfortable trying to conceive and carrying a child. He got pregnant naturally soon after the couple started trying, and the couple welcomed their son Hudson via C-section in October 2020. Several months later in April 2021, Aaden Darr, a Starbucks barista from Charleston, West Virginia, gave birth to twins after going through six rounds of artificial insemination in an attempt to get pregnant. Mr Darr was born biologically female but came out as transgender at 16 years old and started a course of testosterone. However, he still wanted to have a biological child - so he stopped his hormonal treatment and visited a doctor in order to begin the process. After five months and six rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI) using donor sperm Mr Darr finally got pregnant with twins in August 2020. The Michigan paper was published shortly before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was criticized for replacing the word 'women' with the gender-neutral term 'pregnant people.' In reviewing CDC guidelines the organization published in September for receiving flu and Covid-19 vaccines, DailyMail.com found all gender-specific terms including 'she,' 'her,' 'women' and 'mother' were omitted and gender-neutral terms like 'pregnant people' and 'pregnant person' were used instead. The organization has also come under fire for replacing breastfeeding with 'chestfeeding' - a term used to describe feeding an infant milk directly from the breast by trans and non-binary parents. Diagnoses of mental health conditions and behavioural conditions such as ADHD have surged since Covid with one in nine children now reported to have a disability. There are now 1.6 million children classed as disabled, up more than a third since Covid - with a 144 per cent rise in the number of children receiving benefits for behavioural disorders such as ADHD and autism, according to official data. An increased willingness to diagnose behavioural issues as disorders and rising mental health problems among the young have been blamed for the surge. Some 11 per cent of children reported a life-limiting condition lasting more than a year in 2021-22, compared to eight per cent in 2019-20 and six per cent ten years ago. Department for Work and Pensions data shows a 69 per cent increase in disability benefits being claimed for children in the past decade, compared with a ten per cent overall rise in claimants. Diagnoses of mental health conditions and behavioural conditions such as ADHD have surged since Covid with one in nine children now reported to have a disability (Stock Image) Some 11 per cent of children reported a life-limiting condition lasting more than a year in 2021-22, compared to eight per cent in 2019-20 and six per cent ten years ago (Stock Image) Child claimants are also up 17 per cent since the pandemic compared with three per cent overall, The Times reported. Ministers are concerned that child disability payments have risen to 3billion and are expected to reach 5 billion by 2030, potentially creating a generation reliant on benefits. More than 650,000 children receive disability allowance, with just under half of the claims for learning disabilities, a rise of 37 per cent in five years. Behavioural disorders - such as ADHD - have more than doubled in that time with almost 140,000 children receiving payments for behaviour disorders last year. Sam Ray-Chaudhuri of the Institute for Fiscal Studies said measures such as lockdown are likely to have intensified the previous trend of deteriorating youth mental health. He told The Times: 'For young people [Covid] had the most impact on mental health rather than physically - lockdown, disruption to schools, there has been a big rise in absenteeism. 'So it seems plausible there could be a decline in mental health over that period.' The number of children claiming disability benefits are also up 17 per cent since the pandemic compared with three per cent overall, The Times reported (Stock Image) Sam Ray-Chaudhuri of the Institute for Fiscal Studies said measures such as lockdown are likely to have intensified the previous trend of deteriorating youth mental health (Stock Image) Lucy Foulkes, a psychologist at the University of Oxford whose work has been influential in government, said there was greater awareness leading people to get help. She said: 'The threshold for what counts as a mental health problem or illness has shifted, so people are seeking support for milder versions of the same problem. I think both of these things are probably happening at once.' A government spokesman said: 'We know that awareness of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions has increased markedly over the past decade and we have seen a rise in the numbers of children and young people seeking formal diagnoses. 'We are committed to a welfare system which supports the most vulnerable but is fair on the taxpayer, and all benefits are subject to claimants meeting the eligibility criteria.' A Montana mom and dad who lost custody of their daughter after they refused to transition her gender have told DailyMail.com the ordeal 'has torn their family apart.' Krista Kolstad revealed the family's nightmare began when they received a call that their 14-year-old daughter Jennifer (name changed) told friends at school that she wanted to commit suicide in August 2023. Later that night, Child Protective Services (CPS) went to the Kolstad's home in Glasgow to inspect the house and interview Jennifer, later determining that she needed to transition to get better. Krista, who is Jennifer's step mother, and the girl's biological father, Todd Kolstad, said Jennifer had a tough upbringing and several undiagnosed mental health concerns, including attention-seeking behavior and lying, which they believe caused the urge to transition and were overlooked by social services. Krista told DailyMail.com: 'It's been horrible... Our family unit will never be the same. Even if they returned our daughter to us now, you're not going to have the same family unit... it's created a lot of animosity on Jennifer's part towards us, she doesn't believe she has to listen to us as her parents anymore.' Mr Kolstad said: 'I love my daughter unconditionally, and only want her to refrain from making decisions until she has the maturity and life experiences to understand what the consequences are for her actions. Jennifer with her step mother Krista (left) before any social transitioning took place. Jennifer (right) after medical staff had allowed her to be socially transitioned, against her parents' wishes Jennifer pictured with parents Todd and Krista Kolstad It comes as a family in Indiana has asked the US Supreme Court to review their lost custody case. Jeremy and Mary Cox, who are evangelical Christians, lost custody of their son in June 2021 after they refused, for religious reasons, for him to start identifying as a girl. California mom Abigail Martinez, has filed a document offering support of Mr and Mrs Cox. Ms Martinez lost custody of her teenage daughter, Yaeli, in 2016, who was put on testosterone and later died by suicide. The Kolstads said Jennifer had a traumatic upbringing. Her birth mother walked out when she was young and was only around sporadically. Statements from Jennifer and her sister's counselor showed the girls describing their biological mother as uncaring, abusive and 'crazy.' Jennifer has also been repeatedly bullied at school. Mr and Mrs Kolstad even moved districts to try and give their daughter a fresh start at a new school. 'She's always wanted to be the super pretty, super popular girl, and who doesn't?' said Krista. 'But she's always been the crazy smart kid who was in math club.' When Child and Family Services arrived at the family home, the family let the case worker inspect their house and speak to their daughter alone, but warned her that she had a history of making up stories. During the interview, Jennifer claimed to have drank toilet bowl cleaner and taken an overdose of painkillers in an attempted suicide. Jennifer (left) pictured with parents Todd and Krista Kolstad and her sister Jennifer with step mother Krista, who has brought her up since she was seven years old Her parents said this seemed highly unlikely because Mrs Kolstad had been working at home all day, and Jennifer did not have access to either substance and had expressed no symptoms of illness. Despite their doubts, Mr and Mrs Kolstad agreed to take Jennifer to the local hospital to be checked. Blood work confirmed Jennifer had not consumed any toxic substances, according to medical paperwork reviewed by Reduxx. But medical notes mentioned that Jennifer identified as male and wanted to be called Leo. 'Our daughter began demanding that she be called Leo, he and him. We explained that this is in her history but not something we would agree to as her parents. The hospital staff ignored our request,' said Mr Kolstad. Jennifer had first expressed her desire to change gender to her parents aged 13. Her parents told her she was too young to make such as decision and sent her to counselling to explore why she felt that way. Mrs Kolstad said: 'It wasn't new, but she hadn't brought it up in a year. She never came to us and said, "You need to call me this, you need to call me that." That was never an issue.' Mr and Mrs Kolstad, who are Christian, let the hospital staff know of their objections, and asked that Jennifer be called by her birth name. 'The hospital continued to call our daughter Leo, even though she's a minor and after I stated it's against our wishes, our religion and our core family values. 'The hospital told me to call their lawyer if I have an issue as they will do what the patient tells them,' Mrs Kolstad said. While medical transitioning of minors is banned in Montana, Mrs Kolstad said the hospital told her that 'social transition' was a 'gray area of the law.' Jennifer was placed under 24 hour supervision due to her threats of suicide, but Mrs Kolstad said an aide was placed outside her door who would regularly speak to Jennifer about having top surgery and how she was non binary. Along with CPS, Mr and Mrs Kolstad agreed that Jennifer would benefit from specialized in-patient treatment and counseling at a mental health hospital. There were six facilities in Montana, as well as one in Wyoming. Mr and Mrs Kolstad raised concerns about Wyoming, as the state allows minors to have gender-affirming care such as hormone blockers and surgical procedures. They were worried this may happen without their consent. But just hours later, Mr and Mrs Kolstad were informed there was a bed available in Wyoming Behavioral Institute and that Jennifer must go immediately. They stated they reiterated their concerns and said they had questions that needed answering before they agreed. Ten minutes later, CPS showed up at the Kolstad's house with police and papers removing their daughter from their care, accusing them of refusing treatment. While Jennifer was in Wyoming, she was given men's hygiene products such as body wash and deodorant. After a month in the Wyoming facility, Jennifer was moved to a Youth Dynamics group home in Montana where she has remained ever since. Here, Jennifer has been allowed to wear a chest binder along with only men's clothes, shave her head and attend all-boys groups. The Kolstads were assigned a public defender, who advised them to 'play nice' and go along with CPS's recommendations. 'We have followed their advice for the last few months and now our rights are being completely stripped away,' Mrs Kolstad said. Jeremy and Mary Cox, from Indiana, have also lost custody of their daughter On January 19, the couple lost custody of their daughter to CPS, who said that allowing Jennifer to be transgender is 'in her therapeutic interest' and that her parents are 'not following recommended therapy.' CPS was given custody of Jennifer for six months. After that, the plan is to place Jennifer in the care of her birth mother, who now lives in Canada but has never really been a part of her life. Mr and Mrs Kolstad have chosen to defy a judge's order to remain silent on the case. They were due to appear in court yesterday to respond to charges of contempt of court as well as hear the proposed treatment plan for Jennifer going forward, but the hearing has been delayed due Mrs Kolstad's very sick father in Ohio needing care. CPS in Glasgow, Montana, told DailyMail.com it had no comment to make. Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs Cox, another couple who lost custody of their son, saw their child taken from their home after the Indiana Department of Child Services warned a county court the teen was in physical and emotional danger. According to court records, their son had developed an eating disorder and was at risk of self-harm. A county judge ordered he was put in a foster home that supported the teen's chosen gender identity, and banned the Coxes from talking about their faith with their teens during visits. The Indiana Court of Appeals admitted that a parent-child disagreement usually does not warrant a child's removal but said this was an 'extreme case.' Their son is now a legal adult and cannot be made to return home, but the Coxes said they are worried their other children will meet the same fate. NHS prescriptions are set to be delivered to people's door by Uber. From March, Brits will be able to use Healthera an NHS recommended app for repeat prescriptions for delivery in as little as one hour. Customers will also be able to order everyday medicines and health products from more than 1,500 participating local pharmacies. They can then track their order in real-time, from their medicine being dispensed to their Uber driver appearing on their doorstop with it. Healthera, which is used by 750,000 people in the UK, said the partnership supports the Government's 'Pharmacy First' initiative, which launches tomorrow and will see chemists given powers to treat common conditions and prescribe some drugs. Customers will also be able to order everyday medicines and health products from the more than 1,500 participating local pharmacies. They can then track their order in real-time, from their medicine being dispensed to their Uber driver appearing on their doorstop with it As it stands, patients using Healthera can order their prescription and choose whether to collect it from their local pharmacy around two days later or for it to be delivered, which takes around three days. However, through Uber Direct, patients can choose to get their medicine within one hour of ordering it or within a chosen 60-minute slot in both cities and rural areas. Prescriptions will still have to be written by a doctor following a consultation, while repeat scripts must be signed off by a GP before being dispensed, according to The Telegraph. Patients will still need to pay for medicine and prescription in the usual way and there will be an additional delivery charge for the service, the newspaper reported. The service will be powered by the same tech and couriers used for its takeaway and grocery delivery service Uber Eats. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: NHS scheme to treat more patients in pharmacies could be hit by chemists quitting for jobs in GP practices, industry leaders warn NHS plans to treat more patients in pharmacies could fail because too many chemists have quit for jobs in GP practices, industry leaders have warned (Stock Image) Advertisement Brits can already make orders with Boots through the Uber Eats app to get over-the-counter medicines dropped off at their home, as well as toiletries and makeup. However, Healthera is providing the first express delivery for prescriptions that's available across the country. Research, commissioned by Uber, suggests three-quarters of Brits want their prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines delivered on-demand. Quintus Liu, CEO and founder of Healthera, said: 'Healthera wants to provide the practical solutions that will help local pharmacies provide the best possible service to their community. 'Our partnership with Uber Direct is now adding a best-of-class delivery infrastructure that will enable them to offer customers and patients greater delivery speed, reliability and convenience.' Caroline Varga, head of Uber Direct UK&I, said: 'This partnership is making vital health products and medicines more accessible for people across the length and breadth of the country. 'It's a collaboration that will help pharmacies to better support customers and patients in their local area and grow as a business.' It comes as the Government's pharmacy first initiative is set to launch tomorrow. It will allow patients to receive care in more than 10,000 pharmacies in England for seven conditions without needing to book an appointment or see a doctor. Pharmacies that have signed up for the scheme will be able to treat and prescribe drugs for earache, sore throats, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, urinary tract infections and infected insect bites and stings. NHS England hopes it will free-up as many as 30million GP appointments each year. However, the Company Chemist Association told the Mail that the initiative could fail unless GP surgeries are banned from recruiting more pharmacists. The trade body, which represents leading chains such as Boots and Superdrug, says so many pharmacists are now working for GPs that they are struggling to recruit to their stores. The NHS has incentivised GPs to recruit non-medical staff, such as pharmacists, physiotherapists and paramedics, in a bid to plug staffing gaps and ease pressure on family doctors. Healthera, which is used by 750,000 people in the UK, said the partnership supports the Government's 'Pharmacy First' initiative, which launches tomorrow and will see chemists given powers to treat common conditions and prescribe some drugs Meanwhile, millions of people in England will be able to access and view their prescriptions on the NHS app from today. Patients can check if their prescriptions have been issued and see their prescribed medication. Additionally, people waiting for NHS treatment will be able to see the average wait time for their procedure at their local trust. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said the update will make the access to care 'easier for everyone'. She said: 'Today's update will mean ordering and collecting your prescriptions can be done with a few taps of your fingers. 'This will not only benefit anyone getting a prescription, it will also ease pressures on our hard-working pharmacists and GPs freeing up valuable time for patients and helping to cut waiting lists.' NHS England said each repeat prescription order from the app saves GP practices three minutes and saves patients 18 minutes with each online order. Dr Vin Diwakar, medical director for transformation at NHS England, said: 'Giving all patients in England direct access to prescription information through the app means they'll know when their prescription is issued and avoid delays in collection. 'The new feature will also mean people who haven't set a nominated pharmacy will be able to present the barcode in the app to a pharmacy of their choice without needing a paper version.' The plans will see vapes restricted to four flavours and sold in plain packaging Cheap vapes bought from abroad may be banned under Rishi Sunak's e-cigarette clampdown. In efforts to stamp out the UK's child vaping epidemic, the PM has pledged to ban disposable e-cigs completely. Such devices sold for as little as 3 and compared to highlighter pens because of their snazzy colours are likely to be outlawed by early 2025. Ministers are also reportedly considering introducing an import ban on single-use vapes, mirroring a similar scheme in Australia. NHS Digital data, based on the smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England survey for the year 2021, showed 30 per cent of children in Yorkshire and the Humber have used a vape Shock data earlier this year revealed a record 11.6 per cent of 11 to 17-year-olds in Britain have now tried vaping. This is up on 7.7 per cent last year and twice as high as rates seen a decade ago, before the UK's kid vaping epidemic blew up Vapes, which are currently sold for as little as 3, have been compared to highlighter pens because of the snazzy displays in shops across the UK. Brands such as Elf Bar and Lost Mary are hugely popular among teenagers. The number of children using vapes in the past three years has tripled. Figures show nine per cent of children aged 11 to 15 now vape, with the long-term health impacts still unknown It would stop youngsters being able to stock up on disposable e-cigs from foreign websites, by passing Britain's impending ban, the Mirror reports. Ministers are still contemplating whether to slap vapes with a tax, according to the newspaper. Under Mr Sunak's wider crackdown, vapes are also expected to be limited to four flavours. Nicotine-laden gadgets will also have to be sold in plain, tobacco-style packaging and displayed out of sight of kids. New 'on the spot' fines will be brought in for shops caught illegally selling vapes to children, too. The measures, which MPs still have to vote on before they are brought in, were announced yesterday after years of impassioned pleas to tackle the crisis. The number of children using vapes in the past three years has tripled. Figures show nine per cent of children aged 11 to 15 now vape, with the long-term health impacts still unknown. This is despite sales of e-cigarettes to under-18s being banned. Experts have welcomed the crackdown, saying that they 'fully support' the approach and were 'extremely pleased' to see restrictions on packaging. But others have also cautioned that 'legislation in this area should be nuanced and careful', given vaping can help people who smoke tobacco cigarettes to quit. Health campaigners have long called for much tougher regulations on marketing to children and a tax on the disposable vapes. Mr Sunak said that the ban on disposable vapes set to be enforced by early 2025 was balanced and the 'right' action. Both Germany and Ireland have outlined their own proposals to place restrictions on vapes, with the German government currently considering an outright ban on disposable e-cigarettes. Separately, Australia has put in place measures to make vapes available only to those who have prescriptions. MailOnline has been told that e-cigarette use is so rife in schools there has been an increase in fire engine callouts because so many pupils are vaping in toilets. Teenagers told this website they suffer regular coughing fits and have to use inhalers to breathe properly after just a year of regular e-cigarette use Meanwhile, New Zealand has also set out restrictions that ban vape shops from being within 300 metres of a school and which ensure all vapes must have removable batteries. In efforts to curb the UK's teen vaping crisis, some secondary schools have already taken to installing devices to detect whether children are vaping. Data released last March revealed some sensors are being set off up to 22 times a day. E-cigs allow people to inhale nicotine in a vapour which is produced by heating a liquid, which typically contains propylene glycol, glycerine, flavourings, and other chemicals. Unlike traditional cigarettes, they do not contain tobacco, nor do they produce tar or carbon two of the most dangerous elements. Although widely viewed as safer than smoking, the long-term effects of vaping still remain a mystery. Doctors have expressed fear there could be a wave of lung disease, dental issues and even cancer in the coming decades in people who took up the habit at a young age. Last year leading paediatricians also warned children were being hospitalised with vaping-induced breathing difficulties amid a 'disturbing' youth vaping epidemic. NHS figures show a rise in the number of children admitted to hospital due to vaping. Your browser does not support iframes. Forty children and young people were admitted to hospital in England last year due to 'vaping-related disorders', which could include lung damage or worsening asthma symptoms, up from 11 two years earlier, the NHS said. The vaping ban forms part of a wider range of proposals which also includes a ban on selling tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, meaning kids would be barred from ever being able to legally buy cigarettes in the UK. The full bill of measures appear likely to pass parliament into law with minimal fuss, despite criticism from a handful of Tories, liberal thinktanks and vaping groups. Vocal nay-sayers include former PM Liz Truss who said the Government 'should not be seeking to extend the nanny state'. She added: 'While the state has a duty to protect children from harm, in a free society adults must be able to make their own choices about their own lives. 'Banning the sale of tobacco products to anyone born in 2009 or later will create an absurd situation where adults enjoy different rights based on their birthdate.' A life-saving test which can diagnose the cause of sepsis within hours is set to be rolled out further across the NHS. Currently it can take doctors several days to definitively tell what bug has triggered sepsis the immune system's violent reaction to an infection. But the new test, trialled at London's Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, fast-tracks the laborious process to less than seven hours. It skips the need for microbiologists to painstakingly grow samples taken from sick patients in petri dishes to work out exactly what is behind their illness. Instead, the cutting-edge test can tell what microorganisms are to blame by looking at genetic information lurking within a sample. Medics also hope the technology, which has already been trialled at St Thomas' Hospital in London , will reduce how long patients spend in hospital getting them the right treatment sooner WHAT IS SEPSIS? Sepsis occurs when the body reacts to an infection by attacking its own organs and tissues. Some 44,000 people die from sepsis every year in the UK. Worldwide, someone dies from the condition every 3.5 seconds. Sepsis has similar symptoms to flu, gastroenteritis and a chest infection. These include: S lurred speech or confusion lurred speech or confusion E xtreme shivering or muscle pain xtreme shivering or muscle pain P assing no urine in a day assing no urine in a day S evere breathlessness evere breathlessness I t feels like you are dying t feels like you are dying S kin mottled or discoloured Symptoms in children are: Fast breathing Fits or convulsions Mottled, bluish or pale skin Rashes that do not fade when pressed Lethargy Feeling abnormally cold Under fives may be vomiting repeatedly, not feeding or not urinating for 12 hours. Anyone can develop sepsis but it is most common in people who have recently had surgery, have a urinary catheter or have stayed in hospital for a long time. Other at-risk people include those with weak immune systems, chemotherapy patients, pregnant women, the elderly and the very young. Treatment varies depending on the site of the infection but involves antibiotics, IV fluids and oxygen, if necessary. Source: UK Sepsis Trust and NHS Choices Advertisement Experts hope the technology will get sick patients treated quicker, potentially saving lives in the process. Professor Ian Abbs, chief executive of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'The faster you can get to a diagnosis, the better the outcomes are for patients and that time is measured in minutes, not in days. 'Historically, we used to try and fish with a rod and pick up one bug. 'We're now fishing with a massive net and so we can pick up everything within the patient, but use the combination of biology and data analysis, the combination of digital biology now to take us to a much faster diagnosis in hours. 'And hours saves lives. 'We need to take this new lifesaving technology to the patients in the NHS.' For a patient with sepsis, every hour on the wrong treatment increases the chance of dying by two per cent, he said. Sepsis, nicknamed the 'silent killer' because it is extremely difficult to recognise, kills just shy of 50,000 Brits every year. It occurs when the body's immune system goes into overdrive, setting off a series of reactions that can lead to organ failure. Suspected patients are meant to get antibiotics within an hour of arriving at hospital. Bacterial infections are usually to blame, but viruses such as Covid and flu which antibiotics don't work against can also lead to sepsis. The test could be used to test people in GP surgeries and other community services in as little as five years. Ten more hospitals across England will trial the test over the next two years, thanks to 3million of funding from NHS England and the Department of Science Innovation and Technology. The technology was also used early in 2022's monkeypox outbreak, which affected more than 3,500 Brits, to identify which patients with rashes needed to be isolated and which could be sent home. Dr Meera Chand, the deputy director at UKHSA said: 'Metagenomics gives us the power to identify new and unexpected infectious disease threats and to monitor the full diversity of pathogens causing disease. 'We are working closely with the NHS and other partners to integrate metagenomic data into our surveillance and to maximise its potential for public health and biosecurity.' Between the 50s and 80s, thousands of abnormally short children were given jabs designed to make them a foot taller. Packed full of human growth hormones harvested from corpses, medics hailed the injections for the life-changing results they produced. Yet in 1985, the grisly-sounding procedure offered in Britain, the US and Europe was suddenly banned. Scientists uncovered a bombshell link between the powerful jabs and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), the human version of 'mad cow disease'. At the time, fears were heightened over a potential timebomb of the incurable brain disease, which inevitably kills. Yet yesterday, the same group of patients already anxious about a future plagued by CJD were rocked by another health scare Alzheimer's. Between the 1950s and 80s thousands of abnormally short children born in the UK, US and Europe were injected with hormones harvested from corpses Dave Richardson, 57, (centre) is one of those Brits who received the jab as child to boost his growth put at risk of a CJD infection as a result A groundbreaking study, led by University College London neurologists, uncovered the first proof the cruel, memory-robbing disorder can technically 'spread' between humans. Five patients given growth hormone injections as kids went on to get Alzheimer's far earlier than typical. The youngest was just 38. With CJD, the cocktail of hormones were later found to be contaminated with tainted prions rogue proteins that slowly build-up in the brain and kill neurons. Follow-up research suggested that some pituitary glands harvested for hormones had the prions in them. As such, they were unknowingly injected into kids, putting them on the path for CJD in adulthood. The new study into the link with Alzheimer's pinpoints the same process as being to blame, with the prions inadvertently passed over acting as 'seeds' for the disease. READ MORE: Could FASTING protect you from Alzheimer's? Study suggests diet regime loved by Rishi Sunak could help Cambridge University researchers studied around two dozen people, who only consumed water for 24 hours Advertisement A toxic build-up of proteins in the brain is thought to cause of Alzheimer's, with the brain slowly shutting down as time progresses. Professor John Collinge, the world-renowned UCL neurologist behind the new study, warned others who received the same treatment are now considered 'at risk'. The Alzheimer's Society insisted the findings, published in Nature Medicine, were 'no cause for concern' for the general public, given the treatment was discontinued four decades ago. It also bares mentioning that, while Alzheimer's may have spread between people in this specific medical context, there is no risk of general, Covid-like transmission. For the dementia, put bluntly, is not a cold. Human growth hormone treatment was invented, per se, in the 50s in the US, after failed tests involving proteins taken from cows. It involved extracting and processing cadaver-derived human growth hormone or c-hGH from the pituitary gland, a pea-sized organ located in the centre of the brain the master gland which secretes hormones, including ones responsible for how we grow as children. As well as children who were unusually small, some women were also given another pituitary gland-derived hormone medication to treat infertility. But, given the only source was people, it proved extremely difficult to manufacture. Documents from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest it took as many as 16,000 pooled pituitary glands to develop a single batch. Children received this injection in various doses at varying regularity, depending on their age, size and the specifics of their condition. Some got several injections a week for months and even years while others received them only two to three times a year. Human growth hormone treatments were doled out between 1959 and 1985, with an estimated 27,000 children thought to have received them globally, including 1,848 in Britain. Three CJD deaths in America, occurring between 1984 and 1985, in patients in their 20s and 30s, sparked alarm among experts. But they can also be a sign of dementia the memory-robbing condition plaguing nearly 1million Brits and 7million Americans Investigations found the patients had all received human growth hormone injections as children in the 60s and 70s. A global ban on that particular type of treatment followed. Drug companies switched to synthetic growth hormones like somatropin, given they carried no contamination risk. Two-hundred cases of human hormone injection CJD have been spotted worldwide, including 81 in Britain. More emerge each year as former patients begin to show tell-tale symptoms decades later. Dave Richardson, 57, is one of those Brits who received the jab as child to boost his growth. He is waiting to find out if he has been infected with CJD as a result. In a first-person piece written for the Metro last year, he revealed that, having been bullied as a child due to his small stature, he was happy to grow taller. 'I was so relieved, and it felt like I could finally start my life,' he said. From between the age of 10 and 21 he took the injections three times a week. It was only when Mr Richardson was in his 30s that the link between the jabs and CJD was discovered. Through examination of his medical records, he discovered he had been injected with around 780 possibly CJD infected doses of the treatment. With no diagnosis possible Mr Richardson has been left to wait for a potential news he has CJD for years. The personal toll this has taken on him has been immense. 'Two of my marriages over the years fell apart while I struggled with depression, unemployment and low self-esteem and I even attempted to take my own life,' he said. He has also experienced discrimination, with people mistakenly believing they can catch CJD directly from another person. As such he has been trying to raise awareness about CJD, as well as supporting a charity that helps patients with the disease through a fundraiser. Compensation is offered by the UK Government for anyone who develops CJD from previous human growth hormone treatment, a phenomenon medically known as iatrogenic CJD (iCJD). Other cases of iCJD are known in medical history. These include patients who received transplants of infected dura mater, the tissue that covers the brain, or came into contact with surgical instruments contaminated with CJD. Naturally occurring CJD is incredibly rare, only affecting one in every million people in a population, and normally striking people aged 50-plus. Changes in humour and swearing more are all signs of Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) a type of dementia that causes problems with behaviour and language. According to experts bad parking, and dressing scruffy are also signs of the memory-robbing disease. Graphic shows: Six signs of Alzheimer's disease Symptoms can take years to appear post infection, but once they do, death usually occurs within six months. Initial signs of the disease include balance problems, slurred speech, vision issues, hallucinations and mental problems like depression, anxiety and insomnia. This progresses to an advanced stage where people lose control of motor functions, their bowels and bladder, loss of speech, blindness, loss of memory, and in some cases increased aggression and paranoia. In the final stages, CJD sufferers become completely bedridden and are normally killed by an infection or suffocate as their lungs stop working. Another type of the disease called variant CJD (vCJD) is caused by the same strain of prions that triggers 'mad cow disease', or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). A similar form of the disease, called Kuru, has also been linked to historic ritualistic cannibalism of deceased relatives in Papua New Guinea. CJD linked to hormone treatments has also had relevance in criminal trials. Lawyers for Timothy Scott Roman, who received the jabs as a child, referenced CJD when he was charged for the murder of his mother Susan Cabot in the US in 1986. He was eventually convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Where the human pituitary glands that formed the injections that spread CJD, and now Alzheimer's, were sourced from is a separate controversy. In the past few years, it has emerged that some families hadn't consented to their loved ones' pituitary glands being harvested. Media reports from more than 20 years ago indicate that morticians in the UK were paid 20p per gland in the 60s and 70s to make the hormone treatment for children. And in 2004 it emerged that company Novo Nordisk, the maker of weight-loss jabs Ozempic and Wegovy, bought 7,500 pituitary glands taken from bodies in Ireland harvested without family consent. Pharmacia Ireland, a company which would later be acquired by Covid jab maker Pfizer, was also involved in the trade of pituitary glands in the country. Experts say there is no risk of people who received the injections as children passing a CJD or Alzheimer's to people in regular life or routine medical care. However, the authors of the new study have said their findings raise questions on the potential risk of medical and surgical procedures inadvertently spreading Alzheimer's more generally. Professor Collinge said: 'The recognition of transmission of amyloid-beta pathology in these rare situations should lead us to review measures to prevent accidental transmission via other medical or surgical procedures, in order to prevent such cases occurring in future.' People treated with the growth hormone in the UK between 1959 and 1985 and would like further information about this research are encouraged to contact the National Prion Clinic by email (uclh.prion.help@nhs.net) or by telephone (020 7679 5142 or 020 7679 5036). A Pennsylvania groundskeeper is set to become a billionaire after a court found Bayer's weed killer Roundup caused his blood cancer. The consumer giant will be forced to pay $2.25billion to John McKivison, 49, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2020, which he and attorneys successfully argued was a result of using Roundup for two decades. The sum broken down as $2bn in punitive damages and $250 million in compensatory damages is thought to be one of the biggest ever payouts to an individual for company negligence. Bayer said it plans to appeal the verdict and insists its product is not a carcinogen, despite a World Health Organization committee report that said otherwise. But the company has already settled past disputes involving its products links with the cancer totaling more than $10 billion. Roundup's key ingredient is a chemical compound called glyphosate, which has been named a carcinogen by the World Health Organization and the state of California. Bayer and Monsanto deny this McKivison successfully argued that Monsanto and parent company Bayer were negligent and failed to warn about the dangers of its product. McKivisons attorneys, Tom Kline and Jason Itkin, said: The jurys unanimous verdict was a condemnation of 50 years of misconduct by Monsanto and a declaration that its misconduct was in reckless disregard of human safety and a substantial cause of John McKivisons cancer. Bayer vowed to overturn the verdict, calling the massive sum unconstitutionally excessive, adding that the verdict conflicts with the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence and worldwide regulatory and scientific assessments. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is not a single disease but rather an umbrella term for over 30 types, classified based on the type of lymphocyte, a white blood cell, that is involved. This type of cancer can result from exposure to cancer-causing chemicals such as glyphosate, the key ingredient in the weed-killer. NHL kills around a third of sufferers within five years of a diagnosis. While Mr McKivison's current health status is unknown, he was reportedly diagnosed with the cancer in 2020. The legal complaint charges the company with negligence for failing to suffienciently test their product for carcinogenic ingredients as well as failing to warn the public of possible dangers. The court document said: 'Had Defendants properly disclosed the risks associated with exposures to Roundup, Plaintiff could have avoided the risk of developing cancer from exposures to Roundup by choosing not to use Roundup. 'Instead, Defendants disseminated information that was inaccurate, false, and misleading and that failed to communicate accurately or adequately the comparative severity, duration, and extent of the risk of injuries associated with use of and/or exposure to Roundup.' Despite the latest Pennsylvania verdict on top of the myriad others that have come down in the consumers favor, Bayer continues to sell Roundup, which can be purchased in an endless number of retail spaces from Amazon to mom-and-pop home improvement stores. The company insisted that its product does not contain any carcinogens, even after the WHOs International Agency for Research on Cancer, said glyphosate is 'probably carcinogenic to humans in 2015. Two years later, California named glyphosate an ingredient that causes cancer under the state's Proposition 65, which requires Roundup to carry a warning label if sold in California. That proposition was later overturned, though. But, in April 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reaffirmed that glyphosate does not cause cancer. The personal care behemoth was still ordered to pay $2 billion in punitive damages and $250 million in compensatory damages to cover the damage done to Mr McKivison. The company said: While we have great sympathy for the plaintiff in this case, we are confident that our products can be used safely and are not carcinogenic, consistent with the assessments of expert regulators worldwide. Glyphosate is marketed either as a salt or an amber-colored liquid with no smell. Its original maker, Monsanto, introduced it in 1974 as an effective way of killing weeds while leaving crops and plants intact. Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018 in a $63 billion deal. This is far from the first legal reckoning Bayer has had to face over charges that its product has caused cancer in its users. In 2019, San Francisco appeals court granted a massive $86 million sum to Alva and Alberta Pilliod of Livermore, who sued Bayer claiming that they were diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma as a direct result of 30 years using the glyphosate-based lawn treatment. Bayer has denied claims that Roundup or its active ingredient glyphosate causes cancer, Pictured: Alva and Albert Pilliod, who won a lawsuit claiming Roundup caused their cancer Dewayne 'Lee' Johnson (pictured) was awarded $289 million in damages in his trial against agrochemical colossus Monsanto The couple's cancers are in remission, however, both went through 'long and painful treatments and are still suffering,' the court said. And in 2018, terminally ill Dewayne Johnson, 46 at the time, won $289 million in a landmark verdict against Monsanto after a jury found that the weedkiller Roundup played a large role in causing his NHL. That sum was later reduced to about $78 million after the trial. Johnson worked as a groundskeeper from 2012 through mid-2015, mixing and spraying hundreds of gallons of Roundup to keep grass and weeds under control. One of Johnson's attorneys, Timothy Litzenburg, told DailyMail.com then that Johnson would spray the product between 30 and 40 times per year. Despite wearing protective gear, Johnson said he was often drenched in the product. In one exposure accident, he testified that he wasn't able to shower for six hours. The jury awarded Johnson $250 million in punitive damages and nearly $40 million in compensatory damages, bringing the total to $289 million. His case was the first to reach trial alleging a cancer link from Roundup. Non-Hodkin lymphoma starts in the white blood cells called lymphocytes, a key facet in the bodys immune system. There are two main types of lymphocytes B cells, which protect against bacteria and viruses by making antibodies, and T cells, which destroy germs and abnormal cells. B cell lymphomas are more prevalent compared to T cell lymphomas. The precise mechanisms leading to the development of various non-Hodgkin lymphomas remain unclear, though it appears that lymphocytes acquire the ability to proliferate rapidly and extensively, causing uncontrolled cell division that can result in the formation of cancerous lymph nodes or tumors. READ MORE: Woman with long Covid, 55, applies to be EUTHANIZED in Canada Canada has delayed a plan to offer assisted suicide to people suffering solely from mental illness, health officials announced. The controversial policy, which critics feared would lead to people killing themselves out of desperation, currently allows anyone in Canada with an incurable medical condition to apply to die, even if the disease is not terminal. The country's law around medically assisted dying is one of the most liberal in the world. In 2022 alone, about 13,000 Canadians were euthanized as part of the program. However, health officials said Monday that there are not enough doctors, especially psychiatrists, in the country to evaluate mentally ill people who wish to die. The delay comes as Boston Globe columnist Kevin Cullen comes under fire for signing a legal note helping a retired nurse die by assisted suicide before writing about the experience. Canada's law around medically assisted dying is one of the most liberal in the world. In 2022 alone, about 13,000 Canadians were euthanized as part of the program Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program permits people to end their lives if they are experiencing an incurable illness. It is set to expand to people with mental illnesses, though that has been delayed Mark Holland, Canada's Minister of Health, said: 'The system needs to be ready, and we need to get it right.' 'It's clear from the conversations we've had that the system is not ready, and we need more time.' 'Although the curriculum is present, although the guidelines are set, there has not been enough time for people to be trained on them, and provinces and territories are saying their systems are not ready and need more time.' The officials did not offer any timeline for the latest extension. Prior to this delay, the expansion was scheduled to come into effect on March 17. Dying with Dignity Canada, a group that advocates for the right of medically assisted death, said that it was 'disheartened' by the postponement. Medically assisted dying (MAiD) was first introduced in 2015 after Canada's Supreme Court ruled that requiring people to cope with intolerable suffering violated their rights to liberty and security. Passed in June 2016, only people with terminal illnesses whose natural death was reasonably foreseeable known as Track One patients were eligible to apply for MAiD. Lynda Bluestein, 76, traveled from Connecticut to Vermont to end her life earlier this month by taking prescribed lethal medication Boston Globe journalist Kevin Cullen signed a form that attested that Ms Bluestein was in a clear state of mind But in March 2021 the legislation was updated to create Track Two patients. These are defined as people who suffer 'intolerable' and 'irreversible' disease or disability who may not be near natural death. In 2022, data showed 13,241 people chose MAiD to die, a 31 percent increase from 2021. This accounted for one in 20 total Canadian deaths. The controversial policy, which some worry will see people kill themselves out of desperation, was further updated in December 2022 so people looking to MAiD to end their lives solely due to mental illness would, before the delay, be eligible in March 2024. As of now, to qualify for MAiD, people must meet all criteria: be eligible for health services funded by the government; be at least 18 years old and deemed mentally competent; have an irremediable medical condition one that is irreversible, in advanced stages and causes unbearable physical or mental suffering make a voluntary request to die; and give informed consent to receive medical assistance to end your life. There are two methods MAiD uses to end someones life. In the first, a doctor or nurse practitioner administers a drug that causes death. In the second, a doctor or nurse practitioner prescribes a drug to a patient that they take themselves. Medications used in MAiD deaths are often drugs healthcare providers already use for other purposes, but in much lower doses, like pain control, anesthesia and nausea. Tracey Thompson, 55, pictured above before she contracted Covid-19 (left) and after her illness (right) Ms Thompson in the hospital in March 2022. She contracted Covid-19 in March 2020 and developed a sore throat and lost her sense of taste and smell Kevin Cullen, a columnist with the Boston Globe, came under fire this week after it emerged that he signed a legal note that helped a retired nurse die by assisted suicide before writing about the experience. Lynda Bluestein, 76, traveled from Connecticut to Vermont to end her lif eearlier this month after battling cancer, which Mr Cullen chronicled for the Globe. It has since emerged that Mr Cullen not only witnessed the event, but also signed a form that attested Ms Bluestein was in a clear state of mind when deciding to die. There is no suggestion Cullen has broken the law but critics are now questioning the ethics of his decision. Vermont is the first state in the nation to change its laws in order to allow non residents to use the law to die there. There are 10 states which allow medically assisted suicide. Tracey Thompson, a 55-year-old former chef in Toronto, applied to be euthanized last year after a battle with long Covid has left her bedridden and jobless. She told DailyMail.com last month that she had been robbed of the simple pleasures in life: she's too weak to cook, too nauseous to eat and can't listen to music, read or watch movies because her brain fog is so severe she 'can't process the info.' In the nearly four years she's been suffering with her illness, she hasn't been able to work and has run out of her savings. She also has no family to speak of and has lost all her friends. My quality of life with this illness is almost nonexistent, its not a good life,' she said. 'I dont do anything. It is painfully boring. Its profoundly isolating. Most days look the same for Ms Thompson: She wakes up, takes several medications, drinks a meal replacement shake and goes to the bathroom. Mustering enough energy to get to the bathroom is the 'biggest part of my day.' Then she lies back in bed and waits until it's time to eat. Once a professional chef who loved cooking and eating, Ms Thompson has become 'allergic to everything' and the foods she is able to eat are limited. She will cook unseasoned chicken and vegetables most days. She then takes more medications, including a pill to go to sleep. 'Then I wake up and I do the whole thing again,' she said. My quality of life with this illness is almost nonexistent. There is a real absence of life. Its not a good life. Jason French of Canada has backed the law's broadening to people wiht mental illness. Mr French has attempted suicide twice due to severe depression. 'My goal from the start was to get better. Unfortunately, I'm resistant to all these treatments and the bottom line is, I can't keep suffering,' he told The New York Times. 'I can't keep living my life like this.' 'I don't want to have to die terrified and alone, and have someone find me somewhere. I want to do it with a doctor.' 'I want to die within a few minutes, peacefully.' Covid's origins may never be known, Britain's top scientist has warned. Dame Angela McLean, the government's chief scientific advisor, claimed we will probably never know whether the virus occurred naturally or escaped from a lab. It has been suggested that Covid was bio-engineered at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in central China, which specialised in studying coronaviruses. Professor McLean, who took over from Sir Patrick Vallance, told Radio 4's Today programme: 'I am convinced that we're very unlikely ever to know if this was a virus that got out of a lab, or a natural virus that got into people by entirely natural routes. 'We can't see that from the biology of the virus.' Professor Dame Angela McLean (pictured), the government's Chief Scientific Advisor, told Radio 4's Today programme: 'I am convinced that we're very unlikely ever to know if this was a virus that got out of a lab, or a natural virus that got into people by entirely natural routes' It has been suggested that Covid was bio-engineered at Wuhan Institute of Virology (pictured) in central China, which specialised in studying coronaviruses Other Covid origin theories point to Huanan seafood market in Wuhan as being the epicentre of the outbreak. Many of the earliest cases in December 2019 and January 2020 had visited the site, where live animals were sold Asked if the Chinese should be honest about what happened in the lead-up to the pandemic, she said: 'I think if I were a Chinese scientist, I wouldn't go that way, because I think it might cause a lot of trouble for me.' Last week, Professor McLean launched a new US-UK partnership to protect against future biological threats. China's government has dismissed suggestions Covid originated in the Wuhan lab. But last year, the head of China's Centre for Disease Control (CDC), Professor George Gao, said the possibility should not be 'ruled out'. Declassified US intelligence reports stated the lab-leak theory was 'plausible'. FBI director Christopher Wray believes Covid most likely originated in the lab, saying last year: 'The FBI has for quite some time now assessed the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident.' He accused China of 'doing its best to try to thwart and obfuscate' efforts to identify the source of the global pandemic, which cost Britain an estimated 410billion. While China has insisted the virus originated elsewhere, academics, politicians and the media have contemplated the possibility it leaked from a high-level biochemical lab in Wuhan - raising suspicions that Chinese officials simply hid evidence of the early spread The initial investigation by the WHO in January 2021, which saw a group of scientists travel to Wuhan, concluded that 'all hypotheses remain on the table'. In its March 2021 report, it ranked the likelihood of four theories, ruling the natural origins theory to be the most likely. But it placed the lab leak an 'extremely unlikely pathway' behind the frozen food origin story An unnamed US official told the Sunday Times that scientists at the Wuhan lab were working with the Chinese military to combine the world's most deadly coronaviruses to create a new mutant virus. A joint China-World Health Organization (WHO) investigation in 2021 called the lab leak theory 'extremely unlikely'. However, the probe was widely criticised because it was based on flimsy evidence and the WHO did not push China to supply reliable data. The WHO director-general has since called for a new inquiry, saying: 'All hypotheses remain open and require further study.' Many scientists point out there is no evidence that Covid leaked from a lab, and say it most likely jumped to humans from animals via a wet market in Wuhan. An experimental drug could ease moderate-to-severe pain without causing addiction, the company behind it says. Scientists in San Diego say the drug dubbed VX-548 works by cutting off pain signals at their source, unlike highly addictive opioids which can act on the brain's perception of pain. In their Phase 3 trials involving 3,000 surgery patients, results showed recipients of the drug had their acute pain eased as effectively as those who got acetaminophen commonly used in medications including Paracetamols and Vicodin. Independent experts today heralded the drug as a 'blockbuster', saying it could help to turn the tide on the opioid crisis. Scientists in San Diego say the drug dubbed VX-548 works by cutting off pain signals at their source and does not affect the brain, avoiding addiction (stock image) The above graph shows the pain participants reported up to 48 hours after receiving the drug. The black line represents people who received a fake drug, or placebo, while the brown line represents those who received Vicodin and the light blue line represents those who got VX-548 Dr Stephen Waxman, a neurologist at Yale who was not involved in the studies but has previously been paid by the company for a speaking engagement, said: 'This has the potential to be a blockbuster. 'I like to think it's the beginning of non-addictive medicines for pain.' Chris Raymond, an analyst at financial company Piper Sandler, added: 'This drug absolutely offers an alternative [to opioids] that is sorely needed.' Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which developed the medication, is planning to apply for approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by June this year. It has already received 'fast track' designation which means it could be rolled out as early as next year. A spokeswoman for the company said it was too early to say how much the drug would cost, although it was expected to be covered by health insurance. The drug works by blocking the activity of a gene called NAV1.8 which stops the body from making a protein needed for the nerves to transmit pain signals. It works on the nerves in the peripheral nervous system, or those outside the brain and spinal cord. The scientists argue that because the drug acts on these nerves, rather than those in the brain, there is a much lower risk of addiction. For comparison, opioids work by binding to receptors in the central nervous system brain and spinal cord and inhibiting releasing neurotransmitters that transmit pain in order to numb the feelings. They can also spark the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and reward, triggering an intense high. Patients become addicted to this 'high' and will seek more doses in order to achieve it again. Over time, they can also develop tolerance to the 'high' prompting them to seek stronger doses of the drug. The new painkiller is administered as an oral pill containing 100 milligrams (mg) of the drug as a first dose. Patients then take 50mg pills of the drug every 12 hours for up to 14 days. In the Phase 3 clinical trials, the gold standard for approving a medication, patients were administered with either the drug, a placebo or Vicodin an opioid which contains the drugs hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen. A total of 1,118 people were treated after receiving abdominoplasties a cosmetic procedure sometimes known as a 'tummy tuck' while 1,073 were treated following a bunionectomy or surgery to remove bunions, bony growths on the big toe. Your browser does not support iframes. Every state saw a rise in drug overdose deaths in the past year They received the drug just after surgery and were asked to report the level of pain they felt for up to 48 hours. Pain was reported on a scale of one to 10, with 10 indicating the most severe pain. Results showed there was a statistically significant reduction in pain in participants after receiving the drug compared to those who got a placebo. This improvement was not stronger than among patients who got received Vicodin, one of the most frequently prescribed opioids in the US used to treat acute, or short-term, pain. But the team said the fact their drug was not addictive made it superior. For comparison, the placebo group which did not receive the drug said their pain was only reduced after eight hours. Participants were also monitored for up to 14 days following treatment for safety complications, although none were reported. Currently, most people looking for relief from moderate-to-severe pain have two options: Either drugs like ibuprofen or opioids. Many doctors suggest ibuprofen is not very effective, while opioids put someone at risk of addiction. The above graph shows the 12-month ending estimated number of drug overdose deaths due to opioids America has been struggling against an opioid crisis for two decades where the overprescription of the drugs in the 1990s led to widespread addiction. Once doctors finally stopped cutting off prescriptions for the drugs, many turned to the black market and drugs like heroin and cocaine to get an intense high. These drugs are now being mixed with fentanyl an animal tranquilizer which can give a more intense high but is fatal in very small doses putting users at risk. The US is currently recording a record number of overdose deaths, with an estimated 106,000 people dying from overdoses in August last year a record. Reshma Kewalramani, the president of Vertex, said: 'We are very pleased with the results from the VX-548 pivotal program, which demonstrate a compelling and consistent combination of efficacy and safety across multiple acute pain conditiosn and settings. 'VX-548 is ideally positioned to potentially fill the gap between medicines with good tolerability but limited efficacy and opioid medicines with therapeutic efficacy but known risks, including addictive potential.' Dr Jessica Oswald, an emergency medicine physician at the University of California, San Diego, who was involved in the study, said: 'The Phase 3 safety and efficacy data across the studies is impressive and demonstrate VX-548's potential to change the paradigm of pain management. 'I look forward to the potential of having a new class of acute pain medicine the first in more than two decades to use as an alternative to opioids to help millions of people impacted by acute pain.' Vertex Pharmaceuticals says it is also now looking to develop a new painkiller for people suffering from chronic, or long-term, pain signals. A new energy tariff from Scottish Power and the charity Cancer Research UK could cost struggling families hundreds of pounds a year extra for gas and electricity. The energy giant has launched a one-year fixed rate tariff called 'Help Beat Cancer Flexi April 2025'. It is the result of a partnership with Cancer Research UK and offers a tariff that equates to a typical annual bill of 1,799. The company boasts that this represents a saving of 129 compared to a current price-capped energy tariff set by the regulator Ofgem - which is 1,928 for average use. Burning through it: The Scottish Power deal may not be long-term value for money However, industry analysts Cornwall Insight predict that the Ofgem price cap will come down to the equivalent of 1,620 from 1 April, before it then drops again to 1,497 in July. If these figures prove to be correct, anyone signing up to the Help Beat Cancer tariff could pay hundreds of pounds more for gas and electricity over the next year compared to millions of others. To escape the tariff, customers will have to pay a punishing penalty exit fee of 150 per fuel a total of 300. Consumer and charity campaigners have warned families against signing up to any fixed rate deal that is likely to be more expensive than the lower price cap expected from the spring. They are also critical of any deal that comes with high exit fees. Fuel Poverty Action's policy and Parliament lead, Jonathan Bean, said: 'It's shocking that ScottishPower and other energy firms are trying to lock people into inflated prices for longer. 'This is more blatant profiteering, and Ofgem needs to act urgently to stop people being exploited.' He questioned the decision by Cancer Research UK to lend its support to the tariff and suggested it may not have realised the implications. 'It's unfortunate that Cancer Research is being used in this way.' Bean said. 'Better for people to save money when prices fall from April, and then donate what they can afford directly.' Simon Francis from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, which speaks for a large number of charities and campaigning groups, warned against signing up to a tariff with high exit fees. He said: 'No one should be fixing on a tariff that has exit fees of more than 80.' When it launched the tariff, the energy giant said: 'ScottishPower has launched one of the most competitive energy tariffs on offer at 129 below the price cap, based on a typical direct debit dual fuel customer at Ofgem average use.' It played up the charity connection, adding: 'Scottish Power is committed to its partnership with Cancer Research UK because together we have the energy to help beat cancer.' The small print of the deal makes clear that the maximum donation to the charity is 10 per customer or around 84p per month on a pro-rata basis. A spokesman for Scottish Power defended the tariff saying: 'Launched on 19 January, our fixed-term contract offers new and existing customers the option to fix their energy costs for a year at a rate 7 per cent below the price cap, based on Ofgem estimates of a typical direct debit dual-fuel customer's average use. 'Every customer has their own individual circumstances, and we offer a range of tariffs to suit different customers' needs. 'A fixed-term tariff can help people plan their energy costs over a set period especially after the extreme market conditions seen over the last two years whilst others may prefer variable or time of use tariffs, where prices can change in line with global wholesale prices or depending on the time of day.' Caro Evans, director of partnerships, Cancer Research UK said: 'Scottish Power's Help Beat Cancer energy tariff helps raise money for our life-saving cancer research. 'Scottish Power makes a donation to Cancer Research UK on behalf of the customers who choose this tariff, and we're grateful to them and their customers for supporting us this way.' How can I work out if a fixed tariff is good value? To work out if an energy deal - fixed or otherwise - is cheaper than you are paying now, compare the unit rate and standing charge with what you currently pay. The average home is paying rates limited by the Ofgem price cap, which means 53p a day in electricity standing charges and 30p for gas, while electricity unit rates are 29p per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and 7p/kWh for gas. However, it is hard to know for sure what the Ofgem price cap will do in future, meaning there is a risk that households can lock in at what later turns out to be a high rate. I got food poisoning when my wife and I went for my birthday dinner at an expensive London restaurant. I was really unwell later that night my wife not so much and we reckon it was from a seafood platter we shared. My wife paid by credit card. Can we get our money back? H. V., by email. The couple ate a seafood platter at a swanky central London location - and one of them fell badly unwell Consumer rights lawyer Dean Dunham replies: Yes, you can get your money back. You may also be able to claim some compensation, depending on the severity of the food poisoning and the effect it had on you. The first step is to make a complaint directly to the restaurant, setting out all the relevant details. Include the date you went for dinner, the name the booking was under, what you ordered, and what you think gave you food poisoning. You must also tell the restaurant when you started to feel unwell, what the symptoms were and how long they lasted. In your letter, explain that you have pinpointed the cause of the food poisoning as the seafood platter and that it is a breach of the Consumer Rights Act, which states services (such as food preparation) must be carried out with reasonable care and skill. This means you are entitled to a remedy which, here, is a full refund. There is also a second law that assists you here, called The Consumer Protection Act 1987. Put simply, this law requires that a food retailer must sell a product that is free from harmful bacteria, meaning if you are able to prove that your food poisoning was caused by the restaurant then the law states that it will be held liable for your illness. In addition, this law does not require that it must be proven that a staff member (typically the chef) was negligent, but only that the cause of the food poisoning was due to unsafe food provided by the restaurant. This is called 'strict liability', and a trader does not want to be on the end of a claim with strict liability. It is advisable to get a doctor's note detailing symptoms to back-up your claim If you want to claim compensation, as well as a refund, it would be preferable to have evidence of how you were affected, such as a letter from your doctor's surgery if you attended a GP appointment. Also, if you missed work due to this, or if it caused you any other inconvenience, you should obtain evidence to prove it. You will then be claiming compensation for 'pain and suffering' and any losses you suffered as a consequence. Usually, restaurants take these claims seriously, especially if you say you will consult a personal injury solicitor if a satisfactory offer is not made. In this respect, if the restaurant only offers you a refund initially, make sure you say you are not accepting this as compensation, otherwise the restaurant may say you have 'settled' the case. Unless you suffer prolonged illness, the compensation is unlikely to be significant. You should also alert your local environmental health department, who will investigate whether the restaurant has breached the Food Safety Act of 1990. I'm the second owner of my 'new car' I bought a new car and when the log book arrived I discovered that I am the second owner. The dealership told me it was a brand new car what can I do? N. B. Leatherhead, Surrey. Consumer rights lawyer Dean Dunham replies: It sounds as though either the dealership pre-registered the car in its own name, or the car was previously sold and the buyer rejected and returned it, perhaps under their 'short-term right to reject' entitlement, as there was something wrong with it. Whatever the circumstances, as a prospective buyer you were entitled to know all the facts and this 'material' information should have been shared with you before you agreed to purchase the vehicle. One of the effects of the car having an additional owner is that it may impact its future value. Your next step is to complain in writing to the dealership that there was a breach of the Consumer Rights Act, which says goods (including cars) must be 'as described'. The remedy here will be for the dealership to either give you some money back to reflect the diminution in value of the vehicle (you can negotiate) or to take the car back and give you a full refund. The amount the dealership deducts from the price of a car is typically linked to the miles the consumer has clocked up. So if the previous owner had done ten miles, you would not expect any money off. But if it was hundreds of miles you would expect something in the region of 500. This needs to be looked at on a case-by-case basis. If the dealership denies your claim and fails to tell you who the first owner was, fill out and file a DVLA form V888. This is the form used to request information about a vehicle and its past and present registered keepers. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will want you to have a good reason for making the request, and you will say you are building a legal case against a car dealership. Armed with this information, you can make a section 75 claim if you paid all or part with a credit card, citing the dealership is in breach of contract. You can also make a section 75 claim if you paid via a fixed-sum loan agreement, or you can file a claim with the County Court (in the small claims track, which is known as the small claims court, if the car was bought for less than 10,000), or the full County Court if the purchase price was greater than this. BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Lying in an oasis at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, Dunhuang was a major stop on the ancient Silk Road, which linked the East and West through vibrant trade. The distinctive culture of Dunhuang is best represented by the Mogao Grottoes, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 4th century, the site features 735 caves carved into a cliff, currently housing more than 2,000 colorful sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals. This extraordinary cultural treasure helps draw visitors to the historical city -- including Chinese President Xi Jinping. In August 2019, during an inspection tour in Gansu, the president set aside time for his first visit to the millennium-old grottoes, thus realizing a long-cherished wish. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has paid much attention to the protection of cultural relics in Dunhuang over the years, and to the development of Dunhuang's culture. A FAN OF DUNHUANG During his 2019 tour, Xi made the Mogao Grottoes his first stop. He was particularly captivated by a mural in Mogao Cave 323, recognizing the character of Zhang Qian, an envoy in the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-220 A.D.). Though it was the first time Xi had visited the Mogao Grottoes, he was already very familiar with the cultural relics there, thanks to his long-standing emotional attachment to the site. As early as 1986, Xi visited Gansu when he was serving as deputy mayor of the coastal city of Xiamen, Fujian Province, but he was unable to go to Dunhuang at the time due to a tight schedule and the long distance to the site. Over 30 years later, he still talks of his regret at not making the journey back then. During an academic discussion as part of a research trip at Zhejiang University in 2005, Xi, then Party secretary of Zhejiang Province, recited a list of the achievements of renowned Dunhuang expert Jiang Liangfu. In 2009, when conducting research as a state leader at Lanzhou University in Gansu, Xi encouraged Zheng Binglin, director of the university's Dunhuang Studies Institute, to strengthen and expand the development of Dunhuang studies as a contribution to the country. Xi has on multiple occasions stressed the value of Dunhuang, calling it "an important historical hub" of Eastern and Western cultures, and one of the "living monuments" to past interactions between different civilizations on the ancient Silk Road. For Xi, the significance of Dunhuang goes beyond its history, with efforts underway to revive and expand cooperation along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. Back in 2013, Xi proposed the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, also known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has been welcomed by the international community as a public good and cooperation platform. "As we are now advancing Belt and Road cooperation, we came back to draw inspiration from the ancient Silk Road," Xi said during his 2019 visit to the caves. A PRESERVER OF DUNHUANG In September 2019, at a ceremony in Beijing, Xi presented the national honorary title of outstanding contributor to cultural-relic protection to Fan Jinshi, an archaeologist who has made a lifelong career of protecting and studying the cultural relics of the Mogao Grottoes. While shaking hands with Fan, Xi asked her about the rainfall in Dunhuang. Over a month ago, at a symposium held during Xi's visit to Dunhuang, Fan discussed with Xi a series of natural factors that could affect the preservation of Dunhuang's cultural relics, including water. At the meeting, Xi inquired about issues ranging from the number of tourists to the impact of natural disasters. "The protection of world cultural heritage should be placed above tourism as our top priority. We should not set our eyes solely on selling tickets and pursuing economic benefits," he stressed. "What concerns Xi are the most pressing challenges facing Dunhuang today," Fan said. Through decades of hard work, substantial progress has been made on safeguarding the site's priceless treasures, particularly through the use of advanced technologies. In 2020, a leading laboratory was launched to study the weathering mechanism of the caves, simulating diverse natural environments for targeted protection measures. A SUPPORTER OF DUNHUANG CULTURE Xi's Mogao Grottoes tour took him to the Library Cave, where around 60,000 rare cultural relics were unearthed. However, about 40,000 pieces have been lost to more than 10 countries, including Britain, France, Russia and Japan. "Only when the country is strong can its culture prosper," Xi said, reminiscing on how the Library Cave was discovered in 1900, a time when the country was too weak to safeguard its cultural relics. Xi has encouraged the Dunhuang Academy to share its cultural and artistic resources digitally on a global scale. In April 2023, a virtual duplication of the Library Cave became accessible to the public through an interactive digital platform. The platform uses advanced digital technology to reproduce historical scenes of the Library Cave. It invites visitors to immerse themselves in the culture of Dunhuang by engaging in role-play and "time travel" to ancient dynasties. Two days after his visit to Mogao Grottoes, when inspecting a publishing company in Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province, Xi again raised the topic of Dunhuang. "Xi noted that the Dunhuang manuscripts are rich in content, serving as valuable historical records," recalled Fu Kangnian, the company's deputy general manager. In response to Xi's call to better utilize historical resources, a significant number of books related to Dunhuang and the Jiandu -- bamboo or wooden slips that ancient Chinese people wrote on before the invention of paper -- have been published in recent years. A compilation book series on Dunhuang history was published, after years of hard work, filling gaps in historical records and providing points of reference for Dunhuang studies. Even more remarkable is that the conservation efforts applied to the Dunhuang culture have extended beyond the local boundaries. The ideas and technologies employed to protect the caves have been applied to more than 500 national-level cultural relics protection projects, and introduced to BRI partner countries. Travellers who are forced to cancel a flight face a refund lottery as some airlines repay in full while others wont hand back a penny. And because it is left to the airline to decide its own cancellation policy, some throw all manner of obstacles in your way to put you off claiming. For example, Wizz Air customers who want a refund to their bank account can only get one by phoning its customer service number at a cost of 1.45 a minute plus any fees applied by their phone company (this is waived if their refund is approved). Customers who apply online instead have their money put into their Wizz Air account where it can only be spent on future flights. It is up to the discretion of each airline whether it refunds you, and all have their own rules. Some refund you if you or a loved one fall ill, others do not. Wizz Air: If you want a refund you must phone customer services at 1.45 a minute It always makes sense to buy travel insurance, which may pay out if youre forced to cancel even if the airline refuses to reimburse you. You should do this the moment you buy your ticket so that you are covered should you need to cancel. And it pays to check out your airlines rules before you make a claim. Airlines do not always play fair, and refund you according to their own rules and they have considerable discretion about when they choose to pay out. Earlier this month Money Mail consumer champion Sally Hamilton had to step in after Wizz Air refused to reimburse a customer the 364 cost of her flight when she had to cancel following the death of her husband. Here we look at how the airline refund policies compare. British Airways: You must cancel within 24 hours of booking for full refund without penalty British Airways If you cancel a flight within 24 hours of booking it, you can claim a full refund without a penalty charge. Once youre outside of this window, you need to contact British Airways as soon as possible. If you want to cancel a flight due to severe illness or the death of a family member, you will need to provide documentation such as a medical or death certificate. British Airways says it will refund the tickets of passengers who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Those who are not critically ill but are not able to fly can usually put their tickets on hold for up to a year. But when they rebook, they will need to pay the difference between the two fares and any increases in airline taxes. EasyJet: Charges more if you call customer service to cancel rather than doing it online EasyJet Passengers who cancel an easyJet flight online within 24 hours of booking will receive a full refund, minus the 49 booking fee. Cancel online if you can as the fee rises to 55 for those who do it by calling customer service. Passengers suffering from a serious or terminal illness must submit an online medical declaration form, once submitted easyJet will review the case and may offer you a refund or flight voucher, to be used within six months. If you have been bereaved, easyJet will review your case and may offer a refund, free change of flight or voucher towards a future flight, within six months. Jet2 All Jet2 flights cannot be refunded. The airline suggests passengers should take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover for unforeseen events that may prevent them from travelling as planned. Jet2 says there may be certain situations where it can assist, but this cannot be guaranteed. You can change the name or date of your flight for a 35 administration fee, plus the difference in price between your original fare and the new flight price. To make changes to your flight, visit jet2.com/login. Ryanair: The airline does not offer refunds for common illnesses such as chicken pox Ryanair You may be able to cancel a Ryanair flight and claim a refund if someone you were set to travel with or an immediate family member passes away. Ryanair does not consider aunts, uncles or cousins as immediate family members. Depending on the circumstances, the airline may refund the total cost of flights for everyone travelling on the booking. You may be able to get a refund in the form of travel credit if you become seriously ill and are no longer able to travel. All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and the airline does not offer refunds for common illnesses such as chicken pox or routine medical procedures including pre-planned treatments. Visit refundclaims.ryanair.com to apply. Wizz Air If you are diagnosed with a serious illness or incurable disease you may be able to claim a full refund once you provide an official medical certificate. All refunds are paid as Wizz Air credit, so if you want to the refund to your bank account then you must phone the airlines customer service costing 1.45 a minute (this is waived if their refund is granted). Holidaymakers who are ill but are not in a critical condition may be entitled to a 50 per cent refund if they send the airline a copy of their medical certificate. The refund only applies to the patient and not other passengers included in their booking. If your child is ill, you can apply for a 50 per cent refund on their ticket and yours. And if a close family member dies within 30 days of a flight departure, you can request a full refund by making a claim online. A Wizz Air spokesman says: When booking we advise using our WIZZ Flex service if you feel that your plans may change in the future. Travellers face a lottery as airlines decide their own cancellation polices when you can't fly Demand your tax back Even if you are not entitled to a full refund, you should be able to claim back the Air Passenger Duty taxes you paid on your ticket. This levy is paid by passengers and passed on by the airline to HMRC. However, the tax is only paid if you take the flight so if you dont you should be refunded the tax by the airline. Airlines do not automatically refund it and yours may not even tell you that you have a right to claim it. Contact your airline and tell it youd like to claim yours otherwise it will pocket the money for itself. The amount of Air Passenger Duty you pay on each flight depends on the distance you travel and type of seat you book. A passenger who flies from Edinburgh to London Gatwick in an economy seat will pay 7 in taxes, or 14 for a premium seat, such as those with extra legroom. For a flight of less than 2,000 miles, to destinations such as Italy, Greece or Turkey, you will pay 13 in taxes for an economy seat or 26 for a premium seat. For further-afield hotspots such as the Bahamas or Costa Rica, you will pay 88 for a standard seat but this rises to 194 for an upgraded seat. A flight to a destination more than 5,500 miles away, such as New Zealand, has 92 of Air Passenger Duty in an average seat, or 202 for an upgraded one. Anna Bowles, head of consumer policy and enforcement at the Civil Aviation Authority, says if customers have an issue with their booking or flight, they should complain to their airline first. If they are still not satisfied with the response they receive, consumers can seek redress through the approved Alternative Dispute Resolution service, which will independently review their claim, she says. Visit aviationadr.org.uk. Kazakh carrier Air Astana will be worth up to 757million when it lists in London next month, valuing BAE Systems stake at 370million. The airline owned by the British defence giant and Kazakhstans sovereign wealth fund yesterday set the price range for its initial public offering (IPO). Air Astanas float will offer BAE Systems which owns 49 per cent of the airline a windfall, depending on how much of its stake it decides to sell. The IPO will also buoy Londons stock market after a slump in listings over the past few years. BAE Systems invested 7million in the airline in 2001 when it was trying to sell radar systems to the Kazakh military, a deal that eventually fell through. Take-off: Air Astana, which is owned by the British defence giant and Kazakhstans sovereign wealth fund, has set the price range for its initial public offering The FTSE 100 defence group, which last year valued its investment in Air Astana at 63million, is planning to retain a stake when the airline floats in February. Air Astana will price its shares at between 168p and 216p each, giving it a market capitalisation of between 606million and 757million. The final price will be set on February 9, with trading to start in London on February 14 and in Kazakhstan the following day. It is planning to use the 94million raised to fund expansion. The airlines president and chief executive Peter Foster said: The response to the offering and strong investor interest have been very positive. The stock market suffered high-profile snubs last year, including Cambridge chipmaker Arms decision to float in New York. Overnight oats, avocado toast and acai bowls may have taken over TikTok timelines once upon a time, but quintessentially British meals are now also making a booming comeback on social media. From beans on toast to apple crumble, social media users have been scrambling to locations across the UK to make or get their hands on some of the nation's most famous staple foods, after being inspired by videos from influencers. The latest humble dish to go viral in recent months is the jacket potato, with millennials taking over the internet in their droves to lap up content about one Britain's oldest and easiest to prepare snacks. Videos have shown how hundreds of people descended on the quiet town of Tamworth - some even flying in from Malaysia, America and Australia - to wait an hour and a half to grab a spud from their favourite TikToker. It's out with the avocado on toast, acai boals and overnight oats for many, as many TikTok users are racing to get their hands on quintessentially British meals From 10-minute bakes beans to apple crumble, many TikTok users have developed a craving for staple British foods The latest dish - among a string of British foods that have gone viral in recent months - is the humble jacket potato (pictured: Ben Newman) Ben Newman (pictured), 39, who quickly become an internet sensation because of his humble jacket potatoes, is using his newfound fame to help his hometown of Tamworth Huge queues of customers were pictured on Editha Square, Tamworth on January 21. Some customers travelling from as far as Australia, Malaysia and America to try the humble British dish Ben Newman. 39. who has become a sensation on social media with his videos, says that although people initially visit because of the social media novelty, they return because of the quality of the snacks. His videos have been liked 38.3 million times and his spuds have become so legendary, his fanbase has extended all the way to Hawaii. Thanks to the power of TikTok, and the recent booming fascination with the classic British dish, the 'Spud Man' has been selling as many as 1,450 spuds a day - and his Staffordshire hometown is benefitting too. He told MailOnline: 'Retail has changed. There isn't the passing trade in town. You can't just rely on footfall of people and word of mouth anymore. 'January is normally a hard time for a lot of market traders and shops in town. 'But the amount of people that are just in Tamworth on a on a Saturday and throughout the the week, like everyone is having a really good January off the back of this.' He added: 'We had customers today from Malaysia. They landed in Gatwick this morning and drove straight up. 'They came to England to get a jacket potato. I asked them "Have you got holiday plans?", and they were like "No, we came to England to come and see you".' Often asked if he would take his jacket potatoes on tour, the spud connoisseur is adamant about bringing trade to the Staffordshire town. 'I don't want to go on a tour of the country I want to promote where I am and bring people to Tamworth,' he said. Ben has also leveraged the recent social media frenzy to benefit other jacket potato vendors across the UK - with many experiencing non-stop trade after his social media shootouts. 'It would be great if we could help grow the whole industry. I tell people don't come to me go and find your local jacket potato person. With the help of TikTok - and the recent booming fascination with spuds - Ben, also known as Spud Man has been selling as many as 1,450 spuds a day - and his Staffordshire hometown is benefitting too. But he isn't the only one who has sent the platform into a frenzy with the feel-good British meal, Brittany (pictured) sent TikTok into pandemonium with her jacket potatoes and cheese cauliflower dish, amassing over 7.9 million views People flocked to the comment section begging her to teach them how to make the cauliflower cheese - one person mistook the spuds for a 'brioche bun' 'We did a video about the lovely Jacket Potato Ladies in Portsmouth a few months ago - and ever since they've been selling out every day.' However, it's not only Ben's Spud Army that have been obsessed with the simple dish, many on TikTok went into pandemonium after seeing Brittany Miller's take on potato-based meal. The content creator, who regularly shares cooking tips with her following of over 1.9 million, had enthralled with her cauliflower cheese potatoes. In a video with over 7.9 million views, the TikToker showed off her delicious plate of food. 'I always mash the potato into the butter because I want all the potato to be drenched in butter,' she explained. While many were begging for the cauliflower cheese recipe, others unfamiliar with jacket potatoes were left sunned. 'Girl I thought that was a brioche bun at first,' one quipped, while another questioned: 'Is a jacket potato the same thing as baked potato?' But jacket potato isn't the only British cuisine sending the social media site into meltdown, as a crumble trader in the heart of London has also enamoured social media users. Humble Crumble has also been quite the sensation on TikTok, with 40-minute queues sometimes descending on their three locations in Spitalfields, Camden, and Borough Market The self-proclaimed 'world's first crumble bakery' puts a twist on the traditional British meal, allowing customers to customize the sweet treat - right down to the fruit to crumble ratio When you search for Humble Crumble on TikTok the videos are endless, with hundreds having raved about the desert vendor for years. The self-proclaimed 'World's first crumble bakery', with locations in Spitalfields, Borough Market and Camden, has put their own fun twist on the quintessentially British dessert, allowing customers to customize their own crumble - even down to the crumble to fruit ratio. Regularly attracting 40-minute queues, visitors from across the globe have branded it a 'must-see' location. Clips of the 'humble' stalls are often flooded with comments from users, similarly to a video posted by a content creator dubbed Miss Hangry. Responding to whether the dessert was worth the hype, she quipped: 'This really did bang, it was so so good. 'The apple was cooked perfectly, the crumble was crunchy and the custard tasted amazing.' 'Looks banging....but crumble was the bane of us 70s and 80s kids. Funny to see it come around again,' one commented. On the other side of the pond, Americans have been left baffled by the easy-to-do classic - beans on toast 'Yes yes yes its worth every second u wait,' a second raved. Another chimed in: 'I went there last year. It was amazing ! So perfect you missing something out in life if you never been there beans on toast.' The popularity of British cuisine on TikTok doesn't being and end with apple crumble or jacket potato, across the pond Americans have also been left baffled by beans on toast. There have been countless clips of US TikTokers giving the 10-minute meal a go, with many left astonished by their tastebuds. Described by YouTube show, Jolly, as an 'English salad', many young Americans were horrified by the go-to British comfort food, comparing its odour to 'dog food'. However, the US youngsters slowly came around to the easy-to-do dish. 'It's disgusting at first but when you get to chew it more it slowly gets better,' said one. A couple surprisingly labelled it as 'actually quite good,' while other gave it a medium rating of 'not that bad.' American content creator AJ, was left with a face of mixed emotions after he gave baked beans on toast a try. With a grimace that could be mistaken for confusion or surprise, he quipped: 'Why is that so good? Why is that so good? Some said the quintessentially British snack smelt 'like dog food', but even though many were dubious several were pleasantly surprised by the taste One man, known as Thee Lit One (pictured) on TikTok, had previously been scorned by British cuisine, such as Marmite and mustard - but beans on toast finally hit the spot 'How have we been missing out on this in the United States. What is going on? This is amazing? So good.' READ MORE: Junior Andre goes viral on TikTok after visiting unlikely tourist destination Binley Mega Chippy Advertisement Another US TikToker, known online as Thee Lit One, was inspired to try his hand at the quick and easy dish one morning when Miami was experiencing British-like weather. Licking the sauce from his fingers, he shared: 'Honestly I have been let down by mustard, by marmite - I am glad I can finally get a W [win]. The trend in British cuisine on the app follows the astronomical hype of Midlands fish and chip shop, Binley Mega Chippy. The Coventry take-away became an unlikely tourist destination, with customers flocking from as far afield as Portugal and Australia after a catchy music video singing 'Binley Mega Chippy' was posted on TikTok. In May 2022, its owner Kamal Gandhi said he had 'no idea' why his store had seen record numbers of customers and had to order almost double the amount of stock to keep up with demand. The reason why the West Midlands chippy became world-famous in a matter of days remains unclear but seems to have been prompted by a catchy fan-made jingle. The trend in British cuisine over the last few months comes after the astronomical hype of Coventry fish and chip shop - Binley Mega Chippy (Pictured) Customers travelled as far afield as Australia and Portugal to wait in enormous queues just to sample their 4.99 Morbius Meal of fish, chips and mushy peas (Pictured: Staff at Binley Mega Chippy in Coventry in 2022) At the time, huge queues of young people piled up outside the fish and chip shop, as they gleefully sang theme tune, waiting to sample their 4.99 Morbius Meal of fish, chips and mushy peas. Mr Gandhi said: 'We had no idea what was going on. Since Thursday we have just been unbelievably busy. 'We've had people from Australia, the USA and ten lads travelled down from Dundee on Monday just to try our chips 'You'd have to spend thousands of pounds for advertising and exposure like this, it's been crazy.' They say bad news always comes in threes. First, we heard the Princess of Wales required abdominal surgery and will now take a considerable time to convalesce. The King has only just emerged from hospital following treatment for an enlarged prostate. And then came another shock announcement. It was revealed that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma: an aggressive form of skin cancer that can be caused by exposure to sunlight, or the ultraviolet rays of sunbeds. Those with fair skin are more susceptible. Women are most likely to experience malignant moles on their legs. This news comes swiftly on the heels of Sarahs treatment for breast cancer. Sarah Ferguson pictured leaving King Edward VII's hospital in Marylebone last week An Instagram picture from Sarah Ferguson. She went to recuperate at the Mayrlife Clinic in Austria after her second cancer diagnosis in a year Sarah Ferguson enjoying the sunshine on one of her summer breaks It was during reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy that several suspicious moles were removed to be tested. One came back positive. The diagnosis is serious, but the duchess is said to be in good spirits. She has been recuperating at the Mayrlife clinic in Austria. Her elder daughter, Princess Beatrice, is a patron of the British Skin Foundation, is therefore well used to talking to patients with skin cancer, and has doubtless been offering advice as well as comfort. As soon as she got together with Prince Andrew, we all knew Sarah as Fergie. She was more natually ebullient than her future sister-in-law, Diana. There is rarely a photo where she is not smiling. But she was never just the bumbling, slightly clumsy Joyce Grenfell figure. She raised two girls who seem completely sorted, despite being members of the Royal family. They have careers, and families of their own. They have never risen to the bait of the endless criticism of their often outlandish sartorial choices. Most tellingly, Sarah has remained friends with her ex-husband through thick and thick. Since her breast cancer diagnosis, she has been very open, even braving ITVs Loose Women to encourage others to get checked. Doubtless, this latest news will create a flurry of those who, just like Fergie, are fair skinned, and perhaps enjoyed sunbathing on holiday, a sangria on a sunbed (alcohol and tobacco can increase susceptibility to many forms of cancer). The Kings diagnosis has resulted in a huge upsurge of men seeking reassurance: the NHS web site reported 16,410 visits last Wednesday, compared to 1,414 the day before. All of which makes me wonder why the Princess of Wales isnt being more candid about what ails her. It was Diana, by talking openly about her eating disorder, who was a pioneer when it came to breaking taboos around mental health. Even if one life is saved, its surely worth the potential embarrassment. The Duchess of York has raised two girls who seem completely sorted, despite being members of the Royal family. They have careers, and families of their own Fergie surrounded by her loving daughters and Prince Andrew Sarah was our Christmas Day surprise when she was seen walking with the royals to church But my overriding feeling at hearing Fergies latest news is that it is simply not fair. She doesnt deserve yet another blow. How much more can one woman take? Ridicule, divorce, scandal. The news her ex-husband is enmired in accusations of sexual misconduct, and pay offs. Can stress trigger cancer? The causes are myriad. But the past few years cant have helped. Im certain the King is very glad he welcomed Sarah back into the fold at Sandringham over Christmas. If this latest news teaches us anything it is to be kind, forgiving. Because who knows what is lurking, just around the corner, for any of us. In August last year a TikTok influencer, 24, and her mother Ansreen, 46, were convicted of double murder after killing her lover and another man during a high-speed chase. During a trial at Leicester Crown Court, a jury heard how Mahek Bukhari had recruited 'followers' to 'jump' her married mother's toyboy Saqib Hussain, 21, after he threatened to leak their sex tape. Mr Hussain, alongside his friend, Mohammed Hashim Ijazuddin, 21, travelled to a Tesco car park in Leicestershire, under the assumption the mother and daughter would return the 3,000 he claimed to have spent on Ansreen. But the pair were ambushed, resulting in a terrifying 100mph high speed chase that would take both of their lives in the early hours of February 11, 2022. As the story is set to air in ITVX documentary 'TikTok: Murder Gone Viral', MailOnline looks at at how Mahek Bukhari went from a burgeoning TikTok star to a double murderer. Rising TikTok Mahek Bukhari (pictured), 24, was convicted of murder after she and her co-defendants chased two men off the road resulting in their deaths Mahek Bukhari (left) had recruited 'followers' to 'jump' her married mother's toyboy Saqib Hussain because Ansreen Bukhari's (right) lover had threatened to unveil their three year affair and leak their sex tape Ansreen turned to her daughter for help after she was blackmailed by her ex-lover. The mother and daughter shared a close bond with Mahek (seen with her mother) often boasting about her close relationship with her mother online, describing her as a sister and best friend Saqib Hussain (left), 21, met Ansreen via a video app called Azar. The 46-year-old was reportedly flattered by the attention the young man showed her. Their love-affair gone awry eventually led to the death of Saqib and his friend Mohammed Hashim Ijazuddin, 21, (right) What happened to Mahek Bukhari? TikTok star, Mahek Bukhari, 24, was once a university drop-out with the hopes of becoming a social media star. The fruits of her labour were slowly coming to fruition, as she boasted 126,000 TikTok followers and upwards of 43,000 on Instagram 18 months prior to her arrest. She was also earning money via her social media platforms, being paid for brand promotions and invited to product launch events dotted around the UK. Her social media was filled with videos, showing off her 'elite relationship; with her mother Ansreen, who she described as being like 'a sister' and a 'best friend'. However, after her mother began an affair with Saqib Hussain, 21, the series of events that followed would see the rising social media star and her mother be sentenced to life in prison. When Mahek's mother initially met Saqib via video app Azar in 2021, she was 'flattered' by the interest the young man showed her, according to Leicestershire Police. However, after meeting several times in shisha lounges, hotels and restaurants over the years, their relationship eventually went awry. When Ansreen attempt to end their romance, Saqib did not take the news well, threatening to leak explicit footage of her to her husband. Instead of going to the police, Ansreen turned to her daughter, Mahek. Detective Inspector, Mark Parish, from Leicestershire Police told the BBC: 'Knowing the family of Saqib and having been with them throughout, I know they would have dealt with Saqib and stopped him from doing what he was doing,' Det Insp Parish said. 'If [the Bukahris] would have spoken to the police, this would not have happened. It would not have got to this stage.' In an attempt to help her mother, Mahek recruited Rekan Karwan, Raees Jamal, Ameer Jamal, Sanaf Gulummustafa, Natasha Akhtar and Mohammed Patel to get back at her mother's scorned lover. The mother and daughter devised a plan to lure Saqib to a Tesco car park under the guise that they would return the 3,000 he spent on Ansreen during their new romance. On February 11, 2022, Saqib and his friend Mohammed Hashim Ijazuddin - who was giving him a lift - were ambushed by Mahek and her assailants, resulting in a high speed chase. In a distressing phone call made to 999, the jury heard Saqib pleading: 'They're right behind. They're hitting into the back of the car very fast. Please I'm begging you, I'm going to die.' In the early hours of that morning, their Skoda was eventually rammed off the road and went up in flames. The two men were identified by their dental records. In a distressing 999 call, Saqib could be heard pleading with call handlers as he and Hashim were rammed off the road by Mahek and her assailants (pictured: the aftermath of the high-speed chase) TikTok influencer Mahek Bukhari (right) and her mother Ansreen Bukhari (left) were sentenced to life for the roles in the two men's deaths, being handed jail terms of 31 years and eight months, and 26 years and nine months respectively Where is Mahek Bukhari now? On September 1, 2023, the influencer was sentenced to life in prison alongside her mother, Ansreen, 46, after a judge ruled the pair caused deadly 'maelstrom'. Mahek will be behind bars for 31 years and eight months before she is eligible to be considered for parole. READ MORE: TikTok killer Mahek Bukhari will appeal against her life sentence for murdering her mother's toyboy lover and his friend in 100mph car chase after sex tape blackmail Advertisement It has been reported that she had launched an appeal against her sentence in a bid to have her murder conviction overturned at the Court of Appeal. Her mother, Ansreen was given a prison sentence of 26 years and nine months. Following the double murder, when interviewed by police Mahek attempted to evade justice by lying. She rambled, claiming to have witnessed a traffic accident, laying full blame on the other two vehicles. During the trial, the TikTok star showed little remorse allegedly partaking in board games and sharing laughs with her co-defendants. She reportedly also waved reporters as the trial was taking place, and was even seen 'smiling and laughing' during more silent moments of the trial. According to the BBC, the then 24-year-old even blew a kiss to her father and played games when the jury retired. Judge Spencer told Mahek she had an exaggerated sense of entitlement, stating: 'You are oblivious to the damage you do.' 'The prosecution categorised this as a story of love, obsession and extortion and in that they were right.' They added: 'They were also right in categorising this case as one of cold-blooded murder.' A hospitality tycoon who bought a 23m hunting estate next to Balmoral has angered locals over plans to build a new mansion. Alastair Storey bought the 11,500-acre Abergeldie Estate located next door to the royal home in the Scottish Highlands in 2021. Storey, the chief executive of Westbury Street Holdings, also wants to create a tourist resort with luxury self-catering units and wildlife tours. But many locals argue the plans would be a blot on the scenic landscape around Royal Deeside, one of Queen Camilla's favourite views. Under plans submitted to Aberdeenshire Council, Storey plans to build a main estate house and renovate an existing farmhouse. Hospitality tycoon Alastair Storey bought the 11,500-acre Abergeldie Estate in 2021 Locals argue the plans would be a blot on the scenic landscape around Royal Deeside (pictured), one of Queen Camilla's favourite views CGI artist's impression of the new mansion currently being considered by the Aberdeenshire Council Storey, who was born in Scotland, said that the main house would be occupied by him and his family while the farmhouse would be used by relatives or visitors. Further guest accommodation as part of Storey's wider vision for the estate is expected to follow. In planning documents, the papers lodged by Storey's architects emphasize the scenic nature of the site. They said: 'It was with remarkable timing that a special edition of Country Life magazine edited by our new Queen Consort included a special feature on the view from Bovaglie, with her describing it as her favourite view in the world. 'With such a special place in her heart, and indeed of our client's heart, we knew this had to be a design which was entirely appropriate.' One local, Andrew Bevan, described the planned new house as a 'monstrosity', adding: 'I know Bovaglie very well, having grown up in Royal Deeside and walked the hills most of my life. 'I was made aware of the application by friends when visiting Deeside over Christmas. 'The new house does not look right in place of the existing steading, nor the surrounding landscape, and the architects have not understood the climate at 1250ft above sea level for which they should be designing, and this is reflected in certain elements of the design.' The Abergeldie Estate includes a castle which was once at risk of collapse due to flooding The Abergeldie Estate in the Scottish Highlands is highly admired by Queen Camilla The plans for the luxury property are being described by neighbours as 'ugly' Balmoral neighbours the property however representatives have not lodged an objection to the application Miss T Black, from nearby Banchory, said the plans were 'ugly', adding: 'Just like The Queen I love this place! 'I think that it WILL have a 'detrimental impact on the historic ambience' of Abergeldie, which will be very sad. 'Someone commented on Facebook that the house was an 'ugly Americas Looking' design.' Ann Miles from Crathie but has walked in the local area for decades said she was 'saddened' by the look of the house. She added: 'While understanding the new owners' wish to have a prestigious home, I cannot agree the proposed design is in keeping with area.' Patrick Heron from nearby Dinnet, said: 'The architects responsible for this inappropriate 'development' have either no knowledge or experience of Scottish vernacular architecture, or a willful disregard of it if they do. 'A 'Palladian' styled property in this remote and largely open location is not only alien to the area, but also one bound to catch the eye from wherever it is seen - and that covers an area of several square miles.' King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the Balmoral Estate Queen Elizabeth II Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and their sons Prince Edward (second from left), Prince Charles (second from right) and Prince Andrew (right) in the grounds of Balmoral Castle King Charles wearing a kilt, called the Hunting Stewart, on the Balmoral Estate to mark his 30th birthday Initial designs last year were scrapped months later amid complaints about the building's appearance and fears it would block a popular walking route. New plans had been lodged for the mansion in December. Storey previously attracted controversy after ending a 175-year-old leasing agreement with the royal family which allowed them to shoot, hunt and fish on the estate. Located between Balmoral and Birkhall, which is owned by the King, the estate will now be used for commercial shooting, having been sold to Storey after the former owner John Gordon, the Baron of Abergeldie, died in 2020. Aberdeenshire Council are due to decide on the plans in due course. MailOnline has contacted Abergeldie Estate for further comment. Eco clowns from Just Stop Oil are brazenly hosting action meetings at a council taxpayer-funded community centre. Serial eco-pest and ringleader Roger Hallam is hosting a talk at the centre, run by the City of London Corporation. The move has sparked fury that the protest group - which has cost taxpayers tens of millions and caused misery - is being allowed to plot in a public centre. The event, called Soup Night with Roger Hallam, is even being advertised online. Tickets have sold out. It is being held on Thursday at the Golden Lane Community Centre in the City of London. The council charges 50 an hour for corporate use of the 70 person-capacity main hall. This fee drops to 15 an hour for the lower ground space which has enough room for 30. Roger Hallam (pictured) is hosting a talk at the centre, run by the City of London Corporation The meeting is being held at council taxpayer-funded Golden Lane Community Centre in the City of London Serial eco-pest and ringleader Mr Hallam is hosting a talk at the centre (Pictured in 2019 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, during an Extinction Rebellion meeting) And another event titled: 'Should Just Stop Oil remain nonviolent?' is also being held there on Thursday. That is with Rowan Tilly, another veteran demonstrator. READ MORE: Moment Mona Lisa is covered in soup by eco-protestors at the Louvre in latest infuriating climate change stunt Advertisement The City of London Corporation runs the venue. They are the governing body of the City of London and are a government organisation. The event is described online as: 'Join a Just Stop Oil soup night with Roger Hallam to learn how we move from Individualism to Collectivism! Gaining inspiration from the radical political and social movements from the last century, Roger talks about how to make effective change and a strong community.' Tory MP Nigel Mills said: 'This is frankly ludicrous. Why is a centre, run by a council, hosting such an event? 'It's a scandal. Action needs to be taken straight away to cancel it. 'Do they know Just Stop Oil are hosting an event there? If they do, then that's seriously wrong. 'If they don't, then that raises serious questions and it needs to be cancelled straight away.' One London worker who has lost business as a result of a JSO protest said: 'It's outrageous. The event, called Soup Night with Roger Hallam, is even being advertised online. Tickets have sold out Eco zealots Just Stop Oil is hosting another event titled: 'Should Just Stop Oil remain nonviolent?' (Pictured: Activists from the group protest in Parliament Square in January) 'What sort of message does that send out? 'We all get hit with business rates and need all the help we can get. We do the right thing and it's a massive struggle. 'There's also a lot of homeless people around here. 'Just Stop Oil cause mayhem, misery and cost the taxpayer and the police millions and the council gives them a room to plan more misery. 'It's beyond a joke. It's really serious. Heads should roll.' A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation said: 'These were private hire bookings under our commercial hire procedure. There was no involvement from the City of London Corporation in the events'. Former Arizona state Republican Party Chair Jeff DeWit tried to make hay out of chaos at his state party convention after delegates booed Kari Lake days after his own resignation from his post saying it reinforced the need for 'unity.' The tumult came after Lake accused DeWit of approaching her with a bribe if the Senate candidate she would step back from politics. DeWit highlighted the anti-Lake contingent and called for unity rather than 'edited recordings' a reference to the secret tape Lake made of the 'bribe' offer from 'back east.' 'I hope that the overwhelming mountain of boos Lake got from the almost 2,000 Republican voting members of the state party helps her realize the party needs and wants unity, not secret and edited recordings which she has spent the last week fundraising off of that only bring divisiveness and chaos to a time that our country needs to heal,' DeWit told CBS5 in Phoenix. 'I'm not at the State Committee annual meeting, which makes me sad honestly because I've been there for so many years, but I'm glued to my phone getting a ton of updates of the total mess that Kari caused,' he said. Jeff DeWit resigned as chair of the Arizona Republican Party on Wednesday, a day after leaked audio revealed the moment he tried to persuade Kari Lake to get out of politics for two year His statement came after DeWit avoided reporters following the stunning developments. Lake hit back with yet another statement blasting DeWit. 'DeWit had to resign in disgrace because he attempted to commit bribery. No one cares what he think,' said Lake advisor Caroline Wren. The angry back-and-forth came after a caustic state convention meeting where state Republicans elected Donald Trump ally Gina Swoboda to succeed DeWit. Swoboda was back to promoting suspicions shared by Trump about ballot drop-boxes and signature verification, while vowing to stand up to critics. 'I'm wearing the armor of God,' she said in an interview with former Trump chief strategist Steve Bannon. The back and forth between DeWit and Lake came after he resigned as chair of the Arizona Republican Party and as his plans for a huge Donald Trump fundraiser in Phoenix collapsed in chaos. Jeff DeWit melted down. 'This place is a sinking ship,' he told stunned staff at party headquarters on Thursday, according to a source familiar with his words. 'You should all get out now.' He resigned Wednesday after DailyMail.com published a secret recording of the state party chair apparently trying to bribe Kari Lake out of launching a run for Senate. DeWit accused her of setting him up and leaking a doctored tape. Either way, the week of turmoil leaves the party in a perilous state. DeWit was at the third-floor headquarters of the party in Phoenix on Wednesday and Thursday. Sources said he floated the idea of withdrawing his resignation to fight on Factions are battling for control. Its campaign war chest is depleted after Trump dropped out of its biggest fundraising event of the year. And Democrats see a chance to turn the purple battleground state a deeper shade of blue in November's elections. DeWit should have been enjoying a huge week, welcoming Trump he was chief operating officer of his 2016 and 2020 campaigns to Dream City Church on Friday afternoon and returning the following day to oversee a crucial meeting of officials from all across the state. Instead he spent it out of the public glare, trying to avoid journalists and their questions about who was behind the plot to remove Lake from politics for two years. Lake last year revealed how an unnamed official had come to her house with an offer designed to prevent her joining the state's Senate race. A local radio station named DeWit as the official responsible on Monday. And a day later his own words confirmed Lake's allegations when the audio was made public. 'There are very powerful people who want to keep you out,' he can be heard saying in the recording from March last year. He asks Lake, who ran for governor in 2022 and who at the time was widely expected to announce a Senate campaign, to keep the conversation secret. Former President Donald Trump was in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday. He pulled out of a major fundraising event due to be held in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday, as the state party plunged into crisis after the audio was leaked and DeWit resigned Lake's team claim she is now the Arizona kingmaker after 'she nuked the unethical chairman of the AZGOP.' But she was booed at a state meeting on Saturday The audio arrived days before the Arizona party held its annual state meeting in Phoenix. Hundreds of committeemen and women traveled to the city from all around the state 'So the ask I got today from back east was: 'Is there any companies out there or something that could just put her on the payroll to keep her out?'' At another moment he asks her for a 'number' that would keep her out of politics for two years. He first told allies he could tough it out, accusing Lake of setting him up. But on Wednesday afternoon he announced his resignation, saying he feared Lake was about to leak more damaging audio. 'I genuinely believed I was offering a helpful perspective to someone I considered a friend,' DeWit said. The strain was obvious on DeWit, according to people who saw him at the party's third-floor headquarters in a downtown office block during the week. As he fumed in his corner office with his executive director and communications director, he thought there might be a way back. It wasn't a real resignation, he told allies. He said: 'I can retract it.' A source present said the headquarters had the feel of the last day of college. 'His two lieutenants were sadly packing up knowing they'll never be back again,' the source said. 'In my mind there's two types of Republicans: Trumpers and traitors,' said one attendee Stalls outside the event sold bulletproof backpacks, T-shirts and one displayed a U.S. flag made out of shotgun cartridges. Delegates conducted party business and elected a new chair Another said DeWit was leading with his emotions and thought he could find some way back. 'It was frantic. His movements were frantic, which spoke to the panic and lack of concrete plan,' he said. The state party had been under intense financial pressure, caused in part by legal bills related to Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The Washington Post last year that DeWit was 'begging the Republican National Committee for a financial bailout.' He had expected a huge windfall on Friday when Trump was due to headline the 'Freedom Fest' at a megachurch in the north of the city. On Thursday, the state party announced Trump was unable to attend because he had to appear in a New York court. The result was a bitter blow to the party, said GOP strategist Barrett Marson. 'It was supposed to be significant fundraiser featuring a very popular attraction.' he said. 'I don't know that Jeff DeWit was the most popular person in GOP circles, and I don't know that he was doing a swell job as chairman, but he was getting this done, and he was raising some money. 'And now all that is in peril.' He said DeWit's downfall may have been that he was too establishment for the Make America Great Again (MAGA) Trumpist wing of the party, and too MAGA for the establishment, leaving him with few allies to defend him. 'He was his own island,' he said. Republicans gathered at the Dream City Church in Phoenix on Saturday. Trump had been due to headline the party's 'Free The Arizona party has faced a cash crunch in recent years, blamed in part on legal battles over the 2020 election result, which Trump insisted was stolen from him The chaos comes at a crucial time for the Arizona Republican Party. The once red state is now considered a purple battleground and it could tend blue if Republicans can't get in line That was evident in the leaked recording. As he argued with Lake, urging her to step aside, she accused him of trying to defeat Trump. 'I'm not even sure Trump can win again,' he can be heard saying. The former president values loyalty above all else. And it may have been that line, as much as anything, that triggered the cascade of leaks that ended his run as chair. On Saturday morning, hundreds of attendees milled around the courtyard of the Dream City Church where Trump had been scheduled to speak in front of some 4,500 paying ticketholders ahead of a long-scheduled rules meeting. One said the week had been been a 'rollercoaster.' Michael Phillips, a Pima County committeeman,' said it was 'cray, cray, cray.' Media were barred from the meeting. But tweets and messages flew around from those inside. They described a bad-tempered gathering as committee members clashed over the bylaws for electing a new chair. Trump and Lake endorsed Gina Swoboda for the position, but her opponents said she was ineligible for the post under the party's own rules. The clashes over election integrity reflected intra-party squabbling ever since Trump refused to accept results in Arizona that showed he lost to Joe Biden. Swoboda was the former president's 2020 Arizona election day operations director and since then has led efforts to unearth voting irregularities around the country with Voter Reference Foundation. She was also 'election integrity director' for Lake's failed 2022 campaign to be governor. Lake repeatedly claimed the election was stolen from her, although courts rejected her claims of fraud. Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake was booed by Republicans in Arizona Saturday as she spoke in support of Gina Swoboda (left) at Dream City Church Media were barred from the Saturday meeting, which was marred by bad-tempered disputes Swoboda won the vote on Saturday night, but not without a difficult evening for Lake. The Senate candidate received a frosty reception inside the hall. Witnesses said her words were almost drowned out by booing as she delivered her endorsement of Swoboda. 'You may not agree with me on everything,' she said as she battled the noise, 'but what we can agree on is that elections in Arizona are a corrupt mess election.' Her team shrugged off the less-than-warm welcome. 'She nuked the unethical chairman of the AZGOP,' said senior adviser Garrett Ventry. 'Her endorsed candidate for AZGOP Chair just won. Kari Lake is the kingmaker for Arizona Republicans. Outside the meeting Hilary Jones Rojo, standing behind a stall selling bulletproof backpacks and flagpoles that can withstand winds of 85mph, said the turmoil had been necessary. 'I'm glad she exposed it,' she said. 'I think Jeff DeWit was doing things that chairmen have to do ... but I think it got very scummy.' Others put it more succinctly. 'I'm sick of this party,' said a red t-shirted man as he left the meeting. 'In my mind there's two types of Republicans: Trumpers and traitors.' As political con artists go, few are more brazen or more accomplished than Nicola Sturgeon, who was once widely deemed to have had a good pandemic. Her cheerleaders, who should now be hanging their heads in shame, never tired of painting her as the surefooted statesman who could do no wrong. The truth is more complicated, as the UK Covid Inquiry has demonstrated in recent weeks and tomorrow Ms Sturgeon is due to give evidence. Anyone holding out for some answers about how the pandemic was managed, or mismanaged, would be well-advised not to hold their breath. The former First Minister has serious form for bouts of amnesia; her memory failed her on around 50 occasions during the Salmondgate probe at Holyrood. Former First Minister is due to give evidence to the inquiry on Wednesday Decisions We can only hope that the forensic inquisition of a tireless KC will help her recollection of how policies were shaped and how big decisions were made. Ms Sturgeon suggested to the inquiry that at no point did she use diaries, but a few months before the pandemic she appeared at the Wigtown Book Festival and said she had started to keep a fairly comprehensive journal which she hoped one day to publish. As we know, she has secured a lucrative book deal since quitting last year, but we have to assume that her memoir isnt informed by any diaries, at least for the Covid years, as presumably she gave up on the one shed embarked upon before coronavirus arrived on our shores. Of course we must take her at her word, but then again trust in the SNP, and specifically in Ms Sturgeon and her hapless successor, is at a low ebb according to the pollsters, who also predict heavy electoral losses for the party. A mass cull of WhatsApps at the highest levels of government means the private exchanges of Ms Sturgeon and her deputy John Swinney once nicknamed Honest John have been lost, depriving the inquiry of a potential treasure trove of invaluable information. So far, Ms Sturgeons only defence of the mass deletion of evidence is that other people didnt get rid of their side of the conversations and so some messages do still exist gleefully seized upon by useful idiots on social media to prove her innocence. And yet Ms Sturgeon had given an assurance to bereaved families live on TV that WhatsApps and private emails would be disclosed, a promise that now lies in tatters. What has survived of those communications points to a clique of ministers, officials and top clinicians, including a former dentist, who spent some of their time engaged in expletive-ridden, puerile gossip, laughing about their own cluelessness in the midst of a major public health emergency. Professor Hugh Pennington told The Scottish Mail on Sunday that his own expertise wasnt utilised by the SNP Government during the pandemic, and he believes that he was excluded because of his pro-UK views. Favoured advisers included Professor Devi Sridhar who was a vocal advocate of zero Covid, the absurd notion that it was possible to eradicate the virus by adopting draconian measures such as quarantining people when crossing the Border. Professor Pennington was out in the cold despite his extensive knowledge of virus transmission after 24 years as chair of bacteriology at Aberdeen University. For her part, Professor Sridhar said back in 2021 that we have done the best we can in Scotland and a lot of mistakes have been made but we are having our hands tied along the way. It did no harm for Professor Sridhar to peddle this tripe and earned her a place in Ms Sturgeons inner sanctum. The zero Covid guru even discussed becoming her personal trainer. Ms Sturgeons former chief of staff Liz Lloyd described herself as a thought partner for her boss, but some of her thoughts were more than a little toxic. In a message in November 2020, Ms Lloyd said: I just want a good old-fashioned rammy so can think [sic] about something other than sick people. Among those deeply offended by this comment was Louise Slorance, whose civil servant husband Andrew described by Ms Sturgeon as a crucial part of her team died at a scandal-hit hospital after contracting Covid. Mrs Slorance observed that on this day, her [Ms Lloyds] colleague, was a sitting duck in a hospital with substandard ventilation and water that she knew would not and could not protect him. Desire The desire for a rammy went further than Ms Lloyd: Ms Sturgeon insisted back in June 2020 that were not dealing with politics at the moment, only a few hours after the Cabinet had agreed that consideration should be given to restarting work on independence. Ken Thomson, one of Scotlands most senior civil servants, and once the right-hand man of Donald Dewar, warned colleagues that their chat is discoverable under FOI [Freedom of Information law], and wanted them to know where the clear chat button is. Mr Thomson boasted to colleagues that plausible deniability are my middle names. This is the mandarin who back in 2022 said that breaking up Britain was his job, later breezily dismissed as an informal comment. The once-renowned civil service machine has seen its hard-won reputation for impartiality shredded by the SNPs secrecy culture. When it first emerged that Professor Jason Leitch, the national clinical director, had wiped his messages a pre-bed ritual, though he said at the inquiry that this was a flippant exaggeration SNP Government spokesmen said it was incorrect to say that he had deleted all his WhatsApps every day. Challenged on their initial rebuttal, they said it would be inappropriate to comment while the Covid inquiry was going on. Deceit That ropey excuse wont be open to Ms Sturgeon tomorrow when she is asked about the shabby deceit, distortions and media manipulation that characterised the SNP Government under her control and nothing much seems to have changed under Humza Yousaf. In 2021, the front cover of the SNP manifesto was emblazoned with an image of a beaming Ms Sturgeon under the heading Scotlands Future. But the days when she was seen as a progressive reformer who would lead us into a socialist nirvana, free from Westminsters yoke, now seem a very long time ago. Ms Sturgeon was used to appearing at her Podium of Doom on near-daily television broadcasts, but this week she will be on news bulletins for very different reasons. She will know all too well that what remains of her legacy is at stake, but the reality is that it is already assured. If she does feature in the history books, she will be remembered as a charlatan who helped to drag our democracy into the mire. Scotland's crisis-hit NHS has been accused of wasting millions on an army of diversity experts. The health service is now spending more than 2.3million annually on 50 workers in dedicated equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) roles, with the headcount rising by more than 40 per cent in five years. Spending on the positions has dramatically expanded at the same time as waiting lists have soared to record levels, and cash for other areas of the health service has been slashed. There is also a shortage of beds in NHS hospitals. Last week, it emerged that all significant NHS Scotland building projects were to be put on hold for at least two years due to cash shortages, placing doubts over the future of new national treatment centres which had been promised to tackle backlogs. Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr was critical of spending on equality staff Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr labelled the spending on equality staff bonkers and urged SNP ministers to instead order health boards to focus on patients. He said: The thousands of people in Scotland waiting to see someone in a hospital will be despairing at the priorities of the SNP Government. They are wasting millions on flim-flam and mumbo-jumbo rather than focusing 100 per cent of their energy and resources on front-line services. EDI managers typically help draw up equality policies for staff as well as tackling racism, sexism and LGBT issues. The number of EDI staff has expanded to 50 across the country, up from 35 in 2019. Some of the most senior NHS equality tsars earn salaries in excess of 80,000 per year. Separately, the Scottish Government spends more than 4million a year on EDI civil servants, including three directors on annual salaries of 117,800. Mr Kerr added: Thanks to the SNPs catastrophic mismanagement of the NHS, Scotland has the lowest cancer survival rates in Europe. A&E waiting times are the worst ever. Hospital staff are leaving the NHS because of the intolerable workload and stress. And yet the SNP chooses to spend millions on roles that do nothing to increase capacity and cut waiting times. The Scottish Government says the roles help foster an inclusive culture in the health service. Recent examples of work carried out by equality and diversity departments include launching a programme of reparations to make amends for historic links to slavery at NHS Lothian. The health board is organising an equality and diversity conference next month as part of its ongoing drive to become an anti-racist organisation. EDI staff also help shape policies on transgender issues, including guidance in Ayrshire and Arran which compared women concerned at sharing wards with male-bodied trans patients to racists and homophobes. A Scottish Government spokesman said yesterday: There is no place for discrimination of any kind in the NHS, or in Scottish society as a whole. Fostering an inclusive culture in the NHS is key to improving patient care and staff experience. When Americas elderly president was confronted by the slaughter of US soldiers in a cold-blooded surprise attack on a Middle Eastern military base, he lived up to his tough reputation. He withdrew his troops to a safe distance before punishing the Islamic radicals with a brutal bombardment. But that president was not Joe Biden. The year was 1983 and Ronald Reagan, then 72, used air strikes and the devastating firepower of the battleship USS Missouri to impose crushing reprisals on the Lebanese terror group responsible for the deaths of 241 US personnel in Beirut. Unlike Biden, Reagan was regarded by friend and foe alike as a gunslinger who would not back away from a fight. He was popular, presided over a thriving economy and was the leader of an undisputed superpower. He was also trusted by his European allies and wasnt facing an imminent election. None of those things is true for Biden, which means it will be much harder for him to retaliate effectively and proportionately following last Saturdays horrific attack on a US service base in Northeast Jordan, close to the Syrian border which left three servicemen dead and more than 34 wounded, many with traumatic brain injuries. The President, now 81, is no Reaganite Western hero. Indeed, he is increasingly seen as a posturing weakling, bullied by everyone from the Republicans to a revanchist Kremlin. And, like all weaklings, he lacks the authority to make his enemies back down by threats alone. He has two options run away or lash out. Ronald Reagan, then 72, used air strikes and devastating battleship firepower on the Lebanese terror group responsible for the deaths of 241 US personnel in Beirut in 1983 Where Reagan could act wisely in response to the suicide bombing on the Beirut barracks by one of the first Islamic jihadi groups, the pressure on Biden is more intense because of his long and naive record of Iranian appeasement. Todays crisis is the inevitable result. To be fair, Biden is struggling to deal with a much more complex geopolitical picture than Reagan faced during the Cold War. Then, Washington had its allies under control, as did Moscow. Now Americas friends, such as Israel, and her foes, including Iran, pursue their own goals. That makes pulling US troops out of the region harder if the militants step up their terror attacks perhaps by targeting US civilians on domestic soil. But if Biden continues with ineffectual punitive strikes against the Islamists, he will do little but waste expensive ordnance. This is what George W. Bush once derided as firing a million dollar missile up the backside of a ten dollar camel before he squandered trillions doing just that in Iraq. Lashing out with no long-term objective in mind will ultimately make America look powerless and thats something Biden cannot afford when he is already trailing in many polls to his presidential challenger, Donald Trump. That leaves him with one option: a massive retaliation. But against whom? The group claiming responsibility for the murderous onslaught on a military base known as Tower 22 calls itself Islamic Resistance in Iraq. Despite denials from Tehran, that is almost certainly a proxy brigade for the regime in Iran. The carnage at the US base, reportedly caused by a drone bomb at a barracks, suggests sophisticated technology and weaponry were involved. Such an attack must have been painstakingly planned. This is an echo of another Reagan-era bombing on the US embassy in Lebanon, which was rehearsed using a full-scale mock-up of the target site paid for and built by Iran. The head of the Republican opposition in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, has called on Biden to exercise American strength to compel Iran to change its behaviour. His fellow Republican senator, Tom Cotton, went even further: The only answer to these attacks must be devastating military retaliation against Irans terrorist forces. Anything less will confirm Joe Biden as a coward. Trump has been quick to blame the Biden administration for the crisis: Three years ago, Iran was weak, broke and totally under control, he posted. Then Joe Biden came in and gave Iran billions of dollars, which the regime has used to spread bloodshed. President Joe Biden is struggling to deal with a much more complex geopolitical picture than Reagan faced during the Cold War Trump is prone to hyperbole but on this occasion he has a point. Since 2021, Iran has benefited by an estimated $100billion (79billion), mostly thanks to the non-enforcement of US oil sanctions. There has also been a $10billion sanctions waiver, paid last November as part of a deal whereby Tehran promised not to develop a nuclear bomb and $6billion in cash paid as ransom for the release of American hostages. Both the Democrats and the Republicans have tried to control Iran using money as their weapon. But both political parties have discovered to their frustration that neither paying bribes nor blocking payments has worked. Iran wants money - and the mullahs will take financial inducements if they are offered. But Tehran is ruled by religious fundamentalists who are not primarily motivated by wealth. A spokesman for the Islamists who attacked Tower 22 summed up their mindset: We dont care about the US threats to respond. Martyrdom is our prize. In such a context, nothing can be more terrifying for the West and their moderate allies in the Middle East, such as Jordans King Abdullah II, than the prospect of an ayatollahs thumb on the nuclear red button. So, on one side, we see an enraged America, led by a feeble president who is liable to launch a massive escalation because he is afraid to do anything else. And on the other are the terrorist death cults, manipulated by fanatical Iranian mullahs, actively seeking an apocalyptic showdown with a superpower they call The Great Satan. The march towards war feels almost unstoppable. Certainly Britain, and maybe our European allies in Nato, will be drawn in, however much we dont want it. We share a base in Bahrain with the US Navy, for example, and we are already embroiled in retaliations against the Houthis in Yemen. We will have little choice but to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Washington. Meanwhile, anything that hurts the US is good for Moscows war on Ukraine, especially as a conflict in the Middle East will increase the value of Russian oil exports. And Beijing will be glad to see Americas attention distracted from Chinese tensions with Taiwan. Awesome firepower of the US Navy is demonstrated by the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier as it cruises in the Arabian Gulf in 2000 There is one slim hope. The Tower 22 attack appears to be another extension of the war in the Gaza Strip, like the Houthi missile and drone blitzes on shipping in the Red Sea. If Israel and the Palestinians could agree on a ceasefire, the Islamist terror attacks on US personnel might stop. That would allow Biden, like Reagan 40 years ago, to claim victory. But a Gaza peace deal cant happen without the release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas. And even then, theres little sign that Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu would consider anything short of Hamass total surrender. So dont count on it. An all-out war between America and Iran and its proxies might be postponed by a Gaza ceasefire. But the tinderbox that is the Middle East will still be vulnerable to the next spark, and could soon engulf the world. A high school student who spent six days in a coma after he was allegedly abducted and stabbed has spoken out about the sickening attack that left him fighting for life. Benjamin Phikhohpoom was left badly injured after he was allegedly pulled into a car by a group of teenagers outside Glen Eira College in Melbourne's southeast on Monday September 4, 2023, around 3.30pm. The 15-year-old was allegedly abducted by three teenagers outside the school who were armed with machetes and box-cutters. After the group demanded the student - who was in Year 9 at the time - hand over his phone and some of his personal belongings, Benjamin was allegedly run over by the car in which he was abducted. The student was dragged for 150m hanging from the door of the car before he was allegedly stabbed and then run over when he was thrown from the vehicle in Caulfield East. The teenage victim suffered brain and spinal injuries and had to undergo surgery after a bone in his ear was crushed. Benjamin Phikhohpoom (pictured ) was left fighting for life after he was allegedly abducted by a gang of teenagers outside of his school in Melbourne's southeast in September last year Benjamin was placed in a coma for six days at the Royal Children's Hospital and remained at the hospital for two months. He celebrated his 15th birthday with his parents by his bedside. Now, the teenager has broken his silence five months after his horrifying ordeal as he returned to school on Tuesday to start year 10. He said he is still recovering from his injuries but is looking forward to getting his life back on track and catching up with friends. 'Physically, I think I am doing fine, emotionally, a bit fearful, but lightning never hits the same place twice, so I think I will be OK,' he told the Herald Sun. 'Psychologically, I'm not quite sure how I'm going.' Benjamin said he doesn't remember what happened following the incident and doesn't want people to worry about him 'too much'. 'I'm still trying to get back to where I was,' he said. The teenager suffered serious injuries and spent six days in a coma after he was dragged by the car he was allegedly abducted in and then thrown from the vehicle (pictured, the scene of the alleged attack) The 15-year-old student (pictured) has made his return to school in Year 10 and says he is slowly recovering from his injuries His fellow students and teachers have rallied around Benjamin as his parents make sure he is supported and continues to receive the care he needs. Benjamin returned to school during the final weeks of term four last year. The three teenagers who allegedly carried out the attack were arrested and charged following the incident. All three have been granted bail and are set to face a children's court at a later date. One of the alleged offenders, a 14-year-old boy, faces 70 charges relating to several armed robberies and multiple counts of theft. The 14-year-old and a 15-year-old boy are alleged to have stolen the Volkswagen Tiguan that was used to allegedly abduct Benjamin the day before the incident. The day of the alleged attack, the pair also allegedly tried to steal a Mercedes GLS 450 worth more than $170,000 in Prahran. The father of a 21-year-old who was killed by his lover and her TikTok influencer daughter has spoken out to say he thinks his son was 'groomed' by the married mother-of-two. Ansreen Bukhari, 46, was jailed for plotting to kill Saqib Hussain after he blackmailed her and threatened to expose their three-year affair to her son and husband. Mrs Bukhari's influencer daughter Mahek, 24, recruited 'followers' to 'jump' Mr Hussain, who died alongside his friend Hashim Ijazuddin, 21, in a fireball crash on the A46 near Leicester in 2022. Mr Hussain's father Sajad has now spoken out, claiming that Mrs Bukhari's 'fame' as a result of her daughter's social media profile meant 'she thought she was untouchable, above the law.' He added that Saqib was only around 18 when he first met Mrs Bukhari, who was 'older than his own mother' and that his son 'fully trusted her'. Ansreen Bukhari (left), 46, and her influencer daughter Mahek (right), 24, were found guilty of two murders Mrs Bukhari, 46, was jailed for plotting to kill Saqib Hussain after he blackmailed her Saqib Hussain was ambushed and murdered in February 2022 after blackmailing his lover Mahek Bukhari (left) and her mother Ansreen Bukhari (right) were found guilty of the murders of Saqib Hussain and Mohammed Hashim Ijazuddin in a high-speed car chase in February 2022 Sajad and Mr Ijazuddin's father Sikander Hayat have spoken out ahead of appearing in ITV documentary, TikTok: Murder Gone Viral The Mother & Daughter Killers, tonight. Sajad told The Sun: 'He was so young. It might not have been illegal, but it was still grooming, I think... She should have known better.' In February 2022, Mr Hussain, accompanied by Mr Ijazuddin, was lured to a Tesco car park on the pretence that the mother and daughter were giving him back the 3,000 he said he had spent on Mrs Bukhari during their affair. But they were ambushed, chased by two cars containing eight people, including Bukhari and her mother, and died in a fireball on the A46 near Leicester. The mother and daughter both denied two counts of murder and two counts of manslaughter. They were found guilty of double murder following a three-month trial at Leicester Crown Court in August last year. Speaking following the sentencing of the two women, the family of Mr Hussain said they were 'shattered' by the deaths. They added that they 'do not feel that we have received justice as we have now got a life sentence.' Mohammed Hashim Ijazuddin was ambushed and murdered in February 2022 Influencer Mahek (pictured) recruited 'followers' to 'jump' her married mother's 21-year-old lover Saqib Hussain after he blackmailed her and threatened to expose their affair The family of Mr Ijazuddin said at the time that 'he was simply helping his friend and this resulted in his death'. Mr Ijazuddin's family said after sentencing: 'The day we found out Hashim had died, our world came crashing down. His death has changed everything. 'Everyone who knew Hashim, loved him. His death is not just a massive loss to our family but also to our whole community. 'Hashim was a cheeky young man who was always smiling, a handsome man who was beautiful both on the inside and out. He would do anything for anyone, was very caring and had a very kind heart. 'Hashim would always put others first and wouldn't hesitate to help others if they needed it. On that tragic day, he was simply helping his friend and this resulted in his death. 'It has been extremely painful not only losing Hashim at such a young age but also in the circumstances in which we lost him. 'We will always be extremely proud of Hashim. Whatever he would have done in life, we know he would have excelled in it. Hashim was and will always be our superstar and our one-in-a-million.' Passing sentence at Leicester Crown Court in September, Judge Timothy Spencer KC jailed 'self-obsessed' Bukhari for a minimum of 31 years and eight months and her mother, who appeared in many of her online videos, for at least 26 years and nine months. The judge pointed to the negative impact of social media in the background to the murders. Addressing the daughter, he said: 'Your tawdry fame through your career as an influencer has made you utterly self-obsessed with a wholly unjustified sense of entitlement and no apparent awareness of the impact you have on others, oblivious to the damage you do. 'That your solution to your mother's problems was to engage some of your male followers to beat up Saqib Hussain speaks volumes of your warped values and maybe also of the false world of influencing that you so enthusiastically espoused.' Rishi Sunak's Rwanda asylum law has cleared its first major hurdle in the House of Lords, but faces a bruising ride as the Archbishop of Canterbury warned it is 'leading the nation down a damaging path'. The government has been working to send asylum seekers who cross the Channel in small boats on a one-way flight to Kigali, as part of Rishi Sunak's pledge to 'stop the boats'. A barrage of criticism has been levelled at the Government's Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, during its lengthy second reading debate in the upper chamber, with accusations that it was immoral, repugnant and an attempt to 'legislate a lie'. In a withering rebuke, Justin Welby accused the Government of outsourcing the country's 'legal and moral responsibilities' and signalled he may yet seek to block the scheme. The top Anglican cleric also argued 'a pick-and-choose approach to international law' undermined the UK's global standing. In a withering rebuke, Justin Welby accused the Government of outsourcing the country's 'legal and moral responsibilities' The government has been working to send asylum seekers who cross the Channel in small boats on a one-way flight to Kigali, as part of Rishi Sunak's pledge to 'stop the boats' It even saw Tory grandee Ken Clarke warn over the risks of moving the UK towards an 'elective dictatorship'. But ministers argued that the Bill was 'the moral course' and 'the humane thing to do'. The controversial draft legislation seeks to address the legal challenges which have dogged the stalled policy by compelling judges to regard the east African country as safe, while giving ministers the power to ignore emergency injunctions. While the Bill survived a Liberal Democrat-led bid to derail it, the unelected chamber is certain to seek numerous changes, putting them on a collision course with the Tory administration and an extended tussle between the Commons and Lords during 'ping-pong'. The Prime Minister had warned peers against blocking 'the will of the people' by frustrating the passage of the legislation ahead of an election, having made 'stopping the boats' a key pledge of his leadership. Speaking during the debate, Mr Welby said: 'We can, as a nation, do better than this Bill. 'With this Bill the Government is continuing to seek good objectives in the wrong way, leading the nation down a damaging path.' He added: 'Rwanda is a country I know well, it is a wonderful country and my complaint is not with Rwanda, nor with its people. It has overcome challenges that this House cannot begin to imagine. Given the Lords is a revising chamber, Mr Welby said 'sadly' he would not back the move to block the Bill at second reading 'But this Bill continues, wherever it does it, to outsource our legal and moral responsibilities for refugees and asylum seekers, with other countries far poorer already supporting multitudes more than we are now and to cut back on our aid.' He said: 'The UK should lead internationally as it has in the past, not stand apart. 'A pick-and-choose approach to international law undermines our global standing and offends against the principle of universality that is their increasingly threatened foundation.' Given the Lords is a revising chamber, Mr Welby said 'sadly' he would not back the move to block the Bill at second reading, although he found the argument for it 'convincing and powerful'. He pointedly added: 'But I think we have to wait until third reading and have done our revising work.' Labour frontbencher Lord Coaker warned the Government over flouting international law. He said: 'If we don't think international law matters, what are we doing in Ukraine? What are we doing in the Red Sea with respect to the Houthis?' He added: 'If international law and conventions don't matter, and you can disregard them when you want, what does that say for the international rules-based order?' (PA Graphics) Home Office minister Lord Sharpe of Epsom said: 'Stopping illegal migration is an important issue for both the public and this Government. Parliament and the British people want an end to illegal migration and therefore we need a deterrent. 'The Archbishop of Canterbury and other members were right to place this Bill in its moral context but proceeding with this Bill is the moral course. 'We must put a stop to the dangerous Channel crossings that are putting lives at risk and we must put an end to this mass trafficking of people to save lives. That is the humane thing to do and it is the fair thing to do.' Meanwhile, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has warned the Bill risks the UK breaching its obligations under international law. It argued the draft legislation 'undermines the universality of human rights' and in doing so 'could expose people to harm and breaches of their right to life, their rights to be free from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and their right to effective remedy'. The number of migrants who made unauthorised Channel crossings of the Channel this year passed 1,000 after more than 300 made the journey at the weekend. The asylum scheme comes with a 290 million bill but a series of legal challenges has meant no flights have taken off since it was first proposed in 2022, when Boris Johnson was in Number 10. Under the plan, people who cross the Channel in small boats could be removed to Rwanda rather than being allowed to seek asylum in the UK. The legislation, along with the recently signed treaty with Kigali, is aimed at ensuring the scheme is legally watertight after the Supreme Court ruling against it last year. A gunman who was shot dead in Florida after killing his grandfather and injuring two cops had just murdered a retired priest and his sister, police have said. Officers arrived at a home in Palm Bay after receiving a routine report about a man being disruptive and damaging property during a Sunday afternoon birthday party. A gunfight broke out which ended with Brandon Kapas, 24, dead after shooting two officers and fatally injuring his grandfather William Kapas who had tried to intervene. Police then discovered an arsenal of weapons in his car which they found was registered to an address in the north of the city. When they went there later that evening they found the bodies of Father Robert Hoeffner, 76, and his sister Sally in the home they shared together. Brandon Kapas, 24, had already murdered two people by the time police in Palm Bay were called to deal with the disturbance he was causing at a family birthday party On the other side of the city Fr Robert 'Bob' Hoeffner, 76, (pictured center last year) was lying dead next to his sister after being shot dead for his car by Kapas Kapas's grandfather William was also shot dead by his grandson after trying to calm him down 'Our officers' actions yesterday prevented something even more tragic and devastating from happening and potentially what could have been potentially an active shooter-type incident,' Palm Bay police chief Mariano Angello told a press conference. 'Our officers did what they were trained to do, and that's neutralize and stop a threat to our community.' News of the deaths appalled friends and colleagues of the popular Catholic priest who celebrated 50 years in the ministry only last year. 'Throughout his priesthood, Father Hoeffner served the people of God with compassion and humility,' said the Most Reverend John Noonan of the Diocese of Orlando. 'We will miss his grace-filled presence. We know he and his sister are received by the Lord with mercy and love.' Kapas had a series of previous arrests dating back to at least 2019 in Brevard County for DUI and drug offenses, and resisting arrest. Police who arrived at the home on Forgal Avenue NE at 2.30pm on Sunday were warned by his uncle that Kapas might be armed. It was then that Kapas was seen bolting out of the front door and heading towards the stolen car. Neighbors caught the moment police officers fired the fatal shots at Kapas Police were then horrified to discover an arsenal of weapons in Kapas's stolen car Officers scrambled for cover as shots rang out in the peaceful Forgal Avenue neighborhood Some used a patrol car door as cover to protect themselves from the bullets Palm Bay police chief Mariano Angello told a press conference his officers had prevented 'what could have been potentially an active shooter-type incident' Chief Angello said he was tasered after refusing to comply with a request to stop but managed to break free during a scuffle with officers. Two deputies were shot and injured before more officers arrived at the scene and chased Kapas up the street as he fired back at them. The man's grandfather was caught in the crossfire before the 24-year-old himself was shot dead. 'It's a very quiet neighborhood and on our street we've been very good at looking out for each other, so for anything to happen its shocking,' one neighbor told Fox35. 'It's really scary because this is like my home area, so to see all this going on is very overwhelming,' said another. 'It's too close to home.' Father Hoeffner was born in Rochester, New York, before moving to Fort Pierce as a child, and began training for the priesthood at 14. He founded the parish of St Isaac Jogues and was for many years the front man for the diocese's TV broadcasts. He became pastor of St Joseph Parish in Palm Bay where he would continue to serve the parish and school community until his retirement in 2016, and he reflected last year on the joy his career had brought him. 'I remembered walking into a McDonalds in Georgia on a youth group excursion and someone said, 'You're the TV priest!' he said. 'The Mass was shown in five dioceses. I'm proud to have been a part of that. 'I've had a glorious ride. I'm proud to serve and do wonderful things for wonderful people. I enjoy doing that. 'I've spent 50 years doing absolutely incredible things and I am thankful to God for it.' Augello said both of his injured officers were expected to recover in hospital, and he also paid tribute to the murdered priest. 'He was a pillar of the community that I'm aware of for many, many years before his retirement,' he said. 'Two of our officers were shot today as a result of doing their job, and that's to protect and serve our community and the members and our citizens of Palm Bay,' he added. 'We will not tolerate anybody raising their guns or any type of lethal force or aggression towards our police officers.' Father Hoeffner celebrated 50 years in the ministry last year calling it a 'glorious ride' Kapas had a series of previous arrests dating back to at least 2019 in Brevard County for DUI and drug offenses, and resisting arrest 'It's really scary because this is like my home area, so to see all this going on is very overwhelming,' one neighbor told Fox35 Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina also praised the injured officers. 'I was saddened to have been informed of the tragic events in our beloved city,' he said. 'My thoughts and prayers are with the families that are experiencing the loss of life of their loved ones. 'I am thankful and grateful to Father God our law enforcement officials do not have life threatening injuries. 'They continue to exemplify service before self as they serve and protect our families.' Hunter Biden's business associate Eric Schwerin is facing questions about then-Vice President Joe Biden's use of pseudonyms to discuss activities related to Ukraine. Joe Biden used various private email addresses from which he would sometimes send, receive and forward government correspondence according to emails found on Hunter Biden's now-infamous laptop. 'Robin Ware,' 'Robert L. Peters' and 'JRB ware' were three pseudonyms used on emails that were about both official and family business. Schwerin, a close business associate of Hunter's at his investment firm Rosemont Seneca, is being brought in Tuesday under a subpoena by Republicans leading the impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden. He is sitting for closed-door testimony related to his communications with White House staff regarding Ukraine. Republicans say that the bulk of Schwerin's communications with Joe Biden's pseudonym accounts occurred between 2010 and 2019 - with the most volume in the years Joe was vice president. According to Schwerin's opening remarks first obtained by CNN, he called GOP allegations 'preposterous' and maintained that he was 'not aware of any financial transactions or compensation' Joe Biden received through his family's businesses. Schwerin was a close business associate of Hunter's at his investment firm Rosemont Seneca Republican investigators say NARA has released documents showing Schwerin had 'direct contact with White House employees regarding Burisma, a Ukrainian entity that paid Hunter Biden millions of dollars and that is relevant to the Committees ongoing investigation' In August, the House Oversight Committee demanded information from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) related to the pseudonym emails used by then-VP Joe. They say that the agency has stonewalled their requests for information and only have produced documents 'innocuous or flattering' toward Biden. In December, the House Committee on Ways and Means released an 11-page spreadsheet compiled by an IRS criminal investigator that included 'dozens of email exchanges' with Hunter, Schwerin and Biden's pseudonyms. The committee said that specifically 54 of those emails were just between Joe Biden and Schwerin. Republican investigators say NARA has released documents showing Schwerin had 'direct contact with White House employees regarding Burisma, a Ukrainian entity that paid Hunter Biden millions of dollars and that is relevant to the Committees ongoing investigation.' They plan to question Schwerin about those communications, including the already-released accounts. DailyMail.com previously reported on Schwerin's emails with then-VP staffer Kate Bedingfield in December 2015 regarding Hunter's Ukraine ties. In an exchange on December 4, 2015 labeled 'Quotes,' Schwerin sought the VP's sign-off on statements he suggested the White House use to respond to media inquiries regarding Hunter's role in Ukrainian oil company Burisma as Joe ramped up his anti-corruption work in the country. At the time, Hunter was serving on the board of the company making roughly $83,000 a month despite having no previous experience in the energy industry. According to the records, Schwerin wrote to Bedingfield's official '@ovp.eop.gov' account, suggesting language 'from a spokesperson for Hunter' distancing Joe from Hunter's lucrative Burisma role. She replied: 'VP signed off on this' a few hours later, and then sent the statement to the New York Times and other inquiring outlets. On the exact day of the email exchange, Hunter was actually in Dubai with Burisma executives at a dinner at the Four Seasons. Hunter allegedly said at that dinner that he would be able to get 'help from D.C.' in order to relieve some 'government pressure' on the company as they faced corruption probes. His other associate Devon Archer testified before Congress last year that Burisma 'requested Hunter, you know, help them with some of that pressure,' and 'D.C.' meant his influence based on his connection to his then-VP father. 'Well, I mean, he was a lobbyist and an expert and obviously he carried, you know, a very powerful name. So I think it was that's what they were asking for,' said Archer about Hunter. He then continued on to confirm that immediately after Hunter was asked to help during the Four Seasons meeting, he 'called his dad.' Although Archer was not 'privy' to the call, he was told that 'we called D.C.' The emails between Schwerin and Bedingfield were first publicized by America First Legal in March as part of an ongoing Freedom of Information Act lawsuit with the National Archives. Many of the related emails have been 'withheld in full' due to White House executive privilege. The White House has maintained that Joe Biden has never been 'in business' with his son or aware of his foreign dealings. This is the second time Schwerin has been interviewed by the House Oversight Committee. In March 2023, he told committee staff that he was 'not aware' of transactions 'into or out' of then-Vice President Joe Biden's bank account that were connected to Biden family business, according to a Democrat aide. Schwerin also acted as then-VP Biden's financial adviser from 2009 to 2017, according to the aide. The White House has maintained that Joe Biden has never been 'in business' with his son or aware of his foreign dealings Oversight Chairman James Comer has also demanded 'all drafts' of then-VP Biden's speech that he delivered to the Ukrainian Rada on December 9, 2015. During the speech, Biden touted his anti-corruption efforts in the country and urged an overhaul and reform of the office of the general prosecutor. At the time, top Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin was investigating oil company Burisma Holdings for corruption - the same company that Hunter was a sitting board member of. In March 2016, Joe Biden is alleged to have threatened to withhold $1 billion in aid to Ukraine if Shokin was not fired for corruption, which he eventually was. The economy is losing out on an 11billion boost because of the 'tourist tax', a report out today has found. Bringing back tax-free shopping for visitors could tempt an extra two million tourists to visit the UK, it is revealed. The figures will put further pressure on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to bring back the refund scheme, which was abandoned in a post-Brexit bonfire. Marks & Spencer, Harrods and Heathrow are among more than 400 prominent businesses that have backed the Mail's campaign calling for the Government to Scrap the Tourist Tax. Bringing back tax-free shopping for visitors could tempt an extra two million tourists to visit the UK (stock photo) The figures will put further pressure on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to bring back the refund scheme, which was abandoned in a post-Brexit bonfire And now the analysis from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has shown the benefits that restoring the scheme could have on the economy. Axing the tax would help boost 'spillover' spending across restaurants, shops hotels and transport. Last week, official data revealed that there were a million fewer tourists in the UK last summer than there were in the same quarter of 2019. According to the CEBR report, this number would have been 589,000 higher under a tax-free scheme meaning an extra 1.3billion in spending. If the country had enjoyed a more lucrative summer, additional visitor spending would have delivered a 3.5billion extra boost to gross domestic product (GDP). The centre said this would represent an 11.1billion annual boost to the economy. Although it would cost money to bring back the scheme, extra spending from tourists would boost public finances and fill the Treasury's coffers by 2.5billion, the report said. Sam Miley, the CEBR's managing economist, said: 'The boost to public finances that could result from the scheme should be of interest to policymakers, particularly as the Chancellor prepares for the upcoming Spring Budget.' Rishi Sunak scrapped the shopping scheme in 2021 when he was Chancellor but most other European nations continue to offer the incentive. Ministers have attempted to dismiss the concerns of top business leaders by arguing tax-free shopping benefits only luxury brands and the most affluent tourists hunting for a bargain. But bosses and MPs said last night that tourist spending supports jobs across the country, including in manufacturing industries. Supporters of the campaign have called on Mr Hunt to act in the Spring Budget on March 6 (stock photo) Businesses including airports, designer fashion labels and high-street chains have said this makes the UK a less attractive option for visitors compared to nations such as France and Italy. Andrew Hinds, of the high-street jeweller F.Hinds, said the range of businesses calling for change from Harvey Nichols to Primark signified the levy's widespread effects. 'It's not just about people walking up and down Bond Street,' he said. 'It affects the whole economy and country, it is affecting people in manufacturing [and] people working in shops.' Supporters of the campaign have called on Mr Hunt to act in the Spring Budget on March 6. Nickie Aiken, Tory MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, said: 'The data makes it is clear that the UK economy is hurting because of the Government's previous decision.' Conservative MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown urged the Chancellor 'to look again at all this data and bring back tax-free shopping in the Spring Budget'. The Network Rail diversity champion behind a controversial 'Pride pillar' has found himself at the centre of a misogyny row. Shane Andrews, who chairs Network Rail's employee network for promoting LGBT inclusion, was criticised after a number of deeply offensive social media posts emerged. Campaigners said they were 'horrified' by the tweets - some of which date back as far as a decade - and include derogatory language towards women and lesbians. They also include lewd references to then-teenaged Tom Daley, suggestions he would try to photograph a 'sexy conductor' without their knowledge and an offensive joke about Anne Frank. In a recent tweet defending National Rail's decision to install a 'Pride pillar' in London Bridge station, Mr Andrews posted: 'No time for TERFs [trans-exclusionary radical feminists]. They're not even worth my energy replying/arguing/debating. Shane Andrews, who chairs Network Rail's employee network for promoting LGBT inclusion, was criticised after a number of deeply offensive social media posts emerged. Pictured: With Labour leader Keir Starmer In a recent tweet defending National Rail's decision to install a 'Pride pillar' (pictured) in London Bridge station, Mr Andrews slammed'Terfs' 'Trans people are people, not a subject to be debated. Everyone matters. Trans rights are human rights.' The word 'terf' has been used as a pejorative for feminists who hold gender-critical views. Mr Andrews was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year's Honours Lists for his work to boost inclusivity, referencing his work as a Scout leader. He is no longer a member of the Scouts. At the time Network Rail described the achievement as 'instrumental in helping us become more reflective of the communities we serve'. But campaigners questioned a number of misogynistic posts made by Mr Andrews, including one describing Carole Vorderman as a 'b***h'. Another said: 'I hate Gaby Logan [sic]. Not a clue about rugby. B***** bimbo.' Other posts include gratuitous sexual remarks about then 17-year-old Olympian Mr Daley as well as vile jokes about child sexual abuse. One post read: 'OMG! Tom Daley semi naked on front of this weeks Radio Times. Feels wrong as he's so young mind, but jee he's handsome!' In a bitter irony, it emerged last night Mr Andrews is also on the judges panel at this year's Women in Rail awards. The incident is a further embarrassment for Network Rail who have already faced criticism for their Pride pillar at London Bridge station Commending Mr Andrews, his biography states his role as Network Rail's employee inclusion chair adds 'a vibrant touch to his portfolio'. 'Shane's dual roles in the transport realm and as an advocate for LGBT+ inclusion paint a dynamic picture of a leader who not only delivers but also champions the rail industry but a diverse and inclusive future,' it added. But last night women's right's groups said Mr Andrews' inclusion on the panel undermined efforts to promote women in Britain's railways. Heather Binning of the Women's Rights Network said: 'We are horrified by Mr Andrews' comments on social media. He clearly has a big problem with women and lesbians in particular. Yet Network Rail gave him role where he chaired the LGBT employee Network. Not only that but he is a judge of the Women In Rail awards. 'How can someone like Andrews' be truly 'inclusive' and understand 'equality' if he says such misogynistic, offensive things about women? If he's saying all this in public, what is he saying behind closed doors in what is already one of the most male-dominated industries.' The incident is a further embarrassment for Network Rail who have already faced criticism for their Pride pillar at London Bridge station. Unveiled to mark LGBT+ history month, the pillar featured flags representing 'gender fluidity', 'demisexuality' and 'polyamory'. Critics of the exhibit said the publicly owned railway company had broken its own 'no political posters' rule. A Network Rail spokesperson said: 'We have become aware of Shane's posts on X and are looking into the issue with him.' The daughter of a woman who was murdered after she was mistaken for the wife of Rupert Murdoch is set to hand over 'credible evidence' that her mother was buried on a Hertfordshire farm. Muriel McKay was killed in 1969 by a pair of brothers, who mistakenly snatched her and demanded a 1million ransom from media mogul Rupert Murdoch. The killers believed they had taken his first wife, Anna, and inflicted torturous cruelty on their helpless victim. The brothers, Nizamodeen and Arthur Hosein, buried Muriel, whose remains have never been found, on a plot of land on a Hertfordshire farm in Stocking Pelham. This week, Muriel's daughter Dianne McKay embraced her Nizamodeen, and kissed him on each cheek as they met in his native Trinidad, where he was deported having served 20 years in jail. Dianne asked the killer to show her the spot where her mother was buried as she is still determined to give her the 'burial she deserves' Brothers Arthur, left, and Nazamodeen Hosein were found guilty of her murder Police searched fields at Stocking Farm near the village of Stocking Pelham in Hertfordshire in 2022 while looking for Muriel McKay's remains Mother-of-three Muriel McKay, went missing from her home in Wimbledon, south-west London, in December 1969 in a suspected kidnap and murder Scotland Yard said that representatives spoke to Dianne as she flew back from the Caribbean and arranged a meeting with her. Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin, who tracked down Wayne Couzens, was told by Dianne's son Mark Dyer: 'The evidence is completely credible. We have extensive video of him pointing to a part of the farm where he says she is buried.' The Met Police says it hopes the evidence is enough to obtain a warrant to dig up the site, as the landowner has previously said he would not cooperate with the McKay family's request to access the farm, and told them to go though official police channels. Hosein seemingly admitted to the killing. Chillingly, in a meeting over the weekend, he pointed to a spot on a photograph of the farm where Muriel was held, and told her daughter: 'This is where I buried her.' Mother-of-three Muriel, 55, was grabbed from her London home and taken to a farm which was owned at the time by killer brother Arthur Hosein, who died in prison. The Hosein brothers mistook Mrs McKay for Anna Murdoch after seeing their car by her house. Nizamodeen Hosein served 20 years in prison before being deported to his native Trinidad The abduction is believed to have involved a case of mistaken identity - with the kidnappers intending to seize Anna Murdoch, first wife of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch He claimed that he is now trying his best to help as he hasn't got much time left Hosein pointed to a spot on a photograph of the farm where Muriel was held, and told her daughter: 'This is where I buried her.' Murdoch and Anna had loaned their chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce to Mrs McKay's husband Alick, an executive at News Limited and deputy to Murdoch's deputy, while they were on holiday, unaware a 1million kidnap plot was under way. The scheme was the brainchild of Arthur Hosein, who had arrived in Britain in the 1960s and borrowed heavily to buy his farmhouse. His brother Nizam, 12 years younger, followed him here in summer 1969 and became embroiled in the kidnap plan. The pair spent several days following the Rolls-Royce, thinking they were tracking Anna Murdoch - but instead seized Muriel as she returned to her home from dropping off her cleaning lady on December 29. Her husband arrived later to find the front door open, lights on and no sign of his wife - while in the hallway, the phone had been pulled from the wall. The contents of his wife's handbag were strewn across the stairs and a rusty meat cleaver was on the floor. Mrs McKay's daughter Dianne, then 29 and a mother of two young children, took a phone call the following day from a man she now knows was Nizamodeen. He told her they were 'the mafia' and had Dianne's mother, before the family then received a scribbled note in Mrs McKay's handwriting begging them to 'do something to get me home' and a ransom letter demanding 1 million. After a bodged attempt to pick up a suitcase of ransom money, the kidnappers were arrested at the farm in January - but there was no sign of Mrs McKay. Dianne McKay coming face to face with her mother's killer Nizamodeen Hosein in his native Trinidad Alick McKay makes an appeal from his home in Wimbledon for the safe return of his missing wife Muriel, on 9th January 1970. He is accompanied by his son Ian and daughters Jennifer (left) and Dianne (right) Nizamodeen Hosein was 22 when found guilty of Mrs McKay's murder The family of murder victim Mrs McKay, pictured, have been pushing for new information about where her body might have been left The Hosein brothers refused to say where she was, leading to grisly speculation that her body had been fed to the pigs on the farm - and when they took the stand at their Old Bailey trial in September 1970, each tried to blame the other. Both were found guilty of kidnapping and murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, though Nizamodeen was released in 1990 and deported. The two brothers were locked up in one of the first times a murder conviction was brought without a body - though both then refused to admit their part in a crime which made headlines around the world. They were depicted in waxworks in the 'Chamber Of Horrors' at the Madame Tussaud's museum in London. Nizamodeen refused for years to give details about Mrs McKay's fate - yet now claims she collapsed and died of a heart attack at the remote farm where he and his brother were holding her. Arthur and Nizamodeen Hosein were remanded in custody by Wimbledon magistrates The pair would later be found guilty of murder despite no body being found Mrs McKay was seized outside her family's home in Wimbledon, south-west London Hosein now claims to be certain he could remember the spot where he buried Mrs McKay's body - despite the buildings and surrounding farmyard and fields having significantly altered since the kidnap in 1969. He says he panicked and buried her body under a dung heap behind the farmhouse. According to The Times, Hosein told Dianne: 'I was young and scared of my brother. I just did what I was told. 'Muriel called me son and that's the hardest part about it. I regret every single bit of it and I wish I could turn back the hands of time but I can't. My head has been in turmoil. I cannot sleep at night and I want closure. I get up and walk for miles, the police find me in the street and have to take me home.' Dianne told the newspaper she will never be able to forgive Hosein but just wants the help. He claimed that he is now trying his best to help as he hasn't got much time left. Dianne asked the killer to show her the spot where her mother was buried as she is still determined to give her the 'burial she deserves'. Police had searched an area of the farm in 2022, but Hosein claims they searched the wrong area. Speaking about the emotional meeting, Dianne told Sky: 'I think you've got to see Nizam as the young man that did the crime, not this funny old guy. You've got to see through all that. That's the only way I can cope. 'He was young and very much under the influence of his brother who was a horrible person. Nizam hadn't long arrived in Britain and knew no one. He went along with what his brother told him to do.' The Metropolitan Police said earlier this month: 'We most recently met some members of Muriel's family in May 2023 and continue to keep in contact with them. 'An extensive search for Muriel's remains was conducted in March 2022 at a site in Hertfordshire, unfortunately it concluded unsuccessfully. 'We continue to review any opportunities to recover Muriel's body and return her to her family.' He was warned by doctors to steer clear of exercise after crash An inspirational professor who was named as the Australian of the Year suffered a catastrophic bike accident just days before the ceremony which left him battered and bruised. But Professor Richard Scolyer AO showed little sign of his painful ordeal when he accepted his award last Thursday and delivered a moving speech to the country about the dangers of melanoma. Prof Scolyer and his University of Sydney colleague Professor Georgina Long AO were honoured for their work on treatments for the disease, which in its advanced form was fatal just a decade ago. The award was especially poignant given Prof Scolyer was last year diagnosed with an incurable form of brain cancer. He has selflessly offered himself as a test subject for pioneering research in a bid to help save brain cancer victims in the future. But when Prof Scolyer took to the stage, he had nasty red gashes down one side of his face and a swollen cheek. It was the only visible sign he had been badly banged up. When Professor Scolyer took to the stage, he had nasty red gashes down one side of his face and a swollen cheek Professor Richard Scolyer AO showed little sign of his painful ordeal when he accepted his gong and delivered a moving speech to the country about the dangers of melanoma last Thursday Professor Georgina Long AO and Professor Richard Scolyer AO (pictured together) have been jointly-named Australian of the Year Prof Scolyer had taken a tumble over his bike handles on his way to joining a park run in Sydney on Saturday, January 20 - just five days before the award ceremony. The professor was bloodied and bruised, had a gash on his face and had an ache in his neck, but he got on with his day and ran the five kilometres in 27 minutes. He wasn't as fast as he usually is, but he finds exercise and training for triathalons a good way to switch off from the pressure of his day-to-day work and ongoing treatment. On Monday, he revealed he had started his 11th course of immunotherapy after recovering from the crash. 'No exercise all week after bike crash last Saturday,' he said. 'Still on a high after last weeks Australian of the Year events.' Prof Long and Prof Scolyer, who are co-directors of the Melanoma Institute, issued a stark warning to all Australians ahead of Australia Day in their acceptance speech. The researchers from the University of Sydney jointly received the accolade from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the 2024 awards held in Canberra on Thursday evening He had taken a tumble over his bike handles on his way to complete a park run in Sydney on Saturday, January 20 - just five days before the award ceremony 'Sadly everyone knows someone with melanoma. It's as Aussie as our golden beaches and our sweeping plains,' Prof Scolyer told the crowd. 'We're the melanoma gold medalists but this is not a gold medal to be proud of. In most cases, melanoma is preventable with sun safe behavior and prevention is always better than a cure. 'Yet tomorrow, thousands of Aussies will be soaking up the sun, working on their tans. Or as we see it, brewing their melanomas. 'When it comes to tanning, we are swimming outside the flags. A tan is skin cells in trauma from overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. 'There is nothing healthy about a tan, nothing. Our bronzed Aussie culture is actually killing us. 'So we call on advertisers and social media influencers: stop glamourising tanning. Or using it to sell or advertise or entertain. And to our fellow Australians, when you see it, call it out, demand change.' The inspirational professor who was awarded Australian of the Year suffered a bike accident just days before the ceremony which left him battered and bruised The cancer experts have developed a number of world-leading treatments following world leading research in immunotherapy. READ MORE: All Australians of the Year for 2024 Australian Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon (pictured), 29, has been recognised as Young Australian of the Year Advertisement Professors Long and Scolyer's pioneering treatment approach activates the patient's immune system as opposed to surgery and chemo or radiotherapies meaning the malignant condition is now curable. The two professors have developed a series of world-first treatments based on their melanoma breakthroughs. He then became the world's first brain cancer patient to have pre-surgery combination immunotherapy, while also receiving doses of a personalised vaccine to combat the tumour. Even though the experimental therapy was a risk to Prof Scolyer's own life, it was through this treatment that the pair advanced the understanding of brain cancer to the benefit of future patients. While not completely cured of the cancer, recent brain scans have returned positive results, with no sign of a recurrence of the glioblastoma after eight months of treatment. Prof Scolyer has also shared his progress and the unorthodox treatment process on social media, generating widespread public interest. Mark Ray Haydon has apparently expressed remorse for his role in Australia's worst serial killings but that will be no comfort to those who dread his release. Haydon, who helped cover up the notorious 'bodies-in-the-barrels' murders committed in South Australia in the 1990s and has served 25 years in jail, is set to walk free in May without any restrictions or supervision. While Haydon was never convicted of murdering any of John Bunting, Robert Wagner and James Vlassakis's 11 confirmed victims, he was intimately involved in one of most horrific series of crimes in Australian history. In May 1999, police found eight dismembered bodies in six vats filled with hydrochloric acid hidden in a disused bank vault at Snowtown, about 145km north of Adelaide. Mark Ray Haydon (above) has served 25 years for his role in Australia's worst serial killings and is set to be released. Haydon helped cover up the notorious 'bodies-in-the-barrels' murders committed in South Australia in the 1990s Two more bodies were soon found at Bunting's former home at Salisbury North in Adelaide's northern suburbs, and another death previously considered suicide was attributed to the killers. Remains which had been located five years earlier at Lower Light, 45km north of the capital, were later identified as those of the first person Bunting had killed. All the victims were murdered between August 1992 and May 1999. Most were known to the killers and some were members of their families. Many had been tortured and forced to provide statements which were used to disguise their murders. Social security payments were diverted from bank accounts after they were deceased. Only one, Vlassakis's step-brother David Johnson, was actually killed at Snowtown but the name of the wheat-belt town has been attached to the crimes ever since. In one of the most appalling details of the murders, Vlassakis would claim Wagner cooked and ate parts of Johnson, offering some of the fried flesh to him. Among those slaughtered by the group was Haydon's wife Elizabeth, also known as Audrey, who was the sister of Bunting's partner Jodie Elliott. While Haydon was never convicted of murdering any of John Bunting, Robert Wagner (above) and James Vlassakis's confirmed 11 victims, he was intimately involved in one of most horrific series of crimes in Australian history Bunting led his followers to believe their victims should be killed because they were paedophiles, homosexuals, transvestites or drug users. He claimed others were fat, had learning disabilities or were generally 'weak'. But the South Australian Supreme Court would eventually hear Bunting and Wagner were motivated by 'enjoyment' and had bragged about what they were doing. Bunting referred to killing as 'Smurfing' because the victims would turn blue and described storing bodies in the bank vault as taking them to the 'clinic'. Mark Haydon's wife Elizabeth, also known as Audrey, was one of those killed by the group At the time of their arrests, Haydon was 40, Bunting 32, Wagner 27 and Vlassakis 19. Haydon kept victims' bodies in barrels at his home and co-signed the lease on the Snowtown bank where they were later stored and eventually found by police. Vlassakis, who gave evidence against Bunting and Wagner, said at their trial that Haydon had laughed when shown his wife's body at the bank. She was dressed in a green parachute jacket and her hands had been severed. 'John Bunting lifted the lid of a barrel,' Vlassakis told a Supreme Court jury. 'He said, "That's Audrey in there".' '[Bunting] laughed and said he couldn't believe how quick she had - I think the words were - festered, or rotted away.' Asked how Haydon had reacted, Vlassakis said: 'He laughed.' While the four men were inside the vault, Bunting and Wagner began cutting up the body of Troy Youde, who was Vlassakis's half-brother and had been murdered at Murray Bridge. Vlassakis said Haydon did not want to watch and walked into a foyer so he could not see what was happening. Ringleader John Bunting (above) led his followers to believe their victims should be killed because they were paedophiles, homosexuals, transvestites, drug users, fat, had learning disabilities or were 'weak' 'He stayed outside... he poked his head in a couple of times,' Vlassakis said. 'I remember Mark saying he couldn't handle it, and I agreed with him.' Those found to have been murdered were: Clinton Trezise, 22, Ray Davies, 26, Michael Gardiner, 19, Barry Lane, 42, Thomas Trevilyan, 18, Gavin Porter, 29, Youde, 22, Fred Brooks, 18, Gary O'Dwyer, 29, Haydon, 37, and Johnson, 23. The bodies of Gardiner, Lane, Porter, Brooks and O'Dwyer were found in the bank vault along with those of Youde, Haydon and Johnson. The dismembered remains of Suzanne Allen, 47, were found buried at Bunting's former house but he and Wagner claimed she died of a heart attack and a jury did not find them guilty. Ringleader Bunting would be convicted of 11 murders, Wagner of 10 and Vlassakis of four, and Haydon of 'assisting' in seven including those of his wife and Youde. Bunting and Wagner were jailed for life without the possibility of parole in 2003. Justice Brian Martin had found Bunting and Wagner were 'in the business of killing for pleasure' and 'incapable of true rehabilitation'. In May 1999, police found eight dismembered bodies in vats filled with acid hidden in a disused bank vault at Snowtown, about 145km north of Adelaide. The bank is pictured After learning his fate, Wagner told the judge: 'Paedophiles were doing terrible things to children. The authorities didn't do anything about it. I decided to take action. I took that action. Thank you.' Vlassakis had been sentenced to a minimum 26 years in 2002 and Haydon got a maximum 25 years in 2006. The 18-year minimum sentence Justice John Sulan handed Haydon was longer than for most murder convictions. 'The court must make it clear that conduct of this kind, which I hope will never occur again in South Australia, must be treated in the most severe manner,' Justice Sulan said. When Wagner unsuccessfully sought to have a non-parole period set for his sentence in 2019 he said there was 'no point' saying he was sorry for his actions because no one would believe him. In dismissing that application, Justice Greg Parker described the bodies-in-the-barrels murders as 'the worst crimes ever to be detected in South Australia'. Bunting referred to killing as 'Smurfing' because the victims would turn blue and described storing bodies in the bank vault as taking them to the 'clinic'. The barrels are pictured Haydon was rejected for parole when he first became eligible in 2017 but with the expiration of his maximum sentence he must be released. Under current legislation the 65-year-old would not be subjected to supervision and there was no power to keep him locked up beyond May 21. A law aimed at keeping 'dangerous offenders' in prison past their parole date was passed by the South Australian parliament in 2007 but it did not apply to Haydon. That was because he had been convicted of 'assisting' in the seven murders, rather than 'aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring'. South Australian Parole Board chair Frances Nelson KC said Haydon had 'done very well' during his quarter century in prison. 'His institutional behaviour has been very good, he's been easily managed, he hasn't presented problems,' Ms Nelson told the ABC. "His work in prison appears to have been well carried out. He certainly has done any program offered to him by way of intervention.' Haydon had also shown contrition for his role in covering up the murders. 'He's expressed that within the institution and anyone who's worked with him,' she said. 'He's certainly expressed it to the Parole Board.' South Australian Parole Board chair Frances Nelson KC said Haydon had 'done very well' during his quarter century in prison. He is pictured leaving court in 2004 Ms Nelson said it might not be appropriate for Haydon to contact relatives of the murdered men and women because 'not all victims would want to receive a letter'. 'You've got to be conscious of victims' feelings,' she said. 'I imagine that Haydon would do that, but I'm not sure that it would be appropriate from the victims' point of view.' South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said on Monday his government would seek legal advice on how to manage Haydon's release. "The Snowtown murders were shocking,' he said. 'They were probably one of the most brutal cases we've seen in Australian history. 'As a government, we're responding to this. We've got a few months of course before the release happens. 'And the government is actively exploring all legal options available to us, to make sure that the South Australian community is kept safe.' South Australia's Commissioner for Victims Rights Sarah Quick had been in regular contact with the families of those who were killed, who still suffered 'unimaginable grief'. 'Contemplating the fact that Haydon will be released is very difficult for them,' she told the ABC. Vlassakis, who received a nominal life sentence, will be eligible for parole next year. House Speaker Mike Johnson is throwing his support behind Texas amid an escalation in the row between the Biden administration and the Lonestar State - over the question of jurisdiction of the southern border. After a phone call with Gov. Greg Abbott Monday, Johnson insisted Texas should 'exercise police powers' at the border to protect its people and the Biden administration must not stand in the way. 'While we fight for the federal government to do its job, it is the expectation of the U.S. House of Representatives that the Biden Administration will not interfere as Texas fulfills its responsibilities,' Johnson said in a statement. As migrant crossings have swelled, Abbott has deployed state law enforcement on the border and implemented his own deterrence mechanisms that the Biden administration has fought against. And the drama around border policies this week doesn't end there. The House plans to move forward articles of impeachment for Biden's DHS Sec. Mayorkas Tuesday. The Senate also plans to unveil a hotly-contested national security and immigration deal - that former President Donald Trump is throwing cold water on. After a phone call with Gov. Greg Abbott, Speaker Mike Johnson insisted Texas should 'exercise police powers' at the border to protect its people and insisted the Biden administration not stand in the way. But the border showdown in Texas has pressed its way into the halls of Congress. Last week the Supreme Court ruled the Department of Homeland Security could tear down razor wire Abbott had installed along the border in Eagle Pass, Texas. Following the ruling, Abbott said he would instead put up more wire. Republicans have lined up behind Abbott. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, accused Democrats of allowing migrants into the country in a scheme to 'destroy Western civilization.' 'It is a purposeful effort to deluge our society and to undermine our way of life to destroy Western civilization,' he said. '[Abbott] has the duty the right and the ability under the Constitution of the United States to stand up and defend the people of Texas and we're going to stand alongside the governor.' 'I thank God for Texas,' said Rep. Brian Babin. 'If this becomes the hill to die on I can tell you that I will, gladly.' Lately Biden has been urged by some Texas Democrats to federalize the National Guard and seize control from Abbott. Abbott has deployed the Guard along the border to step in for Border Patrol. Abbott has seized control of Shelby Park in Eagle Pass - a notoriously high-traffic area for crossings - and prevented federal border agents from doing their job there. Immigration enforcement is typically a federal responsibility, but Abbott signed a law last month that he hopes will allow state law enforcement to arrest migrants for unlawful crossings at state-level charges and deport them to Mexico. Meanwhile, the House is set to advance articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday and the Senate is expected to release details of its long-awaited national security and immigration package. As migrant crossings have swelled, Abbott has deployed state law enforcement on the border and implemented his own deterrence mechanisms that the Biden administration has fought against Last week the Supreme Court ruled the Department of Homeland Security could tear down razor wire Abbott had installed along the border in Eagle Pass, Texas. Following the ruling, Abbott said he would instead put up more wire Democrats held their own news conference to tear into the GOP's 'sham' impeachment and accuse Johnson of caving to the far right and Donald Trump's demands. 'This is at best a sham,' said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., top Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee, as he insisted Mayorkas was simply carrying out Biden's policies. 'If the impeachment clause could talk, it would beg for the Republicans to stop shaming its name,' said Rep. Dan Goldman, R-N.Y., as he warned Republicans they were squandering their best opportunity at a legislative fix. 'What is very clear is that Secretary Mayorkas and President Biden have agreed to concessions that Republicans have never gotten before and will never get again, because the administration wants to actually solve the problems at the border.' An aerial view of the area as Texas National Guard soldiers continue to take security measures at Eagle Pass, Texas at Mexico-US border on January 28, 2024 House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said his Democrats are 'ready, willing and able' to work on a bipartisan immigration deal, 'but the extreme MAGA Republicans have been directed by Donald Trump not to work together to address the challenges at the border. At a rally over the weekend Trump said he was proud to take credit for tanking the Senate immigration deal - which Speaker Mike Johnson has said is likely 'dead on arrival' based on media reports he's seen of it. Senate negotiators say the deal would expedite removals and shorten the wait time for asylum case decisions. 'No bill is better than a bad bill,' Trump said. House Republicans have lined up behind him. 'Biden is salivating at the prospect of this horrible Senate compromise,' said Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas. 'It's the rescission of these executive orders that has created this crisis,' said Foreign Affairs Chair and former Homeland Security Chair Mike McCaul, R-Texas. But he seemed to suggest House Republicans had not taken the Senate deal off the table. 'If the Senate passes something with significant policy changes, I think we'll take a look at that.' A teenage boy is likely to be charged after an Australia Day boat crash claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl. Darcy Davey-Sutherland was killed on Friday when two tinnies collided just after 10.15 am near Grays Point, in south Sydney. Witnesses have since told police they saw one of the boats travelling at a high speed near the Swallow Rock area shortly before the crash, the Daily Telegraph reports. The two drivers of the boats, both boys aged 16, were taken to hospital for mandatory testing. NSW Police detectives are investigating whether speed was a factor and said it was likely one of the boys would be charged over the fatal crash. It's understood the pair were unknown to each other, and police do not believe the boats were racing. Darcy Davey-Sutherland (pictured) was killed after two boats collided in south Sydney on Australia Day In a devastating statement following the tragedy, Darcy's parents Michael and Laura described their only daughter as a 'beacon of light' with a 'beautiful soul, so full of love and life'. 'A wonderful older sister to her two brothers and an angel of a daughter, it's impossible to comprehend life without her in it,' Mr and Mrs Davey-Sutherland said. 'She was about to embark on the most special part of life as she stepped into adulthood. Words cannot describe the pain we feel at the moment.' Darcy (pictured) was pulled unconscious from the water and rushed to St George Hospital where she died a short time later Darcy, her parents and two brothers moved to Australia from the UK about seven years ago. Mr Davey-Sutherland added that the family are 'deeply grateful' for the love and support they have received over the past few days as they try to 'piece together what feels like shattered lives'. Scott Edwards was on a nearby boat with his wife, sister-in-law and her partner when Darcy was hurt. His sister-in-law's partner saw the collision and the group raced over - becoming the first bystanders on the scene. 'When I turned around, we saw her face down in the water. One of the kids in the other boat dove in to grab her,' he said. 'We got there about 40 seconds later and I dove in [the water] while my brother-in-law was on the phone to emergency services. 'It looks as though the boat has hit her and knocked her out a split second before impacting the boat.' Mr Edwards said he was still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. Darcy's parents described her as a 'beacon of light' with a 'beautiful soul, so full of love and life' (pictured, distressed bystanders at the scene of the crash) 'It was extremely tough to see,' he said. 'I did everything I could to try and save her life.' On the night before Darcy was meant to start Year 11, her friends shared tributes online and said school wouldn't be the same without 'beautiful Darcy'. 'Will forever love you. You will forever be missed my beautiful angel, I will never forget our time together,' one wrote. 'Rest in peace Darcy. Our hearts are broken. You were the most beautiful soul. We love you and miss you angel,' another said. Darcy's younger brother Zayn has led tributes to the beloved teenager as friends flock to Ms Sutherland's TikTok page to offer the family their condolences. 'God bless u sis,' Zayn wrote, alongside a heart emoji, in the comment section of her most recent video. Ms Sutherland's cousin Finley Docherty shared a video featuring photos of the pair together when they were younger. He described her as the 'best cousin in the world' and said she would 'forever be in my heart'. 'I don't want to say goodbye because this one means forever,' the video script read. 'Now you're in the stars, six feet has never felt so far.' New South Wales police said it is likely someone will be charged over the crash that killed Darcy (pictured) Friend Amelie said Ms Sutherland always looked out for her. 'I will never forget the times you have helped me,' she wrote. 'I will love you forever and ever. Rest in peace my beautiful girl.' 'I am heartbroken for this beautiful girl gone too soon,' another wrote. 'I pray for your family to find the strength to live with their forever broken heart, keeping your memory alive. Rest beautiful girl.' A GoFundMe for Darcy's family has raised more than $50,000 since it was created on Saturday. Police urged anyone who witnessed the crash, or who may have seen either boat that morning to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Karine Jean-Pierre has sparked anger after she claimed the three American soldiers killed in suicide drone strike on a US base in Jordan died 'fighting on behalf of the [Biden] administration.' The victims of the attack have been identified as Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, and Sgt. William Rivers, 46. The drone attack late Saturday impacted a base in the northeast part of the country known as Tower 22 near the Syria border, resulting in the three deaths and injuring at least 34 other troops. Speaking to MSNBC Monday, Jean-Pierre made multiple flubs addressing the administration's response to the matter, suggesting the troops died representing the Biden White House and not America as a whole. 'Our deepest, obviously our deepest condolences go out, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the families who lost, uh, three, three brave, uh, three brave, uh, three brave, three folks who are military folks, who are brave, who are always fighting, who are fighting on behalf of, uh, this administration, of the American people, obviously more so, more importantly,' she said. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre sparked anger after she claimed that the three American soldiers killed in suicide drone strike on a US base in Jordan died 'fighting on behalf of the [Biden] administration' Speaking to MSNBC Monday morning, Jean-Pierre made multiple flubs addressing the administration's response to the matter, suggesting the troops died representing the Biden White House and not America as a whole Some took objection to the reference to the deceased soldiers as 'folks,' though many more were outraged by the suggestion that they died fighting for 'this administration.' Congresswoman Lauren Boebert promptly attempted to correct the press secretary on what she called 'a disgusting, pompous comment that truly encompasses the mindset of these frauds in the White House.' 'No, Karine Jean-Pierre,' she wrote on X. 'Our military doesn't fight for the Biden administration. Our military fights for the American people and to protect our freedoms.' Commentator Joe Concha added: 'It truly is amazing to see that after almost two years on the job how it's possible that Karine Jean-Pierre is only get worse at her job.' 'I can't believe Karine Jean-Pierre is still WH Spox,' added John Cardillo. 'Most incompetent in history.' 'Our service members swear an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. They are not fighting 'on behalf of' the Biden team,' wrote Congressman Pat Fallon of Texas. 'This is incredibly disrespectful.' The troops were in their sleeping quarters at the time and the Pentagon confirmed Monday that the victims were likely in bed. The three soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, a US Army Reserve unit based out of Fort Moore, Georgia. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, was among three US soldiers killed in the drone strike Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia died in the drone strike of a US airbase in Jordan Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia has been identified as one of the soldiers killed in the drone strike The drone attack late Saturday night impacted a US outpost located in the northeast part of the country known as Tower 22, near the Syria border, and resulted in at least 34 other injuries Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters: 'What was different about this attack is where it landed. It did impact where the living quarters, and I believe it was pretty early morning so people were actually in their beds when the drone impacted.' Chief of Army Reserve, Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, said: 'The loss of Sergeant William J. Rivers, Specialist Breonna A. Moffett and Specialist Kennedy L. Sanders has left an indelible mark on the United States Army Reserve. 'On behalf of the U.S. Army Reserve, I share in the sorrow felt by their friends, family, and loved ones. Their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and we are committed to supporting those left behind in the wake of this tragedy.' Rivers, of Carrollton, Georgia enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2011 as an Interior Electrician. His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, two Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 'M' Device and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star. Sanders graduated from Ware County High School in 2017 and enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2019 as Horizontal Construction Engineer. Sanders father, Shawn Sanders, said on Facebook: 'Our family would like to thank you for the respect given to Kennedy. Munchkin will be missed by many.' Her mother, Oneida Oliver-Sanders, said: 'I just can't believe I'll never be able to hug and kiss my baby again. Life is so unfair. I just want my baby.' The government of Waycross said on Facebook: 'The City is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kennedy Ladon Sanders, who gave her life in service to our country.' 'We offer our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. In honor of her sacrifice, the City has lowered our flags to half-mast today. We are also working on additional ways to pay tribute to Kennedy and her service.' 'Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones as they mourn this tremendous loss.' Sander's awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 'M' Device. Moffett enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2019 as a Horizontal Construction Engineer and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Moffett's mother, Regina RaMo, said, 'This is one of the saddest days of my life. With a heavy heart I have to say that my Angel my first born has going on to be with GOD today. The pain will never go away and my life is forever changed. 'I will never get to cook your favorite food, we will never get to talk on the phone and I will never see you walk through my front door again. Breonna Moffett was killed this morning. Just know that a piece of my heart and soul will always be missing. Love you Baby Girl. Rest Easy. Always will be my first born.' The city of Waycross will lower their flags to half-mast to honor Sanders sacrifice Family members of the 24-year-old Waycross, Georgia native confirmed Sanders was one of the soldiers killed in the attack. The other two have not been identified Sanders mother, Oneida Oliver-Sanders, said, 'I just can't believe I'll never be able to hug and kiss my baby again. Life is so unfair. I just want my baby' Sanders graduated from Ware County High School in 2017 As of Sunday morning, Iran - the main backer of anti-Israel group Hezbollah - and its proxies are the main suspects, officials said. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the US failed to stop the attack because the enemy drone approached its target at the same time as a US drone returning to base and the two were confused. Modern military aircraft, naval vessels and ground vehicles are fitted with technology known as Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponders, which identify 'friendly' vehicles. It's unclear whether the system in use at the Jordan base malfunctioned or if human error was involved. The suicide drone was launched by from Iraq by a militia backed by Tehran, according to US officials, and hit the base which sits close to the borders of both Iraq and Syria. President Joe Biden vowed 'we shall respond' to a suicide drone strike that killed three U.S. service members in Jordan late on Saturday night. Biden issued a statement on Sunday mourning the loss of the slain service members - the latest casualty as the unrest in the Middle East persists. 'Today, America's heart is heavy. Last night, three U.S. service members were killed - and many wounded - during an unmanned aerial drone attack on our forces stationed in northeast Jordan near the Syria border,' Biden said. 'While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.' He added how the three fallen soldiers 'embodied the very best of our nation' and declared they died 'risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism.' Moffett's mother, Regina RaMo, said, 'This is one of the saddest days of my life. With a heavy heart I have to say that my Angel my first born has going on to be with GOD today' All three soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, a US Army Reserve unit based out of Fort Moore, Georgia 'It is a fight we will not cease,' Biden, 81, proclaimed. While not identifying the militants responsible, the statement confirmed the strike was the work of anti-Western jihadists operating somewhere in the region. The suicide strike comes as conflict in the war-torn region continues to escalate, with the war between Israel and Hamas terrorists in Gaza still ongoing, and Iran currently exchanging airstrikes with U.S. ally Pakistan. Both countries, as of Sunday, boast a bevy of Iran-aligned militias, including Hezbollah and several other Shia militant groups. Since the Syrian War in 2011, Iran has also backed multiple Palestinian terror groups based in Gaza, and various terrorist groups in Bahrain and elsewhere across the Middle East. In 2019, the nuclear-capable country acknowledged the involvement of the force in the Iraq and Syria conflicts, spurring the US to designate the Iranian army as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Iran has also been known regional militant and proxy groups to achieve deniability in such strikes, as well as shield it from accountability for its destabilizing policies. The country is also currently embroiled in an artillery-laden game of chicken with its own neighbor in Pakistan, which is one of NATO's main allies in the Middle East. Just last week, Pakistan's air force launched retaliatory airstrikes on two alleged militant positions in Iran, days after an Iranian airstrike killed two children in their own country. The air attacks in Sistan and Baluchestan province killed at least seven - and added to tensions already present between the two nations and the region as a whole. An outspoken enemy of both the US and Israel, Iran currently trains the Hezbollah militia group (seen here in Baghdad in 2019), which for years has sought to join the Palestinian cause. The group has not been named as responsible for Saturday's attack A few weeks ago, Pakistan recalled its ambassador to Tehran because of Tuesday's strikes by Iran inside Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province. Iran claimed it targeted bases for a militant Sunni separatist group. It drew strong condemnation from Pakistan, which denounced the attack as a 'blatant violation' of its airspace and said it killed two children. If Marhamati's account of the casualties is correct, the country duplicated Pakistan's minor-killing offense at least two fold. As Iranians continue to assess the full scope of the attack, the war more than a thousand miles west in Israel continues to rage. Another 1,000 miles southwest, four fresh strikes were carried out by the US on Yemen, targeting anti-ship ballistic missiles used by another rebel group backed by Iran, the Houthi. Earlier in the month, shortly after Iran's attack on Pakistani soil, the group warned that British and American ships in the Red Sea have now become 'legitimate targets', given the state of the greater conflict. The Houthis have since targeted ships in the region sporadically, with the attacks ramping up recently. In response, the US launched Operation Prosperity Guardian - an international coalition to safeguard the region, with many other countries, including Spain and the UK, taking part. A reported 1,200 commercial ships have passed through the sea since the operation was launched on December, with none hit by drone or missile strikes until the first phase of the Sunday strike, when militants attacked the Hangzhou with several missiles. The Sunday attack shows the group's continued resolve to support Hamas, which Israel recently pledged to continue to try to eradicate. Rishi Sunak last night condemned rail bosses for refusing to use new legislation to limit the impact of strikes. Coming out fighting on behalf of commuters, he said they would 'rightly expect' unions to be forced to run at least 40 per cent of trains. None of the 18 operators hit by nine days of walkouts is using 'minimum service level' legislation that came into force last month. It means barely any trains will run on strike days. Called by Aslef, the industrial action will last until February 5. The Prime Minister said: 'It's frustrating that yet again, Aslef's leadership have shown no interest in resolving this dispute while continuing their campaign of contempt for British passengers and taxpayers, who have subsidised the railways with 12billion in the past year alone.' Coming out fighting on behalf of commuters, Rishi Sunak said they would 'rightly expect' unions to be forced to run at least 40 per cent of trains Tory MPs also hit out at rail chiefs, with former transport minister Sir Mike Penning asking the transport bosses what they are afraid of He pointed out that train drivers already earn around 60,000 nearly double the UK average salary and said minimum service level laws were introduced 'not only for rail, but across vital services including ambulance workers and Border Force too'. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Rail bosses cash in on huge bonuses and pay rises amid strike hell on trains as nine days of walkouts start Advertisement He added: 'They're available for train operators to use a key tool that train operators themselves have asked for to reduce the impact of disruption on passengers. They should now use them. 'We have provided the train operators with what they needed in order for them to be ready to use these measures. Now, the public rightly expect them to be deployed when strike action is called and for train operators to act in the best interests of their passengers.' Mr Sunak called on Aslef boss Mick Whelan to put a pay offer, which would raise typical salaries to 65,000, to union members in a vote. He said: 'Aslef should also follow in the footsteps of the other rail unions, give their members a vote on this pay deal and put an end to this dispute. The choice for Aslef is clear continue this act of self-harm to their industry and drive more passengers away from the railways, or they can accept the fair and reasonable pay deal that remains on the table.' Tory MPs also hit out at rail chiefs, with former transport minister Sir Mike Penning saying: 'The Government has done the right thing by introducing this legislation and then the rail bosses are not doing what they're paid to do, which is use it and keep services running. 'What are the rail bosses afraid of? Are they more interested in looking after the commuters, who pay their wages, or the union bosses?' Sir John Redwood, another Tory former minister, added: 'The rail bosses are paid a lot for performance, and that performance should include using these new powers to keep services running.' Mr Sunak called on Aslef boss Mick Whelan to put a pay offer, which would raise typical salaries to 65,000, to union members in a vote Unions must give two weeks of notice of any strikes and a week-long consultation would take place during this period, with the employers sending out notices to affected staff informing them they must still work The Mail has revealed that rail chiefs have been pocketing huge bonuses and pay hikes of up to 61 per cent. READ MORE: Train strikes 2024: Full list of January and February dates affecting National Rail services as Aslef announce new walkout Advertisement The Government passed the minimum service legislation in December, effectively allowing operators to force the unions into ensuring a certain number of trains run during walkouts and the minimum required is 40 per cent. Unions must give two weeks of notice of any strikes and a week-long consultation would take place during this period, with the employers sending out notices to affected staff informing them they must still work. If they fail to comply the unions would lose their legal protection from damages claims lodged by the train companies of up to 1million. Aslef could face bankruptcy in such a situation. Critics of the legislation point out that there is no obligation for train bosses to use it and that enforcing it relies on them having the appetite to take the unions to court. Executives are also understood to fear making the existing industrial action worse. When operator LNER, which runs trains from London to Edinburgh, said it was going to use the powers, Aslef called five days of strike action instead of one. LNER backed down and Aslef reduced the walkout to one day again. A senior rail source said: 'The legislation is never going to be used if you have a militant trade union who, at the threat of it being used, would inflict a further week-long strike in protest. That's actually providing passengers with a worse outcome.' Government sources said yesterday that officials were looking at whether it was possible to tighten the law to force train firms to use the legislation. The one-day strikes come with an overtime ban that may lead to cancellations. The Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators, said minimum service level legislation was a useful tool but not a silver bullet. Rail minister Huw Merriman last night accused Aslef's leadership of being 'determined to stand in the way of reform'. The Archbishop of Canterbury was blasted by Tory MPs last night after he said the Rwanda scheme was 'leading the nation down a damaging path'. Justin Welby told the unelected House of Lords that Rishi Sunak's Safety of Rwanda Bill was 'damaging Britain's reputation and the rule of law'. The Prime Minister has insisted the package of reforms will finally get Rwanda removal flights off the ground after human rights challenges left the policy wallowing in legal limbo for 18 months. And last night it cleared its first major hurdle in the Lords after peers voted 206 to 84 against a motion designed to block it. In a win for the Government, the amendment proposed by Liberal Democrat peer Lord German, which would have stopped the Bill progressing any further in the Lords, was defeated in the Upper Chamber. It will now move on to committee stage. The Archbishop of Canterbury was blasted by Tory MPs last night after he said the Rwanda scheme was 'leading the nation down a damaging path' MP Lee Anderson has admitted he would take his old job back just over a week after he quit as Tory deputy chairman in order to rebel against Rishi Sunak's Rwanda plan Mr Welby's remarks triggered a furious response from Tory backbenchers. One MP even suggested the intervention meant it was time to review bishops' right to take part in parliamentary debates. The archbishop told Lords: 'We can as a nation do better than this Bill. With this Bill the Government is continuing to seek good objectives in the wrong way, leading the nation down a damaging path. 'It is damaging for asylum seekers in need of protection... It is damaging for this country's reputation. It is damaging in respect of constitutional principles and the rule of law. And most of all, it is damaging for our nation's unity in a time when the greatest issues of war, peace, defence and security need us to be united.' Mr Welby told peers it would 'outsource our legal and moral responsibilities for refugees and asylum seekers'. He added that 'sadly' he would not vote in favour of a Liberal Democrat motion to 'kill' the legislation, as he wanted peers to revise the legislation. Three other Anglican bishops joined his criticism of the Bill. Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Martin Seeley, described it as a 'deeply immoral solution' which treated 'victims as perpetrators'. And Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally appeared to compare Mr Sunak's proposals with past human rights atrocities. She said: 'The Bill decides who is and who is not entitled to human rights. My Lords, has history not taught us the risk of that? This Bill disapplies parts of the Human Rights Act with respect to asylum seekers... This is a slippery slope.' Bishop of Durham Paul Butler said: 'I stand in agreement with the arguments already made regarding the domestic, constitutional, international standing and human rights concerns surrounding this Bill, and echo the belief we should not outsource our moral and legal responsibilities to refugees and asylum seekers.' The Prime Minister has insisted the package of reforms will finally get Rwanda removal flights off the ground after human rights challenges left the policy wallowing in legal limbo In response to the archbishop's remarks, Tory MP Tom Hunt said he 'is doing great harm to the Church by his repeated and clumsy political interventions'. He said Mr Welby 'has no plan at all for how the small boats crisis can be solved and speaks only in meaningless platitudes'. Mr Hunt added: 'Both myself and others who are very much engaged with everyday people on this issue are utterly sick of his sermons. Sadly I'm quickly coming to the conclusion that the position of the bishops in the Lords should be reviewed.' Lee Anderson MP, who resigned as Tory deputy chairman earlier this month to vote in favour of toughening the Rwanda measures, said: 'Literally nobody on the streets of my constituency is bothered about our international reputation when it comes to illegal migration. I walk by Lambeth Palace most days which I am sure could house hundreds of illegal migrants in the archbishop's second home. When hypocrites like the archbishop open up the doors to every church building in the UK, then he may be taken seriously.' He added: 'The only thing damaging our reputation within our own country is people like the archbishop, who says one thing and does another.' Alp Mehmet, of Migration Watch UK, said the 'majority' of the British public are 'fed up to the back teeth with the likes of his Grace all but encouraging people to come here... and claim asylum in the knowledge they will be allowed to stay even if their claim is rejected'. The Bill aims to declare Rwanda a safe country and overcome objections raised by the Supreme Court, which declared the scheme unlawful in November. In the Lords debate yesterday, Tory peer and House Of Cards author Lord Dobbs said Labour and the Lib Dems had no alternative to the Bill, and failing to tackle illegal migration would lead to 'catastrophic' consequences. However, former Tory Cabinet minister Lord Kenneth Clarke said the Bill was a 'step too far' and he was unlikely to back it unless it was 'substantially amended'. Earlier, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'This Bill is a key part of how we stop violent criminal gangs targeting vulnerable people that has led to too many deaths in the English Channel.' Peers will now vote on amendments to the Bill in March before sending it back to the Commons. Yesterday the Government's own human rights watchdog joined the assault on the Bill, telling peers it 'risks breaching' the European Convention on Human Rights and other international treaties. The Equality and Human Rights Commission said the proposed legislation 'displaces the role of the courts'. The UK's foreign secretary says Britain will 'do everything' it can to stop the vicious war between Israel and Hamas from 'spilling over borders' during his fourth visit to the Middle East. The Cabinet minister, Lord David Cameron, will this week make his fourth visit to the region since being appointed Foreign Secretary in November as he presses for a de-escalation of tensions. Starting in Oman, the senior Conservative peer is expected to call for stability amid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, as well as an immediate pause in the conflict in Gaza as he looks to work diplomatically to stop the Israel-Hamas war from escalating into a wider conflict. An attack by Iran-backed militia in Jordan over the weekend that killed three US troops and left dozens injured has stoked fresh fears of a western confrontation with Tehran. The UK, the US and other allies have looked to police the Red Sea after the Houthis, another Iran-backed rebel group, based in Yemen, began targeting commercial shipping on the vital global trade route in recent months. The Cabinet minister, Lord David Cameron (pictured), will this week make his fourth visit to the region since being appointed Foreign Secretary in November Houthi fighters lift rifles, Yemen and Palestine flags, and Houthi emblems march during a weaponized rally and parade A Yemeni man leans over a vehicle of Houthi fighters carrying machine gun Satellite view of the U.S. military outpost known as Tower 22 The US and the UK launched a second round of joint strikes against the rebels but it appears to have done little to deter the Houthi missiles. A British-linked oil tanker went up in flames after a strike claimed by the Yemen-based group on Friday, before a further attack on HMS Diamond, a Royal Navy destroyer stationed in the Red Sea, was repelled. Speaking before his return to the Middle East, Lord Cameron said: 'The Houthis continue to attack ships in the Red Sea, risking lives, delaying vital aid getting to the Yemeni people and disrupting global trade. 'And we cannot ignore the risk that the conflict in Gaza spreads, spilling over borders into other countries in the region. 'We will do everything we can to make sure that does not happen - escalation and instability is in nobody's interests. 'In Gaza, there is an urgent need for an immediate pause to allow aid in and hostages out. 'We are determined to do all we can to press for a sustainable ceasefire, and are stepping up our engagement with countries in the region to make sure that happens.' The Foreign Office said the Red Sea crisis is likely to form a 'major focus' of the former prime minister's discussions during the trip. Officials described the visit as an opportunity to advance the Foreign Secretary's proposal for a so-called contact group - which he wants to see formed between the UK, the US, key European Union states, Turkey and Gulf and Arab countries - that can use a potential future pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas to 'build momentum towards a lasting solution'. In Oman, the Foreign Secretary is expected to meet his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi to discuss de-escalating rising tensions across the region. Horrifying new footage shows the moment a car nearly wiped out a pedestrian before driving off the end of a pier in Virginia in a suspected suicide bid. The video shows the vehicle race across the sidewalk before crashing through the barriers and plunging into the Atlantic in Virginia Beach on Saturday morning. It comes as sonar imaging released on Monday shows the wreckage on the bottom of the ocean as rescuers battle bad weather to try to recover it. Meanwhile an eerie underwater clip of the crash site was shared by cops as they continue to investigate. Grisly cellphone footage first emerged on Sunday of the car racing down 14th Street Fishing Pier before toppling over the edge and into the sea. It sparked horror across the country and mystery as police admitted they do not know if the driver escaped or is dead inside. In the dawn light, a silhouette can be seen walking along a footpath just as the SUV screams past, first crossing a bike path and then onto the wooden boardwalk of the pier A sonar image provided by Virginia Beach Police shows the car on its roof lying in 20ft of water Eerie underwater footage released by Virginia Beach police shows the car that drove off a 650ft long pier, lying on the ocean floor The taillights of the car were visible as it drove down the pier early on Saturday morning The new footage shows a silhouette walking along a footpath as the SUV screams past, first crossing a bike path and then onto the wooden boardwalk of the pier. It then disappears out of sight, before speeding down the pier - causing widespread destruction - and over the edge. On Monday, video shot by divers using an ROV saw them reach the vehicle, currently lying upside down on the ocean floor in about 20 feet of water. The water was too murky and the sea too rough in order to obtain any distinguishing features of the vehicle such as the license plate or who may be inside. The car plunged into the ocean around 6.50am on Saturday morning when the vehicle crashed through three barriers before speeding down the length of the 650ft pier. The vehicle braked briefly before slamming through the wooden balustrade at the end of the pier and straight over the edge plunging into the sea. A woman standing on the beach caught the incident on camera when she heard a loud crash and started filming. The red SUV can be seen crossing a bike path before heading directly onto the boardwalk The car makes no effort to stop with a pedestrian just feet away from being struck Virginia Beach Fire Department were on the scene within four minutes and sent a diver into the water to investigate and rescue anyone inside the car. By the time the police department were on scene, the divers had already been pulled from the water. The police are now working to recover the car and any occupants, but said they still did not know how many people were inside. 'Nobody wants to bring resolution to this more than we do,' Sgt. Brian Ricardo with VBPD Special Operations said. 'We are as frustrated as everyone else that we can't get in the water, and we can't do something to get this moving forward.' Officers have been using side-scan sonar to search for the vehicle which was found immediately on sonar. The car is on its roof and is unstable moving around in the rough current. At one point, the car suddenly seemed to brake before driving over the edge and into the sea The car can then be seen plunging into the ocean smashing through the final balustrade 'The car is unstable,' explained Sgt. Ricardo. 'The fear for us is not that it will drift but that one of the divers will get entangled in the car.' 'Strong currents & extremely low visibility made it too dangerous for divers to navigate & assess the area safely, especially near a submerged SUV rocking on its roof in the turbulent current,' police tweeted on Monday. Water temperatures are said to be around the mid-40s. Witnesses said the car turned onto the boardwalk from Atlantic Avenue at speed and crashed through the first set of barriers on the pier. In a series of tweets on Monday, the police department outlined their intentions going forward. 'The goal of this mission remains to safely retrieve the vehicle, reunite any & all occupants with their loved ones, & maintain the integrity of all evidence. The car smashed through three barriers to reach the end of the pier Police investigate the scene at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier where a car drove through a gate on the pier around sunrise, in Virginia Beach early on Saturday People stand where a car drove through a gate at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier The car continued down the pier, eventually driving off the end into the water at the oceanfront Police received a call around 6.50 am on Saturday but challenging conditions in the ocean mean it has yet to be recovered 'We appreciate our community's concern about this incident. This is an ongoing investigation & we will continue to share updates as we are able. We are working diligently to bring closure to those affected through our investigative & recovery process. VBPD's divers are trained in water rescue and not underwater recovery. Instead, the Department has brought in a team of salvage divers, with specific skills and equipment, trained in the retrieval of sunken objects, have been brought in to recover the SUV which is sitting on its roof. Deteriorating weather and sea conditions prevented VBPD from diving into the water on Saturday. Divers from Crofton Industries have been hired to assist with the recovery effort. The company has the right experience and equipment to salvage objects from the ocean floor. After being on scene for much of the afternoon, the rough seas ended up snapping chains and mooring lines being used in the recovery meaning the dive team will have to try again later in the week. 'I can understand people's frustrations,' Sgt. Ricardo said. 'But to tell you how dangerous it was, they broke two bridles that hold their cranes in place and they snapped a mooring line from the crane barge onto their dive boat. The pier remained closed on Monday as police conducted their investigation Some of the damaged barriers are seen lying on the ground at the entrance to the pier Teams of investigators could be seen gathered at the end of the pier on Monday Some parts of the pier were damaged as the car smashed through whatever was in its way Virginia Beach Police are seen gathered on the pier as they conduct an investigation The pier is 650 feet long and the water at the end is around 15ft deep. Water temperatures are around in the mid-40s 'Because it is a crime scene, we want to leave [the car] encapsulated as best we can because if we open up that portal to the ocean, we're going to lose evidence,' explained Ricardo. The next attempt to salvage the vehicle is likely to be this Thursday or Friday. One of the women who caught the incident on camera, Kaylynn Crawford, told WAVY: 'We saw at first it was going really fast. We thought it was just going to go for it. 'But toward the end, the car started to slow down, and it kind of looked as if it almost teeter-tottered at the end. Then, it all of a sudden just dropped down over the pier.' Charlotte Murphy, who works at a seafood restaurant on the pier, told the outlet: 'They went through three gates which is pretty crazy and these are really, really strong gates. It's really crazy to think about. 'As soon as I got down here I was like, 'Holy cow that is the craziest thing that I've heard in a long, long time.' Britain must create a Scandinavian-style National Service fit for the 21st century, former foreign secretary Lord Hague has argued, amid mounting fears that the UK is not prepared in the event of all-out war. Lord Hague wrote in The Times that the UK needs to reassert the idea that citizenship 'is not a travel document' but comes with other obligations to one's country. The former Tory leader said that while old ideas around national service are 'not seen as compatible for our hyper-individualistic age', there is a more modern alternative. He pointed to the model in Norway, where every 18-year-old fills in a questionnaire and can then be selected for interview. Those who are selected - around 17 per cent of the age group - then serve for a year or more. It comes after Defence Secretary Grant Shapps warned that the world was 'moving from a post-war to pre-war world' and a top general sparked conscription fears as he called for the creation of a 'citizen army'. Lord Hague has argued that the UK needs to reassert the idea that citizenship 'is not a travel document' but comes with other obligations to one's country Young men called up for national service. Mandatory national service continued after the Second World War until 1960 Lord Hague has joined the chorus of prominent voices who have warned that a major war could be looming. 'The blunt truth is that the chances of getting through the next couple of decades without a dangerous world crisis are small,' he said. Mandatory military service was introduced during the First World War under the Military Service Act of 1916. The National Service (Armed Forces) Act followed in 1939 on the day Britain declared war on Germany at the outbreak of the Second World War, requiring all fighting age men aged between 18 and 41 to join up. Following the end of the Second World War, a new National Service Act was passed that required all young men aged 17 to 21 to serve in the armed forces for 18 months and to remain on the reserve list for several years. National Service then continued until the last servicemen were demobbed in 1963. Conscientious objectors could refuse, but would face a tribunal at which they would be expected to justify their opposition to joining up. And while it has never returned, the idea of bringing back a period of service to the country has been floated as recently as last summer albeit in a more voluntary form that teens could opt out of. General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff, says Britain should 'train and equip' a 'citizen army' to prepare for a land war Fears grew last week of a return to conscription after General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff, stressed the need for ministers to 'mobilise the nation' in the event of a wider conflict against Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine. General Sanders - who has been openly critical of staff shortages in the military - said boosting numbers in preparation for a potential conflict would need to be a 'whole-of-nation undertaking'. Although the army head is not believed to be in favour of conscription, Nato bosses have warned allied nations to be prepared to take any and all actions necessary to fight Vladimir Putin's forces. The comments were seen as a warning that British men and women should be ready for a call-up to the armed forces if Nato goes to war with Russia. But Downing Street later hit back at the suggestion, insisting there were no plans for conscription. The story of Obada Abd Rabbo is both heartbreaking and instructive. A 14-year-old migrant from Syria, he drowned a few yards off the French coast, trying to reach the UK in a small inflatable. In the early hours of January 14, he was among a group of asylum seekers herded by traffickers on to the moving boat. In the scramble, Obada fell overboard. Unable to swim and without a lifejacket, he succumbed to the icy water, as did his brother Ayser, 24, and three others. How many more must die before we get serious about ending these lethal crossings? Rishi Sunak's Rwanda scheme offers a partial solution, yet our political class fights it tooth and nail. In the Lords yesterday, dozens of sanctimonious peers queued up to decry it. The Archbishop of Canterbury was typical. The plan was bad for this country's reputation, he said, and 'damaging for asylum seekers in need of protection'. The story of Obada Abd Rabbo is both heartbreaking and instructive. A 14-year-old migrant from Syria, he drowned a few yards off the French coast In the scramble, Obada fell overboard. Unable to swim and without a lifejacket, he succumbed to the icy water, as did his brother Ayser, 24, and three others The Rwanda scheme aims to break the traffickers' business model and stop history repeating itself. Shouldn't any truly compassionate person welcome that? However, if it were up and running, Obada and Ayser may not have attempted the crossing and could still be alive. They travelled 2,500 miles from Damascus to Calais by air, land and sea, choosing to come to England because another brother had been granted refugee status here. His wife had already joined him, and he was also hoping to bring their parents. No one can blame them for seeking a better life in the UK, but it was a choice. Had they simply been fleeing persecution, they could have settled in one of several safe countries en route. Opting instead to make the Channel crossing ended in death and devastation for Obada's family. The Rwanda scheme aims to break the traffickers' business model and stop history repeating itself. Shouldn't any truly compassionate person welcome that? Iran's perilous game Every day, Iran's pathological warmongering grows more dangerous. Hiding behind a collection of murderous proxies, its mullahs are involved in every major conflict across the Middle East. The October 7 massacre by Hamas, Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Hezbollah rocket strikes on Israel from Lebanon all bear their fingerprints. The same is true of the killing on Saturday of three American service personnel and wounding of 34 more in a drone strike on a US base near Jordan's border with Syria. Iran has denied involvement, but with good reason Washington doesn't believe it. The world now waits for President Joe Biden's full response. Iran has denied involvement, but with good reason Washington doesn't believe it. The world now waits for President Joe Biden's full response His country's interests have been directly challenged and American lives lost, so doing nothing is not an option. Yet attacking Iran directly risks escalating the conflict so much that it spirals out of control. The new package of US and UK sanctions announced yesterday was sensible and measured and will no doubt be followed by air strikes to degrade the military capability of Tehran and its agents. But the strikes must be targeted and proportionate. Tehran needs to know that its aggression will not go unpunished. However, the West cannot allow itself to be sucked into the morass of another full-scale war. Axe this perverse tax In his Autumn Statement, Jeremy Hunt pledged to prioritise 'backing British business'. Why then, is he so reluctant to restore duty-free shopping for foreign visitors? A new report warns that the 'tourist tax' deters two million holidaymakers a year and has cost 11.1billion in lost GDP. In an open letter to Mr Hunt, 420 business leaders say it is a 'spectacular own goal', encouraging wealthy tourists to buy luxury goods in the boutiques of Paris and Rome rather than pay 20 per cent more for them here. This tax is perverse and self-defeating. It should be scrapped without delay. Donald Trump Jr., Lara Trump or Vivek Ramaswamy are Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk's ideal candidates to replace current Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. Kirk couldn't say whether there are any plans from disgruntled RNC committee members to try and initiate a vote of no confidence against McDaniel at the winter meeting this week in Las Vegas, Nevada. But he was more than open with DailyMail.com about his long-standing dissatisfaction with McDaniel's leadership within the Republican Party and his desire for an overhaul at the committee. 'We tried to get a different chair last January we were unsuccessful,' Kirk said. 'And we were really displeased in the last couple of months with how the RNC has handled multiple things.' While Kirk insisted people 'shouldn't read into anything' about his summit and repeatedly noted that he has 'nothing personal' against the chairwoman, he said it was no coincidence that his summit coincides with the RNC's. He also said that if McDaniel 'goes away, then great.' Turning Point founder and executive director Charlie Kirk told DailyMail.com that he wants to see RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel replaced with someone from Trump world like Donald Trump Jr., Lara Trump or Vivek Ramaswamy Turning Point Action's Restoring National Confidence conference on Monday and Tuesday was aimed at airing grievances against the RNC and its leadership. Pictured: RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel speaks at a Republican primary debate on November 8, 2023 Kirk wants to see the 'country club' of the RNC break up and get new blood into leadership. And he thinks that should come from pro-Trump world since the campaign and RNC will merge at the time of the convention over the summer. Calling the RNC meeting, which is closed to press, a 'waste of time,' Kirk said his competing event manifested because he wanted to 'actually have a real winter meeting with the grassroots and county chairs.' 'It's not against the RNC,' he assured when sitting down with DailyMail.com on the sidelines of his summit in Las Vegas on Monday. 'We're not here to shame or ridicule or make fun of her, mock her you won't see that in any of the tone or anything.' 'It's about what can be done better. It's about improvement. It's about being the best version of yourself,' Kirk said. 'And competition drives excellence, and the RNC has not had to compete for existence in my lifetime.' 'So they're like super shocked by this and they're like, 'Well, how dare you?' Okay, well, here we are. And so that's kind of what triggered it. And it's very positive. It's very optimistic. It's very forward facing. And you can see the there's a buzz, there's an energy here. That's exciting.' And Kirk was right, for the most part. But War Room podcast host Steve Bannon did seem to have a more personal vendetta against McDaniel during his remarks where he said that McDaniel is 'culpable' for not pushing harder to question the validity of the 2020 election. Much of the speakers, however, focused on the state of U.S. elections overall and aired more general grievances against the RNC not McDaniel specifically. Reports immediately drew parallels between the Restoring National Confidence Summit and RNC Winter Meeting. Speakers seemed to be arming attendees with the information and arguments for pushing out McDaniel and initiating an overhaul from the ground up. Approximately 50 RNC committee members attending the Turning Point Summit convened on the side of the conference before the RNC Winter Meeting kicked-off, likely in preparation to bring a vote of no confidence. Kirk thinks Don Jr. is the best to run the RNC and says because he doesn't want that job it's one of the reasons 'why he'd be great' He said that former 2024 primary contender Vivek Ramaswamy (right) and Lara Trump, the ex-president's daughter-in-law, would also be excellent choices to run the RNC A few attendees gave a sense of this plan to DailyMail.com outside the Planet Hollywood conference center on the Las Vegas strip on Monday, but declined to go on record or provide their names. Others say they think that McDaniel plans to announce she is resigning at the winter meeting this week. Brita Horn, a summit attendee from Colorado, asked Kirk if he was hearing chatter about McDaniel planning to step down this week. 'I have no idea. And I don't want to personalize this. If she does terrific, it's great,' Kirk said during an open Q&A session with summit attendees. 'I did see that news, and I have no idea if that's true or not.' Pushed on if there was a plan, Kirk replied: 'That is a good question. And hey, good thing we're all here to put together a plan. So, you guys can figure that out.' 'I believe that it's time for a new leader and someone that has a different attitude and one that will put winning above all,' he added. 'I've said that for quite some time.' Ahead of speaking to the audience at his summit, Kirk told DailyMail.com that when thinking of those who could replace McDaniel, his first thoughts are Don Jr., Lara Trump and Vivek Ramaswamy, who dropped out of the 2024 race after Iowa and endorsed Trump. 'I think Vivek would be great. Or Don Jr. or Lara Trump,' Kirk said. 'I mean if the Trump campaign and the RNC merge, which they do at the convention, why wouldn't you have the RNC chair be Don Jr.? He works his tail off, he raises a ton of money. He's super intuitive.' 'Do you think he would want to do that?' DailyMail.com asked Kirk. 'No, that's why he'd be great,' he insisted. 'But Lara Trump would be a good one too. She's really smart, great on TV. Vivek would do a good job.' 'So I think Vivek, Don Jr. or Lara Trump,' he repeated. 'I think you've got to go outside the committee. That's my personal opinion. You've got to go outside this whole country club. You've got to get different thinking, you've got to mix it up a bit.' Donald Trump Jr. lamented that the United States doesn't even make the 'top three' in level of importance to lawmakers after Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) made clear her top priority is Somalia. Speaking with a room full of grassroots organizers and RNC members on Monday, Don Jr. predicted 'We can win because our message actually makes sense' compared to that coming from Democrats and progressives. Rep. Omar, a member of the progressive squad of lawmakers in the House who emigrated from Somalia in 1995, said during an event in Minneapolis over the weekend that her home country is her top priority when legislating in Congress. Her second priority, according to a translation of the remarks, is Islam. 'You know, Ilhan Omar says stuff like, 'Oh, well, I'm Somali first, Muslim next. We're going to make sure that Somali is heard.' Like, you now, you are in the United States Congress,' Trump Jr. lamented in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday evening. In Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday evening, Donald Trump Jr. slammed Rep. Ilhan Omar for not even naming the U.S. as one of her top priorities Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) said during a speech in Minneapolis on Saturday that her top priority as a lawmaker is Somalia and second is Islam 'Like we don't even get a mention anymore in America,' he added. 'Like, we're not even top three or we just get forgot about entirely.' 'And yet, that feels like it's coming from so much of Congress. By the way, including from our own side,' he added. Don Jr. then slammed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for also being out of touch with average Americans by claiming that funding the war in Ukraine is a top priority of U.S. citizens. Rather, the former president's eldest son said that going around the country and meeting with people working the venues teaches him that his father's messaging is working. 'I've said this now numerous times we talked about the war in Ukraine. You know, I hear Mitch McConnell, he's out there: 'It's the number one priority of Americans.' I'm like, it's not for me,' Don Jr. said. 'And I can assure you just by speaking to this room alone today,' he added, 'I have been in front of more real Americans than Mitch McConnell has probably in his entire 279-year career.' Don Jr. spoke at Turning Point Action's Restoring National Confidence summit in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, January 29 Rep. Omar is being accused of 'treason' and calls to be removed from Congress as she faces fierce opposition for the speech where she unapologetically declared she is 'Somalia first.' Somaliland Ambassador Rhoda Elmi reposted video of Omar's speech on X and called it 'regrettably unbecoming' and 'lacking in common decency.' 'We hope the house leadership and her caucus will take note of her public conduct, unbecoming a United States Congresswoman nor representative of the august house she serves in,' Elmi wrote in her lengthy statement posted to X. The leaked video of Omar's speech on January 27 quickly went viral and garnered widespread criticism, including from far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) who accused her colleague of using her position to protect people who 'hate America' and also said she's clearly admitting to putting another country ahead of American interests. House Majority Whip Tim Emmer, who also represents a district in Minnesota , called for his colleague's resignation. 'Ilhan Omar's appalling, Somalia-first comments are a slap in the face to the Minnesotans she was elected to serve and a direct violation of her oath of office,' Rep. Emmer said in a statement, according to Alpha News . 'She should resign in disgrace.' Omar decried the criticism as 'completely off,' claiming she is saying that her top priority as a U.S. member of Congress is to represent the best interests of Somali people in America. 'Sleep in comfort knowing I am here to protect the interest of Somalia from inside the U.S. system,' Omar said while speaking in Somalian at a Minneapolis event on Saturday when the moment was captured on camera and circulated online. She also uplifted Somalia's 'unity' against Ethiopia and Somaliland, which is an unrecognized state considered part of Somalia, and supported Somalia forcibly retaking land around their country. ACT for America founder and Chairwoman Brigitte Gabriel wrote on X: 'Ilhan Omar puts Somalia first, Islam second, and America last.' Rep. Greene wrote: 'Terrorist sympathizer Ilhan Omar in her own words: Somalian first. Muslim second. She never mentions America.' 'She flaunts using her position as congresswoman to protect Somalia's border while our border is invaded by MILLIONS of illegals who are a danger to America,' she added. 'These people hate America and they're so emboldened by the Democrats' disdain for our country, they're not even trying to hide it anymore.' Oamr said in her speech that 'the US government will only do what Somalians in the U.S. tell them to do. They will do what we want and nothing else.' ACT for America founder and Chairwoman Brigitte Gabriel wrote on X: 'Ilhan Omar puts Somalia first, Islam second, and America last' Somaliland Ambassador Rhoda Elmi reposted video of Omar's speech on X and released a lengthy statement where she called the remarks 'regrettably unbecoming' and 'lacking in common decency' Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) also weighed-in with a post on X stating Omar 'flaunts using her position as congresswoman to protect Somalia's border' and accused her of 'hating America' 'They must follow our orders and that is how we will safeguard the interest of Somalia,' she adds. 'We Somalians must have the confidence in ourselves that we call the shots in the U.S.' 'Together we will protect the interests of Somalia.' Americans for Prosperity Tennessee Ambassador Robby Starbuck accused Omar of 'openly admitting allegiance to a foreign nation and to using her position in government to put that foreign nation first.' 'This is treason,' he declared. 'Ilhan Omar is an agent for Somalia. It's all out in the open. She should be removed from Congress at the very least. Absolutely insane.' This isn't the first time calls have ensued to remove Omar from her position in the U.S. House of Representatives. Omar's previous anti-Semitic remarks as well as her demanding Israel stop defending itself against Hamas terrorists in Gaza have led to calls from Republicans that she be removed from Congress and sparked censure resolutions from colleagues. She is part of the progressive 'squad' of lawmakers, which includes the likes of Reps. Alexandria Ocasi-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley and Rsahida Tlaib, who is Palestinian-American. MIGRANTS have dodged deportation from Britain simply by swapping rooms in taxpayer-funded hotels, it can be revealed. Home Office officials have been unable to locate failed asylum seekers because they were not living in allocated rooms. One MP last night described the 'farcical' situation as 'Carry On Up The Home Office'. The charade emerged when officers from the Immigration Enforcement unit were sent to migrant hotels with authorisation to take specific migrants to the airport for deportation. The foreign nationals had either exhausted the appeals process after being refused refugee status, or had been ruled ineligible for reasons such as holding a criminal record. But in a number of cases migrants had secretly moved to a different room after an informal 'swap' with another migrant at the same premises. Attempts to locate them had to be abandoned due to lack of manpower, sources said. Even though the Home Office gathers biometrics on all Channel migrants it would have proved impossible to fingerprint hundreds of occupants to trace the missing person. Home Office officials have been unable to locate failed asylum seekers because they were not living in allocated rooms The charade emerged when officers from the Immigration Enforcement unit were sent to migrant hotels with authorisation to take specific migrants to the airport for deportation Natalie Elphicke, Tory MP for Dover, said: 'This is a complete farce. It's 'Carry On Up The Home Office'. There clearly needs to be a big shake-up' Migrants housed at hotels are free to come and go, so enforcement teams cannot even be sure the person they are seeking is on the premises. It is feared deportations under the Rwanda scheme will be hampered by room-swapping, insiders said. Natalie Elphicke, Tory MP for Dover, said: 'This is a complete farce. It's 'Carry On Up The Home Office'. There clearly needs to be a big shake-up.' A Home Office spokesman said: 'Last year we removed over 24,000 people with no right to remain, including 5,000 asylum related returns.' Heavy rain has lashed an already soaked southeast Queensland as ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily delivers more wet weather to the state's northwest - flooding a major shopping centre. Regions west of Brisbane recorded extraordinary rainfall of more than 300mm within a three-hour period early on Tuesday morning. Homes have been flooded, entire towns cut off and dozens of schools were forced to close amid warnings up to 200mm of rain is yet to come. 'Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is forecast for areas of southeast Queensland north of about Dalby and Redcliffe, and east of Dalby, Gayndah to Bundaberg. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80mm to 150mm are likely,' the BoM said. Morayfield Shopping Centre, in Brisbane's north, was flooded on Tuesday morning, with the lower carpark evacuated due to the rising water. A significant number of stores were forced to remain closed while many staff were unable to commute from areas affected by flooding. Morayfield Shopping Centre (pictured), in Brisbane's north, started to flood on Tuesday morning A motorist (pictured) near Toombul Shopping Centre was caught up in the floodwaters Several stores stores in Morayfield Shopping Centre (pictured) were forced to remain closed with staff unable to commute from areas affected by flooding Meanwhile, the main street of Laidley, a town an hour west of Brisbane, was completely submerged. Warnings have been issued that the rest of the region may experience flooding as water levels continue to rise. Mayor Tanya Milligan advised residents to anticipate flooding in homes and businesses, and warned the tiny town of Forest Hill was most vulnerable. An evacuation centre will open on Tuesday at the Laidley State High School for those seeking shelter. In Jandowae, a small rural town in the Western Downs with a population of just over 1000, residents have been warned to relocate to higher ground. The town is currently cut off, with no accessible roads due to the surrounding floodwaters Firefighters rescued 13 people as floodwaters rose in the Moreton Bay, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Darling Downs regions. Eight of those rescues were in Moreton Bay alone. Nearby Samford Valley, 25km north-west of the Brisbane CBD, was one of the worst hit in the region, receiving 300mm of rain in three hours. Moreton Bay resident Ash's street was inundated by floodwater. 'My dad woke me up in a real mad rush and he was yelling at me,' he told media. 'I thought, "someone's in the house", but no. I came outside and saw a wheelie-bin floating down the road.' Morayfield Shopping Centre's first-floor carpark (pictured) was reportedly evacuated due to flood water Several stores at Morayfield Shopping Centre (pictured) were closed due to flooding Swiftwater rescue firefighters rescued 13 people as flood waters rose across the Moreton Bay (pictured), Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Darling Downs regions overnight Flood alerts have been issued for parts of western Queensland as well as much of central and southeast of the state plus northeast NSW. The bureau said forecast rainfall in those areas could lead to flash or riverine flooding in the next 48 hours. 'In the worst case it could lead to inundation of homes, properties, businesses and agricultural land,' the bureau warned. Cyclone Kirrily is also ensuring more wet weather in Queensland's northwest, days after crossing the coast. This system should move away from the Queensland coast on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning easing the rainfall in the region. 'We're expecting persistent showers and storms across northern parts of the country,' Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Sarah Scully said. 'It's ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily... that's continuing to bring heavy rainfall and flooding to central and western parts of Queensland. 'Kirrily is also drawing a deep layer of tropical moisture across much of Queensland and northern NSW, which is combined with this lingering trough to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms, potentially severe and heavy rainfall as well.' South of Cloncurry has been one of the worst hit in Queensland's northwestwith Seymour Gap receiving 256mm in 24 hours, while 244mm fell at Kirby. A coastal trough will continue to bring heavy rain and possible flooding over southeast Queensland (pictured, rainfall forecast for Monday to Wednesday) Laidley (pictured on Tuesday morning) may face further flooding as water levels continue to rise Flood warnings are current for large parts of central Queensland as well as the southeast (pictured, Bray Park) Further south at Winton, all rural roads are cut with some properties set to be isolated for six to eight weeks due to floodwaters. West of Winton towards Boulia, the Middleton community has recorded about 450mm since the weekend. 'The Boulia road through to Alice Springs has currently got three metres of water over the crossings,' Winton Mayor Gavin Baskett said. 'Some of the crossings are at the highest (flood levels) some graziers have ever seen them.' Winton's local disaster management group has been activated with some properties preparing for a long period isolated in floodwaters. 'They are all graziers out there, lucky it isn't tourist season,' Mr Baskett said. The Bureau of Meteorology said the ex-tropical cyclone was expected to linger between Mount Isa and Longreach for the next few days. Crews are still working to restore electricity for north Queenslanders left without power after Kirrily crossed the coast three days ago. About 66,000 customers lost power at the peak of the wild weather. The remaining 1,000 homes still without electricity were expected to be restored by Tuesday night. Kirrily struck barely a month after Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused record flooding that devastated the far north. Queensland's southeast has been nattered by heavy rain with some regions copping 300mm of rain in three hours (pictured, Bray Park) Full details of flooding List of rivers and creeks overflowing LOWER BRISBANE: Bremer River at Spressers Bridge is experiencing a rise, resulting in major flooding at the level of the bridge. Western Creek at Kuss Road is rising by 0.05m but remains below the bridge. LOGAN-ALBERT: Logan River at Rathdowney is on the rise, causing minor flooding. Teviot Brook at Boonah is experiencing significant flooding, measuring 1.72m above the bridge. PINE/CABOOLTURE: Burpengary Creek at Dale Street is rising, causing minor flooding. Caboolture River at Hausmann Lane is rising, leading to major flooding. North Pine River at Lees Crossing is rising, with water levels 2.08m above the road. BORDER RIVERS: Quart Pot Creek at Storm King Dam is holding steady with minor flooding, 0.14m above the spillway. WEIR: Weir River at O'Connor is rising, resulting in moderate flooding. MOONIE: Moonie River at Southwood is rising rapidly, causing minor flooding with water levels 3.45m above the Causeway. Moonie River at Flinton is rising, resulting in minor flooding with water levels 2.97m above the Causeway. CONDAMINE: Cooranga Creek at Warra is rising, leading to major flooding, with water levels 0.15m above the bridge. DIAMANTINA: Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes is rising, causing major flooding with water levels 3.91m above the Causeway. School closures Forest Hill State School, Thornton State School, Mount Alford State School, Grandchester State School, Ashwell State School, Aratula State School, Blenheim State School, and Centenary State High School will be closed. Additionally, major private schools such as St Paul's School Bald Hills and Grace Lutheran College (Rothwell) have also announced closures for Tuesday. Furthermore, Jandowae Pre-10 State School, Kogan State School, Moonie State School, Mount Sylvia State School, Mount Whitestone State School, Tent Hill Lower State School, and Warra State School have been closed. Parents are advised to contact local daycare centers and kindergartens in affected areas for closure information. Specifically in the Lockyer Valley, Aratula State School, Ashwell State School, Blenheim State School, Centenary State School at Jindalee, Mount Sylvia State School, Mount Whitestone State School, and Tent Hill State School are closed. In the Western Downs region, Jandowae, Moonie, Kogan, and Warra state schools are all shut. Independent schools affected by the weather-related closures include Indie School at Logan, Carinty Education - Shalom at Condon, Mungalla Silver Lining School at Mutarnee, and Silver Lining School at Cluden. Road closures Old Maroochydore Road, Forest Glen - near Eudlo Ck Morayfield Road, Morayfield - William Berry Drive Bruce Highway on Ramp, Murrumba Downs - Dohles Rocks ramp Beerburrum Street, Battery Hill - Beerburrum St West Chinchilla Tara Road, Crossroads - south of Kogan Condamine Road Cunningham Highway, Sladevale - open to one lane Bromelton Street, Beaudesert - intersection with Beaudesert Bypass. Beaudesert Boonah Road, Bromelton - intersection with Bromelton House Road. Rosewood Warrill View Road, Mount Walker - intersection of Rosevale Road Carnarvon Highway, Saint George / Wellesley - between St George and Surat Cooper Developmental Road, Durham / Eromanga / Quilpie - various locations Jackson Wandoan Road, Woleebee - intersection Sundown Road Haigslea Amberley Road, Walloon - between Toohey Rd and Bell St Rosewood Laidley Road, Calvert - near Bunney Rd Rosewood Warrill View Road, Lower Mount Walker / Rosewood - between Ipswich Rosewood Rd and Mount Walker W Road Ipswich Rosewood Road, Jeebropilly - between Bremer Rd and McGearys Rd Haigslea Amberley Road, Walloon - between Hodgsons Rd and Hansens Rd Samford Road, Ferny Hills - between Owarra Ave West and Ferny Way Mt Samson Road, Yugar South Pine River Bridge near Gibbons Road Kingaroy Barkers Creek Road, Kingaroy Tessmanns Road to Redvale Road Samford Road, Ferny Hills Between Owarra Ave West and Ferny Way Quilpie Thargomindah Road, Quilpie about 35km south of Quilpie at Bulloo River Haigslea Amberley Road, Walloon between Hodgsons Rd and Hansens Rd Jackson Wandoan Road, Woleebee Intersection Sundown Road Bromelton Street, Beaudesert Intersection with Beaudesert Bypass. Ipswich Rosewood Road, Jeebropilly between Bremer Rd and McGearys Rd Rosewood Laidley Road, Calvert near Bunney Rd Haigslea Amberley Road, Walloon between Toohey Rd and Bell St Beaudesert Boonah Road, Bromelton Intersection with Bromelton House Road. Warrill View Peak Crossing Road, Warrill View Near Charles Chauvel Drive Rosewood Warrill View Road, Mount Walker Intersection of Rosevale Road Rosewood Warrill View Road, Lower Mount Walker / Rosewood between Ipswich Rosewood Rd and Mount Walker W Road Capricorn Highway, Comet Sandhurst Creek Carnarvon Highway, Saint George / Wellesley between St George and Surat Moonie Highway, Dalby / Nandi between Balonne Shire and Dalby Hughenden Muttaburra Road, Hughenden / Tangorin Hughenden to Muttaburra Carnarvon Highway, Mungindi / Saint George between St George and Mungindi Balonne Highway, Bollon / Saint George between St George and Ballone St George Dirranbandi Road, Hebel / Saint George between St George and Hebel Chinchilla Tara Road, Crossroads south of Kogan Condamine Road Gympie Road, Bald Hills South Pine River Bridge Dalby Jandowae Road, Jimbour West about 5km south of Jandowae Kilcoy Murgon Road, Redgate between Bunya Highway and Burnett Highway Dalby Kogan Road, Ranges Bridge between Dalby and Kogan Warrego Highway, Chinchilla / Dalby Warrego Highway Chinchilla to Dalby Cloncurry Duchess Road, Duchess / Kuridala from Cloncurry Dajarra Road/Chatsworth Phosphate Hill Road intersection to Duchess township New England Highway, Glengallan Backwater Creek 8 Mile Yaldara Avenue Caboolture Linkfield Road, Bald Hills at South Pine River Lower Tenthill Road, Lower Tenthill Water Over Road Road Closed Condamine River Road, Killarney / The Head Osbornes Road, Tenthill Creek Road road closed water over road McLucas Road, Lower Tenthill water over road road closed Churchill Drive, Warwick Victoria Street, Warwick Grantham Winwill Road, Winwill rater over road road closed Lancing Street, Pullenvale at Pullen Pullen Creek Alberta Park Road, Luscombe between Stanmore Road and end of road Harm Drive, Glenore Grove road Closed water over road Mt Alford Road, Bunjurgen at Harris Crossing Buckingham Street East, Strathpine Grandchester Mount Mort Road, Grandchester at Rosewood Laidley Road Malibu Road, Lawnton at Todds Gully Brightview Road, Brightview water over road Visentin Road, Morayfield near Underpass Road William Berry Drive, Morayfield near William Berry Drive Mott Street, Strathpine Scott Place, Hatton Vale water over road Gehrke Road, Regency Downs water over road road closed Woodlands Road, Blenheim water over road road closed Kirri Avenue, Petrie closed due to outflows from Sideling Creek Bowman Parade, Bardon 7 Bowman Parade Ithaca Creek at Bardon is flooded. Taylors Road, Walloon Moonie Highway, Dalby Moonie Highway close to Moonie Schools Burke Developmental Road, Wrotham Walsh River (Trimble's Crossing) Australian banknotes are now just as likely to be used for illegal black market activities - such as buying drugs - as everyday cash transactions, a new report has found. The Reserve Bank estimated 7 to 11 per cent of cash now in circulation was used for shadow economy transactions, either to evade tax or buy illicit drugs. With consumers overwhelming using cards to pay for goods, just 9 to 12 per cent of banknotes in circulation were used for everyday transactions like buying groceries or paying for a takeaway coffee. Australian banknotes are now just as likely to be used for illegal black market activities as everyday cash transactions, a new report has revealed (pictured is a stock image of a drug deal) Hoarding was the biggest use for cash, with 55 to 80 per cent of banknotes in circulation stored away for emergency use rather than kept in a bank. Then there are lost banknotes, estimated at 5 to 9 per cent of cash in circulation. The Reserve Bank report by economists Patrick Elkington and Rochelle Guttmann noted the black economy demand for cash had increased during the pandemic to be conservatively worth $5.3billion, or 5 per cent of banknotes in circulation. READ MORE: MP's dark warning about a cashless society A federal MP has issued a dark warning about Australia going cashless as hundreds of bank branches are closed in just a year. Keith Wolahan, the Liberal member for Menzies in Melbourne's north-east, has warned of a totalitarian society where banks can ultimately cut Australians off completely from being able to spend money - as fewer people use cash Advertisement 'This has edged up slightly since the pandemic, although these estimates have a high degree of uncertainty,' they said. The report estimated tax evasion, based on banknotes, was worth $4.2billion in June 2023. This could include a business accepting cash to avoid having to pay the GST or paying an employee in banknotes to help someone avoid paying income tax. By comparison, the RBA conservatively estimated $1.1billion worth of cash was used to pay and sell illicit drugs. The Reserve Bank report also suggested the black economy could be even larger, and perhaps be worth $10billion, or 10 per cent of banknotes in circulation. By comparison, about $9billion worth of cash was used for everyday, legal transactions, marking a $1billion fall since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Treasury's Black Economy Task Force estimated Australia's shadow economy was twice as large as an Australian Bureau of Statistics estimate. Of all the cash hoarded in Australia, $800million was from the illicit drug supply chain, or 1 per cent of banknotes in circulation. 'In addition, drug suppliers are also likely to hold large volumes of cash in reserve,' the RBA report said. The report also cited data from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and the Australian Institute of Health to suggest $1.6billion worth of banknotes was used to buy illicit drugs, or almost 2 per cent of cash-in-circulation in June 2023. Australia's hoarded cash haul was estimated to be worth $56billion to $81billion, with this increasing since the start of the pandemic. 'Hoarding is usually done for store-of-wealth or precautionary motives,' the RBA said. 'We define hoarded banknotes as those held for legitimate reasons other than financing everyday transactions or those that are lost.' The Reserve Bank report said fewer cash transactions would reduce banking costs. 'First, declining transactional velocity of cash and an increased share of banknotes that are hoarded means that most Australian banknotes will have a longer lifespan compared with the past,' it said. Hoarding was the biggest use for cash, with 55 to 80 per cent of banknotes in circulation stored away for emergency use rather than kept in a bank (pictured is a stock image) With consumers overwhelming using cards to pay for goods, just 9 to 26 per cent of banknotes were used for everyday transactions like buying groceries or paying for a takeaway coffee (pictured are Australian banknotes) 'Second, fewer banknotes used for transactions will lead to lower cash processing volumes, which further increases financial pressures across the wholesale banknote distribution industry.' A separate report by the Reserve Bank published in June last year revealed just 16 per cent of in-person transactions were done in cash in 2022, or just have the 32 per cent level of 2019 before the pandemic. The RBA released new figures in November showing 73 per cent of in-person transactions were now done with cards for items worth less than $10. A poster of Christ to promote Easter week in Seville has drawn a sharp backlash from Spanish ultra-conservatives, who denounced it as 'sexualised' and 'homoerotic.' Designed by Seville artist Salustiano Garcia, the poster shows Christ after his resurrection from the dead, stood semi-naked in front of a blood-red background, with the lower part of his body covered by a white cloth. It shows 'the radiant side of Holy Week' in the 'purest style of this prestigious painter,' said the Council of Brotherhoods and Guilds which organises the main Easter week events in the southern city. In a social media backlash, however, many people denounced the poster as 'sexualised'. 'It's absolutely shameful and an aberration,' wrote the ultra-conservative Catholic IPSE, which says it fosters 'respect for Christian symbols' and is active in opposing abortion. Designed by Seville artist Salustiano Garcia (pictured, left), the poster shows Christ after his resurrection from the dead, stood semi-naked in front of a blood-red background In a social media backlash, many people denounced the poster as 'sexualised' The artist told the right-wing ABC newspaper that his portrayal of Christ, which was based on an image of his son, was 'gentle, elegant and beautiful' Spain decriminalised homosexuality in 1978, three years after Franco's dictatorship ended The image portrayed Christ as 'effeminate' and 'camp', it said, demanding a public apology from the artist for a poster that was not in the spirit of Holy Week. Javier Navarro of the far-right Vox party joined the chorus of disapproval, saying the poster 'sought to provoke' and did not advance the aim of 'encouraging the faithful to participate in Holy Week in Seville' in remarks on X, formerly Twitter. The artist told the right-wing ABC newspaper that his portrayal of Christ, which was based on an image of his son, was 'gentle, elegant and beautiful' and created with 'deep respect'. 'To see sexuality in my image of Christ, you must be mad,' he said, insisting there was 'nothing' in his painting that 'has not already been represented in artworks dating back hundreds of years'. Juan Espadas, leader of Spain's ruling Socialist party in the southern Andalusia region, immediately came to the defence of the artwork, denouncing the 'expressions of homophobia and hatred' that it had sparked, and saying it combined the region's 'tradition and modernity'. Holy Week celebrations, which recall the death and resurrection of Christ, are very important in deeply Catholic Spain, notably in Seville, which is widely seen as the centre of such festivities. Spain decriminalised homosexuality in 1978, three years after Franco's dictatorship ended, and is one of the world's most open countries with respect to LGBTQ rights, permitting same-sex marriage and allowing gay couples to adopt since 2005. The DUP last night agreed to restore the Northern Ireland parliament after two years of political deadlock sparked by Brexit. In a crunch meeting last night, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson confirmed the party will restore devolution in Northern Ireland if the government passes new legislation. The DUP has been using a veto power to blockade Stormont's devolved institutions since February 2022 in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements that have created trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The party has been involved in protracted talks with the Government aimed at securing concessions on the arrangements that would address its concerns around trade and sovereignty. In a crunch meeting last night, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson confirmed the party will restore devolution in Northern Ireland if the government passes new legislation He said that the legislation - agreed upon by Westminster - will remove checks on goods moving within the UK and remaining in Northern Ireland DUP leader Sir Jeffrey, Deputy Leader of the DUP Gavin Robinson and Emma Little-Pengelly In a press conference last night, Sir Jeffrey said: 'In February 2022, the DUP withdrew the then-First Minister as a consequence of the imposition of the Northern Ireland protocol which did not have the support of elected representatives of unionism in Northern Ireland.' 'We warned that the failure to deal with the protocol, its imposition without consent and its disruptive impact on the delicate political balance was leading to an unsustainable position. 'Having taken a strong and principled stance - we were able to bring the UK government and the EU commission to negotiations. 'We have worked with the UK government in recent negotiations to ensure that moving forward, Northern Ireland has the best possible chance to tackle its short term challenges and built longer term prosperity within the union. 'Our goal has been to secure the conditions that allow for the return of devolved government on a sustainable basis and where it can make a real and meaningful improvement in the lives of all the people in this part of the UK.' He said that the legislation - agreed upon by Westminster - will remove checks on goods moving within the UK and remaining in Northern Ireland. It will end 'Northern Ireland automatically following future EU laws,' he added. Sir Jeffrey said he hoped the Government could move swiftly to implement the legislative pledges it had made to his party, paving the way for Stormont to return. He said the party executive had voted 'decisively' to back the plan to restore devolution at a lengthy meeting in Co Down on Monday night. 'The officers, Assembly group, parliamentary group and the central executive of the Democratic Unionist Party have now been briefed and considered all aspects of our negotiations between the UK Government and the DUP,' he said. 'I am pleased to report that the party executive has now endorsed the proposals that I have put to them.' He continued: 'There will be legislation protecting the Acts of Union, which guarantees unfettered access for Northern Ireland business to the rest of the UK.' He said: 'The party has concluded that subject to the binding commitments between the DUP and the UK government being fully and faithfully delivered as agreed, including the tabling and passing of new legislative measures in Parliament, the package of measures in totality does provide a basis for our party to nominate members to the NI executive.' A mass rally in Belfast heard calls for Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to release pay awards for workers and also for the DUP to end its boycott of Stormont Pro-Union, anti-Brexit Irish sea border posters are pictured near Larne Port near Belfast Regardless of which party forms the next UK government, these measures will stay in place beyond the upcoming General Election. He said: 'I believe that with the faithful delivery of this package, hard work and dedication, we will be able to look back on this moment as the defining time when NI place within the union was safeguarded. 'And our place within the UK internal market was restored. 'When our grandchildren look back on this period, they will be able to say we had a just cause, we held the line, we restored the balance and we secured a positive future for NI and its integral place in the union of the UK,' he concluded. He also condemned the spread of misinformation online about the measures prior to the publication of the proposals. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said the move is a 'welcome and significant step' and said 'we will stick to this agreement'. He said: 'I am grateful to Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and colleagues for the constructive dialogue over the past months and to the other political parties in Northern Ireland for the patience they have shown during this time. 'I am pleased that the DUP have agreed to accept the package of measures that the UK Government has put forward and as a result they are ready to return to the Northern Ireland Assembly and nominate representatives to the Northern Ireland Executive. 'Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said this is subject to the binding commitments between the Democratic Unionist Party and the UK Government - I can confirm that we will stick to this agreement. 'I now believe that all the conditions are in place for the Assembly to return, the parties entitled to form an Executive are meeting tomorrow to discuss these matters and I hope to be able to finalise this deal with the political parties as soon as possible.' Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald (pictured) said she was optimistic Stormont could return before the next legislative deadline for forming an administration Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald said she was optimistic Stormont could return before the next legislative deadline for forming an administration. 'I am optimistic having heard Jeffrey Donaldson's public declaration that we will see the northern institutions back up and running before the February 8 deadline with a fully functioning Assembly and Executive and north south bodies,' she said. 'Sinn Fein will now engage with the parties and both governments to ensure we now all press on without delay. 'It is vital there is political stability to address the scale of the crisis across our public services. 'Let's now focus minds on the job at hand and to the solutions required to support workers and families who want and deserve functioning government.' It comes 10 days after thousands of public sector workers took to the streets across Northern Ireland in the biggest strike action in the region's recent history. A mass rally in Belfast heard calls for Mr Heaton-Harris to release pay awards for workers and also for the DUP to end its boycott of Stormont. Last week, in an impassioned speech at Westminster, Sir Jeffrey said he had received threats amid the speculation over an impending deal. The DUP has reported the incidents to the police. On Sunday Sinn Fein called on the DUP to step off the 'endless merry-go-round' of its Stormont boycott and return to powersharing. Senior party TD Pearse Doherty said the time had come for the DUP to make a decision. On Saturday, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice party Jim Allister, one of those calling for the DUP to maintain its blockade, urged opponents of the post-Brexit trading arrangements to stand firm 'We've been here so many times, there's been so many false dawns when it comes to the DUP, and the DUP really need to end this blockade of this Assembly and accept the fact that people in the Assembly election (in May 2022) voted for change and the dynamics are changing and have changed in the north,' he told RTE. 'We have to get off this endless merry-go-round in relation to will they, won't they?' He added: 'They should absolutely jump but the British government needs to stop facilitating them, they've told us that the negotiations are over. 'And they (the DUP) need to get back into the Assembly. There's nothing more to talk about.' On Friday, senior DUP MLA and former party leader Edwin Poots criticised some other unionists who have accused his party of being 'traitors'. He suggested his party had extracted meaningful concessions from the Government. 'Why would we have done what we've done for the last two years and go back with nothing, and people should reflect on that,' he told BBC Radio Ulster. On Saturday, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice party Jim Allister, one of those calling for the DUP to maintain its blockade, urged opponents of the post-Brexit trading arrangements to stand firm. 'Unionism is facing a defining moment,' he said. 'A moment of decision that will set Northern Ireland's course for years to come. 'Either NI will embark on transition out of the UK by unionists implementing the template designed for that purpose, the Protocol, or unionism will hold the line and refuse to put its hand to its own destruction. 'This is a decision so momentous as to rise above questions of party loyalty.' He added: 'If the worst happens and the DUP gives up the fight, then all who see the issues need to stand together.' Nikki Haley's home has been 'swatted' for a second time as a prank caller rang cops to claim a woman had killed her daughter and was threatening to kill herself. The latest call happened on January 1, Charleston County Sheriff's Office revealed on Monday afternoon. The 911 caller gave the address of Haley's home in Kiawah Island, and said Haley had shot her daughter, who was lying in a pool of blood. Haley is mother to Rena, 25, and son Nalin, 22. The deputy spoke to an unidentified woman at the front door who matched Haley's description. They quickly realized the call was a hoax, according to the report, which Reuters received in response to a request for records of swatting incidents at Haley's home. Nikki Haley is seen on the campaign trail with her daughter Rena, 25. On January 1 a hoax caller claimed Haley had killed her daughter and was threatening to kill herself The caller claimed to be at Haley's South Carolina home in Kiawah Island when he dialed 911 Haley is seen with her daughter Rena on the campaign trail on December 9 A hoax caller on December 30 claimed to have shot his girlfriend and threatened to harm himself at the home of presidential hopeful Nikki Haley in a terrifying swatting incident Haley's campaign has not commented, but the incident was the second in two days, after she was 'swatted' on December 30. A hoax caller on December 30 claimed to have shot his girlfriend and threatened to harm himself at Haley's home. An unknown person called 911 and 'claimed to have shot his girlfriend and threatened to harm himself while at the residence of Nikki Haley,' Craig Harris, Kiawah Island director of public safety, told town officials. 'It was determined to be a hoax. Nikki Haley is not on the island and her son is with her.' Haley's campaign declined to comment. She and her husband bought the $2.4 million Kiawah Island residence in October 2019, local property records indicate. The 'swatting' incidents are among a wave of violent threats, bomb scares and other acts of intimidation against government officials, members of the judiciary and election administrators since the 2020 election that have alarmed law enforcement ahead of this year's U.S. presidential contest. Swatting cases have surged over the past two months, targeting both allies and rivals of former President Donald Trump as he campaigns to return to the White House. The targets include figures who have publicly opposed Trump, such as Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat who barred him from her states primary ballot. Judges and at least one prosecutor handling cases against Trump have been targeted. But Trump backers such as U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene have also faced swatting attempts. Swatting is the filing of false reports to the police to set off a potentially dangerous response by officers. Law enforcement experts see it as a form of intimidation or harassment that is increasingly being used to target political figures and officials involved in the civil and criminal cases against Trump. In the email, Harris said he was in contact with South Carolina's state police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the head of Haley's security team. 'This incident is being investigated by all involved,' he wrote. The former UN ambassador was not home at the time and neither was her son, officials said Nikki Haley, left, hugs her son Nalin Haley at a New Hampshire primary night rally, in Concord, N.H., Tuesday January 23, 2024 The email did not mention a suspect or potential motive. In a separate email obtained by Reuters, an FBI official in South Carolina told Harris and other law enforcement officials that federal agents were tracking the hoax call and intended to open a 'threat assessment' into the matter. Harris, the FBI and the state police had no immediate comment on the incident. Law enforcement agencies have not publicly identified a suspect in the Haley case or in other high-profile swatting cases. Trump, famed for his incendiary rhetoric, has expressed fury at Haley in recent weeks. She has lost the first two Republican nominating contests, in Iowa and New Hampshire, but has refused to drop out of the race. Haley has ramped up her criticism of Trump, suggesting he's too old to be president again and calling him 'totally unhinged.' At least 27 swatting incidents have been documented against politicians, prosecutors, election officials and judges since November 2023, ranging from Georgia Republican state officials to hoaxes this month against Democrat Joe Bidens residence at the White House. Some of the calls bear striking similarities. In two cases, a person identifying himself as 'Jamal' called police to say he had killed his wife. One such incident targeted the Florida home of Republican U.S. Senator Rick Scott on December 27, weeks after he endorsed Trump, according to records from the Naples Police Department. 'I caught my wife sleeping with another dude so I took my AR-15, and I shot her in the head three times,' the caller said, referring to a popular semi-automatic rifle. Officers checked Scott's home and concluded the call was a hoax. Scott wasn't home at the time of the call. Craig Harris, Kiawah Island director of public safety, told town officials the man did not identify himself 'Jamal's voice sounded as if it was computer generated/artificial,' wrote a Naples Police Department official in the incident report. A caller identifying himself as 'Jamal' also targeted Georgia Republican state senator John Albers on December 26, according to an incident report from the Roswell Police Department. In that case, the caller said he had shot his wife and demanded $10,000 or he would shoot himself, too. In both cases, the callers were male and spoke with a similar accent, according to a Reuters analysis of the audio recordings. A Jan. 7 call targeting Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a strong Trump supporter, also had some similarities. The caller told police he was phoning from the officials address in the state capital, said he had shot his wife and added 'he was going to kill himself and hung up on the operator,' according to an incident report by the Jefferson City Police Department. Ashcroft and his wife and children were home at the time, according to a statement from the Missouri Secretary of State. Scott, Albers and Ashcroft did not respond to requests for comment. Gabriel Sterling, a top official in the Georgia secretary of states office, said when someone called 911 on Jan. 11 to falsely report a shooting at his Atlanta suburban home, 14 police cars, a fire truck and an ambulance raced to his house. Marjorie Taylor Greene was among 27 swatting incidences documented against politicians, prosecutors, election officials and judges since November 2023 Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) was targeted in a swatting incident shortly after endorsing Donald Trump 'Now I bolt my doors every night,' said Sterling, a Republican who faced a torrent of threats for denouncing Trumps false voter-fraud claims after the 2020 election. 'Thats the reality Im living in now,' he said in an interview. Similar scare tactics have been directed in recent weeks at judges and prosecutors involved in cases against Trump. In the early morning hours of Jan. 11, police in Nassau County, New York, received a report of a bomb at the home of Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, who is presiding over the civil fraud trial of Trump and his family real estate business. Police officers, including a bomb squad, were dispatched to the judges home in the upscale suburb of Great Neck, Long Island, at 5:30 a.m., according to the Nassau County Police Department. But no explosive device was found and the call was determined to be a false report. A spokesman for the New York court system declined to comment on the incident. Just days earlier, police in Washington, D.C., responded to a false report of a shooting at the home of U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is hearing the criminal case charging Trump with attempting to overturn his 2020 election defeat. Late in the evening on Jan. 7, police were dispatched to the home, where an unidentified woman advised them that she was uninjured and no one else was in the home, according to an incident report reviewed by Reuters. Police cleared the home and found no explosive device. The U.S. Marshals Service, which protects federal judges and prosecutors, did respond to a request for comment on the incident. Other security scares have involved hoax bomb attacks. Police also received a threat of a bomb at the home of Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron who presided over the Trump Organization civil fraud trial in New York The swatting wave coincides with the most sustained spate of political violence in the United States since the 1970s. There have been at least 232 politically motivated acts of violence since Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 Over two days in early January, bomb threats were sent to state capitals and courthouses in multiple states, according to news reports and state officials, including Minnesota, Arkansas, Maine, Hawaii, Montana and New Hampshire. In Minnesota, state courts received bomb threats by email, but the threats were deemed false and did not block court proceedings, court officials told Reuters. The FBI said it was investigating the threats. In a statement issued previously on the surge in swatting incidents, the FBI said people making the false calls were using tactics such as caller-ID spoofing technology 'to make it appear that the emergency call is coming from the victims phone.' The calls 'are dangerous to first responders and to the victims,' often involving fake reports that hostages have been taken or bombs are about to go off, the FBI said. 'The community is placed in danger as responders rush to the scene, taking them away from real emergencies, and the officers are placed in danger as unsuspecting residents may try to defend themselves.' The recent swatting incidents follow a surge of violent threats against U.S. election workers after the 2020 election, inspired by Trumps false stolen-election claims. Reuters documented more than 1,000 intimidating messages between the 2020 election through 2021 in a series of stories that chronicled the campaign of fear against election administrators in more than a dozen battleground states. A report published by New York University's Brennan Center for Justice said the intimidation continued well into last year. In its survey of state legislators completed in October 2023, 43 percent reported being threatened over the past three years. Selena Gomez (pictured), Tom Cruise, Miley Cyrus, and Ashton Kutcher are among the celebrity victims of swatting The swatting wave coincides with the most sustained spate of political violence in the United States since the 1970s. That report documented at least 232 politically motivated acts of violence since Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The events ranged from riots to brawls at political demonstrations to beatings and murders. But it is not just elected officials. Selena Gomez, Tom Cruise, Miley Cyrus, Ashton Kutcher, and other celebrities have been targeted in swatting hits that stretch back to the start of the 2010s. Prince Harry is pursuing a second High Court hacking trial against Mirror newspapers, a court heard yesterday. The Duke of Sussex wants a trial 'as soon as possible' unless the group meets his demands for compensation. Meanwhile, two former Coronation Street stars who fought alongside Harry at the first trial face a 242,000 legal bill. Last year the duke became the first royal in over a hundred years to step into the witness box at the High Court. He was the most high-profile of four claimants accusing Mirror Group Newspapers of hacking them for stories. After the seven-week trial, Harry was partially successful, and was awarded 140,000 by the judge. In his landmark ruling last month, Mr Justice Fancourt concluded that 15 out of 33 articles had come from hacking. The Duke of Sussex wants a trial 'as soon as possible' unless the group meets his demands for compensation. Pictured: Outside the High Court in June In court last summer, Harry said media intrusion had seriously impacted previous relationships and friendships. Pictured: Outside the High Court in June But he threw out the remaining 17, branding one of them 'hopeless'. The articles were a 'sample' from 148 Harry had complained about. Now the duke will pursue the remaining 115 in a second trial lasting seven to ten days. In court last summer, Harry said media intrusion had seriously impacted previous relationships and friendships. After the judge ruled Harry had been the victim of hacking, the duke declared himself a 'dragon slayer' and vowed to continue his crusade against the Press. The cost hearing was told yesterday that Harry who had been seeking between 440,000 and 570,000 in damages and his fellow claimants had racked up legal fees of 2million so far. Ex-Coronation Street actor Michael Turner had sought 175,000 in damages, and was awarded 31,650. Both actress Nikki Sanderson, who was also in Coronation Street, and Fiona Wightman, the ex-wife of comedian Paul Whitehouse, had their claims dismissed because they were made too late. The court has not yet dealt with legal costs in relation to Prince Harry. But it was revealed that he did turn down an offer from the Mirror to settle the case before a costly trial. Harry's lawyer David Sherborne said the claimant group had been 'overwhelmingly successful' in the case and that his side should receive nearly 2million in costs from the Mirror. After hearing both sides' arguments, Mr Justice Fancourt said he would make his ruling at a later date. Female pool players are suing their governing body over its transgender policy in a landmark legal case. They say it is discriminative to allow trans women to compete, claiming they have a physical advantage in games including greater upper body strength. It allows them to play games at a faster pace and is a major factor in determining the outcome of the initial break, they say. If the claim is successful, the bodies would have to restrict women's competitions to those born female. Alexandra Cunha, who is fifth in the international ranking for female pool players It could set a legal precedent that would make it unlawful to let anyone who is biologically male compete in women's contests in any discipline. Peter Daly, of Doyle Clayton solicitors who represents the players, said: 'The provisions of s.195 Equality Act 2010 are clear, and are there to protect biological women against the obvious disadvantage they experience in having to compete against males in gender-aJected sport. 'Doyle Clayton looks forward to securing a resolution of the situation on behalf of our clients which ensures that they are able to compete fairly in their sport.' The group, which is being brought by four named claimants and 30 more women who may join the action, have issued a letter before claim to two pool organisations. They claim that the Ultimate Pool Group and the World Eightball Pool Federation have subjected them to direct sex discrimination and harassment on the grounds of sex. Former World No 1 Maria Catalano (pictured) has spoken out before about transgender players, dubbing it 'unfair' Lynne Pinches, who forfeited a major final she was scheduled to play a transgender woman, said: 'I have self-excluded and turned down my opportunity of a professional spot on the Ultimate Pool Tour because my choices are either to play and concede the match again or not play at all. 'Neither option is good for my mental wellbeing, but I do have regrets about withdrawing from the competition because I will miss playing and being part of the tour.' It comes after The Mail on Sunday revealed dozens of pro female pool players - including world No 5 Alexandra Cunha - were refusing to play against trans opponents in competitions. They acted after the international governing body - the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF), and its main sponsor the Ultimate Pool Group (UPG) - reversed its own decision to let only players born female compete in women's events. Joe Biden is weighing up launching strikes on Iranian military assets in the Persian Gulf after three Americans were killed in Jordan by a Tehran-backed drone. The president has demanded advisors present him with options on how to respond to the attack without dragging the US into battle in the Middle East, Politico reports. Insiders revealed any revenge bombings will taken place in the coming days as the commander-in-chief and military brass study a range of targets. Fears of war were sparked over the weekend when an Iran-backed suicide drone killed three American soldiers at a remote base near Jordan's border with Syria. The victims were named on Monday as specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, and sergeant William Rivers, 46. Iran-backed militias, calling themselves the Axis of Resistance, have also launched more than 160 strikes on US targets since the October 7 terror attack by Hamas. It comes at a delicate time for the White House, with Biden not seen out and about on Monday after sparking health fears due to a bumbling speech in South Carolina. Meanwhile Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has only recently returned to the office after going AWOL to have prostate cancer surgery. The White House put out an image of President Biden meeting with his security team, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on Monday as the administration prepares to respond to an attack on a U.S. base in Jordan From left to right: Spc. Kennedy Sanders, Sgt. William Jerome Rivers and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from Georgia were killed by a drone strike on Sunday On Sunday, the Axis claimed responsibility for the attack on the outpost in Jordan, saying it was a 'continuation of our approach to resisting the American occupation forces in Iraq and the region.' Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on Monday the militias 'do not take orders' from Iran and act independently. But Tehran is widely known to be the driving force for the attacks on the U.S. targets. Biden's own aides, according to The New York Times, admit the efforts to hit targets in the region in response to drone and missile attacks - to 'restore deterrence,' the administration says - have failed. The president, who was not publicly seen on Monday, but was shown in White House photos meeting his advisers, has ordered his team to draw up a list of options for retaliation. Politico reported that they include attacking Iranian personnel in Syria or Iraq, or Iranian naval assets in the Persian Gulf. Iran has suggested any strikes within Iran itself would cross a red line. Former CIA chief of staff Jeremy Bash said escalation is 'unavoidable'. He said: Biden 'cannot avoid the international challenges even in an election year.' He added: 'There is a sense that our deterrence measures to date have not been received by Tehran as we hoped, so escalation is unavoidable.' The president again warned that the U.S. would hold those responsible 'to account.' He met with members of his security team including Austin, who has been working at home for weeks after being hospitalized The drone attack late Saturday night impacted a US outpost located in the northeast part of the country known as Tower 22, near the Syria border, and resulted in at least 34 other injuries Once Biden has made his call, retaliation would likely begin a few days later and come in waves, against a range of targets. Campaign officials hope that the 81-year-old president, who spent six years as head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and has deep relationships with many key players in the Middle East, will impress wavering voters with his calm and competence. The Pentagon and State Department have spent decades drawing up scenarios and creating lists of possible targets. The New York Times reported that the U.S. has identified the major drone-making factories, and their overseas suppliers, which are working to help Russia in Ukraine, and providing armaments to the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The working assumption of American officials, the paper said, is that Sunday's attack was by an Iranian-made drone. The Pentagon has existing plans for potential strikes on Iranian missile sites and air bases, in case a conflict broke out between Iran and Israel. Israel has been carrying out high-profile bombing runs, practicing attacks on the Natanz nuclear site and the underground facility at Fordow. The U.S. has even formulated a cyberattack option against Iran, code-named 'Nitro Zeus,' the New York Times reported. The cyberattack would disable Iran's air defenses, communications systems and crucial parts of its power grid. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was back at work at the Pentagon for the first time since his December surgery for a procedure he did not disclose to the White House in advance. He attended a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Pentagon Monday Biden is pictured with Democratic Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar and yellow-vested workers at a bar as he donned a construction hat backward Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is pictured last year. Iran has said it does not control the militias, but is widely known to fund and support them Republicans, led by Trump, are demanding Biden take decisive action. Trump backed away from attacking Iran in November 2020, shortly after the election. He asked for options on attacking Iran's main nuclear site, a day after a U.N. watchdog report showed Iran had finished moving a first cascade of advanced centrifuges from an above-ground plant at its main uranium enrichment site to an underground one, in a fresh breach of its 2015 nuclear deal with major powers. But Trump ultimately decided against taking the dramatic step, privately worrying about the implications of an all-out war with Iran. On Sunday, Trump said he would have been tougher against Iran. 'Three years ago, Iran was weak, broke, and totally under control,' he wrote on Truth Social. 'Thanks to my Maximum Pressure policy, the Iranian Regime could barely scrape two dollars together to fund their terrorist proxies.' He said the fault lay with Biden's decision in September to unfreeze $6 billion of Iranian cash, held in Qatar, in response to Iran releasing five U.S. hostages. Trump said Biden was now funding 'bloodshed and carnage', and condemned the decision. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy's latest and most advanced aircraft carrier, was deployed to the eastern Mediterranean in response to the attack by Hamas on Israel A handout photo made available by the Iranian Army office on January 19 shows a missile being launched during a military drill in the Persian Gulf In November, the House blocked the unfreezing of the cash: the decision now goes to the Senate. 'Then Joe Biden came in and gave Iran billions of dollars, which the Regime has used to spread bloodshed and carnage throughout the Middle East,' said Trump. 'This attack would NEVER have happened if I was President, not even a chance - Just like the Iranian-backed Hamas attack on Israel would never have happened, the War in Ukraine would never have happened, and we would right now have Peace throughout the World. Instead, we are on the brink of World War 3..' Other Republicans echoed Trump's call for a swift and incisive response to Iran's actions. Mitch McConnell, the Senate minority leader, called for 'crippling costs' for Iran, saying the pain must be felt 'not only on frontline terrorist proxies, but on their Iranian sponsors who wear American blood as a badge of honor.' Senator John Cornyn, the Texas Republican, demanded strikes on Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina senator, said: 'The only thing the Iranian regime understands is force. Until they pay a price with their infrastructure and their personnel, the attacks on U.S. troops will continue. 'Hit Iran now. Hit them hard.' Donald Trump, seen at a rally on Saturday in Nevada, said Biden had been weak on Iran Sen. Lindsey Graham demanded Biden: 'Hit Iran now. Hit them hard' And Dan Crenshaw, a member of the House representing Texas, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, said it was time to repeat Trump's order to kill Qasem Soleimani, leader of the Quds Force, whose January 3, 2020 death in a U.S. drone strike stunned Iran. 'Time to kill another Iranian general, perhaps?' said Crenshaw. 'That might send the right message.' Biden is aware of the increasing cost of foreign wars - Ukraine, Gaza - on his election campaign, and concerned about escalation. He has few good options, analysts say. 'There are no good choices, but the deaths and wounds of so many U.S. troops and SEALs demand a strong response,' said James G. Stavridis, the retired Navy admiral who now works for the Carlyle Group, a global investment firm. Stavridis told The New York Times that there needed to be significant reprisals. 'A multi-day air campaign against all proxies, coupled with a 'last chance warning' to Iran is warranted,' he said. 'The Pentagon should be creating options that go directly against Iranian weapons production facilities, naval assets and intelligence systems in case the mullahs want to go another round. A strong offensive cyberattack would be another viable option, either alone or in conjunction with kinetic strikes.' Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. Middle East peace negotiator now at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told Politico: 'His options range from bad to worse. Not responding is not conscionable, but there are risks of provoking a true regional war.' He aded: 'They know that Iran can not afford a direct conflict with the United States, but it could fully unleash Hezbollah on Israel or American assets, and it could spiral.' A woman's body has been found in a fire-ravaged home after two children were rescued from the horror blaze. Emergency services were called to the Roleystone home in Perth's south shortly after midnight early Tuesday. The children managed to escape from the burning home unharmed with the help of neighbours but a woman believed to be their mother remained unaccounted for. Her body was later found inside the gutted home. Police remain at the scene of a horror house fire in Perth where a woman tragically died READ MORE: Vegan activist responds to planned protest outside her home Infamous vegan protestor Tash Peterson thanked organisers of a planned protest outside her home Advertisement Shocked neighbours woke in the middle of the night to children's screams coming from the driveway of the burning home and firefighters banging on windows amid fears the blaze would spread to nearby homes. 'I wasn't sure if it was going to jump the trees and jump to our place. The flames got pretty tall with the trees out the back, within a metre or two from jumping into the trees,' Danielle told The West Australian. Another neighbour Colin Peterson choked back tears as he paid tribute to the 'friendly' mother who died in the blaze. 'I used to talk to the woman, she's always friendly and would put up Christmas decorations,' he said. Arson Squad detectives remained at the scene on Tuesday. Police are treating the blaze as non-suspicious. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Police said a male occupant who was not home at the time is assisting detectives with their inquiries. 'Arson squad and forensic personnel are currently in attendance and we are currently working out how the fire started and determining the cause, and that's ongoing,' WA Senior Sergeant Chris De Bruin said. 'But at this stage, the fire does not appear to be suspicious. The fire threatened to spread to nearby properties as it ripped through the family home 'At this point in time, the fire does not appear to be deliberately lit.' 'We're speaking to the father at the moment. Obviously he's distraught, as is to be expected.' Police also praised neighbours' efforts. 'Two children managed to be saved while the house was on fire so their actions were commendable,' Senior Sergeant De Bruin said. 'Without their actions, this situation could be a lot worse.' WA Premier Roger Cook described the incident as 'desperately sad'. 'We're obviously deeply relieved that the kids were able to be rescued from that situation,' he said. 'But for someone to lose their life, and to lose their life under such circumstances, [is] incredibly saddening and our hearts go out to everyone involved.' Peter Dutton has accused the Prime Minister of breaking his Stage Three tax cuts election promise purely so he could secure victory in an upcoming by-election. The Opposition Leader said Anthony Albanese intentionally took money from the pockets of the nation's highest-paid workers to impress the middle-class voters of Dunkley, in Victoria. The electorate faces a by-election on March 2 following the tragic death of Labor MP Peta Murphy in late 2023. 'It's squarely designed to try and shore up their numbers in Dunkley,' Mr Dutton told reporters during a press conference in Perth on Tuesday morning. 'I think the Prime Minister has panicked. That's as plain as day.' Internal Liberal polling had indicated the PM's popularity has plummeted in the electorate, the Australian Financial Review reported. The PM has undoubtedly broken a promise. He's hoping voters won't mind when they realise they get more cash back under the new policy But some 80,000 voters in the region will benefit from the remodelled tax scheme, which will grant all taxpayers some relief by halving the amount of cash back high income earners were due to receive. In Dunkley, just 5,000 taxpayers are expected to be left worse off by Mr Albanese's changes. But the Coalition is drawing attention to the potential ramifications of a broken election promise - forcing voters to question whether they can trust what the government says moving forward. 'The Prime Minister told further lies at the National Press Club the other day when he said it had nothing to do with Dunkley,' Mr Dutton said. 'He's worried about his leadership.' The Opposition Leader said Anthony Albanese tweaked the Stage Three tax cuts and took money from the pockets of the nation's highest-paid employees to impress the middle-class workers of Dunkley, in Victoria. The electorate faces a by-election on March 2 following the tragic death of Labor MP Peta Murphy in late 2023 Mr Dutton alleged former Labor leader and prime ministerial hopeful Bill Shorten is 'biting at the bit' to get another shot at the top job. 'I can tell you, his aspiration in life is not to be a Cabinet Minister in the Albanese Government let's be very frank about that,' he said. READ MORE: PM borrows trick from John Howard Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is treading a well-travelled path in breaking an election promise he made - repeatedly - to the Australian public. Of them all, only one - John Howard (pictured) survived the election which followed the broken promise Advertisement The Opposition Leader described the 'uncertainty' created by Labor the past week as 'unforgivable', arguing 'it's what Labor always does'. 'The Prime Minister has a lot of questions to answer, because I just don't believe that Australians can trust him anymore,' he said. Mr Dutton questioned whether the government would be looking to make changes to negative gearing after implementing the Stage Three changes. 'If you look at the Treasurer's words in relation to the question he was asked about negative gearing, he uses a very cute form of words as the Prime Minister did in Parliament,' he said. Treasurer Jim Chalmers took a page out of Mr Albanese's book on Monday when he said the government's opinion on negative gearing 'had not changed'. 'We haven't changed our view,' he told the gathered crowd. That sentence was Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's go-to line repeatedly before he announced he was, in fact, changing the Stage Three cuts last week. 'We have not changed our position,' Mr Albanese told voters, journalists and colleagues, right up until the night before the decision was formalised. During the PM's National Press Club speech on Thursday, he indicated this phrase was especially formulated to keep the government's plans under wraps During the PM's National Press Club speech on Thursday, he indicated this phrase was especially formulated to keep the government's plans under wraps. He said it was technically true as 'we changed our position on Tuesday in the Cabinet'. Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told Daily Mail Australia there is a 'clear pattern in the language' used by the senior Labor figures. 'Sneaky Jim Chalmers - 'we have not changed our position' means watch out,' she said. 'The problem with having a liar in the Lodge is you can't trust anything anyone says in this shifty Labor government. 'Australians are learning the hard way that when Labor runs out of money, they come after yours.' A furious motorist has lashed out at the owner of a Tesla who parked their electric vehicle at a petrol bowser, forcing the driver to wait to fill up their tank. A Reddit user uploaded a picture of the motorist on Friday showing the driver and their white Tesla Model 3 at the bowser for internal combustion engines at Menai, in Sydney's south. 'The f***wit parked at the petrol pump in his Tesla to go in and buy a car wash,' the motorist wrote on social media. The post attracted hundreds of comments from users who said the driver of the EV should have parked elsewhere. 'If its busy enough [and] there isn't a car park free you should really find another servo or park on a side street and walk,' one user said. A Tesla Model 3 owner has angered a motorist after the driver took up a parking space (pictured) at a bowser for internal combustion engines in Sydney Fines for drivers parking in spaces reserved for electric cars NSW: Maximum fines of 20 penalty units worth a total of $2,200 ACT: Maximum fine of 20 penalty units worth a total of $3,200 Queensland: Maximum fine of 20 penalty units worth a total of $2,875 Victoria: Two penalty units worth a total of $369 Advertisement '[Driver is] an idiot for taking up bowser space,' another wrote. 'Throw them to the wolves!' encouraged another poster. Others, however, said the motorist should be allowed to park in the spot and that drivers are entitled to use a service station no matter what car they drive. 'I do it all the time if the parking spots are full. I'm still a customer going in to buy something,' one user said. Some blasted non-EV driving car owners for taking up spaces at bowsers. 'If some bogan P [plater] did this in his jacked up Ranger no one would have even taken a photo of it,' one user wrote. 'An EV driver goes in for 1 min [sic] and all of a sudden its a national disgrace.' Tesla vehicles are run by batteries that supply electric power to produce energy so that the car can function properly. The energy that is stored in the battery of a Tesla vehicle is used to kick-start a small motor that is fitted inside which generates the power to propel the vehicle. A petrol-powered Mazda CX-3 SUV is pictured in a Tesla electric vehicle charging bay Drivers in several Australian states and territories can be fined thousands of dollars if they park in spaces dedicated to electric cars. The term ICE-ing refers to cars with internal combustion engines - those that require fuel to run - parking in EV spaces. Motorists in the ACT and Queensland face the highest fines for wrongly parking in an EV spot, with drivers in the sunshine state copping a maximum fine of 20 penalty units worth $2,875. A volunteer firefighter has died as he was attempting to contain a suspicious fire at a property while several others were also burning in nearby streets. The man was battling the blaze at a home in Short Street, Portland in Victoria's west on Tuesday at 7.38pm when he collapsed at the scene. The fire was one of four that are believed to have been lit between 5.50am and 7.38am after a blaze was discovered inside a rubbish bin on the corner of Percy and Gawler streets. Less than an hour later another fire was lit on a bollard at Cape Nelson Road around 6.40am. Police were called to a garage fire in Camira Street around 7am while the fourth and final fire was lit inside a shed and a toilet room on Short Street at 7.38am, which the volunteer firefighter was trying to contain. A volunteer firefighter has died while he was attempting to contain a suspicious fire in Victoria's west on Tuesday morning (stock image of fire trucks outside a fire station) The man was a member of the Country Fire Authority, Victoria's volunteer fire service agency. The group confirmed the man had died in a Facebook post earlier this afternoon and said paramedics who rushed to the scene administered CPR on the man but he could not be saved. Fire and Rescue crews were also at the scene. 'CFA can sadly confirm the death of a member while attending a shed fire incident in Portland this morning,' the wrote. 'Our deepest sympathies go out to the members family, friends and colleagues at the Portland Brigade.' The man who was a member of the Country Fire Authority (stock image) and was battling a suspicious blaze outside a property in Portland while three other fires also burned nearby The 66-year-old man is yet to be identified and it is understood that he suffered a medical episode while he was trying to fight the blaze. His death is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner. A spokesperson from Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia that police believe the fires are linked to one another. No other injuries have been reported. A Fire and Rescue Victoria spokesperson told Daily Mail that fire crews responded to reports of the second fire in Camira Street with the cause of the blaze as well as the fire on Short Street unknown. 'At this stage the cause of both fires remains under investigation,' the spokesperson said. 'FRV extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and brigade members of the volunteer firefighter.' WorkSafe authorities as well as detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad will investigate the incident. Anyone with information or CCTV footage has been urged to contact police. The heartbroken parents of one of the three Americans soldiers killed in a drone strike in Jordan have revealed she was on her first tour of duty. Breonna Moffett's family paid tribute to the 23-year-old on Monday after she died in an Iranian-backed blast on the base near the Syrian border over the weekend. They told how she was 'nervous' for her first foreign deployment, but said she was 'loud, loving and always there for everybody'. Moffett died alongside two other Americans during the deadly suicide drone attack on Saturday, with the others named as Kennedy Ladon Sanders and William Rivers. On Monday night the Biden administration was reportedly mulling revenge strikes on Iranian targets across the Middle East. US Army Reservist Breonna Moffett, 23, who died over the weekend during drone strike that targeted a US Army base on the Syria-Jordan border In an interview with CNN 's Abby Philips, Francine and Bernard Moffett described their late daughter as 'loud,' 'loving,' and 'always there for everybody' In an interview with CNN's Abby Philips, Francine and Bernard Moffett described their late daughter as 'loud,' 'loving,' and 'always there for everybody.' Moffett, of Savannah, Georgia, enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2019 and deployed in August of 2023. Her mother said her daughter had been 'nervous' ahead of her first deployment. 'She had mixed feelings' and 'didn't know what to expect,' said Francine. However, the late soldier's parents also report that their daughter had plans to re-enlist 'She, she honored her service, she was always proud to be in the military,' added her mother. Moffett's death was one of three American casualties of Sunday's brazen attack - the first reported American deaths since the Hamas terror attacks on October 7, which launched the region into war. Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia was identified as one of the soldiers killed in the weeekend drone strike Moffett's parents described learning of the news of their eldest child's passing on Sunday when military officials knocked on the door. 'It was extremely rough,' said her father. 'We didn't hear of the attack until after we were notified. We were getting ready for church' when the military arrived 'and let us know that it was our baby.' Her mother mentioned that Breonna's decision to enlist came after her mother had spent time in the military. 'She became the second female in the family to join the military,' said Francine. 'She was very proud of herself. I was always very proud of her.' The troops were in their sleeping quarters at the time and the Pentagon confirmed Monday that the victims were likely in bed. The three soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, a US Army Reserve unit based out of Fort Moore, Georgia. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters: 'What was different about this attack is where it landed. It did impact where the living quarters, and I believe it was pretty early morning so people were actually in their beds when the drone impacted.' Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, and Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, were among those killed on Sunday Chief of Army Reserve, Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, said: 'The loss of Sergeant William J. Rivers, Specialist Breonna A. Moffett and Specialist Kennedy L. Sanders has left an indelible mark on the United States Army Reserve. 'On behalf of the U.S. Army Reserve, I share in the sorrow felt by their friends, family, and loved ones. Their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and we are committed to supporting those left behind in the wake of this tragedy.' Rivers, of Carrollton, Georgia enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2011 was an Interior Electrician. His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, two Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 'M' Device and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star. Sanders graduated from Ware County High School in 2017 and enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2019 as Horizontal Construction Engineer. The drone attack late Saturday night impacted a US outpost located in the northeast part of the country known as Tower 22, near the Syria border, and resulted in at least 34 other injuries Three American soldiers have been killed in suicide drone strike on a US base in Jordan, US Central Command said on Sunday. Pictured: Marines talk to their comrades on the ground during military maneuvers in the Middle Eastern Country, which borders Syria and Iraq In a statement made over the weekend, President Biden said: 'While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.' 'Jill and I join the families and friends of our fallen - and Americans across the country - in grieving the loss of these warriors in this despicable and wholly unjust attack.' He added that the three fallen soldiers 'embodied the very best of our nation' - them being 'unwavering in their bravery... unflinching in their duty... [and] unbending in their commitment to our country.' They died, he said, 'risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism.' 'It is a fight we will not cease,' Biden, 81, proclaimed. While he did not identify the militants responsible, the statement confirmed the strike was the work of anti-Western jihadists operating somewhere in the region. Both countries, as of Sunday, boast a bevy of Iran-aligned militias, including Hezbollah and several other Shia militant groups. Since the Syrian War in 2011, Iran has also backed multiple Palestinian terror groups based in Gaza, and various terrorist groups in Bahrain and elsewhere across the Middle East. An outspoken enemy of both the US and Israel, Iran currently trains the Hezbollah militia group (seen here in Baghdad in 2019), which for years has sought to join the Palestinian cause. The group has not been named as responsible for Saturday's attack Since the war - which intensified Iranian economic, political and religious operations in the country - Iran has openly used its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force to fund these terrorist organizations. In 2019, the nuclear-capable country acknowledged the involvement of the force in the Iraq and Syria conflicts, spurring the US to designate the Iranian army as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Iran has also been known regional militant and proxy groups to achieve deniability in such strikes, as well as shield it from accountability for its destabilizing policies. The country is also currently embroiled in an artillery-laden game of chicken with its own neighbor in Pakistan, which is one of NATO's main allies in the Middle East. E Jean Carroll had to be restrained by her lawyer as she gleefully itemized how she plans to spend her $83.3 million defamation award against Donald Trump. The author had promised to help other victims with her multi-million dollar payout, but had a more worldly wish list as she was quizzed by Rachel Maddow on MSNBC. 'First thing Rachel, you and I are going to go shopping,' she said. 'We're going to get completely new wardrobes, new shoes, what do you want? Penthouse? It's yours Rachel!' 'That's a joke,' laughed lawyer Shawn Crowley nervously, sitting next to her. The GOP presidential front-runner has insisted he will appeal against Friday's award which he branded 'absolutely ridiculous'. 'They have taken away all First Amendment Rights,' he wrote on Truth Social, 'THIS IS NOT AMERICA!' E Jean Carroll appeared on MSNBC with lawyers Roberta Kaplan (left) and Shawn Crowley (right) yesterday after their landmark legal victory over Donald Trump 'Rachel, what do you want? Penthouse? It's yours Rachel!' Carroll told host Rachel Maddow Rachel Maddow asks E. Jean Carroll what she's going to do with "Trump's money" to help "women's rights." Carroll says she and Maddow will "go shopping, get completely new wardrobes, new shoes...Rachel, what do you want, penthouse?" Her lawyer nervously says "that's a joke": pic.twitter.com/5LAx5xU5Uy Steve Krakauer (@SteveKrak) January 30, 2024 The former president has has insisted he will appeal against Friday's award which he branded 'absolutely ridiculous' Carroll's outburst was met with a scathing response from MAGA supporters. 'Talk to a real rape victim. They never laugh about anything regarding the rape or the conviction. This is vile @MSNBC,' one Trump fan wrote. 'The joke is going to be on her when Trump appeals it and wins,' wrote another MAGA supporter. 'We know the trial was a joke and a sham and she's treating it like it is because she knows she's a liar and a sham,' said another. A Manhattan jury agreed that the former president had defamed the former columnist for Elle Magazine when he called her a 'whack job' with a 'made up story' after an earlier court found he had sexually assaulted her in a department store dressing room in 1996. He claimed he had never met her and consistently said she wasn't his 'type'. But the jury concluded that Trump had acted out of 'hatred, ill will, or spite' when making public statements denying Carroll's allegations, including calling them 'fiction'. And it ordered him to hand over $7.3 million for 'emotional harm' to Carroll, $11 million for 'reputational damages', and a massive $65 million in 'punitive damages'. On Sunday she told ABC's Good Morning America that she plans to spend the money on 'something Donald Trump hates'. 'If it'll cause him pain for me to give money to certain things, that's my intent,' she added suggesting she would create a 'fund for the women who have been sexually assaulted by Donald Trump'. E. Jean Carroll, in white, is seen with Kaplan and Crowley leaving the court in Manhattan on Friday evening Trump walked out of the courtroom (alongside Habba in the blue) at the start of closing arguments on Friday And she described him as 'nothing' while recalling her first sight of him in the court since the sexual assault nearly 30 years earlier. 'He is like a walrus snorting, like a rhino flopping his hands, he is not there, that was the surprising thing to me,' she said. 'I was terrified, I was just a bag of sweating corpuscles as we prepared for trial, and three or four days before trial I had an actual breakdown,' she added. 'I lost my ability to speak and I couldn't go on that's how frightened I was. Donald Trump's defense attorney Alina Habba said she was 'proud' to defend the former president as tore into the justice system following the $83.3million E. Jean Carroll verdict 'But oddly I looked out and he was nothing. 'He was a phantom. It was the people around him who were giving him power, he himself was nothing. 'It was an astonishing discovery for me; we don't need to be afraid of him.' Trump's lawyer Alina Habba was threatened with jail herself during the trial after clashing with judge Lewis Kaplan and said the fact that the judge had worked at the same law firm in the 1990s as Carroll's attorney Roberta Kaplan, no relation, was an 'insane conflict of interest'. 'Don't get it twisted,' Habba told reporters outside court. 'We are seeing a violation of our justice system, ladies and gentlemen.' The ex-president was reported to have access to $294 million in cash, or cash equivalents, on his most recent annual financial statement, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. But a judge's ruling is expected imminently in his ongoing civil business fraud trial for allegedly misstating the values of his business assets for which prosecutors have demanded a $370 million penalty. Trump blasted the verdict minutes after the jury hit him with an $83.3 million damage award Carroll, 80, was full of praise for her two lawyers as they appeared alongside her yesterday, despite the fact that they had only demanded a third of what the jury awarded. 'We've planted our flag,' she said. 'We've made a statement that things are going to be different, that there's going to be a new way of doing things in this country because of this indestructible team of lawyers. 'I feel this bodes well for the future.' EXCLUSIVE A real estate mogul's teenage son used a schoolgirl's stolen American Express credit card to go on a wild vodka-fuelled bender in Byron Bay during Schoolies Week. But he never told his wealthy father after he was arrested and charged - and his dad is not impressed. Lachie Chittenden, 18, son of former Colliers real estate managing director Peter Chittenden, bought 14 vodka drinks in just 29 minutes during a boozed-up frenzy. But he used the stolen American Express card of another girl celebrating Schoolies Week, who was a stranger to him, after he had blown all his own cash on the pokies. The former Scots College student - where fees are up to $48,630 a year - pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a charge of dishonestly obtaining the 14 drinks by deception. The case was heard at Moss Vale Local Court, near his family's nine-bedroom, 67-hectare farmhouse home in Berry, in the NSW Southern Highlands. But the charges came as a surprise to his shocked father - who now runs his own real estate firm, Woodhill - when he was approached by Daily Mail Australia. Teenager Lachie Chittenden (left) used a schoolgirl's stolen American Express credit card to go on a wild vodka-fuelled bender in Byron Bay during Schoolies Lachie Chittenden, 18, son of former Colliers real estate managing director Peter Chittenden, bought 14 vodka drinks in just 29 minutes during a boozed-up frenzy (father and son are pictured together at a charity event in 2019) Chittenden used a stolen American Express card of another girl celebrating Schoolies Week and ran up a $156 bill within minutes at The Northern Hotel in Byron Bay 'I know nothing about anything, which is very embarrassing, but also very disappointing on the other side,' Mr Chittenden senior told Daily Mail Australia. 'I am very unhappy I found out this way through you. I will attend to that immediately and that's all I can do. 'He's a young boy doing those sorts of stupid things. There's no need, he has access to things he can do - that's just a childish stupid thing. He has money.' He added: 'I won't have anything [further] to say because I don't want him to get punished for the rest of his life for one moment of extreme stupidity. 'I'll leave it at that.' Chittenden, whose father is also a stock and station agent, gave his occupation as a farmhand and the home address he gave police was confirmed by his father to Daily Mail Australia. Court documents reveal Jemma Fricke was a complete stranger to Chittenden but was also celebrating Schoolies Week in Byron Bay at the same time and place as him. She had her driver's licence and two bank cards stolen from a pocket of her handbag at the Northern Hotel in Byron Bay on November 28, 2023, sometime after 9pm. Police told the court Chittenden then bought a round of four vodka raspberries in the same hotel at 9.28pm, running up a bill of $44.79 which he paid by tapping her card at the bar. He then bought two more identical rounds at 9.35pm and 9.46pm, before a final round of two more of the vodka drinks at 9.57pm, for a total cost of $156.77. But whenever he used her card to pay for the drinks by tapping at the bar's cash register, the court heard she got notifications about the payments on her phone. The former student of Scots College - where fees are up to $48,6430 a year - pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a charge of dishonestly obtaining the 14 drinks by deception Chittenden (pictured), who told police he was a farmhand, bought three rounds of four vodka raspberries and then a final round of two more during the 29-minute boozefest The case was heard at Moss Vale Local Court, near his family's sprawling nine-bedroom, 67-hectare farmhouse home in Berry in the NSW Southern Highlands (pictured) Ms Fricke realised her cards were missing - and she was not buying those drinks - so alerted security, who then used CCTV and till receipts to trace it back to Chittenden. They tracked Chittenden down and confronted him in the bar and found the stolen AmEx card in his shirt pocket. Police were called to the scene and immediately arrested him for fraud before he told them he had 'consumed the drinks' and added: 'I did everything. I was stupid. 'I tapped the card. I spent all my money on the pokies.' He said 'some man' had given him the AmEx card and added: 'So I thought I'll take it.' The case was originally heard in Byron Bay Local Court in January but was moved to Moss Vale Local Court instead at a hearing last week. On Tuesday, Magistrate David Degnan received an email from Chittenden's lawyer pleading guilty to the single charge of dishonestly obtaining by deception. The case was adjourned for sentencing at Picton Local Court on Friday. Joe Biden could skip the ceremony honoring the three US Army reservists killed in Jordan, an administration official suggested. The trio will likely be brought home in the coming days to Dover Air Force base in a 'dignified transfer' - a solemn military ceremony for those killed in foreign combat. Biden attended the August 2021 ceremony for 13 soldiers killed in Afghanistan, but it was not confirmed he would attend this commemoration. John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, was asked on Monday if Biden would attend. 'I don't have anything on his schedule to speak to,' he said. John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, was asked on Monday if Biden would attend to 'dignified transfer' ceremony for the three U.S. service members killed on Sunday From left to right: Spc. Kennedy Sanders, Sgt. William Jerome Rivers and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from Georgia were killed by a drone strike on Sunday Attending the ceremony can be fraught, with Biden in 2021 criticized for looking at his watch, seemingly distracted, during the event. The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, dodged the question as to why he looked at his watch, saying: 'Well, I would say his message to all of the family members who were there those who were not even in attendance is that he is grateful to their sons and daughters, the sacrifice they made to the country; that he knows firsthand what it's like to lose a child and the fact that no one can tell you anything or say anything or there's no words that are going to fill that hole that is left by that.' But Biden's critics reacted with fury on Monday to the possible snub. 'Heartless administration with zero conscience,' said one person. 'Best not to bother,' said another. 'He would only be observing his watch. So disgusting and a downright insult to the families of the fallen.' Another said: 'Personally I wouldn't want him anywhere around me or my family because he's a DISGRACE.' One said it was 'all political calculations,' while another said: 'Disgraceful.' Biden came under fire for appearing to look at his watch during a 'dignified transfer' in 2021 Joe and Jill Biden are seen at Dover Air Force base on August 29, 2021, beside Lloyd Austin, the Secretary of Defense Biden salutes the soldiers involved in the August 2021 'dignified transfer' ceremony The coffins of 13 US service members who were killed in Afghanistan are seen being carried onto the tarmac The flag-draped coffins were taken away for burial after the ceremony Biden's three most recent predecessors as presidents all attended such dignified transfers. It was Biden's first time taking part in the ritual as president, but he has been here before. Biden attended a dignified transfer for two U.S. soldiers killed in a suicide blast at Bagram Airfield in the final months of his vice presidency in 2016. In 2008, while a senator and at the request of the grieving family, he attended one for a soldier killed in a car bombing in Iraq. Biden told CBS' 'Face the Nation' that he had to get permission from the Pentagon to attend the transfer. A dying thief who stole a pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz because he wanted to pull off 'one last score' has not been sent to prison. Terry Jon Martin, 76, stole the slippers in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum in the late actor's hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He gave into temptation after an old associate with connections to the mob told him the shoes had to be adorned with real jewels to justify their $1million value. Martin showed little emotion as the judge handed down the sentence and was unable to rise from his chair as the judge adjourned the hearing. He declined to address the court. But defense attorney Dane DeKrey said the resolution of the case should bring a measure of closure to the government, the museum, the slippers' owner and to Martin himself. Terry Jon Martin, 76, stole the slippers adorned with sequins and glass beads in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum in the late actors hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota Martin gave into temptation after an old associate with connections to the mob told him the shoes had to be adorned with real jewels to justify their $1 million insured value, his attorney revealed in a memo to the federal court ahead of his sentencing in Duluth The government was able to hold one person accountable, DeKrey said, while the museum and the collector who owns the slippers got to find out what happened. And Martin was able to close this chapter in the final months of his life instead of taking his secret to his grave. 'They will never be made whole in this case,' the attorney said of the victims. 'But they're more whole than they had been in the last 18 years.' The FBI recovered the shoes in 2018 when someone else tried to claim a reward. Martin wasnt charged with stealing them until last year. Prosecutor Matthew Greenley said in court Monday that investigators used phone records to zero in on Martin, and used his wife's immigration status as leverage to search Martin's home and get him to confess. He pleaded guilty in October to theft of a major artwork, admitting to using a hammer to smash the glass of the museum door and display case to take the slippers. But his motivation remained mostly a mystery until DeKrey revealed it in a court filing this month. Martin, who lives near Grand Rapids, said at the October hearing that he hoped to remove what he thought were real rubies from the shoes and sell them. Martin showed little emotion as the judge handed down the sentence and was physically unable to fully rise from his chair as the judge adjourned the hearing. He declined to address the court Garland made the ruby red slippers famous in the 1939 classic film 'The Wizard of Oz' The slippers once worn by Judy Garland in the 'The Wizard of Oz' are displayed at a news conference on September 4, 2018, at the FBI office in Brooklyn Center, Minnesots But a person who deals in stolen goods, known as a fence, informed him the rubies weren't real, Martin said. So he got rid of the slippers. DeKrey wrote in his memo that Martin's unidentified former associate persuaded him to steal the slippers as 'one last score,' even though Martin had seemed to have 'finally put his demons to rest' after finishing his last prison term nearly 10 years earlier. 'At first, Terry declined the invitation to participate in the heist. But old habits die hard, and the thought of a `final score kept him up at night,' DeKrey wrote. 'After much contemplation, Terry had a criminal relapse and decided to participate in the theft.' Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz accepted the recommendation of both sides that he sentence Martin to time served because he is housebound in hospice care and is expected to die within the next few months. He requires constant oxygen therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and had to be brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair. The loud hum of his oxygen machine echoed through the courtroom. Schiltz told Martin he probably would have sentenced him to 10 years in prison if it was still 2005. The judge also accepted the recommendation from both sides that Martin should pay $23,500 in restitution to the museum and ordered him to pay $300 a month. Garland wore several pairs during filming, but only four authentic pairs are known to remain Rhys Thomas, author of 'the Ruby Slippers of Oz' takes a photo of a pair of ruby slippers once worn by Judy Garland in the 'The Wizard of Oz' 'I certainly do not want to minimize the seriousness of Mr. Martin's crime,' the judge said. 'Mr. Martin intended to steal and destroy an irreplaceable part of American culture.' According to DeKrey's memo, Martin had no idea about the cultural significance of the ruby slippers and had never seen 'The Wizard of Oz.' Instead, DeKrey said, the 'old Terry' with a lifelong history involving burglary and receiving stolen property beat out the 'new Terry' who had become 'a contributing member of society' after his 1996 release from prison. After the fence told Martin the rubies were fake, DeKrey wrote, he gave the slippers to his old associate and told him he never wanted to see them again. The attorney said Martin never heard from the man again. Martin has refused to identify anyone else who was involved in the theft, and nobody else has ever been charged in the case. The FBI never disclosed exactly how it tracked down the slippers. The bureau said a man approached the insurer in 2017 and claimed he could help recover them but demanded more than the $200,000 reward being offered. The slippers were recovered during an FBI sting in Minneapolis the next year. Federal prosecutors have put the slippers' market value at about $3.5 million. Another pair of the ruby slippers is on display at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles John Kelsch, executive director of the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, where Martin stole the precious artwork from in 2005. He says the slippers are being held for safekeeping by an auction house that plans to sell them after a promotional tour and are unlikely to return to the museum In the classic 1939 musical, Garlands character, Dorothy, had to click the heels of her ruby slippers three times and repeat, 'Theres no place like home,' to return to Kansas from Oz. She wore several pairs during filming, but only four authentic pairs are known to remain. Hollywood memorabilia collector Michael Shaw had loaned one pair to the museum before Martin stole them. The other three are held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Smithsonian Museum of American History and a private collector. According to John Kelsch, founding director of the Judy Garland Museum, the slippers were returned to Shaw and are being held for safekeeping by an auction house that plans to sell them after a promotional tour. He told reporters he doubts they will ever come back to Grand Rapids. Garland was born Frances Gumm in 1922. She lived in Grand Rapids, about 200 miles north of Minneapolis, until she was 4, when her family moved to Los Angeles. She died in 1969. The Judy Garland Museum, which includes the house where she lived, says it has the worlds largest collection of Garland and 'Wizard of Oz' memorabilia. The museum's executive director, Janie Heitz, said in court that the theft cost it 'a significant amount of credibility' and made it harder to borrow other objects connected with Garland and the movie, as well as hurting attendance. A pair of high-profile defamation cases that pit Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds against former political staffer Brittany Higgins and her partner have returned to court. The former defence minister is suing Ms Higgins and David Sharaz over a series of social media posts that she says have damaged her reputation. Lawyers for the parties appeared in the Western Australian Supreme Court on Tuesday, where they sorted out key dates in preparation for a trial should mediation scheduled for March 5 fail. They also discussed whether Justice Marcus Solomon should oversee the mediation or trial, which is provisionally listed for six weeks from July 24. He cannot legally do both and Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz want him to handle the mediation, which was opposed by Senator Reynolds. Justice Solomon repeated his earlier concerns about the human cost of a trial and urged the parties to work together to resolve the matter before it gets to trial. Linda Reynolds is suing Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz (pictured together) over a series of social media posts Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz left Australia in December to start a new life in France, with social media posts showing the Arc de Triomphe and the couple walking a dog. Senator Reynolds has reportedly said she is awaiting advice from French lawyers about her right to enforce an Australian judgment against assets the pair may have in France. She is suing Mr Sharaz over tweets he made and a Facebook comment in 2022. Among the defamatory imputations claimed against Mr Sharaz's tweets were that Senator Reynolds pressured Ms Higgins not to proceed with a genuine complaint to police, 'is a hypocrite in her advocacy for women's interests and empowerment', interfered in Bruce Lehrmann's trial and bullied Ms Higgins. Senator Reynolds claims she was also defamed by Mr Sharaz's reply to a comment on her Facebook page that asked how she was still in politics having 'destroyed' Ms Higgins. The commenter added, 'You're a monster who deserves to be in jail'. Mr Sharaz responded: 'Thanks for reminding her. I hope she hears this every day until she dies', the senator's statement of claim says. Linda Reynolds (pictured) says the social media posts damaged her reputation Ms Higgins is accused of posting defamatory material on two occasions on her Instagram and Twitter accounts. Ms Higgins alleged she was raped in 2019 by Lehrmann inside the Senator Reynolds' ministerial office, where he also worked as a staffer. Lehrmann consistently denied the allegation, and his trial in the ACT Supreme Court was derailed by juror misconduct. Prosecutors decided not to pursue further action, citing concerns of the impact it may have on Ms Higgins' mental health. He has since been charged with raping another woman in Queensland and his lawyers have indicated he will plead not guilty. The TGA has called out several 'natural' sexual health pills A warning has been issued to men looking to spice up their sex lives with deceptive over-the-counter 'natural' supplements. The Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) released a safety advisory on Monday concerning seven types of viagra alternatives because of their potentially dangerous undeclared ingredients. The manhood-mending pills were found to include sildenafil - the active ingredient in Viagra, as well as tadalafil and vardenafil, which both combat erectile dysfunction. These powerful prescription-only ingredients can cause a range of health problems. Darwin man David Richardson found this out after taking the supplement Pit Bull Super and accidently exposing himself to a teenage girl at a Hungry Jack's drive-thru last year. Bullblood tablets, Excite for her tablets, Kamasutra herbal jelly for him bottle, Commander Stamina Time tablets, Kamasutra Herbal Jelly for him, Tantra Jelly and Throb Herbal supplement tablets were all found to be of the same pharmaceutical-grade quality as 'Pit Bull Super'. The Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) released a safety advisory on Monday concerning seven types of Viagra alternatives because of their undeclared ingredients Darwin man David Richardson experimented with the supplement Pit Bull Super and accidently exposed himself to a teenage girl at a Hungry Jack's drive-thru EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: David Richardson's national notriety Mr Richardson said: 'I wasn't trying to flash myself at anyone. I just wanted to grab a feed and go home.' Advertisement The TGA tested a number of sexual health pills in relation to an 'ongoing investigation' which found that some brands were lying about ingredients. 'The products were found to contain the undeclared substances - sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil,' the watchdog said in a statement. 'They pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken. These substances taken in combination with other medications can cause serious side effects. 'Consumers are advised that these substances are prescription-only medicines in Australia and the supply of these products is illegal.' The watchdog added that the products it siezed were 'potentially counterfeit' as subsequent laboratory testing came up with inconsistent results. Mr Richardson gained national notoriety on January 24 after it was revealed he had accidentally flashed a 16-year-old Hungry Jack's worker while waiting for his erection to subside in September. He had taken the sexual enhancement drug prior to attending an orgy with 'friends' at a local hotel the day before his ill-fated food run and its effects had not worn off. Pit Bull Super is advertised as a 'natural formula', but it has also been found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil. The drug has not been approved by the TGA. After attending the orgy Mr Richardson said that his erection felt like it was about to explode and that it had become too painful to touch so he left to get Hungry Jack's instead He had taken 'pit Bull Super' prior to attend an orgy with 'friends' at a local hotel the day before his ill-fated food run and its effects had not worn off After attending the orgy Mr Richardson said that his erection felt like it was about to explode and that it had become too painful to touch so he left to get food instead. He drove home and grabbed a towel before heading to Hungry Jack's where the workers were still able to see what he was trying to hide. 'I honestly didn't think the [Hungry Jack's] workers would see me,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'The pill was way too strong. I'm surprised it's legal to sell that stuff, and I was in a lot of pain. 'I wasn't trying to flash myself at anyone. I just wanted to grab a feed and go home.' The matter was heard at Darwin Local Court after the worker said that she was 'reduced to tears' and 'traumatised' as a result of the incident. Judge Therese Austin accepted Mr Richardson's eye-watering account of his Viagra overdose and found there had been no 'sexual' intent when he accidentally exposed his privates to the girl who was working at the drive-thru. Mr Richardson said he had to take several days to 'rest' after the effects of the 'super Viagra' wore off. The DOJ announced Attorney General Merrick Garland will temporarily delegate his duties to the deputy AG while he undergoes back surgery this weekend. Garland will become the second high-profile member of the Biden administration to hand over his post for medical reasons in as many months. The announcement arrives just as Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin returns to work at the Pentagon following a roughly month-long hospitalization that was initially kept secret from the American people, as well as the president. Garland, according to the announcement, will be placed under general anesthesia during the back procedure scheduled for Saturday. Surgery, which is to treat spinal stenosis - a narrowing of spaces in vertebrae - is meant to last about 90 minutes and will be 'minimally invasive,' according to Justice's director of public affairs. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland will temporarily delegate his duties to the deputy AG while he undergoes back surgery this weekend resident Joe Biden receives the Presidential Daily Briefing, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, in the White House Situation Room at the White House in Washington, as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin listens The Attorney General, 71, is expected to return home the same day. Shortly before, during and for a short time after the procedure, Garland will delegate his duties to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. He is expected to return to work the week of February 5. When Garland went in for a routine medical procedure in 2022, his office also informed the public a week in advance and outlined how long he was expected to be out and when he would return to work. The White House confirmed DOJ informed them of Garland's the plans to delegate his duties. DOJ was likely under heightened pressure to inform the public following the chaos that erupted when it was revealed that Defense Secretary Austin was in the hospital for complications that occurred following a prostate cancer treatment, about which he had informed almost no one. One day after a fatal drone strike targeting the US military in the Middle East, Austin was back at the Pentagon following a nearly month-long absence. He underwent a surgical procedure for the cancer on December 22 and was released, but was then admitted to intensive care days later after experiencing extreme pain. His extended stay created mass confusion, including among the band of deputies who should have assumed his responsibilities but had themselves not been forewarned of the situation. Austin's lack of disclosure prompted two ongoing reviews as well as changes in federal guidelines to ensure the White House will be informed any time a Cabinet head isn't able to carry out their job. On Monday, Austin did not acknowledge the communications failure, but said: 'I feel good and am recovering well, but still recovering, and I appreciate all the good wishes that I have received thus far.' 'At this important time, I'm glad to be back at the Pentagon,' Austin said at the top of a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco will assume Garland's responsibilities for a short time before, during, and after his surrgery Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where Lloyd Austin was for nearly a month Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was back at work at the Pentagon for the first time since his December surgery for a procedure he did not disclose to the White House in advance. He attended a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Pentagon Monday Austin made no mention of the work from home controversy that infuriated top officials and caused changes in federal policies. He was last in the Pentagon December 21, and had surgery for prostate cancer December 22 in an episode that left the White House unaware of his location and publicly calling him out for failing to disclose the situation. He had emergency surgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center following complications from his earlier procedure. That resulted in a two week hospital stay, and revelations that he hadn't told the White House about his cancer diagnosis or his procedure. He also didn't tell President Biden or congressional leaders. Elon Musk has left even his most ardent fans terrified after he revealed his tech start-up Neuralink has become the first to successfully implant a microchip into a human brain. The world's richest man said the operation took place on Sunday and 'initial results show promising neuron spike detection'. The device - called 'Telepathy' will 'enable control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking', he said. But many of his 170 million followers on X, formerly Twitter, accused him of 'mind control', creating 'cyborgs', and even 'playing God'. 'The negative potential of this makes me very uneasy,' one person wrote in a reply to his announcement. Musk on Monday announced that the first person had received a Neuralink brain implant Many of the billionaire's followers reacted with alarm to his latest landmark innovation 'I'm terrified by the thought of it,' added another. Musk said he hopes it will allow users with disabilities like Stephen Hawking to 'communicate faster than an auctioneer'. Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.' The company aims to implant microchips into the brains of paralyzed people, and allow them to move their bodies using their thoughts. NEURALINK: ELON MUSK'S PLAY FOR COMPUTER-BRAIN INTERFACES Elon Musk's Neuralink is working to link the human brain with a machine interface by creating micron-sized devices. Neuralink was registered in California as a 'medical research' company in July 2016, and Musk has funded the company mostly by himself. It is working on what Musk calls the 'neural lace' technology, implanting tiny brain electrodes that may one day upload and download thoughts. The technology is initially planned to be used to help people suffering from severe degenerative brain disorders such as ALS, but it could have wider uses in years to come. Advertisement 'I think the real issue here is that even your thoughts won't be safe,' tweeted *TemplerTV. 'If they can decode your thoughts for this, how long until FBI gets a search warrant for your thought crime?' 'What if someone else starts controlling you, and you can easily understand whom I am referring to,' added Sagar Pandey, 'Scary.' 'Any technological advance has to be based on bioethical principles, otherwise playing God always ends badly,' wrote P Juan Manuel Gongora. But others were more positive. 'Well done Neuralink and Elon!! This might very well turn out to be an important moment in history,' wrote one user. 'This is awesome news, we're expanding on the two final frontiers. Space and the mind, can't wait for the next company talk. So excited!' wrote another. Neuralink announced in September that it would soon commence a trial in humans, to evaluate the safety of its implant. It comes less than a year after Neuralink got Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance to operate on humans, a critical milestone for the startup. Musk wrote on X on Monday night: 'The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well. Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.' Details of the patient were not given, but Ashlee Vance, who wrote a 2015 biography, 'Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future', wrote in a Bloomberg report that the ideal candidate for Neuralink's first human trial was 'an adult under age 40 whose four limbs are paralyzed'. Vance explained that it would take a 'couple of hours' for a surgeon to perform a craniectomy and a further 25 minutes for the chip to be inserted by a robot into the area of the brain which controls the hands, wrists and forearms. 'The goal is to show that the device can safely collect useful data from that part of the patient's brain, a key step in Neuralink's efforts to convert a person's thoughts into a range of commands a computer can understand,' Vance added. Vance said the implant would relay this information to a nearby laptop or tablet. During the human trial, a robot developed by the company will surgically place the implants' 'ultra-fine' threads that help transmit signals in participants' brains, the company said. Vance, who said he had visited Neuralink's facilities 10 times in three years, also revealed how Musk had pushed his company to ward off the threat of similar brain-computer start-ups Synchron and Onward. Both have already begun human trials, leading the billionaire to fume last year that the two companies were 'currently kicking our a**'. In response, he is said to have told Neuralink that it needed to pick up its pace 'like the world is coming to an end', according to Vance. Reuters reported in June that the company was valued as high as $5 billion, based on private stock trades. Neuralink has, however, been dogged by controversy in recent years, having sparked ethical concerns and drawn skepticism among neuroscientists and other experts. Safety concerns meant the firm struggled for a while to gain the necessary approval for human trials, particularly with FDA. Major issues involved the lithium battery of the device; the possibility of the implant's wires migrating within the brain; and the challenge of safely extracting the device without damaging brain tissue. The FDA later granted its approval in May but did not disclose how its initial concerns were resolved. Despite the controversy, SpaceX and Tesla CEO Musk has grand ambitions for Neuralink, saying the company will facilitate speedy surgical insertions of its chip devices to treat conditions such as obesity, autism, depression and schizophrenia. It could also allow for web browsing and telepathy. However, even if the device proves to be safe for human use, it would still potentially take more than a decade for Neuralink to secure clearance to commercialize it, experts have cautioned. Where it will go: The study will use a robot to surgically place a brain-computer interface (BCI) implant in a region of the brain that controls movement, Neuralink added. Pictured is a scan showing the implant in an animal's brain A monkey with the Neuralink chip implanted in their brain is seen playing a game Experts say the brain implants will require extensive testing to overcome technical and ethical challenges if they are to become widely available. Musk's company which was only founded in 2016 has repeatedly overestimated the speed at which it deliver on its promises. Initially Neuralink wanted to start inserting chips into humans in 2020, before putting this back to 2022. It has finally happened in 2024. There was also a word of caution from one of the company's executives in response to Musk's demands. Referencing the fate of SpaceX's first few rocket launches, Shivon Zilis, Neuralink's director of special projects and the mother of two of Musk's children, told Vance: 'We can't blow up the first three. That's not an option here.' The angry farmers who are laying siege to Paris have said they are inspired by Jeremy Clarkson's Amazon farming show. The show, Clarkson's Farm, follows the former Top Gear presenter as he tries to navigate running a farm in the Cotswolds as 'Britains most unlikely farmer'. Despite this the farmers claimed they need a French celebrity to do the same: 'Everything he explains in it is why we are here today. You may have left the EU, but we share many of the same problems regarding all these environmental rules.' The notoriously outspoken presenter has used his platform in the UK to campaign in support of the difficulty farmers are facing, including rising interest rates, high energy prices and pressure from customers to keep prices low. He even renamed his farm 'Diddly Squat' because that is how much money it makes. In one episode he examines how some farmers chose their crop on profitability, such as oilseed rape, but despite the high profit margins it is ostracised by environmentalists who argue that it is the most destructive crop a farmer can grow. French farmer have argued that although the UK is no longer part of the EU, the key issues remain the same food inflation, cheaper imports and environmental legislation. French riot police prevented a tractor convoy blockading the largest fresh food market in Europe today as militant farmers attempted to starve Paris. They aimed to surround Rungis, to the south of the capital, in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The show, Clarkson's Farm , follows the former Top Gear presenter as he tries to navigate running a farm in the Cotswolds as 'Britains most unlikely farmer' French riot police prevented a tractor convoy blockading the largest fresh food market in Europe today as militant farmers attempted to starve Paris They aimed to surround Rungis, to the south of the capital, in the early hours of Tuesday morning Farmers rest by a fire as they are blocking the A4 highway near Jossigny, east of Paris, early on January 30, 2024 This would have caused chaos to the citys food supply, which can last for three days before crisis shortages are announced. Some of the more extreme farmers who are furious about low wages, competition from abroad, and new environmental regulations said they want to cause as much suffering as possible. The goal is to starve Parisians. Thats it, said grain farmer Benoit Durand, who is part of the trade union-led protest movement. But officers used their vehicles including gendarmerie armoured cars to stop the convoy reaching Rungis the so called Belly of Paris while leaving tractor blocks at eight major routes into the city undisturbed. Demonstrators were allowed to spend the night under motorway bridges, where they set fire to bales of hay and any foreign produce they could get their hands on. Rungis is a red line, along with the city airports, said a police spokesman. A convoy heading up from the south west was stopped twice this morning, and it will not be reaching Rungis. Thousands of farmers across Europe are complaining about a lack of support for their industry. This has led to increased extremism, as the agricultural workers complain about increased suicide rates and farms going out of business. President Emmanuel Macron has offered a series of concessions to the French farmers. These include abandoning a planned increase in diesel fuel duties, offering the equivalent of some 50million to organic farms, and imposing fines on supermarkets which do not pay enough for French produce. Farmers have breakfast after spending the night at a highway barricade in Aix-en-Provence, southern France A farmer lies in a pile of hay after spending the night at a highway barricade in Aix-en-Provence, southern France, on January 30 But the farmers want far more, and Mr Macron is due to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to try and work out a deal. The issue of Ukrainian grain exports to the EU, which are the source of extreme anger among farmers who denounce them as unfair competition, are the kind which will be on the agenda. As Mr Macron and his prime minister, Gabriel Attal, struggle to deal with the crisis, far-Right parties are making gains.The vote of Marine Le Pens National Rally is 10 points ahead of Mr Macrons Rennaissance Party, according to opinion polls. She has offered full backing to the farms, saying she will prioritise French food for the French if she becomes president in 2027. In the meantime the National Rally is expected to make significant gains in European Parliament elections in June. Major European cities in Paris, Germany and Belgium were placed under siege by militant farmers across the continent tonight. Armoured cars and 5,000 extra police surrounded Paris on Monday as a 'quasi-military' blockade swung into action, while police in Hamburg, Germany, were called out to deal with farmers who have been protesting Chancellor Olaf Scholz's decision to cut subsidies. Over in Belgium, a minister was forced to evacuate the site of a protest on a major highway in the Walloon region. As night fell, some 1500 tractors were in place at six major junctions entering Paris, while agriculture workers called for more protection against rising costs, and for an end to the EU's green net zero policies. Protesting farmers started the operation by blocking the A13 highway to the west of the capital, the A4 to the east and the A6 on which hundreds of tractors rolled towards Paris from the south. By midafternoon they appeared to have met their objective of establishing eight chokepoints on major roads into Paris, according to Sytadin, a traffic monitoring service. Walloon Minister for Environment, Nature, Animal Welfare and Rural renovation Celine Tellier flees from the scene of a farmers protest at the Daussoulx interchange A mannequin in the effigy of French President Emmanuel Macron hangs next to tractors during a road blockage of the A6 highway near Villabe Farmers block a highway on January 29, 2024 in Argenteuil, north of Paris Protestors use their tractors to block traffic in central Hamburg, on January 29, 2024 Dozens of tractor behind some marquees to spend the night on the A-15 motorway at Argenteuil, north of Paris Farmers take part in the blockade of the M7 motorway in Pierre-Benite, near Lyon, central-eastern France Another target was the Rungis International Market - nicknamed the 'belly of Paris' - which serves the majority of the capital's restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. 'This is a battle for our lives,' said Gilles Balland, who had travelled from his farm the south west of the country, close to the Spanish border. 'Farmers are committing suicide, and all of us are struggling to stay in business - it's the same everywhere,' said Mr Balland.'That's why this siege will go on for as long as it takes.' And Stephane Sanchez, director of France's FNSEA agriculture union, said 'the siege of Paris' had been prepared with 'quasi-military' precision. There were similar sieges in other cities and towns, including Lyon, Limoges and Toulouse, where massive traffic jams built up and food deliveries were cancelled. In turn, Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau called for 'zero tolerance for violence and degradation' by the farmers. They have already been involved in criminal acts in around France, including setting fire to foreign lorries and their produce. Supermarkets have also been raided by groups of militant farmers, who have stolen produce from overseas and set it ablaze outside the stores. Mr Fesneau said criminal behaviour was unacceptable, and a blockage of the city of Paris was largely useless. People walk next to tractors on the A1 highway during a protest over price pressures, taxes and green regulation A mannequin in the effigy of French President Emmanuel Macron hangs next to tractors during a road blockage of the A6 highway near Villabe, south of Paris An effigy hangs from a bridge as people gather at a blockade point on the A4 highway at Jossigny, near Paris Interior Minster Gerald Darmanin confirmed that a security operation was designed 'to prevent any blockage of Rungis and the airport' 'It is an act which, in the end, mainly penalises Parisians,' he said. 'I'm not sure that blocking the whole of the Ile de France [greater Paris] will serve the interests of the farmers.' Interior Minster Gerald Darmanin confirmed that a security operation was designed 'to prevent any blockage of Rungis and the airport.' 'We're not going to allow government buildings or tax offices or supermarkets to be damaged or lorries transporting foreign produce to be stopped,' he said. Darmanin said the protests would also not be allowed to affect Paris's Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, or the Rungis international wholesale food market south of the city. The nationwide farming demonstrations have already left two dead - a car rammed into a roadblock last Tuesday, killing a woman and her teenage daughter and seriously injuring her husband. President Emmanuel Macron has ordered Gabriel Attal, the country's new prime minister, to focus on quelling a potential 'peasants' revolt' (A 'jacquerie' in French) Farmers protests across Europe are growing as they demand better conditions to grow produce and maintain a proper income Some of the farmers are already calling themselves the Gilets Verts, for green vests He fears another Yellow Vests, or Gilets Jaunes, style uprising that saw hugely violent riots against fuel tax hikes around the country from 2018 to 2020. Some of the farmers are already calling themselves the Gilets Verts, for green vests. Farmer leaders said the government's responses so far were insufficient. 'The prime minister has given us nibbles, and now we'd like him to work a bit harder and give us more,' said Arnaud Lepoil, a member of the leading farmers' union FNSEA. Arnaud Rousseau, the FNSEA's leader, and Young Farmers union boss Arnaud Gaillot were to meet with Attal later Monday, sources told AFP. 'Our goal is not to annoy French people or make their lives difficult but to put pressure on the government,' Rousseau told the RTL broadcaster. Other groups have jumped on the protesting bandwagon. Earlier, around 30 activists from environmental group Greenpeace launched smoke grenades on Paris's Place de la Concorde near the Champs-Elysees. Farmer leaders said the government's responses so far were insufficient A grain farmer looks on as French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest over price pressures, taxes and green regulation A farmer stands at a barbecue as he blocks a highway, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 in Argenteuil, north of Paris They also unfurled a banner in support of the farmers before being escorted away by police. Taxi drivers staged their own protest movement on Monday against what they say is insufficient remuneration for the transport of patients by the French health services. Their go-slows added to the disruption on motorways. Similar farming disputes have been taking place in other EU countries, with tractors on the move in countries including Germany, Italy and Spain. Germany today saw tractors line up across central Hamburg, following farmers' fury at a government decision to cut subsidies and tax breaks on diesel and agricultural vehicles. While the government partially climbed down from its decison, saying that the car tax exemption would be retained and the cuts in the diesel tax breaks would be staggered over three years, farmers' unions were still not happy. The German Farmers' Association said this was not enough and insists the plans must be reversed fully if the government wants to avoid demonstrations. The protests in Germany come as populist Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party seeks to capitalise on the discontent, launching a social media campaign that paints a picture of ordinary people being 'driven into ruin by an irresponsible political leadership like in the middle ages'. It has called for German citizens to go on a 'general strike' to voice their displeasure with Scholz's coalition, while its supporters have begun sharing graphics and AI-generated images of farmers' tractors descending on Berlin. 'Come to Berlin and chase away the traffic light! Germany is turning blue,' one such slogan shared on social media said in a reference to AfD's colours. In neighbouring Belgium, farmers have stepped up their own campaign, with protests springing up in Walloon, a region of Belgium for which 43% of rural land is used for agriculture. Protesting farmers in Walloon, much like their counterparts across the continent, are furious with rising production costs and falling product prices. They fear farming in Belgium is not economically viable in the long term, and are worried young people aren't attracted to the profession as a result. Protests in the region got so vicious that a regional minister in charge of farming was forced to run away as crowds became more restless when she visited. Walloon Minister for Environment, Nature, Animal Welfare and Rural renovation Celine Tellier was seen fleeing a protest held at the Daussoulx interchange between the E42 and E411 highways. The Young Farmers' Association, which represents the next generation of agricultural workers in Belgium and helped organise the protests, said: ' Citizens must understand that we are also acting in their interest. A society where agriculture is in danger poses a threat to everyone. 'Relying on other regions of the world for vital resources can have many impacts, notably financial. We must all fight together to prevent this from happening in agriculture.' The outer ring for the Brussels Ring Road was also blocked off by tractors, with local authorities saying that it was not possible to enter the city's ring road. In recent weeks farmers' protests have also grown in Poland, Romania and the Netherlands.The wave of protests came as British group Get Fair About Farming also said UK agriculture is 'on its knees'. The Princess of Wales is set to be out of the public eye until Easter while recovering from abdominal surgery - as she spends the first full day at home with her children in two weeks since being admitted to hospital earlier this month. The mother-of-three had been unable to see her children - Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis, since arriving at the London Clinic in Marylebone for surgery two weeks ago. It is understood the trio were still at school when their mother returned to their Windsor home, with the reunion not taking place until they got back. Former royal butler Grant Harrold said Kate's absence would have left a 'void' in the family home - adding that William is likely to wait on his wife 'hand and foot' now she is back. He told the New York Post: 'He's a very caring, very loving kind of character and I noticed that a lot when I spent time with them both back in the day. I've no doubt that wouldn't have changed, William will make sure Kate is cared for and that she has a quick recovery.' Kate is likely to miss her mother Carole Middleton's 69th birthday on Wednesday as she continues to recover with her husband and children. It is unknown whether her mother will make a special visit to see her eldest daughter on the day. Kate, who is said by Kensington Palace to be 'doing well', left the clinic yesterday morning after being admitted for surgery on January 16. The Princess of Wales is set to be out of the public eye until Easter while recovering from abdominal surgery Prince William and Princess Catherine are seen with their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, at Christmas time before Kate went to the London Clinic for surgery Two police officers stand guard outside The London Clinic in Marylebone Royal aides at Kensington Palace said the Princess of Wales was 'making good progress' Kate is expected to have reunited with her children yesterday afternoon after they returned from school. Pictured: The family arrive to attend the Christmas day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham Flowers left for Kate by a wellwishers are seen being taken back to Windsor by a royal aide Kate's children did not visit her while she was recovering from surgery, and would only have seen her this afternoon after school. Pictured: Together in April 2023 King Charles was also discharged yesterday after surgery for an enlarged prostate, with the two royals leaving the central London hospital within hours of each other. The King has been advised to avoid public engagements for up to a month, although he will be working through his red boxes of state papers almost immediately. Kate, 42, is unlikely to be seen in public until after Easter. The Mail can reveal that Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were not taken to visit their mother in hospital after she recovered from what has been described as 'abdominal surgery'. As her children would have been in school when she arrived back, it is likely they would only have seen her for the first time when they returned to Adelaide Cottage later in the afternoon from Lambrook School, a ten-minute drive away. It will almost certainly be the longest period the Princess has been away from them. William and Kate have both prioritised their children over everything, arranging engagements so at least one is able to do the school run where possible. They have also ensured that foreign tours are shorter to allow them to be home at weekends, the only exception being their 2022 trip to the Caribbean. It is understood that Prince William, who had cleared his diary to be by his wife's side throughout, was at the hospital when she was discharged and is likely to have driven her home. In a statement yesterday, a Kensington Palace spokesman said: 'The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress. 'The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided. 'The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received.' It is thought the princess left through a private exit at around 11am in a car with her husband. William, Kate, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in early December Prince William leaves the London Clinic in Marylebone after visiting his wife Kate on January 18 Prince William wants to spend time by his wife's side as she convalesces. They are seen at Bisham Abbey on Mental Health Day in October King Charles walks out of The London Clinic today following a three night stay in hospital after prostate surgery A beaming Charles waves as he is driven away. The King was twice visited by Queen Camilla yesterday, the third and fourth times she has been to see him at the private hospital since they arrived Kensington Palace staff were seen leaving half an hour later, one with an arrangement of white orchids in their car. Kate will now recuperate at home and her return to official duties will depend on medical advice closer to the time. It has been suggested she might not be able to undertake public duties until after Easter, meaning all planned engagements including two foreign trips have been cancelled, although aides hope they can be rearranged. It is understood William plans to restart public engagements once his wife is settled and recuperating at home, with further details to be announced. He has had help from the couple's nanny, Maria Turrion Borrallo, and his in-laws, Michael and Carole Middleton, who will continue to lend a hand. Kensington Palace said they will not discuss the princess' condition any further and that it is her 'wish' for her personal medical information to remain private. King Charles, however, made a very public exit from hospital yesterday with his wife, Queen Camilla, who has visited him daily and spent hours at his bedside. The 75-year-old monarch scotched claims there had been fears for his health, smiling broadly and waving to the public and media as he left at 3pm. His condition is benign. The 75-year-old monarch left the hospital with Queen Camilla by his side The Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales during the Royal Carols - Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey in December King Charles and Kate (seen together at the Royal Albert Hall) have a warm relationship, and he visited her on Friday morning before his operation He went to his car without a sign of discomfort, even winding down the window to smile and wave again. The King has been praised for his openness about his diagnosis in the hope it will encourage other men to come forward and seek help. One in three men his age experiences prostate problems. NHS England said the 'enlarged prostate' page on its website received one visit every five seconds on the day the King's diagnosis was announced, with further boosts in the following days. Camilla had previously said her husband is 'fine' and looking forward to getting back to work. Buckingham Palace said yesterday: 'The King has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation. 'He would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days.' Kate went into The London Clinic 14 days ago on Tuesday, January 16 - with royal sources saying she was 'making good progress' and would now continue her recovery from home. Charles visited Kate last Friday morning before his operation and has also been visited by his wife Queen Camilla four times at the hospital in in Marylebone. King Charles was driven to Clarence House on Thursday after arriving from Norfolk by helicopter Queen Camilla (centre) was also seen with Charles at the Marylebone Clinic The 75-year-old monarch was admitted last Friday morning at about 9am as he underwent a corrective procedure for the benign condition. The road had been cleared but a large crowd of children and onlookers had gathered to watch as they got into a waiting car. There was a strong presence of uniformed police officers who stood guard as the royal couple were driven away. The King was twice visited by Queen Camilla yesterday, the third and fourth times she has been to see him at the private hospital since they arrived. The King arrived in London from Norfolk last Thursday, ready for the procedure after squeezing in a couple of behind-the-scenes official duties. He was diagnosed with the benign condition on January 17 while staying at Birkhall, Aberdeenshire, after going for a check-up because he was experiencing symptoms. News of his diagnosis came on the same day that Kensington Palace announced the princess was in hospital. Kate's long road to recovery: How Princess of Wales plans to 'work from bed' at Windsor and won't be doing the school run as she recovers from abdominal surgery - with royal duties ruled out until Easter The Princess of Wales is out of hospital after abdominal surgery, but experts say her road to recovery at home has only just begun. Kate, 42, left The London Clinic after 14 days, and is now back home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Great Park, surrounded by her husband and three doting children. While Palace insiders have said she is keen to return to work 'as soon as possible', it won't be back to normal yet for the Princess, with her and Prince William's current focus '100 per cent family first, day job second'. The royal will not carry out official engagements until after Easter and could undertake any necessary work from her bed, with her return to public duties depending on medical advice closer to the time, MailOnline understands. Her husband Prince William will take on additional parenting responsibilities and has cleared his diary of official duties as she recovers, only returning to public engagements once she is settled. The Princess of Wales is out of hospital after abdominal surgery, but experts say her road to recovery at home has only just begun. Kate is pictured in May last year As news that Kate had been discharged emerged, a Kensington Palace spokesman said: 'The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress. 'The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided. 'The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.' There were previously concerns that the length of Kate's stint in the exclusive London Clinic suggested the procedure was 'serious'. The exact details of the princess's condition have not been revealed but the Palace said previously it was not cancer-related and that Kate wished her personal medical information to remain private. While bed rest is advisable for anyone recovering from invasive surgery, doctors also highlight the importance of sitting up to avoid muscle wastage and gradually trying to get back to an active lifestyle, in accordance with your condition. But she is likely to be avoiding any strenuous activities for the time being, with William understood to be covering both dropping-off and picking-up their three children from school. The heir to the throne is said to be a 'hands-on' father and is regularly seen the school gates at Lambrook School in Berkshire, with insiders saying he 'won't be fazed' about parenting Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as his wife recovers. Police stand outside The London Clinic today where Kate Middleton has been treated Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton and siblings Pippa Matthews and James Middleton are also expected to help the Waleses navigate the next few months as the princess recovers. The family live in Adelaide Cottage in Windsor's Home Park and are being supported by their staff, including loyal, long-standing nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo. NHS advice about recovering from abdominal surgery says that, after a major operation with a large incision, it takes two to three months to be able to move around comfortably. But this will be quicker if the procedure was keyhole surgery. Patients who have major abdominal surgery are urged to avoid lifting anything heavier than the weight of a full kettle - around 4.4lb-6.6lb (2kg-3kg). It can also take two years for the strength of the abdominal wall to return to its previous condition. Sitting and standing exercises are recommended to build strength, with an aim of walking gradually each day, increasing distance to reach 30 minutes daily within two to three months. Downing Street welcomed Kate's discharge from hospital, with the Prime Minister official spokesman telling reporters at a Westminster briefing as the news broke: 'That would be welcome news both to the royal family and I'm sure to the public more widely.' Among the engagements the princess will miss over the coming weeks are the Baftas in February, the annual Commonwealth Day service in Westminster Abbey, and the St David's Day Parade at the start of March, as well as the St Patrick's Day parade with the military later the same month. Aides insist the princess will be out of sight over the next few months but is likely to be working behind the scenes on her early years projects. She recently launched a campaign to raise awareness around the importance of the first five years' of a child's life, dubbed Shaping Us. 'Her passion for the early years is clear, there will be a huge continuation of that campaign and she will be keen to be out continuing that conversation with the nation as soon as possible,' an aide told The Times. Engagements with the Princess of Wales' 30 charities and patronages are being cancelled, rescheduled or postponed while she recuperates. Official overseas tours for William and Kate, including a scheduled trip to Italy in March, are also off the table for the time being. As she recovers, Kate is expected to have 'lots of care and support at home,' a source close to the royal household told PEOPLE. They added that the Princess is 'a fit young woman' and that they are 'sure she will bounce back.' Additional reporting: Elena Salvoni A young man who had been vaping for nine months almost died after trying to sleep off some chest pains only to wake up suffocating and unable to speak. Anti-vaping advocate Xavier Roper, 22, from Sydney, was just 30 minutes from death when his parents got him to the ICU after he woke up gasping for air. Mr Roper had began 'casually' vaping with friends before it turned into a full-blown addiction that almost ended his life after he developed a severe lung infection. Now the reformed addict has joined NSW health for a new ad campaign targeting other vapers who do not understand how dangerous the habit can be. Mr Roper recalled his near-death experience on The Project and revealed the most dangerous thing about a vape is that, unlike a cigarette, because there is no start of finish it 'doesn't leave your hand'. Xavier Roper, 22, appeared on the Project to share his story about how vaping nearly killed him After vaping for nine months he was rushed to the ER and was just 30 minutes away from death (pictured in hospital on a previous occasion) READ MORE: Fears over Australia's world-first vaping crackdown Australia's world-first crackdown on vaping could drive more people to smoke tobacco or use black market vapes, a Health Department analysis has warned Advertisement It started off as a normal night in with friends and ended early when Mr Roper had to leave because he was experiencing chest pains. 'I thought I'd just sleep it off and be fine in the morning but then at about 3am or so I started waking up gasping for air and I could barely talk,' he said. 'I was spluttering and I couldn't breathe properly. I ended up waking my parents up and straight away started rushing to the Prince of Wales hospital... and then I went straight into the ICU.' Fortunately, Mr Roper was only a 10-minute drive from the hospital and once doctors had checked him over they explained how dire the situation truly was. He was told that his lungs had become so damaged from excessive vaping that they 'couldn't support themselves' after a secondary infection began to develop. Mr Roper said that vaping had started out as a social thing before it 'spiraled' and he ended up buying his own. After that happened Mr Roper said that he would be 'hitting' the vape every 15 minutes and sneaking away at work to get a few puffs in. When he was alone at home he would also use his vape relentlessly while lying in bed since it didn't leave a smell and there were no social stigmas around them. Before trying out vapes Mr Roper had smoked three cigarettes a day for two years but quit when he considered vaping a safer alternative. NSW Health is using Mr Roper's story as part of its new 'every vape is a hit to your health' campaign The latest NSW Population Health Survey shows rates of vaping between 16-24 year-olds quadrupled from 4.5 per cent in 2019-2020 to 16.5 per cent in 2021-22 (stock pictured) Mr Roper is now using his story to push others away from vaping by teaching them that the habit is 'insidious'. The main drawback with cigarettes, according to Mr Roper, is that they have become socially unacceptable but with vapes it is fine to smoke in public. However, shortly after shifting from cigarettes he realised that vapes were too readily available and perfect for using anywhere at anytime. Unlike cigarettes, which have a beginning and an end, a vape cannister can be used for days or weeks before running out, which only increases a person's nicotine intake. Since going to the ICU Mr Roper has quit vapes cold turkey and joined NSW Health's new 'every vape is a hit to your health' campaign which launched on Tuesday. In one of several ads released for the campaign, several former vapers, including Mr Roper, recall the lows of their addiction and how it negatively affected them. One man described feeling like there was a wet blanket over his lungs while another woman said that she was routinely coughing up 'black stuff' throughout the day. The latest NSW Population Health Survey shows rates of vaping between 16-24 year-olds quadrupled from 4.5 per cent in 2019-2020 to 16.5 per cent in 2021-22. NSW Health Minister, Ryan Park, hopes that by sharing these stories it will encourage others to put down their vape or never pick one up in the first place. 'This is very important because we know regular nicotine consumption can cause changes to a young persons brain development, learning and memory, and may worsen stress, depression and anxiety,' he said. 'I want to thank the young people who have come forward to share their stories and their experiences in grappling with vaping, in the hope that they can help others.' A RuPaul's Drag Race contestant today hailed an 'incredibly liberating and satisfying' victory against Laurence Fox after the High Court ruled the former actor defamed him and another campaigner by calling them 'paedophiles'. Fox was found to have libelled drag artist Crystal and former Stonewall trustee Simon Blake after targeting them with the slur after they called him racist during an exchange on X over Sainsbury's decision to mark Black History Month. The Lewis star - who founded the Reclaim Party - tried but ultimately failed to counter-sue the pair and actress Nicola Thorp over their tweets accusing him of racism. The judge ruled these were not defamatory. Fox has vowed to appeal. Crystal, whose real name is Colin Seymour, today told Sky News: 'We've had a victory on all counts and it's incredibly liberating and satisfying after three long years of this. 'I think if I'd known at the outset that it was going to be three and a half years later and we'd still be talking about this I may have thought twice [about taking Fox to court]. Drag queen Crystal today hailed his High Court libel victory against Laurence Fox Laurence Fox makes a statement outside the the Royal Courts Of Justice in central London yesterday Speaking to his followers from the back of a black cab, the controversial actor said he would take the case 'down the road' to another judge 'But he's a bully, and accusations of paedophilia against people in the queer community, against drag queens, are old, old tropes and I didn't want to stand for it and let that slide. 'It honestly felt that if I didn't pursue this to the very end it would be a tacit admission. I needed to see it through and make it clear that this had no basis in fact.' Fox suggested after the ruling that his counterclaim was unfairly dismissed because the judge 'could not define what a racist was' and called the ruling a 'nothing burger'. READ MORE - Laurence Fox told libel trial he had been financially 'destroyed' by 'hurtful' racism allegations Advertisement Speaking to his followers from the back of a black cab, controversial actor said: 'People from all around the world, we all know what it means. 'But a judge, 2million in to a trial, doesn't want to define the meaning of the word racist? 'She can't tell me what that means but she can tell me I have suffered no serious harm as a result of the allegation? 'It's like - boohoo sweetheart! We're going to have a fight about this because I live on words. I live on the meaning of words. 'So we're left with no opportunity but to take it up the road to another judge who's going to have to define the meaning of the word racist.' The actor and right-wing activist told the High Court that a tweet by actress Nicola Thorp calling him 'unequivocally, publicly and undeniably a racist' ended his career. But in her ruling, Mrs Justice Collins Rice said: 'Mr Fox's labelling of Mr Blake and Mr Seymour as paedophiles was, on the evidence, probabilities and facts of this case, seriously harmful, defamatory and baseless.' She added that Fox did not attempt to show the allegations were true or provide 'any other defence' recognised in law. Simon Blake (left), Nicola Thorp and Colin Seymour (right) pictured on November 22 Fox kisses his girlfriend Elizabeth Barker outside court after yesterday's verdict As for Fox's countersuit, the Judge ruled: 'The law does not regard the particular imputations against Mr Fox that he was a racist, made by Mr Blake, Mr Seymour or Ms Thorp, as defamatory.' The Judge added that although such opinion is an 'inherently defamatory tendency', Mr Fox did not sufficiently show that the tweets themselves caused harm to his reputation or 'make readers adversely change their minds about him to that degree'. The actor now says he will take the case as high as the Supreme Court - the final court for appeal cases - in his bid to get the word 'racism' defined. He continued: 'This judge has dodged the bullet. And it was not what I was expecting - I was expecting her to face down what it was. 'So now we're five judges in and we'll have to go one more up, and we'll end up in the Supreme Court and we'll see if they can tell me what a racist is.' She added: 'In those circumstances, the law does not require Mr Blake, Mr Seymour and Ms Thorp to be put to any further defence of the opinions they expressed.' Summarising, she said: 'Mr Blake's and Mr Seymour's claims succeed. Mr Fox's counterclaims are dismissed.' In a statement outside court, Fox told reporters that it was an 'interesting day'. He said: 'So today the Judge ruled that I didn't suffer any serious harm through the allegations of racism. Which is strange because at the same time she also declined to define the meaning of the word racist. So I'm at a slight loss as to how you can be defamed whilst not defining what you are being defamed for.' Summarising his point, he persisted: 'I just want a definition of the word'. Continuing, he said: 'I was active for 22 years and very successful. And my most successful job was the last one where I pointed out something that upset me about how Sainsbury's were behaving towards their black employees and that it was discriminatory and racist. 'Yes Sainsbury's I think you are racist', he declared to the cameras. 'And I asked to just find out what that word means. So here we are sat, two million quid in, and now we're going to have to go through another court to find out what it means.' Speaking outside court, Fox planted a kiss on his girlfriend Elizabeth Barker before telling reporters: 'So what we've got is nothing. It means we are going to have to go back to court, to appeal, and finally get to the meaning of this word - what is a racist?' As for his guilty verdict for referring to Blake and Seymour as 'paedophiles', he said: 'It was a rhetorical device in response to what they said. I apologised to each of them in court.' Fox is supported by his partner as he makes a statement after his court loss Fox walks arm-in-arm with his girlfriend after leaving the High Court in London Taking to social media after the verdict, Nicola Thorp wrote on X: 'We won. On all counts. She continued: 'For the last three years, Laurence Fox has held us responsible for the downfall of his acting career, his failure to become London Mayor and even the increasing cost of his car insurance. During my cross-examination, his barrister even suggested I was responsible for his arrest in October last year. All because on 4th October 2020 we exercised our right to free speech by expressing our honestly held opinions. 'The same man who later told a black man to 'f*** off back to Jamaica', posted pride flags in the shape of a swastika and shared blacked up images of himself and his children. It's time that Mr Fox accepted that any damage to his reputation is entirely his own doing.' Also taking to social media, drag artist Crystal said they were 'incredibly pleased' to see the result of the case. They said: 'I am incredibly relieved to have this outcome - a huge weight I've been carrying for over three years has just been lifted. During a trial in London in November, Mr Fox was described an alleged 'intelligent racist with an agenda'. Lorna Skinner KC, representing Mr Blake, Mr Seymour and Ms Thorp, said the trio 'honestly believed, and continue honestly to believe, that Mr Fox is a racist'. She said the actor 'has made a number of highly controversial statements about race', adding: 'If and to the extent that Mr Fox has been harmed in his reputation, it is his own conduct and not the claimants' comments on it that caused that harm.' In her ruling today, the Judge established: 'This judgment accordingly contains no determination of, or any view about, whether or not (a) the opinion that Mr Fox was a racist was one 'an honest person could have held' and was indeed genuinely so held or (b) the imputation that Mr Fox was a racist was 'substantially true''. In his evidence discussing his call for a boycott of Sainsbury's, Mr Fox said the supermarket had been 'essentially emotionally blackmailing their customers' and that he has not shopped there since. He continued: 'I felt that rather than genuinely trying to tackle racism, Sainsbury's were trying to improve their own image, branding themselves as the anti-racist supermarket. 'I see the phrase 'safe space' as just locally friendly language for discrimination by segregation, dividing people down the line of skin colour.' Mr Fox added that he believes Black History Month is 'a grift, designed to make black people feel like they're in some way undervalued in our society' and called the Black Lives Matter movement 'extremely divisive'. Ms Skinner previously highlighted several of Mr Fox's social media posts, including a June 2022 tweet of four pride flags arranged in the shape of a swastika. 'Such a disgusting post could only be made by a complete ignoramus or an intelligent racist with an agenda. Mr Fox is the latter,' she said. In his written evidence for the case, Mr Seymour, a Canadian artist, said he had faced 'overwhelming and distressing' abuse after Mr Fox's tweet, adding that he felt less safe as a drag performer. Broadcaster Nicola Thorp claimed that Mr Fox had 'outed himself as a racist' with a tweet calling for a boycott of the supermarket. She said that any reputational harm Mr Fox suffered 'was because of what he did, not because of what I said'. The heinous killing of three US troops, the first American servicemen to be killed in the region since the Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, by Iran-backed terrorists has heaped pressure on the Biden administration to react swiftly and decisively. The response is complicated by a number of factors, including the fact that this is an election year as well as Biden's reluctance to escalate the conflict in the Middle East. Biden's options could range anywhere from targeting Iranian forces outside to even inside Iran, or opting for a more cautious retaliatory attack solely against the Iran-backed militants responsible with financial penalties also possible. The military released the names of the victims killed in Jordan at the weekend, the youngest of which was a 23-year-old Army Reserve specialist, Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. The others were named as U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. William Jerome Rivers and Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders. Iran has suggested any strikes within Iran itself would cross a red line. Former CIA chief of staff Jeremy Bash said escalation is 'unavoidable'. '[The president] cannot avoid the international challenges even in an election year.' He added: 'There is a sense that our deterrence measures to date have not been received by Tehran as we hoped, so escalation is unavoidable.' American forces in the Middle East have been attacked more than 150 times by Iran-backed forces in Iraq, Syria, Jordan and off the coast of Yemen since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October. But until Sunday's attack on a remote outpost known as Tower 22 near Jordan's northeastern border with Syria, the strikes had not killed US troops nor wounded so many. That allowed Biden the political space to mete out US retaliation, inflicting costs on Iran-backed forces without risking a direct war with Tehran. Republicans in general accused Biden of letting American forces become sitting ducks, waiting for the day when a drone or missile would evade base defenses. They say that day came on Sunday, when a single one-way attack drone struck near base barracks early in the morning. In response, they say Biden must strike Iran. The Pentagon maintains that it is weighing up all possible options. So what options are available to Biden if he needs to hit back hard without spiraling the Middle East conflict into World War III. Target drone-making factories The map shows the exact locations where US forces have been hit since October 7 From left to right: Spc. Kennedy Sanders, Sgt. William Jerome Rivers and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from Georgia were killed by a drone strike on Sunday A much-talked about target for US forces would be the factories that produce the drones that have been leading the attacks in the region. Although striking these would likely force Biden to authorize hitting targets within Iran's borders. The Iranian government has said that a direct strike on its sovereign land would be considered a 'red line,' according to Politico. According to a 2023 article in The New Arab, Iran maintains clandestine drone factories across the Middle East and as far away as Venezuela. An Iranian drone base is a possible target for US retaliatory strikes The country also publicly built one in Tajikistan's capital in 2023 and was planning to build one in Russia too. Despite the presence of these factories, Farzin Nadimi, a defense and security analyst and Associate Fellow of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told the website that the largest drone making facilities outside of Iran were in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah's stronghold, and Yemen, where production is controlled by the Houthis. Nadimi suggested that the Iranians are deliberately secretive about these facilities because of the likelihood of them becoming targets for the Israeli or American air forces. Take out Iranian Generals Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani pictured in 2016 The commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Esmail Qaan speaking earlier this month in front of an image of Soleimani Charles Lister of the Washington-based Middle East Institute said the US had gone after Iranians outside of Iran in the past, like the 2020 strike against top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, and only yielded a response during a limited period of time. 'So to an extent, if you go hard enough and high enough, we have a track record of showing that Iran can blink first,' Lister said. Soleimani was the leader of the military intelligence wing of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard known as the Quds Force. The group's current leader is Brig. Gen. Esmail Qaani. In 2020, the Iranian government alleged that the US had been issuing death threats against Qaani. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members march during the annual pro-Palestinians Al-Quds, or Jerusalem, Day rally in Tehran in 2022 Following the killing of Soleimani, Qaani was quoted by Al-Jazeera as saying: 'We tell everyone, be patient and see the dead bodies of Americans all over the Middle East.' Thomas Spoehr, a retired Army lieutenant general and national security consultant, told Bloomberg that the Pentagon should focus on hitting 'uniformed Iran service members.' 'I don't think these people are hard to find,' he added. Lister said a likely response would be to go after a significant target or high-value militant from Iran-backed groups in Iraq or Syria. 'What happened this morning, was on a totally different level than anything these proxies have done in the past two to three months... (but) despite all of the calls to do something in Iran, I don't see this administration taking that bait,' Lister said. Multi-day air campaign against Iran's proxies Washington and Gulf Arab states have repeatedly accused Iran of arming, training and financing the Houthis, who follow an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam and are aligned with Tehran as part of its anti-Western, anti-Israel 'Axis of Resistance' alongside Lebanon's Hezbollah and groups in Syria and Iraq. 'They will attack Iranian proxies in Iraq,' Hamid Hosseini a union official close to the Iranian government told the Wall Street Journal this week. Another Iranian official speaking to the WSJ said that he expected attacks on 'pro-Iranian militias.' Earlier this month, the US struck militia facilities in Jurf al-Sakhar, which is south of Baghdad, al-Qaim and another unnamed site in western Iraq. Despite not being attacks on mainland Iran, the official said that those strikes would nonetheless invoke a 'cycle of revenge that could spiral out of control.' An unnamed US official pointed to likely targets in eastern Syria, in particular the city of Deir ex-Zor, where militia groups backed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard are located. 'It's going to be a shooting range,' that official said. 'A multiday air campaign against all proxies, coupled with a 'last chance warning' to Iran is warranted,'' said James Stavridis, a retired Navy admiral who now works for the Carlyle Group, told The New York Times. 'The Pentagon should be creating options that go directly against Iranian weapons production facilities, naval assets and intelligence systems in case the mullahs want to go another round.' 'A strong offensive cyberattack would be another viable option, either alone or in conjunction with kinetic strikes,' he added. The US military's most recent strike against militants came when three bases used by the Iranian proxy Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq. That group was responsible for the attack on the US Al-Asad base in Iraq. Target Iran's missile sites and air bases A handout photo made available by the Iranian Army on 28 May 2022, shows drones in an underground drone base, in an unknown location Jonathan Lord, director of the Middle East security program at the Center for a New American Security, said striking directly inside Iran would raise questions for Tehran about regime survival. 'When you do things overtly you represent a major escalation for the Iranians,' Lord said. A U.S. defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said it was unclear what the second and third order effects would be in going after Iran. 'Unless the U.S. prepared for an all out war, what does attacking Iran get us,' the official said. The BBC reports that Iran could react to a direct strike by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, which is where 20 percent of the world's oil is transported through. An action like that could hit Biden hard at the polls at home. Trump backed away from attacking Iran in November 2020, shortly after the election. He asked for options on attacking Iran's main nuclear site, a day after a U.N. watchdog report showed Iran had finished moving a first cascade of advanced centrifuges from an above-ground plant at its main uranium enrichment site to an underground one, in a fresh breach of its 2015 nuclear deal with major powers. But Trump ultimately decided against taking the dramatic step, privately worrying about the implications of an all-out war with Iran. On Sunday, Trump said he would have been tougher against Iran. 'Three years ago, Iran was weak, broke, and totally under control,' he wrote on Truth Social. 'Thanks to my Maximum Pressure policy, the Iranian Regime could barely scrape two dollars together to fund their terrorist proxies.' Hitting Iranian naval assets in Persian Gulf Also among the possible responses for the Biden administration is hitting Iranian naval units in the Persian Gulf. CENTCOM, the name of the Department of Defense's operations in the Middle East, is already battling Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Since October 7, the Pentagon has been routinely sending more naval and air forces to the area in order to deter attacks from Hezbollah militants. As far back as August, prior to the Hamas attack, Tehran warned the US against building up its military in the gulf. That action may have prompted Tehran to beef-up its military support of proxy groups in the region, reported Al Jazeera at the time. It was reported that the Pentagon may even put US personnel on commercial ships in order to prevent the Iranian navy from seizing them, a practice that has been common since 2019. Economic sanctions Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi pictured together in December. The US's European allies have grown frustrated with the leader's close relationship, reports say Economic sanctions against high-ranking Iranians and/or companies are considered likely. Republicans have stressed that the effects of sanctions are limited and that the Iranian government will only back down if it is met with force. Iran is possibly the most economically sanctioned country in the world. However, many of those sanctions are not fully imposed by other countries. Biden could put pressure on allies not to do business Iran, thus impacting its ability to fund proxies. The Wall Street Journal reports that the complication comes because China is currently Iran's biggest customer when it comes to oil. The US has been eager to maintain good relations with Beijing due to the situation with Taiwan. The Journal also reports that European allies would be more willing to go along with ramping up sanctions against Tehran as they grow irritated by the Iran's ongoing military co-operation with Putin's Russia. In the wake of October 7, the Biden administration was widely criticized for the $6 billion in funds that was returned to the Iranians as part of a hostage swap in September 2023. The $6 billion was Iranian money that had been frozen in South Korean banks. After Washington, under former President Donald Trump, placed a total ban on Iran's oil exports and sanctions on its banking sector in 2019, these Iranian oil revenues were blocked in Seoul. Cyber attack code-named Nitro Zeus During his time in office, President Barack Obama directed US intelligence agencies to come up with a plan for a mass cyber attack on Iran Since 2016, the US intelligence network has been working on a mass cyber attack project known as Nitro Zeus. The New York Times reported at the time that the plan would impact Iran's power grid, air defenses and general communications. The plan was eventually shelved when Iran agreed to then-President Barack Obama's historic nuclear deal. However, ex President Donald Trump tore up the deal shortly after taking office. 'Nitro Zeus was part of an effort to assure President Obama that he had alternatives, short of a full-scale war, if Iran lashed out at the United States or its allies in the region,' the Times reported at the time. The newspaper added that the plan involved thousands of personnel working day-and-night to ensure its effectiveness. Republicans meanwhile have been left outraged by the loss of American life in the region and are demanding retaliation. 'He left our troops as sitting ducks,' said Republican Senator Tom Cotton. 'The only answer to these attacks must be devastating military retaliation against Iran's terrorist forces, both in Iran and across the Middle East.' The Republican who leads the US military oversight committee in the House of Representatives, Representative Mike Rogers, also called for action against Tehran. 'It's long past time for President Biden to finally hold the terrorist Iranian regime and their extremist proxies accountable for the attacks they've carried out,' Rogers said. Republicans meanwhile have been left outraged by the loss of American life in the region and are demanding retaliation Former President Donald Trump, who hopes to face off against Biden in this year's presidential election, portrayed the attack as a 'consequence of Joe Biden's weakness and surrender.' The Biden administration has said that it goes to great lengths to protect U.S. troops around the world. One Democrat openly voiced concern that Biden's strategy of containing the Israel-Hamas conflict to Gaza was failing. 'As we see now, it is spiraling out of control. It's beginning to emerge as a regional war, and unfortunately the United States and our troops are in harms way,' Democratic Representative Barbara Lee said, renewing calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Palestinian war. Democratic Representative Seth Moulton, who served four tours in Iraq as a Marine, urged against Republican calls for war, saying 'deterrence is hard; war is worse.' 'To the chicken hawks calling for war with Iran, you're playing into the enemy's handsand I'd like to see you send your sons and daughters to fight,' Moulton said. 'We must have an effective, strategic response on our terms and our timeline.' The BBC has been accused of 'cheapening legendary starlets' by enraged fans of the late actress Elizabeth Taylor after it was announced that media personality and socialite Kim Kardashian will produce a documentary on her life. Billionaire-businesswoman Kim, 43, was the last person to interview the late movie star before her death in March 2011, aged 79, and has publicly professed Taylor is her idol. The documentary titled Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar will dive into her early fame, acting career, many marriages and how she went on to be a billionaire-businesswoman, activist and advocate. Discussing the project, Kim reaffirmed her adoration for the star, saying she was 'unapologetically herself'. She said: 'Elizabeth Taylor was unapologetically herself, a fighter. The BBC has been accused of 'cheapening legendary starlets' with its planned Elizabeth Taylor documentary fronted by Kim Kardashian (pictured) The documentary titled Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar will dive into Elizabeth's (pictured) early fame, acting career, many marriages and how she went on to be a billionaire-businesswoman, activist and advocate Billionaire-businesswoman Kim, 43, has publicly professed Taylor is her idol Reaction to the news of Kim's documentary has been mixed on social media 'She is proof that you can keep evolving and changing and have different chapters in your life and she paved the way for all of us who came after her with that blueprint.' Despite Kim's enthusiasm however, the decision to hire her as the executive producer on the actress' biopic has been savaged by some online who have said they believe it will be a vehicle for the Kardashian's as opposed to Taylor. The trouble with Diamonds.. Whilst Kim Kardashian's assertation that she and 'idol' Elizabeth Taylor are alike has been mocked, the two women do have some things in common: misplacing jewelry. Throughout her life, Taylor coveted pearls and owned the infamous La Peregrina pearl - worth over $10million. She almost lost it forever however as her dog ate it in 1969. Kardashian meanwhile lost over 10million worth of jewelry after she was tied up and robbed in a Paris apartment in 2016. Advertisement Taking to X, one person wrote: 'Can this family please leave classic movie stars alone.' Another pondered: 'I hope that "appearance" is in the form of a voice over narration or anecdotal interview and not any attempt to portray Elizabeth Taylor.' 'She deserves better', agreed another. Other users accused the BBC of 'cheapening legendary starlets' whilst one person just screamed 'Make it stop!'. The BBC has defended the series, with Commissioning Editor Alistair Pegg promising to deliver 'a new understanding of Elizabeth Taylor both her technique and power as an actor, and her capacity for reinventing herself.' Elizabeth's close friend Dame Joan Collins, school friend Margaret OBrien and close friend Carole Bayer Sager will also appear on the documentary. Despite Kim's outspoken adoration for the star, the two women lived lives markedly different from one another. Taylor, one of the great Hollywood beauties, led an infamously scandalous life with many men and a mindboggling eight marriages. But as the wife of a US senator living in the stodgy nation's capital, the glitzy star became a 'drunk and a junkie,' according to Kate Andersen Brower's Elizabeth Taylor: The Grit and Glamour of an Icon biography. When Elizabeth was married to her seventh husband, Republican Senator John Warner of Virginia in the late 70s, she once summoned one of her adult sons from a previous marriage to her bedroom where she was clad only in revealing underwear. 'She was pretty f***ed up on something. She was seated on the edge of the bed in her underwear and had a syringe of Demerol, [an addictive opioid] in her right hand,' recalled Christopher Wilding, son of Elizabeth's second husband, the British actor Michael Wilding. 'She pointed to a spot on her thigh,' and asked him to inject the needle. When he couldn't, the Oscar-winning star 'steadied her hand and plunged the needle into her flesh.' And now over a decade later, Kim, who has long idolised Elizabeth, will delve deep into her life for the new docuseries In March 2011, Elizabeth suffered congestive heart failure, and died six weeks later (pictured in 2009) The documentary Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar is executive produced by Kim, Kari Lia and Hamish Fergusson It will dive into her early fame, acting career, many marriages and how she went on to be a billionaire-businesswoman, activist and advocate (pictured in 1955) Elizabeth's close friend Dame Joan Collins (pictured), school friend Margaret OBrien and close friend Carole Bayer Sager will also appear on the documentary During the Warner marriage, the gorgeous Elizabeth known for her seductive violet eyes and once spectacular figure unhappy with her life as a senator's wife in the ritzy and conservative Georgetown enclave ate and drank so much that she ballooned 40 pounds to more than 170 pounds, igniting Warner to call her his 'little heifer,' writes Brower. The marriage lasted six years - a relatively long time for eight-times married Elizabeth, who was in and out of marriages like a revolving door. Her other turbulent marriages included a brief union with Paris Hilton's great uncle, Conrad Nicky Hilton, film producer Mike Todd, crooner Eddie Fisher, and Richard Burton. At 18-years-old, Elizabeth married her first husband Conrad Hilton and got her first four-carat diamond ring. They honeymooned in Europe but the thrill was gone within just two weeks, when Hilton virtually abandoned her and went on a drink and gambling binge. He soon became abusive and kicked her in the stomach causing a miscarriage. In 1952, Taylor married the British actor Michael Wilding, who was 20 years her senior. Because of the age difference the couple had little in common, so little that, according to the author, Taylor had an affair with Frank Sinatra, and got pregnant. Elizabeth married her seventh husband Republican Senator John Warner (pictured) in 1976 The marriage lasted six years - a relatively long time for eight-times married Taylor At just the tender age of 18, Elizabeth married her first husband, Conrad Nicholas Hilton, Jr., the great-uncle of Paris Hilton, at the Bel Air country club in 1950 Elizabeth went on to marry second husband, British actor Michael Wilding in 1952, who was 20 years her senior Hollywood beauty and icon Elizabeth was known for her seductive violet eyes and once spectacular figure during the age of classical Hollywood cinema In 1957, the same year her marriage with Wilding ended, Elizabeth moved on quickly, marrying film producer Mike Todd and honeymooning in Acapulco, Mexico (pictured) Todd (far left) was killed in a plane crash 13 months later and she began a relationship with popular young crooner Eddie Fisher (right) who infamously ended his marriage with Debbie Reynolds and married Elizabeth In 1957, the same year her marriage with Wilding ended, Elizabeth moved on quickly, marrying film producer Mike Todd and honeymooning in Acapulco, Mexico. But 13 months after their March 1958 marriage, Todd was killed in a plane crash. In 1959, the popular young crooner Eddie Fisher infamously ended his marriage with Debbie Reynolds and married Elizabeth. Elizabeth had become famous at age 12 after playing the lead in the film, National Velvet in 1944, but she felt abused with the MGM studio system that addicted their young stars to pills amphetamines and sedatives. In all, Elizabeth made over 60 films, most for the silver screen and some for television. Several times she came back from the dead from illnesses and suicide attempts and overdoses, heart attacks, three hip replacements, and more. 'I've been through it all, baby. I'm Mother Courage. I'll be dragging a sable coat behind me into old age,' she said, according to the author. In March 2011, Elizabeth Taylor suffered congestive heart failure, and died six weeks later. An earlier version of this articles headline incorrectly suggest that Kim Kardashian would be portraying Elizabeth Taylor. The headline has been amended to make the correct position clear. Angela Rayner said she understood the rage of pro-Palestinian protesters today after needing a police escort from a fundraiser. Footage shared on social media on Friday showed an event attended by the deputy Labour leader and shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds descending into chaos. Activists shouted about the death toll and demanded to know how Ms Rayner could call herself a 'feminist' without calling for a ceasefire. Separate images showed the pair being whisked away in a police car. Interviewed on ITV's Good Morning Britain after keeping a relatively low profile in recent weeks, Ms Rayner said she 'understands that strong feeling'. 'I would do everything I possibly could to stop what is happening in the Middle East,' she said. 'What we are tying to do at the moment is bring about a ceasefire, bring about the release of those hostages and bring about a two-state solution for that area.' Ms Rayner added: 'I would do whatever it takes to get to that position... in fairness every single member of Parliament wants to see that.' The frontbencher also dodged on whether Israel was committing genocide. Labour MP Kate Osamor had the whip suspended at the weekend after insisting that was the case. Ms Rayner said the recent International Court of Justice ruling - which criticised Israel but stopped short of finding that the response to the October 7 Hamas massacre amounted to genocide - was 'very serious' and 'puts a marker down'. Pressed by presenter Richard Madeley on whether there were 'aspects of genocide', Ms Rayner replied: 'I don't know. The ICJ is the right place for that to be determined. But it is very clear from what we're seeing, the reports we are getting, that there is nowhere near enough humanitarian aid getting into Gaza.' Angela Rayner said she understood the rage of pro-Palestinian protesters today after needing a police escort from a fundraiser In social media footage, one man is shown walking up to where Angela Rayner is speaking with a microphone and shouts about a 'ceasefire' Another protester raises the Palestinian flag as she shouts about 'genocide' before being approached by two police officers A woman shouts out to Ms Rayner from the other side of the room, asking: 'What kind of feminist are you?' Other footage shared on social media showed both Ms Rayner and Jonathan Reynolds, Labour's shadow business secretary, sitting in a police vehicle In the footage from the Stockport event, attendees are sat around tables at an apparent fundraising dinner when one man walks up to where Ms Rayner is speaking with a microphone and shouts about a 'ceasefire'. 'I lost my family in Gaza,' he adds. A woman then shouts out from the other side of the room, asking: 'What kind of feminist are you?' '15,000 women and children dead Angela Rayner, and you tout yourself as a modern-day feminist. I don't think so,' she adds. 'Women having to use scraps, tents for sanitary towels. Where's your voice Angela? Call yourself a feminist? I really don't think so.' At the same time, the first protester is filmed being taken out the room by a police officer. Another protester then joins in and films himself confronting Mr Reynolds up close, before Ms Rayner steps in front of him and he backs away. A fourth campaigner later raises the Palestinian flag as she shouts about 'genocide' before being approached by two police officers. 'Get off me, you're hurting me,' she is heard to say, as she is led away. Police confirmed that seven people were escorted from the building due to 'disruptive behaviour'. A Labour Party spokeswoman declined to comment. It is understood that it is routine for security, travel, and escort arrangements involving the police to be in place for events involving Ms Rayner. Ms Rayner has been appearing to keep a relatively low profile in recent weeks, as the party is buffeted by infighting over the Gaza crisis. She reportedly broke up with her partner Sam Tarry before Christmas. A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: 'GMP is aware of footage circulating online showing GMP officers and event security staff escorting people from an event which took place at a venue on Cheadle Road in Stockport yesterday. 'Police were present in response to a pre-planned demonstration outside the venue. During the evening, it became apparent that a number of protestors were inside and in attendance at the event. 'Officers assisted venue management in escorting seven people from the premises due to disruptive behaviour and in order to prevent a breach of peace. No arrests were made in connection with this incident.' Labour has been riven by division since the Hamas terror attacks on Israel on 7 October last year, and amid Israel's continued assault on Gaza. As Ms Rayner and Mr Reynolds sat in the car, a group shouted 'shame on you' and 'shame, shame' as they referred to the conflict in Gaza In the weeks after the 7 October attacks, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer came under intense pressure to back a full and immediate ceasefire. He suffered a huge Labour revolt in the House of Commons in November as 56 of his MPs defied him and backed calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The Labour leader also saw many local councillors quit the party across the country in protest at his stance on the Gaza crisis. But Sir Keir held firm to his position that Israel has a right to self-defence, although he has since shifted slightly to call for a 'sustainable ceasefire' along with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. A drunk airline passenger fought with police and called them 'Nazis' as she was arrested to stop her running across the tarmac at Manchester airport to get her flight. Jessica Chance had been thrown off the TUI flight to Rhodes when staff noticed she was visibly drunk, loud and rowdy, after downing double vodkas and lager in the departure lounge. The procurement administrator who worked for an environment company had been flying to the Greek island of Santorini with her sister on September 15, last year, but ended up in handcuffs and lost her job as a result of the incident. The 37-year-old claimed she drank too much while self-medicating because her GP had refused to prescribe anti-anxiety tablets before the flight and she hadn't found any tablets in Boots which might help calm her nerves. Chance, who faced being sent to prison for two years, was sentenced to four weeks in prison suspended for 12 months on Monday after Manchester Crown Court heard she is 'usually... medicated for fear of flying' and that 'mental health issues' were a factor in her behaviour. Jessica Chance (pictured) was ordered off her TUI flight to Rhodes on September 15 last year for being drunk and rowdy The 37-year-old (pictured) then scuffled with police officers as she tried to get back on board The court heard that police were called to Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport after Chance, from Crofton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, attempted to board her TUI flight bound for Rhodes only to be ordered off for being drunk. Prosecutor Tobias Collins said: 'Police saw an incident taking place at the bottom of the airstairs in which defendant was trying to get onto the plane and struggling with staff to do so. 'Staff confirmed the defendant had been told to get off the plane earlier but after getting off the plane she was trying to get back on. She was taken back to the police van and verbally abusive to officers, including calling one a Nazi. She was arrested and cautioned and gave no reply.' The court heard Chance had since lost her job following the incident. In mitigation defence counsel Ian Metcalfe said: 'Miss Chance is entirely ashamed of herself for what went on on September 15 of last year. 'She was flying out to Greece with her sister and had never actually been to Greece before.' 'When she had flown in the past, the defendant says she would be prescribed medication from her doctor on the basis that flying created in her a heightened sense of fear and anxiety. But on this occasion the GP indicated that he no longer issued prescriptions for that particular cause. 'Miss Chance therefore assumed that she would be able to pick something up that would pacify her at the airport at Boots, but nothing was available so she resorted to self medicating by drinking too much, too much vodka in fact. 'It is important to emphasise that there was no immediate safety risk caused or created by her conduct. If she had broken free and ran across the runway that would have created a difficulty - but that didn't happen. 'We are also not dealing with the case of behaviour when the plane was in flight and we are not dealing with the sort of case which required the rerouting of the aircraft.' Chance pictured outside Manchester Crown Court where she was sentenced to four weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months after pleading guilty to being drunk onboard an aircraft Chance (pictured outside court) lost her job as a procurement administrator for an environment company following the incident He said Chance had shown 'genuine remorse' for her conduct and added: 'She is a single woman who lives with her father and she has no previous convictions or cautions whatsoever. 'That in itself confirms that this should be regarded as an entirely isolated incident against her normal character. She is considered a low risk of reoffending and this lady has already suffered a punitive consequence. 'As soon as she was charged and released by the magistrates, she contacted her employer, her employer of some years, indicating that she had been charged. 'She was suspended and because the court proceedings were ongoing she was dismissed from her employment. 'That has presented her with a stark lesson to be learnt. That has been hard for her, particularly over the Christmas period. She has some interviews next month if she's at liberty to attend them. 'But she accepts that she will have to inform the prospective employees, not just of this offence, but the way the court has dealt with these matters 'She knows that she will receive some further punitive element today, which should take account of her loss of a job.' Chance, who pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft, was also ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and pay 510 in costs. Sentencing the judge Miss Recorder Jennifer Cleeve told her: 'You were arrested at Manchester Airport having been removed from an international flight for being loud and rowdy. 'Passengers had complained about you and for passengers to reach a point where they had to complain about someone, your behaviour must have caused serious concerns. The court heard that Chance was meant to be travelling to the Greek island of Santorini with her sister Her lawyer said that Chance suffers from anxiety when flying, but her GP had refused to prescribe medication to help before her trip this time round 'You were trying to reboard the flight, you were drunk and trying to get back on the plane. You were then handcuffed to stop you running across the live airfield. That is, of course, dangerous. 'You were abusive to police officers, trying to kick out and calling them Nazis. You told the probation service that you had drunk four double vodkas and some lager to assist with your nerves. 'You drank an obscene amount of alcohol. This was not just an attempt to take the edge off.' 'In terms of aggravating features, you caused concerns to other passengers who complained about your behaviour. Officers were concerned that you were going to run across the live airfield. 'You were aggressive, you kicked out at officers. The health and safety consequences are that your behaviour could have resulted in a real danger to others. 'In mitigation, you are remorseful and embarrassed about your behaviour and you have lost your own job as a result of having committed this offence which is punishment in itself. 'Usually, you are medicated for fear of flying. You sought medication on this occasion but you were unsuccessful. To a small extent, mental health factors may have contributed to your behaviour. You do not pose a danger to the public.' Ukraine has been forced to deny firing its military chief amid rumours that Putin's war commander has been killed. Volodymyr Zelensky denied that he had fired his war supremo General Valerii Zaluzhnyi as deep tensions simmer on both sides over failures to make major breakthroughs in the war. Zaluzhnyi, 50, even posted a picture overnight with Chief of the Ukrainian General Staff Serhiy Shaptala, also 50, evidently to demonstrate that he was still in charge. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin's war commander General Valery Gerasimov has not been seen for more than one month after an unverified series of reports that he had been killed in a missile strike on Sevastopol. Gerasimov, 68, is known for going for long periods without being seen, yet he has failed in this period to raise the morale of his forces with visible visits to the frontline. A crater formed by the wreckage of downed Russian drones outside a residential building in one of the city districts, Odesa, southern Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky was forced to deny that he had fired his war supremo General Valerii Zaluzhnyi (pictured) amid deep tensions on both sides over failures to make major breakthroughs Vladimir Putin's war commander General Valery Gerasimov has not been seen for more than one month after an unverified series of reports that he had been killed in a missile strike on Sevastopol (File Photo) Unsubstantiated reports came on January 5 that he was present at a command post hit the previous night by a Storm Shadow strike near Sevastopol in occupied Crimea. Moscow did not comment on the claims which originated on social media. Kyiv military intelligence chief Lt-Gen Kyrylo Budanov said he could not verify the claims about Gerasimov. In fact, the Russian war commander has not been seen this year. He last appeared looking weary in video footage on December 29 when he presented awards to 'military personnel who distinguished themselves during the liberation of Marinka' in the occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine. It comes amid criticism of the performance of the Russian armed forces, most recently by senator Dmitry Rogozin, formerly deputy premier in charge of the defence industry, and later head of the Russian Space Agency. 'Important changes must happen in the Russian Armed Forces,' he said. 'From my point of view, an increase in the number of personnel will be required. Numerical superiority over the enemy is necessary. 'There are a lot of people there in Ukraine, there is general mobilisation. We don't have it.' He also blamed the armed forces under Gerasimov for over-reliance on 'traditional weapons systems' in the war. Meanwhile, the Russians seized on reports that Zelensky had fired Zaluzhnyi. There were claims that a decree was being drawn up and that the general had rejected an offer of an ambassadorship in Europe. There were also claims he would be replaced by Budanov, 38. General Valery Gerasimov with Vladimir Putin. Gerasimov, 68, is known for going for long periods without being seen, yet he has failed in this period to raise the morale of his forces with visible visits to the frontline Kyiv military intelligence chief Lt-Gen Kyrylo Budanov said he could not verify the claims about Gerasimov (File Photo) Ukrainian soldiers of the 41st brigade stand in a trench near the frontline, outside Kupiansk, Kharkiv region, on January 23, 2024 Ukrainian infantry take up Zero positions on January 27, 2024 in Kupiansk Frontline, Ukraine The rumours ran for several hours before Zelensky's spokesman Serhiy Nykyforov dismissed the claims. 'Absolutely not. The president did not dismiss the commander-in-chief,' he said. Elsewhere he said: 'There is no subject of conversation, there was no dismissal, I cannot say anything else.' The Ukrainian defence ministry also rejected the reports. Zelensky did not mention the speculation in his nightly televised address. But the reports highlight instability in Kyiv, which was seized on by Russian propagandists. Some Telegram channels even claimed that Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who was only appointed in September, had resigned. Some analysts see Zaluzhnyi as a threat to Zelensky and a likely future president of Ukraine. A recent poll found that 72 per cent of Ukrainians would have a 'negative attitude' to the resignation of Zaluzhnyi. There was one claim that Zaluzhnyi's camp may have leaked the dismissal rumours to force Zelensky to publicly back him amid deep strains in their relationship following the failure of Ukraine's counteroffensive. Zelensky and Zaluzhnyi. Some analysts see Zaluzhnyi as a threat to Zelensky and a likely future president of Ukraine Rogozin claimed that the Russian army 'is fighting in great tension, sometimes experiencing a lack of modern military-technical answers to many threats, including the enemy's superiority in attack drones'. He lashed out at 'those who spread lies about our collective and extremely dangerous enemy'. Rogozin warned: 'The hope that the other side will run out of weapons and soldiers is the most dangerous self-deception. 'Those who spread it are either boastful morons or sent agents whose goal is the disintegration of the unity of our front and rear [in the war].' Military officials have spoken in recent days of increased Russian military activity on long stretches of the 1,000-km-long (600-mile) front line through eastern and southern Ukraine. Fighting has been largely frozen along the front line during winter, but missile and drone attacks inside Russia have demonstrated Ukraine's long-range strike capability that is stretching Moscow's security assets. On the southern front, military spokesperson Natalia Humeniuk told a briefing that Ukrainian forces were extending the foothold they secured late October on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River despite intensified Russian attacks. Russia forces advanced through Kherson region in the days after the February 2022 invasion, but by the end of the year had abandoned the region's main town and the Dnipro's west bank. Turkey's President has set up a political party for 'people with foreign roots' in Germany that will 'stand against anti-Muslim racism'. Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that the Democratic Alliance for Diversity and Awakening (DAVA), which was officially created on January 7, would take part in the European elections happening in June this year. The party, which is an affiliate to the leader's own party in Turkey, the AKP, has prompted immediate backlash and concern from other parties in Berlin. Cem Ozdemir, Germany's agriculture minister who has a Turkish migration background wrote on X: 'An Erdogan offshoot running for elections here is the last thing we need.' Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the Democratic Alliance for Diversity and Awakening (DAVA) officially on January 7 to be ready to take part in the European elections taking place in June this year Jens Spahn, deputy leader of the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) the largest opposition party, called it 'another extreme party in the country' Last August Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, BAMF, reported a 203% increase of asylum applications from Turkey While Jens Spahn, deputy leader of the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) the largest opposition party, also wrote on X: 'An Erdogan-AKP offshoot in Germany would be another extreme party in the country.' This comes after the law was changed last month that made it possible for those living outside of the EU to hold dual-citizenship in Germany, which has the potential to give 1.5 million Turks living in Germany the vote 'We are currently seeing parties springing up everywhere, and their sole purpose and exercise is to ultimately tear Europe apart from within,' German liberal lead candidate Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann told Die Welt when asked about Dava. The new party is expected to be headed by Teyfik Ozcan, who has insisted that the party finances will all be raised domestically - in Germany it is illegal to receive funding from foreign countries. Last August Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, BAMF, reported that more than 23,000 Turkish citizens had applied for asylum in the country so far that year, which was a sharp increase of 203% over the same period last year. The rise in smaller fringe groups into their politics including the 'Value Union' party which stands on the right of the CDU. On Saturday pro-Russian politician Sahra Wagenknecht launched her new populist alliance BSW, mixing leftist welfare with restrictive migration policies and a strident anti-war message. The Princess of Wales will 'rely' on her trusted nanny as she recovers from abdominal surgery - with Maria Borrallo's help being 'invaluable' at this difficult time, a royal expert has said. Kate, 42, is a 'hands on mother' but will need to 'rest as much as she can' - and Maria's contribution will be important so William has the capacity to resume royal duties, Richard Fitzwilliams added. Kate left The London Clinic after 14 days and is now back home surrounded by her husband and three doting children. Prince William will take on additional parenting responsibilities and has cleared his diary of official duties as she recovers, supporting his wife and only returning to public engagements once she is settled. The family are also being supported by their staff, including loyal, long-standing nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, whose role could be crucial in the coming weeks. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline: 'Kate has obviously had significant surgery. As a hands on mother when possible, she will need to rest as much as she can. 'This means she will rely on Maria a great deal in the coming weeks and maybe months. 'There is going to be very considerable speculation as to when William is able to resume royal duties. Obviously, especially given the temporary incapacity of King Charles, the sooner the better. This makes Maria's contribution at this difficult time all the more invaluable.' Nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo (in her Norland Nanny Uniform) talking to the late Queen at Princess Charlotte's Christening in July 2015 Kate, 42, left The London Clinic after 14 days, and is now back home , surrounded by her husband and three doting children (file picture) Prince William leaving the London Clinic after visiting Kate in hospital on 18 January 2024 The family are being supported by their staff, including loyal, long-standing nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo (pictured in May for the Coronation of King Charles III) Mr Fitzwilliams said that Kate has embarked on what everyone hopes will be a full recovery, but added that there will be a long 'convalescence'. 'William will be with her and forgoing royal duties for as long as he feels it is necessary. He has always put his family first,' he said. 'Kate has been as hands on a mother as her role permits, but she has said that having a nanny is indispensable. 'Maria Teresa is, according to reports, extremely popular with the children but her training at Norland has meant she is ideal for whatever this role requires. 'She is of course a background figure, who is seen at some important royal occasions and who is indispensable at a time like this. 'Her training at the prestigious Norland College in Bath where she learnt a huge variety of skills and to work long hours if needed, will be particularly useful during the pivotal weeks of Catherine's recovery. 'The coming weeks may be difficult and will be a test of this redoubtable figure, who is so trusted by the future King and Queen.' Kate and William with nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo and the late Queen outside the church following Princess Charlotte's Christening Prince George of Cambridge is held by his nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo as he waves from the window of Buckingham Palace as he watches the Trooping The Colour on June 13, 2015 in London Maria has been a loyal nanny to Kate and William for almost a decade now Parenting expert Jo Frost told Hello! that Maria is a staple for the Wales family. 'The blessing of her nurturing ways and wonderful service to the family leave the children in good steady hands, affording William the flexibility to be present as a father, attend to his royal duties where he can at home and be the emotional support he will want to be for his wife.' The Spanish 'supernanny' was hired by Kate and William in 2014 to help them look after Prince George when he was eight months old. She now cares for Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis too. She lived with the family at Kensington Palace but when they moved into Adelaide Cottage in Windsor's Home Park she stopped being a live-in nanny, though she has continued to care from the children while living at another property. At the time she was hired, Kensington Palace released a statement saying: 'Maria is a full-time nanny, who started work with us recently, and will be accompanying the Duke and Duchess and Prince George to New Zealand and Australia. He added: 'We will not be giving further details on Maria or her employment, except to say that the Duke and Duchess are of course delighted she has chosen to join them.' Former Private Secretary to the Duchess of Cambridge Rebecca Deacon and Nanny Maria Borrallo arriving at Sydney Airport on April 16, 2014 Maria Borrallo was born in Madrid but grew up in Palencia in northern Spain. She is a graduate of the prestigious nanny school Norland College and is said to have been nicknamed Santa Spanish for saint by those closest to her when she was a youngster. The institution's students are known for their distinctive uniforms and are schooled in all aspects of looking after youngsters during their three-year degree course. The training costs 36,000 in total and the college in Bath added martial arts training and stunt driving to its curriculum to cater for modern clients - many of whom are celebrities and the super-rich. Tae Kwon-Do is believed to be the martial art of choice - which has been specially adapted to include how to dodge a potential kidnapped with a pram. Nannies are also trained in how to deal with paparazzi and are taken to Castle Combe Racing Circuit in Wiltshire to perfect their driving skills and learn how to drive at high speed in any weather condition. Prince George being held up at a window of Buckingham Palace by his nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo to watch Trooping the Colour on June 13, 2015 Friends in Maria's hometown have previously claimed she would have become a nun had she not ended up pursuing her passion for looking after children. Her austere lifestyle made her the perfect candidate to become a servant of God, they said. Ms Borrallo's brother Luis did follow a religious pathway, having been ordained a deacon in 2011. Born in Madrid, but having grown up in Palencia, she is the second of eldest of four children, born to an engineer father Luis, who died of cancer, and her teacher mother, Maria Teresa. She attended church regularly with the rest of her family as she was growing up. Ms Borrallo left Spain for the UK more than 20 years ago after graduating with a degree in teaching. However she returns to Palencia to see her family whenever she gets a chance. One of her brothers, Ignacio, teaches private students in the area viola and violin. He boasts on an online CV he is one of the most sought-out violin and viola teachers in Spain's Castile and Leon region, with more than 20 years of experience at conservatories and music schools in his home country and Canada. Her youngest brother Pablo, a teacher, is living and working in the south of France. Tributes have been paid to one of the last surviving D-Day veterans after his death aged 99. Jack Quinn, then aged just 19, ferried a team of commandos to Gold Beach in Normandy the night before the full landings on June 6, 1944. They attached explosives to German beach defences and blew them up before the Allied invasion force came ashore. On the first day of the full invasion, Mr Quinn defied orders to return to his troopship so he could rescue seven French sailors from a burning boat which was drifting towards a minefield. It was an act of heroism which led to him being awarded the Croix de Guerre - the French equivalent of the Victoria Cross. The D-Day operation marked the start of the liberation of France and Europe and was the largest amphibious invasion in history, with more than 160,000 troops making land. Tributes have been paid to one of the last surviving D-Day veterans after his death aged 99. Jack Quinn, then aged just 19, ferried a team of commandos to Gold Beach in Normandy the night before the full landings on June 6, 1944. Above: Mr Quinn arriving at Portsmouth Dockyard on a landing craft in June 2021 during an event to mark the 77th anniversary of the Normandy landings Mr Quinn, who was the last surviving member of the Sheffield Normandy Veterans Association, passed away at his home in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, on Friday. Paying tribute, a spokesman for the British Normandy Memorial said on Saturday: 'We are so saddened to learn of the death of D-Day Veteran & Memorial Ambassador Jack Quinn who passed away yesterday, aged 99. 'Jack was a much loved supporter of the Memorial project & last June was appointed Ambassador. Our deepest condolences to Jack's family & friends.' He had been set to return to Normandy in June to take part in the 80th anniversary commemorations of the landings. Mr Quinn was born in Sheffield and left school at 13 to become an apprentice plumber. He was 15 when the war began and initially joined the Home Guard. In February 1942, he signed up with the Royal Marines and was initially posted to Casablanca, Morocco, before going to Malta and then Gibraltar. Mr Quinn then went on to train as a coxswain as part of a drive to prepare for the Normandy landings. He spent time training at Dartmouth College and Achnacarry Castle in Scotland, as well as in Poole, Devon, before heading to France for the real mission. On the first day of the full invasion, Mr Quinn defied orders to return to his troopship so he could rescue seven French sailors from a burning boat which was drifting towards a minefield. Above right: Mr Quinn at Portsmouth Dockyard in 2021 Recalling his heroism, Mr Quinn previously told how he 'just did my job'. He added: 'A lot of other men did valiant things, but nobody saw them doing it.' Before his rescue of the French sailors, Mr Quinn was ordered to take his craft to Arromanches - west of Normandy - to come to the aid of two Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents who were being chased by the Germans. He got them onto his vessel as the enemy approached before taking them to a hospital ship. Recalling the bloodshed of the landings, Mr Quinn later said: 'We watched the first infantrymen as they landed on the beach. 'It was terrible. They were running, getting shot at, treading on mines, going up in the air. They were dropping like flies. It was chaotic. Mr Quinn, who was the last surviving member of the Sheffield Normandy Veterans Association, passed away at his home in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, on Friday Mr Quinn (right) with fellow veterans George Chandler, Joe Cattini and John Dennet in Portsmouth in 2021 'Those lads on the beaches had it very rough.' After his service in the war, Mr Quinn became a lorry driver and had four children and two step children with his wife Shirley. On the 79th anniversary of the landings last year, Mr Quinn was one of several Second World War veterans who returned to France to see the recently unveiled Normandy Memorial. Built with the help of Daily Mail readers, it stands to remember the 24,442 British servicemen and women who fell during the three-month Battle of Normandy. Mr Quinn met French president Emmanuel Macron and the then Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. Residents say they heard a couple screaming and shouting seconds before armed police shot dead a crossbow-wielding man trying to force himself into a house. Police were called to Bywater Place, Surrey Quays, to find a man, believed to be in his 30s, attempting to force his way into a three-storey property and harm the residents. Do you live on the close or see what happened? Email: frankie.elliott@mailonine.co.uk Advertisement Armed officers were called to the scene and shot the man dead after he got inside the 300,000 property. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the incident. A police cordon remained in place, but photos show a ground floor window at the rear of the property has been smashed and an upstairs one wedged open. Neighbours to the property, which is occupied by several families, described being woken by shouts and banging at 5am. Valeria Bocanera, 37, said: 'There was a man and a woman who were screaming and shouting at each other. It went on for about a minute or so, and then it went silent. 'I did not go outside to see what was happening. My neighbour could see the body out of her window and it was uncovered and just lying on the floor.' Police were called to a property (middle left) in Bywater Place, Southwark, at 4.55am to reports of a man, believed aged in his 30s, attempting to force entry into a residential property Police have cordoned off the area after a officer discharged a firearm on the man when het got inside the property Aerial shots of the crime scene which has currently been cordoned off by police One woman, who asked not to be named, said: 'You could hear all the police shouting to each other. We just stayed indoors and the police later told us not to come out.' Restaurant owner Akber Baloch, 52, said: 'I was sleeping and I heard some shouting. It was also like someone was banging a door. There was banging and shouting. It sounded like a man and a woman.' He added: 'I was afraid about what was happening. 'I am really worried and it makes you feel insecure. I do not know who is wrong or right in this situation but it makes you feel insecure.' Police say enquiries are ongoing to inform the man's next of kin. A white and yellow tent has been placed over where the body had fallen. A yellow marker with the No 18 had been placed on the kerb outside the house to signify a piece of evidence. Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service gave the man first aid when they arrived at the scene just after 5am and treated two more people for minor injuries. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called today (30 January) at 5:03am to reports of an incident on Bywater Place, Surrey Quays. 'We sent some resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew and an incident response officer. We also dispatched London's Air Ambulance, which consisted of a trauma team by car. 'We treated three people at the scene, two of whom had minor injuries. The third patient was pronounced dead at the scene.' Local officers attempted to speak to the man but, after being threatened, called armed officers, who arrived quickly at the scene. A Met spokesperson explained that armed officers deal with fast-moving and dangerous situations, discharging their weapons rarely. According to the Met, it is standard procedure to hand over a case to the IOPC if a person has been shot by an officer. Police say enquiries are ongoing to inform the man's next of kin and a white and yellow tent (seen in the background) has been placed over where the body had fallen Forensic officers in blue overalls walked around the cordoned off area while a representative from the IOPC carried out door to door inquiries According to the Met, it is standard procedure to hand over a case to the IOPC if a person has been shot by an officer (policewomen at the scene pictured) The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the incident Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, responsible for policing Southwark, said: 'My thoughts are with all those affected by this incident. 'I understand the local community will be concerned at the events that have taken place this morning. We will fully support the IOPC investigation into the full circumstances of what happened.' The IOPC spokesperson said its investigators were at the scene on Tuesday morning and declared an independent investigation at around 6.40am. Forensic officers in blue overalls walked around the cordoned off area while a representative from the IOPC carried out door to door inquiries. They added: 'We have begun an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a man by the Metropolitan Police Service earlier this morning in Southwark, south London,' said a spokesperson for the watchdog. 'We were notified by the MPS after the incident, which occurred shortly before 5am, and declared an independent investigation at around 6.40am. 'We have sent investigators to the scene and the police post incident procedure to begin gathering evidence. Our investigation is in its very early stages and we hope to provide an update later today.' Local councilor Adam Hood expressed his concerns on the incident via X Mayor of London Sadiq Khan sent out his thoughts to everyone impacted by the incident on social media this morning Adam Hood, Liberal Democrat councillor for Surrey Docks, said he was 'deeply concerned' by the news. He wrote on social media: 'Deeply concerned by this news from Bywater Place. Details are still emerging but at this point I'm thankful to the fast response from emergency services.' Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added: 'My thoughts are with everyone impacted by this incident. 'It's right that the independent IOPC will now investigate the full circumstances. I urge anyone with information to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.' Fatal police shootings are relatively rare in the UK - there were only three in the year to March 31 2023. The most recent Met fatality was the death of Giedrius Vasiljevas, 40, who was shot at his home in Dagenham, east London, in November after calling 999 to say he had loaded guns and wanted to take his own life. Fury has erupted over deepfake porn images of Taylor Swift that have circulated widely on social media in recent days - but the problem is also traumatising scores of real life women in the UK. New AI technology has made it easier for misogynistic trolls to steal photos of real women before transplanting some of their features - such as their face - onto pornographic footage before sharing it online without their consent. The boom in deepfake porn is widely recognised as a growing problem, but slow progress in formulating new laws to tackle it means victims are often left without any legal recourse. Researcher Kate Isaacs was scrolling through X when a video popped up on her notifications. When she clicked play, she realised the footage showed a woman in the middle of a sex act with her face superimposed onto the woman's body. 'I remember feeling hot, having this wave come over me. My stomach dropped. I couldn't even think straight. I was going ''Where was this? Has someone filmed this without me knowing? Why can't I remember this? Who is this man?''' she told the Mail. Researcher Kate Isaacs was scrolling through X when a video popped up on her notifications that showed her in a deepfake porn video Nassia Matsa, a tech writer and model, was travelling on the Tube when she noticed an advert for an insurance company that had used her face without permission 'It was so convincing, it even took me a few minutes to realise that it wasn't me. Anyone who knew me would think the same. It was devastating. I felt violated, and it was out there for everyone to see.' The 30-year-old, who founded the #NotYourPorn campaign, never found who made the offending porn video of her, but believes she was specifically targeted because she had spoken out about the rise of 'non-consensual porn' in the past. Is sharing deepfake porn illegal in Britain? Under the Online Safety Bill, which is now law, those who share pornographic deepfakes can be jailed for up to six months. Up until this point, for criminal charges to be brought, the authorities had to be able to prove the deepfakes were motivated by malice, which is often difficult when they are often dismissed as pranks. However, it remains incredibly difficult to work out the true identities of those sharing many deepfakes. Advertisement The most realistic deepfakes are achieved with moving footage, meaning an innocent video posted on your Instagram account, from a family wedding for example, would be ideal. The fake porn video of Ms Isaacs, which appeared in 2020, had been made using entirely innocent footage taken from the internet. 'This is all it takes now,' she said. 'It makes every woman who has an image of herself online a potential victim; that's pretty much all of us, these days.' Under the new Online Safety Bill, which is now law, those who share pornographic deepfakes can be jailed for up to six months. Up until this point, for criminal charges to be brought, the authorities had to be able to prove the deepfakes were motivated by malice, which is often difficult when they are often dismissed as pranks. However, it remains incredibly difficult to work out the true identities of those sharing many deepfakes. Cara Hunter, a Northern Irish politician, had a fake porn video made of her while she was running for election in April 2022. The 26-year-old was at her grandmother's 90th birthday party when she realised footage showing her engaging in oral sex had begun circulating online. 'I was surrounded by family and my phone was just going ding, ding, ding. And over the next couple of weeks, it continued like that,' she told the i. Cara Hunter, a Northern Irish politician, had a fake porn video made of her while she was running for election in April 2022 A woman uploaded a mirror selfie to her Instagram account before being contacted by a troll hours later The message taunting her with a fake AI-edited nude version of the selfie she had posted to her account Ms Hunter, who was elected as SDLP Member of the Legislative Assembly of Northern Ireland for east Derry, is still not sure whether the video was a deepfake or used a porn actress that closely resembled her. It was shared tens of thousands of times online, and led to her being harassed on the street. 'Two days after the video started doing the rounds, a man stopped me in the street when I was walking by myself, and asked for oral sex,' she said. READ MORE - X is forced to ban ALL searches for Taylor Swift five days after vile sexually graphic AI pictures emerged Advertisement 'He brought up the video. It was horrible, it felt like everybody believed it. People would laugh and jeer and mock me in the street.' In another shocking case last year, a woman was left horrified after a stranger turned her mirror selfie into a sick AI-generated deepfake nude photo and then taunted her with it. Courtney woke up to find a stranger had sent her a nude photo of herself over Instagram, accompanied by a smirking emoji. Shocked, the aspiring social worker knew the photo wasn't real. The person had screenshotted a selfie she had posted on her account and uploaded it to one of the many deepfake nude-generating websites that will 'virtually undress' any person in any photo. Courtney, who is in her 20s, blocked the account and has now removed all photos of herself from her social media in fear this will happen again. But she was left in a constant state of anxiety, thinking about if the photo had been sent to anyone else - to her followers, her friends, her family. Courtney - not her real name - told MailOnline: 'I hadn't heard from this person in two years and I woke up one morning, last Friday. I woke up at 7am to go to college but I received this extremely graphic image that definitely wasn't real. 'It had been taken from my Instagram and edited with AI. 'I was in shock. No way did that just happen. But I realised the severity of it later in the day... who they could have sent that to.' Taylor Swift - seen with her boyfriend Travis Kelce - is perhaps the most high profile victim of deepfake porn X has now blocked users from searching the star's name Pornographic videos are not the only use for stolen AI images of women. Nassia Matsa, a tech writer and model, was travelling on the Tube when she noticed an advert for an insurance company that included a model whose face was strikingly similar to hers. 'I've never done a shoot for this insurance company, but I recognise my features, and the pose, hair and make-up are similar to a shoot that I did back in 2018 for a Paris-based magazine,' she wrote on Dazed Digital. READ MORE - How ANYONE can be targeted with vile deepfakes Advertisement A few months later she saw an advert for the same insurance company that included the distorted facial features of one of her friends. She continues: 'After some research, it slowly dawns on me we had been AI'ed without our permission; our faces and bodies turned into digital dolls to promote a project we had no part in. 'And to make matters worse, I can't even prove it or do anything about it, since the regulation around AI is a grey area. After all, who really owns my face?' Last year it emerged that activity on forums dedicated to celebrity deep fake porn has almost doubled in a year as sophisticated AI becomes widely available to the public. But normal women are regularly being targeted too, with sites littered with boasts from users that their technology 'helps to undress anybody', as well as guides on how to create sexual material, including advice on what type of pictures to use. John Lennon clowns around with Ringo, Paul and George in never-before-seen footage of the Beatles while filming on Salisbury Plain. The silent film of more than three minutes - of which only snippets were released to the public - was shot more than 59 years ago on Salisbury Plain, near Stonehenge, England, while the Beatles were on set of their film Help! in May 1965. Image stills from the video show the band in a jovial mood during a break for the 'I Need You' sequence, with John Lennon clowning around with director Richard Lester as they engage with the cast and crew. They play around with instruments and mime to a track in the 'makeshift' outdoor recording studio. The Beatles are surrounded by fake armed soldiers from the British Army's 3rd Royal Tank Regiment with their tanks and weapons. In the quirky plot of Help!, a mysterious cult is attempting to kill Ringo Starr so the band performs under Royal Artillery protection, hence the group of soldiers in the film. The rare behind-the-scenes film, which has not been released by auction house RR Auction in Boston, is coming up for sale for $10,000 (8,000). A still of the behind-the-scenes footage of The Beatles as they filmed their iconic movie Help! on location at Salisbury Plain in 1965 The silent film (a still of which is pictured here) of more than three minutes was shot more than 59 years ago on Salisbury Plain, near Stonehenge, England, while the Beatles were on set of their film Help! in May 1965 It shows the band in a jovial mood during a break for the 'I Need You' sequence, with John Lennon clowning around with director Richard Lester as they engage with the cast and crew The film was shot at the height of the so-called Beatlemania - a term coined after the band shot to worldwide fame in the early 1960s - which saw people line the streets to see the band wherever they went. The Beatles were formed in Liverpool in 1960 by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison. They released their debut single Love Me Do in October 1962, with their first album Please Please Me following in March the year after. While they were already incredibly successful in Britain and other European countries, the song that finally catapulted the Beatles to success in the US was I Want to Hold Your Hand, bringing the Beatlemania over the pond after in January 1964. Soon after, in April 1964, the Billboard Hot 100 charts were led by five Beatles songs, with seven more further down the list. Other artists wrote even wrote songs about the Beatles which made it into the charts. The British band transformed the music landscape as they expertly blended classical elements with traditional pop forms and unconventional recording techniques that inspired other artists for years to come. After they toured less in 1966, they spent a lot of time at the famous Abbey Road Studios, where they experimented with different techniques that were unique to the studio and couldn't be replicated on stage - revolutionary for a time when usually albums would be created by simply playing a song live in the studio a few times. But they were also pioneers when it comes to music videos, with Help!, which was released in July 1965, being attributed as a big influence in the creation of modern music videos. The Beatles were the first to use the short film showcasing their song as a PR tool to market their music. The Beatles - Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon - pictured while filming 'Help' in Ailsa Avenue, Twickenham, in 1965 The Beatles filming promo videos at Twickenham Film Studios in 1965, the same year as the release of Help! The film was shot at the height of the so-called Beatlemania - a term coined after the band shot to worldwide fame in the early 1960s - which saw people line the streets to see the band wherever they went (here in Adelaide in June 1964) British pop group The Beatles, from left to right; Ringo Starr, John Lennon (1940 - 1980), Paul McCartney and George Harrison (1943 - 2001), outside Buckingham Palace, London, after receiving their MBE's (Member of the Order of the British Empire) from the Queen Paul, Ringo and John pictured during a press conference in America while on their famous 1965 US tour Their first major motion picture, A Hard Day's Night, was a silent drama with the band's music overlaid and is often referred to as the ancestor of the music video. The Help! film came at the same time as the Beatles' fifth album, which featured songs like Help! and Yesterday. Lennon later said of Help!: 'I realise, looking back, how advanced it was. It was a precursor to the Batman "Pow! Wow!" on TV-that kind of stuff. 'But [Lester] never explained it to us. Partly, maybe, because we hadn't spent a lot of time together between A Hard Day's Night and Help!, and partly because we were smoking marijuana for breakfast during that period. 'Nobody could communicate with us, it was all glazed eyes and giggling all the time. In our own world. 'It's like doing nothing most of the time, but still having to rise at 7am, so we became bored.' The unseen behind-the-scenes footage, on an original reel of 8mm black and white silent film, was taken by a member of the production crew or a friend of the Beatles. It has come to light 59 years on after an Irish collector acquired it on eBay. It is coming up for sale at RR Auction, of Boston, US, for $10,000 (8,000). An RR Auction spokesperson said: 'Unseen footage of the Beatles is incredibly rare, making the discovery of such a film a unique moment in popular music history. They muck about with instruments and mime to a track in the 'makeshift' outdoor recording studio The unseen behind-the-scenes footage, on an original reel of 8mm black and white silent film, was taken by a member of the production crew or a friend of the Beatles An RR Auction, which is auctioning off the tape, spokesperson said: 'Unseen footage of the Beatles is incredibly rare, making the discovery of such a film a unique moment in popular music history' (pictured: a still from the film) A still from the three-minute and 17 seconds film shows the drum set with The Beatles written on the drum The tape (pictured above) has come to light 59 years on after an Irish collector acquired it on eBay. It is coming up for sale at RR Auction, of Boston, US, for 8,000 The Beatles are surrounded by armed soldiers from the British Army's 3rd Royal Tank Regiment with their tanks and weapons The film is said to be so special because it captures the 'sheer joy of the Fab Four' 'It offers some rare and unique moments where all four Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, were captured "off-camera", in their natural, jovial state. 'In this footage, they are not performing for the camera, but engaging with cast and crew, noodling on their instruments, and joking around on set. 'The sequence for "I Need You" was shot near Stonehenge from May 3-5, 1965, and portrays the Beatles miming to the track in a makeshift outdoor recording studio, surrounded by armed soldiers of the British Army's 3rd Royal Tank Regiment and their Centurion tanks. READ MORE: Unseen footage of the Beatles fooling around as they filmed the movie Help! in the Austrian Alps emerges after being stored in a garage for 50 years Advertisement 'In the movie's plot, Ringo Starr is being targeted for assassination by a mysterious cult so the band performs under Royal Artillery protection.' Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auctions, added: 'I've seen my fair share of rare Beatles artifacts, but this 8mm film is something special because it captures the sheer joy of the Fab Four. 'It's a cinematic time capsule that brings us closer to the Beatles in a way that photographs and interviews simply can't.' The sale takes place on February 23. This comes after more unseen footage of the Beatles messing around as they filmed the movie Help! in the Austrian Alps has emerged after being stored in a garage for 50 years in 2017. The famous four starred in the movie alongside the late actor Leo McKern, who became best known as Rumpole of Bailey on ITV between 1978-92. He candidly recorded the bandmates in between takes as they larked around on set. The 8mm film and its copyright is now being sold for asking price of 35,000. Speaking to the Guardian, rare books dealer and actor Neil Pearson who is selling the footage, said in 2017: 'It is unseen footage of people who were, at that time, the most famous people on earth. 'It is footage of golden age Beatles, fooling around between takes, waiting for something to happen ... I know that feeling.' The band members are surrounded by soldiers as the plot of Help! sees Ringo Starr needing protection from a cult Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auctions, added: 'It's [the tape is] a cinematic time capsule that brings us closer to the Beatles in a way that photographs and interviews simply can't' The behind-the-scenes footage shows Ringo Starr sitting behind a drum set In the video, the band members were surrounded by soldiers as in Help!, a mysterious cult is attempting to kill Ringo Starr so the band performs under Royal Artillery protection A still of the behind-the-scenes footage of The Beatles as they filmed their iconic movie Help! on location at Salisbury Plain in 1965 Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auctions, added: 'I've seen my fair share of rare Beatles artifacts, but this 8mm film is something special because it captures the sheer joy of the Fab Four' The film shows John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr joking around with their stunt doubles and pretending to play instruments. Their tomfoolery on set for this particular film was well-documented with Ringo Starr describing in an interview in 2000 how 'a hell of a lot of pot' was smoked while making the film. He said it was 'great' and the director knew very little would get done after lunch. Speaking for a piece in the 2000 Beatles Anthology book, he said: 'In the afternoon we very seldom got past the first line of the script. 'We had such hysterics that no one could do anything. Dick Lester would say, "No, boys, could we do it again?" It was just that we had a lot of fun a lot of fun in those days.' And at the end of the footage, McKern's daughter Abigail, who was ten at the time, is recorded playing in the snow. She became a part of the gang and has memories of being in the Beatles entourage and even recalls being spat on by a jealous fan, according to Mr Pearson. Apart from family members when the McKerns returned to their home in London, it has otherwise remained unseen and kept stored away in the garage. It came to light because Pearson had been approached by Abigail McKern, also an actor, to see if he could help disperse her mother's collection of children's literature. Abigail McKern was brought together with Paul McCartney's stunt double on the BBC's The One Show in November 2017 to show the footage live on air for the first time. The film came following the success the group had with A Hard Day's Night. It had a larger budget than their first movie, with scenes recorded in the Bahamas as well as Austria. Portrait of the The Beatles. From left to right: Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison, circa 1965 The Beatles pictured above in Milan, 1965, at the height of Beatlemania around the world Pictures of screaming fans at the 1965 Shea Stadium concert during The Beatles' famous 1965 US tour They spent two weeks in the Alps but while they look like they are having a great time, in interviews afterwards John Lennon said the movie was 'out of control'. Speaking after, he said they had more creative input with the first film and director Dick Lester didn't tell them 'what it was all about'. Despite their concerns, the film is still looked on favourably by most critics, with a rating of 9/10 on Rotten Tomatoes. McKern died in 2002 after establishing a reputation as a fine stage actor in the 1950s before turning to film. One of his most memorable performances was as the defence barrister in Rumpole of the Bailey. A travel-mad father slammed for taking his eight-year-old daughter on a day trip to Iraq has insisted it was 'her choice' to visit the war-torn state. Michael Gell and daughter Mia Gell flew to Erbil, Iraq, while they were holidaying in Qatar and spent all of Saturday exploring. Brits have been urged to avoid travelling to Iraq unless absolutely necessary, with the UK Government warning some areas 'remain subject to sporadic attack by artillery, drones and rockets' and that terrorists are 'very likely to carry out attacks'. Despite this dockyard worker Michael, 32, insists he explained the dangers to Mia - including the 'occasional missile strike' - before letting her decide if she wanted to go. He later posted images of his daring trip on Facebook, including shots of Mia posing with armed officials and even with a shop named Central Perk, inspired by sit-com Friends. But it split opinion online, with some branding him 'stupid', while others praised it as a 'fantastic way to educate your daughter'. Mia, eight, poses with an armed officer from the Iraqi security service during her day trip away Michael Gell and daughter Mia Gell travelled to Erbil, Iraq, while they were holidaying in neighbouring Qatar and spent all of Saturday exploring Mia is pictured during her day trip to Erbil in Iraq, with a market square behind her Michael, from Middlesbrough, defended his decision by saying 'you need to explore different cultures' and 'you'd be stuck inside' if you always listened to them. The travel-mad father's day trip to Erbil came just two weeks after a US military base there was attacked by a drone. While over the weekend, in neighbouring Jordan, another American base with bombed, killing three military personnel. Michael, said: 'She didn't really understand the country so before I booked it we had the discussion and I showed her pictures and videos. I said there's the occasional missile attack but there's an American airbase near the airport so 99 per cent of them are towards that and there's minimal risk to the public. 'I told her there's a lot going on there, but there's risks everywhere in the world. They're probably higher there but she knows that 99 per cent of people just want to live a normal life. 'I told her "it's your decision" but she's an adventurer like me so she was all for it and her mum was too. 'Everyone who hasn't been there says I'm stupid but everyone who has been has said it's fine there. I did go against the Government's advice but if you did listen to everything they said then you'd be stuck inside. 'I can understand where people are coming from when they say it's irresponsible but you need to explore and see other cultures and see how other people live. 'There's 196 countries around the world and how many are safe? Just walking around the streets of Europe, anything can happen. As long as you take precautions and use your brain, I think you'd be fine.' The travel-mad father's day trip to Erbil came just two weeks after a US military base there was attacked by a drone Michael defended the trip by saying people need to 'explore different cultures'. Mia is pictured at a market in Erbil, Iraq Another holiday snap shared on social media shows Mia posing in front of a large building Michael said they originally planned to stay for two days but cut their visit short due to rising political tensions. They paid 110 for visas and stayed in a 125-per-night hotel. He added: 'I didn't feel unsafe at any point. It wasn't scary.' 'She knew what to do if anything happened to me and we went through scenarios. We had a list of numbers and she knew who to go to,' he added. READ MORE: Three US soldiers are killed and 34 are wounded in drone strike on Jordan outpost in major escalation by Iran-backed terrorists Advertisement 'She's seen a bit of the world that not many people have seen and there's great history lessons there too.' But his Facebook post about the trip received some backlash. One person asked: 'Did you have private security? It is quite risky even for just 24 hours because if anything goes wrong the embassy in Erbil has very little capacity to help. I'm all for adventure but I wouldn't be taking a child to somewhere no one could help if things went south.' Another agreed and said: 'What winds me up is people ignoring government travel advice which is based on a wide range of sources, local and international. If something goes wrong those same people expect the government to help them out.' A third commenter said: 'Balls of steel! Fair play, last place I'd take my kids for sure.' Hitting back, Michael insisted he was aware of the risks and that he had put plans in place should a horror scenario have unfolded. He added: 'Everybody was so hospitable towards us. There was no animosity and it was probably one of the most friendly places I've been. 'We had conversations with refugees from other parts of Iraq that had been flattened by Isis. They didn't speak much English but they were happy we were visiting there. 'There are places in the world I wouldn't go to and I probably wouldn't go to the capital but these are different people.' Michael and Mia visited a castle while staying sight-seeing in Erbil, Iraq, on Saturday As well as visiting the castle, Mia also enjoyed some more 'westernised' sites, including a cafe Not everyone was supportive of Michael's decision to travel to Iraq with his daughter Michael says they enjoyed visiting a 6,000-year-old castle before checking out the Kurdistan regions local markets and developing westernised cafe and restaurant scene. His Facebook post about their trip has earned more than 600 reactions and more than 200 comments. Despite the concerns raised by some, others championed his decision, with one person writing: 'What a fantastic way to educate your daughter. Really Love this post but how did you achieve it?' Another agreed and added: 'I love this post so much, breaking down stereotypes of places, hope you both had a lovely time.' The Government's foreign travel advice still specifies the Kurdistan region as at risk of terror attacks. It states: 'While the Kurdistan Region has a different security environment to the rest of Iraq, there remains a risk of attacks by Daesh.' It lists airports, public transport, markets and stores, hotels and restaurants as places that are likely targets for attacks, and claims there is 'a heightened threat of attacks against western interests'. 'Methods of attack have included shootings, large-scale co-ordinated bombings designed to cause mass casualties, suicide bombs, vehicle bombs, rockets and mortars,' the Government adds. 'Other militant groups opposed to western presence in Iraq continue to pose a threat to UK and other interests in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. 'Foreign nationals, including those of non-western appearance, are high value targets for terrorists, insurgents and criminals. Indiscriminate attacks against public places and Iraqi civilians also occur.' A Pakistani court today sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan and one of his party deputies to 10 years in prison each, after finding them guilty of revealing official secrets. Khan, who was ousted through a no-confidence vote in Parliament in April 2022, is currently serving a three-year prison sentence in a corruption case. According to Zulfiqar Bukhari, chief spokesman for Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, the verdict was announced by a special court set up at the prison in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, where Khan is held. Authorities said Khan and his deputy, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who also received a 10-year sentence, have the right to appeal Tuesday's ruling in the case, popularly known as the Cipher. Khan's legal team was planning to appeal the conviction before the Islamabad High Court on Wednesday. Khan, who was ousted through a no-confidence vote in Parliament in April 2022, is currently serving a three-year prison sentence in a corruption case (File Photo) The latest development comes ahead of the February 8 parliamentary elections in Pakistan - a vote that Khan is barred from running in because of his previous criminal conviction. Although Khan will not be on the ballot for the February 8 election, he remains a potent political force because of his grassroots following and anti-establishment rhetoric. He says the legal cases against him were a plot to sideline him ahead of the vote. Pakistan has seen violent demonstrations since after Khan's May 2023 arrest. Authorities have cracked down on his supporters and party since then. Pakistan's independent human rights commission has said there is little chance of a free and fair parliamentary election next month because of 'pre-poll rigging'. It also expressed concern about authorities rejecting the candidacies of Khan and senior figures from his party. Khan's legal team was planning to appeal the conviction before the Islamabad High Court on Wednesday (File Photo) In the Cipher case, Khan is alleged to have waved a confidential document - a classified cable - at a rally after he was toppled. The document has not been made public by either the government or Khan's lawyers, but was apparently diplomatic correspondence between the Pakistani ambassador to Washington and the ministry of foreign affairs in Islamabad. During the speech, Khan claimed the document was proof he was being threatened and that his removal was a US conspiracy, allegedly executed by the military and the government in Pakistan. Washington and Pakistani officials have denied the claim. Khan's party said in a statement that it stands with Khan and Qureshi, 'who defended Pakistan and stood for real independence'. PTI described the proceedings as a 'sham trial' and said the judge did not even allow Khan and Qureshi's lawyers to defend them. A widower is donating his late wife's entire collection of 2,000 puffin books sourced from around the world to a children's museum. The nostalgic books were collected by Elizabeth High, a teacher and English graduate at Oxford, who passed away three years ago. Her husband, Paul High, 81, has decided to donate every single edition of the impressive collection ranging from J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit to Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson to The Story Museum in Oxford. Elizabeth began collecting when the 2,000th Puffin book - I Like This Story: A Taste of Fifty Favourites chosen by Kaye Webb - was released in 1986. Paul High, 81, holding the book that started his late wife's, Elizabeth, impressive collection, I Like This Story: A Taste of Fifty Favourites chosen by Kaye Webb He has decided to donate every single edition of the impressive collection ranging from J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit to Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson to The Story Museum in Oxford The collection now sits in three large bookcases in Elizabeth's study at their home She then decided to collect the first 2,000 books in the extensive Puffin story book collection. Elizabeth asked her three children and ten grandchildren to help and they would regularly find editions she was missing. The family even sourced some of the Puffin books in far-flung places such as New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong when travelling. Elizabeth completed a postgraduate degree in children's literature at Warwick before becoming a teacher alongside her husband and always had an interest in illustrated children's books. Paul, from Newbury in Berkshire, said: 'Her main interest in teaching was telling kids stories. It gave us an excuse to go into charity shops. 'When she died, we decided as a family that if we could, we'd keep the collection together.' Before she died, Elizabeth managed to collect all 2,000 editions which all now fit on three large bookshelves in her study at their home. A local publisher and friend, Nick Battle, suggested that Paul should get in contact with Allen Lane, one of the publishing houses under the Penguin umbrella named after Penguin's founder. Two of its trustees came to view the collection and urged the family to keep the collection together, before they searched for an appropriate place to donate it to. The family even sourced some of the Puffin books in far-flung places such as New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong when travelling Paul plans to throw a 'thank you celebration' with his friends and family when the museum has taken the collection They then advised Paul to donate it to The Story Museum in Oxford, a family museum dedicated to educating through the power of storytelling. Paul visited the museum for the first time at the end of last year and met the curator who said that the museum would be 'delighted' to receive Elizabeth's impressive collection. 'What I hope to do, when the museum have actually collected it and taken it, is to have a thank you celebration with my children, grandchildren and friends somewhere in Oxford,' Paul said. He is still in contact with some of his late wife's roommates at Westminster College whom she studied with 60 years ago, and he hopes they will join him and his family at the celebration. Linda Reynolds, Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz are being urged to settle their defamation case before it becomes yet another messy, expensive legal battle. The former defence minister is suing Ms Higgins and her fiance Mr Sharaz for defamation in the Supreme Court of Western Australia over posts they each made on social media that she says damaged her reputation. If the matter goes to trial, it'll be another emotionally taxing case for Ms Higgins - who already gave evidence at the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial last year and, before that, at Mr Lehrmann's criminal trial in late 2022. That criminal trial - launched after Ms Higgins accused Mr Lehrmann of raping her at Parliament House in March 2019 - was abandoned due to juror misconduct. Mr Lehrmann has always strongly denied the allegations. Ms Reynolds' defamation case centres on tweets by Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz that she claims imply she pressured Ms Higgins not to proceed with a police complaint regarding the alleged rape, and that she interfered with Mr Lehrmann's trial. Speaking in the WA Supreme Court on Tuesday, Justice Marcus Solomon - who previously warned the parties of the 'human cost of this litigation' - once again urged them to settle the matter at an upcoming mediation hearing on March 5. Linda Reynolds, Brittany Higgins (left) and David Sharaz (right) are being urged to settle their defamation case before it becomes yet another messy, expensive legal battle 'I just wanted to take the opportunity to say, again, how important it is that the parties invest whatever they can to resolve this matter,' he told the court, as reported by The Australian. If the two-day mediation in March is not successful, a six-week defamation trial will take place in July. Should the trial go ahead, a list of subpoenas issued by Senator Reynolds' lawyers includes several key players from Mr Lehrmann's defamation trial, which wrapped up in the Federal Court in December but is still waiting on a decision. They include Lisa Wilkinson, the former host of The Project, which aired Ms Higgins' rape allegations in 2021; Samantha Maiden, the News Corp journalist who first broke the story; and Channel Ten producer Angus Llewellyn. The defamation matter involving Senator Reynolds, former political staffer Ms Higgins and her partner returned to court on Tuesday. Lawyers for the parties appeared in the WA Supreme Court to sort out key dates in preparation for a trial should mediation scheduled for March 5 fail. They also discussed whether Justice Solomon should oversee the mediation or trial, which is provisionally listed for six weeks from July 24. He cannot legally do both and Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz want him to handle the mediation, which was opposed by Senator Reynolds. Linda Reynolds (pictured) says the social media posts damaged her reputation Justice Solomon repeated his earlier concerns about the human cost of a trial and urged the parties to work together to resolve the matter before it gets to trial. Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz left Australia in December to start a new life in France, with social media posts showing the Arc de Triomphe and the couple walking a dog. Senator Reynolds has reportedly said she is awaiting advice from French lawyers about her right to enforce an Australian judgment against assets the pair may have in France. She is suing Mr Sharaz over tweets he made and a Facebook comment in 2022. Among the defamatory imputations claimed against Mr Sharaz's tweets were that Senator Reynolds pressured Ms Higgins not to proceed with a genuine complaint to police, 'is a hypocrite in her advocacy for women's interests and empowerment', interfered in Bruce Lehrmann's trial and bullied Ms Higgins. Senator Reynolds claims she was also defamed by Mr Sharaz's reply to a comment on her Facebook page that asked how she was still in politics having 'destroyed' Ms Higgins. The commenter added, 'You're a monster who deserves to be in jail.' Mr Sharaz responded: 'Thanks for reminding her. I hope she hears this every day until she dies', the senator's statement of claim says. Ms Higgins is accused of posting defamatory material on two occasions on her Instagram and Twitter accounts. Ms Higgins alleged she was raped in 2019 by Lehrmann inside the Senator Reynolds' ministerial office, where he also worked as a staffer. Lehrmann consistently denied the allegation, and his trial in the ACT Supreme Court was derailed by juror misconduct. Prosecutors decided not to pursue further action, citing concerns of the impact it may have on Ms Higgins' mental health. He has since been charged with raping another woman in Queensland and his lawyers have indicated he will plead not guilty. The Archbishop of Canterbury is facing demands to house hundreds of migrants in his Lambeth Palace home amid a backlash at his latest criticism of the Rwanda plan. Tory MP Lee Anderson branded the Most Rev Justin Welby a 'hypocrite' following the Archbishop's fresh blast at Government plans to deport asylum seekers. In a House of Lords debate on the Prime Minister's new Rwanda Bill, Mr Welby warned Rishi Sunak is 'leading the nation down a damaging path' with his plans. He accused ministers of outsourcing Britain's 'legal and moral responsibilities' and argued 'a pick-and-choose approach to international law' undermined the UK's global standing. Mr Welby told fellow peers that Britain 'can do better' than the new asylum laws that Mr Sunak is trying to pass, as he signalled he may try and block the Bill at a later date. The Rwanda Bill last night survived a Liberal Democrat-bid to kill it, with the Lords voting by 206 to 84, majority 122, against a motion designed to block it. The Archbishop of Canterbury is facing demands to house hundreds of migrants in his Lambeth Palace home amid a backlash at his latest criticism of the Rwanda plan Lambeth Palace is both a working residence and a family home for the Archbishop of Canterbury and sits opposite Parliament on the south bank of the River Thames Tory MP Lee Anderson branded the Most Rev Justin Welby a 'hypocrite' following the Archbishop's fresh blast at PM Rishi Sunak's plans to deport asylum seekers Despite the Bill passing its first hurdle in the unelected chamber, peers - including Mr Welby - are almost certain to try and change the legislation when they continue their scrutiny of the laws. Mr Welby's comments in the Lords debate yesterday - the latest in a series of interventions by him over the Rwanda plan - caused fresh fury among MPs on the Tory Right. Mr Anderson, the Ashfield MP who resigned as Tory deputy chairman earlier this month to vote in favour of toughening the Rwanda Bill, told the Daily Mail: 'Literally nobody on the streets of my constituency is bothered about our international reputation when it comes to illegal migration. 'I walk by Lambeth Palace most days which I am sure could house hundreds of illegal migrants in the Archbishop's second home. 'When hypocrites like the Archbishop open up the doors to every church building in the UK, then he may be taken seriously.' He added: 'The only thing damaging our reputation within our own country is people like the Archbishop, who says one thing and does another.' Lambeth Palace is both a working residence and a family home for the Archbishop of Canterbury and sits opposite Parliament on the south bank of the River Thames. Ipswich MP Tom Hunt warned the Archbishop 'is doing great harm to the Church by his repeated and clumsy political interventions'. He said Mr Welby 'has no plan at all for how the small boats crisis can be solved and speaks only in meaningless platitudes'. Mr Hunt added: 'Both myself and others who are very much engaged with everyday people on this issue are utterly sick of his sermons. 'Sadly I'm quickly coming to the conclusion that the position of the bishops in the Lords should be reviewed.' Speaking during yesterday's Lords debate on the new Rwanda legislation, Mr Welby said: 'We can, as a nation, do better than this Bill. 'With this Bill the Government is continuing to seek good objectives in the wrong way, leading the nation down a damaging path.' He added: 'Rwanda is a country I know well, it is a wonderful country and my complaint is not with Rwanda, nor with its people. It has overcome challenges that this House cannot begin to imagine. 'But this Bill continues, wherever it does it, to outsource our legal and moral responsibilities for refugees and asylum seekers, with other countries far poorer already supporting multitudes more than we are now and to cut back on our aid. 'The UK should lead internationally as it has in the past, not stand apart. 'A pick-and-choose approach to international law undermines our global standing and offends against the principle of universality that is their increasingly threatened foundation.' Given the Lords is a revising chamber, Mr Welby said 'sadly' he would not back the move to block the Bill at second reading, although he found the argument for it 'convincing and powerful'. He pointedly added: 'But I think we have to wait until third reading and have done our revising work.' Mr Welby was not alone among peers in his criticism of the Rwanda Bill, which is designed to manoeuvre around last year's Supreme Court ruling against the deportation plan. Tory grandee Ken Clarke warned about the risks of moving the UK towards an 'elective dictatorship'. The former chancellor had supported the Government's previous attempt to bolster immigration law, the Illegal Migration Act, during its passage through the Lords last summer. But Lord Clarke said he could not do the same for the latest law change, which would declare Rwanda a 'safe' country in law, and prevent courts from considering evidence to the contrary in legal challenges. He told peers: 'At the moment, having considered it carefully, I must say I think the details of this Bill or its main point in clause 2 are a step too far, for me, and I don't think I can possibly support this Bill unless it is substantially amended as it goes through this House, and we should urge the Commons to revise it.' Home Office minister Lord Sharpe of Epsom said: 'Stopping illegal migration is an important issue for both the public and this Government. Parliament and the British people want an end to illegal migration and therefore we need a deterrent. 'The Archbishop of Canterbury and other members were right to place this Bill in its moral context but proceeding with this Bill is the moral course. 'We must put a stop to the dangerous Channel crossings that are putting lives at risk and we must put an end to this mass trafficking of people to save lives. That is the humane thing to do and it is the fair thing to do.' Should peers successfully amend the Rwanda Bill during its later stages in the Lords, the Government is likely to try and remove those amendments when the legislation returns to the Commons. This would prompt a process known as 'ping-pong' whereby a Bill passes between the Commons and the Lords as MPs and peers attempt to settle on a final version of legislation. Rishi Sunak was warned he must act to curb spiking immigration today after eye-watering figures showed the population is set to be nearly 74million by 2036. Tories and Nigel Farage sounded alarm after official projections suggested net inflows will add 6.1million to numbers over the next 12 years - nearly all the growth from the most recent estimate of 67million in mid-2021. The rate of expansion has been upgraded, with the population now anticipated to hit 70million by mid-2026. The Office for National Statistics figures come with the caveat that they are based on current trends rather than being predictions, and could come down if the government succeeds in curbing net migration. But they immediately fuelled panic among Conservatives who believe that getting a grip on borders is their only chance of winning the election. Ex-home secretary Suella Braverman said she had campaigned for Brexit to reduce net migration, and called for an overall cap. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick said: 'There is no democratic consent for this outcome. This pace of change is far too fast. After leaving the EU the power to change this, and set us on course for far more sustainable numbers, is in parliament's hands.' Mr Farage also waded in, saying the 'population crisis is rapidly getting worse and damaging the quality of life for everyone'. The projections also lay out the demographic challenges facing the country, with numbers aged over 85 expected to go up from 1.6million to 2.6million in 12 years' time. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. After long-term net migration was revealed to have reached a new record of 745,000 in 2022 - roughly equivalent to the population of Nottingham - Rishi Sunak laid out drastic measures to curb numbers Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick said there is 'no democratic consent' for migration on the scale expected Nigel Farage also waded in, saying the 'population crisis is rapidly getting worse and damaging the quality of life for everyone' The estimates assembled by an expert panel assume long-term net international migration of 315,000 a year from mid-2028 onwards. Both David Cameron and Theresa May were targeting an annual level below 100,000. The Conservative manifesto in 2019 pledged 'numbers will come down'. At that point the level was around 240,000. Migration curbs to come into force within weeks, say ministers A raft of restrictions will come into force within weeks in a bid to cut the number of people legally arriving in Britain. The changes to immigration rules will gradually be introduced from March, the Home Office said. The next month, Home Secretary James Cleverly said a ban on overseas care workers bringing family dependants and a drastically hiked salary threshold for skilled workers to 38,700 will deliver the 'biggest ever reduction', while reforms will also make it harder for Britons earning under the national average to bring over foreign spouses. The Government announced when the changes will be introduced on Tuesday, as the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures suggested the UK population could reach nearly 74million by 2036, up from the latest estimate of 67million, with net migration adding around six million people. The first changes come into force on March 11, restricting foreign care workers bringing relatives with them to the UK and requiring care providers to register with the Care Quality Commission if they are sponsoring migrants. From April 4, the minimum salary threshold for people coming to the UK on skilled worker visas will rise. This will be followed by the hike in the minimum income requirement for family visas, which will be introduced in stages. The first increase, to 29,000, comes into effect from April 11 but is set to rise to 38,700 by early 2025, the Home Office said. Advertisement After long-term net migration was revealed to have reached a new record of 745,000 in 2022 - roughly equivalent to the population of Nottingham - Rishi Sunak laid out drastic measures to curb numbers. The plans include cracking down on the number of dependants students and workers can bring with them - one of the main causes of the dramatic spike in recent years. But some of the moves will not be reflected in official statistics until at least November, by which time the election might already have happened. And others, such as hiking the minimum wage for workers bringing dependants, already look like being watered down. With Mr Sunak's migration squeeze projected by the government to cut net annual inflows by 300,000, that looks unlikely to be achieved. Government measures on visa changes will make a 'tangible difference' to migration figures, a minister has insisted. Legal migration minister Tom Pursglove said the new rules will help the UK get to a 'more sustainable place' on net migration. He said: 'It is right that we have a managed approach to migration, that, as I say, where we can meet skills needs within our own economy and within our domestic population we should be doing that. 'I think it's fair to say that the Government is already acting in response to those sorts of figures that you've mentioned and we're going to see this package of measures through that we think will make a tangible difference in terms of bringing those numbers down and helping us to get to a more sustainable place when it comes to net migration.' James Robards, ONS head of population and household projections, said: 'Expert views and the latest data covering the last 10 years has led us to develop a long-term net migration assumption of 315,000 each year from year ending mid-2028 onwards. 'It is important to recognise that there is uncertainty in the provisional international migration estimates. 'Future migration will be affected by policy changes as well as the impact of as yet unknown migrant behavioural patterns in the future. 'Put simply, if migration comes down, so will future projections. 'If net international migration were to be, say, 20 per cent higher than our long-term assumption, then it would be 379,000 per year. 'If it were to be 20 per cent lower than our assumption, then it would be 253,000 per year. 'That is why we call these projections and not forecasts. There is uncertainty and these differences would affect the total size of the population accordingly.' The population of the UK is projected to grow from an estimated 67million in mid-2021 to 73.7million by mid-2036, an increase of around 6.6million or 9.9 per cent. Over this period it is projected that 10.8million people will be born, 10.3million will die, 13.7million will move long term to the UK while 7.6million people will emigrate. This means that of the projected 6.6million increase, 500,000 would come from a higher number of births than deaths, while 6.1million would result from net international migration. This chart illustrates how changes in the assumptions on net migration change the figures Long-term net migration reached an eye-watering record of 745,000 in 2022, according to the ONS Russia and China have rushed to the defence of their ally Iran and urged the United States to show restraint in its response to the killing of three American soldiers. The United States has vowed to respond to a drone attack on a base in Jordan that claimed the lives of three American soldiers, raising fears of an escalating Middle East conflict. Iran-backed militants have been blamed for the strike on the Tower 22 base, leading to calls at home for US president Joe Biden to respond robustly and with force. But in an apparent bid to temper America's expected retaliation against their Iranian ally, both Russia and China have today called for a de-escalation in the region. The Kremlin, asked on Tuesday about potential US strikes on Iranian interests, said tensions in the Middle East were high and that steps were needed to de-escalate rather than destabilise the wider region, where fighting is currently raging in Gaza. China on Tuesday also warned against a 'cycle of retaliation' in the volatile region. Russia and China have rushed to the defence of their ally Iran and urged the United States to show restraint in its response to the killing of three American soldiers as a US base in Jordan The United States has vowed to respond to a drone attack on a base in Jordan - Tower 22 (shown on map) - that resulted in the first US military deaths in an attack in the region since the Israel-Hamas war began, raising fears of an escalating Middle East conflict From left to right: Spc. Kennedy Sanders, Sgt. William Jerome Rivers and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. The three US Army Reserve soldiers from Georgia were killed by a drone strike on Sunday at the Tower 22 base in Jordan The comments came after US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday vowed the US would take 'all necessary actions' to defend its troops. His statement followed a similar one from Biden and the White House, which vowed a 'very consequential response' even as the administration stressed that it is not seeking war with Iran over the strike. Amid concerns over an escalation, Beijing said Tuesday it had 'noted reports of casualties caused by the attack on a US military base'. 'We have also noted that Iran stated that it had nothing to do with the attack,' foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, pointing to the fact that Tehran has denied it was behind the deadly strike over the weekend. That is despite the fact that a group calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella term for a number of Iran-backed militias, has claimed responsibility. 'We hope that all relevant parties will remain calm and restrained... in order to avoid falling into a vicious cycle of retaliation and prevent further escalation,' Wang added. 'The situation in the Middle East is currently highly complex and sensitive.' Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: 'In our view, the overall level of tension is very alarming and, on the contrary, now is the time for steps to de-escalate tensions.' 'This is the only thing that can help us prevent further spreading of the conflict, especially the Middle East conflict, and somehow achieve de-confliction and de-escalation,' Peskov added. The Kremlin spokesperson made no mention of Russia's on-going invasion of Ukraine, or the fact that Iran is supporting Moscow's war with supplied arms. Iran-backed militants have been blamed for the strike on the Tower 22 base, leading to calls at home for US president Joe Biden (seen meeting his national security team in pictures released by the White House on Monday) to respond robustly and with force Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov (left) and China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin (right) have both urged the US to show restraint in its retaliation against Iran after an Iranian-backed group took responsibility for the attack that killed three US troops Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is pictured last year. Iran has said it does not control the militias, but is widely known to fund and support them The comments from Moscow and Beijing came as it was reported that Joe Biden is weighing up launching strikes on Iranian military assets in the Persian Gulf. The president has demanded advisors present him with options on how to respond to the attack without dragging the US into battle in the Middle East, Politico reports. Politico reported that they include attacking Iranian personnel in Syria or Iraq, or Iranian naval assets in the Persian Gulf. Insiders revealed any revenge bombings will take place in the coming days as the commander-in-chief and military brass study a range of targets. US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Monday that Washington was 'not looking for a war with Iran'. But, he added, the strike 'was escalatory, make no mistake about it, and it requires a response.' Meanwhile, the victims of the strike were named on Monday as specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, and sergeant William Rivers, 46. Iran-backed militias, calling themselves the Axis of Resistance, have also launched more than 160 strikes on US targets since the October 7 terror attack by Hamas. On Sunday, the Axis claimed responsibility for the attack on the outpost in Jordan, saying it was a 'continuation of our approach to resisting the American occupation forces in Iraq and the region.' Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on Monday the militias 'do not take orders' from Iran and act independently. But Tehran is widely known to be the driving force for the attacks on the US targets. Biden's own aides, according to The New York Times, admit the efforts to hit targets in the region in response to drone and missile attacks - to 'restore deterrence,' the administration says - have failed. Iran has suggested any strikes within Iran itself would cross a red line. Former CIA chief of staff Jeremy Bash said escalation is 'unavoidable'. He said: Biden 'cannot avoid the international challenges even in an election year.' He added: 'There is a sense that our deterrence measures to date have not been received by Tehran as we hoped, so escalation is unavoidable.' Once Biden has made his call, retaliation would likely begin a few days later and come in waves, against a range of targets. The Pentagon and State Department have spent decades drawing up scenarios and creating lists of possible targets. The New York Times reported that the US has identified the major drone-making factories, and their overseas suppliers, which are working to help Russia in Ukraine, and providing armaments to the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The working assumption of American officials, the paper said, is that Sunday's attack was by an Iranian-made drone. Fears of an escalation in the Middle East come as fighting continues to rage in Gaza between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hamas terror group. Pictured: Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, January 30 The Pentagon has existing plans for potential strikes on Iranian missile sites and air bases, in case a conflict broke out between Iran and Israel. Israel has been carrying out high-profile bombing runs, practising attacks on the Natanz nuclear site and the underground facility at Fordow. The US has even formulated a cyberattack option against Iran, code-named 'Nitro Zeus,' the New York Times reported. The cyberattack would disable Iran's air defences, communications systems and crucial parts of its power grid. John Bolton, who served as national security adviser to Trump, said Iran hasn't paid a price for the havoc that its proxies have unleashed in the region. He suggested the Biden administration could send a strong message to Tehran with strikes on Iranian vessels in the Red Sea, Iranian air defences along the Iraqi border, and bases that have been used to train and supply militant groups for years. 'So until Iran bears a cost, you're not going to reestablish deterrence, you're not going to put the belligerence on a downward slope.' As the US plotted its next move, it was revealed that its forces may have mistaken the enemy drone that killed the three troops for an American one, and let is pass unchallenged into the desert base. As the enemy drone was flying in at a low altitude, a US drone was returning to the small installation known as Tower 22, according to a preliminary report cited by two officials, who were not authorized to comment and insisted on anonymity, As a result, there was no effort to shoot down the enemy drone that hit the outpost. One of the trailers where troops sleep sustained the brunt of the strike, while surrounding trailers got limited damage from the blast and flying debris. While there are no large air defence systems at Tower 22, the base does have counter-drone systems, such as Coyote drone interceptors. Aside from the soldiers killed, the Pentagon said more than 40 troops were wounded in the attack, most with cuts, bruises, brain injuries and similar wounds. Eight were medically evacuated, including three who were going to Landstuhl Regional Medical Centre in Germany. The other five, who suffered 'minor traumatic brain injuries,' were expected to return to duty. Asked if the failure to shoot down the enemy drone was 'human error,' Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh responded that the US Central Command was still assessing the matter. Iran-backed proxies have been causing chaos in the region, and have dramatically stepped up their attacks since Israel began attacking Gaza in response to the October 7 terror attack carried out by Hamas, also an Iran-backed group. Pictured: Houthi rebel fighters are seen in Yemen, from where the group has attacked shipping vessels in the Red Sea The attack came as US officials were seeing signs of progress in negotiations to broker a deal between Israel and Hamas to release the more than 100 remaining hostages being held in Gaza in exchange for an extended pause in fighting. While contours of a deal under consideration would not end the war, Americans believed that it could lay the groundwork for a durable resolution to the conflict. Qatar's prime minister said Monday that senior US and Mideast mediators had achieved a framework proposal to present to Hamas for freeing hostages and pausing fighting in Gaza. Prime Minister Mohammed al-Thani's comments at the Atlantic Council in Washington came after talks Sunday in Paris among US, Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian officials seeking a new round of hostage releases and a cease-fire in Gaza. This is the tense moment a pilot battled to land a passenger jet with a faulty flap before it hit the runway in a cloud of smoke. Video shows the moment the TUI flight from Exeter made its approach to Lanzarote on January 25 having reported its technical issue to air traffic controllers. The Boeing 737-800 then hit the tarmac kicking up smoke on impact before finally pulling over to a stop. Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) reported that once they had been informed of the issue from the pilot, they told the plane to wait to the west of Lanzarote while they diverted other aircraft and cleared the approach for landing. 'Once ready, we positioned flight BY6462 for a direct approach to runway 03, landing and clearing the runway without incident. When it had cleared the runway, it was inspected by firefighters in case an emergency disembarkation was needed,' ATC said of the incident on Thursday. Frightened passengers on the TUI flight from Exeter to the Canary Islands experienced a near miss when the plane struggled to land properly in Lanzarote, due to a problem with one of the flaps The plane can be seen hovering above the runway before hitting the ground abruptly, causing a cloud of smoke on impact, before pulling over to a stop The flaps on the back the plane's wings are used during take-off to 'lift' the plane off the ground. They also help the pilot to make manoeuvres and slow the aircraft down during landing. Earlier this month, a holidaymaker was grappled into a headlock and violently marched off a Ryanair flight by police after a Luton to Lanzarote flight was diverted to Portugal because of his behaviour. The man, thought to be British, was forcibly removed from the plane by a dozen Portuguese police officers as other passengers watched in astonishment. A fellow passenger who filmed the shocking scenes at Faro airport told MailOnline: 'There was a group of men who appeared to have been drinking who were bothering some female passengers. 'When it started to get a bit out of hand one of the stewards tried to intercede and ended up getting knocked over. 'At this point the captain gave a warning over the tannoy that unacceptable behaviour would not be tolerated and if it did not stop we would divert to Portugal. 'But the commotion didn't let up and 20 minutes later we were told we are landing in twenty minutes with no further information. After the pilot has steadied the plane it makes a left turn towards the airport. Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) reported that once they had received notification of the problem from the pilot, they instructed the plane to wait to the west of Lanzarote while they diverted other aircraft and cleared the approach for landing 'The man fighting in the video originally got off voluntarily but for some reason got back on the plane and was then forcibly removed by the police who put him in a headlock.' 'This man was one of several who were removed,' the passenger said. 'It was quite shocking to see. We are all a bit shaken.' Footage filmed inside the cabin showed several passengers with their phones out, watching as the police dragged the man down the aisle. The man is seen struggling against the officers, prompting them to put him in a headlock in an attempt to subdue him. Another officer is seen holding his arm ahead of him, dragging him to the exit. The plane left London's Luton airport at 8am and was due to reach Lanzarote at 12.15pm local time on January 19. However, it was diverted to Portugal airport instead and landed at Faro in Portugal's Algarve region at around 10.50am local time, with police boarding shortly after. In a statement to MailOnline Ryanair said: 'This flight from London Luton to Lanzarote diverted to Faro when passengers became disruptive onboard. 'Crew called ahead for police assistance and the aircraft was met by local police upon arrival who removed the disruptive passengers. The flight continued to Lanzarote following a short delay. This is now a matter for local police.' An RAF serviceman who drunkenly groped a male colleague has denied sexually assaulting him and claimed he was asleep and suffering from 'automatism' at the time. Air Specialist Jayon McKenzie is accused of molesting a 24-year-old in a hotel room after a night of drinking together in Ayia Napa to celebrate a birthday. A court martial heard McKenzie thought the assault inflicted by him was a dream until he received a message from his alleged victim the following morning that said: 'I know what you did'. Despite admitting that the incident did take place, the technician was 'adamant' he did so unconsciously and said he has not 'been able to process any of it'. Instead, McKenzie insists he was 'not aware' of his actions because he was 'actively asleep'. The air force man has denied the sexual assault and claimed he suffered from 'automatism' as his defence, which is where someone is not aware of their actions. Air Specialist Jayon McKenzie is accused of molesting the 24-year-old in a hotel room after a night of drinking together in Ayia Napa to celebrate a birthday The court heard when McKenzie saw his victim had woken, he whispered 'for f*** sake' and 'rolled back onto his side' Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, heard McKenzie was serving in the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus when he and a group of colleagues, including the alleged victim, decided to go drinking in the resort to celebrate his birthday. The group booked a hotel and it was heard at around four in the morning, the victim - who cannot be named for legal reasons - fell asleep in a single bed in the same room as AS McKenzie. Prosecuting, William Peters, said: '[The victim] went to sleep on top of the sheets. 'The next thing he recalls is his phone going off and finding the defendant had rolled over onto his bed.' Mr Peters said the victim had 'awoken' to the noise at around 5.00am and found 'the defendant was masturbating him'. The court heard when McKenzie saw his victim had woken, he whispered 'for f*** sake' and 'rolled back onto his side'. The prosecutor added: '[The victim] did his trousers up, got up and left the room. 'He told some of the others what had happened and sent AS McKenzie a message saying 'I know what you did'.' The following day, the victim met with McKenzie and 'told him what he did was not acceptable'. During a service police interview soon after the incident, the victim said the technician was 'adamant that he didn't know who I was and he wasn't aware of what he was doing'. He added: 'He said that I was just a body. He didn't see me as me and apparently I was just a body.' It was heard that after the conversation, the men 'returned to camp' and 'that was the last time they spoke'. Upon returning, AS McKenzie confided in a colleague about what happened, telling her it 'felt like a dream'. Opening the case, Mr Peters told the court that AS McKenzie admits the incident did take place but alleges he was asleep at the time. He said: 'AS McKenzie does not deny that this occurred but his case is that he was not aware of what was was doing because he was actively asleep, or in a similar state.' McKenzie has denied sexual assault and claimed he suffered from 'automatism' as his defence, which is where someone is not aware of their actions Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, (pictured) heard McKenzie was serving in the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus when he and a group of colleagues, including the alleged victim, decided to go drinking After the incident, the technician wrote a letter to the alleged victim apologising for what happened. He stated: 'I can never forgive myself for what I have done.' The prosecution accepted that AS McKenzie had a history of PTSD relating to other events. The letter continued: 'I remember just before you came into the room I felt scared. 'If you did not message me I would have thought it was a f***ed up dream. 'None of this is an excuse, I just want you to know. I have not been able to process any of it. I'm sorry.' Giving evidence in court, the alleged victim said AS McKenzie must have been aware of what he was doing because he said 'for f*** sake'. He told the court he said it 'as if he had been caught in the act'. AS McKenzie no longer serves at the RAF Akrotiri base and has pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual assault by automatism. The trial continues. Allison Bernard walked out of the Exchange Hotel in Coen in Queensland 11 years ago and was never seen again. The 23-year-old mother-of-two left the pub that night with stranger Thomas Byrnes, who told her inquest that she came by his home before 'going walkabout'. She had been expected to travel to Kowanyama but never arrived. After more than a decade of intrigue surrounding the case - and the recent offer of a $500,000 reward - police appear to have made a breakthrough. Allison Bernard walked out of the Exchange Hotel in Coen in Queensland 11 years ago and was never seen again The 23-year-old mother-of-two left the pub that night with stranger Thomas Byrnes (right), who told her inquest that she came by his home before 'going walkabout' Queensland Police announced on Tuesday evening that a 62-year-old man from Coen was assisting police with their inquiries into her 'suspicious disappearance'. No charges have been laid. Archer River Quarry caretaker Mr Byrnes is believed to have been the last person to see Ms Bernard alive after picking her up at the pub that night in February 2013. He has denied any involvement in her disappearance. Last year, on the tenth anniversary of Ms Bernard going missing, her family issued a statement as the reward was announced. Ms Bernard had been at the Exchange Hotel in the moments before she vanished Ms Bernard disappeared in February 2013 'We the Bernard family are still devastated by Allison's disappearance. Her absence continues to impact our lives and community, particularly her children,' they said. 'We acknowledge the announcement of the reward by the Police Minister and we encourage anyone who has information that may assist investigations to come forward. 'Family members deserve the respect of having the questions surrounding her disappearance answered.' Ex-SNP minister Kate Forbes today revealed her 'surprise' that no minutes were kept from some of Nicola Sturgeon's key meetings during the Covid pandemic. The former Scottish finance secretary, appearing before the official UK Covid Inquiry, was quizzed about the lack of notes from meetings of the Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) and the 'Gold Command' group. Ms Forbes said it was the first time she had heard of meetings not being minuted, when it was put to her by Jamie Dawson KC, counsel to the inquiry. She said: 'That surprises me and this would be the first of me hearing it.' Ms Forbes, who unsuccessfully stood to replace Ms Sturgeon as Scotland's first minister last year, also told the inquiry she did not delete any of her WhatsApp messages with fellow ministers or top officials until January 2022. Both Ms Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, her successor as first minister, have come under fire for failing to retain their messages from the pandemic. It has been claimed it was Scottish Government policy at the time for messages to be deleted. Ex-SNP minister Kate Forbes revealed her 'surprise' that no minutes were kept from some of Nicola Sturgeon 's key meetings during the Covid pandemic The former Scottish finance secretary, appearing before the official UK Covid Inquiry, was quizzed about the lack of notes from meetings of the Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) and the 'Gold Command' group Both Ms Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, her successor as first minister, have come under fire for failing to retain their WhatsApp messages from the pandemic. The so-called 'Gold Command' group met ahead of Cabinet meetings in Scotland during the pandemic and included Ms Sturgeon, her deputy John Swinney and sometimes other ministers. SGoRR is the Scottish equivalent of the UK Government's emergency COBRA committee or the White House 'Situation Room' in the US. During her appearance before the inquiry this morning, Mr Dawson quizzed Ms Forbes about the lack of minutes from the meetings. He said: 'The reason we think that is the case is we have obviously asked the Scottish Government for all of its papers concerning these matters and although we have cabinet minutes, we don't have minuted records of either of those groups. 'It becomes difficult to understand what the ultimate decision-making process was when there is no record of how those decisions were taken.' Ms Forbes responded: 'I can understand that frustration.' She later told the inquiry she did not attend any of the Gold Command meetings. Mr Dawson put it to Ms Forbes: 'You weren't present at any of the Gold meetings that took place in 2020?' She replied: 'I wasn't.' Inquiry chair Lady Hallett asked Ms Forbes: 'Given your seniority in the Scottish Government, why weren't you at the command meetings in 2020?' Ms Forbes said: 'I wasn't aware. I am not even sure I was aware they existed.' Lady Hallett said: 'You would have expected to be invited, wouldn't you?' Ms Forbes said: 'I would have expected to be invited to any meeting where there were significant financial implications.' The former finance secretary said she did not delete any of her WhatsApp messages with cabinet secretaries, special advisers and the private office until January 2022 when all major Covid decisions had been made. She told the inquiry that a 'junior member' of her private office told her it was Scottish Government policy from January 2022 for all messages within the private office to be deleted going forward and she 'acquiesced' because she believed it was an instruction. She said that she believed it only applied to the junior member of her private office and did not recall the policy applying to anybody else in and around the cabinet or Scottish Government. A six-year-old boy has died from a rare form of cancer after doctors misdiagnosed his symptoms as a possible 'ear infection'. Sebastian Nunney was eventually diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer that mostly affects babies and children. His parents Lindsay and Gregg Nunney launched an appeal and raised more than 130,000 to pay for potentially life-saving treatment in the US. But they announced yesterday via Instagram that Sebastian had died more then three and a half years after his diagnosis. They wrote: 'We are heartbroken to tell you that after 3.5 years of fighting Neuroblastoma, our brave and beautiful boy passed away this morning. He was very brave, and it was peaceful and pain free at the end.' Sebastian Nunney was misdiagnosed with an ear infection by a GP in 2020 during the height of the pandemic The six-year-old rapidly lost weight and was in constant pain before being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer Neuroblastoma generally affects babies and young children The six-year-old was diagnosed with cancer months after complaining of pain in his ear. The family from Kettering, Northamptonshire were initially told during a GP appointment at the height of the pandemic in 2020 that Sebastian had probably developed an ear infection. Lindsay, 41, who fell pregnant with Sebastian after undergoing IVF, said: 'I was with Sebastian, he was clearly in pain and didn't want to be examined. It was at the peak of Covid so the GP had full PPE on and I got the impression she wanted us out of there as quickly as possible. 'At the time, doctors did not want to do face-to-face consultations but we really pushed for it because Sebastian had lost a lot of weight. I even showed her photographs of Sebastian just a few weeks earlier to try and show her how much weight he had lost. 'The doctor actually said it could be an ear infection because there was some inflammation in the ear. 'She read in the notes there had been a referral to see a paediatrician because Sebastian could be on the [autism] spectrum and she said "oh yes I see there might be some behavioural problems".' Following a complaint by the family and an investigation by the General Medical Council, the doctor in question has since been ordered to undergo further training. But just a few weeks later, Lindsay and Gregg took their son to hospital after he became increasingly weak and tests showed his oxygen levels were dangerously low. He had an X-ray which showed a large mass in his chest and further tests revealed he had the rare cancer neuroblastoma. His parents Lindsay and Gregg were hoping to raise 250,000 for specialist treatment in the US Following a complaint by the family and an investigation by the General Medical Council, the doctor in question has since been ordered to undergo further training The Northamptonshire family spent three and a half years in and out of hospital as Sebastian underwent grueling chemotherapy Sebastian was rushed to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham and placed on a ventilator and underwent a tracheostomy so a tube could be inserted into his windpipe. His father Gregg, 43, said: 'At the very beginning he was very sick. 'One Friday we were told by the nurses that we were allowed to be together at his bedside - even though Covid restrictions said we couldn't - "to make things more manageable", but we were told afterwards it's because they didn't expect him to make it through the weekend.' The pair took turns staying at Sebastian's bedside as he started a grueling 80-day course of chemotherapy under heavy sedation. Gregg said: 'He looked like Doctor Octopus with all these tubes and wires. Nobody thought he was coming out of PICU. 'They took us to the room of doom again and said, "he's never coming out". We were just numb at that moment.' But despite the bleak outlook, the six-year-old battled through and his tumour shrank so much doctors called it a 'miracle'. But six months ago, doctors discovered a new cancerous growth in his leg and blood tests revealed the disease may have returned. Despite initially beating the tumour, the cancer returned and the family were told there was nothing more that could be done An MRI scan last year showed more abnormal growths with tumors on his pelvis, the base of his skull and the soft tissue around his eyes The family managed to spend Christmas together before Sebastian had to return to hospital. His parents said he died peacefully and pain free Sebastian was 'sore and tired' and in a lot of pain. Gregg said: 'An MRI scan in June last year showed more abnormal growths with tumors on his pelvis, the base of his skull and the soft tissue around his eyes. 'It felt very much like his symptoms when he was first diagnosed. 'We were reassured that this was just his response to the radiotherapy, that he was just fed up after three years of treatment, and to just let him rest. 'He was in so much pain he just wanted to sleep and cry all the time.' But it wasn't just a response to radiotherapy. Sebastian's family were told he wasn't going to recover. 'At the point we got the results, we were basically told that there isn't much hope now and we will try and find something to manage his pain. 'Our consultant said we're running out of options in terms of quality of life over treatment.' said Gregg. Despite the devastating news, the family managed to spend Christmas together before Sebastian had to go back into hospital. The family had hoped to raise 250,000 for CAR-T cell therapy in Italy or America. It works by collecting a patient's white blood cells, editing them in a lab to seek and destroy tumour cells, then injecting them back into the body. An evangelical preacher and his wife have been blasted for using 'incendiary language' after they declared themselves 'at war' with villagers over a huge new worship centre. Locals of Chesham Bois, Buckinghamshire, say they've been 'put through hell' by rector Laurie Clow and his wife Wendy, who in turn denounced 'evildoers' in their midst. The row started over four years ago when the Clows announced plans for a 6million 'Multifunctional Parish Centre' to replace the parish hall of St Leonard's Church. Residents feared the proposal for a large conference centre, complete with a carpark for 114 vehicles and capacity for around 400 visitors - would spoil the 'tranquility' of their community. The plans were ultimately rejected by Buckinghamshire County Council on January 11 on their third attempt. Rector Laurie Clow wanted to replace St Leonard's Church Hall in Chesham Bois, Buckinghamshire, with a huge new conference centre which locals feared could be a commercial project Preacher's wife Wendy Clow blasted their opponents, as she urged her congregation to 'watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh' The proposal - which included plans for a cafe, day nursery building and detached garage - was designed to replace the modest church hall (pictured) erected in 1937, which currently stands on the site An image shows the interior of the current village hall as locals attend a consultation of the most recent plans An artist's diagram showing the 'vision' for the new church centre A 3D rendition of the proposed glass-fronted conference centre with 114 car parking bays. A new rectory would also have been built A view of the approach to the proposed new 'prayer centre' with the rebuilt rectory to the left A drawing of the new conference centre with the rebuilt rectory in the foreground The curved roof of the glass-fronted conference centre would be a prominent feature of the building Cards sent out by the church at Christmas time included the wording: 'If we don't do anything then the enemy will attack. The choice is ours. We must not be passive. We either take territory OR we concede territory' But villagers are still unsettled by words from the rector's wife Mrs Clow, who told the church's congregation to 'go on the offensive' against those who 'oppose us' in a sermon last August. Quoting from the bible, she urged them to 'watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh'. Cards given out over Christmas at the Church also bore the words: 'Bells being rung can have two meanings during a time of war and make no mistake we are at war. 'We have bells at our church and we are to ring them to proclaim the victory that Jesus has won. The enemy will know he is under attack and cannot win. 'If we don't do anything then the enemy will attack. The choice is ours. We must not be passive. We either take territory OR we concede territory.' Resident Colin Whipp, who helped set up the 'Protect Chesham Bois Common' action group, said locals have been left worried about this incendiary language. He said: 'Many people in the area became very, very concerned about their own personal situation with words being used by the local Church of England representative. 'One never knows the reaction or where things are going to go when words like that are utilized. 'People in the area, who are Church of England, have had to leave the church... because they've been so upset and disillusioned by rector Clow's antics...' Roger Booth, who's lived with his wife Christine for 40 years in a listed five-bed home that backs onto the proposed site, said their lives had been 'ruined' by the dispute. The retired sales director said: 'We are an elderly couple. I'm 81 and my wife is 78, and it's ruined our life for the last four years. It's unbelievable. 'It makes no commercial sense, no religious sense, no sense at all. Colin Whipp and Peter Williams, joint chairmen of the Protect Chesham Bois Common society, say villagers have had to navigate around the Clows' antics Laurie Clow first came to the idyllic village of Chesham Bois in 2015 where he took up the position of Rector at St Leonard's Church - which dates back to around 1200 Mr Clow is one of the 'leaders' of an evangelical group called the Jesus Ministry, which emerged in the UK 20 years ago. The organisation's stated aims include 'dismantling and defeating the schemes of the Evil One' and to 'manifest and extend the Kingdom of God in our day' 'We've had meetings with the rector who says one thing and then does the opposite* It's a horror story really.' He also worried the Georgian-style property's value would plunge if the plans were given consent - and said they had spent 'thousands of pounds' trying to stop them. Mr Booth added: 'Who would buy a beautiful house with a carpark 30m (100ft) from the grounds with a carpark for 114 cars?' Laurie Clow first came to the idyllic village of Chesham Bois in 2015 where he took up the position of Rector at St Leonard's Church - which dates back to around 1200. He is an ordained priest with the Church of England and one of the 'leaders' of an evangelical group called the Jesus Ministry, which emerged in the UK 20 years ago. Their organisation's stated aims include 'dismantling and defeating the schemes of the Evil One and so to manifest and extend the Kingdom of God in our day.' The group, which emerged with the support of US pastors, also seeks to 'embrace the reality that warfare between the Kingdoms is a central reality to our lives.' Their website states: 'We are called to wage war on the front foot, and to do so without allowing the prevailing mindset of our Western culture to water it down.' Villagers said they had graciously welcomed Mr Clow into their homes for coffee when he first arrived in the blissful English village, sat in the rolling Chiltern Hills. But their relations soured when St. Leonard's Parochial Church Council, which he also chairs, set out plans to turn an area of grassland into a sprawling, glass-fronted 'worship centre' in 2020. The proposal - which included plans for a cafe, day nursery building and detached garage - was designed to replace an existing church hall put up in 1937. But Locals questioned why buildings with the capacity for around 400 people would be needed given their church's 'dwindling' congregation, now numbering around 140. And they feared that the site - which could be open until at least 10pm daily - would in effect function as a a 'commercial' conference centre for those outside the community. Mr Whipp said: 'The commercial activity started to become a concern for all of us. 'We became really worried that so many people would come in from outside Chesham Bois to the new site. No local group could occupy a building of that scale'. The planned site also sits in the 'Chesham Bois Conservation Area', which is home to several different species of wildlife. The plans for the multi-million-pound development, set out in 2020, were first declined by the Buckinghamshire Council's planning committee in January 2021. They were then declined again on appeal in April 2022 by the Planning Inspectorate, which is a UK government agency. A third attempt to get the plans accepted with some changes was also formally dismissed on January 11. General view of the land that the church wants to develop in to a large carpark Local ward councillor David King, who has lived near the planned developed for 28 years, said he was relieved by the most recent decision. He said: 'I'm delighted. I make no bones about it. What it would do is absolutely change our village into something completely different' The latest planning bid was met with over 250 letters of opposition, but locals still fear the church will try and get its plans accepted on appeal once again. Local ward councillor David King, who has lived near the planned developed for 28 years, said he was relieved by the most recent decision. He said: 'I'm delighted. I make no bones about it. What it would do is absolutely change our village into something completely different. 'Effectively, what they're planning is a commercial conference centre, that has a capacity of over 400 people, with car parking for 114 cars.' Lesley Winrow, chair of Chesham Bois Parish Council, also said the proposed new development would have tainted the village's 'peaceful environment'. She added: 'Now that the planning application to build such a large development has been refused for a third time, we may hope that a more reasonable proposal to refurbish, extend or even rebuild the Parish Centre on a similar footprint may be considered in due course.' A spokesperson from the Parochial Church Council at St Leonard's Church said they were 'disappointed' at the most recent outcome. They said: 'We are disappointed the council has come to this decision and will be taking time to consider their comments and our next steps. 'This application was made to replace buildings which are near the end of their lifespan and had at its heart our intention to provide the community with a multi-functional parish centre to be used by all, especially the pre-school. 'It would cost almost as much to refurbish what exists on the site as to start again and provide something fit for purpose. Hence the plans to redevelop.' At the time of the sermon, which was delivered by Wendy Clow in August last year, they 'apologised unreservedly for the offence caused to members of our community'. They added: 'It was not the intent of the preacher nor the leadership of St Leonard's to be inflammatory or offensive.' Their spokesperson offered another apology concerning the wording of the card, which was handed out to parishioners over Christmas. They said: 'This card sets out our vision for the year, which is reflected in the spiritual language used. Our congregation look on these words as spiritual encouragement for the year ahead. 'They are rooted in the 'spiritual realm' and the Bible references to the battle between good and evil. The wording is not targeted at any section of our community nor in response to anything specific. 'It is typical of the cards which have been handed out by St Leonard's for the past eight years and has been endorsed by the church leadership team. 'We apologise if this has caused any distress in the community as this was never our intention. Our only desire was to share the news of the good God has planned for all of us.' Hamas said Tuesday it is studying a proposal thrashed out in Paris aimed at halting the war in Gaza between the militant group and Israel. The proposed deal between Israel and Hamas could lead to a pause in fighting and see the release of dozens of hostages still held in Gaza. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh 'confirms that the movement received the proposal which was circulated at the (Paris) meeting and that it (Hamas) is in the process of examining it and delivering its response,' said a statement published by the group. But Haniyeh, the group's supreme political leader, also said the priority was the 'full withdrawal' of Israeli forces from Gaza, something Israel opposes, and that any agreement should lead to a long-term cease-fire. He said Hamas' leadership had been invited to Cairo to continue talks. Israel had said that cease-fire talks held Sunday were constructive but that 'significant gaps' remained in any potential agreement. Hamas said Tuesday it is studying a proposal thrashed out in Paris aimed at halting the war in Gaza between the militant group and Israel The prime minister of Qatar - which has served as a key mediator along with Egypt and the United States - was more upbeat, saying American and Middle Eastern mediators had reached a framework proposal. Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington on Monday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the mediators had made 'good progress.' In the latest efforts to broker a new truce, CIA chief William Burns met top Israeli, Egyptian and Qatari officials in Paris on Sunday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office called the talks 'constructive' but pointed to 'significant gaps which the parties will continue to discuss'. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken expressed hope for a deal, telling reporters that 'very important, productive work has been done. And there is some real hope going forward.' The confirmation that Hamas was examining the proposal came as deadly fighting and bombardment continued to rock Gaza on Tuesday. Heavy Israeli strikes and urban combat across the besieged Gaza Strip killed 128 more people overnight, the Hamas-run health ministry said. The epicentre of fighting has been the southern city of Khan Yunis - the hometown of Hamas's Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, the alleged architect of the October 7 attack. Vast areas have been reduced to a muddy wasteland of bombed-out buildings. Israel has claimed to have largely dismantled Hamas in Gaza. It said aircraft destroyed a rocket launcher that fired a barrage of rockets at central Israel on Monday, the first rockets targeting the populated area in weeks. Troops fighting in city blocks and tunnels have raided several military sites, Sinwar's office and 'a significant rocket manufacturing facility', the Israeli military said. Army spokesman Daniel Hagari claimed troops in the city had 'eliminated over 2,000 terrorists above and below ground'. Haniyeh's comments came after Israeli undercover troops in the West Bank killed three alleged members of a Hamas 'terrorist cell' in a raid on a hospital. Rockets are fired from the Gaza Strip (background) as a displaced Palestinian walks near the Palestinian-Egyptian border in Rafah camp, January 29 The agents - some dressed as medical staff and carrying a wheelchair and baby carrier as props - shot dead three men at Ibn Sina Hospital in the northern city of Jenin, according to officials and hospital CCTV footage released by the ministry. The official Palestinian news agency Wafa named the three men as Muhammad Jalamnah, Muhammad Ayman Ghazawi and Basel Ayman Ghazawi. The Israeli army charged that Jalamnah, allegedly 'inspired' by the October 7 attack, had 'planned to carry out a terror attack in the immediate future and used the hospital as a hiding place and therefore was neutralised'. The Palestinian health ministry stressed that hospitals enjoy special protection under international law and urged the United Nations to help end Israel's 'daily string of crimes... against our people and health centres'. The deadliest ever Gaza war was triggered by Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack that resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures. Militants also seized 250 hostages, of whom Israel says around 132 remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 dead captives. Israel's relentless military offensive has killed at least 26,751 people in Gaza, most of them women and children, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Fears have grown that Israel and its ally the United States could face a widening Middle East conflict after months of violence involving Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Those fears were heightened after Washington vowed to respond to a drone attack Sunday that killed three US troops in a remote outpost in Jordan near the Syrian and Iraqi borders. Tehran has denied any involvement in the attack. Washington said the Jordan attack 'requires a response', but White House spokesman John Kirby also underlined that 'we are not looking for a war with Iran'. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh confirmed 'the movement received the proposal which was circulated at the (Paris) meeting and that it (Hamas) is in the process of examining it' The Israeli-Lebanese border has seen almost daily exchanges of fire with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, heightening fears of a wider conflict there. Israel has said it is ready for any attacks but does not seek a wider war in the north. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said late Monday that some units in Gaza were 'moving up to the north and preparing for what's to come'. This is a breaking news story. More to follow... Two men and a woman have been killed in a murder-suicide while the gunman's girlfriend has been hospitalized. Police were called to the shooting at an apartment complex in Gwinnett County, Georgia, at 1am this morning. The shooter opened fire at one of the View at Jacks Creek homes on the 2300 block of Country Walk in unincorporated Snellville and shot two women, a man and himself. Both men died at the scene, while the women were rushed to hospital, Gwinnett County police said in a statement. One woman died of her gun-shot inflicted injuries, while the other - according to police the gunman's girlfriend - suffered non-life threatening injuries. Police were called to the shooting at an apartment complex (pictured) in Gwinnett County, Georgia, at 1am this morning The shooter opened fire at one of the View at Jacks Creek homes (pictured in the background) on the 2300 block of Country Walk in unincorporated Snellville and shot two women, a man and himself An infant was also in the apartment during the murder-suicide, but it is unharmed and safe, police have said. The identities of the victims have not been revealed. Police are still investigating what led to the shooting that left three dead. Investigators urge anyone with information to call Gwinnett County detectives at (770) 513-5300 or the Crime Stoppers tip line at (404) 577-8477 or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. New video has emerged claiming to show Vladimir Putin's secret northern hideout - just 18 miles from Russia's border with NATO. According to unverified reports in Russia, the dictator, 71, is accused of 'stealing' a scenic waterfall and a slice of commandeered national park - larger than Monaco - for his lake-and-forest retreat. Allegedly the property's nearby neighbour just two-and-a-half miles away is former Chelsea tycoon, Roman Abramovich, 57. The narrator of the footage claims that the secret bolthole which Putin is said to share with lover Alina Kabaeva, 40, a world famous gymnast, is beside the picturesque 13ft Marjalahti waterfall. It has a modernistic gazebo in full view of the beauty spot, sealed off from ordinary Russian people, according to independent news outlet Dossier Centre. Google Maps shows at least one of the buildings with helipad at the location but it is not clear whether the video uses a combination of drone footage and CGI images to give such a detailed view. Putin allegedly shares the homes with lover Alina Kabaeva, 40, a world famous gymnast Ariel view of the allegedly property The supposed property of Putin's is visible on Google Maps The retreat is supposedly in the Lake Ladoga National Park in Karelia - as far north as the Faroe Islands - but close to the Russian NATO border with Finland The retreat is supposedly in the Lake Ladoga National Park in Karelia - as far north as the Faroe Islands - but close to the Russian NATO border with Finland. The video goes on to say that there are several buildings and a tell-tale sign that this is part of a huge Putin portfolio of secret homes and palaces hidden from the Russian people. 'Behind the barn you can see a regular mound,' said Dossier journalist Ilya Rozhdestvenskiy. 'It is not known for certain what exactly this site is for, but judging by satellite images, it appeared in the last couple of years. 'It is possible that an air defence system is being displayed here.. 'This is not the first time that marks on the ground - from the supports of military equipment deployed in combat positions from the air - have protected the President. 'Since the beginning of the war, all of Putin's main residences have been covered by the Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft system. 'The barn is more like a reception house. The property is supposedly just 18 miles from Russia 's border with NATO It is alleged in the video that he has a modernistic gazebo in full view of the beauty spot, sealed off from ordinary Russian people According to unverified reports in Russia, the dictator, 71, is accused of 'stealing' a scenic waterfall (pictured) and a slice of commandeered national park - larger than Monaco - for his lake-and-forest retreat 'Inside there is a living room, its own brewery, and a tea room on the second floor. 'The building has a pool or fountain.' The retreat has a 'separate underground entrance, a helipad and a pier for yachts [on Lake Ladoga], as well as the gazebo opposite the waterfall.' The so-called 'fisherman's hut' has its own helipad and pier. Semi-precious stones are used in the interior decoration. Nearby it is claimed there is a bathhouse, trout fishery and farm, a marbled beef farm and a secluded gazebo with breathtaking views of the lake. 'Here the president can enjoy nature in complete solitude. 'You can get here not only by air [helicopter], but also by yacht. To do this, Putin has a whole flotilla at his disposal.' According to the narrator, just two-and-a-half miles away is a mansion, sauna and restaurant which, says Rozhdestvenskiy, is owned by Abramovich, as confirmed by entries in the Russian Real Estate Registry. Images from the video that supposedly show inside Vladimir Putin's secret bolthole Images from outlet Dossier Centre that supposedly show inside Vladimir Putin's secret bolthole A hotel nearby is allegedly owned by Yuri Kovalchuk, an old friend of Putin and reputed to be the dictator's 'personal banker'. 'Kovalchuk has created a network of companies that deal with the president's leisure activities and are responsible for all of his real estate, including the famous [Black Sea] palace near Gelendzhik and the mansion in Valdai, where the head of state visits most often,' said the report on YouTube channel Khodorkovsky.Live. 'Abramovich is not part of Putin's inner circle but has always been close to the highest echelons of power,' according to the report. On Putin visits to his northern luxury retreat 'local security is replaced by FSO officers. 'The entrances are blocked, and neighbouring islands [on the lake] are blocked. 'The houses are fenced, with CCTV cameras and motion sensors on the fences. 'There is barbed wire running through the adjacent forest.' The parents who took their two-year-old son to Everest base camp insist they have 'no regrets' as they hit back at critics who 'don't leave the house'. Ross Dallas, 35, and his wife Jade, 31, have come under fire after taking their toddler Carter on a whirlwind adventure including Everest as well as travels to India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The couple from Glasgow quit their jobs for an epic cross-Asia trip - before facing a backlash from people accusing them of endangering their son. But Mr Dallas has now told Mail Online they have 'absolutely no regrets' - and condemned their online attackers as 'people who don't leave the house'. Senior sales manager Mr Dallas insisted everyone they have met on their travels have been 'just so happy for us, supportive and positive', as he outlined where they are heading next after their 12-day clamber on the world's highest mountain. Carter Dallas was just two when reaching Everest base camp alongside his parents Ross and Jade Dallas, pictured with a Scotland flag they fashioned from a towel and bandages Carter Dallas, who turned three last December, has been taken on a year-long tour of Asia by his parents Ross and Grace, from Glasgow Carter Dallas has been described his father Ross Dallas as having energy like 'a Duracell bunny' Jade, 31, and 35-year-old Ross Dallas, pictured with son Carter, three, have 'no regrets' The pair say doctors were 'amazed' Carter did not suffer from altitude sickness when they took him to the south side of the peak in Nepal - carried on his father's back. After revealing details of their trip - with Carter claimed to be the youngest person ever to reach Everest base camp - concerns have been raised by critics. But, speaking from their latest stop-off in Cambodia, Mr Dallas today told Mail Online: 'Absolutely no regrets doing it. Taking a toddler up to Everest base camp, its always going to attract some controversy - I scrolled down through comments online and they were almost all negative. But these are people who dont leave the house. It doesnt bother us. Family, friends, everyone weve met so far none of them have been negative, theyre just so happy for us, supportive and positive. Thats the point of view I care about.' Carter made it up to Everest base camp 17,598ft above sea level on October 25 - breaking a record previously held by a four-year-old from the Czech Republic. His father, former senior sales manager Ross, insisted Carter 'coped better' than both he and ex-housing officer Jade did as they suffered from 'slight altitude sickness'. Mr Dallas also described how two medics at nearby villages carried out blood tests 'to check he was fine', adding: 'His results were way better than ours - they were amazed.' The married couple rented out their house in Scotland and bought three one-way tickets for a year of travelling last August. They flew to India before visiting Sri Lanka and the Maldives, with trips back to India in between - then went to Nepal before going to Malaysia for a wedding. They later went to Singapore where they spent Carter's birthday at Universal Studios, followed by Christmas in Penang before crossing the border into Thailand and seeing in the New Year on the Thai island Koh Lanta. The Everest adventure was a spur-of-the-moment idea. Carter Dallas and his parents Ross and Jade have embarked on a year-long tour of Asia, first setting off from their Glasgow home last August with more countries in store to explore Ross Dallas has been carrying toddler son Carter in his backpack on their adventure travels Carter Dallas's journey has so far included visiting India, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka Ross Dallas, pictured with son Carter and wife Jade, says the couple are 'very lucky' their employers have kept their jobs open for them after a 12-month sabbatical Carter Dallas and his parents are currently in Cambodia, where they visited Angkor Wat Carter has been described by his father Ross Dallas as remaining 'full of beans' The father and son have been enjoying encounters with exotic wildlife like this crocodile Carter Dallas celebrated his third birthday last December at Universal Studios in Singapore Mr Dallas said today: 'We werent even planning to go to Nepal when we started travelling, beginning in and out of India. 'But when we did then cross the border into Nepal to do some volunteering work we were suddenly inspired by reading peoples blogs to do base camp. 'My dad brought me up taking me over the Munro mountains in Scotland and always told me to stop and turn around to take in your surroundings and all the beauty and we made sure to do that on Everest. 'We didnt plan this trip weve been very flexible throughout. But once we booked, we realised we might never have this opportunity again. Obviously we took all precautions. There was a helicopter from the first village and Carter also had his oxygen checked and his energy levels. 'He actually seemed to get even more energy, the more we went on, which made it even harder for us his parents to keep up. We were there 12 days in total eight days going up, four days coming down. We must have easily cleared at least 30,000 steps each day. It was like floating on a cloud. And it takes a while to sink in, looking back and realising what wed done and with lots of people sharing the same experience, that same buzz, a really good vibe.' London-based medic Dr Ann Nainan, known as 'The Travelling Doc', has pointed out potential travel risks to youngsters such as altitude sickness, nausea, dehydration and swerves between sunburning heat during the day and freezing chills at night. She told MailOnline: 'I would be worried especially since young children can't verbalise their complaints - they're not able to say, "I'm feeling cold" or "I'm feeling dizzy" or "I'm feeling breathless".' Carter Dallas's father Ross said they saw rats 'the size of dogs' in Cambodia's Siem Reap The family made it to Everest base camp in Nepal, more than 5,000 metres above sea level Carter Dallas, then two, is believed to be the youngest person making it to Everest base camp Carter's father Ross Dallas says the boy passed all health checks with flying colours Ross Carter, pictured holding son Carter, says he believes they were well prepared for the trip because they regularly practice 'breathing techniques' and they all do cold ice bath plunges Carter, pictured, is believed to have taken the record for youngest person to reach Everest base camp from a four-year-old from the Czech Republic Carter Dallas and his parents spent 12 days on Everest - and his father Ross says the youngster seemed to 'get even more energy, the more we went on' Senior sales manager Ross, 35, and 31-year-old housing officer Jade Dallas have been renting out their home in Glasgow during their year abroad But Mr and Mrs Dallas were today backed by Jose Gonzalez-Alonso, professor of exercise and cardiovascular physiology at Brunel University London. He said: 'The child went up to a camp located 5,363m from sea level, not to the top of Everest which is 8,848m - it seems that his parents and him had time to acclimatise to high altitude. They probably were exposed to high altitude over several weeks and gained significant physiological adaptation exemplified by increases in red blood cell mass and blood oxygen carrying capacity. These adaptations are associated with an enhanced tolerance to this hypoxic environment. There is a town in the Peruvian Andes, La Rinconada, situated 5100m above sea level, which is the highest permanent settlement in the world - the fact that families live there puts the achievement of this child in the right context.' Mr Dallas described the thought processes behind the family decision to take a year travelling, while renting out their Glasgow home. He said: 'Our employers gave us both a years sabbatical weve been really lucky theyre keeping our jobs open for us. I always wanted to travel the world, as a young boy fascinated by different cultures and once I met Jade I realised she was on board with that too. We did a trial run last winter, travelling across Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro. I also surprised Jade with a trip to India for her 30th birthday. When we arrived back at Heathrow it was a time of doom and gloom in the news war in Ukraine, recession, Covid, energy crisis. Thats when we suddenly thought we could escape for a year and within three months we had our flights booked and started putting our plans into action. I was actually looking at buying a second property but the mortgage crisis hit as well and I thought it would be better to spend a year with Jade and my son doing something special wed enjoy. We both work very hard but it felt like a whole year travelling with Carter would be very important for all of us.' Ross Dallas, pictured on Everest with his son Carter and wife Jade, says their mountain trip was a spur-of-the-moment decision after crossing the border from India into Nepal The family ultimately made it as high as 17,598ft above sea level last October 25 in Nepal Ross, Jade and Carter Dallas set off to Everest base camp within a day of arriving in Nepal The family first from Scotland to India before visiting Sri Lanka and the Maldives, with trips back to India in between - then went to Nepal before going to Malaysia for a wedding. They recently hit the jungle at a Thai nature reserve in Khao Sok, before making it to the country's capital Bangkok, and are now in Cambodia Ross Dallas, pictured with son Carter in his backpack, has said they hope to 'inspire other people to go out and see the real world' Ross said of the Dallas family's travels: 'It's way better than just going to Tenerife' Medics checked Carter Dallas, pictured between his parents Jade and Ross, and were said to be 'amazed' by how well he responded to his Everest trek Carter Dallas's health check results were 'way better' than his parents', father Ross said And he has no health concerns about his son, who turned three last December. Mr Dallas said: 'Hes been like a Duracell bunny. Altitude sickness affects different people in different ways but when hes not full of energy during the days, he sleeps like a baby at night. At Everest, Jade and I would start the day sluggish, but he was always full of beans.' The family appeared to pose with a Scottish flag on Everest - but Mr Dallas has now revealed: 'We didn't have an actual Scotland flag, so we had to make one out of our travel towel and bandages.' A seasonal UPS employee used his uniform to gain access to a home in order to settle an outstanding drug debt which resulted in a violent standoff that left three people dead, including a mother and her son, police said. All were shot in the head. Investigators said that video showed the woman being shot in the head at point blank range in a bed room and that moments later, her two other children, both under the age of five could be seen entering the room in tears. The older of the two eventually pulled the other away from the body and out of the room. On Monday, prosecutors charges Alonzo Pierre Mingo, 37, with three counts of second-degree murder. The horror unfolded in the Minneapolis suburb of Coon Rapids around 12:20pm on Friday. He was arrested around 3:15pm after his Nissan Altima was seen leaving the scene. The deceased have been named as Mario Estrada, 39, his wife, Shannon Jungwirth, 42, and her son, Jorge Reyes-Jungwirth, 20. The Minnesota Star-Tribune reports that Estrada was selling cocaine, fentanyl and meth out of the home and sending the proceeds to family members in Mexico. Officials said that a search of a storage unit belonging to Estrada saw investigators recover magic mushrooms, marijuana, meth and a 'white powder.' Shannon Jungwirth pictured with her husband Mario Estrada on her Facebook page Jungwirth's son, Jorge, was 'in the wrong place at the wrong time' when he was killed, a friend said According to court documents, surveillance video from inside the home as well as a camera on a pole outside captured much of the incident. Police said that the video showed three men, including Mingo, entering the home with one carrying a cardboard box. Video shows Mingo and two other adults left the home seven minutes after entering it, the probable cause affidavit says. It's alleged that they demanded money at gunpoint. Officers were called to the scene after someone from the home dialed 911 but did not speak. The operator heard sounds of a disturbance and mobilized a response. An operator says that they heard someone shout something to the effect of: 'Where is the money?' The children in the home were aged 4 and 2, family members told CBS Minneapolis. They were the children of Estrada and Jungwirth. Suspect Alonzo Mingo was a seasonal employee at UPS One of the victims was found in a doorway while another man was found in an office in the house. A GoFundMe page has been set up by family members in order to help to pay for Trejo's body to be sent to family members in Mexico. The page says that Estrada has no family in the US. A friend of Reyes-Jungwirth told the Star-Tribune that the 20-year-old was just in the 'wrong place at the wrong time.' The friend, Jack Heidelberg, said that the pair were supposed to be working together at their landscaping job at the time of the shooting but that business was slow and their boss told him to take the day off. The friend said that the pair had known each other since the fourth grade and that he helped his friend to file his taxes shortly before his murder. Heidelberg described Reyes-Jungwirth as 'such a genuine kid' who was passionate about video games. Police found Mingo driving the vehicle several hours later and arrested him. Mingo is from Fridley, another Minneapolis suburb less than 10 miles from Coon Rapids. When he was pulled over, authorities say that he threw his cellphone out of the vehicle. When questioned, Mingo denied working for UPS. Police said Mingo had been employed at UPS until early January. They found a UPS delivery uniform top and vest in a backpack in Mingo's vehicle. Fingerprints on the cardboard box brought into the home match Mingo's, according to police. UPS spokesperson Karen Tomaszewski Hill said in an email that Mingo was a seasonal employee 'who only worked for the company for a short time' until mid-January. 'As this is an active investigation, we will defer to investigating authorities for additional questions,' she said. In Minnesota, second-degree murder, with intent, carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, though sentencing guidelines usually call for a presumptive sentence that is less than that, depending on the defendants criminal history. According to a GoFundMe page, Estrada does not have any family in the US and his relatives are seeking to repatriate his remains to Mexico The couple had two children together, aged 2 and 4 Online records show that Mingo has previous felony convictions in Illinois where he was arrested for aggravated battery in a public place as well as felony possession of a gun and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. In 2020, Mingo pleaded guilty to fleeing from an officer. When he was caught, a gun was found in his possession, repots KSTP. The sentencing guidelines say that even though they are advisory, presumptive sentences 'are deemed appropriate' and judges should depart from them only when 'substantial and compelling circumstances can be identified and articulated.' Prosecutors said they plan to seek a sentence that goes above the guidelines due to aggravating factors in this case. Among them, they say, the victims were treated with particular cruelty and the killings happened while two young children were present. Minnesotas sentencing guidelines were created to establish consistent sentences that are neutral without considering factors such as race or gender. The criminal complaint makes no mention of charges against the other two suspects who entered the home. This is the moment NYC councilman, and member of the exonerated group of men known as the Central Park Five, Yusef Salaam is pulled over by cops for out of state plates and tinted windows. Salaam was pulled over by officers on Friday night in Harlem and was free to go less than a minute later after he identified himself as a council member. The police officer can be heard in camera footage released by the NYPD asking Salaam to roll down the back windows of his car. Salaam then informs the officer that he is a council member and asks if everything is OK, before the officer withdraws without further explanation. Police later said in a statement that Salaam was stopped for driving with a dark tint beyond legal limits and with a Georgia license plate. Salaam was pulled over by officers on Friday night in Harlem and was free to go less than a minute later after he identified himself as a council member Police later said in a statement that Salaam was stopped for driving with a dark tint beyond legal limits and with a Georgia license plate Salaam, a Democrat, later said in a statement: 'This experience only amplified the importance of transparency for all police investigative stops, because the lack of transparency allows racial profiling and unconstitutional stops of all types to occur and often go underreported.' In a statement, the NYPD said: 'Excessive tint is a violation of the vehicle traffic law. 'When officers stop a vehicle with this type of violation, as the video of the incident involving Council member Salaam shows, it creates a safety hazard by obstructing the new inside the vehicle. 'The officer was professional, respectful and exercised discretion during this stop. 'The councilmembers commentary around this incident is unfortunate and surprising given his position as a partner in the mission of public safety.' Salaam's office confirmed to the New York Post that he had Georgia licence plates on his car until just last week, despite being in New York and holding office for two years. City Council Member Sandy Nurse said she was on a video call with Salaam and other people when he was pulled over. Nurse said she heard Salaam ask the officer for the reason for the stop, for which none was given. According to the NYPD Patrol Guide and the city Administrative Code, police officers are not required to say why someone is being stopped on a low-level infraction like a tinted-window violation. Fellow council members have since called for Salaam to resign over the interaction, with Queens councilman Robert Holden saying he had lied about the exchange. City Council Member Sandy Nurse said she was on a video call with Salaam, seen here in November of last year, and other people when he was pulled over In 1989, Salaam, along with four other then teenagers, were wrongfully convicted of raping a woman. He is seen here at the age of 16 arriving at State Supreme Court in August, 1990 In a post to X, Holden said: 'This is damning: an elected official with illegal tints and out-of-state plates, not legally registered, using his official title to evade the law. 'Worse yet, he lied about the exchange until NYPD set the record straight. CM Salaam should resign as Public Safety Chair.' Councilman Joe Borelli added: 'What is sad is taking an incident where someone cuts you a break, does right by you, and then misrepresenting the truth to get them in trouble. 'Had body cam footage surface of me using my office hoping to get out of a ticket surfaced, I wonder how different the response would have been? In 1989, Salaam, along with four other then teenagers, were wrongfully convicted of raping a woman. After they had spent years in prison, with Salaam spending almost seven years behind bars, a serial rapist confessed to the crime. Salaam was arrested along with Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana and Korey Wise and accused of attacking a woman running in Central Park. The crime dominated headlines in the city, inflaming racial tensions as police rounded up Black and Latino men and boys for interrogation. The teens convicted in the attack served between five and 12 years in prison before the case was reexamined. A serial rapist and murderer was eventually linked to the crime through DNA evidence and a confession. The convictions of the Central Park Five were vacated in 2002 and they received a combined $41 million settlement from the city. The body of a popular fitness influencer was dumped outside her parents' house in Brazil after her husband killed her during a heated argument, reports say. Debora Michels, 30, was found on a pavement in Montenegro, a city in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the early hours of Friday, January 26. Police believe she was killed by her husband of 10 years, who then heartlessly ditched her lifeless body outside her parents' home. Michels, known as Deby, was found covered in a red blanket yards from the house. The suspect reportedly told the police that the pair had gotten into a heated argument that became physical. Debora Michels, 30, was found on a pavement in Montenegro, a city in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the early hours of Friday, 26th January Police believe Debora was killed by her husband of 10 years (pictured together), who then heartlessly ditched her lifeless body outside her parents' home The husband, named in Brazil as Alexander Gunsch, is said to have grabbed Deby around her neck before lifting her up and throwing her against a wardrobe. At this point, he told police his bodybuilder wife started to feel sick and soon lost consciousness, according to local reports. He then took Deby to hospital for medical attention, but after realising that she was dead, he ditched her on the pavement in front of the house, local media said. Citing the Military Brigade (BM), the Correio Do Povo newspaper reports that CCTV footage captured the moment the suspect removed Deby's body from his car and placed it on the pavement. He has since been remanded in custody by the police, whose request for an extension of the detention period was granted on Saturday evening. Debora's funeral took place on Saturday, January 27, before being buried in the Municipal Cemetery of Montenegro at around 11am the same day. Her outraged and heartbroken brother Alex Michels told local media: 'This situation is revolting. What our family wants is justice. You cannot leave anyone unpunished.' He added that Deby had wanted to leave Gunsch before the tragedy. 'The family is having a lot of strength to endure this situation,' Alex Michels said, according to Correio Do Povo. 'The community is terrified. The day before the crime, he and my father talked about separating. Everything seemed to be fine, until my parents woke up to find their daughter dead in front of the house,' he said. And her close friend Deise Chemelo said: 'Debora was a magnetic person. She lit up every place she went; she only had friends, and she only did good. 'A fighter, an entrepreneur, there is no explanation for what happened. She didn't deserve it. We don't understand.' According to Cleusa Spinato, a woman's aid advocate at a Specialised Police Station, Gunsch surrendered and confessed to the crime when police visited his address on Saturday. Ms Spinato said police were treating the case as femicide, and that Gunsch was the main suspect in the death of his wife. Michels, known as Deby, was found covered in red cloth yards from the house, Brazilian reports say. The suspect reportedly told the police that the pair had gotten into a heated argument that got physical Deby was popular on Instagram and had thousands of followers who would tune in to her posts that would educate them about her life as a trainer The police investigation is ongoing. Deby posted to social media as a personal trainer and content creator. She was popular on Instagram, and had thousands of followers who would tune in to her updates that would give insights into her lifestyle and work as a trainer. Pictures on social media also show Deby with her husband, often in the gym together, flexing their muscles. Michelle Mone's businessman husband Doug Barrowman has arrived at Spanish court to face claims he 'took part in a 5.5million corporate tax evasion scam'. Baroness Mone, 52, did not appear to be present at the court in Santander for the opening day of 58-year-old Barrowman's five-day trial which could see him put behind bars for up to five and a half years if convicted. The couple are separately being investigated by Britain's National Crime Agency for alleged fraud, over the award of more than 200million in VIP lane Covid-19 contracts in 2020 to PPE Medpro - a firm with which they were linked. Barrowman is accused in Spain of benefitting - along with six co-accused Britons - from an allegedly fraudulent 6.3m invoice. Prosecutors say it was created to evade tax and take millions of pounds out of Spanish business B3 Cable Solutions via a UK company Axis Ventura in July 2008. British billionaire businessman Doug Barrowman in court today in Santander, Spain, accused of an alleged tax crime alongside six fellow defendants Barrowman, 58, could face five and a half years in prison if convicted He and 52-year-old wife Baroness Michelle Mone - seen at a British Asian Trust reception at London's Guildhall in February 2017 - have been criticised over Covid contracts Doug Barrowman and six other defendants deny the Spanish charges against them B3 went bankrupt four years later, leading to 200 job losses at a cable factory near Santander. Barrowman and his six fellow defendants deny the charges, while an earlier civil court case cleared him and his partners of any administrative wrongdoing. A four-page indictment claims Barrowman and two other investors attended two meetings of B3 Cable Solutions in 2008 where a 6.3million (5.5million) invoice was 'ratified' and approved on company accounts. Spanish authorities allege the invoice payment was 'destined for their own personal benefit' due to purported links between Barrowman and UK firm Axis Ventura, the Manchester-based company which received the 6.3million (5.5million) payment. Barrowman's defence claims he was neither a shareholder or director of Axis at the time the invoice was created and paid. Axis financed 18.8million through Landsbanski to purchase B3 Cable Solutions Spain, a cable provider in northern Spain which later went defunct in 2012. According to the indictment, Barrowman ceased his connection to Axis in March 18, 2008, four months before the invoice was paid and later partly used to offset B3's corporation tax bill by 1.6million. The indictment further claims Spain's Treasury was cheated out of over 0.5million and also demand for B3 to be reimbursed. The prosecution document refers to three men, including Barrowman, who were not B3 company directors but shareholders with 59 per cent of its capital. Lingerie entrepreneur Baroness Mone was not present at the Spanish court today Doug Barrowman, arriving at court in Santander in Spain today claims he was neither a shareholder or director of Axis at the time a 5.5million invoice was created and paid Doug Barrowman and his wife Baroness Michelle Mone, pictured here at Cheltenham Racecourse in March 2019, say they have been 'treated as a punchbag' They were present at the General Meeting on May 27, 2008, when the financial arrangements were made with Landsbanki, including ratification of the 6.3million invoice. The trio were also present at the General Meeting on April 9 the following year, when the company accounts were signed off. The document states: 'Therefore, they consciously permitted with their support the approval of agreements which, among other things made reference to services provided and subsequently paid to Axis Ventura, knowing because of their roles in both companies that far from signifying the payment of services never provided, the 6.3million were destined for their own personal benefit.' Regarding Axis Ventura's role in B3's business, the indictment read: 'No services were provided or any activities carried out by Axis Ventura. 'Instead, the accused who participated in both companies, guided by the intention of obtaining an illegal benefit, took advantage of the fact an important amount of money had entered B3 Cable's account via banking finance and agreed together to authorise in the shareholder meeting the payment of an important amount of money to another entity they themselves participated in.' Elsewhere, the business activities of Barrowman's wife - dubbed 'Baroness Bra' - are under scrutiny after she allegedly profited from pandemic contracts. Leaked documents allegedly show she and her children could have received millions after a company called PPE Medpro was referred for Government contracts to supply masks and gowns. The firm was awarded 203million in two contracts after Baroness Mone, a member of the House of Lords, recommended it to ministers at the beginning of the pandemic. PPE Medpro is now being sued by the Government for breaching the terms of a 122million contract to supply 25million surgical gowns for medical staff. The company said it would defend the civil lawsuit and the Department for Health had 'vastly over-ordered' PPE. Yet documents seen by the Financial Times suggested Mone's husband who denies any wrongdoing received 65million in profits from PPE Medpro. Doug Barrowman was in the dock in Santander alongside six fellow defendants Doug Barrowman and the other six Britons accused of fraud have denied all charges Michelle Mone, here at the State Opening of Parliament in London in June 2017, was made a Conservative peer by then-Prime Minister David Cameron in August 2015 Earlier this month Baroness Mone and her family said they had been 'treated as a punchbag' after lying about having no connections to a PPE company awarded 200million of government contracts. In a statement published by Lady Mone on X, formerly Twitter, Barrowman said it 'suits the agenda' of the UK Government to "scapegoat' him and his wife for their part in supplying items designed to protect against coronavirus infection through the firm PPE Medpro. Lady Mone had admitted she lied when she denied having connections to the company, a consortium led by her husband, which was awarded contracts worth more than 200million to supply gowns and face masks. The lingerie entrepreneur stands to benefit from its 60million in profits that have been placed into a trust by her husband. The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for Scotland and northern England while many other areas will remain dry and mild for the rest of the week. The warning for Scotland has been put in place for the whole country and is set to begin at 5am tomorrow until 7pm the same day. A large part of England has also been given a warning which will start at 9am tomorrow until 5pm. The Met Office warned strong winds will likely cause 'disruption to travel' tomorrow with some bus and train services affected and 'journeys taking longer' than usual. Meanwhile, short-term loss of power is also anticipated as the Met Office braces much of England and Scotland for severe winds - with concerns the conditions could damage buildings and represent a threat to lives. A person walks below the cliffs after a large rock fall at East Beach cliffs, on January 30, 2024 in West Bay, United Kingdom The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for Scotland and northern England starting tomorrow However, while parts of England are set to face severe conditions, the rest of the country should see calmer weather, with lighter breezes and cloudy skies, as well as some drizzly outbreaks in the southwest. The Met Office said: 'Strong winds may cause some disruption during Wednesday.' Residents have been urged to protect their properties and check for loose items in the home in order to secure them. This includes belongings such as fences, sheds, bins and trampolines, which could blow away in strong winds. Taking to social media, the Met Office wrote on X/Twitter: 'Say hello to the jet stream. It's heading back towards the UK for the middle of this week, providing some of us with another windy spell of weather.' The Met Office added: 'Very strong southwesterly winds will develop during Wednesday, easing again from the west later in the day. Gusts of 65-75 mph are likely, with a few places perhaps seeing gusts of up to 85 mph at times.' Say hello once again to the jet stream It's heading back towards the UK for the middle of this week, providing some of us with another windy spell of weather pic.twitter.com/99UbYJzY3i Met Office (@metoffice) January 29, 2024 The Met Office warned strong winds will likely cause 'disruption to travel' tomorrow (Stock photo) Windy conditions are expected to last until the weekend, although temperatures should increase before then. It comes as large parts of England and Scotland are set to endure 'wintry' weather in February - with rain predicted to hit cold surfaces and freeze instantly, according to The Mirror. The freezing rain will happen across Highlands and Perth and Kinross later in the day on Tuesday February 6, as well as into the early hours of Wednesday February 7. The Met Office described this form of rain as a rare type of liquid precipitation which lands on cold surfaces and freezes instantly. President Joe Biden received a MAGA welcome when he flew into Donald Trump's backyard of West Palm Beach on Tuesday for a fundraising swing. There were reminders of the former president everywhere. Air Force One taxied past Trump Force One - the former president's private 757 - after landing. And hundreds of people lined the street with Trump 2024 signs as Biden's motorcade left the airport. One man held up his middle finger at the convoy as it passed. A woman was dressed up in prison garb with a Biden mask, and another held a sign saying: 'Hillary for Prison.' President Joe Biden arrived at West Palm Beach on Tuesday for a fundraising swing through Florida. There was no forgetting he was in Donald Trump's backyard Trump supporters lined up as the president's motorcade made its way from West Palm Beach airport to Jupiter in Florida for a campaign fundraising event That was one of the politer signs. It was a reminder that Trump has made the state his home and political base, spending his winters at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The once swing state is now seen as largely red. But Biden managed a joke as he addressed supporters at a club in Jupiter, where Trump has a golf course and his son Don Jr. has a home. 'We have to keep the White House, we have to keep the Senate and we have to win back the House,' he said. 'Here in Florida you've had a real dose of Trumpism.' At that point he made the sign of the cross, triggering laughter I think we can win Florida,' he added. After Jupiter, Biden, 81, makes the short hop to Miami for a second event. He has made little effort so far to try to win Florida, which was once a swing state but is now considered solid Republican territory. The campaign swing comes against a backdrop of worsening crisis in the Middle East and as Biden and his top advisers weight strikes against Iran-backed militias, and as his administration weathers intense criticism that it should have done more to deter Tehran. Air Force One passed Trump Force One on the Tarmac at West Palm Beach airport Tuesday Trump's plane is seen through the window of a vehicle in Biden's motorcade A bystander dressed as a convict and wore a mask of Biden as the motorcade passed The White House put out an image of President Biden meeting with his security team, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on Monday as the administration prepares to respond to an attack on a U.S. base in Jordan From left to right: Spc. Kennedy Sanders, Sgt. William Jerome Rivers and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from Georgia were killed by a drone strike on Sunday At the weekend an Iran-backed suicide drone killed three American soldiers at a remote base near Jordan's border with Syria. The victims were named on Monday as specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, and sergeant William Rivers, 46. Iran-backed militias, calling themselves the Axis of Resistance, have also launched more than 160 strikes on US targets since the October 7 terror attack by Hamas. However, Biden must weigh any response to try to avoid triggering an even worse confrontation with Iran. 'We are not looking for a war with Iran. We are not looking to escalate the tensions any more than they already have been escalating,' said White House national spokesman John Kirby Monday. 'That said, this was a very serious attack. It had lethal consequences. We will respond, and we respond appropriately.' Meanwhile, Biden will be in Florida. He lost the state by more than three points to Trump in 2020. Even if the state is not needed for Biden to win, he needs cash from its well-heeled donors. On Tuesday morning, Biden will board Air Force one for a campaign trip to Florida Hosts for Biden's Miami fundraiser include Biden Victory Fund national finance chair Chris Korge, according to Reuters. The Palm Beach hosts include lawyer Sean Domnick. He will be followed to Florida on Wednesday by Nikki Haley, the last remaining challenger to Trump. She will be holding fundraisers in southern Florida, ahead of the next meaningful contest in her home state of South Carolina later in February. The state may not be completely out of reach to Democrats in November, according to Kevin Wagner, a political science professor at Atlantic University, He said the high number of independents would help Biden as would the inability of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trump's former rival for the GOP nomination, and the legislature to ease skyrocketing housing prices. 'The issues people are focused on are going to be different, the candidates are going to be different" than 2022, he told the Associated Press. 'The assumption that Florida will necessarily be an easy victory for Republicans is questionable.' This is the incredible moment NASA's retired Space Shuttle Endeavour was hoisted into place and paired with a huge external fuel tank and rocket boosters at a display at the Los Angeles science museum. Footage from last night shows a massive crane delicately lifting the orbiter, which is 122 feet (37 meters) long and has a 78-foot (24-meter) wingspan, into the partially built Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center in Exposition Park. The building will be completed around Endeavour before the display opens to the public in 2025. The 20-story-tall display stands atop an 1,800-ton (1,633-metric ton) concrete slab supported by six so-called base isolators to protect Endeavour from earthquakes. All parts of the vertical launch configuration are authentic components of the shuttle system, including the rust-colored external tank, which was flight-qualified. A massive crane delicately began lifting the orbiter, which is 122 feet (37 meters) long and has a 78-foot (24-meter) wingspan, into the partially built Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center in Exposition Park last night (pictured) The building (pictured earlier this month before the fuel tank and shuttle was lifted in) will be completed around Endeavour before the display opens to the public in 2025 The retired NASA Space Shuttle Endeavour, covered in protective white wrapping, is lifted into place to be affixed to the giant orange external tank and twin solid rocket boosters at the California Science Center People watch as the retired NASA Space Shuttle Endeavour is lifted into place at the California Science Center on January 29 Endeavour flew 25 missions between 1992 and 2011, when NASA's shuttle program ended. The shuttle was flown to Los Angeles International Airport in 2012 atop a NASA Boeing 747 and then created a spectacle as it was inched through tight city streets to Exposition Park. The external tank arrived by barge earlier this month and made a similar trip across the city. The shuttle was initially displayed horizontally in a temporary exhibit hall. A groundbreaking ceremony for the Air and Space Center was held in 2022 on the 11th anniversary of Endeavour's final return from space. The process of assembling the shuttle system in vertical configuration was dubbed 'Go for Stack,' an informal term for putting together rocket components for launch. Crews prepare to lift Space Shuttle Endeavour into the site of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center on Monday, January 29 Space shuttle Endeavor is lifted by crane into its new permanent location at The California Science Center in Los Angeles, California, January 29 Space Shuttle Endeavour is lifted into the site of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center on Monday, January 29, in Los Angeles Space Shuttle Endeavor was lifted into position by a crane. The museum is moving every component of the shuttle into place individually to install the display Space Shuttle Endeavour is lifted into the site of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center on Monday The future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, where the shuttle will be displayed, is expected to open in 2025 Space Shuttle Endeavour is lifted into the site of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center The retired NASA Space Shuttle Endeavour, covered in protective white wrapping, is moved in preparation for being lifted into place on January 26 NASA Space Shuttle Endeavour's massive orange external tank, ET-94, is moved before being lifted into place in a full 20-story space shuttle stack at the California Science Center on January 10 The retired Space Shuttle Endeavour external tank, ET-94, the last flight-qualified liquid hydrogen external tank, is hanged vertically from a massive crane to moved into a 20-story vertical display position on Friday, January 12 It began in July with precise installation of the bottom segments of the side boosters, known as aft skirts, for the first time outside of a NASA facility. In use, the boosters would be attached to the external tank to help the shuttle's main engines lift off. READ MORE: Giant 154ft-long space shuttle fuel tank crawls through the streets of Los Angeles to its new home at California Science Center Advertisement The 116-foot-long (35.3-meter-long) rocket motors were trucked to Los Angeles from the Mojave Desert in October and were installed the following month. In all, NASA operated five shuttles in space. Shuttle Challenger and its crew were lost in a launch accident January 28, 1986. Columbia and its crew were lost during return from orbit February 1, 2003. Retired shuttles Atlantis and Discovery and the test ship Enterprise, which did not go to space, are on display across the country. Atlantis is at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, where it is displayed as if in orbit with its payload doors open and robotic arm extended. Discovery rests on its landing gear at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Enterprise, which was released from a carrier aircraft for approach and landing tests, is displayed at the Intrepid Museum in New York. A police raid on the home of an alleged neo Nazi leader uncovered a disturbing book outlining how fascists could foment a Nazi revolution in Australia with assassinations, indiscriminate terror bombings and the murder of 'soft targets', a court has heard. Detectives raided the unit of Cameron Brodie-Hall, the alleged neo-Nazi leader of alleged South Australian fascist cell SA Men's Health Club, in April 2021 and allegedly found the book in the communal area of the home, which Mr Brodie-Hall shared with two other men. Standing in the dock at Adelaide District Court on Tuesday, Mr Brodie-Hall pleaded not guilty to possessing the book, which the prosecution argued could be of practical use to someone preparing an a terrorist act. Director of Public Prosecutions Martin Hinton QC, speaking before Judge Paul Muscat, said the book offered a practical guide for national socialists, the technical term for Nazis, to pursue 'active resistance' in an war to preserve alleged 'Aryan culture'. A police raid of Cameron Brodie-Hall's (pictured) home found a book allegedly detailing assassinations, terror bombings, the sabotage of infrastructure and terror campaigns The book allegedly recommends four methods of covert direct action including assassinations, terror bombings, the sabotage of infrastructure and terror campaigns directed at 'the enemy'. The court heard the communal bookshelf housed a number of radical books, including dictator Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf. Police video of the cramped three-bed unit played in court showed a large Nazi flag draped over the bookshelf. Prosecutor Hinton said when the police returned to Mr Brodie-Hall's unit in February 2022 they discovered another book listed as extremist material. 'It promotes or supports terrorist acts,' Prosecutor Hinton said. Prosecutor Hinton said the book praised Timothy McVeigh, the terrorist who murdered 168 people in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing in the United States, and argued 'revolution' was the only way for Nazis to gain power. The court heard the home's communal bookshelf had a number of radical books, including dictator Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf, and was draped with a large Nazi flag (Cameron Brodie-Hall's pictured) The court heard Mr Brodie-Hall told the police he subscribed to a national socialist worldview, but denied possession of the two books. Mr Brodie-Hall lived in the home with Jackson Trevor Pay and Duncan Robert Cromb, both of whom have pleaded guilty to possessing extremist material. Craig Caldicott, appearing for Mr Brodie-Hall, said there was no dispute about his client's ideology, but rather over the issue of possession of the material, which he said was not found in his client's bedroom. Mr Caldicott said his client was not aware of the book promoting covert terror tactics being in the bookcase. Judge Muscat said the case would depend on whether the prosecution could prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr Brodie-Hall possessed the material either exclusively or jointly with Mr Pay and Mr Cromb. The judge-only trial will continue into the week. Mr Brodie-Hall is on bail and declined to comment when leaving the court on Tuesday. Mr Brodie-Hall's appearance in court comes amid a growing swell of Nazi gatherings in Australia. On Australia Day, men in balaclavas with the National Socialist Network, a Nazi outfit led by convicted criminal Thomas Sewell, were stopped by police at a train station in North Sydney. The police again broke up meetings of the far-right group at North Turramurra on Saturday evening and Artarmon on Sunday morning. A motel in a quiet Adelaide suburb was targeted by neo-Nazis who staged a protest in broad daylight in December last year. It is not suggested Mr Brodie-Hall was among them State legislatures across the country are also moving to tighten laws against the display of Nazi symbols and gestures. South Australian Attorney-General Kyam Maher introduced legislation to parliament in November 2023 to specifically prohibit public displays of swastikas or the Nazi salute, with fines of up to $20,000 or one year in jail for the offences. 'We have seen increased activity from the neo-Nazi movement around the country which is totally unacceptable,' Mr Maher said. 'This Bill will impose tough new penalties on those who seek to promote this abhorrent ideology and give the police the powers they need to ensure prohibited symbols are swiftly removed.' The new law contains protections for innocent uses of Nazi symbols, including their good faith use in academia, education and the arts. A public servant who was forced to get a Covid vaccination to keep his job, but then fell gravely ill, has won a major legal battle and will be paid compensation. Daniel Shepherd, 44, received two Covid-19 vaccinations when he was a youth worker at Baptist Care South Australia in 2021 and suffered adverse reactions to the jab. The father of one started a new job with the Department for Child Protection (DCP) on October 19 that year, but was told on January 28, 2022, that he had to get a booster shot to keep his job as a child and youth worker. Mr Sheperd was given a Pfizer mRNA jab on February 24, 2022, but a day later he had serious chest pains. The pain kept getting worse until March 11, when he thought he was having a heart attack and was rushed to Adelaide's Ashford Hospital. There he was diagnosed with post-vaccine pericarditis - an inflammation of the membrane around the heart. A public servant who was forced to get a Covid vaccination to keep his job but then became gravely ill has won a major legal victory involving compensation and medical bill payments. A man is pictured getting a Covid-19 vaccination shot READ MORE: Fresh Covid warning as hospitalisations spike and top doctor warns new variant spreading fast in Victoria Victoria is in the midst of another Covid-19 wave. Women wearing masks are pictured Advertisement The illness meant Mr Shepherd was only able to work for a few months in a part-time administrative capacity. DCP acknowledged the pericarditis was caused by the Pfizer mRNA booster shot, but it denied workers compensation liability, saying it was a legal government directive and so was excluded under the SA Emergency Management Act. But Judge Mark Calligeros, the SA Employment Tribunal's deputy president, rejected the DCP's arguments. 'It is not surprising that some people who receive a dose of Covid-19 vaccine will sustain injury as a result,' he wrote in his judgment. 'It would be astonishing if parliament intended that an employee of the state, injured adhering to an EM (Emergency Management) Act direction, was to be precluded from receiving workers compensation. 'I am not satisfied that parliament intended to deny compensation to employees of the state injured by heeding a vaccination mandate designed to protect the health and welfare of citizens.' Judge Calligeros added that Mr Shepherd was required to be vaccinated to continue working in healthcare. This was 'because (the state) sought to protect and reduce the risk of infection to the public and general and those members of the public receiving healthcare services in particular. Mr Shepherd was rushed to Adelaide's Ashford Hospital (pictured) where he was diagnosed with post-vaccine pericarditis 'It would be ironic and unjust if Mr Shepherd was denied financial and medical support by complying with the state's desire to preserve public health.' In a landmark ruling, the judge ordered that Mr Shepherd should get weekly income support payments and the payment of medical expenses. The ruling came despite SA Health still enforcing a mandatory Covid vaccination policy for some employees, even though similar policies have been dropped in other states. READ MORE: Australians struck down with Covid warned to 'stay at home' as two new variants spread and hospitalisations surge Australians struck down by Covid are being warned to 'stay home' as case numbers surge to their highest levels in over a year. A Covid testing clinic is pictured Advertisement The cop who was first at the scene of the 2002 murder of Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay admitted he lost his notes from the killing of a rap superstar that later became an infamous cold case. William Eagan, who worked for the New York City Police Departments Street Narcotics Engagement Unit, testified on Tuesday about being the first to arrive at the Queen's studio where Jay - born Jason Mizell - was found dead. He described how witnesses were hysterical and provided little information about the killers. During cross-examination, Eagan stated he never made a report and only jotted notes in a memo book, which he subsequently lost. So everything you mentioned on the murder of a famous rapper is lost? defense attorney Jacqueline Cistaro sarcastically asked. Eagan took the stand on the second day of trial in Brooklyn federal court for Karl Jordan Jr., 40, and Ronald Washington, 59. The two - along with a third man facing a separate trial - were charged with killing the rap legend in 2002 during a cocaine deal gone bad. Jordan and Washington sat alongside their attorneys as law enforcement officials testified. Jordan was dressed in a navy checkered suit, white shirt and yellow-patterned tie while Washington wore a grey suit, blue shirt and pink tie. Jam Master Jay - born Jason Mizell - was part of the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC. He was shot and killed inside a recording studio in Queens in 2022 Karl Jordan Jr. (left), now 40, the hip-hop star's godson, is on trial for Jam Master Jay's murder. He is being tried along with co-defendant Ronald Washington (right), 59 The body of Jason Mizell, a.k.a. Jam Master Jay, a member of the pioneering rap trio Run DMC, is removed from a recording studio where he was shot and killed in October 2002 Prosecutors say the men entered a Queens recording studio, upset over being cut out of the drug deal, and Jordan shot Mizell at point blank range. The men fled the scene and avoided apprehension for years. The murder became an infamous cold-case until prosecutors announced Jordan's and Washington's arrests in 2020. The suspects face a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of at least 20 years in prison if convicted. The government has said it would not seek the death penalty. Mizell worked the turntables alongside rappers Joe 'Run' Simmons and Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels as the group helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream in the 1980s with hits like 'Its Tricky' and a remake of Aerosmiths 'Walk This Way' off the best-selling 1986 album 'Raising Hell.' Some of their songs advocate against illegal narcotics, and the group even recorded a 'Just Say No!' anti-drug public service announcement in the late 1980s for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. But Assistant U.S. Attorney Miranda Gonzalez said that as the spotlight faded, Mizell turned to the drug trade, serving as a middleman to sellers and buyers across the country. A few simple calls, she said, could earn him 'hundreds of thousands' of dollars. In the late 90s and early 2000s, Run-DMC had done very little recording together. Neither Simmons nor McDaniels was present for the first day of the trial. Mizell was 37 and a father-of-three when he was shot dead after allegedly acquiring 10 kilograms of cocaine from a Midwest distributor, which Washington, Jordan and others planned to distribute in the Baltimore area. But the dealer involved in the sale refused to work with Washington, cutting both defendants out of a potential $200,000 payday, she alleged. Jordan, who was 18 at the time, and Washington, who was then 38, thought they would be part of the lucrative Baltimore deal and became enraged when Mizell told them they were cut out leaving them with nothing. Gonzalez said in the days leading up to his death, Mizell acted troubled and carried a gun. Mizell worked the turntables alongside rappers Joe 'Run' Simmons and Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels as the group helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream in the 1980s with hits like 'Its Tricky' and a remake of Aerosmiths 'Walk This Way' off the best-selling 1986 album 'Raising Hell' Mizell was in his recording studio in Hollis, the Queens neighborhood in eastern New York City where he and the two defendants grew up A plan of the recording studio offices shows where the body of Mizzel was found The inside of Mizzel's recording studio in Queens, New York A weapon was found outside of the crime scene and is part of evidence being shown to the jury On the night of October 30, 2002, however, he barely had time to react when the two men and an accomplice, Jay Bryant, showed up at his studio in Jamaica, Queens. Bryant was charged last year after he was seen going into the building the night of the killing and his DNA was recovered at the scene. He will be tried separately in 2026. In the prosecutors' account of the murder, Mizell was in his recording studio in Hollis, the Queens neighborhood in eastern New York City where he and the two defendants grew up. The studio was a neighborhood hangout, prosecutors said. Mizell's manager, Lydia High, was there, along with Mizell's friend Tony Rincon, while three other people were working on music in the enclosed recording suite. Byrant, a friend of Jordan whom Mizell did not know, entered the front door and let Washington and Jordan in through a locked back fire exit, both armed with handguns, prosecutors said. Prosecutors say Washington waved a gun and ordered one person to lie on the floor just as Mizell stood up from a couch to greet his godson. Another shot hit and wounded another man in the studio at the time, Mizell's friend Uriel 'Tony' Rincon, before the killers fled, Gonzalez said on Monday during opening statements. Police (pictured at the scene in 2002) identified at least four people in the studio with Mizell, including the two armed gunmen. The city and Mizell's friends offered more than $60,000 in reward money, but witnesses refused to come forward and the case languished Mizell performs on stage. Mizell was 37 and a father-of-three when he was shot dead after allegedly acquiring 10 kilograms of cocaine from a Midwest distributor, which Washington, Jordan and others planned to distribute in the Baltimore area Jordan shot him in the head with a 40-caliber bullet from a few inches away, 'killing him instantly' in a 'brazen murder', Gonzalez told the jury. All three defendants fled moments later. 'It was an ambush, an execution,' she said. 'And you will learn that it was motivated by greed and by revenge. He was murdered in his own studio by people he knew.' Eagan recalled how Randy Allen came into the 103rd precinct where he worked to make a statement about the murder. He told officers it happened at the studio, but offered few other details. The officer and his partner then went to the scene. I heard commotion coming from that area. I saw a body laying on the floor in front of me,' Eagan testified. I checked on the body. He did not [appear to be alive]. The deceased was Jason Mizell. Another gentleman sat next to him on the couch, yelling that he was shot. His last name was Rincon. As I went through the doorway, I observed a female laying on the floor upset, yelling and crying. It was unintelligible. I dont know what she was saying. Eagan said he ruled out anyone as a suspect as they did not appear to be a threat. Jordans defense attorney Michael Houston asked Eagan if he questioned Rincon as to what happened during cross examination. I asked who shot him but he would not answer, the former lieutenant said. He kept on saying he was shot and to get help. Did you ask, did they flee or did they go anywhere?, Houston asked. I moved on to secure the other room because I did not know if there was another threat, Eagan said. Washingtons attorney Cistaro asked: When you asked him who shot him [Mr Rincon], he responded I dont know?" I dont recall him saying that, Eagan replied. Police struggled to close the case because witnesses initially weren't forthcoming. The people in the room at the time didn't identify the killers for months even years later, Gonzalez said. Both Rincon and High are expected to testify, Gonzalez said, and explain why they took so long to tell investigators the identities of the killers. Lawyers defending Washington and Jordan both bluntly told the jury that the defendants did not kill Mizell. They argued that the police still haven't figured it out, and they urged jurors to be skeptical of witnesses who are cooperating in exchange for leniency on their own legal troubles. The wife of alleged shooter Karl Jordan Jr. arrives at the Brooklyn Federal Court on Tuesday Two of the attorneys Susan G. Kellman (left) and Jacquiline Cistaro (right) for defendant Ronald Washington arrive on the second day of the Jam Master Jay trial Jordan was first named as a possible suspect in the slaying in 2007, while he was on trial for a string of armed robberies, though he maintained he had no involvement. Jordan also faces gun and cocaine charges in the trial to which he has pleaded not guilty. While he has no prior adult criminal record, prosecutors allege he has continued to be involved in narcotics trafficking and say they have footage of him selling cocaine to an undercover agent. Washington was serving a 17-year federal prison sentence for six separate robberies when he was charged in Mizell's killing. The trial for Washington and Jordan will be decided by an anonymous jury in Brooklyn federal court and will resume on Tuesday. The trial is expected to last four weeks. Also on Tuesday, a judge denied a prosecution request to use rap songs by Jordan during the trial. The suspect used the pseudonym 'Yadi' to make the songs, including one titled 'Aim for the Head.' Some of the lyrics in the songs describe criminal conduct and in Aim for the Head, Jordan boasts about shooting people in the head, according to the prosecution. But the judge denied the motion and wrote in a ruling that they did not include specific facts. 'In the context of rap music, however, the Court must remain cognizant that hip hop is fundamentally an art form that traffics in hyperbole, parody, kitsch, dramatic license, double entendres, signification, and other literary and artistic conventions to get it point across,"' the judge wrote. 'Jordans lyrics do not mention Mizell, the recording studio in which Mizell was killed, the other shooting victim, or any alleged accomplices,' the judge added. 'Nor does the Government claim that Jordan wrote or performed these lyrics around the time of the alleged murder.' The species has been experiencing an ongoing Unusual Mortality Event since 2017, which includes sub-lethally injured or ill, seriously injured and dead right whales In a separate incident, a one year old calf of Catalog #1208 was spotted rolling over several times in the water at the St. Augustine beach Beachgoers on two Florida beaches have spotted one of the rarest and most endangered whales in the world in the past week. Butterfly, a 43-year-old North Atlantic right whale and her fifth-born were spotted at the Ponte Vedra Beach on January 27. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Butterfly gave birth to the calf during the 2014 calving season. Butterfly, a 43-year-old North Atlantic right whale and her fifth-born were spotted at the Ponte Vedra Beach on January 27 According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Butterfly gave birth to the calf during the 2014 calving season Viewers at the St. Augustine beach also got witness the one of a kind of whale in action earlier last week. A one year old calf of Catalog #1208 was spotted rolling over several times in the water and flaunting her unique white belly pattern. Most North Atlantic right whales have a solid black belly and this youngling's patches of white make them even more rare. Right whale calves normally separate from their mothers after a year, which is why it was seen on its own. A one year old calf of Catalog #1208 was spotted rolling over several times in the water and flaunting her unique white belly pattern at the St. Augustine beach According to NOAA Fisheries , the North Pacific right whale is found in the North Pacific Ocean while its counterpart, the Southern right whale is found in the southern hemisphere According to NOAA Fisheries, the North Pacific right whale is found in the North Pacific Ocean while its counterpart, the Southern right whale is found in the southern hemisphere. Right whales are baleen whales and feed on copepods (tiny crustaceans) by straining huge volumes of ocean water through their baleen plates, which act like a sieve. The whales have stocky black bodies with no dorsal fins and their blow spouts are shaped like a 'V.' Their tails are broad, deeply notched and all black with a smooth trailing edge. The North Atlantic whales have been listed under the Endangered Species Act since 1970. There are approximately 360 individuals remaining, including fewer than 70 reproductively active females. The species has been experiencing an ongoing Unusual Mortality Event since 2017, which includes sub-lethally injured or ill, seriously injured and dead right whales. Right whales are baleen whales and feed on copepods (tiny crustaceans) by straining huge volumes of ocean water through their baleen plates, which act like a sieve There are approximately 360 individuals remaining, including fewer than 70 reproductively active females Right whales were first hunted by Norse whalers in the 9th century and by commercial whalers in the early 1900s, causing a serious decline in their population. Their habitat also continues to overlap with shipping lanes and fishing lines, leaving them vulnerable to vessel strikes and entanglements in fishing gear. Right whales migrate seasonally and may travel alone or in small groups. During spring, summer, many of them are found in the waters of New England and further north into Canadian waters where they feed and mate. In the fall, some right whales travel more than 1,000 miles from these feeding grounds to the shallow, coastal waters of their calving grounds off of South Carolina, Georgia and northeastern Florida, though migration patterns vary. Pilots of an American Airlines plane claim they were distracted by paperwork when they taxied into the path of a departing Delta flight last year, but avoided disaster thanks to a fast-thinking air traffic controller, according to new documents. The London-bound American Airlines Boeing 777 crossed the runway without clearance and nearly collided with a Dominican Republic-bound Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 on January 13, 2023 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. In interviews with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the American Airlines pilots said they taxied into the wrong runway because they were distracted by last-minute paperwork. Disaster was averted when an air traffic controller swiftly stepped in and said, 'S**t. Delta 1943 cancel takeoff clearance.' After the incident, the air traffic controller remarked: 'My hands are shaking, I'm in shock, like what the f**k just happened.' A London-bound American Airlines Boeing 777 crossed the runway without clearance and nearly collided with a Dominican Republic-bound Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 Disaster was averted when air traffic controller stepped in and said: 'S**t. Delta 1943 cancel takeoff clearance' The American Airlines crew took a wrong turn on a taxiway alongside two perpendicular runways. They had first planned for a takeoff from runway 31L. However, they later got instructions from a controller and a message on their cockpit computer telling them to taxi across 31L and take off from runway 4L. The American Airlines plane crossed 4L just as a Delta plane began its takeoff roll down the same runway. In later interviews, 'all three pilots (on the American Airlines plane) said they understood at that time that (the flight) would be departing runway 4L,' according to the NTSB. The captain, Michael Graber, said that as the plane crossed the middle of runway 4L, he saw red runway lights turn on - the lights warn pilots when it's not safe to be on the runway. 'I think I just got distracted with all this happening and, you know, somehow I reverted back to the 3-1 Left, said Graber. 'All of a sudden I saw that red glow and I just - right away I said something - that aint right.' Graber said, 'I didnt know what was happening, but I was thinking something's wrong.' Pilots of American Airlines plane claim they were distracted by paperwork when they taxied into the path of a departing Delta flight last year The Delta pilots were able to brake to a stop and the planes were never closer than about 1,000 feet According to investigators, the co-pilot Traci Gonzalez, said she knew the entire time they were supposed to cross runway 31L, 'but she was unaware of the airplanes position when the captain taxied onto runway 4L.' 'She knew they were approaching a runway, but she did not realize they were approaching runway 4L,' said the NTSB. The co-pilot also blamed distractions, including an unusually high number of weather alerts. The third person in the cockpit, Jeffrey Wagner, a relief pilot for the long international flight, said he was 'heads down' and didn't know where the plane was as it taxied on to the runway. Delta pilot Captain Wayne J. Hallem said: 'Due to the extreme darkness of the evening, it was not until we began decelerating that I saw the American Airlines 777 crossing the runway in front of us.' The Delta pilots were able to brake to a stop and the planes were never closer than about 1,000 feet. The report renewed recommendations that the Federal Aviation Administration require better preservation of cockpit voice recordings, amid a slew of airplane near misses. Six people were injured after an American Airlines flight had to make a 'hard landing' on Saturday. An American Airlines plane skidded off the runway and onto the grass at Rochester Airport in New York as it landed on January 18 Flight 271 took off from Los Angeles International Airport before landing in Kahului Airport in Maui, Hawaii just after 2 p.m. local time. One passenger and five flight attendants had to go to hospital with minor injuries following the 'hard landing' - the aircraft has now been taken out of service to undergo an inspection. Earlier this month, an American Airlines plane skidded off the runway at Rochester Airport in New York as it landed. The aircraft, with 53 people on board, flew in from Philadelphia and landed around 4pm before it slid onto the grass amidst the snowy conditions. It is not clear what caused the aircraft to veer off the runway. Joy Reid has been caught swearing about the prospect of another war in the Middle East when she forgot to turn her microphone off. The MSNBC pundit was airing a clip of President Joe Biden giving a speech about the border crisis when she said 'starting another f**king war'. Her remark to others in the studio was presumably about the fallout from a drone strike by Iran-backed militants on a US base in Jordan that killed three soldiers. Biden has not yet launched any retaliatory strikes but there is discussion in Washington about a military response. Before the hot mic moment, Reid was attacking Republican leaders who vote against White House policies, then take credit for the benefits afterwards. Joy Reid has been caught swearing about the prospect of another war in the Middle East when she forgot to turn her microphone off She said a good example of this was negotiations on a comprehensive border security and immigration bill. 'Case in point fixing what they say is a crisis at the border with congressional negotiators continuing work on a bipartisan deal to tie border policy changes to funding for Ukraine,' she said. 'Over the weekend, President Biden said he's ready to take action if Congress is serious about solving the border issue.' These efforts are being hampered by Donald Trump trying to scuttle them and make the border crisis worse so he can campaign on it at the election. Reid aired the clip of Biden speaking at Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday, telling the crowd he would fix the border today if Congress finally passed the bill. Her mic was cut after she swore and the first few words of what she said after the clip finished were inaudible. 'Still trying to kill the deal,' she said when it came back on, she said - almost certainly about Trump. 'He bragged about blocking progress and said, please, please, blame him if it fails.' Reid aired a clip of Biden speaking at Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday, telling the crowd he would fix the border today if Congress finally passed the bill Negotiations are underway in Congress on a comprehensive border security and immigration bill as thousands of asylum-seekers cross the border every day Reid gave a quick apology for swearing later in the program after she was told her remark went live to air. 'Before we go, I just want to apologize very quickly. I was chatting during a clip that was playing, and you know, we try to keep this show very PG-13, so I just want to apologize to anyone who was listening to my "behind the scenes" chatter. I deeply, deeply apologize for that,' she said. US forces may have mistaken an enemy drone for an American one and let it pass unchallenged into the desert base in Jordan where it killed three US troops and wounded dozens more. Biden faced a difficult balancing act, blaming Iran and looking to strike back in a forceful way without causing any further escalation of the Gaza conflict. As the enemy drone was flying in at a low altitude, an American drone was returning to the small installation known as Tower 22, according to a preliminary report. As a result, there was no effort to shoot down the enemy drone that hit the outpost. A drone strike by Iran-backed militants on this US base in Jordan killed three staff The drone attack late Saturday night impacted a US outpost located in the northeast part of the country known as Tower 22, near the Syria border, and resulted in at least 34 other injuries One of the trailers where troops sleep sustained the brunt of the strike, while surrounding trailers got limited damage from the blast and flying debris. While there are no large air defense systems at Tower 22, the base does have counter-drone systems, such as Coyote drone interceptors. Aside from the soldiers killed, the Pentagon said more than 40 troops were wounded in the attack, most with cuts, bruises, brain injuries and similar wounds. Eight were medically evacuated, including three who were going to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The other five, who suffered 'minor traumatic brain injuries,' were expected to return to duty. The Pentagon identified those killed in the attack as Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia; Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; and Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia. The three US Army Reserve soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade in Fort Moore, Georgia. The explanation for how the enemy drone evaded U.S. air defenses came as the White House said Monday it's not looking for war with Iran even as Biden vows retaliatory action. The reservists killed were Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia; and Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia The Democratic administration believes Tehran was behind the strike. The brazen attack, which the Biden administration blames on Iranian-based proxies, adds another layer of complexity to an already tense Mideast situation as the Biden administration tries to keep the Israel-Hamas war from expanding into a broader regional conflict. 'The president and I will not tolerate attacks on U.S. forces, and we will take all necessary actions to defend the U.S. and our troops,' Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said as he met at the Pentagon with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The drone attack was one of dozens on U.S. troops in the Middle East since Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7, igniting the war in Gaza. But it's the first in which American service members have been killed. Biden promised on Sunday to 'hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner (of) our choosing' but said the U.S. wasn't seeking to get into another conflict in the Middle East. A massive fire is tearing through a chicken farm in Texas sending a huge plume of smoke into the sky. The inferno at Feather Crest Farms in Bryan - about 100 miles outside of Houston - began at about 5pm on Monday The blaze has since been contained between two buildings and tanks but officials have warned that it could take days to put the fire out. It is unclear how the fire started and how many chickens were injured, but no injuries have been reported as the farm is located in a rural area with few homes nearby. Brazos County Sheriff Wayne Dicky said that Democrat Road was closed Monday but that hat all lanes on Highway 21 were re-opened. Authorities have urged people to stop pulling over in the area to take photos of the fast-spreading fire. A massive fire broke out at Feather Crest Farms in Bryan, Texas at about 5pm Monday The blaze has been contained but it could take days to put the fire out Fire officials said that it will take time to put out the tall fire as the building is made of metal. When certain metals catch on fire there is a possibility that the structure could combust and maybe even explode, according to Australian General Engineering. Authorities said that the metal structure has also made it too dangerous to send firefighters into the building, but calm winds have helped to extinguish it. Fire crews can be seen trying to put out the large and bright orange flames surrounded by thick black smoke. Bryan Texas Utilities reported that 'approximately 140 customers' in the local area experienced power outages on Monday evening so firefighters could 'safely' battle the fire. Power was later restored about 7.25pm as multiple fire crews responded to the blaze. Firefighters from Brazos, Robertson and Madison counties had to haul water in from other areas as the water pressure was too low in the Kurten, a town about 15 minutes away from Bryan. The inferno happened at Feather Crest Farms in Bryan - about 100 miles outside of Houston Feather Crest Farms was purchased by MPS Egg Farms in 2020 and allowed for the egg supplier to add around 1million hens to their operation Sam Krouse (right), the vice president of business development for MPS Egg Farms said that Feather Crest Farms is 'well-respected in the industry.' Pictured: Dan Krouse (left), vice president of operations, Bob Krouse (center), CEO, and Sam Krouse of MPS Egg Farms The farm itself has yet to make a statement about the fire, but a spokesperson is expected to release more information in the coming days, according to KAGS TV. According to WATT Poultry, Feather Crest Farms was purchased by MPS Egg Farms in 2020 and allowed for the egg supplier to add around 1million hens to their operation. Sam Krouse, the vice president of business development for MPS Egg Farms previously said: 'We knew of Feather Crest Farms by reputation they are solid and well-respected within the industry.' MPS Egg Farms is a family run business that has been 'involved with Feather Crest since the 1950s,' WATT Poultry reported. The company produces white and brown shell eggs, cage-free eggs, and 'nutritionally enriched eggs,' according to its website. 'With 11 million laying hens, MPS Egg Farms produces 9 million eggs and delivers an average of 24 truckloads of eggs every day,' the website detailed. The exhibition, titled "The Legend of China's Qin and Han Dynasties," showcased a selection of 120 original pieces, including seven warriors and a horse, from nine Chinese museums and institutions. MADRID, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Alicante Archaeological Museum (MARQ) this weekend said goodbye to a 10-month multisensory exhibition of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors from China's Xi'an. The exhibition, titled "The Legend of China's Qin and Han Dynasties," was inaugurated on March 28, 2023. It showcases a selection of 120 original pieces, including seven warriors and a horse, from nine Chinese museums and institutions. "The Terracotta Warriors and the archaeological heritage are ambassadors of culture throughout the world," Spanish archaeologist and researcher Marcos Martinon-Torres told Xinhua. Martinon-Torres, a professor at the University of Cambridge and the curator of the exhibition, explained the complexities of its logistical framework. "It is an exhibition of archeology and history, but also of technology and science," said the researcher, who has been working jointly with archaeologists and researchers from Xi'an since 2006. MARQ said that around 280,000 people have visited the exhibition. "Not only is the quantity important, but also the impression people form after the exhibition," said Martinon-Torres. The response to the exhibition has been "very enthusiastic, very positive," he added, "especially taking into account the great diversity of the public, who range from tourists seeking sun and beach to academics and children." The exhibition curator said he hoped that the exchange of knowledge with China will continue to be promoted. The suspected teen, who remains unidentified, has been arrested Dozens of guns, explosives and a rocket launcher were seized at the home of a teen who made threats of a mass shooting at a California high school. The suspect, who has not been identified, has been arrested and taken to juvenile jail after allegedly threatening to shoot up Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego on Tuesday. The student's father, Neil Anders, 45, has also been arrested and booked into the county jail, facing charges of possession of illegal firearms, manufacturing assault weapons and possession of a destructive device. At their home, located blocks away from the school, authorities found multiple unregistered and unserialized firearms, along with manufacturing supplies to make rifles and handguns. Additionally, a 'large quantity' of explosives and rocket-propelled grenades were discovered, as reported by NBC7. A father and son have been arrested in the San Diego area after the teen threatened to shoot up a local school. At their home, located blocks away from the school, authorities found multiple unregistered and unserialized firearms, along with manufacturing supplies to make rifles and handguns Dozens of guns, explosives, and a rocket launcher were seized at the home of a boy who made threats of a mass shooting at a California high school The suspected teen, who has not been identified, has been arrested and taken to juvenile hall The teenager allegedly told several students on Friday last week that he would shoot up the Rancho Bernardo High School campus on Tuesday. There was no reason given why the teen wanted to shoot up the school. Police raided the house early Tuesday morning as they served a gun-violence restraining order against the family. Anders' wife and other kids were at home when cops arrived. They were allowed to leave when Anders and his son were arrested. Officers referred to the dad as a 'doomsday' prepped-style person. The school has undergone a sweep for explosive devices, and officers will remain present on campus all morning. Hans Becker, principal of Rancho Bernardo High School, said some students had witnessed another student showing concerning videos and making threatening statements against others on Monday afternoon. 'Law enforcement was contacted immediately and launched an investigation yesterday evening. After deputies met with the student, they were taken into custody and all families of impacted students were notified.' 'We want to assure you we will be working very closely with law enforcement and the city attorneys office to address the matter appropriately, according to PUSD and police procedures,' Becker said. The principal added that cops will be on campus next week following up on their investigation and providing a reassuring presence. Additionally, a large quantity of explosives and rocket-propelled grenades were discovered, as reported by NBC7 The student's father, Neil Anders, 45, has also been arrested and booked into the county jail, facing multiple charges, according to law enforcement officials A spokesperson with the San Diego Police Department told DailyMai.com that Anders is scheduled to be arraigned in San Diego superior court downtown on Thursday. DailyMail.com has reached out to Rancho Bernardo High School for further information about the case and arrests. The arrests come on the 45th anniversary of another San Diego school shooting. On January 29, 1979, 16-year-old Brenda Spencer began shooting from her home across the street from Grover Cleveland Elementary School. She shot eight students and killed two adults -principal Burton Wragg and custodian Mike Suchar - as they pulled children to safety. A police officer was shot in the neck when he arrived at the scene. After the shooting, Spencer barricaded herself inside the home and even told a local report she did the shooting because 'I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day.' She surrendered to the police hours later. Spencer pleaded guilty to murder and other counts and was sentenced to life in prison. She remains incarcerated today. Ohio officials are weighing up re-introducing the death penalty following the first ever use of nitrogen hypoxia in Alabama last week. The state hasn't executed an inmate since 2018, with Republican Governor Mike DeWine declaring in 2020 that lethal injections were 'no longer an option', citing a judge's ruling the method can cause 'severe pain and needless suffering.' Despite issues with last week's execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith, where the killer writhed and struggled through a 22-minute ordeal, Alabama officials have since pushed the method as an effective technique. With Alabama now offering to help others introduce nitrogen hypoxia to death rows across the country, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said he intends to use a Tuesday press conference to lay out the 'next steps.' Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (pictured) said he plans to lay out the 'next steps' to introducing nitrogen hypoxia executions to his state Kenneth Eugene Smith was sentenced to death in 1996 after admitting the murder-for-hire killing of a pastor's wife who was beaten and stabbed in 1988. On Thursday evening, he became the first person in US history to be executed with nitrogen gas Following Smith's historic execution, questions have been raised over whether the untested method is a humane solution to America's issues obtaining lethal injection drugs. The episode saw Smith remain conscious for several minutes as the nitrogen flooded his mask, as he struggled against his restraints. While Smith's spiritual advisor inside the execution chamber described it as a 'horror show', state officials in Alabama praised it as a step forward. On Friday, Yost took to X to float the idea of using nitrogen hypoxia in his state, saying: 'Perhaps nitrogen - widely available and easy to manufacture - can break the impasse of unavailability of drugs for lethal injection. 'Death row inmates are in greater danger of dying of old age than their sentence.' A number of Ohio officials have joined Yost in expressing interest in bringing nitrogen hypoxia executions to their state, with Yost's press conference set to bring together Republican state Reps. Brian Stewart and Phil Plummer and the executive director of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Lou Tobin. State Rep. Josh Williams, of Toledo, told Cleveland.com the GOP lawmakers are preparing legislation that would allow using nitrogen gas as a backup if lethal injection drugs aren't available. Ohio's last execution was on July 18, 2018, when Robert Van Hook was put to death by lethal injection for killing a man he met in a Cincinnati bar in 1985. His was the 56th execution since 1999. Robert Van Hook was the last inmate to be executed in Ohio in 2018, 33-years after he murdered a man he met in a Cincinnati bar Over the almost-six-years since Van Hook's execution, Ohio has faced the same challenge many other states have in obtaining drugs used for lethal injections. The issues primarily stem from a lack of willingness from pharmacies to produce the drugs used in executions. Pfizer's decision to halt use of its products in 2016 closed the last remaining open-market source of the drugs. Yet, executions have continued, leading to controversies such as the Texas Department of Corrections' tactic of extending the use-by dates of lethal injection drug pentobarbital for years. With limited options, Alabama's Attorney General Steve Marshall vowed to continue using nitrogen gas, as he branded Smith's death 'textbook.' Marshall said of the 165 inmates on Alabama's death row, 43 prisoners have opted to be executed via nitrogen hypoxia over lethal injection when their time comes. 'We'll definitely have more nitrogen hypoxia executions in Alabama,' he added. In Ohio, this has seen certain lawmakers of both political parties push bills over the years to eliminate the state's death penalty, including a measure introduced this session. It's an option that DeWine - who helped write the state's current law, enacted in 1981 - has stopped short of supporting. Ohio officials have indicated that they are preparing to re-introduce executions for the first time in almost six years. Pictured: The execution chamber in the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville, Ohio As time has passed, however, the governor has questioned the death penalty's value because of the long delays that elapse between crime and punishment. He told The Associated Press during a year-end interview last month that he was not prepared to announce whether he would support an outright repeal. 'I did make it clear a few years ago that we could not carry out executions in the state of Ohio under the current law,' he said. 'There's been really no movement in the state Legislature to come up with a different way of execution.' He said that would have been 'the logical thing,' if support were there for continuing the practice. Ohio has 118 men and one woman on death row, according to the most recent state report. Father David Smith, 67, detailed his attempts to rescue his children from the deadly blaze Siblings Angel Smith, 11, Demetrius, 10; Davida, 9; Deontay, 5; D'Angelo, 4; and 17-month-old Faith died in the house fire in Indiana These are the six siblings who died in a fire at their Indiana home while their father attempted to save them. On January 22, flames tore through a South Bend home and claimed the lives of the Smith children: Demetrius, 10; Davida, 9; Deontay, 5; D'Angelo, 4; and 17-month-old Faith. Angel, 11, was airlifted to Riley Children's Health in Indianapolis to make a recovery. On Friday, the Navarre Middle School student was taken off life support and pronounced dead. Father David Smith, 67, sat down for a Facebook Live interview one day after the fire, describing his efforts to save the children after the blaze broke out. Smith explained how he and his children were watching movies in his upstairs bedroom when one of his boys returned from the bathroom and alerted him to an suspicious odor. Angel Smith, 11, died on Friday. She survived the blaze and was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead later. Demetrius, 10, died at the scene Deontay Smith, 5 (left) and Faith Smith, who was just over a year old, also died in the blaze Davida Smith, 9 (left) and D'Angelo Smith, 4 (right) died in the fire 'He ran back and said "Daddy I smell smoke, I think it's a fire,"' Smith said. When the 67-year-old took a look himself, he saw smoke creeping from the lower level of the home before flames shot out, forcing him back upstairs. 'I noticed the smoke was so thick and black, you couldn't even see nothing,' Smith said. He began trying to kick out windows on the second floor. 'I was passing out and I stuck my head out the window, got me some fresh air and I tried to crawl back where the babies was at. I got part of the way and the smoke was taking all my oxygen. I dove out the window.' Three other men joined him outside to kick the front door in, he said, but Smith was unable to enter the house due to the roaring flames. Tosha Washington, the siblings' older sister, said she received a phone call from Demetrius as she was heading to work. 'I thought it was my dad...but it was my little brother Demetrius. He was like "Tosha, the house on fire,"' she said. David Smith, 67, sat down for an interview with his daughter Tosha Washington (left) one day after a house fire claimed the lives of his six other children. He says he tried to save them but couldn't Smith said he spotted smoke on the first floor before flames shot out at him, forcing him to return upstairs. He then began kicking windows out When she asked where their father was, Demetrius responded that he thought he was going downstairs but may have gone out the window. Washington says she instructed the fifth-grader to call 911 before they lost contact. 'I kept saying "Hello?" and I looked at my phone, the phone was hung up,' she said. 'By the time I made it to the house, the house was in flames.' The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Smith says he encountered prior electrical problems at home, as did the former residents who moved out in August. An inspection report from July uncovered electrical issues throughout the home, which were previously listed as Section 8 housing. Many outlets did not work and some were burned. The local community rallied around Smith in the aftermath of the blaze, organizing a donation drive and setting up a GoFundMe campaign Community members left a memorial outside the blackened shell of the home and came together for a balloon release on January 28 Elijah Luciano, a neighbor and close friend of Smith's, organized a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses. 'A house fire has taken his beloved children...and left him lost and alone with only the clothes on his back,' Luciano wrote on the campaign page. 'Our hope is to raise enough money to put his babies to rest in a beautiful place.' Two firefighters were injured in their attempts to rescue the children. One, identified as Roy White, fell through the second floor and was hospitalized. He was able to return home and remains off duty. Another firefighter sustained minor burns and was cleared to return to work following treatment. A horrified British couple claim their 'perfect day' in Lanzarote was ruined after they were charged 106 at a restaurant for just five prawns. Dean Cadywould, 55, and his wife Kerry Cadywould, 47, have been going to Playa Blanca in Lanzarote for ten years and decided to venture to seafront eatery Casa Pedro. Dean and Kerry had enjoyed a leisurely day of driving around the island when Dean asked the waiter if the restaurant had any prawns on the menu as they are his 'wife's favourite'. The couple said they were served a bread basket, five king prawns accompanied by just eight Canarian potatoes, and two drinks. Dean says they already felt disappointed by this as there was only 'hardly any meat' on them once they had been de-shelled. However, the father-of-two was left feeling 'conned' after his wife spotted that the bill came to a whopping total of 137 (116). Dean Cadywould, 55, and his wife Kerry Cadywould, 47, have been going to Playa Blanca in Lanzarote for ten years and decided to venture to seafront eatery Casa Pedro The couple said they were served a bread basket, five king prawns accompanied by just eight Canarian potatoes, and two drinks at the restaurant Their measly main course of five prawns last Saturday came to 125 (106) - meaning it cost the couple more than 20 per prawn. Despite paying the bill, the magician was so 'incensed' that he returned to Casa Pedro to complain and was offered a 40 (35) refund. We were hit with 310 bill by rip-off Mykonos restaurant that told us we'd get free sun loungers if we bought two drinks Presented with a bill of 360.80, the holidaymaker said they were left shocked at the restaurant's prices Advertisement But he still doesn't think this is enough and believes the restaurant to be taking advantage of unassuming tourists and feels that they were 'ripped off'. The restaurant explained that the couple enjoyed Carabineros prawns, a prized and more expensive type of prawn with flavours more akin to lobster. Dean, from Leigh-on-sea, Essex, said: 'We asked for the bill, they brought it over and it's for 137. My wife's face dropped. 'I said, "what's wrong?" She said, "it's 137". The prawns weren't worth 25, nevermind 125. '[The owner] came over and said, "Yes, I know, sorry they're expensive". 'We got home, I put it on Facebook and someone said the price has to be displayed. 'I went marching back there. I was that incensed. I was furious. I just felt cheated. He knew exactly what he was doing. 'It just takes advantage of tourists. We'd had an amazing day, an amazing holiday, and it 100% ruined our night.' The bread and butter cost the pair 4, their drinks totted up to 8, and the prawns 125, which Dean claims he and Kerry were totally unaware of. An image of a prawn dish, as displayed on the restaurant's social media account. Dean says their prawns 'hardly any meat' on them once they had been de-shelled The couple's measly main course of five prawns last Saturday came to 125 (106) - meaning it cost the couple more than 20 per prawn Dean posted a furious message about the meal on social media, noting that his day was 'completely ruined' Dean said: 'My wife loves prawns, so I just mentioned king prawns. They went, "oh hang on, let me go to the kitchen and see if we have any". 'They came out with these prawns and we looked at them and thought "lovely". 'So they bring it out [the prawns] on a silver tray, five king prawns all in their shell, about eight Canarian potatoes and a few slices of tomato and lettuce. That is it. 'My wife and me, we didn't want to cause a scene but we just sort of looked at each other with an inquisitive smile, thinking "how does this work?" '[We got] two and half king prawns as our main [course] which we had to shell. There's hardly any meat. 'That's before I knew I was being ripped off. 'The whole thing was so bizarre.' Dean and his wife, who owns a balloon shop, have been going to Lanzarote for years and hope to move out there one day together. However, the couple have now vowed to avoid Casa Pedro forever and hope to warn other holidaymakers about being conned by the restaurant. Dean said: 'We love Lanzarote, Playa Blanca. We love it and we've been there many times over the last few years. 'We always hire a car so we'd been driving round the island and had a lovely day. We were looking forward to a nice dinner. 'It was a super day and it just really bugged me. They were just taking the mickey. Dean and Kerry on holiday. The couple have now vowed to avoid Casa Pedro forever and hope to warn other holidaymakers about being conned by the restaurant 'It wound me up. I just don't like being conned. '[The next] morning we kind of smiled about it and put it behind us. It does rile you up though. 'My wife and I want to move out there eventually, but we'd never go back there. It was so bad.' The restaurant has a rating of 3.7 stars on Google, with numerous one-star reviews complaining about the price and specifically the prawns. When contacted for comment, Restaurant Casa Pedro claimed that the couple were served Carabineros red prawns, which they claimed are not like ordinary shrimp or prawns but are more like red lobster. Carabineros are type of deep-sea prawn coveted for their size and flavour, and are known for being more expensive than regular shrimp. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has said it's 'time to move on' A judge denied a defense motion for a re-trial based on comments by the clerk that attorneys argued influenced the jurors South Carolina's Attorney General has said it's 'time to move on' from Alex Murdaugh's double homicide case after a judge denied his request for a retrial. Murdaugh's defense team argued jurors were influenced by controversial clerk Becky Hill - but Judge Jean Toal shot this down, ruling yesterday that a new trial is not needed. Murdaugh, 55, was convicted in March 2023 of murdering his wife Maggie and their 22-year-old son Paul in June 2021. AG Alan Wilson agreed with the ruling, saying it's 'clear' that Murdaugh's convictions for the murders of his wife and son are based 'solely upon the facts and evidence of the case'. However, Murdaugh can appeal this decision. 'It's time to move on and forward,' Wilson said in a statement after the decision. Alex Murdaugh, center, talks with his defense attorney Jim Griffin, left, during a jury-tampering hearing at the Richland County Judicial Center on Monday. He had a request for a new trial denied Judge Jean Toal ruled that a new trial was not needed just because of some 'fleeting and foolish comments' made by Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill (pictured) South Carolina's Attorney General Alan Wilson (pictured) has said it's 'time to move on' from Murdaugh 's double homicide case after a judge denied his request for a retrial 'As with all cases, the Attorney General's office and SLED's only mission is to seek the truth and deliver justice, wherever the facts lead,' Wilson said on Tuesday. 'It does not matter your name, position, or status, no one is above the law. 'We take very seriously allegations in this situation and immediately requested an investigation, committed to discovering the truth, regardless of what it might find. 'After that thorough investigation, and a fair public hearing, it is clear that Alex Murdaugh's convictions for the murders of Maggie and Paul are based solely upon the facts and evidence of the case.' DailyMail.com has contacted Murdaugh's lawyers about whether he plans to appeal the decision. The defense is expected to file other appeals over his sentence and argue his trial was unfair. Toal ruled a new trial based on the clerk's alleged interference was not needed just because of some 'fleeting and foolish comments' made by Hill. Murdaugh has remained adamant that he did not kill his son Paul with a shotgun and his wife Maggie (both circled) with a rifle Jurors said Hill influenced their decision. The judge yesterday said Hill was attracted by the 'siren call of celebrity' to write a book Hill is seen on the stand in Monday's hearing to determine whether Murdaugh would get a new trial for the murders of his wife and son. Her attorneys issued a statement on Tuesday saying they agreed with the judge's ruling denying a retrial The Colleton County clerk's attorneys, Justin Bamberg and Will Lewis, issued a statement saying they agreed with the judge's ruling. 'We respect today's ruling by Justice Toal denying Alex Murdaugh's motion for a new trial,' they said. 'Justice Toal described Becky Hill's alleged comments at the center of Murdaugh's defense counsel's argument as 'fleeting' and that any interaction she had with jurors in no way influenced their collective decision on the facts of the case. 'We agree with Justice Toal's finding that the Colleton County jurors selected for this very complicated and lengthy trial were consummate professionals and operated within the instructions of the court. We thank them for their service.' Prosecutors based their case on damning cell phone evidence that showed him at the crime scene near the time of the murders. The pair were both shot dead at the family's hunting lodge. He has maintained his innocence throughout and claims the 12-person jury pool was tainted from the beginning, influenced by a swarm of media attention and by the actions of Hill - who went on to write a book about the case. They asked for a retrial based on jurors' remarks that court clerk Hill made improper comments to them that they said sounded as if she was trying to influence them by telling them to 'watch' Murdaugh 'closely.' One of the 12 jurors said that Hill's conduct did influence her. 'To me, it felt like she made it seem like he was already guilty,' the juror testified on Monday. Asked whether this influenced her vote to find him guilty, she said: 'Yes ma'am.' Toal is seen in court on Monday In later questioning, the juror told the judge that her August affidavit was accurate, in that she felt her fellow jurors, rather than Hill, convinced her to convict Murdaugh. 'I had questions about Mr Murdaugh's guilt but voted guilty because I felt pressured by other jurors,' she said. Toal said Hill was attracted by the 'siren call of celebrity' because she wanted to write a book about the trial. While the judge undermined her credibility, she praised the jury for reaching a verdict in the high-profile trial last year. Murdaugh's lawyers, speaking outside court, said that the judge found Hill was 'not credible', and that will assist their case at the court of appeals. Jim Griffin said that they had 'indications from lawyers representing jurors' that they needed to talk to Hill, and 'she told us things that were jaw-dropping.' Griffin continued: 'We were denigrated, made fun of, in our filing for pointing out that she had a profit motive for this. And the judge agreed with us. 'This is not the final step. If we had won today, the state would be appealing. It's all going to go to the state Supreme Court.' Dick Harpootlian, another of Murdaugh's lawyers, added: 'We all agree that Becky Hill tried to influence these jurors. The judge said the law is unsettled. So we will go to the state Supreme Court.' Hartpootlian added: 'This issue is not harmless error. It can't be.' He insisted Murdaugh did not kill his wife and son, and said they intend to find 'who really did it'. Asked how Murdaugh reacted to the decision, Hartpootlian replied: 'Fine.' Murdaugh was back in court as he tries to get a new murder trial Eric Bland, a lawyer representing five of the 11 jurors, said they were 'pleased' at the result. 'The decision was their own conscious. It was not influenced by anything anyone said or done,' said Bland. 'Yes, there was one juror. That is her conscience. But like the state said, we can't have verdicts that go in perpetuity: that was my verdict then, and this is it now. 'The verdict was the product of free negotiations in the jury room. She did not feel that this verdict was the result of anything Becky Hill said or did. 'We cannot continue to have trials that go over and over again.' Hill published a book, Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders, on the trial in July Bland said he had 'a big problem with some things Becky said.' He said 'Becky may have to answer for some of the things.' Hill wrote a book about the case, 'Behind the Doors of Justice', but made just $100,000 from it, she told the court on Monday. Harpootlian asked Hill about her television appearances following Murdaugh's guilty verdict, and about the book. She admitted that she spoke to people about the possibility of publishing a book before the murder trial ended last year. She also admitted the book has now been taken off shelves after she plagiarized parts of it. On the stand, Hill denied trying to influence the jury in any way, and denied a juror's claim that she had warned the jury to 'watch Murdaugh closely' before his testimony. 'I did tell the jury to pay attention just generally,' Hill added. Hill admitted she sent an email saying she believed the jury would not take long to come up with a verdict. 'It's a gut feeling, that's all I meant by that,' Hill told the court when asked why she said the jury would not take long to deliver on Murdaugh's fate. The court clerk also admitted telling a court reporter she told Murdaugh was guilty, but added: 'none of us were jurors.' A somber-looking Murdaugh entered the packed court room on Monday in handcuffs and shackles before he joined his defense team. Hill, pictured with Judge Newman, is being accused by Murdaugh's defense team of influencing the jury as they move for a retrial Toal ruled that only the 12 jurors who convicted Murdaugh of his wife and son's murders can testify as the disgraced lawyer seeks a new trial As Toal welcomed the jury that convicted Murdaugh back to the court, she clarified they are not accused of any misconduct and apologized for the 'terrible inconvenience.' 'You have done absolutely nothing wrong - none of you. You didn't ask to serve but you served and did your duty,' he said. Jury tampering is the basis for Murdaugh's appeal, but Toal's rulings after a pretrial hearing this month have set a difficult standard for his lawyers to prove. One juror - Juror X - already took the stand in Murdaugh's appeal on Friday, and denied that Hill affected their verdict in any way. Toal ruled the defense must prove that potential misconduct - including alleged comments by Hill warning jurors not to trust Murdaugh when he testifies - directly led jurors to change their minds to guilty. Murdaugh's six-week murder trial, which concluded in March, became a sensation with its mix of privilege, brutality and power. The judges, lawyers and Hill herself all became minor celebrities. The defense made a number of allegations after the guilty verdict, including that Hill told jurors their deliberations shouldn't take long, thereby implying Murdaugh was guilty. Murdaugh's attorneys have also said Hill had conversations in a private bathroom with the jury forewoman and handed jurors business cards of media members who wanted interviews before deliberations. Hill and three jurors did end up in New York City after the trial for a NBC interview. Hill wrote in her self-published book it was her first plane trip. The defense has argued if they prove the jury was tampered with, it shouldn't matter whether a juror openly said their verdict changed, because the influence can be subtle and still keep Murdaugh from getting a fair trial. The parents of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley asked him 'why? why?' and told him 'I love you' when confronting him in a police station just hours after he shot and killed four classmates. New video of Jennifer and James Crumbley confronting their son in the aftermath of the shooting on November 30, 2021 was shown during Jennifer's trial on Monday. The couple has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter each in the deaths of four of the shooting victims while Ethan, 17, has been sentenced to life in prison. As Ethan sat in a chair in the corner of an interview room with his head down, Jennifer shouted 'Why? Why?' at him while James said 'I don't think we need to ask him questions right now,' and then told him: 'I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you'. In a prior interview, the parents told police: 'I really wish we would have taken him home,' after seeing a violent drawing of a gun with the words 'The thoughts won't stop. Help me,' that Ethan had made on the morning of the shooting. Jennifer and James Crumbley confronted Ethan in a police station just hours after the shooting, with the mom asking her son 'Why?', while James repeated 'I love you' James later said he was a 'perfect' kid and never did anything wrong In the clip, Ethan appears to look at his parents and say, 'please take care of Dexter,' referring to his cat. Ethan shot and killed four students, Hana St. Juliana, 14, Madisyn Baldwin, 17, Tate Myre, 16, and Justin Shilling, 17, and injured seven others, including a teacher, on the afternoon of November 30 2021. Jennifer and her husband are accused of contributing to the deaths at Oxford High School by neglecting their son's needs and making a gun accessible at home. It is the first time parents have ever been charged in a US mass school shooting. In the new video revealed on Monday, on day three of testimony, the pair can be seen running through the events of the day with police hours after the shooting. The couple was called into Ethan's school on the morning of the shooting to discuss his mental health after teachers found a concerning drawing of a gun - but they left him at school and returned to work. Jennifer later told police the counselor 'hadn't seemed worried about it, and told them 'he can stay at school or he can go home'. She added: 'I really wish we would have taken him home.' At the start of the interview as James started telling investigators about meeting with the school counselor, Jennifer interrupted saying, 'I think we probably should have a lawyer.' James replied: 'I think we can speak to the cops.' Jennifer then described how she had texted with her son just minutes before the shooting, saying she had asked if he was OK at 12.21pm and he replied saying he had just gotten back from lunch. She said she told him he could talk to his parents and they wouldn't judge him, and he replied 'I know, I love you.' Crumbley's parents, James and Jennifer have both been charged in connection with the shooting Jennifer Crumbley in court on Tuesday, she is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter Jennifer Crumbley's attorney Shannon Smith listening to testimony during the trial on Tuesday Jurors at the involuntary manslaughter trial of Jennifer Crumbley were shown disturbing drawings by mass shooter son Ethan hours before he opened fire at Oxford High school, killing four Ten minutes later he fired his first shot and went on to kill four students and injure seven others over the next nine minutes before he was detained by police. In the interview, James said: 'I mean it's Ethan, Ethan is like, he's a perfect kid, he doesn't do anything.' James also described where the gun and bullets were hidden in an armoire with the bullets hidden separately under a pair of jeans. Part of the case against the couple is that they bought Ethan a new gun just days before the shooting. But they insisted target practice is a family hobby, and James told the investigator that he took his son to the shooting range 'all the time' and added 'I've been trying to teach him safely.' The pair later asked for a lawyer again saying: 'we would like a lawyer present from here on out' and Jennifer, who could be seen on her phone throughout the interview, said she was messaging someone to find an attorney. After the charges against them were announced - the couple went missing, but their lawyers insisted they were not on the run. 'The Crumbleys left town on the night of the tragic shooting for their own safety. They are returning to the area to be arraigned. They are not fleeing from law enforcement despite recent comments in media reports,' the attorneys said. However, it was revealed on day two of the trial that Jennifer had sent a text to her boss a day before the involuntary manslaughter charges were announced saying 'We're on the run again. Helicopters. Not sure where to. I'll message you.' Other new evidence has been unearthed in court this week and presented in the case against Ethan's parents. Jennifer was shown the depraved etchings at a meeting with school staff but allowed her son to remain in school Jennifer became emotional after seeing video of her son walking through Oxford High School during the Nov. 30, 2021 shooting rampage in the courtroom of Oakland County Judge Cheryl Matthews ATF Special Agent Brett Brandon holds up and identifies the SIG Sauer murder weapon used by Ethan Crumbley in the Oxford High School shootings Evidence shows Jennifer and her husband James were riding horses and didn't respond when Ethan sent her text messages on March 17, 2021 saying their house was haunted. She had told her husband earlier that day that she wanted to 'get drunk and ride my horse,' according to a message displayed to the jury. Ethan said he was scared because 'demons' were 'throwing bowls.' 'Can you text back?' he asked his mother. It also emerged that in April 2021, seven months before the school attack, Ethan Crumbley told a friend that he was 'mentally and physically dying.' He said he asked his father to take him to a doctor but was told to 'suck it up.' The main issue at stake is the disturbing homework shown to his parents just hours before he carried out his murderous rampage. On the morning of the shooting, school counselor, Scott Hopkins, called Ethan's parents in to discuss drawings Ethan had made of a gun with the words 'the world is dead'. Ethan had also scrawled the words 'blood everywhere', 'my life is useless' and 'the thoughts wont stop, help me' over the book. His parents discussed the drawings with Hopkins, and decided he could go back to class. Hopkins said on Monday: 'If I believed he (the shooter) was a threat to people, I wouldve taken different actions.' Ethan Crumbley pleaded guilty to his crimes and is currently serving life in jail Ethan texted his mother about his paranoia and fears that someone was in their home, but she didn't reply Then school dean Nicholas Ejak was questioned over why Crumbley's bag wasn't searched at a meeting on the day of the shooting By the day of the shooting, four different employees had reported alarming behavior from Ethan Crawley School officials later said that Crumbley talked his way out of trouble by claiming the drawings were part of plans to create a video game. On Tuesday, then-school dean Nicholas Ejak was questioned over why Crumbley wasn't removed from the school and why his bag wasn't searched after the meeting. He said: 'It wasn't necessary... that I do that because I didn't have any reasonable suspicion to do that.' By the day of the shooting, at least four employees had raised concerns about Ethan's behavior. As well as the drawings, a teacher had told management they had seen him researching bullets and another teacher spotted him watching a video of a person gunning people down. In one email to Ejak, a teacher wrote that he 'was on his phone looking at different bullets'. She added: 'Now that he's on my radar, I'm also noticing that some of his previous work that he's completed from earlier in the year leans a bit toward the violent side.' Despite the reports, Ethan was allowed to return to class after the meeting with his parents, and he later emerged from a bathroom with a pistol and began firing on fellow students. Police said Crumbley's first victim was freshman Phoebe Arthur, who was shot in the face but miraculously survived. A total of 13 people were shot, four of whom died. He walked up and down hallways firing off shots until police arrived and took him into custody. Justin Shilling, 17, (left) and Tate Myre, 16, (right) were also killed in the senseless shooting Madisyn Baldwin, 17, (left) and Hana St Juliana, 14, (right) died in the 2021 shooting rampage at Oxford High School in suburban Detroit Police say Crumbley's first victim was freshman Phoebe Arthur (pictured), who was shot in the face but miraculously survived. A total of 13 people were shot, four of whom died Oxford High School educator Molly Darnell shows the jury her gun shot wound as she is questioned by Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald Both of his parents have been in jail for more than two years awaiting trial, unable to afford a $500,000 bond. James Crumbley is due to stand trial in March. Ethan, who is now 17, was sentenced to life in prison in December after he pleaded guilty to murder, terrorism and other crimes. Ethan was 15 at the time of the shooting. Smith told jurors Thursday that the mother was 'hypervigilant' about her son and shouldn't be blamed for the deaths. Jennifer is expected to testify in the days ahead. Smith wants to challenge some evidence by having Ethan or his doctors speak to the jury. But his lawyers have said he would invoke his right to remain silent and also would not waive a right to privacy with psychiatrists. Earlier this week, the attorney representing Jennifer, Shannon Smith, was forced to apologize for joking about killing herself in court in front of victims' families. Smith, a criminal sexual conduct defense lawyer of over 16 years, made a terrible blunder in court on Friday while appearing at Jennifer Crumbley's involuntary manslaughter trial over the Oxford High School mass shooting. In court on Friday Smith said 'I'm going to kill myself' as she struggled with disorganized evidence in front of a courtroom full of family members of shooting victims The lawyer was struggling to operate her computer and organize her evidence when she said in frustration: 'I'm going to kill myself'. Families of victims from the school shooting carried out by her client's son were in court at the time of her insensitive joke. Smith apologized for her words before the trial on Monday. 'In my frustration, I made a comment that was offensive to victims' families,' she said before adding that it was 'absolutely by accident'. 'I am apologizing for that comment.' The senseless joke came about during the cross examination on Friday when Oakland County Judge Cheryl Matthews asked Smith to disassemble a pile of papers before it fell over - jokingly referring to it as the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa'. Tory MPs have reacted with anger to Foreign Secretary David Cameron's suggestion Britain could bring forward its formal recognition of a Palestinian state. Government ministers were today warned such a move would represent a 'reward' for Hamas atrocities in Israel on October 7 last year. They were also told it risked 'equipping' terror groups with 'the trimmings and capabilities of a state'. The row was stirred up by Lord Cameron's remarks at a London reception last night, in which he discussed a need to give the 'Palestinian people a political horizon'. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently voiced his opposition to a future sovereign Palestinian state in a blow to hopes of a two-state solution in the Middle East. But, at an event in Westminster, Lord Cameron - who is making another visit to the Middle East this week - suggested the UK and allies could attempt to pressure Israel over a two-state solution by moving to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations. Tory MPs have reacted with anger to Foreign Secretary David Cameron 's suggestion Britain could bring forward its formal recognition of a Palestinian state Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pictured last week with Lord Cameron, recently voiced his opposition to a future sovereign Palestinian state Ex-Cabinet minister Theresa Villiers warned against a move that would represent a 'reward' for Hamas atrocities in Israel on October 7 last year Former minister Sir Michael Ellis cautioned about the risk of 'equipping' terror groups with 'the trimmings and capabilities of a state' Palestinian ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot described Lord Cameron's words as an 'historic' moment The Foreign Secretary said there was a need to 'give the Palestinian people a political horizon so that they can see that there is going to be irreversible progress to a two-state solution and crucially the establishment of a Palestinian state'. 'We have a responsibility there because we should be starting to set out what a Palestinian state would look like, what it would comprise, how it would work and crucially, looking at the issue, that as that happens, we with allies will look at the issue of recognising a Palestinian state, including at the United Nations,' he added, as reported by the BBC. 'That could be one of the things that helps to make this process irreversible.' Britain has long been supportive of a two-state solution but Lord Cameron's remarks suggested the UK could bring forward the point at which it gives formal recognition to a Palestinian state. His comments hinted this could be during future peace talks and without waiting until negotiations have concluded with a final peace deal. But the Foreign Secretary faced a backlash in the House of Commons from Tory MPs. During questions in the chamber to Lord Cameron's deputy Andrew Mitchell, ex-Cabinet minister Theresa Villiers said: 'It's really disturbing that BBC online is reporting that the Foreign Secretary has changed the UK Government's approach on recognition of a Palestinian state. 'Will the minister agree with me that bringing forward and accelerating unilateral recognition of Palestinian state would be to reward Hamas' atrocities?' Mr Mitchell replied: 'There is no question of rewarding Hamas for the appalling acts they perpetrated in a pogrom on October 7. 'But the point the Foreign Secretary has been making is that we must give the people of the West Bank and Gaza a credible route to a Palestine state and a new future, but we must do so when the time is right.' Conservative former minister Sir Michael Ellis earlier said: 'The Palestinian authorities' grip on security control across the West Bank has been pushed out by the malevolent forces of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad and local terror groups funded by Iran. 'Wouldn't unilateral recognition of Palestinian state now risk equipping those dangerous actors I just mentioned with the trimmings and capabilities of a state?' Mr Mitchell replied: 'The British Government has always made it clear we intend to recognise a Palestinian state when the timing is right. 'He will have seen the comments of the Foreign Secretary last night, which in no way deviate from that policy, but the Foreign Secretary is pointing out how important it is to ensure that people can see that when a political track gets going, real progress can be made. ' Another former minister, Stephen Crabb, described the gesture as 'noble' but said: 'So long as you've got Hamas clinging on in Gaza that doesn't believe in a two-state solution, they believe in killing and raping Jews, so long as you've got Fatah barely able to control the West Bank, and an Israel which is still in trauma, still trying to get 130 hostages including babies back from Gaza, what does he think that talk about early recognition of Palestinian statehood can achieve?' Greg Smith, Conservative MP for Buckingham, told MPs: 'Surely the only political objective in Gaza is inextricably linked to the security objectives in Gaza, because the grim reality is that Hamas does not seek a ceasefire and Israel cannot be reasonably expected to pursue one with a group that actively seeks its destruction.' He added: 'The only political solution must be the elimination of Hamas and the release of the hostages.' Palestinian ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot described Lord Cameron's words as an 'historic' moment. 'It is the first time a UK Foreign Secretary considers recognising the State of Palestine, bilaterally and in the UN, as a contribution to a peaceful solution rather than an outcome,' the diplomat wrote on social media. 'A UK recognition is both a Palestinian right and a British moral, political, legal, and historical responsibility. 'If implemented, the Cameron Declaration would remove Israel's veto power over Palestinian statehood, would boost efforts toward a two-state outcome, and would begin correcting the historic injustice inflicted on the Palestinian people by colonial Britain's Balfour declaration.' Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's official spokesman said: 'We've always been clear that we will recognise a Palestinian state at a time it best serves the cause of peace and we are committed to the two-state solution.' The heartbroken family of a US soldier killed in a Jordan airstrike have revealed she died alongside her best friend, after following in her family's footsteps to join the military. Kennedy Ladon Sanders' family paid tribute to the 24-year-old after she died in an Iranian-backed blast on the base near the Syrian border over the weekend. Her parents Shawn and Onedia Sanders have described how Sanders was close with fellow fallen soldier Breonna Moffet, who died in the same attack. The Pentagon on Monday confirmed the pair were likely in their beds when the drone struck their sleeping quarters. Mom Onedia told Fox News: 'She made a lot of friends during her time in the military, even people who she went through basic training with. 'Breonna Moffet was one of the ones she grew a close relationship with. Every time she called me or Facetimed me Breonna Moffet was always somewhere nearby.' Shawn and Onedia Sanders, seen here, have described how Sanders was close with fellow fallen soldier Breonna Moffet, who died in the same attack Kennedy Ladon Sanders' she died in an Iranian-backed blast on the base near the Syrian border over the weekend While father Shawn told the outlet: 'She was the life of the party. She enjoyed life. 'She was very competitive, she was goal-oriented and loved the service and serving our country. I miss her right know, this morning has been tough for me.' When asked if she joined the army reserves due to her family being involved in the military, Sanders said: 'We have family that has served. 'I don't know where the influence came from, but she enjoyed her time in the service. 'Me being prior service, I am always focused on her commitment to the army and understanding the ultimate sacrifice. 'I came home, her big brother came home. My dad came home. A lot of us don't have the opportunity to come home, and for those who don't we should honor them. 'I am gracious to be part of it and that so many people are willing to reach out and share their sentiment about her duty to the country. Oneida added: 'I just want everyone to know that Kennedy was a fun-loving person and lived her life to the fullest and enjoyed life. 'I encourage everyone to do the same and whenever you think about Kennedy, whether you knew her or not, just think about how joyful of a personality she was.' Shawn described Sanders, seen here, as being the 'life of the party' and said she had loved her time in the service Shawn Sanders, seen here during his time in the military, said his father and Kennedy's brother had all be in the service, with his daughter following in their footsteps The drone attack late Saturday night impacted a US outpost located in the northeast part of the country known as Tower 22, near the Syria border, and resulted in at least 34 other injuries It comes after Breonna Moffett's family paid tribute to her after also being killed in the blast over the weekend. In an interview with CNN's Abby Philips, Francine and Bernard Moffett described their late daughter as 'loud,' 'loving,' and 'always there for everybody.' They told how she was 'nervous' for her first foreign deployment, but said she was 'loud, loving and always there for everybody'. Moffett's parents described learning of the news of their eldest child's passing on Sunday when military officials knocked on the door. 'It was extremely rough,' said her father. 'We didn't hear of the attack until after we were notified. We were getting ready for church' when the military arrived 'and let us know that it was our baby.' Her mother mentioned that Breonna's decision to enlist came after her mother had spent time in the military. 'She became the second female in the family to join the military,' said Francine. 'She was very proud of herself. I was always very proud of her.' Sanders and Moffet died alongside William Rivers during the deadly suicide drone attack on Saturday In an interview with CNN 's Abby Philips, Francine and Bernard Moffett described their late daughter as 'loud,' 'loving,' and 'always there for everybody' Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia was identified as one of the soldiers killed in the weeekend drone strike This undated photo provided by the U.S. Army shows Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46 who also died in the blast The troops were in their sleeping quarters at the time and the Pentagon confirmed Monday that the victims were likely in bed. The three soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, a US Army Reserve unit based out of Fort Moore, Georgia. Rivers, of Carrollton, Georgia enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2011 was an Interior Electrician. His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, two Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 'M' Device and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star. Chief of Army Reserve, Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, said: 'The loss of Sergeant William J. Rivers, Specialist Breonna A. Moffett and Specialist Kennedy L. Sanders has left an indelible mark on the United States Army Reserve. Marines talk to their comrades on the ground during military maneuvers in the Middle Eastern Country, which borders Syria and Iraq 'On behalf of the U.S. Army Reserve, I share in the sorrow felt by their friends, family, and loved ones. Their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and we are committed to supporting those left behind in the wake of this tragedy.' On Monday night the Biden administration was reportedly mulling revenge strikes on Iranian targets across the Middle East. In a statement made over the weekend, President Biden said: 'While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.' 'Jill and I join the families and friends of our fallen - and Americans across the country - in grieving the loss of these warriors in this despicable and wholly unjust attack.' He added that the three fallen soldiers 'embodied the very best of our nation' - them being 'unwavering in their bravery... unflinching in their duty... [and] unbending in their commitment to our country.' They died, he said, 'risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism.' 'It is a fight we will not cease,' Biden, 81, proclaimed. While he did not identify the militants responsible, the statement confirmed the strike was the work of anti-Western jihadists operating somewhere in the region. Both countries, as of Sunday, boast a bevy of Iran-aligned militias, including Hezbollah and several other Shia militant groups. Since the Syrian War in 2011, Iran has also backed multiple Palestinian terror groups based in Gaza, and various terrorist groups in Bahrain and elsewhere across the Middle East. Donald Trump's firebrand attorney Alina Habba claims a possible conflict of interest between the judge in the E. Jean Carroll trial and her lawyer could lead to overturning the $83.3 million verdict. Habba filed a letter in federal court late on Monday claiming Judge Lewis Kaplan had been 'like a mentor' to attorney Roberta Kaplan when they worked at the same law firm. The pair worked at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison together in the early 1990s, before Judge Kaplan was appointed to the federal bench in 1994. Habba also mentioned a New York Post article quoting an unnamed former Paul Weiss partner who said Roberta Kaplan sought to distinguish herself, like all associates, and Judge Kaplan had been 'like her mentor.' Habba said this 'particularly concerning' matter could justify a new trial on liability and damages, which the judge's 'overtly hostile' treatment of Trump's side and 'preferential' treatment of Carroll's side could also support. Donald Trump's firebrand attorney Alina Habba claims a possible conflict of interest between the judge in the E. Jean Carroll trial and her lawyer could lead to overturning the $83.3miillion verdict Habba filed a letter in federal court late on Monday claiming Judge Lewis Kaplan had been 'like a mentor' to attorney Roberta Kaplan when they worked at the same law firm The former president's legal team is already planning to appeal last Friday's $83.3 million verdict, which stemmed from his June 2019 denials that he raped Carroll in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. Judge Kaplan's chambers did not immediately respond to a request for comment after business hours. Habba's letter cited among other things the Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges. The code says judges shall disqualify themselves from cases where their impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including when 'a lawyer with whom the judge previously practiced law served during such association as a lawyer concerning the matter.' Habba has claimed she was unaware that Judge Lewis Kaplan and Carroll's lawyer Roberta Kaplan - who are not related - worked together in the early 1990s, with the judge serving as her 'mentor', reports the New York Post. 'It was never disclosed. It's insane and so incestuous,' Habba said, arguing their alleged close relationship was never disclosed and she only became aware of it after the conclusion of the case. Habba continued: 'This is news to us. We are going to include this in our appeal and take appropriate measures. The fact it wasn't disclosed is an ethics violation.' The allegations of a conflict of interest were bolstered by an anonymous former Weiss partner, who reportedly claimed Roberta Kaplan - a junior associate - made an extra effort to stand out to the managing partners. 'Lew was like her mentor,' they claimed. Roberta Kaplan (right with Carroll after the verdict) worked at the same firm as Judge Lewis Kaplan for two years in the 1990s Former President Trump's legal team are set to appeal his stunning $83.3 million defamation lawsuit loss to writer E. Jean Carroll, arguing there was a conflict of interest between Carroll's lawyer and the judge presiding over the case On Friday, a jury awarded Carroll (pictured center, with her legal team after their win) over $60 million more than she was seeking for Trump's scathing remarks on her allegations that he raped her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. Trump has maintained he never met her Before becoming a founding partner at law firm Kaplan, Keckler & Fink in 2016, Roberta Kaplan worked alongside the judge at Paul, Weiss Rifkin, Wharton & Garrison in Manhattan. She began at the firm in 1992, according to her LinkedIn, where Judge Kaplan was a partner until he was appointed to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton in 1994. In a statement to the Post, representative for Roberta Kaplan, Zak Sawyer, denied there was any conflict of interest and said the two barely knew each other. 'They overlapped for less than two years in the early 1990s at a large law firm when he was a senior partner and she was a junior associate and she never worked for him,' he said. Judge Lewis Kaplan, who clashed with Trump's legal team numerous times in the fiery trial, was allegedly a 'mentor' for Roberta Kaplan back in the early 1990s Roberta Kaplan (pictured) crossed paths with Lewis Kaplan at a Manhattan law firm for two years from 1992 to 1994. A representative for the attorney denied any conflict of interest, and said 'she never worked for him' Attorney Roberta Kaplan (left) embraces E. Jean Carroll (right) as they leave Manhattan Federal Court on January 18, 2024 in New York City Judge Kaplan clashed with Trump's legal team on numerous occasions in the fiery defamation trial, including threatening to 'lock up' Habba as she continuously interrupted proceedings. The defamation trial concluded in dramatic fashion on Friday, as a jury awarded Carroll over $60 million more in damages than she was anticipating. A civil court jury last year found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in a Manhattan department store, with his comments after the decision leading to the defamation trial that ended this week. Trump was ordered to pay the sum as he accused Carroll of lying when she accused him of sexually assaulting her, and has consistently insisted that he never even met her. The huge damages handed down on Friday came as a surprise even to Carroll, who broke down in tears and embraced her legal team as she won tens of millions more than expected. Carroll, and her lawyers Kaplan and Shawn Crowley, glanced excitedly at each other as the judge queried what the 'm' on the jury's verdict form signified. 'Million,' the foreman replied. She and her legal team then composed themselves as the judge wrapped up the proceedings - while Trump's legal team looked stunned and stoney-faced. The author broke down in tears and hugged her attorneys as the ruling was handed down (seen in a court artist's depiction on Friday) As the decision came in, Trump was already en route to the airport, as jetted to Nevada for his next campaign event in the Republican primaries - while continuing to paint the legal cases against him, including Carrolls, as politically motivated. The former president has already vowed to appeal the verdict and called the case a 'Biden Directed Witch Hunt.' Taking to Truth Social after the verdict, Trump declared that the trial was evidence that there is 'no longer Justice in America.' He derided the ruling as 'absolutely ridiculous', adding: 'Our Judicial System is Broken and Unfair!' 'I fully disagree with both verdicts, and will be appealing this whole Biden Directed Witch Hunt focused on me and the Republican Party,' he continued. 'Our Legal System is out of control, and being used as a Political Weapon. They have taken away all First Amendment Rights. THIS IS NOT AMERICA!' He did not provide evidence that President Biden directed Carroll's decision to seek monetary damages after Trump called her a liar and a 'whack job.' He followed up with another furious post later Friday evening. 'There is no longer Justice in America. Our Judicial System is Broken and Unfair!' he posted. Trump blasted the verdict minutes after the jury hit him with an $83.3 million damage award Donald Trump's defense attorney Alina Habba said she was 'proud' to defend the former president as tore into the justice system following the $83.3million E. Jean Carroll verdict As her client tore into the verdict from a runway, Habba issued a scathing rebuke of the trial from the steps of the courthouse, tearing into the justice system that she sees as being 'weaponized.' The lawyer said her client is being targeted because he is leading in the polls, and raised a number of alleged issues with the trial - the day before she says she became aware of the alleged 'conflict of interest.' Habba, who has defended Trump in multiple New York cases, told the media she wasn't allowed to bring in evidence and claimed one of her witnesses was paid by the law firm of Carroll's attorney. 'I'm not having any second thoughts representing President Trump', Habba told journalists in an impassioned speech as she walked out of Manhattan Federal Court, moments after the damages were read out in court. 'It is the proudest thing I could ever do,' she added. 'I have sat on trial after trial for months in this state... and now we see what you get in New York. 'I am so proud to stand with President President Trump. But I am not proud to stand with what I saw in that courtroom. 'Before I walked into court, that judge decided that every single defense President Trump had, we were not allowed to raise in front of the jury. 'It is in writing and I encourage the journalists, the real journalists to take a minute to look at his orders.' Parts of California are set to be deluged by more than eight inches of rain as a powerful 'Pineapple Express' storm sweeps in this week. The atmospheric-river fueled rains are forecasted to wallop the state on Wednesday, bringing the potential for devastating floods in coastal areas such as Los Angeles and San Diego. The weather system is set to slam already saturated ground with yet more moisture, heightening the risk of landslides and other structural damage. The National Weather Service has currently issued eight flood watches for 'excessive' rainfall until Thursday in some parts of the state. 'There will be an increased risk of rock and landslides along roadways. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas,' the warning states. Coastal areas in California could be swamped by up to eight inches of rain as a fierce Pineapple Express storm sweeps in Flooding has been forecast in coastal areas including Los Angeles and San Diego. Pictured: A street flooded after a heavy rain on December 21 in Oxnard, California The storm comes just a week after San Diego was hit by historic floods (pictured) which destroyed more than 100 homes The Pineapple Express is an example of an atmospheric river and name as such because it is a narrow region of moisture that builds up in the tropical Pacific. The average atmospheric river carries an amount of water vapor roughly equivalent to the average flow of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River. In March last year, a Pineapple Express flooded California with 13 inches of rain, resulting in 13 deaths and widespread destruction. The expected storm comes just a week after historic floods lashed San Diego, forcing residents to flee their homes amid the rising waters. Cleanup operations were still underway after the city declared a State of Emergency amid the monumental rainfall that was almost unprecedented in the coastal community. At least 100 homes were damaged or destroyed after the city saw more rain in a few days than it typically receives all month in winter. There are also fears of a repeat of the evacuations seen in parts of the state amid a massive storm in December. The torrential rainfall brought huge swells that wrought havoc on the likes of Oxnard, Rio Del Mar and Ventura. 'The good news here is it's going to be strong, it's going to be heavy at times, but it's going to be transient it's going to be moving pretty quickly,' FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen said. 'So it's not going to be at the same spot for a long period.' Rain is likely to hit Oregon first before pushing into northern California Tuesday night. The National Weather Service has issued eight flash flood watches across the state. Pictured: Rescuers save a dog during historic flooding in San Diego last week Forecasters also warned of gusts of up to 65mph, bringing the risk of downed trees and power lines leading to outages Residents move furniture out of homes damaged by flooding Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, in San Diego Waves crash into the windows of the Marine Room restaurant Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, in La Jolla, California. A state of emergency was declared in San Diego amid the historic floods Forecasters warned of the possibility of power outages caused by downed power cables and trees amid winds of up to 65mph. Pictured: Storm debris in the Rio Del Mar neighborhood of Aptos on December 28 The warnings come a month after California was hit by a massive storm which led to evacuations across the state. Pictured: A man tries to push a vehicle out of a flooded street as rain comes down, Thursday, Dec. 21 in Santa Barbara Forecasters also warned of gusts of up to 65mph, bringing the risk of downed trees and power lines leading to outages. 'Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,' the National Weather Service. Heading into Thursday, the storm system will move through the valley bringing the threat of flooding in coastal zones and along rivers. The rain should begin to peter out by late Thursday but showers will persist into Friday and over the weekend, pushing towards Arizona and New Mexico by Monday. 'The [forecast] has already indicated a moderate risk for heavy precipitation, heavy snow and high winds for regions in the western and possible flooding along the California coast and in Arizona for Feb. 2 through Feb. 5,' the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes warned. The weather system is largely expected to be warm, meaning that snow will only be reserved for higher elevations in northern Nevada, according to forecasters. PC Gerard Kennedy stalked a woman from Feb-Mar 2023 and has been sacked A Metropolitan Police officer who followed a woman and took photos of her without her knowledge for two months has been sacked by a tribunal. PC Gerard Kennedy, 53, of Kings Sutton, Northamptonshire, was convicted of stalking and jailed for over six years at Northampton Crown Court last year. Northamptonshire Police raided his home and found evidence of the offences after a report by the victim in 2023. Now the creep, who stalked his victim between February and March 2023, has been sacked from the force for gross misconduct. The panel heard how PC Kennedy, who had a decade's service, was sentenced to 78 months and slapped with an indefinite restraining order after being found guilty 'in relation to a range of incidents of stalking'. Metropolitan Police officer PC Gerard Kennedy (pictured), 53, of Kings Sutton, Northamptonshire, who followed a woman and took photos of her without her knowledge for two months has been sacked by a tribunal In her ruling, Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray wrote it was 'completely unacceptable' for police officers to break the law. 'PC Gerard Kennedy was responsible for his conduct. He followed a female known to him and took photographs without her knowledge. His conduct was intentional, targeted, deliberate and planned, and culminated in a conviction for stalking,' wrote AC Gray. 'This type of offending involves a fundamental breach of the public's trust in police officers and inevitably brings the profession into disrepute. 'PC Gerard Kennedy was convicted of a criminal offence. It is completely unacceptable for police officers who are responsible for enforcing the law to break the law themselves.' She added: 'It is understandable that PC Kennedys conviction will undoubtedly undermine public confidence in policing.' AC Gray said an aggravating factor was that PC Kennedy had been an officer for 10 years so 'should have been very aware that his actions amounted to a criminal offence'. PC Kennedy worked for the Met Police (New Scotland Yard pictured) She added that she had not been made aware of any mitigating factors. Northamptonshire Police Detective Inspector Ashleigh Houlden said: 'Kennedy was a serving police officer when he committed this crime and as someone in a position of trust he should have been setting an example to others through his behaviour. Instead he chose to commit this calculated and highly-distressing crime.' PC Kennedy was suspended from work after he was arrested and charged with stalking. On January 25, a misconduct hearing decided PC Kennedy should be dismissed from the Met without notice. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that the Middle East is in the most severe turmoil since the Yom Kippur War in 1973 when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel. 'I think it's very important to note that this is an incredibly volatile time in the Middle East,' Blinken said at a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Monday. 'I would argue that we've not seen a situation as - as dangerous as the one we're facing now across the region since at least 1973 and arguably even - even before that.' Blinken's stark warning was referring to the two-week-long war that began on October 6 1973, when Israel faught off a surprise attack by the the Arab coalition on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. Blinken's comments come in the wake of the Iran drone attack that killed three American soldiers in Jordan over the weekend. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has issued a stark warning - stating that the Middle East is in the most severe turmoil since the Yom Kippur War in 1973 Over 3,000 militants invaded Israel from the land, sea and air in over 20 communities near the border and at the Nova music festival in Re'im 'That is the environment in which we're operating,' Blinken added. 'And of course, that was triggered by the horrific attacks of October 7th by Hamas against innocent men, women and children.' Blinken highlighted the volatile situation - reaffirming the United States' commitment to defending its people, personnel, and interests, noting actions taken to deter and degrade capabilities in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. 'We've made very, very clear from day one that we're going to defend our people. We're going to defend our personnel, we're going to defend our interests. And that's exactly what we've done.' 'We've taken action and significant action to deter groups to degrade their capabilities in Iraq, in Syria, in Yemen,' he said. 'At the same time, the president's been very clear that we want to prevent broader escalation. We want to prevent this conflict from spreading, so we are intent on doing both.' He was referring to the two-week-long war that began on October 6 1973, when Israel faught off a surprise attack by the the Arab coalition on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur Blinken highlighted the volatile situation - reaffirming the United States' commitment to defending its people, personnel, and interests, noting actions taken to deter and degrade capabilities in Iraq , Syria, and Yemen Blinken emphasized the unprecedented danger in the region, with the recent Iran drone attack in Jordan that claimed the lives of three American soldiers, escalating tensions - and promised a strong response if this was used to further instability in the region or as an excuse to attack personnel. 'That is standing up for our people when they're attacked, while at the same time working every single day to prevent the conflict from growing and spreading. And that's exactly what we'll continue to do.' 'It's fundamentally what's in the interest of the United States, what's in the interests of the region. And I think what's in the interest of the world,' said Blinken. 'But the president said this, I think virtually from - from day one to anyone who would try to use the crisis in the Middle East, the conflict in the Middle East to sow further instability and to use it as an excuse to attack our personnel, we will respond.' 'We will respond strongly. We will respond at a time and place of our choosing. And obviously, I'm not going to telegraph what -- what we might do in this instance or get ahead of the president.' 'But I can again tell you that as the president said yesterday, we will respond and that response could be multi-leveled, come in stages and be sustained over time.' The October 7 attack, committed by Hamas terrorists, left 1,200 Israelis dead Blinken also addressed concerns regarding the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA), acknowledging the disturbing reports that employees participated in Oct. 7 attacks and urging a thorough investigation Blinken also addressed concerns regarding the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA), acknowledging the troubling reports that employees participated in Oct. 7 attacks and urging a thorough investigation. 'With regard to UNWRA the reports that we got last week and UNWRA brought them to us were deeply, deeply troubling. It is imperative that UNWRA immediately, as it said it would investigate that it hold people accountable as necessary and that it review its procedures.' He called for accountability and measures to prevent future illegal activity while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of UNWRA's role in providing assistance to those in need in Gaza. He claimed the US will be 'looking very hard' at the steps that the UNWRA takes again to ensure it is 'fully and thoroughly investigated, that there's clear accountability and that is necessary, measures are put in place so that this doesn't happen again.' 'At the same time,' he said, ' The UNWRA has played and continues to play an absolutely indispensable role in trying to make sure that men, women and children who so desperately need assistance in Gaza actually get it. And no one else can play the role that UNRWA's been playing. Certainly not in the -- in the near term.' 'No one has the -- the reach, the capacity, the structure to do what UNRWA's been doing. And from our perspective, it's important, more than an important imperative that, that, that role continues. So that only underscores the importance of UNWRA tackling this uh as quickly as effectively. And as thoroughly as possible and that's what we're looking for.' The UN's agency for Palestinian refugees has launched a probe last week into 12 employees suspected of being involved in the Hamas October 7 terror attacks. Announcing it had opened the investigation, the UNRWA said on Friday that is had also severed ties with the suspected staff members. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, (pictured) did not specify how many employees were implicated in the scandal UNRWA, whose biggest donors in 2022 included the United States, Germany and the European Union, has repeatedly said its capacity to render humanitarian assistance to people in Gaza is on the verge of collapse While Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, did not specify how many employees were implicated in the scandal, the US State Department said that 12 employees were involved. 'The Israeli authorities have provided UNRWA with information about the alleged involvement of several UNRWA employees in the horrific attacks on Israel on October 7,' said Lazzarini. 'To protect the agency's ability to deliver humanitarian assistance, I have taken the decision to immediately terminate the contracts of these staff members and launch an investigation in order to establish the truth without delay,' he added. A damning dossier revealed the participation of UNRWA staff involved in committing atrocious acts against Israel during the October 7 Hamas attacks, Members of the UNRWA took part in killings, kidnappings and arming terrorists during raids on settlements, the explosive document alleges. One worker allegedly took part in one of the kibbutz massacres that killed 97 of the 1,200 Israeli victims that day, another is accused of kidnapping an Israeli woman into Gaza, while one more is said to have handed out rocket-propelled grenades during the bloody ambush. Israel vowed on Saturday to ban the UN aid agency from operating in Gaza after the war ends. Over 3,000 militants invaded Israel from the land, sea and air in over 20 communities near the border and at the Nova music festival in Re'im. Hamas 'slaughtered, tortured, raped, burned alive and mutilated over 1,200 people including infants, children, the elderly and people with disabilities, and kidnapped over 250 people into Gaza. The October 7 attack, committed by Hamas terrorists, left more than 1,200 Israelis dead. Do you live on the close or see what happened? iwan.stone@mailonline.co.uk Do you live on the close or see what happened? Email: iwan.stone@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement This is the dramatic moment police surrounded a crossbow-wielding man before they shot him dead after he forced himself into a family home. Police were called to Bywater Place, Surrey Quays, to find a man, believed to be in his 30s, attempting to force his way into a three-storey property and harm the residents. In the footage, recorded at 4.55am this morning, officers can be heard shouting at residents to 'get out of the house' before they attempted to talk to the attacker, who would eventually threaten them as well. Armed officers were called to the scene shortly after and shot the man dead when he got inside the 300,000 property. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the incident. Photographs from the scene seem to detail what was inside the man's attack kit. The images appeared to show military boots, a gas mask and a bulletproof Kevlar plate vest as well as crossbow bolts. In the footage recorded at 5am this morning, officers can be heard shouting at residents to 'get out of the house' before they attempted to talk to the attacker A gas mask and crossbow arrows were seen at the scene in Bywater Place, Surrey Quays Photographs from the scene detail what was inside the man's terrifying attack kit, which includes a gas mask and bulletproof Kevlar plate vest Police were called to a property (middle left) in Bywater Place, Southwark, at 4.55am to reports of a man, believed aged in his 30s, attempting to force entry into a residential property Police have cordoned off the area after a officer discharged a firearm on the man when het got inside the property Aerial shots of the crime scene which has currently been cordoned off by police Neighbours to the property, which is occupied by several families, described being woken up by a couple screaming and shouting seconds before the attacker was shot. Valeria Bocanera, 37, said: 'There was a man and a woman who were screaming and shouting at each other. It went on for about a minute or so, and then it went silent. 'I did not go outside to see what was happening. My neighbour could see the body out of her window and it was uncovered and just lying on the floor.' One woman, who asked not to be named, said: 'You could hear all the police shouting to each other. We just stayed indoors and the police later told us not to come out.' Restaurant owner Akber Baloch, 52, added: 'I was sleeping and I heard some shouting. It was also like someone was banging a door. There was banging and shouting. It sounded like a man and a woman. 'I am really worried and it makes you feel insecure. I do not know who is wrong or right in this situation but it makes you feel insecure.' A police cordon remained in place, but photos show a ground floor window at the rear of the property has been smashed and an upstairs one wedged open. Police say enquiries are ongoing to inform the man's next of kin. A white and yellow tent has been placed over where the body had fallen. A yellow marker with the No 18 had been placed on the kerb outside the house to signify a piece of evidence. Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service gave the man first aid when they arrived at the scene just after 5am and treated two more people for minor injuries. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called today (30 January) at 5:03am to reports of an incident on Bywater Place, Surrey Quays. 'We sent some resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew and an incident response officer. We also dispatched London's Air Ambulance, which consisted of a trauma team by car. 'We treated three people at the scene, two of whom had minor injuries. The third patient was pronounced dead at the scene.' Police say enquiries are ongoing to inform the man's next of kin and a white and yellow tent (seen in the background) has been placed over where the body had fallen Forensic officers in blue overalls walked around the cordoned off area while a representative from the IOPC carried out door to door inquiries According to the Met, it is standard procedure to hand over a case to the IOPC if a person has been shot by an officer (policewomen at the scene pictured) The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the incident A Met spokesperson explained that armed officers deal with fast-moving and dangerous situations, discharging their weapons rarely. According to the Met, it is standard procedure to hand over a case to the IOPC if a person has been shot by an officer. Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, responsible for policing Southwark, said: 'My thoughts are with all those affected by this incident. 'I understand the local community will be concerned at the events that have taken place this morning. We will fully support the IOPC investigation into the full circumstances of what happened.' The IOPC spokesperson said its investigators were at the scene on Tuesday morning and declared an independent investigation at around 6.40am. Forensic officers in blue overalls walked around the cordoned off area while a representative from the IOPC carried out door to door inquiries. They added: 'We have begun an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a man by the Metropolitan Police Service earlier this morning in Southwark, south London,' said a spokesperson for the watchdog. 'We were notified by the MPS after the incident, which occurred shortly before 5am, and declared an independent investigation at around 6.40am. 'We have sent investigators to the scene and the police post incident procedure to begin gathering evidence. Our investigation is in its very early stages and we hope to provide an update later today.' Local councilor Adam Hood expressed his concerns on the incident via X Mayor of London Sadiq Khan sent out his thoughts to everyone impacted by the incident on social media this morning Adam Hood, Liberal Democrat councillor for Surrey Docks, said he was 'deeply concerned' by the news. He wrote on social media: 'Deeply concerned by this news from Bywater Place. Details are still emerging but at this point I'm thankful to the fast response from emergency services.' Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added: 'My thoughts are with everyone impacted by this incident. 'It's right that the independent IOPC will now investigate the full circumstances. I urge anyone with information to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.' Fatal police shootings are relatively rare in the UK - there were only three in the year to March 31 2023. The most recent Met fatality was the death of Giedrius Vasiljevas, 40, who was shot at his home in Dagenham, east London, in November after calling 999 to say he had loaded guns and wanted to take his own life A mum who died in a house fire that her two boys narrowly escaped from with their lives has been identified. Elizabeth Quijano was asleep inside her home in Roleystone, in the south east of Perth, on Tuesday morning when it caught fire just before 2am. She is believed to have fainted after waking to find her house ablaze, and could not be rescued. Elizabeth Quijano was asleep inside her home in Roleystone, in the south east of Perth, on Tuesday morning when it caught fire just before 2am Ms Quijano's two sons, aged seven and nine, woke their neighbours as they screamed for help. 'The two kids were on the inside banging on the fly screen door,' hero neighbour Dirk Mathiessn told 9News. 'It was obviously deadlocked, they couldn't get through it. There's a window next to it and I just smashed it and got the kids.' Fellow neighbours Misha and Neville Dunn helped pull the children to safety. 'I'll never get that sound out of my head,' Ms Dunn told The West Australian. 'I'll be hearing the screaming for quite a while, it was horrible.' Firefighters later found Ms Quijano's body inside the home. The boys' 'distraught' father was not home at the time of the fire. The fire threatened to spread to nearby properties as it ripped through the family home Police remain at the scene of a horror house fire in Perth where a woman tragically died Another neighbour Colin Peterson choked back tears as he paid tribute to the 'friendly' mother who died in the blaze. 'I used to talk to the woman, she's always friendly and would put up Christmas decorations,' he said. Arson Squad detectives remained at the scene on Tuesday. Police are treating the blaze as non-suspicious. The cause of the fire has not been determined. 'Arson squad and forensic personnel are currently in attendance and we are currently working out how the fire started and determining the cause, and that's ongoing,' WA Senior Sergeant Chris De Bruin said. 'But at this stage, the fire does not appear to be suspicious. 'At this point in time, the fire does not appear to be deliberately lit.' 'We're speaking to the father at the moment. Obviously he's distraught, as is to be expected.' Two children were rescued from the burning home. Pictured is the emergency response at the tragic scene Police also praised neighbours' efforts. 'Two children managed to be saved while the house was on fire so their actions were commendable,' Senior Sergeant De Bruin said. 'Without their actions, this situation could be a lot worse.' WA Premier Roger Cook described the incident as 'desperately sad'. 'We're obviously deeply relieved that the kids were able to be rescued from that situation,' he said. 'But for someone to lose their life, and to lose their life under such circumstances, [is] incredibly saddening and our hearts go out to everyone involved.' Horrified neighbours saw a baby being passed out of a window of a high-rise tower block during a horror flat fire that left two women dead. Emergency services rushed to the blaze at a block of flats on Back Hilton Road in Aberdeen at around 6pm yesterday. Helpless locals watched on in shock as five people, including the baby, were rescued by fire fighters using ladders to climb up to the second floor. One man, who did not want to be named, described the moment he saw the young child being rescued. He said: 'The street was just filled with police, ambulances and fire engines. They were closing the road when I arrived. Two women were killed and five others were treated by ambulance crews at the flat fire in Aberdeen One witness described seeing a baby being passed out of a window to firefighters on ladders 'A baby was passed out the window of one of the flats that was higher up in the block to firefighters on a ladder,' the Daily Record reported. Police said the baby was taken to hospital as a precaution and was later discharged, while four others were treated at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service. The blaze is not being treated as suspicious but an investigation is ongoing. Neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution while emergency services tackled the 'extremely challenging' blaze. Ashley Finnie, 43, who lives next door to the flat that went up in flames told The Scottish Sun that firefighters smashed into her empty flat. Returning the next day to check on her pet lizards, Ms Finnie said: 'There is a strong smell of smoke. I've no idea when I'll be allowed to move back in. A baby was rescued and taken to hospital before later being discharged. The four other people were treated at the scene by ambulance crews Neighbouring flats were evacuated as a precaution as the firefighters tackled the blaze 'But it could have been a lot worse. It just doesn't bear thinking about. 'I hope those who were in the fire didn't realise what was happening. It is just awful.' Another family claim they have been left with 'nowhere to go' after the evacuation by emergency services. Unaiza Imtiaz, 31, her partner Ehsan Ali, 35 and their five-year-old son Shazil, say they have nowhere to turn as they have no friends or family in Aberdeen. The couple, who are both doctors, moved to Aberdeen with Shazil in November after Dr Imtiaz was offered a job at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. She said the family were out at the time of the fire but were met with the emergency services when they returned. 'The area was cordoned off. All we could see was the smoke going into the sky,' she said. 'It was the same building so it was really scary. We feel really sorry that two people lost their lives.' Dr Imtiaz told The Press and Journal. Ms Finnie was able to return to her flat to check on her pet lizards and she said there was a strong smell of smoke Unaiza Imtiaz, 31, her partner Ehsan Ali, 35 and their five-year-old son Shazil, say they have nowhere to go now they have been evacuated from their flat A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'A joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is ongoing to establish the full circumstances. 'However, there are no apparent suspicious circumstances at this time.' SFRS area commander Andrew Wright, senior officer for Aberdeen city, Aberdeenshire and Moray, said: 'We were alerted at 5.58pm on Monday to reports of a dwelling fire on Back Hilton Road, Aberdeen. 'Operations control mobilised seven fire appliances and specialist resources to the scene, where firefighters extinguished a fire affecting the first floor of a block of flats. Nearby properties were also evacuated as a precaution. 'Sadly, two people passed away at the scene. A further five casualties were rescued and treated by the Scottish Ambulance Service. 'Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this incident at this difficult time. Witnesses said they saw banging and shouting as people who were trapped tried to get the attention of rescue workers 'Our crews demonstrated unwavering dedication and professionalism as they dealt with an extremely challenging incident in collaboration with the Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland colleagues. 'Crews worked tirelessly to make the area safe before leaving the scene at 9.02pm. 'A joint investigation with Police Scotland is under way.' A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We received a call at 5.59pm on January 29 to attend an incident on Back Hilton Road, Aberdeen. 'Fourteen resources were dispatched to the scene including ambulances, trauma teams and special operation response teams. 'Four patients were treated and discharged at scene and one paediatric patient was transported to hospital as a precaution.' President Joe Biden confirmed he has decided how to respond to the recent Iran-backed drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan but said he does not want the US dragged into a wider war in the Middle East. Biden said he holds Iran responsible for providing the weapons to the militia behind the attack as he faces a monumental decision on how to hit back. Some Republicans have called for him to strike directly inside Iran and have accused him of appeasing the Islamic Republic, while Democrats have urged restraint to prevent escalation. The White House is considering launching strikes on multiple Iranian military assets in the Persian Gulf and Biden has been presented with various options by military chiefs. The retaliation could take place in the coming days as tensions in the Middle East continue to spiral. President Joe Biden has revealed he has decided how to respond to the drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan and reiterated that he doesn't want the US dragged into wider war Biden says he holds Iran responsible for providing the weapons to the militia behind the attack as he faces a monumental decision on how to hit back Speaking at the White House, Biden was asked how he knew Iran was responsible for the fatal drone attack on U.S. troops in Jordan last week. He responded: 'I do hold them responsible in the sense they are supplying the weapons to the people who did it.' When asked if he held Tehran directly responsible, he said: 'We will have those discussions.' Pressed about concerns raised by his own administration about the risks of escalation, the president replied: 'We'll see.' When asked if he has made a decision how the U.S. will respond, he said: 'Yes.' He added: 'I don't think we need a wider war in the Middle East, that's not what I'm looking for.' Aboard Air Force Once, national security spokesman John Kirby provided only a sketch of what was under consideration. 'It's very possible that what you'll see is is a tiered approach here not just a single action but potentially multiple actions.' He also said Biden had met with relatives of families of the three fallen troops, gauging their views on whether he should travel to Dover Air Force Base Friday for the dignified transfer ceremony. 'All of them supported his presence there, and so president will be going to the dignified transfer,' Kirby said. Asked by DailyMail.com whether the U.S. had determined who was behind the attack, Kirby responded, 'We're still we're still working our way through that.' Pressed on how Biden could have decided on a response if that is the case, Kirby responded: 'I don't have anything more to add on that.' Biden's comments came a day after meeting his security team in the Situation Room at the White House. As the nation continues to mourn the loss of three U.S. troops in the drone strike in Jordan, Biden is facing calls from Republicans to strike inside Iranian territory. The White House spent Monday providing assurances that the U.S. would respond to the drone attack at a time of its choosing. The nation's top diplomat Antony Blinken emphasized the precariousness of the moment. 'This is an incredibly volatile time in the Middle East,' Blinken said during a press conference with NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg. 'I would argue that we've not seen a situation as dangerous as the one we're facing now across the region since at least 1973, and arguably even before that.' Blinken, speaking on Monday, added: 'We will respond decisively to any aggression, and we will hold responsible the people who attacked our troops. That response could be multileveled, come in stages and be sustained over time.' The White House put out an image of President Biden meeting with his security team, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on Monday as the administration prepares to respond to an attack on a U.S. base in Jordan Among the hawks making public calls to strike Iran, who the U.S. assesses was behind the attack, is South Carolina GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham. 'I am calling on the Biden Administration to strike targets of significance inside Iran, not only as reprisal for the killing of our forces, but as deterrence against future aggression,' he said in a statement. 'The only thing the Iranian regime understands is force. Until they pay a price with their infrastructure and their personnel, the attacks on U.S. troops will continue,' he added. 'Hit Iran now. Hit them hard.' 'It is long past time for this regime to pay a heavy price,' Graham wrote. Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton has called for 'devastating military retaliation against Irans terrorist forces, both in Iran and across the Middle East.' That view is counterbalanced by Democrats including Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who warned Tuesday that 'we shouldnt stumble or slide our way into another war in the Middle East.' The White House and the Pentagon have identified the likely perpetrators, and have fingered support by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, despite Tehran's denials of directing the attack. 'We know this is an IRGC backed militia, it has the footprints of Kata'ib Hezbollah but not making a final assessment on that,' said Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh Monday, identifying an Iraqi Shiite militia backed by Tehran. The president again warned that the U.S. would hold those responsible 'to account.' He met with members of his security team including Austin, who has been working at home for weeks after being hospitalized From left to right: Spc. Kennedy Sanders, Sgt. William Jerome Rivers and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from Georgia were killed by a drone strike on Sunday Biden spent Monday behind closed doors, meeting with his security team, including back-to-work Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Potential U.S. targets are already starting to emerge. The New York Times reported the U.S. was looking at drone-making factories and their suppliers overseas who are also arming the Houthis in Yemen who have been firing off attacks on shipping targets and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. The Wall Street Journal has floated options including a strike inside Iran, hitting proxy groups abroad, and still more financial pressure. The president is also weighing strikes on Iranian naval assets in the Persian Gulf, which could be deemed less escalatory than attacks inside Iranian territory. The preparations for a possible counter strike were ongoing on a day when the Pentagon announced the three U.S. casualties following the one-way drone attack at a U.S. base in Jordan. They were Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia. Another tough statement came from House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.). 'It's long past time for President Biden to finally hold the terrorist Iranian regime and their extremist proxies accountable for the attacks they've carried out,' he said. President Joe Biden speaks to members of the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to the media before he departs the White House for Florida, in Washington, U.S., January 30, 2024 Said GOP Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi: 'We must respond to these repeated attacks by Iran and its proxies by striking directly against Iranian targets and its leadership. ... The Biden administrations responses thus far have only invited more attacks.' Any president would get pressure to respond, and those calls are amplified in an election year. Biden is also getting advice from Donald Trump's former UN ambassador and primary rival Nikki Haley who continues to rip an election between 'two 80 year olds.' 'The very first strike you punch back and punch back hard,' she told CNBC. 'You go after wherever those missiles are, the production, wherever it is in Iraq and Syria. You go after the leaders making the decisions. It's not after Iran the country, it's after the people making these decisions.' 'You have to be strategic. It's not starting war, it's actually preventing war,' said Haley. President Joe Biden boards Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 Even after 160 attacks on U.S. forces, the White House is seeking to avoid escalation. White House national security spokesman John Kirby warned Monday that 'we'll respond in a very consequential way.' Then, he added: 'But we don't seek a war with Iran. We're not looking for a wider conflict in the Middle East.' Underlining one of the tensions, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was set to meet at the White House Tuesday with families of hostages held inside Gaza since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. That comes amid talks over a potential two months pause in Israel's strikes against Hamas and the release of 100 hostages. There are dovish impulses inside the MAGA wing of the Republican Party that counterbalance pressure to strike hard. 'A prospective war with Iran combined simultaneously while Texas, with the backing of 25 states, is at a stand off with the federal government at the border is unprecedented and dangerous,' wrote Georgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Donald Trump ally. She posted an image of a Trojan horse and blasted a spike in illegal immigration. A Chicago man who fled to Africa after allegedly murdering his girlfriend and leaving her body in a car at a Boston airport has been arrested in Kenya. Kevin Kangethe, 40, was arrested on Monday night in Kenya for the murder of his girlfriend, Margaret 'Maggie' Mbitu, 31. Mbitu was reported missing on October 30 last year, and her body was discovered in an SUV parked inside a parking garage at Boston Airport days later. She suffered horrific facial injuries, including slash wounds to her face and neck, along with a puncture wound to her side, as investigators have revealed. Kangethe, who had been suspected of the murder, boarded a flight to Kenya afterward, prompting law enforcement to launch an international manhunt for him - one that ended two months after Mbitu was found dead. Margaret 'Maggie' Mbitu, 31, was found dead inside a Boston Logan Airport parking garage two days after she went missing Kevin Kangethe, 40, was arrested on Monday night in Kenya for the murder of his girlfriend, Margaret 'Maggie' Mbitu, 31 Kengethe was reportedly in a relationship with the nurse, although no motive has yet been established for the alleged murder Kangethe is expected to be extradited to the U.S. in the near future, but the exact date is unclear. Mbitu's family have been notified of the arrests by the district attorney and said they are 'thankful for all of the prayers', as reported by NBC 10. They look forward to seeing Kangethe in court when he's brought back to the country, the family said. David Procopio, a State Police spokesperson, said in a statement that the arrest was 'based on our arrest warrant and after extensive coordination between' between multiple law enforcement agencies. 'It was a joint effort that reached across oceans and continents to bring Kangethe to justice for Ms. Mbitu's homicide. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners who helped make this happen,' Procopio said. Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said that he's 'extremely grateful to the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service, the FBI, Kenyan law enforcement agencies, the Kenyan government and the Massachusetts State Police. Hayden added: 'Their tremendous and untiring efforts will provide Margaret's family and friends the opportunity to see Kevin Kangethe face justice for this terrible crime.' Kangethe, who had been suspected of the murder, boarded a flight to Kenya afterward, prompting law enforcement to launch an international manhunt for him - one that ended two months after Mbitu was found dead Tributes have poured in for Mbitu, who was described as the kind of person who would 'pick up Christmas shifts so others could spend time with their families' Mbitu was last seen leaving work in Halifax, Massachusetts at around 11pm in her white 2013 Toyota Venza. Her co-workers, who described her as the kind of person who would 'pick up Christmas shifts so others could spend time with their families', shared a flyer online soon after labelling her 'missing' when they couldn't get hold of her. Her body was discovered two days later on Wednesday evening by the Massachusetts State Police, who arrived on the scene at Logan Central Parking Garage at 6:30pm, according to a warrant for Kengethe's arrest released Friday morning. Officers tracked down Mbitu's car in the parking garage, where they found an 'unresponsive individual', later identified as Mbitu, in the front passenger seat. The SUV contained a significant amount of blood, and the body showed 'obvious signs of death', according to state police, including large slash wounds to her face and neck and a puncture wound to her side. No motive has been established for the killing. The warrant also noted that Kangethe bought airline tickets on Tuesday morning, the day after Mbitu went missing. Surveillance footage released by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office showed a man believed to be Kengethe leaving the Central Parking Garage shortly after the Toyota was seen entering the parking lot. The suspect was then tracked through the Logan airport terminal and boarded a flight. Investigators released surveillance footage of a suspect, believed to be Kangethe, leaving the parking garage shortly after and boarding a flight The body found in the Central Parking garage was identified as Margaret 'Maggie' Mbitu, 31 - who was last seen on October 30 around 11 pm Tributes poured in for Mbitu after her body was tragically found, with her loved ones saying they are struggling to come to terms with the 'huge loss.' 'We have lost a beautiful girl that we all loved,' her cousin George Kamu said in November. 'Whenever you saw that beautiful smile, that's what you would see all the time.' 'It's a huge loss,' said Ulea Lago, a representative of BAMSI in Brockton, where Mbitu worked. 'She was an amazing young woman. People described her as having a ray of sunshine.' Her cousin Virginia Ndungu lamented her passing as Mbitu had 'so much ambition, she had drive... she was a beautiful soul.' 'Her loss is not just a loss to us but to her friends, her co-workers, her patients, and to the entire community,' she added. 'I don't get it,' said her mother, Rose. 'I don't get how somebody can take somebody's life away for no reason... even now I have so many questions.' An NHS anaesthetist, who gave an interview to the BBC as part of the junior doctors' strike, has admitted a string of child sex offences. Edward Finn, 35, who is married with a young son, was arrested by police last November and pleaded guilty to the disturbing charges at Nottingham Crown Court last week. He admitted three counts of making indecent photographs of children, three counts of taking indecent images of children, two counts of voyeurism and one charge of sexual assault against a child aged under 13. He pleaded not guilty to three further charges of theft, voyeurism and sexual assault. A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said that he would not face trial over those matters but that the judge had ordered that they remain on his file. Finn qualified as a doctor in 2013 after studying anaesthetics at the University of Nottingham and was given his licence to practice by the General Medical Council the following year. It is understood he worked at Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham's biggest hospital and that none of the charges relate to patients at the hospital. Edward Finn, 35, who is married with a young son, was arrested by police last November and pleaded guilty to string of child sex offences It is understood he worked at Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham's biggest hospital and that none of the charges relate to patients at the hospital He admitted three counts of making indecent photographs of children, three counts of taking indecent images of children, two counts of voyeurism and one charge of sexual assault against a child aged under 13 In an email to staff, the hospital's Chief Executive Anthony May wrote: 'I am writing to let you know that we are expecting media coverage in the coming days about Dr Edward Finn, a trainee anaesthetist in the East Midlands who has recently worked for NUH (Nottingham University Hospitals Trust). 'On January 19 Dr Finn appeared in Crown Court charged with a number of serious criminal allegations, including sexual assault, voyeurism and charges related to indecent images. 'Dr Finn pleaded guilty to nine of the 12 charges against him and sentencing has been scheduled for March 26. 'We are shocked and saddened by the nature of these crimes and our thoughts are with those affected. 'Of the crimes Dr Finn was charged with, the only one that took place on an NUH site was a theft of drugs charge, to which a not guilty plea was made. 'There are no charges related to NUH patients. Following an arrest in November Dr Finn has been in custody and appropriate processes are being followed. We are working with Nottinghamshire Police and NHS England.' The email advises staff to contact police if they feel they have been a victim of crime and goes on to mention a 24-hour helpline as well as spiritual and pastoral support available. Finn, who lives in Nottingham with his wife and son, has been on remand since being arrested by police in November. His Facebook page makes jokey references to his job as an anaesthetist. His cover picture shows a crow with the words: 'You will be okay. You have no choice.' Finn qualified as a doctor in 2013 after studying anaesthetics at the University of Nottingham and was given his licence to practice by the General Medical Council the following year Finn, who lives in Nottingham with his wife and son, has been on remand since being arrested by police in November Finn pleaded guilty to the disturbing charges at Nottingham Crown Court (pictured) last week And, describing his job under personal information, he states: 'I pass gas at national health service.' He says he has been employed from August 20 2013 to present. In a statement, Nottinghamshire police said: 'Edward Finn, aged 35, of Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire, has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault of a child aged under 13, three counts of making indecent photographs of children, three counts of taking indecent photographs of children, and two counts of voyeurism. 'Finn committed the offences on various dates between July 2015 and November 2023. 'He is currently on remand and is next due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on 26 March 2024.' Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson has delayed the eviction of more than 5,600 migrants staying at the city's overwhelmed shelters until March. The Democrat announced the decision to again extend the 60-day limit on shelter stays for asylum seekers just days ahead of the deadline that would forced out those who had an exit date between January 16 and February 29. According to the Chicago Tribune, 5,673 people fall into this category and were thus scheduled for eviction on Thursday. Johnson said Monday the idea is to give people more time to resettle and find work. The policy change provides an additional 30 to 60 days for roughly 14,000 migrants who are already living in the citys 28 shelters, which include warehouses and park district buildings. This is the second time Chicago has delayed enforcement due to weather concerns. Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson will again extend its 60-day limit on shelter stays for migrants to give people more time to resettle and find work The policy change adds 30 to 60 more days for roughly 14,000 migrants in total who are already living in the citys 28 shelters 'Our plan for temporary emergency shelter was never meant as a long-term housing solution, but we want to give every person and every single family that has come to our city enough time to process their work authorization, find housing, start a new life in our great city,' Johnson said at a City Hall news conference. Extensions will be based on migrants' original dates to exit the system and will be either 30 or 60 days, city officials said. The earliest notices to leave will now come in mid-March. For example, nearly 2,000 people who were set to leave on Thursday will now get another 60 days. City officials said fewer than half had been able to apply for rental assistance to help them live independently. Any migrants newly entering shelters will get the standard 60 days. There will be exceptions, including for people who are pregnant or ill. Once evicted, arrivals would have to re-apply to stay in shelters. More than 35,000 migrants have been sent to Chicago since 2022, largely under the direction of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Roughly 11,500 have been resettled through a state program and about 4,100 have left the shelter system after connecting with friends and family. More than 35,000 migrants have been sent to Chicago since 2022, largely under the direction of Texas Governor Greg Abbott The citys shelter limits have been criticized, most recently by a group of aldermen who wrote a letter to Johnson last week asking him to scrap the limits out of concern over the health and safety of new arrivals, particularly in the winter. Conditions at some shelters have also been in the spotlight after the death of a young boy who suffered a medical emergency in December. Johnson is struggling with his approval ratings just eight months after taking the job as he deals with a migrant surge. The situation has caused a political nightmare for Johnson, as many of the city's black Democrats push for an end to its sanctuary status, breaking away from other Dems, including Johnson. A Democrat who successfully sued Chicago to block a local park being turned into a migrant shelter, announced she wanted the city's sanctuary status revoked. Cata Truss, a government employee in the Chicago neighborhood of Austin, complained too much money was being spent on immigrants. Truss wants Chicago residents to stop paying for more migrants, as thousands more are bussed in, and start turning them away. 'There is no money to take care of the migrants, nor is there money to take care of the people that are there. And so we have a mess on our hands,' she told Fox News. 'This is the sentiment from the city of Chicago: We would like to have our status as a sanctuary city removed. We would also like to see a better plan in place.' Johnson insists the city would not open any more migrant shelters, and called on Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to make good on promises to build its own ones. Now the city is fighting with the state of Illinois about if and where to create more beds. But State Governor JB Pritzker said the state has allocated an extra $160million to help the city. He added: 'The city has not told the state where they would like us to put our resources to build new shelters or help them build new shelters, so we cant help if we cant identify those locations.' Johnson is struggling with his approval ratings just eight months after taking the job as he deals with a migrant surge Cata Truss, a government employee in the Chicago neighborhood of Austin, has complained too much money was being spent on asylum seekers After Johnson announced strict guidelines for buses dropping people in the city center, Texas governor Greg Abbott started busing migrants from the border straight to the suburbs, bypassing the city entirely. City officials said hundreds of people have been dropped in the surrounding area over the past month, with the local authorities given no prior warning of their arrival. The crisis comes as arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico reached an all-time high in December since monthly numbers have been released, authorities said Friday, exposing a growing vulnerability for President Joe Biden in his campaign for a second term. The Border Patrol tallied 249,785 arrests on the Mexican border in December, up 31 percent from 191,112 in November and up 13 percent from 222,018 in December 2022, the previous all-time high. Arrests fell more than half during the first two weeks of January, 'consistent with historical trends and enhanced enforcement,' U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement. CBP previously said a crackdown by Mexican authorities contributed to the January decline. The Missouri doctor found dead in the home she shared with her fire captain fiance told a friend that living with him was often 'scary' and referred to him as a 'murderer,' DailyMail.com can reveal. Sarah Sweeney, 39, is the second woman to have died when living with and engaged to Robert Daus Jr, 50. Her death has been classified as 'sudden' by police in the St. Louis suburb of Frontenac. pending a medical examiner's findings. Now, federal court filings reviewed by DailyMail.com, have revealed that Sweeney lived in fear of Daus and describe him as 'suspected of murdering a previous girlfriend.' The woman in question was his fiancee Grace Holland, 35, who was engaged to Daus when she died from a gunshot wound to the head on July 22, 2020, in a death that was ruled a suicide. Holland's family have fought this finding of 'sudden' death, and have brought a wrongful death lawsuit in which they allege Daus is liable for Holland's death and that he was psychologically and physically abusive. Dr. Sarah Sweeney, 39, was found dead in the home of her fiance, local fire captain Robert Daus, in suburban St. Louis earlier this month DailyMail.com can reveal that Sweeney told a friend that she lived in fear of Daus and describe him as 'my boyfriend the murderer' This is the home where Sweeney was found dead earlier this month. Her death has been classified as 'sudden' by Frontenac police department pending a medical examiner's findings Podiatrist Sweeney's claims surfaced in court filings that are part of a suit she brought against her former employers Best Foot Forward (BFF) and its founder Dr. Franklin Harry in November 2022. Sweeney's claims against her boyfriend surfaced in court filings that are part of a suit she brought against her former employers Best Foot Forward (BFF) in 2022 In it Sweeney, who left BFF to set up her own practice, alleges that she was subjected to gender discrimination, disability discrimination and sexual harassment as well as health insurance violations and lack of compensation for work done. BFF and Harry promptly filed a counterclaim in which Sweeney's mental and physical health during the relevant time period were presented as 'key issues'. Lawyers for BFF wanted to subpoena several people including Daus himself and a friend and colleague of Sweeney's, Danielle Mankunas, in whom Sweeney allegedly confided details of her personal life. Lawyers for Sweeney pushed back at these subpoenas prompting BFF attorney Mark Murphy to file a memorandum in support of his request to which several exhibits were attached. Among them is a lengthy email from Sweeney to her friend Mankunas in which she begs her friend to 'do the right thing in your heart' and support her even if it meant going up against her employer. She wrote, 'I'll likely lose and be embarrassed by him [Harry], and my lawyer will be embarrassed for me bc this paints the picture that I am lying about everything, and it's because you don't want your job affected which I understand. 'But guess what Danielle? I've been homeless, I have had to move in with my boyfriend the 'murderer' which has been scary at times, I've lost every penny and closed out my savings account, I have had issues getting a job bc of my past affiliation with him, I have sufferedI have been through the ringer.' In 2020, 35-year-old Grace Holland died from a single gunshot wound to the head in her then-fiance Robert Daus's home Holland's four daughters from a previous relationship were reportedly afraid of Daus and witnessed numerous violent scenes between him and their mother. Holland is pictured with her daughter Emma BFF attorney Murphy explained the relevancy of seeking all text communications between Mankunas and Sweeney relating to her relationship as well as email communications stating, 'Sweeney's health both physical and mental are key issues in this case. As such, any communications that bear on Sweeney's physical or mental health are directly relevant.' Sweeney was in litigation with her former boss Dr. Franklin Harry alleging discrimination and healthcare violations when she wrote the email He added, 'For example, during Sweeney's employment with BFF, she was in a relationship with a person upon whom BFF and Harry have been attempting to serve with a subpoena, Rob Daubs [sic], who was according to Sweeney abusive and was suspected of murdering a previous girlfriend.' In her email, written on March 17, 2022, Sweeney expressed disappointment that Mankunas wouldn't support her in her battle against BFF and Harry and detailed her desperate situation after losing her job. 'I understand you want to keep your job but what about me?' she wrote. 'What about my job. My license. I've lost everything. 'If you want to let that son of a b***h win and if you want to support him, no biggie. But just know I fought for you. 'There are other jobs in St. Louis, even ones where you could have more flexible hours I know this bc I know several practices looking to hire someone like you. Sweeney continued: I'm so very hurt. I know you need your job especially with the boys, but you aren't the only person with things in your life to support. 'I can't get my car inspected I lost my car insurance and can't get it registered in Missouri bc it won't pass inspection with a broken windshield and headlight out.' Talking about Harry, she ended the email with the words 'He will win, I'll be the crazy one.' Sweeney's desperate situation is a chilling echo of the 'controlled' and powerless situation in which Holland's family claim she found herself during her four-year relationship with Daus. Daus has never been charged in connection with Holland's death which was ruled a suicide by the medical examiner despite several key factors that, her family say, contradict this finding. They point out that Holland was right-handed and as a woman trained to use firearms had always shot with her dominant hand. Yet she was shot in the left temple a fact described by her family as 'inconsistent' with a self-inflicted wound and 'consistent' with someone standing opposite and shooting her. Householders in Jackson, Mississippi, are angry about plans to build a $600,000 'village' for homeless people, saying they're worried about the scheme worsening crime and nuisances in their neighborhood. Residents are urging local leaders to scrap plans for 60 tiny homes and a communal kitchen for unhoused people on a derelict 18-acre site in West Jackson, saying it will attract more vagrants to the run-down area. Fears about the project echo nationwide concerns about homelessness, and come as Republican front-runner Donald Trump promises to shift vagrant camps to the edges of cities and as the Supreme Court is set to weigh in on the crisis. West Jackson resident Sheka Epps says she supports helping homeless people, but that the earmarked site on Caspers Avenue should be abandoned in favor of one away from schools and residences. Officials in Jackson, Mississippi, say their problem with homelessness is worse than the federal government acknowledges The answer, they say, is a village of 'tiny homes' at a derelict site in West Jackson, similar to this project in Los Angeles 'It's going to overwhelm the area with more homelessness, more blight, and more businesses leaving our area,' she told WLBT3. 'We have a lot of land. We have a lot of country land here in Jackson and in Hinds County as a whole. They can build a homeless camp anywhere on the outskirts.' Vernon Hartley, the city council member for the ward set to house the tiny homes, said he was fielding calls from residents worried about its impact on the community. Poll Do you think the homeless should be relocated to official camps outside towns and cities? Yes No Not sure Do you think the homeless should be relocated to official camps outside towns and cities? Yes 392 votes No 74 votes Not sure 51 votes Now share your opinion 'We have folks saying, 'Don't let it go through. Don't let it go through,' he told WLBT3. 'We need to do something about the homeless problem in Jackson, [but] building additional facilities without managing the overall homeless picture won't do any good.' The tiny homes each cost $4,500, which rises to $9,500 once they're hooked up to plumbing and electricity, organizers say. They are often brightly colored and attractive. While small, and kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared, they offer their residents the privacy that is seldom found at state-run shelters, advocates say. Hartley says there are better uses for community grants in an area with above-average poverty rates. His residents have long complained that the area's homeless cause a range of social problems, including setting fires to keep warm in derelict buildings that lead to properties burning down. Hartley said he wanted to 'take care of West Jackson before we invite additional people into our community.' The homeless village would be constructed on a derelict 18-acre site not far from the downtown area West Jackson resident Sheka Epps says the homeless village should be built on the outskirts of town, away from her neighborhood City council member Vernon Hartley says the money would be better spent on restoring houses and improving roads 'Right now, we need community grant money for restoring houses, cleaning up the streets, cleaning up properties, and helping with our roads,' he told the outlet. The councilman has pushed for tougher rules against panhandling and squatting in his area, which is close to Jackson's historic downtown, and wants more surveillance cameras keeping watch on the neighborhood. Spending the money on a homeless camp, which has yet to be greenlighted by the city council, would encourage more homeless people to move nearby and gobble up Jackson's resources. 'If we build it, they will come,' he said. 'Right now, we have a lot of homeless folks in our city because there are some resources.' Mississippi has one of the lowest rates of homelessness in the country, with 982 unhoused people counted in the latest federal government survey. Still, the state has a higher-than average number of long-term homeless people without any form of temporary shelter, and many of them are in the state capital. Local officials say there are really some 3,000 homeless people in Jackson alone. After this tiny home village was created for the unhoused in Los Angeles, emergency services were deluged by calls about assaults, threats, weapons, suicides, and overdoses from the project Tony shelters, like this one erected to tackle California's homelessness problem, are compact and comfortable That's why Jackson needs the homeless village, says Putalamus White, CEO of the Jackson Resource Center, which is leading the scheme, called 'Space Place, Safe Space.' 'Building this would get us, as a city, going in the right direction,' White told a recent council meeting. 'It would definitely pull a lot of our homeless in West Jackson off the streets.' The scheme would be the first tiny house village for homeless people in Jackson. Advocates say they've worked in Los Angeles and Portland and have helped unhoused people get off the streets for good and rebuild their lives. Concerns in Mississippi are part of a broader worry about a homelessness crisis that has gripped the country. Homelessness spiked 12 percent in America to reach a record 650,000 people last year, a federal government survey showed, as rents rose and Covid-era protections ended. Like Jackson, communities across the US have grappled with how to handle the unhoused. City leaders in San Jose, California, are this week discussing new rules to stop vagrants setting up camps near schools. In Oregon, the state-funded Project Turnkey is spending millions renovating abandoned buildings that can be used as shelters. The Biden administration this week allocated $3.16 billion to fund more than 7,000 such projects across the US. Officials in Portland, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and other cities have in recent months responded to public ire over homelessness by dismantling makeshift shelters and moving people on. The Supreme Court this month agreed to weigh in on these heavy-handed measures. The top judicial body has taken up a request from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, as well as other Democratic and Republican elected officials, over how hard they can clamp down on people sleeping rough. Scenes of homeless drug addicts stumbling on sidewalks and fears of violence and petty crime have become a national political issue, with former President Donald Trump making it part of his campaign platform in the 2024 race. Donald Trump has vowed to 'ban urban camping' and create 'tent cities' on 'inexpensive land' for homeless people, if elected again in November More than two thirds of Americans say homelessness, which surged by 12 percent last year, is out of control In a video on homelessness released by his campaign, Trump said that 'hardworking, law-abiding citizens' were being sidelined and made to 'suffer for the whims of a deeply unwell few.' He vowed to 'ban urban camping' and create 'tent cities' on 'inexpensive land' for homeless people that will be staffed with doctors and social workers to get people off the streets for good. This resonates with voters, in Jackson and beyond. More than two thirds of US adults say homelessness is out of control and that officials need to move those sleeping rough into tented encampments outside towns and cities, our survey showed. The DailyMail.com/TIPP Poll revealed that 67 percent of Americans are fed up with the country's fast-rising number of homeless people and want mayors to take drastic steps to tackle the scourge. Still, homeless people and their advocates say sweeps and relocation policies are cruel and a waste of taxpayer money. The answer, they say, is more affordable housing, not crackdowns. Two crooks who were caught on camera blowing up cash machines to steal money have been jailed for 18 years. Ben Thompson, 36, and Wesley Shepherd, 40, entered four stores and supermarkets in the north west of England between April and July last year. The pair threatened staff before placing explosive devices into the cash machines. Thompson and Shepard made off in stolen cars and used the money taken from the cash machines to jet off on luxury holidays. Dramatic CCTV footage released after they were jailed shows the damage caused by the explosions. In one terrifying clip, one of the balaclava-clad men can be seen grabbing hold of a female worker outside a store and bundling her inside. Benjamin Thompson, 36, (left) and Wesley Shepherd, 40 (right) were caught on camera blowing up cash machines to steal money A member of the public is confronted by one of the raiders during a robbery at a Co-op in Stoke-on-Trent In another clip, the men are seen smashing into a cash machine using a hammer. The duo stole almost 160,000 in total and caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to the businesses, Greater Manchester Police said. They used the stolen cash to jet off to Malaga, Egypt and Mexico from Manchester Airport. But the pair were stopped by armed police on September 19 when they were seen in a car together in Sale, Greater Manchester. Shepherd and Thompson ditched the car and ran to evade police, but discarded a rucksack during the chase. Police found high visibility vests, gloves, a screwdriver, tape, and a smoke flare in the backpack. The duo stole almost 160,000 in total and caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to the businesses Thompson is seen smashing the ATM during one of the raids. The pair placed explosives inside the cash machines Thompson was jailed yesterday for 20 years while Shepherd was sentenced to 18 years and eight months Thompson was arrested on the forecourt of a supermarket a short time later, while police arrested Shepherd at his mum's house in Northenden. Thompson was jailed yesterday for 20 years while Shepherd was sentenced to 18 years and eight months. They both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and cause explosion likely to endanger property and life at an earlier hearing. Speaking after sentencing, detective sergeant Rich McCorry said: 'These men had no regard for the safety of the public in their endeavour to make some fast cash. 'This type of behaviour is intolerable and the lasting impact that such an unprovoked attack can have on a victim is huge. 'Following a diligent investigation with specialist colleagues from across Greater Manchester and Staffordshire Police, we were able to link the crimes and now two dangerous, reckless men are behind bars for a long time.' Senior lawmakers have called on the Biden administration to launch a probe into 'highly troubling' Chinese firms involved in Ford's controversial new Michigan battery plant. A letter sent by chairs of two U.S. House committees to the Commerce Department reveals the project has enlisted four firms with links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), its military, and the North Korean government. The $2billion plant, which is under construction in Marshall, Michigan, has been shrouded in controversy since Ford announced in February last year that it intended to use technology supplied by Chinese firm Contemporary Amperex Technology, or CATL, the world's largest battery maker for EVs. Republicans have consistently raised concerns the project could enable to flow of U.S. tax dollars to China and leave Ford reliant on Chinese technology. Now a joint investigation by the Select Committee on the CCP and the Energy and Commerce Committee has found four other Chinese firms will be 'intimately involved' in the proposed plant's construction and design. Plans for a new Ford EV battery plant in Michigan is facing scrutiny over its ties to the CCP Mike Gallagher, chair of the select committee on the CCP, co-signed a letter to the Commerce Department revealing the project involved four 'highly troubling' Chinese firms Co-signatory Cathy McMorris Rodgers, chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The joint letter warned the involvement of CCP-linked companies in the project posed 'significant cybersecurity risks' The committees found that Ford has placed a Beijing-based company that is a supplier to China's People's Liberation Army in charge of the design of the plant, while another Chinese firm providing software for the Michigan project also provides IT services to 'entities affiliated with sanctions evasion activity and the North Korean government'. The letter, signed by committee chairs Mike Gallagher and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, said the involvement of such companies 'poses significant cybersecurity risks' to the U.S. 'It is unconscionable for Ford to purchase critical IT infrastructure from a Chinese company that facilitate sanctions evasion activity on behalf of the North Korean government,' the letter added. The committees also found that the Michigan-based carmaker has outsourced its business management tool to a company that allegedly supports the ongoing genocide of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. Human rights groups accuse Beijing of abuses against Xinjiangs Uyghur inhabitants, including the mass use of forced labor in internment camps. China denies the allegations. A fourth firm placed in charge of the project's security system has direct ties to the People's Republic of China, the letter claims. The names of the four firms have not been made public. In a separate letter, Gallagher and Rodgers called on Ford to disclose the due diligence it 'conducted before and after it entered into the agreements with CATL'. Ford said Monday it follows 'all government regulations across our business'. It added: 'Ford suppliers are required to meet our higher standards, including for protecting human rights, and obligated to extend those requirements to suppliers with whom they might work.' Ford Motor Company Chief Executive Bill Ford announces Ford will partner with Chinese-based, Amperex Technology, to build an all-electric vehicle battery plant in Marshall, Michigan, during a press conference in Romulus, Michigan U.S., February 13, 2023. In November, Ford dramatically scaled back its investment in the plant after it paused work two months earlier. It had initially planned a $3.5billion plant but now expects to invest $2billion in its battery plant. It comes amid wider concerns over taxpayer subsidies being directed to CCP-linked companies through green energy incentives. Another EV battery plant in Michigan is expected to see Chinese firm Gotion pocket $175million in direct taxpayer funding. A group of pro-Palestine protesters crashed a House committee hearing on securing the Red Sea against Iran proxy threats imperiling shipping routes. The group of older women, who appear to be with the far-left Code Pink organization, painted their hands pink and held them up showing their palms toward the cameras at the start of the hearing. They wore neon pink shirts with the words 'Let Gaza Live' and strategically sat behind the witnesses so that their apparel would appear on the livestream. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has suggested the Code Pink anti-war group is funded by China and also Russia. Pelosi yelled 'go back to China' at Code Pink pro-Palestine protestors demonstrating outside her home last year in a now-viral video posted to their social media account. In addition, the top Democrat told CNN this week that she wants the FBI to investigate the alleged 'Russian financing' of pro-Gaza protestors. Code Pink slammed Pelosi on Monday for the 'slanderous attack' and maintained that they have received 'zero dollars' from 'any foreign country.' Protesters raised their hands, which were painted pink, to express support for Gaza The group of female protesters stragegically sat behind the witnesses to appear on the hearing's livestream The protest came a day after three U.S. service members were identified after dying in a drone strike that targeted a US military outpost in Jordan Saturday In October, Pelosi told our members calling for a ceasefire to go back to China. These same women have been protesting for peace at her house for 17 years. Pelosi takes thousands of dollars from AIPAC every year. Whos the foreign agent here? https://t.co/ZIG3yodwIC pic.twitter.com/kzjUkH1JVI CODEPINK (@codepink) January 29, 2024 'It is shameful for the former Speaker of the House to insinuate that those advocating for peace are somehow un-American,' said the group. Before the hearing kicked off, Rep. Brian Mast of Florida told the group, 'Israel did not start the fight, but they will finish it.' The act of protest came as lawmakers were discussing the dozens of Iran-backed Houthis attacks on civilian and military ships that have occurred since October. Rebels backed by Iran were behind a drone attack that claimed the lives of three U.S. service members in the Middle East late Saturday, who were identified yesterday. The Houthis 'have sought to disrupt global commerce by significantly increasing attacks against military and civilian vessels transiting the Red Sea,' Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Daniel Webster, R-Fla., said in his opening remarks. 'To date, dozens of vessels have been targeted, either through hijacking, attempted hijacking, or missile and drone strikes putting ships and their crews at risk,' he continued. The Houthis have said themselves the attacks are in retaliation for Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, which began after Hamas militants invaded Israel on Oct. 7. On November 19, the rebels seized a vessel owned by an Israeli businessman and divert it to Hodeida. One of the American soldiers killed in suicide drone strike on a base in Jordan has been identified as Kennedy Ladon Sanders (pictured) Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia died in the drone strike of a US airbase in Jordan Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia has been identified as one of the soldiers killed in the drone strike Over the next two months, the Houthis targeted numerous vessels passing through the Red Sea, the gateway to the Suez Canal - the fastest shipping route between Europe and Asia. This month, the U.S. in collaboration with forces from the U.K. has repeatedly dropped missiles on Houthi-held assets in Yemen, which in turn has led to the rebels targeting more military and civilian vessels navigating through the Red Sea. 'Our ships are not combat vessels and are not equipped to defend against these types of attacks,' David Heindel, president of the Seafarers International Union, testified. The biggest need for mariners in the area, Heindel testified, are advanced secure communications systems and 'direct communication between our ships and combat ships in the area.' Branden Holloway, 25, and Joshua Jenkins, 31, both of Hartford, were charged this month as accomplices The victims say they were bound, blindfolded and beaten by two men who threatened to kill them 'Ringleader' Maryelizabeth Bradford is accused of setting up an ambush at a Farmington, Connecticut, home A stripper has been accused of robbing two men of $17,000 worth of goods by setting them up to be ambushed by her armed accomplices while they were in a hot tub at their Connecticut home. Maryelizabeth Bradford, who was 25 at the time of the incident, was arrested on home invasion charges in November 2022. Bradford worked as a stripper in New York who followed the victims to their residence. Her two alleged accomplices, Branden Holloway, 25, and Joshua Jenkins, 31, both of Hartford, were arrested last week. Police said the alleged victims were found naked and bloody in a neighbor's driveway in the earlier hours of September 12, 2022. The men asked their neighbor to dial 911, alleging they had been robbed of clothes, jewelry and cologne. They appeared bruised and swollen, and one man had 'blood running down his face,' according to a police report obtained by CT Insider. Stripper Maryelizabeth Bradford is accused of setting up an ambush against two men at their Farmington home where they were robbed of $17,000 worth of goods Joshua Jenkins (left), 31, and Branden Holloway (right), 25, both of Hartford, Connecticut, were charged as an accomplices The men had met Bradford, going by the name 'Lola' in Hartford, before she followed them back to one of their homes in an affluent part of Farmington, according to the warrant. One of the men knew her as an exotic dancer at Starlets in Queens, N.Y. and had met her a few years prior at a different strip club. Bradford connected with him on Instagram and sent a message asking him to hang out at his place, according to the warrant. Once there, the men jumped into the hot tub, but Bradford appeared distracted and fixated on her phone, the report said. Suddenly, two masked men brandishing guns leapt out of the bushes telling them it was a robbery, the report stated. They claimed 'ringleader' Bradford began dishing out orders, instructing the men where to search for various goods while being held at gunpoint. The intruders stripped the men of their clothes, dragged them to the second floor, shoved pillowcases over their heads and 'repeatedly asked them about cash and jewelry while they went through the residence and pistol-whipped and beat them,' the warrant said. The men had met Bradford, going by the name 'Lola' in Hartford, before she followed them back to one of their homes in an affluent part of Farmington, according to the warrant Police said the alleged victims were found naked and bloody in a neighbor's driveway in the earlier hours of September 12, 2022. The men asked their neighbor to dial 911, alleging they had been robbed of clothes, jewelry and cologne The men told police Bradford worked as an exotic dancer at Starlets strip club in Queens, New York according to a warrant One of the victims said he first met Bradford at Lit Ultra Lounge in Waterbury, Connecticut, a few years prior. The exotic dancer then messaged him on Instagram asking to hang out at his home, according to the arrest warrant. Pictured: the location of Lit Ultra Lounge The men threatened to shoot the men if they did not give up their valuables and even tried to unlock one of the victims' online banking apps to unsuccessfully transfer money. Their ordeal only came to an end when one of the men was able to break free and got a razor to cut loose his friend. The two then jumped from a second story balcony and ran to their neighbor for help, according to the warrant. Upon her arrest, Bradford confirmed much of the victims' account but downplayed her involvement, police said. She told cops she was 'afraid that I was going to witness a murder' and that the two victims had 'every reason to fear for their lives,' according to the warrant. Bradford first met one of the men in Lit Ultra Lounge in Waterbury. She had Facetimed with them before agreeing to go to the home. At the time of the video call she thought one of the men was wearing a $30,000 chain and believed both to be wealthy, police said. The necklace was reportedly not located during the home invasion. Bradford was charged with home invasion, robbery, assault, unlawful restraint and larceny charges. Holloway and Jenkins were charged with home invasion, first-degree robbery and second-degree assault. It's unclear why it took a year to arrest the two accomplices. They also are charged with criminal attempt to commit first-degree sexual assault. Cops in Southern California took five men into custody in the wake of the gruesome murders of six people in the Mojave Desert last week in a scene that was reminiscent of the Oscar-winning movie No Country for Old Men. At a press conference Monday, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Warrick said that the men were likely killed in a dispute of weed. Warrick said that the area where the group were found is known for clandestine marijuana fields. The suspects were identified as Toniel Baez-Duarte, 34, Mateo Baez-Duarte, 24, Jose Nicolas Hernandez-Sarabia, 33, Jose Gregorio Hernandez-Sarabia, 34, and Jose Manuel Burgos Parra, 26. All were residents of the area. All the victims were likely shot to death, and four of the bodies had been partially burned together, Warrick said. A fifth victim was found inside a Chevy Trailblazer, and the sixth was discovered nearby the following day, he said. Authorities identified four of the victims as: Baldemar Mondragon-Albarran, 34, of Adelanto; Franklin Noel Bonilla, 22, of Hesperia; Kevin Dariel Bonilla, 25, of Hesperia; and a 45-year-old man whose name was withheld pending family notification. San Bernardino County Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Warrick announcing the arrests on Monday The suspects were identified as Toniel Baez-Duarte, 34, Mateo Baez-Duarte, 24, Jose Nicolas Hernandez-Sarabia, 33, Jose Gregorio Hernandez-Sarabia, 34, and Jose Manuel Burgos Parra, 26. All were residents of the area Investigators have not confirmed if the killings are in any way connected to the feared Mexican drug cartels. The area where they were found, El Mirage, California, is around 170 miles from the southern border. Sheriff Shannon Dicus said at the press conference announcing the arrest that because leadership in the Democratic state had lowered penalties for marijuana offenses 'a plague [has been] unleashed in California, and the plague is the black market of marijuana.' Marijuana has been legal in the Golden State since 2016. Investigators believe Franklin Bonilla was the man who called 911, Warrick said. He spoke in Spanish and said that he was shot but that he did not know his location. Coroner's officials were trying to identify the remaining two men. The six victims 'had arranged to meet at the location for a marijuana transaction,' and the five suspects 'arrived at the location and for reasons still under investigation shot the six victims,' the sheriff's office said in a media statement issued a short time later. The bodies were found off of Highway 395 in El Mirage, about 15 miles north of Adelanto and approximately 20 miles north of Victorville This aerial still image from video provided by KTLA shows law enforcement vehicles where several people were found shot Overhead footage from TV stations last week showed a dark blue SUV with a passenger window blown out and another door open, with part of the image blurred. The footage also showed numerous yellow evidence markers in the scrubby desert. The area, some 50 miles northeast of Los Angeles, is so remote that the sheriff's department called in help from the California Highway Patrol's Aviation Division to find the scene. Five men, ranging in age from 24 to 34, were arrested, and eight firearms were seized after deputies served search warrants Sunday in the Adelanto and Apple Valley areas of San Bernardino County and the Pinyon Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles County, Warrick said at a news conference. Officials said investigators believe all the suspects in the case are in custody. They were held without bail. In 2020, seven people were fatally shot at an illegal marijuana growing operation in a small, rural town in neighboring Riverside County. More than 20 people lived on the property, which had several makeshift dwellings used for the production of honey oil, a potent cannabis concentrate. A former hotel executive has been arrested after allegedly slapping a 19-year-old Walt Disney World Resort restaurant hostess who refused to seat him because he was improperly dressed. John Munro, 64, was booked and charged with battery for hitting the unnamed young woman three times in the forehead, while under the influence, in November. The South Carolina man, who works at Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head, was attempting to dine at Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort when the altercation took place. The restaurant specifically asks guests to 'dress accordingly in attire that respects its 'sophisticated and upscale aesthetic' and bans swimwear. But Munro showed up wearing swim shorts and a t-shirt, according to an affidavit. John Munro, 64, was booked and charged with battery for hitting the unnamed young woman three times in the forehead, while under the influence, in November The South Carolina man, who works at Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head, was attempting to dine at Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort when the altercation took place He arrived with one other man and two women at 7.30pm for a reservation. Munro had 'slurred speech, glossy red eyes' deputies said. Munro was quickly told by the hostess that he wouldn't be able to dine with his family because of the dress code. He 'seemed' to understand but the ordeal escalated. The teen hostess went to take the three others to the table, and Munro followed, despite him being told he wasn't allowed to. One of the women allegedly told the hostess: 'Please don't allow him to sit with us, he is really drunk, underdressed, it's my birthday, and I'm embarrassed.' Munro then proceeded 'to repeatedly slap [the hostess] forehead,' police said. He was repeating her name, which he read from the name tag on her uniform. Munro was quickly told by the hostess that he wouldn't be able to dine with his family because of the dress code. He 'seemed' to understand but the ordeal escalated According to deputies, the hostess was not injured, but she decided to pursue charges against Munro. The hostess sustained no injuries and declined medical treatment, and wished to pursue charges, deputies said. When police arrested him, the exec kept saying that he was 'going to sue Disney.' Munro was booked into jail, and released the next morning after posting a $1,000 bond. He has since been placed on administrative leave from his job. He entered a plea of not guilty and will appear in court February 16. The hotel exec lives in a $1million home in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with his photographer wife Michele. He was the Vice President of Hospitality, Sales, and Marketing at the Sea Pines Resort. The company confirmed to DailyMail.com that Munro was no longer employed. The resorts official statement reads: 'On January 25 John Munro was placed on administrative leave amid review of this personnel matter. 'He is no longer an employee of The Sea Pines Resort and accordingly, the resort has no further comment.' It comes after Claudine Gay was forced to resign following similar claims She is accused of branding her husband's research as her own Harvard has received an unsigned letter alleging that Sherri Ann Charleston plagiarized some of her academic works Harvard's chief diversity and inclusion officer has been accused of plagiarizing some of her academic works, including one by her own scholar husband. The Ivy League school received a letter from an unsigned source outlining 40 instances of alleged plagiarism by Sherri Ann Charleston, according to the Washington Free Beacon, which also conducted its own analysis. The accusations range from minor quotations missing to taking credit for her own husband's research. It comes just weeks after Harvard president Claudine Gay was forced to resign following similar claims. Charleston is accused of lifting texts and paraphrasing nearly a dozen scholars without attribution in her 2009 dissertation. Harvard has received an unsigned letter alleging that Sherri Ann Charleston plagiarized some of her academic works The most serious accusation involves a work co-authored by her husband LaVar Charleston, who works as deputy vice chancellor for DEI at the University of Wisconsin-Madison The complaint claims: 'Parts of Charlestons dissertation were published previously, word for word, by her advisor, Rebecca Scott, and others. 'Charleston will lift whole sentences and paragraphs from other scholars work without quotation marks, then add a correct reference somewhere in the footnote ending the long paragraph.' But the most serious accusation involves her sole peer-reviewed article, co-authored by her husband LaVar Charleston, who works as deputy vice chancellor for DEI at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The 2014 study, also co-authored with Jerlando Jackson, appears to have the same methods, findings and even interview subjects as a 2012 work authored by only Lavar Charleston. The two papers include identical interview responses from students, with the Free Beacon citing an expert calling the 2014 version 'research fraud.' 'The 2014 paper appears to be entirely counterfeit,' said the head of the National Association of Scholars Peter Wood. The 2014 study, also co-authored with Jerlando Jackson, appears to have the same methods, findings and even interview subjects as a 2012 work authored by only Lavar Charleston Charleston previously worked as the chief affirmative action officer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and moved to Harvard in August 2020. DailyMail.com has reached out to Harvard and Charleston for comment. The accusations are the latest controversy involving the school, which has been in hot water over both its handling of anti-Semitism on campus following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, and accusations of plagiarism against former president Gay. Earlier this month the school shed fresh light on the ongoing investigation into plagiarism accusations against Gay, including that an independent body recommended a broader review after substantiating some of the complaints. In a letter to a congressional committee, Harvard said it learned of the plagiarism allegations against its first black female president on October 24 from a New York Post reporter. The school reached out to several authors whom Gay is accused of plagiarizing and none objected to her language, it said. 'The 2014 paper appears to be entirely counterfeit,' said the head of the National Association of Scholars Peter Wood Harvard then appointed the independent body, which focused on two of Gays articles published in 2012 and 2017. It concluded they 'are both sophisticated and original,' and found 'virtually no evidence of intentional claiming of findings' that were not her own. The panel, however, concluded that nine of 25 allegations found by the Post were 'of principal concern' and featured 'paraphrased or reproduced the language of others without quotation marks and without sufficient and clear crediting of sources.' It also found that a third paper, written by Gay during her first year in graduate school, contained 'identical language to that previously published by others.' Gays academic career first came under the scrutiny following her congressional testimony about antisemitism on campus. Gay, Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania and MITs president, Sally Kornbluth, came under criticism for their lawyerly answers to New York Representative Elise Stefanik, who asked whether 'calling for the genocide of Jews' would violate the colleges codes of conduct. It comes just weeks after Harvard president Claudine Gay was forced to resign following similar claims The three presidents had been called before the Republican-led House Committee on Education and the Workforce to answer accusations that universities were failing to protect Jewish students amid rising fears of antisemitism worldwide and the fallout from Israels intensifying war in Gaza. Gay said it depended on the context, adding that when 'speech crosses into conduct, that violates our policies.' The answer resulted in swift backlash from Republican and some Democratic lawmakers, as well as the White House. The House committee announced days later that it would investigate the policies and disciplinary procedures at Harvard, MIT and Penn. The corporation initially rallied behind Gay, saying a review of her scholarly work turned up 'a few instances of inadequate citation' but no evidence of research misconduct. The allegations of plagiarism continued to surface through December and Gay resigned this month. A California mom has been arrested for allegedly strangling her four-year-old daughter to death. Maria Avalos, 38, is accused of murdering Mia, who was found unresponsive in a car with her in East Los Angeles Thursday. The little girl's family said cops told them Maria might have been driving around with her dead body in the vehicle for several days before she was found on Civic Center Way. They said she took off with her daughter early last week, and had not returned home or responded to messages since. 'She should've asked for help,' Mia's godmother, Noemi Lopez said. 'She should've called me. Now she's trying to call me from jail.' 'What does she want now? She already did her part, now let me do my part.' Maria Avalos, 38, is accused of murdering her child Mia (pictured), four, who was found unresponsive inside a car in East Los Angeles Thursday Mia's godmother, Noemi Lopez (pictured), said relatives had been trying to contact Maria for days after she disappeared with her daughter, but she hadn't responded A coroner confirmed four-year-old Mia (pictured) was strangled to death The little girl's family said cops told them Maria might have been driving around with her dead body in the car for several days before she was found on Civic Center Way A coroner confirmed Mia was strangled to death. No motive has been released in the case. Police said they were called to the car around 11 pm on January 25 after someone reported the child was being assaulted. Mia was found unresponsive and taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. Her father, Jose Gonzalez, said there were issues with her mother but he never thought she'd be capable of such a horrific attack. Another relative, Lianna Zomorano, also said she never saw Maria abuse her daughter. 'I feel like she would just yell at her from time to time,' Zomorano told KTLA 5. 'But I never thought she would do that to her own daughter.' Zomorano added Mia was her father's only child, and he's been left devastated by the loss. 'One minute theyre here, next minute theyre not,' Zomorano said. 'Now Mia is not here, its a lot to grasp.' Lopez said relatives had been trying to contact Maria for days after she disappeared with her daughter, but she hadn't responded. 'She said she needed space, that she was going through a lot,' Lopez told ABC7. Mia's godmother Noemi Lopez said the toddler was 'a really good kid' who was 'the light of my home' A photograph released to KABC by Lopez. It is not clear who the woman in the picture is with Mia Lopez said Mia was 'a really good kid' who was 'the light of my home'. 'She didn't deserve this,' she said. The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses, which has so far raised almost $2,000. 'Hello friends and family, with a pain in our hearts we are asking for help with the death of our little Mia Gonzalez. Her dad Jose Gonzalez along with the rest of the Gonzalez family and her godmother Noemi Lopez thank you for any donation for her funeral. God bless you and multiply your generosity,' the page read. Investigators say the case will be presented to the District Attorney's Office for review on Tuesday. A woman was rescued from a garbage truck after falling into a dumpster and getting compacted four times before the driver noticed she was inside. Video footages shows the moment the 60-year-old woman was carefully hoisted to safety by New Hampshire fire officials, who lifted her up using a basket and a crane. All you heard was screaming,' said neighbor Amanda Czzowitz to Boston 25. 'She was in agony.' The woman, who has not yet been named, was rushed to Eliot hospital on Monday in serious condition. She is expected to survive, according to local reports. The accident reportedly occurred as the woman was dumping her garbage on trash collection day and fell into a dumpster in Manchester. A woman was rescued from a garbage truck after falling into a dumpster and getting compacted four times before the driver noticed she was inside Video reveals the moment the 60-year-old woman was carefully hoisted to safety by New Hampshire fire officials, who lifted her up using a basket and a crane The woman, who has not yet been named, was rushed to Eliot hospital on Monday in serious condition. She is expected to survive, according to local reports The truck then picked up the bin without knowing someone was trapped inside. The driver finally spotted the woman through a camera that was placed inside the truck. First responders were called to help evacuate the woman. Officials arrived at the scene around 1 pm at Beech Hill Drive, where they began the complicated process of lifting the woman out of the truck, WMUR reported. The rescuers used a basket to lift the woman out of the truck that was pulled by the fire truck crane. It's unclear how long the woman was in the dumpster but she told firefighters she fell while tossing her garbage. Neighbors told Boston 25 that she lives in the area. 'My kids are home from school, and they're watching. I was like, girls, once you see her come out, I don't want you watching,' said neighbor Matthew Czzowitz to Boston 25. The accident reportedly occurred as the woman was dumping her garbage on trash collection day and fell into a dumpster in Manchester Officials arrived at the scene around 1 pm at Beech Hill Drive, where they began the complicated process of lifting the woman out of the truck, WMUR reported It's unclear how long the woman was in the dumpster but she told firefighters she fell while tossing her garbage. Neighbors told Boston 25 that she lives in the area Just last week, A man in Jackson, Mississippi, was miraculously rescued after becoming trapped inside a garbage truck into which he was dumped by mistake. Bob Rutherford suffered a broken leg and hip during the scary ordeal, but has been recovering nicely at a local hospital. Rutherford says he was searching for cardboard when he saw two 'refrigerator-size' boxes in a dumpster. 'I was going to take one of those and take it back to my home base,' he told local station KOCO News at the time. While attempting to grab the cardboard box out of the dumpster, Rutherford became trapped in the receptacle. 'The next thing I knew, I'm in the bottom of a garbage truck,' he recounted. 'I got dumped on my head and I'm lying there flat on my back, and I've got so much on I can't get myself up. With garbage, there's oil, water, so it's going to be slick and slippery.' Next came the moment that could have spelled the end for Rutherford. 'I heard this chi-chink. I hear a motor going, and all of a sudden, here comes the blade,' he described. Last week, Bob Rutherford, of Jackson, Mississippi, recounted his near-death experience after becoming trapped in a garbage truck that began to crush him Miraculously, the truck driver noticed Rutherford was in the back of the truck and pulled over immediately Firefighters worked to methodically remove Rutherford from the truck 'The stuff starts pushing up against me, and the blade moves closer and folds me up like a pretzel. At that point, I knew I was dead, and my leg pops.' Rutherford says he then began screaming in a desperate attempt to get the truck driver's attention. 'Hey, hey, hey - I'm in here in the back of the truck,' he shouted to the driver, adding that he was also trying to move around and free himself from his dangerous confinement. Thankfully, the driver eventually heard the banging and saw Rutherford on a rear-facing camera. The truck immediately pulled over to a convenience store on the side of the highway, and firefighters were called to the shop to begin their rescue effort. Rutherford was methodically lifted from the back of the truck and placed on a stretcher before being taken to the hospital. Squad member and progressive Democratic Rep. Cori Bush denied she misused funds for private security and blamed 'right-wing organizations' for spurring the Justice Department investigation into her campaign's spending. The Missouri lawmaker, who married one of her bodyguards, has spent more than $750,000 on security since she was elected in 2020 out of her campaign account. 'I can confirm that the Department of Justice is reviewing my campaigns spending on security services. We are fully cooperating in this investigation,' she said in a statement. 'Since before I was sworn into office, I have endured relentless threats to my physical safety and life,' she told reporters on the House steps. She added that as a 'rank-and-file member of Congress' she is not entitled to personal protection. Instead, she claims she has used campaign funds to retain security services, including her husband who she said has 'extensive' experience in the field. 'I have not used any federal tax dollars for personal security services. Any reporting that I have used federal funds for personal security is simply false,' she insisted. 'Since before I was sworn into office, I have endured relentless threats to my physical safety and life,' she told reporters on the House steps A watchdog has demanded the Federal Election Commission (FEC) investigate the $62,000 Rep. Cori Bush paid her now-husband as a security guard from her campaign account Bush, who has backed calls to defund the police and advocated reparations for African Americans, is now facing a federal probe into her staggering expenditure. The Justice Department on Monday subpoenaed the House Sergeant at Arms for records related to the misuse of funds for private security. When confronted by the media on Monday night, Bush insisted she wasn't the subject of the investigation and scolded reporters for asking the question. The investigation follows an ethics watchdog demanding an investigating into the $62,000 she paid her now-husband Cortney Merritts from her campaign funds. The nonpartisan Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) asked FEC acting general counsel Lisa Stevenson to look into whether Squad member and BLM activist Bush 'used campaign funds for personal use.' It was revealed that Bush, D-Mo., married Cortney Merritts in a private ceremony in early 2023. In 2022 he was on the payroll of her re-election campaign. Bush confirmed that the FEC and Ethics Committee are also investigating the matter. 'These frivolous complaints have resulted in a number of investigations, some of which are still ongoing. The Federal Election Commission and the House Committee on Ethics are currently reviewing the matter, as is the Department of Justice. We are fully cooperating in all of these pending investigations,' Bush said. 'It appears Rep. Bush's campaign may have made payments for services that were unnecessary or above fair market value because of her personal relationship with the payee,' FACT executive director Kendra Arnold said in the complaint. 'If so, these payments would qualify as either impermissible payments to a family member or an impermissible gift. While hiring family members is frowned upon, it is not illegal. It would only be illegal if push paid her now-spouse over 'fair market value.' Payments to family members must be for 'bonafide services' related to their official duties. 'In accordance with all applicable rules, I retained my husband as part of my security team to provide security services because he has had extensive experience in this area, and is able to provide the necessary services at or below a fair market rate,' Bush insisted. It was recently revealed that Bush, R-Mo., married Cortney Merritts in a private ceremony last month 'Therefore, we request the FEC investigate whether Rep. Bush converted campaign funds for personal use by paying a salary that was not for bona fide services at fair market value,' FACT wrote. 'Ultimately, if one or more campaign laws are found to have been broken, we request the FEC hold the respondents accountable.' Merritts was paid as Bush's security guard despite not having a license - which is required by the St. Louis Police Department, according to a Fox News report. Merritts was reportedly also not licensed for security in Washington, D.C. Bush, 47, is back in the spotlight after in 2021 she took heat for spending $500,000 on private security despite her impassioned pleas to 'defund the police.' 'I'm going to make sure I have security because I know I have had attempts on my life and I have too much work to do,' the former Black Lives Matter activist told CBS News in August 2021. 'So, if I end up spending $200,000, if I spend 10 more dollars on it, you know what? I get to be here to do the work.' 'So, suck it up,' she added, 'defunding the police has to happen. We need to defund the police and put that money into social safety nets because we're trying to save lives.' Last year Merritts was on the payroll of her re-election campaign Cori Bush + Cortney Merritts together at the 2020 inauguration Two St. Louis cops were then fired for moonlighting on her security team without getting permission from their superiors. Bush's campaign paid Merritts 24 bi-weekly installments of $2,500 in 2022 for security services. It paid another $250,000 to PEACE Security, a St. Louis-based firm, and $50,000 to a Nathaniel Davis, according to FEC records. 'Any time a member of Congress puts someone with a close personal relationship on the campaign payroll, increased scrutiny is necessary to ensure the legal standard has been met, which in this case is that the payments were for 'bona fide services at a fair market value,'' Arnold said in a statement. 'Both the fact that reportedly Bush's husband isn't licensed to provide security services for which he was paid, and that she was simultaneously paying large amounts to another company for the same services raise red flags that warrant an investigation by the FEC,' she added. Bush is not the first 'Squad' member to hire her husband - Rep. Ilhan Omar funneled $2.9 million to a consulting firm run by her husband in 2021, which amounted to 80 percent of the company's revenue. A flight of RAF Red Arrows jets came within a split second of smashing into a microlight aircraft at 410mph just two days before they joined the King's birthday flypast over Buckingham Palace, a report has revealed. Two of the pilots who saw the hazard looming in front of them managed to 'flinch' their controls upwards and estimated that they missed the microlight by just 20ft when they flew over the top of it. The close call was rated as a Category A incident where there was a serious risk of collision in a report by the UK Airprox Board which assesses near misses in Britain's airspace. The report revealed that an air traffic controller may have seen the microlight on the flightpath of the low flying jets just over a minute before the incident, and began to radio a warning to the RAF pilots. But the mystery object on the radar faded from the controller's screen during the call, prompting them to say the pilots should 'disregard' it as the 'conflicting traffic was no longer there'. The incident happened just two days before the King's birthday flypast over Buckingham Palace Diagram showing how close the RAF planes were close to the microlight The front two red and white Hawk jets from the Red Arrows were flying at 1,800ft The incident happened at a height of 1,400ft just two days before the Red Arrows joined a flypast of 70 aircraft to mark the King's official birthday parade after the Trooping of the Colour in London. The report revealed that four of the jets from the RAF's elite display team elite were flying in pairs after taking off from their base at RAF Waddington when the microlight appeared just south of nearby Long Sutton in Lincolnshire. The front two red and white Hawk jets which were flying at 1,800ft did not see the microlight before it suddenly appeared in front of the rear pair of planes flying half a mile behind and 400ft lower. A report by one the pilots said: 'As the rear section had been passing the town of Holbeach [they recall], a microlight had been spotted on the nose in very close proximity. 'Elements of the rear section had just sufficient time to 'flinch' upwards and flew over the top and slightly to the right of the microlight at approximately 20ft miss-distance.' The RAF pilot rated the 'severity of the incident' as high in their report of the close call which happened just after 7pm on June 15 last year, but the microlight pilot was never found, despite 'significant effort' to trace them. The close call was rated as a Category A incident where there was a serious risk of collision The report revealed that an air traffic controller may have seen the microlight on the flightpath of the low flying jets The jets continued their flight, getting into formation with another four planes, and looping around the Fens before flying back over RAF Waddington, and streaming their coloured smoke in a flypast of the base. An air traffic controller from RAF Waddington confirmed that they had received 'a garbled transmission that they could not understand' and when the pilots got nearer to their base they radioed in that it had been a report of the near miss. The controller also admitted there had been a 'high' risk of a collision, but a replay of the radar screens at RAF Waddington and RAF Marham, Norfolk, showed 'no traffic in the vicinity'. RAF investigators were unable to confirm if the object seen on radar had actually been the microlight, but stated that its pilot should have given way to the jets if they had been 'converging'. They concluded the incident was caused by the microlight not communicating with air traffic control while flying on the pre-planned flight path of the Red Arrows which had been publicised in advance by a NOTAM (notice to airmen) warning. The investigators also found that the controller who had possibly spotted the microlight on a radar screen should have continued with their warning, rather than saying: 'Traffic...Disregard, it's faded from radar.' They also found that there were 'limitations' to the radar coverage from RAF Waddington due to the Red Arrows flying low which meant that the chances of detecting a microlight were 'considerably low'. The RAF investigators added: 'The transit route selected by the [formation] had been both at a range and distance from Waddington that significantly limited the surveillance coverage provision available. 'However, this had been suitably briefed to the aircrew during the planning phase and then re-iterated when airborne with the application of a reduced Traffic Service. 'The Waddington Radar controller correctly assessed the requirement to provide Traffic Information when observing the radar contact. Coloured smoke trailing from the Red Arrows above the crowded Mall and Buckingham Palace on King Charles' birthday in June 'Their decision to stop passing Traffic Information when it had no longer been displayed was based upon long-standing teaching regarding the provision of Traffic Information and the 'control what you see' methodology.' They went on to say that the RAF was now considering whether it needed to improve procedures for operators of its 'current surveillance system'. RAF chiefs from HQ Air Command stated in their report that the Red Arrows had been flying low in order to complete their planned low level flypast at a height of between 500ft and 1,000ft. They added: 'More broadly, the formation deliberately conducts transits in the UK low flying system to maintain a presence in the public eye whilst maintaining the flexibility to operate under any poor weather. 'This is part of their mandate as a display team. Flight at that height carries risks which are under constant review, as are the mitigations. 'Consideration was made to transit at higher altitude, but given the potential to encounter weather, which would be difficult to pass a large formation through, the transit had been planned at lower altitude.' HQ Air Command and UKAB members also described it as 'unfortunate' that the microlight pilot could not be traced. The UKAB concluded: 'The Hawk and microlight pilots shared an equal responsibility for collision avoidance and not to operate in such proximity to other aircraft as to create a collision hazard. 'If the incident geometry is considered as head-on or nearly so then both pilots were required to turn to the right. If the incident geometry is considered as converging then the microlight pilot was required to give way to the Hawk. 'Members agreed that operation of the microlight at its chosen altitude was not unreasonable under normal circumstances, but that in this case it had been flying in proximity to the NOTAM'd Hawk transit event. 'They noted that the separation between the Hawk and the microlight had been at a bare minimum and that the incident was described by the Hawk pilot as a last minute sighting with little time to react. 'Although the Hawk pilot reports having 'flinched', members thought that this had not been early enough to materially increase the separation, that providence had played a major part in the event and that there had been a definite risk of collision.' While the pilot stated that the had missed the microlight by just 20ft, a diagram included with the report stated that it was said to have been around 20ft away horizontally and around 50m vertically. The RAF declined to comment. Tory peer Michelle Mone's billionaire businessman husband Doug Barrowman faces five years in prison as he goes on trial in Spain for allegedly taking part in a corporate tax evasion scam. The husband of 'Baroness Bra' today arrived at Spanish court to face the allegations - and failed in a bid to get the case thrown out straight away. Baroness Mone, 52, did not appear to be present at the court in Santander for the opening day of 58-year-old Barrowman's five-day trial which could see him put behind bars for up to five and a half years if convicted. The couple are separately being investigated by Britain's National Crime Agency for alleged fraud, over the award of more than 200million in VIP lane Covid-19 contracts in 2020 to PPE Medpro - a firm with which they were linked. Barrowman is accused in Spain of benefitting - along with six co-accused Britons - from an allegedly fraudulent 6.3m invoice. British billionaire businessman Doug Barrowman in court today in Santander, Spain, accused of an alleged tax crime alongside six fellow defendants Barrowman, 58, could face five and a half years in prison if convicted He and 52-year-old wife Baroness Michelle Mone - seen at a British Asian Trust reception at London's Guildhall in February 2017 - have been criticised over Covid contracts Doug Barrowman and six other defendants deny the Spanish charges against them Prosecutors say it was created to evade tax and take millions of pounds out of Spanish business B3 Cable Solutions via a UK company Axis Ventura in July 2008. B3 went bankrupt four years later, leading to 200 job losses at a cable factory near Santander. Barrowman and his six fellow defendants deny the charges, while an earlier civil court case cleared him and his partners of any administrative wrongdoing. The businessman's lawyer Borja Castiella today claimed statute of limitations legislation meant it was too late to proceed against the wealthy businessman over the alleged tax offence and it was 'improper' to accuse him of embezzlement. But his arguments fell on deaf ears as the three judges presiding over the trial ruled it should go ahead. The start of the six-day public hearing at Cantabria Provincial court, suspended twice since its scheduled first day more than a year ago, began with the first two of the seven defendants taking the stand in turns. State prosecutors want Glasgow-born father-of-four Barrowman jailed for three years if convicted of misappropriation and two and a half years for the alleged tax crime. Associates Paul Ruocco and Mark Williams, who together with Barrowman held nearly 60 per cent of B3 Cables shares, are facing identical prison demands. Four other men - former B3 Cable directors named as David Powell, Timothy Eve, Stephen Ellis and Michael Walton - risk being jailed for up to six years each if convicted of both charges. A four-page indictment claims Barrowman and two other investors attended two meetings of B3 Cable Solutions in 2008 where a 6.3million (5.5million) invoice was 'ratified' and approved on company accounts. Spanish authorities allege the invoice payment was 'destined for their own personal benefit' due to purported links between Barrowman and UK firm Axis Ventura, the Manchester-based company which received the 6.3million (5.5million) payment. Barrowman's defence claims he was neither a shareholder or director of Axis at the time the invoice was created and paid. Axis financed 18.8million through Landsbanski to purchase B3 Cable Solutions Spain, a cable provider in northern Spain which later went defunct in 2012. According to the indictment, Barrowman ceased his connection to Axis in March 18, 2008, four months before the invoice was paid and later partly used to offset B3's corporation tax bill by 1.6million. The indictment further claims Spain's Treasury was cheated out of over 500,000. The prosecution document refers to three men, including Barrowman, who were not B3 company directors but shareholders with 59 per cent of its capital. Lingerie entrepreneur Baroness Mone was not present at the Spanish court today Doug Barrowman, arriving at court in Santander in Spain today claims he was neither a shareholder or director of Axis at the time a 5.5million invoice was created and paid Doug Barrowman and his wife Baroness Michelle Mone, pictured here at Cheltenham Racecourse in March 2019, say they have been 'treated as a punchbag' They were allegedly present at the General Meeting on May 27, 2008, when the financial arrangements were made with Landsbanki, including ratification of the 6.3million invoice. The trio were also allegedly present at the General Meeting on April 9 the following year, when the company accounts were signed off. The document states: 'Therefore, they consciously permitted with their support the approval of agreements which, among other things made reference to services provided and subsequently paid to Axis Ventura, knowing because of their roles in both companies that far from signifying the payment of services never provided, the 6.3million were destined for their own personal benefit.' Regarding Axis Ventura's role in B3's business, the indictment read: 'No services were provided or any activities carried out by Axis Ventura. 'Instead, the accused who participated in both companies, guided by the intention of obtaining an illegal benefit, took advantage of the fact an important amount of money had entered B3 Cable's account via banking finance and agreed together to authorise in the shareholder meeting the payment of an important amount of money to another entity they themselves participated in.' Elsewhere, the business activities of Barrowman's wife - dubbed 'Baroness Bra' - are under scrutiny after she allegedly profited from pandemic contracts. Leaked documents allegedly show she and her children could have received millions after a company called PPE Medpro was referred for Government contracts to supply masks and gowns. The firm was awarded 203million in two contracts after Baroness Mone, a member of the House of Lords, recommended it to ministers at the beginning of the pandemic. PPE Medpro is now being sued by the Government for breaching the terms of a 122million contract to supply 25million surgical gowns for medical staff. The company said it would defend the civil lawsuit and the Department for Health had 'vastly over-ordered' PPE. Yet documents seen by the Financial Times suggested Mone's husband who denies any wrongdoing received 65million in profits from PPE Medpro. Earlier this month Baroness Mone and her family said they had been 'treated as a punchbag' after lying about having no connections to a PPE company awarded 200million of government contracts. In a statement published by Lady Mone on X, formerly Twitter, Barrowman said it 'suits the agenda' of the UK Government to "scapegoat' him and his wife for their part in supplying items designed to protect against coronavirus infection through the firm PPE Medpro. Lady Mone had admitted she lied when she denied having connections to the company, a consortium led by her husband, which was awarded contracts worth more than 200million to supply gowns and face masks. The lingerie entrepreneur stands to benefit from its 60million in profits that have been placed into a trust by her husband. Doug Barrowman was in the dock in Santander alongside six fellow defendants Doug Barrowman and the other six Britons accused of fraud have denied all charges Michelle Mone, here at the State Opening of Parliament in London in June 2017, was made a Conservative peer by then-Prime Minister David Cameron in August 2015 Axis Venturas former finance director David Powell said today in the Spanish court that Barrowman had a leading role in the cable factory purchase. He told the court as he became the first of the seven defendants to take the stand: 'Doug Barrowman and Paul Ruocco were the senior managers. 'Their speciality is identifying the price of a potential acquisition and arranging the money. 'Once the price had been agreed their roles began to change and they were more exploring the finance options.' State prosecutor Begona Abad Ruiz asked him during a tense cross-examination after he said the work Axis had done on the deal included arranging bank financing and co-ordinating external due diligence so the lender would release cash. Mr Ruiz asked: 'Why are there no documents in B3 Cable to demonstrate this?' Mr Powell responded: 'Thats not true, there are thousands of documents. Many have already been provided to the court,. He admitted telling a Spanish financial expert assisting him to keep the payment 'confidential', but insisted: 'It was because I didnt want it to become a cause of canteen gossip.' Accountant Timothy Eve, an Axis partner, declined to be cross-examined by the state prosecutor and only agreed to answer questions from his defence lawyer Virginia Moreta. Confirming to the court Axis trading name was Aston Ventures, he went on: 'There are several hundred documents we supplied that show the work Aston did. It could be thousands. 'Doug Barrowman and Paul were heavily involved with Michael Walton in negotiations. 'Dougs expertise was in negotiating prices and Pauls in financing along with Doug. They had all the contacts.' Asked by his lawyer what benefit B3 obtained from Axis services to justify the six-figure 'commission' payment, Mr Eve said: 'A price reduction first of all. The first price the sellers quoted was 30million and the agreed price was 13 million euros lower. 'With the transaction B3 Cable increased the value of its assets by some 44 million.' In earlier legal arguments before the trial proper began, the four defence lawyers acting for the seven defendants said the time limit for prosecuting the tax crime ran out on May 25, 2014. Barrowmans lawyer said a criminal complaint presented by prosecutors 17 days earlier was too vague to affect statute of limitation legislation and did not accuse named individuals of any wrongdoing. Baroness Mone, pictured here during the State Opening of Parliament in January 2019, announced in December 2022 she was taking a leave of absence from the House of Lords Lady Mone, here at the Scottish Business Awards in Edinburgh in May 2014, was behind the lingerine firm Ultimo Prosecutors have frozen or otherwise restrained a reported 75million of assets held by Lady Mone and her husband including this six-bedroom townhouse in Chester Square, London But Ernesto Saguillo, one of the three judges who threw out the attempts to have the trial halted at the eleventh hour, said: 'Whether questions like the time limit on the tax crime allegation has been interrupted or not is something we will deal with when it comes to verdict and sentencing.' Fellow judge Paz Aldecoa ruled all seven defendants did not have to attend court for the remaining four sessions after they had all taken the stand. Mr Barrowman declined to comment as he left court in a taxi. One of his co-defendants asked a journalist as he left: 'Why are you taking a photograph?' Detectives said Harvey was previously spotted delivering stolen Nike products to a warehouse in Hawthorne Roy Lee Harvey Jr., 37, was arrested in connection to an 'organized retail crime' ring Investigators recovered thousands of pairs of stolen Nike shoes, clothing and unique sneaker prototypes from a California warehouse A man has been busted with at least $5 million worth of stolen shoes and apparel, including thousands of pairs of Nikes, after a raid on a warehouse in California. Roy Lee Harvey Jr., 37, was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Departments Commercial Crimes Division Cargo Theft Unit after detectives executed two separate search warrants in Hollywood and the city of Hawthorne on Saturday. Harvey was previously spotted delivering stolen Nike products to a warehouse in Hawthorne, the LAPD said. Working alongside Nike's Global Security Director, investigators recovered thousands of pairs of stolen Nike shoes, clothing and accessories as well as unique prototypes of sneakers. The Los Angeles Police Department recovered about $5 million worth of stolen Nike merchandise from a warehouse in Hawthorne on Saturday Roy Lee Harvey Jr., 37, was arrested in connection to the thefts after he was seen delivering stolen products to the warehouse Among the items recovered were shoes, clothing, accessories and unique sneaker prototypes The stolen goods were worth about $5 million. 'It is believed Harvey Jr. is responsible for receiving, redistributing, and reselling a high dollar amount of stolen property,' a LAPD statement said. The 37-year-old was charged with receiving stolen property and booked into jail. Photos show hundreds of boxes neatly stacked on top of each other, some bearing the Nike logo. Other shoes sit in a display case inside the warehouse. One picture appears to show a pair of 2013 edition black and gold Air Jordans, which resell for thousands of dollars online. It is unclear where Harvey found the sneakers and where he planned to sell them. Authorities identified him as a participant in 'huge organized retail crime' but declined to elaborate on his involvement. A public information officer with the LAPD told DailyMail.com no further information will be made available, as Harvey has already been arrested. The bust comes as Los Angeles police continue to crack down on organized retail theft. In November, a swarm of teenagers swiped $12,000 worth of goods from a Los Angeles Nike store in a 'flash rob mob' that was caught on video. More than a dozen suspects flooded the South Alameda Street Nike Community Store on November 19 and were seen filling trash bags with merchandise as shoppers looked on in horror. The scene bore a striking resemblance to the targeting of an East Los Angeles Nike store in August, which led to six arrests. In that instance, thieves swiped $30,000 worth of stolen merchandise. Harvey was charged with receiving stolen property and booked into jail Photos taken inside the warehouse show hundreds of boxes neatly stacked on top of each other Authorities identified the 37-year-old as a participant in 'huge organized retail crime' but declined to elaborate on his involvement Los Angeles has been plagued by flash mob robberies, with 137 occurring in the past year alone. In November, a group of thieves ransaked a Nike store and made off with $12,000 worth of merchandise Los Angeles County currently has the highest commercial robbery rate in the state, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. According to statistics released last week, property crime climbed 3.5 percent year over year. Thefts citywide, including retail theft cases, jumped 16 percent. Certain neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley experienced skyrocketing rates of crime. One north of Rinaldi Street, for instance, reported a 103 percent increase in burglaries. Authorities said there were 137 flash mob robberies in the past year. The Organized Retail Crime Task Force - the same group that took Harvey in - was created to counter this specific type of theft. The LAPD said the group netted more arrests in 2023 than any previous year. Militants backed by Iranian forces have been waging attacks on US and Israeli targets since hostilities in the region were ignited in the wake of Hamas' brutal assault on the Jewish state on October 7. The campaign, seemingly led my the Yemen-based Houthi group, has threatened to spill over into a broader conflict as the Biden administration struggles to deal with the threat. In the most recent attack, a drone killed three US servicemen inside of their base in Jordan close to the Syrian border, where numerous other Iranian-backed groups also operate. Over 30 other servicemen were injured in the attack. The source of the drone is believed to be the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. The groups have come to be known as the Axis of Resistance by both the Iranian government and the media They are well supplied and staffed while taking most of their direction from Tehran, analysts say. Last week, US forces killed Iranian backed Popular Mobilization Front leader Abu Taqwa in an airstrike in Baghdad. So far this year, the American military has been trading blows with Houthi rebels seemingly nonstop. So what groups could be the cross-hairs of the Biden administration if and when the president decides on his retaliatory strategy. Hamas Masked Palestinian militants from the military wing of the Hamas movement participate in celebrations for the Israeli pullout from Gaza on August 24, 2005 at the Rafah refugee camp in southern Gaza Strip Hamas says its Oct. 7 attack was a purely Palestinian response to decades of Israeli domination. There is no evidence that Iran, Hezbollah or other allied groups played a direct role or knew about it beforehand. But when Israel responded by launching one of the 21st century's most devastating military campaigns in Gaza, a besieged enclave home to 2.3 million Palestinians, the Axis of Resistance Iran and the militant groups it supports across the region faced pressure to respond. The Palestinian cause has deep resonance across the region, and leaving Hamas alone to face Israel's fury would have risked unraveling a military alliance that Iran has been building up since the 1979 Islamic Revolution put it on a collision course with the West. Houthis The Houthi movement, which controls large parts of Yemen, announced it had entered the recent conflict on Oct. 31 The Houthi movement, which controls large parts of Yemen, announced it had entered the conflict on Oct. 31, firing drones and missiles at Israel more than a thousand miles from their seat of power in Sanaa. In November, the Houthis expanded their role by attacking shipping in the southern Red Sea, saying they were targeting vessels belonging to Israelis or heading to Israeli ports - though some of the targeted ships had no known Israeli links. The campaign prompted the United States and Britain to launch air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in January. The Houthis declared all U.S. and British ships and warships taking part in 'the aggression' would be targets for the group. The attacks have disrupted international commerce on the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia, leading some shipping companies to reroute their vessels. The United States believes Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) have been helping to plan and carry out the Houthi missile and drone attacks. Iran denies involvement. Sources told Reuters earlier this month that commanders from the IRGC and Hezbollah are on the ground in Yemen helping to direct and oversee Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. The Houthis denied any Hezbollah or Iranian involvement. The United States returned the Houthis to its list of designated terrorist groups in response to the shipping attacks. Hezbollah Hezbollah fighters attend the funeral procession of senior Hezbollah commander Wissam Tawil, during his funeral procession in the village of Khirbet Selm, south Lebanon earlier this month The heavily armed Lebanese group Hezbollah has been mounting near daily attacks on Israeli targets at the Lebanese-Israeli border since Oct. 8, prompting the heaviest exchanges of fire between the enemies since they waged full-scale war in 2006. Hezbollah says its attacks have helped to stretch the Israeli army while also uprooting tens of thousands of Israelis who have fled homes near the border. Israeli air and artillery strikes have also forced tens of thousands of Lebanese to flee. More than 150 Hezbollah fighters and at least 25 Lebanese civilians have been killed, in addition to at least nine Israeli soldiers and a civilian. A U.S. envoy has been engaged in efforts to prevent the violence from spiralling into an even bigger conflict. Founded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982, Hezbollah has served as a model for other Tehran-backed groups across the region, and has also advised or trained some of them. Hezbollah is widely regarded as more powerful than the Lebanese state and shares Iran's Shi'ite Islamist ideology. The United States designates Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation. Al-Ashtar Brigades The al-Ashtar Brigades are a Bahraini-based Shiite group, backed by Iran, that has been labeled a terrorist organization in its homeland, as well as by the US, Canada, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United States and Canada. Its members a primarily concerned with the overthrow of the ruling House of Khalifa in Bahrain and to turn the country into a territory of Iran. The group where the branding of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. Faemiyoun Division Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members march during the annual pro-Palestinians Al-Quds, or Jerusalem, Day rally in Tehran Faemiyoun Division is the Syrian militia that is loyal to the country's government and counts among its rivals, ISIS. In fact the group formed in 2014 as a direct result of the rise of the Islamic State. The group, which counts among its members Hazara Shia Muslims, is also at war with the Taliban. The militants are 'mostly in their 20s and 30s motivated mainly by economic deprivation and vulnerabilities due to their migrant status,' according to the US Institute of Peace. According to Human Rights Watch, the Iranian government offered 'payment' and 'legal protections' for Hazara Shia Muslims who would serve in the group. However, the same report also says that fighters are recruited through threats and coercion. The group has a membership of between 20,000 and 50,000, Rahmatullah Nabil, the head of Afghanistans intelligence agency until 2015 told Radio Free Europe in 2020. Kataib Hezbollah Members of the Iraqi Shiite militia, Kataib Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades), aim their weapons as they take up position during fighting against Islamic State (IS) fighters Founded in the aftermath of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Kataib Hezbollah is one of the elite Iraqi armed factions closest to Iran. It is the most powerful armed faction in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of hardline Shi'ite armed groups that have claimed more than 150 attacks on U.S. forces since the Gaza war began. After its founding, the group quickly developed a reputation for deadly attacks against military and diplomatic targets in the 2000s, using a mixture of sniper, rocket and mortar attacks and roadside bombs. In 2009, the group was designated as terrorist by the US State Department. It was led by dual Iraqi-Iranian citizen Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis until he was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020 along with Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani at Baghdad's international airport. The group has a translational Shi'ite ideology that views the borders between Iraq, Syria and Lebanon as Western constructs. It views U.S. troops in Iraq as foreign occupiers and has called for their forceful expulsion. It fought alongside other Shi'ite militias against mostly Sunni rebels during Syria's civil war and has continued to operate in Syria since. A shadowy group with no announced leadership structure, Kataib Hezbollah has thousands of fighters and an arsenal of drones, rockets and short-range ballistic missiles, Iraqi officials and members of the group say. California Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia compared Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler in a fiery hearing to advance the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Republicans are moving forward two articles of impeachment against Biden's border chief Mayorkas - one accusing him of willfully subverting immigration laws through catch-and-release and another accusing him of obstructing and lying to Congress. But Democrats angrily hit back at the GOP-led impeachment during the markup, trying to tie their hardline immigration policies to a dictatorship. Democrat Rep. Garcia went further, likening former President Donald Trump to Hitler, because he 'speaks about immigrants with the same rhetoric that Hitler claiming that immigrants like me and my family and they 'pollute the blood of this country.'' 'He wants chaos,' Garcia added, saying the Trump and 'MAGA' border security plan includes 'alligator moats, bombing northern Mexico, shooting migrants in the legs, and electrifying the fence and putting spikes.' 'This is all about trying to get Donald Trump reelected,' the Democrat claimed, as House Republicans have swatted away Senate-led, bipartisan immigration negotiations in favor of pushing through impeachment. California Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia compared Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler in a fiery Homeland Security hearing to advance impeachment of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas 'This is all about trying to get Donald Trump reelected,' the Democrat claimed, as House Republicans have swatted away Senate-led, bipartisan immigration negotiations in favor of pushing through impeachment Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., touched on the high-profile battle between the Biden administration and the state of Texas, claiming Republicans have been 'sabotaging' Biden's efforts to secure the border. Abbott and Biden are locked in a legal battle after Abbott sent the National Guard to Eagle Pass, Texas, to apprehend migrants and kicked federal agents out of Shelby Park, a popular place for migrants to pass. 'So your own party is sabotaging and undermine this administration's efforts to address the border while you are trying to impeach him by saying that they're not addressing the border. The hypocrisy is the least of it,' said Goldman. 'Your attack on the rule of law and our democracy is the worst of it. And you better be careful about the bed that you make.' Goldman said on Monday that if Republicans impeach Mayorkas over what he deems to be mere policy differences, Democrats could impeach a future Republican Homeland Security over a child separation policy like that under Trump, for example. Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., touched on the high-profile battle between the Biden administration and the state of Texas , claiming Republicans have been 'sabotaging' Biden's efforts to secure the border Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas lashed out at House Republicans trying to impeach him, saying he would not be swayed by 'politically motivated accusations and personal attacks you have made against me.' Mayorkas wrote a scathing seven-page letter to House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., Tuesday morning, just hours before the GOP was set to move forward impeachment articles against him. 'I assure you that your false accusations do not rattle me and do not divert me from the law enforcement and broader public service mission to which I have devoted most of my career and to which I remain devoted,' he said. The Homeland Security secretary insisted he's done the best he can with the tools available to him - and any further restrictions will take an act of Congress. Mayorkas has been involved in bipartisan Senate talks on a national security aid and border package that House Republicans have largely rejected. Chairman Mark Green is leading a full committee markup to impeach Sec. Mayorkas Republicans hold sign showing the Democrats who voted to refer Mayorkas impeachment to the committee Mayorkas lashed out at House Republicans trying to impeach him, saying he would not be swayed by 'politically motivated accusations and personal attacks you have made against me' Green fired back in a statement to DailyMail.com, calling Mayorkas' '11th-hour response' this morning 'inadequate and unbecoming of a Cabinet secretary.' He maintained that the GOP investigation has 'established' that Mayorkas 'willfully and systemically refused to comply with the laws of the United States and breached the public trust. ' 'A letter at 4:48am on the morning of our markup, repeating the same false claims and doubling down on his commitment to his continued lawless conduct, indicates the contempt with which he views Congress, the American people, and the Constitution he swore an oath to defend,' continued Green. In December 2020, former President Trump's last full month in office, there were 92,000 border encounters. Mayorkas suggested that took extreme policies from the Trump team. 'I think it is unconscionable to separate children from their parents as a tool of deterrence,' he said, referring to a part of the Trump administration's zero tolerance border policy in 2018. 'I believe that law enforcement at the border can be tough and humane. It is our responsibility to the American people to work through our differences and try to reach solutions together.' Republicans cite Mayorkas' 'willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law' as hundreds of migrants continue to flood into the U.S. every day. They contend Mayorkas is guilty of 'high crimes and misdemeanors' that amount to a 'refusal to comply with the law' on immigration and a 'breach of the public trust.' The impeachment resolution stated: 'Alejandro N. Mayorkas willfully and systemically refused to comply with the immigration laws, failed to control the border to the detriment of national security, compromised public safety, and violated the rule of law and separation of powers in the Constitution, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States. Since taking control of the House in 2023, Republicans have pushed to impeach Mayorkas - but momentum faded when they announced the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. The effort came back to the forefront when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., forced a vote to impeach Mayorkas on the House floor and the House referred the articles back to the Homeland Security Committee. Meanwhile immigration and border security has launched to the forefront of electoral politics as record numbers of migrants attempt to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. The GOP push also comes at a curious time for Mayorkas. Even as the House is taking steps to try remove him from office, Mayorkas has been engaged in arduous negotiations with senators seeking to reach a bipartisan deal on border policy. He has won praise from senators for his engagement in the process. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has said the House will move forward as soon as possible with a vote. Passage requires only a House majority. The Senate would hold a trial, and a two-thirds vote is required for conviction, an exceedingly unlikely outcome in the Democratic-run Senate. Democrats say Republicans have held a sham of an impeachment process against Mayorkas and lack the constitutional grounds to impeach the secretary. Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., suggested the GOP's efforts opens the door to making impeachment political. 'The Republicans are going to open the door to impeach a secretary because they don't like how that secretary is doing his job, well, what happens if there's another child separation policy?' he said, referring to Trump's 'zero tolerance' policy. They also say Republicans are part of the problems at the border, with Republicans attacking Mayorkas even as they have failed to give his department the tools it needs to manage the situation. 'They dont want to fix the problem; they want to campaign on it. Thats why they have undermined efforts to achieve bipartisan solutions and ignored the facts, legal scholars and experts, and even the Constitution itself in their quest to baselessly impeach Secretary Mayorkas,' the department said in a statement Sunday. Mayorkas wrote a scathing seven-page letter to House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., Tuesday morning, just hours before the GOP is set to move forward impeachment articles against him Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee The two articles mark the culmination of a roughly yearlong examination by Republicans of the secretary's handling of the border and what they describe as a crisis of the administration's own making. Republicans contend that the administration and Mayorkas specifically either got rid of policies in place under Trump that had controlled migration or enacted policies of their own that encouraged migrants from around the world to come to the U.S. illegally via the southern border. They cite growing numbers of migrants who have overwhelmed the capacity of Customs and Border Protection authorities to care and process them. Homeland Security Chair Mark Green had invited Mayorkas to testify before the committee and gave a date, but Mayorkas had a scheduling conflict that day and he says the committee did not offer another date. Police have charged a man with affray and possession of a weapon after a Golders Green attack which left 'Jewish communities shaken'. Gabriel Abdullah, 34, has been charged by the Met Police and will appear in custody following reports of a man with a knife at midday yesterday. It follows an incident in Hamilton Road, Golders Green, on Monday in which a man allegedly shouted antisemitic abuse outside the shop while armed with a knife. Officers say the incident is being treated as a 'hate crime' - as they pay tribute to the members of the public who 'bravely intervened'. Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, responsible for policing in north-west London, said: 'Yesterday's incident in Golders Green has understandably caused significant concern and left our Jewish communities shaken. 'I want to be clear, this matter is being treated as a hate crime and we are dedicating significant resources to the investigation. Police apprehended a knifeman outside a Jewish supermarket in Golders Green, Northwest London The 34-year-old man allegedly shouted antisemitic slurs and threatened staff and shoppers with a large knife Officers say the incident is being treated as a 'hate crime' - as they pay tribute to the members of the public who 'bravely intervened' 'Our officers responded quickly and were on the scene within six minutes and able to arrest the suspect within ten minutes of being called. I want to pay tribute to the members of the public who bravely intervened before police arrived. 'This is being investigated as a hate crime by specialist detectives from our Community Safety Unit.' The senior officer added that while the force's counter terror team had been in contact with local officers it is not being treated as a terror investigation. She continued: 'I want to offer my reassurance that officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command have carried out a full assessment of the incident and remain in contact with local officers as the investigation continues. 'While this is not a terror investigation, that in no way detracts from how seriously we are taking this incident. 'Myself and my senior team spoke with community leaders and other partners over the course of yesterday afternoon to update them on the investigation and keep them informed. 'This will continue into today and the days ahead. We have been carrying out additional patrols in Golders Green over recent months and these will now increase in light of this incident.' While calls intensified for Rep. Ilhan Omar to resign from Congress after saying she puts Somalia's interests above all else, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is going one step further by demanding she is deported and stripped of her U.S. citizenship. DeSantis' sentiments are the most severe of the backlash that ensued over the weekend, with Rep. Marjorie Taylore Greene calling her a 'terrorist sympathizer' and Donald Trump Jr. lamenting that the U.S. is not even in the 'top three' of her priorities. Video emerged of Omar's speech in Minneapolis on Saturday where she declared she is 'Somalia first'. 'Expel from Congress, denaturalize and deport!' DeSantis, who dropped out of the 2024 presidential race earlier this month, posted to X on Tuesday. Rep. Omar is a member of the progressive squad of lawmakers in the House who emigrated from Somalia in 1995. She said in Somalian that her home country is her top priority when legislating in Congress. Her second priority, according to a translation of the remarks, is Islam. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis demanded that Rep. Ilhan Omar be deported and stripped of her U.S. citizenship after she said her main priority as a lawmaker is representing the best interests of Somalia Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) said during a speech in Minneapolis on Saturday that her top priority as a lawmaker is Somalia and second is Islam 'You know, Ilhan Omar says stuff like, 'Oh, well, I'm Somali first, Muslim next. We're going to make sure that Somali is heard.' Like, you now, you are in the United States Congress,' Trump Jr. lamented in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday evening. 'Like we don't even get a mention anymore in America,' he added. 'Like, we're not even top three or we just get forgot about entirely.' 'And yet, that feels like it's coming from so much of Congress. By the way, including from our own side,' he added. Don Jr. then slammed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for also being out of touch with average Americans by claiming that funding the war in Ukraine is a top priority of U.S. citizens. Rather, the former president's eldest son said that going around the country and meeting with people working the venues teaches him that his father's messaging is working. 'I've said this now numerous times we talked about the war in Ukraine. You know, I hear Mitch McConnell, he's out there: 'It's the number one priority of Americans.' I'm like, it's not for me,' Don Jr. said. 'And I can assure you just by speaking to this room alone today,' he added, 'I have been in front of more real Americans than Mitch McConnell has probably in his entire 279-year career.' DeSantis posted to X on Tuesday morning the video of Omar and demanded she be expelled from Congress, denaturalized and deported In Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday evening, Donald Trump Jr. slammed Rep. Omar for not even naming the U.S. as one of her top priorities Don Jr. spoke at Turning Point Action's Restoring National Confidence summit in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, January 29 Rep. Omar is being accused of 'treason' and calls to be removed from Congress as she faces fierce opposition for the speech where she unapologetically declared she is 'Somalia first.' Somaliland Ambassador Rhoda Elmi reposted video of Omar's speech on X and called it 'regrettably unbecoming' and 'lacking in common decency.' 'We hope the house leadership and her caucus will take note of her public conduct, unbecoming a United States Congresswoman nor representative of the august house she serves in,' Elmi wrote in her lengthy statement posted to X. The leaked video of Omar's speech on January 27 quickly went viral and garnered widespread criticism, including from far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) who accused her colleague of using her position to protect people who 'hate America' and also said she's clearly admitting to putting another country ahead of American interests. House Majority Whip Tim Emmer, who also represents a district in Minnesota , called for his colleague's resignation. 'Ilhan Omar's appalling, Somalia-first comments are a slap in the face to the Minnesotans she was elected to serve and a direct violation of her oath of office,' Rep. Emmer said in a statement, according to Alpha News . 'She should resign in disgrace.' Omar decried the criticism as 'completely off,' claiming she is saying that her top priority as a U.S. member of Congress is to represent the best interests of Somali people in America. 'Sleep in comfort knowing I am here to protect the interest of Somalia from inside the U.S. system,' Omar said while speaking in Somalian at a Minneapolis event on Saturday when the moment was captured on camera and circulated online. She also uplifted Somalia's 'unity' against Ethiopia and Somaliland, which is an unrecognized state considered part of Somalia, and supported Somalia forcibly retaking land around their country. ACT for America founder and Chairwoman Brigitte Gabriel wrote on X: 'Ilhan Omar puts Somalia first, Islam second, and America last.' Rep. Greene wrote: 'Terrorist sympathizer Ilhan Omar in her own words: Somalian first. Muslim second. She never mentions America.' 'She flaunts using her position as congresswoman to protect Somalia's border while our border is invaded by MILLIONS of illegals who are a danger to America,' she added. 'These people hate America and they're so emboldened by the Democrats' disdain for our country, they're not even trying to hide it anymore.' Oamr said in her speech that 'the US government will only do what Somalians in the U.S. tell them to do. They will do what we want and nothing else.' ACT for America founder and Chairwoman Brigitte Gabriel wrote on X: 'Ilhan Omar puts Somalia first, Islam second, and America last' Somaliland Ambassador Rhoda Elmi reposted video of Omar's speech on X and released a lengthy statement where she called the remarks 'regrettably unbecoming' and 'lacking in common decency' Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) also weighed-in with a post on X stating Omar 'flaunts using her position as congresswoman to protect Somalia's border' and accused her of 'hating America' 'They must follow our orders and that is how we will safeguard the interest of Somalia,' she adds. 'We Somalians must have the confidence in ourselves that we call the shots in the U.S.' 'Together we will protect the interests of Somalia.' Americans for Prosperity Tennessee Ambassador Robby Starbuck accused Omar of 'openly admitting allegiance to a foreign nation and to using her position in government to put that foreign nation first.' 'This is treason,' he declared. 'Ilhan Omar is an agent for Somalia. It's all out in the open. She should be removed from Congress at the very least. Absolutely insane.' This isn't the first time calls have ensued to remove Omar from her position in the U.S. House of Representatives. Omar's previous anti-Semitic remarks as well as her demanding Israel stop defending itself against Hamas terrorists in Gaza have led to calls from Republicans that she be removed from Congress and sparked censure resolutions from colleagues. She is part of the progressive 'squad' of lawmakers, which includes the likes of Reps. Alexandria Ocasi-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley and Rsahida Tlaib, who is Palestinian-American. At least four people drowned and eight others were rescued after the speedboat they were traveling on sank between Isla Mujeres and Cancun on Monday night. The captain of the boat has been placed under arrest, and seven people remain missing as of Tuesday. The victims, all Mexican nationals, were being transported from Isla Mujeres to Cancun when the 26foot tour vessel over, known as the Goddess of the Sea, capsized. A 64-year-old man, two women, aged 65 and between 40 and 45, and a 10-year-old have been confirmed dead. The survivors were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Mexican authorities transport one of the eight survivors after the speedboat they were r5iding in capsized between Isla Mujeres and Cancun in Monday night. Four people drowned after they were knocked into the sea by a wave and seven others remained missing as of Tuesday. All of the passengers were identified as Mexican nationals The captain of the vessel, identified as 38-year-old Ramon, was arrested as part of the investigation Monday night The Quintana Roo state civil protection agency had issued a warning earlier in the day of strong wind currents in the sea and advised boat operators to take extra caution. Quintana Roo Attorney General Raciel Lopez told reporters that a search and rescue mission was underway for seven people who were reported missing. The captain of the vessel, a 38-year-old man identified as Ramon, was arrested. He told investigators that they were headed to Port Juarez in Cancun when five people were knocked into the sea by a wave. A paramedic provides oxygen to one of the victims who were injured after the speedboat they were traveling on sank between Isla Mujeres and Cancun on Monday evening The Quintana Roo state civil protection department issued a warning Monday advising boat operators to use extra caution because of strong winds in the sea Ramon said that he only managed to help one person, who was seriously injured, back on the boat before it started to take on water. Boat operators in the area received a call from one of the survivors and raced to the scene to help with the rescue. The captain could face four counts of homicide if charged. The deadly boating incident is the second in the region in over a month. A vessel captain and a sailor drowned on December 10 after their boat was flipped over by a strong wind current in Cozumel. The navy rescued nine tourists while two others swam safely to shore. In a separate incident that day, the navy rescued 13 people after their boat took on water and started to sink. Megyn Kelly has slammed how the media has fawned over E. Jean Carroll in the wake of her $83 million jury award against Donald Trump as the podcast says the treatment will 'win Trump the election'. The podcast host's comments came after Carroll appeared on MSNBC following her win, where she joked she and host Rachel Maddow would spend the $83 million she was awarded on new clothes. On her Monday podcast, Kelly complained Carroll had been asked 'zero tough questions' by interviewers and described her appearances on TV as a 'softball media tour.' 'Former president Trump has been ordered to pay a gigantic amount to E. Jean Carroll the woman accusing him of having sexually assaulted her 30 years ago,' Kelly said, while mocking Carroll for not remember the year it happened. 'But a jury found in her favor and now the only thing at issue in this trial was the amount of Damages and it's a whopper,' Kelly said. 'Now, she is spiking the ball on a softball media tour,' Kelly said of Carroll. Megyn Kelly has slammed how the media has fawned over E. Jean Carroll in the wake of her $83 million jury award against Donald Trump as the podcast says the treatment will 'win Trump the election' Carroll (right) appeared on MSNBC following her $83 million win and joked about spending the damages on new clothes with host Rachel Maddow (left) Carroll was awarded the massive sum after a Manhattan jury agreed that Trump had defamed the former Elle Magazine columnist when he called her a 'whack job' with a 'made up story' after a court ruled last year that he had sexually abused Carroll in a department store dressing room in 1996. The author had promised to help other victims with her multi-million dollar payout, but had a more worldly wish list as she was quizzed by Maddow. 'First thing Rachel, you and I are going to go shopping,' Carroll said. 'We're going to get completely new wardrobes, new shoes, what do you want? Penthouse? It's yours Rachel!' 'That's a joke,' laughed lawyer Shawn Crowley nervously, sitting next to her. In response, Kelly said on X, formerly Twitter: 'This is the kind of clip that could win Trump the election.' She did not offer further explanation of her thoughts. On Sunday, during an appearance on ABC's Good Morning America, Carroll she vowed to spend the money on 'something Donald Trump hates.' 'This leads me to the media you would think the media at some point might ask E Jean Carroll some tough questions like why didn't you? You only had two friends, why isn't there a surveillance tape?' Kelly said. 'Why isn't there a contemporaneous witness why didn't right all the stuff like you could you could set it up just to be fair even if you didn't believe these were good points, just to be fair.' Kelly suggested the mainstream media has 'zero appetite' for considering the fact the former president could be 'telling the truth'. The media's already run to say it's true because a civil jury found it 51 percent more likely than not,' Kelly added. The former president has has insisted he will appeal against Friday's award, which he branded 'absolutely ridiculous' Kelly suggested the Carroll was embarking on a 'softball media tour' following the win and questioned why no interviewers were posing tough questions Rachel Maddow asks E. Jean Carroll what she's going to do with "Trump's money" to help "women's rights." Carroll says she and Maddow will "go shopping, get completely new wardrobes, new shoes...Rachel, what do you want, penthouse?" Her lawyer nervously says "that's a joke": pic.twitter.com/5LAx5xU5Uy Steve Krakauer (@SteveKrak) January 30, 2024 'They want us all to go along with they want us all to say it's horrible how Trump keeps dismissing this woman. 'As opposed to let's just entertain for a minute the possibility that Trump is the truth teller here, that Trump actually has no memory of this person and certainly didn't sexually assault her and that she really is some sort of a kook, who decided to make up a story about him to get her name in the headlines to potentially get money from a deep-pocketed guy. 'The media has zero appetite for entertaining that possibility.' Trump has stated his intent to appeal the verdict, which he branded 'absolutely ridiculous'. 'They have taken away all First Amendment Rights,' he wrote on Truth Social, 'THIS IS NOT AMERICA!' 'I fully disagree with both verdicts, and will be appealing this whole Biden Directed Witch Hunt focused on me and the Republican Party.' Trump is already appealing a prior $5 million verdict in a separate defamation case, which was the first one Carroll brought against him. A second appeal would provide him the opportunity to knock down the $65 million punitive damage award decided by the jury, which was in addition to $18.3 million in compensatory damages. He has since pushed for all past and present presidents to receive immunity from prosecution. IF IMMUNITY IS NOT GRANTED TO A PRESIDENT, EVERY PRESIDENT THAT LEAVES OFFICE WILL BE IMMEDIATELY INDICTED BY THE OPPOSING PARTY. WITHOUT COMPLETE IMMUNITY, A PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY FUNCTION!' Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. A Pennsylvania mother has been charged after allegedly abandoning her 15-year-old son for a month without food, water or heat to go live in a different state with her boyfriend. Tiffani Chanel Bogroff, 45, left her young son alone in their home to fend for himself and to take care of their two dogs and a cat sometime last month while she shacked up with her lover in New Jersey, authorities say, according to a news release by the Manheim Township Police Department. The shocking discovery was made after police performed a welfare check on a juvenile at a home located at 900 block of N. President Avenue on November 22 after a witness reported that a minor was living by himself, Lancaster Online reported. Another witness reported that they had not seen the teen's mother for about a month, as per the news outlet. On December 13, a search warrant at the home was executed. Upon arrival, officers witnessed the squalor conditions the teen was living in that included trash, rotten food, no heat, gas or running water, and only a space heater for the boy and the animals to stay warm. Bogroff was located by Pennsville Township Police Department in New Jersey on Saturday and arrested. She was charged with one felony count of endangering the welfare of a child. She is currently being held in the Salem County Correctional Facility. On Monday, police confirmed that she is currently awaiting extradition back to Pennsylvania. She has not yet been arraigned. PICTURED: Tiffani Chanel Bogroff, 45, left her young son alone to fend for himself and to take care of their two dogs and a cat sometime in December while she shacked up with her lover in New Jersey hours away from their home in Lancaster, authorities say A street view of 900 block of N. President Avenue in Lancaster and location of Bogroff's home The teen whose name was not disclosed because he is a minor told the officers that his mother moved to New Jersey about a month ago and that she returns 'on occasion' but said he never knows when, local CBS21 News reported. He also told police that his mother communicates with him through Facebook Messenger, and said that she will 'sometimes' send him money through a Cash App. He also shared with the police that he sometimes attends school, but finds it difficult getting up in the morning since he is by himself. The victim's grandmother told the news outlet that Bogroff 'abandoned' her son. The boy's father and grandmother, who also live in Lancaster, would periodically come to the home to provide him with food and water, court records revealed, according to the news outlet. Sargeant Barry Waltz with the Manheim Township Police Department told DailyMail.com that Bogroff had a warrant out for her arrest since January 12 before she was taken into custody on Saturday. He said the warrant stays active until she is arraigned. Officials have not released the name of Bogroff's boyfriend or shared the location where the boyfriend's home was in New Jersey. Encampment-cluttered Denver's migrant crisis has reached breaking point after 40,000 people flooded into the Democrat-led sanctuary city in the last year. The Colorado capital has become inundated with new migrants crossing over the border - despite the fact the city is already at the brink in terms of resources. The sanctuary city, which already has 700,000 residents, has been struggling to stretch its limited housing. Denver, like other cities such as New York, are facing the brunt of the nationwide crisis of the flow of people at the southern border. Denver's progressive mayor Mike Johnston now predicts the city will have to use 10 percent of its yearly budget on migrants - and will also need an additional $100 million to provide them with housing, schooling, and health care. The new influx comes from Texas - where Governor Abbott has been transferring an overwhelming number of asylum seekers to Democrat states and cities to lessen the Lone Star State's burden. Venezuelan migrants wait to be processed in Denver, Colorado. The sanctuary city, which already has 700,000 residents, has been struggling to stretch its limited housing - as have many cities, like New York, who are battling with the nationwide issue of the flow of people at the southern border Denver's mayor now predicts the city will have to use 10 percent of its yearly budget on migrants, as well as $100million in order to provide them with housing, schooling, and health care. Pictured: A family of migrants before they head on a bus from Texas to Denver Homelessness in Denver, Colorado is a big problem - as is the drug use and mental health issues of many of those who find themselves on the streets Denver - where its homeless population is already overrunning street corners - has had to enforce a limit on the amount of time migrants can stay in state-run accommodation, according to NBC News. It comes as the Denver Public School system saw an uptick of 3,000 immigrant children, mainly from Venezuela, joining schools since July alone. Dr. Steven Federico, a pediatrician and chief of government and community affairs at Denver Health, said: 'I think it's been an unheeded call so far in terms of who's going to be responsible for the health care of this population. 'In the meantime, it falls on safety net hospitals like Denver Health.' As a result of the rampant overcrowding, the streets of Denver are now flooded with tents. One business said there are 200 on their street - meaning that patrons weren't even able to walk inside the door. Mayor Johnston told America's Newsroom: spoke about what he believes would provide a potential solution, saying: 'When folks arrive in our city, we want them [to have] the ability to work. 'If they have work authorization when they arrive, they can get to work and support themselves immediately, [they] don't need federal or state support.' A migrant encampment seen in Denver, Colorado Venezulean migrants wait to get paper work to be admitted to shelters at a migrant processing center on May 9, 2023 in Denver, Colorado Migrants being processed in El Paso and put on busses to different destinations, including Denver, Colorado In October, Denver announced it was set to break ground on the first of many micro-communities designed to house the homeless - with 1,000 taxpayer-funded homes set to open Encampment-cluttered Denver's migrant crisis has reached breaking point after 40,000 people flooded into the Democrat-led sanctuary city in the last year Many homeless people are centered in the downtown area of Denver where there is also a concentration of shelters and charities providing safe spaces and food As a result of the rampant overcrowding, the streets of Denver are now flooded with tents again. One business said that there are 200 on their street - meaning that patrons weren't even able to walk inside the door A statement from his office continued: 'Denver paused the discharge of migrant families on Nov. 17, 2023 and also welcomed families who had previously timed out to return to shelter. 'However, over the past two months, Denver has seen a dramatic uptick in arrivals and is currently sheltering 4,000 people. 'This influx - the fourth significant surge in arrivals since late 2022 - is straining capacity and based on current projections, could force the city to cut as much as $180 million from its annual budget. 'While we recognize families need as much time as we can give them, we must once again limit the amount of time families can remain in shelter, beginning on Feb. 5. 'However, the city will increase the length-of-stay for families with children, providing all newly arriving families with up to six weeks (42 days) in shelter, up from the previous limit of 37 days.' Venezulean migrants wait in a line to get paper work to be admitted to shelters at a migrant processing center on May 9, 2023 A migrant lies on the sleeping pad at a makeshift shelter in Denver, Colorado in January 2023 A woman looks on outside of a tent in downtown during a period of cold weather in Denver, Colorado in December 2022 Migrants stand at a processing center as they wait for a bus in Brownsville, Texas Denver has been dealing with chronic homelessness since the early days of the pandemic In October, Denver announced it was set to break ground on the first of many micro-communities designed to house the homeless - with 1,000 taxpayer-funded homes set to open. The site, located on S. Santa Fe Drive, was one of 11 being propped up by the famously progressive city, which is currently in the midst of an unprecedented homelessness crisis. Tent-laden processions complete with furniture and other amenities are now a common sight in the Mile High City. Democrat Mayor Mike Johnston announced the city is taking its first steps to combat the crises - by erecting a fully staffed commune with 130 70 square-foot homes, and 70 larger domiciles measuring in at 120 square feet. Each, the mayor said, comes complete with a complementary bed and desk, and will have access to community areas with restrooms, showers, a kitchen and multiple gathering spaces. The new influx comes from Texas - whose Gov Abbott has been carting the growing number of asylum seekers to Democrat states and cities to lessen the Lone Star State's burden The residences - comprised of the increasingly popular pallet shelters now being used as 'tiny homes' - cost between $13,900 and $18,900 to construct, with each being assembled in under an hour, Johnson said. In total, the single community will cost the city a total of $7million - not including the other amenities set to be offered. It was the first step of Johnstons House1000 initiative. The end goal of the venture, officials said, is to eventually close all the encampments across Denver - a little over two months after Johnston declared a citywide state of emergency to address the crisis. At a town hall meeting last year, Johnston hinted he was not going to approach the problem like others before him - as he continues to face criticism since for two separate sweeps that have failed to clean up the mess. A school is drafting in a sniffer dog to crack down on children vaping in what is believed to be a UK first. City of Norwich School is bringing in the dog in an attempt to combat the rising problem among minors. It has unveiled a series of other tough measures, including installing vape detectors in toilets, increasing CCTV coverage, carrying out searches of pupils pockets and bags, and adding extra staff patrols. A spokesman said: As with schools across the country, we recognise the impact the use of vapes and other prohibited substances can have on our students, both in terms of their health and the influence it can have on behaviour. Claiming the school doesnt currently have an issue with vaping, he added: We are aware this is a rising challenge within society and therefore want to take proactive steps to help counter and deter this. City of Norwich School is bringing in the dog in an attempt to combat the rising problem among minors We are committed to providing an environment for our staff and students that is safe and supportive and, as such, the proactive measures we have planned will help to educate students on the risks of vape use and other banned substances. Rishi Sunak this week announced disposable vapes would be banned in the UK to help protect childrens health by stopping them from becoming hooked for life. Figures show the number of children using vapes has tripled over the past three years, with nine per cent of children aged 11 to 15 now addicted. Much of the increase has been driven by the disposable devices, which are available in a vast range of bright colours and flavours. City of Norwich School, which has around 1,700 pupils and was rated good in its last Ofsted inspection, has written to parents advising them of the measures. The sniffer dog will be brought in for one day next month to drive home the importance of the drive against vapes. The other measures will be in place long-term. The approach is likely to be adopted by other schools. Children have been told to speak with staff if they have a fear of dogs, although the school already relies on canine assistance in the form of a therapy dog that is kept on-site to aid pupil welfare. The school spokesman added: To complement this educational drive, we have taken steps to deter the use of unsafe and prohibited items. City of Norwich School, which has around 1,700 pupils and was rated good in its last Ofsted inspection, has written to parents advising them of the measures In February, a passive deterrence dog will be guided around the school site for a day, so that students can understand the role of deterrence and how this would work. The organisation that is supporting this has significant experience delivering this service in schools. Taken together, we believe these precautionary measures will help students to remain safe while at school and when out in the community. The Government legislation against vaping among children will use existing powers under the Environmental Protection Act and is expected to come in early next year. The Prime Minister said on Monday: As any parent or teacher knows, one of the most worrying trends at the moment is the rise in vaping among children and so we must act before it becomes endemic. Rishi Sunak this week announced disposable vapes would be banned in the UK to help protect childrens health by stopping them from becoming hooked for life The Government legislation against vaping among children will use existing powers under the Environmental Protection Act and is expected to come in early next year While vaping can be a useful tool to help smokers quit, marketing vapes to children is not acceptable. The long-term impacts of vaping are not known. Other measures under the legislation include restricting flavours deliberately marketed at children, such as cherry cola and pink lemonade. Plainer packaging will also be introduced and devices will have to be displayed out of sight. New on the spot fines will also be brought in to punish shop owners that sell vapes illegally to children. Many shops including luridly-coloured American Candy stores that sell them alongside sweets have been accused of feeding the exponential growth of the devices among children. There will also be environmental benefits as five million disposable vapes are thrown away every week, up from 1.3 million last year. Campaign group Action on Smoking and Health has warned the ban will require strict enforcement to be effective, as illegal vapes are already flooding the market. The measures will join new rules banning the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, meaning any child who turns 15 this year will never be able to buy cigarettes legally although former PM Liz Truss said the Government should not be seeking to extend the nanny state. South Carolina state representative Brandon Guffey has filed a lawsuit against Instagram's parent company after his son was driven to suicide by a sextortionist on the platform. Gavin Guffey, 17, died in 2022 after falling victim to sexual extortion, or 'sextortion,' where scammers posed as a girl and tricked the 17-year-old into sending a nude photo. They then demanded cash not to release it. Rep Guffey learned what had led to the tragedy after he and his younger son began receiving messages demanding money in exchange for nude images of the late teen. The grieving father told CNN that everyone on Gavin's followers list with the last name Guffey received similar messages. The lawmaker is now suing Meta for wrongful death and gross negligence, among other accusations. He claims the company is not doing enough to protect minors from online predators. The lawsuit also accuses the company of sparking mental health issues in children such as depression and anxiety - and that it uses algorithms to target teens while not keeping them safe. South Carolina State Rep Brandon Guffey (right) has filed a lawsuit against Instagram's parent company after his son Gavin (center) was driven to suicide by a sextortionist Rep Guffey learned what had led to the tragedy after he and his younger son began receiving messages demanding money in exchange for nude images of the late teen Scammers posed as a girl, tricked the 17-year-old into sending a nude photo and then demanded cash not to release it. Gavin had sent them $25 - but it wasn't enough DailyMail.com has reached out to Meta for comment. In a statement to CNN, the company did not directly address the lawsuit, but said 'safety is a big priority for the company and that it offers to help its young users stay safe.' Before Gavin's suicide, he had transferred everything in his Venmo account - $25 - and begged the scammers to give him more time. But on July 27 2022, he shot himself at his family's home in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Minutes before Gavin killed himself he sent a text message to his younger brother and some of his friends. It was a heart-shaped symbol of love <3 on a black background. On August 20, which would've been Gavin's birthday, the scammers messaged the family: 'Did I tell you your son begged for his life.' His father, who won his run for State House Representative six months later, briefly considered quitting but instead vowed to use his position to help save others. Minutes before Gavin Guffey shot himself in the bathroom of his home, he had sent a text to his younger brother and to some of his friends: <3 on a black background Lawmakers last year unanimously passed a state bill to criminalize the type of scam that led to his son's death. And on Thursday, state senators passed the legislation naming it 'Gavin's Law.' The FBI has seen a tenfold increase in 'sextortion' cases since 2021. A least 3,000 children and teenagers have been targeted, and more than a dozen have killed themselves. 'This crime starts when young people believe they are communicating with someone their own age who is interested in a relationship ' the FBI said in an alert alert. 'The shame, fear, and confusion children feel when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse.' Many schemes are believed to be originating with scammers based in African countries such as Nigeria and the Ivory Coast. Most victims are between age 14 and 17, but kids as young as 10 have been targeted. A Paraguayan drug smuggler who tried to bring a kilo of cocaine with him to Britain has been jailed. Armando Formigli Palma, 31, was caught during a routine check by Border Force at Heathrow Airport on 31 July 2023, after disembarking a plane from Sao Paulo, Brazil. He claimed someone else had packed his bags for him but an incriminating Google search of 'what to what to take to London in your suitcase' was found on his phone. The cocaine smuggler said he was visiting London to 'see the sights.' Yet an X-ray of his luggage revealed hidden compartments in two suitcases that contained the cocaine. Formigli Palma admitted drug smuggling at Winchester Crown Court yesterday and was sentenced to five years and seven months. Armando Formigli Palma, 31, was caught during a routine check by Border Force at Heathrow Airport on 31 July 2023, after disembarking a plane from Sao Paulo, Brazil Formigli Palma admitted drug smuggling at Winchester Crown Court yesterday and was sentenced to five years and seven months An X-ray of his luggage (pictured) revealed hidden compartments in two suitcases that contained the cocaine Formigli Palma initially claimed he was given the luggage by a criminal organisation and did not pack the suitcases. Yet before he leaving Brazil, the drug mule had been in contact with a second person who had sent him a hotel booking voucher, travel insurance and a flight itinerary. Formigli Palma's web history also revealed that he had looked up the weather forecast for the capital. Moreover, a picture on his phone showed him wearing the same patterned shorts that were found in one of the suitcases. John Turner, National Crime Agency Operations Manager, said: 'Formigli Palma invented a back story to try and avoid the consequences of his involvement in the drugs trade, underestimating the determination of our officers to uncover the truth. 'Drug mules like him play a crucial role in the business model of organised criminals, who fuel violence and exploitation across the UK.' A British couple who escaped extradition for the murders of two relatives in India have been jailed for 33 years each for exporting 700m worth of cocaine to Australia between 2019 and 2021. Arti Dhir, 59, and her husband Kaval Raijada, 35, from Hanwell, Ealing smuggled up to seven tonnes of cocaine into Australia in the biggest ever case of its kind, even setting up a Breaking Bad-style carwash to launder the money, Southwark Crown Court heard. They were foiled when the Australian authorities discovered the drugs and alerted the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), who then uncovered a substantial amount of 'cash and bullion' in the couple's west London home. The NCA's investigation found the couple were behind a front company that used commercial planes to ship the Class A drugs around the world hidden in metal toolboxes. When opened, authorities found 514kg (0.6 tonnes) of cocaine, worth an estimated 57m on the Australian market. The NCA also revealed how Dhir had worked for a flight services company at Heathrow Airport from 2003 until 2016, and Raijada for the same company between 2014 and 2016. They believe their knowledge of air freight was used to carry out their criminal operations. Dhir and Raijada denied exporting cocaine to Australia and money laundering, but were convicted of 12 counts of exportation and 18 counts of money launcering by a jury following a trial on January 29. They were sentenced today. The couple were also revealed to have escaped extradition to India more than four years ago on charges of murdering their adopted son and his brother-in-law in Gujarat, on the West coast. They were accused of arranging to have 11-year old Gopal Sejani killed for a 150,000 insurance pay-out in February 2017. Arti Dhir, 59, escaped extradition to India but has since been jailed for her role in a drug ring Kaval Raijada, 34, found to have shipped vast quantities of cocaine around the world between 2019 and 2021 Dhir and Raijada were arrested at their home in Hanwell in June 2021 following the tip off from the NCA's Australia counterpart. Police found and seized 5000 worth of gold-plated silver bars, 13,000 inside the home and found 60,000 in cash in a safety deposit box. Further investigations led to a second arrest in February 2023, when NCA officers found almost 3mn in cash hidden in boxes and suitcases at a storage unit in Hanwell, rented in Raijada's mother's name. The investigation also uncovered how the couple had bought an 800,000 flat in Ealing and a 62,000 Land Rover despite declaring profits of only a few thousand to HMRC, according to the NCA. Since 2019, they had deposited almost 740,000 in cash into 22 different bank accounts, the investigation revealed, and they were further charged with money laundering. Raijada denied involvement in cocaine trafficking allegations and said his wealthy father in India would send him funds through Western Union, Moneygram and by courier service. But he said he 'could not answer' why he kept a USB stick containing an invoice for aluminium shipment boxes, identical to those used to transport the drug to Australia. Dhir also distanced herself from the plot and claimed her wealth came from legitimate sources. Raijada and Dhir were both linked to Viefly Freight Services, the air cargo shipping company at the centre of the smuggling allegations. They chose Australia as cocaine fetches up to three times on the street there as it does in the UK. Judge Edward Connell told them: 'For many years you both worked in the airline and freight business. 'I am satisfied that this work enables you to see what the weaknesses in the system were and how to exploit them for your own financial gain. 'I am quite satisfied that you were both the masterminds behind this criminal enterprise. 'You both played a central role in the company and you sought to blame others who worked at the company even though the evidence suggests that it was run by the two of you and the two of you alone.' 'You even had the audacity to claim furlough payments [for Viefly] during Covid.' It was estimated that they exported between six and seven tons to Australia to the value of between 500m and 700m. 'You operated as a ruthless team, using your experience to make sure that your criminal plan was a success. 'I have no doubt that you were motivated by greed. You both were doing jobs with modest incomes and you simply wanted more. You gave up legitimate, lawful work to engage in this criminal enterprise. 'I do not see any reason to draw any distinction between the two of you when sentencing.' The judge sentenced them both to 33 years in jail and said: 'Drugs are a menace to society. People commit crimes under the influence of drugs. They bring misery and health problems to their users.' Det Supt Faux said in a release shared on Monday: 'The partnership between both authorities in Australia, and abroad, was the reason police were able to stop a sophisticated attempt at importing drugs via air freight into Australia and hold those responsible accountable. 'Serious and organised criminal networks often have no borders, which is why working collaboratively with our international counterparts is so important to tackle what is a global issue.' Britain previously refused to extradite Dhir and Raijada to India to face double murder charges in July 2019 on human rights grounds following a request from the Indian government. They faced charges including conspiracy to murder and kidnapping after it was alleged their 11-year-old adopted son was abducted by two men on motorbikes, stabbed and left by a road in Gujarat. His brother-in-law, Harsukh Kardani, was also attacked as he tried to defend Gopal and both died of their injuries in hospital later that month. Dhir and Raijada were arrested in the UK in June 2017 but District Judge Emma Arbuthnot turned down India's extradition request at Westminster Magistrates' Court two years later. India appealed against the decision but the appeal was thrown out at the Court of Appeal in February 2020. Appeal judges ruled the extradition would have been contrary to the couple's human rights under UK law as the penalty for double murder in Gujarat is life in prison without parole. Dhir, 59, was sentenced to 33 years in jail for her role in a huge cocaine smuggling operation On Monday, the couple were unmasked as two of the world's biggest cocaine barons. Pictured: cash uncovered by police belonging to Dhir and Raijada Defending Dhir against the allegations of involvement in a global cocaine-smuggling rind, her lawyer Kane Sharpe said: 'It is highly improbable that Ms Dhir was high up the chain. 'Ms Dhir is a woman without any previous convictions or cautions to her name. Given her age, this submission should carry more weight than would otherwise be the case.' Mr Sharpe made the point that Dhir had worked throughout her life, including working in a fried chicken shop. 'She is someone who has sought work throughout her life, lawful, gainful employment.' He added: 'Ms Dhir wishes to say to the court, through me, that she respects the jury's verdict, but is sorry for what happened here, I invite you to pass the very least sentence.' The body of a motorist who drove off the edge of a pier in an apparent suicide will be stuck in their submerged car for at least two more days. Horrifying footage shows the car smash through barriers on Virginia Beach Fishing Pier about 6.50am on Saturday and plunge off the edge. The driver hit the brakes just before the end of the pier, but proceeded over the edge - landing upside-down under about 15ft of water. Police have tried for days to retrieve the SUV, or dive in to extract the driver's body, but strong ocean currents and terrible visibility made it impossible. Sergeant Brian Ricardo, of Virginia Beach Police's special operations unit, said they would not be able to try again until at least Thursday or Friday, when the forecast is better. Horrifying footage shows the car smash through barriers on Virginia Beach Fishing Pier about 6.50am on Saturday and plunge off the edge The car can then be seen plunging into the ocean smashing through the final balustrade A remotely operated vehicle was sent to inspect the car, but the water was so murky it couldn't see those in the car, or even tell if the license plate was still attached. Until the car or body is removed, the identity of the driver, and anyone else in the red SUV, will remain a mystery. Police on Tuesday said the family of a missing man contacted them, fearing he could be the person behind the wheel. 'This missing person case has many similarities to facts and circumstances our detectives have identified as part of the investigation,' police said. 'Though we have indicators these cases are related, at this time, we are unable to confirm this missing person is associated with the car that still has to be recovered. 'The ROV has not been able to discern if the submerged vehicle has a license plate attached. 'Once the vehicle is recovered, we will need the local office of the medical examiner to confirm identity of any occupant(s).' Police did not give any further details about the man. Detectives are reviewing footage from security cameras the car was caught on before it drove on to the pier, but wouldn't say if they helped identify the car. In the dawn light, a silhouette can be seen walking along a footpath just as the SUV screams past, first crossing a bike path and then onto the wooden boardwalk of the pier The red SUV can be seen crossing a bike path before heading directly onto the boardwalk Police brought in a team of Crofton Industries salvage divers trained in the retrieval of sunken objects, and the equipment to recover it. However, the sea was so rough it snapped chains and mooring lines the company was using to get closer to the wreck. 'I can understand people's frustrations, but to tell you how dangerous it was, they broke two bridles that hold their cranes in place and they snapped a mooring line from the crane barge onto their dive boat,' Ricardo said. 'Because it is a crime scene, we want to leave [the car] encapsulated as best we can because if we open up that portal to the ocean, we're going to lose evidence. 'We are as frustrated as everyone else that we can't get in the water, and we can't do something to get this moving forward.' Ricardo said so long as conditions were this bad, it was too dangerous for divers to approach the wreck - particularly with sharp hooks along the side of the pier. 'The fear for us is not that it will drift but that one of the divers will get entangled in the car,' he said. Some of the damaged barriers are seen lying on the ground at the entrance to the pier People stand where a car drove through a gate at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier The car smashed through three barriers to reach the end of the pier Police said the goal of the operation was to safely retrieve the vehicle, reunite any and all occupants with their loved ones, and maintain the integrity of the evidence. 'Strong currents and extremely low visibility made it too dangerous for divers to navigate and assess the area safely, especially near a submerged SUV rocking on its roof in the turbulent current,' police said. 'We appreciate our community's concern about this incident. This is an ongoing investigation and we will continue to share updates as we are able. 'We are working diligently to bring closure to those affected through our investigative and recovery process.' Sonar imaging released on Monday showed the wreckage and eerie footage from the ROV was released by police, but showed very little of the car. The water was too murky and the sea too rough to obtain any distinguishing features of the vehicle such as the license plate or who may be inside. Footage of the car driving on the pier showed a pedestrian walking along a footpath as the SUV screams past, first crossing a bike path and then on to the wooden boardwalk of the pier. A sonar image provided by Virginia Beach Police shows the car on its roof lying in 15ft of water Eerie underwater footage released by Virginia Beach police shows the car that drove off a 650ft long pier, lying on the ocean floor Some parts of the pier were damaged as the car smashed through whatever was in its way The car crashed through three barriers then disappeared out of sight, but a second video showed it before speeding down the 650ft pier. The vehicle braked briefly before slamming through the wooden balustrade at the end of the pier and straight over the edge plunging into the sea. One of the women who caught the incident on camera, Kaylynn Crawford, told WAVY: 'We saw at first it was going really fast. We thought it was just going to go for it. 'But toward the end, the car started to slow down, and it kind of looked as if it almost teeter-tottered at the end. Then, it all of a sudden just dropped down over the pier.' Charlotte Murphy, who works at a seafood restaurant on the pier, told the outlet: 'They went through three gates which is pretty crazy and these are really, really strong gates. It's really crazy to think about. 'As soon as I got down here I was like, 'Holy cow that is the craziest thing that I've heard in a long, long time.' Virginia Beach Fire Department were on the scene within four minutes and sent a diver into the water to investigate and rescue anyone inside the car. By the time the police department were on scene, the divers had already been pulled from the water. President Joe Biden said he's done 'all I can do' at the border, arguing it was up to Congress to give him more power to 'make it work right.' The president went on a rant about the border outside of the White House on Tuesday as he prepared to leave for a fundraising trip to wealthy Palm Beach, Florida. Meanwhile, Congress continues to negotiate a border bill, which Biden has already endorsed even though the final details are still being worked out. 'I've done all I can do,' Biden said. 'Give me the power. I've asked from the very day I got in office. Give me the border patrol, give me the judges, give me the people who can stop this and make it work right.' 'I've done all I can do,' President Joe Biden said of the border. 'Give me the power. I've asked from the very day I got in office. Give me the border patrol, give me the judges, give me the people who can stop this and make it work right.' The crisis at the southern border has become a political hot potato for Biden and a winning issue for Republicans ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The Senate is working on a compromise bill after Senate Republicans tied Biden's request for more funding for Ukraine to more border control. But negotiations in the Senate got tied up when Donald Trump announced he didn't support the measure and Speaker Mike Johnson suggested it would 'dead on arrival' in the House. Biden, in a stunning turn of events, indicated last week he would support that measure, even closing the southern border 'right now' if Congress passed the legislation. Under the border plan still being negotiated, the Department of Homeland Security would be granted new emergency authority to shut down the border if daily average illegal crossings reach 4,000 over a one-week span. Certain migrants would be allowed to stay if they proved to be fleeing torture or persecution in their countries. Lawmakers are also looking at changing how asylum cases are processed. Currently it takes several years and many migrants are released into the U.S. to wait for their hearing. The goal is to shrink the resolution time to six months, which would include raising the standards to determine asylum. Republicans argue the long wait time and generous standards are a reason many migrants are motivated to the come to the U.S. Critics also say the system is being abused. Biden's support for the border compromise is in contrast to president's past stance - where he emphasized 'humanitarian' measures - and comes as the 2024 campaign moves into focus. With Trump's recent wins in Iowa and New Hampshire, he is increasingly looking like the Republican presidential nominee. Migrants trying to climb along razor wire to cross Texas border despite security measures in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico Senators are negotiating a compromise on border legislation During the 2020 campaign, Biden was critical of then-President Trump's threat to shut down the border. Biden's new stance reflects the growing concern in the public that the border crossings have come out of hand but also threatens to alienate progressives who already believe Biden has shifted too far right on border policies. Trump, meanwhile, blasted the Senate bill as he tries to keep the border issue alive on the campaign trail where it's proved a winning issue for Republicans. 'We need a Strong, Powerful, and essentially 'PERFECT' Border,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social account late Thursday. The former president said that unless Republicans achieve those goals, 'we are better off not making a deal.' The 'unsustainable invasion' at the southern border is considered a 'death wish' for the United States, he added. Johnson and other conservatives echoed Trump's stance, saying the compromise being negotiated doesn't go far enough. House Republicans are tackling the border in their own way. On Tuesday they are preparing to take a key vote toward impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over what they call his 'willful and systematic' refusal to enforce immigration laws. Speaker Mike Johnson suggested the compromise border bill would 'dead on arrival' in the House Donald Trump blasted the effort in the Senate to work out a border bill The White House is trying to lay the blame on Republicans in Congress. 'Congress needs to act,' White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Monday. 'They must act. Speaker Johnson and House Republicans should provide the administration with the policy changes and funding needed.' Senator James Lankford, the Republicans' top negotiator, said on Fox News Sunday that after months of pushing on border security and clamoring for a deal tied to Ukraine aid, 'when we're finally getting to the end,' Republicans seem to be saying; 'Oh, just kidding, I actually don't want a change in law because of the presidential election year.' Trump, in particular, doesn't want to give Biden a win on the issue and knock it off of contention as something he can use on the campaign trail. Border crossings hit another record in December. Border Patrol tallied 249,785 arrests on the Mexican border in December, up 31% from 191,112 in November and up 13% from 222,018 in December 2022, the previous all-time high. A primary school teacher tragically took her own life after suffering acute sickness during her pregnancy while doctors and midwives contributed to her worsening mental health, a coroner concluded today. Jessica Cronshaw, 26, had been 'over-the-moon' after learning she was expecting her first child with partner Eddie Leck. But she was 'reduced to a shell' by hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), an acute form of nausea and vomiting from which the Princess of Wales suffered during each of her pregnancies. Medics didn't ask her about her mental health after she said she was feeling 'down'. She was also wrongly told that the one medication which did relieve her symptoms could harm her unborn child, prompting her to cut her dose. Jessica Cronshaw, 26, (pictured) had been 'over-the-moon' after learning she was expecting her first child with partner Eddie Leck The primary school teacher was 'reduced to a shell' by hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), an acute form of nausea and vomiting from which the Princess of Wales suffered during each of her pregnancies. Pictured: Her partner Eddie Leck Miss Cronshaw's mother Susan (pictured) tragically found her hanged in her bedroom at the family home in Accrington, Lancashire Her partner Eddie Leck told her inquest: 'It felt like no-one was listening to us'. Just over six weeks later Miss Cronshaw's mother Susan tragically found her hanged in her bedroom at the family home in Accrington, Lancashire. While she was resuscitated and taken to hospital where her daughter Elsie was delivered by emergency caesarean in a bid to save her life, neither survived. READ MORE: Why are pregnant women still NOT being treated for hyperemesis gravidarum? The extreme vomiting condition that hit Kate Middleton and drove one expectant mother to despair Advertisement Since her death, Miss Cronshaw's family have spoken out about a lack of support for mothers-to-be who are struck down by the crippling condition. Today coroner Kate Bisset said she was 'satisfied that her care contributed to a deterioration in her mental health' which in turn led to the 'impulsive' decision to end her life. Praising the family's campaign as Miss Cronshaw's mother and partner wept in court, Ms Bisset said: 'You're exactly right. 'There needs to be public awareness and more information about the crippling impact of this condition and how it can change the lives of those who suffer from it, or in this case end them.' She said if there could be 'one crumb of comfort' that the family could draw it was that 'enduring change' would result from their deaths. Welcoming the coroner's comments, the family said afterwards that they were 'grateful to the coroner for recognising the severe and devastating impact hyperemesis gravidarum had on Jess's physical and mental wellbeing'. 'She acknowledged that the failure to investigate mental health issues and effectively treat the physical symptoms of HG, and that the cumulative effects of poor care, such as feeling unheard and being given incorrect information about medication, was a significantly contributing factor to her declining mental health. 'Jess's family now hope that this will lead to a major change in the care and treatment for women suffering HG so that such a tragedy will not happen again.' Since her death, Miss Cronshaw's family have spoken out about a lack of support for mothers-to-be who are struck down by the crippling condition Today coroner Kate Bisset said she was 'satisfied that her care contributed to a deterioration in her mental health' which in turn led to the 'impulsive' decision to end her life. Pictured: Miss Cronshaw's mother Susan A 'high achiever', Miss Cronshaw was a 'driven, confident and loyal' daughter who 'achieved everything she set her heart on', her mother said in a statement to the hearing in Accrington yesterday. She said her daughter had been 'elated' at learning that she and her sales executive partner were expecting a baby in May 2022. But the onset of intense nausea meant she had to take time off from her job as a teacher at St Nicholas Primary School in Accrington and ended up confined to bed, she said. 'She went from an outgoing, energetic young woman to struggling to lift her head from the pillow at times,' Mrs Cronshaw told the inquest. After suffering constant sickness and losing weight despite being given medication, her daughter was admitted to Burnley General Hospital and placed on an intravenous drip. Mrs Cronshaw said a doctor advised her to 'eat as often as you can', saying she could go to McDonald's if she wanted. 'We were extremely frustrated,' she said. 'We explained she could not eat.' In September she was put on new medication called Xonvea which enabled her to eat slightly more, but she continued to have no energy and spent most of her time in bed. 'Each day was a struggle,' Mrs Cronshaw said. 'Jess looked very unwell, she was extremely skinny with sunken eyes, pale skin and hair matted.' On September 30 she said her daughter was informed by phone that she needed to reduce her dose of Xonvea due to the risk of 'side-effects' to her unborn baby. What is hyperemesis gravidarum morning sickness? Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a condition that causes persistent and excessive vomiting during pregnancy. Sufferers can be sick lots of times every day and be unable to keep food or water down, impacting their daily life. It is unlikely to harm the baby, but if it causes a women to lose weight during pregnancy there is an increased risk their baby will have a low birth weight. It is different to sickness during pregnancy - often called morning sickness - which is normal and affects eight in 10 pregnant women. For most, this stops or improves around weeks 16 to 20. Meanwhile, HG may not get better by this point and can last until the baby is born. Symptoms of HG include prolonged and severe nausea and vomiting, being dehydrated, weight loss and low blood pressure. Being dehydrated raises the risk of having a blood clot deep vein thrombosis but this is rare. It is not clear what causes the condition, or why some women get it and others don't. Some experts think it may be linked to the changing hormones in the body that occurs during pregnancy. And there is some evidence that it runs in families and women who suffered it during their first pregnancy are more likely to have in any subsequent pregnancies. Women suffering from HG can be given medicine to improve their symptoms, such as anti-sickness drugs, vitamins B6 and B12 and steroids. Some women have to be admitted to hospital if their nausea cannot be controlled with medicines at home. They may require fluids and anti-sickness drugs to be administered through an IV. Source: NHS Advertisement Mrs Cronshaw said the call had been 'a pivotal moment' which would 'ultimately lead to the most tragic consequences'. As she tried to reduce her dose, Miss Cronshaw's condition deteriorated again and she stopped eating almost entirely. She became increasingly paranoid, believing engineers installing fibre optic cables in the street were trying to hack into her phone. On the day of her death, her mother had taken her shopping at Dunelm to buy things for the baby. Telling her daughter over the phone that the medication she was taking could harm her unborn baby was 'completely unacceptable', she added. 'She would do anything to make sure Elsie was ok. 'I'm broken by this. Watching her was soul-destroying.' In his own statement, Mr Leck described a 'rapid transformation from an energetic, active woman to a woman who barely had the strength to get out of bed in the morning'. Midwife Allison Whitehead told the hearing she had never heard of Xonvea when Ms Cronshaw rang for a repeat prescription and was passing on advice relayed to her by a doctor. Today the inquest heard a statement from obstetrician Dr Shambhavi Singh who said she could not recall saying Miss Cronshaw needed to reduce her dose. But Dr Helen Collier, who had prescribed Xonvea to Miss Cronshaw after alternatives didn't help, said the drug was safe to use throughout pregnancy. After being found hanged on November 14, 2022 Miss Cronshaw who was 28 weeks pregnant - was given CPR and rushed to hospital where her daughter Elsie was delivered by caesarean section in a bid to save her life. But four days later the tiny premature baby died at the side of her mother, who was in intensive care. The following day the family were told Miss Cronshaw had suffered irreversible brain damage, and agreed to the withdrawal of life support. She died on November 19. Today coroner Ms Bisset said the midwife ought to have been able to rely on being given correct information by a doctor. She said she could not be sure that Miss Cronshaw would have lived had she received different care. The inquest heard a review carried out by East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust found there had been 'red flags' in what Miss Cronshaw said about how she was feeling which should have led to a mental health referral. Mothers-to-be who suffer from vomiting now have regular weight checks as well as closer monitoring of whether they are struggling mentally, it was told. In addition, pregnant women must not have their medication changed without a consultation with an obstetrician. However Ms Bisset said she plans to write a 'prevention of future deaths' report highlighting concerns raised by Miss Cronshaw's family. Since their tragic deaths, they have been campaigning for greater mental health support for women during pregnancy. The family's campaign has been supported by charity Pregnancy Sickness Support and Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe. In response, Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins last week highlighted the tragedy as she announced new support for mothers-to-be across England. Announcing changes to maternal care, Ms Atkins highlighted the 'enormous mental and emotional toll' that pregnancy and birth can have on women. 'This was demonstrated in the case of a young woman who passed away when extreme pregnancy sickness left her unable to eat, drink or complete daily tasks,' she added. East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust was approached for comment. A knifeman stabbed his ex-girlfriend's new partner to death in a frenzied and jealous attack, a court heard. Kaydon Prior, 23, allegedly knifed Harrison Tomkins, 25, ten times with a 16cm hunting blade on August 13 last year. Prior denies the killing was done in a jealous rage after he burst in on his ex-girlfriend Alicia Parrin in bed with Mr Tomkins. Ms Parrin, 21, and lifeguard Mr Tomkins had been on a work leaving do in Crawley before going back to her flat, Lewes Crown Court heard. Meanwhile, Prior had been on a birthday night out in London for his friend Jason Curtis. Ms Parrin told the court she was dropping off to sleep after spending her first night with Harrison when Kaydon and Curtis burst in. Harrison Tomkins (pictured),25, was stabbed to death by Kaydon Prior, 23, after Prior burst in on Mr Tomkins in bed with his ex-girlfriend Alicia Parrin, court hears Ms Parrin's flat where she and Mr Tomkins went back to after a work night out in Crawley. Ms Parrin told the court she was dropping off to sleep after spending her first night with Harrison when Kaydon and his friend Jason Curtis burst in She said Kaydon ripped the duvet off them before pinning Harrison to the bed by his legs and stabbing him. She denied the two men fought to the death in her bedroom. The jury heard how Ms Parrin told police Prior grabbed her by the hair and was punching her in the head saying he should stab her too. Charlotte Newell KC for the defence asked Prior: 'Do you accept Harrison Tomkins died from injuries you inflicted?' 'Yes,' he said. Ms Newell KC replied: 'From jealous anger?' Prior said: 'No.' Prior told the court he celebrated their first anniversary together on August 8. He told the jury he arranged for her to get her hair done and picked up flowers and jewellery for Alicia. Ms Newell KC asked Ms Parrin if it was true her relationship with him had been violent and if they were still together. Ms Newell KC asked Ms Parrin if Prior and herself were still together. The 21-year-old said: 'In his mind. He wouldn't let me go. He knew I was trapped. 'In my eyes we were split up. I said it to him but he didn't listen.' Ms Newell KC said: 'I suggest you were together and you were lying to Harrison because you wanted to start a new relationship.' Ms Parrin said: 'I wasn't looking for a new relationship.' When told Prior had denied being violent towards Ms Parrin, she insisted he was. Ms Newell KC asked her: 'You told police Kaydon went to the side of the window and it looked like he was punching Harrison and was having a fist fight. 'Was Harrison punching Kaydon?' Ms Parrin replied: 'No.' Ms Newell KC said: 'You said I don't think he tried to fight and that he stopped fighting. 'He tried to get up and then he stopped. 'He was half sitting up, half laying down. Ms Parrin said: 'It's like he was trying to sit up but he couldn't. 'I think he was in shock.' Ms Newell KC claims that as Prior came into the room Mr Tomkins jumped out of bed Ms Parrin said: 'He didn't get out of bed. 'I was standing at the edge of the bed and as I turned round and realised what had happened, that's when Kaydon dragged me towards the door.' Prior and Curtis deny murdering Harrison Tomkins at the flat in Crawley on August 13 last year. Kaydon Prior also denies beating Alicia Parrin and carrying an offensive weapon. The trial at Lewes Crown Court in Chichester continues. This is the heart-stopping moment two people are rescued from the flat a crossbow-wielding man attacked - as investigators reveal he had an arsenal of weapons including at least two crossbows, a knife and an axe. Incredible footage of the scene shows officers gathering around the residential home in south east London as two people are lead from the house. With one appearing to still be wearing their pyjamas, the group were led away from the house and ushered under police tape. Police were called to Bywater Place, Surrey Quays, to find a man attempting to force his way into a three-storey property and threatening to harm the residents. He is understood to have been known to at least one of the occupants. The man - who was wearing body armour - was shot dead with two shots from a police firearm after armed officers entered the house when they were called in by local police. Did YOU see what happened? Email iwan.stone@mailonline.co.uk Incredible footage of the scene shows officers gathering around the residential home in south east London as two people are lead from the house The group could be seen exiting the building as police stood cautiously by A gas mask and crossbow arrows were seen at the scene in Bywater Place, Surrey Quays Among the weapons found at the scene were crossbows, a knife, a sword and a hatchet. Do you live on the close or see what happened? Email: iwan.stone@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement Pictures of the scene show more than six officers crowd around the man, believed to be in his 30s, as police cars, vans and an ambulance. In separate footage, recorded at 4.55am this morning, officers can be heard shouting at residents to 'get out of the house' before they attempted to talk to the attacker, who would eventually threaten them as well. Armed officers were called to the scene shortly after and shot the man dead when he got inside the 300,000 property. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the incident. Two people in the building suffered minor injuries. Photographs from the scene seem to detail what was inside the man's attack kit. The images appeared to show military boots, a gas mask and a bulletproof Kevlar plate vest as well as crossbow bolts. Neighbours to the property, which is occupied by several families, described being woken up by a couple screaming and shouting seconds before the attacker was shot. Valeria Bocanera, 37, said: 'There was a man and a woman who were screaming and shouting at each other. It went on for about a minute or so, and then it went silent. In the footage recorded at 5am this morning, officers can be heard shouting at residents to 'get out of the house' before they attempted to talk to the attacker Photographs from the scene detail what was inside the man's terrifying attack kit, which includes a gas mask and bulletproof Kevlar plate vest Police were called to a property (middle left) in Bywater Place, Southwark, at 4.55am to reports of a man, believed aged in his 30s, attempting to force entry into a residential property Police have cordoned off the area after a officer discharged a firearm on the man when het got inside the property Aerial shots of the crime scene which has currently been cordoned off by police 'I did not go outside to see what was happening. My neighbour could see the body out of her window and it was uncovered and just lying on the floor.' One woman, who asked not to be named, said: 'You could hear all the police shouting to each other. We just stayed indoors and the police later told us not to come out.' Restaurant owner Akber Baloch, 52, added: 'I was sleeping and I heard some shouting. It was also like someone was banging a door. There was banging and shouting. It sounded like a man and a woman. 'I am really worried and it makes you feel insecure. I do not know who is wrong or right in this situation but it makes you feel insecure.' A police cordon remained in place, but photos show a ground floor window at the rear of the property has been smashed and an upstairs one wedged open. Police say enquiries are ongoing to inform the man's next of kin. A white and yellow tent has been placed over where the body had fallen. A yellow marker with the No 18 had been placed on the kerb outside the house to signify a piece of evidence. Regional director Mel Palmer of the Independant Office for Police Conduct said: 'Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragic incident. The man's next of kin have been informed and, in due course, we will be contacting them to explain our role. We will keep them regularly updated throughout our investigation. Police say enquiries are ongoing to inform the man's next of kin and a white and yellow tent (seen in the background) has been placed over where the body had fallen Forensic officers in blue overalls walked around the cordoned off area while a representative from the IOPC carried out door to door inquiries 'Given a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police. 'We appreciate that the community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts and piece together what occurred.' Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service gave the man first aid when they arrived at the scene just after 5am and treated two more people for minor injuries. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called today (30 January) at 5:03am to reports of an incident on Bywater Place, Surrey Quays. 'We sent some resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew and an incident response officer. We also dispatched London's Air Ambulance, which consisted of a trauma team by car. 'We treated three people at the scene, two of whom had minor injuries. The third patient was pronounced dead at the scene.' A Met spokesperson explained that armed officers deal with fast-moving and dangerous situations, discharging their weapons rarely. According to the Met, it is standard procedure to hand over a case to the IOPC if a person has been shot by an officer. According to the Met, it is standard procedure to hand over a case to the IOPC if a person has been shot by an officer (policewomen at the scene pictured) The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the incident Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, responsible for policing Southwark, said: 'My thoughts are with all those affected by this incident. 'I understand the local community will be concerned at the events that have taken place this morning. We will fully support the IOPC investigation into the full circumstances of what happened.' The IOPC spokesperson said its investigators were at the scene on Tuesday morning and declared an independent investigation at around 6.40am. Forensic officers in blue overalls walked around the cordoned off area while a representative from the IOPC carried out door to door inquiries. They added: 'We have begun an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a man by the Metropolitan Police Service earlier this morning in Southwark, south London,' said a spokesperson for the watchdog. 'We were notified by the MPS after the incident, which occurred shortly before 5am, and declared an independent investigation at around 6.40am. 'We have sent investigators to the scene and the police post incident procedure to begin gathering evidence. Our investigation is in its very early stages and we hope to provide an update later today.' Local councilor Adam Hood expressed his concerns on the incident via X Mayor of London Sadiq Khan sent out his thoughts to everyone impacted by the incident on social media this morning Adam Hood, Liberal Democrat councillor for Surrey Docks, said he was 'deeply concerned' by the news. He wrote on social media: 'Deeply concerned by this news from Bywater Place. Details are still emerging but at this point I'm thankful to the fast response from emergency services.' Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added: 'My thoughts are with everyone impacted by this incident. 'It's right that the independent IOPC will now investigate the full circumstances. I urge anyone with information to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.' Fatal police shootings are relatively rare in the UK - there were only three in the year to March 31 2023. The most recent Met fatality was the death of Giedrius Vasiljevas, 40, who was shot at his home in Dagenham, east London, in November after calling 999 to say he had loaded guns and wanted to take his own life. Portland Democrats are being criticized for enforcing strict regulations on where people can and cannot smoke, while tolerating open-air drug use across the city. Despite passing key ordinances within the past year to tackle drug use and homelessness, the city faces impediments as it deals with addiction and unsanctioned camps. Portland City Council unanimously approved in September an ordinance prohibiting public drug use, yet implementation hinges on state legislators passing supporting measures. In response to the ordinance, the Oregon Law Center filed a lawsuit, alleging the restrictions violate the state constitution and existing laws - resulting in a circuit court judge blocking the city from enforcing the rule. Meanwhile in 2015, legislation passed banning people from using e-cigarettes and other inhalant delivery systems in workplaces, restaurants, bars and other indoor public places - with no exemptions. Commissioner Mingus Mapps called the situation 'insane,' highlighting the city's ability to regulate cigarette smoking but lacking authority over drug use. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler emphasized the need for change in Portland's approach in tackling the issue and called the situation 'extremely frustrating' Portland Democrats are slammed for telling people where they can and can't smoke while allowing open-air drug use In September, the Portland City Council unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting public drug use, yet implementation hinges on state legislators passing supporting measures 'It is insane,' said Commissioner Mingus Mapps, who is running to succeed Wheeler as mayor, to Fox News Digital. 'The city of Portland can make rules about where you can smoke a cigarette, but I cannot make any binding rules about where you smoke fentanyl. That is part of the reason why Portland looks the way it does, and that needs to change.' In 2017, Governor Brown signed a law that prohibits the distribution and sales of tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems to those under the age of 21. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler emphasized the need for change in Portland's approach in tackling the issue and called the situation 'extremely frustrating.' 'It is extremely frustrating for us to take the steps that we believe, and, frankly, that we know we need to take as a municipal government to address open drug use or to address addiction or to address unsanctioned, dangerous and squalid camps in our community,' Wheeler said to Fox News Digital. 'And yet we don't have all of the tools we need at the municipal level to be able to get done what we need to have done,' he added. Democrat and Republican lawmakers are split on suggested proposals. The Democrat-controlled Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response suggest making drug possession a Class C misdemeanor the state's lowest crime classification. The punishment is up to 30 days in jail, a $1,250 fine, or both. In contrast, Oregon Republicans are pushing to make possession of drugs like fentanyl, heroin and meth a Class A misdemeanor in Portland. This would require treatment to avoid jail time and those convicted could face up to a year in jail, a $6,250 fine, or both under their proposal. With only 35 days to come to a conclusion, the pressure is on for Portland lawmakers to form an agreement. Meanwhile in 2015, legislation passed stating that people in Oregon may not use e-cigarettes and other inhalant delivery systems in workplaces, restaurants, bars and other indoor public places - with no exemptions In December, a majority of Portland voters said they would move to another town if given the opportunity, according to a poll, after defunding police has led to spikes in homelessness and crime in the West Coast city. The issue became so dire the owner of Oregon's largest office building, US Bancorp Tower, has to turn to a security robot to guard its property. The autonomous device named 'Rob 'is 5-foot 5-inches tall, weighs 420 pounds and patrols the perimeter of the parking garage next to the downtown building 24/7. The device is unable to call 911 but has 4K cameras, thermal imaging, can read license plates, issues alerts 'when banned individuals are on site' and has a two-way intercom system that allows the public to speak with the security desk. Unico Properties, the tower's landlord, refused to disclose how much Rob costs but a similar K5 robot made by the same California robotics company costs as much as $1,200 per week to operate. Following a rise in crime, homelessness and drugs in the city, Portland officials reversed course and increased its $230million police budget by $5.2million a year later. The majority of Portland voters would consider leaving the city if given the opportunity, a poll from December found, after the defunding of police led to spikes in crime and sprawling homelessness The issue has become so dire the owner of Oregon's largest office building, US Bancorp Tower, has to turn to a security robot to guard its property More than half of voters in Portland nonetheless said they would consider leaving the city if they could afford to, according to the poll commissioned by the Portland police union. It also found that almost two-thirds of people believe the city is 'on the wrong track' and 68 percent say it is 'losing what made it special.' While 74 percent are worried that either they or their family members will be victims of crime in the city, as 87 percent are dissatisfied with the state of public safety. Roughly 70 percent said the city needs more police officers and nearly 80 percent said crime has increased in Portland. Mayor Ted Wheeler at the time insisted that crime in most categories has declined this year. 'This city has been through a lot of trauma,' he said. 'My message to people who are disillusioned are two-fold. 'First, I hear you and I empathize with your frustration with what the city has been through. 'I would also encourage you to stick around, because the tide has already turned.' There were 71,216 offenses committed between October 2022 and October 2023, including 96 homicides, 544 sex offenses, 25,233 larceny offenses and 1,352 robberies. Whereas between October 2019 and October 2020, there were 66,038 offenses committed, which included 54 homicides, 640 sex offences, 25,623 larceny offenses and 1,105 robberies. Utah retained its title of youngest state in the country at 32.1 years Florida was several spots behind at 42.7 years Maine ranked as the oldest state in the nation with a median age of 45.1 in 2022 The states with the oldest and youngest residents in the US have been revealed - and the results may be surprising. Maine - where the median age of residents is 45.1 years - was named the oldest according to 2022 U.S. Census Bureau data. The territory of Puerto Rico was a close second at 44.7 years, followed by New Hampshire at 43.3 years; Vermont at 43.2 years; and West Virginia, which rounded out the top five at 42.9 years. Florida ranked sixth with a median age of 42.7 years. And while popular belief posits the Sunshine State as tropical paradise where older generations flock following retirement, Maine is over two years older. Finishing out the top 10 oldest states were Delaware at 41.5 years; Connecticut and Pennsylvania, tied at 40.9 years; and Hawaii at 40.8 years. The states with the oldest and youngest residents in the US have been revealed in 2022 U.S. Census Bureau data Factors including a low birth rate (25 percent lower than the national average) and considerable out-migration pushed Maine into the top spot A close second is the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, with a median age of 44.7 years. Young people have fled the island in the wake of Covid-19 lockdowns and economic turmoil New Hampshire ranked third, with a median age of 43.3 years So why does Maine have such an old median population? One of the major factors is birth rate, which was about 25 percent lower than the national average last year. Out-migration also plays a considerable role, as young people flee the northernmost state in search of education and jobs. As for Puerto Rico, the island is aging faster than most places on earth as it experiences a mass exodus of working-age people. More than 700,000 Puerto Ricans aged 20 to 64 have left in the last 15 years, according to Amilcar Matos-Moreno, a postdoctoral researcher at Pennsylvania State University. As the territory was wracked by a financial crisis, natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, political turmoil and the Covid-19 pandemic, more and more young people left, Matos-Moreno told NBC News. And as they sought opportunities in the mainland United States and abroad, this left older adults with fewer close relatives to take care of them, rendering them dependent on caregivers and social service institutions. State governments recognize that an older median population places stress on agencies and programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, and some have attempted to remedy the problem. In 2017, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu created the Millennial Advisory Council, which is tasked with recommending policy to attract and retain younger workers. Some of the council's recommendations in their initial report included providing incentives for hiring recent graduates and promoting family-friendly workplace policies. Contrary to popular belief, Florida does not have the oldest U.S. residents - and was even outranked by Vermont (pictured), with a median age of 43.2 years Utah has retained the title of youngest state in the country for yet another year. The median age of 32.1 years is nearly seven years younger than the national median Washington, D.C. was second-youngest, with a median age of 34.9 years At the other end of the spectrum - Utah was ranked the youngest with a median age of 32.1 years, followed by Washington, D.C. at 34.9 years. North Dakota ranked third at 36.2 years; Texas ranked fourth at 35.6 years; and Alaska closed out the top five at 35.9 years. The median age across the country was 39 years in 2022. That's nearly seven years older than the median in Utah, the long-reigning youngest state. According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Utah has the highest per capita birth rate in the nation, the combined result of its median age and high fertility rate. However, the population continues to get older. Speaking to KSL last year, Kristie Wilder, a demographer in the Census Bureau's population division, said this may have been triggered as birth rates began to crawl. This decline began around the same time as the recession in 2008 and 2009. 'With birth rates trending downwards and the aging of the Baby Boom and Generation X cohorts, the median age will likely continue to rise in the coming years,' Wilder said. Speaking to families he 'gauged their feelings' on his visit President Joe Biden will attend a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force base on Friday for the three U.S. troops killed by a drone strike on a U.S. base in Jordan, the White House said Friday. White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One about the president's plans after revealing he spoke by phone by family members of all three fallen troops. 'He also gauged their feelings about him going to the dignified transfer and Dover on Friday. All of them supported his presence there and so President will be going to the dignified transfer,' Kirby President Joe Biden will attend a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base on Friday as the bodies of three fallen U.S. troops who died in the Jordan drone attack will come home to the U.S. That came after Kirby said Monday he didn't have anything on Biden's schedule to speak to, on a day the Pentagon confirmed the identities of the soldiers who fell in the drone attack, which also injured more than 30. They were Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia. 'The President had an opportunity this morning to speak with the family members of the three service members who were tragically killed in this attack,' Kirby said. 'He was grateful for their time. He expressed to them how proud we all are of their service, how we mourn and feel the sorrow over their loss made sure that those families knew that not only was that service and sacrifice, going to be honored and respected but that they would continue to get the support that they need as they work through what no family wants to have to go.' Kirby repeated his statement that 'no blue star family wants to become a Gold Star family,' after speaking Monday about how 'it's hard to imagine the grief theyre feeling right now and that they will feel for the rest of their lives.' Biden is preparing to attend the ceremony and engage in public mourning even as he said Tuesday he has decided how the U.S. will respond to the attack, which has prompted calls from some Republicans for him to strike inside Iran. From left to right: Spc. Kennedy Sanders, Sgt. William Jerome Rivers and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from Georgia were killed by a drone strike on Sunday Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia was identified as one of the soldiers killed in the weeekend drone strike Shawn described Sanders, seen here, as being the 'life of the party' and said she had loved her time in the service Biden says he holds Iran responsible for providing the weapons to the militia behind the attack as he faces a monumental decision on how to hit back Speaking at the White House, Biden was asked how he knew Iran was responsible for the fatal drone attack on U.S. troops in Jordan last week. He responded: 'I do hold them responsible in the sense they are supplying the weapons to the people who did it.' When asked if he held Tehran directly responsible, he said: 'We will have those discussions.' Pressed about concerns raised by his own administration about the risks of escalation, the president replied: 'We'll see.' When asked if he has made a decision how the U.S. will respond, he said: 'Yes.' He added: 'I don't think we need a wider war in the Middle East, that's not what I'm looking for.' Asked by DailyMail.com whether the U.S. had determined who was behind the attack, Kirby responded, 'We're still we're still working our way through that.' Pressed on how Biden could have decided on a response if that is the case, Kirby responded: 'I don't have anything more to add on that.' Breonna Moffett's family said the 23-year-old was was 'nervous' for her first foreign deployment, but said she was 'loud, loving and always there for everybody'. The family of Kennedy Ladon Sanders said the 24-year old was close with Moffet. Mother Onedia told Fox News: 'She made a lot of friends during her time in the military, even people who she went through basic training with. 'Breonna Moffet was one of the ones she grew a close relationship with. Every time she called me or Facetimed me Breonna Moffet was always somewhere nearby.' Her father Shawn told the outlet: 'She was the life of the party. She enjoyed life. The Pentagon said the troops were in a 'contained housing unit' in the early hours Saturday night when the one-way drone struck. The White House on Tuesday said the government was still assessing how the drone was able to strike the base. The three soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, a US Army Reserve unit based out of Fort Moore, Georgia. Joe Rogan has slammed his former home state of California for going 'full communist' and allowing itself to become enthralled by woke politics. Speaking on his podcast alongside fellow comedian Bobby Lee, Rogan touched upon issues that saw him quit the Golden State for Austin, Texas, in 2020. He said: 'I used to be a part of the blue bubble, I was 100 percent a left leaning person who lived in Los Angeles. I was 100 percent, I never voted Republican my whole life I was very left leaning especially with any social issues. 'At the end of the day, I am way more left than I am right but California went nuts man, it's gone full communist, it's out of its f***ing mind.' Speaking on his podcast, alongside fellow comedian Bobby Lee, Rogan touched upon issues that saw him leave The Golden State for Austin, Texas The 56-year-old continued: 'Their approach to law enforcement is so insane, the no-cash bail, the letting people out for violent crimes. 'San Francisco is non-existent, most of San Francisco is emptied out of big chain stores and big department stores. It's crazy. 'They ruined the city, but you've got to have some hardcore Rudy Giuliani motherf***er to come in there and knock heads. They are peace, love, granola and wear a mask. They are in a cult.' Rogan had been referring to a controversial zero-bail policy that went into effect last October. A person's bail amount was previously based on the severity of the allegations against them, but critics argued that this benefited those who could pay. Those accused of non-violent or non-serious crimes will be released, with defendants accused of more serious crimes appearing before a judge who will determine alternative 'appropriate non-financial pre-arraignment release terms.' Governor Gavin Newsom has been a fierce defender of the move claiming it would help 'root out racial inequity and structural bias.' The city of Los Angeles was dealing with widespread smash-and-grab raids on departments stores when they brought in the legislation. UFC color commentator, Joe Rogan during UFC 274 at Footprint Center on May 07, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona The city of Los Angeles was dealing with widespread smash-and-grab raids on departments stores when they brought in the legislation, Governor of California Gavin Newsom speaks during the PEC Leaders Welcome Reception at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders Week (AELW) in San Francisco, California, November, 2023 A robbery of a Nordstrom store last September saw thieves make off with $300,000 in luxury goods, which was run by crime groups. Videos circulating online show the thieves grabbing luxury goods from brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Burberry and Bottega Veneta. The gang had also deployed bear spray to attack two security guards at the store, allowing them to cause chaos. In response to the recent spate, officials at the Los Angeles Police Department formed a taskforce last year, named the the Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORCT). In a study published last year by the Public Policy Institute of California, they said commercial burglaries had jumped 15.7 percent since 2019. Figures published last year from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce show that Organized Retail Theft costs the state just over $19 billion. This figure includes lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods and unrealized wages. Meanwhile the city of San Francisco has become a desolate site, with large brands repeatedly pulling their stores away from the beleaguered city. Earlier this month, Madewell announced plans to flee the ailing San Francisco Centre in the downtown area of the city. Madewell follows its sister brand J. Crew, as well as Adidas, Lucky Brand and Aldo who have all closed in the last few weeks. Nordstrom had been the mall's anchor tenant and occupied a 312,000-foot, multi-floor space in the mall. It's closure in August 2023 sent shock-waves through the large, upmarket shopping center which was previously owned by Westfield. The mall still contains a large Bloomingdales - but all eyes are now on that retail giant to see whether it shuts up shop too. Shoppers leave the Westfield San Francisco Centre on April 13, 2022 in San Francisco, California The mall is located in the troubled Union Square area in the center of downtown, which has witnessed businesses and tourists fleeing since the pandemic. San Francisco's tech-based economy means many locals continue to work from home - with downtown now overrun with the homeless, drug abusers and associated crime. The collapse of the mall aligns with a wider disaster affecting retailers throughout that part of the city. Nearly 100 retailers in downtown San Francisco have closed since the start of the pandemic, a decline of more than 50 percent. In the first five months of 2023, preliminary reports show there were 346 overdose deaths in the city - an increase of more than 40 percent from the same period in 2022. Economists have warned the city is spiraling into an 'urban doom loop' - a vicious circle of interconnected trends and forces that send cities into economic and social ruin. In 2020, Rogan left the state and moved his family to Texas, selling off his lavish $3.5 million estate for the move. The mansion came with a private MMA gym, a sun soaked pool, and enough amenities to fill the expansive 2 acre plot. He announced his desire to leave on his Spotify podcast 'The Joe Rogan Experience', telling his huge audience he wanted to leave for 'a little more freedom'. Last year, Rogan said he was so turned off by President Biden that he would rather vote for Trump in 2024. Speaking on his podcast, Rogan said Biden is 'mentally gone' and that Americans now have to rely on his 'sideshow of diversity' administration to make the decisions. 'I would vote for Trump before I'd vote for Biden. Just cause I think with Biden, like hes gone! UN aid chiefs in Gaza faced mounting pressure on Tuesday, with revelations that 3,000 of their Palestinian teachers shared messages supporting Hamas militants as they raped and murdered civilians in Israel on Oct 7. Hillel Neuer, the director of UN Watch, which monitors the UN, told Congress about his probe into a Telegram channel for UN teachers in Gaza that was filled with posts by members praising the bloodbath. The hearing came in the wake of revelations that 12 employees of the UN's Palestinian aid agency, UNRWA, took part in abductions and killings on Oct 7, prompting the US and others to halt funds for the agency. Neuer on Tuesday told the House subcommittee that the disgraced UN agency should be permanently 'dissolved.' 'It's time to stop pretending that UNRWA is at all fixable,' said Neuer. Hillel Neuer urged a House foreign affairs committee to 'dissolve' UNRWA Neuer presented messages from a Telegram group for 3,000 Palestinian teachers with the UN aid agency there, UNRWA 'The very existence of a Telegram group of 3,000 teachers in which members celebrate Hamas atrocities is but a symptom of the core problem of UNRWA: its true purpose is to undo the 1948 creation of Israel.' His investigation dug into a Telegram chat group used by UNRWA teachers for sharing files, staff names, and curriculum materials. But it was also replete with posts celebrating Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel, praising the terrorists who raped and murdered civilians as 'heroes.' Users on the channel glorified the 'education' the terrorists received, shared photos of dead or captured Israelis, and called for hostages to be executed. Some comments were posted within minutes of Hamas militants beginning their wave of rapes, murders, and kidnappings on Oct 7. Safaa Mohammad Al Najjar, a group administrator, praised the act of 'resistance' and the 'holy warriors' who broke into Israeli territory. She decorated her texts with a red heart emoji. Another member of the group commented on a photo of a dead Hamas fighter. 'Our martyrs are in heaven,' he wrote, adding that Israel's 'dead are in hell.' Users also regularly share videos, photos, and messages inciting 'Jihadi terrorism' and openly celebrate the massacre and rape of civilians by Hamas terrorists, Neuer told the panel. In one post highlighted in the report, UNRWA teacher Waseem Ula shared a video glorifying the Hamas attacks and posted a photo of a suicide bomb vest wired with explosives. The caption read: 'Wait, sons of Judaism.' He also allegedly glorified one of the Oct. 7 attackers as a 'friend' and 'brother.' Allah should 'admit him to paradise without judgment,' he added. Another UNRWA teacher, Abdallah Mehjez, used the group to urge Gazan civilians not to heed Israeli warnings to move out of harm's way and instead to serve as human shields. The committee also learned that Palestinian students are taught to hate Israelis at UN-backed schools. UNRWA is 'not as it claims to be, a humanitarian agency that helps Palestinians,' Neuer said. 'It has become part of the problem.' The hearing was repeatedly interrupted by pro-Palestinian protestors. It followed the release of an Israeli intelligence dossier that some 190 UNRWA employees, including teachers, had doubled as Hamas or Islamic Jihad militants, featuring names and pictures for 11 them. The UN agency for Palestinians, known as UNRWA, provides aid and education for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, like this school in Hebron An UNRWA hub for Palestinian refugees in Sidon, Lebanon Members of the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees are alleged to have committed heinous acts against Israelis during the Hamas October 7 terror attacks as the US and several other nations cut funding The six-page dossier prompted a cascade of countries to halt funds for UNRWA Members of the UNRWA took part in killings, kidnappings, and arming terrorists during raids on settlements, the explosive document alleges. The accused, who have not been named, include teachers, other forms of school workers, a clerk, a social worker and a storeroom manager. One worker allegedly took part in one of the kibbutz massacres that killed 97 of the 1,200 Israeli victims that day. Another is accused of kidnapping an Israeli woman into Gaza, while one more is said to have handed out rocket-propelled grenades during the bloody ambush. The damning accusations say the UNRWA employees did everything from a school counselor who allegedly helped kidnap a woman, others who gave out ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades and another that supposedly took part in a kibbutz slaughter that killed 97 people An aerial view of destroyed buildings as a result of the Israeli attack on Nuseirat refugee camp, in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, on January 26 The UN aid agency said it had fired those workers who were still alive while they launched an investigation into the bombshell claims. The US Department of State said it was 'extremely troubled' by the claims and called for 'complete accountability' for those involved in the Oct 7 attacks. Donors including Germany, Britain, Italy, Australia, Japan, and Finland followed the lead of the US, which said on Friday it had 'temporarily paused additional funding' to the agency. 'In Gaza's rebuilding, UNRWA must be replaced with agencies dedicated to genuine peace and development,' Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement, urging more donors to suspend funding. The organization is promising a thorough investigation into the claims, even before the explosive nature of the allegations was revealed. The Palestinians have accused Israel of falsifying information to tarnish UNRWA. Israel says that some 1,200 people were killed and 253 kidnapped by Hamas fighters in the Oct 7 raid, which sparked an Israeli invasion and a war that's dragged in the US, Iranian proxies and others. Billionaire investor Ken Griffin has paused donations to Harvard over the school's handling of anti-Semitism on campus amid the Israel-Hamas war. Griffin, the founder of hedge fund Citadel, graduated from the Ivy League in 1989 and is one of the institution's biggest donors, gifting $300million to the school just last year. Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences was even renamed in his honor. But at the MFA Network conference in Miami on Tuesday, he said he will no longer support Harvard until it 'resumes its role educating young American men and women to be leaders and problem solvers.' Griffin, who has a net worth of $36.8billion, explained his concerns about former Harvard president Claudine Gay's congressional testimony, which saw her fail to say that calling for a genocide of Jews on campus breaks the school's rules. He said he told the Harvard Corporation, the Cambridge school's top governing board, that his donations are on pause unless it makes changes, accusing the nation's elite universities of producing 'whiny snowflakes.' Billionaire investor Ken Griffin has decided to pause his donations to Harvard over the school's handling of anti-Semitism on campus amid the Israel-Hamas war Griffin said he's done supporting Harvard until it 'resumes its role educating young American men and women to be leaders and problem solvers.' Supporters of Palestine gather at Harvard University to show their support for Palestinians in Gaza on October 14 'Where are we going with education in elite schools in America?' Griffin added. 'Or are they going to maintain being lost in the wilderness of microaggressions and a DEI agenda that seems to have no real end game.' DailyMail.com has reached out to Griffin's representatives for comment. Griffin, who previously said he wouldn't hire Harvard graduates who signed a letter blaming Israel for Hamas' deadly attack on Israel, joins a growing list of billionaires who have stopped financially supporting Harvard and other top schools in the aftermath. Last month Len Blavatnik, whose family foundation has given Harvard at least $270 million, halted donations to his alma mater until it addresses what they see as 'rampant anti-Semitism on campus. Leslie Wexner, the former CEO of L Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret, also said his foundation was pausing donations to Harvard after pro-Palestine protests broke out in the school following October 7. Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer and his wife Batia similarly removed support from Harvard in October after 31 school organizations signed a letter blaming Israel for Hamas' attacks. The couple said they would cease donations 'in protest of the shocking and insensitive response by the president of the university, who did not condemn the letter by student organizations who blamed Israel for the massacres.' Billionaire investor Bill Ackman, who has donated hundreds of millions to his alma matter, also paused donations following the breakout of the war. Harvard has been in hot water over both its handling of anti-Semitism on campus following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, and accusations of plagiarism against former president Gay. Demonstrators gather under the statue of John Harvard in support of students taking part in sit-in inside University Hall organized by a collective of students called Harvard Jews for Palestine Griffin, who has a net worth of $36.8billion, explained concern over how-former Harvard president Claudine Gay's congressional testimony Earlier this month the school shed fresh light on the ongoing investigation into plagiarism accusations against Gay, including that an independent body recommended a broader review after substantiating some of the complaints. In a letter to a congressional committee, Harvard said it learned of the plagiarism allegations against its first black female president on October 24 from a New York Post reporter. The school reached out to several authors whom Gay is accused of plagiarizing and none objected to her language, it said. Gays academic career first came under the scrutiny following her congressional testimony about antisemitism on campus. Gay, Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania and MITs president, Sally Kornbluth, came under criticism for their lawyerly answers to New York Representative Elise Stefanik, who asked whether 'calling for the genocide of Jews' would violate the colleges codes of conduct. The three presidents had been called before the Republican-led House Committee on Education and the Workforce to answer accusations that universities were failing to protect Jewish students amid rising fears of antisemitism worldwide and the fallout from Israels intensifying war in Gaza. Gay said it depended on the context, adding that when 'speech crosses into conduct, that violates our policies.' The answer resulted in swift backlash from Republican and some Democratic lawmakers, as well as the White House. The House committee announced days later that it would investigate the policies and disciplinary procedures at Harvard, MIT and Penn. The corporation initially rallied behind Gay, saying a review of her scholarly work turned up 'a few instances of inadequate citation' but no evidence of research misconduct. The allegations of plagiarism continued to surface through December and Gay resigned this month. At least 1,641 male and female inmates are from Colombia and 1,302 are from Venezuela The measure is part of a plan to restore order in 36 prisons that have fallen under the control of powerful gangs blamed for spreading violence in the country Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has issued a decree that will pave the way for the repatriation of 3,245 foreign inmates to their home countries and barring them from ever stepping foot inside the South American nation. The measure, which was issued Monday, aims to decrease the population of foreign prisoners incarcerated at overpopulated penitentiaries while the government fights to regain control of a jail system that has fallen under the control of powerful gangs. Through executive order 139, Noboa granted the National Comprehensive Care Service for Adults Deprived of Liberty (SNAI) the authority to 'carry out the necessary administrative procedures for the repatriation of foreign persons deprived of liberty by sentence issued in Ecuador, so that their sentence is executed in the country of origin or nationality.' According to results from the 2022 penitentiary census that were released in July, 31,321 people are being held in 36 prisons. Ecuadorian authorities have six Colombian men in prison linked to August 9, 2023 assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio There are 2,900 male inmates from foreign countries. At least 1,641 male and female prisoners are from Colombia - six men are in custody for their role in the August 2023 assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. Ecuador has 1,302 male and female prisoners from Venezuela and Peru is third on the list with 108 of its citizens locked behind bars. A 2022 study issued by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights found that sending foreign inmates to their countries of origin because 'it is a benefit to them and can help reduce violence and overcrowding in detention centers in Ecuador.' More than 450 inmates have been murdered in jail riots since 2020. Prisoners were forced to lie on the ground at a yard at the Regional 8 prison complex during an operation in Guayaquil, Ecuador on January 18. There are at least 31,321 men and women being held in 36 prisons Soldiers enter the jail in Turi, Ecuador on January 14. The government is rolling out a plan to send back more than 3,000 inmates to their countries of origin in an effort to take away control from powerful gangs In an interview with Ecuavisa on Monday, Noboa said that the repatriation of inmates would be done in groups of 100. The prisoners would be either bused to neighboring border crossing points or flown. 'They will not be able to re-enter Ecuador. They are prohibited from entering Ecuador forever,' he said. 'We are no longer going to allow people to go to Colombia and then return to commit the same crimes. He's gone, he's not coming back.' Noboa, who entered office in November 2023, declared a 60-day state of emergency earlier this month after a gang raided the studios of TC Noticias during a live broadcast and held the staff hostage. The contingency has suspended the rights of citizens and allowed the military to enter prisons, and designated 22 criminal gangs as terrorist groups. President Joe Biden said he's 'fine' with Donald Trump being on the ballot in 2024 even as challenges to the former president's candidacy have been filed in at least 35 states. 'That's fine,' Biden told reporters at the White House before he departed for Florida to fundraise in Trump's backyard. The president was less than an hour from Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach when he attended a fundraiser at the Pelican Club in Jupiter. He told donors he thinks he can win Trump's home state in the general election. 'I think we can win Florida,' Biden said. Trump was disqualified from the primary ballots in Colorado and Maine, but he has appealed. The Supreme Court will hear arguments next week on the Colorado case. President Joe Biden said it was 'fine' that Donald Trump is staying on the ballot in 2024 The former president will stay on the ballot in Illinois after the state's election board unanimously said on Tuesday it does not have the authority to decide if he engaged in an insurrection, which is the reasoning other states used to knock him off the ballot. Trump praised the ruling. 'Thank you to the Illinois State Board of Elections for ruling 8-0 in protecting the Citizens of our Country from the Radical Left Lunatics who are trying to destroy it. The VOTE was 8-0 in favor of keeping your favorite President (ME!), on the Ballot. I love Illinois. Make America Great Again!,' he wrote on Truth Social. Trump is still competing for the Republican presidential nomination but he won the first two contests and he's leading in the polls. The ballot challenges focus on whether Trump tried to overturn his 2020 defeat via the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol and whether that makes him ineligible to hold the presidency again. The cases are based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which was enacted after the Civil War, that disqualifies government officials who 'engaged in insurrection or rebellion' from holding office. Trump argues he didn't engage in an insurrection and charges the states with attempting election interference. The former president faces charges in federal court and in the state of Georgia about his role in trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Of the 35 states where challenges have been filed, Biden carried 22 in the 2020 election and Trump carried 13. Trump also won a single electoral vote in Maine, which splits its by congressional district. Lawsuits on Trump's ballot status are taking place in Arizona, Alaska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Challenges to Trump's name on the ballot have been dismissed in Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Michigan and Minnesota made it all the way to the respective state's Supreme Courts, but justices in both states ruled that only the Republican Party can decide who appears on the primary ballot, no matter the candidate's qualifications. Donald Trump has accused states trying to remove him from the ballot of election interference Next week, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Trump's appeal of a Colorado ruling that did declare him ineligible to be on the ballot for the presidency in that state. The nation's highest court has never ruled on a case involving Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The amendment was adopted in 1868 to prevent former confederates from returning to office after the Civil War, but has rarely been used since then. Some legal scholars say the post-Civil War clause applies to Trump for his role in trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election and encouraging his backers to storm the U.S. Capitol after he lost to Joe Biden. Dozens of cases have been filed around the country seeking to bar Trump from the presidency under Section 3. The Colorado case is the only one so far that has succeeded in court. Maine's Democratic Secretary of State also ruled that Trump violated the 14th Amendment and is no longer eligible for the White House, but her ruling is on hold until the Supreme Court issues a decision. A super PAC supporting President Biden's re-election bid is planning to spend a record $250 million on ads ahead of the November election in an effort to take down Donald Trump. Future Forward is planning the largest single purchase of political advertising by super PAC in U.S. history, according to the New York Times. Ads will run in critical battleground states - including Georgia, Arizona and Michigan - and will be split between $140 million on television and another $110 million on digital and streaming platforms including roughly $35 million on YouTube. The massive advertisement buy comes as Biden is facing a challenging path to re-election against likely GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump in multiple battleground states, including those he flipped to blue in his narrow 2020 victory. Polling conducted by DailyMail.com in December found Biden was trailing Trump in two of the three closest battleground states one year out from the 2024 election. Pro-Biden group Future Forward will begin reserving $250 million in ads across seven battleground states, the New York Times reports President Biden is joined by Vice President Harris First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff for a campaign rally for abortion rights in Virginia Former President and Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in Las Vegas ahead of the Nevada GOP caucuses The polls conducted by JL Partners showed Trump up five points in Arizona and three points in Georgia while Biden was up by five points in Wisconsin. Most of the ads will start airing the day after the Democratic National Convention in August and run through Election Day and will cover seven states seen as key battlegrounds for Biden's re-election: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The markets with the largest ad buys include $16 million in Atlanta and $12 million in Phoenix. Both are in states Biden flipped from red to blue helping him secure a victory in the 2020 election. Chauncey McLean is the president of Future Forward USA Action and Future Forward PAC A series of general election polls released in January also put Biden and Trump in a tight race in a head-to-head match up. At the same time, recent polling has shown the president has seen a drop in support among such demographic groups from the support he received in 2020 which helped carry him to victory. A poll by USA TODAY/Suffolk University at the start of the year found Trump leading among Hispanic and young voters while one in five Black voters said they would support a third party candidate. Future Forward also specifically plans to target some demographic groups key to the Biden winning coalition including targeting younger voters, Hispanic voters and Black voters, the report said. The Biden campaign began airing political TV ads just after the president launched his reelection bid in April 2023 Despite last year being an off-year, more than $45 million was spent in 2023 on pro-Biden ads alone, largely by four groups according to tracking by AdImpact. The Biden campaign launched its first television ads last April after launching his re-election campaign. It was previously reported that Future Forward raised $208 million last year giving the outside group a massive war chest to spend heading into the presidential election year. Future Forward spent about $151 million during the 2020 election cycle. A mysterious shipwreck has washed up on the Canadian coastline centuries after it is thought to have sunk. The ghostly vessel appeared on the shores of Cape Ray on the Newfoundland coast and is thought to have been dredged up by post-tropical storm Fiona. The 80ft ship was spotted by local bird hunter Gordon Blackmore, who first noticed a large shadow looming under the waves on January 20. 'It's amazing, there is no other word for it,' Blackmore, 21, told CBC. 'I'm just curious if they can name the ship, and how old it is and if there were any souls lost on her.' The boat is thought to date to the 19th century due to the use of wooden dowels throughout the structure. Its length would also suggest it may have been bigger than a schooner, however not much else is known about its origin. A mysterious vessel appeared off the coast of Newfoundland centuries after it is thought to have sunk The ship appeared on the beach at Cape Ray, a coastal community of around 350 people The ship was first spotted by seabird hunter Gordon Blackmore on January 20 Residents including Bert Osmond (pictured) have been keeping a vigil over the site since it emerged 'This is a great, great event,' Neil Burgess, president of the Shipwreck Preservation Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, told the Guardian. 'If it's oak or beech or a hardwood species like that, it will tell us it wasn't made here in Newfoundland and was probably made over in Europe somewhere,' he told UPI. 'There are databases of shipwrecks we can search for what was recorded as being lost around Cape Ray.' He suspects the vessel was freed by a combination of coastal erosion and the tropical storm that lashed the area, damaging more than 100 homes. A local government team has now been dispatched to assess and preserve the wreck. But they are working against the clock, as the international attention the ship garnered has already resulted in artifacts being removed from the wreck. There are also fears the ship could succumb to sea ice or be pulled back out into the depths during strong winds. Cape Ray is home to around 350 people and used to be located on a high-traffic shipping route. Experts believe the use of wooden dowels in the boat's structure suggest it dates from the 1800s The site has garnered international attention and sparked numerous theories about its origin The local government has dispatched a team to help identify and preserve the wreckage The Newfoundland coastline is thought to be littered with the remnants of 'thousands' of ships, which do get dredged up from time to time. Speculation is running rampant among locals who are desperate to learn about its history. The Cape Ray community page has become a forum for the exchange of suggestions and maritime knowledge from across the globe. Resident Bert Osmond has taken it upon himself to mount a daily vigil over the wreck, according to the page. Pictures show how he and others recently tied a rope around the ship to stop it floating away. 'This story has gone world wide and hopefully we can secure the wreck so the officials can document it,' Anne Osmond wrote on the page. 'We want to give a big shoutout to Bert for being there daily to watch over this piece of history as well as everyone else who helped out and offered ropes to secure it. Cape Ray residents recently secure the wreck with a rope amid fears it could drift back out to sea The size of the vessel indicates it was bigger than a schooner, according to experts 'The visitors to the site is amazing and the stories that has be told from the past ,what a history lesson. 'Preservation of the Dorset Site and the wreckage is at the top of the list. It has been overwhelming some days but let's get it done Tourist attraction for 2024 is at our door.' It is not the first time a centuries-old vessel has resurfaced. In March 2023, a Massachusetts woman stumbled across the remains of a 1884 shipwreck on a beach 140 years after it sank in a monster storm on the way to Boston. While in the UK, fierce storms unearthed a shipwreck in the coastal town of Cornwall 130 years after it sunk. Meanwhile, a deal to save hostages is reportedly being drawn up in Paris Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu today rejected two key demands Hamas has made during indirect ceasefire talks, saying Israel will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip or release Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Speaking at a religious pre-military academy in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, he repeated his vow to keep fighting until 'absolute victory' over Hamas as mediators work to keep alive hopes of a potential ceasefire in the coming days. 'We will not end this war without achieving all of our goals,' he said, alluding to Israel's stated twin objectives of releasing the remaining hostages and 'dismantling' Hamas rule in the beleaguered Palestinian enclave. 'We will not withdraw the Israeli military from the Gaza Strip and we will not release thousands of terrorists,' he said, referring to Hamas' main demands. Israel was reported to have struck a deal with the US, Qatar and Egypt in Paris over the release of hostages in return for a pause in the fighting in Gaza yesterday. But the warring factions remain in deadlock over the latter's revised demand for a complete ceasefire as a condition for any deal, something wholly rejected by Israel. Netanyahu (pictured) today ruled out freeing Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire deal Smoke from bombardment billows in the background as displaced Palestinians flee from Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on January 30, 2024 An Israeli battle tank is deployed to guard a position as displaced Palestinians flee from Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on January 30, 2024 Smoke rises over Gaza Strip after Israeli forces' attacks as seen from Sderot, Israel on January 30, 2024 Netanyahu's pledge came as Israeli forces disguised as civilian women and medical workers stormed a hospital in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, killing three Palestinians in a dramatic raid that underscored how deadly violence has spilled into the territory from the war in Gaza. The IDF said the trio belonged to a Hamas 'terrorist cell'. Israel accused one of them of planning an imminent attack inspired by the October 7 assault - without providing evidence. One of the men killed was undergoing treatment at the facility for a paralysed leg, the hospital said. Photographs of the aftermath appear to suggest one of the men was shot in a hospital bed, the other two on makeshift beds. Israeli authorities confirmed the commando operation, and Israel's police minister shared the clip on social media. The local health ministry said Israeli forces opened fire inside the wards of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the town of Jenin. The ministry condemned the raid and called on the international community to pressure Israel's military to halt such operations in hospitals. A hospital spokesperson said there was no exchange of fire, indicating that it was a targeted killing. Footage said to be security camera video from the hospital that circulated on social media showed about a dozen undercover forces, most of them armed, dressed as women with Muslim headscarves or hospital staff in scrubs or white doctor's coats. One in a surgical mask carried a rifle in one arm and a folded wheelchair in the other. The forces were seen patting down one man who kneeled against a wall, his arms raised. Tensions in the occupied West Bank have flared since Hamas' incursion into Israel on October 7 and the subsequent bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Earlier in January, a three-year-old girl was accidentally shot and killed by Israeli border guards after a driver in a different car rammed a checkpoint near the Palestinian village of Biddu. It followed news a Palestinian man driving a car with Israeli number plates had also been shot and killed at a busy intersection in the West Bank, likely attacked by assailants believing he was Israeli. This is turn came only hours after a violent confrontation elsewhere left seven Palestinians and a border policewoman dead on January 7. In December, the UK government and international partners called on Israel to do more to tackle settler violence in the occupied West Bank as clashes broke out between civilians. But the territory - which is not controlled by Hamas - has also seen a number of operations by Israel, including airstrikes, claiming to be targeting Hamas militants. Israeli soldier move a tank along the border with the Gaza Strip on January 24, 2024 in Southern Israel, Israel An Israeli tank moves along the border with the Gaza Strip on January 24, 2024 in Southern Israel A demonstrator stands next to a banner with an image of Benjamin Netanyahu as she attends a rally demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 27, 2024 A protester attends a demonstration against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government on January 27, 2024 in Tel Aviv, Israel Meanwhile in the Gaza Strip, a strike on a residential building in the central town of Deir al-Balah on Tuesday killed 11 people, including four children. The conflict has also levelled vast swaths of the tiny coastal enclave, displaced 85% of its population, and pushed a quarter of residents to starvation. That humanitarian crisis may soon be exacerbated, the UN has warned, after several countries froze funding to the main aid provider to Palestinians in Gaza following Israeli claims that a dozen of its workers participated in the October 7 assault. Waleed, a team member of humanitarian aid organisation Mercy Corps, shared the difficulties of living in northern Gaza with his family as the war rages on. 'Recently, I went to observe the aid distribution, and it was very distressing,' he said. 'Thousands of people were waiting by the seaside in the hope that aid trucks would enter, and after waiting for hours, only two trucks enteredfor thousands of hungry people. 'People crowded around them so intensely that I witnessed two people suffocating to death from the overcrowding.' 'In the early days of the war, I used to write diaries to document every moment and not forget the small details,' Waleed said. 'But after a few weeks, I burned the notebook I wrote in so that I could forget.' 'I wanted to avoid revisiting the pages and reliving the heartbreak associated with the events, losses, and circumstances documented within it.' Israel has responded to Hamas' October 7 assault, which killed around 1,200 people and saw the taking of some 240 hostages, with a blistering military campaign in Gaza by air, sea and land, killing more than 26,700. The figures are tallied by the Palestinian health ministry, which is run by Hamas. According to the UN and the World Health Organisation, the figure is updated 'in good faith'. International onlookers have called on Israel to seek a ceasefire deal or wind back the scale of operations in Gaza. On Friday, the International Court of Justice urged caution and instructed Israel to prevent a genocide taking place, but stopped short of saying its operations amounted to a genocide, per accusations brought by South Africa. After months without a second significant hostage release, Israel faces growing pressure from within to seek a deal with Hamas, too. A vocal minority calling for peace and the safe return of the hostages has reliably turned out in Tel Aviv to wave banners and chant in opposition to Israel's approach. But experts say this constant pressure and Israel's simultaneous difficulty moving through Gaza's dense urban environment has allowed Hamas to change its demands as the war has gone on. Hamas is 'realising the IDF is not making the progress that they thought they were making and the IDF is realising that this military solution is going to take years,' Dr Andreas Krieg, Assistant Professor of Defence Studies at King's College London, told MailOnline earlier this month. 'But there is no stomach in the US or domestically to keep this going at the current rate so something has got to give.' The US has even suggested Hamas could still play a role in Gaza's post-war government - highlighting the difference in appetite for continuing the conflict. This week, representatives from Israel, the US, Egypt and Qatar arrived at a potential deal following talks in Paris. A new deal would reportedly see the release of Hamas-held hostages in phases, along with pauses in fighting and deliveries of aid to Gaza. Palestinian families, seeking refuge from Israeli attacks on Gaza, build makeshift tents in vacant areas to ensure their safety in Rafah, Gaza on January 30, 2024 Smoke billows in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, on January 22, 2024, amid Israeli airstrikes Family and friends mourn during the funeral of Sergeant major (res) Matan Lazar, killed in a battle in south Gaza on January 23, 2024 in Haifa, Israel On January 22, 24 Israeli soldiers were killed fighting against Hamas, including 21 reservists in a single attack Palestinian prisoners held by Israel are also expected to be freed. Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the deal still needed to be relayed to Hamas but 'good progress' had been made. He said he hoped Hamas would 'engage positively and constructively in the process'. US President Joe Biden called him for talks about the issues last week. Many of the Palestinians released in November were civilians. Onlookers have raised concerns a future deal would require the release of potentially more dangerous detainees, including 'Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists and other high ranking, high profile terrorists'. Earlier today, it was reported Hamas was 'studying' the Gaza hostage deal, according to the group's leader, Ismail Haniyeh. Trainee surf lifesavers have rescued four swimmers at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach in a risky operation that saw two young men hospitalised. Paramedics raced to the scene on Tuesday night following reports that four swimmers had gotten into difficulty in the water while the beach was unpatrolled. Two men were treated at the scene for minor injuries and transported to St Vincent's Hospital in a stable condition. Two swimmers were rushed to hospital after a near-drowning at Bondi beach on Tuesday njight READ MORE: Swimmer almost killed after a rogue wave plunged him into the rocks Beachgoers watched on as the man was pummelled by the surf Advertisement It's understood a 26-year-old reportedly drifted in and out of consciousness while at the scene. The other patient also needed medical assistance after he took in a lot of water. A duty officer praised the efforts of the trainee surf life savers who rushed to the aid of the four swimmers, including the two men who were in 'serious' distress'. The trainees cut short a lifesaving training session to save the struggling swimmers. 'I heard some screams for help,' the duty officer told the Today show on Wednesday. 'They (the trainees) remobilised from the training that they were doing. They managed to pick up the four people and basically bring them in. The near-drowning unfolded shortly after Bondi surf lifesavers had ended patrols for the day. Bondi was packed with hundreds of beachgoers earlier in the day as temperatures surged in the 30s. Surf Lifesaving NSW has reminded beachgoers to swim between the flags and not enter the water when the beach unpatrolled. Trainee surf lifesavers rescued four swimmers who got into trouble in the water after patrols at Bondi beach finished for the day. Pictured are swimmers at Bondi Beach An elderly woman has been arrested for trying to smother her husband of 52 years to death after he received a postcard from an ex-girlfriend he dated six decades ago. Bertha Yalter, 71, is charged with attempted murder in the second degree, aggravated battery against an elderly person and tampering with a witness or victim after she allegedly bit, bruised, and tried to suffocate her husband. The Miami Beach woman is accused of launching the attack on January 28 against her husband, who she has been married to since she was 19 years old. It occurred after he received a postcard in the mail from a former fling he dated 60 years earlier. The contents of the letter were not made public. Bertha Yalter, 71, is charged with attempted murder in the second degree, aggravated battery against an elderly person and tampering with a witness or victim after she allegedly bit, bruised, and tried to suffocate her husband Bertha (right) is pictured here with her husband Memo Yalter (left). He was identified as having the initials M.Y at a bond hearing Cops responded to the couple's marital home on Northeast 169th Street and 35th Avenue. Her husband, who is named Memo Yalter in public records and was identified as having the initials M.Y at a bond hearing, had called 911 saying his wife had tried to kill him. The victim was in an 'extremely fragile' state and with 'several serious bruises and open lacerations, as well as open bite marks that were bleeding.' He told officers his wife Bertha attacked him after he received a postcard from a woman he dated before he married Bertha in the 1960s. Bertha allegedly tried to smother her husband with a pillow and took his phone away at one point so he couldn't call for help. According to WTVT, Bertha admitted to the attack when she was interviewed by cops. Parts were also recorded on a cell phone, which responding police watched. A public defender attempted to get the judge to downgrade the charges. But Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Ellen Sue Venzer ruled to keep the more serious charges as they are. The defendant is pictured here at her bond hearing Cops were called to the marital home on Northeast 169th Street and 35th Avenue At a bond hearing on Monday, the defendant was ordered to have no contact with the victim and remain in custody until a final hearing on February 1. The public defender, who was attempting to get the judge to downgrade the charges, told the bond hearing: 'Judge, there is nothing indicating she was trying to kill him.' An attorney for the state responded: 'I think if you look at the totality of the circumstances, this appears to be more than a domestic battery by strangulation.' Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Ellen Sue Venzer ruled to keep the more serious charges as they are. Yalter remains in Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Venezuela has threatened to ban deportation flights from the US in response to the White House's decision to reimpose oil and gas sanctions on the bankrupt socialist nation. The Biden administration began deporting Venezuelans on October 18 for the first time in years after the Nicolas Maduro regime made a secret deal with the US that saw the dictator pledge to allow free elections next year in exchange for sanctions relief. The restarting of deportations saw illegal border crossings by Venezuelans drop as much as 74 percent in October. It came at a crucial time, as the number of Venezuelans crossing the US-Mexico border had reached a record high and replaced Mexicans as the largest nationality appearing at the border in September, 2023. However, Maduro broke the agreement with the White House as soon as it was signed in Barbados, quickly moving to jail aides of his main political opponent Maria Corina Machado, who he has now barred from running in next year's presidential elections. Biden officials had said they would reimpose sanctions if Maduro did not follow the agreement, and on Monday Bloomberg reported the White House will allow the six-month sanctions suspension to expire in April. Venezuela has threatened to ban deportation flights from the US as a response to the Biden administration's decision to reimpose oil and gas sanctions on the bankrupt socialist nation The restarting of deportations saw illegal border crossings by Venezuelans drop as much as 74 percent in October Venezuela's vice president Delcy Rodriguez wrote on X: 'Venezuela rejects the rude and improper blackmail and ultimatum expressed by the US government. 'If they take the step to intensify economic aggression against Venezuela, as of February 13 repatriating flights of Venezuelan migrants from the US will be revoked.' The drop in Venezuelans at the border is one of the reasons overall crossings temporarily fell, with arrests down by more than half in the first two weeks of January. Since October, the US has sent about 1,3000 Venezuelans back to their native country. But what really helped lower the illegal border crossings, according to experts, was the fear of possible deportation. The decline in Venezuelans at the border was a rare piece of welcome news for a White House that has been criticized by the right and left over immigration policies. Last year, in another effort to mitigate the crisis of Venezuelan asylum seekers, Biden approved Temporary Protected Status to nearly 500,000 Venezuelans who arrived before July 31, while pledging to deport those who come illegally after that date and fail to get asylum. 'Venezuela rejects the rude and improper blackmail and ultimatum expressed by the US government,' Venezuela's vice president Delcy Rodriguez wrote on X. 'If they take the step to intensify economic aggression against Venezuela, as of February 13 repatriating flights of Venezuelan migrants from the US will be revoked' Maduro broke the agreement with the White House and has banned main opponent Maria Corina Machado from running in next year's presidential elections According to Panama's National Immigration Service, more than 200,000 Venezuelans crossed the Darien Gap this year on their way to the United States According to Panama's National Immigration Service, more than 200,000 Venezuelans crossed the dangerous Darien Gap in 2023 on their way to the United States. They are seeking asylum as they say they are fleeing the social and economic collapse of the socialist nation. Venezuela, once South America's wealthiest nation, has plunged into a political, economic and humanitarian crisis over the last decade, pushing more than seven million residents to leave in what is now the world's largest displacement of people. They initially settled in nearby countries in Latin America but began coming to the United States in the last three years, as the most desperate trek all the way from South America to Texas. They are now the second most commonly-encountered nationality at the border, after Mexicans. Cities such as New York and Chicago have been overwhelmed by a surge of migrants, with local governments running out of shelter space and spending millions of their budget funds setting up new shelters. Three mystery gunmen who chased down, shot and injured an 11-year-old boy along a busy Atlanta highway are still on the loose. Officers said they arrived at the scene at around 6.15pm on January 15 and found the boy suffering from two gunshot wounds. He was taken to hospital. City police have released surveillance footage of the shocking incident in the hopes of identifying the trio. The footage shows the boy - who has not been named - looking furtively over his shoulder as he sprints through a parking lot close to Martin Luther King Drive in northwest Atlanta. It then cuts to a divided highway where three men can be seen walking rapidly across before breaking out into a run. Three mystery gunmen who chased down and shot an 11-year-old boy along a busy Atlanta highway two weeks ago are still on the loose The footage shows the boy (pictured) looking over his shoulder as he sprints through a parking lot close to Martin Luther King Drive in northwest Atlanta on January 15 The suspects approach the parking lot before seeming to spot the boy, who had tried to hide beside a laundromat and tire shop. Each one pulls out a hand gun and they open fire several times in his direction. A car swerves away from them amid the commotion, and moments later all three men rapidly retreat, before dashing back across the dual carriageway. Atlanta Police Department described the suspects as 'three black males' as they shared the video and appealed for anyone with information to contact them. All three are wearing black hooded coats, dark trousers and white shoes in the video. Cops did not identify the 11-year-old boy. Pictured: the three mystery gunmen crossing the divided highway before opening fire at the fleeing 11-year-old boy Atlanta Police Department described the suspects as 'three black males' as they shared the video and appealed for anyone with information to contact them Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, or texting information to 274637. Some 133 homicides were recorded in the Georgia city last year, along with 61 rapes, and 2,687 cases of aggravated assault. The overall felony crime rates were down 17 percent from the previous year - with 171 homicides, 122 rapes and 3,192 aggravated assault incidents recorded in 2022. A 61-year-old man has pleaded guilty to setting a fire that destroyed a cabin and 687 acres of federal forest - claiming that he was under the influence of drugs. Michael James Authement told officials that he was under the influence of methamphetamine when he broke into the hunting cabin of a man named Joe Timberlake located in the Hitchiti Experimental Woods with an ax in hand. He then set a couch on fire which ended up spreading and burning acres of the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge in November 2022. Authement pleaded guilty to first-degree arson and was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by another decade on probation. Michael James Authement told officials that he was under the influence of methamphetamine when he busted into a cabin with an ax, set fire to a couch and ended up burning acres of the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge Authement had broken into a man named Joe Timberlake's hunting cabin located in the Hitchiti Experimental Woods in November 2022 Despite Authement's claim of being under the influence of drugs, investigators are yet to understand what led him to the cabin and why he burned the couch. T. Wright Barksdale III, District Attorney for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit, said it 'made no sense' after the hearing at the Jones County Superior Court on January 25. 'It absolutely makes no sense. He had a methamphetamine problem. 'At some point, he decided it would be a good idea to set a couch on fire,' Barksdale said after the hearing. He further added that the convicted had been in the refuge 'just floating around high and set the couch on fire.' Talking about the fire, the DA said: 'It's probably the largest burning of land case we've ever seen in the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit.' T. Wright Barksdale III, District Attorney for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit, said it 'made no sense' after the hearing at the Jones County Superior Court on January 25 Talking about the fire, the DA said: 'It's probably the largest burning of land case we've ever seen in the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit' Georgia Forestry Chief Ranger Marcus Beasley told WMAZ that the forest fire burned for an entire day before anyone took notice. 'Just because of the rural-ness here, it smoldered and smoked until peak burn time, and then that's when it put up enough smoke for people to notice.' Fire crews were already putting out another fire when they were notified of the one started by the convicted. But by the time crews could control the blaze, the cabin was burnt to crisp and the forest had suffered damage. 'We started attacking it about midday, about 1 or 2pm. Burned back the leaf litter and the grasses. Scorched some of the trees and stuff like that. 'Even through the night, it was burning all the way up until midnight. If it had a normal fuel load on it that had not seen prescribed burning and stuff, this fire probably would've been several thousand acres,' Beasley said. Georgia Forestry Chief Ranger Marcus Beasley said that the forest fire burned for an entire day before anyone took notice The Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 and is home to a growing population the endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker. Its clear streams and beaver ponds also provide ideal wetlands for migrating waterfowl According to Barksdale, Authement was tracked down by investigators using trail-camera footage and other means. The Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 and is home to a growing population the endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker. Its clear streams and beaver ponds also provide ideal wetlands for migrating waterfowl. The forest is spread over 35,000 acres of land. Did YOU see what happened? Email The crossbow attacker shot dead by armed police in London has been pictured. Bryce Hodgson, 30, was killed by armed officers after he was caught trying to force his way into a three-storey home in Surrey Quays, Southwark, on Tuesday at around 5am. Two people with minor injuries were rescued from the flat that crossbow-wielding Hodgson attacked. Investigators said he had an arsenal of weapons including at least two crossbows, a knife and an axe, and was wearing body armour. Last month, Hodgson was in court accused of stalking after he allegedly broke into a woman's bedroom and bombarded her with text messages, The Mirror reported. The cannabis-smoking 'dark horse' often appeared 'anxious' and 'on edge', his neighbours in south London said. Did YOU see what happened? Email chris.matthews@mailonline.co.uk Bryce Hodgson, 30, (pictured) was killed by armed officers after he was caught trying to force his way into a three-storey home in Surrey Quays, Southwark, on Tuesday at around 5am A gas mask and crossbow arrows were seen at the scene in Bywater Place, Surrey Quays Incredible footage of the scene shows officers gathering around the residential home in south east London as two people are lead from the house The group could be seen exiting the building as police stood cautiously by The 30-year-old was born in Sheffield but lived in Middlesbrough until 2015. Footage of the scene showed officers gathering around the residential home in south east London as two people are lead from the house. With one appearing to still be wearing their pyjamas, the group were led away from the house and ushered under police tape. Police were called to Bywater Place to find Hodgson attempting to force his way into a three-storey property and threatening to harm the residents. He is understood to have been known to at least one of the occupants. He was shot dead with two bullets from a police firearm after armed officers entered the house when they were called in by local police. Paramedics attended but Hodgson was pronounced dead at the scene. Among the weapons found at the scene were crossbows, a knife, a sword and a hatchet. Pictures of the scene showed more than six officers crowd around the man. In separate footage, recorded at 4.55am this morning, officers can be heard shouting at residents to 'get out of the house' before they attempted to talk to the attacker, who would eventually threaten them as well. Armed officers were called to the scene shortly after and shot the man dead when he got inside the 300,000 property. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the incident. Two people in the building suffered minor injuries. Photographs from the scene seem to detail what was inside the man's attack kit. The images appeared to show military boots, a gas mask and a bulletproof Kevlar plate vest as well as crossbow bolts. Neighbours to the property, which is occupied by several families, described being woken up by a couple screaming and shouting seconds before the attacker was shot. Valeria Bocanera, 37, said: 'There was a man and a woman who were screaming and shouting at each other. It went on for about a minute or so, and then it went silent. In the footage recorded at 5am this morning, officers can be heard shouting at residents to 'get out of the house' before they attempted to talk to the attacker Photographs from the scene detail what was inside the man's terrifying attack kit, which includes a gas mask and bulletproof Kevlar plate vest Police were called to a property (middle left) in Bywater Place, Southwark, at 4.55am to reports of a man, believed to be in his 30s, attempting to force entry into a residential property Police have cordoned off the area after an officer discharged a firearm on the man when he got inside the property Aerial shots of the crime scene which has been cordoned off by police 'I did not go outside to see what was happening. My neighbour could see the body out of her window and it was uncovered and just lying on the floor.' One woman, who asked not to be named, said: 'You could hear all the police shouting to each other. We just stayed indoors and the police later told us not to come out.' Restaurant owner Akber Baloch, 52, added: 'I was sleeping and I heard some shouting. It was also like someone was banging a door. There was banging and shouting. It sounded like a man and a woman. 'I am really worried and it makes you feel insecure. I do not know who is wrong or right in this situation but it makes you feel insecure.' On Tuesday evening, Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, who has overall responsibility for firearms, said: 'The first unarmed officers knew they were arriving on scene to reports of a man armed with weapons and threatening to harm people inside an address. 'The officers knew there were people inside and had genuine fears for their safety. 'Armed officers were called and attempted to get the man to surrender. They entered the property and shots were fired. 'The officers, assisted by paramedics, provided emergency first aid to the man, who was wearing body armour, but he sadly died. 'Weapons recovered from the scene include crossbows, a knife, a sword and a hatchet. 'This is an extremely difficult day for everyone involved. 'I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of all our officers who responded and thank all the emergency service staff involved. 'I firmly believe their actions prevented further loss of life.' After the incident, a police cordon remained in place, but photos showed a ground floor window at the rear of the property has been smashed and an upstairs one wedged open. Police say enquiries are ongoing to inform the man's next of kin. A white and yellow tent has been placed over where the body had fallen. A yellow marker with the No 18 had been placed on the kerb outside the house to signify a piece of evidence. Mel Palmer, of the Independent Office for Police Conduct, said: 'Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragic incident. The man's next of kin have been informed and, in due course, we will be contacting them to explain our role. We will keep them regularly updated throughout our investigation. Police say enquiries are ongoing to inform the man's next of kin and a white and yellow tent has been placed over where the body had fallen Forensic officers in blue overalls walked around the cordoned off area while a representative from the IOPC carried out door to door inquiries 'Given a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police. 'We appreciate that the community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts and piece together what occurred.' Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service gave the man first aid when they arrived at the scene just after 5am and treated two more people for minor injuries. A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: 'We were called today (30 January) at 5:03am to reports of an incident on Bywater Place, Surrey Quays. 'We sent some resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew and an incident response officer. We also dispatched London's Air Ambulance, which consisted of a trauma team by car. 'We treated three people at the scene, two of whom had minor injuries. The third patient was pronounced dead at the scene.' A Met spokesman explained that armed officers deal with fast-moving and dangerous situations, discharging their weapons rarely. According to the Met, it is standard procedure to hand over a case to the IOPC if a person has been shot by an officer. According to the Met, it is standard procedure to hand over a case to the IOPC if a person has been shot by an officer The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the incident Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, responsible for policing Southwark, said: 'My thoughts are with all those affected by this incident. 'I understand the local community will be concerned at the events that have taken place this morning. We will fully support the IOPC investigation into the full circumstances of what happened.' The IOPC spokesperson said its investigators were at the scene on Tuesday morning and declared an independent investigation at around 6.40am. Forensic officers in blue overalls walked around the cordoned off area while a representative from the IOPC carried out door to door inquiries. They added: 'We have begun an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a man by the Metropolitan Police Service earlier this morning in Southwark, south London,' said a spokesperson for the watchdog. 'We were notified by the MPS after the incident, which occurred shortly before 5am, and declared an independent investigation at around 6.40am. 'We have sent investigators to the scene and the police post incident procedure to begin gathering evidence. Our investigation is in its very early stages and we hope to provide an update later today.' Local councilor Adam Hood expressed his concerns on the incident via X Mayor of London Sadiq Khan sent out his thoughts to everyone impacted by the incident on social media this morning Adam Hood, Liberal Democrat councillor for Surrey Docks, said he was 'deeply concerned' by the news. He wrote on social media: 'Deeply concerned by this news from Bywater Place. Details are still emerging but at this point I'm thankful to the fast response from emergency services.' Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added: 'My thoughts are with everyone impacted by this incident. 'It's right that the independent IOPC will now investigate the full circumstances. I urge anyone with information to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.' Fatal police shootings are relatively rare in the UK - there were only three in the year to March 31 2023. The most recent Met fatality was the death of Giedrius Vasiljevas, 40, who was shot at his home in Dagenham, east London, in November after calling 999 to say he had loaded guns and wanted to take his own life. Los Angeles boasted the worst congestion but was 9th overall California was the only state to have two cities listed in the top 10 New York City ranked as the location for drivers according to TomTom data New York City drivers are dealing with the worst traffic in the nation, according to a new report. Geolocation technology specialist TomTom released its 2023 Traffic Index which analyzes factors such as time, cost and CO2 emission per mile driven. Claiming the top spot for worst traffic in the nation was none other than the Big Apple. Researchers found commuters in NYC spent 24 minutes and 50 seconds driving around six miles in 2023, 20 seconds longer than the previous year. Furthermore, motorists spent an additional 43 percent of time sitting in traffic. Geolocation technology specialist TomTom released its Traffic Index for 2023 - and New York City drivers were revealed to grapple with the worst traffic in the nation New York City was named the city with the worst traffic in 2023 after drivers spent 24 minutes and 50 seconds travelling around six miles, 20 seconds longer than the previous year While Los Angeles did not rank first, the city did have the worst congestion out of the top 10, with motorists spending a whopping 53 percent more time sitting in traffic While Los Angeles has long been hailed as the city with the worst traffic, it was not even close - coming in at number nine, with an average 15 minutes spent driving six miles. However, the City of Angels had worst congestion by far, at a whopping 53 percent. California was also the only state with two cities ranking in the top 10. San Francisco came in at third place, with an average 20 min 30 seconds spent driving six miles. On average, commuters lost a whopping 75 hours to rush hour traffic last year. Taking the spot above the Bay Area city was Washington, D.C., which ranked second. The average travel time in the capital was 21 minutes and 20 seconds for just six miles of driving. Commuters lost 86 hours to rush-hour traffic throughout 2023. In fourth place was Boston, with an average travel time of 19 minutes, 10 seconds per six miles. Next was Chicago, at 17 minutes and 50 seconds per six miles. Drivers in both cities lost an egregious 86 hours to rush hour traffic in 2023. Baltimore came in at sixth, costing drivers 17 minutes and 40 seconds to travel around six miles - though congestion in this city was the lowest out of the top 10, at 22 percent. Seattle followed, with an average travel time of 15 minutes and 50 seconds. Commuters in the Emerald City spent 55 hours toiling in rush hour traffic over the past year. Next was Philadelphia, where it took drivers 15 minutes and 40 seconds to go six miles. Congestion measured a comfortable 27 percent. Los Angeles came in ninth, followed by Miami, which rounded out the top 10 with an identical average travel time of 15 minutes per six miles but lower congestion. Washington, D.C. came in second with commuters losing 86 hours to rush-hour traffic throughout 2023 Baltimore ranked sixth but congestion was the lowest out of the top 10 at 22 percent Boston came in below New York, D.C. and San Francisco. Drivers here lost a whopping 86 hours to rush hour traffic over the past year Cities across the nation have recognized that something has to be done about the frustrating gridlock, with the Big Apple leading the charge. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced in June that the state's congestion pricing plan, the first of its kind, had secured federal approval following a comprehensive environmental review. Beginning in April, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will introduce a toll for drivers below 60th Street in NYC. The initiative is designed to reduce traffic and air pollution in bustling Lower Manhattan and Midtown. Revenue generated by the toll will go towards revamping the public transit system. There are other initiatives in the works in California, including one targeting Central Los Angeles and nearby areas like the San Fernando Valley. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced that its traffic reduction study has entered its early planning stages. The study would examine ways to reduce congestion and pollution in addition to making roads safer and transit faster. Like New York, one of the ideas on the table is congestion pricing. A recent study indicated that more than 300 million Americans visited a national park in 2023. Some visitors to national parks can be spotted doing activities like hiking or rock climbing, while others may be taking pictures of scenic views. However, a variety of things can go wrong when visiting a national park that can cause serious injuries...or even death. Outdoor clothing brand KUHL released a list of the top 10 deadliest national parks on January 23 after looking into data associated with things like deaths, missing people, and search and rescue missions. So, just what are the 10 deadliest national parks and the frightening risks that individuals face when visiting these locations? 10. Mount Rainer National Park Mount Rainer National Park is located in Ashford, Washington and has a death probability rate of one in 317,000 Mount Rainer National Park in Ashford, Washington has massive glaciers, wildflowers in its subalpine meadows, and a death probability rate of one in 317,000. According to the KUHL's data, 69 individuals have died between 2007-2023 and the National Park Service (NPS) found that more than 400 people have died in the park since the government began keeping records. One of the things Mount Rainer is also known for is its massive and active volcano. The volcano's last eruptive period occurred about 1,000 years ago, but it's still a risky area for individuals who love rock climbing. The NPS even concluded that 25 percent of the Mount Rainer National Park deaths occurred due to rock climbing incidents. Interestingly enough, KUHL found that 20.3 percent of deaths occur from falls while 0.9 percent of fatalities are due to rockfall. 9. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Salt Flat, Texas have more than 80 miles of hiking trails available to individuals who visit the park Salt Flat, Texas is the home of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, an area with more than 80 miles of hiking trails. It does also have a death probability rate of one in 514,000, which is a bit worse than Mount Rainer National Park. The park, while a popular tourist attraction, comes with a variety of risks that individuals should pay attention to, hikers especially. Things that are important to remember when at the park is that sudden weather changes are common and to avoid exposure in open areas during storms. The area is also full of cacti, rattlesnakes, scorpions, and desert centipedes, which can result in a variety of injuries. 8. Kings Canyon National Park Kings Canyon National Park in California has a one in 220,000 death probability rate. As of 2023, 45 deaths inside the park have occurred Located in California, Kings Canyon National Park features a one in 220,000 death probability rate. Between 2007-2023, 45 deaths have occurred inside the park so far. Things that may be important for visitors to remember is the park's extreme climate conditions and high elevations that range up to nearly 15,000 feet high. Because of these conditions, it is not uncommon for hikers to go missing or be in need of rescue in the mountains, 7. Denali National Park Denali National Park receives around 600,000 visitors every year despite having a one in 119,000 death probability rate Denali is one of two national parks in Alaska that is on the top 10 of this list. The park receives around 600,000 visitors every year despite having a one in 119,000 death probability rate. Denali National Park already has 64 reported fatalities of individuals in the park between 2007-2023. The area is relatively safe, but some of the biggest dangers in the park include steep cliffs, deep crevasses, and unstable rocks. These conditions, combined with freezing temperatures, can potentially making hiking and rock climbing extremely dangerous. 6. Big Bend National Park Big Bend National Park receives more than 500,000 annual visitors every year and has a 1 in 218,000 death probability rate. Only 31 deaths have occurred in the park between 2007-2023 Receiving more than 500,000 visitors every year, Big Bend National Park in Panther Junction Texas is full of rivers, dirt roads, and a 1 in 218,000 death probability rate. Big Bend National Park is a risky place to go due to extreme heat and flash flooding. Only 31 deaths have occurred at this national park between 2007-2023, which is fewer than multiple parks featured on this list. However, cell phone service is spotty throughout the park, and hikers have spotted venomous creatures like scorpions and rattlesnakes. 5. Dry Tortugas National Park Dry Tortugas National Park in Homestead, Florida does have a wide variety of ocean life, but visitors also have a one in 184,000 chance of dying there This national park in Homestead, Florida does have a wide variety of ocean life, but visitors also have a one in 184,000 chance of dying there. The park is located off the coast of Key West and can only be accessed by boat or sea plane. Although it has an abundance of water, the land itself poses threats to hikers or anyone just visiting the island. Besides the incredibly hot and humid weather, there are risks of lightening strikes, poisonous snakes, and spiders. Individuals in land or in the water should also be on the lookout for alligators. 4. North Cascades National Park The North Cascades National Park in Washing comes with scenic views and a high death probability rate of one in 18,000 The North Cascades National Park in Washing comes with scenic views and a high death probability rate of one in 18,000. Like Mount Rainer National Park, hikers and rock climbers face deadly risks when visiting the park. Big issues to watch out for when visiting the park include terrible weather and an unstable landscape magnified by climate change. This Washington park witnessed 24 in-park deaths between 2007-2023, but it's still important for individuals to remember the risks. 3. Isle Royale National Park The remote island in Michigan has a death probability rate on one in 163,000 and is home to animals such as moose, wolves, and foxes This remote island cluster in Michigan has a death probability rate of one in 163,000 and is home to a variety of animals that pose a risk to fatalities. Moose, wolves, and foxes have been spotted occasionally in this park and all can be vicious if they feel a human poses a risk to their safety. However, the area is a popular place to visit in Michigan, and there are a good amount of ranger stations just in case anyone needs help. Other than animals, individuals should lookout for the rocky and hilly terrain of the island, which can be difficult for hikers. 2. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in south central Alaska had nearly 65,000 visitors in 2022 and currently has a one in 126,000 death probability rate within the area Located in south central Alaska, this national park had nearly 65,000 visitors in 2022 and a one in 126,000 death probability rate within the area. Not only does it have large glaciers, but the park is also home the Wrangell Volcanic Field that covers more than 2,000 square miles of the park. A major risk for hikers who go to this park is the low visibility, especially for individuals who prefer to hike at night. Suggestions to be at a much lower risk of any fatality in the park at night are for visitors to stay on trails, stay in groups, and carry bear spray. According to KUHL, nine people have died between 2007-2023. 1. Grand Canyon National Park The Grand Canyon is one of America's most visited tourist attractions...but is also famously dangerous for anyone who chooses to venture off authorized pathways The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a popular worldwide tourist destination that receives millions of visitors every year. One in 503,000 individuals has a chance of dying in the park and 165 individuals alone died between 2007-2023. Some of the biggest things that can occur if visitors aren't too careful are dehydration and heat strokes due to the extremely hot weather. Other things to watch out for include wild animals, flash floods, and viewpoints. According to Grand Canyon National Park Trips, every year visitors fall to their deaths in the Grand Canyon. Alec Baldwin will face court charged with involuntary manslaughter on Thursday after accidentally shooting a camerawoman dead on a film set. The A-list actor is scheduled to be arraigned in the First Judicial District Court in New Mexico, on February 1 though he will appear virtually. Named as Alexander Rae Baldwin in the case, the movie star was charged after a grand jury voted to indict him on January 19. Baldwin fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of his ill-fated Western film Rust when a prop gun was loaded with live bullets. Alec Baldwin (pictured in November) was indicted by a New Mexico grand jury on involuntary manslaughter charges Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital The grand jury indicted him on the grounds of negligent use of a firearm and disregard for others' safety in the October 21, 2021, shooting. He faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted, but previous charges, filed by New Mexico prosecutors, were dismissed in April last year. Baldwin always maintained that he followed gun safety laws, and that the fault lies with the armorer or crew who handed him a gun loaded with a live round. He insists he confirmed that the gun was 'cold', meaning not containing live ammunition, when he took it to rehearse the scene. Gloria Allred, the lawyer for Halyna's parents and sister, said in response to the new charges: 'Our clients have always sought the truth about what happened on the day that Halyna Hutchins was tragically shot and killed. 'They continue to seek the truth in our civil lawsuit for them and they also would like there to be accountability in the criminal justice system. 'The grand jury has decided that there is sufficient evidence to indict Alec Baldwin on the charge of involuntary manslaughter. 'We are looking forward to the criminal trial which will determine if he should be convicted for the untimely death of Halyna.' A distraught Alec Baldwin lingers in the parking lot outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's offices on Camino Justicia after being questioned Baldwin in costume on the filming of Rust, which after a long break following the fatal shooting continued filming but does not yet have a release date Baldwin's lawyers Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas countered: 'We look forward to our day in court.' They responded to the indictment almost immediately, arguing the ongoing media interest in his case could alter a jury's ability to be impartial. The filings noted a speedy trial would 'minimize public vilification and suspicion', and may 'avoid the hazards of proving his innocence that often arise after a lengthy delay in prosecution'. The film set's armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will stand trial in February, after she has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors charged her with failing to properly check the gun's ammunition and for allowing live rounds onto the movie set. Baldwin was practicing drawing the prop weapon from his holster when he claims it fired spontaneously. He has always been adamant that he did not pull the trigger. But a new report by Lucien Haag of Forensic Science Services in Arizona states that the trigger 'had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver.' Alec Baldwin and Halyna Hutchins, along with other cast, are pictured on the Rust set This aerial photo shows part of the Bonanza Creek Ranch film set in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the scene of the horror shooting Baldwin launched a media tour in the weeks after Hutchins' death, insisting it was a tragic accident and not a killing he was responsible for. He was initially charged in January 2023 by First Judicial District Attorney of New Mexico Mary Carmack-Altwies, who launched her own media tour soon after filing charges. Baldwin's team interpreted her enthusiasm for the case as a fame-hungry effort to boost her own career. After hashing it out with his team in the court of public opinion, Carmack-Altwies stepped down from the case and a special prosecutor was appointed to take over. That team opted to drop the charges against Baldwin, who had already settled a wrongful death lawsuit launched by Hutchins' family. The scandal - now back in headline with the fresh set of charges - has battered the actor's reputation and earning power. Baldwin appeared windswept on the beach in a real estate video earlier this month to promote the sale of his house in the Hamptons. He is selling the property for $19 million - $10 million less than he first listed it. Many see it as a desperate cash grab to pay his growing legal bills. Baldwin with his wife Hilaria and their seven kids in October Baldwin may be sweating over facing charges that he thought were gone, but the top defense attorney he enlisted to fight his case has never lost in court. Alex Spiro, a go-to for celebrities battling legal woes, has been hailed as a 'force of nature' and is credited for faultless jury trial track record. A source told DailyMail.com that 'the prosecutors in New Mexico have have no idea what they're in for... Alex is a force of nature'. The Miami-based lawyer is known for working with high profile names - his client list has included Jay-Z, Naomi Osaka, Elon Musk, and Megan Thee Stallion as well as NBA basketball stars and famed athletes. Though he also takes on lesser-known cases, the Harvard law graduate has earned a reputation for getting the job done after launching his career at the Manhattan District Attorneys Office as an assistant DA. Alabama prosecutors want an execution date for death row inmate Jamie Mills, who will face lethal injection, according to a motion filed to the state Supreme Court. The decision comes amid public outrage over the recent 'textbook' nitrogen gassing of Kenneth Smith that lasted an excruciating 22 minutes. However, Mills will face a more common method of execution. Mills, 39, was convicted in 2007 of capital murder for the killings of Floyd Hill and Vera Hill and has remained on death row since. The victims, Floyd, 87, and Vera, 72, who was diabetic and in poor health, were brutally killed by Mills with a machete, tire tool and ballpeen hammer at their house in Guin, Alabama. Following the murders of the elderly couple, Mills and his wife, JoAnn, ransacked their house, took a padlocked tackle box, Vera's purse, the phone and a police scanner and stole $140 in cash. Alabama prosecutors want an execution date for death row inmate Jamie Mills, who will face lethal injection, according to a motion filed to the state Supreme Court Mills, 39, was convicted in 2007 on three counts of capital murder for the killings of Floyd Hill and Vera Hill and has remained on death row since JoAnn testified in court in 2007 that she and Jamie had stayed up all night smoking methamphetamine at their residence before they went to the home of the couple to rob them. The Hills allowed Jamie and JoAnn into their home where Jamie attempted to make several phone calls as JoAnn sat and talked with the Hills, according to court documents. While JoAnn was talking to Vera on the porch, she heard a loud noise and observed a silhouette through the building's plastic siding. In her testimony, JoAnn described seeing Jamie with something raised over his shoulder, 'with both hands, as if he was swinging something. JoAnn and Vera then entered the shed to see what had happened. She witnessed Floyd lying on the ground, and Jamie striking Vera in the back of her head with a hammer. JoAnn further stated she stood with her eyes closed in the corner of the building as she listened to the sound of Jamie Mills repeatedly striking Floyd and Vera, according to court documents. She said she could hear the sound of Jamie's feet scuffling on the ground as he went back and forth between the two victims. The decision comes amid public outrage over the recent 'textbook' nitrogen gassing of Kenneth Smith, lasting an excruciating 22 minutes After the sounds of Jamie striking the Hills stopped, Jamie handed JoAnn a hammer, a tire tool and a machete and placed a white towel over Floyd's head to silence the gurgling sounds coming from him. The two went through the elderly couple's house and took a padlocked tackle box, Vera's purse, the phone and the police scanner before leaving the residence. That night Jamie and JoAnn went to Jamie's father's residence in Hamilton, Alabama, to play dominos. The following day, the couple returned to their house and collected the machete, hammer, tire tool and other belongings taken from the Hills, but they were stopped by officers and arrested while going to dispose of the items. Jamie was sentenced to death in 2007 and JoAnn was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to murder. The death penalty order comes as Kenneth Eugene Smith was executed with a previously unused and untested method - nitrogen gas. Smith was shaking, writhing, and thrashing up and down on the gurney for two whole minutes after the nitrogen gas started filling up his mask, which was followed by five to seven minutes of heavy breathing and slight gasping. In total, Smith, 58, was visibly conscious and struggling in apparent pain for nearly 10 minutes before his breathing seemed to slowly stop at 8.08pm. The viewing curtains closed at 8.15pm and he was pronounced dead at 8.25pm. State officials had produced documents upon documents convincing the public and courts that suffocating Smith via nitrogen gas would be quick and painless. But the reality seemed markedly different. His wife was crying out in the viewing room, and a correction officer had to peep over to his dying face to see if he still looked alive. In prior court filings, attorneys expected him to lose consciousness seconds after the gas began to flow - but witnesses said this was far from the case. And despite promises that the mask would be airtight to stop additional oxygen coming in and prolonging the pain, witnesses said that they could hear gas coming out of the mask during his final moments. Smith was 22-yars-old (seen in his original 1989 mugshot) when he was first arrested for the 1988 murder of Elizabeth Sennett. His conviction was overturned before he was sentenced to death for the same murder at a separate trial in 1996 Jeff Hood, Smith's spiritual advisor before his execution, described the untested execution method as a 'horror show', adding: 'unbelievable evil was unleashed tonight in Alabama' The mask - described as looking like one that a firefighter would use - had never been fitted to Smith's face until the moment he was strapped down to the gurney. Smith was then also made to say his final words through the gas mask before the 100 percent nitrogen was blasted through its wire. His final words were: 'Tonight, Alabama causes humanity to take a step backwards. I'm leaving with love, peace, and light. Thank you for supporting me. Love all of you.' Questions have now been raised as to why the execution took longer than it should have and appeared to have caused Smith to suffer. Smith was a guinea pig to test a method of execution never attempted before. Justice Sonia Sotomayor said was reckless considering Smith's first try at capital punishment was also botched in 2022, when IV administrators couldn't find a vein for his lethal injection. While some have pointed fault towards the mask not being fitted properly on Thursday, advocates for the method say that the suffering was partially Smith's fault. He held on to his breath for too long before finally inhaling the nitrogen, they claim. Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm said: 'It appeared Smith was holding his breath as long as he could. So nothing was out of the ordinary for what we were expecting.' Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall says the execution is more gentle than Smith deserves Hamm said of Smith's movements on the gurney: 'That was all expected and was in the side effects that weve seen or researched on nitrogen hypoxia.' Four of Smith's witnesses sat in the viewing room watching his final, painful moments - his wife, his son, his lawyer and a friend. Smith was sentenced to death in 1996 for the murder-for-hire slaying of a preacher's wife in 1988, where he was paid just $1,000 for the hit. Smith's pastor John Ewell told DailyMail.com before his execution that the killer was 'really struggling' with the reality of his imminent death, and officials said he barely touched his final meal of a T-bone steak, hashbrowns, eggs and A1 Sauce from Waffle House. Hood's claims of Smith's execution being a 'horror show' directly oppose the narrative put out by Alabama officials, who praised it as a step forward for safe death row justice as an 'effective and humane method of execution.' Smith's execution marked the first time a new method had been used on America's death row since lethal injections were first introduced 42 years ago. But one of the primary reasons Alabama has turned to nitrogen gas for Smith's execution has been the widespread struggles American prisons have had in obtaining lethal injection drugs in recent years. Found lying on the ground outside unit complex A man is in serious condition after he was allegedly stabbed multiple times while at a park in Sydney's south west. Emergency services rushed to an address in Minto, about 50km south west of Sydney's CBD, following reports a man had been stabbed on Tuesday just before 11pm. Police and paramedics found the 40-year-old man lying in the front yard of a unit complex on Woodroffe Street with multiple stab wounds to his arms, legs and abdomen. It's understood the man was likely attacked at a park near the Ron Moore Community Centre before walking to the units across the road for help. Police and paramedics found the 40-year-old man lying in the front yard of a unit complex on Woodroffe Street with multiple stab wounds to his arms, legs and abdomen Police have closed Woodroffe Street, cordoned off the Ron Moore Community Centre and part of the nearby apartment while a team of forensic officers search the scene A nurse, who happened to be at the apartment block, treated the man's wounds before paramedics arrived and rushed him to Liverpool Hospital for treatment. Police have closed Woodroffe Street, cordoned off the Ron Moore Community Centre and part of the nearby apartment while a team of forensic officers search the scene. An investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the man's alleged stabbing is ongoing. Police have yet to make any arrests. Anyone who witnessed the attack or has information is being urged to contact Campbelltown Police or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Bush told reporters Tuesday that she is cooperating with a federal investigation into her alleged misuse of campaign funds If Rep. Cori Bush is found guilty of misusing campaign funds by the Department of Justice she should be removed from Congress, her Democrat colleague Rep. Jared Moskowitz told DailyMail.com. Bush, a squad member and progressive Democrat, confirmed that she is being investigated by DOJ, but denied that she misused funds for private security. The Missouri lawmaker, who married one of her bodyguards, has spent more than $750,000 on security since she was elected in 2020 out of her campaign account. Bush's confirmation that she is under a federal criminal investigation shook both Republican and Democrats, who say if she's guilty she could be booted from Congress. 'If she has violated the law and she's indicted, and she's found guilty, then she obviously should be removed, 100 percent,' Moskowitz, D-Fla., told DailyMail.com. 'Just like what just happened with George Santos,' he added about the disgraced former Republican congressman. Rep. Jared Moskowitz told DailyMail.com Rep. Cori Bush should '100 percent' be ousted from Congress if she is found guilty of wrongdoing by the Department of Justice In December, the House Ethics Committee found former Rep. George Santos stole donor funds to spend on OnlyFans and Botox and filed false election reports. He was later voted out of office by his colleagues. Santos was only the sixth member of the House to be expelled by a vote in congressional history. 'They should throw the book at her,' Republican Tim Burchett of Tennessee told DailyMail.com. 'Its a crazy amount of money.' 'She hired her husband who wasn't qualified to be that form of security guard,' he added. 'Well I guess were going to have to decide that; are we going to allow that activity to happen.' Rep. Anna Paulina, R-Fla., declined to speculate on what could happen to Bush as a result of the investigation and said she will wait for the legal process to play out. 'Obviously we're held to a very high standard and we have to follow it,' she told DailyMail.com. Another Democrat, Eric Swalwell of California, said he too would wait to see how the investigation unfolds. 'I have just seen that there are reports of charges. I will let the justice system play out as equally for her as it's playing out for former President Trump,' he told DailyMail.com. Bush confirmed the DOJ is investigating her campaign spending in a statement Tuesday afternoon. 'I can confirm that the Department of Justice is reviewing my campaigns spending on security services. We are fully cooperating in this investigation,' she said. During a gaggle with Capitol press, Bush also blamed 'right-wing organizations' for spurring the investigation into her campaign's spending. 'Since before I was sworn into office, I have endured relentless threats to my physical safety and life,' she told reporters on the House steps. She added that as a 'rank-and-file member of Congress' she is not entitled to personal protection. Instead, she claims she has used campaign funds to retain security services, including her husband who she said has 'extensive' experience in the field. 'I have not used any federal tax dollars for personal security services. Any reporting that I have used federal funds for personal security is simply false,' she insisted. A watchdog has demanded the Federal Election Commission (FEC) investigate the $62,000 Rep. Cori Bush paid her now-husband as a security guard from her campaign account In December, the House Ethics Committee found former Rep. George Santos stole donor funds to spend on OnlyFans and Botox and filed false election reports. He was later voted out of office by his colleagues Bush, who has backed calls to defund the police and advocated reparations for African Americans, is now facing a federal probe into her staggering expenditure. The Justice Department on Monday subpoenaed the House Sergeant at Arms for records related to the misuse of funds for private security. When confronted by the media on Monday night, Bush insisted she wasn't the subject of the investigation and scolded reporters for asking the question. The investigation follows an ethics watchdog demanding an investigating into the $62,000 she paid her now-husband Cortney Merritts from her campaign funds. The nonpartisan Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) asked FEC acting general counsel Lisa Stevenson to look into whether Squad member and BLM activist Bush 'used campaign funds for personal use.' It was revealed that Bush, D-Mo., married Cortney Merritts in a private ceremony in early 2023. In 2022 he was on the payroll of her re-election campaign. Bush confirmed that the FEC and Ethics Committee are also investigating the matter. 'These frivolous complaints have resulted in a number of investigations, some of which are still ongoing. The Federal Election Commission and the House Committee on Ethics are currently reviewing the matter, as is the Department of Justice. We are fully cooperating in all of these pending investigations,' Bush said. 'It appears Rep. Bush's campaign may have made payments for services that were unnecessary or above fair market value because of her personal relationship with the payee,' FACT executive director Kendra Arnold said in the complaint. 'If so, these payments would qualify as either impermissible payments to a family member or an impermissible gift. While hiring family members is frowned upon, it is not illegal. It would only be illegal if push paid her now-spouse over 'fair market value.' Payments to family members must be for 'bonafide services' related to their official duties. 'In accordance with all applicable rules, I retained my husband as part of my security team to provide security services because he has had extensive experience in this area, and is able to provide the necessary services at or below a fair market rate,' Bush insisted. 'Since before I was sworn into office, I have endured relentless threats to my physical safety and life,' she told reporters on the House steps It was recently revealed that Bush, R-Mo., married Cortney Merritts in a private ceremony last month 'Therefore, we request the FEC investigate whether Rep. Bush converted campaign funds for personal use by paying a salary that was not for bona fide services at fair market value,' FACT wrote. 'Ultimately, if one or more campaign laws are found to have been broken, we request the FEC hold the respondents accountable.' Merritts was paid as Bush's security guard despite not having a license - which is required by the St. Louis Police Department, according to a Fox News report. Merritts was reportedly also not licensed for security in Washington, D.C. Bush, 47, is back in the spotlight after in 2021 she took heat for spending $500,000 on private security despite her impassioned pleas to 'defund the police.' 'I'm going to make sure I have security because I know I have had attempts on my life and I have too much work to do,' the former Black Lives Matter activist told CBS News in August 2021. 'So, if I end up spending $200,000, if I spend 10 more dollars on it, you know what? I get to be here to do the work.' 'So, suck it up,' she added, 'defunding the police has to happen. We need to defund the police and put that money into social safety nets because we're trying to save lives.' Last year Merritts was on the payroll of her re-election campaign Cori Bush + Cortney Merritts together at the 2020 inauguration Two St. Louis cops were then fired for moonlighting on her security team without getting permission from their superiors. Bush's campaign paid Merritts 24 bi-weekly installments of $2,500 in 2022 for security services. It paid another $250,000 to PEACE Security, a St. Louis-based firm, and $50,000 to a Nathaniel Davis, according to FEC records. 'Any time a member of Congress puts someone with a close personal relationship on the campaign payroll, increased scrutiny is necessary to ensure the legal standard has been met, which in this case is that the payments were for 'bona fide services at a fair market value,'' Arnold said in a statement. 'Both the fact that reportedly Bush's husband isn't licensed to provide security services for which he was paid, and that she was simultaneously paying large amounts to another company for the same services raise red flags that warrant an investigation by the FEC,' she added. Bush is not the first 'Squad' member to hire her husband - Rep. Ilhan Omar funneled $2.9 million to a consulting firm run by her husband in 2021, which amounted to 80 percent of the company's revenue. Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts said three was no indication of data breaches Phones connected to country servers and computers were knocked offline A devastating cyberattack has crippled government computer systems in Georgia including those in the District Attorney's office prosecuting Donald Trump for election fraud. The attack hit all systems in Fulton County, including District Attorney Fani Willis' office, NBC reports. Police have launched an investigation after desktop phones, intranet and devices using county servers were knocked out. 'We do not yet have a specific time frame for when these systems will be restored,' Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts confirmed at a news briefing Monday. 'At this time, we are not aware of any transfer of sensitive information about citizens or employees, but we will continue to look carefully at this issue.' A cyber attack has crippled computer systems in Fulton County, including those at DA Fani Willis' (pictured) office Police have launched an investigation after desktop phones, intranet and devices using county servers were knocked out The 'cybersecurity incident' affected the county's phones, courts and tax systems. The culprit is yet to be determined. A notice to the public posted on Sunday stated that Fulton County was experiencing an 'unexpected IT outage currently affecting multiple systems'. Willis has brought a 41-count indictment alleging Trump and 18 co-conspirators violated Georgia law by conducting a 'criminal conspiracy' to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Her office was previously embroiled in controversy after the indictment was leaked on its website hours before it was finalized by a grand jury back in August. The court posted a list of 13 possible 2020 election tampering charges against Trump on its website early in the afternoon, but then hastily removed it, sparking confusion. At the time, a spokesperson for the court told Reuters that no formal charges had been filed against Trump, but did not dispute that the docket was published in error. Fulton Clerk of Superior Court sent a memo out later warning about a 'fictitious document that has been circulated online.' But a day later, the court walked back that memo, saying it was aware that a sample 'docket sheet' was obtained by media from its website and circulated. Willis brought the 41-count indictment alleging Trump and 18 co-conspirators violated Georgia law by conducting a 'criminal conspiracy' to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Officials do not believe there has been a data breach, but said they were not sure when the systems would be back online A spokesperson for the FBI's Atlanta field office told NBC it had been 'in contact' over the breach. 'While we cannot comment on any specific incidents, the FBI routinely advises the public and private sectors about cyber threats in order to help them guard against the actions of cyber criminals,' Tony Thomas said in the statement. 'We work with our interagency partners to identify, pursue, and defeat all those who partake in cybercrime.' A spokesperson for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said it was not investigating the matter. Representatives for Willis declined to comment when approached by the outlet. Willis also faces accusations of an inappropriate relationship with her junior Nathan Wade, the prosecutor she hired to pursue the case against the former president. Last week a judge ruled that Wade's divorce documents could be unsealed, potentially shedding further light on the nature of his relationship with his boss. The divorce case is between Wade and his estranged wife of 26 years, Jocelyn Wade, who alleges her husband had an inappropriate relationship with Willis. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and called the election fraud charges politically motivated. New Jersey has taken a major step toward implementing a bill that would ban smoking in one of the last public places that it's still legal. Despite years of delays, a bill banning smoking in Atlantic City casinos was finally approved Monday by New Jersey state Senate's health committee in a 5-1 vote and expected to move forward. The decision marks the first time in nearly two decades that the issue has been bought to a vote. Nicole Vitola, a casino dealer, highlighted the lack of sympathy and accommodations she received during her pregnancy, and claimed the only way casinos will prioritize their workers wellbeing is if they are compelled by the law. 'By allowing casino workers to be exposed to deadly secondhand smoke, you are knowingly allowing social inequalities, health disparities and injustices to exist in our state,' she said. New Jersey just took a major step toward implementing a bill that would ban smoking in one of the last public places it's still allowed The bill emerged in response to health concerns raised by casino workers. If passed, the bill would officially ban smoking on all nine casinos Lamont White, left, Cyhthia Hallett, center, and Nicola Vitola, right, speak to reporters after a New Jersey Senate committee advanced a bill that would ban smoking in Atlantic City's nine casinos 'It is the duty of the New Jersey Legislature to make sure that every single worker in this state has a right to a clean, safe and healthy workplace free from toxic smoke.' The bill emerged in response to health concerns raised by casino workers. If passed, the bill would officially ban smoking on all nine casinos. New Jersey Democratic Governor Phil Murphy said he would sign it but the bill needs further approvals before it makes its way to his desk. This comes nearly 20 years after the gambling dens were specifically exempted from a statewide indoor smoking ban. Currently, while smoking is prohibited indoors in the state, it is permitted within 25 percent of the casino floor. Christina Renna of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey opposed a complete smoking ban, stating that the 'argument needs to be reframed.' She emphasized that a smoking ban can't be considered just in a 'vacuum of health and safety' and expressed concern over the jobs that would be put on the line. Despite years of delays, the bill banning smoking in Atlantic City casinos was finally approved Monday by NJ state Senate 's health committee in a 5-1 vote A casino worker exults after a New Jersey Senate committee advanced a bill that would ban smoking in Atlantic City's nine casinos on Monday The bill emerged in response to health concerns raised by casino workers. If passed, the bill would officially ban smoking on all nine casinos Despite some workers pushing for the bill, the smoking ban could cost up to 2,500 jobs, a 2022 report revealed. The figures from gambling research firm Spectrum Gaming Group supported casino bosses' fears that eliminating smoking would hurt their business, deprive New Jersey of tax revenue and put thousands of people out of work. With visits to Atlantic City casinos already at 20-year lows because of the Covid-19 pandemic, hitting the businesses with the ban could slash nearly 11 per cent of casinos' revenue. The Casino Association of New Jersey commissioned the report, with its president Joe Lupo saying a ban 'could cause a devastating effect to the community and state.' The report did not recommend whether smoking should be banned, an option that is gaining renewed support in the state Legislature. In December, protestors lit up in the New Jersey State House Annex after a bill that would fully ban cigarettes from casinos went up in smoke. Members of the United Auto Workers union packed into a meeting of a state Assembly committee Thursday, where legislators had been called for a preliminary vote on a bill to ban smoking in nine Atlantic City casinos. A report released Feb. 23, 2022 by the Casino Association of New Jersey says a proposed smoking ban at Atlantic City's casinos could lead to the loss of 2,500 casino jobs and almost 11% of the casinos' revenue Smoking is currently allowed on 25 percent of the casino floor in New Jersey, in areas that are widely dispersed and disjointed The link between secondhand smoke and lung cancer was first established in 1986 , when researchers found more than 50 carcinogenic compounds and other toxic substances in tobacco smoke That vote was called off when Sen. Vince Polistina, a longtime ally of casino workers, abandoned a bill that would banish the smog entirely. In its place, he proposed a new bill that gives concessions to casinos, including enclosed smoking rooms. Seven members of the UAW, which represents dealers at three casinos in Atlantic City, took to the meeting hall of the State House Annex with cigarettes in hand. Daniel Vicente, a regional director of the union, stood to the side of the audience, taking exaggerated drags. 'Were not allowed to smoke in your workplace, but youre allowed to smoke in ours,' Vicente shouted to lawmakers through a puff of smoke. 'It's not nice in the 21st century to have smoke blowing in your faces, is it?' The interaction was filmed and uploaded to the Casino Employees Against Smoking's Effects, or CEASE New Jersey, Facebook page. 'We did everything the right way! We did everything the right way and you can't do the right thing for us,' the camerawoman shouted at one point. 'The issues you care about are the casinos!' A security guard asked her to leave the meeting. Members of the United Auto Workers union lit up in the New Jersey State House Annex in December in support of a full ban on cigarettes in casinos Protestors blew clouds of smoke at lawmakers after a vote to ban smoking entirely at nine Atlantic City casinos was called off at the last minute 'The seagulls have more rights than me, as a dealer in Atlantic City,' she finished off. ''Cause you can't smoke on the beach.' The disruptors were escorted from the hearing by State Police. They were released without charges. Smoking is currently allowed on 25 percent of the casino floor in New Jersey, in areas that are widely dispersed and disjointed. The link between secondhand smoke and lung cancer was first established in 1986, when researchers found more than 50 carcinogenic compounds and other toxic substances in tobacco smoke. Since then, evidence has emerged that it may be linked to cancer of the larynx, nasopharynx, nasal sinuses and breast. The state's public smoking law specifically exempts casinos, who argue Atlantic City would lose business to neighboring states like Pennsylvania where smoking is allowed. The woman who was killed in a London Victoria bus crash during rush hour has been named as 'beloved' aunt - as the Met Police probe the fatal smash. Land and air ambulance crews battled to save pedestrian Catherine Finnegan, originally from County Galway, but she died at the scene at around 9am. A 46-year-old woman who was driving the bus was taken to hospital before being discharged. Ms Finnegan's family paid tribute to the 'adored' Irish 'whirlwind' as they continue to be supported by officers. They said: 'Our beloved daughter, sister, partner, most adored auntie and treasured friend Catherine Finnegan, known as Kathleen, lost her life on 29th January 2024. Land and air ambulance crews battled to save pedestrian Catherine Finnegan (pictured) originally from County Galway, but she died at the scene at around 9am Police and emergency service crews surround a bus that crashed into a pedestrian outside London Victoria Bus Station The bus (pictured) crashed into the pedestrian outside Victoria Bus Station this morning 'She will be remembered as a very unique lady who had the fast Irish wit and who made her family and friends so very proud of her bright, clever personality. 'She was a whirlwind in any room and lit up this world with her energy, enthusiasm for life and joy. 'She will be forever in our hearts.' The incident comes three years after a bus driver caused the death of Melissa Burr at the same station in 2021, when he accidentally pressed the accelerator rather than the brake pedal. Multiple Metropolitan police units were in attendance along with officers from British Transport Police and the London Ambulance Service following the tragedy. Despite their best efforts, Ms Finnegan was pronounced dead at 9.26am, while the bus driver was also taken to hospital. The station was cordoned off with large piece of black tarpaulin and specialist police traffic investigators were on the scene to examine the circumstances of the collision. A London Ambulance spokesperson said: 'We sent some resources, including two ambulance crews and a medic in a fast-response car. We also dispatched London's Air Ambulance. We treated three people at the scene. Police close off the area after a person was killed when a bus crashed into a bus stop outside Victoria Station in London Fire crews begin to clear away the broken glass after a double-decker bus smashed into a passenger shelter Commuters gather at the scene of the crash after hearing the bus station is closed for the foreseeable future 'A person was taken to hospital and another patient was assessed and discharged. 'Unfortunately, despite our teams' best efforts, a person was pronounced dead at the scene.' Victoria bus station was closed late last year for works designed to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility for partially sighted passengers. Problems highlighted included an 'unconventional' layout of pedestrian crossings, use of markings and a lack of tactile paving, as well as one crossing that directed pedestrians into a bus stop. London's mayor Sadiq Khan called the crash an 'awful tragedy'. He said: 'I've been told about the tragic news that a pedestrian has lost their life as a consequence of an accident. 'My thoughts are with the bereaved family, it's really important that we allow them to be informed first about this tragedy. There is a full investigation under way. 'I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say our thoughts and prayers are with this person's family.' Three years prior to Ms Finnegan's death, Melissa Burr, from Rainham in Kent, was killed outside Victoria Railway Station. Olusofa Popoola, 61, killed the 32-year-old commuter outside the London railway station when pressing his vehicle's accelerator instead of the brake. Fire crews begin to clear away the broken glass after a double-decker bus smashed into a passenger shelter The front of the Victoria Station has been cordoned off and specialist police traffic investigators are on the scene The bus station remained closed while the collision was investigated but the railway station was not affected Mr Popoola had accidentally accelerated into the back of a stationary bus, shunting it forward into Ms Burr who died from multiple injuries. Mr Popoola continued to accelerate for six seconds after he collided with the bus in front. He said he had mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. Married father-of-four Popoola, from Peckham in south-east London, admitted causing Ms Burr's death by careless driving. He told jurors he pressed the accelerator by mistake. After a retrial, he was cleared of the more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury to the other driver. The mother of the boy who 'carelessly' removed window stops before her son plunged to his death from an apartment building in Kansas City, Missouri has been charged. Corrinne O'Connor, 27, will face court for first-degree endangering the welfare of a child in connection to her five-year-old son Grayson O'Connor's death. Police discovered Grayson near 10th Street and Grand Boulevard after he reportedly fell from the 17th floor window in his home at the Grand Boulevard Loft Apartments. Grayson's death was labeled 'suspicious' as officers said that they noticed 'catastrophic damage' to his body after a a passerby found him about 12pm in the alleyway of the apartment building. O'Connor was soon identified as a person of interest after a neighbor claimed that she found Grayson covered in bruises at a bus stop months earlier. Corrinne O'Connor, 27, was charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child in connection to her five-year-old son Grayson O'Connor's death Police discovered Grayson near 10th Street and Grand Boulevard after he reportedly fell from the 17th floor window in his home at the Grand Boulevard Loft Apartments in Kansas City The landlord of the high-rise apartment building filed an eviction notice against the boy's mother as they claimed that the woman removed window stops the same day that Grayson was found dead Court documents revealed that he suffered a twisted and broken leg and head damage specifically near his eye from the fall. Emergency crews that responded to the call noted that the child's body temperature was cold enough to 'cause concern,' KSHB 41 reported. Officers soon noticed an open window high up on the 17th floor when they found the boy. Detectives and cops then made their way upstairs along with the property manager and knocked on the door. They then heard the voice of a woman who was said to be calling for help, a detective wrote in a previous affidavit. Court documents said that when Corrinne was asked where her son was, she responded: 'Out the window.' Investigators also revealed that they found a 'copious' amount of chocolate smeared with a child's handprint on the window sill and exterior of the window. The landlord of the high-rise apartment building also filed an eviction notice against the boy's mother as they claimed that the woman removed window stops the same day that Grayson was found dead. Alayna Gonzalez, a spokeswoman for KCPD told The Kansas City Star that a medical examiner has not yet determined his cause of death. Pictured: Bruises are circled on the boy's cheek Apartment building staff said that during the investigation, the state found that the apartment was unlivable due to 'very poor sanitary conditions.' Multiple attempts to have the mother removed from the building by law enforcement and mental health services, but she has refused to vacate. KCTV5 reported that police officers responded to their apartment 'at least eight times in the past six years.' Records revealed that six of those calls were because of disturbances while the other two were welfare checks. A neighbor, Kelsey Grizib, said she found the young boy by himself at a nearby bus stop with bruises on his both his head and his feet. Grizib then went on to take care of Grayson for several days before he was returned to his mother by a social worker, she said. Past pictures of the window in the apartment are seen with the window stops attached. Apartment staff also told investigators that the the apartment was unlivable due to 'very poor sanitary conditions' A passerby found the boy's dead body around 12pm in the alleyway. Pictured: The 17th floor window where Grayson is suspected of falling from Detectives went on to note that the mother failed to report that Grayson had fallen and that if the stops were removed, it would've been done intentionally. A small memorial has been setup near where Grayson's body was found. It is filled with stuffed animals, pictures, toys and candles in honor of the young boy. A protest was also organized last month as demonstrators called for transparency in the ongoing investigation. Grayson would have celebrated his sixth birthday in December. 'Yeah, yeah and I'm mad. Everybody's mad, the building's mad, everyone's mad,' Grzib told KMBC. Corrine is expected in court for a bond review hearing on February 5. Gay men and sex workers in Victoria are being encouraged to be alert for symptoms and get vaccinated after the state recorded its first locally acquired case of mpox in almost six months. The latest case has not been linked to international travel, suggesting local transmission could be occurring. Acting chief health officer Christian McGrath warned it was a particularly important time to be vigilant for symptoms, with increased travel and several pride events in Victoria at this time of year. 'If you develop symptoms, our advice is to stay home, restrict your contact with others and book in an appointment with your GP or nearest sexual health service,' he said in a statement on Wednesday. Previously known as monkeypox, the disease is caused by infection with the mpox virus, which was first identified in monkeys. Mpox exists in many countries and the risk remains of outbreaks from returned travellers A rash, lesions or sores, fever, chills, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and sore throat are among the common symptoms. The virus is transmitted chiefly through prolonged physical or intimate with an infected person. Since May 2022, a large international outbreak of mpox has predominantly impacted men who have sex with men. Despite the World Health Organisation last year declaring mpox was no longer a global public health emergency, it continues to spread in many countries and the risk remains of local outbreaks from returned travellers. Seventy cases of mpox were recorded in Victoria in 2022, before the yearly total fell to eight in 2023. The Victorian health department attributes the decline in recorded cases to increased awareness and the state's vaccination program. More than 250 providers across Victoria offer the mpox vaccine, which is free for all sexually active gay and bisexual men (cis and trans), sexual partners of gay and bisexual men (cis and trans) and sex workers. Anyone eligible who is not double vaccinated should make an appointment with a provider, Dr McGrath said. Joe Biden claims he can beat Donald Trump in his home state of Florida in the 2024 presidential election. Biden threw down the gauntlet as he visited his predecessor's back yard on a trip to the Sunshine State to raise money for his campaign. The president made the claim despite having lost Florida to Trump by four percentage points in the 2020 election, and a Democrat not having won it since 2012. 'Here in Florida you've had a real dose of Trumpism,' Biden told donors at a fundraising event. He then made the sign of the cross, sparking laughter among those listening. I think we can win Florida,' he told them. He added: We have to keep the White House, we have to keep the Senate and we have to win back the House.' 'I think we can win Florida,' President Joe Biden said at a fundraiser in Jupter, as polls show him struggling in key battlegrounds Florida is now home not only to Trump but also Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who won reelection in a landslide in 2022 over Democrat Charlie Crist. In 2020 Biden did increase the Democrat share of the vote in Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County, and Broward County, two of which he visited on Tuesday. At his first fundraising event, at the Pelican Club in Jupiter, Biden said: 'Just think back to the mess Donald Trump left this country.' He attacked his predecessor for his handling of the pandemic and for leaving 'an economy that was reeling'. The president told his audience: 'You're the reason Donald Trump's the defeated president. And youre the reason we're going to make him a loser again.' His second funder was at the Miami home of his national finance chair Chris Korge. Tickets reportedly went for as much as $250,000 to be a co-chair for the event. President Joe Biden arrived at West Palm Beach on Tuesday for a fundraising swing through Florida. There was no forgetting he was in Donald Trump's backyard Trump supporters lined up as the president's motorcade made its way from West Palm Beach airport to Jupiter in Florida for a campaign fundraising event Biden has trailed Trump in a slew of recent national polls and plummeted to historic low approval ratings. He is also showing weakness in the so-called 'blue wall' of industrial states that were key to his win four years ago. In one of them, Michigan, Biden trailed Trump 47-39 in a recent Detroit News and WDIV-TV poll. Biden will travel to that key battleground state on Thursday in a bid to make up ground on Trump. The president's chances in Rust belt states like Michigan were buoyed in recent days by the endorsement of the powerful United Auto Workers union. 'I think we can win Florida,' Biden said in Jupiter Biden's trip to West Palm Beach took put him at the airport with rival Donald Trump's jet In Wisconsin, which Biden visited last week, he edged Trump by just three points in a Marquette University Law School poll in November. His favorable rating was just 42 per cent there, compared to 37 per cent for Trump. Meanwhile, Trump, 77, still faces a primary challenge from Nikki Haley, who argues the nation shouldn't have a race between 'two 80-year-olds'. She has claimed Trump is suffering mental decline but trails him by a huge margin in polls tracking the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Majority Leader Steve Scalise insisted the impeachment articles for Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas will pass committee Tuesday night and advance to the House floor next week - even as Democrats resorted to delay tactics. The frenzied and drawn-out hearing is expected to drag out late in the night due to the highly political nature of the resolution, which accuses Mayorkas of high crimes and misdemeanors. Democrats offered amendments and other procedural motions to keep the hearing ongoing. 'It will get out of committee tonight,' Scalise said on Fox News. 'It will be on the floor next week for the full House to vote on.' Republicans are currently operating on a two-seat majority - and cannot pass the resolution without near-unanimous support. Reps. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., and Dave Joyce, R-Ohio, both told reporters they are undecided on how they'll vote. Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., is 'leaning no,' with his office telling DailyMail.com he is still talking to constitutional experts before deciding how to vote. California Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia compared Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler in a fiery Homeland Security hearing to advance impeachment of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas Even moderates, who in previous months have been more hesitant to commit to impeaching a Biden Cabinet member, are now seemingly on board. They say they aren't worried about thwarting bipartisan Senate immigration negotiations because they have no faith that the Senate, which is working with Mayorkas, will come up with a meaningful deal. Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., said his understanding of the deal is that it has 'very little to do with border security and more to do with immigration processes.' 'If we were to not impeach Mayorkas,' he told reporters, 'I don't still I don't then see the president coming to the table and seeing that as an olive branch to come actually do something meaningful.' 'I think they can both happen at the same time,' Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., said of Senate negotiations and impeachment. Meanwhile during the Homeland Security hearing, California Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia compared Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler. Republicans are moving forward two articles of impeachment against Biden's border chief Mayorkas - one accusing him of willfully subverting immigration laws through catch-and-release and another accusing him of obstructing and lying to Congress. But Democrats angrily hit back at the GOP-led impeachment during the markup, trying to tie their hardline immigration policies to a dictatorship. Democrat Rep. Garcia went further, likening former President Donald Trump to Hitler, because he 'speaks about immigrants with the same rhetoric that Hitler claiming that immigrants like me and my family and they 'pollute the blood of this country.'' 'He wants chaos,' Garcia added, saying the Trump and 'MAGA' border security plan includes 'alligator moats, bombing northern Mexico, shooting migrants in the legs, and electrifying the fence and putting spikes.' 'This is all about trying to get Donald Trump reelected,' the Democrat claimed, as House Republicans have swatted away Senate-led, bipartisan immigration negotiations in favor of pushing through impeachment. 'This is all about trying to get Donald Trump reelected,' the Democrat claimed, as House Republicans have swatted away Senate-led, bipartisan immigration negotiations in favor of pushing through impeachment Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., touched on the high-profile battle between the Biden administration and the state of Texas, claiming Republicans have been 'sabotaging' Biden's efforts to secure the border. Abbott and Biden are locked in a legal battle after Abbott sent the National Guard to Eagle Pass, Texas, to apprehend migrants and kicked federal agents out of Shelby Park, a popular place for migrants to pass. 'So your own party is sabotaging and undermine this administration's efforts to address the border while you are trying to impeach him by saying that they're not addressing the border. The hypocrisy is the least of it,' said Goldman. 'Your attack on the rule of law and our democracy is the worst of it. And you better be careful about the bed that you make.' Goldman said on Monday that if Republicans impeach Mayorkas over what he deems to be mere policy differences, Democrats could impeach a future Republican Homeland Security over a child separation policy like that under Trump, for example. Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., touched on the high-profile battle between the Biden administration and the state of Texas , claiming Republicans have been 'sabotaging' Biden's efforts to secure the border Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas lashed out at House Republicans trying to impeach him, saying he would not be swayed by 'politically motivated accusations and personal attacks you have made against me.' Mayorkas wrote a scathing seven-page letter to House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., Tuesday morning, just hours before the GOP was set to move forward impeachment articles against him. 'I assure you that your false accusations do not rattle me and do not divert me from the law enforcement and broader public service mission to which I have devoted most of my career and to which I remain devoted,' he said. The Homeland Security secretary insisted he's done the best he can with the tools available to him - and any further restrictions will take an act of Congress. Mayorkas has been involved in bipartisan Senate talks on a national security aid and border package that House Republicans have largely rejected. Chairman Mark Green is leading a full committee markup to impeach Sec. Mayorkas Republicans hold sign showing the Democrats who voted to refer Mayorkas impeachment to the committee Mayorkas lashed out at House Republicans trying to impeach him, saying he would not be swayed by 'politically motivated accusations and personal attacks you have made against me' Green fired back in a statement to DailyMail.com, calling Mayorkas' '11th-hour response' this morning 'inadequate and unbecoming of a Cabinet secretary.' He maintained that the GOP investigation has 'established' that Mayorkas 'willfully and systemically refused to comply with the laws of the United States and breached the public trust. ' 'A letter at 4:48am on the morning of our markup, repeating the same false claims and doubling down on his commitment to his continued lawless conduct, indicates the contempt with which he views Congress, the American people, and the Constitution he swore an oath to defend,' continued Green. In December 2020, former President Trump's last full month in office, there were 92,000 border encounters. Mayorkas suggested that took extreme policies from the Trump team. 'I think it is unconscionable to separate children from their parents as a tool of deterrence,' he said, referring to a part of the Trump administration's zero tolerance border policy in 2018. 'I believe that law enforcement at the border can be tough and humane. It is our responsibility to the American people to work through our differences and try to reach solutions together.' Republicans cite Mayorkas' 'willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law' as hundreds of migrants continue to flood into the U.S. every day. They contend Mayorkas is guilty of 'high crimes and misdemeanors' that amount to a 'refusal to comply with the law' on immigration and a 'breach of the public trust.' The impeachment resolution stated: 'Alejandro N. Mayorkas willfully and systemically refused to comply with the immigration laws, failed to control the border to the detriment of national security, compromised public safety, and violated the rule of law and separation of powers in the Constitution, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States. Since taking control of the House in 2023, Republicans have pushed to impeach Mayorkas - but momentum faded when they announced the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. The effort came back to the forefront when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., forced a vote to impeach Mayorkas on the House floor and the House referred the articles back to the Homeland Security Committee. Meanwhile immigration and border security has launched to the forefront of electoral politics as record numbers of migrants attempt to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. The GOP push also comes at a curious time for Mayorkas. Even as the House is taking steps to try remove him from office, Mayorkas has been engaged in arduous negotiations with senators seeking to reach a bipartisan deal on border policy. He has won praise from senators for his engagement in the process. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has said the House will move forward as soon as possible with a vote. Passage requires only a House majority. The Senate would hold a trial, and a two-thirds vote is required for conviction, an exceedingly unlikely outcome in the Democratic-run Senate. Democrats say Republicans have held a sham of an impeachment process against Mayorkas and lack the constitutional grounds to impeach the secretary. Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., suggested the GOP's efforts opens the door to making impeachment political. 'The Republicans are going to open the door to impeach a secretary because they don't like how that secretary is doing his job, well, what happens if there's another child separation policy?' he said, referring to Trump's 'zero tolerance' policy. They also say Republicans are part of the problems at the border, with Republicans attacking Mayorkas even as they have failed to give his department the tools it needs to manage the situation. 'They dont want to fix the problem; they want to campaign on it. Thats why they have undermined efforts to achieve bipartisan solutions and ignored the facts, legal scholars and experts, and even the Constitution itself in their quest to baselessly impeach Secretary Mayorkas,' the department said in a statement Sunday. Mayorkas wrote a scathing seven-page letter to House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., Tuesday morning, just hours before the GOP is set to move forward impeachment articles against him Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee The two articles mark the culmination of a roughly yearlong examination by Republicans of the secretary's handling of the border and what they describe as a crisis of the administration's own making. Republicans contend that the administration and Mayorkas specifically either got rid of policies in place under Trump that had controlled migration or enacted policies of their own that encouraged migrants from around the world to come to the U.S. illegally via the southern border. They cite growing numbers of migrants who have overwhelmed the capacity of Customs and Border Protection authorities to care and process them. Homeland Security Chair Mark Green had invited Mayorkas to testify before the committee and gave a date, but Mayorkas had a scheduling conflict that day and he says the committee did not offer another date. French beaches will be kept under surveillance from the air for the first time in a new crackdown on Channel migrant crossings. Home Secretary James Cleverly tonight hammered out details of a deal for 'eyes in the sky' to be deployed against small boats. Home Office sources said routine air patrols would be a 'game changer' in the Channel crisis. The aircraft potentially including drones and helicopters will be funded by the British taxpayer as part of an existing 500million deal agreed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and president Emmanuel Macron last March. Intelligence on the movements of migrants and people trafficking gangs will be passed from the air to French ground-based teams, so they can sweep in and stop the boats. French beaches will be kept under surveillance from the air for the first time in a new crackdown on Channel migrant crossings Home Secretary James Cleverly tonight hammered out details of a deal for 'eyes in the sky' to be deployed against small boats with French interior minister Gerald Darmanin (pictured, right) It will dramatically improve surveillance of hundreds of miles of French beaches, officials believe. The significant measures thought to cost several million pounds a year were confirmed after Mr Cleverly met with French counterpart Gerald Darmanin for the first time yesterday. The summit in Paris agreed to 'expedite deployment of key aerial surveillance equipment, ensuring unprecedented levels of coverage', a Home Office spokesman said. It will allow French law enforcement 'to intercept crossing attempts as quickly as possible'. It is understood that during the meeting Mr Cleverly also stressed the importance of France keeping up the pressure during this summer's Paris Olympics. British officials are thought to be concerned the major security operation around the event will draw resources away from the Channel, handing smugglers a bumper summer. Mr Cleverly said last night: 'Our co-operation against the full range of security threats and challenges is vital for both our countries and for Europe. 'The UK continues to support the challenges faced by French law enforcement, operating under increasingly difficult circumstances to save lives and disrupt organised criminal gangs.' The aircraft potentially including drones and helicopters will be funded by the British taxpayer as part of an existing 500million deal agreed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and president Emmanuel Macron last March (pictured) It is understood that during the meeting Mr Cleverly also stressed the importance of France keeping up the pressure during this summer's Paris Olympics He added: 'I want to thank my friend Gerald Darmanin for his continued leadership and support in tackling the small boat crisis and pledge to see our countries continue to work closely together, not least as France takes on the challenge of hosting the Olympics this summer.' Interior minister Mr Darmanin vowed that the two countries will 'deepen their co-operation'. He said France will 'continue calling for a UK-EU agreement on migration issues so as to better manage illegal as well as legal migration'. Small boat arrivals across the Channel fell 36 per cent last year to just over 29,400 from a record high in 2022. The numbers living in the UK will grow by 6.6 million to 73.7 million by 2036 Rishi Sunak faced mounting pressure last night as it emerged that migrants will account for 92 per cent of Britain's population explosion in the coming years. Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that higher-than-expected immigration figures are set to see the numbers living in the UK grow by 6.6 million to 73.7 million by 2036. According to the projections, net migration will hit 315,000 a year from 2028 onwards putting a strain on public services. While the population is projected to rise from the current estimated 67 million to more than 70 million by mid-2026, the ONS figures show a further increase to 73.7 million by the middle of the next decade. The 9.9 per cent hike includes net inward migration of 6.1 million, as well as 541,000 more births than deaths. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Rishi Sunak faced mounting pressure last night as it emerged that migrants will account for 92 per cent of Britain's population explosion in the coming years (File Image) Critics last night likened the population increase to 'five cities the size of Birmingham'. Others claimed the figures showed the Government needed swift action to prevent a looming crisis and called on Mr Sunak to deliver on his pledge to bring migration down. It came as James Cleverly confirmed that foreign care workers will be barred from bringing their family with them to Britain in less than six weeks. Writing exclusively in the Mail, the Home Secretary said: 'Our system needs to be fair, and it needs to be seen to be fair. 'I've been clear that migration is too high and we must get back to sustainable levels. The British people want to see action, not words.' Former home secretary Suella Braverman said: 'These numbers are too high, placing pressure on schools, the NHS and housing. Recent government measures will help a bit but they're very late. We need a cap on overall numbers so we can hold government to account and fix this problem.' Her comments were echoed by Robert Jenrick, who resigned as immigration minister over the Government's watered-down Rwanda asylum plans. Long-term net migration reached an eye-watering record of 745,000 in 2022, according to the ONS The number of dependants accompanying people on work visas has been rising sharply This chart illustrates how changes in the assumptions on net migration change the figures Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that higher-than-expected immigration figures are set to see the numbers living in the UK grow by 6.6 million to 73.7 million by 2036 (File Image) He said: 'From 2028, they forecast net migration at 315,000. This will only deepen the housing crisis. 'There is no democratic consent for this outcome. After leaving the EU, the power to change this, and set us on course for far more sustainable numbers, is in Parliament's hands.' Campaigners also warned the figures threatened to overburden the state. Migration Watch chairman Alp Mehmet said: 'This population increase is equivalent to five cities the size of Birmingham. 'The Government must now take strong action to get the numbers down before it is too late.' Downing Street last night said Mr Sunak believed immigration levels were 'too high and must come down quickly'. The PM's official spokesman said the Government was already introducing the toughest ever package of measures to curb migrant numbers, as well as pursuing radical measures to stop the boats carrying illegal migrants across the Channel. A think-tank warned the projections further illustrated the Government's inability to get a grip of migration and would only fuel the housing crisis. Karl Williams, Centre for Policy Studies research director, said: 'For decades, we have failed to build enough new homes to meet demand from those already living in the UK and record net migration has only exacerbated the problem.' He was also not paid to provide several professional services - including bookkeeping and tax preparation A source told DailyMail.com that Schwerin confirmed he interacted with then-Vice President Biden on 'multiple' occasions Republicans say Schwerin's testimony pokes holes into Biden's claim that there has been an 'absolute wall' between himself and his family's business Former Biden associate Eric Schwerin told lawmakers that he was 'not aware' of then-Vice President Joe Biden's role in his son's foreign dealings despite meeting with him 'multiple' times and providing financial advice when he worked with Hunter Biden. Schwerin, a close business associate of Hunter's at his investment firm Rosemont Seneca, was brought in Tuesday under a subpoena by Republicans leading the impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden. He specifically faced questions about the then-Vice President's use of pseudonyms to discuss personal and business activities. Schwerin was included on at least 54 direct emails with Joe between 2009 and 2017, say Republicans. According to Schwerin's opening remarks, he maintained that he was 'not aware of any financial transactions or compensation' Joe Biden received through his family's businesses. He also called Republican allegations otherwise 'preposterous.' But Republicans say Schwerin's testimony pokes holes into Biden's claim that there has always been an 'absolute wall' between himself and his family's business. A source told DailyMail.com that Schwerin confirmed he interacted with then-Vice President Biden on 'multiple' occasions and was not paid to provide several professional services - including bookkeeping and tax preparation. Schwerin was also appointed by Biden to the Commission for the Preservation of Americas Heritage Abroad, which other top donors and friends sat on. Schwerin was a close business associate of Hunter's at his investment firm Rosemont Seneca Republican investigators say NARA has released documents showing Schwerin had 'direct contact with White House employees regarding Burisma, a Ukrainian entity that paid Hunter Biden millions of dollars and that is relevant to the Committees ongoing investigation' The source told DailyMail.com that Schwerin's opening statement was 'narrowly tailored' and did not cover the extent of his knowledge in the Biden family's schemes. In the statement, Schwerin stated that he was 'not aware of any role that Vice President Biden, as a public official or a private citizen, had in any of Hunters business activities. None.' He added that then-VP Biden 'never' asked him to take any 'official actions for the benefit of Hunters clients or any other client.' 'In my discussions with the Vice President concerning his personal finances, he was always crystal clear that he wanted to take the most transparent and ethical approach consistent with both the spirit and the letter of the law,' he continued. The committee had planned to question Schwerin about Joe's use of various private email addresses from which he would sometimes send, receive and forward government correspondence according to emails found on Hunter Biden's now-infamous laptop. 'Robin Ware,' 'Robert L. Peters' and 'JRB ware' were three pseudonyms used on emails that were about both official and family business. Republicans say that the bulk of Schwerin's communications with Joe Biden's pseudonym accounts occurred between 2010 and 2019 - with the most volume in the years Joe was vice president. In August, the House Oversight Committee demanded information from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) related to the pseudonym emails used by then-VP Joe. They say that the agency has stonewalled their requests for information and only have produced documents 'innocuous or flattering' toward Biden. In December, the House Committee on Ways and Means released an 11-page spreadsheet compiled by an IRS criminal investigator that included 'dozens of email exchanges' with Hunter, Schwerin and Biden's pseudonyms. The committee said that specifically 54 of those emails were just between Joe Biden and Schwerin. Republican investigators say NARA has released documents showing Schwerin had 'direct contact with White House employees regarding Burisma, a Ukrainian entity that paid Hunter Biden millions of dollars and that is relevant to the Committees ongoing investigation.' They planned to question Schwerin about those communications, including the already-released accounts. DailyMail.com previously reported on Schwerin's emails with then-VP staffer Kate Bedingfield in December 2015 regarding Hunter's Ukraine ties. In an exchange on December 4, 2015 labeled 'Quotes,' Schwerin sought the VP's sign-off on statements he suggested the White House use to respond to media inquiries regarding Hunter's role in Ukrainian oil company Burisma as Joe ramped up his anti-corruption work in the country. At the time, Hunter was serving on the board of the company making roughly $83,000 a month despite having no previous experience in the energy industry. According to the records, Schwerin wrote to Bedingfield's official '@ovp.eop.gov' account, suggesting language 'from a spokesperson for Hunter' distancing Joe from Hunter's lucrative Burisma role. She replied: 'VP signed off on this' a few hours later, and then sent the statement to the New York Times and other inquiring outlets. On the exact day of the email exchange, Hunter was actually in Dubai with Burisma executives at a dinner at the Four Seasons. Hunter allegedly said at that dinner that he would be able to get 'help from D.C.' in order to relieve some 'government pressure' on the company as they faced corruption probes. His other associate Devon Archer testified before Congress last year that Burisma 'requested Hunter, you know, help them with some of that pressure,' and 'D.C.' meant his influence based on his connection to his then-VP father. 'Well, I mean, he was a lobbyist and an expert and obviously he carried, you know, a very powerful name. So I think it was that's what they were asking for,' said Archer about Hunter. The White House has maintained that Joe Biden has never been 'in business' with his son or aware of his foreign dealings He then continued on to confirm that immediately after Hunter was asked to help during the Four Seasons meeting, he 'called his dad.' Although Archer was not 'privy' to the call, he was told that 'we called D.C.' The emails between Schwerin and Bedingfield were first publicized by America First Legal in March as part of an ongoing Freedom of Information Act lawsuit with the National Archives. Many of the related emails have been 'withheld in full' due to White House executive privilege. The White House has maintained that Joe Biden has never been 'in business' with his son or aware of his foreign dealings. This is the second time Schwerin has been interviewed by the House Oversight Committee. In March 2023, he told committee staff that he was 'not aware' of transactions 'into or out' of then-Vice President Joe Biden's bank account that were connected to Biden family business, according to a Democrat aide. Schwerin also acted as then-VP Biden's financial adviser from 2009 to 2017, according to the aide. Oversight Chairman James Comer has also demanded 'all drafts' of then-VP Biden's speech that he delivered to the Ukrainian Rada on December 9, 2015. During the speech, Biden touted his anti-corruption efforts in the country and urged an overhaul and reform of the office of the general prosecutor. At the time, top Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin was investigating oil company Burisma Holdings for corruption - the same company that Hunter was a sitting board member of. In March 2016, Joe Biden is alleged to have threatened to withhold $1 billion in aid to Ukraine if Shokin was not fired for corruption, which he eventually was. Furious parents have gathered at an elite $42,000-a-year all-boys school holding placards to protest the college's controversial move to admit girls. Around 30 protestors gathered outside Newington College, located in the inner-west Sydney suburb of Stanmore around 8am on Wednesday morning, to voice their opposition to the controversial decision. The prestigious school - which charges annual fees of $42,201 for a year 12 boy to attend the college - announced in 2023 that girls will be admitted to the school as early as 2026. Furious parents have gathered at Newington College (pictured) in Sydney's inner-west holding placards to protest the school's move to go co-ed. Poll Would you send your kid to a co-ed school? Yes, of course No, single sex only Would you send your kid to a co-ed school? Yes, of course 449 votes No, single sex only 250 votes Now share your opinion The school is set to become fully co-ed by 2033. Protestors held up messages on placards calling on the school's leadership council to scrap the decision with one sign stating the college has already lost '$5m in bequests'. Another demanded a new vote on the co-ed policy. 'Demand school council transparency and accountability,' it read. The move marks the first time in the school's 161-year history that female students will be admitted to college. Several parents who gathered outside the college said students were afraid to speak out against the decision over fears they could lose their place at the college, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph. Parents who were outraged by the school's decision had initially planned to meet up at Stanmore Park before making their way to the school to stage a 'peaceful and silent' demonstration. Outraged protestors (pictured) including parents gathered outside the prestigious college to protest the school's decision Newington College has been an all-boys school throughout the school's 161-year history (pictured Newington College student) Protestors who gathered also handed out stickers to parents who were dropping their sons off at the school. The headmaster of the college, Michael Parker, wrote to the parents of students earlier warning them about the planned protests. Mr Parker said that the school would place more staff around the 'perimeter of the college' to protect students. He said in the letter that while those who are staging the protest have a right to voice their opinion, the school's focus will remain on the start of the new school year. 'There will be several hundred boys starting their first day at Newington tomorrow and they will be experiencing all sorts of mixed feelings as they walk through the gate at this threshold moment,' the letter stated. Several parents who gathered outside Newington College (pictured) said students were afraid of speaking out against the move for fear of being removed from the college The headmaster of the college, Michael Parker, wrote to the parents of students earlier warning them about the planned protests Former student John Ramarque wrote in a change.org petition that was set up in November last year in opposition to the school becoming co-ed that the move poses a threat to the school's proud 'culture'. 'As a proud member of Newington College in Stanmore, NSW, Australia, I have witnessed firsthand the unique culture that has been cultivated over generations.' 'This culture is being threatened by recent decisions made by our headmaster and council. The decision to make our school co-ed is not just a change in policy; it's an erosion of our heritage.' Hundreds of parents and former students commented on the posts with many voicing their support for the college to remain an all-boys school. The headmaster of the college said extra staff would be deployed around the school grounds to protect students while the protests were changed (pictured) Hundred of parents who have opposed the school's move to go co-ed (pictured) also signed the petition that was set up by a former student last year who said the move would threaten the school's culture 'As a former K-12 student and a current father of a Wyvern boy and another boy enrolled, I'm truly upset by this news,' one parent said. 'We signed up for a boys school and this choice has been taken away from us with no parent input whatsoever.' 'Parents enrol their children at Newington College because they want an academic boys school,' another parent wrote. 'Ive never seen any girls school merging co-ed. Not sure why a school with long history of boys education wants to change.' The petition has since received 2,378 signatures with 2,500 the target. Sako was so obsessed with Ms Manno he tried to become her Celeste Manno's brutal killer secretly wanted to be her in the year before he smashed his way into her bedroom and stabbed her to death. Ms Manno was stabbed 23 times to death in her own bed by Luay Nader Sako on November 16, 2020, after he became enraged upon seeing a photo of her hand-in-hand with her new boyfriend Chris Ridsdale. On Tuesday, forensic psychiatrist Dr Rajan Darjee told the Supreme Court of Victoria Sako was so obsessed with his former work colleague he initially wanted to become her. Celeste Manno fought for her life as her obsessed stalker Luay Sako repeatedly hacked and stabbed her to death in her own bed Luay Sako is taken back to jail after continuing to taunt the relatives and friends of his victim with a half-baked attempt at being a lawyer Sako, 39, of Roxburgh Park, pleaded guilty to Ms Manno's murder in April after trying to contest the charges for years. Dr Darjee claimed Sako suffered from a series of mental ailments, including depression, an extreme personality disorder and body dysmorphia. 'I think the body dysmorphia disorder was more important in understanding the earlier stages of the stalking because at those stages he was infatuated with the victim, but also idealising her,' he told the court. 'Because of his identity disturbance, he kind of wanted to be her and that's not uncommon in stalking situations.' Dr Darjee told the court Sako had gone about spending large quantities of cash buying 'products' that would help him become more like his obsession. 'He's spending lots of money on various products and things that he thinks will allow him to make himself look better because he feels the victim is this idealised object of beauty who he kind of wants to, for pathological reasons, he wants to be. He wants to be like her.' Dr Darjee said Sako was as close to a full-blown psychopath he had ever assessed without being classed as one. 'I can't think of an individual that I've seen who has not been psychopathic who has been more personality-disordered than Mr Sako both in my practice here and in my 20 years working in the UK,' he said. Luay Sako as he appeared at the time he became infatuated with Celeste Manno Luay Sako is led into the Supreme Court of Victoria. The cowardly killer continues to taunt the friends and family of his victim with courtroom antics that see him pretending to be a lawyer Detectives had arrested Sako in August that year, charging him with breaches of an intervention order taken out by Ms Manno before releasing him back into the community. With Sako back on the loose, Ms Manno confided in her boss that she believed her days were numbered. 'He's really going to kill me,' Celeste confided in her colleague. On Tuesday, the court heard she was right, with Sako revealing to Dr Darjee he went out and bought the hammer and knife he would later use to kill her. Dr Darjee was allowed by Justice Jane Dixon to be cross-examined by Sako's former barrister Tim Marsh despite Sako sacking him on the eve of the trial. Sako had sacked Mr Marsh over a petty dispute about the number of times he claimed to have stabbed his helpless victim - Sako maintaining he had only knifed her twice. Mr Marsh's return to Sako's defence on the important matter of his mental state at the time of the murder could greatly help the killer's chances of a reduced sentence. On Monday, Sako was forced to cross-examine in comical fashion another forensic expert himself. Sako's court antics have frustrated the court process for years, with his previous barrister Sam Norton also forced to withdraw from representing him after the killer refused to take his advice. The warped loner had hoped to escape justice on the back of a mental impairment case, which failed last year despite Sako's best efforts to escape responsibility for his evil deeds. Chris Ridsdale outside the Supreme Court of Victoria on Tuesday where he gave a dignified victim impact statement Chris Ridsdale (left) outside Celeste Manno's home on the day she was killed. Her car is seen still parked in the driveway Dr Darjee said he believed Sako killed Ms Manno after she had him arrested for stalking her. 'He was ashamed and not being wanted to be seen as a stalker and just wishing that the legal proceedings would disappear,' Dr Darjee wrote in a report to the court. 'As things continued in legal proceedings, his perception was of it being one unreasonable persecution of shaming after another, offering him no way out, with it becoming increasingly obvious and stark to him that his pursuit of her and what he wished to achieve had failed.' Dr Darjee claimed Sako's attack was fuelled by jealousy, rage and humiliation that he was being branded a stalker. 'He just wanted to obliterate the whole situation. He did in part blame her for the persecution,' he said. On Tuesday, Ms Manno's distraught friends and family again stared him down, branding him a 'demonic and evil killer'. One by one each of those impacted by Sako's brutality pleaded with Justice Dixon to sentence Sako to nothing less than life behind bars. Among them was Ms Manno's boyfriend Chris Ridsdale, who had just gone 'Instagram public' with her in the hours before Sako snuffed out her life. Police would later discover Sako had photos of Mr Ridsdale on his computer, searched him on LinkedIn and looked up the pub where he and Ms Manno had spent the day together. After seeing the Instagram post, Sako drove to Ms Manno's Mernda home, parked his car out the front, scaled her fence, broke into her bedroom window with a hammer and stabbed her to death. 'I was told, very clearly, that this was to be my new profile picture,' Mr Ridsdale said at the time of the murder. 'We talked and joked about how this would be the first picture of us together on her social media and she was so excited to share it with everyone.' It is a profile picture that remains on his Facebook page today. Celeste Manno posted this image of her with Chris Ridsdale to Instagram in the hours before Luay Sako crashed through her bedroom window and stabbed her to death Ms Manno's mother (centre), friends and family enter the court on Tuesday. Celeste Manno had done everything right to fend off her stalker, but her decision to go to police ultimately ended her life Choking back tears, Mr Ridsdale stood before his girlfriend's killer within the courtroom to describe all of the things he took from him. 'The loss I feel isn't for just what we had together, but for the future that's been taken away,' he told the court. 'Everyday without Celeste is a reminder of what we should of had together. I find myself always thinking about how we could spend our weekends, sharing a nice sunny day at the beach, a rainy day covered up inside watching a movie together or a day trip with friends. Mr Ridsdale said he now struggled to get out of bed and found catching up with old friends difficult. 'The emptiness. The hole in my heart knowing I'll never get to hear her voice again, to see her smile, to hear her infectious laugh or hold her in my arms again is just too much,' he said. In February 2019 - a little over a year before she was murdered - Ms Manno took to Facebook with a quote that stated: 'Make your heart the prettiest thing about you.' Sako would kill her with a stab wound to the heart. The court heard Sako now hoped to hide in jail for his entire sentence, asking he be caged in isolation for the duration of his stay behind bars. Sako remains a marked man in Victorian prisons, where he is expected to be targeted by other inmates for the remainder of his incarceration. The hearing continues. Despite a controversial history of animal testing, the first human has had a chip implanted by Elon Musk's company Neuralink. After gaining approval for human experiments, the firm has now put its first Neuralink device, called 'Telepathy', inside a person's brain. Musk claims Telepathy enables control of your phone or computer, and in turn almost any other device, 'just by thinking'. The billionaire entrepreneur hopes it will allow users with disabilities like Stephen Hawking to 'communicate faster than an auctioneer'. Here, MailOnline reveals everything you need to know about the contentious technology, which has seen Musk accused of 'playing God'. Despite a controversial history of animal testing , the first human has had a chip implanted by Elon Musk's company Neuralink Musk claims Telepathy enables control of your phone or computer, and in turn almost any device, 'just by thinking' READ MORE: Elon Musk reveals first human has had a BRAIN implant Elon Musk announced the news on X, saying the operation happened on Sunday Advertisement WHAT IS NEURALINK? Neuralink was registered in California as a 'medical research' company in July 2016, and Musk has funded the company mostly by himself. It is best known for its work on making a network of electrodes linked to the brain that the company envisions will let us communicate wirelessly with the world. It would enable us to share our thoughts, fears, hopes and anxieties without demeaning ourselves with written or spoken language, the firm claims. But it could also help paralysed people walk again and cure other neurological ailments. It seems the first iteration of this device has a new product name Telepathy and the firm has reached a milestone by implanting it in the first human. It's part of Neuralink's PRIME study, a trial to evaluate the safety of the implant and the surgical robot that does the procedure. Unfortunately for Musk, the company has garnered heavy controversy, mostly for its experiments on living animals including monkeys and pigs. Neuralink has previously admitted that monkeys had died during tests, but denied claims of animal abuse although allegations suggest otherwise. Neuralink's PRIME study is a trial for its wireless brain-computer interface to evaluate the safety of the implant (pictured) and surgical robot Elon Musk on Monday announced that the first person had received a Neuralink brain implant (file photo) READ MORE: Americans warn Elon Musk to 'stop creating cyborgs' One X user said 'playing God always ends badly; Advertisement HOW DOES IT WORK? Neuralink's system consists of a computer chip attached to tiny flexible threads stitched into the brain by a 'sewing-machine-like' robot. The robot removes a small chunk of the skull, connects the thread-like electrodes to certain areas of the brain, stitches up the hole and the only visible remains is a scar left behind from the incision. Musk has said that this procedure takes just 30 minutes, will not require general anaesthesia, and patients will be able to return home on the same day. It's unclear if all these promises apply to the first patient to receive the implant, although Musk said he or she is 'recovering well'. The brain consists of special cells called neurons that transmit signals to other cells in the body, like our muscles and nerves. The electrodes of the Neuralink chip are able to read these signals, which are then translated into motor controls. This could control external technologies, such as computers or smartphones, or bodily functions, like muscle movement. 'It's like replacing a piece of the skull with a smartwatch,' Musk has said. A small inductive charger will also be able to wirelessly connect to the implant to charge its battery outside the body. The 'sewing robot' removes a small chunk of the skull, connects the thread-like electrodes to certain areas of the brain, stitches up the hole and the only visible remains is a scar left behind from the incision 'It's like replacing a piece of the skull with a smartwatch,' Musk has said. Pictured: A visual of what the electrodes will look like while implanted into the brain READ MORE: Brain startup beats Elon Musk's Neuralink - putting implant into patient A 48-year-old patient who is unable to move and speak due to severe paralysis from ALS became the first to receive a permanent brain implant that could allow him to communicate telepathically. The milestone came from Synchron, the startup behind the technology, and thus beat Elon Musk's Neuralink to the punch. The procedure took place July 2022, where a 1.5-inch long implant made of wires and electrodes was implanted into the patient's brain without the need for cutting into their skull or damaging tissue. Advertisement WHAT IS THE POINT? When plans to develop the tech were first revealed, the firm positioned it as a way to enable people with quadriplegia to control technologies, like a computer or smartphone, with their mind. However, in the 2020 'Show and Tell' demonstration, Musk alluded to the idea of 'conceptual telepathy,' which allows two individuals to communicate through thoughts with the help of technology. 'In the future you will be able to save and replay memories,' he said. 'You could basically store your memories as a backup and restore the memories. You could potentially download them into a new body or into a robot body.' That same year, he also suggested that the chip would allow people to communicate without speaking, foreseeing a 'symbiosis' between humans and AI. Later, Musk said that a focus of the Neuralink technology is to allow people with paralysis to regain motor skills. 'As miraculous as that may sound, we are confident that it is possible to restore full-body functionality to someone who has a severed spinal cord,' the tech mogul said. He claimed that the chip would be able to restore sight, even in people who have been blind their whole life, as well as treat brain diseases such as Parkinson's, dementia, and Alzheimer's. Musk is known to share a lot of his thoughts on his platform X (formerly known as Twitter) and has discussed a few other potential applications of Neuralink. In a Twitter exchange with computer scientist Austin Howard, he said that the device will eventually be able to stream music directly into one's brain. 'If we implement neuralink - can we listen to music directly from our chips? Great feature,' Howard posted in a tweet to which Musk replied simply, 'Yes.' He also shared that the technology could help cure addiction and depression while responding to a Twitter user asking if the implant could 're-train part of the brain' linked to the ailments. 'For sure. This is both great & terrifying,' Musk wrote. READ MORE: Neuralink fined a paltry $2,480 after extensive investigation The investigation found that Musk's company was improperly packaging hazardous waste Advertisement IS IT SAFE? Neuralink has spent the past few years testing the implant on animals, which has given mixed results. In the 2020 presentation, Musk unveiled the Neuralink chip to the public for the very first time, with a demonstration on a pig named Gertrude. Gertrude's brain signals were visualised in real-time while she snuffled around her pen, that were being picked up by her implant. 'This shows the beats of Link on the screen and you can see each of the spikes from the 1,024 electrodes implanted in the pigs brain,' Musk said during the demo. 'When she touches her snout to the ground, the neurons will fire and that is what makes the sound.' Another pig involved in the demonstration had once had an implant but then had it removed and was living a 'healthy life'. The following year, Musk did another demonstration, which involved a macaque monkey with a brain chip that played a computer game by thinking alone. However, in February 2022, Neuralink confirmed that monkeys had died during its tests, although denied any animal abuse. The latter was in response to claims made by a non-profit the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in a complaint with the US Department of Agriculture. Concerns raised by PCRM in the complaint included an example of a monkey missing fingers and toes that may have been lost to 'self mutilation'. Neuralink has previously admitted that monkeys had died during its tests , although denied any animal abuse Concerns raised by PCRM in its complaint included an example of a monkey missing fingers and toes that may have been lost to 'self mutilation' . Pictured: Note from staff at the University of California, Davis who were involved in monkey trials with Neuralink Another is of a monkey with holes drilled in its skull to have electrodes implanted into the brain, and a third of one suffering from a brain haemorrhage. The majority of the monkeys had to be euthanised, or died as a result of procedures, according to the complaint. Jeremy Beckham, from PCRM, told the New York PosT that 'pretty much every single monkey that had had implants put in their head suffered from pretty debilitating health effects'. Ahead of the 'Show and Tell' event, the PCRM shared details of a lawsuit it filed against Neuralink relating the allegations of abuse. The lawsuit states the animals 'suffered infections from the implanted electrodes placed in their brains' and an 'unapproved substance' known as BioGlue 'killed monkeys by destroying portions of their brains.' The lawsuit states the animals 'suffered infections from the implanted electrodes placed in their brains' and an 'unapproved substance' known as BioGlue 'killed monkeys by destroying portions of their brains'. The 'cranial sealant' noted here refers to the BioGlue that was later found to cause the monkey's decline in health While the lawsuit claims Bioglue was the cause of death in lab notes, Neuralink has admitted in a blog post that one of the monkeys died because of the adhesive On top of claims of animal cruelty, experts warn that there could be privacy issues with brain implants. Dr. Susan Schneider, the founding director of the new Center for the Future Mind, told the Daily Mail in April 2021: 'If the widespread use becomes hooking us to the cloud, not as therapies, and merge humans with AI the economic model will be to sell our data. 'Our innermost thoughts would be sold to the highest bidder. Also, do we need a subscription that we pay for? What if for powers get ahold of our thoughts?' While this is less than reassuring, there have been some remarkable achievements made by other neurotechnology companies. In 2022, it was announced that a Parkinson's patient has had his symptoms reversed by a tiny deep brain stimulation device that was fitted in Bristol. Additionally, a severely paralysed patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) became the first to receive a permanent brain implant that could allow him to communicate telepathically. Musk also said that he'd be comfortable implanting a brain chip into one of his children, in response to a query. 'I would say we're at the point where at least, in my opinion, it would not be dangerous,' he said. Experts warn that Musk could be rushing into trials too fast to be safe Elon Musk's Neuralink hit the headlines this morning, after the entrepreneur announced that his firm had implanted a chip in the brain of a human for the first time. Having gained FDA approval, Musk announced that a device called 'Telepathy' had been implanted and that the unnamed patient was recovering well. But after Neuralink's early trials saw 1,500 animals killed during rushed experiments, experts have raised serious concerns about the implant's safety. Speaking to MailOnline, Dr Dean Burnett, honorary research associate at Cardiff University, called the human trials 'disconcerting and alarming.' 'The speed at which [Musk] has gone from having no involvement in neurosurgical implants to making massive global statements is disconcerting and alarming,' he said. Elon Musk 's Neuralink hit the headlines this morning, after the entrepreneur announced that his firm had implanted a chip in the brain of a human for the first time Having gained FDA approval, Musk announced that a device called 'Telepathy' had been implanted and that the unnamed patient was recovering well READ MORE: How does Elon Musk's Neuralink brain chip work? A step-by-step guide to the controversial technology - as the first human is implanted Having gained FDA approval, Musk announced that a device called 'Telepathy' had been implanted and that the unnamed patient was recovering well Advertisement Neuralink's device works by converting electrical activity in the brain into signals that a computer can understand. The device is inserted by a robotic 'sewing machine' surgeon, which removes a section of the skull before attaching individual electrons to the brain. These electrodes detect the electrical signals in our neurons and translate them into motor controls that can be used to operate external devices. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Musk said that the device 'enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device just by thinking.' Musk added: 'Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs. 'Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or an auctioneer. That is the goal.' But less than a year after receiving approval from the FDA to begin human trials, there are some concerns that Musk might be moving too fast. Dr Burnett said: 'This is very much his approach to business, I would put money on the fact that this is a bold grand gesture rather than something meticulously worked out. 'The thing is he has this huge army of supporters that may volunteer for this kind of thing and I do think that's quite dangerous when it comes to sticking things in people's bodies.' In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Musk said that the device 'enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device just by thinking' While Dr Burnett says that this first patient will very likely be safe, he adds that 'the bigger risk is that people see this work well and then roll it out because not every procedure is going to be under the same spotlight' This comes as part of Neuralink's PRIME study, a trial for its wireless brain-computer interface to evaluate the safety of the implant (pictured) and surgical robot How does it work? Neuralink's system consists of a computer chip attached to tiny flexible threads stitched into the brain by a 'sewing-machine-like' robot. The robot removes a small chunk of the skull, connects the thread-like electrodes to certain areas of the brain, stitches up the hole and the only visible remains is a scar left behind from the incision. The brain consists of special cells called neurons that transmit signals to other cells in the body, like our muscles and nerves. The electrodes of the Neuralink chip are able to read these signals, which are then translated into motor controls. This could control external technologies, such as computers or smartphones, or bodily functions, like muscle movement. Advertisement While Dr Burnett says that this first patient will very likely be safe, he adds that 'the bigger risk is that people see this work well and then roll it out because not every procedure is going to be under the same spotlight.' He added: 'I wouldn't do it [receive an implant] and if I could talk to the person that has volunteered for it I would try to talk them out of it.' While this is the first human trial of Neuralink's technology, it is far from the first time that computer brain interface devices have been implanted in humans. Since 2004, the BrainGate interface system developed by Brown University has been tested in human subjects with promising results. A review of patients' health published in 2021 found that there were no serious health consequences of the implant and none needed to be removed for health reasons. Andrew Jackson, professor of neural interfaces at Newcastle University, told MailOnline that the Neuralink device might even be safer in some ways than the BrainGate system. 'One of the biggest risks of the existing technology is that there's a "percutaneous" connection where wires from the implant come through the skin,' he explained. 'That's a potential route for infection so one of the advantages of Neuralink is that it is wireless.' This visualisation shows how the fine electrodes are implanted into the brain. 'It's like replacing a piece of the skull with a smartwatch,' Musk said The 'sewing robot' removes a small chunk of the skull, connects the thread-like electrodes to certain areas of the brain, stitches up the hole and the only visible remains is a scar left behind from the incision Professor Jackson also adds that it is very unlikely that the FDA would have given Neuralink approval for human trials if it had been too risky. Neuralink, Professor Jackson explained, would have had to first prove the tech was safe enough to put in a human based on previous research and animal trials. Yet, it is precisely those animal trials that have generated the most concern over Neuralink's safety. In a 2020 presentation, Musk first revealed the Neuralink chip to the world as he presented a pig named Gertrude. Gertrude's brain signals were visualised in real-time while she snuffled around her pen. A year later, Musk showed another demonstration featuring a macaque monkey that could play a computer game simply by thinking. A monkey with the Neuralink chip implanted in its brain is seen playing a game in a 2021 demonstration of Neuralink's technology However, Neuralink soon came under criticism for breaches of the Animal Welfare Act and the cruel treatment of laboratory animals. In February 2022, Neuralink confirmed that monkeys had died during its tests, although denied any animal abuse. This was in response to claims made by non-profit, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), in a complaint with the US Department of Agriculture. A lawsuit filed by PCRM alleges that the animals 'suffered infections from the implanted electrodes placed in their brains' and an 'unapproved substance' known as BioGlue 'killed monkeys by destroying portions of their brains.' It is currently estimated that Neuralink has killed over 1,500 animals as part of pre-human clinical trials. A note from staff at the University of California, Davis (pictured) who were involved in monkey trials with Neuralink suggests that one monkey lost multiple fingers and toes to self-mutilation A lawsuit filed against Neuralink alleges that animals 'suffered infections from the implanted electrodes placed in their brains' and an 'unapproved substance' known as BioGlue 'killed monkeys by destroying portions of their brains' Despite these deaths, Professor Jackson told MailOnline that people 'can and should feel confident in the regulatory oversight' of Neuralink's safety. 'I think that compared to previous studies that were coming out things have moved very quickly but I would hesitate to say that just by moving quickly they are putting patients at risk,' he said. 'The steps they've taken to get to this point have been the sensible steps you would take to de-risk it and I think it's quite impressive how quickly they've made those steps.' However, he notes that the bigger question is 'whether it was ethical to use that many animals, particularly monkeys, to produce that evidence to take it to the next step.' Some are concerned that following the required regulations doesn't go far enough to eliminate the risk of this novel technology. Professor Marcello Ienca, a bio-ethicist and cognitive scientist from the Technical University of Munich, told MailOnline that existing rules may not be sufficient. 'We need these kinds of trials to improve the lives of people, but my only concern is that we haven't figured out all the rules for conducting these trials in an ethical way,' he said. The current rules were developed long before brain implants were possible, Professor Ienca explains, and are based on the principles developed for cardiac implants. He added: 'But the brain is an organ not like any other, it also enables mental functions. 'There is also a possibility that the device is going to influence the patient's psychology, their subjective experience of the world, and their subjective experience of their self.' Professor Ienca points out that some patients report disturbances to their sense of self after receiving an implant or having one removed. He is also concerned that the AI used to enable brain interface devices might contain unknown biases that could lead to discrimination. 'These are things that should be evaluated, but we are not doing it now because it's a new technology and we are still developing the rules,' he concluded. The gender pay gap is well documented in Britain, with the latest figures showing that the average pay in the UK is 14.3 per cent less for women than men. But a new study has shown that men don't just get higher wages they expect them too. Researchers from the University of Cologne surveyed over 15,000 students about their salary expectations after university. Their results show that male students anticipate being paid 15 per cent more than females in their first job. 'Even prior to labor market entry women expect much lower wages than men,' the researchers wrote. The gender pay gap is well known in the UK, with the latest figures showing that the average pay in the UK is 14.3 per cent less for women than men. But a new study has shown that men don't just get higher wages they expect them too (stock image) Throughout their careers, men (represented by the blue dotted line) expect to be paid significantly more than women (represented by the red line), the study revealed READ MORE: Female workers still earn less than men Advertisement A report by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) published last year revealed that female workers typically earn 14.3 per cent a year less than men. But until now, the gender differences in expected wages before entering the job market has been largely unexplored. In their new study, the team set to rectify this by surveying 15,000 students and recent graduates. The participants were asked about their degree, salary expectations, sociodemographic information, expectations on child-rearing and salary negotiation plans. The results revealed that the female participants expected to earn significantly less than the male participants. Male students said they expected to earn 40,582 (34,679) on average in their first job out of university. A report by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) published last year revealed that female workers typically earn 14.3 per cent a year less than men READ MORE: The Gender Orgasm Gap: Scientist reveals why women climax less than men during sex A psychology professor is shining a light on the gender orgasm gap where women are climaxing Advertisement Meanwhile, female students said they expected to be paid 34,331 (29,337) on average 15 per cent less than the males. This means that the female students would need to work on average around four hours more per week in the same occupation and industry to catch up with the expected starting wages of their male peers. Over a lifetime, this gender gap in expected wages is even more pronounced, totalling a whopping 600,000 (512,728). Delving deeper into the results, the researchers found that males expect to earn on average 49,000 (41,872) after nine years of experience. This is almost as high as the highest level of females expect to earn throughout their entire careers (51,000 [43,581] at the age of 50). While the reason for this remains unclear, the researchers have several theories. Writing in their study, published in Labour Economics, the researchers wrote: 'Our finding that females plan to be less bold compared to their male counterparts seems to be driven by anticipation of gender discrimination, as well as a preference for having children soon. 'Women also fear to be viewed as impudent and to risk a lower final wage outcome if they act boldly in wage negotiations.' The team says the findings suggest women should be better trained in salary negotiation. 'It might be important for women to be trained in wage negotiation to ensure they do not undervalue themselves, and do not allow any anticipated gender discrimination to stop them from demanding more money, as our research suggests that bold bargaining does make a positive difference,' said Pia Pinger, lead author of the study. It's a favourite dish among sushi lovers around the world, but your unagi nigiri might not come from the sea in the near future. Instead, the eel could be grown in the lab. The Japanese eel, or unagi, is renowned for its rich flavour, but demand is so high that wild populations are now threatened with extinction. By growing the delicacy from embryonic cells, Israeli startup Forsea Foods says it could provide the meat commercially as early as 2024 without harming fish stocks. Roee Nir, CEO and co-founder of Forsea says that this will 'provide the consumer with a genuine seafood experience without putting further strain on aquatic life.' It's a staple dish for any sushi lover, but your unagi nigiri might not come from the sea in the near future. Instead, the eel could be grown in the lab (pictured) By growing the delicacy from embryonic cells, Israeli startup Forsea Foods says it could provide the meat commercially as early as 2024 without harming fish stocks Mr Nir adds: 'Forsea is pioneering the fusion of traditional, high-quality Asian cuisine with groundbreaking technology to create the worlds first cultured unagi.' This is the first time that eel has been created in a lab and could potentially tap into the thriving Japanese market for the expensive meat. Forsea Foods partnered with executive chef Katsumi Kusomoto to create two traditional Japanese dishes using the lab-grown meat. Mr Kusomoto created unagi kabayaki, marinated grilled eel over rice, and unagi nigiri, eel sushi. These eel dishes were once staples at restaurants across Japan, but environmental concerns have made them much less common. Mr Kusumoto says: 'Unagi is an enduring favorite in Japan, its timeless appeal, however, is impacted by a growing awareness among the Japanese population of the need to take a more sustainable approach.' In 2000, Japan consumed 160,000 tonnes of eel, but that has now fallen by 80 per cent. Overfishing and habitat destruction have decimated the wild eel population, and since 2018 freshwater eels have been listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List. Eels are also extremely difficult to breed in captivity, creating a shortage which has seen prices soar. Market prices for a kilo of eel more than doubled from 12.30 (2,300) to 29.68 (5,553) between 2010 and 2023 according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Markets monthly and annual reports. Restaurant prices meanwhile can reach up to 250 per kilo. Forsea Foods has partnered with executive chef Katsumi Kusomoto to create two traditional Japanese dishes (pictured) using the lab-grown meat To continue providing this traditional delicacy without further harming wild stocks, Forsea has created a method for growing eel meat in the lab. Most lab-grown meat is created by producing protein and fat cells separately and then combining them on a scaffold. The scaffold gives the cells a structure and helps them form into a shape and texture similar to natural meat. However, this process is slow and requires the creation of an additional scaffold for the cells. Forsea meanwhile claims to have created a method which does not need a scaffold to recreate the texture of meat. Instead, the company uses pluripotent stem cells to create 'organoids', essentially tiny miniaturised versions of 3D tissues. These organoids are then left to self-organise into tissues containing both fat and protein. While the eel meet is currently a prototype, Forsea claims that it is now ready to scale this process and could be ready for commercial launch as early as 2025. However, Forsea is not the first company to produce a seafood product from lab-grown cells. In May last year, scientists from Israel-based Steakholder Foods revealed the first ever 3D-printed fish fillet. The cells were grown in a lab to recreate a cut of grouper and printed in layers to create the familiar flaky texture. However, it may be some time before you can tuck into lab-grown sushi or fish and chips, since the UK does not allow the sale of lab-grown meat. In August, Israel firm Aleph Farms became the first to apply to regulatory approval to sell slabs of lab-grown beef but it might take two years to receive a response. The government has promised to fast-track regulation that would make the approval of novel foods easier, but more details of this proposal are yet to emerge. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is on the rise among adults and researchers say smartphones could be partly to blame. Doctors have been trying to work out whether a steady rise in ADHD in adulthood is simply due to better screening or environmental and behavioral factors. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has linked people who use their smartphones for two or more hours per day are 10 percent more at risk of developing Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The disorder is primarily linked to young children, with the possibility that a child can grow out of it, but the distractions created by smartphones involving social media, texting, streaming music, and movies or TV are creating an ADHD epidemic among adults. ADHD is on the rise among adults, and constant smartphone use might be at fault Researchers theorize that social media bombards people with constant information, causing them to take frequent breaks from their tasks to check their phone. People who spend their free time using technology aren't allowing their brain to rest and focus on one single task, and the combined distractions can cause adults to develop shorter attention spans and become easily distracted. 'For a long time, the association between ADHD and heavy online use was a chicken-and-egg question in our field: Do people become heavy online consumers because they have ADHD and online life betters suits their attention span, or do they develop ADHD as a result of excessive online consumption?' Elias Aboujaoude, a behavioral psychiatrist at Stanford University, told StudyFinds. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can cause people to have a limited attention span, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that can impact their every-day life, including relationships and jobs, causing them to be less productive. Researchers say more adults may be 'growing into' ADHD because of the constant distraction smartphones pose, adding that people who constantly use their devices don't allow their brain to rest in default mode. 'It is legitimate to look at the possibility of acquired attention deficit,' John Ratey, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, told National Geographic. He said people are constantly pushed to multitask in today's society, and the omnipresent use of technology can cause screen addiction, potentially leading to a shorter attention span. ADHD has historically been defined as a genetic disorder that can be managed through medication and therapy. But researchers have now found that lifestyle changes later in life, like becoming too reliant on your smartphone, may make ADHD an acquired disorder. If a person is constantly on their phone checking social media, they may feel the need during work hours to take frequent breaks to see if someone commented or liked their post. The practice can almost become subconscious, making the person feel distracted during work or feel an inability to focus, which can develop into ADHD. The number of adults diagnosed with ADHD across the world jumped from 4.4 percent in 2003 to 6.3 percent in 2020. An estimated 8.7 million adults in the U.S. have ADHD while roughly six million children ages three to 17 years old are diagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ADHD can affect your ability to focus on relationships or at work 'That's about 366 million adults worldwide currently living with ADHD, which is roughly the population of the U.S.,' Russell Ramsay, co-founder of the Penn Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program for the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania told National Geographic. According to the study, evidence suggests that technology impacts brain function and behavior, leading to heightened ADHD symptoms including impaired emotional and social intelligence, technology addiction, social isolation, impaired brain development, and disrupted sleep. The researchers looked at several studies dating back to 2014 that analyzed the correlation between ADHD and media use. They reported that the studies found adolescents who didn't have symptoms of ADHD at the start of the studies, did show there was a 'significant association between more frequent use of digital media and symptoms of ADHD after 24 months of follow-up.' A separate study conducted in 2018 focused on whether smartphones contributed to teenagers developing ADHD symptoms over two years. That study found 4.6 percent of the 2,500 high school students who said they didn't use digital media frequently developed ADHD symptoms by the end of the study. Meanwhile, 9.5 percent of the teens who reported using social media frequently at the beginning of the study showed ADHD symptoms when the study concluded. For adults who want to shed the unwanted side effects that accompany overusing their smartphones, they should take steps to develop a healthy relationship with their technology including spending less time on their phone, setting phone time limits, and taking time to rest away from technology. Social media platforms are facing criticism for pushing algorithmic content on minors, but a new California bill aims to hold companies accountable. The SB 976 bill, also called the Protecting Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, will require social media companies to turn off algorithms for kids under the age of 18 and instead show them content from pages they already follow. The default feed should show posts by pages the users follow in chronological order, but the bill says it can be switched back to show the algorithmic content if the parent or user chooses. California Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) authored the bill and said social media companies need to stop prioritizing content intended to addict young users to the platforms. New California bill will require social media to show minors chronological content instead of algorithm-based feeds "Profit is being made off of our kids and at the expense of their well-being," Skinner said, adding that the new law "is designed to prevent these very preventable harms." The proposed bill would put safeguards in place that would give parents the right to remove algorithmic feeds from their childrens social media channels and prevent kids from accessing the app during school hours or at night. Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), who introduced the bill to tighten privacy protections for minors, said children will hugely benefit from changing the settings to only show who they follow rather than algorithm-based content. "We know there are some kids that will change the default setting," Wicks told the Los Angeles Times, "but the default setting is a very powerful tool." Last year, the U.S. surgeon general published a concerning report about the harmful effects social media can have on a childs mental health. Although social media platforms require users to be at least 13 years old to create a channel, nearly 40 percent of children ages eight through 12 use social media, according to the report. Minors who use social media for three or more hours a day have double the chances of experiencing mental health issues It added that minors between 12 and 15 years old who used social media for more than three hours per day faced double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes including symptoms of depression and anxiety. The lawmakers pushing for the Protecting Kids from Social Media Addiction Act cited the surgeon generals report when expressing why it is so important to pass the bill. They added that nearly half of the adolescents surveyed in the report said that social media made them feel worse about their body image, while some said they regularly saw hate-based content. "Social media companies, unfortunately, show us time and time again that they're all too willing to ignore the detriment to our children, the pain to our children; mental health and physical health challenges that they face in order to pursue profits," Attorney General Rob Bonta told ABC7 News. Bonta introduced the Protecting Youth from Social Media Addiction and California Children's Data Privacy Acts that would limit the danger linked to social media addiction. Social media companies have designed their platforms to addict users, especially our kids. Countless studies show that once a young person has a social media addiction, they experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, said Skinner, Weve waited long enough for social media companies to act. Thank goodness for a -5c winter's day. The frost and snow don't just emphasise the ethereal beauty of the winding lanes of Vilnius, the pale, painted 18th and 19th century buildings and skyline of exquisite cupolas and spires, but also give a hint of its dark history. Only a few decades ago, someone living here, who might have done nothing more than mutter a complaint about the authorities, might wake to a sinister knock on the door at 3am. Shoved into a car with blacked-out windows, they'd be taken off and locked up in one of the small, freezing cells that visitors can now peer into at the Museum of Occupation, former headquarters of the Soviet Union's KGB. Then they might have been tortured, sent to a Siberian work camp or just disappeared forever. Like the other two Baltic states, Latvia and Estonia, Lithuania spent almost 45 years, from the end of the Second World War until the collapse of Communism in 1990, in the brutal grip of the Soviet Union. The frost and snow emphasise the ethereal beauty of the winding lanes of Vilnius, says Adriaane Pielou It's a grim recent history that helps explain the unembarrassed patriotism and embrace of war heroes one constantly encounters. Shaking the snow off my boots and cautiously navigating the steps down into Dom Bow Ties, a little shop below one of the Old Town streets, I find myself in a fairy-lit world unexpectedly dominated by a photo of Winston Churchill. Old wooden display shelves line the bare brick walls of the former cellar. Laid are hundreds of different bow ties, priced from 18: plain, patterned, linen, silk, brocade. Churchill gazes down from one corner. 'My grandfather lived through the Second World War and he loved Churchill,' says the owner, Paulius. At the magnificent National Opera and Ballet Theatre, where a last-minute stalls seat costs me just 25, I get talking to a young music student. Adriaane shakes off the snow from her boots and navigates her way around the streets of the Old Town, pictured 'Russia is a neighbour, and we know what that neighbour is capable of,' says. 'My father was one of the Defenders who stood outside our parliament in 1991 when the Russian tanks came out. My father says if they come again, everyone in Vilnius will do what we need to do. Go to our Museum of Occupation and you will understand.' Pushing open the heavy front door (now pointedly bearing a Ukrainian flag) using the brass handle so many must have touched, I pay my entry fee (around 5) and step into a meticulously documented world of horror. Vilnius's Jewish population suffered most of all. By the end of the Second World War, more than 95 per cent had been murdered. Conducted by flashlight at night, harrowing 20 prison tours also take place at the old Lukiskes Prison, built in 1904, and now in part an arts centre with an outdoor sauna in the shape of an igloo. Harrowing 20 prison tours take place at the old Lukiskes Prison (pictured), built in 1904, and now in part an arts centre with an outdoor sauna in the shape of an igloo, says Adriaane TRAVEL FACTS Ryanair (ryanair.com) London to Vilnius from 56 return. Double rooms at the Relais & Chateaux Stikliai Hotel in the Old Town from 128 B&B (relaischateaux.com), 00 370 5 264 9595. Advertisement It is a relief, count- after that, to dip into one of Vilnius' countless warm, cheering cafes. On the corner of Stikliai Street, in the Old Town, one whose giant-candy-cane decorated exterior prompts every other passer-by to stop and snap a picture has the best cakes. Cheapest is Suliniai, the city's sole remaining Soviet-era cafe, with formica tables and a cabbage and pork smell. 'English!' says the unsmiling blue-overalled woman behind the counter, finally delivering my 50p cup of tea after initially denying she stocked tea at all. Her tea is almost as good a bargain as the 80p bus fare from Vilnius airport to the city centre. From spring 2024 - when Lithuania celebrates its 20th anniversary of joining the EU and NATO - Ryanair will be operating flights to Lithuania from an additional 15 cities across Europe. That almost guarantees tourists will pour in, prices will rise, and hotels such as the lovely Relais & Chateaux Stikliai might not remain the great bargain they are now. Sex and the City alum Kyle MacLachlan has revealed he would be keen to revisit his iconic character Trey MacDougal, and shared his idea for a potential cameo on the spin-off series, And Just Like That. Kyle, 64, portrayed Charlotte York's first husband on the groundbreaking HBO series, with the character leaving a lasting memory with fans thanks to his very intense mommy issues. Following the sad death of costar Frances Hussey Sternhagen - who played Trey's mother Bunny - in November, the actor revealed he would be keen to explore the character's life without his beloved mother. Opening up about what could happen if Charlotte, played by Kristin Davis, was to bump into Trey in a future episode of AJLT, Kyle told DailyMail.com: 'I would like to see some kind of growth of character. People change, obviously. 'It's a toss up, I think for the writers, because I think that the tendency is to try to find something funny, that would be completely inappropriate, and go down that road.' Kyle MacLachlan has revealed he would be keen to revisit his iconic Sex and the City character Trey MacDougal Kyle, 64, famously portrayed the first husband of Charlotte York, played by Kristin Davis (pictured) And Just Like That premiered in 2021 and saw Cynthia Nixon return as Miranda, Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw and Kristin Davis as Charlotte York-Goldenblatt (pictured L-R) Referencing a scene in which Charlotte caught Trey pleasuring himself in the bathroom, he continued: 'On one hand, remember that he was a fan of Juggs magazine. So I thought maybe he's married a woman that is 30 years younger, who has very large breasts, and this is now his thing. So maybe he really hasn't changed after all. 'But I'd like to think that there was some dynamic, or a world in which they could meet, and there could be something substantial there between the two of them, that would be nice to see.' Kyle starred on SATC between 2000 and 2002. But despite his short stint, his character became a fan favorite thanks to outlandish scenes highlighting his mommy issues, his impotence and his complete disregard for Charlotte's fertility struggles. Season four saw Trey bring home a cardboard baby for Charlotte as a joke, a scene that fans still bring up to the actor to this day. 'Some fans are like, "I can't believe that you thought a cardboard baby would work,"' the actor recalled. 'And I was like, "Listen, I'm right there with you."' Kyle, who founded Pursued by Bear wines, continued: 'When I read that in the script I actually went to the writers and said, "Is this just supposed to be funny?" I should have known that was the beginning of the end for Trey.' At first, Kyle had found the role 'challenging' because he had an 'unrealistic expectation' of what the character 'would be.' The actor shared his idea for a potential cameo on the spin-off series, And Just Like That ... in which Trey is married to a younger woman with 'very large breasts' The actor believes that it could be interesting to explore what the character is like without his beloved mother, who was played by the late Frances Hussey Sternhagen (pictured) Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis and Sarah Jessica Parker starred in Sex and The City from 1998 to 2004 The Twin Peaks star recalled: 'I was like, "Once again, I'm playing an unusual character with strange conditions. I think I just have to accept my fate."' Though his character's issues were often covered in a comical manner, Kyle admitted that the fact the show touched on topics such as impotence was much appreciated by fans. 'When we were working on it, it certainly was a little embarrassing,' the actor recalled. 'We didn't have social media at the level that we have today, but I would get responses from people saying these issues are actually serious... People would say "thank you for bringing this up". It's something worth talking about.' He continued: 'It seems like there's really nothing that we can't talk about these days, any issues at all. Everyone is much more aware and in tune that people have things that aren't exactly right and it's okay to talk about them. 'So I think maybe, in a way, it was a little ahead of its time.' The star, who famously played FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks, is now taking on a new challenge with his true crime podcast, Varnamtown. Over the course of eight episodes, the actor, and investigative journalist Joshua Davis, delve into the little known story of a small fishing village in North Carolina that reputedly did a deal with drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. The star, who famously played FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks, is now taking on a new challenge with his true crime podcast, Varnamtown For the podcast, the pair travelled to the town and knocked on doors in an effort to find out what happened and how so many in the small community succumbed to smuggling within Escobars drug trafficking network. Elsewhere the actor will soon be seen in Amazon Prime series, Fallout, which is based on the blockbuster video game of the same name. He plays Lucys father and the 'overseer' of Vault 33 - making him the mayor of their hometown. And Just Like That premiered in 2021 with a second season dropping last year. Production on season three was delayed by the Hollywood writers' strike. Filming has not yet begun, and Max has confirmed it will not return to screens until 2025. Putin vs The West: At War Rating: Dr Xand's Con Or Cure Rating: Wars aren't won by soundbites, more's the pity for Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukraine president has a poet's gift for rhetoric. 'If you don't help Ukraine today,' he warned the West as Russia attacked in 2022, 'then tomorrow the war will knock on your door.' That grim prediction seems increasingly likely to come true. Of the many ministers and diplomats analysing the invasion in Putin vs The West: At War (BBC2), Zelensky possesses by far the greatest flair for the dramatic. Addressing the European Council via video link from his capital, Kyiv, he warned, 'I don't know if this is the last time we'll see each other. Boris showed his contempt for Russia's bluster by joining Zelensky on a walkabout around Kyiv, though he admitted he kept scanning the rooftops for snipers What the West sent has not been enough to secure victory, only an endless attritional stalemate I don't know if I will still be alive in the coming hours.' He is alive, but the physical toll this war has taken on him is unmistakable. Clips revealed he has aged 20 years in as many months. Zelensky was an actor before he was a politician, and he knows how to wring the emotions, as Britain's ambassador to the United Nations, Barbara Woodward, revealed. Speaking on screen at a UN conference, he announced he wanted to show a video illustrating the inhumanity of Russian troops. 'This video probably lasted for no more than a minute,' Woodward said, 'but you can pack a lot of atrocity into a minute.' Viewers of this two-part documentary were spared the worst, but Zelensky's point was powerfully made. So too was his plea for aid: 'You have at least 20,000 tanks,' he told Nato leaders, before asking for, 'one per cent of your battle tanks, one per cent of your planes, one per cent of your artillery. Give it to us or sell it to us.' What the West sent has not been enough to secure victory, only an endless attritional stalemate. This episode offered few criticisms of Nato's cautious response, though Boris Johnson did express his frustration that we were unable to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. This might have saved thousands of civilian lives but the risk of provoking Russia into all-out war on Europe was judged to be too great. 'No matter who tries to stop us,' threatened Vladimir Putin, 'Russia's response will be unrelenting and it will lead you to such consequences as you have never faced in your history.' Boris showed his contempt for Russia's bluster by joining Zelensky on a walkabout around Kyiv, though he admitted he kept scanning the rooftops for snipers. Whether that really was the Kremlin kingpin talking or just a Putin lookalike wasn't clear. Dr Xand van Tulleken was investigating rumours and exploding fake news as the morning medical show Con Or Cure (BBC1) returned Mind you, anyone stupid enough to pull their own head off because of something they saw on TikTok is unlikely to listen to a doctor's advice Of all the conspiracy theories and misinformation stirred up by this war, the rumour I enjoy best is that Western intelligence agencies believe the real dictator has a pet goat which is his constant companion. If the goat isn't nearby, it's not actually Putin. Dr Xand van Tulleken was investigating rumours and exploding fake news as the morning medical show Con Or Cure (BBC1) returned. 'Today,' he announced, 'we're asking the question, does cheese at night give you bad dreams?' Scientific evidence disproves this old wives' tale, he said, ignoring the more obvious issue of whether it gives you bad breath. No one wants to share a pillow with a partner who has just scoffed a slab of Stilton. He and co-presenter Ashley John-Baptiste also warned us against the internet craze for 'neck-cracking' or twisting your head till your vertebrae pop. Explaining why this could cause a fatal stroke, he waggled the skull of a skeleton called Skinny Pete. Mind you, anyone stupid enough to pull their own head off because of something they saw on TikTok is unlikely to listen to a doctor's advice. Chrissy Teigen now realizes she probably wasn't the best girlfriend to now husband John Legend during the first few years of their relationship. 'Going to his shows when I was younger, like when we had first met, and he would pull up a girl for the slow dance and we would fight about this like at the end of the night,' the 38-year-old Cravings founder admitted on SiriusXM show Radio Andy last Tuesday. 'Like, I was so jealous and so unhinged.' Host Andy Cohen replied: 'With all due [respect], I cannot believe he stayed with you. Like, if you were b****ing about this portion at the beginning of your relationship? He must be so in love with you! I'd be like, "F*** this! If you're b****ing at about this now?!"' Chrissy shot back: 'I know! Oh that was not the only thing!' Chrissy Teigen now realizes she probably wasn't the best girlfriend to now husband John Legend during the first few years of their relationship (pictured in 2008) The 38-year-old Cravings founder admitted on Radio Andy Tuesday: 'Going to his shows when I was younger, like when we had first met, and he would pull up a girl for the slow dance and we would fight about this like at the end of the night. Like, I was so jealous and so unhinged' Teigen proceeded to tell the story of how she reacted at watching the 45-year-old EGOT champ seductively dance with an uncredited video vixen on the set of his Green Light music video in 2008. 'I was sitting there watching the monitor. And [John] was just simply talking to a girl. It was a party scene,' the Mulligan actress recalled. 'And I got in my car [and peeled away]. I just wasn't well.' Chrissy clearly had trust issues considering she originally met Legend (born Stephens) in 2006 while serving video vixen duties for his Stereo music video, and they promptly 'closed the deal the first night.' However, the Ohio-born R&B belter chose not to make his official red carpet debut as a couple with Teigen until the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008, and they got engaged three years later. The married couple of a decade are now proud parents of four children - daughter Luna, 7; son Miles, 5; daughter Esti, 1; and son Wren, 7 months. Chrissy and John aborted their son Jack, at 20 weeks gestation, in 2020 when their doctor informed them that she and the baby would not survive otherwise. 'How are you now?' the 55-year-old presenter asked. Host Andy Cohen replied: 'With all due [respect], I cannot believe he stayed with you. Like, if you were b****ing about this portion at the beginning of your relationship? He must be so in love with you! I'd be like, "F*** this! If you're b****ing at about this now?!"' Chrissy shot back: 'I know! Oh that was not the only thing!' Teigen proceeded to tell the story of how she reacted at watching the 45-year-old EGOT champ (R) seductively dance with an uncredited video vixen (L) on the set of his Green Light music video in 2008 The Mulligan actress recalled: 'I was sitting there watching the monitor. And [John] was just simply talking to a girl. It was a party scene' Chrissy continued: 'And I got in my car [and peeled away]. I just wasn't well' Teigen clearly had trust issues considering she originally met Legend (born Stephens) in 2006 while serving video vixen duties for his Stereo music video, and they promptly 'closed the deal the first night' However, the Ohio-born R&B belter chose not to make his official red carpet debut as a couple with the half-Thai Utah native until the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008 (pictured), and they got engaged three years later The married couple of a decade are now proud parents of four children - daughter Luna, 7; son Miles, 5; daughter Esti, 1; and son Wren, 7 months (pictured November 23) 'How are you now?' the 55-year-old presenter asked Chrissy replied: 'Great. Fantastic. Honestly couldn't care less. Now I see it. I look at it and I'm like it's such a positive, fun fan experience' Teigen is next scheduled to appear on Monday's episode of Andy's boozy Bravo talk show Watch What Happens Live alongside Below Deck's Kate Chastain The reformed cyberbully and chef David Chang (R) have been hard at work promoting their five-episode dinner party talk show Chrissy and Dave Eat Out, which airs Wednesdays on Freeform (and Thursdays on Hulu) Teigen replied: 'Great. Fantastic. Honestly couldn't care less. Now I see it. I look at it and I'm like it's such a positive, fun fan experience.' The half-Thai Utah native is next scheduled to appear on Monday's episode of Andy's boozy Bravo talk show Watch What Happens Live alongside Below Deck's Kate Chastain. Chrissy and chef David Chang have been hard at work promoting their five-episode dinner party talk show Chrissy and Dave Eat Out, which airs Wednesdays on Freeform (and Thursdays on Hulu). Teigen will officially open her first-ever Cravings pop-up bakery at Shopify LA at ROW DTLA from May 18-21 between 11am-5pm. The reformed cyberbully's lifestyle brand originated with her 2016 cookbook Cravings. Ayo Edebiri has pulled out of plans to star in Marvel Studio's Thunderbolts. The actress, 28, who won an Emmy for her work in The Bear. alongside Jeremy Allen White, 32, had to step away from the project due to scheduling conflicts created as a result of the 118 day actors strike. Geraldine Viswanathan, 28, will step in to replace Ayo, Deadline reported. The Miracle Workers star shared the article on social media and wrote, 'Thank you to my friend @ayoedebiri for being too booked,' tagging the Golden Globe winner in the post. The Australian actress is best known for her breakout role in the 2018 film Blockers. Geraldine Viswanathan, 28, will step in to replace Ayo Edebiri, 28, in Marvel Studio's Thunderbolts. The Emmy winning The Bear actress was forced to pull out of the project due to scheduling conflicts That film and her performance in Netflix's The Package helped her land on The Hollywood Reporter's 2018 'Next Gen Talent' list. The actress who is skilled in drama and comedy starred as the title character in the Apple+ drama Hala which won the grand jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019. According to the outlet, the young actress knew she'd 'made it' when Mindy Kaling followed her on social media. 'That was a real pinch-me moment,' she said. 'For a brown girl who loves comedy, it's like, come on, Mindy Kaling?!' What she will be doing in Thunderbolts is a mystery as the plot is being kept under lock and key. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the cast being assembled will be the counterparts of DC Comic's the Suicide Squad, as people with special talents who will do the dirty work the Avengers cant take on. Producers have announced that some Marvel favorites would be showing up in the new action adventure. Florence Pugh will reprise her Black Widow role as Yelena Belova, and her on-screen dad David Harbour will now be known as Red Guardian. The Australian actress shared the story on social media Monday writing, 'Thank you to my friend @ayoedebiri for being too booked,' tagging the Golden Globe winner in the post (Pictured in New York in January 2020) Florence Pugh will reprise her Black Widow role as Yelena Belova in Thunderbolts. Julia Louis-Dreyfus will return as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine Black Widow's Olga Kurylenko will appear as Taskmaster, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus will return as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Sebastian Stan will will reprise his role as Winter Soldier and Wyatt Russell will return as U.S. Agent John Walker, and Hannah John-Kamen from the Ant-man franchise will resume her role as Ghost. Lewis Pullman is reportedly the top choice to replace Steven Yeun who has also had to back out due to scheduling conflicts. Thunderbolts is due to roar into theaters in July 2025. That's So Raven actor Orlando Brown was ejected from the Los Angeles restaurant TAO on Sunday evening after a bizarre incident involving a staffer at the upscale eatery. The Los Angeles native, 36, was caught on camera in a clip initially published on TMZ Monday, in which he berated a staffer at the restaurant at high volumes in a profane rant, attracting attention from other diners. Brown, who portrayed the role of Eddie Thomas on 100 episodes of That's So Raven between 2003-2007, was seen holding his iPhone recording the interactions in the clip. The outburst from Brown - who has past made headlines for problematic behavior - led to security guards leading him away from his table and out of the restaurant. Diners who were at the establishment on Sunday told TMZ that the trouble commenced when Brown was 'shouting at other patrons' and that he 'went off' on restaurant personnel who sought to calm him down. That's So Raven actor Orlando Brown, 36, was ejected from the Los Angeles restaurant TAO on Sunday evening after a bizarre incident involving a staffer at the upscale eatery Brown was seen holding his iPhone recording the interactions in the clip In the clip published on the website, Brown was calling one staffer a nasty name and likened the person's appearance to the late 80s serial killer Richard 'The Night Stalker' Ramirez. 'Get behind me Satan - I'm Jesus - get the f*** out of here Satan!' Brown told the staffer. As he was being tossed out of the restaurant, Brown took a cue from Al Pacino's Tony Montana character in Scarface, causing commotion as he commanded the attention of the packed restaurant. 'Everybody enjoy your night, I'm sorry for f****ing up your s***, my name is Orlando Brown, I am Satan and Lucifer's son - f*** everybody!' he said. Brown in recent years has made more headlines for his actions off-camera than in front of it, as he's dealt with numerous arrests, and stints in jail as well as rehab facilities. In February of 2023, a lawyer for the one-time Disney actor asked a court for a mental health check that could open the door to an insanity plea in a domestic violence case he was dealing with stemming from a December 2022 arrest in Ohio. Brown faced legal issues in 2016 in which he was accused of battering a woman he was purportedly dating in a parking lot in Torrance, California. After missing a court hearing on the matter, a warrant had been issued for his arrest, and he was taken into custody two times later that year in incidents stemming from the aforementioned allegation and legal fallout. Brown berated a staffer at the restaurant at high volumes in a profane rant, attracting attention from other diners The actor created an uncomfortable atmosphere at the eatery with his unrestrained yelling In the clip published on the website, Brown was calling one staffer a nasty name and likened the person's appearance to that of an infamous serial killer The outburst from Brown led to security guards leading him away from his table and out of the restaurant As he was being tossed out of the restaurant, Brown took a cue from Al Pacino's Tony Montana character in Scarface, causing commotion as he commanded the attention of the packed restaurant A spate of troubling incidents have put a damper on a once-promising career Brown embarked on as a child star in the 1990s He faced further legal troubles in September 2018 after he was arrested at a Las Vegas restaurant in connection with allegations of burglary. The string of incidents have put a damper on a once-promising career Brown embarked on as a child star in the 1990s, with appearances in films such as Major Payne and A Walton Easter, and shows including The Wayans Bros.; Sister, Sister and Family Matters. In 2016, his character was recast on a reboot of That's So Raven amid the spate of controversies he had amassed. Glenn Close revealed that Robin Williams might 'be alive' today had his friend Christopher Reeve not passed away. The Fatal Attraction star, 76, spoke about the close bond the late comedian and the Superman actor shared in the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. 'I always felt that if Chris was still around, Robin would still be alive,' the actress, who starred alongside Williams in 1982's The World According to Garp, said in the film, as per People. After decades of struggling with bipolar disorder and addiction, Robin committed suicide in 2014 at the age of 63, by hanging himself with a belt. Reeve died in 2004 from cardiac arrest at the age of 52, nine years after a spinal cord injury from a horseback riding accident left him paralyzed. Glenn Close revealed that Robin Williams might 'be alive' today had his friend Christopher Reeve not passed away; She is seen in January The Fatal Attraction star, 76, spoke about the close bond the late comedian and the Superman actor shared in the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story; The duo pictured in 1985 The pair became close friends in 1973, after they studied and roomed together at New York's Juilliard School. Close also recounted how Reeve was 'terrified that he could die at any moment' after his accident and how his close friendship with Williams gave him strength. Close shared she was 'convinced' the actor would still be alive if his friend was, while attending the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation's annual 'A Magical Evening' Gala in 2017. 'Their friendship, their connection, is the stuff of legend. It not only endured, but became a life-giving force sustaining them both,' she shared at the time, as reported by ET News. 'On Friday evenings, Chris would literally swoop in, piloting his own plane, scoop Robin up, and away they would fly for the weekend,' she shared about the time they were filming Garp. 'On Sunday, late afternoon, Chris would swoop back in and deliver Robin back I have to say a little worse for wear.' Close said she saw Reeve and Williams as being 'on top of the world' during their friendship. 'They were living the kind of fast and crazy life that our business can hand to you if you become a wildly famous phenomenon, practically overnight.' Williams had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, something he had kept secret, but an autopsy performed after his death on August 11, 2014, revealed he had been misdiagnosed and had instead been suffering from Lewy body dementia. 'I always felt that if Chris was still around, Robin would still be alive,' the actress said in the film, as per People; Reeves and Williams pictured in 1997 The pair became close friends in 1973, after they studied and roomed together at New York's Juilliard School; Pictured in 1979 Williams died in 2014 at the age of 63 by suicide; Pictured in 2009 Reeve died in 2004 from cardiac arrest at the age of 52, nine years after a spinal cord injury from a horseback riding accident left him paralyzed; Pictured in 2000 The official cause of death was 'asphyxia by hanging'. Toxicology reports revealed Williams had antidepressants, caffeine and levodopa, a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease, in his system. Meanwhile at the age of 42 in 1995, Superman star Reeve was left paralyzed from the neck down after being thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia. He relied upon a wheelchair and ventilator for the rest of his life. Reeve notably portrayed the iconic superhero, Superman, in the film Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987). The documentary about his life had its world premiere on January 21st at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story features interviews with Reeve's three children Matthew, Alexandra, and Will, as well as wife Dana, who died in 2006 from lung cancer. All three children work with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation which aims to cure spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. The documentary also features accounts from Reeve's friends, including Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jeff Daniels. The film follows his rise to fame as one of Hollywood's most beloved stars. It depicts Reeve's battle with the 'darkest thoughts' after his paralysis - telling his wife Dana: 'Maybe we should let me go; with Dana responding: 'Youre still you and I love you.' Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story features interviews with Reeve's three children Matthew, Alexandra, and Will, as well as wife Dana, who died in 2006 from lung cancer He later said: 'When Dana whispered those life-saving words to me... it meant more to me than just a personal declaration of faith and commitment.' 'In a sense it was an affirmation that marriage and family stood at the center of everything, and if both were intact, so was your universe.' The film, directed by Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui, left Sundance audience members in tears upon its premiere. It is largely narrated by Reeve thanks to the two audiobook versions of his memoirs. One Life to Live star Amanda Davies has died at 42. Davies played the teenage version of her real-life mother Erika Slezaks character, Victoria 'Viki' Lord, on the popular ABC soap opera. The Daytime Emmy-winning actress, 77, confirmed her daughter's passing on Monday, via her website, sharing the star passed 'very suddenly'. 'It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Erika's daughter Amanda Elizabeth Davies, who died very suddenly,' the message read. 'The family is heartbroken and would appreciate privacy at this time.' The cause of death has not yet been revealed. One Life to Live star Amanda Davies (R) has died at 42; Pictured with her mother, soap opera legend Erika Slezak, 77, in 2011 The Daytime Emmy-winning actress confirmed her daughter's passing on Monday, sharing the star passed 'very suddenly'; They are seen at the Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 1995 Davies is survived by her mother, actor father Brian Davies, 85, and brother Michael, 43. Slezak welcomed Amanda with Brian in 1981. He is known for roles in American Gigolo, Convoy, and The Age of Innocence. Slezak played Viki on One Life To Live from 1971 until the television finale in 2012. She won six Daytime Emmy Awards during her time on the show - the most of any daytime drama actress. Later on her daughter Amanda played the character in a number of flashbacks in 2002 and in 2013, when the show was revived as a web series. Slezak is the daughter of Walter Slezak, who is a Tony-winning actor, famous for starring in Alfred Hitchcock's Lifeboat. This is the second death to affect the One Life To Live cast in less than two months. Actor Kamar de los Reyes, who played cop Antonio Vega, died on Christmas Eve at the age of 56, following a battle with cancer. The cause of death has not yet been revealed; Erika pictured with Amanda Davies is survived by her mother, actor father Brian Davies, 85, and brother Michael, 43; Seen at the Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 1992 Davies played the teenage version of her real-life mother Erika Slezaks character, Victoria 'Viki' Lord, on the popular ABC soap opera; Slezak seen in a 2006 still Slezak played Viki from 1971 until 2012. She won a record-breaking six Daytime Emmy Awards. Amanda played the character in a number of flashbacks in 2002 and in 2013; Slezak seen in 2013 This is the second death to affect the One Life To Live cast in less than two months. Actor Kamar de los Reyes, who played cop Antonio Vega, died on Christmas Eve at the age of 56, following a battle with cancer; Pictured in March 2022 It remains unclear what type of cancer Kamar had been battling or even when it was diagnosed as it seems like those details were kept very close to the vest. He first began his signature role as Antonio Vega on One Life To Live in 1995. His character was a former gang member who had unjustly served time in prison for a murder which had been done in self-defense. Kamar would go on to leave the daytime drama series in 1998 but would return two years later in 2000. He ultimately would remain on the program - with his character evolving into a lawyer and then a cop - until 2013 when it met its demise. GLOBALink | Int'l students experience Spring Festival traditions in NW China's Ningxia Pub Date:24-01-30 09:13 Source:Xinhua Thirty-seven international students from Ningxia Medical University in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region have gathered in an activity to experience the traditions of the Spring Festival. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Editor:Zheng Chen Related News China's SOEs log revenue growth in 2023 China-Russia trade fair inks cooperation d... China's bond market issuances total 71 tri... Dragon-related products see explosive sale... Australia's youngest MP has slammed the Nine Network for airing a doctored photograph of herself during its Melbourne news bulletin on Monday night. Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell, 31, lashed out at the network via X (formerly Twitter) for using a photo that was Photoshopped to make her breasts look bigger. Ms Purcell was featured in the Nine News bulletin after she publicly slammed Premier Jacinta Allan's decision not to ban duck shooting in Victoria. In her post, the heavily tattooed politician shared the image from the segment alongside the original photo, which was taken last year. 'I endured a lot yesterday. But having my body and outfit photoshopped by a media outlet was not on my bingo card,' she wrote on Tuesday morning. Australia's youngest MP Georgie Purcell, 31, (centre) has slammed the Nine Network for airing a doctored photograph of herself during Monday nights Nine News Melbourne bulletin. Ms Purcell is pictured next to Jacinta Allan in the graphic, in a bulletin presented by Nine newsreader Alicia Loxley 'Note the enlarged boobs and outfit to be made more revealing. Cant imagine this happening to a male MP. What gives?' The image used by Nine also showed Ms Purcell wearing a crop top that showed her bare midriff. Ms Purcell noted this couldn't have been her body for one very obvious reason - she has had her stomach tattooed since 2020. Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell, 31, lashed out at the network via X (formerly Twitter ) for using a photo that was Photoshopped to make her breasts look bigger. In her post, the heavily tattooed politician shared the image from the segment (left) alongside the original photo (right) 'Hot tip 9 I've got my whole stomach tattooed,' she wrote. Director of 9News Melbourne Hugh Nailon issued a grovelling apology to Ms Purcell on Tuesday after Daily Mail Australia approached the network for comment. 'I would like to sincerely apologise to Georgie Purcell for a graphic error that occurred in last night's bulletin,' Mr Nailon's statement read. The image used by Nine showed Ms Purcell wearing a crop top that showed her bare midriff. Ms Purcell noted this couldn't have been her body for one very obvious reason - she has had her stomach tattooed since 2020 'Our graphics department sourced an online image of Georgie to use in our story on duck hunting. As is common practice, the image was resized to fit our specs. During that process, the automation by Photoshop created an image that was not consistent with the original. 'This did not meet the high editorial standards we have and for that we apologise to Ms Purcell unreservedly.' Ms Purcell is the youngest woman in any Australian parliament and the second youngest ever to be elected to Victoria's Legislative Council. Ms Purcell is the youngest woman in any Australian parliament and the second youngest ever to be elected to Victoria's Legislative Council She recently opened up to Daily Mail Australia about the horrifying moment photos of her working as a stripper while studying law at uni were leaked online. Then aged 19, she thought her future dreams of working in law or politics were over she came across the photos posted on Facebook. 'I worked far away from where I studied and grew up so I wouldn't meet anyone I knew, and while I felt there was nothing wrong with that line of work, I knew many others would think otherwise,' Ms Purcell said. 'Then one day I was sitting at the hairdresser and when I logged into Facebook, I saw I was tagged in a picture without my consent which showed me working as a stripper and there were tonnes of comments. 'I grew up in a small country town in Geelong so everyone kind of knows everyone and it just spread really quickly and viciously.' Kate Walsh showcased her incredible sense of style as she arrived to Melbourne Airport on Monday. The Grey's Anatomy star, 56, was dressed head to toe in designer labels, including a $2,500 Dries Van Noten floral bomber jacket and $2,000 drawstring trousers. Her pants featured a green and burgundy bouquet print down the legs, while the jacket had gold sleeves and floral patterns across the front. Kate channelled her Emily In Paris character Madeline as she accessorised with even more designer labels for her flight. The American actress held a large turquoise Chanel flap bag across her body while carrying a Louis Vuitton duffle bag in her hand. Kate Walsh showcased her incredible sense of style as she stepped out at Melbourne Airport on Monday Completing her look, Kate rocked a pair of red cat eye sunglasses, a straw hat and a chunky gold chained necklace. She was joined by her Aussie farmer fiance Andrew Nixon, who she met in 2020. The pair were both chatting as they strolled through the airport, with Kate regularly pointing at the designer stores and eateries they passed. Kate has settled into her new life in Perth, Western Australia after finding love with her fellow Aussie beau. The Grey's Anatomy star, 56, was dressed head to toe in designer labels, including a $2,500 Dries Van Noten floral bomber jacket and $2,000 drawstring trousers Her pants featured a green to burgundy bouquet print down the legs, while the jacket had gold sleeves and floral patterns across the front The actress relocated to the isolated state nearly four years ago after getting engaged to the Western Australian farmer. She recently revealed she had fallen in love with Australia's laid back lifestyle and was happy to call Perth home. 'I really love Western Australia I think nature here eclipses everything. It drives me,' she told news.com.au. She was joined by her Aussie fiance Andrew Nixon Kate channelled her Emily In Paris character Madeline as she accessorised with even more designer labels. The American actress carried a large turquoise Chanel flap bag across her body 'I like the slowness. It's really good for me. And then you go back overseas and you're like, "Oh my god. People are insane,'' she added. Walsh then said she often flew to America for filming and then returned to Australia when she was free to spend more time with her fiance. 'I feel very fortunate I can pop back to LA, go to work, and then come back here and live my best life.' 'I needed my life to be a lot more balanced. And then, I fell in love with an Aussie, and here I am. I love it. I'm very grateful,' she added. She carried a Louis Vuitton duffle bag in the other hand Kate has settled into her new life in Perth , Western Australia after finding love with her fellow Aussie beau The California native reportedly met Andrew, of Nixon Farming, on a cruise just before the start of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. The Nixon family have been farming predominantly malt barley and canola in the Moora/New Norcia area of Western Australia for close to 100 years, according to their website. This will be the second time down the aisle for Kate, who ended her 15-month marriage to Day Shift executive producer Alex Young in 2010. The showbiz couple legally separated in 2008. They cited the celeb favourite 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the split. Maya Jama made sure all eyes were on her in a strapless black leather dress as she posed for stunning Instagram snaps on Monday. The ITV2 host, 28, looked nothing short of sensational in the racy plunging number as she posed up a storm ahead of entering the Love Island villa. She styled her long dark tresses in a neat half up do and accessorised with a chunky silver bangle. Maya was seen sitting in her glam chair as her team applied a flawless palette of makeup while she checked her phone. The former BBC Radio 1 presenter simply penned a black heart emoji. Maya Jama made sure all eyes were on her in a strapless black leather dress as she posed for stunning Instagram snaps on Monday The ITV2 host, 28, looked nothing short of sensational in the racy plunging number as she posed up a storm ahead of entering the Love Island villa It comes after Maya revealed she has got a new ankle tattoo as she posed for an Instagram video on Sunday teasing the inking. The Love Island host seemed in high spirits as she beamed at the camera while lying on her front on a bed as the artist drew the design of a lion on her ankle. Maya showcased her incredible figure during the outing in a pair of blue denim long shorts which she teamed with a white crop top. Speaking to the camera and giving fans a glimpse into her new inking, she said: 'So we have basically decided to get a tattoo on a hangover. 'I didn't know what I wanted until about two seconds ago. I've decided to get a lion.' It comes as Maya is reportedly being lined up to host the 2024 BRIT awards alongside two mystery presenters, after Mo Gilligan, 35, stepped down. The presenter, who has been hosting the Love Island's winter and summer editions, as well as the spin-off AfterSun for over a year, has been a huge hit with audiences. Maya, who took over as Love Island presenter from Laura Whitmore, 38, has previously hosted BBC makeup series Glow Up, Walk the Line and Crouchy's Year-Late Euros: Live. She styled her long dark tresses in a neat half up do and accessoSrised with a chunky silver bangle Maya was seen sitting in her glam chair as her team applied a flawless palette of makeup while she checked her phone It comes after Maya revealed she has got a new ankle tattoo as she posed for an Instagram video on Sunday teasing the inking The TV personality also garnered heaps of praise for her red-carpet reporting role at the music awards in 2022 and is said to have impressed ITV bosses. An insider told The Sun: 'She is the hottest presenter in the UK right now and is ideal for the presenting cast. 'There has been six years of solo male hosts, so it's time to mix up the formula and there is a lot of buzz about the new line-up.' If Maya - who is dating rapper Stormzy - took on the role, she would be the first female presenter since 2017 when Emma Willis hosted alongside Dermot O'Leary. MailOnline have contacted ITV and Maya's reps for comment. The organisers of the music event declined to comment. Patsy Palmer was all smiles as she enjoyed a walk on the beach in Malibu with pals and posed for Instagram snaps on Monday ahead of her huge EastEnders return. The TV legend, 51, looked stylish in an eye catching green cardigan which she teamed with a plain white T-shirt and blue ripped denim jeans. Leaving her long waved auburn tresses loose, Patsy wrapped her arms around her two friends as they posed in front of the picturesque ocean while the sunset. It comes as Patsy was spotted on-set for the first time ahead of her brief return to screens as Bianca Jackson in the BBC soap. Her character Bianca first hit screens in 1993 before Patsy quit in 1999 to spend more time with her family. She returned to screens in 2002 for a special and made further returns in 2009 and 2019, before her upcoming comeback. Patsy Palmer was all smiles as she enjoyed a walk on the beach in Malibu with pals and posed for Instagram snaps on Monday ahead of her huge EastEnders return It comes as Patsy was spotted on-set for the first time ahead of her brief return to screens as Bianca Jackson in the BBC soap Last week, Patsy was seen filming alongside her on-screen daughter Shona McGarty, James Farrar and Natalie Cassidy alongside a police car in a move that will no doubt delight long-time fans of the show. During the evening scene, heavily pregnant Whitney (played by Shona McGarty), can be seen walking into trouble as she tries to look out for a young mysterious girl. Bianca, Zack, and Sonia were also spotted trying to lend Whitney a helping hand. However, things quickly spiral out of control when the four of them come across the young girl's mother, who is also a drug addict, and a violent fight breaks out. Tragedy then quickly struck after heavily pregnant Whitney suddenly gets hit by a car, sparking speculation that the star could be about to have a heartbreaking end to her time on the show. During the devastating scene, Zack and Sonia can be seen looking on in utter shock as they witness Whitney being run over and the scene ends on a dramatic cliffhanger. However, fans will have to wait and see whether this tragic accident will be linked to her exit. Patsy announced her return to the soap earlier in the month, writing: 'I'm so excited to be reprising the role of Bianca. EastEnders holds such a special place in my heart, so it's always a pleasure to be back.' The TV legend, 51, looked stylish in an eye catching green cardigan as she wrapped her arms around two friends while posing in front of the picturesque ocean as the sunset It comes after Shona McGarty, 31, revealed last year that she would be quitting the soap after portraying Whitney for 15 years, after joining at the age of 16 in 2008. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday about her decision to leave Albert Square, Shona said: 'I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show.' A source told the publication that it 'wasn't an easy decision' but that Shona feels now is the right time to 'try something new.' They added: 'She is hoping the door will be left open for her character to return one day, but nothing is guaranteed and it is all in the hands of the scriptwriters.' As the adopted daughter of the infamous Bianca (played by Patsy), Whitney was part of several hard-hitting storylines. In 2008 Whitney was groomed and abused by her onscreen mum's partner and in 2020 she killed deranged Leo King for the soap's 35th anniversary. It is thought Shona will pursue a singing career, something she hasn't shied away from. The source told The Sun: 'As well as acting, Shona loves singing and has a real musical talent, so that is one of the options available.' The star narrowly missed out on winning the Best Leading Performer at last year's British Soap Awards, but EastEnders bagged the big prize Best British Soap. Married At First Sight may have just debuted their most eccentric bride to date. Lucinda Light, 43, appeared on Tuesday night's episode of the 2024 season and caused quite a stir when she met her TV 'husband' Timothy. The Byron Bay marriage celebrant and MC is known as a free-spirited, grounded 'earth mama', while 51-year-old Timothy is a down-to-earth business owner from Melbourne. Ahead of their wedding ceremony, Timothy showed concern that his bride would be a 'spiritual, energy type'. He stood corrected when Lucinda invited a celebrant to begin their nuptials with a smoke ceremony, waving a white-feathered 'chicken wing' in the air to 'cleanse away any negativity'. Married At First Sight may have just debuted their most eccentric bride to date. Lucinda Light, 43, appeared on Tuesday night's episode of the 2024 season and caused quite a stir when she met her TV 'husband' Timothy Timothy struggled to keep it together, while Lucinda appeared completely immersed in the smoke. 'When they were waving that chicken wing, I felt very uncomfortable,' Timothy told the cameras. 'It was a real chicken wing! I wasn't in the moment... I was thinking, "Where'd they get the chicken wing from?" The Byron Bay marriage celebrant and MC is known as a free-spirited, grounded 'earth mama', while 51-year-old Timothy (pictured) is a down-to-earth business owner from Melbourne At the ceremony, Lucinda invited a celebrant to begin their nuptials with a smoke ritual, waving a white-feathered 'chicken wing' in the air to 'cleanse away any negativity' 'Like, was it a sacrificial chicken or did they just find that wing?' The businessman begged for something to fall from the sky and save him when to his surprise, an unexpected rainstorm rolled in and completely washed out the pair's special day. Guests frantically raced inside for shelter, while one pregnant attendee almost 'had her baby' in the run for cover. Timothy struggled to keep it together He said it made him 'very uncomfortable' But Lucinda appeared completely immersed in the smoke The gloomy weather, which Lucinda said made her special day even better, temporarily prevented the couple from exchanging vows. But as the rain and clouds cleared, the ceremony recommenced with Lucinda sharing her heartfelt vows. Her soft and caring words sparked Timothy to change his first impressions of his bride. The businessman begged for something to fall from the sky and save him when to his surprise, an unexpected rainstorm rolled in and completely washed out the pair's special day Guests frantically raced inside for shelter during the freak storm One pregnant attendee almost 'had her baby' in the run for cover 'You can see she's just got a great heart,' Timothy said. 'We are definitely opposites. But Lucinda surprised me. She's a beautiful person.' The newlyweds shared not one, but three first kisses at the altar, before walking down the aisle together as husband and wife. 'So far, so good!' a thrilled Lucinda told producers of her match. Married At First Sight Australia continues Wednesday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine and 9Now. Deal or No Deal host Grant Denyer has reassured fans the reboot of the show is not rigged. The former weatherman, 46, made the comments after a woman plucked from the studio audience recently won an eye-watering $20,000 on the guessing game show. Replying to a suggestion that lucky contestant Rhiannon Maxwell knew she was going to be picked, Grant said, 'Absolutely not'. 'We havent cheated that at all. They are completely blind,' he said in an interview with industry blog TV Tonight on Tuesday. He then joked: 'Youll see by the reactions because Australians arent great actors.' Deal or No Deal host Grant Denyer has reassured fans the reboot of the show is not rigged. The former weatherman, 46, made the comments after a woman plucked from the studio audience recently won an eye-watering $20,000 on the guessing game show 'They [in the studio audience] absolutely dont know theyre going to be picked. Everyone that weve picked so far has had no idea.' Grant recently discussed the changes made to Channel 10's tea-time favourite, which premiered on Monday. The revamped Deal or No Deal no longer features a line-up of glamorous models. It was a role etched in history after the future Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle served as one such model between 2006 and 2007 on the U.S. version of the show. 'We havent cheated that at all. They are completely blind,' he said in an interview with industry blog TV Tonight on Tuesday Instead, it is the contestants who will have to open the the show's signature briefcases. Grant also explained to TV Tonight on Friday the show has been cut from an hour to thirty minutes. 'Weve reduced the amount of cases from 26 to 22 to accommodate that, allow a little bit more room for it to breathe and just be a bit more playful,' he said in the interview. 'Theres a bit more heart and humanity in there. Its kind of surprised me actually. I was expecting it to be good, but I wasnt expecting it to be great and Im bloody loving it.' Originally screening on Channel Seven, Deal or No Deal was axed in 2014 after running for a decade. The revamped Deal or No Deal no longer features a line-up of glamorous models. It was a role etched in history after the future Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle served as one such model between 2006 and 2007 on the U.S. version of the show Debuting in 2003, Deal or No Deal was hosted by Andrew O'Keefe, who has since had a very public battle with drug addiction. He's also made court appearances recently on domestic violence matters. Deal or No Deal became a popular fixture on Australian television for more than a decade. At its peak in 2007-2008, the guessing game regularly pulled in 900,000 viewers. Lili Reinhart has revealed she has been diagnosed with alopecia. The Riverdale star, 27, shared video of her undergoing red light therapy as she shared the diagnosis with fans on TikTok on Monday. 'Was just diagnosed with alopecia in the midst of a major depressive episode,' Lili wrote in the video. As Lili sat beneath the light, she lip synced along to audio of a man saying, 'I'm pushed beyond limits of what a person should be pushed to endure.' 'Red light therapy is my new best friend,' she added, along with hashtags for 'alopecia' and 'mental health.' Lili Reinhart shared video of her undergoing red light therapy as she shared the diagnosis with fans on TikTok on Monday According to the MayoClinic, 'Hair loss (alopecia) can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men.' Red light therapy is a treatment option that can possibly promote hair growth and density, according to Prevention. Charlie's Angels actress Lili has been open about her 'exhausting battle' with depression, revealing her panic attacks began at the age of 13. In an interview with Nylon, the star revealed her mental health had deteriorated when she felt 'like a prisoner' whilst shooting season five of Riverdale. In an Instagram story in May 2021, she admitted: 'Some days I feel really defeated by my depression. 'It's an exhausting battle that I've been fighting for 11 years. Some days, like today, it can feel intolerable.' Lili - who has also been diagnosed with OCD - gave a gentle reminder to her 'fellow warriors' that it is okay if you don't always feel up to the battle. She added: 'You don't need to justify your mental health to anyone. Prioritize yourself when needed, take time to rest. Surround yourself with good people and high vibrations. 'But remember you are always worth fighting for. And tomorrow could be such a beautiful day.' Reinhart sat beneath the red light in the video She lip synced along to audio of a man saying, 'I'm pushed beyond limits of what a person should be pushed to endure' Red light therapy is my new best friend,' she added, along with hashtags for 'alopecia' and 'mental health' In 2018, she revealed that she suffers from anxiety and depression, detailing how she went through debilitating panic attacks and how therapy ultimately gave her a new lease on life. The actress, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, told V Magazine that her depression became 'extreme' after she moved to Los Angeles at the age of 18. After struggling with a 'horrible roommate situation,' she settled in the Hollywood Hills and lived in a house she shared with seven people. 'I didn't know anyone there. I didn't have any friends there,' she said. 'I didn't have any family there. So when I moved there, it was just me. Charlie's Angels actress Lili has been open about her 'exhausting battle' with depression, revealing her panic attacks began at the age of 13; pictured September 2022 From 2017 until it final season last year, Lili starred as Betty Cooper on the hit series Riverdale 'And I wasn't going to school, so I didn't have any way to really meet people, necessarily, or be social. I was just kind of waiting around for my auditions. 'I spent most of my days literally doing nothing, sitting in my room watching Netflix and waiting for an audition to come in. And it was miserable. 'My health got so bad because of how depressed I was. I was throwing up every day, [having] panic attacks, night sweats, and I was just sad. 'There came a point when I called my mom, and I was like, "I need to come home. I'm not OK. I'm not good right now. My mental health isn't good." 'My mental health has always been such a priority to me that I knew when it was affecting my physical health.' For help and support in the UK contact Samaritans on 116 123. In the US contact Lifeline via call or text on 988 Ariana Madix made her Broadway debut on Monday night as she appeared as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago. The 38-year-old Vanderpump Rules personality who weathered a cheating betrayal nearly one year ago took the stage in a blonde wig and red lipstick. She wowed the audience who stepped out for her opening performance at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City. Madix was supported by VPR costars Lala Kent and Scheana Shay as well as her mom Tanya Madix, who sat with her boyfriend Daniel Wai, according to People. The Florida-bred entertainer received a standing ovation for her role. Ariana Madix made her Broadway debut on Monday night as she appeared as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago The 38-year-old Vanderpump Rules personality who weathered a cheating betrayal nearly one year ago took the stage in a blonde wig and red lipstick She wowed the audience who stepped out for her opening performance at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City Madix's blonde locks were tucked away under a blonde wig that was inches shorter than her natural hair. It was styled straight, with a part down the center and cropped right at her chin and jawline. She looked amazing as she slipped into a black shorts romper layered over a sheer, black, fitted crew neck top. The Dancing with the Stars finalist also wore sheer black pantyhose and finished the costume with metallic silver shoes. It was announced that the bombshell would appear in Kander & Ebb's Tony-winning show in early December. She can be seen in the production for eight weeks, wrapping up on March 24. 'It's just the biggest dream come true,' Ariana said about the opportunity when appearing on Live with Kelly and Mark ahead of her debut. 'I cannot believe this is real life. I'm going to cry,' she added at the time. Madix was supported by VPR costars Lala Kent and Scheana Shay as well as her mom Tanya Madix, who sat with her boyfriend Daniel Wai Madix's blonde locks were tucked away under a blonde wig that was inches shorter than her natural hair She performed alongside Amra-Faye Wright, who was similarly dressed The two entertainers beamed as they received the audience's applause Earlier this month Ariana told People during a press conference: 'To say this is a fulfillment of a lifelong dream would be an understatement.' She explained, 'This is quite literally everything to me. It's all I've ever wanted. And to be here now, having this full-circle moment ... I feel so beyond grateful.' Musical theatre is not new to the star as she studied the subject at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. She later moved to New York City to pursue her dream, picking up bartending along the way. Eventually Madix relocated to Los Angeles, where she landed a spot on the Bravo reality series Vanderpump Rules, a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills spin-off. Touching on the series of events that brought her to her role as Roxie, Ariana said: 'I'm keenly aware what brought me here, but I don't want that to be what people think about when they leave the theater.' Madix's Vanderpump Rules co-star Scheana Shay posted an image of Madix backstage, holding a bouquet of flowers, adding in the caption, '@arianamadix absolutely crushed it!!!' Kristen Doute added, 'I love you so much and I am so incredibly proud! Ariana IS Roxie Hart!' James Kennedy's girlfriend Ally Lewber added, 'YOU GUYS. SCREAMING. CRYING. THROWING UP. SHE WAS PERFECT.' Katie Maloney added, 'So proud of you @arianamadix' with several emojis. Madix's Vanderpump Rules co-star Scheana Shay posted an image of Madix backstage, holding a bouquet of flowers, adding in the caption, '@arianamadix absolutely crushed it!!!' Kristen Doute added, 'I love you so much and I am so incredibly proud! Ariana IS Roxie Hart!' James Kennedy's girlfriend Ally Lewber added, 'YOU GUYS. SCREAMING. CRYING. THROWING UP. SHE WAS PERFECT.' Katie Maloney added, 'So proud of you @arianamadix' with several emojis. Dayna Kathan shared a backstage pic They were both gifted huge bouquets of red roses and the each plucked one of the flowers While Madix was winning people over on Broadway, executive producer Alex Baskin opened up to The Los Angeles Times about how 'Scandoval' affected cast salary negotiations. 'This is as hard as its ever been because typically, we have a rate card, a tenure card, weve used in prior seasons. There are all sorts of asks across the board,' Baskin said. 'Something like a producer credit is off the table because that isnt something that we could open up,' he admitted. 'But otherwise, I knew that it would take a little bit of time for the cast expectations to settle,' he said. 'Because a lot of the time too, we are making sure that theyre aware of the state of the industry and the fact that shows are challenged these days,' he said. 'Their point is, rightfully, "You guys are touting the shows success. Where is our piece of that?" Those are tough conversations,' Baskin admitted on Sunday. 'I did think that everybody, with the exception of Rachel, who had to make a personal decision, wanted to come back. Everybody did better than what they had previously gotten,' he said. Rachel Leviss, who was involved in the affair with Tom Sandoval, checked herself into a mental health facility and later confirmed her exit from the show. They made a stunning team as they ate up the attention from fans It was announced that the bombshell would appear in Kander & Ebb's Tony-winning show in early December In a television interview before her debut, Ariana called the opportunity 'the biggest dream come true' Ariana laughed giddily as she took a bow with costars during the curtain call Ariana's life was turned upside down last March when she caught her longtime boyfriend Tom Sandoval in an affair with her best friend and castmate Rachel Leviss. The blow-up resulted in a ton of attention on the Bravo TV series, which will premiere its 11th season on Tuesday, January 30. The latest installment will follow the aftermath of the scandal, which subsequently became known as 'Scandoval.' Following the betrayal, Madix received a slew of brand partnerships and eventually landed a spot on Dancing with the Stars, where she made it to the finals and took third place. The Broadway role came next, propelling the media fixture to A-list status. Amazon has decided not to stream Expats in Hong Kong due to the city's current political climate. Nicole Kidman, 56, bought the rights to the series, which is based on the 2016 book The Expatiates by Janice Y.K. Lee, through her production company Blossom Films. However, the streaming service Amazon Prime has chosen to self-censor the show, which is based in Hong Kong, to 'pre-empt any future potential business risk', reported The Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday. Film censorship expert Kenny Ng from Hong Kong Baptist University, told NBC News on Monday that the move not to air the show in its own city is 'a very safe gesture'. He speculates the decision was made due to a scene in the fifth episode of the six-part series which references the 2014 Umbrella Movement in the city. Amazon has decided not to stream Expats in Hong Kong due to the city's current political climate. Pictured: star of Expats Nicole Kidman The Umbrella Movement was a political movement during the Hong Kong protests which used umbrellas as passive resistance against the police's use of pepper spray. Kenny said Amazon likely wanted to practice an abundance of caution and not disseminate any references to pro-democracy movements within the city. However, Hong Kong lawmaker Dominic Lee Tsz-king said the decision was made independently by the streaming platform and had no government influence. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Kidman and Amazon for comment. Kidman bought the rights to the series, which is based on the 2016 book The Expatiates by Janice Y.K. Lee, through her production company Blossom Films. Pictured in a scene from the series Kidman came under fire in 2021 when Hong Kong's local government gave her an exemption from mandatory Covid quarantine rules to film Expats in the city. She was also slammed as 'insensitive' by exiled Hong Kong MP Ted Hui at the time as he implored her to speak with his group on political issues in the troubled region. Hui was part of a collective of MPs who were lobbying for strict measures to be taken against the Hong Kong government by international interests. Film censorship expert Kenny Ng from Hong Kong Baptist University speculates the decision was made due to a scene in the fifth episode of the six-part series which references the 2014 Umbrella Movement in the city Hui, who fled Hong Kong and now lives in Australia, told The Sydney Morning Herald: 'How insensitive can she be? A lot of people have to flee from Hong Kong, and probably they won't be able to go back home, but she can travel freely from Australia to Hong Kong, and continue her work and go shopping as if nothing has happened.' The actress flew from Sydney to Hong Kong via private jet in August 2021 ahead of filming her new Amazon Prime series Expats, and stayed at a rented mansion in the city's Peak district. However, she stirred controversy two days later after photos surfaced of Kidman shopping at a designer boutique in the city's Central district with her bodyguard. At the time, Hong Kong mandated that international travellers must complete at least seven days of quarantine upon arrival, followed by 'self-monitoring'. Justin Hemmes treats his Merivale staff to the wildest party of the year every January and he spared no expense for his latest shindig. The billionaire pub baron hosted a rave at Sydney nightclub Ivy on Monday that kicked off at 2pm and ran for a full 40 hours. The venue was decorated with the bizarre addition of 800 cuddly plush toys as well as enormous blow up animals in psychedelic colours, smiley face balloons and yellow stars. The theme for the event was ''90s Good Vibes' and the Ivy was transformed into a 'music festival time capsule', Hemmes told The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday. 'It's a pretty epic and iconic annual event that takes many months of planning,' he said. Justin Hemmes treats his Merivale staff to the wildest party of the year every January. The billionaire pub baron hosted a rave at Sydney nightclub Ivy on Monday that kicked off at 2pm and ran for a full 40 hours. Pictured with Madeline Holtznagel The theme for the event was ''90s Good Vibes' Over 5000 Merivale staff partied into the small hours while being entertained by 30 DJs, a number of skaters performing '90s choreography, theatrical performances and rave dancers. Food was provided by a pop up canteen from Mumu restaurant with 4000 cheeseburger spring rolls and 2000 slices of pizza on offer along with fresh fruit, the publication reports. The 51-year-old had his model girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel, 27, on his arm and she was dressed to impress. Madeline stole the show in a barely-there blue bikini top that barely covered her bust and was adorned with teardrop jewels. Over 5000 Merivale staff partied into the small hours while being entertained by 30 DJs A number of skaters performed '90s choreography Food was provided by a pop up canteen from Mumu restaurant Theatrical performances and rave dancers were part of the fun The venue was decorated with the bizarre addition of 800 cuddly plush toys as well as enormous blow up animals in psychedelic colours There were 4000 cheeseburger spring rolls and 2000 slices of pizza on offer The venue was absolutely crammed with thousands of staffers She matched it with sheer tights with racy cut-outs at the sides in lilac and blue tones. Madeline added to her futuristic look with a metallic purse and reflective bug eye sunglasses. For makeup, she chose a pink and blue palette with a nude lipstick and wore her blonde locks down in mermaid waves. Justin meanwhile went for a hippy theme in an orange shirt and green striped animal print vest along with marijuana themed green corduroy trousers. The Ivy was transformed into a 'music festival time capsule', Hemmes explained 'It's a pretty epic and iconic annual event that takes many months of planning,' Hemmes said One of the night's DJs, Ruby J (pictured), went for a '90s raver look in furry white boots, space buns and reflective sunglasses Ruby jumped on the decks to do her thing for the assembled crowd The venue was decorated with enormous blow up animals in psychedelic colours as well as smiley face balloons and yellow stars. Also making a statement was Dina Broadhurst who turned heads in a latex crop top and bright orange short shorts. The 'nude artist' had her toned figure on display and wore her hair in space buns, adding designer sunglasses and clear heels. Head of PR Holly Madeline Kaiser was a vision in a 2000s look that included a graphic blue mini dress and chunky Mary Jane sandals. Head of PR Holly Madeline Kaiser (right) was a vision in a 2000s look that included a graphic blue mini dress and chunky Mary Jane sandals Also making a statement was Dina Broadhurst who turned heads in a latex crop top and bright orange short shorts Trippy balloons and blow ups adorned the venue The night's DJ, Ruby J, went for a '90s raver look in furry white boots, space buns and reflective sunglasses. The staff partied into the night, showing off their raver ensembles as they struck a pose. Justin's huge parties for his staff have become folklore at Merivale, and are traditionally held at the end of January after the Christmas period when the hospitality industry is quieter. At last year's party, Justin thanked his staff for the 'best year of his life'. 'I am so grateful to you all and I want you to have the best night tonight. Look around, this is electric, it is magic, and it is all because of you guys. 'So thank you for the best year of my life and here is to a better year ahead!' he said to rousing applause. Henry Cavill was every inch the chivalrous star as he enjoyed a cosy dinner date with his girlfriend Natalie Viscuso in New York's West Village on Monday. The actor, 40, stepped out arm-in-arm with his glamorous companion, 33, while enjoying a break from promoting his new film Argylle. Henry cut a dapper figure in a sharp brown double-breasted suit as he headed out of the Don Angie restaurant. Natalie showed off her chic sense of style in a sophisticated red dress and a matching coat teamed with a black crocodile skin handbag. The couple were seen leaving the Italian eatery arm-in-arm, with many of Henry's Argylle co-stars, including Ariana Debose, Bryce Dallas Howard, director Matthew Vaughn and his wife Claudia Schiffer. Henry Cavill, 40, was every inch the chivalrous star as he enjoyed a cosy dinner date with his girlfriend Natalie Viscuso, 33, in New York's West Village on Monday The actor stepped out arm-in-arm with his glamorous companion while enjoying a break from promoting his new film Argylle Bryce cut a stylish figure in a neon green dress with ruche detailing, while Claudia opted for a similar style, slipping into a cream mini dress. Ariana slipped into a black sequinned blazer and a matching co-ord as she headed into the city. Henry plays the titular character in Argylle, a spy action comedy with a star-studded cast including Bryce Dallas Howard and Samuel L. Jackson. Agylle follows reclusive author Elly Conway (Bryce) who writes best-selling espionage novels about a secret agent named Argylle who's on a mission to unravel a global spy syndicate. However, when the plots of her books start to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organizstion, the line between fiction and reality begins to blur. The Superman star will lead the cast of another spy film later in 2024, starring Henry Golding and Hero Fiennes Tiffin, nephew of Joseph Fiennes and Ralph Fiennes. An untitled Guy Ritchie action film also benefitting from Henry's presence is currently in post-production. Henry announced his relationship with Natalie in 2021. Henry cut a dapper figure in a sharp brown double-breasted suit as he headed out of the Don Angie restaurant Natalie showed off her chic sense of style in a sophisticated red dress and a matching coat teamed with a black crocodile skin handbag She flashed a brief smile as she made her way out of the restaurant with Hollywood star Henry Every the gentleman, Henry left the eatery with Natalie on his arm after a low-key dinner date In the midst of promoting his new spy film Argylle, Henry looked sharp as he enjoyed a date night with his girlfriend Natalie Many of Henry's co-stars were also spotted around NYC that same evening, with Bryce Dallas Howard slipping into an eye-catching neon green dress Director Matthew Vaugh was accompanied by his wife Claudia Schiffer as they headed to a screening of his new film Claudia put on a leggy display in a cream mini dress and black opaque tights for the outing She accessorised her look with black pointed-toe suede ankle boots Catherine O'Hara bundled up in a spotted long coat and studded heeled boots as she departed the screening Ariana DeBose opted for a fun sequinned black blazer over a matching co-ord as she made her way back into the city The Oscar winner joins a star-studded cast in the spy caper, which hits cinemas this weekend In 2022, the two went red carpet official, attending their first event together: the Enola Holmes 2 premiere in New York City. Henry's last public relationship was with teenager Tara King, whom he dated for just under a year between 2016 and 2017. In 2013, Henry briefly dated Kaley Cuoco and she credits him for boosting her career as few people knew who she was prior to the fling. Henry had an on-off relationship with Fast & Furious 6's Gina Carano between 2012 and 2014 and was engaged to showjumper Ellen Whittaker from 2011 to 2012. John Laws appeared frail but it good spirits as he left a dinner date on Tuesday. The 88-yeear-old was pushed along in a wheelchair after dining at Manta restaurant on Woolloomooloo Wharf. The radio veteran smiled and laughed as he was wheeled down a ramp, and seemed energetic despite being seated in the chair. John dressed smartly for his outing in a blue dress shirt and brown trousers along with a cap and sunglasses. It follows a series of health issues for the radio superstar. John Laws (pictured) appeared frail but it good spirits as he left a dinner date on Tuesday The 88-yeear-old was pushed along in a wheelchair after dining at Manta restaurant on Woolloomooloo Wharf The radio veteran smiled and laughed as he was wheeled down a ramp, and seemed energetic despite being seated in the chair In September, Laws returned to his S2M Super Network show after spending an extended stint in hospital. After seeking medical care for a blocked ear, his health rapidly deteriorated and he was admitted to St Vincent's Private Hospital in Sydney for three weeks. He had contracted pneumonia, but later revealed he was luckily on the mend. 'I'm alive, I'm well, I'm happy,' he told The Saturday Telegraph. In 2022, he took bouts of leave from his radio gig after suffering from respiratory infections. John dressed smartly for his outing in a blue dress shirt and brown trousers along with a cap and sunglasses It follows a series of health issues for the radio superstar In September, Laws returned to his S2M Super Network show after spending an extended stint in hospital After seeking medical care for a blocked ear, his health rapidly deteriorated and he was admitted to St Vincent's Private Hospital in Sydney for three weeks Despite this, John told the publication that he has no plans of retiring any time soon. 'I turn on the microphone and the board fills up every day and I'm back, on air, doing what I love to do,' he said. 'Why would I stop?' the veteran shock jock added. Presenter Dave Cochrane filled in for John on his 2SM show while he was in hospital. Speaking to listeners, Dave said: 'I'm sorry to say you've got to put up with me again today, the king is still not feeling the best but we've got our fingers crossed that he may be back and behind the golden microphone tomorrow.' The radio veteran has spent over 70 years behind the microphone, with his distinctive voice earning him the nickname 'the golden tonsils'. He briefly retired in 2007, before returning to host 2SM's morning show four years later. Laws lost his wife Caroline to cancer in February 2020 after 40 years of marriage. He had contracted pneumonia, but later revealed he was luckily on the mend Naomi Campbell kept it low-key stepped out for dinner with a group of friends on Monday to an exclusive private members' club in London. The supermodel, 53, opted for a barely-there make-up look for the dinner at Oswalds, Mayfair. Naomi donned an all-black ensemble for the dinner and was spotted heading into the restaurant with Saudi Arabian film producer Mohammed Al Turki. She sported a sleek black turtleneck maxi dress, which she paired with a navy cross-stitch denim jacket and black pointed patent boots. Her sleek black locks fell in her classic straight, middle-parted style, while her make-up was muted with a natural lip colour. Naomi Campbell stepped out for dinner with a group of friends to exclusive London private members' club Oswalds on Monday The supermodel, 53, kept it low-key as she opted for a barely-there make-up look for the dinner in Mayfair alongside Saudi Arabian film producer Mohammed Al Turki Naomi was spotted carrying her phone and a packet of cigarettes as she headed outside and later jumped into a black cab. Also seen out with Naomi and her friends was film director Guy Ritchie, who sported a smart grey and brown tweed jacket and a brown cross-body bag. Naomi's appearance comes after she was revealed as starring on the cover of ELLE UK's March issue. She went braless as she modelled a variety of stylish looks for the new cover shoot on Friday, as she admitted to 'turning down jobs' to be with her children. Naomi wore a quirky crochet gown before changing into denim hot pants for the Elle cover shoot. In the accompanying interview Naomi, who has a daughter, two, and a seven-month-old son, admitted she's 'no different from any other parent' in a rare interview about motherhood. Posing in a voluminous skirt complete with a plunging top, she clutched onto a dramatic fringed bag. In another photo, the model then opted for a crisp white shirt dress, teamed with opaque knee-high stockings and black stiletto heels. Naomi donned an all-black ensemble for the dinner and was spotted heading into the restaurant with her friend Also seen out with Naomi and her friends was film director Guy Ritchie, who sported a smart grey and brown tweed jacket and a brown cross-body bag Naomi, who rarely talks about her children, and is yet to reveal the name of either, spoke of how her priorities have changed since becoming a mother. She explained: 'Things change when you become a mother, and Im no different from any other parent. Ive had to make decisions in my life. 'Since my daughter started going to school, there have been things Ive been offered that Id love to do and would if I could. 'But I have to be there on the first day my daughter is starting school. That is very important. I have to be there to pick her up. 'My children come first. And my daughter is really cool. She understands mommy works. But, for me, it's important to be there, especially when I tell her, "I'm coming to get you." If I say I'm there, I'm there. And in friendships, if I say I'm there, I'm there.' Naomi, who previously revealed her daughter is well-versed when it comes to travelling around the world with her, explained how she hopes to instil a 'limitless sense of possibilities' for her children. She added: 'I want my kids to see the world and get to understand different cultures like my mom did with me.' Naomi's appearance comes after she was revealed as starring on the cover of ELLE UK's March issue Naomi, who revealed her daughter is well-versed when it comes to travelling around the world, explained how she hopes to instil a 'limitless sense of possibilities' (pictured with her daughter at Disneyland Paris in July) The London-born model announced in June that she had become a mother again at the age of 53 after welcoming a son in Los Angeles Naomi became a mum for the first time in 2021 when she welcomed her daughter. Her arrival sparked widespread speculation that she used a surrogate, a popular approach among older celebrity mothers, because she was not spotted with an obvious baby bump in the months leading up to the birth. She has previously hinted at surrogacy, claiming science has given her an opportunity to start a family 'whenever she wants'. The London-born model announced in June that she had become a mother again at the age of 53 after welcoming a son in Los Angeles. A source close to her told the Daily Mail: 'It came as a surprise to her wider circle as she only told a handful of people that she was becoming a mum for a second time. 'Suddenly she postponed a work commitment because she needed to be at her surrogate's side and the next moment, she had a beautiful baby boy. 'There was a lot of surprise, and of course happiness. This is what Naomi has always wanted. She is so very happy. 'She is so excited for her little girl to have a brother. She is looking forward to the years ahead with so much pride.' Model Roxy Horner looked incredible as she posed up a storm during a shoot in Notting Hill on Monday. The 32-year-old was joined by her photographer as she returned to work five months after welcoming her baby daughter Elsie with Jack Whitehall in September. The mother-of-one put on a chic display as she wowed in an embroidered gold and black velvet jacket. The star struck a serious expression as she posed with her arms folded and accessorised the look with some black cat-eye framed dark sunglasses. Roxy slicked her blonde hair back against her head and completed the look with some dark grey flared trousers and platform black heels. Roxy Horner, 32, wowed in chic embroidered jacket as she returned to work on Monday for a shoot in Notting Hill five months after welcoming her daughter Elsie with Jack Whitehall, 35 The mother-of-one donned a stylish embroidered gold and black velvet jacket for the shoot Posing in the quiet street the model looked back at home as she strutted her stuff for the photographer. Roxy has been signed to Premier Model Management modelling agency for more than a decade, and made her first appearance in British Vogue at the age of 17. According to the model's agency, Premier Model Management, Roxy has worked with brands including Max Factor, Elle Magazine Face Gym, Super Dry, Soft Paris, Luomo Vogue, Coco De Mer, Hunger Magazine, Pandora, Victoria Secret. She has also collaborated with prestigious photographers, such as Rankin, and has acting credits in small productions. Roxy and Jack met while the comedian was on a trip to Australia back in 2020 and not long after they ended up isolating together in London during the first of the Covid-19 lockdowns. The pair reside in a 17.5million, five-bedroom home in Notting Hill with their pooch Coco - and five month-old daughter Elsie. The couple welcomed their firstborn at the Lindo Wing at St Mary's in London, which has seen a host of Royal births including The Princess of Wales who welcomed her three children there, as well as many other famous faces. After taking their baby home, Jack was full of love on as he praised 'amazing' Roxy and shared the first photos of their newborn daughter. Roxy completed the look with some dark grey flared trousers and platform black heels The star slicked her blonde hair back against her head and opted for some small gold hoops The star struck a serious expression as she posed with her arms folded and accessorised the look with some black cat-eye framed dark sunglasses Roxy was seen walking with her photographer Posing in the quiet street the model looked back at home as she strutted her stuff for the photographer In another shot the model removed her sunglasses as the photographer crouched down to achieve the perfect angle Roxy has been signed to Premier Model Management modelling agency for more than a decade, and made her first appearance in British Vogue at the age of 17 The pair were on the lookout for cars as they took some shots in the middle of the road Roxy stunned during the shoot Later revealing the tot's name - Elsie, which means 'Pledged to God' in Hebrew, the new parents revealed their reasoning behind choosing the sweet name. A source told The Sun: 'Elsie is a gorgeous baby and Jack and Roxy have picked a gorgeous name to fit. Everyone is thrilled.' The couple, who have been in a relationship for three years, are said to have taken their time settling on Elsie's name. Taking to Instagram after the birth, Jack admitted the experience was both 'utterly overwhelming' and 'joyous' in ways he 'couldn't have imagined'. He wrote: 'Well this just happened! Utterly overwhelming and joyous in ways I couldn't have even imagined. 'In awe of my partner @roxyhorner who has been amazing throughout this journey and is going to be the greatest mum ever. So excited to have started a family of my own. 'Having vowed I'd never be that guy I am now 100% going to be the parent that shows everyone endless pictures of their kid. I also wore skechers to hospital, I think I must accept I am a full blown dad now. 'Name wise after this weekend I think 'rice, rice, baby' has a nice ring to it.' Call The Midwife descended into chaos as the cast filmed during Storm Agnes and battled 57mph winds in West Wittering on the West Sussex coast. As the cast filmed upcoming scenes down the beach last year, Cliff Parisi, who plays Fred Buckle in the BBC series, suffered hypothermia due to the weather conditions. In scenes set to air on Sunday, the residents of Nonnatus House and their pals will be seen heading to the beach for a picnic. But while fans get excited to see the latest episode, it wasn't easy for the cast to film it during the treacherous winds. In September 2023, Cliff needed medical attention after he was left shivering from the blazing winds. Call The Midwife descended into chaos as the cast filmed during Storm Agnes and battled 57mph winds in West Wittering on the West Sussex coast (Linda Bassett, Lydia Fleming and Georgie Glen pictured L-R) As the cast filmed upcoming scenes down the beach last year, Cliff Parisi (pictured), who plays Fred Buckle in the BBC series, suffered hyperthermia due to the weather conditions He explained, according to the Mirror: 'The wind was unbelievable. I got hyperthermia in the end. They had to take me off set. We'd done most if it by that point. 'Things were flying all over the place. Hair and make-up gave up and ran for cover. There was sand in everything.' Cliff, who recovered after he was wrapped in a foil blanket, added: 'They had to take me off set. I had to warm up, I couldnt go back on. Wed done most of it by that point.' During filming Linda Bassett, who plays Nurse Crane picked up pregnant Lindy Webber, who is played by actress Lydia Fleming, while Miss Higgins, played by Georgie Glen, was in assistance. The cast mostly sat behind wind shields to protect them from the blazing winds and sand blowing everywhere. Helen George (Trixie Aylward) sat gracefully in a beach hut next to her on-screen family Archie Callaghan (Jonty Aylward) and Olly Rix (Matthew Alyward). Stephen McGann (Dr Turner) was seen building sand castles with his on-screen son Edward Shaw (Teddy Turner). Annabel Apsion, who plays local councillor and Freds wife Violet in the show, added a line while filming to explain the bad weather in the scene which is set in 1969. In scenes set to air on Sunday, the residents of Nonnatus House and their pals will be seen heading to the beach for a picnic (Rebecca Gethings, Georgie Glen, Megan Cusack and Francesca Fullilove pictured L-R) Helen George (Trixie Aylward) sat gracefully in a beach hut next to her on-screen family Archie Callaghan (Jonty Aylward) and Olly Rix (Matthew Alyward) But while fans get excited to see the latest episode, it wasn't easy for the cast to film it during the treacherous winds (Laura Main, left, and Linda Bassett, right, pictured) In September 2023, Cliff (center left) needed medical attention after he was left shivering from the blazing winds Stephen McGann (Dr Turner) was seen building sand castles with his on-screen son Edward Shaw (Teddy Turner) The cast of Call The Midwife chatting for a scene Zephryn Taitte (Cyril Robinson) pictured filming next to Natalie Quarry (Rosalind Clifford) In actuality, records were broken for heat that year, with Annabel saying the weather was 'a bit disappointing' in her scene. Meanwhile, it has emerged two new stars of Call The Midwife have previously taken somewhat more risque roles appearing in a Spandex leotard, thigh-high garters and fishnet tights that would scandalise Sister Monica Joan. Natalie Quarry, 25, and Renee Bailey, 28, play student midwives and roommates in the hit BBC drama, which is now in its 13th series. Ms Quarry is the naive but determined Rosalind Clifford and Ms Bailey is Joyce Highland, who has emigrated from Trinidad to escape a secret past. The roles are a stark contrast to the actresses' previous jobs. In her days as a student, Ms Quarry who attended the drama school Rose Bruford College appeared on stage in her underwear in a musical production of the romance fantasy, City Of Angels. In photographs on her personal Instagram page, which has 2,500 followers, she can be seen in white silk underwear and stockings, posing on a bed. She also sang and played the violin throughout the production, later changing into a black strappy 1950s-style dress. Elsewhere on her Instagram page, the actress shared pictures of herself with her boyfriend of five years, or staring sullenly at the camera wearing bright purple and green eyeshadow. After graduating from drama school, Ms Quarry made her television debut in an episode of Doctors but the actress always had her sights set on Call The Midwife. Cliff, who plays Fred Buckle, explained: 'The wind was unbelievable. I got hyperthermia in the end. They had to take me off set. We'd done most if it by that point' (pictured in 2019) Cliff, who recovered after he was wrapped in a foil blanket, added: 'They had to take me off set. I had to warm up, I couldnt go back on. Wed done most of it by that point.' Characters Joyce (Renee Bailey) and Rosalind (Natalie Quarry) from Call The Midwife, which is now in its 13th series In her days as a student, Ms Quarry who attended the drama school Rose Bruford College appeared on stage in her underwear in a musical production of the romance fantasy, City Of Angels Ms Bailey made her TV debut in 2022 in the BBC Three six-part series, Mood, a musical drama about how young women use social media to achieve their dreams She said: 'I remember when I was leaving drama school, I was like: 'Gosh I think I'd be good in Call The Midwife. Maybe I should email them.' 'So episode one is kind of a weird full-circle moment to me being big-headed and being like, 'I'd be good in Call The Midwife'.' Meanwhile, Ms Bailey made her TV debut in 2022 in the BBC Three six-part series, Mood, a musical drama about how young women use social media to achieve their dreams. She described the job as a 'trial by fire' in an Instagram post, which showed pictures of her dancing in a Spandex leotard, matching fingerless gloves, thigh-high boots and fishnets. To play the part of a rapper, Paris, Ms Bailey had her hair short and dyed fluorescent green. Amanda Holden gushed over her lookalike daughter as she took to Instagram on Tuesday to share some snaps from Lexi's 18th birthday earlier this month. The radio presenter, 52, pulled out all the stops to celebrate her eldest child's milestone birthday and has now shared some more snaps from the party. Taking to her Instagram Story, Amanda posted a special tribute to Lexi with a black and white snap of the two of them as she penned: 'My baby is all grown up'. The two blonde bombshells showed off their uncanny resemblance as they stood side by side at the bash as Amanda informed her followers that there would be more pictures to come. 'Prepare to be spammed with last weeks party pics,' she joked as she reposted Lexi's Instagram post. Amanda Holden, 52, gushed over her lookalike daughter Lexi as she took to Instagram with snaps after she celebrated her 18th birthday earlier this month 'Prepare to be spammed with last weeks party pics,' she joked as she reposted Lexi's Instagram post, informing her followers that there would be more pictures to come Lexi put on a glamorous display as she wowed in a red mini party dress adorned with sparkly beads and silver tassels. Meanwhile Amanda showed off her incredible physique in as she donned a sparkly white pair of trousers covered in sequins and a coordinating backless top to show off some extra skin. The Britain's Got Talent judge looked to be having the time of her life as she showed off her dance moves at the party. Amanda stood behind the DJ decks with a microphone and took the opportunity to play Sophie Ellis-Bextor's hit Murder On The Dancefloor. As the familiar tune began, she began dancing seductively against the wall, while Lexi's friends all cheered. The birthday girl could be seen singing along in the crowd in the showstopping beaded minidress. Amanda then made her way through the crowd to find her lookalike daughter and hand her the microphone. The star carried on moving through the teenagers and encouraging them to dance along. Lexi put on a glamorous display as she wowed in a red mini part dress adorned with sparkly beads and silver tassels The radio presenter pulled out all the stops to celebrate her eldest child's milestone birthday as she hit the dancefloor Amanda made sure no decoration was spared as Lexi posed against a large light up 18 Amanda looked to be having the time of her life at the party as she showed off her dance moves to Sophie Ellis-Bextor 's hit Murder On The Dancefloor. As the familiar tune began, she began dancing seductively against the wall, while Lexi's friends all cheered She donned a sparkly white pair of trousers covered in sequins and a coordinating backless top to show off some extra skin She shared a video of the fun-filled moment to her Instagram, writing: 'The latest trend' in reference to the resurgence of Murder On The Dancefloor thanks to Saltburn. Amanda shares lookalike daughter Lexi with her husband Chris Hughes, and they also share Hollie, 12. Lexi has already begun to follow in her mother's showbusiness footsteps, signing with the Storm modelling agency in 2022. At the time, Amanda said: 'Lexi was approached last year and obviously we were waiting until she was 16 to sign anything. 'It's something she actually wants to do, so I'm taking the lead from her. She's a very quiet girl but she knows her own mind. She's very bright and wants to continue her studies. 'There's no pressure and we'll just see what happens. But finishing her education is very much her plan, she'll have our support whatever she decides to do.' Discussing Lexi's next steps last year, Amanda exclusively told MailOnline: 'She's been taken on by Storm. Amanda stood behind the DJ decks with a microphone as she worked the crowd The birthday girl could be seen singing along in the crowd in a showstopping beaded minidress Amanda then made her way through the crowd to find her lookalike daughter and hand her the microphone The Britain's Got Talent star carried on moving through the teenagers and encouraging them to dance along It was business as usual for Amanda on Lexi's 18th birthday as she was spotted leaving Heart Breakfast Radio Studios The presenter wowed in a cream silk midi dress and chic trench coat 'She's 17 but I think when she's 18 we'll start looking for her to be in that field. At the minute they are working on her Lookbook.' However, she has banned Lexi from ever appearing on hit reality series Love Island, despite the teenager being 'obsessed' with the show. Speaking on her Heart FM Breakfast Show with Jamie Theakston and Ashley Roberts, the trio discussed whether they would allow their kids on the show. Ashley asked: 'Would you ever let your kids go on Love Island?' causing Amanda and Jamie to quickly shut down the idea: 'No! Absolutely not.' Amanda continued: 'No way, my daughters 18 next year. It's just another way of being famous, isn't it really? It's not really about love. It's just about looking hot and just getting involved. 'It's just amazing telly, but it's not really for love so I don't want my daughter anywhere near it'. Jamie replied: 'You don't go on that show to find love. Do you know what I mean? It's just manipulative'. Lexi has already begun to follow in her mother's showbusiness footsteps, signing with the Storm modelling agency in 2022 Netflix fans have rated a 'top film' 11/10 as Jake Gyllenhaal starred in another action-packed thriller as its latest heist hit took over their streaming platform. Ambulance is directed by action film legend Michael Bay - who is responsible for the iconic making of Bad Boys and The Rock. The 2022 hit, which also stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen as Will Sharp, follows veteran Will, who is desperate for money to cover his wife's staggering medical bills. With his back against the wall, Will asks for help from the one person he knows he shouldn't, Danny, his adopted brother (Jake). Jake stars as a charismatic career criminal, who instead offers him a score, the biggest bank heist in Los Angeles history of $32 million. Netflix fans have rated a 'top film' 11/10 as Jake Gyllenhaal (pictured) starred in another action-packed thriller as its latest heist hit took over their streaming platform Ambulance is directed by action film legend Michael Bay - who is responsible for the iconic making of Bad Boys and The Rock (pictured left with Jake) Will can't say no to the risky and dangerous proposal because his darling wife's life is on the line. However, when their getaway goes spectacularly wrong, the desperate brothers get into trouble and hijack an ambulance with a wounded cop inside clinging to life. Will and Danny attempt to evade a city-wide law enforcement response and keep their hostages alive while somehow trying not to kill each other. Ambulance is now sitting comfortably in second place in Netflix's UK top 10. Viewers have raved about the show and claim that it is both hilarious and has great action scenes. One penned: 'Ambulance on Netflix is a TOP film, it's actually hilarious with great action scenes,' one person suggested. 'If you like drama and action, watch #Ambulance on Netflix,' 'Ambulance was such a good movie on Netflix omg 11/10,' The 2022 hit, which also stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen as Will Sharp, follows veteran Will, who is desperate for money to cover his wife's staggering medical bills With his back against the wall, Will asks for help from the one person he knows he shouldn't, Danny, his adopted brother (Jake) who is charismatic career criminal. He offers him a score, the biggest bank heist in Los Angeles history of $32 million Ambulance is now sitting comfortably in second place in Netflix's UK top 10. Viewers have raved about the show and claim that it is both hilarious and has great action scenes But not all Netflix viewers are convinced as the show's Rotten Tomatoes score was just 68 percent. 'It's the runtime that ultimately ruins Ambulance,' one wrote 'Michael Bay at his best'. But not all Netflix viewers are convinced as the show's Rotten Tomatoes score was just 68 percent. 'It's the runtime that ultimately ruins Ambulance,' one wrote. 'Had the film been 90-minutes, instead of two hours and sixteen minutes, it would have been much more effective. 'It's difficult to maintain a sense of tension over the course of a movie that long.' Another unfiltered critic added: 'A bonkers, self-reverential, albeit tolerable Michael Bay movie accompanied by his characteristic high octane, macho, hyperbolic sledgehammer style.' Alongside Jake stars Eiza Gonzalez, Garret Dillahunt and WWE legend John Cena. Ambulance is available to watch on Netflix now. Sam Faiers showed off her new teeth after undergoing a two-year procedure to perfect her smile and 'boost her confidence'. The former TOWIE star, 33, took to Instagram on Tuesday to proudly flaunt the results from her Invisalign journey. Invisalign treatment uses clear, removable aligners, which straighten your smile discretely over time. The mother-of-three, who began the treatment in 2022, shared she was 'absolutely loving her smile' knowing her teeth are now straight. Posting a beaming selfie to her grid, Sam flashed her pearly white teeth with her retainer on alongside a positive caption. Sam Faiers showed off her new teeth after undergoing a two-year procedure to perfect her smile and 'boost her confidence' The former TOWIE star took to Instagram on Tuesday to proudly flaunt the results from her Invisalign journey (pictured in 2018) She wrote: 'Absolutely loving my new smile! The most amazing part of my Invisalign journey has been the boost of confidence it has given me. 'Now I can smile freely, knowing that my teeth are beautifully straight. The treatment was incredibly quick and simple, and the doctor provided exceptional support throughout the entire process. 'Choosing Invisalign has truly been a fantastic decision. Visit the Invisalign website to locate your nearest doctor. #Ad #Invisalign #DoItForYou @invisilign_uk @invisalign'. Sam first revealed she started her Invisalign journey in November 2022. The reality star wanted to straighten up her teeth after she felt them move a lot between having three children. She said: 'Hey guys, for a while now Ive been wanting to straighten my teeth.. I know they dont appear to be that bad, but Ive noticed over the years and especially since having the kids my teeth are moving all the time. I wanted to correct them before it worsened.' She added: 'knew Invisalign treatment was for me. Im very excited for the end result and my dream smile. Ill keep you posted on my journey.' On average, the treatment costs between 2500 and 5000 or even more depending on case by case. The mother-of-three, who began the treatment in 2022, shared she was 'absolutely loving her smile' knowing her teeth are now straight Sam first revealed she started her Invisalign journey in November 2022 and admitted wanted to straighten up her teeth after she felt them move a lot between having three children Her Invisalign journey comes after she was slammed by fans for flaunting her 'privileged lifestyle' last year. Sam gushed about her seventh trip to Lapland UK where tickets cost at 140 a pop. She shared a video montage of her last trip to the Christmas experience with her partner Paul Knightley and their children Paul, seven, Rosie, six, and one-year-old Edward. She captioned the post: 'Our family tradition.. I cant believe this is our 7th year visiting @laplanduk. Magical in every way.' But the TV personality came in for criticism from her followers who said many people can't afford to go to Lapland once, nevermind seven times. According to The Sun, one user wrote: 'Perhaps next year Sam could donate tickets to a family that isn't as privileged.' Another added: 'OK to post pictures of Lapland but to make a point of saying it's the 7th time is a little unfair.' A third wrote: 'Love your family but some people would like to take their little one's once,' while a fourth penned: 'You're lucky you can afford it.' It comes after Sam was slammed by fans for gushing about her seventh trip to Lapland UK where tickets cost at 140 a pop Last year, shared a video montage of her last trip to the Christmas experience with her partner Paul Knightley and their children The TV personality came in for criticism from her followers who said many people can't afford to go to Lapland once, nevermind seven times One user wrote: 'Perhaps next year Sam could donate tickets to a family that isn't as privileged' It comes after Sam and her sister Billie Shepherd signed a multi-million pound deal for their podcast with Amazon. Sam and Billie, 34, will be bringing their podcast The Sam and Billie Show to Amazon's podcast platform Wonderly in a multi year deal. The former TOWIE stars, who launched their podcast back in 2021, are now setting their sights on conquering the US. An insider exclusively told MailOnline: 'The deal with Amazon marks a significant milestone for Sam and Billie. 'The girls are hoping the deal will open doors for them in the US.' The source close to Sam and Billie said the huge signing marks a new era for the sisters, after Sam stepped down from Mummy Diaries filming in 2021. The lucrative deal comes as Sam's brand Revive Collage netted more than 13million in the first three years. Sam is also mum-of-three to baby Paul, seven, Rosie, five, and Edward, one, who she shares with her boyfriend Paul Knightley, 35. Ekin-Su and Davide Sanclimenti called time on their on/off relationship on Tuesday after a 'rollercoaster of ups and downs'. The former Love Islanders' split come just hours after reports emerged claiming Ekin-Su was suspicious about Davide's friendship with an OnlyFans model. The couple, both 29, have had a turbulent 18-month relationship since they first met in the Love Island villa in 2022 after winning the show together. While Ekin-Su and Davide reconciled their relationship two months after they first split in June 2023, the couple have now gone their separate ways for good. From cheating rumours, to cryptic posts throughout their relationship, MailOnline runs through their stormy relationship. Ekin-Su and Davide Sanclimenti, both 29, called time on their on/off relationship on Tuesday after a 'rollercoaster of ups and downs' (pictured in June 2023) The couple have had a turbulent 18-month relationship since they first met in the Love Island villa in 2022 after winning the show together (pictured in 2022 on Love Island) Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the 29-year-old actress confirmed she had parted ways with the Italian businessman, 29, for a second time Cheating claims It was recently reported that Ekin-Su was upset at Davide's friendship with an OnlyFans model. She was said to be upset by the fact Davide and model Sylvija Vasilevska were 'liking' each other's social media content and suspects there was more to their platonic relationship. A source told The Sun: 'They're on the brink of a split and Ekin-Su has been going to events without Davide. 'Theyre having rows over this friend of Davides who Ekin suspects more might be going on with. Shes an OnlyFans model and longterm friend of his in Manchester.' In April, Ekin-Su was said to be left 'furious and upset' after finding messages and pictures from two models on Davide's phone. A source said at the time: 'It all exploded last Sunday after she found messages on Davides phone discussing their time together. 'He had been messaging both of the girls and she suspected they had all met up one night. 'Ekin-Su contacted one of the girls to tell them she knew about things. She was furious and really upset.' She then posted a number of cryptic social media messages, including a tweet which appear to mock one of the girl's Instagram snaps. The post, which has since been deleted, read: 'No man will ever take u seriously with just half naked pictures of u in a bikini and lingerie,' while she also liked two posts from another user which mentioned 'disrespect' and the need for 'distance', according to the publication. A representative for Ekin-Su declined to comment. MailOnline also reached out for comment from Davide. Davide was also seen leaving a party with two Icelandic beauties in London last August, whilst his girlfriend was away in Los Angeles. The Italian hunk was joined by a pal as they hopped into a taxi with the girls after watching the KSI v Swarmz and KSI v Pineda fights at the O2 Arena. It was recently reported that Ekin-Su was upset at Davide's friendship with an OnlyFans model She was said to be upset by the fact Davide and model Sylvija Vasilevska were 'liking' each other's social media content and suspects there was more to their platonic relationship In April, Ekin-Su was said to be left 'furious and upset' after finding messages and pictures from two models on Davide's phone Davide was also seen leaving a party with two Icelandic beauties in London last August, whilst his girlfriend was away in Los Angeles Juggling work commitments Five months after Ekin-Su left Love Island, she competed in Dancing On Ice on the 15th series with professional Brendyn Hatfieldin. Despite only being on the programme for four weeks, Ekin-Su made headlines for her racy outfits and routines. She recently opened up to Spin Genie about how hard it was to juggle training and a new relationship, saying: 'I was working seven days a week and had no time for me or my relationship. I was overworked and exhausted. 'If I hadnt had so much on during that time, my experience on the show would have been different. I also wouldnt have let the bad comments get to me.' She added: 'Im stronger now. I was in the habit of Googling myself and Id let the comments really upset me. Negative comments about my personality or my performance.' Ekin-Su recalled crying when she got voted off, which she put down to exhaustion as she insisted she wouldn't break down now. After exiting Dancing On Ice, Ekin-Su headed to the Maldives with Davide but she admitted she didn't enjoy it as she felt burnt out. Five months after Ekin-Su left Love Island, she competed in Dancing On Ice on the 15th series with professional Brendyn Hatfieldin She recently opened up to Spin Genie about how hard it was to juggle training and a new relationship, saying: 'I was working seven days a week and had no time for me or my relationship. I was overworked and exhausted' Splitting for the first time After the pair split for the first time in June 2023 after 11 months together, Davide revealed that he and Ekin-Su split after they failed to see eye-to-eye on various issues and that a temporary separation was 'needed'. 'It's a lovely feeling being with Ekin, we probably broke up more publicly but never privately because we have always been in touch and the love between me and Ekin has always been there', he told The Sun. 'Breaking up may happen to people but it never actually happened to us, we never properly privately broke up, it was more to do with the public pressure and we were having some tough months.' The couple sent tongues wagging when, not long after their break-up, they were spotted leaving the ITV summer party together in July. The pair were spotted getting into the same cab, however, they decided to keep their rekindled romance under wraps during the time. Davide explained why the couple wanted to keep their relationship on the down-low and claimed there were some things they needed to work on before going public again. He added: 'Of course there were some things that both of us wanted to work on. Nor me nor Ekin were perfect in the relationship and probably needed to have a bit more communication and now I don't regret nothing that happened because I feel stronger and I feel we understand each other.' After the pair split for the first time in June 2023 after 11 months together, Davide revealed that he and Ekin-Su split after they failed to see eye-to-eye on various issues and that a temporary separation was 'needed' 'It's a lovely feeling being with Ekin, we probably broke up more publicly but never privately because we have always been in touch and the love between me and Ekin has always been there', he told The Sun Friendly hints to sack off the relationship In April, Made In Chelsea's Lily Gray revealed she told close pal Ekin-Su to 'sack off' boyfriend Davide as the cheating rumours emerged. Speaking on FUBAR Radio to Bobby Norris and Stephen Leng, Lily said: She's an absolute legend. She's a queen. 'Davide would be nothing without her. I said that to her today, "if he has done this, he'll be nothing without you. But you will be okay." Guys will be swanning for her. She'll get some amazing guy.' In April, Made In Chelsea's Lily Gray revealed she has told close pal Ekin-Su to 'sack off' boyfriend Davide as the cheating rumours emerged Party boy lifestyle Davide has garnered a reputation for being a 'big party boy', with his Instagram littered with snaps of him showing off his muscular physique or on nights out. Ekin-Su's pal Lily also claimed during her interview Ekin-Su had landed a big brand deal, and at the launch event, Davide just wanted to 'go out and party'. She continued: 'I feel like he [Davide] likes to party a lot. He's a big party boy, this is what I've heard. 'I know that he was at a big event that she hosted and was the face of and he just wanted to go out and party. 'It's her event, it's her night. Be the supportive boyfriend. Support your queen! And he just wanted to go out. 'It's like, you know what Ekin, if he's this type of person and if these rumours are going to come out as true then sack him off. 'I said that to her, "If this is what is about to come out, you cannot stay there". They live together!' Davide has garnered a reputation for being a 'big party boy', with his Instagram littered with snaps of him showing off his muscular physique or on nights out Cryptic posts from the Indiana Jones Premiere Before Davide confirmed they had split the first time in 2023, eagle-eyed fans noticed a stark difference in social media posts between the couple. The now exes had attended the Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny premiere earlier this week and hit the red carpet. Ekin-Su had posted a loved-up snap with 'my man', but Davide posted two photos of himself and then with Ekin in the photo dump. Followers noticed and questioned the television personality why he had done so. 'So she showcases her man in the first slide but shes in the third in his post? Speaks volumes to me,' one commented. While another said after hearing of their split to Ekin-Su: 'I knew you had a sad look about you here, lots of love.' Before Davide confirmed they had split the first time in 2023, eagle-eyed fans noticed a stark difference in social media posts between the couple The now exes had attended the Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny premiere this week and while Ekin-Su posted an image with 'my man', Davide uploaded two of himself Followers noticed and questioned the television personality why he had done so Long-distance on the cards Ekin-Su was wanting to return to Turkey to restart her acting career hinted there was trouble in paradise last year. Davide is based in Manchester so the couple would have had to have a long distance relationship. Ekin-Su lived in Istanbul for two years and used to star in a soap there called Kuzey Yldz Ilk Ask. She told The Sun: 'I would actually love to go back to Turkey at some point and reconnect with some old agencies out there, who I was in a soap with. 'I speak both English and Turkish so why can't I have a career in both countries? 'It is a hard industry and I think people always tell you, 'You can't do this, you can't do that,' but you have to keep pushing yourself really. Even when people say no, you have to keep going. 'The old show's finished now, but if there was a new project in Turkey, I definitely wouldn't say no.' Last year, Ekin-Su was wanting to return to Turkey to restart her acting career hinted there was trouble in paradise (pictured in Turkish soap Kuzey Yldz Ilk Ask) Moving on quick The couple openly admitted to having a turbulent relationship after cheating rumours emerged for the first time last year. At the time, Italian businessman Davide shut down the idea of their relationship being a showmance. He said: 'Me and Ekin-Su had our struggles due to our public positions and we still have them sometimes. 'If there's something that I would change or would have done differently [with Ekin-Su in the villa] maybe I would have taken things a bit more slowly.' Davide went on to say that despite this, the couple were still very much in the throes of romance, particularly because they have the 'same background.' But fans were left unimpressed as mere hours after Davide announced his split, he shared a shirtless photo in Ibiza along with the caption jokingly alluding to him going back into the Love Island villa. He wrote: 'Guess whos coming back', alongside an island emoji. One wrote: 'I really expected more class from you. Sad, really sad.' Ekin, meanwhile, has travelled to Bodrum to be supported by her family in the wake of their split. Fans were left unimpressed as mere hours after he announced his split, he shared a shirtless photo along with the caption jokingly alluding to him going back into the Love Island villa. He wrote: 'Guess whos coming back', alongside an island emoji One wrote: 'I really expected more class from you. Sad, really sad' Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have finally revealed their matching tattoos after promising they would get the inkings after they were crowned Strictly champions back in December. The duo previously revealed they were planning on both getting an aubergine and bee logo with the word resilience on each of their arms. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday the Coronation Street actress, 22, and Italian dancer, 31, documented their trip as they headed to Nicola Oprey ink tattoo studio in Liverpool. Describing the tattoo design, Vito explained: 'It is going to be a bee with an aubergine body.' Vito then revealed the finished work of art on his upper arm as he shared a close up of the fine line bee drawing above the word RESILIENCE printed underneath. Strictly stars Ellie Leach, 22, and Vito Coppola, 31, have revealed their matching tattoos after striking up a 'beautiful bond' together during their time on the show last year Taking to Instagram on Tuesday the Coronation Street actress and Italian dancer documented their trip as they headed to Nicola Oprey ink tattoo studio in Liverpool Vito then revealed the finished work of art on his upper arm as he shared a close up of the fine line bee drawing above the word RESILIENCE printed underneath As him and Ellie showed off their arms: 'Guys, were just done! We are so, so happy. 'The best is Nicola Oprey. There she is, look at her. Shes just the best. Its beautiful.' The pair called themselves the aubergine team because Vito loves parmigiana, but decided to add a bee to the design because of its resilience. Early this month the couple appeared on This Morning to discuss their 'great relationship' as they revealed their plans for the matching tattoo. As host Craig Doyle bluntly asked: 'Are they a couple?', Vito responded: 'We have a great relationship and we are going to have a tattoo - as a joke - before we got to the final we promised ourselves we would get one of an Aubergine.' Ellie added: 'We said if we made it to the final we would get a tattoo, but it was just a joke, we didn't expect to get there! Vito continued: 'At the end we decided to do a B with the body of an Aubergine because a B is a Brazilian insect. But that is a symbol of our bond.' The former Coronation Street star, who left her long-running role as Faye Windass on the ITV1 soap just months before taking to the dance floor, added that dancing has become a 'huge part' of her life. As him and Ellie showed off their arms: ' Guys, were just done! We are so, so happy Ellie looked in great spirits as she smiled through the pain of the tattoo The pair called themselves the aubergine team because Vito loves parmigiana, but decided to add a bee to the design because of its resilience She said: 'Dancing helps me in a lot of ways and it has become a huge part of my life. It's something that I really, really fell in love with, and if we can kind of help people feel the same way then that is amazing. 'I don't think it will ever sink in, it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I still cannot believe that we won. I have watched that video over and over and over again and I still can not believe it. 'It was such an emotional time and it kind of feels like a dream. It kind of feels like it didn't happen but it was the best dream ever.' While romance rumours surrounded the pair throughout the competition, the pair clarified earlier this month that they are just good friends. Speaking to the The Mirror, he said: 'We have a great relationship and honestly when you just find people, not just me and Ellie but their family which I love. 'You just find these people that you think are going to stay in my life forever, in each others lives forever, and all the family and the dogs.' 'We are going nowhere, don't worry I am going to annoy you every single day, every week and every single year,' he added. While romance rumours surrounded the pair throughout the competition, the pair clarified earlier this month that they are just good friends Meanwhile Ellie is currently fuelling romance rumours with Bobby Brazier after the pair have reportedly been enjoying a string of secret dates Meanwhile Ellie is currently fuelling romance rumours with Bobby Brazier after the pair have reportedly been enjoying a string of secret dates. A source told The Sun how the pair have kissed and been on secret dates during their breaks between performances. They said: 'Bobby and Ellie are the talk of the tour. Their friendship has grown and grown, and they've been spending nearly all their free time together before and after performances.' 'They've been having their meals together, and flirting openly. The chat on tour is they may have enjoyed a cheeky snog, and will go public with their romance any week now.' Georgia Kousoulou has revealed that her son Brody 'saved her' after she suffered a miscarriage last year. The TOWIE star, 32, admitted she 'struggled to talk' after losing her baby when she was 12 weeks pregnant back in April, and admitted her grief is still 'up and down.' Speaking to Heat Magazine, Georgia also hinted that they are hoping to expand their family this year, saying in 2024 that 'they feel like they're going to get what they wish for this year.' The couple shared the surprise news in December that they'd tied the knot in a low-key legal ceremony, with plans for a lavish wedding in Majorca later this year. Discussing her miscarriage, Georgia said: 'With grief, I don't think you get over it, but you learn to live with it. There are days when I'm in a better headspace and I'm really positive, then I'll be triggered and be lile ''Why did it happen?'' Georgia Kousoulou has revealed that her son Brody 'saved her' after she suffered a miscarriage last year The TOWIE star admitted she 'struggled to talk' after losing her baby when she was 12 weeks pregnant back in April, and admitted her grief is still 'up and down' 'I just think it's very up and down. I'm so blessed to have Brody, he saved me in more ways than he knows - he makes me a better Mum. 'When you've got a child, you haven't got time to sit and cry. You get up, you show up and you're a mum. I guess Brody is the answer. I'm so lucky.' The actress spoke out on her struggle to conceive a second child in the new series of her hit ITVBe reality show, Tommy and Georgia: Baby Steps. The couple had a miscarriage in April 2023, and with the new series picking up in September, they tell their fans about their 'tough few months.' 'Since we lost the baby in April I have had my days,' Georgia explained on the show. 'I get good days and I get bad days which I think is completely normal.' 'There are still going to be things that trigger me. The last week I feel like I'm in a better place, it's taken a long time though.' 'I would love to be pregnant right now, I thought I would have been by now but you can only want something so much. All we can do is hope and pray that it happens but unfortunately I can't control my body.' In a teaser for this week's episode, Georgia is seen in floods of tears as she asks a friend 'why aren't I pregnant yet?' Georgia also hinted that they are hoping to expand their family this year, saying in 2024 that 'they feel like they're going to get what they wish for this year' The actress spoke out on her struggle to conceive a second child in the new series of her hit ITVBe reality show, Tommy and Georgia: Baby Steps Tommy explained how the couple and their son Brody, two, escaped to Majorca for three months in the summer after the miscarriage. 'Georgia has had a tough few months, but we are coming out the other end of it,' he explained on the show. 'My main priority over the past three months has been Georgia and making sure she gets out of this place that she has been in. It's been hard, and we haven't spoken about it either.' Tommy revealed that he has turned to crystals for comfort over the past year, telling the camera: 'When you go through trauma, especially at rock bottom, you find things to comfort you, for me its the spiritual side.' 'I just want to make sure Georgia gets what's she wants, it's been enough about me the past few years but the pressure is very very hard.' Georgia and Tommy tied the knot in a secret, intimate London ceremony on December 1, 2023, but will have a second, more lavish celebration in the sunshine with their wider friends and family this summer. The couple had previously called off their wedding in May 2023, as the miscarriage occurred in the previous month. Gemma Atkinson and her fiance Gorka Marquez say that having to spend so much time apart from each other keeps their relationship 'fresh'. The former Hollyoaks actress, 39, and the Strictly Come Dancing star, 33, have been together for six years and share two children. Gorka is currently away from home a lot, as he is a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly, Bailando con las Estrellas, requiring him to spend a lot of time in Madrid for filming. As the Spanish dancer jets across Europe for his new role, Gemma has been caring for their daughter Mia, four, and son Thiago, six months, back home in Manchester. There has been much speculation that the distance has caused the couple to be going through a 'rough patch', with reports saying they have been struggling with 'tension'. Gemma Atkinson and her fiance Gorka Marquez say that having to spend so much time apart from each other keeps their relationship 'fresh' The former Hollyoaks actress, 39, and the Strictly Come Dancing star, 33, have been together for six years and share two children However, Gemma and Gorka have now said that despite missing each other, they like the time apart, crediting it with keeping 'the spark alive'. When asked if she missed Gorka while he was away, Gemma admitted to OK! magazine: 'I do and I dont.' She explained: 'Part of the reason why it still feels so fresh is because were not together 24/7. 'In February, well be six years [together], with two babies, and I still get excited to see him, but I think if we were together all the time, I wouldnt. I miss him, but I also think its a good thing because it keeps the spark alive.' Gorka agreed, saying: 'Yes, for example, we have different jobs and we do different things, even though its kind of within the same industry. 'But then we come together, and in a way, it keeps [the relationship] alive and gives you a freshness.' It comes after Gemma denied the reports that her and Gorka's relationship was rocky, insisting the rumours were 'not true'. Taking to her Instagram she joked that she enjoys the 'peace' while her partner is away honouring his work commitments. Gorka is currently away from home a lot, as he is a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly, Bailando con las Estrellas, requiring him to spend a lot of time in Madrid for filming As the Spanish dancer jets across Europe for his new role, Gemma has been caring for their daughter Mia, four, and son Thiago, six months, back home in Manchester When asked if she'd heard about the rumours, Gemma said: 'Yes we did see them stories. There was a few floating around weren't there which is news to us. It is what it is isn't it. Happens all the time dunnit. It's not true.' She continued: 'I think it's because it was made out he's working away a lot. He goes away Friday afternoon and comes back Sunday mornings. 'He's hardly bloomin' overseas is he. Crikey it's less than 48 hours, if anything it gives me a bit of peace at weekends. No offence Gorks.' Clarifying her remarks, she added: 'Well he is overseas but you know what I mean.' Last year, Gemma was said to be 'frustrated' when Gorka was unable to get home during the final six weeks of Strictly , despite being voted out in week three with partner Nikita Kanda. Earlier this month, a source told The Mirror Gemma is 'effectively raising two kids by herself' leaving her 'frustrated'. They said: 'Gemma knows how important Gorka's work is to him and goes above and beyond to be supportive but she found it challenging when he wasn't able to travel back to Manchester to spend time with her and the kids, even when he'd been voted off last year's series. 'But then he signed up to Bailando con las Estrellas, and the plan changed. Gemma knows hes just wanting to support his family, but its disappointing for her. There has been much speculation that the distance has caused the couple to be going through a 'rough patch', with reports saying they have been struggling with 'tension' However, Gemma and Gorka have now said that despite missing each other, they like the time apart, crediting it with keeping 'the spark alive' 'Its a really rough patch for them. Gorka has also been frustrated because they havent had time to travel to Bilbao for Thiago to meet his elderly parents.' The source added: 'Gemma has been effectively raising two kids by herself. She was focusing on the end of the series as the end point but the judging role was too good an opportunity to miss. As with any couple, the longer theyre apart, the more tension there is between them.' Gorka confirmed his new job on Instagram this month, sharing: 'I finally can share the news that I will be one of the judges in the Spanish version of Strictly, Bailando con las Estrellas @bailandoest. 'So excited to [be] back in Spain and doing the show that changed my whole life and excited to be sat on the other side of the floor this time even if I am not sure I will be able to hold myself and not dance. First show is this Saturday (13.01.24) and I can't wait.' Gemma was quick to show her support in the comments section, writing: 'Woohoo! So proud and so excited to watch (if I can figure out the Spanish tele).' Last month, Gemma shared her reaction on Instagram after Gorka returned home from Strictly. She wrote: 'After 3 and a half weeks hes home! I've well and truly handed them over. Bye hun. Mum's off for sit down. @gorka_marquez!' Gorka had been away preparing for the Strictly final after his appearance on the show was cut short due to his exit in week two. It comes after Gemma denied the reports that her and Gorka's relationship was rocky, insisting the rumours were 'not true' and joking that she enjoys the 'peace' while her partner is away honouring his work commitments Tom Hardy was seen filming in London as the new face of fragrance company Jo Malone for the first time on Tuesday. The Venom actor, 46, looked serious as he filmed the advert outside the Hayward Gallery, in Southbank Centre. Tom dressed down for the filming, sporting a grey sweater with a black coat on top and a white shirt underneath. While giving off a stern look during filming, Tom softened when the cameras were off, shaking hands with and beaming at crew members. He seemed to be surrounded by falling snow as he walked past people dressed as gold and silver statues. Tom Hardy was seen filming as the new face of fragrance company Jo Malone for the first time on Tuesday outside the Hayward Gallery in the London's Southbank Centre The Venom star dressed down for the filming, sporting a grey sweater with a black coat on top and a white shirt underneath The 'statues' wore suits completely covered in mirrors of varying sizes, as well as adorned ties, balaclavas and top hats. Their costumes were completed with black sunglasses and silver and gold walking sticks. It comes after the swoon-worthy star drove mums wild before Christmas by returning to CBeebies to read another bedtime story with his beloved French Bulldog Blue. The Hollywood star has made multiple appearances on the children's broadcaster over the years and caused quite a stir when he made his debut back in 2016. Tom returned to screens in December to read The Oak Tree by Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandy as part of National Tree Week 2023. The story focuses on the journey of a tree across its 1,000 year history from seed to mighty oak. When Tom made his debut, women begged the actor to 'tuck them in' with CBeebies going on to trend on Twitter. Many viewers admitted their children had already gone to bed or were too old for a bedtime story, yet it didn't stop them from enjoying Batman bad guy Hardy's story. Tom is certainly being kept busy, as just day before, in November, he confirmed that production on Venom 3 has resumed after being halted for nearly four months due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. While giving off a stern look during filming, Tom softened when the cameras were off He was seen smiling at and shaking hands with crew members when the cameras were not pointed at him Tom seemed to be surrounded by falling snow as he walked past people dressed as gold and silver statues The 'statues' wore suits completely covered in mirrors of varying sizes, as well as adorned ties, balaclavas and top hats The advert, where Tom Hardy becomes the face of Jo Malone, was filmed outside the Hayward Gallery (pictured) The franchise's leading man took to his Instagram page to announce that the cast and crew had already returned to set for filming. The British actor and writer - who helped conceive the story for Venom 3 with the superhero film's director Kelly Marcel - shared a black-and-white photo of the pair with stunt double Jacob Tomuri. And from the looks of the trio all laughing and smiling, it appeared as though they were in great spirits with things back on track. 'V3N0M 3 The last dance - thankfully we are back to shooting,' Tom began in the caption of the photo. 'And I want to take a moment just to thank all the teams thus far on the ride from V1 to here. All our fantastic Cast and crew - good friends and family - we've come a long way.' 'It's been and continues to be a lot of fun this journey,' he continued. 'There's always hard turns to burn when we work, but doesn't feel as hard when you love what you do and when you know you have great material and the support at all sides, of a great team. Surrounded by talented and passionate departments and when surrounded by people you love and care about it doesn't get any better.' Tom Hardy drove mums wild as he returned to CBeebies to read another bedtime story with his beloved French Bulldog Blue Venom's leading man Tom thanked the cast and crew for all their hard work when making the announcement that the production was back in action with this photo; Hardy (centre) is seen with director Kelly Marcel (left) and his stunt double Jacob Tomuri (right) Tom went on to talk about 'how proud' he is of director Kelly, who he described as his 'director, writing partner and dear friend.' 'Watching you taking the helm on this one fills me with pride,' he gushed, before sharing how it's been his 'honour' to collaborate with her. 'Your instincts are always spot on,' he said. 'First class - I back you. 100%. As always. And I absolutely love working with you and watching you take on bigger challenges every time.' He then addressed Jacob, his stunt double, who he called his 'great friend, face plant chief operator and brother.' Showing his sense of humour, Tom added, 'Jacob you still look f all like me bro,' before concluding the post by declaring, 'Here's to a great ride!!! #Venom3 #team.' Animal lovers Millie Bobby Brown, 19, and fiance Jake Bongiovi, 21, visited the no-kill shelter Humane Society in Naples, Florida on Saturday. The power couple posed with an adorable pup they pulled to foster through the rescue Joey's Friends. In honor of pulling the dog Shark, whom later they renamed as Jabba, the Humane Society renamed a pup in their care after the animal advocate and actress - naming him Big Brown. Millie Bobby Brown and fiance Jake Bongiovi visited the no-kill shelter Humane Society in Naples, Florida on Saturday. The power couple and animal lovers posed with an adorable pup they pulled to foster through the rescue Joey's Friends; the stars pictured with veterinarian Dr. Edna May Seymour (left) The power couple and animal lovers posed with an adorable pup they pulled to foster through the rescue Joey's Friends Millie and Jake pictured with the adorable pup they are fostering, after pulling him from the shelter over the weekend In honor of pulling the dog Shark, whom later they renamed as Jabba, the Humane Society renamed a pup in their care after the animal advocate and actress - naming him Big Brown The Humane Society of Naples is an independent nonprofit that provides care, shelter and placement for orphaned animals in the Collier County area. The no-kill shelter is supported solely by private donations. Millie and Jake pulled the pup to foster via the rescue group called Joey's Friends. The couple changed his name from Shark to Jabba, most likely due to his adorable face - in a nod to the Star Wars character of the same name. Joey's Friends shared snaps of the cute pup posing with Millie soon after, in a bid to find him a permanent home and get adopted - while in foster care with Millie and Jake. The rescue started off the post with: 'Meet Jabba: The Relaxed Ruler of Tranquility,' writing that his 'presence exudes the calm of a tranquil Tatooine evening and his spirit embodies the serenity of a galaxy at peace.' Joey's Friends is an animal rescue based in Florida with the mission to improve the lives of animals in need through fostering animals. The rescue's website said they focus on 'being the bridge between their painful pasts and the bright, loving futures they so rightfully deserve.' 'Millie and Jake were so very pleasant and down to earth, focused solely on the well-being of our animals. At first, our staff did not even realize who they were; they seemed like just another young couple looking for a pet to adopt. Like many people who visit our shelter, they fell in love with one of our residents, Shark (renamed Jabba). It was a very positive and happy experience. They couldn't have been nicer, and they were obviously there for the right reason, to give a homeless animal a bright future,' HSN said in a statement to People. Millie and Jake pulled the pup to foster via the rescue group called Joey's Friends The couple changed his name from Shark to Jabba, most likely due to his adorable face - in a nod to the Star Wars character of the same name Joey's Friends shared snaps of the cute pup posing with Millie soon after, in a bid to find him a permanent home and get adopted Millie is an animal lover and animal rescue advocate, and has eight dogs, four cats, three goats, one pony, one donkey, one rabbit and one sheep. The empathetic star often shares to her 63.6 million followers on Instagram posts about rescuing animals - as well as bringing to light animal advocacy and welfare. The Stranger Things actress recently posted about a pup named Chloe to her Instagram page that was looking for a forever home - that she helped nurse back to health following a traumatic past. Jake - who is the son of rock star Bon Jovi - and Millie got engaged in April 2023 after dating for three years. Advertisement Devon Windsor put her incredibly toned figure on display in a strapless burnt orange bikini for images shared to Instagram on Tuesday. The Victoria's Secret model was seen in her huge walk-in closet and then on a yacht as she hung out with her best friend. At one point, the cover girl added a matching mini skirt with the same gold medallion as the top. The 29-year-old star - who will turn 30 in March 2024 - was in a swimsuit she designed herself for her self-named brand that has been a blockbuster since it debuted four years ago. Devon appears to be at her thinnest in years after welcoming two daughters with husband Johnny Dex Barbara. In 2021 she gave birth to their first child, Enzo Elodie Barbara, and in May 2023 she welcomed their second daughter, Celine Blue Barbara. Devon Windsor put her incredibly toned figure on display in a strapless orange bikini for images shared to Instagram on Tuesday The 5ft11in cover girl looked to be enjoying her time on the ocean. Windsor looked very slender in the two piece bathing suit as her abs were on display and her legs appeared muscular with definition. Devon has been a model for over a decade and has been in the swimsuit-making business for the last four years. In 2019 she launched Devon Windsor Swim, an affordable swimwear line which also captures her personal style. 'I am super excited to announce that I am launching Devon Windsor Swim this summer !!! I have been working for the past year on this project and cannot wait to see you guys wearing it!' she announced on social media at the time. Speaking with V Magazine about starting up the collection, she said: 'Being in the fashion industry, I was always interested in expanding my brand outside of just modeling. 'I loved the aspect of design and the creativity and freedom in being able to have your own line. Swimsuits have always been a passion of mine because I love the oceanit is where I feel most at home. The Victoria's Secret model was seen in her huge walk-in closet which had a generous island filled with jewelry At one point, the cover girl added a matching mini skirt with the same gold medallion as the top The 29-year-old star - who will turn 30 in March 2024 - was in a swimsuit she designed herself for her self-named brand that has been a blockbuster since it debuted four years ago 'Over the past couple of years, I have noticed a gap in the market for a swimsuit that is more than your average basic bikini, without breaking your bank. 'For me, swimwear is a strong form of self-expression and something that you should feel confident and powerful in. With this in mind, I decided to create an affordable line of statement swimsuitsDevon Windsor.' As far as what makes her collection standout in the marketplace, she said: 'I wanted this line to be a reflection of my personal style, while also being a collection and brand that everyone could find something they love. 'I also wanted the collection to be affordable, and something that carries a lot of design details. The range offers a large variety of versatile silhouettes, colors, patterns, textures and hardwareall with an immense amount of detail that went into selecting each. She was also seen posing in the fun look when on the back of a yacht Devon appears to be at her thinnest in years after welcoming two daughters with husband Johnny Dex Barbara Here the model posed with a woman she called her best friend In 2021 she gave birth to their first child, Enzo Elodie Barbara, and in May 2023 she welcomed their second daughter, Celine Blue Barbara 'I feel like the versatility of each piece and huge attention to detail that I put into each aspect of every design is what sets this line apart from others.' Outside of the corporate world, Devon is a busy mother of two. She shares daughters Enzo Elodie Barbara, two, and Celine Blue Barbara, six months, with her husband Jonathan. Devon married her businessman beau in a beachside St. Barts ceremony in 2019. Two years after they tied the knot, the Brawl in Cell Block 99 star gave birth to their first child in September 2021, a girl they christened Enzo Elodie Barbara. The hard-working model mom announced her second pregnancy back in November 2022. She gave birth to her second daughter, Celine Blue Barbara, in early May 2023. Discovered at the age of 14, Devon has been a professional model ever since. Dominic West has revealed he didn't get out of bed for two days after reading negative reviews of The Crown. The sixth and final series, which was released last year, was branded 'profoundly tasteless' and 'absolutely deplorable' by critics and royal experts, after Princess Diana's ghost appeared in scenes. The actor, 54, who portrayed the King then Prince Charles - in the Netflix series, said he is relieved the drama has ended and he no longer must be immersed in the Royal Family's world. Dominic was asked on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme on Monday if he was worried how the royals would respond to the series. Dominic West has revealed he didn't get out of bed for two days after reading negative reviews of The Crown The actor, 54, who portrayed the King then Prince Charles - in the Netflix series, said he is relieved the drama has ended and he no longer must be immersed in the Royal Family 's world He said: 'All reactions worry me. I read all the reviews and spent two days in bed. 'So yes, I'm a sensitive soul, I worry about what people think. 'I don't want to make their lives any more difficult than they already are, so I suppose it does concern you.' Of his experience on the show, Dominic said: 'I loved being on it. I loved wearing the clothes. I loved driving the cars and I loved having people bow to me. It's an absolutely wonderful feeling. 'I miss it.' The actor, who is promoting his new UK theatre production of Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge, laughed: 'It's such a relief now to go back to theatre and not have to talk about the monarchy anymore.' For the London run of his new show, 100 tickets per performance will be priced at 20 and available to people under the age of 25. Dominic recently criticised 'crazy' West End ticket prices and audiences, saying that the cost 'means only a certain small group of people will be going to the theatre and probably not enjoying it much'. The sixth and final series, which was released last year, was branded 'profoundly tasteless' and 'absolutely deplorable' by critics and royal experts, after Princess Diana's ghost appeared Tragic: Diana and Dodi Fayed (pictured on August 22, 1997) died in the early hours of August 31, 1997, after the S-Class they were travelling in crashed at the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris Netflix's decision to allow Princess Diana's ghost to appear in front of her ex-husband Prince Charles and the late Queen in The Crown was slammed by royal experts. Diana, played by Elizabeth Debicki, had an emotional reconciliation with a grieving Charles, played by Dominic , in the sixth and final series of the show. She then appeared in phantom form again to Queen Elizabeth II, played by Imelda Staunton, as they discussed funeral arrangements with Charles. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline at the time of the launch 'the idea that they have even contemplated Diana as a ghost seems absolutely weird', particularly considering the controversial elements already swirling around the show. He also said Charles would stay silent on the portrayal, but Princes William and Harry could speak out. Brand and culture expert Nick Ede added that the brothers could be 'appalled' by the depiction of their late mother, and it would be 'quite triggering'. Netflix's decision to allow Princess Diana's ghost to appear in front of her ex-husband Prince Charles and the late Queen in The Crown was slammed by royal experts (pictured in 1987) The Independent's Katie Rosseinsky gave the show a mere two stars and was one of those who saw the end as a far cry from its successful beginnings. She wrote: 'When it comes to The Crown and what-ifs, the biggest one is this: what if this juggernaut of a show hadn't squandered its once-golden potential? 'As the final six episodes arrive on Netflix, bringing a saga spanning half a century to a close, Morgans drama is haunted by the ghost of past glories.' The mainly scathing review added that some of William and Harry's lines appear that they were written by an 'AI bot', and though she praised The Queen's (Imelda Staunton) final scenes, she added they come 'too little too late'. Anita Singh of The Telegraph agreed, arguing that a 'once fine drama abdicates with a miserable whimper'. Singh said: 'Farewell then to The Crown (Netflix), a show that started out as a sublime period drama interesting history, fabulous frocks, a luminous Claire Foy and ends as a Hallmark Channel movie in which the Queen has a nightmare about Tony and Cherie Blair being crowned at Westminster Abbey to a new national anthem of Things Can Only Get Better, and William and Kates dreamy first kiss is interrupted by a royal protection officer announcing the death of the Queen Mother.' The Times appeared more positive by offering three stars, calling it a 'middling end to a royal epic', adding it was 'quite dull' and felt like it was 'running out of power like a Duracell advert'. He may well have ruled himself out of the running to play James Bond, but Idris Elba looked suave enough to impress the fictional secret agent as he starred in his first ever campaign for Calvin Klein on Tuesday. The actor, 51, wore a smart black suit before changing into a corduroy jacket and jeans in a series of photos taken by Mert Alas. In the second instalment of the brands spring 2024 menswear campaign, Idris follows The Bear star Jeremy Allen White after he showed off his toned abs in the brand's classic briefs. He topped off his first outfit with a classic white T-shirt and a pair of patent brogues while posing on a chair in the middle of the street. Another outfit change saw him model a thin knit sweater and jeans for a clean, everyday look. Idris Elba, 51, put on a suave display while posing in his first ever campaign for Calvin Klein on Tuesday The actor, 51, wore a smart black suit before changing into a corduroy jacket and jeans while posing for a series of photos taken by Mert Alas Earlier this week, Idris has praised the UK government's crackdown on zombie knives, but said that it doesn't go far enough. The actor has been a fierce proponent against knife crime in Britain, which has surged in recent years with many of the victims being teenage boys. He has launched a new campaign called Don't Stop Your Future, and is demanding an immediate ban on machetes and so-called 'zombie knives'. It was announced on Wednesday, that fresh legislation is set to be introduced to Parliament, which Home Secretary James Cleverly said seeks to 'close that loophole' on outlawing the weapons. Zombie-style knives were first banned in 2016 but ministers hope these tighter measures will stop some retailers being able to sell dangerous knives and machetes without breaking the law. However, Labour said the changes had already been promised by six Conservative home secretaries and 'loopholes' mean they do not go far enough to be a 'comprehensive ban'. Idris appeared on BBC Breakfast on Thursday morning to discuss the new measures, saying while they are welcome progress but there is still so much more to be done. He said: 'This is a symbolic step in the right direction. It is only a step in the right direction because there is such a long road to go.' In the second instalment of the brands spring 2024 menswear campaign, Idris follows The Bear star Jeremy Allen White after he showed off his toned abs in the brand's classic briefs He topped off his first outfit with a classic white T-shirt while posing on a chair in the middle of the street Another outfit change saw him model a thin knit sweater and jeans for a clean, everyday look Idris later opted for a satin bomber jacket as he covered half of the camera with his hand Idris continued: 'There's so many facets to this issue that need to be addressed but banning them outright - the sale, the manufacture of them in our country - is a step in the right direction and I feel that's a good step. 'It's a small win for the families, for the victims, that are sitting there wondering why our government hasn't done something like this earlier. 'Even though they have done it before, they left so many loopholes it allowed the sales to continue. So this feels a lot more robust, a lot more thinking has been put into the banning of it and hopefully there aren't any loopholes.' However, he pointed out that not all knives are banned, including swords, and explained why this still represented a 'big issue'. Sydney Sweeney revealed she has teamed up with Ford Mustang to give one lucky fan a brand-new car, that she designed. On Tuesday morning, the Euphoria star, 26, announced the giveaway to her 16.9 million Instagram followers, alongside a video of her sharing a first look of the 'perfect Mustang' inspired by her Brittany Blue 1966 Mustang. 'In my dreams, I can picture the perfect Mustang. And, guess what? My dream car can be yours!' she said in the recording. 'After working on my vintage mustang, I know that no detail is too small.' The self-proclaimed car aficionado went on to note that after refurbishing her own vintage mustang, she was careful to pick the perfect 'custom' paint and reimagine the vehicle's interior with a few 'personal touches.' Sydney Sweeney revealed she has teamed up with Ford Mustang to give one lucky fan a brand-new car, that she designed by herself On Tuesday morning, the Euphoria star, 26, announced the giveaway to her 16.9 million Instagram followers, alongside a video of her giving a look of the 'perfect Mustang' inspired by her Brittany Blue 1966 Mustang The clip ended with her teasing that 'this car is full of surprises.' While speaking about the collaboration with Ford Mustang, Sweeney told Cosmopolitan that she had been 'dreaming this up for a very long time.' 'It's everything that is me. It's a mixture between me as Syd, my vintage 1964 Half Mustang that I have, and just put it into this car,' she told the outlet. So the exterior is this Robin's Egg Blue, which is also my favorite color, but it matches my original Mustang.' The two-time Emmy nominee continued: 'And then you have my bolt heart logo, which I'm so excited to see an actual tangible version of. We have my name on the engine, which is insane cause it's also gonna be on someone else's engine. And then you have the custom rims, which are actually really close and similar to the original rims on my Britney Mustang.' Her favorite part is the starlight ceiling, which she said she 'pushed really hard on.' 'That just made me remember being back home, looking up at the sky, seeing all the star lights, and just feeling safe. I wanted a car that gives you that personal experience as well,' she explained. The actress hopes the winner will 'go to get ice cream' and have a joy ride' in the 'spirit of' her. The contest begins on January 30 and runs through February. To enter, participants 'who defy stereotypes to pursue their passions' can share their personal stories on Ford's Instagram or TikTok channels. 'In my dreams, I can picture the perfect Mustang. And, guess what? My dream car can be yours!' she said in the recording. 'After working on my vintage mustang, I know that no detail is too small' The self-proclaimed car aficionado went on to note that after refurbishing her own vintage mustang, she was careful to pick the perfect 'custom' paint and reimagine the vehicle's interior with a few 'personal touches' The clip ended with her teasing that 'this car is full of surprises' before asking viewers: 'What will you find behind the wheel' While speaking about the collaboration with Ford Mustang, Sweeney told Cosmopolitan that she had been 'dreaming this up for a very long time' In a statement obtained by DailyMail.com, Ford Mustang chief engineer Laurie Transou said: 'Like me, Sydney is a Mustang girl.' Each generation has its own distinct personality, but at their core, they embody a spirit of disruption, edge, and undeniable allure,' Transou noted. 'Sydney's interpretation of the Mustang captures this essence perfectly, reflecting the expressive and individualistic nature of those who are drawn to this iconic vehicle.' In November, Sweeney worked with Ford on a workwear line, inspired by her 1965 Mustang. 'I've always loved Mustangs,' Sweeney told WWD, at the time. 'Blue is my favorite color, so when I saw the color scheme of it, I thought it was the prettiest thing I've ever seen.' The new pieces, manufactured by Dickies, come emblazoned with a 'Syd's Garage' logo featuring two bolts bent into a heart. 'I was obsessed with overalls and the corduroy hat,' Sweeney said of her two favorite items from the original drop. 'It's everything that is me. It's a mixture between me as Syd, my vintage 1964 Half Mustang that I have, and just put it into this car,' she told the outlet. 'So the exterior is this Robin's Egg Blue, which is also my favorite color, but it matches my original Mustang' The two-time Emmy nominee continued: 'And then you have my bolt heart logo, which I'm so excited to see an actual tangible version of. We have my name on the engine, which is insane cause it's also gonna be on someone else's engine. And then you have the custom rims, which are actually really close and similar to the original rims on my Britney Mustang' Her favorite part is the starlight ceiling, which she said she 'pushed really hard on' Sweeney originally launched Syd's Garage, her TikTok account, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic when she was working on the renovations for her 1969 Ford Bronco. Slowly but surely during those renovations, she began to realize the impact she could have on other females with an interest in automobiles, or people who just like the style that a car like a Ford Mustang represents. 'I really wanted to empower and support women in the space because it's a very male-dominated industry,' the actress added. In November, Sweeney worked with Ford on a workwear line, inspired by her 1965 Mustang 'I've always loved Mustangs,' Sweeney told WWD, last year. 'Blue is my favorite color, so when I saw the color scheme of it, I thought it was the prettiest thing I've ever seen.' Having grown up in a family of mechanics and automobile lovers, Sweeney knows a thing or two about the importance of the new items having a blend of both style and functionality. 'I love working in the garage and was so excited to partner with Ford on a clothing line that's comfortable in and out of the shop,' the Hollywood starlet said of the collaboration. She continued, 'I was so thrilled that Ford wanted to use auto enthusiasts to model the clothing and create content that teaches people how to do basic maintenance tasks on their vehicles. Being able to take my car into my own hands has been so empowering for me and I hope this can inspire others who may have never considered working on their vehicle themselves to give it a try.' Sweeney is most famous for playing the role of good girl gone bad, Cassie Howard, on the hit HBO series Euphoria, which sees her perform alongside the likes of Zendaya and Alexa Demie. The first trailer of Guy Ritchie's WWII drama The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare was released on Tuesday. Henry Cavill, 40, stars in the film as Gus March-Phillips, with the movie telling the true story of a rogue group who fought the Nazis. The plot is inspired by the British War Department's recently declassified documents which contained information about a secret group of military officials formed by the late Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Guy Ritchie, 55, directed Paramount Pictures' big-screen adaptation of Damien Lewis' 2015 book, and ousted Superman star Henry plays the leader of the secret combat organisation. The movie is set during World War II and will be centred on a clandestine combat organisation set up by Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming. Freddie Fox plays Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels, who was a member of the secret combat unit. The first trailer of Guy Ritchie's WWII drama The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare was released on Tuesday (Henry Cavill pictured) Henry Cavill, 40 (right), stars in the film as Gus March-Phillips, with the movie telling the true story of a rogue group who fought the Nazis The plot is inspired by the British War Department's declassified documents which contained information about a secret group of military officials formed by the Winston Churchill (L-R: Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Babs Olusanmokun and Alan Ritchson) A synopsis reads: 'The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks, goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly "ungentlemanly" fighting techniques. 'Ultimately their audacious approach changed the course of the war and laid the foundation for the British SAS and modern Black Ops warfare.' As the trailer opens, Henry's character Gus is heard saying: 'We both know I'm not very popular with the administration. 'If I am to do this I'll need my own team. You won't like them, they're all mad.' Cary Elwes' character tells him: 'They'll need to be.' As the unit is seen unleashing terror its enemy, Gus is heard saying: 'This is an unsanctioned, unauthorised mission. 'If we fail, England will be condemned to a lifetime under the German boot. The film stars the likes of Eiza Gonzalez, Alex Pettyfer, Henry Golding and Babs Olusanmokun. Guy Ritchie, 55, directed Paramount Pictures' big-screen adaptation of Damien Lewis' 2015 book, and ousted Superman star Henry plays the leader of the secret combat organisation (Eiza Gonzalez pictured) The movie is set during World War II and will be centred on a clandestine combat organisation set up by Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming A synopsis reads: 'The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks, goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly "ungentlemanly" fighting techniques' As the unit is seen unleashing terror, Gus says: 'This is an unsanctioned, unauthorised mission. 'If we fail, England will be condemned to a lifetime under the German boot' Other performers set to star in the project are Alan Ritchson and Cary Elwes among others. Actress Eiza, 33, takes on her role as a 'military sniper with extraordinary spy-craft abilities' in the WWII spy film. She was previously revealed to have joined the cast of the feature in October of 2022. Physical production on the movie kicked off in Turkey this in February last year. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is scheduled for release on Friday 19 April. Georgia Toffolo has revealed a big relationship milestone with boyfriend James Watt as she opened up about their romance on Tuesday. The former Made In Chelsea star, 29, who met the BrewDog founder, 41, on a blind date last year, gushed that she believes he is 'the one'. She revealed the pair plan to 'move in' together soon as carrying bags between their two houses is 'getting pretty silly' since the couple want to spend 'every night together'. Speaking to New! said: 'I think [moving is the next step]. We keep laughing about not having had "The Conversation" but in saying that we kind of have! 'I'm pretty independent so I want to keep that, but create an incredible home together. And frankly carrying bags between out houses is getting pretty silly because we want to be together every night.' Georgia Toffolo has revealed a big relationship milestone with boyfriend James Watt as she opened up about their romance on Tuesday The former Made In Chelsea star, 29, who met the BrewDog founder, 41, on a blind date last year, gushed that she believes he is 'the one' When asked if James is the one, she added: 'God yeah! I wouldn't be with him if I didn't. I don't like wasting time, and I'm very impatient so yes, I hope so.' The Im a Celebrity Queen of the jungle went on to say James has bought 'so much happiness to her life' and they are 'very similar'. The loved-up pair were first linked last summer after being set up on a blind date by mutual friend. Georgia previously revealed to MailOnline how she and the millionaire manage to make their relationship work despite their constantly conflicting schedules. She continued: 'I can't even say it's been hard to be honest because really, we bend over backwards to make it happen. 'We're good at prioritising. It's a lot of give and take, like Saturday was very much about James and then he really supported me yesterday. 'So I think it's just about good communication. It wouldn't work for me being with someone that didn't get it and vice versa. 'I feel really lucky that I get the buzz from what he does because he's so brilliant. So at the moment we're pulling it off. I hope we can continue! She revealed the pair plan to 'move in' together soon as carrying bags between their two houses is 'getting pretty silly' since the couple want to spend 'every night together' When asked if James is the one by New!, she said: 'God yeah! I wouldn't be with him if I didn't. I don't like wasting time, and I'm very impatient so yes, I hope so' 'We're both pretty relaxed about it and weaving our lives and our relationship, making sure that we're spinning all the plates. But we're also topping up the work pot as well, which we're constantly doing.' In November, Georgia shared snaps from her trip to the Maldives with her boyfriend James. The reality star wowed in the racy one-piece that she teamed with a matching sarong as she posed next to their private pool at the resort. She also looked stylish in a cut-out black dress on another night and shared a glimpse at some watersports they had taken on while holidaying. In the caption she shared advice for those travelling to the Maldives on holiday while reflecting on how she and James picked an 'intimate' island for their stay. She penned: 'Consider whether you want a big island with lots of choices or a smaller, more intimate island. 'James and I are both so busy with work therefore a smaller sized island suits us because we don't have to do much thinking. 'Being able to cycle everywhere in a maximum of 3 minutes is excellent, but so is a choice of 10 different restaurants, so think carefully before you book.' Lala Kent, 33, of Vanderpump Rules fame has plans to expand her family. The reality TV siren - whose birth name is Lauren Elyse Burningham - told Cosmopolitan this week that she wants another child. And instead of using a male partner, the 33-year-old blonde knockout shared that she wants to do it all on her own. The baby will be conceived via IUI with the help of a sperm donor. The red carpet wonder is still partner-free after dumping her fiance, controversial Hollywood producer Randall Emmett, in 2021 amid allegations he cheated. He is the father of her first child, daughter Ocean, age two. She is set to turn three next month. Lala Kent , 33, of Vanderpump Rules fame has plans to expand her family. The reality TV siren - whose birth name is Lauren Elyse Burningham - told Cosmopolitan this week that she wants another child And instead of using a male partner, the 33-year-old blonde knockout shared that she wants to do it all on her own. The baby will be conceived via IUI The red carpet wonder is still partner-free after dumping her fiance, controversial Hollywood producer Randall Emmett, in 2021. He is the father of her first child, daughter Ocean, age two Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure that treats infertility. IUI boosts the chances of pregnancy by placing specially prepared sperm directly in the uterus, the organ in which a baby develops, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another name for the procedure is artificial insemination. Is conceiving her second child on her own via IUI, and she's ready to destigmatize it. The Bravo star is doing motherhood her own way because she does not want to wait for a partner after a nasty split with Randall who was accused of cheating on her. She said 'finding a partner and falling in love with someone' does not have much to do with bringing a child into the world. Kent added she is fine using a sperm donor. 'It's like you're shopping for your partner but only to have a child, so there's a lot that goes into it,' said the star who looked stunning in the new Cosmo shoot. 'But the moment I found this donor, it just spoke to me. He felt like my baby daddy.' The IUI process doesn't scare her. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure that treats infertility. IUI boosts the chances of pregnancy by placing specially prepared sperm directly in the uterus, the organ in which a baby develops, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another name for the procedure is artificial insemination Lent is ready to destigmatize IUI. The Bravo star is doing motherhood her own way because she does not want to wait for a partner 'I would say the IUI process is very much having scientific sex,' said Lala. 'It's the most wild thing in the world.' The TV star added, 'When my doctor was explaining it to me, I was like, Oh, this is just like I am in the bedroom with someone, but I don't have to wait for the big O. It's just one and done. 'Like, let's just get it done, get the most valuable thing that comes out of a man, which is his sperm, and I'll be on my way.' On why she's doing IUI: 'I will not gamble on me having my child. 'And I just don't think that finding a partner and falling in love with someone has anything to do with bringing a child into the world.' On why she's doing IUI: 'I will not gamble on me having my child. And I just don't think that finding a partner and falling in love with someone has anything to do with bringing a child into the world' She added: 'But the moment I found this donor, it just spoke to me. He felt like my baby daddy.' The IUI process doesn't scare her' Kent said she started thinking differently after Randall broke her heart. 'When I had my life go in a very different direction, I knew I wanted more kids,' said the star as she points to her 2021 split from Randall. Lala and her former partner Randall began dating in 2015. She then said: 'It was such a strange thing that was happening because everyone would tell me, "You're going to find somebody." 'And I got to thinking, "Why does my wanting more children need to involve another person?"' she explained. On her advice to other women: 'If you want children and are only waiting for "that person" to come into your life, let's talk about a different route that we can take. 'It's 2024! There are many ways to have a baby, and you don't need a man to do it.' The busy star also said that sometimes she has felt bad for her child. 'I sometimes suffer with guilt because I did have an easy time with Ocean,' shared Lala. 'My life has completely blown up, and yet I have this healthy, happy baby, which I'm so grateful for. But you do struggle with the, Why me?' Kent said she started thinking differently after Randall broke her heart. 'When I had my life go in a very different direction, I knew I wanted more kids,' said the star as she points to her 2021 split from Randall. Lala and her former partner Randall began dating in 2015. Seen in 2021 (l-r) James Kennedy and Randall Emmett on Vanderpump Rules In October she marked five years of sobriety. The star has recalled hitting 'rock bottom' and feeling 'powerless' before deciding to quit alcohol. Alongside a picture of her on a ride with Ocean, she wrote on Instagram: 'I've been sober for 5 years today. On this day I replay my rock bottom moment. All the details of what happened on this day. Waking up, admitting I was powerless, and for the first time in many years seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. 'I'm so grateful for this day. I will continue to work hard for my sobriety, and take a moment of silence for the alcoholic who still suffers. I see you- I love you. Thank you, God. Happy birthday to me!' In 2022 she admitted she was 'terrified' about having sex with a new partner sober. Lala didn't have to worry about intimate issues when she was engaged to Emmett. Kent added she is fine looking for a sperm donor. 'It's like you're shopping for your partner but only to have a child, so there's a lot that goes into it,' said the star who looked stunning in the new Cosmo shoot The TV star added, 'When my doctor was explaining it to me, I was like, Oh, this is just like I am in the bedroom with someone, but I don't have to wait for the big O. It's just one and done. 'Like, let's just get it done, get the most valuable thing that comes out of a man, which is his sperm, and I'll be on my way' Kent, Ariana Madix and Scheana Shay pose backstage as Ariana makes her Broadway debut as Roxy Hart in Chicago in NYC on Monday However, after they split she went on to strike up a new romance and admitted she was scared to get intimate without having some Dutch courage. Speaking on the 'Intimate Knowledge' podcast, she explained: 'I got into a relationship when I was in my alcoholism, and then I got sober with this person, so I was already comfortable. But as far as being out there in the world sexually with nothing to like numb what's happening - not like I wanna be numb - but at least you got some liquid courage.' She added of her subsequent romance: 'I was so terrified to have sex sober because I had never done it before.' However, the encounter went well and she said of the experience: '[We] were coming back for more, a lot ... Whoever taught him needs some sort of award because it was mind-blowing.' Amy Dowden has explained how she's 'learning to accept her new body and scars' during her second honeymoon with her husband Ben Jones. The Strictly Come Dancing professional, 33, was told she had breast cancer in May 2023 and underwent a mastectomy before doctors discovered she was also battling another form of cancer and would need further treatment. Amy, who tied the knot with Ben in 2022, found a lump in her breast the day before she flew to the Maldives for a belated honeymoon in April 2023, and admitted the holiday was 'clouded by cancer diagnosis.' After jetting off on holiday to Grenada, the dancer joined Lorraine Kelly for a segment on Tuesday's programme in which she detailed how she was getting her 'life back on track.' Amy began: 'The past year has been tough... cancer diagnosis, treatment, a mastectomy and some set backs but I'm determined to get my life back on track. Finally, we are honeymooning in Grenada!' Amy Dowden, 33, has explained how she's 'learning to accept her new body and scars' during her second honeymoon with her husband Ben Jones The Strictly professional found a lump in her breast the day before she flew to the Maldives for her honeymoon in April 2023, and admitted the holiday was 'clouded by cancer diagnosis' (pictured with Ben in the Maldives) She added: 'A totally different feeling from when we were on our honeymoon in the Maldives because you [Ben] didn't know but obviously I had this cloud over me, I was present in my first honeymoon but I really wasn't because I found the lump, I was hiding it from Ben. 'Before coming to Grenada, last week I had seven appointments in one week so coming here and getting some Vitamin D, escaping hospital wards and appointments and medication is just gorgeous!' 'I've got a new body, I've got scars, but I think it's something that I've got to learn over time I'm going to accept, it's not going to just happen overnight. I'm being put into situations that I wasn't at home, having to put a bikini on, being all exposed in summer wear than at home wrapped up in jumpers, jeans and boots. Hopefully it's only going to get progressively better!' The dancer announced she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in an Instagram post shared in May 2023 and underwent a mastectomy in July. Since then Amy has shared regular health updates on Instagram. She battled sepsis at one point during her chemo treatment as well as a blood clot on her lung. She also broke her foot toward the end of the year and her chemotherapy and then the injury meant Amy was forced to sit out most of the 2023 series of Strictly and was not partnered with a celeb. She did make a number of appearances during the series though, including an emotional moment in the finale group dance. After jetting off on holiday to Grenada, the dancer joined Lorraine Kelly for a segment on Tuesday's programme in which she detailed how she was getting her 'life back on track' Amy recently shared that her hair has started to regrow after chemotherapy and admitted she is feeling more positive amid her breast cancer battle. Last week, the Strictly professional gave an update on Instagram after taking a short break from social media. She told how although she is happy her hair is growing back she is still adjusting to a new pace of life this year and needed some days away after more hospital tests. The star, who underwent her last bout of chemo eleven weeks ago after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May last year, posted new pictures and video of herself online after 'being a little silent' online. Amy showed off her new head of hair and her eyebrows and lashes from different angles and thanked fans for their support. She told them in a first post: 'Hey hey, thank you for all the lovely messages the last few weeks. Sorry for being a little silent here. I needed a little time and space. 'I'm still missing and craving what I should be doing but starting to accept I need to be patient. After a crazy week of hospital tests and apts last week Ben and I then went away for a few days and it's exactly what we both needed.' The dancer announced she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 and underwent a mastectomy in July. Amy has also battled sepsis and had a blood clot on her lung Last week, Amy revealed that her hair has started to regrow after chemotherapy and admitted she is feeling more positive amid her breast cancer battle She told how although she is happy her hair is growing back she is still adjusting to a new pace of life this year and needed some days away after more hospital tests She added: 'Hope 2024 has been treating you all well. Once again thanks for all the love and of course I need to remind you, have you checked yourself yet this year? If not get checking.' Amy then showed off her hair regrowth from different angles and said: 'Also so grateful for the hair growth so far. My eye lashes and brows are back and the hair is growing. 'This is for anyone going through treatment. 'Remember like I keep telling myself this too shall pass. This is 11 weeks since my last chemo. 'To now... can't believe it. The re growth felt so slow but looking back it's unreal and it's helping me feel more positive.' Fred Sirieix and his fiancee Fruitcake put on a cosy display as they arrived at the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love at the BFI IMAX in London on Tuesday. First Dates star Fred, 52, could be seen beaming as he posed with his arm around Fruitcake, who he met nine years ago when they caught one another's eye when walking through Peckham, London. Former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! campmate Fred showed off his smart but casual sense of style as he wore a brown velvet jacket over a white turtle neck jumper. The maitre d' opted for a pair of blue denim jeans and wore a pair of comfortable brown trainers. Fruitcake looked chic in a white jacket with a plunging neckline and matching mini skirt. Fred Sirieix and his fiancee Fruitcake put on a cosy display as they arrived at the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love at the BFI IMAX in London on Tuesday She completed her look by wearing a pair of knee-high brown boots while she carried a black clutch purse with her for the occasion. Bob Marley: One Love - released on Wednesday 14 February - stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, 37, as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch, 36, as his wife Rita. The film synopsis reads: 'Bob Marley: One Love celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. 'On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob's powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.' The musician died in 1981 at the age of just 36 from cancer. Fred previously revealed that he and Fruitcake had cancelled their wedding, and were planning to wait until the end of the Covid pandemic to exchange their vows. They are now planning their wedding for this year. Fred also revealed that due to lockdown he couldn't present his fiancee with a ring when he popped the question, but luckily she still said yes. First Dates star Fred, 52, could be seen beaming as he posed with Fruitcake, who he met nine years ago when they caught one another's eye when walking through Peckham Bob Marley: One Love - released on Wednesday 14 February - stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, 37, as the legendary musician (pictured) While in the I'm A Celebrity jungle last year, Fred said he and Fruitcake are planning to say 'I do' in Jamaica. Fred said: 'I've never had a bad date. But the way I met Fruitcake, I met her in Peckham I was walking up and she was smiling at me and I was smiling at her and I liked her eyes I just had to talk to her 'I asked for her number, I said, ''Shall we go for a drink tonight?'' 'That was nine years ago. We're getting married next year in Jamaica.' Montana Brown turned heads in a black zebra print suit as she posed at the UK premiere of Bob Marley: One Love in London on Tuesday evening. The former Love Island star, looked incredible as she flashed a semi-sheer black bra under the eye catching satin blazer and matching wide legged trousers. She added inches to her frame in a pair of black towering heels and accessorised with a simple gold pendant necklace. Leaving her long brunette tresses in loose waves, Montana beamed for photos as she posed up a storm on the star-studded red carpet. Bob Marley: One Love's new trailer was released in December giving a glimpse at what viewers can expect from the upcoming biopic. Montana Brown turned heads in a black zebra print suit as she posed at the UK premiere of Bob Marley: One Love in London on Tuesday evening The former Love Island star, looked incredible as she flashed a semi-sheer black bra under the eye catching satin blazer and matching wide legged trousers The film - released on February 14, 2024 - stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, 37, as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch, 36, as his wife Rita. The dramatic full trailer set up Marley's rise to fame in Jamaica as a reggae star with his band, the Wailers. It then gave a glimpse at the 1976 shooting at his home and his subsequent performance at a Jamaican peace concert. 'No guns can stop this message,' Ben-Adir's Marley said in the clip, over the iconic song Three Little Birds. The film synopsis reads: 'Bob Marley: One Love celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. 'On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob's powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.' Marley died in 1981 at the age of just 36 from cancer. It comes after Montana's six-month-old son Jude was rushed to hospital after a horror fall last month. She added inches to her frame in a pair of black towering heels and accessorised with a simple gold pendant necklace Leaving her long brunette tresses in loose waves, Montana beamed for photos as she posed up a storm on the star-studded red carpet Bob Marley: One Love's new trailer was released in December giving a glimpse at what viewers can expect from the upcoming biopic The reality star took to Instagram as she shared her overwhelming emotion after Jude ended up in A&E after a terrifying accident. The mother-of-one explained that Jude fell off the kitchen counter while she was getting her porridge out of the microwave, leaving her 'crying her eyes out.' Sharing a snap of Jude in his auntie's arms at the hospital, Montana candidly revealed that she had the 'worst mum guilt' after he managed to 'launch himself off the kitchen counter'. The star was overcome with emotion and cried her eyes out at the shock, but luckily had Jude's auntie and uncle to support her at the hospital. Sharing a snap on her story, she wrote: 'Jude had his first fall. 'He was in a dockatot [form of baby lounger] type thing and in five seconds managed to launch himself off the kitchen counter and landed on the hard tiles. 'Literally the worst mum guilt of my life. Thank god for his auntie and uncle who came with me to get him checked out. 'He seems absolutely fine but just a big mark on the front of his head but feel better coming to A&E. It comes after Montana's son Jude, six months, was rushed to hospital after suffering a horror fall last month, leaving her 'crying her eyes out' Sharing a snap of Jude in his auntie's arms at the hospital on Instagram, Montana revealed that she had the 'worst mum guilt' after her son managed to 'launch himself off the kitchen counter' 'Did I cry my eyes out? Yes. Will I be scared to put him down without wrapping him in pillows... YES. 'He is definitely moving way more and so curious to try fling himself off everything even my arms he is launching his body backwards so that's fun. 'But still feeling sick to my stomach that it happened tbh, turned around to get my porridge out of the microwave and as I turned back saw him launch himself backwards I feel so [emoji]. 'I know these things happen but his first proper cry went through me...' The star shares her son with her fiance Mark O'Connor, yet it isn't the first time the baby has had health complications. BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE is in cinemas February 14, 2024. Davide Sanclimenti broke his silence on his split from Ekin-Su Culculoglu on Tuesday as he shared his own statement to Instagram. Love Islander Ekin, 29, confirmed she had parted ways with the Italian businessman, 29, for a second time earlier today as she blamed a 'rollercoaster of ups and downs' in their romance. Her statement came just hours after reports emerged claiming she was suspicious about Davide's friendship with an OnlyFans model. The Love Island winners first split in June 2023 but reconciled just two months later, enjoying a romantic getaway to Turkey, where Ekin-Su's parents hail. And now Davide has had his say in his own Instagram Story statement which said they had 'grown apart', after previously believing in a 'future together'. Davide Sanclimenti broke his silence on his split from Ekin-Su Culculoglu on Tuesday as he shared his own statement to Instagram Love Islander Ekin, 29, confirmed she had parted ways with the Italian businessman, 29, for a second time earlier today as she blamed a 'rollercoaster of ups and downs' in their romance He also made a slight dig that an 'agreed statement' between the pair had 'changed last minute' in his post. He penned: 'Life sometimes reserves surprises and suddenly wakes you up... 'Ekin and I, just after the ski holidays, decided to go different ways. It was a joint decision, but I was waiting to make it public to respect her time in the show. I don't know why the agreed statement changed last minute. 'I agree, it was a beautiful story even with its ups and downs like all couples. I loved every moment, from the first time I knew her in the Villa until the life outside. I really believed in us and saw a future for us. 'But sometimes in life people need to grow apart. Is just the direction of life. I will treasure our moments forever.' He signed off by saying: 'Now it's time to focus on myself. I love you all always, thank you for the unconditional support everyone showed me from the beginning. Davide.' Just hours before on Tuesday Ekin-Su's statement read: 'The last 18-months have been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, just like every relationship. Davide and I both wanted to make this work as we cared deeply for each other.' She continued: 'Unfortunately I have recently made the decision to end our relationship and to go our separate ways... Now Davide has had his say in his own Instagram Story statement which said they had 'grown apart', after previously believing in a 'future together' The Love Island winners first split in June 2023 but reconciled just two months later, enjoying a romantic getaway to Turkey, where Ekin-Su's parents hail (pictured in 2022) Just hours before on Tuesday Ekin-Su's statement read: 'The last 18-months have been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, just like every relationship' Her statement came just hours after reports emerged claiming she was suspicious about Davide's friendship with an OnlyFans model Sylvija Vasilevska 'Breakups are never easy. For any couple. And we hope that our privacy will be respected. I enjoyed our time together and the memories we made. 'Thank you for your continued support. It's been so lovely to have you follow our Love Island journeys together since the villa and we hope you'll continue to follow our careers as we go off in our own directions. Love always, Ekin-Su.' The news comes following reports that Ekin-Su was upset at Davide's friendship with an OnlyFans model. She was said to be upset by the fact Davide and model Sylvija Vasilevska were 'liking' each other's social media content and suspects there was more to their platonic relationship. A source told The Sun: 'They're on the brink of a split and Ekin-Su has been going to events without Davide. 'They're having rows over this friend of Davide's who Ekin suspects more might be going on with. She's an OnlyFans model and longterm friend of his in Manchester.' MailOnline has contacted Ekin-Su and Davide's representatives for comment. Ekin-Su and Davide were crowned the winners of Love Island in 2022 after a turbulent romance. Just five months after winning the show she competed on Dancing On Ice and revealed how her short stint on the skating show impacted their relationship. The reality star competed on the 15th series of the ITV skating competition with professional Brendyn Hatfieldin 2023 and was the third star to leave the show. Despite only being on the programme for four weeks, Ekin-Su made headlines for her racy outfits and routines. She recently opened up to Spin Genie about how hard it was to juggle training and a new relationship, saying: 'I was working seven days a week and had no time for me or my relationship. I was overworked and exhausted. 'If I hadn't had so much on during that time, my experience on the show would have been different. I also wouldn't have let the bad comments get to me.' She added: 'I'm stronger now. I was in the habit of Googling myself and I'd let the comments really upset me. Negative comments about my personality or my performance.' Ekin-Su recalled crying when she got voted off, which she put down to exhaustion as she insisted she wouldn't break down now. After exiting Dancing On Ice, Ekin-Su headed to the Maldives with Davide but she admitted she didn't enjoy it as she felt burnt out. The couple were last pictured together on November 27 at the 2023 Beauty Awards Ekin-Su and Davide were crowned the winners of Love Island in 2022 after a turbulent romance It comes after she revealed how their relationship was impacted by her short stint on Dancing On Ice (pictured with dance partner Brendyn Hatfield) The Love Island couple split back in June after 11 months together. Davide took to Instagram at the time to share the sad news with his followers but rekindled two months later Previously Davide revealed his relationship with Ekin-Su broke down after they failed to see eye-to-eye on various issues and that a temporary separation was 'needed' (pictured 2023) The pair then split in June but after reconciling two months later, Davide insisted that the two 'never properly' broke up. Previously Davide revealed his relationship with Ekin-Su broke down after they failed to see eye-to-eye on various issues and that a temporary separation was 'needed'. 'It's a lovely feeling being with Ekin, we probably broke up more publicly but never privately because we have always been in touch and the love between me and Ekin has always been there', he told The Sun. 'Breaking up may happen to people but it never actually happened to us, we never properly privately broke up, it was more to do with the public pressure and we were having some tough months.' Advertisement Lori Harvey showed off her incredibly fit figure in a new fashion photo shoot that debuted on Tuesday. The 27-year-old actress looked stunning in a white crop top from the Olsen twins' company The Row. She also had on low-waisted slacks from the same brand. And the photogenic daughter of TV star Steve Harvey added gold hoop earrings from Tiffany & Co. The star was a part of the shoot for Harper's BAZAAR The All-Stars Spring 2024 portfolio. The pal of Justin and Hailey Bieber was joined by Emily Ratajkowski, Amelia Hamlin and Alek Wek, along others, for the photo spread. The shutterbug was Ethan James Green. This comes amid news Harvey will be making her SI debut in SI Swimsuits 2024 issue, which is the publications 60th anniversary. Harvey, who has been modeling since she was three years old, called her upcoming SI Swimsuit feature 'a dream come true.' Harvey added: 'I hope [others] feel empowered, I hope they feel confident, I hope they feel comfortable in their skin,' Harvey told SI Swimsuit. 'I hope my message and what I stand for about inclusion and body positivity and just being your own woman and going after your dreams and manifestation and prayer [is evident].' Lori Harvey showed off her incredibly fit figure in a new photo shoot that debuted on Tuesday. The 27-year-old actress looked stunning in a white crop top and slacks from the Olsen twins' company The Row Lori doesn't model, she also has her own businesses. Harvey revealed last year her brother, Jason Harvey, gave her permission to use his footwear brand's name for her new swimwear line. Last year she unveiled Yevrah Swim, which she has launched with Revolve, and she was quizzed by an Instagram user on why she had used the same name as her sibling's shoe brand that is no more. They asked: 'Doesn't your brother own a footwear company called Yevrah?? 'Couldn't think of an original name?' And she responded: 'He used to, not anymore. I asked if I could revive and rebrand the name and he gave me his blessing.' Lori - who was in a relationship with actor Michael B. Jordan from 2020 to 2022 - is already the founder of the skincare brand, SKN by LH, which she launched in 2021. The model managed to create the business without any financial help from her parents, and she's very proud of what she's managed to accomplish. She previously told E! News: 'That has arguably been one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life, but also one of the most rewarding and fulfilling because this is the first thing that I've really been able to call my own thing, that I built from the ground up. 'It would've been very easy for me to just ask my parents to connect me with people and set it up, and I'll just slap my name on it and go about my day. But I really wanted to learn the ins and outs of the business. 'I wanted to be very hands-on with everything I was doing, and I wanted to make the mistakes, so that I could learn from them and really know how to be a businesswoman at the end of the day.' And the daughter of TV star Steve Harvey added dainty jewelry from Tiffany & Co. The star was a part of the shoot for Harper's BAZAAR The All-Stars Spring 2024 portfolio The siren was seen in a blue swimsuit and gold belly chain while on vacation earlier this month Emily was seen posing in a NYC park. She had on a Hermes peacoat, Falke tights and Manolo Blahnik pumps. Last week she said she has 'always had a hard time' with failure. The actress, model and author, 32, added she has always been hard on herself when things haven't worked out as planned, but said she is now working on being kinder to herself. She said in a video chat with Glamour magazine: 'So I have always had a hard time with failure. I'm very hard on myself, but I've learned I mean it's so cliche but it's so true that every failure is sort of why you can have the next success, have so many personal and kind of public moments where I think, 'Oh my God, I wish I had handled that differently, I wish I'd listened to my instinct.' Emily was seen posing in a NYC park. She had on a Hermes peacoat, Falke tights and Manolo Blahnik pumps Last week she said she has 'always had a hard time' with failure. The actress, model and author, 32, added she has always been hard on herself when things haven't worked out as planned, but said she is now working on being kinder to herself 'I've looked back in my life and kind of softened around a lot of those moments that I considered failures, and realised that there isn't sort of anything as such as failure, because whatever domino effect that failure starts, kicks off, it can lead to kind of amazing things that you couldn't imagine.' Mum-of-one Emily who had son Sylvester with nearly three years ago with her 36-year-old film producer former husband Sebastian Bear-McClard, who is rumoured to have cheated on her and is also currently facing allegations of sexual misconduct by multiple women in September 2022 added she turns to the advice of American poet, professor and philosopher Audre Lorde to get herself through hard times. She said when asked to reveal what the best piece of advice she's ever received: 'I don't know who gave me this advice, and I've said it many, many times something I've learned is to trust your instincts. 'And I think that as young women we are kind of, you know, there is a certain amount of things that you need to learn, that you should, you know, pay attention to. 'And there's so much you can learn from the world, but I think that we're also taught to sort of disconnect from our instincts and maybe it's actually Audre Lorde who talks about kind of the beautiful the beauty in instinct and how it's this, like, power that women have specifically. 'And I think that that's something as I've gotten older, I feel was always there but silenced, and that I didn't pay attention to my instinct, and now I really do.' Amelia also looked striking in the shoot. The star had on a Dolce & Gabbana jacket and long bow tie, Falke tights and Toteme boots Last year she said she swipes clothes from her parents' wardrobes. The 22-year-old model has confessed to stealing items from her mom Lisa Rinna and dad Harry Hamlin's closets, including designer garments Gray had on a Michael Kors Collection blazer, bra top, miniskirt, and ring belt. Toteme ballerina flats. On Dara: Michael Kors Collection mini peacoat, skirt, and hobo bag. Toteme ballerina flats Amelia also looked striking in the shoot. The star had on a Dolce & Gabbana jacket and long bow tie, Falke tights and Toteme boots. Last year she said she swipes clothes from her parents' wardrobes. The 22-year-old model has confessed to stealing items from her mom Lisa Rinna and dad Harry Hamlin's closets, including designer garments. She told PEOPLE: 'I steal (but put back) a bunch of my dad's Calvin Klein white T-shirts and his Nike socks sometimes. He also has really comfy flannel pieces. 'From my mom, I mostly take the tighter, chicer things. I've definitely stolen my fair share of Versace.' Amelia takes anything she 'can get [her] hands on' when it comes to the former 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star's clothes. She said: 'I take whatever high-fashion things I can get my hands on from that woman's closet, that's for sure.' Amelia likes to mix and match items from each of their wardrobes. On Alek Wek: Balenciaga gown, with panta leggings She explained: 'There's so many things in my dad and mom's closets I can appreciate. I would never pick one closet [to borrow clothes from] for the day. I would have to style both of them together.' Amelia then pointed out that her parents never remark on her outfits, despite the fact she has clearly been snooping around in their wardrobes. She said: 'What's funny is that neither of them are ever going to comment on what I'm wearing or give me any style advice, because most of the time when I show up to their house I'm in such an insanely weird outfit. They just know that I'm going to do my own thing.' When her sister Delilah Belle, 25, goes raiding their closets, she also gets to borrow Lisa's shoes as she's fortunate enough to be the same size. Amelia said of her sibling: 'She's my mom's shoe size, so she has had such a lucky time dipping her toes into not only my closet, but also my mom's shoe collection, which I must say is pretty major.' Gisele Bundchen paid tribute to her late mother Vania Nonnenmacher Tuesday in an emotional post on social media. The supermodel, 43, lost her 75-year-old mother over the weekend after a battle with cancer. In remembering the family matriarch, the Brazilian beauty penned a letter to the woman who raised her and her five sisters. 'Beloved mom,' she wrote, 'It hurts to know that I wont be able to hug you anymore, but I know that you will always be watching over us.' The cover model posted a family photo of her mother, and dad Valdir Bundchen, 72, surrounded by Gisele and her sisters Patricia, Rafaela, Graziela, Gabriela and Raquel, and another featuring them during childhood. Gisele Bundchen paid tribute to her late mother Vania Nonnenmacher Tuesday in an emotional post on social media 'You were an angel on earth, always helping everyone around you,' she said of the the loving mother and retired bank teller. 'I am so grateful to be your daughter and to have learned from you.' 'Thank you for being the best role model of love, strength, compassion, courage, and grace.' The runway veteran seems to have shared the lessons she learned from her devoted mom in raising her own children, Benjamin, 14, and Vivian, 11. She posed an adorable photo of both kids giving their grandmother a kiss on the cheek. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar Gisele indicated she and her ex-husband Tom Brady, 46 have different parenting approaches, a point that occasionally causes tension with her own children. 'Sometimes, I get pushback, especially because now they're in two different homes and there are two different ways,' the model explained. 'But I feel like I owe it to my kids, because of what my mom taught me.' Vania Nonnenmacher was 75 The cover model posted a family photo of her mother, and dad Valdir Bundchen, 72, surrounded by Gisele and her twin Patricia, along with sisters Rafaela, Graziela and Gabriela 'You will live forever through the many lives that you touched. Thank you for giving me five best friends for life. Your love will always guide us,' she wrote Gisele has credited her mother's guidance for helping her raise her own children, Benjamin, 14, and Vivian, 11, whom she shared with ex-husband Tom Brady, 46 In her poignant missive Gisele said, 'I will forever cherish the beautiful memories we shared and will live by the values you taught me,' she said. 'You will live forever through the many lives that you touched. Thank you for giving me five best friends for life. Your love will always guide us.' Gisele ended the message with a hopeful, 'I will see you in my dreams. Love you ' Gisele shared this three generation photo featuring her mother and daughter Vivian. 'I am so grateful to be your daughter and to have learned from you.' 'Thank you for being the best role model of love, strength, compassion, courage, and grace' Gisele ended the message with a hopeful, 'I will see you in my dreams. Love you ' Condolences poured in from around the world and in multiple languages for the grieving model and her family. 'I'm so sorry, my friend. I send you so much love. ' wrote Penelope Cruz. Wellness guru Cristina Kalyani penned, 'Sending lots of love to all of you darlings! I will always think of your mommy with lots of love.' Brazilian actress Carolina Dieckmann said, 'My feelings for you. I always thought her mother's look was very beautiful. May God cover you with peace and love at this moment. a tender kiss,' Karlie Kloss is back in the states after a whirlwind trip to Paris for Fashion Week. The supermodel, 31, cut a chic figure while stepping out in New York City on Tuesday. Karlie sported a cropped green blazer, layered with a black coat - adding dark wash denim straight-leg jeans and a Chanel handbag to round out her look. The runway star hit the pavement with black and gold hardware accented loafers for her afternoon outing in the Big Apple. Karlie Kloss is back in the states after a whirlwind trip to Paris for Fashion Week The supermodel, 31, cut a chic figure while stepping out in New York City on Tuesday Karlie sported the forest green cropped button emblazoned with a black turtleneck beneath. She sported a small black and gold hardware and chain Chanel bag over one shoulder while holding on to her coat that she styled over her shoulders. The mom of two pulled her hair back into a bun and opted to wear minimal makeup for her outing. Karlie's New York City sighting comes just one week after she enjoyed Paris Fashion Week. She was seen attending the Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 show on January 22 in Paris, France - days after attending the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2024 men's collection on January 16. For Schiaparelli, Karlie donned a pinstriped blazer and matching trousers, adding pointed heels. Karlie sported a cropped green blazer, layered with a black coat - adding dark wash denim straight-leg jeans and a Chanel handbag to round out her look Karlie's New York City sighting comes just one week after she enjoyed Paris Fashion Week. She was seen attending the Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 show on January 22 in Paris, France - days after attending the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2024 men's collection on January 16. For Schiaparelli, Karlie donned a pinstriped blazer and matching trousers, adding pointed heels For the Louis Vuitton show, the former Victoria's Secret Angel wore a black pleated mini skirt with a cream colored coat featuring black and white accents along the edges Karlie is mom to two sons: Levi Joseph, two, and Elijah Jude, six months old For the Louis Vuitton show, the former Victoria's Secret Angel wore a black pleated mini skirt with a cream colored coat featuring black and white accents along the edges. Karlie is mom to two sons with husband Joshua Kushner: Levi Joseph, two, and Elijah Jude, six months old. Karlie and Joshua, 38, were first linked in 2012, getting engaged in 2018. They got married in October 2018, renewing their vows at a second ceremony in Wyoming in June 2019. Joshua's older brother is Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, the daughter of Donald Trump. Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina showed off their chic senses of style as they arrived at the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love at the BFI IMAX in London on Tuesday. The actor, 51, ensured he caught the eye as he wore a bold patterned blue, beige and green coat on the red carpet. He wore a pair of khaki trousers and black shoes and casually posed with his hands in his pockets while standing alongside model Sabrina, 34, who he married in 2019. Canadian media personality Sabrina looked sensational in a black dress with a plunging neckline. She wore a fur in the same colour over her arms as she posed alongside her famous husband. Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina showed off their chic senses of style as they arrived at the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love at the BFI IMAX in London on Tuesday The actor, 51, ensured he caught the eye as he wore a bold patterned blue, beige and green coat on the red carpet Sabrina opted for some black heels and donned some dazzling jewellery for the occasion. Bob Marley: One Love - released on Wednesday 14 February - stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, 37, as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch, 36, as his wife Rita. The film synopsis reads: 'Bob Marley: One Love celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. 'On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob's powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.' The musician died in 1981 at the age of just 36 from cancer. Sabrina recently opened up about teaming up with her husband Idris as they launched their own skincare line, S'ABLE Labs. Fashionista Sabrina, who met Idris in 2017 before they tied the knot in 2019, spoke out in an interview with People when she discussed how different it had been working with her husband. She admitted there was, 'a big learning curve' in the process of collaborating with her other half for their business. Sabrina looked sensational in a black dress with a plunging neckline. She wore a fur in the same colour over her arms as she posed alongside her famous husband Idris wore a pair of khaki trousers and black shoes and casually posed with his hands in his pockets while standing alongside model Sabrina, 34, who he married in 2019 Sabrina recently opened up about teaming up with her husband Idris as they launched their own skincare line, S'ABLE Labs, admitting it was a 'learning curve' Lashana Lynch, who plays Rita Marley, was all smiles as Kingsley Ben-Adir , 37, planted a kiss on her cheek as the pair posed for photos together on the star-studded red carpet Melly Myers looked incredible in a glamorous black gown with a feathered bodice at the red carpet event 'It's not a perfect tie-in, but weve definitely developed ways of working together, Sabrina said. 'We started a podcast to kind of see how other people were doing it, and we learned so much,' she added. 'I think it's having correct boundaries and understanding that like you know, finding work is not the same as finding a date night,' she added. 'There are appropriate avenues work hours, for instance, that's been a big learning curve for me,' she admitted. She added that she, 'cant imagine doing it with anyone else,' other than her husband Idris. Bob Marley: One Love - released on Wednesday 14 February - stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, 37, as the legendary musician (pictured) Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick will be starring together for the first time in 20 years. The couple, who teamed up to support a New York food bank over the holidays, have signed on for the romantic drama Connescence, according to Deadline. In the script written by The King of Queens creator Michael J. Weithorn, Kevin, 65, will star as Stan Olszewski. He's a witty but 'chronically underachieving security guard,' who meets 58-year-old Kyra's Cynthia Rand after he foils an attempted robbery at her home. Cynthia is a successful urologist married to former Watergate prosecutor Warren Rand, played by Oscar nominee Judd Hirsch, 88. Kevin Bacon, 65, and Kyra Sedgwick, 58 will star in Connescence. It will be their first time sharing a screen in 20 years; seen in October After their meeting, Stan and Cynthia begin a friendship that kicks off with late night texting, but soon turns into something else entirely. It was a film that first brought the couple together. They met on the set of 1988's Lemon Sky. The film was based on the 1968 play by the same name. After nine month engagement, the couple tied the knot on September 4, 1988. The successful Hollywood pair share daughter Sosie, 31, and son Travis, 34. Sosie is an actress who appeared in Narcos: Mexico. Kyra and Kevin later appeared together in 2004's Cavedweller and the 2004 drama The Woodsman. Since then, Kevin directed Kyra in 2005's Loverboy, and she directed her husband in 2022's Space Oddity. The couple welcomed the opportunity to work together on screen again. Kevin, 65, will star as Stan Olszewski, a security guard, who meets 58-year-old Kyra's Cynthia Rand after he foils an attempted robbery at her home. A friendship between the two begins with late night texts, but turns into something more The couple first met on the set of 1988's Lemon Sky. They married on September 4, 1988 after a nine month engagement Since then, Kevin directed Kyra in 2005's Loverboy, seen here with Dominic Scott Kay Kyra directed her husband in 2022's Space Oddity 'We are so excited to work together on screen again for the first time in 20 years in such a funny, moving and original script,' they said in a statement. They will also serve as producers on the film 'We are so excited to work together on screen again for the first time in 20 years in such a funny, moving and original script,' they said in a statement. The pair will do double duty on the project as producers. Brittany OGrady from The White Lotus is also joining the cast. Principle photography has already begun on the project, which is set to be shot in a quick 22 days in and around Brooklyn, New York. The estate of late Euphoria star Angus Cloud is being sued over an unpaid $4000 bill - six months after his tragic death aged 25 from an accidental overdose. According to court documents obtained by The Blast, Verizon Wireless alleges Cloud incurred a debut of more than $4000 - marking the third creditor's claim that has been filed against Cloud's estate since his death on July 31 2023. Verizon Wireless claims that Cloud purchased goods and/or services in the amount of $4,282.7 and was not able to pay before his death. The creditor's claim was addressed to the actor's mother Lisa Cloud who filed for control of his estate last year - asking to be made sole executor of his estate as he died without a will. This claim comes after the actor's former manager Diomi Cordero alleged in another lawsuit that Angus owed him almost $95,000 in unpaid commissions. The estate of late Euphoria star Angus Cloud is being sued over an unpaid $4000 bill - six months after his tragic death aged 25 from an accidental overdose. Pictured in November of 2021 in LA The star played Fezco in the hit show Euphoria (pictured) Cordero claimed Angus stopped paying commissions 'without any basis' long before he died - alleging the actor owed him $94,770 in unpaid commissions from multiple Hollywood jobs. Documents revealed Cordero and Angus had an agreement in place for the latter to pay the former 10 per cent commission - but the late star breached the contract in early 2022. The filing claimed the ex-manager had 'a record of [Angus] making numerous commission payments to him until he ceased making such payments with no basis.' The document further read, that Cordero 'engaged in bona fide settlement negotiations with [Angus's] legal representative, and a formal Settlement Agreement was circulated but not agreed to nor executed.' Among the alleged payments owed were a $17,500 payment from Angus' Ralph Lauren fragrances gig, a $15,000 debt from Euphoria season 2 and a $15,000 payment from a collaboration with Atelier Luxury Group. In November, Cloud's estate was sued by JP Morgan Chase Bank who claimed he owed them $9,056.11. The claim was filed on Monday, November 27, by the bank and served to Cloud's mother Lisa. The legal documents indicate the 'Decedent purchased goods and/or services totaling the owed amount'. According to court documents obtained by The Blast , Verizon Wireless alleges Cloud incurred a debut of more than $4000 - marking the third creditor's claim that has been filed against Cloud's estate since his death on July 31 2023. He was pictured in Paris in June of 2022 Lisa estimates his personal property is worth around $1,000,000. She wrote in a court document: 'Angus Cloud was a young, successful actor, best known for his work in the HBO series Euphoria. 'Upon his passing, he was engaged in a number of agreements that require immediate oversight, management, and enforcement 'Based on a review of some existing agreements, (Lisa) believes Angus assigned certain rights to (a loan-out company), including, but not limited to, certain intellectual property and/or name, image, and likeness rights, as well as his rights to receive income.' It was noted that Cloud 'finished an acting job shortly before his death, but may not have signed all the applicable agreements. These require the prompt attention of the Company and/or the Estate to allow the project to move forward with the requisite rights.' This comes after Lisa opened up about the actor's final weeks before his death at 25 on July 31 from an accidental overdose. Lisa spoke with People Monday about her son's passing, and how she found him in his childhood room the morning he died. The emotional interview came less than a week after officials with the Alameda County Coroner's Bureau Cloud ruled the actor's death an accidental overdose as result of acute intoxication from combined effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and benzodiazepines. While at the family's Oakland, California home, Lisa pointed to a desk in his room and told the outlet, 'This is where my boy passed away. 'He loved his home and he loved this little, tiny room,' she said of Angus, who was with his family in the wake of father's passing earlier in the month. She recalled to the outlet how she found him in the morning, slumped down on his desk, and tried to revive him. 'I started shaking him and screaming,' Lisa said. 'I pushed him hard, and he fell on the floor. I tried to resuscitate him - mouth to mouth - and I was compressing him. 'I was screaming for my neighbor because I didn't want to leave him and call 911, and I just kept at it until they took him away. I miss him so much. He was the love of my life.' Cloud died as result of acute intoxication from combined effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and benzodiazepines, officials said. He was pictured in LA in early 2022 Lisa said that Angus had been 'deeply grieving' his father Conor Hickey's May 18 death of at the age of 65. She said that Angus and twin sisters Molly and Fiona in July had traveled to Ireland to spread the ashes of Hickey, who had been diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year. 'They were all devastated,' she said of the actor and his siblings, adding that Angus 'absolutely loved his father. 'He also knew he really loved him. He was so proud of Angus. My son thought of Pops as his best friend. There is no doubt that his father's death took a toll on him.' Angus had missed the funeral service because he was too high, his mother told the outlet, but was able to spread his dad's ashes near his grandparents' gravesite in Dublin. Lisa said that Angus had been 'deeply grieving' the death of his father Conor Hickey (pictured) this past May. On July 14, he posted a pic of his late dad on Instagram captioned, 'miss u breh' 'His heart was overflowing with the love to share, running into the waves, heart filling with the ocean,' Lisa said of her son. 'His smiles and laughs will live on with us forever.' Cloud's mother said that the actor was dealing with frequent headaches and illness after the family returned to the U.S., adding that 'there were deep troubles. 'He was not functioning, and it was clear he was grief-stricken,' she said. 'And if you are somebody who turns to drugs, that would be the logical thing to do, and that's what he did.' Lisa said that the death of Angus's father 'isn't responsible for his, but he clearly couldn't cope.' Angus on July 14 shared a post on Instagram of an image of his father with the caption, 'miss u breh.' Lisa said that 'it was predominantly the central nervous system depressants' that led to her son's passing, as the medication 'started to slow his heart and slow his breathing.' 'He got tired from lack of oxygen,' she added. 'Everything just slowed down, and eventually his heart stopped and he went to sleep. But he didn't kill himself.' Lisa continued: 'He went out at his total power, his total beauty, his total influence, and the reaction that everyone has had is very moving to me. His final post came on July 18 when he showed off a set of grillz from the company Grant Grillz, with the geotag coming from Dublin, Ireland Cloud played the role of Fezco on the hit HBO series from 2019-2022 'You know, he's not just an actor who overdosed. He was a beautiful soul, and that's why people miss him so much.' Cloud's uncle Kevin Cloud said that Angus appeared to be in a decent mood the day before his death. 'We spent about four hours of his last afternoon together,' he said. 'It was an easy and happy time. He seemed supremely fit and healthy.' Lisa said of her son: I always knew he was special and I'm so glad the world also found out he was special. My son will always shine bright.' Angus's final Instagram post came on July 18 when he showed off a set of grillz from the company Grant Grillz, with the geotag coming from Dublin, Ireland. Cloud had past appeared in films such as 2023's The Line opposite John Malkovich, 2021's North Hollywood and on the TV series The Perfect Women. He also had appeared in music videos for Becky G & Karol G's Mamii in 2022; and in Juice WRLD's Cigarettes in 2022. At the time of his passing, Cloud had a number of projects in the works, including two unreleased films, according to iMDb, including a horror film titled Your Lucky Day and an Oakland-based drama titled Freaky Tales, starring Pedro Pascal and Ben Mendelsohn. He was also linked to Scream 6 slated for next year. Cloud was pictured at an Oscar party in LA in March of 2022 Cloud was pictured with Euphoria collaborators Hunter Schafer, Sam Levinson and Zendaya in January of 2022 in LA Cloud did not have any acting experience ahead of his role on Euphoria, as he was discovered by casting scout Eleonore Hendricks while walking in New York City, according to the AP. Cloud was initially skeptical of the opportunity, thinking it was a scam, but eventually got the role after meeting with casting director Jennifer Venditti. Fans of the show lauded Cloud for his authenticity in the role, to an extent that he spoke about the misconceptions people had that he didn't have to do much when the cameras were on. 'It does bother me when people are like, 'It must be so easy! You get to go in and be yourself,'' he told Variety. 'I'm like, 'Why don't you go and do that?' It's not that simple. I brought a lot to the character. You can believe what you want. It ain't got nothing to do with me.' Married At First Sight groom Jack Dunkley has been branded an 'embarrassing narcissist' by viewers following his cocky antics on Tuesday night's episode. The Gold Coast personal trainer, 34, raised eyebrows after he described himself as an 'alpha male' and a cross between 'Christian Grey and Tarzan'. 'I have quite a sexual appetite. Quite kinky. And I've heard that is what [Christian Grey] all about as well,' said Jack, who walked down the aisle with bride Tori Adams. Viewers rushed to slam Jack on social media, with many slamming MAFS' producers for casting him in the first place. 'Are they deliberately looking for narcissists?!?!' one commented. Married At First Sight groom Jack Dunkley has been branded an 'embarrassing narcissist' by viewers following his cocky antics on Tuesday night's episode 'You aren't alpha if yo have to say you are! 2nd hand embarrassment,' another wrote, as someone else agreed: 'Oh god here we go!!! Total narc - we are now watching the beginnings of trauma bonding'. While Jack and Tori hit it off at their wedding, things quickly devolved when Jack admitted he wasn't sexually attracted to his new spouse. 'There's no sexual sparks flying for me at the moment,' he admitted. The Gold Coast personal trainer, 34, raised eyebrows after he described himself as an 'alpha male' and a cross between 'Christian Grey and Tarzan' Viewers rushed to slam Jack on social media, with many slamming MAFS' producers for casting him in the first place His revelation was a bombshell, given the couple's seemingly passionate connection. 'I don't think we're sexually, well, we're not sexually connected at all,' he added. For Jack, a personal trainer with a high sex drive, emotional connection is key. 'I've got a pretty high sex drive. I need to be invested in the girl. I need to be connected. If I'm not, I'd rather be by myself,' he explained. While Jack and Tori (left) hit it off at their wedding, things quickly devolved when Jack admitted he wasn't sexually attracted to his new spouse Catherine Zeta-Jones and Kristin Chenoweth were among the many celebrities paying tribute to Broadway legend Chita Rivera following her death at 91. Jones, 54, praised Chita in a tribute shared to Instagram, recalling the 'incredible impact' she had left on her own life and describing her childhood dream of one day meeting Rivera. Both Jones and Rivera played murderess Velma Kelly in Chicago. Jones played her in the 2003 film adaptation of the musical after Rivera originated the role on Broadway. 'Chita Rivera,' she began in her post. 'There are no words to tell you what an incredible impact you have had on my life. From dreaming of being you as a little girl, then meeting you and then being deeply connected to you by playing the one and only Velma Kelly in Chicago. 'There will never, ever, be anyone like you Chita, ever. Dim the lights on Broadway! Or, may I suggest, we just plug the plug. I love you Chita, sleep tight my Queen.' Catherine Zeta-Jones and Kristin Chenoweth were among the many celebrities paying tribute to Broadway legend Chita Rivera following her death at 91 The post included photos of Rivera performing, along with a headshot of the theatre icon. Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth also honored Rivera on X. 'Chita, There was only you. Then everyone else. I looked up to you and always will admire you as a talent and mostly as a person! A kick butt woman you were. All the rest of us just wanna be you. RIP CHITA,' she posted. Rachel Zegler, who starred in the film adaptation of West Side Story as Maria, shared a snap with Chita. Chita famously played Anita in the Broadway production. 'to the woman who showed me i could, and believed in me when i did, i already miss you. rest in peace, chita,' she posted to X. Lisa Rinna commemorated Chita on her Instagram, writing 'Rest In Peace sweet Chita' with a photo of the icon followed by video of her performing at the Tonys. Jason Alexander, who starred with Chita in The Rink musical, described her as 'one of the greatest souls and talents' he ever worked with. 'This amazing woman, the incomparable Chita Rivera, was one of the greatest souls and talents I have ever been blessed to meet and work with. She taught me what a true professional, and a true star can be. I will love and miss her always. God love you, Chita. #RIPChitaRivera,' the Seinfeld alum posted to Instagram, along with a photo of them. Jones, 54, praised Chita in a tribute shared to Instagram, recalling the 'incredible impact' she had left on her own life and describing her childhood dream of one day meeting Rivera Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth also honored Rivera on X Rachel Zegler, who starred in the film adaptation of West Side Story as Maria, shared a snap with Chita Colman Domingo paid tribute to Chita on X, tweeting 'A life well lived. An Icon. A friend. Well done Chita Rivera.' Sarah Hyland posted lyrics to the West Side Story lyrics Somewhere as she paid tribute to Rivera. 'Rest in Light Chita. There's a place for us, somewhere a place for us, peace and quiet and open air, wait for us somewhere.' Ana Navarro posted, 'Rest in peace, dearest #ChitaRivera. Thank you for shattering glass-ceilings, blazing trails and opening doors through which so many were able to walk through. And being fabulous through it all.' Rivera died in New York Tuesday following a brief illness just one week after her 91st birthday. The Broadway legend had a long list of Broadway credits to her name spanning over seven decades, and was a recipient of the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor. Her friend Merle Frimark confirmed the sad news of her passing in a statement on Tuesday. 'It is with immense personal sorrow that I announce the death of the beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera. My dear friend of over 40 years was 91,' Frimark said. Chita (born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson) originated several plum roles in Broadway musicals including Anita in West Side Story, Velma Kelly in Chicago, and the title role in Kiss of the Spider Woman. Rivera died in New York Tuesday following a brief illness just one week after her 91st birthday (Pictured above in 2022) Rivera reached true Broadways star status when she was cast as the original Anita in West Side Story in 1957 Rivera was named 'one of the best Broadway divas of all time' by Time Out New York in 2019. Thanks to her involvement in such iconic musicals, Rivera ended up with an incredible ten Tony Award nominees to her name, winning three, including one for Lifetime Achievement. In August 2009, she became the first Latina and the first Latino American to receive a Kennedy Center Honor and received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama. Rivera's career began by change in 1951, when she reportedly accompanied a friend to the audition for the touring company of Call Me Madam starring Elaine Stritch, but ended up landing the role herself. Cleary written in the stars, Rivera then seemed to effortlessly glide through a number of other Broadway productions - including Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Mr. Wonderful starring Sammy Davis, Jr., and Seventh Heaven. But she reached true Broadways star status when she was cast as Anita in West Side Story - the classic musical conceived by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. In 2021 at the 74th annual Tony Awards, the Broadway legend returned to the same stage that West Side Story held on its opening night. 'Tonight, September, 26, 1957, on this very stage, I originated the role of Anita in West Side Story,' she gushed after receiving a standing ovation. The Broadway legend had a long list of Broadway credits to her name spanning over seven decades, and was a recipient of the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor (pictured May 21) Rivera is pictured alongside Shirley MacLaine and Liza Minnelli in 1984 She starred played the role of Nickie in the movie version with Shirley MacLaine in 1969 (Pictured in yellow above) A scene from a production of Kiss of the Spider Woman featuring Chita Rivera In 2021 at the 74th annual Tony Awards, the Broadway legend returned to the same stage that West Side Story held on its opening night Chita pictured in CHICAGO THE MUSICAL's 10 Year Anniversary All-Star Performance Benefit for Safe Horizon at Ambassador Theatre on November 14, 2006 in New York City Presenting alongside Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, he gushed that he had always dreamed of meeting River since he was a little teenager. Rivera famously portrayed Anita, the girlfriend of Bernardo and a close friend and confidante to his sister Maria, in the acclaimed musical. Outside of theatre, Rivera appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show several times, and was a guest on The Judy Garland Show. She starred notably in Sweet Charity directed by Bob Fosse, playing the role of Nickie in the movie version with Shirley MacLaine in 1969. Rivera also enjoyed a career in music, after legendary music producer Norman Petty approached her to record with him. She released her first single in 1965 on the Dot Records label, and another the following year. Chita - who boasts 22K social media followers - shared her final Facebook post January 9 to thank BroadwayWorld.com for giving her a birthday month shout out. Impressively, Rivera was still performing onstage as recent as June 23 at Texas' Eisemann Center. Chita - who boasts 22K social media followers - shared her final Facebook post January 9 to thank BroadwayWorld.com for giving her a birthday month shout out Impressively, Rivera was still performing onstage as recent as June 23 at Texas' Eisemann Center Last year, the Washington, DC-born triple threat did a whole book tour in promotion of her 320-page autobiography Chita: A Memoir - co-written by Patrick Pacheco - which HarperOne published on April 25 Chita's final screen role was a 'Sunday' diner scene cameo in Lin-Manuel Miranda's critically-acclaimed 2021 feature directorial debut Tick, Tick... Boom! Rivera is survived by her 65-year-old daughter Lisa Mordente (L, pictured in 2023) from her nine-year marriage to fellow West Side Story dancer Tony Mordente, which ended in 1966 Catherine Zeta-Jones (R) - who won an Oscar for Chicago - was among the first celebs to share a tribute to Chita Last year, the Washington, DC-born triple threat did a whole book tour in promotion of her 320-page autobiography Chita: A Memoir - co-written by Patrick Pacheco - which HarperOne published on April 25. Chita's final screen role was a 'Sunday' diner scene cameo in Lin-Manuel Miranda's critically-acclaimed 2021 feature directorial debut Tick, Tick... Boom! Rivera is survived by her 65-year-old daughter Lisa Mordente from her nine-year marriage to fellow West Side Story dancer Tony Mordente, which ended in 1966. The Puerto Rican beauty also survived by her siblings Julio, Armando and Lola del Rivero. The star was set to release a full album of Buddy Holly cover songs backed by The Fireballs, but the project did not see the light of day. Drinking tomato juice could ward off a nasty form of food poisoning that lands 26,000 Americans in hospital every year, according to a new study. Researchers at Cornell University researched the effect of tomato juice, the main ingredient in a much-loved Bloody Mary cocktail, on the salmonella bacteria. It is most commonly found in meat like chicken, turkey and beef which hasn't been cooked properly. Roughly 1 in every 25 packages of chicken at the grocery store are contaminated with Salmonella - but cooking the meat at an adequate temperature kills it off. For the new study, the team evaluated antimicrobial peptides in tomato juice, small proteins that destroy the membrane that keeps the harmful organism in tact. Tomato juice, a staple in Bloody Marys, has been shown to prevent strains of salmonella, which causes food poisoning symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea They found that two antimicrobial peptides could stop salmonella Typhi, a foodborne illness that causes symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, in its tracks. Roughly 5,000 of the 1.3 million cases of salmonella that occur every year are thought to be of the Typhi sort, according to the CDC. Dr Jeongmin Song, lead study author and associate professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Cornell University, said: 'Our main goal in this study was to find out if tomato and tomato juice can kill pathogens, including Salmonella Typhi, and if so, what qualities they have that make them work.' First they checked to see if tomato juice really does kill Salmonella Typhi, and once they had confirmed it did, the team analyzed the DNA of the tomato, to find the antimicrobial peptides that were involved. The team studied four of them and found that two were effective in killing Salmonella Typhi by impairing the bacterial membrane, a protective layer that surrounds the pathogen. The team also found that peptides in tomato juice could kill other variants of salmonella, which affects more than 1.3 million Americans every year. 'Our research shows that tomato and tomato juice can get rid of enteric bacteria like Salmonella,' Dr Song said. Salmonella typhi is a form of samonella, a type of bacteria passed from feces of people or animals, and symptoms of an infection usually begin between six hours and six days after exposure. They typically resolve within another four to seven days without requiring medical intervention. Some people have no symptoms. However, the illness can sometimes be more severe and lead to hospitalization. People with pre-existing medical conditions, weakened immune systems, children under 12 months old, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to serious side effects - or even death. In rare circumstances, salmonella infection can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and causing more severe illness, such as infections in the arteries, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valve) and arthritis. Salmonella infects more than 1.3 million people every year, leading to 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths annually. The US just faced an outbreak of the bacteria last year linked to pre-cut fruits like cantaloupe, which has sickened more than 400 Americans. The researchers said they hope the findings will encourage to eat and drink more tomatoes as well as other fruits and vegetables. The study was published Tuesday in the journal Microbiology Spectrum. Toyota has issued an urgent 'do not drive' advisory on 61,000 vehicles fitted with dangerous Takata airbags, which can explode and hurl 'sharp metal fragments' at motorists. The voluntary recall will impact 50,000 Toyotas - among them the 2003-2004 Corolla, the 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix and 2004-2005 RAV4. Also covered are 11,000 Pontiac Vibes from 2003 and 2004, which are essentially the same car as the Matrix and made at the same California factory. 'If the air bag deploys, a part inside is more likely to explode and shoot sharp metal fragments, which could cause serious injury or death to the driver or passengers,' Toyota said in a statement. Airbags made by Japanese manufacturer Takata have been linked to 30 deaths worldwide, with 26 in the US - including that of Ford owner Hayden Jones Jr. Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda speaks during a news conference in Nagoya, central Japan Toyota on Monday put a 'do not drive' advisory on vehicles fitted with infamous Takata airbags. Pictured is a 2003 Corolla, which is one of the affected models The voluntary recall will impact 50,000 models - among them the 2003-2004 Corolla, the 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix and 2004-2005 RAV4 (pictured) Toyota and Pontiac said owners should contact a local dealer instead of driving the cars in for repairs. Dealers will provide options such as mobile repair, towing the car to a dealer, or vehicle pickup and delivery. So far it is a busy week for Toyota. The advisory was announced yesterday and today the company had to apologize for allegedly cheating on engine testing. Takata is now bankrupt, but more than 100 million of its products went into vehicles made by more than a dozen automakers. Toyota suggested its 20-year-old vehicles are only now implicated in the drama around Takata airbags because they contain a part that can fail with age. It said it will replace airbags in affected vehicles for free. Over the last decade, more than 67 million Takata airbag inflators have been recalled, making it the biggest auto safety callback in history. Toyota said the RAV4 recall involves the driver's airbag while the other recalls involve the front passenger airbag only. In some Corolla and Corolla Matrix models, certain vehicles are also involved in a second recall that can cause the airbag to deploy even without a crash. There have been prior 'do not drive' warnings issued by other automakers for vehicles with older Takata airbag inflators after fatal crashes. A deployed Takata-manufactured airbag is seen on the driver's side of a 2007 Dodge Charger at a recycled auto parts lot in Detroit Takata is now bankrupt, but more than 100 million of it products went into vehicles made by more than a dozen automakers Chrysler-parent company Stellantis advised 29,000 owners of 2003 Dodge Ram pickups to immediately stop driving in July after a fatal incident involving a Takata airbag. And in 2022, Stellantis urged owners of 276,000 other cars to stop driving after three other deaths linked to the bags were reported that year. Honda last February similarly recalled 8,200 Acura and Honda vehicles after the airbag-related death of the driver of a 2002 Accord in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Honda alone has reported 17 US deaths and more than 200 injuries related to Takata inflator ruptures. The airbags are also linked to the death of Hayden Jones Jr., a 23-year-old Navy officer who died at the wheel of his Ford Ranger pickup truck. When Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrived at the scene of his crash in the Panhandle this summer, they initially thought it was possible there had been a shooting. A trooper later messaged the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that injuries were from the deployment of an airbag in his 2006 Ford Ranger. Stephanie Erdman, a First Lieutenant in the US Air Force, survived a crash on September 1 2013 which fired metal shrapnel from the Takata airbag in her 2002 Honda Civic into her neck and right eye Pictured is Hayden Jones Jr., a 23-year-old Navy officer who was found dead at the wheel of his 2016 Ford Ranger by Florida Highway Patrol troopers in July 2022 Though the NHTSA is investigating and hasn't made a final determination yet, the Jones' family says there's ample evidence the death was caused by an exploding Takata air bag. Ford says it notified the vehicle owner of the recall - even going to the owner's home to try to schedule repairs - but the Jones family says it never received any recall notice from the manufacturer and has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Cases like this, in which needed repairs never happen, show the system is broken, said William Wallace, safety advocate for Consumer Reports. He said the recall system is weak in part because it relies heavily on owners keeping up to date with recall notices. It comes as airlines face a probe for their 'unfair' frequent flier programs The pair said they were wrong accused of fraud for opening multiple AAdvantage cards - despite their claim it was allowed under their contract Two American Airlines customers claim they were stripped of 1.1 million miles American Airlines is facing a proposed class action lawsuit by two customers who say they were stripped of 1.1 million frequent flier miles after doubling up on credit cards offering bonuses. Ari and Shanna Nachison said American wrongly accused them of fraud for opening multiple AAdvantage - cards issued under co-branding arrangements with Citibank and Barclays. The Los Gatos, California residents said that while some card applications prevented multiple mileage bonuses within a 48-month period, theirs did not. Despite this American closed their accounts in early 2020. Both said the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier cited violations 'related to the accrual of ineligible miles and benefits; through fraud, misrepresentation and/or abuse of the AAdvantage Program' in emails announcing the terminations. Ari Nachison said he lost 564,463 miles, while Shanna Nachison said she lost 550,664 miles. American Airlines is facing a proposed class action lawsuit by two customers who say they were stripped of 1.1 million frequent flier miles after doubling up on credit cards offering bonuses Ari and Shanna Nachison said American wrongly accused them of fraud for opening multiple AAdvantage - cards issued under co-branding arrangements with Citibank and Barclays The Nachisons said they were excused from applicable statutes of limitations because American's 'boilerplate' emails did not mention specific violations or credit cards at issue, delaying them from pursuing legal remedies. American did not immediately respond to requests for comment by Reuters. Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to similar requests. The lawsuit filed in the San Jose, California federal court seeks damages for people whose AAdvantage accounts were terminated based on alleged fraud for obtaining Citi-AAdvantage and Barclays-AAdvantage credit cards. Some airlines including American have in recent years raised spending and mileage requirements for frequent fliers, who use their status to obtain tickets, better seats, early boarding and other perks. Earlier this month, American said some flying benefits would be restricted to AAdvantage members, including free same-day standby to switch to earlier U.S. flights. It comes as airlines come under increasing scrutiny for the complicated rules surrounding their frequent flier programs. It comes as airlines come under increasing scrutiny for the complicated rules surrounding their frequent flier programs. Pictured: American Airlines CEO Robert Isom In October, Senate Judiciary Committee chair Dick Durbin, pictured, and Republican Senator Roger Marshall wrote to the Transportation Department and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to sound the alarm over 'unfair' loyalty programs' Last month, the Department of Transportation (DoT) said it is meeting with passenger airlines to discuss issues with the programs such as the fact some charge customers to transfer points while others have changed rules to devalue points. A USDOT spokesman told Reuters: 'We plan to carefully review complaints regarding loyalty programs and exercise our authority to investigate airlines for unfair and deceptive practices that hurt travelers as warranted.' The move came in response to a letter from Senate Judiciary Committee chair Dick Durbin and Republican Senator Roger Marshall which accused airlines of 'unfair, abusive and deceptive practices with respect to these loyalty programs.' The drinks were previously criticized by customers for its laxative effect Starbucks is rolling out its olive oil-infused coffee range to all US stores despite customers complaining drinks had an unwanted side effect. The mix of caffeine and olive oil had customers suddenly needing to poop. From today the drinks will be available nationwide, the chain confirmed after first being trialed in Italy in February 2023 and Seattle, Los Angeles and New York that spring. The beverages - which mix coffee with a spoonful of Partanna cold-pressed extra-virgin oil - got negative reviews online during the trials. One customer labelled it a 'legit laxative.' Starbucks is rolling out its olive oil-infused coffee range to all US stores despite customers previously complaining the beverage gave them digestion issues Some drinks have a pump of olive oil added directly to the coffee while others have it infused into a Golden Foam on top. The oil can also be added to its Iced Shaken Espresso beverage pairing it with oat milk and hazelnut. Prices typically range between $6.45 and $6.75 though it will vary by location. There have been some side effects of the drink, which was initially trialled in a few outlets last year. A person claiming to be a Starbucks barista in the US took to Reddit last year claiming their colleagues had a negative reaction to the drink. 'Half the team tried it yesterday and a few ended up needing to use the restroom, if ya know what I mean,' a barista on the Starbucks Reddit page posted in April. according to CNN. In a statement released today, Starbucks said: 'Infused with award-winning Partanna extra virgin olive oil, Oleato is more than a drink' The range mixes a spoonful of Partanna cold-pressed extra-virgin oil with Starbucks' arabica coffee 'Have you tried them? I'm wondering how many people are going to have happen to them what a few happened to our team,' they wrote. 'Caffeine is a stimulant for your bowels and oil a relaxant. So yeah, wonderful idea by Starbucks,' read one of the top comments on the post. 'Olive oil is a natural laxative in a lot of Italian homes,' replied another Reddit user in the thread. A doctor explains why the Oleato makes people poop A gastroenterologist told Huff Post how a mix of olive oil and caffeine can make people poop. 'This is not surprising as olive oil has been used historically for patients with constipation,' Dr. George Sanchez, a gastroenterologist with Gastro Health in Miami, said 'Some recommend taking a tablespoon of olive oil, which can help with bowel movements.' But Sanchez said that too much olive oil can cause the body to draw water into the small bowel and colon, possibly leading to diarrhea. The caffeine in coffee can also stimulate your GI tract and amplify the response, he said. 'Additionally, some consumers prefer to add milk and sugar-free alternatives to their drinks, which can also induce bowel movements,' he said. Advertisement It has not put Starbucks off rolling out. In a statement released today, Starbucks said: 'Infused with award-winning Partanna extra virgin olive oil, Oleato is more than a drink. 'It is a revelation in coffee, one that is luxurious and next-level. Once an idea, today a drinking experience available nationwide.' It added the drinks will be on sale in locations - including those in grocery stores, college campuses and airports - around the world including Canada, London, Paris, Osaka and Tokyo. When the unusual recipe was unveiled at a flagship Starbucks in Milan last year, customers had a mixed reaction. Nicole Molinari, then 20, told Reuters: 'It's a strange idea but there is something different about it and in my opinion it could appeal a lot more to foreigners than Italians.' Meanwhile Stefania Battagli, 22, said the coffee had a little too much oil for her tastes. 'But I like it because the milk and the oil can both be tasted distinctly. I don't know how to explain it, there are two flavors but they mix together and work well together,' she told Reuters. However, online reviews for the range were much less favorable. On other forums, people made similar observations. One customer tweeted: 'The Oleato at Starbucks is a legit laxative.' It comes after a roaring year for Starbucks which saw its revenue soar 11 percent to $35.9 billion for its last full fiscal year, which ended October 1. Since 2020, the coffee giant's yearly revenue has been on a constant upward trajectory. In the past four fiscal years, it has grown by more than 50 percent - up from $23.5 billion. Since 2020, the coffee giant's yearly revenue has been on a constant upward trajectory Experts previously told DailyMail.com that the chain's popularity was fueled by its heavy social media presence. Every time Starbucks launches a new beverage, it tends to go viral on TikTok. Clair Jones, founder of marketing agency LoudBird, said at the time: 'They are embracing new platforms which I think is important - and they're doing it right. There are a lot of larger corporate brands like that which try to do TikTok and they just do it really poorly.' As we head into tax season, the Internal Revenue Service has warned Americans to be vigilant about a surge in scams - and we have tips to avoid them. Phony tax preparers and bogus refund schemes promising large refunds - in the $1,000s or more - are among the tax crimes that spike at this time of year. Scammers may also try to gain access to a victim's social security number in order to file a return and steal their refund, or simply impersonate an IRS worker. The IRS's federal investigators launched 1,409 tax crime probes and identified $5.5 billion in tax fraud in the year to September 2023. 'Tax crimes surge during filing season because criminals steal unknowing taxpayers' information, hack into the servers of accountants and victimize unsuspecting taxpayers with the false promise of huge tax refunds,' IRS criminal investigation (CI) chief Jim Lee said. Tax crimes surge during filing season, IRS criminal investigation chief Jim Lee has warned According to CI, 655 defendants were sentenced for tax crimes during the last fiscal year. Among them were father and daughter Thein Maung and Phyo Mi, who were sentenced to 12 and nine years in federal prison in October 2023 for an elaborate fraudulent tax preparation scheme which they ran out of their Iowa home. They victimized hundreds of immigrants and refugees who worked at meat-packing facilities in the state by claiming fraudulent tax credits and redirecting their customers' tax refunds to their own accounts, according to CI. Ayodele Arasokun was sentenced to 34 years in federal prison in September 2023 for coordinating a scheme to file over 1,700 false returns - resulting in $2.2 million in refunds from the IRS. The filing season for the 2023 tax year officially began on January 29, and the majority of Americans have until April 15 to file a return. Taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts have until April 17. Thein Maung and Phyo Mi were sentenced to 12 and nine years in federal prison in October 2023 for an elaborate fraudulent tax preparation scheme Ayodele Arasokun was sentenced to 34 years in federal prison in September 2023 CI warns taxpayers to avoid return preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers. If their fee is a percentage of your tax refund, this should also be a warning sign, it said. Unscrupulous preparers may actually prepare the tax return, but when it is submitted to the IRS, they ask the taxpayer to sign their own return, making it look like it was self-filed. Cesar Cobo, from legal marketing agency Webris, urges taxpayers to make sure firms have proper licensing and credentials This means the taxpayer is liable for any errors or omissions the preparer made, including underpayment and negligence penalties, which often happen because the large refund promised was inaccurate. Only allow funds to be deposited into your personal accounts, experts warn. Some scam preparers will have funds deposited into their own accounts which they claim will be 'later distributed.' 'If researching for someone to help with preparing taxes, ensure that they have the proper licensing and credentials,' said Cesar Cobo, from legal marketing agency Webris. 'Tax preparers are legally required to have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Search online to make sure that your tax preparer is legitimate.' CI warns taxpayers to avoid return preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers or if their fee is a percentage of your tax refund Americans should also look out for fake emails or text messages claiming to be from the IRS - and avoid opening attachments in unsolicited messages. These messages could contain malware that could compromise your personal information - including your social security number or bank details. Taxpayers can also get an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) as a layer of protection from identity theft. This is a six-digit number known only to the taxpayer and the IRS and prevents fraudulent tax return filings. The IRS will never threaten, demand payment or ask for financial information from taxpayers. If you suspect an individual or a business is committing fraud, report it to the IRS and law enforcement. Despite threats and coercion, Ranjit, supported by his resilient daughter, pursued justice with unwavering courage When Ranjit took on the might of the powerful in his tribal village in Ranchi district, Jharkhand, to pursue action against the rapists of his 13-year-old daughter, he didnt think he would get justice. But he was still determined to go ahead. So, even though the village mukhiya was unsupportive and the police inspector on duty refused to file an FIR, Ranjit didnt give up. He called up the Superintendent of police who came to the station to help him file the case under the POCSO Act, leading to the arrest of the three perpetrators. Thereafter began the real battle. Pressure was mounted from all sides to compromise by offering money to withdraw the case and, marriage to one of the perpetrators. Threats were made to burn their home, kill Ranjit and cause other physical harm to the family. Somehow he braved the storm, riding on the extraordinary and unwavering courage of his daughter, (the sexual assault survivor), who stood firm in her fight for justice. After a year of struggle, including withstanding humiliation in court from the public prosecutor, Ranjit and his daughter were vindicated when the verdict came in their favour and the three were sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment. In a country where rape is reported every 20 minutes and conviction rates are less than 30%, this success inspired filmmaker Nisha Pahuja to document Ranjit and his daughters dogged fight for justice. To Kill A Tiger, which took eight years to film, has been nominated for the Best Documentary Feature for the 2024 Oscar awards. The survivor, who is now 20, went on to complete school. She hopes to show other survivors like her, that girls are not to blame for sexual assaults and that is why she agreed to reveal her face in the film. But had her father Ranjit not stood up for her, she may have remained just another statistic in crime records. Ranjit attributes his ability to withstand all pressures and to raise his voice for justice to the training he received through an intervention engaging men as responsible partners and caring fathers in the context of gender equality and child rights. Initiated by the Centre for Health and Social Justice (CHSJ) in Jharkhand in 2015, this program developed innovative ways to work with men and boys on issues of masculinities. Implemented in three districts in partnership with NGOs Srijan in Ranchi, Chotanagpur Sanskirtik Sangh (CSS) in Gumla and Sahyogini in Bokaro, the intervention was able to reduce gender differences in the burden of household and care work and, reduce gender disparities in education, according to an independent evaluation of the programme. Importantly, it reduced gender-based violence in families and villages engaged in the intervention. This assessment found positive mindset changes in attitudes towards child marriage sexual harassment of women/girls and policing of sisters/daughters by brothers/fathers. Male members of the program questioned their violent masculinities, began exercising less power over their women relatives supported them more, and started challenging norms on masculinities. This initiative, coupled with government and other NGO interventions, has helped to change two important community norms. It now believes that investment in education, especially girls education and an increase in age at marriage is necessary. Initiatives like these engaging men and boys have shown that the journey towards more gender-transformative masculinities is possible. What makes it imperative to scale such interventions urgently is the disturbing increase in the incidence of rape between 2020 and 2022. In Ranjits Ranchi district, figures suggest that approximately every 1.75 days there is an incident of rape. (The writer is a senior journalist; views expressed are personal) Buddhism's essence lies in non-violence, compassion and enlightenment Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha, is a philosophy and way of life that places great emphasis on the alleviation of suffering and the pursuit of enlightenment. Central to the teachings of Buddhism is the principle of non-violence, or "ahimsa," which holds a profound and essential role in shaping the ethical framework of this ancient spiritual tradition. The Essence of Non-Violence in Buddhism: Compassion and Interconnectedness: Buddhism teaches that all beings are interconnected and share a common desire for happiness while seeking to avoid suffering. Non-violence stems from the understanding that causing harm to others ultimately results in harm to oneself. Compassion, a key tenet of Buddhism, encourages followers to cultivate empathy and extend benevolence to all living beings. The First Precept: The Five Precepts form the ethical guidelines for Buddhist practitioners, with the first precept explicitly stating, "I undertake the precept to refrain from taking life." This foundational principle underscores the sanctity of all life and emphasizes the commitment to non-violence as a fundamental aspect of ethical conduct. Karma and Consequences: Buddhism teaches the concept of karma, the law of cause and effect. Engaging in violent or harmful actions generates negative karma, which can have repercussions in this life or future lives. By practicing non-violence, individuals seek to break the cycle of negative karma, promoting a path towards enlightenment and liberation from suffering. Mindfulness and Contemplation: Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness meditation, cultivate awareness and self-reflection. Non-violence is not only manifested in physical actions but also in the thoughts and intentions of individuals. By developing mindfulness, practitioners strive to eliminate harmful thoughts and cultivate a mindset of kindness and non-harming. Conflict Resolution: Non-violence plays a crucial role in conflict resolution within Buddhist communities. Rather than resorting to aggression or retaliation, followers are encouraged to seek peaceful solutions through dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation. This approach aligns with the Buddha's teachings on skillful means to address conflicts without causing harm. Example of the Buddha: The life of the Buddha serves as a profound example of non-violence. From his renunciation of the royal life to his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, the Buddha consistently demonstrated compassion and refrained from causing harm to any being, even in the face of adversity. Non-violence, deeply rooted in the core principles of Buddhism, is a guiding force that shapes the ethical conduct of its followers. Through the practice of compassion, mindfulness, and the observance of the Five Precepts, Buddhists strive to create a world free from violence and suffering. By embracing the philosophy of non-violence, individuals embark on a transformative journey towards personal well-being, social harmony, and the ultimate goal of enlightenment. (The writer is a Buddhist monk and spiritual guide, views are personal) The Government's inclination towards precision agriculture implies that drones are poised to become an integral component of cultivation practices In Punjab, where drones remain associated mostly with dropping drugs and arms from Pakistan in border areas, now they are poised to gain a new skyline to revolutionise the agriculture sector. Kiranpal Kaur of Sekha village in Barnala district, who has only completed her education up to class 10 and has never travelled in a plane, is now a trained drone pilot. She travels across the district to provide rental services for spraying fertilisers and pesticides and undertaking surveys to check for any crop damage in the fields. These Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are the cutting-edge solution for driving agriculture towards higher efficiency, sustainability and profitability. To further empower rural women Self Help Groups (SHGs), the subsidised 'Namo Drone Didi' Scheme was launched in December last year with an outlay of Rs.1261 Crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to equip and train at least 15,000 women SHGs. Kiranpal is among the first batch of 22 rural women SHGs in Punjab, out of 300 women SHGs across the country, to be equipped with Kisan drones. Potential: The market cost of a high-end drone that can perform multiple tasks is approximately Rs 15 lakh. However, the government has introduced subsidised schemes that offer subsidies of Rs 4-8 lakh on each drone and a 3% interest subvention on loans. This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the Indian agriculture drone market, which is projected to grow at an annual average rate of over 25% from 2024 to 2028. Additionally, the global market for agricultural drones is expected to reach USD 4.7 billion by the end of 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.3% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2026. The increasing demand for agricultural drones, which have several applications such as field mapping, automated seeding, fertilizer sprayers, crop analysis, and imaging, is expected to propel market growth in the coming years. The adoption of drone technology serves as an advanced decision support system that facilitates targeted intervention and reduces the wastage of critical resources such as water, chemicals, and fertilizers. The high-resolution imagery obtained from drones can provide valuable insights that enable targeted intervention and prevent the unnecessary application of treatments across the entire field. Moreover, drones can help convert the abstract concept of precision agriculture into multifaceted approaches through compelling data and actionable insights. Remote sensing and monitoring: Effective monitoring of crop health is crucial for farmers to achieve maximum yield and profits. The use of drones equipped with hyperspectral imaging technology has brought a revolutionary change in how we perceive crop health. In a recent study, it was revealed that drones can detect pest infestations up to 2 weeks earlier than traditional monitoring methods. This early detection can potentially save up to 30% of the harvest that might otherwise be lost. Precision crop management: Finding a balance between agricultural production and environmental preservation is crucial. The excessive use of chemicals and water scarcity can lead to environmental degradation, which is a pressing concern that the agriculture sector must address. Drones can play a vital role in solving these issues by accurately identifying areas that require water. By doing so, farmers can reduce water usage by approximately 25%, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture. Drones are not only useful for surveillance purposes, but when equipped with the right analytical capabilities, they can also provide actionable insights for real-time crop management. For example, by utilizing data collected and analyzed by drones, farmers can reduce fertilizer usage by an average of 26% by applying it only where needed. This is not only beneficial from a financial perspective but also contributes to sustainable agriculture that reduces environmental impact. Efficient field scouting: Given India's vast geographical expanse, monitoring remote or hard-to-reach farms is a unique challenge. Here, drones are an asset, reducing the hours of manual labour involved in field scouting to mere minutes. According to recent estimates, drones can cover 200 acres in just 30 minutes, offering timely and accurate data. It is valuable for smallholder farmers, who make up close to 68% of the Indian farming community, enabling them to act before a problem like a pest infestation becomes economically damaging. This efficiency in field scouting allows farmers to stay ahead of potential issues, even in remote or less accessible parts of their farms. Instead of labour-intensive, time-consuming manual inspections, drones provide a cost-effective and timely alternative. According to the estimates prepared by IFFCO, a drone takes just around 8-10 minutes to spray one acre. Data-driven decision-making: We are in an era where data-driven strategies are not the exception but the rule, and agriculture is keeping pace. Drones generate extensive datasets that offer an in-depth look into crop health, growth patterns, and other variables. For example, a farmer can now optimise planting densities of sugarcane-based on drone-collected data, potentially increasing yields by up to 10%. Imagine a farmer in the heart of Punjab who can now use drone-acquired data to optimise planting densities, manage nutrients effectively, and plan their harvest with precision. Such data-driven decisions can lead to higher yields and, consequently, better profits. Cost savings: In a sector where profit margins can be wafer-thin, drones serve as a cost-effective ally. Early detection of potential issues allows for timely and, therefore, less costly interventions. By helping farmers make data-backed decisions, drones help avert financial setbacks. By advising on agri-input use before visible crop issues occur, they can prevent the need for expensive interventions later during the crop cycle. Weather forecasting: For a good yield, optimum weather remains crucial. Equipped with weather monitoring technology, drones can serve as weather stations in the sky, providing real-time data on the weather. This information is invaluable for planning farm operations and responding to changing weather patterns. In India, where monsoons can be a farmer's best friend or worst enemy, having up-to-the-minute weather data is a game-changer. It allows farmers to make informed decisions about when to plant, irrigate, or harvest, ultimately improving farm resilience. Conclusion: The government's shows a growing affinity for precision agriculture suggests that drones are set to become an integral part of crop cultivation practices. By blending traditional farming expertise with advanced technology, farmers can anticipate a more optimistic and fruitful future. Moreover, the government can offset the 80% cost of drone adoption through significant savings on fertilizers and pesticides subsidies, as the use of drone technology leads to reduced consumption. (The Author is vice-chairman of Sonalika Group and vice-chairman of the Punjab Economic Policy and Planning Board, Chairman of ASSOCHAM Northern Region Development Council. Views expressed are personal) Nitish Kumar has rejoined forces with the BJP, cementing his reputation as a leader known for frequent shifts in political alliances for personal benefit On Sunday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar threw a bombshell by leaving the ruling Mahagathbandhan in Bihar and returning to the NDA. coalition. He also quit the opposition coalition which he had built eight months ago. This dismantling of the bloc has dealt a significant blow to the INDIA. bloc at the national level. They missed the slim chance of defeating the BJP. in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. It is worth exploring how Bihar's politics may affect the national landscape. Kumar's decision to return to the NDA. fold could benefit the BJP. but weaken the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD.) and Congress in Bihar. It could ultimately impact the opposition bloc at the national level. This BJP.- J.D. (U) partnership could improve the chances of the BJP. winning more seats in the upcoming 2024 general elections and help Modi achieve a hat trick. The BJP. tried to break the opposition coalition and partner with the J.D. (U) alliance. The Party sees Nitish Kumar as a critical ally in Bihar and believes their partnership can win in the 2024 elections. Kumar has only 45 seats in the current Assembly, while the RJD. and BJP. have 78 and 79 seats, respectively. Despite this, Nitish managed to continue as the chief minister. Did the Congress party have a hand in Nitish Kumar's departure from the IN.D.I.A. opposition bloc? The reason behind this setback was the decision to sideline Nitish and promote Congress. Kumar accused the Party of being responsible for the failed alliance, arguing that the situation arose due to poor communication. KC Tyagi of the Janata Dal-United (JDU) has levelled accusations against the Congress party that it conspired to dominate the Opposition bloc. On January 13th in Mumbai, the Chief (CPI-M) Sitaram Yechori proposed Nitish Kumar as the convener of the bloc. This suggestion was supported by most of the other leaders present. However, Rahul Gandhi voiced his disagreement. Mamata Banerjee subsequently proposed the name of Congress chief Kharge as the coalition chief, a move Tyagi claims was part of a broader conspiracy. Tyagi stated that Nitish Kumar mobilised an alliance that united all non-Congress parties. However, it is now disintegrating. The situation in Punjab and Bihar is on the verge of collapse, and the coalition in West Bengal is also falling apart. Nitish confirmed that he left the INDIA. alliance because it didn't meet his expectations. He felt he was the only one working towards the coalition's goals. Although the partnership has brought together all non-Congress parties, the alliance disintegrated in West Bengal and almost collapsed in Bihar and Punjab. There is also an untold story. Lalu Yadav, the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), encouraged Nitish Kumar to form an opposition coalition at the national level to aim for the position of Prime Ministerial candidate. The purpose of this plan was to pave the way for Lalu Yadav's son to become the Chief Minister. However, the plan failed when Mallikarjun Kharge was chosen as the leader of the new coalition. Consequently, Nitish Kumar sided with the (BJP.). Kumar's credibility has been tarnished because of his unwavering desire to hold power, regardless of the repercussions. He has changed political allegiances several times, always for his benefit, and currently holds the title of Chief Minister with the longest tenure. Nitish's track record shows that after exploring other options in 2013, Nitish Kumar left the BJP and allied with the RJD. and Congress. After the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he aligned with the BJP. again and became the Chief Minister in 2020. However, two years later, Kumar left the BJP and formed a new government with the RJD. and Congress. Now he has dumped the RJD. That is why he is called Palti Ram. Despite being an experienced politician, Nitish Kumar's frequent changes in stance have cost him the chance to be considered as a prime ministerial candidate for the opposition party, especially at the age of 72. The BJP's dismantling of the INDIA. bloc may facilitate Prime Minister Modi to win his third term. In Bihar, mobilising OBC votes to achieve electoral success is imperative. In November 2023, Bihar increased the reservation for Scheduled Castes and Extremely Backward Castes. It is unclear how long the Nitish and the BJP partnership will last. They may work together until the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, but what will happen afterwards is uncertain. The Bharatiya Janata Party may support Nitish only until the Lok Sabha polls and their support could decrease afterwards-some question whether the alliance will continue until the 2025 Bihar Assembly polls. Nitish has shown that it's possible to retain power by using clever bargaining skills and winning a few seats, even if only 4% of the electorate belongs to their caste. But one thing is sure: Given Nitish's track record, there could be other flip-flops. (The writer is a popular columnist; views are personal) An Indian student pursuing a double major at the prestigious Purdue University in the US state of Indiana, who went missing on Sunday, has been confirmed dead, the university has said. Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office officials were called around 11:30 a.M. On Sunday to 500 Allison Road in West Lafayette for a possible dead body. Upon arrival, a college-aged male was found deceased outside Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories on Purdue's campus. Neel Acharya went missing on Sunday. It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our students Neel Acharya has passed away. The leadership in the Department of Computer Science expresses our profound sorrow for his passing. I am deeply saddened by his loss. My condolences go out to his friends family and all affected, Chris Clifton, interim head of the university's Computer Science Department, said in an email to the department on Monday. Clifton said Neel was a driven individual and academically talented. He pursued a double major in computer science and data science and was a John Martinson Honors College student. He aspired to pursue numerous academic achievements and shared profound connections with friends. He was very proud of and cared deeply for his brothers at Triangle Fraternity. Neel could be counted on to reach out to others and make them feel included. He was an achiever and an includer, with his: most notable qualities being genuine kindness and unwavering compassion, Clifton said. Clifton told the local Purdue Exponent newspaper that he received an email from the Office of the Dean of Students confirming Acharya's death. "A deceased person was found that matched Neel's description and had Neel's ID on (him)," he said. Goury Acharya, the mother of the dead student, in a post on X on Monday, said: "Our son Neel Acharya has been missing since yesterday January 28 (12:30 AM EST) He is studying at Purdue University in the US. He was last seen by the Uber driver who dropped him off at Purdue University. We are looking for any info on him. Please help us if you know anything." Responding to her post, India's Consulate General in Chicago, said: "(The) Consulate is in touch with Purdue University authorities and also with Neel's family. The consulate will extend all possible support and help." The exact reason for death is not known yet. Acharya's demise comes after the news of the grisly murder of Vivek Saini, another Indian student who had recently earned an MBA degree in the US and was hammered to death by a homeless drug addict in Georgia state's Lithonia city, making it the second student death in the US in the past few weeks. In a major setback to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress, the BJP swept the Chandigarh Mayoral polls on Tuesday, retaining the three top posts in a setback to the AAP and the Congress which had contested the elections as allies. BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar defeated the AAP's Kuldeep Kumar for the Mayor's post, polling 16 votes against the 12 won by his rival. Eight votes were declared invalid. BJP nominees Kuljit Sandhu and Rajinder Sharma were declared elected to the posts of senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor, respectively. AAP leader Raghav Chadha said they will approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking fresh elections. The AAP has allied with the Congress for this civic poll pitched as the first real electoral test of the INDIA bloc ahead of a Lok Sabha election in less than three months time but the alliance failed to deliver. The loss has further weakened the Opposition group, which is already on the edge of collapse after two of its biggest members Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool and Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) walked out. In Punjab, the AAP and the Congress have indicated that they are reluctant to contest the Lok Sabha polls together even though they are both in the INDIA grouping. But they agreed to contest together in Mayoral elections in Chandigarh, the Union Territory that serves as the Capital of both Punjab and Haryana. As part of the alliance in Chandigarh, the AAP contested for the Mayor's post while the Congress fielded candidates for the two other posts. The BJP has 14 Councillors in the 35-member Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. The AAP has 13 Councillors and the Congress seven. The Shiromani Akali Dal has one Councillor. After the loss, the AAP and the Congress hit out at the BJP alleging "shameless capture" of the democratic system in the country and termed it black day for democracy while the BJP rubbished the allegations. The AAP and the Congress accused presiding officer Anil Masih of making some marks on the ballots during the counting, rendering them invalid. They argued that the "invalid" ballots tilted the balance in the BJP candidate's favour. Congratulating his party unit for the victory, BJP chief JP Nadda said the defeat of the INDIA Bloc candidate in the Chandigarh mayoral polls has shown that neither their arithmetic is working nor their chemistry. Commenting on the development, Nadda wrote on X, "Congratulations to the Chandigarh BJP unit for winning the Mayor election." Under Prime Minister Narendra Mod's leadership, the Union Territories have witnessed "record development", the BJP chief said. "That the INDI Alliance fought their first electoral battle and still lost to BJP shows that neither their arithmetic is working nor their chemistry," Nadda said taking a dig at the opposition unity. While Kejriwal alleged the BJP indulged in "hooliganism" during the Chandigarh Mayoral polls, and called the series of events during the election a "black day for democracy". Addressing a Press conference here, the AAP national convener said the entire country saw what happened in the Chandigarh Mayoral polls. "It is a black day for democracy. Everyone saw how they stole votes and forcibly made their candidate win. The issue is not who becomes Mayor but the country should not lose and the democracy should not lose. Mayors come and go, parties come and go," he said. "The AAP-Congress alliance had a clear majority and it was a straight election. Eight votes or 25 per cent of the total votes were declared invalid. What kind of election was this? The Mayoral poll result shows there is something wrong and at a large scale, they can go to any extent in national polls," he alleged. Kejriwal said the BJP-led Centre is "resorting" to extreme actions to target opposition leaders, breaking parties and toppling Governments. "Brazen, shameless capture of the democratic system. Declaring Opposition votes invalid to win the Mayor Election in Chandigarh shows that it is second nature for the BJP to override the democratic mandate," AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said in a post on X. "First they abruptly postponed the elections, and then devised a way to capture it. This is a warning for all those who are deluded into thinking that the Modi-led BJP will allow democracy to function if they win in 2024," he said. The polls, being held following the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, assumes significance with Opposition INDIA Bloc members Congress and AAP joining hands to contest the elections. Tight security arrangements are in place for the Mayoral polls. Around 700 police personnel, along with those from paramilitary forces, have been deployed for maintaining law and order during the election at the municipal corporation building, officials said. In its January 24 order, the High Court directed the Chandigarh administration to hold the Mayoral polls at 10 am on January 30. It also quashed the administration's January 18 order postponing the elections while holding it "unreasonable, unjustified and arbitrary". The High Court had also directed that the Councillors who come to cast their votes shall not be accompanied by any supporters or security personnel belonging to any other State. The Chandigarh Police will ensure security to the Councillors, the court had said. Elections to the three posts are held every year during the House's five-year term. The Congress had abstained from voting in 2022 and 2023, leading to the BJP's victory in the polls. The election of the Mayor is done through secret ballots. For this year's elections -- the third for this term -- the Mayor's seat has been reserved for the Scheduled Caste category. Indian Navy came to the rescue of an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel and rescued 19 crew members, including Pakistanis, after pirates attacked the ship. Coincidentally, it was the second such effort by the Indian Navy warship INS Sumitra in the last 36 hours in the east of Somalia. The first rescue also involved an Iranian fishing vessel, Iman, on Monday. In a similar action, the Indian Navy responded to the hijacking of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel in collaboration with Seychelles defence forces and the Sri Lanka Navy, officials said here on Tuesday. This action was also undertaken off Somalia. Providing details, they said a hijacking incident was reported onboard the Sri Lankan-flagged multiday fishing trawler Lorenzo Putha 04 about 955 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Three pirates had boarded and hijacked the fishing trawler on January 27. The Indian Navy deployed INS Sharada to locate and intercept the hijacked fishing vessel. Additionally, efficient operational coordination and information sharing through the Sri Lanka and Seychelles International Liaison Officers at IFC IOR, New Delhi, resulted in the interception of the hijacked fishing vessel by SCGS Topaz in Seychelles EEZ on Monday. The three pirates surrendered to the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG), and all six crew members are safe, and the vessel is being escorted to Mahe, Seychelles. Giving details about the latest action involving the Iranian vessel, Navy officials said INS Sumitra deployed for anti-piracy and maritime security operations in the east of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, responding immediately to the distress call by vessel Al Naeemi. In yet another successful anti-piracy operation off the East Coast of Somalia, INS Sumitra rescued the fishing vessel and its 19 crew members from 11 Somali pirates on Monday, Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. "INS Sumitra, over the course of less than 36 hours, through swift, persistent, and relentless efforts, has rescued two hijacked fishing vessels along with 36 crew (17 Iranian and 19 Pakistani) in the Southern Arabian Sea approximately 850 nautical miles West of Kochi," Madhwal said. He said the Indian Navy has once again proved its commitment in the region to act against all maritime threats to ensure the safety of all mariners and vessels at sea. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India's greater capability, the country's current interests, and reputation today justify that it actually helps in difficult situations, in reference to the Indian Navy's deployment of warships in the Red Sea region to deal with attacks on merchant navy vessels. The Indian Navy has deployed 10 of its ships in the region, Jaishankar said, responding to a question during an interaction with students at the Indian Institute of Management Mumbai. "India's greater capability, our own interest, and our reputation today warrant that we actually help out in difficult situations," he said. Jaishankar said there is a problem of piracy as well as drone attacks on merchant navy ships in the Red Sea region. "We will not be considered a responsible country if bad things are happening around our neighborhood, and we say I have got nothing to do with this. When you are in trouble, the neighbourhood will say the same," he said. Jaishankar said in the last 10 years, India has developed a very powerful narrative and pointed to the naval deployment in the Red Sea region. In this context, he also referred to India's response to earthquakes in Turkey and its assistance to various other countries, including providing vaccines during Covid-19. "It wasn't just a vaccine. We actually sent out doctors, including military doctors, to many countries in the Indian Ocean (during the Covid-19 pandemic), so that is where I make the connection with Ramayana," he said. Asked whether India should "kinetically act" like the US and the UK to attacks, a reference to the counter-attacks launched by these two countries on the Houthi rebels in Yemen, Jaishankar said some countries made that choice. "At the moment, our choice today is to contribute to the safety and security. We are doing a lot of non-kinetic contributions out there but independently because at the end of the day, we are an independent country," he said. Last week, the Indian Navy contained a fire onboard MV Marlin Luanda, a commercial container oil tanker with 22 Indian crew in the Gulf of Aden, swiftly responding to a distress call from the vessel after it was struck by a missile on the key shipping route that witnessed similar attacks earlier. Since the rise in attacks on merchant navy vessels in the Red Sea, the Indian Navy has intensified its deployment in the region. After Bihar, it is now Jharkhand, its neighbouring State, that is heading towards political uncertainty. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who was evading questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), convened a meeting with his party leaders and ministers. His wife was also present, giving indications that Soren may hand over the baton to his family. There is also speculation that Soren could be arrested by the ED if he appears before them for questioning on January 31. In Patna, former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday appeared before the ED for questioning in a money-laundering case linked to the alleged land-for-jobs scam, a day after his father and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad appeared before it. Soren ended the suspense over his whereabouts after he resurfaced in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi on Tuesday, after probe agency officials failed to locate him for nearly 30 hours. The reappearance of JMM chief comes amid frenetic political developments in Ranchi and Delhi. Travelling in his official car, Soren smiled and waved at the media persons amid intense speculation of his whereabouts. Soren chaired a closed-door meeting with MLAs and Ministers of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led ruling alliance and asked all the party MLAs and that of its alliance partners Congress and RJD to stay in the State capital in view of the political situation until further instructions. Soren's wife, Kalpana Soren, was also present amid a strong buzz that she could take up the reins of the Government if he is arrested. Earlier in the day, Governor CP Radhakrishnan who has repeatedly expressed displeasure over the "deteriorating law and order" in the State, called Chief Secretary Lalbiaktluanga Khiangte, and Director General of Police Ajay Kumar Singh at the Raj Bhavan here to take stock of the situation. After the meeting, the DGP said, "Elaborate security arrangements have been made across the State to maintain law and order, including deployment of an additional 7,000 policemen." Prohibitory orders have also been clamped in key areas of Ranchi, including areas near the CM House, Raj Bhavan and ED office, from 10 am to 10 pm, officials said. Demonstrations, rallies or meetings cannot be held in and around these areas. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has claimed that Kalpana Soren may replace husband Hemant, and it's for this purpose only that the alliance MLAs have been instructed to remain in Ranchi. Dubey said Hemant has called all allied MLAs to reach Ranchi 'with their luggage.' In a post on X, Dubey queried how a man who is absconding will protect the people of the State. "A big piece of advice to those who are doing wrong on the instructions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren: the CM is proving himself to be a fugitive, running away from facing the investigating agency. The man is facing insults in the country and abroad all day long. How will that man protect the officers or the people of the State? he said. In the 81-member Assembly, JMM has 30, Congress 16, RJD 1, while the Opposition BJP has 25, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha 3, All Jharkhand Students Union 2, and others 4. ED officials had reached his Delhi address on Monday to question him in a money-laundering case but could not locate him. The chartered plane on which he traveled from Ranchi to Delhi is parked at Delhi airport. The phones of several people part of his staff are switched off. His driver has also been questioned, but to no avail. The agency seized Rs 36 lakh in cash and a Haryana registered BMW car under a name that the ED considers as 'benami,' and some 'incriminating' documents after it searched his house at 5/1 Shanti Niketan building in South Delhi on Monday and camped there for almost 13 hours to question him in a money-laundering case linked to an alleged land deal case of Jharkhand, but he was not found at his Delhi homes or at Jharkhand Bhavan in Delhi. Sources said the ED has informed state authorities and central security forces about the composition of its team that will move from its zonal office on Airport Road in Ranchi to Soren's camp office at his residence on January 31 before 1 pm, the sources said. The questioning will continue from where it ended on January 20. About 16-17 questions were put across to Soren, and his statement was recorded, in a written and audio-video format, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the sources said. The ED investigators had spent about seven hours at the CM residence that day." Soren, having reached Ranchi on Tuesday, has informed the ED that he is ready to depose before them on Wednesday at his residence in the state capital around 1 pm. While expressing his readiness to cooperate, Soren asserted that the timing of the inquiry appears to be politically motivated, intending to disrupt the functioning of his Government. Soren's letter to the ED's Ranchi office stated, "You are well aware that the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly will be held between February 2 and 29, 2024, and the undersigned will be preoccupied with preparations for the same apart from other prior scheduled official engagements.' Soren reached his official residence here past midnight, the source said. In photographs and videos shared by the CMO on X, a large number of MLAs and Ministers were seen greeting Soren before taking part in the meeting. The CM's wife was also present in the meeting. Amid the development, the BJP started claiming that the Chief Minister was 'on the run.' State BJP chief Babulal Marandi also put out an advertisement, seeking information about Soren and announcing a cash prize of Rs 11,000 for credible information. The ED has so far arrested 14 people in the case, including 2011-batch IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan, who served as the director of the state's Social Welfare Department and deputy commissioner of Ranchi. An employee of the Jharkhand land revenue department, Bhanu Prasad Prasad, was also arrested by the agency in the case. The ED investigation pertains to 'huge amounts of proceeds of crime generated by manipulation of official records by showing dummy sellers and purchasers in the guise of forged/bogus documents to acquire huge parcels of land having value in crores. India is home to 718 endangered snow leopards, as revealed by a first-of-its-kind scientific survey spanning five years between 2019 and 2023 across the Himalayan range. The high-altitude region of Ladakh emerged as the prime sanctuary for the elusive majestic cats, boasting the highest number at 477 individuals. State-wise population estimates further indicate 124 snow leopards in Uttarakhand, 51 in Himachal Pradesh, 36 in Arunachal Pradesh, 21 in Sikkim, and 9 in Jammu and Kashmir. The much-anticipated Status Report of Snow Leopards in India was released on Tuesday. The report, stemming from the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Programme spanning between 2019 and 2023, was released by Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav at the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) meeting here. Known as the 'Ghost of Mountains' for their elusive and mysterious nature, snow leopards have long been a symbol of the pristine and harsh landscapes they inhabit. The findings of this first-of-its-kind survey not only shed light on their endangered status but also emphasise the importance of preserving their delicate habitats, being an indicator of the health of the Himalayan ecosystems in terms of climate change and biodiversity. The comprehensive assessment of the survey spanning approximately 1,20,000 square kilometers across the trans-Himalayan region was led by The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), with the collaboration of all snow leopard range states, the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysuru, and WWF-India. Prior to this study, the snow leopard's range in India was largely undefined, with significant portions of their habitat unexamined. However, recent surveys have expanded our knowledge, now covering preliminary information for 80 per cent of their range. Neeraj Mahar, a wildlife expert and Project Scientist working in the higher terrains in the Himalayan region, said, "This is the first Pan India effort to estimate the snow leopard population using robust methods. Ladakh holds most of the population of these majestic cats in India and needs special attention to secure its habitat. Now it's time to formalise and carry out this exercise similar to All India Tiger Estimation." Under the SPAI, the rigorous fieldwork involved surveying 13,450 kilometers of trails for signs of snow leopards and deploying camera traps at 1,971 locations for a total of 180,000 trap nights. This effort led to the recording of snow leopard occupancy over an area of 93,392 square kilometers and their estimated presence in 100,841 square kilometers. The report also underscores the proposal to establish a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell at WII under the MoEFCC, emphasising the need for long-term population monitoring through structured study designs and consistent fieldwork. It suggests that States and UTs adopt a periodic population estimation every fourth year to ensure the survival of snow leopards and to aid in crafting effective conservation strategies. The snow leopard's presence in the cold, barren landscape of the high-altitude region symbolises ecosystem services such as fresh water and carbon sequestration, but human threats including habitat loss and poaching are leaving these majestic creatures at the receiving end, according to wildlife experts. Despite a range of over 2 million square km, according to the Snow Leopard Trust, scientists estimate that there may only be between 3,920 and 6,390 snow leopards left in the wild with their habitat in Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday hit out at the Modi Government and the BJP and urged the people not to re-elect the BJP at the Centre in the 2024 general elections. He said the Modi Government has been constantly weakening the Constitution since it came to power in 2014 and there is a fear that Modi shall not hold any Parliament election further if elected again. He further stated that the Modi-Gurantee is nothing but a bunch of lies as the Union Government has neither fulfilled its promise of giving jobs to two crore unemployed youth every year nor Rs 15 lakh to every bank account. It hasn't recovered black money either. To silence the opposition and INDIA alliance, the Union Government is using CBI and ED and even expelling many Opposition MPs from Parliament sessions, Kharge charged. He lauded the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who has been continuously raising the issues of farmers, unemployed youths, backward classes and common people. He said the BJP is working for the rich. Most pertinently, Kharge alleged that the Central Government is not filling up vacant jobs as it would empower the SCs, STs and OBCs. Attacking the Odishas ruling BJD, Kharge said the Naveen Government is not working towards the welfare of farmers, youths and poor people. The 24-year-old State Government has not been able to irrigate 35% of farmers land, set up cold storage in each block, give government jobs to stop migration of youths and empower the backward classes. The massive Odisha Banchao Samabesh addressed by Kharge was chaired by PCC president Sarat Pattanayak under the supervision of AICC-in-Charge for Odisha Dr Ajoy Kumar. Apparently coming under intense pressure from the opposition parties, the Odisha Cabinet haired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday approved a proposal for withdrawal of the earlier Cabinet decision for amendment of the Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property (By Scheduled Tribes) Regulation. On November 14, 2023, the Cabinet had approved the proposal to amend the Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property (By Scheduled Tribes) Regulation, 1956 on the basis of the recommendation of the Tribes Advisory Council (TAC) in its meeting on July 11, 2023. On November 24, it was decided in the Cabinet meeting that the matter be referred back to the TAC for reconsideration. On Monday, the Cabinet approved the proposal for withdrawal of its decision on the proposed amendment of the Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property (By Scheduled Tribes) Regulation. Thieves allegedly struck at the Noida home of former Uttar Pradesh Police chief Vibhuti Narain Rai and took away jewellery, officials said on Tuesday. Police said they have lodged an FIR against the unidentified thieves and launched an investigation. The former director general of Uttar Pradesh Police said he was in Singapore when the incident took place at his home at Calypso Court in Jaypee Wishtown, Sector 128. I left for Singapore on December 7, 2023, to be with my son and returned on January 29, 2024. My domestic help Santosh, who also lives with me in Noida, had also left for his village on December 7, Rai said in his complaint to the police on Monday. He added that Santosh came back to the Noida home on January 28, a day before his return, and informed him about the theft. When I returned today, I found that the bed box was turned upside down inside the room of my son and daughter-in-law. Attempts were made to break a locker in the room but when it did not work, the thieves took away the locker that had jewellery belonging to my daughter-in-law, the former IPS officer alleged. Taking note of the complaint, the Noida Police have lodged an FIR under Indian Penal Code section 380 (theft) at the local Sector 126 police station. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Noida) Harish Chander said, The complainant has been contacted and further investigation into the case is underway. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar hosted the 27th annual edition of the Indian Political Economy Association (IPEA) Conference, themed Geopolitics, Energy, Finance, and Democracy on January 27 and 28. The event covered diverse topics such as environmental issues, global socio-political inequalities and solutions for addressing disparities. The conference facilitated discussions on international macroeconomics, finance, political economics of elections, governance, health policies, global economic footprint, etc. The conference deliberations focused on future research prospects and proposed effective policy measures that address the problems of inclusive growth, health and education issues and governance topics in the Indian context. At the outset, Dr Sitakanta Panda, Assistant Professor of Economics, IIT Bhubaneswar, delivered the welcome address. Prof Balwinder Singh Tiwana, IPEA Signatory, spoke about the purpose, the history of the organisation and the future prospects of IPEA. Prof Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar, discussed his experiences with economics as a subject in comparison to politics and philosophy. He demonstrated how, in debates about society, the ordinary individual is more at ease discussing politics and philosophy than economics despite the fact that economics plays just as much, if not more, of a role in bringing about societal reform. Therefore, it is necessary to educate the average educated people about the meaning and use of fundamental economic indices such as GDP, FDI, stock index, etc., while discussing societal conditions. Chief guest of the inaugural session, Dr Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Chief Economic Advisor, SBI Group, highlighted the future perspectives of finance and development in India. He focused on the Four I's: innovation, inclusivity, investment and infrastructure. Two keynote lectures were delivered by renowned economists Prof Katharina Michaelowa of the University of Zurich and Prof CP Chandrasekhar of UMass Amherst. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has extended the last date of geo tagging of properties till February 29. Technical glitches have prevented many property taxpayers in Delhi from geotagging their properties by the MCDs January 31 deadline. It is estimated that only Only 95,000 out of the target of 1.5 million properties have been geotagged so far. Property owners have complained about glitches in the MCDs mobile app, especially for iOS users. It has come to notice that a large number taxpayers using iPhone (iOS version) due to some technical glitches or due to some other reasons, property tax payers have not been able to geo-tag their properties by due date. This issue is being handled on priority and will soon be resolved. However, in view the difficulties faced, it has been decided to extend the last date of geo-tagging of properties by taxpayer till 29 February 2024, the MCD said in a statement. If the taxpayers fail to geo-tag their property, they cannot avail the rebate on lumpsum payment of tax by 30 June, 2024 in the next financial year (2024-25). All property owners/occupiers, who have not geo-tagged their properties so far are requested to geo-tag their property by due date i.e. 29th February 2024, it added. Geotagging properties means digitally mapping a property with the geographic information system (GIS). This means that a property can be identified on a map with its unique and permanent latitude and longitude coordinates. To do this, property owners must download MCDs mobile app, and while present at their property, select the current location and link it with any unique property identification code (UPIC). Staff Reporter n new delhi The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has extended the last date of geo tagging of properties till February 29. Technical glitches have prevented many property taxpayers in Delhi from geotagging their properties by the MCDs January 31 deadline. It is estimated that only Only 95,000 out of the target of 1.5 million properties have been geotagged so far. Property owners have complained about glitches in the MCDs mobile app, especially for iOS users. It has come to notice that a large number taxpayers using iPhone (iOS version) due to some technical glitches or due to some other reasons, property tax payers have not been able to geo-tag their properties by due date. This issue is being handled on priority and will soon be resolved. However, in view the difficulties faced, it has been decided to extend the last date of geo-tagging of properties by taxpayer till 29 February 2024, the MCD said in a statement. If the taxpayers fail to geo-tag their property, they cannot avail the rebate on lumpsum payment of tax by 30 June, 2024 in the next financial year (2024-25). All property owners/occupiers, who have not geo-tagged their properties so far are requested to geo-tag their property by due date i.e. 29th February 2024, it added. Geotagging properties means digitally mapping a property with the geographic information system (GIS). This means that a property can be identified on a map with its unique and permanent latitude and longitude coordinates. To do this, property owners must download MCDs mobile app, and while present at their property, select the current location and link it with any unique property identification code (UPIC). The mayoral polls in Chandigarh began on Tuesday with the BJP pitted against an alliance of the AAP and the Congress for the posts of mayor, senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. Presiding Officer Anil Masih, who occupied his chair around 10:40 am, started the poll process for the post of mayor. Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher, who has voting rights as an ex-officio member of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, was the first to cast vote. She voted around 11:15 am at the building of the civic body. Initially, voting for the post of mayor is taking place, and after counting of votes, the newly elected mayor will hold the elections to the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh, who is the prescribed authority for the elections, was present during the poll process, which is being video-graphed. Before the start of polling, the municipal corporation's joint commissioner gave a demonstration regarding the process and guidelines to be followed. The polls, being held following the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, assume significance with opposition INDIA bloc members Congress and AAP joining hands to contest the elections against the BJP, which has held the mayor's post for the past eight years. As part of the alliance, the AAP is contesting for the mayor's post while the Congress has fielded candidates for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. Tight security arrangements have been made for the mayoral polls. Around 700 police personnel, along with those from paramilitary forces, have been deployed for maintaining law and order during the election at the municipal corporation building, officials said. The BJP has 14 councillors in the 35-member Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, the AAP has 13 councillors and the Congress seven. The Shiromani Akali Dal has one councillor. The BJP has fielded Manoj Sonkar while the AAP has nominated Kumar for the post of mayor. For the post of senior deputy mayor, the BJP's Kuljeet Sandhu will go up against the Congress' Gurpreet Singh Gabi. Rajinder Sharma of the BJP will take on Congress candidate Nirmala Devi for the post of deputy mayor. The polls were originally scheduled for January 18 but were deferred to February 6 by the Chandigarh administration after the presiding officer fell ill. The administration had at that time also said the polls were postponed after assessing the law-and-order situation. The administration's order deferring the polls had triggered protests by the Congress and the AAP councillors. Kuldeep Kumar, the AAP's candidate for the post of mayor, had challenged the Chandigarh deputy commissioner's order to defer the elections in the high court. In its January 24 order, the high court directed the Chandigarh administration to hold the mayoral polls at 10 am on January 30. It also quashed the administration's January 18 order postponing the elections while holding it "unreasonable, unjustified and arbitrary". The high court had also directed that the councillors who come to cast their votes shall not be accompanied by any supporters or security personnel belonging to any other state. The Chandigarh Police will ensure security to the councillors, the court had said. The police had also been asked to ensure that no ruckus or untoward incident takes place on or around the civic body premises during or after the election process. Elections to the three posts are held every year during the House's five-year term. The Congress had abstained from voting in 2022 and 2023, leading to the BJP's victory in the polls. The election of the mayor is done through secret ballots. For this year's elections -- the third for this term -- the mayor's seat has been reserved for the Scheduled Caste category. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat here on his death anniversary. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid floral tributes to Gandhi at his memorial. A two-minute silence was also observed for the Father of the Nation. In a post on X, Modi said, "I pay homage to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. I also pay homage to all those who have been martyred for our nation.Their sacrifices inspire us to serve the people and fulfil their vision for our nation." Another X handle, which often shares anecdotes and developments linked to the prime minister's life, posted some pages from Modi's personal diary carrying quotes from Gandhi. The handle '@modiarchive' said, "We bring to you pages from @narendramodi's personal diary, which demonstrate that not only did he extensively read Mahatma Gandhi, but he also wrote down Gandhi's quotes in his personal diary as something of inspirational value to him. These entries continued to guide his interactions later on." Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on this day in 1948. China has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for an official visit to the country as Beijing is keen to work with the new government in Dhaka to cement bilateral cooperation in all fields. We (Dhaka) will find a suitable time for the visit, Foreign Minister Hassan Mahmud told reporters after he met with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday. Wen met Mahmud after the Hasina-led Awami League was re-elected to power for the straight fourth term in the elections boycotted by the major opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on January 7. Mahmud said discussions were underway to arrange it at a mutually convenient time for the premiers Beijing tour. Prime Minister Hasina officially visited China from July 1-6, 2019. She also participated in the 13th Summer Davos Forum in Dalian. During the visit, Hasina called on Chinese President Xi Jinping. China reiterated its position to further strengthen the bilateral relations during the tenure of the new government in Bangladesh, the foreign ministry, meanwhile said in a statement after the envoy met with the minister. Soon after the January 7 polls, Chinese President Xi congratulated Hasina and expressed confidence in boosting the bilateral ties. Bangladesh foreign ministry officials said China wanted Hasina to visit China in September last year but the election and other engagements prevented her from visiting at that time. Chinas invitation came shortly after the ruling partys general secretary and Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader said India stood beside Bangladesh when BNP tried to foil the polls. There is no reason for our relations with India to be strained, Quader told reporters after Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Kumar Verma called on him. Quader said he believed the wall of confusion and mistrust was finally smashed by Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. A senior foreign ministry official preferring anonymity said Dhaka would continue to strike a balance in the relationship both with India and China as we need them both for our stability and development. According to analysts, Hasina deserved credit for skillfully negotiating the rival interests of India and China as Bangladesh is virtually sandwiched between the two feuding Asian giants. She also received the support of the big neighbours and Russia ahead of the elections. India called the Bangladesh election an internal matter and Beijing spoke in the same tone while the Western powers, including the United States have called for credible polls. Even as the main opposition announced its plan to impeach Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, the government has approached the Supreme Court over the recent amendment to Parliaments standing orders which makes the process of impeachment easier, according to media reports on Tuesday. The Attorney Generals Office filed the case on Sunday, the same day when clashes broke out in the House between pro-government MPs and opposition lawmakers following differences over the approval of four members of his cabinet. The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which holds a majority in the Maldivian Parliament, on Monday, had stalled approval of three members of President Mohamed Muizzus cabinet. Soon after, the MDP had announced that it planned to submit a motion to impeach President Muizzu and that it already started gathering signatures for the same. The three ministers were, however, re-appointed by Monday evening. The whole row about allowing or not of the three ministers started after seven lawmakers resigned from Parliament in November, to assume top positions in Muizzus administration. But the Elections Commission decided against holding by-elections as the parliamentary elections are scheduled for this year, online news portal Sun.mv reported on Tuesday. Taking advantage of the situation, the main opposition MDP amended Parliaments standing orders so that vacated seats arent counted when determining the total number of MPs, it said. Therefore, Parliament currently requires 54 votes to impeach President Muizzu, instead of the previous 58, as, according to the amendment to the standing orders, the total number of MPs is now 80, instead of 87. Last week, the MDP and the Democrats announced an alliance to work together in the Parliament to hold the government accountable.The MDP and Democrats, have 56 MPs between them; 43 MPs from MDP, and 13 from Democrats. They, therefore, have the power to impeach the president, if they wish, Sun.com said. Attorney General Ahmed Usham told Sun.com on Tuesday afternoon that his office filed the case with the Supreme Court on Sunday but the court has yet to register the case.On Monday, a lawmaker from MDP confirmed the party had gathered enough signatures to file an impeachment motion. But the party has not yet submitted it. Pro-China Muizzu, 45, defeated India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the presidential runoff held in September last year. On January 24, calling India the most long-standing ally, the MDP and the Democrats expressed concern about the Muizzu governments anti-India stance. The Maldives proximity to India, barely 70 nautical miles from the island of Minicoy in Lakshadweep and 300 nautical miles from the mainlands western coast, and its location at the hub of commercial sea lanes running through the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) gives it significant strategic importance. MDP questions reinstation of 3 mins A day after Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu re-appointed three members of his cabinet, who were denied approval during a vote in Parliament, the main opposition party on Tuesday said it is looking into the legality of his move. Led by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which has the highest number of members, the Maldivian Parliament on Monday voted to deny approval to Housing Minister Ali Haidar Ahmed, Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and Attorney General Ahmed Usham, while Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed narrowly survived the same fate. However, by evening, President Muizzu had reinstated all of them. Ali Niyaz, a top MDP official, told Sun.mv that the reappointment of the three ministers was open to a huge legal debate. We (the MDP party) are therefore seeking legal counsel to determine whether the president is authorised to make such a decision and also to decide the MDPs next move. Our stand is clear. They do not have our approval. This stand hasnt changed, Niyaz was saying. The Maldivian Parliament has a total of 80 members. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has 45, followed by its ally The Democrats (DEM) with 13 members. Of the ruling coalition of PPM-PNC, the Progressive Party of the Maldives has 2 while the Peoples National Congress has 13 members. There are three independents while the Jumhooree Party and the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) have two each. The Philippines and Vietnam signed an agreement Tuesday on preventing and managing incidents in the disputed South China Sea during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.s visit to Hanoi. Several countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam, are locked in maritime disputes with China over its claims of sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea, one of the worlds most crucial waterways for shipping, and high-seas face offs between Chinese and Philippine ships have intensified over the past year in the contested waters, fuelling fears of a wider conflict. The Philippines and Vietnam agreed Tuesday to increase coordination on maritime issues and work to promote trust and confidence, the Philippine government said in a statement.They didnt release details about what actions they would take under the agreement.Vietnam remains the sole strategic partner of the Philippines in the ASEAN region, Marcos said during a meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart, Vo Van Thuong, referring to the regional grouping of Southeast Asian nations. He added that while maritime cooperation was the foundation for this partnership, relations between the two nations had expanded.The two countries also signed a deal on Tuesday for Vietnam to supply the Philippines with 1.5 million to 2 million metric tons (1.6 to 2.2 million US tons) of rice each year at affordable prices. Vietnamese rice accounts for 85 per cent of imported rice in the Philippines and the two countries agreed to create a framework for ensuring stable supplies. AP A rice shortage last year, exacerbated by climate change and some major producers halting exports, resulted in prices soaring globally including in the Philippines. Marcos, who arrived in Hanoi on Monday, also met with Pham Nhat Vuong, Vietnams richest man and the chairman of the sprawling conglomerate Vingroup, which runs the electric vehicle company Vinfast. Vinfast said after the meeting it would open an EV business network in the Philippines and that the investment would start later this year. VinFasts plans to expand in the Philippines are part of its goal of selling EVs in 50 markets worldwide. It is exporting EVs to the US and also building a USD 4 billion EV factory in North Carolina, where production is slated to begin this year. It has also said it will build factories in Indonesia and India. SHENYANG, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- A total of 55 deals, together worth 13.6 billion yuan (1.91 billion U.S. dollars), were concluded on Monday by Chinese companies and their Russian business partners in Shenyang, the capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The deals cover such sectors as cold-chain warehousing, financial services, and imports and exports. They were signed at a China-Russia economic and trade cooperation conference held in Shenyang. More than 100 entrepreneurs from Russia and other countries in the Eurasian Economic Union attended the event, together with representatives of Chinese enterprises, industrial experts and scholars. The Shenyang municipal government and Liaoning's department of commerce were among the organizers of the event. The Shenyang municipal government and China Eastern Airlines signed a letter of intent at the conference, agreeing to open a regular passenger air route between Shenyang and Moscow in late February. 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The company was formerly known as Allmerica Financial Corp. and changed its name to The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. in December 2005. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts. Ad Advantage Gold REAL PORTFOLIO PROTECTION Mark Levin: Guard your money NOW Mark Levin has seen it all as Americas #1 political commentator. But hes warning Americans that hes never seen things this bad. Government spending threatens to destroy our economy. Reckless policies continue to fuel inflation and threaten the US Dollar. And its your retirement savings that could ultimately pay the price. Join this 100% free Wealth Summit to see how to protect yourself now. Register For The Free Summit Now The following companies are subsidiares of Xerox: A B S Digital Limited, Acorn Business Machines (Holmfirth) Limited, Alloy Acquisitions Corp. 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(Holding company), Gestion Sabely Inc. (Holding company), Gestion Sabely Inc. (Holding company), Global Imaging Systems, Global PR Corporation, Go Inspire, Groupe CT, Groupe CT Inc., Groupe CT Inc., Groupe CT Inc., Gyricon LLC, Healthy Communities Institute, Heritage Business Systems, Heritage Business Systems Inc., ITEC Connect Limited, ITEC Connect Limited, ITEC Connect Limited, ITEC Connect Limited, ITEC Group, Image Technology Specialists Inc., ImageQuest Inc., Imagetek Office Systems, Impika, Inland Business Machines Inc., Institute for Research on Learning, Integrity One Technologies Inc., Intrepid Learning, Invoco Group, Irish Business Systems, LRI LLC, Laser Resources, LaserNetworks, LaserNetworks Inc., Lateral Data, Learn Something, Les Equipments de Bureau de la Monteregie, Les Equipments de Bureau de la Monteregie, Lewan & Associates Inc., Limited Liability Company Xerox (C.I.S.), M & S Reprographics Limited, MCP of California II Inc., MRC Smart Technology Solutions Inc., MT Business Holdings Inc., MT Business Technologies, MT Business Technologies Inc., MWB Copy Products Inc., MagicLens Inc., Mail A Doc Limited, Merizon Group Incorporated, Michigan Office Solutions Inc., Minnesota Office Technology Group Inc., Mitral Systems Limited, Mr. Copy Inc., Nemo (AKS) Limited, NewField IT, NewField Information Technology LLC, NewField Information Technology Limited, Northeast Office Systems LLC, Osprey Business Systems Limited, PARC China Holdings Inc., Pacific Services and Development Corporation, Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated, Platinum Digital Print Solutions Limited, Powerland, Precision Copier Service Inc., Quality Business Systems Inc., Quilver Business Services Limited, R. K. Dixon Company, RRXH Limited, RRXIL Limited, RRXO Limited, RSA Medical, Rabbit Copiers Inc., Rabbit Office Automation, Reflex Digital Solutions (UK) Limited, Reprographics Egypt Limited, Saxon Business Systems Inc., Smart Data Consulting, SoCal Office Technologies Inc., Stem Networks Limited, Stewart Business Systems LLC, Stewart of Alabama, Stewart of Alabama Inc., StrataCare, Sunshine Subsidiary Corp, Talegen Holdings Inc., Tektronix - color printing, Text Comm Limited (in receivership), The Xerox (UK) Trust, The Xerox Foundation, Time Business Systems Limited, Triton Business Finance Limited, Una-Stem Limited, Veenman B.V., Veenman Financial Services B.V., WDS, WaterWare Internet Services, XC Asia LLC, XC Global Trading B.V., XC Trading Hong Kong Limited, XC Trading Hong Kong Limited, XC Trading Japan G.K., XC Trading Korea YH, XC Trading Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., XC Trading Shenzhen Co. Ltd., XC Trading Singapore Pte Ltd., XEROX CZECH REPUBLIC s r.o., XESystems Foreign Sales Corporation, XFS Secured Borrowing 2020-1 LLC, XHC Acquisition Corp., XMPie, XMPie Inc., XMPie Ltd., XRI Limited, XRO Limited, Xerox (Europe) Limited, Xerox (Europe) Limited, Xerox (Ireland) Limited, Xerox (Nederland) BV, Xerox (Romania) Echipmante Si Servici S.A., Xerox (UK) Limited, Xerox (Ukraine) Ltd LLC, Xerox (Ukraine) Ltd LLC, Xerox A/S, Xerox A/S, Xerox AG, Xerox AS, Xerox Argentina Industrial y Comercial S.A., Xerox Austria GmbH, Xerox Bulgaria EOOD, Xerox Business Equipment Limited, Xerox Business Services Bulgaria EOOD, Xerox Business Solutions LLC, Xerox Business Solutions Southeast LLC, Xerox Buro Araclari Servis ve Ticaret Ltd. Sti, Xerox Canada Inc., Xerox Canada Ltd., Xerox Canada N.S. ULC, Xerox Capital (Europe) Limited, Xerox Capital LLC, Xerox Computer Services Limited, Xerox Comercio e Industria Ltda, Xerox Comercio e Industria Ltda, Xerox Corporation, Xerox DNHC LLC, Xerox Dienstleistungsgesellschaft GmbH, Xerox Distributor Operations Limited, Xerox Egypt S.A.E., Xerox Equipment Limited, Xerox Equipment UK Limited, Xerox Espana S.A.U., Xerox Exports Limited, Xerox Finance AG, Xerox Finance Leasing S.A.E., Xerox Finance Limited, Xerox Financial Services B.V., Xerox Financial Services Belux NV, Xerox Financial Services Canada Holdings Limited, Xerox Financial Services Canada Holdings Limited, Xerox Financial Services Canada Holdings Limited, Xerox Financial Services Canada Ltd., Xerox Financial Services Danmark A/S, Xerox Financial Services Finland Oy, Xerox Financial Services Holdings LLC, Xerox Financial Services Holdings LLC, Xerox Financial Services Holdings LLC, Xerox Financial Services International Limited, Xerox Financial Services International Limited, Xerox Financial Services International Limited, Xerox Financial Services LLC, Xerox Financial Services Norway AS, Xerox Financial Services SAS, Xerox Financial Services Sverige AB, Xerox Foreign Holdings LLC, Xerox Foreign Sales Corporation, Xerox GmbH, Xerox Health Care LLC, Xerox Hellas AEE, Xerox Holding Deutschland GmbH, Xerox Holdings (Ireland) Limited, Xerox Holdings Corporation, Xerox Holdings Inc., Xerox Hungary Trading Limited, Xerox IBS Limited, Xerox IBS NI Limited, Xerox India Limited, Xerox International Joint Marketing Inc., Xerox Investments Europe B.V., Xerox Israel Ltd., Xerox Italia Rental Services Srl, Xerox Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Xerox Latinamerican Holdings Inc., Xerox Leasing Deutschland GmbH, Xerox Leasing GmbH, Xerox Limited, Xerox Luxembourg SA, Xerox Mailing Systems Limited, Xerox Manufacturing (Nederland) B.V., Xerox Maroc S.A., Xerox Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Xerox Middle East Investments (Bermuda) Limited, Xerox N.V., Xerox Overseas Holdings Limited, Xerox Overseas Inc., Xerox Oy, Xerox Pensions Limited, Xerox Polska Sp. z o. o, Xerox Portugal Equipamentos de Escritorio Limitada, Xerox Portugal Equipamentos de Escritorio Limitada, Xerox Products Limited, Xerox Products UK Limited, Xerox Professional Services Limited, Xerox Realty Corporation, Xerox Renting S.A.U., Xerox Reprographische Services GmbH, Xerox S.A.S., Xerox S.p.A., Xerox Secured Borrowing 2020-1 LLC, Xerox Servicios Compartidos Guatemala y Compani Limitada, Xerox Servicos e Participacoes Ltda, Xerox Shared Services Romania SRL, Xerox Sverige AB, Xerox Technology Services India LLP, Xerox Technology Services SAS, Xerox Telebusiness GmbH, Xerox Trading Enterprises Limited, Xerox Trinidad Limited, Xerox UK Holdings Limited, Xerox Ventures LLC, Xerox XHB Limited, Xerox XIB Limited, Xerox Xf Holdings (Ireland) DAC, Xerox de Chile S.A., Xerox del Ecuador S.A., Xerox del Peru S.A., Zeno Office Solutions, Zeno Office Solutions Inc., Zoom Imaging Solutions Inc., and inVentiv Patient Access Solutions. Read More In an historic ballot at Seagate, the Springtown-based manufacturer of external hard drives, workers have voted overwhelmingly for trade union recognition with Unite the union. The vote was taken among the 540 manufacturing specialists at the company and is the result of a multi-year campaign by union activists at the company and Unites organising department. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: This is a tremendous victory for the workforce at Seagate. It has taken years of effort by union activists, the organising team and our senior officials. They took everything that was thrown at them by a management which was determined to prevent a union from being recognised. Workers have voted for hope and a union and rejected the divisive fear narrative that has been peddled by the union busters. Now we have won recognition rights, Unite will redouble its efforts to deliver for the jobs, pay and conditions of the workers at Seagate. As part of the pre-ballot union-drive, Unite regional secretary for Ireland Susan Fitzgerald addressed the workforce in a series of mass meetings at the factory. She said: This is a huge win. Seagate is one of Northern Irelands leading manufacturers and if a union can be built there in the face of such a professional and well-financed anti-union campaign, then it can be built anywhere. This result will be noticed by workers right across the economy, most especially in the northwest. Now is the time for workers to join a union and secure a collective voice. Seagate bosses tried to put every obstacle they could to prevent their workers securing union recognition but our members had the determination needed to carry their campaign to victory. Management must now ditch their anti-union tactics and instead sit down with the union reps to negotiate a voluntary collective bargaining deal, or else face the imposition of a statutory agreement. A spokesperson for Seagate said: "The Industrial Court has notified Seagate on the outcome of the union recognition ballot. This has been an employee decision. "Our priority remains to maintain a respectful workplace and we will continue to work together with employees to sustain a successful business and a positive workplace for everyone. "We have no further information to add". Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Derry's Hive Cancer Support charity is hosting a conference in the city to mark World Cancer Day. The event will take place in the City Hotel this Friday coming, February 2. The aim of the Hive Cancer Support World Cancer Day conference is to share the latest research in this field. It will bring together renowned speakers and experts to help people gain knowledge and insight into the connections between cancer and the environment, relationships, nutrition and emotional wellbeing. Guests will have the chance to engage directly with researchers. Maureen Collins, Hive Cancer Support Project Manager, explained: "Presenting the conference in this style is another first for Hive Cancer Support and reflects our focus on expanding understanding of the latest research on cancer. We wanted to use this approach, rather than a traditional conference, because it allows people to engage in discussions, ask questions, and expand their understanding of the topic by talking directly to the speakers about their research. This year we will have our youngest ever speaker, Kaycee Deery - a pupil at St Marys College in Derry named Young Scientist of the Year 2023 for her work developing an environmentally friendly sunscreen. Kaycee was inspired to create sunscreens based on natural ingredients after seeing articles detailing potentially harmful chemicals in commercial sunscreens entering UK water systems," said Ms Collins. The Hive conference has also attracted some of the leading names in cancer research. "We have four prominent researchers from Ulster University," said Maureen Collins. "We recently collaborated with Ulster University on a community led cancer and mental health project funded by The Ideas Fund, which resulted in the creation of the We Carry On sunflower mural at Quayside Shopping Centre on the Strand Road. "Dr Carrie Flannagan, Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, Ulster University, and a key part of the collaborative project team with Hive Cancer Support, will present the findings publicly for the first time at the conference. "Ulster Universitys Professor of Clinical Cancer Nursing, Cherith Semple will provide an overview of current research being conducted by the Cancer Care Research Group. "This dynamic group of researchers at Ulster University is seeking to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and family members affected by cancer. The main areas of research are improving the quality of life for patients with head and neck cancer and their carers, facilitating family-centred communication when a parent has cancer with dependent children, and maximising sexual wellbeing after cancer," said Maureen Collins. Ulster Universitys Dr Jeff Hanna, Research Associate and Registered Nurse with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, will also share insights from the Family-centred Cancer Care programme of research, focusing on how professionals can support parents with cancer to communicate with and support their children, under 18. In addition, Dr Pamela Magee, Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition at Ulster University will present a talk on soya isoflavones and breast cancer, addressing some of misconceptions in this area. Maureen Collins added the conference would also include poster presentations from Dr Scott Jones on the impacts of UK agricultural air pollution on human health; Helen Lynn of WEN (Womens Environmental Network) advocating for legislation to cover the health and waste impacts of all period products; and Steve Wright, VP of the FBU (Fire Brigades Union), on the work of the union to drive down cancer rates among its members. She said: "Hive Cancer Support is also hosting a second World Cancer Day event at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel On Tuesday, February 6 to highlight the services available for people in Donegal affected by a cancer diagnosis. "It will also showcase the cross border work of Hive Cancer Support and include a round table discussion on gaps in the current cancer services in Donegal, which will inform the charitys future work in this area. "Speakers will include Donegal Cancer Care West and Friends of Inishowen Hospice. "This event will held at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel and is also a free to attend and includes a complementary lunch." To book a free place at Hive Cancer Support's World Cancer Day Conference at Derrys City Hotel on Friday, February 2, from 11am to 2pm, (complementary lunch served), click HERE and follow the links. To book at a place at Hive Cancer Support's World Cancer Day Conference in Buncranas Inishowen Gateway Hotel on Tuesday, February 6, from 10.30am to 2.00pm, (complementary lunch served), click HERE and follow the links. To learn more about Hive Cancer Support go to www.hivecancersupport.co.uk. SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP said the restoration of the "democratic institutions of governance in Northern Ireland is positive news for people, workers, communities, businesses and voluntary organisations across the North". Mr Eastwood added: "There should be no impediment to the quick restoration of the Assembly and Executive to get on with the business that politicians were elected to undertake." He warned other political leaders there should never again be a move to "tear down the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement for party political advantage". Mr Eastwood said: "This news has been a very long time coming. Years of stagnation have led to serious damage to public services, the position of public sector workers, the health of people waiting unreasonable times for hospital treatment and, ultimately, to public confidence in the political process. In spite of that, this is a better day for people across Northern Ireland and I am optimistic that the democratic institutions can be restored in short order. "The optimism of this moment, however, will be tempered by the performance of a new Executive which has an enormous in-tray. The SDLPs priorities for a long time now have been to restore the government, rescue public services and reward workers with a fair pay award. Those are the urgent challenges facing incoming Ministers and our team will hold them to it. "We will hold conversations with the British and Irish Governments today and tomorrow about the shape of the legislation to be tabled at Westminster, the prompt restoration of the North-South institutions and our proposals to make sure that no party can ever put us in this position again. There is no time to waste now. The deal has been done. Lets get to work. The number of smokers in Northern Ireland has dropped from a quarter of the population to 14%, but concern remains around prevalence among the most vulnerable. The Auditor General Dorinnia Carville also expressed concern at a rise in the numbers who vape from 5% to 9% of adults in the last 10 years, and an estimated 9% of 11 to 16-year-olds as well as 24% of Year 12 students. The report, Tackling the Public Health Impacts of Smoking and Vaping, records that an estimated 320,000 people aged 16 and over currently smoke in Northern Ireland. This is around 14% and has dropped from 24% in 2010-11. However, Ms Carvilles report finds that challenges remain, particularly with smoking prevalence significantly higher among the most deprived areas 24% compared to the least deprived at 7%. It was also found that around 2,200 pregnant women continue to smoke annually, and emerging research suggests a high smoking prevalence amongst people with mental health issues. In terms of impact on the health service, the report finds that around 15% of deaths in Northern Ireland (2,200) are attributable to smoking, as are around 35,000 smoking-related hospital admissions each year and an estimated 218 million spent on treating smoking-related illnesses. Meanwhile, the Public Health Agency (PHA) estimates around a 450 million cost to the local economy due to premature deaths and excess sickness absence. The cost of smoking for those who smoke 20 cigarettes a day is put at 4,600. The report also examined the impact of the rapid emergence of vaping. It found that vaping levels among adults have almost doubled, from 5% to 9% between 2014-15 and 2022-23. It also noted a Department of Health survey which suggests that 9% of 11 to 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland are vaping, with 6% doing so regularly, and added underlying this, 24% of Year 12 children currently vape. The report finds scope to improve enforcement of tobacco control legislation including spot checks at retailers and businesses, to identify if tobacco or vaping products are being sold to children. While more than 5,000 tobacco test purchases were made by councils between 2011-12 and 2018-19 (identifying 570 age-of-sale offences), the report notes that targets set by the PHA for the required number of annual visits and test purchases were often not met. In addition, the report highlights that local businesses stocking vapes do not currently have to register with councils, even though a requirement for tobacco retailers to register has been in place since April 2016. It recommends the health service reassess the budgetary requirements for delivering a future combined tobacco and vaping strategy, and that it considers quality standards to ensure a more consistent approach to enforcement across councils. Ms Carville described smoking as remaining the greatest cause of preventable illness and death, as well as the cause of some of the largest health inequalities. In Northern Ireland, smoking related deaths are 98% higher in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived, she said. Similarly, lung cancer deaths are 151% higher and women are more than four times as likely to smoke during pregnancy. The reduction in overall smoking prevalence over the last decade highlights how progress is achievable in this area, but the issue clearly remains a major threat to public health and a strain on public finances. She said she made several recommendations, including a focus on prevention supported by enhanced enforcement of tobacco and vaping regulations. A renewed strategic approach, that responds to these changes and emerging challenges, will be vital to sustain the advances made to date and reach those most impacted by smoking and vaping, she added. A controlled explosion has been carried out on a suspicious object which caused a security alert in Co Fermanagh. The alert in the Drumcru Road/Bun Road area of Newtownbutler led to a number of roads being closed. Fermanagh and Omagh District Commander Superintendent Robert McGowan said: Police received a report of a suspicious object in the area shortly after 12pm on Monday afternoon. Cordons that were in place on Drumcru Road, Bun Road and Crom Road have now been lifted this evening and all roads have reopened to traffic. A security alert in the Drumcru Road/Bun Road area of Newtownbutler has ended. All roads have reopened. pic.twitter.com/6vRJuPlPWp Police Fermanagh and Omagh (@PSNIFermOmagh) January 30, 2024 A device discovered in the area has now been removed for further examination after Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) carried out a controlled explosion on the object. I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding as a public safety operation was carried out overnight and into today. He added: I understand the disruption this can cause, however, our primary aim throughout the course of this operation was to keep our community safe, and I would like to thank our partner agencies for their support with this. Meanwhile, a number of items have been taken away for further examination following the conclusion of a security alert in the Ballynahone Crescent area of Armagh. Residents, who were evacuated for a number of hours on Tuesday, have returned to their homes and roads have reopened. A PSNI spokesperson said: By way of update, items recovered from the area have been taken away for further examination after ATO attended the scene. We have also received reports of a loud bang being heard in the area on Friday evening. We are keeping an open mind in terms of whether this was down to the partial collapse of a building in the area or something more sinister. Our inquiries into both the items recovered and the origins of this noise remain ongoing. Up until the mid 2010s, the general trend around the world was that corruption had started to decline somewhat, which led many to assume that it would soon become a thing of the past. In spite of the fact that this is the case, a general decline in law and order that has been going on since 2016 has led to corruption making a comeback, and it might even get far worse than might have been the case otherwise.With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that 23 countries have seen their corruption levels become the worst theyve ever been in the past 30 years or so. This data is coming International , and it also points to a rise in authoritarianism all around the world. However, it bears mentioning that democratic countries arent immune to this backsliding either.The UK, Sweden, the Netherlands and Iceland are all democratic countries, but they all hit their lowest scores on the index since it first started being recorded. Even so, Netherlands remained in the top ten, as did Sweden, where they were joined by the likes of Norway, Germany, Luxembourg, Singapore and Switzerland with all things having been considered and taken into account.On the other end of the spectrum, Somalia had the lowest score of all with 11 points out of 100. Venezuela, Syria and South Sudan were tied for second worst place with a score of 13, followed by Yemen with 16, and then North Korea, Nicaragua, Haiti and Equatorial Guinea with 17 points.The US stood at 24th place with a score of 69, and the global average currently sits at around 43 points. This is the same average that we have seen for the past 12 years now, with two out of three countries scoring under 50 points.A weak judicial system in countries like Poland and Hungary contributed to low scores of 54 and 42 respectively, whereas Russia saw its lowest score yet with just 26. Meanwhile, Ukraine provided some hope by continuing its 11 year growth streak with 36 points, despite Russia barging in through its door.Read next: California Lawmakers Propose New Bills For Kids Protection From Social Media Addiction Ibiden forecasts generative AI to triple IC substrate sales in fiscal year 2024 Ibiden, a Japan-based IC substrate manufacturer, has highlighted a slower-than-anticipated rebound in the global demand for IC substrates. Despite this, there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon as the strong demand for server boards propelled by AI servers and AI chips offers a promising outlook for the company. According to reports from Nikkei and Nikkan Kogyo, Ibiden President Takeshi Aoki stated due to the prolonged downturn in the global IT device market, the anticipated recovery in IC substrate demand, initially expected in the first half of fiscal year 2024 (April 2024 to March 2025), is now forecasted to be delayed until the second half of the fiscal year of 2024 or even the fiscal year of 2025. Amidst the challenging market conditions, Ibiden has postponed the operation of its planned Gama plant in Ogaki, scheduled for the fiscal year of 2024, to the fiscal year of 2026. Additionally, Ibiden's plan to increase its substrate production capacity to 2.1 times that of the fiscal year 2019 target by fiscal year 2025 has also been put on hold. However, Ibiden sees a growing demand for server boards driven by AI servers, unlike standard servers. The company anticipates that the demand for boards used in AI servers, particularly for generative AI applications, will continue to expand. Due to the high demand for generative AI, the Ono factory, capable of producing various boards, will commence operations as scheduled in fiscal year 2025, taking over some of the production originally planned for the Gama plant. The dedicated production line for AI server boards will be introduced to the Ono plant. President Takeshi Aoki emphasized that Ibiden secures nearly all orders for high-end generative AI server IC boards. These boards are primarily supplied to Nvidia GPUs manufactured by TSMC. Currently, Ibiden commands over 50% of the market share in server (including AI and standard) IC boards, surpassing other board manufacturers such as Shinko Electric and AT&S. Furthermore, President Takeshi Aoki estimates that the sales volume of IC boards related to generative AI, measured by board area, will triple in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023. Future outlook Since IC boards required for generative AI are high-value-added products, the growth rate in sales revenue is expected to be even higher. The revenue contribution of generative AI in IC board sales is projected to exceed that of other areas (standard servers, PCs, etc.) in the near future. The server market is rapidly evolving, with Ibiden predicting a 40% growth in related areas by 2027. While PC board usage will slightly decrease, standard server board usage is expected to grow by 30%. However, the most significant growth is anticipated in the AI server board segment, which, despite contributing almost no revenue in 2022, is expected to account for nearly 30% of the overall server board revenue by 2027. President Takeshi Aoki noted that the IC boards used in AI servers are technically similar to those used in standard servers but differ in the larger computational requirements of AI servers. Ibiden is intensifying its efforts in developing next-generation boards, including those for 3D packaging. To achieve this, Ibiden has joined the TSMC-led alliance "TSMC 3DFabric Alliance" and will leverage the Taiwan-based giant's Open Innovation Platform (OIP) ecosystem and 3Dblox standards to increase the production capacity of IC boards required for advanced process chips to ten times that of the existing capacity. Niterra's Odyssey: from spark plugs to space batteries In lunar exploration, setbacks often pave the way for groundbreaking advancements. The tale of Japan's iSpace and its lunar mission, Hakuto-R, is a testament to this notion. While the mission ultimately fell short of its lunar landing target in April 2023, it marked a significant milestone in developing space battery technology. At the heart of this endeavor lies Niterra (formerly NGK Spark Plugs), particularly in crafting components capable of withstanding extreme environments characterized by high voltages and temperatures. Traditionally known for manufacturing materials for automotive spark plugs, Niterra faced an uncertain future as global initiatives aimed to phase out combustion engine vehicles. In response to this shifting landscape, Niterra began venturing into new territories, including solid-state batteries. These batteries, touted for their enhanced safety and performance, emerged as a promising solution for the evolving needs of both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications. According to Nikkei, following the 20072008 financial crisis, the Japanese government identified solid-state batteries as a strategic technology for development. This catalyzed efforts within the industry to explore the intersection of ceramics and battery technology. The decision to join the Hakuto-R mission in 2019 marked a pivotal moment for these companies, offering a platform to showcase their expertise in powering space exploration. Despite the mission's outcome, iSpace's review report shed light on Niterra's success in space battery applications. The solid-state oxide electrolyte batteries demonstrated unparalleled resilience in the harsh conditions of outer space, validating their potential for future space missions. The report suggests that as Niterra's oxide solid-state batteries demonstrate their performance and reliability with significant practical data, they are poised to advance to the next stage. Research efforts will prioritize the development of mass production materials and production lines tailored for electronic products and the burgeoning BEV battery markets. The goal is to introduce high-security solid-state oxide electrolyte batteries to supplant liquid or solid-state sulfide electrolyte batteries in the BEV battery market by the latter half of the 2020s. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. ASMedia USB4 host controller gets USB-IF certified ASMedia Technology has announced the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) certification of its USB4 host controller. This achievement makes it the first Taiwanese company and the third globally to obtain certification for a host controller of this nature. "ASMedia takes great pride in achieving recognition from the USB-IF, following in the footsteps of Intel and AMD," said company president Lin Che-wei. After substantial work by ASMedia's devoted team, the company's USB4 host controller has received USB4 certification, Lin indicated. Following extensive work by ASMedia's dedicated staff, the company's USB4 host controller has been USB4 certified. The USB4 host controller, ASM4242, is certified for its maturity, dependability, and ability to switch between specifications such as PCI Express (PCIe), DisplayPort (DP), and USB4. Lin disclosed that the entire USB4 testing procedure took roughly a year and was eventually perfected. After nearly a thousand tests at USB-IF-approved independent test labs, ASMedia passed hundreds more at the USB Platform Interoperability Lab. These tests addressed performance, logical specifications, compatibility, and stability, offering a comprehensive verification procedure for assessing product design quality. ASMedia is well-prepared for the USB4 host controller and device certifications in 2024, with products ready to enter mass production. According to Lin, customer samples have been successfully made, and the company hopes to see products utilizing the ASM4242 on the market later this year. According to market sources, ASMedia's 2024 growth prospects are positive, citing a rise in PC demand and quotations for USB4 chips that are twice as expensive as the previous generation. The company is also anticipated to start shipping USB4 storage devices during the latter part of this year. ASMedia also stands to gain from the acquisition of Future Electronics by affiliate WT Microelectronics in 2024, in addition to the growth of its core business, the sources said. ASMedia owns roughly 20% of ASMedia. Pentagon's Silicon Valley-based innovation unit seeks autonomous USVs and AI data fusion tech to counter drone swarm The Silicon Valley-based Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) operated by the US Department of Defense is seeking small unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) that are production-ready, inexpensive, and expeditionary, in addition to being capable of collaborative intercept via specialized software and/or hardware. In a separate project, the DIU is also looking for proposals that leverage deep learning to accelerate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) swarm detection, identification, and tracking. Launched in 2015, the DIU was one of the fruits of the Pentagon's so-called "Third Offset Strategy" that sought to leverage the private sector's innovation capacity to speed up military adoption of technological breakthroughs. The DIU's role is to identify, prototype, and scale cutting-edge, dual-use technology. In so doing, the DIU also seeks to make it easier for commercial vendors to do business with the Pentagon. According to a solicitation posted on January 30th, the US Navy has an operational need for small USVs that can "autonomously transit hundreds of miles through contested waterspace, loitering in an assigned operating area while monitoring for maritime surface threats, and then sprinting to interdict a noncooperative, maneuvering vessel." According to the solicitation, the drone interceptors will need to operate in cohesive groups and execute complex autonomous behaviors that adapt to the dynamic, evasive movements of the pursued vessel. The Department of Navy is seeking suppliers who can swiftly prototype and demonstrate one or more such USV interceptors, while being capable of producing them at a rate of 10 or more vehicles per month, starting from 2025. Notably, the proposed solutions will need to demonstrate a diversified and resilient manufacturing supply chain for key components such as hull, propulsion and steering, electric power, sensors, and computing systems. The small USVs in question are to be diesel-powered, and able to operate in blue-water ocean environments with an operating range 500-1000 nautical miles in moderate sea states while carrying a payload of 1,000 lbs (approximately 453.6 kg). The USVs should be able to sprint at 35 knots or faster In low sea states and loiter for several days while maintaining adequate fuel reserve for return transit. The USVs are also expected to operate in low-visibility conditions and/or in a GNSS-denied environment, in addition to the ability to carry on the assigned missions when communications with controllers are cut off. As indicated by the solicitation, the USVs are highly desired to be RF jamming-resilient and have diversified and redundant communication that leverages high-bandwidth commercial satellite communication, 4G/5G, IP-based radios, and machine-to-machine data links and mesh networks. Other desired attributes include compatibility with various modular payloads, sensors, and effectors through compliance with the Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture (UMAA) standard, the US Special Operations Command modular payload standard, and/or common commercial standards and interfaces. To achieve what the Navy calls "Collaborative Multi-Agent Autonomy Solution", the solicitation also seeks specialized software and/or hardware that provides each sUSV with the ability to execute adaptive, cooperative behaviors and deconfliction with proximate USVs, including in crowded shipping lanes or in a GNSS-denied environment. Using deep learning for drone swarm detection, identification, and tracking In a separate solicitation titled Speedy UAV Swarms Detection, Identification, and Tracking using Deep Learning, the DIU indicates that the US Navy is seeking to apply deep learning on multi-sensor data fusion and exploitation system for faster UAV swarm detection, identification, and tracking via radar and infrared imagers. Those submitting applications are expected to develop and demonstrate a deep learning-based fusion methodology that can detect, identify, and track UAV swarms with a high probability of detection and a low probability of false alarm. As pointed out by the DIU, straightforward adoption of currently fielded airspace surveillance technologies will not suffice as UAVs are much smaller in physical size and fly at lower altitudes, especially when these swarms will continuously grow in swarm size, threatening naval forces, assets, and installations. The DIU explicitly pointed to the threat posed by the Chinese military, citing reports that China is "strategizing attacking the US aircraft carrier battle groups with swarms of multi-mission UAVs during a conventional naval conflict." Many target detection and tracking systems rely on passive medium wavelength infrared (MWIR) and long wavelength infrared (LWIR) thermal infrared cameras, and even though the performance of LWIR cameras is not easily degraded from scattering by water-based aerosols, snow, rain, fog, and clouds in the atmosphere, smaller UAVs are still hard to be detected and identified via IR imagers due to the low contrast in thermal imagery, particularly in an environment with many background noises. As a result, the DIU notes that a single sensor solution is "impractical and ineffective" to counter drone swarms, and multiple sensors with different modalities are better suited against the threat. The DIU thus aims to develop a sensor fusion methodology based on a phased array radar system and MWIR/LWIR infrared cameras to combine data from different and orthogonal modalities, achieving the objective of detecting, identifying, and tracking drone swarm in a few seconds instead of minutes. Specifically, the DIU seeks to bring the probability of UAV swarm detection-to-track to more than 90%, reduce the probability of false alarms to less than 10% at the detection range of up to 10 km, and achieve a classification accuracy of more than 90% across the set of UAV swarms when only trained on simulated data. To fuse multiple sensors in a UAV swarm targeting and tracking system requires the management, interpretation, and analysis of a large set of heterogeneous input data, and according to the DIU, a deep learning-based algorithm combined with multiple sensors for counter UAV swarm application has never been developed before for low-latency target detection and tracking. To validate performance claims, applicants will collect the relevant training and testing data using swarms made up of at least ten UAVs. According to the DIU, moreover, the multi-sensor data fusion technology developed could also be applied to track anomaly detection in other domains, such as space, especially when the tracking of debris and space objects becomes important as the number of satellites in orbit grows. Subscriber content preview LONDON (AP) Amazon has called off its purchase of iRobot, blaming undue and disproportionate regulatory hurdles after the European Union signaled its objection to the deal. The companies said in joint statement Monday that they were disappointed but mutually agreed to terminate the acquisition. . . . Subscriber content preview AUBURN An industrial complex at 214 21st St. S.E. in Auburn sold earlier this month for a little over $5.2 million, according to King County records. The seller was an Arizona investor who acquired the property in 2004 for $112,500. . . . It is safe to say receiving a PhD from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is a remarkable achievement, rewarding years of rigorous research involving dedication and perseverance. But, for the newly qualified Dr Hala Elmajnoun, there is no doubt the PhD she received at DMUs graduation ceremonies last week felt that little bit more special after COVID almost ruined her studies. Dr Elmajnoun receives her PhD from Vice-Chancellor Prof Katie Normington Dr Elmajnoun, a medically-trained doctor from Libya, had spent 18 months travelling the length and breadth of England to set up an investigation into how intermittent fasting during Ramadan, by young Muslims with type 2 diabetes, might impact their health.` She spoke to communities in Leicester, London, Birmingham and Bradford, as well as those cities mosques, health trusts, doctors and schools, to be able to monitor young people via meetings, surveys and regular blood samples before, during and after Ramadan. Her PhD proposal had also been scrutinised and given the go-ahead by the universitys own ethics committee. Dr Elmajnoun was excited to be entering into her own unique research project with the potential to help hundreds of young people. Then COVID hit. The resulting UK lockdown turned all of her best laid plans to nothing just as it was doing for tens of thousands of others. There was also an added pressure for Dr Elmajnoun as her stay in Leicester was sponsored by the Libyan government for a maximum of three years. RELATED NEWS Find out more about studying a PhD at DMU Find your new home at DMU - come to our next Open Day Relive your moments at graduation - visit our Facebook galleries It meant Dr Elmajnoun, her husband and daughter were facing the prospect of going back to Tripoli with nothing to show for the move to England. The stress was further compounded by the fact Dr Elmajoun was pregnant with her second child. I received an email saying all planned face-to-face meets with the school students had to be stopped which meant no surveys, blood samples, assessments..., Dr Elmajnoun explained. I had spent 18 months getting everything set up and then we could not carry on. It was a bit of a shock. I had been really excited about all the support I was getting across the UK to make this happen. We were set to go. Then that was that. This was when her DMU supervisors Prof Parvez Haris and Dr Abu-Bakr Abu-Median stepped in to help. They discussed how to continue with the PhD by changing the way it was researched under COVID restrictions and continue to complete the qualification without compromising the high standards and scrutiny needed. Dr Elmajnoun said: Both of my supervisors are amazing people and I was lucky to have them on this journey with me. I was facing great challenges and they were a great support. I formed such great relationships with them. After spending four years working together, they are like two members of the family. As the funding from Libya came to an end, Dr Elmajnouns husband got a job working night shifts. He was so supportive, says Dr Elmajnoun. He would finish a night shift and then, instead of sleeping, he would look after the new baby and our daughter. Coming out of COVID and dealing with the cost of living was a huge challenge. It was real pressure. I also worked as a supervisor for DMU students completing their masters degree. It was so good to support other students who were going through the same thing. Dr Elmajnoun crosses the Curve stage to receive her PhD As an international student with a family, I found good people at DMU who supported me mentally as well as academically. By the time the four years had ended I was exhausted. But we all got through it. Supervisor Prof Haris said: Woking with my PhD students during the pandemic was the most stressful and challenging time in my research career. I had to help them adapt projects to carry out innovative work without compromising the high standards required for a doctoral degree. I had to motivate myself and the students so they could continue their studies despite all the uncertainties and an atmosphere of worry and fear. Supervising Hala was an enjoyable experience. We had to work hard to adapt her project so that Hala could work remotely and still generate high quality data. She did incredibly well to complete her PhD after facing so many challenges. Dr Elmajnoun added: I have enjoyed my time in Leicester. I really like the weather here. It is too hot in my country. I like it when it rains! I have had such a good time here and I have learned so, so much. I am very grateful and very proud. Labour TD Aodhan O Riordain has called on Sinn Fein to direct any funding it raises during the St Patricks Day trip to the US to Gaza humanitarian groups. The Dublin Bay North TD said it is stunningly hypocritical of Sinn Fein to visit America for a fundraising trip and accept money from Maga (Make American Great Again) Republicans and (Benjamin) Netanyahu cheerleaders. Mr O Riordain accused the party of waltzing into Leinster House wearing their Palestinian scarves while taking money off people who will gladly cheer the Israeli war machine in Palestine. However, a spokesman for Sinn Fein said it does not fundraise in the US as part of their St Patricks Day trip. Sinn Fein does not fundraise in the US, only Friends of Sinn Fein, and they can only raise and direct funds in pursuit of peace in Ireland and Irish unity, so it would be illegal for them to redirect proceeds to anything else. Mr O Riordain said that as part of a 2017 trip to America around St Patricks Day, he and others organised an event to raise money for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Myself and some others went to New York and we organised an event to raise money for the ACLU in an attempt to put it up to Irish America, that the Irish story was one of immigration and that we needed to support those migrants in America who felt insecure because of the new Trump regime. We raised 30,000 dollars for the ACLU. But thats not what Sinn Fein do. They go to New York and they take money off Maga Republicans and Trump supporters and Netanyahu cheerleaders for their own political operation, and it is stunningly hypocritical of Sinn Fein to waltz into Leinster House, wearing their Palestinian scarves, while taking money off those people who will gladly cheer the Israeli war machine in Palestine. He added: Its one thing for the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste, as the diplomatic leaders of the country, to go to the White House. If they were not to go, we would support that. But the bigger hypocrisy is those who come in here with their Palestinian scarves, but take money off those who will gladly fund or support on those who are dropping bombs on Palestinian people and take their money off them. Its hypocritical, its wrong. So my challenge to Sinn Fein is this you want to go to America and raise money. Go for it. Give all the money to Gaza. Give all the money to those humanitarian aid organisations for helping to feed and helping to shelter families and communities in Gaza. Dont put it in your own pocket, because you know where the money came from. Labour Senator Rebecca Moynihan was also critical of major donors cutting funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides humanitarian aid in Gaza, after Israel accused some of its workers of taking part in the October 7 Hamas attack. I think it is a hugely disproportionate response from those 10 countries on the basis of the allegations, Ms Moynihan said. Its going to directly impact the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza, which we already know is a humanitarian catastrophe. I think it is important that in the White House visit, we do put it up to the US for both the funding of the Israeli war machine, but also the suspension of funding. Real estate agency DNG is now offering 500 transition year students the unique chance to experience the exciting world of Irish real estate through its Transition Year Work Programme. Registration for the interactive online work experience TY programme is now open to aspiring young real estate agents from Louth, with DNG set to deliver the programme from February 21st 23rd. Through a series of interactive exercises, the programme will provide students with a first-hand understanding of working in the Irish property sector. They will experience a day in the life of working as an estate agent, selling property through auctions and 3rd level college and apprenticeship presentations. Since introducing its online TY programme in 2021, the number of students participating has grown year-on-year, with DNG now having delivered the programme to 1,400 students. Commenting on the programme, Niamh Comber, Head of Franchising at DNG said: Securing meaningful work experience can be a source of stress for both TY students and their parents. Now in its fourth year, our virtual TY programme approach lets us accommodate 500 TY students across Ireland, giving them the opportunity to explore the world of Irish real estate and potentially spark a career path. DNGs Transition Year Work Programme coordinator Jennie McDonnell added: We were thrilled to welcome students from 24 counties to our TY programme last year, and we would encourage all TY students to consider participating in this enriching experience this year. The virtual format makes it accessible to students from all corners of the country, regardless of their location." TY students, parents, and teachers can find further information about DNG's TY programme and register for participation at https://ty.dng.ie/ An Irish-language film based on rap trio Kneecap and filmed in parts of Dundalk and Greenore has won an audience award at the prestigious Sundance film festival. The movie held its world premiere last week and has since signed a major international distribution deal with Sony Pictures Classics at the festival in Utah. The win also marks the first Irish film since John Carneys Once (2007) to win an award at the prestigious US film festival, and the first Irish-language film ever to do so. Based on the origin story of the raucous Irish-language rap trio Kneecap, the film stars the bands Mo Chara, Moglai Bap and DJ Provai in their acting debuts alongside Michael Fassbender. Promoters say the film, set in west Belfast in 2019, chronicles how fate brings the trio together and how they then go on to change the sound of Irish music forever. Kneecap, the film, was awarded the Next audience award during the festival. Writer and director Rich Peppiatt said: Theres a saying in Irish Ni mhaireann solas na maidine don la which means no morning sun lasts all day. Well, the amazing week weve had here at Sundance since premiering our movie has certainly tested that wisdom and were basking in every moment. In a statement, the band said: We are delighted to have such an award bestowed upon the first Irish-language film at Sundance. Hopefully, it will give people in Ireland the confidence to pursue the arts through their native tongue. Kneecap was produced by Jack Tarling and Trevor Birney for Fine Point Films and Mother Tongues Films, with Patrick ONeill at Wildcard acting as co-producer. Funding for the film was provided by Northern Ireland Screen, the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Screen Ireland, the BFI awarding National Lottery funding, Coimisiun na Mean and TG4, with backing from Great Point Media. It will be released in cinemas later this year. Commenting on the win, Keith Potter, Head of Feature Film at Fis Eireann/Screen Ireland, said: Screen Ireland is delighted to congratulate writer/director Rich Peppiatt and the entire creative team behind Kneecap on winning the Audience Award: NEXT at the Sundance Film Festival. This is a history-making achievement, and we are truly in the midst of a new wave of Irish-language filmmaking, across all genres and voices. Were looking forward to the film making its way to audiences in Ireland and around the world this year. Plans are underway for expansion at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda with a planning application lodged with the local Planning Authority. HSE Dublin North East has applied to Louth County Council for planning permission for the construction of a new four-storey medical building at the existing greenfield area bounded by the existing Department of Psychiatry to the west, Mayfield Housing Estate to the south, Twenties Lane to the east, and Drogheda Institute of Further Education to the north. The new medical building is to accommodate at ground floor level, eight outpatients consulting rooms and associated ancillary accommodation, and at first floor level six outpatients consulting rooms and associated ancillary accommodation. On the second floor level there are plans for another six outpatients consulting rooms and associated ancillary accommodation, and at third floor level, an internal plant room and external plant enclosure and PV array. Externally the works comprise a new vehicular and pedestrian entrance along Twenties Lane, connecting to the existing internal roads and footpaths at Our Lady of Lourdes Cross Lanes carpark, with 19 new car parking spaces and six new bicycle parking spaces. They also comprise an ancillary single-storey external store building, together with associated landscaping, site works and site services for all of the above. A decision is due on the application by 20 March 2024, with submissions due by 28 February. Just as RTE are volleying another scandal in the shape of its board not actually signing off on the monumental flop that was Toy Show The Musical, thousands of people are getting summonsed for not paying their TV licence. The musical made a 2.2m loss for RTE in 2022, the equivalent of around 13,750 TV licences, and the debacle has been explained away without much recourse. Public money squandered in a curtain call of jazz hands without board approval and yet the news cycle moves on. Where is the political outrage that washed over the country last summer when we were hearing day after day of financial fiasco at RTE through Oireachtas briefings? The TV cameras were there and TDs and Senators were doing handstands that would outdo anyone on the Toy Show The Musical stage in order to get their sound bite heard. Between barter accounts and fancy London venue memberships, Ryan Tubridy's Renault payments and years of mismanagement of public money, the country was shocked and rightly up in arms. People seemingly refused to pay their 160 TV licence in protest. People are still doing that now and fair play to them. Back in 2023, there was anecdotal evidence of judges refusing to prosecute people hauled before them over non-payment of the charge. Proper order too! There isn't a judge in the country who should be prosecuting anyone now in 2024 as summonses pile up. If I had the gumption, I'd be one of the holdouts but the fear factor of the summons threat in the post in early January prompted me to pay for my well-out-of-date TV licence. I have a great deal of respect for anyone who is withholding their TV licence on a matter of principle because RTE has not been reformed and the Director-General at the time of most of these financial faux pas is nowhere to be seen. Dee Forbes ran the proverbial ship into the iceberg and then hopped overboard and left the petty officers deal with the fallout. We saw that band of officers traipse up and down Kildare Street and into Oireachtas committees last year to answer questions as the public poured over the offending balance sheets. How many of them batted away questions by saying it wasn't their job? Some of them have even since retired or resigned with very little repercussion, if any at all. Not least Dee Forbes who hasn't surfaced since the scandal broke and never once answered to the public last year. No one should be prosecuted for having no TV licence until she answers questions and there is legitimate consequences for the people responsible for the financial impropriety at the broadcaster. As many as 60 people a day are now being summonsed for not paying their TV licence, latest figures reveal. Figures released by the Department of Media show that more than 13,000 were summonsed to appear before the courts last year for non-payment, with the numbers facing prosecution since the controversy broke increasing by 33% a month. In total, the number of cases brought before various district courts was 8,612. Those who do not pay the TV licence face fines of up to 1,000 or a term in prison. This is a scandal in and of itself. Not one of these people should be dealt the indignity of walking into a courtroom while there still remains so much unresolved at RTE. What has really changed in the few months since? Yes, a new Director General is cutting the station's cloth to measure and is making very welcome changes, not least the capping of ridiculous salaries paid to top 'talent' but that doesn't fully address the blatant wrongs committed at the station over a long period of time. Someone must answer for those before we can really move on. A series of statements from RTE acknowledging the mistake made is not nearly adequate. If you receive an extra 5 in your Social Welfare or are taxed 5 less than you should have been in your wages, the arms of Government are not long about reaching into your pocket and taking back what you owe them. I'm not satisfied that one person in RTE has been dealt with properly for their collective handling of the payments scandal. We've effectively been given the usual response we get get with any public scandal; there is a public flogging where every politician in the country is none too delighted to get involved and throw a few rotten tomatoes. Then there is a review from all angles, internal, the government, independent bodies, blah, blah, blah. And then we're razzle-dazzled with wishy-washy PR speak; 'there will be learnings from this' and an 'action group is being established' and on and on it goes until they think people aren't looking anymore. It's all very predictable but still very disappointing that this is the level of scrutiny, or lack thereof, our public bodies are held to when they are spending our money on trips to the Champions League final for advertising clients, or flip flops of all things. Sometimes you feel like laughing because the whole thing is so incredible but then you check the postbox, and after all is said and done, you're still the one being held to account over 160. The Irish mum of 19-year-old Grace OMalley-Kumar, who was stabbed to death in Nottingham last summer, has remembered her daughter as a hero. Speaking on ITVs This Morning, Graces mother, Sinead OMalley-Kumar, said the family wasnt surprised that she tried to save her friend during the attack. Last Tuesday, Valdo Calocane pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of students Grace OMalley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, as well as caretaker Ian Coates. Grace OMalley-Kumar tried to fight off the attacker to protect her friend, Barnaby. Grace has been a hero and stood up for her friends since she was eight years-old, Ms OMalley-Kumar told ITV. She always stood up for the underdog and never let anybody be bullied or marginalised. The fact that she stood up for Barney and tried to intervene in his attack doesnt surprise us at all. Its just the way she was. Graces mother pointed out that her daughter could have ran away from the attack. It breaks our hearts, she continued. She could have run. But we dont think about that its not what if anymore. She did what she did and thats the person she was. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has hailed a new agreement on the movement of some goods into Northern Ireland as he said people are already beginning to see the benefits of the deal his party has struck with the Government. Sir Jeffrey also predicted the green lane element of the Windsor Framework will go as he expressed hope that the Stormont powersharing institutions can be restored within days. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has said her party is satisfied that the 1998 Good Friday Agreement has not been damaged or undermined by the DUP deal over post-Brexit trading arrangements. The end of the two-year Stormont impasse was signalled in the early hours of Tuesday morning when Sir Jeffrey secured the backing of his party executive for Government proposals aimed at addressing his partys concerns over Brexits so-called Irish Sea border. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said he now believes that all the conditions are now in place for Stormont to return. The Government has said it will publish on Wednesday proposals to secure Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market and to strengthen the union. The parties eligible to participate in a revived ministerial executive met at Stormont Castle on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the next steps. As the parties were meeting, the UK Government and EU announced an update to the Windsor Framework which governs Irish Sea trade. The new decision allows Northern Ireland to better benefit from a free trade agreement secured by the UK Government covering agri-food foods. However, a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said this was not part of the agreement struck with the DUP. She added: This is separate this is an update on some separate work we have been working on with the European Commission. However, Sir Jeffrey said the change was one of the key elements in his negotiations with the Government. He said: I welcome the fact that we are now beginning to see the delivery of what was promised with the announcement today between the UK Government and the EU that there is further legal change that will be of real benefit to businesses in Northern Ireland, that ensures that Northern Ireland benefits fully from UK free trade deals. These were key elements in our requirements, in our negotiations with the Government. Those who said there will be no legal change, who were predicting things would fall short; I simply asked people to wait and see the outcome. Wait and see the evidence and judge for yourself what this deal does, what it delivers, the change that it secures. I believe we are now beginning to see on day one, that delivery coming through. The DUP leader also predicted that the agreement he had secured with the Government would lead to goods which are destined for Northern Ireland through the green lane element of the Windsor Framework, flowing freely from the rest of the UK. He said: On checks, on goods, moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and staying within the UK there will no longer by physical checks, identity checks, save where, as is normal in any part of the UK there is a suspicion of smuggling, of criminal activity; that is the same for every part of the United Kingdom. On customs paperwork, customs declarations, supplementary declarations, will be gone and therefore we believe this represents a significant change. Some people said youre going to take the green lane and paint it red, white and blue and put a flag on it. If someone wants to put a flag on it, whatever. As far as we are concerned, the green lane will go and be replaced by the UK internal market system that reflects the reality that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, that goods flowing within the United Kingdom, flow freely. That was our core key objective and I believe what we have secured represents real change and everybody will be able to see it for themselves. Sinn Fein president Mrs McDonald said her party had no concerns over the deal, which she said had been reached after painstaking work. She said: We have been in close contact with both governments, and indeed with Brussels. We are satisfied that no part of the Good Friday Agreement has been undermined or damaged. We also know that Brussels, Dublin, all parties are satisfied that what has been agreed stays between the hedges of Brussels and the European market and also the concerns that the DUP expressed. All of that has been accommodated and worked on painstakingly. The DUPs return to Stormont is dependent on the UK Government implementing the various legislative assurances and other measures it has offered. It is understood the Government will introduce two statutory instruments at Westminster to give legislative effect to the commitments it has made on trade and sovereignty. The return of Stormont will also see the Treasury release a 3.3 billion package to support under-pressure public services in Northern Ireland. The financial package includes money to settle the demands of striking public sector workers in the region this year. The DUP has been using a veto power to block Stormonts devolved institutions for two years in protest at the post-Brexit arrangements that have created trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Speaking at Westminster, Mr Heaton-Harris said he would publish the proposals on Wednesday. He said: I believe that all the conditions are now in place for the assembly to return. I look forward very much to the restoration of the institutions as soon as possible. There was a financial package worth over 3 billion offered to the parties before Christmas. This will absolutely be available to an incoming executive. The parties entitled to form an executive are meeting today to discuss these matters and I hope we will be able to finalise this deal with those parties as soon as possible and move forward. Meanwhile, Mr Sunak has told Irish premier Leo Varadkar that he was confident the latest developments in Northern Ireland pave the way for the restoration of powersharing in the region. Offering a readout of the talks between the two leaders, a No 10 spokesman said: The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach today to update him on the UK Governments negotiations with the DUP and Northern Ireland parties, following last nights positive step from the DUP. Sir Jeffrey announced his conditional support for a Stormont return at post-1am press conference in Co Down on Tuesday. That came after he had secured what he said was the decisive backing of the 130-strong party executive during a five-hour meeting on Monday night. He said DUP party officers, a key 12-strong decision-making body, had also mandated him to move forward on the basis he was proposing. During the powersharing impasse, the DUP has used seven tests to measure any proposals designed to address its concerns on the trading arrangements. Sir Jeffrey said the package on the table represented progress across all seven tests. Support for the deal is not unanimous within the DUP and several senior figures remain fiercely opposed to the proposed agreement to restore powersharing. Rishi Sunak used a call with the Irish premier to confront his counterpart about the UKs disappointment over Irelands decision to legally challenge the UKs response to the Troubles. Laws enacted by the UK Government strive to provide a limited form of immunity to those accused of Troubles-related offences. The move has faced staunch criticism and is opposed by many victims groups in Northern Ireland and all the main Stormont parties. The Prime Minister, in a conversation with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, confronted Dublin over its own response to pursuing those responsible for sectarian violence that marred Ireland and Northern Ireland for decades. The call between the pair came after Mr Varadkar announced in December that his administration would legally challenge the UK Government over the Legacy Act in the European Court of Human Rights. He said at the time that the strong legal advice was the UK Legacy Act breached the United Nations Convention on Human Rights. Downing Street confirmed Mr Sunak raised the legal action during his conversation with Mr Varadkar. A No 10 spokesman said: The leaders addressed the Irish Governments launching of an interstate case on the UK Governments Legacy Act. The Prime Minister expressed his disappointment at the timing and course of action in December, coming at such a sensitive time. He noted that the Irish Government had yet to respond to important questions about its own approach to legacy issues, including with regard to investigations into the 1998 Omagh bombing. The UK Government would continue to pursue answers to those questions which had been laid out by the Secretary of State (Chris Heaton-Harris), including with regard to the lack of criminal prosecutions in Ireland. A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister denied the conversation had been terse. She said the Conservative Party leader had been reiterating the Governments disappointment that had previously been set out by Mr Heaton-Harris, the Northern Ireland Secretary. Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin said the Irish State would have preferred not to have taken the case, but it wanted to stand by the victims of Northern Irelands Troubles. He also accused the British Government of taking a unilateral route to the Legacy Act. We would have preferred not to be in a position to take the case of the European Court of Human Rights, Mr Martin said. The question of the Legacy Acts compliance with European Convention Human Rights is now before the court. Ive been in Northern Ireland on many occasions, and Ive met with survivors and families of victims of the Troubles and of the terrible events that happened, and we felt the need to stand by the victims, and they were almost unanimous in resisting the Legacy Act, as indeed were all the political parties in Northern Ireland. I think that the UK Government took a particular unilateral route to the Legacy Act. We didnt want to find ourselves in this position, reluctantly we did. We were hoping that we could work through the Stormont House Agreement, which everybody had agreed to. But, look, its before the court now. Mr Heaton-Harris wrote to Mr Martin earlier this month, questioning Irelands opposition to the Legacy Act. Aspects of the recently passed UK law include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests. In his letter to Mr Martin, the Northern Ireland Secretary challenged Ireland to set out its own record on tackling legacy issues, pointing out that, while the UK has initiated a public inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bomb, the Irish Government has not, despite a court ruling saying it should do likewise. Mr Heaton-Harris also called on Mr Martin to list the number of prosecutions mounted in the Irish State since 1998 related to Troubles incidents. The phone call with Mr Sunak and Mr Varadkar came after there was a breakthrough in the DUPs two-year boycott of powersharing arrangements at Stormont. Mr Sunak briefed his Irish counterpart on the details of the deal that could see devolved government restored in Northern Ireland. Asked whether the call had been difficult, Mr Sunaks spokeswoman said: No, it was a good call, positive. They both welcomed the step that we saw from the DUP last night. A spokesman for the Irish Government said: It was a positive call focused on welcoming the good news from Belfast. Its common knowledge that the two Governments have different approaches on legacy issues. But we also agreed that its important that we continue to work together on other areas. MUNSTER Technological University (MTU) is among six regional campuses across Ireland to be awarded funding under new 4.5m Distributed Campus Support Fund. The new Distributed Campus Support Fund has been established to support higher education institutions (HEIs) with multiple campuses in regional areas. Under the fund, MTU will receive 230,000 to cover additional fixed costs inclusive of the delivery of core campus services including reception facilities, security, maintenance, student support and counselling services, library facilities and travel costs between campuses. Alongside MTU, University of Galway and Mary Immaculate College will also receive 230,000. The South East Technological University will receive 460,000, while the Technological University of the Shannon and Atlantic Technological University will be awarded 690,000 and 2,660,000 respectively. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD said the new funding strengthens and supports campuses dispersed across the regions. This new fund will be key to supporting our institutions and sustaining their dispersed campuses, helping them to deliver on their mandates to develop knowledge and skills, promote innovation and collaboration, and to foster social inclusion. Dispersed campuses often have higher costs associated with delivering education, he added. It shouldnt be that all roads lead to the big city when it comes to education. The Minister also announced the creation of a new Strategic Support Fund of 1.2m. This is a continuation of an existing support fund which can be deployed to support vulnerable institutions. The Clinical Director of Emergency and Acute Care at Cork University Hospital (CUH) has warned that staff working in the emergency department (ED) at the hospital have never seen it as intensely busy and challenging. Professor Conor Deasy, who is a professor in Emergency Medicine at both CUH and University College Cork (UCC) and President of the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine, said attendances at CUH are up 33% when compared to this time last year which he said is bad for patients and bad for staff. We have had a 33% increase in attendances this year compared to this time last year. Bearing in mind that we have 35 clinical spaces in the adult emergency department we have been running at 200 to 300% capacity in terms of number of patients versus number of clinical spaces to see these patients, he told The Echo. This is bad for patients and bad for staff. Our emergency clinical space is taken up with patients on trolleys awaiting an inpatient bed because CUH is not right-sized for the work it does in terms of beds. Staff are in agreement that they have never seen it as intensely busy and challenging. There has been a 40% increase in over 75-year-old patients attending the emergency department this year compared to last year. These patients are often frail with complex medical needs and high medical and nursing requirements. The science tells us for every 22 patients who are over 75 years of age who are forced to spend a night in the ED on a trolley, there is an extra death at 30 days. Moral injury is caused to staff when they feel these patients are getting a raw deal and suffering unnecessarily for want of proper hospital infrastructure and staffing. Mr Deasy called for the current cost-saving embargo on staff to be lifted immediately to help alleviate the pressures. There needs to be a rapid expansion in bed numbers including single rooms to reduce cross-infection of patients, intensive care, rehabilitation and community beds, he added. Our population census has never been higher or older. This population deserves to have healthcare. Money is needed to deliver this. This government has a short window to demonstrate to voters, particularly our older adults, that it cares about this. CUH was the second most overcrowded hospital across the country on Monday morning with 72 admitted patients on trolleys. HSE statement In a statement to The Echo , the HSE said: "Improving patient experience in our emergency departments is a priority for the HSE. "Bernard Gloster, CEO, HSE said in an interview late last year: 'At the end of December last, there was 8,260 junior doctors in the Irish Health Service. We planned in the medical and dental grade code this year to increase that by 500, and by September we've already increased by 777. That's why the pause is there. So since December 2019, there's 1,760 additional junior doctors in the system.' "There are a number of key frontline positions which are exempt from this to ensure impact to services and patients is at a minimum." They acknowledged that many hospitals were under pressure this week, and said that was partially due to ongoing admittance as a result of winter respiratory viruses. "Several surge measures have been put in place as part of the HSE Urgent and Emergency Care Plan to reduce the number of patients waiting on trolleys for an acute bed and reduce the number of patients over the age of 75 waiting in emergency departments after a decision has been made to admit them for ongoing care and treatment. "We have seen significant improvements in 2024 versus 2023. While we have seen increased attendance of close to 15%, we've seen some improvements in the number of patients delayed in hospitals, the average trolleys every week, and also the statistics for older people where we put a particular focus on to ensure that those patients over 75 were all seen within 24 hours. "We have set ourselves a target that across our 29 Emergency Departments at 8am every morning, there should be no more than an average of 320 patients awaiting admission on trolleys between July and December 2023 we achieved that target on 70% of days. We are, however, in no way complacent about these numbers and they are being exceeded significantly this week. Every part of our health and social care system is focused on ensuring the least number of people as possible are waiting for care. "The HSE urges the public to consider all available care options, including injury units, their GP, and local pharmacy if they have a minor ailment," the statement concluded. THE leader of the Social Democrats has called on the Government to release to struggling cafes and restaurants more than 1 billion in unclaimed aid previously earmarked for energy relief. Cork South West TD Holly Cairns called for the Government to support small hospitality sector businesses by harnessing unspent funding previously allocated to the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS). TBESS was launched in 2022 with a promise of 1.3 billion in financial aid to businesses struggling with increased energy costs caused by Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, the scheme, which closed in September 2023, was beset by controversy and in the end almost 90% of the funding allocated to it - 1.146bn - was not drawn down. Responding to a Sinn Fein question in the Dail late last year, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney confirmed that all unspent monies from the scheme would be returned to the exchequer. Ms Cairns told The Echo she was calling for the underspent TBESS funding to be reprofiled and allocated to struggling small businesses, specifically those in the hospitality sector. The Government allocated 1.3bn but just 154 million was drawn down, and thats because the scheme was so unworkable for businesses, and so that money was left unspent, Ms Cairns said. Now is the time to redistribute that money to support small businesses, with the focus on the smaller ones, because what we see is a one-woman cafe in a small rural village having the same kind of rising costs as a hotel in Dublin. Theyre both in the hospitality sector but they cant really be seen as being in the same situation with rising costs. Welcoming recent comments by Finance Minister Michael McGrath about possible changes to the Governments Tax Debt Warehousing Scheme, Ms Cairns said more needed to be done for small businesses in the hospitality sector. The Social Democrat leader was speaking in the wake of the closures of several high-profile Cork businesses in recent weeks, including Nash 19, Tung Sing, the White Rabbit Bar and Barbecue, and Pigalle. Ms Cairns made said she herself had grown up working in cafes and restaurants, from the age of 12 to 20-something, the whole way through school and college, and she said the importance of such small businesses to the city and county as the heart of the community was often underappreciated. A spokesperson for the Department of Enterprise said latest available figures indicated 153,716,125 in TBESS funding had been paid out to 25,515 businesses. They added that Budget 2024 had allocated 257m for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant, which was intended to aid qualifying small and medium businesses. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is currently working with the local authorities on the administration of the grant to ensure that support can begin to be provided to eligible businesses in the first quarter of 2024, they said. The late Ian Bailey had a successful appeal against his drug driving conviction at Cork Circuit Appeals Court today. Mr Bailey died suddenly on January 21 at the age of 66. His appeal was called at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday. His case was one of a few additions to another circuit court list, namely that of Cork Circuit Appeals Court. Registrar Gerardine OLeary called the case, DPP versus Ian Bailey. There was a momentary pause before Judge Helen Boyle said, We will just strike out the matter. Striking out the appeal would have let the conviction and penalty stand in respect of the drug driving conviction and the related conviction of possession of cannabis for ones own use. The late Mr Baileys barrister, Alan ODwyer, asked if the matter could stand as he wished to discuss the matter briefly with state solicitor Jeremiah Healy. In the event it was not necessary for the appellant barrister to discuss the matter any further as Mr Healy for the prosecution said, In the circumstances maybe the appeal should be allowed. Judge Boyle said, Very good, allow the appeal. The appeal had been adjourned several times and the substantive court hearings for the case were heard in January and again in April 2023. Mr Bailey was convicted at Bantry District Court on May 13th, 2021, on possession of cannabis for his own use for which Judge John King fined him 300 and for drug driving his 03-registered Toyota Corolla, he fined him 400 and disqualified him from driving for one year. While the allowing of an appeal is clearly academic in the circumstances it means that the late Mr Bailey does not have those convictions on record against his name. Barrister Alan ODwyer had argued at earlier hearings that the drug driving conviction was based on traces of cannabis being found in a blood sample he gave at Bantry Garda station on August 25th, 2019 but that this blood sample was taken on foot of an oral fluid test which was not conducted properly. Mr ODwyer argued that the oral fluid test was not done lawfully in Mr Baileys case and that everything that flowed from that was compromised and the States case against him fatally flawed. The appeal was listed for Tuesday to give the state an opportunity to make further submissions in the case. Now that conviction for drug driving, and the conviction for having cannabis for his own use, have effectively been dismissed on appeal. A quantity surveyor has claimed before the High Court that he has been defamed by and has been wrongly banned from flying with Ryanair. The action has been brought by Cork man, Eoin Michael Cahill who says the airline has wrongly accused him of allegedly engaging in disruptive behaviour on a date in which he neither travelled on a Ryanair flight nor was he present at Dublin Airport. Mr Cahill claims that he currently works with the Jones Engineering Group on a project in the Danish city of Copenhagen. He claims that flights he takes as part of his work between Denmark and Ireland are purchased by his employer. He claims that it had been arranged that he would fly with Ryanair from Dublin to Copenhagen on January 2 last, but after extending his leave he did not travel on that date. Email to employer The following day he claims he was defamed in an email sent to his employer by Ryanair's customer services. He says it contains a false and untenable allegation that he was "disruptive" on his journey through Dublin Airport and was prohibited from flying with Ryanair again. He claims that if the communication to his employer is not corrected the allegation will have disastrous implications on his professional reputation, especially as he needs to travel to Denmark as part of his work. He is further concerned that the allegedly defamatory communication sent to his employer may have been sent to other parties. Through his solicitor, CW Ashe and Company, Mr Cahill has asked for details of the alleged disruptive behaviour the airline has referred to. Such details have not been furnished to him, it is claimed. He has also asked the airline to correct the record with his employer, and to lift the travel ban it has placed on him, which he claims it has not done. The airline had initially informed Mr Cahill, who is a recent graduate from Munster Technical University, that it was standing over its decision to ban him from travelling with Ryanair. However the court heard that in subsequent correspondence Ryanair's lawyers asked for a reasonable period to be able to conduct an extensive investigation into the allegations on behalf of the airline. Mr Cahill's lawyers said that the airline has had ample time to address his complaints, and he has launched High Court proceedings against both Ryanair DAC and Ryanair Holdings PLC. Damages sought In his action Mr Cahill, with an address at Killarney Road, Macroom, Co Cork, seeks damages, including aggravated damages for the alleged defamation. He wants the court to make various orders prohibiting the defendants from further publishing the allegedly defamatory material, and a correction order directing the airline to publish a correction of the allegedly defamatory statements. He further seeks various injunctions restraining the defendants from publishing any further allegedly defamatory statements, which are the subject matter of the proceedings, and an order restraining Ryanair from prohibiting his ability to travel with the airline pending the trial of the action. The matter came before Mr Justice Mark Sanfey on Tuesday, who on an ex-parte basis granted Mr Cahill's lawyers permission to service short notice of the injunction proceedings on the defendants. The judge said he was prepared to make the matter returnable, but did raise some concerns about the court's ability to grant the injunctions sought. The judge asked if a court can compel two parties at this stage of the proceedings to enter into a contractual relationship such as the one sought. The matter will return before the court in early February. By Cate McCurry, PA Algeria and Botswana are to be added to Irelands list of safe countries of origin as part of a Government plan being considered at Cabinet on Tuesday. The move is being considered to ensure more international protection applications are processed faster. It will see applicants for international protection from Algeria and Botswana having their cases decided within 10 weeks of arriving in Ireland. The safe countries list is part of a process for consideration of asylum applications. Justice Minister Helen McEntee is discussing the move with Cabinet on Tuesday (Niall Carson/PA) The existing list of safe countries includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, and South Africa. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee introduced a new accelerated process for applicants from designated safe countries in November 2022. Any application by a person from a safe country still receives a full consideration on its merits by the International Protection Office. While asylum seekers may travel from countries deemed safe, there are still cases where applicants can show their personal circumstances mean their country is not safe for them. Approximately eight in 10 such applications are refused. The number of applications from safe countries has fallen by 38 per cent since November 2022. A country is designated as safe when there is no persecution, torture, or inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment, and no threat by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict. Information to decide whether to designate a country safe is based on information from other EU member states, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the Council of Europe and other international organisations as appropriate. Speaking on her way in to Cabinet on Tuesday, Ms McEntee said Ireland is not stating that it is full, but that Government wants to have the most efficient and effective system possible. A spokesman for Ms McEntee said: It is essential that we have a robust, efficient and rules-based system to ensure that those who need protection get it and those who dont are removed from the international protection system. By Jonathan McCambridge and David Young, PA Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has said he has no regrets about posting live social media updates from a confidential DUP meeting over a UK government deal to address concerns over post-Brexit trading arrangements. Mr Bryson, an outspoken critic of the proposals which are expected to lead to the return of the powersharing institutions in Northern Ireland, also denied he misrepresented elements of the meeting. The PA news agency understands that Mr Bryson was able to relay live updates of DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldsons speech with the use of a recording device from someone inside the meeting. The loyalists posts on X, formerly Twitter, included apparent attempts from within the meeting to find out who was leaking the information to him. Asked if regretted his actions, Mr Bryson said: Absolutely not. No criticism from unionists opposed to the protocol and who have a right to know what is going on in this glossy powerpoint presentation. I did not share any of the details of the private contributions in the DUP in that meeting, simply the PowerPoint presentation of what Sir Jeffrey was claiming was on the table. During a press conference after the DUP meeting, Mr Donaldson said the social media posts were not a true reflection of what occurred. He also said the word betrayal was used in the meeting to describe whoever leaked the details. Mr Bryson responded: I think Jeffrey should reflect very carefully on that. If there is anything he feels was a misrepresentation, I think he should particularise what he said was a misrepresentation and we can let the public decide for themselves. DUP leader Sir Jeffery Donaldson said social media posts were not a true account of what happened at a party meeting (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Bryson said he does not believe the deal the DUP has negotiated with the UK government will lead to the removal of the so-called Irish Sea border. Mr Donaldson has said the deal to restore Stormont powersharing will remove all post-Brexit checks on goods moving into Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. Mr Bryson added: Sir Jeffrey has set a high standard for himself zero checks, zero customs paperwork on goods staying in Northern Ireland. That requires tearing up the Northern Ireland Protocol and fundamentally changing the Windsor Framework. Lets see when this legislation comes through if this does what Jeffrey Donaldson says that it does. He added: The DUP Executive have only seen a PowerPoint presentation presented by those who negotiated the deal; they have not seen the legal text. Lets see what the legal text actually says. Mr Bryson has previously appeared publicly with the DUP leader at a number of rallies protesting against the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol. He said: We are fundamentally diverging on issues. I have not changed, I have maintained the same position from January 1 2021 when I said you need to collapse the institutions, make Stormont ungovernable, no unionist should implement the protocol. The DUP came to that position 14 months later and now they are trying to revert back to their initial position. No doubt they have made some progress and Sir Jeffrey deserves credit for that. But dont say you have removed the Irish Sea border, because you havent. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 30, 2024 Contact: Leha Byrd ECSU Communications and Marketing ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (Jan. 30, 2024) Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) will honor six individuals at the universitys annual Founders Day Scholarship Gala Saturday, March 9. The event provides an opportunity to recognize Vikings and other community members who have gainfully contributed to the university and the state of North Carolina. It also commemorates the 133 years ECSU has provided higher education opportunities in northeastern North Carolina and beyond. Since its inception in 2007, the gala has raised a total of $1.6 million to support the General Scholarship Fund. The gala is the This years nominees are recipients of the Chancellors Legacy Award, which recognizes individuals, businesses, corporations, and foundations who have best demonstrated the standard of excellence that defines and shapes ECSU as an institution. The Gala Awards Committee reviews and ranks nominations and final nominees are presented to Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon for approval. To purchase tickets or to learn about how you can become a sponsor, visit the event site. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the program begins at 7 p.m. at the K.E. White Graduate Center, 1862 Edgewood Dr. in Elizabeth City. Lodging accommodations for the event can be made at Fairfield Inn in Elizabeth City. This year's nominees include: Sen. Warren Daniel Warren Daniel represents North Carolina Senate District 46 Burke, McDowell and Buncombe counties. He received a Congressional appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1991 with a degree in National Security and Public Affairs. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Army Field Artillery where he served for six years. In 1997, he left active duty to attend law school at The University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill, where he graduated with honors in 2000. Daniel has argued cases at every level of the North Carolina court system, including the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. In 2007, Warren was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. Phyllis C. Elmore 82 Phyllis Elmore is an avid supporter of ECSU and has organized several trips from the Washington, D.C. and Maryland areas to Viking Land to introduce students to her alma mater. She is a member of the Washington, D.C. Metro Alumni Chapter. Elmore has been an advocate for ECSU since she graduated and works to ensure potential college students are aware of their educational options. Lenora Jarvis-Mackey 66 Lenora Jarvis-Mackey has been the president and chief executive officer of River City Community Development Corporation (RCCDC) since it was founded more than 30 years ago. She has grown RCCDCs programs and services to include Housing Counseling, Community Development, and Homelessness Services, Youth Development, Business and Economic Development, and Social and Cultural Awareness. Mackey was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service from ECSU in December 2020, in recognition of her many years of service and community contributions. She is also a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a citizen of North Carolina by a sitting governor. Sen. Gladys Robinson Gladys Robinson is in her seventh term in the North Carolina Senate, District 28 which is Greensboro. She serves as Senate Caucus chair and previously served as Deputy Minority leader. She served as chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, vice chair of the NC Legislative Black Caucus and is a former member of the UNC Board of Governors. Robinson is a retired community health executive with expertise in aging, health, and education, having worked in nonprofit leadership for 45 years. She retired after 35 years as executive director of Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency, which provided minority health services for persons with illnesses including Sickle Cell Disease and HIV/AIDS. Gwendolyn Sanders 77 Gwendolyn Sanders serves as the president of the Elizabeth City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and parliamentarian of the Elizabeth City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is also a board member of the Elizabeth City Area Committee of 100. Her professional pursuits and expertise in conference and event planning led her to opportunities at the Washington, D.C. Board of Realtors and later with IQ Solutions, located in Maryland. She has also worked with her sorority at its national headquarters. At ECSU she completed her bachelors degree in English, with a concentration in Speech Pathology. She retired from ECSU in 2023 as the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chancellor. James E. Swimpson 62 James Swimpson was accepted into Elizabeth City State Teachers College (ECSTC) in 1957 and earned a degree in Education. He was active in various organizations including the yearbook staff and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. On Oct. 13, 2022, he was recognized with a historic marker as the only surviving member of the original five ECSTC student activists. He, along with four other students from ECSTC, changed history by defiantly sitting at a whites only lunch counter in 1960. Swimpson worked as a social investigator in New York City before returning to North Carolina. In 1971, he began a 30-year career at ECSU, which included serving as director of Financial Aid. ______ As the Year of the Dragon approaches, sales of products with dragon elements have witnessed explosive growth on major e-commerce platforms, which experts said indicates not only the strong resonance of traditional Chinese culture among consumers, but also the vitality of the nation's consumer market. Dragon, or long in Chinese, a mythical and auspicious creature that is the fifth animal of the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, is considered to be a sacred symbol of good luck, strength and fortune in China. The purchasing frenzy ahead of the upcoming Spring Festival holiday is expected to further shore up consumer confidence and bolster the recovery of consumption, the experts added. Data from e-commerce platform JD showed that searches for dragon-related merchandise via its online marketplace have surpassed 23 million since January, with dragon-themed Moutai, commemorative coins and apparel leading the trend. Since the launch of JD's Spring Festival promotional campaign on Jan 17, the transaction volume of dragon-themed commodities in more than 800 subcategories has soared more than tenfold year-on-year, according to the company. It said products with dragon-themed elements, such as car ornaments, household accessories, clothing, daily necessities, alcohol, maternal and infant goods, and gold jewelry have been favored by consumers. Purchases by the post-1990s and post-2000s generations accounted for nearly 55 percent of the total, while consumers in Guangdong province, Beijing, Jiangsu province, Shanghai and Shandong province, in that order, were the top five spenders on dragon-featured items, according to JD. Jason Yu, general manager of Kantar Worldpanel China, a market research provider, said that because the dragon is an important symbol of Chinese traditional culture and is believed to bring good luck, Chinese consumers who buy dragon-themed goods are expressing their hopes for a better life in the new year. Yu noted that China's Generation Z shoppers those born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s are displaying a heightened sense of national pride and confidence in Chinese culture, and "their pursuit of the Year of the Dragon products has also injected fresh vitality into the inheritance of traditional culture". Dragon-themed red envelopes, refrigerator magnets, mobile phone cases, underwear and socks have gained popularity among Chinese consumers, according to Taobao, the online marketplace of Chinese tech heavyweight Alibaba Group. Searches for dragon-related products skyrocketed 640-fold year-on-year between Dec 27 and Jan 2 on Taobao, according to the company. Among the items, gold ornaments with dragon elements saw a 500-fold increase in search volume, while searches for "limited collections for the Year of the Dragon" soared more than thirtyfold compared with the same period last year. More than 30 museums, such as the Palace Museum in Beijing, the Gansu Provincial Museum and the British Museum, have launched over 1,000 limited editions of dragon-related products on Tmall, Alibaba's business-to-customer e-marketplace. The rich cultural connotations and the good wishes that the dragon carries have not only stimulated people's passion for buying, but also satisfied their rising demand for personalized and creative products with unique cultural symbols, said Hong Yong, an associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation's e-commerce research institute. "Spring Festival is the traditional festival that Chinese people attach the most importance to, and it's also a peak season for consumption," Hong said, emphasizing that brands should capitalize on traditional Chinese culture to launch more innovative products. The shopping craze for dragon-related products ahead of Lunar New Year is crucial for expanding domestic demand and promoting the recovery of the consumer market, he added. A Microsoft manager claims OpenAIs DALL-E 3 has security vulnerabilities that could allow users to generate violent or explicit images (similar to those that recently targeted Taylor Swift). GeekWire reported Tuesday the companys legal team blocked Microsoft engineering leader Shane Jones attempts to alert the public about the exploit. The self-described whistleblower is now taking his message to Capitol Hill. I reached the conclusion that DALLE 3 posed a public safety risk and should be removed from public use until OpenAI could address the risks associated with this model, Jones wrote to US Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA 9th District), and Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D). GeekWire published Jones full letter. Jones claims he discovered an exploit allowing him to bypass DALL-E 3s security guardrails in early December. He says he reported the issue to his superiors at Microsoft, who instructed him to personally report the issue directly to OpenAI. After doing so, he claims he learned that the flaw could allow the generation of violent and disturbing harmful images. Jones then attempted to take his cause public in a LinkedIn post. On the morning of December 14, 2023 I publicly published a letter on LinkedIn to OpenAIs non-profit board of directors urging them to suspend the availability of DALLE 3), Jones wrote. Because Microsoft is a board observer at OpenAI and I had previously shared my concerns with my leadership team, I promptly made Microsoft aware of the letter I had posted. A sample image (a storm in a teacup) generated by DALL-E 3 (OpenAI) Microsofts response was allegedly to demand he remove his post. Shortly after disclosing the letter to my leadership team, my manager contacted me and told me that Microsofts legal department had demanded that I delete the post, he wrote in his letter. He told me that Microsofts legal department would follow up with their specific justification for the takedown request via email very soon, and that I needed to delete it immediately without waiting for the email from legal. Jones complied, but he says the more fine-grained response from Microsofts legal team never arrived. I never received an explanation or justification from them, he wrote. He says further attempts to learn more from the companys legal department were ignored. Microsofts legal department has still not responded or communicated directly with me, he wrote. An OpenAI spokesperson wrote to Engadget in an email, We immediately investigated the Microsoft employees report when we received it on December 1 and confirmed that the technique he shared does not bypass our safety systems. Safety is our priority and we take a multi-pronged approach. In the underlying DALL-E 3 model, weve worked to filter the most explicit content from its training data including graphic sexual and violent content, and have developed robust image classifiers that steer the model away from generating harmful images. Weve also implemented additional safeguards for our products, ChatGPT and the DALL-E API including declining requests that ask for a public figure by name, the OpenAI spokesperson continued. We identify and refuse messages that violate our policies and filter all generated images before they are shown to the user. We use external expert red teaming to test for misuse and strengthen our safeguards. Meanwhile, a Microsoft spokesperson wrote to Engadget, We are committed to addressing any and all concerns employees have in accordance with our company policies, and appreciate the employees effort in studying and testing our latest technology to further enhance its safety. When it comes to safety bypasses or concerns that could have a potential impact on our services or our partners, we have established robust internal reporting channels to properly investigate and remediate any issues, which we recommended that the employee utilize so we could appropriately validate and test his concerns before escalating it publicly. Since his report concerned an OpenAI product, we encouraged him to report through OpenAIs standard reporting channels and one of our senior product leaders shared the employees feedback with OpenAI, who investigated the matter right away, wrote the Microsoft spokesperson. At the same time, our teams investigated and confirmed that the techniques reported did not bypass our safety filters in any of our AI-powered image generation solutions. Employee feedback is a critical part of our culture, and we are connecting with this colleague to address any remaining concerns he may have. Microsoft added that its Office of Responsible AI has established an internal reporting tool for employees to report and escalate concerns about AI models. The whistleblower says the pornographic deepfakes of Taylor Swift that circulated on X last week are one illustration of what similar vulnerabilities could produce if left unchecked. 404 Media reported Monday that Microsoft Designer, which uses DALL-E 3 as a backend, was part of the deepfakers toolset that made the video. The publication claims Microsoft, after being notified, patched that particular loophole. Microsoft was aware of these vulnerabilities and the potential for abuse, Jones concluded. It isnt clear if the exploits used to make the Swift deepfake were directly related to those Jones reported in December. Jones urges his representatives in Washington, DC, to take action. He suggests the US government create a system for reporting and tracking specific AI vulnerabilities while protecting employees like him who speak out. We need to hold companies accountable for the safety of their products and their responsibility to disclose known risks to the public, he wrote. Concerned employees, like myself, should not be intimidated into staying silent. Update, January 30, 2024, 8:41 PM ET: This story has been updated to add statements to Engadget from OpenAI and Microsoft. We dont know what they do, but they like to hang out inside bacteria. We may have an adequate understanding of the human body in that, well, we invented aspirin and sequenced the genome, but researchers still find out new things about the humble homo sapien all of the time. Case in point? Scientists just discovered a previously unknown entity hanging out in the human gut and mouth. The researchers are calling these virus-like structures obelisks, due to their presumed microscopic shape. These entities replicate like viruses, but are much smaller and simpler. Due to the minuscule size, they fall into the viroid class, which are typically single-stranded RNAs without a protein shell. However, most viroids are infectious agents that cause disease and it doesnt look like thats the case with these lil obelisks, as reported by Live Science. So why are they inside of us and what do they do? Thats the big question. The discoverers at Stanford University, the University of Toronto and the Technical University of Valencia have some theories. They may influence gene activity within the human microbiome, though they also hang out in the mouth. To that end, they have been found using the common mouth-based bacterium Streptococcus sanguinis as a host. Its been suggested that these viroids infect various bacteria in both the mouth and gut, though we dont know why. Some of the obelisks seem to contain instructions for enzymes required for replication, so they look to be more complex than your average viroid, as indicated by Science. In any event, there has been a chicken and the egg debate raging for years over whether viruses evolved from viroids or if viroids actually evolved from viruses, so further study could finally end that argument. While we dont exactly know what these obelisk sequences do, scientists have discovered just how prevalent they are in our bodies. These sequences are found in roughly seven percent of human gut bacteria and a whopping 50 percent of mouth bacteria. The gut-based structures also feature a distinctive RNA sequence when compared to the mouth-based obelisks. This diversity has led researchers to proclaim that they comprise a class of diverse RNAs that have colonized, and gone unnoticed in, human, and global microbiomes. I think this is one more clear indication that we are still exploring the frontiers of this viral universe, computational biologist Simon Roux of the DOE Joint Genome Institute at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory told Science. Its insane, added Mark Peifer, a cell and developmental biologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The more we look, the more crazy things we see. Apple recently announced the changes it's making to the App Store in order to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) that goes into full effect on March 7. The company's critics quickly denounced its plans and requirements for alternative app stores, with Spotify calling the changes a "total farce." Microsoft's Xbox is one of the latest companies to call out Apple's compliance plans. In response to a post on X by Spotify CEO Daniel Ek talking about the changes at Apple, Xbox president Sarah Bond said the company's new policy is "a step in the wrong direction" and that she hopes it listens to feedback to create a "more inclusive future for all." We believe constructive conversations drive change and progress towards open platforms and greater competition. Apple's new policy is a step in the wrong direction. We hope they listen to feedback on their proposed plan and work towards a more inclusive future for all. https://t.co/mDRI5KPJf6 BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) January 29, 2024 Under DMA rules, platform owners like Apple and Google have to open up their systems to competing app stores. Apple, however, requires these alternative app stores to have stringent rules and moderation tools comparable to its own. Their operators will also need to be able to prove that they have access to a minimum amount of around $1.1 million in credit that they can use to pay developers. Apple has a new rule for developers, as well, requiring them to pay a Core Technology Fee of 0.50 (around 54 cents) per install after an app reaches a 1 million download threshold for the year. That rule applies whether the app is distributed through Apple's App Store or through an alternative marketplace. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said Apple's plan "is a devious new instance of Malicious Compliance." He added that Apple is essentially forcing developers to choose between App Store exclusivity and a new "also-illegal anticompetitive scheme rife with new Junk Fees on downloads," as well as new taxes on payments the company doesn't process itself. The App Store is a massive business for Apple, which takes a 15 to 30 percent commission from developers' earnings. For the fiscal year of 2022, for instance, Apple said the App Store ecosystem "facilitated $1.1 trillion in developer billings and sales." Epic pulled Fortnite from the App Store in 2020 after violating its rules on purpose and offering discounts to players making purchases outside of Apple's ecosystem. The developer recently announced that it's bringing Fortnite back to the iPhone and iPad in Europe this year after the DMA takes effect and that it's launching its own store for iOS. Spotify, which has also been a vocal critic of Apple, plans to launch its own in-app payment system for iOS users in Europe, as well. This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. The West Indies quick will now head home to recover before travelling to the PSL Shamar Joseph has been ruled out of his ILT20 stint with Dubai Capitals due to the toe injury he picked up during the Gabba Test Although scans showed no fracture after he was clattered on the boot by a Mitchell Starc yorker, Joseph battled pain on the fourth day to produce one of the greatest spells in Test history as he claimed 7 for 68 to inspire West Indies to a famous eight-run win - their first victory in Australia since 1997. At the start of the start of the day, he had not expected to feature before he was dosed up on painkillers by the team physio. Once introduced into the attack, Joseph bowled unchanged to rip through Australia's batting line and was still nudging 150kph late in the spell. "I'm not putting down this ball until the last wicket falls," he told his captain Kraigg Brathwaite. He had been due to head straight to the ILT20 having signed with Capitals before the Australia tour but will now return home to recover before travelling to the PSL where he was signed as a replacement player by Peshawar Zalmi overnight. Joseph is unlikely to be short of offers from T20 leagues around the world after the stunning start to his career where he claimed Steven Smith with his first delivery and claimed two five-wicket hauls. However, in the aftermath of his Gabba heroics, Joseph committed to always being available for West Indies duty. "I will always be here to play Test cricket for the West Indies," he said. "I am not afraid to say this live. There will be times when T20 might come around and Test cricket will be there but I will always be available to play for the West Indies no matter how much money comes towards me." It was a busy 24 hours for Joseph after the Test as he fielded various media requests while he was lauded back in the Caribbean with newspapers leading the front pages with the cricket result. Numerous leaders from around the region also posted their praise and congratulations on social media. Managing Joseph will now need to be at the forefront of West Indies' selectors' thoughts and balancing the offers he gets from overseas. During the spell in Brisbane, Ian Bishop expressed how he hoped money could be found to protect Joseph. "Important for the board, Guyana govt & cooperate bodies to find a way to allocate funds to compensate Shamar Joseph & 1 or 2 other fast bowlers to keep them in the Caribbean & control how much cricket they play," Bishop posted on X. "Their pace is everything. Don't allow burnout." Although Joseph was never due to feature in the white-ball leg of the Australia tour, he could yet come into contention for the T20 World Cup in June which will be hosted in the Caribbean and West Indies. His next opportunity in Test cricket will come on the tour of England in July where West Indies will play three Tests. Drone that killed US troops in Jordan mistaken for US drone Associated Press News director for the Persian Gulf and Iran Jon Gambrell explains the new details emerging from Sundays deadly drone strike on a U.S. base in Jordan, killing three American troops and wounding dozens of others. Defra's latest Farm Productivity Grant is set to help farmers wanting to reduce fossil fuel use, improve energy resilience and reduce electric bills. The grant is open to farmers for the use of robotic and automated equipment, together with a focus on solar energy, with each of the schemes boasting dedicated funding of 15m. The move towards the target of net zero, equipment relying on electric or renewable energy will be prioritised, with biofuels viewed as renewable and will be treated preferably. The grants are subject to minimum levels, meaning farmers will need to contribute the balance which will have to be costed and reviewed as part of their overall business plan to assess the viability. This is the second time Defra have offered this grant, with those invited to make a full application having until 30 June 2025 to do so. The initial online checker stage will remain open until 21 March. After this date, the Rural Payment Agency will decide who to invite to the full application stage. John Wallis, regional director at property consultancy GSC Grays, believes the grant will be welcomed by farmers. He said: This is very welcome news. GSC Grays has been working with farmers over the last 18 months through our Farming Business Advice Service (FBAS) which is funded by Defra, to review their energy use and install P.V systems. "This grant will make that even more attractive, and some farms, where the returns were marginal without the grant, will now want to proceed. For robotic and automated equipment, the minimum grant available is 25,000 and the maximum grant available is 500,000. The grant will now cover up to 50% of the cost. For solar equipment, the minimum grant available is 15,000 and the maximum grant available is 100,000. The grant will cover up to 25% of the cost. It is possible to apply for automated and robotic equipment and also solar equipment, however, the maximum grant amount still cannot exceed 500,000 in total for both applications together. Mr Wallis added: The grant can also cover some additional eligible costs such as updating an electricity supply which could help farmers who are looking to install three phase as part of a solar project. "However, the minimum grant is quite high - 15k - which means total project costs have to be a minimum of 60k. As a result, this will likely exclude farmers looking to install small scale systems to meet lower energy use. In recent months, our average installation of farms we have worked with has been around 20k - 30k and therefore, would be ineligible for this grant. "It should be noted that the grant doesnt include ground mounted solar which will prohibit farmers without sufficient rooftop space. The grant is open to horticultural and farm businesses with contractors from those sectors eligible to apply for grants towards the purchase of robotic and automated equipment, but not solar equipment. Police in Northern Ireland are calling on farmers to remain vigilant after two significant livestock rustling incidents across the region. A 'substantial number' of sheep were stolen at Portglenone, Co Antrim over the weekend, with the crime occurring anytime between 12 noon on Saturday and 9am on Sunday (27-28 January). Meanwhile, livestock rustlers stole 50 lambs from farmland near Claudy, Co Londonderry, on Thursday night or Friday morning (25-26 January). The farmer affected described the "well-planned operation" which saw his Texel and Suffolk ewe lambs stolen as a "financial blow". A spokesperson for Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the thefts would be huge financial losses to those impacted. They said: The current prices sheep are attracting, although good news for the farming industry, does then lend itself as being a target for criminals intent on making money from their criminality. Prevention of rural crime is so important, but this type of theft needs the cooperation from farmers and the wider rural community, to work together and combat it, by taking proactive safety measures to ensuring their flock is secure at all times. Those with any information on the Co Antrim incident can share information to the PSNI by calling 101, quoting reference number 771 of 28/01/24. Similarly, information regarding the Co Londonderry theft can be shared by quoting reference 1116 of 26/01/24. According to the latest available figures, livestock rustling cost an estimated 2.7 million in 2022, up nearly 10 percent compared to the year before. Alzheimer's disease can be transmitted between people. Alzheimer's disease can pass between human beings New evidence suggests that the degenerative brain condition can pass between humans in rare medical accidents after a handful of individuals who received human growth hormones from dead donors went on to develop the disease early in life - likely because the hormones were contaminated with proteins that bedded the disease into their brains. The experts have emphasised that there is no evidence of Alzheimer's being passed between people through everyday activities or basic care. Professor John Collinge, co-author of the study and director of the MRC Prion Unit at University College London (UCL), said: "We're not suggesting for a moment you can catch Alzheimer's disease. This is not transmissible in the sense of a viral or bacterial infection. "It's only when people have been accidentally inoculated, essentially, with human tissue or extracts of human tissue containing these seeds, which is thankfully a very rare and unusual circumstance." Caitlyn Jenner's appearance on her son Brandons new reality show was scrapped after she reportedly threatened legal action. Caitlyn Jenner threatened legal action after finding out she was featured in the show The 74-year-old television personality - who was Olympian Bruce Jenner before transitioning - was set to show up in an episode of UnchainedTV's 'At Home With the Jenners', however, she feared being seen on another network's programme would compromise her Fox News job as an on-air contributor. Sources told TMZ: Caitlyn had no idea she was going to be part of Brandons show whatsoever, and she wasnt happy when she found out he was using her for promotions, let alone when she found out she was actually in a scene. The former 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star got her lawyers to warn the production company that if they did not remove her scene, they would be forced to file papers, however, they agreed to edit her appearance out. The former 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' star has addressed the situation and insisted she is not "abandoning" her 42-year-old son because she never agreed to be on his show in the first place, but insists she wishes him well. She said on X: I have never been more excited working @FoxNews, reaching millions, especially in light of the presidential election and the summer Olympics right around the corner. Reality TV has been in the rearview mirror for a while now. I wish my son nothing but the best for his cooking show! When someone suggested she was not supporting her son, Caitlyn replied: Abandoning? I never joined his show. I have been with Fox for years and plan to continue where my voice can be heard on sports, the Olympics, fairness in sport, the election, and a variety of other issues I am passionate about. Brandon recently admitted his relationship with Caitlyn has never been better. He told Us Weekly: " I talk to my dad almost every day. We have a lot of things in common. Were both pilots, so we share a hanger, and were up there at least a couple times a week working on planes and flying and stuff. So, were very good friends and we have a great relationship, definitely better than its ever been, or just more close than its ever been, which is nice." Kim Kardashian is to produce and star in a documentary series about Elizabeth Taylor. Kim Kardashian is to produce and star in a documentary series about Elizabeth Taylor The 43-year-old reality superstar is a big fan of the late film actress - who died in 2011 at the age of 79 - and is now working with BBC Arts on a project with the working title 'Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar' which will explore how the Hollywood legend came to be. She said: "Elizabeth Taylor was unapologetically herself, a fighter. She is proof that you can keep evolving and changing and have different chapters in your life and she paved the way for all of us who came after her with that blueprint." The series will analyse Elizabeth's technique as an actress and will examine "how she reinvented the nature of fame, even as she smashed the glass ceiling in Hollywood, before going on to become a billion-dollar businesswoman, activist and advocate." A synopsis for the series reads: "For too long the story of Elizabeth Taylor has been told as a soap opera. The eight marriages, the diamonds, the addictions. This series gives Elizabeth Taylor the significance she richly deserves, in all her incarnations: as an actor, rebel, business mogul, and activist to reveal how Taylor created the blueprint for modern celebrity." The series will feature interviews with 'The Kardashians' star herself - who was the last person to interview Elizabeth before her death - as well as other A-Listers who knew her, like her 'Cleopatra' co-star Dame Joan Collins and 'Meet Me In St. Louis' star Margaret OBrien. Alistair Pegg, commissioning editor at the BBC, said: This exciting series promises a new understanding of Elizabeth Taylor both her technique and power as an actor, and her capacity for reinventing herself. The man who pleaded guilty to stealing a pair of Judy Garland's ruby slippers will not face prison time. The man who stole a pair of ruby slippers has been sentenced Terry Jon Martin confessed to taking the famous shoes worn by the late screen legend when she played Dorothy in the 1939 classic 'The Wizard of Oz' from The Judy Garland Museum in 2005 and whilst on Monday (29.01.24), he was ordered to pay the Grand Rapids $23,000 in damages an/d was sentenced to time served and a year of probation. According to court documents obtained by the New York Times, Martin had "no idea" that the shoes were of such high cultural value because he had never even seen 'The Wizard of Oz' to begin with and simply believed that the red high heels must have "real rubies" in them to justify their $1 million insurance value. In court, his lawyer said that Martin, now 70, had hoped he would be able to peel the real rubies from the shoes and sell them on the black market. Dane DeKrey, said: "His intent was singular: He believed the gemstones affixed to the slippers were real rubies, and so he hoped to steal the slippers, remove the rubies, and sell them on the black market through a jewellery-fence." According to reports, Martin did not address the court directly during his sentencing and both sides recommended that he receive time served because he is in hospice care and not expected to live for more than six months. In 'The Wizard of Oz', Judy Garland wore a number of pairs of the famous slippers for logistical purposes, with others currently belonging to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Smithsonian Museum of American History, and a private collector. The pair in question were owned by Michael Shaw and were on loan to the museum dedicated to the actress when they were stolen but were returned to him in 2018 following an FBI operation. John Kelsch, curator of the Judy Garland Museum, said: "There's some closure, and we do know definitely that Terry Jon Martin did break into our museum, but I'd like to know what happened to them after he let them go. "Just to do it because he thought they were real rubies and to turn them over to a jewellery fence. I mean, the value is not rubies. The value is an American treasure, a national treasure. To steal them without knowing that seems ludicrous!" Lily Gladstone believes "perspectives are broadening" within the movie business. Lily Gladstone has welcomed change in the film industry The 37-year-old actress recently became the first Native American woman to be nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars, and Lily has now suggested that the nomination reflects wider changes in the film industry. Lily - who has been nominated for her performance in the Martin Scorsese-directed 'Killers of the Flower Moon' - told the BBC: "Times absolutely are changing; people's perspectives are broadening. The Academy has gotten much more diverse in the last 10, 20 years. I think it's also because Native and Indigenous filmmakers have been continually blowing audiences away with what we've been making people are ready." 'Killers of the Flower Moon' focuses on the murders of Native Americans after oil was discovered on tribal land. Lily feels very proud of the movie and the story that it tells. She said: "By bringing Indigenous performers into a place where we're leading ladies, we're leading films that people are feeling they're resonating with from all walks of life. That's proving that we belong in these places and we have a lot to offer. Like the stories that we have to tell are ones that everybody can benefit from, not just us." Lily was initially hesitant about making the movie. However, she was reassured by the presence of her co-star Leonardo DiCaprio. The actress - who was raised on the Blackfeet Reservation in Browning, Montana - shared: "You know, Leo with his climate activism in the way that I know his organisation centres grassroots, Indigenous people, I had a feeling that that's what he would be like to work with on this project, and certainly was." Bill Wyman doesn't think conscription would be a "bad idea" for young people. Bill Wyman thinks young people should enlist in the military The 87-year-old rock star took up National Service with the Royal Air Force in the late 1950s before finding fame with the Rolling Stones and explained that his time in the military taught him how to "respect" others at a young age. He is quoted by The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column as saying: "I think it would not be a bad idea. When you are in your early teens as a boy, you are a bit of a loose cannon sometimes, and you learn to respect people when you go into the military. I wasnt afraid to go into National Service. I spent two years in Germany and the amazing thing was that was where I heard the beginnings of rock n roll." The 'Ruby Tuesday' rocker has documented his time in service in his new memoir 'Billy In The Wars' and explained that he will always be "thankful" for those years because otherwise his rock and roll career may never have come to fruition. He said: "I was a bit ahead of the time. I went out and bought a guitar and formed a little skiffle group.When I came out, I put a band together and that is where my musical career began. I have to be thankful for being called up because otherwise that would never have happened. Bill previously recalled that during World War II when he was growing up, he thought it was an "amazing time" because of the community spirit he witnessed as those around him rallied together to get through the tough years. He said: "Everybody being so good to each other, helping each other. In our street, you could walk into anybody's house. Everybody helped everyone else. They shared food, they shared clothes. It was amazing and if anybody got ill, they would make a collection all round the street." Taylor Swift will take a "brutal flight" to make sure she can attend the Super Bowl amid her hectic concert schedule. Taylor Swift is said to be determined to make it to the Super Bowl to support Travis Kelce despite being on tour in Japan just a day earlier The 34-year-old pop superstar is currently dating Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce, 34, and after his team made it through to the major sporting event set to take place on February 11, the 'Anti-Hero' songstress is reportedly determined to be at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to support him even though she will have just finished a performance of her 'Eras' tour at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. A source told Page Six: "Its a brutal flight, but shell get on her plane right after the concert." The flight time from Tokyo to Las Vegas is 13 hours and if Taylor manages to leave Japan no later than an hour after her concert finishes at 11pm local time on Saturday 10 February, with the 17-hour time difference, she could land back in the U.S at 5:30pm local time, ready for the match to kick off at 3:30pm the next day. The 'Cruel Summer' hitmaker was first linked to the sportsman in September 2023 when she was seen attending one of his matches for the Kansas City Chiefs but recently admitted they were already a couple by the time the world found out about their romance. She told Time magazine: "This all started when Travis very adorably put me on blast on his podcast, which I thought was metal as hell. "We started hanging out right after that. So we actually had a significant amount of time that no one knew, which Im grateful for, because we got to get to know each other. "By the time I went to that first game, we were a couple. I think some people think that they saw our first date at that game? We would never be psychotic enough to hard launch a first date." The European Council has taken a significant step towards eradicating forced labour by adopting a negotiating mandate on the regulation prohibiting products made with forced labour on the European Union (EU) market. This move aims to align the proposed measures with international standards and EU legislation, while reinforcing the role of the European Commission in investigating and proving the use of forced labour. The council's mandate extends the scope of the regulation to include products offered for distance sales and envisages the creation of a forced labour single portal. It also highlights the importance of the commission's role in the investigative process, the European Council said in a press release. The European Council has adopted a mandate to combat forced labour in the EU, extending regulations to include distance sales and creating a portal for information. The European Commission's role in investigations is emphasised, with a focus on transparency and cross-border coordination. The mandate will be negotiated with the European parliament. The commission's proposal aims to prohibit products made with forced labour, as defined by the International Labour Organization, from being placed or made available on the EU market or exported to third countries. Competent authorities are tasked with assessing forced labour risks based on various sources, including civil society submissions, a database on risk areas or products, and companies' due diligence in relation to forced labour. In case of reasonable indications of forced labour, authorities are to initiate investigations, which may involve requests for information, checks, and inspections in the EU or third countries. If forced labour is confirmed, the authorities will order the withdrawal of the product and ban its market placement and export. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not exempt from the regulation, but the size, economic resources, and scale of forced labour will be considered before initiating formal investigations. The proposal also includes specific support tools for SMEs to comply with the regulation. The proposal foresees the establishment of a union network against forced labour products to coordinate measures taken by competent authorities and the commission. The council's mandate formalises this network, enhancing administrative cooperation and ensuring its active participation throughout the banning process. The council mandate strengthens the European Commission's role in reducing administrative burdens and simplifying case allocation. The commission will assess whether products are of EUs interest based on criteria such as the scale and severity of suspected forced labour, risks located outside the EU, and significant impact on the internal market. The mandate simplifies coordination in cross-border investigations by designating a lead competent authority and involving the EU network to ensure transparency. Field inspections, seen as a last resort, should respect national sovereignty and focus on locations with suspected forced labour risks. When inspections are needed outside the EU, the commission will contact third country governments to conduct inspections on suspected cases. Rejection of such requests by third countries may be considered non-cooperation, allowing the commission to make decisions based on other evidence. The commission is responsible for preparing the final decision to ban a particular product through an implementing act, with a non-confidential summary to be provided on the forced labour single portal. The council's mandate now provides a basis for negotiations with the European parliament, which adopted its position on November 8, 2023. Interinstitutional negotiations are set to start promptly.Top of Form It is appalling that in the 21st century slavery and forced labour still exist in the world. ILO estimates that 27.6 million people were in forced labour. This hideous crime must be eradicated and the first step to achieve this consist in breaking the business model of companies that exploit workers. With this regulation, we want to make sure that there is no place for their products in our single market, whether they are manufactured in Europe or abroad. The presidency ambitions to finish the interinstitutional negotiations before the end of this legislative term, said Pierre-Yves Dermagne, Belgian deputy prime minister and minister for the economy and employment. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP) All of the world's additional electricity demand over the next three years is expected to be met by low-emissions technologies, including renewables and nuclear power, as per the Electricity 2024 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), which forecasts electricity market trends up to 2026. Global electricity demand, which saw a modest growth of 2.2 per cent in 2023, is projected to accelerate, averaging 3.4 per cent annually from 2024 to 2026. The increase is largely driven by non-advanced economies, particularly China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. Remarkably, 85 per cent of this demand surge is expected to originate from these regions. By 2026, all additional global electricity demand is expected to be met by clean sources, including renewables and nuclear power, as per IEA's report. This shift will significantly reduce fossil fuel reliance, with renewables set to overtake coal and nuclear power reaching a historic high, signalling a major transformation in global electricity generation. The report indicates a transformative era for electricity generation, with low-emissions sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power, set to dramatically reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. By 2026, nearly half of the world's electricity generation could come from these clean sources, a significant jump from just under 40 per cent in 2023. Renewables alone are anticipated to surpass coal, accounting for over one-third of total electricity generation by early 2025. Nuclear power is also forecast to reach a historic high by 2025. This resurgence is attributed to increased output in France, the reactivation of several Japanese plants, and the commissioning of new reactors in countries including China, India, Korea, and Europe. When fossil fuel's share in global generation dips below 60 per cent for the first time in over five decades, it will mark a milestone in the IEA's records. The power sector currently produces more CO 2 emissions than any other in the world economy, so its encouraging that the rapid growth of renewables and a steady expansion of nuclear power are together on course to match all the increase in global electricity demand over the next three years, said IEA executive director Fatih Birol. This is largely thanks to the huge momentum behind renewables, with ever cheaper solar leading the way, and support from the important comeback of nuclear power, whose generation is set to reach a historic high by 2025. While more progress is needed, and fast, these are very promising trends. The report also highlights a structural decline in the power sector's carbon dioxide emissions, with an expected decrease of 2.4 per cent in 2024, followed by smaller reductions in the subsequent years. This trend signifies the decoupling of global electricity demand and emissions, which is critical considering the sector's growing electrification, including the rising use of electric vehicles and heat pumps. In 2023, electricity prices generally fell compared to 2022, with Europe witnessing a more than 50 per cent average decline after the record highs following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, prices remained significantly higher than pre-COVID levels. In contrast, the United States saw a 15 per cent increase over 2019 prices. The European Union's electricity demand is not expected to return to pre-crisis levels until at least 2026. Emerging and developing economies, in contrast, are experiencing robust electricity demand growth, expected to continue through 2026 due to population growth and industrialisation. China and India, in particular, are projected to witness substantial increases in electricity demand. The report also draws attention to Africa's stagnating per capita electricity use over the past three decades, underscoring the need for reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to support the continent's economic and climate goals. Dr. Birol emphasised the importance of international collaboration in aiding African nations to achieve these objectives. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD) Ira Khan and Nupur Shikhare officially got married in Mumbai earlier this month, and then headed to Udaipur, Rajasthan for their lavish wedding celebrations.Following the festivities, the couple jetted off to Bali for their honeymoon. Taking to Instagram, the newly married pair posted photos of their matching turtle tattoos.Sharing the pictures on Instagram stories, Ira wrote, "That's just mad. I'm going to be staring at it all day long."While, Nupur also shared a story which read, "Taking some island back."Nupur Shikhare posted a video from his scuba diving adventure at the Gili Islands. During the dive, he encountered a turtle that likely served as the muse for his tattoo. In his caption, he wrote, "Had the most beautiful time diving here at Gili-T." Ira commented on the post, "Haan. Okay. Now let's look at what you posted." She added in another comment, "I love you." She also wrote "turtle," adding a couple of emojis.Ira is the youngest of Aamir Khan's two children with his ex-wife Reena Dutta. In September 2022, Nupur Shikhare and Ira Khan got engaged. Nupur Shikhare popped the question to Ira during his participation in Ironman Italy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Filmfare (@filmfare) The night of the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism was a significant one for Ranbir Kapoor as he won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his outstanding performance in Sandeep Reddy Vangas film Animal. During his emotional acceptance speech, Ranbir paid tribute to his late father, the legendary actor Rishi Kapoor and also gave a shoutout to his daughter, Raha.Expressing his gratitude to his late father, Ranbir said, "Every day I think of you, I remember you and everything that I feel for you the love, the affection I try to channelise it through this part and I hope you are up there in peace and resting."Lastly, he mentioned his cute daughter, Raha and said, "And last but not least my daughter Raha naughty you were born and a week later I started principal shooting for Animal and every single day just to come home to you has been the most joyful experience of my life. Mumma and papa are bringing you a bua and a massi (referring the Black Lady) tonight to play I cant wait to experience every adventure with you I love you naughty. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen see you at the movies."Meanwhile, Ranbir's wife and actress Alia Bhatt also won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) award for her performance in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Mumbai, January 30 2024: - Amazon miniTV - Amazon's free video streaming service recently released its rom-com series, Badi Heroine Banti Hai. With a captivating narrative, the series follows the story of Kajal, who moves from Ludhiana to Bombay to pursue her dreams. As she gets fired on the first day of her job, her life takes a turn with her being tangled in a game of love and blame with her boss, Advait Singhania. Set against the backdrop of the shimmery world of fashion, the series takes a thrilling route with an unexpected murder mystery as Kajal ends up in a tangle with the murderer. Amalgamating romance, drama, thrill, and comedy, the series creates a gripping storyline that binds together complex and raw characters. Rajeev Siddhartha, who is seen portraying the role of the heart-throb CEO, Advait Singhania, candidly spoke about the series and shared his thoughts on its narrative. Talking about Badi Heroine Banti Hai and its intriguing narrative, Rajeev Siddhartha explained the context behind the title of the series, "I just loved it, and as I always say, a series or film at the very least must be entertaining; otherwise, it shouldn't be made. And while this seemed like a lot of fun, I also think that there should always be a message for the viewers to think about. The series Badi Heroine Banti Hai traces the journey of a young girl overcoming challenges to achieve her goals and, with love, positively impacting the hearts and lives of those around her." He further expressed his delight in being part of the show by adding, "The story is so beautiful, and my character also has such a nice arc throughout the series that I had to say yes to it. In my conversation with Gul, the creator, I discovered her sensibility, which resonated perfectly, and everything just fell into place." I am grateful and fortunate to be a part of this series." Created by Gul Khan, Badi Heroine Banti Hai features Prerna Lisa, Rajeev Siddhartha, Nehal Chudasama, and Utkarsh Kohli in pivotal roles. The series is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free, available on Amazon's shopping app, on Fire TV, and on the Play Store. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2024) - Tenet Fintech Group Inc. (CSE: PKK) (OTC Pink: PKKFF) ("Tenet" or the "Company"), further to its press release of December 12, 2023 (the "Prior Press Release"), today announced that it has amended the terms of its brokered private placement financing of up to $10,000,000 of securities of the Company (the "Offering") led by Research Capital Corporation as lead agent and sole bookrunner (the "Agent") in connection with the Offering. Given the preference shown by investors for the convertible debenture units of the Company (the "CD Units"), and after further discussions, the Company and the Agent have determined not to proceed with the offer or sale of Equity Units (as such term is defined in the Prior Press Release) pursuant to Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106") (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The Offering will now consist of the sale of up to 10,000 convertible debenture units of the company (each, a "CD Unit") at a price of $1,000 per CD Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $10,000,000. Each CD Unit offering in the revised Offering is comprised of: (i) one 10.0% unsecured convertible debenture of the Company in the principal amount of $1,000 (a "Convertible Debenture"); and (ii) 6,666 common share purchase warrants (the "CD Warrants"). The Convertible Debentures will mature thirty-six (36) months from the date of issuance thereof (the "Maturity Date") and, subject to prior conversion repayment in accordance with their terms, will be repaid in cash at the Maturity Date. Each CD Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company (the "Common Shares") at an exercise price of $0.25 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance thereof. From the date of issue until their Maturity Date, Convertible Debenture holders may elect to convert, in whole or in part, the face value of the Convertible Debentures into Common Shares at a conversion price of $0.15 per Common Share. At any time prior to the Maturity Date, if the volume weighted average price of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (or such other Canadian stock exchange on which the greatest volume of Common Shares is traded) meets or exceeds $2.50 for three consecutive trading days, any non-converted and remaining face value of the Convertible Debentures will be automatically converted into Common Shares at a conversion price of $0.15 per Common Share. Upon the conversion of the Convertible Debentures, the Company will pay to the Convertible Debenture holders, in cash, the interest accrued on the Convertible Debentures for the amount converted up to but excluding the date of conversion. The Convertible Debentures shall bear interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum from the date of issue, payable monthly in arrears in cash. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months. The Company will grant the Agent an option (the "Agent's Option") to increase the size of the Offering by up to 15% of the number of CD Units by giving written notice of the exercise of the Agent's Option, or a part thereof, to the Company at any time up to 48 hours prior to any closing of the Offering. At each closing of the Offering, the Company shall pay to the Agent a cash commission equal to 7.0% of the gross proceeds of the Offering (including any exercise of the Agent's Option). In addition, the Company will issue to the Agents that number of warrants (the "Broker Warrants") which is equal to 7.0% of the number of CD Units sold pursuant to the Offering, including any CD Units sold pursuant to the exercise of the Agent's Option, where any such exercise occurs. Each Broker Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one CD Unit at an exercise price of $1,000 for a period of 24 months following the date of issuance thereof. For providing corporate finance services in connection with the Offering, the Company will pay a fee to the Agent in the amount of $50,000 payable upon completion of the Offering for gross proceeds of a minimum of $7,500,000. The CD Units will be offered under applicable exemptions from the prospectus requirements under NI 45-106. The securities comprising the CD Units will be subject to a hold or restricted period of four months and a day from the date of issuance thereof. Tenet intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to continue the development of its Cubeler Business Hub, for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Offering may close in one or more tranches, the first tranche of which is anticipated to close on February 2, 2024 (the "Closing"), to permit the mandatory five (5) business day period required by the Canadian Securities Exchange to elapse from the date of this press release. The Closing is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any CD Units sold to "related parties" of the Company (as such term is defined in MI 61-101, defined below) will consist of a $1,000 Convertible Debenture and 4,000 CD Warrants. Each Convertible Debenture sold to the Related Parties will have a conversion price of $0.25 per share, and each CD Warrant sold to Related Parties will have an exercise price of $0.50 per share. All other terms and conditions of the Convertible Debentures and Warrants sold to the Related Parties will be identical in all material respects to the description of such securities described above. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. About Tenet Fintech Group Inc.: Tenet Fintech Group Inc. is the parent company of a group of innovative financial technology (Fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) companies. All references to Tenet in this news release, unless explicitly specified, include Tenet and all its subsidiaries. Tenet's subsidiaries offer various analytics and AI-based products and services to businesses, capital markets professionals, government agencies and financial institutions either through or leveraging data gathered by the Cubeler Business Hub, a global ecosystem where analytics and AI are used to create opportunities and facilitate B2B transactions among its members. Please visit our website at: https://www.tenetfintech.com/. For more information, please contact: Tenet Fintech Group Inc. Mayco Quiroz, Chief Operating Officer 514-340-7775 ext.: 510 investors@tenetfintech.com CHF Capital Markets Cathy Hume, CEO 416-868-1079 ext.: 251 cathy@chfir.com Follow Tenet Fintech Group Inc. on social media: X: @Tenet_Fintech Facebook: @Tenet LinkedIn: Tenet YouTube: Tenet Fintech Forward-looking information Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements in this press release include: statements regarding the revised Offering; the expected gross proceeds of the Offering; the use of proceeds of the Offering; the final terms of the CD Units and the securities underlying them; any potential exercise of the Agent's Option; and the anticipated closing of the Offering. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of management of Tenet. Actual events and conditions could differ materially from those expressed or implied in this press release as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Tenet, including risks regarding the industry in which Tenet operates, economic factors, the equity markets generally and risks associated with growth and competition. Additional risk factors are also set forth in the Company's management's discussion and analysis and other filings available via the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) under Tenet's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Tenet has attempted to identify certain factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196112 SOURCE: Tenet Fintech Group Inc. ABU DHABI, UAE and SINGAPORE, Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ACX Group is pleased to announce the successful connection of AirCarbon Pte. Ltd.'s Singapore based trading platform ("ACX SG"), with the regulated environmental instruments exchange operated by ACX Ltd and ACX Clearing Corporation Ltd ("ACX Exchange") in the Abu Dhabi Global Market ("ADGM"). This exciting enhancement represents an important step in ACX Group's strategy of connecting key global environmental instrument markets, as one consolidated liquidity pool operated under the regulated oversight of the ACX Exchange. Key benefits of ACX SG's connection to the ACX Exchange are: Enhanced Liquidity: The expanded number of market participants trading on ACX Exchange's single order book will increase liquidity and therefore contribute to tighter spreads, more efficient price discovery and enhanced transparency. The expanded number of market participants trading on ACX Exchange's single order book will increase liquidity and therefore contribute to tighter spreads, more efficient price discovery and enhanced transparency. Global Network: ACX Group's global network ensures that market participants can easily navigate multiple liquidity pools and instruments from a single interface, thus streamlining the trading process, decreasing operational costs and eliminating the need to onboard with multiple platforms. ACX Group's global network ensures that market participants can easily navigate multiple liquidity pools and instruments from a single interface, thus streamlining the trading process, decreasing operational costs and eliminating the need to onboard with multiple platforms. Regulatory Compliance: ACX SG's clients will benefit from the investor protection that results from ACX Exchange's regulatory status, being a Recognised Investment Exchange and a Recognised Clearing House under the supervision of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM. The regulatory framework ensures participants trade under a fair, robust and transparent environment, with access to carbon markets globally. Mr. Thomas McMahon, co-CEO & co-Founder at ACX Group, expressed his enthusiasm about this significant milestone, stating, "By connecting ACX SG to the ACX Exchange, we are enhancing liquidity while fortifying investor protection. This synergy offers our clients the best of both worlds, and we are excited to bring these benefits to the trading community." ACX Group invites traders, investors, and market participants to experience the benefits of its platform first-hand and be part of this exciting journey towards a more connected and regulated trading environment. About the ACX Group: ACX Group, including the regulated ACX Exchange (operated by ACX Ltd and ACX Clearing Corporation Ltd) and the Singapore based AirCarbon Pte. Ltd., provides corporates, financial entities, carbon project developers and other market participants, with an efficient and transparent means of trading environmental instruments. Through leveraging distributed ledger technology, ACX provides a seamless and user-friendly platform, with the lowest transaction fees in the market, to facilitate growth of environmental instrument markets and contribute to the necessary transition to a net zero global economy. ACX Group is proud to be a member of the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) and the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), further enhancing its commitment to sustainability and responsible trading practices for carbon and other environmental products. ACX Group has garnered international recognition as the Best Carbon Exchange globally in Environmental Finance's esteemed Voluntary Carbon Market Rankings for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023), solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. For more information, please contact info@acx.net or visit www.acx.net. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2286691/4516970/ACX_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/acx-group-strengthens-global-presence-through-connecting-acx-singapore-to-acxs-abu-dhabi-exchange-302046608.html WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC) said that it has reached an accelerated share repurchase agreement with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC to repurchase $1 billion of Northrop Grumman's common stock. Northrop stated that it continues to target returning well over 100% of its free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2024. As per the accelerated share repurchase agreement, Northrop Grumman expects to receive an initial delivery of approximately 1.8 million shares on January 31, representing approximately 80 percent of the expected share repurchases under the ASR agreement, based on the company's closing price of $438.31 on January 29, 2024. The final number of shares to be repurchased through the ASR will be based on Northrop Grumman's volume-weighted average price during the term of the transaction, less a discount, and is expected to be completed no later than the second quarter of 2024. The ASR will be completed under the company's current share repurchase authorization, which currently has about $3.6 billion remaining. In a Separate press release, Northrop Grumman said that it has priced a $2.5 billion underwritten public offering of senior unsecured notes. The notes include $500 million of 4.600% senior notes due 2029; $850 million of 4.900% senior notes due 2034; $1.15 billion of 5.200% senior notes due 2054. Northrop Grumman expects to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include debt repayment, share repurchases and working capital. The offering is expected to close on January 31, 2024. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - WPP PLC (WPP) Tuesday said it expects fiscal 2023 results to be in line with its previous projections. The company expects like-for-like (LFL) revenue growth less pass-through costs to be 0.9 percent, consistent with the previous outlook of 0.5 percent - 1 percent. 2023 headline operating profit margin is expected to be 14.8 percent, equivalent to 15 percent on a constant currency basis, compared with prior outlook of 14.8 - 15 percent, excluding the impact of FX. For fiscal 2024, the company sees like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs growth of 0-1 percent. Headline operating profit margin is expected to improve of 20-40bps, excluding the impact of FX. As for the medium term targets of the company, it now sees more than 3 percent LFL growth in revenue less pass-through costs, compared with the previous outlook of 3-4 percent growth. Headline operating profit margin is expected to be 16-17 percent, up from 15.5-16.0 percent guided earlier. WPP is scheduled to report fiscal 2023 results on February 22. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Quest Critical Metals Inc. (CSE: BULL) (OTCQB: DCNNF) (FSE: DCR0) (formerly Canadian Palladium Resources Inc.) ("Quest Critical Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to update its shareholders on the latest progress of the EU HORIZON-funded Exploration Information Systems (EIS) Project (the "Project"), which it participates through its wholly-owned Czech subsidiary, Golden Pet SRO. Quest Critical Metals' property, Klingenthal/Tisova, straddles the German/Czech border with approximately 70km2 in each country. The EU HORIZON 7.5m funded EIS Project aims to enhance Europe's self-sufficiency in critical raw materials (CRM). The Project is focused on developing advanced exploration concepts and data tools to aid mineral exploration and reduces its impact on nature, making exploration more sustainable. The EIS Project also aims to raise awareness of the importance of critical raw materials and the challenges of exploring for them in the EU. James Newall, CEO of Quest Critical Metals, commented, "To have such a wealth of geological and geophysical experience analysing our Klingenthal/Tisova project, all funded by the EU, is an incredible privilege. Not only do they bring their own insights, but their approval of our current geological interpretation is very reassuring. In addition, our inclusion as the case study for one of the three key themes of the EIS Awareness Campaign will bring our story to a far wider audience than we could ever reach ourselves. Taken in combination with our recent acquisition of licences, prospective for lithium, in Brazil's 'Lithium Valley' and our successful exploration campaign and resource at East Bull, this is an exciting time for both management and shareholders." For more information, visit the EIS Project Website at: https://eis-he.eu/. Key Highlights: EU Funding Boost : Quest Critical Metals has now received three tranches of EU grant funding. Top European Collaboration : During this process the Company has benefitted from some of the leading geologist and geophysicists in Europe looking in detail at the project. For example, the work of Professor Jiri Zacharias of Charles University, Prague, on the evolution of the ore body at Tisova and its cobalt bearing phases. Data Contribution : The Company's data has been used to help create the VMS identifying model. Tisova Project Advancement: The EIS project is moving into its testing phase in 2024 and Klingenthal/Tisova is the only test site where drilling is planned, both in Germany and Czech. EIS Project Awareness Campaign: Raising Awareness of the Importance of Critical Minerals Objective : Raising awareness of the importance of Critical Minerals and the challenges of exploring for them in the EU (using Golden Pet, our wholly owned subsidiary, as a case study). Engagement : Governments, corporations (including end users), and stakeholders targeted, with a culmination at the EU Raw Minerals Week in November 2024 in Brussels. Workshop: A dedicated workshop at PDAC 2024, led by EIS Project partners. Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), is the annual Convention that hosts the world's premier mineral exploration and mining companies in Toronto, Canada. NOTE Quest Critical Metals' Klingenthal/Tisova property, of just over 140km2, is split equally between Germany and the Czech Republic in the Erzgebirge mountain range., The project is in the State of Saxony on the German side and the Sokolov District on the Czech side. On the German side the project is managed by the renowned Beak Consultants, who are based in Freiberg, and who arranged the EIS's second project meeting in Dresden in November 2022. At this meeting Quest Critical Metals' CEO, James Newall, was able to meet key figures in the German raw materials sector including the mining Oberberghauptmann of Saxony and the Akademischer Oberrat from the Deutsche Rohstoff Agentur (https://eis-he.eu/2023/01/26/catching-up-on-our-progress-the-eis-progress-meeting-at-dresden/). Quest Critical Metals Inc. James Newall, President and CEO T: (604) 639-4472 Reader Advisory This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the proposed timing and completion of the private placement and the proposed use of proceeds from the private placement. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation and environmental regulation; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; liabilities inherent in water disposal facility operations; competition for, among other things, skilled personnel and supplies; incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions; geological, technical, processing and transportation problems; changes in tax laws and incentive programs; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and dispositions; and the other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196098 SOURCE: Quest Critical Metals Inc. LONDON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The total investable wealth currently held in the BRICS bloc amounts to USD 45 trillion and its millionaire population is expected to rise by 85% over the next 10 years, according to the inaugural BRICS Wealth Report, published by international investment migration advisory firm Henley & Partners . There are currently 1.6 million individuals with investable assets of over USD 1 million in the grouping of the world's leading emerging economies, including 4,716 centi-millionaires or 'centis' and 549 billionaires. The original BRICS cohort comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa added substantial new financial firepower and geopolitical clout with the inclusion this month of new MENA members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The BRICS bloc now represents more than 45% of the world's population and accounts for a larger share (nearly 36%) of global GDP than G7 countries (30%) when adjusting for purchasing power parity (PPP). CEO of Henley & Partners, Dr. Juerg Steffen, says an expanded BRICS presents attractive new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs worldwide. "The inclusion of MENA countries is not just a political realignment but a recognition of their growing economic stature, offering access to fast-growing consumer markets, strategic geographic positioning, and unique cultural and business environments." Wealth growth trends The new report reveals that in the last decade, private wealth grew by a remarkable 92% in China, which is now home to 862,400 millionaires, including 2,352 centis and 305 billionaires. India follows in 2nd place in the BRICS HNWI ranking, with 326,400 millionaires, including over 1,000 centis and 120 billionaires, and wealth growth soaring by 85% over the past 10 years. The UAE's millionaire population has also shot up since 2013, by 77%, and is now home to 116,500 millionaires, including over 300 centis. The past decade has also seen robust private wealth growth in Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia, with their millionaire populations rising by 35% and 30%, respectively. Leading personal finance and investment expert Jeff D. Opdyke says "economically, non-Western nations - with BRICS at the vanguard - are pushing the globe into a new reality: An emerging economic, social, and monetary status quo that is upending what the world has accepted as normal for nearly eight decades." Looking to the decade ahead, India leads the BRICS pack with a forecast 110% increase in wealth per capita by 2033. Saudi Arabia is runner up with its wealth per capita expected to expand by over 105% in the next 10 years, followed closely by the UAE on 95%, China (85%), Ethiopia (75%), South Africa (60%), and Egypt (55%). Wealthiest cities China lays claim to five of the Top 10 wealthiest cities in BRICS, with capital Beijing securing top honors with 125,600 millionaires, including 347 centis and 42 billionaires. Hot on its heels in 2nd place is Shanghai (123,400 millionaires), with Shenzhen (5th with 50,300), Hangzhou (6th with 31,600), and Guangzhou (9th with 24,500) also making the Top 10. The UAE and India each have two cities in the Top 10. Dubai is in 3rd place with 72,500 resident millionaires (including 212 centis and 15 billionaires), and Abu Dhabi sits in 10th place with 22,700 HNWIs (68 centis and 5 billionaires). Mumbai, India's de-facto financial center, is 4th with 58,800 millionaires (236 centis and 29 billionaires) and national capital Delhi ranks 7th (home to 31,000 millionaires, including 123 centis and 16 billionaires) ahead of Moscow in 8th place (30,300 millionaires, with 207 centis and 23 billionaires). The Russian Federation's capital is the only Top 10 city with a declining millionaire population over the past decade. Moscow saw a 24% drop in HNWIs while the rest of the wealthiest cities in BRICS have all enjoyed significant private wealth growth of between 75% (Abu Dhabi) and - in the case of Shenzhen - an astonishing 140% more millionaires than in 2013. Head of Research at New World Wealth, Andrew Amoils, says five BRICS cities to watch are Bengaluru, Cape Town, Jeddah, Riyadh and Sharjah, as all are expected to experience particularly strong (80%+) wealth growth over the coming decade. Read the Full Press Release View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-brics-wealth-report-challenging-the-global-economic-order-302045639.html MADRID, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Suanfarma, a prominent leader in the B2B life science business, announces a strategic rebranding initiative. All of this is aimed at reinforcing the importance of Suanfarma as a global player in the healthcare sector, both as a distributor of APIs and as a CDMO company in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. In this manner, Suanfarma's sites, Cipan and Rovereto, are now acknowledged as part of a global and unified brand. Being collectively part of Suanfarma CDMO enhances visibility and flexibility in new projects, enabling the leveraging of synergies among the two factories in the group, in Portugal and Italy respectively. Suanfarma's rebranding signifies a transformation that emphasizes the integration of its sites into the global business landscape of Suanfarma, all while upholding the unwavering dedication to quality that has been pivotal to the company's success. The company's core values, backed by its people, will continue to drive its commitment to providing high-quality solutions and services. "We have grown significantly in the last few years in our CDMO capabilities, and now we want to showcase who we truly are. At Suanfarma CDMO, we adapt to the customers' needs for fermentation, purification, and chemical synthesis processes in small, mid, and large volumes," says Francisco Fernandez, CEO of Suanfarma. In accordance with this new brand strategy, Suanfarma is also introducing its new brand mantra: "At the Core of a Better Life." With this vision, the company reaffirms itself as a key player in the production of high-impact medicines for people's health and well-being. Science is applied to improve people's lives, care for the environment, and support the development of Suanfarma's partners. "We recognize that a strong corporate brand is crucial for success in today's competitive business environment. The new brand architecture is a representation of our commitment to corporate excellence, setting the stage for enhanced trust and recognition among global stakeholders," says Daniel Rivero, Industrial Director of Suanfarma. This rebranding project presents a strategic opportunity for Suanfarma to embrace a more corporate approach, aligning its brand with its CDMO capabilities and the innovative and dynamic spirit of the industry. By doing so, Suanfarma aims to not only adapt to the evolving business landscape but also to set new standards for customer excellence. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2328701/Suanfarma.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2234752/4517469/Suanfarma_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/suanfarma-unifies-its-industrial-brands-in-a-rebranding-initiative-under-suanfarma-cdmo-302046809.html CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Automotive Lighting Market is projected to grow from an estimated USD 22.5 billion in 2023 to reach USD 30.4 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Automotive manufacturers are highly focused on developing new and innovative lighting to increase the driver's and other road users' aesthetic appeal and safety. Automotive lighting is an integral part of every vehicle and significantly ensures safety, aesthetic appeal, and visibility. OEMs in lighting innovation create a range of concepts for interior and exterior use of LED technology. Almost all OEMs have incorporated LED technology in today's vehicles. LED daytime running and rear lights have been introduced on several vehicles, and the latest LED matrix headlights provide vastly superior characteristics for functionality and design. Recently, all the high-end four-wheelers have been typically equipped with LED lighting, which is also anticipated to fuel the overall market growth. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=1133 Browse in-depth TOC on "Automotive Lighting Market". 507 - Tables 59 - Figures 378 - Pages Automotive Lighting Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Size USD 30.4 billion by 2030 Growth Rate CAGR of 4.4% Largest Market Asia Pacific Market Dynamics Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities & Challenges Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Technology (Halogen, LED, Xenon), Position and Application (Front, Rear, Side, Interior), Adaptive Lighting, Electric Vehicle, Two-Wheeler Position Type and Region Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Advancement in Lighting Technologies Key Market Drivers Lighting Regulations for better visibility and on-road safety "Exterior Lighting will remain the dominant application during the forecast period." The exterior lighting application is projected to lead the automotive lighting market during the review period. The segment's growth is mainly attributed to the compulsory fitment of several lighting components such as headlights, tail lamps, indicators, Center High Mounted Stop Lamps (CHMSL), Brake/ reverse lights, and license plates in almost all categories of vehicles. Further, continuous advancements in front & rear lighting technologies and government mandates to install daytime running lights (DRL), and adaptive lighting will prompt the growth of this segment. The exterior adaptive lighting technologies are gaining traction during the forecast period. This lighting improves the visibility of vehicles at a dimly lit intersection with the help of sensors which help to detect the steering angle to swivel based on the travelling direction of the vehicle. For instance, the European Union mandated the installation of passenger and commercial vehicles. Additionally, passenger cars produced in Japan and Canada also need to be fitted with DRLs, and other countries such as the US, China, India, and South Korea have noticed a significant uptake of LED DRLs and fog lights starting from mid- to premium range cars. Hence, advanced technologies like automatic ON/OFF, high beam assist in front lighting, and rear light signalling functions help to communicate with the driver and surroundings while driving. Thus, such advancement in exterior lighting is transforming the overall automotive lighting industry which will drive this market in upcoming years. "LED to be the fastest growing automotive lighting technology by 2030." The LED lighting market will become a prominent technology in the automotive industry by the end of 2030 as it is more efficient than other technologies and is useful for adaptive lighting features. Due to this, LED headlamps and taillights have experienced an upsurge in demand in the passenger vehicles segment. On the other hand, mid-priced cars are getting installed with hybrid lighting, which combines halogen and LED lighting. Moreover, certain government norms encourage the usage of LED lighting. For instance, in February 2022, the US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a final rule allowing automotive OEMs to install adaptive driving beam headlights on newly produced vehicles. Further, advancements in LED technologies such as OLED and matrix LED are prominently available in high-end cars for headlight application; however, they are expected to see a noticeable adoption in mid-range cars, especially in developing countries. Other than exterior applications, the adoption of LEDs for dashboards, gloveboxes, and dome lamps is growing rapidly. Leading OEMs such as Hyundai, Toyota, Volkswagen, BMW, and Nissan among others have adopted LED technology in interior and exterior applications to improve the vehicle's appearance. Some major commercial vehicle manufacturers, such as Daimler, Volvo, Scania, and MAN Trucks among others, are offering LED headlamps in some of the heavy trucks segment. Thus, the extended lighting range of LED technology with design flexibility and shifting consumer inclination towards LED technology will propel the adoption of LED technology in the coming years. "Europe is the second largest market for automotive lighting." Europe is estimated to remain the second largest region for the automotive lighting market. The region's growth is mainly driven by stringent government regulations and the presence of prominent OEMs and tier-1 suppliers that invest in advanced technology to improve vehicle and passenger safety. For instance, the use of Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) has been mandated by European authorities for almost all vehicle types. These regulations by the European Union have compelled automotive OEMs to incorporate advanced lighting systems. The European Union has set a target to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030, and advanced automotive lighting solutions are seen as a critical technology in achieving this goal. Regarding country-wise analysis, Germany is estimated to account for the largest share of the European automotive lighting market. Class C and above passenger vehicles contribute around 90% of the total passenger cars produced in Germany. The demand for trending LED technology in headlights, taillight, and in-cabin lighting is higher in premium sedans, coupe, and mid & full-size SUVs. Other major EU countries, including Spain, France, and the UK, have a higher adoption of luxury cars. LED technology has higher adoption in these vehicles due to advancements specific to this technology, like matrix LED, OLED, and adaptive headlights that adjust the light beam based on driving conditions, enhancing visibility without causing glare for oncoming traffic. The technology provides flexibility to create many new design possibilities, enabling functional and aesthetical adjustments in numerous ways. Due to this, Tier-1 suppliers such as OSRAM, Magnetic Marelli, and Hella offer this technology to automakers like AUDI, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz as a standard feature. Similarly, the development and adoption of smart automotive lighting systems under ADAS technology, like headlamps responding to the steering angle, suspension movements, road curvatures, and forward traffic, is increasing in the region. This will drive the demand for the adaptive headlamp market. These features are gaining popularity in Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Volkswagen, and other passenger car models. European legislation focuses on decreasing fatalities by encouraging the inclusion of these safety systems in vehicles. Further LCVs offered by OEMs such as Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen incorporate advanced lighting systems, including LED headlights for improved visibility and energy efficiency. These factors will fuel the region's demand for advanced automotive lighting market. Inquire Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=1133 Key Market Players: The major players in Automotive Lighting Companies include Koito Manufacturing (Japan), Magnetic Marelli (Italy), Valeo (France), HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA (Germany) and Stanley Electric (Japan) Recent Developments in November 2023, HELLA launched its new HELLA Value Fit BLADE auxiliary headlamp series primarily for trucks and off-road vehicles. These auxiliary headlamps are equipped with innovative LED lighting technology and provide a new growth path entry into the world of LED vehicle lighting. In July 2023, HELLA and Porsche launched the world's first high-resolution headlamp powered by matrix LED technology. This raised automotive lighting technology to a new level. In July 2022, HELLA introduced the next generation of ambient lighting. The new HELLA Slim Light System can indirectly set the interior scene and enable wide-area lighting, such as in the door. The most striking feature of this system is its slim design and lightweight. It can be embedded between several layers, not exceeding a thickness of eight millimeters. By way of comparison, current systems measure around 20 millimeters. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=1133 Browse Adjacent Market: Automotive and Transportation Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Automotive LiDAR Market - Global Forecast to 2030 Automotive Glazing Market - Global Forecast to 2025 Automotive Ambient Lighting Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Autonomous / Self-Driving Cars Market - Global Forecast to 2030 About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/automotive-lighting-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/automotive-lighting-market.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2297424/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/automotive-lighting-market-worth-30-4-billion-by-2030---exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302047557.html MADRID, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Iberia Airline, the flag carrier of Spain, and UnionPay International, the leading global card scheme, have announced the official launch of UnionPay service at Iberia Airlines online ticketing system throughout 11 countries in Euro Zone. Tourists can now book flights and make payments using UnionPay card easily through Iberia Airlines official website and APP. This additional payment method, accessible to all the UnionPay cardholders, supplements Iberia's existing options, enhancing the security and efficiency of online transactions for its clientele. After nearly 100 years of business development, Iberia Airlines has now reached its service to 26 domestic and 64 international destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe, making it convenient for tourists to travel in the most of the destinations across the globe. With acceptance in 181 countries and regions, UnionPay as a global card scheme has also constructed a widely covered service network, making sure the UnionPay cardholders can get access to a full range the payment scenarios wherever they go to. With billions of cards issued globally, UnionPay is the world-leading card payment network and is the preferred payment method for the Chinese and Asian market. The partnership with UnionPay has expanded the Asian customer base who reside in Euro zone for Iberia Airlines. About Iberia Airlines Iberia has been flying from Spain for more than 96 years, with the purpose of generating prosperity, connecting people with the world. It is part of International Airline Group, the first airline group worldwide to commit to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the first European one to powering 10 per cent of its flights with sustainable aviation fuel by 2030. Iberia is the leading airline between Europe and Latin America, was one of the first members of oneworld and, alongside with Iberia Express and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum, offers flights to fifty countries from Madrid airport, where it has developed its hub. In addition to the airline business, its activity is diversified into air freight, aircraft maintenance, and airport handling services business. About UnionPay International UnionPay International focuses on the international business of UnionPay, a global payment network that serves the world's largest Cardholder base. Collaborating with over 2,500 partners globally, UnionPay acceptance now covers over 70 million merchants in 181 countries and regions. Outside the Chinese Mainland, UnionPay is accepted at over 38 million merchants and 1.76 million ATMs. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/iberia-airlines-has-now-accepted-unionpay-cards-through-official-website-and-app-302047593.html The Consulting Report lists the top 50 consulting firm CEOs for 2023, highlighting the pronounced significance of "top-notch consultancy services." New York, Jan. 30, 2024, President & CEO of Boyden, in The ConsultingReport'stop 50 consulting firm CEOsof 2023. Commenting on this accolade, Chad said, "I am honored to be included among this esteemed group and want to acknowledge that the real recognition goes to Boyden's global partners who are truly dedicated and intrepid leadership experts who deliver the best possible outcome for their clients." Through The Consulting Report nomination process, Chad is featured alongside the CEOs of many of the world's most admired consulting firms: the big five, tech giants, niche consultants, data science & AI firms and other global disruptors. Chad Hesters is profile #18: https://www.theconsultingreport.com/the-top-50-ceos-and-leaders-of-2023/. Kathleen Dunton, Boyden Board Chair stated "For 77 years Boyden has been helping clients achieve strategic goals by meeting their leadership needs at every stage of the talent lifecycle. We are excited to have Chad at the helm of our continued growth and ongoing commitment to deliver outstanding service to the global marketplace." CEOs were chosen, in the words of The Consulting Report, for their "unwavering dedication to advancing their clients' objectives... Setting themselves apart, these leaders showcase industry-specific expertise and a range of capabilities, enabling clients to navigate through complex and dynamic business environments with confidence".[1] In today's business climate, The Consulting Report asserts, "the significance of top-notch consultancy services has never been more pronounced for organizations. The industry's future growth is anticipated to be fueled by factors such as accelerated economic expansion, the rise of digital consulting, and the effects of globalization".[2] About Boyden Boyden is a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 70 offices in over 45 countries. Our global reach enables us to serve client needs anywhere they conduct business. We connect great companies with great leaders through executive search, interim management, and leadership consulting solutions. Boyden is ranked amongst the top companies on Forbes' Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms for 2023. For further information, visit www.boyden.com. [1]And 2 Reproduced with kind permission of Market Insight Media, Inc (MIM), owner of The Consulting Report. Attachment LONDON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2024, Londoners are embracing a trend of exploring wines from lesser-known appellations, signalling a shift towards quality over quantity in response to rising living costs. This moment of discovery as mentioned by Drinks Retailing News and The Guardian is an exciting one, with consumers keen to explore new wines from all over the world, bringing some hidden gems into the spotlight. The movement towards more careful consumption is exemplified by the rise of three exceptional Italian appellations, embodying the ethos of "small but mighty." Alto Adige DOC Wines, originating from the enchanting Alpine region, holds an Italian record with over 98% of vines protected under DOC regulations. This meticulous oversight ensures the production of wines of unparalleled quality. Celebrated for their alpine freshness and purity, these wines offer a delightful elegance and crispness that captivate the discerning palate. Similarly, Etna DOC Wines, cultivated on the fiery slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, bring a unique volcanic allure to London's wine scene. The painstaking hand-picking of grapes in these regions underscores a keen commitment to excellence, resulting in wines that are not just exceptional, but truly distinctive. Finally, adding a timeless touch of decadence to London's dining scene, is Pecorino Romano PDO, the esteemed cheese of Roman emperors, now celebrated for its contribution to the city's culinary landscape. This focus on wines from lesser-known regions aligns perfectly with the insights shared in many recent articles, which emphasise the allure of discovering hidden gems in the vast world of wine. London's discerning diners are increasingly drawn to these unique appellations, seeking out experiences that transcend mere consumption and instead offer a journey of exploration and discovery through trying something they may never have heard of before. In London's vibrant culinary landscape, these three products - Alto Adige DOC, Etna DOC, and Pecorino Romano PDO - have made a significant splash in the city's top Italian restaurants, with 14 out of 19 venues in Time Out's 2023 list proudly featuring them, including Trullo and Locanda Locatelli. The 'small but mighty' ethos resonates with consumers, inviting them on a journey celebrating the dramatic landscapes and traditions of the Bel Paese, enriching the city's dynamic gastronomic scene. London's embrace of wines from lesser-known regions signifies an exciting shift towards quality exploration over familiarity, enriching the city's culinary landscape in 2024. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2329897/Europe_For_the_Senses_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/small-but-mighty--europe-for-the-senses-shines-in-london-restaurants-302047700.html IPS-Integrated Project Services, LLC, a leading provider of engineering, procurement, construction management, and validation (EPCMV) services, is excited to announce the opening of its second office in the United Kingdom, located in the vibrant Glasshouse at Alderley Park, Macclesfield. This strategic expansion signifies a significant step in the company's growth and commitment to serving its expanding client base in the UK and Europe. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130107076/en/ IPS UK Open a New Office in Manchester. Glen Slaymaker IPS UK Director Dennis Wareing Director of Risk Compliance cut the ribbon to open the new office. (Photo: Business Wire) The Birmingham office served as the catalyst for a remarkable period in the UK market. The decision to open the Alderley Park office is not merely an expansion; it's a testament to a dedicated team's unwavering commitment and tireless efforts. With seven offices and over 420 professionals across Europe, including more than 170 in the UK, IPS' narrative is one of exponential growth. "Our growth in the UK and Europe has been a testament to our team's dedication to delivering exceptional services," said Glen Slaymaker Senior UK Director. "The new office in Alderley Park is not just an expansion of our physical footprint; it's a reinforcement of our commitment to being closer to our clients and tapping into the rich talent pool in the Northwest of England." Alderley Park, known for its innovation hub, emerged as the ideal location for the company's second UK location. The Glasshouse, a state-of-the-art facility, not only expands the physical footprint but becomes an incubator for creativity and collaboration, embodying IPS's commitment to innovation and excellence in project services. Jim Stephanou, CEO of IPS, emphasizes the significance of this milestone, "Our journey reflects the power of people, innovation, and collaboration. In just eight years, IPS's growth trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Our second location in the UK is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional services and deepening our client relationships." This strategic, new office location sets the stage for further advancements and reinforces IPS' position as a leader in the European market. The company is eager to contribute to the thriving community at Alderley Park, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the life sciences industry. About IPS IPS, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, is a global leader in developing innovative business solutions for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Through operational expertise and industry-leading knowledge, skill, and passion, IPS provides consultancy services, architecture, engineering, project controls, construction management, and compliance services that allow clients to develop and manufacture life-impacting products. Its newest acquisition, Linesight specializes in cost, schedule, risk, program, and project management services in various market sectors, including data centers, life sciences, and high-tech industrial. With the addition of Linesight, IPS has over 3,200 professionals in over 45 offices across 17 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. For further information, please visit www.ipsdb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130107076/en/ Contacts: Dept. of Marketing and Communications +1.484.344.9234 Highlights: Orecap maintains 100% interest in the Knight, McGarry and Mirado Properties in and around Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Agnico spent $2.5 million on the Properties but did not meet the threshold to earn any interest. Orecap is looking forward to regaining control of these strategic and well-placed assets and will be evaluating opportunities to develop the Properties. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Orecap Invest Corp. (TSXV: OCI) (OTCQB: ORFDF) (the "Company" or "Orecap") announces that Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. ("Agnico"), and Orecap have agreed to terminate the exploration, earn-in and option agreement on the Company's McGarry, Mirado and Knight properties (together, the "Properties"), with Orecap maintaining its 100% interest in the Properties. "It's important to note that this agreement was made with Kirkland Lake Gold, and Agnico Eagle inherited these commitments after their merger. Since the merger of these two major gold miners, our properties have seen very little exploration, hence why we were excited to be back in control of these three assets within the Kirkland Lake camp that has produced over 40 million ounces of gold. Furthermore, since the original agreement with Kirkland Lake Gold, Orecap's model has changed and is now well structured and positioned to be creative with our management of these projects and drive value for shareholders," said Stephen Stewart, Orecap's CEO. Map of Orecap's McGarry, Mirado and Knight Properties To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9387/196128_orecapfigure1.jpg About the McGarry Project The McGarry property is in Virginiatown, Ontario and spans 2.4km on the Cadillac Larder-Lake Break, one of the world's most prolific gold structures. McGarry hosts a NI43-101 indicated 123,000 oz at an average grade of 7.7 g/t gold, and an inferred resource of 30,000 oz at an average grade of 5.3 g/t gold. McGarry is located east of and immediately adjacent to the Kerr-Addison Mine, one of Canada's largest gold mines producing over 12 million ounces of gold over 58 years, ending in 1996 (see MNDM OFR5831). McGarry has significant infrastructure in place including Head Frame, Hoist, Shaft, Power Station, Core Facility & Tailings Facility. McGarry was in production as recently as 2013 from underground workings and underwent underground exploration showing outstanding grades over long lengths, including 8.2 g/t gold over 98m length and 1.5m width, Stope #1 (E & W, 325 N Zone - 2280 sublevel). Additional exploration results and grades are available from Kerr Mines news release dated April 22, 2013 which is available on sedarplus.ca. About the Mirado Project Mirado is a past producing underground gold mine located 35km SE of Kirkland Lake, and is easily accessible via road. The deposit is interpreted to be a gold-rich VMS system with a gold-rich stringer footwall (South Zone), overlain by a zinc and gold-rich bedded hanging wall (North Zone). Mirado hosts a pit-constrained, current Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate of 559,000 tonnes at an average grade of 2.61 g/t gold for 46,000 ounces of gold, and an Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 382,000 tonnes at an average grade of 2.66 g/t gold for 32,700 ounces, based on a cut-off grade of 1.0 g/t gold. The pit-constrained South Zone was also the subject of a PEA in January 2018, showing an after-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 158% and an after-tax NPV5% of $20.5 million. The average gold price used in the PEA was US$1,300 per ounce, and an exchange rate of 1.00 USD = 0.76 CAD. About the Knight Project Knight is located along Highway 560 in the Knight and Tyrell townships of Ontario, ~80km east of Gogama and ~100km southwest of Kirkland Lake. The project hosts four high-potential zones, including Tyranite, Minto, Duggan, and Porphyry Lake. Tyranite is a historical producing mine and has significant infrastructure in place, including a headframe and hoist. Tyranite was historically mined as a 'fault' style deposit, while Orecap's interpretation focuses on the ultramafic units' contact zones striking at right angles to the fault. Tyranite is open to the south and at depth with the potential to expand on its high-grade zones. Minto is a high-grade Brecia pipe, drilled from surface to over 800 metres depth. Minto's historical resource consists of a pod of carbonate sulphide breccias, with ~204,000 tonnes grading at 0.2 oz/t (6.9 g/t) gold to a depth of 229 metres (750 ft) (Pearson H.A., 1984). Minto showed high grade drill intercepts including 18.2 g/t gold over 65.7 metres, and 4.61 g/t gold over 79.6 metres. Duggan is located 1.5km west of Tyranite and hosts similar geology and potential for a high-grade open pit. The previous property owners confirmed historical work and expanded the mineral zone's strike extension to 700 metres and a depth of 410 metres. Previous drilling on the property yielded near-surface intersections, including 2.14 g/t gold over 49.9 metres. Porphyry Lake hosts two gold mineralized porphyry systems with wide, low-grade gold intersections in drilling. There is potential to develop this zone into a large, bulk tonnage open pitable deposit. Additionally, the property potentially hosts breccia pipes similar to that at Minto, as it is located immediately to the west of Minto and contiguous to Aris Mining's Juby's north boundary. QP Statement The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Antoine Schwartzmann, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined in "National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. For Minto, a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and the issuer is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. This historical estimate should not be relied upon. About Orecap Invest Corp. Orecap seeks Special Situation investments in the natural resource sector that offer shareholders diverse exposure to high returns in precious and critical metal assets and businesses. Orecap has significant equity positions in portfolio companies, such as American Eagle Gold (TSXV: AE) (OTCQB: AMEGF), QC Copper and Gold (TSXV: QCCU) (OTCQB: QCCUF), Mistango (CSE: MIS), Awale Resources (TSXV: ARIC), and Cuprum Corp. in addition to owning a broad portfolio of land packages focussed on gold, copper and zinc. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited is a 9.9% shareholder and holds an option to acquire up to a 75% interest in Orecap's Knight and McGarry projects in exchange for spending $60 million on the Projects. Orecap's Current Equity Holdings include: Company (Ticker) Shares Owned / (% of Outstanding Shares) Cuprum Corp. (PrivateCo) 29,500,000 / (42.7%) Mistango River Resources (CSE: MIS) 24,708,975 / (13.9%) QC Copper and Gold (TSXV: QCCU) (OTCQB: QCCUF) 5,059,752 / (2.9%) American Eagle Gold (TSXV: AE) (OTCQB: AMEGF) 11,683,748 / (9.9%) Awale Resources (TSXV: ARIC) 8,333,332 / (13.3%) For the latest videos from Orecap, Ore Group, and all things Mining, subscribe to our YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@theoregroup For further information, please contact us: Orecap Invest Corp. Stephen Stewart, Chief Executive Officer 416.644.1567 sstewart@oregroup.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements or information ("forward- looking statements)", including details about the business of the Company. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the receipt by the Company of the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange for the name change. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Company's control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, currency fluctuations, environmental risks, operational risks, competition from other industry participants, stock market volatility. Although the Company believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, its forward-looking statements have been based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. Risks, uncertainties, material assumptions and other factors that could affect actual results are discussed in the Company's public disclosure documents available at www.sedarplus.ca. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date of this document and, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196128 SOURCE: Orecap Invest Corp. Mistango maintains its 100% interest in Omega and Kirkland West Projects in Kirkland Lake, Ontario Agnico funded $2.5 million under the agreement but did not meet the threshold to earn any interest Mistango is eager to regain control of its strategic assets in the Kirkland Lake Camp and will be evaluating opportunities for the exploration and development of its Properties Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Mistango River Resources Inc. (CSE: MIS) ("Mistango" or the "Company") announces that Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. ("Agnico") and Mistango have agreed to terminate the exploration earn-in and option agreement on the Company's Omega Mine Project ("Omega") and Kirkland West Project ("Kirkland West") properties (together, the "Properties") with Mistango maintaining its 100% interest in the Properties. "Mistango has appreciated and valued our partnership with Kirkland Lake Gold and, subsequently, Agnico Eagle. We are excited to be back in the driver's seat for our Kirkland Lake portfolio, where we see great value in owning strategic assets in a camp that has seen over 40 million ounces of gold production," said Jamie Spratt, Mistango's CEO. See Map of Mistango's Kirkland Lake Properties To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2809/196139_map.jpg Investors should be reminded that the Omega Project has a NI 43-101 compliant gold resource of 219,808 ounces indicated at 1.39 g/t and 365,400 ounces inferred at 2.42 g/t (Webster R., Pitman C. 2013). Historic production between 1935 and 1947 was estimated at 215,000 ounces of gold at 5.41 g/t (Hinse H., 1986). Omega also sits next to the Kerr-Addison Mine, one of Canada's largest gold mines, producing over 12 million ounces of gold over a 58-year period ending in 1996 (MNDM OFR5831). Mistango's 43 square kilometre Kirkland West property also sits directly next to the Macassa mine that produced 6.3 million ounces of gold from 1933 to 2022 (MNDM OFR6403). Exploration to date on the Kirkland West property has indicated that the major regional structures, including the Amalgamated and Main Breaks, converge with the Cadillac-Larder Lake Break on the Kirkland West property. Both Omega and Kirkland West have untapped exploration potential, and we look forward to creating value through further exploration and evaluating all of our options in the best interest of shareholders. About the Omega Mine Project Located in the prolific Kirkland Lake / Cadillac - Larder Lake Break, Omega is 30km east of Kirkland Lake and 3km east of Larder Lake along Highway 66. Omega has a 43-101 compliant indicated gold resource of 219,808 ounces at 1.39 g/t and an inferred gold resource of 365,400 ounces at 2.42 g/t (Webster R., Pitman C. 2013). The most recent resource estimate was completed by prior management of the Company in July 2013 and is therefore being treated as historic by Mistango. The project historically produced 215,000 oz at an estimated grade of 5.41 g/t (Hinse H., 1986). Omega also sits adjacent to the Kerr Addison Mine, which produced 12 million ounces between 1938 and 1996 (MNDM OFR5831). Historical infrastructure on the closure of the mine consisted of two shafts 305 m (1000 ft) and 457 m (1,550 ft) deep and a winze down to 610 m (2,000 ft). The two shafts have been capped. All other surface infrastructure has been removed. Kirkland West Project Kirkland West spans 43 square kilometres and is 10km west of the town of Kirkland Lake. The property shares a border with the Macassa Mine, owned by Agnico Eagle. The Macassa Mine has produced over 6.3 million ounces of gold from 1933 to 2022 (MNDM OFR6403). Agnico Eagle's Upper Beaver project, currently in development, is also located next to Kirkland West. Major structures, including the Amalgamated and Main Breaks, converge with the Cadillac-Larder Lake Break on the Kirkland West property. The Kirkland West property is made up of two main zones: The Baldwin Zone and the Eby Zone. Baldwin Mine: A shaft from 1929 with four levels to a depth of 127m exists with lateral development of 1,177m. Historical production resulted in gold grades of approximately 15 g/t. The zone contains narrow, high-grade gold-quartz veins up to 0.6m thick. This zone requires follow-up drilling to test the convergence of the major structures. Eby Zone: Historical drilling showed narrow, high-grade gold-quartz veins in NW trending porphyry and volcanic surrounded by low-grade but anomalous gold in wall rocks up to 26.1m grading 0.34 g/t gold. QP Statement The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Antoine Schwartzmann, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined in "National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Mistango River Resources Inc. Mistango is a Canadian-based exploration company with a 100% interest in two prospective properties in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. The Omega Property is located in Larder Lake surrounded by MAG Silver's Larder Lake property and on trend from the Kerr Addison mine that historically produced 11 Moz. The Kirkland West property is continguous with Agnico Eagle's operating Macassa mine and exploration conducted on the property has shown that major structures, including the Amalgamated and Main Breaks, converge with the Cadillac-Larder Lake Break on the Kirkland West property. The company is exploring at its Goldie project, 50km west of Thunder Bay, within the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt. For further information, please contact us: Mistango River Resources Jamie Spratt, CEO 416.435.5199 jspratt@oregroup.ca Forward-Looking Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Mistango assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Mistango. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by Mistango with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available under Mistango profile at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196139 SOURCE: Mistango River Resources Inc. BrightHeart, a Paris-based company developing an AI solution for the prenatal detection of congenital heart defects, announced today the appointment of Michael Butchko as an independent board director. Founded just 14 months ago and accelerated by Sofinnova MD Start, BrightHeart aims to address the 70% of congenital heart defects that are not detected during the prenatal period. The BrightHeart AI solution assists clinicians with the identification of defects, offering a crucial window for early treatment of problems that could endanger a child's health. Mr. Butchko brings more than 30 years of leadership experience and sectorial expertise to BrightHeart, along with a renowned reputation in the ultrasound space. Notably, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the ultrasound business at GE Healthcare, a global leader in obstetric ultrasound. His leadership skills and broad experience managing teams through portfolio and product strategy, regulatory compliance, and global commercialization of breakthrough ultrasound solutions make him uniquely qualified for the role. In his capacity as an independent board member, Mr. Butchko will provide objective insights, strategic guidance, and sectorial experience as BrightHeart gears up for its commercial launch. Cecile Dupont, CEO of BrightHeart and a Partner in Sofinnova MD Start, the venture capital firm's medtech accelerator, said: "Mike's deep understanding of the obstetric ultrasound market and his commitment to advancing women's healthcare align perfectly with BrightHeart's mission of improving prenatal care for the benefit of newborns and their families." Mr. Butchko said, "I look forward to working with the BrightHeart team to advance their cutting-edge AI technology. It has the potential to provide incredible value to clinicians, with the identification of heart defects during pregnancy, and to improve outcomes. I'm eager to work alongside BrightHeart's dynamic team to bring this solution to providers and patients." BrightHeart's approach is unique and streamlined, addressing a major unmet need in obstetric practice. The company's AI-powered approach has the potential to revolutionize screening for congenital heart defects by offering real-time, expert interpretation of one of the most complex exams in the ultrasound practice. About BrightHeart BrightHeart SAS is a Paris-based, privately held, pre-clinical medical device company and part of Sofinnova MD Start, Sofinnova Partners' medical device accelerator. The company's software uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence to analyze fetal heart ultrasound exams and support clinicians with the prenatal identification of congenital heart defects. The technology aims to improve pregnancy outcomes by anticipating delivery care and early intervention. BrightHeart builds on an idea by Dr. Marilyne Levy and Dr. Bertand Stos, two leading fetal cardiologists based in Paris, France. About Sofinnova Partners Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical, and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. The firm actively partners with ambitious entrepreneurs as a lead or cornerstone investor to develop transformative innovations that have the potential to positively impact our collective future. Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners has over 2.5 billion under management. For more information, please visit: www.sofinnovapartners.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130472484/en/ Contacts: For further information: Cecile Dupont Chief Executive Officer, BrightHeart cecile@brightheart.fr Konfer, the leading AI Governance, Risk, and Compliance company announced today the launch of the Konfer AI GRC Control Questions Catalog for the EU AI Act. "This is an industry-first catalog that will help Compliance and Risk officers accelerate their compliance with the EU AI Act," said Debu Chatterjee, CEO of Konfer. "Our AI Generator was able to analyze the entire Act, and present the guidance and mandates as control questions that enterprise leaders can share with their teams. We are able to also consume the team responses and give the organization a comprehensive picture of their risks, risk posture, and mitigation decision." The Konfer AI GRC Control Questions Catalog covers the areas of: Prohibited AI, High Risk AI, and Moderate/Low Risk AI Risk to the health or safety or fundamental rights of natural persons Legal requirements for high-risk AI systems in relation to data and data governance, documentation and recording keeping, transparency and provision of information to users, human oversight, robustness, accuracy and security Obligations on the providers, users, importers, distributors, etc., of the high-risk AI systems Conformity assessment procedures to be followed for each type of a high-risk AI system "We will be adding more catalogs from other AI Regulatory Acts-including NIST, Singapore AI Act, and others," said Chatterjee. "Our AI GRC suite will continuously monitor for AI Risks based on the Act a company chooses, and will provide complete transparency into the data, models, and apps that could be at risk." Konfer will be demonstrating the Konfer Control Questions Generator at the World AI Cannes in the second week of February. "We are delighted to be presenting a demo session at the conference, and welcome attendees to sign up for the session where they can see and experience the product live," said Chatterjee. The EU AI Act control questions by chapters or the full set is available at www.konfer.ai/shop. The Konfer demo session details at the World AI Cannes event is at https://www.worldaicannes.com/en/demo-sessions/658a9c777ebaac110493344b. About Konfer: Based in Fremont, CA, Konfer is a venture-backed AI governance suite that is the first product to build governance workflows mapped to complex AI governance laws across the world. Konfer AI GRC is a SaaS product and can be deployed for specific use cases within weeks, and provide continuous governance and risk alerts. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130832393/en/ Contacts: Karthik Sundaram karthik@konfer.ai 510.364.5187 The LSA focuses on the launch of a 17 kg satellite in Q2 2024, while establishing the grounds for a larger collaboration for the use of spare capacity on-board NSIL/ISRO PSLV and SSLV missions BENEVENTO, Italy, Jan. 30, 2024(SAB-LS), specialized in Launch Services for small satellites, signed at the end of 2023 a Launch Service Agreement for deploying smallsat in orbit. This agreement represents a significant milestone in providing advanced and seamless solutions for small satellites complementing with PSLV and SSLV missions, the launcher portfolio with focus on commercial customers. Mr. Radkakrishnan D, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, "Our strategic collaboration with SAB empowers us to better serve the global small satellite community, also in light of our new small launch vehicle SSLV." SAB-LS's CEO, Marco Mariani, added, "This partnership is a testament to the dedication we've poured into improving our services offer. Thanks to PSLV, we can provide more flexibility and compensate any delay of our main launch vehicle VEGA-C. We view NSIL as a long-term strategic partner and look forward to extending our collaboration to SSLV." About NewSpace India Limited NSIL is a Govt. of India company under Department of Space (DoS) and is the commercial arm of ISRO. NSIL is into end-to-end commercial space business involving satellite and launch vehicle building; providing launch services on-board ISRO's reliable launch vehicles; providing satellite-based services; Ground segment establishment and Mission support services. NSIL has played a vital role in the successful launch of several international customer satellites on-board PSLV, LVM3 and SSLV rockets. https://www.nsilindia.co.in/ About SAB Launch Services S.r.l. SAB-LS (SAB group) offers launch services on European Launchers for Small Satellites. SAB-LS offers "end to end" services including launch procurement, separation system procurement, integration activities of the satellite on the launch vehicle structure, pre- and post-launch support, and in-orbit servicing. https://www.sablaunchservices.com/ . Media Contact: Ricardo Patricio, Business Development and Institutional Relation rpatricio@sabls.com, +351936740857 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2ca7f8cb-8ba7-4a43-8175-43d6624e6b4b DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Canon Middle East is participating in FESPA Middle East from January 29 to 31, 2024, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (Expo City). As the event's Gold Sponsor, Canon will be showcasing its industry-leading printing solutions, while demonstrating its commitment to driving innovation in the digital printing and signage industry. At the event, Canon will showcase its wide format graphics and packaging solutions, including three flagship products - the Colorado M Series, the Arizona 1360GT, and the ImagePROGRAF PRO 2600 - which will be debuted for the first time in the EMEA region, with a grand unveiling on the stand. In addition to its own products, Canon will collaborate with partners to showcase finishing solutions and applications related to packaging. Visitors to the exhibition can experience instant personalized canvas production using Canon's products, packaged in boxes printed with the company's technology. Various print samples related to packaging will also be on display, highlighting the breath of applications which can be produced using Canon's devices. Shadi Bakhour, B2B Business Unit Director at Canon Middle East, stated: "I am thrilled to announce our participation as the Gold Sponsor at FESPA Middle East 2024. This event marks a significant milestone for us, being the first time FESPA is held in the region, and we are proud to play a leading role in bringing the latest innovations to the forefront. At our stand, we will showcase our cutting-edge printing solutions and emphasize our commitment to driving innovation in the digital printing and signage industry." Held for the first time in the region, FESPA will unite the printing and signage industries, providing senior professionals from across the region with an opportunity to discover new technologies, applications, and consumables in digital printing and signage solutions from leading brands. The show will also allow visitors the chance to discover the latest trends, network with industry peers and make valuable business connections. Mathew Faulkner, EMEA Marketing & Innovation Director, Wide Format Printing Group, Canon Europe comments, "Over the last few years, we've seen the use of wide format applications increasing, especially in areas such as posters, banners and signage as retailers work hard to drive footfall and create impactful communications and wayfinding. With changing consumer preferences, we're also seeing application use increasing in more expert markets such as interior decor - and packaging, where digital print on demand is enabling personalised packaging to be used as another valuable communications touchpoint. Our stand at FESPA Middle East reflects this with technology displays, a broad range of unique applications and inspirational ideas to help printers go the extra mile and deliver profitable growth. We'll be showcasing our market leading wide format portfolio - which includes flat bed, roll to roll and workflow solutions - as well as bringing to life a range of applications using vivid colours, special effects, and unique designs. We're excited to support the inaugural FESPA Middle East and have the opportunity to connect with this important market segment." Visit Canon's booth in Hall 2, stand D20, to witness groundbreaking technology and explore sustainable solutions for your printing needs. About Canon Middle East Canon Middle East, a subsidiary of Canon Europe, is the operational headquarters for Canon in the Middle East is based in Dubai, UAE. Founded in 1937, the desire to continuously innovate has kept Canon at the forefront of imaging excellence throughout its 80-year history and has commitments to invest in the right areas and capture growth opportunities. From cameras to commercial printers, and business consultancy to healthcare technologies, Canon enriches lives and businesses through imaging innovation. Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei- 'living and working together for the common good'. In EMEA, Canon Europe pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. Canon invests heavily in R&D to deliver the richest and most innovative products and services to satisfy customers' creative needs. From amateur photographers to professional print companies, Canon enables each customer to realize their own passion for image. Further information about Canon Middle East is available at www.canon-me.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2329947/Canon_Middle_East.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2267778/4454203/Canon_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/canon-to-demonstrate-print-technology-leadership-and-inspire-the-wide-format-graphics-community-at-fespa-middle-east-2024-302047849.html Cirium Ascend Consultancy, part of the world's most trusted source of aviation analytics company, Cirium, has once again demonstrated its unparalleled expertise in aircraft appraisal by winning the coveted 'Appraiser of the Year' award at the Airline Economics Aviation 100 Global Leaders Awards 2024. This remarkable achievement marks the ninth time that Cirium Ascend Consultancy has been honored with this prestigious award, reinforcing its position as a leading consultancy in the aviation industry. The award, presented in Dublin at the Growth Frontiers conference, recognizes Cirium Ascend Consultancy's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in aviation analytics and consultancy. This year's accolade is particularly significant, as it reflects the company's dynamic adaptation and resilience in the face of ongoing global challenges, including the evolving landscape of the post-pandemic aviation industry. Rob Morris, Global Head of Cirium Ascend Consultancy, said: "Receiving the 'Appraiser of the Year' award for the ninth time is not just an honor, it's a tribute to our team's dedication and hard work. This recognition perfectly demonstrates our commitment to providing accurate, timely, and insightful aircraft appraisals to our clients. In a year that has been full of complexities and rapid changes, this award is a reminder that our relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation sets us apart. We have a team of 30 appraisers, nine of which are ISTAT certified." Over the years, Cirium Ascend Consultancy has consistently raised the bar in aviation analytics, providing invaluable insights that have shaped the strategies of key players in the industry. The company's comprehensive approach, combining cutting-edge technology with deep market knowledge, has been instrumental in offering precise appraisals and strategic advisory services. The award further underscores Cirium Ascend Consultancy's role in navigating the recovery and growth of the aviation market in 2024, amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape. Cirium Ascend Consultancy's contributions extend beyond appraisals, encompassing various aspects of aviation analytics such as risk management, asset tracking, and sustainability evaluations. The firm's innovative solutions, including CO2 emissions benchmarking and fuel consumption analysis, reflect its commitment to supporting the industry's transition towards a more sustainable future. This year's award also highlights Cirium Ascend Consultancy's significant impact on aviation finance, with their analytics playing a critical role in smarter investment decisions. The firm's data and insights have proven invaluable for banks, insurers, lessors, and other financial institutions in managing risk and maximizing opportunities. The 2024 'Appraiser of the Year' award not only celebrates Cirium Ascend Consultancy's achievements but also symbolizes the trust and confidence that the aviation community places in the firm. It is a recognition of their ability to deliver reliable and innovative solutions that drive the industry forward. For more information about Cirium Ascend Consultancy and their award-winning services, visit: https://www.cirium.com/services/ascend/ About Cirium Ascend Consultancy Cirium Ascend Consultancy, a division of Cirium, offers market-leading expertise to help inform and drive successful strategies in the commercial aviation industry. With a global team of seasoned consultants and analysts, Cirium Ascend Consultancy delivers comprehensive data, expert insights, and tailored services that directly impact strategic investments and open avenues for growth in aviation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240131850967/en/ Contacts: For media enquiries: media@cirium.com NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, BELARUS, HONG KONG, JAPAN, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, RUSSIA, SINGAPORE, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. PLEASE SEE 'IMPORTANT INFORMATION' AT THE END OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. STOCKHOLM, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On 25 January 2024, Metacon AB (publ) ("Metacon" or the "Company") announced that the Board of Directors, with the support of the authorization granted by the extraordinary general meeting held on 24 January 2024, had resolved on a rights issue of units, consisting of new shares and warrants, of approximately SEK 119.2 million (the "Rights Issue). Today, Metacon announces that the prospectus relating to the Rights Issue has been approved by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (the "SFSA") and has been made available on Metacon's webpage, https://metacon.se/rights-issue-2024/ , together with other information related to the Rights Issue (the "Prospectus"). The Prospectus will also be made available on Pareto Securities' webpage, www.paretosec.com, and at the SFAS's webpage, https://www.fi.se/sv/vara-register/prospektregistret/. Publication of the Prospectus Complete information regarding the Rights Issue is included in the Prospectus that has been prepared by the Company and which today was approved and registered by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. The Prospectus has been prepared as a simplified prospectus for secondary issuances in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the "Prospectus Regulation"). The SFSA, as the Swedish national competent authority, has approved the Prospectus in accordance with Article 20 of the Prospectus Regulation. The SFSA only approves the Prospectus as meeting the standards of completeness, comprehensibility and consistency imposed by the Prospectus Regulation. The approval should not be considered as an endorsement of the Company or of the securities described in the Prospectus. The SFSA does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the factual information contained in the Prospectus. Each investor is advised to make its own assessment of whether it is appropriate to invest in the Company. Timetable for the Rights Issue Trading in unit rights 5 - 14 February 2024 Subscription period 5 - 19 February 2024 Trading in paid subscribed unit (BTU) 5 - 27 February 2024 Expected announcement of the preliminary outcome in the Rights Issue 19 February 2024 Subscription period for warrants of series TO 1 7 - 21 March 2025 Advisers Pareto Securities is Sole Manager and Bookrunner, Advokatfirman Schjdt is legal adviser to the Company and Baker & McKenzie Advokatbyra KB is legal adviser to Pareto Securities in connection with the Rights Issue. For further information, contact: Christer Wikner CEO info@metacon.com +46 70 7647 389 About Metacon AB (publ) Metacon AB (publ) develops and manufactures energy systems for the production of fossil-free "green" hydrogen. The products in the Reforming business area are based, among other things, on a patented technology that generates hydrogen through so-called catalytic steam reforming of biogas or other hydrocarbons. The development of Metacon's reforming products is done within the wholly owned subsidiary Metacon S.A in Patras, Greece. The business is focused on catalytic process chemistry and advanced reformers for highly efficient hydrogen production. Metacon also offers complete electrolysis plants and integrated hydrogen refueling stations, a large and globally growing area for small- and large-scale production of green hydrogen. Electrolysis is a process of driving a chemical reaction to split water by adding electricity. If the electricity used is non-fossil, the hydrogen will also be fossil-free and climate-neutral. Green hydrogen can be used in sectors such as transport, basic industry and the real estate sector, with a better environment and climate as a result. www.metacon.com For further information, see: www.metacon.com | X: @Metaconab| LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/metaconab Important information This press release and the information herein is not for publication, release or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Singapore or any other state or jurisdiction in which publication, release or distribution would be unlawful or where such action would require additional prospectuses, filings or other measures in addition to those required under Swedish law. The press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or issue, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or acquire, or subscribe for, any of the securities mentioned herein (collectively, the "Securities") or any other financial instruments in Metacon AB (publ). Any offer in respect of any of the Securities will only be made through the prospectus prepared by Metacon AB (publ) in connection with the Rights Issue and approved by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority on 30 January 2024. Offers will not be made to, and application forms will not be approved from, subscribers (including shareholders), or persons acting on behalf of subscribers, in any jurisdiction where applications for such subscription would contravene applicable laws or regulations, or would require additional prospectuses, filings, or other measures in addition to those required under Swedish law. Measures in violation of the restrictions may constitute a breach of relevant securities laws. The Securities mentioned in this press release have not been registered and will not be registered under any applicable securities law in the United States, Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa or Singapore and may, with certain exceptions, not be offered or sold within, or on behalf of a person or for the benefit of a person who is registered in, these countries. The Company has not made an offer to the public to subscribe for or acquire the Securities mentioned in this press release other than in Sweden. None of the Securities have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction in the United States, and may not be offered, pledged, sold, delivered or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly. There will not be any public offering of any of the Securities in the United States. In the EEA Member States, with the exception of Sweden (each such EEA Member State, a "Relevant State"), this press release and the information contained herein are intended only for and directed to qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Regulation. The Securities mentioned in this press release are not intended to be offered to the public in any Relevant State and are only available to qualified investors except in accordance with exceptions in the Prospectus Regulation. Persons in any Relevant State who are not qualified investors should not take any actions based on this press release, nor rely on it. In the United Kingdom, this press release is directed only at, and communicated only to, persons who are qualified investors within the meaning of article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (2017/1129) who are (i) persons who fall within the definition of "investment professional" in article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order"), or (ii) persons who fall within article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, or (iii) persons who are existing members or creditors of Metacon AB (publ) or other persons falling within Article 43 of the Order, or (iv) persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated (all such persons referred to in (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). This press release must not be acted on or relied on by persons in the UK who are not Relevant Persons. This announcement does not constitute an investment recommendation. The price and value of securities and any income from them can go down as well as up and you could lose your entire investment. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Information in this announcement cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's intentions, assessments, or current expectations about and targets for the Company's future results of operations, financial condition, development, liquidity, performance, prospects, anticipated growth, strategies and opportunities and the markets in which the Company operates. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may be identified by the fact that they contain words such as "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "may", "plan", "estimate", "will", "should", "could", "aim" or "might", or, in each case, their negative, or similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that they will materialize or prove to be correct. Because these statements are based on assumptions or estimates and are subject to risks and uncertainties, the actual results or outcome could differ materially from those set out in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in this release by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not guarantee that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this press release are free from errors nor does it accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the opinions expressed in this press release or any obligation to update or revise the statements in this press release to reflect subsequent events. Readers of this press release should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this press release. The information, opinions and forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as at its date and are subject to change without notice. Neither the Company nor anyone else does undertake any obligation to review, update, confirm or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that arise in relation to the content of this press release. Information to distributors Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended ("MiFID II"); (b) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing MiFID II; and (c) local implementing measures (together, the "MiFID II Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the shares in Metacon have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that such shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of retail investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by MiFID II (the "Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, Distributors should note that: the price of the shares in Metacon may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the shares in Metacon offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the shares in Metacon is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Rights Issue. For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the shares in Metacon. Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the shares in Metacon and determining appropriate distribution channels. The English text is an unofficial translation of the original Swedish text. In case of any discrepancies between the Swedish text and the English translation, the Swedish text shall prevail. The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/17030/3917981/2570603.pdf Metacon - PM - Publishes prospectus View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/metacon-publishes-prospectus-in-connection-with-the-rights-issue-302047874.html ZeroBounce helps companies get past Gmail and Yahoo spam filters, land their campaigns in the inbox, and boost email ROI. SANTA BARBARA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / ZeroBounce helps email senders comply with Google and Yahoo's new sending requirements going into effect on February 1, 2024. The company's latest tool, DMARC Monitor, helps organizations boost their domain security and email deliverability. ZeroBounce DMARC Monitor ZeroBounce DMARC Monitor DMARC stands for "Domain-Based Messaging Authentication, Reporting and Conformance" and is an email authentication protocol. It helps verify that emails come from a legitimate source and protects domains from fraud and phishing attacks. By February 1, all organizations sending mass messages to Gmail and Yahoo users must authenticate their emails. "Email authentication isn't new, but now it's a must for inbox success. Postponing or ignoring email authentication will cause emails to go to spam or not get delivered at all," says ZeroBounce founder and CEO Liviu Tanase. "With the right tools, email authentication gets much easier. Our DMARC Monitor takes minutes to set up, provides real-time protection for multiple domains, and keeps spoofing and spam attacks at bay," the email expert adds. Explore ZeroBounce's DMARC Monitor here: https://www.zerobounce.net/services/dmarc-monitor/. Starting February 1, Google and Yahoo will enforce new guidelines for email senders to reduce spoofing and spam. In addition to email authentication, Google and Yahoo require senders to enable quick unsubscribes, allowing users to opt out of receiving emails with just one click. Senders must also remove opt-out contacts promptly - within two days - and ensure their spam complaint rate stays below 0.1%. About ZeroBounce ZeroBounce is the go-to platform for email success, helping more than 300,000 customers with its email verification, deliverability, and email-finding tools. Its 99% accurate email validation service removes obsolete and risky email addresses to help senders prevent bounces and maintain a good reputation. ZeroBounce's email deliverability toolkit further supports companies in reaching the inbox. Activity Data, one of ZeroBounce's most popular features, offers subscriber activity insights, allowing marketers to target their most active audiences. Email Finder provides professionals with valid business email addresses to enhance email outreach efforts, while DMARC Monitor helps organizations enhance domain security. ZeroBounce has validated 24+ billion emails and serves companies of all sizes, from solo business owners to Amazon, Disney, Netflix, and Sephora. The platform provides military-grade security and is GDPR, SOC 2 Type 2, ISO-27001-certified, and India DPDP-ready. For more information, visit https://www.zerobounce.net/. Contact Information Corina Leslie PR Manager support@zerobounce.net +1-888-500-9521 SOURCE: ZeroBounce View the original press release on newswire.com. The remaining 10 Reverse Circulation (RC) drill holes from the California Zone all intersected broad oxidized near surface gold mineralization. All 13 step out drill holes of the recently completed program expanded the California zone gold mineralization in multiple directions. Step out drilling has grown the area of demonstrated Au mineralization of the California zone to 1,000m East-West. The 2023 exploration program was successful in discovering extensions, particularly to the West and Northwest, and confirms the broad style of the gold mineralized zone. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Aztec Minerals Corp. (TSXV:AZT)(OTCQB:AZZTF) announces the additional gold results from the recently completed Reverse Circulation (RC) exploration drilling program conducted in Q4 2023 at the California gold zone of the Cervantes project in Sonora, Mexico. The results of the final 10 of the total 13 RC drill holes, CAL23-035 to 044, continued to show intersections of gold mineralization in the altered California intrusive porphyry complex extending the California gold zone to the West, North, South and East as well as to depth. Results for hole CAL23-041 (Fig. 3), a step-out extending the California zone to the West, returned 57.76 m grading 0.42 gpT Au. The results from all final ten RC drill holes encountered the gold mineralized and altered California intrusive complex. California Zone Drill Highlights CAL23-035 - 47.12 m @ 0.51 gpT Au CAL23-041 - 57.76 m @ 0.42 gpT Au CAL23-044 - 59.44 m @ 0.28 gpt Au Drilling toward the West and Northwest of the California zone targeted the edge of an airborne magnetic low (Fig.5) that the California gold porphyry mineralization appears related to. The drilling has expanded the knowledge of the system, including support of the concept that much of the metasediments intersected are unconnected blocks as xenoliths within the California intrusive porphyry complex as relicts of its piercement by its uppermost levels. It is also being shown that the metasediments, specifically the quartzites, can host gold mineralization which hadn't been well evidenced before. Surface reconnaissance confirmed that the mineralized and altered quartz feldspar porphyry and hydrothermal breccias continue to the east for at least another 400 meters. To-date, every hole except one drilled at the California Zone has intersected near surface, oxidized gold mineralization with minor copper values. Figure 1: California Zone Drill Progress Map Link to Figure 1: California Zone Drill Progress Map The primary focus of the Phase 3A RC drilling program at Cervantes was to expand the previously drilled California zone and towards the California North and Jasper zones, and to enhance geologic understanding of the targets. The Phase 3A RC drilling program at Cervantes was comprised of thirteen RC holes totaling 1,630.7 meters drilled at California. The program was conducted in the end of the rainy season with no injuries or accidents. Link to Figure 2: Section View CAL23-035 Link to Figure 3: Section View CAL23-041 Link to Figure 4: Section View CAL23-044 Reported lengths are apparent widths, not true widths, and the gold mineralization appears to be widely distributed in disseminations, fractures and stockwork veinlets at high levels within the California intrusive porphyry complex of Quartz-feldspar porphyry and feldspar porphyry intrusives and related hydrothermal breccias. Figure 5: California Zone Aeromag, Soils, and Drilling Map Figure 5: California Zone Aeromag, Soils, and Drilling Map Holes CAL23-035 to 044 intersected extensive gold related mineralization and alteration, see table 1 below, extending the known mineralized zone to the North and West and at depth. The California intrusive porphyry complex including the California and California Norte zones as drilled measures approximately 1,000 meters long E - W by 730 meters wide, with demonstrated, continuous mineralization of up to 170 meters depth. The porphyry gold-copper mineralization is still open in all directions. Table 1: 2023 Drilling Intersections Drill Hole From m To m Interval m* Au gpT Comments CAL23-032 83.6 92.7 9.12 0.246 250 Az, -60 CAL23-033 30.4 59.28 28.88 0.2 250 Az, -60 CAL23-34 53.2 83.6 30.4 1.035 Including 68.4 69.92 1.52 13.8 270 Az, -60 CAL23-35 0 47.12 47.12 0.509 250 Az, -65 CAL23-36 28.88 54.72 25.84 0.437 Including 51.68 53.2 1.52 5.003 260 Az, -65 107.92 115.52 7.6 0.414 CAL23-37 0 25.84 25.84 0.257 250 Az, -65 91.2 100.32 9.12 0.386 156.56 164.16 7.6 0.358 CAL23-38 25.84 135.28 109.44 0.205 Including 48.64 50.16 1.52 4.278 250 Az, -65 72.96 83.6 10.64 0.391 CAL23-39 4.56 25.84 21.28 0.212 Including 7.6 9.12 1.52 1.352 250 Az, -65 CAL23-40 10.64 33.44 22.8 0.239 246 Az, -64 CAL23-41 0 57.76 57.76 0.424 DH inclination 246 Az, -71 increased to reduce caving risk CAL23-42 0 12.19 12.19 0.48 DH inclination 242 Az, -75 65.53 73.15 7.6 0.353 increased to reduce caving risk CAL23-43 0 6.08 6.08 0.235 268 Az, -66 CAL23-44 0 59.44 59.44 0.276 DH inclination 262 Az, -75 increased to reduce caving risk The planned testing of the California zone of the Cervantes phase 3A RC drilling program is complete. The primary objectives of the 2021 - 2024 exploration program are to better define the open pit, heap leach gold potential of the porphyry oxide cap at California, evaluate the potential for deeper gold - copper porphyry sulfide mineralization underlying the oxide cap, test for north and west extensions of the California mineralization. In 2024 it is planned for further technical studies, reconnaissance work on other targets, metallurgical testing and the Cervantes phase 3B RC drilling program of approximately 20 drillholes comprising 2,850 meters including California North and Jasper. Table 2: 2023 Drill Holes Collars Drill Hole Data Type East North Collar Elev. Az Dip Total Depth (m) CAL-23-032 COLLAR 659511.7 3176952.0 1013.0 250 -60 152.4 CAL-23-033 COLLAR 659356.7 3176841.6 978.9 250 -60 134.1 CAL-23-034 COLLAR 659211.7 3176934.0 897.3 270 -60 85.3 CAL-23-035 COLLAR 659195.4 3176796.5 883.3 250 -65 82.3 CAL-23-036 COLLAR 659670.3 3176802.6 1008.4 260 -65 152.4 CAL-23-037 COLLAR 659819.2 3176869.5 1072.0 250 -65 204.2 CAL-23-038 COLLAR 659947.3 3176953.8 1068.4 250 -65 152.4 CAL-23-039 COLLAR 659949.5 3177094.4 1050.2 250 -65 152.4 CAL-23-040 COLLAR 659636.8 3177044.0 1012.1 246.6 -64.5 137.2 CAL-23-041 COLLAR 659281.8 3176779.4 915.4 246.9 -71.2 96.0 CAL-23-042 COLLAR 659173.0 3176707.4 860.0 242.5 -75.6 83.8 CAL-23-043 COLLAR 659271.2 3176592.2 893.4 268 -66 91.4 CAL-23-044 COLLAR 659242.1 3176902.8 896.5 262 -75.5 106.7 Drill samples RC cuttings mainly are collected every 1.5m from all core drill holes. The samples are analyzed by Bureau Veritas for gold with a 30-gram sample size using the method FA430 followed by MA300. Over limits, when present, are analyzed by AR404 or FA550. All holes contain certified blanks, standards, and duplicates as part of the quality control program. The QA/QC has delivered excellent results to date and good data integrity. The samples are shipped to and received by Bureau Veritas Minerals laboratory for the gold and multielement geochemical analysis and additional gold results will be received and reported in the next several weeks. Final multielement ICP results are expected to follow the release of the preliminary gold assays and are expected to be received during the first quarter of 2024. Now that drilling has concluded and as it is the dry season, Aztec plans to carry out recon and channel sampling and geologic mapping of the new drill roads at California, and other targets around the target area to expand surface sampling and mapping on the property in general to continue the 2021 - 2023 surface exploration program. Cervantes Project Overview Cervantes is a highly prospective porphyry gold-copper project located in southeastern Sonora state, Mexico. The project lies 160 km east of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico within the prolific Laramide porphyry copper belt approximately 265 km southeast of the Cananea porphyry copper-molybdenum mine (Grupo Mexico). Cervantes also lies along an east-west trending gold belt 60 km west of the Mulatos epithermal gold mine (Alamos Gold), 35 km northeast of the Osisko San Antonio gold mine, 45 km west of the La India mine (Agnico Eagle), and 40 km northwest of Santana gold deposit (Minera Alamos). View: Cervantes Project Location Map Cervantes Project Highlights Large well-located property (3,649 hectares) with good infrastructure, road access, local town, all private land, water wells on property, grid power nearby (3,649 hectares) with good infrastructure, road access, local town, all private land, water wells on property, grid power nearby Seven prospective mineralized zones related to high level porphyries and breccias along a 7.0km east-northeast corridor with multiple intersecting northwest structures to high level porphyries and breccias along a 7.0km east-northeast corridor with multiple intersecting northwest structures Distinct geophysical anomalies, California zone marked by high magnetic and low resistivity anomalies, high radiometric and chargeability anomalies responding to pervasive alteration California zone marked by high magnetic and low resistivity anomalies, high radiometric and chargeability anomalies responding to pervasive alteration Extensive gold mineralization at California zone , 118 soil samples average 0.44 gpt gold over 900 m by 600 m area, trench rock-channel samples up to 0.47 gpt gold over 222 m , 118 soil samples average 0.44 gpt gold over 900 m by 600 m area, trench rock-channel samples up to 0.47 gpt gold over 222 m Already drilled the first discovery holes at the California zone, intersected gold oxide cap to a classic gold-copper porphyry system, drill results up to 1.49 gpt gold over 137 m and 1.00 gpT gold over 165m at the California zone, intersected gold oxide cap to a classic gold-copper porphyry system, drill results up to 1.49 gpt gold over 137 m and 1.00 gpT gold over 165m Excellent gold recoveries from preliminary metallurgical tests on drill core from California zone; oxide gold recoveries in bottle roll tests range from 75% to 87% from preliminary metallurgical tests on drill core from California zone; oxide gold recoveries in bottle roll tests range from 75% to 87% California IP geophysical anomaly wide open laterally and at depth, IP chargeability strengthens and broadens to >500m depth over an area 1100 m by 1200 m, and has been confirmed by exploration drilling laterally and at depth, IP chargeability strengthens and broadens to >500m depth over an area 1100 m by 1200 m, and has been confirmed by exploration drilling Three-Dimensional IP Survey conducted in 2019 extends strong chargeability anomalies to the southwest covering Estrella, Purisima East, and Purisima West, coinciding well with alteration and Au-Cu-Mo soil geochemical anomalies conducted in 2019 extends strong chargeability anomalies to the southwest covering Estrella, Purisima East, and Purisima West, coinciding well with alteration and Au-Cu-Mo soil geochemical anomalies Cervantes Project Aeromagnetics Survey completedin 2019 found a magnetic low associated with the California Au porphyry California Zone In 2017-18, Aztec completed a Phase 1, 17 diamond core hole drill program, totaling 2,675 meters (m) (see news release dated June 26, 2018). Phase 1 drilling tested the California zone 900m by 600m gold-in-soils anomaly that averaged 0.44gpt covering hydrothermal breccias within the Quartz feldspar porphyry stock intruding Paleozoic siliciclastic sediments. In early 2022, Aztec completed a Phase 2, 26-hole, RC (reverse circulation) drill program totaling 5,267 m focused on expanding the California zone with two drill hole fences parallel to and on either side of the 2017-18 Phase 1 drill hole fence. The Phase 2 RC drilling program was followed by the Phase 2 oriented core drilling program of 2,588 meters in 11 drill holes combined successfully expanded the primary California zone to an area measuring approximately 900 meters long by 250 to 500 meters wide, with demonstrated, continuous anomalous mineralization to over 200 meters depth vertically. The porphyry gold-copper mineralization is still open in all directions. Aztec's drilling to-date has consistently intersected an oxidized gold cap to a porphyry-type gold-copper-silver system at California, including multiple 100+ meter widths of exceeding 0.40 gpt gold. Highlights of the 2017-18 Phase 1 diamond core and 2021-22 Phase 2 RC and Core (see news releases dated June 14, 2022 and December 27, 2022) drill programs are as follows: 137m @ 1.49 gpT Au incl 51.7m @ 3.42 gpT Au, 119m @ 0.091% copper in CAL22-005 165m @ 1.00 gpT Au incl 24.4m @ 4.25 gpT Au, 160m @ 0.065% copper in CAL22-004 152m @ 0.87 gpT Au, incl 33.5m @ 2.05 gpT Au, 123m @ 0.095% copper in CAL22-012 94m @ 1.04 gpT Au incl 15.2m @ 3.96 gpT Au, 55m @ 0.36% copper in CAL22-001 100m @ 0.75 gpT Au incl 9.14m @ 3.087 gpT Au, 138m @ 0.10% copper in CAL22-006 160m @ 0.77 gpT gold incl 80m @ 1.04 gpT gold, 0.11% copper in 18CER010 139m @ 0.71 gpT gold incl 20m @ 2.10 gpT gold, 0.16% copper in 17CER005 118m @ 0.63 gpT gold incl 43m @ 1.18 gpT gold, 0.16% copper in 17CER003 122m @ 0.60 gpT gold incl 62m @ 0.88 gpT gold, 0.06% copper in 18CER007 170m @ 0.42 gpT gold incl 32m @ 0.87 gpT gold, 0.06% copper in 18CER006 Preliminary metallurgical tests on California drill cores were conducted in 2019 (see news release dated March 12, 2019). Drill core samples were grouped into 4 separate types of mineralization: Oxide 1, Oxide 2, Mixed Oxide/Sulfide and Sulfide. The preliminary results of bottle roll tests showed excellent potential for heap leach gold recovery, as follows: 85.1% recovery on 2.0mm material and 94.3% on 75-micron material in sample Oxide 1 87.7% recovery on 2.0mm material and 94.2% on 75-micron material in sample Oxide 2 77.9% recovery on 2.0mm material and 89.0% on 75-micron material in sample Mixed Oxide/Sulphide 51.2% recovery on 2.0mm material and 78.7% on 75-micron material in sample Sulphide Additional Exploration Zones Purisima East - outcropping gossans, altered and mineralized diatreme breccias and porphyry intrusions marked by a 700m by 600m geochemical soil anomaly in 193 samples that average 0.25 gpt gold, a small historic 'glory hole' mine where rock chip sampling returned high-grade mineralization up to 44.6 gpt gold. Estrella - outcrops of gossan and sulfides in silicified Paleozoic sediments near quartz porphyry dikes with rock chip samples up to 3.9 gpt gold and 2,010ppm copper. Purisima West - a mirror image of Purisima East in size and type of gossans, altered and mineralized breccias and intrusions in association with gold and copper soil anomalies. Jasper - 2017 trenching returned skarn/replacement-type mineralization up to 0.52% copper and 0.62 gpt gold over a 92.4 m length. In 2022 RC drilling found a broad zone of copper - gold mineralization in JAS22-001. California North - coincident IP chargeability and gold-copper-molybdenum soil geochemical anomalies with demonstrated gold - copper mineralization by RC drilling, it may be a north extension of the California target Other zones - porphyry alteration and geochemical soil anomalies mark the Jacobo and Brasil prospects but more work is required to expand and define these targets Allen David Heyl, B.Sc., CPG., VP Exploration of Aztec, is the Qualified Person under NI43-101, supervised the Cervantes exploration program. Mr. Heyl has reviewed and approved the technical disclosures in this news release. "Simon Dyakowski" Simon Dyakowski, Chief Executive Officer Aztec Minerals Corp. About Aztec Minerals - Aztec is a mineral exploration company focused on two emerging discoveries in North America. The Cervantes project is an emerging porphyry gold-copper discovery in Sonora, Mexico. The Tombstone project is an emerging gold-silver discovery with high grade CRD silver-lead-zinc potential in southern Arizona. Aztec's shares trade on the TSX-V stock exchange (symbol AZT) and on the OTCQB (symbol AZZTF). Contact Information - For more information, please contact: Simon Dyakowski, President & CEO, Director Tel: (604) 619-7469 Email: simon@aztecminerals.com Website: www.aztecminerals.com Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects" or "it is expected", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Aztec Minerals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Canadian Copper Inc. (CSE: CCI) ("Canadian Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a one third of production offtake agreement ("Offtake Agreement") for copper concentrates from the Murray Brook deposit ("MB") and an unsecured Credit Facility ("the Credit Facility") of up to US$1.5 million (C$2.01 million)1 with Ocean Partners UK Ltd. ("Ocean Partners"). Simon Quick, CEO of Canadian Copper, said, "First and foremost, we welcome Ocean Partners as a strategic shareholder to Canadian Copper. Ocean Partners bring in-depth technical expertise in asset evaluations and extensive knowledge of the base metal commodity market, both of which will prove invaluable to us. This new relationship between Ocean Partners and Canadian Copper is a strong endorsement of the advanced Murray Brook deposit and its unique position located less than 10 km from a fully constructed processing plant in need of a partner with ore feed." Brent Omland, co-CEO of Ocean Partners, said, "We recognize the strategic rationale and regional consolidation opportunity here between the Murray Brook deposit and its proximity to a nearby milling facility on care and maintenance. Murray Brook benefits from extensive existing infrastructure combined with local and provincial government support which should reduce capital and execution risk." The purpose of the Credit Facility is to satisfy the final Murray Brook acquisition condition and replace an existing C$2,000,000 environmental bond with the New Brunswick Government. Mine Lease ownership and title transfers require Ministerial approval under the Mining Act in New Brunswick. Pending consent by the Minister, ownership and title will transfer to Canadian Copper. Offtake Agreement Ocean Partners shall have the right to purchase a minimum of one third of the copper concentrate at market rates for the payable metals produced2 by the Murray Brook deposit and three other Right of First Refusal ("ROFR") conditions. The remaining ROFR conditions are: 1) Ocean Partners will have the right to match and purchase the remaining copper concentrate produced should a 3rd party submit a bonafide offer, 2) Ocean Partners will have the right to provide offtake financing at the same terms should a 3rd party submit a bonafide offer, and, 3) Ocean Partners will have the right to match and purchase other concentrates should a 3rd party submit a bonafide offer. Unsecured Credit Facility The Credit Facility is an aggregate amount of up to US$1,500,000 for a period of one year with a single draw available following satisfaction of customary conditions precedent by the Company. Interest on the Credit Facility will be 10% per annum paid on execution of the Credit Facility. The interest payment consideration will be Company common shares at a fixed rate totaling 2,222,222 at a price of $0.09 per share. Figure A: Canadian Copper's Land Position To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9218/196083_cea52820f4761b96_001full.jpg About Canadian Copper Inc. Canadian Copper is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company with a copper and base metals portfolio of properties located in the prolific Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC) of New Brunswick, Canada. There are currently 87,544,760 shares issued and outstanding in the Company. For more information, please contact: Simon Quick, Director and CEO email simon@canadiancopper.com / ir@canadiancopper.com phone (905)-220-6661 web www.canadiancopper.com Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the statements regarding the Murray Brook acquisition and market and regulatory approvals are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the Company's option to acquire properties under the Puma Option Agreement, the proposed expenditures for exploration work thereon, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the CSE), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated May 24th, 2022 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this presentation or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law. 1 CAD Exchange Rate (USD:CAD) 1.3436 2 Deductions such as treatment and refining charges will be calculated using the Annual Copper Benchmark Treatment rate. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196083 SOURCE: Canadian Copper Inc. DEARBORN (dpa-AFX) - Ecolab Inc. (ECL), a provider of water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions, Tuesday said it will buy Ford Motor Co.'s (F) more than 1,000 F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E vehicles with a view to accelerate the electrification of its sales and service fleet in North America. The company has selected Ford's commercial division, Ford Pro, for the electrification process, which begins in California with the conversion of its sales and service vehicles to electric vehicles or EVs by 2025. The company said it targets to complete North American fleet electrification by 2030. Ecolab will purchase and deploy more than 1,000 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro trucks and Mustang Mach-E SUVs. This would be the largest all-electric sales and service fleet in California. Ecolab estimates that electrification can lower overall costs, with internal financial models forecasting a lower total cost of ownership over the life of the vehicles compared to ICE vehicles. Ecolab expects to potentially save around 50% in annual fuel costs per 2023 F-150 Lightning Pro truck, a savings of around $1,400 in fuel per vehicle each year. Once vehicles are deployed, Ecolab plans to use Ford Pro productivity software and service solutions to manage and maintain its California fleet. Ford Pro offers a full suite of charging and telematics software that Ecolab will use to help the business maximize vehicle performance and fleet productivity. According to Ecolab, the move to EVs is a crucial step in its efforts to achieve net-zero emissions globally by 2050. Ecolab, which has a business relationship with Ford since 1925, currently operates more than 10,000 light-duty vehicles in its North American fleet, 95% of which are Ford vehicles. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE:CANF), a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address oncological and inflammatory diseases, today announced that it has expanded its out licensing transaction with Ewopharma AG. to include the pancreatic cancer indication of Can-Fite. During 2021, Can-Fite entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for Piclidenoson with Switzerland-based Ewopharma AG for the treatment of psoriasis and Namodenoson for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Under the terms of the distribution agreement, Ewopharma AG paid Can-Fite an upfront payment of US$2.25 million with up to an additional US$40.45 million, payable upon the achievement of regulatory and sales milestones, plus 17.5% royalties on net sales. In exchange, Ewopharma AG received the exclusive right to market and sell Piclidenoson in Central Eastern European (CEE) countries and Namodenoson in CEE countries and Switzerland. Ewopharma AG exercised its right to expand the distribution agreement to include the indication of pancreatic cancer and the transaction terms of the distribution agreement are applicable to such indication. Ewopharma is a pharmaceutical sales and marketing firm that helps pharma companies access markets in CEE and Switzerland. In addition to Can-Fite, Ewopharma AG has distribution agreements with many leading healthcare companies including Eisai and Biogen. "We are very pleased to expand the distribution agreement with Ewopharma, a leader in pharmaceutical distribution in Central Eastern Europe and Switzerland and include the pancreatic cancer indication. We consider this to be an important transaction for Can-Fite that will enable penetration into Ewopharma's territory right after approval of the drug for this indication, where there are no other efficacious drugs," stated Can-Fite VP Business Development Dr. Sari Fishman. About Namodenoson Namodenoson is a small orally bioavailable drug that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). Namodenoson was evaluated in Phase II trials for two indications, as a second line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, and as a treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A3AR is highly expressed in diseased cells whereas low expression is found in normal cells. This differential effect accounts for the excellent safety profile of the drug. In the last 2 years Can-Fite started to develop Namodenoson for the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma. Based on pre-clinical studies which demonstrated robust anti-tumor effect of the drug on experimental models of pancreatic carcinoma, the company decided to initiate an exploratory Phase II study in patients with pancreatic carcinoma who failed first line treatment. About Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE: CANF) is an advanced clinical stage drug development Company with a platform technology that is designed to address multi-billion dollar markets in the treatment of cancer, liver, and inflammatory disease. The Company's lead drug candidate, Piclidenoson recently reported topline results in a Phase III trial for psoriasis and is expected to commence a pivotal Phase III. Can-Fite's cancer and liver drug, Namodenoson, is being evaluated in a Phase IIb trial for the treatment of steatotic liver disease (SLD), a Phase III pivotal trial for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the Company is planning a Phase IIa study in pancreatic cancer. Namodenoson has been granted Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. and Europe and Fast Track Designation as a second line treatment for HCC by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Namodenoson has also shown proof of concept to potentially treat other cancers including colon, prostate, and melanoma. CF602, the Company's third drug candidate, has shown efficacy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. These drugs have an excellent safety profile with experience in over 1,600 patients in clinical studies to date. For more information please visit: www.canfite.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements, about Can-Fite's expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding, among other things, its product development efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects. All statements in this communication, other than those relating to historical facts, are "forward looking statements". Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "plan," "may," "should" or "anticipate" or their negatives or other variations of these words or other comparable words or by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. Forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Can-Fite's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include, among other things, our history of losses and needs for additional capital to fund our operations and our inability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all; uncertainties of cash flows and inability to meet working capital needs; the initiation, timing, progress and results of our preclinical studies, clinical trials and other product candidate development efforts; our ability to advance our product candidates into clinical trials or to successfully complete our preclinical studies or clinical trials; our receipt of regulatory approvals for our product candidates, and the timing of other regulatory filings and approvals; the clinical development, commercialization and market acceptance of our product candidates; our ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships and other corporate collaborations; the implementation of our business model and strategic plans for our business and product candidates; the scope of protection we are able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering our product candidates and our ability to operate our business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; competitive companies, technologies and our industry; risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine; risks related to not satisfying the continued listing requirements of NYSE American; and statements as to the impact of the political and security situation in Israel on our business. More information on these risks, uncertainties and other factors is included from time to time in the "Risk Factors" section of Can-Fite's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 30, 2023 and other public reports filed with the SEC and in its periodic filings with the TASE. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Can-Fite undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130659110/en/ Contacts: Can-Fite BioPharma Motti Farbstein info@canfite.com +972-3-9241114 Appointments set to bolster deeper performance analysis and transparency in private markets LONDON, Jan. 30, 2024, the global leader in alternative assets data, tools, and insights, announced the appointment of key senior leaders to accelerate key products and regions that are rapidly growing, and help bridge the gaps seen in the market. Fabien Chen has taken on the newly created role of Global Head of Benchmarks, based in Singapore. Cameron Joyce, based in London, is now the Global Head of Research Insights, spearheading the creation and development of Preqin's market-leading institutional research. Additionally, Gurkan Tasoren, also based in Singapore, has been hired to drive the company's sales teams across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region as Head of Sales, APAC. With private markets being a historically opaque industry, fund and asset-level performance analysis and benchmarking continue to be a challenge for market professionals. This is where Preqin's private market capital benchmarks make the difference by giving investors, fund managers and service providers access to independent, reliable, timely and transparent performance data. These solutions allow market professionals to drive meaningful performance analysis and make informed investment decisions, as the most comprehensive and representative benchmarks across all alternatives asset classes. This ultimately helps the industry become more efficient and transparent. Preqin's fund performance benchmarks have been recognized by a third party as the market leader* and are best positioned to provide greatest granularity and named performance data. Fabien Chen, as the new Head of Benchmarks, will play a pivotal role in further developing Preqin's suite of global benchmark solutions and propel the teams to significantly expand the range, scope and transparency. Previously, Fabien led teams at McKinsey before joining Preqin in March 2022 as Head of APAC Strategy. Fabien's strong customer focus, coupled with a deep understanding of the alternative assets industry, will ensure the Benchmarks become even more relevant and effective for the industry. Cameron Joyce, who was a Senior Vice President on Preqin's Research Insights team since 2020, will now lead the team of expert researchers. The industry-leading institutional research provides more than 100 annual reports, like the "Future of Alts"market studies that are widely referenced, leveraging Preqin's independent, data-driven view of the alternatives market, investor sentiment, private market valuations, fees and terms, and industry compensation. The valuable content and actionable insights mean readers are empowered to formulate their own perspectives and inform their investment decisions. Cameron previously worked in asset allocation, investment research and fund selection roles. Additionally, Gurkan Tasoren joins Preqin as Head of Sales, APAC and will drive strategic growth initiatives across the region. He is well positioned to foster lasting client relationships, bringing more than two decades of experience in the global fintech industry, with extensive prior leadership experience at Bloomberg. Gurkan will be a trusted partner for clients, helping them navigate the current challenging market conditions and evolving landscape. Reflecting on these appointments, Christoph Knaack, CEO, at Preqin, says, "Fabien, Cameron and Gurkan are well-established professionals within their respective fields, each having a deep appreciation of the complexities of private markets and issues that our clients face. I am confident that these appointments will contribute significantly to our continued success and help us improve our standing as the source of essential alternatives data and insights, trusted by every financial professional in the alternatives industry." If you would like more information or have any questions, please get in touch with Mimi Celeste Taylor mimiceleste.taylor@preqin.com Notes to the editors * Probitas Partners' 2024 Institutional Investors Private Equity Survey December 2023 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ About Preqin Preqin, the Home of Alternatives, empowers financial professionals who invest in or allocate to alternatives with essential data and insight to make confident decisions. It supports them throughout the entire investment lifecycle with critical information and leading analytics solutions. The company has pioneered rigorous methods of collecting private data for 20 years, enabling more than 200,000 professionals globally to streamline how they raise capital, source deals and investments, understand performance, and stay informed. For more information visit www.preqin.com. Sixty-one heat pump industry chiefs have signed a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, warning that delaying the EU Heat Pump Action Plan jeopardizes a key net-zero European industry.The European heat pump sector has once again urged the European Commission against delaying the EU Heat Pump Action Plan as sales continue to slump. On Tuesday, 61 CEOs said in a joint letter to European Commission President von der Leyen that this threatens EUR 7 billion ($7.6 billion) of planned investments in the sector over the 2022-25 period. "This would affect jobs in the sector; there ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Company Preparing for Re-Launch With a Pay For Use Monetization Model TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Toggle3D.ai (the "Company") (CSE:TGGL)(OTCQB:TGGLF)(FSE:Q0C), the all in one 3D modeling solution harnessing the power of generative AI to convert CAD files, apply stunning 4K texturing, and seamlessly publish superior 4K 3D models, is excited to report a 75% jump in usage in Q4. The Toggle3D platform currently has 27,192 users, and 26,504 or 97% of the users are active and have logged in within the last 30 days. The Company is focused on monetizing these users in Q1 by implementing a $10/pay per use business model which the Company believes will be more aligned with the current use cases in the platform. CEO Evan Gappelberg comments "I'm pleased to see Toggle usage rate jump 75% in Q4 and continue to see the usage jump in 2024. It's exciting that we have attracted such a diverse group of users in a short period which includes designers, architects, 3D modelers, prototyping and more. I believe Toggle can quickly become a daily destination platform as it is the easiest to use all-in-one platform for all 3D modeling needs." The Company is also excited for the relaunch of Toggle3D with it's groundbreaking new features including Nextech3D.ai's in-house built AI-powered 3D model search engine. Toggle3D has users from all over the world including the United States, Canada, China, Australia, New Zealand, India, Brazil, Argentina, and more. Watch a video of CEO Evan Gappelberg discuss Toggle3D.ai's anticipated relaunch and the AI powered search engine: click here to watch Earlier this month, Nextech3D.ai unveiled the AI 3D model search engine. This breakthrough AI search engine integrates computer vision and artificial intelligence to refine and quicken the 3D modeling process. By leveraging this proprietary technology, Nextech3D.ai will streamline and accelerate its in-house 3D model production operations significantly. In addition, Nextech3D.ai will integrate the AI search engine within the Toggle3D platform in Q1, 2024. Through this integration Toggle3D will provide a rich feature set for product designers, 3D artists and architects to create 3D from 2D images. In addition to 3D files you will be able to leverage the Toggle3D platform with just a 2D image. The monetization model for this feature is going to be a pay-per-use model which is a huge value add for our customers. This business model should lead to revenue growth in 2024. The Company views this as a major advancement in 3D modeling and could set a new industry benchmark as an indispensable tool for 3D model factories, 3D artists, and more. Retailers should use "groundwork quarter" at the start of the year to ensure they have the right infrastructure for "golden quarter" in place LONDON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "A lack of delivery options at checkout" and "unclear returns policies" could be denting retailers' peak-season profits, warns a new guide by nShift, the global leader in online delivery management software. A new guide, " Going for gold " argues that to successfully prepare for the "golden quarter" at the end of the year, retailers and warehouses must recast the earliest weeks of 2024 as the "groundwork quarter". During this time, they must make a robust assessment of their performance during peak season and decide whether they have the right technology and infrastructure in place to boost their chances of success. How orders are shipped to customers is a crucial part of golden-quarter success. The guide notes that by failing to make the most of their delivery management, online retailers become vulnerable to five common errors: Lack of delivery options - if customers can't find the delivery experience they want, they will shop around for a better one Low-brand awareness - even the fact a shopper has bought from a retailer is no guarantee that they will remember who they did business with Insufficient delivery capacity - if retailers cannot keep up with demand and make good on their promises, they can't expect a shopper to come back for more Unclear returns policy - if shoppers can't see how they could easily return something, they are less likely to buy in the first place A failure to demonstrate eco credentials - to succeed during peak season, online retailers must find real and tangible ways to show how they are helping to reduce their impact on the planet Mattias Gredenhag, CTO at nShift said, "The golden quarter represents the biggest commercial opportunity for online and multi-channel retailers. A failure to properly prepare risks undermining their chances of success. "Offering the right peak-season customer experience is critical to success. If shoppers have a bad delivery experience, they may abandon the retailer forever. It's vital that ecommerce businesses have the right infrastructure and technology in place to meet increased demand and encourage customer loyalty." Read the full report: " Going for gold: why peak-season preparation must focus on the delivery experience " About nShift nShift is the global leading provider of cloud delivery management solutions enabling frictionless shipment and return of almost one billion shipments across 190 countries annually. nShift's software is used globally by e-commerce, retail, manufacturing and 3PL shippers. The company is headquartered in London and Oslo. It has over 500 employees across offices in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Romania. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1782566/nShift_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/a-focus-on-deliveries-early-in-the-year-can-help-retailers-drive-up-peak-season-performance-says-nshift-302047932.html Companies can now analyze and progress their disability inclusion efforts in Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States The Disability Equality Index enters its 10th year in 2024 with the premiere of scored benchmarks in seven countries outside of the United States. The expansion comes in direct response to a growing demand for culturally competent tools to comprehensively measure disability inclusion efforts in multinational corporations. Disability:IN, which administers the Disability Equality Index, selected the initial new countries based on outcomes from a two-year global pilot in which 98 companies across 66 countries participated. Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom were chosen to meet demand demonstrated during the pilot as well as to ensure adequate global representation across geographic regions and at varying stages of economic and social development. Registration for the 2024 Disability Equality Index is now open with the benchmark accepting submissions until April 12 for all eight countries. "In analyzing results from the nearly 100 companies that participated in the global pilot, it became clear that there's a real, demonstrated need for a benchmarking tool that can be adapted for differing cultural contexts," said Russell Shaffer, Executive Vice President of Strategy Programs at Disability:IN. "The Disability Equality Index is poised to play a pivotal role in empowering business to drive positive change in the countries in which they operate. Companies can track their progress over time, set priorities and measure their performance to others, facilitating continuous improvement in disability inclusion efforts." In the U.S., the Disability Equality Index has seen immense growth in participation from 80 companies in 2015 to 485 participants in 2023. Today, 70% of the U.S. Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500 trust the objective, comprehensive and confidential mechanism for examining their corporate disability inclusive practices and policies against their peers. The two-year global pilot revealed rapidly growing interest from stakeholders across multinational companies that witnessed the benefits of leveraging the tool in the U.S. Increasingly, matters of financial and social materiality are leading corporations to examine and expand their efforts around disability inclusion. An ever-evolving global legislative landscape, emerging regulatory requirements and consistently compelling bottom-line business cases are fueling vigorous interest for tools like the Disability Equality Index. In "The Disability Inclusion Imperative," refreshed research from Accenture and Disability:IN published in November 2023, companies leading on disability inclusion over a five-year period realized marked business gains over other participants, achieving 1.6 times more revenue, 2.6 times more net income, and 2 times more economic profit. "People with disabilities represent a vast source of talent and comprise over one billion consumers worldwide. This reality means that disability inclusion is a powerful tool to create lasting value in companies and across society," said Jill Houghton, President CEO of Disability:IN. "Whether they're looking to hire and retain the best talent, diversify supply chains, improve digital accessibility, innovate products and services, or meet shareholder expectations, companies are turning to the Disability Equality Index to identify tangible actions they can take to gain a competitive edge in the global market." Growing Global Portfolio of Programming To meet accelerated corporate demand for a global focus on disability inclusion, Disability:IN has been building its portfolio of programming to support expected results from the Disability Equality Index expansion. This includes: Convening a Global Roundtable and regional councils in APAC, EMEA and LATAM to unite corporate leaders around disability inclusion in their regions. Securing international consultants in Brazil, France, Taiwan and the United Kingdom to support the councils. In November 2023, Disability:IN hosted a first-of-its-kind business disability inclusion convening in Japan with support from Google and other corporations. Piloting efforts to connect global partner companies with disabled talent in their countries, including a virtual recruiting showcase that brought together 22 companies and more than 250 candidates from France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Early international expansion has led to Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBEs) certifications issued in Canada, Germany, India and the United Kingdom. Additionally, Disability:IN will launch quarterly meetings for corporate inclusive procurement professionals in APAC, EMEA and LATAM in 2024. Planning is currently underway for in-person events in Dublin, Ireland and Sao Paulo in 2024 with early concepts for 2025 events in Africa and India in development. About the Disability Equality Index The Disability Equality Index has become the leading independent, third-party resource for the annual benchmarking of corporate disability inclusion policies and programs, and is now trusted by more than 70% of the Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500. Since its inception in 2015, participation in the United States edition of the Disability Equality Index has grown 6x from 80 companies in the inaugural year to 485 in 2023. Originally developed as a joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the Disability Equality Index is an objective, reflective, forward-thinking and confidential disability rating tool designed to assist business in advancing inclusion practices. It is a comprehensive benchmark that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions across five scored categories: Culture Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Employment Practices, Community Engagement, and Supplier Diversity. Participating companies receive a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those scoring 80 or higher earning the distinction of "Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion" for the benchmark year. About Disability:IN Disability:IN is a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. More than 500 corporations partner with Disability:IN to create long-term business and social impact through the world's most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking and reporting tool, the Disability Equality Index; best-in-class conferences and programs; expert counsel and engagement; and public policy leadership. To learn more about Disability:IN's key initiatives including Boards Are IN, Investors Are IN, and CEOs Are IN, visit www.disabilityin.org View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130901443/en/ Contacts: Media: Suzanne Robitaille suzanne@archiegroup.com 203-832-4107 News Release Video:Terra Balcanica produced a technical webinar to explain the drill results VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. ("Terra" or the "Company") (CSE:TERA; FRA:UB1) is pleased to announce the final geochemical assay results from the Phase II drill campaign at Cumavici Ridge confirming continuation of the high-grade epithermal vein mineralization at the Viogor-Zanik project in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Highlights Drillhole CMV23001 intersected 551 g/t AgEq over 4.8 m from 11 m downhole with a further mineralized interval of 669 g/t AgEq over 0.3 m from 31.60 m (Table 1); downhole with a further mineralized interval of (Table 1); Drillhole CMV23001 is located on the same platform as previously CMV23002b which returned 499 g/t AgEq over 3.8 m from 22 m reported (see Company news release 17 January 2024); reported (see Company news release 17 January 2024); The Cumavici Ridge mineralization remains open and untested immediately northwest and down-dip to the southwest , which will be targeted by our 2024 Phase III drill program; , which will be targeted by our 2024 Phase III drill program; Further assay results from the 2023 Phase II drilling program are pending release, including 4 shallow drillholes at the Brezani Au skarn, which aim to add strike length to the previously reported 88.0 m at 0.61 g/t AuEq from surface (news release dated 24 January 2023). Terra Balcanica CEO, Dr. Aleksandar Miskovic, commented: "Terra keeps on confirming average grades of over 500 g/t Ag Eq and average mineralization thicknesses of approximately 5-10 m of massive sulfides and associated Ag-Sb-Pb-Zn-Au mineralogy at Cumavici Ridge which is only one of six target zones along the 7.2 km corridor of vein-hosted epithermal mineralization. This zone is de-risked by drilling shallow, high grade silver mineralization at both the Cumavici Ridge and Joseva targets over 2.3 km apart. We are very excited to carry on adding to the existing mineralized horizon at Cumavici Ridge by testing it down dip to SW as well as along strike to NW while expanding drill campaign to Cumurnica and two other targets along the corridor in 2024." Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Pb (%) Sb (%) Zn (%) AgEq (g/t) CMV23001 11.00 15.80 4.8 132 1.61 0.57 1.56 1.51 551 CMV23001 31.60 31.90 0.3 106 0.47 0.28 3.22 1.00 669 Table 1.Assay results from drillhole CMV23001 of the Phase II drilling campaign. Interval lengths reported are drilled lengths, not true widths. Silver equivalent ("AgEq") is based on assumed metal prices of US$1,980/oz for gold (Au), US$23/oz for silver (Ag), US$1.15/lb for zinc (Zn), US$5.42/lb for antimony (Sb) and US$1.00/lb for lead (Pb). Assumed metal recoveries of 90% Au, 93% Ag, 95% Sb, 94% Pb and Zn are based on published metallurgical tests on analogous intermediate sulphidation epithermal vein deposits. Figure 1. Geological map illustrating the drillholes at the Cumavici Ridge locality. AgEq values are labelled for selected 2022 and 2023 drill intercepts. Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation (m) Dip Azimuth Depth (m) Recovery (%) CMV23001 360223.3 4888497.2 594.63 -85 050 61.7 98.8 Table 2.Collar locations for reported Phase II drillhole. Coordinates and elevation were taken by local consultant surveyors using a differential GPS unit. (WGS84/UTM Zone 34N). Future Exploration Program Further drilling efforts at Cumavici Ridge will aim to connect the shallow high-grade interval reported in this release to the 531 g/t AgEq over 0.75 m and 355 g/t AgEq over 1.10 m reported over 600 m to the northwest (see Company news release dated 5th November 2023). The shallow, vein hosted system remains untested and open to the southwest down-dip which will also be targeted during the 2024 Phase III drilling. Figure 2. Drillhole section through step out drill fence located 42 m SE of the 2022 discovery holes at Cumavici Ridge. Assay intervals reported for CMV23001. Hole ID Easting Northing Dip Azimuth Depth (m) Comments CMV23005 360232 4888411 -85 050 58.2 Ended before target depth CMV23006 359917 4888823 -60 050 82.2 No visible mineralization CMV23008 359865 4888914 -60 050 65.8 No visible mineralization CMV23010 359770 4888949 -50 050 91.5 No visible mineralization CMV23011 360225 4888446 -85 050 50.2 No visible mineralization CMV23012 360245 4888471 -85 050 67.6 No visible mineralization Table 3.Collar locations and comments for the remaining Cumavici Ridge phase II drillholes. Coordinates and elevation were taken using a differential GPS unit.. QAQC Half core (PQ3 and HQ3) samples were delivered by truck to ALS Bor, Serbia for sample preparation and analysis at the ALS laboratory Loughrea, Ireland an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified testing laboratory. Sample preparation PREP-31BY method was used on all core samples. This involves crushing to 70% less than 2 mm, rotary split 1kg and pulverizing the split to greater than 85% passing 75 microns. Gold was assayed by 30g fire assay with ICP-AES finish (Au-ICP21). Analyses of silver and base metals were completed by highly oxidising digestion with HNO 3 , KClO 3 and HBr (ASY-ORE) and the final solution in dilute aqua regia is determined by ICP-AES (ME-ICPORE). Control samples, comprising certified reference materials (CDN-ME-1811), quarter core field duplicates and blanks were inserted at a rate of 9% and investigated as part of the company's quality assurance and quality control program. Qualified Person Dr. Aleksandar Miskovic, P.Geo, is the Company's designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and validated that the information contained in this news release as accurate. About the Company Terra Balcanica is a polymetallic exploration company targeting large-scale mineral systems in the Balkans of southeastern Europe. The Company has 90% interest in the Viogor-Zanik Project in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, 100% of the Kaludra and Ceovishte mineral exploration licences in southern Serbia. The Company emphasizes responsible engagement with local communities and stakeholders. It is committed to proactively implementing Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) and sustainable health, safety, and environmental management. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. "Aleksandar Miskovic" Aleksandar Miskovic President and CEO For further information, please contact Alex Miskovic at amiskovic@terrabresources.com, or visit our website at www.terrabresources.com. Cautionary Statement This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of any of the words "will", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/08e30708-22e6-46df-b7fb-0f9cede241b9 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/67f4de7d-ddb2-4983-8fa0-511d9f0bd05c HELSINKI, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Danish pension company AP Pension and financial services group Nykredit have chosen Caverion as their technical maintenance partner for their new headquarters at Svanemlleholmen in Copenhagen's North Harbour. Almost 2,300 employees move into the building in the spring of 2024. The agreement covers the entire AP Pension and Nykredit headquarters of approx. 75,000m2. "The future requires continuous focus and reporting on our use and utilisation of our buildings. With their highly specialised solutions and analysis of data in everyday building operations, Caverion is an obvious partner. At AP Ejendomme, we do not have internal experts in building management and energy optimisation, so we needed a competent partner to support our ambitious strategic plans for CO2 neutrality and diversity in the workplace. At AP Pension and Nykredit, we have a desire and requirement that suppliers and business partners take social responsibility, and Caverion matched this," says Helle Haugsted, CCO of AP Ejendomme, a subsidiary of AP Pension. The new building creates proudness Svanemlleholm is referred to as the "social office building" and for example its cafe and fitness center will be open for public. The idea is to open the headquarters to the surroundings, and this will create benefits for employees, the business, and the local area. Svanemlleholm is being built according to the Danish voluntary sustainability class (FBK), and the building is also expected to be certified DGNB Gold and Diamond for high architectural quality. "We are proud to be part of this prestigious building in Copenhagen's North Harbour, which is without a doubt an attractive and popular area for new construction and among the most ambitious urban development plans in Denmark right now. Our tailored services support AP Pension's ambition to create a sustainable and innovative work environment. We have had highly specialised on-site people working in the building already since the beginning of the new year, for whom it means the world to be part of the daily crew at the newly constructed Svanemlleholm," says Carsten Srensen, Head of Caverion Denmark division. As part of the agreement, Caverion has an on-site team available at the head office with specialist skills across several technical disciplines. Caverion's Remote Service helps optimise energy consumption and ensures smart monitoring of the building's condition 24/7. Facts about Svanemlleholm: Customer: AP Ejendomme P/S Contractor: MT Hjgaard Architect: PHL Arkitekter Certified to DGNB Gold Image: Henrik Ohsten CONTACT: For further information, please contact: Maja Nordal Brene, Head of Marketing and Communications, Caverion Danmark, tel. +45 4214 0246, maja.n.brenoee@caverion.com The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/14078/3917941/2570766.pdf Release https://news.cision.com/caverion/i/ap-pension-nykredit-henrik-ohsten,c3262056 AP Pension Nykredit Henrik Ohsten View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/caverion-chosen-as-technical-maintenance-partner-for-ap-pension-and-nykredits-new-sustainable-headquarters-in-copenhagen-302047960.html Grants support clean, safe parks redevelopment, enhance community resiliency through emergency preparedness and more MAYS LANDING, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Atlantic City Electric - To help support the development of environmental, open space and resiliency projects across South Jersey communities, Atlantic City Electric and Sustainable Jersey announced the 10 recipients of the 2023 Sustainable Communities Grants Program. The one-time grants of up to $5,000 each, totaling $50,000, support nature preservation, safer parks, and enhanced resiliency for local communities. This funding is made available through Atlantic City Electric's Sustainable Communities Grant program. "We are so pleased to help our local communities bring these projects to fruition and to support in ways that will have lasting impacts on not only the community, but the environment as well," said Kristin McEvoy, director of external affairs, Atlantic City Electric. "We remain steadfast in our climate goals and recognize supporting our communities through these grants will foster a cleaner and safer environment." Atlantic City Electric launched the Sustainable Communities Grant program in 2020 with Sustainable Jersey administering the grants to local communities. To date, the program has provided $275,000 in grants supporting environmental, open space and resiliency efforts in the communities where Atlantic City Electric serves. "In our work to help communities thrive in the face of a changing climate, these funded projects will build local resilience and preserve natural resources," said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. "We're excited to partner with the Atlantic City Electric to produce actionable steps that address the state's climate challenges and support a sustainable New Jersey." This year, Atlantic City Electric and Sustainable Jersey have awarded grants to the following municipalities: Atlantic City ($5,000) - The grant will be used to support the development of the open space and recreation element of the City's master plan. The grant will be used to support the development of the open space and recreation element of the City's master plan. Egg Harbor City ($5,000) - The grant will be used to continue upgrading City Lake Park by cleaning up the north shore side of the park which is home to the historic gravesite of Sibbel Shaler and by enhancing interpretive signage along the well-known trail. The grant will be used to continue upgrading City Lake Park by cleaning up the north shore side of the park which is home to the historic gravesite of Sibbel Shaler and by enhancing interpretive signage along the well-known trail. Somers Point City ($5,000) - The grant will be used to update the landscaping and playground at local senior citizen center, including a temperature moderation project. The grant will be used to update the landscaping and playground at local senior citizen center, including a temperature moderation project. Commercial Township ($5,000) - The grant will be used to purchase an osprey nature sign at the local park. The grant will be used to purchase an osprey nature sign at the local park. Maurice River Township ($5,000) - The grant will be used to construct and install two large shade structures for the Delmont and Port Elizabeth Recreation areas. The grant will be used to construct and install two large shade structures for the Delmont and Port Elizabeth Recreation areas. Deptford Township ($5,000) - The grant will be used to restore and rehabilitate the Fasola Park steps. The grant will be used to restore and rehabilitate the Fasola Park steps. East Greenwich Township ($5,000) - The grant will be used to redevelop Mickleton Park by removing invasive plants and develop a native plant nursey. The grant will be used to redevelop Mickleton Park by removing invasive plants and develop a native plant nursey. Upper Pittsgrove Township ($5,000) - The grant will be used to enhance signage along Elephant Swamp Trail to improve safety and cleanliness of the trail and guide residents to connecting trails and parks. The grant will be used to enhance signage along Elephant Swamp Trail to improve safety and cleanliness of the trail and guide residents to connecting trails and parks. Medford Township ($5,000) - The grant will be used to develop a weather station and begin the second phase of a lightening detection system in the township to prepare residents for severe weather, save lives and reduce storm damage. The grant will be used to develop a weather station and begin the second phase of a lightening detection system in the township to prepare residents for severe weather, save lives and reduce storm damage. Long Beach Township ($5,000) - The grant will be used to build a resilience and restoration demonstration display. The Sustainable Communities Grant program provides $40,000 in environmental stewardship grants, up to $5,000 each, for projects focusing on open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources and environmental conservation. The program also provides $10,000 in resiliency grants, up to $5,000 each, to support innovative approaches to providing a safe and reliable resource for a community during a time of emergency, such as severe weather. Municipalities in the Atlantic City Electric service area can apply for a Sustainable Communities grant each year. A committee with representatives from Atlantic City Electric and Sustainable Jersey reviews each application and selects the projects to receive funding. The Sustainable Communities Grant program is part of Atlantic City Electric's Climate Commitment, a multi-faceted, action-oriented effort to help the state of New Jersey achieve its clean energy and climate goals. As part of the commitment, the company is taking actionable measures to reduce its greenhouse gas footprint, deliver innovative solutions that will empower customers and communities to achieve greater greenhouse gas reduction across South Jersey. The effort supports the broader Path to Clean goal of Atlantic City Electric's parent company, Exelon, to reduce its operations-driven emissions 50 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero operations by 2050. More information on the Sustainable Communities Grant Program is available at atlanticcityelectric.com/SustainableCommunities. To learn more about Atlantic City Electric, visit The Source, Atlantic City Electric's online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting atlanticcityelectric.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/AtlanticCityElectric , and on Twitter at twitter.com/AcEleCconnect . Atlantic City Electric's mobile app is available at atlanticcityelectric.com/MobileApp. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Atlantic City Electric on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Atlantic City Electric Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/atlantic-city-electric Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Atlantic City Electric View the original press release on accesswire.com Chico, California--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - AmeraMex International, Inc. (OTC Pink: AMMX), a provider of heavy equipment for logistics companies, infrastructure construction and forestry conservation, announced that it was awarded equipment orders totaling approximately $600,000. AmeraMex CEO Lee Hamre commented, "Last week, I, along with the sales team attended the 50th Anniversary Meeting of the Associated California Loggers in Reno, NV. The three-day event was attended by some of the largest companies in the industry along with keynote speakers California Congressmen Tom McClintock and Kevin Kiley. In addition to the various panels regarding current government regulations and technology, there was a variety of educational classes and the live auction which raised approximately $600,000 in support of the organization." "We will be displaying several machines at the 75th Annual Forest Products and Construction Equipment Expo of the Sierra Cascade Logging Conference in Anderson, California on February 8-10, 2024. On display will be an electric wheel loader with a three cubic yard bucket, a new LiuGong Dozer, a mini excavator, and several other machines targeting the forestry and construction markets . The conference focus is to bring the best and latest technology to the industries it serves and educate the attendee," added Hamre. Today's announced orders include two LiuGong Forklifts with 6,000-pound capacity each and a Magni 5.24 Telehandler. Both the forklifts and the Magni are shipping to a customer in Alaska. Additionally, a Taylor Equipment Loaded Container Handler was sold to a customer in Utah and a Komatsu D135-A Crawler Tractor was sold to a West Coast customer. The equipment is in inventory and expected to ship within the next week. LiuGong Forklift To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10200/196156_2ce0369754509b21_001full.jpg Magni Telehandler To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10200/196156_2ce0369754509b21_002full.jpg Magni telescopic handlers are multi-functional off-road machines designed to take on challenging tasks in extreme conditions. They are used in the construction sector to position and maneuver any type of load at varying heights in complete safety. Equipped with an RFID system, they meet a wide range of applications in the construction industry. The telescopic handlers have a four-wheel drive system, three maneuvering modes and high ground clearance, making them highly maneuverable on all terrain types. Taylor Loaded Container Handler To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10200/196156_2ce0369754509b21_003full.jpg For more information and pricing of equipment for the logistics, agricultural, construction, and forestry industries, or to book a demonstration of the First Green Industry's 100 percent electric skid steer loaders, ASV Posti-Tract and Skid Steer Loaders, Menzi Muck Excavators or a Magni Telescopic Handler, contact the AmeraMex/Hamre Equipment sales team at 530.895.8955. AmeraMex International AmeraMex International sells, leases, and rents heavy equipment to companies within multiple industries including construction, logistics, mining, and lumber. The company has over 30 years of experience in heavy equipment sales and service. Follow AmeraMex on Twitter @ammx_intl and visit the AmeraMex website, www.AMMX.net or www.hamreequipment.com for additional information and equipment videos. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "potential," "continue" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, and there are key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if added information becomes available in the future. Investor and Media Relations McCloud Communications, LLC Marty Tullio, Managing Member Office: 949.632.1900 or Marty@McCloudCommunications.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196156 SOURCE: AmeraMex International Inc. The Worldcom Public Relations Group (Worldcom), the leading global partnership of independent public relations firms, announced today that it has voted Springboard Communications, the Irish Public Relations Agency of the Year in 2023, into its global partnership. "We are excited to add an agency of this caliber to our global partnership," said Serge Beckers, Managing Director, Wisse Kommunikatie (Netherlands), and Worldcom's EMEA Committee Chair. "They are highly respected and recognized in Ireland and across the EMEA region. Springboard's expertise, not only across the broad spectrum of PR services but also in several key industries, is fundamental to extending our ability to serve Worldcom partners' existing clients across the region while providing new client prospects comprehensive reach and resources." Springboard Communications is an award-winning, integrated communications agency, in sectors including technology, FMCG, renewable energy, healthcare, and pharmaceutical. The Irish Public Relations Agency of the Year 2023 has, for the past decade, delivered results-driven integrated communications services, collaborating with their clients on communications to internal and external stakeholders. This has transformed organizational cultures, delivered business growth and positively impacted reputations. Managing Director and founder of Springboard Communications, Susie Horgan said: "Embracing the power of global connectivity, our agency is thrilled to partner with Worldcom. We are about redefining the standards of excellence in the industry, and together with Worldcom we can leverage our collective expertise to provide innovative solutions and unparalleled service to clients around the world. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to delivering truly global communication strategies that transcend boundaries and drive meaningful impact." Welcoming Springboard to The Worldcom Public Relations Group marks the completion of a rigorous Worldcom partner recruitment and vetting process. It ensures the compatibility of the agency applying for partnership, along with their ability to meet the standards of trust and collaboration that have defined Worldcom since its founding in 1988. As the newest partner, Springboard joins a robust group of global partners who openly share knowledge and best practices, utilize the partnership to meet expanding client roles, and collaborate on new opportunities scaled to the local, regional, and global needs of any Worldcom partner, client or prospect. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130999141/en/ Contacts: Media contact: Todd Lynch (904) 233-0123 toddlynch@worldcomgroup.com Media contact: Maria Tracey +353 85 7043431 maria@springboardcommunications.ie Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - NeoTerrex Minerals Inc. (TSXV: NTX) ("NeoTerrex" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an exploration update and outlook on its key value drivers for 2024. The Company continues to advance its 100% owned portfolio of properties and remains committed to focusing exploration on critical minerals, most notably rare earth metals. NeoTerrex has approximately $6,000,000 in cash, no debt and over 36% of shares held by insiders. NeoTerrex's President and CEO, Mathieu Stephens, stated: "A major milestone was achieved with the Company's recent listing on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") earlier this month. We intend to keep this momentum throughout 2024 and aggressively advance our portfolio of critical minerals properties. The work will include our maiden drill program at the Mount Discovery rare earths flagship property where we believe the quality of this project alone, with its favorable grades and location, will make NeoTerrex a significant rare earth explorer in the province." NeoTerrex owns several prospective critical minerals properties throughout the province of Quebec. An overview and summary exploration plan for 2024 are provided below. More information is available on the Company's website and will also be provided in subsequent news releases. Mount Discovery Project The Mount Discovery rare earths project has been the focus of most of the work by the Company to date. Twenty-two rare earths occurrences (Neodymium and Praseodymium) have been discovered since 2022 and recent excavation work on some of these showings has established that mineralization has size potential. Recent channel sampling on the King showing returned 27 metres of 3.50% Total Rare Earth Oxides. A maiden drill program is planned for March 2024 on the property and will be followed-up with additional drilling and surface exploration during the summer. Lindsay Project The Lindsay project contains a large radiometric anomaly detected by a 2020 government regional survey1, similar in strength and shape to well known rare earths deposits like Kipawa and Niobec. Historical regional sediment sampling corroborates the radiometric anomaly by the presence of thorium, and monazite has been reported in government sponsored geological mapping. Preliminary reconnaissance work done by NeoTerrex uncovered felsic intrusive lithologies and important fault systems on which numerous grab samples were taken in 2023. Assays are pending and follow-up work will be planned based on these results. Beauchene Project Located 40 kilometres west of the Kipawa rare earths deposit, the Beauchene project is reported to contain monazite, a rare earths bearing mineral. The area is adjacent to the Temiscamingue rift zone, a geological feature characterized by deep faults which may have acted as a conduit for rare earths mineralization from deeper within the mantle. NeoTerrex's field crew will commence surface exploration on the property in the spring as the area is easily accessible by road. Roman Project The Roman project contains the highest recorded lithium value (442 ppm Li and; 830 ppm Rb)2 in a grab sample of the entire Cote-Nord region (300,000 km2). The grab sample was taken during mapping survey conducted by geologists working for the Ministere des Ressources naturelles et des Forets (Quebec) which identified numerous pegmatites in the area. Yet, the anomalous sample was the only one taken and the other pegmatites have yet to be sampled to determine their lithium potential. Newly established infrastructure in the area will simplify and reduce exploration costs for NeoTerrex. A maiden exploration program is scheduled for the spring of 2024, when the snow cover has thawed. Due to the projected growth of the rare earths industry, the Company has adopted a strategy of continuously being on the lookout for new projects of promise which can be added to its portfolio of properties. ESG Given the role of critical minerals in clean energy transitions, NeoTerrex is committed to the advancement of its projects in a manner consistent with established Environmental, Social and Governance principles. The Company is in the process of establishing internal policies that will comply with industry standards. In the interest of transparency, management of NeoTerrex is in the process of connecting with local communities in the areas where the Company operates. Whenever possible, NeoTerrex prioritizes hiring local residents and stakeholders for the work it undertakes on its projects. Social Media Investors are encouraged to subscribe to the Company's social media channels for additional information on the Company's activities and the rare earths industry as a whole. The services of Mastro Capital Inc. have been retained, subject to the approval of the TSXV, to increase investor awareness through its own social media accounts which include over 17,000 subscribers, for a monthly retainer of $7,500 over the next six months. Mastro is located in Toronto, Ontario, and owned and operated by John Mastromattei. John Mastromattei is a shareholder of the Company. The Company will provide further updates as and when available. Please see the Company's website at www.neoterrex.com for an updated corporate presentation outlining key priorities and value catalysts for the next twelve months. Grant of Stock Options The Board of Directors of the Company has approved, as of today, the granting of stock options (the "Options") for an aggregate of 4,000,000 common shares of the Company to its directors and officers, in accordance with its stock option plan. The Options vest immediately, are exercisable at $0.25 per Option and have a term of five years. The Options are subject to the approval of the TSXV. Following the grant of Options, the Corporation has a total of 4,000,000 Options outstanding representing approximately 5% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Corporation. Qualified Person Mr. Mathieu Stephens, President and CEO, a Qualified Person, as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, verified and approved the technical information contained in this news release. About NeoTerrex The Company is currently advancing its prospective rare earth and lithium projects located in the province of Quebec, with most of its activities focused on its Mount Discovery project. The Company owns a 100-percent undivided interest in certain mineral claims located in southwestern Quebec constituting the Mount Discovery project. The property was acquired due to its rare earth element potential. For further information, please contact: NeoTerrex Minerals Inc. Mathieu Stephens, President & Chief Executive Officer info@neoterrex.com Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release may contain certain forward-looking information and statements, including without limitation, statements pertaining to NeoTerrex's future plans, objectives or goals and to the Company's ability to obtain necessary approvals from the TSXV with respect to the consulting agreement with Mastro Capital Inc. and the granting of Options. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and uncertainties. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. A description of assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a description of risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in the Company's disclosure documents on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. ________________________ 1 Reference: Government of Quebec SIGEOM database 2 Reference: Government of Quebec SIGEOM database To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196105 SOURCE: NeoTerrex Minerals Inc. P.O. is for a VKIN-300 Unit intended for use by Waste-Processing Company in France HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Camber Energy, Inc. (NYSE American:CEI) ("Camber" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that BOX 03 International S.A. ("BOX 03") issued a purchase order for a VKIN-300 Waste Treatment system designed by Camber's majority-owned subsidiary, Viking Ozone Technology, LLC ("Viking Ozone"). The VKIN-300 unit is intended for use by one of BOX 03's existing clients, a waste management company based in France that has been active in collecting, managing and treating waste from healthcare facilities for over twenty-five years. James Doris, Camber's President & CEO, stated "We have spent several months putting the appropriate infrastructure in place to successfully execute our commercialization strategy for this revolutionary technology, including expanding Viking Ozone's portfolio of waste treatment units, enhancing our technical team, formalizing relationships with reputable organizations in key markets, and establishing an appropriate framework and methods to ensure timely delivery, commissioning, certification and after-sales support. BOX 03 is an organization with intimate knowledge of the challenges waste-processing companies face in the current environment, and their issuance of this particular order evidences their belief that the Viking Ozone system is the most superior product available in the market. We believe our ozone technology will ultimately become the standard treatment system for regulated medical waste, and anticipate more orders from BOX 03 and other distributors in the near future." The medical waste industry is currently valued at $14 billion and is expected to grow at a 7.2% CAGR through to 2032. The Viking Ozone system is at the forefront of this expansion, ready to make the world a cleaner, safer place. About the VKIN-300 The VKIN-300 unit is one of many in the Viking Ozone portfolio of waste-processing systems. About Viking Ozone Viking Ozone offers a cleaner, safer and more sustainable alternative for waste treatment, and its system is a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to incineration, chemical treatment, autoclave and heat treatments for regulated medical waste and bio-hazardous waste. Viking Ozone's system is designed to reduce the amount of energy required to process waste, which conserves resources, lowers operating costs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a cleaner, safer environment. The modular design and low profile allow for multiple configurations and savings for civil work at the site. To learn more about Viking Ozone please visit https://vkin-ozone.com/. BOX 03 The purchase order for the VKIN-300 unit was issued by BOX 03 International S.A., the authorized distributor of Viking Ozone's proprietary ozone waste treatment systems in Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, and French speaking countries of West Africa, to Simson-Maxwell Ltd. ("Simson-Maxwell"), a majority-owned subsidiary of Viking Energy Group, Inc., which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Camber. Simson-Maxwell intends to ship the VKIN-300 unit to France in or about April, 2023 after which the unit will be subject to various mechanical, environmental and other testing and certification procedures, standards and requirements, as applicable. BOX 03's payment obligations with respect to the purchase of the VKIN-300 unit are subject to the unit satisfying all such procedures, standards and requirements and there are no assurances of a positive outcome. BOX 03 provides consultancy and project management services to various end-users of waste treatment systems, with particular emphasis on advising and supporting globally-recognized companies engaged in the business of treating and disposing of medical waste in Europe and abroad. About Camber Energy, Inc. Camber Energy, Inc. is a growth-oriented diversified energy company. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Viking Energy Group, Inc. ("Viking"), Camber: (i) provides custom energy & power solutions to commercial and industrial clients in North America; (ii) holds an exclusive license in Canada to a patented carbon-capture system; and (iii) has a majority interest in: (a) an entity with intellectual property rights to a fully developed, patented, ready-for-market proprietary Medical & Bio-Hazard Waste Treatment system using Ozone Technology; and (b) entities with the intellectual property rights to fully developed, patent pending, ready-for-market proprietary Electric Transmission and Distribution Open Conductor Detection Systems. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.camber.energy. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Any statements that are not historical facts contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements", which statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "projects," "will," "may," "anticipates," "believes," "should," "intends," "estimates," and other words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, involve known and unknown risks, a reliance on third parties for information, transactions that may be cancelled, and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in our industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results include risks and uncertainties related to the fluctuation of global economic conditions or economic conditions with respect to the oil and gas industry, the COVID-19 pandemic, the performance of management, actions of government regulators, vendors, and suppliers, our cash flows and ability to obtain financing, competition, general economic conditions and other factors that are detailed in Camber's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Further examples of such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: (i) whether all terms and conditions of the purchase order will be met by the parties and whether the purchase order will result in the eventual delivery of the VKIN-300 Unit or realize revenue for the Company; (ii) whether the delivery of the VKIN-300 unit will materialize within the slated timeline; (iii) the ability of Camber or any of its subsidiaries to maintain existing, and secure additional, contracts with manufacturers, parts and other service providers relating to its business; (iv) unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; and (v) changes in government licensing and regulation that may adversely affect the business of Camber and/or its subsidiaries. We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Camber cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not complete, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and Camber does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that it may make, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Camber or any person acting its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements referenced above. Contact Information Investors and Media: Tel. 281.404.4387 SOURCE: Camber Energy, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Hokkaido University researchers and colleagues show that stratospheric aerosol injection has the potential to reduce ice sheet loss due to climate change. SAPPORO, Japan, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the many effects of global warming is sea-level rise due to the melting and retreat of the Earth's ice sheets and glaciers as well as other sources. As the sea level rises, large areas of densely populated coastal land could ultimately become uninhabitable without extensive coastal modification. In order to stave off this possibility, carbon emissions need to reach net negative, a state that is hard to achieve under current circumstances. There are many proposals to drastically mitigate the effects of climate change, and the most expansive of these involve interventions that will alter aspects of the entire globe-the geoengineering techniques. While they have some promise, we do not understand enough about natural cycles to fully assess how beneficial such interventions will be. An international team of researchers led by Professor John C. Moore, at the University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland, and Professor Ralf Greve, at the Institute of Low Temperature Sciences, Hokkaido University, has used simulations to examine the potential effects of a geoengineering technique called stratospheric aerosol injection on ice sheet melting. Their findings were published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface. "Stratospheric aerosol injection, or SAI, would artificially introduce aerosols into the stratosphere by aircraft or high-altitude balloons to create a cooling effect via global dimming and increased albedo-the degree to which Earth reflects sunlight," Moore explains. Moore, Greve and colleagues used the SICOPOLIS model to simulate the changes in the Greenland Ice Sheet for the period 1990-2090 under three different scenarios: RCP8.5 (worst-case scenario, unabated warming); RCP4.5 (intermediate scenario, possibly achievable under current conditions); and GeoMIP G4 (RCP4.5 plus the injection of 5 million metric tons of sulfur dioxide per year into the stratosphere during 2020-2070). The simulations showed that SAI of sulfur dioxide would have a clear protective effect on the Greenland Ice Sheet. Under RCP8.5, there would be ice loss equivalent to approximately 90 mm sea-level rise; under RCP4.5, ice loss would be approximately 60.6 mm sea-level rise; but under GeoMIP G4, ice loss would be limited to approximately just 37.6 mm sea-level rise. When these scenarios were tested with a different model, Elmer/Ice, the results were similar. The margins of the ice sheet would benefit the most under GeoMIP G4. "While this study shows that SAI could contribute to the protection of the Greenland Ice Sheet, and hence, potentially, all other ice cover on Earth, geoengineering is a highly contentious topic," Greve concludes. "The biggest issue is that it addresses only the symptoms of global warming, not the root causes-and may even delay the changes required to address the causes. Furthermore, due to the immense complexity of the natural systems on Earth, it is impossible to predict exactly what positive and negative outcomes could result." Contacts: Professor Ralf Greve Institute of Low Temperature Science Hokkaido University Tel: +81-11-706-6891 Email: greve[at]lowtem.hokudai.ac.jp Sohail Keegan Pinto (International Public Relations Specialist) Public Relations & Communications Division Office of Public Relations and Social Collaboration Hokkaido University Tel: +81-11-706-2186 Email: en-press[at]general.hokudai.ac.jp Paper: John C. Moore, Ralf Greve et al. Reduced Ice Loss From Greenland Under Stratospheric Aerosol Injection . Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface. November 27, 2023. DOI: 10.1029/2023JF007112 Funding: This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFB3900105); State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology (2022-ZD-05); Finnish Academy COLD consortium (322430, 322978); Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI (JP16H02224, JP17H06104); Arctic Challenge for Sustainability projects (ArCS, ArCS II) of the The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT; JPMXD1300000000, JPMXD1420318865); and a Hokkaido University Foreign Visiting Professorship at the Institute of Low Temperature Science. Press release on Hokkaido University website: https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/blog/geoengineering-may-slow-greenland-ice-sheet-loss/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2329927/Hokkaido_University_1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/geoengineering-may-slow-greenland-ice-sheet-loss-302048004.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Telo Genomics Corp. (TSXV: TELO) (OTCQB: TDSGF) (the "Company" or "Telo") is pleased to announce that it has engaged Trusted Health Advisors (THA), a market leader specialized in guiding commercialization programs of innovative diagnostics products in the USA. THA will work with Telo's team to refine and accelerate Telo's go-to-market and partnership deployment plan, to facilitate the implementation of Telo's biomarker services for basic and clinical research and clinical diagnostic applications in Multiple Myeloma and the broader cancer field. The program will include facilitating partnerships and collaborations with basic and clinical researchers, Biopharmaceutical companies, Clinical Research Organizations (CROs), clinical laboratories and oncology providers and healthcare systems. THA's engagement with Telo will be led by veterans in the diagnostics industry including Jay Wohlgemuth, MD; Ray Tabibiazar, MD; Richard Bender, MD; and Mr. Paul Owen. The team will also draw on the expertise of additional THA partners (www.trustedhealthadvisors.us). Dr. Wohlgemuth has many years of experience leading healthcare innovation efforts in diagnostic testing, medical devices, virtual care and digital health, and pharmaceutical and companion diagnostics development. Dr. Wohlgemuth served as CMO, CSO and SVP for Quest Diagnostics over a period of 14 years. He also served as CMO of HealthTap, as well as development team leader at Genentech / Roche for Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) in multiple sclerosis and rheumatology, and as director of diagnostics for programs outside of oncology. Dr. Wohlgemuth was co-founder, CMO and VP R&D for CareDx, a leader in testing for transplant patients, for which he was awarded Technology Pioneer 2005 at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He also served as Chairman of the Board of the Personalized Medicine Coalition. Dr. Tabibiazar is a seasoned executive with leadership experience in the healthcare and biopharma industries, including venture capital, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As a clinician-entrepreneur and managing director of "526 Ventures", he has focused on creating new ventures in the form of new companies or spinouts to translate innovative science into commercially viable products. Dr. Tabibiazar serves as Chair at SalioGen Therapeutics, and previously led Aravive Biologics as CEO, served as SVP, Corporate Development and Business Strategy at Twist Bioscience, and as a Venture Partner at Bay City Capital. Dr. Bender is a board-certified oncologist who brings more than 40 years of experience in hematological malignancy with a special focus on multiple myeloma ("MM"). He received his medical degree from the UCLA School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency at UCLA-Harbor General Hospital followed by a hematology/oncology fellowship at the National Cancer Institute. His past titles include Medical Director for Hematology/Oncology for Quest Diagnostics, Medical Director for Hematology/Oncology for Kaiser Permanente, and Chief Medical Officer for both Agendia and Signal Genetics. Dr. Bender has also served on the executive board of the American Cancer Society and has been retained by the FDA as a member of the Hematology and Pathology Devices Advisory Committee. He has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters. Mr. Owen is currently a Managing Partner at Trusted Health Advisors (THA). Prior to joining THA, Paul served as the President and Interim CEO of imaware, a digital health platform providing advanced home-based testing and monitoring experiences throughout the pandemic. Mr. Owen has had a very productive and successful career in developing and bringing healthcare innovation to market. He previously served as Chief Business Officer and COO for Kailos Genetics and CEO of OneOme, an innovator in precision medicine and pharmacogenetics, co-founded by the Mayo Clinic. Prior to joining OneOme Paul led global commercialization for Invitae, a leader in hereditary disease diagnostics testing. Previously, Mr. Owen served as Vice Chair of Global Business Development for the Mayo Clinic and was the leader of Mayo Medical Laboratories' global commercial team - one of the world's largest full-service reference labs and held leadership roles at Zimmer-Biomet and Boston Scientific. Driven by the progress of Telo's clinical studies that were presented at several leading oncology scientific and clinical conferences in 2023, and as part of the Company's commercialization strategy, the Company has prioritized the engagement of THA to guide the implementation of the technology in both biomarker research and clinical diagnostics markets, and form partnerships to facilitate the adoption of the advanced biomarker research services as well as predictive and prognostic tests for MM. In addition, THA will provide support and direction with respect to regulatory pathways, product development, launch and marketing initiatives. "We are very excited to work with the Telo Genomics' team and to lead the Company's go-to-market strategy," said Mr. Owen, who is Managing Partner, THA and is leading the collaboration. "The TeloView platform offers a broad spectrum of valuable applications for oncology management with robust scientific and clinical evidence. The platform also enables the most advanced analysis and characterization of Telomeres for Basic and Clinical Researchers, Pharma, Oncology organizations and CROs." About Multiple Myeloma Multiple myeloma is a challenging and potentially deadly blood cancer that involves plasma cells, a type of blood cell that helps to fight infection. It is the second most common blood cancer with an incidence of 35,000 new cases every year in the US, and ~180,000 patients receiving treatment at any given time. Although the introduction of new generation therapy, including targeted immunotherapy, has increased the median survival rate to over 5 years, MM is still considered incurable. Two asymptomatic precursors, MGUS and SMM generally precede the progression to classic, symptomatic MM at yearly rates of 1% from MGUS and at 15% from SMM, respectively. To date, identifying patients who will more rapidly progress to active MM remains an important unmet clinical need. MM treatment includes various combinations of drugs with a cost as high as $150,000 per year per patient. As most patients will develop resistance to treatment and relapse within a median of 2 years, identifying them proactively remains another important and unmet need. Notably, the total addressable market for both of these MM assays is over 750,000 tests per year in the US. About TELO Telo Genomics Corp. is a biotech company pioneering the most comprehensive telomere platform in the industry with powerful applications and prognostic solutions. These include liquid biopsies and related technologies in oncology and neurological diseases. Liquid biopsy is a rapidly growing field of significant interest to the medical community for being less invasive and more easily replicated than traditional diagnostic approaches. By combining our team's considerable expertise in quantitative analysis of 3D telomeres with molecular biology and artificial intelligence to recognize disease associated genetic instability, TELO is developing simple and accurate products that improve day-to-day care for patients by serving the needs of pathologists, clinicians, academic researchers and drug developers. The benefits of our proprietary technology have been substantiated in 160+ peer reviewed publications and in 30+ clinical studies involving more than 3,000 patients with multiple cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Our lead application, TELO-MM is being developed to provide important, actionable information to medical professionals in the treatment of multiple myeloma, a deadly form of blood cancer. For more information please visit www.telodx.com. For further information, please contact: Sherif Louis, President & CTO 416-673-8487 info@telodx.com MaRS Centre, South Tower, 101 College Street, Suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7 www.telodx.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "will", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the clinical efficacy of products, commercial viability of products, use of proceeds, and the ability of the TeloView platform to deliver personalized medicine resulting in better treatments and outcomes are based on the Company's estimates and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including capital expenditures and other costs. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward- looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196136 SOURCE: Telo Genomics Corp. Dublin will serve as the location for Messari's newly established European hub. DUBLIN, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Messari , a leading provider of digital asset markets intelligence products, today announced its strategic expansion into Europe with the establishment of its new entity in Dublin. This expansion will empower Messari to provide the tools and support for Europe-based businesses, compliance teams, builders, and investors in the region to seamlessly and diligently engage with the digital assets economy. With this expansion into Europe, Messari remains unwavering in its mission to provide advanced digital assets market intelligence and data-driven solutions on a global scale. This expansion is a testament to Messari's confidence in the region's robust economy and growing appetite for innovative financial technology. "We are excited to build on our company's success by extending our presence into Europe. This expansion is influenced by the region's significant impact on shaping our industry," said Messari Founder and CEO Ryan Selkis. "Europe's sophisticated regulatory framework and Dublin's strategic location make the city an easy choice for our expansion. As we move into Europe, we aim to serve as a driving force behind the adoption of digital assets among international businesses and individuals." The European expansion follows the company's recent expansion into Asia in November. Messari has established itself as a reliable resource in the U.S. for providing tailored products and services designed to empower teams and drive productivity and efficiency. Offering a range of products, Messari has become a trusted source for those interested in navigating the digital assets economy. For more details on Messari's Enterprise, Pro, and Protocol Reporting offerings, please visit messari.io. About Messari Founded in 2018, Messari is the leading provider of digital asset markets intelligence products that help professionals navigate digital assets/Web3 with confidence. We bring transparency and smarter qualitative and quantitative analytics to the industry by combining a global research database with a comprehensive suite of data visualization and asset discovery tools. We help drive smarter participation in digital assets from individuals and institutions alike. Learn more at messari.io. Media Contact: Mary Dawson, mary.dawson@messari.io View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/messari-expands-market-intelligence-services-to-europe-302045734.html Exterro Assist brings the power of large language models to boost user productivity by enabling users to automate actions, generate data insights and search precisely, all in natural language PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exterro, a leading data risk management software company, today announced Exterro Assist, an advanced AI assistant for e-discovery, privacy and data governance, forensic investigations, and cybersecurity experts. Boasting a wide range of capabilities, Exterro Assist is embedded within Exterro products, enabling customers to quickly search and retrieve contextually relevant information and automate complex workflows using natural language, increasing productivity by as much as 75%. Exterro Assist will first be available as an add-on to Exterro Legal Hold customers and will soon become available within every module of the Exterro Data Risk Management Platform. "Exterro has a long record of introducing AI innovations in the E-Discovery field. Once again, we are at the forefront of the industry with the introduction of our generative AI-powered assistant," said Ajith Samuel, Cofounder and Chief Product Officer at Exterro. "Our users may now efficiently complete the majority of their e-discovery tasks and workflows through simple conversational interactions. Exterro Assist is seamlessly embedded with our e-discovery solutions and understands user interactions contextually, not just the literal meaning. Exterro Assist is built with all the necessary guardrails and validations in place to meet the stringent privacy and security requirements that today's data risk management professionals demand." Exterro Assist offers users of Exterro's Data Risk Management Platform the following benefits: Productivity Gains: Exterro Assist increases platform-wide productivity by up to 75% by allowing users to quickly and precisely find information, easily create dashboards and reports, get in-product help, and automate complex workflows using natural language commands. Exterro Assist increases platform-wide productivity by up to 75% by allowing users to quickly and precisely find information, easily create dashboards and reports, get in-product help, and automate complex workflows using natural language commands. Accelerated and Automated Investigations: By providing Exterro Assist with a brief summary of the key elements of the case, teams can use it to drastically reduce data volumes, saving both time and expense. By providing Exterro Assist with a brief summary of the key elements of the case, teams can use it to drastically reduce data volumes, saving both time and expense. Defensibility: Exterro Assist was designed with interpretability in mind, providing multiple layers of validation so users can understand why the model is returning a given output. In addition, all actions taken using Exterro Assist are automatically documented in a clear audit trail, providing users with full transparency into how it was used and the actions taken. Exterro Assist was designed with interpretability in mind, providing multiple layers of validation so users can understand why the model is returning a given output. In addition, all actions taken using Exterro Assist are automatically documented in a clear audit trail, providing users with full transparency into how it was used and the actions taken. Enterprise-Grade Guardrails: Exterro security certificates attest to the fact that we maintain the highest security requirements. We ensure every customer's data is isolated, and we provide fine-grain controls to customers over their models. About Exterro, Inc. Exterro empowers organizations and law enforcement agencies to achieve better legal, regulatory and investigation outcomes, save money, and minimize the impact of threats by addressing data risk. Its data risk management software is the only comprehensive platform that combines data discovery, automation, workflow optimization, and responsible AI to provide insight into and control over the complex interconnections of privacy, legal operations, digital investigations, cybersecurity response, compliance, and information governance. Thousands of teams around the world in corporations, law firms, managed services providers, and government and law enforcement agencies trust Exterro to manage their risks and drive successful outcomes at a lower cost. For more information, visit www.exterro.com . Press Contact: Hazel Ramirez Plat4orm PR Hazel@plat4orm.com Now 85 years later, a Petition For Writ of Certiorari was filed on January 11, 2024 in the U.S. Supreme Court to determine the fate of the star (LeosLostStar) on the Hollywood Walk of Fame awarded to the "Thanks For The Memory" Oscar-winning lyricist Leo Robin more than 33 years ago but never installed SHERMAN OAKS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / With all the Oscar buzz surrounding the upcoming 96th annual Academy Awards, we remember back in 1939 when Leo Robin won the Oscar for Best Song for writing the lyrics to "Thanks for the Memory." Now 85 years later, a Petition For Writ of Certiorari was filed on January 11, 2024 in the U.S. Supreme Court to determine the fate of the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame awarded to the "Thanks For The Memory" Oscar-winning lyricist Leo Robin more than 33 years ago but never installed. The grandson of the legendary songwriter brought a civil action on June 30, 2021 against the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Hollywood Chamber's Board Of Directors, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Walk of Fame Committee for, among several causes, permanent injunctive relief to install the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame awarded to the legendary lyricist. The factual background in the petition tells how the grandson discovered the star, "It was a fortuitous search on the internet on July 6, 2017 that led Ora to something about his grandfather, the songwriter Leo Robin, that neither his family nor he knew anything about that happened more than 33 years ago-Robin was awarded a posthumous star...on the Walk of Fame in 1990. Stunned, he called the Walk of Fame and they said it was true and he learned that in 1988 both his grandmother, Cherie Robin, and actor Bob Hope sponsored Robin for a star, but sadly his grandmother passed away...more than one year before an acceptance letter...was sent out on June 18, 1990 to Mrs. Robin announcing this award, and Bob Hope was never notified. They informed him nothing like this had ever happened before where a letter was left unanswered and the star was never placed on the Walk of Fame, but unfortunately now in his attempt to see that Robin gets his star, the Hollywood Chamber has failed to honor its contractual obligation." "On May 23, 2019, Ashley Lee from the Los Angeles Times...first breaks news on the giant newspaper's website about the grandson's serendipitous discovery...of Robin's star in her investigated story, Leo Robin never got his Walk of Fame star. Now his grandson is fighting for it. Ms. Lee reported, "The envelope was returned to its sender and has since remained in the Chamber of Commerce's records" and also tweeted at that time, "at first I didn't believe that Leo Robin's star had really slipped through the cracks" with a photo of that acceptance letter and the envelope stamped "Return to Sender." "Throughout the past sixty years, the Hollywood Chamber has successfully kept track of 2,768 honorees...and has seen to it that each and every one of them received a star, which was then successfully installed on the Walk of Fame-except for Robin." The questions presented are: "Plaintiff has tried all possible means ever since his discoveryof lyricist Leo Robin's star to confer with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to install the star awarded to Robin on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In the end, the Hollywood Chamber ultimately failed do the right thing by not fulfilling its obligation to install the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in accordance with the binding written contract. During the trial court proceedings the Plaintiff repeatedly argued the waiver of performance of conditions precedent by the Hollywood Chamber. The waiver issue was never fleshed out earlier because the trial court and the Hollywood Chamber failed to acknowledge, overlooked and /or avoided this salient legal argument. The Court of Appeal who generally reviews what has occurred during the trial court has ruled strictly on the Appellant's argument regarding the waiver by the Hollywood Chamber of the conditions precedent." "In this case of perilously profound impression, did the Court of Appeal violate the due process rights of Appellant when it arbitrarily disregarded allegations by the Appellant without a hearing at the eleventh hour based on its contention that those allegations characterize his correspondence with the Hollywood Chamber in a manner that conflicts with the actual text of that correspondence provided in the exhibits to determine that the Hollywood Chamber did not waive performance of the conditions precedent?" Among the reasons for granting the petition, "This case presents an issue of perilously profound impression and consequences with substantial impact on all parties and their cases and the entire judicial system. An important Federal question of law is raised due to the Court of Appeal arbitrarily disregarding allegations of the Appellant. The Court of Appeal tossed out proven facts of the Appellant without a hearing at the eleventh hour on an issue never considered by the trial court "in a way that conflicts with relevant decisions of this Court."...It does not take much imagination to foresee the severe consequences of this type of reasoning, not only for this case, but for all cases and, in fact, for all parties in their pleadings. Any court could strike any allegation on a whim...." "The California courts circled the wagons around their elitist-municipal-brethren Hollywood Chamber and trampled the due process rights of the Appellant. These violations of due process rights are extremely troubling given the high-stakes. The judicial system demands "equal protection of the laws." "We the people" don't expect this irrational judicial function in this majestic country with a constitutional government. The Court of Appeal knew better than to overstep its judicial role; it flagrantly torpedoed the Appellant's proven factual allegations and his constitutionally guaranteed rights. The decision by the Court of Appeal is "repugnant to the [rights claimed under the] Constitution"...and a travesty of justice." "This case has far-reaching consequences beyond the individual case with statewide and nationwide historical and cultural significance. The Supreme Court has broad discretion to determine whether to grant review to this case where there are high-stakes for a decision which impacts historical and cultural interests.... In the normal course of events, upon receiving notice of the award, Mrs. Robin would have been elated and immediately would have set the ceremony date. Unfortunately, this did not happen. Mrs. Robin did everything right except live long enough." For more information, visit the official website of Leo Robin at http://leorobin.com/ ### About Leo Robin: The petition gives us background about the legendary songwriter from an article by "Variety . . . released on September 30, 2019 the feature news story, Thanks for the Memory: How Leo Robin Helped Usher In the Golden Age of Song in Film, by pop culture critic Roy Trakin. The piece opens up with "The centerpiece of [the grandson's] . . . apartment is the 1939 Oscar his step-grandfather, the late lyricist Leo Robin, was presented for co-writing "Thanks for the Memory." . . . the trophy sits proudly on the piano where Robin worked on some of his biggest hits. . . . Leo's tune . . . soon became Hope's theme song . . . Over the course of 20 years, from 1934 (when the best original song category was introduced and he was nominated for "Love in Bloom") through 1954, Robin, a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame who died in 1984 at the age of 84, earned 10 Oscar nominations (two in 1949 alone). His impressive catalog includes signature tunes for Maurice Chevalier ("Louise"), Jeanette McDonald ("Beyond the Blue Horizon"), Bing Crosby ("Please," "Zing a Little Zong"), Dorothy Lamour ("Moonlight and Shadows"), Jack Benny ("Love in Bloom"), Eddie Fisher ("One Hour With You"), Carmen Miranda ("Lady in the Tutti Frutti Hat") and Marilyn Monroe ("Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend"). His songs have been covered by Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley ("Blue Hawaii"), Perry Como, James Brown and Billy Eckstine ("Prisoner of Love") as well as Frank Sinatra ("For Every Man There's a Woman," "Thanks for the Memory"). "My Ideal," . . . is now a jazz standard with interpretations by Margaret Whiting, Chet Baker, Thelonious Monk, Coleman Hawkins, Art Tatum, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughn and Tony Bennett, while "Easy Living" because (sic) a regular in the sets of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald." CONTACT: Scott D. Ora President - Leo Robin Music thanks4thememory@icloud.com (818) 618-2572 Leo Robin (@LeoRobinMusic) / Twitter SOURCE: Leo Robin Music View the original press release on accesswire.com MINNEAPOLIS and CARMARTHENSHIRE, United Kingdom, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Magstim, the global leader in neuroscience research and treatment for mental health, has been awarded FDA clearance for the Horizon 3.0 with StimGuide Pro. This provides physicians, nurse practitioners, clinicians, and researchers with the most advanced transcranial magnetic stimulation technology (TMS) available to treat patients diagnosed with depressive or obsessive-compulsive conditions*. "With just one screen, this system is simple to use and navigate," said Anthony Baldwin Polizzi, Senior TMS Technician, My Psychiatrist, Florida, USA. "The new Bluetooth anatomical pointer makes it easy to map and treat patients. I like it a lot." The first integrated TMS system with navigation, Horizon 3.0 with StimGuide Pro builds on the current successful H 3.0 platform used by practices worldwide, and adds new advanced camera technology, software designed to allow for precise treatment targeting. All patient treatments and technology are now centralized on one screen, designed to reduce complexity, and provide a greater focus on patient care. TMS non-invasive brain stimulation uses an electromagnetic coil to stimulate nerve cells in the region of the brain involved in mood control and depression. Magstim developed the first TMS system more than 30 years ago, used in more than 16,000 neuroscientific and clinical research studies. Thousands of physicians, nurse practitioners, researchers and mental health professionals worldwide use Magstim TMS to treat patients. StimGuide Pro advanced navigation is designed to improve coil positioning for repeatability and accuracy. New camera and navigation workflow ensure magnetic pulses are delivered to targeted brain regions, improving patient outcomes. Magstim Connect enables multiple compatible systems to be managed from one central system. "We are passionate about helping patients worldwide to improve their mental health," said Ronnie Stolec-Campo, CEO, Magstim. "We worked with leading psychiatrists, clinicians, and researchers to develop this system, enabling advanced treatments and simplified practice workflows. TMS is life-saving technology that provides non-pharmacological, non-invasive treatments." To learn more, visit Magstim.com or call 844-624-7846. About Welcony Globally, Welcony technologies have supported thousands of research labs, clinics, hospitals and universities that focus on mental health, brain disorders, cognitive neuroscience and neuromonitoring. Key brands include MagstimMagnetic Stimulation, MagstimEGIhigh-density EEG, TechnomedClinical Neurophysiology and NeurosignNerve Safety Monitoring. Welcony is backed by Telegraph Hill Partners, a San Francisco based private equity company. *Horizon 3.0 with StimGuide Pro is indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode, as well as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Note: The Horizon 3.0 TMS Therapy System has also received prior clearance in K223154 for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from MDD. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09782fa2-c75d-4e9e-8dcc-e8a5ce61ab07 Career Launch helps to remove barriers for those interested in careers in the medical field NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation announced an investment of $750,000 in the Akron Children's Foundation, aimed at supporting its Career Launch Program. Career Launch is a workforce development program designed to remove barriers for participants looking to return to school and seeking a career in the medical field. Those who are enrolled, either employees or community members, continue to work in their jobs while attending college courses that will put them on the path to a stable career in healthcare with advancement opportunities. Graduates from the program receive job placement with Akron Children's. "The Career Launch program provides an opportunity to fill in-demand positions at the hospital, while building a diverse workforce that reflects the patients, families and communities it serves," said Joe Daleiden, KeyBank East Ohio Market President. "KeyBank is so proud to support this program and Akron Children's on their mission of removing barriers to education for our community members. We believe everyone - regardless of their situation - deserves a chance at a successful future and a quality education is just one of the many building blocks for that success." "We are committed to serving the communities around us, helping talented people build the skills they need to put them on a path to stable careers with advancement opportunities in the medical field," said Janae Bragg, vice president of talent management at Akron Children's. "We are grateful for this investment from KeyBank, which will allow us to continue to remove barriers to access and help people achieve career success." Career Launch participants are eligible for: All costs for tuition, uniforms, books, supplies and equipment. Career Launch also offers transportation and childcare assistance when needed. Each participant is partnered with a mentor who is selected for a student's area of expertise. Each graduate will receive job placement with Akron Children's Career Launch recruits agree to work for Akron Children's for two/three years post-graduation. Kristine Hilles, 32, is currently attending Kent State University through the Career Launch program, pursuing a degree in nursing. "When I found out I was accepted into the program, I felt relieved that I could go back to school to finish what I really wanted to go for," Hilles said. "I was going through a hard time at that point in my life and this gave me something to focus on. I'm excited for the structure this will give me to be successful in a career that I've always dreamed of doing." Veronica Miller, 39, graduated from Stark State College with a LPN certificate and is currently working at Akron Children's in the gastroenterology department. "Akron Children's didn't just write me a check and say 'good luck', they helped me transition into my career," Miller said. "The program invested in me and my future. My mentors held me accountable and pushed me to excel." Miller is enrolled in courses to obtain her Registered Nurse degree. KeyBank has supported Akron Children's Hospital for more than two decades. In 2018, KeyBank pledged $1 million to support the hospital's Assuring Success with a Commitment to Enhance Nurse Diversity (ASCEND) Program. ABOUT KEYCORP KeyCorp's roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $188 billion at December 31, 2023. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC. ABOUT AKRON CHILDREN'S Akron Children's is an independent, nonprofit pediatric health care system that has been caring for children in northeast Ohio since 1890. Our pediatric care is ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek. With two hospital campuses, six regional health centers and more than 50 primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, we are making it easier for today's busy families to find the high-quality care they need. We also operate neonatal and pediatric units in the hospitals of our regional health care partners. In 2022, our health care system provided more than 1.3 million patient encounters. Every year, our Akron Children's Home Care nurses provide thousands of in-home visits, and our School-Based Health Center nurses manage clinic visits for students from preschool through high school. With our Quick Care Online virtual visits and Akron Children's Anywhere app, we are here for families whenever and wherever they need us. Learn more at?akronchildrens.org. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: KeyBank Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: KeyBank View the original press release on accesswire.com Key Executives names Haws number one among 25 Maine CEOs for Sappi North America's achievements BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Sappi North America Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, today announces President and CEO Michael "Mike" Haws' recognition as a top 25 CEO in Maine for 2023 by Key Executives, a publication dedicated to providing news and information on today's leading corporate executives. This recognition is based on Key Executives' criteria of leaders who successfully guide their companies through the ever-changing industry and landscape while simultaneously strengthening the state's economy. Mike's inclusion demonstrates his continued efforts to propel Sappi North America's unwavering dedication to sustainability on a local, national and global scale. "I'm honored to receive this recognition along with many other CEOs making an impact in the state of Maine," said Haws. "It's a privilege to work at Sappi North America and contribute to its continuous achievements in R&D, sustainability and employee well-being, not only those in Maine, but others across the country too. As I always say, the true power and real success of our company is in the people that make up Sappi North America." Sappi North America makes a significant contribution to the state of Maine through Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, as well as its office in Portland, R&D facility in Westbrook and the support the company provides to the local forestry industry. "I am very proud, but not at all surprised, that Mike has received such recognition for his leadership, which has enabled Sappi's Maine-based operations not only to survive, but thrive," said Steve Binnie, chief executive officer of Sappi Limited. "Mike's steady hand at the helm has navigated Sappi North America (SNA) through the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as challenging market conditions to achieve operational and financial success. I would add to the list of accomplishments the record-breaking safety achievement of SNA and the numerous awards and recognitions received by SNA, as well as the $418M conversion project at Somerset Mill to produce more sustainable paperboard for packaging products." Mike was named president and CEO of Sappi North America in 2019 and is responsible for leading all Sappi operations in the region. Previously, Haws served as the vice president of manufacturing, where he was responsible for Sappi's Somerset, Cloquet and Allentown operations, as well as the Research and Development facility. He joined Sappi in 2012 as managing director of the Somerset Mill and has over 30 years of experience in the paper industry. To learn more about Sappi, please visit:https://www.sappi.com/. ### About Sappi North America, Inc. Sappi North America, Inc., headquartered in Boston, is a market leader in converting wood fiber into superior products that customers demand worldwide. Our four diversified businesses - high-quality Graphic Papers, Dissolving Pulp, Packaging, and Specialty Papers deliver premium products and services with consistent quality and reliability. Our high-quality Coated Printing Papers are used for premium magazines, catalogs, books, direct mail and high-end print advertising. We are a leading manufacturer of Dissolving Pulp, which is used in a wide range of products, including textile fibers and household goods. We deliver sustainable Packaging and Specialty Papers for luxury packaging and folding carton applications with our single-ply packaging brands and for the food and label industries with our specialty papers. We are one of the world's leading suppliers of Casting and Release Papers with lines for the automotive, fashion and engineered films industries. Sappi North America is a subsidiary of Sappi Limited (JSE), a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with more than 12,000 employees and manufacturing operations on three continents in seven countries and customers in over 150 countries. Contact Rajira Hernandez Account Manager Matter Communications (978) 499-9250 sappi@matternow.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Sappi North America on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Sappi North America Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/sappi-north-america Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Sappi North America View the original press release on accesswire.com Rates include upgrades to make the grid more resilient and shorten the duration of outages New programs will give customers more control over energy use and help low-income customers Approval includes performance incentives to hold the utility accountable for reliability, encourage renewables and reduce peak system loads CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Duke Energy Carolinas will implement new rates for North Carolina customers on Jan. 15 as approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC). Rates for North Carolina customers will remain well below the national average, even after Duke Energy Carolinas completes approximately $7.7 billion in upgrades to make the electric grid more resistant to outages and enable faster power restoration. And as in its Duke Energy Progress order issued in September, NCUC approval covers multiyear rates, along with incentives and penalties to hold the utility accountable for reliability and other performance metrics. "We've made significant infrastructure upgrades in recent years to meet customer needs and expectations," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "This commission order enables us to continue meeting the energy demands of a growing region while limiting annual rate increases and giving customers more cost certainty." Rate changes start Jan. 15 After extensive evaluation since the rate review was requested last January, along with constructive settlements with the NCUC Public Staff and other parties, the NCUC approved a net increase in retail revenues in year one of about $436 million (8.3%), followed by $173 million (3.3%) in year two and $165 million (3.1%) in year three. Customer bills already reflect an interim rate adjustment implemented Sept. 1. Accounting for that, beginning Jan. 15, the change from current rates for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month will be an increase of $10.04, from $130.29 to $140.33 per month, followed by a $4.19 increase on Jan. 1, 2025, and a $4.10 increase on Jan. 1, 2026, for a total of $148.62 by 2026. According to the Edison Electric Institute, the national monthly average for typical residential customers was $171.67 as of Jan. 1, 2023, before other utilities go through their own rate adjustments. The full NCUC rate review order can be found here. Duke Energy Carolinas serves about 2 million households and businesses in central and western North Carolina, including Charlotte, Durham and the Triad. Help for low-income customers The NCUC ordered Duke Energy Carolinas to establish a Customer Assistance Program (CAP) that reduces bills for the utility's most vulnerable customers through a $42 monthly credit for 12 months. Customers helped by the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) or the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) - federally funded initiatives for those at or below 130% and 150% of the poverty level, respectively - will be automatically enrolled in CAP beginning this month in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Duke Energy will also refer CAP customers to weatherization and energy efficiency services that can help provide long-term solutions to reduce energy usage. As part of a settlement in the rate cases for both Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress, Duke Energy shareholders will contribute $10 million for health and safety repairs that would otherwise prevent low-income customers from qualifying for weatherization and other energy efficiency improvements. Duke Energy shareholders are contributing an additional $6 million to the Share the Light Fund in support of North Carolina customers. New options for all customers For all customers, Duke Energy Carolinas has also established new time-of-use rate options and energy efficiency programs to help lower their costs and reduce energy use: Time-of-Use rates incentivize customers to shift electricity use to periods of low energy demand. Simple examples include running a dishwasher overnight or doing laundry on weekends; options are available for commercial and industrial customers as well. More detail can be found at duke-energy.com/NewRatesNC. rates incentivize customers to shift electricity use to periods of low energy demand. Simple examples include running a dishwasher overnight or doing laundry on weekends; options are available for commercial and industrial customers as well. More detail can be found at duke-energy.com/NewRatesNC. A Tariff on Bill program called "Improve & Save" will enable residential customers - owners and renters - to pay for energy efficiency upgrades through their Duke Energy bill. The program will incentivize customers to replace inefficient electric HVAC systems or insulation in a manner that ensures their annual savings are greater than the monthly cost of the upgrades - improving their service while lowering their bill. The program is expected to launch in first quarter 2024, and a dedicated webpage for the program is coming soon. "Our goal with these programs is to help offset the rate increase as much as possible by giving customers more control over their energy use," said Bowman. "The programs are designed to reduce costs across the entire system, benefiting all customers." Holding the utility accountable for reliability, renewables goals As in the Duke Energy Progress order, another new aspect of this rate approval is the implementation of performance incentive mechanisms (PIMs). First allowed by North Carolina's clean energy legislation (HB951), PIMs advance state policy goals through financial incentives and penalties that encourage utility performance in areas of shared interest with customers. Following settlements with various participants in the rate review process, the NCUC approved three PIMs with annual incentives that grow up to $15 million in potential rewards as well as $15 million in potential penalties for Duke Energy Carolinas across three areas: Reliability - holds the utility accountable to maintain expected levels of reliability through graduated penalties that would be distributed to customers if reliability dips below target levels. - holds the utility accountable to maintain expected levels of reliability through graduated penalties that would be distributed to customers if reliability dips below target levels. Renewables Integration and Encouragement - encourages adoption of clean energy resources across three categories: DER Integration - advances net energy metering (NEM) distributed energy resources (DERs), which allow customers to access zero-emissions generation - such as rooftop solar - at their homes and businesses, reducing their electricity consumption from the grid. Large Customer Renewable Program Encouragement - supports large commercial and industrial customers, educational institutions and local governments that have clean energy goals and want access to renewable energy. Utility-Scale Interconnection - incentivizes solar and solar-plus-storage interconnections above the estimated annual amounts in Duke Energy's Carbon Plan. - encourages adoption of clean energy resources across three categories: Time-Differentiated and Dynamic Rate Enrollment - encourages the utility to create and gain approval of innovative rate designs and increase customer participation in existing rates that are designed to reduce system peak load. A new page on Duke Energy's website allows monitoring of these PIMs as well as other tracking metrics related to customer service, reliability and electric vehicle integration. Duke Energy Carolinas Duke Energy Carolinas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 19,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2.8 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 24,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina. Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people. Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear. Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2023 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Duke Energy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Duke Energy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/duke-energy Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Duke Energy View the original press release on accesswire.com As the fund continues to expand, Leo's expertise will help not only SpaceFund, but its broad portfolio of space companies as well. HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / SpaceFund, Inc., a world-leading space venture capital firm, is thrilled to announce that internationally respected business leader Leonardo (Leo) A. Rodriguez has joined its Board of Directors to help drive growth at SpaceFund and its 21 portfolio companies. Mr. Rodriguez began this role in early January and is already contributing significantly to the fund's operations and fundraising. Leonardo A. Rodriguez "We are extremely fortunate to have Leo join our board of directors," said Dan Schatzman, SpaceFund CEO, and Board Chairman. "His extensive business experience in high-growth technology companies will help significantly in taking the fund to the next level as well as helping portfolio companies to successful exits." As Leo has been acting in an advisory function for the company's board of directors for the past several years, he is already familiar with the portfolio of companies and is well-known by the team. He brings a wealth of knowledge in international markets, specifically related to mission-critical process automation. In his storied career, Mr. Rodriguez has positively impacted multiple industries such as oil and gas, power, chemicals, metals and mining, pulp and paper, and pharmaceuticals. He retired from Emerson in 2018 as chairman and CEO of Emerson Latin America, where he managed operations exceeding several billion dollars per year. "There are very few projects that I would consider coming out of retirement for, and SpaceFund is that opportunity," said Leo Rodriguez. "I'm constantly amazed by the quality of the team, their fascinating portfolio of space companies, and the rapid and reliable growth of this cutting-edge industry. I'm excited to meaningfully contribute to the future of SpaceFund and the wider space industry." Following a 40-year career with Emerson, Leo joined Jaguar Precision Machine as an equity partner. Jaguar is an advanced precision machining enterprise serving commercial space, national security, and defense customers. During his time at Jaguar, he realized the massive business potential of the growing space economy and how his skillsets in operations, capital markets, and cutting-edge technology could be applied to this nascent sector. "Leo is the missing piece that we needed to round out our board of directors," said SpaceFund managing partner, Meagan Crawford. "With Mr. Rodriguez's experience in capital markets, we now have a versatile and highly experienced board that is perfectly positioned to help SpaceFund, and our portfolio succeed." Leo graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology, where he received his Bachelor of Engineering Degree with concentrations in Metallurgy and Materials Science. His formal business studies were conducted at Dartmouth's Amos Tuck School of Business. Leo was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba, arriving in the United States in 1960 and becoming a naturalized United States citizen in 1970. Leo is also a citizen of Spain. Contact Information Meagan Crawford managing partner meagan@spacefund.com 281-908-0392 SOURCE: SpaceFund, Inc. View the original press release on newswire.com. Chinese fresh beverages brands are expanding their businesses overseas, gradually integrating into local communities and winning the hearts of consumers through high-quality products and services. On Jan 2, Mixue Group, a beverages maker based in Zhengzhou, Henan province with over 36,000 stores at home and abroad, applied for an initial public offering in Hong Kong. The IPO application is being viewed as a step forward in the company's globalization strategy, as it accelerates efforts to enhance consumer awareness and build a brand that is renowned globally. As a major Chinese new-style tea beverage brand that is going international, Mixue has taken active part in the nation's Belt and Road Initiative, and has been speeding up expansion in overseas markets since its first store opened in Vietnam in 2018. Data from the company show that as of Sept 30 last year, Mixue had established around 4,000 outlets in 11 countries and regions beyond China. According to China Insights Consultancy, in terms of the number of overseas stores by that time, Mixue ranked first among all new-style tea drinks brands in Southeast Asia. "In 2012, we became the first in China's freshly made beverages industry to establish centralized factories. We operate the largest and most comprehensive end-to-end supply chain in the industry, according to CIC," the IPO prospectus of Mixue showed. "At present, it has built a complete industrial system that integrates agricultural technology support, centralized procurement from production areas, product R&D, central factory production, self-built logistics, store operation management, and customer service. The end-to-end supply chain is complete," CIC said in its report. Mixue owns five major production bases in Henan, Hainan and Anhui provinces; the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region; and Chongqing, taking up a total area of 670,000 square meters to generate an annual output of 1.43 million metric tons. To further increase operational efficiency, Mixue has established a self-operated warehouse system that consists of 26 warehouses nationwide and takes up over 300,000 sq m. To support its overseas business, Mixue has built localized warehouse systems. As of Sept 30, it had built 11 self-operated warehouses in four Southeast Asian countries with a total area of 66,000 sq m. Chinese consumer goods brands, represented by new-style tea beverage brands, are going global one after another, winning the hearts of local consumers in the process. Following Chinese technology enterprises that have gained in popularity among consumers in Southeast Asia, new-style beverage brands such as Mixue, Chagee and Luckin Coffee are also quickly expanding businesses there, said Lianhe Zaobao, a Chinese-language newspaper in Singapore. Spicy hot pot, a traditional cuisine from Sichuan province, is also turning into a new favorite for people overseas, the paper said in a report. On Jan 4, Naixue opened its first direct store in Bangkok. The store, which takes up two floors and nearly 200 sq m, is located in Emsphere, a high-end shopping mall in the Thai capital. Meanwhile, a Heytea outlet in the Soho area of London has been well-received by consumers. According to the report by CIC, by 2028, the global market scale of freshly made beverages is estimated to surpass $1.1 trillion, and the rapid expansion of emerging markets, particularly China and Southeast Asia, will be the key contributor. "The export of freshly made beverages has reached a natural stage, and with the continuous improvement of the comprehensive strength of leading enterprises such as Mixue, going abroad is a good opportunity to test their supply chain integrity and overseas market adaptability," said Zhu Danpeng, an independent food and beverages analyst. DELRAY BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Adolore BioTherapeutics ("Adolore" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company focused on developing breakthrough opioid-free gene therapy treatments for chronic pain, today announced that Roy C. Levitt, MD, the Company's founder and Executive Chairman, Clinical Professor, University of Miami, and Principal Investigator of a NIH, NINDS, HEAL UH3 Award will present at the 5th Annual NIH HEAL Initiative Scientific Meeting being held February 7-8, 2024 in Bethesda, Maryland. As part of his presentation, Dr. Levitt will provide a preclinical development update on the Company's gene therapy program for chronic pain associated with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). The presentation will take place as part of the Creative Therapeutic Strategies session being held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 3:00 PM ET, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A. There are currently very few safe, efficacious non-opioid analgesic treatments for chronic pain on the market, leaving a large and very urgent unmet medical need. Leveraging its innovative CA8*(*Carbonic anhydrase-like analgesic peptides, CA8 variants) gene therapy, Adolore is currently advancing two preclinical development programs, ADB-101 for the treatment of patients' chronic pain caused by erythromelalgia, an orphan disease, and ADB-102 for the treatment of patients with chronic pain caused by knee OA. Based on compelling preclinical data generated to date, the Company is progressing these programs towards IND filings and first-in-human clinical studies. This CA8* therapeutic technology was licensed in 2023 by Adolore BioTherapeutics Inc. from the University of Miami, Miami, FL. The Company's development program for the treatment of chronic pain in knee osteoarthritis is supported by the NIH/NINDS HEAL UH3 Award to the University of Miami that supports all formal pre-clinical GLP/GMP/GCP development work through a first-in-human study in patients expected to commence in 2026. For more information about the NIH HEAL Initiative Meeting, visit the event website here. About the NIH HEAL Initiative The Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative, will bring together HEAL-funded researchers, patient and community partners/advisors, National Institutes of Health (NIH) leadership and scientific staff, federal officials, and other stakeholders to share research findings, explore trends and shared interests and challenges, and identify opportunities to advance the goals of the initiative. Plenary sessions will be available for the public to view via NIH VideoCast. The meeting will also include scientific symposia, discussion groups, networking, and poster sessions for in-person and virtual attendees. About Adolore BioTherapeutics, Inc. Adolore BioTherapeutics, Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for the treatment of chronic pain and other pain and nervous system conditions or disorders. Our best-in-class programs are long-acting, locally acting gene-therapies that are opioid-free Disease Modifying Anti-Pain therapies (DMAPs) for the treatment of chronic pain. The Company's two current CA8* gene therapy programs are in preclinical development for treatment of patients suffering from erythromelalgia, a life-long heritable chronic pain condition representing an orphan drug disease with no approved therapy, and chronic osteoarthritis knee pain, affecting a large number of patients that is often treated with opioids due to the lack of good alternatives, thus contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis. For more information, visit adolore.com. Forward Looking Statements To the extent this announcement contains information and statements that are not historical, they are considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "project," "will," "should," "may," "plan," "intend," "assume" and other expressions which predict or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. You should not rely on forward-looking statements, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those associated with drug development. These risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Investor Relations Contact JTC Team, LLC Jenene Thomas 833-475-8247 adolore@jtcir.com SOURCE: Adolore Biotherapeutics, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Excelfore delivers best-in-class, standards-based in-vehicle and cloud-to-vehicle connectivity solutions to the software-defined vehicle ecosystem. SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently researched the over-the-air (OTA) solutions providers and, based on its findings, recognizes Excelfore with the 2024 Global Enabling Technology Leadership Award. Excelfore is an industry-leading company that creates reliable standards-based connectivity solutions to bridge in-vehicle systems with cloud-based applications. Excelfore's sophisticated and highly scalable OTA solutions are designed to handle the complexities of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), embodying a futuristic vision where technology seamlessly integrates with the automotive ecosystem. The company's innovative solutions enable seamless and secure software updates and data management for connected vehicles, contributing to the advancement of the entire automotive industry's digital transformation. This unique capability empowers automotive companies to effectively manage and update vehicle software, ensuring vehicles are up-to-date and function at their best. Furthermore, Excelfore features an impressive customer portfolio with over 20 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including some of the most notable names in the automotive industry, such as Audi, FAW, GAC, , Maruti Suzuki and VinFast. As a result, Excelfore is ranked as one of the most innovative and trusted companies in the industry due to its distinctive offering. "Today, Excelfore offers secure standards-based in-vehicle and cloud-to-vehicle connectivity solutions and comprehensive cloud-based device management applications for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). These solutions enable automotive companies to confidently navigate the complexities of the digital era and unlock new opportunities to excel in an increasingly connected and software-driven world," said Gautham Hegde, senior mobility research analyst at Frost & Sullivan. Excelfore's advanced products focus on meeting the current demands of the industry while anticipating future challenges and opportunities. It constantly innovates and refines its products based on the highly collaborative environment within the eSync Alliance. The eSync Alliance is a consortium of industry leaders focused on creating a standardized platform for secure OTA updates and data services, and Excelfore champions this common standard as a founding member of the alliance. "As part of the eSync Alliance, the company is privy to new developments in the automotive sector, enabling it to direct its software development roadmap accordingly. Equipped with this knowledge, Excelfore's dedicated team of engineers and experts tirelessly refine and expand its product offerings, addressing the dynamic automotive industry's emerging needs," noted Sama Suwal, best practices research analyst at Frost & Sullivan. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to a company that develops a pioneering technology that enhances current products and enables new product and application development. The award recognizes the high market acceptance potential of the recipient's technology. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion . Contact: Ashley Weinkauf P: 210-844-2505 E: ashley.weinkauf@frost.com About Excelfore Excelfore provides the power to connect the Software Defined Vehicle with secure standards-based in-vehicle and cloud-to-vehicle connectivity solutions and comprehensive cloud-based device management applications. Solutions include eSync OTA, eDatX data aggregation, and in-vehicle Ethernet TSN and IP-networking protocol stacks, which are deployed globally in millions of vehicles. Customers include the top tier global OEMs and suppliers in the automotive industry. Excelfore is headquartered in the Silicon Valley, and has offices in Bangalore, Frankfurt, Shanghai, Stockholm and Tokyo. Find Excelfore here. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2329393/Excelfore_Award.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/excelfore-recognized-with-frost--sullivans-2024-global-enabling-technology-leadership-award-for-its-revolutionary-ota-solutions-for-the-automotive-industry-302047470.html Students from HBCUs compete in real-world investing event on the Bloomberg Terminal learning risk management, investing and data analytics skills within financial markets NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Bloomberg Originally published on bloomberg.com Bloomberg for Education and Bloomberg Human Resources have expanded the reach of this year's Bloomberg and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Trading Challenge to new universities and shifted to evaluate participant investment performance against a developed market (DM) index. The Bloomberg and HBCU Trading Challenge exercises the financial acumen of college participants through a virtual investment competition on the Bloomberg Terminal. Geared towards Black students in the US who are typically underrepresented in the finance industry, the challenge was created to help HBCU students build marketable skills and knowledge needed to compete for finance jobs and provide hands-on experience that they will use in their future careers. This year, students invested $1 million virtual US dollars across companies in the DM index in a closed network, with the assistance of university faculty and assigned Bloomberg mentors. The winner was decided based on the trade performance of participants, benchmarked against real DM indices on the Bloomberg Terminal. "The new focus on developed markets stocks builds on last year's ESG-specific challenge to introduce another layer of difficulty and further replicate real world experiences," said Emily Perrucci, Global Head of User Support at Bloomberg. "Fund managers often must consider ESG factors as part of managing a much larger, diverse portfolio. We want to ensure students have a well-rounded understanding of market indices to be best prepared for future careers in finance." Participating universities included Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, Spelman College and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). Jaeden Patterson, a Senior at FAMU was this year's winner. "The advice I would give to future participants is to take advantage of your resources," said Patterson. "The mentor that was provided through the challenge helped me navigate unfamiliar functionality on the Bloomberg Terminal. Additionally, I was able to take the Bloomberg ESG Certificate Course, which enabled me to identify ESG investment strategies and apply them to develop a profitable portfolio." Students who participated in this year's challenge were invited to Bloomberg's headquarters in New York City. There, top-performing students had the opportunity to present their trading strategy to a panel of experts who offered feedback and insights on the students' experience. Students who participate in the challenge also receive direct access to Bloomberg recruiters who provide professional development support around interviewing and resume creation. Bloomberg continues to build relationships with HBCUs and contribute to cultivating the success of its students. By providing additional resources, like the Bloomberg Terminal, University professors are able to further enrich their coursework with the same tools that are used by financial professionals. "Florida A&M University School of Business and Industry (SBI) has a long legacy of training students to be capable and well-prepared young business professionals. Bloomberg plays a role in that training process," said Dr. Inger M. Daniels-Hollar, Assistant Professor of Finance at FAMU. "Bloomberg access enables us to simulate for our students the experience of sitting on a real-life desk while they're still in college - much like a law student might argue in a mock courtroom before becoming a lawyer." About Bloomberg for Education Bloomberg for Education offers a suite of education technology products and services that immerse learners directly into the financial markets and provide research and analytics across multiple industries. Universities around the globe use Bloomberg to bring the real world of finance into the classroom, providing students with access to the same information platform used by leading decision makers in business, finance and government. For more information, visit: https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/product/education/ About Bloomberg Bloomberg is a global leader in business and financial information, delivering trusted data, news, and insights that bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to markets. The company helps connect influential communities across the global financial ecosystem via reliable technology solutions that enable our customers to make more informed decisions and foster better collaboration. For more information, visit https://www.bloomberg.com/company or request a demo. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bloomberg on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Bloomberg Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bloomberg Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Bloomberg View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Bayhorse Silver Inc, (TSXV: BHS) (OTCQB: BHSIF) (FSE: 7KXN) (the "Company" or "Bayhorse") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Abrams, MSc Geology., as a Director of Bayhorse. Mr. Abrams has been assisting the Company with finalising the Bayhorse Mine Operating Permit application. Mr. Abrams has more than 40 years of domestic and international mineral exploration experience. He has designed and executed generative exploration programs in the United States as well as advanced project evaluations, acquisitions and drill testing in the in United States, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Mr. Abrams was instrumental in the acquisition and first two years of core drilling by Placer Dome U.S. Inc. on the Donlin Creek project in Alaska. He conducted exploration work over 18 years for Placer Dome within the Cortez Joint Venture and Bald Mountain mine properties first as Great Basin District Geologist, and later as Manager of Minex Projects. One of the many highlights while in these roles was working with the Cortez geology team during the discovery phase of the Pipeline deposit; and acquiring the lands now occupied by a portion of the Pipeline mine. Mr. Abrams also worked 11 years for Agnico-Eagle (USA) Ltd., where he established Agnico-Eagle (USA) Ltd's U.S. office and led his exploration team to a gold discovery in northeastern Nevada. Mr. Abrams also worked as Golden Predator Corp's Vice President responsible for exploration and acquisitions in the United States. Since 2013, he has operated his own geological consulting business serving the mineral exploration community. Mr. Abrams earned BSc and MSc. degrees in Geology from Eastern Washington University. He holds an American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) professional certificate and is registered as a professional geologist in Idaho, California, Oregon, and Alaska. Mr. Abrams is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Bayhorse CEO Graeme O'Neill, welcomes Mark, who brings a wealth of geological experience to the Bayhorse team. He will be active in advancing both the final stages of submission of the Operating Permit application on the Bayhorse Mine, as well as leading the exploration for a potential copper porphyry on the newly acquired Idaho claims. The Company announces a grant of 400,000 incentive stock options to directors, employees and consultants. The stock options are exercisable at $0.10 cents per share for five years from date of issuance. This News Release has been prepared on behalf of the Bayhorse Silver Inc. Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its content. On Behalf of the Board. Graeme O'Neill, CEO 866-399-6539, 604-684-3394 About Bayhorse Silver Inc. Bayhorse Silver Inc. is an exploration and production company with a 100% interest in the historic Bayhorse Silver Mine located in Oregon, USA. With state of the art Steinert Ore-Sorting technology reducing waste rock entering the processing stream by up to 85%, we have created a minimum environmental impact facility capable of mining 200 tons of mineralization per day and the ability to process and supply 3,600 tons per year of silver/copper/antimony concentrate ranging between 7,500 to 15,000 g/t using standard flotation processing at its milling facility in nearby Payette County, Idaho, USA, with an offtake agreement in place with Ocean Partners UK Limited. The Company also has an option to acquire an 80% interest in the Brandywine high grade silver/gold property located in B.C. Canada. The Company has an experienced management and technical team with extensive mining expertise in both exploration and building mines. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196174 SOURCE: Bayhorse Silver Inc. NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascot Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Johnson as Group Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. Ms. Johnson will be responsible for leading the company's global operational support organization while also overseeing the Ascot technology, business intelligence, and communications and marketing functions. She will continue to report to Jonathan Zaffino, Group Chief Executive Officer and President. "Since joining the company nearly four years ago, Elizabeth has consistently demonstrated the strategic vision and execution skills needed to drive and support our Group's success," Zaffino commented on the appointment. "Her efforts have been instrumental in enhancing our operational efficiencies and underwriting discipline, and in delivering advancements in our IT capabilities. Elizabeth is a strong advocate of our authentic culture and embodies the Ascot Way through collaborative engagement, strong leadership, and a commitment to exemplary execution in all areas of the business." Ms. Johnson joined the organization in 2020 as Chief Underwriting Officer, North America, and in 2022, was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, North America, responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of an integrated underwriting, data, and operational organization for the region. Prior to joining Ascot, Ms. Johnson was Managing Director at Nationwide and spent nearly two decades at AIG, where she held several senior underwriting and management roles. She has extensive Property & Casualty industry experience and an excellent track record of developing and leading successful business operations. "I am honored to take on the role of Group COO at Ascot and look forward to building upon the strong operational foundations set forth by our regional leadership teams to both align and further enhance our underwriting and operational excellence across the globe. I look forward to partnering with Jon, our Global Executive Committee and our business and functional leaders to help Ascot achieve both our strategic ambitions and near-term goals," said Ms. Johnson. The information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. Statements of coverage availability and scope are general in nature, subject to change and underwriting of any individual risk, and provide no guaranty or warranty of coverage, express or implied. Products and services are offered through insurance company affiliates within the Ascot Group. Not all products and services are available in every jurisdiction, and some may be available in the United States only on a surplus line basis through licensed surplus line brokers. The precise coverage afforded by any insurer is subject to the actual terms and conditions of the policies as issued. The publication and delivery of the information contained herein is not intended as a solicitation for the purchase of insurance on any US risk. California Surplus Lines License: Ascot General Insurance Agency, Inc. License #: 0K61371. CONTACT: Kristina Corso | Prosek Partners M: 908.278.6225 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239587/ascot_logo_square_color_lrg_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ascot-group-appoints-elizabeth-johnson-as-group-chief-operating-officer-302048069.html LONDON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nord Anglia Education is proud to announce that three of its schools were named winners at the 2024 International School Awards hosted by ISC Research. Based on ISC Research's judging criteria, British Vietnamese International School Hanoi won an award for its community service project in support of residents of the 'Floating Village', an underprivileged community on the Red River's Banana Island. The population are amongst the poorest in Hanoi and, since starting the project, students have helped improve the community's living conditions. Students regularly visit with residents for social outreach initiatives ranging from rubbish collection to growing fruit and vegetables and more. Paul Holyome, Principal of BVIS Hanoi, said: "We're absolutely delighted to have won this award. Our community service work is embedded across our curriculum and has enabled many of our students and colleagues to witness first-hand the urgent need to support underprivileged communities. The work our colleagues and students are undertaking to support the Floating Village community is truly heartwarming and I'm extremely proud of all their efforts. With the generous social impact grant awarded to the school by Nord Anglia, the project will continue to go from strength to strength and improve the lives of so many in a very positive and sustainable way." St Andrews International School Bangkok was awarded for its creative initiative called the 'Elephant Project', which educates students whilst raising awareness about elephant conservation. Primary School students across all year groups work together to raise awareness and money for the 'Global Trust Asian Elephant Foundation' to protect elephants in the Chiang Rai region. Students have been able to take part in a virtual safari to see the hardworking heroes of this organisation at work whilst also getting to see elephants in their natural habitat. In 2020, St Andrews' Primary School was named 'International School of the Year' for its environmental initiatives. Paul Schofield, Principal of St Andrews Bangkok, said: "We're honoured to receive this award for our Elephant Project, which gives our students a deep connection to wildlife, opens their minds to the importance of conservation, and is having a tangible impact. I'm so proud of our students and the work they're doing across Chiang Rai." Regents International School Pattaya in Thailand received its award for the school's student-led initiative called the 'Culture Club'. Led by Sixth Form students Angela, Suhani, Sreya, and Sameera, it focusses on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and empowers students to take on leadership roles in areas that hold significance for their peers and the wider community. The club's efforts are linked to UN Sustainable Development Goals #5 (Gender Equality) and #10 (Reduced Inequalities). Amos Turner-Wardell, Principal of Regents Pattaya, said: "We couldn't be prouder of this award as it shows how hard we as a school and community are working to ensure that EDI is at the heart of everything we do. To be awarded for an initiative run by our students-enabled by our supportive EDI representative Ms Laura Rooney, our Head of English, and with the aim to make our school community and the world a better place-is just phenomenal. I'm extremely proud of their achievement!" Winners of the International School Awards were selected by a panel of independent judges from 245 applications, which were received from international schools around the world including those in Malaysia, India, the United States, the Seychelles, and Uganda, alongside many others. To learn more about the awards and this year's winners, please click here. About Nord Anglia Education As the world's leading international schools organisation, we're shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life. Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible. No two children learn the same way, which is why our 80+ schools in 33 countries around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world's top universities. To learn more or apply for a place for your child, go to nordangliaeducation.com. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1503193/3645357/Nord_Anglia_Education_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nord-anglia-education-scoops-three-awards-at-2024-international-school-awards-from-isc-research-302048155.html MONTVALE, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Today, IMA (Institute of Management Accountants), the worldwide association of accountants and financial professionals in business, released "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Accounting and Finance: A Global Perspective." The report outlines how to embrace a future with artificial intelligence (AI) along with the challenges organizations can face and prerequisites needed for a successful AI integration. As AI continues to reshape the accounting and finance profession, IMA engaged global experts and leaders in the profession to study the applications of AI and what barriers could exist to implement processes into accountants' daily work. Insights from these discussions are valuable for informing organizational strategies as leaders prepare to embark on their AI journey. "AI is a game-changer that has the potential to empower accounting and finance professionals when it comes to data analysis, forecasting and decision-making," said Susie Duong, Ph.D., CMA, CPA, CIA, EA, senior director of research and thought leadership at IMA and author of the report. "The use of AI will drive the future of the profession's growth, unlock untapped potential, and increase the value of professionals and organizations." The research for the report found that while AI will not fully replace human expertise, professionals at all levels will need to embrace and adopt this transformation and focus on technology proficiency, data analytics, critical thinking, and cross-functional collaboration. Likewise, organizations will need to foster human-machine collaboration, focusing on upskilling and reskilling team members, and creating a culture of ongoing learning to understand AI's strengths and weaknesses, steering toward its responsible and fruitful implementation. Study participants identified four aspects of challenges associated with AI implementation, which are human, technological, operational, and ethical. Challenges related to people - involving all levels of employees within an organization, were identified as the biggest hurdle for success of AI initiatives, according to 38 percent of participants. "AI has entered the mainstream in everything we do today. For accounting and finance professionals to be successful, they need to focus on upskilling and reskilling programs which will help them work with AI effectively," said Mike DePrisco, president and CEO at IMA. "Fostering a culture of collaboration, commitment, and transparency while navigating the implementation of AI is key to promoting the responsible and beneficial use of new technologies worldwide." To solve for these challenges and for a successful AI integration, the study outlined the following prerequisites: Aligning AI strategies with organizational goals and ensuring adequate executive support, addressing the skills gap of the existing workforce through training and development; Fostering cross-functional collaboration, process reengineering, and scalability; Focusing on data quality and the digital preparedness of teams; and Navigating AI-related risks and embracing ethical AI practices. The research drew insights from in-depth dialogues from interviews and roundtable discussions with experts in the field and accounting/finance leaders spanning the U.S., Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, North Africa, India, and China. The full report is available on IMA's website: https://www.imanet.org/en/Research-Publications/IMA-Reports/The-Impact-of-Artificial-Intelligence-on-Accounting-and-Finance About IMA (Institute of Management Accountants): IMA is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the CMA (Certified Management Accountant), CSCA (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis), and FMAA (Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate) certification programs, continuing education, networking, and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. Twice named Professional Body of the Year by The Accountant/International Accounting Bulletin, IMA has a global network of about 140,000 members in 150 countries and 350 professional and student chapters. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., USA, IMA provides localized services through its six global regions: The Americas, China, Europe, Middle East/North Africa, India, and Asia Pacific. For more information about IMA, please visit www.imanet.org. ### CONTACT: Giuseppe Barone IMA (201) 474-1681 giuseppe.barone@imanet.org Brian Sherry Stern Strategy Group (908) 325-3860 ima@sternstrategy.com SOURCE: IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) View the original press release on accesswire.com NEW CASTLE, Del., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Increase in adoption of advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) across the globe and rise in digitalization, positively impact the growth of the market. In addition, rise in demand of 5G technology to enhance operation & productivity is anticipated to propel the growth of the market during the forecast period. Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "5G Equipment Market by Product (Macro Cell, Small Cell, and Others) and End-Use (Retail Sector and Non-Retail Sector): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032". According to the report, the 5G equipment industry generated $6.4 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach at $23.9 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 14.5% from 2023 to 2032. Prime determinants of growth Increase in adoption of advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) across the globe and rise in digitalization, positively impact the growth of the market. In addition, rise in demand of 5G technology to enhance operation & productivity is anticipated to propel the growth of the market during the forecast period. Furthermore, increase in adoption of emerging technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN), network functions virtualization (NFV), and edge computing is anticipated to enhance the market growth in the upcoming years. However, security concern & costs budget and lack of standards hamper the 5G equipment market growth. Furthermore, growth in deployment of virtualized software among enterprises including data center and service provider drives the growth of the market. In addition, growing internet penetration and rise in government initiatives are expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities for the market expansion. Download Sample Pages: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2667 Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $6.4 Billion Market Size in 2032 $23.9 Billion CAGR 14.5 % No. of Pages in Report 245 Segments covered Product, End-Use, and Region Drivers Increase in adoption of advanced technologies such IoT across the globe Rise in digitalization Rise in demand of 5G technology to enhance operation & productivity Increase in adoption of emerging technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN), network functions virtualization (NFV), and edge computing Opportunities Growing internet penetration and rise in government initiatives Restraints Security concern & costs budget and lack of standards Buy this Complete Report (245 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/5g-equipment-market/purchase-options The small cell segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period By product, the small cell segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the 5G equipment market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. Increase in network densification, rise in mobile data traffic, and the emergence of citizens broadband radio service (CBRS) band boost the growth of the segment. However, the macro cell segment is expected to attain the largest CAGR of 17.0% from 2023 to 2032 and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. The major advantage of using macro cell in 5G is that it can provide 5G services to a large geographic area. 5G macro cells also use Massive MIMO technology, which allows large transmission and reception of data. The retail sector to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period By end-use, the retail sector held the highest market share in 2022, accounting of nearly three-fourths of the 5G equipment market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. Rise in demand of advanced and portable devices is expected to optimize the business capabilities of retail sector. However, the non-retail sector is projected to attain the highest CAGR of 17.3% from 2023 to 203, due to rise in demand for 5G technology in the enterprises. North America region to maintain its dominance by 2032 Region-wise, the North America segment held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for two-fifths of the 5G equipment market revenue. Factors such as the growth of remote work and the surge in online services have fueled the demand for reliable, high-performance 5G equipment in the region. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 17.8% from 2023 to 2032, and is likely to enhance the market growth during the forecast period. Rise in digitalization toward business process is anticipated to provide lucrative growth opportunities for the market in the region. Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/2667 Leading Market Players: - Cisco Systems, Inc. Samsung Electronics NEC Corporation Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. AT&T Inc. Verizon Communication Qualcomm Technologies Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson ZTE Corporation, Nokia Corporation The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the 5G equipment market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different countries. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model): AMR introduces its online premium subscription-based library Avenue, designed specifically to offer cost-effective, one-stop solution for enterprises, investors, and universities. With Avenue, subscribers can avail an entire repository of reports on more than 2,000 niche industries and more than 12,000 company profiles. Moreover, users can get an online access to quantitative and qualitative data in PDF and Excel formats along with analyst support, customization, and updated versions of reports. Get an access to the library of reports at any time from any device and anywhere. For more details, follow the link: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports Insights" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies, and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/5g-equipment-market-to-reach-23-9-billion-by-2032-at-14-5-cagr-allied-market-research-302048180.html WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Sonoco Products Co. (SON) Tuesday announced that some of its subsidiaries have finalized an agreement to sell its Protective Solutions business to Black Diamond Capital Management, LLC. for approximately $80 million in cash. The Protective Solutions business of Sonoco is a leading manufacturer of molded expanded polypropylene and expanded polystyrene foam components and integrated material solutions for a variety of industrial end markets, including automotive, power sports, impact surfaces, HVAC, electronics/technology, and appliances. The business, which has about 900 employees, operates nine manufacturing facilities. The completion of the transaction is anticipated in the first half of 2024, pending customary closing conditions. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. PALO ALTO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Uptime.com, a leading global provider of website monitoring services, is thrilled to announce the start of a new monthly webinar series aimed at fostering knowledge sharing within the realms of Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), Monitoring & Observability and IT Operations. The inaugural webinar "Getting Started: Website Monitoring Best Practices" is scheduled for 31st January, 2024 from 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm EST. To secure your spot, you may register here. In an era where digital presence is paramount, Uptime.com recognizes the critical role played by SREs, developers and IT professionals in ensuring the seamless performance and reliability of websites. The monthly webinar series is designed to provide a platform for professionals to stay abreast of industry trends, best practices and cutting-edge technologies in the field of website monitoring, synthetic monitoring, page performance insights, SLA, API monitoring and uptime status pages. Key Highlights of the Webinar Series: Expert-Led Sessions: Each month, our webinar host will delve into topics ranging from the latest advancements in website monitoring practices to emerging trends in the digital landscape as well as live demos of the Uptime.com platform. Practical Tips and Best Practices: Webinar attendees can expect to gain actionable insights and best practices that can be directly applied to enhance the performance and real-time reliability and availability of their websites. Interactive Q&A Sessions: The series will feature interactive Q&A sessions, allowing participants to engage directly with the experts, seek guidance, and address specific challenges they may be facing in their roles. "We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new webinar series, an initiative open to everyone interested in mastering the intricacies of website monitoring. This series isn't just about showcasing the capabilities of our platform; it's our commitment to fostering a community of excellence, offering practical tips and ensuring every site & service is monitored. Our goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge required to become an expert, understanding not just the 'what', but the 'how' and 'why' of effective monitoring and observability." - Jonathan Franconi Uptime.com is also proud to announce a series of powerful updates aimed at providing users with enhanced alerting and communication capabilities. The introduction of the SMS subscription feature ensures that users can stay informed about critical updates in real-time, allowing for swift responses to any potential downtime. The company now allows users of status pages to subscribe to Slack notifications. This integration empowers users to receive instant alerts and updates, facilitating quicker response times and minimizing the impact of any service interruptions. To further extend communication options, Uptime.com has introduced webhooks for status page notifications. This versatile feature allows users to integrate status updates seamlessly into their existing workflows, ensuring that relevant information reaches the right channels promptly. "Our team is thrilled to announce significant updates to our status page communication and subscription services. We understand the vital role of prompt and clear communication during incidents, and our commitment to this is unwavering; expect more innovative solutions from us as we continue to enhance and refine our offerings." - Jonathan Franconi These updates mark a significant step forward in Uptime.com's commitment to providing a comprehensive and user-friendly monitoring experience. With these powerful enhancements, users can expect improved communication, greater flexibility and enhanced control over their website monitoring process. About Uptime.com Uptime.com, headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is the world's leading website monitoring service. Since its inception, Uptime.com has been committed to providing businesses with comprehensive monitoring solutions that ensure website reliability and enhance user experience. Trusted by thousands of businesses worldwide, Uptime.com offers innovative tools and features that empower businesses to maximize their website's performance and uptime. Contact Information Mike Albanese mike.albanese@newswire.com SOURCE: Uptime.com View the original press release on newswire.com. The global affiliate marketing industry is expected to double in size within the next five years. Industry experts say it will exceed 50 billion US dollars in 2028. Every dollar spent on affiliate marketing brings businesses an average ROI of 6.50 US dollars. GZIRA, Malta, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Effective affiliate marketing relies on software that streamlines its management. SOFTSWISS, a technology company with 15+ years of experience in iGaming, systematically monitors market trends and audience preferences. In Q4'23, Kantar, the world's leading analytics agency, conducted a client satisfaction survey for SOFTSWISS' affiliate marketing tool, Affilka. Based on its results, SOFTSWISS provides insights into the pivotal aspects of affiliate marketing software, both functional and emotional. Main Aspects to Consider When Choosing Affiliate Software According to the survey, the most important functional characteristics to consider when choosing an affiliate marketing platform include: Fast business communication Uninterrupted operation of the product and referral links Fast and high-quality resolution of operational issues Availability of functionality that satisfies key business needs Fair pricing While analysing emotional attributes that impact the choice of software, the respondents noted the following lineup: Long-term and reliable partnership Top-level service High professionalism and expertise of managers Services and products that meet the company's needs Secure solutions For those involved in affiliate marketing, it is crucial to take note of the reasons respondents gave for terminating cooperation with their previous partners. The main reasons include slow business communication (30% of respondents), lack of functionality (27%), lack of regular functionality updates, high prices, and difficulties in integration and support (23% for each reason). "Being a company with over 15 years of experience in creating technologies for iGaming, we prioritise the requests and expectations of our current and potential clients when creating products and services. We analyse the market and expanding preferences of our target audience and are ready to share these insights with all market players. By raising competition, we contribute to the ongoing improvement of the industry," shares Valentina Bagniya, Chief Commercial Officer at SOFTSWISS. Affiliate Marketing Platform Survey. Affilka by SOFTSWISS' case When choosing an affiliate marketing software provider from the vast landscape, knowing what to look for is crucial. The insights from the comprehensive marketing survey conducted by Kantar help operators navigate the audience preferences in affiliate marketing, exemplified by Affilka by SOFTSWISS. In addition to the above most critical functional characteristics, the respondents also underlined the following group: Postbacks and dynamic tracking User-friendly design and navigation A single customisable report with many parameters The fast and high-quality resolution of operational issues, prompt business communication, and the possibility of cooperation on several products at once are the primary strengths of the platform highlighted by Affilka by SOFTSWISS' clients. When it comes to the service level, the respondents highly appreciated the following advantages: High level of competence displayed by account managers Request response speed Accessibility Notably, 97% of clients expressed satisfaction with the quality of Affilka's service. Half of the respondents highlighted that they are likely to recommend Affilka by SOFTSWISS as the platform that covers all their business needs. Anastasia Borovaya, Head of Affilka by SOFTSWISS, summarises: "Besides unwavering product performance, operators appreciate customisable affiliate compensation plans and rapid data upload speed. Anticipating their needs, as we did in Affilka, software providers should ensure flexible commission models, real-time data synchronisation and robust referral link infrastructure providing uninterrupted traffic flow." About SOFTSWISS SOFTSWISS is an international tech company offering top-notch solutions for iGaming. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2330175/Affiliate_Marketing.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/how-to-manage-affiliate-marketing-tools-effectively-softswiss-shares-research-results-302048233.html Minutes of the shareholders' combined general meeting The shareholders' combined general meeting held on January 30, 2024 and chaired by Daniel Derichebourg approved the parent company and consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, certified without reservation by the independent auditors, without making any changes. These financial statements were published in the annual financial report provided for by Article L.451-1-2 of the French Monetary and Financial Code, which forms part of the 2022/2023 Universal Registration Document filed with the French securities regulator (AMF) on December 19, 2023 under number D.23-0863. This document is available on the Company's website ( www.derichebourg.com (http://www.derichebourg.com)). The shareholders' meeting also passed with the requisite majority all the resolutions approved by the Board of Directors, including: (http://www.derichebourg.com)). The shareholders' meeting also passed with the requisite majority all the resolutions approved by the Board of Directors, including: the payment of a dividend of 0.16 per share, with the ex-dividend date scheduled for February 14, 2024 and payment on or after February 16, 2024; renewal of the directorship of Compagnie Financiere pour l'Environnement et le Recyclage (CFER) for a term of four years; reappointment of BM&A as Principal Statutory Auditor and non-reappointment and non-replacement of Pascal de Rocquigny du Fayel as Alternate Statutory Auditor; approval of the compensation paid in fiscal year 2023 or granted in respect of that fiscal year to each corporate officer; approval of the compensation policy applicable to the Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and the corporate officers; renewal of the share buyback program; renewal of various financial authorizations and delegations of authority granted to the Board of Directors. Detailed voting results will be available on the Company's website: www.derichebourg.com. During the meeting, the Group's General Management also answered questions put by shareholders. In previous minutes of the shareholders' meeting, the Company used to provide information on first quarter performance. However, the Company is currently unable to provide accurate information, as it is still making up the administrative delay caused by the temporary unavailability of its information system following the November 10, 2023 cyberattack. The incident has now been resolved. The Company will communicate this information as soon as it is available. The new lines launched during the previous fiscal year (fridge and freezer WEEE treatment in Bonneuil sur Marne, copper and aluminum cable shot-blasting in Escaupont, new more powerful shredding line integrating solid recovered fuel production in Saint-Pierre-de-Chandieu, aluminum sorting line in Coulombiers, new shears installed at several facilities) are gradually being ramped up and will strengthen the Group's long-term strategic positioning. ISIN : FR 0000053381 - DBG Attachment Redde Northgate Plc - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, January 30 NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION 30 January 2024 REDDE NORTHGATE PLC ("Redde Northgate" or the "Group" or the "Company") Transaction in Own Shares Redde Northgate plc (LSE:REDD) announces that on 30 January 2024 it purchased the following number of its own shares to be held in treasury: Class of shares : Ordinary shares of 50p ("shares") Number of shares purchased : 25,000 Weighted average purchase price paid : 350.6 pence per share Highest purchase price paid : 350.6 pence per share Lowest purchase price paid : 350.6 pence per share Following the above transaction, the Company's issued share capital consists of 246,091,423 ordinary shares of 50p each, of which 18,290,071 ordinary shares are held in treasury, and 1,000,000 preference shares of 50p each which do not carry any rights to vote. Therefore the total number of voting rights in the Company is 227,801,352 which may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) as incorporated into UK domestic law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, the schedule below contains detailed information about the purchases made by Numis Securities Limited on behalf of the Company as part of the Company's buyback programme. Schedule of Purchase - Individual Transaction (as at 30 January 2024) Number of shares purchased Transaction price (GB pence per share) Time of transaction Transaction reference number Venue 25,000 350.60 16:24:19 00068690556TRLO0 LSE Notes This announcement is made in accordance with the requirements of Listing Rule 12.4.6. For further information contact: Buchanan David Rydell/Jamie Hooper/Hannah Ratcliff +44 (0) 207 466 5000 Notes to Editors: Redde Northgate is the leading integrated mobility solutions platform providing services across the vehicle lifecycle. The Company offers integrated mobility solutions to businesses, fleet operators, insurers, OEMs and other customers across seven key areas: vehicle rental, vehicle data, accident management, vehicle repairs, fleet management, service and maintenance, vehicle ancillary services and vehicle sales. The Company's core purpose is to keep its customers mobile, whether through meeting their regular mobility needs or by servicing and supporting them when unforeseen events occur. With its considerable scale and reach, Redde Northgate's mission is to offer a market-leading customer proposition and drive enhanced returns for shareholders by creating value through sustainable compounding growth. The Group aims to achieve this through the delivery of its strategic framework of Focus, Drive and Broaden. Redde Northgate services its customers through a network and diversified fleet of over 120,000 owned and leased vehicles, supporting over 600,000 managed vehicles, with more than 170 workshop, body shop and rental locations across the UK, Ireland and Spain and a specialist team of over 6,000 automotive services professionals. Further information please visit the Company's website: Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Orea Mining Corp. (TSX: OREA) (OTCQB: OREAF) (FSE: 3CG) ("Orea") is providing an update to its previously disclosed management cease trade order ("MCTO"), announced on January 3, 2024, in respect of the audited annual financial statements and corresponding management's discussion and analysis for the year ended September 30, 2023, including the CEO and CFO certifications (collectively, the "Annual Filings") that were not filed by the required regulatory filing deadline of December 29, 2023. As previously disclosed, the delays are a result of not closing the Montagne d'Or gold project transaction, which has resulted in a significant working capital deficit and a material reduction in staff. Orea is working on the steps required to complete the Annual Filings and will provide updates as further information relating to the Annual Filings becomes available. Until the Annual Filings are filed, the MCTO will be in effect. Additionally, bi-weekly default status reports in accordance with National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders will be issued. Orea intends to satisfy the provisions of the Alternative Information Guidelines during the period it remains in default of the filing requirements. There have been no material business developments or other material information relating to the affairs of Orea as of the date of this news release that have not been generally disclosed. The Board of Directors Orea Mining Corp. For more information contact: +1 604 638-3944 ir@oreamining.com This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "endeavors", "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding the finalization and filing of the Annual Filings, and the Company's intention to have the MCTO revoked. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks that the Company cannot raise capital to hire or pay its Auditors or other persons or companies involved with the completion of the Annual Filings, that the Company's auditors, lawyers and management will not be able to complete their review of the Annual Filings in a timely manner, that the Company will not be able to finalize and file the Annual Filings, that the Company will not be successful in obtaining a revocation of the MCTO, risks related to changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets, changes in applicable laws, and compliance with extensive government regulation, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, the assumption that the Company will successfully finalize and file the Annual Filings in a timely manner. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196196 SOURCE: Orea Mining Corp. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Pegasus Resources Inc. (TSX-V:PEGA)(Frankfurt:0QS0)(OTC/Pink Sheet symbol:SLTFF) (the "Company" or "Pegasus") is delighted to announce the successful completion of a comprehensive geological mapping and sampling program on its past-producing Energy Sands property in Utah. For this initiative, the Company collaborated with Dahrouge Geological Consulting USA Ltd. ("Dahrouge") to conduct a thorough assessment, significantly enhancing our understanding of the property's potential. "The significant 7800 ppm reading on sample ESRS24-037 is an exciting confirmation of promising mineralization at our Energy Sands property in Utah." CEO Christian Timmins stated, "This result boosts our confidence in its strategic value, and we look forward to the detailed analysis from SGS. This analysis will guide informed decisions and strategic advancements in our exploration efforts at Energy Sands." A total of 41 samples were diligently collected over the 13-day program and have been submitted to SGS Laboratories Services for further detailed analysis. Utilizing the RS-125 handheld spectrometer, Pegasus identified notable samples from prospector outcrops, tailings, outcrops, and historical adits. ESRS24-037 displayed a remarkable 7800 ppm reading, indicating substantial mineralization. Completing the geological mapping and sampling program is crucial in advancing Pegasus' exploration efforts. It provides valuable insights into the mineral-rich potential of the Energy Sands property. The Company remains committed to leveraging this data for informed decision-making as it continues to pursue sustainable resource development. Figure 1: Sample ESRS24-037 - High-grade sample from shallow prospect. RS-125 U-7800ppm Figure 2: Sample ESRS24-013 - In-situ sample source from historic adit. RS-125 U>10,000ppm Figure 3: Sample ESRS24-009 - High-grade in-situ sample. RS-125 U>10,000ppm *Please note that the RS-125 does not have the highest degree of precision, so these values should be taken as indicators, not absolutes. *A historical report archived by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) outlines small-scale production of uranium by the Minerals Corporation of America, totalling 51.8 Tons at a grade of 0.373% U3O8 and 1.10% V2O5 occurred between 1953 and 1956 (Byers & Robertson, 1956). NI 43-101 Disclosure The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jacob Anderson, CPG, MAusIMM, who is a Resource Geologist for Dahrouge Geological Consulting USA Ltd., and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, who has prepared and/or reviewed the content of this press release. About Pegasus Resources Inc. Pegasus Resources Inc. is a diversified Junior Canadian Mineral Exploration Company with a primary focus on uranium, with exposure to gold and base metal properties in North America. The Company is also actively pursuing the right opportunity in other resources to enhance shareholder value. For additional information, please visit the Company at www.pegasusresourcesinc.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors: Christian Timmins President, CEO and Director Pegasus Resources Inc. 700 - 838 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6 PH: 1-403-597-3410 X: https://twitter.com/MrChris_Timmins X: https://twitter.com/pegasusresinc E: info@pegasusresourcesinc.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning the Company's plans, intentions, and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Pegasus Resources Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com CHICAGO (dpa-AFX) - Usually, a situation where a plane's doors come off mid-flight would shake the confidence of airline CEOs, who rely on customer trust for profits. However, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has expressed his support for Boeing despite the recent problems with its 737 Max 9 aircraft. He believes that the issues are temporary and that Boeing needs to enhance the quality of its aircraft. This support from a major customer comes at a challenging time for Boeing, which is dealing with the aftermath of a fuselage breakage on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9, leading to the grounding of all Max 9s. O'Leary has previously criticized Boeing and its CEO, Dave Calhoun, but he is still eager to receive his company's allotment of 737 Max 10s due to their higher passenger capacity and lower fuel costs. He has also expressed interest in acquiring any unwanted Boeing 737 Max aircraft, particularly those possibly abandoned by U.S. carriers. O'Leary was particularly critical of United Airlines after comments last week from its CEO Scott Kirby, who said his carrier was examining 'alternative plans' for fleet options without the Boeing 737 Max 10. United has more than 200 of them on order, and it has already been waiting five years for the first deliveries of the plane. Ryanair currently operates the older Boeing 737-800, as well as a newer high-capacity variant of the 737 Max 8. Despite not operating any of the affected aircraft, O'Leary described the situation as 'stupid.' The Max 9 is now returning to service following FAA-mandated inspections. Alaska Airlines CEO, Ben Minicucci, also expressed his anger at the situation, but both executives maintain overall faith in the 737 Max program and its safety. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Bluebell Capital Partners, a well-known activist European hedge fund, recently expressed its concerns over BP plc's energy transition strategy. The fund's leaders, Giuseppe Bivona and Marco Taricco, criticized BP's plan that projects a significant decline in oil and gas demand as unrealistic and raised doubts about the potential loss of market value and poor returns from the company's solar and wind farm projects. Bluebell emphasized the significance of BP's focus on areas where it can excel while avoiding ventures with low potential returns. The fund advocated for an increase in near-term oil production and a commitment to emissions reduction in line with societal expectations. BP has faced criticism from various stakeholders despite its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Bluebell Capital Partners asserted that BP's approach has negatively impacted its stock price and challenged the feasibility of its vision for a drastic decline in oil and gas demand. The former CEO of BP, Bernard Looney, who initiated significant changes within the company, departed amid allegations of improper personal relationships. However, under the leadership of Chairman Helge Lund and CEO Murray Auchincloss, BP continues to support Looney's strategy despite Bluebell's objections. Although Bluebell's objections carry weight, it holds a relatively small stake in BP and lacks the financial power to compel a shareholder vote. While BP had previously pledged to reduce emissions by 35-40%, it later revised this target to 20-30% as it navigates challenging market conditions. Amidst the pressure from activist investors, BP's approach to emissions targets remains uncertain. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BOSTON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Velico are happy to announce the appointment of Colonel Andrew (Andre) P. Cap, U.S. Army, retired, as their Chief Military Liaison Officer. With over 310 peer-reviewed articles and over 12000 citations, Colonel Cap, MD, PhD, is an internationally respected clinician-scientist in the field of trauma and critical care hematology. He has recently retired from the U.S. Army, where he served as Director of Research, U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR). In that capacity, he managed over 350 personnel and a budget of over $55M in executing the DoD's primary intramural research program in combat casualty care. Prior to this role, he led the U.S. Army's Blood Research Program. He has worked extensively with the Armed Services Blood Program, Special Operations Command and Joint Trauma System (JTS) on a variety of blood and combat casualty care challenges. He served as Co-Chairman of the NATO Blood Panel and as a contributor to the NATO Prehospital Care Improvement Initiative. As Chief Military Liaison Officer, Colonel Cap, ret., will develop existing and new relationships and military projects in the field of spray dried plasma production and novel blood technologies. "We are extremely honored to have such an incredible leader and scientific innovator as Colonel Cap on board to advance the development and growth of our innovative blood technologies within the Military arena, especially at this time of urgent need for all allied forces," says Richard Meehan, President and CEO Velico. "I'm looking forward not only to taking on the challenges of this new role and contributing to the successful roll out of these important lifesaving technologies to armed services blood centre programs throughout the allied world, but also to bring new and innovative thinking about the role of dried plasma in military operations," says Colonel Andre Cap, ret., Chief Military Liaison Officer, Velico. About Velico: Velico Medical, Inc. is a private US medical technology company, committed to the mission of eliminating preventable death from bleeding. Headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts, USA. Velico personnel have substantial expertise and experience in transfusion medicine and medical device development. In support of its mission, Velico is developing partnerships with civilian, government and military blood center leadership, trauma surgeons, emergency medical physicians, military medics and first responders worldwide. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2329112/Velico_Medical_Inc.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2152986/Velico_Medical_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/industry-leader-colonel-andre-cap-us-army-retired-joins-velico-as-chief-military-liaison-officer-302048428.html Limited-service Food Industry Pioneer Extends Partnership with Leading Foodservice Cloud Platform for Supply Chain Intelligence CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / ArrowStream, Inc. ("ArrowStream"), the leading foodservice cloud platform for supply chain intelligence, is excited to announce the renewal of its strategic partnership with Galardi Group, Inc. ("Galardi Group"). This renewed commitment signifies a strengthened collaboration that aims to drive efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in the foodservice supply chain. ArrowStream's cutting-edge technology and services have been meeting the unique needs of Galardi Group since 2020. A true trailblazer within the limited-service food industry, Galardi Group operates a diverse portfolio of restaurant brands including Wienerschnitzel, Tastee Freez, and Hamburger Stand. This renewed contract solidifies a successful collaboration that has empowered Galardi Group to optimize its supply chain operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency across their 330 restaurant locations. "ArrowStream's modernized solutions have not only improved our efficiency but also allowed us to navigate the complexities of the ever-changing food industry landscape with ease," said Jill Albano, Director of Purchasing and Supply Chain at Galardi Group. "The decision to renew our contract was driven by ArrowStream's unwavering commitment to innovation and their ability to adapt to the dynamic nature of our industry. They have been essential partners in driving our success." ArrowStream's cloud-based platform empowers Galardi Group with real-time visibility into their supply chain, enabling data-driven decision-making and fostering collaboration across the entire foodservice network. Galardi Group recently kicked off the process of onboarding suppliers into ArrowStream's Supplier Pricing Portal, prioritizing where they spend most. In a short period of time, they have added 25% of their suppliers into the portal, accounting for over 40% of their spend, and expect to reach full compliance in 2024. In addition, Galardi Group is leveraging ArrowStream's Supplier Sourcing to seamlessly run RFP's and award business to participating suppliers more efficiently. "We are delighted to continue our partnership with Galardi Group, a company known for its commitment to quality and excellence across the foodservice industry," said Jay Moon, Chief Customer Officer at ArrowStream. "Galardi Group recognizes the strategic importance of technology in ensuring a resilient and responsive supply chain and the ability to collaborate seamlessly across the foodservice network. We're excited to partner with Galardi Group to further enhance their competitive edge and meet the evolving demands of our industry." ArrowStream's comprehensive supply chain platform enables foodservice operators to gain real-time visibility into their supply chain operations, track inventory, and make data-driven decisions. Galardi Group is the latest business to renew their long-term partnership with ArrowStream, joining a growing list of customers, including Arby's Purchasing Co-operative (ARCOP), Dickey's Barbecue Pit, and Hardee's, among others. ArrowStream remains committed to delivering cutting-edge supply chain solutions to its customers, helping them navigate the complexities of a modern foodservice industry. Contact an ArrowStream supply chain expert today to find out how ArrowStream can advance your supply chain management. About ArrowStream ArrowStream is the leading foodservice cloud platform for supply chain intelligence, with over 1,300 distribution locations, 11,000 manufacturers, and 275 leading brands across 105,000 restaurant locations tightly integrated into a single global network of applications and industry data. ArrowStream provides unparalleled levels of transparency, control, and actionable insight to mitigate risks, streamline operations, protect the brand, and optimize profitability. Find out more at www.arrowstream.com. Contact Information Joe Ferrell Sr. Director, Marketing jferrell@arrowstream.com SOURCE: ArrowStream, Inc. View the original press release on newswire.com. WeSendit Celebrates the Launch of its New Web3 Platform in Collaboration with Huawei Cloud: Your Decentralized File Transfer Provider and Storage Aggregator ZUG, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Swiss data transfer service provider WeSendit is kicking off 2024 with a slew of new features. Just before Christmas, the Zug-based company successfully launched its WeSendit 3.0 platform at https://www.wesendit.com. This new service combines proven file transfer technology with the world of decentralized networks, allowing users to quickly and securely send their data and optionally store and manage it in a decentralized manner. Additional features, such as data management tools, will be added in the near future. The success is already evident as WeSendit gained several hundred new customers within the first few days following the launch. "WeSendit is carrying forward traditional Swiss values like security, reliability, and privacy protection into the digital age," explains WeSendit Founder and CEO Jens Herbst. "WeSendit brings together the world's leading solutions in decentralized data storage on our platform, making it easier than ever for users to protect their data." To achieve this, the Swiss company raised over 3 million USD in investor funding last year and formed strategic partnerships with leading global companies, including the American unicorn Storj, responsible for decentralized data management. Furthermore, WeSendit has recently entered into a partnership with Huawei Cloud, solidifying its position as a strong partner for international expansion and revolutionizing the Big Data industry. WeSendit's journey of innovation is far from over," states Jens Herbst, CEO of WeSendit. "In light of our current developments, we would like to highlight two important upcoming steps. Firstly, the Node Concept: By the end of March, we will be allocating our initial resources in the Huawei Cloud to develop this innovative concept. With the Node Concept, we aim to enhance the performance and efficiency of our platform further, providing our users with an even better experience. Secondly, the Huawei Marketplace: We are actively working to make our services accessible to a broader audience. By the end of March, WeSendit will be rigorously examining the requirements to offer our service on the Huawei Marketplace. This presents us with the opportunity to make our technology accessible to a global audience and strengthen our position as a leading provider of secure data transfer." Decentralization for Enhanced Data Protection In decentralized storage and transmission, data is split into individual packets and stored on the blockchain, similar to assembling a puzzle. They are reassembled using a specific key to which only the user has access. Consequently, decentralized storage offers entirely new possibilities in terms of security and data privacy. As a result, the service is attractive not only to businesses and digital creators but also to government agencies and institutions. An recent survey commissioned by WeSendit among internet users in the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) region shows that over 90 percent of Germans, Austrians, and Swiss individuals desire decentralized protection of their privacy when it comes to data storage and transmission. Other decentralized security features like cloud storage and automated hot backups also ranked highly among respondents. The WSI Token as a Gateway to Web3 A crucial component of the new WeSendit is the specially developed WSI Utility Token. With it, users can secure numerous rewards and discounts when using various WeSendit features and add-ons to optimize their data management. "Personal data is the currency of the digital age. However, only those who maintain control over their data can preserve their independence and navigate the digital space autonomously," says Jens Herbst. "With WeSendit, getting started is now easier, more user-friendly, and more secure than ever before." Press Contact WeSendit Media AG Public Relations Department E-Mail: jh@wesendit.com Web: https://www.wesendit.com About WeSendit Swiss IT company WeSendit offers the world's first Web3 file transfer and storage solution for security-sensitive institutions, businesses, and individuals. The foundation for its use is the WeSendit Token launched in 2022. The company builds upon a strong foundation with over ten years of experience and more than 3.5 million customers. In 2015, WeSendit was recognized as part of the Swiss Innovation Challenge. With its unique model of continuous technology and user guidance, the platform has evolved steadily since then. Following the initial concept of decentralized data transfer and management in 2020, WeSendit has now ushered in the Web3 revolution for anonymous, truly secure data transfer and storage using blockchain technology. For more information, please visit: https://discover.wesendit.com or https://www.wesendit.com Media Contact Organization: WeSendit Media Limited Contact Person: Jens Herbst Website: https://www.wesendit.com Email: jh@wesendit.com Contact Number: +41798994433 Address: Baarerstreet 8 City: Zug State: Zug Country: Switzerland SOURCE: WeSendit Media Limited View the original press release on accesswire.com CHICAGO (dpa-AFX) - Boeing (BA) has withdrawn its request for a time-limited exemption (TLE) regarding the current engine inlet de-icing system, which would have allowed the 737 Max 7 to be certified with a known noncompliance under current regulatory standards. Last year, Boeing requested federal regulators to permit the delivery of its 737-7 aircraft to customers despite not meeting a safety standard that would prevent part of the engine housing from overheating and breaking off midflight. Boeing had discovered that operating the aircraft's engine anti-ice (EAI) system in certain conditions could cause the composite inlets to overheat, posing a risk of breaking apart under operational loads. As a result, the FAA ordered a temporary operational work-around for in-service 737 MAXs. The decision to withdraw the exemption request comes in the wake of the Jan. 5 Alaska Airlines flight 1282 incident, where a manufacturing flaw involving loose or missing bolts led to the loss of an emergency exit door plug during climb. Following this incident and the subsequent grounding of nearly 200 planes, Boeing's commitment to safety has been under scrutiny. In response to criticism from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and others, Boeing announced that it would withdraw its petition seeking permission from the FAA to bypass safety standards and expedite the deployment of aircraft with a known safety defect. This incident, along with ongoing production quality issues, has led to intense public scrutiny of both Boeing and the FAA. Boeing is expected to provide more details about the 737-7 and its new certification timeline during its Jan. 31 annual earnings presentation for 2023. Before the recent decisions, certification of the 737-7 was anticipated to occur at the beginning of 2024. But now, the decision is likely to delay FAA certification of the smallest MAX variant until at least 2025. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Video-Workshop: Das kleine Einmaleins der Charttechnik In diesem kostenlosen Video-Workshop von Stefan Klotter lernen Sie alles uber Charttechnik. Lassen Sie sich diesen kostenfreien Workshop nicht entgehen! Hier klicken WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - General Motors (GM) plans to change its product-line strategy by bringing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or PHEVs to the North American market, CEO Mary Barra informed the investors during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call. Barra said that the PHEVs, which include combustion engines coupled with battery technologies, will be rolled out on selected models in North America, to comply with the federal fuel economy regulations. Earlier, GM had started a plug-in electric vehicle line by introducing Chevrolet Volt in the 2010s. Later, it was discontinued in 2019 due to a lack of demand. Currently, the only hybrid model of GM in the U.S. is a traditional hybrid version of the Chevrolet Corvette. The change in production line is an attempt to steer clear of penalties related to the Biden administration's stringent laws on fuel economy and emission standards. In April, the U.S. government introduced tailpipe emissions standards to push EV sales to 67 percent by 2032. Further, in July the administration announced that it plans to cut vehicle fuel consumption almost in half by 2035. It proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards which require automakers to meet an estimated 58 miles per gallon average fuel economy by model year 2032. It also requires automakers to improve fuel efficiency by 2% per year for cars and 4% per year for light trucks beginning in model year 2027. Barra concluded, 'GM remains committed to eliminating tailpipe emissions from our light-duty vehicles by 2035, but, in the interim, deploying plug-in technology in strategic segments will deliver some of the environment or environmental benefits of EVs as the nation continues to build this charging infrastructure.' Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Video-Workshop: Das kleine Einmaleins der Charttechnik In diesem kostenlosen Video-Workshop von Stefan Klotter lernen Sie alles uber Charttechnik. Lassen Sie sich diesen kostenfreien Workshop nicht entgehen! Hier klicken Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - NuGen Medical Devices Inc. (TSXV: NGMD) (the "Company" or "NuGen") a leading developer of needle-free devices to administer therapeutics subcutaneously, is pleased to announce that as of January 30th, 2024, Sol-Millennium Medical Inc.'s ("Sol-M") global sales & marketing team has now completed their in-depth clinical training of NuGen's needle-free InsuJet medical device for sales and marketing throughout Europe. Louise Cresswell, NuGen's VP of Sales & Marketing for the UK and clinical expert, provided specialized training to a group of seven Sol-M sales representatives and equipped them with the necessary tools to employ a detail-oriented and proficient sales strategy for the European markets. Training specifically included detailed instructions and hands-on training of NuGen's InsuJet needle-free device to facilitate sales as it pertains to the diabetic markets in France and Spain. "Well-attended sessions with very good interactions from Sol-M sales representatives enabled me to share our experiences, and clinician and patient feedback of the InsuJetTM system to help the Sol-M team to drive sales and product adoption in their target markets throughout Europe," commented Louise Cresswell, NuGen's VP of Sales & Marketing. "The engagement and outcome with Sol-M were overwhelmingly positive with fulfillment set to achieve and perhaps even exceed expectations. I am very, very pleased," said Creswell. As planned, European order forecasts are to be received by NuGen from Sol-M in the coming weeks which is in keeping with expectations with first orders arriving before the end of Q1 2024. "In January this year, I personally met overseas with Liang Lin, CEO of Sol-M, and am pleased to report a very positive relationship that will continue to grow further. After in-depth sales, marketing, and promotion training with Sol-M, which took months to complete, we are delighted to now go to market with our co-branded InsuJet needle-free medical device and consumables," commented Ian Heynen, CEO. "As I stated earlier, 2024 will be a very busy year reporting commercial progress and wins in all three of our business verticals." About Sol-M Sol-M, NuGen's distributor since July 2023 for InsuJet in Canada, Brazil, France and Spain (See NuGen signs $204M distribution agreement with global leader in the diabetic industry) are global leaders in the healthcare industry with five offices around the world. Sol-M is a high-growth global medical device company committed to improving the safety and well-being of healthcare workers and their patients with the design and development of innovative safety-engineered medical devices. Sol-M is one of the world's largest designers and distributors of needles, syringes and diabetic supplies, offering a broad portfolio of patented products with global brand recognition such as Sol-Care for safety sharps, Sol-M for conventional medical devices and Sol-Guard for immunization products. About NuGen: NuGen is a leading developer of needle-free devices to administer therapeutics subcutaneously. The Company is marketing and selling its next-generation InsuJet needle-free injection system designed to improve the lives of millions of diabetics. InsuJet is approved for sale in 42 countries around the world. For further information, please visit: Websites: www.insujet.com and www.nugenmd.com Instagram: @NuGenMD Twitter: @NuGenMD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nugenmd/ For further information, please contact: Tony Di Benedetto Executive Chairman (416) 791-9399 tony@nugenmd.com Ian Heynen CEO (416) 560-1019 ian@nugenmd.com To arrange a media interview with NuGen, please contact: Morna Gorman (416) 553-1732 morna@nugenmd.com Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information: Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196186 SOURCE: NuGen Medical Devices Inc. Inari, a Cambridge, MA-based SEEDesign company, closed a $103M funding round. The round, which brought the total amount to $575M, saw participation from existing investors, including Hanwha Impact, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), Rivas Capital, NGS Super, State of Michigan Retirement System and company founder Flagship Pioneering, and new investors including RCM Private Markets fund, advised by Rokos Capital Management (US) LP. The company intends to use the funds to further advance its technology platform and accelerate the product commercialization. Led by CEO Ponsi Trivisvavet, Inari, the SEEDesign company, develops seeds that address needs, pushing for a more sustainable, nature-positive food system through a combination of AI-powered predictive design and a multiplex gene editing toolbox. The company has a team of more than 300 employees. Founded by Flagship Pioneering in 2016, Inari has additional sites in West Lafayette, Ind., and Ghent, Belgium. Commenting on the news, Ponsi Trivisvavet said: These investments represent further external validation of Inaris innovative technology and confidence in our creation of significant economic and environmental value by delivering our breakthrough, nature-positive products to seed customers. FinSMEs 30/01/2024 Bodil Siden General Partner Kost Capital Kost Capital, a Frederiksberg, Denmark-based venture capital firm, held the first close of its maiden fund dedicated to investing in food tech startups. The Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) supported the vehicle, which has an overall target of 25m. Read more on VCWire.tech, our new website dedicated to the tech venture capital industry. FinSMEs 30/01/2024 Paris, France, January 30th, 2024, Chainwire With a 150k-strong community, thousands of nodes around the world, a custom consensus technology, and its native MAS token, the award-winning Massa blockchain is launching with unique features such as Autonomous Smart Contracts, enabling decentralization and resilience. Massas vision is to allow apps to be deployed on thousands of computers around the world and operate autonomously forever without relying on any external infrastructure, while being resistant to censorship and hacking. After a successful mainnet bootstrap on January 15th, 2024, millions of blocks and close to 100,000 transactions have already been settled by the high-throughput L1 blockchain. Building on top of that backbone, Massa has laid down its strategy for ecosystem development and liquidity buildup. The Massa Foundation was freshly created in Switzerland to handle the Massa ecosystem, orchestrate incentive programs, and fuel community initiatives of all sorts. Community members will be given a strong voice in the decision process through forums open to token holders, where proposals ranging from changes in network parameters to grants will be debated. As early as 2024, the foundation is expected to integrate community members into its board. The foundation will also organize various events such as the Massa Community Conference to bring the community together. For the year 2024, the Foundation is allocating 2% of the MAS supply as grants for builders proposing projects that fit the ecosystem ideals and goals, with an emphasis on those that make use of the features unique to Massa. Dozens of projects are already building. The community and public sales are starting as of January 30th on Republic and lasting 2 weeks, which may be followed by other launchpads and CEX/DEX listing announcements. Token holders can apply to the projects liquidity incentives program, or easily run light nodes on their personal computers in order to obtain proof-of-stake block rewards. The Massa Foundation is allocating 1.7% of the MAS supply to be distributed in the next 6 months as liquidity incentives within a program that will be revealed step by step. within a program that will be revealed step by step. The first step involves incentivizing users to bridge tokens towards Massa dapps by giving them an extra native yield on liquidity provider (LP) tokens. Users will be incentivized to provide liquidity through protocol fees, protocol token incentives, MAS token incentives and more to come. Providing liquidity for multiple days/weeks in a row will amplify the users incentive. In short, bringing MAS or other crypto assets to Massa ecosystem apps such as the Dusa decentralized exchange will be heavily rewarded in multiple ways. This strategy is expected to significantly boost TVL, improve market liquidity and bootstrap the financial ecosystem in Massa. On the technical side, the Massa Domain Name System as well as the Decentralized Web feature will be deployed in 2024, enabling website front-ends to be hosted and accessed on-chain, thus removing the need for centralized domain names and web hosting servers that are the main targets for hacks and censorship. as well as the feature will be deployed in 2024, enabling website front-ends to be hosted and accessed on-chain, thus removing the need for centralized domain names and web hosting servers that are the main targets for hacks and censorship. Umbrella Oracles (https://umb.network/) is deploying real-time price feeds on Massa (https://umb.network/) is deploying real-time price feeds on Massa Cross-chain integration through partnerships like Hyperlane (https://www.hyperlane.xyz/) will be a strong focus to anchor Massa into existing ecosystems through partnerships like (https://www.hyperlane.xyz/) will be a strong focus to anchor Massa into existing ecosystems EVM compatibility and account abstraction are also in the crosshairs of the team are also in the crosshairs of the team Massas flagship Autonomous Smart Contracts technology will be refined, allowing for dynamic self-evolving NFTs, self-rebalancing liquidity pools, and a wide range of new on-chain applications, while dropping the need for external automation providers like Gelato or Chainlink Automation. All the information related to the public sale is available at https://massa.foundation Massa Foundation: https://massa.foundation Massa Labs: https://massa.net Dusa DEX on Massa: https://dusa.io About Massa Foundation Incorporated in Geneva, Switzerland, the Massa Foundation is a vital component of the Massa ecosystem. Its main responsibility is fostering the ecosystems growth while safeguarding its core principle of decentralization. In its early stages, the Foundation will orchestrate various incentive programs to stimulate both the Massa community and the wider ecosystem, including bounties, grants, liquidity incentives. Contact Director Sebastien Forestier Massa Foundation [email protected] The Zero Proof, an Atlanta, GA-based dedicated online retailer, importer, and supplier of adult non-alcoholic beverages, raised an undisclosed amount in Series A funding. The round was led by Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation. Previous lead investor, Overline, also participated, along with Springdale Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to hire salespeople in key markets, expand its distribution network nationwide, grow its base of key retail accounts, broaden its wholesale portfolio, and increase its suite of proprietary adult non-alcoholic spirits and wine, building on the launch of its new non-alc wine label, Saint Viviana. Led by Sean Goldsmith, CEO, The Zero Proof is an online retailer, importer and supplier of premium non-alcoholic wine, spirits and cocktails. The company reaches customers through its e-commerce shop, where consumers are also able to find a wide range of content that helps them discover new products and places to enjoy them. It also sells through distribution partners like KeHE and LibDib, DSD Distributors and key retailers nationwide. The company is the exclusive importer of top international, non-alcoholic brands Gnista (Sweden), ISH (Denmark), and Oddbird (Sweden). The Zero Proof also offers s suite of company-owned brands that today includes Saint Viviana and Lapos, its line of Italian aperitivos and digestivos. Commenting on the news, Sean Goldsmith said: Its an exciting time for the adult, non-alc category, and this new funding enables us to accelerate our already phenomenal growth by building out our omnichannel distribution and broadening our suite of high-quality, delicious NA beverages. FinSMEs 30/01/2024 VIVES, a Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium-based high-tech early-stage firm, raised 38M ($41.3M) in the second closing of VIVES IUF, bringing total funding to 70M ($76M). The European Investment Fund (EIF), a current shareholder in VIVES I (15M $16.3M) and VIVES II (42M $45.7M), committed 25M ($27.2M), alongside current and new blue-chip investors. Read more on VCWire.tech, our new website dedicated to the tech venture capital industry. FinSMEs 30/01/2024 ADNOC Gas said India continues to be a key market for the company and the latest supply agreement underscores the companys ongoing dedication to fostering long-term partnerships that promote responsible energy consumption UAEs ADNOC Gas Tuesday signed a 10-year agreement to supply 0.5 million metric tons per year of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to GAIL (India) Limited, Indias largest Natural Gas Company. Earlier this month, Indias Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, said gas consumption in India would rise to over 500 million standard cubic meters a day (mmscmd) by 2030 from the present 155 mmscmd. Advertisement India a key market Ahmed Mohamed Alebri, ADNOC Gas chief executive said India continues to be a key market for the company. This latest supply agreement underscores our ongoing dedication to fostering long-term partnerships that promote responsible energy consumption, Alebri added. As the world tries to curb planet-warming emissions, ADNOC Gas parent Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has intesified its focus on the gas market, seeing it as a transition fuel. Also, competition for LNG has increased since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. GAIL has an LNG portfolio of around 14 million tons per year comprising supplies from countries including the USA, Qatar, Australia and Russia, based on its 2022-23 annual report. Reuters reported ADNOC Gas saying it has signed multiple international LNG agreements in 2023 worth $9.4 - $12 billion with companies including TotalEnergies, Indian Oil Corporation and PetroChina International. Advertisement ADNOC has further said it plans to more than double its LNG production capacity to meet rising global demand for through the Ruwais plant, which is set to be the first LNG export facility in the region to run on clean power. With inputs from Reuters The post is flooded with heartfelt wishes from fans, friends and members of the film industry Actor Amy Jackson is now engaged. On Monday, she took to social media and shared the good news. She dropped a couple of romantic pictures with her beau Ed Westwick. In the images, Ed Westwick can be seen proposing to Amy in Switzerland on a bridge. The first picture showed Ed on his knees as Amy clasped her mouth. Advertisement Hell YES, Amy captioned the post, adding a ring emoji. The post is flooded with heartfelt wishes from fans, friends and members of the film industry. Kiara Advani commented a string of red heart emojis. Awww love congrats and glacier 3000, actor Lisa Haydon commented. Back in 2022, Amy made her relationship with Ed Westwick Instagram official. Ed is also an actor. He is best known for his role in Gossip Girl. Advertisement Amy earlier dated George Panayiotou for quite some time. The two got engaged in 2019 and welcomed their son in September of the same year. Reportedly, the couple parted ways in 2021, after which Amy removed all their pictures together from her Instagram account. Jackson, who is known for Bollywood films Ekk Deewana Tha and Singh Is Bliing, recently took a swipe at trolls mocking her transformation. In a conversation with The Times of India, the 31-year-old slammed commenters for calling her new look ugly. The actress, who worked alongside Rajinikanth in 2.0, told the news portal that her recent makeover came as part of filming for her latest project in the United Kingdom. Advertisement As Amy Jackson s pictures of her transformation gained traction on social media, she was targeted for plastic surgery or gender affirmation. On the other hand, some even described her new appearance as ugly and memes on her resemblance to Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy also went viral. With added inputs from agencies The latest season of Salman Khan-hosted controversial show, Bigg Boss 17, witnessed the final curtains being drawn with Munawar Faruqui lifting the winners trophy followed by Abhishek Kumar and Mannara Chopra as the second and third runner-ups. One of the popular Chopra sisters, Mannara emerged as one of the strongest contenders on the show and was a top choice among fans, thanks to her amazing journey inside the house and a well-devised game. However, it was her shocking eviction from the show during the finale that left her fans shocked. Advertisement Having marked her exit from Bigg Boss 17 as the second runner-up, Mannara recently opened up about her journey on the show, while also reacting to the wishes sent in by her cousin sister Priyanka Chopra. She not only expressed her gratitude towards Priyanka but also expressed that she feels extremely happy to have received her support. BB 17 runner-up thanks Priyanka Chopra for her support In an exclusive conversation with News18, the Zid actress while noting that did not get a chance to talk to Priyanka before entering the show added, I was in the US for a shoot and immediately entered the Bigg Boss house after returning to India. Mannara further added that she would text her sister as soon as possible and continued, If shes free, I will talk to her and will also thank her for the support. Mannara during another media interaction was once again seen expressing her gratitude. Thank you, PeeCee Didi, for supporting me. The way you have supported me means that I have managed to keep my personality, my self-respect, and my family intact on the show, she said further sending her affection for Priyankas daughter Malti Marie. Advertisement Priyanka Chopra wishes Mannara This comes days after Priyanka Chopra wished Mannara ahead of the Bigg Boss 17 grand finale. She shared a candid picture of Mannara from Bigg Boss 17 and wrote, Give it your best and forget about the rest. Carpe diem @memannara, she wrote along with a red heart emoji." Besides Priyanka, her mother Madhu Chopra also shared a strong message for the Bigg Boss 17 runner-up, sending her greetings and wishes. Harry, Meghan latest: Royal expert Angela Levin says of Duke and Duchess of Sussexs marriage: Hes given in. He walks behind them. He has no power and is outnumbered by Meghan Markle and her mum Doria. It is Meghan who wears the pant in the relationship. According to reports published in Express.co.uk, Prince Harry has no power in his marriage with Meghan Markle because she makes the decisions and he is outnumbered by his wife and mother-in-law, a royal expert has claimed. Meghan Markles mother, Doria Ragland has reportedly moved in with her and Prince Harry as the Duchess of Sussex aspires to work more in Hollywood. Advertisement Meghan takes charge of Harry According to Royal expert Angela Levin as per GB news, He has no power. You dont feel that hes making decisions. The decisions come from Meghan. Maybe Meghan discusses them with her mother, or maybe she just tells her mother, but Harry as a shrunk in every single way. Angela Levin further said, She writes his speeches, she tells him what to do. Pushing him here and there, moving him to different places like you might do with a child." Another royal expert Phil Dampier said, I think Harry and Meghan have realised that their image in the last year has been totally negative and they are associated with moaning and winging about the royal family and their lot in general. Probably advised by their PR people they look like they will play things differently in 2024. Advertisement We all know that Meghan Markle is an absolute control freak and takes complete charge of Harry. Firstpost had earlier reported as to how Meghan controls Harry. There was a rumour going around during 2018 that Meghan Markle had banned Prince Harry from attending the royal familys traditional Christmas pheasant shoot. Harry had to drop many of his close friends because Meghan didnt want him to be see with them. Advertisement Firstpost had earlier written how Meghan is a control freak and the mastermind behind Harrys controversial memoir Spare . The rumors, according to royal expert Tom Bower, are coming out of London. There are many now in London who say Meghan is getting tired of Harry. There is speculation that the Duchess of Sussex, 41, will at any moment say This is enough and negotiate with King Charles III some deal to break off the marriage. Advertisement As for Harry , the royal family feels that he has brought a lot of shame to the family by first the release of Netflixs series Harry & Meghan where he and Meghan had royally defamed the British royal family which was followed by his controversial memoir Spare . Both of them were Meghans idea though. In fact, she was the mastermind behind Prince Harrys Spare. Advertisement King Charles leaves hospital after prostrate surgery On the British Royal family front, King Charles III is released from hospital after prostate procedure, palace confirms. The 75-year-old monarch is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days, the palace said. As per reports, he thanked the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit. Advertisement (With inputs from agencies) Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . A study has found that a handful of people had developed Alzheimers disease after they received a human growth hormone from deceased donors, in a practice now banned. The team emphasised that their research didnt suggest that the disorder is transmissible, and, in fact, offers clues to its cure You cant catch Alzheimers disease, the most common type of dementia. Until now. A new study has revealed that five people may have caught the brain disorder after receiving growth hormone from human cadavers during childhood. The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, provides the first reported evidence of medically acquired Alzheimers disease in living people and throws light on the mental disorder, and the causes of it. Advertisement But, doctors and experts believe its not a reason to panic. Heres what we know about the study and what it means for patients. What did the study reveal? A team of researchers from the United Kingdom have found through testing and extensive studies that Alzheimers can spread from human to human through rare medical accidents, and one such instance could be traced back to 1958 and 1985. According to the scientists, five people are believed to have developed Alzheimers after they were treated with a human growth hormone which inadvertently contained the seeds of dementia. Elaborating on the incident, Professor John Collinge, co-author of the study and director of the MRC Prion Unit, said that between 1959 and 1985, at least 1,848 patients in the UK received human growth hormone extracted from the pituitary glands of cadavers. The practice was withdrawn when it was shown to trigger Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) a rare brain disorder that leads to dementia. Advertisement However, scientists have found that it was this batch of hormones that appears to have triggered Alzheimers in some patients. The youngest developed dementia symptoms at just 38 years old. The scientists said they initially stumbled across the discovery while studying the brains of eight people who died of CJD after being injected with the human growth hormone. Of them, five had huge levels of amyloid beta protein considered a key component of Alzheimers disease when it forms plaques in the brain. Advertisement The researchers add that in the three other patients, they found mild cognitive impairment in one, while another had self-reported cognitive difficulties, and one had no such symptoms. However, post-mortem results revealed that the last patient had the biomarker criteria for the disease. Advertisement Should the study concern us? Professor John Collinge, co-author of the study has told The Guardian, Were not suggesting for a moment you can catch Alzheimers disease. This is not transmissible in the sense of a viral or bacterial infection. He further added, I should emphasise these are very rare occurrences, and the majority of this relates to medical procedures that are no longer used. Advertisement However, the team points out that the study is significant, as it provides a better and clearer understanding of Alzheimers disease. According to them, the study points that Alzheimers disease has similarities with prion disease. Prion diseases are caused by infectious proteins that propagate in the brain. These diseases typically occur spontaneously, however, more rarely they can arise from a genetic mutation, or be transmitted via infected brain or nervous tissue. Advertisement It looks like whats going on in Alzheimers disease is very similar in many respects to what happens in the human prion diseases like CJD, Collinge said. It does raise implications about therapeutic approaches to Alzheimers disease. Other medical experts also concur that the study is significant when it comes to treatment and understanding of Alzheimers disease. Dr Susan Kohlhaas, executive director of research and partnerships at Alzheimers Research UK, told The Telegraph: This study has revealed more about how amyloid fragments can spread within the brain, providing further clues on how Alzheimers disease progresses and potential new targets for the treatments of tomorrow. Advertisement What is Alzheimers disease? According to the US health agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alzheimers disease is the most common type of dementia. Alzheimers disease accounts for 60-80 per cent of dementia cases. Doctors have found that symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Advertisement While most cases of Alzheimers are found in the aged, it can also affect younger people. Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimers disease. There likely is not a single cause but rather several factors that can affect each person differently. While age is the best known risk factor Alzheimers disease, researchers also note that family history, namely genetics, may play a role in developing Alzheimers disease. Advertisement In 2020, US data had revealed that as many as 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimers disease. A study further stated that this number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060. In 2020, the worldwide burden of Alzheimers was pegged at over 55 million people and it was reported that this number would almost double every 20 years, reaching 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050. Advertisement And is there a cure for Alzheimers? There is currently no known cure for Alzheimers disease. However, there are two treatments aducanumab and lecanemab demonstrate that removing beta-amyloid, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimers disease, from the brain reduces cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimers. Advertisement There is also a worldwide effort underway to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset and prevent it from developing. With inputs from agencies Indian tourists to the Maldives have fallen in January. Data reveals the country has slipped to the fifth position behind Russia and China. Many attribute this dip to the diplomatic row that erupted after officials in President Mohamed Muizzus Cabinet used derogatory language for PM Modi Dont ever underestimate the power of a hashtag. It seems that #BoycottMaldives, which was initiated by some Indians on X in early January, has actually come true. The Maldives with its beautiful blue waters, pristine white sand beaches, and lush greenery, which once used to be the preferred destination for Indians, has seen a notable drop in tourists from the neighbouring country in January. Advertisement How effective has the #BoycottMaldives hashtag actually been? And more importantly, whos to blame for this situation? Indian tourists give a miss to Maldives Before we delve into the numbers of how Indian tourists travelling to the Maldives has dropped, lets understand who exactly travels to the tiny archipelago. The Maldivian economy is largely dependent on tourism. In fact, according to the World Bank, approximately one-third of the Maldivian economy is dependent on tourism. Of this tourism, in 2023, India was the top source country for tourists, with over two lakh people travelling to the neighbouring country. Thats a whopping 11 per cent of all people travelling to the Maldives last year. The other top five countries from where people travelled to the Maldives was Russia, China, the United Kingdom and Germany. Advertisement However, in January this year, things have changed. According to data shared by the Maldivian tourism ministry, 13,989 tourists visited until 28 January, out of a total of 1,74,400 arrivals, dropping to the fifth spot with eight per cent tourist market share of the archipelago nation. The countries with the largest number of tourists to the archipelago in the first 28 days of January were Russia (18,561), Italy (18,111) and China (16,529). Advertisement Comparatively in December 2023, Russia was at the first spot with 1,74,416 Russians arriving in Maldives and a 24.1 per cent market share. India was at second with 161,751 tourists and 23.4 per cent share. Tour operators in the Maldives have also noticed this trend of the fall in Indian tourists to the island nation. Akhmeem Razzaq, founder and managing director of Maldives Getaways, a tourism company operating out of Maldives, was quoted as telling ThePrint that Indian tourists were declining over the past few months. Advertisement Indian tourists travel in two segments to the Maldives luxury and local tourism. The high-paying luxury tourism sector has seen numbers remain stable, while the latter has seen a drop, Razzaq told ThePrint. We have not received cancellations in the recent past, but there has been a slowdown in new bookings. Advertisement And Razzaqs statements are echoed by Indian tour operators too. Earlier, they too had noted that while existing bookings to the Maldives werent being cancelled, they had seen a drop in inquiries about the island nation. For some, the data also indicates another pattern. In fact, some geopolitical experts looking at the data have opined that this could be seen as a victory for Beijings diplomacy as the rise in Chinese tourists could be linked with the recent visit of President Muizzu . During his visit, Muizzu urged his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to send more tourists to Male. China was our (Maldives) number one market pre-COVID, and it is my request that we intensify efforts for China to regain this position, he was quoted as saying then. Advertisement The #BoycottMaldives controversy Most people attribute the drop in Indian tourists to the Maldives to the recent diplomatic spat that the two countries had. It all began when Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Lakshadweep in the first week of January and praised the natural beauty of the land. However, the PMs visit sparked an anger among some Maldivian officials, who perceived Modis promotion of Lakshadweep as an attempt to divert attention from the Maldives. Advertisement Recently, I had the opportunity to be among the people of Lakshadweep. I am still in awe of the stunning beauty of its islands and the incredible warmth of its people. I had the opportunity to interact with people in Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti. I thank the people of the pic.twitter.com/tYW5Cvgi8N Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024 Advertisement Mariyam Shiuana, a deputy minister in the Maldivian Cabinet, even called Modi a puppet of Israel and a clown on X. Her two other colleagues too joined in, posting derogatory comments about the prime minister and Indians. While the posts were deleted and the three officials were suspended, it seemed the damage had been done. The comments angered Indians and they called for a boycott of the Maldives. Many celebrities, for whom the Maldives has been a preferred holiday destination, also jumped on to the bandwagon, urging people to explore Indias own. Actor Amitabh Bachchan promoted travel to Lakshadweep in a post on X, while Akshay Kumar also batted for the same. Advertisement The boycott was further fuelled when EaseMyTrip, one of the countrys leading online travel platforms, declared it wouldnt be accepting any bookings for the Maldives. However, since then, they have changed their stance, accepting bookings. For many, the boycott, which was the result of the Maldivian officials comments was reflective of the deteriorating ties between India and the Maldives. Advertisement Maldives new president, Mohamed Muizzu, who was elected in September last year, is known to have a more pro-China bend. In fact, he ran on an anti-India campaign, and also asked India to withdraw its troops from the country, where New Delhi has provided equipment like radar stations and surveillance aircraft, and deployed about 70 personnel to maintain them. Looking beyond the Maldives While most concur that it is primarily the boycott of the island nation that has led to Indias dipping tourists, some believe that theres another factor at play. Some tour operators in the Maldives have said that the drop in Indian numbers come as other global markets have opened up for Indian travellers. Consider this: In recent times, several countries such as K enya, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka are granting visa-free travel to Indians. There are still others who are making travel easier and more accessible for Indians. In light of this, there could be a possibility that Indian tourists choose other destinations rather than the Maldives. With inputs from agencies The Moon has been shrinking significantly over the past few hundred million years, a new study says. This has led to moonquakes and some changes around the south pole. How risky is this for astronauts and future lunar missions? The Moon is coveted. Indias Chandrayaan-3 was the first to land near its south pole. And NASA has big plans too with the Artemis mission, it wants to attempt another historic moon landing and build a base camp on the lunar surface. But thats not all. The American space agency is looking to establish human settlements there. But all these big dreams might become out of reach. Advertisement Thats because the Moon is changing it has been shrinking significantly over the past few hundred million years, a new study by NASA has found. So how much has the Moon reduced in size? And will this impact lunar missions? Could the Earth be affected? We explain. Why is the Moon shrinking? According to the study published in The Planetary Science, the Moon has shrunk more than 150 feet in circumference as its core cooled down gradually over the past few hundred million years. As the satellite loses inches, it leads to the formation of faults resulting in moonquakes . The continuing shrinkage led to some surface changes around the lunar south pole, the research carried out by scientists from NASA, the Smithsonian, Arizona State University and The University of Maryland found. Advertisement Our modeling suggests that shallow moonquakes capable of producing strong ground shaking in the south polar region are possible from slip events on existing faults or the formation of new thrust faults, said Tom Watters of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, lead author of the paper. The researchers used the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera onboard NASAs Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) to detect the thousands of relatively small, young thrust faults widely distributed in the lunar crust. The contraction is caused by the cooling of the Moons still-hot interior and tidal forces exerted by Earth, resulting in global shrinking, the study says. Advertisement The lunar surface is like a brittle crust and as the Moon shrinks, this crust crumples, forming deep canyons and thrust faults. The formation of the faults is accompanied by seismic activity in the form of shallow-depth moonquakes. Also read: Dark Side of the Moon: Why race to the south pole is hotting up Advertisement How dangerous are the moonquakes? The Moon has a relatively low gravitational pull. So a quake that would feel minor on Earths surface multiplies in intensity. Youre not as coupled to the surface on the Moon as you are to the Earth So even a magnitude five Nasa quake on the moon would feel much stronger than it would feel on the Earth, Watters was quoted as saying by USA TODAY. Advertisement The gravitational difference could also make moonquakes last longer. On Earth, even long-duration temblors last for only a couple of minutes. On the Moon, they can last for hours, Watters said. Data recorded by the Apollo Passive Seismic Experiment located the epicentre of one of the strongest moonquakes in the lunar south polar region. Advertisement Also read: To the Moon! Why NASAs Artemis mission is the dawn of a new space age What does this mean for future moon missions? The new findings revealed that the process of shrinkage will lead to changing the shape of the surface around the lunar south pole . It is close to this that the Chandrayaan-3 landed. And it is where NASA is planning to land the crewed Artemis Mission III. Advertisement The shrinking of the moon has led to notable surface warping in its south polar region including areas that NASA proposed for crewed Artemis III landings, according to a University of Maryland note about the discovery. According to Watters, moonquakes could make slopes in the lunar region susceptible to landslides. This could endanger future landing sites on the moons surface, reports USA Today. Advertisement The global distribution of young thrust faults, their potential to be active, and the potential to form new thrust faults from ongoing global contraction should be considered when planning the location and stability of permanent outposts on the Moon, he said. However, Watters clarified that the moonquakes will not affect Artemis missions planned in the near future. But those aiming to establish a lunar outpost could be affected. Advertisement Its very unlikely that, in a short-term mission like Artemis, youre going to experience a moonquake. But if we put a long-term outpost on the moon, then the probability becomes much greater that theyre going to experience a strong moonquake, the scientist told USA TODAY. Will the shrinking Moon affect Earth? No, there is little reason for people on Earth to worry. The shrinkage is too small and hence will not have an impact on eclipses, full moons or the tidal cycles. Advertisement Fortunately as it [the Moon> shrinks, the mass of the moon doesnt change, so it shouldnt affect tidal cycles in any substantial way, study co-author Nicholas Schmerr of the University of Maryland told USA TODAY. Also, the radius change is so small and gradual that it will not have any meaningful effect on the appearance of eclipses or phases on the moon. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Enforcement Directorate officials on Monday turned up at Hemant Sorens Delhi residence to question him in a money-laundering case. While official sources said Soren was missing, the JMM has said the CM is set to appear before the agency at 1 pm tomorrow Where is Hemant Soren? On Monday, officials from the Enforcement Directorate turned up at the Jharkhand chief ministers Delhi home looking to question him in a money-laundering case. But Soren wasnt there. The agency reportedly also seized a couple of luxury cars and lakhs of Rupees in cash from Soren. The Jharkhand chief minister was on 20 January questioned at his official residence in Ranchi in the alleged land scam case. Advertisement Now, it has been reported that Soren is back in Ranchi. Lets take a closer look: What happened? Soren, 48, who is also the executive president of the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), left for the National Capital on the night of 27 January. His scheduled government events in the state on Monday were cancelled without any explanation. The trip to the National Capital on Saturday night triggered much speculation. The visit was not planned. The sudden plan was made after the issuance of a fresh summons by the ED. He has his scheduled events lined up, including a program in Chaibasa on 29 January, in Palamu on 30 January, and in Giridih on 31 January, an official told PTI on condition of anonymity. Advertisement His trip to Delhi came in the backdrop of the ED asking him whether he would be available for questioning on either 29 or 31 January. The investigation pertains to a huge racket of illegal change of ownership of land by the mafia in Jharkhand, according to the agency. As per The Week, this is the tenth summons issued to Soren in the case. Advertisement Then, on Monday, Enforcement Directorate officials arrived at Sorens Delhi home. Advertisement As per India Today, agency officials spent nearly 13 hours outside Sorens home and also searched the premises. The Jharkhand chief minister himself was unavailable for questioning. The agency ultimately seized two BMWs, incriminating documents and Rs 36 lakh in cash. Sources told the outlet the ED was keeping an eye out for Soren at the airport. The outlet reported that the phones of members of Sorens staff remain turned off. The ED also questioned Sorens driver. Advertisement As per India Today TV, Soren in a letter told the ED he would be available for questioning at his residence at 1 pm on 31 January. Soren in the letter dated 29 January claimed the case was a politically-motivated roving enquiry. He has also accused the ED of character assassination and claimed that false information is being leaked to the press leading to a trial by media. Advertisement You are well aware that the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly will be held between 2nd and 29th February 2024 and the undersigned will be pro-occupied with preparations for the same apart from other prior scheduled official engagements. In these circumstances, your insistence to record a further statement of the undersigned on or before 31st January 2024 rocks of malice and reveals your political agenda to disrupt the functioning of the State Government and prevent an elected representative of the people from discharging his official duties, Soren wrote as per Indian Express. Advertisement The undersigneds apprehensions that your acts are malefice and politically motivated stand vindicated. The issuance of summon to the undersigned is wholly vexatious and in the colourable exercise of powers given by the statute, he wrote. Preserve video recording of seven-hour questioning (of 20 January) to make available to the court of law, he added as per The Week. Advertisement JMM, family defend CM Soren Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya reiterated that Soren was set to appear before the central agency on Wednesday. CM has gone to Delhi for personal work, and he will return as well. He has been called on 31 January. We are ready for 31 January. You asked us to tell you the place and time, and we told you the place would be CMs residence on Kanke Road and the time would be 1 pm. Who is creating all the confusion, then? The way the political situation is being presented is against democratic values, Bhattacharya said. Advertisement A member of Sorens family also claimed a narrative is being designed to delegitimise the JMM leader. Advertisement The family member, speaking on condition of anonymity, told PTI that a false narrative was being set despite repeated communication to ED and compliance to the summons including willingness to record his statement on 31 January, 2024 at 1 pm at his residence. It is a political vendetta. Not being in the house is not equivalent to fleeing. If a person is not in his residence, he can be anywhere. This is not a warrant that he has to be available. He is in Delhi and will reach Ranchi tonight or on Tuesday, the family member told PTI. Advertisement In spite of sending repeated communications and compliance to the summons on his (CM) side, they are acting in haste It is designed to malign his image and build a media narrative that is being played to delegitimise his position, the family member said. The person said Soren is well and doing fine and was throughout in Delhi busy with his own work. But ED sources told PTI Soren sent an email regarding the fresh summons but did not confirm the date or time. Members of the ruling alliance in Jharkhand have also been placed on standby in Ranchi, as per India Today. The ruling alliance in Jharkhand comprises the JMM, the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The legislators are set to attend a meeting to discuss the prevailing situation. Gone missing The BJP claimed Soren had gone missing. BJPs Nishikant Dubey alleged that Sorens wife Kalpana Soren may replace him and that the Jharkhand chief minister has called all allied MLAs to reach Ranchi with their luggage. Dubey asked how a man who is absconding will protect the people of the state. A big advice to those who are doing wrong on the instructions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren ji, the CM is proving himself to be a fugitive, running away from facing the investigating agency, the man is facing insults in the country and abroad all day long. How will that man protect the officers or the people of the state? the BJP leader wrote on X. Hemant Soren ji has called his own, JMM, Congress and allied MLAs to reach Ranchi with their luggage and bags. According to the information, there is a proposal to make Kalpana Soren ji (Hemant Sorens wife) the Chief Minister. The CM has said that fearing an ED interrogation, they will reach Ranchi by road and announce their arrival, he added. Today, the honour and respect of the people of Jharkhand were destroyed by our Chief Minister Hemant Soren ji, just by going missing, BJP parliamentarian from Jharkhand, Nishikant Dubey, wrote on X. According to media sources, late at night Hemant ji, wearing slippers and covering his face with a sheet, ran away from his Delhi residence on foot. Ajay Singh, the security personnel of a special branch who went with him to Delhi, is also missing, Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi claimed in a post on X. The mobile phones of both of them have also been switched off. Since then, the ED and Delhi Police are searching for them. There cannot be any other example of such gross negligence regarding the security of the chief minister, the former CM said. Meanwhile, security was been tightened in key government installations, including the CM House, Raj Bhavan and central government offices, when the ED team reached the residence of Soren in Delhi. Sorens party JMM has been staging protests against ED summons to Soren. They have also asked the governor to intervene. Jharkhand governor CP Radhakrishnan has said he is keeping an eye on things. I am keeping a watch on the overall situation as the custodian of the Constitution. It is the job of the Governor, I am doing it. We will cross the bridge when it comes, he was quoted as saying by The Week. As per Mint, the ED has already arrested 14 persons including 2011-batch IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan, who served as the director of the states Social Welfare Department and deputy commissioner of Ranchi, in connection with the matter. With inputs from agencies The proposed law, known as Article 23, is designed to update or create new laws against treason, sabotage, sedition, the theft of state secrets and espionage and tightening control over foreign groups. Critics worry more crackdowns on dissidents are in the offing Hong Kong is proposing a new national security law and many are worried about its impact. The development comes four years after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law to bring stability to the semi-autonomous city following months of pro-democracy protests. The city on Tuesday released a 110-page document outlining its plans for the legislation. Advertisement But what do we know about the law? Why is it so controversial? Lets take a closer look: The proposed law is known as Article 23. The new law is designed to update or create new laws against T reason Sabotage Sedition The theft of state secrets and espionage Tightening control over foreign political bodies and organisations operating in the city. The need for those specific laws is briefly stipulated in Article 23 of the Basic Law. Basic Law is the mini-constitutional document that has guided Hong Kongs relations with its Chinese sovereign since its handover from British colonial rule in 1997. Article 23 stipulates that the city shall enact laws on its own to prohibit acts and activities that endanger national security. Advertisement The new law could expand the governments ability to prosecute residents for offenses like collaborating with foreign forces to influence legislation or publish misleading statements, and to close down civil society groups. Highlights of the package include a ban on threatening national security by collaborating with external forces to interfere in the affairs of our country or the HKSAR through improper means. The document also suggested that colluding with an external force to publish a misleading statement with the intent of endangering national security could be considered an espionage offence. Advertisement It also bans inciting public officials to abandon the Basic Law or their allegiance to Hong Kong and China, expanding an existing law that only covered members of the police and other security forces. Lee promised that people could still criticise the Hong Kong government and express opinions, as long as they do not intend to endanger national security. Advertisement A previous attempt to enact Article 23 in 2003 was shelved after an estimated 500,000 people staged a peaceful protest against proposals. Those protests led to the resignation of the then security minister. The Hong Kong government has released a public consultation document, but no deadline for the passage into law has been announced. Why is this happening? Advertisement While Hong Kong has several old, vague and arcane laws as remnants from its time as a British colony, Beijing is looking to further tamp down on the city. Since 2020, many of the citys leading pro-democracy activists have been arrested, silenced or forced into exile. Advertisement Dozens of civil society groups have been disbanded, and outspoken media outlets like Apple Daily and Stand News have been shut down. The 2020 law imposed by Beijing dealt with only some offences, such as collusion with foreign forces, and also allowed mainland national security officers to be based in the city for the first time. It also created a provision where suspects could be sent for trial in the mainland, where the courts are under the control of the ruling Communist Party. Advertisement Some 47 people were charged under the 2020 law for participating in an unofficial primary election, and two were convicted during the same time under an older sedition law for clapping in court and insulting a judge during a trial. The 2020 law highlighted the need for Hong Kong to continue its work on Article 23, creating local legislation. Advertisement Senior Hong Kong officials say it is need to fill legal holes, particularly to deal with what they describe as soft resistance after 2019, and internet control. As per The Guardian, the law also deals with extraterritorial effect. Beijing essentially claims its law is valid anywhere in the world. This has led to several countries voiding their extradition treaties with Hong Kong. Advertisement However, as per The Guardian, while the two laws would work in tandem Beijings law would supersede this proposed law. Security chief Chris Tang has repeatedly said the government needs better tools to deal with espionage and the activities of foreign agents in the city. Tang said the package would include sections covering state secrets and espionage, treason, sedition and the use of computers and electronics systems to conduct actions endangering national security. Advertisement Tougher penalties against sedition, a colonial-era law which currently carries a two year sentence, are also expected in the package. The proposal includes an expanded definition of state secrets that covers the economic and social development of Hong Kong, as well as defence and diplomatic activities. This issue has been hanging over our head for 26 years, Tang Pink-keung, Hong Kongs secretary for security, was quoted as saying by The Guardian. Advertisement Lee claimed other countries, including the US, UK and Singapore, have similar laws to safeguard security and Hong Kong would draw from them. Lee said that the law will not provide for suspects to be transferred to mainland China for trial, unlike the 2020 law. Why are people worried? Critics worry authorities will use a domestic national security law as another tool to crack down on dissidents, further eroding freedoms that were promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The Beijing-imposed security law criminalised subversion, advocating secession, and collusion with foreign forces to intervene in the citys affairs as well as terrorism, but did not cover all the offenses authorities wanted to target. SCMP quoted Democratic Party chairman Lo Kin-hei as saying more clarity is needed. Political parties were often accused of foreign interference when they made similar remarks with foreign politicians. The government should clarify further to ease peoples worries, Lo said. How will the authorities strike a balance between freedom of speech and national security? Eric Lai, a research fellow at the Georgetown Center for Asian Law, said that the one-month public consultation was shorter than the three months typical for important laws, saying it appeared to be window dressing. Businesses including foreign banks, hedge funds and private research operations, along with diplomats and academics are watching developments closely. Some are concerned the bill could lead to controls on the internet or impact data operations. The consultation document does create a new sabotage offence of unlawfully using a computer or electronic system to endanger national security. Research of Chinas politics, economy and military and due diligence investigations into individuals and companies on the Chinese mainland - all traditionally carried out by some Hong Kong firms and academics - could stray into areas of state secrecy, some fear. The consultation document defines a list of state secrets in Hong Kong, including economic, scientific, diplomatic and social secrets, but says to be classed as such they would have to endanger national security if released. The government suggested it may use the new law to cancel the passports of fugitives overseas, citing a similar US law. We think this could be a good way for handling absconded persons, thus the suggestion was added to the paper, Tang was quoted as saying by SMCP. Such laws could affect the many activists who went into exile fearing arrest. The Hong Kong police has offered bounties of $128,000 on at least 13 activists abroad, including former lawmakers Nathan Law and Ted Hui, who they accuse of colluding with external forces to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. As per SCMP, Lee has vowed to form a rebuttal team to counter attacks on the law. In the past, we have seen hostile forces carry out a lot of publicity work to slander and distort facts, especially on the internet, Lee said. I believe this will happen again in our legislative work this time. We will set up a rebuttal team in this area, especially on social media, to tell people the truth. What do experts say? Simon Young, a professor at the University of Hong Kong law school, said while many unknowns remained, he thought the law would ultimately adopt broad definitions for both a foreign political organisation and a foreign agent. It may well be that businesses or groups that have some connection with foreign governments might be captured here, Young said. Scholars say as local laws, the new legislation could sharpen the at times vaguely worded 2020 law, and older colonial-era laws considered unworkable. It almost certainly will set red lines where the existing laws are vague, particularly in defining state secrets and espionage, said Young added. But Hong Kongs leader John Lee on Tuesday insisted the law would meet international standards and protect Hong Kongs rights and freedoms. Why now? We cant wait. We cant afford to wait any longer, Lee said. While we, society as a whole, looks calm and looks very safe, we still have to watch out for potential sabotage, undercurrents that try to create troubles, he added. He is claiming some foreign agents could still be active in Hong Kong. Foreign agents and advocates of Hong Kong independence are still lurking in our society," Lee was quoted as saying by The Guardian. Lee has also claimed that rights and freedoms are not absolute. The 2019 protests showed that without national security we cannot enjoy our rights or freedoms," he was quoted as saying. What about China? China, mirroring the priorities of President Xi Jinping, updated its own state secrets laws in 2023. Beijing banned the transfer of any information related to national security and broadening the definition of espionage. Some analysts say it remains vague. Hong Kongs own version has to deal with state secrets but with legislation compatible with the standards of the British-based common law, of which it remains a part. Hong Kong could bridge the two with some tight definitions of what is protected, bringing clarity, but the mainland concept and legal definition of state secrets still looms large and we cant ignore that, Young said. Unlike the tensions that surrounding the bill in 2003, the final Article 23 bill is expected to pass easily and relatively swiftly, after formal readings of the bill and some debate in the Legislative Council. Changes to Hong Kongs electoral system after 2019 mean that pro-establishment figures screened as patriots control the body. Public consultation for the law will remain open till 28 February, as per The Guardian. The draft text will be written later based on input from public consultation. Following the consultation period, the proposed legislation will be drafted as a bill that will be scrutinised by the Legislative Council. Once the proposed law reaches the legislature, lawmakers are expected to pass the domestic national security law without much opposition in the three readings given a lack of opposition lawmakers following an overhaul of Hong Kongs electoral system. Lee did not give a timeline for enacting the law, other than that it should be done as soon as possible. With inputs from agencies Vivek Saini, a 25-year-old MBA student was brutally killed in Georgia by a homeless man whom he was helping for several days. Brought up in Haryana, he moved to the US to pursue his studies and in search of a decent job and better opportunities to support his family He lost his life because he chose kindness over cruelty. He was helping a homeless man, but the day he stopped, the man brutally killed him. The victim of this American gruesome story was an Indian student. The heinous murder was captured on tape, showing the suspect Juan Faulkner hitting Vivek Saini with a hammer nearly 50 times. Advertisement Heres all we know about the incident and the Indian student. All about the victim Vivek Saini Vivek Saini was a 25-year-old Indian student who immigrated to the United States over two years ago in search of a decent job and better opportunities to support his family living in Haryana, according to India Today. A resident of Panchkulas Bhagwanpur village in Haryana, he had completed his Bachelors in Computer Science from Chandigarh University. Saini moved to the US to pursue his studies further. As per Hindustan Times, he was enrolled for the Masters degree in Business Administration at the Alabama University. According to his cousin, Simran, who spoke with India Today, he was a brilliant student, and was working part time at the Chevron Food Mart at Snapfinger and Cleveland Road in Georgias Lithonia. Advertisement The Indian student was supposed to leave for India to meet his family before the horrific incident took place. The gruesome murder Saini was killed by a 53-year-old homeless man whom he had been helping for several days. The accused, Julian Faulkner, had been offered a shelter at the store by the employees. The incident took place on 16 January when Saini asked Faulkner to leave the convenience store. Advertisement One of the employees told WSB-TV, He asked us for chips and coke. We gave him everything including the water. He asked if I could get a blanket. I said we dont have blankets so I gave him a jacket. He was walking in and out asking him for cigarettes, water and everything. He was sitting here all the time and we never asked him to get out because we know that its cold. Advertisement However, on Monday night, Saini asked Faulkner that he must leave or else he would call the police. When he was getting ready to go home, the old man attacked him with a hammer. (Faulkner) kept on hitting for almost 50 times on the face on the head, one of the coworkers told the local news channel. Advertisement According to the report, the 25-year-old suffered severe head trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene. While speaking to India Today, Sainis cousin Simran said, Saini used to work in a store, and for the last many days, the person identified as Viveks killer used to come to the store and beg for cigarettes. Saini used to give him cigarettes, but on that day, he refused and said he would call the police if the man came to annoy them again. Later, he came with a hammer and cold-bloodedly killed my brother. Advertisement The DeKalb County police informed that the officers received a call at around midnight about the attack at the Chevron gas station in Lithonia. When the cops arrived, Faulkner was standing over the Sainis blood-covered body with a hammer in his hand. He complied when he was ordered to put the weapon down and was then arrested. According to Fox News Digital, the police also recovered two knives and one more hammer from Faulkner. Advertisement The Miami Herald reported that the cops found a substantial amount of blood spatter on the floor of the store. As per media reports, one of Sainis coworkers was so petrified that he could hardly speak. According to News18, Faulkner is currently in custody on charges of malice, murder, and interference with government property. Advertisement Sainis body was returned to India, where the last rites were performed, HT reported. His grieving parents, Gurjeet Singh and Lalita Saini, are coping with the profound loss. India condemns the murder The Consulate General of India in Atlanta expressed deep anguish on 29 January over the brutal and heinous murder of the Indian citizen in Georgia. Advertisement We are deeply anguished by the terrifying, brutal, and heinous incident that led to the death of Indian national/student Vivek Saini and condemn (the) attack in the strongest terms. It is understood that the US authorities have arrested the accused and are investigating the case, said the Consulate General of India in Atlanta. Advertisement We are deeply anguished by the terrifying, brutal, & heinous incident that led to the death of National/student Mr Vivek Saini & condemns attack in the strongest terms. It is understood that the US authorities have arrested the accused & are investigating the case. 1/2 India in Atlanta (@CGI_Atlanta) January 29, 2024 Advertisement It added, The Consulate got in touch with the family of Saini immediately after the incident, provided all consular assistance in sending the mortal remains back to India and remains in touch with the family. Another Indian student found dead Another heart-wrenching incident has left the Indian student community in America shattered. Neel Acharya, who had been reportedly missing since 28 January, was found dead by the Tippecanoe County Coroners Office on Sunday, according to NDTV. The officials were called around 11.30 am on 29 January to 500 Allison Road in West Lafayette for a possible college-aged male dead body. Acharya was a double major in computer science and data science at the John Martinson Honors College of Purdue University. Similar crimes against Indian students in US In October 2023, a 24-year-old Indian student, identified as Varun Raj Pucha , was stabbed in the head by Jordan Andrade, 24, at a fitness centre in Indiana. He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital a few days later. Pucha, who was a Computer Science student at Valparaiso University, was stabbed by fellow gymgoer Andrade as he reportedly found him a little weird. As per a report in The Times of Northwest Indiana newspaper, Andrade, a resident of Porter Township, told the police he wanted a massage, and as he walked into the massage room at the Planet Fitness club, he found another man sitting. Considering Pucha a threat, Andrade just reacted by attacking him with a knife. Justifying his assault as defence, the assailant, when asked how he used the knife, replied, Uh, I just put it through. In November, another student named Aaditya Adlakha , pursuing a PhD at the University of Cincinnati Medical School was shot dead in his car in Ohio. The 26-year-old succumbed to his injuries two days after he was discovered with several gunshot wounds inside a vehicle that had slammed into a wall in Western Hills, a neighbourhood in Ohios Cincinnati, on 9 November. The police found at least three bullet holes in the drivers side window. In recent years, there has been a dramatic jump in the crimes against Indian students in the US. Last year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (EBI) released Hate Crimes Statistics for 2022. The report suggests America witnessed 11,643 criminal incidents motivated by bias toward race, ethnicity, ancestry, sexual orientation, religion, disability, gender, and gender identity last year, as per Scroll. This is a rise from 10,891 such incidents in 2021. Anti-Black/anti-African-American hate crimes topped the list with 3,424 incidents reported in 2022, followed by bias-motivated incidents against Jews at 1,124. Anti-Asian hate crimes plunged last year to 499 offences as compared to 753 in 2021. According to Livemint, experts believe the crimes are rising due to the growing economic insecurity among the local population amid dismal rate growth in North American countries. With inputs from agencies Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made public his income over a two-year period on Sunday. In a post on the presidential website, he noted that his income had declined in 2021 and further in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine at the end of February In the first, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly declared his income on Sunday. He wants to promote transparency and tackle corruption as part of the countrys push for European Union membership. However, the data for the president is not encouraging, as his income decreased in 2021 and further in 2022. But how much does he earn?. And why he wants the world to know his income? Advertisement Heres a closer look. What is Zelenskyys income? The Zelenskyy familys income fell almost threefold between 2021 and 2022. In a post on the presidential website, Zelenskyy noted that his income had declined in 2021 and further in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine at the end of February. Before the invasion, in 2021, Zelenskyy and his family reported income of 10.8 million hryvnias ($286,168 or Rs 2.37 crore), down 12 million hryvnias ($3,16,920 or Rs 2.63 crore) from the previous year. The 2021 figure included income from the sale of $142,000 (Rs 1.18 crore) of government bonds. In 2022, the Zelenskyy familys income fell further to 3.7 million hryvnias ($97,717 or Rs 81.23 lakh) as he earned less rental income from real estate he owned because of the outbreak of the war. Zelenskyys declaration attributed his lower 2022 income to frozen rental agreements caused by Russias full-scale invasion. According to the declaration, Zelenskyy completed the registration process for 22 trademarks in 2021, which began long before he was elected president. The full declaration lists several dozen trademarks. Advertisement The number of apartments, vehicles, and other assets owned by Zelenskyy remains unchanged. According to his declaration, there are seven entries for apartments and two for cars, a Range Rover and a Mercedes. Why has Zelenskyy made his income public? Ukraine officially started the screening process to begin EU membership last week, and faces stringent conditions on addressing its historic corruption problem. Advertisement Zelenskyy has called for public officials to disclose their incomes as part of efforts to increase transparency and eliminate corruption as Ukraine tries to meet the stringent requirements for its bid to join the European Union. Western allies providing weaponry and financial assistance as well as international bodies like the International Monetary Fund have also sought assurances on efforts to eliminate corruption. Advertisement Ukraines National Agency on Corruption Prevention, one of several bodies devoted to exposing and eliminating graft, last month reopened to public scrutiny a register on declared income. With inputs from Reuters Said appointment was officialized by the government via Supreme Resolution No. 008-2024-RE , published in the Official Gazette El Peruano on Tuesday. Being a major economy, China will deploy resources and try to shape things in its way, he said, adding, why should we expect otherwise, but the answer to that is not to complain that China is doing it, Jaishankar said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised on Tuesday the importance of recognising Chinas influence on Indias neighbouring countries, saying that India should not be intimidated by such competitive politics. Addressing an interactive session with students at the Indian Institute of Management in Mumbai, Jaishankar highlighted that while challenges exist in every neighbourhood, it is crucial to understand that neighbours need each other. Advertisement Responding to queries about strained relations with the Maldives, he acknowledged competition arising from Chinas expanding influence in the region. However, he cautioned against labelling this as a failure of Indian diplomacy, emphasizing the need for strategic engagement and proactive measures to safeguard Indias interests in the region. We must recognise, China is also a neighbouring country and in many ways will, as part of competitive politics, influence these countries. I dont think we should be scared of China. I think we should say okay, global politics is a competitive game. You do your best, I will do my best, the minister said. Being a major economy, China will deploy resources and try to shape things in its way, he said, adding, why should we expect otherwise, but the answer to that is not to complain that China is doing it, Jaishankar said.I would say todaywe should not be scared of competition. We should welcome competition and say I have the ability to compete, he added. Advertisement Talking about Indias track record of helping its neighbours, he cited the example of Sri Lanka which was provided assistance by New Delhi when the island nation was hit by a grave economic crisis. To a question about the India Out campaign in the Maldives, Jaishankar urged the audience to trust Indian diplomacy.Every country has problems in its neighbourhood. It is never as good as they say it is. It is never as bad as they say it is. There will be problems. Our job is to anticipate, assess and respond. Advertisement At the end of the day neighbours have relationships with each other, the external affairs minister said. Sharp positions are taken in politics, and diplomacy does not always go by those sharp positions, he pointed out. At the end of the day, neighbours need each other. History and geography are very powerful forces. There is no escape from that, he added. Advertisement Earlier this month, the newly-elected Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu asked India to withdraw all Indian military personnel deployed in his country by March 15. The Maldives government also said that a Chinese ship, equipped to carry out research and surveys, will be docking at a Maldivian port for replenishment. Notably, Muizzus first port of call after being elected as president was Beijing and not India. Advertisement With inputs from PTI. The Congress and the Gandhis must decide whether to cling to their fading relevance as prisoners of the past or to embrace the mantle of change, charting a new course for Indian democracy The tremor had been felt for months, a quiet rumble beneath the surface of Indian politics. But when Nitish Kumar, the enigmatic Chief Minister of Bihar, took a decisive step back from the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, the earth beneath the opposition movement truly cracked open. What was once a meticulously constructed edifice, a united front against the behemoth of the BJP, now lies in scattered fragments, exposed to the harsh winds of political reality. This implosion is not just a tactical retreat; its a stark revelation of the rot within, a symptom of a disease that festers at the heart of the opposition: the Congress party and its dynastic legacy. Advertisement To simply point fingers at Nitish Kumars ambition is a convenient narrative, a scapegoating exercise that masks the deeper culpability. Years of infighting within the Congress, the spectre of centralised control under the Gandhi family, and an inability to articulate a compelling vision have left regional allies disillusioned and vulnerable. The I.N.D.I.A. alliance, conceived as a beacon of hope, withered under the weight of unfulfilled promises and a lack of clear leadership. While the BJP, under Modis iron grip, marched resolutely towards a centralised vision, the opposition remained entangled in a quagmire of indecision and self-preservation. Delaying tactics in Congress In the intricate dance of political alliances, the Congress partys recent manoeuvres have left many scratching their heads. Despite joining forces with opposition parties, their delay tactics have only added fuel to the fire of discord within the coalition. As the state assembly elections loomed, the Congress opted to procrastinate on crucial discussions within the alliance, a move that backfired spectacularly when they faced a resounding defeat in Rajasthan Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. Only then did they scramble to revive talks, but the damage had been done. This series of fumbles by the Congress undermined their position and dealt a blow to regional players counting on a unified front against the ruling party. Its a textbook case of self-sabotage in the political arena. Advertisement Attempting to shift blame onto others, particularly regarding Nitish Kumars potential departure, only further exposes the disarray within the opposition ranks. Offering him a leadership role in the alliance while simultaneously failing to provide the cohesion necessary to retain him smacks of a strategic miscalculation. In the court of public opinion, televised debates and discussions have laid bare the truth: the opposition alliance failed to muster the unity required to retain key players. The Congress cannot absolve itself of responsibility in this debacle. For a party aiming to lead a united front against the ruling government, such missteps are not just setbacks but strategic blunders with far-reaching consequences. In the unforgiving arena of politics, timing and cohesion are everything, and the Congress must learn from its mistakes if it hopes to regain lost ground and present a formidable challenge in future elections. Advertisement Lack of understanding of ground realities The party, consumed by internal factions and power struggles, has failed to adapt to the changing political landscape, clinging to a fading image of itself while the ground beneath it shifted. This implosion is not just a political setback; its a blow to the very foundations of Indian democracy. A vibrant, functioning opposition is the lifeblood of any healthy democracy, serving as a check and balance and a voice of dissent against the tide of power. With the I.N.D.I.A. alliance in tatters, the BJP stares across a barren political landscape, its dominance seemingly unchallenged. This is not an environment conducive to healthy debate, to diverse perspectives, or to the protection of individual rights. It is a recipe for complacency, unchecked power and a democracy teetering on the edge of a one-party state. But there is, perhaps, a sliver of hope amidst the wreckage. Nitish Kumars defection can be seen as a wake-up call, a harsh but necessary nudge towards introspection and course correction. Advertisement Rahul Gandhi: Centric affair and ignoring opposition leaders Long before Nitish Kumars dramatic exit, murmurs of disquiet echoed through the opposition alliance. Mamata Banerjee, the firebrand Chief Minister of West Bengal and once a Congress ally, was one of the first to sound the alarm. Her stinging criticism of the Congress discouraging behavior towards regional leaders resonated across the political landscape. The dissonance was stark. While the Gandhis embarked on their Bharat Jodo Yatra, a grand march ostensibly designed to unite the opposition, their West Bengal unit, led by Rahul Gandhi confidante Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, was locked in open hostility with Banerjee. This disparity in approachnational grandeur versus state-level discordepitomised the communication gap plaguing the alliance. Advertisement Leaders like Banerjee, Kumar, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann represent crucial forces within the opposition tent. Yet, the Congress often seemed fixated on its own internal narrative, with Rahul Gandhi taking centre stage. His Yatra, traversing opposition-ruled states, felt less like a collective crusade and more like a Congress spectacleone to which regional allies werent cordially invited. This perceived imbalance bred resentment. Unlike Gandhi, for whom national losses are setbacks, not existential threats, regional leaders face the stark reality of wiped-out state elections obliterating their political careers. Their desperation is understandable, and the Congress apparent disregard for their anxieties fueled the flames of discontent. Nitish Kumars defection was merely the last brick falling from the already crumbling wall. The foundation, eroded by mistrust, poor communication, and a top-down approach, could no longer sustain the weight of a diverse opposition. Advertisement The Congress must now face a harsh reality: their dynastic baggage and inward focus are crippling the very alliance they desperately need. To truly stand against the BJP, they must shed their self-centred approach and embrace genuine collaboration. Regional leaders deserve respect, not relegation to the chorus line of a one-man show. Advertisement The oppositions Babel needs a translator, not a conductor. True unity demands shared platforms, open communication, and an acknowledgement that the fight against the BJP requires more than just one familys spotlight. Only then can the opposition hope to rebuild the tower of their dreams, stronger than before, on a foundation of trust and shared purpose. Advertisement Lost momentum of opposition The Ram temple inauguration handed the BJP a golden moment, while the opposition stumbled with fractured leadership. Nitish Kumars U-turn exposes a stark reality: theyve let momentum slip through their fingers. Fighting Modi in 2024 on just development, Hindutva, welfare, and nationalism will be like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. The opposition lacks a compelling narrative, a counterpoint to the BJPs carefully crafted tapestry. Their sole advantage, the united front optics, has vanished, replaced by a fragmented tableau. Unity may not win elections, but fragmentation hands victory on a silver platter. To truly challenge the BJP, the opposition needs more than just Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Yatra. They need a shared vision, a narrative that resonates beyond their own echo chambers, and leaders who inspire not just dissent but hope. Otherwise, 2024 may see them relegated to the sidelines, watching the BJPs victory march unfold. Advertisement Way forward Damage control is tough, but it should start first with a humbling acceptance of responsibility. The narrative of victimhood, of being unfairly targeted by Modi and the BJP, must be abandoned. Instead, the party must look inwards, at its organisational weaknesses, its leadership vacuum and its disconnect from the aspirations of the people. Advertisement Secondly, the Congress must loosen its grip, both literally and figuratively. The suffocating control exerted by the Gandhi family must be relaxed, allowing for the emergence of new voices, fresh ideas, and regional leaders who can connect with the diverse realities of India. The party must become a platform, not a pedestal, a facilitator of collective action, and not a dispenser of dynastic entitlements. Finally, and most importantly, the Congress must rediscover its purpose. In its quest for power, it has lost sight of the ideals that once defined it. It must re-articulate its vision for India, a vision that goes beyond mere anti-BJPism. It must speak to the anxieties of the youth, the concerns of the marginalised, and the aspirations of the middle class. It must offer a compelling alternativea future built on social justice, economic equality, and environmental sustainability. Advertisement The road ahead is long and arduous. The damage done is significant; the trust was fractured. But within the ruins of the I.N.D.I.A. alliance lies an opportunitya chance to rise from the ashes and build anew. The Congress and the Gandhis have a choice to make: remain prisoners of their past, clinging to a fading relevance, or embrace the mantle of change and chart a new course for Indian democracy. The clock is ticking, and the future of Indias opposition, indeed the future of Indian democracy itself, hangs in the balance. Their decision will echo through the corridors of power, shaping the narrative of a nation for years to come. The author teaches journalism at St. Xaviers College (autonomous), Kolkata, and he is a political columnist. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . The US helped create the UN and has been the major contributor. Yet it has often been accused of undermining it. Are rising China and India likely to take on the mantle of initiating reforms? The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Friday, 26 January, that Israel must take all measures in its power to prevent acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip. It ordered provisional measures to protect Palestinians from death and destruction and allow provision of basic services and humanitarian aid. It did not call for a full ceasefire. Israeli officials accused the ICJ of anti-Semitic bias in its interim order and questioned why South Africas case alleging war crimes and genocide in Gaza was not thrown out altogether. Advertisement Israel is expected to preserve evidence of all its actions within Gaza and report back to the ICJ within a month. At best it puts temporary pressure on Israel and its allies. The final judgement may take very long, even years, to come. The ICJ, which sits in The Hague, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). Whether and how much Israel will adhere to the order will depend on Israel itself. Meanwhile United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) staffers have been accused of involvement in the October 07, attacks. After the US, many countries have halted funding to the UN agency in Gaza. In 2013, the South China Sea (SCS) Arbitration case was initiated by Philippines against China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), concerning the unilateral actions by China in the SCS, including the unilateral alignment of the nine-dash line introduced by China. China refused to participate in the arbitration. It actually published a white paper to elaborate its position that, among other points, the tribunal lacks jurisdiction. On 12 July 2016, the arbitral tribunal ruled in favour of the Philippines. It clarified that Chinas historic claims over maritime areas within the nine-dash line had no lawful effect unless entitled to under UNCLOS. China rejected the ruling. Global responses were mixed. The UN did not hold any position on the case or on the disputed claims. Is the international justice system without sufficient teeth? Advertisement International Court of Justice The ICJ is the only international court that adjudicates general disputes between nations, and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues. It is an organ of the UN. All 193 UN members are automatically parties to the courts statute. Non-UN members may also become parties to the courts statute under specific provisions. The ICJ consists of a panel of 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and Security Council (UNSC) for nine-year terms. No more than one judge of each nationality may be represented on court at the same time, and the judges collectively must reflect the principal civilizations and legal systems of the world. The elections are staggered, with five judges elected every three years to ensure continuity within the court. Advertisement There is an informal agreement to evenly cover all the global regions. The five permanent members of the UNSC have always had a judge serving. A judge can be dismissed only by a unanimous vote of the other members of the court. Despite clear provisions, the independence of ICJ judges has been questioned. For the first time, from 2024 there will be no Russian judge or from any Commonwealth of Independent States. So the ICJ is not fully divorced from international politics. Currently, Indian judge Dalveer Bhandari is a member. Indian member Nagendra Singh was the President of the ICJ from 1985 to 1988. Advertisement The court deals only with judicial and not political matters. While the ICJ has a compulsory jurisdiction, some including the United States accept the courts jurisdiction only on a discretionary basis. The UNSC is meant to enforce Court rulings. However, such enforcement is subject to the veto power of the five permanent members of the council. Since the first case in May 1947, the ICJ has entertained 191 cases by November 2023. Advertisement Many disputes are territorial in nature, or cases of hostage taking. Among some of the famous cases has been US Hostages in Iran (1980); shooting down of Iran Air Flight 655 by a United States Navy guided missile cruiser (1989); a complaint in 1999 by Yugoslavia against NATO actions in the Kosovo War; a 2017 complaint by India regarding a death penalty verdict against Indian citizen, Kulbhushan Jadhav, by a Pakistani military court; the 2022 complaint by Ukraine against Russia to halt its offensive, among others. Most cases remain unresolved or ICJ rulings have often been ignored. Advertisement While there is not true compulsory jurisdiction, when the parties concerned have a desire for the dispute resolution by the ICJ, then they are more likely to comply with the courts judgment. If parties do not comply, the issue may be taken before the UNSC. There are obvious problems with such a method of enforcement, because all UNSC members have global geo-political inclinations. Advertisement International Criminal Court The International Criminal Court (ICC), established in 2002, is an international tribunal also seated in The Hague. It is the only permanent international court with jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. It is distinct from the ICJ that hears disputes between states. But ICC has faced criticisms from many on its jurisdiction, bias, Euro-centrism, racism, and fairness of its case selection and trial procedures. Advertisement The requirement had been felt immediately after World War II, in view of alleged Nazi crimes. The large-scale atrocities committed by armed forces during the Yugoslav Wars, and the Rwandan genocide were final triggers for its establishment. The Statute of the ICC was adopted by a vote of 120 to seven, with 21 countries abstaining. The seven countries that voted against the treaty were China, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Qatar, the U.S., and Yemen. Israels opposition stemmed from the inclusion in the list of war crimes the action of transferring population into occupied territory. Russia withdrew from ICC in 2016. As of November 2023, there are 124 ICC member states; 41 states have neither signed nor become parties to the Statute. Advertisement ICCs Judicial Division is composed of eighteen judges. The ICC employs over 900 personnel from roughly 100 countries. The Court issued its first judgment in 2012 when it found Congolese rebel leader Thomas Lubanga guilty of war crimes related to using child soldiers. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Advertisement Dozens of individuals have been indicted in the ICC, including Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony, former President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Libyan head of state Muammar Gaddafi, President Laurent Gbagbo of Ivory Coast and former Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba of the Congo. On 17 March 2023, ICC issued arrest warrants for Russian leader Vladimir Putin and the Presidential Commissioner for Childrens Rights in Russia, Maria Lvova-Belova, for child abductions in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Putin also became the first head of state of a UNSC Permanent Member to be the subject of an ICC arrest warrant. In 2023 Russia retaliated by placing several ICC officials on its wanted list. Advertisement To date, the Prosecutor has opened investigations in 14 situations that included Afghanistan; Burundi; the Central African Republic; Cote dIvoire; Darfur, Sudan; the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Georgia; Kenya; Libya; Mali; Uganda; Bangladesh/Myanmar, Palestine and Venezuela. Additionally, preliminary examinations have been conducted in Colombia; Guinea; Nigeria; the Philippines; Ukraine and Bolivia. The Court has publicly indicted 52 people. Proceedings against 20 are ongoing: 15 are at large as fugitives and five are on trial. The ICC depends heavily on NGOs for detailed collection. Some of them are controversial. On 6 July 2020, two Uyghur activist groups filed a complaint with the ICC calling for it to investigate Chinese officials for crimes against Uyghurs, including allegations of genocide. On 31 October 2023, the Israeli families of over 34 victims of Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023, filed an Article 15 communication with the ICC urging an investigation into the killings and abductions. Reporters Without Borders also lodged a complaint regarding the deaths of eight Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip during Israels bombardment. Lack of teeth: No easy solutions The ICC is accused by African states of being a neo-colonial force and a tool of Western imperialism that punishes leaders from small, weak states while ignoring crimes committed by richer and more powerful states. The sentiment is backed by the alleged disproportionate focus of the Court on Africa, while it claims to have a global mandate. In fact there has been an active African Union (AU) withdrawal proposal. The Courts decision to issue an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin for war crimes in Ukraine was also seen as highly West-centric, and the Russians called it a result of Western hysteria. Yankees, hands off Putin! was advised. Because of the arrest warrant, it was mutually decided that Putin not take part in the BRICS meeting in South Africa in July 2023. Meanwhile Russia issued warrants for the arrest of multiple ICC officials, including the courts president Piotr Hofmanski and its vice-president Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza. President George W Bush signed the American Service-Members Protection Act, to signal the United States opposition to any possible future jurisdiction of the court or its tribunals. The Donald Trump administration was considerably more hostile to the Court, and even threatened prosecution and financial sanctions on ICC judges and staff in U.S. courts as well as imposing visa bans in response to any investigation against American nationals, especially related to operations in Afghanistan. The US government has reason to doubt the honesty of the ICC, Trump officials said. The United States argues that there are insufficient checks and balances on the authority of the ICC prosecutor and judges and insufficient protection against politicized prosecutions or other abuses. The US has also criticized Palestinian efforts to bring Israel before the ICC over allegations of human rights abuses in the West Bank and Gaza. On the other hand, many Human Rights groups accuse the ICC of being two soft. Research indicates that prosecutions of leaders who are culpable of international crimes in the ICC makes them less likely to peacefully step down, which can prolong conflicts and incentivize them to make continued use of mass violence. While justice is meant to bring peace, the ICC has often been used as a means of intervention in ongoing conflicts. There is little evidence of the efficacy of justice as a means to peace. The ICC cannot succeed without state cooperation. The ICC is accused of taking on softer cases and thus loses legitimacy. It also makes the ICC less deterrent against potential perpetrators of war crimes. Many also believe that ICC should rather work to strengthen each nations capacity for individual prosecutions that will be more realistic and cost effective. There is a debate on whether the ICC should have jurisdiction over corporations that violate international law. Some are accused of committing human rights violations, such as war crimes linked to raw materials in conflict zones. But there is little consensus. United Nations relevance There has been a continued debate on the UNs successes, failures and relevance. With 193 members, there is always some hope in the institution. There have been many successful peacekeeping operations in the initial years. Many believe that in todays highly estranged world order, the Secretary-General has no power and very little influence. All events are shaped by dynamics among member states, and the UN success depends on whether they agree with one another or not. Most wars, from Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq, Libya, to Afghanistan were not conducted in accordance with the UN Charter and technically illegal. The UN has been standing like a bystander in Syria, Bosnia, Rwanda, Ukraine, and now the Gaza conflict. Most powerful members, especially the United States, take unilateral decisions. The US routinely threatens to hold back funding. There is no active support for UN reforms. The composition of UNSC is unreal after 75 years. The Veto power has mostly been misused. It is always better to have a central coordinating institution than find bilateral solutions. Many alternative groupings such as G20, BRICS, SCO, have emerged and are finding their own joint solutions. For the UN to be relevant, it must work towards networked multilateralism. The UN has to have a greater role in sustainable global development. The United States create the UN and has been its major contributor. Yet it has often been accused of undermining it. Are rising China and India, leaders of the global south, likely to take on the mantle of initiating reforms? The writer is Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost_s views._ Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . The Mona Lisa, a masterpiece created by Leonardo da Vinci in the 16th century, is undeniably one of the worlds most renowned paintings. However, its fame has recently made it a peculiar target for an unusual form of protest. On a recent Sunday, two activists threw soup at the iconic painting, not with the intention of causing harm, but rather to draw attention to their cause the right to healthy food. This unconventional tactic is part of a broader trend where famous works of art become the canvas for protests, with food and paint being hurled to raise awareness about various social and environmental issues. Advertisement The Mona Lisa, displayed at the Louvre in Paris behind protective glass, remained unharmed by the soup-throwing incident. The protesters aimed to make a statement rather than inflict damage, sparking a debate about the effectiveness and appropriateness of such protests. Public reactions Reactions to the soup-throwing incident varied among museum visitors and officials. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati condemned the act, emphasizing that the Mona Lisa, like cultural heritage, belongs to future generations and should not be targeted. Some visitors expressed anger and disbelief, while others, like a 45-year-old potter named Karine Bertomet, questioned the connection between art and the demand for healthy food. Yes, I understand the demands a thousand times but, on the other hand, when it comes to the link with art, I dont see why they target works of art. I really dont see the link. Im not shocked for the Mona Lisa, Im not worried for her, because shes ultra protected. But then, I dont see the link with food other than the fact that the Mona Lisa is internationally recognized, so we will definitely hear about this event. But otherwise, I dont see the connection, saod Bertomet. Advertisement Global trend of art-protesting The Mona Lisa is not the only artwork to become a target of unconventional protests. Last year, Van Goghs Sunflowers faced a tomato soup transformation, while Monets Grainstacks turned into a canvas for mashed potatoes. Even the beloved Last Supper was not spared, facing climate change protests in the UK. Advertisement While these protests aim to draw attention to pressing issues such as climate change, sustainable food and societal health, questions arise about their effectiveness. Despite the paintings remaining physically unharmed, property damage and public outrage have become side effects of these protests. Some argue that the strategy is faulty, as disruptive actions may overshadow the causes activists are advocating for. Advertisement In the realm of unconventional protests, using art as a canvas has become a notable trend. However, the effectiveness and appropriateness of such actions remain subjects of debate. As activists continue to express their concerns through unconventional means, the line between advocacy and property damage becomes increasingly blurred. Like any work of art, the beauty of protests may indeed lie in the eye of the beholder, but the enduring image for many remains that of food strewn across beloved paintings. Advertisement Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . In a significant development unfolding in China, the countrys property crisis has reached a critical juncture with one of its major developers, Evergrande, facing liquidation. The company, once a real estate giant, defaulted in 2021, accumulating a staggering debt of around $300 billion. After months of legal battles, the Hong Kong court, which had shown patience through multiple extensions, has finally ordered Evergrandes liquidation, marking a pivotal moment in the countrys economic landscape. Advertisement Liquidation order and implications The recent court order mandates Evergrandes liquidation, implying that the company will be broken up and sold in parts. The directors will lose control and a court-appointed official, known as a liquidator, will take over the management. This process, expected to span several months or even years, poses potential challenges for creditors and investors alike. Senior economist Gary Ng from Natixis highlighted the likelihood of Evergrande being broken down into smaller entities. While the macroeconomic impact may not be catastrophic, the corporate level could face considerable challenges. The courts decision led to a sharp decline in Evergrandes stock, losing 20 per cent of its value, eventually leading to a suspension of trading. Advertisement So, its quite likely that Evergrande will be broken down into much smaller companies if it still survives in the future. So, maybe its not the end of the world for the macro economy, but I still think on the corporate level it can be quite painful, said Gary. Jurisdiction challenges The legal complexities surrounding Evergrandes case are further compounded by jurisdiction issues between Hong Kong and mainland China. The applicability of the court order to mainland China remains unclear, as the legal systems differ, and enforcement varies. Evergrandes executive director, Shawn Siu, emphasized the separation of the companys business in Hong Kong from the mainland, suggesting a limited impact on the latter. Advertisement Plight of creditors and homebuyers With a vast majority of Evergrandes $300 billion debt owed to creditors in China, the courts decision has left them in uncertainty. Homebuyers, numbering 1.5 million in September 2021, are still awaiting their homes, facing the risk of financial loss and a prolonged wait. The broader context reveals a growing crisis in Chinas property sector, with over 50 developers facing financial troubles in the past three years. Advertisement Looking ahead, more challenges loom for Chinas property developers, as deadlines approach for the repayment of approximately $100 billion in 2024 alone. The ongoing trend of missed payments and debt defaults among developers raises concerns about the stability of the countrys real estate market. Investor dilemma and government response Investors are now grappling with uncertainty, as Evergrandes case serves as a cautionary tale. With no clear assurance of government rescue, investors may opt to exercise caution, withdrawing their investments and distancing themselves from the perceived instability in Chinas economy. Advertisement After the company was able to sort its finances itself for about a year and a half, a court has now decided its liquidation and that obviously rings alarm bells with capital markets around the world. In theory, the impact could be huge because the companys debt load is very, very large and because it has a worldwide network, said trader at Steubing Ag Security Bank, Tim Oechsner. Advertisement Evergrandes liquidation is a pivotal moment in Chinas property crisis, signalling potential challenges for creditors, investors, and the broader real estate market. The intricate legal landscape, coupled with economic uncertainties, underscores the need for a cautious approach. As China navigates through this crisis, the implications are far-reaching, impacting not only the immediate stakeholders but also contributing to a broader conversation about the stability of the countrys economic foundations. Advertisement Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . The constitution, along with the parliaments standing orders, dictates that the president can be impeached with two-thirds of the house, and the opposition has the numbers Chaos prevailed in the Maldivian parliament, where the opposition was targeted by the ruling coalition. Lawmakers created a ruckus. The drama premiered on Sunday in Male, and the protagonist was President Mohamed Muizzu. Muizzu took office three months ago, and now he faces the threat of impeachment. The opposition is up in arms. Theyre blocking his appointments and holding him to account. Advertisement It is a dramatic turn of events because, until a few days ago, Muizzu seemed to be in total control. He was issuing ultimatums and picking fights with the neighbours, like India. But he overplayed his hand, trying to ride roughshod over the parliament. Now theyre testing his authority and his grip on power. This parliamentary session wasnt a regular session. The lawmakers were called for a special vote to approve Muizzus cabinet. When Muizzu came to power, the president picked his teamthe cabinet. But according to the constitution of the Maldives, the parliament must approve this cabinetthats the law. Except for the vice president, the president must receive the approval of the Peoples Majlis for all appointments to the cabinet. In his capacity as president, Muizzu can fill only one position, and that is that of vice president. Advertisement For the cabinet positions, he must convince the parliament. He must get a nod from them. This was always going to be a problem because Muizzus party is in the minority. His party and his allies are in the minority. In parliament, the opposition is in the majority, so Muizzu needs to have his team in place. He needs support from the opposition. It was clear from day one. He should have known this and tried to work with opposition leaders. Yet he did not. Advertisement Instead of seeking support, he tried to push them around. He attempted to force his appointments through, and this backfired. The president proposed 22 names. The opposition cleared 18 positions and blocked the remaining four: Ahmed Usham, the attorney general; Mohamed Saeed, the economy minister; Ali Haidar, the housing minister; and Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, the Islamic minister. Advertisement The opposition issued a whip against them. The Muizzu camp was furious. They abused the opposition. One thing led to another, and the result was the brawl. Reports say the Muizzu camp instigated this ruckus; they locked the chamber doors and blocked the opposition members from entering the house. When they did not have their way, they started protesting and obstructing the proceedings. Advertisement Some lawmakers who were supporters of the president reached the speakers chair and tried to stop the speaker from addressing the parliament. What followed were the fist fights, where lawmakers punched, pushed, and kicked each other. Complete pandemonium! At least two lawmakers were hurt. All this happened on Sunday. Then, earlier Monday, the parliament met again. The MPs finally got a chance to vote. However, there was some relief for the president as one of the blocked names was cleared, that of Economy Minister Mohamed Saeed. The other three were rejected. So, the impasse continues. Advertisement Whats worse is that the president could now face an impeachment vote, and the opposition is preparing a motion. They are gathering signatures and already have the support of 34 members. Which is enough to bring the motion to the floor. Heres how the numbers stack up: The house has a total membership of 87. However, the number has been reduced to 80 as of December 18, 2023. The opposition claims it has the support of 56 members; the rest are said to be undecided. The constitution, along with the parliaments standing orders, dictates that the president can be impeached with two-thirds of the house, and the opposition has the numbers. Advertisement The president is on thin ice; his supporters have submitted a motion of their own. It targets the speaker and the deputy speaker, both of whom belong to the opposition. So the stage is set for a major showdown. Less than three months into office, and President Muizzu is struggling to save his chair. Advertisement Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . In a departure from the usual news stories, we invite you to envision a scene that is both celebratory and unconventional. Picture a gathering filled with your family and friends, surrounded by music, good food and heartfelt tributes. However, theres a twist this is not a joyous occasion, but rather a funeral. Stay with us as we delve into the concept of living funerals, a radical choice that challenges societal norms surrounding death and offers a unique perspective on celebrating life. Advertisement Concept of living funerals Living funerals, also known as pre-funerals, might initially sound morbid and bizarre. However, as we explore this concept, it becomes apparent that it is a bold and, in some cases, a transformative choice. The individual bidding goodbye gets to exercise creative control over their farewell, celebrating not just death but, more importantly, their life while still alive. Living funerals provide individuals, particularly those facing terminal illnesses like cancer or dementia, with an opportunity to say goodbye on their terms. This unconventional practice is not entirely new and has gained popularity in places like Japan, where living funerals, known as seizenso, became a cultural norm in the late 1900s. In Japan, these events help alleviate the emotional and financial burden on family members, making the grieving process more manageable. Advertisement Global perspective on living funerals South Korea has also embraced living funerals, albeit with a slightly different approach. Participants, both young and old, wear burial shrouds, lie down in coffins and experience a few minutes of darkness that can feel like an eternity. This unique practice aims to help individuals face their mortality, prepare for the end, and even dispel suicidal impulses. Living funerals have become so normalised in South Korea that businesses treat them as motivational programmes, sponsoring employee participation. Advertisement Experts and individuals who have undergone their own living funerals attest to the uplifting nature of the experience. It allows for a unique opportunity to relax, reflect and find meaning in life. In a society where death is often considered a taboo subject, living funerals provide a platform to confront the certainty of lifes end, fostering a sense of closure and peace. Advertisement Living funerals challenge societal norms surrounding death and encourage a more open conversation about mortality. While the idea may seem extreme, it serves as a powerful tool for individuals to confront their own mortality, celebrate their lives, and ensure that nothing is left unsaid. As we consider the merits of living funerals, it becomes evident that this radical choice offers a unique perspective on the inevitable, prompting us to reflect on the importance of embracing life in the face of death. Advertisement As we conclude this thought-provoking journey into the realm of living funerals, we encourage you to share your thoughts on this unconventional practice. Is it a radical choice worth considering, or does it remain too outside the bounds of societal norms? The conversation is open and your opinions matter. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Advertisement Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . Elon Musk revealed that Neuralinks inaugural product, named Telepathy, aims to facilitate control over phones, computers, and a wide range of devices simply by thinking. The first human patient who received the implant is recovering well and showing promise Neuralink, the brain-machine interface startup founded by Elon Musk, has successfully implanted a brain chip in its first human patient, according to a recent announcement by Musk on the social media platform X. Musk reported that the patient is recovering well, and the initial outcomes of the procedure show promise. The innovative brain implant developed by Neuralink is designed to empower individuals with traumatic injuries to operate computers through their thoughts. Advertisement In May last year the company secured approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to commence its initial human trials, targeting individuals with quadriplegia resulting from cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Elon Musk revealed that Neuralinks inaugural product, named Telepathy, aims to facilitate control over phones, computers, and a wide range of devices simply by thinking. The initial users of this technology are envisioned to be individuals who have lost the use of their limbs, with Musk emphasizing the potential for enhanced communication capabilities, citing the example of the late physicist Stephen Hawking. In his X post, Musk highlighted positive results in neuron spike detection, indicating successful recordings from the patients brain. Advertisement Experts have noted the significance of Neuralinks achievement but emphasized the need for the company to demonstrate superiority over other leading players in the field, such as Blackrock Neurotech and Synchron. Neuralink has previously conducted extensive experiments on animals, including monkeys playing computer games using brain signals. However, this has raised concerns among animal rights groups like the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Advertisement Elon Musks announcement follows years of anticipation, with Musk predicting human implantation as early as July 2019. While other companies, including Synchron, have made strides in human brain implants, Neuralinks recent success is expected to mitigate criticism about potential delays. Despite this progress, a commercial brain implant from Neuralink is not imminent. Jaimie Henderson, a neurosurgery professor at Stanford University and adviser to Neuralink, cautioned against overhyping the technology, stating that an approved device is still years away. Advertisement The challenging task ahead involves demonstrating the safety and efficacy of Neuralinks chips, which penetrate less than 2mm into the brain, in subsequent studies following the initial human trials. The company aims to perform 11 surgeries in 2024, marking a pivotal year for the development of this groundbreaking technology. (With inputs from agencies) The UK government is proposing some changes to the Investigatory Powers Act or IPA 2016, and force tech companies to get every software update approved by them. Apple has come out in strong criticism of this, and has threatened to pull out of the UK if this is implemented Apple has come out strongly opposing the UK governments proposed amendments to the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016, which would require pre-approval for new security features introduced by tech firms. The amendments suggest that if the UK Home Office rejects an update, it cannot be released globally, and the public would not be informed. The government aims to update the IPA to balance technological innovation with national security. Advertisement According to the proposed changes, decisions about lawful access, aimed at protecting the country from threats like child exploitation and terrorism, would be made by democratically accountable entities and approved by Parliament. However, Apple considers this an unprecedented overreach, expressing deep concern that the amendments could jeopardize users privacy and security. The tech giant argues that if enacted, the UK government could secretly veto new user protections globally, preventing Apple from offering them to customers. Apple had previously warned of potential service withdrawals, including Facetime and iMessage, in response to similar proposals in July 2023. The Home Office maintains its stance, emphasizing the need to balance privacy-focused technology with public safety. The proposed amendments are set to be debated in the House of Lords, with civil liberties groups, including Big Brother Watch, Liberty, Open Rights Group, and Privacy International, expressing concerns about the potential transformation of private companies into extensions of the surveillance state. Advertisement These amendments come after a review of existing legislation and cover updates related to data collection by intelligence agencies and the use of internet connection records. (With inputs from agencies) The operation inside the Ibn Sina hospital in Jenin in West Bank was carried out jointly by the IDF, Shin Bet and Yamam special police unit In yet another example of Hamas hiding behind civilian infrastructure, Israeli Forces claimed to have gunned down three terrorists who were hiding inside the Ibn Sina hospital in Jenin in West Bank and who were planning an October 7-like attack. According to reports, the operation was carried out jointly by the IDF, Shin Bet and Yamam special police unit. Advertisement Media reports said the IDF took just 10 minutes to take out the three terrorists. The Israeli forces, reportedly, entered the hospital under a ruse. Dressed as doctors, nurses and Palestinian women, the IDF troops pretended they were going to a hiding room on the third floor. The op was carried out in silence with guns fitted with suppressors. A report in the Times of Israel identified one of the three killed as Muhammad Jalamneh, 27, who was planning to arm shooters for an attack and was previously injured while making a car bomb. He is said to be in contact with Hamas foreign headquarters. The report referred to some Hebrew media outlets as claiming that Jalamneh was a spokesperson for Hamass military wing in the Jenin camp. Advertisement The IDF identified the rest as brothers Muhammad and Basel Ghazawi. While Muhammad was allegedly involved in shooting incidents on Israeli forces, Basel was, reportedly, a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The Israeli military cited the elimination of these three at a hospital as another example of the cynical use by terror groups of civilian spaces and hospitals as cover and as human shields. Advertisement In another incident, the IDF troops located a tunnel used to attack the Israeli soldiers that ran under Gazas Bani Suheila Cemetery. The 1-km-long underground tunnel housed an office where a Hamas battalion commander managed the October 7 massacre and a command and control center, among other terrorist infrastructure, the IDF posted in X. Advertisement Located under Gazas Bani Suheila Cemetery: 1km long underground terrorist tunnel. The tunnel was used by Hamas to direct attacks against the IDF both above and below ground. Inside the tunnel, our troops eliminated terrorists and located explosives, blast-proof doors, an pic.twitter.com/Bl1lPvSwlO Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 29, 2024 Advertisement In the past couple of days several desperate attacks by Hamas-affiliated terrorists have taken place targeting the IDF. IDF killed four terrorists who were preparing to carry out an attack on soldiers near the Al-Amal Hospital in Gaza. Advertisement A terrorist who attempted to carry out a ramming attack adjacent to an IDF base in northern Israel was also neutralised. The terror suspect tried to exit his vehicle and attack adjacent troops with an axe, before being shot to death. YEREVAN, JANUARY 30, ARMENPRESS. Turkologist Ruben Safrastyan, commenting on Turkey's foreign policy, believes that the country's ambitions exceed its actual capabilities. In an interview with "Armenpress," the turkologist noted that Ankara, however, is taking steps to align its ambitions with real opportunities. According to him, while Turkey remains a middle power, it aspires to position itself as one of the most powerful states in the world. "By giving the green light to Sweden on NATO membership, Turkey essentially struck a deal with the US and was able to get what it had been pursuing for about three years. The approval of Sweden's membership served as a pretext in that deal, but it fundamentally concerned the ratification of the supply of forty American F-16 fighter jets. The Turkish army already has about eighty such fighters, and the American side should also modify them. It is important for the US that Turkey continues to be its faithful ally in the Middle East because its geographical position and the presence of a combat-ready army are of great importance from the point of view of implementing NATO's plans in that region," said the expert. According to Safrastyan, Turkey has also achieved its goals with Sweden, as official Stockholm has started to impose stricter conditions and restrictions on public speeches by Kurdish exile figures in Sweden, thereby abandoning its policy of allowing people the opportunity to freely express themselves and carry out actions. "Turkey's decision was not a surprise for Russia, which is in conflict with the North Atlantic Alliance. From the beginning, it was clear to everyone, including Moscow, that Ankara would sooner or later take that step, and, by and large, could not prevent new members from joining the alliance. Turkey was just trying to address its problems during that entire period. It is no coincidence that the official reaction of the Russian side was quite calm," said Safrastyan. Referring to the question of whether the Turkish side's political maneuvers in the South Caucasus are not excluded, considering the frequent mention of the so-called "Zangezur Corridor," which is opposed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, the turkologist noted that although Ebrahim Raisi, during his visit to Turkey, spoke against the inadmissibility of red lines and border changes in the region, official Ankara will continue to pursue its policy. The goal is for Turkey and Azerbaijan, by violating the territorial integrity of Armenia, to establish a direct land connection between each other. "Turkey's pressure on this matter will persist, and Iran is unlikely to engage in confrontation or a military clash with Turkey at this stage, as it seeks to avoid conflicts and potential attacks outside its territory. Rather, one can anticipate adventurous actions from Azerbaijan, given its alliance with Turkey and shared interests. The 'Zangezur Corridor' is primarily strategically vital for Turkey because it establishes a connection to the Turkish-speaking countries of Central Asia, significantly increasing its political influence all over the world. The annual GDP of Turkish-speaking countries amounts to more than one trillion dollars, which is equally significant. On the other hand, Turkey strives to play a significant role in the London-Beijing logistics axis, connecting a substantial part of the world economy in the future," Safrastyan explained. Nevertheless, according to him, there is a simple reality that should not be overlooked. As much as Turkey is trying to participate in the implementation of logistics mega-projects, it has not been able to complete the construction of the 200 km section of the railway that should connect Kars with Azerbaijan through Nakhichevan. "They have been talking about it for years, but it is not being built. Turkey is now attempting to address the issue with the assistance of Azerbaijan, with which it signed an agreement for joint financing last year, actually involving the funds generated from the sale of oil and gas by Azerbaijan. According to Safrastyan, the winners of the tenders are already known, and preparations will commence soon. Turkey sometimes harbors rather great ambitions, but sometimes they do not have enough resources for their implementation; in other words, Turkey's ambitions exceed its actual capabilities," Ruben Safrastyan concluded. Manvel Margaryan US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be in Israel from February 3 to February 5 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be in Israel from February 3 to February 5, his sixth to the country ever since the war began in October as retaliation to a dastardly attack by Hamas. His last visit was marked by intense discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the war cabinet. The latest visit comes amid a fading prospect for a peace deal between Hamas and Israel even as US own concerns in West Asia have got entangled with Iran allegedly hitting a US base in Jordan in a drone strike, killing three soldiers and hurting scores others. Advertisement While the Biden administration has so far avoided getting into a proxy war with Iran, despite the Houthi aggression in the Red Sea stemming from Yemen, the Jordan strikes have left little room to wriggle out of it now. After the Jordan strike, US has already issued a terse warning for a befitting reply. Moreover, Blinken will arrive to a different scenario in which Israel has exposed UN agency UNRWA for its complicity with Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Blinken had earlier dubbed as highly credible the evidence to this effect which Israel provided by way of a detailed dossier. We havent had the ability to investigate (the allegations) ourselves. But they are highly, highly credible, Blinken had said. Amid Maldives India Out campaign, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that history and geography are very powerful forces and there is no escape from that, adding, that at the end of the day neighbours need each other Amid Maldives India Out campaign, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that history and geography are very powerful forces and there is no escape from that, adding, that at the end of the day neighbours need each other. Jaishankar made these remarks during an an interaction at the Indian Institute of Management in Mumbai. Advertisement Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who is regarded as a pro-China leader, formally requested India to withdraw its 88 military personnel from Maldives by 15 March as part of the countrys India Out campaign. The Muizzu government is also reviewing more than 100 bilateral agreements signed with India by the previous government. On attacks on merchant navy vessels in the Red Sea and deployment of the Indian Navys ships in the region, Jaishankar said Indias greater capability, its own interest and reputation today warrant that it actually help in difficult situations. The Indian Navy has deployed 10 of its ships in the region. We will not be considered a responsible country if bad things are happening around our neighbourhood and we say I have got nothing to do with this, Jaishankar said. Advertisement Notably, Indian warship INS Sumitra rescued 19 Pakistani crew of a fishing vessel after their Iranian-flagged fishing vessel was attacked by pirates in the east coast of Somalia, officials said on Tuesday. INS Sumitra has been deployed for anti-piracy and maritime security operations in the east of Somalia and Gulf of Aden. Advertisement The ship had thwarted a piracy attempt on Iranian fishing vessel Iman on Monday. Talking about China, he said that its a big economy which deploys its resources to try and shape things in its favour and we shouldnt expect otherwise. VIDEO | "I don't think we should be scared of China. I think we should say, ok, global politics is a competitive game, you do your best, I will do my best. China is a major economy, it will deploy resources, it will try and shape things in China's way. Why should we expect pic.twitter.com/8oWcRuCAaQ Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 30, 2024 Advertisement I dont think we should be scared of China. I think we should say, ok, global politics is a competitive game, you do your best, I will do my best. China is a major economy, it will deploy resources, it will try and shape things in Chinas way. Why should we expect otherwise? But the answer to that is not to complain that China is doing it. Answer is ok, you are doing it, let me do better than you, said Jaishankar. Advertisement Responding to a question on how it is like to work with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that its a combination of exciting and exacting. VIDEO | "At one level, it is very exciting. It is very exciting because you are working with a PM with a very big ambition, big thoughts for the country, very bold, open to new ideas and the confidence to take that forward. On the other hand, I would say, also very demanding pic.twitter.com/ItjEvyB2FB Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 30, 2024 Advertisement At one level, it is very exciting. It is very exciting because you are working with a PM with a very big ambition, big thoughts for the country, very bold, open to new ideas and the confidence to take that forward. On the other hand, I would say, also very demanding because he sets a pace. Therefore, its a kind of combination of exciting and exacting. Demandingsometimes daunting, but its been great, added the Foreign Minister. Advertisement With inputs from agencies China did this in order to become the first nation to designate a permanent ambassador to Afghanistan following the fall of Kabul in August 2021. It was an indication that China is prepared to expand the Belt and Road Initiative into Afghanistan China took a big step on Tuesday, accepting the credentials of the envoy to Beijing from Afghanistan, which is governed by the Taliban. President Xi Jinping received the credentials of the Afghan ambassador in an official ceremony. The Chinese president was also given the credentials by ambassadors from forty-one other nations during the same ceremony. Xi welcomed Bilal Karimi as an ambassador to China and accepted his credentials as ambassador and special representative. Advertisement Karimi met Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, while serving as ambassador to China in December 2023. Afghanistan has joined China as an associate following this event. China has repeatedly declared that it respects Afghanistans national sovereignty and its choices. Additionally, it has declared that it does not meddle in Afghanistans domestic affairs. Contracts for mining are already managed by China in Afghanistan. Additionally, it had nominated a full-time ambassador to Kabul, who gave Taliban Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhud his diplomatic credentials. China did this in order to become the first nation to designate a permanent ambassador to Afghanistan following the fall of Kabul in August 2021. It was an indication that China is prepared to expand the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into Afghanistan and make significant investments. Advertisement China, however, had stated that prior to complete diplomatic relations, the Afghan Taliban must undergo reform last year. It had stated that in order to obtain full diplomatic recognition, the government would need to enact political changes, enhance security, and repair ties with its neighbors. Both nations were continuing their diplomatic relations and hosting each others diplomats at the same time. Advertisement Additionally, it had stated that while Afghanistan shouldnt be kept out of the international community, the Taliban needed to live up to the expectations of the outside world. Since taking control with the disorderly withdrawal of US forces in August 2021, the Taliban government has not received formal recognition from any nation. China has agreed to provide Afghanistans new leaders with guarantees that the nation wont be used as a base for insurgents. Advertisement (With agency inputs) This metamaterial, named Chimera, has the potential to make invisibility cloaks a reality, as detailed in a study published by the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Inspired by Greek mythologys Chimera, researchers from Jilin and Tsinghua Universities in China have combined traits from the chameleon, glass frog, and bearded dragon to propose a groundbreaking hybrid material. This metamaterial, named Chimera, has the potential to make invisibility cloaks a reality, as detailed in a study published by the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Advertisement The scientists, taking a bionics-based approach, aimed to address the limitations of existing camouflage technologies, specifically their lack of versatility across different terrains. The study represents a significant advance in reconfigurable electromagnetics, allowing for the adaptation of camouflage technologies to ever-changing landscapes. The Chimera metamaterial draws inspiration from the chameleon, renowned for its color-changing ability. Like the chameleon, the metamaterial adjusts its microwave reflection properties to seamlessly blend with various environments, from water surfaces to grasslands. Incorporating features from the glass frog, known for its transparency during sleep, the researchers embedded the Chimeras circuitry between layers of PET plastic and quartz glass. This achieves optical transparency, resembling the glass frogs natural invisibility. To address the challenge of concealing the heat generated by the metamaterials surface circuits, the scientists turned to the bearded dragon. By mimicking the reptiles color-changing ability for temperature regulation, the Chimera metamaterial minimizes thermal differences, making it virtually undetectable to thermal imaging in diverse terrains. Advertisement Lead author Xu Zhaohua expressed intrigue at finding suitable working states for the Chimera metasurface to match all five terrains across the entire frequency range of interest. The development of the Chimera metasurface involved a meticulous five-step process, starting with a pattern on plastic, followed by metal mesh formation, and concluding with manual assembly to achieve multi-spectrum stealth capabilities. Advertisement The scientists envision wide-ranging applications for this technology, spanning from military uses to wildlife conservation efforts. In military contexts, the Chimera metamaterial could provide strategic advantages by allowing objects or personnel to blend seamlessly into diverse environments, evading detection by radars, infrared detectors, and optical devices. Beyond military applications, the technology holds promise for non-invasive observation of animals in their natural habitats. By minimizing human impacts on wildlife behavior and the environment, Chimera could contribute significantly to conservation efforts. The verdict comes shortly before the February 8 general elections, in which the PTI is participating despite facing a state crackdown and without an electoral symbol. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his partys vice-president Shah Mahmood Qureshi were sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in jail in a controversial case related to a leaked document. Former prime minister Imran Khan and PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) vice-president Qureshi have been sentenced to 10 years each inside prison in the cypher case, a spokesman for the party told AFP. Advertisement The verdict comes shortly before the February 8 general elections, in which the PTI is participating despite facing a state crackdown and without an electoral symbol. The cipher case revolves around a diplomatic document that the Federal Investigation Agency alleges Imran failed to return. The PTI maintains that the document contained a threat from the United States to remove Imran as prime minister. In December, the Supreme Court approved the post-arrest bails of Imran and Qureshi. However, Imran remained in custody due to other cases, while Qureshis anticipated release was hindered when he was manhandled and re-arrested in a new case on May 9. According to a preliminary report quoted by two officials who were not authorised to talk and insisted on anonymity, a US drone was returning to the tiny site known as Tower 22 when the hostile drone flew in at a low height US military may have mistaken an enemy drone for an American one and allowed it to enter a desert facility in Jordan, killing three US personnel and injuring scores more, authorities said Monday. Details of the Sunday assault surfaced as President Joe Biden faced a tough balancing act, condemning Iran but wanting to respond forcefully without escalating the Gaza conflict. Advertisement According to a preliminary report quoted by two officials who were not authorised to talk and insisted on anonymity, a US drone was returning to the tiny site known as Tower 22 when the hostile drone flew in at a low height. As a result, there was no attempt to fire down the hostile drone that had struck the outpost. One of the trailers where troops sleep took the brunt of the hit, while nearby trailers suffered minor damage from the blast and flying debris. Tower 22 lacks significant air defence systems, although it does feature counter-drone systems, such as Coyote drone interceptors. Aside from the soldiers slain, the Pentagon reported that more than 40 personnel were injured in the incident, the majority of whom suffered cuts, bruises, head damage, and other similar traumas. Eight people were medically evacuated, three of them were heading to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Centre in Germany. The remaining five, who sustained minor traumatic brain injuries, were expected to return to duty. Advertisement Asked if the failure to shoot down the enemy drone was human error, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh responded that the US Central Command was still assessing the matter. The Pentagon identified those killed in the attack as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia. Advertisement The three US Army Reserve soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade in Fort Moore, Georgia. The explanation for how the enemy drone evaded US air defenses came as the White House said Monday its not looking for war with Iran even as Biden vows retaliatory action. The Democratic administration believes Tehran was behind the strike. Advertisement Biden met with national security advisers in the White House Situation Room to discuss the latest developments and potential retaliation. Theres no easy answer here, said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. And thats why the president is meeting with his national security team weighing the options before him. The brazen attack, which the Biden administration blames on Iranian-based proxies, adds another layer of complexity to an already tense Mideast situation as the Biden administration tries to keep the Israel-Hamas war from expanding into a broader regional conflict. Advertisement The president and I will not tolerate attacks on US forces, and we will take all necessary actions to defend the US and our troops, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said as he met at the Pentagon with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The drone attack was one of dozens on US troops in the Middle East since Hamas launched attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, igniting the war in Gaza. But its the first in which American service members have been killed. Advertisement Biden promised on Sunday to hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner (of) our choosing but said the US wasnt seeking to get into another conflict in the Middle East. Kirby also made clear that American patience has worn thin after more than two months of attacks by Iranian proxies on US troops in Iraq, Syria and Jordan and on US Navy and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The proxy groups including Yemens Houthi rebels and Iraq based Kataeb Hezbollah say the attacks are in response to Israels ongoing military operations in Gaza. Advertisement We are not looking for a war with Iran, Kirby told reporters. That said, this was a very serious attack. It had lethal consequences. We will respond, and we respond appropriately. Iran on Monday denied it was behind the Jordan strike. These claims are made with specific political goals to reverse the realities of the region, Irans state-run IRNA news agency quoted foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying. Iran regularly denies involvement in attacks linked back to it through the militias it arms across the wider Mideast. Advertisement Kirby said that US officials are still working through determining which militant group was behind the attack. He noted that Iran has longed equipped and trained the militias. Republicans have laid blame on Biden for doing too little to deter Iranian militias, which have carried out approximately 165 attacks on US troops in the region since the start of the war. Advertisement Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump on Sunday called the attack yet another horrific and tragic consequence of Joe Bidens weakness and surrender. The attack hit a US military desert outpost in the far reaches of northeastern Jordan known as Tower 22. The installation sits near the demilitarized zone on the border between Jordan and Syria along a sandy, bulldozed berm marking the DMZs southern edge. The Iraqi border is only 10 kilometers (6 miles) away. Advertisement The base began as a Jordanian outpost watching the border, then saw an increased US presence after American forces entered Syria in late 2015. The small installation includes US engineering, aviation, logistics and security troops, with about 350 US Army and Air Force personnel deployed. Iraqs government condemned the drone strike. Spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in a statement that Iraq was monitoring with a great concern the alarming security developments in the region and called for an end to the cycle of violence. The statement said that Iraq is ready to participate in diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. Advertisement An umbrella group for Iran-backed factions known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed dozens of attacks against bases housing US troops in Iraq and Syria since the Israel-Hamas war began. On Sunday, the group claimed three drone attacks against sites in Syria, including near the border with Jordan, and one inside of occupied Palestine but so far hasnt claimed the attack in Jordan. John Bolton, who served as national security adviser to Trump, said Iran hasnt paid a price for the havoc that its proxies have unleashed in the region. He suggested the Biden administration could send a strong message to Tehran with strikes on Iranian vessels in the Red Sea, Iranian air defenses along the Iraqi border, and bases that have been used to train and supply militant groups for years. So until Iran bears a cost, youre not going to reestablish deterrence, youre not going to put the belligerence on a downward slope. The attack came as US officials were seeing signs of progress in negotiations to broker a deal between Israel and Hamas to release the more than 100 remaining hostages being held in Gaza in exchange for an extended pause in fighting. While contours of a deal under consideration would not end the war, Americans believed that it could lay the groundwork for a durable resolution to the conflict. Qatars prime minister said Monday that senior US and Mideast mediators had achieved a framework proposal to present to Hamas for freeing hostages and pausing fighting in Gaza. Prime Minister Mohammed al-Thanis comments at the Atlantic Council in Washington came after talks Sunday in Paris among US, Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian officials seeking a new round of hostage releases and a cease-fire in Gaza. The tentative agreement, reached late Monday, still needs formal approval but is seen as a first step toward using some of the 200 billion euros ($216 billion) in Russian central bank assets in the EU to help Ukraine rebuild from Russian destruction. European Union nations have reached a tentative agreement to approve an outline deal that would retain the profits from the frozen assets of the Russian central bank, amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars. These assets were frozen in response to Moscows involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, according to an EU official. Advertisement The agreement, reached late Monday, is still pending formal approval. However, it is considered a significant initial move toward utilizing a portion of the 200 billion euros ($216 billion) in Russian central bank assets held in the EU to assist Ukraine in its reconstruction efforts following Russian-inflicted damage. EU leaders will meet on Thursday hoping to approve a 50-billion-euro ($54 billion) support package for Ukraine over the solitary opposition of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The official, who asked not to be identified since the agreement was not yet legally ratified, said the bloc would allow to start collecting the extraordinary revenues generated from the frozen assets to support the reconstruction of Ukraine. How the proceeds will be used will be decided later, as the issue remains mired in legal and practical considerations. Advertisement There is urgency since Ukraine is struggling to make ends meet, and aid plans in the EU and the United States are being held back over political considerations including whether allies will continue helping Ukraine at the same pace as they did in the first two years of the war. Even if using the unfrozen assets, which now go untapped, seems like a practical step to take, many fear that financial weaponization could harm the standing of the EU in global financial markets. Advertisement Early this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a strong decision this year for the frozen assets in Western banks to be directed towards defense against the Russian war and for reconstruction of Ukraine. The EU step late Monday paves the way if EU nations ever want to impose such measures. Group of Seven allies of Ukraine are still looking for an adequate legal framework to pursue the plan. Advertisement The U.S. announced at the start of Russias invasion that America and its allies had blocked access to more than $600 billion that Russia held outside its borders including roughly $300 billion in funds belonging to Russias central bank. Since then, the U.S and its allies have continued to impose rounds of targeted sanctions against companies and wealthy elites with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement The World Banks latest damage assessment of Ukraine, released in March 2023, estimates that costs for the nations reconstruction and recovery will be $411 billion over the next 10 years, which includes needs for public and private funds. Belgium, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union for the next six months, is now leading the talks on whether to seize Russias assets. Belgium is also the country where most frozen Russian assets under sanctions are being held. Advertisement The country is collecting taxes on the assets. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said in October that 1.7 billion euros ($1.8 billion) in tax collections were already available and that the money would be used to pay for military equipment, humanitarian aid and helping rebuild the war-torn country. With inputs from AP. The protests, spanning over a week, have now reached the capital, where tractors, hay bales, and assorted objects have impeded motorists from accessing Paris via several key routes since Monday French farmers persisted on Tuesday in erecting roadblocks along major highways leading into Paris for a second consecutive day, intensifying pressure on the government for further concessions amid a deepening standoff. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is set to address parliament, unveiling new measures aimed at placating the farmers discontent over their working conditions. This crisis marks his most significant challenge since assuming office under President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month. Advertisement The protests, spanning over a week, have now reached the capital, where tractors, hay bales, and assorted objects have impeded motorists from accessing Paris via several key routes since Monday. While the government has thus far adopted a cautious approach towards the demonstrators, it has made it unequivocally clear that any attempts to block Pariss primary airports or the expansive Rungis wholesale food market to the citys south would be deemed unacceptable. According to AFP, citing a police source, around 1,000 farmers and 500 vehicles had been involved in Mondays actions and they appeared intent on keeping up the protest until Friday. A convoy of producers who left on Tuesday morning from the southwestern town of Limoges heading for Rungis changed route after being blocked by gendarmes, organisers said. Advertisement Armoured vehicles of the gendarmerie have been deployed around Rungis to ensure food supplies are not disrupted. Farmers were however seeking to block roads heading to the airport of the southwestern city of Toulouse, which is surrounded by agricultural regions. Meanwhile, farmers spent the night in tractors on key routes heading to the capital. Advertisement The night was short, well have to bounce back but were up for it, said Samuel Vandaele of the FDSEA farmers union for the Paris region, under a motorway bridge some 30 kilometres outside of Paris. But he added: We all want to return to our farms and our animals. Attal is due to announce new measures in a speech to parliament, after the main farmers union judged that a first battery of measures announced on Friday did not go far enough. Advertisement The watchword is to stay as long as we do not have an answer to the main issues, Thomas Robin, a cereals farmer producer and also of the FDSEA, told AFP. French farmers are angry about incomes, red tape and environmental policies they say undermine their ability to compete with other countries and have left France increasingly dependent on imports. Advertisement Ecologists however fear more concessions from the government could undermine its environmental pledges. With inputs from agencies The leaders of the intelligence services from Shin Bet and Mossad, as well as representatives from the US, Qatar, and Egypt, drafted the proposed agreement, which defines a step-by-step procedure Palestinian terrorist group Hamas announced on Tuesday that it is mulling over a plan that was hammered out in Paris to put an end to the conflict between Israel and the militant group in Gaza. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh confirms that the movement received the proposal which was circulated at the (Paris) meeting and that it (Hamas) is in the process of examining it and delivering its response, Hamas said in a statement on social media platform Telegram. Advertisement Meanwhile, The Times of Israel reported that Hamas appears to have rejected a framework for a possible hostage compromise with Israel, stating that it will not accept any agreement if the removal of all Israeli troops from Gaza is not included. The plan was apparently approved by Israel during talks in Paris to gain the release of hostages held by the Hamas organization, but it was later rejected. In a joint statement, Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine insisted that any accord have to involve ending the current conflict and pulling out all Israeli troops from Gaza. According to The Times of Israel, the group emphasized that before any exchange agreement can be taken into consideration, Israel must stop its aggression. Advertisement An early end to hostilities appears to be at odds with the groups objective for a complete and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, according to a senior Hamas official. The leaders of the intelligence services from Shin Bet and Mossad, as well as representatives from the US, Qatar, and Egypt, drafted the proposed agreement, which defines a step-by-step procedure. Advertisement As part of the agreement, all Israeli hostages would be freed, with the most vulnerable beings being women, children, the elderly, and the sick. There will be phased pauses in Israels attack against Hamas while the hostages were being released. As per the agreement, Israel would free a significant number of Palestinian prisoners and let increased aid to reach Gaza. The bodies, which had been detained in Israel, were turned over through the Kerem Shalom crossing, which is under Israeli control. According to officials, the dead will be interred in mass graves in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah The bodies of many Palestinians who were killed by Israeli forces during the recent Gaza conflict were turned over to Palestinian authorities by Israel on Tuesday, according to health officials in the Palestinian territory. The bodies, which had been detained in Israel, were turned over through the Kerem Shalom crossing, which is under Israeli control. According to officials, the dead will be interred in mass graves in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah. Advertisement Although the number of bodies turned over was not immediately disclosed by Gazas health ministry, locals estimated that there were about 100 dead. According to Palestinian health officials, the bodies were those of Palestinians who had been slain by Israeli forces during their offensive against Hamas in Gaza. Prior to being transferred on Tuesday, their corpses had been dug up and carried to Israel. Israel refrained from responding to this claim right away. (With agency inputs) YEREVAN, JANUARY 30, ARMENPRESS. Italian architect Alberto Collet, distinguished by his extensive international expertise and a profound passion for innovative projects, has made an impact in Armenia, too. His contribution includes spearheading the "Reflection of Infinity" project in collaboration with his team during the MEDS Gyumri workshop. In an interview with "Armenpress," Collet shares insights into his journey to Armenia, the successful realization of the project, and outlines his visionary plans for the country. Coming from the Veneto region in Italy, Collet's architectural endeavors have led him to diverse European cities, with Barcelona standing as his current place of residence. - Could you please provide some insights into your background? Specifically, where were you born, and raised, and what professional path have you pursued? I currently live in Barcelona; Spain and I was born in the Veneto region in the northwest of Italy. I have studied at the University IUAV, Faculty of Architecture in Venice. Here I learned about Armenians and Armenian culture for the first time. During my degree, I have had the opportunity to take different courses, workshops, and seminars that have given me the possibility of relating both to the national and international panorama. Later I got my postgraduate degree in Urban Design at ArsNova Siena and then I acquired a double Masters degree at Domus Academy and University of Wales, in Milan. Years later I studied at the ETSAB in Barcelona. I have also started my PhD at the FAUP in Porto, Portugal, researching the work of Alvaro Siza. Throughout this time, I have been founding the Bauart studio and the Alternative Academic Project (AAP), a laboratory dedicated to innovative projects for public and private entities, mainly dealing with the organization of architecture workshops. I have developed an intense collaboration with different universities, including the Polytechnic University of Milan, where I currently work as a professor of architectural design. - You mentioned that your first acquaintance with Armenia occurred in Venice. Could you please share more details about that experience? I began to relate to Armenian culture during my university years in Venice. I started reading some books there and visited the island of Saint Lazarus. Years later I have had the possibility of meeting several members of the Armenian community of Buenos Aires in Argentina and from there discovering its history in the broadest sense, its cultural and spiritual heritage. Etchmiadzin Cathedral, built in the 4th century, is one of the oldest examples of Christian architecture. I have always had a lot of admiration for the Armenian diaspora, which has brought Armenian culture to various parts of the world, keeping their identity. - In August, you were hosted and took part in the MEDS Gyumri project. Could you share some details about the process and describe the professional and emotional impact it had on you? A few months before participating in the MEDS Gyumri project, I had prepared a very simple concept of a project for an important ephemeral architecture competition in Spain, for which I had not been selected. When I saw the announcement that they were looking for tutors for an architectural workshop in Armenia, with a project proposal, I thought that I could rethink and adapt my concept to the requirements of that workshop. I didn't have much information about the place as initially, the area had to be outside of the city of Gyumri. So, I spent entire days studying the city from a distance, proposing options to the MEDS organization, but the proposed places were not realistic at that time. Therefore, I had a concept of a minimal pavilion but did not know where this would be placed until I arrived in Gyumri. I remember that the first element that struck me was the stones of the buildings when I arrived in Armenia, almost like a watercolor, having different gradations of color and changing tones. After seeing that, I wanted to reinterpret those features of the black tuff by incorporating them inside the small element. - What motivated your decision to become involved in the MEDS project? Surely the main reason to get involved with Meds was to participate in a project workshop that can be built. Previously I had participated in different workshops, as a collaborator, tutor, and organizer, in landscape contexts, international cooperation, land art, urban planning, and architectural projects, but none of them were focused on construction. This aspect interested me and continues to interest me a lot. On the other hand, the Armenian context from the beginning has seemed very novel, and exotic, a way of getting to know a cultural history that in my opinion deserves more attention. I needed to experiment and test some elements that I wanted to implement in the field of ephemeral architecture. - What significant discoveries did you make during your time in Armenia? Which areas of the country did you have the opportunity to explore? The landscape is something that always remains imprinted on me in the territories I visit. The shape of the stone, its color, and its texture fascinate me very much, as it was in Armenia. During the construction of the pavilion, I did not have time to explore some new places. However, the sponsor of our project, PROFAL Company organized an excursion for our team. It started with Lake Sevan which surprised me with its water color, its pure and crystalline shores but also with the presence of several historical monasteries. After that, we visited the Dilijan National Park, where I was fascinated by the large oaks, oriental fagus, and hornbeams. In the last part of the excursion, I had a chance to visit Yerevan, being able to appreciate the orientation towards Mount Ararat, getting lost in its streets with its lively bars in a mixture of scales, from small to large at the same time. My tour through the center made me breathe a constant relationship with Europe and Mediterranean culture. - Please elaborate on your project, the Pavilion. What is the concept behind this architectural monument, and what prompted its installation in the territory of Gyumri, Mother Armenia? Our project is called Reflection of Infinity. The orientation of the pavilion is towards the Black Fortress (Sev Berd), an important nineteenth-century fortress where lots of historical events took place. The Pavilion serves as an observation point covered with a mirroring element. This reflection connects the statue of Mother Armenia to another important element representing in this way the strength, resilience, and protectiveness of the Armenian people. The design incorporates reflective surfaces, and a black-painted interior to symbolize the connection with the black tuff. At the same time, the pavilion becomes a dynamic game for many children visiting this park. Reflection of Infinity represents a beacon of hope and a symbol of revival. Its purpose transcends mere aesthetics. Since it was prepared by architecture and design professionals from different countries, it stands as a testimony to the power of collaboration with the promise of a brighter future for this resilient city. Representing a symbol of unity and progress, this structure is an icon that ushers in a new era for Gyumri, where past and present coexist in harmony, and the future is as bright as the reflections on its mirrored surface. - What is the focus of your current project, and what are your plans for Armenia? Currently, I am keeping my main focus on domestic architecture and the evolution of architectural competitions in the European context, and in parallel, I am developing a more systematic planning of ideas for ephemeral architecture projects that could be presented in these contexts. I think that in Armenia there are many places where the idea of flexible elements that can be part of dynamic processes could be implemented. I will also be happy to collaborate with different institutions, cultural centers, companies, etc. who see the possibility of generating synergy throughout the Armenian national context but also creating a connection in the European context. Anna Hakobyan Pelosi found herself surrounded by protesters as she tried to enter a parked vehicle to depart. They attempted to elicit a response from her, asserting that other members of the Democratic Party were also advocating for a ceasefire. Pelosi then exclaimed, Go back to China Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was captured on camera asking pro-Palestinian protesters outside her residence to go back to China, alleging that their headquarters were situated there. The protesters were reportedly demanding a cessation of hostilities in the ongoing Hamas conflict. Nancy Pelosi absolutely LOSES it after pro-Palestinian protesters take over her driveway, trigger her into shouting match: GET OUT OF MY WAY! GO BACK TO CHINA WHERE YOU CAME FROM! pic.twitter.com/cm5D2YlUkz Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 29, 2024 Advertisement She made these remarks when she found herself surrounded by protesters as she tried to enter a parked vehicle to depart. They attempted to elicit a response from her, asserting that other members of the Democratic Party were also advocating for a ceasefire. Pelosi then exclaimed, Go back to China, thats where your headquarters is. Just a day earlier, Pelosi faced criticism for suggesting that some pro-Palestinian protesters are connected to Russia. We have to think about what were doing, and what we have to do is try to stop the suffering in Gaza but for them to call for a ceasefire is Mr. Putins message, she said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Make no mistake, this is directly connected to what he would like to see, she added. The comments came as pro-Palestinian protesters demanding a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza have consistently interrupted President Joe Bidens events as well as Pelosis own recent event in Seattle. I think some of these protesters are spontaneous and organic and sincere, Pelosi said. Some, I think, are connected to Russia. And I say that having looked at this for a long time now, as you know, she added. When asked whether she thought some pro-Palestinian protests were Russian plants, the California Democrat responded, I dont think theyre plants. Advertisement I think some financing should be investigated, Pelosi said, and I want to ask the FBI to investigate that. She swiftly received criticism from the head of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Nihad Awad, who said the organization was deeply disturbed and called Pelosis suggestion that the FBI investigate the protesters downright authoritarian. Advertisement We are deeply disturbed by Former House Speaker Pelosis comments. Rep. Pelosis claim that some of the Americans protesting for a Gaza ceasefire are working with Vladimir Putin sounds delusional and her call for the FBI to investigate those protesters without any evidence is downright authoritarian, CNN quoted Awad as saying in a statement. Advertisement Her comments once again show the negative impact of decades of dehumanization of the Palestinian people by those supporting Israeli apartheid. Instead of baselessly smearing those Americans as Russian collaborators, former House Speaker Pelosi and other political leaders should respect the will of the American people by calling for an end to the Netanyahu governments genocidal war on the people of Gaza, the statement added. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Following succinct arguments last week, an Illinois board hearing officer declared that because to the intricate constitutional issues at hand, the courts, not election officials, should determine Trumps legitimacy Following a recommendation to remove Donald Trump due to his violation of the Constitutions insurrection clause, the Illinois electoral board is set to deliberate on Tuesday on whether to retain him on the states primary ballot. Just over a week before the US Supreme Court will hear arguments in a related Colorado case, the Democratic-and Republican-run Illinois State Board of Elections is holding its meeting. Because of his involvement in the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, the states top court determined that Trump was unable to vote under the 14th Amendment. Advertisement Following succinct arguments last week, an Illinois board hearing officer declared that because to the intricate constitutional issues at hand, the courts, not election officials, should determine Trumps legitimacy. However, the retired Republican judge Clark Ericksons ruling came to the conclusion that a preponderance of the evidence shown that Trump participated in rebellion and ought to be disqualified from the race. The 14th Amendments Section 3 prohibits anybody who took an oath to uphold the Constitution and subsequently engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding office, as stated by five voters in their petition. This clause dates back to the Civil War and makes Trump ineligible. The attempt to keep Trumps name off Illinois March 19 primary ballot by raising federal constitutional questions is similar to efforts in several other states. The push has notched successes in Colorado and in Maine, where the Democratic secretary of state also recommended removing Trump from the ballot. That decision is on hold pending an eventual ruling from the US Supreme Court. Advertisement Free Speech for People, a national voting rights group that is helping lead the Illinois effort, praised the recommendation as significant and argued that Illinois law allows the board to make the ballot decision. We expect that the board and ultimately Illinois courts will uphold Judge Ericksons thoughtful analysis of why Trump is disqualified from office, but with the greatest respect correct him on why Illinois law authorizes that ruling, Ron Fein, legal director for the group, wrote in a Sunday statement. Advertisement Trumps campaign has not returned messages seeking comment. The eight-member Illinois election board is split evenly between Democrats and Republicans. To side with the objectors and remove Trumps name, a majority has to vote in favor. If the vote is tied 4-4, the effort fails and Trumps name would remain on the ballot. Footage shows many undercover forces, some appearing to sport fake beards and others dressed as Muslim women, carrying guns or, in one case, a wheelchair scouring the hospital corridors The CCTV footage of Jenins Ibn Sina hospital where on Tuesday morning Israeli forces killed three alleged Hamas operatives planning an October 7-like attack has come to fore showing how the troops entered the hospital under a guise and shot down the terrorists. The Hamas terrorists were reportedly shot dead while in bed. Advertisement The 45-second CCTV footage shows many undercover forces, some appearing to sport fake beards and others dressed as Muslim women, carrying guns or, in one case, a wheelchair scouring the hospital corridors. : " ' . pic.twitter.com/Gu5bTiNQvK (@hanan_green) January 30, 2024 Source: X/@hanan_green As per reports, the operation was carried out jointly by the IDF, Shin Bet and Yamam special police unit and the troops took just 10 minutes to take out the three terrorists. The operation was carried out in silence with guns fitted with suppressors. The IDF troops, who were part of the op, dressed as doctors, nurses and Palestinian women pretended they were going to a hiding room on the third floor. Advertisement One of the three terrorists killed have been identified as Muhammad Jalamneh, 27, who was planning to arm shooters for an attack and was previously injured while making a car bomb. He is said to be in contact with Hamas foreign headquarters, the Times of Israel said. The report referred to some Hebrew media outlets as claiming that Jalamneh was a spokesperson for Hamas military wing in the Jenin camp. Advertisement Also Read: 10-min Op: Dressed as doctors, nurses, IDF kills 3 Hamas terrorists plotting Oct 7-like attack in Jenin hospital The IDF identified the rest as brothers Muhammad and Basel Ghazawi. While Muhammad was allegedly involved in shooting incidents on Israeli forces, Basel was, reportedly, a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Advertisement The Israeli forces cited the elimination of these three at a hospital as another example of the cynical use by terror groups of civilian spaces and hospitals as cover and as human shields. With inputs from agencies All things considered, the accelerated talks and heightened cooperation indicate a strong alliance between France and India. In addition to bolstering Indias air strength, the Rafale agreement is expected to create the groundwork for a defense ecosystem that is more technologically independent The agreement between India and France to expedite price discussions for the acquisition of 26 Rafale M (Marine) fighter jets is a big step forward for Indias air defense capability. Both countries have decided to give the agreement top priority following the forthcoming general elections in India, recognizing its significance. A total of 22 single-seater Rafale M aircraft, built especially for aircraft carrier operations, will be acquired by the Indian Navy from IAC-I and II. Four Rafale B (Marine) twin-seat versions will also be used for pilot training. Advertisement The negotiations resulted in significant advancements for Indias long-term defense autonomy beyond the immediate acquisition. An important step toward independence has been taken by France with its commitment to increase the sourcing of Rafale components from India. In order to demonstrate this dedication, the semi-structural airframe for the Rafale will shortly be produced and delivered from Dassault Aviation to DRAL. France has consented to set up an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility for the M-88 engines that power the Rafale planes, further solidifying Indias strategic position. In addition to meeting Indias demands, this facility will act as a regional center for maintaining the engines of other Asian Rafale operators. All things considered, the accelerated talks and heightened cooperation indicate a strong alliance between France and India. In addition to bolstering Indias air strength, the Rafale agreement is expected to create the groundwork for a defense ecosystem that is more technologically independent. The Indian Navy has increased its surveillance apparatus in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden after several merchant vessels have been targeted by Houthis in the Red Sea with missiles and drones following the Israel-Hamas war Indian warship INS Sumitra carried out another successful anti-piracy operation off the East Coast of Somalia, rescuing 19 Pakistani sailors from and their fishing vessel Al Naeemi from 11 Somali Pirates on Monday. This was the second anti-piracy operation carried out by Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sumitra after it responded to an SOS call from another fishing vessel on Sunday. Advertisement INS Sumitra was again pressed into action, to locate and intercept another Iranian flagged fishing vessel Al Naeemi, which had been boarded by pirates and her Crew (19 Pakistani Nationals) taken hostage. Responding swiftly to the developing situation Sumitra intercepted the FV (fishing vessel) on PM 29 Jan 24 and through coercive posturing and effective deployment of her integral helo and boats compelled the safe release of the crew and the vessel, the Indian Navy said. The ship also undertook confirmatory boarding to sanitise and also to check on the well-being of the crew who were held captive by the Somali pirates, the Indian Navy added. INS Sumitra rescues 36 crew from two hijacked vessels According to a statement issued by the Indian Navy, INS Sumitra, over the course of less than 36 hours, through swift, persistent and relentless efforts has rescued two hijacked Fishing Vessels along with 36 Crew (17 Iranian and 19 Pakistani) in Southern Arabian Sea approximately 850 nm West of Kochi, and prevented misuse of these Fishing Vessels as Mother Ships for further acts of Piracy on Merchant Vessels. Advertisement #INSSumitra Carries out 2nd Successful #AntiPiracy Ops Rescuing 19 Crew members & Vessel from Somali Pirates. Having thwarted the Piracy attempt on FV Iman, the warship has carried out another successful anti-piracy ops off the East Coast of Somalia, rescuing Fishing Vessel Al https://t.co/QZz9bCihaU pic.twitter.com/6AonHw51KX SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 30, 2024 Advertisement The Indian Navy has once again proved its commitment in the region to act against all maritime threats in order to ensure safety of all mariners and vessels at sea, the statement added. Advertisement INS Sumitra is Indian Navys indigenous Offshore Patrol Vessel. Earlier on Monday the Indian Navy said, INS Sumitra was deployed for Anti-Piracy and Maritime Security Operations East of Somalia and Gulf of Aden. The warship on PM 28 Jan 24 had responded to a distress message regarding hijacking of an Iranian flagged Fishing Vessel (FV) Iman, which had been boarded by pirates and the crew taken as hostages. The FV was intercepted by INS Sumitra and following the SOPs and coercive posturing the vessel and her Crew (17 Iranian Nationals) were safely rescued in the early hours of 29 Jan 24. FV Iman was sanitised and released for onward transit. Advertisement The Indian Navy has significantly increased its surveillance apparatus in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden after several merchant vessels have been targeted by Iran-backed Yemens Houthi terrorists in the Red Sea with missiles and drones following the Israel-Hamas war which began on 7 October, 2023. The Indian Navy has deployed frontline destroyers and frigates in view of the recent attacks on merchant vessels. Indian student Neel Acharya, a double major in computer science and data science at the John Martinson Honors College of Purdue University, was reported missing on social media on Sunday Neel Acharya, an Indian student studying at Purdue University in Indiana state of the United States, who was reported missing since Sunday has been confirmed dead. As per the office of Tippecanoe County Coroner, officials were called to identify a body on Sunday to the 500 Allison Road in West Lafayette for a possible dead body. Upon arrival, they found a college-aged male deceased on Purdues campus. Advertisement The deceased student was identified as Neel Acharya, a double major in computer science and data science at the John Martinson Honors College of Purdue University. He was reported missing on social media on Sunday. In an email addressed to the universitys computer science department on Monday, interim CS head Chris Clifton told students and faculty of Neels death, The Exponent reported. It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our students, Neel Acharya, has passed away, Clifton was quoted as saying by The Exponent. My condolences go out to his friends, family, and all affected, it added. Clifton further said he received an email from the Office of the Dean of Students confirming Acharyas death. Advertisement A deceased person was found that matched Neels description and had Neels ID on (him), he said. Earlier on Monday, Gourya Acharya, mother of Neel, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that her son was missing since 28 January, 2024. He was last seen by the Uber driver who dropped him off in Purdue University. Advertisement In her post, she also said the family is looking for any information on Neel. Advertisement In another post she said, We need more details from the Uber driver that dropped him to get more information on him. Advertisement Responding to Gourya Acharyas post, Indias Consulate General in Chicago said, (The) Consulate is in touch with Purdue University authorities and also with Neels family. Consulate will extend all possible support and help. Consulate is in touch with Purdue University authorities and also with Neels family. Consulate will extend all possible support and help. @IndianEmbassyUS @MEAIndia @SandhuTaranjitS India in Chicago (@IndiainChicago) January 29, 2024 Advertisement His roommate and friend Aryan Khanolkar, said Neel was a loving, charismatic soul, and will be cherished by all of us. Neel Acharya, the missing Purdue student, has been confirmed dead, according to an email from the interim head of the Department of Computer Science. A friend said, "He was a loving, caring, charismatic soul."https://t.co/3AO7QE3M0P Purdue Exponent (@purdueexponent) January 29, 2024 Advertisement Neel Acharyas death follows the news of a brutal murder of another Indian student Vivek Saini, who was killed with repeated blows from a hammer by a homeless man, Julian Faulkner, inside a convenience store in Lithonia, Georgia, US, where he worked a part-time job. Advertisement Last week, another Indian student, 18-year-old Akul Dhawan, was found dead outside the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He took admission in the University of Illinois Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering to study robotics. With inputs from agencies Trudeau has run into troubled waters with India too on a similar issue. New Delhi has long pointed at Trudeau using Khalistani terrorists on its soil for his narrow political games and gains Even as Iran-US relations are at a new low following a deadly drone attack on American troops in Jordan, Tehran allegedly hired two Canadians to carry out assassinations on US soil. The scandal was blown open after the US Department of Justice unsealed an indictment. According to the unsealed documents, the Iranian, an alleged drug dealer, was being handled by an officer in Iranian ministry of intelligence. Advertisement Trudeaus Love for IRGC On the other hand, the alleged involvement of Canadian nationals has raised serious concerns about Ottawas own behaviour when it comes to dealing with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Canada watchers burst into angry reactions in the wake of these revelations, accusing Justin Trudeau of providing safe haven to terrorists. While Ottawa has kept reiterating that it would place IRGC on its list of terror organisations, it has not moved an inch in the direction. Canada has often referred to the IRGC as a terror body and announced that it would not allow entry to its top leadership, yet it has shied away from formally designating IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Incidentally, a wing of IRGCQuds Forcehas found itself on this list that names 73 entities in all. Advertisement Trudeau has run into troubled waters with India too on a similar issue. New Delhi has long pointed at Trudeau using Khalistani terrorists on its soil for his narrow political games and gains. The US Department of Justice describes this case as part of a disturbing pattern of transnational repression, where operatives from countries like Iran and China target dissidents with harassment, intimidation, and violence. Who is this Iranian Agent? The Iranian man, Naji Sharifi Zindashti, has been charged alongside two Canadians for conspiring to kill two individuals, including a defector from Iran, who sought refuge in the United States. Advertisement Zindashti, believed to be residing in Iran, is accused of operating a criminal network on behalf of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security, orchestrating acts of transnational repression against critics of the regime. The plot, allegedly involving Zindashti and the two Canadians, was disrupted between December 2020 and March 2021. Advertisement Although the intended victims were not named, prosecutors revealed that they had fled to the US after one individual defected from Iran. Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen emphasised the message to those plotting on US soil, stating that the Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue justice. Zindashti is portrayed as a drug trafficker, coordinating criminal activities that include assassinations and kidnappings. In response, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Zindashti and associates, prohibiting them from engaging in US business transactions. Advertisement The UK also imposed sanctions, citing threats to the lives of 15 Iranians on British soil in the past two years, allegedly orchestrated by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard through organized crime groups. Who are the Canadian Assassins? The indictment reveals that Zindashti collaborated with two Canadian men, Damion Patrick John Ryan and Adam Richard Pearson, using encrypted messaging to recruit potential assassins for the murders in the US. Advertisement Ryan, identified as a full-patch member of the outlaw Hells Angels motorcycle club, and Pearson are currently imprisoned in Canada on unrelated charges. Damion Patrick John Ryan is, reportedly, a member of the Hells Angels criminal gang and allegedly assembled a team of hitmen in the late 2020s and early 2021s. He was allegedly working with another Canadian Adam Richard Pearson, an illegal residing in Minnesota. Advertisement All three defendants, charged in federal court in Minnesota, face allegations of conspiracy to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. Pearson also faces additional firearms charges. This case is not the first directed at Iranian efforts against perceived political opponents, with previous charges involving plots against an Iranian American author and activist, as well as a failed attempt to assassinate John Bolton, the former Trump administration national security adviser. What Iran has been allegedly doing has been dubbed as transnational repressiongoing outside ones borders to muzzle and target dissidents As the unsealing of an indictment by the US Department of Justice revealed that Iran allegedly hired Canadian assassins to eliminate dissidents on American soil, there emerged another plot by Iran to kill two UK-based TV presenters in British. What Iran has been allegedly doing has been dubbed as transnational repressiongoing outside ones borders to muzzle and target dissidents. Advertisement The targeting of Sima Sabet and Fardad Farahzadthey worked for the TV news station London-based Iran Internationalwas just one of at least 15 credible threats to kill or kidnap British nationals and others living in the UK since the beginning of 2022, The Guardian reported on the authority of British officials. The Guardian quoted Sabet: The Islamic Republic suppresses people inside, and also those critical of the regime outside, adding to instability and tensions in other countries. It wont change its behaviour unless it feels the pressure. Farahzad told The Guardian that it was alarming to witness the lengths to which the Iranian government is willing to go to silence journalists and suppress freedom of expression. Such actions are a stark reminder of the challenges and dangers that journalists face, particularly when reporting on issues that are critical or sensitive to authoritarian regimes. Advertisement The United States and the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a network of people for targeting anti-Iran activists, the US Treasury Department said. According to the department, the network is run by Irans Ministry of Intelligence and Security. The Guardian quoted BBC staffers in London as having told the media outlet that they feared walking outside alone after being harassed by the Iranian authorities. They were warned: We can do whatever we want in London. Advertisement Irans hands in the US Tehran allegedly hired two Canadians to carry out assassinations on US soil. The scandal was blown open after the US Department of Justice unsealed an indictment. According to the unsealed documents, the Iranian, an alleged drug dealer, was being handled by an officer in Iranian ministry of intelligence. The US Department of Justice described this case as part of a disturbing pattern of transnational repression, where operatives from countries like Iran and China target dissidents with harassment, intimidation, and violence. Advertisement The Iranian man, Naji Sharifi Zindashti, has been charged alongside two Canadians for conspiring to kill two individuals, including a defector from Iran, who sought refuge in the United States. Zindashti, believed to be residing in Iran, is accused of operating a criminal network on behalf of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security, orchestrating acts of transnational repression against critics of the regime. The plot, allegedly involving Zindashti and the two Canadians, was disrupted between December 2020 and March 2021. Advertisement (with inputs from Reuters) Mike Johnson is considered as one of the staunchest supporters of Israel in the US. Ohana has ensured he puts forth the right message from Israel since he has invited several Hamas hostages who have been released lately as well as their family members Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana would be in the US in the first week of February on the invitation of Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to drum up support for Israels war on Hamas. Mike Johnson is considered as one of the staunchest supporters of Israel in the US. Ohana has ensured he puts forth the right message from Israel since he has invited several Hamas hostages who have been released lately as well as their family members. Advertisement Those invited to accompany Ohana include Emily Hand,9, who had been released from Hamas captivity, her father Thomas Hand; Zvika and Efrat Mor, parents of Eitan Mor who is still in captivity; Ali al-Ziadana, whose brothers Aisha and Bilaal were released, but brother Yosef and his brother-in-law Hamza still in Hamas clutches. The Israeli delegation would also comprise MKs from Opposition and the coalition. According to Jerusalem Post, the meeting between Amir Ohana and counterpart Mike Johnson is expected in Congress on February 6. Ohana would have a packed schedule since he intends to hold meetings with several senior members of Congress, Jewish organizations in the US and would also address the Inter-Parliamentary Union at the United Nations headquarters. The largest agricultural producer in the European Union has seen a wave of demonstrations in recent weeks, with farmers calling for increased compensation and a loosening of environmental regulations that they claim make it harder for them to compete with less restrictive nations Tuesday marks the start of French President Emmanuel Macrons two-day official visit to Sweden, a Nordic nation that is about to join NATO in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Macron departed for Stockholm on Monday night, coinciding with the irate French farmers start of barricades around Paris. The largest agricultural producer in the European Union has seen a wave of demonstrations in recent weeks, with farmers calling for increased compensation and a loosening of environmental regulations that they claim make it harder for them to compete with less restrictive nations. Advertisement The spectacle of tractors obstructing the roadways leading to the French city will stand in stark contrast to the grandeur of the dinners and receptions that King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia are hosting in the capital of Sweden. Macron is due to speak in Stockholm on Tuesday at a press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, just before his Prime Minister Gabriel Attal presents his general policy statement to the French parliament. European defence will be a key topic during Macron and Kristerssons meeting, which takes place as the war in Ukraine nears its third year. Renewed threats on the European continent are leading Sweden and France to take concrete steps to strengthen our defence ties. Both through our countries strong defence industries and by becoming NATO allies as soon as possible, Macron and Kristersson wrote in articles published in newspapers Les Echos and Dagens Nyheter. Advertisement Sweden dropped two centuries of military non-alignment and applied for NATO membership in 2022 in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine. After more than a year of delays, Turkeys parliament ratified Swedens bid last week, leaving Hungary the lone holdout. NATO membership applications require unanimous ratification by all alliance members. Kristersson is expected to discuss the issue with his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban in Brussels on Thursday, on the sidelines of a European Council meeting. Advertisement Macron, who will visit Ukraine in February, is set to address defence issues in a speech on Tuesday afternoon to Swedish officers at the Military Academy Karlberg. France and Sweden are due to sign a declaration of intent on air defence and air surveillance systems, while arms companies Saab and MBDA are expected to agree on a contract on the development of the Akeron anti-tank missile in the next few days, according to government officials. Advertisement The two leaders will also sign a new bilateral strategic partnership, according to the French presidency. Macron will then head to the southern Swedish town of Lund on Wednesday for, among other things, a visit to the under-construction European Spallation Source (ESS), a scientific neutron research centre co-financed by France and 12 other European countries. YEREVAN, JANUARY 30, ARMENPRESS. Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan has met with the head of the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) Markus Ritter. In a readout, the Security Council Office said Grigoryan and Ritter discussed the course of activities of the EU civilian monitoring mission (EUMA) and the European Councils decision to increase the number of the EUMA personnel. Grigoryan and Ritter emphasized that the deployment of the civilian mission plays an important role in terms of ensuring stability and security in the region. 60% of managers of the MNCs said the Israel-Hamas war had minimal impact on their business in Israel, 30% thought the impact was limited Israels war on Hamas has had minimal effect on the countrys multi-national corporations (MNCs), according to a new report by Israel Advanced Technology Industries (IATI), an umbrella organisation for tech firms operating in Israel. The report, according to the Times of Israel, cited a survey conducted by global accounting giant Ernst & Young (E&Y). Advertisement Of the 60 managers of MNCs interviewed about the wars impact on operations, 60 per cent said the war had minimal impact on their business in Israel; 30 per cent thought the impact was limited; 10 per cent considered the impact to be severe. According to Times of Israel, IATI report was presented at the bodys annual meet of CEOs of MNCs in Israel on Sunday. The forum was also attended and addressed by Israel President Isaac Herzog. Returning from the front, removing the uniform, and resuming work, while their memories and perhaps even traumas remain in Gaza, are substantial events and, as such, I call upon you, at every opportunity and at all times, to preserve the rights and standing of those who have been away for three months, Herzog was quoted as saying by the Times of Israel. Advertisement The IATI report cited by the media outlet noted that 430 MNCs, with an employee strength of 86,000 workers, were operating on Israeli soil and made up nearly 18 per cent of the countrys high-tech force. The top 10 largest multinational companies Intel Corp, Nvidia, Google, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Applied Materials, IBM, Philips, Apple employ 37 per cent of workers, or over 31,000, mainly in areas of R&D, but also manufacturing, and logistics the Times of Israel said. Over the last weekend, eleven UNRWA donor countriesthe United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Finland, France, Switzerland, and Japansuspended funding to the agency considering the evidence provided by Israel. Despite exhortations from UN chief Antonio Guterres for not ceasing funding to UNRWA, the list of nations censoring the body that deals with humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees continues to grow. New Zealand is the latest to have suspended funding UNRWA. New Zealand became the 13th country to have done so, following most of the major donors such as the US and UK. Advertisement These reactions started rolling out after Israel shared with the US last Friday a dossier detailing alleged complicity of UNRWA staffers in the October 7 massacre in cahoots with Hamas. Austria Monday became the 12th country to suspend funding for UNRWA. Over the last weekend, eleven UNRWA donor countriesthe United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Finland, France, Switzerland, and Japansuspended funding to the agency considering the evidence provided by Israel. UN chief Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, has strongly urged these countries to lift the funding sanctions and guarantee the continuity of UNRWAs operations. The tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalised. The dire needs of the desperate populations they serve must be met, Guterres said. Northern Ireland has been without a devolved administration for over two years after the DUP pulled out in protest of trade laws that it said imposed barriers to the rest of the United Kingdom and damaged Northern Irelands status within it The head of Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) said that it has struck an agreement with the British government on the implementation of post-Brexit trade regulations, allowing it to rejoin the regions power-sharing administration. Northern Ireland has been without a devolved administration for over two years after the DUP pulled out in protest of trade laws that it said imposed barriers to the rest of the United Kingdom and damaged Northern Irelands status within it. Advertisement The largest pro-British party in the region has returned to power, ending one of the most challenging aspects of Britains exit from the European Union and providing a way out of a crisis that threatened the political settlement that underpinned the peace deal in Northern Ireland in 1998. I am pleased to report that the party executive has now endorsed the proposals that I have put to them, Jeffrey Donaldson told a news conference in the early hours of Tuesday morning after an hours-long briefing to DUP lawmakers and party members. Subject to the binding commitments between the Democratic Unionist Party and the UK government being fully and faithfully delivered as agreed the package of measures in totality does provide a basis for our party to nominate members to the Northern Ireland executive, he added. Any agreement ran the danger of causing division within the DUP and giving opponentssuch as the much smaller Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) partymore ammo to reject any kind of compromise in the run-up to the UK general election, which is scheduled for late January of next year. Advertisement After months of tightly guarded discussions, some fifty protestors, some with posters reading Stop DUP sellout and clutching Union Jack flags, gathered outside the hotel where Donaldson briefed party members earlier. The DUP leader declared that the votes outcome was very clear and that the party had taken a determined choice. Sinn Fein leader Advertisement Donaldson said the measures, which will be underpinned by new UK laws, will remove checks for goods moving within the UK and remaining in Northern Ireland, guarantee unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses to the UK market and safeguard the regions place in the UK. He said London would publish details in due course and could move quickly to enable the DUP to take its place back in Belfasts Stormont Assembly. Advertisement Irish nationalists and pro-British unionist politicians are obliged to share power under the terms of the 1998 Good Friday peace accord that ended three decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. Britains Northern Ireland Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said on social media platform X that the parties entitled to form an executive would meet later on Tuesday and that he hoped the assembly would return as soon as possible. Advertisement Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, whose Irish nationalist party became the largest in the British-run region for the first time at elections shortly after the DUP walkout, said she was optimistic that the assembly would be restored by Feb. 8. That will allow Sinn Fein to assume the role of Northern Ireland first minister, the latest political milestone for the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) who want to leave the United Kingdom and form a united Ireland. A day after Ukrainian media quoted sources as saying that Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi may soon be, or has already been, dismissed, Ukraines Defense Ministry on Tuesday rubbished the reports as not true' A day after Ukrainian media quoted sources as saying that Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi may soon be, or has already been, dismissed, Ukraines Defense Ministry on Tuesday rubbished the reports as not true'. Dear journalists, were answering everyone at once: No, this is not true, the ministry posted on Telegram Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelenskys Press Secretary Serhii Nykyforov reported that the president didnt dismiss Zaluzhnyi. Meduza, a Russian and English language independent news website, citing sources, called the information about his dismissal fake. During his evening video address, Zelensky didnt mention anything about Zaluzhnyi. One of the first to report on Zaluzhnyis alleged dismissal without specifying the source was the Telegram channel Truexa (2.5 million subscribers), which wrote that Zaluzhnyi had already been removed from his post. Citing a source close to the countrys military and political leadership, the news agency Interfax Ukraine wrote that an agreement on the dismissal was reached during a meeting between Zaluzhnyi and Zelensky. The source did not provide further details. Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko said that Zaluzhnyi had announced his dismissal, though the decree had not yet been signed. Outlet Censor.net cited a source that stated that the decree had been signed but not yet published because of consultations with foreign partners. Advertisement Ukrainian journalist Roman Tsymbaliuk said that Zaluzhnyi would be replaced by Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the countrys Main Intelligence Directorate. A source in the Ukrainian leadership who is familiar with the situation told Meduza that information about Zaluzhnyis imminent dismissal is fake and that there would be no dismissals in the near future. Another source confirmed this statement. Advertisement With inputs from agencies The currency notes will be incorporated with advanced international security features, said Jameel Ahmed, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, adding that the transition would be gradual so that Pakistan does not face any disruption. With an aim to deal with the menace of counterfeit currencies in the cash-strapped country, Pakistans central bank has announced to introduction of new currency notes with enhanced security features including distinct security numbers and designs to modernise the Pakistani currency. The currency notes will be incorporated with advanced international security features, said Jameel Ahmed, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, adding that the transition would be gradual so that Pakistan does not face any disruption. Advertisement However, some financial experts wonder whether introducing new currency notes could also include demonetisation of the Rs 5,000 or higher denomination notes to combat the counterfeit and black money market. According to experts, cash-strapped Pakistans economy is influenced a lot by the illegal use of black money which is easier due to the circulation of higher denomination notes. It is the right step to ensure the integrity of Pakistans monetary system but will this include demonetisation has to be seen, said Sohail Farooq of the Capital Investment. He confirmed there had been a rise in the use of counterfeit currency notes in the market, concerning the central bank.If new currency notes are circulated, it will ensure reliability in circulation and also give businesses confidence, he said. Advertisement Another banker said the central bank must ensure there is no inconvenience to the public and businesses during the implementation of the new currency. With inputs from PTI. Persistently high freight costs would be likely to prompt sellers of India-origin cargoes to look to Asia for buyers soon, which would tighten supplies into Europe even further ahead of refinery maintenance season, traders and analysts say. As Red Sea security risks drive up freight costs, Indias exports of low-sulphur diesel to Europe are poised to hit a fresh two-year low in January, after an unprecedented high last month, trade sources and analysts told Reuters. Volumes have so far declined by roughly 80% month-on-month to 33,400-58,000 barrels per day (bpd), Kpler, LSEG and Vortexa shiptracking data showed. Advertisement Traders and analysts suggest that the consistently high freight costs may compel sellers of India-origin cargoes to seek buyers in Asia soon. This shift in trade dynamics is anticipated to tighten supplies into Europe even further, particularly in anticipation of the refinery maintenance season. Freight rates on the Asia-Europe route have gained more than 30% in the past week to factor in the war risk premium. Disruptions in the Red Sea coincide with the start of global refining maintenance season, with U.S. outages projected to peak in February and European overhauls around March, analysts at shipbrokers Gibson wrote. Europes largest oil refinery - Shells Pernis plant in the Netherlands - has begun maintenance that will take half its 400,000 bpd capacity offline until mid-April. ExxonMobil is also shutting its 191,000 bpd Rotterdam refinery for maintenance from mid-February to late April. The spread between the two front-month European ICE low-sulphur gasoil futures contracts surged to $23 a ton in backwardation on Monday, the highest since mid-December, indicating market expectations of supply tightness. Advertisement Analysts at Sparta Commodities said that high freight rates were hindering the opening of an arbitrage from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Europe, an important route for supplying Europe after Asia Pacific and the Middle East. The gains witnessed in ICE GO (gasoil) cracks and spreads show resilience and are poised to continue their rise, at least in the short term, Sparta said. Cargoes loading from India typically sail to Europe via the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, a route that has become fraught since Houthi attacks on Red Sea ships, driving up freight costs and rendering the arbitrage effectively shut since the first half of January, Reuters quoted a regional trader dealing with India-origin cargoes as saying. Advertisement The longer voyage distance and time has certainly increased freight costs for delivering cargoes from Asia to Europe, and without sufficiently wide east-west spreads, there is limited incentive for Indian refiners to send more diesel barrels to Europe, said Vortexas head of APAC analysis Serena Huang. Imports from India have also been curbed by lower average crude runs in January due to minor maintenance at some downstream units at Reliances Jamanagar refinery, two trade sources said, citing IIR refinery runs data. Advertisement India-origin exports of aviation fuel to Europe, however, have remained steady with an open arbitrage window and stable demand. Prompt jet fuel swap prices are trading at least $3 a barrel above diesel, equivalent to the additional freight cost premiums, one Europe-based source told Reuters. At least 88,000 bpd of jet fuel for January will likely be bound for Europe, Vortexa and Kpler shiptracking data showed. Advertisement I think its open very much, said an Indian refiner who offers jet fuel export cargoes monthly, referring to the arbitrage window. But freight has been wild. With inputs from Reuters. Supporters argue the band has been unfairly targeted, claiming, Russian authorities found an excuse to detain them. Bi-2 asserts that external pressure, retaliatory to their creativity and views, played a significant role in their detention A rock band with anti-war sentiments, Bi-2, currently touring Thailand, is at risk of being deported to Russia after being arrested for unauthorised shows in Phuket, a popular resort island for Russian tourists, according to activists. Human Rights Watch has urged the Thai government to refrain from deporting the seven-member band, alleging potential persecution by Moscow. Bi-2 is currently detained in Bangkok. Advertisement As per a report, as of now, Thai authorities have not publicly commented on the case or responded to inquiries. The bands official Facebook page revealed they were found guilty on January 26 of performing without the correct permit and are now facing deportation after paying a fine for the breach. Supporters argue the band has been unfairly targeted, claiming, Russian authorities found an excuse to detain them. Bi-2 asserts that external pressure, retaliatory to their creativity and views, played a significant role in their detention. They also allege difficulties in understanding the legal process due to insufficient translation services. Of the bands members, some hold dual citizenship in Australia and Israel, potentially facing deportation to those countries. However, concerns arise for members with solely Russian citizenship who could be sent back to Russia. Russian authorities have yet to comment on the situation or express any intention of seeking deportation. Advertisement The band has previously drawn attention from Russian lawmakers for their anti-Russian stance. In 2023, Egor Bortnik, the frontman, was labeled a foreign agent by Russias justice ministry for opposing the invasion of Ukraine. Despite being outside Russia since 2022, the bands outspoken views have made them a target. A friend of a band member noted on Facebook, Theyve been inconvenient for the Russian government for a while because they are a very big band and they are very obviously anti-war and anti-Putin. Advertisement Thailand, particularly its sought-after holiday spots like Phuket, has witnessed a surge in Russian tourists since the Ukraine war began. With nearly half a million Russians arriving in Phuket in the first half of 2023, the potential deportation of Bi-2 could be a significant test for Prime Minister Srettas governments commitment to human rights. Advertisement This would also mark the first instance of the Thai administration forcibly returning a Russian national to Russia since the conflict began, potentially violating domestic laws against torture and enforced disappearances, as well as international obligations under the UN Convention against torture. (with inputs from Reuters) We shouldnt speak in a way that affects the relationship. We have an obligation to our state that must be considered. President Solih did consider this obligation and issued a Presidential Decree banning the India Out campaign," said Maldives Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim Leader of the Maldives Jumhooree Party (JP) Qasim Ibrahim has urged Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu to issue a formal apology to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the citizens of India, according to a report. Regarding any country, especially a neighbouring one, we shouldnt speak in a way that affects the relationship. We have an obligation to our state that must be considered. President Solih did consider this obligation and issued a Presidential Decree banning the India Out campaign. Now, Yameen is questioning why Muizzu, who participated with him in the India Out Campaign, has not nullified the Presidential Decree, Voice of Maldives, a Maldivian digital news outlet, quoted Ibrahim as saying. Advertisement Ibrahim said that the Presidential Decree should not be nullified as it would only result in a loss to the nation. That cannot be done. I would tell Muizzu that it shouldnt be done. Also, I call on President Muizzu to formally apologise to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi regarding his remarks after the China trip, Ibrahim added. Earlier last year, then Maldives President Ibrahim Solih signed a decree stating that the oppositions India Out campaign is a threat to national security. This allows security agencies to take down campaign banners and provides constitutional cover to take action against opposition parties. The opposition, led by former president Abdulla Yameen of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) was spearheading an India Out campaign for over the last year propagating the unproven claim that Indian military officers stationed in the Indian Ocean island nation are a violation of Maldives sovereignty. Advertisement The campaigns implicit target was the then Maldivian President Solih and the Maldivian Democratic Party, both perceived as close to India. Notably, Solih was one of the prominent Maldives leader to condemn the derogatory remarks made by some junior ministers which led to a diplomatic standoff between the two nations. India and the Maldives on January 14 agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation, according to the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Advertisement The removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was the main campaign plank of Muizzus party during the presidential elections. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the country. On the second day of assuming office, Muizzu officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives. Advertisement Apart from the call for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, a massive row erupted after a Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging and unsavoury references to PM Modis recent Lakshadweep visit and call to develop the Indian archipelago as a global retreat for beach tourism. Advertisement The Maldives government, however, distanced itself from the remarks. With inputs from agencies The ANC said Zumas conduct in campaigning against it was irreconcilable with the partys constitution, adding that Zuma and others whose conduct conflicts with our values and principles will find themselves outside the ANC. South Africas ruling party the African National Congress (ANC) on Monday suspended former President Jacob Zuma after he pledged his support to a new political party for the upcoming national elections. This move highlights the ongoing rift between Zuma and his successor, current President Cyril Ramaphosa. The decision to suspend Zuma comes after weeks of speculation regarding the ANCs response to his actions. Zuma, who led the ANC from 2007 to 2017 and served as president of South Africa from 2009 to 2018, has been at odds with Ramaphosas leadership. Advertisement The ANC said Zumas conduct in campaigning against it was irreconcilable with the partys constitution, adding that Zuma and others whose conduct conflicts with our values and principles will find themselves outside the ANC. Zuma said at a press conference in December he would be voting for the newly formed MK Party, and his decision to turn his back on the ANC was because of Ramaphosas leadership. Zuma later said he aimed to keep his ANC membership. The name of the new political party also rankles the ANC. MK is an abbreviation for uMkhonto we Sizwe, the name of the now-defunct ANC military wing formed by Nelson Mandela in 1961 to fight the apartheid system of white minority rule in South Africa. Ramaphosa rose to power promising to clean up the ANC and took over the presidency after Zuma, 81, was forced to step down in 2018 amid allegations of corruption. Zuma is currently on trial and faces multiple charges relating to a multi-billion-dollar arms deal the South African government signed with French arms company Tales more than 20 years ago, when he was a deputy president. Advertisement Zuma still has support in parts of South Africa, and more than 300 people died in riots in 2021 when he was sent to prison for contempt of court for refusing to testify at an inquiry into government corruption while he was president. It was the worst public unrest in South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. Advertisement Analysts say the ANC is facing its toughest election this year amid rising levels of poverty and unemployment. The party once led by Nobel laureate Mandela is dogged by corruption allegations and accusations that it has failed to deliver a better life for millions of poor. Some polls suggest it may dip below 50% of the national vote for the first time, which would force it to enter into a coalition to retain Ramaphosa as president. The ANC has been in government with a clear majority since the end of apartheid 30 years ago but its popularity has steadily declined. Advertisement With inputs from AP. The Congressman observed how the Indian and the US societies share many of the same values, but approach the work ethic and the education ethic in a substantially different way in which the shortages in the US are disproportionately able to be filled in partnership with India. Darrell Issa, an influential American lawmaker said that the threat posed by China offers an opportunity for the US and India to make strong agreements, including a genuine Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to ensure that the two countries will look at each other as first partners. Issa, a Republican Congressman from California, made these remarks during a discussion with Aparna Pande, a Research Fellow specialising in India and South Asia at the think tank Hudson Institute, on Monday. Advertisement Acknowledging that the current state of the India-US relationship appears to be significantly influenced by the threat posed by China, he remarked, Having said that, I view this China threat as an opportunity to do what we did not do. Issa suggested that goods currently manufactured in China could be produced in India at comparable costs. This shift, he argued, would not only enable India to replace its reliance on dirty fuels with cleaner alternatives but also present an opportunity for economic growth. But that requires that the two countries make strong agreements, including a genuine Free Trade Agreement (FTA), one that ensures that the two will look at each other as first partners. I think were a long way down the road toward doing it, he said at the event, A Conversation with Rep. Darrell Issa on USSouth Asia Relations. Advertisement Who are the people running some of our largest and most successful companies in the United States? Who are the innovators in the United States? Who dominates our universities? Answers quite frankly Indian exchange students, who want to remain here and Chinese students, who China wants to take back to China! We can harness those together. We already have, he said. Advertisement Pointing out that he is someone whos been working on immigration reform for 20 years, and has seen that the number one challenge for Indian H-1B and other temporary visa programmes (for people) who want to become permanent residents and citizens, the Congressman acknowledged that the backlog is huge. The fact is that the number of Indian investors who would like to expand their L visas like to bring greater amounts over is massive. These are people who, yes, want to have a nexus to the country of India. But they also want to have a real foothold in the United States, he said. Advertisement Advocating the FTA, Issa said, India and the US cannot be partners only against something and expect it to last. Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and for that matter, the NATO alliance all have common sides. But they also have ever-growing free trade agreements and ever-growing mutual agreements to share technology. They also have companies which are headquartered in one and substantially doing business in the other. Advertisement The same has to be done for India. Are we equal partners? No, were not. We have more money. You have more people. We have more people who want to be lawyers. You have more people who want to be engineers, he said. The Congressman observed how the Indian and the US societies share many of the same values, but approach the work ethic and the education ethic in a substantially different way in which the shortages in the US are disproportionately able to be filled in partnership with India. Advertisement I dont believe in one world. I believe that the world is made up of partnerships. And a partner of one to another is bilateral. But when a partner of one has five other partners and invites them into that relationship, then you build a multilateral relationship, he said. Responding to a question on the upcoming elections in Pakistan, Issa said the country does not have a free and fair election.Pakistan does not have free and fair elections. Pakistan, at best, has elections in which somebody can win in spite of the incumbent system pushing against them. But that means the only time theres a change in power in Pakistan is when it gets really bad when the people are so adamantly opposed, that in spite of all that, there is a change. Advertisement When there is it usually doesnt end up being because you still have the corruption that is endemic in there the absence of rule of law and foremost, you have the military, and no government can long remain independent when at the end of the day, your ability to be independent is kept in the hands of the military, he said. Advertisement If you displease them, one way or the other, youll be gone, he said, adding that he continues to believe that there are small differences. In democracies, local elections sometimes can give you honesty and improvement, national elections are usually the last ones to give you that. The same is true in India, he said. YEREVAN, JANUARY 30, ARMENPRESS. President of the Chamber of Deputies of Czechia Marketa Pekarova Adamova will visit Armenia on January 31 which will become one of the highest-level Czech visits to the country in the past six years, the Embassy of Czechia in Armenia said in a press release. Adamovas delegation will include several MPs, representatives of companies, Trade Chambers and Ministry of Industry and Trade officials, as well as representatives of universities and the National Museum. Apart from meetings with government officials, Adamova will also visit the Armenian-Azerbaijani border to get acquainted with the situation on the ground. Then, together with Armenian Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan, Adamova will participate in the Czech-Armenian Business Forum and will announce the opening of the Castles and Chateaux of Czechia exhibition. Reports have emerged that sexual assaults were part of the deadly rampage by militants from Hamas and other Gaza groups who killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took more than 250 hostages from southern Israel. The UNs special representative on sexual violence has started a weeklong visit to Israel to look into reports of sexual assaults reportedly committed by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attack. Pramila Patten, the special representative of the UN secretary-general on sexual violence in conflict, kicked off her visit on Monday by meeting with Israeli diplomats and Israels president, Issac Herzog, and his wife Michal. Patten encouraged victims to come forward to meet with her delegation. Advertisement Israeli officials have said that Hamas terrorists brutalized women throughout their incursion into southern Israel and have complained that U.N. leaders and others have been slow to condemn sexual assaults. The U.N. visit comes after multiple reports reported allegations of sexual violence during the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. In an article on Dec. 28, The New York Times documented a pattern of gender-based violence in the attack and identified at least seven locations where Israeli women and girls appeared to have been sexually assaulted or mutilated. We really want to ensure that you have justice so that we put an end to this heinous act, Patten said during the meeting, according to Herzogs office. Reports have emerged that sexual assaults were part of the deadly rampage by militants from Hamas and other Gaza groups who killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took more than 250 hostages from southern Israel. Advertisement Jewish tradition calls for the dead to be buried as soon as possible, and in the chaos of the beginning of the war, few autopsies were conducted, so forensic evidence of rape has been difficult to collect. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned womens rights organizations, including the United Nations, for not immediately condemning the reports of sexual assault. Advertisement Patten is also set to meet with representatives from the Palestinian Authority, Israeli security forces, local organizations, witnesses, and released hostages during her visit. With inputs from AP. In a first reinstatement of sanctions, the Treasury Department said on Monday evening any US entities conducting transactions with Venezuelan state-owned gold mining firm Minerven will have until Feb. 13 to wind them down Monday saw the US reimpose sanctions on Venezuela, and a source close to the Biden administration suggested that restrictions on the oil industry might be allowed to expire. This was in response to the South American nations top court upholding a ban that was preventing the countrys leading opposition candidate from running for president. Advertisement In October, the United States lifted sanctions on Venezuela, an OPEC member, as acknowledgment of an agreement to hold elections this year. However, this respite was contingent on President Nicolas Maduros administration releasing certain American and opposition-affiliated inmates and getting closer to lifting restrictions on a number of opposition leaders. Though Venezuela in December carried out a prisoner swap, the Maduro-allied Supreme Court on Friday kept in place a ban on opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado, upholding prior findings that she supported the sanctions and a US-backed opposition interim government, which the Maduro government blames for the loss of Venezuelan foreign assets. The arrests of several opposition members were confirmed the same day. In a first reinstatement of sanctions, the Treasury Department said on Monday evening any US entities conducting transactions with Venezuelan state-owned gold mining firm Minerven will have until Feb. 13 to wind them down. The move came hours after a Biden administration official had said the Treasury license that broadly restored dealings with Venezuelas oil industry would be allowed to expire on April 18 if Machado and other opposition figures were not allowed to run. Advertisement Unless Maduro and his representatives in Venezuela are able to get back on track, specifically with regard to allowing all presidential candidates to compete in this years election, we will not be in a position to renew General License 44, which provides relief to Venezuelas oil and gas sector when it comes up for renewal in April, the White House official said on condition of anonymity. Advertisement The official said the US was also considering additional unspecified measures to punish the Venezuelan government. No retreat White House national security spokesman John Kirby said earlier on Monday that US measures would depend on Maduro and his government. Theyve got till the spring to honor their commitments, he told a daily briefing. Theyve got decisions they have to make before we weigh what decisions well take. Advertisement Machado, a 56-year-old industrial engineer who overwhelmingly won an October opposition primary vote, said on Monday she would not move aside in favor of a substitute. There is no retreat. We have a mandate and we will complete it, Machado told a press conference in Caracas. The ruling was judicial crime, she said, adding there will be many obstacles still to overcome but there will be elections this year. Advertisement Jorge Rodriguez, a lawmaker who heads Maduros team in negotiations with the opposition, said prior to the Treasury decision that if Washington took any aggressive action, Venezuelas response would be serene, reciprocal and energetic. Maduro repeated the same rhetoric during his weekly television show on Monday evening, without commenting directly on the Minerven decision. The synthetic opioid, many times more powerful than heroin, has caused an epidemic of addiction in the United States, with 100,000 overdose deaths a year, making it the leading cause of death of people aged 18 to 49, US officials have said. China and the United States will meet Tuesday in Beijing on collaborative efforts to stem the production of ingredients used in the production of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid responsible for fueling a drug epidemic in the US. White House Deputy Homeland Security Adviser Jen Daskal will head a delegation to Beijing for talks scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday. Advertisement The synthetic opioid, many times more powerful than heroin, has caused an epidemic of addiction in the United States, with 100,000 overdose deaths a year, making it the leading cause of death of people aged 18 to 49, US officials have said. According to US officials, China has already initiated certain measures since President Biden and President Xi agreed in San Francisco last November to revive a counter-narcotics working group. This working group had been inactive amid escalating tensions between the two countries, which reached their highest level since diplomatic relations were established in 1979. Washington hopes to get China to cooperate in tackling companies that manufacture the precursor chemicals to make fentanyl and cutting financing for the trade. Tuesdays meeting will include high-level US officials from the State Department, Treasury, Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department, Washington has said. The United States says it will provide a platform to facilitate ongoing coordination designed to tackle the illicit production, financing, and distribution of illicit drugs.China has not said who from its side will attend the meeting. Advertisement President Xi Jinping pledged during a summit with US President Joe Biden in November to clamp down on the trade." For years bilateral cooperation between the United States and the Peoples Republic of China on counternarcotics has been suspended which has hindered our progress," a US official said last week.But that changed during the November 15 meeting, the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. Advertisement Since the summit China has shut down one company, blocked some international payments and resumed sharing information on shipments and trafficking, added the official. With inputs from AFP. The lawmakers in a letter released Monday separately wrote Farley asking the automaker to make available for an interview a company official who will be able to speak with us about the due diligence Ford conducted before and after it entered into the agreements with CATL. The chairs of two US House committees have urged the Biden administration to investigate four Chinese companies allegedly involved in Ford Motors planned Michigan battery plant, according to a letter seen Monday by Reuters. According to the letter, the four Chinese companies have direct connections to the Chinese military, the Chinese Communist Party, the North Korean government and alleged human rights violations in Chinas Xinjiang region. The plant has come under scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers due to its utilization of technology provided by Chinese battery maker CATL. Advertisement Representative Mike Gallagher, who chairs the select committee on China, and Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee, urged the Commerce Department to investigate and impose export restrictions on the four Chinese companies they said were involved in the facilitys design, construction, and information technology (IT) processes. The Chinese companies were not named in the letter seen by Reuters because the committees reviewed confidential records turned over by Ford and were not allowed to make their identities public. Ford said Monday it follows all government regulations across our business and added: Ford suppliers are required to meet our higher standards, including for protecting human rights, and obligated to extend those requirements to suppliers with whom they might work.In September, the two lawmakers demanded documents from Ford tied to its CATL partnership and threatened to call CEO Jim Farley to testify before Congress. Advertisement The lawmakers in a letter released Monday separately wrote Farley asking the automaker to make available for an interview a company official who will be able to speak with us about the due diligence Ford conducted before and after it entered into the agreements with CATL. Republicans have been probing Fords battery plant plan for months over concerns it could facilitate the flow of U.S. tax subsidies to China and leave Ford dependent on Chinese technology. Ford says the battery plant is wholly owned and operated by the automaker. Advertisement The lawmakers said a Ford-CATL agreement puts a Beijing-based company in charge of preparing the concept design for the Michigan battery plant. The committee said the same Chinese company is providing engineering design services to Chinas military. The lawmakers separately wrote the Treasury and State Departments asking them to investigate possible sanctions evasion activity by one of the Chinese companies that they said will be providing IT tools for the Michigan battery plant that has ties to North Korea. Advertisement It is indefensible for Ford to use the same cloud integration and data provider that is linked to North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs sanctions evasion activity, the letter said. Treasury said in response it remains committed to combating North Koreas illicit revenue generation activities, from the use of overseas labourers to money laundering and cyber espionage. Advertisement Human rights groups accuse Beijing of abuses against Xinjiangs Uyghur inhabitants, including the mass use of forced labour in internment camps. China denies the allegations. Ford in November dramatically scaled back its investment and capacity for the Michigan plant after it paused work two months earlier. Ford initially planned a $3.5 billion plant but now expects to invest $2 billion in its battery plant. Advertisement With inputs from Reuters. Sundays attack by Iran-backed militants was the first deadly strike against U.S. troops since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October and marks a major escalation in tensions that have engulfed West Asia. The United States vowed to take all necessary actions to defend American forces after a drone attack killed three US troops in Jordan on Sunday. The US blamed Iran-backed militants for a drone attack on a base in Jordan that killed three American troops and promised to hold the perpetrators accountable at a time and in a manner of their choosing. The attack by Iran-backed militants was the first deadly strike against U.S. troops since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October and marks a major escalation in tensions that have engulfed West Asia. Advertisement Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Thani told a Washington think tank he hoped U.S. retaliation would not undercut progress toward a new hostage release deal in talks last weekend. He said potential U.S. retaliation will have an impact on regional security and we hope things get contained.CIA Director William Burns met Sheikh Mohammed, as well as the head of Israels Mossad intelligence service and the head of Egyptian intelligence, on Sunday in Paris for talks described as constructive by Israel, Qatar and the U.S., albeit with significant gaps remaining. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said on Monday the United States did not want a wider war with Iran or in the region, but we got to do what we have to do. Iran has denied any role. Biden has previously ordered retaliatory attacks on Iran-backed groups but has so far stopped short of hitting Iran directly.Have no doubt - we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing, Biden said on Sunday, while Austin said at the Pentagon on Monday: Advertisement The president and I will not tolerate attacks on U.S. forces and we will take all necessary actions to defend the U.S. and our troops.In Gaza, Israel launched an assault on the Hamas-ruled enclaves biggest city. Residents of Gaza City said air strikes killed and wounded many people, while tanks shelled eastern areas and naval vessels fired at western beachfront areas. Advertisement Israel said late last year it had largely completed operations in northern Gaza and has recently aimed the brunt of its might at southern Gaza. The renewed push in Gaza City, where residents reported fierce gun battles near the main Al-Shifa Hospital, suggested that the war was not going to plan. Advertisement Bidens administration is under pressure to respond to the drone attack firmly without triggering a wider war. It has also been trying to facilitate the release by Hamas, which rules Gaza, of more than 100 hostages seized by the militants in their deadly Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israel. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Paris talks raised hope that a Qatar-mediated negotiating process could resume. Before collapsing, the mechanism led to a week-long ceasefire agreement in November when Hamas freed around 100 hostages. Advertisement A framework for a possible second deal developed in Paris is a strong one and a compelling one that offers hope that we can get back into this process, he said at a news conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.Hamas will have to make its own decisions, said Blinken, who declined to reveal details of the proposal. Advertisement HAMASS SAYS ISRAEL MUST WITHDRAW Hamas reiterated on Monday that Israel must halt its Gaza offensive and withdraw from the Gaza Strip before more hostages are freed. Israel says it will fight until Hamas is eradicated. According to Israel, some 1,200 people were killed and 253 abducted in the Oct. 7 attack, which sparked its war to eliminate Hamas. Israel has since unleashed a military campaign on Gaza that has flattened most of the Palestinian enclave and killed 26,637 people, according to Gaza health officials. Advertisement Tensions have surged around the Middle East, with Yemens Iran-backed Houthi forces striking U.S. and other targets in the Red Sea in attacks that have disrupted global shipping. On Monday, Hamas fired its first volley of rockets for weeks into Israeli cities, proving it still had the capability to launch them after nearly four months of war. Gazans say the violence has made a mockery of a World Court ruling last week calling on Israel to do more to help civilians. Advertisement Israel ordered new evacuations of the most populated areas of Gaza City, but people said communications blackouts meant many would miss the alerts. Israel says Hamas is responsible for the deaths of civilians because its fighters operate among them, which the fighters deny. People in the north have been grinding animal feed to make flour after flour, rice and sugar ran out, part of an aid crisis now potentially exacerbated by a withdrawal of support for the United Nations aid agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. Advertisement The United States and several other countries have suspended aid to the agency since Friday after Israel said some 190 UNRWA employees, including teachers, have doubled as Hamas or Islamic Jihad militants. Israel said some took part in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met the head of U.N. internal investigations to ensure an inquiry into the allegations will be done swiftly and as efficiently as possible, a Advertisement U.N. spokesperson said.UNRWA, which says more than 150 of its staff have been killed since October and a million Palestinians are sheltering in its buildings, said it would have to end operations within a month if funding was not restored. It said it had promptly fired staff after being alerted to Israels allegations. Advertisement With inputs from Reuters. The South China Sea, which serves as a conduit for $3 trillion in ship-borne commerce annually and is nearly entirely claimed by China, is a region over which the two Southeast Asian nations have rival claims President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made the declaration on Tuesday while on a state visit to Hanoi, Vietnam and the Philippines decided to strengthen their coastguards collaboration and work together to avoid any unfortunate accidents in the South China Sea. The South China Sea, which serves as a conduit for $3 trillion in ship-borne commerce annually and is nearly entirely claimed by China, is a region over which the two Southeast Asian nations have rival claims. Advertisement According to a Vietnamese official who made the announcements at a ceremonial ceremony in the nations presidential palace, the two memoranda of understanding on security addressed incident prevention in the South China Sea and maritime cooperation among coastguards. The agreements in Hanoi, the specifics of which were not made public, run the danger of infuriating Beijing, particularly if they set the stage for further concessions on contentious claims in the future. China has a tendency to be sceptical of any progress made in resolving border disputes involving other claimants. Run-ins with Chinas coastguard have happened in the past in both Hanoi and Manila, but in the last year, there have been several altercations involving Chinese and American ally Philippines boats, further straining already strained relations. Prior to his meeting with President Vo Van Thuong of Vietnam, Marcos declared that Vietnam was the sole strategic partner of the Philippines in Southeast Asia, emphasising that their relationship was built on marine cooperation. Advertisement The world and regional situation is evolving in a rapid and complicated manner and therefore we need to unite and cooperate more closely, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said, noting Marcos visit helped boost bilateral relations. Vietnam, one of the worlds biggest rice exporters, also sealed agreements with the Philippines, a top importer of the grain, covering rice trade and agriculture cooperation. Advertisement In his two-day visit to Hanoi, Marcos is meeting Vietnamese leaders, but not Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, according to official schedules, in what would be Trongs third consecutive absence from meetings with visiting leaders this month. Trong, 79, however attended a parliaments session in mid-January, partly dispelling concerns about his health after he was not included in official schedules of visiting leaders from Laos and Indonesia. Advertisement Before meeting Vietnamese political leaders on Tuesday, Marcos met Pham Nhat Vuong, the head of Vingroup (VIC.HM), opens new tab, Vietnams largest conglomerate, on Monday. The company said on Tuesday that its electric car unit VinFast will open a business network in the Philippines. Marcos said the Philippines could help in the production of batteries for electric vehicles, thanks to its reserves of cobalt, copper and nickel, according to Vingroups statement. The activists wife, Evgenia Kara-Murza, revealed that her husband had been relocated from a punishment cell, underscoring the lack of grounds for the transfer and invoking past assassination attempts UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron has urged Russia to provide information about the location of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a British national imprisoned in Russia. Kara-Murza, convicted of treason for criticising the war in Ukraine, was mysteriously moved from a Siberian prison, raising concerns. Lord Cameron pressed on the need for immediate disclosure to Kara-Murzas lawyers, expressing deep concern for the activist. Advertisement Enquiries to the Omsk penal colony, where Kara-Murza was held, yielded responses indicating his absence. Lord Cameron, taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), voiced his apprehension for Kara-Murza, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The activists wife, Evgenia Kara-Murza, revealed that her husband had been relocated from a punishment cell, underscoring the lack of grounds for the transfer and invoking past assassination attempts. I demand that the Russian government provide us with information about my husbands whereabouts, Mrs. Kara-Murza stated, seeking transparency in the face of uncertainty. Lord Cameron expressed solidarity with her, emphasising the importance of accountability in this situation. Vladimir Kara-Murza, sentenced to 25 years in April for spreading false information about the Russian army and affiliations with an undesirable organization, vehemently denied all charges. Advertisement A vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, he played a crucial role in urging Western governments to sanction Russian officials for human rights abuses and corruption. The British government condemned Kara-Murzas sentence, summoning Russias ambassador and vowing to scrutinise those involved in his detention. The US State Department labeled him as yet another target of the Russian governments escalating campaign of repression. Kara-Murza, part of a well-known Soviet dissident family, acquired British citizenship as a teenager. Advertisement The call for clarity on Kara-Murzas whereabouts echoes concerns over Russias secretive prison transfers. Notably, when Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was transferred within the penal system, his supporters experienced a three-week communication blackout. Israeli forces also killed three Palestinian militants in a raid on a hospital in the occupied West Bank, where violence has surged since the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip. In response to the barrage of rockets fired at central Israel on Monday, Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets launched rockets in central Gaza and Khan Yunis and killed many terrorists. IDF operations continue in Gaza: In response to the barrage of rockets fired at central Israel yesterday, IAF fighter jets struck the launchers used to fire the rockets, which were loaded with mortar shells. Khan Yunis Multiple terrorists were eliminated by an IAF aircraft pic.twitter.com/Tii0pNbJ4u Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 30, 2024 Advertisement Israels war against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 26,000 Palestinians, most of them women and minors, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. The Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel that sparked the war killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and about 250 people were taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities. Israeli forces also killed three Palestinian militants in a raid on a hospital in the occupied West Bank, where violence has surged since the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement The Israeli military said forces entered the Ibn Sina hospital in the northern city of Jenin early Tuesday and shot the three men, who Hamas claimed as members. The military said the men were using the hospital as a hideout and that at least one was planning an attack. The Palestinian Health Ministry said the Israeli forces opened fire inside the hospitals wards and called on the international community to stop Israeli operations in hospitals. We appeal to donors not to suspend their funding to UNRWA at this very critical moment. (It) will only hurt the people of Gaza who desperately need support, said WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier The World Health Organization on Tuesday said that the dispute regarding funding for the UNs Palestinian refugee agency was diverting attention from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It called on governments to continue supporting UNRWA despite several key donors suspending funding due to Israels allegations that some staff members were involved in the Hamas attack on 7 October. Advertisement Criminal activity can never go unpunished, AFP quoted WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier as saying at a media briefing in Geneva. But the discussion (is) a distraction from whats really going on every day, every hour, every minute in Gaza, Lindmeier added. Israels bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza, now in their fourth month, have left much of the besieged Palestinian territory in ruins and many of its people on the verge of starving. We appeal to donors not to suspend their funding to UNRWA at this very critical moment. (It) will only hurt the people of Gaza who desperately need support, said Lindmeier. As important as this discussion is, lets not forget what the real issues are on the ground. At least 12 countries have stopped funding UNRWA in recent days. Advertisement The agency has fired several employees over Israels accusations and promised to investigate the claims, which were not specified. Border of famine Lindmeier said UNRWA ran 22 health centres before the war but only six were still operating by mid-January. The population is really at the border of famine Its getting worse by the day, he said. Advertisement A malnourished population is very prone to catching diseases and infections. The war began after Hamass October 7 attack in Israel, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. Militants also seized 250 hostages. Israels relentless retaliation has killed at least 26,751 in Gaza, most of them women and children, according to its Hamas-run health ministry. Advertisement Lindmeier said the UNRWA row diverted the worlds attention from the Gaza death toll and a siege preventing an entire population from access to clean water, food and shelter. Its a distraction from preventing electricity to come into Gaza, he said. Its also a distraction from the continuous shelling of an entire population - even in areas that just moments before have been designated as safe areas. Advertisement Its a distraction from attacking shelters, schools, hospitals. On Tuesday, leading NGOs condemned the halt to UNRWA funding. The population faces starvation, looming famine and an outbreak of disease under Israels continued indiscriminate bombardment and deliberate deprivation of aid in Gaza, they said. With inputs from agencies A lot can go wrong in a busy parking lot, and scratching or denting your vehicle is likely high on the list of things you dont want to happen. So its no surprise a simple yet excellent solution to the standard car park design has won over the masses on social media and it might very well be the perfect alternative to the tight and tiny spaces were used to. Its a familiar picture. You find a park and line up your car to ensure youre in the lines. Then, after turning off the engine, you open the door and attempt to squeeze through the tiny gap between cars ensuring you dont hit the vehicle next to you with your door. A shopping centre in Tasmania uses double lines between spaces to allow extra room. Source: Facebook Game-changing car park design Thats the reality for Aussies across the country who are used to the Australian car bays which are usually 2.4m wide by 5.5 m long, which doesnt leave much space between your car and the one next to you. A shopping centre car park in Tasmania however allows a door to be fully open without hitting the adjacent car by using double lines approximately 80 centimetres apart, instead of a single white line and it's a game-changer. Scott Spanton owner and developer of Glebe Hill shopping centre confirmed to Yahoo News the width inside the lines is 1.9m, compared to the standard 2.4m. The total width from the middle of one dividing column to the next is 2.7m. So given the more space required for each bay there are slightly fewer spaces in the car park. "We would rather have 300 great parking bays than 320 average ones," Glebe Hill Village management said. Photos shared on social media show a decent space between each space at the shopping centre parking lot giving customers more confidence when parking, some argued. With one man saying "all car parks should adopt this method for line markings." The extra space means you can open the door without worrying about scratching the car next to you. Source: Facebook "[Its] the only place that I know of in Tasmania that has this, the local man wrote on Facebook. It gives you a level of confidence when parking here that it is fairly unlikely that you will get a ding in your door whilst shopping Story continues I realise that it doesnt absolutely guarantee that damage wont occur, but it is most likely 95 per cent effective. Aussies rave about 'sensible' idea He pointed out that supermarket car parks are renowned for a high degree of car damage but argued that is likely not the case here. Others on Facebook agreed its such a great idea with one saying theyve seen these in the suburbs surrounding Brisbane too. About time someone had common sense and created a safe zone for our cars. Congratulations to the those who created the idea and made it happen," one said, impressed by the clever idea. Others thought it was very sensible. Aussies have argued this design should be adopted across the country. Source: facebook Push for bigger car spaces Meanwhile, someone else said that with the "ridiculously" huge cars people have nowadays this would be good. "Car parks aren't big enough for them, they said. And its true. More and more Aussies are buying bigger cars like SUVs or large utes. In 2022, close to 8,000 American pick-up trucks or utes were sold in Australia, which is set to increase, according to Shell Australia. And in 2021, more than 50 per cent of cars sold in Australia were SUVs in 2021, according to Budget Direct. To keep up with the boom in large car purchases Standards Australia previously proposed the length of a standard car park space be increased by 20 centimetres. This would mean the required length of car park spaces in public car parks and streets would go up to 5.6 metres long, with the width remaining between 2.4 to 2.6 metres. But critics have pushed back on the idea saying an increased size would mean there are fewer spots available and that might be the case if we adopt Tassie's parking design too. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. BEIJING -- China has successfully cloned both Zhangmu cattle and Apeijiaza cattle, two endangered breeds found in Southwest China's Xizang autonomous region, scientists announced Monday. Four male calves of each breed were recently born in Yunyang county, Southwest China's Chongqing municipality, marking the world's first successful cloning of cattle from Xizang. Horrifying footage has emerged of the heart-stopping moment a 10-year-old boys blood turned the water bright red after he was attacked by a shark at a busy resort in The Bahamas. The incident occurred earlier this month as the boy reported to be a US tourist visiting with his family participated in an expedition in a shark tank at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort. The boy was participating 'in an expedition in a shark tank' at a resort in the Bahamas when he bitten on the leg. Source: TMZ New video obtained by TMZ shows the child desperately trying to reach the top of the water as blood pours off out his right leg. His frantic dad then fearlessly jumps in the water, grabs him with one arm and drags him to safety as several sharks whizz by below. Witnesses say the boy was standing with a chaperone on the floor of the tank when two reef sharks started swimming around him aggressively, with one darting between his legs. This caused the boy to lose his footing and accidentally straddle the shark, which then bit him on his right calf, TMZ reports. Stunned witnesses film shark attack Another video taken by a tourist overlooking the shark tank shows the 10-year-old shrieking in pain as his dad kicks his way to a ladder and pulls him out of the water. The boys mum is heard screaming did that just bite him?, Oh my gosh, thats my son, after running over to help Antlantis Resort staff. The woman filming the shocking clip then desperately searches for her own child, who she is relieved to find is not in the water. A third video obtained by TMZ shows what the inside of the tank looked like just a couple of days earlier, with numerous participants wearing helmets seen being escorted along the bottom as sharks circulate. Another video taken by tourist overlooking the shark tank shows the 10-year-old shrieking in pain as his dad pulls him out of the water. Source: TMZ Boy's ordeal a month after fatal shark attack The 10-year-old boy was taken to a hospital where he underwent surgery, local police said. He is now stable. Stuart Cove, the owner of the company that organised the shark tank expedition, told CNN it has begun an internal investigation and paused the shark tank tours. Story continues In December, a US woman was killed by a shark while paddle-boarding in the Bahamas. A man who was with her was not injured. Police said a lifeguard rescued both people with a boat when seeing what was happening, but the woman suffered serious injuries to the right side of her body and was declared dead at the scene despite CPR efforts. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. France and Germany launch joint fund to identify provenance of African artefacts in museums As the movement to decolonise museums gains ground in Europe, France and Germany have launched a 2.1 million research fund to investigate the provenance of African cultural artefacts in their national institutions. The new fund aims to finance research projects focused on cultural objects from anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa. Former French and German colonies like Cameroon and Togo (each of which were colonised by both France and Germany) will be given priority. Each country will contribute 360,000 per year to the three-year fund, which will operate based on a demand for projects. The initiative was announced by France and Germany's culture ministries earlier this month. Submission forms for eligible projects are being made available online this week until 30 April. The Centre Marc Bloch, a Franco-German research centre for social sciences and humanities in Berlin, will manage the disbursement of funds. The first year will be experimental, said Dr Julie Sissia, scientific project head of the fund and researcher at the Centre Marc Bloch. We gave as few budgetary and thematic constraints as possible for eligibility criteria to keep it as open as possible. To qualify for funding, projects need to have a German-French institutional team, they must have a close relationship with a partner in Africa and their scope must include both museum and academic research, Sissia said. We want to see how, from a German-French perspective, there can be new teams, new methods emerging from that format. Sissia told Euronews Culture. Sissia says this is the first fund devoted to international cooperation in provenance research, a huge step towards a Europe-wide collaboration on the hot-button issue. This initiative shows a good, functioning German-French collaboration in the cultural field today, and theres also this aspect of a pilot project because both the German and French culture ministries have been thinking of opening this collaboration on a European level after the three-year experimental phase is done, Sissia said. Story continues Sculptures known as Benin bronzes on display at the Linden Museum in Stuttgart, Germany in 2022. - Bernd Weissbrod/dpa via AP Photo A growing commitment to restitution across Europe Museums across Europe and North America are facing increasing calls to revisit their approaches to indigenous and colonial-era cultural artefacts in their possession. Most recently, the American Museum of Natural History in the US announced the closing of two major wings exhibiting Native American objects, after new federal regulations required museums to get consent from tribes before displaying or researching their cultural items. Both France and Germany have been working on finding a framework for the restitution of African artefacts, an issue thats become a new priority for national policymakers. In France, the push came after a 2017 speech by President Emmanuel Macron, in which he promised to rebuild strained relationships with Frances former colonies in sub-Saharan Africa. He said returning or loaning African artefacts held in French cultural institutions would be a top priority for his administration. African heritage cannot be a prisoner of European museums, Macron said in a Tweet after his trip to Burkina Faso, Ghana and Ivory Coast. France returned 26 artefacts to Benin in 2021, but restitution efforts have stalled in recent years as a law to establish a framework for the return of African artefacts hit a roadblock in parliament late last year. Germany has also made headway on the issue, signing a deal to return hundreds of artefacts known as the Benin bronzes, which were first looted by a British colonial expedition. So far, Berlin has returned around 20 bronzes to Nigeria, which were previously exhibited in German national museums. Its national collection has one of the greatest number of African artefacts in the world. Sissia said the new Franco-German fund will also allow for new research on the circulation of cultural objects from Africa, shedding light on how objects crossed borders through international art dealers and cultural institutions. The humble barbecue brings immense pleasure to Aussies and plays a central role in social gatherings. But with so much counting on the one manning the tongs, one group of mates has devised an ingenious hands-free way for everyone to play while the cooking gets done. On Australia Day an interesting contraption was spotted on the rocky foreshore of River's Edge in Perth when a curious local got closer for a better look. She found sticks tied together to create a base, a makeshift waterwheel made out of yellow and blue thongs and a spit of assorted meats cooking over a fire on a rotisserie with the meat rotating thanks to the thongs and the river's flow. The 'genius' BBQ trick was praised online for embodying the Aussie spirit. Source: TikTok The woman online called it a "genius idea" which local boys used to "cook up a storm on Australia Day", with no power or supervision required to make their meal. Aussies impressed by 'next level' barbecue After the local shared a video online which showed the contraption in all its glory, people were delighted by the Aussie twist on the little-known stream rotisserie BBQ. People responded saying the "great innovation" demonstrated by the boys embodied true Aussie spirit of "work smarter not harder". "Well done. This is what Australia is all about," one TikTok user commented on the now viral video. "Necessity, the mother of invention, one wrote, while another wished they were there in person "to have a beer with them". While the majority of people praised the makeshift barbecue, others warned the method could cause pressurised steam to build up under it and implode, making it a safety hazard to anyone handling the barbecue or walking past it. "Just be careful river rock holds water and heating causes massive steam pressure within rocks, I have seen them shatter and cover people," one person warned. Story continues Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Saturday Night Partly cloudy skies early followed by increasing clouds with showers developing later at night. Low 43F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Operation Iron Swords - Day 115 - 29 January 2024 "We are not looking for a war with Iran...This attack over the weekend was escalatory. Make no mistake about it. It requires a response, make no mistake about that." John Kirby, in respondse to Q: "Is the president currently actively considering potential attacks inside Iran?" The New York Times revealed that the US military planned to strike Iranian military advisors in Iraq and Syria if members of its forces were killed. The Pentagon said that the number of American soldiers injured in the drone attack in Jordan has risen to more than 40. The Pentagon added that it is evaluating how the drone was able to penetrate the security procedures of the American base in northeastern Jordan. The Washington Post reported that the drone struck the living quarters at the base, causing injuries ranging from cuts, bruises, and brain injuries, some of which required medical evacuation. The United States military failed to stop the deadly attack on its service members in Jordan because the drone approached the base at the same time a US drone was also returning to the area, American officials said. There was some confusion on the base when the US drone returned about whether the other incoming drone was friendly or not, officials said, according to The Wall Street Journal. The New York Times quoted American officials as saying that two other drones that attacked sites close to the American base in Jordan were shot down. The US Department of Defense said that US forces in Iraq and Syria have been subjected to 165 attacks, including the attack in northeastern Jordan, since last October 17. A report by Politico detailed how the drone that killed three US soldiers on Sunday managed to evade detection by trailing behind a US drone that was returning to the base in Jordan at the same time. An informed source briefed by Politico said that the resistance in Iraq saw an "opportunity" and "exploited" it. Shortly after the operation on Tower 22 had taken place, a Pentagon official and a second US official informed Politico that the resistance launched another drone at Al-Tanf US occupation base. US troops managed to shoot it down using an RTX Coyote uncrewed aerial system. The Pentagon said it does not believe Iran is seeking a war with the United States, adding that the US is not after a war either just one day after a Resistance operation killed three US soldiers and wounded dozens more in the Jordanian-Syrian border area. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh blamed Iran for enabling groups attacking the United States in the Middle East, claiming that the latest attack carried the "footprints" of the Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades). "We don't seek war, but we will take action, and respond to attacks on our forces," Singh said. The Pentagon added that while it would not disclose the nature of the response to the operation that targeted the US forces, "We consider Iran responsible for them." Nothing further was disclosed about the US attack, with Washington saying it would "respond at a time and place that suits us." The options available to Biden to respond to the attack may vary between targeting Iranian forces, whether outside or even inside Iran itself, to choosing to carry out a more cautious retaliatory attack, limited to targeting those responsible for the attack supported by them. American forces in the Middle East have been subjected to more than 150 attacks by Iranian-backed forces in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and off the Yemeni coast, since the start of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip last October. Republicans accused Biden of endangering American forces by not adequately protecting them, making them easy targets for attacks by drones or missiles, in reference to the incident that occurred yesterday, Sunday, in which a bomb-laden drone exploded near the base's barracks in the early morning hours. Republican Senator Tom Cotton indicated that the only appropriate response to these attacks must be harsh military action against Iranian forces inside Iran and throughout the Middle East. Republican Representative Mike Rogers, Chairman of the US Military Oversight Committee in the House of Representatives, called for action against Tehran . He added, "It has already been a long time. Let President Biden finally hold the terrorist Iranian regime and its extremist allies accountable for the attacks they carried out." Democratic Representative Barbara Lee expressed her concern about the failure of Biden's strategy to contain the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, as things began to get out of control. For his part, Democratic Representative Seth Moulton, who served four terms in Iraq as a Marine, opposed Republican calls for war, pointing out that deterrence is difficult and war is worse. Any strikes against Iranian forces inside Iran may force Tehran to respond forcefully, which will escalate the situation in a way that could drag the United States into a major war in the Middle East. Jonathan Lord, director of the Middle East Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, said that the strike inside Iran may raise questions in Tehran about the regime's survival. Lord pointed out that when operations are carried out openly, this may represent a major escalation for Iran. Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute in Washington noted that a possible response could include targeting important sites or prominent figures in Iranian-backed groups in Iraq or Syria. He stated that these attacks are completely different from what has been happening over the past few months, and despite increasing pressure to take action inside Iran, he does not believe this administration will do so. A US Defense Department official said, without revealing his identity, that it is not clear what the second and third effects of pursuing Iran might be. The official added that if the United States is not ready for an all-out war, there is no point in launching an attack on Iran. However, Lord and other experts acknowledge that Israel has struck Iranian targets in Syria over the years, without Iran stopping, including the killing of 4 Iranian Revolutionary Guard officials in Damascus on January 20. The United States has also struck Iran-linked targets outside Iran in the past few months. For example, the US military announced last November that it had targeted a facility used by Iranian-backed groups and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard itself. Despite this, Lister says there is past record showing that Iran may sometimes retreat after strong strikes, such as the attack on General Qasem Soleimani in the 2020 operation. A number of experts who Al Jazeera Net spoke to believe that there was a silent understanding and awareness of the red lines between Washington and Tehran (and its affiliated armed groups) in the arena of confrontation between them in Iraq and Syria. The real reason behind the attack inside Jordan specifically is not yet known, an attack that President Biden, in an election year, does not have the luxury of ignoring or not responding to militarily. Adam Weinstein, deputy director of the Middle East Program at the Quincy Institute in Washington, believes that it has always been clear that the presence of scattered American forces in Iraq and Syria poses a risk of dragging the United States into a larger conflict in such an unpredictable region. He added in an interview with Al Jazeera Net, "For this reason, I have always advocated rethinking the American military position in Iraq, since I called for exploring how Washington could conduct a gradual withdrawal of forces and reassess the goals of this presence, especially with the increasing risks of provoking a broader conflict, whether intentionally or Unintentionally". For his part, David Des Roches, a former Pentagon official and Professor for the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies in the National Defense University in Washington, expressed to Al Jazeera Net his surprise that the attack occurred inside Jordanian territory. Des Roches said it was very likely that the drone that attacked forces in Jordan was directed at a target in Syria and missed. He added: "Given that Iran prefers to operate through a network of proxies that do not generally restrict their activities, it should not surprise us that they would attack American forces in a previously neutral country." He considered, "The only thing that did not surprise me was that Iranian agents were finally able to kill Americans. American forces in Iraq and Syria have been attacked more than 170 times by Iranian agents in the past few months, and it was inevitable that they would be lucky and penetrate American defenses sooner or later." For his part, in an interview with Al Jazeera Net, Charles Dunn, a former official at the White House and the US State Department, and currently an expert at the Arab Institute in Washington, said, The attack is somewhat surprising, given that Jordan has not yet been the subject of attacks by militias allied with "Iran in Syria or Iraq. This latest attack expands the circle of countries directly affected by or participating in the fighting and deepens the risk of a broader conflict, with the United States directly implicated on multiple fronts." Des Roches indicated that the Biden administration must respond strongly to this attack, and he told Al Jazeera Net: Biden has two ways to do this. The first is by expanding their list of targets in Syria. In the past, the vast majority of American retaliatory strikes were directed against buildings or weapons depots. I believe the list of targets may now expand to include militia leadership, and perhaps members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard who provide the militias with weapons, intelligence, training, and operational guidance. The second way, according to the American military expert, is to escalate horizontally, that is, directing attacks against Iranian forces and their agents outside Iraq and Syria. This could include Iranian intelligence ships operating in the Arabian Sea. Regarding the nature of Bidens response, former White House official Charles Dunn said: I expect the administration, which blamed the attack on Iranian-backed militias operating from Syria or Iraq, to respond quickly and directly with strikes against militia targets and even Iranian facilities in the two countries. Former President Donald Trump argued that President Biden's "weakness and surrender" was responsible for the deadly drone attack in Jordan that killed 3 US military personnel. Trump said in a post on his website, Truth Social: This attack would never have happened if I were president, just as the Iranian-backed Hamas attack on Israel would never have happened, and the war in Ukraine would never have happened, and we would have peace by now. "All over the world. Instead, we are on the brink of World War III." The former Iranian ambassador to Britain , Jalal Sadatian, links the targeting of American interests in the region with the United States absolute support for Israel in its war on the Gaza Strip , anticipating a regional escalation if this support continues to exterminate the people of Gaza. Speaking to Al Jazeera Net, Sadatian pointed out that a number of American soldiers were killed for the first time since the start of the Israeli aggression on Gaza as a result of resistance factions attacks on Washingtons interests, describing the latest development as a natural result of the Zionist-American adventure aimed at restricting the hands of the resistance and releasing Israels hands to continue committing genocide. collective in Gaza. He believed that the attack that claimed the lives of 3 American soldiers came after the issuance of the International Court of Justices decision in the lawsuit filed by South Africa regarding the Israeli war on Gaza. The former Iranian diplomat considered that the courts decision gives the resistance factions international legitimacy to pressure the United States - as Tel Aviv s biggest supporter - to prevent genocide in the Gaza Strip, and he was surprised by its continued provision of this absolute support following the decision. He reads the American and British accusations against Iran of supporting Islamic resistance movements that target American interests and ships heading to Israel through the Red Sea in the context of the rampant escalation in the region, warning against falling into the Israeli trap aimed at putting Tehran and Washington in a military confrontation. Another Iranian segment believes that a confrontation between the Islamic Republic and the United States is just around the corner. In response to a question directed by Al Jazeera Net to the political activist and researcher in Middle East affairs , Ahmed Zaidabadi, regarding the possibility of Washington launching a military strike against Iranian interests in response to the attack on an American base in Jordan, the response was positive. Zaidabadi believes that the possibility of American retaliation and harming Irans interests is very possible, and that it will be a response to Iraqi resistance movements targeting the logistical support base in Jordan. He suggested that American retaliation will be soon and that its targets will be outside the Iranian borders, especially in Syria and Iraq. He also believes that the Iranian-American confrontation will be inevitable in the absence of a strong and clear political will among the leaders of Tehran and Washington to agree on major regional files, warning that developments could slide into a major military confrontation between them. The researcher added that developments in the Middle East are getting worse day by day, and that wavering policies are unable to address the raging escalation in the region. He concluded that stopping the aggression against Gaza does not mean a decline in tension and confrontation between Tehran and Washington, but rather it will equate to a transition to a more dangerous stage. the researcher in military affairs, Muhammad Mehdi Yazdi, rules out Washington launching a military strike against Iranian interests, explaining that despite the brutal media campaign against Tehran, American leaders avoid linking the attacks to it, because that will expose them to criticism and great pressure demanding that Iran be confronted in a serious manner. direct. He believed - in an interview with Al Jazeera Net - that Washington does not want to confront Tehran at the current stage, because firing a coup de grace on their relations that fluctuate between the states of no peace and no war would be tantamount to setting fire to the regions powder tank, which could endanger American interests. In his reading of the attack on the American base, the military researcher believes that it comes to divert the American focus from the Red Sea region, and to reduce the attacks targeting Yemen from time to time in response to Houthi operations on ships heading to Israel. He said that the Israeli aggression on Gaza brought the Zionist-American axis into a complex confrontation with the axis of resistance, and that the increasing attacks on American interests in the region send a clear message that there is no security for these interests following the occupations aggression, which enjoys broad American support, which opens the door to a settlement of the axis. The resistance has its calculations with Washington. Operational Update Israeli Army Radio reported that the Israeli army is expected to increase the scope of its military activity in the northern Gaza Strip in the coming weeks. Israels defense minister said that a quarter of Hamas fighters have been killed and at least another quarter have been wounded, while he expects fighting in Gaza to last for months. A quarter of Hamas terrorists have been killed and at least another quarter are wounded - the hourglass has flipped against their favor, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said while meeting troops near the Gaza border. There will remain terrorists and we will fight in terror hot spots and it will take months, not a single day. On the other hand, the terrorists dont have supplies, they dont have ammunition, they dont have reinforcements, Gallant said, according to a statement from his office. Gallant also announced that Israeli troops will very soon go into action near the countrys northern border with Lebanon. He told troops near the border with the besieged Gaza Strip that others were being deployed to Israels north. They will very soon go into action... so the forces in the north are reinforced, Gallant said, according to video released by his office. He added that reservists would be gradually released to prepare and come ready for future operations. Israels army chief Herzi Halevi said earlier this month that the likelihood of war on the northern border has become much higher. I dont know when the war in the north is, I can tell you that the likelihood of it happening in the coming months is much higher than it was in the past, Halevi said. IDF spokesman , Brigadier General Daniel Hagari: "136 abductees and abductees are still in Gaza. We will not forget you. No one has given up, and no one will. There is a tremendous national effort, our job is to create the conditions to return them all." "Four Hamas battalions operated under the Khan Yunis Brigade, and we dismantled two of them. We eliminated more than 2,000 terrorists in Khan Yunis and destroyed underground infrastructure. Three Hamas terrorists surrendered to our forces in the tunnel and they are providing important intelligence information." "We thwarted dozens of rocket launch attempts, we will continue this effort. We will continue the attack in Khan Yunis. We will deepen the achievement. The Gaza Division is operating along the border, there is no change in the instructions to open fire. We will continue to refresh fighting forces in order to maintain competence." Intense Israeli bombardment from air, land, and sea continued across much of the Gaza Strip on 27 and 28 January, resulting in further civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction. Hostilities were particularly intense in Khan Younis, with heavy fighting reported in proximity to Nasser and Al Amal hospitals, with reports of Palestinians fleeing to the southern town of Rafah, which is already overcrowded, despite the lack of safe passage. Rocket fire from Gaza into southern Israel continued as well. Ground operations and fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups were also reported across much of Gaza. Hostilities were particularly intense in Khan Younis, with heavy fighting reported. The Israeli army announced - according to official sources - the withdrawal of two brigades from the Khan Yunis Governorate, south of the Gaza Strip, despite repeated statements by political and military officials about the intensification of operations there. In this context, the military and strategic expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, says that the eastern region of Khan Yunis Governorate is twice the area of the city of Khan Yunis, and there are elite forces from the Al-Qassam Brigades and the Al-Quds Brigades , the military wings of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) and Islamic Jihad, respectively. Al-Duwairi adds that the occupation destroyed the town of Khuzaa, east of Khan Yunis, and was unable to enter it. It is also facing great difficulties east of the areas of New Abasan and Abasan Al-Kabira, in which it suffers high human losses. This is why it chose to go to the area most important to its strategic goals, referring to focusing its attack on the city of Khan Yunis. The forces retreated to the eastern region. Al-Duwairi means the presence of Hamas first-line political and military leaders and Israeli prisoners in the place, which means that there is a surplus of forces. In addition, these brigades have been fighting for months and need to recover and rehabilitate after suffering major losses. Another scenario also emerges - according to Al-Duwairi - which is the withdrawal of these forces from Khan Yunis towards the northern front with the Lebanese Hezbollah in light of the escalation of the Israeli tone regarding the necessity of the latter retreating beyond the Litani River, otherwise this will be done militarily. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported the withdrawal of the 4th and 55th Brigades from the Gaza Strip after the end of their mission there, while Israeli Army Radio said that the 4th Reserve Brigade, known as Kiryati, includes thousands of soldiers and was fighting in the areas north and east of Khan Yunis. As for the rest of the fighting axes in the Gaza Strip, the military expert confirms that there is a decision to withdraw Israeli forces from the northern region, and only enter to carry out specific military missions, indicating that the most important point for the occupation is the establishment of a buffer zone from the far northeast to the entire eastern strip of the Gaza Strip. In the Central Governorate, where there are 3 brigades, the Israeli mechanisms partially succeeded in separating the camps from each other, but after the specific raid operation and the failure of the occupation to achieve any achievement in the Bureij camp, the forces retreated and maintained a buffer zone with the raids. Al-Duwairi stressed in his daily military analysis that the Israeli occupation forces will not win the battle in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip , because the Palestinian resistance is managing the battle effectively. The Khan Yunis Brigade is historically considered one of the most ferocious Palestinian resistance brigades in fighting, and it was the one that used adhesive gaskets, according to Al-Duwairi, who added that this brigade has knowledge in battle management. He had initially prevented 6 Israeli brigades from going deeper into the Bani Suhaila area, east of Khan Yunis. In his talk about the resistances performance, the military expert cited the new scenes broadcast by the Al-Qassam Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) - relating to battles between its fighters and the Israeli army in the west of the city of Khan Yunis. According to Al-Duwairi, the Israeli occupation forces insist on entering Khan Yunis, because they are looking for deceitful targets through the opening of the tunnels, which they believe will help them reach the tunnel network, noting that the occupation believes that the Israeli prisoners and Palestinian resistance leaders are present in the tunnel network in Khan Younes. It is noteworthy that the occupation army withdrew yesterday evening, Sunday, two brigades from the area, because it was unable to employ the force with which it sent (8 brigades) there in the correct manner, according to the assessment of the military expert. Regarding the course of the battles in Khan Yunis, the same source suggested that the occupation army would reconsider and retreat in order to reorganize and increase combat readiness, if casualties among its forces increased. He expressed his belief that the occupation will not win the battle of Khan Yunis, and even if it enters it, it will not be able to consolidate it, as happened with it in the Sheikh Radwan area in Gaza City, and "but it will cause great damage and losses to civilians, fighters, and infrastructure." During the fighting in Khan Yunis, the combat teams of the 98th Division raided hundreds of terrorist infrastructures and Hamas positions. The infrastructures included the headquarters of the battalions, training complexes of the terrorist organization Hamas, a communications post, the commander of the Khan Yunis Brigade, the military intelligence building, a significant factory for the production of rockets and the offices of many senior officials, including the office of Yahya Sinwar. "We are fighting a simultaneous maneuver - fighting above ground and underground at the same time, uniquely and professionally, with the cooperation of special forces, commandos and the divisional combat teams," said the 98th Brigade, Brigadier General Dan Goldfuss, "Hamas terrorists on the run, we hit them and hit their infrastructure Owner of land and sub-land". An IDF soldier was seriously injured today as a result of a drive-by attack near an IDF base in the north of the country. The soldier was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, his family was informed. After that, the terrorist got out of the vehicle and tried to attack IDF soldiers with an ax. The fighters responded by shooting and an IDF officer neutralized the terrorist. A team commander in the naval course, Capt. E., eliminated the terrorist who carried out the attack. "In the morning, I arrived at the gate of the base and heard cries for help from civilians. I identified the terrorist and acted to neutralize him quickly while protecting the civilians in the vicinity," he recalls, "as a commander in a cadet course, I stress to the cadets the importance of striving for contact, while maintaining a cool Spirit and determination - on the beach and at sea." Further to the claims regarding the instructions to open fire at the Gaza border, the IDF clarifies that there is no change in the instructions to open fire, and the IDF forces are acting according to the instructions not to allow any party to reach the border fence. The instructions to open fire and the use of force policy allow the forces to fulfill their mission, while preventing incidents of our forces firing on our forces, or harming Israeli civilians, including hostages who may reach the area. IDF forces are deployed along the border area, and are also fighting in the depths of the Strip. In the last month, dozens of terrorists were killed in the border area. The forces of Division 98 raided an underground tunnel located under the Bnei Suhila cemetery in the heart of Khan Yunis. During the exploration of the tunnel, the fighters came across explosives, sliding doors and top doors and eliminated terrorists who were inside. The forces located within the tunnel route the office of the commander of the eastern battalion from the Khan Yunis brigade from where he directed the attack on October 7, operations rooms and battalion combat management and bedrooms of senior officials of the Hamas terrorist organization. The tunnel was used by Hamas in conducting their fight against the above and underground forces. for all the details . The Israeli army announced that it had raided the office of the head of the Islamic Resistance Movement "Hamas" Yahya Sinwar in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army said that the forces are continuing to fight in the region and dismantling the Hamas brigades affiliated with the Khan Yunis Brigade. The army stated that during the fighting in Khan Yunis, the fighting groups of the 98th Division raided hundreds of infrastructure and sites belonging to Hamas, including the brigades command headquarters, training complexes, a communications site, an operations room belonging to the Khan Yunis Brigade, the military intelligence headquarters, and a pivotal factory for the production of missiles. The missile system has offices belonging to several officials, including the office of Yahya Sinwar. The army reported that the forces and special units made significant progress inside the underground track in Khan Yunis. As part of the operation in West Khan Yunis, the Air Force in cooperation with the fire complex of the commando formation attacked with aircraft two buildings that were used as terrorist infrastructures and in which there were a number of armed terrorists who were eliminated. The fighters of the commando formation identified and eliminated five terrorists, one of them armed with an RPG. The fighters raided terrorist targets and found many weapons, including RPGs, military equipment and technological means. The launchers located by the fighters of the 5th Brigade and the means of warfare located by the fighters of the commando formation Also in the Khan Yunis area, the fighters of the paratrooper brigade continued raids on targets and found weapons and military equipment inside a house of a Hamas terrorist. Also, the fighters identified and killed four terrorists who were preparing to attack our forces near the "El Amal" hospital. The fighters raided a building that was used as a hiding place for GAP terrorists and found weapons there. In the center of the Gaza Strip, the fighters of the Nahal Brigade's combat team eliminated dozens of armed terrorists in the past day in encounters as well as with the help of tank fire directed by the fighters and observations in the field. Also, the fighters of the brigade located many weapons in the area. On the outskirts of Shati in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, the fighters of the 5th Brigade Combat Team in the last day eliminated a number of armed terrorists in various encounters and located many weapons in the area, including a Kalashnikov, an RPG, a charge, missiles and many launchers. The fire complex of the 5th Brigade in cooperation with the Air Force directed an aircraft that eliminated terrorists in the sector and fighter jets attacked several targets, including terrorist infrastructures, anti-tank positions, tunnel shafts, and observation posts. The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), broadcast new scenes of what it said were battles between its fighters and the Israeli occupation army west of the city of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. The scenes shown by Al Jazeera showed fighters from the Al-Qassam Brigades destroying Israeli tanks west of Khan Yunis. Al-Duwairi, gave a detailed reading of the video presented by the Al-Qassam Brigades, and talked about 3 injuries that occurred in different ways. He said that one of the fighters came out from somewhere and ran. He was taking shelter next to a wall, and someone was helping him. He drew his attention to the presence of the target, so he hit him. He pointed out that there was cooperation between the launcher and the person responsible for reconnaissance and passing on information, stressing that the fighter caused a direct hit on the Israeli target. He said that the first shot showed the Qassam fighter in the street, while the second and third shots showed him inside a building, and the target was very clear and very close. The Al- Qassam Brigades fired a missile salvo towards Tel Aviv and other cities, and sirens were heard, prompting the Israelis to take shelter in shelters. The Al-Qassam Brigades announced the bombing of Tel Aviv with a missile barrage in response to the Israeli massacres against civilians, according to its announcement. Al-Qassam Brigades fired the missile attack towards Israeli towns from the south of the Gaza Strip . The Al Jazeera correspondent said that sirens sounded in the sky of Tel Aviv and the surrounding areas, and that the sounds of violent explosions were heard in the city as a result of air interceptions. Israeli Channel 12 reported that Israeli air defenses intercepted at least 12 missiles after sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and its suburbs. The same source also stated that cars in Rishon LeZion, south of Tel Aviv, were hit by a missile fired from the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian resistance created a complex network of underground tunnels to neutralize Israel's military and technical superiority. After nearly 4 months of war, the occupation failed to decode these tunnels in which Palestinian resistance movements are believed to be holding Israeli prisoners. International media estimates indicated that the Gaza Strip tunnel network includes 1,300 tunnels, extending about 500 kilometers, some of which reach a depth of 70 meters underground, and are divided into insurance, attack, defense, supply, and command tunnels. Despite the Israeli armys insistence on continuing its war on Gaza, it has not yet been able to reach the tunnel network, which was indicated by the Wall Street Journal, which quoted American and Israeli officials as saying, About 80% of the resistance tunnels are still intact. Which hinders Israels main objectives in the war. The newspaper explained that Israel used several methods to try to destroy the tunnels, including installing huge pumps to flood them with water, destroying them with air strikes and liquid explosives, searching them with dogs and robots, destroying their entrances, and raiding them. The number revealed by the American newspaper regarding the Gaza Strip tunnels attracted the attention of social media users, in comments and tweets, some of which were quoted in the episode (1/29/2024) of the Shabakat Al Jazeera program. Arwa wrote, Hamas activity in the areas from which the Israeli army withdrew in northern Gaza raises concern in Israel. 80% of the Hamas and Gaza tunnels have not been destroyed yet.. The army is living in a maze searching for tunnels. Ahmed commented on the issue, saying, "A failed, defeated paper army that was unable to crack the tunnel code... was unable to free a single prisoner... not even knowing the correct number or their whereabouts." Ali Hamad believed that what the American newspaper reported were deceptive statements. The Zionists want to justify their killing of civilians, their displacement, and the destruction of all of Gaza so that it becomes uninhabitable for living. In this context, Samir asked, Arent such reports intended to incite Western public opinion against Hamas, which, according to their propaganda, is terrorist and wants to wipe out the entity? Adnan Al-Dali wrote, "The truth that the enemy does not dare to say is that he was defeated in Gaza, that it has become a graveyard for him, and that military vehicles have become easy bait for Al-Yassin missiles." In the second half of January, humanitarian partners continue to observe a declining trend in their attempts to access the northern and central areas of Gaza. The reasons include excessive delays for humanitarian aid convoys before or at Israeli checkpoints and heightened military activity in central Gaza. Threats to the safety of humanitarian personnel and sites are also frequent, impeding not only the delivery of time-sensitive and life-saving aid but also posing serious risks to those involved in humanitarian efforts. A young Palestinian man was killed at dawn by Israeli occupation forces' bullets as they stormed a town in Jenin , while other cities and towns in the West Bank witnessed armed clashes. Al Jazeera's correspondent said that the young man was martyred while Palestinians confronted Israeli forces that stormed the town of Yamoun, west of the city of Jenin. Palestinian activists said that the martyr was Thaer Naim. The occupation forces stormed the city of Jenin itself and arrested a young man in the Al-Hadaf neighborhood before withdrawing at dawn today. Al Jazeera's correspondent reported that clashes broke out between Palestinian resistance fighters and the occupation forces after they stormed Jenin and besieged residential neighborhoods in the city. Palestinian platforms broadcast scenes showing Israeli military bulldozers demolishing and sabotaging infrastructure in the streets of Jenin. The pictures also show the deployment of military reinforcements of occupation vehicles in several neighborhoods of the city and Jenin camp. Armed clashes also broke out between resistance fighters and the occupation forces after they stormed the town of Qabatiya, south of Jenin. Also in the northern West Bank, Al Jazeera's correspondent reported that Israeli occupation forces stormed the Old City and the Balata and Askar camps in Nablus. Gunfire was heard in Balata camp, and a military bulldozer removed obstacles, destroyed facilities, and swept away some streets in the camp. In this context, the Israeli occupation forces arrested two young Palestinians in the Aida camp, north of the city of Bethlehem in the southern West Bank, during their storming of the camp. Foot soldiers from the occupation army deployed in the alleys of the camp and raided a number of homes before withdrawing from the camp. The Israeli army had previously stormed the city of Tubas, causing armed confrontations. Pictures showed plumes of smoke rising after an Israeli military vehicle was targeted with an explosive device. In the southern West Bank, Israeli occupation forces stormed the town of Nahalin, west of Bethlehem, from its northern entrance, erected barriers in the town and detained a number of young men. They also prevented citizens vehicles from passing and deployed their patrols in several areas and on the main street of the town of Husan. Israeli occupation forces stormed the town of Beit Kahil, west of Hebron, and the correspondent said that they raided a number of citizens' homes. In the central West Bank, at least one Palestinian was injured by Israeli occupation army bullets yesterday in the village of Beit Rima, northwest of the city of Ramallah. IDF and MGB soldiers operated in a counter-terrorism operation in the Jenin refugee camp in the Menashe Brigade, during which engineering tools uncovered shafts in which charges had been planted with the aim of harming the forces. who responded by shooting. During an attempt to arrest a wanted man by Dovdban fighters in the village of El Yamoun, he opened fire at them and they killed him. At the same time, the reserve fighters operated in a number of terrorist centers in the city of Nablus, including the Kasbah, the Askar refugee camp and the Balata refugee camp, interrogating suspects and confiscating military equipment. In the village of Akeb in Benjamin, the fighters confiscated weapons and in the village of Azon in Ephraim, the fighters confiscated additional weapons. The wanted persons who were arrested were transferred for further investigation by the security forces, there are no casualties to Israeli forces. In less than two hours since the last attack in southern Lebanon, fighter jets once again attacked terrorist targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanon. As part of the attack, a number of terrorist infrastructures of the organization were destroyed along with an observation post in the Markaba, A-Taiba and Maron al-Ras areas in southern Lebanon. Also, a number of launches were detected that crossed the territory of Lebanon towards the north of the country. IDF forces attacked the sources of the shooting along with other areas in Lebanese territory. Fighter jets attacked two military buildings where a number of operatives of the terrorist organization Hezbollah were staying in the Yaron region of southern Lebanon. Also, earlier today, IDF forces attacked a launch site from which launches were made to the north of the country. In addition, during the day, a number of launches were detected that crossed from Lebanese territory to the north of the country, IDF forces attacked the sources of the shooting alongside other areas in Lebanese territory. The spokesman for the Armed Forces of Yemen Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced that a US ship was targeted in the Gulf of Aden. The US ship, named Lewis B puller, was targeted with a Naval missile in support of the Palestinian people and in response to the American and British attacks on Yemen. The American ship was in charge of providing logistical support for the American forces that participated in the attacks against Yemen, Saree stressed. The Yemeni armed forces will continue their operations against Israeli ships and ships bound for the ports is occupied Palestine, according to his statement. Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, met with the Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Shipping, Guy Platten, to discuss developments in the situation in the Red Sea region and their impact on global supply chains and the Suez Canal. During the meeting, Rabie stressed the Suez Canal Authoritys keenness to enhance cooperation with all international maritime organizations and institutions, consult with its customers about the repercussions of the current crisis, and present visions to confront the various challenges associated with the crisis and reduce its impact on the global trade movement. He stressed that "the current crisis requires concerted all efforts, exchanging visions about its repercussions, and identifying its effects on global supply chains and all sectors related to maritime transport, including the marine insurance sector, which is witnessing a rise in the cost of insurance for ships that pass through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab region." For his part, Guy Plattin, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the Suez Canal Authority in achieving effective communication with all active parties in the maritime community, stressing the positive impact that communication brings towards understanding the current conditions in the maritime transport market and what it is witnessing. Of successive variables. Platin pointed to the continuation of consultation with the Suez Canal Authority as a major partner and an indispensable shipping lane for the stability and sustainability of global supply chains, expressing his aspiration for the crisis to end as soon as possible due to the challenges it poses to the sustainability of global supply chains. Maps All maps are lies. Not only is it easy to lie with maps, it is essential, wrote cartographer Mark Monmoneir in his book How to Lie with Maps. He showed that condensing complex, three-dimensional spaces onto a two-dimensional sheet of paper is bound to be reductive. But it is impossible to comprehend the war in Gaza without reference to maps, otherwise the entire conflict is reduced to an endless series of meaningless acts of random violence and the suffering of civilians. The first characteristic of guerrilla warfare is the loss of a front line. Evidently, different mappers have different ideas of how to depict the war in Gaza, notably those that seek to depict Israeli progress in the ground campaign. Part of the problem is latency. The news that forms the basis of the maps takes time to filter out to mappers, and the cartographers take time in crafting their maps, and it takes time to curate them. These processes are uneven among mappers, so their maps may differ in detail. Probably there is some ideological bias, or at least thematic apperception, which is understandable in wartime. It may come as no surprise that al-Jazeera maps depict rather less Israeli territorial progress than other sources. Finally, there remains the epistemological question of just exactly what are the colored in areas depicting. Naively, this might be understood as areas of Israeli control, that are no longer contested by the HAMAS. Or possibly these are areas of Israeli presence, in many of which the possibility of an RPG-wielding HAMAS militant popping out of a tunnel unexpectedly remains a live possibility. With the "zero-range" combat characterized by small unit tactics on both sides, maps may be prey to a fallacy of misplaced concreteness. Indeed, by late January 2024 mappers were rather less exuberant in their depictions of IDF advances. While by the end of 2023 maps suggested that it was "mission accomplished" in North Gaza which was depicted as entirely pacified, by late January 2024 enclaves of IDF elements were depicted at the margins of Gaza City, much of North Gaza was now depticted as either HAMAS-controlled, or "contested". Another noteworthy cartographic ambiguity was found to the south of Khan Yunis in the stretch of Salah Al-Deen avenue running north from Al-Nasr through al-Fukhari to the vicinity of Tawhid Mosque in the environs of Khan Yunis proper. By the end of 2023 some cartographers indicated that a large swath of territory centered on this avenue had been liberated by the IDF, while other cartographers professed no knowlege of an IDF presence in that part of the Strip. By late January 2024 there are suggestions that while the avenue itself was an IDF permissive corridor for nearly the full length of the Strip, much of adjacent territory was not. By 29 January 2024 Al-Jazeera had finally come around to some of the cartographic conventions of other mappers, indicating "occupied areas", and even providing a map of IDF ORBAT in the Strip. Bystanders The New York Times revealed details of the accusations leveled by Israel against some employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) of participating in the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on October 7. According to the American newspaper, the accusations against a number of UNRWA employees were submitted in a file by the Israeli government to the United States, which includes the names and jobs of UNRWA employees and the allegations directed against them, according to the newspaper. It said that the accused UNRWA employees helped Hamas carry out the October 7 attacks that led to the outbreak of war in Gaza, or assisted it during the following days. It was reported that one of the accused is a school counselor from Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, and he is accused of working with his son to kidnap a woman from Israel. A social worker from Nuseirat, central Gaza, was also accused of helping to bring the body of a dead Israeli soldier to the Strip, as well as distributing ammunition and coordinating vehicles on the day of the attack. According to the newspaper, a third person was described as having participated in a massacre in a kibbutz in the Gaza Strip, in which 97 people were killed. The Israeli file stated, The countrys intelligence officers were able to determine the movements of 6 men inside Israel on October 7 based on their phones, and others were monitored while making phone calls inside Gaza, during which they discussed their involvement in the Hamas attack. 3 others received text messages ordering them to attend. To the assembly points on October 7, one of them was asked to bring rocket-propelled grenades stored at his home. The Israelis described 10 of the employees as members of the Hamas movement, while another person belonged to Islamic Jihad in Gaza, and 7 of the accused are teachers in UNRWA schools in Gaza, where they work to teach students subjects such as mathematics and the Arabic language, and work. Two others are in schools in other capacities, and the remaining three are described as: clerk, social worker, and store manager. In response to a question about Israels allegations, UNRWA told the New York Times that two of its 12 employees accused of involvement in the attacks have died, but it cannot provide further information while the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services is still investigating the matter. Romania, Austria and Japan joined the list of countries that adopted the Israeli position and announced that they would stop supporting UNRWA. In 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for placing Palestinian refugees under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and ending the presence of UNRWA. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees ( UNRWA ) is being subjected to an unprecedented Israeli and international campaign, as several donor countries have stopped funding this agency, which is the lifeline of more than 5.5 million Palestinian refugees. Israel intensified its campaign against UNRWA during the war it was waging in the Gaza Strip , claiming that some of the agency's cadres had joined the Palestinian resistance factions, and that the Izz al-Din al -Qassam Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) - were using the agency's headquarters and schools in combat operations. In parallel with these accusations, Israel launched a campaign to stop funding the agency, and donor countries responded by announcing their withdrawal, without waiting for the results of any official investigation, bringing the total lost funding to about 56% of the organizations total budget. It is noteworthy that the withdrawal of donor countries came hours after a decision issued by the International Court of Justice , which ordered Israel to ensure the entry of relief materials into the Gaza Strip. The agency relies entirely on contributions from member states of the United Nations, and its budget in 2022 was estimated at about one billion and 200 million dollars. The United States provided the largest percentage, about 30%, followed by Germany and the European Union, out of 20 donor countries and the United Nations. The United Nations rapporteur on the right to housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, told Al Jazeera that some countries suspension of funding for UNRWA constitutes collective punishment for the residents of the Gaza Strip, stressing that a people cannot be punished because of the alleged mistakes of individuals in the agency. For its part, the Hamas movement on Saturday denounced the Israeli "threats" against UNRWA and other international organizations, and called on "the United Nations and international institutions not to give in to the threats and blackmails" of Israel. Following the allegations made by Israel against UNRWA, the United States was quick to suspend any funding for the UN organization, followed by Canada, Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Japan. Switzerland waited to obtain more information before making a decision regarding its assistance to UNRWA, and Norway announced yesterday, Sunday, that it would continue to fund the agency despite doubts about the involvement of some of its employees in the Hamas attack on Israel, and thus the positions of those countries were proven. International newspapers and websites focused - in articles and reports - on the most prominent events and developments in the Arab region, especially the repercussions of donor countries stopping funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees ( UNRWA ) in the Gaza Strip. The Wall Street Journal highlighted the United Nations warnings about the repercussions of countries announcing their suspension of funding for UNRWA on the residents of the Gaza Strip. It was stated - in the newspapers report - that in other crises around the world, the United Nations relies on multiple agencies active on the ground, but the situation in Gaza is completely different, as UNRWA - the report adds - is the only agency working there and it will be difficult for another international body to compensate for its role in this circumstance. Briefly, while the conflict continues. Liberation newspaper said that several Western countries took the initiative to suspend their donations to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees ( UNRWA ) immediately after Israel accused employees of the agency of participating in the attack on October 7, 2023, a decision that the political expert specializing in Middle East affairs, Jean-Paul Chaneloud, believes has consequences. Severe. The newspaper explained - in an interview summarized by Maria Malagardes - that more than 10 Western countries, including the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom, have suspended vital funding for this organization that has been responsible since 1949 for the fate of Palestinian refugees, and which is the only source of humanitarian aid for the residents of the Gaza Strip who are being subjected to army bombing. UNRWA immediately terminated the contracts of 9 suspected employees, another died, and the rest were not identified. It also opened an investigation to determine the precise responsibilities of dozens of targeted employees, but that did not seem sufficient, as the speed of the donor countries reaction coincided with the issuance of the International Court of Justices order to accept. The occurrence of genocide in Gaza, and its call to ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians stranded in the Gaza Strip. The Middle East affairs expert spoke about the indispensable role of UNRWA in the lives of 6 million Palestinian refugees, two million of whom are in Gaza, noting that the Israeli right has always been hostile to this agency, and former US President Donald Trump withdrew financial support for it, but he was succeeded by an atmosphere Biden brought it back. But behind the financial aspect - as the expert says - there is always the political question: How do we make the issue of Palestinian refugees disappear? Because this is the logic that prevailed before October 7, when Israel was preparing to normalize its relations with Arab countries, before the ongoing war revived the idea of eliminating UNRWA. The Middle East affairs expert pointed out that the Europeans took a fairly clear position supporting the implementation of the order issued by the International Court of Justice, but we have the impression that some countries such as Germany immediately wanted to rebalance this position by suspending funding for UNRWA in the wake of the Israeli accusations. The two positions appear - to the expert - to be contradictory, as it is not possible to support the urgent need for more humanitarian measures on the one hand, and to cut off funds from UNRWA, which provides this aid on the spot, on the other hand, and because striking this agency contradicts what the Court of Justice requested. At a time when the world has completely abandoned the Palestinian population, the presence of UNRWA on the spot hinders the Israeli strategy that wants to destroy everything, as the Israeli Defense Minister clearly said, especially since Israel today - as the expert believes - wants to liquidate the Palestinian issue and expel the Palestinians. From the Gaza Strip, UNRWA is a collateral victim of this strategy. The Middle East affairs expert expressed his fear that the decision to cut funding for UNRWA would strengthen the idea of expelling Palestinians from Gaza, concluding that Western alignment with Israeli positions toward UNRWA is a sign of our contradictions and weakness in defending the law. The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, indicated that the International Court of Justice requested allowing effective humanitarian assistance to the residents of the Gaza Strip, and therefore the suspension by several countries of their funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees ( UNRWA ), and said that it was a violation of the decision of the International Court of Justice, and could constitute a violation of the International Convention on Genocide . She said the decision of those countries amounts to open disobedience to the decision of the International Court of Justice. A number of international law experts who Al Jazeera Net spoke to agreed on the importance of the International Court of Justices decision in the lawsuit filed by South Africa against Israel, accusing it of committing the crime of genocide against the Palestinian people, because of its many and varied repercussions. The experts pointed out that, based on the ruling of the International Court of Justice, it is possible to work to hold the Israeli officials complicit in these crimes accountable, and to work to stop supplying Israel with weapons and financial and economic aid, and to work to expel Israel from international organizations. Professor Francis Boyle, professor of international law at the University of Illinois, confirmed in his interview with Al Jazeera Net that the courts decision is a huge and overwhelming legal victory for South Africa against Israel, in order to push it to cease and desist from committing all acts of genocide against the Palestinians, based on his experience as an advisor to Bosnia and Herzegovina against the president. Former Serbian Slobodan Milosevic , on trial for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Professor Boyle pointed out that the ruling of the Court of Justice, which includes judges from various corners of the world, by an overwhelming majority, of 15 votes to two, and 16 votes to one, confirms that South Africas lawsuit against Israel has clear justifications, otherwise this matter would not have been possible. To go down like this." Political commentator and international affairs expert Asal Rad said, Although the International Court of Justices ruling did not amount to a call for an immediate ceasefire, it was a victory for South Africas case by refusing to dismiss the case, as Israel wanted, and by proving the reasonableness of the acts of genocide it committed. The fact that the rulings of the 17-judge panel were close to unanimous support supports the validity of South Africas position, and the six urgent interim measures decided by the court demonstrate the urgent need for Israel to take action to prevent acts of genocide, and to publicly hold officials complicit in these crimes accountable, Rudd added. The expert stated, "Given its history of impunity, the court's decision is historic for prosecuting Israel for genocide. However, given the lack of enforcement mechanisms, Israel is likely to continue its attack until action is taken by third countries to hold Israel accountable." International law expert at New York University, Professor Robert Hawes, also pointed out in an interview with Al Jazeera Net, The International Court of Justices ruling is excellent, both in terms of its legality and legitimacy, and from the point of view of legitimacy, the courts order against Israel was partially supported by 16 judges out of 17 (including The Israeli judge Barak, in the rest of the articles, was supported by 15 judges out of 17, and the support of the American judge is very remarkable! Heidi Matthews, a professor of international law at York University School of Law in Canada, who previously worked with the International Court of Justice in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and worked on the prosecutors team at the Special Court for Lebanon , believes that the courts ruling is historic, even though it was fabricated by the United States and others. However, it is merely a repetition of the demands of Hamas and Israel to act in accordance with international humanitarian law. She confirmed in her interview with Al Jazeera Net, "The most important thing that can be concluded from the temporary measures order is that the court found that South Africa had presented an argument that the allegations of genocide in Gaza were at least plausible, and this effectively puts all countries on notice that there is - at least - "There is a serious danger that Israel is participating or will participate in acts of genocide with the specific and clear intention of completely or partially eliminating the Palestinian people in Gaza." The professor stated, "The court's decisions create a positive international legal obligation for all states to take measures within their authority to prevent genocide. This may include, for example, stopping arms exports, or providing other types of material assistance to Israel." International law expert Professor Hawes also asserted that the Court clearly found that Israel is in violation of the Genocide Convention, and there is an immediate and continuing danger of continued violation, which requires urgent action. The Court widely cited statements of genocidal intent by Israels leaders and senior officials, Such as the Minister of Defense, its Prime Minister and its President. The court clearly accepted that the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the forced displacement of almost the entire population, and the risk of widespread famine and disease, was as presented by South Africa, and confirmed by numerous UN reports, Hawes said. The court ordered that Israel ensure with immediate effect that it ceases actions that risk causing "Severe harm to the population of Gaza, cited by the Genocide Convention." The expert stated, Indeed, the court declared that there must be a cessation of hostilities against the residents of Gaza, but perhaps did not use the word ceasefire to allow Israel to respond to specific attacks by Hamas fighters, albeit with a strict commitment to avoid causing harm. "With civilians." International law expert at the German Max Planck Institute, Julia Imtseva, considered that, Although the International Court of Justice refused to grant a temporary measure to Israel to immediately suspend its military operations in and against Gaza, the matter should still be viewed and encouraged as a victory for South Africa. Emtseva added, "The court said that Israel must take all measures in its power to prevent the commission of all acts of genocide that may be committed with genocidal intent. Israel is now required to submit a report within one month, and is likely to do so, as it must defend... itself against the substance of the charge of genocide, when the time comes for the court to consider the merits of the case. Professor Emtseva pointed out that the courts decision has the potential to change the discourse not only in the international arena, but also within Israel, and those Israeli jurists and politicians who disagree about how their country conducts the war against Hamas are likely to gain more support and legitimacy in the process. Local departments. She added, "The political and social implications of such orders are often much broader than the legal implications. For example, arms companies will be subject to more serious scrutiny regarding compliance with international and national laws prohibiting complicity in genocide, and the same applies to states making military aid decisions." ". Professor Craig Martin at Washburn College of Law at Kansas State University also shared the very common opinion among international law jurists, which is that the International Court of Justices decision on provisional measures was extremely important. In an interview with Al Jazeera Net, the professor indicated that the decision is likely to have some impact. On discourse and decision-making within Israel, as well as among its allies, the decision is also very important for the rule of international law. He commented, The Court followed well-established precedent and legal reasoning to reach a decision consistent with its findings in Gambia v. Myanmar and Ukraine v. Russia, among others, but had it done otherwise, in clear accordance with political pressures, it would have severely damaged the courts integrity and sovereignty. International law in general, it would have fueled narratives about international law being merely an instrument of power exercised by the Global North at the expense of the Global South, and in that sense, the decision is very important. Columnist Lydia Polgreen stated in her article in the New York Times criticized the West's selectivity in applying the standards of the international system based on laws and regulations, and its reluctance to impose them specifically on the State of Israel. She noted that last year the world witnessed an astonishing and high-stakes international drama taking place in the Dutch city of The Hague, the seat of the International Court of Justice. There, a group of poorer and less powerful countries - the so-called Global South, led by South Africa - managed to drag the Israeli government, along with its allies, rich and powerful countries, into the highest judicial body of the Western rules-based system, accusing Israel of waging a brutal war in the Gaza Strip. Gaza is characterized by " genocide ". The article described the responses of the leading countries in this global system to the lawsuit filed against Israel as being quick and clear, rejecting the accusations directed against Tel Aviv. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak considered it a completely unjustified and wrong step, while the US National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, described it as worthless, counterproductive, and completely baseless. As for the German government spokesman, he said: His country opposed the "political exploitation" of the genocide law. The International Court of Justice issued a temporary ruling on Friday, requiring Israel to take measures to prevent acts of genocide, including preventing irreparable harm to the people of Gaza, including easing the almost complete blockade of humanitarian aid, but the decision did not call for a complete cessation of military operations. Israeli in the Strip. According to some, the court's decision was characterized by sobriety and accuracy, and entailed a rebuke of countries that reject the charges against Israel. The writer pointed out that accusing Israel is a necessary step, as it is the state that was established in the wake of the Holocaust, which the Jews were subjected to at the hands of Nazi Germany during World War II, after which - ironically - the term genocide was coined. Whatever the final outcome of this case, it ignites - in the opinion of the author of the article - an epic battle over the meaning and values of the so-called rules-based global order. If these rules are not applied when powerful countries do not want them to be applied, are they in this case considered rules? Polgreen wonders. The writer quoted Thuli Madonsela - a jurist and lawyer well-versed in South Africa, who contributed to drafting the post-apartheid constitution in her country - saying: As long as those who set the rules impose them on others while they believe that they and their allies are above those rules, the international governance system is in dilemma". The lawyer added: We say that the laws are the laws, whether when Russia invades Ukraine, or when the Rohingya (the Muslim minority) are killed in Myanmar, but if Israel is now slaughtering the Palestinians, depriving them of food, and working to displace them en masse, then the rules do not apply to it. Anyone who tries to enforce them is anti-Semitic, and that puts those rules in jeopardy. While Polgreen acknowledges, in her article, that investigating the charges against Israel will take years, she describes Israels war in Gaza as the most heinous crime that a state can commit, and it has a special resonance, noting that the one who coined the term genocide is the legal researcher. Raphael Lemkin, a Polish Jew, was used during the Holocaust to give a legal definition to the massacre and ensure that it would not happen again. Although the International Court of Justice lacks mechanisms to implement its decisions, this case - in Bulgreens view - is of great importance because it is directly related to the challenges facing the rules-based global order led by the United States, which has persisted since World War II, despite some obstacles that Get in his way. According to the New York Times article, the wealthy Western countries that set the terms of that system are retreating on several fronts as Chinas global ambitions rise. While Russia under its President Vladimir Putin threatens Europe, and liberal democracy is declining in many parts of the world; While emerging powers of strategic importance - such as Turkiye and India - tend towards authoritarianism. All the caveats warn that the world risks rushing recklessly into a new era of realpolitik whose slogan is might makes right, where everything is permissible, and international laws and norms are disdained. The writer said that all the warnings warn that the world risks rushing recklessly into a new era of realpolitik whose slogan is might makes right, where everything is permissible, and international laws and norms are disdained. What does a rules-based system mean, if rules are applied selectively, and if trying to apply them to specific countries is seen as clearly prejudiced? According to Polgreen, it is short-sighted in these times that President Biden's administration has chosen to overlook the carefully documented case prepared by South Africa. In her assessment, one of the biggest threats to the rules-based international order is the growing consensus in the poor world that the rich world applies those rules selectively as it sees fit and when it suits the powerful states that make up the Global North, as happened when Russia invaded Ukraine. The writer quotes the legal researcher in South Africa, Dan Mavura, as saying that this kind of evasion that we see happening regarding Gaza, the underestimation of the scale of the humanitarian crisis, and the cowardice in criticizing the Israeli government for its actions, all of this has undermined the moral authority of the United States in the eyes of many. From the people of the world. She concludes by saying that the only way out of this tragedy is to include the Palestinian people in the family of self-governing states that live, imperfectly, under the rules that have maintained an unstable but continuous peace for many generations, as she puts it. The HAMAS-leaning Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Observatory said that it documented that the occupation army continued at the same pace to kill civilians, forcibly displace them, and starve them in Gaza, three days after the issuance of the International Court of Justices decision , which obligated Israel to take measures to prevent the commission of the crime of genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The Observatory indicated that it documented the Israeli armys killing of more than 373 Palestinians - including 345 civilians - in addition to more than 643 injuries since the courts decision was issued. It explained that in addition to the non-stop bombing operations - including the destruction of residential homes on the heads of their residents and the killing of displaced people after they were terrorized and responded to illegal Israeli evacuation orders - Israel continues its attack on what remains of the health system in Gaza and besieges and targets the hospitals that remain partially functioning in Khan . Younis, south of the Gaza Strip. According to the Observatory, the process of systematic and widespread destruction of civilian objects continued, including homes, residential complexes, and neighborhoods, and certain areas witnessed horrific crimes, which comes within the framework of destroying evidence of the crime of genocide being committed. It said that Israel is still deliberately obstructing the arrival of humanitarian aid to Gaza in general, and placing more stringent restrictions on its entry into the northern Gaza Valley in particular, where the famine situation is worsening 115 days after the start of the war. The Observatory stated that during the past few days, settlers obstructed the entry of humanitarian aid through the Kerem Shalom crossing , east of Rafah, with the approval of the Israeli police and based on instructions from the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir . It confirmed that the number of aid trucks decreased to only 87 trucks during the past two days compared to the previous days, which witnessed an average of 100 trucks per day, which was criticized because it only meets less than 10% of the needs of the population of the Strip. The Observatory also said that the Israeli army issued new evacuation orders in a new number of areas of Khan Yunis, with a total area of ??more than 4 square kilometers, and published them on social media despite the ongoing outage of electricity, communications and internet services in the Strip. It stressed that the occupation army continued to destroy entire residential squares, although it was not possible to accurately estimate this destruction, in addition to destroying all buildings at a depth ranging between 1,000 and 1,500 meters from the border fence east of Gaza, with the aim of establishing a buffer zone that would cut off more than 15% of the area of the Strip. Axis of Resistance Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kan'ani reacted to the recent attack carried out on a US base on Jordan border which resulted in the death and injury of several American troops. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kan'ani says that Tehran is not seeking to get involved in any tension with any party, even with the United States. The senior Iranian diplomat made the remarks speaking at his weekly press conference. "We used our maximum capacities regarding the issue of Palestine and ending the (Israeli) regime's war against Gaza. Iran's opinion is still clear; Stability in the region is in the interest of all parties. There must be an end to this war crime, an end to the siege of Gaza, and an end to the evil policy of displacing the people of Gaza," he emphasized. "We believe that these positions of Iran are completely principled and logical. We must pay attention to the root (cause) of the crisis. We do not want tension with any side, not even America," Kan'ani further cited. Saying that what is witnessed in the region is not the result of the tension between Iran and the US, the senior Iranian diplomat stressed that unfortunately, the international community and the Security Council failed to fulfill their responsibility in ending the crisis due to the non-constructive actions of the United States. Kan'ani said that the Resistance groups in the region do not take orders from the Islamic Republic of Iran in their decisions and actions. Iran monitors developments in the region with readiness and vigilance, and the responsibility for the consequences of provocative accusations against Iran rests with the perpetrators of such baseless claims, he added. "Since the beginning of the current crisis in Gaza, the Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly warned about the danger of expanding the scope of the conflict in the region due to the continued attacks of the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people, as well as the all-out support of the United States for the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank," Kan'ani said on Monday morning. The senior Iranian diplomat went on to say that Tehran considers the repeated violation of the national sovereignty of Iraq and Syria by the American forces and the US attacks against Resistance groups as an intensifying factor for this cycle of instability. "Re-emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region, the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that war in Gaza is not the solution and ending the attacks of the Zionist regime on Gaza and an immediate ceasefire can be the basis for the return of peace to the region," he stressed. Once again, Kan'ani reiterated that the Resistance groups in the region do not take orders from the Islamic Republic of Iran in their decisions and actions, adding that Iran does not interfere in the decisions of the Resistance groups on how to support the Palestinian nation or defend themselves and their people against any aggression and occupation. The foreign ministry spokesman emphasized that the baseless accusation leveled against Iran is a conspiracy made by those who see their interests in dragging America into a new conflict in the region and inciting it in the expansion and escalation of the crisis. "Iran monitors developments in the region with readiness and vigilance, and the responsibility for the consequences of provocative accusations against Iran rests with the perpetrators of such baseless claims," he concluded. The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the United Nations said that Iran had no connection and had nothing to do with the attack on the US base. The Iranian mission in the UN issued the statement as some of the critics of the administration of the US President and hawkish Republicans were in their efforts to link the attack on the Al-Tanf base to Iran. The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the United Nations on Sunday night told IRNA that Iran had no connection and had nothing to do with the attack on the US base. It further clarified that there is a conflict between US forces and Resistance groups in the region, which reciprocate retaliatory attacks. The Iranian mission in the UN issued the statement as some of the critics of the administration of the US President and hawkish Republicans were in their efforts to link the attack on the Al-Tanf base to Iran. An Iraqi Islamic Resistance official has also announced that if America continues to support Israel, such attacks will intensify. Resistance groups based in Iraq have repeatedly hit US bases on Iraqi and Syrian territories with missiles and drones over the past weeks in retaliation for the Israeli regimes crimes against Palestinians in Gaza. The groups are also "outraged" at the US military presence in the region, which they see as a source of instability, as well as Washingtons support for Israel in its ongoing war on Gaza. Iran condemned the suspension of funding by some Western countries for the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), saying such a move is an endorsement of war crimes and genocide by the Israeli regime. Putting pressure and restrictions on the humanitarian activities of UNRWA or hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid to a nation facing the harsh conditions of war and the imminent threat of genocide is essentially nothing but an endorsement of the narrative of a criminal regime accused of committing genocide, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kan'ani said. Kan'ani said the Israeli accusations against UNRWA was another malicious act by the occupying regime to complement its inhumane actions against the Palestinian people, and also to justify the restrictions it has imposed on humanitarian organizations in Gaza. It is also an attempt to absolve the Israeli regime of committing unprecedented and horrifying crime of the massacre of around 150 employees of these international institutions, including UNRWA, over the past 113 days, he added. Mehr News reported "Officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran had repeatedly warned that supporting the crimes of the Zionist regime could lead to the spillover of conflict, insecurity, and war in the region, and will also affect the United States. American officials have repeatedly claimed that they do not want to widen the conflicts in Gaza and turn it into a bigger regional war, but this claim mostly meant that the Axis of Resistance should not respond to the crimes of the Zionist regime and the United States against Gaza.... "One of the policies of the Zionist regime in the West Asian region is to directly force the United States to enter war, and especially a direct war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. America can take direct military action against Iran. However, the American governments (Trump and Biden administrations) have avoided falling into the trap and have refrained from any direct military action against Iran. "Even now, it seems that the American government is not looking for action against Iran on Iranian soil. The Pentagon also announced that Iran was not involved in the attack against the United States. The fact is that basically, the Islamic Republic of Iran has an "independent" view of its regional allies and considers them as independent actors who do not coordinate many of their policies and actions with Tehran." The Zionist regimes threat of military action against Lebanon would jeopardize international peace and security, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry warned. In comments at a press conference, Nasser Kanaani decried the Zionist regime for threatening to attack Lebanon in case the Hezbollah forces do not withdraw from the Lebanese southern border areas. He said the international community must be aware that the region does not need any new crisis and the spread of crises would not fulfill the interests of any side. Describing Lebanon as a strategic country in West Asia and a pillar of security in the region, Kanaani warned that the Zionist regime is pursuing a new act of adventurism. He also cautioned against Israels perilous policies that jeopardize international peace and security, saying the Zionist regime, already stuck in Gaza, sees its survival in the spread of war and getting other countries involved in clashes. He called on the sponsors of Israel to advise the regime to abandon evil acts and stop its crimes in Gaza. The Israeli regime is hammering more nails in its own coffin with its desperate attempts in the Gaza Strip, the spokesman stated. The Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) considered the ruling coalitions call in Israel during a conference yesterday, Sunday, to annex the West Bank and Gaza a revelation of the hidden intentions to implement the crime of displacement and ethnic cleansing against our people, and a disregard for the recent decisions of the International Court of Justice, which demanded that it take all measures to stop the genocide in Gaza. Hamas called on the international community and the United Nations to take a firm stance and condemn this conference, as it is based on the idea of ethnic cleansing, and to take the necessary measures to protect the Palestinian people in implementation of the decisions of the International Court of Justice. A dozen Israeli ministers - some of them from the Likud Party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - and more than 15 members of the Knesset participated in yesterday's conference on returning settlements to Gaza, amid calls by participants from far-right supporters to "displace" Palestinians from the besieged Strip. Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said in a speech during the conference, "I am addressing you from this podium, Prime Minister. It is time to return home to Gush Katif and North Shomron. It is time to encourage Palestinian migration, and it is time for victory." The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the conference, and said in a statement, The colonial meeting in Jerusalem is a blatant challenge to the decision of the International Court of Justice, and a public incitement to forcefully displace Palestinians. It is noteworthy that the United Nations considers settlement activity in the occupied territories illegal, and calls on Israel to stop it, but to no avail, warning that it undermines the chances of resolving the conflict in accordance with the principle of a two-state solution, Palestinian and Israeli. Allied for Democracy The leader of the opposition in Israel , Yair Lapid , criticized the conference held by the extremist "Jewish Power" party, led by Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir , in the city of Jerusalem, to call for the restoration of settlement in Gaza and the northern West Bank . The "Jewish Power" party organized a conference entitled "Victory Conference", to promote the restoration of settlement in the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank, in response to the events of October 7. Ministers and representatives of the Knesset (Parliament), and about 20 Israeli ministers, Some of them are from the ruling Likud Party led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , according to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. Commenting on the conference, Lapid said that this causes international harm to Israel and exposes army soldiers to danger, and will also harm a possible prisoner exchange deal. Lapid added, in a post on his account on the X platform, that organizing the conference is a terrible irresponsibility, and Netanyahu and his government are not qualified, and this government is the most harmful in the history of Israel, as he put it. He explained that the settlement conference of the "Otzma Yehudit" party, with many ministers from the Likud Party, is a disgrace to Netanyahu and to the party that was once at the heart of the national camp, and is now lagging helplessly behind the extremists. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir rejected the criticism directed at the settlement conference, calling for the return of settlements in the entire Gaza Strip. Ben Gvir said, "The correct solution is not only to return to the Gush Katif settlement, but more importantly to the entire Gaza Strip." Member of the Israeli emergency government and head of the National Unity Party, Benny Gantz, said that the participation of coalition ministers and members in the Victory Conference harmed our legitimacy in the world and efforts to find a framework for the return of the kidnapped. Gantz believed that the participation of ministers and members of the coalition in the conference organized by the far-right Jewish Power party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, to promote the restoration of settlement in the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank, in response to the October 7 attack, harmed Israeli society in times of war. They harmed our legitimacy in the world and harmed efforts to find a framework for the return of our abductees. He made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying: This is not the time to talk to Al-Qaeda, but to work for the entire people. This is the time to support the soldiers of the IDF, the Shin Bet, the Mossad, and the police, regardless of their opinions and regardless of where they come from. He stressed, "This is the time to show the power of the world, and to act as one fist against the enemies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. There will be a time for struggles. Not now, not when we are fighting, and not when 136 kidnapped families raise their eyes to leadership. This nation deserves leadership that acts responsibly." He added: My friends and I warned the Prime Minister before the conference... It is important for us to know and for the world to know that whoever runs the decision-making process is the war government and the political and security government as a whole. Whoever dances and swears does not decide, and whoever stays silent and walks away is not a leader. On more than one occasion, Netanyahu stated that re-settlement in the Gaza Strip at the present time is unrealistic. On December 11, 2023, 15 Israeli organizations held a conference to prepare for settlement projects in Gaza, in the event that the army was able to extend its control over the Strip, while an Israeli contracting and real estate marketing company had already opened the door for reservations for residential units there, according to what Hebrew media revealed at the time. The Jerusalem Post said that reports - indicating the possibility of reaching a new agreement with the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) to stop the fighting in Gaza and enable the release of Israeli detainees - raise concerns because the apparently weakened movement is asking for more from the new deal than it got in the first deal. The Israeli newspaper explained - in a report written by Seth J. Franzma - that the deal includes stopping the fighting for several months in exchange for the release of most of the remaining detainees, noting that Hamas had misled Israel in the past, as the first deal was supposed to include elderly hostages, women and children, and it did not turn out to be the case. The word women means only older women and mothers. The newspaper's report claimed that Hamas lied about the release of the Bibas family, claiming that they were being held by other groups or private civilians in Gaza, noting that these are merely allegations raised when talks about detainees begin so that Hamas can prolong the talks and pretend that it does not know their whereabouts. The writer wondered: Why are talks being held with Qatar, which hosts Hamas, if Hamas is not holding all the hostages? Pointing out that what is presented to the Israeli public is that Hamas will make a deal, but the movement does not hold all the hostages, but it will find them, and if it does not find them, it will get a halt to the fighting to search for them or pretend to search for them, and when the agreement is violated, it is because it was known that Hamas was unable to find them. Or that Hamas was lying, as the newspaper put it. Hamas misled Israel the first time - as the writer says - and after another two months of fighting, it is now back in the drivers seat in an attempt to secure more than it did last November, although it is not logical for Hamas, which has become weaker, to seek Which would have resulted in a much longer deadline for the release of a smaller number of detainees. He mentioned what the Israeli army says about killing a large number of Hamas army members, disabling 60% of it, and taking control of the tunnel areas, and that 80% of them have not been found. However, he admits that Hamas still has some command and control, as it controls Rafah and Humanitarian aid entering Gaza, and perhaps trying to infiltrate Gazans still in the north. The writer believed that if Hamas obtains a ceasefire for a period of months, it will regain its claws, return to the tunnels, recruit more people and exploit the aid coming to Gaza in order to become rich and powerful again. Israel was told - according to the author - that when the war ended, Hamas would not be in Gaza, and this was reduced to saying that the Hamas threat would not be there. So far, Hamas's leadership remains mostly intact, and its infrastructure is also intact, if somewhat damaged. The writer concluded that Hamas expects an influx of money and humanitarian aid so that it can continue to control civilians in Gaza, believing that time is on its side, and its pursuit of a long ceasefire is evidence of that. Here lies the danger of a long ceasefire, because time is not on its side. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that his country continues to focus on its basic goals in the region, whether related to the conflict in Gaza or efforts to build lasting peace. Blinken added that he discussed with the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani the ongoing efforts to release the hostages and reach an expanded truce. Jean-Pierre Filho said in his column in Le Monde newspaper that the evangelical right offers its unwavering support for the United States to destroy Gaza , in the name of the war on what he calls evil forces in the Palestinian Strip. The university professor explained in his column that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recklessly threw himself into the trap set for him by the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), and he hopes that the current catastrophe, if it continues, will allow him, even at Israels expense, to avoid accountability before the judicial system in his country. As for US President Joe Biden , he - as Pierre Filho sees it - blindly rushed into a similar trap by granting unconditional support to the Israeli campaign. Far from working for his own interests, he played into the hands of his worst enemies, namely those radical Christian Zionists who have taken control of the Republican Party and are enthusiastically preparing for the return of Donald Trump to the White House . They believe that an all-out war must be waged against the absolute evil that he represents. Palestinian terrorism. The writer reviewed the history of Mike Johnson, one of the most extreme figures in Christian Zionism in Congress , and said that he is an ardent evangelical and is convinced that the return of the Jewish people to their land Israel contributes to the fulfillment of prophecies, even if that means that two-thirds of the Jews are slaughtered during these ordeals. As for the remaining third, he is saved by converting to Christ. When Johnson was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives last October, his first gesture was to pass a resolution of unconditional support for Israel which is defending itself against the barbaric war waged by Hamas, and to refuse to vote in favor of the aid package for Ukraine prepared by the White House. Johnson allocated about $15 billion in immediate aid to Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza, accused the New York Times of providing a "platform" to Hamas, and suggested "firing" any federal employee who showed solidarity with Gaza. The writer also referred to Franklin Graham, the preacher who inherited from his father, Billy Graham, a real television missionary empire. Netanyahu received him on November 20, 2023, and asked all his followers to pray for him, because he leads Israel, the people of God. In this war of good against evil. For her part, Michelle Bachmann, a former Tea Party inspiration in Congress, and now the dean of Regent University, an evangelical stronghold in Virginia, claimed that the population of Gaza is mainly composed of mercenaries created by terrorism, and says: It is time to end Gaza. The two million people who live "There are nothing but cunning murderers who must be removed from this land. This land must be turned into a national park." As for the very evangelical Mike Pence, former Vice President Trump, he did not hesitate during his recent visit to Israel to sign his name on a missile prepared to be launched at Arab targets in Lebanon. The writer pointed out that the Christian Zionists, who strongly opposed the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005, are also still hostile to the slightest division of the Land of Israel in order for the prophecies to be fulfilled, which is an act of faith for them, and this entire land must remain under the authority of Israel, according to what they believe. Pierre Filho concluded that the Christian Zionists, having linked their individual and collective salvation to crushing Palestinian nationalism, will do their utmost to sabotage any diplomatic solution to the conflict in the Middle East, relying on the differences raised by the Gaza war within the Democratic Party itself, which further weakens the US President. In the face of Trump's "great return." Butcher's Bill / Oasis of Martyrs Between the afternoons of 26 and 28 January, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, 339 Palestinians were reportedly killed (165 people on 28 January, 174 people on 27 January), and 600 Palestinians were injured (290 on 28 January and 310 on 27 January). Between 7 October 2023 and 12:00 on 28 January 2024, at least 26,422 Palestinians were killed in Gaza and 65,087 Palestinians were injured, according to the MoH. Between the afternoons of 26 January and 28 January, no Israeli soldier was reportedly killed in Gaza. As of 26 January, 218 soldiers were killed, and 1,269 soldiers injured in Gaza, according to the Israeli military. On 7 October 2023, Hamas and other armed groups present in the Gaza Strip carried out an attack in Israel, killing more than 1,200 persons, injuring thousands and abducting some 240 people, many of whom continue to be held hostage. It was the second largest loss inflicted on the Israeli forces after the 1973 war. Palestinian armed groups launched thousands of missiles at Israel Following this attack, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza, by land, air and sea. The 1,200 Israelis killed on the first day would be the equivalent of 36,000 Americans killed in an attack, as a proportion to Israels population of 9.3 million people (compared to 332 million in the USA). Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated: Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed in one day". PM Netanyahu stated "On October 7th, Hamas murdered 1,400 Israelis. Maybe more. This is in a country of fewer than 10 million people. This would be equivalent to over 50,000 Americans murdered in a single day. Thats twenty 9/11s. That is why October 7th is another day that will live in infamy." The HAMAS Ministry of Health in the besieged sector announced that the number of victims of the Israeli operation its beginning had risen to 26,637 martyrs, and the killing of nearly 10,000 Palestinian children and 6,600 women killed. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The number wounded was 65,387. The Palestinian Government Media Office in Gaza had said much earlier that the number of missing people had risen to more than 8,000, including including 4,700 children and women, amid expectations that the toll will be double thi figures. The IDF intensified its military operations in the West Bank, and increased the pace of incursions and raids into cities, towns, and camps, resulting in the martyrdom of 342 Palestinians, the injury of about 3,950, and the arrest of 5,780, according to official HAMAS sources. As of 17 January 2023, the Israeli escalation in the West Bank led to the death of 360 Palestinians, the injury of nearly 2,200, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, and the arrest of about 6,000, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club. More than 130 Hezbollah fighters were killed in Lebanon during exchanges of bombing operations with Israel. Israel revised down the death toll from the October Hamas attacks in southern Israel from 1,400 to 1,200. IDF had said previously it was holding 1,500 bodies of terrorists, a total that now would increas to about 1,700. The total number of Israeli deaths has risen to 559 [557?] since the start of the war on October 7, including 229 [220?] killed since the ground invasion as a result of the ongoing clashes with the Palestinian resistance [other sources report the total number of deaths of the army had risen to 222 since the start of the ground invasion]. Among them were at least 56 with the rank of platoon commander, 43 with the rank of company commander, 9 with the rank of battalion commander, and 5 with the rank of brigade commander. These officers constitute 23% of the total deaths of the Israeli army in the war on Gaza. Israeli media reported that 27% of the Israeli military casualties in the war were officers. In detail, the media highlighted that three brigade commanders, four battalion commanders, and other senior officers have been killed in the war so far. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that 29 of the army's deaths were caused by "friendly fire" and operational incidents since the start of the ground war in Gaza, late last October. The Israeli authority explained that "18 army soldiers were killed by friendly fire, two were killed as a result of gunfire (without explanation), and 9 Israeli soldiers were killed in ammunition, weapons, or run-over accidents." The Jerusalem Post newspaper revealed that 15 soldiers were killed in the Strip without their bodies being found. According to some reports statistics indicate that 20% of the Israeli losses were due to friendly fire. Because the nature of the battle has become completely different from what was expected, and it lacks a front line. According to the latest data published by the army, the number of wounded soldiers and officers had risen to 1,276 since the start of its ground attack on Gaza on October 27, including 228 seriously wounded, while the total number has reached 2,602 wounded since the outbreak of the war on the 7th of October. The Israeli army reported that 2,771 officers and soldiers were injured since the seventh of last October, including 407 who are still receiving treatment for their injuries in the Gaza battles, and the condition of 48 of them is serious, while 405 were seriously injured, 692 were moderately injured, and 1,562 were described as having minor injuries since the start of the war. The Israeli army also said 26 January 2024 that since the beginning of the ground Russo-Ukraine War - 29 January 2024 - Day 704 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 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 from 24 February 2022 to 25 January 2024, Russian Ground Forces (RGF) likely lost approximately 2,600 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) and 4,900 other Armoured Combat Vehicles (ACVs) in Ukraine. RGF probably lost around 40% fewer vehicles in 2023 than in 2022. It is highly likely that the reduction in armoured vehicle attrition rates was due to the increasingly positional nature of the conflict in 2023 and because Russia spent a significant proportion of the year in a defensive posture. Since early October 2023, RGF have been on the offensive in eastern Ukraine. During this period, Russian armoured vehicle losses have increased and the RGF have likely lost up to 365 MBTs and 700 ACVs but only achieved minor territorial gains. However, Russia can probably generate at least 100 MBTs a month and therefore retains the capacity to replace battlefield losses and continue this level of offensive activity for the foreseeable future. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of January 29, there were 51x combat engagements. Russian forces launched 6x missile strikes with S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles at the civilian infrastructure of Myrnohrad (Donetsk oblast) and Muzykivka (Kherson oblast). On top of that, Russian forces launched 64x air strikes and carried out 45x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. A school, residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of Belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. The invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Velykyi Burluk and Khatnje (Kharkiv oblast). Around 40x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Karpovychi, Hrem'yach (Chernihiv oblast), Popivka, Stepok, Hrabovs'ke (Sumy oblast), Hur'iv Kozachok, Ohirtseve (Kharkiv oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 7x assault near Syn'kivka and east of Pishchane (Kharkiv oblast). In that area Russian forces made failed attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. The Russian occupiers launched air strikes in the vicinities of Petropavlivka and Berestove (Kharkiv oblast) as well as Stel'makhivka (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Dvorichna, Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast) and Kryvoshyivka (Luhansk oblast). Lyman axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 4x assaults in the area of Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast) and near Terny (Donetsk oblast). In that area Russian forces made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. The Russian occupiers launched air strikes in the vicinities of Novojehorivka, Bilohorivka, Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast) and Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka, Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast), Serebryanka, Spirne, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 3x attacks in the vicinity of Ivanivske (Donetsk oblast), where the Russian occupiers made unsuccessful attempts to improve their tactical situation. Russian forces launched air strikes near Chasiv Yar, Klishchiivka, New York (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Hryhorivka, Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, Kurdyumivka (Donetsk oblast). Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 8x attacks near Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka, and 5x more attacks near Pervomais'ke and Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). In that area, Russian forces made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense, to no success. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars more than 15x settlements, including Novobakhmutivka, Berdychi, Avdiivka, Sjeverne, Pervomais'ke, Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar'inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the Russian forces in the vicinities of Heorhiivka, Pobjeda and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). In that area, Russian forces made 6x failed attempts to improve its tactical situation. The settlements of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Maksymil'yanivka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka, Paraskoviivka were under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Shakhtars'ke axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 1x attack near Zolota Nyva (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Vodyane, Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast). Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 1x assault north of Pryyutne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). More than 15x settlements, including Levadne, Hulyaipole, Charivne, Orikhiv, Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast), as well as Nikopol' (Dnipropetrovsk oblast), came under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Odesa operational-strategic group, Kherson axis: Russian forces fired artillery at the city of Kherson, the settlements of Novokairy, Sadove, Prydniprovs'ke (Kherson oblast). On top of that, the Russian occupiers launched MLRS strikes at the settlements of Respublikanets, Krynky, Ivanivka (Kherson oblast). The Russian occupiers do not abandon their intention to drive Ukrainian units out of their footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro. Thus, during the day, Russian forces made 7x unsuccessful assault on positions of Ukrainian troops. During the day of January 29, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 14x concentrations of Russian troops, weapons and military equipment. The Ukrainian missile troops hit 2x air defense systems, 4x artillery systems, 1x electronic warfare station of the Russian invaders. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces liberated Tabayevka (Kharkov region). Three attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 30th and 32nd mechanised brigades were repelled near Sinkovka (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 30 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, three pickup trucks, and one Msta-B howitzer. In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front lines and supported by artillery inflicted losses on assault detachments of the AFU 63rd Mechanised Brigade near Yampolovka (Donetsk People's Republic) and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 280 Ukrainian troops, one tank, and three motor vehicles. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces repelled six attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 22nd Mechanised Brigade near Belogorovka and Pereyezdnoye. The Group's artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 81st Airmobile Brigade and 10th Air Assault Brigade near Kleshcheyevka and Krasnoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 210 Ukrainian troops, two pickup trucks, two D-30 howitzers, and one Rapira anti-tank gun. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces repelled one attack launched by units of the AFU 127th Territorial Defence Brigade near Priutnoye (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 90 Ukrainian troops and two motor vehicles. In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 33rd, 65th mechanised brigades, and 112th Territorial Defence Brigade near Rabotino and Yurkovka (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 30 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, three pickup trucks, and one D-30 howitzer. In Kherson direction, strikes were delivered at units of the AFU 38th Marines Brigade near Myzikovka (Kherson region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 40 Ukrainian troops and four motor vehicles. Operational-Tactical aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces wiped out missile artillery and fuel depots, as well as engaged manpower and hardware in 109 areas during the day. Air defence units shot down one HIMARS MLRS projectile over the past 24 hours. In addition, 34 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted near Nyrkovo, Zolotaryovka, Belogorovka (Lugansk People's Republic), Marfopol, Pologi (Zaporozhye region), Radensk and Aleshki (Kherson region). In total, 568 airplanes and 265 helicopters, 11,345 unmanned aerial vehicles, 456 air defence missile systems, 14,817 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,211 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,892 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 18,007 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address LONDON, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Navigator Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NVGS), (described herein as Navigator Gas or the Company) announced today that it will participate in Capital Links Corporate Presentations Webinar Series. On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time and 4:00 PM Central European Time, Navigator Gas senior management team will go through a presentation on the Companys current operations, business development, growth prospects, and sector outlook. You can register for the Company presentation webinar below: Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time and 4:00 PM Central European Time Speakers: Mr. Mads Peter Zacho, CEO Mr. Gary Chapman, CFO Mr. Oeyvind Lindeman, CCO Mr. Randy Giveans, EVP - Investor Relations & Business Development Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fuq9eHYITCy0qQ_navU86g# On the registration page, please register for the presentation slated for January 30, 2024, at 10:00 AM ET. Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation with the link to click on for the respective presentation you signed up for. LIVE Q&A SESSION Submitting Questions Participants can submit their questions either during the webinar through the online platform or can email webinars@capitallink.com 1-ON-1 MEETINGS Institutional Investors can request 1-on-1 meeting(s) with company management by emailing ir@capitallink.com About Navigator Gas Navigator Holdings Ltd., (described herein as Navigator Gas or the Company) (NYSE: NVGS), is the owner and operator of the worlds largest fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers and a global leader in the seaborne transportation services of petrochemical gases, such as ethylene and ethane, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia and owns a 50% share, through a joint venture, in an ethylene export marine terminal at Morgans Point, Texas on the Houston Ship Channel, USA. Navigator Gas fleet consists of 56 semi- or fully-refrigerated liquefied gas carriers, 25 of which are ethylene and ethane capable. Navigator Gas plays a vital role in the liquefied gas supply chain for energy companies, industrial consumers and commodity traders, with its sophisticated vessels providing an efficient and reliable floating pipeline between the parties, connecting the world today, creating a sustainable tomorrow. Navigator Gas common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NVGS. Navigator Gas Attention: Investor Relations investorrelations@navigatorgas.com and randy.giveans@navigatorgas.com Address: 333 Clay Street, Suite 2480, Houston, Texas, U.S.A. 77002 Tel: +1 713 373 6197 and +44 (0)20 7340 4850 London: 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DH. Investor Relations / Media Advisors Nicolas Bornozis / Paul Lampoutis Capital Link New York Tel: +1-212-661-7566 Email: navigatorgas@capitallink.com Category: General A shocking scene at an Aussie McDonald's, with tables and floors covered in rubbish and emptied liquids, has highlighted the dire situation experienced by some hospitality staff working through the night. The short video shared online shows the mess in Newcastle's King Street McDonald's, a venue known to be frequented by "drunk" people leaving the city's clubs in search of greasy food, and for some sleep. Not an isolated occurrence, thousands of Google reviews refer to the fast-food location as "rough", "dirty" and "unsafe". Google reviews for the Newcastle McDonald's at King St show this is not an isolated incident. Source: TikTok "My wife and I felt intimidated by a large crowd of young people who were very noisy and hassling staff," one person said. "There was rubbish on all the tables and floors. No cleaning had been done for a while as staff were too afraid to leave the safety of behind the counter." McDonald's Australia told Yahoo News Australia the King Street location has "a number of safety procedures" in place to protect the "safety and wellbeing" of their staff including 24-hour CCTV surveillance, alarm systems and security guards working overnight shifts from Friday to Sunday. "McDonalds has a zero-tolerance policy for anti-social behaviour and expects our restaurants, people and customers to be treated with respect and decency at all times," it said. "We are working with the restaurant to ensure we continue to provide a safe and clean restaurant, and a great customer experience." In September, King Street McDonald's was in the news after a 23-year-old man who had been attacked and set on fire sought help from staff there. Anti-social behaviour condemned online Aussies who have seen the video on TikTok have blasted the "disgraceful" treatment of the Newcastle restaurant. "That is disgraceful, I'd love to find where these people work/live and do the same thing at their place," one person said. Story continues "I just arrived back from living in Mexico for a year and visiting South Africa, Colombia and more. Never seen a McDonald's like this over there. Wild," another said in bewilderment. Others from the area confirmed how common it is for the venue to be left in such a state on weekends. "King Street has always looked like that on the weekend. Everyone coming for a drunk feed when the clubs close," a local explained. Fast-food giant says it is focused on welfare of employees With drunk, anti-social behaviour seen in locations like King Street and an August plea from an employee claiming young workers were "pushed beyond our limits" to hit targets the fast-food giant previously shared it offers tailor-made support to its thousands of Australian employees by partnering with wellbeing platform Sonder. The vast majority of McDonald's' 115,000 employees are young people, with approximately 75 per cent of the crew in secondary school, TAFE or university. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Customers in Mexico will be able to buy millions of products on Amazon and pay for them later, in bi-weekly installments, using Kueski Pay. This payment method is currently available to select Amazon customers, with all eligible customers coming soon. MEXICO CITY, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Amazon announced the launch of Pago en Quincenas with Kueski Pay, a payment method that allows users to defer their purchases into biweekly payments, making shopping on Amazon increasingly affordable. For now, this payment method is available to select Amazon customers, and will become available to all eligible customers in the coming months. In Mexico, less than one third of the adult population has a credit card, and most transactions are still made in cash, as more than 60% of adults are still unbanked. Therefore, it is essential to expand the financing of purchases beyond credit card payments or even for debit card users, who already have 155 million cards, according to Banxico. Customers who choose to use Pago en Quincenas with Kueski Pay will be able to choose plans of up to 4 interest-free biweekly payments as part of an introductory offer, or up to 12 biweekly payments. It is not mandatory to have a credit card to access this payment method; customers can choose how they wish to pay either through a linked bank account, debit card or cash at affiliated networks. In addition, anyone over the age of 18 may request this payment option. "Customers are increasingly looking for flexible payment options to help them meet their shopping needs," said Karen Pepper, Digital Payments leader for Amazon Mexico. "Pago en Quincenas with Kueski Pay is Amazon's latest initiative to provide customers in Mexico with access to affordable payment methods, and expand Amazon's safe and secure financing offerings with a simple fee structure, demonstrating our commitment that Amazon is for everyone. When paying for the first time with Kueski Pay, a simple one-time application must be completed during the Amazon checkout process. After this registration and approval of their credit, customers will be able to place their order and pay afterwards. Repeat customers will see Kueski Pay, which handles the loan payment securely, available at the end of their purchases and will no longer need to provide additional information. Kueski Pay is one of the most important online consumer credit and buy now, pay later platforms in Mexico, with almost 15 million loans granted to date. The company estimates that 1 in 4 of the country's most relevant merchants use this form of payment, while more than 60% of its customers say they have a credit card and still prefer to use this payment option for its flexibility. "Our agreement with Amazon demonstrates the need Mexicans have for more flexible, secure and inclusive payment alternatives. Kueski Pay enables merchants to deliver more innovative shopping experiences and help Mexican consumers live their personal finances with more excitement," said Lisset May, senior vice president of sales for Kueski. To learn more about Pago en Quincenas with Kueski Pay, visit www.amazon.com.mx/pagoenquincenas Dublin, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Airport Cabin Baggage Scanner Global Market Report 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The latest comprehensive research on the global market for airport cabin baggage scanners has been made available, offering invaluable insights into this evolving sector. This extensive analysis highlights the significant growth trajectory the market is undergoing, with a substantial increase in its valuation from $2.8 billion in 2023 to a forecasted $3.99 billion by 2028. These findings capture the essence of industry dynamics and outline the anticipated progression at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. With terrorism threats and security concerns catapulting to the forefront of airport safety agendas, the need for state-of-the-art cabin baggage scanning technologies has never been more pronounced. The research underscores the pivotal role played by these scanners, including their strategic implementation within airports that facilitates the detection of illicit items and potential threats that could compromise passenger safety. Technological Innovations Fueling Market Growth The study emphasizes marked technological advancements reshaping the market landscapean uptrend noticed with the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities into baggage scanning systems. These advancements contribute to the sophisticated imaging and detection technologies that enhance security protocols without sacrificing efficiency. Analysis of Regional Dynamics and Key Players In terms of geographical impact, Asia-Pacific emerges as the dominant force within the market, accounting for a considerable share in 2023, with projections indicating continued supremacy. The important actors in this space, each of them instrumental in steering the direction of airport cabin baggage scanner developments, have been manifested without direct attribution within the report, ensuring a neutral stance in the presentation of data. Market Components and Applications Diversification The comprehensive research also delineates the components of airport cabin baggage scanners, delving into hardware, software, and service offerings that round out the market dynamics. This segmentation caters to an array of airport types, from commercial service airports to cargo services and general aviation airports, addressing a wide expanse of security needs. The inclusion of detailed market segments, trends, and opportunities details the multifaceted nature of this industry. The report offers a wealth of information to aid stakeholders in understanding the current state of the market and its prospect for future expansion. Commitment to Enhanced Security Measures Illustrated through strategic mergers and acquisitions, as well as through product launches imbued with cutting-edge technologies, the report identifies a strong commitment within the industry to innovate and adapt. These developments signify an enduring focus on enhancing global airport security measures in response to evolving threats and regulatory requirements. Conclusively, this new research publication acts as a pivotal resource for understanding the airport cabin baggage scanner market. Its findings are integral for industry professionals looking to navigate the complexities of this market and strategize for future advancements in airport security technology. A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes Kremoint Pharma Pvt. Ltd. Vega Pharma Ltd. Jiangxi Bolai Pharmacy Co. Ltd. Xian Wison Biological Technology Co. Ltd. Hangzhou Uniwise International Co. Ltd. HuvePharma Yi Chang Veterinary Medicine Factory Medson Pharmaceuticals Medico Remedies Pvt. Ltd. Cipla Limited Pfizer Inc. AbbVie Inc. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Zoetis Inc. Taiwan Fructose Novartis AG Johnson & Johnson Inc. Bristol Myers Squibb Company Sandoz International GmbH Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. Lupin Limited Aurobindo Pharma Limited Fresenius Kabi AG Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited Mylan N.V. Sanofi S.A. Merck & Co. Inc. GlaxoSmithKline plc Eli Lilly and Company For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/dr6dyi About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Dublin, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "ANPR System Global Market Report 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system market, instrumental in the fields of traffic management, law enforcement, and electronic toll collection, is projected to expand robustly, according to a comprehensive market report Recent advancements in technology, such as innovative imaging and optical character recognition solutions, are setting a formidable trend within the industry. Advanced systems capable of accurately capturing and analyzing license plates under diverse conditions are pushing the market towards substantial growth. In light of the increasing road accidents worldwide, ANPR systems are becoming pivotal for enhancing road safety and efficient traffic flow. Their role in automating access controls, improving security measures, and aiding in traffic monitoring has become critical. The market research report encompasses a detailed analysis of the ANPR system market, with a special focus on the industry's size on a global scale, regional shares, major market players, and market segments. It delineates current trends, growth opportunities, and forecasts the market's future scenario up to 2027. Europe maintains the lead as the most significant region in the ANPR system market, while the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to experience rapid growth during the forecast period. Major industry players that have been significantly contributing to the market's dynamics include entities across various geographies overwhelmingly involved in strategic acquisitions and technological innovations. As road fatalities remain a pressing issue, with statistics revealing a stark increase in recent years, the implementation of ANPR systems is more crucial than ever. These systems play a vital role in securing roadways and curbing the upward trajectory of accident-related deaths and injuries. The ANPR system market study provides insights that are fundamental for businesses and stakeholders in the sector, offering a complete perspective necessary for understanding the market's current standing and potential evolution. This report plays an essential part in evaluating the market's direction and is imperative for those looking to maintain or establish a presence in the ANPR system industry. The contributions of the ANPR systems industry to enhancing traffic control measures, aiding law enforcement, and improving overall road safety standards cannot be overstated. With significant growth anticipated in the coming years, stakeholders can look forward to a market ripe with opportunities, driven by technological advancements and a heightened need for comprehensive traffic management solutions. For detailed industry analysis, market shares, and strategic market insight, interested parties are encouraged to review the full ANPR system market report. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 175 Forecast Period 2023 - 2027 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $2.55 billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2027 $3.68 billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.6% Regions Covered Global A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes Nedap N.V. Siemens AG Panasonic Holdings Corporation Leonardo S.p.A Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd. Vigilant Solutions LLC Dahua Technology USA Conduent Incorporated Plate Recognizer Axis communications AB Jenoptik AG Avigilon Corporation Kapsch TrafficCom AG Bosch Security Systems Inc. Perceptics LLC Aimetis Corp. Genetec Inc. PIPS Technology Inc. Q-Free ASA ACTi Corporation Tagmaster AB Pumatronix Equipamentos Eletronicos Ltda. Alnet Systems Inc. ELSAG North America LLC ARTECO S.u.r.l. Digital Recognition Systems Ltd. Adaptive Recognition Inc. NDI Recognition Systems LLC. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/nb8pbo About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Glasgow, Scotland, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Accountant Glasgow, recognized as the top accountant in Glasgow, has unveiled its comprehensive range of tailor-made and cost-effective services to cater to the diverse needs of small and large businesses. Accountant Glasgow The business community in Glasgow is thriving but requires the expert assistance of professional accountants to help them grow their businesses. Accountant Glasgow has emerged as a trusted partner, offering invaluable support to businesses across industry sectors. The renowned firm uses its 30 years of experience in the field to provide the best solutions to startups and established corporations alike. The award-winning accountant in Glasgow is known for its hands-on and personalized approach to meeting the unique requirements of clients. The company has earned their trust by delivering top-quality and proactive services, as evidenced by the consistent customer referrals and stellar reviews it has received. Those looking for a reliable accountant in Glasgow can simply reach out to the company and tap into the knowledge of its team of experienced and certified professionals. They invest time in understanding clients needs and business goals before offering them the best solutions that fit the ever-changing financial environment. The company is also known for its commitment to transparency and consistency in all client interactions. Accrual accounting is another hallmark of the top-notch services offered by the company. It records every transaction when it takes place, not when the payment is made or received. Moreover, it exercises caution in financial reporting to avoid overstating profits or understating liabilities. At every step of the way, Accountant Glasgow aims to build long-lasting relationships with its clients. This is evident in the top-notch services and support it provides. With its comprehensive range of services, it has become the go-to choice of companies, big or small, for all accounting needs in Glasgow. Bookkeeping, tax planning, and business advisory are just some of the services offered by the company. The experienced team at Accountant Glasgow handles various responsibilities, including financial reporting, internal control, tax planning and compliance, budgeting and forecasting, audit and assurance, among others. The teams commitment to meeting deadlines and effective communication ensures that clients have access to affordably priced and top-notch accounting services at every stage of their business journey. To learn more about Accountant Glasgow, one can visit https://www.accountant-glasgow.co.uk/. About Accountant Glasgow With more than 30 years of experience in accounting, the firm, based in Glasgow, has made a name for itself by offering top-notch services to clients across various industry sectors and helping them grow and prosper. ### Media Contact Accountant Glasgow Jonathan MacDonald Address: 148 St Vincent Street Glasgow North Lanarkshire G2 5JF Phone: 01413630268 Website: https://www.accountant-glasgow.co.uk/ Email: contact@accountant-glasgow.co.uk Accountant Glasgow Jonathan MacDonald Address: 148 St Vincent Street Glasgow North Lanarkshire G2 5JF Victoria, Seychelles, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tectum SoftNote unveils an unprecedented global advertising campaign to address the latest approach. It is poised to create ripples globally. This campaign includes eye-catching ads on billboards and digital displays, creating awareness for SoftNote Bills and highlighting the growing interest in promoting digital currencies. The campaign is not confined to the digital realm and spans billboards and digital displays in major cities in the United States. In addition, the platform makes this advertising campaign noteworthy with its unprecedented scale within the crypto community. It signifies a shift from primarily using digital and online advertising methods to adopting more traditional and visible advertising approaches. This shift reflects the increasing confidence of Bitcoin enthusiasts, especially in the enduring value of the currency, and their desire to attract a broader and more diverse audience. The impact of this advertising surge is focused on major cities like Los Angeles and New York is expected to resonate globally. This campaign sets a significant precedent for cryptocurrency advertising in urban areas, further establishing the industry's presence. It heralds a new era in the promotion and acceptance of digital currencies, emphasizing that Bitcoin and similar currencies are reserved for niche discussions and are increasingly becoming integral to mainstream financial conversations as well. Furthermore, the massive Tectum SoftNote advertising campaign in the USA represents a revolutionary development in the cryptocurrency sector. It marks a new era in promoting and accepting digital currencies, emphasizing that Bitcoin and similar currencies are increasingly becoming part of mainstream financial discussions. It is a testament to the industry's evolution and eagerness to join mainstream financial discussions. About Tectum SoteNote: Tectum SoftNote is the ultimate crypto solution built on the fastest Layer 1 blockchain that overcomes all the pitfalls of the lightning network and other blockchains. With a focus on innovation and global impact, SoftNote continues to play a pivotal role in the evolution of the cryptocurrency landscape. Tectum SoftNote is backed by CrispMind, a pioneer in quantum-proof 3-Factor Authentication and cybersecurity patents. https://www.softnote.com Andrew Erikashvili, CMO softnote@support.com Disclaimer: The content provided in this press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment or any other type of advice. Any decision to invest or take any other action with respect to the securities mentioned in this press release must be based on the information contained in the prospectus of Tonbridge Global. Neither KISS PR or its partners are responsible for any decision made by any party after reading this press release. Readers are encouraged to consult their legal, financial and tax advisors first and then reach out to the source company issuing the content at their own risk. Chicago, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, precision and efficiency are non-negotiable. The Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) Market for Healthcare has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping patient care, resource management, and overall operational efficiency. This article delves into the dynamics of the RTLS Market, exploring its role as a global growth driver and providing insights into the industry forecast up to 2028. The global RTLS market for healthcare share is predicted to grow from USD 2.0 billion in 2023 to USD 5.8 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 23.5% during 2023 to 2028. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=19089515 Revolutionizing Healthcare through RTLS: 1. Enhancing Patient Care: RTLS technology has become a cornerstone in improving patient outcomes. By providing real-time location information, healthcare providers can optimize patient workflows, reduce wait times, and enhance overall patient experience. 2. Resource Optimization: Efficient resource management is at the heart of RTLS applications in healthcare. Tracking equipment, medical devices, and personnel in real-time ensures that resources are utilized effectively, minimizing downtime, and streamlining operations. 3. Workflow Efficiency: RTLS solutions contribute to streamlined workflows, from patient admissions to discharge. Healthcare professionals can track the movement of patients, staff, and assets, allowing for proactive management and swift responses to changing conditions. Key Components of RTLS in Healthcare: 1. Tags and Sensors: Small, yet powerful, tags and sensors are deployed to assets, personnel, and even patients to track their real-time location within healthcare facilities. 2. Infrastructure: Robust infrastructure, including receivers and communication networks, forms the backbone of RTLS systems, ensuring seamless data transmission and accurate location tracking. 3. Software Solutions: Intuitive software solutions interpret the data collected by RTLS, providing actionable insights for healthcare administrators to optimize processes and make informed decisions. Global RTLS Market for Healthcare Growth Driver: 1. RTLS Market for Healthcare Size and Expansion: The RTLS Market for Healthcare has witnessed remarkable growth, driven by the increasing demand for advanced healthcare solutions. As healthcare facilities worldwide embrace the benefits of real-time location tracking, the market continues to expand. 2. Technological Advancements: Ongoing technological advancements in RTLS contribute to its market growth. Innovations such as improved precision, integration with Electronic Health Records (EHR), and interoperability with other healthcare systems propel the market forward. 3. Patient Safety and Compliance: Heightened focus on patient safety and regulatory compliance acts as a catalyst for the adoption of RTLS in healthcare settings. The ability to track patient movements, monitor medication administration, and ensure compliance with protocols reinforces the market's significance. Request Free Sample Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=19089515 RTLS Market for Healthcare Industry Forecast: Looking Ahead to 2028: As we look ahead to 2028, the RTLS Market for Healthcare is poised for even greater prominence. Anticipated trends include the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive analytics, the proliferation of IoT-enabled devices, and an increased emphasis on cybersecurity measures to safeguard patient data. A Vision for Healthcare Transformation: In conclusion, the RTLS Market for Healthcare stands as a beacon for transformative change in the healthcare sector. From optimizing patient care to revolutionizing resource management, RTLS technology is a driving force shaping the future of healthcare delivery. Key Market Players Securitas Healthcare, LLC (US), Zebra Technologies Corporation (US), Aruba Networks (US), Impinj, Inc. (US), Savi Technology (US), TeleTracking Technologies, Inc. (US), CenTrak, Inc. (US), Advantech Co., Ltd. (Taiwan), Ubisense Ltd. (UK), and GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (US) are the RTLS companies for healthcare among the key players. Houston, Texas, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Entoro, a leading boutique finance and investment banking group, and the Palm Beach Hedge Fund Association (PBHFA), the premier South Florida trade organization for investors and financial professionals, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing deal distribution for hedge funds. PBHFA, with its mission to unite the diverse hedge fund, financial, and investor community of Palm Beach County and South Florida, has established itself as the go-to forum for idea sharing, deal-making, and information exchange in the region. Its members include active hedge fund managers/professionals, ultra-high net-worth investors, family offices, financial traders, investment bankers, academics, financial institutions, and top service providers. Entoro is known for its dedication to creating the premier alternative investment ecosystem globally, and brings to the partnership its expertise as an investment bank, broker-dealer, transfer agent, registered investment advisor, commodity pool operator, insurance brokerage, and manager of proprietary investment funds. Entoros technology-enabled platform, OfferBoard, focuses on raising capital and creating unique investment products for an international clientele. The strategic partnership between Entoro and PBHFA aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to provide high-quality investment opportunities for hedge funds across new and emerging, as well as traditional industries. By combining Entoros technology-enabled investment banking and brokerage capabilities with PBHFAs extensive network and services, the partnership seeks to offer a significant advancement in deal distribution to hedge funds. We are excited to partner with PBHFA, a respected organization that shares our commitment to excellence in the financial industry, said James C. Row, CEO of Entoro. This collaboration will enable us to enhance our offerings and reach a broader audience of hedge funds seeking investment opportunities in the vibrant markets of Palm Beach and South Florida. We are delighted to join forces with Entoro, a leader in the finance and investment banking sector, said Dave Goodboy, Founder of PBHFA. This partnership represents a strategic move to strengthen our position in providing valuable investment opportunities to our members and the broader hedge fund community. The partnership between Entoro and PBHFA is expected to bring about new and exciting opportunities for family offices, hedge funds, endowments and foundations to further solidify both organizations positions as key players in the alternative investment landscape. About Entoro: Entoro is a leading boutique finance and investment banking group dedicated to creating the premier alternative investment ecosystem globally. The group consists of an investment bank, broker-dealer, transfer agent, registered investment advisor, commodity pool operator, insurance brokerage, proprietary investment funds, valuation services company, environmental asset authenticator, registry, exchange, carbon credit asset, and portfolio management firm. Entoro leverages its proprietary offering platform, OfferBoard, to focus on raising capital and creating unique products for an international clientele of Family Offices, Foundations, Endowments, Institutional, and direct investors. About Palm Beach Hedge Fund Association (PBHFA): The Palm Beach Hedge Fund Association (PBHFA) is the premier South Florida trade organization for investors and financial professionals. PBHFAs mission is to unite the diverse hedge fund, financial, and investor community of Palm Beach County and South Florida into a unified group. With a focus on providing deal-making support, and educational opportunities, and connecting investors and capital allocators with opportunities, PBHFA has become the go-to forum for idea sharing, deal-making, and socializing in the region. Its members include active hedge fund managers/professionals, ultra-high net-worth investors, family offices, financial traders, investment bankers, academics, financial institutions, and top service providers. To learn more about Entoro visit www.entoro.com, or LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/entoro/ To learn more about Palm Beach Hedge Fund Association (PBHFA) visit www.pbhfa.org For media inquiries, please contact: Entoro Email: asmith@entoro.com Website: www.entoro.com Palm Beach Hedge Fund Association (PBHFA) Email: info@pbhfa.org Website: www.pbhfa.org Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. New York City, NY, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PawFury is emerging as a notable player in the gaming industry, focusing on security and user engagement. Leadership and Vision Under the leadership of David Anderson from Digital Ventures Group, PawFury is carving out a niche in the gaming world. Jonathan Lees expertise is shaping PawFury into a platform that aligns with current gaming trends and user expectations, emphasizing innovation and user experience. Commitment to Security Cyberscope Audit PawFury has proactively undertaken a comprehensive security audit conducted by Cyberscope. This audit, covering all aspects of smart contracts and security protocols, confirms PawFurys dedication to offering a secure gaming environment, addressing a critical aspect of digital platforms. Transparency with KYC Verification by SOLIDPROOF In line with industry best practices, PawFury has completed a thorough KYC verification process through SOLIDPROOF, ensuring transparency and building trust within its user base. Discover $PAW on CoinMarketCap Interested parties can find more information about PawFurys native token, $PAW, on its CoinMarketCap community profile page at PawFury on CoinMarketCap. This resource provides detailed insights and the latest $PAW news. Global Accessibility PawFurys headquarters, located at Richmond Hill Rd, Kingstown VC0100, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, symbolizes its commitment to global accessibility and support for users worldwide. Conclusion A New Player in the Blockchain Gaming Industry PawFury represents a blend of security, transparency, and user-focused innovation. While it continues to grow and evolve, PawFury is positioning itself as a trustworthy platform in the gaming blockchain industry. For more details, please visit the official PawFurys website. Contact Information: Jonathan L. info@pawfury.com PR Contact: Adam Sullivan adam@digitaltechwire.com Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Attachment WASHINGTON, D.C. and KYIV, Ukraine, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, prominent Ukrainian-American religious leaders announce the third annual Ukrainian Week summit, a flagship series of events serving as one of the largest religious advocacy platforms between Ukraine and the United States. Ukrainian Week 2024 is lead by American-Ukrainian Partnership Platform together with coalition members: Ukrainian American House, Forward Ukraine Ministries, General Presbyter of the National Slavic District of the AG, Founding Rector of American University Kyiv, Together Ministry, Georgia, USA, AltexSoft Inc., Ukrainian fellowship gathering in Washington D.C., Allrise Capital, and Spring of Life Church. Scheduled from January 29 to February 3, 2024, this week-long gathering is strategically poised to bring together Ukrainian and American leaders for discussions on enhancing collaboration and partnership opportunities in areas of religion, business, and politics. As Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine, they are disproportionately attacking evangelical Christians and systematically destroying religious buildings, institutions and sacred sites. According to the United Nations, more than 115 holy sites and even more evangelical churches have been destroyed. Historically, Russia has sought to control, destroy and oppress evangelicals. They are now continuing to destroy the religious heart of the Ukrainian people by attacking civilians, killing soldiers and kidnapping children along with destroying religious sites. Ukrainian Week 2024 is a critical opportunity to cultivate international relationships and assert a resolute stance in support of democracy and religious freedom. Leaders from diverse sectors will converge to address critical challenges, foster meaningful connections, and explore avenues for humanitarian, economic, cultural, and religious partnerships between the two nations. The goal of these events are to shed light on the truth about the attacks on Ukraine, its people, religion and democracy. The brutality by Russia cannot be ignored, underplayed or forgotten. Ukrainian Week 2024 leaders urge American citizens to stand on the side of religious freedom, on the side of democracy and continue supporting Ukraine. Join us for Ukrainian Week 2024 and support Ukraine. We will kick off the week with a press conference and hear directly from injured Ukrainian soldiers and returned children from Russia that were kidnapped during the war and recently rescued. As Ukraine looks towards infrastructure restoration, additional events are planned to enhance cooperation in religious, security, economy, business, education, law enforcement, and healthcare. Over 700 delegates from the Ukrainian diaspora are expected to attend, alongside esteemed guests including United States Congressmen, Senators, Ukrainian Parliament Members, mayors, scholars, religious leaders and representatives from various sectors. The Ukrainian Week 2024 program encompasses a range of events, including a press conference, Military Chaplaincy Forum, Ukrainian Fellowship Gathering, Ukraine-American Partnership Humanitarian Forum, Investment Forum and Recovery of Ukraine, photography exhibit of Christian churches destroyed by Russia, and a Gala Concert "Together to Victory. Ukrainian delegates and religious leaders will also attend and partake in the Coalition for International Religious Freedom Summit, IRF Summit 2024 . Limited seats are available, so we invite you to register at your earliest convenience on our website: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/uaweekdc . If you cannot attend, follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and LinkedIn for additional updates. About Ukrainian Week 2024 Ukrainian Week is a week-long series of religious, business, and cultural events that takes place in Washington D.C. each year and brings together leaders in the Ukrainian and American religious, non-profit, political, and business sectors to discuss the effective collaboration between both countries. This years Ukrainian Week is set to take place on January 29 through February 3, 2024. We invite religious, non-profits, political organizations, and businesses to actively participate in Ukrainian Week 2024. Join us in contributing to the discourse on effective collaboration between Ukraine and the United States. Ukrainian Week 2024 is lead by American-Ukrainian Partnership Platform together with coalition members: Ukrainian American House, Forward Ukraine Ministries, General Presbyter of the National Slavic District of the AG, Founding Rector of American University Kyiv, Together Ministry, Georgia, USA, AltexSoft Inc., Ukrainian fellowship gathering in Washington D.C., Allrise Capital, and Spring of Life Church. New York, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boyden, a premier global leadership and talent advisory firm celebrates the inclusion of Chad Hesters, President & CEO of Boyden, in The Consulting Reports top 50 consulting firm CEOs of 2023. Commenting on this accolade, Chad said, I am honored to be included among this esteemed group and want to acknowledge that the real recognition goes to Boydens global partners who are truly dedicated and intrepid leadership experts who deliver the best possible outcome for their clients. Through The Consulting Report nomination process, Chad is featured alongside the CEOs of many of the worlds most admired consulting firms: the big five, tech giants, niche consultants, data science & AI firms and other global disruptors. Chad Hesters is profile #18: https://www.theconsultingreport.com/the-top-50-ceos-and-leaders-of-2023/. Kathleen Dunton, Boyden Board Chair stated For 77 years Boyden has been helping clients achieve strategic goals by meeting their leadership needs at every stage of the talent lifecycle. We are excited to have Chad at the helm of our continued growth and ongoing commitment to deliver outstanding service to the global marketplace. CEOs were chosen, in the words of The Consulting Report, for their unwavering dedication to advancing their clients objectives... Setting themselves apart, these leaders showcase industry-specific expertise and a range of capabilities, enabling clients to navigate through complex and dynamic business environments with confidence.[1] In todays business climate, The Consulting Report asserts, the significance of top-notch consultancy services has never been more pronounced for organizations. The industrys future growth is anticipated to be fueled by factors such as accelerated economic expansion, the rise of digital consulting, and the effects of globalization.[2] About Boyden Boyden is a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 70 offices in over 45 countries. Our global reach enables us to serve client needs anywhere they conduct business. We connect great companies with great leaders through executive search, interim management, and leadership consulting solutions. Boyden is ranked amongst the top companies on Forbes Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms for 2023. For further information, visit www.boyden.com. [1] And 2 Reproduced with kind permission of Market Insight Media, Inc (MIM), owner of The Consulting Report. Attachment A drivers unfortunate licence mistake after being stopped by police at a random breath testing site has been jumped on by officers keen to warn the public that illicit behaviour has a way of catching up with you. Officers with the Hawkesbury Highway patrol stopped the man driving a white Mazda in Mulgrave, northwest of Sydney, and asked him for his identification. However, NSW Police said when he handed it over, the officer felt an object attached to the back of the licence. A police officer was surprised when the Mazda driver handed over his licence with something stuck to the back of it. Source: NSW Police/Facebook To their surprise and to the drivers dismay, police found stuck to the back of the drivers licence, a clear resealable bag of white powder, the traffic and highway patrol command revealed online on Tuesday morning. After bringing the bag to the drivers attention, he admitted it contained cocaine and that he had been using the drug during the New Years Eve celebrations and forgot he had it in his wallet. Driver leaves 'feeling sheepish' The man claimed he had not used cocaine since, and returned a negative breath and drug test. Police seized the drugs and issued the driver with a court attendance notice for March. The driver was allowed to leave a short time later feeling somewhat sheepish and disappointed with himself, police said. This was a valuable wake-up call for this driver as illicit drug use will always have negative consequences that can catch up with you at a time when you least expect it. The driver admitted to using the cocaine on New Year's Eve but said he forgot it was in his wallet. Source: NSW Police/Facebook Driver's mistake leaves Aussies cringing After details of the incident and a photo of the cocaine were posted online, Aussies were quick to share their amusement over the drivers unfortunate error, with several posting laughing and cringing emojis in the comments section. When I started reading, I thought it was $100 stuck to the licence. The good ol bribe' lol, one person joked. Story continues The driver was issued a Field Court Attendance notice to appear in March. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global DNA Repair Drugs Market Analysis & Forecast to 2024-2034" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Emerging Trends and Regional Dominance by PARP Inhibitors and Asia Pacific Surge in DNA Repair Drugs Sphere The global landscape of DNA repair drugs is on the cusp of a transformative phase, projected to expand from a value of USD 6.79 billion in 2023 to an impressive USD 29.69 billion by 2034. The market is forecast to blossom at a steadfast CAGR of 14.35% between 2024 and 2034, propelled by an uptick in cancer occurrences and fervent research and development activities in therapeutic advancements. Principal Factors Catalyzing Market Growth Research and Development: Indefatigable endeavors in drug discovery and development are instrumental in sculpting the trajectory of the DNA repair drugs market. These efforts are channeled toward fabricating drugs that align with the intricate nature of genetic aberrations and cancer treatments. Technological Innovations: A sweeping wave of technological advancements, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug development, is significantly streamlining and expediting the research processes. Approval Milestones: A series of regulatory nods, such as the recent FDA approval for CT7439 targeting CDK12/13, is augmenting the repertoire of DNA repair drugs available in the market. Drugs, Dosage Forms, and Applications Driving Market Dynamics Olaparib, extending its lead as a high revenue generator in 2023, is buoyed by escalating product approvals and proven efficacy in treating prostate and breast cancers. The dosage form segment is led by tablet formulations, which are manifesting strong demand due to their convenient administration and growing authorizations for marketing. Oncological applications remain at the forefront, with ovarian cancer as a notable segment, driven by an acute need for efficacious treatment protocols and elevated R&D focus. The uptrend in retail pharmacy sales, facilitated by their extensive networking, and the predicted meteoric rise of hospital pharmacies, contribute substantively to the distribution channel sector. Geographical Analysis and Future Perspective North America retains its stronghold on the market, benefiting from robust drug development initiatives and burgeoning cancer prevalence. The Asia Pacific region, however, is not far behind, with projections indicating the fastest CAGR throughout the forecast period. Contributions by key market participants like KSQ Therapeutics and Roche, alongside remarkable investments in DNA repair research, epitomize the region's escalating presence in the global arena. The segmentation of the DNA repair drugs market throws light on drug types like Niraparib, Talazoparib, and other potent PARP Inhibitors; their dosage forms ranging from capsules, injectables, to tablets; and their critical applications across various cancers. This comprehensive market analysis is a beacon for stakeholders in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, outlining pivotal trends, growth strategies, and the future outlook of DNA repair drugs. The release of this new research addition marks a significant milestone in understanding and harnessing the potential of DNA repair therapies. For further insights and an in-depth understanding of market dynamics, visit our website and explore the detailed report on the global DNA repair drugs market. Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2023 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $6.79 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $29.69 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 14.3% Regions Covered Global Companies Mentioned Agilent Technologies Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Danaher Corporation Becton Dickinson and Company (BD) PerkinElmer Inc. Roche Diagnostics Illumina Inc. Fluidigm Corporation Dolomite Microfluidics Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. RainDance Technologies (Bio-Rad) Cepheid (a Danaher company) Fluigent uFluidix Microfluidic ChipShop GmbH. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/i280bu About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe Organ Transplant Diagnostics Market: Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Europe Organ Transplant Diagnostics Market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with projections placing its value at $3.35 billion by 2033, a staggering increase from its $1.16 billion valuation in 2023. This represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.15% over the forecast period of 2023-2033. Surge in Chronic Diseases Driving Demand for Advanced Diagnostics Chronic diseases are on the rise across Europe, leading to an increased need for organ transplants. This surge has directly fueled the market for organ transplant diagnostics, catering to critical pre-transplant compatibility testing. With the advent of sophisticated genomic technologies, the diagnostics field has seen notable enhancements, significantly improving the success rates of organ transplants. Market Segmentation: A Cross-Sectional View Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Switzerland Rest-of-Europe This delineation allows for in-depth analysis and understanding of country-specific demands and trends, assisting stakeholders in tailoring their strategic approaches accordingly. Stem Cell Therapy Enhancing Transplant Diagnostic Procedures The European market is also witnessing a substantial increase in the adoption of stem cell therapies. This rise necessitates rigorous testing to determine the suitability of both stem cells and organ transplants, further amplifying the demand for precise diagnostic services. Strategic Developments by Key Market Players The competitive landscape in the European organ transplant diagnostics arena is both dynamic and innovative, with key players focusing on product launches, business expansions, and pivotal partnerships that promise to shape the future of transplant medicine. Favorable Regulatory Climate Catalyzing Market Growth The existence of supportive regulatory frameworks, including reimbursement schemes under national healthcare plans, has created a conducive environment for market growth across Europe. This assures patients and healthcare providers alike of the viability and affordability of transplant diagnostic procedures. In conclusion, the Europe organ transplant diagnostics market is a beacon of growth and advancement in the healthcare sector. Analytical insights into this burgeoning market are essential for stakeholders seeking to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate the competitive landscape successfully. The market's expansive growth, fueled by technological innovation and regulatory support, makes it an area ripe for investment and development within the healthcare industry. With players continuously striving for breakthroughs in medical diagnostics, the future of the organ transplant diagnostics sector holds immense potential. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 62 Forecast Period 2023 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $1.16 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $3.35 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 11.1% Regions Covered Europe Companies Profiled BAG Group GmbH bioMerieux S.A. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Eurobio Scientific (Genome Diagnostics B.V.) Omixon Inc. QIAGEN N.V. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yjuak9 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Bispecific CD3 Molecules in Oncology: Analytical Tool" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. There is a considerable and robust commercial drug pipeline of T-cell redirecting therapies by bispecific compounds that targets various tumor antigens expressed by malignant cells, and CD3 expressed by the T-cell. Upon binding to both targets, these compounds redirect T-cell cytotoxicity toward the malignant cells and effectively eradicate them. Bispecific CD3 Molecules in Oncology: Analytical Tool is the must have handbook for any business developer, BI/CI operative or clinical developer who needs to be on top of this hot and fast moving area of immune-oncology. This unique product is truly the only tool of its kind and is designed to give you a competitive edge in your bispecific CD3 drug surveillance and intelligence, allowing you to power your decision making and advance your own interests. Keeping you "In the know" Simply put, our mission is to fuel your knowledge of immune-oncology, to make you the first to know about very early technologies and startups, emerging clinical trial results, drug approvals and the ever-changing competitive landscape. Bispecific CD3 Molecules in Oncology: Analytical Tool achieves this by continuously scanning development in bispecific CD3 and reporting: Deals & Collaborations New technologies/drugs (emerging from patents, grants, abstracts (see Conference Coverage) etc.) Funding/Grants/IPOs Filings & Approvals Latest Clinical Trial Development & Results Newly launched clinical trials Conference Coverage of the world's twelve leading meetings in oncology* Quarterly & Annual Reporting This puts you in control of most, if not all, day-to-day developments in your field while also benefiting from one of the most comprehensive commercial pipeline review & competitive assessment tools available on the market today! Identify, prioritize, and lead scientific assessment of oncology opportunities and competition by multiple factors such as: Emerging Technologies Target Novelty Recent Funding Early & Late Stage Pipeline Biomarker/Companion Diagnostic Development (featured below) Entered Deals & Alliances Conference surveillance of world leading cancer meetings (featured below) Combination Therapy Choices (featured below) Outcome of Clinical Trials Indication Selection & Expansion Choices Drug Repositioning Opportunities For 20 years we have supported better decision making across the oncology drug development industry. Your Bispecific CD3 Molecules in Oncology: Analytical Tool is based on two decades of proven methodology and transforms your computer's desktop into a high capacity workbench within your area of choice. Even before launching this tool you have already eliminated the hundreds of hours of work needed to discover, process and piece together the thousands of sources that our team of oncology dedicated and highly experienced contents specialists have done on your behalf. Your Bispecific CD3 Molecules in Oncology: Analytical Tool covers more than 67 companies plus partners who are today developing 148 bispecific CD3 drugs where of 127 are in active development in cancer across 63 different targets. Any data and/or analysis from the Analytical Tool is yours to keep and data/graphs/tables can be easily exported into Excel/PDF and various graphic formats for mixing with your own proprietary information. Let our expertise work for you With a simple point and click interface you can navigate the environment of current development, drill down into specific areas such as ongoing combination trials, biomarker analysis, selected scientific abstracts etc. and generate drug profiles, drug target profiles and company profiles (including Business Development & Licensing contacts). Any analysis generated by you is packed with presentation-ready graphs and tables to use in your reports and presentations. Your key to access development at the world-leading cancer meetings The Bispecific CD3 Molecules in Oncology: Analytical Tool is continuously updated according to twelve of the world's most influential meetings in oncology (AACR, ASCO, ASGCT, ASH, CMIT, EHA, EORTC-NCI-AACR, ESMO, SITC and BIO (International, Europe and Asia). If you are not able to attend any of the conference(s) in person, this Analytical Tool ensures that you are not missing out on the important take home messages you need to know about. Run combination therapy analysis like no other The Bispecific CD3 Molecules in Oncology: Analytical Tool delivers comprehensive combination therapy analysis, allowing you to analyze combination therapies from multiple perspectives; from a single drug to virtually any cross section of oncology drugs of interest. Unparalleled biomarker surveillance We also provide an outstanding oncology clinical biomarker surveillance & analysis, highlighting clinical phenotyping and patient stratification in trials. This analysis is based on our monitoring of the presence and usage of more than 1,000 biomarkers across tens of thousands of cancer clinical trials. Support and inspiration at your finger-tips You also have access to a great selection of How-to Training Videos showing best practice approaches to aspects such as competitive pipeline analysis right through to many real world case examples put forward by other users of our Analytical Tools. A tool to grow with and keep you informed Unlike a static report which just represents a particular snapshot in time, all of the Analytical Tools come with one year of online access to twice-weekly updates in both contents and features, pipeline alerts and online support etc. You can choose to renew your access to these updates and support on a yearly basis or go over to our industry leading full service platform covering all oncology drug development, 1stOncology. System Requirements Browser Application (Supports: Internet Explorer, FireFox, Chrome and Safari) Internet access For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gk2iev About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Jersey City, NJ, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transitional Care Management Services Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $232.20 million in 2023 and is poised to reach $805.21 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 17.02% from 2024 to 2031 according to a new report by InsightAce Analytic. Latest Drivers Restraint and Opportunities Market Snapshot: Key factors influencing the global transitional care management services market are: Improvement of healthcare facilities Rising Rates of Chronic Illnesses Increasing aging population The following are the primary obstacles to the global transitional care management services market 's expansion: Shortage of qualified experts High initially cost Lack of awareness Future expansion opportunities for the global transitional care management services market include: Increasing funding for R&D campaigns Increasing awareness Rising Number of Surgical Operations Free PDF Report Brochure @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/1500 Market Analysis: The market for transitional care management services will probably expand due to the rising number of patients with chronic conditions around the world. The need for transitional care management services has expanded globally, with a particular emphasis on elderly patient care. Furthermore impeding the industry's expansion has been the requirement for additional qualified personnel to oversee the transitional care management system. List of Prominent Players in the Global Transitional Care Management Services Market: Humworld Inc. Rijuven Corp. PharMerica Corporation CareVitality ACT Health Solutions Medsie Wellsky Reliq Health Technologies Nextgen Healthcare Prohealth Select Well Living Initiative (WLI) Transitional Care Management Services Market Report Scope: Report Attribute Specifications Market size value in 2023 USD 232.20 Bn Revenue forecast in 2031 USD 805.21 Bn Growth rate CAGR CAGR of 17.02% from 2024 to 2031 Quantitative units Representation of revenue in US$ Bn, and CAGR from 2024 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2031 Report coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments covered By Service, End-use Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Recent Developments: In January 2024, PharMerica, a major US pharmacy chain, and AME, an industry leader in educating consultants, pharmacists, nurses, and administrators of nursing homes, joined forces to increase access to education in the long-term care sector with the hope of bettering the quality of life for residents. In January 2023, Reliq Health Technologies, Inc. recently announced 35 SNFs in Florida. This upgrade expands Reliq's service offerings to include transitional healthcare management (TCM) for patients who have been discharged. In October 2023, WellSky, a leading health and community care technology company, introduced a new software solution named WellSky Enterprise Referral Manager. Home health, hospice, and other home-based care providers' referral, intake, and customer relationship management (CRM) procedures will be transformed by this program. Curious about this latest version of the report? @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/1500 Global Transitional Care Management Services Market Dynamics: Market Drivers: Rising Rates of Chronic Illnesses The market for transitional care management services is anticipated to expand in the future due to the increasing number of patients suffering from chronic conditions. Illnesses that last a year or more require ongoing medical treatment, make daily tasks difficult, or are considered chronic. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases are examples of chronic diseases. The goal of transitional care management (TCM) is to minimize the onset of chronic diseases by facilitating the smooth transfer of care from one setting to another. Patient education on self-management, preparation for release, and thorough follow-up are all components of transitional care management (TCM) therapies that can aid in the control and prevention of complications associated with chronic diseases. Challenges: High Cost Transitional care management (TCM) services are expensive, making them out of reach for many people and slowing the market's expansion. Reducing the cost of hospital stays is expected to address this limitation, though. Underdeveloped nations with inadequate healthcare infrastructure also face the challenge of a lack of knowledge about telehealth and transitional care. This is in addition to the transitional care management system requiring more competent individuals to oversee, which has slowed the sector's expansion. North America is Expected to Grow with the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period The North America Global Transitional Care Management Services Market is likely to register a significant revenue share and develop at a rapid CAGR in the near future. This is because of several factors, including an aging population, an increase in surgical procedures, the prevalence of various diseases, and the expansion of healthcare infrastructure in the area. Additionally, the market for transitional care management services in North America has been growing quickly due to the recent investment in healthcare infrastructure that has allowed for providing high-quality healthcare services to patients. Unlock Transitional Care Management Services Market GTM Strategy @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/1500 Segmentation of Global Transitional Care Management Services Market- By Service- Patient Transitional Care Management Services Interactive Contact (Direct Contact, Telephone, Electronic) Face-to-face Visit Non-face-to-face (Telehealth) Healthcare Transitional Care Management Services Physicians Non-Physician Practitioners Billing Transitional Care Management Services Documenting Transitional Care Management Services Others By End User- Inpatient Settings Community Settings By Region- North America- The US Canada Mexico Europe- Germany The UK France Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific- China Japan India South Korea Southeast Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America- Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa- GCC Countries South Africa Rest of Middle East and Africa About Us: InsighAce Analytic is a specializing in market research and consulting services that helps in building business strategies. Our mission is to provide high quality insights with using data analytics techniques and visualization tools that drives the disruption and innovation in market research industry. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with in-depth analysis and key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner. Follow Us @ https://www.linkedin.com/company/insightace-analytic-pvt-ltd/ Subscribe Our Exclusive Newsletters @ https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/latest-market-research-reports-6929319878155739136/ Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Kenya International Remittance Market Business and Investment Opportunities - Analysis by Transaction Value & Volume, Inbound and Outbound Transfers to and from Key States, Consumer Demographics - Q2 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The cutting-edgeKenya International Remittance Market Business and Investment Opportunities reportpresents rigorous analysis on the transaction values, volumes, and channels that are driving growth in the sector, supported by data centric insights into consumer profiles and market share of dominant players within the space. A pivotal research publication has been included in the market database, providing stakeholders with a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the international remittance landscape in Kenya. This investigative report sheds light on the various facets of the market, encompassing both inbound and outbound remittance flows, key corridors, and consumer demographics associated with remittance transactions in Q2 2023. The report uncovers critical data points regarding remittance patterns in Kenya and underscores the importance of these money transfers for both local and global economies. Investors, financial institutions, and policymakers will find this analysis instrumental in understanding the evolving patterns and performance of the remittance sector. This invaluable resource aligns with the mission of delivering actionable insights to businesses and investors, providing them with the foresight needed to navigate the market's future trajectory while capitalizing on emerging opportunities inherent to Kenya's economic landscape. Business leaders, investors, and economic strategists are now afforded an all-encompassing view of the Kenyan remittance sphere, driving forward the decision-making processes integral to succeeding in an interconnected world. Highlights of the Kenya International Remittance Market Report: Comprehensive analysis showcasing an upward trend in Kenya's international inbound remittance market, expected to soar to US$ 4.97 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 4.0%. In-depth insights into the international outbound remittance market, which is anticipated to grow gradually and reach US$12.6 million by 2028. An exhaustive segmentation of remittance channels, detailing the scales of digital, mobile, and non-digital transfers. A closer look at the fluctuating dynamics of consumer behavior, analyzing senders' and beneficiaries' age groups, income brackets, occupations, and purposes for remittance. State-wise dissection of inbound and outbound remittance flows, offering granular insights into transaction values and volumes by key states and regions. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 130 Forecast Period 2023 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $4.1 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $5 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.0% Regions Covered Kenya For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/i8lsaa About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Thailand Garment Manufacturing Industry Research Report 2023-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Thailand, as the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, boasts a per capita GDP of approximately US$6,600, positioning it as a middle to high-income country. The country's population stood at 70.8 million by the end of 2022, and it possesses a robust labor force characterized by low labor costs. With over 40.24 million people aged 15 and above in the workforce, Thailand sustains a minimum daily wage of approximately US$10. The textile industry in Thailand encompasses a comprehensive value chain, with more than 2,000 apparel and textile companies operating, primarily concentrated in Bangkok and eastern Thailand. This sector plays a pivotal role in contributing to the country's GDP and export earnings. Thailand stands out for its proficiency in the production, design, and marketing of home textiles, earning a global reputation as a silk producer and yarn manufacturer. Moreover, the nation excels in eco-friendly finishing, dyeing, and printing services that meet international standards, although there is room for further improvement. Thailand's textile exports are primarily directed towards the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Russia, and China. The country's two economic drivers, the textile and garment industry, experienced a downturn in 2020 due to reduced foreign demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 3,000 factories pivoted to producing masks and PPE protective clothing to survive the economic challenges. However, the Thai textile industry rebounded in 2021, restoring production to full capacity, and Thai garment and textile factories resumed operations at 100% capacity. The years 2021 and 2022 witnessed a surge in Thailand's apparel exports to the United States, driven by demand from apparel-producing regions like Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Europe, and U.S. garment factories. In 2021, Thailand began relaxing control measures as the pandemic's impact waned. This, in turn, led to a rapid recovery of Thailand's textile and apparel industry exports in 2021 and 2022. During these years, textile and apparel exports amounted to US$6,526 million and US$6,850 million, respectively, representing year-on-year increases of 13.53% and 4.96%. Overall, the global garment market presents substantial opportunities, with a steady upward trajectory fueled by the relocation of the global textile and apparel industry to Southeast Asia. Thailand's textile and apparel sector is experiencing rapid growth, supported and promoted by the Thai government, suggesting a promising future. The analyst anticipates that Thailand's textile and apparel exports will reach US$11.8 billion by 2032, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2023 to 2032. Topics Covered Thailand Garment Industry Overview The economic and policy environment of the Thai garment industry What is the impact of COVID-19 on the Thai garment industry? Thailand Garment Industry Market Size 2018-2022 Analysis of major Thai garment companies Key Drivers and Market Opportunities in Thailand's Garment Industry What are the key drivers, challenges and opportunities for the Thai garment industry during the forecast period 2023-2032? Which are the key players in the Thailand Garment Industry market and what are their competitive advantages? What is the expected revenue of Thailand Garments Industry market during the forecast period of 2023-2032? What strategies have been adopted by the key players in the market to increase their market share in the industry? Which segment of the Thailand Garment Industry market is expected to dominate the market by 2032? What are the major unfavorable factors facing the Thai garment industry? Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 60 Forecast Period 2023-2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $7.23 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $11.81 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.5% Regions Covered Thailand List of Chapters 1 Overview of the Development of Thailand's Garment Industry 1.1 Definitions and Classifications 1.2 Analysis of Major Products 1.3 Impact of COVID-19 on Thailand's Garment Manufacturing Industry 2 Analysis on Garment Manufacturing Industry in Thailand, 2018-2023 2.1 Development Environment of Thailand's Garment Industry 2.1.1 Economic Environment 2.1.2 Policy Environment 2.1.3 Social Environment 2.2 Thailand Garment Supply Analysis 2018-2022 2.2.1 Analysis of Major Foreign Investment Sources in Thailand's Garment Manufacturing Industry 2.2.2 Clothing Production 2.3 Thailand Market Demand Analysis for Garment 2.3.1 Major Consumer Groups of Clothing 2.3.2 Size of Thailand's Domestic Garment Market 3 Thailand Textile and Clothing Industry Import and Export Analysis 3.1 Imports 3.1.1 Import of Raw Materials 3.1.2 Main Sources of Imports 3.2 Exports 3.2.1 Export Analysis of Thailand's Garment Industry 3.2.2 Main Export Destinations 4 Competition Status of Garment Manufacturing Industry in Thailand 4.1 Barriers to Entry in Thailand's Clothing Industry 4.1.1 Government Policies 4.1.2 Sales Channels 4.1.3 Brand Barriers 4.2 Competitive Structure of Thailand's Garment Manufacturing Industry 4.2.1 Bargaining Power of Raw Material Suppliers 4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers 4.2.3 Competition within the Garment Industry 4.2.4 Potential Entrants 4.2.5 Alternatives 5 Analysis on Cost and Price in Garment Manufacturing Industry in Thailand 5.1 Thailand Garment Manufacturing Cost Analysis 2018-2022 5.1.1 Cost of Raw Materials 5.1.2 Labor Cost Analysis of Thailand's Garment Manufacturing Industry 5.2 Thailand Clothing Price Analysis 6 Overview of Major Garment Manufacturing Companies in Thailand 6.1 Toray Industries (Thailand) Co. Ltd. Toray Group 6.1.1 Business Profile 6.1.2 Main Products 6.1.3 Modes of Operation 6.2 NaRaYa 6.2.1 Business Profile 6.2.2 Main Products 6.2.3 Modes of Operation 6.3 Jaspal 6.3.1 Business Profile 6.3.2 Main Products 6.3.3 Modes of Operation 6.4 Thai Wacoal 6.4.1 Business Profile 6.4.2 Main Products 6.4.3 Modes of Operation 6.5 Disaya 6.5.1 Business Profile 6.5.2 Main Products 6.5.3 Modes of Operation 7 Thailand Garment Manufacturing Outlook, 2023-2032 7.1 Factors Influencing the Development of Thailand's Garment Manufacturing Industry 7.1.1 Drivers and Market Opportunities in Thailand Garment Manufacturing Industry 7.1.2 Threats and Challenges Facing Thailand's Garment Manufacturing Industry 7.1.3 Industry Prospects and Market Opportunities 7.2 Competitive Landscape Forecast for Thailand Garment Manufacturing Industry 7.3 Supply Forecast of Garment Manufacturing in Thailand, 2023-2032 7.3.1 Thailand Garment Manufacturing Raw Material Import Forecast 2023-2032 7.3.2 Thailand's Garment Export Forecast 2023-2032 7.4 Thailand Garment Manufacturing Market Demand Forecast 2023-2032 7.4.1 Overall Market Demand Forecast for Garment Manufacturing in Thailand, 2023-2032 7.4.2 Demand Forecast for Thailand Garment Manufacturing Segment 2023-2032 For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lfak2o About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "YESCARTA Drug Insight and Market Forecast - 2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This in-depth analysis of YESCARTA (axicabtagene ciloleucel) provides detailed market forecasts and drug insights up to the year 2032 for treating Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the major seven markets. The report delves into YESCARTA's mechanism of action, administration dosage, and research progress, including significant regulatory milestones and developmental activities. With the focus on the therapy in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan, the study offers a holistic view of the treatments prospects and its competitive landscape. YESCARTA Therapeutic Potential and Clinical Advancement YESCARTA, a groundbreaking CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy, has shown promise in patients with DLBCL, providing a beacon of hope for those with relapsed or refractory conditions. The report contextualizes YESCARTA's efficacy and safety profile, tracing the evolution of this innovative treatment within the current and future healthcare market. Market Forecast and Emerging Therapies Providing a forecasted sales trajectory up to 2032, the publication presents an analytical perspective on the potential market penetration and impact of YESCARTA. Additionally, the document encompasses a comparative analysis of emerging DLBCL therapies set to challenge the market dynamics with their launch. Pipeline Developments and SWOT Analysis: Insight into YESCARTAs pipeline developments and emerging market competitors Examination of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats pertaining to the DLBCL therapeutic landscape Emphasizing a wealth of clinical trial information, the report discusses trial interventions, conditions, and outcomes, offering a rigorous clinical assessment of YESCARTA. Strategic Collaborations and Regulatory Milestones The document sheds light on key collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions that shape the development trajectory of YESCARTA. It also outlines the designations and approvals that highlight its significant milestones. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/te0hjn About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Pine Exploration Inc. (TSXV: RPX, OTCQB: RDEXF) (Red Pine or the Company) continues to report new assay results from its ongoing exploration program. These latest assay results from Red Pine Exploration Inc.'s ongoing exploration program highlight the company's continuous success in discovering significant gold mineralization located in the hanging wall of the Jubilee Shear. The program continues to discover significant gold mineralization in gaps in the 2019 resource to expand the exploration potential in the hanging wall of the Jubilee Shear. Highlights Include: Intersection of significant mineralization in a gap in the 2019 resource in the Jubilee Shear: 10.43 g/t gold over 12.95 metres including 21.71 g/t gold over 0.95 metre and 164.71 g/t gold over 0.52 metre in SD-23-477 Testing the gaps in the 2019 resource in the Jubilee Shear proved that significant mineralization remains to be discovered. Other intersections of significance outside the 2019 resource in the Jubilee Shear or at the intersection of the Jubilee/Minto B shears include: 10.92 g/t gold over 28.05 metres including 209.1 g/t gold over 1.00 metre in SD-23-442 (press release of September 14, 2023) 8.01 g/t gold over 32.95 metres including 171.0 g/t gold over 1.19 metre in SD-23-451 (press release of October 24, 2023) 6.77 g/t gold over 5.85 metres including 13.73 g/t gold over 2.63 metres in SD-22-412 (press release of May 11, 2023) 5.07 g/t gold over 27.35 metres including 20.14 g/t gold over 1.11 metre and 70.90 g/t gold over 1.14 metre in SD-22-414 (press release of February 23, 2023) 3.80 g/t gold over 36.94 metres including 11.01 g/t gold over 5.60 metres in SD-23-456 (press release of December 18, 2023) 9.57 g/t gold over 10.95 metres including 83.71 g/t gold over 1.00 metre in SD-23-457 (press release of November 15, 2023) 3.35 g/t gold over 6.95 metres including 20.10 g/t gold over 1.01 metre in SD-23-472 (press release of January 11, 2024) Continuing to expansion over the footprints of gold mineralization in the Minto B Shear Gold mineralization is now confirmed to be present in the Minto B Shear over a strike length of 900 metres and has been systematically tested over 700 metres. "The consistent high-grade results in both the hanging wall and footwall are very promising and provide proof to our concept of a potential shallow open pit model. We're uncovering significant mineralization where gaps once existed in the 2019 resource. Progress is steady and consistent with over 1200 assays pending." - Quentin Yarie, President and CEO of Red Pine Exploration. Table 1 Highlights from drilling in the Wawa Gold Corridor (Figure 1) Hole From (m) To Length (m)* Visible Gold Gold (g/t) Zone (m) SD-23-467 128.71 139.96 11.25 0.79 Minto C Shear System (released on January 11, 2024) Including 129.96 131.21 1.25 3.39 216.05 217.52 1.47 1.10 Shear Zone Hanging wall (released on January 11, 2024) 298.7 317.83 19.13 0.59 Minto B Shear Including 316.73 317.83 1.10 4.49 517.61 518.73 1.12 2.82 Shear Zone SD-23-471 153.70 159.25 5.55 0.79 Minto B Shear SD-23-473 272.68 281.06 9.64 0.61 Minto B Shear (released on January 11, 2024) 286.39 287.48 1.09 0.67 300.94 303.44 2.50 0.44 363.40 367.95 4.55 0.92 Jubilee Shear Including 366.82 367.95 1.13 2.96 473.88 476.92 3.04 VG 1.02 Shear Zone SD-23-477 256.42 262.12 5.70 0.95 Jubilee Shear Including 261.18 262.12 0.94 3.15 294.41 307.36 12.95 VG 10.43 Including 297.90 298.52 0.62 VG 14.63 299.16 300.11 0.95 21.71 305.94 306.46 0.52 VG 164.71 Assay results presented over core length. True width for the intersections varies between 50 to 95% depending on the intersected geological structure. Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") Measures Drill core samples were transported in security-sealed bags for analyses to Actlabs in Ancaster, Ontario. Individual samples were labelled, placed in plastic sample bags and sealed. Groups of samples were then placed into durable rice bags and shipped. The residual coarse reject portions of the samples remain in storage if further work or verification is needed. Red Pine has implemented a quality-control program to comply with best practices in the sampling and analysis of drill core. As part of its QA/QC program, Red Pine inserts external gold standards (low to high grade) and blanks every 20 samples in addition to random standards, blanks, and duplicates. Qualified Person Quentin Yarie, P.Geo. and Chief Executive Officer of Red Pine and the Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the news releases technical information. About Red Pine Exploration Inc. Red Pine Exploration Inc. is a gold exploration company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Company's shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "RPX" and on the OTCQB Markets under the symbol RDEXF. The Wawa Gold Project is in the Michipicoten Greenstone Belt of Ontario, a region that has seen major investment by several producers in the last five years. Its land package hosts numerous historic gold mines and is over 6,900 hectares in size. Led by Quentin Yarie, CEO, who has over 25 years of experience in mineral exploration, Red Pine is strengthening its position as a major mineral exploration and development player in the Michipicoten region. For more information about the Company, visit www.redpineexp.com Or contact: Quentin Yarie, President and CEO, (416) 364-7024, qyarie@redpineexp.com Or Carrie Howes, Director Corporate Communications, (416) 644-7375, chowes@redpineexp.com 1 National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for the Wawa Gold Project, Brian Thomas P.Geo. Golder Associates Ltd, report effective August 18, 2021. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains statements which constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words may, would, could, should, will, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, expect or similar expressions. Forward-looking information contained in this news release includes but may not be limited to: the potential for a hybrid pit and underground project. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects managements expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Such opinions, assumptions and estimates are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: the Company's expectations in connection with the projects and exploration programs being met, the impact of general business and economic conditions, global liquidity and credit availability on the timing of cash flows and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future conditions, fluctuating gold prices, currency exchange rates (such as the Canadian dollar versus the United States Dollar), variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in accounting policies, changes in the Company's mineral reserves and resources, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, changes in project development, construction, production and commissioning time frames, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, higher prices for fuel, power, labour and other consumables contributing to higher costs and general risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, unexpected changes in mine life, seasonality and weather, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims, and limitations on insurance. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in filings made by the Company, including the Companys financial statements and related MD&A for the year ended July 31, 2023, and the interim financial reports and related MD&A for the period ended October 31, 2023, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. Figure 1 - Plan Map of the Drilling Results A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/87c244cb-26cf-405e-9957-98252f67346c Figure 2 SD-23-477 in the Foot Wall of the Surluga Deposit A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8a46778-47a6-4d1c-b190-1f293b096f13 NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fiverr (NYSE: FVRR), the company that is changing how the world works together, announces its Winter Product Release, the first of two major releases in 2024. This is more than just an update; it's an innovative response to the feedback from the freelancers and businesses Fiverr has served over the last 14 years. New features include a Consulting Category of top-tier industry experts, the introduction of Fiverr Agencies, designed to meet the unique needs of agency teams, and an actionable rating and review system, among others. Fiverr continues to mold its platform to empower its community and further its position as a trusted partner for any digital service. This release is shaped by the invaluable feedback from our vibrant global community and the rich insights we've gathered since Fiverr's launch, said Micha Kaufman, Founder and CEO of Fiverr. Freelancers will now have more data and analytics combined with critical feedback from their clients to provide radical transparency and a clearer path to improve their skills and grow their business on Fiverr. We are also excited to offer new features to promote the incredible agencies that work on or have started from scratch on Fiverr, increasing their discoverability and highlighting the breadth of their accomplishments. Responding to the dynamic nature of the business environment often requires specialist support to stay competitive, which is why we have introduced a new Consulting Category offering swift access to seasoned professionals. As a trusted platform devoted to the needs of our diverse community, this release is an expression of our commitment to continue crafting experiences to help our community thrive and make breakthroughs in their work. Introducing Fiverr Agencies Agencies represent a large percentage of the wider talent economy and have always been loyal partners on Fiverr. They are passionate advocates and help build trust and customer acquisition for the brands they work with. That is why they are such an important part of the Fiverr ecosystem. Fiverr Agencies, which will be available across Fiverr and Fiverr Pro, will make it easier for agency teams to build their client base and for client prospects to find them. Businesses can access a detailed profile of an agencys capabilities, including a full view into their team and past work, to gain a deep understanding of how collaborating with an agency can bring their brand to life. Building on quality and transparency across Fiverrs global marketplace Businesses and freelancers will experience more personalization and gain access to essential insights to guide their journey. New Consulting Category - Industry experts in legal, finance, business, AI, and more are now available on demand in their specialist areas. Consultants provide essential advice and support for businesses to scale by guiding them on topics from e-commerce to data, software to marketing, and website development, among many others. - Industry experts in legal, finance, business, AI, and more are now available on demand in their specialist areas. Consultants provide essential advice and support for businesses to scale by guiding them on topics from e-commerce to data, software to marketing, and website development, among many others. New Ratings, Reviews, and Leveling System - Based on feedback from the community, Fiverr is proud to unveil a radical level of transparency for freelancers and the businesses that hire them. Freelancers will now receive data, actionable feedback, and tools to help them reach their full potential. These changes will help them sharpen their craft and the services they offer and gain valuable perspectives on their client relationships something that doesnt often happen in the offline world. - Based on feedback from the community, Fiverr is proud to unveil a radical level of transparency for freelancers and the businesses that hire them. Freelancers will now receive data, actionable feedback, and tools to help them reach their full potential. These changes will help them sharpen their craft and the services they offer and gain valuable perspectives on their client relationships something that doesnt often happen in the offline world. Home - Fiverrs transformed homepage will offer more personalization, seamless navigation, and additional control, simplifying access to the right freelance talent for businesses. Leveraging Fiverr Neo, Fiverrs AI-powered copilot technology, businesses will get tailored service recommendations to enhance their projects. On Fiverr Pro, where medium to large businesses can find expert talent , new products support advanced collaboration and enhanced productivity. Fiverr Pro Freelancer Briefing - To ease the hiring and onboarding of expert freelancers, businesses can now write a brief with AI assistance. These documents can be saved, repurposed, and shared with multiple team members to edit and boost efficient collaboration. - To ease the hiring and onboarding of expert freelancers, businesses can now write a brief with AI assistance. These documents can be saved, repurposed, and shared with multiple team members to edit and boost efficient collaboration. Fiverr Pro Freelance Network - Designed to keep a businesss go-to freelancers and agencies in one place that can be easily referenced and shared amongst their team, the Freelance Network will smooth the re-hiring and retention of these favored freelancers while increasing productivity. - Designed to keep a businesss go-to freelancers and agencies in one place that can be easily referenced and shared amongst their team, the Freelance Network will smooth the re-hiring and retention of these favored freelancers while increasing productivity. Fiverr Pro Rich Freelancer Profiles - Fiverr Pro freelancers can now bolster their profiles with previous work experience and client endorsement from outside of Fiverr. This makes starting as a Fiverr Pro freelancer more compelling while providing clients with a full view of past work experiences. - Fiverr Pro freelancers can now bolster their profiles with previous work experience and client endorsement from outside of Fiverr. This makes starting as a Fiverr Pro freelancer more compelling while providing clients with a full view of past work experiences. Fiverr Pro Community - This new community is dedicated to knowledge-sharing opportunities and training resources to elevate Fiverr Pro performance and advance their business on Fiverr. About Fiverr Fiverrs mission is to change how the world works together. We exist to democratize access to talent and to provide talent with access to opportunities so anyone can grow their business, brand, or dreams. From small businesses to Fortune 500, over 4 million customers worldwide worked with freelance talent on Fiverr in the past year, ensuring their workforces remain flexible, adaptive, and agile. With Fiverr Business Solutions, large companies can find the right talent and tools, tailored to their needs to help them thrive and grow. On Fiverr, you can find over 700 skills, ranging from AI, to programming and 3D design, digital marketing to content creation, from video animation to architecture. Dont get left behind - come be a part of the future of work by visiting fiverr.com , read our blog , and follow us on Instagram , and Facebook . Press Contact: Holly Steffy press@fiverr.com Siobhan Aalders press@fiverr.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7bf232d0-9a00-4856-89db-3251333cccc7 A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/04c63506-05d3-47c3-8762-406367b8ae35 News Release Video: Terra Balcanica produced a technical webinar to explain the drill results VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. (Terra or the Company) (CSE:TERA; FRA:UB1) is pleased to announce the final geochemical assay results from the Phase II drill campaign at Cumavici Ridge confirming continuation of the high-grade epithermal vein mineralization at the Viogor-Zanik project in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Highlights Drillhole CMV23001 intersected 551 g/t AgEq over 4.8 m from 11 m downhole with a further mineralized interval of 669 g/t AgEq over 0.3 m from 31.60 m (Table 1); downhole with a further mineralized interval of (Table 1); Drillhole CMV23001 is located on the same platform as previously CMV23002b which returned 499 g/t AgEq over 3.8 m from 22 m reported (see Company news release 17 January 2024); reported (see Company news release 17 January 2024); The Cumavici Ridge mineralization remains open and untested immediately northwest and down-dip to the southwest , which will be targeted by our 2024 Phase III drill program; , which will be targeted by our 2024 Phase III drill program; Further assay results from the 2023 Phase II drilling program are pending release, including 4 shallow drillholes at the Brezani Au skarn, which aim to add strike length to the previously reported 88.0 m at 0.61 g/t AuEq from surface (news release dated 24 January 2023). Terra Balcanica CEO, Dr. Aleksandar Miskovic, commented: Terra keeps on confirming average grades of over 500 g/t Ag Eq and average mineralization thicknesses of approximately 5-10 m of massive sulfides and associated Ag-Sb-Pb-Zn-Au mineralogy at Cumavici Ridge which is only one of six target zones along the 7.2 km corridor of vein-hosted epithermal mineralization. This zone is de-risked by drilling shallow, high grade silver mineralization at both the Cumavici Ridge and Joseva targets over 2.3 km apart. We are very excited to carry on adding to the existing mineralized horizon at Cumavici Ridge by testing it down dip to SW as well as along strike to NW while expanding drill campaign to Cumurnica and two other targets along the corridor in 2024. Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Pb (%) Sb (%) Zn (%) AgEq (g/t) CMV23001 11.00 15.80 4.8 132 1.61 0.57 1.56 1.51 551 CMV23001 31.60 31.90 0.3 106 0.47 0.28 3.22 1.00 669 Table 1. Assay results from drillhole CMV23001 of the Phase II drilling campaign. Interval lengths reported are drilled lengths, not true widths. Silver equivalent (AgEq) is based on assumed metal prices of US$1,980/oz for gold (Au), US$23/oz for silver (Ag), US$1.15/lb for zinc (Zn), US$5.42/lb for antimony (Sb) and US$1.00/lb for lead (Pb). Assumed metal recoveries of 90% Au, 93% Ag, 95% Sb, 94% Pb and Zn are based on published metallurgical tests on analogous intermediate sulphidation epithermal vein deposits. Figure 1. Geological map illustrating the drillholes at the Cumavici Ridge locality. AgEq values are labelled for selected 2022 and 2023 drill intercepts (See Companys new releases dated 13 November 2023, 27 February 2023, 17 January 2024). Current drilling efforts confirm mineralization over 82 m NW/SE strike length. (WGS84/UTM Zone 34N; click here to view image). Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation (m) Dip Azimuth Depth (m) Recovery (%) CMV23001 360223.3 4888497.2 594.63 -85 050 61.7 98.8 Table 2. Collar locations for reported Phase II drillhole. Coordinates and elevation were taken by local consultant surveyors using a differential GPS unit. (WGS84/UTM Zone 34N). Future Exploration Program Further drilling efforts at Cumavici Ridge will aim to connect the shallow high-grade interval reported in this release to the 531 g/t AgEq over 0.75 m and 355 g/t AgEq over 1.10 m reported over 600 m to the northwest (see Company news release dated 5th November 2023). The shallow, vein hosted system remains untested and open to the southwest down-dip which will also be targeted during the 2024 Phase III drilling. Figure 2. Drillhole section through step out drill fence located 42 m SE of the 2022 discovery holes at Cumavici Ridge. Assay intervals reported for CMV23001. (Click here to view image) Hole ID Easting Northing Dip Azimuth Depth (m) Comments CMV23005 360232 4888411 -85 050 58.2 Ended before target depth CMV23006 359917 4888823 -60 050 82.2 No visible mineralization CMV23008 359865 4888914 -60 050 65.8 No visible mineralization CMV23010 359770 4888949 -50 050 91.5 No visible mineralization CMV23011 360225 4888446 -85 050 50.2 No visible mineralization CMV23012 360245 4888471 -85 050 67.6 No visible mineralization Table 3. Collar locations and comments for the remaining Cumavici Ridge phase II drillholes. Coordinates and elevation were taken using a differential GPS unit. (WGS84/UTM Zone 34N; click here to view image). QAQC Half core (PQ3 and HQ3) samples were delivered by truck to ALS Bor, Serbia for sample preparation and analysis at the ALS laboratory Loughrea, Ireland an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified testing laboratory. Sample preparation PREP-31BY method was used on all core samples. This involves crushing to 70% less than 2 mm, rotary split 1kg and pulverizing the split to greater than 85% passing 75 microns. Gold was assayed by 30g fire assay with ICP-AES finish (Au-ICP21). Analyses of silver and base metals were completed by highly oxidising digestion with HNO 3 , KClO 3 and HBr (ASY-ORE) and the final solution in dilute aqua regia is determined by ICP-AES (ME-ICPORE). Control samples, comprising certified reference materials (CDN-ME-1811), quarter core field duplicates and blanks were inserted at a rate of 9% and investigated as part of the companys quality assurance and quality control program. Qualified Person Dr. Aleksandar Miskovic, P.Geo, is the Companys designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and has reviewed and validated that the information contained in this news release as accurate. About the Company Terra Balcanica is a polymetallic exploration company targeting large-scale mineral systems in the Balkans of southeastern Europe. The Company has 90% interest in the Viogor-Zanik Project in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, 100% of the Kaludra and Ceovishte mineral exploration licences in southern Serbia. The Company emphasizes responsible engagement with local communities and stakeholders. It is committed to proactively implementing Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) and sustainable health, safety, and environmental management. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. Aleksandar Miskovic Aleksandar Miskovic President and CEO For further information, please contact Alex Miskovic at amiskovic@terrabresources.com, or visit our website at www.terrabresources.com. Cautionary Statement This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively forward-looking statements). The use of any of the words will, intends and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/08e30708-22e6-46df-b7fb-0f9cede241b9 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/67f4de7d-ddb2-4983-8fa0-511d9f0bd05c Qantas has launched a mega sale across its international network with half a million seats up for grabs. Australias national carrier has slashed prices to some of the countrys favourite holiday destinations as part of an international Red Tail Sale. Qantas discounted fares start from $529 return for Economy and $999 for Business and are available for departures from most Australian capital cities. Destinations include London, Paris and New York, as well as tropical destinations, Honolulu, Bali and Fiji. The flights will be available to book through a travel agent and online until 11.59pm on February 5, 2024 or unless sold out prior. Qantas has launched a major sale on flights across the airlines international network. Photo: Erle Levey, Sunshine Coast Newspapers The airline said half a million seats across its network are up for grabs. As school holidays come to an end, many Australians will be looking to book their next getaway to ease the post-holiday blues, a Qantas spokesperson said. This international sale gives Australians the opportunity to lock in discounted fares to some of the most in-demand international destinations, including our new route between Perth and Paris. The fares include return flights from Melbourne to London for nearly $1,800, return flights from Sydney to Paris for just under $2000 and return flights to Fiji from various capital cities for $649. The fees include checked baggage, complimentary food, beverages and seat selection. The trips must be taken between February and December this year. View the full list of discounted fares here and begin planning your holiday at qantas.com Lisbon, Portugal, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Homelessness is at an all-time high in the UK and is affecting more people than ever before, with more than 270,000 people living without a place to call home in England alone. Unify Giving, a tech-for-good initiative founded by Matthew Bamber and Sharon Truman, understands the urgency of this crisis and has leveraged technology to address the multifaceted challenges of homelessness in the UK and beyond. Matthew Bamber, the driving force behind Unify Giving, was pulled from personal experiences that fueled his commitment to making a difference. Growing up in a modest town, Matthew witnessed the harsh reality of homelessness and the lack of support for those in need. Reflecting on the inception of Unify Giving, the founder shares, Having spent many years in the finance industry and continually feeling frustrated for people experiencing homelessness, I decided to seek a solution. This frustration stems from witnessing the struggles of those on the streets, including an impactful moment where he observed a woman using multiple bank cards to buy a loaf of bread. The empathy and unease he felt at that moment became the catalyst for Unify Giving. Sharon Truman, the Co-Founder, brings with her a wealth of experience, drawing upon 25 years of inspiration starting in sales and marketing in the pharmaceutical industry that led her on a journey to the start-up scene in Lisbon, where she joined a social impact start-up and raised significant funding from Portugal Ventures that sent the team to Silicon Valley to begin developing. Sharons vision aligned with Unify Giving's commitment to social impact through technology. The heart of Unify Giving lies in addressing the homelessness crisis through technology. The founders recognised the limitations of traditional methods of charitable giving and sought to create a one-size-fits-all solution. Sharon and Matthews chance meeting in London, where the limitations of cash and card transactions became apparent, inspired them to develop a solution using RFID and phone technology. Unify Giving offers prepayment cards to people without permanent establishments, enabling them to access traditional banking methods without waiting for activation. This allows charities to sign up recipients without physically visiting a bank. For future iterations, Unify Giving plans to introduce an AI chatbot specifically designed for mental health issues. This AI chatbot will be built around empathetic communication, providing a more human-like experience for those who may feel lonely or unconnected. In addition to the chatbot, Unify Giving is also working with a charity to hand out SIM cards to help these people connect. This partnership aims to ensure that people can access their funds directly. The company aims to provide more accessibility for people to use financial assistance. Unify Giving's approach goes beyond conventional charity models. The platform helps create profiles for homeless individuals. Donors can make direct contributions to these individuals through these profiles, ensuring transparency and accountability. Highlighting the uniqueness of their platform, Matthew states, We want to build confidence for donors and give them peace of mind that their money is going directly to the end recipient. The company aims to provide the beneficiaries the liberty to purchase essential goods and services with bank cards with certain restrictions to ensure the money is spent appropriately. The founders are confident that this will foster independence and dignity. The platform's commitment to transparency is reflected in its decision to take a small essential fee on top of donations to cover operating expenses, ensuring donors are aware of the full financial picture. The journey of Unify Giving is not without its challenges, particularly in the complex payment industry. The founders have gained a scholarship at Fintech House in Lisbon and actively seek additional partnerships with industry giants. Unify Giving's immediate goal is to launch the platform by the end of the first quarter of 2024 and to achieve this, they have taken onboard Adam Rutstein, a go-to-market expert who has worked with leaders in the technology industry, The company will focus its pilot on a small test market of three charities located in Stoke-on-Trent, London, and Glasgow to fine-tune its platform's effectiveness. Unify Giving plans to expand to major cities in the UK within six months and subsequently explore partnerships with additional charitable causes where individuals will benefit from direct donations. Media Contact: Name: Harold Bedwei Email: contact@unifygiving.com CINCINNATI, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ultimus Fund Solutions (Ultimus), a leading independent provider of full-service, technology-enhanced fund administration, accounting, and investor solutions, is proud to announce its recent award of business, assisting in the launch of eight new actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for Brookstone Asset Management, a firm whose solutions allow investors to focus on diversification and long term benefits. Brookstone awarded the business to Ultimus as a result of Ultimus consultative approach and ability to plug into the ETF ecosystem of various third-party providers. Ultimus scalability made the launch of eight funds relatively seamless and aligned well with Brookstone's strategy to broaden its ETF product offering to investors. Ultimus' distinct advantages, including the benefits of established series trusts, valuable ecosystem connections, and its operational experience in the ETF sector, accelerated the process. This resulted in a quick and smooth launch of eight funds over a three-day period, showcasing the effectiveness of the partnership. Kevin Wolf, EVP, Head of Fund Administration and Product at Ultimus, expresses the excitement at witnessing the growth of another long-standing partnership. Weve been working with the professionals at Brookstone for quite a while, and its been fulfilling to see them transform over the years. Im thankful to partner with such a great group of people, and I see a lot of potential in their quest to expand their product lineup. It is important to Ultimus that we create long-term relationships with clients in which we are as equally invested in success. Matt Lovett, CCO of Brookstone, emphasizes how a partner with experienced industry professionals can make a complicated process seem easy. In our existing relationship with Ultimus, they have proven that they were the right partner to assist in the facilitation of such a momentous launch operation. The teams experience was evident in the way they efficiently educated our growing staff and helped guide them throughout the process. Ultimus operational expertise and industry connections made the process of expanding our ETF lineup easy and seamless. With its commitment to innovation and excellence, Ultimus is well positioned to continue supporting Brookstone's journey towards expanding its product offerings in todays dynamic financial market. Ultimus understands the importance of staying ahead in a competitive financial landscape and is dedicated to helping clients like Brookstone navigate the complexities of product development and fund launches with precision and efficiency. As the financial industry and investment products continue to evolve, Ultimus remains a steadfast and agile partner, ready to assist clients in achieving their strategic goals, fostering lasting relationships built on mutual success. About Ultimus Ultimus Fund Solutions (Ultimus) is a leading provider of full-service tech-enhanced fund administration, accounting, middle office, and investor solutions to support the launching and servicing of registered funds, private funds, and public plans. The company also offers customized structures designed for the unique needs of pensions, endowments, foundations, and other large institutions. Ultimus deep commitment to excellence is achieved through investments in best-in-class technology, compliance programs, organization-wide cyber security efforts, and hiring seasoned professionals. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio with offices in other major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Denver, and Omaha, Ultimus employs more than 1,000 seasoned accountants, attorneys, paralegals, application developers, fund administrators, compliance specialists, and many others with years of experience in the financial services industry. Servicing over 1,800 total traditional and alternative funds, Ultimus helps investment managers and fund families flourish in todays increasingly sophisticated and dynamic investment landscape. For more information, visit www.ultimusfundsolutions.com . 17834436 1/26/2024 BOSTON, MA, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Digital Twin Consortium (DTC) today announced that NTT DATA has joined the consortium. By participating in the DTC, NTT DATA will strengthen its position as a global innovator by fostering the adoption of digital twins in the many application domains it serves. According to NTT DATA, this new membership with the DTC is a clear opportunity to develop better approaches for our customers focused on digital twin adoption in various application domains such as telecommunications, smart industries, smart cities, mining, oil and gas, and banking and insurance. Were very excited to welcome NTT DATA as a member of the DTC, said Dan Isaacs, GM & CTO, DTC. Their global experience and expertise in a wide range of application domains will be very valuable as we work together to further the adoption of digital twins. About NTT DATA NTT DATA is a global IT services company that provides consulting, technology, and outsourcing services. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. NTT DATA is part of the NTT Group, one of the world's largest telecommunications and IT services companies. NTT DATA offers a wide range of services, including system integration, application development, business process outsourcing, cloud services, and consulting. The company serves clients in various industries, including finance, healthcare, public sector, telecommunications, and manufacturing. a NTT DATA is a global IT services company that provides consulting, technology, and outsourcing services. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. NTT DATA is part of the NTT Group, one of the world's largest telecommunications and IT services companies. NTT DATA offers a wide range of services, including system integration, application development, business process outsourcing, cloud services, and consulting. The company serves clients in various industries, including finance, healthcare, public sector, telecommunications, and manufacturing. Digital Twin activities are carried out within the global Innovation Center that NTT DATA has launched in 2022, with focus on leading-edge technologies and aiming at establishing world-leading research and development teams and generating new business through joint innovation projects with customers. About Digital Twin Consortium Digital Twin Consortium is The Authority of Digital Twin. It coalesces industry, government, and academia to drive consistency in vocabulary, architecture, security, and interoperability of digital twin technology. It advances digital twin technology in many industries, from Aerospace to natural resources. Digital Twin Consortium is a program of Object Management Group. For more information, visit https://www.digitaltwinconsortium.org. Note to editors: Digital Twin Consortium is a registered trademark of OMG. See the listing of all OMG trademarks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Attachment JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ballad Health and the Ballad Health Innovation Center are partnering with 410 Medical, Inc. to use its LifeFlow device, a rapid fluid delivery mechanism that reduces the time needed to revive a patient in need of blood or fluids. Designed to help overcome common barriers to fluid delivery, LifeFlow is an easy-to-use, portable device that rapidly and efficiently delivers fluids to patients with critical conditions such as sepsis, shock, trauma, cardiac arrest and severe hemorrhage. LifeFlow can deliver 1 liter of fluid or two units of blood in less than four minutes, while traditional methods can take three to 10 times longer. Ballad Health Innovation Centers partnership with Durham, North Carolina-based 410 Medical, Inc. includes a pilot project where Ballad Health started using the LifeFlow device at Niswonger Childrens Hospital to treat pediatric patients. Since then, the pilot project has expanded to four more facilities: Johnson City Medical Center, Bristol Regional Medical Center, Holston Valley Medical Center and Indian Path Community Hospital. These locations are currently using it for fluid administration to treat patients of all ages, utilizing crystalloid fluids with a planned expansion to include blood administration in the near future. From the outset, LifeFlow generated success stories throughout Ballad Health. Early in the pilot, a care team reported a patient was lethargic, with critically low blood pressure and heart rate. The physician requested an ICU bed transfer and called for rapid response care team for assessment. The medical emergency team nurse rapidly delivered fluids via the LifeFlow device, and the nurse shared that the patient immediately became alert and oriented with a rapid improvement in vitals. After the physician reassessed the patient, no transfer to the ICU was needed. Dr. Morgan May, chief nursing officer for Ballad Healths Southern Region, described the LifeFlow device as a gamechanger because of its ease of use, cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Early and aggressive fluid therapy is critical when treating life-threatening illnesses, but traditional methods of infusion can be slow, cumbersome and complex to administer, May said. The LifeFlow device is designed to overcome the challenges associated with normal infusers, and ultimately, its a valuable tool to help us improve the clinical quality of care we deliver to patients. As a portable device, LifeFlow is easier to set up and operate compared to typical infusers and other fluid delivery devices. This reduces the amount of technical manpower needed for preparation and operation. Seth Brown, MD, chief medical officer for the Ballad Health Niswonger Childrens Network, became interested in LifeFlow while attending an EMS education event and offered to support a pilot test of the device at Ballad Health. So far, weve seen tremendous success using LifeFlow, especially with our sepsis patients, Dr. Brown said. Its notable how fast this device is able to deliver fluids compared to traditional infusers, and its truly made a difference for our patients. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2016, LifeFlow is routinely used in hospitals and EMS agencies across the country. Compared to standard methods, use of LifeFlow has been shown to result in a decrease in the average length of stay for patients in the intensive care unit. Its use has also been shown to reduce overall hospital expenses compared to using traditional infusion methods, according to a 2018 study. Based on its success, 410 Medical, Inc. is broadening LifeFlows market release to an even larger group of hospitals nationwide. Since LifeFlow is smaller and easier to use, its better suited economically for use at rural and community hospitals where less manpower is needed to administer the LifeFlow device, compared to its more complex counterparts. This is particularly crucial in cases like sepsis, which is the leading cause of death in hospitals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 1.7 million adults in the United States develop sepsis annually, and nearly 270,000 die as a result. Fluid delivery is the lifeline in the battle against sepsis, where every drop of timely intervention can make a life-saving difference, said Amit Vashist, MD, Ballad Healths chief clinical officer. Whether sepsis, shock or trauma, the LifeFlow device is an innovative approach to serve hospitals at all levels, as well as EMS providers responding in the field. We are thrilled by the initial success of the LifeFlow device, and we are happy to be partnering with Ballad Health and Ballad Ventures to expand the use of this transformative product, said Kyle Chenet, chief executive officer at 410 Medical, Inc. Ballad Ventures, a strategic investor in 410 Medical, Inc., seeks to discover and advance innovative ideas and products that solve big problems in healthcare here locally, nationally and worldwide. 410 Medical is doing just that with its innovative, life-saving LifeFlow device, said John Perez, managing director of Ballad Ventures. Ballad Ventures has made similar investments in other new technologies that Ballad Health has adopted to improve the quality of patient care in its hospitals and the Appalachian Highlands. Formed in 2020, Ballad Ventures is designed to serve as the venture capital arm for Ballad Health, an integrated community health improvement organization serving 29 counties of the Appalachian Highlands in Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Northwest North Carolina and Southeast Kentucky. More information about Ballad Ventures is available at www.balladventures.com, and details about Ballad Health are available at www.balladhealth.org. ### About Ballad Health Ballad Health is an integrated community health improvement organization serving 29 counties of the Appalachian Highlands in Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Northwest North Carolina and Southeast Kentucky. Our system of 20 hospitals, post-acute care and behavioral health services, and a large multi-specialty group physician practice works closely with an active independent medical community and community stakeholders to improve the health and well-being of close to one million people. By leading in the adoption of value-based payments, addressing health-related social needs, funding clinical and health systems research and committing to long-term investments in strong children and families in our region, Ballad Health is striving to become a national model for rural health and healthcare. About Ballad Ventures Ballad Ventures is a venture capital platform focused on investing in innovation ideas that transform healthcare experience, cost, access, and outcomes. As the venture capital arm of Ballad Health, the wholly owned subsidiary seeks opportunities which drive the mission, vision, and strategic initiatives of the organization. About 410 Medical Based in Research Triangle Park, NC, 410 Medical develops innovative products that enable frontline medical providers to improve care for critically ill patients. 410 Medicals currently marketed product, LifeFlow PLUS, is a portable, hand-held infuser designed for patients in urgent need of rapid volume resuscitation. LifeFlow has been implemented at hospitals and EMS agencies across the United States. For more information, visit www.410medical.com. Attachment Step forward towards the final acquisition of Thales GTS by the Group led by Giuseppe Marino ROME, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Rail and MERMEC SpA have signed a put option agreement for the sale of mainline signaling activities in France and signaling companies in Germany and the United Kingdom. Last October, the European Commission and the UKs Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) approved Hitachi Rail's acquisition of Thales GTS, with the condition that Hitachi Rail divests its mainline signaling activities in France, Germany, and the UK. The put option agreement with MERMEC marks a significant advancement in meeting the compliance requirements set by antitrust authorities to conclude the acquisition of Thales GTS by Hitachi Rail. "Today, we have reached a crucial milestone towards the final acquisition of Thales GTS, a cornerstone of our growth strategy," stated Giuseppe Marino, Group CEO of Hitachi Rail. "This agreement is aimed at fulfilling a key requirement from European and British regulatory authorities and represents a decisive step towards the acquisition of Thales GTS. This solution will ensure a long-term future for the entities involved," Marino added. "We are pleased to have entered into this agreement, which represents a significant step towards acquiring a historic signaling company," commented Vito Pertosa, Chairman of the MERMEC Group and Angel Holding. He then added: "We are confident that the synergies with the MERMEC Group, led by CEO Luca Necchi Ghiri, will further enhance our competitive advantage, strengthening MERMEC's global presence." For more information: Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6f238192-3262-43f4-844f-3b60bcf62d16 MINNEAPOLIS and CARMARTHENSHIRE, United Kingdom, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Magstim, the global leader in neuroscience research and treatment for mental health, has been awarded FDA clearance for the Horizon 3.0 with StimGuide Pro. This provides physicians, nurse practitioners, clinicians, and researchers with the most advanced transcranial magnetic stimulation technology (TMS) available to treat patients diagnosed with depressive or obsessive-compulsive conditions*. With just one screen, this system is simple to use and navigate, said Anthony Baldwin Polizzi, Senior TMS Technician, My Psychiatrist, Florida, USA. The new Bluetooth anatomical pointer makes it easy to map and treat patients. I like it a lot. The first integrated TMS system with navigation, Horizon 3.0 with StimGuide Pro builds on the current successful H 3.0 platform used by practices worldwide, and adds new advanced camera technology, software designed to allow for precise treatment targeting. All patient treatments and technology are now centralized on one screen, designed to reduce complexity, and provide a greater focus on patient care. TMS non-invasive brain stimulation uses an electromagnetic coil to stimulate nerve cells in the region of the brain involved in mood control and depression. Magstim developed the first TMS system more than 30 years ago, used in more than 16,000 neuroscientific and clinical research studies. Thousands of physicians, nurse practitioners, researchers and mental health professionals worldwide use Magstim TMS to treat patients. StimGuide Pro advanced navigation is designed to improve coil positioning for repeatability and accuracy. New camera and navigation workflow ensure magnetic pulses are delivered to targeted brain regions, improving patient outcomes. Magstim Connect enables multiple compatible systems to be managed from one central system. We are passionate about helping patients worldwide to improve their mental health, said Ronnie Stolec-Campo, CEO, Magstim. We worked with leading psychiatrists, clinicians, and researchers to develop this system, enabling advanced treatments and simplified practice workflows. TMS is life-saving technology that provides non-pharmacological, non-invasive treatments. To learn more, visit Magstim.com or call 844-624-7846. About Welcony Globally, Welcony technologies have supported thousands of research labs, clinics, hospitals and universities that focus on mental health, brain disorders, cognitive neuroscience and neuromonitoring. Key brands include Magstim Magnetic Stimulation, MagstimEGI high-density EEG, Technomed Clinical Neurophysiology and Neurosign Nerve Safety Monitoring. Welcony is backed by Telegraph Hill Partners, a San Francisco based private equity company. *Horizon 3.0 with StimGuide Pro is indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode, as well as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Note: The Horizon 3.0 TMS Therapy System has also received prior clearance in K223154 for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from MDD. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09782fa2-c75d-4e9e-8dcc-e8a5ce61ab07 Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Motor Monitoring Market by Offering, Deployment, Monitoring Process, End-use (Metals and Minings, Oil and Gas, Power Generation, Water and Wastewater, Food and Beverages, Chemicals, Automotive, Aerospace and Defense) and Region - Global Forecast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The market is projected to expand from USD 2.3 Billion in 2023 to USD 3.5 Billion by 2028, flourishing at an impressive CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period. As industries increasingly adopt advanced monitoring systems for improved operational efficiency, the global motor monitoring market is witnessing a significant surge. The incorporation of sensor technologies, sophisticated data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has been pivotal in the market's growth. These innovations are empowering predictive maintenance strategies across various sectors, thereby optimizing the health and performance of critical motors. Online Motor Monitoring Systems: Spearheading Market Growth The research indicates that online motor monitoring systems are the largest segment within the market. The convenience of continuous tracking of parameters like machine vibration, alignment issues, and air gap variations contributes to their dominance. With the implementation of sensors for real-time data transmission and assessment, industries are able to minimize downtime and enhance productivity. Automotive Sector: A Key Contributor Among end-use industries, the automotive sector is showing promising growth in the adoption of motor monitoring solutions. This industry's focus on quality management and maintaining high production standards makes motor monitoring systems essential. The technology helps in streamlining assembly lines and mitigating production bottlenecks. Cloud-Based Deployment: Gaining Momentum The shift toward cloud-based solutions is emerging as a game-changer in the motor monitoring space. Cloud platforms facilitate the management of large data volumes generated from IoT sensors, linking the physical machinery to digital monitoring applications. This trend is particularly relevant for power generation, oil & gas, and other process industries looking for scalable and efficient data management solutions. North America: A Hub for Motor Monitoring Innovations North America is positioned to become the second-fastest-growing region in the motor monitoring market. The region's focus on automation, coupled with substantial investments in smart manufacturing, is propelling market expansion. North American industries are leveraging motor monitoring systems to achieve operational excellence and reduce costly equipment failures. Competitive Landscape and Market Dynamics The report encompasses an in-depth market analysis, elaborating key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges faced by industry players. Moreover, an extensive review of the competitive landscape reveals that the market is currently led by a few major international companies with vast regional networks. Highlighted Developments in Motor Monitoring Innovations like ABB's Ability Smart Sensors and SKF Enlight Collect IMx-1 are shaping the market. The trend towards predictive maintenance through IoT and data analytics continues to intensify. General Electric's release of CONNECTIX represents a significant step forward in predictive maintenance and service solutions. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 341 Forecast Period 2023 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $2.3 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $3.5 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.7% Regions Covered Global Companies Mentioned ABB Advantech Co Ltd Allied Reliability Banner Engineering Corp Dynapar Eaton Emerson Electric Co General Electric Honeywell International Inc Kcf Technologies Koncar- Electrical Engineering Institute Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Phoenix Contact Qualitrol Company LLC Rockwell Automation Schneider Electric Siemens Skf Weg Wilson Transformers For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9w37ha About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market - Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Europe cardiac AI monitoring and diagnostics market was valued at $275.6 million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $3.19 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 28.09% during the forecast period 2023-2032. The high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases worldwide, rising government initiatives for AI adoption, expanding research in the field of AI for cardiology, rising regulatory approvals of cardiac diagnostics AI medical devices, and technological advancements in the field of cardiac AI diagnostics are the main factors propelling the growth of the Europe market for cardiac AI monitoring and diagnostics. Key Trends Rising Number of Start-ups in the Market Increased Awareness Regarding Preventative Measures and Personalized Treatment Growing Demand for Wearable Sensors for Cardiac Monitoring Leading to Increased Adoption of AI-Enabled Solutions for Home-based Care Market Introduction The market for cardiac AI monitoring and diagnostics in Europe has grown and advanced significantly in recent years. Cardiologists are using artificial intelligence (AI) technology more and more to improve diagnoses and monitoring for a range of heart diseases. Vast volumes of patient data, like as electrocardiograms (ECGs), imaging scans, and patient histories, can be analyzed by AI-powered cardiac monitoring systems in order to find and identify anomalies or possible cardiac diseases. These technologies can enhance patient outcomes, offer prompt and accurate diagnoses, and support healthcare personnel in making decisions by utilizing AI algorithms and machine learning. There are many benefits of using AI in cardiac monitoring and diagnostics. It makes patient data analysis more thorough and efficient, which helps identify cardiac problems early on, which is essential for prompt intervention and treatment. In addition, AI algorithms can help with risk management and stratification by locating high-risk patients and enhancing treatment regimens. Furthermore, telehealth applications in the field of cardiology and remote monitoring are made possible by AI technology. AI-enabled wearables and sensors can send real-time data to healthcare providers while continuously monitoring a patient's heart parameters. This enhances patient access to care and lowers healthcare costs by enabling remote management of chronic illnesses, early detection of arrhythmias or cardiac events, and remote monitoring of high-risk patients. Technology businesses, healthcare providers, and research organizations are investing heavily and collaborating in the European cardiac AI monitoring and diagnostics industry. A favorable regulatory environment, rising cardiovascular disease prevalence, and growing demand for sophisticated cardiac monitoring and diagnostics are propelling the market expansion in the area. But there are still issues to be resolved, like worries about data security and privacy, a lack of compatibility between various AI systems, and the requirement for thorough assessment and legal clearance of AI algorithms. Standardized methods and recommendations for the application of AI in cardiac monitoring and diagnostics are being developed in order to guarantee patient safety and encourage broad adoption among European nations. Market Segmentation Segmentation 1: by Product Software Hardware Segmentation 2: by Type Cardiac Diagnostics Imaging ECG-Based Others Cardiac Monitoring Segmentation 3: by Application Ischemic Heart Disease/CAD Cardiac Arrhythmias Ischemic Stroke Others Segmentation 4: by End User Hospitals Diagnostic Centers Other End Users Segmentation 5: by Country Germany U.K. France Spain Italy Rest of Europe Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis The companies that are profiled have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts and analyzing company coverage, product portfolio, and regional presence. Some of the prominent names in this market are: Koninklijke Philips N.V. Medicalgorithmics S.A. Siemens Healthineers AG Ultromics Limited Key Questions Answered in the Report What are the major market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Europe cardiac AI monitoring and diagnostics market? How is each segment of the cardiac AI monitoring and diagnostics market expected to grow during the forecast period, and what is the anticipated revenue generated by each of the segments by the end of 2032? What are the significant developmental strategies implemented by the major players to sustain in the competitive market? Who are the leading players with significant offerings to the cardiac AI monitoring and diagnostics market? Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 133 Forecast Period 2023-2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $344.7 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $3.19 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 28% Regions Covered Europe For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wr31ah About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Power Electronics Market by Device Type (Power Discrete, Power Module, Power IC), Material (Si, SiC, GaN), Voltage (Low, Medium, High), Vertical (ICT, Consumer Electronics, Industrial, Automotive, Aerospace) and Geography - Forecast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Expansive Growth Anticipated in Asia-Pacific's Power Electronics Sector as Industries Gear Towards Energy Efficiency and Advanced Automotive Systems The latest market analysis on the global power electronics industry projects a significant increase in market value from USD 46.2 billion in 2023 to a promising USD 61 billion by 2028, registering a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. This growth trajectory highlights the pivotal role that power electronics play in modern industrial applications and consumer technology advancements. In-depth Industry Insights: Power Modules to Spearhead Market Growth The surge in demand for power modules across various industry verticals emerges as a central growth driver within the power electronics market. High power efficiency requirements, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy systems, elevate the need for power modules renowned for their enhanced power density and reliability. Segments focusing on power modules, including motor drives and power supplies, are anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Emerging Technologies: SiC and GaN Semiconductors Revolutionize the Market The markets for Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) power electronics are expected to post higher growth rates due to their increasing adoption in the automotive industry. These advanced materials are gaining a strong foothold, particularly in EV manufacturing, due to their ability to improve inverter efficiency and operational temperature ranges. SiC's superior properties, such as higher efficiency and voltage capabilities, also make it a preferred choice in solar power inverters, charging infrastructure, and photovoltaic applications. The rise of 5G deployment is anticipated to further bolster the growth of the SiC market segment. The Asia-Pacific region stands out for its expansive growth in the power electronics market, with predictions suggesting it will achieve the highest CAGR amongst other regions. China's dominance in electronics manufacturing significantly contributes to the regional market expansion, having a profound impact on the global power electronics landscape. Competitive Landscape and Strategic Insights The competitive analysis comprises detailed profiles of foremost companies shaping the global power electronics market such as those hailing from Germany, the US, Switzerland, and Japan. These market leaders are engaged in strategic developments including partnerships, new product launches, and enhancements to their power electronics offerings. Exclusive Market Sector Analysis The comprehensive research publication provides a thorough analysis of the power electronics market, segmented by device type, material, voltage, and verticals across key geographic regions. Core drivers, restraints, and opportunities are thoroughly examined, delivering a strategic overview of the industry's path forward. The reports extensive market coverage aims to equip stakeholders with critical insights into the power electronics ecosystem, including supply chain evaluations and a nuanced understanding of diverse market forces. Investors, manufacturers, and entities operating within the power electronics space will find this study invaluable for decision-making and strategic planning to navigate the evolving landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the energy-efficient electronics domain. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 278 Forecast Period 2023 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $46.2 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $61 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.7% Regions Covered Global Companies Mentioned ABB Analog Devices, Inc. Efficient Power Conversion Corporation Euclid Techlabs. Fuji Electric Co. Ltd. Infineon Technologies AG Littelfuse, Inc. Microchip Technology Inc. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Navitas Semiconductor Nxp Semiconductors Qorvo, Inc Renesas Electronics Corporation. Rohm Co. Ltd. Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC (On Semiconductor) Semikron Stmicroelectronics Texas Instruments Incorporated Toshiba Corporation Transphorm Inc. Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Wolfspeed, Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jjceto About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "MGB-BP-3 Emerging Drug Insight and Market Forecast to 2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the promising drug MGB-BP-3 for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), a debilitating and sometimes life-threatening condition. This report delivers crucial insights for pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and investors targeting the CDI market within the seven major markets (7MM) - including the United States, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Japan. MGB-BP-3 is at the forefront of antibiotic innovation, addressing the urgent need for new treatments against antibiotic-resistant strains of C. difficile. The report highlights the significant breakthroughs of MGB-BP-3 in Phase II trials and outlines the potential benefits that this novel therapeutic agent may bring to patients, particularly in terms of curing CDI and preventing recurrence. The report delves into the regulatory milestones of MGB-BP-3, including a successful End-of-Phase II meeting with the US FDA. It outlines the scope of Phase III studies, which are critical to establishing the drug's efficacy and safety profile against existing treatments like vancomycin. This is particularly noteworthy in the light of the drug's superiority trial endpoints centered around sustained clinical response. Market Prospects and Clinical Assessments This analysis projects an optimistic market trajectory for MGB-BP-3, forecasting sales data until 2032. The comprehensive clinical assessment provided in the report will be vital for stakeholders to understand the current state of clinical trials and detail therapy advancements. Competitive Landscape and SWOT Analysis With the antibiotic-resistant nature of the contemporary C. difficile strains, the CDI therapeutics market is on the cusp of transformation. The report provides a SWOT analysis that outlines strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with MGB-BP-3, offering insights into its potential market position against current and emerging competitors. Key Insights and Forecasts for Decision Making: Understanding of the mechanism of action, dosage, and administration of MGB-BP-3. Forecasted sales from 2028 to 2032 across the 7MM, providing strategic insights for market stakeholders. Evaluation of emerging therapies that could challenge the dominance of MGB-BP-3 in the future CDI market. A detailed patent analysis, including expiration timelines. The emergence of MGB-BP-3 has been deemed a significant leap forward in the fight against CDI. The strategic insights provided by this report are essential for aligning market interests with the scientific developments that are propelling MGB-BP-3 toward its critical Phase III trials. The continuous efforts in research and development, as well as the strategic moves by healthcare entities to combat CDI, are pivotal in driving growth. The anticipation surrounding MGB-BP-3 and its potential market impact reflect the critical nature of innovative therapies in addressing global health challenges. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/2kqla0 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Extraordinary CCTV footage has captured the moment an IGA owner suffering stab wounds attempted to intercept a group of alleged thieves over a jar of Nutella, resulting in a brutal scuffle between multiple men and a pregnant woman. The vision, taken near IGA in Riverstone in Sydney's northwest on Sunday, shows the injured store owner rush from the supermarket to try and apprehend the group, having already suffered multiple stab wounds to his chest and stomach as a result of an alleged clash moments prior. In the video, Daniel Jaderi, 31, can be seen sprinting away from the supermarket, while his 21-year-old partner, Britney Burdon, walks hastily with a trolley full of items, before the store owner runs up to her and attempts to take it back. Jaderi can be seen here allegedly threatening staff with a 25-centimetre knife. Source: 7News Brutal alleged brawl captured on CCTV A struggle breaks out between the owner, 47, and the woman, with the owner seen clutching his wounds while trying to gain control of the trolley from Burdon. More IGA staff members then approach Burdon, also trying to take the trolley from her, but she refuses to relinquish control. Moments after, Jaderi returns, allegedly brandishing a 25-centimetre knife, trying to scare the employees away. The IGA owner tried to apprehend Burdon. Source: 7News The couple seen moments before the alleged clash. Source: 7News Pregnant woman at centre of scuffle The store owner then grabs a nearby chair, waving it in the direction of the man, trying to defend himself. Meanwhile, Burdon, understood to be six months pregnant, can be seen still refusing to let go of the trolley. Another female IGA staffer then allegedly cops a punch to the face from Burdon during the struggle. A third man can be seen standing to the side recording the ordeal on his phone. Eventually emergency responders arrived on the scene, with both Jaderi and Burdon placed under arrest. Couple face court The store owner, 47, was taken to Westmead Hospital where he underwent surgery for his wounds. He is now in a stable condition. Story continues The knife was seized from the scene. It's understood the couple allegedly tried to shoplift a jar of Nutella and some underwear. Police will allege the 47-year-old was stabbed while trying to apprehend two people suspected of shoplifting, with a second employee also punched in the face during the altercation. Burdon was released on bail due to being six months pregnant. Source: 7News Jaderi has been charged with wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, while Burdon was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and larceny. Both fronted Blacktown Local Court on Monday, claiming self-defence, though only Burdon was released on bail due to being heavily pregnant. The incident comes after the NSW state government implemented a raft of tougher punishments on people who assault retail workers. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Respiratory Care Devices Market by Product (Therapeutic (CPAP, Ventilator, Nebulizer, Inhaler), Pulse Oximeter, Spirometer), Indication, End-user, Key Stakeholders & Expectations, Unmet Needs, Buying Criteria, Reimbursement - Global Forecast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Global Respiratory Care Devices Market Gains Momentum as Geriatric Population and Chronic Respiratory Conditions Rise. Recent research publication reveals the market for respiratory care devices is set to expand significantly. In light of the escalating instance of respiratory disorders among an aging global populace, the latest market analysis predicts a strong growth trajectory for the respiratory care devices sector, with an anticipated market value increase from USD 21.8 billion in 2023 to USD 31.8 billion by 2028, marking a CAGR of 7.8%. The comprehensive study offers an extensive evaluation of market dynamics, encompassing product innovations, regional market expansions, and competitive developments. Therapeutic devices, specifically ventilators, currently dominate the product segment, bolstered by the rising number of critical care beds and the growing incidence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. COPD remains a principal concern as one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, accentuating the demand for effective respiratory care. Ventilators spearhead the therapeutic equipment segment due to the technological advancements and robust reimbursement frameworks, particularly in developed economies. The COPD category reigns supreme in disease indication segments, attributed to escalating tobacco use, genetic factors, and the aging population. Hospitals stand as the primary end-users for respiratory care devices, given their infrastructure and expertise in managing advanced medical devices. The Asia Pacific region promises the highest CAGR, propelled by the rapidly aging demographics and economic progress in countries like Japan, China, and India. Market Dynamics and Key Stakeholder Insights The publication also examines the challenges and opportunities in the market. While unmet needs in the form of advanced mobile solutions and remote monitoring capabilities present avenues for innovation, the sector also wrestles with issues like reimbursement roadblocks and high product costs. Strategic Positioning for Market Leaders With competitive analysis at its core, this report examines market shares, growth strategies, and product portfolios of key players, equipping stakeholders with the knowledge crucial for strategic decision-making. Futuristic Trends and Opportunity Assessment Market diversification and product development receive notable focus, presenting insights into potential lucrative markets, emerging product trends, and investment opportunities in the expanding field of respiratory care devices. For industry experts, healthcare professionals, and investors seeking comprehensive understanding and analytical insight into the respiratory care devices sector, this report serves as an invaluable resource for effectively navigating the market landscape. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 449 Forecast Period 2023 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $21.8 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $31.8 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.8% Regions Covered Global Companies Mentioned Adapthealth, LLC Air Liquide Allied Medical LLC Apex Medical Corp Baxter International, Inc. Drive Devilbiss Healthcare Dragerwerk AG & Co. Kgaa Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited GE Healthcare Getinge Hamilton Medical AG Hum Society for Homecare and Medical Technology Mbh Icu Medical Invacare Corporation Koninklijke Philips N.V. Masimo Medline Industries, Lp Medtronic Nihon Kohden Corporation Nonin Omron Healthcare, Inc. Resmed Rotech Healthcare, Inc. Teleflex Incorporated Vyaire Medical, Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/l4ospv About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment BRUSSELS, Belgium, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VoxelSensors, a leading Belgian semiconductor deep tech start-up, closes its Seed Round with a 3 million in tail investment led by a new investor SFPIM Relaunch with participation from existing investors Qbic Fund and finance&invest.brussels. The funding is an extension of the company's 5.5 million Seed Round of May 2023, led by Capricorn Digital Growth Fund and Qbic Fund, which now totals 9.5 million. The investment will boost VoxelSensors international growth, technology advancement, and customer engagement for its low-power, low-latency Spatial and Empathic Computing solution for mobile and XR devices. VoxelSensors will also use the funds to prepare for the Series A round to support the companys ambitions. Spatial and Empathic Computing is an emerging field that aims to create technology that can enhance user perception based on user intentions for unique and personalized experiences. This technology will enable many applications for consumer electronics and professional applications on XR devices. VoxelSensors strives to make wearables more intuitive and user-friendly and foster the mass-market adoption of mobile and XR applications. XR wearables and mobile spatial and empathic devices are projected to grow at the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.9% from 2022 to 20271. We think that Spatial and Empathic Computing is the future of XR and Mobile technology, and we are happy to be among the pioneers of this field, said Johannes Peeters, CEO of VoxelSensors. We are grateful to have secured this investment. It will allow us to keep innovating and developing our technologies to meet customer needs. We appreciate the support of institutional investors who align with our vision and values for the future of spatial and empathic computing in Brussels, Belgium and of electronic-semiconductor companies in Europe. Their investment is a recognition of the quality of our business and the promise of our technology. New investor SFPIM Relaunch for the future is a subsidiary of the Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPIM), which is Belgiums Sovereign Wealth Fund. The main objective of SFPIM Relaunch for the future is anchoring digital technological expertise in Belgium. We are delighted to support and invest in this young and ambitious Belgian tech company that is making waves in a highly competitive and strategic market. By supporting deep tech companies like VoxelSensors, SFPIM Relaunch for the future aims to boost Belgium and EU competitiveness in the semiconductors industry, in line with the EU Chip Act objectives that seek to enhance the production and innovation of microelectronics in Europe, said Celine Vaessen, CEO SFPIM Relaunch. Qbic Fund is an inter-university venture capital fund that focuses on the transformation of technological breakthroughs into sustainable businesses. They support spin-offs and start-ups that valorize research from Qbics knowledge partners in the deep tech, software, biotech, and health tech sectors. Qbic is pleased to keep investing in VoxelSensors and further support its Seed Round. The VoxelSensors team has demonstrated consistent progress since we first invested in 2023, delivering their technology roadmap, management skills as well as market penetration. We are also glad to support their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are in line with our values, said Steven Leuridan, Partner at Qbic Fund. finance&invest.brussels is a public limited company that facilitates and completes the financing chain of value-creating companies in the Brussels region. They provide financing solutions for start-ups, scale-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), social enterprises, and cooperatives. We are happy to reinvest in VoxelSensors, a Brussels deep tech leader in 3D Perception semiconductors, said Antoine Kuypers, Investment Manager at finance&invest.brussels. Our investment aligns with the Brussels Regions goals to foster innovation and green transition. We trust that VoxelSensors and its low-power technology will boost collaboration, productivity, and sustainability in enterprises. Spatial and empathic computing devices need efficient and reliable perception and understanding of user and environment for widespread adoption. This requires a new sensing and algorithmic paradigm, said Ward van der Tempel, CTO of VoxelSensors. VoxelSensors unique SPAES (Single Photon Active Event Sensor) technology enables low-power and low-latency sensors that combine into a multimodal perception system to connect user gaze and gesture to its environment. This synergy is the heart of successful spatial and empathic computing in XR systems. About VoxelSensors VoxelSensors develops groundbreaking Spatial and Empathic Sensor Fusion technology for Mobile, XR, and industrial applications. Our proprietary SPAES (Single Photon Active Event Sensor) technology and system architecture are designed to fulfill the demands of end-product manufacturers seeking power-efficient and low-latency perception solutions. By transcending the experience barrier, our technology propels the growth of the Mobile and XR markets while satisfying the rising demand for Spatial and Empathic experiences across various industries. SPAES enables a revolutionary sequential system that delivers low-power Spatial Awareness and a low-latency data path. This game-changing innovation unlocks the full potential of immersive and autonomous experiences, transforming consumer electronics, smartphones, wearables, and industrial applications. To learn more, visit us at https://voxelsensors.com. For Press Information contact: Karina Kovalenko - MarCom Manager Email: press@voxelsensors.com Website: https://voxelsensors.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voxelsensors About SFPIM Relaunch SFPIM Relaunch is a subsidiary of the Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPIM), Belgiums Sovereign Wealth Fund. The main objectives of SFPIM Relaunch are to restart the Belgian economy after the impact of Covid, the energy crisis, and to meet the challenges of tomorrow by promoting economic prosperity and employment in Belgium. SFPIM Relaunch is committed to long-term profitability, combined with promoting sound corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. SFPIM Group supports current or future Belgian companies whose business model, in addition to a normal financial return, makes an important contribution to the transition in terms of mobility, inclusion, productivity and/or digitalisation. For more information see SFPIM website. About finance&invest.brussels finance&invest.brussels is a public limited company that facilitates and completes the financing mix for Brussels-based companies with a clear focus on a number of key sectors that promote sustainable economic development and job creation. The company provides concrete solutions to the financial needs of entrepreneurs, in the form of loans, capital or guarantees, at decisive moments in their journeys. These financing solutions are aimed at start-ups, scale-ups, SMES, but also very small social entities and cooperatives. For Press Information contact: Melusine Baronian Press & Public Affairs Manager Email: m.baronian@finance.brussels Website: https://www.finance.brussels/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/srib/ About Qbic Qbic Fund is an inter-university sector-agnostic seed and early-stage venture capital fund, supporting young innovative companies that valorize research from Qbic's knowledge partners. The fund typically participates in the first external investment round of a company and continues to support and invest in these companies throughout their growth. Across 3 funds, Qbic has close to 200M in AUM. For Press Information contact: Steven Leuridan Email: steven.leuridan@qbic.be Website: www.qbic.be/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qbic/ _______________________________________________ WILMINGTON, N.C., Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SECU Foundation has announced its award of a $2 million challenge grant to Good Shepherd Center (GSC) in Wilmington, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to improving the lives of North Carolinians. GSC, the largest provider of homeless services in the Cape Fear region, will use the funds for the construction of a new 32-unit permanent supportive housing facility to assist veterans, seniors, and persons with disabilities battling chronic homelessness. This latest grant builds upon the successful collaboration between SECU Foundation and Good Shepherd Center in 2016 for the development of SECU Lakeside Reserve, a housing project that has successfully helped adults transition out of homelessness and regain their independence. The Foundations support for the new facility will help GSC expand its reach and impact in the region. Good Shepherd Center has been feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and fostering the transition to housing since 1983. Good Shepherd Center has been a tremendous catalyst in providing housing solutions to address homelessness and ensure the areas most vulnerable populations have access to a stable environment and the support they need, said SECU Foundation Executive Director Jama Campbell. We are honored to help this organization take a significant step forward in the fight to end homelessness, and we hope that our challenge grant will inspire others to lend their support to an effort that is making such a positive difference for North Carolinians. We are both humbled and inspired by SECU Foundations incredible generosity, said Good Shepherd Center Executive Director Katrina Knight. It is not merely an investment in Good Shepherd Centers plans to create more permanent supportive housing, it is quite literally an investment to end the housing crisis for our most fragile neighbors, chronically homeless individuals with disabilities. We could not be more grateful for the Foundations support, vision, and leadership! About SECU and SECU Foundation A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, and federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), SECU has been providing employees of the state of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 86 years. SECU is the second largest credit union in the United States with $50 billion in assets. It serves nearly 2.8 million members through 275 branch offices, over 1,100 ATMs, Member Services Support via phone, www.ncsecu.org and a Mobile App. The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high-impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare, and human services. Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of over $258 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide. Contact: Jama Campbell, Executive Director Office: 919-839-5562 | secufoundation@ncsecu.org A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/38034e1e-2ad8-42f4-832a-5a1bb3cd1848 Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a sold-out event on January 26, 2024, DigitalC celebrated the launch of its state-of-the-art, citywide network and introduced a collection of bold brand elements. This new network, powered by an innovative blend of next-generation technology known as HybridX6, is the keystone component of the organizations PinnaCLE Connectivity Initiative. This four-year plan is supported by public, private, and philanthropic partners to bridge the digital divide in Cleveland - for good. This launch not only revolutionizes digital access and training in Cleveland but also sets us on a trailblazing path to creating a digitally equitable future for all city residents, said Joshua Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer of DigitalC. By unleashing the power of this transformative technology blend, HybridX6, we have turned months of relentless planning and preparation into reality. Right now, Cleveland residents are tapping into unrivaled internet connectivity for just $18 a month. To strategically position the organization for future success, DigitalC has launched an array of initiatives, including new and refreshed programs, brand elements, and more: Hyperlink Event Series: Hyperlink is an event series that ranges from co-working day parties to open mic comedy and poetry nights. These dynamic activations are designed to engage and attract customers, fostering community, education, and enjoyment. They welcome everyone into DigitalCs headquarters at the MidTown Tech Hive in the Hough neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. Hive Cafe: Operated by renowned Chef Stacey Stoudemire, this vibrant culinary hotspot at the MidTown Tech Hive serves as a bustling social hub where creativity and community meet within an innovative atmosphere. Click: DigitalC's tailored training program is designed to enhance the digital skills of Cleveland residents. Offering a range of courses and workshops, Click empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools needed for success in todays digital world, fostering technical skill development and digital literacy across the community. New Brand Assets: This series of exciting brand elements includes an innovative new logo, a user-centric, redesigned website, and the introduction of the brand mascot, C-REX, a symbol of strength, agility, and progress. Activewear Line in Collaboration with CHVD JUSTIN: A dynamic collaboration between DigitalC and Cleveland-based fashion designer CHVD JUSTIN. This exclusive collection, crafted for those who embrace both an active lifestyle and the digital age, offers sleek, modern designs that make a statement in both functionality and fashion. Canopy: This superior internet service provides Cleveland residents with high-speed connectivity, offering a seamless and superior online experience with minimum speeds of 100/100 Mbps for $18 a month. HybridX6: Signifying the innovative coupling of technologies employed to power the network, HybridX6 represents a cutting-edge network infrastructure. It harnesses the most advanced technologies in next-generation fixed wireless access. This sophisticated network architecture guarantees unmatched reliability and speed, establishing a new benchmark in internet connectivity. Additionally, DigitalC celebrated this launch by presenting the first 150 guests with a limited edition commemorative challenge coin, symbolizing their participation in this groundbreaking moment. The evening also featured a toast, led by DigitalC's team, inviting all in attendance to join the mission. DigitalC has deployed the first two sites of the citywide network in the Glenville and Fairfax neighborhoods, connecting over 200 households to date. The team expects to construct the entire network, spanning all of Cleveland, within 18 months. This network is the first of its kind in a major city in the United States. Residents interested in experiencing this revolutionary connectivity can subscribe to the service or join the waitlist at www.digitalc.org." - END - About DigitalC DigitalC, headquartered at the MidTown Tech Hive in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood, has evolved from its initial focus on digital skills training in 2015 into a dynamic technology social enterprise. With a mission to bridge the digital divide for good, DigitalC is dedicated to creating a bold and equitable digital future for all Cleveland residents. Learn more about our journey at digitalc.org. Attachments Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Pest Control Market by Control Method (Chemical, Mechanical, Biological, Software & Services), Pest Type (Insects, Rodents, Termites, Wildlife), Mode of Application (Sprays, Traps, Baits, Pellets, Powder), Application and Region - Global Forecast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The pest control market is projected to reach USD 32.8 billion by 2028 from an estimated USD 24.9 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 5.7% The report will help the market leaders/new entrants in this market with information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall pest control market and the subsegments. This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to position their businesses better and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. The interconnected nature of the global economy and the movement of goods across borders has facilitated the spread of pests to new regions. This phenomenon has led to the need for comprehensive pest management strategies to prevent the introduction and establishment of invasive species. Changing climate patterns can influence pest behaviors, distribution, and population dynamics. As pests adapt to new conditions, they can become more resilient and challenging to control. Thus, there is a growing demand for pest control management products and services. By application segment, the residential segment is projected to have a high growth rate during the forecast period. The expansion of residential applications in the pest control market can be attributed to increasing urbanization and rising house density. As urban areas continue to grow and population density increases, residential spaces become more susceptible to pest infestations. Close living quarters and shared amenities can lead to the rapid spread of pests, necessitating effective pest control measures to maintain healthy living conditions, therefore the residential application is expanding across the forecast period. By pest type segment, the termite segment will exhibit high demand during the forecast period. Globalization and international trade have facilitated the spread of termites to previously unaffected areas, contributing to their expansion. Termites can inadvertently be transported to new regions through the movement of wooden goods, furniture, and other items. Moreover, rising construction in urban areas has also made environments conducive to the proliferation of termites. Thus, the pest control products for termite pest types are anticipated to grow during the forecast period. By mode of application, traps are projected to have high demand during the forecast period. Due to its effectiveness and convenience, the market for pest control is seeing a surge in demand for traps. The trap segment of the pest control market is growing due to its effectiveness in monitoring and controlling pests. Traps also provide a targeted and eco-friendly approach to pest management, reducing the reliance on chemicals and promoting sustainable pest management practices. By control method segment, software, and services are projected to have a high growth rate during the forecast period. The software & services segment plays an integral part in digital pest control solutions while implementing platforms and executing activities related to them. Additionally, various companies are also utilizing advanced technologies and integrating those technologies with pest control management. The software and services offered by the companies help in enhanced monitoring and early detection of pest infestation, remote management of pests, and various other advantages. Asia Pacific will significantly contribute towards market growth during the forecast period. In Asia Pacific, the market for pest control is expanding for several reasons, including rapid urbanization in Asian countries intensifies, the demand for pest control services rising to combat the resulting infestations. Additionally, climate diversity from tropical to temperate in the Asia Pacific allows for the proliferation of various pest species. Therefore, as pests adapt to changing conditions, the need for effective pest management strategies increases. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 329 Forecast Period 2023 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $24.9 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $32.8 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.7% Regions Covered Global Company Profiles Agri Phero Solutionz Anticimex ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd. BASF Bayer Ag Bell Laboratories Inc. Brandenburg Chemron Corteva Agriscience DE Sangosse Ecolab Inc. FMC Corporation Fort Products Limited Gaiagen Technologies Private Limited Gharda Chemicals Limited Greenzone JT Eaton & C0. Inc. Pelgar International Rentokil Initial plc Rollins, Inc. Shree Pesticide Pvt Ltd. Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd. Syngenta Ag V3 Smart Technologies Woodstream Corporation For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/v8xjdi About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Medical Device Connectivity Market by Product & Services, Technology, Application (Vital Signs & Patient Monitors, Ventilators, Anesthesia Machines, Infusion Pumps, Imaging Systems, Respiratory devices), End User, and Region - Forecast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global medical device connectivity market is projected to reach USD 7.4 billion by 2028 from USD 2.6 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 21.5% The market's growth is primarily fueled by the growing necessity to merge complex data sets due to the widespread adoption of electronic medical records and various healthcare IT initiatives. Factors like rising healthcare expenses, robust government support, the increasing demand for data analytics in healthcare, and the amplified emphasis on quality care and patient safety are boosting the global market for medical device connectivity solutions. Nevertheless, challenges concerning the integration of hospital information systems with medical devices, the high initial costs of installing these connectivity platforms, and the hesitation among healthcare professionals to embrace sophisticated IT solutions are expected to somewhat constrain the market's growth. Based on the products and services, the medical device connectivity solutions accounted for the largest share during the forecast period Based on products and services, the medical device connectivity market is segmented into medical device connectivity solutions, peripheral technologies/medical devices, and medical device connectivity services. The medical device connectivity solutions accounted for the largest share of the medical device connectivity. This segment's significant market share is due to the rising use of EHRs and similar interoperability solutions in healthcare groups. This trend is driven by increasing regulatory demands, changes in healthcare policies, the transition of diagnostics from hospitals to home care, and the rising necessity for unified healthcare systems to enhance healthcare quality and results. Based on the technology segment, wireless technologies accounted for the largest share during the forecast period The medical device connectivity market is categorized based on technology into wired, wireless, and hybrid technologies. In 2022, the segment pertaining to wireless technologies dominated the largest portion of the market share within medical device connectivity. Wireless technologies in healthcare provide enhanced care by ensuring doctors receive instant patient updates, facilitating quicker treatments. These tools also allow shorter hospital stays and cost savings through remote patient monitoring, all while maintaining treatment effectiveness. These advantages are driving the expansion of the wireless technologies segment in the industry. Based on application segment, vital signs & patient monitors segment accounted for the largest share during the forecast period Based on applications, the medical device connectivity market has been segmented into vital signs and patient monitors, ventilators, anesthesia machines, infusion pumps, imaging systems, respiratory devices, and others. The vital signs & patient monitors segment accounted for the largest share of the medical device connectivity market in 2022. The reason behind this is the extensive utilization of these monitors for ongoing patient monitoring, primarily due to the increased occurrence of chronic illnesses among the aging demographic. Additionally, their necessity in emergency rooms and operating theaters contributes to their widespread use. Furthermore, the growing adoption of these monitors for remote patient monitoring during the COVID - 19 pandemic is driving market growth. Based on end user segment, hospitals accounted for the largest share during the forecast period Based on end users, the medical device connectivity market is segmented into hospitals and surgical centers, maternity and fertility care, trauma and emergency care, tertiary care centers, home care settings, ambulatory & OPD, imaging and diagnostic centers, and others. In 2022, the hospitals segment accounted for the largest share of the medical device connectivity market. This segment holds a significant share due to several factors. Firstly, there is a high volume of patients, and hospitals have substantial financial capacity to invest in sophisticated medical device connectivity solutions. Additionally, declining hospital profit margins are pushing for heightened attention toward top-tier patient care and safety. Moreover, the rising usage of remote patient monitoring devices, especially for COVID - 19 patients and those with chronic respiratory illnesses, is propelling the adoption of medical device connectivity solutions and services within this segment. North America accounted for the largest share in the medical device connectivity market during the forecast period In 2022, North America accounted for the largest share of the medical device connectivity market, followed by Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The dominance of this region in the medical device connectivity market stems from several key factors. Notably, increased collaboration among healthcare providers and the extensive adoption of clinical device connections and interoperability solutions are aimed at managing escalating healthcare expenses. Additionally, strict regulations from bodies like HIPPA, FCC, and CMS play a pivotal role. Furthermore, the presence of numerous industry players significantly contributes to North America's substantial market share in medical device connectivity. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 455 Forecast Period 2023 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $2.6 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $7.4 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 21.5% Regions Covered Global Companies Mentioned Ascom Holdings AG Baxter International Inc. Bridge-Tech Medical, Inc. Cisco Systems, Inc. Digi International Inc. Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA GE Healthcare Honeywell International Inc. Iatric Systems, Inc. Ihealth Labs Inc. Infosys Limited Koninklijke Philips N.V. Lantronix, Inc. Masimo Corporation Medicollector LLC Medtronic PLC Oracle Corporation Osi Systems, Inc. S3 Connected Health Silex Technology, Inc. Spectrum Medical Ltd. Stryker Corporation Te Connectivity Ltd. True Process Wipro Limited For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wu9x9p About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Richmond, Va., Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Theres only one day left to get a substantial jumpstart on saving for their loved ones education future through the Virginia529 Resolve to Save $10K Giveaway! Virginia529 is offering the chance to be one of five to win a bonus $10,000 contribution when you contribute at least $10 to a new or existing Invest529 account by Wednesday, January 31. Whether youre saving for your own education or the education of a loved one, Virginia529 can help make your dreams a reality! Flexible by design, 529 accounts cover a variety of pathways to help individuals and families achieve their dreams. An Invest529 account can be used for a four-year degree, private K-12 tuition, registered apprenticeship programs or even for repaying certain student loans. Invest529 is administered by Virginia529, the nation's largest 529 plan. If youre determined to make 2024 the year you get your education savings in gear, visit Virginia529.com for more information about the Resolve to Save $10K Giveaway, and to read the official terms and conditions for the offer. About Virginia529: Virginia529 makes education more accessible and affordable for families and individuals. With more than $96.6 billion in assets under management and 3.1 million accounts as of December 31, 2023, Virginia529 is the largest 529 plan available. Two flexible, affordable, tax-advantaged programsInvest529SM and CollegeAmericaand early commitment scholarship program SOAR Virginia --assist students of any age in reaching their higher education goals. For more information on Virginia529s college savings options, visit Virginia529.com or call 1-888-567-0540 to obtain program materials. These include information on Virginia529 programs, investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other important information; read and consider them carefully before investing. All investments are subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. Virginia529 encourages prospective participants to seek the advice of a professional concerning any financial, tax or legal implications related to opening an account. For residents of states other than Virginia: before investing, you should consider whether your or the beneficiarys home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protections from creditors that are only available for investments in that states qualified tuition program. 2024 Virginia College Savings Plan. All Rights Reserved. Baton Rouge, La., Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- APTIM has formed partnerships with three organizations focused on developing the next generation of environmental and sustainability scientists, professionals, and thought leaders. As part of its commitment to creating a more safe, healthy, equitable, and connected future, the environmental and resilience solutions firm donated to Florida A&M University (FAMU), Girlstart, and Louisiana State University (LSU). APTIM shares and celebrates the missions of these organizations through the firms daily work and will continue to support them through volunteer and engagement opportunities in 2024. The FAMU School of Environments Sustainability Institute provides experiences that inspire students to advance sustainable solutions to food security. APTIMs donation will support a new enterprise at the School of the Environment: the EnergyWaterFoodClimateNexus. Initiatives include Nexus Scholars-in-Residence, which provides 20 undergraduates with scholarship and mentorship, and the Nexus Global Summit, a space for international thought leaders to solve complex environmental challenges together. The EnergyWaterFoodClimateNexus is designed to expand the research frontier for discoveries that integrate systems-based research and education, said FAMU School of the Environment Dean Victor Ibeanusi, PhD. Our goal is to promote cross-cutting discussion, scholarships, and collaboration among researchers, students, and entrepreneurs to advance science, policy, and decision-making. APTIMs donation to Girlstart, a women-led organization, will support STEM programs for historically marginalized girls in grades 48 across the US. These programs are designed to engage, increase confidence, and introduce STEM careers to girls by providing meaningful, hands-on learning. Girlstart Executive Director Shane Woods said, "We are grateful to APTIM for their gift to Girlstart, which will allow us to reach even more young girls this year in Austin through afterschool, summer camp, and community STEM programs and ignite their curiosity, confidence, and love for STEM. APTIM created the APTIM Environmental & Sustainability Fund at the LSU College of Coast & Environment in 2022 to provide students in East Baton Rouge Parish the opportunity to learn hands-on about the environment, its connection to communities, and the importance of sustainability. This second donation will continue to fund activities that enhance classroom learning, including program transportation; resources for research projects; and field trips for Eva Legard Center, Mayfair Laboratory School, and Scotlandville Magnet High School. APTIMs commitment to education, outreach, science, and the environment is an ideal match with the mission of our college, said LSU College of the Coast & Environment Interim Dean Clint Willson. Not only is APTIM financially contributing to these efforts, but its employees also contribute time and talent in helping high school students in the LSU EnvironMentors program prepare for research presentations. With 32 offices and 3,000 employees across the Americas, APTIMs team of experts with decades of environmental, sustainability, resilience, and infrastructure expertise looks forward to mentoring and engaging with these young scientists throughout 2024. ### About APTIM APTIM enhances the quality of the environment, wellbeing of people, resilience of communities, and opportunity for employees to make a difference, not just a living. A leading professional solutions firm, we specialize in environmental, sustainability, resilience, and infrastructure solutions. Our team of experts provide these integrated solutions for forward-thinking government agencies, commercial and industrial clients, and energy customers. Together, we create sustainable and resilient communities for all. Learn more at APTIM.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Attachment SAN DIEGO, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quick Custom Intelligence, a leading provider of innovative solutions for the gaming industry, is thrilled to announce its title sponsorship of the highly anticipated RavingNEXT: Indian Gaming Strategic Operations & Leadership Conference. The conference is set to take place from January 30 to February 1, 2024, at the prestigious Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. RavingNEXT is the premier gathering for professionals in the Indian gaming industry to collaborate, connect, and strategize for the future. With a focus on building strategic operations and leadership teams that provide resources and growth opportunities, this event promises to be a significant milestone for the industry. Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has a long-standing commitment to empowering the gaming industry with cutting-edge solutions. As the title sponsor of RavingNEXT, QCI aims to enhance the conference experience for all attendees by showcasing their expertise in delivering intelligent, custom solutions tailored to the unique needs of each casino operation. "We are thrilled to be the title sponsor for RavingNEXT, an event that aligns perfectly with our mission to empower the Indian gaming industry with data-driven insights and innovative solutions," said Dr. Ralph Thomas, CEO of Quick Custom Intelligence. "Our team is excited to connect with industry leaders, share our knowledge, and contribute to the growth and success of Indian gaming operations." Brady Scott, CFO of Raving, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, "We are delighted to have Quick Custom Intelligence as the title sponsor for RavingNEXT. Their expertise in data analytics and marketing automation is invaluable to our industry, and we believe their involvement will greatly benefit our attendees as they seek to enhance their strategic operations." Key highlights of the RavingNEXT conference include: Insightful keynote speakers. In-depth workshops and sessions addressing critical topics in Indian gaming operations. Networking opportunities to foster connections and collaborations among professionals. A showcase of the latest technologies and solutions designed to enhance casino operations. Quick Custom Intelligence will play an integral role throughout the conference by providing valuable insights and expertise in data analytics, marketing automation, and customer engagement strategies. Their team of experts will be available to discuss how QCI's solutions can empower Indian gaming operators to optimize their strategies and drive growth. For additional details and registration information about RavingNEXT: Indian Gaming Strategic Operations & Leadership Conference, please visit www.ravingnext.com. ABOUT Raving Raving was founded in 1998 and is a Native-owned, women-managed organization. For over two decades, Raving has partnered with over 152 Tribal Nations and enterprises and 71 commercial properties along with First Nations throughout Canada and internationally in Europe and Asia. From years on the casino floor, we understand all aspects of your gaming and resort operations and the challenges and sticky situations gaming executives face. We pride ourselves on building custom programs tailored to your needs, utilizing evidence-based methodologies to identify the root cause and create lasting solutions. Our team of over 20 strategic partners, all experienced gaming and hospitality professionals, support Tribal organizations and commercial casinos worldwide in strategically improving their overall operations. Raving produces several events and publications including Raving Host and Player Development Conference; Raving NEXT: Indian Gaming Analytics and Marketing Conference; Casino Marketing and Technology Conference; Tribal Gaming & Hospitality Magazine. Visit www.betravingknows.com or call 775-329-7864 to find out more about Ravings products and services. ABOUT QCI Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 160 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $24 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com. ABOUT Andrew Cardno Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and masters level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrews innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of todays mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industriesbe it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSDAndrews impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrews work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors. Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Coal Mining to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The report provides a comprehensive coverage on the global coal industry. It provides historical and forecast data on coal production by country, production by company, reserves by country and world coal prices. The report also includes a demand drivers section providing information on factors that are affecting the global coal industry. It further profiles major coal producers, information on the major active, planned and exploration projects by region. Global coal production was expected to increase to 8,917.3Mt in 2023, a rise of 1.9% over 2022, with China, India, Russia, Indonesia and India, contributing to the growth. Combined output from these countries was expected to increase from 7,012.3Mt in 2022 to 7,203.2Mt in 2023 - a 2.7% increase. Global coal production is expected to increase at a CAGR of 0.7% over the forecast period to reach 9,369.9Mt in 2030. After an estimated 2.9% growth in 2022, global coal consumption was anticipated to grow by 1.3% in 2023 to reach 8,176.1Mt, owing primarily to strong demand from China and India, which together account for two-thirds of total global coal consumption. This will be partially offset by the gradual phase down of coal use in countries such as the US. Key Topics Covered: Coal Reserves Coal Production Coal Prices Major Active Mines Major Development Projects Major Exploration Projects Competitive Landscape Demand and Trade Company Coverage: Coal India Ltd China Shenhua Energy Co Ltd (CSEK) China National Coal Group Corp Peabody Energy Corp Glencore plc Yanzhou Coal Mining Co Ltd Arch Resources Inc PT Bumi Resources Tbk Singareni Collieries Co Ltd PT Adaro Energy Tbk For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cs67wv About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. After a young woman was badly mauled by a shark in Sydney Harbour earlier this week, a marine expert has warned Aussies the hungry animals "are there" and "always have been there" particularly as ocean temperatures heat up. Keen kayaker Lauren O'Neill was taking a dip off a private jetty in Elizabeth Bay, in the city's east, on Monday night when a suspected bull shark bit her on her right leg, leaving her with critical injuries. Quick-thinking bystanders, including a nearby vet who happened to be in the area, pulled her from the water and applied first aid, likely saving her life. Dusk attack prompts temperature warning from ocean experts While the 29-year-old has since been stabilised in hospital, the event has prompted marine experts from around the country to warn Aussies against swimming in the harbour at night, especially in the presence of people fishing and as sea temperatures increase during hot weather. Lauren O'Neill, 29, was attacked by a shark last night at Elizabeth Bay in Sydney Harbour. Source: NCA Robert Harcourt, leader of the Marine Predator Research Group at Macquarie University, said the animals tend to migrate down from north Queensland in search of warm water. "They're there and they've always been there in the summer," he told Sky News. "They come down when the water is above about 21 degrees. And so, you know, if the water's warm, you know, that's a good chance that there can be bull sharks in the harbour." Onlookers described the shocking scene, revealing if it weren't for the quick-thinking actions of a vet, O'Neill may not have survived. Source: NCA Bull shark likely responsible for Sydney mauling Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Dr Daryl McPhee agreed with Harcourt's notion and called for people to stay out of the harbour at night. My thoughts are with the bite victim, who has received a life-changing injury and she needs the support of her friends and family at this time," he told Yahoo. I commend the action of the first responder who, in quickly applying a tourniquet, may well have saved a life. The species of shark that most likely bit the victim is a bull shark. The NSW Department of Primary Industries will likely confirm this in due course. Story continues Bull sharks are one of the three large species mostly responsible for serious bites and fatalities, the other two being the white shark and the tiger shark. Bull sharks are found seasonally in Sydney Harbour during the warmer months of the year." Bull sharks are known to frequent Sydney Harbour in the summer months particularly. Source: Getty McPhee added bull sharks "are generally found in water less than five-metres deep near sharp drop-offs." While the risk of a shark bite is extremely low, I advise people to stay out of Sydney Harbour waters until further notice by the government," he said. Warm waters 'definitely' attracting sharks to the area Humane Society International marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck earlier told Yahoo News it's not yet certain if more sharks are arriving annually in higher numbers than previous years. "It remains to be seen if this will be a cyclical thing, or if its going to be happening year, after year, after year due to global warming," Mr Chlebeck said. "But those warm waters will definitely bring more bull sharks and tiger sharks to the area. Experts say sharks "are and always have been" in Sydney Harbour - particularly in summer. Source: Getty "We just have to be make smart choices when entering the water. That means we're swimming with a buddy, but also not swimming in extra cloudy water, or right after it rains, or in the middle of a ball of bait fish. "Even when theres a higher incidence of sharks due to the warmer water, I don't think we need to be any more worried or responsible than we already are." While shark attacks in Sydney Harbour, and in Australia more generally, are quite rare, experts say this week's events serves as a reminder to always practice caution in the sea. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of common stock of GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE: EAF) between February 8, 2019 and August 3, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 25, 2024. SO WHAT: If you purchased GrafTech common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the GrafTech class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22210 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. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 25, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. 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. 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 firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) GrafTechs manufacturing operations in Monterrey, Mexico had for decades chronically contaminated neighboring communities with harmful carcinogenic gasses and particulate matter; (2) GrafTech had signed agreements with local authorities committing itself to improving the environmental performance of its Monterrey facility, but repeatedly failed to honor these commitments; (3) GrafTech had been repeatedly warned over an approximately 30-year period regarding its wanton disregard for the environment and health and well-being of people near its operations in Monterrey, Mexico; (4) GrafTechs operations in Monterrey, Mexico were not in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations; (5) GrafTech had failed to adequately remediate the environmental problems caused by the Monterrey facility following the 2019 administrative proceeding conducted by the Department of Sustainable Development of the State of Nuevo Leon; (6) the government of Apodaca had sought intervention from the State of Nuevo Leon authorities to curtail and prevent the adverse environmental impacts and noncompliance with environmental laws and regulations caused by the Monterrey facility; (7) GrafTechs purported cost leadership was achieved in substantial part by failing to implement appropriate and effective environmental safeguards at its manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico; (8) GrafTechs capital expenditures and/or related operational projects were woefully insufficient to adequately address the harm that GrafTechs operations in Monterrey, Mexico had inflicted on the environment and people within the neighboring communities; (9) as a result of the above, GrafTech was acutely exposed to undisclosed material risks that GrafTechs manufacturing operations in Monterrey, Mexico would be severely disrupted by government action or enforcement; and (10) as a result of the above, GrafTech was acutely exposed to undisclosed material risks that its supplies of pin stock and graphite electrodes would be withdrawn and/or materially diminished, thereby materially harming GrafTechs business, operations, reputation, and financial results. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the GrafTech class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22210 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. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. 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 Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 lrosen@rosenlegal.com pkim@rosenlegal.com cases@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com Dublin, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia Pacific 3D Printing Robot Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component, By Application (Prototyping, Tooling, and Functional Part Manufacturing), By Robot Type, By End User, By Country and Growth Forecast, 2023 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The latest market intelligence report on the Asia Pacific 3D Printing Robot Market uncovers critical insights into the market's significant growth trajectory expected to prevail from 2023 to 2030. The comprehensive analysis projects a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.7% during the forecast period, signaling a transformative phase for the industry. These sophisticated robots are spotlighted for their proficiency in fabricating customized and bespoke components across various sectors. With the potential to revolutionize niches such as patient-specific medical equipment, highly individualized automotive parts, and tailored consumer products, 3D printing robots signify a paradigm shift in manufacturing processes. Key Market Segments and End-User Insight The in-depth report segments the market across various categories to provide a granular view of the industry. A breakdown by Component (Robot Arms, 3D Printing Heads, and Software), Application (Prototyping, Tooling, and Functional Part Manufacturing), Robot Type (Articulated Robots, Cartesian Robots, among others), and End User (ranging from Aerospace & Defense to Automotive) offers a detailed outline of market players and stakeholders. Regional Dominance and Market Players The report delves into country-wise analysis, emphasizing China's dominance within the Asia Pacific market. Noteworthy contributions from Japan and India are also detailed, with individual growth projections and market evaluations expounded. China's market value is estimated to reach a significant figure by 2030, adhering to its leading position in the market. Japan is anticipated to pursue robust growth, while India is projected to witness the highest CAGR within the designated period. The study further outlines the critical role of leading companies shaping the market landscape, offering a lens into strategic ventures and advancements driven by these enterprises. Revolutionary Impact and Functional Benefits From the precision in healthcare to the innovation demands in aerospace, 3D printing robots stand to offer unparalleled benefits. The market's growth is notably influenced by the escalating demand for tailored solutions and the technology's capability to surmount traditional manufacturing constraints. This expansive report on the Asia Pacific 3D Printing Robot Market provides stakeholders, business strategists, and industry leaders with actionable insights and predictive analytics to aid informed decision-making. It maps the pulse of the markets trajectory, influencing factors, and the competitive landscape to equip industry players with strategic knowledge integral to driving future growth. The report's findings come at a time when the Asia Pacific region is experiencing a surge in sectors like FMCG and automotive, hinting at potentially lucrative implications for 3D printing robots within these domains. Market Report Segmentation By Component Robot Arms 3D Printing Heads Software By Application Prototyping Tooling Functional Part Manufacturing By Robot Type Articulated Robots Cartesian Robots Scara Robots Polar Robots Delta Robots Others By End User Aerospace & Defense Construction FMCG Culinary Automotive Others Companies Profiled Kuka ABB Group Yaskawa Electric Corporation FANUC Corporation Universal Robots Massive Dimension CEAD B.V. Caracol Meltio3D Comau For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/r49oym About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questexs Vibe Conference, the premiere on-premise beverage conference for beverage executives, today announces generational expert, Kim Lear, Founder, Generational Researcher and Writer from Inlay Insights, will present the keynote address Decoding Generational Trends to Shape the Future of Your Business on February 27. Every generation brings value to the workforce and marketplace. Lears presentation will highlight how the marketplace is adapting to new generational norms that upend tried and true consumer behavior. She will provide attendees with a closer look into who the generations are, the trends emerging as they adapt to new life stages and the communication tactics that bring people together. Previously, Lear was the content director at BridgeWorks, a research firm dedicated to generational and millennial trends. Her undergrad research focused on baby boomers and longevity, and her post-grad work centered on millennials and social media trends. Prior, Lear was head of research on the book Gen Z @ Work. She also wrote the popular Substack, Kids These Days. Lear has authored whitepapers on generational wealth transfer, retirement trends, and Gen Zs impact on higher education. Lear serves as an advisor to FORE, an AI startup focused on predictive analytics for attrition and volunteers for The 78 Cents Project, an organization dedicated to helping young women develop strong presentation skills. I am looking forward to meeting with beverage leaders at Vibe. Using a generational lens, well gain critical insights into where weve been, how we got to where we are today, and where we may go from here. The study of generations isnt about one personits about a shared culture. Ask yourself, 'If I were born in a different time, would I see this differently?' said Lear Tim McLucas, Vice President, Bar & Restaurant Group said, We are delighted to welcome Kim to deliver the keynote address at Vibe Conference. Her generational insights are highly valued and will supply our beverage executives with key data and information to apply to future strategic planning. To learn more about Vibe Conference, visit: https://www.vibeconference.com. To submit an Operator qualification form by the deadline of February 9, 2024, click here. Stay connected with Vibe Conference and industry news at https://www.barandrestaurant.com/chains. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Donna Bruns (for companies A-L) donna@vibeconference.com, or Fadi Alsayegh (for companies M-Z), falsayegh@questex.com. About Vibe Conference Vibe Conference is the premier event for chain and hotel adult beverage executives and suppliers. The top on-premise conference is held annually and involves high-level content, tastings and networking opportunities. The 2024 conference will be held February 26-28 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA. About Questex Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. Media Contact Michelle Osborne Vibe Conference mosborne@questex.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d6da161-68c1-4b68-9d39-ee6ab0fc546b Washington, DC, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith and AmeriCorps leadership visited California last week, engaging with California Volunteers, the state office tasked with engaging Californians in service, volunteer, and civic action to tackle the states most pressing challenges. California Volunteers, the Governor-appointed state service commission, administers federal AmeriCorps funding, supporting nearly 7,000 state service opportunities across California. During his visit, CEO Smith met with AmeriCorps members serving with the California College Corps. "We are proud of our partnership with AmeriCorps. These experiences empower the next generation of California leaders, said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. #CaliforniansForAll College Corps is connecting people from diverse backgrounds, perspectives and regions. This partnership embodies our unwavering commitment to making service an integral part of California's identity, fostering positive impacts that reverberate throughout our communities. CEO Smith also hosted a roundtable with Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, currently serving AmeriCorps members and alumni of the California iFoster Transition-Age Youth AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps State and National Director Sonali Nijhawan also visited the California Climate Action Corps, a state-level, climate service corps dedicated to addressing climate change. "I leave California feeling inspired by the transformative service of our AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers across the state, said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. For the last three decades, every single time America called, AmeriCorps answered, and we have seen how important it is to answer that call in innovative ways. From building brighter futures for foster youth to improving pathways to higher education for underserved youth, California is leading with innovation and impact. In 2023, AmeriCorps invested more than $112 million in federal funding to support programs at more than 2,500 locations across California. More than 18,900 Californians of all ages and backgrounds served with AmeriCorps in 2023, mentoring youth, distributing meals to food-insecure families, addressing homelessness, strengthening the public health workforce, helping veterans transitioning from military to civilian life and so much more. California College Corps California College Corps comprises a first-of-its-kind initiative, launched in partnership with California colleges and universities. It helps low-income students graduate on time and with less debt. As part of the program, College Corps Fellows are placed in community-based organizations working in K-12 education, climate action, and food security. For the first time, California recently included AB 540 CA Dream Act Students in a state service program. California College Corps strives to create a generation of civic-minded leaders with the ability to bridge divides and solve problems. iFoster iFosters mission is to ensure that every child growing up outside of their biological home has the resources and opportunities they need to become successful, independent adults. It provides a free platform of resources for foster care youth, caregivers and organizations. "Reforming our foster care system isn't just a duty; it's a collective commitment to nurturing our children and seeing the potential within every child. I thank iFoster for their dedication to our foster youth. The resources and opportunities they provide help meet the needs of those in foster care," said Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove. "The true measure of a society lies in how we safeguard the most vulnerable, and investing in systems that provide care for our kids means creating change for a brighter future. As the proud co-chair of the Congressional Foster Youth Caucus in Congress, I look forward to partnering with iFoster and AmeriCorps again in the future to elevate the work they do." iFosters award-winning Transition-Age Youth AmeriCorps peer navigators help current and former foster and probation youth achieve self-sufficiency and their education, employment and well-being goals. Each year, iFoster hires, trains and deploys more than 200 current and former foster and probation youth to serve 10-month paid internships embedded in local colleges, child welfare agencies and Transition-Age Youth-serving nonprofit organizations to help their peers succeed. California Climate Action Corps As part of a larger statewide initiative to address the climate crisis, the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship places emerging leaders with local organizations to mobilize communities through climate volunteer engagement, climate action and education service projects focused on urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery and wildfire resiliency. ### AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nations most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov. AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve. Attachment The United States Department of Agriculture Salmon Challis National Forest (the Forest Service) issued a revised Record of Decision (the "ROD") for the ICO in January 2009. The ROD described the decision to approve a Mine Plan of Operations ("MPO") for mining, milling and concentrating mineralized material from the ICO. The ROD was subsequently affirmed by the Forest Service in April 2009. The Plan of Operations at the ICO mine and mill remained unchanged and the ROD remains in place. In December 2009, the Forest Service approved the MPO allowing for the commencement of ICO construction. Ownership of unpatented mining claims in the U.S. is in the name of the holder, with ownership of the minerals belonging to the United States of America, under the administration of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Under the Mining Law of 1872, which governs the location of unpatented mining claims on federal lands, the locator has the right to explore, develop and mine minerals on unpatented mining claims without payments of production royalties to the federal government. Annual claim maintenance and filing fees paid before September 1st each year are the only federal encumbrances to unpatented mining claims. Exploration plans are permitted and administered by the Unites States Forestry Service. ICO consists of 358 unpatented mineral claims totalling 2990 hectares (7390 acres). The claims are 100% owned by Jervois subsidiary Jervois Mining USA Ltd. and are in good standing. The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. Machinery Center Inc. mined from the district between 1963 and 1966, when Idaho Mining Company (owned by Hanna Mining Company) purchased the property. Noranda optioned the property from Hanna in 1977 and carried out extensive exploration, mine rehabilitation and metallurgical testing. In 1979 Noranda and Hanna formed the Blackbird Mining Company (BMC) to develop the property. BMC completed an internal feasibility study of their property at the time, including material from the Sunshine deposit in 1982. BMC allowed perimeter claims to lapse in 1994, and eCobalt restaked much of that ground. From 1995 to the present, eCobalt completed surface geochemical sampling and drilled 158 diamond drill holes on the ICO ground. Calera Mining Company, a division of Howe Sound Company, developed and mined the Blackbird deposit between 1943 and 1959 under a contract to supply cobalt to the U.S. government. Calera stopped mining when the government contract was terminated in 1960. The ICO came under Jervois management following the merger with eCobalt in 2019. Prior to this merger, the area has a long history of copper and cobalt exploration and mining. Copper mineralization in the Blackbird Creek area was discovered in 1892, and the area was soon explored as both a copper and gold prospect. The area was first mined by Union Carbide at the Haynes-Stellite Mine located south of the present ICO claim block, during World War I. Union Carbide mined approximately 4,000 tons of cobalt-bearing ore before ceasing operations. From 1938 to 1941, the Uncle Sam Mining and Milling Company operated a mine at the south end of the present Blackbird mine and reportedly mined about 3,600 tons of ore. Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. All amounts are in USD unless stated otherwise TSX: GMIN OTCQX: GMINF BROSSARD, Jan. 30, 2024 - G Mining Ventures Corp. ("GMIN" or the "Corporation") (TSX: GMIN) (OTCQX: GMINF) is pleased to announce that it has drawn approximately $42 million on its $75 million senior secured term loan with an affiliate of Franco-Nevada Corporation ("Franco-Nevada"), as previously announced in July 2022. The $250 million gold stream, also announced in July 2022 has been fully drawn. The proceeds of the term loan will be used to continue the development and construction of GMIN's 100% owned Tocantinzinho Gold Project ("TZ" or the "Project"), currently under construction in the State of Para, Brazil. The Project remains on track and on budget for commercial production in H2-2024. In connection with the draw on the term loan, GMIN provided evidence to Franco-Nevada that it has sufficient funding to fully satisfy the remaining Project costs required to achieve commercial production and Project completion. Louis-Pierre Gignac, President & Chief Executive Officer, commented: "This is yet another significant milestone which demonstrates that the GMIN team has systematically de-risked the development and construction of Tocantinzinho, and has met the extensive list of obligations to access this funding from Franco-Nevada. We hope that our follow shareholders also take comfort that TZ remains on track and on budget for commercial production in H2-2024." Virtual Site Tour and Feasibility Study Presentation Updated satellite imagery and 360 photography showing the site progress is available through the corporate presentation at: https://vrify.com/decks/14338. A 3D presentation of the Project Feasibility Study is available at: Feasibility Study 3D VRIFY Presentation. Both presentations can be accessed by visiting GMIN's website at https://www.gminingventures.com. About G Mining Ventures Corp. G Mining Ventures Corp. (TSX: GMIN) (OTCQX: GMINF) is a mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious metal projects, to capitalize on the value uplift from successful mine development. GMIN is well-positioned to grow into the next mid-tier precious metals producer by leveraging strong access to capital and proven development expertise. GMIN is currently anchored by its flagship Tocantinzinho Gold Project in mining friendly and prospective State of Para, Brazil. Additional Information For further information on GMIN, please visit the website at www.gminingventures.com Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of certain securities laws and are based on expectations and projections as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, those related to (i) the Project being on track and on budget for commercial production in H2-2024; (ii) GMIN having sufficient funding to fully satisfy the remaining Project costs; and (iii) more generally, the section entitled "About G Mining Ventures Corp." as well as the Chief Executive Officer's comments, as quoted. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the time of this press release. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Corporation as of the time of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Such assumptions include, without limitation, those relating to the price of gold and currency exchange rates and those underlying the statements in the "About G Mining Ventures Corp." section. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that, notably but without limitation, the Corporation will (i) keep its expenditures and schedule in line to bring the Project into commercial production within budget in the second half of 2024, or at any time thereafter, or (ii) grow into the next intermediate producer, as future events could differ materially from what is currently anticipated by the Corporation. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important risk factors and future events could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those made in the Corporation's other filings with the securities regulators of Canada including, but not limited to, the cautionary statements made in the relevant sections of the Corporation's (i) Annual Information Form dated April 28, 2023, for the financial year ended December 31, 2022, and (ii) Management Discussion & Analysis. The Corporation cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive, and new, unforeseeable risks may arise from time to time. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/g-mining-ventures-completes-first-draw-on-75-million-term-loan-from-franco-nevada-302047134.html SOURCE G Mining Ventures Corp. Toronto, Jan. 30, 2024 - Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. (CSE: WUC) (OTCQX: WSTRF) ("Western" or the "Company") is excited to announce the elevation of Michael Rutter to the position of Chief Operating Officer and the addition of Bruce Norquist to the team as General Manager of Mining Operations. Michael Rutter, who joined the company as Vice President of Operations in 2016, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. During his 22 years in the mining business, Mr.Rutter has gained extensive experience in conventional uranium and vanadium mining and mineral processing. This includes roles as Maintenance and Operations Superintendent for Energy Fuel Inc.'s production in Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Previously, Mr. Rutter oversaw maintenance, planning, and development for Lisbon Valley Mining, a copper miner. In 2023, he played a pivotal role in establishing Western's in-house mining team, expanding its fleet of mining equipment and vehicles, and advancing the Maverick Minerals Processing Plant in Green River, Utah. His extensive history in mining, smelting, and refining, coupled with the years dedicated to advancing mining projects within the Company has prepared Michael to spearhead production expansion from Western's mines and processing plant. Bruce Norquist, P.E., has joined the Company as the General Manager of Mining Operations, overseeing resource extraction and development across various projects. At the Sunday Mine Complex, he is tasked with implementing the mine plan and refining development and production plans. At the San Rafael Project, Mr. Norquist will lead the advancement of permitting, production of the mine plan, and management of start-up and operations. His experience in the mining industry spans over 38 years, with over 28 years in uranium mining and milling. He has had both on-site and corporate level engineering positions with Cotter Corporation and Energy Fuels Resources Corporation. He also has mining experience in other metal sectors including the lead, zinc, gold, and silver subsidiaries of Teck, Newmont, and Hecla. In many of these positions, he worked closely with the geology departments to optimize mining operations. Mr. Norquist, a registered Professional Engineer, holds B.Sc. degrees in Mining and Civil Engineering and a M.Sc. degree in Mining Engineering, from the Colorado School of Mines. George Glasier, President and CEO, stated "I have great confidence in the leadership of our mining team under Mike and Bruce. We witnessed significant progress during 2023, the strategic reinforcement of our mining team will further expedite mine development and operations. In response to favorable uranium market conditions, we have already doubled operational capacity at the Sunday Mine Complex for 2024, with our mining teams operating seven days a week. Fueled by the substantial increase in uranium prices and a positive mid-term supply outlook, we are strategically investing to accelerate and enhance uranium feedstock production for the Maverick Minerals Processing Plant.". About Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. is ramping-up high-grade uranium and vanadium production at its Sunday Mine Complex. In addition to the flagship property located in the prolific Uravan Mineral Belt, the production pipeline also includes conventional projects in Colorado and Utah. The Maverick Minerals Processing Plant is being licensed in Utah and will include the kinetic separation process. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: Certain information contained in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Statements of that nature include statements relating to, or that are dependent upon: the Company's expectations, estimates and projections regarding the Offering and exploration and production plans and results; the timing of planned activities; whether the Company can raise any additional funds required to implement its plans; whether regulatory or analogous requirements can be satisfied to permit planned activities; and more generally to the Company's business, and the economic and political environment applicable to its operations, assets and plans. All such forward-looking statements are subject to important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Please refer to the Company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis, as well as its other filings at www.sec.gov and/or www.sedarplus.com, for a more detailed review of those risk factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements, and that these statements are made as of the date hereof. While the Company may do so, it does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements at any particular time, except as and to the extent required under applicable laws and regulations. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: George Glasier President and CEO 970-864-2125 gglasier@western-uranium.com Robert Klein Chief Financial Officer 908-872-7686 rklein@western-uranium.com Vancouver - - January 30, 2024 - Gold Digger Resources Inc. (CSE:GDIG) ("Gold Digger" or the "Company") announces that Malcolm Smith has resigned as director of the Company. The Company would like to thank Mr. Smith for his contributions and wishes him well in his future endeavors. "We greatly enjoyed working with Malcolm and valued the experience he brought to the board of directors of the Company," commented Allan Bezanson, President, CEO and a director of the Company. The Company is in the process of identifying a qualified replacement director and will make any necessary announcements in due course. About Gold Digger Resources Inc. Gold Digger Resources Inc. is an early-stage mineral resource exploration company. The Company's material property is the Regnault Project, consisting of 71 contiguous mineral claims covering an area of approximately 3,678 Ha located north-northeast of Chibougamau in the Province of Quebec. CONTACT INFORMATION Gold Digger Resources Inc. Allan Bezanson, Chief Executive Officer and President Email: allanbezanson@outlook.com Telephone: (416) 427-4505 Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. The Cayuga County Democratic Committee met Monday and made its first endorsements for the 2024 elections. State Sen. Rachel May received the party's support in her bid for a fourth term. May, D-Syracuse, represents the 48th Senate District, which includes all of Cayuga County. May was first elected in 2018 and, for her first two terms, represented parts of Syracuse and Onondaga County, along with all of Madison County and a portion of Oneida County. When the state Senate district maps were redrawn in 2022, all of Cayuga and most of Onondaga counties were placed in the same district. May won reelection that year. Two Republicans are vying to challenge May this year. Caleb Slater, an activist who works in real estate, and Fanny Villarreal, executive director and CEO of the Syracuse and Onondaga County YWCA, are seeking the GOP and Conservative Party nominations. Cayuga County Democrats also endorsed one of their own in the 126th Assembly District race. The committee backed Ian Phillips to challenge Republican Assemblyman John Lemondes in the district, which includes parts of Cayuga and Onondaga counties. Phillips, D-Auburn, launched his Assembly campaign in early January and quickly raised more than $30,000. Since he received mostly small-dollar donations, he is eligible to receive up to $175,000 in public matching funds through a new state campaign finance program. There was a second Democrat in the race. Gregg Eriksen, a former member of the Skaneateles town and village boards, was a candidate until he notified party leaders that he was suspending his campaign, according to Cayuga County Democratic Chair Dia Carabajal. Phillips is the president of the Auburn school board and former chair of the Cayuga County Democratic Committee. He is employed as a regional political organizer with New York State United Teachers, a statewide teachers union. Lemondes, R-LaFayette, was elected in 2020 to succeed longtime state Assemblyman Gary Finch, a Republican from Cayuga County. Lemondes was reelected in 2022. Local Democrats did not make an endorsement for Congress. The state Court of Appeals has directed the state Independent Redistricting Commission to redraw New York's congressional district lines. However, the maps aren't due until Feb. 28 and the commisson has yet to release its proposal. Under the maps that were in place for the 2022 election, Cayuga County was in a sprawling 12-county district that stretched from western New York to the North Country. Carabajal said the committee will reconvene in four weeks to make a congressional endorsement. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On January 28, GAC AION held a brand and product launch event in Hong Kong to introduce both the AION new energy vehicle brand and the AION Y Plus model to the local market. Photo credit: GAC Group Alongside the AION Y Plus, star products like the Hyper SSR and Hyper HT dazzled in the showroom, presenting a new energy automotive technology feast for Hong Kong. Photo credit: GAC Group Amidst Hong Kong's active pursuit of green transformation, GAC Group's goal extends beyond product sales. Focusing on the Hong Kong market, the automaker plans to offer an integrated new energy industry chain solution. This involves creating green energy and intelligent charging solutions, along with synchronized development of vehicle and charging infrastructure. Catering to Hong Kong consumers, GAC Group will deploy there 1000V supercharging stations, planning to complete the construction of more than 300 fast-charging piles. These will cover various locations such as offices, malls, hotels, airports, and government public areas, comprehensively addressing Hong Kong users' charging needs. GAC Group aims to provide a more complete ecosystem, products, and services, better serving the local community and supporting Hong Kong's green transformation. Hong Kong, as a global free port and international financial center, is a crucial engine for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and serves as a vital link connecting Southeast Asia with the East and the West. GAC's strategic move into the Hong Kong market in 2019, establishing a subsidiary and creating platforms for international capital, talent, and investment, laid the groundwork. The introduction of the GAC AION brand to Hong Kong marks a key step in GAC's international journey, shaping a new development pattern centered around the Greater Bay Area and radiating across the Asia-Pacific region. Pfizer, a United States-based pharmaceutical company, announced on Friday the approval of its innovative migraine therapy in China for the acute treatment of migraines in adults, whether with or without warning signs. Pfizer claims that this therapy, the world's first and only oral drug for this purpose, can block key pathways associated with the pathogenesis of migraines. The company asserts that it can swiftly and continuously alleviate headaches and related symptoms. This treatment, currently the sole one globally approved in both the United States and the European Union, has received recommendations in migraine treatment guidelines across the US, Europe, and China. Pfizer anticipates that this approval will provide a new and valuable treatment option for Chinese patients grappling with migraines. Jean-Christophe Pointeau, senior vice-president of Pfizer and president of Pfizer China, said, "Neuroscience is a key focus for Pfizer to delve into and expand. The approval of this new drug in China is expected to help Chinese migraine patients enhance their quality of life. It is also a significant manifestation of the company's commitment to establishing a presence in the Chinese market and serving Chinese patients." Migraines are a prevalent and debilitating condition often accompanied by complications such as anxiety, depression, cerebrovascular diseases, and sleep disorders, imposing a substantial disease burden. Experts estimate the prevalence of the disease in China to be around 9 percent. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On January 29, Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFMC) signed a specialized agreement with the Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone, deepening their strategic cooperation to jointly build a global innovation center, which will also serve as the global innovation center for DFMC. Photo credit: Dongfeng Motor This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both entities, fostering more profound and extensive cooperation to accelerate the transformation of Dongfeng Motors Wuhan base into a hub for intelligent electric vehicles. The partnership is poised to contribute to Wuhan becoming the core hub for the next generation of the automotive industry in Central China. Under its strategic plans, DFMC is set to implement a "Three-Year Transformation and Upgrade Action" to advance the new energy vehicle development. This involves integrating the group's R&D systems and resources, emphasizing the creation of the groups global innovation center. Concurrently, DFMC will collaborate with leading companies in new energy and intelligent connected vehicles to establish a high-profile innovation talent hub. Looking ahead, DFMC will increase investment in technology R&D, enhance the proportion of independent business R&D, and strengthen efforts in fundamental, forward-looking, and software technologies. The goal is to control core technologies in new energy vehicles, intelligent connected systems, fostering the Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone as the cradle of original technology and a modern industrial cluster for the next generation of automobiles. Additionally, DFMC aims to optimize talent structure, quality, and distribution, with a target to have technology talents account for 18% of the companys roster by 2026, cultivating a cadre of industry-leading technology experts. Beiijng (Gasgoo)- From January 25 to January 27, Chinese battery supplier EVE Energy officially inaugurated its headquarters in Beijing, along with regional headquarters in Southern China, Central China, Southwest China, Northeast China, the Asia-Pacific region, and Southeast Asia, along with the Taipei office. Inauguration ceremony; photo credit: EVE Energy The establishment of these seven regional headquarters and the Taipei office signifies EVE Energy's entry into global operations, a crucial milestone in creating a "customer-centric, nearby service" system. This move will further advance the platform construction with a focus on customers, enabling quicker and more efficient responses to customer needs. EVE Energy remains committed to a customer-centric approach, implementing strategies to build and enhance its global regional sales network. The company plans to continue its global expansion with the upcoming launch of regional headquarters in Northwest China, the Americas, and Oceania, all set to commence operations later this year. With 23 years of rapid development, EVE Energy has evolved into a globally competitive lithium battery platform company, boasting core technologies and comprehensive solutions for consumer batteries, power batteries, and energy storage batteries. Its products find wide applications in the fields of the Internet of Things and the energy internet. EVE Energy said its consumer batteries serve leading industrial and consumer brands globally, while its power batteries are integral to international automotive supply chains, supplying major clients like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Jaguar Land Rover, as well as Chinese startup carmakers. The Samsung Galaxy S24 series unveiled over a week ago comes with Galaxy AI - the Korean brand's generative AI service powered by Google Cloud. Samsung already confirmed Galaxy AI will come to older models in H1 2024, and now TM Roh, President and Head of MX business, Samsung Electronics, has said the company is committed to bringing Galaxy AI to about 100 million Galaxy mobile devices worldwide this year. Roh also told ET Telecom that despite the costs involved in developing Galaxy AI, the features will remain free to use until 2025. However, the brand is yet to decide what happens later. "According to our analysis, there are various needs for mobile AI. So, there will be consumers who will be satisfied with using the AI capabilities for free. Then there could also be customers who wish for even more powerful AI capabilities, and even pay for them. So, in the future decision making, we will take all these factors into consideration," Roh said. Additionally, Roh said Samsung intends to produce laptops in India to cater to the domestic market. These will be manufactured at Samsung's Noida factory in India. One UI 6.0 has already arrived as the Android 14 update to many Samsung devices out there. The latest One UI 6.1 debuted on the Galaxy S24 generation, but Samsung has already confirmed that it will be coming as an upgrade to other Galaxy devices as well. The Galaxy AI part of it is probably the most intriguing part. Before we dive into the juicy AI bits, let's review some of the UI basics of One UI 6.1 since there are changes to discuss. Lock screen and Always On Display While the Lock screen hasn't changed all that much, the optional Always on display has and is now much more integrated with the Lock screen. The AOD now shows the lock screen wallpaper and widgets. Lock screen and AOD Gesture navigation, Quick panel and new animations Another thing an arguably small but potentially vocal part of Samsung's user base might notice straight away after unlocking the phone is that Samsung's own gesture navigation is now gone. For those that never used it, it was a way to keep using button navigation, sort of, without having buttons on screen and swiping up where they normally would be. Before anybody goes and cancels an order over this, though, Samsung's Good Lock customization platform now allows you to bring back the navigation scheme. The same goes for the absent option to hide the navigation bar. Say what you want about Samsung's UX, but the sheer depth and level of customization available in One UI is crazy. Navigation settings Another thing hardcore One UI users might notice instantly is the smoother animations in One UI 6.1. These flow and blend together much nicer, particularly when moving from the AOD to the lock screen and then the home screen or when minimizing and maximizing apps. If you are coming from an older One UI version, then you might also notice the new Quick panel layout. It is meant to facilitate easier access to the most frequently used options. The way notifications look has also been slightly tweaked for better usability and legibility. There's a new album art display in the music playback widget. All of these, however, technically arrived with One UI 6.0, not 6.1. We're just mentioning them since they are bigger changes. There is also an efficient toggle now that, once enabled, allows you to bring down the full list of quick toggles by swiping down from the top right corner of the display. A swipe from the top left corner instantly brings a list of notifications. We won't be going through every UI change, but it is worth noting that the Home screen has simplified icon labels since One UI 6.0. Also, there is the nifty option to move icons around with two hands. One hand holds down the icon, making it float, while the other hand swipes from page to page. Neat! Quick share is now the Android default We should also mention that Samsung's own Quick Share is officially becoming the new default Android replacement for Nearby Share and as such, the default Android peer-to-peer content sharing solution. Apparently, Samsung and Google worked closely together and starting in February, devices with Nearby Share should start seeing it replaced by Quick Share. This includes Android devices and Chromebooks and could expand to certain Windows laptops as a pre-installed app in the future. The Quick Share system remains just as smart as it has always been, with intuitive visibility settings including everyone, only your contacts, or just your own devices. Display Adaptive color tone This new optional toggle has arrived within the Display settings menu in One UI 6.1. It promises to adjust both white balance and colors based on ambient light conditions. It uses the selfie camera as a color sensor to pull this off. It's not something revolutionary that we haven't seen on a smartphone before, but it is still a nice little addition. Adaptive color tone Super HDR images in Gallery app and Instagram. Advanced camera modes in social apps. Flagship Samsung phones support the Super HDR feature. It provides more realistic results by optimizing color contrast on bright and dark spots in your images. Of course, you can view the captured results inside the Samsung Gallery app with appropriate display brightness boosting where necessary. Samsung started offering some of its computational camera features for in-app use back in the S22 generation as well. Now, with One UI 6.1, things are expanding. From what we have managed to gather, Samsung's Nightography and advanced video stabilization are currently available in the built-in camera interface of Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Snapchat. Instagram gets some real special treatment, however. For one, it now supports the aforementioned Super HDR format. That means that you can upload Super HDR photos to Instagram, and users with a compatible device will be able to view them in their full HDR glory. Information on which these "supported devices" exactly are is still scarce, but we do believe that Samsung's Super HDR is based on Google's Ultra HDR format, so the list potentially extends beyond Samsung devices. Instagram also handles Samsung's Motion Photos by converting them into short videos for easy uploading. Galaxy AI Enough basic UI. It's 2024, and Samsung wants you to know that AI is the new hotness. New AI features are sprinkled all over the place in One UI 6.1. Some of these might even remain exclusive to the S24 family, though, according to Samsung, many will trickle down with updates to older Samsung devices as well. It is interesting how that will work out. Some "under the hood" specifics are associated with broader Galaxy AI availability, like Google's Gemini AI model availability in different regions and on different hardware. For one, we already know that Samsung has partnered with Baidu AI in China to power Galaxy AI features. Also, paying for some of the new Samsung/Galaxy AI on a subscription basis might eventually become a reality. To Quote Samsung's website: Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties. It sounds like some features powered by the cloud and not running locally on-device could be affected in the future. However, it is worth saying that Samsung has yet to clarify or announce anything, and there is still plenty of time to swing in either direction on this decision. Circle to search But we don't care about any of that for now. Most of you reading this, at least initially, probably have or are looking into a shiny new S24 family device and thus getting the full current set of Samsung/Galaxy AI. Some language and regional restrictions aside. So, let's dive in. Circle to search. We are listing these in no particular order, but Circle to search does seem like one of the bigger AI features and one likely to eventually grace most or, at the very least, more Android devices as it is branded and marketed as a Google feature, not a Samsung one. It is even already officially confirmed on the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. But what is it, though? Remember you were able to ask Google Assistant - "Hey Google, What's on my screen?". It's basically that, just on steroids. You can circle objects to identify them. Alternatively, you can select an area of "identification" by scribbling on top of it. Or even just tapping on an object in some cases. The AI is just that good. Once an object has been detected, you can combine an image search with a text search to ask additional questions about an object, like what it is, where to buy it, if it is relevant, etc. Circle to search Of course, the whole thing works great for text as well. You just need to strike through the text you want to be detected by OCR and copied. Circle to search does not care what content is currently on your screen. It can work on any UI, app interface and content, such as pictures or video. Writing assistant: chat translation, spelling, grammar, writing style Moving on, there's an entire chunk of AI features Samsung holds under the new Writing Assistant umbrella. These features run on-device on the S24 generation and leverage Google's Gemini AI model and LLM (Large language model) and in fact, there are a lot of similarities between what Samsung is introducing and Google's own Magic compose feature inside Google Messages. In order to use the feature, it needs to be enabled through the new and quite convenient "Advanced intelligence" menu in Settings. It currently works in Chinese Simplified, English (India, United Kingdom, United States), French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish (Mexico, Spain, United States), Thai and Vietnamese and inside the following apps: Samsung / Android Messages, Google Chat, Kakao Talk, Signal, Whatsapp, Line Messenger, Instagram (DM) and Tango. What are the actual features of Writing Assistant, though? Well, there is spelling and grammar checking and instant chat translation. These are pretty self-explanatory. The writing style tool lets you use on-device AI to re-write a message to make it more formal or informal, even more whimsical. Photomoji This is another generative AI feature seemingly borrowed straight from Google's own feature drop for the Pixel 8 family. So much so, in fact, that it currently seems to work only inside the Google Messages app. The name is pretty self-explanatory. You can select your own photo, have the AI model automatically detect and isolate the main subject in the photo and crop that into a sendable emoji automatically. Photomoji appears to already be available in Google Messages on some of our other devices in the office, which means it is apparently not exclusive to the S24 series. Live translate (calls) Text translation is all fine and dandy, but how about live voice translation? Samsung has integrated Live translate into its phone app. Again, all of the translation is done entirely on the device. The way it works is that you have to select your language and the other person's language (which can be done on a per-contact basis). Incoming voice gets transcribed and translated into text on your screen but can be read aloud as well. Your voice gets transcribed, translated, and read via text-to-speech to the other party in the call. In a rather bold move, Samsung even allows you to mute your and/or the other party's voice and only rely on the translation. The Live translate feature for calls is currently available in Chinese Simplified, English (India, United Kingdom, United States), French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish (Mexico, Spain, United States), Thai and Vietnamese. Interpreter (in person translator) Of course, it only makes sense that all of this on-device translation would also be available for offline conversation in the real world. This is done through Samsung's Interpreter. It is straightforward and intuitive to use. The display is split into two parts, with a push to talk button for each party and a voice and text translation available. Interpreter currently offers us the following language selection: English (US/UK/India), German, Spanish (US/Mexico/Spain), Chinese, French, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Thai and Vietnamese. New AI inside Samsung Notes, Samsung Voice recorder and Samsung Internet browser As mentioned, many Samsung apps also get an AI "injection" as well. Like Samsung Notes. The note-taking app can translate text, correct your spelling and grammar, format the text and even generate summaries for your notes as well as covers. However, it does require a network connection for the purpose. Samsung Notes AI The Voice recorder app can do automatic transcripts and summaries. You can then sync those transcribed recordings with Samsung Notes. Voice Recorder AI Samsung Internet can also summarize web pages with optional full translation. The translate feature seems to support the same languages as the Interpreter. That is to say, English (US/UK/India), German, Spanish (US/Mexico/Spain), Chinese, French, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Thai, and Vietnamese. We assume the summarize feature works with these languages as well. We tried Spanish and German websites, and both were summarized nicely. Generative Edit in Gallery Let's start with the more simple automatic enhancement on-tap option to remove shadows and reflections from the picture. The name is self-explanatory, and the resulting photos tend to have a much cleaner look. The new Edit feature also does object detection. It just takes a single tap to identify and select most objects in a photo. You can then move these around, scale, tilt, and even delete them. This, in turn, is powered by content-aware fill. Content-aware fill does wonders for adjusting the angle of the frame as well. Say your photo is slightly tilted. You can go in and fix the framing without necessarily cropping in. The missing pixels will just be generated. The success rate is a bit questionable, but still. Generative Edit in Gallery All images that have undergone editing with Samsung's new AI editor get a watermark in the bottom corner to signify their AI nature. Instant Slow-Mo AI-powered content-aware fill is neat and all, but how about generating entire images out of thin air? That's exactly what the Instant Slow-Mo feature does. And no, before you ask, it's not like MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation). The effect is much, much more impressive. The idea here is that you can record a video at a normal frame rate of, say, 30fps and then slow it down in the gallery through AI as if it's a high-framerate video. All it takes to activate the feature is to tap and hold down anywhere on the video while it is playing inside the Samsung Gallery app. That will essentially play it back in slow-mo on the fly. It's really impressive that the AI can generate frames so fast. You can also save a slowed-down video version by tapping the pencil icon and pressing the "Adjust speed" option. Instant Slow-Mo Instant Slow-Mo works on any video regardless of whether you've captured it or downloaded/received it. It just needs to be at least 720p in resolution and no higher than 4K. HDR10+ videos don't work either. Generative wallpapers This is probably the most intuitive and easy-to-understand AI feature in the age of image generation through AI. On top of the wide selection of pre-loaded wallpapers, you can now also opt to have one generated. Samsung has created a neat little "wizard" that will help you build the AI prompt by specifying things like image contents, colors, setting, mood and even particular objects you would like in your wallpaper. It all works quite well and is a breeze to use. Like AI-edited photos, AI-generated images get a watermark, though. Wrap up You can already tell we enjoyed our time trying out all the AI bits Samsung has sprinkled across One UI 6.1. But even outside those, we really appreciate how smooth it feels on the S24 Series devices. Make sure you don't miss our full reviews of those. Attorney General Douglas Moylan has confirmed that his office has opened an investigation into the Guam Memorial Hospital over allegations of dangerous conditions raised by private doctors. If the allegations have merit, his office may push for federal control of GMH, Moylan told the Pacific Daily News. If the (governor) and Legislature do not make the hospital safe for patients, and if our investigation proves true that it is unsafe, then we would seek to have a federal receivership imposed, among other possible options, he said. Cash-strapped GMH for months now has been the subject of oversight hearings at the Guam Legislature for its shortage of nurses, inoperable air conditioning units, problems paying vendors for medicine and supplies, and mold infiltration after Typhoon Mawar last year. The hospital got a $50 million bailout from local and federal funds in October. The Office of the Governor issued a statement Tuesday afternoon over receivership recommendations. GMH provides safe, competent care, and we remain certified by the federal government via the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. The fact that CMS maintains our certification means that we meet the federally required standard, the office stated. GMH spokesperson Cindy Hanson said the hospital was deferring to Adelup for comment on the matter. Moylan told the PDN his office is in the preliminary stages of the GMH investigation and proceeding with due haste because of the seriousness of the allegations. Calls for a federal investigation of GMH could be made through the U.S. Department of Health and Social Services, the Department of the Interior, or any congressional oversight committees, according to Moylan. This issue is too important to leave to local politicians if in fact a danger exists and inadequate health facility for the growing population, the AG said. Persons within GMHA who have information about dangerous conditions are encouraged to contact our office, he added. Tuesdays confirmation marks the second investigation into GMH that Moylan has acknowledged this year, with the other probing a $4.9 million deal with consulting company MedHealth Solutions, which was flagged by the Office of Public Accountability in a recent audit. GMH leadership has asserted the contract with MedHealth was doled out with the guidance of the AGs office under the prior administration of former attorney general Levin Camacho. Adelup, in a statement, said problems at the hospital have touched every administration in the last three decades. The hospitals problems have not changed, only the party and the gender of the governor required to fix them, the statement said. GMH borrowed millions to repay vendors under the Calvo administration and avoid payless paydays. We ran out of epidurals in the Camacho administration, and our elevators, air conditioners, and electrical panels were a problem under governors from both parties. They will remain a problem so long as we spend more on treatment than people can afford to pay and we spend what little cash we do have to repair a building that is falling down around us, the Adelup statement said. Medical association backs receivership Leadership of the Guam Medical Association, which claims to be the largest organization of healthcare providers on Guam, has already written the attorney general, backing a federal receivership, if necessary. The federal record contains a gory multitude of scathing CMS and Army Corps of Engineers reports documenting repeated failures by GMH leadership to provide a sterile hospital environment, protect patient safety, report medical errors, and correct medical issues such as pharmaceutical and diagnostic supply shortages, GMA leadership wrote. Ad nauseum, GMH has been cited for numerous violations dealing with the Life Safety requirements and physical condition of facilities at the hospital. GMH lost its accreditation from the Joint Commission under the Calvo administration in 2018, and failed a survey from CMS that same year. It failed the CMS survey again in 2019, at the start of the Leon Guerrero administration, but has so far managed to avoid a loss of federal funding through corrective actions. A report from a CMS survey conducted last year was not available as of press time Tuesday. The GMA letter also points to the yet-to-be-released mold assessment at GMH following flooding and leaks caused by Mawar last May. During that period of time, the American Medical Clinic has tracked an increasing number of hospital staff illnesses. The increased hospital employee illnesses have occurred since the significant water contamination caused by hospital structural damage suffered due to Supertyphoon Mawar in May 2023. It is more likely than not that GMH patients were even more significantly sickened by the probable toxic mold contamination in the hospital, the letter states. GMH spokesperson Hanson on Jan. 8 told the PDN that mold levels did not constitute a threat. Hospital Administrator Lilian Perez-Posadas on Jan. 17 told lawmakers that the industrial hygienist hired to deal with GMH did not really say what those risks are. The medical association letter sent Tuesday calls for the hospital to get accreditation from the Joint Commission again, or else proceed with a federal receivership. GMH since 2021 has stopped seeking accreditation with the Joint Commission, and has instead sought accreditation from the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality. Governor: We can run our own hospital The governor on Tuesday morning criticized the call for receivership. She said she had not read the Guam Medical Association letter, and spoke to the PDN prior to the attorney general confirming the investigation. Before they actually go into any of those very serious allegations, and they better have good substantive evidence, because receivership isnt a good thing. It is not a good thing, she said. Guam, she said, does not need more federal involvement in hospital operations. We can run our own hospital, the governor said, adding that GMH has already been seeking accreditation. The biggest thing that is hindering accreditation in terms of patient safety is not the people giving the care. Its our hospital facility. Its our hospital facility, you know, our HVAC, our water system, all of that, she said. And to just do Band Aid fixes is not the right answer. We need to build a new hospital. Doctors at GMA were holding up construction by supporting the Ypao Point site for a hospital, which is currently competing with her preferred Mangilao-Barrigada location, she said. They have a special interest in doing so. Ypao is not the place, and Ypao can not expand for the needs of our people five, 10, 15, 20 years from now, the governor added. On the issue of mold, GMH leadership was already working to replace ceiling tiles and fix the hospitals roof, and the chillers at the hospital were also working again, she said. These doctors or whoever need to talk to management, the governor said. Senators on Friday failed to pass both the governor-sponsored bill seeking to build a new hospital in the Mangilao-Barrigada area, and Sen. Chris Barnetts bill that would have it built at Ypao Point in Tamuning. The deadline to submit a request for proposal to move forward with the rebuilding of Simon Sanchez High School in Yigo has been pushed back to Feb. 19. The previous deadline was Feb. 5. The RFP submission is for professional construction management services for the school construction. Because the Yigo campus remains closed, Simon Sanchez High students have been in double session with John F. Kennedy High School in Tamuning. Department of Public Works Director Vince Arriola in December told lawmakers a construction manager was needed to oversee the construction of Simon Sanchez High. DPW does not have the staff to oversee the various technical pieces of the construction, from structural to mechanical and electrical work. DPW is in charge of the procurement of the construction management services. A cost reduction analysis will also be done by whoever the government hires to handle the campus reconstruction. Designs are done on a new home for the northern students; however, Arriola said it would be irresponsible for a project of this magnitude to move forward without a construction manager. DPW under Arriola was handed back the mission of building Simon Sanchez High in July 2023, following a change in the law. The job was previously under the purview of the Guam Department of Education, starting in 2018, under the Calvo administration. DPW is looking for a qualified firm that will act as the representative for DPW in administering the construction contract and includes responsibility for managing and coordinating the construction phase of the project, the RFP states. The term of the contract will be three years and can be extended to an additional two-year period upon DPW providing written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days prior to the end of the initial term. GovGuam has been authorized to finance the design and construction of a new Simon Sanchez High campus since 2013. For the year of 2023, China's annual registrations of locally-made passenger vehicles (PVs) amounted to 21,103,051 units, climbing 6.25% from the previous year, according to the data compiled by the Gasgoo Auto Research Institute ("GARI"). For clarity, the PVs hereby refer to the vehicles locally produced and registered on the Chinese Mainland. In Dec. 2023 alone, there were 2,470,018 domestically made PVs registered across the Chinese Mainland, representing a slight 0.22% year-on-year growth and a 28.85% month-on-month jump. In the last month of 2023, the retail sector of the PV market experienced a substantial uptick, fueled by a joint effort from car manufacturers sprinting towards year-end targets and regional initiatives to boost car consumption. The sales promotion efforts in Dec. were characterized by enhanced incentives, impacting almost all manufacturers and car models, reflecting an unusual push towards the year-end sales boost. In addition, the promotional intensity in Dec. persisted, with a focus on key hotter-selling models in specific market segments, demonstrating a continued commitment to achieving sales targets through price incentives. Besides, regional car purchase subsidies, many of which are set to conclude monthly or annually in January 2024, are expected to contribute to sustaining high sales volumes at the end of the year. At the national level, there has been a frequent issuance of policy guidelines targeting the automobile industry, aimed at further stabilizing and expanding car consumption. China's Ministry of Commerce has actively promoted the "Hundred Cities Collaboration" automobile festival and the "Thousand Counties, Ten Thousand Towns" new energy vehicle consumption season, with evident position results generated. Many regions are continuously exerting efforts in implementing consumption-stimulating policies, and the collaborative efforts between government policies and corporate sales promotions provide stable support for the end-of-year automotive market. Among all brands with locally-produced PVs available for sale on the Chinese Mainland, BYD and Volkswagen were the only two whose monthly registrations exceeded 200,000 units in Dec. 2023 each. Notably, Volkswagen scored an impressive growth of 32.46% compared to the previous month, with its Dec. registrations only 3,007 units fewer than that of BYD. As for the top-ranking one, BYD saw its monthly registrations surpass 250,000 units in the final month of 2023. Among BYD-branded PVs registered in Dec., battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) recorded a volume of 133,958 units and 122,781 units, respectively. The third and fourth seats by Dec. PV registrations were taken by the two main Japanese brands--Toyota and Honda. Although both of them are proactively boosting electrification progress in the world's largest auto market, their majority of registrations was still contributed by internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). To be specific, gasoline-powered vehicles accounted for 65.02% and 89.3% of Toyota's and Honda's Dec. registrations, respectively. China's domestic brands Geely, Changan, and Wuling ranked 5th, 7th, and 8th, respectively, by Dec. PV registrations. With only two BEV models for sale in China, Tesla held the 10th spot with 74,264 China-made vehicles registered in the same month. Moreover, the German trio-BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz--stood at the 10th, 11th, and 17th places. Additionally, some regulars in the top 20 brands rankings, such as Chery, Haval, Hongqi, Li Auto, AION, and Trumpchi, still made appearances in Dec., displaying the improved presence of China's local brands. Among the top 20 locally-built PV models by Dec. registrations, 9 models were new energy vehicles (NEVs), 6 of which were under the BYD brand. The highest-ranking one, Tesla's Model Y, was also credited the best-performing PV model with 58,821 vehicles registered, posting a 101.32% spike year-on-year and a 17.8% increase month-on-month. In addition, Wuling brand's two BEV models--the Binguo and the Hongguang MINIEV--were the other two NEV models listed in the top 20 PV models rankings. The ICEV products took 11 spots on the top 20 PV models list by Dec. registrations. The best-performing one was the Sylphy, which had 57,209 units registered and was immediately followed by Sagitar. The Lavida and the CR-V ranked 5th and 6th among all PV models, both of which recorded a Dec. Registration volume exceeding 30,000 units. The Changan CS75 was the top-ranking one among the ICEV models under Chinas wholly-owned brands. Among cities on the Chinese Mainland, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Chengdu secured the top 4 places regarding Dec. homemade PV registrations. Shanghai top others with monthly registrations approaching 90,000 units. In the megacity, the top 4 models by Dec. registrations were all BEVs, namely, the Model Y (8,718 units), Yuan PLUS (3,454 units), the IM LS6 (2,658 units), and the Model 3 (2,534 units). It is noteworthy that NEVs took up 63.01%, 43.66%, 32.54%, and 38.1% of the Dec. locally made PV registrations of Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Chengdu, respectively. In Dec. 2023, the new energy passenger vehicle (NEPV) sector on the Chinese Mainland saw its monthly registrations hit a new high of 886,395 units, which jumped 25.82%% from the year-ago period, rose 16.23% from a month earlier, and accounted for 39.78% of the total nationwide PV registrations. For the whole year of 2023, the cumulative NEPV registrations across the Chinese Mainland leapt 38.39% year on year to 7,237,259 units, which represented 34.29% share in the overall PV market. In terms of the distribution of various powertrain solutions, BEVs constituted 62.29% of China's NEPV registrations in Dec. Meanwhile, PHEV registrations totaled 334,216 units during the month (encompassing 99,895 REEVs), comprising 37.71% of the counrty's overall NEPV registrations. What's more, there were 8 fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) registered on the Chinese Mainland in Dec. However, due to the minimal quantity, their percentage can be considered negligible. Regarding Dec. registrations by locally-produced NEPVs, BYD topped other brands with registrations reaching 256,739 units, the highest volume it has ever achieved on a monthly basis. On December 15, the fire new mid-sized all-electric SUV, the Song L, hit the market with a starting price of 189,800 yuan. In this month, the new SUV model recorded a registration volume of 2,024 units. As for regional distribution, the top 3 cities by Dec. registrations of BYD-branded PHEVs were Shenzhen, Xi'an, and Zhengzhou, while the top 3 ones for BYD-branded BEVs were Shanghai, Zhengzhou, and Wuxi. Tesla was honored the runner-up among brands by Dec. China-made NEPV registrations. Among all cities, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou topped others with 11,252, 8,507, and 5,403 homemade Tesla's vehicles registered in the month. Capitalizing on the popularity of the Wuling Binguo and the Hongguang MINIEV, the Wuling brand recorded a NEPV registration volume of 56,642 units in Dec., which made up 62.08% of the brand's overall PV registrations. Apart from the aforementioned two hotter-selling BEV models, the Wuling Xingguang, the first sedan model under the Wuling brand, had 8,085 units registered in the month, which were composed of 8,079 PHEV units and 6 BEV units. AITO, the cooperative brand between Huawei and SERES Group, was credited the No. 7 brand with 24,737 units registered in Dec., 83.49% of which were contributed by the AITO M7. Surpassing NIO and XPeng, Leapmotor ranked 9th among all NEPV models by Dec. Registrations. BMW held the 17th spot with over 11,777 China-made NEPVs registered in Dec. 2023, outperforming Lynk & Co, Buick, and DENZA. The biggest sales contributor to the German auto giant's NEV business in the month was the BMW i3. Regarding Dec. registrations, the top 20 NEPV models contained 13 BEV models and 3 PHEV models, and 4 REEV models. The PHEVs listed in the top 20 rankings were all from the BYD brand, namely, the Song LUS DM-i (3rd), the Song Pro DM-i (4th), and the Qin PLUS DM-i (5th), while 3 of the 4 REEV models on this list all came from Li Auto's Li Series. In December, Tesla's Model Y surpassed BYD's Seagull, securing the top spot among all NEPV models with over 58,000 units registered. In Dec., Shanghai continued to surpass other cities, registering 56,519 domestically-produced NEPVs, which constituted 63.01% of the city's total PV registrations. Guangzhou had over 30,000 NEPVs registered in the month, and the respective monthly registrations of Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an, Beijing, and Zhengzhou all stood between 20,000 units and 30,000 units. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero says leadership in the local government and military will be meeting more regularly to talk about issues inside and outside the fence as the relocation of up to 5,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam begins this year. The meeting is expected to be held every two months at her request, because theres a lot of activities thats going to be happening, she said. The governor said shes been informed that about 100 service members are expected to come over by the end of this year, with more Marines touching down in subsequent years. Cabinet members in the administration and Navy representatives sat down at Adelup on Monday for a meeting of the Civil-Military Coordination Council meeting. The issues that we discussed there are very pertinent, like housing, or H-2B workers. We discussed land use, they give us an update of where were at in the military buildup. They give us an update on all the (military construction) thats happening there. And then we also work together on issues that are affecting our civilian hospitals ... has been a main issue, the governor, who co-chairs the council, said. Housing is one of the governors main concerns, along with infrastructure for the island. Those are already being addressed right now, the governor said, pointing to the large housing units being built at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz in Dededo. What we do here is really going to make a difference, Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman said in a statement. When we come up with decisions; when we come up with priorities, and push them forward, we are going to be able to see change. That is because we have that level of attention inside the Pentagon for those projects. Huffman said JRM is the conduit to advance initiatives and to make sure that we are getting the right support and services out here to Guam. Updates about the status of the 360-degree missile defense system, or Guam Defense System, were also provided, according to a statement from JRM. A complete move of Marines to Guam is expected to be done by 2026 or beyond, according to Leon Guerrero, as the Marine Corps looks to finalize the relocation of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa. Relocation of the base from a section of Okinawa to another is now the subject of legal battle in Okinawa, Stars and Stripes reports. Sinajana, which has a population thats now shrunk to about 2,600, will no longer have a vice mayor position under a new law. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero on Tuesday signed into law Sen. William Parkinsons bill removing the position, which effectively cancels the March 9 special election for Sinajana vice mayor since the position and the vacancy no longer exist. Long before his passing, the late Sinajana Vice Mayor Rudy Iriarte advocated for the abolition of his position because of the villages small population. With the new law, Iriarte became the last vice mayor of Sinajana. He died on Jan. 3 after a long battle with diabetes and after serving as vice mayor for 11 years. Parkinson introduced the bill to honor Iriartes request to help streamline the office, which is in line with the senators own mission of right-sizing the government of Guam. Sinajana used to have a large population that necessitated a vice mayor but the village size and boundaries shifted, and what used to be part of Sinajana became their own villages. By the 2020 Census, Sinajanas population shrunk to 2,611. Other villages with double its size have operated without a vice mayor, including Chalan Pago-Ordot with 7,064 residents, Santa Rita-Sumai with 6,470 residents, Mongmong-Toto-Maite with 6,380, and Yona with 6,298. Parkinson said Sinajana was ranked 13th in population size out of 19 villages. He pushed for the bills immediate passage to also help save the Guam Election Commission about $25,000 that it would have spent on a special election for the vice mayor position. With the position gone, GovGuam could also use the salary for other activities and programs. The bill narrowly passed by a vote of 8-7 on Friday, a few days after senators rejected Parkinsons motion to place the time-sensitive on session agenda. The governor, in signing Parkinsons bill into Public Law 37-59, said Iriarte was a steadfast public servant, who dedicated his life for the betterment of his community. While he cherished his role as a village leader, Vice Mayor Iriarte also recognized that leadership always requires prioritizing the needs of your people over your own, the governor wrote in signing the bill. She said for this reason, Iriarte and Mayor Robert Hofmann reflected on the need to right-size their offices, and contemplated whether the role of vice mayor, which is uncommon among Guam villages, was truly justified by the size and population of Sinajana today. While Vice Mayor Iriarte, without question, contributed to the well-being of the people of Sinajana during his tenure as vice mayor, his ultimate act of advocacy further adds to his timeless legacy, the governor said. It is rare that a leader would advocate for the abolishment of his office so that its funding could be dedicated to other critical priorities on Guam, the governor said. May Vice Mayor Iriartes selflessness and spirit of service live on in the people of Sinajana, whose lives are better for having known him, the governor said. Hofmann on Tuesday said he and the Sinajana Municipal Planning Council and the Iriarte family would like to thank the governor for signing the bill into law. We were all touched by the beautiful transmittal letter as it was a very fitting tribute to his lifes work, Hofmann said. Parkinson on Tuesday said the new law prompts a thoughtful and holistic examination of the necessity of vice mayors, ensuring that our limited resources and the scale of government leadership are aligned with the most efficient and effective governance structure. Nearly 100 volunteers removed at least 7,000 pounds of trash and replaced invasive species with native trees to clean up and beautify 1000 Steps, a popular hiking spot. The Jan. 20 cleanup was organized by Tano, Tasi, yan Todu, a 501(3) non-profit organization working with local communities to restore and protect ecosystems across the Marianas. The event was coordinated to support initiatives being advanced by Mangilao Mayor Allan Ungacta and the Guam Department of Agriculture. Volunteers removed 7,000 pounds of trash and replaced 30 invasive African tulip trees with dukduk, atmahayan, sayafi, aabang and other native trees to restore the neighborhood and entrance to the 1000 Steps trailhead. As part of the project I Halom Tano Para I Yoamte (The Forest for a Deeper Healing), Tano, Tasi, yan Todu recently conducted biological surveys in the area to restore a limestone forest uniquely suited to support medicinal plants (amot) and federally-listed plants and animals. Removing the invasive African tulips and replacing them with native species is one of many things we can do to support our rich and unique limestone forests, said Christine Fejeran, chief of the Guam Department of Agriculture Forestry and Soil Resources Division. Volunteers collected 82 tires, 7,000 pounds of household waste, metal waste, recyclables, and a remaining abandoned vehicle along Jesus L. Bamba Road and the 1000 Steps trailhead. The Mangilao mayor previously removed several abandoned vehicles and collected household waste and other debris dumped along the roadside and entrance to the popular tourist attraction. It was really great having so many students, residents, and military personnel join us to combat illegal dumping in the village, beautify this peaceful neighborhood, and help restore the entrance to this popular hike trail for Guams people and visitors, Ungacta said. Tano, Tasi, yan Todu was joined by the Guam Extreme Cleanup Crew, as well as students earning service learning hours from John F. Kennedy High School, Tiyan High School, Guam High School and other schools, and NCMB 133 military members from Mississippi. This project was funded by a competitive grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with funding support from the Department of Defense Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program as part of the Joint Region Marianas REPI initiative. University of Guam: Para Todus Hit For all of Us Enriquez: UOG prepares for growth with $54M campus expansion projects Letter: The enduring presence of colonialism between U.S., its territories Speaker Therese Terlaje speaks on her Bill 116-37, which seeks to address gaps in regulating illegal quarrying, during a legislative session on Jan. 22, 2024. Last week, Floridas House of Representatives passed a bill banning kids, younger than 16, from social media but social media is fighting back. Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, X and Google are among the social media platforms affiliated with NetChoice a powerful tech consortium created by Facebooks parent company, Meta and NetChoice is not happy with the recent surge of state specific legislation aimed at restricting youth access to social media. Now the tech alliance has its sights set on Florida after legislators passed House Bill 1, Social Media Use for Minors, by a vote of 106-13, with strong bipartisan support. The proposed law targets social media platforms engaging in account tracking, content uploads and user interaction, as well as those with addictive or harmful features and it applies to all Florida children under 16, irrespective of parental approval. The bill now moves on to the Florida Senate for consideration. But despite its success in the House, NetChoice is unconvinced the law, in its present form, will ever be enacted. Challenging social media bans across the U.S. In March 2023, NetChoice launched a new central hub to track its litigation efforts, called the NetChoice Litigation Center. Already, the center has launched legal challenges against related legislation in Ohio, Arkansas, Utah and California. In Ohio, the Social Media Parental Notification Act, slated to become effective on January 15, mandated parental consent for individuals under 16 to create an account. However, a federal judge temporarily blocked the law in response to a NetChoice lawsuit. Similarly, along with the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Arkansas and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, NetChoice took legal action in Arkansas, where the Social Media Safety Act was set to go into effect Sept. 1, 2023 but instead was blocked a federal judge. In Utah, two new laws set to take effect in March 2024 aimed at implementing age verification and restricting social media use for individuals under 18 are now under scrutiny following a lawsuit by NetChoice. Further, in September 2023, in the case NetChoice v. Bonta, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, issued a preliminary injunction to halt enforcement of the California Age Appropriate Design Code Act. While the court recognized the importance of the laws purpose, it concluded that it likely violates the First Amendment guarantee of free speech. NetChoice eyes Florida NetChoice is already in the middle of another legal conflict with Florida filing its own brief to the Supreme Court over the Florida Social Media Platforms Bill, enacted in May 2021, to regulate the moderation practices of social media platforms. But with the passage of HB 1 in the Florida House, another legal battle could be on the horizon. In testimony to the states judiciary committee, NetChoice Vice President and General Counsel, Carl Szabo, called Floridas HB 1, well-intentioned but noted significant constitutional flaws. Chief among them requirements that social media companies block access to their services for anyone under the age of 16 and age verification. If passed, Szabo said the law would violate minors First Amendment rights by imposing a blanket restriction on access to constitutionally protected speech for anyone who is either under the age of 16 or refuses to comply with the laws age verification requirements. Laws containing similar defects as those in HB 1 have already been challenged in federal court. Laws from California and Arkansas are currently enjoined, Szabo said. Ohio is currently prohibited from enforcing its social media regulation law while a legal challenge proceeds. Similarly, Utahs social media law is currently subject to legal challenge. Gov. DeSantis weighs in on social media ban During a news conference on Jan 26, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters social media has been a negative for our youth without question but also addressed the potential legal challenges the current bill could face. There have been other states that have tried to do similar things that have met resistance in the courts, and not to say courts are always right about this, but anything I do, I want a pathway for this to actually stick, DeSantis said. I would say Im sympathetic as a parent, to whats going on with our youth, but I also understand that to just say someone 15 just cannot have it no matter what, even if the parent consents that may create some legal issues. DeSantis went on to say he planned to work on the bills language with legislators. This is something thats likely going to evolve as it gets through the House and makes its way through the Senate, DeSantis said. And well see if we get a product that is going to be something thats good, but I I am concerned about the breadth of it. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Commission now will decide in March whether to give SpaceX 43 acres of state park land. This comes after the agency received criticism for rushing the process and not allowing enough time for public input. SpaceX is asking for the land, which is located within Boca Chica State Park, in exchange for 477 acres of land near the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuges Bahia Grande Unit, which is north of Boca Chica, according to a notice by TPWD. Boca Chica State Park is in far South Texas along the Gulf Coast, south of South Padre Beach. The land in the state park is much closer to SpaceXs Starbase launch facilities, which would allow the company to expand its operations there. TPWDs commissioners were set to vote on the exchange on Thursday, Jan. 25. But after returning from executive session on Wednesday, the commissioners said they would instead hold a vote on the matter during their meeting March 27 and 28. TPWD has received criticism both locally and across the state for the short time the public was given notice of the exchange deals existence. Cyrus Reed, the conservation director for the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, said in a news release that the environmental group has serious concerns about the proposed transfer. Chief among those concerns is that TPWD rushed the process and was noninclusive in seeking public comment. Rushing decisions on such an important matter would set a bad precedent for future land acquisitions and is not in keeping with public participation and transparency in government decision making, Reed said in a letter sent to the TPWD Commission. The environmental organization also said TPWD didnt follow code in notifying the public about the proposal since a public notice in Spanish and Spanish-language news outlets was not provided. We were all blindsided, to be honest, and the people are trying to find ways to respond in a matter of days, said Emma Guevara, a Brownsville field organizer for the Sierra Club. With the rushed public notices, and that these were not available in Spanish, we suspect the agency wants to speed this along. Brownsville is around 24 miles southwest of Boca Chica State Park. In its original recommendation to go through with the proposal, Parks and Wildlife staff said notices were published in the Brownsville Herald. But the Sierra Club says the notice was insufficient for the community. This is an important decision involving state lands, and the public deserves the right to know and provide input before a decision is rushed through on behalf of a private developer like SpaceX, Reed said. In addition to environmentalists opposing the deal, the Estok Gna Tribal Nation of Texas and Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. are against it, as well, according to the Texas Tribune. The Estok Gna Tribal Nation of Texas said such a trade would compound a history of its community being erased or ignored. Despite the dissent, TPWD said in a statement on Thursday that the proposal is still under consideration. TPWD looks forward to working with the public, and city and county officials on future plans, the statement read. The deal could be mutually beneficial, TPWD said in its statement. According to the agency, the deal would expand public access and recreation in the region while enhancing the management and protection of Texas natural resources. For SpaceX, the deal would allow the company to expand its facilities and operations in Texas. Trey Vick, a land conservation project manager with TPWD, told Texas Public Radio the agency received over 1,039 comments against the land exchange and another 263 for it. It was unclear when the public comment period would open for the new meeting dates. Before the meeting on Jan. 25, an online form could be filled out to submit public input. The agency also said at the time public comment could be submitted to Vick by email to trey.vick@tpwd.texas.gov. POMPANO BEACH, Fla.M.D. Science Lab, the maker of the Swiss Navy brand, has won Best Lubricant Brand at the 2024 'O' Awards. The 15th annual ceremony was held on Wednesday, Janu. 26, in Las Vegas as part of the 2023 AVN Novelty Expo (ANE). The annual O Awards showcases and celebrates the best of the best from the pleasure products segment of the adult industry. It is such an honor for me to thank the O Awards team and our industry family on behalf of our entire Swiss Navy team for this outstanding award, said Briana Watkins, ACS, M.D. Science Labs vice president of sales and marketing. Receiving this award is the perfect way for us to kick off 2024! 2024 is also Swiss Navys 25th anniversary. Ralph Albrecht, M.D. Science Labs CEO also sent his appreciation and thanks to the O Awards team. Our entire Swiss Navy family is sincerely thankful for this prestigious award and we appreciate the members of our industry recognizing the quality and care that we put into our products. This O Award is a treasured symbol of our continued success. To view the latest Swiss Navy product range, please visit swissnavy.com. For sales and marketing resources, visit Swiss Navys B2B Resource Center at b2bswissnavy.com. Retailers and their staff are encouraged to sign up for free online certification training to become a Certified Swiss Navy Expert at swissnavycertifiedexpert.com. Haiti - Economy : Road blockade against Guy Philippe Monday January 29, 2024, truckers and unions from Cap-Haitien blocked the main road leading to Ouanaminthe and the road exit to Port-au-Prince. The protesters are demanding that former elected Senator and former rebel leader, Guy Philippe leave the country. Furthermore, some public offices have been occupied while Philippe keeps his demonstrators in the streets to demand the departure of Prime Minister a.i. Henry. Armed groups paint on the walls of buildings "Non-intervention by Kenya in Haiti, Ariel out". Despite the protests in Ouanaminthe, hundreds of Haitians crossed the border to buy and sell goods at the binational market in Dajabon. However, thousands of Haitians living in remote areas were unable to go to the market due to the blockage of road access to Port-au-Prince and Ouanaminthe... This Tuesday, demonstrations are expected to continue throughout the country, in the North-East. As a precaution, the authorities are calling on citizens not to send their children to schools and not to take to the streets. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - NOTICE : BSAP agents banned from weapons, uniforms and circulating in town Monday January 29, 2024, in accordance with the decree published on Tuesday January 23, 2024 creating a technical commission for restructuring the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41510-haiti-news-zapping.html , the Government through the Ministry of the Environment, asks all employees and all people attached to the institution to report to the nearest office of the Ministry of the Environment in order to be registered. In order to improve the security climate of the country and to bring peace and tranquility for all, as of the publication of this document, no agent of the Protected Areas Security Brigade (BSAP), equipped firearms of any kind, and under no circumstances, are authorized, whether in uniform or not, to circulate in towns. While awaiting the directives of the Commission responsible for evaluating the ANAP and making recommendations to the government on the reforms to be adopted with a view to improving the effectiveness and legality of the institution's interventions in favor of the protection of the environment, ANAP employees and temporary staff are asked to stay in the protected areas where they are assigned. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41511-haiti-flash-exchange-of-fire-between-bsap-agents-and-pnh-units.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41464-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41074-haiti-jacmel-484-new-agents-graduate-from-the-protected-area-surveillance-brigade-video.html SL / HaitiLibre Finnish Customs has made a significant breakthrough in combating illegal trade by uncovering a substantial smuggling operation involving e-cigarettes in the Helsinki region. The operation, linked to a suspect from Lappeenranta, involved the illicit importation of e-cigarettes from China, with the intent to distribute them for profit. This case highlights the growing challenge of e-cigarette smuggling and its consequences on public health and legal compliance. During routine inspections at a courier terminal in Helsinki, Customs officers discovered a shipment containing about one thousand nicotine-laden e-cigarettes. Further investigation revealed that throughout 2023, the suspect had ordered around 1,600 e-cigarettes from China. Customs successfully seized approximately a thousand of these devices, but 600 had already been distributed. Marko Laitinen, the investigation leader at Customs, expressed concern over the increasing trend of young individuals ordering e-cigarettes, often unaware of the legal implications. "Not all those persons always know that it is illegal to order and distribute e-cigarettes. Once you get caught doing that, it always entails criminal liability," Laitinen warned. He highlighted that the penalties for such offenses could range from fines to imprisonment, with the added burden of paying back evaded taxes and illicit gains, potentially amounting to thousands of euros. The legality of ordering e-cigarettes, especially those containing nicotine, is strict in Finland. Individuals are prohibited from importing these devices through distance communication methods, such as online orders, due to the unknown health risks they pose. Illicit vapes may contain harmful chemicals, posing serious health risks to users. The suspect from Lappeenranta faces charges of tax fraud and smuggling, with the potential for significant financial and legal repercussions. Customs has forwarded the case to the Prosecution District of Southern Finland for the decision on criminal charges. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and consequences of engaging in the illegal e-cigarette market, not just for the individuals involved but for the broader community due to the health hazards associated with unregulated vaping products. HT A coalition of 75 Finnish cultural figures, including actors, musicians, filmmakers, and writers, has launched a video appeal urging the Finnish government to support South Africa's lawsuit against Israel for alleged genocide in Gaza. The video, released on YouTube by the Sumud - Finland Palestine Network, features translated excerpts from South Africa's submission to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), aiming to raise awareness of the case and advocate for Palestinian rights. Prominent Finnish cultural personalities, such as actors Jani Toivola, Martti Suosalo, Hannu-Pekka Bjorkman, Vesa Vierikko, Anna Airola, actor and artist Chike Ohanwe, musician Pauli Hanhiniemi, and filmmakers Ima Iduozee, Shareef Abu Askar, Selma Vierinen, and Jenni Toivoniemi, among others, participated in the video. They call for an end to the genocide against Palestinians and the fulfillment of their human rights. Elina Knihtila, one of the actors featured in the video, emphasized the gravity of the situation in Gaza, stating, "1% of Gazans have been killed in a few months, and an increasing number of people believe that a genocide is taking place in Gaza. The material of the South African lawsuit is shockingly thorough and convincing, and it's important that it's also available in Finnish." The video also includes remarks from Sumud ry's chairperson, Finnish-Palestinian artist Noora Dadu, who highlighted the emotional impact of hearing the charges during the ICJ session. "For many Palestinians, including myself, it was a moving moment when legal scholars in their wigs stated what Palestinians had been screaming into deaf ears for weeks, months, years. For perhaps the first time, I felt that Palestinians were spoken about in a prestigious context as human beings who the law should protect." Dadu further warned that Finland might be complicit in genocide by not actively supporting the ICJ's lawsuit. She argued that Finland has an opportunity to promote peace and justice by supporting the case, thereby beginning to disengage from participation in ongoing crimes. The video was produced by the Apartheid History workgroup of the Free Palestine community and the Sumud - Finland Palestine Network. The Free Palestine community is a collective of about 600 volunteers focused on low-threshold activities, and @apartheidhistoriaan is an Instagram account and YouTube channel originating from the community, providing Finnish-language information about the occupation of Palestinian territories, Israel's apartheid, and genocide. In late December 2023, South Africa filed a lawsuit against the State of Israel at the ICJ, accusing it of committing genocide through its attack on Gaza. On January 26, the ICJ imposed provisional measures on Israel regarding the genocide lawsuit, including preventing actions that could be interpreted as genocide and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. These provisional measures are legally binding. The imposition of provisional measures is an interim decision in the handling of the genocide case, with the final verdict potentially taking years. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated earlier that Finland would assess its stance on South Africa's lawsuit in the spring, possibly supporting the case through an intervention declaration. HT These accusations are grave and concerning, and they must be thoroughly and impartially investigated. It's a positive sign that the EU also wants to participate in the inquiry. Finland has suspended payments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) following a decision by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio of the Finns Party. The decision was made after allegations arose that UNRWA employees may have been involved in Hamas' October terrorist attack against Israel. However, we must keep in mind that UNRWA is not an ordinary aid organization, and the circumstances are far from ordinary. UNRWA is the primary provider of basic services and critical humanitarian aid to Gazans, and Gaza is currently at war. Even before the outbreak of hostilities, many Palestinians relied solely on UN support. Gaza's infrastructure has already collapsed, the healthcare system is nearly destroyed, and the survival of thousands of people is at stake," emphasizes Razmyar. UNRWA has stated that it will have to cease its operations in Gaza by the end of February if its funding is cut. Several parties have emphasized that no other organization can replace UNRWA, especially not within this timeframe. Based on publicly available information, I consider the decision to be excessive and too hasty. The European Commission has also stressed that when making funding decisions, both the seriousness of the allegations and the continuity of humanitarian assistance for Palestinians must be taken into account. Other Nordic countries have not ceased their funding but are investigating the situation. In such cases, I would hope for more careful consideration," says Razmyar. She sees a broader pattern repeating itself in Western states' Middle East policies: decisions regarding Gaza are made very quickly, while those concerning Israel are made more slowly, with greater deliberation and caution. There is a risk that Gaza's children will become a generation that harbors resentment towards Israel and Western countries. In Razmyar's view, Finland's foreign policy leadership's words and actions do not align. "How is it possible that just a week ago, at the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting, there was a call for a ceasefire in Gaza, discussions about protecting civilians and upholding international law, and a week later, vital humanitarian aid to Gaza is cut off? It inevitably creates the impression that a minister from the Finns Party is making significant foreign policy decisions for domestic political reasons, with the rest of the government quietly acquiescing," Razmyar wonders. HT Homeowners pan proposal for extended-stay hotel at Blue Ridge Mall More than 30 residents of Blue Ridge Villas turned out for a public hearing on Monday to express their opposition to a four-story 124-room extended-stay hotel in the northeast corner of Blue Ridge Malls parking lot. Residents told executives with the developer, Cox Universal of Johnson City, Tennessee, that they foresee problems with drainage, parking, safety, noise, loss of trees and loss of views. This is a horrifying proposal for all the homes in Blue Ridge Villas and the other homes on Jack Street, one Blue Ridge Villas homeowner said during a neighborhood compatibility hearing on the proposal. This is a very, very bad idea. There will be more crime, more noise, more light. Youre going to cut down all those trees for your new retention pond I am begging the city not to do this to its residents. The developers said the hotel, associated with the Wyndham company, would house mostly longer-term occupants, including traveling nurses, insurance adjusters, contractors and people waiting for a new home to be finished. The hotel footprint would be a little over a quarter acre and would be 51,670 square feet overall. The developer plans to add 76 parking spaces and use 48 from the current mall parking lot to reach the required number of 124. Kathy Kanupp, who lives on George Street and also manages several hotels in Hendersonville, rebutted the developers assertion that renters of extended-stay rooms typically are quiet. I hear them all night long in the parking lot right now, she said. They are very loud when they decide to get drunk at night,. They are drunk and loud and abusive. Another homeowner said she and her husband stayed at a nearby hotel for about a month when they first moved to Hendersonville. The extended-stay guests, she said, were disruptive. I can vouch we had boomboxes, we had people behind the motel having beer parties and we had noise and trash, she said. With all due respect, Im sure your hotel is going to be gorgeous when you first build it but I can guarantee you that there is going to the noise, the crime, the beer parties. I dont think this is going to be a good idea at all. Several residents urged the developers to look elsewhere. We thank you for your interest in Hendersonville, Jim Thompson said. We hope youll look around. There other places that wont disturb this many people. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY. RETURN TO THE LIGHTNING FOR MORE COVERAGE. DIGITAL advertising screens have been installed at The Henley College by a former students company. The three screens are used by staff to communicate with students quickly and efficiently. One is in the canteen at its Rotherfield campus off Paradise Road and two are in the Deanfield campus in Deanfield Road, one in reception and the other in the canteen. They were supplied by Next-Gen Media, which was co-founded by Guy Thurlow, from Sonning Common. He studied for a business extended diploma at the college in 2015, achieving a distinction. The screens, which measure 31in by 52.8in, are used to promote forthcoming events at the college as well as having some student-related advertisements for brands including UniDays and PureGym. Across the UK, more than 300 screens have been rolled out in more than 60 university locations. The Henley College is the first sixth form college to implement them. Mr Thurlow, who achieved a first class degree in business at the University of West of England in Bristol, won the rising star category in last years Media Week Awards, which recognises innovation and impactful campaigns. He said: We are delighted to be working with The Henley College, which has demonstrated its forward-thinking approach throughout the whole project. Together in partnership, we will be working hard to improve the student experience for all at Henley and ensure they are aware of the wealth of opportunities available to them. On a personal note, I am extremely excited to be working with the college that I attended. Principal Satwant Deol said: We take immense pride in Guys accomplishments during his time here and his enriching experience at the college has equipped him with a strong foundation for embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. Next-Gen Media is set to revolutionise the way we communicate with our students, catering to the preferences of this tech-savvy generation. The college looks forward to ongoing collaboration on innovative projects with Guy and other outstanding alumni, further enhancing our students overall experience. Rhian Mason, head of marketing and business development, said: We take great pride in being the first sixth form college to feature this screen technology. It is used extensively to convey real-time college information, garnering positive comments from visitors in our communal areas. The feedback from both staff and students has been exceptional. Meanwhile, plans by the college for new exterior signage has been opposed by town councillors. The college wants to erect eight signs at its Deanfield campus. These would include two signs promoting the college, an accessibility sign and two sets of graphic signs. One set of signs would illustrate key themes for the college: Question, Seek and Grow. The other set would have three signs with images of students. Planning officer Jodie Rhymes told a meeting of the town councils planning committee: The design guide states that the signs must not be overbearing or out of proportion to the overall building. Some of the signs could potentially be overbearing. Councillor Michelle Thomas said: This is a really hard one I want to support the college and the majority of the signage is absolutely fine but some of it really is quite in everybodys faces. Councillor Tom Buckley said: On the inside they are fine as it is private property but the two sets on the outside are too much. Councillor Laurence Plant said he would be happy to discuss revising the plans with the college, adding: I think that they can do better than they have. The committee voted to recommended that the colleges application is turned down by South Oxfordshire District Council. U.S. syphilis cases reach highest levels since the 1950s, creating a critical public health need. In response to the surging number of syphilis and congenital syphilis cases nationwide, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is taking action to slow the spread with a focus on those most significantly impacted. Through the establishment of the National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic (NSCSS) Federal Task Force, the Department is utilizing its agencies, its expertise, and its stakeholder network to respond to the U.S. syphilis and congenital syphilis epidemic. The actions of the Task Force leverage federal resources to reduce rates, promote health equity, engage impacted communities and direct resources to support those most impacted. The syphilis crisis in our country is unacceptable. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to addressing this urgent issue and using all available means to eliminate disparities in our health care system, said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. These actions we are taking will help ensure we are improving outcomes for birthing parents and newborns. We must prevent more deaths caused by congenital syphilis, an entirely preventable disease. According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC reportpublished today, 207,255 total syphilis cases were reported in the United States in 2022, representing an 80% increase since 2018 and continuing a decades-long upward trend. Cases in nearly every demographic group and region increased, as did disparities in the burden of disease among certain racial and ethnic populations. According to the report, more than 3,700 cases of congenital syphilis were documented among newborns in 2022more than 10 times the number diagnosed in 2012. If untreated, syphilis can seriously damage the heart and brain and can cause blindness, deafness, and paralysis. When transmitted during pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage, lifelong medical issues, and infant death. Addressing the resurgence of syphilis and congenital syphilis requires a concerted effort, said ADM Rachel L. Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health and chair of the National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic Federal Task Force. We can collectively work towards reducing the incidence of syphilis and its devastating consequences, and we will turn the tide on the syphilis epidemic. Actions already taken by in tackling the syphilis epidemic include: In July 2023, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Indian Health Service (IHS) issued letters to grantees and providers that included informational resources to address the epidemic in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. In October 2023, CDC published the agencys first draft guidelines outlining how some gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender women could use the common antibiotic doxycycline to prevent acquisition of syphilis, as well as gonorrhea and chlamydia. In October 2023, IHS announced a new national clinical strategic initiative that includes resources to support tribal communities in preventing syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. The agency also released Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Treatment Guidance for IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian organizations concerning best practices for syphilis testing and treatment in Native communities. In December 2023, HHS generated heatmaps for priority jurisdictions to overlay primary and secondary syphilis and congenital syphilis cases with HHS resources, including Title X family planning clinics, Ryan White clinics, IHS clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers. HHS has taken a number of actions in the new year and continues to proactively stop the spread of syphilis: In January 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of Extencilline in the United States to address the ongoing shortages of Bicillin L-A. FDA exercised enforcement discretion for a temporary importation and use of Extencilline to mitigate the effects of the Bicillin L-A drug shortage. Extencilline is currently authorized and marketed in other countries. For differences between Extencilline and Bicillin L-A, please refer to the DHCP letter posted on the drug shortage website. HHS is leading a workshop series to gather community input on how best to improve syphilis and congenital syphilis outcomes, including how to better support community efforts to improve health equity and support related syndemic, sexual, and reproductive health services. In January 2024, the series began with two workshops - one with American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and the other with providers who represent people disproportionately affected by syphilis and congenital syphilis. In February, additional workshops will be held on syphilis prevention, treatment, and other related issues. In February 2024, HHS and CDC will co-host a provider roundtable on Congenital Syphilis Prevention. Health care providers have a critical role in reversing this alarming trend and protecting the health of our nations patients and their babies. The roundtable will focus on HHS available resources that providers can use to reduce the incidence of congenital syphilis and will solicit feedback on what additional resources are required to help reduce the rates of congenital syphilis. The Department will continue to meet with the priority areas and hold engagement sessions focused on directing resources to support those most impacted. The Department will continue to work with professional medical societies and national public health organizations to provide tools and information to help inform clinical care around congenital syphilis. The Department plans to leverage funding flexibilities for grant programs to enhance use of grant funds, including staff time, for STI counseling, testing, and treatment services. The Department will develop considerations for point-of-care testing in priority jurisdictions. The Department will host a workshop on the expansion of syphilis treatment with NIH researchers. In the United States, syphilis was close to elimination in the 1990s, so we know its possible to reverse this epidemic, said Jonathan Mermin, M.D., M.P.H., director of CDCs National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. I have hope for innovative prevention tools such as a pill after sex that prevents STIs, and better tests for syphilis but they will only be successful if they reach the people who will benefit. And that is going to require coordinated and sustained efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. While the syphilis epidemic touches nearly every community, some racial and ethnic groups bear the brunt due to longstanding social inequities that often lead to health disparities. Despite comprising 13% of the U.S. population and 14% of live births, Black or African American people represented nearly 32% of all primary and secondary syphilis cases and experienced about 30% of congenital syphilis cases in 2022. Primary and secondary and congenital syphilis rates were highest among American Indian or Alaska Native peoplecomparable to rates from the pre-penicillin era when syphilis was difficult to cure. For every 155 American Indian and Alaska Native births in 2022, there was one congenital syphilis case. The vast majority of primary and secondary syphilis cases were diagnosed outside of STD clinics in 2022, according to CDCs new report. This finding emphasizes the vitally important role of health workers in a variety of settings including primary care, emergency departments, community health, correctional, and drug treatment programs. Additional innovation, research, and investment are critical to prevent and control STIs. Equitably stopping the syphilis epidemic and addressing the nations broader STI challenges requires a coordinated and sustained effort shared by federal leadership, state and local health departments, healthcare systems, providers, and private industry. Tuesday January 30, 2024 This photograph provided by the Indian Navy shows armed naval commandos standing behind 10 captured Somali pirates with their hands tied behind after they thwarted a piracy attempt on the Iranian flagged fishing vessel Al Naeemi off the east coast of Somalia, Monday, Jan.29, 2024. According to a navy statement Tuesday, Indian naval ship Sumitra intercepted the vessel and freed its 19-member Pakistani crew. The navy did not immediately say what had happened to the pirates. (Indian Navy via AP) NEW DELHI -- India's naval forces rescued an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel hijacked by Somali pirates and freed its 19-member Pakistani crew off the east coast of Somalia, a navy statement said Tuesday. The rescue operation was the third this week involving Somali pirates and came a day after India's forces freed another Iranian fishing vessel named Iman and its 17 crew members from Somali pirates in the same waters. On Saturday, the Seychelles defense forces and coast guard rescued six Sri Lankan fishermen whose vessel had been hijacked by Somali pirates. advertisements The navy did not immediately say what happened to the pirates responsible for the hijacking. But it posted images showing 10 pirates with their hands tied behind them and armed Indian naval troops guarding them. Another image showed some armed pirates on the vessel.The piracy occurred in international waters about 850 nautical miles (1,570 kilometers) west of the Indian coastal city of Kochi.Amid disruptions in global shipping due to attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels in the Red Sea since November, the Indian navy has ramped up its deployment by sending three guided missile destroyers and reconnaissance aircraft to the vast Indian Ocean.They have carried out several anti-piracy missions in addition to helping at least four merchant vessels that were attacked in the high waters amid Israels war with Hamas. In 2024, keeping updated with the best SEO tools to support your expansion is essential. You need SEO strategies that can keep up. And here's our guide to help you navigate. Possessing the right SEO tools for agencies can make or break your standing in the industry. Progressive ones know this. They leverage SEO to amp up their marketing game, elevate client ranks, and fuel their agency's growth: Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. SEO agencies that use automation tools report a 14% increase in productivity. SEO agencies that invest in software see a 30% increase in client retention rates. The average ROI for SEO software is estimated to be 300%. So, let's get straight to it here are some handpicked 15 essential SEO tools for agencies to become triumphant in 2024. Be it enhancing your keyword strategy, fine-tuning website content, keeping tabs on ranks, or mining link building its all covered. A Sneak Peek into The Top Picks After careful evaluation, the three best SEO tools for agency needs were picked for their focus on meeting the specific requirements: SE Ranking. Budget-friendly, user-friendly with advanced functionalities. If you're after cost-effectiveness and feature richness, SE Ranking is your pick. Moz Pro. Comprehensive SEO resources and detailed reporting. It's perfect for larger agencies and those in data-intensive SEO. Smaller agencies and beginners, you might want to skip! AgencyAnalytics. Managing multiple clients efficiently. If managing clients while gaining comprehensive insights sounds like music to your ears, AgencyAnalytics won't disappoint! These and many more will be covered in detail as you go through this guide. Key Elements Evaluated for Agency SEO Software Selection Many crucial factors were considered in the quest for the top SEO software for agencies in 2024. These elements are vital to ensure the selected software matches various client needs and aligns with the unique operations of an SEO agency. Let's dive into these determining factors: 1. Usability A good SEO software for agencies should be easy to use, especially for less technical team members. So, we put a premium on intuitive interfaces, simple navigation, straightforward setups, and clear documentation. 2. White Labeling White-label features are important for presenting a unified, professional brand to clients. Software that allowed agencies to incorporate their branding into reports and other client-facing resources were prioritized. 3. Extensive Reporting Top-quality software should offer robust reporting capabilities. Tools for customization, comprehensive tracking, visual data representation, and detailed yet understandable reports to facilitate client communication were hunted for. 4. All-In-One Solutions An all-in-one platform offers simplicity and efficiency. Software that provides multiple SEO features from keyword research to competitor analysis all in one place were searched for. 5. Pricing Flexibility Since agencies work with varied budgets and project scopes, software with flexible pricing is ideal. Tools offering a range of pricing tiers, customizable packages, and price tags that correspond with the range of features offered were focused on. The vetting process was holistic, designed to find robust and user-friendly SEO tools for digital agency needs that fit within diverse budgets and complement agency branding. Remember, an effective software tool is your ticket to leapfrog competition and stay ahead of SEO trends. With the right tool, you can turn data into action, complexity into simplicity, and challenges into opportunities. "Technology is anything that wasnt around when you were born." Alan Kay Let's dive further into the list and establish why these software tools are the dominating force for your agency in 2024. SE Ranking SE Ranking is an SEO toolbox ready to assist everyone, from individual entrepreneurs to large digital agencies. Their new Agency Pack offering is tailored specifically to your needs. What's to Love about SE Ranking 1. White Label Customization. SE Ranking lets you customize its platform to match your agency's colors, logo, and domainensuring a snug fit with your suite of services. 2. Unlimited White Label Reports. Generate detailed reports dressed up with your logo and design. Email them from your domain, boosting your brand with each touchpoint. 3. Lead Generator Tool. Use the Lead Generator to easily collect user emails through an on-page audit widget, beefing up your client list no tech wizardry required. 4. Client Seats. Treat your clients to a front-row view of their campaign progress transparency that builds trust and fosters collaboration. 5. Agency Catalog Exposure. As a perk, your agency gets a spot in SE Ranking's exclusive Agency Catalog, casting your net into a sea of potential clients. The Cons of SE Ranking 1. Link Drought. When it comes to backlinks, SE Ranking's selection can feel a tad slim compared to others on the market. 2. Some Rough Terrain. While generally user-friendly, a few spots in the interface could use a "clear directions" sign. 3. Tick-Tock Factor. Beware of occasional slowdowns when crunching big data chunks. SE Ranking's Pricing Rolling out at $50 monthly (billed annually), the Agency Pack is a boon for Pro and Business users. Youll get white-label customization, 10 client seats, unlimited white-label reports, and the chance to generate 100 new leads. SE Ranking: Thumbs Up or Down? If an easy-to-use, feature-packed, and budget-friendly SEO tool is on your wish list, mark SE Ranking as a hot contender in the best SEO agency tools list. Its flexible pricing and stellar balance between functionality and usability make it a strong contender for your dollar. #2. Moz Moz Moz Pro is a shining star for agencies in the galaxy of SEO. With over 15 years of guiding over 20,000 marketers, this tool is a complete package of top-notch tools, credible data, and education for successful search optimization. What's to Love about Moz 1. All-In-One Toolbox. Moz Pros diverse toolset covers everything from competitor checks to on-page optimization pointers and link-building guidance. 2. Custom Reports. Say hello to custom white-label reports that save you time and have your clients view you as a pro. 3. Local Search Strategy. Moz Local, a part of Moz, helps manage all local marketing strategies from a single dashboard. Its like turning queries into local store sales. 4. High-Level Rank Tracking. The STAT included in Mozs offering delivers large-scale rank tracking and SERP analysis. The Cons of Moz 1. Cost: Moz Pro can be a bit pricey, especially for smaller agencies. 2. Learning Curve: Beginners in SEO may find it a bit challenging to navigate Moz Pros features. 3. Missing Features: While extensive, Moz Pro lacks some content marketing tools that competitors offer. Moz's Pricing Moz Pro has different plans to cater to varying agency needs and budgets. The tiers range from Standard to Premium, offering different degrees of access to its extensive features. Moz: Thumbs Up or Down? Moz Pro is a great pick for agencies needing in-depth SEO tools. Smaller agencies or SEO newbies might find it a bit daunting or too much for their budget. But if you need a wealth of SEO resources and don't mind investing in a top-end tool, Moz Pro gets a thumbs-up. The detailed insights, all-inclusive reports, and personal support make it a boon for agencies aiming to deliver top-class SEO services and outcomes. #3. AgencyAnalytics AgencyAnalytics AgencyAnalytics is a tailored software for SEO agencies and packs quite a punch. With a massive list of over 75 integrations including Google Ads and Semrush, this is an agency's BFF when it comes to managing many clients at once. What's to Love about AgencyAnalytics 1. Dashboard and Rank Tracking. Keep an eye on and manage client campaigns like a pro with this dazzling tool. 2. Eye-Candy Data. Say goodbye to report-making and hello to visually pleasing data, which slides effortlessly into client communication. 3. Adaptable and Easy. Designed for everyone - you don't need to be a tech Jedi to navigate this platform. 4. Customer Support. Have an issue? Their customer support folks have got your back and will help you out faster than you can say SEO. The Cons of AgencyAnalytics 1. Shaky Rankings: Some poor souls claim their rankings were inconsistent and difficult to prove. 2. A Bit Too Much: Its massive feature set can overwhelm smaller teams or SEO novices. 3. Not Much Room For Custom Data: It's inflexible when it comes to customizing data sets or deep-diving analysis. 4. Ho-Hum Conversion Tracking: Some folks find their conversion tracking a bit off-the-beat, which could taint the user experience. AgencyAnalytics' Pricing It doesnt burn a hole in your pocket, with a starting price of just $60, with pricing designed to fit even the most modest agency budget. AgencyAnalytics: Thumbs Up or Down? It seems pretty much all systems go for AgencyAnalytics especially for those of you managing multiple clients. #4. Netpeak Software Netpeak Software is a suite of SEO agency tools, including Netpeak Spider and Netpeak Checker, designed to help agencies conduct audits, perform competitor analysis, and diagnose website health. It's especially useful for agencies juggling multiple client websites. What's to Love about Netpeak Software 1. No-stone-unturned SEO Audits. This tool is an ace at detecting website errors, including those pesky meta tags and issues with internal linking. It's all about efficiency and precision here. 2. Digging Deep with Analytics. Netpeak doesn't just stop at the surface. It delves deep into the world of website traffic, user behavior, and engagement metrics. SEO strategy fine-tuning has never been this exciting! 3. Hunting Down Duplicate Content. Netpeak aids in maintaining the SEO integrity of your site by scanning for duplicate content. The Cons of Netpeak Software 1. Can't Jive with GA and Search Console in Starter Plan. This drawback could turn away potential users leaning heavily on these tools for their data game. 2. Optional for Keyword Research Junkies. Netpeak may not be your first choice if you live and breathe keyword research. It shines more for diagnostics and site health. 3. Confusing Bundle Savers. The Checker and Spider tools' bundling options can overwhelm newcomers or those operating on a shoestring budget. 4. Can't Spread the Love Across Devices. Users have noted that having one license for multiple devices would have been more convenient for team collaboration! Netpeak Software's Pricing Netpeaks SEO tool for agencies uses a tiered pricing model for Netpeak Checker and Netpeak Spider. Netpeak Software: Thumbs Up or Down? Netpeak Software comes out swinging with its deep-diving SEO audits, exhaustive analytics, and easy-to-navigate interface. Nevertheless, its limitations, such as the missing Google Analytics integration in the Starter plan. #5. Screaming Frog This SEO software for agencies unique ability to mimic Google's crawling lets you see how search engines view your site, a vital tool for any SEO specialist. However, as with any tool, Screaming Frog has areas of strength and weakness. What's to Love about Screaming Frog 1. Top-Notch Crawling. Screaming Frog is a champ at website crawling. It digs into all the nooks and crannies of your site, helping you grasp its structure and find areas to polish up. 2. Thorough SEO Checks. This super tool dives deep into your website's SEO health, looking out for things like duplicate content, metadata snags, and even assisting with XML sitemap creation. 3. Plays Well with Others. Screaming Frog gets along swimmingly with other SEO bigwigs, including Google Search Console and Ahrefs, boosting its handy features further. 4. You Call the Shots. This tool doesn't just take control. Nope. It gives you a say, allowing you to sort, sift, and analyze data your way, shaping it to your distinct SEO goals and strategies. The Cons of Screaming Frog 1. Craves Resources. Love playing with big toys? Be sure to have big resources. Screaming Frog can slow down less powerful machines it likes having plenty of digital snacks. 2. Feature-Heavy. While it's great to have plenty of toys in the box, too many can be a bit confusing, particularly if you aren't super comfy with technical SEO stuff. 3. Freebie Comes with Limits. Yes, there's a free version but it only crawls 500 URLs. If you've got a bigger website or need a deep dive analysis, it may leave you in the lurch. Screaming Frog's Pricing The Screaming Frog SEO Spider sets you back $149 per year priceless for its unlimited access. Screaming Frog: Thumbs Up or Down? Screaming Frog SEO tools for agencies are undoubtedly a powerhouse in your toolkit, particularly for those needing deep, detailed, and technical SEO audits. But keep in mind it might not be the best match for beginners or those running on less beefy devices. #6. Ahrefs If you're an agency needing a superhero in SEO, consider Ahrefs your ultimate sidekick. This tool is great at things like keyword sleuthing, backlink spying, and dissecting the SEO life of any website. What's to Love about Ahrefs 1. Master of Backlink Analysis. Ahrefs shows you all there is to know about a website's backlinks. It's like having X-ray vision for the invisible internet connections that really matter. 2. Keyword Whisperer. With access to over 20.8 billion keywords, Ahrefs' Keyword Explorer tool could give the Library of Alexandria a run for its money. A total game-changer for creating killer SEO strategies. 3. Auditing Genius. Ahrefs' Site Audit tool goes beyond skin deep, offering a thorough check-up of your website's SEO performance and serving up remedies for any issues it finds. 4. Ranks Above All. Ahrefs' Rank Tracker keeps tabs on keyword rankings, making it easy to monitor your effectiveness and make tweaks as necessary. The Cons of Ahrefs 1. Not As In-depth As Rivals. Ahrefs is rich in data, but it may not go as deep as SEO tools like SEMrush and SpyFu, especially in certain industries. 2. Needs Time to Master. With all its data and features, Ahrefs can initially feel like piloting a spaceship. Ahrefs' Pricing Subscription to this super-powered tool starts at $99 per month. While the price might make smaller agencies or individual practitioners hesitate, it's worth considering in the light of the superpowers it gives you. Ahrefs: Thumbs Up or Down? Ahrefs is right up there in the superhero league of SEO tools: saving your backlinks, vanquishing keyword ignorance, and shining a bat-signal on your competitors. But remember, just as not all heroes wear capes, not all SEO tools fit all needs. So consider the demands of your industry and your own agency before making that call. #7. Seobility If you're scanning the web for easy-to-use SEO software for agencies that won't burn a hole in your pocket, Seobility could be the answer. It's a comprehensive all-rounder that caters to both newbies and pros in the SEO game. What's to Love about Seobility 1. Site Audit. Seobility's impressive site audit finds and reports all those sneaky issues that could hamper your website health. 2. Keyword Research. Find those golden keywords like a search volume detective, thanks to Seobility's insightful keyword research tool. 3. Backlink Analysis. When you start tracking your backlink profile with Seobility, your competitors won't know what hit them. 4. Rank Tracking. Wave goodbye to the guesswork and hello to meticulous rank tracking, including traditional and mobile search. 5. Content Optimization. Content is king, and Seobility shows you how to give your content the royal treatment it deserves for better SERP rankings. The Cons of Seobility 1. Problem-Solving Guidance. Seobility identifies SEO issues, but sometimes falls short of providing exact solutions. This could leave SEO rookies scratching their heads in confusion. 2. Advanced User Features. For all its virtues, Seobility might feel a bit basic for SEO veterans or people with intricate needs. Seobility's Pricing Basic Plan: Ideal for beginners, this free plan offers basic features like site audits and keyword research. Premium Plan: At $50 per month, this plan's a great fit for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an SEO boost. Agency Plan: For $200 a month, you get extensive features and multiple website management, perfect for those bigger fish in the SEO pond. Seobility: Thumbs Up or Down? For fresh-faced SEO newbies, or those managing small to medium-sized websites, Seobility gets a big yes. However, if you're an SEO wizard with intricate needs, Seobility might not quiet do it for you. In that case, you might want to take a gander at some advanced SEO tools for agencies out there. #8. WebCEO If you're on the hunt for a do-it-all SEO platform for agencies designed with agencies in mind, then meet WebCEO. This bad boy has numerous features, including keyword research, rank tracking, link building, SEO audits, and even social media analytics. What's to Love about WebCEO 1. Packed with SEO Goodies. Think of any SEO software for agency; chances are, WebCEO's got it. Keyword research, backlink analysis, SEO audits, you name it! 2. White Label Reporting. This feature lets you brand your analytics and reports with your company logo. It's like telling your clients, "We're pros." 3. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work. With support for multiple users, why work harder when you can work smarter? Get the whole gang involved! The Cons of WebCEO 1. $$$. WebCEO might be a little pricey for the smaller players or those freelancing. Want the fancy extras? Brace yourself for a bigger bill. 2. Easy Does It. While easy to use, the sheer load of tools and features can feel like drinking from the SEO firehose. Give it time, you'll get the hang of it! 3. A Bit of a Resource Hog. Some users have complained about it being a bit bulky on less powerful systems. Do we smell a computer upgrade? WebCEO's Pricing WebCEO offers various pricing plans tailored to different needs starting from $99/month. So choose a plan that fits your needs, and buckle up for potentially steeper costs for the top-tier options. WebCEO: Thumbs Up or Down? We give WebCEO a hearty thumbs up! Its wide-ranging features, user-friendliness, and collaboration capabilities make it a great match for agencies needing to juggle several SEO projects. That white-label reporting is just the cherry on top. #9. SEO PowerSuite SEO PowerSuite boasts a bumper pack of four tools Rank Tracker, WebSite Auditor, SEO SpyGlass, and LinkAssistant, catering to various SEO needs from tracking rank to conducting audits, inspecting backlinks, and beyond. What's to Love about SEO PowerSuite 1. Automatic Friends. It sets on automation crucial tasks such as tracking rank and auditing websites, creating more time for you to put your feet up or get down to other vital business matters. 2. Personalized Treatment. It offers a personalized experience with high flexibility, custom targeting of particular locations and search engines, sophisticated data analysis, and tailored report generation. 3. The Label Matters. It empowers you to create brand-specific, chic reports that work well on any device and share effortlessly. Fancy, right? 4. Friendly Support Squad. It offers tech-support and customer service that are so on-point, they'll feel like your new best buddies, boosting your overall experience. The Cons of SEO PowerSuite 1. Patiently Waiting. There can be some frustrating times, like slow report generation and web scans. 2. Hungry for Resources. Being a suite of four separate tools, it could make your desktop sweat a bit, demanding significant memory. 3.Riding the Learning Curve. With four unique tools, it may feel like juggling too many balls in the air, especially to our dear newbie SEO friends. SEO PowerSuite's Pricing SEO PowerSuite comes in three flavors: Free Plan: Grants access to the main tools with certain limitations on tracking and backlink scrutiny. Professional Plan: Priced at $299 annually, it opens the door to additional features such as project saving and scheduling SEO tasks. Enterprise Plan: Starting from $499 for a year, including advanced options like exporting data and scheduled reports delivery. SEO PowerSuite: Thumbs Up or Down? SEO PowerSuite can be a cost-effective, solid shot for small businesses and individual SEO enthusiasts with its robust feature set for improving website performance. But, be mindful of its hearty resource appetite and some performance hiccups. #10. SimilarWeb If you're in need of a tool that'll offer comprehensive web performance analysis, SimilarWeb might be your new best friend. Primarily being an SEO software for agencies, it digs deep into crucial factors like engagement rates, traffic sources, and keyword ranking. What's to Love about SimilarWeb 1. Market Analysis. You're getting in-depth market trends and audience interests. Plus, they keep track of ranking histories. 2. Competitor Research. SimilarWeb alerts you to what your competitors are up to who needs spy movies? 3. Audience Insights. This handy feature tailors your schemes to fit your audiences preferences. Say goodbye to shooting in the dark. 4. Social Media Analysis. It provides one of the best tools for seo agencies for decoding competitors' social media antics and figuring out the right platforms for your needs sort of like social media gladiator training. The Cons of SimilarWeb 1. Free Version Limits. Their free version only offers basic traffic analytics and locks away the juicy stuff. A paywall, classic right? 2. Data Accuracy. SimilarWeb's data is fairly good, but it might play tricks on you when it comes to traffic estimations and keyword rankings. So take it with a pinch of salt. 3. Mobile Data. SimilarWeb relies mainly on web sources for data. Given the rise of mobile apps, this could be their blind spot. SimilarWeb's Pricing SimilarWeb offers a free trial, a free version, and paid plans starting from $199 per month, marching up to $799 per month for enterprise seo agency software. For specialty needs (and deeper pockets), there's a Custom Plan too. SimilarWeb: Thumbs Up or Down? SimilarWeb packs a punch with its detailed digital marketing and competitive analysis features. However, the price might make smaller agencies clutch their wallets tighter. #11. Majestic Majestic is an SEO software for agency tasks that focuses primarily on backlink analysis and link building. This specialization allows it to offer comprehensive backlink data and metrics. What's to Love about Majestic 1. Extensive Backlink Analysis. Majestic provides a robust set of tools for backlink research and tracking competitor links. 2. Unique Link Metrics. Trust Flow and Citation Flow are unique to Majestic and offer specialized linkage data that can be valuable for assessing the quality and influence of backlinks. 3. Site Explorer Tool. This feature offers an overview of key link metrics for a website, delivering a comprehensive snapshot of a site's overall link profile. 4. Topics Report. Majestic analyses where a site earns links from to determine its topical authority. The Cons of Majestic 1. Limited Keyword Research Capabilities. Majestic's focus on backlinks means it doesn't provide as extensive keyword research capabilities as the other best SEO tools for agencies. 2. Learning Curve. Some users find Majestic's tools have a steep learning curve, and the documentation provided can be insufficient for new users. 3. Questionable Accuracy. The accuracy of Majestic's Keyword Checker and certain link metrics has been questioned, potentially affecting the reliability of the data provided. Majestic's Pricing Majestic's pricing starts at $49.99 per month, making it an affordable option compared to many of its competitors. This pricing structure is particularly appealing for smaller agencies or those just beginning to invest in SEO tools. Majestic: Thumbs Up or Down? Majestic takes its place in the best SEO software for agencies as a specialized tool for agencies that are primarily focused on backlink analysis. Its unique metrics like Trust Flow and Citation Flow, along with its comprehensive backlink data, make it valuable for deep dives into link profiles. #12. SEMRush SEMrush is a powerhouse platform packed with over 55 tools that help manage every nook and cranny of online visibility. Trusted by marketers in over 142 countries, this best SEO software for agencies offers a smorgasbord of digital marketing tools. What's to Love about SEMRush 1. One-Stop Shop. With SEMrush, you're not just getting an SEO tool; it's packed with everything from keyword analysis to PPC, content marketing, social media, and competitor spying capabilities. 2. I Spy, With My SEO Eye. SEMrush isn't just about managing your visibility; it also lets you peek into competitor strategies. If that's not your secret weapon for success, I don't know what is! 3. Global and Local SEO. Whether you're helping a home-based bakery rank locally or a multinational corporation shine globally, SEMrush has got it all covered. The Cons of SEMRush 1. Splurge-Alert! Expect to loosen the purse strings a bit for SEMrush, especially if your agency is on the smaller side or just starting out. 2. Too Much Candy? Overwhelmed with data overload and complex navigational elements? SEMrush SEO agency software may have a steeper learning curve for newbies. SEMRush's Pricing SEMrush offers three tiers: "Pro": Ideal for freelancers, startups, and DIY marketers. "Guru": Perfect for tight-knit teams and smaller marketing agencies. "Business": Tailored for larger firms craving advanced features. SEMRush: Thumbs Up or Down? SEMrush is one of the excellent SEO tools for agency routines managing multiple clients' online visibility, with detailed analytics, competitor tracking, and all the bells and whistles to improve online visibility. Though you might have to dig a little deeper into your pockets, and newbie marketers might need a bit of time to ride the learning curve the benefits of SEMrush far outweigh these minor roadblocks. #13. Ubersuggest Famed Neil Patel's SEO agency software, Ubersuggest, is a brilliant choice for agencies due to its many features and user-friendliness a perfect companion for managing multiple SEO clients. What's to Love about Ubersuggest 1. Superb Keyword Research. It provides essential details like search volume, SEO challenge, and possible traffic, making it easier to put together robust SEO strategies for clients. 2. Quick-and-Easy Site Audit. An agency's dream, Ubersuggest's efficient site audit feature pinpoints SEO issues on a client's website, offering instant, actionable advice. 3. Spot-On Backlink Analysis. With a clear view of the backlink profile, Ubersuggest offers agencies a deep understanding of a websites authority and performance. The Cons of Ubersuggest 1. Depth of Data. Some users were less impressed with the accuracy of the data, highlighting it is not as deep or precise as some more in-depth SEO tools. 2. Free Version Quirks. Ubersuggest's free version may be handy, but it has its limitations. For more crucial SEO tasks, you might have to shell out for the premium version. 3. UI and UX. While generally friendly to users, some believe there's room for improvement in the interface and UX when compared against more established SEO tools for agency tasks. Ubersuggest's Pricing Ubersuggest offers a tiered pricing structure, with a free version for basic use and premium plans for more advanced features. Ubersuggest: Thumbs Up or Down? Ubersuggest receives a thumbs up, particularly for agencies looking for a straightforward, cost-effective SEO tool with a strong focus on keyword research, site audits, and basic backlink analysis. #14. SpyFu Ever wondered what your competitors are up to in the SEO and PPC world? Fear not, for SpyFu is here to save the day. It's a specialist tool for agencies that uncovers all the juicy details about your competitors search marketing strategies. What's to Love about SpyFu 1. Competitor Analysis. Ever wanted to peek at your competitors' plans? This SEO agency software serves up insights into their search marketing strategies. It's like being invisible in your rival's strategy meeting. 2. PPC Insights. Remember how we mentioned power? SpyFu's PPC analysis is the stuff of legends, giving you that superpower to optimize paid search campaigns like a boss. 3. Historical Data. Fancy a stroll down memory lane? Access past data on keywords and rankings for a blast from the SEO past. The Cons of SpyFu 1. What about other search engines? SpyFu likes to cozy up with Google, limiting your view of the wider search engine landscape. 2. SEO Features. It's got the competitive analysis down to a tee, but on-site SEO audits might leave you wanting a little more. It's kind of like only filling half your shopping cart at the grocery store. SpyFu's Pricing This SEO software for agencies operates on a tier system with offerings for everyone- from SEO beginners to full-blown experts starting from $39/month. SpyFu: Thumbs Up or Down? If you're an agency focusing on competitive intelligence for SEO and PPC, you've got a friend in SpyFu. #15. Google Search Console If you're all about SEO and website performance, you won't want to miss Google Search Console (GSC)! This SEO software for agencies spills the secrets of Google's own data stash. What's to Love about GSC 1. Google's Own Data. Get precise insights straight from the horse's mouth, Google, on how your websites fare in its search results. 2. Ranking Check. Track how your pages are doing in the search stakes - how they rank, their click rates, and other cool metrics. 3. Website Health Check. Spot tech glitches on your site with GSC, vital in keeping your site running tip-top. The Cons of GSC 1. Easy Does It. GSC isn't for the faint-hearted, beginners might find its array of data and tools a bit of a brain-bender. 2. Back to the Future. GSC only dishes out data for the last 16 months, so longer-term analysis can be a bit tricky. 3. All the Bells and Whistles? GSC is a bit of a one-trick pony, all about that search data, lacking integrated tools for wider digital marketing campaigns. GSC's Pricing Get this Google Search Console is absolutely free SEO agency software, no strings attached! GSC: Thumbs Up or Down? We're giving Google Search Console a gold star for its top-notch insights into search performance and site health, even if it's a bit limited on the history front and lacking in marketing tools. Summary The world of SEO keeps evolving, but one thing remains constant the need for high-quality SEO software for agencies to drive successful campaigns and to deliver results for clients. Clearly, one size does not fit all, and agencies need to carefully consider their needs when picking the best tool for their expansion in 2024. Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. In the fast-paced world of electric mobility, an extraordinary story of innovation and determination has emerged, and it's all thanks to the ingenuity of an ex-Airbus engineer from Chennai. At the recent Netherlands E-Mobility Expo, one electric vehicle stood out from the crowd the 'Jagen,' a high-performance electric motorcycle created by Visaiyon, an Indian startup. The 'Jagen' has taken the industry by storm with its remarkable specs, including a mind-boggling 0-60 kmph acceleration in under 3 seconds and a top speed exceeding 140 kmph. Moreover, its rapid 30-minute charging time provides riders with the freedom to explore for up to 70-80 kilometers. Saravanan Balakrishnan: Engineer with a Vision At the heart of Visaiyon is its visionary founder, Saravanan Balakrishnan. A graduate in Mechanical Engineering from ACGCET, Anna University, Saravanan's journey into electric vehicles began during his college days, where he undertook projects like a hybrid cycle, serial hybrid scooter, and electric tricycle. His passion for electric mobility was further ignited during his tenure as an Aircraft Wing Structural Analysis Engineer for Airbus at Quest Global, Bangalore. Additionally, he amassed valuable experience as a Vehicle crash Engineer at Nissan for another 2.5 years, contributing significantly to vehicle development and R&D. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The Birth of 'Jagen': The 'Jagen' electric motorcycle is not just a vehicle; it's a culmination of years of dedication and hard work, achieving a remarkable 0-60 kmph in 3.2 seconds. What sets 'Jagen' apart is its proprietary motor and battery technology, showcasing an incredible 20% improvement in duty cycle efficiency compared to the competition. The company even holds patents for its proprietary battery and motor technologies, a remarkable feat in the electric vehicle industry. Visaiyon boasts a team with a cumulative experience of 50+ years in the automotive industry, ensuring expertise and precision in every aspect of their electric motorcycle development. Bootstrapping and Government Recognition: One remarkable aspect of Visaiyon's journey is its bootstrapped approach. Despite limited external funding, the team's dedication and expertise have driven them to achieve groundbreaking results. Moreover, Visaiyon has received notable recognition from both the State and Central governments, having secured grants totaling around 25 lakh INR. Innovation & Optimization of Resources Amidst Visaiyon's journey of innovation, a pivotal decision was made to create a new motor, not with the intention of reinventing the wheel, but to bring tangible value to the customer. The distinctive feature of their motors lies in their remarkable 20% improvement in duty cycle efficiency compared to competitors. This strategic enhancement serves a dual purpose: by significantly reducing the required battery capacity, it not only extends the vehicle's range but also plays a pivotal role in diminishing the overall cost of the vehicle. Their patented liquid-cooled battery technology ensures rapid and secure chargingjust 30 minutes on the charger provides an impressive 80 km of riding. A Grand Entrance in Europe: Visaiyon's journey to international recognition recently took a monumental step when it participated in the "World of e-Mobility Expo" as part of the India Pavilion, led by Mr. Selvaraj Ramachendran, Director at Marutee Design and Engineering, Bangalore. This opportunity coincided with the completion of Visaiyon's concept electric vehicle, featuring Gen2 battery and motor technologies. The Expo, held on October 26th and 27th, 2023, in Amsterdam, marked a significant milestone. The response was nothing short of extraordinary, with visitors eagerly anticipating a motorcycle of this caliber in the European market. Visitors and stakeholders alike were particularly impressed by Visaiyon's fast charging technology and the impressive range it offered. Conversations with key European stakeholders have since been initiated, signaling the promising potential of the 'Jagen' in the European market. Planned Milestones and Future Vision: Looking ahead, Visaiyon envisions reaching significant milestones. The plan includes onboarding seed investors to propel them to the SOP stage by 2025. The company is gearing up to open its social media touchpoints, allowing potential customers to express their interest and be part of the electric mobility revolution. The story of Visaiyon and its founder, Saravanan Balakrishnan, serves as a remarkable testament to innovation and determination. Their creation, the 'Jagen' electric motorcycle, promises to redefine the electric vehicle industry with its outstanding performance and cutting-edge technology. As Visaiyon charts its course from Chennai to the Netherlands, it has not only stolen the show but also captured the hearts of those who believe in a future driven by engineering excellence and sustainable mobility. https://visaiyon.co/ https://indiapavilion.org/ Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. From the innovation hubs of Bangalore to the heartlands of rural Rajasthan, a seismic shift in startup financing is underway, reshaping how young businesses access vital funds. This shift is largely attributed to GrowthTurbine.com, a trailblazing equity capital financing and investor acquisition platform. At its helm is Varun Sharma, an Indian-born Canadian entrepreneur, whose vision and expertise are breaking new ground in the startup ecosystem. GrowthTurbine.com's Impact: GrowthTurbine.com stands as a beacon in the complex world of capital financing and investor acquisition. It has been instrumental in the success stories of diverse startups, such as Eqvista, McNeill Hotels, DJE Real Estate Fund, and Evonsys, by providing them with the essential capital to scale their operations. These successes underscore the platforms pivotal role in nurturing startup growth across various sectors. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Varun Sharma, as the driving force behind GrowthTurbine.com, has revolutionized the approach to capital financing for startups. With a keen eye on the intricacies of investor acquisition and a deep understanding of the financial landscape, Sharma has guided the platform to new heights. Our goal is to bridge the gap between visionary entrepreneurs and strategic investors, Sharma explains. Innovation is at the core of GrowthTurbine.com, with a significant emphasis on integrating advanced technologies to streamline the capital financing process. Sharma's foresight in leveraging tools like AI and data analytics has been crucial in enhancing the decision-making process for both startups and investors. Navigating the complexities of capital financing is no small feat. GrowthTurbine.com, under Sharma's leadership, has adeptly addressed challenges such as regulatory compliance and investor engagement. We transform challenges into opportunities to innovate, says Sharma, reflecting on the journey of GrowthTurbine.com. Varun Sharma envisions GrowthTurbine.com as more than just a capital financing platform; he sees it as a catalyst for a more inclusive and dynamic startup environment in India. He invites aspiring entrepreneurs and investors to be part of this transformative journey. Together, we can redefine the landscape of startup financing, he concludes. Sidebar: Quick Facts about GrowthTurbine.com and Varun Sharma Website: www.GrowthTurbine.com LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varunsharma1112/ Founded: 2016 Headquarters: Ottawa, Canada Success Stories: Eqvista, McNeill Hotels, DJE Real Estate Fund, Evonsys Varun Sharma: Expert in Capital Financing and Investor Acquisition Technology Focus: AI, Data Analytics Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. New Delhi, January 29, 2024: LG Electronics, a premier consumer durable brand in India, proudly announces its certification as a Great Place To Work in India, underscoring its steadfast commitment to fostering a positive and supportive workplace environment. The Great Place To Work Certification is a distinguished accolade bestowed upon organizations that excel in creating exceptional work atmospheres for their staff. LG Electronics India earned this recognition through a comprehensive two-step evaluation process, which included the Great Place To Work Trust Index Employee Survey, renowned globally as the primary method to gauge employee perceptions of their workplace, and a rigorous culture audit meeting the stringent standards set by the global authority on workplace culture. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Mr. Hong Ju Jeon, Managing Director of LG Electronics India, expressed his delight, stating, We are thrilled to receive the Great Place To Work Certification, affirming our dedication to nurturing an environment where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. This certification mirrors our ongoing endeavors to prioritize employee-centric initiatives, thereby fostering a positive workplace culture. Mr. Jwanam Kim, Expat HR Head at LG Electronics India, highlighted the company's focus on family engagement programs, emphasizing respect not only for employees but also for their families and communities. He stated, Our objective is clear to make LG Electronics the most beloved brand in India. To achieve this goal, we are committed to consistently enhancing employee satisfaction and making meaningful contributions to Indian society. LG Electronics India remains committed to constructing a workplace that attracts top talent, solidifying its position as a global leader in the consumer durable industry. Disclaimer: This article has been published on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio. Ahead of the interim Budget session of Parliament, the Centre has called for a meeting with the floor leaders of political parties in both Houses on Tuesday. The meeting will be chaired by Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi at 11:30am in the Parliament Library building. Budget 2024: Govt to hold all-party meeting today ahead of interim budget session(Representational image) The meeting convened by the government is a customary practice ahead of every Parliamentary session. During the meeting, leaders highlight the issues they would want to raise during the Parliament session. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The Budget session will begin with the address of President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday and is likely to conclude on February 9. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is poised to present the interim Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 on Thursday. She is the first full-time woman finance minister of the country who will present her sixth straight budget - equalling the record of former prime minister Morarji Desai. According to Sitharaman, this year's budget would primarily be a vote on account before the general elections. During her address earlier, she emphasised that such interim budgets typically do not include significant announcements, and the public will have to await the new government's presentation of the comprehensive budget in July 2024. What is the Union Budget? The Union Budget is the Centre's annual financial statement that outlines the governments proposed expenditures and revenues for the upcoming fiscal year - April 1 to March 31. It includes all details about the expenditures, revenues, liabilities, and welfare schemes. It is expected that this year the Centre will make some changes to its welfare scheme, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. According to reports, the government might increase the PM Kisan scheme payout by 50 per cent this year, from 6,000 to 9,000 per year. Apart from this, reports suggest that the Centre is also expected to continue the push for capital expenditure. Elon Musk's startup Neuralink has successfully implanted a brain-chip in the first human patient, the company's billionaire founder Elon Musk said, adding that the patient is recovering well. "Initial results show promising neuron spike detection," Elon Musk said in a post on the social media platform X. Elon Musk Neuralink: Tesla and SpaceX's CEO Elon Musk.(AP) Spikes are activity by neurons in cells that use electrical and chemical signals to send information around the brain and to the body. The company had received clearance last year to conduct its first trial to test its implant on humans. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. But it was earlier reported that monkeys involved in Neuralink's research had died. According to a report by WIRED in September last year, a medical ethics group called on the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate Elon Musk's claims that the monkeys' deaths were unrelated to Neuralink's implants. Records point to complications from implant procedures as the cause of their demise, the group said as per the report. Then, Elon Musk had initially acknowledged the monkey deaths but denied denied any connection between the deaths and Neuralink implants. The subjects were already "close to death" before the experiments began, he had then said. Neuralink, which was founded in March 2017, quickly acquired a significant number of animal subjects to conduct experiments with its brain-chip implants. These were conducted with the support of the California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) at UC Davis from September 2017 until late 2020. As per the WIRED report, Ryan Merkley- leading the Physicians Committee's research into animal-testing alternatives- said, "They are claiming they are going to put a safe device on the market, and thats why you should invest. And we see his lie as a way to whitewash what happened in these exploratory studies." Epack Durable makes its market debut today as analysts expect the stock to list at a 2-10 per cent premium over the issue price- to open between 235 and 253 against the issue price of 230. The offer was subscribed 16.37 times and it received bids for 32.7 crore shares against the issue size of 1.99 crore. High net-worth individuals (HNIs) bought 28.1 times the allotted quota while retail investors picked up 6.29 times the portion set aside for them. Qualified institutional buyers booked 25.5 times of their part. EPACK Durable listing: The Epack Durable IPO opened for subscription on January 19 and closed on January 23.(File Photo) The Epack Durable IPO opened for subscription on January 19. The company is Indias second-largest original design manufacturer (ODM) of room air conditioners (RAC) and also manufactures components such as sheet metal parts, injection moulded parts, cross-flow fans. It began operations with a single manufacturing unit in Uttarakhand in 2003. The company has since expanded manufacturing operations with Dehradun Unit II, Dehradun Unit III and Dehradun Unit IV, Bhiwadi Manufacturing Facility and Sri City Manufacturing Facility. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Its customer base includes Blue Star, Daikin Airconditioning India, Carrier Midea, Voltas Limited, Havells India, Haier Appliances (India), Panasonic Life Solutions India, Godrej and Boyce Manufacturing Company and Bajaj Electricals. Through the offer, Epack Durable planned to raise 640.05 crore. The public offer consisted of a fresh issue of 1.73 crore shares worth 400 crore and an OFS of 1.04 crore shares worth 240.05 crore. The price band was fixed at 218-230 per share. The IPO closed on January 23. Company's promoters are Bajrang Bothra, Laxmi Pat Bothra, Sanjay Singhania and Ajay DD Singhania. The net proceeds from the IPO will be used by the company to fund capital expenditure requirements for setting up manufacturing capacities in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan and Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, it said. Through the anchor book, Optimix Wholesale Global Emerging Markets Share Trust, Integrated Core Strategies (Asia), Societe Generale Copthall Mauritius Investment and HDFC Mutual Fund invested in the company. The first human patient implanted with Neuralinks brain-computer device is recovering well, owner of the company Elon Musk said. Elon Musk said that the person successfully received the implant on January 28. and the initial results showed promising neuron spike detection. Elon Musk Neuralink: Tesla CEO Elon Musk attends a conference.(Reuters) The brain implant aims to assist those with debilitating injuries or paralysis to interact with a phone or computer just by thinking, Elon Musk said, saying that the first product from Neuralink is called Telepathy. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Elon Musk explained, Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal." Neuralink got clearance to conduct its first trial to test its implant on humans by the US Food and Drug Administration . In September, Neuralink said it received approval for recruitment for the human trial as well. The goal of the process is to enable people to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone, the company said, adding that the implants' "ultra-fine" threads help transmit signals in participants' brains. Controversy related to Neuralink The company faced calls for scrutiny regarding its safety protocols and was fined for violating US Department of Transportation (DOT) rules regarding the movement of hazardous materials. Four US lawmakers also asked the US Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether Elon Musk misled investors about the safety of Neuralink technology. Elon Musk then wrote in a social media post that no monkey has died as a result of a Neuralink implant, adding that the company chose "terminal" monkeys to minimize risk to healthy ones. The shares of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India rallied 1.9 percent on the Indian stock market on Tuesday, touching record high prices for the first time since the firm launched its initial public offering (IPO) two years ago. A man walks past a hoarding of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) in Mumbai.(REUTERS file) The investors of LIC had been facing a lull when it came to getting returns after bagging shares of the company during the IPO, but this is the first time that LIC share prices have touched the listing price of the company. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. This means that after two years of the LIC IPO listing, which was India's largest public offering, the subscribers of the issue are now close to recovering their investment in the company. This is all thanks to the 75 percent rally LIC witnessed since March, reported Bloomberg. The state-owned life insurers stock climbed 1.9% Tuesday, to close at its highest level since its IPO in May 2022. The climb over the past 10 months has coincided with a broader surge in Indian equities thats added some $30 billion to LICs market value. LIC shares opened at 920 on January 30 after closing at 915 the previous day. Boosted by the stock market performance this week, LIC shares closed at 933 at 3:30 pm, finally close to the listing price of the company. Prime Minister Narendra Modis government raised a record $2.7 billion by selling shares in the countrys largest life insurance firm to investors that included millions of families that own the companys policies. Concerns over LICs size, low-profit margins and rigid sales model compared with more agile private peers saw the stock at one point fall more than 40% below its offering price. Sensex, Nifty on Tuesday LIC saw a major boom today after the share remained stagnant, as the share market in India surged on Monday, gaining 1200 points. However, BSE Sensex saw a significant dip on Tuesday, closing over 800 points lower than the previous day. While Sensex saw a major boom yesterday, the benchmark BSE index declined over over 1 per cent due to selling in Reliance Industries, ITC and Bajaj Finance on Tuesday, January 30. The 30-share BSE Sensex fell by 801.67 points or 1.11 per cent to settle at 71,139.90. During the day, it plummeted 865.85 points or 1.20 per cent to 71,075.72. The Nifty declined 215.50 points or 0.99 per cent to 21,522.10. Among the Sensex firms, Bajaj Finance fell by 5.03 per cent after its December quarter earnings failed to cheer investors. (With inputs from PTI) On Mahatma Gandhis death anniversary, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said that the descendants of Gandhi murderer Nathuram Godse are trying to disrupt law and order in Karnataka. He was speaking about the recent Hanuman flag incident in Mandya district and accused the BJP of creating a communal ruckus in the state. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.(PTI) Also Read - DK Shivakumar dismisses reports claiming Sonia Gandhi may be offered RS seat from State Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. After paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday, Siddaramaiah said, There are people within us who worship Godse and speak about the values of Gandhi. They are the descendants of Godse, trying to rake communal violence in the state. He then spoke about the Hanuman flag incident at Mandya and said that the Keragodu Panchayat had granted permission to hoist tricolor or Karnataka flag only and not any religious or political flag. On Sunday, after a Lord Hanuman flag was hoisted in the Keragodu village in Mandya, it was removed and replaced with the Indian National flag by the officials. Authorities maintained that the Keregodu Gram Panchayat had issued a permission letter on January 18 with conditions that only the national flag could be hoisted. The incident led to a political slugfest in the state, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemning the state government's decision to remove the Hanuma Dhwaja. Leaders from the saffron party also hit out at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling him "anti Hindu" and "anti Hanuma Dwaja." The Janata Dal (Secular) also joined their ally and held massive protests across Mandya, demanding the government to hoist back the saffron Hanuman flag in the village. Karnataka police imposed preventative restrictions and heightened security in the district by deploying many police personnel, making for a tense atmosphere. Police also imposed Section 144 to prevent untoward incidents and religious clashes between groups. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman requesting her to include in the forthcoming budget a State's proposal for the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raichur district. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah (PTI) Also Read - Descendants of Godse are disrupting peace in Karnataka: CM Siddaramaiah lashes out after Hanuman flag row Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Sitharaman is slated to present the interim budget on February one. "Raichur is an aspirational district, coming under Kalyana Karnataka region, where healthcare, education and per capita income levels are still subpar as compared to other regions of Karnataka. Raichur district is in an urgent need to establish a high quality referral medical centre," Siddaramaiah said in his January 29 letter. Noting that the proposal of establishing an AIIMS in Karnataka is pending for quite some time, he said, "the State Government, on consideration of possible locations, is of the view that Raichur is the most suitable place to establish an AIIMS. I would, therefore, request you to include the establishment of AIIMS at Raichur in the forthcoming Budget of 2024-25." The Chief Minister has also enclosed a copy of his letter dated June 17, 2023 addressed to Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh L Mandaviya, in this regard. Raichur has witnessed persistent agitations led by various organisations and advocacy groups, emphasising the "crucial need" for an AIIMS in the region. Karnataka Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development and Livelihood Dr Sharan Prakash Patil on Tuesday acknowledged the challenge of growing malnutrition among women and children and urged the people to make use of the central and state government schemes to address the issue. Karnataka Minister airs concern over growing malnutrition among pregnant women Also Read - Karnataka CM requests the inclusion of AIIMS Raichur in Union budget, writes to FM Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. He expressed concern over the growing malnutrition among pregnant women and children in 'Kalyana Karnataka' region, and stressed on the need to eradicate poverty and illiteracy in the society to get rid of malnutrition. The minister was addressing the gathering here after inaugurating a two-day workshop on Food, Nutrition, Health-Hygiene & Wash organised by National Livelihood Mission. "In order to address malnutrition among the children, our government is providing eggs to schoolchildren twice a week and those who dont consume eggs would be provided bananas and 'chikki'," Patil said. The state government has launched 'Anaemia Mukta Poushtika Karnataka' (Anaemia-free Nutrition Karnataka) scheme to address anaemia and malnutrition among newborns, children, teens, pregnant and lactating mothers, he said. "This will improve the situation gradually." Emphasising on the importance of womens role in making any scheme successful, the Minister underlined the need of women self-help groups. The Sthri Shakthi women self-help groups started by former Chief Minister S M Krishna in 1999 did a great job in improving the rural economy. Dharmasthala Rural Development self-help group and many organisations have helped women become economically self-reliant. The society today needs such organisations," he said. Karnataka has become a role model in the country in empowering women, and the state government's schemes are being applauded at national and international level, he added. The Karnataka government has temporarily banned trekking activities in forest areas of the state. Karnataka Forest Department issued an order on Tuesday after many trekkers rushed to popular Kumara Parvata in Dakshina Kannada district during the last long weekend. The forest department said that such large crowds might disturb the forest and wildlife ecosystem in the state. Trekkers dump plastic waste on Kumara Parvata, govt bans trekking temporarily Also Read - Hanuman flag row in Karnataka: Panchayat Development Officer suspended Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Karnataka forest minister Eshwar Khandre wrote a letter to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and said that the rampant trekking must be regulated. In the letter, he said, The youth is excited about exploring western ghats and other forest regions, but it should not affectthe ecology in the state. Such rampant forest tourism might pollute the water bodies and disturb nature. This must be regulated immediately with a sustainable action plan. The minister also said that the trekkers were seen dumping plastic and leftover food in the forests. It is sad that the trekkers who visited Kumara Parvata were seen littering withplastic water bottles on the hill. It has become a tough task for forest officials to screen every person. Trekking is temporarily banned at places where there is no online booking. This includes Kumaraparvata, Moorkanu Gudda and other areas, he added. A few trekking activities can be booked through the Karnataka eco-tourism website, and such activities are not banned. As Karnataka has a vast forest region, trekking has been popular among tourists, especially on weekends. A video went viral recently, where hundreds of trekkers were seen flocking to the Kumara Parvata, which is considered as one of toughest treks in the country. This created a backlash on social media where people expressed concern about the ecological consequences of such unregulated tourism. {Delhi-Chandigarh-Amritsar High Speed Rail Corridor} The meeting was chaired by district revenue officer Amandeep Chawla, while the details of the proposal were shared by the NHSRCL representative Anil Kumar. (HT Photo) National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) on Monday apprised the public of the environment and social impact of the proposed Delhi-Chandigarh-Amritsar high-speed rail corridor in a public consultation meeting at the district administrative complex. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The meeting was chaired by district revenue officer Amandeep Chawla, while the details of the proposal were shared by the NHSRCL representative Anil Kumar. Kumar informed the farmers about the project that will affect a total of 43 district villages as 117.17 hectares of the land may be acquired. A 55.61-km stretch of the projects total 474.77-km will fall in Mohali, he said, adding that Dilapur, Bakarpur, Shafipur and Rurka villages in close proximity to Chandigarh, might be included as stations. He, however, cautioned farmers with regard to sale of the proposed land, saying the project was merely a proposal and not a guarantee to acquire their land particularly. Being electric, the project will not cause pollution. It will be constructed on 10-15-m high and 13-m wide pillars, he said. The project has been designed for a speed of 350 kmph, while trains will run at 320 kmph. The average speed including halting at proposed 10 stations has been assessed as 250 kmph, Kumar added. He further said the primary survey had shown the presence of no religious places, educational institutions, hospitals, archeological monuments, national parks or forests. New Delhi : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached the property of a key accused in a bomb blast case that occurred at Pandori Golan village in Tarn Taran district in 2019. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached the property of a key accused in a bomb blast case that occurred at Pandori Golan village in Tarn Taran district in 2019. The immovable property attached belongs to Gurjant Singh, a key accused. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The NIA move followed an order issued by the Special NIA court in Mohali. The court ordered the attachment of the property under Section 33(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The case was registered by the NIA on September 23, 2019, based on the original FIR dated September 5, 2019, of the Tarn Taran police. The case pertains to activities of a terrorist gang headed by one Bikramjit Singh Panjwar that was involved in carrying out terrorist acts and activities in Punjab. As part of their plans to promote violence in the state, the gang had planned to attack Dera Muradpur, Tarn Taran, said the NIA in a statement. On September 4, 2019, explosives concealed for this purpose prematurely exploded at Pandori Golan village while being retrieved from the ground, killing two people and injuring one. The accused, Gurjant Singh, was a member of this terrorist gang and was present on the spot of retrieval. The kingpin, Bikramjit Singh Panjwar, has already been extradited from Austria by the NIA in December 2022, said the NIA. The chargesheet in the case was filed on March 11, 2020, followed by a supplementary chargesheet filed on March 23, 2023. The eagerly watched BJPs Manoj Sonkar defeated INDIA blocs Kuldeep Dhalor by four votes to win the contentious Chandigarh mayor elections amid high drama at the municipal corporation on Tuesday afternoon. Chandigarh BJP MP Kirron Kher along with party councillors congratulating newly elected mayor Manoj Sonkar at the municipal corporation on Tuesday afternoon. (ANI Photo) Sonkar, 39, who is the ward 7 councillor, got 16 votes, while Dhalor of the AAP-Congress alliance bagged 12 votes, while eight of the total 36 votes were declared invalid. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Sonkar, who runs a liquor business, has studied up to Class 7. Angry INDIA bloc councillors accused presiding officer Anil Masih of marking polled votes with ticks while counting was on and walked out of the municipal corporation House as voting for the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor began shortly afterwards. BJP nominees Kuljit Sandhu and Rajinder Sharma were declared elected to the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor, respectively. Masih was not available for comment. Also read: Kejriwal claims cheating in broad daylight as BJP wins Chandigarh mayoral elections The polls, being held following the directions of the Punjab and Haryana high court, assume significance with opposition INDIA bloc members, the Congress and the AAP, joining hands to contest the elections against the BJP, which has held the mayors post for the past eight years. As part of the alliance, the AAP contested for the mayors post, while the Congress fielded candidates for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. BJP president JP Nadda took to social media to congratulate the Chandigarh unit of the party on the win. Congratulations to @BJP4Chandigarh unit for winning the mayor election. Under the leadership of Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji, UTs have witnessed record development. That the INDI Alliance fought their first electoral battle and still lost to BJP shows that neither their arithmetic is working nor their chemistry, Nadda posted. Former Chandigarh MP and Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal said: The worst fears of unabashed tampering by the BJPs presiding officer, in a premeditated and planned intrigue to murder democracy, have come true in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. The agent of the Congress-AAP candidate was not allowed to see the ballot papers. The presiding officer announced rejection of eight votes, declared the BJP candidate winner and went away. BJP members rushed to the table and tore off the ballot papers. After the election, BJP leader Sanjay Tandon said: The polls were held according to high court orders. Their own (AAP-Congress) councillors did not vote as it was an unholy alliance. 700 police personnel deployed The much-awaited elections started after Masih arrived around 10.40am. Chandigarh BJP MP Kirron Kher, who has voting rights as an ex-officio member of the municipal corporation, was the first to cast the vote. She voted at 11.15am at the building of the civic body. Chandigarh deputy commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh, who is the prescribed authority for the elections, was present during the poll process, which was videographed. Before the start of polling, the municipal corporations joint commissioner gave a demonstration regarding the process and guidelines to be followed. Tight security arrangements were made for the mayoral polls. Around 700 police personnel, along with those from paramilitary forces, were deployed for maintaining law and order at the municipal corporation building, officials said. The BJP has 14 councillors in the 35-member Chandigarh MC, the AAP has 13 councillors and the Congress seven. The Shiromani Akali Dal has one councillor. The BJP has fielded Manoj Sonkar while the AAP has nominated Kumar for the post of mayor. For the post of senior deputy mayor, the BJPs Kuljeet Sandhu contested against Gurpreet Singh Gabi of the Congress, while Rajinder Sharma of the BJP took on Congress candidate Nirmala Devi for the post of deputy mayor. Controversial decision to postpone polls The elections were originally scheduled for January 18 but were deferred to February 6 by the Chandigarh administration after the presiding officer, Masih, fell ill. The administration had at that time also said the polls were postponed after assessing the law-and-order situation. The administrations order deferring the polls had triggered protests by the Congress and the AAP councillors. Kuldeep Dhalor, the AAPs candidate for the post of mayor, had challenged the Chandigarh deputy commissioners order to defer the elections in the high court. In its January 24 order, the high court directed the Chandigarh administration to hold the mayoral polls at 10am on January 30. It also quashed the administrations January 18 order postponing the elections while holding it unreasonable, unjustified and arbitrary. The high court had also directed that the councillors who come to cast their votes shall not be accompanied by any supporters or security personnel belonging to any other state. The Chandigarh Police will ensure security to the councillors, the court had said. Third mayor for this MC term Elections to the three posts are held every year during the Houses five-year term. The Congress had abstained from voting in 2022 and 2023, leading to the BJPs victory in the polls. The election of the mayor is done through secret ballots. For this years elections -- the third for this term -- the mayors seat has been reserved for the Scheduled Caste category. NUMBER GAME IN CHANDIGARH MAYOR ELECTION Total votes: 36 (35 elected councillors and one vote of sitting MP) BEFORE ELECTION BJP: 15 (14 councillors plus one vote of party MP Kirron Kher) AAP: 13 Congress: 7 SAD: 1 AFTER ELECTION BJP: 16 INDIA bloc (Cong-AAP): 12 Invalid: Eight BJP candidate declared winner. Chandigarh University founder-chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu, 54, was on Tuesday nominated to the Rajya Sabha. Chandigarh University founder-chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sandhu was on Tuesday nominated to the Rajya Sabha. (X) In a notification, the home ministry said President Droupadi Murmu has nominated Sandhu to the Upper House of Parliament. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Also read: SAD demands probe into deletion of over 10 lakh blue cards by Punjab government Sandhu, who is also an agriculturist, is credited with the foundation of Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC) at Landran in Mohali in 2001 and the formation of Chandigarh University in 2012. He is involved in community efforts to improve health and wellness and also to advance communal harmony through his two NGOs, the Indian Minorities Foundation and the New India Development Foundation. In a social media post, Vice-President and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar welcomed Sandhus nomination to the Rajya Sabha. His rich work in community service and his passion towards education, innovation and learning will be big sources of strength for the Rajya Sabha. I wish him the very best for his tenure, Dhankhar said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is delighted that the President has nominated Sandhu to the Rajya Sabha. Satnam Ji has distinguished himself as a noted educationist and social worker, who has been serving people at the grassroots in different ways. He has always worked extensively to further national integration and has also worked with the Indian diaspora, the PM said. Modi wished Sandhu the best for his parliamentary journey and said he is confident the Rajya Sabha proceedings will be enriched by his views. Sandhu had played a key role in arranging meetings of the Sikh diaspora with the Prime Minister under the Sadbhavna Programme in April last year. Chandigarh University found a word of mention in the Prime Ministers Mann ki Baat address last year for having created the largest human chain, depicting the national flag. The son of a Jat Sikh farmer from Rasoolpur village in Ferozepur district, Sandhu was a follower of former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee head Gurcharan Singh Tohra and was close to the Shiromani Akali Dal leadership earlier. Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC) president on Monday submitted a proposal highlighting how six educational institutions in the country have a functional menstrual leave policy so the varsity can frame its own policy on similar lines. The PUCSC president contended that an open conversation about menstruation was key to getting rid of the taboo surrounding the subject. (HT File Photo) The development comes in the backdrop of a Panjab University (PU) committee formed by vice-chancellor (V-C) having on January 24 held the first meeting to look into the feasibility of menstrual leave. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Singh said he has submitted the proposal to V-C Renu Vig and held a meeting with her on Monday evening. While he had been trying to get the committee to meet again before the upcoming varsity senate meeting on February 10, the date for the next meeting has not been fixed yet. It is under the National Menstrual Hygiene Policy of 2023 to provide such leave to students. While we had earlier asked for 12 leaves per semester for girls, we are open to debate to incorporate the pre-existing leave policy of other institutes in this, Singh said. Keralas Cochin University of Science and Technology became the first varsity in the country to start menstrual leave for female students in January 2023. Minimum attendance for female students has been reduced to 73% from 75%. Gauhati University in Assam also recently introduced a similar provision for female students. Some of the other varsities giving menstrual leave to female students include NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, and Tezpur University among others. Meanwhile, a member of the committee not wishing to be named discussed some of the apprehensions that the members have regarding menstrual leave. There is an issue with the name menstrual leave and rather, it can be given to students as an extra medical leave exemption. For teaching and non-teaching staff, male employees get 10 casual leaves while female employees get 20 casual leaves at the start. This is so that females can spend time with their kids and in lieu of menstrual leave also, and something similar can be done for the students as well, the member said. There is also some apprehension among committee members about menstruation still being viewed as a taboo by a section of students with a more conservative view. They noted them noting that girl students may find their privacy being compromised when claiming the leave. The PUCSC president, however, contended that an open conversation about menstruation was key to getting rid of the taboo surrounding the subject. Meanwhile, PUCSCs sole female member, Ranmeekjot Kaur, had opposed the initiative. Saying that while she was not completely opposed to menstrual leaves, she feels there are still some issues that need to be addressed. It would be a step backward to implement the leave. Women are now joining the army and other male-dominated fields. Menstruation is something that we become used to dealing with and the leaves can be adjusted within the 75% attendance rule. The extra leaves will eventually impact the quality of education that girls receive and hurt prospects during placements, she said. During the first committee meeting, Singh had been asked to prepare a proposal detailing a roadmap for the implementation of menstrual leave, which a member had called it standard protocol for policy changes. Menstrual leave was first brought to fore by the National Students Union of India, with it finding space in their list of key promises in the run-up to the 2023 student council elections. A retired inspector lost 20 lakh to two 20-year-old swindlers, who were arrested after a raid in Kestopur, West Bengal. Police have recovered two mobile phones and two SIM cards from their possession. (HT Photo) The duo, Soumodeep Sarkar and Sita Ram, called the victim, retired inspector Birender Singh of Kishangarh on WhatsApp while posing as a treasury officer. They told him that his life certificate had not been accepted yet, which could result in his pension and other allowances being discontinued. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Later, he received a WhatsApp call from another number. The caller also introduced himself as a treasury officer and sought the victims personal and bank details, which he provided over the phone. Later on December 11, 2023, the victim realised his BSNL mobile service had been stopped. Upon enquiring, he was told that the number had been ported. He then contacted his banks and found that amounts of 18.81 lakh 1.94 lakh had been fraudulently withdrawn from his two accounts. According to the information, the accused would contact people facing a problem in receiving pension and ask for documents and details to be uploaded on a link. They would then use the information to port the complainants mobile number to a different service provider and use that mobile number to withdraw the money fraudulently. Police have recovered two mobile phones and two SIM cards from their possession. New Delhi, Jan 30 (PTI) Leaders of several opposition parties on Tuesday accused the BJP of "rigging" the Chandigarh mayoral election and "capturing" the democratic system in the country. HT Image "It is a black day for democracy. Everyone saw how they stole votes," AAP supremo and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said after the BJP candidate won the mayoral election defeating the INDIA bloc joint candidate. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party and other INDIA bloc parties also called for unitedly taking on the BJP, which they alleged was "killing" democracy and "disregarding Constitutional propriety". "The brazen misuse of electoral machinery at the behest of BJP in the Chandigarh Mayoral polls will further erode the confidence of people in free and fair elections. "As I said yesterday, 2024 is the last chance for us to save Democracy. If we do not come together, to save it from BJP, our future generations shall repent," Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said in a post on X. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "It is beyond imagination what the BJP, which can kill democracy in front of the entire world in the Mayor elections, will do to remain in power in Delhi." "Years ago, on this day, Godse had assassinated Gandhiji and today Godse-vadis sacrificed his ideals and constitutional values," Gandhi said. The BJP swept the Chandigarh mayoral polls retaining the three top posts in a setback to the AAP and the Congress which had contested the elections as allies. Opposition councillors alleged there was tampering with the ballot papers after eight votes were declared invalid, a charge rubbished by the BJP. The Aam Aadmi Party, however, moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court, urging it to set aside the poll results and demanding fresh elections under the supervision of a retired HC judge. Other parties also urged the apex court to intervene. Not only the Election Commission, but the Supreme Court, as the guardian of the Constitution, should immediately take cognisance of the same and annul the election, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said. After being forced to conduct the polls by the High Court's intervention, the BJP resorted to "hijacking" the polls as it feared defeat at the hands of the INDIA alliance, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said. "We will take the fight against BJP's 'Anyay' to the courts and the people. We will fight for NYAY for Chandigarh," the Rajya Sabha Congress MP said. "The foul play by the BJP in today's Chandigarh Mayoral Election is yet another example of their arrogance, their absolute disregard for Constitutional propriety, and their disdain for democratic processes," he alleged. Kejriwal said if Chandigarh mayor elections were conducted honestly, the INDIA bloc would have registered its first win today. He expressed "serious concern" over the "cheating" in "broad daylight" and alleged the BJP indulged in "hooliganism" during the mayoral polls. "The issue is not who becomes mayor but the country should not lose and the democracy should not lose ... If people do not stop it together it will be extremely dangerous" for the nation," the AAP chief said. Congress leader K C Venugopal termed it as a "brazen, shameless capture of the democratic system". "Declaring opposition votes invalid to win the Mayor Election in Chandigarh shows that it is second nature for the BJP to override the democratic mandate," he said. "The court should also take action and immediately annul these results, conduct elections under its supervision, declare the results justly and take punitive action against those guilty of this democratic crime. "The BJP is swallowing democracy. Such brutality of power will prove to be very fatal for the country and its people," former UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said it was a serious blot on democracy. "The Chandigarh Mayor polls are yet another example of BJPfied idea of India's democratic process ... It is a shame if courts don't intervene to restore procedures and ensure a free and fair election," she said on X. BJP chief JP Nadda congratulated his party unit in Chandigarh for the victory and said the defeat of the 'INDIA' bloc candidate has shown that neither their arithmetic is working nor their chemistry. Under Prime Minister Narendra Mod's leadership, the Union territories have witnessed "record development", the BJP chief said. "That the 'INDI Alliance' fought their first electoral battle and still lost to BJP shows that neither their arithmetic is working nor their chemistry," Nadda said taking a dig at the opposition unity. Kejriwal claimed the presiding officer appointed by the BJP did not let any agent participate in the counting of the mayoral election's votes. "Seventy-six years ago, today, Mahatma Gandhi, was killed. Today, they (BJP) have killed democracy. It is a black day for democracy because of the way their dishonesty and hooliganism have been caught on camera. The entire nation is witnessing this on social media," he said. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann alleged that BJP has "looted the Chandigarh Mayoral elections," while AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha said it was not just an unconstitutional and illegal thing but also a treason. In the mayoral polls, BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar (16 votes) defeated the AAP's Kuldeep Kumar (12 votes). Eight votes were declared invalid. The councillors of the INDIA bloc parties - AAP and Congress - protested as soon as the results were announced and boycotted the elections to the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. BJP nominees Kuljit Sandhu and Rajinder Sharma were declared elected to these posts. In all, 5,020 job seekers have been selected from 7,094 candidates who appeared for skilled labour jobs in war-torn Israel, as part of an agreement between the government of Israel and the government of India. Due to the Gaza conflict, Israel has been facing a labour shortage. Job aspirants outside ITI Aliganj in Lucknow (HT File Photo) In the week-long process at ITI Aliganj, the skill of the applicants was tested in the presence of a team of the Israeli government in collaboration with National Skill Development Council (NSDC). The selected men qualified to work as masons for plastering work and ceramic tiling and other such work. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The test of skilled workers was inspected from time to time by Kunal Silku, special secretary, labour and director, training and employment, U.P. Silku said, This drive was conducted in U.P. following the direction of the chief minister. More than 5,000 workers have been selected for Israel. I wish them success. The recruitment drive was carried out following an MoU signed between the government of India and the government of Israel. The skill test of workers was taken by the Israeli team at Government ITI Aliganj, from January 23 to 30 for employment at a salary of 1. 37 lakh per month. The skill test was successfully completed on Tuesday, said Raj Kumar Yadav, principal, ITI Aliganj. Yadav said, The Israeli team praised our efforts highly. They said that if in future we need more skilled workers, then we will make ITI Aliganj, Lucknow the examination centre. The February 27 biennial election to 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh has set the stage for an interesting contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Samajwadi Party-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) before the Lok Sabha election. The Election Commission of India on Monday announced the schedule for the biennial election to fill 56 Rajya Sabha seats in 15 states, including 10 in Uttar Pradesh. (FILE PHOTO) It remains to be seen whether the BJP will repeat the 2018 biennial election feat to retain nine seats from the state in the Rajya Sabha or will the SP be able to increase its strength by countering the ruling partys game plan. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Among the 10 Rajya Sabha members from Uttar Pradesh retiring in April, nine belong to the Bharatiya Janata Party and one to the Samajwadi Party. In 2018, when Rajya Sabha polls were held for 10 seats in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP had purportedly engineered cross-voting by opposition MLAs. READ | Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: 56 seats across 15 states to go to polls on Feb 27 Back then, the BJP had 312 members in the 403-member Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly. Its allies, the Apna Dal (Sonelal) and the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), had nine and four MLAs, respectively. Bahujan Samaj Party nominee Bhimrao Ambedkar lost the election while the BJPs ninth candidate Anil Agarwal won. The scenario has changed after the 2022 assembly election as the SPs tally in the Uttar Pradesh assembly has increased from 47 MLAs (2017) to 108 MLAs currently. The strength of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), an INDIA bloc member, has also increased from a single MLA to nine. The Congresss numbers have come down from seven to two MLAs. In all, the INDIA bloc has 119 MLAs in Uttar Pradesh. As a candidate requires 37 first-preference votes to secure a seat in the Rajya Sabha, the INDIA bloc is in a comfortable position to send three members to the Upper House of Parliament. In the NDA camp, the the BJP has 252 MLAs, Apna Dal (S) 13, and the NISHAD party and the SBSP six each. With a strength of 277 MLAs, the NDA is in position to send seven candidates to the Rajya Sabha. As it will be left with 18 extra votes, even if two votes of the Jansatta Dal Loktantrik and a single BSP vote are combined, the NDA will not be in position to bag additional seats. Similarly, the INDIA blocs eight extra votes will not be enough to get a fourth seat. The Election Commission of India on Monday announced the schedule for the biennial election to fill 56 Rajya Sabha seats in 15 states, including 10 in Uttar Pradesh. The election notification will be issued on February 8. The last date for the filing of the nomination is February 15 and the last date for their withdrawal is February 20. Polling will be held on February 27 and the results announced the same day. Hence, on February 20, it will become clear if the BJP is working to repeat the 2018 game plan or will it be content by fielding seven candidates. The INDIA bloc will maintain a watch on activities of the rival camp as well as on alliance MLAs to check cross-voting in the biennial election, (which) will (otherwise) send a wrong message of disunity in the alliance before the Lok Sabha election, said a Samajwadi Party leader. The nine BJP members set to retire in April are Ashok Bajpai, Anil Jain, Anil Agarwal, Kanta Kardam, Sakaldeep Rajbhar, GVL Narasimha Rao, Sudhanshu Trivedi, Harnath Singh Yadav and Vijay Pal Tomar. Jaya Bachchan will be the lone SP member retiring from the Rajya Sabha. After announcement of the Rajya Sabha poll date, intense lobbying has started in both camps for candidature. Mumbai: The survey to classify the real Marathas in the state to facilitate reservation in the Other Backward Class (OBC) category took off on January 23, with a deadline of January 31. After many parleys between leaders of the ruling combine, including chief minister Eknath Shinde, with Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil who led the present movement, foot soldiers from various government departments are out to complete the job. Mumbai, India, Jan 23, 2024 - Government officials conducting a door to door survey in Mumbai, gathering empirical data to establish the backwardness of the Maratha Community. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced it on Saturday. Shinde directed the State administration to carry out this survey which covers Maratha and non-Maratha open categories. The BMC has deployed over 10 thousand officers and staff to conduct the survey. Jan 23, 2024. (Photo by Raju Shinde/HT Photo) It is a challenging task as there is confusion among a section of public about the survey while others are refusing to part with information. Some workers have had to wait for around an hour at the gates of housing societies to gain entry. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. On Sunday night, Marathi actor Pushkar Jog expressed his opposition to the exercise on X, with a post that read: A female BMC employee came to my home and asked my caste. If it were a male employee, I would have beaten him. On Monday, secretary of the municipal union Ramakant Bane wrote to the CM, asking for legal action against the actor, as he had obstructed governments work and discouraged their efforts. Later in the evening, the actor apologised on the social media platform with a post: I only believe in humanity not in caste. My post didnt mean to hurt sentiments of any individual. Also read: For Marathas, Jarange-Patil is now a superhero Around 30,000 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) employees have to visit 39 lakh houses to collect data. Officials from legal, engineering, health and education departments have been deployed for the purpose, which has affected civic works. Each surveyor has to visit 150 houses every day to gather information; each questionnaire has 154 queries, many embarrassing. Awkward queries A teacher deputed for the survey pointed out how she was embarrassed to ask questions such as do you take dowry before marriage? or do you defecate in the open. People get angry and demand an explanation of the connection between such questions and reservations, she said. Another teacher from the Maratha community on the job said people resisted parting with information about their incomes and properties. If these issues are not resolved, the survey will serve no purpose. We have informed our superiors, but they seem focused only on completing the task, she said. A teacher also highlighted technical glitches with the mobile application. There are errors many castes and sub-castes are not mentioned, leading people to question the survey, she said. Resistance movement Opposition was faced from citizens residing in highrises and those belonging to the minority community in Kurla, Dharavi, Jogeshwari East, which have a strong Muslim population. They fear the survey is being conducted under the guise of collecting data for National Register of Citizens (NRC). Rumours are doing the rounds on social media fuelling misinformation, and the administration has to take extra care to quell them. Dr S Gujar, medical officer of health (MOH), L-ward, said surveyors were denied access in highrises in Powai, Chandivali, Kurla, Nehru Nagar and Kohinoor City. We roped in former corporators, MLAs and MPs to help citizens cooperate with civic officials, said Gujar. He added, till Sunday, 70% homes were covered. He has 1834 enumerators who cover 150 houses each day. Meraj Hussain, social activist in Dharavi in G-North ward added clerics have been asked to step in, as they did during the pandemic when there was much misinformation about the vaccine. Mahendra Khandade, MOH from K-East ward (Jogeshwari, Vile Parle and Andheri) said most citizens from highrises said they would not divulge information, if they were not told earlier. We got a 30% refusal rate. At least 40,000 people have refused us from the 2.4 lakh houses covered. We have three days left to convince them through email, he said. The perception is that the survey is only to classify Marathas, and not those from the open category. An enumerator from G-South shared that BMCs teams had to visit societys offices in buildings such as Nestle Apartments, Lodha Crest and Lodha One, to convince them to participate in the survey. Another enumerator from the ward underlined glitches with the app. There was resistance from scheduled caste communities from BDD chawl as initially there was no option for the Buddhists. The app was updated thereafter, he said. A civic official experienced citizens reluctance in areas that do not support the present government Worlis G-South constituency, that supports Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackerays leadership, is one. They are not comfortable disclosing their financial status and educational qualifications, he said. The MOH in G-South ward has formed three teams which function like vigilance groups comprising medical officers, sanitary inspectors, clerical staff, data operators to spread the good word about the exercise. Vehicles have been provided for the purpose. It has been a challenge to win the trust of secretaries of housing societies. We have had to involve shakha pramukhs and vibhaag pramukhs to dispel negative thought. We completed 90% of the task on Monday. We have kept the last day to visit locked houses, he said, adding they faced 23,651 such houses in the ward till Sunday. The reasons for locked homes could be many daily wage workers in slums return late while some are away on transfer of jobs. We have allocated night duties now, he said. Also read: I dont agree': Union minister warns of unrest after Shinde govt's decision on Maratha agitation Aaditya Thackeray brushed aside any notion of an anti-government stance and said there was much confusion in the air. Largely, officials have been unable to convey to citizens the purpose of the survey. Many are asking if this is official at all, he said. Thackerays statement bears out while Sumant Bhange, secretary of state Social Welfare Department, said the contract for the survey was given to the state Backward Class commission, Ashwini Patil, member secretary of the commission said nothing was amiss with the way the survey is being conducted. (With inputs from Yogesh Naik and Sabah Virani) The Gujarat high court on Monday pulled up the Vadodara Municipal Corporation over the Harni boat tragedy, urging the implementation of a water body management policy and accountability measures for officials in such incidents. A crane pulls out the boat which capsized in Harni Lake carrying children and teachers who were on a picnic, in Vadodara. (Reuters photo) The court was hearing a suo motu PIL (public interest litigation) in the January 18 incident where a boat carrying students and teachers capsized in Harni Lake in Vadodara, killing 12 students and two teachers, while 18 students and two teachers were rescued. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Advocate general Kamal Trivedi provided a concise summary of the events, stating that a distress call regarding the Harni Lake boat capsizing was received by the Vadodara district police control room around 4:45pm, prompting immediate action by the Harni police control room, who arrived at the scene by 4:49pm to initiate rescue efforts. Also Read: Gujarat Police arrest Paresh Shah, key accused in Vadodara boat capsize incident He continued that upon receiving a call at 4:40 pm, the Vadodara Municipal Corporations rescue team, led by a fire officer, swiftly responded with around 40-50 rescuers, deploying boats and equipment, alongside bystanders. The division bench of chief justice Sunita Agarwal and justice Aniruddha P Mayee remarked that people often remain in a state of denial until a tragedy strikes, believing such incidents will never happen. You may have taken a hundred corrective measures (after the incident), but that is not enough. We want to know how you were operating prior to the incident. Is anybody in the corporation accountable or not?, the court asked when the civic bodys lawyer about measures taken after the incident. He said an internal inquiry attributed negligence to 19 persons, including boat operators, for allowing more passengers than the boats capacity of 14 persons, resulting in the tragedy where 30 people were onboard without enough life jackets. What is the duty of the corporation (VMC)? They give contracts to private people and forget about it? Do they supervise or give any instructions to the contractor? justice Agarwal said. The court emphasised that civic bodies cannot simply contract out public utilities and then neglect to supervise the private entities responsible for their management. Arent the civic bodies checking if the private contractors are following the norms or not? These water bodies are to be looked after by the corporation. We arent against the use of such bodies for amusement, but the civic bodies need to keep a check. There must be some instructions, accountability, and supervision, the bench remarked. The internal report, according to Trivedi, suggested that on two accounts before the Harni Lake incident, the contractor was given instructions. If he was not following instructions given by the corporation, then why was he continuing? Was any show-cause notice issued to him? This is only an eyewash on the corporations part. We will be calling the affidavit of the corporation also. The municipal commissioner is answerable for that as this is within the jurisdiction of the VMC, observed Justice Agarwal. AG Trivedi told the bench that the initial contract between the contractor and the VMC was signed in 2017. We want to know the terms of the contract. All this is just an eyewash, the bench observed. The court called for a government policy applicable to all water bodies in the state that are being used for amusement purposes. If you are framing a policy, accountability is the first step. A contractor is a contractor, but accountability is of the officer of the corporation, it said. The court wanted to know whether it was also applicable to lakes in the forest areas like Nal Sarovar Lake, where people are ferried in boats without a life jacket. During the hearing, senior advocate Trusha Patel, who was appointed as an amicus to assist the court, submitted her suggestions which included proper compensation to kin of the deceased students and teachers. She submitted that even the contractor who was booked in the case, must be made liable to pay compensation to the victims families. In response to the suggestion of granting government jobs to the family members of the deceased, chief justice Agarwal remarked that while acknowledging the aspirations and potential of the victims, government jobs cannot be offered in such circumstances. She highlighted that even the contractor involved in the incident did not possess the capacity to provide employment opportunities to the affected families, underscoring the limitations of such measures. Four more arrested, six still on the run The civic body has registered an FIR (first information report) in the case, accusing 19 persons, including people associated with private firm Kotia Projects, its sub-contractor and the boat operators, of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and attempt to commit culpable homicide under provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). On Monday, Vadodara police said they arrested four additional suspects, namely Nilesh Jain, Jatin Doshi, Neha Doshi, and Tejal Doshi. It was revealed that about ten months ago, Kotiya Projects, the company contracted for managing the Lake Zone for a decade since 2017, sub-contracted the responsibility to Nilesh Jain without informing the other partners, making Jain effectively in charge of the day-to-day operations of the lake area, including employee supervision. All the individuals arrested on Monday were partners in the Lake Side project and held some form of equity stake in it, said police. The nine suspects previously arrested in connection with the Harni Lake boat accident are currently on remand. The suspects disclosed that the main accused, Paresh Shah, and his son, Vatsal Shah, were the primary individuals managing the Lake Zone, police said. So far, 13 suspects have been arrested and the police has formed different teams to nab the six suspects who are still at large. At least 65 tourists from West Bengal had a narrow escape on Tuesday morning when their bus driver suffered a heart attack while driving them to a temple in Odishas Balasore, but stopped the bus immediately before falling unconscious. Representational image. Officials said the passengers from Kolkata were on the way to Panchalingeswar shrine in Nilagiri area of Balasore when driver Sk Aktar suffered a massive heart attack. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Despite the chest pain, the driver stopped the bus by the roadside before falling unconscious. The passengers called the locals and rushed him to a Nilagiri hospital where the doctor pronounced him dead, a police official said. One of the locals said when the bus suddenly stopped, he thought the tourists wanted a break. But after a closer look, we saw the driver lying senseless in his seat. We called an ambulance and rushed him to the hospital, where the doctors announced him as dead, said Mihir Behera, a person from Patapur village. The deceased bus driver hailed from Howrah in West Bengal. Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren returned to Ranchi from Delhi, nearly 1,300km away, by road on Monday night to avoid officials keeping a watch at New Delhi airport to trace the 48-year-old Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader, people close to him said on Tuesday. In Ranchi, Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren leaves for Jharkhand UPA's meeting amid ongoing political crisis on Tuesday (PTI) Soren reached Ranchi in the early hours of Tuesday and later held a meeting of the ruling alliance lawmakers at the chief ministers residence to discuss the political situation in the state. In photographs and videos shared by Sorens office on X (previously Twitter), a large number of MLAs and ministers were seen greeting him before attending the meeting. Sorens wife Kalpana was also present at the meeting. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Soren wasnt at his south Delhi house when a team of ED officials reached at 7am on Monday. The federal agency searched the house in the Shanti Niketan neighbourhood on Monday and camped at the location for nearly 13 hours waiting for him. They seized about 36 lakh cash, a BMW SUV registered in Haryana and some documents from his Delhi residence, officials said, declining to be named. READ | Soren returns to Ranchi, digs heels amid ED hunt Soren was around New Delhi for legal consultation, people close to him said on condition of anonymity, stressing that there was no need for the agency officers to go looking for him as he had already responded to the ED. The agency that investigates financial crimes on Saturday asked Soren to confirm his appearance on January 29 or 31 for further questioning in a money laundering probe. Soren informed the EDs Ranchi zone assistant director on Sunday that he would appear before the probe team at his Ranchiresidence at 1pm on January 31. He was last questioned in the case on January 20. Soren landed at New Delhis Indira Gandhi International airport on Friday and was expected to fly out by another chartered plane owned by a private firm, airport officials said, wishing to remain unnamed. This aircraft landed on Saturday night and remained parked at the airport. An ED team was stationed at the airport in case he sought to fly back to Ranchi. READ | Missing Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren holds meeting in Ranchi: Top updates The central agencys Prevention of Money Laundering Act probe against Soren pertains to an alleged land scam linked to the ownership of a parcel of land measuring 7.16 acres in the Bajra area of Ranchi. It has been alleged that the land parcel was acquired through proceeds of crime involving the illegal sale of army land. Soren has dismissed the case as politically motivated and said the details of his assets were in the public domain. The agency has arrested 14 people in the case, including 2011 batch Indian Administrative Service officer Chhavi Ranjan, who served as director of the states social welfare department, deputy commissioner of Ranchi, Bhanu Pratap Prasad, and businessmen Amit Agrawal and Bishnu Agrawal, who own shopping malls in the state capital. The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has released the admit card for the Assistant Curator/Research & Publication Officer/ Assistant Director Written (Objective) Competitive Examination. Candidates who want to appear in the examination can download the admit card from the official website at www.bpsc.bih.nic.in. Download BPSC admit card for Assistant Curator/Research & Publication Officer/ Assistant Director exam The commission will conduct the Assistant Curator/Research & Publication Officer/ Assistant Director exam on February 4. The examination will be conducted in two shifts from 11 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 2 pm. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. For more details, candidates can check the detailed notification here. It should be noted by candidates who will appear for the written exam that they will need to download the declaration that is available on the official website along with a hall ticket. Candidates should download the declaration form and correctly fill it out before submitting it to the exam center superintendent. As mentioned in the notification, candidates are advised to bring the examination admit card and any other identification documents, such as their driver's license, PAN card, or Aadhar card. BPSC Admit Card 2024: How to download Visit the official website of Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)-bpsc.bih.nic.in. Click on the link "Assistant Curator/Research & Publication Officer/ Assistant Director Written (Objective) Competitive Examination- upload of Admit Card" on the home page. Key in your login details Your admit card will be displayed on the screen. Download and save it for future reference. The 3rd edition of the Walmart CodeHers hiring challenge conducted exclusively for women is now open for registration. Interested candidates need to clear 3 levels to emerge as the ultimate winners of the challenge. According to a press release by Unstop, a community engagement and hiring platform for students and graduates, CodeHers 2024 aims to provide women coders an opportunity to showcase their skills and land their dream jobs. Undergraduate and postgraduate female students across the country can participate in the challenge. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. 10 lakh+ females are enrolled in Engineering & Tech courses in India as per the AISHE report. Walmart CodeHers gives this talented cohort a great opportunity to showcase their skills," said Ankit Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Unstop. Also Read: Women comprises 48% of overall enrollment in higher education: AISHE report CodeHers 2024 Interested candidates need to clear 3 levels to emerge as the ultimate winners of the challenge. Level 1 will comprise an MCQ challenge while Level 2 will be a Coding challenge for the participants where they will present logical coding solutions to two problem statements. On clearing Levels 1 and 2, candidates will go through a profile verification and interview process. The top 15 students in the challenge from each graduating batch (2024 and 2025) will receive a cash prize of INR 30,000. The top coders from the 2025 graduating batch will be offered direct summer internship opportunities at Walmart Global Tech India in Chennai or Bangalore with a monthly stipend of INR 1,00,000-1,10,000 lakh. The top coders from the 2024 graduating batch will also be contacted for Pre Placement Interviews against relevant opportunities for Software roles at Walmart Global Tech India. For software engineers, the salary package ranges from INR 18-21 lakhs with an INR 2-3.5 lakh joining bonus and stock grants of up to INR 2.5 lakhs. The deadline for registrations for the contest is 18th February 2024. For more details, visit the official website. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur conducted a study recently focusing on the concerning trends regarding the reporting of mental disorders in India. The study revealed that self-reporting of mental illness was less than 1%. A recent study conducted by IIT Jodhpur revealed that self-reporting of mental illness was less than 1%. in India. (Representative image/Unsplash) According to a press release issued by IIT Jodhpur, the study was based on the 75th Round National Sample Survey, 2017-18 that relied on the self-reporting of the individuals. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. As per the release, the data was collected from 555,115 individuals from 8077 villages and 6181 urban areas that were selected randomly. Out of these, 283 were outpatient and 374 hospitalization cases due to mental disorders in India. Also read: AISHE report: Top 10 states with maximum student enrollment The study was conducted as per the logistic regression models which indicated that individuals with higher incomes were 1.73 times more inclined to report health problems in contrast to those with lower incomes. The findings of the study: 1. Low Self-Reporting of Mental Disorders: Self-reporting of mental disorders in India is considerably lower than the actual burden of the disease indicating a significant gap in identifying and addressing mental health issues. 2. Socioeconomic Disparities: The study revealed a socioeconomic divide, with self-reporting of mental disorders being 1.73 times higher among the richest income group population compared to the poorest in India. 3. Dominance of the Private Sector: With 66.1% of outpatient care and 59.2% of inpatient care, the private sector emerged as a major provider of mental health services. 4. Limited Health Insurance Coverage: About 23% of individuals hospitalized for mental disorders had health insurance coverage at the national level. 5. High Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: The average out-of-pocket expenditures for both `hospitalization and outpatient care were significantly higher in the private sector as compared t1o the public sector. Also read: BPSC releases admit card for Assistant Curator, Assistant Director and other posts The study, co-authored by Dr Alok Ranjan, Assistant Professor at the School of Liberal Arts (SoLA) in IIT Jodhpur, and Dr Jewel Crasta from the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the Ohio State University, Columbus, USA., has been published in the International Journal of Mental Health Systems. Dr Alok Ranjan, while speaking about the low self-reporting on Mental Health Disorders in India, pointed out that a major barrier to reporting mental health disorders is the stigma in society. He said, The reluctance to report mental health issues persists due to the prevailing stigma, and individuals often choose silence over seeking help, fearing social judgment. Dr Ranjan suggested that destigmatizing mental health plays a big role in fostering an environment where seeking support is welcomed. Notably, the 2017 National Mental Health Survey by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), also indicated that around 197.3 million individuals had a mental disorder in India. (For more information, visit the official website) Actor Kangana Ranaut has supported Elon Musk's Neuralink Corp. performing a brain implant in the first human recipient. Elon's move is a major step toward his goal of enabling people to control computers with their minds. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday, Elon Musk had tweeted, "The first @Neuralink product is called Telepathy." (Also Read | Kangana Ranaut reacts to Elon Musk confessing he is a fan of PM Modi during their US meet) Kangana Ranaut shared Elon Musk's tweet. What Elon tweeted Elon also wrote, "Enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking. Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal." Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. How Kangana has reacted Sharing it, Kangana said, Satyug was primarily called so because of this technology/ability of communication without speaking, if we see this in our lifetime then its not impossible to imagine technology Devtas and Rishis and many other celestial beings use in our scriptures, because for most of these so called atheists biggest challenge is to understand what they dont know/ or havent seen, as they call everything in our scriptures too far fetched, well not that far anymore (slightly smiling face emoji). About Elon's Neuralink Neuralink is a startup founded by Elon Musk in 2017. Its trying to build a brain-computer interface that would help people with traumatic injuries operate phones and PCs using only their thoughts. To do that, its working on implanting electrodes into peoples brains. It aims to interpret signals and treat conditions such as paralysis, epilepsy and Parkinsons disease. One early device is known as the Utah array, which was first demonstrated in a human in 2004. Many competitors have entered the field, including Synchron and Precision Neuroscience. About Kangana's upcoming films Fans will see Kangana in Emergency, which will release in theatres on June 14. The movie, also written and directed by Kangana, features the actor in the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The film also features Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair and the late Satish Kaushik. She also has an upcoming psychological thriller film with R Madhavan. Vijay will helm the film. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Amy Jackson and Ed Westwick walk together at the red carpet.(File Photo) Ed Westwick, known for his role in Gossip Girl, recently popped the question to his longtime girlfriend Amy Jackson. The couple, who first met at an Aston Martin event in 2021, have been in a relationship for three years. Following Westwick's invitation for a coffee date with their dogs, the connection between him and Jackson blossomed. Jackson, who is a mother, shared with Lifestyle Asia, that her son and Westwick have developed a strong bond. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. (Also Read: Squid Game actor Lee Byung Hun's LA house ransacked by burglars, no damage reported) Here's all you need to know about Amy Jackson and her relationship with Ed Westwick. Amy Jackson's Journey from Miss Teen World to Tollywood Jackson, born in the United Kingdom, began her modeling career at the age of 15. Crowned Miss Teen World in 2009, she clinched the titles of Miss Teen Liverpool and Miss Teen Great Britain. In 2010, Indian film producers discovered her profile on the Miss Teen World website, leading to her audition for Madrasapattinam, marking her entry into Tollywood. Since then, she has accumulated over 20 credits in the film industry, including her role in the 2018 film 2.0, which held the record for India's most expensive Tamil film upon release. A Coffee Date to Remember Amy and Ed's first encounter was at a fall 2021 Aston Martin racing event at the Silverstone race track. Introduced by a mutual friend, they bonded over their love for their dogsJackson's poodle Herbert and Westwick's Frenchie Humphrey. Westwick, charmed by the connection, later invited Jackson on a double date with their dogs at a coffee shop in Hampstead, which sealed the deal. Prior to meeting Westwick, Jackson was in a relationship with hotelier George Panayiotou. They were engaged when they welcomed their son, Andreas, on September 19, 2019, but eventually went their separate ways. Since then, Jackson has introduced Westwick to her son, and the two have forged a special bond. While on a trip to Gstaad, Switzerland, Jackson and Westwick's romantic escapade reached new heights when the actor proposed on Peak Walk by Tissot, a suspended mountain bridge. (Also Read: Deadpool 3 plot synopsis is officially out: Wade Wilson and Wolverine team up for MCU chaos) Sharing the joyous news, the couple made a joint announcement on Instagram. Jackson's caption beneath a carousel of photos captured the moment with a resounding "Hell YES." The well-recognized Queen of the North Sophie Turner of Game of Thrones fame is making the most of the chilly winter. On January 29, the 27-year-old actress pinged with a new update surrounding her new rumored romance. Sophie Turner and rumored beau Peregrine Pearson spotted on a ski trip.(Sophie Turner / Instagram) Taking to Instagram, she shared a few pictures of the recently undertaken ski trip. In this thread of six snaps, her potential boyfriend aka the British aristocrat Peregrine Pearson is also featured alongside the actor's friends. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. This new update has emerged amidst Turner's divorce with Joe Jonas, also a member of the pop band Jonas Brothers. Sophie has been linked to the fourth Viscount Cowdray heir since the latter half of October 2023. Sophie Turner and Peregrine Pearson's ski trip post The first pic in the Sophie Turner ski trip Instagram thread post captioned Jagerbomb anyone? drives the attention to a group of four people. Although the quartet is fully covered in heavy winter gear as they take a ride on the ski ride, Sophie tagged her pals as well as her rumored beau. She's seen sitting right beside Pearson, while her friends Amadea Kimmins and Rupert Gorst take the other side. Other photos in the carousel post also reveal them landing at the snowcapped mountain's top. Yet another snap lends us a blurred insight into the friend circle having a jolly time and dancing at what possibly appears to be an intimate pub. Visuals of a ski chalet and other solo Sophie pics also made it to the post. The location of the vacation spot wasn't revealed. The Emmy-nominated actor Sophie Turner has recently been in the news after she parted ways with Jonas in September following their four years of marriage. The two share two daughters and have since then been to court regarding their heated custody issues. Sophie had even filed a case against Joe for allegedly not letting their daughters return to England earlier. An Instagram post even addresses Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas's decision to split. Sophie Turner Instagram post about her split with Joe Jonas: Turner recently also graced the Harper's Bazaar Germany cover. It seems that she's dedicated the last few months to her friends, as highlighted in one of her Instagram posts as well that was captioned 2023 was the year of the girlies. Yet another post reveals her association with non-profit charity Crisis UK. In the thriving and competitive world of K-pop, you are likely to ask whose turn? The answer you are likely to hear is 8TURN. A year since their debut in January 2023 with their album 8TURNRISE, they released two albums, UNCHARTED DRIFT as well as STUNNING, showcasing their musical repertoire and the title track RU-PUM PUM, striking quite a chord with listeners across the world. (Also Read | BTS slips in ranking first time in 5 years as a new K-pop group rises in reputation) 8TURN debuted in January 2023. Comprising of eight members---MYUNG HO, JAE YUN, MIN HO, YOON SUNG, HAE MIN, KYUNG MIN, YUN GYU and SEUNG HEON, the boys who celebrate their first year in the music industry, have been overwhelmed with love and support. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. In an exclusive with the Hindustan Times, from Seoul, 8TURN spoke about what it takes to make it in K-pop and their love for Indian food, especially naan and curry. HT: 8TURN, its been one year since your debut. How does it feel, and what's been your biggest lesson? MYUNG HO: I cannot believe it has been a year already. 2023 was such a wonderful time to be able to have numerous stages and be able to meet TURNING. I will never forget this year! The most valuable lesson that I learned was the importance of and thankfulness that I feel for TURNING! KYUNG MIN: I cannot believe that it has been a year already, either! We learned the importance of being able to be on the stage, be humble every time, and the lesson that the result is not important if we tried our best in the situation given! HT: You are out with your third mini album, which reflects the infinite energy, confidence and coolness of the group as well. JAE YUN: Yes, the title of our third mini album is STUNNING, so the concept of this album is confidence and coolness. Its not about trying too hard or copying someone else, but rather showing our true selves as we are, showing confidence and courage as interpreted by 8TURN. Therefore, we are saying that we are STUNNING the way we are. MIN HO: I believe the concept of this album is To show what it is like to be 8TURN. For that reason, we tried to convey the message that we can tackle any challenge with conviction and determination that we have while showing the rizz and confidence we hold. HT: From your trainee days to making your debut, what's been your biggest challenge and the biggest lesson learnt? YOON SUNG: Looking back at it now, they were all stepping stones to where I am now, but back then, it was a time of repetitive and endless practice day after day, which made me tired. However, Ive learned to overcome the tough days and move forward to achieve my goal. I improved not only my skills but also how to live life. HAE MIN: The part I struggled the most was with stamina! However, even when it seemed like my energy was at its limit, I was able to practice a few more times if I pulled myself together. So, I realized that I was stronger than I thought! And felt that I could do it, too! HT: What do you miss about your trainee days? YUN GYU: It was a time when I could focus on practice. When I was a trainee, I could devote all my time to practice. But now, I cannot use all of my time for practice and sometimes miss those trainee periods when I cannot practice as much as I want during the promotion period. SEUNG HEON: I miss a routine. After debuting and starting promoting, there are times when I have a hectic lifestyle. So I miss those moments sometimes. HT: K-pop is hugely popular all over the world. What do you think makes it so popular globally? YOON SUNG: K-pop artists often perform as part of a group. Many people like that aspect of K-pop and enjoy group performances, a combination of various voices and diverse music styles. Also, many people tend to like the chemistry between members, and I believe those elements have contributed to the popularity of K-pop. HAE MIN: Many K-pop artists often perform in groups. I believe each member within the group complements and interacts with each other to create more diverse performances and stages. Furthermore, not limited to the music or stage, people also seem to like the chemistry that comes from various aspects within the group. HT: Also, how challenging is it to set your path in the music industry which is so competitive? MIN HO: Despite the challenges ahead of us, we will walk our path and try our best to show various aspects of ourselves! Please look forward to our music and performance in the future. KYUNG MIN: I want to participate more in the production aspects of the performances and our songs! I think we could convey the message we want to deliver through our songs and performances better if we create the stage ourselves! I also want to make music that brings hope, comfort, and happiness to many people! HT: Who have been your musical influences? What music band do you admire most? MYUNG HO: We all admire Seventeen the most! Their singing and performance skills are perfect; we admire how in sync they are on stage and the bond between the members. We admire how synchronized they are and their cool teamwork! YUN GYU: In terms of vocals, I was inspired by Ed Sheeran. I often tried to copy Ed Sheerans style during my trainee period. The group I admire is Seventeen. They are our role model. Wed love to perform in sync, just like they do with all of their members. HT: When not making music, what do you all like to do? SEUNG HEON: I like to watch anime, so I often spend my time watching anime or movies while I am not practising or having a meal. JAE YUN: I like to stay at home during my free time. I often watch movies or take a nap the whole time. HT: Are you aware of India? Have you watched Indian films? Do you like Indian food? YOON SUNG: Recently, we filmed content with people from India and tried Indian food. The food suited my taste so well that I wanted to go and try it myself. Since its a country that Ive never visited before, Id love to go there and perform for the fans in India and do some sightseeing if we have time! HAE MIN: We had time to get to know about India recently during the content filming! My favourite Indian food is butter chicken curry with naan!! Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place In a long list of firsts achieved by the 8-member K-pop boy group Stray Kids, a new star leading them to BST Hyde Park 2024 has been added. On January 30, an announcement posted on the British Summer Time Hyde Park's social media platforms informed the world about the latest feat achieved by the music act. Stray Kids is the first K-pop boy group to headline BST Hyde Park.(X / @BSTHydePark) The Korean octet has now joined girl group BLACKPINK as the only K-pop acts to have headlined the London series of concerts. While being the second K-pop group to have joined the roster, Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. make for the first boy group from the industry to have earned this landmark victory. The schedule for their upcoming UK exclusive performance in the summer has been revealed as well. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Stray Kids BST Hyde Park 2024 performance schedule Stray Kids members will be coming to London for one day. Their performance is scheduled to take place at Hyde Park on Sunday, July 14, 2024. Here's the BST Hyde Park 2024 announcement featuring Stray Kids: Also read: Squid Game fame Park Hae Soo and Kim Tae Hee team up for new American series The presale for the music festival will go live on Friday, February 9, at 10 am GMT. On the other hand, tickets for the general sale will be available from Monday, February 12, at 10 am GMT. The supporting lineup for the annual music fest is yet to be revealed. More details of the event can be found here: https://www.bst-hydepark.com/events/stray-kids-14-july/ Another Stray Kids concert 2024 appearance In addition to the BST Hyde Park event powered by American Express, the octet will also be headlining another European concert series this year. In another prestigious victory, the group will be taking charge at the I Days 2024 concert. The members' appearance is slated for a one-day show in Italy at the I-Days Milan, SNAI Hippodrome (Hippodrome de San Siro) on July 12, 2024. Presale for the same goes live on the I Days app from February 5 at 11 am (local time). MyLiveNation presale is scheduled to kick off on February 9 at 11 am. The general sale on I Days will be up from February 12 at 11 am. Stray Kids I Days 2024 announcement: Suriya and Jyotika had a gala time during their recent holiday in Finland. Taking to her Instagram account, Jyotika shared a reel on Tuesday which had a collage of their best moments from the trip. From staying in an igloo to cherishing the Northern Lights, the actor-couple shared many snaps from their romantic vacation. (Also read: Suriya and Jyotika come together with Shabana Azmi for a happy photo; check it out) Suriya and Jyotika in the new video from their Finland vacation. Jyotika's Instagram post The video starts with a video of snowfall, with the caption embedded on it, "Life is like a rainbow, let's start discovering its colours... Found my white (snow emoticon)." Then we see glimpses of the place which is entirely covered with snow. Suriya is seen smiling, while Jyotika waves at the camera as she makes her way inside an igloo. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The video also showed a glimpse of the couple enjoying a leigh ride together. Then, a small peek into the completely wooden house within the snowclad region, where both of them stayed during the vacation. The video ended with snapshots of many romantic moments, where they were seen posing under the Northern Lights, and also having a drink together. In the caption, Jyotika wrote, "2024 - a year full of travel. January : Finland (Arctic circle) (green tick emoticon) Special thanks to @kakslauttanen_arctic_resort and team for the warmth and hospitality!" Fan reactions A fan reacted to the heartfelt post, "When your husband is your best friend and a travel partner. Goals since forever." Another said, "I was not ready for this cutesttt reel (red heart emoticons)." A second fan said, "Aww, you guys keep proving why you both are forever goals." A comment also read, "Favourite Couple." Upcoming projects Jyotika was last seen as Omana in the Malayalam film Kaathal - The Core. The film and her performance in the Mammootty co-starrer was received well by critics and audience alike. She will soon be seen in Hindi projects titled Sri and Black Magic. Suriya, who was last seen as Rolex in Kamal Haasans Vikram, will soon be seen in Kanguva. Directed by Siva and written by Adi Narayana, the film also stars Disha Patani and Bobby Deol in their Tamil debuts. Devi Sri Prasad will compose music for the film. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Lulu Wang's new limited series begins with an outline of a series of tragic headlines. A doctor takes a nap on the wheel, which kills three pedestrians. A small aircraft crashes unexpectedly due to bad weather, which kills many skiers. Elsewhere, a friendly tussle between two siblings results in severe health condition for one. These accidents change the lives of these people forever. Nicole Kidman and Brian Tee in Expats. As narrated by Mercy (Ji-young Yoo), whose life will also alter forever due to a tragedy, it is a reflection of how each of these news reports never ask what led to the tragedy in the first place. What about the people involved in them? Will the burden of their guilt ever give way to a better morning? Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Expats asks these questions with vitality and care, allowing room for perspectives and revelations. It is a powerful, gorgeously performed show, led by Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman. (Also read: In The Summers review: Passage of time shapes this superb father-daughter drama) The premise The actor plays Margaret, a landscape architect. When we first meet her, we do not what is the cause of her overwhelming sadness. She is married to Clarke (Brian Tee), whose job transfer took them from New York to Hong Kong. She is here with her son and daughter, planning for Clarke's 50th birthday party. The party is but an excuse to lighten things up, which fails when Margaret spots Mercy there as a server. At least, this brings Margaret close to her good friend and neighbour Hilary (Saraya Blue), who is an Indian-American expat having a rocky time accepting her husband. Wang chooses to carve the suspense wisely, and it is not until the end of episode 2 when we come to terms with what actually happened. At Mercy's care, Margaret's youngest son Gus (Connor J. Gillman) disappears one evening in the crowded market. From here on, Expats connects the lives of these three women in simultaneous arcs, interrogating not just their response to grief and anger, but also the web of privilege that bubbles beneath the surface. With the Umbrella Protest of 2014 also taken into consideration, there's a doubling down on the variety of ways the community is finding ways to grapple with distrusting forces. Final thoughts Wang, working here with gifted cinematographer Anna Franquesa-Solano, captures the cultural fabric of Hong Kong with a non-judgmental lens. There's a curious eye for the crude excesses, one that is ridden with guilt and uncertainty. The fascinating fifth episode, almost like an 96-minute independent film in a capsule, breaks away from the strain and follows the lives of the nannies of the Woos and the Starrs, Essie (Ruby Ruiz, in the show's most wondrous performance) and Puri (Amelyn Pardenilla), and their families. The shift of perspective, on the laments and arguments over their work and choices as activists are wondrously communicated. Kidman, who has played way too many privileged women shaken by some kind of grief in prestige TV dramas by now, is reliably fine as Margaret. But, Expats finds its true power and light in the hands of Blue and Yoo. One has been an actor working in supporting roles for a while, who finally gets to expand on her character. She is a force to watch here. The other gives a true breakout performance: complex and gripping at every point. Along with these three women, Expats finds a nuanced exploration of motherhood and grief, existing in the uncertain spaces of society. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place It's official after a long wait, Netflix has confirmed the upcoming K-drama featuring South Korea's soloist and actress IU alongside top star Park Bo Gum. The announcement was made on January 30 KST. IU, who previously collaborated with acclaimed director Kim Won Seok in My Mister, is set to embrace a romantic role in this new drama, unfolding against the tranquil setting of Jeju Island. New K-Drama Starring IU and Park Bo Gum Coming Soon on Netflix(EDAM ent, Park Bo Gum Instagram) Also read: Park Hyung Siks Doctor Slump surges in popularity, Captivating The King ratings double Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. IU And Park Bo Gum to unite for new Netflix K-drama As per Netflix Korea, When Life Gives You Tangerines, (working title) follows the escapades of Ae Sun, known as "the extraordinary rebel" from Jeju Island, and Gwan Sik referred to as unyielding iron. In discussions since the previous year, the drama, initially titled You Have Done Well with the Korean title written in the Jeju dialect, narrates the life journeys of two people Ae, both born on Jeju Island in the 1950s. Character details IU plays Ae Soon, a spirited firecracker with a heart of gold. Despite facing challenges, she stays bright and hopeful. She dreams of poetry and is not afraid to show her feelings. On the other hand, Park Bo Gum plays Gwan Shik, a devoted and hardworking person. He may not express romantic feelings easily, and emotions like tears and laughter can make him speechless. However, his love for Ae Soon is constant and strong. He silently loves her with all his heart, making him a loyal and devoted partner. Also read: All of Us Are Dead season 2 finally gets a 2024 Netflix release window: cast, plot and more The cast of When Life Gives You Tangerines Directed by Kim Won Suk, the creator of Misaeng (Incomplete Life), Signal, and My Mister, and written by the renowned screenwriter Im Sang Choon, known for Fight My Way and When the Camellia Blooms, the K-drama also features key roles played by Moon So Ri and Park Hae Joon. IU announces comeback song IU, also known as Lee Ji Eun, confirmed her participation in the upcoming K-drama the day after announcing her comeback album. The mood film for her sixth mini album, titled The Winning, was unveiled on January 30 at 12 a.m. KST. Scheduled for release on February 20 at 6 p.m. KST, the album will feature IU's recent pre-release single, Love Wins All which stars BTS member V. Mainland, HK implement arrangement to recognize each others judgments of civil, commercial court cases 08:13, January 30, 2024 By Chen Qingqing ( Global Times Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal (Front) and International Finance Center are seen in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Li Peng) The Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) jointly implemented an arrangement on Monday allowing the mainland and the HKSAR to recognize and enforce each other's judgments in civil and commercial court cases, which is hailed as an important milestone and considered as conducive to enhance Hong Kong's status as international legal service and dispute resolution center. Under the new arrangements, courts of the two jurisdictions may recognize and enforce reciprocally effective judgments in civil and commercial matters that are made by the courts of the other side and are covered by the arrangement. This reduces the need for parties to relitigate the same dispute in the mainland and Hong Kong courts respectively, thereby reducing the risks, legal costs, and time usually associated with the cross-boundary enforcement of such judgments. "The arrangement showcases the unique advantages enjoyed by Hong Kong under One Country, Two Systems. Hong Kong is the only jurisdiction to have an arrangement with the mainland on reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments with such wide coverage," Justice Secretary Paul Lam told a seminar on the agreement on Monday. The arrangement helps consolidate Hong Kong's status as a regional intellectual property trading center as well as a regional center for international legal and dispute resolution services as outlined in the national 14th Five-Year Plan, Lam said. The arrangement is the ninth judicial assistance document in effect between the two jurisdictions and is also the most extensive and significant arrangement. After it comes into effect, it is expected that around 90 percent of civil and commercial judgments from the two places' courts will be mutually recognized and enforced, Si Yanli, deputy director general of the research office of the Supreme People's Court, was quoted as saying in media reports on Monday. The arrangement seeks to expand the scope of mutual recognition as much as possible, but there are still some cases that are not included within the scope of mutual recognition and enforcement, Si said, noting that it does not currently apply to judgments in eight categories of civil and commercial cases, including certain family and marriage matters, inheritance cases, some patent infringement cases, certain maritime and maritime commerce cases, bankruptcy (liquidation) cases, voter eligibility determinations, cases related to arbitration, and cases recognizing and enforcing judgments from other jurisdictions, among others. In judicial practice, the number of these cases is limited and represents only a small portion of civil and commercial cases, Si said. Over the past three years, the mainland's various levels of courts have collectively issued rulings for over 55,000 first-instance civil and commercial cases involving Hong Kong. The arrangement effectively facilitates the cross-border recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial cases between the two regions, eliminating the need for parties to engage in repetitive litigation to protect their rights in the same case, according to media reports. The Western media said the arrangement sparked concerns that it will "tarnish Hong Kong's reputation as a global business hub." The Guardian said on Monday that international companies have traditionally chosen to base themselves in Hong Kong as the city has an independent legal system based on common law. In fact, such concerns are unfounded and entirely unnecessary, constituting groundless apprehensions, Louis Chen, a member of the Election Committee and general secretary of the Hong Kong Legal Exchange Foundation, told the Global Times on Monday. Concerning the mutual recognition and enforcement of judgments, as early as 2006, mainland and Hong Kong had signed the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of civil and commercial judgments, and Hong Kong has also enacted the mainland judgments (reciprocal enforcement) ordinance, which allows judgments made in mainland in civil or commercial matters to be enforced in Hong Kong and facilitates the enforcement of judgments made in Hong Kong in civil or commercial matters in mainland, Chen said. Mainland courts will not recognize and enforce judgments of the Hong Kong courts if they clearly violate fundamental principles of mainland law or public interests. Similarly, the Hong Kong courts would not recognize and enforce judgments of mainland courts if they clearly violate fundamental principles of Hong Kong law or public policy, the legal expert said. Hong Kong continues to run its current legal system as stipulated under the Basic Law, which is a golden rule, Chu Kar-kin, a veteran current affairs commentator based in HKSAR and member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, told the Global Times on Monday. No judicial messages, orders, approval, instructions are exchanged or communicated between the judges of both jurisdictions before the judgments. In fact, the judges deliver and hand down the orders and judgments as usual practices as they may not even know whether the parties of the case intend to enforce the judgment in the other jurisdiction, he added. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) The attacked base was named by US officials as Tower 22. Photo: AFP (Global Times) The US has pledged to retaliate against the recent drone attack in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers and left more than 30 injured. However, determining the form of response presents a challenge to Washington. An excessive reaction risks entangling the US further in the complex Middle East crisis, while a weak response may undermine its global standing and appear embarrassing, said Chinese experts, noting that a continued US presence in the region will only bring the country closer to a real war. Three US soldiers were killed and more than 30 injured in the drone attack on a US base near Jordan's border with Syria. Scores of US personnel have been wounded, including some with traumatic brain injuries, during the attack. After the incident, US President Joe Biden claimed the attack was carried out by "radical Iran-backed militant groups." He vowed "We shall respond," AP reported. However, in a statement on Monday, Iran's mission to the United Nations said that Tehran was not involved in the attack that killed the US service members, media reported. The mission said, "Iran had no connection and had nothing to do with the attack on the US base There is a conflict between US forces and resistance groups in the region, which reciprocate retaliatory attacks." It is the first time that a strike has killed US soldiers in the region since the Palestine-Israel conflict broke out in October 2023. A US official was quoted by the Telegraph as saying that the drone strike on US troops was "the most deadly attack since October 17," when attacks on US personnel in the region began, and "clearly an escalation of significance," adding that the Pentagon had launched an immediate investigation into how US air defenses did not repel the strike. Top South Korean actors Park Hae Soo and Kim Tae Hee are set to feature in the new Amazon Prime Video series titled Butterfly. The upcoming spy thriller, which stars Daniel Dae Kim in the lead role, has also added Nayoon Kim to its stellar star cast, as reported by Variety on January 30. The new American series was greenlit by Prime Video in May 2023, and the streaming platform has ordered a series comprising six episodes. Park Hae Soo and Kim Tae Hee Join Cast of Amazon Prime's 'Butterfly'(Instagram images) Also read: Netflix confirms IU and Park Bo Gums new romance K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Park Hae Soo and Kim Tae Hee to star in Butterfly Following his masterful portrayal in Squid Game, which earned him an Emmy nomination, Park Hae Soo further established his global footprint by taking on the lead role in the highly praised series Narco-Saints. The actor has been roped in as a recurring guest star in the upcoming spy thriller. Confirming the same, his agency UTA said, He plans to add impact to the series as he carries out English lines in Butterfly.' Also read: Park Hyung Siks Doctor Slump surges in popularity, Captivating The King ratings double Meanwhile, Kim Tae Hee, recognized for her roles in Korean dramas like Hi Bye Mama, Stairway to Heaven, Revenant, and more, also confirmed the news through her agency's statement. Story J said, Kim Tae Hee decided to star in Butterfly.' More about Butterfly The Butterfly television series is based on the well-known comic novel of the same name, written by Arash Amel and Marguerite Bennett, with visuals by Antonio Fuso and Stefano Simeone. The story revolves around Daniel Dae Kim's mysterious character, David Jung, a former U.S. intelligence agent whose life is turned upside down by a fateful choice. He becomes tangled in the past and is hunted down by Rebecca, the agent working to kill him. Apart from other cast members, Reina Hardesty is also slated to star in the series alongside Kim. Health care is a complicated landscape, and providing holistic well-being of patients extends beyond physical cure, particularly in the case of leprosy. As health care providers, one needs to ensure that they go beyond just treating the patient and implement psychosocial rehabilitation approaches to provide holistic care. From fostering resilience to addressing stigma, these approaches aim to equip health care professionals with crucial insights into comprehensive care for leprosy patients. The social stigma connected to these patients makes this disease different from others. World Leprosy Day 2024(Photo by Twitter/skinskapharma) Patients with leprosy have high psychosocial problems such as divorce, unemployment, and displacement from their native place of residence. Comorbidity among these patients is observed in both clinical and epidemiological studies. As frontline workers, health care providers need to adopt holistic approaches to rehabilitation that address the needs of leprosy patients. Here are five key strategies that health providers can deploy to rehabilitate leprosy patients: Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Community sensitisation programmes: The stigma surrounding Leprosy persists due to misconceptions and fear of contagion. Health care providers can play a crucial role in combating stigma through education and awareness programmes. These programmes should aim to dispel myths about leprosy, promote understanding of the disease's causes and transmission, and challenge discriminatory attitudes. By fostering empathy and compassion, they can help create more inclusive and supportive communities for leprosy patients. Peer support groups: Peer support groups provide a safe and supportive space for individuals affected by leprosy to share their experiences, challenges, and coping strategies. These groups offer emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of belonging that can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Health care providers can facilitate the formation of peer support groups and encourage patients to participate. Access to easy counselling and mental health services: Proactively screening patients and making counselling easily accessible normalises the entire process of seeking mental health assistance. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, supportive counselling, and mindfulness-based interventions can help patients develop coping strategies, challenge negative thought patterns, and improve self-esteem. Integrating mental health services into Leprosy treatment programmes is essential for promoting holistic rehabilitation. Vocational rehabilitation programmes: Leprosy can cause physical disabilities that affect an individual's ability to work and participate in daily activities. Many patients lose their jobs or cannot continue their previous occupations once affected by leprosy. Vocational rehabilitation programmes can enhance patients' vocational skills, independence, and economic self-sufficiency. Health care providers can collaborate with vocational counsellors, occupational therapists, and social workers to assess patients' abilities and interests and develop personalised rehabilitation plans. Rehabilitation of physical disabilities: Leprosy can cause physical disabilities such as nerve damage, muscle weakness, and loss of sensation. Health care providers should extend rehabilitation services to address these disabilities and enhance patients' functional abilities. Additionally, providers should also educate the patients on self-care, hygiene, and early complication detection. Empowering patients with knowledge and skills for self-management can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of complete disability. In many ways, supporting patients with leprosy does not necessarily lie with health practitioners but with society in general. Baba Amte, a social activist and humanitarian, who dedicated his life to serving individuals affected by leprosy is an example of how individuals can positively contribute to creating an equitable society. Anandwan, the leprosy rehabilitation colony that he created in 1949 has become a refuge for leprosy patients where they can build self-sufficient lives. As a thriving community for marginalised people, Anandwan enables its residents to lead lives of dignity and purpose. This article is authored by Dr Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations, MediBuddy. At least 50 flights and 10 trains were delayed with dense fog enveloping Delhi on Tuesday morning and plunging the visibility up to 50 metres for over four hours even as the air quality was likely to deteriorate to severe category and the minimum temperature continued to rise. The IMD said the fog intensified under the impact of a western disturbance. (HT PHOTO) The intensity of morning fog earlier reduced on January 17 after more than 600 flights were delayed and 100 cancelled over three previous days as visibility dropped to zero at times. The disruption in the air traffic prompted the government to step in and seek measures including acceleration of work on runways undergoing maintenance. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Flight delays in Delhi impact operations across the country as the Capital is the main hub and the most frequent connection point. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the fog intensified under the impact of a western disturbance, which was also expected to bring drizzle on Wednesday accompanied by gusty winds of 30-40 km per hour. An IMD official said the visibility dropped to around 50 metres at Palam and Safdarjung. Factors such as dew point temperatures in the range of 10-11C and the wind speed of three to seven km per hour led to the dense fog. The minimum temperature rose to 8.7C. It has risen by nearly four degrees over the last four days. The mercury plunged to 4.3C on Saturday, 6C on Sunday and 6.8C on Monday. The minimum temperature is expected to hover around 10C on Wednesday due to cloudiness. The IMD official said a fresh western disturbance was approaching Delhi. The prevailing western disturbance, although feeble, is also bringing moisture. The fresh western disturbance is more active and should bring sufficient moisture to bring light rain to the plains of the National Capital Region on Wednesday and Thursday. The maximum temperature was expected to hover between 21-22C on Tuesday and Wednesday compared to 22C on Monday. The average air quality index (AQI) of 364 (very poor) was recorded at 9am compared to 356 (very poor) at 4pm on Monday. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas held an emergency meeting on Monday as forecasts showed the air quality was likely to worsen to severe zone. It decided against invoking Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan for pollution mitigation. In a statement on Monday, the commission said its sub-committee noted the projected spurt in Delhis average AQI for Tuesday. It added the projection was likely for a short duration and that air quality was likely to return to the very poor category due to gusty winds with a probability of rain. Delhis average AQI for subsequent days was expected to remain in poor or very poor categories. The upcoming elections for 56 Rajya Sabha seats across 15 states, which was notified by Election Commission on Monday, will see the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA gain two seats and members of the INDIA bloc of opposition parties, one, with regional parties being the losers. If the numbers play out as expected, the NDA will emerge with 117 seats in the Rajya Sabha, an improvement over its current strength of 115 in the 245-member house. The ruling BJP holds 28 of the 56 seats (including one seat left vacant by party lawmaker Kirodi Lal Meena who has become a minister in Rajasthan) (HT Archive) The Election Commission will hold polls for all 56 seats on February 27, and results will be announced the same day. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Nine Union ministers are among the MPs whose term will end in April, including IT and railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (from Odisha), environment minister Bhupender Yadav (Rajasthan), education minister Dharmendra Pradhan (Madhya Pradesh), health minister Mansukh Mandaviya (Gujarat), minister of micro, small and medium enterprises Narayan Rane (Maharashtra) and minister of state for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar (Karnataka). The terms of BJP president JP Nadda (Himachal Pradesh) and former PM Manmohan Singh (Rajasthan) are also ending in April. The ruling BJP holds 28 of the 56 seats (including one seat left vacant by party lawmaker Kirodi Lal Meena who has become a minister in Rajasthan). After the elections, it will have 29 seats. To be sure, there are significant changes at the state level. READ | RS polls: Court allows AAP MP to file nomination For instance, the BJP is set to lose two seats in Uttar Pradesh and one seat in Himachal Pradesh, but it is expected to gain two seats in Gujarat, and one each in Maharashtra and Bihar. And while the Congress number will stay constant at 10 seats. it will gain two seats from Telangana but lose one seat each in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. The INDIA bloc will gain two seats as the Samajwadi Party is expected to improve its tally from one to three seats. In the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly election, the BJPs tally went down by 57 seats while the Samajwadi Party gained 64 seats. The fence-sitters, Bharat Rashtra Samithi and Telugu Desam Party, will also see their numbers in the Upper House shrink. The TDP will lose its lone seat from Andhra Pradesh and the BRS will see its strength come down from three to one in Telangana after its loss in the recent assembly polls. On April 2, 2024, 10 Rajya Sabha MPs from Uttar Pradesh, six each from Maharashtra and Bihar, five each from Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, four each from Gujarat and Karnataka, three each from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and one each from Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will retire. Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka have all seen elections and changes in government in the past 18 months. Since Rajya Sabha members are elected by the state legislators, this will mean changes in these states. In addition, Maharashtra and Bihar have both seen realignments and changes in governments in the past 18 months. In Bihar, the NDA has already gained as the JDUs 5 seats are now part of the ruling alliance. In the biennial election, both sides will get three seats each. Rajya Sabha MPs retiring from Maharshtra include Rane, former information and broadcasting, and environment minister Prakash Javadekar, and senior BJP leader V Muralidharan. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai, NCPs Vandana Chavan and Congresss Kumar Ketkar will also retire. On April 3, 2024, three upper house members each from Odisha and Rajasthan will also retire. Rajasthan too has seen an election and a change in government but this wont alter the current situation in the Rajya Sabha. 68 Rajya Sabha members were set to retire in 2024. In addition to the elections for 56 seats in April, polls were held on January 19 for three Rajya Sabha seats in Delhi and one seat in Sikkim. Notifications for elections will be issued on February 8 and nominations can be filed until February 15. Nominations will be scrutinised on February 16. Candidatures can be withdrawn until February 20. . NEW DELHI: US ambassador Eric Garcetti on Tuesday called for changes in Indias investment, intellectual property, export and taxation regimes and said the governments drive for self-reliance could slow down the pace of trade and economic development. US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti addresses the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, North India Council, Conference on "Strengthening Indo - US Relatioship in Amritkal-Aatmanirbhar Bharat" in Delhi (ANI) Garcetti, speaking on the theme of Strengthening Indo-US relationship in Amritkal-Aatmanirbhar Bharat at an event organised by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, highlighted rapid advances made by the two sides in areas such as defence, emerging technologies, critical minerals and semiconductors. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. However, he contended India and the US wont be able to realise their full potential in trade and investment unless New Delhi brings about changes in areas such as export controls, foreign direct investment (FDI), and the corporate tax regime, which he described as opaque. He also sought the removal of other barriers for US companies to invest in India. Noting that being more frank with one another is part of deepening the overall relationship, Garcetti said export controls and policy have to change for India and the US to achieve their goals and achieve the required economic growth. The US wants to see FDI shifting from China to India, but if you look at the honest numbersFDI isnt flowing into India at the pace it should be. Instead, it is going to Southeast Asia, into countries like Vietnam, he said. While the US wants India to be self-reliant, it also wants an India that doesnt look at self-reliance as a fortress, given the ability of Indian companies to compete anywhere in the world and invest and create jobs in the US. Garcetti said, This is not a paradigm of old, of invaders coming in to extract. He added, This is a relationship of equals, that when we break down the walls in both of our governments, whether they are bureaucratic, taxation, regulatory [and] part of our federal system, you only release more jobs, more prosperity, more investment and more strength. Garcetti contended that no country can be self-reliant anymore and he wanted to see supply chains critical to America coming to India. The rhetoric that everything has to be made here in India will slow down the pace. If you tax inputs, many of you in manufacturing know that you are taxing your outputs. Youre not taxing us, you are not protecting the market, what you are doing is limiting the market and we want to bring in greater investment, he said. We also have to see that opaque corporate tax practices still are a barrier to too many [US] companies that want to be here, Garcetti said, adding that American firms also want to ensure protection of intellectual property. Courts often decide that there is a violation of intellectual property but then there is no consequence. This is now increasingly important to Indian companies too because Indian companies are producing patents at such a roaring rate now compared to the past he added. The strengthening of intellectual property rights will incentivise investments, while countries that prioritise their own standards over connectivity will find it difficult to make for the world, Garcetti said. India is big enough to have its own market but if you want to have dominance in the global marketplace, you have to decide on these standards together. It is so exciting to see that happen with 4G, 5G, Open RAN [radio access network], he said. Without naming China, Garcetti said the main competitor of the US and India wants to use telecommunications to spy on its citizens and others around the world. Garcetti also highlighted the importance of simple permitting processes, saying firms want faster permissions, speedy customs clearances, and tax and regulatory stability. In this context, he gave the example of a US company that wanted to create a base in India and had invested $20 million in the country. This same company had invested $200 million in Vietnam, which doesnt tax imported components that cannot currently be made in the country. He also contrasted India with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and said the 10-nation bloc with a population of 700 million has a 20% larger GDP and a per capita income twice that of India. This is due to trade agreements that account for 25% of regional trade and an inter-connected area that works hard to listen to companies regarding changes, he said. At the same time, he said, the common vision of India and the US for a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific can inexorably link two countries that like each other but also love each other. Ties between the two sides are no longer an additive relationship, and it is now a multiplicative relationship or the US times India or India times the US. When we come together, its more powerful than just the two elements, for ourselves and, just as importantly, for our world. We witnessed that in the G20 when we came together as partners to bring 18 other countries and much of the developing and developed world together behind the ideas and principles that still matter, Garcetti said. The US is Indias largest trade partner, with two-way trade in goods and services crossing $191 billion in 2022. The US was the third largest source of FDI into India during 2022-23, with inflows of $6.04 billion accounting for almost 9% of total FDI equity inflows. The two sides have also launched new mechanisms such as the Strategic Trade Dialogue and initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies to drive collaboration in trade, hi-tech and defence. Bihar: Former Bihar deputy chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday arrived at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Patna, where he will be questioned in connection with the land-for-jobs case. This comes after RJD supremo Lalu Prasad was questioned for over 10 hours related to the case. Former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav.(PTI) The federal agency, probing the money laundering angle in the case, had issued a summons to Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav on January 19 after he failed to appear on earlier dates. Tejashwi Yadav was earlier summoned for questioning in the case on Tuesday. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. This is not a new thing. This greeting card is being sent to those who are not coming with them. Whenever any agency calls our family, we go there and cooperate with them and answer their questions, Misa Bharti, daughter of Lalu Yadav and a Rajya Sabha MP, told the media on Monday when she came to receive her father from ED's Patna office. Rohini Acharya, Lalu's other daughter, expressed anger over the ED questioning his father and criticised the central agency. "Sab ko malum hai papa ki kya halat hai, bina madad ke chal nahi sakte phir bhi kitna giroge gidaro...Yeh gudri ka lal Lalu hai, sher akela hai, kamjor nahi," (Everyone knows my father's health condition, he can't walk without support but how low will you jackals get ? This is poor man's son Lalu, the lion is alone but not weak), she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). What is the land-for-jobs case? The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had first lodged a case related to allegations that during Lalu Yadav's stint as Union railway minister from 2004-09, he gave away railway jobs in Group D posts in lieu of plots of land either gifted or sold at throwaway prices by the beneficiaries to his family members. The case has also named Lalu's wife, Rabri Devi, Misa and another daughter, Hema Yadav, along with 12 others. In 2023, the ED had conducted searches at premises linked to Lalu Yadav and his family members. Air India pilots unions have written to the aviation regulator alleging that the airline was not complying with flight duty time limitations (FDTL), which stipulate conditions on how long a pilot can be on duty to safeguard against fatigue. Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson with cabin and cockpit crew in New Delhi. (PTI Photo) In a letter to the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA), the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) and Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) said pilots were forced to work beyond duty hours. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. It has come to our notice that some pilots are facing intimidation and coercion to extend their FDTL beyond the prescribed limits by DOPS and base managers, including threats of jeopardising their career progression, the letter dated January 28 read. The airline did not respond to requests for a comment. DGCA officials did not confirm if they had taken up the matter with the airline. According to a person aware of the matter, the letter was sent after some pilots were forced to work overtime too often. In the past months, it has been learnt that the Delhi based operations team has threatened a few of the pilots when they denied operating flights beyond their duty time limitations, an airline staffer said, asking not to be named. The FDTL prescribes limits on duty hours, such as a mandatory break of 36 hours at the end of their work week, and a maximum limit of 13 hours for pilots working night duty. The DGCA on January 8 raised these limits weekend breaks must be of 48 hours and night duty flying has been capped at 10 hours --- but these come into effect only on June 1. We believe that our duty is not only to the company, but also to the safety of the passengers and the reputation of the aviation industry. We request your immediate intervention to investigate these allegations and put any coercive practices related to FOIL extensions. Trust that you will take the necessary steps to address the situation promptly, the letter to DGCA stated. An airline staffed added that DGCA rules give liberty to airlines to extend the FDTL of the crew in extraordinary situations but only if the crew agrees to accept the extension. This is because only the pilot knows his fatigue level and hence he gets to decide if he feels he can operate an additional flight. The airline thus cannot force the pilots. However, a few of the pilots have operated flights only because they were coerced to do so. In his first reaction to Nitish Kumar's umpteenth flip, Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday that it only takes little pressure for the Bihar chief minister to take a U-turn. Rahul Gandhi and Nitish Kumar in Delhi last year. (ANI) Why he (Kumar) came under pressure? Because in Bihar, our alliance has put one thing in front of the people: in this yatra (march), we have been speaking about five 'nyays' (justice). One of those 'nyays' is social justice you can also call it participation or equity, Gandhi said in Bihar's Purnia, a day after his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (Unite India Justice March) entered the state from the neighbouring West Bengal. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. On Sunday, the veteran politician returned to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and became chief minister for a ninth time. This came after his Janata Dal (United), in August 2022, exited the NDA to join the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) constituted by Gandhi's Congress; the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Left parties. In 2017, the Kumar-led JD(U) joined the NDA from the Mahagathbandhan; it had exited the BJP-led coalition in 2013 too. Gandhi, meanwhile, also cracked a joke on his now -former ally, taking a jibe at the latter's frequent switches: Your chief minister left for his residence after taking oath at the Governor House. In his car, Nitish ji realised that he left his shawl at the Governor House. On seeing him, the Governor says, Youre back already!' The JD(U) chief's exit also marks a major setback for INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), a bloc of 28 opposition parties formed in July last year to take on prime minister Narendra Modi and BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and deny them a third consecutive term. Considered the architect of the bloc, Kumar was allegedly upset at not being made its convenor, and the Congress' alleged hijacking of the bloc. Ahead of the state assembly and Lok Sabha elections, both scheduled to be held in April-May, the caste politics in Andhra Pradesh has taken up the centre stage once again, with two major contenders ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-Jana Sena going all out to appease various caste groups in the state, people familiar with the matter said. Voters stand in queue to cast their votes at a polling booth in Jubilee Hills of Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh. (HT Photo) While the chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP is said to have the backing of the predominant Reddy community, the TDP headed by former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been a traditional Kamma-dominated party. On the other hand, the Jana Sena Party (JSP), founded by renowned actor Pawan Kalyan, is backed by the Kapus, a politically predominant community in the states coastal areas. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. According to people familiar with the matter, YSRCP, however, is banking on the vote bank of Dalits through a slew of welfare schemes and programmes, most of which are targeted at luring these sections. Nearly 66% of the cabinet berths have been given to the SC, ST, OBC and minorities. Besides, assembly speaker, legislative council chairman, nine zilla parishad chairperson, 58 municipal chairpersons, 79 municipal corporation chairpersons, four Rajya Sabha members and 117 market committee chairpersons are all from these sections, Jagan had claimed, while addressing Samajika Samatha Sankalpa Sabha (a rally to take a resolve to achieve social justice) at Vijayawada, before unveiling the statue of BR Ambedkar on January 19. He further said that his government had ushered in social justice by allotting 50% of the nominated posts and contracts for SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities through a special law. Even 80% of the jobs of village and ward volunteers were given to these sections, he pointed out. While the inauguration of the giant Ambedkar statue weeks before the assembly elections was aimed at attracting the Dalits, the 10-day long caste survey that concluded on Sunday all over the state is an attempt to woo the OBCs. State backward classes welfare minister Ch Srinivasa Venugopala Krishna said: The survey will help identify the actual percentage of the OBCs so that the benefits of the welfare schemes will reach the real beneficiaries. The Jagan government also launched Samajika Sadhikara Yatra (social empowerment tour) in the last week of October in which the YSRCP ministers and MLAs took part in a big way by undertaking bus yatras across length and breadth of the state to attract the Dalits, STs and OBCs by explaining the initiatives taken up by the government. The yatras concluded in the first week of January. On the other hand, the TDP, along with its alliance partner JSP, has been undertaking Jayaho BC (Hail OBCs) campaign since January 4 all over the state to attract the BCs. The party leaders have been conducting meetings and rallies in every district. We want to create awareness among the OBCs how the Jagan government has been hoodwinking them in the name of welfare schemes, while looting their hard-earned money by increasing prices of all commodities, including liquor, Chandrababu Naidu told reporters while launching the programme. Kapu votes turn crucial While trying to win back the confidence of the OBCs, the TDP, this time, is trying hard to attract Kapu votes by forging an alliance with the JSP. Kapus are a community of land-owning cultivators and are one of the dominant castes of Andhra Pradesh, generally affiliated to like Balijas, Telagas and Ontaris, constitute 15.2% of the total population in the state. While they are spread all over the state, East and West Godavari districts are considered as strongholds of the Kapus. Though in the past, the Kapus had voted in favour of the Congress due to their traditional rivalry with the Kammas, who account for 4.8% of the total population, they have been making attempts to gain political power in the state, according to official data. In 2008, there was such an attempt when prominent Telugu film actor Chiranjeevi floated Praja Rajyam Party. But the Praja Rajyam Party could only win 18 out of 294 assembly seats and got 17.5% vote share. Chiranjeevi could not sustain the party for long and merged it with the Congress in February 2011. There was yet another opportunity for Kapus to show their power when his younger brother Pawan Kalyan floated Jana Sena Party in 2014, but he did not contest the elections but supported the BJP-TDP combine. In the 2019 elections, however, Jana Sena contested in alliance with the Left and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) but failed to make any impact. It could win only one MLA seat with a vote share of only 5.54%. Pawan Kalyan was inconsistent on his stand and did not appear to be a serious contender. As a result, the Kapus voted largely in favour of the YSRCP led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, which won 27 out of 34 seats in East and West Godavari districts. Kalyan himself lost in the Kapu-dominated constituencies like Bhimavaram and Gajuwaka, political analyst Mallu Rajesh said. Now, the Kapus have got a third opportunity to come to power, but Kalyan is not confident that he, alone, has the capacity to pull down the Jagan Mohan Reddy government. So, he joined hands with the TDP and is bargaining for a good percentage of votes. Though there is a resentment among the Kapus on the alliance between Kalyans JSP and the TDP, they have no other option but to support the alliance, as they know that if Jagan is allowed to come to power, the political power to Kapus will remain a distant dream, Rajesh added. Andhra Pradesh assembly speaker Tammineni Sitaram on Monday called four rebel MLAs of the ruling YSR Congress Party, seeking explanation for allegedly voting against party whip in the MLC elections in March last year. The development came just months before the assembly polls in the state. Andhra Pradesh assembly speaker Tammineni Sitaram on Monday called four rebel MLAs of the ruling YSR Congress party. (Wikimedia commons) The four MLAs Mekapati Chandrasekhar Reddy from Udayagiri, Vundavalli Sridevi from Tadikonda, Anam Ramanarayan Reddy from Venkatagiri and Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy from Nellore (rural) appeared before the speaker to present their version. It is alleged that these four MLAs cross-voted for Telugu Desam Party (TDP) candidate in the elections. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The speaker also called four rebel TDP MLAs who had shifted their loyalties to the YSRCP soon after the assembly elections in 2019, to give an explanation why they had defected to the ruling party. The four MLAs Vallabhaneni Vamsi from Gannavaram, Karanam Balaram from Chirala, Maddali Giridhar from Guntur (West) and Vasupalli Ganesh from Visakhapatnam (South), will appear before the speaker on Tuesday. On January 25, the speaker served notices on these eight MLAs, besides another MLA Rapaka Varaprasad from Razole, who was elected on Jana Sena Party ticket but defected to the YSRCP, asking them why they should not be disqualified from their assembly membership for violating the anti-defection law. Speaking to reporters after meeting Sitaram in the speakers chamber in the assembly, Ramanarayan Reddy said the notices were served on them based on a complaint given by government chief whip Prasada Raju, stating that the four rebel YSRCP MLAs had cross-voted for TDP candidate Panchumarthi Anuradha in the MLC elections held in March last year, for which they were suspended. We categorically told the speaker that we did not vote for the TDP candidate and there was absolutely no evidence for the same. We were not even given the copy of the complaint given by the chief whip. We told the speaker that if we have a complaint copy, we shall reply to them through our lawyers, but he did not give us the chance, Ramanarayan Reddy said. He regretted that the speaker had even refused to give acknowledgement to the written explanation given by the MLAs. While sending of disqualification notice to the four rebel YSRCP MLAs ahead of the coming elections, that too, a year after they allegedly defied the party line came as a big surprise to them, the speaker, on January 23, accepted the resignation of senior TDP lawmaker Ganta Srinivasa Rao, after sitting over the same for nearly three years. It was on February 12, 2021 that Rao had resigned from his Visakhapatnam (north) assembly seat, in protest against the Centres move to privatise the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Though he sent his resignation letter to Sitaram in a proper format, the latter did not accept it immediately. It is surprising that the speaker chose to accept my resignation after nearly three years, just before the elections. Obviously, it is to deny me an opportunity to cast my vote in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Rao said. The Election Commission on Monday announced the schedule for elections to three Rajya Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh, along with 53 seats in 14 other states, on February 27. The seats in AP are falling vacant due to the completion of the term of CM Ramesh (BJP), Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy (YSRCP) and Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar (TDP). Since YSRCP has a strength of 151 seats in the assembly, it can win all the three seats comfortably, as each candidate requires a maximum of 44 votes of MLAs. Since the TDP has only 23 MLAs, it cannot field a candidate. But since YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has denied assembly tickets to around 30 MLAs for the coming elections, the party is apprehensive that they may not vote for the party candidate in Rajya Sabha elections, a party functionary, who refused to be quoted, said. If the TDP fields any candidate, there is a probability that these dropped MLAs might vote for him or her. That is why the party wants to see that the TDP doesnt have enough MLAs. The acceptance of the Visakhapatnam (north) MLAs resignation and move to disqualify four rebel YSRCP MLAs are part of this plan to reduce the strength of the TDP, the leader quoted above said. As Nebraska casinos take off, the low-profile state commission that regulates them is getting more scrutiny. In the Legislature, a state lawmaker wants to give the governor more oversight of the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. Meanwhile, the state auditor raised concerns this month about whether the commission has properly audited the new casinos, and the commissions purchase of $30,000 in semi-automatic rifles drew public attention and questions. Denny Lee, the commissions chair, said its reasonable for state officials to look more closely at how the agency operates. He said the proposed legislation that would involve Nebraskas governor in selecting the commissions executive director just makes sense. I think anybody can look at that job and say its just growing in importance, Lee said. For years, the commission drew relatively little attention with its focus on horse racing. But voters in 2020 approved casino gambling at licensed racetracks, and lawmakers subsequently charged the commission with regulating the new industry. The commissions budget and workforce have grown dramatically since then, according to the Legislatures fiscal office. Total expenditures for the commission increased 381% in three years, growing from $540,661 in fiscal 2019-20 to $2.06 million in 2022-23, records show. Over that period, the agency grew from 2.85 full-time equivalent employees to 11.9. Commission leaders have had to build an agency that was not even dreamed of five years ago, Lee said. Three years ago, we had a staff of two people, Lee said. We had racing, and we did a good job with two people ... and now I think our total is 26 people. Now its time for Nebraskas governor to have more authority over the agency, State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney said. Lowe introduced Legislative Bill 839, calling it the most important gaming-related bill that we will see this session. Under the bill, the racing and gaming commission would continue to hire the agencys executive director, but the choice would be subject to the governors approval. The bill also would prohibit the executive director from engaging in any other profession or working in any other business. That provision, Lowe said, is to ensure the director is focused on the commissions mission. In addition, the measure would allow the governor remove a commissioner for misconduct or other reasons. The governor has similar authority when it comes to the Liquor Control Commission, Lowe said. These are both important commissions with oversight of industries that bring in significant tax revenue and are areas that do deal with vices that the state heavily regulates, Lowe said. He said it makes sense that they would operate in similar fashion. Laura Strimple, communication director for Gov. Jim Pillen, said that he supports the bill but that the governor also would like the Legislature to approve the commissions choice for executive director. Lee said commissioners have not yet had the opportunity to discuss whether to initiate a search for a new director. Executive Director Tom Sage, who is on medical leave, is retiring March 12. Commissioners appointed Casey Ricketts, the agencys director of compliance, as interim executive director. We are going to have an executive session at the February meeting in Grand Island, and I anticipate that we will be talking about that topic. Its not clear if the bill expanding the governors oversight would pass and be in effect when a new director is hired. Earlier this month, State Auditor Mike Foley questioned whether the commission was properly verifying the revenue from the new casinos. His office found that the commission did not complete timely audits of the three gambling operators in the state for fiscal 2023 or perform an integrity and security assessment on one of the operators as required. The commission collected $17.8 million in gambling tax revenue during calendar year 2023, a figure that will grow as more casinos open. When the citizens voted for casino gambling, a lot of promises were made about the influx of tax dollars, Foley said. Now we need to be assured that the monies generated by casino gambling are verified by an independent licensed CPA firm which thus far that has not happened. Lee said commissioners welcome the auditors help and are working to comply with the deficiencies. The auditor didnt find wrongdoing, only missing audits. The commission has been receiving quarterly independent audits from all three operators, he said. Lee said staff have been advised to be proactive with the operators to ensure regulatory requirements are met on a timely basis. We just dont want to repeat this deficiency again, he said. As for the controversial purchase of semi-automatic rifles, Lee said those are locked up for now in a safe in the commissions Lincoln headquarters office. They are not leaving there until the commission develops rules, regulations, policies and procedures on their storage, use and certification, until we approve those at a public hearing and allow members of the public to question, he said. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of January 2024 Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Tuesday hit out at the central government over the misuse of probe agencies - Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) to target the opposition leaders. Speaking at the all-party meeting convened by the government ahead of the interim Budget session, the Congress MP said the questioning of Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav in money laundering cases are examples of the misuse of power. New Delhi: Union Defence Minister Rajnath, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari and others during an all-party meeting ahead of the Budget session of Parliament.(PTI) An unwritten dictatorship prevails in the country, Tiwari told the media. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. According to the Congress MP, who represented the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, in the all-party meeting, the grand old party leaders also raised the issue of the violent attack on the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam. The floor leaders of various parties attended an all-party meeting chaired by Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi at the Parliament Library building. The meeting was a customary practice ahead of every Parliamentary session wherein the leaders highlight the issues they would want to raise during the Parliament session. At the same time, the ruling government offers a glimpse of its agenda. Defence minister Rajnath Singh and deputy Parliamentary affairs minister Arjun Ram Meghwal were present at the meeting. From the opposition's side, Congress' K Suresh, TMC's Sudip Bandopadhyay, DMK's T R Baalu, Shiv Sena's Rahul Shewale, Samajwadi Party's S T Hasan, JD(U)'s Ram Nath Thakur, and TDP's Jayadev Galla were among the leaders present at the meeting. Interim Budget session The Budget session will begin on Wednesday with the address of President Droupadi Murmu and is likely to conclude on February 9. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the interim Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 on Thursday. According to Sitharaman, this year's budget would primarily be a vote on account before the general elections. During her address earlier, she emphasised that such interim budgets typically do not include significant announcements, and the public will have to await the new government's presentation of the comprehensive budget in July 2024. The Bengaluru police has proposed to Karnataka director general of police that they plan to check delivery agents to curb possible smuggling of drugs. At a recent review with the DGP, the Bengaluru Crime Branch proposed discussion with major e-commerce players like Swiggy, Dunzo, and Flipkart to collaborate to curb drug trafficking. (HT Archives) At a recent review with the DGP, the Bengaluru Crime Branch proposed discussion with major e-commerce players like Swiggy, Dunzo, and Flipkart to collaborate to curb drug trafficking. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. A senior police official said that the e-commerce representatives have been urged to share information about suspicious parcels with local police officials. The action plan, submitted by the Central Crime Branch (CCB), says that meetings have taken place with representatives of Swiggy, Dunzo, and Flipkart to prevent drug transportation, emphasising the need for information on suspicious parcels. Police officials aware of the developments said there have been instances of delivery representatives being involved in drug trafficking in the city. Another senior officer, requesting anonymity, said that Bengaluru police have initiated measures to track down organised drug cartels exploiting e-commerce transport services. The focus is on monitoring suspected delivery agents, guided by intelligence unit information. Police classify three types of delivery agents involved in drug transportation: those unaware of the contents, those knowingly trafficking drugs, and drug peddlers disguised as delivery agents. The latter poses a serious concern, prompting active efforts to prevent such illicit activities. According to police officials, delivery executives initially turned to the illegal transportation of liquor during the initial pandemic lockdown, leveraging permissions granted to e-commerce delivery services. Since then, the illegal transportation of narcotics has become an integral part of their illicit business. There were several instances of delivery boys caught peddling drugs in the past. On May 10, 2023,a delivery executive named Jantu Mondal, a 31-year-old from West Bengal, was arrested. His arrest led to the apprehension of two drug suppliers and the seizure of 5 kg of hashish oil and 4 kg of cannabis valued at 5.05 crore in the open market. On February 2, 2023, three alleged drug peddlers disguised as food-delivery boys were arrested and the police claimed to have recovered LSD strips, MDMA, and ecstasy pills worth 30 lakh from them. In response to these developments, Dattatreya Raju, President of the Delivery Boys Welfare Association, attributes the involvement of delivery boys in illegal activities to the lack of facilities provided by e-commerce companies. He emphasizes the absence of insurance, provident fund, minimum wage, or job security, suggesting these factors contribute to some delivery boys succumbing to offers from customers to transport illegal substances. Delivery executive gets 20 to 30 for a delivery. If he gets an offer to deliver a parcel for a bigger price, he might take it right? The solution for this issue is with the e-commerce companies. If they provide proper facilities to delivery executives, nobody would get into any shady business, said Dattatreya. Delivery executive Santosh Patel highlighted the lack of knowledge about parcel contents, making it challenging to identify suspicious items. Another delivery agent, Kamlesh Yadav, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the difficulty of identifying illegal substances within sealed parcels. So far, CCB sleuths have made 18 arrests in the first year under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act), seizing narcotics worth 2.35 crore. In 2022 and 2023, CCB recovered narcotics worth 3.26 crore and 5.89 crore, respectively. The new Bihar cabinet in its first meeting on Monday authorised chief minister Nitish Kumar to decide on convening a fresh assembly session and asked the assembly secretariat to remove Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) legislator Awadh Bihari Choudhary from the speakers post, a day after Kumar severed ties with the RJD and took oath as CM for the ninth time. (From left) Samastipur MP Prince Raj Paswan, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party president Pashupati Kumar Paras, legislative councillor Bhushan Kumar and Nawada MP Chandan Singh in Patna on Monday. (Santosh Kumar/HT) A meeting was also held between Kumar, his two new deputies Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha and BJP and Janata Dal (United) leaders for further inductions into the cabinet. A total of eight ministers, three from the JD(U), three from the BJP, one from the Hindustani Awami Morcha (HAM) led by former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi and an independent, took oath on Sunday. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Earlier on Monday morning, BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav, Manjhi and former deputy chief minister Tarkishore Prasad served a no-confidence motion against speaker Choudhary. Discussions have started on choosing a new speaker, who is likely to be from the BJP, said people aware of developments. BJP leaders Nand Kishore and Amarendra Pratap Singh are tipped to be the possible candidates, they said. In 2020, when the JD(U)-BJP combine had won the assembly elections and remained in power for close to two years before Kumar left the coalition to join hands with the RJD, the assembly speaker was BJPs Vijay Kumar Sinha, who is now deputy CM. On January 18, a cabinet chaired by Kumar, who was then heading the Grand Alliance government, approved the start of the budget session of the state legislature on February 5. With that government falling and a new formation in place, it is likely the new government will seek a floor test on February 12, with the budget session likely to begin on February 15, said leaders of the JD(U), seeking anonymity. The new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the state has the support of 128 legislators 45 from Kumars JD(U), 78 from the BJP, four from HAM and one independent in an assembly of 243 members. On Monday evening, there was an hour-long meeting of key NDA constituents over the proposed cabinet expansion. The process is likely to be completed by Wednesday, leaders who attended the meeting said on condition of anonymity, but declined to divulge names. On Sunday, Kumar said the cabinet would be expanded soon. Very soon, the cabinet would be expanded. I have returned to where I was earlier. There is no need to go anywhere now. We will remain together now in the interest of Bihar and states development, he said. The preceding Mahagatbandhan cabinet had 30 ministers, and it was likely the new government would have similar numbers, leaders said. The BJP and JD(U) are likely to get 14 seats each in the cabinet. The formula will likely be the same as it was in the NDA government in 2020, when the two major constituents had an equal number of ministers, an NDA leader said, requesting anonymity. The composition of the new cabinet is key, NDA leaders said, with caste a central motif of elections in Bihar, particularly after the 2023 caste survey, and crucial Lok Sabha elections in a matter of months. The caste survey last year showed that Extremely Backward Oommunities(EBC) constituted 36.01% of the population, backward castes made up another 27.12 %, Scheduled Castes 19.65 %, Scheduled Tribes 1.68 % and other unreserved communities 15.52 %. The survey caused a political storm in Bihar and nationally, with the Opposition alliance, of which Kumar was until Sunday a key part, calling for a nationwide caste census. The cabinet would have to be carefully calibrated to include a wide array of castes, minority groups and women. With the caste survey giving us the latest numbers, the cabinet distribution will see to it that all castes get proper representation, a BJP leader said, wishing to remain unnamed. Kumar is likely to broadly stick with a team of ministers that he has worked with before and trusts, including leaders like Ashok Choudhary, Sanjay Jha, Sheila Mandal and Lesi Singh, JD(U) leaders said. Kumar also separately met with 10 JD(U) parliamentarians at his residence on Monday morning, and asked them to focus their attention towards winning all 40 Lok Sabha seats on offer in the state. The chief minister asked us to take development work done by the Centre and the state before the people, said MP Mahabali Singh, adding that the JD(U) will continue to raise the contentious demand for special status for Bihar, a classification from the Union government for states that face socioeconomic disadvantages. The BJPs new deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary, who is also the state unit chief, was accorded a warm welcome by cheering workers at the party office in Patna on Monday. The NDA will work to realise the states unfulfilled dreams under the leadership of both Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said. Efforts were made to break the JD(U) from within, and the BJP stepped in because democracy had been left ashamed, he said. The alliance of JD(U)-BJP-HAM and other parties will work on the path of development in the state. HT reached out to RJD leaders for a comment but did not get one immediately. The Congress continued to attack Kumar on his severing of ties with the Mahagatbandhan despite being a key player in the INDIA bloc, and said he had given no indication that he was going to betray the Opposition alliance. He has betrayed us. At the right time, the people of Bihar will give him a befitting response, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said. New Delhi: Reacting to Mallikarjun Kharge's last election jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday said the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will turn out to be the last election for the Congress if it follows Rahul Gandhi. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge with party leader Rahul Gandhi. (PTI file photo) On Monday, Kharge said the Lok Sabha elections will be the last elections ever in India if Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister again. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar today said the Gandhi family's dynasty politics will be the main reason for the Congress party's end. "Mallikarjun Kharge is a very seasoned, old leader from Karnataka. I certainly don't want to cast any aspersions on him. As a matter of fact, maybe what he is saying is - this will be the last election for the Congress, if they continue to go down the road that Rahul Gandhi is taking them down...It is really for Kharge sahab's presidency to be the reason for this to be the last election for the Congress...There is a sunrise for all Indians. It is possible that it could be the sunset for the Congress and the dynasty politics of the INDI Alliance. For that, nobody is to blame but the Gandhi family and the dynasty politics that they have practised for the last 75 years," he said. The minister also reacted to Kharge calling BJP and RSS "poison". "They (Congress) call Hindus 'dengue', 'malaria'; they call RSS and BJP as 'poison'. They try to provoke people but the people of this country want peace, development and progress. They want to stand with PM Modi to make a viksit India. Congress has no role in this new India," he added. Also read: Mallikarjun Kharge warns of 'last election' if Narendra Modi becomes PM again Union minister Anurag Thakur attributed Kharge's "angry statements" to his frustration. "Due to mutual conflict between Congress and INDIA bloc partners, Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge is making angry statements," he said. Also read: BJP defeats INDIA bloc in Chandigarh mayoral polls; Arvind Kejriwal claims cheating in broad daylight' Kharge had compared Modi to Russian president Vladimir Putin. "If Narendra Modi wins another election, there will be dictatorship in the country. The BJP will rule India like Putin in Russia," he said. Also read: BJP says INDIA bloc 'brain dead' after Chandigarh debacle; Arvind Kejriwal claims fraud Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa today repeated Kharge's warning after the BJP outsmarted the INDIA bloc to win the Chandigarh mayoral elections. "The Chandigarh mayoral election result is an indicator of what Mallikarjun Kharge has said that this will be the last election if the BJP wins the Lok Sabha polls. BJP got 16 votes, opposition got 20 votes; eight out of those 20 votes were declared invalid," he said. With inputs from PTI, ANI Chandigarh: Anil Masih, the presiding officer for the Chandigarh mayoral elections, claimed on Tuesday that the councillors of the Aam Aadmi Party-Congress alliance tore up the ballot papers after he declared the results. He was reacting to AAP's charge that he defaced the ballot papers himself and later declared them invalid. BJP mayoral candidate Manoj Sonkar won the Chandigarh mayoral elections. (HT photo) The Bharatiya Janata Party's mayoral candidate won the election despite the alliance having more support in the council, after the presiding officer declared eight votes "invalid". Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of winning through cheating. "A total of 36 votes were cast. When we were issuing the ballot papers, a few AAP and Congress Councillors were concerned that the papers had spots and marks - so, they asked me to change around 11 ballot papers. I honoured their request and kept the ballot papers in question on the side and issued them fresh ballot papers...When I finished the counting of votes, I was about to declare the results as per the process. BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar received 16 votes and AAP candidate Kuldeep received 12 votes; 8 votes were invalid...I asked the polling agent of the AAP-Congress candidate to check the ballot paper but instead of doing that AAP and a few Congress councillors jumped on the table to disrupt the process, captured the ballot papers and tore them up," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Also read: Chandigarh mayoral polls: AAPs Chadha guns for presiding officer, demands repoll AAP's Raghav Chadha said the BJP carried out treason today. He claimed the party appointed its office bearer as the presiding officer. "The video captures how the presiding officer marked the votes with his hand and declared them invalid. While declaring the votes invalid, the ballot paper was not shown to the agents of the parties and the reason for canceling the vote was also not given. As soon as the counting was over, the presiding officer quickly left the house with the ballot paper and after that no one knew what was done with the ballot paper," he wrote on X. Kejriwal today claimed the BJP stole votes and made their candidate win. "It is a black day for democracy. Everyone saw how they stole votes and forcibly made their candidate win. The issue is not who becomes mayor but the country should not lose and the democracy should not lose. Mayors come and go, parties come and go," he said. In the mayoral polls, BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar (16 votes) defeated the AAP's Kuldeep Kumar (12 votes). Eight votes were declared invalid. In Chandigarh, the councillors of the INDIA bloc parties -- AAP and Congress -- protested as soon as the results were announced. Kejriwal pointed out that 25 percent of the total votes were declared invalid. The elections were originally scheduled on January 18. However, on the day of the polling, the elections were postponed citing the ill health of Masih. Last week, the Punjab and Haryana High Court called the administration's action "unreasonable, unjustified and arbitrary." With inputs from PTI Congress leader and ex-Lok Sabha MP Manvendra Singh, son of BJP stalwart and former Union minister, the late Jaswant Singh, was injured on Tuesday after his car met with an accident in Rajasthan's Alwar. Congress leader Manvendra Singh (HT File Photo) Manvendra Singh's wife Chitra Singh, however, lost her life, while their son Hamir was injured in the crash, which occurred on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Their driver too sustained injuries, and the three have been taken to a hospital. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The car was headed from Delhi to Jaipur. Doctors have said that the injured are out of danger, NDTV quoted a police officer as saying. Tejpal Singh, Alwar's Assistant Superintendent of Police, told PTI that while the exact cause of the crash was not yet clear, it appeared that the driver lost control of the vehicle which hit the sidewall. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Congress leader and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his condolences at Chitra Singh's demise, and said that he was praying for a speedy recovery of those hospitalised. Manvendra Singh, who joined the Congress from the BJP in 2018, represented Rajasthan's Barmer constituency for his previous party, from 2004 to 2009. He is also a Colonel in the Territorial Army. Seat sharing is most uncomplicated among INDIA bloc allies in Tamil Nadu where the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led coalition which swept 38 out of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in 2019 simply plan to repeat the same formula with minor adjustments. The first round of talks at the start of the week between DMK and its principal ally Congress was smooth for both parties in the Secular Progressive Alliance in Tamil Nadu. Changes are likely to happen in the selection of constituencies. Similarly, the number of seats shared is likely to be the same between DMK and other partners including the Dalit and Left parties in the coalition during the upcoming meetings. DMK would contest in more than 20 seats out of the 39 parliamentary seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat in Puducherry is likely to go to Congress, political leaders have said. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, the Congress won eight out of the nine seats (including Puducherry) they contested. They lost one seat in Theni to AIADMKs now expelled O Ravindranath, son of O Panneerselvam (known popularly as OPS). The DMK won all 20 seats they contested. Besides that, four of their allies Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi (KMDK) and Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi (IJK) contested in the DMKs rising sun symbol. The Left parties Communist Party of India (Marxist) and CPI contested in two seats each. The VCK and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) contested one seat each. We would want to contest under our own symbol this election, a VCK leader said on condition of anonymity adding that they desire to contest in at least two to three seats but it seems hard amidst talks of actor-politician Kamal Haasan who is likely to receive a seat in the Secular Progressive Alliance. However, Haasans Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) has so far not announced any tie-up with the coalition. The 2019 formula is successful and it's the only way we can accommodate so many of our allies, said a DMK leader not wishing to be named. A Congress leader said on the condition of anonymity that they had sought seats in double digits and the DMK wants to part only with nine seats including Puducherry but they are happy with the way their first round of talks concluded. We discussed how all of us can move together to once again gain the confidence of the people of Tamil Nadu and unseat the dispensation at the Centre, which has posed a serious challenge to the Constitution of India and our democratic polity, and bring back those forces which will take the nation strongly on the path of democracy, Congress' Mukul Wasnik told reporters following the meeting on Sunday. The discussion also came at a time when the Janata Dal (United) called off its alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress and quit the INDIA bloc to rejoin the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance. Both DMK and Congress leaders said that Nitish Kumar's resignation as Bihars chief minister to take up the post against the BJP would not deter other allies in the INDIA bloc. The meeting between the two parties was held at a time when the Congress has come under attack from its partners in the INDIA bloc, over a delay in seat-sharing pacts and other decisions. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has said that more than 200 days have passed without any deal, and has declared its intention of going solo in West Bengal. The Samajwadi Party has also criticised the Congress on this count and indicated that it is not willing to give more than 13 Lok Sabha seats to the latter in Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow: The Samajwadi Party was barely two years old in 1994 when its founder-president Mulayam Singh Yadav decided to broaden its core vote bank of Yadavs and Muslims in the state. Phoolan Devi. (File photo) He fielded bandit queen Phoolan Devi, a Nishad by caste, in the 1996 Lok Sabha elections, ignoring the backlash his decision triggered. She became the poster girl of the Nishad community, giving rise to the communitys political aspirations. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Phoolan Devi a dacoit from Chambal was active in the 1980s; a victim of rape by upper caste men, she had massacred 22 Thakurs in Behmai village near Kanpur in 1981 in a case of revenge killing. The case went on to grab national headlines. She later surrendered before the then chief minister Arjun Singh in Madhya Pradesh and was in jail between 1983 and 1994. Soon after she was released, Yadav fielded her from the Mirzapur Lok Sabha constituency to influence and win over the Nishad community. The community plays a vital role in 37 Lok Sabha seats (over 12% votes in about a dozen-odd constituencies) and 100-odd assembly constituencies of the state besides some pockets in neighbouring Bihar. Phoolan was murdered in 2001, leaving the Nishad community rudderless. That was when Sanjay Nishad appeared on the scene, first joining Kanshi Rams BAMCEF (All India Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation) in 2008 and launching a campaign to mobilise 553 sub-castes of fishermens communities. Nishad floated his own party, the Nishad Party, in 2016. The party opened its account in its maiden Vidhan Sabha polls in 2017. He fielded his son Pravin Nishad and, in alliance with the Samajwadi Party, won the Lok Sabha by-poll from Gorakhpur (the seat was vacated by Yogi Adityanath after becoming CM) in 2018. He, however, contested the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the BJP and won. Within eight years of the partys inception, he pushed the grand old party, the Congress, to the rear in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. At present, he has six MLAs in the Vidhan Sabha: Both his sons are lawmakers one in the state assembly and the other in the Lok Sabha, while he himself is an MLA and a minister in Yogi government. The ground prepared by Phoolan Devi gave him huge dividends. Also Read: Rift in Nishad community widens ahead of Lok Sabha election He is now eyeing a bigger win in 2024. Interestingly, the Nishad community has stayed with him, while he has also kept Phoolan Devi alive in their minds. As late as July 2023, Nishad demanded a CBI probe into Phoolan Devis murder. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and chief minister Yogi Adityanath, he also demanded release of her properties from the SP-backed mafia elements and handing them over to her mother who lives in Jalaun. Nishad hopes that Modi will address his demand: His party is demanding inclusion of Nishad, Majhwar, Kewat and Mallah communities in the Scheduled Caste category and reservation for them in government jobs. As of now, Nishads comprising 17 communities, fall in the OBC category. The Akhilesh Yadav-government had proposed SC/ST status for Nishads and even Union home minister Amit Shah, at a joint rally (with the Nishad Party) in December 2021, had assured them of the government fulfilling their demand and resolving their issues, Nishad said. He is hopeful that the Centre will soon take a decision as the state government has already sent a letter to the Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner drawing their attention to the fact that the Majhwar caste is already mentioned in the list of Scheduled Castes of the UP government. The Nishad Party chief further said, Majhi, Majhwar, Kewat, Mallah and Nishad surnames are used by people of the Majhwar caste in different areas of the state. Due to the use of various surnames, they are not issued SC certificates whereas other SC communities using various surnames are getting benefits meant for the community. All people with surnames associated with Majhwar caste should be given SC certificates. On the decision to install a statue of Nishad Raj on the Ram temple premises in Ayodhya, Nishad said, Its a proud moment for us. Nishads are rulers of waters and their ancestors had helped Lord Ram cross the river during his exile. The NDA will doubly benefit in the 2024 polls if they order the inclusion of the Nishad community in the Scheduled Caste category. Over the years, Nishads have emerged as a major vote bank in several pockets of the state, making them electorally relevant. Ahead of the 2022 Uttar Pradesh polls, the Congress had tried to penetrate the vote bank by taking out the Nadi Adhikar Yatra but gained little. France has launched Classes Internationales (international classes), a special programme for Indian students to learn French for a year in France before pursuing a degree of their choice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with French President Emmanuel Macron on Republic Day in New Delhi. (PTI Photo) French President Emmanuel Macron had announced the launch of the programme during his state visit to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The Classes Internationales programme is designed to help Indias brightest high school graduates access Frances diverse and renowned educational offerings without being limited to programmes taught in English, the French embassy said in a statement. Regardless of whether Indian students are already French language learners or complete beginners, they can now be admitted to undergraduate programmes of French higher education institutions taught in French after successfully completing a foundational year of language training at that institution, the statement said. This initiative was mentioned in the joint statement endorsed by Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their meeting on January 26. The joint statement said both leaders had agreed to support the initiative of setting up international classes which will enable, from September 2024 onwards, Indian students to be taught French as a foreign language, methodology and academic contents in highly reputed French universities in France during one academic year, before entering their chosen curricula in France. During his tour of Amber Fort, Macron met Indian students from Alliance Francaise de Jaipur, the French departments of Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, and alumni who returned from France after graduation. Macron stressed Frances commitment to opening up more opportunities for Indian students, reflected by initiatives such as Classes Internationales and a five-year short-stay Schengen visa for alumni. He also noted that India is now the largest beneficiary of French academic scholarships. We want to welcome 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030, Macron said, adding that he would be the happiest president if this goal is met. Key features of the Classes Internationales programme include inclusivity, as the scheme is open to all Indian students, irrespective of their current level of French, with academic excellence being the only prerequisite. It offers a wide range of educational choices, including access to renowned French higher education institutions across fields, such as universities, grandes ecoles, engineering, management, sciences, humanities, arts and other specialised schools. The students will be immersed in French culture and language, and the French language classes are tailored to the field of studies chosen by the student and complemented by preparatory courses in the field. Outstanding students will be awarded scholarships by the French embassy to support their higher education in France. Applications are open till 31 March 2024 on www.classesinternationales.org. On January 27, the Director of the company lodged a complaint with the police following which a case was registered, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Madhapur Zone) Vineeth G said. HT Image During the course of inquiry, eight accused, including a lawyer, a cyber expert, former manager of the IT firm were arrested, the DCP said adding four cars, 16 cell phones were seized from the accused. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. According to police, the advocate conspired with the former official of the firm to demand ransom from the company's directors. The advocate discussed the plan with a police officer known to him and based on his advice hatched a plot to raid the company office, they said. As part of the plan, the accused had entered the firm on January 26 by posing as CB-CID police and turned off the power supply to the systems before removing the Digital Video Recorder of the CCTV cameras in the premises, a release from Cyberabad Police Commissionerate said. They also claimed to have received complaints from US authorities about irregularities in the company, it said. Initially, the gang demanded 10 crore from the Director and settled for 2.3 crore after negotiations. Later, the gang forcefully bundled three employees into their vehicles and took them to a hotel in Madhapur, where the hostages were threatened of dire consequences if the company failed to pay the ransom. Further, the accused took the debit cards from the hostages and withdrew 2.5 lakhs from their bank accounts. When the director failed to pay the amount, the gang members grew suspicious and fled the spot leaving behind the hostages in the hotel room, police said. Based on a tip-off, all the accused were apprehended and on interrogation they confessed to the crime, police added. Law enforcement located a Sidney girl Tuesday who was reported missing earlier this week. Luna Delisle, 12, was last seen Sunday morning walking in a residential neighborhood of her hometown, according to a previous statement from the Sidney Police Department. SPD announced Tuesday afternoon that Luna had been found and was safe after a joint effort involving multiple agencies. Search efforts through Tuesday included interviews with witnesses, canvassing areas in and around Sidney and aerial sweeps, per SPD. The department is also asked residents in the Sidney region to look over their properties and in their outbuildings for any signs of Luna. On Monday afternoon, the Montana Department of Justice issued a Missing Endangered Person Advisory for Luna. Of the 176 people currently reported missing in Montana, according to the Montana Missing Persons Database, roughly 20% are children. The database is maintained by the state DOJ. The situation in Keragodu village and the district headquarters Mandya remained tense on Monday as security was beefed up a day after a row broke out over the removal of a saffron flag featuring a portrait of Lord Hanuman and replacement by a tricolur, with protests demanding its restoration gaining steam. On Monday, the protesters marched from Keragodu to the Deputy Commissioners office in the district headquarters of Mandya holding saffron flags. (HT Photo) Although there has been no violence, the incident led to a political confrontation between the Congress government and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party-Janata Dal (Secular), who have joined forces with the protesters. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Chief minister Siddaramaiah accused the opposition BJP and JD(S) of trying to instigate the people over the issue, with an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The protesting political parties and Hindu groups demanded that flag with a portrait of Lord Hanuman be reinstated. On Monday, the protesters marched from Keragodu to the Deputy Commissioners office in the district headquarters of Mandya holding saffron flags amid chants of Jai Sri Ram. They raised slogans against the Congress government. BJP leaders C T Ravi and Preetham Gowda were among those who took part. Police resorted to mild lathi charge in Mandya on Monday when a mob attempted to tear the flex of Congress MLA Ravi Ganiga. Former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy condemned the removal of the Hanuman flag in Keragodu village, alleging it as a display of arrogance by the Congress government. Kumaraswamy, draped in a saffron shawl, voiced his discontent during an ongoing protest in Mandya organized by Sangh Parivar. Initiating his speech with the resounding chant of Jai Sriram, he criticised the governments actions. Addressing protestors in Keragodu, Kumaraswamy expressed concern over the baton charge by police and said, f someone loses an eye due to your actions, would the district superintendent of police replace the eye? Beware, police. I will see how long your game lasts. We will not comply with unjust orders. Accusing the government of being responsible for the conflict in Keragodu, Kumaraswamy demanded the suspension of the Mandya district collector, holding him accountable for the situation. Drawing a parallel to the wrath of Hanuman that led to the burning of Lanka, he warned of a similar fate for those responsible. Having Rama in the name is not enough; one must embody the behaviour of Rama, he said, referring to the CM. Reacting to opposition charge, chief minister Siddaramaiah accused the opposition BJP and JD(S) of trying to instigate people on the issue with an eye on the coming Lok Sabha elections. Siddaramaiah said the authorities had to intervene as permission was taken to hoist the tricolour and Kannada flag only. BJP is unnecessarily creating things to promote their agenda. The permission was taken to hoist the national flag or Kannada flag. We are not opposed to any flag. Tomorrow they may want to do it (hoist the saffron flag) at the DC (Deputy Commissioner) office, it cannot be done. So, the flag for which the permission was taken should be hoisted, so the district administration has taken action, Siddaramaiah told reporters. He also hit back at the BJP for calling him anti-Hindu, and asserted he is a Hindu who loves people from all religions. am a Hindu and I love people of all religions. What is Secularism? What is said in the Constitution? He said that I am the one who believes in coexistence and tolerance. Why are they instigating the people? What for? As elections are coming, they are doing all these things. See, we have no objection if they (those who hoisted the saffron flag) had abided by the conditions under which permission was granted by Panchayat, why would the district administration have interfered? he added. Deputy chief minister DK ShivakKumar told reporters: BJP leaders are allegedly attempting to create unrest in society but the governments top priority is to establish and maintain peace in the state. Hitting back, VHP co-secretary Sharan Pumpwell told reporters in Mangaluru that the Karnataka Government has reportedly removed the flag to appease the Muslim community. If the Hanuman flag is not hoisted again, we will mobilize all Ram devotees for a state-wide Hanuman flag campaign. We intend to display our devotion to Hanuman and convey our sentiments to the government, he said. In Bengaluru, the BJP had prepared for a protest at Mysore Bank Circle under the leadership of opposition leader R Ashok. But instead of allowing the protest at the Mysore Bank circle, the police asked BJP Bangalore North district president S. Harish to take permission to protest at the Freedom Park. Police served notices to Harish to leave the place. Despite the police notice, they protested at Mysore Bank Circle. Jayanagara BJP MLA C K Rama Murthy and MLC Tejasvini Sriramesh, leaders and workers were taken into custody by the police and released later. The protest ended before Ashoks arrival at the spot. The Kerala assembly witnessed heated scenes between the treasury and opposition benches on Monday on the issues of delay in disbursal of social security pensions and lack of essential medicines at government hospitals, resulting in the Congress-led UDF members walking out of the House. Congress MLA PC Vishnunath had moved an adjournment motion notice claiming that the delay in pension disbursement. (Facebook) Congress MLA PC Vishnunath had moved an adjournment motion notice claiming that the delay in the disbursement of the pensions led to the suicide of a differently-abled man, in Kozhikode district. The government spent 40 lakh on the cow shed and 3.72 lakh for the cow dung pit at the official residence of the chief minister. But the same government is not willing to pay the social welfare pensions of the poorest people of the state, the MLA said. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. However, state minister for finance KN Balagopal countered the MLAs claims and said that the differently-abled man had received the pension for the months of November and December and that there was no evidence to link the pensions with his suicide. The person died by suicide on January 23 and he had received his pensions for the months of November and December, Balagopal said. Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan took up the issue of the alleged lack of availability of medicines at the government hospitals citing a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The CAG report says that in their test period, 67 hospitals had no medicines in 62,826 instances. It also says that there were some essential medicines which had not been available for nearly 1,745 days, he said. In her response, state minister for health Veena George said, Their (CAG) final report hasnt come yet. Answers to their questions have been given. Kerala is the first state to form a firm to ensure regular procurement of medicines. Every year, the number of medicines being added to the list of essential drug items is increasing. When Speaker AN Shamseer refused to grant leave for the adjournment motion of the Congress, the opposition MLAs trooped into the well of the House with placards against the government and shouted slogans. Subsequently, the MLAs staged a walkout of the House in protest. Outside the House, Satheesan, while talking to the media persons said, We brought this adjournment motion considering the fact that the social security pensions have not been disbursed for the past five months. This issue impacts over 50 lakh people. The government is not taking any action in this regard. A former minister in the Bihar government and national general secretary of the Janata Dal United, Sanjay Jha said the reunion of his party with the Bharatiya Janata Party has the sanction of voters and is the coming together of natural allies. A close confidant of chief minister Nitish Kumar, Jha is believed to be one of the key players who scripted the resetting of ties between the BJP and the JDU after an acrimonious split in 2022. An alumnus of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jha is considered a quintessential backroom brain and the go-to person for political parleys. In an interview to Hindustan Times, he said the Congress is to blame for failing to create a formidable coalition against the BJP. Edited excerpts What made you rejoin the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after walking out in 2022? We are natural allies. We have been together since 2005; the 2020 mandate (state polls) was for the JDU-BJP. It is true that there were some concerns, communication gaps, which led to the (BJP-JDU) alliance breaking up. But now we are all set to sweep the Lok Sabha polls and the state elections (in 2025). We have support from the voters. Is there concern that JDU voters may not approve of the party switching sides so frequently ? There is no trust deficit; on the contrary there is euphoric support. People in the state wanted this (JDU to join the NDA). The opposition will be wiped out in the Lok Sabha polls and the results of the state elections in 2025 will also be the same, we will win with huge margins. Nitish Kumar was a key player in forming a coalition of opposition parties against the BJP. He brought on board a diverse set of partiesbut has now opted out. What is the future of the INDIA alliance? INDIA alliance is now over because the main architect of the coalition, who put in all the effort and put his credibility at stake to bring the others together is no longer part of it. There is no future for the bloc. Things were not moving as they should have. Ahead of the last round of state elections (in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan) Nitish Kumar proposed that there should be some kind of seat sharing between partners so that it will seem like the Ganthbandhan (alliance) fighting together. We spoke to [Congress president Mallikarjun] Kharge about getting a couple of seats in MP, so that we could contest as a bloc, but he said Kamal Nath is not on board. How does one proceed then? In another meeting Kumar said it was time to begin discussions on seats sharing so that the abhiyaan (campaign) can begin. But again, there was no action. Did you put forth your concerns about the alliance not shaping up as it was envisaged? It was Nitish Kumar who made the alliance happen, reaching out to people. Initially when others had reservations about Congress being part of the grouping, he convinced them to set aside their concerns. But it was the sheer arrogance of the Congress that they did not even do what was expected of them. Within six months of forming the bloc it becomes apparent that it would not be possible to get over the inherent contradictions and keep it together. Is Congress to blame for the bloc falling apart? The onus was on them to keep the bloc together. They did not give partners the respect that they deserve. Owing to their arrogance, which continues, they did not do the job that was theirs to do. For instance, many committees were formed, but how many meetings took place? Nitish Kumar was against the decision to ban certain media groups and anchors and said so, yet the Congress pushed for it. And then some of their own leaders went ahead and defied that ban. There are contradictions within that party. His detractors and political watchers say Nitish Kumars ambition to become Prime Minister drives his politics? That is not true at all. He did not pitch for the post. During the meetings with the INDIA alliance partners he said it categorically both on record and off-record that he does not covet the post and want to be the PM candidate. What is on the agenda now that the government has been sworn in? Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar has been consistently working to provide employment avenues in the state. He promised 10 lakh jobs and opportunities for earning. Work to meet that target is progressing and that will be our number one priority. Other than that, we will pursue our development agenda. The Consulate General of India in Atlanta has strongly condemned the tragic assault resulting in the death of 25-year-old Indian student Vivek Saini who was hammered to death by a drug addict he helped for the past couple of days. Vivek Saini, the 25-year-old Indian student who was hammered to death by the drug addict. We are deeply anguished by the terrifying, brutal, & heinous incident that led to the death of Indian National/student Mr Vivek Saini & condemns attack in the strongest terms. It is understood that the US authorities have arrested the accused & are investigating the case, the Indian Consulate said in a post on X. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. It added that the Consulate got in touch with Saini's family immediately after the incident, and provided all consular assistance in sending his mortal remains back to India. Vivek Saini, a recent MBA graduate in the US, met a tragic end when he was fatally attacked with a hammer by Julian Faulkner, a drug addict whom he had been helping for the past few days in Lithonia City, Georgia. The distressing incident was captured on camera. Saini, employed as a part-time clerk at a store where Faulkner sought refuge, demonstrated kindness to the accused for nearly two days. Saini went out of his way to offer chips, coke, water, and even a jacket to Faulkner. Unfortunately, on January 16, Saini was attacked on his way home after expressing concern for his safety and urging Faulkner to leave the place or face police intervention. Upon arriving at the scene, the police discovered Faulkner standing over Saini's lifeless body. The young student had moved to the US two years ago after earning a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Chandigarh University. Vivek Saini's remains have been repatriated to India, and the final ceremonies have been conducted. Saini's family in Haryana is grieving the loss of the promising young man, remembering him as a brilliant student aspiring to secure a decent job. Talking about the recent anti-piracy operations carried out by the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea, including its rescue of two Iranian-flagged vessels from pirates in a span of 24 hours, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Monday that India will not be considered a responsible country if bad things were happening in its neighbourhood. External affairs minister S Jaishankar (File Photo/Reuters) If you look, even in the last few days, actually one of our ships extinguished a fire and rescued the crew of a tanker, which had taken a drone today. It rescued Pakistani and Iranian fishermen from pirates. I feel today that India's greater capability, our own influence and our reputation today warrant that we actually help out in difficult situations. Believe me, people look at us much more warmly, and much more friendly as a result of what we do now, news agency ANI quoted Jaishankar as saying. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The minister continued: The Indian Navy has deployed 10 ships in that region (Arabian Sea) because we got a double problem.: we got a piracy problem, and we have got a missile drone problem. In the past two days, INS Sumitra, the Navy's offshore patrol vessel, rescued as many as 36 crew members from the two vessels; in the second of those operations, carried out on Tuesday, the 19 rescued members were all Pakistani nationals. Since the beginning of the year, the Indian armed forces' naval arm has been involved in multiple anti-piracy missions in the region, including one on January 5, when its elite MARCOS commandos rescued 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from a Liberian-flagged carrier in the North Arabian Sea. The Indian Navy on Tuesday said that its offshore patrol vessel INS Sumitra rescued an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel (FV) hijacked by armed pirates off the Somali coast, the second such action in the last 24 hours in the Arabian Sea where the security situation has deteriorated significantly due to the resurgence of piracy, and missile and drone attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. FV Al Naeemi, the second Iranian-flagged vessel to be rescued by INS Sumitra, was carrying a crew of 19 Pakistani nationals. (Indian Navy) FV Al Naeemi, the second Iranian-flagged vessel to be rescued by INS Sumitra, was carrying a crew of 19 Pakistani nationals. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. INS Sumitra, having thwarted the piracy attempt on FV Iman, carried out yet another successful anti-piracy operation off the east coast of Somalia, rescuing FV Al Naeemi and her crew of 19 Pakistani nationals from 11 Somali pirates, the navy said in a statement. The Indian warship had on January 28 responded to a distress call from FV Iman, intercepted it and rescued the boat and its crew of 17 Iranians from Somali pirates. INS Sumitra was again pressed into action to locate and intercept another Iranian-flagged FV Al Naeemi, which had been boarded by pirates and her crew taken hostage. Responding swiftly, Sumitra intercepted the vessel on January 29 evening and through coercive posturing and effective deployment of her integral helicopter and boats compelled the safe release of the crew and the vessel, the statement said. Also Read: Indian Navy rescues Iranian vessel hijacked by pirates The two rescue missions involved the elite marine commandos. The navy also undertook confirmatory boarding to sanitise the vessel as well as check on the well-being of the crew. Somali pirates are known to hijack fishing vessels and use them as mother ships to carry out attacks on merchant ships. INS Sumitra, over the course of less than 36 hours (time since the first distress call from FV Iman), through swift, persistent and relentless efforts has rescued two hijacked fishing vessels along with 36 crew members in the southern Arabian Sea, approximately 850 nautical miles west of Kochi, and prevented the misuse of these fishing vessels as mother ships for further acts of piracy on merchant vessels, the navy added. The navy statement did not shed light on the fate of the pirates. However, in such cases, they are usually disarmed so that they pose no threat to other vessels and made to leave the area in their skiffs, officials aware of the matter said. INS Sumitra is currently deployed along the east coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy operations. Last week, guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam responded to a distress call by Marshall Islands-flagged merchant vessel Marlin Luanda, which was struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden. Specialist firefighting crews embarked on the vessel and helped douse the fire on board. Challenges in the distant seas, including the Arabian Sea, have emerged as a new front in recent weeks, with Red Sea tensions escalating and the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the Somali coast. The navy has stepped up surveillance in the Arabian Sea substantially and deployed task groups consisting of around 10 warships in the face of rising threats. P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft, Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft, Dorniers, helicopters and coast guard ships are part of the effort to strengthen security in the area. The recent incidents have put piracy in the Arabian Sea back in the spotlight. Pirate attacks in the region peaked between 2008 and 2013 but steadily declined thereafter because of the concerted efforts of the multinational maritime task force operating in the region. The region accounted for almost 700 pirate attacks during 2008-13, but the figure nosedived to a mere 16 during 2014-19, according to data published by the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta - the EU maritime security operation in the western Indian Ocean. The first piracy attempt in the region in the last three years was reported in December 2023. Tensions in and around the Red Sea have also escalated following a wave of drone and missile attacks on merchant vessels by Iran-backed Houthi rebels and trouble had spilled over into the Arabian Sea. Several ships targeted in the area had Indian crews on board or were headed to the countrys shores. MV Marlin Launda, which was attacked last week, in the Gulf of Aden, one of the worlds busiest shipping routes, had a crew of 22 Indian nationals and one Bangladeshi citizen. This was the latest in a series of attacks on commercial shipping in the region. Another Marshall Islands-flagged merchant vessel MV Genco Picardy, which was recently attacked by a drone in the Gulf of Aden, docked at the Tuticorin port in Tamil Nadu last week after the Indian Navys explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists undertook a thorough examination of the ship and declared it safe for port entry. INS Visakhapatnam had on January 18 responded to a distress call made by MV Genco Picardy after it was attacked. It was carrying a crew of 22, including nine Indians. The other India-bound vessels recently attacked include MV Chem Pluto and MV Saibaba in December. The drone attack on MV Chem Pluto took place around 220 nautical miles south-west of Porbandar, while the other vessel was targeted in the southern Red Sea. The Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea with missiles and drones after the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7. Several shipping companies have suspended their operations in the Red Sea following the Houthi attacks, which has forced mariners to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa. The attacks on commercial shipping in and around Red Sea were on January 15 the focus of discussions between external affairs minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran, with the Indian minister flagging concerns about the increase in threats to maritime traffic in the region including attacks in the vicinity of the Indian coast. The growing threats to commercial shipping in the region were also discussed during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, who was in India for the Republic Day celebrations. The Indian Navy's warship INS Sumitra has carried out a second successful anti-piracy operation rescuing 19 crew members and a vessel from armed Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea, the spokesperson said on Tuesday. The INS Sumitra thwarted the piracy attempt on FV Iman off the east coast of Somalia, rescuing fishing vessel Al Naeemi and 19 Pakistani nationals from 11 Somali pirates, the spokesperson said on social media X (formally X). Indian Navy commandos with Somali pirates.(Indian Navy) The operation was carried out after the INS Sumitra safely rescued the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Iman from Somali pirates, which had 17 crew members onboard in its anti-piracy operations along the east coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden on Sunday night. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Also Read: Indian Navy thwarts hijacking bid off Somali coast, rescues Iranian vessel The Indian Navy said its warship INS Sumitra intercepted the vessel and acted in accordance with the established SOPs to coerce the pirates for the safe release of the crew along with the boat, and ensured the successful release of all 17 crew members along with the boat. INS Sumitra, post rescuing MV Iman, was again pressed into action to locate & intercept another Iranian flagged FV which had been boarded by pirates and her Crew taken hostage, the Indian Navy said on Tuesday. Responding swiftly to the developing situation, the INS Sumitra intercepted the FV on PM 29 Jan 24 & through coercive posturing & effective deployment of her integral helo & boats compelled the safe release of the crew and the vessel. This rescue of hijacked Vessels, through swift, persistent and relentless efforts by Mission Deployed Indian Navy warship in the Southern Arabian Sea approx 850 nm West of Kochi, also prevents misuse of Fishing Vessels as Mother Ships for further acts of Piracy on Merchant Vessels, it added. Navy warship secures release of hijacked Iranian fishing vessel The Indian Navy swiftly responded to a distress call from the vessel on Sunday night. "INS Sumitra, deployed on anti-piracy operations along the east coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, responded to a distress message regarding the hijacking of an Iranian flagged fishing vessel Iman," Indian Navy spokesperson commander Vivek Madhwal said. The fishing vessel had been boarded by pirates and the crew members were taken as hostages, Madhwal said. The vessel was subsequently sanitised and released for onward transit. "Mission deployed Indian naval ships on anti-piracy and maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean region symbolises the Indian Navy's resolve towards the safety of all vessels and seafarers at sea," the spokesperson said. The response by the Indian Navy to the fresh incident came two days after its warship INS Visakhapatnam extinguished a fire onboard a commercial oil tanker with 22 Indian crew when the vessel was struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy deployed its missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam to assist the vessel after receiving a distress call from it on Friday night. The US Central Command or CENTCOM had said the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel MV Marlin Luanda was hit by an anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Iran-backed Houthi militants. The Indian Navy on January 5 thwarted an attempted hijacking of Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea and rescued all its crew members. Liberian-flagged vessel MV Chem Pluto, with 21 Indian crew members, was the target of a drone attack off India's west coast on December 23. Besides MV Chem Pluto, another commercial oil tanker that was on the way to India came under a suspected drone strike in the Southern Red Sea on the same day. The vessel had a team of 25 Indian crew. The Indian Navy has already enhanced the deployment of its frontline ships and surveillance aircraft for maritime security operations in view of the maritime environment in the critical sea lanes including in the north and central Arabian Sea. (With inputs from ANI, PTI) A school teacher allegedly shot dead two colleagues at a government school in Jharkhand's Godda district over a love affair, PTI reported on Tuesday, citing the police. According to the police, the incident took place at the Chatra Upgraded School in Poraiyahat area.(Image for representation.) After shooting his colleagues, the accused, Ravi Ranjan (42), turned the gun on himself and suffered serious injuries. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The deceased were identified as Sujata Mishra (35), a resident of Poraiyahat, and Adarsh Singh (40), who hailed from Chandoli in Uttar Pradesh. According to the police, the incident took place at the Chatra Upgraded School in the Poraiyahat area, around 300 km from Ranchi, during school hours around 11 am, a senior police officer said. "The bodies of two teachers, including a woman, were found lying in a pool of blood in a room at the school, while the accused teacher was also found seriously injured," Godda Superintendent of Police Nathu Singh Meena told PTI. Meena added that the students and teachers of the school heard the gunshots, and rushed to the room but found it was locked from inside. They then informed the police. "The police reached the spot and broke open the door but by then both the teachers, who were shot in their heads, had died. The accused teacher tried to die by suicide by shooting himself on the right side of his head," Meena added. "Prima facie, it seems to be a case of a love affair. According to villagers and school students, both the male teachers had alleged romantic relationships with the woman teacher," the officer said, according to PTI. According to the police, Ranjan shot three bullets at Singh and one bullet at Mishra. Two country-made pistols were seized from the place of occurrence but only one pistol was used in the shooting. The injured teacher is undergoing treatment at Godda's Sadar hospital and is in a serious condition. Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission (KSBCC), headed by Jayaprakash Hegde, is likely to submit the caste survey report in the next two days before the tenure of the panel ends on January 31, according to members of the commission aware of the development. People close to Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission chairman Jayaprakash Hegde disclose that an appointment with chief minister Siddaramaiah is all that awaits before the submission of the caste survey report. (@JPH_official/ X) Commission chairman Hegde remains tight-lipped. I will be able to comment on this on Tuesday evening, he said, leaving the prospect of report submission veiled in suspense. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. People close to Jayaprakash Hegde disclose that an appointment with chief minister Siddaramaiah is all that awaits before the submission of the report. We have sought time from CM; once we get the appointment, we will submit the report. There is not an iota of doubt in it. We are just waiting for an appointment to submit it. said a member of the commission on the condition of anonymity. CM Siddaramaiah has said many times that his government will accept the socio-economic and educational survey report. He reiterated it on Sunday amid opposition from leaders of Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities, cutting across political affiliations. Former law minister and senior BJP leader JC Madhuswamy voiced uncertainty about the report, expressing a wait-and-see approach. I dont know what is there in the report. We will ascertain its contents once it is submitted to the government. We will discuss this once the commission submits its report. Former education minister and senior BJP Leader Suresh Kumar said, We dont have any problem with caste survey. But it should be prepared scientifically. Congress leaders like DK Shivakumar and Shamanoor Shivashankarappa themselves raised questions about the scientific methodology behind the caste survey. The current chairperson of the commission Jayaprakasha Hegde earlier said they dont have the report made by Kantharaju Commission. And signature on the report is missing. So when there is no clarity from the commission or from the government, how can anybody accept it? Siddaramaiahs assurance at a convention in Chitradurga comes as a move to placate the sentiments of Lingayats and Vokkaligas, the dominant castes who have opposed the survey since its completion in 2018. The chief minister, addressing the convention, acknowledges the resistance to the report, underlining a collective lack of comprehensive understanding. Despite this acknowledgment, Siddaramaiah stands resolute, declaring, I am not acquainted with the findings of this report, and nobody has insights into its details. Despite this, objections arise, labeling it as unscientific. Hence, I assure you that I will accept the report, and in the presence of any anomalies, we will seek expert counsel and take appropriate measures to rectify them. Siddaramaiah extended the narrative, revealing Rahul Gandhis commitment to conducting a nationwide caste census if the Congress ascends to power. Siddaramaiah vowed to champion the cause of the backward classes, s, Dalits, and minorities. Meanwhile, deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, once a signatory to the Vokkaliga Associations memorandum advocating for the dismissal of the report, reaffirmed the governments commitment to executing the caste survey report. Shivakumar links the initiative to Rahul Gandhis pursuit of justice for all societal segments. The government remains steadfast in its dedication to achieve proportional representation through a comprehensive nationwide caste census, Shivakumar has said. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayans gunman and one of his security personnel, who were booked for allegedly assaulting members of Congress student and youth wings, did not comply with police notice to appear for questioning on Monday, citing a tight work schedule. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayans security staff were charged for the assault of Congress youth wing workers in December. (PTI) Anil Kumar, the CMs gunman, and Sandeep S, a member of his security staff, were charged in December last year for raining blows using lathis on members of Kerala Students Union (KSU) and Youth Congress who were protesting with black flags in Alappuzha against the Nava Kerala Sadas, an outreach campaign of the LDF government as part of which the CM and the cabinet travelled in a bus through the state. Television visuals had shown the two men jumping out of their official vehicles and severely beating the protesters, allegedly violating their service rules. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Arun, the CI of Alappuzha South police station where the case was registered, said, They have informed via an email that they are unable to appear before the police on Monday due to their tight duty schedule. They have said that they will come to the station in the upcoming days. Anil and Sandeep have been charged under sections 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 294 (b) (uttering obscene words in public place) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), said police. When asked about the security personnels use of excessive force, the CM defended it saying, The gunman is also supposed to protect the vehicle I am travelling in. Some people tried to attack the bus we were travelling in and he interfered. The CM had also said that he hadnt seen any visuals of the security personnel beating up protesters. North Dakota Farmers Union is serving as the state lead on a national pilot program that will pay farmers and ranchers $100 an acre or animal unit to implement high-value conservation practices on their land. The Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture will incentivize adoption or maintenance of no-till, minimum-till, prescribed grazing, cover crops, and other practices that curb greenhouse gas emissions. The three-year project is funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant that will pay out a total of $57 million in 2024 and 2025 to roughly 4,000 producers in North Dakota, Arkansas, Minnesota and Virginia. Seven soil conservation districts in North Dakota are participating, with a goal of enrolling 450 producers in Billings, Cass, Foster, McKenzie, Mercer, Rolette, Stark or Ward counties. The program will offer one-year contracts in 2024 and 2025. The national program is led by Virginia Tech. The North Dakota Conservation District Employees Association and soil conservation districts are providing technical assistance for growers, while the North Dakota Grain Growers Association is assisting North Dakota Farmers Union with producer outreach. For more information go to allianceforcsa.org or contact a local soil conservation district. The 30-day enrollment period will open in coming days. A Kerala court on Tuesday awarded death sentence to 15 members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) in the 2021 murder case of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s OBC leader Ranjith Sreenivasan. BJPs OBC leader Ranjith Sreenivasan, 40, was hacked to death at his home at Vellakinar in Keralas Alappuzha town by a 12-member gang with sharp weapons on the morning of December 19, 2021. All the 15 accused in the case, who were members of the now-banned extremist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) and its political arm Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), were convicted by the court on January 20. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The sentence was pronounced by Mavelikkara additional district judge V G Sreedevi. The prosecution had sought the maximum sentence for the convicts, saying that they were a trained killer squad and the cruel and diabolical manner in which the victim was killed in front of his mother, infant, and wife brings it within the ambit of the rarest of the rare crimes. The prosecution said the accused men were found guilty of their involvement in the murder of Sreenivasan, who was the state secretary of the BJP OBC Morcha. The convicts were identified as Naisam, Ajmal, Anoop, Mohammad Aslam, Salam, Saffaruddin, Abdul Kalam, Manshad, Jaseeb Raja, Navas, Sameer, Nazir, Zakir Hussain, Shaji and Shernas Ashraf. Sreenivasan, 40, was hacked to death at his home at Vellakinar in Alappuzha town by a 12-member gang with sharp weapons on the morning of December 19, 2021. Police have said that the BJP leaders mother, wife, and younger daughter were witnesses to the brutal crime. Sreenivasans killing was seen as a retaliation for the murder of SDPI state secretary KS Shan on the previous day by alleged Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) members in the Alappuzha district. The trial in that case is still going on. Special public prosecutor Prathap G Padickal said that all the accused have been convicted under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) among other offences including criminal conspiracy and criminal trespass. The court has found that the prosecution was able to undoubtedly prove all the offences against the accused in the chargesheet. The accused number one to eight who barged into Ranjiths house and hacked him to death have been found guilty of murder u/s (under section) 302 of IPC. Similarly, accused 9 to 12 who stood outside the house and provided help to accused 1 to 8 have been found guilty of murder with the help of Section 149 of IPC (unlawful assembly). Accused 13 to 15 were convicted for criminal conspiracy as well as murder, said Padickal. Other offences including physically assaulting Ranjiths mother and sister during the crime, and damaging household items have also been proved, he said. The prosecution argued that this is a rarest of the rare case as Sreenivasan was brutally attacked in front of his elderly mother and wife. There were over 56 cuts on his body. So, all the accused deserve the maximum punishment u/s 302 which can be imprisonment for life or the death sentence, the special public prosecutor said. A total of 156 witnesses testified during the trial and the prosecution produced over 1,000 documents and 100 material objects in the court. (PTI inputs) A Kerala court on Tuesday sentenced to death 15 persons associated with the now-banned Islamist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) in connection with the murder of Bharatiya Janata Party OBC wing leader Ranjith Sreenivasan in Alappuzha district in December 2021. The sentence was pronounced by Mavelikkara additional district judge VG Sreedevi, news agency PTI reported. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ranjith Sreenivasan The prosecution had sought the maximum sentence for the convicts, saying that they were a trained killer squad and the cruel and diabolical manner in which the victim was killed in front of his mother, infant, and wife brings it within the ambit of the "rarest of the rarest" of crimes. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Ranjith Sreenivasan murder case Ranjith Sreenivasan, the BJP OBC Morcha state secretary, was brutally attacked and killed in his home on December 19, 2021, in front of his family, allegedly by activists affiliated with PFI and its political arm Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). On December 19, 2021, Ranjith, then the state secretary of the BJPs OBC Morcha, was hacked to death by an eight-member gang at his home in Alappuzha in front of his mother, wife and daughter, police said. Ranjith was murdered barely 12 hours after SDPI state secretary KS Shan was hacked to death by a gang of assailants in Alappuzha while he was on his way home. The accused in the case, belonging to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), are currently facing trial. The court on January 20 had found that out of the 15 people accused in the case, one to eight were directly involved in the case. It had also found four people (accused number nine to 12) guilty of murder because they, along with those directly involved in the crime, came to the spot armed with deadly weapons. Their objective was to prevent Sreenivasan from escaping and stop anyone entering the house after hearing his screams. The court had accepted the prosecution's argument that they were also liable for the common offence of murder under IPC Section 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object). The court also convicted for murder three others (accused number 13 to 15) who had hatched the conspiracy to kill Sreenivasan, the SPP had said. The BJP leader's murder occurred just hours after SDPI leader KS Shan was killed by a gang on the night of December 18, 2021, while he was returning home in Alappuzha. In 2022, the ministry of home affairs banned the PFI and its associates for five years, but the SDPI escaped the ban. Ayodhya, Jan 30 (PTI) According to Korean legend, a teenage princess from Ayodhya crossed the ocean in a boat some 2,000 years ago, sailed 4,500 kilometres to Korea and married King Kim Suro who founded the Gaya Kingdom in the north Asian country. The princess, Suriratna, then became Queen Heo Hwang-ok. HT Image The fable is hardly known in India, nor is the fact that some 60 lakh people in South Korea, who consider themselves descendants of Suriratna, consider Ayodhya as their maternal home. It was therefore natural that many of them eagerly watched the Ram Temple consecration online from their homes on January 22. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. And now they can't wait to visit Ayodhya to see the grand new Ram temple complex up close. Many members of the Karak clan visit Ayodhya every year to pay tributes at the memorial of Queen Heo Hwang-ok at the Queen Heo Memorial Park, which was set up on the banks of Sarayu river in Ayodhya in 2001 in a partnership between the Uttar Pradesh government and the Gimhae city in South Korea. "Ayodhya is very special to us as we see it as our grandmother's home," said Kim Chil-su, the secretary general of the Central Karak Clan Society. He was among those who attended the January 22 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the new idol of Ram Lalla at the temple, a few kilometres away from the Queen Heo Memorial Park. Spread over a 2,000 square metre area, the park features a meditation hall, pavilions dedicated to the queen and king, pathways, a fountain, murals and audio video facilities. The pavilions are built in a typical Korean style with tiled sloping roof. "We visit Ayodhya every year to pay tributes at the memorial and this time we plan to go to the new Ram temple too. We watched the ceremony on-line and what a feeling it was. I haven't been to the old makeshift shrine but have read about the dispute," Yu-Jin Lee, who plans to travel with 22 others to the city in February, told PTI over phone from South Korea. Queen Heo Hwang-ok is revered as the progenitor mother of the Gimhae Heo families, according to an ancient Korean history text, "Samguk Yusa". It states that the queen came to Korea in AD 48 from "Ayuta". She is still revered as the progenitor mother of the Gimhae Heo families of the Karak clan. In a post on X, the South Korean embassy had also congratulated India for the consecration ceremony on January 22. "The place holds a great symbolic importance for Korea-India relations based on the matrimonial link between Queen Sriratna (Heo Hwang-ok) from Ayodhya and King Kim Suro from Gaya (Korea) in 48 AD," it said. In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former South Korean president Moon Jae-in signed an MoU for expansion of the memorial. South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook attended the inauguration of the beautification work in 2018. In 2019, commemorative 25 and 5 postage stamps for the queen were also issued by India. Indian diplomat N Parthasarathi, who served as ambassador to South Korea, also wrote a novel based on Suriratna's life, "The Legend of Ayodhya Princess in Korea. It was translated in the Korean language as "Bi Dan Hwang Hoo", or Silk Princess, and published in Seoul. Later, the National Book Trust of India published a children's book based on the novel. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday questioned former Bihar chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad for 10 hours in a money-laundering case linked to the land-for-jobs scam, amid intense protests by party workers who alleged misuse of central agencies ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. RJD chief Lalu Prasad arrives at the ED office in Patna. (PTI) According to people aware of the details, Lalu appeared at the ED office in Patna at 11.10am along with his daughter and Rajya Sabha MP, Misa Bharti. They left the premises at 9.05pm. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Lalus son and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav has also been summoned by ED on Tuesday. This is not a new thing. This greeting card is being sent to those who are not coming with them, Bharti told reporters as she hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre over the ED summons issued to her father on January 19. Whenever any agency calls our family, we go there and cooperate with them and answer their questions. Not just our family, but they are sending summons to all those who are in the Opposition, she added. READ | Land for jobs case: Lalu Prasad Yadav appears before ED for questioning in Patna The land-for-jobs scam pertains to appointments in the Railways allegedly in return of land parcels for Lalus family between 2004 and 2009, when he was the Union railways minister. ED is conducting a probe on the basis of a first information report (FIR) registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). On January 9, the federal agency, which said it has found proceeds of crime worth 600 crore, filed its first charge sheet in the case, naming Lalus wife and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi and their daughters, Misa and Hema Yadav, among seven accused. In October 2022, CBI filed its charge sheet against Lalu, Devi, Misa and 13 others in the case. In March last year, a Delhi court granted bail to Lalu, Rabri, Misa and others in CBIs case. Misa expressed concerns over her fathers health and said she feared that probe agencies might arrest him. But what will they get by arresting a seriously-ill person? she said. READ | Sher akela hai: Lalu's daughter slams RJD chief's questioning by ED Somebody feeds him (Lalu). We do not know if he was able to eat anything during the long questioning and how many questions ED had for him. No ED official is ready to say anything. The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) is afraid as the elections are near and he would keep doing such things, she added. Another daughter of Lalu, Rohini Acharya, said despite repeated requests by Bharti, ED officials did not allow any assistant of the RJD chief to enter the central agencys office and accompany him. Outside the ED office, RJD workers and supporters gathered in large numbers and chanted slogans that hailed the party chief and criticised the BJP. More than 15 MLAs, MLCs and former state and Union ministers also joined the protests, leading to the deployment of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Bihar Special Auxiliary Police at the premises, the people cited above said. RJD leader Manoj Jha said the actions of central agencies will go on till the next general elections are concluded. This is not an ED summons, but a BJP summons... This will go on till 2024, till then please do not call it ED summons... Why should we be scared? he told ANI. The BJP dismissed RJDs claims. Lalus family is involved in corruption and is attacking the central government to divert peoples attention from the case. The main objective of the Centre is to ensure that no corrupt person is spared and no innocent should be punished, BJP spokesperson Nikhil Anand said. "We would discuss the matter with senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and the seat could go to them if they are willing," Singh said when asked about sending their names from the state. HT Image Sonia Gandhi contested from the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 general election. Priyanka Gandhi is neither a member of the Lok Sabha nor the Rajya Sabha at present. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. "The names of Sonia Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi Vadra can be considered if they so desire," she told mediapersons here in reply to a question on the sidelines of a function to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 76th death anniversary. Following declaration of schedule for the elections to 56 Rajya Sabha seats, including one in Himachal Pradesh, search has begun in the Congress party which has a clear majority of 40 out of 68 seats in the state assembly. The seat is falling vacant on April 2 following expiry of the six-year term of Nadda, who was elected in 2018 after the BJP returned to power in the state. The polling for the lone seat would be held next month during the Budget session (February 14 to 29) of the state assembly and the Congress candidate's victory is a foregone conclusion. At present, all three Rajya Sabha seats from the state are held by the BJP. Besides Nadda, two other Rajya members from the state are Indu Goswami and Sikender Kumar. In the midst of the most horrific, and brutal war mankind had ever witnessed since 1939, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Berlin, Germany. It was April 1941, and he was driven by the goal of fighting for India's liberation from British subjugation, seeking alliances with Germany, Italy, Russian and Japan. Mahatma Gandhi and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.(.Wikimedia Commons) While he prepared memorandums, met officials, negotiated with ministries seeking assistance for the formation of a 'Free Indian Government' to be set up in Berlin, one of his broadcasts on 2 October 1943 is worth recalling today, on January 30th, as he celebrated, commemorated, acknowledging Mahatma Gandhi's "place in the history of India's struggle for independence". Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Netaji's political differences with Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, and Sardar Patel were public knowledge, especially after the Congress session at Tripuri in 1939. Bose emerged victorious in the Presidential election on 29 January 1939, despite Gandhis insistence on B. Pattabhi Sitaramayya as compromise candidate. The heated exchange of letters between the leaders was indicative of how Netajis action plans were making him move away from Gandhis dominated non-violent nationalism. With war prolonged and Britain bombarded during the German blitz, Boses strategic vision was clear: "British Empire constitutes the great obstacle not only in the path of India's freedom but also in the path of human progress. Since the attitude of Indian people is intensely hostile to the British in the present war, it is possible for them to materially assist in bringing about the overthrow of Great Britain." Mahatma Gandhi had earlier written words, which became historic as parting words between a father and son, a mentor and mentee. Gandhiji wrote to Bose, "You are irrepressibletill one of us is converted to the other's view, we must sail in different boats, though their destination may appear but only appear to be the same. Meanwhile let us love one another as remaining members of the same family that we are." In 'Brothers Against the Raj', Leonard A Gordon observed "Gandhi was unconverted by anything Bose had to say. To him, Bose had remained a lost son." It was this lost son who went on air on the 75th birth anniversary of his Bapu, devoting the broadcast to "an estimation of the place of Mahatmaji in the history of India's struggle for independence. The service which Mahatma Gandhi has rendered to India and to the cause of India's freedom is so unique and unparalleled that his name will be written in letters of gold in our national history for all time." Netaji, with his sense of history and ability to draw lessons from the past, used the broadcast to give a birds-eye view of Indias ruthless subjugation by the British East India Company and then, the British Government. After the 1857 war of Independence, and in 1885 the formation of the Indian National Congress, Netaji recounted the rising tide of national spirit across the country. The Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre were turning points, Netaji recounted, after tragic events of 1919 the Indian people were stunned and paralysed for the time being. All the attempts for achieving liberty had been ruthlessly crushed by the British and their armed forces. Constitutional agitation, boycott of British goods, armed revolution - all had failed alike to bring freedom. There was not a ray of hope left and the Indian people, though their hearts were burning with indignation, were groping in the dark for a new method and a new weapon of struggle. Just at this psychological moment, Mahatma Gandhi appeared on the scene with his novel method of Non-Cooperation and Satyagraha or Civil Disobedience. It appeared as if he had been sent by Providence to show the path to liberty. Immediately and spontaneously, the entire nation rallied round his banner. Every Indian's face was now lit up with hope and confidence. Ultimate victory was once again assured. Netaji acknowledged the relentless energy of Gandhi as he worked for over 20 years for Indias salvation. It is no exaggeration to say that if in 1920 he had not come forward with his weapon of struggle, India would today perhaps have still been prostrated. His services to the cause of India's freedom are unique and unparalleled. No single man could have achieved more in one single lifetime under similar circumstances, he declared in the 1943 broadcast, archived for posterity in Selected Speeches of Subhas Chandra Bose, published by Publications Division, Government of India in 1962. What had the Indian people learnt from the toil and sweat of Gandhi: Netaji explained highlighting two major factors. They have, first of all, learnt national self-respect and self-confidence as a result of which revolutionary fervour is now blazing in their hearts. Secondly, they have now got a countrywide organization, which reaches the remotest villages of India. Now that the message of liberty has permeated the hearts of all Indians and they have got a countrywide political organisation representing the whole nation, the stage is set for the final struggle for liberty, the last war of independence. The revolutionary Netaji exhorted, it is now possible for the Indian people to draw the sword. We are happy and proud that India's Army of Liberation has already come into existence and is steadily increasing in numbers. We have on the one hand, to complete the training of this Army and send it to the field of battle as soon as possibleThe final struggle for liberty will be long and hard and we must go on fighting, till the last Britisher in India is either cast in prison or thrown out of the country. I would like to warn you that after our Army of Liberation sets foot on Indian soil, it will take at least twelve months, and perhaps more, to liberate the whole of India from the British yoke. Let us, therefore, gird up our loins and prepare for a long and hard struggle." A day after a political row erupted over the whereabouts of Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader chaired a meeting with ministers of his ruling coalition on Tuesday. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren during a meeting with state cabinet ministers and MLAs in Ranchi on January 30.(PTI) The meeting comes amid allegations by the BJP that the JMM chief was "absconding" to avoid the Enforcement Directorate's probe into an alleged land scam case. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. People close to the CM have said that Soren was around Delhi" for legal consultation, and stressed that there was no need for ED to come looking for him since he had already conveyed to the federal agency that he was available to appear before them at 1 pm on Wednesday Here's what has happened so far in Jharkhand: NEW DELHI: Bangladeshs new foreign minister Hasan Mahmud will make his first bilateral visit to India next week to take forward relations between the two countries and to frame plans for future cooperation, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets with his Bangladesh counterpart Mohammed Hasan Mahmud, in Kampala. (Dr. S. Jaishankar-X/ ANI FILE) Mahmud, widely seen as a surprise choice for the foreign affairs portfolio after the Awami League won a fourth consecutive term in the January 7 general elections, is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on February 6, the people said. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. He will meet his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar for wide-ranging talks on February 7 and deliver a lecture at a New Delhi-based think tank. Jaishankar congratulated Mahmud shortly after his appointment earlier this month and said he looked forward to working together to deepen bilateral ties. The people said no major announcements or agreements were expected during Mahmuds visit, which will be of symbolic importance as it will be his first bilateral trip since he assumed his new office. The visit will be about building on work done by India and Bangladesh in recent years for trade, economic and energy connectivity, and preparing plans for cooperation in the future, one of the people said. Mahmud, considered part of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas inner circle, represents the Chattogram constituency in southeast Bangladesh in the Parliament. A former academic, he earlier served as information minister and did a brief stint as minister of state for foreign affairs in 2009. Hasinas decision to replace former foreign minister AK Abdul Momen with Mahmud surprised many in Bangladeshs political circles. However, Mahmud is no stranger to India and has visited the country several times in recent years. In August 2023, Mahmud was part of an Awami League delegation that visited New Delhi for meetings with the top leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Mahmud has also emphasised Indias role in ensuring regional stability, which is essential for the prosperity and political stability of Bangladesh. He has also said that Bangladeshs progress would never be possible without the political and all-out support of India. Bangladesh has been the main beneficiary of Indias Neighbourhood First policy and New Delhi has provided three lines of credit worth around $8 billion over the past eight years for developing infrastructure, including roads, railways, shipping and ports. India also has a crucial stake in stability in the neighbouring country, especially to ensure security in the strategic northeastern states. The Congress had made attempts to create the INDIA alliance, but the Congress party has become a NPA (non-performing asset) in the country and has become a liability, former BJP MLC and party's in-charge for Srinagar parliamentary constituency Surinder Ambardar said. HT Image Justifying his assertion, Ambardar said West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee earlier decided to contest the Lok Sabha elections alone and then Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar left the INDIA bloc and returned to the NDA. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Congress is a sinking boat and no political personality is ready to sail in it, the BJP leader told reporters after inaugurating the partys election office in Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency. On Tuesday, the BJP inaugurated its election offices in all five constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir. Ambardar said the BJP believes that election is the biggest festival in the country and is celebrating it by launching election offices. We have created 38 departments for the elections and made 38 convenors and 38 co-convenors. Those 38 departments vary from election office to social media to strategic aspects and will touch all aspects of the election, he added. The former MLC said the BJP is looking to win at least 330 seats on its own in the upcoming general elections. For the NDA, the score will be over 400 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will score a hat-trick, he added. Meanwhile, the partys general secretary (organisation) for Jammu and Kashmir, Ashok Koul, said the INDIA bloc has broken away and many partners have left it. We have said it from the very beginning that it is not an alliance but a photo session. All those meetings were a photo session. As far as Kashmir is concerned, we do not see that any political party will enter into an alliance with it," Koul said. There was a Gupkar alliance and now we do not see that as well. All of them will contest. The BJP will contest all the six seats, including Ladakh, and will try to win all of them, he added. Koul further said the assembly elections will also take place in Jammu and Kashmir. We will see to it that the assembly elections take place after the parliamentary polls, he added. The owner of the cracker factory in Dakshina Kannada district, where three workers died in an explosion, was arrested on Sunday night, police said The owner, the cracker factory in Dakshina Kannada district, Syed Bashir, was arrested at Sullia where he had fled after the explosion that killed three workers, police said. (HT Photo) The explosion happened in Kukkedi village under Belthangadi taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The owner, Syed Bashir, was arrested at Sullia where he had fled after the explosion and is being questioned, police said. Syed Bashir had been given licence to manufacture firecrackers in his half acres of land. His licence, initially obtained in 2011-2012, was renewed in 2019, remaining valid until March 2024, Dakshina Kannada superintendent of police C B Rishyanth told HT. The preliminary investigation suggests that the firecrackers were being produced to meet market demand. The majority of the crackers are supplied for use in temples, and religious celebrations. Due to the impact of the incident, four houses were damaged, he added. Venur police registered a case under IPC section 304A ( death caused by negligence) and explosives Act, he said. The western range IGP Amruth Pal visited the spot and verified. The cause behind the explosion during the manufacturing process is yet to be determined. The mobile forensic Team and the department of explosives team went to the site to gather information and investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident Rishyanth said. We will not allow the factory to run in this place as four houses were damaged in the incident, Vishwanath Naik, a resident of Kukkedi, told reporters. The cement roof sheets of two houses collapsed but inmates saved life fortunately they were away from house, Villagers already complained with gram panchayat not to allow the factory to run as it posed threat to life he added. Prima facie it seems explosion was big as the impact is severe, fortunately, villagers saved life Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja told HT. I urge the state government to hand over the probe to NIA to find any other organizations linked in this incident, he added Police said nine laborers, engaged in manufacturing firecrackers were on-site when the accident transpired. . Dinesh and Kiran from Hassan, Kumar from Araseikere, Kallesha from Chikkamarahalli, Prem and Keshav from Kerala sustained minor injuries during the incident. Local residents expressed their anger against the firecracker factory owner as the tragedy unfolded around 5:30 pm. The four houses situated near the factory were damaged in the incident. . The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Tuesday announced the inclusion of Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) in the state-level coalition of Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and Shiv Sena (UBT). Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA) leader Prakash Ambedkar. (Photo by Bhushan Koyande/HT Photo) VBA vice president Dhairyawan Pundkar participated in a meeting of MVA held in Mumbai on January 30. Following discussions, Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP unanimously agreed to formalise VBA's inclusion in the coalition. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. "The Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena have unanimously decided to induct VBA as a political ally. We are thankful for your stand to fight against autocracy," Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole posted on X. The decision was conveyed through a formal letter sent to Ambedkar by the leaders of the MVA. Reacting to the announcement, Ambedkar said, Even though VBAs state vice-president was not given due respect in the MVA meeting and VBA is not aware nor informed by AICC or by Ramesh Chennithala whether Nana Patole is having any authority to sign any letters for including VBA in MVA alliance, we will join MVA in the next meeting since VBAs priority is to defeat the BJP-RSS. The letter was jointly signed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole, and NCP's state unit chief Jayant Patil. The country is going through a very serious situation. A country with a great democratic tradition is turning to dictatorship, the letter read. People suspect that in the year 2024, if there is a different result in the country, this will probably be the last election. We know that the Maha Vikas Aghadi was established to change this situation and bring about change in the state and the country, it added. The leaders acknowledged Ambedkar's fight against the alleged authoritarian tendencies and expressed gratitude for his contribution to the cause. It is our stand that the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi should officially join the Mahavikas Aghadi, they said. The VBA led by Dalit leader Ambedkar, grandson of B R Ambedkar, has pockets of influence in some districts, including the Vidarbha region. The existing constituents of the MVA have been open to joining hands with Ambedkars party. However, VBA's inclusion in the coalition hit a roadblock as MVA believed that Ambedkar's party was trying to punch way above its weight by demanding 12 of Maharashtras 48 Lok Sabha seats. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 76th death anniversary at Rajghat in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on Martyrs Day. (AFP photo) I pay homage to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. I also pay homage to all those who have been martyred for our nation. Their sacrifices inspire us to serve the people and fulfill their vision for our nation, Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Also Read: Mahatma Gandhi-Subhas Chandra Bose disagreement was based on mutual self-respect Another X handle, which shares anecdotes and narrates the Prime Ministers life through archival records, shared pictures from his personal diary carrying quotes from Gandhi. We bring you pages from Narendra Modis personal diary, which demonstrate that not only did he extensively read Mahatma Gandhi, but he also wrote down Gandhis quotes in his personal diary as something of inspirational value to him the Modi Archives handle posted on X. I have no weapon but love to wield authority over anyone, read one of the quotes in the PMs diary. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, defence minister Rajnath Singh and Union minister Hardeep Puri also paid floral tributes to Gandhi at his memorial. A two-minute silence was also observed followed by a gun salute. Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse at Gandhi Smriti on January 30, 1948. President of India Droupadi Murmu has nominated educationist and the founder of Chandigarh University (CU) Satnam Singh Sandhu as a member of the Rajya Sabha. Satnam Singh Sandhu with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File Photo) Vice president and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankar welcomed Sandhu to the Upper House. I welcome the nomination of Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji to the Rajya Sabha. His rich work in community service and his passion towards education, innovation and learning will be big sources of strength for the Rajya Sabha. I wish him the very best for his tenure, Dhankar said on X. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Congratulating Sandhu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X, I am delighted that Rashtrapati Ji has nominated Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji to the Rajya Sabha. Satnam Ji has distinguished himself as a noted educationist and social worker, who has been serving people at the grassroots in different ways. He has always worked extensively to further national integration and has also worked with the Indian diaspora. I wish him the very best for his Parliamentary journey and am confident the Rajya Sabha proceedings will be enriched by his views. Sandhu, son of a farmer, founded the Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC) at Landran in Mohali in 2001 and Chandigarh University in 2012. He is a philanthropist and is actively involved in large scale community efforts to improve health and wellness and also to advance communal harmony through his two NGOs Indian Minorities Foundation and New India Development (NID) Foundation, a person aware of the details said. According to the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of India, the President has been bestowed the right to nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha for a six-year term for their contributions towards arts, literature, science, and social services. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Jananta Party over the contentious Chandigarh mayoral election results as he drew a parallel between Tuesday's events and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse on this day 76 years back. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Chandigarh mayoral polls. Rahul Gandhi, who is currently leading his party's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Bihar, accused the BJP of subverting the democracy in the mayoral elections and said it was beyond imagination what the saffron party will do to remain in power at the Centre. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. In a post on X, Gandhi wondered, It is beyond imagination what the BJP, which can kill democracy in front of the whole world in the mayoral elections, will do to remain in power in Delhi. Years ago, on this day, Godse had assassinated Gandhiji and today Godsewadis sacrificed his ideals and constitutional values, he added. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, "That the BJP chose January 30 to kill democracy in Chandigarh does not come as a surprise." A major controversy erupted after the presiding officer of the mayoral polls in Chandigarh declared eight votes invalid. BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar (16 votes) defeated the AAP's Kuldeep Kumar (12 votes). The councillors associated with the Congress and AAP, who fought the election as part of an alliance, alleged foul play by pointing to footage from the Assembly Hall in which the presiding officer was purportedly seen marking some of the ballots. The ballots may be declared invalid for several reasons, including identifying marks on the ballot paper that could reveal voters' identity. Delhi chief minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal called the series of events during the election a "black day for democracy". Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Kejriwal said the entire country saw what happened in the Chandigarh mayoral polls. "It is a black day for democracy. Everyone saw how they stole votes and forcibly made their candidate win. The issue is not who becomes mayor but the country should not lose and the democracy should not lose. Mayors come and go, parties come and go," he said. Accusing the BJP of indulging in "hooliganism" in full public view, Kejriwal said if people do not stop it together it will be extremely "dangerous" for the nation. "The AAP-Congress alliance had a clear majority and it was a straight election. Eight votes or 25 per cent of the total votes were declared invalid. What kind of election was this? The mayoral poll result shows there is something wrong and at a large scale, they can go to any extent in national polls," he alleged. The polls, originally scheduled for January 18, were deferred to February 6 by the Chandigarh administration after the presiding officer, who is at the centre of the controversy, apparently fell ill. The administrations order to defer the elections was challenged by Kuldeep Dhalor, the AAPs candidate for the post of mayor, in the high court. In its January 24 order, the high court directed the Chandigarh administration to hold the mayoral polls at 10am on January 30. It also quashed the administrations January 18 order postponing the elections holding it unreasonable, unjustified and arbitrary. The Lok Sabha polls are due in a few months, and true to what usually happens every pre-poll season across India, Assam is witnessing a shifting of loyalties by politicians. Significantly, the opposition Congress is at the losing end with many old-timers ditching the party and showing allegiance to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its coalition partner Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). More importantly, Congress leaders are leaving immediately after the headline-grabbing Assam leg of the partys Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi. On Sunday, three days after Rahuls yatra got over in Assam, several Congress workers and leaders including former Congress minister Bismita Gogoi and former president of the Assam unit of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) Angkita Dutta joined the BJP at an event held at the saffron partys state headquarters in Guwahati. While Bismita is the daughter-in-law of former Congress leader Jiba Kanta Gogoi and a former MLA from Khumtai, Dutta is the daughter of former Congress minister Anjan Dutta. A year ago, Dutta filed a case against IYC national president Srinivas BV stating in the police complaint that he had harassed her and discriminated against her. She was subsequently expelled from Congress for anti-party activities. The Congress has lost its ideology at present. The partys only plan is how to resurrect Rahul Gandhis declining political fortunes. It was also disheartening that during the recent Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Gandhi didnt interact with me to give me justice about harassment I faced, said Ankita Dutta at the event. Bismita Gogoi said she felt disappointed that there were questions raised about her dress during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. She added that she faced mental harassment in the Congress and was not given any responsibility despite being a grassroots leader. Wherever Rahul will pass through, the Congress will get decimated in those places. He is very uninspiring, and arrogant and has no leadership qualities. In fact, he is BJPs star campaigner, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma himself a former Congressman said. BJP Assam unit president Bhabesh Kalita informed that more leaders from Congress will be joining the party in the coming days. He told HT that the new members have joined without any pre-condition, and they are unlikely to get party tickets for the coming Lok Sabha polls. Commenting on the decision by several key leaders to quit the party, the president of the Assam unit of Congress, Bhupen Kumar Borah, said that the party was happy to get rid of people who are not committed to its ideals. Ankita Dutta was no longer a Congress member as she was expelled for six years on disciplinary grounds and Bismita Gogoi, who had lost two consecutive assembly elections, was inactive in the party since 2021. We are not bothered by their exit, Borah said. Congress leader of opposition Debabrata Saikia said that personal ambitions seemed to have taken precedence over ideology and that could have prompted leaders from the party to shift to BJP. He denied rumours of him quitting the party and going to the saffron camp. On Monday, Apurba Bhattacharjee, a former general secretary of Congresss state unit quit the party and joined AGP at Guwahati. Welcoming the leader, Assam agriculture minister and AGP president Atul Bora said that many more from the Grand Old PAarty are lining up to join hands with the regional party. There are indications that both Kalita and Boras statements could be true. BJP leader and parliamentary affairs minister Pijush Hazarika said that several more Congress leaders will be joining the BJP on February 5. He didnt disclose any names. The switch of leaders from Congress to BJP in Assam isnt new. Biswa Sarma quit Congress in 2015 along with several MLAs. Within months of the 2021 assembly polls, two Congress MLAs quit the party and joined BJP. They later got elected from the same seats on the saffron partys tickets. At present, the BJP has 62 MLAs in the 126-member assembly while the Congress has 27. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had won 9 of the total 14 seats and Congress bagged just 3. And with bickering related to ticket distribution for the coming Lok Sabha polls already surfacing in Congress, the partys numbers could slip further this time. New Delhi: Veteran Postage Stamp Designer Sankha Samanta, with over three decades of experience designing stamps for India Post, faced his most significant commissions just four months before the Ram temple consecration ceremony on January 22. Tasked with designing six commemorative stamps for the event, Samanta said This was the most important project of my career. Samanta remembers the exact moment he received a call at 10 pm one evening saying PM Modi likes the stamps and has approved them personally. Veteran stamp artist Sankha Samanta. (HT photo) Modi released the stamps on January 18. The 58-year-old is known for creating more than 450 stamps, including unique stamps like India's First Fragrant Stamp and First Braille Stamp, the World's first Stamp made of Khadi cloth, India's first circular stamp and several other landmark designs. He is recognised as the most prolific designer of stamps featuring Mahatma Gandhi, having crafted 43 stamps on Gandhi. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Samantas portfolio includes designs focused on Ramayana and on events like 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Nominated for the Padma Shri in 2019, Samanta also conducts workshops to disseminate Gandhian philosophy during his free time. The Ram Mandir was no longer an abstract idea, it was becoming a reality and I needed to witness it, Samanta said. He went to Ayodhya with a delegation including Deputy Director General of Philately in the Communications Ministry, Sunil Sharma, to see the temple site and meet Champat Rai, the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Samanta said, This was the first time I was able to visualise certain components of the stamp in my mind as I sat in the meeting. Contemplating how to conceptualise an unfinished temple, Samanta described the scene as a war zone, with cranes scattered and the temple floor and ceiling in rudimentary states due to ongoing construction work. Samanta observed the carved panels lying on the ground and the beautiful sandstone work. Interacting with artists and workers working at the temple, Samanta could visualise what the completed temple could look like. Engaging with the artists and workers working on the temple, Samanta could appreciate the unique artistry and dedication involved in each deftly carved sandstone panels, and relief sculptures. The delegation was set to return in a day but Samanta extended his stay to engage in discussions with scholars, almost seeing it as an academically charged project where he had to understand the epic to showcase it in his stamps. Through philosophical conversations with scholars like Acharya Mithilesh Nandini Sharan, Samanta could understand what would resonate with the public. One key aspect he aimed to showcase in his design was a continuity factor, symbolised by the Sarayu river, which serves as a timeless witness to the epic and continues to flow eternally. Upon examining the stamps, one immediately notices the absence of human depictions such as devotees. Samanta pondered extensively on this aspect, finally deciding against including devotees to maintain the perspective of a devotee and preserve the grandeur of the temple. From a technical standpoint, Samanta explained, If I show a devotee, the scale of the temple will diminish, and the grandeur will be lost. Furthermore, he aimed to convey a sense of silence and infinity through the stamps, highlighting the spiritual significance and timeless essence of the temple. Also Read: Unfinished work at Ram temple set to resume from Feb 15 Enhancing the Concept proposed by Samanta, India Posts technical team created an innovation by incorporating sands from the banks of the Sarayu River and water from the river itself into the ink pigment to symbolise water and earth for the first time in history. Additionally, gold foil was used to represent the sun, while sandalwood perfume infused into the stamps evoked the essence of air, creating a multisensory experience. The inclusion of gold-foil diyas paid homage to the Deepotsav, an annual affair in Ayodhya, which made the Guinness World Record for lighting up over 22 lakh lamps in 2023. Samanta said that pictures of Ganesh, Hanuman, Jatayu and others were sent by the trust after which he modelled the stamps but he wanted to portray the essence of the characters for which he talked to several scholars on the stories in RamayanaI used to call them daily and talk for hours about the stories behind these characters. For the stamps depicting Shabri, Kewat, Samanta tried to depict in a sculptural way as if it was carved out on a stone. Beyond visual design, the stamps incorporate sound, featuring the recitation of Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari, a popular Choupai, authored by Tulsidas in Ramcharitmanas. This phrase expresses reverence and devotion towards Ram as the bringer of blessings and remover of negativity. The stamps also feature "Ram Naam Jaap," chosen by Samanta as it signifies the simplest path to salvation. Samanta said that he had visions while designing the stamps even after he turned in the first draft and made changes accordingly We are just tools for a larger perspective and for this reason, Samanta says, every input was important to me, if my daughters gave an input I would think about itits a collective effort just like Rams victory was. An admirer of Gandhi, Samanta said that the focus was on portraying the temple and the artwork with bhakti bhav. He explained: In the end, this is about art, saying that the scenes in the stamps were chosen for their resonance with the masses Samanta highlighted characters like Kevat, a poor boatman, and Shabri, a true devotee who transcend religious or caste boundaries. He said, I dont think [the Ramayana] belongs to any particular religion or caste or creed, and he aimed to convey the universal values and love embodied in the epic of Ramayana through the medium of stamps. Upon sending the design, Samanta received a call informing him that Prime Minister Modi had personally reviewed and approved the designsThe PM liked it and the rest is history. New Delhi The Supreme Court on Monday extended by 15 days the January 31 deadline set by it for the Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar to decide on a bunch of disqualification petitions linked to the split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) that resulted in a a new party, and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, being added to the ruling coalition in Maharashtra last year. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the speaker, pointed out that Narwekar has remained predominantly occupied with the disqualification proceedings linked to the vertical split in the Shiv Sena (ANI) A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, granted more time to Narwekar to deliver the verdict in the matter after recording his statement that the hearing process will conclude on January 31 and that the additional time was being requested to prepare the judgment. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Solicitor general (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the speaker, pointed out that Narwekar has remained predominantly occupied with the disqualification proceedings linked to the vertical split in the Shiv Sena, which was decided earlier this month. READ | Speaker issues schedule for hearing disqualification of NCP MLAs The cross-examination of evidence will be over on January 30 and the final hearing will also conclude on January 31. We are asking for three weeks to dictate judgments. This is a realistic time we are asking for, Mehta submitted before the bench, which also included justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. Opposing the extension by three weeks, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Sharad Pawar loyalist Jayant Patil, said that an additional time of one week should be enough for Narwekar to write the judgment. At this, the bench said that it would grant the speaker time till February 15 to deliver his verdict in the batch of disqualification petitions filed by the Sharad Pawar camp against 40 MLAs and 5 MLCs. for anti-party activities after Ajit Pawar split the party and joined the coalition government in the state as deputy chief minister. Following a split in Shiv Sena in May 2022 that brought down the then Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and saw Eknath Shinde taking over as the new chief minister of the state, NCP suffered a similar fate in July 2023, prompting NCP MLA Patil to move the top court seeking a directive to Narwekar for a timebound disposal of the disqualification petitions filed against Ajit Pawar and the MLAs backing him. Patils petition was filed in September, lamenting that Narwekar had been sitting over the disqualification petitions for the last three months. The Sharad Pawar camp filed three petitions for disqualification of rebel MLAs. The first petition was filed against nine MLAs, including Ajit Pawar; the second petition was against 20 MLAs; and the third against 11 MLAs. The Ajit Pawar camp has also filed disqualification petitions against 10 NCP MLAs and three MLCs. It has also filed a petition before the Election Commission of India, seeking permission to use the partys name and election symbol. The verdict in the case is expected to come soon. Emphasising that sanctity of the anti-defection law must be maintained, the apex court on October 30 set deadlines on the two politically sensitive cases -- the Sena split by December 31 and the NCP fissures by January 31 entailing that the issue will be decided well in time for the general elections next summer, and state polls expected in October 2024. Following an extension of the deadline till January 10, Narwekar dismissed the disqualification petitions filed by the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) group against Shinde and the MLAs that supported him during the rebellion in 2022 and holding the chief ministers faction to be the real Shiv Sena. The UBT group later challenged the speakers decision before the Supreme Court, which issued notice on the petition last week and sought responses from Shinde and 38 other Shiv Sena legislators of his camp. We must respect the decision of the Supreme Court and abide by it, but it is about time the speaker of Maharashtra assembly Rahul Narwekar takes decision on the disqualification issue, Clyde Crasto, national spokesperson of the Sharad Pawar faction of NCP, said. Anti-defection law and the 10th schedule have clear provisions to take a right decision. Despite that if he is delaying it further, then he is only creating doubts in the minds of people that his act appears to be politically motivated. Welcoming the top courts decision, Anand Paranjpe, the spokesperson of Ajit Pawar faction, said: Hearing on the NCP MLAs disqualification issue is going on and will conclude on January 31. Speaker will need time to write a judgement so [the] Supreme Court has given time. We respect the judgment. The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force on a contempt petition filed by a retired air veteran who was awarded a compensation of over 1.5 crore by the top court last year for contracting AIDS after a blood transfusion at a military hospital during the 2002 Operation Parakram. The top courts decision in September catered to the mental, physical, emotional and financial loss suffered by petitioner, who was removed from service due to his medical condition. (HT file) Issuing a notice to the defence forces, a bench of justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta turned down the request by the Air Force to defer a hearing on the contempt plea as a review petition against the September 30 order was pending before the top court. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Additional solicitor general Vikramajeet Banerjee requested the court to hear the contempt petition after a decision on the review petition. You get it listed and heard expeditiously in four weeks, or else we will proceed with this matter, the court said, adjourning the matter by four weeks. Advocate Vanshaja Shukla appeared as amicus curiae and said the petitioner has not received money towards medical or litigation costs. The court noted that Shukla, who assisted the court for passing an order on grant of compensation, had not been paid the honorarium of 50,000 for her assistance. The officer, retired corporal Ashish Kumar Chauhan, joined the air force in May 1996. The unfortunate blood transfusion episode took place in July 2002 during Operation Parakram, when India mobilised troops at the India-Pakistan border following an attack on Parliament. Due to a sudden illness, Chauhan was hospitalised at a military hospital in Jammu. One unit of blood was administered to him without consent. In March 2014, he was admitted for treatment of pneumonia. Interestingly, the military hospital at Ahmedabad found HIV to be negative. As the problem persisted, he was admitted at Indian Naval Hospital at Mumbai in May 2014, where tests revealed that he is HIV+. The medical board found he contracted infection during the blood transfusion received in July 2002. The top courts decision in September catered to the mental, physical, emotional and financial loss suffered by petitioner, who was removed from service due to his medical condition. He suffered personal stigma as well leading up to his divorce. People sign up to join the armed forces with considerable enthusiasm and sense of patriotic duty...to put their lives on the line and be prepared for the ultimate sacrifice of their lives, the court had said while awarding him compensation of 15,473,000 on account of medical negligence of the army and air force. A corresponding duty is cast on all state functionaries, including echelons of power within the armed forces, to ensure that the highest standard of safety, which is physical and mental well-being, is maintained, it had said. The air force was directed to pay the amount within six weeks and release all arrears of disability pension to the petitioner. The court held both the army and air force to be jointly and separately vicariously liable and left it open to the air force to seek reimbursement of up to half the compensation amount from the Indian Army. In 2016, Chauhan was discharged from service and a year later, he filed a complaint before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, claiming 95 crore from the air force. The commission dismissed his petition in August 2021 as the military hospital at Jammu where he was given blood was not an authorised blood bank. Even after getting discharge from the air force, when the petitioner sought to take up employment with a government organisation, he was rejected owing to his medical condition. The courts cannot run the government, the Supreme Court said on Monday, refusing to entertain a public interest litigation that sought implementation of the Centres post-matric scholarship scheme for scheduled caste students in Bihar. The courts cannot run the government, the Supreme Court said. (Hindustan Times) Though the issue of scholarships to students from marginalised sections was a desirable idea, the courts cannot force a government to make a fiscal allocation if the execution of the scheme is optional for the state government, according to a bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The government says that it does not have money. Can we force the government to give scholarships? Everybody likes scholarships, especially to the SC/ST children, but we cannot force them, the bench told senior counsel Sanjay Parikh. Parikh, appearing for petitioner Rajeev Kumar and others, exhorted the court to take a sympathetic view in the matter, adding the Centres Freeship Card scheme must be implemented in Bihar to benefit thousands of SC students. Complaining about non-implementation of the guidelines issued by the central government, Parikh contended that the Bihar government has arbitrarily limited the maximum amount of post-matric scholarship, including tuition fees and other non-refundable fees payable to eligible beneficiaries under the scheme, and has not implemented the scheme. But the bench retorted: We cannot run the government...We will be breaching the separation of power if we say anything. It suggested the petitioner should pursue a different recourse. Take it at a different level and not judicially...Its not a matter for the courts. Bihar-resident Rajeev Kumar and organisation Youth for Dalit Adivasi Rights had approached the Supreme Court against rejection of their public interest litigation by the Patna high court in August 2023. Freeship Card, or the post-matric scholarship scheme is a flagship programme of the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment aimed at increasing the gross enrolment ratio of scheduled caste students in higher education in India, with a focus on those belonging to poorest households. Under the scheme, the beneficiaries are selected by the respective state government or Union territory. Funds sponsoring such schemes have to be borne by Centre and state respectively in a ratio of 60:40. While refusing to issue any directive to Bihar for implementing the scheme, the high court had in its August judgment held that courts cannot by a judicial order direct implementation of any scheme formulated by the central government, which can be implemented only at the option of the state government. Since the matter involves the policy decision of the states executive, any judicial interference would lead to overstepping the wisdom of the state government, said the court, taking on record the states submissions that the Bihar government has already introduced its own scheme of granting post-matric scholarship, not only for scheduled castes, but also for scheduled tribe students in the state. Acknowledging the state governments concerns about optimum disbursal of funds ensuring maximum coverage of all marginalized sections of society, the high court said these were all matters coming within the policy domain of the state and dismissed the lawsuit. The Supreme Court on Monday transferred to itself all proceedings in a case involving the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the West Bengal government that led to an unprecedented confrontation between the two benches of the Calcutta high court last week. Listing the matter after three weeks, the Supreme Court extended its January 27 order that had put in abeyance the direction issued by the single judge bench of justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay for an investigation by CBI into an alleged fake caste certificate scam (HT Archive) Underlining that any order or remarks of the top court must not impinge on the dignity of the high court or its judges, a five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, directed that the petitions pending before the single judge bench as well as the division bench in the Calcutta high court shall stand transferred to the Supreme Court for further consideration. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. We are dealing with a high court a constitutional court. Casting aspersions on either the single judge or the judge leading the division bench will not be appropriate. We will deal with it in a different way here. Anything that we see here should not impinge on the dignity of the high court, said the bench, which also comprised the four most senior judges justices Sanjiv Khanna, Bhushan R Gavai, Surya Kant and Aniruddha Bose. READ | Judge vs judge matter: Supreme Court stays all proceedings before Calcutta high court Listing the matter after three weeks, the Supreme Court extended its January 27 order that had put in abeyance the direction issued by the single judge bench of justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay for an investigation by CBI into an alleged fake caste certificate scam. Justice Gangopadhyay had ordered a CBI probe on January 25 despite the division bench led by justice Soumen Sen annulling the probe order a day ago. The top court, while hearing the proceedings initiated on its own motion (suo motu), also asked the West Bengal government to submit an affidavit to show the status of the probe conducted so far by the state into the alleged scam and the extent of malaise in admission of students at medical colleges using fake caste certificates. You file your affidavit to show what the extent of fake certificates is...we can then take the next step accordingly, the bench told senior counsel Kapil Sibal, Huzefa Ahmadi and Sunil Fernandes all appearing for the West Bengal government. READ | Judge vs judge matter: Supreme Court transfers to itself case from Calcutta HC Responding, Sibal said that the state police have registered four first information reports (FIRs), and 14 fake certificates have been cancelled so far. At this point, senior counsel Maninder Singh intervened to inform the bench that he was appearing for a group representing Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students. Forty out of 52 certificates have been found to be fake. Thats the extent of the scam, said Singh. The court allowed Singh to move an impleadment plea in the matter. Sibal, on his part, complained that justice Gangopadhyay could continue to take up similar matters. He will do the same thing in future too. He (judge) is attending rallies...What should be done? he said. Senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi also stepped in on behalf of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, who had filed an application bringing to the courts notice some contentious remarks passed by the single judge in question Earlier milords took a lenient view and reassigned the case. Even after that the single judge kept issuing similar orders and remarks. What this court did the last time was misconstrued as this courts weakness. He has been giving interviews even after that. And matters go to him, rued Singhvi. The bench replied that the powers of assignment of cases lies with the chief justice of the high court. Lets not arrogate or take upon the power of the chief justice. We are sure the chief justice is taking stock of everything, it added. In April 2023, Banerjee moved the Supreme Court against a TV interview given by justice Gangopadhyay in which the judge made certain contentious remarks against the TMC leader. At the time, the top court noted that judges have no business to be giving interviews on matters pending before them as it directed reassignment of a bunch of politically sensitive cases in the state from justice Gangopadhyay to some other bench in the high court. On January 24 and 25, the two benches of the high court passed contradictory orders on a petition alleging corruption in admission of students at medical colleges using fake caste certificates, with the larger bench -- of justices Senand Uday Kumar -- on Thursday finally declaring justice Gangopadhyays orders void ab initio (legally void from the start) and quashing an FIR that CBI had lodged as per his directive. In a special sitting on Saturday, the five-judge bench of the Supreme Court halted all proceedings before the two benches in the high court in the wake of the judicial drama left the state government and CBI in a tizzy over contradictory orders and saw justice Gangopadhyay hurling allegations of political influence at justice Sen. Guwahati, Jan 30 (PTI) The strategic Sela Tunnel Project, which is set to provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, will be inaugurated only after a third-party safety audit, a BRO official said. HT Image The audit is expected to be completed by mid-February this year, following which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the tunnel, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Additional Director General (East) P K H Singh said in an interview with PTI. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. "The construction work for the tunnel, situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet, is nearing completion, while physical and environmental audits, already provisioned in the contract, have been conducted and positive results have been received," he said. Following the Silkyara tunnel incident in Uttarakhand, however, the BRO DG had ordered a third-party audit of the Sela tunnel as it is strategically important due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Singh said. The tunnel, located near Sela Pass, was necessitated as the Balipara-Charidwar-Tawang Road remains closed for an extended period due to snowfall and landslides caused by heavy rainfall, he pointed out. "The tunnel is aimed at enhancing the army's capabilities at the LAC," he added. It will ensure speedy deployment of troops, weapons and machinery to the forward areas along the India-China border, Singh said. The foundation of the project was laid by the prime minister in February 2019, with a cost estimation of 697 crore, but work got delayed due to various reasons, including the COVID pandemic. Construction work had started in April 2019 and the first blast took place at tunnel 2 portal 4 on Oct 31 of the same year, he said. The project comprises two tunnels, with the first being a single-tube tunnel of 980 metres in length, and the second being 1.5-km-long with an escape tube for emergencies, Singh said. The BRO is engaged in constructing 7.1 km of approach roads to tunnel 1, 340 metres of approach roads to tunnel 2 and 1.3 km of roads between the two tunnels. The Sela tunnel has been constructed with the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) and the final breakthrough in tunnel 1 was recorded on January 22. "When the tunnel was being constructed, in the final phases of installations, a major cloudburst took place in the higher reaches in July last year, delaying the construction of the approach roads and thereby, the expected time frame for completion of the project," the official said. The BRO will also construct a 100-metre-long departmental tunnel on the Sela-Chhabrela-Banga Janga Gompa (BJG) axis for the organisation's use to transport men, materials and machines, he said. There is also a proposal to construct a 10,000-crore underwater tunnel under Brahmaputra River from Tezpur but the project is still under consideration by the Union government and a final decision is yet to be taken, Singh said. The BRO has also constructed the now operational Nechiphu tunnel in West Kameng district of the state at an altitude of 1,630 metres. It was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in September last year. This double-lane 500-metre long-tube tunnel is located in an area where traffic used to be severely affected due to dense fog but after becoming operational, it has not only reduced travelling time but also provides a safe route to travellers, including defence personnel, Singh said. Hemant Soren has sought time to meet governor C P Radhakrishnan on Tuesday after the latter said he has no information about the chief ministers whereabouts and accused the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) of trying to create unrest in the state. Soren returned to Ranchi late Monday night and called a meeting of JMM lawmakers. (HT PHOTO) Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths earlier on Monday swooped in at Sorens Delhi residence but found he was not there. People close to Soren said he was around Delhi for legal consultation, and stressed that there was no need for ED to come looking for him since he conveyed to the agency that he was unavailable to appear before it. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Soren returned to Ranchi late Monday night and called a meeting of JMM lawmakers on Tuesday. A meeting of all ministers and MLAs of the ruling party under Sorens chairmanship has been called at his residence, said a JMM leader after the party announced Soren was in Ranchi. Sorens wife, Kalpana, was present at the meeting. On Tuesday morning, Radhakrishnan said he did not have any information about Soren and that the JMM workers are not acting well. ...nobody knows anything about the chief minister. I also know nothing. We are also awaiting the chief ministers response. The ruling partys attitude is not favourable, he said before summoning the state home secretary and police chief. Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure prohibiting public gatherings was imposed within a 100-metre radius of Soren, the governors residences, and EDs Ranchi office a day before the agency was expected to question the chief minister at his residence. An order explaining the imposition of Section 144 cited information about protests, demonstrations, processions, and rallies and said the possibility of such events could cause disruption in government work, traffic, and create law and order problems and disturb public peace. In a letter to ED, Soren said he would record his statement before the agency at 1pm on Wednesday at his residence. He alleged EDs questioning was more political and meant to disrupt the functioning of his government ahead of the Budget session of the assembly from February 2 to 29. Soren added he will be preoccupied with preparations for the session apart from other prior scheduled official engagements. He said EDs insistence to record his statement reeks of malice and reveals a political agenda to disrupt the governments functioning and prevent an elected representative from discharging his official duties. JMM leader Supriyo Bhattacharya said the ED was unnecessarily disturbing the governance in the name of interrogation. Over seven hours, ED [earlier] put 17 to 18 questions and the chief minister replied to all. Most of EDs questions were related to purported inaccuracies in the affidavit filed with the Election Commission of India. Three to four questions were related to the plot of land at Bargain, Bhattacharya said. He added ED also asked about cash deposits between 2018 and 2022. On Monday, ED seized a luxury car from Sorens Delhi residence in connection with the ongoing probe into a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. BJP leader Nishikant Dubey accused Soren of destroying the honour and respect of Jharkhands people by going missing. New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has nominated Satnam Singh Sandhu to the Upper House of the Parliament, Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Satnam Singh Sandhu. "In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (a) of clause (1) of article 80 of the Constitution of India, read with clause (3) of that article, the President is pleased to nominate Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu to the Council of States to fill the vacancy caused due to the retirement of one of the nominated members," an official circular released on Tuesday read. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar congratulated Sandhu on X. "I welcome the nomination of Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji to the Rajya Sabha. His rich work in community service and his passion towards education, innovation and learning will be big sources of strength for the Rajya Sabha. I wish him the very best for his tenure," he wrote on the social media website. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Satnam Singh Sandhu. He said Sandhu is a noted educationist and social workers. Also read: Chandigarh University chancellor calls for coordination between regions institutes I am delighted that Rashtrapati Ji has nominated Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji to the Rajya Sabha. Satnam Ji has distinguished himself as a noted educationist and social worker, who has been serving people at the grassroots in different ways. He has always worked extensively to further national integration and has also worked with the Indian diaspora. I wish him the very best for his Parliamentary journey and am confident the Rajya Sabha proceedings will be enriched by his views, PM Modi wrote on X. Who is Satnam Singh Sandhu? Satnam Singh Sandhu is one of India's leading educationists, said official sources. He is the son of a farmer in Punjab. He is also an agriculturist. Satnam Singh Sandhu founded the Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC) at Landran in Mohali in 2001. In 2012, he found the Chandigarh University. Also read: Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: 56 seats across 15 states to go to polls on Feb 27 His early life was full of hardships. He struggled to get his education. Due to his difficult childhood, he became a staunch philanthropist later in life. He often extends financial help to students. He is actively involved in community efforts to improve health and wellness of the masses. He runs two NGOs -- Indian Minorities Foundation and New India Development (NID) Foundation -- to further communal harmony in the country. Kochi: A Kerala court on Tuesday gave death sentence to 15 people for killing BJP leader Ranjith Sreenivasan in 2021. All the convicts were members of the Popular Front of India. They were convicted on January 20. BJPs OBC leader Ranjith Sreenivasan, 40, was hacked to death at his home at Vellakinar in Keralas Alappuzha town. The prosecution said they were part of a trained killer squad who murdered the victim in front of his mother, wife and child. The convicts were identified as Naisam, Ajmal, Anoop, Mohammad Aslam, Salam, Saffaruddin, Abdul Kalam, Manshad, Jaseeb Raja, Navas, Sameer, Nazir, Zakir Hussain, Shaji and Shernas Ashraf. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Who was Ranjith Sreenivasan? All you need to know about the case Ranjith Sreenivasan was the state secretary of the BJP OBC Morcha. He was 40 years old. He was hacked to death on December 19, 2021, in Vellakinar in Alappuzha town. His family witnessed the crime. Sreenivasan's killing was seen as retaliation for the murder of SDPI state secretary KS Shan on the previous day by alleged RSS members in the Alappuzha district. They also assaulted Ranjith's mother, sister. Also read: Ranjith Sreenivasan murder: 15 PFI workers accused of killing BJP leader in front of family get death sentence According to the prosecution, there were 56 gashes on the deceased's body. The court had found eight people being involved in the case directly. Four others came to the spot with weapons along with the assailants -- they prevented the victim from escaping and let others enter the house after hearing his screams. Reacting to the verdict, the family of Sreenivasan had expressed hope that the guilty would be given the maximum punishment. The BJP leader's murder occurred just hours after SDPI leader K S Shan was killed by a gang on the night of December 18 while he was returning home in Alappuzha. With inputs from PTI Zoos and safari activities in forests will sensitise people about conserving forests and wildlife, said an affidavit filed by the Centre before the Supreme Court, which is considering petitions challenging the amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act where concerns have been raised over the changes potentially affecting the delicate ecological balance of these spaces. MoEFCC assured the court that the amended Act does not dilute the wider meaning of forests defined by the Supreme Court in a celebrated judgment of December 12, 1996 in the TN Godavarman matter (HT) In a response filed last week, the ministry of environment, forests climate change (MoEFCC) assured the court that the amended Act does not dilute the wider meaning of forests defined by the Supreme Court in a celebrated judgment of December 12, 1996 in the TN Godavarman matter. This decision held that forest land as defined in Section 2 of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 would include not only forests as understood in the dictionary sense but any area recorded as a forest in government records. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The affidavit said, All forests, including unclassed forests, recorded in record of government, forest department, local bodies, or authorities will also attract provisions of the Act...It is emphasised that the provisions of the Amended Act, in no way, will dilute the directions contained in the order of December 12, 1996 passed by Supreme Court. On the contrary, it will consolidate and codify the law relating to forests in the country. The Centre was responding to a petition filed by 13 retired public servants led by former Indian Forest Service officer Ashok Kumar Sharma and other petitions filed by NGO Vanashakti among other individuals questioning the inclusion of zoos and safaris under non-forestry activities and other exemptions such as setting up of security infrastructure and projects of strategic importance near border areas. Senior advocates Prashanto Chandra Sen and Gopal Sankaranarayanan representing the petitioners sought an urgent hearing of the matter claiming that the Centre has notified guidelines and rules under the amended Act and the same are being published despite the court on November 29 last year recording an undertaking from the Centre that no precipitative steps will be taken with regard to implementing the Act. In this regard, they mentioned interim applications filed by them seeking a stay of the Act. The bench headed by chief justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra agreed to list the applications on February 19. Additional solicitor general (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati appeared for the Centre and informed the court that the concern expressed by the petitioners is not correct and the affidavit takes care of the apprehensions raised by the court. The MoEFCC said, Activities like zoos and safaris will be owned by the government and government authorities and will be set up on the degraded forest area located outside the areas protected under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This will require approval of the central zoo authority. It further stated, Such zoos and safaris are generally created in the proximity of habitation to ensure minimum disturbance to the pristine forest ecosystem. Such activities will not only sensitise and generate awareness about the importance of protection and conservation of forest land and wildlife, but will also add to the livelihood sources of the local community, thereby providing them opportunities to connect with mainstream of development. The Centre defended exemptions under the Act for setting up security infrastructure by pointing out that security-related infrastructure, linear strategic projects along border and left-wing extremist districts are not blanket exemptions and will include specific projects of strategic importance or national security as identified by the central government. Stomach cancer or gastric cancer is the fifth most diagnosed cancer in India with nearly 60000 annual new case and it accounts for approximately 50000 deaths annually. Over the past few decades, the outlook for patients with stomach cancer has significantly improved owing to improved diagnostic tests, surgical techniques and chemotherapy agents however, we still have a long way to go and the age-old wisdom of early diagnosis being the key still holds true. Urgent stomach cancer warning: Do not ignore these 5 common symptoms (Photo by Twitter/WebMD) Genetic changes in DNA of stomach cells, a common bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, also called H. pylori, that causes stomach inflammation and ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, Epstein-Barr virus infection, hyperacidity, excessive amount of smoked and salty food, smoking, eating less fruits and vegetables or a history of stomach ulcers or stomach polyps can all be possible causes of stomach cancer. There are certain symptoms that should prompt you to visit your doctor at the earliest to evaluate and rule out stomach cancer. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ajay Singh, Lead Medical Oncologist at Sunrise Oncology Centre, warned to not ignore these 5 common symptoms of stomach cancer - Unexplained weight loss. Pain abdomen in the upper part of your abdomen. Frequent vomiting after having meals. Vomit with blood which often can be coffee coloured. Black coloured stools or commonly referred to as tarry stools. Dr Ajay Mandal, Consultant - GI and Hepato-Biliary Surgeon at CK Birla Hospitals' Department of Gastro Sciences, CMRI in Kolkata, asserted, Its important to not overlook the five common symptoms that are: jaundice, weight loss, early onset of diabetes, dark stools and loss of appetite. If any of these signs are present, seeking immediate medical attention is strongly advised. If you or any of your loved ones have experienced any such symptoms, then it is best to visit your primary physician for a more thorough evaluation to rule out any ominous cause for the same. Yoga experts claim that the ancient exercise practice can be effective in alleviating back pain through various mechanisms as it promotes flexibility and strength, targeting the muscles supporting the spine. Poses like Cat-Cow stretch and Child's pose can enhance spinal mobility. Yoga asanas for lower back pain: 8 exercises that bring relief (Photo by Amauri Mejia on Unsplash) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shared, Yoga encourages proper posture, reducing strain on the back. Breathing exercises in Yoga improve oxygenation to muscles, aiding in relaxation and tension release. The practice also fosters body awareness, helping individuals identify and correct habits contributing to back pain. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. He insisted, Regular Yoga can enhance overall well-being, reducing stress that often exacerbates back discomfort. While individual experiences vary, incorporating Yoga into a routine may contribute to a healthier, pain-free back over time. Yoga offers a range of asanas specifically designed to alleviate lower back pain, promoting flexibility, strength and overall well-being. He suggested the following Yoga asanas to ease lower back pain - Child's Pose (Balasana): Start on hands and knees, then sit back on your heels with arms stretched forward. This gentle stretch helps release tension in the lower back. Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana): Begin on hands and knees, alternating between arching and rounding your back. This movement improves spine flexibility and relieves lower back discomfort. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): From hands and knees, lift hips toward the ceiling, forming an inverted V-shape. Strengthens the entire back and stretches the hamstrings, reducing lower back strain. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Lie on your stomach, hands under shoulders, and lift your chest while keeping the pelvis on the floor. Strengthens the lower back muscles and promotes flexibility. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Lie on your back, bend your knees, and lift your hips toward the ceiling. Strengthens the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings, reducing lower back pain. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): Sit with legs extended, hinge at the hips, and reach toward your toes. Promotes flexibility in the lower back and hamstrings. Knees-to-Chest Pose (Apanasana): Lie on your back, bring knees to chest, and hug them with your arms. Gently stretches the lower back, providing relief from discomfort. Standing Forward Bend (Padahasthasana): Stand with feet hip-width apart, hinge at the hips, and reach toward the floor. Stretches the entire back, hamstrings, and calves, reducing lower back pain. Himalayan Siddha Akshar concluded, Regular practice of these Yoga asanas can contribute to the improvement of lower back pain by enhancing flexibility, strengthening core muscles, and promoting overall spinal health. However, it's essential to approach these poses with mindfulness, avoiding overexertion and consulting with a healthcare professional if there are existing health concerns. A chartered flight , described as the first mountain flight to the holy Kailash Mansarovar took off from Nepalgunj with 38 Indians on board on Monday. The Kailash Mansarovar seen from the flight. First mountain flight to Kailash Mansarovar takes off from Nepalgunj (PTI Photo) Called as the KailashMansarovar Darshan Flight, the flight offered a magnificent close view of the holy pilgrim places Mount Kailash and the Mansarovar lake. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The view of Mt Kailash was from 27,000 ft. Situated in the Ngari prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is considered the most sacred by Hindus across the world. The two natural sacrosanct places are also revered by Buddhists, Jains and Tibets indigenous Bonpa faith. Post the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns, China opened the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage in 2023. However, the massive hike in fees and multiple restrictions on visas, especially for Indian pilgrims, meant that practically the Yatra did not happen. This chartered flight of Shri Airlines with 38 Indian tourists took around one and a half our to complete the trip, Keshav Neupane, regional director of the Siddhartha Business Group that started the venture, told PTI. The maiden flight had tourists from various Indian cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, and many from the states of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. The flight to Mt Kailash and Mansarovar is cheap, quick, reliable and safe, Neupane said adding, the next chartered flight will take place in the first week of February. We will try to make it as frequently as possible based on the demand, he said. Mani Lamichhane, director at Nepal Tourism Board, told PTI, This will help increase border tourism movement. Now, Indians will be able to have a darshan of Mt Kailash and Lake Mansarovar without coming to Kathmandu. The Indian tourists can feel the divinity without doing much hard work. They dont need to spend days to see Mt. Kailash. They will get to see it within 1.5 hour, he said, adding, A new avenue in tourism has opened up with this flight. The pilgrims going to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal have to travel to Kathmandu. But with this flight, they need not go to the Nepal capital. Nepalgunj is barely 200 kms northeast of Lucknow in India and accessible by road too. Flight operations from Pithoragarh's Naini-Saini airport began on Tuesday after a gap of more than three years. Flight operations restart from Naini-Saini airport at Pithoragarh, linking sacred lands in Uttarakhand (Photo by Twitter/RaghavanO7) Following the resumption of flight operations, which was suspended in early 2020, aviation firm Flybig will operate a 19-seater aircraft between Dehradun and Pithoragargh thrice a week on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Addressing the inaugural function virtually, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said after the resumption of flight operations from the airport, the distance between Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand will become closer. Resumption of services from the airport, which will soon be extended to Pantnagar and then to Hindon airport in Ghaziabad, will be crucial for the strategically important border district, he added. The duration of the journey between Pithoragarh and Dehradun will be reduced from 11 hours by road to 1 hour by air, he said. The Union minister said the state government and the Centre were making all efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help Uttarakhand realise its full potential in terms of development and divinity. Speaking of his personal connection with Uttarakhand, Scindia said he had studied in the state for five years and will remain indebted to it till his last breath. Addressing the function in Pithoragarh, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said air connectivity between Dehradun and Pithoragarh will give further boost to religious tourism in the Manaskhand region. He said the Prime Minister's visit to Jolingkong for a darshan of the Adi Kailash peak and Jageshwar Dham had awakened the interest of tourists who have begun to visit the relatively lesser-known religious destinations in large numbers. Dhami said air connectivity between Dehradun and Pithoragarh will give further stimulus to the growing tourist interest in these places. The chief minister said he would request the company to increase the frequency of air services between the two towns from three to five days in a week. Night landing facilities at the airport will also be created, he said. Nitish Kumar has been the chief minister of Bihar for nearly two decades and has built a reputation as an administrator. So, how has Bihar fared under him on growth, human development and governance indices? From 2011-12 to 2021-22, Bihars Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) grew at a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%, close to the national average (2011-12 prices). However, Bihars GSDP is the lowest among major states although a higher growth is easier to achieve at a lower base. There is very little evidence of convergence of Bihars GDP with other leading states. In Net State Domestic Product (current prices 2011-12), Bihars GDP was 43% of Gujarats GDP, 41% of Karnatakas GDP, and 34% of Tamil Nadus GDP; in 2021-22, the share of Bihar GDP was down to 35% of Gujarats, 33% of Karnatakas and 32% of Tamil Nadus GDP. So, Bihars GDP has rather diverged, given other states too experienced high economic growth rates. Bihars per capita income (PCI) remains the lowest in India. The states NSDP per capita was 70% of the national average in 1960-61; it had come down to 33% of the national estimate by 2005 when the Janata Dal (United)-Bharatiya Janata Party combined gained office in 2005. In 2020-21, Bihars NSDP per capita was still 33% of Indias. Thus, after nearly two decades in power, Bihars PCI relative to Indias has remained stagnant with marginal divergence, not convergence. Bihar is also experiencing a reversal of structural change: The workforce in agriculture increased by 50% from 12.5 million to 18.95 million between 2017-18 and 2022-23. While Indias workforce in agriculture also increased by 60 million between 2020 and 2023, the increase proportionately is much higher in Bihar, due to reverse migration during Covid-19. At the same time, Bihars manufacturing sector growth rate (GSDP constant 2011-12) from 2017-18 to 2021-22 has declined by 1.1%, only partly because of the pandemic. The share of manufacturing in Gross State Value Added (2011-12) also declined from 9.1% in 2017-18 to 7.3% in 2021-22. As we argue in a recent research report, Bihar faced deindustrialisation over the last decade: The number of factories in operation in Bihar in 2019-20, after falling for 10 years, was just 1.32% of India; while in terms of net value added the share remains merely 0.5% of India. The only sectors that grew were related to construction and a few services (often real estate services). The reasons are not far to seek. Governance is the key. In NITIs Ease of Doing Business rankings (2019), Bihar ranked 26 out of 29. In 2021, Bihar received just 0.29% of Indias Foreign Direct Investment. Without basic enabling conditions, the state failed to attract foreign investment. In terms of exports, Bihars current share is just 0.52%. NITI Aayogs Export Preparedness Index 2022 ranks Bihar nine among 10 major landlocked states. Moreover, more than 60% of Bihars exports are one good petroleum products courtesy of the Barauni (Begusarai) oil refinery. Also, Bihars merchandise exports were 2.9% of GDP as compared to 35.9% for Gujarat. On the Social Progress Index 2022 (PMs Economic Advisory Council measuring social progress across basic human needs, foundations of well-being, and opportunity), Bihar ranks 35th among 36 states/UTs; 30% of households do not have access to toilets and piped water is for just 13% of households as compared to 35.5% for India. Bihar ranks 18 among 19 states in NITI Aayogs Health Performance Index (2019-20). The neonatal mortality rate for Bihar is five times and the infant mortality rate is more than 3.5 times that of Kerala. That is mainly because Bihar tops the list in the proportion of shortfall of health care providers in public health facilities. Similarly, NITI Aayogs School Education Quality Index 2019 ranks Bihar at 19 among 20 large states. How can schools and health services improve when schools are short of 220,000 teachers (some appointments started in 2023), universities need 21,500 staff (March 2022), and public health services are short of 57,000 doctors and paramedics (till March 2021)? Good governance is often the pivotal component in social and economic transformation. In the 2021 Good Governance Index of the department of administrative reforms, Bihar was ranked 15 among 18 states. This is the story of Bihars sushasan. Santosh Mehrotra is a research fellow, IZA Institute of Labour Economics, Bonn; Rakesh Ranjan is senior research fellow, International Institute for Migration and Development, Kerala. The views expressed are personal NEW DELHI (PTI): Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane will pay a two-day visit to Oman beginning Tuesday to consolidate strategic partnership between the two countries. Aramane is travelling to the gulf nation primarily to co-chair the 12th meeting of India-Oman joint military cooperation committee along with Omanese Defence Ministry's Secretary General Dr Mohammed bin Naseer bin Ali Al-Zaabi. It is expected that the regional situation including the incidents of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea would figure in the deliberations. "During the bilateral talks, Giridhar Aramane will review defence cooperation between the two countries and explore new initiatives like industry collaboration to further strengthen bilateral engagements," the Defence Ministry said. It said the two sides will also exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest. "The visit will further consolidate defence cooperation and strategic partnership between the two countries spanning every sphere of military collaboration, such as bilateral exercises, staff talks, training as well as new and emerging areas," the Ministry said in a statement. It said India and Oman have a "robust and multi-faceted" relationship which has expanded into several strategic areas, including defence and security. "Both the countries are committed to work under the vision of strategic partnership. The two countries have a common interest in peace and prosperity of the entire region," it said. I am going to Paris for just one (important) meeting. I debate spending only 24 hours there and then, considering that Delhi airport is often fogged out and that flight schedules are frequently disrupted, I decide that 48 hours in Paris may be safer. Venturing into Paris for just 48 hours unveils a tapestry of experiences, from navigating travel hurdles to savouring culinary delights.(Pixabay) Then begin all the problems that foreign travel always involves these days. Paris hotels are ridiculously expensive. My trip coincides with Paris Couture Week so the rates are even more ridiculous than usual. But there are advantages to being a regular guest. The Westin Paris, a lovely old hotel with a great location (next to Le Meurice) offers me what is by Paris standards a great deal. Naturally, I grab it. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Then, the Air India flight that I normally take has now ceased to be a daily service so there is no departure on the day I am leaving. I would rather slash my wrists than fly Air France so I consider changing planes in Dubai when I realise that there is now a Vistara option. Naturally I take it and the flight is fine: Not sure about the Singapore Airlines style cosy seating in business class but most people seem to like it. (Also read: The Taste by Vir Sanghvi: Who should we credit for the invented dishes? ) The older I get, the less patience I have with airports which are usually (especially in the West) so sloppily run that even if you have had a good flight, the arrival experience makes you wish you had never come. Some airlines (Air India, for instance) are sensitive to this problem and try to make the arrival experience more bearable for frequent fliers, regulars, Maharaja Club members etc. Vistara, on the other hand, has the worst ground handling worldwide of any major Indian airline. (The airlines tagline should be. Vistara: Great in the air! Crap on the ground!) Expecting nothing from Vistara (a prediction borne out by subsequent experience), I try and find out which agency Air India uses at Paris Airport. It turns out to be something called France Meltin Airport and Transportation. For a 100 euro per head (if you are a couple), they will get someone to receive you and escort you through the airport. So, for about 9,000 per head you are saved all the aggravation of Charles De Gaulle airport. (Anyone can book this service. You can mail them at meltin@meltin.fr ) It is, I later discover, what all smart travellers do. And I can see why. It is money well spent. It takes minutes to get through immigration and customs. A Michelin Day I am in Paris to meet Elisabeth Boucher and Gwendal Poullennec of the Michelin Guide. I have done a whole piece on Michelin in Brunch (and in the main Hindustan Times) which will appear on Saturday so I wont write very much here except to say that I was startled by their dynamism and wisdom. Gwendal joined Michelin after he finished business school and though he has no background in hospitality, he has taken the venerable old restaurant guide and transformed it. Michelin is now in 45 countries, awards Green stars for sustainability and is about to launch a rating system for hotels. It has always been the only guide I respect even though for years I complained about the Guides assessments of non-European cuisines. Under Gwendal that has changed. He made his reputation by opening up Japan and then Hong Kong for Michelin and the Guide is now taken extremely seriously in East and South East Asia where its opinions are valued and respected. In recent years it has finally begun to give Indian food the respect it deserves. Gaggan Anand got two stars, the highest in Bangkok which made the world sit up and take note. Gaggan was ineligible this time because his restaurant was not open for the whole year but there are now three two-star restaurants worldwide run by chefs of Indian origin. Gaa by Garima Arora in Bangkok, Thevar by Mano Thevar in Singapore and most famously, of course, Tresind Studio by Himanshu Saini in Dubai. And there are many more with single stars. Its Time for Lunch We end up going for lunch to Granite, a one Michelin star restaurant that I had not heard of. It is run by a young chef Tom Meyer and though the atmosphere is relaxed and casual, the food is complex and delicious. They know Elisabeth and Gwendal of course but service is friendly rather than deferential. Gwendal is the public face of the Michelin Guide in France because he is the man who hands out the stars on stage. (Elisabeth does the same thing in many other countries: She handled the announcement in Spain recently and I first met her when she announced the Dubai stars last year). But as Gwendal always points out, he is not the man who decides on the star ratings. The stars are given by a team of inspectors (all well-trained, full-time employees of Michelin across the world) who remain determinedly anonymous. Gwendal says that while he is often recognised, nobody knows what the inspectors look like. Often, he has been at a restaurant and noticed an inspector eating a quiet meal at a nearby table. While the chef and the serving staff greet Gwendal warmly, they have no idea that the men who will actually rate the restaurant are sitting only a few tables away. The Michelin Guide is now a big international operation because of its many global outposts. (There are offices in 15 countries.) But it follows a strict Church and State policy, Gwendal and Elisabeth do not rate restaurants. They will never interfere in the work of the inspectors who can do their jobs unconcerned by commercial considerations and unburdened of the need to make the Guide pay for itself. Gwendal takes those burdens on his shoulders and though the Guide shares a warm relationship with its tire company parent, it is independent and self-sufficient. The Ducasse Experience I have time for just one dinner in Paris and wonder how to make it memorable. In the end, I dont have to try too hard. The brilliant and elegant Emmanuelle Perrier, the backbone of the Ducasse empire, is kind enough to invite me to dinner. Alain Ducasse has many restaurants in Paris but Emmanuelle chooses one that is nearly as sparkling and glamorous as herself. We go to the flagship Ducasse restaurant at the Le Meurice which is great for me because it is across the road from my hotel. Chefs with more than one grand restaurant have different attitudes to the menus. The great Swedish Chef Bjorn Frantzen who has three stars for his restaurants in Singapore and Stockholm once told me that he conceives of every recipe for each dish at every one of his gastronomic restaurants down to the last detail including even the brand of each product to be used. (It cant be any old vinegar; it has to be the one Bjorn used while creating the dish). So, guests get the Frantzen experience even if they eat in Singapore while Bjorn is in Stockholm. Ducasse has a completely different attitude. He selects the chefs, not the dishes. Once he is convinced that the chef is supremely gifted and understands the groups philosophy, he encourages him to put his own personality on the menu. (This is why so many great chefs have emerged from Ducasses kitchens: Massimo Bottura, Mauro Colagreco, Clare Smyth etc) Sometimes chefs will include some of Ducasses signature dishes (say, the Rum Baba) but each menu will be different because each chef is different. Often chefs will turn to Ducasse for guidance and he will always give it. Emmanuelle took me to the Le Meurice kitchen before we ate so that I could meet the chef. The first surprise was the youthfulness of the kitchen team. Chef Amaury Bouhours is only 35 or so and the rest of the team is not much older. This is a next generation Ducasse kitchen with chefs who share their mentors view that French cuisine has the ability to adapt and learn from cuisines from all over the world. Amaury serves amuse-bouches to go with the champagne we drink in the kitchen and the influences are apparent: Japanese, Chinese and Korean. He, himself, is a great traveller. He once flew to Delhi with his wife, hired a car and then drove around Rajasthan for a month, eating at little restaurants everywhere they went. The meal is spectacular; everything you would expect of a great restaurant. But it is also light and fresh. The room is filled with overdressed beautiful people, some of whom are probably quite famous (the Couture Week crowd) but the service is the same for every table. There is no VIP culture here My Pretty Woman Moment Two things to do before I leave for the airport the next day. I have a coffee with Titika Rapanaki-Bigot whose name is forever associated with Westin Paris from even before it became the Westin. She has been here since it was the Paris Intercontinental. All good hotels have one senior employee who becomes the public face of the property and the person regular guests turn to. At the Westin, Titika is that person: All regulars feel we are her guests. And it completely personalises the hotel experience. And a final lunch at Benoit, a century-old bistro that serves traditional dishes (I had the snails and the cassoulet) with a dash of excellence: Ducasse brought the restaurant in 2005 and it now has a Michelin star. The food is wonderful but I have my own Pretty Woman moment, when, as I am extracting a snail from its shell, the shell escapes from my grasp and flies across the room. It is a Michelin starred restaurant so they pretend not to have noticed. They pick the shell up discreetly and act like nothing has happened. Ah Paris! Lovely, charming and discreet! What would be a valid reason to leave your partner? Although the jury is still out on that discussion, internet seems to have its curious ways to handle debates of any and every nature. A new Ketchup Challenge TikTok trend has gone viral and ladies have been making their rounds to test their relationship's strength with this up and coming Gen-Z theory. The viral Ketchup TikTok trend has been going around since 2023, and keeps racking more and more iterations in the new year too.(New York Post) Ketchup Challenge TikTok trend explained It's as simple as anything could be. As per the directions of this viral theory testing relationships, TikTokers pour the table condiment on their kitchen counters. Once the first messy task is accomplished, they ask their male partners to wipe it off. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Although the steps to carry out the challenge are equated with being a child's play, it's the following consequence that makes all the difference. The simple task that isn't exactly a challenging one has been met with varied responses. Ladies have been hit with the realization that their partners aren't as well-versed with the task of cleaning up, thus bringing us back to the idea of it being a challenge after all. Also read: Woman asks Tinder match why she should date him, he replies with a presentation This Ketchup Theory originally gained traction in December 2023 when a TikTok user posted the video of her fiance having a go at the task of cleaning up the mess. He did so by using only a paper towel, and the infuriated commenters sharply responded to his incompetence as the whole wiping off rigmarole extended into an even untidier ordeal. Katherine's video captioned He Stresses Me Out, This Is Why I Do The Cleaning has now garnered over 33 million views, resulting in many more follow-up imitations of the Ketchup experiment. The lighthearted Ketchup TikTok trend hasn't always resulted in heated replies. Other comments have often highlighted the physical comedy of the situation, especially with some men going at it as if they've never cleaned anything before. In another recent TikTok video posted in January 2024, user @bizwithamina squirted a huge amount of ketchup on the counter. Soon after, her flabbergasted boyfriend quickly jumped into action. Despite using a wood-specific cleaner for the final touch-up, he was applauded for having done better than most, as one user commented. Plus, even the TikToker was impressed by the results. As for another user @debbiekval's partner, things didn't go smoothly. Using several napkins picked right after the other, he kept going in circles, making the mess even messier. Another user went on to comment, Ngl this is a valid reason to leave him. While many users have had light and happy-go-lucky fun with this goofy trend, others have come up with snappy wisecracks, having had enough of the so-called challenge and the TikTok theory. Toronto: After Ontario, the province of British Columbia has joined in cracking down on the misuse of the international student system, announcing on Monday that it is taking action to eliminate exploitive practices. British Columbias Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Minister Selina Robinson addresses a press conference in Surrey, Canada. (Credit: BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills) The provinces Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Minister Selina Robinson posted, We are protecting students and taking action to eliminate bad actors taking advantage of these students! Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Among the measures announced were a pause on approvals for two years for new post-secondary institutions seeking to enrol international students. BC will also implement more frequent inspections of private post-secondary institutions to ensure that new and improved quality standards are met and that students are properly supported. Private degree programmes will need to meet higher standards for approval, including higher assessment criteria for degree quality, demonstrated labour-market need for graduates and appropriate resources, and student supports, the provinces Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills noted in a release. Robinson made the announcements during a press conference in the town of Surrey. The province is taking action to eliminate exploitive practices and improve the quality of post-secondary education by strengthening quality standards and bringing in new safeguards for international students in BC, the release said. International students come here for a good education, but too many are being exploited or taken advantage of, Robinson said, in a statement. These new requirements will help prevent institutions from taking advantage of international students and will eliminate private institutions ability to host international students if they are unable to meet the provincial standards for quality education, the release stated. On Friday, the province of Ontario announced it was instituting several measures to protect the integrity of its post-secondary education system. The announcement from provincial Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop including placing a moratorium on new partnerships between public and private colleges. Under these arrangements, new private colleges cant use public institutions credentials to issue certificates and diplomas as this system has been accused of being misused. Of the 1,028,850 international students with study permits in Canada at the end of 2023, over half, 526,015, were in Ontario. Next in the list was British Columbia, which accounted for 202,565. Students from India comprise the largest national cohort of those with these study permits. Till November 2023, they accounted for 215,190 out of the 579,075 permits issued or 37%, while in 2022, they made for 225,835 out of 548,785, or 41%. The numbers have escalated sharply over the past five years when the number of Indians getting study permits was at less than half the current figure, at 107,070 in 2018. Israel said undercover commandos killed three Palestinian militants in a raid on a hospital in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, a further sign that Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza is spreading to other fronts. Israeli army raids a hospital in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. (Reuters) In the northern Gaza Strip, Israeli forces fought battles with Hamas fighters that forced more Palestinian residents to flee to safer areas, and southern parts of the coastal enclave were hit by Israeli air strikes. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The United States meanwhile was weighing its response to a drone attack by Iran-backed militants which killed three US soldiers in Jordan on Sunday. CCTV footage of the West Bank hospital raid appeared to show around a dozen troops, including three in women's garb and two dressed as Palestinian medical staff, pacing through a corridor with rifles. Hamas said one of the dead in Ibn Sina hospital in the city of Jenin was a member of the militant Islamist group. The allied faction Islamic Jihad said the other two killed were brothers and member of the faction. Ibn Sina said one of the brothers had been receiving treatment for an injury that paralysed his legs. The Israeli military said this showed that militants were using civilian areas and hospitals as shelters and "human shields". Hamas has previously denied such allegations. Israel's military also said one of those killed had a pistol. While the West Bank - an area that Palestinians envisage as part of a hoped-for independent state - had seen increased violence even before the outbreak of the Gaza war, the hospital raid could fuel a more intense phase of unrest. The Israeli military identified one of the slain men as Mohammed Jalamneh, 27, from Jenin, who it said had contacts with Hamas headquarters abroad and was planning an attack inspired by the Hamas rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7. Israel unleashed its assault on Gaza in response to that attack in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 253 taken hostage. More than 100 hostages remain captive in Gaza. Since then some 26,637 Palestinians have been killed and at least 65,000 others wounded by Israeli military strikes, according to the Gaza health ministry, with the death toll increasing by the day. Israel says its forces have killed around 9,000 Palestinian combatants in Gaza, and that 221 of its soldiers have been killed in the fighting. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Tuesday the group had received a ceasefire proposal put forward after talks in Paris and would study it, adding that he would visit Cairo for discussions on the plan. Haniyeh said the group's priority was to end Israel's military offensive and a full pullout of Israeli forces from Gaza. The war has created a humanitarian crisis, with wide areas of Gaza flattened, hundreds of thousands of people left destitute, and supplies of food, water and medicines almost exhausted. TANKS IN ACTION Israel mounted a new push in the north of Gaza after earlier reporting successes against Palestinian militants there. The militants' presence in the area suggests Israel's campaign to eradicate Hamas is not going to plan. Hamas appears to have been able to regroup in Gaza City as the war, now in its fourth month, shows no sign of letting up despite international concern over the plight of civilians. Much of Tuesday's action in Gaza was focused on the Beach refugee camp and near the Al Shifa hospital, residents said. Israeli tanks broke into one shelter site and soldiers rounded up dozens of men. Residents and health officials also said an Israeli tank opened fire against dozens of Palestinians near Al-Kuwaiti Square on the southern edge of Gaza City where aid trucks unload their shipments, killing two people and wounding others. The fighting caused new waves of people to flee within Gaza City and to the south towards Deir Al-Balah in the centre. Those leaving had to pass Israeli tanks stationed on the coastal road. Heavy bombing also hit western and southern suburbs of Gaza. In the south, Israeli forces kept up pressure in the city of Khan Younis, maintaining their encirclement of the two main hospitals. The Gaza Health Ministry and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said patients, medical teams, and many of the displaced inside the two facilities were at risk because of continued Israeli fire. Palestinian health officials said at least 10 Palestinians were killed in two separate Israeli air strikes in Khan Younis and in Deir Al-Balah. They said the number could be bigger as rescue workers were searching for victims who might be trapped under the rubble. The United States meanwhile said it would take "all necessary actions" to defend U.S. forces after the drone attack by Iran-backed militants on Sunday. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said on Monday the United States did not want a wider war with Iran or in the region, "but we got to do what we have to do". Iran has denied any role in the attack. The government coalition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) said they would not allow efforts to remove President Mohamed Muizzu to proceed through Parliament. The Maldives main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which holds a majority in Parliament, is planning to submit a motion to impeach Mohamed Muizzu, according to media reports on Monday. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu addresses a press briefing. (ANI Photo) In a press conference on Monday, PPM Parliamentary Group (PG) leader Eydhafushi constituency MP Ahmed Saleem (Redwave Saleem) said the coalition would stop any efforts from the MDP to remove President Muizzu from his office, The Edition.mv reported. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. "We will not allow them any opportunities to go ahead with this. They will have to kill us all first before they can even think of removing the President from office," Ahmed Saleem was quoted as saying. Also Read: India drops to 5th position on Maldives' top 10 tourism markets, China at 3 The coalition claimed that such an event would not be allowed to unfold despite what the parliament majority holding MDP and their breakaway party, The Democrats, may want. The development comes a day after clashes broke out in Parliament on Sunday between pro-government MPs and opposition lawmakers over differences over the approval of four members of the pro-China President's cabinet. After the MDP and The Democrats parliamentary group decided to withhold parliamentary approval for four members of Muizzus cabinet ahead of the voting, the pro-government MPs from the PPM/PNC coalition initiated a protest, obstructing the parliamentary sitting. The MDP, in partnership with the Democrats, have gathered enough signatures for an impeachment motion. However, they have yet to submit it, Sun.com said, quoting a lawmaker from the MDP. The decision to submit an impeachment motion was taken unanimously in the parliamentary group meeting of the MDP held on Monday, The Edition.mv reported. Muizzu, 45, defeated India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the presidential runoff held in September last year. MP Ahmed Thoriq said the results of the last presidential election made it evident that events in the country do not align with the wishes of MDP. Thoriq described the MDP's efforts to remove the Muizzu as futile, pointing out that some of their members had voted against the party's whip line even during Monday's votes on cabinet approval. "That in itself proves that MDP does not in actuality have the numbers they want," he said. A minimum of 53 votes are required within parliament to remove a sitting president. Thoriq claimed that the number cannot be reached even through adding together the members of the MDP and The Democrats, expressing his belief that there are members among both parties who would refuse to cooperate with such a vote. Soon after taking oath as the President of Maldives on November 17, Muizzu formally requested India to withdraw 88 military personnel from his country by March 15, saying the Maldivian people have given him a "strong mandate" to make this request to New Delhi. The Maldives Parliament, which has 87 members, had recently amended its standing orders to make it easier to submit an impeachment motion. The MDP and Democrats, together, have 56 MPs between them; 43 MPs from MDP, and 13 from Democrats. The Constitution, along with the Parliaments standing orders, dictates that the president can be impeached with 56 votes, the Sun.com reported. The gathering of signatures for an impeachment motion against the President comes a day after the PPM-PNC coalition, with the endorsement of 23 lawmakers, submitted no-confidence motions against Speaker Mohamed Aslam and deputy speaker Ahmed Saleem both from MDP. Maldives parliament rejects three cabinet members after brawl Meanwhile, Maldivian MPs voted against the appointment of three cabinet members on Monday. Ruling party legislators attempted to block a vote by the main opposition on the new 22-member cabinet appointed by Muizzu. Videos shared on social media showed at least one MP bleeding from the neck after being caught up in a violent scrum inside the chamber on Sunday night, leading to the temporary suspension of sittings. Legislators were seen yanking off microphones and using plastic trumpets to disrupt proceedings in chaotic scenes in the tiny Indian Ocean archipelago, otherwise better known for its luxury tourism. Another MP pressed his knee on the neck of a rival to pin him down till two others came to the rescue of the victim. Sunday's sessions were suspended close to midnight. A fresh meeting was called on Monday when a vote was taken on the presidential nominees to the cabinet. Three key posts -- the ministers for Islamic affairs and housing, and the attorney-general -- were rejected by parliament. The opposition did not say why they opposed the trio. Later on Monday, Muizzu said he had reappointed the three posts. Muizzu won the presidential elections in September. But his party is in opposition in parliament, where the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and its allies have a two-thirds majority. The Maldives Parliamentary elections are due in mid-March. (With inputs from agencies) An Indian student who went missing in United States' Indiana on Sunday has been confirmed dead, according to officials. Neel Acharya, a John Martinson Honors College of Purdue University student pursuing a double major in computer science, has reportedly been missing since Sunday. Neel Acharya, who went missing on Sunday, found dead at Purdue University campus.(Goury Acharya/X) The body of a college-aged male was found on Purdue's campus and was later identified as Neet Acharya by the authorities. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The victim's mother, Goury Acharya, appealed on Sunday on social media to help find her son, who was last seen by a cab driver around the university campus. "Our son Neel Acharya is missing since yesterday Jan 28 (12:30 AM EST) He is studying in Purdue University in the US. He was last seen by the Uber driver who dropped him off in Purdue university. We are looking for any info on him. Please help us if you know anything," she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). According to the varsity's independent media agency, Purdue Exponent, the university's computer science department was informed of the news of one of its students' death by interim department head Chris Clifton. "It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our students, Neel Acharya, has passed away," Clifton was quoted as saying in an email. The Consulate General of India in Chicago was also in touch with the officials and the student's families and has been extending all possible support. Acharya's death was reported a day after a video of an Indian student being brutally killed with repeated blows from a hammer by a homeless man inside a store took the internet by storm. The date of the incident cannot be confirmed; however, it took place in Georgia's Lithonia and the student has been identified as Vivek Saini. The Consulate General of India in Atlanta condemned the attack and added that it got in touch with Saini's family immediately after the incident and provided all consular assistance in sending his mortal remains back to India. Provincial interim information minister Jan Achakzai announced that security forces successfully foiled three coordinated attacks by terrorists in Balochistan's Mach area on Monday night, Dawn reported. Pakistani security forces successfully foiled three coordinated attacks by terrorists in Balochistan's Mach area on Monday night, provincial interim information minister Jan Achakzai said.(AFP) In a social media post on X, Achakzai revealed that the militants belonged to the Aslam Acho group. Fortunately, no damage occurred to installations, and there were no casualties among security forces. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Achakzai expressed that the terrorists retreated, and security forces are actively pursuing them. "We remain hopeful that all threats will be eliminated before dawn," Achakzai added, as reported by Dawn. Also read: Nawaz Sharif criticised for wearing Gucci hat during poll campaign in Pakistan Earlier reports mentioned a few rockets fired from the hilly areas of Mach. However, Achakzai clarified on X that there were no reported losses, and law enforcement agencies were on high alert. Mach Central Jail Superintendent Saleem Tareen confirmed that the jail facility was not damaged, ensuring the safety of the building, staff, and prisoners. "The forces around the jail are fully alert," he added. Two injured individuals from Mach were transferred to a trauma centre in Quetta, as reported by the provincial health department. In response to the reported attacks, an emergency was declared in hospitals in Quetta and Mach. The statement on Facebook outlined instructions to ensure medical staff readiness, strengthen hospital security, and gather necessary medical supplies. "Instructions have been issued for all doctors and staff to be present on duty immediately. Instructions have been issued to strengthen the security of hospitals to deal with any unpleasant situation. Instructions have been issued to gather medicines, medical equipment, lab supplies, and abundant stock of blood," the statement said. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by the banned militant group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which seeks complete independence for Balochistan. The incident raises concerns as the February 8 general elections in Pakistan are just 10 days away. Pakistan has witnessed increased terrorist activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, following the end of the ceasefire between the government and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022. A recent annual security report from the Centre for Research and Security Studies highlighted 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023. KP and Balochistan were identified as primary centers of violence, with over 90% of fatalities and 84 per cent of attacks occurring in these regions. On January 18, Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes against targets within Iranian territory, targeting facilities linked to alleged Pakistani Baloch separatist groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front, Dawn reported. Allegations that some staff from the U.N. refugee agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) were involved in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel should be investigated, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday. The agency said on Friday it had opened an investigation into several employees and severed ties with those people. (AFP) Some countries including the United States, Germany and Britain have paused their funding to the agency, a critical source of support for people in Gaza, after the allegations by Israel. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The agency said on Friday it had opened an investigation into several employees and severed ties with those people. Ukraine said Tuesday that two people had been killed and at least five more wounded in the latest overnight Russian attacks across the country targeting military and energy infrastructure. Firefighters work at a site where production facilities were damaged during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine. (Reuters) Moscow's army, meanwhile, said its air defences downed 21 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory and the annexed Crimean peninsula, as Kyiv steps up cross border aerial attacks. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Kyiv said Russian forces had launched two missiles and 35 attack drones across Ukraine and that 20 of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) had bypassed air defence systems. "The enemy directed some of the attack UAVs along front line territories, trying to hit fuel and energy infrastructure, and civilian and military facilities near the front line and the state border with the Russia," the air force said in a statement. Officials in Kyiv have urged Western allies to bolster its air defence capabilities and said gaining control of the country's air space is a priority for this year. The air force statement said that air defence systems mainly in eastern and southern regions had downed just 15 of the Iranian-designed attack drones. Authorities said the barrage damaged various civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and the regions of Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv, where officials said two people were injured. Ukrenergo, a Ukrainian energy provider, confirmed one of its substations in a central region had been hit. Separately, in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, prosecutors said a Russian S-300 missile attack had killed one person and wounded another. "A 38-year-old man who was riding a bicycle home from work was killed as a result of an attack. A 50-year-old woman was injured. She was taken to the hospital," prosecutors said in a statement. In the southern region of Kherson, which the Kremlin claimed to have annexed along with the Donetsk region in 2022, the governor said Russian shelling had killed one man and wounded his wife. In the southern Mykolaiv region, falling debris from a downed Russian drone injured one man, officials said. Chilling footage shows a fifth-grade student almost being kidnapped by a man in broad daylight. The man is now in prison. The incident took place just before 8 am on Friday in Glendale, Arizona. Chilling footage shows a fifth-grade student almost being kidnapped by a man in broad daylight (@CollinRugg/X) Joseph Ruiz, 37, was taken into custody on kidnapping and custodial interference charges, according to the Daily Mail. A video clip shows Ruizs silver car waiting after the girl left her family's apartment at 43rd Avenue and Onyx Avenue. Police said that is when he got out and tried to snatch the girl, who was able to escape. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Ruiz, a convicted violent criminal, did not seem to know the victim. After the girl ran away, three students came to help her after noticing she was distressed. Ruiz was eventually arrested later that day. The girl can be heard screaming no as the man chased her, a KPHO reporter who viewed the raw video claimed. The footage was captured by a neighbour's surveillance camera. The girl told cops that [the] unknown adult male had attempted to grab her as she walked to school. Minors who helped the victim being hailed as heroes Police said they later tracked Ruiz down somewhere else in the city. I would note that he has a history of violence, said the states attorney in Ruizs court appearance video He was convicted of an aggravated assault, a class 3 dangerous felony, the official said. The charges came after [Ruiz] stabbed his mother in the neck. The three minors who helped the girl are now being hailed as heroes. They hid her because the man was chasing her, said Amcy Borquez, whose younger sister and two younger cousins helped the girl. I think they were very brave for their age. Im telling them all day, like youre heroes, Borquez added. Buffalo law firm to provide boost to local entrepreneurs A program that connects historically marginalized, early-stage entrepreneurs with mentors, marketplaces and other resources will now be able to provide legal services to these business owners thanks to a new partnership. IC Success, which is run through the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, will be able to use Buffalo law firm Rupp Pfalzgraf as a legal resource for the needs of entrepreneurs in the program as they begin to build their businesses. Juweria Dahir, who has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and business owners as BNMCs director of innovation and entrepreneurship, said partnerships such as this one help eliminate many of the barriers to success for program participants. It will be an invaluable resource for our entrepreneurs. Were here to connect people to the tools they need to grow their businesses, Dahir said. The law firm for years has been supportive of the startup community. Rupp Pfalzgraf also assists multiple startups that firm partners have created and invested in. We see our ability to support startup organizations and fellow entrepreneurs during their time of greatest need as the perfect opportunity for us to achieve the proverbial win-win, said David Pfalzgraf Jr., the firms managing partner. We cant wait to begin supporting the program, and were already looking forward to watching our new clients grow. Entrepreneurs who are accepted into IC success receive access to the business accelerator program, mentoring from business experts, access to connections and customers throughout the downtown medical campus and participate in semi-annual pitch contests where entrepreneurs can earn seed funding. Twice each year, a cohort comprising 15 Buffalo entrepreneurs begins the IC Success business accelerator program. The 10-week program provides classes on all aspects of running a business, including finance, law, accounting and marketing. MetLife invests in Launch NY's new fund The MetLife Foundation made a $1 million investment that will go toward the first round of Launch NYs new for-profit limited partner fund that invests in high-growth startup companies. It has a partnership that has been years in the making and is part of the largest single contribution to the region to date by MetLife. The first close of the Seed Fund II is targeted for between $15 million and $20 million for Launch NY, which remains the most active seed fund in the state. MetLife Foundations investment enables us to create opportunities for talented entrepreneurs who will encourage growth and economic prosperity in Upstate New York, said Marnie LaVigne, president and CEO of Launch NY. We value their commitment to the region. MetLife is committing $30 million over multiple years to support Upstate New York, which includes pledges of $5 million in funding and impact investments by the foundation and $25 million in impact investments by MetLife. The foundation has also provided more than $1.4 million in grants to Upstate New York nonprofits. As a company founded in New York, we are proud to be part of the states fabric and believe we have an important role in the communities we serve, MetLife President and CEO Michel Khalaf said. About $11.9 million has been invested through Launch NYs financing programs since the organization was founded 11 years ago. That includes $1.9 million for Upstate startup companies in 2023. Launch NYs first investment from its new for-profit came earlier this year with a $65,000 pre-seed check to Buffalo-based fintech startup Diadem Capital, a deal that included $50,000 from the nonprofit LaunchNY Seed Fund. It was the lead investor in the $600,000 pre-seed raise by Diadem, which connects private companies to venture capital, venture debt and non-dilutive funding sources. A big year for LaunchNY Launch NY also saw the first significant exit out of its portfolio in 2023 when Buffalo-based Patient Pattern was acquired by Canadian-headquartered PointClickCare in March. The company was founded in 2013 by Dr. Steven Buslovich, a geriatrician, and Margaret Sayer, a geriatric care nurse, to improve medical care in skilled nursing facilities. It employed 23 people at the time of the acquisition. Other 2023 successes from Launch NYs Buffalo-based portfolio companies include: AireXpert, which provides software tools to help commercial aircraft companies track and perform maintenance, raised $3 million to scale its business providing tech-based maintenance solutions for commercial airlines. HELIXintel, a platform that simplifies building maintenance for commercial facility owners, closed on an $11 million Series A funding round to grow its building management software suite. Also, as part of a partnership established with 43North last year, Launch NY closed on a combined $140,000 for 2021 winner ShearShare and 2021 finalist Ognomy. Former 43North winner Verivend is currently featured on the Investor Network. Welcome to Buffalo Next. This newsletter from The Buffalo News will bring you the latest coverage on the changing Buffalo Niagara economy from real estate to health care to startups. Read more at BuffaloNext.com. THE LATEST 5 iconic Buffalo tourist attractions that almost withered away. Ellicott seeks green light for 880 Elmwood Lofts apartment project. A pair of big computer investments are coming to the region. The Buffalo Bills stadium construction project is entering a new phase. The Marine Drive Apartments project got a little smaller. Gillibrand has a plan to help end food deserts. Moog Inc. is surprising analysts - in a good way. Amherst is in line for a solar array. Critics blast a big National Fuel Gas rate hike proposal. The Buffalo Niagara unemployment rate is on the rise. A downtown Lockport project is staying in the Savarino family. ICYMI Five reads from Buffalo Next: 1. How Buffalo Niagara's startup ecosystem has changed for the better. 2. What does the future of health care look like? A new report offers a glimpse. 3. Glass half full or half empty: The divergent signs on the state of the Buffalo Niagara job market. 4. The Buffalo Niagara advantage: The cost of living is lower here. 5. A cannabis potency tax is coming under fire. The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the regions economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435. Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up to get the latest in your inbox five days a week. After three US soldiers were killed in suicide drone strike near the Syrian border, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated they died while "fighting for the Biden administration" and not America, stirring anger and drawing criticism over her statement. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during a press briefing at the White House. (AP) The deceased soldiers have been identified as Specialist Breonna Moffett, Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, and Sgt. William Rivers. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The drone strike late Saturday struck Tower 22, a base in the northeast of the country near the Syrian border, killing the three US soldiers and injuring at least 34 others. Speaking to MSNBC in an interview on Monday, Jean-Pierre offered condolences to the kin of three military personnel, but made multiple blunders addressing government's response to the situation. Our deepest, obviously our deepest condolences go out, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the families who lost, uh, three, three brave, uh, three brave, uh, three brave, three folks who are military folks, who are brave, who are always fighting, who are fighting on behalf of, uh, this administration, of the American people, obviously more so, more importantly, she asserted. Also Read: Jordan: What is Tower 22 where three US troops were killed? Karine Jean-Pierre faces flak over handling of condolence Soon after her statement went viral, many social media users on X (formerly Twitter) expressed disapproval, slamming her handling of condolence and choice of language as referred deceased soldiers as folks. Florida Press Secretary Jeremy Redfern condemned Jean-Pierres remarks, stating, Say what you will about this word salad, but the idea that anyone in the military is fighting on behalf of any administration is precisely what is wrong with the DC ruling class. Disgusting comment by @PressSec. The Media Research Center, a watchdog group, stated, Wrong, Karine. Our service members signed up to serve their Country; they died because of your administration. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert chastised her over a disgusting, pompous comment that truly encompasses the mindset of these frauds in the White House. No, Karine Jean-Pierre. Our military doesnt fight for the Biden administration. Our military fights for the American people and to protect our freedoms, she wrote. Echoing similar sentiments, Commentator Joe Concha said, It truly is amazing to see that after almost two years on the job how it's possible that Karine Jean-Pierre is only get worse at her job". Calling the White House official most incompetent in history, Cardillo said: I can't believe Karine Jean-Pierre is still WH Spox. Our service members swear an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. They are not fighting 'on behalf of' the Biden team, Congressman Pat Fallon of Texas wrote on X, adding This is incredibly disrespectful. According to Reuters, Iranian-backed forces have targeted American soldiers in the Middle East over 150 times since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. United States forces have been targeted in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and off the coast of Yemen, although none have been killed. Also Read: US forces in Syria targeted with rockets after attacks in Jordan Will Biden attend ceremony honoring troops killed in Jordan? President Joe Biden has provoked uproar after it came to light that he may not attend a ceremony remembering the three US Army reservists killed in Jordan. When asked on Monday whether Biden would take part in the ceremony, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said he doesnt have anything on [the presidents] schedule to speak to. Therefore, several people on Internet found the response disgraceful. Joe Biden just got three black members of the military killed, free speech advocate Philip Anderson wrote on X. Jon Sweet, an ex- military intelligence officer, also stated the response was not a good look for the president. However, Biden on Sunday asserted that "the three American service members we lost were patriots in the highest sense." "Together, we will keep the sacred obligation we bear to their families. We will strive to be worthy of their honor and valor. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt, we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing," the POTUS added. Former US President Donald Trump has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize after his name was put forward by Republican congresswoman Claudia Tenney, citing "historic" Abraham Accords treaty that was signed during his presidency. Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump (Getty Images via AFP) Tenney stated that Trump played a crucial role in cracking the deal signed in September 2020 between Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, which aimed toward normalising their ties as part of a larger goal to address ongoing tensions in the Middle East between Arab countries and Israel. Later, Morocco and Sudan signed similar agreements. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. "Donald Trump was instrumental in facilitating the first new peace agreements in the Middle East in almost 30 years," Tenney said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "For decades, bureaucrats, foreign policy 'professionals', and international organisations insisted that additional Middle East peace agreements were impossible without a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Trump proved that to be false." This comes amid soaring tensions in the Middle East and after the death of three US soldiers in a drone strike. The Nobel Peace Prize recognised the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1978, as well as the Oslo Accords in 1994. However, Tenney highlighted that no one ever acknowledged Trump's involvement in facilitating a deal between Israel and four of its Arab neighbours. The valiant efforts by President Trump in creating the Abraham Accords were unprecedented and continue to go unrecognized by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, underscoring the need for his nomination today. Now more than ever, when Joe Bidens weak leadership on the international stage is threatening our countrys safety and security, we must recognize Trump for his strong leadership and his efforts to achieve world peace, Tenney stressed. Also Read: WSJ finally found the man who risked it all to reveal the tax frauds of Donald Trump, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk Has Trump been nominated for Nobel Prize before? Trump has been grabbed the Nobel Peace Prize nomination three times. In 2018, Christian Tybring-Gjedde, a Norwegian Parliament member, nominated him for his global conflict resolution resume in 2020. Laura Huhtasaari, member of the right-wing Swedish Finns Party, nominated him for the award in 2021 "in recognition of his endeavors to end the era of endless wars, construct peace by encouraging conflicting parties for dialogue and negotiations, as well as underpin internal cohesion and stability of his country," according to Fox News Digital. In 2020, a group of Australian parliamentarians nominated the former president for third time, citing his caution in putting the United States in wars. Several US presidents have won the prize earlier, including Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, Woodrow Wilson in 1920, Jimmy Carter in 2002 and Barack Obama in 2009. Also Read: E. Jean Carroll faces backlash after revealing how she will spend Trump's $83m Trump hosted Abraham Accords signing at White House In September 2020, Trump hosted Abraham Accords signing ceremony at the White House in attendance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullah bin Zayed and Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid al Zayani. These visionary leaders will sign the first two peace deals between Israel and the Arab state in more than a quarter century, he stated. In Israel's entire history there have previously been only two such agreements, now we have achieved two in a single month. Netanyahu asserted the peace will eventually expand to include other Arab states, and ultimately can end the Arab-Israeli conflict, once and for all. After a judge awarded columnist E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in defamation damages against former US President Donald Trump, many wondered how she would spend the money. Writer E. Jean Carroll is seen. (AFP) While the writer made it clear she would be cautious with the money once it comes in her possession, Carroll is now being slammed for jokingly saying that she would go for shopping, get a completely new wardrobe, new shoes and buy a penthouse. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Carroll, who appeared on Good Morning America on Monday, stated that she would like to give the money to something Donald Trump hates and proposed that it be used to back those who claim to have been sexually assaulted by the 2024 Republican presidential candidate. Also Read: E Jean Carroll vs Donald Trump: 5 key takeaways from the defamation trial On being pressed by MSNBC host Rachel Maddow in an interview on how she would spend the damages money, Carroll said: Yes Rachel yes! I had such great ideas for all the good I'm going to do with this money. First thing Rachel, you and I are going to go shopping. We're getting completely new wardrobes, new shoes...Rachel what do you want? A penthouse? It's yours Rachel. Penthouse and France? You want France? You want to go fishing in France? However, a member of Carroll's legal team quickly intervened to say "That's a joke." On Friday, a New York jury ruled that Trump defamed Carroll and ordered him to pay her $83.3 million in damages. The ex-US President had previously been ordered to pay Carroll $5 million in 2023 after a different jury found that he had sexually harassed her in the dressing room of a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. Trump has consistently dismissed any wrongdoing and called the latest finding "absolutely ridiculous" and said that he will appeal. Also Read: It was not rape: Rudy Guiliani slams disgrace judge's $83.3 mn verdict against Trump E. Jean Carroll's shopping remark sparks fury Meanwhile, journalist Steve Krakauer shared the clip of the interview, prompting anger online with one saying, it was never about women's rights. "Can't WAIT for this appeal!!!" read another tweet from a handle named the Patriot Oasis Trump just surged in the polls, one more reacted. That was painful too watch. Lately all politics seems to be and its all politics, an X user wrote. Good example of what is wrong in this world. Keep it up ladies. Youre doing more harm than good, one more chimed in. A shooter opened fire on three people inside an apartment before killing himself early on Tuesday morning in Gwinnett County, Georgia. A man and women were killed in the shooting incident in Georgia( Gwinnett County Police/X) A man and woman were killed in the incident, while another woman was taken to a nearby hospital. An infant who was present inside the house left uninjured. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. The tragedy occurred at an apartment complex on the 2300 block of Country Walk SW in Gwinnett County at around 1:00 am. Corporal Juan Madiedo, Gwinnett County Police, said they believe the gunman and the injured woman were in a relationship. The investigation into the matter is underway. Investigators are still trying to determine the motive of the shooting, but preliminary investigations indicate one of the deceased males is the shooter," the police said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). It is believed the shooter and the female who survived the shooting were in a relationship, the police added, without releasing the names of the victims. Also Read: US' Georgia shooting suspect killed in gunfire exchange; 3 officers injured 3-year-old accidentally kills younger brother, parents face charges Last week, a 3-year-old boy accidentally shot his 2-year-old brother, leading to fatal consequences. The parents are now facing serious charges. Local authorities revealed that the tragedy occurred because the parents left a loaded gun within reach of their 3-year-old. Kenton County Commonwealth Attorney Rob Sanders emphasised that this could have been easily avoided. The mother, Selena Farrell (23), is facing charges including second-degree manslaughter, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and abandonment. The father, Tashaun Adams (21), is charged with second-degree manslaughter and hindering apprehension for helping Farrell hide. A third person, Jeremiah Thomas (20), who was the parents' roommate, faces charges for hindering apprehension by assisting Farrell in hiding after the incident. The event took place on January 22, with officers responding to a call about a 2-year-old shot at a residence in Covington. Despite immediate aid, the child was pronounced dead at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Commander of the Houthi forces on Tuesday announced Houthis are ready for a long-term confrontation with the United States and Britain. This comes after Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed to have hit an American Navy ship in the Gulf of Aden with a missile on January 28. People supporting the Houthis shout slogans as they attend a rally against the U.S.-led strikes on Houthi targets and continued Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip, in Sanaa, Yemen January 26, 2024. (REUTERS) The attack was in response to Israel's war on Gaza and 'aggression' of the US and the UK against Yemen, said the Houthi fighters in a statement. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. We are prepared for a long-term confrontation with the forces of tyranny. The Americans, the British, and those who coordinated with them must realize the power of the sovereign Yemeni decision and that there is no debate or dispute over it, Mohamed al-AtifiYemen said in a statement, according to Reuters. Also Read: US, UK carry out fresh strikes against Houthis in Yemen's Sanaa: Reports US, UK forces launched fresh airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen The United States and the United Kingdom jointly carried out fresh airstrikes on eight targets used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on January 22, Monday, in a bid to stop the group from harassing commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The airstrikes, carried out on Monday night, marked the eighth round of allied attacks in 12 days. The strikes targeted an underground storage site and locations linked to the Houthis missile and air surveillance capabilities, the US and UK said in a joint statement along with partners Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands. The statement claimed that the airstrikes were meant to disrupt and degrade the Houthis capabilities. "These precision strikes are intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities that the Houthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of innocent mariners," the statement said, adding that the rebel group had carried out "a series of illegal, dangerous, and destabilising" actions since the previous joint US-UK air raids. Yemen's official Saba news agency claimed that American-British forces are launching raids on the capital of Sanaa and several other parts of Yemen, while Houthi TV outlet al-Masirah said four strikes targeted the Al-Dailami military base north of the capital, which is under rebel control. The airstrikes were the most significant in a series of attacks since the first wave of missile and Tomahawk launches by the US and the UK in the early hours of January 12 against the Houthis, who have caused chaos for shippers worldwide and disrupted traffic through a waterway that previously accounted for 12 per cent of global trade. Amid speculations about who Donald Trump would pick as his running mate, the Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that the Republican frontrunner's team reached out to him regarding potential vice president position. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (REUTERS) Kennedy Jr. insisted that he has no interest in Trump's offer but added that he would be flattered. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. I would not take that job. And Im flattered that President Trump would offer it to me, but its not something that Im interested in, RFK Jr. told NewsNation when asked if he would consider running as Trump's VP. Responding to another question whether Trump or his campaign approached him to be his vice-presidential pick, Kennedy Jr. confirmed: People from the team reached out to me. However, Trumps senior adviser Chris LaCivita rejected Kennedy Jr.'s claim, stating that nobody from the Trump's campaign ever approached him. NO ONE from the Trump Campaign ever approached RFK Jr (or ever will), LaCivita wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Earlier this week, the New York Post report claimed that Trump's campaign approached Kennedy Jr. "early on" about serving as his running mate in 2024. People close to Trump told The Post that the Republican front-runner operatives earlier expressed interest in Kennedy Jr, adding it was all premature. The insider further said that it was "right out of the box" when Kennedy Jr announced his presidential bid last year in April. Anythings possible. I wouldnt write it off by any means, the source added. Also Read: Will Ron Desantis be Trump's running mate? Donald Trump responds Kennedy Jr. announces independent presidential bid Last year in October, anti-vaccine activist Kennedy Jr dropped his Democratic primary bid to announce that he will run for president as an independent. Both Biden and Trump allies have questioned whether Kennedy may be a spoiler for their candidate. Kennedy Jr is the son of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who was killed during his presidential campaign in Los Angeles in 1968. Following Trump's stunning victories in the Iowa and New Hampshire Republican primaries, there has been much conjecture about who he could choose as vice president. Some of the names that have surfaced as potential running mate of Trump include New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Sen. Tim Scott (South Carolina) and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio). A video shows a Florida K-9 locating a missing and endangered 11-year-old girl on Friday, January 26. Law enforcement said the girl was found in a park bathroom. The K-9 alerted officials to a locked bathroom door at a park (@HCSOSheriff/X) At around 8 pm, Hillsborough County Sheriffs deputy Sarah Ernstes and K-9 Mary Lu responded to the 16000 block of Carlton Lake Drive. The two went on to track the girl in a neighbours house, where they were told that residents had given the child a ride to an apartment complex in Wimauma, which was nearby. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Sharing the video on X, the sheriffs office wrote, Our units headed to that location, where K9 Mary Lu, a bloodhound, was able to alert our deputies to a locked bathroom door at a park in the area. Our deputies located the missing girl inside the locked bathroom and were able to successfully talk her into unlocking the door, where she was found safe and without injury. "Our teamHCSO K9 Unit has once again proven its invaluable role in our community," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. With their exceptional skills, they successfully located and brought home a missing 11-year-old girl, reuniting her safely with her family. I couldn't be prouder of our team's commitment to service and determination to protect and serve. Way to go Mary Lu Many commented on the video, with one saying, That was so heartwarming and for once had a happy ending. Mary Lu was so awesome! Hats off to Deputy Sarah Ernstes and Sheriff Chad Chronister too. This is so wholesome and sweet, one user wrote, while another said, Way to go Mary Lu. Deputy Ernst and Deputy MaryLu are heroes! Thank God for our dedicated officers and K-9s! one user said, while another wrote, Great job officers! K9's are amazing! Gotta love a pup with a good sniffer! one user said. On Sunday (US time), the American non-profit watchdog group StopAntisemitism branded actor John Cusack the Antisemite of the Week. The Serendipity actor has finally responded to the claim. John Cusack's X feed is filled with pro-Palestinian views, but no pro-Hamas statements.(YouTube (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon)) Replying to the long thread, Cusack posted, Wow - a list full of lies. The original post came with a list of accusations against him along with his picture. Labeling him the Antisemite of the Week, the group captioned: Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. "@johncusack has: denied the mass rapes of 10/7 called Hamas a charitable organization insanely claimed Hamas was financed by the Israeli government The post also tagged his talent label APA Agency, asking, why is @APAagency repping this bigot in the latter half of the post. Additionally, the tweet also linked an archive of posts from Cusack. StopAntisemitism's post about John Cusack: However, if one heads over to his account, his profile can be seen to have retweeted dozens of pro-Palestine views. No such pro-Hamas statements are to be found there. In the last few hours, the Hollywood actor has also reposted one of his older December 2023 X posts that begins with him urging to Stop the killing, while also demanding a ceasefire. Another recent reply showed an X user defending John. An extract from this comment reads, For the record, speaking out against Israeli crimes isn't antisemitic, it's human and logical. John Cusack went on to reply under this too, referring to all of it as Its just smear to distract. Cusack also accused Stop Antisemitism organization of weaponizing racism against peace activists in a different reply. Other John Cusack tweets have also revealed him to have retweeted visuals of anti war activists from within Israel who've been incessantly protesting against the ongoing struggle. One of these retweets quoting a video supporting the context reads, So important to respect and support those within Israel who resist. Moreover, yet another one of his vocal tweets accuses people not calling for a ceasefire in Gaza: My god - my god - if you don't call for a cease fire - You have no soul Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has said that tech companies need to move fast to ensure there is no misuse of artificial intelligence. His comments come after sexually explicit AI-generated images of Taylor Swift surfaced online. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella gestures during a session at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, on January 16, 2024. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)(AFP) Nadellas company is a key investor in ChatGPT creator OpenAI. He described the recent images as alarming and terrible, and said guardrails must be implemented so that AI is not misused. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. We have to act We have to act. And quite frankly all of us in the tech platform, irrespective of what your standing on any particular issue is. I think we all benefit when the online world is a safe world, Nadella said, according to a transcript ahead of the NBC Nightly News interview, which will air Tuesday, January 30. And so I dont think anyone would want an online world that is completely not safe for, both for content creators and content consumers, Nadella added. So therefore I think it behooves us to move fast on this. The Taylor Swift controversy prompted calls for implementation of federal laws that govern the use of AI deepfake technology. I would say two things: One, is again I go back to what I thinks our responsibility, which is all of the guardrails that we need to place around the technology so that theres more safe content thats being produced. And theres a lot to be done and a lot being done there. But it is about global, societal you know, Ill say, convergence on certain norms. And we can do especially when you have law and law enforcement and tech platforms that can come together I think we can govern a lot more than we think we give ourselves credit for, Nadella said in the aftermath of the images being circulated. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was caught on camera asking pro-Palestinian protesters outside her home to Go back to China and claiming that was where their headquarters were located. The protestors were reportedly calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing Hamas conflict. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) holds her final weekly news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. December 22, 2022 (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo)(REUTERS) Protestors were seen cornering Pelosi, who attempted to enter a parked vehicle and drive away. They tried to press her for an answer, claiming other members of the Democratic Party were also calling for a ceasefire. Pelosi was then heard yelling, Go back to China, thats where your headquarters is. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Just a day earlier, Pelosi appeared on State of the Union, and told CNN anchor Dana Bash that the pro-Palestinian protesters who were calling for a ceasefire were tied to Russia. She also accused them of spreading Russian President Vladimir Putins message. For [the pro-Palestinian protesters] to call for a cease-fire is Mr. Putins message, Mr. Putins message. Make no mistake, this is directly connected to what he would like to see. Same thing with Ukraine. Its about Putins message, Pelosi said. I think some of these protesters are spontaneous and organic and sincere. Some, I think, are connected to Russia. And I say that having looked at this for a long time now, as you know, she added, adding that the FBI should conduct a probe. New Yorks rollout of a legal cannabis market, already delayed once by a lawsuit, now is at risk of further delays from a pair of new lawsuits that take issue with how its handing out licenses to sell pot. In one of the lawsuits filed Monday in Albany County Supreme Court, a group of women are challenging the way the state used a randomized lottery system to populate a queue that determines the order in which general cannabis license applications will be reviewed. Theyre suing on the grounds that the states queue lottery system is arbitrary and capricious. That lawsuit comes days after a white central New York business owner filed a lawsuit accusing the state of racial and gender bias against white men. Both lawsuits are seeking court injunctions that would temporarily stop the state from granting any more licenses. The idea always was this application process was going to be a merit-based, competitive process, and the best applications and the most prepared applicants were going to win, said their attorney, Joseph Levey, a Manhattan attorney who represents the women. But the state pivoted from that when it introduced the lottery. What were challenging is the way that they are populating this application queue, the way they are reviewing license applications, and whos getting what priority when and where and how much. Theyre really not transparent with how any of that stuff. Theyre not fielding questions about it, Levey said. We always understood that at the heart of the legislative intent behind legalization was this desire for social equity and this desire to define classes that required a little extra attention that were going to be given extra priority, Levey said. The slow rollout of NY's cannabis market continues While the pace may be too slow for some, the state said the rollout is deliberate for good reason. If the licensing process goes forward, Leveys clients placed so late in the queue that they will likely not receive a license. Wed like the process to stop because the reality is, if the state continues reviewing applications and even issues approvals, were out of luck, Levey said. Less than a week before the general application window opened in October, the state introduced the randomized lottery system that would queue applicants into the order in which their applications would be reviewed. The state has said it would grant only about 250 licenses from the queue of a little over 2,200 applicants. Worst of all, Levey said, was a footnote when the queue was released, saying the process gave extra priority applicants three extra chances in the randomized drawing. Those applicants are from communities that were disproportionately affected by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition, had a prior cannabis conviction or one in their family, and an income lower than 80% of the median income of their resident county. This was the first time that they ever mentioned that they were giving three chances for every one application for one specific group of people, Levey said. 'Penalized for a good thing': Pot farmers want high-THC potency tax gone At issue is the so-called potency tax charged to farmers. It's calculated based on a cannabis product's THC content, and has a rate that changes depending on whether the cannabis is in edible, concentrated or flower form. According to cannabis law, Social and Economic Equity applicants include those who have lived in communities disproportionally impacted by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition and other underrepresented groups including minority- and women-owned businesses, distressed farmers, and service-disabled, veteran-owned businesses. Filing a discrimination lawsuit would have taken too long, Levey said, so they are challenging the states procedure. It would potentially grant us injunctive relief a lot quicker. But theres more to the story than just the procedural challenge, Levey said. Its really the folks who have been jumping through every hoop putting themselves in position to win and are seemingly not getting any kind of extra priority that was promised to them. In the other lawsuit, filed last week, microbusiness applicant Valencia Ag, from the Syracuse suburb of Jamesville, argued that the states social and economic equity cannabis licensing provisions violate the Constitutions equal protection clause by giving preference to people of color and women. The suit noted the states goal of awarding half of its licenses to social and economic equity applicants and said roughly 1,800 SEE applicants were ranked higher than Valencia in the randomized lottery. The lawsuit also said the social and economic equity applicants encountered lower licensing fees, and pointed out that the Office of Cannabis Managements Control Board members are all either Black, female or both. The Valencia case also seeks an injunction preventing general cannabis licenses from being awarded. Aleece Burgio, an attorney at Colligan Law, doesnt see the Valencia lawsuit holding up in court. It doesnt necessarily preclude white men because they can be parts of communities whove been disproportionately impacted. They can be farmers. They can be veterans, Burgio said. So although it does permit an allocation of SEEs for women and minorities because those are part of the categories, it doesnt exclude white men from it. Thats just my opinion. Valencia ranked toward the end of the queue, in 2,042nd place. A lot of this just boils down to the fact that they entered into a lottery and they got a bad number, Burgio said. Burgio said more lawsuits can be expected. Everybodys ticked off, she said. And honestly, its now been set as a precedent that when you sue the state, theyll give you a license. So I mean, were gonna keep seeing these until the state starts fighting back. When the Supreme Court struck down school affirmative action programs last year in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, some in the cannabis community warned it could cause trouble for New Yorks cannabis social equity programs. We always knew that CAURD and SEE were vulnerable to legal challenges, and another lawsuit popping up now is not surprising, said Fatima Afia, a cannabis attorney at Rudick Law Group in New York City, on LinkedIn. But this particular complaint and its absurd claims are beyond offensive to anyone who understands the harms caused to communities of color by the War on Drugs and who seeks an equitable industry, she wrote. The cannabis law specifies a goal that 50% of its licenses would go to SEE applicants, not a quota or mandated priority, Afia noted. Toyota has urged the owners of as many as 50,000 older vehicles to stop driving the cars immediately. They have been asked to get their faulty airbags fixed at the earliest. The voluntary recall says the cars should not be driven until the airbags are replaced or repaired. Toyota has urged the owners of as many as 50,000 older vehicles to stop driving the cars immediately (TOYOTA / /Facebook - representational image) The models covered under the recall notice are 2003-2004 Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix and 2004-2005 RAV4. It has been said that due to the airbags age, a part inside could explode. This will shoot sharp metal fragments and could lead to injuries, or even death. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. In an advisory, Toyota said, Certain airbags found in the subject vehicles are under an URGENT airbag safety recall. Due to the age of the vehicles, if the airbag deploys, a part inside is more likely to explode and shoot sharp metal fragments which could cause SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH to the driver or passengers. Owners SHOULD NOT DRIVE these vehicles until the FREE safety recall repair has been conducted. Toyota urges owners to contact their local dealer instead of driving their vehicle to be repaired. It added, Dealers may provide one of several options FREE of charge, such as mobile repair at the vehicles location, towing to the dealership, vehicle pickup and delivery, or other alternate transportation options. Toyota added that it will repair or replace the airbag for free. Toyota is notifying known owners of these vehicles every month through a variety of communication channels. To see if your vehicle is involved in a safety recall visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information, it added. At least 26 people in the US have been killed by Takata inflators since May 2009, CBS News reported. At least 30 have died worldwide including people in Malaysia and Australia. As many as 400 purple have been injured. The U.S. State Department has rolled out the groundbreaking H-1B renewal pilot program, allowing a limited number of Indian and Canada workers in the country to renew their visas without leaving the country. The program is being touted as a game-changing move after two decades of challenges being faced by the foreign workers. Here is a comprehensive guide to navigate the application process for the H-1B renewal pilot program: All you need to know about how to apply for the H1B visa renewal pilot program in United States H1B Key Program Details: Application Slots: The State Department will release 4,000 application slots initially, with a total of 20,000 participants accepted over the next five weeks from January 29 to April 1, 2024 Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Eligibility Criteria: The program targets workers who recently received their H-1B specialty occupation visas at consulates in India and Canada. Read for more Objective: The initiative aims to reduce workloads at consular offices abroad, enhancing the efficiency of overall visa operations. Benefits of the Pilot Program: Certainty for H-1B Workers: Many H-1B workers, particularly in the tech industry, faced uncertainty due to backlogs for visa renewals abroad. The pilot program provides more certainty and alleviates the stress associated with international travel for renewal. Efficiency: The program is expected to reduce wait times for appointments, ensuring a smoother process for workers and preventing disruptions in their lives and the operations of companies relying on critical personnel. Read the official US government circular addressing the pilot program here H1B Pilot Program Application Process: Confirm Eligibility: Visa holders can check their eligibility on the State Department's website, ensuring they meet the outlined criteria. Complete Application Form: Applicants can fill out the visa application form on the agencys website, available from the launch date. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/domestic-renewal.html. Submission: Applications can be submitted starting on the designated date. The State Department will consider applications based on the order they are received until the maximum slots are reached. The slots will be open on following dates:- January 29 February 5 February 12 February 19 February 26 Processing Times: The agency estimates processing times for domestic visa renewals to take six to eight weeks after receiving passports and required documents from applicants. Also Read: All about US immigration reform bill to shorten green card wait time H1B Pilot Program Considerations and Limitations: The pilot program currently only includes H-1B workers who meet specific criteria outlined in December. Dependent visa holders, such as spouses and children on H-4 visas, are excluded from the current scope, causing frustration among some workers. Potential Expansion: The State Department plans to evaluate the success of the pilot program and explore the possibility of expanding domestic renewal further. Questions regarding the inclusion of family members and other visa categories, like O-1 and L-1 holders, remain common among immigration attorneys. Words of Caution: Immigration attorneys suggest giving the initiative time to establish itself and prove its effectiveness before anticipating further expansions. While the pilot may not immediately impact visa wait times in countries like India, where H-1B applicants face substantial backlogs, the potential for more widespread implementation is generating excitement. Navigating the H-1B renewal pilot program requires a thorough understanding of the outlined procedures and a patient approach as the State Department works towards more inclusive and efficient visa operations. A huge political warcry has broken out in United States after the death of 3 US soldiers in Jordan. Pinning its blame on Joe Biden, Donald Trump has claimed US President is leading us on the brink of World War Three. His assertion is now gaining traction as United States, seen grappling with internal failures, is increasingly turning to external conflicts to maintain its grip on power. Former US president Donald Trump (left) and US President Joe Biden (AFP) Iran-backed militants blamed for attack on US base Our Country cannot survive with Joe Biden as Commander in Chief, the GOP presidential primary front-runner claimed after the deadly drone strike on a US base killed three soldiers and injured nearly 40 others. Biden has blamed radical Iran-backed militant groups" for the attacks. He has vowed to hold those responsible for the Americans deaths and injuries to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. GOP presidential primary front-runner Donald Trump's post on Social Truth This brazen attack on the United States is yet another horrific and tragic consequence of Joe Bidens weakness and surrender, Trump wrote, after expressing his sympathies to the families of the victims. Trump, even argued that the deadly attack would NEVER have happened if I was President, not even a chance. Just like the Iranian-backed Hamas attack on Israel would never have happened, the War in Ukraine would never have happened, and we would right now have Peace throughout the World. Instead, we are on the brink of World War 3. Iran insists, allegations are baseless The recent drone attack near a U.S. base at the Jordan-Syria border has intensified tensions in middle east. Iran, despite denying direct involvement, is being implicated in a series of attacks aimed at driving the U.S out of the region. This is the first time US troops have been killed in the Middle East since the outbreak of Hamas-Israel conflict. However, Iran has insisted that accusations of its own involvement are baseless, and that the militias it supports do not take orders from Tehran. Even though Iran wants to distance from the blatant act, according to a Bloomberg report, over 160 attacks have been launched in recent months by Irans proxy militias. This includes missiles lobbed by Hezbollah into Israel from Lebanon to drones and shells fired by the Houthis from Yemen at ships in the Red Sea. All these attacks are meant to provoke the US or Israel into escalation; all. Biden facing internal pressure to act against Iran Even as Trump is playing the cautionary card his Republican counterparts are advising Biden to, Hit Iran now. Hit them hard. Another one further asserting, The only answer to these attacks must be devastating military retaliation against Irans terrorist forces, both in Iran and across the Middle East, chimes in another. Anything less, he adds, will confirm Joe Biden as a coward. Any action by US will escalate the war Former admiral James Stavridis argues, any action by US, as promised by Biden, will wipe out sites, including Iran, that have launched missiles or drones at US forces, as well as ammo and fuel depots and more. This may further lead to escalation of the war as a hit on Iran, which is increasingly aligned with Russia and China, could be a vector for World War III. Iran itself, which has been avoiding direct retaliation against America will be forced strike. Experts believe a US and Iran war is bound become a humanitarian disaster with Russia, would be tempted to open or expand additional fronts, in eastern Europe or elsewhere. What Trump understood then when he had actual responsibility and what Biden knows now is that deterrence requires assured retaliation, but in a way that averts rather than accelerates the very worst outcomes. The situation in the Middle East is dangerous and just became more so. In this context, resolve combined with restraint is not cowardice, but statecraft, A Bloomberg opinion piece argues. Vivek Saini, an MBA student in Georgia's Lithonia, was brutally attacked and killed by a homeless man named Julian Faulkner. The gut-wrenching incident was caught on camera. Vivek Saini, the 25-year-old Indian student who was hammered to death by the drug addict. Faulkner reportedly hit Saini about 50 times on the head with a hammer. The incident took place at the Chevron Food Mart at Snapfinger and Cleveland Road, as per reports. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Who is Julian Faulkner? Saini was a part-time clerk at a convenience store that sheltered Faulkner, who is a homeless drug-addict. It has been revealed that Saini was generous towards him, and even helped him with chips, a coke, water, and a jacket to keep him warm. Faulkner was arrested and charged with malice murder, and booked into the DeKalb County Jail without bond. Why did Julian Faulkner kill Vivek Saini? On January 16, Saini reportedly refused to provide free food to Faulkner, NDTV reported. Saini also asked the suspect to leave the premises due to safety reasons and said he would call the police if he did not comply, according to Livemint. This is what may have led to the attack. Faulkner attacked Saini as the victim was leaving for home, repeatedly thrashing him with a hammer. Police arrived to a scene grislier than one can imagine Faulkner standing over Sainis lifeless body. India reacts to the murder India has now reacted to the "terrifying, brutal and heinous incident. In a post on X, India in Atlanta wrote, We are deeply anguished by the terrifying, brutal, & heinous incident that led to the death of National/student Mr Vivek Saini & condemns attack in the strongest terms. It is understood that the US authorities have arrested the accused & are investigating the case. It added in the thread, The Consulate got in touch with the family of Mr Saini immediately after the incident, provided all consular assistance in sending the mortal remains back to India, and remains in touch with the family. An Indian student studying at Purdue University in Indiana who went missing late last week has been found dead. Neel Acharyas body was discovered on the university campus. Neel Acharyas body was discovered on the university campus (Neel Acharya/LinkedIn) Who was Neel Acharya? Acharya was was a double major in computer science and data science at the John Martinson Honors College of Purdue University. His LinkedIn profile says he finished his schooling in Pune before joining Purdue in 2022. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. Interim CS head Chris Clifton informed students about Acharyas death in an email written to the university's computer science department. "It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our students, Neel Acharya, has passed away. My condolences go out to his friends, family, and all affected," Clifton wrote. He described the students as a "driven individual and academically talented" and added that "it's a shock" and a "real loss to our community". Clifton told The Purdue Exponent that an email from the Office of the Dean of Students was sent to him, confirming the students death. "A deceased person was found that matched Neel's description and had Neel's ID on (him)," he said. Acharyas friend and roommate Aryan Khanolkar remembered him as a "loving, charismatic soul, and will be cherished by all of us, according to a report by NDTV. More Indian students' death A few days back, 18-year-old Indian-American student Akul B. Dhawan was found dead outside the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) last week. The initial findings of the autopsy suggested he died from hypothermia, according to the Champaign County Coroner. Meanwhile, Acharyas death comes shortly after the tragic death of another Indian student, Vivek Saini. An MBA student in Georgia's Lithonia, he was brutally attacked and killed by a homeless man named Julian Faulkner. The gut-wrenching incident was caught on camera. Faulkner reportedly hit Saini about 50 times on the head with a hammer. The incident took place at the Chevron Food Mart at Snapfinger and Cleveland Road, as per reports. Saini was a part-time clerk at a convenience store that sheltered Faulkner, who is a homeless drug-addict. It has been revealed that Saini was generous towards him, and even helped him with chips, a coke, water, and a jacket to keep him warm. On January 16, Saini reportedly refused to provide free food to Faulkner, NDTV reported. Saini also asked the suspect to leave the premises due to safety reasons and said he would call the police if he did not comply, according to Livemint. This is what may have led to the attack. A document released on Monday gave details to a damning accusation against the U.N. agency UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency). The Israeli document is filled with allegations against 12 UN workers that it claims actively participated in the Hamas assault on southern Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israeli citizens and the kidnapping of 250 more. The document claims seven of the employees stormed into Israeli territory as part of the Oct 7 assault, while two others participated in actual kidnappings. The revelations against the agency for Palestinian refugee relief prompted a freeze on funding for the humanitarian organization from Western nations. Thousands of refugees depend on the UNRWA for food and other aid. The UN fired nine of the 12 accused staff members and condemned the actions of the alleged. The UNRWA and the Israeli government have been at odds with one another for years. How Important Is The UNRWA? The UNRWA employs approximately 13,000. Officials say the hostilities have resulted in a starvation threat to a quarter of the population of Gaza. The United States and Britain have cut funding while Japan and Austria have paused assistance. The UNRWA has said that it will be forced to cease operations in just a few weeks if the funding cuts are not remedied. The UNRWA revelations came as Israel engaged in ongoing cease-fire talks, which have reportedly been constructive. However, major agreement gaps remain between what Hamas wants and what Israel is ready to concede. These talks could result in a much-needed respite for the Palestinians trapped by the fighting, as well as secure the release of the hostages remaining in Hamas custody. The Israeli document, which has been shared with U.S. officials as further revealed by the Associated Press, lists 12 people, their alleged roles in the attack, job descriptions, and photos. The document further stated that 190 UNRWA workers were Hamas or Islamic Jihad operatives. However, no evidence was provided to support that. Of the 12 accused workers, nine were teachers while another was a social worker. Seven of the accused employees are said to have crossed into southern Israel on the day in question. Two were alleged to have engaged in kidnapping or assisting in the abduction of others. Another two are said to have actively engaged in raids, according to the document. Two of the twelve accused have been killed, according to the document. Associated Press reports that Israeli forces stormed a hospital in the occupied West Bank on Monday resulting in the deaths of three Palestinian militants. The dramatic raid underscored how the fighting has spilled over from Gaza to the West Bank since the war began. The Palestinian Health Ministry said that the IDF opened fire inside the Ibn Sina Hospital wards in the town of Jenin while condemning the raid and calling upon the international community to continue to apply pressure on Israel to halt such raids in hospitals. A hospital spokesperson said that there was not a gunfight but rather a targeted hit. A spokesperson for the IDF said the militants were using the medical facility as a temporary base of operations. But, as is often the case, no evidence was provided by the Israelis. They also alleged that one of the individuals killed during the raid had moved weapons and ammunition to others for a planned attack that would have been similar to the Hamas assault on southern Israel on Oct. 7. Footage believed to be from a security camera at the hospital that has already begun circulating on social media appears to show a dozen undercover soldiers dressed as Muslim women and hospital staff while wearing scrubs and medical overcoats. "We will not end this war without achieving all of our goals," he said. "We will not withdraw the Israeli military from the Gaza Strip and we will not release thousands of terrorists," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Current numbers show that an estimated 26,700 people have died in Gaza as a direct result of the IDF offensive, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and fighters, says that two-thirds of the dead are women and children. 85% of the population of Gaza has been displaced by the fighting while a humanitarian crisis of pending starvation for a quarter of the population looms. Gaza's health system, which was insufficient prior to the fighting, is reportedly on the verge of collapse as it struggles under the weight of scores of patients, a lack of fuel, and medical supplies. Gaza's health care system, which was already feeble before the war, is on the verge of collapse. 380 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since fighting began and nearly 3,000 Palestinians in the West Bank have been arrested in the last four months. The IDF said that 27-year-old Mohammed Jalamneh was said to be planning an imminent attack, while the other two men killed, Basel and Mohammed Ghazawi were brothers who were hiding in the hospital and were involved in attacks. Hospital spokesperson Tawfiq al-Shobaki said there was no exchange. He said the Israelis attacked doctors, nurses, and hospital security during the raid."What happened is a precedent," he said. "There was never an assassination inside a hospital. There were arrests and assaults, but not an assassination." Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, announced on Tuesday that the group would consider a new proposal for a ceasefire in the war with Israel. Haniyeh said the priority for the militant group is to end the Israeli offensive and for Israeli forces to pull out from the territory. According to Reuters, Haniyeh made no mention of details. The proposal followed talks in Paris involving CIA Director William Burns, Qatar's prime minister, the chief of Israel's Mossad intelligence service, and the head of Egyptian intelligence. The news comes just hours after Israeli forces stormed a West Bank hospital dressed as women, allegedly killing three militants. Palestinian hospital director Najyy Nazzal told Reuters that Israeli forces executed the three militants "as they slept in the room where they were being treated...in cold blood, by firing bullets directly into their heads. The raid on the hospital emphasizes the risk of the war spreading to other fronts as clashes continue in Gaza, forcing more Palestinians to flee to safer areas as Israeli air strikes rain on southern parts of the enclave. Tensions are escalating in the occupied West Bank as the territory is crucial to an independent state for the Palestinians. The recent hospital raid has heightened the uneasiness, contributing to an ongoing increase in violence. Reuters reported CCTV footage appeared to show about a dozen troops, including three dressed as women and two others pretending to be Palestinian medical staff, pacing through a corridor in Ibn Sina Hospital in the city of Jenin with rifles. In an article published by The Guardian today, Israel is said to be struggling with accepting the terms Hamas has put forth but Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt are hoping to see if the two sides can be persuaded to accept a ceasefire to last at least a month, during which thousands of Palestinian prisoners would be released in return for the release of the hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is potentially willing to implement a drawback in troops from Gaza during a ceasefire. Netanyahu's fear of leaving Hamas military forces intact and capable of mounting a further threat to Israel is a vulnerable point for him. The Guardian reported that Netanyahu is prepared to accept a lengthy ceasefire, but on the condition there is no requirement to end hostilities. Haniyeh said: "Our response to the proposal will be on the basis that the priority is stopping the aggression against Gaza and withdrawing the occupation forces from the Strip." "The movement is open to discussing any serious and practical initiatives or ideas, provided that they lead to a comprehensive cessation of aggression, securing the shelter and reconstruction process, lifting the siege, and completing a serious prisoner exchange process," as revealed by The Guardian. What Is Next For The Ceasefire? Leaks of the proposal seem to suggest the first phase of the ceasefire would allow for the release of 35 hostages in return for a six-week pause of the fighting. This group is to include women, older men, and hostages who are ill or injured. In exchange, Israel would free thousands of Palestinians from its prisons. Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State said Monday night, that "very important, productive work has been done. And there is some real hope going forward." "Hamas will have to make its own decisions. I can just tell you that there is good, strong alignment among the countries involved and that this is a good, strong proposal," Blinken said. The Gaza health ministry updated the death toll to 26,751 Palestinian lives lost and 65,636 injured. A judge Tuesday allowed a Maryland woman to represent herself on charges she fraudulently obtained at least $383,000 in Covid-19 relief aid. But Brittany Herbert got off to a shaky start before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy when she told him she would represent the estate. What you are saying to me is gibberish, McCarthy told her at one point during her video appearance at Tuesdays court proceeding. Prosecutors allege Herbert, 37, of Prince Georges County, Md., collaborated with three others to gain more than 42 loans for at least 31 entities owned by other people, requesting a total of about $10.2 million. Herbert personally received at least $383,000, according to the criminal complaint against her. The defendants submitted false and fraudulent documents to support the loan applications, including falsified payroll expenses, fraudulent bank records, and fabricated federal tax filings, according to prosecutors. Herbert was arrested in May 2022 and later indicted for conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud and also bank fraud. McCarthy previously dealt with what he called frivolous arguments from Herbert, starting in June 2022 when he received a Notice of Appearance from Timothy Allen Reeves, who is not a lawyer but identified himself as Herberts Authorized Representative Agent and General Power of Attorney in Fact. Reeves Affidavit of Truth Notice of Release stated Herbert no longer needed a court-appointed lawyer since he would represent her. McCarthy nixed that notion. Reeves argued that it was a violation of (Herberts) human rights, especially as a sovereign citizen to deny his request to appear on her behalf. McCarthy noted in an earlier ruling in Herberts case that adherents to the sovereign citizen ideology challenge the authority and jurisdiction of the federal government. After rejecting Reeves bid to represent her, McCarthy appointed local attorney James Quinn Auricchio as her standby counsel, suggesting she consult with him concerning her desire to proceed pro se. In August 2022, Auricchio began fully representing her, but last month he asked to withdraw as her counsel. In a court filing, Auricchio said Herbert has attempted to file and serve a number of documents purported to be motions, declarations or pleadings by mailing them directly to the court without my knowledge. The court declined to consider them and returned the documents to Auricchio. What she sent the court failed to make any recognizable claim or argument that is material to her case or the law, he said. In an email from Herbert to Auricchio last month, she told him his services were no longer required because she wishes to proceed pro se, he said. She cited my employment by the government as a basis for distrust of my counsel, according to his filing. Auricchio was representing her by way of the Criminal Justice Act panel, a group of qualified and court-approved private-practice attorneys eligible for appointment by the court to represent people in criminal cases who are unable for financial reasons to retain counsel. Youre free to terminate his services. I dont think thats a good idea, McCarthy told Herbert. You have no training in the law or rules of evidence. You are not going to get any special treatment because youre representing yourself. Several times during the proceeding, Herbert said she would be representing the estate. The criminal charges are against her personally, and they carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. You will be representing yourself, McCarthy told her. Assistant U.S Attorney Charles Kruly said the government would no longer consent to Herbert appearing virtually for court proceedings, and he also reminded the court of the protective order in place for the evidence the government will share with her directly now that she has no lawyer. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses for payroll, mortgages, rent and utilities, and the program allows the loan to be forgiven if spent according to federal guidelines. Others involved have proceeded further in their cases: Adam D. Arena, 47, of Little Valley, and Amanda Gloria, 46, of Altus, Okla., have already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived funds. Arena is serving a five-year sentence at a low-security federal prison in Florida for his role in fraudulently obtaining and laundering nearly $1 million in funds from the Paycheck Protection Program. Gloria still awaits sentencing for participating in a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program of over $43.8 million in relief loans. Plea negotiations are ongoing for Brandie S. Williams, 43, of Dallas, according to her defense counsel, Herbert Greenman, who at a December court proceeding asked for additional time for her to consider the governments plea offer. A Feb. 14 status conference is scheduled for Williams. The U.S. Attorneys Office said Williams, Herbert and Gloria worked together to fraudulently obtain a $290,000 loan for Williams business but did not use the funds for legitimate business-related purposes. Instead, the money was transferred into the bank accounts of Glorias daughters and business accounts controlled by Gloria and Herbert. Also, the three fraudulently obtained other loans and requested a total of approximately $10.2 million, according to prosecutors, with Herbert and Gloria personally receiving at least approximately $383,000. (Photo : Christophe ARCHAMBAULT / AFP) (CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP via Getty Images) Microsoft warns that a Chinese hacking group known as Volt Typhoon is responsible for a series of cyber attacks that targeted communications infrastructure between the U.S. and Asia. The United States government has been investigating what it described as a pervasive Chinese hacking operation that successfully compromised thousands of devices connected to the internet, Reuters reports. This is according to two Western security officials and a person familiar with the situation. The FBI and the Justice Department received legal authorization to remotely disable aspects of the hacking campaign, according to Reuters. Volt Typhoon, the hacking group at the center of the investigation, is especially concerning to intelligence officials because they believe it is but a small part of a much larger effort to compromise critical infrastructure, internet service providers, and connected military facilities. Hacking has been a key concern for the Biden administration since he came into office. There are many who fear that it will play a key role in determining the outcome of a few elections. Volt Typhoon first came to light in the spring of 2023, with hackers stepping up their proverbial game late last year. They even went so far as to leverage new techniques with which to further their goals. The far-reaching implications of the hacks led to a series of meetings between the White House and the private technology sector, which included several telecommunications and Security experts hypothesizing that the breaches could allow China to remotely disrupt important facilities in the Indo-Pacific region (Guam, Marshall Islands, Philippines, etc) that support U.S. military activities. Sources said U.S. officials are concerned the hackers were working to hurt U.S. readiness in case of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The Justice Department and FBI declined to comment. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Western nations first caught wind of Volt Typhoon in May 2023, but Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning dismissed the concerns as a "collective disinformation campaign" from the Five Eyes countries, a reference to the intelligence-sharing grouping of countries made up of the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Volt Typhoon works by taking control of a large number of vulnerable digital devices, like routers, modems and internet-connected security cameras, and using them as masks to hide downstream attacks into sensitive targets, Reuters reports. What Is BotNet? Known as botnet, it is of great concern to security officials because it limits the visibility of cyber countermeasures that monitor for foreign activity in computer networks. "How it works is the Chinese are taking control of a camera or modem that is positioned geographically right next to a port or ISP (internet service provider) and then using that destination to route their intrusions into the real target," said a former official familiar with the matter. "To the IT team at the downstream target it just looks like a normal, native user that's sitting nearby." A new development is on the horizon in the ongoing narrative regarding whether former President Donald Trump will appear on the ballot in some states in the upcoming election later this year. In a report from the Associated Press on Tuesday, the Illinois election board will be meeting regarding a recommendation from retired Republican Judge, Clark Erikson. The grounds for the recommendation are rooted in the Constitution's insurrection provision. This is also an ongoing legal discussion in Colorado where Trump also faces potential removal from the state's ballot. To be specific those pushing for the former President's removal cite section 3 under the 14th Amendment which was solidified into the Constitution in 1868 preventing those who took an oath to support the Constitution and then engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding office. This push for the removal of the former President from state ballots has also been pushed in the state of Maine. However, both Maine and Colorado's decisions are pending an official ruling from the United States Supreme Court. The national voting rights group known as Free Speech for People is helping lead this push in Illinois and has also given the recommendation praise. The legal Director for the group, Ron Fein stated "We expect that the board and ultimately Illinois courts will uphold Judge Erickson's thoughtful analysis of why Trump is disqualified from office, but - with the greatest respect - correct him on why Illinois law authorizes that ruling." Trump has described these efforts as election interference and a plot by the Democratic party to prevent voters from having a choice this November. In addition, his lawyers have argued that the 14th Amendment does not apply to the presidency and that there isn't any legal standard to apply to it. They have also stated that Congress should decide that the incident on January 6th, 2020, wasn't legally an instance of insurrection and that the former President was not responsible for what took place. What Was The Result? The AP article went on to reveal that the bipartisan board, consisting of four Democrats and four Republicans, concurred with its lawyer's recommendation to maintain Trump's presence on the ballot, citing a lack of authority to ascertain whether he violated the constitution. "This Republican believes there was an insurrection on Jan. 6," stated board member Catherine McCrory before her vote, noting the agency's perceived lack of legal authority to enforce such determinations. Trump's attorney urged the board to refrain from involvement, arguing that the former president never engaged in insurrection, but contending that it was beyond the board's purview to make such determinations. "We would recommend and urge the board to not wade into this," attorney Adam Merrill emphasized. An attorney representing voters objecting to Trump's candidacy indicated they would appeal to state court. "What's happened here is an avoidance of a hot potato issue," attorney Matthew Piers told reporters after the hearing. "I get the desire to do it, but the law doesn't allow you to duck." The matter is likely to be resolved at a higher court, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments next week in Trump's appeal of a Colorado ruling declaring him ineligible for the presidency in that state. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is standing behind a new legislative that would bring nitrogen gas executions to the state, ending a yearslong unofficial death penalty moratorium. Yost announced the new legislative effort at a news conference on Tuesday. Sponsored by Republican state Representatives Brian Stewart and Phil Plummer, the bill will follow the recent use by Alabama state of nitrogen hypoxia for execution. The Associated Press reported that the Ohio bill would give condemned inmates a choice between lethal injection and nitrogen gas but would require nitrogen gas to be used if lethal injection drugs are not available, according to Rep. Brian Stewart. Why The Need? Ohio has not executed anyone since 2018. In 2020, Republican Governor Mike DeWine revealed lethal injection is "no longer an option," citing a federal judge's ruling that the protocol could cause inmates "severe pain and needless suffering." Stewart has criticized DeWine for postponing numerous executions over pharmaceutical companies' unwillingness to see their products used to put people to death. Stewart also mentioned Florida and the federal government have continued administering lethal injections despite Ohio's unofficial pause. The Cincinnati Enquirer quoted Yost, who referred to Alabama's execution as a success, from his social media post last week, "Death row inmates are in greater danger of dying of old age than their sentence." Representative Phil Plummer is placing heavy emphasis on extreme cases that have worked their way through the legal system for so many years. "We need some closure for the victims in cases like these ones," he said. Tuesday was not the first time Republican lawmakers have introduced an alternative execution method. In 2019, Rep. Scott Wiggam wanted to use fentanyl seized from drug busts to execute death row inmates. That idea never took off. Other states have allowed firing squads. However, while Republicans are working to secure new methods, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has called for the end of the death penalty in Ohio, citing several reasons for rejecting capital punishment, including the cost, racial bias, wrongful convictions, and botched executions. "If we profess to be pro-life how can we justify ending a life no matter the reason?" Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, asked. The Enquirer went on to report that Stewart, who says he's "pro-life," contended, "If somebody really can't fathom the difference between an unborn child that is innocent and a child murderer, I think their moral compass is pretty faulty." Yost replied, "There's a difference between an innocent life and a guilty life that has received due process." Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, who has advocated for ending the death penalty in Ohio, condemned the new proposal, "It is unfortunate that anyone would rush to the nearest camera to plead for the introduction of experimental methods to resume the barbaric practice," he told the Enquirer. On Tuesday, republicans hope to spearhead the debate back to the table. Ohio has 118 inmates on death row at present. While the debate is on between lawmakers, the state has carried out several executions over the years that include hangings, electrocution, and lethal injection. Spain's lower house on Tuesday voted against an amnesty bill due to differences in it's jurisdiction between the ruling Socialists and a Catalan separatist party. That is a crucial letdown for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and shows the fragility of Spain's socialist-led minority government. The controversial bill presented by Sanchez seeks to benefit Catalan nationalists facing legal proceedings for separatist happenings in exchange for help securing the prime minister a second term. According to the BBC, this includes those involved in a failed 2017 independence bid, including the ex-president of the Catalonia region. The law encountered its first critical test on Tuesday, reported the outlet. Multiple nationalist parties, including Together for Catalonia (JxCat) led by former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, were backing an amnesty, indicating a potential approval of the law by congress. The BBC reported that it was blocked by JxCat, citing what it said was judicial interference aimed at sabotaging the law. "We cannot participate in allowing the Catalan independence movement to be exposed to the whims of the politicized Spanish judiciary," said Miriam Nogueras, spokeswoman for JxCat. Per The Guardian, the draft law would apply to roughly 400 people involved in the symbolic, unilateral independence referendum of November 2014. The poll that followed three years later culminated in the declaration of regional independence and ultimately shoved Spain into its worst political crisis for four decades. Its most high-profile beneficiary would be Puigdemont. He had fled to Belgium to avoid arrest over his role in masterminding the illegal push to secede from Spain in 2017. The bill, rejected by 179 votes to 171, will not return for debate in a parliamentary committee and could eventually be sent back for another vote in the lower house. The amnesty bill is set to define Sanchez's second term and has prompted large protests against it reported Reuters. Catalan separatists Junts voted against the law after they failed to reach a last-minute deal with Sanchez's Spanish Socialist Workers' Party. Junts wanted all exceptions related to terrorism to be removed from the bill since some of its politicians are currently under investigation by courts over alleged terrorism-related crimes. The bill initially came from Catalan separatist parties Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya and Junts and presented to Sanchez in hopes of mutual benefit. Sanchez's party declared certain aspects of the terrorism-related charges cannot not be pardoned. "Junts cannot participate in leaving all Catalan separatism exposed to the arbitrariness of the politicized Spanish judiciary," said lawmaker Miriam Nogueras. She said the current amnesty proposal was too selective and had loopholes. According to Reuters, the amnesty would cover all events related to the Catalan independence drive from 2012, including a symbolic vote held in 2014 and an independence referendum in 2017, which courts declared illegal. Furthermore, it's to profit several hundred separatists as well as several police officers who stormed the polling stations during the referendum. In the past, Sanchez opposed an amnesty and is still rejecting an independence referendum, however argues that the proposed bill seeks to foster reconciliation between the parties. The Conservative opposition continues to accuse him of undermining Spain's rule of law. Microsoft outperformed Wall Street predictions for second-quarter revenue on Tuesday, driven by increased attraction to its new AI features. According to Reuters, Microsoft shares fell 1% in after-hours trading. They climbed 57% last year. Along with a rally in other tech stocks, including Alphabet and Nvidia, Microsoft helped fuel a 24% surge in the S&P 500 in 2023. How Much Did Revenue Grow? Revenue grew 18% to $62 billion in the quarter ended Dec. 31, compared with the average analyst estimate of $61.12 billion, according to LSEG data. Revenue at Microsoft's Intelligent Cloud unit, which houses the Azure cloud computing platform, grew 20% to $25.9 billion. Sales of Azure, which Microsoft does not disclose a dollar figure for, grew 30%, compared with a 27.7% consensus estimate from Visible Alpha. Investors are keeping a close eye on Microsoft's Azure and Office revenues to gauge the sales impact stemming from the company's substantial investment of tens of billions of dollars into data centers this year, all aimed at advancing generative AI. Reuters previously reported Microsoft's shares have risen significantly this year, briefly making it the world's most valuable listed company, surpassing Apple. Investors are responding positively to Microsoft's focus on artificial intelligence and its strategic partnership with Silicon Valley startup OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. Forbes also published Microsoft's blowout earnings on Tuesday, stating that the company tallied its best-ever quarterly revenue for its fifth quarter in a row - a stretch directly coinciding with an explosion in investor interest in artificial intelligence and Microsoft-backed OpenAI's debut of ChatGPT. Per Forbes' report, Microsoft's $62 billion of sales in the three months ending last month topped average analyst estimates of $61.1 billion, according to FactSet, while its $2.93 earnings per share topped forecasts of $2.77. The booming sales topped the prior quarter's record $56.5 billion, marking an 18% year-over-year increase. Profits were slightly down last quarter, as the $21.9 billion in net income compared to the September quarter's $22.3 billion profit, but profits remained up about 30% on an annual basis. Microsoft, headquartered in Washington, has seen a revival in its Wall Street standing, mainly attributed to its role as a frontrunner in the broader AI movement within the tech industry. The Pharaohs strip club case in Buffalo is not the first where a suspected leader of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club has been accused of killing or intimidating government witnesses to prevent them from testifying. With 441 chapters in 43 countries all over the world from Peru to Siberia to Australia to the United States the Outlaws are widely considered one of the worlds largest and most dangerous motorcycle clubs. According to U.S. Justice Department officials and other experts, the Outlaws are active in drug-dealing, kidnapping and other violent crimes, including murdering and threatening witnesses and informants against them. Outlaws have also been accused of forming alliances and providing muscle to traditional Mafia crime families in Chicago and other cities. The Outlaws motorcycle gang is only rivaled globally by the Hells Angels, in terms of violence and criminality, said Steve Cook, a police officer and biker gang expert with the Midwest Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association. The Outlaws are not just a part of the criminal underworld. They are the criminal underworld. Who is John T. Ermin? And the man identified by federal law enforcement as the worldwide leader of this feared band of bikers has lived under the radar in a Buffalo suburb. He is John T. Tommy O Ermin, 54, of the Town of Lancaster. Federal prosecutors say he is the international president of the Outlaws, and also the general manager of Pharaohs Gentlemens Club in Cheektowaga. His lawyer says he is a law-abiding family man who is not the Outlaws top leader. In recent weeks, the names of Ermin and other bikers have come up frequently in the prosecution of Peter Gerace Jr., the Pharaohs owner who is accused of bribing a federal DEA agent, drug trafficking and human trafficking at his establishment. Gerace denies the accusations. Gerace, Ermin and others were charged Jan. 9 with obstructing justice and witness tampering conspiracies in which they are accused of conspiring to kill Crystal Quinn to prevent her from testifying against Gerace. Quinn, 37, a former Pharaohs employee who had agreed to testify as a government witness, died after she was intentionally given a deadly dose of fentanyl by one of the conspirators, the grand jury indictment claims. Ermin denies being part of that suspected conspiracy, and his attorney, George V.C. Muscato, also denies that Ermin is the international leader of the Outlaws. The defense lawyer said Ermin is a well-educated, articulate, law-abiding family man who took a job at Pharaohs about 10 years ago because he wanted to work for a living, rather than collect Social Security Disability pay. Ermin had been awarded disability pay after he lost part of his leg in a motorcycle crash near Pittsburgh in 2001 that killed his first wife. Muscato said Ermins motorcycle was struck by a car that illegally crossed into his traffic lane. In his only known published interview, Ermin revealed that Covid-19 almost killed him, and he urged other bikers to protect themselves against the virus. Tommy is not the criminal that the government makes him out to be, Muscato told The Buffalo News. And he had absolutely nothing to do with the death of a federal witness. Quinn died of a drug overdose Aug. 1 at the Wellsville home of suspected drug dealer Simon Gogolack, one of the men charged with conspiring to end her life. Toxicology tests showed that Quinn died of a dose of fentanyl so powerful that it could have killed 400 people, federal prosecutors said. They accuse Gogolack of giving Quinn the fentanyl, and then trying to make the death look like an accident or suicide. If that happened, Ermin had nothing to do with it, Muscato said. Although Ermin had a couple prior brushes with the law, Tommy has no criminal record, the defense lawyer said. Hes been a spokesman for the Outlaws. Hes had a leadership role, but we would deny hes the international president. After Ermins detention hearing, District Judge Elizabeth M. Wolford concluded that Quinn probably died of foul play, and said it is not unreasonable to conclude Ermin had a role in her death. The judge also said the governments evidence clearly and convincingly showed that Ermin is the Outlaws president. She ordered Ermin to remain in jail, without bail, while the court proceedings continue. Ermin was not available to talk with The Buffalo News for this story. He declined interview requests from The News in 2021. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi, lead prosecutor of the Pharaohs case, first disclosed Ermins suspected role as the Outlaws worldwide leader in court papers he filed in 2021. Law enforcement considers the Outlaws MC to be a dangerous and violent criminal organization, and there have historically been a myriad of Outlaws MC prosecutions nationally including a murder at a strip club, Tripi stated at the time. Scott Burnstein, a Michigan crime reporter, author and podcaster who has researched the Outlaws for more than 20 years, calls Ermin probably the most powerful biker boss in the world right now. To my knowledge, his name never once surfaced publicly before he was mentioned in your case in Buffalo, Burnstein, host of the Original Gangsters podcast, recently told The News. Ive since been told that he is the ultimate shot-caller in the Outlaws world, a guy who travels all over the globe to meet with Outlaws leaders. Police say the Outlaws are notorious for their violent attitude toward rival biker clubs and witnesses who help the police. According to the indictment against Ermin, one of the Outlaws favorite slogans is Snitches are a dying breed. Other Outlaw leaders prosecuted Ermin is far from the first Outlaws leader to be accused of violence toward witnesses. The most famous Outlaw ever was an international president, Harry Taco Bowman, of Detroit. Bowman, who traveled to Buffalo in 1994 to lead a huge funeral procession for a slain Outlaw, was convicted of eight felony crimes in 2001. Authorities said his crimes included ordering the murder of one Outlaw and the kidnapping of another who cooperated in police investigations into the club. Bowman died in prison in 2019. At a detention hearing after Ermins arrest, prosecutors said Ermin had attended Bowmans funeral, adding that FBI agents who raided Ermins home found a shrine to Bowman there. In another case, Clarence Smith, an Outlaws Motorcycle Club regional leader in Florida, was convicted in 1998 of, among other things, killing a government witness in a bombing in New Orleans. In 2010, prosecutors in Virginia charged Jack Milwaukee Jack Rosga, national president of the Outlaws, and 26 other Outlaws and associates with attempted murder, extortion, witness tampering, drug trafficking and other crimes. Convicted of running a criminal organization, Rosga is now serving a 20-year prison term. A prosecutor at Ermins detention hearing said the FBI found evidence of communications with Rosga in Ermins home. After federal agents raided an Outlaws clubhouse near Chicago, an Outlaws member and a Chicago Outfit mob leader were convicted of a 2003 bombing of a business that competed with the mob. Outlaws in Buffalo Although Ermin was once arrested in connection with a barroom brawl in Lancaster, local police say he is not known as a troublemaker there. Hes been on our radar with the Outlaws through contacts with other law enforcement agencies, but hes not started any problems here, said Capt. Jeff Smith of the Lancaster police. The Outlaws have an annual picnic in a park, but weve never had trouble there. Ive never heard of John Ermin boasting about his position or making it public. Lancaster in 1994 was the scene of one of the bloodiest biker conflicts in Western New York history. Dozens of bikers from the Outlaws and the rival Hells Angels showed up at a drag racing event at Lancaster Speedway with guns, knives, brass knuckles, ax handles and other weapons. An Outlaws leader from Buffalo and a Hells Angels leader from Rochester were killed during the brawl. In 1996, a federal prosecutor said the Outlaws and biker gangs affiliated with them were involved in significant trafficking in cocaine and methamphetamine in the Buffalo area. David Thornton, then president of the Buffalo Outlaws, and several other club members pleaded guilty to felony drug trafficking charges. District Judge Richard J. Arcara sentenced Thornton to four years and three months in prison. During one court appearance, Thornton offered the judge a ride on his Harley Davidson, which Arcara declined. The Outlaws are involved in transporting cocaine into the Buffalo area from Florida, and the Outlaws control other motorcycle clubs in Buffalo, prosecutor Thomas Duszkiewicz said at the sentencing. In 2010, Lancaster police charged Ermin and three other men with assault after a barroom altercation. Police identified all four suspects as Outlaws and accused them of punching, kicking and stomping a man in a bar on Central Avenue. Ermin ultimately pleaded guilty to a noncriminal violation of disorderly conduct, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said. A judge sentenced Ermin to perform 30 hours of community service. Muscato said an ordinary barroom brawl erupted after a woman asked Ermin to give her a ride on his motorcycle. During Ermins detention hearing, Tripi said Ermin and three other men were arrested in a car in Columbus, Ohio, in 2015. He said police found guns, ammunition, brass knuckles and a small amount of methamphetamine in the car. The charges against Ermin and two others were dropped after one of the men told prosecutors that all the illegal items in the car were his. The man who took the blame was later made a full patch member of the Outlaws, Tripi said. When the FBI raided Ermins home in December, they found 16 guns, dozens of blunt instruments and cutting weapons, a crossbow and brass knuckles, Tripi said. He said FBI agents found $40,000 cash in the home, but no evidence that Ermin has bank accounts or any financial assets. Tripi also told a judge that when exotic dancers had problems at Pharaohs, they were sometimes sent as punishment to work at the Outlaws Buffalo clubhouse. Tripi said agents obtained information that some women were assaulted in the clubhouse. The Outlaws Buffalo clubhouse is in a nondescript brick-front dwelling in the 400 block of Northumberland Avenue on Buffalos East Side. A graduate of the University of Pittsburghs School of Design, Ermin is an articulate man, devoted to his wife and family, Muscato said. He said the guns in Ermins home were legal hunting weapons. Ermin nearly died in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital after a severe bout with Covid-19 in 2020, the attorney said. The experience prompted Ermin to do a lengthy interview in a YouTube video on a biker show called Insane Throttle in December 2020. Ermin spoke emotionally, pleading with his fellow bikers to use caution at motorcycle rallies and other crowded events. The virus is a real, life-threatening illness, not a conspiracy, Ermin said. I work in the strip club ... one of the girls had (Covid), 34 years old, she ended up dying of it, Ermin said on the podcast. I was on the vent for 15 days, and 26 days in the ICU. Youre lying there dying, you dont know if youre ever going to see anybody again. Tripi said a less sympathetic side of Ermin is displayed in a tattoo he wears on his stomach the letters GFOD. The prosecutor said those four letters are an abbreviation for another Outlaws motto God forgives, Outlaws dont. What about Peter Gerace? Federal prosecutors have focused most of their charges on Gerace, the Pharaohs owner who is Ermins boss there. Gerace is the nephew of Joseph A. Todaro, owner of La Nova Pizza, who federal prosecutors and agents have accused of running the Buffalo Mafia. Todaro has denied any involvement in organized crime and has never been convicted of a crime. Retired DEA Agent Joseph Bongiovanni is accused of accepting bribes from Gerace and others whom he believed were associated with Italian organized crime. Bongiovanni denies the charges. While prosecutors have focused on Gerace, Burnstein said he would not be surprised if the real target of the Pharaohs case is Ermin and the Outlaws. In the scheme of things in the criminal world, the Outlaws are a much bigger target, Burnstein said. Once again, State Supreme Court Justice Mark Grisanti is in the headlines. And once again, it is not for something positive. Grisanti is now under fire for barring the public from jury selection in a high-profile civil trial for the protections of jurors, Buffalo News court reporter Aaron Besecker reported last week. The move drew criticism from free press advocates, including the Washington-based Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and it appears contrary to a unanimous 1984 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that states trial judges must ordinarily permit the public and the press to attend jury selection proceedings. Grisanti last made headlines in 2020, when police body camera footage showed Grisanti, his wife and two neighbors in a street fight in which the judge shoved a Buffalo police officer who responded to the dispute. That incident put him under investigation by the State Committee on Judicial Conduct, which has not announced any ruling in the case. In 2012, when he was a state senator, Grisanti was in another fight, that time at the Seneca Niagara Casino. Grisanti, of course, was appointed to the Court of Claims in 2015 by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. The move was seen as a political thank you for Grisantis decisive vote in favor of same-sex marriage, which cost multiple Republican senators their jobs in the next election. But it is Gov. Kathy Hochul who may hold Grisantis future in her hands. That is because Grisantis nine-year term on the Court of Claims expires this year, and the governor makes those appointments. What Im hearing Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpas political stock continues to fall because of the 11.4% tax hike in this years budget and the subsequent outcry from taxpayers and members of the Amherst GOP. Buffalo News reporter Steve Watsons recent article described the spectacle that Amherst Town Board meetings have become. It is never a good sign for an elected official when multiple websites and social media pages start popping up mocking your management. (Full disclosure: I worked for Kulpa in a previous job). You also have to wonder about the role of social media in spreading the outrage voiced by Kulpa opponents. Before Covid-19 and the advent of social media, it took a lot more effort to get a group of residents organized and to spread their message. Now, videos of the meetings are accessible on YouTube and shared widely on social media just another way in which government and politics have changed as technology has evolved. What Im reading Through his campaign committee, State Sen. Tim Kennedy spent nearly $1.5 million last year, even though he was not up for re-election, Investigative Post reporter Geoff Kelly reported last week . Kelly went on to write that two-thirds of that money was spent after news broke that Rep. Brian Higgins was stepping down from Congress. Kennedy spent most of the money on consultants and maxed out his contributions to various local officeholders and Democratic committees. One of those committees was the Niagara County Democratic Committee, which recently endorsed Kennedy. His 63rd Senate District does not include Niagara County, but the 26th Congressional District does. If all that spending was intended to advance Kennedys congressional ambitions, Kelly wrote, then his campaign could run afoul of federal election law, which places far more stringent restrictions on fundraising than New York State does, especially in regard to corporate donors. Kennedy chief of staff Adam Fogel said in the article that everything is copacetic. But one of my sources, a Republican, pointed to a recent case where a lawmaker in another state was prosecuted for using state funds for a federal election. So Kennedy had better be careful how he uses that money. Nate McMurray, a fellow Democrat who is challenging Kennedy, seized on the story, calling it pay to play and corruption. Bad news continues to emerge at Western Regional Off-Track Betting, where the latest headlines involve a lawsuit by former bartenders who accuse the casino of engaging in wage theft, sexual harassment and unlawful retaliation. The sexual harassment accusation was filed against Scott Kiedrowski, the CEO and former Niagara County Republican chairman who was brought to the public benefit corporation by former Niagara GOP chair and Batavia Downs President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek. Erie County Legislator Howard Johnson, at a recent gun violence panel hosted by Masten Council Member Zeneta Everhart, shared his own startling story about the day 15 years ago when he was shot outside a Buffalo restaurant. Buffalo News reporter Harold McNeil wrote that Johnson recalled feeling a gun put to the back of his head as he went to get inside his car, and someone telling him to drop everything. He was then thrown to the ground and beaten. What Im thinking Its dumbfounding that Wojtaszek remains the public face of WROTB. If anyone in that organization had any sense, they would have long ago taken him off the TV commercials because of his reputation as a political operator who has turned the organization into a patronage pit and whose actions have led to the multiple controversies surrounding it today. Future mayoral hopefuls in Buffalo may want to take note of the outcry in Amherst. Kulpas predecessor in the supervisors chair was Barry Weinstein, a Republican who was aggressive in his efforts to cut taxes and reduce the size of government. Those sort of stances are popular, but can leave major budget holes when the bills come due. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has also been a fiscal conservative, which has been great for taxpayers wallets, but could cause budgetary and political headaches for whomever succeeds him in the Mayors Office. Maybe thats one of the reasons Brown seems so interested in taking a job outside of City Hall. Hospitality veteran Candice D'Cruz will spearhead strategies for Hilton's three luxury brands across the region to further solidify its esteemed premium positioning. Global hospitality leader Hilton today announced the appointment of Candice D'Cruz as vice president of Luxury Brands for Asia Pacific. Based in Singapore, Candice is responsible for leading Hilton's award-winning luxury brands, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts, across Asia Pacific, further strengthening the company's leadership in luxury hospitality. With over two decades of experience, Candice joins Hilton from Marriott International, where she most recently served as vice president of Luxury Brand Management and Marketing for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Her success in this vast, multifaceted sector is reflected in many prestigious awards, most notably being named number one in "The Power of 25", Hotelier Middle East's 2019 list of 25 influential women in hospitality, and ranked among the top 50 storytellers of the region by Forbes Middle East. Hotelier Middle East also recently named her 'Trailblazer' for 2023, an Editor's Choice Award for visionary hoteliers who played an active role in transforming the region's hospitality industry over the past 12 months. Her experience includes roles in Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., and Emaar, overseeing various aspects of brand, marketing and communications in diverse markets. Of Indian origin, Candice currently resides in Singapore with her husband and two children, whom she often looks to for inspiration on how to further attract and engage an ever-changing new generation of travelers. As Chinese New Year approaches, hoteliers in Greater China should prepare for a welcome surge in visitors. Unique forward-looking hotel booking data from Amadeus shows high demand for travel across various cities for the upcoming holiday period which runs February 10-17th. The top hotel markets based on hotel occupancy for the holiday week are: Jinghong, China 79% Shantou, China 60% Dali, China 59% Jilin, China 56% Zhuhai, China 54% Source: Amadeus Demand360+ data as of January 15, 2024 In addition to high occupancies, travelers are also paying more for their stay compared to last year. According to Amadeus data, average daily rate (ADR) in the top destination of Jinghong is $320 USD, an 8% increase from the week of Chinese New Year 2023. Data shows a similar story for the city of Shantou, with ADR 5% higher this year over last. This demonstrates the strong rebound of Chinas hospitality industry since the country reopened for travel. Air travel trends for the holiday period also show an interesting pattern, as the top markets inbound to China and outbound from China are the same. The top air markets in China both inbound and outbound based on air traffic volume for the holiday week are: Thailand South Korea Japan Hong Kong Singapore Source: Amadeus Traffic Analytics data as of January 22, 2024 To learn more about our business intelligence solutions, view more forward-looking global data, or to request a complimentary property snapshot, visit our Hospitality Market Insights portal. View source Bigger does not mean better. But better is how companies thrive. Such is the case for Aptech. PVNG by Aptech was recently named a finalist in the Hotel Tech Report Best Finance & Accounting Software 2024 popularity index for the second consecutive year. At the core of Aptechs success is its deep and personal relationships with its customers people the family-owned and operated financial management software company value and solve problems for every day. Referred to as The Grammys of Hotel Tech, the annual HotelTechAwards honor companies with outstanding products and even better client relationships . Winners are selected from more than 200 of the top technology products around the world and determined by product reviews from a global community of verified hotel technology users across more than 120 countries. PVNG by Aptech, a next-generation cloud-based hospitality accounting software solution, ranked No. 2 out of 37 companies in the finance and accounting software category . Ninety six percent of limited service and budget hotels, 94% of luxury hotels, 93% of branded hotels, and 84% of resorts say they would recommend PVNG for enterprise accounting. The solution earned an overall score of 4.7 out of 5.0 for ease of use, customer support, return on investment and ease of implementation. When you are a small, family run business with under 25 employees, it can be really difficult to go head-to-head with larger hospitality companies especially those that employ more than 250 people and have vast portfolios. We are extremely proud of this achievement once again. Aptech may be small, but PVNG is having a BIG impact on the bottom lines of the clients we support. Our users are extremely happy. Once someone becomes an Aptech customer, its rare they ever leave. Sam Costa, Aptech Director of Client Success PVNG features the Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, Statistics, Financials, and Bank Reconciliation that todays hotel operators are seeking with much-needed browser navigation. Its automated invoice processing, myriad of payment options, drill-down capabilities in financial statements and reports, ability to handle single or multi-property accounting, and the fact that it can be deployed as a hosted service, explains why this accounting solution is in such high demand. Here are just a few of the customer reviews that earned PVNG this top honor: [PVNG is] the best Accounting system that I ever used. It is very user friendly and efficient in processing daily, monthly and annual reporting including budgeting and forecasting. Most important is the support team that is very responsive to all my request and needs which you cannot find in big software companies. CFO from 500+ room Boutique in San Francisco Its Grrreat! I absolutely adore the ease of use of this app. The simplicity of access to find invoices as well as inputting them. The overall configuration is extremely organized and streamlined. Features that allow you to have real time updates to upload completion or to manually enter them helps tremendously to ensure the work is input and received correctly. Input for new vendors is just as simple. I cannot think of a better application to use. Night Auditor from 100 to 199 room branded hotel in Dunwoody, Ga. Aptech's PVNG Enterprise Accounting platform offers robust budget tools for analysis for the ongoing performance of the business against anticipated financial data and key performance indicators. The tools and reporting available for all levels of staff in an organization makes collaboration on the financial performance easily accessible. Accountant from 200 to 499 room Boutique in Kelowna, Canada Great software. [Aptech is] very responsive if we ever have issues, and they keep giving great updates with improvements we didn't even think of. It is very easy to use and it is a great tool for our company to use across all our hotels. Accountant from 500+ room boutique in Albuquerque, N.M. We have been with Aptech for around 15 years, and on PVNG for the past 3 years. Their communication, support and alignment with our needs has been fantastic. CFO from 200 to 499 room Luxury Hotel in Daytona Beach, Fla. To read more customer reviews on Hotel Tech Report about PVNG by Aptech, click here. For more information on all Aptech solutions, visit http://www.aptech-inc.com. About Aptech Aptech Computer Systems, Inc., based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the only provider of a fully integrated enterprise accounting, business intelligence and planning ecosystem to the hospitality industry. All clients are companies like yours, which own or manage hotels. Its solutions help customers at both the corporate and property levels understand their financial and operational data for faster goal achievement. The company is renowned for introducing business intelligence into the hotel industry and offers a solid resource of hospitality professionals. Aptech is an IBM Software Value Plus partner and Premier Solution Provider, as well as a Prophix Premier Business Partner. Incorporated in 1970, Aptechs state-of-the-art back office, true business intelligence and enterprise planning solutions are 100% hotel specific. Solutions include PVNG, Execuvue and Targetvue. Clients comprise over 3,500 properties including large chains, multiple-property management companies and single-site hotels. Execuvue is registered to Aptech Computer Systems Inc. All other trademarks are owned by their respective holders. For more information, please visit www.aptech-inc.com. Barbara Worcester +1 440 930 5770 One of the main factors in the decision to attend post-secondary education particularly for first-generation students or those from a low-income background is the hurdle of cost. That is where FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) comes in. By not filling out the application, New Yorkers are leaving money on the table $200 million. In the past, the form has been intimidating, but now, with the federal governments completion of a simplification effort, the undertaking is not only less daunting, but potentially mind-blowingly beneficial: A student who might not otherwise attend college is more easily able to receive financial help and, possibly, zero tuition. New York aims to make that benefit even easier. Leaders in the SUNY Chancellors Office are elated that Gov. Kathy Hochuls executive budget proposal includes universal FAFSA. The public should be, too. As Ian Rosenblum of the Chancellors Office explains, universal FAFSA would require school districts to help every high school senior complete the form, so that if they choose to head to college, they are able to receive the financial aid to which they are entitled. The program would provide a broad base of assistance for high school students and their families. Beyond the mandatory help from school districts and the state education system, assistance could be provided by higher education providers as well as community-based organizations including churches. The financial aid help is an urgent educational need. Consider: Ninety percent of high school seniors who complete the FAFSA go directly to college, versus 55% of those who do not complete the FAFSA. The latest data the SUNY Chancellors Office has reviewed shows an average of 65% to 70% of Buffalo Public School students have completed the FAFSA, compared with more than 80% in wealthier school districts in Western New York. The consequence is that many of the students who could benefit most from the financial aid are not completing the FAFSA. When Louisiana implemented a universal FAFSA program, the states FAFSA completion rates increased by 26 percentage points in the first year. Together, the easier-to-complete form and the governors push for universal FAFSA offer a powerful opportunity to improve college access, expand affordability and raise the prospects of upward mobility for all New York students. That benefits everyone. Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing. GCommerce Solutions will be honored for travel marketing excellence by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) at the annual Adrian Awards Celebration Award winners to be celebrated at an in-person event at the New York Marriott Marquis, on February 13, 2024. The Adrian Awards, now in their 67th year, are the largest and most prestigious competition in global travel marketing. For 2023, Adrian Awards are being presented for highlighting the stories of remarkable campaigns, ads, and experiences that sparked a love for travel, igniting a desire for exploration in travelers around the world. A Best of Category Award will be given in each entry category for small, medium, and large budget campaigns, as well as Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. Each Gold Award recipient will be considered for Platinum awards, and Platinums will be considered for Best of Show in the Advertising, PR/Communications, Integration Campaigns, and Digital divisions. GCommerce Solutions will receive three Adrian Awards for its winning entries in the following categories: Search Marketing Strategy Craguns Resort on Gull Lake, Bronze, Presidents Award Search Marketing Strategy Hu. Hotel, Bronze, Presidents Award Social Media Marketing Stein Eriksen Lodge, Bronze Award We are honored to receive recognition from HSMAI for our accomplishments in digital marketing in the past year, stated Lindley Cotton, President and Partner of GCommerce Solutions. Its a privilege to serve a diverse array of clients and to support each of them in generating incremental results.. The Adrian Awards Celebration stands out as a pivotal industry gathering, drawing top executives from the hospitality, travel, and tourism marketing sectors along with their agencies. Exceptional entries will be showcased in the winners gallery on the Adrian Awards website after the February 13 Celebration. For further details about this event and the competition, you can explore https://adrianawards.hsmai.org/. About HSMAI The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry's leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as the Commercial Strategy Conference, Sales Leader Forum, and Adrian Awards. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org. January 30th is World Croissant Day. The perfect occasion for Sofitel to launch its Haute Croissanterie concept, which invites chefs around the world to reinvent the delicious French breakfast icon. One of the most delicious French symbols of them all. A crisp, flaky and piping hot croissant, straight from the oven. A distinctive pastry reinterpreted worldwide in the Sofitel hotels as the brand celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Where croissants become Haute Couture An iconic French pastry treat, the butter croissant continues to delight anyone and everyone with a sweet or savory tooth everywhere in the world. On January 30th, World Croissant Day, Sofitel unveils its brand-new concept: the Haute Croissanterie. Initially, this unprecedented experience is launched by ambassadors from three hotels of the brand: Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk in the United Arab Emirates, Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel in South Korea, and Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama. Together, they perfected the recipe of their Pur Beurre croissant promising the best croissants in town. The ambassadors have collectively trained other pastry chefs in their region to spread their excellence and savoir-faire during a dedicated week in Dubai. Thanks to these 3 ambassadors, 30 Sofitel properties will launch Haute Croissanterie. These emblematic destinations will introduce their local creations named cultural link croissants, to represent Sofitel, defined by its logo that is a symbol of the bond that connects cultures around the world. Sofitels consultant chef at Sofitel, Anne-Cecile Degenne, who has trained all over the planet, came up with this original concept. A devotee of upscale establishments, she searches out high-quality products and enhances them with her unique savoir-faire. In recent months, she worked closely with the kitchen staff of three hotels selected to showcase the Haute Croissanterie. Together, these culinary teams developed new sweet and savory recipes that will be available in our pastry shops from the end of January. Fascinated by French pastry since forever, it's a dream to deploy a concept internationally that unites the brigades of Sofitel hotels, turning the art of cooking into a universal language. Through our Haute Croissanterie concept, we've managed to bring together a community of passionate pastry chefs from around the world, who have enjoyed competing creatively together to surprise and delight our customers by reimagining the universal emblem of the French breakfast. Anne-Cecile Degenne Where chefs become ambassadors At Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, chef Romain Castet (finalist in the Gault&Millau Pastry Chef of the Year contest) will propose his Green Goat, a version with avocado and local goat's cheese, at Bijou Patisserie. (finalist in the Gault&Millau Pastry Chef of the Year contest) will propose his Green Goat, a version with avocado and local goat's cheese, at Bijou Patisserie. At Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo (Panama), chef John Moreno elevated the Vera Cafe menu with its Zesty Symphony croissant, with delicious lemony notes. elevated the Vera Cafe menu with its Zesty Symphony croissant, with delicious lemony notes. Finally, at the Jardin dHiver cafe in the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel (South Korea), chef Henry Kim has created a Spicy Gochujang Galore croissant, a fusion of Korean spices and French finesse. As the first international hotel brand originating from France, with more than 265 restaurants and bars in 120 hotels worldwide, Sofitel is a global ambassador of what we love to call 'French zest.' Therefore, on the eve of the brand's 60th anniversary, we have chosen to highlight the iconic indulgence of French pastry: the croissant. By tapping into the creativity and unique expertise of our chefs, we aim to take our customers on a unique culinary and cultural journey worldwide, seamlessly combining French excellence with the incredible local flavors unique to each culture. Nicolas Gronier, Vice President of Global Marketing for Sofitel Where gifts have never been more appetizing On January 30th, the three pastry shops of these hotels will give 60 croissants to 60 lucky aesthetes a nod to Sofitel hotels, which are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. These guests will get a scrumptious glimpse of a diverse culinary palette and a little taste of the French art of living. Where the Haute Croissanterie can be enjoyed all year long This exciting new concept is here to stay. Seasonally, our chef ambassadors will reveal new croissant recipes. And, thanks to monthly breakfast events, the Haute Croissanterie is sure to leave a lasting and delicious impression. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry's most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing more than 40 luxury, premium, midscale and economy hotel brands, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor's unmatched position in lifestyle hospitality one of the fastest growing categories in the industry is led by Ennismore, a joint venture, which Accor holds a majority shareholding. Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Accor boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and more than 260,000 team members worldwide. Members benefit from the company's comprehensive loyalty program ALL - Accor Live Limitless a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the Group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com, or follow Accor on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Forward-looking ideas for the travel industry: under the new heading Take Travel Technology to the next Level. Together., the Worlds Leading Travel Trade Show is giving innovative Travel Technology solutions its biggest platform to date. Providers from over 30 countries are represented in a total of five halls, while the popular eTravel Stage will again be a magnet with an impressive programme of panels, keynote speeches and lectures. More than in almost any other sector, change and innovation have always been the tourism industrys driving forces so it is no coincidence that from 5 to 7 March at ITB Berlin 2024 the Travel Technology segment again occupies a standout role. More than 30 international providers are presenting their forward-looking products and ideas in a total of five halls (5.1, 6.1, 7.1c, 8.1 and Hall 10.1, as before the pandemic) at the Worlds Leading Travel Trade Show. The exhibitor spectrum ranges from well-known industry heavyweights to aspiring startups and spans the entire technology value chain. Among them are Amadeus, Sabre, Bewotec, ICEX Espana, Business Iceland and Business France. Organised in collaboration with the partners GIATA, the Travel Tech Cafe and Travelport in Hall 5.1 and the Travel Lounge in Hall 6.1 are places where technology fans can exchange knowledge. A wide-ranging programme on the eTravel Stage in Hall 6.1., which this year features the new AI and Digital Destination theme tracks, plus more audience space, rounds off the many events. Learning from Travel Tech experts: the ITB Berlin eTravel Stage The eTravel Stage at the ITB Berlin Convention is a thinktank and ideas factory all in one. On all three days of the show it will be the platform for outstanding keynote speeches, impressive pitches and informative panel discussions on travel technology. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of highlights presented by leading travel tech experts. A selection can be found below: Tuesday, 5 March, 11.15 a.m. - Beyond the Buzz - What are the Key Technology Trends Shaping Travel moderator Lea Jordan (co-founder of techtalk travel and member of the ITB Board of Experts) talks to Mirja Sickel (VP Hospitality Distribution at Amadeus) and Andy Washington (general manager, EMEA at the Trip.com Group) about travel technology trends what is simply hype and what can really be achieved? Beyond the Buzz - What are the Key Technology Trends Shaping Travel moderator Lea Jordan (co-founder of techtalk travel and member of the ITB Board of Experts) talks to Mirja Sickel (VP Hospitality Distribution at Amadeus) and Andy Washington (general manager, EMEA at the Trip.com Group) about travel technology trends what is simply hype and what can really be achieved? Tuesday, 5 March, 2.30 p.m. - At the panel entitled Hotel Technology Trends (or Hypes?) - Cutting the Noise, in conversation with moderator Lea Jordan, Kevin King (CEO, Shiji International), XinXin Liu (president of H World Group) and other industry visionaries offer an insight into important hospitality industry trends. Hotel managers can find out how to navigate the complex world of hotel technology and successfully master the digital transformation. At the panel entitled Hotel Technology Trends (or Hypes?) - Cutting the Noise, in conversation with moderator Lea Jordan, Kevin King (CEO, Shiji International), XinXin Liu (president of H World Group) and other industry visionaries offer an insight into important hospitality industry trends. Hotel managers can find out how to navigate the complex world of hotel technology and successfully master the digital transformation. Wednesday morning, 6 March - On day two the focus is initially on the Technology, Tours & Activities theme track . Events include a keynote speech by Schubert Lou (COO, trip.com), who will highlight Chinese travellers preferences for international tours and activities. In addition, Outlook for Experiences features the latest research findings of the tech platform Arival, and discussions with leading industry players, including Nishank Gopalkrishnan, (CCO, TUI Musement) and Kristin Dorsett (CPO, Viator). Charlotte Lamp Davies (founder of the consultancy A Bright Approach): The Technology, Tours & Activities theme track at ITB Berlin 2024 promises a morning full of fascinating insights and outstanding contributions by opinion-formers and major players. On day two the focus is initially on the . Events include a keynote speech by Schubert Lou (COO, trip.com), who will highlight Chinese travellers preferences for international tours and activities. In addition, Outlook for Experiences features the latest research findings of the tech platform Arival, and discussions with leading industry players, including Nishank Gopalkrishnan, (CCO, TUI Musement) and Kristin Dorsett (CPO, Viator). Charlotte Lamp Davies (founder of the consultancy A Bright Approach): The Technology, Tours & Activities theme track at ITB Berlin 2024 promises a morning full of fascinating insights and outstanding contributions by opinion-formers and major players. Wednesday, 6 March, 3.45 p.m. - The new AI theme track features an interview with Dr. Patrick Andrae (CEO, Home To Go): How AI is reshaping travel searches and bookings. Home To Go was quick to recognise the advantages of AI and has incorporated it in its complex technology for comparing prices and bookings. While customers can only see a smart chatbot, Dr. Patrick Andrae takes viewers on a tour of AI-driven technology at his company. The features an interview with Dr. Patrick Andrae (CEO, Home To Go): How AI is reshaping travel searches and bookings. Home To Go was quick to recognise the advantages of AI and has incorporated it in its complex technology for comparing prices and bookings. While customers can only see a smart chatbot, Dr. Patrick Andrae takes viewers on a tour of AI-driven technology at his company. Thursday, 7 March, 10.30 a.m . - Charlie Li, CEO, TravelDaily China, will moderate the panel entitled Taking Notes - Lessons from Asias Digital Frontier, where leading players in the Chinese travel market share their views and observations with Vivian Zhou (vice president, Jin Jiang International) and Bai Zhiwei (CMO, Tongcheng Travel) as well as other guests. . Charlie Li, CEO, TravelDaily China, will moderate the panel entitled Taking Notes - Lessons from Asias Digital Frontier, where leading players in the Chinese travel market share their views and observations with Vivian Zhou (vice president, Jin Jiang International) and Bai Zhiwei (CMO, Tongcheng Travel) as well as other guests. Thursday, 7 March, 11.00 a.m . - Camping goes digital in his keynote speech Michael Frischkorn (CPO & CTO, PiNCAMP) talks about the status quo and future of the camping market. . Camping goes digital in his keynote speech Michael Frischkorn (CPO & CTO, PiNCAMP) talks about the status quo and future of the camping market. Thursday, 7 March, 2.30 p.m. - The new Digital Destination theme track specifically targets destinations in German-speaking countries. Alexa Brandau, head of Mediamanagement, and Richard Hunkel, head of Open Data & Digital Projects at the German National Tourism Board (DZT), offer an insight into the Open Data project. The discussion also focuses on innovations that inspire this technology. The winners of the DZT Thin(gk)athon present their solution: an AI-based method for collecting information from open data records. The specifically targets destinations in German-speaking countries. Alexa Brandau, head of Mediamanagement, and Richard Hunkel, head of Open Data & Digital Projects at the German National Tourism Board (DZT), offer an insight into the Open Data project. The discussion also focuses on innovations that inspire this technology. The winners of the DZT Thin(gk)athon present their solution: an AI-based method for collecting information from open data records. Thursday, 7 March, 4.15 p.m. - Finally understanding guests: from guest card to digital wallet in his keynote speech Reinhard Lanner (strategy adviser, Travel & Hospitality, Workersonthefield), explains how efficient data management works for a perfect personalised approach to guests. Day one of eTravel Stage events at the convention is sponsored by Global Travel Tech. The company is also hosting a hotly awaited panel with its partners Skyscanner, Amadeus, Expedia Group and Booking.com. Full details of the programme at the ITB Berlin Convention 2024 can be found at itb.com/itb-convention-program. Online accreditation for press representatives and bloggers You can register online here to obtain accreditation. After your application has been processed and approved you will receive an email with a PDF containing your accreditation and press badge along with a personal QR code for admission. Please display this QR code at the entrance to the event. Your ticket is non-transferable. About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention ITB Berlin 2024 will take place from Tuesday, 5 to Thursday, 7 March. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the World's Leading Travel Trade Show. As in previous years, the internationally acclaimed ITB Berlin Convention will take place parallel with the show as a live event on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Under the heading "Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together.", leading speakers from business, science and politics will discuss the industry's current and future challenges on 4 stages with a total of 17 themed tracks and more than 24,000 attendees. Additional information is available at www.itb.com and from the ITB Newsroom and social media. UTRECHT, The Netherlands - BCD Travel recently surveyed more than 900 business travelers in North America and Europe who rented a car at least once last year. The survey looked at traveler behavior and satisfaction as well as trends in car rental for business travel. According to the survey, most business travelers rent a car to visit their companys office, meet with clients or provide onsite service. The most important reasons for renting a car instead of using other means of transportation are convenience (64%), speed (36%), lack of alternatives (32%) and price (30%). Policy Companies apply a variety of policy measures for savings and sustainability. Over half of travelers report their companies encourage refueling rental cars before returning (64%) and sharing a rental car with colleagues (53%). Only 4% say their companys policy encourages renting electric cars. Decision-making Company policy (69%) has the biggest influence on travelers car rental choice. Other factors include the convenience of the pick-up location (46%), price (34%) and loyalty programs (33%). Sustainability rarely impacts their choice: only 9% take sustainability into consideration, while 70% never or rarely think of sustainability when selecting a car. Booking The majority of business travelers book rental cars through their companys online booking tool (88%), while 13% book via a travel agent and 12% book via the car rental website. Intermediate/standard cars are rented most often (66%), followed by compact/economy cars (19%). SUVs are rented by only 3%. Behavior When selecting additional car rental services, travelers primarily opt for convenience. A quarter make use of pick-up and drop-off at different locations. Prepaying for fuel, returning the car with an empty tank and buying insurance from a car rental supplier are used by a tenth. Electric cars Remarkably, 81% never rent an electric car on a business trip. This is mainly because of complex logistics (46%), low availability at the rental location (35%) and short range (33%), whereas 12% report their companys policy doesnt include electric cars. Those who rent electric cars are motivated by sustainability (51%), their desire to try an electric vehicle (29%) and wide availability at the rental location (24%). Risks When it comes to risks, 39% of travelers have experienced risky situations when driving a rental car. The most frequently reported risks vary from driving while tired, after a long-haul flight or in unfamiliar location, to encountering bad weather and car problems. Car accidents and stolen cars are reported very rarely. Traveler satisfaction Around eight in 10 travelers are fairly to extremely satisfied with their companys car rental policy and suppliers. The majority (64%) have experienced no issues with their companys car rental policy in the past twelve months. However, when it comes to car rental suppliers, almost a third complain about low fleet availability (33%) and availability of the preferred car type (29%). This survey shows theres still a significant challenge when it comes to promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) for business travel. This reflects the wider challenges of infrastructure and range that impact the uptake of EVs in general. Nevertheless, moving from petrol vehicles to electric will become increasingly important as new legislation requires companies to measure and report the carbon emissions of their business travel. Olivia Ruggles-Brise, BCDs vice president of Sustainability Here are some tips on what companies can do: Start by making EVs available to those travelers who wish to rent them. Identify locations where charging infrastructure is advanced. Encourage travelers to try EVs in those locations. Provide further guidance on the benefits and opportunities of EVs in order to build awareness and confidence. BCD is committed to providing clients with the insights, tools and support they need to stay ahead of the curve. The company has always been at the forefront of sustainable business travel and offers a wide range of solutions to help clients take action towards achieving their carbon reduction goals. To view the full car rental survey report, click here. About BCD Travel BCD Travel helps companies travel smart and achieve more. We drive program adoption, cost savings and talent retention through digital experiences that simplify business travel. Our 13,000 dedicated team members service clients in 170+ countries as we shape a sustainable future for business travel. For more information, visit www.bcdtravel.com. About BCD Group BCD Group is a market leader in the travel industry. The privately owned company was founded in 1975 by John Fentener van Vlissingen and consists of BCD Travel, its subsidiaries BCD Meetings & Events and Advito, and Park "N Fly. For more information, visit www.bcdgroup.com. Janneke Kraanen Manager, PR & Content Creation Mr. Puneet Chhatwal MD& CEO, IHCL and Ms. Shilpa Shorewala, Director, KM Vyapar Ltd Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the signing of a third hotel in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The brownfield project will be branded as an IHCL SeleQtions hotel. Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the signing of a third hotel in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The brownfield project will be branded as an IHCL SeleQtions hotel. Commenting on the signing, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, "This signing is in line with IHCL's strategy to establish a significant presence in spiritual destinations. Ayodhya's remarkable transformation to a world-class pilgrimage destination, marked by the inauguration of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, is poised to draw an influx of tourists from around the world. This new hotel addition reflects our commitment to developing cultural circuits and itineraries, harnessing their tourism potential. IHCL will now offer three distinct brands in Ayodhya of about 400 rooms and we are delighted to collaborate with KM Vyapar Ltd for this SeleQtions hotel." The 150-key hotel, sprawled over 1.3 acres, is at a short driving distance from the upcoming Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport as well as popular tourist spots. It will feature a range of dining options, including an all-day diner. Other recreation facilities will include a spa, swimming pool, and fitness center. The hotel will also offer over 10,000 sq. ft of banqueting space, ideal to host social gatherings and corporate events. Mr. Aditya Jhunjhunwala, Promoter, KM Vyapar Ltd said, "We are delighted to partner with IHCL, India's leading hospitality company for this hotel. We are confident that the company, with its successful track record of pioneering new destinations, will contribute to the growth and enhancement of Ayodhya's hospitality landscape." Located on the banks of River Saryu, Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is the birthplace of Lord Ram, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. It is known for its ancient temples and is a popular pilgrimage destination. With the addition of this, IHCL will have three hotels across SeleQtions, Vivanta and Ginger brands in Ayodhya. Chicago, IL (60637) Today A few snow showers scattered about the area this morning, otherwise a good deal of clouds. High 39F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 29F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Hudson, NY (12534) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 46F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. A few flurries are possible. Low 32F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Is Spotify Discovery Mode worth 30% less royalties? What the data says Through his own experimentation, independent musician and set it and forget it music marketing wizard Brian Hazard explains how artists can maximize their musics exposure with Spotifys Discovery Mode. by Brian Hazard of Passive Promotion Before you ask, yes, thats Christopher Columbus, who set sail across the Atlantic on a voyage to discover some fresh jams. I previously wrote that using Spotify Discovery Mode was a no-brainer. Ive heard it compared to standing up at the theater. Sure, the first person to stand gets a better view, but before you know it everyone is standing. No one is any better off than before, just less comfortable. Of course, that was the plan all along. Spotify now pays out 30% less on Radio, Autoplay, and Daily Mix tracks from Discovery Mode participants. Were less comfortable than before, yet we continue to opt in because ultimately we just want our music to be heard. Spotify advertises Discovery Mode as a way to highlight important releases. The implication is that for maximum exposure, you should limit the number of tracks you opt in. But is that true? Whats the optimal Discovery Mode strategy? Thats the question I hope to answer today. It depends on whether Discovery Mode operates at the artist level or track level. In other words, when a slot is available, does it say give me some Color Theory? If so, Id rather it choose my catchiest song. On the other hand, if Discovery Mode says give me this track then we might as well opt in all of them! The ultimate test would be to only opt in a single track for a month and compare it to the total number of Discovery Mode streams from the previous month. Im not willing to do that. Instead, lets look at the data I already have and see if streams go up as the number of tracks opted in goes down. My song Anyone Would has done pretty well in Discovery Mode from the beginning: Anyone Would Discovery Mode Streams Just looking at August versus November, the stream count is nearly the same despite opting in twice as many songs in August. Heres another decent performer, The Limit: The Limit Discovery Mode Streams Looking at August versus November again, opting in twice as many songs got me morestreams, not less. That said, I kinda sorta think I spot a trend towards more streams per song as the number of songs opted in decreases. Which is exactly what Id expect to see! Heres why: In November when I opted in 20 songs, those were my 20 best eligible songs. Youd expect them to perform better than the next 20 songs, right? To put it another way, my 1st choice is more likely to resonate with listeners than my 40th choice. Ipso facto, fewer songs = better songs. Based on these two examples, Im inclined to think that Discovery Mode operates at the track level. Im going back to including all eligible songs, except perhaps the ones it recommends against: If youre still not convinced, heres the clincher: my total Discovery Mode streams. Total Discovery Mode Streams It looks like the more songs you opt in, the more streams you get. The effect is large enough that, for me at least, streams per song is irrelevant. I want as many streams as I can get, so Im going to opt in as many songs as I can! As an aside, I thought my total streams kept declining as more artists were getting access to Discovery Mode, but that doesnt explain the surge in December. Perhaps a better explanation is that the pool of new releases is larger in September and October, which is prime album release season. Those album tracks become eligible for Discovery Mode after 30 days, which explains the high demand in November. And then December is the slowest month of the year, so there are more slots available. Then again, those November tracks are most likely still eligible in December. Perhaps theres another explanation. Your guess is as good as mine! Ive already got 6K Discovery Mode streams in January with more than a week left to go, so December doesnt appear to be an outlier. Brian Hazard is a recording artist with over twenty years of experience promoting a dozen Color Theory albums, and head mastering engineer and owner of Resonance Mastering in Huntington Beach, California. His Passive Promotion blog emphasizes set it and forget it methods of music promotion. Catch more of his promotional escapades in his How Im Promoting My Music This Monthemail newsletter. Share on: Heres an opportunity for our members of Congress to show whose side theyre on. They need to advocate for the hard-won political deal that would begin to address border issues. The problem is, to do that, the regions two Republican members Nick Langworthy of the 23rd Congressional District and Claudia Tenney of the 24th District will have to buck Donald Trump. The former president, a man who holds no office, is demanding that Republicans ignore the national interest and kill the border deal lest it benefit President Biden. That theory, to quote a prominent Republican senator, is really appalling. I think the border is a very important issue for Donald Trump, Utah Sen. Mitt Romney said last week. And the fact that he would communicate to Republican senators and congresspeople that he doesnt want us to solve the border problem because he wants to blame Biden for it is really appalling. So, the question is, given the chance to vote, will Langworthy and Tenney endorse the appalling or will they act in support of the needs of the country? And, to be clear, its not just a national or even Southern issue. Many local Republicans were aghast that asylum-seekers were permitted last year to settle, at least temporarily, in Erie County. Stanching that flow of migrants means resolving issues at the border, and a deal seems to be at hand. For it to work, Republicans will have to risk angering Trump who is perpetually angry, anyway and possibly benefiting Biden. So, whats important to them? The House, poorly led by Republicans, was always skeptical of this plan, but in the somewhat more serious Senate, Republicans negotiated with the Democrats who lead the chamber. They see a deal, and its still possible theyll pull this out. That means Republicans who lead the House will have to act, possibly against their own narrow political interest, but broadly in that of the nation. Members such as Langworthy and Tenney can make a difference, depending on where their loyalties lie. Romney again: But the reality is that we have a crisis at the border, the American people are suffering as a result of whats happening at the border, and someone running for president ought to try to get the problem solved as opposed to saying, Hey, save that problem. Dont solve it. Let me take credit for solving it later. To be clear, Trump should have no say in this. Right now, its a matter for the leaders of the House and Senate, Democratic and Republican. Watch what they do. Clark Art Presents Book Talk WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. On Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 5:30 pm, the Clark Art Institute presents a book talk by noted art historian Laure de Margerie about her new book "French Sculpture: An American Passion." The book is based on de Margerie's research as the founding director of the French Sculpture Census, the first comprehensive catalogue of French sculpture (15001960) in American public collections. This free event takes place in the Clark's auditorium, located in the Manton Research Center. According to a press release: "French Sculpture: An American Passion" unveils the story of the American taste for French sculpture and of the collectors, dealers, decorators, and curators who championed these works. De Margerie considers the role and meaning of French sculpture in America's ever-changing society, ranging from public monuments with their sometimes-controversial symbolism to the stories of the French women and men who shaped the American artistic landscape. The book details the fascinating saga of American interest in French sculpture, ranging from 1792 when celebrated French artist Jean-Antoine Houdon first sculpted George Washington's likeness, to the monumental gift of the Statue of Liberty nearly 100 years later, through to the 1900s when artists like Auguste Rodin, Constantin Brancusi, and Marcel Duchamp were championed by U.S. museums. De Margerie was head of the Sculpture Archives at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris from 1978 through 2009. During her tenure, she was part of the team that installed the Orsay's sculpture collection for the museum's 1986 opening, co-authored the Musee d'Orsay's collection catalogue, and curated numerous exhibitions. A 5 pm reception in the Manton Research Center reading room precedes the event. Copies of French Sculpture: An American Passion will be available for purchase at the talk and in the Museum Store. Christian Tobin, left, is pinned as Dalton fire chief by his father, James Tobin, a former Pittsfield firefighter and chief. PreviousNext Dalton Swears in New Fire Chief Fire Chief Christian Tobin is sworn in by Melanie Roucoulet, the Fire District's clerk and treasurer. See more photos here. DALTON, Mass. The town's new Fire Chief Christian Tobin was welcomed to the department during a swearing-in ceremony at the Stationery Factory on Monday evening. The ceremony that drew in nearly 100 community members was full of laughter and, at times, tears. It also marked an end to a turbulent year that saw multiple changes in leadership and allegations of misconduct within the Fire Department. Tobin has nearly 25 years experience in the field and just recently retired as a deputy chief of operations for the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District in the state of Florida. He is also a veteran of the Marine Corps. He holds a bachelor of science in public safety administration and a master's degree in public administration. In addition, he is a candidate for a juris masters in legal studies at Hodges University in Fort Myers, Fla. Although at times this change is a "little overwhelming" it is an exciting one, Tobin said. "One of my favorite quotes that I often use goes, 'opportunity is often missed because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work' and that's what we have here in Dalton," Tobin said. "We have an opportunity in front of us and the more opportunity we have, we can create that through work. Work that we do together." The ceremony was kicked off with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer led by the chaplain of the Dalton Police Department John "J.D." Hebert. Herbert and the community prayed to express gratitude for the service of Tobin and the "stand as the guardians" to the community. Herbert sought intercession from the patron saint and guardian angel of firefighters, St. Florian, to watch over them and "be their guiding light in moments of darkness and fortify their spirits with courage and resilience." He asked that Tobin lead by example and inspire members of the department "to embody the virtues of duty, honor, and selflessness." The Fire District Treasurer and Clerk Melanie Roucoulet administered the oath to office and Tobin's father, former Pittsfield Fire Chief James Tobin, pinned the badge to his son. The former chief said it was exciting to be able to place the badge on his son because he had worked with many people within the firefighting community in the Berkshires. Tobin had served in the Pittsfield department for 25 years, the last four as chief until taking a position in the state of Florida in 1996. During the celebration, Christian Tobin thanked everyone for allowing him the opportunity to return home and join the Dalton community. Tobin grew up in Pittsfield and watched his father serve and lead the Pittsfield department. When he looked around, he saw a wealth of knowledge from his father and other former fire chiefs, but this wealth only works when it is shared, Tobin said. "It doesn't matter what department you're in, what branch of government, when we all work together, we become, what we call when I was in the Marine Corps, a force multiplier the ability to do much more, [and] to fight much higher above our weight," Tobin said. "And by utilizing that opportunity, and working together, will create a premier fire/police emergency management system beyond any of our expectations." It doesn't matter what color helmet you are wearing or your role within the Fire Department, no one has all the answers, said Tobin, "But we all do better when we share our ideas." He said he can be sarcastic and believes that sometimes the best ways to learn is through mistakes and being able to laugh about them later, but he takes professionalism, character, and integrity seriously. "We got a duty and obligation," he said. While in the Marines, a general handed out a wallet-size card that said "do the right things, in the right way, for the right reasons." It was the best thing you could get as young Marines, he said. "If we come to work every day and we try to practice those three things we're going to be on the right ground," Tobin said. "It's not whether or not we make mistakes, it's whether or not we correct them ... "Leading people is not about getting your way, it's about finding the way." Tobin hopes to learn from his team and the community. He wants to learn about the town, the history, and "the fundamental principles that make Dalton a great place to live, grow up, and work. All that goes into really the fabric of what you'd call Dalton." Firefighters seemed optimistic about the department's new leadership. "I'm excited. I think he has a lot of different experiences that will be beneficial to us. Obviously, coming from his experience in Florida where he's had the whole command structure," said Tyler Colby, a firefighter and emergency medical technician. "I think it'll be beneficial in giving us that command structure that we're kind of lacking right now. Really just excited to see the changes that he can make to benefit us." Leading the Fire Department for the last seven months has been great, interim Fire Chief Robert Czerwinski said, adding it is exciting that the department has gotten some permanency and can continue to move forward and upwards. "I hope everybody will give Chief Tobin the same respect, kindness, [and] kind word that everybody's passed on to me," the retired Pittsfield chief said. "It's been a great ride," he said, adding he will continue to stay in contact and work with the department for as long as they need him. Rishihood University Concludes 2 Two-Day Consortium Partner Meet 2024, Announces 2 New Policy Programs New Delhi [India], January 29, 2024 New Delhi [India], January 29: Rishihood University, India's first impact university instituted in Sonipat, Haryana hosted an exciting and educational, two-day Consortium Partner Meet on the 26th and 27th January 2024 at their campus. As part of the event, the University also announced two new programs catering to students and working professionals. The event, a collaboration between academia and industry, convened leaders from various corporations, including global powerhouses like PwC India, Siemens, and Deloitte, along with innovative disruptors, university alumni, and other industry experts. The event was graced by Suresh Prabhu, Chancellor, Rishihood University and Former Union Minister and Senior Parliamentarian as the chief guest of honour who gave the inauguration address and shared profound leadership lessons drawn from his remarkable journey. His motivational address not only resonated with industry experts but also inspired the academic community. The resounding call to work together in synergy echoed through the campus, setting the stage for transformative partnerships. Expressing his gratitude, Suresh Prabhu, Chief Guest of honour and Chancellor, Rishihood University said, "In the symphony of progress, the harmonious collaboration between education and industry is the key melody that orchestrates a nation's success. Together, they compose the transformative notes that propel us toward a future of innovation. The hallmark of a good university is measured by the strength of its alumni network and we are committed to fostering an enhanced alumni network. The Consortium Partner Meet has been a resounding success, reinforcing our commitment to meaningful collaborations that shape the future of education and industry integration, and I look forward to more such collaborations soon." The two-day event was meticulously planned, including engaging sessions, insightful discussions, and collaborative workshops aimed at strengthening partnerships and shaping the future of education and industry integration. The University also announced the launch of two new Policy Programs: India's oldest and longest-running Policy BootCamp - 'The Policy BootCamp,' aimed at college students, and 'The Policy Accelerator,' India's first Industry-ready Public Policy Program designed for working professionals. While the Policy BootCamp, a 15-day residential program, offers field visits, masterclasses, and live projects, providing entry into the field of Public Policy, the Policy Accelerator program caters to working professionals, offering weekend masterclasses, international and Indian policy expeditions, live problem statements, networking opportunities, and a chance to transition into managerial roles at policy institutes. Some of the biggest highlights of the event included a warm welcome address introducing the Rishihood family, their notable achievements, and future initiatives. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in informal discussions and explore potential areas for collaboration during networking sessions. The event culminated in a gala dinner that fostered camaraderie and strengthened the bonds within the consortium. Rishihood University, instituted in Sonepat, Haryana in 2020 is India's first impact university. Based on the ideologies of Rishihood, the University aims to impart impactful education and inculcate leadership capacity in its students with a curriculum anchored on self-leadership, mentorship, experience, and multi-disciplinary learning. Founded and led by people who come from a diverse set of backgrounds including business, public life, spirituality, academia, social entrepreneurship, technology, and social work, the University offers a multi-disciplinary, multidimensional, and multimodal way of learning. Find it Useful ? Help Others by Sharing Online Comments and Discussions Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Coen Brothers are set to reunite to make a very bloody horror film. The acclaimed sibling directors last worked together on 2018s Western anthology film The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. Since then, Joel Coen has made an adaptation of Shakespeares Macbeth starring Denzel Washington, while Ethan Coen will soon release the comedy road movie Drive-Away Dolls, co-written with his wife Tricia Cooke and starring Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan and Beanie Feldstein. At a Drive-Away Dolls Q&A event in Troms, Norway last Friday, Ethan Coen revealed that he and Joel have written a new script together and that they intend to reunite to collaborate on the films direction. Its a pure horror film, and it gets very bloody, said Coen, who also hinted that the film is in some ways reminiscent of the brothers first film, 1984s violent neo-noir Blood Simple. If you like Blood Simple, I think youll enjoy it, teased Coen, while Cooke added that the script is horribly funny. Ethan and Joel Coen at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013 (Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) It was recently confirmed that Coen and Cooke will follow Drive-Away Dolls with another dark comedy, Honey Dont! The project will reunite them with star Margaret Qualley, as well as Aubrey Plaza and Chris Evans. The film is reportedly set in Bakersfield, California and will feature Evans in the role of a cult leader. Coen and Cooke previously collaborated on the 2022 music documentary Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind. At the time, Coen explained the brothers decision to focus on separate projects by saying: You start out when youre a kid and you want to make a movie. Everythings enthusiasm and gung-ho, lets go make a movie. And the first movie is just loads of fun. And then the second movie is loads of fun, almost as much fun as the first. And after 30 years, not that its no fun, but its more of a job than it had been. Joel kind of felt the same way but not to the extent that I did. Its an inevitable by-product of aging. And the last two movies we made, me and Joel together, were really difficult in terms of production. I mean, really difficult. So if you dont have to do it, you go at a certain point: Why am I doing this? The Independent included Drive-Away Dolls in a list of the 24 most-anticipated films of 2024, writing: The Ethan half of the Coen Brothers has directed and co-written a lesbian caper movie in which Margaret Qualley and Blockers star Geraldine Viswanathan get their hands on a mysterious briefcase and tangle with crooks and criminals played by the likes of Pedro Pascal, Matt Damon and Colman Domingo. Honestly, some movies just sell themselves. Drive-Away Dolls is set to arrive in cinemas on 23 February. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Hong Kong administration on Tuesday announced it would implement a new domestic national security law targeting espionage, treason, and foreign collusion in a move to tighten its grip on dissent. The city's chief executive John Lee said the proposed Article 23 would be added to Hong Kong's mini-constitution and co-exist along with the Beijing-imposed national security law. A four-week public consultation for Article 23 would begin on Tuesday, he said, adding that the government would attempt to pass the law "as soon as possible" without providing a precise time frame. "Why now? We can't wait. I've said it very clearly. We can't afford to wait. It's for 26 years we've been waiting. We shouldn't wait any longer," Mr Lee said, describing it as the city's constitutional responsibility dating back to its 1997 handover to China from British colonial rule. "While we, society as a whole, looks calm and looks very safe, we still have to watch out for potential sabotage, undercurrents that try to create troubles," he said, arguing that some foreign agents could still be active in Hong Kong. He said the 110-page consultation document would be submitted to the Legislative Council on Tuesday, and the consultation would end on 28 February. Freedoms would be safeguarded and the laws would meet international standards, he added. The legislation was initially proposed in 2003 but was shelved following a public backlash and mass protests that forced the resignation of the then security minister. A year after the 2019 pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, Beijing imposed a draconian national security law that made alleged crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. China critics accused the city administration of weaponsing the law to throttle dissent by arresting nearly 300 people, mostly activists and lawyers. The new bill outlined the need for new and updated laws covering the theft of state secrets, espionage, treason, sedition and sabotage, including the use of computers and electronic systems to conduct actions endangering national security. Tighter control of foreign political organisations linked to the city is also advocated. The consultation document warns that Hong Kong is under increasing threat from foreign espionage and intelligence operations, and cites the months of pro-democracy protests that rocked the city in 2019. It notes that China and Hong Kong are "unavoidably subject to acts and activities endangering national security conducted by the agents or spies of external forces (including external political organisations or intelligence agencies)" in the city. It defines a list of state secrets in Hong Kong, including economic, scientific and social secrets but says to be classed as such they would have to endanger national security if released. Amid public concern over the proposed law, justice secretary Paul Lam said the law-abiding resident would not have to worry about inadvertently violating national security laws under Article 23. "The proposed legislation will clearly define the elements of the relevant offences, including criminal conduct and intent, and will be targeted precisely at acts that endanger national security," he told reporters. "We are considering including appropriate exceptions and defence provision so that law-abiding residents do not have to worry about inadvertently breaking the law." Legal scholars say as local laws, the new legislation could sharpen the at times vaguely worded 2020 law, and older colonial-era laws considered unworkable. "It almost certainly will set red lines where the existing laws are vague, particularly in defining state secrets and espionage, Simon Young, a professor at the University of Hong Kong's law school, told Reuters. Tougher penalties against sedition, a colonial-era law which currently carries a two-year sentence, are also expected in the package. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An Indian Navy warship has rescued 19 Pakistani nationals after their fishing vessel was hijacked by pirates off the east coast of Somalia. It was the second rescue operation carried out in the region by the Indian Navy in the space of just 36 hours, the navy said in a statement. Indian warship INS Sumitra freed the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel FV Al Naeemi from 11 pirates, who had taken the Pakistani crew members hostage, on Monday. The vessel was intercepted on Monday and the members of INS Sumitra used coercive posturing and deployment of boats to compel the pirates to release both the crew and the vessel, a navy spokesperson said on X, formerly Twitter. Pictures released by the Indian Navy showed pirates armed with guns holding positions on the vessel while Pakistani crew members were still held hostage. Another picture showed the pirates sitting in a line on the deck of the ship following their capture, as Indian Navy personnel stood behind them. The second rescue mission comes a day after INS Sumitra responded to an SOS call by another Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, FV Iman, also hijacked by Somali pirates. The vessel rescued 17 Iranian nationals in the early hours of Monday, a day after it was hijacked off the coast of the East of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden. Somali pirate seen on Iranian-flagged vessel that was hijacked on Monday (Indian Navy) INS Sumitra, over the course of less than 36 hours, through swift, persistent and relentless efforts has rescued two hijacked Fishing Vessels along with 36 crew (17 Iranian and 19 Pakistani) in Southern Arabian Sea approximately 850 nm West of Kochi, the navy said in a statement. India has deployed a growing number of warships around the Red Sea and heightened surveillance to counter rebel attacks on commercial vessels amid growing tensions between Houthi groups as Israels war in Gaza caused a ripple effect in the sea. But the South Asian country has steered clear of joining American and British warships taking part in counter-attacks against Houthi forces. India has heavily used the trade route for its crude oil imports as Houthi rebels, a militia backed by Iran, targeted commercial vessels in retaliation over Israels bombardment of Gaza. Last week, a guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy helped in fire fighting efforts on the British oil tanker, the Marlin Luanda, after it was targeted by Houthi rebels. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Japan is removing a World War II monument commemorating Korean workers from a park in the eastern part of the country, according to local reports. The Gunma prefecture in Japan began removing the Remembrance, Reflection and Friendship memorial on Monday from the Gunma no Mori park in Takasaki. The monument commemorates Koreans who were mobilised for labour during the Pacific War and died in Gunma prefecture. On Monday morning, a government official read out a statement before starting the removal: We will now carry out the removal of the Remembrance, Reflection and Friendship memorial and restore (the place) to its original condition in accordance with Article 2 of the Act on Substitute Execution by Administration. Installed in 2004 by a citizens group with the prefectures permission, the memorial was subject to conditions like not holding political events there. However, in 2014, the prefecture declined to renew the permit, citing a violation of these terms after political language was used during a memorial ceremony. An attendee mentioned terms like forced mobilization during a ceremony organised by the group at the memorial, local reports said. This decision was upheld by the Supreme Court in June 2022, the Jiji Press reported. The removal of the monument will be completed by 11 February. A day before the removal began, hundreds of people reportedly protested outside the park. Thousands of Japanese artists also signed a petition opposing the removal. On the East Asia Forums website, an essay titled Remembrance, reconciliation and the East Asian memory wars says that in 2004 a group of concerned citizens from Japans Gunma prefecture erected a monument to Korean forced labourers in a local park. It added that the monument commemorates Koreans who were forcibly brought to Japan during the war to work in mines and on construction sites, where many died. The memorial is a simple stone structure, whose inscription includes the words remembrance, reflection and friendship in Japanese, Korean and English. The Gunma monument is just one of many small-scale local efforts by Japanese citizens and Korean residents in Japan to inscribe the memory of war in public consciousness and to promote a better, shared understanding of wartime history between Japan and its neighbours, it adds. Earlier, Gunma governor Ichita Yamamoto said: We carefully negotiated and coordinated with (the citizens group that set up the monument) and proposed an alternative site, but we could not get their approval. We are a nation governed by the rule of law, so we have no choice but to carry out this solemnly. Mr Yamamoto responded to criticism that the removal of the monument might encourage hate speech and historical revisionism. He said: It is not a matter of historical awareness, but rather the fact that a rule that had been set in the first place was broken. The removal is not connected to the twisting of history. Korea was formally annexed by Japan in 1910 and this marked the beginning of a harsh period of Japanese colonial rule in Korea. During World War II, Koreans were subjected to forced labour, and conscription into the Japanese military, and women were coerced into becoming comfort women a euphemism for women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military. Ryoichi Hattori, secretary general of Japans Social Democratic Party (SDP) was quoted as saying by Mainichi: We should reflect on the negative history and aim for cooperation between Japan and South Korea. The removal would be an act to tarnish the name of former Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, who was born in the prefecture and issued the Japan-South Korea Joint Declaration. If public opinion in South Korea reacts against the move, it could damage national interests as well. Yasuhito Fujii, 74, the executive director of the activist group that installed and maintained the memorial was quoted as saying by Hankyoreh Shimbun: Even the local government knows what its doing is shameful. Why else would they be removing it under wraps? There were screens erected at the rear entrance to the park to bar entry to reporters and the public. Removing the memorial is an attempt to erase Japans history of wrongdoing. Even if the memorial is removed, the spirit of remembrance, reflection and friendship with Koreans will live on, he said. On Sunday one protestor said: Removing the memorial will only add to the historical denial of far-right groups that claim that Koreans werent forced into labour. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart has shared her advice for how children can protect themselves. The 36-year-old activist discussed the importance of childrens safety during an interview with Fox News, published on 28 January. In 2003, Smart was found alive after being kidnapped from her home at age 14 by street preacher Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. Since her rescue, she has been an advocate for kidnapping survivors and has spoken openly about her abduction. Speaking to the outlet, the commentator said that she wants to help young children feel ready when faced with danger, noting that shes kept that in mind during her classes for The Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which has a mission to end the victimisation and exploitation of sexual assault through education, healing, and advocacy, according to the organisations official website. She then shared one safety tip that is taught to children in the self-defence class and how she encourages it. One of the first things that we have our class attendees do is yell because thats one of the most powerful tools you have to just scream, she said. Very rarely do we have someone just scream at the top of their lungs and not feel embarrassed. Smart went on to note that usually, students find amusement in the shouting thats done in the classroom. However, she acknowledged this is a perspective that people should have about screaming, especially in cases where theyre in danger. "Usually, theres some embarrassed laughter or embarrassed smiles at first, and maybe the loudest person is screaming at 50 per cent volume. And if we cant really scream in a safe environment without feeling silly or embarrassed, were probably not going to be able to call on that when we actually need it, she said. So, dont be afraid to practise screaming. During the interview, she specified that shes been warning her own children about the physical and online dangers in the world, which she said has been one of the most stressful parts of [her] life right now. She also shared that it wasnt initially easy to talk to her three children Chloe, eight, James, five, and Olivia, four who she shares with husband Matthew Glimour, about her kidnapping. When my oldest was three years old, she started asking me questions, she explained. What happened to you? How did you get hurt? They were questions that I was not prepared to answer. I thought I still had years to talk about it. It did force me to have some pretty hard conversations. According to Smart, when she discusses the abduction with her children now, theyre not necessarily as interested, as she noted that she feels like they just roll their eyes at her when she talks about the topic. However, she acknowledged that theyre still aware that theyre ultimately having these conversations for the sake of their own safety. Im like: Do you understand why were talking about this? And they respond: Yes, you dont want us to get hurt. Yes, you dont want this bad thing to happen to us. Yes, we know. But its so important, she continued. In 2002, Smart was held by her captor Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee for nine months, after being kidnapped at knifepoint from her home in Salt Lake City. She was eventually rescued by police on a street in Utah, and the case has been widely reported as well as becoming the subject of numerous films and books. Sixteen years after the kidnapping, Barzee was freed from prison, after having served concurrent sentences stemming from federal and state convictions. In 2009, she pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of kidnapping and one count of enticement of a minor. She was sentenced to 180 months in prison and 60 months of supervised release. In 2010, Barzee pleaded guilty to a single count of aggravated kidnapping in Utah, a second-degree felony. These charges were related to a plot to kidnap one of Smarts cousins shortly after the initial abduction. A judge sentenced her to 15 years for that crime, which is the maximum the state of Utah allows for that class of felony. Meanwhile, Mitchell is serving a life sentence for his convictions. During her interview with Fox News, Smart also spoke openly about her abduction, sharing that she felt very alone when she was rescued. She also spoke candidly about being a victim of sexual assault, as she testified in 2009 that she was drugged, raped, and starved when she was kidnapped. I didnt know of anyone who had been through something similar like kidnapping, she said. Sexual assault and exploitation they were not commonly spoken about, at least I dont remember them being commonly spoken about. So, initially, I wanted to just hide everything from everyone. Smart acknowledged that she didnt initially want to talk to others about what shed been through, due to her feelings of shame and embarrassment, even though she knew that what happened to her wasnt [her] fault. However, she said that over time, she formed more connections with people she could relate to, some of who were also survivors of sexual assault. But as I moved on with my life, I began to meet more and more survivors. And they began to share their stories of what had happened, she said. I began to realise that what happened to me was not so one in a million. Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673) Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Lauren Sanchez has revealed that fiance Jeff Bezos still has the desk he used in the 90s, back when Amazon was still an up-and-coming company. The former news anchor, 54, took to Instagram on 28 January to share a black-and-white snap of Bezos taken while he was working on the computer at his desk. In the post, she also included a throwback photo of him at work, revealing that his current desk is the same one hes had for more than two decades. Bezos notably created the desk out of a door when he was first starting Amazon. After all these years when I walked in on him working this morning, I took this picture, she wrote in the caption. I just love that he is still working from one of the first desks that have been around since the beginning. She concluded the caption by applauding the billionaire for all the work hes done at his desk over the years. This is where countless hours of hard work meet the heart of Day one, she wrote. Heres to the endless pursuit of whats possible. According to an article on Amazons official website, Bezos first came up with the idea of creating a desk out of a door in 1995, when only a few employees were working at Amazon. The idea came at a time when those employees needed desks in the office, and Bezsos was looking for a cost-efficient way to make that happen. We happened to be across the street from a Home Depot, Nico Lovejoy, the fifth employee at Amazon, said. He looked at desks for sale and looked at doors for sale, and the doors were a lot cheaper, so he decided to buy a door and put some legs on it. As the company continued to grow, it still decided to keep using door desks as a symbol of one of the companys core values, frugality. In addition to her recent Instagram post, Sanchez has continued to praise her partners hard work. During an interview with Vogue, published in November 2023, she opened up about her dynamic with the billionaire, who is one of the richest men in the world. According to Forbes, Bezos has a net worth of $183.4bn. I think there are a lot of opportunities that come with that, and I take those opportunities very seriously, she explained. We always look at each other and go: Were the team. So everythings shared. She also revealed that, although shed recently gotten engaged on Bezos yacht, Koru, no official plans wedding plans have been made yet. Were still thinking about the wedding, she said. What its going to be. Is it going to be big? Is it going to be overseas? We dont know yet. However, she didnt hesitate to confirm that, once she gets married, shell be taking her husbands last name. Uh, yes, one hundred per cent, she said. I am looking forward to being Mrs Bezos. In 2023, it was first reported that Sanchez and Bezos had gotten engaged after five years of dating. The news came while they were on a vacation in Europe last summer aboard Bezos yacht, which is reportedly worth more than $75m. In August, they hosted an engagement party on Koru with some famous guests, including Bill Gates and his girlfriend, Paula Hurd. At the time, People also reported that the boat party was taking place along the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Weeks after the reported engagement party, Sanchez expressed how grateful she was for quality time with her fiance amid his busy work schedule. As she shared a sweet snap of herself and Bezos on a walk, she captioned the Instagram post:Nothing better than when I get to see him for lunch between his meetings. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} King Charles and the Princess of Wales checked out of hospital on the same day following their respective treatments, with weeks of recovery expected. The King, 75, left the London Clinic on Monday afternoon with the Queen by his side, after spending three nights receiving medical care following for an enlarged prostate. He underwent a corrective procedure for the benign condition and could now take up to a month off from public duties as he recuperates. The King smiled and waved to members of the public as he left the private hospital with the Queen (AP) The monarch smiled and waved to members of the public as he left the private hospital with Camilla, who had visited her husband every day since he was admitted on Friday. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation. His Majesty would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days. He left the London Clinic just a few hours after the Princess of Wales was discharged from the same hospital, almost two weeks after undergoing abdominal surgery for an undisclosed reason. Kensington Palace released a statement on Monday to say she is continuing her recovery at home and is making good progress. The family live in Adelaide Cottage in Windsors Home Park and are being supported by their staff, including loyal, long-standing nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo. The 42-year-old future Queen is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter, and the Prince of Wales has temporarily stepped back from his royal role to juggle caring for her and their children. The princess is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter (Getty Images) A royal source told the Sunday Times the couple has switched to 100 per cent family first, day job second, however the princess is likely to be working behind the scenes on her early years projects. Kates parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and siblings, Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, are also expected to be hands-on in helping the family navigate the next few months as the princess recovers. Among the engagements the princess will miss over the coming weeks are the Baftas in February, the annual Commonwealth Day service in Westminster Abbey, and the St Davids Day Parade at the start of March, as well as the St Patricks Day parade with the military later the same month. It is understood her return to official duties will depend on medical advice nearer the time and that William plans to resume his public engagement once her care and recovery has settled. Kate will be under the careful watch of royal doctors and also benefit from the London Clinics aftercare, with dedicated physiotherapists on hand with a personalised plan and a video check-up at home with a nurse specialist on offer. The exclusive, state-of-the art clinic in Marylebone was opened in 1932 by a group of Harley Street doctors and is one of the UKs largest private hospitals (EPA) It was reported that the King spent time at his daughter-in-laws bedside before his own treatment. Charles was diagnosed with the benign condition on 17 January while staying at Birkhall in Scotland, after going for a check-up because he was experiencing symptoms. He is understood to have wanted to share the news to encourage other men to get themselves checked. NHS England said the enlarged prostate page on the NHS website received one visit every five seconds on the day the Kings diagnosis was announced, with further huge boosts in visits in the days that followed. Buckingham Palace has said the King was delighted to learn his diagnosis was having a positive impact on public health awareness. Meanwhile, Downing Street has shared its support for both members of the royal family, saying that the King deserves credit for increasing awareness of prostate issues after sharing news about his own operation. Asked about Rishi Sunaks reaction to Charles leaving hospital after treatment for an enlarged prostate, the prime ministers official spokesperson said: Hes obviously pleased hes made a very swift recovery. I understand the NHS website has seen a significant increase in people using it around that issue, and thats to his credit. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A college student has shared his trick to get free meals at restaurants. In a 2020 TikTok video, college student Noah Wille revealed that he created a Google Spreadsheet to keep track of all the restaurants he signed up for with his email, each account having a different birthday each day of the month so that he could guarantee that he would receive at least one free meal each day. The video has since gone viral again. Okay, life hack that is also kind of terrible, Wille shared in his viral TikTok video. Once upon a time, I made this fake email account that I still use. I get free food or dessert from a restaurant every single day. I made this fake email and I found a list of a bunch of restaurants that offered birthday freebies, he continued. So I put them all in here, and I put my birthday on each website for a different day of the year. So I have 365 days of free food. Tomorrow I have a free meal from Benihanas, he added. I really hope Im not the only person who is crazy enough to do this. Although he did note that he understood how unethical the hack was, and that he was still wrapping his head around the fact that hes really that person who would do anything for a free meal, he told viewers that it was well worth it. Since posting the video on TikTok, it has received over 200,000 likes and nearly a million views, with many noting that Willes strategy was brilliant. Others noted that all the work he put into making his extensive spreadsheet was ultimately for a good reason that many struggling through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis can relate to. In an interview with BuzzFeed, Wille explained: A few years ago when I was in high school, I had started my own nonprofit organisation to help the homeless community in central Iowa. We would fundraise tons of money and put together care packages to help them out for a few weeks, he continued. About two months ago, I moved out to LA without the support of my parents and ended up finding myself in a similar spot to many of the people I usually helped out with lacking food security. Because he needed to find a way to feed himself without plunging [himself] into even more debt, he got creative. So one day, I woke up and the birthday scheme popped into my head, he told the outlet. In total, I would say the spreadsheet took me about three weeks to make and sign up for everything, but in the end, the effort has been totally worth it. Food insecurity has become alarmingly common among college students, with one in three students reportedly experiencing food insecurity nationwide, according to the National Center of Safe Supportive Learning Environments. The Age of Artificial Intelligence: AI Chips to 2034 Published: 30 January 2024 by Tyler Hanes by Tyler Hanes CAMBRIDGE, UK Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world as we know it; from the success of DeepMind over Go world champion Lee Sedol in 2016 to the robust predictive abilities of OpenAIs ChatGPT, the complexity of AI training algorithms is growing at a startlingly fast pace, where the amount of compute necessary to run newly-developed training algorithms appears to be doubling roughly every four months. In order to keep pace with this growth, hardware for AI applications is needed that is not just scalable allowing for longevity as new algorithms are introduced while keeping operational overheads low but is also able to handle increasingly complex models at a point close to the end-user. Drawing from the AI Chips: 20232033 and AI Chips for Edge Applications 20242034: Artificial Intelligence at the Edge reports, IDTechEx predicts that the growth of AI, both for training and inference within the cloud and inference at the edge, is due to continue unabated over the next ten years, as our world and the devices that inhabit them become increasingly automated and interconnected. The why and what of AI chips The notion of designing hardware to fulfill a certain function, particularly if that function is to accelerate certain types of computations by taking control of them away from the main (host) processor, is not a new one; the early days of computing saw CPUs (Central Processing Units) paired with mathematical coprocessors, known as Floating-Point Units (FPUs). The purpose was to offload complex floating point mathematical operations from the CPU to this special-purpose chip, as the latter could handle computations more efficiently, thereby freeing the CPU up to focus on other things. As markets and technology developed, so too did workloads, and so new pieces of hardware were needed to handle these workloads. A particularly noteworthy example of one of these specialized workloads is the production of computer graphics, where the accelerator in question has become something of a household name: the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Just as computer graphics required the need for a different type of chip architecture, the emergence of machine learning has brought about a demand for another type of accelerator, one that is capable of efficiently handling machine learning workloads. Machine learning is the process by which computer programs utilize data to make predictions based on a model and then optimize the model to better fit with the data provided, by adjusting the weightings used. Computation, therefore, involves two steps: Training and Inference. The first stage of implementing an AI algorithm is the training stage, where data is fed into the model, and the model adjusts its weights until it fits appropriately with the provided data. The second stage is the inference stage, where the trained AI algorithm is executed, and new data (not provided in the training stage) is classified in a manner consistent with the acquired data. Of the two stages, the training stage is more computationally intense, given that this stage involves performing the same computation millions of times (the training for some leading AI algorithms can take days to complete). As such, training takes place within cloud computing environments (i.e. data centers), where a large number of chips are used that can perform the type of parallel processing required for efficient algorithm training (CPUs process tasks in a serialized manner, where one execution thread starts once the previous execution thread has finished. In order to minimize latency, large and numerous memory caches are utilized so that most of the execution threads running time is dedicated to processing. By comparison, parallel processing involves multiple calculations occurring simultaneously, where lightweight execution threads are overlapped such that latency is effectively masked. Being able to compartmentalize and carry out multiple calculations simultaneously is a major benefit for training AI algorithms, as well as in many instances of inference). By contrast, the inference stage can take place within both cloud and edge computing environments. The aforementioned reports detail the differences between CPU, GPU, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) architectures, and their relative effectiveness in handling machine learning workloads. Within the cloud computing environment, GPUs currently dominate and are predicted to continue to do so over the next ten-year period, given Nvidias dominance in the AI training space. For AI at the edge, ASICs are preferred, given that chips are more commonly designed with specific problems in mind (such as for object detection within security camera systems, for example). Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) also account for a significant share of AI coprocessing at the edge, though it should be noted that this large figure is primarily due to Qualcomms Hexagon Tensor Processor (which is found in their modern Snapdragon products) being a DSP. Should Qualcomm redesign the HTP such that it strays from being a DSP, then the forecast would heavily skew in favour of ASICs. AI as a driver for semiconductor manufacture Chips for AI training are typically manufactured at the most leading-edge nodes (where nodes refer to the transistor technology used in semiconductor chip manufacture), given how computationally intensive the training stage of implementing an AI algorithm is. Intel, Samsung, and TSMC are the only companies that can produce 5 nm node chips. Out of these, TSMC is the furthest along with securing orders for 3 nm chips. TSMC has a global market share for semiconductor production that is currently hovering at around 60%. For the more advanced nodes, this is closer to 90%. Of TSMCs six 12-inch fabs and six 8-inch fabs, only two are in China, and one is in the USA. The rest are in Taiwan. The semiconductor manufacture part of the global supply chain is therefore heavily concentrated in the APAC region, principally Taiwan. Such a concentration comes with a great deal of risk should this part of the supply chain be threatened in some way. This is precisely what occurred in 2020 when a number of complementing factors (discussed further in the AI Chips: 2023 2033 report) led to a global chip shortage. Since then, the largest stakeholders (excluding Taiwan) in the semiconductor value chain (the US, the EU, South Korea, Japan, and China) have sought to reduce their exposure to a manufacturing deficit, should another set of circumstances arise that results in an even more exacerbated chip shortage. This is shown by the government funding announced by these major stakeholders in the wake of the global chip shortage.These government initiatives aim to spur additional private investment through the lure of tax breaks and part-funding in the way of grants and loans. While many of the private investments displayed pictorially below were made prior to the announcement of such government initiatives, other additional and/or new private investments have been announced in the wake of them, spurred on as they are by the incentives offered through these initiatives. A major reason for these government initiatives and additional private spending is the potential of realizing advanced technology, of which AI can be considered. The manufacture of advanced semiconductor chips fuels national/regional AI capabilities, where the possibility for autonomous detection and analysis of objects, images, and speech are so significant to the efficacy of certain products (such as autonomous vehicles and industrial robots) and to models of national governance and security, that the development of AI hardware and software has now become a primary concern for government bodies that wish to be at the forefront of technological innovation and deployment. Growth of AI chips over the next decade Revenue generated from the sale of AI chips (including the sale of physical chips and the rental of chips via cloud services) is expected to rise to just shy of USD$300 billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate of 22% from 2024 to 2034. This revenue figure incorporates the use of chips for the acceleration of machine learning workloads at the edge of the network, for telecom edge, and within data centers in the cloud. As of 2024, chips for inference purposes (both at the edge and within the cloud) comprise 63% of revenue generated, with this share growing to more than two-thirds of the total revenue by 2034. This is in large part due to significant growth at the edge and telecom edge, as AI capabilities are harnessed closer to the end-user. In terms of industry vertical, IT & Telecoms is expected to lead the way for AI chip usage over the next decade, with Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) close behind, and Consumer Electronics behind that. Of these, the Consumer Electronics industry vertical is to generate the most revenue at the edge, given the further rollout of AI into consumer products for the home. More information regarding industry vertical breakout can be found in the relevant AI reports. For more information regarding key trends and market segmentations with regards AI chips over the next ten years, please refer to the two reports: AI Chips: 20232033 and AI Chips for Edge Applications 20242034: Artificial Intelligence at the Edge. Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Researchers may have solved the mystery of why flying insects are attracted to lights at night, appearing to move strangely around the source. A new study suggests the behaviour is due to insects mistaking the light for the direction of up. The findings indicate that artificial light causes erratic flight, and makes the creatures continually correct their flight path, resulting in insect vertigo and producing what we see as an attraction to artificial light. Artificial light has been known to attract flying insects for many years, with written records from the Roman Empire describing the use of light to trap insects. However, the reason for this has been unclear, with previous research proposing that insects may be interpreting artificial light as an escape route, or that the Moon has some role to play. We think the weird flight is due to insects confusing the light with the direction of up Dr Samuel Fabian, Imperial College London Corresponding author Samuel Fabian, from Imperial College London, said: We think the weird flight is due to insects confusing the light with the direction of up. For 370 million years insects have been flying around, the sky has almost always been brighter than the ground. Insects, amongst other animals including fish, use the brightest region (not meaning small sources like the Sun but across big fields of view) as an indicator of where the sky is, and thus which way is up. Knowing which way is up is critical for flight, as you must direct flight forces to cancel out acceleration due to gravity. However, weve started spoiling this general rule by creating bright lights at night. Insects think these bright patches are the sky and tilt their backs towards them (called the dorsal-light-response) to redirect their flight forces to where they think gravity should be. Unfortunately, theyre wrong about where gravity is, and this imbalance leads them in all sorts of weird flight paths. The most obvious example of this is, when insects fly directly over lights, they flip themselves upside down and plummet to the ground. Insects cant accurately measure gravity directly while in the air as theyre pulling all sorts of accelerations that feel the same as gravity and are indistinguishable (G-forces like in a plane). Using the direction of light is a beautifully simple way of solving this problem. That is until someone starts sticking big streetlights everywhere at night. The researchers used high-speed infrared cameras to track the flights of insects including moths, dragonflies, fruit flies, and hawkmoths under a range of light conditions. They found that insects correct their flight course so their back is facing towards the light source. With natural light sources such as the Sun, this response causes the insect to hold a steady flight path correctly oriented with their horizon. This paper emphasises that light at night is pollution - simply blasting light up into the sky makes our wildlife, our body clocks, and our astronomers very unhappy Dr Samuel Fabian, Imperial College London The researchers say an implication of their results is that insects are not exactly attracted to lights at night. Instead the bugs people see gathered near lights are those that have fallen into a sensory trap due to an ancient behavioural reflex. However, the study only looked at recordings around one to two metres from the light, and the observations may be different at longer ranges. Dr Fabian said: This paper emphasises that light at night is pollution simply blasting light up into the sky makes our wildlife, our body clocks, and our astronomers very unhappy. However, we cant live without it. Small things like making lights motion-activated can reduce the amount of light whilst keeping them useful. Its also worth bearing in mind that the type of light matters in general, the piercing daylight-style LED lights replacing streetlights all over the country are much worse for wildlife at night and are more likely to confuse insects. The findings are published in Nature Communications. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A placenta was among the charred objects found in a burnt-out vehicle a couple fled from with their newborn baby, a court has heard. New images, released by the Metropolitan Police on Monday after they were shown to a jury in the ongoing trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, show the Peugeot 206 in flames on the M61. Tattered clothes and bottles lay strewn on the ground next to the destroyed car. A woman was seen climbing over the motorway barrier, the court was told. A placenta was among the charred objects found in the burnt out vehicle, the trial heard (PA) After their car burst into flames, Marten, 39, and Gordon, 49, allegedly spent hundreds of pounds on taxis and lived off-grid before their arrests in East Sussex on 27 February last year. The couple were allegedly motivated by a selfish desire to keep their newborn daughter Victoria after four other children were taken into care. They travelled across England in taxis and ended up living off-grid before their arrest in East Sussex last February, jurors heard. Tattered clothes and bottles lay strewn on the ground next to the destroyed vehicle (PA) Days later, their child was found dead in a Lidl supermarket bag covered in rubbish inside a disused shed, the Old Bailey was told. On Monday, a member of the public described confronting the couple near Harwich port in Essex after watching a news report about their disappearance. Dale Gosling was taking his dog for a walk when he came across the defendants sitting on a flower planter and recognised them from the television, he told jurors. It was freezing cold, he said. There was frost on the floor. There was chill in the air, a fresh January morning to say the least. Footage of the couples car burning on the M61 (PA) Mr Gosling said the baby was dressed in a white onesie and wrapped inside Martens coat in a towel or blanket. She gave the kind of cry he could not walk away from, Mr Gosling said. Prosecutor Joel Smith asked: To you, did the baby sound distressed? Mr Gosling said: Most definitely. CCTV footage shows the destroyed car (PA) Describing his exchange with the pair, Mr Gosling told jurors: I said Excuse me, are you the people who are on the television advertised as missing with a new baby? I cannot remember his exact words but he denied it. I offered them a lift to the hospital. He said he was doing the best for his child, he wanted to keep his family together and do the right thing and something like that. They said they thought they had plans. They knew what they were doing. They said they were trying to go to London to try to see family or friends. Constance Marten and her partner Mark Gordon were allegedly motivated by a selfish desire to keep their daughter Victoria, their trial has heard (PA Media) Mr Gosling said he felt compelled to turn around and speak to them again because something was not right. He said the baby was crying consistently as Marten walked around cradling her in her arms trying to settle her. Mr Gosling said he offered to take the couple home with him, give them a cup of tea and then take them to hospital. He added that even though he thought his wife would do her nut at the idea, he felt it was the morally correct thing to do. Ms Marten, she seemed compliant, she was willing to come, maybe have a cup of tea, maybe get a lift to the hospital. She seems a bit swayed, he said. Mr Gordon was quite insistent he was alright. He had a plan, he was going to London to stay with his friends and family. The defendants, of no fixed address, deny manslaughter by gross negligence of the girl between 4 January 4 and 27 February last year. They are also charged with perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty, and causing or allowing the death of a child. The Old Bailey trial was adjourned until Tuesday morning. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with sending offensive messages which allegedly mocked a persons disability. Pc Ashley Cooper, who is a response officer in Southwark and Lambeth in south London, has been charged with two counts of sending grossly offensive messages. Scotland Yard said he is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday. The charges follow an investigation by the forces anti-corruption detectives into claims that offensive messages mocking a persons disability had been shared on WhatsApp. Cooper was suspended from duty after the allegations came to light in October 2023. Commander James Harman, who leads the forces Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command, said: I know many people will be concerned and disappointed to hear that an officer has been charged with a criminal offence. Legal proceedings are now under way and it would be inappropriate to comment further until that process concludes. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two women have died and a baby was taken to hospital following a fire at a home in Scotland. Emergency services were called to the scene on Back Hilton Road, Aberdeen, at around 6pm on Monday. Police Scotland said the two women were pronounced dead at the scene while the baby was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary as a precaution but has since been discharged. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent seven appliances and two specialist units to the scene and extinguished the blaze. Neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution while emergency services dealt with the incident. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: A joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is ongoing to establish the full circumstances. However, there are no apparent suspicious circumstances at this time. The road was closed for a time but later reopened after the fire was extinguished at around 9pm. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Hundreds of Afghan special forces soldiers abandoned by Britain despite risking their lives to fight against the Taliban are finally set to be given sanctuary in the UK in a major victory for The Independent. Some 400 soldiers who served in two specialist units will have their applications to settle in the UK reviewed after the Ministry of Defence decided to change how it assesses their claims. The dramatic U-turn comes after a joint investigation by The Independent, Lighthouse Reports and Sky News revealed how soldiers had been subjected to torture and murder at the hands of the Taliban after being denied help by the UK government, despite extensive evidence showing they were paid, trained and worked shoulder to shoulder with British special forces. Afghan commandos fought side-by-side with British soldiers in their war against the Taliban (Supplied) The two units are known as the Triples because their full titles are the Afghan Commando Force 333 and Afghan Territorial Force 444. Our six-month long investigation revealed how their cases were not being properly considered by the government, even though they fitted the criteria for help under the flagship Arap (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) scheme, designed to relocate eligible Afghans who served with the British. We found that in some cases seemingly no consideration had been given to official certificates and ID cards showing their closeness with the UK special forces (UKSF). In other instances, references from British colleagues and evidence of a payslip from the UK were ignored. At least six Triples members have been murdered by the Taliban since the Wests withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. The special forces units abandoned to the Taliban by Britain Now, after intense lobbying within government,The Independent understands ministers have agreed to review the soldiers applications after accepting they were indeed paid by the British. If successful, the special forces soldiers will be allowed to bring their family members with them to the UK meaning thousands in fear of their lives in Afghanistan and Pakistan could be given sanctuary. Campaigners who have supported the soldiers welcomed the news and called on the government to do everything in its power to relocate these men and their families as soon as possible. They questioned the integrity of the MoDs decision-making and raised concerns over the departments desire to maintain a case-by-case review. Colonel Simon Diggins, a former defence attache in Kabul, said he was pleased to hear that the government has committed to review the Triples cases and that the MoD has finally acknowledged as has been long argued by many veterans that these Afghan soldiers, who were paid by as well as trained and mentored by the UK, deserve our support and sanctuary. He added: I note that there is still a case-by-case review process planned: this must not be used as a delaying tactic as these brave men and their families are at risk. This must take days, not years. Timing is critical as up to 200 of the special forces who are living in Pakistan are also facing potential deportation back to Afghanistan if the UK does not relocate them soon. Many former Triples have been tortured by the Taliban following the takeover (Supplied) Security minister Tom Tugendhat said: We should never have left our comrades behind. [Veterans minister] Johnny Mercer has been working hard to turn this around. A parliamentary statement on the changes is expected this week from the Ministry of Defence. The Independent also understands that questions have been asked by officials working for the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan, which is investigating alleged war crimes committed by the UK Special Forces in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013, over the UKSFs unwillingness to approve Triples cases for UK resettlement. When a former member of either the CF333 and ATF444 unit applies for help to the MoD, their case is referred to the UKSF for investigation, we found. According to sources, the UKSF has been obstructing the process and not approving many cases, leading to what were effectively blanket rejections. It is understood that, before the U-turn, there was a feeling within the MoD that it would be too hard to help the Triples because the UKSF were failing to cooperate. Independent Inquiry officials are particularly interested in the Triples units because they may be able to provide testimony that is relevant to the inquiry, sources say. Armed forces minister James Heappey has been pressed on the plight of the Triples in the Commons (PA) Professor Sara de Jong, from charity the Sulha Alliance, said: This U-turn shows that the government can put things right after they get something wrong. Unfortunately, the special forces cases are not the only wrong decisions that desperately need a review. Our casework of interpreters and labourers also shows a catalogue of errors. Sarah Fenby-Dixon, Afghanistan consultant at the Refugee Aid Network, said: This apparent change in government policy towards the Triples is very welcome and long overdue. It is testimony to the tireless campaigning by lawyers, journalists and volunteers who recognised the horrific threats and attacks faced by these men as a direct result of their work alongside UK forces. It is now imperative that the government does everything in its power to relocate these men and their families as soon as possible. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said they would not comment on speculation and insisted that any Arap applications would be assessed on a case-by-case basis. They added: We are honouring our commitment to those brave Afghans who supported the UK mission in Afghanistan, and have been granted settled status. So far, we have brought around 24,600 people to safety from Afghanistan, including over 15,200 people from the Arap scheme, which is one of the most generous of any country, and thousands of Afghans eligible for our resettlement schemes." King Charles III smiled as he got into a car and left hospital on Monday, 29 January, after undergoing a procedure for an enlarged prostate. His Majesty spent three nights at The London Clinic, where he took time to visit his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, who is now recovering at home following abdominal surgery according to a statement from Kensington Palace. The King was diagnosed with the benign condition on 17 January while staying at Birkhall, Aberdeenshire, after going for a check-up because he was experiencing symptoms. Charles, 75, is understood to have wanted to share the news to encourage other men to get themselves checked. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Britain has fallen to its worst-ever ranking on a global corruption index with experts calling for urgent action from ministers to restore confidence in political and public life. The country was ranked 20th out of 181 countries in the Transparency Internationals corruption perception index in 2023, down from 18th in 2022. Britain, which is now below countries such as Seychelles, Uruguay and Estonia in the ranking, has been rocked by a string of scandals in recent months, from government procurement during the pandemic to a Post Office cover up during the Horizon scandal. Daniel Bruce, chief executive at Transparency International UK, said: The continued fall in the UKs score shows a country heading in the wrong direction. Its clear that business leaders and other experts are more concerned than ever about political corruption and the abuse of public office in the UK. The total corruption perceptions index score awarded to Britain was 71 out of 100. It also comes amid increasing concerns over the UK governments approach to corruption, despite Rishi Sunaks promise of a government of integrity and professionalism. The UK is still without an anti-corruption champion 15 months into his leadership. The last champion was MP John Penrose. The index score comes amid increasing concerns about the governments approach to corruption (Getty Images) The index comes days before the Covid-19 inquiry will investigate the alleged scandals over lucrative government contracts to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and the governments so-called VIP lane. This month, an inquiry into the Post Office Horizon Scandal heard how the Cameron coalition government knew bosses had covered up mistakes with faulty computer systems in branches. Last year, Rishi Sunak faced heckling and mockery from the public as he defended the governments handling of the contaminated blood scandal, which saw thousands of people die and others continue to suffer after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s. Mr Bruce said: These findings should be a wake-up call for government. We need urgent action from ministers - not just words to restore much-needed confidence in the integrity of political and public life. Transparency International said that while data shows that perceptions of bribery generally are improving, there are mounting concerns management of public funds due to cronyism in politics. Globally, the CPI average score remains unchanged at 43 for the twelfth year in a row. More than two-thirds of countries are seen to have a serious corruption problem, scoring below 50. Denmark tops the index with a score of 90. Meanwhile, Somali has is ranked the lowest with a score of 11, while South Sudan and Syria share a score of 13. A UK government spokesperson said: Integrity, professionalism and accountability are the core values of this government and we have robust safeguards to protect our institutions from corruption. Our forthcoming anti-corruption strategy will outline the UK response to strengthen resilience against corruption in the UK and internationally. Our controls over fighting economic crime, including fraud and corruption remain among the strongest in the world and last year we announced plans to strengthen our ethics and integrity through reforming business appointment rules, increase transparency and accountability in public appointments, and improve the quality and accessibility of departmental transparency releases. Close Met Office morning weather forecast For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Met Office has issued a fresh weather warning over the weekend as the UK braces for another spell of snow next week. The yellow weather warning for rain is expected to affect areas in western Scotland from Sunday at 6pm until 9pm on Monday - bringing travel disruption, power cuts and flooding. It comes as experts warned that snow will fall in Scotland and even potentially down south as cold air dubbed the Troll from Trondheim makes its way over the country from Norway. Jim Dale, Senior Meteorological Consultant at British Weather Services told The Independent: We havent got to end of winter yet and next week will be colder. There will be snow in Scotland and the north and potentially in the south. In its long-range forecast, the Met Office has also said there will be some hill snow over the weekend and that there is a chance colder conditions could start to feature in the second week of February. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} No 10 has said the agreement struck with the DUP to change post-Brexit checks for Northern Ireland will not need Rishi Sunak to reopen his Windsor Framework deal with the EU. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has claimed the new agreement which has won the backing of his unionist party will involve substantive changes to trade arrangements. Sir Jeffrey insisted it would remove all post-Brexit checks on goods moving into Northern Ireland from Great Britain under a deal to restore power-sharing at Stormont. As well as claiming zero checks, zero customs paperwork on goods moving over the Irish Sea, the DUP chief also said Northern Ireland would no longer automatically have to follow EU laws. Mr Sunaks Northern Irelands secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said the changes were significant but refused to be drawn on the details, and made clear they would not need any approval by the EU. Mr Heaton-Harris said he would set out the full agreement with the DUP on Wednesday and revealed that more than 3bn would be spent in Northern Ireland if the parties get back to Stormont. The DUP, Sinn Fein and other Northern Ireland parties are due to meet later on Tuesday to discuss the next steps to get the executive back up and running after the unionists two-year blockade. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson sets out DUP backing for new post-Brexit deal (PA) Mr Sunak and EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen agreed a new post-Brexit deal in February 2023 the Windsor Framework aimed at reducing checks on Irish Sea trade. No 10 declined to confirm DUP leader Sir Jeffreys claim the new deal would result in zero checks, zero customs paperwork on goods moving within the UK. But Mr Sunaks official spokesperson said it would not affect the PMs agreement with Brussels. It will not change the powers and freedoms we agreed in the Windsor Framework. Mr Heaton-Harris, asked if the Windsor deal would now have to be renegotiated, told broadcasters: I dont believe so. The Northern Ireland secretary said there were some significant changes and the new agreement had achieved a vast array of decent improvements to make sure our internal market works properly. It is understood the Sunak government will introduce two statutory instruments at Westminster on Wednesday so parliament can sanction the DUP agreement with possible changes to the Internal Market Act, rather than the Windsor deal with the EU. Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris speaks to media about DUP deal on Tuesday (PA) However, it emerged that the UK and the EU have agreed on a change affecting the movement of some goods between Britain and Northern Ireland. The UK-EU joint committee has formally expanded the category of not at risk goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the world. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey pounced on the move, saying it amounted to legal changes and shows the naysayers are wrong. But No 10 played down the significance of the change agreed with Brussels, insisting that it was separate to the changes agreed with the DUP that would be set out on Wednesday. Some trade experts believe it would allow Northern Ireland to better benefit from a free-trade agreement secured by the UK government covering agri-food foods such as New Zealand lamb. Meanwhile, EU chiefs warned against any changes to the Windsor deal. Asked about the new agreement with the DUP, a European Commission spokesperson said officials in Brussels would examine those texts when the time comes. They added: Weve said before, we expect the UK government to fulfil its obligations under the [Windsor] framework, as it has been doing. Sir Jeffrey expressed the hope that the Stormont institutions could be back up within days after he secured the backing of his party executive for proposals on Monday night. Zero checks, zero customs paperwork on goods moving within the United Kingdom, the DUP leader told BBC Radio Ulster. Sir Jeffrey later told a press conference that the green lane the planned limited checks on goods moving from GB to NI but staying in the UK would be scrapped and replaced by the UKs internal market system. The DUP leader also claimed the new deal would also end dynamic alignment arrangements, where any future EU law changes would have to be followed in Northern Ireland. Sir Jeffrey announced his support for a Stormont return at a press conference held after 1am on Tuesday morning. He said there was decisive backing from the 130-strong party executive after Monday nights five-hour meeting. Sinn Fein representatives Conor Murphy, president Mary Lou McDonald and vice-president Michelle O'Neill (PA) But support for the deal is not unanimous within the DUP, as several senior figures remain fiercely opposed to the proposed agreement to restore powersharing. Around 50 loyalist and unionist protesters assembled outside Monday nights meeting, many carrying posters and banners warning against a DUP sellout. Sinn Fein is now expected to take the first ministers job in a restored ministerial executive, with vice-president Michelle ONeill lined up for the role. Party president Mary Lou McDonald said she was optimistic Stormont could return before the deadline of next Thursday (8 February). And Ms McDonald said she was satisfied that the new agreement would not undermine existing deals with the EU. Mr Sunak spoke to his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar, as the pair shared their hopes that the breakthrough paves the way for the restoration of the executive and the assembly. Mr Heaton-Harris said he hoped all the parties would agree to the changes. I believe that all the conditions are now in place for the [Northern Ireland] assembly to return. The return of Stormont will also see the Treasury release a 3.3bn package to support under-pressure public services in Northern Ireland. The financial package includes money to settle the demands of striking public sector workers. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Foreign secretary David Cameron has sparked a backlash from Tory MPs after he suggested Britain could bring forward formal UK recognition of a Palestinian state. The former PM has said such a move could help to make a two-state solution currently stalled, with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu firmly opposed an irreversible process. Lord Cameron speaking ahead of his latest visit to the Middle East spelt out how the UK and its allies could add to pressure on Israel by considering recognising a Palestinian state at the United Nations. Palestinian ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot pounced on his words as significant but some senior Conservatives warned Rishi Sunaks foreign secretary not to push too far or too fast. Ex-Tory cabinet minister Theresa Villiers said bringing forward the recognition of a Palestinian state would reward Hamas atrocities after the 7 October terror attack. Fellow senior Tory Sir Michael Ellis said the move could risk equipping dangerous actors with the trimmings and capabilities of a state. But top Conservative MPs appear split on the issue. Senior Tory MP Bob Seely a member of the foreign affairs select committee told The Independent that he welcomed Lord Camerons constructive idea. The foreign secretary faces a backlash (PA) I think its an attractive idea, said Mr Seely. I think recognising the state of Palestine sooner rather than later may give the process some important momentum. Senior Tory MP Alicia Kearns, the head of the foreign affairs committee, also welcomed Lord Camerons remarks saying it marked a fundamental change in the UK position. She told LBC: Its a very welcome one from my perspective. But what I need to tease out of the government over the next few days is, is this a posturing position to show Israel that unless they reform their behaviours that there are tools that we have available to us? Or is it a genuine commitment towards a Palestinian state? Which is where we should be going. Lord Cameron told a London reception there was a need to give the Palestinian people a political horizon to end the Israeli-Hamas war as he addressed a reception for Arab ambassadors in parliament. The foreign secretary suggested that Britain and others could formally recognise a Palestinian state during peace negotiations rather than wait for a final peace deal with Israel. We should be starting to set out what a Palestinian state would look like what it would comprise, how it would work, he said on Monday night. As that happens, we, with allies, will look at the issue of recognising a Palestinian state, including at the United Nations. This could be one of the things that helps to make this process irreversible, Lord Cameron said. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected two-state solution (AP) The foreign secretary last week pushed Mr Netanyahu to re-consider talks aimed at a two-state solution. But Mr Netanyahu has rebuffed the push from Western allies, including the US saying the plan would endanger the state of Israel. The Israeli PM also criticised what he described as an attempt to coerce us. On Tuesday Mr Netanyahu ruled out an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza or the release of thousands of militants both key Hamas demands in ongoing ceasefire talks. The Israeli leader once again vowed that the war would not end without absolute victory over Hamas. Both No 10 and junior Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell responded to Lord Camerons remarks on Tuesday by insisting that there has been no change in UK policy. Mr Sunaks spokesperson said recognition of a Palestinian state will take place at a time it best serves the cause of peace. However, Labour welcomed Lord Camerons suggestion. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy told MPs: As Keir Starmer has said, statehood is not the gift of a neighbour it is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. Mr Lammy added: I welcome the foreign secretary adopting this position and rejecting the notion that recognition can only follow the conclusion of negotiations. But Tory MPs shared their concerns in the Commons. Ms Villiers said it was really disturbing that Lord Cameron appeared to have changed the UK governments approach. Will the minister agree with me that bringing forward and accelerating unilateral recognition of Palestinian state would be to reward Hamas atrocities? she asked. Mr Mitchell replied: There is no question of rewarding Hamas for the appalling acts they perpetrated in a pogrom on October 7. But the point the foreign secretary has been making is that we must give the people of the West Bank and Gaza a credible route to a Palestine state and a new future, but we must do so when the time is right. Sir Michael warned that unilateral recognition of Palestinian state now risked equipping those dangerous actors with the trimmings and capabilities of a state. Tory MP Greg Smith also appeared to question Lord Camerons remarks saying The grim reality is that Hamas does not seek a ceasefire and Israel cannot be reasonably expected to pursue one with a group that actively seeks its destruction. And Stephen Crabb, another ex-cabinet minister, said Lord Camerons gesture was noble but questioned what talk about early recognition of Palestinian statehood would really achieve in the months ahead. Cameron has pushed Netanyahu to consider a two-state solution (EPA) The Palestinian ambassador to the UK described Lord Camerons words as a significant moment and even referred to the Cameron declaration in a social media statement. Mr Zomlot said: It is the first time a UK foreign secretary considers recognising the state of Palestine, bilaterally and in the UN, as a contribution to a peaceful solution rather than an outcome. Lord Cameron, who began his latest trip to the region with talks in Oman, said Britain will do everything it can to prevent the conflict from spilling over borders. The foreign secretary met Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Al-busaidi to discuss tensions across the region. An attack by Iran-backed militia in Jordan over the weekend that killed three US troops and left dozens injured has stoked fresh fears of a Western confrontation with Tehran. Joe Biden said on Tuesday that he had decided how the US would respond to the deadly drone strike. An Iran-backed militia group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility. But the US president would not say who any retaliation would be aimed at. Asked if he blamed Iran, Mr Biden said: I do hold them [Iran] responsible in the sense that theyre supplying the weapons to the people who did it, he said. The US president added: I dont think we need a wider war in the Middle East. Ex-Nebraska tight end transfer Arik Gilbert pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors Tuesday in connection to a break-in at a vape and liquor shop in Lincoln last August. Gilbert initially was charged with burglary, a felony. But at Tuesday's hearing the Lancaster County Attorney's Office amended it to first-degree trespassing and criminal mischief and he entered the plea. Judge Timothy Phillips then fined him $400 and ordered him to pay $450 restitution for the damage he caused Aug. 29 at SJ's Liquor and Vape Shop at 27th and O streets. Early that morning, Lincoln police got a report from the store's owner saying someone had broken in and was still inside. Police arrived to find 21-year-old Gilbert, shirtless, walking toward the exit holding a bag filled with $1,600 of vape products, a shirt wrapped around his face, Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Jim Rocke said. When police yelled for him to drop the bag, he did, and crawled out the door, which Gilbert had broken to get inside. Gilbert spent a day in jail before he posted bond and later was cut from the team. Rocke said Gilbert had a similar offense pending in Georgia, but no other criminal record in Nebraska. Gilbert's attorney, Sandy Pollack, said Gilbert returned home to Georgia where he is under doctor's care and taking medications to regulate his mood. At the time of the crime, Gilbert's status with the Huskers had for months been hanging in the balance as he awaited an NCAA waiver for immediate eligibility because he had transferred twice in college after beginning his career at LSU in 2020. Photos: UNL's Kiewit Hall seeks to be premiere engineering education facility Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned Jeremy Hunt that he cannot afford to cut taxes in his March Budget. The financial agency said any tax cuts would be very challenging to achieve considering Britains ageing population and mounting debt pile. It said funding the transition to net zero and protecting the UKs public services would need higher spending in the medium term than current government plans. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt has vowed to cut taxes at his March Budget (Daniel Leal/PA) (PA Wire) It is in this context that staff advise against further tax cuts, an IMF spokesman said. Jeremy Hunt has since warned the cabinet that there will be less headroom for tax cuts in the spring budget than the previous autumn statement, because of "major structural weaknesses" in the economy. In autumn, the chancellor reduced national insurance by two percentage points, but has now said that due to relatively low levels of productivity in Britain, anticipated tax cuts may be lower than expected. The chancellor said smart tax reductions would help grow Britains ailing economy. He said it is too early to know whether further tax reductions will be affordable, but said we continue to believe that smart tax reductions can make a big difference in boosting growth. His plans expose the split between the government and the IMF, with Mr Hunt and the Treasury arguing in favour of tax cuts to fuel growth, and the international body claiming strong public services were needed to boost the economy. Despite squeezed public finances, Mr Hunt has vowed a giveaway in March, claiming the governments careful management of the economy means he can start cutting taxes again. His hopes were boosted last week as official figures showed government that borrowing was lower than expected. The chancellor and Rishi Sunak want to lower taxes to draw a dividing line with Labour, arguing that Sir Keir Starmer would raise taxes if he wins the keys to Downing Street. It is widely thought that the chancellor will opt for either a further cut to national insurance or lower the basic rate of income tax. IMF chief economist Pierre Olivier-Gourinchas said: There is a need to put in place medium-term fiscal plans that will accommodate a very significant increase in spending pressures. In the case of the UK, you might think of spending on healthcare and modernising the NHS; spending on social care; on education; you might think about critical public investment to address the climate transition; but also to boost growth. "So, its very important to have in place medium-term fiscal plans that accommodate these pressures at the same time ensuring that debt dynamics remain stable and contained. "That requires a combination of tax and spending measures to make sure that you can allocate the resources where they need to be allocated, but at the same time preventing your debt levels from increasing. "In that context we would advise against further discretionary tax cuts as envisioned and discussed now." Labour said the IMF warning was yet more evidence of 14 years of Conservative economic failure. Shadow chief secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said: The Tories have left Britain with high debt, flatlining growth, high taxes and working people worse off. And the Liberal Democrats said the damning IMF verdict showed the governments failure on the economy. Lib Dem Treasury spokesman Sarah Olney said: This Conservative Government is a disaster for our economy and needs to leave Downing Street before even more damage is done. It came as the IMF said Britains economy will grow slower than expected over the next two years and will be among the worst performers in the G7 group of advanced economies. The body's economists expect UK growth to hit 0.6 per cent this year, and 1.6 per cent next. It would make the economy the second-worst performer in the G7 this year and the joint third-worst performer in 2025. The IMF's forecast for this year is unchanged since its past report in October, but has been downgraded by 0.4 percentage points for next year. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Peter Mandelson has poured cold water on Sir Keir Starmers hopes of a 1997-style election landslide, warning Labours poll lead is artificial and is going to contract. The grandee, one of the architects of New Labour, said people are not pricing in sufficiently the possibility of Sir Keir failing to win a majority. He added that if Labour fails to maintain its current momentum, it is on course for a somewhat more ambivalent result than than the opinion polls are currently suggesting. Lord Mandelsons comments come as his party holds a 20-point poll lead over Rishi Sunaks Conservatives, with an election expected this autumn. Lord Mandelson poured cold water on Labours hopes of a landslide election win (Reuters) But the former spin doctor to the party said Labours current lead is artificial. And, speaking on his How to Win An Election podcast, Lord Mandelson added: Believe me, its going to contract. And if you consider the swing that is required by Labour to get an overall majority, at the election it is something like 11 or 12, per cent, this is huge. He dismissed the likelihood of Labour forming a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats, but said that if voters are unsure about Labour the Liberal Democrats would come into play. What you might find this year is if Labour falls back from its current lead, if Labour fails to maintain its present momentum and political appeal, you may find the Liberal Democrats doing better than expected, he said. In that case the result is somewhat more ambivalent, he added. Lord Mandelson was known as the prince of darkness during his time as Labours director of communications from 1985 to 1990. He went on to serve as the Labour MP for Hartlepool from 1992 to 2004 and was elevated to the Lords in 2008. His comments come days after a major poll predicted Labour is on track for a 1997-style general election landslide. The YouGov survey said the Tories could retain as few as 169 seats, while Labour would sweep into power with 385 giving Sir Keir Starmer a massive 120-seat majority. And, in an upset that would be reminiscent of the notorious Portillo moment when then cabinet minister Michael Portillo lost his safe Tory seat, the poll suggested chancellor Jeremy Hunt could lose his seat. Other ministers under threat include education secretary Gillian Keegan and defence secretary Grant Shapps. It was one of a series of polls showing the Conservatives facing an election nightmare, with a survey last week showing Labour an incredible 34 points ahead of Rishi Sunaks party in 150 key marginal seats it needs to win. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rishi Sunaks beleaguered premiership has suffered three devastating new blows which threaten to kill off any lingering hopes the Conservatives can avoid a general election defeat. The prime ministers plans for a pre-election tax cut to woo back voters were thrown into question after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the UK government could not afford them. Mr Sunaks troubles were compounded when business secretary Kemi Badenochs denials that she was plotting to succeed him blew up in her face. It emerged that she is a member of a Tory WhatsApp group called the Evil Plotters along with her political mentor and fellow cabinet minister Michael Gove known for his Machiavellian scheming. And in a deeply embarrassing development for Mr Sunaks Brexiteer credentials, it emerged that the UK population is set to rise by another 6.6 million by 2036. The Tory leader faced fresh calls from right-wingers to bring in a cap on overall numbers, as Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures showed the population could hit nearly 74 million by 2036. Rishi Sunak is under fresh Tory pressure to cut migration levels (PA Wire) The increase is starkly at odds with promises made during the 2016 EU referendum that Brexit would keep immigration down. According to the new projections, 90 per cent of the increase can be attributed to net migration. Suella Braverman the sacked home secretary, seen as a potential challenger to Mr Sunak argued that record numbers were placing pressure on schools, the NHS and housing. The right-wing rebel dismissed Mr Sunaks recent tightening of visa rules as too late. Fellow hardliner Robert Jenrick, who quit as immigration minister over Mr Sunaks weak Rwanda bill, joined Ms Braverman in demanding an overall cap. This pace of change is far too fast, he said. It came as it emerged Ms Badenoch and Mr Gove are members of a Tory Whatsapp group called the Evil Plotters. The business secretary is not believed to be pushing to replace Mr Sunak but she is reportedly regularly holding lunches with key backers including housing minister Lee Rowley and digital minister Julia Lopez. A spokesperson for Ms Badenoch did not deny the WhatsApp group claim, but said: This is exactly the sort of stirring Kemi was referring to when she told people to stop messing around on Sunday. Kemi Badenoch said to be member of an Evil Plotters WhatsApp group (PA Wire) It has also been reported that Dougie Smith, a senior Tory strategist who has worked as an adviser to successive prime ministers, is aiding the group of rebels MPs and ex-advisers around Lord Frost who are actively plotting to oust Mr Sunak. Mr Sunaks hopes of calming anxious Tory MPs with tax cuts at the March budget were dealt a blow when the IMF warned that tax cuts would be very challenging to achieve considering Britains growing debt and ageing population. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt dismissed the international bodys advice, arguing that smart tax reductions on 6 March would help grow Britains ailing economy. The triple whammy deals a huge blow to Mr Sunaks current objectives, as he fights to avoid the risk of a landslide election defeat sometime this year. He and his No 10 had been pinning their hopes in silencing talk of a Tory leadership challenge by cutting income tax, alongside curbing immigration and stopping the boats with his Rwanda plan. Mr Sunak told ITVs This Morning on Tuesday that he is absolutely confident about the 2024 general election campaign, despite being 20 points behind Sir Keir Starmers Labour in the polls. David Cameron sparked a fresh headache for Sunak by suggesting the UK could bring forward formal recognition of Palestine (Reuters) Elsewhere, a new Tory rift opened up over the Israel-Hamas war, after foreign secretary David Cameron suggested Britain could bring forward formal UK recognition of a Palestinian state. The key Sunak ally suggested that Britain and others could formally recognise a Palestinian state during peace negotiations, rather than wait for a final peace deal with Israel. No 10 insisted that there had been no change in UK policy. But it sparked a backlash among hardliners, with ex-Tory cabinet minister Theresa Villiers warning that it would only reward Hamass atrocities after the 7 October terror attack. But senior Tory MP Alicia Kearns, the head of the foreign affairs committee, welcomed Lord Camerons remarks as a fundamental change in the UK position. And leading Conservative Bob Seely a member of the foreign affairs select committee told The Independent that he welcomed Lord Camerons constructive idea. Mr Sunak also faces the potential for fresh trouble over Brexit, despite the DUPs decision to back a new agreement with No 10 on trade checks and restore powersharing in Northern Ireland. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson tried to sell the deal to his party by arguing the agreement would involve substantive changes to trade arrangements, claiming they would mean zero checks on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. But Downing Street insisted the agreement would not need Mr Sunak to reopen his Windsor Framework deal with the EU. No 10 played down the significance of a minor change agreed with Brussels expanding the category of not at risk goods entering Northern Ireland, insisting that it was separate to the changes agreed with the DUP that would be set out on Wednesday. Brussels warned against any changes to the Windsor deal. We expect the UK government to fulfil its obligations under the [Windsor] Framework, said an EU Commission spokesperson. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Tory grandee Ken Clarke has criticised Rishi Sunaks Rwanda bill, warning that overturning a Supreme Court ruling could see the UK slipping into an elected dictatorship. President Kagame has said he could return money to the UK if no asylum seekers are sent to his country under his deal with the government (PA Archive) Former chancellor Lord Clarke is a key figure in the moderate wing of the conservative party and had previously backed the Rwanda deportation policy, but he has now argued it has hit a brick wall after being vetoed by the Supreme Court. In the House of Lords, Lord Clark warned against the government overriding the courts as a step too far and that it risked a situation where you claim that the colour black is the same as the colour white, all dogs are cats. He said: If we pass this bill, we are asserting as a matter of law that Rwanda is a safe country for this purpose, that it is always going to be a safe country for this purpose until the law is changed. And the courts may not even consider any evidence brought before them to try to demonstrate that its not a safe country. This is a very dangerous constitutional provision. Rishi Sunaks Rwanda bill passed its first hurdle in the second chamber last night (PA) The Safety of Rwanda bill cleared its first major hurdle in the House of Lords last night, after peers voted by a majority of 122 against a motion designed to block it. However, the bill is expected to encounter more opposition as peers attempt to amend it next month. Speaking at the end of the debate, Labours Home Office spokesman Lord Vernon Coaker said that while his party opposed the bill, it was the job of the House of Lords - an unelected body - to scrutinise and amend legislation, not to block it. Lord Clarkes intervention is illustrative of an ongoing debate within the Conservative party about the UK governments relationship with the judicial system, and legal and human rights hurdles to their flagship Rwanda policy. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby also warned that the bill could create a pick-and-choose approach to international law that would undermine the UKs world standing. The Most Rev Justin Welby said: The UK should lead internationally as it has in the past, not stand apart. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has joined criticisms of the Rwanda bill (PA Wire) A pick-and-choose approach to international law undermines our global standing and offends against the principle of universality that is there increasingly threatened foundation. Rev Welby did back the amendment to block the Bill, though he said the argument made for it was convincing and powerful. He added: But I think we have to wait until third reading and have done our revising work. The government is hoping to get the flights to Rwanda running by the spring. A Home Office spokesperson said: We are determined to get flights off the ground to Rwanda and the UK has a strong and longstanding tradition of standing up for human rights. Rwanda is a safe country that cares deeply about supporting refugees. It hosts more than 135,000 asylum seekers and stands ready to relocate people and help them rebuild their lives. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A South Carolina judge has ruled that comments made by a court clerk did not sway a jurys guilty verdict in Alex Murdaughs murder trial last year. On Monday, Judge Jean Toal denied a request by Murdaughs attorneys for a new trial over claims that Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill, who went on to write a book about the six-week double murder trial, had tampered with jurors. The judge did acknowledge that Ms Hill had a conflict of interest but said that the fleeting and foolish comments by a publicity-seeking clerk of court were not sufficient to grant a new trial. I find that the clerk of court was not completely credible as a witness. Miss Hill was attracted by the siren call of celebrity, Judge Toal said. Judge Toal called the jurors to the stand one by one and questioned them about potential comments that may have tainted their verdict. Only one of the jurors, identified as juror Z by Judge Toal, said that Ms Hills remarks made it seem like Murdaugh was guilty. Other jurors questioned denied hearing inappropriate remarks made by Ms Hill, or being influenced by her comments. During cross-examination, Murdaughs attorney Dick Harpoolitan read an excerpt from Ms Hills book where she wrote that while visiting Murdaughs estate with jurors she had locked eyes with them with the unspoken understanding that Murdaugh was guilty. Mr Harpoolitan also asked if she made up facts because she was motivated by financial gain. Murdaugh Killings Appeal (The State Newspaper, 2024) Ms Hill testified under oath she had taken some poetic license, but never told jurors that she thought Murdaugh was guilty. She also admitted that she made around $100,000 in book sales, and apologised for plagiarizing reporting from a BBC reporter in her book. Im very sorry and I have apologized, she said. Judge Toals ruling earlier this month had set a difficult standard for the defence to prove. She ruled Murdaughs attorneys had to prove that potential misconduct including alleged comments by Ms Hill warning jurors not to trust Murdaugh when he testified directly led jurors to change their minds to guilty. Ms Hill has denied all of the allegations levelled against her in a September motion from Murdaughs legal team. In a sworn statement, the state branded the allegations as a sweeping conspiratorial theory and said that not every inappropriate comment made by a member of court staff to a juror rises to the level of constitutional error. One of the most damning accusations centres around the dismissal of juror number 785, just hours before jury deliberations began. According to Murdaughs attorneys, Ms Hill invented a story about a Facebook post to remove a juror she believed might not vote guilty. Prosecutor Creighton Waters, left, and defense attorney Dick Harpootlian stand during the Alex Murdaugh jury-tampering hearing (AP) Judge Clifton Newman, who oversaw the murder trial, removed the female juror from the panel for allegedly discussing the case with at least three other people outside of the court. The woman then prompted some light-hearted and widely-reported relief when she asked to pick up her dozen eggs from the jury room before she left. According to the motion, Ms Hill had gone to Judge Newman on 27 February the day after Murdaugh testified claiming that she had seen a post in the local Facebook group Walterboro Word of Mouth from juror 785s former husband, Tim Stone. The post purportedly claimed that the juror was drinking with her ex-husband and, when she became drunk, she expressed her views on whether Murdaugh was innocent or guilty. A follow-up post from an account called Timothy Stone apologised for the post saying that he was driven by Satan. In a court filing, Murdaughs attorneys claimed that the Mr Stone behind the Facebook posts was actually a random Georgia man who was ranting about his wifes aunt and has no connection to the case. Murdaughs attorneys had claimed that based on these allegations he should be granted a new murder trial. Judge Newman announced that he would stand down from any future proceedings in the murder case paving the way for Judge Toal to step into the role. Ms Hill is now the subject of two investigations by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (Sled) the same state agency that led the investigation into the murders of Murdaughs wife Maggie and son Paul. But Murdaugh has remained adamant that he did not kill his younger son with a shotgun and his wife with a rifle since the moment he told deputies he found their bodies at their Colleton County home in 2021. He testified in his own defence. Hes also serving 27 years after admitting he stole $12 million from his law firm and from settlements he gained for clients on wrongful death and serious injury lawsuits. Murdaugh promised not to appeal that sentence as part of his plea deal. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Amelia Earhart made her final airborne radio call at 8.43am, local time, approximately one hour after she warned the Coast Guard cutter Itasca that she was running out of fuel and could not see her target destination, Howland Island. We are on the line 157 337," she said from the cockpit of her Lockheed 10-E Electra aircraft. "We will repeat this message. We will repeat this on 6210 kilocycles. Wait. She did not repeat the message. Earhart's fate has been one of America's great enduring mysteries. Her doomed 1937 attempt to become the first woman to circumnavigate the world by aircraft spawned the most expansive and expensive rescue operation in the history of the US Navy and Coast Guard. Since then, countless researchers, reporters, and historians have attempted to find out what really happened to Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, high over the Pacific on the day of their disappearance. Advances in deep sea scanning tech and a hefty $11m investment may finally provide some definitive answers. Amelia Earhart stands June 14, 1928 in front of her bi-plane called "Friendship" in Newfoundland. (Getty Images) Deep Sea discovery Deep Sea Vision, a Charleston, South Carolina-based company, believes it may have finally found Earhart's plane resting on the floor of the Pacific Ocean. The company began scanning the ocean floor in September. Its powerful sonar, attached to a $9m submersible named Hugin, searched the murky depths, scanning in total more than 5,200 square miles of the region where Earhart is believed to have crashed. Approximately 16,000 feet below the Pacific's surface, resting among the silt and marine sediment, Hugin's sonar spotted something unusual; the shape of an airplane. Deep sea scanning company believes it may have found Amelia Earhart's lost plane Well youd be hard-pressed to convince me thats anything but an aircraft, for one, and two, that its not Amelias aircraft, Deep Sea Visions founder, Tony Romeo, said in an interview with NBC's Today show. Theres no other known crashes in the area, and certainly not of that era in that kind of design with the tail that you see clearly in the image. Mr Romeo, a former US Air Force intelligence officer, sold off his real estate assets and poured $11m into funding the expedition to find Earhart's lost plane. "This is maybe the most exciting thing I'll ever do in my life," he told the Wall Street Journal. "I feel like a 10-year-old going on a treasure hunt." Mr Romeo, while excited, maintained his expectations after the initial discovery. He admitted that the images could be that of rocks or some other underwater object. He noted, however, that the image does reflect the shape and dimension of the aircraft Earhart flew on her final voyage. Unfortunately for Deep Sea Vision, the image was one of many thousands taken during their scans, and the anomaly was not discovered until three months after it had been taken. By then, the crew had traveled far from the discovery site. With an image and coordinates in hand, the next step in unraveling the mystery will require examination of the physical remains. Earhart's rise Earhart's disappearance was the culmination of a decade of newspaper and radio stories documenting her record-setting flights. On June 17, 1928, at the age of 30, she became the first woman to pilot a plane a bright red Lockheed Vega 5B, which she called "old Bessie, the fire steed" across the Atlantic. The endeavor made headlines across the nation. Later, she became the first person to complete a solo flight across the Pacific, flying from California to the Hawaiian islands in 1934. Earhart was initially treated as an aviation oddity due to her gender; news reports at the time called her the first "girl" to fly across the Atlantic, and another referred to her as an "aviatrix". At the time, the skies were dominated by men. But as she continued to prove her prowess in the cockpit she gained notoriety as a great pilot, rather than as a curious outlier. Even still, she used her growing prominence to push for equality in the skies; in an interview with the Evening Star in 1929, Earhart pleaded with the public to "give women a chance in the air." American aviator Amelia Earhart (1898 - 1937) (centre) is surrounded by a crowd of wellwishers and pressmen on arrival at Hanworth airfield after crossing the Atlantic. (Getty) "Women can qualify in the air as in any other sport. Their influence and approval are vital to the success of commercial aviation," she said at the time. "Women and girls write to me by the thousands to learn the truth about aviation and what women's chances are. There is nothing in women's make-up which would make her inferior to a man as an air pilot. The only barrier to her swift success is her lack of opportunity to receive proper training." After numerous successful and record-setting flights in the late 20s and early 30s, Earhart set her sights on a new goal; becoming the first woman to circumnavigate the planet in an aircraft. Following her disappearance, the public remained somewhat hopeful that she would be found to fly again another day. But after a two-month search that turned up no trace of her or Noonan, the pair were presumed dead. Finding Amelia Researchers have attempted to find Earhart's remains or any evidence of her fate since her disappearance nearly 90 years ago. The most recent search to bear some fruit occurred in 2012, when the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery discovered that Earhart may have sent out numerous distress calls over the radio following her crash. Those transmissions, the group argues, went ignored. "Amelia Earhart did not simply vanish on July 2, 1937. Radio distress calls believed to have been sent from the missing plane dominated the headlines and drove much of the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy search," Ric Gillespie, the executive director of TIGHAR, told Discovery News. "When the search failed, all of the reported post-loss radio signals were categorically dismissed as bogus and have been largely ignored ever since." He believes Earhart crashed on Gardner Island, approximately 350 nautical miles from her intended destination on Howland Island. In his theory, Earhart spent a week calling for help before the tides washed her plane out to sea. Mr Gillespie was skeptical of Deep Sea Visions discovery. Despite media hype, this is NOT a sonar image of Amelia Earharts airplane, he wrote on his Instagram page. In 2018, researchers used modern forensics to examine a set of human remains found on Nikumaroro Island in 1940 that were candidates for the remains of Earhart. According to Richard L. Jantz, an anthropology professor at the University of Tennessee, studied the remains and determined that they are likely those of Earhart. Mr Jantz theorised that Earhart landed her plane on Nikumaroo and died as a castaway on the island, according to The Florida Times-Union. Now, Deep Sea Vision's discovery looks to shake up what we know of her final days. Next steps Sonar experts will need to take a closer look at the object discovered by Deep Sea Vision before it can be confirmed that it is actually Earhart's lost plane. "Until you physically take a look at this, there's no way to say for sure what that is," expert Andrew Pietruszka told the Wall Street Journal. Mr Romeo said he planned to take his team back to the site to collect more images of the object. The next step is confirmation and theres a lot we need to know about it. And it looks like theres some damage. I mean it's been sitting there for 87 years at this point, he said. Until Deep Sea Vision can return, the mystery of Earhart's lost plane will remains just that. I think myself, that it is the great mystery of all time," Mr Romeo said. "Certainly the most enduring aviation mystery of all time." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A five-year-old Kentucky girl has been found safe after she was allegedly kidnapped by her father, who is also accused of murdering the girls mother. An Amber alert was issued after Princeton authorities found the girls mother, Kelly Black, shot to death at her home in Caldwell County. Black and her daughter Lela had not been heard from since Friday, with law enforcement warning the public that Blacks husband, 42-year-old Byron Black, was the main suspect in her death. Police also said Mr Black, who allegedly fled the scene with the couples young daughter, was considered armed and dangerous. They were reported to be travelling in a 1996 Chevrolet Silverado with license plate 5J83779. Around 2.30pm on Monday, Mr Black and her daughter were located by Kentucky State Police. Mr Black was taken into custody and is expected to be charged with Kelly Blacks killing. Lela Black was found safe, according to KSP. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A 76-year-old priest and his sister were among four killed in a deadly shooting rampage in Palm Bay, Florida. Around 2:20pm on 28 January, Palm Bay Police responded to a domestic disturbance during a family birthday party, police said. Not long after arriving on the scene, they encountered a suspect: 24-year-old Brandon Kapas. Kapas refused to comply with numerous verbal commands and was subsequently tased, police said. Still, he was able to escape. Five minutes later, an exchange of gunfire erupted between police and the suspect, during which two police officers were shot and wounded. Then, Kapas fatally shot his grandfather, 78-year-old William Michael Kapas, who was trying to intervene in the confrontation. Police then shot and killed Kapas. What I can tell you is that our officers actions yesterday prevented something even more tragic and devastating from happening, Chief Mariano Augello said during a news conference Monday. Both officers have made a full recovery. Police later found the shooters car, which contained an arsenal of weapons and ammunition, authorities said. Around 7pm, investigators visited the address where the car was registered. There, police discovered two people who died from gunshot wounds: a priest, 76-year-old Robert Bob John Hoeffner, and his sister, 69-year-old Sally Joan Hoeffner. Father Bob Hoeffner was killed in a shooting rampage (Florida Tech Catholic Campus Ministry) The relationship between the shooter and the Hoeffners is unknown, police said. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers and the families of the victims involved in this senseless tragedy, the authorities wrote. Throughout his priesthood, Father Hoeffner served the people of God with compassion and humility, Reverend John Noonan said in a statement. We will miss his grace-filled presence. We know he and his sister are received by the Lord with mercy and love. Father Randall Meissen said in a statement, With great sorrow, we mourn the loss of [Father] Bob Hoeffner and his sister, Sally Hoeffner. Both were beloved members of our community and a light to all of us here at campus ministry. They will be greatly missed; May God grant them eternal repose. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The IRS contractor who stole and leaked former president Donald Trumps tax records has been sentenced to five years in prison. Charles Littlejohn, 38, pleaded guilty in October last year to one count of unauthorized disclosures of income tax returns after leaking Mr Trumps and thousands of others tax records. His plea agreement states that he stole Mr Trumps tax returns as well as the tax information of thousands of the nations wealthiest people. At the time, he was working for a consulting firm with IRS contracts. Mr Littlejohn shared the tax information with two news outlets and subsequently deleted the documents from his laptop, which had been issued by the IRS, before handing it back. He also removed the places where he had previously stored the information to remove any traces, CNN noted. What you did in attacking the sitting president of the United States was an attack on our constitutional democracy, Judge Ana Reyes told Mr Littlejohn. Were talking about someone who pulled off the biggest heist in IRS history. She added that his actions constituted a threat to US democracy which engenders the same fear that January 6 does, in reference to the Capitol riot in early 2021. Prosecutors argued that Mr Littlejohn made great effort to get hold of the records without detection, including by downloading information onto an iPad and later uploading it to a private site that he subsequently removed. Judge Reyes criticised the Department of Justice for only bringing one count against Mr Littlejohn. The fact that he did what he did and hes facing one felony count, I have no words for, she said, according to CNN. Prosecutors said the single count covered several leaks and thefts by Mr Littlejohn. In a legal filing recommending that Mr Littlejohn face the maximum penalty of five years in prison, prosecutors wrote that A free press and public engagement with the media are critical to any healthy democracy, but stealing and leaking private, personal tax information strips individuals of the legal protection of their most sensitive data. In court on Monday, Mr Littlejohn said that he acted out of a sincere misguided belief. He added that he was working in service of the country and that the public had a right to the information he shared with the press. We as a country make the best decisions when we are all properly informed, he said, adding that he had been aware of the potential consequences and that he knew he would end up in court. My actions undermine the fragile faith in the American government, he said. Mr Littlejohn admitted last year that he leaked Mr Trumps tax information to The New York Times in 2019 and the tax information of thousands of wealthy Americans to ProPublica in 2020. The outlets published stories revealing that Mr Trump and other wealthy Americans for several years paid either little or no federal taxes. Prosecutors argued in a legal brief that Mr Littlejohn weaponized his access to unmasked taxpayer data to further his own personal, political agenda, believing that he was above the law. Mr Littlejohns defence team argued for a term of eight to 18 months. They said his actions were the product not only of his misguided idealism but of life experience that led him to treat each day as if it were his last, citing his younger sister dying in 2013 and his father being diagnosed with a disease in 2019, according to The Washington Post. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A naked Florida woman has been arrested after police say she drunkenly threatened convenience store workers with a vegetable peeler and masturbated in front of law enforcement officers. Celia Barrett, 35, was taken into custody on Sunday following the incident at a RaceTrac store in St Petersburg, Florida. According to court documents obtained by The Smoking Gun, Ms Barrett had been threatened with arrest on Saturday, but showed up a day later armed and without clothes. She allegedly showed up with the sharp-edged vegetable peeler around 6.40pm local time and threatened two workers in the store, one of whom told police that Ms Barrett said she would kill him. Ms Barrett then also toppled and broke a display of Red Bull energy drinks and spilled a carton of cigarettes all over the floor of the store, according to authorities. Celia Barrett was arrested following a naked rampage in a Florida convenience store (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office) According to an arrest affidavit, Ms Barrett also exposed herself in the store and then prior to being taken into custody, began masturbating in front of deputies while still inside the store. The document also noted that Ms Barrett was under the influence of alcohol during the incident, but not drugs. She reportedly admitted to being intoxicated and said she had consumed approx six shots of liquor. Ms Barrett was charged with aggravated assault, disorderly intoxication, trespass, criminal mischief, and exposure of sexual organs, and is currently being held in the county jail, according to The Messenger. BitPanda to Cease Operations in Netherlands Following New EU Regulations Dutch users of the crypto exchange Bitpanda will no longer be able to utilize the platform, a January 26 company email has revealed. Bitpandas mission to cooperate and comply with the latest regulatory landscape Bitpanda is committed to its mission to cooperate and comply with the latest regulatory landscape as dictated by local regulators, which is why we have decided to offboard Dutch residents from our broker platform, an email from the exchange read in part. According to the aforementioned email, Dutch users will have through January 31st to trade on the platform, with February 26th marking the last day users can withdraw or transfer assets from the platform. Despite the recently released email, no further explanation was given by Bitpanda for their sudden user offboarding. Numerous crypto exits from the Netherlands in the past year alone Bitpandas Netherlands closing will happen only six months after the European Unions (EU) Markets in Crypto Asset Regulation (MiCA) came into effect in June 2023, prompting a wave of regulatory change across the international political union. That same month, crypto exchange Binance shut down its Dutch operations following its failure to obtain a virtual asset service provider (VASP) from local regulators. We regret to announce that Binance is leaving the Dutch market as we have been unable to register as a VASP with the Dutch regulator. We continue to be committed to working collaboratively with regulators around the world and are additionally focused on getting our business Binance (@binance) June 16, 2023 We continue to be committed to working collaboratively with regulators around the world and are additionally focused on getting our business ready to be fully MiCA compliant, Binance posted to its account on X at the time. Similarly, New York-based crypto exchange Gemini halted all its operations in the Netherlands in late 2023, citing regulatory compliance issues. Gemini continues to be committed to working collaboratively with regulators around the world, an email from the company read. At the time, Gemini assisted Dutch users in transferring their funds to fellow crypto exchange Bitvavo. Currently, it is unclear whether Bitpanda has provided any recommendations on how users in the Netherlands should handle their digital assets going forward. An alternative in the meantime? Following the news, one Reddit user suggested the Amsterdam-based exchange as an alternative to Bitpanda. Bitvavo from the Netherlands is a strong competitor and much cheaper than Bitpanda broker, the Redditor said. Another posted that they would like to know a more detailed reason for Bitpandas Dutch closing and a comparably good and safe alternative app for those based in the Netherlands. Many Dutch investors are seeking an answer to the question of whether, and when, Bitpanda, Gemini, and Binance will be able to return to the Dutch market. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} After just two hours of deliberation back in November, Kaitlin Armstrong was found guilty of the murder of a professional cyclist and was later sentenced to 90 years in prison. Before she was put on trial, however, Ms Armstrong had spent weeks on the run, fleeing to Costa Rica, triggering an international manhunt that eventually led them to the surf resort of Santa Teresa after a source told them she could be hiding out there. Around a month after Ms Armstrong had vanished, Deputy US Marshals Damien Fernandez and Emir Perez travelled to Costa Rica in June 2022, knowing that the hunt for the suspect would not be an easy task in the tourist area. Ms Armstrong had gone to lengths to conceal her identity, such as cutting and dying her hair; she had a bandage on her nose and had even undergone plastic surgery. However, Mr Fernandez and Mr Perez revealed to CBS show 48 Hours how using an advertisement for a yoga instructor ended her time on the run and eventually led to them luring the suspect out of hiding. Kaitlin Armstrong was captured and is now serving 90 years in prison (US Marshals) The investigators were told they were going to be in for a surprise early on cause a lot of the women in Santa Teresa look just like Kaitlin a lot of them, Mr Fernandez recalled to 48 Hours. They enlisted the help of a female operative to take local yoga classes, hoping to spot Ms Amstrong, who herself is a yoga enthusiast, but was unable to find her, they told the outlet. In a last-minute idea, the investigators decided to post an advertisement on Facebook looking for a yoga instructor. Mr Fernandez described their post to 48 Hours, saying, Hey, were at this hostel; were looking for a yoga instructor as soon as possible. Please contact us at this number. Armstrongs victim Moriah Mo Wilson was one of the top gravel racing cyclists in the world (Instagram/Mo Wilson) Nearly a week went by with no response, and the investigators were set to return home. Then suddenly, Ms Armstrong replied to the posting, saying she was interested in the role. They arranged to meet at a hostel, and Mr Perez told 48 Hours he initially scoped out who they thought was Ms Armstrong by going up to her, speaking only in Spanish. As he got closer, he saw that she had a bandage on her nose and possibly her lips were swollen, but when he saw her eyes, he was sure it was her. The eyes are the exact same ones that I saw in the picture. And this is her 100 per cent, he said. What the now-convicted murderer thought would be a chance to delve into her love of yoga while in hiding turned out to be the pivotal moment that led to her being put behind bars. Ms Armstrong was arrested, taken back to the US and held in jail. Kaitlin Armstrong underwent plastic surgery and dyed and cut her hair (Travis County Jail) She did manage to escape custody while at a medical appointment in October 2023, but only ran for a mile before she was caught once again. Ms Armstrong was sentenced to 90 years in prison for fatally shooting professional cyclist Anna Moriah Mo Wilson on 11 May 2022 Ms Armstrong was in a love triangle with Ms Wilson and Colin Strickland. Ms Wilson had arranged to meet Mr Strickland, also a professional cyclist, whom she had an on-again, off-again relationship with when he and his then-girlfriend, Ms Armstrong, were on a hiatus, according to a police affidavit. Later that night, Ms Wilson was pronounced dead after being found bleeding and unconscious with multiple gunshot wounds. Before Ms Armstrong fled, she was briefly taken into custody, but detectives could not hold her after they learned the arrest warrant was not valid. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Five men were arrested for their involvement in the murder of six people in the remote Mojave Desert area in southern California, the local police said. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office, led by Sgt Michael Warrick, reported the discovery of the bodies, four of which were burned, near Adelanto, about 60 miles (96.5km) northeast of Los Angeles last week. The incident, linked to illegal marijuana activities, was uncovered after a 911 call was made by one of the victims in Spanish, reporting he had been shot but was unsure of his location. As far as the motive, we are confident that this appears to be a dispute over marijuana, Mr Warrick said on Monday. Police said the call was traced to the crime scene, where deputies and an air operations unit found multiple gunshot victims and two vehicles, one showing multiple bullet impacts and shattered windows. The scene at the crime spot was reportedly so grisly that several local TV stations were forced to blur out images captured by their helicopter cameras. Some of the victims were identified as Baldemar Mondragon-Albarran, Franklin Noel Bonilla (who made the 911 call), and Kevin Dariel Bonilla. The suspects Toniel Baez-Duarte, 34; Mateo Baez-Duarte, 24; Jose Nicolas Hernandez Sarabia, 33; Jose Gregorio Hernandez Sarabia, 34; and Jose Manuel Burgos Parra, 26 were arrested on Sunday. Mr Warrick said: Theres certain things at the scene that show a level of violence that obviously raises some interesting questions for us, but at this point in the investigation, we cant comment on if we believe if this is cartel-related or not. Authorities believe the victims met the suspects at the location for a marijuana transaction, which escalated into violence. It looks like illicit marijuana was the driving force behind these murders, and thats all we really know at this point. The suspects are currently held without bail pending further review by the district attorneys office. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Police have raided the home of the lead volunteer in the search for a woman who vanished from central Florida nearly three months ago, according to a local news report. The home of Terri Rogers was raided on 19 January after the Lake County resident organised several community-wide searches for Nicole Baldwin, who walked out of her Strathmore Circle home in November with no belongings and never returned. Ms Rogers told News 6 Orlando several of her electronic devices were confiscated during the search, including the laptop of her deceased husband. They searched my phone, computer, old laptops, desktops of my deceased husband, she said. Ive not done anything wrong. All Ive done was given my time, and my emotions, and my heart and soul for looking for Nicole, Ms Rogers added. The Mount Dora Police Department confirmed the raid in a statement. Terri Rogers, whose home was raided after organising searches for missing mother Nicole Baldwin (WKMG) On Friday, January 19th, the Mount Dora Police Department executed an investigative search warrant related to the continued search for missing person Nicole Baldwin. The status of the investigation is ongoing, the force said. Ms Rogers, who has said she doesnt know Ms Baldwin, told News 6 that police believe shes withholding information. She added that the search for the missing mother is personal for her. My niece disappeared going on eight months in a very similar situation out of Polk County, and her name was Tonya Whipp, she said. Ms Baldwin, a 41-year-old mother of three, was last seen by her daughter on 2 November, when police said she left her home without her purse, wallet, car and Apple Watch, and never returned. Brett Baldwin, missing Florida woman Nicole Baldwin's husband, was arrested after police allegedly found child sex abuse on his phone (Mount Dora Police Department) Her husband, Brett Baldwin, was arrested in December and charged in federal court with possession of obscene material after police allegedly found 31 images of child sex abuse on his phone during a search for Ms Baldwin. However, police have insisted the charge is unrelated to his wifes disappearance and is being handled by Homeland Security. Police have offered a $5,000 reward for any information that could help find Ms Baldwin. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Nevada judge is facing two disciplinary charges over inappropriate social media posts including a photo of herself in a hot tub with two public defenders. Clark County District Court Judge Erika Ballou was accused of violating the states judicial conduct code on two separate occasions, according to a 24 January filing. The first incident happened nine months after she was sworn in as district court judge in January 2021, the court documents state. Judge Ballou was at a music festival in September 2021 and allegedly wrote an inappropriate statement about her judicial duties on social media. She posted a selfie on Instagram with the caption: Life is STILL beautiful, despite the fact that Billie Eilish doesnt START for 30 minutes and I have an 8:30 calendar tomorrow. She added the hashtag: #VacateTheSh*tOuttaOutofCustodyCases. The charging document asserts that her Instagram post violated a series of rules in the code of conduct, which requires judges to promote public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary and shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety. The code also mandates that judicial duties take precedence over all of a judges personal and extrajudicial activities. On the second occasion, in April 2022, the filing states that the judge again shared a post under the hashtag: #VacateTheShitOuttaOutofCustodyCases. Judge Erika Ballou (left) and two public defenders (Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline) In that post, Judge Ballou posted a photo on Facebook of herself and two public defenders Shana Brouwers and Robson Hauser in a hot tub. She allegedly captioned the photo: Robson is surrounded by great t**s. This post, according to the filing, was in violation of more rules, including not conveying the impression that any person or organization is in a position to influence the judge. After the charges were announced, KLAS reported that Judge Ballou posted on Facebook, quoting Cardi Bs song: Get Up10. Went from makin tuna sandwiches to makin the news. I started speakin my mind and tripled my views, she allegedly wrote. The Independent has reached out to the Clark County courts and the countys public defenders office for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} President Joe Biden said its fine if Donald Trump remains on 2024 ballots, as the former president faces a wave of lawsuits challenging his eligibility under a constitutional clause blocking insurrectionists from holding public office. Mr Biden, briefly speaking to reporters shouting questions outside the White House as he prepared to board a helicopter, was asked whether Mr Trump should be allowed to stay on presidential election ballots. As far as Im concerned, thats fine, Mr Biden replied. The reporter then asked why Mr Trump is leading in the polls if hes a threat to democracy, as you say. Because of guys like you, Mr Biden said, laughing. What am I doing? Cmon, the reporter replied. Im teasing, man. Im teasing, he said. Its early. The US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments next month to consider whether Mr Trump is ineligible for office under the scope of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars anyone who has sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution and engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding public office. Last months historic Colorado Supreme Court decision at the centre of the case determined that his actions on January 6 during the attack on the US Capitol constituted overt, voluntary, and direct participation in the insurrection. The case was appealed to the Supreme Court as Trump v Anderson, among dozens of challenges from voters and state officials to Mr Trumps eligibility under the provisions of the 14th Amendment. Justices will hear arguments on 8 February. Joe Biden speaks to reporters before leaving the White House on 30 January. (AP) A decision from the high court could have sweeping impacts for Mr Trumps campaign as he seeks the Republican nomination for president while battling multiple criminal indictments, including state-level and federal trials on charges connected to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election, culminating in his failure to stop the mob that breached the halls of Congress to do it by force. Mr Bidens re-election campaign has framed Mr Trumps refusal to accept his election loss as part of an autocratic movement that poses a direct threat to American democracy and civil liberties. Whether democracy is still Americas sacred cause is the most urgent question of our time. It is what the 2024 election is all about, Mr Biden said in remarks from Pennsylvania earlier this year. In a speech to supporters in South Carolina, Mr Biden connected the conspiracy-theory fuelled attack on the Capitol to a far-right reactionary movement targeting Americans civil rights that is determined to erase history and your future. Banning books, denying your right to vote and have it counted, destroying diversity, equality, inclusion all across America, harbouring hate and replacing hope with anger and resentment and a dangerous view of America, he said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Pentagon has announced that there will be consequences for the deadly drone attack on a US base in Jordan that killed three American soldiers over the weekend, just hours after President Joe Biden told reporters that he had decided on a plan to respond to the strike by Iranian-backed militias. The Defense Department press secretary, US Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder, told reporters that the deaths of the three army soldiers and the injury to several dozen more merited a response in kind from the United States. Three US service members were killed, over 40 wounded, Maj Gen Ryder said, noting that these service members were deployed into the region to contribute to regional security and stability in support of the international coalition to ensure the lasting defeat of Isis. So there will be consequences, and Ill just leave it at that. After Maj Gen Ryder was asked about a purported message on Telegram from Kataib Hezbollah warning its fighters to refrain from attacking US bases or personnel, even in response to an American strike, he replied that the Pentagon was aware of the alleged message but declined to elaborate further. Weve seen those reports. I dont have a specific comment to provide other than actions speak louder than words, he said. Joe Biden speaks to the media at the White House on Tuesday (AP) The Pentagon spokesperson told reporters he would not get into any details about what form the response to the Sunday attack could take, although he noted that both Mr Biden and defense secretary Lloyd Austin have both promised that the US would response in a time [and] in a manner of our choosing. US officials have posited that the drone escaped air defence systems because it was mistaken for a separate, US-owned aircraft that was returning to the base. Maj Gen Ryder addressed the drone attack in an initial statement during the briefing on Tuesday saying, In terms of additional details about the drone attack itself, we know there are still many questions to include how the one-way attack drone could have penetrated the facilitys air defences, its point of origin and which specific Iranian proxy group is responsible. While the US has not specifically attributed the attack to any particular group, the president also told reporters that he holds Iran responsible for the attack because that countrys government is supplying the weapons to the people who did it, though he declined to say whether a direct link between Tehran and the attacks has been established by US intelligence. Maj Gen Ryder echoed Mr Bidens sentiments in his comments to the Pentagon press corps, though he, too, declined to attribute the attack to a specific group. What we do know is that Iran-backed militias are responsible for these continued attacks on US forces and that we will respond at a time and manner of our choosing. While we do not seek to escalate tensions in the region, we will also take all necessary actions to protect our troops or facilities in our interests, he added. In the days since the drone attack, some Republicans have been calling for the US to respond by attacking targets within Irans borders, while Biden administration officials have been contemplating several different response scenarios, including strikes on Iranian proxies and a strike on an Iranian naval ship in the Persian Gulf. But Mr Biden said he did not want to see the situation escalate into a broader regional conflict. I dont think we need a wider war in the Middle East. Thats not what Im looking for, he said. Over the weekend, Mr Biden had promised a US response to the deadly incident, which is widely believed to be part of a campaign orchestrated by Tehran to escalate tensions and inflict damage on the US and its allies in the Middle East. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Monday that theres a responsibility that appropriately needs to be laid at the feet of leaders in Tehran for the attacks and noted that the Iranian government clearly continues to support militant groups that have been attacking US positions, ships, and international commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The drone attack struck a housing trailer on the small, remote US base, known as Tower 22, and killed the three soldiers occupying it while wounding more than 40 others, with eight of the casualties requiring evacuation to a medical facility in Iraq. The Pentagon on Monday identified the soldiers as Sgt William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia; Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; and Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia. All three were army reservists assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade out of Fort Moore, Georgia. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Congresswoman Cori Bush of Missouri confirmed on Tuesday that she was the subject of multiple investigations into her use of campaign funds for the hiring of her husband to provide private security, and brushed off the probes as baseless. In a lengthy statement that was released shortly after Punchbowl News broke the story, Ms Bush confirmed that the Department of Justice, House Ethics Committee and Federal Election Commission were all probing her use of campaign donations and her hiring of her husband to provide security. She also noted that the Office of Congressional Ethics, an independent body that refers cases to the House Ethics Committee for investigation, had already conducted an investigation and cleared her of wrongdoing. Cori Bush speaks in a 2021 interview (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) In recent months, right-wing organizations have lodged baseless complaints against me, peddling notions that I have misused campaigns funds to pay for personal security services. That is simply not true, said the congresswoman. I have complied with all applicable laws and House rules and will continue to prioritize the rules that govern us as federal elected officials. Her full statement went on to say that she look[s] forward to being cleared by the above authorities. A short time after issuing a written statement, Ms Bush spoke with reporters on the Capitol steps and delivered the same statement. She did not take further questions. The Missouri Democratic congresswomans use of private security had previously been reported in various conservative news outlets including the right-wing New York Post. She is a second-term member of the House of Representatives, having first taken office in 2021. Formerly, she was an activist with the Black Lives Matter movement, which gained national prominence in her backyard after the 2014 killing of Michael Brown by police in Ferguson, a suburb of St Louis. During her time as a member of the House, she has become known for her progressive stances and alignment with The Squad, a grouping of some of the lower chambers youngest and most left-leaning members. Like other members of the Squad, she has been targeted for criticism by conservative groups for her stance on the brutal Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip; some have even faced efforts by those groups to pour money into long-shot primary challenges against the incumbent legislators. Ms Bush, who has called the Israeli militarys efforts an ethnic cleansing campaign, is currently facing a primary challenge from Wesley Bell, a local prosecutor who has taken a sharply pro-Israel stance. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Days before an expected final judgment in a fraud case that could imperil Donald Trumps sprawling business empire, a court-appointed monitor overseeing his businesses reported financial disclosures that are either incomplete, present results inconsistently, or contain errors. One of those findings, according to her report, appears to suggest that the former president evaded taxes on millions of dollars in income by hiding money in fake loan transactions. Mr Trump and his associates have been cooperative throughout the months-long monitoring process, former federal judge Barbara Jones wrote in her 12-page report on Friday. But one detail in a footnote halfway through the letter to New York Judge Arthur Engoron appears to allege that the former president not only repeatedly lied about his net worth and assets, as alleged by the states attorney general, but that a major $48m loan for one of his brand-building properties may have never actually existed. When I inquired about this loan, I was informed that there are no loan agreements that memorialize the loan, Ms Jones wrote, but that it was a loan that was believed to be between Donald J Trump, individually, and Chicago Unit Acquisition, the name of Mr Trumps LLC that took on the debt for his Trump International Hotel and Tower in the Windy City. However, in recent discussions with the Trump Organization, it indicated that it has determined that this loan never existed and thus that it would be removed from any upcoming forms submitted to government agencies and in corporate financial statements, she wrote. The report strikes at a mystery that has bounced around for several years: Mr Trump has reported in financial statements that he owes over $50m to Chicago Unit Acquisition LLC, an entity that Mr Trump owns, and thus has owed a substantial sum of money to a company he controls. Yes, the loan existed, according to Alan Garten, chief legal counsel for the Trump Organization, speaking to The Daily Beast, which first reported the $48m detail. Thats one of many inaccuracies contained in the monitors letter, which we will be addressing with the court, he said. He called the loan arrangement an internal loan wherein Mr Trump loaned money to the entity that he owns. But Mr Trump claimed in a financial statement as recently as October that the arrangement was the opposite, listing debts to Chicago Unit Acquisition as more than $50m. In 2016, Mr Trump confirmed that arrangement in an interview with The New York Times, claiming that he bought back the loan from a group of banks several years ago, and that he pays interest on it to himself, despite the LLCs practically worthless valuation. We dont assess any value to it because we dont care, he said at the time. I have the mortgage. That is all there is. Very simple. I am the bank. In 2018, Mother Jones reported Mr Trump may have fabricated the loan to make it appear that his LLC owed debt that had already been forgiven, allowing him to evade taxes on $48m of cancelled debt. The letter from the court-appointed monitor in the fraud case, six years later, could bolster that central claim that the loan never existed. Such a deal appears to have been arranged in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, while Mr Trump was loaded down with tens of millions of dollars in debt from his Chicago project. Mr Trump appeared to have one of the principal entities funding that project a firm called Fortress agree to cancel half his original $100m loan. That deal would qualify as $48m in reportable, taxable income; Mr Trump made it appear that he bought the loans back instead. Through this arrangement, Mr Trump appears to have instead pocketed the $48m in cancelled debts and constructed a loan as cover, according to tax experts who spoke with The Daily Beast. All applicable taxes were fully paid years ago, a spokesperson for the Trump Organization told The Independent. The allegations contained in the Daily Beast story have no basis in fact and are a complete fabrication made out of whole cloth. Forbes reported in 2020 that Mr Trump doesnt appear to pay any interest on the loan and lists the Chicago LLC as having no value despite reportedly issuing a $50m loan. There should be an offsetting entry somewhere, Harvard real estate professor Richard Peiser told Forbes at the time. I cant explain that. The Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago (AP) A letter from the Trumps family attorney to Judge Engoron on Monday blasted Ms Joness report and called her claim about the Chicago loan a demonstrable falsehood and a deliberate mischaracterization. He said that the Trump Organization never told Ms Jones that the loan didnt exist, but that no liabilities or obligations are outstanding under the loan, according to his letter. He characterised her latest report as an unabashedly self-serving statement aimed at trying to preserve her position to continue charging exorbitant fees. The report issued mere days before an expected decision ... has only two obvious purposes, attorney Clifford Robert wrote. [E]nsure the monitor continues to receive exorbitant fees and fill the gaping hole in the attorney generals case, namely, that there is no basis to support continued oversight. He characterised the monitors letter as part of what he called her disingenuous and self-interested efforts to frame Mr Trump and his co-defendants in a false light to sustain her continued appointment. The monitors reports merely posit a host of minor discrepancies framed out of context simply to identify something, anything, to justify her exorbitant fees, he added. But where, as here, more than one year of detailed and expensive oversight reveals not a single instance of the alleged misconduct the monitor was expressly appointed to uncover, the monitor serves no demonstrable purpose going forward. The Independent has requested additional comment from attorneys for Mr Trump and the Trump Organization. A forthcoming decision from Judge Engoron in the civil fraud case follows a 2022 lawsuit from New York Attorney General Letitia James alleging more than a decade of fraudulent financial statements used to gain and maintain favourable financing terms for his star-making properties. The judges damning pretrial judgment determined that the former president, his two adult sons and their chief associates had grossly overvalued assets and exaggerated his net worth to secure those deals from banks and lenders. He ordered his licenses to be rescinded and effectively blocked him from doing business in the state while a court-appointed monitor oversaw his companies operations and liabilities. An appeal has put the judges sanctions on hold, but a judgment finding Mr Trump and his co-defendants liable for fraud as outlined in the blockbuster lawsuit left a trial to determine how much they owe, if anything. Ms Jamess office is seeking $370m in so-called ill-gotten gains from the result of fraudulently obtained financing terms that banks would have received if they used rates that reflected Mr Trumps actual net worth and assets, according to the attorney generals office. She also wants to ban Mr Trump from New York real estate for the rest of his life, and to block Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump from the industry for at least five years. Following 11 weeks of witness testimony that first began in October, followed by closing arguments earlier this month, Judge Engoron is expected to deliver a final judgment by the end of January. A decision is expected to arrive just days after a federal jury verdict found Mr Trump on the hook for $83m for his ongoing defamation of E Jean Carroll. A separate jury had previously found Mr Trump liable for sexually abusing Ms Carroll and then smearing her allegations as a lie, which fuelled abusive messages and death threats against her. The latest decision adds to Mr Trumps growing list of legal liabilities, including 91 criminal charges stemming from four separate federal and state-level charges for alleged crimes committed while in office. He has pleaded not guilty in all cases. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Republican lawmaker has nominated Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, citing his historic policy in the Middle East. New York representative Claudia Tenney said in a statement that she decided to nominate the former president for his role in the Abraham Accords treaty, which formally normalised relations between the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Israel. Donald Trump was instrumental in facilitating the first new peace agreements in the Middle East in almost 30 years, she claimed in a statement posted on her website. For decades, bureaucrats, foreign policy professionals, and international organisations insisted that additional Middle East peace agreements were impossible without a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Trump proved that to be false, she added. The valiant efforts by President Trump in creating the Abraham Accords were unprecedented and continue to go unrecognised by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, underscoring the need for his nomination today. Now more than ever, when Joe Bidens weak leadership on the international stage is threatening our countrys safety and security, we must recognise Trump for his strong leadership and his efforts to achieve world peace. I am honoured to nominate former president Donald Trump today and am eager for him to receive the recognition he deserves, the statement continued. Mr Trump has previously complained that he has not received enough recognition for his work on foreign policy. But while the Abraham Accords have been cited as a way to introduce and strengthen Israeli-Arab ties, the historic agreements have also been criticised for so far failing to produce meaningful solutions for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Abraham Accords without the Palestinians were a disaster, just like his deal with the Taliban without the Afghan government. On top of that, he bombed the Middle East more than Obama, one person posted on X, following news of Mr Trumps Nobel Prize nomination. Someone explain to me how she nominates him for a Nobel for a peace accord in the middle east WHILE the middle east is at war in Gaza! another person wrote. Despite such criticism of Mr Trumps foreign policy, the 77-year-old was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize several times during his presidency. However, he failed to win the prize. I would get a Nobel Prize for a lot of things, if they give it out fairly, which they dont, the former president complained at a press conference in New York in 2019. Claudia Tenney nominated the former president for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the Abraham Accords treaty (Getty) Mr Trump was nominated for the prize in 2020 by far-right Norwegian politician Christian Tybring-Gjedde, citing his efforts to bring reconciliation to North and South Korea. But despite a period of improved relations between North and South Korea, the negotiations ultimately failed in making any clear progress towards denuclearizing the North. Swedish MP Magnus Jacobsson also nominated Mr Trump in 2020 for his role in brokering a deal to normalise relations between Serbia and Kosovo. The following year, Swedish nationalist MP Laura Huhtasaari and a group of Australian lawmakers then nominated him for his role in brokering the Abraham Accords. Mr Trump lost out that time to Filipino and Russian journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov, who received the prize for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace. The former president has routinely conflated his Nobel Peace Prize nominations which the organisation does not record, release or consider to be endorsements as an honorific. Speaking at an Iowa rally in 2020, he said: I get home, I turn home the television and they talked about your floods in Iowa. How is Iowa doing? The crops. How is this happening? How are they doing in Florida? Three or four stories, one after another. Where is my Nobel Peace Prize? They dont talk about it. I said, You know, darling. This news is a little tough to crack. Meanwhile, former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany previously described the nomination as a well-deserved honour for Mr Trump. Donald Trump has failed to win a Nobel Peace Prize several times (POOL/AFP via Getty) The organisation stresses that receiving a nomination, which any one of thousands of people can make, is not an extended honour. While Mr Trump has never won the prize, his predecessor, former president Barack Obama, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. Mr Obama donated the $1.4m award to charity. His win is something that has irked Mr Trump, who previously suggested his predecessor had no idea why he was nominated for the prize just months into his presidency. When Obama got it he didnt even he just said, What did I do? He had no idea what he did, Mr Trump said at a rally in 2020. And they made it a big story, he added. I did a great job. In 2013, Mr Trump tweeted calling for Mr Obamas award to be rescinded. The former director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, Geir Lundestad later said he regretted Mr Obamas selection. Even many of Obamas supporters believed that the prize was a mistake, he told the AP news agency. In that sense the committee didnt achieve what it had hoped for. The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced in October. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Writer E Jean Carroll said the fear and anxiety she felt while preparing to face Donald Trump, the man she accused of sexually assaulting her, melted away while on the witness stand during her defamation trial. More than two weeks ago, and 25 years after being assaulted by Mr Trump, Ms Carroll braced herself to share the same space as the former president in a New York City federal courthouse. I was terrified, Ms Carroll told Rachel Maddow on Monday night. Four days before trial, I had an actual breakdown. I lost my ability to speak, I lost my words, I couldnt talk, I couldnt go on. Thats how frightened I was. For the first time since the assault, Ms Carroll was going to have to face Mr Trump when she took the witness stand to testify to the damages his 2019 defamatory statements caused her. But the former Elle columnist said her fears suddenly dissipated the moment she took her seat on the stand. I looked out, and he was nothing, Ms Carroll told The Rachel Maddow Show. He was a phantom. It was the people around him who were giving him power, he himself was nothing. Court drawing of E Jean Carroll testifying as Donald Trump watches footage of himself on CNN (Reuters) For more than four years, the former president vehemently denied sexually assaulting Ms Carroll in a New York department store dressing room in the 1990s Mr Trump claimed he had never met her, she was lying, she was not his type and threatened to make her pay for coming forward with her allegations. During her defamation trial, Ms Carroll testified that she lived in fear for her safety in the years that followed Mr Trumps statements. But on Monday, Ms Carroll told Ms Maddow she knows now theres no reason to fear the former president. We did what people thought was impossible we beat Donald Trump, Ms Carroll said, joined by her attorneys, Roberta Robbie Kaplan and Shawn Crowley. Ms Carroll sued the former president in 2019 and 2022 for two sets of defamatory statements he made. Last year, a jury found Mr Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Ms Carroll $5m. On Friday, a separate jury awarded Ms Carroll more than $83m in compensatory and punitive damages. The conclusion of the trial marks a significant moment for sexual abuse survivors, whom Ms Carroll says she was fighting for in her pursuit to hold the former president accountable for his actions. But it is also a blow to the former president, who has often claimed his power while in the White House should grant him sweeping immunity against claims of election interference, violating Section Three of the 14th Amendment, mishandling classified documents and more. Even during the second defamation trial, Mr Trump claimed it was an unfair, politically motivated lawsuit and trial designed to hurt his chances of re-election this year. But Ms Carroll and her attorneys say that their win has proved they can stand up to the man without fear. It is time to stand up to the worlds current, or the USs current, biggest bully, and the way to do that is by using the facts, the law and the legal system to say we are not afraid, Ms Kaplan said. UAE Central Bank Completes First Cross-Border Digital Dirham Transfer Using mBridge CBDC Platform The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) achieved a significant milestone by conducting its inaugural cross-border digital dirham transfer using the mBridge central bank digital currency (CBDC) platform on January 29. The transaction involved the transfer of 50 million digital dirhams (equivalent to $13.6 million) to China. It was executed by Sheikh Mansour, the Chairman of the Board of the Central Bank of the UAE. The transfer marked a historic celebration of the central banks 50th anniversary. mBridge Facilitates Landmark Cross-Border Digital Dirham CBDC Transfer to China The ceremony highlighted the progress and development journey of the CBUAE over 50 years. It emphasized its role in strengthening financial and monetary stability, fostering economic growth, and contributing to the digital transformation of the financial services sector. Project mBridge utilizes a single-platform, direct-access infrastructure for real-time, peer-to-peer transactions. The platform employs the HotStuff+ consensus mechanism. mBridge involves multiple commercial banks from each participating country, contributing to infrastructure and technology development. In return, the ledger platform facilitates faster transfers of each participating countrys national digital currency. 1/Central Bank of the UAE, marked a significant moment on Monday by initiating the first cross-border payment using the UAE Central Banks digital currency, Digital Dirham, amounting to Dh500 million.transaction sent directly to China through the BIS M Bridge platform DLT pic.twitter.com/6dVMIM8WE3 {X}-XRPLcitizen (@XRPLCitizen) January 29, 2024 The mBridge platform, initiated in 2021 through collaboration between the central monetary authorities of China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the UAE in partnership with the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), enables multi-central bank digital currency transactions. It completed its pilot phase in September 2022 and was commercially launched in September 2023. As governments worldwide explore the integration of blockchain technology for national digital currencies, the mBridge project exemplifies the growing trend. According to a report by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), nearly 90% of central banks globally are considering the adoption of CBDCs. Of these, 11 countries have already launched CBDCs, 15 are in the pilot stage, and 26 are in the development phase, as indicated by the CBDC tracker from the Atlantic Council. While mBridges advancements have drawn positive attention, concerns have been raised, notably by Representative Maxine Waters of the House Financial Services Committee in the United States. Waters expressed worries about the potential misuse of the project as a cover for avoiding economic penalties, shedding light on the complex intersection of financial technology, geopolitics, and international relations. CBUAEs Commitment to Financial Transformation During the event, Sheikh Mansour also witnessed the graduation of the first batch of 1,056 male and female citizens from the Ethraa program. The program aims to enhance Emirati representation in the financial sector by equipping citizens with advanced skills and qualifications through training at the Emirates Institute of Finance. As part of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme (FIT), the CBUAE has launched innovative projects to accelerate digital transformation in the financial sector, aligning with its strategy to position itself among the top central banks globally. Sheikh Mansour reiterated the leaderships commitment to empowering UAE national cadres, stating that qualified professionals with diverse skills and knowledge would strengthen the financial sector and contribute to the nations progress. The event also featured the Aani instant payment platform, launched by Al Etihad Payments in October 2023, and the introduction of Open Finance, enabling consumers to connect and share data across the entire financial ecosystem. Additionally, the visual identity of the Ombudsman Unit, named Sanadak (Arabic for Your Support), was launched during the ceremony. Sanadak is the first independent unit for settling banking and insurance disputes in the Middle East and North Africa. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A group of federal employees who oppose President Joe Bidens support for Israels siege of Gaza are planning a day of fasting to draw attention to the growing humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave. Feds United for Peace, representing US government workers across two dozen agencies, intend to stage a one-day strike on Thursday, following a series of actions from federal government workers protesting the Biden administrations resolute support for Israel as Gazas death toll climbs to nearly 30,000. The group also mounted a Day of Mourning on 16 January, with staffers from across the US taking leave to mark 100 days of Israels ongoing military campaign. The action drew swift condemnation from congressional lawmakers, with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson saying they deserve to be fired. The Day of Fasting calls attention to the use of starvation as a weapon of war by intentionally withholding food from entering Gaza, citing a report from the United Nations warning that 2 million Palestinians are at risk of famine, according to a statement shared with The Guardian, which first reported the action. Israels siege has brought Gazas families to the brink of starvation, the group shared in a statement with The Independent. By the time this fast is over, 26,000 Gazans will have been killed in Israels war since October 7. The vast majority of northern Gaza, and now increasingly the rest, has been rendered unlivable. Crammed into the southern area of the strip, the people of Gaza are bombed, starved, and desperate. The actions follow internal dissent memos within the White House, Mr Bidens presidential campaign and among political appointees and congressional offices demanding the presidents support for a ceasefire after more than 25,000 Palestinians, including more than 10,000 children, have been killed, with tens of thousands injured and more than 2 million displaced. Last week, a group of administration staffers organised as Staffers for Ceasefire blasted White House chief of staff Jeff Zients following news of a morale boosting party for White House staff. We are disgusted by this display of complete apathy towards the lives that have been taken in the region over the last three months, Staffers for Ceasefire said in a statement shared with The Independent on 25 January. There is no justification for this level of destruction, this level of terror. We unequivocally call on you to demand a ceasefire. We call on you to end our complicity in this brutality. Protesters rally outside the White House in solidarity with Palestinians on 14 January to demand government support for a ceasefire in Gaza. (EPA) Earlier this month, an appointed official at the US Department of Education announced his resignation from the administration for its support of Israels continuous assault and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza. It should go without saying that all violence against innocent people is horrific. I mourn each and every loss, Israeli and Palestinian. But I cannot represent an administration that does not value all human life equally, Tariq Habash wrote in a resignation letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona shared with The Independent. He is the second Biden administration official to resign over US support for Israels retaliatory campaign and ongoing siege in the wake of Hamas attacks on 7 October. Josh Paul, a now-former senior official at the US State Department who managed arms deals on behalf of the US government, resigned later that month with a warning that the administrations position will only lead to more and deeper suffering for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people. A letter from 17 current aides for the presidents campaign warns that the administrations support for Israels military actions has been fundamentally antithetical to the values of justice, empathy, and our belief in the dignity of human life that they say serve as the backbone for his campaign and the Democratic Party. And we believe it could cost you the 2024 election, they wrote. During a vigil outside the White House last month, a group representing more than 800 federal employees and independent agency staffers also renewed their calls for the presidents support for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the immediate de-escalation of violence in Gaza. An open letter from more than 500 people from across the US who worked on Mr Bidens 2020 campaign, including Democratic National Committee staff members, told the president that he wields significant influence in this perilous moment to pressure world leaders to support a ceasefire. Last month, the United Nations Security Council approved a resolution pressing for the safe passage of humanitarian aid into Gaza after several days of US-led negotiations over language in the final draft. The measure called for conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities but excluded language pressing for a ceasefire, after the US repeatedly shot down UN efforts. Mr Biden also is the target of a lawsuit from a group of Palestinian families and aid groups accusing his administration of complicity in genocide, a charge at the center of a complaint at the International Court of Justice against Israel at The Hague. A preliminary ruling from the World Court urged Israel to prevent acts of genocide and to allow aid into the beleaguered strip. Dissent from within Mr Bidens own campaign and administration follows a series of polls showing most Americans disapprove of Mr Bidens handling of the crisis. Sixty-one per cent of Americans, including 76 per cent of Democratic voters, support calls for a permanent ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza, according to polling from Data for Progress. A recent CBS News/YouGov poll similarly found 61 per cent of Americans disapprove of the Biden administrations response, including 68 per cent of people between ages 30 and 44 and 63 per cent among Americans ages 45 to 64. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The wife of retiring West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has been hospitalised following a car crash during a business trip. Gayle Connelly Manchin, 76, is in a stable condition in hospital where she will stay over the next few days, the senator said in a statement on Tuesday. On Monday, my wife Gayle and her colleague Guy Land were involved in a car accident on the way from the airport to the hotel in Birmingham, Alabama for an Appalachian Regional Commission event that was planned for today, Mr Manchin said. Both were admitted to UAB Hospital and are receiving excellent care. She remains in stable condition but will stay there for a couple of days for precautionary measures, he said. The senator went on to thanks the first responders who answered the call and were first on-site to provide assistance and support. Gayle Conelly Manchin (L) and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin attend the White House Correspondents Dinner Weekend Pre-Party hosted by The New Yorkers David Remnick at the W Hotel Washington DC on May 2, 2014 in Washington, DC (Getty Images for The New Yorker) Ms Conelly Manchin is currently the federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission. She served as first lady of West Virginia when Mr Manchin served as governor between 2005 and 2010. Prior to this, she was the states secretary of education and the arts under Republican governor Jim Justice between 2017 and 2018. From 2013 until the following year, she served as the president of the states board of education. Mr Manchin announced in November that he wouldnt be seeking re-election, almost certainly handing his seat to Republicans in the deep-red state. He has revealed that hes considering a run for president, with some observers saying that, if he runs as an independent, he could help hand the White House to former president Donald Trump. In October, Mr Manchin told reporters that the two-party system, unless it changes, will be the downfall of our country. This month, he indicated that all would be revealed by Super Tuesday. If theres going to be an option or a need for an option, youll find out by then, he told reporters in reference to the date in early March. By March, youre going to have pretty much a lay of the land and what youre going to have and what youre going to be offered, he added. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Failed Arizona gubernatorial candidate-turned-Senate-hopeful Kari Lake was booed off the stage in her home state. We dont agree on everything, Ms Lake can be heard saying while speaking at a Republican event, when someone in the crowd corrected: Anything! But what we do agree on is that the elections in Arizona are a corrupt mess, Ms Lake continued. As she paused, she was met with prolonged boos and someone saying, You did it! She replied to the unsupportive crowd: No? Okay! The jeers came days after news of a scandal broke out, involving Ms Lake and her states Republican Chair Jeff DeWit, prompting his resignation. Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate and supporter of former President Donald Trump Kari Lake greets people outside of the Fiserv Forum before the start of the first GOP presidential debate on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Getty Images) In a leaked audio recording, Mr DeWit allegedly told Ms Lake that he wondered if any companies out there or something that could just put her on the payroll to keep her out of the 2024 election cycle. Mr DeWit later released a statement claiming the tape was selectively edited. The recording, from over ten months ago, is not only taken out of context but also undermines the integrity of our party leadership, the statement continued. Ms Lake has been a contentious figure in recent years. She was the Republican nominee for governor of Arizona in 2022. But ever since losing the 2022 election, like Donald Trump, she has baselelly claimed she was a victim of fraud. She has also supported former President Mr Trumps own 2020 election fraud claims. Despite her qualms with how the last election played out for her, she decided to jump in the Senate race, where she is vying for independent Sen Kyrsten Sinemas seat. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert finished in fifth place, according to a straw poll a devastating showing after the Republican switched to run in a new district. Last week, Ms Boebert competed against eight other Republicans in a congressional primary debate in Fort Lupton, Colorado, in which she garnered just 10 per cent of the straw poll vote, landing in fifth place, according to Colorado Politics. Ms Boebert earned 12 out of the 117 votes cast in the straw poll, the outlet reported. Last year, the Colorado lawmaker announced she was switching from the 3rd Congressional District, where she has served since 2021, to the 4th Congressional District. She narrowly won the 2022 election in her district against Democrat Adam Frisch. Many in politics had something to say about Ms Boeberts recent straw poll showing. Texas Democratic Rep Jasmine Crockett remarked early on Monday morning, Before I go to bed, I thought it would only be fitting to send thoughts & prayers to my colleague, Lauren Boebert. Its my understanding that she placed 5th in her first straw poll of the election cycle. She continued, Now how many of yall think BoBo gonna try to convince us that polls dont matter of course unless they are trash for Biden & great for Trump! The X account Republicans Against Trump wrote, Lauren Boebert finishes 5th in a straw poll at the first GOP primary debate in her new district. She received just 10% of the vote from the Republicans who participated in the survey at the debate. The account added, Shes finished. Ms Boebert has garnered headlines in recent weeks. Her ex-husband faces two sets of charges after separate domestic incidents, including one in which he and the congresswoman allegedly engaged in a physical altercation. Ms Boebert was not charged in the incident. Her office told The Independent that the situation with her husband is part of why shes switching districts: This is a sad situation for all that keeps escalating and another reason Im moving. I didnt punch Jayson in the face and no one was arrested. I will be consulting with my lawyer about the false claims he made against me and evaluate all of my legal options. In September, Ms Boebert was removed from a live-action musical stage version of Beetlejuice in Denver after audience members complained about behaviour during the show, including allegedly vaping near a pregnant woman, talking too loudly, taking flash photographs, and inappropriately groping her date. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} State Republican lawmakers in Ohio are preparing a bill to allow executions by using nitrogen gas following Alabamas execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith. The state, which has 118 inmates on death row, has been struggling for years to get the drugs needed to perform lethal injections. Nitrogen gas kills via asphyxiation, and the proposed Ohio bill would allow the use of the method if the drugs needed for lethal injection are unavailable, state Rep Josh Williams, who is co-sponsoring the legislation, said, according to Cleveland.com. He added that the bill would also state that companies making the drugs used for lethal injections have legal immunity when such drugs are used for Ohio executions. Alabama, Mississippi, and Oklahoma have all authorized executions using nitrogen gas, with a number of other states considering taking the step, the Associated Press has reported. Ohio last conducted an execution in 2018, with both US and European pharmaceutical companies having ended sales of the drugs needed for lethal injections for legal and moral reasons. In Europe, only Belarus, often called the last dictatorship on the continent, still carries out executions. Capital punishment has been abolished in all of Europe apart from Belarus and Russia, which has a moratorium on the practice, having carried out its last execution in 1996. In the US, the death penalty is federally legal as well as in 27 states in addition to the territory of American Samoa. It has been abolished in the remaining 23 states as well as in Washington, DC. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican who has been in the post since 2019, hasnt allowed any executions to take place during his time in office, noting his concern that if drug companies become aware that the state has used their drugs to execute people, the firms may refuse to sell any of its drugs to Ohio regardless of use, which would prevent people to get drugs via state programmes, affecting Medicaid users, as well as state troopers, and prison inmates. The governor has said that he would allow executions if state legislators put forward an alternative to lethal injection. The office of the governor told Cleveland.com that they havent seen the proposed legislation yet. Now that weve had other states litigate this issue, I think its time that we move forward looking for alternative means, Mr Williams told the outlet. Ohio GOP Attorney General Dave Yost wrote on X on 26 January that Alabama successfully used nitrogen to carry out a capital sentence. Perhaps nitrogenwidely available and easy to manufacturecan break the impasse of unavailability of drugs for lethal injection. Death row inmates are in greater danger of dying of old age than their sentence. Allison Cohen, the executive director of Ohioans to Stop Executions, said in a statement that Ohioans have been moving away from the death penalty for years. Juries arent returning death sentences; and in fact, there have been no new death sentences in three years. Ohioans understand that the system cant be fixed, cant be applied fairly and any attempt to do so is both a waste of money and fundamental misunderstanding of where Ohios values are aligned, she added. This is especially important in light of recent efforts to adopt new execution methods. The people of Ohio want to protect and sustain life, which means abolishing the death penalty. The Ohio ACLU noted in a press release on Monday that according to a poll conducted by The Tarrance Group in September last year, 56 per cent of Ohioans said that the death penalty should be removed and replaced with a life sentence for murder without the possibility of parole. Jocelyn Rosnick, the Policy Director for the ACLU of Ohio, said: Whether its due to racial disparity, fiscal or innocence concerns, people all across the state and across the aisle believe that its time for Ohio to cut ties with the death penalty. To date, 23 states plus Washington DC have repealed the death penalty, Ohio can and should be the 24th. Allison Reynolds-Berry, the Executive Director of Ignite Peace, argued that there is no justice in the death penalty. People of conscience and people of faith know that each of us is more than the worst thing we have done. It is time we abolish a system that is unfairly applied, ineffective, and unwanted by the people of Ohio. During a press conference on Wednesday, state Rep Brian Stewart said, There's a lot of states that actually do allow for a wide variety of means of carrying out capital sentences. Weve spent a lot of time kind of looking at those different states and what we thought would be most palatable here in Ohio. There has been a trend over recent years of states successfully providing for nitrogen hypoxia as an alternative ... we have a belief that this is a method ... that is humane and most people would find to be reasonable, he added. We're trying to arrive at a method that can gain the broadest support within the legislature and hopefully pass. Our belief is that this has a better shot than some of the things that other states have done. Mr Yost said on Tuesday, I'm sure that if this is passed and signed into law, it will be challenged immediately. That's the nature of the world we live in. I also take note of the case in Alabama, which did go up to the Supreme Court for request for stay under the Eighth Amendment and was denied. So I think that the legal challenges will come certainly, but I also am optimistic that they would be resolved in relatively short order, absent any kind of unforeseen evidence that doesnt exist now, he added. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} President Joe Biden might finally be running out of patience with Republicans when it comes to negotiations surrounding an agreement to restrict immigration in exchange for aid to Ukraine. After weeks of negotiations, Republicans hit a snag last week as former president Donald Trump came out swinging against any agreement. That forced Senate GOP leadership to recalibrate. On top of that, House Speaker Mike Johnson who leads a far more rabidly anti-immigrant and anti-Ukraine conference than Mitch McConnell leads in the Senate wrote in a letter to colleagues that the agreement would have been dead on arrival in the House anyway. On Friday evening, Biden released a statement saying that the proposed legislation would give him the ability to shut down the border when it becomes overwhelmed and that he would invoke the authority the day he signs the bill into law. Of course, being able to shut down the border is an amorphous term and the definition of shutting it down lies in the eye of the beholder. Nevertheless, Biden wants to have some kind of agreement not only because he wants to free up dollars to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia: A Harvard CAPS-Harris poll from last week showed that more voters consider immigration their top policy concern than the economy. Republicans have battered Biden on the border ever since he took office, essentially flipping the dynamic after Donald Trump faced numerous negative headlines about family separation and the infamous Mexican border wall. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has even bused migrants to cities with Democratic mayors. That particular move led New Yorks mayor Eric Adams to openly criticize Biden. But Republicans might have gotten high on their own supply when it comes to immigration. As Inside Washington explained last week, Republicans delaying passing an immigration bill to allow Trump to benefit makes it hard for them to argue that the influx of migrants is a crisis that requires immediate addressing. If passing a bill can wait 12 months, then its hardly urgent. Right-wing opposition to the immigration legislation also means that Republicans are turning against each other. On Sunday, Fox News host Shannon Bream asked Senator James Lankford, the chief Republican negotiator, why he would give Biden the cover of this deal which she said would allow people into the United States. Lankford responded by saying four months ago, Republicans united to say they would demand changes in policy and now its interesting a few months later, when were finally getting to the end, theyre like, just kidding. We actually dont want a change in law because of a presidential election year. Lankford, a hardline conservative from Oklahoma, has staked much of his credibility on the legislation. So hes understandably frustrated to see opposition. And shortly after making his case, Senator Rick Scott of Florida, a Trump ally, said on the same Fox program that Lankford was on a suicide mission. That also gives Scott the added benefit of knifing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, with whom he has a tenuous relationship. Republicans likely had a chance to pass the legislation before Trump returned to his role of being the de facto nominee. But his victories in Iowa and New Hampshire as well as the coalescing of the GOP around him has meant that they have to defer to what he dictates. The ultimate sign that Republicans might be overconfident is their plan to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Why? Its not entirely clear. But what is apparent is that Johnson, who is a little more than three months into the job, has chosen to appeal to the most far-right factions of his conference. Holding a series of sideshow hearings for a secretary most people have never heard of will do little to shed light on whether laws are being enforced at the border. But it will allow figures like committee member Marjorie Taylor Greene to pontificate and get more television air time. Indeed, Greene came out strongly against the bipartisan bill in the Senate, despite the fact no text exists. It appears that Biden is attempting to create a foil to the feud. By saying he would willingly close the border if given the means to do so, he wants to put the pressure on Republicans to pass the bill. If not, he hopes to hammer them for not giving him the power to curb immigration into the US. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has described being on the highest court in the land as living in frustration, saying that every loss the liberal justices face traumatises her. As one of the three liberal justices on the court, Justice Sotomayor and her colleagues can typically anticipate they will be outnumbered when deciding cases. Over the last few years, rulings around issues of abortion rights, LGBT+ rights and racial equality have swung in conservatives favour. Every loss truly traumatises me in my stomach and in my heart, Justice Sotomayor said on Monday while speaking with students at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. Justice Sotomayor, who was the first Latina woman appointed to the court, has become known for crafting passionate dissents. Last year, she wrote that the symbolic damage of the courts decision in 303 Creative LLC v Elenis, an LGBT+ rights case, was done. But I have to get up the next morning and keep on fighting, Justice Sotomayor said. What choice do you have to be to fight the good fight. Looking to this term, the court is poised to issue opinions on gun rights, access to abortion medication, criminal justice statutes and Donald Trumps eligibility for the presidency. Based on the courts make-up, the majority opinion in those cases is likely to differ from the opinion of Justice Sotomayor and the other liberal justices. When asked how she continues working alongside conservative justices whom she disagrees with, Justice Sotomayor said she looks for the good in people. The Supreme Court justices (AP) If you look for the good in people, you can deal with the bad more easily, she said. The more often the court takes up cases challenging decades-long precedents, the more opportunities arise for individuals and organisations with political motivations to litigate. Justice Sotomayor told students that now, more than ever, cases are bigger and more demanding. The number of amici are greater, and you know that our emergency calendar is so much more active. Im tired, Justice Sotomayor said. There used to be a time when we had a good chunk of the summer break. Not anymore. The emergency calendar is busy almost on a weekly basis. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has used the deaths of three American soldiers in a drone attack on their base in Jordan to attack Joe Bidens presidency, warning the assault by Iran-backed militia leaves the planet on the brink of World War 3. Three service members were killed and another 25 injured by the attack on the Tower 22 facility near Jordans border with Syria over the weekend, marking a further escalation of the simmering tensions in the Middle East. President Biden responded to the attack by promising retaliation and commented: Today, Americas heart is heavy. These service members embodied the very best of our nation: unwavering in their bravery. Unflinching in their duty. Unbending in their commitment to our country risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism. But writing to Truth Social on Sunday evening, the Republican presidential contender wasted no time in attempting to make political capital out of the tragedy, insisting that Mr Biden was to blame for the attack. Three years ago, Iran was weak, broke, and totally under control. Thanks to my Maximum Pressure policy, the Iranian Regime could barely scrape two dollars together to fund their terrorist proxies, he said. Then Joe Biden came in and gave Iran billions of dollars, which the Regime has used to spread bloodshed and carnage throughout the Middle East. This attack would NEVER have happened if I was President, not even a chance. Just like the Iranian-backed Hamas attack on Israel would never have happened, the War in Ukraine would never have happened, and we would right now have Peace throughout the World. Instead, we are on the brink of World War 3. Mr Trump continues to pursue the Republican presidential nomination, setting himself up for a rematch of the 2020 election against Mr Biden, but remains mired in legal problems, battling four indictments and 91 felony charges. On Friday, he was ordered to pay $83.3m in damages to retired magazine columnist E Jean Carroll after he was found liable for sexually assaulting her in a department store dressing room in the mid-1990s and then defaming her in his denials. By contrast, President Biden has been quietly stewarding the American economy back to pre-pandemic prosperity and setting about making the case for his re-election despite his advanced years. Campaigning in Columbia, South Carolina, on Sunday, the incumbent reminded his audience of Mr Trumps past comments disrespecting American soldiers who had made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Donald Trump, when he was commander-in-chief, refused to visit a US cemetery outside of Paris for fallen American soldiers, the president said, alluding to an aborted visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France on a rainy day in November 2018. He referred to those heroes as suckers and losers. How dare he say that! I called them patriots and heroes. The only loser I see is Donald Trump. Mr Trump also courted outrage during his time in office for insulting Republican senator and 2008 presidential candidate John McCain by rebutting the idea that he was a hero for surviving his brutal six-year imprisonment in Hanoi during the Vietnam War. Hes not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who werent captured, Mr Trump declared in July 2015. The 45th president did not himself serve in that conflict after receiving several exemptions from the draft when doctors diagnosed him with bone spurs. Close Donald Trump warns of a 'bloodbath' in US if he isn't elected as president again Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former president Donald Trump is once again facing criticism over his use of inflammatory rhetoric after he declared at a campaign rally in Dayton, Ohio, on Saturday evening: If I dont get elected its going to be a bloodbath for the country. The Republican presidential challenger used the phrase as part of a dire economic forecast for the American auto industry but was swiftly rebuked by the White House over its wider implications, with spokespeople for Joe Biden accusing him of endorsing political violence particularly given that the candidate had also bemoaned the fate of the J6 hostages at the same event. The luxury real estate mogul has since hit back on Truth Social, claiming the media is only pretending to be shocked by his choice of words. Mr Trump gave an interview to Fox News journalist Howard Kurtz over the weekend in which he again attacked the late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for making jokes at his expense, doubled-down on comparing migrants to vermin and on his call to terminate parts of the US Constitution and floated the prospect of supporting a 16-week national abortion ban in an overt appeal to the Christian right. Between the upside-down chicken and the lion with a pedigree, Jackson Bostwick Jr. knew he was in for a rough landing. It was 1974 and the production crew for Shazam! was filming a scene on location at the Los Angeles Zoo. Bostwick played the role of Captain Marvel in the classic TV series that aired on CBS Saturday morning lineup. Born Oct. 23, 1943, at the Carlisle Barracks, Bostwick is scheduled to return to his birthplace as the guest of honor at the Carlisle Comic Con right before his 81st birthday. The event will be at the Carlisle Expo Center on Oct. 18-19. I look forward to getting out and meeting the people, said Bostwick, whose father Jackson Sr. was an Army captain serving on post when the barracks was the Medical Field Service School during World War II. Speaking by phone from his home in Tennessee, he was excited by the prospect of sharing stories with fans, such as the one tied to Episode 13 of Season One, titled The Braggart. If Im lion ... The plot involved a boy who got trapped in an animal exhibit and had to be rescued by Captain Marvel, or the leading figure in the show now referred to as Shazam. For the scene, the crew arranged for a 300-pound male lion to go after the kid. But this was no ordinary big cat. He was the son of Elsa, the orphan lioness made famous by the book and movie Born Free, Bostwick said. I did all my stunts, he said. When I would come in for a landing, I would come in from the top of a 14-foot-high ladder because I had to come in over the camera. Trying to land flat from that kind of height was not easy. But this scene was made more difficult by the presence of a co-star with sharp teeth and claws. The way they got the lion to come at the camera was the handler stood behind the camera holding a live chicken upside down by its legs, Bostwick said. He shook it. The lion was crouched down. Enter Captain Marvel, a bigger bird in a bright red cape flying in to save the day. Naturally, there were complications. He took a swing at me, Bostwick said of the lion. If it wasnt for my cape, he would have opened up my thigh like a fresh pack of M&Ms. He swung at me and cut that cape like a hot knife through butter. The handler rushed in and drove the lion back. The animal let out a roar. And that was it for Bostwick who had just about enough excitement for one day. We put our backs to it, Bostwick said The crew was great the first year. It really hummed. Ties to Carlisle He has no memory of Carlisle Barracks or the surrounding community. I was there just long enough to hit the ground, he said. I was delivered by a captain, my dad was a captain, and I later became a captain. Marvel, that is. By his reckoning, Bostwick may have lived on post until he was about 2 years old. Those very early years are a bit foggy. There are only black-and-white photos from that time showing his father, a gifted athlete, leading the troops in calisthenics and holding him as a baby while bundled up for the winter. In a way, Jackson Sr. was a bit of a mystery. An Army doctor, he ended up working for the Office of Strategic Services, the precursor of the Central Intelligence Agency. After Carlisle, Jackson Sr. ended up in Shanghai, China, but for the most part, his activities were shrouded in secrecy. Mom never knew where he was, Bostwick said. Growing up in Montgomery Alabama, he remembers going to the movie theater in 1953 when War of the Worlds came out. The Saturday matinee was just a dime and included a serial or cartoon with each feature. I saw this guy flying across the sky, Bostwick said. Of course, they used a dummy, but thats how I came to know the actual character of Captain Marvel. I had all the comics until my mom threw them away. I had a stack that would be worth a fortune. Playing the role of his favorite superhero, Bostwick wanted the portrayal to be perfect. At the end of each shift, he would review the daily footage on the lookout for quirks and gestures that took him out of character. Golden anniversary Like Bostwick, Ronald M. Vastola of Derry Township, Dauphin County, is a fan of that eras Captain Marvel. Vastola owns USA Theatres, which runs movies on an outdoor screen at such local venues as Thornwald Park, Indian Field at Carlisle Barracks and Summerfair at Dickinson College. Off-season, he promotes and organizes concerts and conventions, including the upcoming Carlisle Comic Con. Vastola reached out and contacted Bostwick when he noticed that 2024 will mark the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Shazam! TV series. He knew Bostwick from previous events. This is a milestone, Vastola said. It was something that needed to be acknowledged. He was talking about his ties and roots to Carlisle. He was born on the post. I thought the circle was complete. You are returning to celebrate your achievements. Bostwick will be available both days of the Comic Con to sign autographs and interact with fans. Bostwick may also be a featured guest on various Q&A panels. There may also be special 50th anniversary commemorative merchandise. It was a very cool show, Vastola said of Shazam! The older you get, the more you should go down memory lane and reflect on childhood memories. It was just magical and exciting. Who wouldnt relate to a superhero with all the problems in the world? For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An Australian news channel has been criticised for broadcasting a doctored image of a Victoria MP with enlarged breasts and an exposed midriff. The doctored image of Victorian upper house MP Georgie Purcell appeared on a Nine News bulletin on Monday night after she criticised the government's decision to reject a ban on duck hunting. Ms Purcell, the youngest woman in Victorias parliament, posted the original and the doctored image on social media X to call out the news channel. "I endured a lot yesterday," the Animal Justice Party member wrote, adding: "But having my body and outfit photoshopped by a media outlet was not on my bingo card." "Note the enlarged boobs and outfit to be made more revealing. Cant imagine this happening to a male MP," she said. Nine News apologised following the outrage, blaming AI for automation by Photoshop. Our graphics department sourced an online image of Georgie to use in our story on duck hunting," Nine Melbourne news director Hugh Nailon said in a statement. As is common practice, the image was resized to fit our specs. During that process, the automation by Photoshop created an image that was not consistent with the original, he said. This did not meet the high editorial standards we have and for that we apologise to Ms Purcell unreservedly, Mr Nailon said. Ms Purcell said the incident was an example of the discrimination and hindrances that women face in politics. Let's be clear: this is not something that happens to my male colleagues, she told Guardian Australia. "Unfortunately, the difference for women is that they also have to deal with the constant sexualisation and objectification that comes with having images leaked, distorted and AI-generated. "The message this sends to young women and girls across Victoria is that even at the top of your field, your body is always up for grabs. Victorian premier Jacinta Allan, who was also a part of the graphic, said she was concerned about the misrepresentation. "Thats no way to represent any woman, let alone a woman who holds a position in public office represents a community and is in the public discourse every single day, she told reporters. "Its important to call it out, to identify, to do better and to understand that we have come a long way, but weve still got a way to go. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A woman in Australia is being hailed as an absolute hero after she survived a shark attack despite suffering severe injuries. Lauren ONeill, 29, was swimming near a private wharf in Elizabeth Bay of Sydney Harbour on Monday evening when a shark mauled her leg. She was rescued by local residents who rushed to the scene after hearing a soft yell as she clung to a ladder in the wharf after the brutal attack. The woman, who is a keen kayaker, was administered first aid by the residents and rushed to the St Vincents Hospital where she was in a stable condition. It is believed by the authorities that a bull shark could be responsible for the attack based on the photographs of the bite marks. Michael Porter, the womans neighbour, told Sydney Morning Herald he had just returned from work when he heard a soft yell for help before 8pm and saw her. She was trying to climb in and behind her was her leg, which was completely open and full of dark red blood behind her, Mr Porter said. Paramedics attend to woman after shark attack (Screengrab/ NCA NewsWire) He said he called the police and more neighbours rushed to her side while a vet applied a tourniquet to stem the bleeding. Mr Porter called her neighbour an absolute hero for saving her own life, according to Today news. "People were holding her hand and helping her. (Lauren) was extremely brave the whole time and she was very lucid. "She was talking and thanking us for getting the ambulance." A local resident, Georgia, whose wife is a vet, said she potentially saved Ms ONeills life as she bandaged her profusely bleeding wound. "We heard a shout and she swam up to a boat, but on the way back she got bitten by a bull shark," she told 9News. "We got some bandages, we kept her warm, and my wife basically bandaged her up to stop the bleeding." A footage shared by NCA NewsWire showed chaotic scenes after the woman was attacked as locals tried to help. Police officers and paramedics worked on the scene before taking her to the hospital. Locals said they regularly see swimmers in the area and kids and dogs being around the shore where people have sighted stingrays, jellyfish, and dolphins. Sydney City Councillor Linda Scott said the woman suffered severe injuries and urged people to stay out of the harbour until further notice. Police said the Marine area command is patrolling the area as a precaution. Bull sharks are known to populate Sydney Harbour when the waters are warmer after November. Females come to give birth and their pups spend the first year in rivers and the males remain around them. They leave around April and move towards Queensland. Marine experts urge people to avoid the waters during evenings and early mornings when the predators sensors are active. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Watch as protesting farmers continued to besiege Paris on Tuesday (30 January) by blocking major roads with their tractors for a second day, demanding just prices and loosened regulations. Farmers argue they are being hit by falling incomes, environmental regulations, rising red tape and competition from imports. Thousands moved to block major highways to Paris on Monday, following similar protests that took place in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands in recent weeks. Traffic on eight main motorways into the capital was blocked yesterday and the action continued into Tuesday, with farmers saying they aim to stop food deliveries reaching supermarkets in Paris - something officials have warned them not to do. Frances interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, said 15,000 police and gendarmes had been mobilised to prevent the tractors from entering the capital and other cities where protests were happening. He also warned that blocking Rungis market, which supplies fresh food to about 12 million people in Paris, would be crossing a red line. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} French President Emmanual Macron has urged the European Union to make concessions to furious farmers as they vowed to encircle the capital and starve Parisians by cutting off food supplies. Eight key roads in and out of Paris are currently blocked by more than a thousand tractors, while hay bales along the roads have been set on fire and scarecrows have been hung from bridges. Dozens more blockades were also launched around France and Belgium. Parisians are going to be hungry. The goal is to starve Parisians. Thats it, said Benoit Durand, a grain farmer. Farmers block a highway in Jossigny, east of Paris (AP) Thousands of farmers are protesting against declining income, red tape and environmental policies that are pushing costs up in France and Europe more widely. The issue of subsidised Ukrainian grain exports to the European Union, which farmers say are undercutting their products, is among the causes of the problem. President Macron, who is on a two-day tour of Sweden, said that tariff-free Ukrainian imports were proving problematic. Farmers stay warm at their blockade on the A4 highway near Jossigny (AFP via Getty Images) We have asked to have clear measures on imports from Ukraine because today we have things in volume and quality that are destabilising the European market, whether it comes to chickens or cereals, he said. Gabriel Attal, the new prime minister, added that France needed an agricultural exception to European Union red tape. Belgian farmers stage a protest in Merksplas, Antwerp (Belga/AFP via Getty Images) The farmers vow to maintain their blockade until their demands are met, but government agencies have warned that Paris will start to suffer in only a few days. Whatever happens, we are determined to go to the end, farmer Jean-Baptiste Bongard said as crowds of protesters huddled together around small fires on a highway in Jossigny, near Paris, blocked by the tractors in the early hours. If the movement needs to last a month, then it will last a month. His comments came as Ademe, a government agency, said Paris would only have three days food supplies in the event of major disruption, as deliveries are made every day. In Longvilliers, southwest of Paris, both carriageways of the highway were blocked with tractors and bales of hay, with other traffic being diverted up a slip road as a queue of cars snaked into the distance. On the other side of the capital, protesters were seen setting up barbecues and sleeping bags, further signs that they were there to stay. The protests have been going on for more than a week, but increased in intensity on Monday in the run-up to an EU summit on Thursday, when they hope their action and those of other farmers in Europe will grab the attention of the politicians focused on aid for Ukraine and the blocs budget. French farmers block a highway in Longvilliers, near Paris, before the EU summit on Thursday (Reuters) Elsewhere, farmers set bales of hay on fire to partly block access to Toulouse airport in southwestern France. Farmers, who also want measures against cheap imports, are looking for more support from Mr Attal, who will spell out his policy plans later on Tuesday, and from the agriculture minister, who is also due to make an announcement. Wood is dumped on the road by farmers on the A4 highway (Reuters) Meanwhile, Belgian farmers - also angry about rising costs, EU environmental policies and cheap food imports - plan to block access roads to the Zeebrugge container port from Tuesday, the port said, confirming a report in financial daily De Tijd. The protesters plan to bar access to the North Sea port, the country's second-largest, for at least 36 hours from 2pm local time (1pm GMT), the paper reported, citing organisers and police. President Macron arrives at Stockholm Palace, Sweden, despite domestic turmoil (Getty Images) Police services have received information about an action at the Zeebrugge port, a port authority spokesman said. He added that it was not clear what the action would entail. Belgian farmers also disrupted traffic during the morning rush hour on Tuesday. One of the blockades was close to the Dutch border on the E19 highway, local media said. Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo is set to meet with farmers' associations on Tuesday. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Foreign secretary David Cameron said he was deeply concerned by the disappearance of British-Russian journalist and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, who is reportedly missing from a jail in a Siberian city where he is serving a 25-year sentence. The 42-year-old Kremlin critic was lodged in a prison in the Omsk region where he being held in solitary confinement. Efforts by his wife and lawyers to reach him in person and through letters failed, and jail authorities have now said Mr Kara-Murza is no longer present in the facility. A letter sent to him by political journalist and activist Alexander Podrabinek was returned with a note saying that Mr Kara-Murza was no longer being held there. Mr Kara Murzas lawyer said a legal representative who tried to meet the Russian opposition figure on Monday was also told that he was not present in the prison, reported Telegram news channel Agentstvo. Russia must urgently provide Vladimir Kara-Murzas lawyers with his whereabouts, following reports that he has been moved from Omsk to an unknown location. Im deeply concerned for Mr Kara-Murza a British national imprisoned in Russia for speaking out against the invasion of Ukraine, Mr Cameron said on Monday. I stand with his wife @ekaramurza and plan to meet her soon, he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Evgenia Kara-Murza, the activists wife, has demanded information and said Mr Kara-Murza is at the mercy of the same people who tried killing him twice. She said she did not know where the authorities had taken him. "There are no grounds for his transfer and that makes it even more frightening as my husband is in the hands of the same people who tried to kill him twice, in 2015 and 2017. I demand that the Russian government provide us with information about my husbands whereabouts," she said. Mr Kara-Murza suffers from a nerve disorder after surviving two poison attacks and was sentenced to 25 years in jail last April on charges of treason and spreading "false information" about Russias war in Ukraine. He has denied the charges and said that it is punishment for opposing Vladimir Putin, comparing the proceedings to Soviet dictator Josef Stalins show trials of the 1930s. Officials from Russias prison service have not commented publicly on Mr Kara-Murzas whereabouts. Discreet prison transfers without any information being provided to family members is the norm in Russia. This often results in prison inmates disappearing from contact for several weeks. A similar wave of concern was sparked when Russias top opposition figure Alexei Navalny could not be found in December. He resurfaced weeks later, confirming he had been sent to a prison colony above the Arctic Circle, 230km (140 miles) from his previous prison in central Russias Vladimir region. Close Moment Russian plane carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war appears to crash For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} At least seven people, including three children, have been killed overnight after a Russian drone hit a petrol station in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv. The strike caused a massive fire that burned down 15 private houses, while 50 people were evacuated as emergency workers tackled the blaze. It comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sacked army chief Valeriy Zaluzhny and replaced him with Oleksandr Syrsky. It follows days of speculation that Zelensky was considering dismissing Zaluzhny, who is seen by many Ukrainians as a national hero for overseeing the war effort since February 2022. We discussed what renewal the Armed Forces of Ukraine need. We also discussed who could be in the renewed leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The time for this renewal is now, Zelenskys statement said on Telegram. In other developments, Ukrainian troops have shot down a Russian attack helicopter in eastern Ukraine near the city of Avdiivka as soldiers step up street fighting, Kyiv claimed. Meanwhile, Russian forces launched the second largest combined drone and missile strike on Ukraine this year with around 64 munitions hitting the country, according to a US think tank. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed reports that he fired Ukraine army chief Valery Zaluzhny a popular figure in the countrys fight against Russias invasion. Mr Zaluzhny and the Ukrainian president have reportedly been at loggerheads over the results of Ukraines counteroffensive, which began last-spring last year but has so far failed to achieve major territorial gains. On Monday, reports started emerging in Ukrainian news outlets, including Ukrainska Pravda, Ukrinform and The Kyiv Independent, as well as several leading Telegram channels, that the army chief was summoned by Mr Zelensky. In November, Mr Zelensky had rebuked the commander for suggesting the vast frontline with Russian troops was at stalemate, while last month Mr Zaluzhny expressed frustration with the performance of military draft offices, in remarks suggesting they should mobilise more troops for the war against Russia. Asked if the reports of Mr Zaluzhnys sacking were true, Mr Zelenskys spokesperson Sergii Nykyforov said: Definitely not. The president has not dismissed the commander-in-chief. The Ukrainian defence ministry took to Telegram and said: Dear journalists, we immediately answer everyone: No, this is not true, without giving any further context. General Zaluzhny has not issued a comment on the reports of his dismissal. The Ukrainian president also did not address the speculation further in his nightly video address on Monday. The top military official has been Ukraines commander-in-chief since July 2021 and is a popular figure in the country, enjoying strong support among both rank-and-file Ukrainian soldiers and the public. Zaluzhny has his reputation as an iron general... the embodiment of the Ukrainian armed forces that saved this country against an enemy as fearsome as Russia. Zaluzhny personally has the support of 88 per cent of Ukrainians. 97 per cent of Ukrainians trust the armed forces under his command, said Ukrainian journalist Illia Ponomarenko on X. Local news reports in early December said Mr Zelensky was bypassing his top commander in communication with some military commanders. The difference of opinions between the two became public in November after General Zaluzhny, in an interview with The Economist, said Ukraine and Russia had reached a stalemate in the war, one that could only be cracked with a massive technological leap. Mr Zelensky was quick to reject the suggestion of a stalemate and contradicted the remarks on the battlefield situation by his top commander. In an interview in December, the Ukrainian president said he shared a working relationship with his top general. He also signalled he was not happy with the leadership of Ukraines armed forces. I am waiting for very concrete things on the battlefield, I await their decisions. The strategy is clear; I want to see the details. I think thats fair, he said. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) thinktank, which monitors the war in Ukraine, said Russian sources have "seized" on Mr Zaluzhnyi's reported dismissal or resignation, with one veteran Russian propagandist describing the reports as "chaos" and "useful to [Russia]". For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ukraines most senior military commander reportedly refused to step down after being asked to do so by president Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday. Zelensky has denied claims he moved to dismiss Valerii Zaluzhny as tensions between the two appear to reach their boiling point after months of simmering. On Monday, reports started emerging in Ukrainian news outlets, including Ukrainska Pravda, Ukrinform and The Kyiv Independent, as well as several leading Telegram channels, that the army chief was summoned by Zelensky. Commander-in-Chief of Ukraines Armed Forces Valery Zaluzhny spoke with Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer on Tuesday night (AP) The Financial Times cited four sources familiar with the situation claiming that the president offered the popular general a new role as a defence adviser but he refused. They said that two of the sources claimed it was made clear that Zaluzhny would be removed from his current position even if he refused the new role. Oleksii Goncharenko, a Ukrainian opposition MP and ally of the general, also told the Guardian that he understood that yesterday the president asked Zaluzhnyi to resign but he declined to do so. In November, Zelensky had rebuked the commander for suggesting the vast frontline with Russian troops was at stalemate, while last month Zaluzhny expressed frustration with the performance of military draft offices, in remarks suggesting they should mobilise more troops for the war against Russia. Asked if the reports of Mr Zaluzhnys sacking were true, Mr Zelenskys spokesperson Sergii Nykyforov said: Definitely not. The president has not dismissed the commander-in-chief. The Ukrainian defence ministry took to Telegram and said: Dear journalists, we immediately answer everyone: No, this is not true, without giving any further context. General Zaluzhny has not issued a comment on the reports of his dismissal. The Ukrainian president also did not address the speculation further in his nightly video address on Monday. The top military official has been Ukraines commander-in-chief since July 2021 and is a popular figure in the country, enjoying strong support among both rank-and-file Ukrainian soldiers and the public. Zaluzhny has his reputation as an iron general... the embodiment of the Ukrainian armed forces that saved this country against an enemy as fearsome as Russia. Zaluzhny personally has the support of 88 per cent of Ukrainians. 97 per cent of Ukrainians trust the armed forces under his command, said Ukrainian journalist Illia Ponomarenko on X. Local news reports in early December said Mr Zelensky was bypassing his top commander in communication with some military commanders. The difference of opinions between the two became public in November after General Zaluzhny, in an interview with The Economist, said Ukraine and Russia had reached a stalemate in the war, one that could only be cracked with a massive technological leap. Mr Zelensky was quick to reject the suggestion of a stalemate and contradicted the remarks on the battlefield situation by his top commander. In an interview in December, the Ukrainian president said he shared a working relationship with his top general. He also signalled he was not happy with the leadership of Ukraines armed forces. I am waiting for very concrete things on the battlefield, I await their decisions. The strategy is clear; I want to see the details. I think thats fair, he said. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) thinktank, which monitors the war in Ukraine, said Russian sources have seized on Mr Zaluzhnyis reported dismissal or resignation, with one veteran Russian propagandist describing the reports as chaos and useful to [Russia]. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The wife of jailed Russian-British opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza has accused the Kremlin of trying to completely break his connection to the outside world in the same way it is trying to do with Alexei Navalny. Mr Kara-Murza had spent years speaking out against Russian president Vladimir Putin and has criticised the governments crackdown on dissent, as well as the war in Ukraine. Criticism of Russias invasion is the reason he is currently imprisoned for 25 years on treason charges decried by the international community and likened to a Stalinist show trial. Evgenia Kara-Murza was told on Monday that he had been moved in an unknown direction before it was discovered that he had been transferred to a new, harsher, Siberian penal colony a short drive from the previous one in the city of Omsk and placed in solitary confinement in a punishment cell for four months. Mr Kara-Murza said in a letter published by his wife on Tuesday that the move was punishment for not standing up when a guard commanded him to rise, which he said the authorities had deemed a malicious violation. He added that he had been sent to a type of punishment cell known by its Russian initials as an EPKT, the strictest form of isolation from other inmates. It is essentially a prison within a prison. He wrote, in a sardonic fashion that Mr Navalny also uses, that the point of the transfer was so that life doesnt seem like honey. Ms Kara-Murza told The Independent that while she is relieved her husband has been found, she fears his solitary confinement is only going to get more painful. He had also been held in solitary confinement in his previous prison since September 2023. He was transferred to another penal colony with a yet stricter regime, called special regime prison colony, Ms Kara-Murza said. It is basically the same style of regime as the one in which Alexei Navalny is being held. Russian activist Vladimir Kara-Murza arrives with his wife Evgenia for a hearing in Washington DC in 2017 (AFP/Getty) They are using further and further isolation and intimidation to scare him into silence and to send messages to all of those who would want to follow suit. They are going to make it worse for him, more psychological pressure, and then worse again. That is what they do. They want to completely break his connection to the outside world. She added: The level of repression in Russia is rising. Vladimirs case is evidence of that. Mr Kara-Murza suffers from a neural condition after surviving two attempts to poison him, and Evgenia has voiced fears for his life in prison. She told The Independent in November last year about his previous prison: There is no way he is going to receive the proper medical care in a punishment cell in a maximum security prison in Siberia... I have great concerns for his life. His condition is only going to deteriorate. There is no time. British passport holder Mr Kara-Murza is serving a sentence on charges of spreading fake news after he gave a speech in 2022 to the Arizona House of Representatives in which he denounced Russias invasion of Ukraine. Mr Kara-Murza was a close aide to opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, who was assassinated in central Moscow in 2015. He wrote of his new penal colony, IK-7: Everything is OK with me, Im clothed, shod, fed and warm, the people here are all fine, he said. Last month, Mr Navalny reappeared weeks after his lawyers said he had disappeared within the Russian prison system. He too had been moved to a harsher Arctic Circle prison hundreds of miles from where he was previously held. Such prison transfers can often take weeks. Mr Kara-Murza was found within 24 hours of his disappearance after his lawyer Maria Eismont received a letter allegedly written by him saying he had been moved. Vladimir Kara-Murza is escorted for a hearing at the Basmanny court in Moscow on 10 October 2022 (AFP/Getty) Im deeply concerned for Mr Kara-Murza a British national imprisoned in Russia for speaking out against the invasion of Ukraine, Britains foreign secretary David Cameron posted on X, formerly Twitter, before Mr Kara-Murzas location was confirmed. I stand with his wife. Russia has cracked down on dissent for large swathes of Mr Putins more than two decades in power. But Mr Kara-Murza and Mr Navalnys relocations and the harsh sentences they face are part of the Kremlin increasingly tightening its grip over information regarding the Ukraine invasion and dissent more generally. Mr Navalny was already in jail at the time of the invasion and has since had his term extended by 19 years to more than three decades on new charges related to extremism. In the latest such example, a court in Russia sentenced 72-year-old Yevgenia Maiboroda to six years in prison on Monday for posting on VK, Russias version of Facebook, about the number of soldiers killed in Ukraine. The prosecutor claimed she was guilty of political hatred. Bill Browder, a friend of the Kara-Murza family who was formerly the largest foreign investor in Russia before being exiled by Mr Putin, accused the Russian autocrat of publicly torturing Mr Kara-Murza with the prison move. Putin cant control a country with so many dispersed people, so he has to rule by symbolism, he said. He is taking the most high-profile and important political opposition figures and publicly torturing them this sends a message to those that oppose Putin that this is what happens. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is seen via a video link for the first time since being moved to an Arctic penal colony (AP) Ms Kara-Murza said her husband had been moved to this second penal colony because he had been labelled a consistent violator of the rules of serving his sentence. But, she said, they use this accusation against political prisoners very often for absolutely ridiculous reasons. She said, for example, that on two separate occasions, the prison authorities had left with him no option but to break the rules. She explained, in one instance, how they had left his bed linens several metres from his cell door instead of outside his door, as per usual so that he would have to walk out onto the prison floor and break certain rules. When a prisoner leaves his cell, he can only hold his hands behind his back, she explained. But they didnt put those linens in front of his door but across a passage. So, Vladimir had to go out of the cell and cross the passage, and then bend down to pick up the linens. There was a person there with a camera filming it all, who later said he had violated the rule because he was not holding his hands behind his back after leaving his cell. That was written down as a violation. Ms Kara-Murza has not spoken to her husband since last summer. The couples three children, she said, are lucky to speak to their father for five minutes every six months. Asked when she hopes to speak with her husband again, she said: I dont think we will be able to hear him for a while. This special regime does not allow for many phone rights. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The family of one of the three American soldiers killed in a drone strike in the Middle East on Sunday has spoken out to reveal that she was only on her first tour of duty. In an interview with CNN, Spc Breonna Moffetts family said the 23-year-old was nervous and had mixed feelings ahead of her first deployment and didnt know what to expect. Moffett, an Army reservist from Savannah, Georgia, died alongside two other US soldiers, named as Spc Kennedy Sanders, 24, and Sgt William Rivers, 46, following a drone strike on the US Army base known as Tower 22 in Jordan, close to the Syrian border. William Rivers, Breonna Moffett and Kennedy Sanders, who were killed in a drone attack on an outpost in northeast Jordan (via Reuters) At least 34 other US service members were also injured in the attack, which officials have blamed on Iran-backed militants. The Pentagon confirmed the overnight attack likely happened while the victims were in their sleeping quarters. Moffetts parents paid tribute to the 23-year-old on Monday, describing her as a loud, loving person who would light up the room and was always there for everybody. Moffett had enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2019 and deployed in August 2023. She honoured her service, she was always proud to be in the military, her mother, Francine Moffett, said, adding that she had also spent time in the military. She became the second female in the family to join the military, she said of her daughter. She was very proud of herself. I was always very proud of her. Ms Moffetts parents also described the moment they were told she had been killed. It was extremely rough, her father said. We didnt hear of the attack until after we were notified. We were getting ready for church when the military arrived and let us know that it was our baby. Sundays attack marked the first time US troops have been killed by enemy fire in the Middle East since the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel, which started renewed conflict in the Middle East. An Iran-backed militia group known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the deadly strike on Monday. But Irans mission to the United Nations has sought to distance Tehran from the attack, saying: Iran had no connection and had nothing to do with the attack on the US base. It is still being determined which militia group specifically is responsible. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has threatened more attacks if the US keeps supporting Israel. All the US interests in the region are legitimate targets and we dont care about US threats to respond, we know the direction we are taking and martyrdom is our prize, the group said in a statement. President Joe Biden vowed to respond to the attacks, saying US forces would hold those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing. We know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq, he said on Sunday. These service members embodied the very best of our nation: Unwavering in their bravery. Unflinching in their duty. Unbending in their commitment to our country risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism, the president continued. The service members deaths increase domestic pressure on the president over the USs involvement in the Middle East conflict, which has included bombing Iran-backed groups, including Houthi rebel targets in Yemen, to protect international shipping through the Red Sea. The Houthis said they were targeting Israeli ships in solidarity with the Palestinians, and have now extended their missile strikes to include American and British vessels as well. Donald Trump, the likely Republican party nominee for this years presidential election, issued a statement blaming the Biden administration for the growing conflict and claiming that, if he was president [we] would right now have peace throughout the world. Instead, we are on the brink of World War Three, Mr Trump said. There have been 158 attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria since 7 October, though most have not resulted in serious injury or damage to infrastructure and have largely been intercepted by US air defences. While it is unclear why US air defences failed to intercept the drone in Sundays attack, officials said on Monday that US forces may have mistaken an enemy drone for an American one and let it pass unchallenged into the desert base in Jordan. Jordanian officials have denied that the attack happened on their territory, saying it occurred on Syrian territory at the Al-Tanf base. Its no secret that the job of a first responder is anything but easy. Taking calls can mean long hours, time away from family and PTSD. But every day hundreds of men and women in Cumberland County answer those calls. Every week, The Sentinels Sirens for Service feature will aim to show the faces of these people and share their stories. The series focuses on why they became a first responder and highlights a specific call from their service that influenced them and reminds them of why they do what they do. Ryan McClure Agency: Camp Hill Police Department, Cumberland County Special Response Team Title: Patrol officer, team leader and marksman observer Time with company: 10 years with police department, six years with special response team Q: Why did you become a first responder? A: So I kind of owe that to two people in my life, my father and my grandmother. So my father, he was in the Coast Guard before I went to high school and actually he had aspirations of becoming a police officer himself. At that time, it was very hard to get a police officer job, so I remember watching him get up early before his job to run and work out and go to classes after work to prepare, and it just didnt work out for him, but I watched him try to achieve his goal. I know that was something I think that meant a lot to him, a life of service. And then the second person is my grandmother. In high school, I didnt really know what I wanted to do, and then my grandma in just a real nudging way was just like, Hey, why dont you try to become a police officer? You like helping people. As cliche as that sounds, its kind of like the core thing that all police officers want to do is to help people. Q: Can you describe a call that has influenced you? What did that call look like and why did it impact you? A: So in November of 2019, I was actually not working and then at about 1 in the morning, my phone rang activating the county SWAT team, the special response team, to respond to New Cumberland for a shooting involving officers. So as a member of the SWAT team, the SRT, were on call 24/7, so I was at home in bed and then my phone rings that, Hey, you need to respond to New Cumberland for a shooting. I think they said at the time officers had been shot at, so I had to get dressed and go in knowing that some of my fellow officers had been shot at by somebody. How that night went was this individual attempted to assault and kill his girlfriend and then shot at the responding officers ... but that night we were there for seven hours, coldest night of my life. For seven hours, we exhausted all efforts to try to get him to come out, we used technology and threw flash bangs in his yard to try to get him to come out and surrender peacefully, but no response. After seven hours, me and a small team had to go in and ultimately get the guy out. As you can imagine, thats pretty hair-raising. At that time I was on the SWAT team for a few years and Ive been on call outs before, but that was the first one where it really kind of felt real, like you go into the house, theres shattered glass, theres cars with bullet holes in them, theres casings on the ground and you just know that theres someone in that house and we have to go get him. But ultimately we did, he surrendered peacefully, we didnt have to hurt him or anything like that, and I was actually there throughout the process. I was there that day where he was found guilty with some of the officers that were there, and it felt really good to be there from start to finish because I consider a lot of those officers my friends, and it meant a lot to me to be there from start to finish with them. Sirens for Service: Hear what Midstate fire, police and ems workers have to say about their jobs Sirens for Service features John Fogelsanger with Cumberland Valley Hose Sirens for Service features Bob Armstrong with the Shippensburg Fire Police Sirens for Service features Bailey Horning with Vigilant Hose Company #1 Sirens for Service features Leonard Lovejoy with Shippensburg University Police Sirens for Service features Bill Helm with Cumberland Valley Hose Sirens for Service features Chancellor Gray with Shippensburg Area EMS Sirens for Service features Ryan McClure with Camp Hill Police Department Sirens for Service features Melissa Halabuk with Cumberland Valley Hose Sirens for Service features Lauris Maley with the Mechanicsburg Fire Department Sirens for Service features Steve Moffat Jr. with Cumberland Valley Hose Company Sirens for Service features Chris Bixler with the Mechanicsburg Fire Department Sirens for Service features Tom Dombroski with the Upper Allen Police Department Sirens for Service features Gary Neff with the Mechanicsburg Fire Department Sirens for Service features Derek Gilbert with Union Fire Company No. 1 Sirens for Service features Cody Vickroy with New Cumberland Borough Police Department Sirens for Service features Michael McLaughlin with the New Cumberland Borough Police Department Sirens for Service features Pierce Trujillo with Upper Allen Township Fire Department Sirens for Service features Dan Burkett with South Newton Township Volunteer Fire Company Sirens for Service features Jaden Wright with Upper Allen Township Fire Department Sirens for Service features Tony Burkett with South Newton Township Volunteer Fire Company Sirens for Service features Alexandra Brady with Upper Allen Township Fire Department Sirens for Service features Timothy Dyer with the Mechanicsburg Police Department Sirens for Service features Brandon Bressler with Upper Allen Township Fire Department Sirens for Service features Steve Laman with Northeast Fire & Rescue Services Sirens for Service features Robert Weidner with Yellow Breeches EMS Sirens for Service features Robert Weidner with Yellow Breeches EMS Sirens for Service features Rob Richmond with Northeast Fire & Rescue Services Sirens for Service features Jacquie Hower with Yellow Breeches EMS and Upper Allen Fire Department Sirens for Service features Josh Matter with Northeast Fire & Rescue Services Sirens for Service features Corby Sloan with Yellow Breeches EMS Sirens for Service features John Breeding with Northeast Fire & Rescue Services Sirens for Service features Curtis Hall with the Cumberland County Department of Public Safety and New Kingstown Fire Company Sirens for Service features Dale Crossland with Northeast Fire & Rescue Services Sirens for Service features Kendall Snyder with the Cumberland County Department of Public Safety Sirens for Service features Mary Dutchess with Cumberland Goodwill EMS Sirens for Service features Brooke Leizear with the Cumberland County Department of Public Safety Sirens for Service features James Wettrich with Cumberland Goodwill EMS Sirens for Service features Michael Whitzel with Silver Spring Community Fire Company Sirens for Service features Taylor Shearer with Cumberland Goodwill EMS Sirens for Service features Jason Smith with Silver Spring Community Fire Company Sirens for Service features Randy O'Donnell with the Carlisle and Shippensburg boroughs Sirens for Service features Doug McDonald with Silver Spring Community Fire Company Sirens for Service features Eli Cuadro with the Dickinson College Department of Public Safety Sirens for Service features Jonathan House with Silver Spring Community Fire Company Sirens for Service features Robert Fitzkee with Lower Allen Township Police Department Sirens for Service features Jordan Bohn with Silver Spring Community Fire Company Sirens for Service features Nathan Harig with Cumberland Goodwill EMS Sirens for Service features Carol Horn with Silver Spring Community Fire Company Sirens for Service features Cassidy Koch with the Cumberland County Department of Public Safety Sirens for Service features Trenton Wise with Cumberland Goodwill EMS Sirens for Service features Charlie Alleman with Friendship Hose Company Sirens for Service features Kevin Winter with the Silver Spring Township Police Department Sirens for Service features Trent Wenger with Friendship Hose Company Sirens for Service features Katherine "Kitty" Strait with Cumberland Goodwill EMS Sirens for Service features Theo Arndt with Friendship Hose Sirens for Service features EMT Ansley McFarling with Cumberland Goodwill EMS Sirens for Service features Andrew Mellott with Friendship Hose Company Sirens for Service features David Schoonover with Penn Township Volunteer Fire Company Sirens for Service features Adam Lepley with Carlisle Fire & Rescue Services Sirens for Service features Wes Gingrich with Penn Township Volunteer Fire Company Sirens for Service features JoEllen Wiser with Friendship Hose Company Sirens for Service features Sean Ryan with Carlisle Fire and Rescue Services Sirens for Service features Jamie DiMartile with the Carlisle Police Department Sirens for Service features Olie Mick with Penn Township Volunteer Fire Company Sirens for Service features Joseph Todaro with the Carlisle Police Department Sirens for Service features Interior Firefighter Billy Sellers with Carlisle Fire & Rescue Services. Sirens for Service features Jeremy Fox with Cumberland Goodwill EMS For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Gaza humanitarian aid organisation, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) says it is extremely desperate as more countries cut support amid claims its staff were involved in the 7 October attacks. Romania is the latest country to suspend funding to the humanitarian aid group, following in the footsteps of the UK, US, Germany, Italy and Japan. The withdrawal of funds comes after an Israeli intelligence dossier alleged that nearly 200 UNRWA workers are Hamas or Islamic Jihad operatives. The dossier also claims 12 workers crossed into Israel on 7 October when 1,200 people were killed by Hamas gunmen in Israel. About 1.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Gaza and forced to flee to humanitarian shelters, some of which are run by UNRWA (AFP via Getty Images) Since then, more than 26,000 people have been killed in Gaza by Israeli attacks, according to health officials. Another 1.7 million people have been displaced from their homes and have been forced to flee to humanitarian shelters, some of which are run by UNRWA. A spokesperson warned of the consequences of countries withdrawing backing for the organisation. We are extremely desperate, Juliette Touma, the director of communications at UNRWA, told the BBC. It has come at a time when the humanitarian needs in Gaza are growing by the hour. People continue to be displaced. People are hungry. The clock is ticking fast towards famine. We are doing everything possible to avert us from getting towards famine. But this lack of funding that we have been faced with now, when at least 10 of the largest donors have put a temporary pause on the funding, this is going to have very, very serious repercussions on what is, right now, the largest humanitarian operation in Gaza. The agency has sacked nine of its staff over the allegations and says it is investigating. The UN said it was reviewing funding in light of the claims and said no financial support is expected until the end of February. The European Commission will determine upcoming funding decisions for UNRWA in light of the very serious allegations made on 24 January relating to the involvement of UNRWA staff in the heinous 7 October attacks, a statement read. The Commission will review the matter in light of the outcome of the investigation announced by the UN and the actions it will take. The Commission welcomes the information provided by UNRWA as well as the launch of the investigation. No 10 said no aid funding to UNRWA has been scheduled for the coming weeks (PA Archive) The UN said that it expects UNRWA will agree to an audit of the agency and that a review of all staff should be launched. It added that humanitarian aid to Palestinians will continue through partner organisations. Downing Street said 16m has been given to the agency since the Hamas attack on Israel in October, but a spokesperson for the prime minister said no further funding is expected to be released to the agency in the coming weeks. There is a pause in place and we are conducting an investigation, he said. Obviously, we are in contact with our Israeli counterparts and UNRWA as well. My understanding is that we have committed 16m to UNRWA following the Hamas terror attacks, but this was dispersed before the allegations came to light. Im not aware of any remaining UNRWA funding that hasnt been used. In the meantime, were working with a number of other partner organisations, so Unicef, the Red Cross and others, to deliver our uplift of aid into Gaza. The spokesperson said the UK will not be providing any additional funding while this work continues. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An Iranian drug trafficker with intelligence ties to Tehran has been charged with hiring members of the Hells Angels biker group to kill a defector and his female companion now living in the US, according to the Department of Justice. According to a newly unsealed indictment, prosecutors say alleged drug smuggler Naji Sharifi Zindashti conspired with two Canadian nationals identified as Hells Angels members, Damion Patrick John Ryan and Adam Richard Pearson, in an unsuccessful plot to assassinate two residents of Maryland, one of whom had defected from Iran. The two victims of the plot have not been publicly identified. The three men are said to have conspired between December 2020 through March 2021, allegedly using an encrypted messaging service to recruit agents to travel to the US and carry out the killings, according to the DoJ. According to the indictment, one of the Canadian men, Damion Ryan, allegedly wrote that carrying out a murder in the US would be challenging, but he might have someone to do it, and recommended two guys go with proper equipment/ The other Canadian man, Adam Pearson, also vowed to make [an] example of one of the victims by blowing his head clean off his body, the DoJ said. Prosecutors allege Zindashti agreed to pay $350,000 plus $20,000 to cover expenses for the murders, to which Ryan responded, We have a four-man team ready. All three men are charged with one count of conspiracy to use interstate commerce in the commission of murder for hire. Pearson is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a fugitive from justice and one count of possession of a firearm by a non-US citizen unlawfully in the US. An Iranian drug trafficker with intelligence ties to Tehran has been charged with hiring members of the Hells Angels biker group to kill a defector (AP) Prosecutors say Ryan and Pearson are currently imprisoned in Canada on unrelated charges, while Zindashti currently resides in Iran. The Treasury Department said Zindashti is a narcotics trafficker and leader of a network that operates at the behest of Irans Ministry of Intelligence and Security. His network has reportedly been responsible for murders in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Turkey. Zindashtis network has carried out numerous acts of transnational repression, including assassinations and kidnappings across multiple jurisdictions, in an attempt to silence the Iranian regimes perceived critics. The network has also plotted operations in the United States, the Treasury Department said in a statement. The US and UK governments announced joint measures against Zindashtis ring on Monday. To those in Iran who plot murders on US soil and the criminal actors who work with them, let todays charges send a clear message: the Department of Justice will pursue you as long as it takes and wherever you are and deliver justice, the assistant attorney general Matthew Olsen, of the justice departments national security division, said. This is not the first time criminal charges have been brought against people believed to have connections to Iran for threats against perceived opponents of the Iranian government. The Justice Department previously charged three men, in a plot they say originated in Iran, to kill an Iranian American author and activist who has spoken out against human rights abuses in the country, and also brought charges in connection with a failed plot to assassinate John Bolton, the former Trump administration national security adviser. The most recent charges come at a time of simmering tension between the US and Iran, including after a weekend drone strike in northeast Jordan near the Syrian border that killed three American troops and that the Biden administration attributed to Iran-backed militias. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The chilling last message sent by a Canadian-Palestinian citizen journalist reported missing from Gaza has been shared. Mansour Shouman, a father of five, moved to the enclave from Canada in 2022 with his family. His wife and children returned to Canada following the Israeli militarys attacks on Gaza after the 7 October Hamas massacre, but Mr Shouman stayed to help report on what was happening. He last made contact with his team on 21 January and has not been heard from since leading to fears for his safety. Palestinian-Canadian journalist Mansour Shouman last made contact with his team on 21 January (Supplied ) Shadi Sakr, a volunteer in Canada who helps Mr Shouman post clips online, said the journalist was in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis and sent him a video. Please get this back to me quickly, Mr Shouman said in the footage. I dont have a lot of time. In an emotional appeal, his mother recorded a message beseeching the international community to help find her son. She said in a video posted on his page on X: My heart is burning. I want to hear news about him. Please, if any of you know anything about his team, try to tell his team who are trying day and night to look for him. His disappearance comes over a month after Mr Shouman told The Independent of his concerns Israeli forces are targeting Palestinian journalists in Gaza, with several of his colleagues killed in strikes. Mr Shouman, a father of five, moved to Gaza from Canada in 2022 with his family (Supplied ) Sheltering in a tent next to a maternity ward in Khan Younis Nasser hospital, he said on 19 December: If Israel thinks that by doing this to us, they will make us kneel, they are wrong. As a man and as a Muslim, I am instinctively focused on protecting and preserving civilian life in Gaza, he said. Every day Israel strikes us, it puts more light and more fire in people to work harder for freedom. Even after more than 40 days of force, starvation, malnutrition, blackouts, losing loved ones, losing wealth, people say Alhamdulillah (praise God) because we feel like we are the right side of history here. His disappearance comes over a month he told The Independent of his concerns about the alleged targeting of Palestinian journalists (Supplied ) According to reports from workers of relief organisations who Mr Shouman was assisting, he was taken into custody by Israeli troops. Mr Sakr told CBC News: They said they saw him leave the Nasser Hospital to go to Rafah and that he was apprehended on his way by the IDF. Another member of the team in Canada told The Canadian Press that three eyewitnesses said they saw Mr Shouman being taken by the IDF when he was leaving Khan Younis to go to Rafah. The Independent has been unable to verify these reports. The disappearance of Mr Shouman has invoked outrage and concern on social media and on the streets of Canada. A petition demanding the immediate release of Mr Shouman has gathered over 120,000 signatures online, while protests demanding his release took place in Ottawa and Calgary. The Israeli military has yet to comment on Mr Shoumans disappearance but has previously denied targeting journalists and says it makes every effort to avoid harming civilians in its war on Hamas. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Seven more nations, including New Zealand, joined the US and UK in suspending funding to the UNs aid agency in Gaza over allegations that several of its workers participated in the Hamas attack against Israel on 7 October. New Zealand, France, Austria, The Netherlands, Iceland, Romania and Estonia announced they were halting payments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), in a serious setback to the largest humanitarian organisation working in Gaza serving war-hit Palestinian civilians. In a statement on Monday, the European Commission said currently no additional funding to the UNRWA is foreseen until the end of February, indirectly suggesting it will not financially aid the UN agency. It said upcoming funding decisions will be determined in the light of the very serious allegations made on 24 January relating to the involvement of UNRWA staff in the heinous 7 October attacks. The EU commission will then review the matter based on the UN investigations and the actions it takes against those held guilty. This comes two days after the UK said it was immediately halting any aid to the UNRWA as it was appalled by the allegations of its employees involvement in the heinous act of terrorism. The UK is temporarily pausing any future funding of UNRWA whilst we review these concerning allegations, the foreign office said in a statement on Saturday. We remain committed to getting humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza who desperately need it. The UK was joined by Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Finland in the decision to stop providing life-saving aid amid the continuing humanitarian disaster. However, Spain announced that it will not be making any modification in its relations with the UNRWA, breaking away from its European allies on helping the lone agency spearheading the relief efforts in Gaza strip. Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares called the UNRWA an indispensable agency in mitigating the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. He added that the employees accused of participating in operation Al-Aqsa Flood are no more than 12 out of 30,000. About 12 agency employees are thought to be under investigation. UNRWA has 13,000 employees in Gaza, mostly Palestinians. On Saturday, UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini said he was shocked by the decisions taken by Western nations to pull aid funding as famine looms for the population of Gaza amid the continuing Israel-Hamas war. UNRWA lifesaving assistance is about to end following countries decisions to cut their funding to the agency. Our humanitarian operation, on which 2 million people depend as a lifeline in Gaza, is collapsing, he wrote on X. The UN official added: I am shocked such decisions are taken based on alleged behaviour of a few individuals and as the war continues, needs are deepening and famine looms. Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment. This stains all of us. This comes a day after Mr Lazzarini said several UN agency employees were fired and are being investigated over allegations that they participated in the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel. More than 26,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war since the first week of October, according to the Gaza health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties. Nearly 85 per cent of the territorys 2.3 million people have been displaced. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The dispute between the train drivers union, Aslef, and 14 train operators in England is into its third calendar year. With no settlement in sight to the long and bitter row over pay and working arrangements, the union has begun its first strikes for 2024. Train drivers belonging to Aslef are stopping work region-by-region over the course of a week between Tuesday 30 January and Monday 5 February. Thousands of trains will be cancelled on each day. The effect is exacerbated by a nine-day ban on overtime running from 29 January to 6 February. Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, says some members have not had a pay rise for five years and ministers have refused to engage with the union for a year. He told The Independent: Any industrial action is incredibly damaging, but after 18 months out on strike, and after a year with no one in the government or the [train operating] companies talking to us, we are forced to raise the profile of our issues. Rail minister Huw Merriman told The Independent: Strikes just hold the railway back. We believe a fair and reasonable offer is there on the table for Aslef if they put it to their members. These are train drivers that paid an average 60,000 for a 35-hour, four-day week, That pay deal would take them up to 65,000. We hope that they will take the opportunity to take it. Then we can all talk about the positives of rail. Separately, the 14 train operators have reached a tentative agreement with the RMT union that has put an end to walk-outs while talks continue on a local level. But the RMT has called two 48-hour strikes in February and March on the London Overground. These are the key questions and answers. Which rail firms are affected? Aslef is in dispute with the train operators that are contracted by the government to provide rail services. They are: Intercity operators: Avanti West Coast CrossCountry East Midlands Railway Great Western Railway (GWR) LNER TransPennine Express Southeast England commuter operators: C2C Greater Anglia GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink) Southeastern South Western Railway (including the Island Line on the Isle of Wight) Operators focusing on the Midlands and north of England: Chiltern Railways Northern Trains West Midlands Railway ScotRail, Transport for Wales, Transport for London (including the Elizabeth Line), Merseyrail and open-access operators such as Grand Central, Hull Trains and Lumo are not involved. But their services are likely to be extremely crowded on stretches where they duplicate strike-hit companies. What is the strike schedule? Monday 29 January: overtime ban begins. Tuesday 30 January: South Western Railway, Southeastern and GTR (Southern, Gatwick Express, Great Northern and Thameslink). Wednesday 31 January: Northern and TransPennine Express. Thursday 1 February: no strike but overtime ban continues. Friday 2 February: Greater Anglia, C2C and LNER. Saturday 3 February: West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast and East Midlands Railway. Sunday 4 February: no strike but overtime ban continues. Monday 5 February: Great Western, CrossCountry and Chiltern. Tuesday 6 February: no strike but overtime ban continues for a final day. What are the likely effects of the strikes? These predictions are based on latest statements from rail firms and The Independents observation of previous strikes. They should be confirmed before travel. Great Northern (30 January): Shuttle service calling at London Kings Cross and Cambridge only (and probably branded Thameslink) with limited operating hours. Thameslink (30 January): Shuttle service calling at St Pancras, Luton Airport Parkway and Luton only. The firm says its trains will be extremely busy and that queueing systems will be in place. You may not be able to board your chosen service, says Thameslink. If you are planning to travel on one of the last trains of the day, please be aware that, depending on the size of the queue, you may not be able to board a service at all, and no alternative transport options will be provided after the last train departs. Please plan ahead and leave plenty of time to reach your destination. Southern (30 January): No trains except a nonstop shuttle service between London Victoria and Gatwick airport, from 6am to 11.30pm. Gatwick Express (30 January): The Southern airport shuttle, above, is doing the work. Southeastern (30 January): No trains. South Western Railway (30 January): The service is relatively extensive compared with other train operators. Up to four stopping trains per hour between London Waterloo and Woking. Hourly semi-fast trains between Waterloo and both Guildford and Basingstoke. A shuttle will run from Basingstoke to Salisbury every 90 minutes. Two trains per hour will also run between Waterloo and Feltham via Richmond and Twickenham. No trains on the Isle of Wight. Northern (31 January): No trains. The operator says that it expects two key routes to be very busy on 3 February when East Midlands Railway is on strike: Leeds-Sheffield-Nottingham and Sheffield-Manchester. TransPennine Express (31 January): No trains. There will be some alterations to evening services on Tuesday 30 January and to early morning services on Thursday 1 February, the company says. C2C (2 February): No trains. The company warns: Upminster car park will likely become full and close early in the day. Upminster is the eastern end of the District Line of the London Underground, which will be running normally. Greater Anglia (2 February): Limited service linking London Liverpool Street with Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester; Southend Victoria; Cambridge; and Stansted airport. LNER (2 February): Regular trains on core routes linking London Kings Cross with Doncaster, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh. First trains will depart at around 8am, with most journeys finished by 7pm. Leeds will have a limited direct service, but connections are available from Doncaster. Avanti West Coast (3 February): No trains. The operator says: Services on the days either side of the strike will also be affected. East Midlands Railway (3 February): No trains. The train firm warns: No rail replacement bus services will be provided. Other train operators may be running a reduced service due to an overtime ban. West Midlands Railway (3 February): No trains, and a warning that services on Sunday 4 February will see widespread delays and cancellations. Chiltern (5 February): No trains either on the strike day or on the previous day, Sunday 4 February, as the train operator is dependent on drivers working overtime on Sunday to operate any trains at all. The overtime ban means no services will run. CrossCountry (5 February): No trains. Great Western Railway (5 February): On the actual strike day, a core service will run between London Paddington and Oxford, Bath and Bristol, with a link from Bristol to Cardiff. A limited service on branch lines in Devon and Cornwall. The Night Riviera sleeper service from London to Penzance will not run for a number of nights. In addition to the disruption on strike days, trains on adjacent days may be affected. Services on these days are also likely to be extremely busy due to passengers moving their journeys to avoid industrial action. What about the new minimum service levels law? Legislation now allows the transport secretary to stipulate minimum service levels (MSLs) on strike days amounting to 40 per cent of the normal service. The government says the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 aims to ensure that the public can continue to access services that they rely on, during strike action. No train operator is seeking to impose the new law on the train drivers union. LNER said it might do so, and opened consultations, at which point Aslef called a separate five-day strike on LNER alone. Then the train operator said it would not require drivers to work, and the strike was called off. The BBC reports that the prime minister is disappointed that train operators had not implemented minimum service levels. A Downing Street spokesperson said: Yes, its something that we and the public expect them to use. Weve been repeatedly been clear that this legislation is available for train operators to use. The Transport Select Committee has previously warned of potential unintended consequences of the legislation. The Conservative chair, Iain Stewart, said: There is a risk of MSLs worsening worker-employer relations and that, as a result, MSLs could end up making services less reliable. The minimum service level rules do not apply to union bans on non-contractual rest-day working. Is there a worst day? Yes. In terms of sheer number of passengers hit, Tuesday 30 January is the most disruptive. It is aimed at commuters in southeast England, the majority of whom use the affected train operators. Normally Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern, South Western Railway and Southeastern carry around 40 per cent of all passengers. Intercity travellers will be worst affected on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 February, when the main operators on the East Coast and West Coast main lines, plus the Midland main line, will be hit. Sunday 4 February is also likely to be severely disrupted mainly because of the ban on rest-day working. Chiltern Railway, which would normally run trains between London and Birmingham, says no services will run at all due to the overtime ban. Disruption will be heightened by planned engineering work between Birmingham and Wolverhampton on the West Coast main line and between London Kings Cross and Stevenage on the East Coast main line. What will be the wider impact of the overtime ban? The overtime ban alone will cause thousands of cancellations. Aslef says no train operator employs enough drivers to provide the service they promise passengers and businesses they will deliver without asking drivers to work their days off. Sunday is still not part of the working week at a number of train operators, so 4 February will be particularly disrupted by the ban on rest-day working. GWR says: There will be significant disruption to services and customers should travel on alternative days. No trains will operate on long-distance routes between London Paddington and Bristol, South Wales and Exeter/Plymouth/Penzance. Several rail firms have announced pre-emptive cancellations due to the previous overtime ban, as follows: C2C: Severely reduced service at weekends, with many trains also cut on weekdays. Chiltern: Significantly reduced service on most routes, with no trains at all on some branch lines. Services on all routes will finish earlier than usual. No trains will run on Sunday 4 February. Gatwick Express: No trains during the overtime ban. Southern trains will link London Victoria and Gatwick airport throughout the industrial action. London Northwestern Railway/West Midlands Railway: Branch lines between Bletchley and Bedford, Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey, and Leamington Spa and Nuneaton, will be closed on most or all days. Southern: An amended timetable with fewer services will run. Services may start later and finish earlier than usual. Thameslink warns: A reduced frequency amended timetable will be in operation. Some trains may restrict either boarding or leaving trains at certain stations to avoid overcrowding. What if I need to reach an airport? London Heathrow will remain accessible at all times on the Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth Line and the Tube. Passengers using London Gatwick will be significantly affected on the first day of strikes, Tuesday 30 January, when no Gatwick Express nor Thameslink trains will run. But passengers between London and Gatwick will be able to travel on a Southern shuttle service, nonstop between Victoria and the airport. The GWR link from Gatwick to Redhill, Guildford and Reading will run normally on 30 January but not on 5 February. London Stansted will have an hourly skeleton service from the capital on Tuesday 2 February, with service alterations on all the other days of the overtime ban. The link to Norwich will be axed on 2 February, but CrossCountry trains to Cambridge (and on to Birmingham) will still run. On 5 February, though, no CrossCountry trains will run to Stansted airport or anywhere else. Luton airport will remain accessible by rail, at least from London, on all days: on the Thameslink strike day, 30 January, Thameslink will have a reduced service from London St Pancras to Luton Airport Parkway. In addition, the East Midlands Railway link will be running. On 3 February, when no East Midlands Railway services are likely to run, Thameslink will be operating. Southend airport: hourly trains on Friday 2 February with restricted hours. Southampton airport will not be served by South Western Railway on Tuesday 30 January nor by CrossCountry on Monday 5 February. Manchester airport will have a drastically reduced rail service on Wednesday 31 January. With Northern and TransPennine Express drivers on strike, there will be only an hourly link on Transport for Wales to and from central Manchester, Chester and North Wales. Birmingham airport is likely to be inaccessible by rail on Saturday 3 February, except for Transport for Wales from Birmingham New Street. Will Eurostar be affected? No. Trains will continue to run as normal between London St Pancras International and Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. But connecting journeys will be difficult on strike days particularly Tuesday 30 January, when Thameslink and Southeastern are out, and on Saturday 3 February when no East Midlands Railway services are likely to run. What does Aslef say? In an exclusive interview with The Independent, Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: When we get to February, itll be half a decade without a pay rise. What do we do? Do we do nothing? The only thing that is going to get us out of this is a clean deal. Without an agreement, he says: Its going to get messier. Its going to get worse. What do the rail firms say? A spokesperson for Rail Delivery Group, representing the train operators, said: There are no winners from these strikes that will unfortunately cause disruption for our customers. We believe rail can have a bright future, but right now taxpayers are contributing an extra 54m a week to keep services running post-Covid. Aslefs leadership need to recognise the financial challenge facing rail. Drivers have been made an offer which would take base salaries to nearly 65,000 for a four-day week before overtime that is well above the national average and significantly more than many of our customers that have no option to work from home are paid. Instead of staging more damaging industrial action, we call on the Aslef leadership to work with us to resolve this dispute and deliver a fair deal which both rewards our people, and makes the changes needed to make services more reliable.What does the government say? What does the government say? A Department for Transport spokesperson said: Its very disappointing to see Aslef continuing to target those who travel to work, school or important medical appointments by train. Aslef is now the only rail union that is continuing to strike while refusing to put a fair and reasonable offer to its members. The offer that remains on the table and would bring the average train drivers salary up to 65,000. The Aslef leadership should do the right thing and let their members decide their own future, instead of deciding it for them. What does the Labour Party say it would do if elected? Louise Haigh, Labours shadow transport secretary, said: It is a staggering dereliction of duty that the transport secretary hasnt got around the table with the unions to try to resolve it since the Christmas before last. Labour will take an unashamedly different approach to the Tories, and will work with both sides to reach a deal in the interests of passengers and workers. If the transport secretary took this sensible approach then perhaps we wouldnt still be having strikes on our railways. The shadow rail minister, Stephen Morgan MP, has previously said: Labour will bring our railways back into public ownership, as contracts expire, and ensure services work in the interests of the passenger. What are the London Overground strikes about? Pay. More than 300 members of the RMT will stage two 48-hour walkouts on the London Overground on Mondays and Tuesdays two weeks apart: 19-20 February 2024 and 4-5 March 2024. Among those taking action are security, station, revenue and control staff. The RMT said that Arriva Rail London, which has the contract for London Overground, has offered a below inflation pay offer. Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, said: If this dispute cannot be resolved then RMT is more than prepared for a sustained period of industrial action to get London Overground workers the pay rise they deserve. The Independent has contacted the Department for Transport and Arriva Rail London for comment. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A woman who was reported missing by her friends after a day of snowboarding at a ski resort in Lake Tahoe was later found to be trapped inside a ski lift gondola overnight as temperatures dropped below freezing. Monica Laso had opted to ride the gondola down the mountain at Heavenly Ski Resort on Thursday because she was too tired for one more snowboard run, she later told KCRA in an interview in Spanish. So at 5pm, Ms Laso boarded the gondola, but it stopped just minutes later, still suspended in the sky. She yelled for help, but no one could hear her cries. Monica Laso was trapped in a ski gondola, similar to this one, at Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe (Getty Images) I screamed desperately until I lost my voice, Ms Laso said, adding that she did not have her cellphone, so she couldnt call for help either. For 15 hours, the woman rubbed her hands and feet together to fight off the cold. The overnight low temperature was 23 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Ms Lasos friends had reported her missing to the El Dorado County Sheriffs Office when they could not get ahold of her, but it wasnt until the gondola came back down the mountain the following day that crews realized she had been there overnight. I felt very frustrated, she said. Kim George, a battalion chief and spokesperson for South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, told The Associated Press that paramedics responded to the resort at 8.30am on Friday after Ms Laso was discovered in the gondola. She was responsive and alert and declined to be transported to the hospital, Ms George said. In her 23 years with the fire department, weve never responded to anything like that, she said. Im very curious to hear the story. Heavenly Mountain Resort is investigating with the utmost seriousness how the woman got trapped, the resort said in a statement. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our top priority at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Tom Fortune, the resorts vice president and chief operating officer, said. Rosamund Pike hinted at a possible return to theatre more than ten years after her last appearance on stage. The Saltburn star, 45, recalled the buzz she felt performing in plays during her twenties as she spoke to The One Show hosts Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas on Monday, 29 January. Theres nothing like it to feel part of Londons pulse... The hours suit me as well, Pike said as she sat on the sofa next to Helen George. I am looking for something... I do want something to take me back. A son hugged his biological father for the first time as the pair were reunited after 17 years, footage of the emotional reunion shows. Ignaseio Cattlin, from Dallas, Texas, was 17 when he began his search for his biological father. The now-34-year-old's mother moved to the United States from South Korea when she was pregnant, with both parents deciding that their child would be raised in the US. Cattlin searched for his biological father using his name, hometown, university, potential birth year, and potential high school he attended, but couldn't find anything. He travelled to Daejeon, where he showed police a photo of his father and the officer recognised him. Sir Keir Starmer spoke to Iceland staff members at a Warrington store after the supermarket's executive chairman gave his backing to Labour. Richard Walker, who quit the Conservative party last October in a blow to Rishi Sunak, said Sir Keir's party was the right choice for business and voters. The former Tory donor said it was the Conservative party rather than him that had changed. "When I was trying to become a candidate, I was told to pipe down on issues that really matter to me, like the alarming rise of food banks, by very senior people within the party," Mr Walker told BBC Breakfast. A monkey which escaped from a wildlife park in Scotland two days ago has been spotted again as efforts to recapture him continue. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) said keepers are responding to a sighting of the Japanese Macaque close to the town of Kinguisse on Tuesday morning (30 January). Thermal imaging drones are being used in the hunt for the monkey, which found a way out of its enclosure at Highland Wildlife Park. People in the area are being urged to bring in any food that is stored outside to encourage the monkey to return to the park when it is hungry, and have been advised not to approach the animal. A shooting in Charlottesvilles Belmont neighborhood Monday night left one man with life-threatening injuries. No suspect has been identified. The citys police have described the incident as isolated and targeted. Anybody that has information, we really urge them to come forward and speak out, police spokesman Kyle Ervin told The Daily Progress Tuesday. Authorities said a 42-year-old Albemarle County man arrived at University of Virginia Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. While he was severely injured, he told officers he had been able to drive himself to the hospital. Officers were dispatched to the scene of the reported shooting near the intersection of Brainbridge Street and Carlton Avenue around 8:45 p.m. Monday. At the scene, police found multiple shell casings, according to Ervin. By the time of officers arrival, the scene had been cleared, Ervin said. We believe this to be an isolated and targeted incident, Ervin told The Daily Progress. This means the individuals involved most likely knew each other, but the police cannot confirm that until they are able to speak with the victim, according to Ervin. The victim was still receiving treatment for his injuries Tuesday, he said. Ervin said the police department will update the public when officers are able to gather more information. Anyone with information of their own or video footage of the incident, is encouraged to call the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at (434) 977-4000. The nephew of jailed former president Pedro Castillo has turned himself into police after nearly two years on the run. Fray Vasquez, 33, has been remanded in custody for 24 months while he is investigated for alleged corruption, Peruvian police confirmed on Monday (29 January). General Victor Zanabria, General Commander of the Peruvian National Police, said Vasquez was detained after he turned himself into police in the Puno region. Vasquez boarded a police plane which landed in Callao. Castillo began his government in 2021 and was removed on December 7, 2022 after attempting to dissolve the Parliament and rule by decree. Castillo is in prison for three years while being investigated for corruption and rebellion. A Ukrainian UN ambassador confronted his Russian counterpart moments after Moscow launched its invasion, footage from an emergency Security Council meeting shows. Resurfaced footage from February 2022, featured in the new BBC documentary Putin vs the West, shows Sergiy Kyslytsya pleading with Vasily Nebenzya to call Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. "Say on the record that at this very moment your troops do not shell and bomb Ukrainian cities, that your troops do not move in the territory of Ukraine," Mr Kyslytsya said. A High Court judge has directed that a challenge to a decision to probe complaints about how Google processes personal data should be heard on notice to the Data Protection Commission (DPC). Google Ireland claims that the DPC's inquiry is flawed and has brought judicial review proceedings aimed at quashing the decision to start an inquiry under the 2018 Data Protection Act. The DPC commenced its single complaint inquiry last October on foot of six separate complaints made against the Irish-based supplier of Google's services in the European Economic Area by consumer agencies in Spain, France, Slovenia, Norway, and Greece and the Czech Republic. The DPC's inquiry concerns the examination and assessment of issues including if Google has complied with its transparency obligations regarding the processing of personal data as part of the registration process when setting up a Google account and the consents given by users during the sign-up'. The inquiry also concerns Google's compliance with various articles of GDPR law. The inquiry further proposes to probe whether the consent obtained through key choices presented to individuals in relation to web and App activity, YouTube history, and ad personalisation, at sign up satisfies various GDPR requirements. Represented by Paul Gallagher SC and Caren Geoghegan SC, Google claims the decision is flawed on several grounds including that the DPC failed before establishing the inquiry if the complaints were validly made or are admissible. Google also claims that the DPC failed to verify the Google account identifier, such as the email accounts, of each of the data subjects making the complaints. It is also claimed that the decision to commence the inquiry was made in breach of Google Ireland's right to fair procedures and that there was a failure to give reasons for its assessment that the complaints are such that they allow the DPC to open an inquiry. In its action, Google seeks various orders, including one quashing the decision of October 23 to open the inquiry. Ms Justice Niamh Hyland said she was not prepared to grant Google permission at this stage to bring its proceedings against the DPC. She directed that the 'leave' application be heard in the presence of lawyers for the DPC. Putting the application on notice may help to expedite the proceedings, the judge added. The Government must do more to help small retailers cope with increases in labour costs, the managing director of convenience store chain Centra has said. Ian Allen estimates said changes to the minimum wage, sick pay and leave entitlements are pushing up employment costs by around a quarter in the average Centra outlet, as he unveiled record-breaking 2023 sales and plans for 20 new stores and 500 new jobs. The cost of doing business has just gone off the charts, really, he said. When we look at the cost pressures, they are obviously external in nature but equally government policy-related. He said the 250m business support fund in Budget for this year is just insignificant, completely. We want government to do more here, he said. We want support. We fully support the idea of all of our communities being served, getting a fair standard of living. The issue we face is that the cumulative effect of everything that the Government has introduced. What we want are policies to help us transition through that. Despite cost pressures, Centra plans to open 20 new stores this year, creating 500 jobs, around half of them in the greater Leinster area, Mr Allen said. The plans are part of a 27m investment that includes a revamp of 40 existing stores and the cost of bringing in the new deposit return scheme, which will be live in 320 Centra locations around the country from Thursday. Centra, which is owned by SuperValu operator Musgrave, currently employs around 12,000 people in its 496 Irish outlets. Mr Allen said the business hopes to grow its revenues by around 5pc this year, following a record 2.1bn in sales last year which was around 6pc above the previous year. He said Centra also hopes to drop the prices of various household staples but is not ruling out price hikes if costs mount. Were constantly and still getting price-increase requests from suppliers now, Mr Allen said. Its at a level that is significantly lower than it was, but it hasnt stopped, by any means. Our plan is to absorb as much of that as we can possibly, before we pass it on to the consumer. And our plan is as prices drop, as commodities drop and we are seeing some of that we will pass those fully on to consumers. Non-bank lender Finance Ireland is cutting some of its mortgage rates. Cuts of up to 0.45 percentage points are being introduced across its suite of three-year and five-year fixed rate products. The changes are Finance Irelands first mortgage rate cuts since the European Central Bank (ECB) started increasing its base rate in July 2022 and reflect lower market funding rates in recent weeks. However, there is not cut in its variable rate, which mortgage holders go to when they come off a fixed rate. Last June it increased its variable by 0.25 percentage points, just a month after announcing a previous rise. That move took its variable to between 6.25pc and 6.65pc, depending on the loan to value. That makes Finance Irelands variable rate some of the highest in this market, outside of those charged by vulture funds, in decades. Finance Ireland said today it will continue to keep rates under review with a view to passing on to customers the benefit of lower market funding rates and bringing greater competition to the Irish mortgage market. Finance Ireland is also launching a new seven-year fixed rate product, with rates starting at 5.35pc for customers with a loan-to-value (LTV) of less than 60pc. A Finance Ireland spokesman said: The mortgage rate cuts were announcing today show our commitment to giving customers the benefit of lower market funding rates and enhanced competition in the market. Irish consumers need more competition and choice and well continue to keep our rates under review to make our offering as competitive and as attractive as possible. The new lower rates and the new seven-year fixed rates will apply to drawdowns taking place on or after Thursday, February 22. Mortgage broker Michael Dowling of Dowling Financial in Dublin said the Finance Ireland rate cuts are welcome. But he said the new rates offered by Finance Ireland are not competitive. The cheapest comparable are nearly 2 percentage points better, on average. Irelands housing crisis, high cost of living and record on shell companies were raised during a Brussels hearing on whether to locate a new EU agency in Dublin. Finance Minister Michael McGrath defended the countrys bid to win the EUs new anti-money laundering authority (AMLA) on Tuesday, going up against ministers from eight other member states. MEP Clare Daly indicates EU crime agency should go to country with good US and UK relations Usually outspoken critic of Western powers says AMLA host country needs strong relationships with "key partners outside EUMs Daly said she is backing Government bid despite Ireland being a tax haven Irish MEP Clare Daly Sarah Collins Tue 30 Jan 2024 at 18:33 Independent MEP Clare Daly has criticised Latvias suitability for hosting a new EU agency, suggesting it lacks the skills and conditions needed for the role. Government aware of farmers abusing system to meet stocking-rate limits Teagasc nitrates expert Eddie Burgess said last year that a reduction in the limits under Irelands nitrates derogation from 250kg N/ha to 220kg may not have a positive impact on water quality trends. Photo: Roger Jones The average cattle farmer exporting slurry to comply with nitrates regulations is transporting an estimated 54 tanker-loads worth almost 4,000 annually, according to a Farming Independent analysis. The figures draw into question the integrity of the States implementation of the Nitrates Directive over many years and highlights growing concerns over what has been described as fraudulent slurry movements. According to Eddie Burgess, a nitrates expert with Teagasc, stakeholders are aware the movement of slurry has been open to abuse and that advisors are being put in a compromising position to accommodate such requests. Some farmers have been exporting slurry between holdings on paper, but not in reality in order to meet stocking-rate limits imposed under the nitrates regulations. Mr Burgess told the Farming Independent that this uneven distribution of nutrients is one of the most significant factors influencing water quality. Distribution of nutrients leaves a lot of scope for improvement, which will help water quality, he said. Factors that are leading to this are fraudulent movement of organic manures to reach whole farm stocking rates, farm fragmentation, and location of slurry storage relative to silage ground. Mr Burgess last year advocated that a reduction in the limits under Irelands nitrates derogation from 250kg N/ha to 220kg may not have a positive impact on water quality trends. There are farmers at 250kg doing everything right, not causing a problem to water quality and they should be allowed to continue, he said. Water quality is deteriorating because there are farmers not in a derogation supposedly exporting slurry, not exporting, and not managing the slurry properly, that are causing a problem. Its not the sole factor, but its one of the big ones. Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 30th The Teagascs nitrates expert believes that stakeholders such as advisors and Government departments have all been aware of these fraudulent practices allowing farmers to circumvent limits and maintain production. Its obvious that stakeholders are aware that the movement of slurry has been open to abuse, he said. Were seeing a gradual tightening of the rules and thats likely to continue with the movement of slurry notification to be in line with when the actual movement takes place and a greater rate of inspections on those farms in the very near future. Mr Burgess also said that farmers requesting these on paper slurry exports had put advisors in a difficult position. If a farmer comes in and theyre going to be penalised, youre in a compromising position as an advisor. "Are you going to help the farmer avoid a significant financial penalty and facilitate a paper movement that is detrimental to water quality or are you going to stand on higher ground and say look you cant be doing that and Im not going to facilitate that, he said. And if you do, the farmer will just say good luck, thats fair enough, I appreciate you cant do that, and hell go and someone else will do it, or some will do it for themselves. Department of Agriculture data shows that in 2022, 3.6 million cubic metres of cattle slurry was exported off 5,909 farms. Farming Independent analysis shows that when this 3.6m cubic metre figure is turned into gallons (791.9m gallons) and divided by a common slurry tanker load of 2,500 gallons, it gives the total necessary movements of slurry at 316,755.7 loads. When divided by the number of exporting farmers (5,909), it equates to almost 54 tanker-loads exported from each farm. Of the 5,909 holdings that exported slurry in 2022, approximately one-quarter were farmers that applied for a nitrates derogation that year. In response to a series of queries, the Department of Agriculture said: DAFM, the Nitrates Expert Group and the Agriculture Water Quality Working Group have all identified the need for better compliance and enforcement regarding the movement of livestock manures between holdings. As part of the interim review of the 5th Nitrates Action Programme, the Nitrates Expert Group have recommended that landowners should be required to report slurry movements closer to real time, allowing Local Authorities undertake inspections to verify these movements have taken place. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine expects to shortly receive the Agriculture Water Quality Working Groups recommendations regarding the Interim Review. "Both groups recommendations will be considered before any proposed changes to the current system are finalised. The Farming Independent understands that this real-time reporting will require farmers to log all slurry movements within a week of its occurrence. Sources told the Farming Independent if the level of slurry that was supposed to have been exported off farms in previous years had actually taken place, the countrys soil fertility levels would have fallen through the floor. The Farming Independent also understands that Teagasc is pushing to have a campaign which focuses on improving water quality. A recent high-level meeting brought management from across the organisation together to try and coordinate this campaign. It is hoped this will concentrate focus on putting the right measures in place to help improve water quality in advance of the conclusion of the current Nitrates Action Programme in two years time and the Water Framework Directive at the end of 2027. Currently, movement of livestock manure between holdings must be recorded and verified online on agfood.ie. In line with Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) procedures, as part of the control process, unverified movements are considered not to have taken place, i.e. the organic manure is considered to have remained on the holding of origin. The onus is on both the exporting and the importing farmers to ensure that movement details are correctly recorded, submitted and verified online by the prescribed deadline of December 31. French farmers take to the A6 highway near Ormoy, south of Paris, yesterday amid nationwide protests called by several farmers unions on pay, tax and regulations. Photo: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images Widespread farmer unrest and protests across Europe are a warning to the Government, new IFA President Francie Gorman said after French farmers blocked major highways to Paris yesterday. The protests in France, Germany and Belgium reflect farmer concerns about changes to regulations that impact on their livelihoods. In particular, the removal of subsidies on agri-diesel. "If that happened here, farmers would certainly be on the streets, Gorman said in a statement to the Farming Independent. He said there was a message from the unrest across Europe for the Government that proper engagement and negotiations are needed with farmers. We have a number of key meetings coming up and I hope to see a change in approach from this Government. Negotiation will always be my starting point. However, with the support of our democratically elected National Council and our members from around the country, I will be prepared to do whatever it takes to deliver for farmers, he said. ICMSA President Denis Drennan said Irish farmers would feel every bit as frustrated and disregarded as their colleagues in France and Germany. Irish farmers would never have had the very aggressive street tendencies of some of our continental colleagues, but thats not to say we feel any less passionate about the combination of cowardice and incoherence that has been the hallmark of both EU and Irish Government policy towards its farmers for decades now, said Drennan. No one can follow the logic being employed at EU or national level anymore. They cant follow it because there is no evidence of it. Farmers have had enough. "They are being restricted out of existence, while corporations push the Commission for trade deals that import cheaper, lower-standard food from cheaper, lower-standard producers. The farmer anger that we are seeing in more and more member states is absolutely felt here and will manifest itself, whether on the streets or at the ballot boxes. The French Government is battling to try and contain nationwide protests from farmers, who are demanding better pay and living conditions. Belgian farmers also began a protest yesterday, with many farmers across Europe complaining that the EU is not doing enough to help them in the face of international competition and globalisation. France's farming Minister Marc Fesneau said he wants a decision this week to change EU environmental regulations regarding agricultural surfaces, which have to remain fallow under new biodiversity rules, in order to help the country's farmers. Fesneau said one area of contention which France would look to change in order to help the country's farmers was an EU nature law passed last year. The European Parliament voted then to pass a fiercely contested law to restore degraded natural ecosystems. Farmers will be able to appeal Department decisions such as fines or penalties related to schemes to a new panel. Photo: Getty After a seven-year wait, last week, the government published legislation to put in place an Agriculture Appeals Review Panel. It comes after a review of the agriculture appeals system in 2017, which enables farmers to appeal Department decisions such as fines or penalties related to schemes. The University of Virginia Alumni Associations trust that provides grant funding to initiatives within the UVa community has announced a new package of 17 grants totaling $1.4 million. The grantees projects include summer internships with the Department of African American and African Studies, enhancing cybersecurity education and skilled apprenticeship programs for local middle and high school students. The $1.4 million is just barely a record figure for the charitable group, according to Executive Director Brent Percival; the trust hit roughly $1.4 million last year as well. As were the 17 recipients who were selected by the board of trustees from a pool of 123 letters of inquiry, Percival said. The thing is looking at what is the best investment to bring about greatest progress for university, really going to engage the university, and enhance the student experience, he told The Daily Progress. Put simply, whats going to be the biggest bang for the buck. Some of the grantees who received the most buck were The World at Your Doorstep, Democracys Future in Your Hands program, which was granted $100,000 to create new courses and research partnerships focused on the future of democracy; Sports Performance Rehabilitation Integrating Neuromuscular Training was granted $120,000 to reduce re-injury rates and help rehabilitate athletes post-knee surgeries; and a coalition of researchers received $200,000 to study how early-life sensory exposure after pre-term births can affect development. It wasnt easy, and there were so many great ideas, said Percival. The thing we were really looking for is a project with a clear beginning and end date and how new, novel and relatable is this. It doesnt get much more novel than artificial intelligence. Hudson Golino, an associate professor in UVas department of psychology, began using artificial intelligence three years ago to study a persons ability to differentiate between real news and AI-generated fake news. Along with his wife, associate professor of psychology Mariana Teles, and two professors from the McIntire School of Commerce, Reza Mousavi and Jingjing Li, Golino created UVai Vanguard, an initiative focused not only on studying artificial manipulation but working toward making the public less susceptible to fake news. The coalition created the first metric that can measure a persons susceptibility to misinformation, the Misinformation Susceptibility Test. But Golino is only just getting started. With $112,870 from the Jefferson Trust, he will be able to afford a specific computer set to run advanced software, collect otherwise expensive data online and promote the programs research findings at national and international scientific conferences. This wasnt going to be possible, it requires good seed funding, Golino told The Daily Progress. We also want to pay for a team of graduate students, which wouldnt be possible without the funds. Though the common perception of AI in relation to academics usually involves students using ChatGPT to write last-minute papers, UVai Vanguard will use AI as tutors for one of Teles introductory courses. We want to train a specific AI robot or tutor to learn the content of the class and all the technical aspects, Golino said. We want to give students access to an AI assistant specifically designed for that course to help students navigate content and learn more about the concepts. The robot tutor will be in the classroom beginning in either next semester or fall 2025, but Golino hopes to start work on other research projects as soon as next week. He is planning a study of using generative AI to identify emotions from videos, specifically analyzing how emotions vary throughout speeches given by politicians to better understand leaders all over the world. As avant-garde as this research is, it requires significant funding. Golino, though, emphasized the ease of the application process and working with the Jefferson Trust. As a researcher and scientist, the process of applying for funding was so different in terms of efficiency and how practical the process is, he said. You dont need to write a lot, it does not ask for a lot of details. Its a good model to fund science. Percival said that the simplicity of the application is rooted in the level of trust he already has for all of the applicants. It is a core belief of the trust that we have a simple process, because we dont want complexity in the process to keep us from seeing the next great idea, he said. We want to see every great idea at UVa come to fruition. If we get bogged down in a difficult process, were in trouble. The final component of the grant process includes a five-minute presentation during which applicants get an opportunity to persuade the board of trustees, face to face, to invest in their idea. For her five-minute presentation, Lisa Shutt ceded some of her time to two of her students. Beginning more than a year ago, the associate professor for the Department of African American and African Studies partnered her course, Engaging Local Histories: River View Farm, with the Ivy Creek Foundation. The foundation is an organization based in Albemarle County that looks after what was previously known as River View Farm, which was formerly a community of Black farmers, craftspeople and businessmen. After a successful spring semester, Shutt, along with two of her students, Taylor Whirley and Terrell Pittman, decided to create a summer internship program to carry on work the students began during the course. Whirley and Pittman even helped pitch the project to a room full of roughly 50 donors. Its intimidating, but they just shined, Shutt told The Daily Progress. It was really clear to everyone what a deeply moving experience they had in the class and how they wanted other students to experience that as well. Theyre the ones who sold it and demonstrated what a transformative type of experience this internship could be. With the $98,800 that the Jefferson Trust contributed to Shutts course and program she plans to fund three years of summer interns. With a cohort of two to three students each summer, the interns will conduct individual and group research projects on topics the Ivy Creek Foundation has identified, create new exhibits and signage as well as engage with the public through leading tours around the property. The students felt like they didnt have enough time to do everything they wanted to do, said Shutt. There was not enough time during the school year to dig into all of the research. Theres just so much information students can learn. IBEC, the business lobby group, raised major concerns over the proposed powers of the new agri-food regulator and put significant pressure on Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to remove key amendments to the legislation underpinning the new office. In a series of letters to the Minister obtained by the Farming Independent under a Freedom of Information request, IBEC CEO Danny McCoy said the new agri-food regulator would have sweeping new powers to require businesses to disclose commercially sensitive business and employment information. They think Im a moron: How heavy-metal loving Lord Dunsany has turned his Meath estate into a giant biodiversity experiment 10:20 Drunken man caught with toy gun on OConnell Street in Dublin remains in custody The suspect was detained by officers on Dublins main throughfare yesterday afternoon Gardai at the scene last night Niall Donald Tue 30 Jan 2024 at 11:00 An intoxicated man arrested in possession of a toy gun in Dublin city centre remains in custody this morning, a garda spokesman has confirmed. 21-year-old spent 17 hours on a trolley Barry Cleary and his wife Melanie with a photo of their daughter Eve outside the Four Courts today (Photo: Collins Courts) The family of Eve Cleary have said they finally have peace after settling a High Court action over the death of their 21-year-old daughter hours after she was discharged from University Hospital Limerick (UHL) and told to go home and rest. Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said the suspension of funding for a relief agency in Gaza could be catastrophic, and added he will raise the issue with other countries. Mr Martin said the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was an essential linchpin and to remove funding during the Israeli offensive in Gaza would be devastating. He said that he understood concerns about recent allegations relating to agency employees, but there needed to be a sense of perspective about the number of employees involved. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said it had terminated contracts with several employees and ordered an investigation after Israel provided information alleging they played a role in the Hamas attack on October 7. The US State Department has said the allegations relate to 12 employees. The UK, the US, Australia, Italy and Canada temporarily paused funding for UNRWA, which is playing a central role in providing aid for Gazans amid the Israeli offensive in the enclave. Asked about the funding pause, Mr Martin said: UNRWA is the key humanitarian intervention for decades and ever since the Nakba, as Palestinians would call it. UNRWA had been supporting Palestinian refugees in Jordan, in the West Bank, in Gaza, for decades now, it is the essential linchpin of economic support, humanitarian support in the form of food, healthcare supports in terms of health centres and hospitals. When I was in Gaza, it was UNRWA who were supporting the primary school system, and to pull that out now would be catastrophic in the context of a terrible war. So our impulse is fundamentally a humanitarian impulse, realising the enormity of the UNRWA contribution to basic necessities of life in Gaza. To pull away that now, I think, would be devastating for Gazans and devastating for ordinary people living in Gaza. I cant understand how we could contemplate it, to be honest, from a humanitarian point of view. Asked if he would raise the issue during meetings with the UK and the US, Mr Martin said: I will be advocating with whomever I meet, yes, for the restoration of support to UNRWA. Asked whether it would be raised during St Patricks Day events in March, the Foreign Affairs Minister said: I would hope it will be restored before then. Mr Martin said he had no issue with the European Union reviewing the situation as long as aid keeps flowing. I have met Philippe Lazzarini on a number of occasions. He has asked Irelands assistance in the past to endeavour to make UNRWA sustainable into the future from a financial perspective. I understand the concerns, but I do believe he will deal with it, he will deal with the issues as they have arisen, but in my view, given the size of the organisation 30,000 people altogether in UNRWA, 13,000 working in Gaza there has to be a sense of perspective in terms of whats been alleged and the numbers involved. He said what happened on October 7 was a heinous, appalling act of inhumanity, but people in Gaza are starving and children are being killed. We want the violence to stop, we want a humanitarian ceasefire. But above all, when we met with the Arab states last week at the Foreign Affairs Council, they repeatedly said to us at the end, Can you get more trucks in, we just need aid, we need help. A woman who was killed after being struck by a bus at Victoria Station in London has been named as 56-year-old Catherine Kathleen Finnegan from Co Galway. Ms Finnegan died in the incident early yesterday morning when the Number 13 bus crashed into a shelter at the busy station. Her family this evening released a moving tribute to their beloved daughter, sister, partner, most adored auntie and treasured friend. She will be remembered as a very unique lady who had the fast Irish wit and who made her family and friends so very proud of her bright, clever personality, they said in a statement. She was a whirlwind in any room and lit up this world with her energy, enthusiasm for life and joy. She will be forever in our hearts. Members of the emergency services battled to save her life but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Metropolitan police units, as well as officers from British Transport Police and the London Ambulance Service attended the scene. A London Ambulance spokesperson said it sent two ambulance crews and a medic in a fast-response car. We also dispatched London's Air Ambulance and treated three people at the scene. "One person was taken to hospital and another was assessed and discharged. Unfortunately, despite our teams' best efforts, one person was pronounced dead at the scene. London Metropolitan Police is appealing for witnesses after the fatal incident. We were called at 08:59hrs on Monday, 29 January to reports of a collision involving a bus and a pedestrian outside London Victoria Railway Station. The pedestrian, a 56-year-old woman from South London, died at the scene. Her family have been informed and our thoughts are with them. The driver of the bus, a woman aged 46, was also taken to hospital. She has since been discharged from hospital. Serious collision detectives are carrying out enquiries to establish what happened. Any witnesses who can help the investigation are asked to call 0044 208 543 5157 quoting CAD 1417/29Jan, the London Met spokesman said. The station was cordoned off after the incident and a blue forensic tent placed over the scene. A large black tarpaulin was then placed around the perimeter. London's mayor Sadiq Khan said he had been told of the tragic news. My thoughts are with the bereaved family, it's really important that we allow them to be informed first about this tragedy. There is a full investigation under way. I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say our thoughts and prayers are with this person's family, he told reporters. In August 2021 a woman from Kent was killed at the same station when she was hit by a bus after the driver pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. Melissa Burr (32) died when a bus driver shunted into a stationary bus when he pressed the accelerator in error. The stationary bus then jumped forward and hit Ms Burr who subsequently died from multiple injuries. The driver later in court admitted causing Ms Burr's death by careless driving. Granard tragedy 40 years on: I was the same age as Ann Lovett when she died, her death started a conversation Eavan Murray speaks to three women who were the same age as Ann Lovett when she died they explain the impact her death had on them then, and how this young girl from Granard changed the conversation in Ireland Women who were the same age as tragic Ann Lovett when she died tell of how her death impacted them Eavan Murray Tue 30 Jan 2024 at 03:30 Forty years after the death of Ann Lovett, her hometown of Granard in Co Longford still carries the pain of an almost unspeakable tragedy. She died after giving birth alone to a stillborn baby boy, Patrick, beside a grotto on a steep hill overlooking the town. It was a cold and wet day. She was 15 years old. A family photo from rip.ie of 24 year old Danielle Creighton from Tallaght, who died on 21st October 2020. Picture Collins Dublin The HSE has issued an apology to the family of a young psychiatric patient who took her own life while being treated at a high observation unit at Tallaght University Hospital four years ago. Danielle Creighton (24) of Glenshane Grove, Tallaght, died by suicide while under the care of doctors at the HSE-run Aspen psychiatric unit at TUH on October 21, 2020. An inquest into her death at Dublin District Coroners Court heard concerns voiced by her family about the care she received as a psychiatric patient. In a statement, the HSEs head of service for Dublin South, Kildare and West Wicklow Community Healthcare, Mary OKelly, expressed regret and sadness at the young womans death. Ms OKelly unreservedly apologised for the standard of care provided to Danielle which she acknowledged was not the standard which was considered appropriate. The deceaseds mother, Rhoda Creighton, told the hearing on Monday that her daughter had been transferred to TUH from St Jamess Hospital on October 20, 2020. However, she complained that she had not been told that Danielle had also tried to take her own life while a patient in St Jamess on the day before her actual suicide. Mr Creighton also claimed that her daughter was being monitored every 30 minutes, when she understood that she was to be observed on a 24-hour basis. Danielle was left on her own, she claimed. However, the inquest heard that continuous CCTV monitoring was available after Danielle was placed in an isolation ward within the psychiatric unit at TUH under hospital protocols while she was being tested for Covid-19. The inquest heard evidence from a number of psychiatric nurses that Danielle appeared anxious and paranoid on her admission to TUH. A staff nurse, Ciara Shields, said she had explained to Danielle on the morning of October 21, 2020, that she would have to stay in her room until the results of her Covid test came back after she had complained of being bored and not having a TV. At midday, she appeared settled when telling the nurse all good things about her boyfriend and family. Ms Shields said she had not eaten her lunch but had explained to staff it was because she was a vegetarian. The nurse said she went down to collect food and other items from the patients mother around 2.30pm with whom she spoke for around 10 minutes. Ms Shields said she was in absolute shock when she discovered what had happened as Danielle had appeared quite settled and pleasant throughout the day. A clinical nurse manager at TUH, Brian McMahon, gave evidence that the patient was not in her bedroom when he went to tell her at around 2.50pm that her Covid test was negative and she could move more freely around the unit. Mr McMahon said he called a female colleague so that they could check the bathroom. He described finding Danielle in an unresponsive state on the floor of the bathroom with marks on her neck. Mr McMahon said he started CPR on the patient after failing to detect a pulse but she was formally pronounced dead a short time later. A psychiatric registrar who examined Danielle in St Jamess Hospital, Mawada Babiker, confirmed that the patient had tried to take her own life while in its emergency department. Dr Babiker said she believed Danielle had experienced a drug-induced psychotic episode for which she required hospital treatment and she had arranged for her transfer to TUH. The witness said the deceased believed she was being persecuted by a group of people which she had linked to two individuals she had bullied when in primary school. Dr Babiker said Danielle thought these people wanted to kill her and she would rather go out on her terms. Another psychiatrist, Ciara OConnor, who examined the patient on her admission to TUH, said Danielle believed bad things had been happening for a number of months. Dr OConnor said she had admitted smoking joints of cannabis several times a week. However, she said Danielle was glad to be in hospital as she felt safe. While she had suicide ideation, Dr OConnor said she had no active plan to end her life. Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 30th A consultant psychiatrist at TUH, Thomas McMonagle, said the deceased had been placed under his care although he had not seen her before she died. Dr McMonagle told the coroner, Aisling Gannon, that medical staff had become more reassured about her condition while she was under their care and her actions were out of kilter with her clinical presentation. The psychiatrist said he had a bitter sense of regret over what happened but was uncertain if the outcome would have been any different if he had examined her. Dr McMonagle also stated that procedures in the unit had changed as a result of Danielles death which he remarked had been the subject of a considerable matter of soul searching within the HSE. Offering her condolences to the deceaseds family on a very distressing experience, Ms Gannon returned a verdict of death by suicide with psychosis as a contributory factor. Danielles father, Darren Creighton, who did not attend the inquest, had previously claimed in a newspaper interview that he believed that the violent death of her only sibling was a factor in her suicide. Her brother, Dale, was assaulted on a footbridge over the N81 Tallaght Bypass between Greenhills Road and St Dominics Road in the early hours of January 1, 2014 in a prolonged attack that lasted 14 minutes. He died in hospital the following day from blunt force injuries to his face and head. Seven young people including one female were subsequently convicted of offences in relation to Dales death with five pleading guilty to manslaughter, one pleading guilty to violent disorder and another pleading guilty to possession of a knife. Helplines: If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, click here for more information Protesters were at gates of meeting venue warning against a sell-out Mr Donaldson arrived at the Larchfield estate near Lisburn shortly before 7.20pm for the short-notice gathering of the DUPs 130-strong executive. Around 50 protesters assembled at the gates of the venue, many carrying posters and banners warning against a DUP sell-out. Some shouted at DUP members as they drove into the grounds of the venue. Efforts by the DUP hierarchy to keep details of the meeting secret appeared seriously undermined when Jamie Bryson, a loyalist activist and vocal opponent of the mooted deal, posted on X what he said were live updates from the confidential briefing. The posts included details of apparent attempts to find out who was leaking the information to Mr Bryson. The party has been using a veto power to block Stormonts devolved institutions for two years in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements which have created trade barriers between Britain and Northern Ireland. It has been involved in protracted talks with the UK government aimed at securing concessions on the arrangements that would address its concerns around trade and sovereignty. The DUP appeared last night to be approaching a final call on the British governments proposed measures. Before the executive meeting, the DUP leader was at the partys headquarters at Dundela House in Belfast, where a number of his MPs and peers were in attendance. He declined to comment to waiting reporters as he left to head to the Larchfield estate. Earlier in the day, he met party MLAs at Stormont. If Mr Donaldson presses for acceptance of the governments proposals and a Stormont return, he is expected to face stiff opposition from some unionists inside and outside his party. They believe the boycott should only end once all economic barriers created by Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol, and the subsequent Windsor Framework, are removed. While the deal being offered by the UK government will seek to reduce red tape and offer additional measures aimed at strengthening Northern Irelands ties with Britain, they will not result in the axing of the EU and the UKs jointly agreed protocol and framework. Last week, in an impassioned speech at Westminster, Mr Donaldson said he had received threats amid the speculation over an impending deal. The DUP has reported the incidents to the police. Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he hoped to see the return of the power-sharing institutions, but added that he wanted to give the DUP space to hold the meeting and reach a decision. He said: I respect the fact that they are meeting and having internal discussions; theyve had discussions with UK government on an ongoing basis for the last number of months and so we all know whats involved and we all know the details here. So its really a matter for the DUP to meet. I want to give them the space now to have their meeting. DUP peer and former Stormont speaker Willie Hay said last nights meeting was to update grassroot members by the party leader of where were at with the talks with the government. Mr Hay criticised unionists who were, he said, briefing against the party. He told the BBC: The real traitors within unionism are people who continually brief against the party, even within the party, and all theyre doing is damaging unionism for now and the future. Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy accused the DUP of internal party navel-gazing while public services in Northern Ireland have been facing enormous challenges during the time the power-sharing institutions have been suspended. The Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland has said Irish politicians in Washington DC for St Patricks Day festivities should raise the Palestinian cause. Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid told the Irish Independent she respects decisions by the Government and Sinn Fein to travel to Washington DC and said she doesnt have a say in decisions made. Her comments come as Labour TD Aodhan O Riordain branded Sinn Feins decision to travel to Washington DC as stunningly hypocritical. Sinn Fein has a close relationship with the Palestinian Ambassador, who received a standing ovation at the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis last year. As a diplomat and ambassador, we respect the lines of not interfering in internal positions and we dont have a say in any positions made, Dr Wahba told the Irish Independent. Her message to any Irish politician travelling to the US is: Please keep Palestine in your mind, hear it and talk about it. Remind the whole world we need support of all countries. Put pressure on US to end the war, she said. Please dont forget to raise the issue and ask for a ceasefire. Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 30th When asked if she would prefer to see no Irish politician travel to the US to send a strong message to the US, she said: We dont have a say and at the end of the day it is an Irish decision. To any Irish people travelling, please advocate and please dont forget Palestine. She expressed gratitude to Tanaiste Micheal Martin for not pulling funding from UNRWA, a UN agency in Gaza. Israel has accused of UN workers involved in UNRWA of being involved in the October 7 Hamas massacre in southern Israel and a number of countries, including the European Commission, have now made the decision to suspend funding. Its very important to support UNRWA, the Ambassador said. The Irish people know exactly how it supports Palestinians. She also thanked the Irish Government for its position on South Africas genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice. The Taoiseach said the South Africa case is valid and not so many other countries have even said that. [Green Party leader] Eamon Ryan said the case is irrefutable. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Ireland, she said. The man who beat to death a former Oregon State University professor in 2022 was found guilty except for insanity by a Multnomah County judge. Keffer James White, 31, was ordered to be committed for life to the Oregon State Hospital for the attack, which took place at a downtown Portland bus stop, leaving one man dead and another seriously injured. A Place to Sleep, episode 3: Corvallis Do unhoused people know where to go in Corvallis? Well, the city has outlined where they shouldn't be: near creeks, rivers, wetlands, sidewalks or within 20 feet of trees. White was found guilty except for insanity on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault. Donald Pierce, 82, was left comatose from the assault for more than a week, never regaining consciousness, and died July 7, 2022, according to court records. His friend, 88-year-old Edward Lichtenstein, reportedly suffered several brain bleeds along with injuries to his mouth, face and head. The evening of June 25, 2022, Pierce was waiting for a bus with Lichtenstein, whose wife was also present, when White began talking to the group, court records state. When he didnt get a response, White started yelling at them and mocking the two men for being elderly. The group reportedly didnt engage with White, who became more aggressive, head-butting Lichtensteins hat off his head, then shoving Lichtenstein backwards before grabbing Pierce and throwing him to the ground, court records state. Pierce, who was using a cane and a street sign pole for balance, was knocked into the street and laid there on his side, according to court records, which state White then kicked Pierce in the head several times. As Lichtenstein was backing away, White punched him in the head until he was down. While Pierce was getting up and trying to move out of the street, White punched him in the head again, knocking him back down, then kicked and stomped Pierces head, court documents state, adding White said he was going to kill the two men during the assault. Police on an unrelated call heard screaming and were flagged down, rendering aid to the two men and arresting White. The Oregonian reported that psychological evaluations determined White suffers from schizophrenia, and he had been living on the streets at the time of his arrest. An obituary for Pierce said he spent his 40-year career in statistics at Oregon State University, and also in Hiroshima, Japan, at the Radiation Effects Research Foundation, where he conducted cancer research related to the atomic bomb. After retiring in 2005, he worked for 10 years at Oregon Health & Science University, serving as a mentor to younger researchers in biostatistics and public health, the obituary states, adding Pierce was a lifelong scholar with a never-ending love for theoretical problems. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. The number of countries deemed safe by the Government will be expanded, meaning migrants from those countries will have their cases decided on within 90 days. Photo: Niall Carson/PA The Government will charter flights to deport asylum seekers as part of a clampdown on migration. People who are dangerous and have garda escort will be put on a smaller flight, according to Justice Minister Helen McEntee. The Government has tenders out for possible chartering of flights to give the option of transporting large numbers of people or migrants who are potentially dangerous and need to travel with gardai. The minister was unable to give a date as to when chartered flights may be be put into use. It comes as the Cabinet signed off on two new countries being added to the safe list and a clampdown on people coming into the international protection system who have been granted refugee status elsewhere. Economic migrants should not be using the international protection system to come to Ireland, she said. The international protection system is here for people who genuinely need protection. It should never be used as a backway or separate route for economic migration. Thats not to say that every single person whos being deported will be deported through a chartered flight but I think its only right that we have that option available to us if we have a large cohort of people who are being deported or who have received deportation orders, are at the end of their own stage in process, that they can be deported collectively and together, she continued. Instead of taking a potentially dangerous person or somebody who might be a risk on a commercial flight that they then would be taken on a smaller chartered flight. It is very much to have the option. She said it was used previously in Ireland and said it is important the option is available. She said there is nothing absolute decided when asked if the Learjet or if the new jet Government is looking to buy would be used to bring people back. From tomorrow, the Government is to fast-track the decision-making process around asylum claims. This will include expanding the number of countries deemed safe by the Government to include Algeria and Botswana, meaning migrants from those countries will have their cases decided on within 90 days. Restrictions will also be put on refugees who have already been granted status in another EU country. Those granted refugee status elsewhere will be put into an inadmissibility procedure which will also be fast-tracked. The addition of Algeria is a significant move in the Governments plans to tackle rising levels of migration to Ireland. Latest figures from the Department of Integration show the State is currently accommodating 3,110 people from Algeria and 709 from Botswana. In November 2022, the Government added eight countries to the safe list and the number of people coming from those countries has decreased by almost 40pc. Minister McEntee said 80pc of those who sought protection have been refused. She said there used to be around 3,000 asylum seekers coming into Ireland every year before the pandemic and now this number has risen to 13,000 or 14,000. She said the Government was not prompted into the clampdown on migration by recent arson attacks on accommodation earmarked for housing. That is arson, that is criminal damage, that is no way connected to the work Government is doing, she said. She said the State is in a challenging situation due to rising numbers of migrants. I do think that were seeing somewhat of a new norm. We need to make sure that we have as effective and efficient system in place as possible to be able to respond to those demands. She said 206 people working in international protection has increased to 408 and she will be hiring a further 82. This means the Government can process up to 1,000 applications per month instead of 300. Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 30th Countries are classed as safe where there is generally no persecution, no torture or degrading treatment or punishment, and no threat of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict. At present countries deemed safe include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and South Africa. An asylum-seeker presenting from a safe country has their application process fast-tracked. They receive their interview date on the day they apply for international protection, with the interview expected to take place in a matter of weeks. Applications for asylum from the list of safe countries have decreased by 38pc since November 2022, with first-instance refusals running at 81pc. An average of 78pc of those who then appealed had their appeals rejected. The minister believes that expanding this level of swift and clear decision-making will lead to further decreases in efforts to use the asylum system here as a back door to economic migration, said a government source on Monday. This comes as the Government is being urged to extend the 800 Ukrainian Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) to people taking in other migrants. Nearly a third of those who have taken in Ukrainians said the 800 monthly payment was a key motivation when deciding whether to take in a refugee, according to a new survey. The research and call to extend the payment comes from a group of organisations which oversee pledged accommodation. Helping Irish Hosts, a not-for-profit organisation which connects refugees with hosts and offers hosts support, said thousands of asylum-seekers have been granted leave to remain but cannot move out of direct provision because of the rental crisis. [Extending the payment is] a part of communicating boldly with people the Irish welcome as opposed to negative sentiment and narrative, said CEO Angie Gough. A quarter of Ukrainian refugees currently live in host accommodation. The organisation will launch its survey of 1,412 Irish hosts in Leinster House tomorrow. Nearly half of hosts were matched with refugees through implementing partners such as the Helping Irish Hosts organisation, Red Cross, United Nations Migration Agency (IOM) and the Peter McVerry Trust. Only 16pc of hosts were matched with a refugee through local councils, while 38pc of hosts made their arrangements privately. Nearly all hosts say that hosting a refugee has been a positive experience and 76pc say solidarity is what motivated them to take a person in. While half extended the pledge to over a year, 14pc of hosts do not intend to extend their offer of accommodation. Ms Gough said offering a room in your house and apartment to a migrant will help them integrate into Irish society. While the research shows mostly positive experiences of hosting a refugee, there are some negative experiences, with one host saying: It turned out we were very misaligned with our guests in terms of values. She made it very clear that she saw it as a rental agreement. However, a different host said hosting has given them great satisfaction. Hosting is more than just a bed, its a network and an opportunity for integration facilitated by people in local communities, said Ms Gough. The Tanaiste said he would like to see a ban on disposable vapes in a bid to crack down on the sector. Micheal Martin made the comments after British prime minister Rishi Sunak set out plans to get rid of disposable vapes to protect childrens health. The Government here brought in legislation to make it illegal to sell vapes to anyone under 18. However, more young people are using disposable vapes that are cheaper and come in a variety of colours and flavours. A new law banning the sale of vapes to under-18s came into effect last month. Anyone caught selling vapes can receive a penalty of up to 4,000 and up to six months in prison. Young people give their view on if disposable vapes should be banned in Ireland Asked if he would like to bring in similar legislation to that seen in the UK, Mr Martin said: I would hope so. I am very anti-vapes, generally. I was in the shops over the weekend and its kind of depressing to see something which we managed to do with tobacco, we got tobacco off the shelves at the entrance into a shop. The old trick of the tobacco industry was, kids went in to buy sweets, you have the cigarettes next to the sweets, now you have the vapes with different flavours and so on like that. "Clearly the objective is to get kids, get young people, get teenagers hooked and you have an industry for the next 50 years, without any proper due diligence on what goes into these products. In my view, there needs to be far greater, from a health perspective, analysis of the products in terms of their harmful impact. I welcome any means to crack down on the sector. I just think its shocking the number of young people who are on the vapes now and it seems to me to be the replacement for the cigarettes. Social Democrats leader says Foreign Affairs warns against non-essential travel Homosexuality is also illegal in North African country Im wondering who is Algeria safe for? Holly Cairns says plan to designate Algeria a safe country is ridiculous Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has said the Governments decision to designate Algeria a safe country is absolutely ridiculous. Speaking during a Dail debate on immigration, Ms Cairns highlighted official Department of Foreign Affairs advice warning Irish citizens against traveling to North African country because of terror threats. She also said it is illegal to be gay in Algeria. Algeria and Botswana have been added to a list of countries deemed safe in an effort to clampdown on backdoor economic migration. Ms Cairns also criticised Independent TDs Mattie McGrath and Michael Collins for pandering to an anti-immigrant vote - at the expense of the safety of migrants and refugees. She said Mr McGrath stood in front of a rally in Roscrea protesting against accommodation for asylum seekers and warned Ireland is being colonised again. That is an absolutely disgusting comment and a dangerous one. Deputy McGrath should be ashamed of himself. He can stand in here and proclaim all he wants that he isnt anti-refugee, isnt anti-migrant. But his words and his actions speak for themselves, she said. The Cork South West TD also said councillors from Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Sinn Fein and Labour, are choosing to stir up anger, and misinformation even further. Ms Cairns said the Governments response to the refugee crisis has been a complete shambles since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She said government TDs do not even understand the states strategy. Then we see the Minister for Justices response to this is, to add two countries, Algeria and Botswana, to the safe country list, meaning all asylum seekers from these countries will be fast-tracked through the process, she said. Im wondering who is Algeria safe for because the foreign affairs website warns against non-essential travel due to the risk of terrorist attacks in certain areas and Algeria is not safe for LGBT people either. Homosexuality is illegal there and is subject to three years in prison, she added. Rural Independents leader Mattie McGrath said he was "not going to listen to the likes of Deputy (Holly) Cairns or the Labour Party and others" on migration. He said it was appalling that "we're blaming people and demonising them as far right" as if that was going to solve the problem, which had been handled in a ham-fisted way. Contradictory figures had been given by ministers, he said, while the numbers arriving at Dublin Airport without identity documents or paperwork had doubled, with nearly 5,000 in 2022. "Nobody in Ireland can go anywhere without proper documentation or a passport and rightly so," he said. Meanwhile, protesters at Roscrea had been misrepresented, even though it had taken 80pc of international protection applicants settled into Tipperary. "There wasn't a fair right person there," he said. Colleague, Carol Nolan TD agreed Roscrea picketers had been "demonised". Sinn Fein chief whip Padraig Mac Lochlainn raised the case of a school in his Donegal constituency where the pupil intake increased by a third since the refugee crisis. However, he said the school was refused additional funding for the higher level of students from the Department of Education because they did not meet the deadline for an application. Mr Mac Lochlainn said the school was ignored again and again for being just days over the deadline. I will not stand for one moment anyone questioning the calibre or decency of our people when they ask questions, he added. Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she is fast-tracking the international protection process to deter people from abusing the system. Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney said 50pc of nurses and two out of five doctors working in Ireland were not born here. He said Ireland needs to bring skills from other parts of the world. Aontu leader Peadar Toibin said the lack of government information on migration has resulted in a petri dish of rumours. Rishi Sunak used a call with the Taoiseach to confront his counterpart about the UK's "disappointment" over Ireland's decision to legally challenge the UK's response to the Troubles. Laws enacted by the UK government strive to provide a limited form of immunity to those accused of Troubles-related offences. The move has faced staunched criticism and is opposed by many victims' groups in Northern Ireland and all the main Stormont parties. The UKs prime minister, in a conversation with Leo Varadkar, confronted him over Irelands response to pursuing those responsible for sectarian violence that marred Ireland and Northern Ireland for decades. The call between the pair comes after Mr Varadkar in December announced that the Government would legally challenge the UKs legacy legislation in the European Court of Human Rights. He said at the time that the "strong" legal advice was the UK legacy act breached the United Nations' Convention on Human Rights. Downing Street confirmed Mr Sunak raised the legal action during his conversation with Mr Varadkar. A No 10 spokesman said: "The leaders addressed the Irish Government's launching of an interstate case on the UK government's legacy act. "The prime minister expressed his disappointment at the timing and course of action in December, coming at such a sensitive time. "He noted that the Irish Government had yet to respond to important questions about its own approach to legacy issues, including with regard to investigations into the 1998 Omagh bombing. "The UK government would continue to pursue answers to those questions which had been laid out by the Secretary of State (Chris Heaton-Harris), including with regard to the lack of criminal prosecutions in Ireland." A spokeswoman for the British prime minister denied that the conversation had been terse. She said the Conservative Party leader had been "reiterating the government's disappointment" that had previously been set out by Mr Heaton-Harris, the Northern Ireland Secretary. Mr Heaton-Harris wrote to Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin earlier this month questioning Ireland's opposition to the Legacy Act. Aspects of the recently passed UK laws includes a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests. In his letter to Mr Martin, the Northern Ireland Secretary challenged Ireland to set out its own record on tackling legacy issues, pointing out that, while the UK has initiated a public inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bomb, the Irish Government has not, despite a court ruling saying it should do likewise. Mr Heaton-Harris also called on Mr Martin to list the number of prosecutions mounted in the Irish State since 1998 related to Troubles incidents. The phonecall with Mr Sunak and Mr Varadkar came after there was a breakthrough in the DUP's two-year boycott of powersharing arrangements at Stormont. Mr Sunak briefed his Irish counterpart on the details of the deal that could see devolved government restored in Northern Ireland. Asked whether the call had been difficult, Mr Sunak's spokeswoman said: "No, it was a good call, positive. They both welcomed the step that we saw from the DUP last night." Investigation into Tatjana Zdanoka, who has links with Ms Daly and Mick Wallace THE European Parliament has launched an investigation into a Latvian MEP with links to Irelands Clare Daly and Mick Wallace over allegations she has been a Russian spy for nearly two decades. Independent MEPs Ms Daly and Mr Wallace have taken part in a number of events with Latvian parliamentarian Tatjana Zdanoka in recent years. They voted the same way as her on several European Parliament votes related to Russias invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago. On Monday an independent Russian news outlet, The Insider, published allegations that Ms Zdanoka began collaborating with Russia's FSB security services as far back as 2005, a year after she was first elected to the European Parliament. The independent MEP denies the claims. Asked to comment on her relationship with Ms Zdanoka, Ms Daly said to the Irish Independent via text: We broke up years ago...she never did the washing up... Mr Wallace did not respond to queries. In relation to Ms Zdanoka, a spokesperson for European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said she takes these allegations very seriously and has referred the case to the parliaments Advisory Committee on the Code of Conduct. This means that investigations within the European Parliament have been opened. She will also bring the issue to the Parliaments Conference of Presidents on Wednesday, the spokesperson added. Ms Daly, Mr Wallace and Ms Zdanoka were three of only 13 MEPs to vote against a resolution condemning Russias actions in Ukraine back in March 2022. The two Irish MEPs said the reason for their vote against the resolution was not against Ukraine but against militarism. They have since voted against similar resolutions for similar reasons. In 2021 and 2022, they travelled to Lithuania to demonstrate in support of Algirdas Paleckis, a former politician convicted of spying on behalf of Russia in return for payment. Ms Zdanoka has also travelled to Lithuania to show support. Ms Daly wrote on her website in November 2021: The case is an example - along with that of Julian Assange - of how espionage law is being misused in Europe and further abroad to stifle dissent, and how the space for challenging Europe's foreign policy orthodoxy is shrinking. The Insider, working with a number of other outlets, said it had seen leaked emails between Ms Zdanoka and her two known Russian case officers showing she has spent decades openly advocating for Moscow from both Riga and Strasbourg. Meanwhile, Ms Daly said on Tuesday that Latvia may not be the right small country to host a new EU financial crime agency due to its peripheral location and lack of links to the US and Britain. She made the comments while questioning Latvias finance minister in Brussels about the countrys suitability to host the blocs new anti-money laundering agency, for which Ireland is also bidding. I have to say that I agree with the idea of a small country being a good option, she said in a European Parliament hearing on Tuesday. I think too many of the big countries have grabbed a lot of the agencies. But Im not sure that youre the right small country. Youre not really a major location for international financial services. You wouldnt have the supporting skillset in terms of the other staff that would be there. UPDATE: This story was edited to clarify that Ms Daly and Mr Wallace did not travel together with Ms Zdanoka to Lithuania. The three MEPs in question did travel there at the same time to show support for Algirdas Paleckis among other matters. It has also been amended to clarify that Ms Daly and Mr Wallace voted the same way as Ms Zdanoka on a number of European Parliament votes related to Russias invasion of Ukraine. Tributes left outside the school where the girl was attacked on Parnell Square. Photo: PA The scene of the attack on Parnell Square in November The young girl seriously injured during the knife attack outside her school that sparked the Dublin riots in November has been readmitted to intensive care. The schoolgirl (5) had previously been moved from intensive care in Temple St Hospital before Christmas and was placed in a ward. She was one of three children who were injured in the attack outside Colaiste Mhuire on Parnell Square. The two other children were treated in hospital and discharged in November. However, in an update on the GoFundMe page set up to raise money for the care and welfare of the most critically-injured child, it was announced today: We had a bit of a setback and are currently in the ICU once more. It added :Bumps in the road, particularly this long one, are to be expected. Nevertheless we are still positive and hoping to get back on the ward. Fingers crossed. The title of the fundraiser has been changed from 'Roisin Fundraiser' to 'Barrog do Chailin Beag' (A Hug for a Little Girl). Barrog is the name of the teddy that has been keeping a school seat warm for the little girl. The carer who was stabbed outside the gaelscoil where the incident happened In November was discharged before Christmas. Last month, Riad Bouchaker, of no fixed abode, was charged with possession and production of a weapon, a 36cm kitchen knife. He is currently in custody and will stand trial before a judge and jury. The fundraiser for the little girl has exceeded 71,294. The stabbing was followed by a night of riots in the city centre on November 23 involving many acts of vandalism, looting, burning of cars and attacks on gardai. Among the heroes on the scene to aid the victims of knife attack on the children and care worker was Caio Benicio (43), who has since returned to his native Brazil. He was praised for his bravery and a GoFundMe drive urging people to buy Caio a pint raised 370,000. People had been still donating up to six days ago. The mother of the girl still in hospital has said she will need to relearn everything due to the severity of her injuries. Following the attack and riots, it was agreed that gardai would increase visibility in the city centre and that a greater presence would be maintained. A group of senior doctors including GPs and psychiatrists, has written to the Government and senior political figures expressing grave concern and calling on them to reject a Bill which they insist will see cannabis legalised for personal use. The Bill is being brought forward by People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny tomorrow evening and would allow a person possess up to 7g of cannabis herb or 2.5g of cannabis resin. However, doctors represented by the Irish Medical Organisation in a strongly-worded letter said a heavy cannabis smoker would consume two grams of cannabis a day and the Bill would allow seven grams. They said that Mr Kenny refers to decriminalisation but this Bill proposes legalisation. The Bill says verbatim that it proposes to make it lawful for that person to have such possession of such an amount of that substance. The doctors said that cannabis is the primary problem drug for 1,225 of the people under 25 years old who accessed addiction treatment in 2022 in Ireland, accounting for 40pc of all treatment entrants in that age range, more than any other drug. All addictions, including cannabis addiction, affect more than the individual. They cause huge distress and upset for the family, said the letter. Cannabis can also cause acute medical and mental health problems, with over three people admitted to a medical or psychiatric hospital every day in Ireland with a cannabis related diagnosis. The assessments of legalisation by the international medical associations noted above is that legalization seems to exacerbate these health problems. Legalisation is anti-health. Concerns about the health dangers of cannabis and the risks of legalisation were also recently highlighted by Irish medical professional bodies. The Irish College of General Practitioners said that cannabis is a dangerous drug and a serious public health concern and acknowledges the current evidence in terms of the adverse impact of legalisation. The recent report on drugs from the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland said that they would have grave concerns about any move towards legalisation of cannabis or other drugs in Ireland. The letter has been signed by Prof Bobby Smyth, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, Prof Ray Walley, a GP, Dr Ina Kelly, a public health specialist, Dr Hugh Gallagher an addiction specialist, Prof Matthew Sadlier a psychiatrist and Dr Ide Delargy, GP lead on addictions. The Citizens Assembly earlier this week recommended that the Government take a health-led approach to personal drug use. In their letter the doctors said that in spite of growing evidence of the hazardous consequences of cannabis use, the public perception of cannabis dangers has declined since 2010 in Ireland, among both adolescents and adults. This coincides with the unrelenting attack on our drug laws by those who have wanted cannabis legalised (while usually launching these attacks via a misrepresentation of decriminalization) In tandem with their attack on and undermining of public respect for our drug laws, the legalization lobby simultaneously mounted campaigns to challenge the public view of cannabis as harmful by endlessly referring to this plant as a medicine. The consequent decline in perceived risk has coincided with an intensification of use among people who use cannabis and an increase in the health harms of cannabis." Deputy Kenny described his Bill as a stress test for the Government on whether it is serious about decriminalisation. He said the recommendation from the Citizens Assembly for decriminalisation for personal use was crucial and it will be impossible for the Government to ignore it. The traffic lights in Tallaght damaged in the incident. Photo: X/Dublin Fire Brigade The front of the Tesla was also damaged. Photo: X/Dublin Fire Brigade A BMW sustained damage to its front in the collision. Photo: X/Dublin Fire Brigade The Tesla and BMW badly damaged in the crash in Tallaght, Dublin. Photos: Dublin Fire Brigade A crash involving a BMW and a Tesla left both vehicles and two sets of traffic lights badly damaged in Dublin. Firefighters and paramedics from Tallaght were at the scene of the incident involving the two luxury cars, which also caused major damage to both vehicles. The front of the Tesla was also damaged. Photo: X/Dublin Fire Brigade The circumstances of the incident which happened over the weekend, and the condition of the occupants of the vehicles, is not known. Firefighter/Paramedics from Tallaght, along with our Ambulance and Emergency Tender attended this two car rtc over the weekend, Dublin Fire Brigade said on X. The traffic lights in Tallaght damaged in the incident. Photo: X/Dublin Fire Brigade Two sets of traffic lights were also damaged. The crews assessed people on scene and made the scene safe. Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 30th Twelve men from across Ireland gather together every Tuesday in Dublin to peacefully protest against the spread of hate and racism and they say you are never to old to make a stand Every Tuesday, a group of 12 grandfathers gather at The Spire in Dublin with a banner that describes exactly what they are: Grandfathers Against Racism. On January 23, eight of them braved Storm Jocelyn, clutching their banner tight on either end, smiling on and explaining their mission to onlookers. Were not useless old folks, says Kevin Cronin (82) who brought his friends together around five years ago, We felt like people our age, who are healthy enough to do so, need to stand up for whats right. Young people in this country should always be reminded of Irish history, what we had to go through and think about all the countries that took us in. We want to remind people of how fortunate we are to be here. If we keep thinking about that, we might be more open to the people coming into our country. WASHINGTON (AP) Attorney General Merrick Garland will undergo back surgery this weekend and delegate his duties to the deputy attorney general during the procedure. The news comes as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin returns to work at the Pentagon following a hospitalization related to prostate cancer that was criticized for being kept secret for days. WASHINGTON (AP) A former contractor for the Internal Revenue Service who pleaded guilty to leaking tax information to news outlets about former President Donald Trump and thousands of the countrys wealthiest people was sentenced to five years in prison on Monday. In other news: Taking away Donald Trumps business empire would stand alone under New York fraud law. Amazon calls off its bid to buy vacuum maker iRobot amid scrutiny in Europe and the U.S. A U.S. safety agency closes its probe into Dodge and Ram rotary gear shifters without seeking a recall. Toyota urges owners of old Corolla, Matrix and RAV4 models to park them until air bags are replaced. Also, a Toyota group plant was raided in a test cheating probe as the automaker says it sold 11.2M vehicles in 2023. In sports, the Celtics rally for a win, the Heat continue to flounder, the United States to receive gold medals after a Olympic disqualification, and the Twins send Jorge Polanco to the Mariners. Former Blue Jays, Red Sox and Astros manager Jimy Williams dies at age 80. Las Vegas' first Super Bowl is driving record prices on the secondary ticket market. A dying thief who stole "Wizard of Oz" ruby slippers from a Minnesota museum gets no prison time. Prisoners are part of a hidden workforce linked to hundreds of popular food brands. Rise and shine: The Japanese moon probe is back to work after sun reaches its solar panels. The Associated Press About this program Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here. My first port of call on a recent trip to Australia was the coastal suburb of Coogee in Sydney. After almost 48 hours of travelling, I was eager to experience my first taste of a country Id spent years fawning over while watching Home and Away after school. My expectations were high and my fantasies filled with tanned Australian men who surfed and cut vegetables on their washboard stomachs while saying things like strewth. Getting embroiled in a major conflict with Iran is in no ones interests Houthi followers march on Israeli and US flags during a parade in Yemen yesterday, in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza and to show support to Houthi strikes on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Photo: Khaled Abdullah Since Hamass October 7 attack on Israel, Iranian-backed militias have escalated their attacks against US troops in Iraq and Syria who are assisting with continuing operations against the Islamic State. There were at least 160 such attacks in less than four months involving drones and rockets. About 70 US personnel had been wounded including in a January 20 missile attack on a giant air base in Iraqs Anbar province but none killed. We should do more to honour the memory of Saint Brigid, seen here on a mural Using a relic of a piece of bone from the head of Saint Brigid of Kildare to promote the Catholic Church in her honour has little to do with real religion and more to do with commercialisation and exploitation (Relic of peace-maker Saint Brigid has been returned home after 1,000 years, Irish Independent, January 29). Instead of placing it in a specially designed shrine, it should be reinterred in her desecrated grave. In her lifetime, Brigid was elected as abbess of her foundation in Kildare the status equivalent of a bishop and achieved both national and international acclaim. Rather than being idolised and remembered by a piece of a bone, Brigids memory should be honoured in the contemporary church as an exemplar for modern Catholic women who aspire to follow her in their quest to regain their rightful place of equality in the church as she did. Brendan Butler, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 Terrorism cannot be tolerated, so we should stop funding UNRWA Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said that ending aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), after claims that some employees took part in the October 7 attack on Israel, would be catastrophic. Notwithstanding the continuing suffering in Gaza, those nations pulling money from the organisation are sending a clear and unambiguous message: terrorism will not be tolerated in any form. Its high time that more Western countries adopted this stance, as recent events in the Middle East have shown that terrorism is a way of life for many, with young people groomed, educated and immersed in hatred for the West. Peter Declan OHalloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan Actions of US and UK in not sanctioning Israel tells us all we need to know The hypocrisy of the US and UK, and indeed the EU, in relation to Israel and Palestine is shocking. Some employees of UNWRA may have been involved in the October 7 attack and they have been dismissed from the organisation. The US, UK and several other countries suspended all aid to the relief organisation. Israel breaches international law and human rights law on a daily basis with its illegal occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, not to mention the attacks on hospitals and ambulances as well as carpet-bombing the civilian population of Gaza. But it is never sanctioned. The US and UK support continues unconditionally. Whatever leadership roles the US and UK held in the world in terms of principles of justice and integrity are long gone. Donough McGuinness, Bray, Co Wicklow War in Gaza shows the world reacts in different ways to different conflicts I applaud the Irish Independent for its insightful and thought-provoking editorial (Watershed ICJ ruling can only crank up pressure on Israel, Irish Independent, January 27). The Holocaust was a universal tragedy and a story of incomprehensible inhumanity that is unparalleled in modern history. However, we should never underrate the human calamity unfolding in Gaza. The healthcare system is on its knees and is crumbling. Morgues are overflowing. Hospitals are crammed with displaced people, the dead and wounded. The United Nations secretary general has described the situation in Gaza as a crisis of humanity and a graveyard for children. No one can underrate the calamity of the Holocaust. However, why does the world react differently to certain people and certain conflicts? Is there any human suffering more deserving of our compassion and empathy than another? Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob, London Banning vapes is a start, but other factors must be in place if its to be stopped Its very clear to see that vaping is bad for human beings. But its also very profitable and as cigarette smoking rates decline, vaping is the new version which appeals to a new and younger audience. There is little to support it and those that proclaim it as a medical aid to nicotine withdrawal are really pushing the limits. That it comes in packaging aimed at children with fun flavours and shapes that look like student stationery such as highlighters that can be hidden in plain view shows a misleading approach which should be condemned. The situation is no different in Australia, where there are attempts to ban it although the illegal markets will make that difficult. The concerns have been highlighted with a simple example. Senior students are struggling to sit three-hour exams... not because of the content, but because they cant take a smoke break. Banning vapes is a good start but it must be stopped by massive fines, confiscation, police, customs and medical support while parents must not shirk their responsibilities. However, I doubt this will be enough. Denis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia Returning bottles was a profitable endeavour, earning me a nice few bob Like many Irish people back in the early 1980s, I would return glass bottles for 10p each. Often on a Saturday afternoon after helping my dad on the family farm, I would cycle to the local bog. The sand road about 5km long was bumpy on a bicycle, but the sides were paved with gold, I thought as a young teenager. This was due to people dumping their rubbish as at the time there was a 10p refund on regular glass mineral bottles and a whopping 15p on a glass Lucozade bottle. On Saturdays, I would collect around 30 bottles, place them in large carrier bags, cycle home and wash them out in a pond next to my house. I would get a lift from my mother with my 30 clean bottles all bagged up. She would drop me of at Cummins hardware store in the town before continuing to her work. I would get an empty shopping trolley and wheel in my 30 bottles to collect my 10p per bottle. I would have to wheel the trolley full of bottles into their rear storage area and place the bottles in the various branded crates. I would then hit the town with 3 in my pocket and visit the shops that were open on a Saturday evening. Seamus Joyce, Richmond, London RTE should strike while iron is hot and bring back Toy Show The Musical Should RTE take advantage of all the current publicity, and re-run Toy Show The Musical? Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin Is the S24 Ultra all its cracked up to be? How have Samsung upped their game with this phone? And how AI features making the difference with this model? On this weeks episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian spoke to producer, JJ Clarke, about why the S24 Ultra is the Android field leader. Adrian attempted to use the Samsung exclusive AI feature which is instant in-call translation. This translates your voice or text into another language instantaneously and vice versa, once youre using the native Samsung calling or texting app. Adrian trialed this feature by placing a call live on the podcast with the AI translating his voice into German. However, the transcript of what he was saying in English and voice capture were not very accurate. The AI feature that most people will use quickly is circle to search. On any screen on your phone a photo, a web page youre on, or whatever just long press the home button and it will invite you to circle (with your finger or the S Pen) whatever you want on the screen. Once you do that, it will instantly call up results via a reverse Google image search. You can listen to the full episode on Independent.ie or wherever you get your podcasts. A primary school in County Clare is the first one in Ireland to become fully solar powered, cutting its energy bill and preventing tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted. C.B.S. Ennis primary school has become the first school in Ireland to produce all its electricity using solar power. The school managed to cut its energy bill by 10,000 thanks to solar panels on its roof that generated more green energy than the school used. The school installed solar panels providing 40kw of energy on its roof in October 2022. The school reported that in 2023, it generated 39.48mw (Megawatts) of electricity while using only 32.40mw. The excess energy was sold back to the national grid, earning revenue for the school. The energy created prevented almost 30 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted, the equivalent of the amount of carbon over 2,000 ten-year-old trees would have saved. Senator Roisin Garvey, Green Party Spokesperson for Rural Development, has been working with the school for many years: It is amazing to see a school with over 650 students become completely powered by solar energy and save money in doing so. This shows that switching to clean, green energy can be done and the Green Party is working to ensure every school in Ireland will follow in the footsteps of Ennis. Credit must be given to the Principal Dara Glynn for driving this and to all the school community for fundraising together to help make it happen. Children are demanding this type of action, as it is their future we must protect. The council said that it received no replies to letters it sent to SouthDoc in October and December last year Macroom councillors have labelled the lack of response they received to letters they sent to SouthDoc as disgraceful and appalling and have agreed to write to the organisation again to get clarity on the service it is now providing. The MD letters sent on October 3, 26 and December 1 preceded changes made to the service on January 2 which mean, according to what a SouthDoc director told The Corkman, that only those without transport will be able to get care in the towns centre. Yet, uncertainty remains according to the MD council, which agreed at its latest meeting on Friday to send more communications to SouthDoc and Cork Kerry Community Healthcare (CKCH) to seek clarity on how it is operating. MD chair Cllr Ted Lucey said that he felt that local doctors should attend the councils next gathering to let the people know how SouthDoc is now working. I just think we should write maybe to the local doctors and ask them will they come in here and give us a briefing and tell the people and come out with a clear, clear statement and tell the people whats happening. Cllr Eileen Lynch seconded this proposal and told her colleagues that she thinks that the changes made to Macroom SouthDoc are incredibly disappointing and the way they have been introduced has been very disingenuous from the HSE. The councillor said that the service issued a correspondence before Christmas which said that it would continue as it was operating and in late December, she received a statement from CKCH which indicated that the service would continue in the Macroom region. She said that the lack of clear communication from SouthDoc has been incredibly frustrating us as a public reps but also incredibly frustrating for the general public. [You] still have Macroom SouthDoc per say, no service under SouthDoc will be provided in the town. Youll be referred to the Kinsale road roundabout or youll be referred to Bandon and quite frankly I dont think thats good enough. Cllr Lynch also proposed that CKCH also be written to by the MD, which she said she wrote to personally in January but did not receive a reply. Fianna Fail councillor Gobnait Moynihan said that there is now a lack of trust and reliance on SouthDoc and there is uncertainty around what it is now providing locally. However, she said that she was uncomfortable with writing directly to Macrooms doctors because she didnt want it to be a personal thing. Cllr Moynihan said the council should instead write to SouthDoc again to invite them to speak at the next MD meeting and seconded the proposal to write to CKCH. In response to this, Cllr Lucey said that SouthDoc had been written to three times previously but the MD received no reply, which was disgraceful in my view. Weve other option only go to the local GPs ask them would they call into us to give us an update, were not blaming any GP about anything, he said. Cllr Michael Creed said he too was opposed to asking in local doctors but said that SouthDoc should be written to again because it was appalling that it did not respond to the MDs letters. He said that it makes no sense that there is now no doctor on-call in Macroom given that someone could be waiting an hour for an ambulance. Cllr Creed said that more must be done to address doctor shortages so that SouthDoc can be maintained, suggesting that more college places be opened up and graduates be required to work in Ireland for a period. Independent Cllr Martin Coughlan, who was also not in favour of bringing local doctors in front of the council, concurred with Cllr Creed. The taxpayer has paid for their education and I think that they should give something back to the country, Cllr Coughlan said. There were celebrations throughout Kilbrin last week when Betty Cashman celebrated her 100th birthday. Betty began the day by getting her hair done, listening to the radio and keeping up to date with current affairs. She enjoyed visits from family, friends and local people and was very grateful to all of those who rang her to pass on their good wishes. In the afternoon Betty read the huge amount of cards that she received and was absolutely over the moon reading the kind sentiments that people expressed. Then it was time for tea, cake and singing some traditional Irish songs with her close family. Betty also enjoyed viewing videos from relatives both here in Ireland and in London. Betty and her family would like to thank every single person who sent cards (including President Michael D Higgins), flowers, scratch cards, gifts, and messages. They would like to mention Kilbrin GAA and Kilbrin Community Council, and thank them for the fabulous bouquets of flowers and cards given to Betty. This is Cork Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Cork newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Betty was also delighted to receive a special card from all of the students at Kilbrin National School. It was a fabulous gesture and she will enjoy the chocolate bar they gave her with a nice cup of tea. Betty said that she has had a beautiful long life with many happy memories. She has seen many momentous events in world history and is a fountain of wisdom and knowledge. From world wars, to pandemics, numerous presidents, and lots more - she has lived through it all. When asked what is the secret of her longevity she said: good, home cooked food, fresh air, and hard work outdoors. Her advice to younger generations is to try and enjoy a good, happy life and to always have hope. Elizabeth Cashman was born in Greenfield, Kanturk on January 26th, 1924, making her 100 years young. She had one brother and two sisters and loved her early years going to school and working on the farm. She has fond memories of all of her neighbours in Kanturk. Betty met her husband, Joe Cashman, at a dance one night and when they married she moved to Garrison, Kilbrin. The couple lived in a thatched cottage and worked the farm. Betty loved the fresh air, cooking, baking, knitting, and chatting with friends. Betty and Joe had four children; Bill, Tom, Kay, and Edel. Now Betty has five grandchildren; Joe, Danny, Miriam, Jack, and Aine. She also has many new additions to the family with Charlie, Liam, Layla and Molly, her beloved great grandchildren. She adores all of her family, giving them advice, and enjoying all their adventures in life. A Donegal photographer who has gone viral with his stunning images of his two dogs has spoke out about the struggles of dealing with trolls and negativity online. James ODonnell from Falcarragh, County Donegal is well known throughout the county for his stunning images with his two Collie dogs, Iggy and Frida. Iggy and Frida are regularly photographed in scenic locations across Donegal and sometime further afield with monthly views on social media reaching over half a million. Iggy is a 12-year-old tricolour Border Collie and hails from Kilmainham Wood in Meath while two year old Frida is a stunning classic Black and White Border Collie, from the "Away To Me" farm at Malinbeg in County Donegal. The success of the page has been 10 years in the making, but it started as James was recovering from his own mental health difficulties. Donegal Photographer James O'Donnell. He has bravely spoke out about the struggles he has faced and how Iggy and his love for photography saved his life. He said, Before I got Iggy, I was struggling with mental health. When I recovered I knew I needed a pup to turn my life around. I made the promise, before Iggy existed, that I would give this new pup the best life that I could. Since her arrival back in June of 2011, we've enjoyed a symbiotic life together and at the end of 2012, I decided to share my photography to show the positive impact of having Iggy and the importance of having hobbies too. Within days of Iggy's arrival, my mind was improving due to my focus switching to the nine week old pup. Our van "Gallivant" gets recognised now all around the country, due to our decals and our sponsors names, Silkie Irish Whiskey, Sligo Southern Hotel and The Rusty Mackerel. With over 50,000 followers on social media, I spend a lot of time acknowledging messages and engaging when needed. We're quite prolific so that itself creates more work, but there is a massive audience, so we enjoying entertaining them. I love the whole process of getting the shot, choosing a favourite, giving it a slight edit, coming up with a caption and then posting it for Iggy and Frida fans around the world to enjoy. When work feels a bit overwhelming, we hop into Gallivant and head for a local beach or woodland. said James. James and his two dogs regularly visit scenic locations across Donegal. In September 2019, James launched his first calendar, "Iggy's Donegal" for 2020, and that has led to annual calendars since. Since 2020, the calendars have been shipped to Mali, Uganda, Oman, Bahrain, Singapore, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Dumont d'Urville Science Station, Antarctica, South Pacific, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, as well as in Europe and UK. Sadly, the photographer has learned the hard way that there is a downside to having success online. He said he has been the victim of trolls and negative online comments. He explained, I feel sorry for them but I've suffered more than most, due to the success of our story. Most will know that I'm not in this for fame or fortune, but some folk can't differ between ego and hard work, so they launch their abuse. Trolls aren't from a different planet - they live, work and socialise amongst us. I've been stalked via phone and publicly and privately trolled on social media, receiving hate mail through my mailbox too. I have been banned from Facebook groups and had posts removed. It can be very tough at times, but I've become quite resilient and having Iggy and Frida alongside me certainly helped. It is a sad irony when you get lambasted for trying to bring joy to people, said James. Iggy exploring parts of Donegal. In regards regulations, James believes no one's opinion should be curtailed, but freedom of speech should not be abused either. If you see something that has a zero impact on your life, walk on and scroll past. The implications of those actions could make or break someone. Don't be complicit. Regulations I guess begin with the individual, and admins. I've now started to reach out to trolls and I either get an apology, get blocked, or they continue ranting. No one has taken up my offer of a coffee yet, said James. However, James says the negativity will not stop him from sharing his photography and his life with his two dogs online. Frida, the two year old border collie. He said he loves that this photography puts a smile on peoples faces and also promotes County Donegal. I receive many private messages with folks showing their gratitude for Iggy's and Frida's photos and stories. Some will have suffered the loss of a loved one, the loss of a beloved pet, serious health issues, both mental and physical and some miss Ireland and cant make it home for whatever reason. Iggy and Frida distract people and put a smile on their faces - they might even have a giggle too. I do feel this is a vocation and that Iggy inspired so much of it. Our content is fun, informative, gets people chatting and it's the honest story of one man and his two dogs, said James. If you have been affected by any issues raised in this article see the helplines below: Pieta House Freephone: 1800 24 72 47 Samaritans Freephone: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.ie Aware Freephone: 1800 80 48 48 K9 Teams spend countless hours training for exactly the type of scenario experienced on Friday in Saggart Woods. A Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team search dog has located a man who had been reported missing deep inside a Dublin woods. Just after 8.30 p.m. on Friday evening, An Garda Siochana tasked Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue and Glen of Imaal Irish Red Cross Mountain Rescue, due to concerns for the immediate wellbeing of a vulnerable person, missing for several hours. The search was concentrated on Saggart Woods and also involved a search dog team. Search dog Maggie quickly located the missing person inside the woods and he was assessed by mountain rescue medics before being transported to a waiting ambulance for further treatment. The incident was stood down at 11.36 p.m. Commenting on the rescue, DWMRT said: Search dog team Fiona and K9 Maggie saw countless hours of training pay off on Friday night with a potentially -lifesaving intervention as they located a missing person in Saggart Woods and helped return them safely to their family. "K9 teams like Fiona and Maggie spend countless hours training for exactly this type of scenario. Our search dogs are a vital asset they operate in all terrains and conditions to search larger areas with umatched precision and speed. "Were proud to see Fiona and Maggies hard work pay off. The DWMRT volunteers and search dogs are on call 24hrs every day and the organisation operates on a 100pc voluntary basis that relies heavily on fundraising and donations. There were 57 overdoses reported in Dublin city within four days due to a new drug found in Ireland for the first time late last year. A new and emerging European drug trend around nitazenes was discussed at the Dublin City Joint Policing Committee yesterday. Garda Seamus McCormack spoke about the 57 overdoses recorded between November 9 and 12, 2023, which sparked a red alert in the city. This started on November 9, there was a spike in overdoses in inner city Dublin, on both sides of the river, he told councillors. It was reported to the HSE and An Garda Siochana, mainly through the ambulance services and the support services community. Nitazenes are a synthetic opioid, which are newly emerging on the European drug market at present. They were first developed in the mid-50s, in an attempt to create safer opioid analgesics, but they were never marketed commercially due to safety concerns. This was the first time they had been identified in Ireland. It was reported that, generally heroin users, were becoming sick very quickly and it was taking repeated doses of naloxone to revive them, a medicine that can knock the opioid off the receptor in the brain and help revive someone who has overdosed. Between November 9 and 12, 57 overdoses were recorded. There may have been more that never came in contact with emergency services. Given the level of overdoses and threat to life involved, a multi-task holder response was quickly activated to investigate this sudden increase of overdoses, Garda McCormack added. A red alert warning was issued by the HSE after syringes, powders and blood samples were tested, and Forensic Science Ireland identified nitazene. Based on the spike in numbers, strength being reported, and people getting sick quickly, a risk assessment team was issued by the HSE, Garda McCormack said. From various sources we managed to get a hold of powders, syringes, blood samples, these were obtained from front line services and gardai throughout the day and were analysed. On the morning of November 10, we found out wed 34 people overdosing who had come to service attention in that 24-hour period. On that day, nitazenes were discovered in a powder sample provided by the gardai. This resulted in the HSE upgrading the risk communication to a red alert for the city that evening in collaboration with DCC. Warning signs were put on electronic signs to warn of the extreme risk, red alert. Posters and leaflets were developed and placed in key locations around the city, he added. Chief Executive of Merchants Quay Ireland, Eddie Mullins, also spoke of how the new medically supervised injection centre will need to gain trust from drug users. The centre is set to open in September for an initial period of 18 months. The medical injection facility will without doubt save lives. No question about that. Theres never been a more important time to open this facility with the type of drugs that are out there, he said. We are very confident this will give us an opportunity to build relationships with people who are very marginalised at the moment and hopefully start the process around detox and recovery. He added that the centre will be similar to vaccine centres that were set up during the Covid pandemic. There will be seven bays where users can inject their own drugs with clean needles provided by the centre, under the supervision of a nurse. If there is an overdose, medical staff can provide care immediately. HIQA report describes potential risks as catastrophic Serious fire safety concerns at the nursing home were first raised almost a year ago. Pic: Stock image A nursing home in South Dublin where serious fire concerns were raised almost a year ago, is finally shutting down on February 21. Sally Park Nursing Home in Firhouse, home to 35 residents, is being shut down at the end of next month by HIQA following the latest damaging report published in December. An earlier report, published on HIQAs website back in March 2023, noted that when the nursing homes registration was renewed, they were given seven months to try and rectify serious fire safety risks. These included ensuring there were adequate alternative means of escape; that all fire-rated doors were fit for purpose and provided adequate containment for fire and smoke; installation of an additional fire-rated double door set at the bottom of the stairway; and ensuring there were effective fire compartments that met the required fire rating of 60 minutes. A further inspection by HIQA, carried out in September, but published in December, found no evidence that the work they suggested had commenced to address these significant issues and meet the deadline. Local Fianna Fail councillor, Charlie OConnor, told the Irish Independent its shocking how long HIQA has been sitting on this information without any effective action. There is now the issue of elderly vulnerable people, including a 102-year-old man, who is in limbo, he said. I know that is causing a lot of distress, and I have been getting a lot of calls from families around what is seen as a failure by HIQA because this is happening. I believe now HIQA and the likes of Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly need to stand up to the plate, he added. The HIQA inspectors identified that the works, which should have been in progress, had significantly increased concerns relating to fire safety in the nursing home. The word catastrophic is used to describe what the situation would be like if a fire took place in the centre. The nursing home will close following the latest HIQA report in December However, the nursing home operated by Passage Healthcare is still open despite the serious concerns, first raised almost a year ago. Thirty five residents will now have to find alternative accommodation, while 46 staff will need to find alternative employment. According to Fine Gael councillor Brian Lawlor, based in the Firhouse area, the report is very damaging to the operators. I know two residents that were really happy in there, and treated very well, who were very complimentary of the staff, he said. The staff are excellent, and the operator shouldve fixed these problems sooner. Unfortunately, we have to give higher standards for the elderly, and Im disappointed it took this long. A spokesperson for Passage Heathcare described the decision to have to close Sally Park as devastating. They confirmed 35 residents need to be rehomed, and it is working closely with the HSE and the families to assist them to find an alternative home for their loved ones. Obviously we are very sad about the need to close Sally Park, its always been a very community focused nursing home with a lovely family feel, the spokesperson said. But the cost of making the building fire safe would be over 1m, which is just not feasible. So, unfortunately, the nursing home will have to close. We all have extremely fond memories of Sally Park. Some families of residents who are no longer with us still keep in touch, so we know it is a special place and that is how it will remain in our hearts. The spokesperson added that the company assumed control of the nursing home in May 2017, and spent over 250,000 on fire upgrades in late 2018 and early 2019. However, Covid halted a lot of additional works we wanted to achieve. When HIQA carried out their inspection in September 2023, the company began to liaise with DFB on fire safety issues, and internally engaged a team of architects, quantity surveyors and fire consultants to complete the fire proofing of the building. All of our staff were retrained in fire procedures and we further commenced decanting residents from the top floor which was the highest risk area for fire safety, the spokesperson said. We halted all new resident admissions to the home to allow for the home to maintain its duty for care for our residents. The bill of works was completed end of December 2023, which was unfortunately in excess of 1m. A colossal sum for a small nursing home which was making loss each year. Regrettably, the works would also have taken a lot of time to complete. Obviously the safety of the residents of Sally Park was a priority. So, unfortunately, the decision was made that Sally Park would have to close. We are now working with all of the families of our residents to ensure a safe transfer. We are working with our 46 staff as well to try to assist them to find alternative employment. A spokesperson for HIQA said it does not comment on individual centres or its engagement with providers outside of published inspection reports. HIQA engages with all nursing homes on a regular basis to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents, with the level of oversight of individual nursing homes informed by the level of identified risk, they said. Where inspectors identify issues of concern in relation to the care of residents or their safety, the Chief Inspector of Social Services has the power to take action such as stopping admissions or, where there are serious concerns about the care of residents, cancel the registration of a nursing home. The festival will include a lot of music. Altan have long been established as being to the forefront of traditional Irish music for nearly forty years now. The festival will offer many bilingual workshops and events including the Food and Whiskey Tours Tonnta, Galways newest festival, will run for four days in February celebrating the Irish language with fire shows, food tours, workshops, talks and more Tonnta will run from Thursday February 1 to Sunday February 4 and will celebrate Galways status as a bilingual city with a number of events. The festival will provide plenty of opportunities to practise your Irish, regardless of how much or how little you know. Throughout the weekend and particularly at the free Ceili Mor and fire shows in Eyre Square and at the workshops, cartoon exhibitions and family events in the Portershed, there will be opportunities to (re) awaken your interest in the Irish language by speaking with helpful and empathetic language ambassadors who will chat to you at whatever level of Gaeilge you are comfortable with. Many workshops and events will be bilingual including the Food and Whiskey Tours, the Dirty Circus in the Taibhdhearc and Story Time in conjunction with the Moth and Butterfly Festival in the City Library . Also, on St Brigids Day and indeed all weekend the city will celebrate women and Tonnta is delighted to bring you a live presentation of the Beo ar Eigean podcast, the Mnasome Geeze comedy performance in the Roisin Dubh and Seisiun Ceol na mBan at the Crane. The programme also celebrates the Culture of the Gaeltacht. Who better to embody that than Altan, in the Town Hall Theatre on Friday February 2, Liam OMaonlai in the Taibhdhearc on Saturday February 3, Ceoltoiri Oga Chonamara in Eyre Square also on Saturday and the Trad Rave in the Roisin Dubh on Thursday February 1? A big part of the Tonnta Festival programme will be free including talks, workshops, the Irish Language Cartoon Exhibition presented by the Galway Cartoon Festival and La na bPaisti all taking place in the PorterShed a Do on Saturday and Sunday. Also on Saturday February 3 Tonnta will take over Eyre Square with a free Ceili Mor (2pm to 5pm) and two fire shows presented by the renowned Rogu at 5.15pm and at 7pm. Brid Ni Chonghoile, CEO Gaillimh le Gaeilge explained: Is feile dhatheangach a bheidh i gceist le Tonnta ina mbeidh beim ar an nGaeilge. With the help of Irish speakers and a variety of bilingual cultural activities, we aim to introduce more non-Irish speakers to the Irish language. It will also celebrate and showcase our vibrant and unique Gaeltacht culture over the weekend, as well as the legacy of St Brigid." Bishop Ray Browne invites people to assess the strengths and weakness of parish life in his pastoral letter Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne has issued a pastoral letter to the Diocese of Kerry inviting people to participate in the consultation and planning process for the diocese over the next six months. Moving Forward In Hope seeks to shape the future of pastoral areas, parishes, and local church communities, while following a vision that addresses the faith-world of today. In his letter, Bishop Browne said the life of the 110 local church-communities is a valuable and valued resource for people now and into the future. In the light of fewer clergy, we need to explore how each local church-community can thrive with local leadership acting co-responsibly with the priests ministering to the parishes of the pastoral areas, Bishop Browne said. A church can still be the centre point for community life, even if there is no weekend Mass. Think of your local church community in four ways: a social/friendship community; a caring compassionate community; a praying, worshipping and sacramental community; and a community whose mission is to nourish and develop its faith, and hand it on to the next generation, he added. The Bishop explained that for more than fifteen years, the dioceses has had a strategy to respond to the reduction in the number of priests. With fifteen parishes currently without a resident priest, these areas are served by the priests and deacons of their pastoral area. With many priests set to reach retirement age of 75 in the next three years, the challenge is imminent. Greater involvement of parishioners in all aspects of church life has enabled us to adjust well. There are so many people in all our parishes to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for devoted voluntary service, Bishop Browne said. He cited the need to review Kerrys parish and pastoral area structures so that they can serve people more effectively. Central to this would be a more structured engagement of laity. Moreover, a key element of the future will be the ministry of lay pastoral leaders, of whom 26 are presently in formation. Our first step in the process is consulting you, the people of the parishes. In February, there will be a gathering in each parish. The invitation is open to all: what do you see as the strengths and weaknesses locally, and what are your thoughts on what might be done? Bishop Browne said. In parallel with this, there will be a consultation for the clergy. Our hope is that parishioners and deacons will take a structured leadership role in their pastoral areas working in a co-responsible way with the priests of the pastoral area as well as priests from abroad. This will allow priests to work across pastoral areas in a more sustainable manner. We will keep people informed as the process progresses, he added. Bishop Browne thanked parishioners for their prayers and involvement in contributing to parish life, and to anyone ill or coping with major difficulties. He thanked all the priests, in appointments and retired, for their dedicated and loving ministry. Let us thank God for the two priests ordained in the past six years and our two seminarians as we continue to pray for vocations to serve as priests in the diocese. Let us be united and confident as we face the challenges that lie ahead. We have much to be grateful for, he said. Bishop Browne concluded: Please remember in your prayers this consultation and planning process. The life of St Brendan is a wonderful testimony to deep Christian faith, and to trust in God facing the future. Let us entrust our future to the intercession of St Brendan. Munster MEP Sean Kelly has said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance on the conflict in Gaza amounts to a humanitarian tragedy while questioning if his political motives are clouding his judgement. The Kerry-based MEP called on the Israeli leader to issue an immediate ceasefire, saying it is clear that a whole population is being punished for the brutal actions of Hamas, whom he called a terrorist group that he utterly denounces. Mr Kelly feels the Israeli Prime Minister has his sights set on destroying Gaza and that his recent comments on the future of Palestinian-Israeli relations are extremely concerning. This is Kerry Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Kerry newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details With Netanyahu's popularity plummeting among Israelis as they question his method of retrieving hostages since the October 7 attacks, a majority of Israelis now believe Netanyahus wartime decision-making is driven by his own personal interest. This war is devastating with the loss of thousands of innocent lives every day, it is clear the majority of the world want to see a peaceful end to the conflict as soon as possible, he said. "Netanyahu still has not defined a political outcome for Gaza and has even gone so far as to reject the two-state solution. This is completely unacceptable and Western governments need to be more vocal in recognising Palestinian human rights, otherwise we risk a broader conflict in the area. The two-state solution is the only viable avenue for peace and international pressure needs to be ramped up in support of it, Mr Kelly added. He urged Netanyahu to face up to the human cost of the Israeli assault on Gaza and agree on a ceasefire as soon as possible. Every hostage taken by Hamas must be released immediately and unconditionally. Those people need to be returned home safely. Hamas is guilty of extremely horrific acts of terrorism and must end their violent campaign and ultimately be dismantled. However, Hamas will not be eradicated by the current indiscriminate bombing. Peace and stability cannot be achieved only by military means, especially in this case, he said. "Proposals for peace are being discussed and I keenly await the details, but there must be a ceasefire as soon as possible as well as immediate access for humanitarian aid. Peace can only come about if both parties are open to some sort of compromise and I sincerely hope this is the case as what is currently unfolding cannot continue, he added. Mr Kelly concluded by saying he, along with his colleagues in Fine Gael, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza, adding the loss of innocent lives is truly heart-breaking and needs to stop immediately. We voted for every version of a ceasefire in the most recent European Parliament Resolution, recognising the importance of the Parliament having a united position in calling for a ceasefire across the political spectrum. I fully support the Irish government's diplomatic engagement and promotion of an end to the violence in Gaza and I will continue to do as much as I can to help in this endeavour. Captain Marfiu Rodriguez attended as a guest of the Ecuadorian navy Captain Rodriguez, Lieutenant Bonillo and Lieutenant Villacres of the Ecuadorian Defence Attache at the Monument to Thomas Charles Wright at Fiddle Case Pier: Colin Bell Photography Cllr. Declan Power, Cllr. Paddy McQuillan, Captain Rodriguez Ecuadorian Defence Attache, Deputy Mayor Kevin Callan, Cllr. James Byrne and Colm Markey MEP at the monument of Thomas Charles Wright at Fiddle Case Pier.. Photo: Colin Bell Photography Captain Rodriguez of the Ecuadorian Defence Attache lays a wreath at the Memorial to Seaman Michael Quinn. Photo: Colin Bell Photography Captain Rodriguez, Lieutenant Bonillo and Lieutenant Villacres of the Ecuadorian Defence Attache at the wreath laying at the Memorial to Seaman Michael Quinn. Photo: Colin Bell Photography Local councillors, chamber members and representatives from the local branch of ONE gathered to remember Leading Seaman Michael Quinn DS. Two special occasions to honour two true heroes of the town were held over the weekend. On Sunday 28th January, the quays of Drogheda were filled with military personnel who gathered to honour two of the towns naval heroes, Leading Seaman Michael Quinn DSM and Admiral Thomas Charles Wright. They were joined at two separate ceremonies, by Captain Marfiu Rodriguez Lieutenant Luis Bonilla and Ensign Nicole Villacres of the Ecuadorian Navy who had come to the town to honour Admiral Wright. Admiral Wright is the Drogheda-born founder of the Ecuadorian Navy and Michael Quinn DSM is an Irish Navy sailor from Drogheda who lost his life during a rescue attempt off Bantry in 1990. The captain is the Ecuadorian Defence Attache of Ireland and he was accompanied by the Honorary Consul to Ireland. The events commenced at noon with a commemoration held at South Quay in memory of Leading Seaman Michael Quinn DSM. On 30th January 1990 Michael, then aged 27, lost his life attempting to rescue sixteen Spanish fishermen aboard the sinking vessel Nuestra Senora de Gardtoza that had gone aground on rocks in Bantry Bay during a severe gale. At the commemoration of Michael Quinn, the Ecuadorian officers joined the assembled personnel of ONE, the Irish Naval Association, Royal Naval Association, RNLI, the Coast Guard and the Irish Naval Association and other groups. Drogheda councillors led by Deputy Mayor Kevin Callan attended both ceremonies dressed In State (wearing their civic robes). I must say I was delighted to see such a tribute to Michael and the admiral, this is a special day, The National President of ONE, Michael Kinahan said, After the ceremony on the South Quay those assembled crossed the bridge to take part in the Admiral Thomas Charles Wright commemoration at 1pm joined by the Quinn family who were invited as honoured invitees. Boyne Fishermans Rescue Service had a rib boat on the river to keep vigil and they also had officers ashore. Garda Inspectors Kevin Toner and Declan Monahan attended in their representing the gardai in Louth. Noel Bailey and Des Grant of the Old Drogheda Society, who built the monument in 2018, thanked all those who attended and paid their deep respect to the Quinn family for also attending the admirals event. The Royal Navy (Veterans) Association had fourteen members present at both events. The Drogheda Port pilot boat was also in attendance, while Harbourmaster Captain Laurence Kirwan was ashore at the ceremony. The Old Drogheda Society thanked the port for allowing the admirals monument to be erected on its site. Captain Rodriguez gave a glowing outline of Admiral Wrights career that saw him become a close aide to Simon Bolivar in the fight for the independence of South America and Ecuador. It is a fitting tribute to a son of this town who played such a role in South America, and coupled with the bravery of Michael Quinn, this is a proud day for the town, said MEP Colm Markey, who laid a wreath. Deputy Mayor Kevin Callan, flanked by councillors Paddy McQuillan, Declan Power and James Byrne said, We are delighted to participate in the ceremonies today. Thomas Wright had an incredible life journey and ended up a hero for the people of Ecuador. As an aside the two top performing naval cadets in the Ecuadorian Navy win a scholarship to study English in ELI College in Drogheda every year, so his homeland is not forgotten in Ecuador. Today, we firstly remembered Leading Seaman Michael Quinn, who gave his life in the service of the State, he added. After the ceremony Captain Rodriguez was hosted at a luncheon in Scholars Hotel where he was presented with a James McCabe watch, the Irish watchmaker to George Washington and Admiral Nelson. The captain thanked the Old Drogheda Society, Drogheda Port, ONE and the Royal Navy Association and the other groups for the warm welcome he received. The president of the Chamber of Commerce Hubert Murphy said they were delighted to be part of the ceremonies. "It is wonderful to see both men remembered for what they did and that we recognise them in their own, individual way. Drogheda Chamber has been a part of life in Drogheda for more than a century and we were honoured to be part of two inspiring ceremonies. The captain also toured the language college on Merchants Quay during his time in the town to familiarise himself with the courses there. He explained they originally planned to hold the ceremony on Saturday, the admiral's birthday, but on hearing of the planned Michael Quinn ceremony, decided they wanted to be at both. "This proved to be a very good decision because so many of the Irish groups came with us and that was something noble, he explained. If we are invited back, the Ecuadorian Navy would like to return next year for the ceremonies. Una Carthy, Jacqui Lynch, Aisling O'Kane, Ann O'Mahony, St. Mary O'Connor, Mary Moran, Anne Casey and Fiona Fagan at the Sisters of St. Louis celebration day in St. Louis Secondary School. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics Deirdre Wilson, Claire McCourt, Michelle Dolan, Leah Kennedy, Lucille Coleman and Mary Gilmore at the Sisters of St. Louis celebration day in St. Louis Secondary School. Deirdre attended the School (1961-1966) and Lucille attended St. Louis (1952-1957). Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics Elizabeth Moran, Mary Moran, Fiona Fagan and Jacqui Lynch at the Sisters of St. Louis celebration day in St. Louis Secondary School. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics Eunice O'Neill, Clodagh Shine and Grace Shine at the Sisters of St. Louis celebration day in St. Louis Secondary School. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics School Principal, Michelle Dolan with former Principals, Sr. Maeve O'Sullivan and Sr. Fionnuala Cole at the Sisters of St. Louis celebration day in St. Louis Secondary School. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics Principal, Michelle Dolan, Kathryn Matthews, Patrick Muray and Deputy Principal, Mary Gilmore at the Sisters of St. Louis celebration day in St. Louis Secondary School. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics Past-pupils came from throughout Ireland and across the Irish Sea to say farewell to the last St Louis nuns living in the Dundalk convent before they move to Dublin in mid-February. It was an emotional day for all as former pupils toured the Castletown school, meeting up with old friends and teachers, before attending the Thanksgiving Mass in the nearby St Josephs Church in Fatima. There Sr Uainin Clarke, St Louis Regional Leader, described the day as a milestone in the St Louis story in Ireland. Of course we are sad the time has come to be leaving this beautiful place and even more to be leavine you the local people, she said. Dundalk holds many precious memories for each of us. Deirdre Wilson, Claire McCourt, Michelle Dolan, Leah Kennedy, Lucille Coleman and Mary Gilmore at the Sisters of St. Louis celebration day in St. Louis Secondary School. Deirdre attended the School (1961-1966) and Lucille attended St. Louis (1952-1957). Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics It was, she continued, especially sad and difficult for the final four sisters, Sr Hannah, Sr Bernardine, Sr Siobhan and Sr Sinead who were leaving Dundalk, which had been their home, and going to Dublin. Four other sisters, Sr Claire, Sr Margaret, Sr Sheila and Sr Claire are remaining in Dundalk in the care of Curam Care Nursing Home. This is Louth Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Louth newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Bishop Michael Router commended the remarkable turnout by those who had come to say farewell to those who worked in the school and community since 1950. Read more Sisters return to school built by their father as Dundalk bades farewell to St Louis nuns He recalled how the school was founded by four Louis Sisters when the then Cardinal of Armagh asked them to set up a school for girls in north Louth. They opened a convent on the site of Castletown Castle and the school opened on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15 1950. He said that Ireland a deprived and very poor country at the time and only two per cent of girls moved beyond primary education to secondary education. The school opened with just sixteen students but soon expanded and the new school building, which opened in 1953, welcomed boarders as well as day students. Past pupils who attended the Sisters of St. Louis celebration day in St. Louis Secondary School. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics Over the following two decades, the school grew, thanks to the introduction of free education, as well as the remarkable growth in the population of Dundalk, which grew by 37pc, due to the number of migrants arriving here fleeing the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and most importantly, due to ethos of education in the school. Following the changes heralded by Vatican 2, the Sisters of St Louis became involved in community work, living in houses in the town, helping to support local and new communities,. The school now has a diverse and multicultural student population and he said that the present convent building will be repurposed to provide opportunities for present and future students. Presentations were made to the Sisters of St Louis on behalf of the residents of the nearby Fatima estate and by the priests of the parish. The farewell ceremonies concluded with a meal in the Carrickdale Hotel. One of the suspects gardai are appealing for information on. The first of two suspects gardai want to track down following an armed raid at a pub and restaurant in Kilberry, Co Meath. One of the suspects brandishes a weapon in the direction of a customer. A CCTV still taken of the two masked raiders during an armed robbery at Kilberry Pub and Kitchen, outside Navan. The two armed suspects entering the bar in Kilberry, Co Meath. Gardai have launched a public appeal to track down two masked, armed raiders following an armed robbery at pub in Meath. The incident at the Kilberry Pub and Kitchen on the outskirts of Navan took place on June 26 last year and resulted in a sum of cash being taken. Both men, who were wearing balaclavas and facial coverings respectively, entered the local establishment shortly before 11pm armed with a machete and iron bar. A CCTV still taken of the two masked raiders during an armed robbery at Kilberry Pub and Kitchen, outside Navan. Moments later, the pair threatened a number of customers who were present by demanding their phones and wallets. In the midst of that commotion, one of the raiders forced a staff member to empty the contents of a till before being ordered to put the money into a box and go into a back room where the safe was located. Follow Independent Meath on Facebook The episode was the subject of an appeal on last nights (Mondays) monthly edition of RTEs Crimecall. One of the suspects brandishes a weapon in the direction of a customer. The entire incident, which lasted just three minutes, saw both men flee the premises on foot and cross the road to the local St John The Baptists Church car park. It was there, gardai believe, the pair jumped into a car which made its way down the R163 which is otherwise known as the Kells Road. Gardai later retrieved the phones and wallets which had been taken minutes earlier. The first of two suspects gardai want to track down following an armed raid at a pub and restaurant in Kilberry, Co Meath. Senior detectives are said to be keeping an open mind on statements taken from customers within the pub at the time that one of the suspects spoke with a local accent. The first raider who was armed with an iron bar is described as being around 40 years old, 57 to 58, of stocky build. He was said to have been wearing a black balaclava, a North Face hoodie and black tracksuit bottoms. One of the suspects gardai are appealing for information on. His younger accomplice is described as being in his 20s to 30s, 66 to 67 in height and of slim build. He entered the bar sporting a black face covering with a black Kappa top while carrying a machete. Detectives are, meanwhile, keen to eliminate a silver coloured saloon car from their enquiries which had been spotted in the area shortly before the incident unfolded. Anyone with information is asked to contact 1800 40 50 60 OR text CRIME followed by information to 57765. Offaly County Council has given the green light for a new 6,726 sqm sterilisation technology facility on the outskirts of Tullamore. Synergy Health Ireland limited lodged plans with the Council on March 8, 2023, for planning permission to construct a sterilization technology facility, which will have a maximum roof height of 19.65m with a flue extending to 22.4m and a gross floor area of 6,726 sqm. The development address is the Clara Road (R420), Ballyduff, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. The plans consist of a storage high bay and loading area of 3,731 sqm, a process area of 698 sqm, a technology area of 691 sqm, and ancillary offices and circulation of 1,606 sqm. The development will also include the repositioning and upgrade of the two existing entrances to the site from the Clara Road (R420) to provide a multimodal entrance with a staff entrance to the site and a dedicated truck entrance to the site. Follow Independent Offaly on Facebook There is to be provision of internal roads, footpaths and a bicycle path, 42 car parking spaces including EV and accessible parking spaces, a deliveries and loading yard with eight truck parking spaces including EV parking spaces, loading dock accesses, dock levellers, an external canopy, maintenance parking, bicycle parking, an ESB substation, PV panels, lighting, and hard and soft landscaping. Provision is also made for ground mounted flagpoles, signage, a segregated cycleway along the boundary of the subject site on the Clara road (R420), and site and development works above and below ground. The development site is 3.21 ha, fronting on to the Clara road (R420) at Ballyduff, Tullamore. The lands are generally bound to the north by properties fronting the Clara road, to the south by an Axis business park, and to the west by greenfield lands, with Leah Victoria Park further west. The plans attracted observations and submissions from local residents. The Ballyduff Residents Group said it was lodging an objection concerning traffic congestion, and increased noise levels, that it was an overbearing development, and that it would entail loss of sunlight, privacy and general wellbeing. There were concerns about zoning, and the potential devaluation of dwellings nearby, as well as the environmental impact. Planning Consultant Sabrina Joyce-Kemper prepared a submission on behalf of local residents, David and Siobhan McGettigan, on September 14, 2023. There remain serious concerns in relation to road safety issues, according to this submission, along with a potential impact on the McGettigans solar array that supplied their property with energy. Concerns centred on an access at the north of the development which was identified as having the potential to cause collisions. Also, a solar impact assessment identifies major overshadowing of the McGettigan solar panels in the months of December, January, and February, particularly in the mornings. The applicant has also not provided site and system specific assessments of the solar impacts, according to the report. We also hold that a number of our original concerns relating to the zoning, bird, bat and mammal surveys have not been appropriately addressed and as such do not comply wit the Wildlife Act or habitats directive. The applicants has also not addressed the zoning issues relating to this development falling into the heavy industrial class, due to warehousing and transport element of the business, added the McGettigans. Further information was sought by the Council on April 27, 2023, and this was received on December 21, 2023. Offaly County Council granted planning permission for the development on January 24, subject to 12 conditions. The current group consists of 13 Farmer Ambassadors who act as advocates and spokespeople for Irelands family-farm-based, grass-fed dairy production system. They are champions for the many initiatives being employed to make Irish dairy more sustainable and environmentally-friendly and they are all keen to speak about what they are doing and what needs to be done. Christopher Tuffy was crowned FBD Young Farmer of the Year in 2022. Upon completing his Leaving Cert in 2008, Christopher spent a year at Mountbellew Agricultural College and then Kildalton Agricultural College where he completed the Dairy Herd Management course. From there, he accepted a life-changing placement in New Zealand. When an opportunity came up to lease a block near Sligo town, Christophers father backed him and he runs this farm milking 150 cows near Doonally. Christopher said: I am really delighted to be a new NDC Ambassador. Every time you see agriculture or dairy farming mentioned in mainstream media, its something negative and were all being portrayed in a negative light. "It would be great to show the opposite of that. To show all the good things that dairy farmers like myself are doing. How were trying to meet the climate problems head on and how were being proactive about the emissions were producing. Its very important that we maintain stock numbers at the current level, as if we dont, therell be no future for young farmers in Irish agriculture. Working off a fully grass-based system, Christopher supplies Aurivo Co-op and as sustainable dairy production is close to heart, he ranked in the top 10% of herds in their recently introduced carbon index. Farm Advocacy Manager at NDC Majella McCafferty says: We are delighted at NDC to welcome Christopher to the team of passionate farm ambassadors. Its so important to have new young voices in farming and agriculture who are passionate about their roles as food producers and using technology to deliver cutting edge improvements in farming on a journey to lower emissions. With our Farmer Ambassador programme we now have that voice and our role is to provide the platforms that they need to tell their stories so that the general public can feel better connected to the production system that puts top quality Irish dairy in the chiller cabinet. The Farmer Ambassadors will be promoted via social media, in NDC media relations activity and directly to digital, print and broadcast media who may require a dairy industry spokesperson to talk about Irish dairy from an informed point of view. Sligo has been ranked twenty-fifth in the list of 50 towns for a perfect work-life balance. With comparatively low house prices and reliable broadband speeds, Sligo scored better than 25 other towns that made it on to the list. It was also the fifth cheapest town to live and work given the comparatively low house prices. The Work-Life Balance Act 2023 was introduced by the government last year, so ahead of the new Code of Practice giving employees new rights, Switcher.ie has revealed the best towns and cities for the perfect work-life balance The research compared essentials like broadband speeds, mobile coverage, and access to local amenities like primary schools, GP surgeries, and major supermarkets. It also looked at factors important for well-being, like green spaces, leisure facilities and cafes, house prices, commuting and crime rate. This is Sligo Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Sligo newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details With all this information, Switcher.ie created a Work-Life Balance Index to rank the best and worst places to juggle work, family and pleasure. Longford was the most affordable town to buy a house in the study. House prices were based on the average house price in October 2023. The top 5 affordable towns to live and work in were: Longford followed by Ballina, Cavan, Letterkenny and Sligo. Ballina has taken the top spot for the best place to live and work with a family. Not only does it offer affordable housing, but its also a safe place to live and has great access to health services and primary schools, says the report. The top place to pop out to the shops, grab a bite to eat or catch up with friends is Castlebar. Theres a superb range of cafes if you want to pop out for a quick coffee or a cheap lunch and with a great choice of major supermarkets, the weekly shop couldnt be easier. Galway was top for best hybrid working. Newbridge had the lowest rate of recorded crime per 1,000 people in 2022, giving it the top spot as the safest place to live. Sligo/Leitrim TD Marian Harkin exchanged heated comments with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar while discussing the Governments emigration policy in the Dail last Wednesday. Deputy Harkin raised the issue around housing multiple single male asylum seekers in one place while calling the issue the difficult national conversation. She said: The national conversation around single men who are seeking asylum, and the specific situation whereby some communities have said that they will welcome and integrate families but not groups of single men. Deputy Marian Harkin Now the knee-jerk reaction is that this is unacceptable, its racist and these are far-right thoughts. But I am asking for a little bit of reflection and go back just two years ago, when thousands of visceral statements from so many Irish women followed the horrific murder of Ashling Murphy. Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook Deputy Harkin also mentioned the comments made by Minister Anne Rabbitte in the Dail. She said: Not all men but all women grow up knowing we are not safe. Not all men but all women know the feeling that creeps up your back when you hear footsteps behind you and you have to check. She told us that by simply existing, womens lives are at risk from men whom they know and men whom they dont know. We believed women two years ago when they made these statements about Irish men, so why do we not at least entertain those statements from women now when they speak about the idea of 30, 40 or 50 single asylum seekers arriving in their town or village, living three or four to a room with no family connections and nothing to do most of the time. Further asking why these concerns are not being taken as genuine she said: It is crystal clear that there is no evidence at all that these men pose any greater threat that 80 Irish men, but many women have said to me and I believe them that they would say the same thing about 80 Irish men in the same circumstances. I am not saying there is no racism involved here. We all need to question ourselves, but this heightened concern is real. I am just asking you to listen, to engage and to believe. I am asking you to have the debate, warts and all, and to manage this in a reasonable and rational way so that we can honour our commitments and bring communities with us. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed his disappointment with the question and called it wrong to connect Ashling Murphys case to a debate about migration. I can see many faces around this House, who I think agree with me. I think the killing and the death of Ashling Murphy was one of those events that really touched the nation. I remember it so well. I remember the outpouring of grief for that young woman who was killed in the way she was. I remember the anniversary only a few weeks ago and I think that to connect this case to a debate about international protection and migration is really wrong. He further added that the evil person who killed Ashling Murphy was an EU citizen who had been in the country for the best part of ten years. He was working and paying taxes, that is how he acquired his rights to social welfare and other things. Sadly he turned on to the girl, for whatever reason he did, and killed her but to connect that to international protection and refugees coming to this country, whether they are genuine or not, is really wrong Deputy, like really Deputy, dont bring our country down into that spiral. Please dont. Deputy Harkin responded by expressing disappointment that Taoiseach did not respond to the real concerns of people. Addressing the Taoiseach, she said: You are disappointed, I am also disappointed that you did not engage. I am disappointed that you didnt respond to the real concerns that I hear from people and this is dividing people. I will not be lectured. The last public meeting that I attended, vile slurs were spoken against migrants and I was the only public representative who called them out. And let me tell you Taoiseach, there were members of your own party, at that meeting who shut their mouths but I didnt, because I wont listen to it. Equally, when members of my community express what they feel are genuine concerns, I wont close my ears. I expect this House, as the House that represents the people of Ireland, to take this on board. We cannot just have the one narrative. We cannot just have only one perspective. The Taoiseach further responded to Deputy Harkin. He said: Sadly, people from all sorts of backgrounds, genders, races, religion and colours commit crimes, but to conflate crime and violence against women, in particular, with migration is profoundly wrong and profoundly dangerous. This statement led to an exchange of heated conversation where Deputy Harkin kept saying that she did not do that, while Taoiseach insisted, Yes, you did. Deputy Harkin accused the Taoiseach of misquoting her while Mr Varadaker kept repeating that she had conflated crime and violence against women with migration. The Taoiseach further said: Deputy, in relation to your remarks about me, I have engaged in this debate. I probably engage in it every other day, in my constituency, in this House and in the media. Only a few weeks ago, I wrote a detailed article, published in the Sunday Independent, setting out what our immigration policy is and was, what the facts were and what they were not. I will keep doing that, but I need a bit of help. I need a bit of help from people in this House. The death occurred earlier this month of an Augustinian priest who promoted the inclusion of greater involvement by lay people in the life of the Church and contributed greatly to better outcomes for people across the world. Late of Duckspool House, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co Waterford and formerly of New Ross, Fr. Ben (Ger) O Brien O.S.A., passed away peacefully on January 2 in the tender care of the staff at St. Vincents Unit, Dungarvan Community Hospital. Fr Ben is predeceased by his sisters Kay and Eileen and is deeply mourned by his sisters Eithne French (Enniscorthy), Mary O Neill (Waterford) and Teresa Bailey (Newcastle, Co. Dublin), brother-in-law Joe Bailey, nephews, nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends and his Augustinian Confreres. Fr Ben reposed at The Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan with prayers and at Cooneys Funeral Home, New Ross, prior to his requiem Mass in St Mary and St Michaels Parish Church, New Ross where Fr. Michael Mernagh, OSA, referred to Fr. Bens great loyalty to his family and friends, his total commitment to his various ministries, his love for Sacred Scripture, his promotion of greater involvement by lay people in the life of the Church, and his courageous acceptance of his terminal illness. Fr Mernagh concluded appropriately with the words of Jesus in St. Johns Gospel: Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they may always see the glory you have given me. Fr Ben OBrien, OSA, was the only son of John OBrien and Kathleen Deegan who lived at the Pondfields, New Ross. He is sorely missed by his remaining sisters Eithne, Mary and Teresa. The late Fr Ben O'Brien. Fr Ben acquired his primary school education from the Mercy Sisters and the Christian Brothers before beginning his secondary education at Good Counsel College, New Ross (1950-1956). It is here that he first met Fr. Michael Mernagh, OSA, and a life-long friendship began. They both did Novitiate together and studied Philosophy in Dublin, before heading to Rome for Theology studies. It was in Rome that they were both ordained priests in 1963. It was a memorable occasion for both families, many of whom were able to be present. Fr Ben spent the early years of his priesthood in Nigeria, where he was instrumental in the foundation of a major seminary in Jos, situated in the north of the country. Here he was Vice-Rector and lecturer for many years. On hearing of his death, many messages of condolence came from there, from the current President of the Seminary and from Augustinian friars and diocesan priests whom he taught. It was an occasion of particular pride and joy for Fr Ben when he was able to visit Nigeria once again for the Golden Jubilee of the Seminary in 2017. Fr Ben returned to Ireland in 1978 and served as a curate at St Catherines Church, Meath Street, in Dublin. He then became chaplain at the College of Technology in Cork before moving to the Augustinian Abbey in Fethard, Co Tipperary. From there he was appointed to Galway before finally retiring to the Augustinian House at Duckspool, Dungarvan, where he was a very popular member of the community. Following his funeral mass, Fr Ben was laid to rest in St. Stephens Cemetery, Irishtown, New Ross. May Fr Ben now rest in the peace of the Lord. Wexford County Council (WCC) has launched a new Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) which will guide the countys development until 2029 and create a county that is prosperous, sustainable and inclusive with an excellent quality of life. Prepared in conjunction with the Wexford Strategic Policy Committee (SCP) and the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), the ambition of the LECP is to ensure the landscape, seascape and settlements of Co Wexford be sensitively and sustainably managed to improve the prosperity and quality of life of the countys residents. In a lengthy document, WCC outlines its targets over the next five years as it seeks to address a number of issues in the county. Among those is the decline of rural areas and the need to strengthen local communities. To that end, the LECP pledges to ensure the revitalisation of town and village centres to create vibrant settlements across the county. This is Wexford Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wexford newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details In order to revitalise those communities, the LECP identifies the need to support SME and micro-business creation throughout the county and advancing development of infrastructure to support emerging employment sectors and to embrace new ways of remote and flexible working. Encouraging population growth in settlements of all sizes, supported by job creation and enhanced employment opportunities. Brain drain in the county is identified in the plan, with the need to retain young people who invariably leave to further their education upon completing second level seen as a key element of Wexfords development in the next five years. Furthermore, according to the deprivation index, 18.9 per cent of people who live in Co Wexford are categorised as residing in a disadvantaged area, an issue which the LECP seeks to address. In order to gather more information on how to tackle the countys shortcomings, WCC carried out a number of community and public engagements across the county with the intention of hearing what the people of the county were most concerned about. Accommodation, was a key theme, particularly the need for more affordable rental and purchase housing. The issue was highlighted as undermining the countys ability to attract investment, to grow its population and to adequately sustain and service its communities. The housing issue is further complicated by an oversaturation of holiday homes, the report reads. Those consultations led to list of strengths Wexford can rely and build upon, among them its growing population, the presence of an expanding SETU campus, a strong local business economy, good road connections to Dublin and Waterford, and the reputation as being Irelands sunniest county. On the flipside, respondents said there were a number of constraints which were hampering Wexfords growth: The countys housing stock growth is not keeping pace with population growth which over time will further erode affordability. The importance of private forms of transport given the rural character of the county hinder efforts to encourage more sustainable forms of transportation. The county has a high rate of youth, elderly, and age dependency necessitating supports. Social deprivation is a wide spread challenge in the county with some pockets of acute deprivation. The people of Wexford have less disposable income than their regional or national peers. Following these consultations, WCC developed six high-level goals which will inform the LECP moving forward. The first of these reads as follows: Wexfords towns, villages, and rural communities will successfully adapt to become even more welcoming, attractive, healthy and safe places to live and work. Support will be provided in the delivery of adequate and accessible local housing, transportation, infrastructure and services that underpin a high quality of life. On the need for housing, the report states, although Co Wexfords 2022 residential property vacancy rate stood at a relatively high 7.3 per cent, there is still a need to build new housing units. The reuse of existing structures is not sufficient to satisfy the demand of a population that increased by 9.2 per cent between 2016-22. Adding complexity to the provision of housing is the growing diversity of requirements Wexfords population has. The population is ageing, families are getting smaller, society is more conscious of those with additional needs, there is the also the pressure to house students who wish to attend an expanding SETU campus. With regards to brain drain and keeping the countys best and most brightest minds here beyond school-leaving age, the next high-level goal states: A culture of continuous, lifelong learning will be fostered, one that improves prospects and provides a sense of personal achievement. Delving deeper, the plan goes on to say, Many people do come back to raise families but a large proportion of those who leave Wexford for education do not return. Provision can be improved to more closely match the needs of key employment sectors within the county. Key to this will be supporting the expansion of SETU and the other further education providers in the county. Among the suggested actions listed to improve the level of education among those residing in Wexford are to support and help promote initiatives and programmes which provide language supports for migrants and refugees" with a particular focus on concentrations of disadvantage, the Traveller community and Roma community, (to) support the important work of educational representatives (and) address high early school leaver rates and increase the retention of students in education to complete second level. Further goals include the creation of sustainable, added-value employment in Co Wexford, climate and biodiversity action, a focus on inclusion, equality and diversity wherein new arrivals will be embraced and integration promoted, and the promotion of the countys culture for the benefit of local communities. Some of the countrys most celebrated and distinguished artists are among over 450 creators who have answered the call from a local arts centre for donations to keep the centre afloat. Eoin Mac Lochlainn, Rachel Fallon, Jesse Jones and Nicholas Robinson have submitted art works donated to Brays Signal Arts centre for an exhibition with a very specific purpose. Each piece will be sold at 50 and the buyer will not know who created the work until they have bought it, meaning each piece will be bought out of love for the work and love for Signal. The items will go on display in the gallery from Thursday, February 8 and will go on sale on Wednesday, February 14 when they will also be available from the centres website. Brays Signal Arts Centre, which was established over 30 years ago, launched a nationwide SOS call-out to artists and creators to help Save Our Signal, a project which sought to raise funds to repair their cold and leaking facility, back in October. Each artwork will be sold for the same price 50 and, who knows, someone could be taking home a piece from a very well-known artist. The centre, which is the focal point for the visual arts in Bray and north Wicklow, said the funds are badly needed to keep all who use the venue safe and warm. Signal is registered as a not-for-profit limited company, having a voluntary board of directors who are charged with the responsibility for the centres development. Since its inception, in 1990, when the centre was opened by a group of recently graduated artists, it has provided a unique resource for artists to exhibit their work and offers regular exhibitions for the the public to enjoy. The aim of the centre was to establish an artist-run venue that would be a permanent part of the arts and local infrastructure. Since then, Signal has gone on to provide over 600 artists with that all-important first chance to exhibit their solo show, to engage with a number of resource centres, schools and communities of interest; to buy its own building and to run a community employment programme specifically for those wishing to develop a career in the arts. Over 17 artists and art workers work in the building, facilitating workshops, invigilating the exhibitions, providing administrative support and generally working on a variety of projects around north Wicklow and ensuring that the centre is safe, inclusive and welcoming. In its appeal, the staff said: As many of you who have been in Signal and used its facilities know, our building is not the most modern. It is a very cold building which is a potential health risk to many in our community. It has no double glazing or insulation and costs a fortune to heat. Most people only know us through our fortnightly exhibitions but behind the gallery is a very busy visual arts space. The back of house includes two general workshop rooms, a ceramics workspace, artists studio, IT room, a small office, storage for artworks and an outdoor performance/workspace. These workspaces are accessed by a variety of individuals and community groups, including professional and emerging artists, youth, and disability groups. In addition, individual artists and creatives use the centre to run their own classes and workshops and include fortnightly musician jam sessions, poetry and writing evenings, film nights and occasional performance art events . . . All this is done in the cold. And sometimes the wet (the roof occasionally leaks). For more information and to purchase an artwork, from Wednesday, February 14, go to: signal.ie There is plenty of excitement building up among the Wicklow students who attend Elevation School of Dancing as they prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Disneyland Paris and perform in front of a packed auditorium. Elevation School of Performing Arts holds classes in Laragh, Aughrim and Blessington, with 68 members from all three areas set to take to the Videopolis stage at Disneyland Paris on February 5. Kate OConnor, Director of Elevation School of Performing Arts, said: This is our second time going to Disneyland Paris as a school but it will be the first time visiting Disneyland for the majority of our 68 strong group, ranging in age from seven to 24. Parents and family members will also be attending and overall we have 196 people travelling to Paris. The Videopolis venue has the capacity for between 800 to 1,000 people so its a very large venue and we will take to the stage as part of the Disney Performing Arts Onstage programme. Our show will last for around 20 or so minutes and we are set to perform seven different routines, which we have been working on since August. There is lots of excitement, and not just amongst our younger members. We will be over there for three days so everyone will have plenty of time to take in all the attractions on offer at Disneyland Paris. After their performance, the Wicklow contingent will be provided with a professionally edited video of the groups performance on Vimeo to share with family and friends upon their return home. Social Democrats Local Area Rep for West Wicklow, Deirdre McCormack, has called for the HSE to consider expanding the age group of patients being treated at the new Naas Hospital Injury Unit from the current age range of 16 years and over. The new facility will be located in Vista Primary Care in Naas, Co Kildare and will be operated by Affidea, accepting patients from west Wicklow and Kildare. It will operate seven days a week; Monday to Sunday from 10am until 8pm, including bank holidays, for a six-week trial. Deirdre said: With estimated waiting and treatment times of less than two hours for injury units, the new unit in Naas offers a local and quick alternative to the long waiting times often experienced when visiting hospital emergency rooms. During this initial six-week trial period the new injury unit will only be treating patients aged 16 and over. With similar HSE injury units in other parts of the country treating patients as young as three, I am calling on the HSE to consider expanding the age bracket for patients at the Naas Hospital Injury Unit, if the trial period is deemed successful. She added: With a high number of families living in the west Wicklow and Naas area and so many young people actively involved in sport, an expansion of the 16 plus age range to include younger patients for treatment would mean that many more people would benefit from the unit. This is a great opportunity to expand health services even further for west Wicklow and Kildare residents and I hope that the HSE will consider reviewing the patient age bracket and accept younger patients at the Naas Hospital Injury Unit in the future. Of the 13 similar HSE Injury Units in operation across the country three, including Naas, have a treatment age range of 16 years and over for patients. St Colmcilles Injury Unit in Loughlinstown, South County Dublin treats patients from age 14 years and the Cork City-based HSE injury unit is for patients aged 10 plus. Cashel Injury Unit treats patients from three, whilst the remaining seven units in Ireland treat patients from age five. Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, also welcomed the opening of the new Injury Unit in Naas, and was hopeful that the accepted patient age group would be expanded in the future. She said: The new Naas Hospital Injury Unit is a welcome addition to the healthcare services available to people living in the west Wicklow and Kildare area. An expansion of the age range of patients that this service is available to would be another positive step for communities here. The HSE Injury Unit in Loughlinstown accepts patients from 14 years of age with other similar Injury Units treating patients from 10 or five years of age. The future introduction of a similar age range for patients accepted for treatment in the Naas Injury Unit would allow more people and families access to faster, local injury treatment. Photoshop owner rejects TV channels claim that AI to blame for doctoring female MPs image to be more revealing I endured a lot yesterday, Australian MP Georgie Purcell wrote, adding: But having my body and outfit photoshopped by a media outlet was not on my bingo card Images tweeted by Georgie Purcell of the doctored image of her used by 9News, and the original photo Alisha Rahaman Sarkar UK Independent Tue 30 Jan 2024 at 09:24 An Australian news channel has been criticised for broadcasting a doctored image of an MP with enlarged breasts and an exposed midriff. There were dozens of CCTV cameras, but no clue where she is disappearance of Jean Tighe four years ago was plagued by confusion from the start The UK government has not ruled out a public inquiry into alleged missed opportunities to stop triple killer Valdo Calocane before he stabbed three people to death, the father of one of the victims has said. Hungary has signalled its readiness for a compromise allowing a proposed European Union aid package for Ukraine to be financed from the blocs budget ahead of an emergency summit on Thursday. Prime minister Viktor Orban has been a vocal critic of the EUs financial and military support for Kyiv and maintained close ties with the Kremlin since Russias invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022. A Moroccan commercial court has this week told Maroc Telecom, the leading telecommunications company in Morocco, to pay compensation of about US$636 million to its competitor Inwi for unfair competition practices. Inwi, the third-largest operator in the country, brought the case in 2021, accusing Maroc Telecom of abusing its dominant position in the market. There appears not to have been any comment from Maroc Telecom itself yet on the case. However, the companys shares were hard hit on the Casablanca stock exchange, falling 9.99% on the news. That said, the company may choose to appeal a fine that is well in excess of its annual 2022 profit, according to Reuters. Maroc Telecom is not unfamiliar with the situation it finds itself in. In early 2020 the regulator imposed a penalty on Maroc Telecom Group following the results of an investigation launched in 2017, relating to allegations that it had contravened the countrys antitrust regulations on the implementation of local loop unbundling (LLU). Since 2013, it was alleged, Maroc Telecom had abused its market dominance to delay and prevent its rivals from accessing Moroccos LLU and fixed broadband sector. Maroc Telecom is 53% controlled by the UAE's Etisalat, with the Moroccan state owning 22%. It has a number of subsidiaries across Africa. Inwi, the third-largest telecom operator in Morocco, brought its case in 2021. Imwi is not a listed company; it is majority controlled by the Moroccan royal familys holding company Al Mada. A jailed Russian opposition activist who has been openly critical of the Kremlin has been moved to an unknown location, his family have said. Vladimir Kara-Murza is currently serving a 25-year sentence for treason and spreading fake news about the war in Ukraine and was being held in the IK-6 maximum-security penal colony in Omsk, around 2,700km from Moscow. During Ramadan, food is only supposed to be withheld during daylight hours in Gaza, there is no end in sight Court clerk Becky Hill is accused of jury tampering in the original case Alex Murdaugh speaks to his legal team before being sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the murder of his wife and son. Photo: Joshua Boucher/AP Almost exactly one year to the day that a murder case described as the trial of the century began, Alex Murdaugh is returning to court in the US this week to try to get his conviction thrown out. Trump camp rejects claims that offer was made Robert F Kennedy Jr has claimed he was approached by Donald Trumps team about being his 2024 running mate despite firm denials from the former presidents campaign. A report in the New York Post over the weekend stated that the Trump team had tapped Mr Kennedy in April 2023 to be on the presidential ticket, and that despite the approach going nowhere anything was still possible, citing anonymous sources. Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed. New Delhi: The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), in collaboration with the Self-Employed Womens Association (SEWA) have launched a first-of-its-kind rural e-mobility demonstration pilot supporting women entrepreneurs. The pilot aims to increase transportation equity, improve air quality, and enhance rural livelihoods through the adoption of EVs. The beneficiaries for this pilot were selected based on multiple criteria, including vehicle ownership status, basic driving skills, access to clean energy sources for EV charging, regular long-distance travel habits, commuting expenses, and vehicle use for livelihood improvement. Electric two-wheelers were handed over to these women entrepreneurs in Anand district, Gujarat and Dungarpur district, Rajasthan. Speaking about the initiative, Dr. R.K. Singh, Chief General Manager, SIDBI, said, EV Ecosystem is being strengthened by us in urban cities by directlysupporting as also through adequate, timely and competitive funds availability to dedicate NBFCs financing EVs. The approach includes supporting different models, empanelling OEMs, capacity building of financing communities, and some of the key steps. SIDBI is taking initiatives to connect smaller towns and religious circuits. The unique attempt is aimed at empowering rural areas. SIDBI is providing support to the identified SEWA sisters for demonstrating the pilot use of electric vehicles for commercial purposes. These EV ambassadors would serve as examples for others to emulate and adopt. SIDBIs flagship EV scheme, 50KEV4ECO, would be instrumental in scaling EV penetration in the rural part of the country. Nearly two-thirds of the Indian population reside in rural India, where motorized transport has predominantly been two-wheelers. NRDC has been working with women in rural India through its partners for over a decade to enhance access to clean energy solutions, said Dipa Singh Bagai, Country Head, NRDC India. Pilots such as these are critical to building the confidence of rural communities in EVs and show how an equitable and just transition to clean transport can be achieved. It also has the potential to inform policymakers on what kind of policy levers and business models are required to support the transition to clean mobility in rural areas, she added. National two-wheeler sales reached nearly 16 million units in the fiscal year ending March 2023, of which rural areas contributed to around 55% of sales. In that light, mobility solutions for rural areas assume high significance. Speaking to this, Reema Nanavaty, Director, SEWA said, Today, the purchase of these Electrical Vehicles by our younger members leads to green asset creation in the name of women, brings freedom of mobility, and strengthens their livelihoods. We at SEWA call it climate justice and second freedom for our members. Photo courtesy: JSL New Delhi/Gurugram: Ahead of the Budget 2024-25, Jindal Stainless, Indias largest stainless steel manufacturer has sought continuation of zero customs duty on stainless steel scrap and steel scrap besides pure nickel. In his Budget recommendation, Jindal Stainless Managing Director Abhyuday Jindal, said, "As we approach the Union Budget for 2024-25we propose a long-term exemption of basic customs duty on ferro nickel and ferro molybdenum to ensure the industry's access to this important raw material at competitive rates. Jindal Stainless also advocates for the continuation of zero customs duty on stainless steel scrap and steel scrap, besides pure nickel. We also request continuing export duty of 30% on exports of chrome ore from the country, he added. The issue of dumping and substandard imports from China, especially 200 series grades, is a well-established challenge. To address this issue, he suggested the establishment of fixed tariff values for stainless steel and also the amendment of the trade remedial laws to delete the lesser duty rule and impose duty based on subsidy margin/dumping margin. He said Jindal Stainless is confident that these proposals will help the stainless steel industry thrive. Jindal sail the company plans to generate approximately 1.9 billion units of clean energy per annum through renewable energy initiatives. Jindal Stainless is set to achieve its mid-term target of 50% carbon emissions reduction well before the target year of 2035, as it marked its presence at the United Nations Confederation of Parties (COP) 28 climate summit for the first time, he stated. Photo Courtesy: SpokespersonNavy X page Indian Navy's warship INS Sumitra has successfully rescued 19 Pakistani sailors from a fishing vessel which was hijacked by Somali Pirates. The Indian Navy's Spokesperson posted on X: "#INSSumitra Carries out 2nd Successful #AntiPiracy Ops Rescuing 19 Crew members & Vessel from Somali Pirates." #INSSumitra Carries out 2nd Successful #AntiPiracy Ops Rescuing 19 Crew members & Vessel from Somali Pirates. Having thwarted the Piracy attempt on FV Iman, the warship has carried out another successful anti-piracy ops off the East Coast of Somalia, rescuing Fishing Vessel Al https://t.co/QZz9bCihaU pic.twitter.com/6AonHw51KX SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 30, 2024 "Having thwarted the Piracy attempt on FV Iman, the warship has carried out another successful anti-piracy ops off the East Coast of Somalia, rescuing Fishing Vessel Al Naeemi and her Crew (19 Pakistani Nationals) from 11 Somali Pirates," the post said. "#INSSumitra, post rescuing MV Iman, was again pressed into action to locate & intercept another Iranian flagged FV which had been boarded by pirates and her Crew taken hostage," the post mentioned. "This rescue of hijacked Vessels, through swift, persistent and relentless efforts by Mission Deployed #IndianNavy warship in the Southern Arabian Sea approx 850 nm West of Kochi, also prevents misuse of Fishing Vessels as Mother Ships for further acts of Piracy on Merchant Vessels," the Indian Navy spokesperson said. INS Sumitra earlier successfully rescued all 17 crew members of an Iranian-flagged Fishing Vessel (FV) Iman that was hijacked by pirates along the East Coast of Somalia and Gulf of Aden. It may be mentioned that on January 27, fire fighting team from INS Visakhapatnam successfully brought under control the fire onboard MV Marlin Luanda after battling the inferno for six hours. Photo Courtesy: Avishek MItra/IBNS Consulate General of China to Kolkata, Zha Liyou, on Monday said the stability of China and India's relationship is significant for the peace and prosperity of Asia and the development of the world. "The stability of the China-India relationship is of great significance to the peace and prosperity of Asia and the development of the world," he said while addressing an event to mark the Chinese New Year celebration in Kolkata. "We are willing to work with the Indian side to meet each other halfway, properly handle our differences, support each other and achieve mutual success," he said. "We want to avoid mutual suspicion," he said. He said China is willing to maintain communication and coordination with India in major mechanisms like G20 and BRICS to jointly solve major global issues like climate change, terrorism and Artificial Intelligence. He said the trade relationship between China and India is witnessing steady progress. "The total bilateral trade between the two countries reached 136.218 billion USD. It witnessed a year-on-year increase of 1.5 per cent," he said. "It shows people of both sides are working very hard to achieve this," he said. An energetic performance of the traditional lion dance by skilled dancers and the beating of Chinese drums welcomed the guests in Kolkata who attended the New Year festival in the city hosted by the country's Consulate. The event also marked the farewell reception of Chinese Consulate General Zha Liyou who looked back to his five-year tenure in Kolkata when he told IBNS: "I feel proud that during my five-year tenure, due to the concerted effort of everyone in the community, the relationship between East India and China has gradually strengthened." "I feel proud looking back to my five-year journey to India," he said. "I take this opportunity to thank my friends for all the support they gave to my office," he added. (Reporting by Supriyo Hazra) MTN Group pledged to invest US$215 million in infrastructure into Benin over the next three years after seeing positive results from 5G trials in the country. The pledge was made during an MTN Group leadership visit to Benin headed by MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita, meeting with Benin President Patrice Talon. MTN works to be a force for good in our markets, giving Africans hope, dignity and opportunity, said Mupita. We are grateful for the warm reception received in Benin, where we have trialled 5G services and see opportunities to progress this. We are committed to the development and upskilling of the Beninese youth and have made clear our desire to partner with the government and other stakeholders in this regard, he added. The chief executive did not go into detail about the pan-African groups investment into MTN Benin, which has around 8 million subscribers after 25 years operating in the country. Photo courtesy: UNI New Delhi/IBNS: After successfully thwarting a piracy attempt on Iranian Fishing Vessel (FV) Iman, INS Sumitra carried out yet another successful anti-piracy operation off the East Coast of Somalia by rescuing a fishing vessel Al Naeemi with 19 crew members (Pakistani nationals), an Indian Navy statement said here on Tuesday. As many as 11 Somali pirates had hijacked the vessel. On January 29, the warship was pressed into action to locate and intercept another Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, Al Naeemi, which had been boarded by pirates and her crew (19 Pakistani national) taken hostage. INS Sumitra intercepted the FV and, through coercive posturing and effective deployment of her integral helo and boats, compelled the safe release of the crew and the vessel, the statement said. The ship also undertook confirmatory boarding to sanitise and to check on the well-being of the crew who were held captive by the Somali pirates. INS Sumitra, over the course of less than 36 hours, through swift, persistent, and relentless efforts, rescued two hijacked fishing vessels along with 36 crew members (17 Iranian and 19 Pakistani) in the southern Arabian Sea, approximately 850 nm west of Kochi, and prevented misuse of these fishing vessels as mother ships for further acts of piracy on merchant vessels, the statement added. Photo courtesy: UNI Jammu/UNI: Panic gripped the border village after a suspected improvised explosive device was found near a bridge on Tuesday in Hiranagar-Ghagwal belt of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir. Police said a suspected IED was found near the bridge in Sherpur village of Hiranagar tehsil in Kathua District. "Soon after getting the information, police teams from Hiranagar and Ghagwal police stations were rushed to the spot," police said. They said the Bomb Disposal Squad was immediately pressed into the service. "The device has been defused and a major tragedy was averted," said police. More details are awaited, they stated. Support Our Journalism We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news. Support objective journalism for a small contribution. Photo courtesy: X/@HemantSorenJMM Ranchi/IBNS: Amid the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s claim that Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren is "missing", the state cabinet met on Tuesday morning to decide the future course of action, media reports said. Soren reportedly went missing at a time the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials are looking for him to quiz in a money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted a raid at Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's Delhi residence and seized some documents and his BMW car. Soren was not at home during the search operations. As per reports, Soren travelled from Ranchi to Delhi in a chartered plane, which was parked at the city Airport. However, the officials, who wanted to record Soren's statement, were left in the dark on his whereabouts. So far, the Chief Minister has evaded seven summons for questioning and reports said he is preparing to challenge the ED's summons in court. The investigating team visited Jharkhand Bhawan and his father's residence at Motilal Nehru Marg. But Soren could not be found there either. A note from the Chief Minister's Office, however, reached the ED, informing them that they could interrogate him at 1 pm on Jan 31 -- the last day of the time allotted to him -- at his home in Ranchi. Soren has claimed that he is being targeted as a part of a huge conspiracy. "A conspiracy was hatched against me, but the final nail in the coffin of the conspirators will be put by us... We will not be scared, your leader will face the bullets first and keep your morale high," Soren had told the workers of his Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. The case involves "huge racket of illegal change of ownership of land by the mafia" in Jharkhand, as per the central agency. Photo courtesy: UNI Patna/UNI: A day after RJD Supremo Lalu Prasad was grilled by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for over nine hours in 'land for job' scam in railways, the central investigating agency started interrogating his son and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday in the same case. Yadav reached Patna-based ED office at around 11:30 am, where a large number of his party workers waiting for him, started raising slogans condemning the unnecessary harassment of their leader. They were agitated over the grilling of Lalu and his family members by ED in the "land for job" scam and dubbed it as a political vendetta of the BJP government at the Centre. Security personnel had a tough time escorting Tejaswi to the ED office as a large number of RJD workers were present who were raising slogans in favour of their leader. Despite Tejaswi's appeal to maintain peace, his party workers continued to raise slogans when he was being escorted inside the ED office. ED sources said that Tejaswi would be asked broadly the same question that was earlier asked from Lalu on Monday. Focus would be on details of the dealings of plots that Lalu had registered in the names of his family members from the aspirants in lieu of giving them group D category jobs in railways when he was Railway Minister during the regime of the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre from 2004 to 2009. Former Bihar Minister and senior RJD leader Shyam Rajak said that central investigating agencies were working as different cells of the BJP. On instructions from their political masters, agencies were harassing Lalu and his family members, he remarked. Nitish Kumar engaged in a close chat with BJP national President JP Nadda at oath taking ceremony in Patna (Image Courtesy: JP Nadda X page) Patna: As Nitish Kumar turned another political somersault, many are questioning his political future, with experts indicating that this move might have a detrimental effect on his voter support. On Sunday he took oath for the record ninth time after deserting the Opposition bloc INDIA just months ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections. This is the fifth time the Janata Dal (United) chief jumped sides in the course of a decade, earning him the pejorative Paltu Kumar. Image Courtesy: twitter.com/GovernorBihar While Nitishs move effectively tipped the balance in favour of NDA, political strategist Prashant Kishor asserted that Nitish Kumar's alliance with the BJP will be short-lived and is unlikely to extend much beyond the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Kishor, who was once a political advisor to Kumar but has now become a critic, said the JD(U) chief has repeatedly deceived people by switching sides. He described Nitish as a cunning man who is unlikely to stick to the alliance with the BJP until the next Bihar assembly election scheduled for 2025. Image courtesy: twitter.com/NitishKumar Regardless of Nitish Kumar's choice of alliance in the subsequent state electionbe it with the BJP or RJD, should he again change sides after the Lok Sabha election? Kumar's party is predicted to secure no more than 20 seats, according to Kishor. It is needless to say that Nitish severed ties with the INDIA bloc after he realised that his aspiration to lead the coalition and edge out other parties in the race to be projected as the Opposition alliances PM candidate had fallen flat. His hopes were dashed after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was picked to helm the alliance following AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjees recommendation. Photo courtesy: UNI Though Nitish has repeatedly said he had no desire to become the prime minister, his party Janata Dal (United) demanded to project him as the next PM candidate over the years. The party leaders have asserted that Nitish has all the qualities of a prime minister and is fit to be the main challenger to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the next Lok Sabha polls. Prashant Kishor said that the Nitish-BJP alliance will not last more than six months after the general elections. He maintained that the people of Bihar would punish Nitish for his political opportunism in an appropriate manner. He referred to his previous prediction in which he had said that Nitish Kumar would not continue with the Mahagathbandhan, and if he did, he would fail to secure even five seats in the Lok Sabha election. Image Credit: UNI Nitish Kumar joined the Mahagathbandhan in August 2022, when he had snapped ties with the BJP accusing it of trying to "split" his JD(U). He formed a new government with a multi-party coalition that included RJD, Congress and three Left parties. Nitish Kumar's first political shift was in 2013. After forming the government in 2005 in alliance with the BJP, he severed ties with the saffron in 2013, citing his dissatisfaction over Narendra Modis selection as the Prime Ministerial candidate. Following this, he contested independently in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and secured only two seats, a massive decline from the 18 seats won in the 2009 polls. In the 2015 assembly elections, Nitish Kumar allied with the RJD in the 'Mahagathbandhan' and won the majority, becoming the Chief Minister. Dissatisfied with his party's diminished role, he broke away in 2017 following corruption allegations against Tejashwi Yadav, returning to the BJP. Current numbers in Bihar assembly: In the Bihar Assembly of 243, the RJD has 79 MLAs; followed by the BJP at 78; JD(U) at 45, Congress at 19, the CPI (M-L) at 12, CPI(M) and CPI at 2 each, and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) at 4. Another two seats are with the AIMIM and an Independent. Political equation within NDA after Nitishs entry According to political observers, Nitish now helms a government that truly reflects the mandate received in the 2020 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. LJP leader Chirag Paswan, who had been a bitter critic of Nitish Kumar, has also joined the NDA. In the last assembly polls, Chirag Paswan played a significant role in defeating JDU on nearly two dozen seats. Nitish has been accusing the BJP of sabotaging his partys prospects by making covert alliances with his opponents. In light of the current developments, the NDA will have to think of a new strategy to create a fine balance between its regional allies. Chirag Paswan, who is the son of late Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, has recently aligned himself with BJP leaders JP Nadda, Amit Shah, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi while Nitish Kumar was with the Grand Alliance for almost two and a half years. Until a few days ago, the distribution of Bihar's 40 Lok Sabha seats between the BJP and smaller parties, including Chirag Paswan, Pashupati Paras, Upendra Kushwaha, and Jitan Ram Manjhi, among others, was being negotiated. Now, with a prominent player Nitish Kumar aligning with the BJP, the fate of smaller parties is uncertain. Earlier, the BJP snubbed Chirag Paswan to make Nitish Kumar happy only to be ditched by him later. Nevertheless, JD (U) is a bigger party than the other NDA alliance partners in Bihar. Therefore, it is a matter of hot discussion whether Chirag will be given a strong position in the state government and the seats his party would get in the seat-sharing arrangement in the Lok Sabha elections. Out of the 128 MLAs, who are supporting Nitish Kumar, 78 are BJP MLAs, 45 JDU, four legislators from the Hindustani Awam Morcha(HAM), and one independent legislator. This means RJD national president Lalu Prasad Yadavs efforts to bring Jitan Ram Manjhi and the independent, to the INDIA bloc were unsuccessful. Also, RJDs attempt to split the JD(U) was rendered futile. On the other hand, the RJD now has 79 legislators, in addition to 19 from the Congress and 16 from the Left parties. The lone legislator from Asaduddin Owaisi's party will remain in opposition. Notably, Chirag's LJP does not have any representation in Bihar Vidhan Sabha. The one legislator from LJP, who had won in the 2020 elections, was poached by JD(U). Other NDA allies like Upendra Kushwahas party Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal and Chirag Paswans uncle, Pashupati Parass Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party, too, have no MLAs. In the current scenario, these parties are likely to focus on their participation in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections instead of focussing on the 2025 Bihar assembly polls. Why does the BJP need Nitish Kumar? The question remains why is BJP willing to accept Nitish Kumar, despite his questionable political ethics and integrity? Nitish Kumar is necessary, and at times, a compulsion for any political alliance in Bihar. With Nitishs repeated jumps across the political aisle, the BJP is aware of his unreliability as a partner. His attitude is both a matter of worry and cause of irritation. Image Credit: UNI Nitish Kumar lacks significant political strength on his own. But when he aligns with others, the strength of that alliance multiplies manifold. Therefore, the BJP leadership wants to look at the bigger picture and overlook the JD(U) chiefs shortcomings. In Bihar, Nitish Kumar is a factor that is crucial for maintaining balance. Therefore, the fissures in the opposition unity in Mahagathbandhan before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections could be advantageous for the BJP. According to political analyst Amitabh Tiwari, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP, along with JDU and LJP, secured a 54.40% vote share in Bihar, winning all 39 seats. JDU's vote share within NDA was 22.3%, while Mahagathbandhan's vote share was 31.40%. However, in 2022, Nitish Kumar aligned with RJD, and JD-U's 22.3% vote share joined the Mahagathbandhan. The switch of Jitan Ram Manjhi-led Vikashil Insaan Party (VIP) resulted in a 2.40% increase in NDA's vote share, while the defection of three VIP MLAs Raju Singh (Sahebganj), Swarna Singh (Gaura Bauram) and Mishrilal Yadav (Alinagar) to BJP resulted in a 1.70% increase in BJP's vote share. Similarly, CPI-ML's participation in the Mahagathbandhan increased its vote share by 1.40%. As a result, the adjusted vote share for NDA became 36.20%, and for the Mahagathbandhan, it became 47.30%. In comparison to 2019, this equation would have been detrimental to BJPs prospects in 2024. Had the situation persisted, it would have posed a challenging scenario for BJP in terms of vote share. Therefore, the BJP believes that it will gain a decisive advantage over Mahagathbandhan in 2024 with Nitish Kumars 22.3% vote share in NDA. Photo courtesy: Mohamed Muizzu X page Male/IBNS: A Maldives opposition party leader, Qasim Ibrahim, has urged Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to formally apologise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. This comes as the country's main opposition MDP, which holds a majority in the Maldivian Parliament, said it plans to submit a motion to impeach their President. The development followed clashes that broke out in the House between pro-government MPs and opposition lawmakers following differences over the approval of four members of his cabinet. "Regarding any country, especially a neighbouring one, we shouldn't speak in a way that affects the relationship. We have an obligation to our state that must be considered. President Solih did consider this obligation and issued a Presidential Decree banning the 'India Out' campaign. Now, Yameen (former president Abdulla Yameen) is questioning why Muizzu, who participated with him in the India Out Campaign, has not nullified the Presidential Decree," the Jumhooree Party (JP) leader said. "The Decree should not be nullified, as it would only result in a loss to the nation. That cannot be done. I would tell Muizzu that it shouldn't be done. Also, I call on President Muizzu to formally apologise to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi regarding his remarks after the China trip." Earlier last year, then Maldives President Ibrahim Solih signed a decree stating that the opposition's 'India Out' campaign is a "threat to national security". This allows security agencies to take down campaign banners and provides constitutional cover to take action against opposition parties. The opposition, led by former president Abdulla Yameen of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) was spearheading an 'India Out' campaign for over the last year citing the unproven claim that Indian military officers stationed in the Indian Ocean island nation are a violation of Maldives' sovereignty. Notably, Solih was one of the prominent Maldives leaders to condemn the derogatory remarks made by some junior ministers which led to a diplomatic standoff between the two nations. India and the Maldives on Jan 14 "agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel" from the island nation, according to the Maldives' Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was the main campaign plank of Muizzu's party during the presidential elections. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in Maldives. On the second day of assuming office, Muizzu officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives. The campaign's implicit target was then Maldivian President Solih and the Maldivian Democratic Party, both perceived as close to India. Apart from the call for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, a massive row erupted after a Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging and unsavory references to Primer Minister Narendra Modi's recent Lakshadweep visit and call to development the Indian archipelago as a global retreat for beach tourism. In image Rahul Gandhi in Bihar/ courtesy: Facebook Patna/IBNS: Congress's Rahul Gandhi, the man allegedly responsible behind Nitish Kumar's decision to team up with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Tuesday took a jab at the Bihar Chief Minister over his defection from the Opposition camp. "We don't require Nitish Kumar, a little bit of pressure and he makes a U-turn," Gandhi, who is leading the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, said at a public meeting in Bihar's Purnea district on Tuesday. Kumar joined hands with the BJP over the weekend, apparently furious over a comment of Rahul Gandhi at a meeting of the Opposition on Jan 13. Regarding the matter of choosing a coordinator for the INDIA bloc, a post that Kumar had eyed, Gandhi said he would consult Mamata Banerjee, media reports said. Furious with the Congress leader, Kumar quit the meeting 10 minutes early. Though the leaders chose him as the convenor shortly after, Kumar rejected it, having decided to change camp, reports said. This was Kumar's fifth change of camp in a decade and gave a chance to Gandhi to poke fun at the Chief Minister, narrating a joke about Kumar returning to the Raj Bhavan to collect his shawl shortly after the oath ceremony. "The Governor was very surprised. 'What Nitish-ji you are back so soon?' he asked," Gandhi said amid roars of laughter. "Nitish ji is like that. A bit of pressure and he caves in," he added. Explaining why Kumar should be under pressure, he mentioned social justice -- one of the five justices sought by the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. "The 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) will fight for social justice in Bihar; we don't require Nitish Kumar for that purpose We don't require him at all," the Congress leader said. UNISFA Continuing intercommunal clashes in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan have left more than 50 people dead including two peacekeepers, the UN said on Monday. Armed youth from rival factions of the Dinka ethnic group have been battling over the location of an administrative boundary in the oil-rich region, claimed by both countries, according to media reports. The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) reported that clashes erupted on Saturday in the Nyinkuac, Majbong and Khadian areas, leading to casualties and the evacuation of civilians to its bases. Refuge from violence UNISFA is engaging with local authorities to verify the numbers of those killed, injured, and displaced, noting that 52 civilians have lost their lives while 64 others are said to be gravely wounded. The Mission has allowed all persons in imminent threat of danger to seek refuge in some of its camps, in line with its mandate to protect civilians. Peacekeepers under attack On Sunday, peacekeepers were transporting affected civilians from a UNISFA base to a hospital when they came under heavy fire. A peacekeeper from Pakistan was killed, and four uniformed personnel and a local civilian were injured. The incident happened one day after the UNISFA base in Agok came under attack, which the mission repelled. A Ghanaian peacekeeper was killed, prompting the Mission to call for a swift and thorough investigation. UNIFSA issued a statement on Monday strongly condemning the attacks against civilians and peacekeepers, stating that violence against blue helmets may constitute a war crime under international law. Call for investigation The Mission is making every effort to restore calm, including proactively and robustly protecting civilians, and reiterates its call for a swift investigation so that perpetrators can be held accountable, according to a statement. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned about the violence that occurred in Abyei over the weekend, his Spokesperson said in a statement later on Monday. The Secretary-General condemns the violence and attacks against UNISFA and calls on the Governments of South Sudan and Sudan to swiftly investigate the attacks, with the assistance of UNISFA, and bring the perpetrators to justice, it said. Guterres conveyed his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Ghana and Pakistan, and to the families of the deceased civilians. UN in Abyei UNISFA was established by the UN Security Council in June 2011 in response to renewed violence, escalating tensions and population displacement in the Abyei region as Southern Sudan was preparing to formally declare independence from Sudan the following month. The weeks prior to the Council decision were marked by deadly clashes that forced more than 100,000 people to flee their homes. The war between rival military forces in Sudan has compounded the challenges in Abyei, according to senior UN officials who briefed the Council last November. They said the conflict has interrupted encouraging signs of dialogue between Sudan and South Sudan and talks over the disputed region have effectively been put on hold. Photo Courtesy: IDF X page The Israeli army killed three young Palestinian men during a raid in a hospital in the West Bank city of Jenin, Palestinian and Israeli sources said on Tuesday. Kamal Abu Al-Rub, acting Governor of Jenin, told Xinhua that Israeli special forces disguised in civilian clothing entered Ibn Sina Hospital in the city and "assassinated" three young men. "This is a new crime committed by the occupation in violation of all charters and customs that protect hospitals," he added. The Israeli army Spokesperson Avichai Adraee said in a statement on the social media platform X that the forces "killed an armed cell of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), which had hidden inside Ibn Sina Hospital in the city of Jenin, accusing it of planning to carry out a sabotage operation." The West Bank has witnessed escalating tension since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, as a result of the ongoing Israeli incursions into various cities, towns and camps in the West Bank. (With UNI inputs) The third-biggest South African operator, Telkom, has released an announcement claiming it has helped to win convictions for cable theft and infrastructure vandalism at various operations across the country. It says its Telkom Security and Investigation Team has managed to significantly reduce infrastructure-related crime at Telkom facilities, adding that the community has also played a significant role through tip-offs to police and Telkom reporting hotlines. From July 2017 to December 2023, over 3,000 suspects were apprehended and cases opened against 2,549 individuals. This may be encouraging, but is also a reminder of how appealing some assets can be to thieves and how much work and expense are involved in protecting those assets. The Economic Sabotage of Critical Infrastructure (ESCI) Forum, a joint working group between Telkom, power company Eskom, commuter rail service group Prasa and rail, port and pipeline company Transnet, has estimated that the economic damage caused by copper theft costs the country R7 billion (US$371.6 million) every year, with a wider economic impact claimed to be closer to R187 billion (US$ 9.9 billion) Telkom says it costs the company tens of millions of rand every year to replace stolen or vandalised cables, as well as batteries stolen from cellphone towers. But preventing theft is costly too. Telkom budgets even larger amounts for security to protect its assets. It's not just about Telkom of course. Late last year we reported that South African operator Vodacom was planning to roll out measures to curb rising battery theft and vandalism at base station sites in Free State and Northern Cape provinces. Rival operator MTN said earlier the same year that it was investing heavily to combat site vandalism and battery theft Photo Courtesy: Pixabay Pakistani security forces thwarted three coordinated attacks launched by suspected terrorists in Mach town on Monday. The terrorists reportedly launched the attack with rockets and weapons. At least one policeman was reportedly martyred while a truck driver injured in the assault, Dawn News reported Balochistans caretaker Minister for Information Jan Achakzai attributed the attack to terrorists affiliated with the Aslam Acho group, responsibility was later claimed by the Majeed Brigade of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), the newspaper reported. Security forces immediately rushed to the spot and the gun battle occurred for several hours. No damage was caused to the installations. The terrorists have now retreated, and our security forces are currently in pursuit. We remain hopeful that all threats will be eliminated before dawn, by the grace of God, Achakzai said. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay Locals demanding the recovery of three students allegedly picked up by law enforcement agencies blocked the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) highway near Turbat City in Pakistan on Monday. The traffic on both sides of the highway was suspended amid protests. The protesters alleged that the three students were taken into custody by law enforcement agencies from Hoshab and Tajaban areas of Kech district two days ago, and their family has no information about their whereabouts, reported Dawn News. Turbat Assistant Commissioner Haseeb Shuja later negotiated with the protestors and assured them that their loved ones would be recovered. The demonstrators refused to end the demonstration. They vowed to continue the high blockade until the safe recovery of the students. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash Police have recovered four women abducted from different areas of Karachi city in Pakistan, media reports said. Police also apprehended two key members of an inter-provincial kidnapping gang operating in Sindh and Balochistan. Nasirabad SSP Dr Muhammad Sami told Dawn News that a collaborative effort by the police and CIA led to raids in various towns and villages across Nasirabad district, including Dera Murad Jamali. Sami said, Two important members of the inter-provincial criminal gang, involved in kidnapping of women from Karachi and other areas were arrested in the joint operation of police and CIA staff. He said that a collaborative effort from the police and CIA resulted in the recovery of three cars and eight motorcycles, which had been snatched from Karachi and various locations within the Nasirabad division. Police recovered illegal arms, ammunition, smuggled goods, urea, and sugar, all stockpiled in warehouses. Netflix show Griselda has taken the internet by storm. After watching the series, everyone is interested in knowing the Colombian cocaine trafficker's real life story. Were all the characters shown in the series real, or were some of them fictional? People have a lot of questions. Here's side by side comparison of reel characters and their real-life counterparts and a list of characters that were fictional. Reel VS Real: Griselda's Cast Compared To Their Real Life Counterparts Sofia Vergara as Griselda Blanco Twitter Griselda Blanco is the central character of the Netflix show. Here's her real-life story. Do you know she was murdered? Here's why Netflix didn't show who killed Griselda. Martin Rodriguez as Jorge 'Rivi' Ayala Twitter Actor Martin Rodriguez played the role of Jorge 'Rivi' Ayala, who was a lieutenant for one of Griselda's rivals. However, he was so impressed by her tactics that he switched sides and ended up becoming her right-hand man. Where is Jorge "Rivi" Ayala now? He is currently in Florida jail serving life sentences for his involvement in multiple murders. Juliana Aiden Martinez as June Hawkins Twitter Juliana Aiden Martinez played the role of June Hawkins who tracked down Griselda. In a BBC Podcast, she said, "I speak Spanish and in those days, there weren't that many Spanish speakers on the department and they used me as kind of like an intelligence analyst to filter through all the names of all the people and make out who they were. And then I'd talk to informants and I'd write all these memos. I prepared a big report that wound up going to Washington with about 40 cases connected to it." Alberto Guerra as Dario Sepulveda Twitter Alberto Guerra plays the role of Dario Sepulveda, who shows up in Maimi to kill Griselda. However, he switches sides and eventually becomes her third husband. Griselda Blanco's Yonger Son Michael Corleone twitter The only remaining son of the Godmother of Cocaine, Michael Corleone recently revealed that he isn't happy with the way her mother has been portrayed in the Netflix show. He said she was a beautiful lady. "People see the mug shots and just go from that. But when you read my book, youll see that my mother was called the porcelain doll in her youth. Mayors, governors and politicians in different countries would try to court my mother... even here in the United States. She was the creme de la creme." Furthermore, he agreed she wasn't a saint but still he loved her. "She was always a beautiful woman. Now, of course, 26 years of jail will age a person. And my mother was so used to pampering and she was so used to her maintenance... She wasnt a saint but Ill tell you something... my mother was a star and a queen." Fredy Yate as Chucho Castro Twitter Fredy Yate plays the role of Chucho Castro, an immigrant from Columbia who first turns her bodyguard but ends up working for her for many years. In the show, his two-year-old son is shot at by Ayala on Griselda's orders. What is Chucho Castro doing now? As per reports, Chucho has already been released from jail and is perhaps living as a free man, if he is not already dead. Fictional Characters in Netflix's Griselda Vanessa Ferlito as Carmen Gutierrez Twitter Vanessa Ferlito played the role of Carmen Gutierrez, Griselda's friend with whom she stays after arriving in Maimi. After getting to know about her cocaine business she is hesitant to be involved with her. This isn't a real-life character. However, as per the makers, this character is loosely inspired by real-life figures. Christian Tappan as Arturo Mesa Twitter Christian Tappan essays the role of Arturo Mesa, who is Blanco's accountant. He is one of her connections from Colombia, where he worked as an accountant for her former husband. He later helps her set up shop in Miami. This was also a fictional character, an amalgamation of all the genuine friends Griselda had in her life. Karol G as Carla Twitter While there's no real woman named Carla, who was a sex worker who joined hands with Griselda in the US, she is also an amalgamation of other women who helped Blanco smuggle in drugs. For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. We all find inspiration in different things, like a meaningful book, a motivating song, or an empowering movie. Now that it's been days of appreciating and talking about Vikrant Massey's '12th Fail,' here's a list of recommendations for you if you are looking for Bollywood movies that can lift your spirits and make you feel better emotionally. IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma With Actor Vikrant Massey/Twitter Fun Fact: The biographical drama '12th Fail' received Filmfare awards over the last weekend in multiple categories, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. The film is about the inspiring journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who transcended poverty to become an IPS officer. Movies That Can Inspire You To Conquer The World 1. Super 30 Directed by Vikas Bahl, the movie "Super 30," starring Hrithik Roshan, is inspired by the life of Anand Kumar. It depicts the journey of the Patna-based mathematician, who mentors a group of 30 aspiring IIT students and leads them to successfully crack the exam together. Super 30 Picture Screen Grab/Twitter Where To Watch? The film can be streamed on Disney+Hotstar. 2. Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway Inspired by a true story, in "Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway," Rani Mukerji portrays Debika Chatterjee, who battles the Norwegian childcare services to reclaim custody of her children. Directed by Ashima Chibber, this movie portrays a mother's unwavering determination to seek justice while navigating through societal biases and stereotypes. Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway/@iamsrk Where To Watch? The movie is available on Netflix. 3. Tumse Na Ho Payega Under the direction of Abhishek Sinha, "Tumse Na Ho Payega" appeals to both the social media-savvy youth and those adhering to traditional norms. The storyline traces Gaurav Shukla's path as he escapes a stifling corporate environment to launch his own startup. Abhishek Sinha skillfully portrays the challenges faced by the middle class against societal expectations and parental pressures, emphasising the importance of redefining success. Tumse Na Ho Payega Movie Screen Grab/Twitter Where To Watch? The movie is available on Disney+hotstar. 4. Mission Mangal This movie, directed by Jagan Shakti, is based on the true story of ISRO's Mars satellite launch, 'Mission Mangal.' Mission Mangal Poster/Twitter The film takes the audience on an inspiring journey, showcasing a space mission led by women that successfully achieved its goals on the first attempt, even with limited resources. Where To Watch? You can watch the film on Disney+Hotstar. 5. Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai Directed by Apoorv Singh Karki and featuring Manoj Bajpayee, the movie portrays the real-life battle of Advocate PC Solanki as he seeks justice for a sexually assaulted minor. Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai/Twitter With unwavering courage, Solanki confronts formidable adversaries, proving that one individual can make a significant impact against injustice. Where To Watch? The movie is available on Zee5. Get inspired and motivated by watching these uplifting movies to help you reach your goals. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. On Sunday, actor Shah Rukh Khan celebrated the success of his most recent movie, Dunki, by attending a special fan meet in Mumbai. Shah Rukh interacted and took photos with a number of admirers during the fan event. He greeted a large number of supporters on stage in a video posted by an SRK fan page on social media. A young man approached Shah Rukh and instantly started to tremble. He helped him relax by holding his shoulders and then posed for photos with him. Check out the video Fans React To Shah Rukh Khans Gesture One wrote, Shah took care of me the same way when i got emotional meeting him for the first time. Another added, The way Shah adores people setup huge example that mankind still exists. A third added, That guy's hand was shivering. I would have done the same and Shah would had a hard time in comforting me. A fourth went on to add, The most precious angel. Fans React To Shah Rukh Khans Gesture SRK talks about gap before 'Pathaan', 'Jawan' During the fan event, he said as per Indiatody, "Its new because I have been working for 33 years, and you take such a big gap. Normally, you get a little nervous and you feel that, I hope Ive got the film right. Usse pehle kuch meri filmein thi jo itni acchi nahi gayi toh mujhe lagne laga tha ki main acchi filmein bana nhi raha hun (Before that there were some of my films that didnt do well and so I thought Im not making good films). But I think more than my films, ek pyaar tha logo ka jo Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki ke liye (there was a certain form of love Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki). SRK Talks about gap in his recent films He continued, I think this whole country and people outside this country from India have actually taken me to their heart more than the films and said that, Are 4 saal ke liye mat jaya karo, 2-4 mahine theek hai (dont take a break for 4 years, 2-4 months are fine). So, Im very very thankful to all of you, to the audience and the whole world for making me realise ki jo main karta hun woh theek karta hun aur mujhe woh baar baar karte rehna chahiye (that what I do is right and I should keep on doing it). It's been over a week since Lily Gladstone became the first Native American nominated for a Best Actress Oscar. Since then, she has been travelling across the world, working hard to get people to support her movie, "Killers of the Flower Moon," and increase her chances of winning an Oscar trophy. A picture from Lily Gladstone's Instagram profile/Instagram Fun Fact: In "Killers of the Flower Moon," Gladstone takes on the role of Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman in 1920s Oklahoma facing a horrifying ordeal. The plot revolves around a group of covetous white men who are poisoning Indigenous people to seize the oil-rich lands of the Osage Nation. Knowing First Native American Woman Nominated For Best Actress At Oscars Lily Gladstone is the first Native American woman nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars. She has already made history with a Golden Globe win for her role in "Killers of the Flower Moon." Despite being a veteran in acting with appearances in TV series like Billions and films including Certain Women, her breakthrough came with the Martin Scorsese-directed epic. Reflecting on the overdue recognition, she highlights the historical contribution of Native people to cinema. While not the first indigenous nominee, she stands as the first from the US. As a strong contender, Gladstone faces competition from Emma Stone in the Oscars race on March 10. What Is Lily's Birthplace? Born on August 2, 1986, in Kalispell, Montana, Lily Gladstone grew up on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in the western US state. Her passion for acting ignited at the age of five when she aspired to be an Ewok after watching "Return of the Jedi." Growing up in a rural, snow-covered environment, she found solace in movies and realised acting could fulfil her dreams. When Did Lily Start Her Acting Career? Gladstone's journey in acting began with local productions, including playing an evil stepsister in a children's theatre production of Cinderella. Despite being a self-proclaimed "nerd," she was recognised for her potential and voted "most likely to win an Oscar" in her yearbook. Her feature film debut came in 2012's "Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian," alongside Benicio del Toro. Subsequent roles in films like "Winter in the Blood" and "Buster's Mal Heart," opposite Rami Malek, paved her way in the industry. However, it was her role as rancher Jamie in 2016's "Certain Women" that marked her breakthrough, earning her the Best Supporting Actress accolade from film critics' groups in Los Angeles and Boston. Lily emerges as a genuine pioneer, striving to encourage the US film industry to portray Native American people fairly and responsibly. This authenticity, alongside her acclaimed acting, could play a crucial role in her potential Oscar win. Delhi World Book Fair 2024: The National Book Trust coordinates the event each year with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). The NDWBF aims to provide exhibitors a chance to do business with the expanding book industry, promote books, and increase commerce in the publishing and literary industries. Celebrating 51 years of NDWBF The New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF), being held for the past 50 years, is a major calendar event in the publishing world. NDWBF 2024 is scheduled to be held from 10 to 18 February 2024 in newly constructed Halls 1-5 at the centrally located Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The Fair is organized by the National Book Trust, India (under the Ministry of Education, Government of India). ITPO (under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce) is the co-organiser/venue partner of the fair. New Delhi World Book Fair 2024: Date, Time, Entry Fee New Delhi World Book Fair 2024: Date, Time, Entry Fee NDWBF 2024 Dates February 10-18, 2024 NDWBF 2024 Venue Pragati Maidan, New Delhi NDWBF 2024 Timings 11.00 AM to 8.00 PM NDWBF 2024 Entry Fee Rs. 10-20 Nearest Metro Station Blue Line - Pragati Maidan (now Supreme Court) Official Website https://www.nbtindia.gov.in/ndwbf2024/ New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 Theme This year, the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) has chosen the theme "Multi-Lingual India, A Living Tradition". Additionally, the event will include panel discussions, book launches, and performances aligned with the theme. All About New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) The New Delhi World Book Fair stands as a pivotal event in the Indian publishing realm. Organized by the National Book Trust in collaboration with the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) for the past 50 years, this annual book fair draws participation from prominent publishing houses worldwide. It serves as a distinctive platform for promoting titles, fostering co-publication arrangements, and facilitating trade in the literary domain. New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2024 FAQs How much is the ticket for the New Delhi World Book Fair? Schoolchildren, seniors, and individuals with disabilities will enjoy free entry to the New Delhi World Book Fair. However, for other attendees, the admission fee is Rs. 10 for children and Rs. 20 for adults. Where is the book fair in Delhi 2024? The New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF), being held for the past 50 years, is a major calendar event in the publishing world. NDWBF 2024 is scheduled to be held from 10 to 18 February 2024 in newly constructed Halls 2-6 at the centrally located Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. How to reach World Book Fair Delhi? Pargati Maidan, 20 min walk Mandi House, 23 min walk Bus stations near World Book Fair in Delhi Pragati Maidan Gate No. 5, 25 min walk Pragati Maidan Gate 5, 25 min walk Train stations near World Book Fair in Delhi Tilak Bridge, 12 min walk For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Starting September 2024, Indian students have the opportunity to study French for a duration of one year before embarking on their selected program in the country. This new development comes after announcements made on the occasion of France's President Emmanuel Macron's State visit as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day of India. The initiative is being launched as part of 'Classes Internationales' which promises a 'gateway to France'. Other important announcements include: Operationalization of 5-year short-term visas for Indian alumni for Indian alumni 1MN additional funding for Indo-French Campus for Life Sciences Students: - International Classes: From Sept 2024, Indian students can learn French for one year before pursuing their chosen programme - Operationalization of 5-year short-term visas for Indian alumni - 1MN additional funding for Indo-French Campus for Life Sciences (5/11) French Embassy in India (@FranceinIndia) January 29, 2024 What is the 'Classes Internationales' initiative? The 'Classes Internationales' is a learning platform for Indian students to learn French before embarking on their programme of choice in France. In Classes Internationales, as the official website states, students will spend between a semester and an academic year at a school that prepares them for admission to a university, engineering or management school to continue their studies in French. Credit: X What the 'Classes Internationales' initiative' means for Indian students The Classes Internationales' initiative was launched with a focus on inclusivity. The programme is open to all Indian students, with academic excellence being the only pre-requisite. Through this programme, students are expected to get to know more about the French culture. moneycontrol Exceptional students will receive scholarships from the Embassy of France in India to assist them in pursuing higher education in France. India stands as the primary recipient of French scholarships. Classes Internationales: How to apply The current application process for Classes Internationales is ongoing, and interested candidates can apply till March 31, 2024. To apply, candidates need to access the Classes Internationales information brochure from the official website-classesinternationales.org. The information handout mentions course duration, fee, application QR Code, and other details. Students need to check the respective course they want to apply for and scan the QR code to write an email. For more information on exams, results and careers, please visit Indiatimes Education. To deal with the problem of ghost faculty in medical colleges, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has prohibited medical college faculty from participating in private practice during college hours and mandated a compulsory 75% attendance for them. This was part of a slew of changes introduced as part of the "Minimum Standard of Requirements for Postgraduate Courses-2023 (PGMSR-2023)" guidelines last week. Unsplash What do the new NMC guidelines say? The NMC guidelines read as, "Faculty shall be full-time and shall not engage in private practice during college hours. It shall be mandatory to have at least 75 per cent attendance of the total working days for the required number of faculties." The faculty, infrastructure, and additional staff in fields such as radio-diagnosis, anesthesia, pathology, microbiology, and biochemistry will be increased in correspondence with the rise in the hospital's bed capacity. Yasir Iqbal/ India Today Furthermore, an increase in faculty and infrastructure is mandated if the department experiences a higher workload, as specified in the guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that 80 per cent of hospital beds should be occupied throughout the year by patients requiring inpatient care and minimum 15 per cent of the total beds in the department imparting post-graduate training should be Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds/high dependency unit (HDU) beds exclusively of that department. The guidelines specify that the hospital building must adhere to current national building norms and comply with various local statutory regulations applicable to hospitals. These regulations take into account the hospital's role as a service provider, encompassing areas such as administration, registration, record storage, outpatient and inpatient zones, operating theaters, intensive care units (ICU), radiology and laboratory services, emergency areas, and more. What is the issue of 'ghost faculty' in medical colleges? BCCL Last year, NMC stated that during the assessment conducted in 2022-23, a significant number of medical colleges were discovered to have fictitious faculty and senior residents. Additionally, none of the institutes fulfilled the stipulated requirement of a 50% attendance, as reported by the National Medical Commission. "Majority of the colleges had either ghost faculty and senior residents or had not employed the required faculty at all while none of the institutes met with the minimum 50% attendance requirement. Zero attendance was common," the letter from the NMC to the Associations of Emergency Physicians of India (AEPI) said. For more information on exams, results and careers, please visit Indiatimes Education. Five major data centre service providers in Thailand have banded together in a strategic alliance that aims to transform the country into a major data centre hub for Southeast Asia. Representatives from the local units of AIMS Data Centre, Evolution DC, NTT Global Data Centers, STT GDC and Telehouse signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last week to form the Thailand Data Centre Council (TDCC). The TDCC says its main objective is to promote the data centre sector as a mission-critical industry and establish a network of digital infrastructure service providers in Thailand. More specifically, the TDCC intends to serve as a representative body for the data centre industry and related sectors, particularly when it comes to regulatory advocacy. The TDCC will also assist members in expanding the potential of their data centre business to compete internationally, foster professional growth among data centre entrepreneurs and personnel in the digital industry, and advocate ethical practices, all aligned with international standards and practices. The TDCC will also seek opportunities to boost development of Thailand's data centre industry, with a specific aim to capitalise on the countrys potential to become a data centre hotbed for the Southeast Asian region. Thailand's strategically advantageous geographic location and supportive digital policies have positioned it as an attractive destination for investments from global digital service providers and data centre operators, the council said in a statement. The TDCC also cites figures from Statista that forecast Thailands data centre market revenue to rise from just over US$2 billion in 2023 to US$2.83 billion within five years, which it says positions the sector as a critical industry for the country. The TDCC announcement comes amid a surge of data centre activity in the ASEAN region as demand for cloud and digital services continues to rise and Singapores data centre sector reaches maturity. Last week, Malaysias Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) formed a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Investment of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to develop data centres in Malaysia and boost the countrys status as a major regional player in the digital economy. Earlier this month, Telkom Indonesias NeutraDC and BDx Indonesia partnered with Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) to establish an interconnected Internet Exchange (IX) ecosystem to establish a more reliable data centre infrastructure in Indonesia to satisfy local and regional demand. Late last year, service providers such as STT GDC, Globe Telecom and PLDT announced plans to build more data centres in the Philippines. Vietnam has also been attracting a significant amount of data centre investment in the last couple of years. In 2023, Indians were granted over 1.4 lakh student visas by the United States, surpassing the number issued to any other country. This achievement marked a record-breaking third consecutive year, as reported by the US Embassy and Consulates in India on Monday. With this, Indian students now constitute the largest segment of international graduate students in the United States, comprising over a quarter of the total population of over one million foreign students enrolled in US educational institutions. BCCL Indians now one out of every 10 US visa applicants The statement by the US Embassy and Consulates in India indicates that Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai currently rank as the four primary global hubs for processing student visas. The US has thus retained its place among the top four destinations preferred by Indian students, the other three countries being Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The statement noted that Indians now represent one out of every 10 US visa applicants around the world. Not just student visas, demand across all visa categories rose Overall, US Embassy statement said that they processed 14 lakh visas in India during 2023, across all categories of visas issued to Indian students. In fact, the demand for all visas was unprecedented, with a 60% increase in applications compared to 2022. Canva Further, Visitor visas (B1/B2) have crossed 7 lakh - the second highest number of applications in the US Missions history. These figures corroborate with the recent Open Doors Report (ODR) which states that there has been a 35% increase in the number of Indian students moving to the US for education. Change comes after liberalisation of the visa process for Indian citizens Appointment wait time for visas in US dropped by 75%. This comes after the US made efforts to reduce increasing wait times in the post-pandemic period, by announcing a significant liberalisation of the visa process for Indian citizens. This involves broadening the scope of interview waivers across various categories, encompassing student visas, business and tourist visas, as well as skilled worker visas. Why US is focusing on visa issuance to Indian students The focus on visa issuance to Indian students by the US is driven by the recent surge in the number of Indian students choosing the US for their studies. For the first time since 2009-10, India has surpassed China as the leading source of international graduate students in the United States. This shift underscores the significance of ensuring a smooth visa process for Indian students. indiaeducationdiary Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services has emphasized in November of last year, "We specifically made sure that we saw the students who were applying coming out of India. India is now the largest source country for foreign students in the United States, as well as many other visa categories. That's a very important one for us." For more information on exams, results and careers, please visit Indiatimes Education. The upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSRC), also known as the bullet train project is set to have the first-of-its-kind 'Early Earthquake Detection System'. According to the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHRSCL) this advanced system, featuring 28 seismometers aims to bolster the protection of passengers and essential structures against seismic events. AFP/ File Image Six seismometers on earthquake hotspots Out of the 28 seismometers, six will be installed in areas that are known for seismic activity, including Adesar and Old Bhuj in Gujarat and Khed, Ratnagiri, Latur, and Pangri in Maharashtra. The hotspots were identified by Japanese experts who conducted a thorough survey in regions near the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail alignment as they had a history of earthquakes exceeding 5.5 magnitudes in the past century. The remainder will be methodically placed along the train's route. BCCL 22 seismometers across bullet train route In Gujarat, the 14 installation points include Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Mahemdabad, and Ahmedabad. These seismometers will be set up in Traction Substations and Switching Posts that align with the railway's route. In Maharashtra, eight seismic monitoring devices will be installed in Mumbai, Thane, Virar, and Boisar. Inspired by Japanese technology The earthquake early warning system is inspired by Japanese Shinkansen technology. "This Early Earthquake Detection System, strategically placed along the alignment and in earthquake-prone areas, will ensure swift response by initiating automatic power shutdown and activating emergency brakes. These seismometers showcase innovation and represent proactive steps to safeguard passengers and protect critical infrastructure," Anjum Pervez, Managing Director, NHSRCL, said. BCCL How the early warning system works This early detection of earthquakes will prompt an immediate power cut, and triggering emergency brakes. Consequently, trains in the vicinity of the tremor will come to a halt, significantly enhancing passenger safety during such unforeseen events. Mumbai Ahmedabad Bullet train project Announced in 2017, the country's first high-speed train corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will see bullet trains running at a speed of 320 kmph. The bullet train project, which was originally scheduled to become operational in 2023 now has a launch date in 2026. AFP Earlier this month, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the progress of the project is quite satisfactory. Out of the total 508-km-long project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, viaduct has been raised on a length of 272 km. There are eight rivers on the route and bridges have been built over five of them, Vaishnaw said. BCCL The minister reiterated that the deadline to complete the 50-km-long section between Surat and Billimora is 2026 and the work is progressing according to the schedule. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. In the vibrant backdrop of Uttar Pradesh, where weddings often unfold with a unique blend of grandeur and unpredictability, an unusual incident recently transpired, underscoring the region's tendency for quirky marriage cancellations. Lexica An altercation over a chair at a wedding in Bulandshahr took an unexpected turn, prompting the groom from Delhi to abruptly call off the marriage. Subsequently, the bride's family allowed the groom's relatives to leave the venue only after settling the entire reception expenses. What led to groom's objection at Uttar Pradesh wedding The 'baraat' from Seemapuri, Delhi, arrived around 8 p.m. and was warmly welcomed by the bride's family. According to Mohd Mubeen, the bride's father, the marriage ceremony was performed by a 'maulvi' on Saturday night. However, the groom unexpectedly called off the marriage a few hours later. According to Mubeen, around 10 pm, amidst the joyous festivities, a dispute erupted between an elderly woman and a guest, escalating into a heated argument. "The elderly woman was the groom's grandmother, who felt insulted and conveyed her grievance to the groom. This led to a further escalation involving more people," Mubeen told Times of India. According to witness Mohd Ishteaq, amidst the chaos, both the groom and his brother were drawn into the situation, and they ended up threatening the bride with potential consequences once she returned home with them. Lexica The situation had become so intense that the groom's family found themselves trapped inside the venue while the bride's side demanded compensation for the expenses incurred during the event. After a prolonged negotiation, the groom's family agreed to pay a sum of money, following which they were finally allowed to leave the venue. "We've not received any complaint from either of the two sides. It seems they have settled the matter themselves. If the matter is brought to us, we'll investigate it," ASP Anukriti Sharma said. History of such wedding call-offs in Uttar Pradesh This incident sheds light on the unpredictability that can accompany wedding festivities in Uttar Pradesh, where even seemingly trivial matters can escalate into significant disruptions. In one such incident from February 2023, a wedding in Uttar Pradesh faced disruption due to an unfortunate altercation sparked by the groom's fufaji's displeasure over not getting paneer to eat. The incident gained public attention when @ImAdiYogi shared a video on Twitter. The footage depicted violent clashes among wedding attendees, with a woman attempting to restrain a man from joining the commotion. Lexica Despite efforts from others to defuse the situation, the incident garnered mixed reactions. Some expressed concern over trivial issues triggering such reactions, while others found the incident amusing. In another incident from December 2022, a woman in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, decided to cancel her wedding when the groom unexpectedly kissed her on stage in front of approximately 300 guests. Following the completion of the garland exchange ceremony, the groom's impromptu action was met with disapproval from the bride. Without hesitation, she descended from the stage and promptly contacted the police. For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. In a touching display of resilience and appreciation, a recent viral post reveals an airline's heartwarming surprise for an exceptional 102-year-old World War II veteran on her birthday. The emotional gesture, documented and shared across social media platforms, highlights the airline's dedication to honoring individuals who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation. Welcoming the elderly veteran into her centennial celebration with unexpected delight, the airline surpasses expectations in creating a genuinely unforgettable experience. This uplifting episode not only emphasizes the enduring spirit of the veteran but also acts as a meaningful reflection on the significance of recognizing and commemorating the valuable contributions made by our revered elders. What Did The Airline Do For The 102-year-old WWII Veteran On Her 102 Birthday? 102-year-old WWII veteran surprised by airline on her birthday with wholesome post | Image: Instagram Introducing Helen Marie Horvath, a 102-year-old World War II veteran. Helen Marie's son, who is part of the Southwest Airlines team, reached out to his Cohearts (Southwest's term for coworkers) and requested their assistance in creating an especially memorable arrival for his mother's 102nd birthday, as stated by the airline. Upon Helen Marie's arrival in Saint Louis, she experienced a delightful surprise, being greeted with a reception adorned with American flags, a crown, bubbles, happy birthday signs, and enthusiastic cheers. Elated by the unexpected celebration, Helen Marie engaged with the airline staff, recounting anecdotes from her military life. 102-year-old WWII veteran surprised by airline on her birthday with wholesome post | Image: Instagram She fondly shared the beginnings of her military career at the age of 21 and reflected on the subsequent achievement of an 'Honorable Discharge.' Concluding their post, the airline shared a collection of images capturing the special moments. One of the pictures depicts Helen Marie, adorned with a crown and robe, seated in a wheelchair. Surrounding her are individuals holding balloons and other festive props, with two of them prominently displaying the number '102,' adding a visual representation of the joyous celebration of her remarkable 102nd birthday. 102-year-old WWII veteran surprised by airline on her birthday with wholesome post | Image: Instagram The second photo in the series encapsulates the heartwarming moment as people cheer for Helen Marie. Meanwhile, the third image offers a nostalgic glimpse into her younger days, presenting a throwback photograph that adds a touch of sentiment to the collection, highlighting the rich tapestry of her life experiences. Where Can You Check Out The Post? You can check out the viral post on Instagram posted by Southwest Airlines. How Did The Internet React? The post, which was shared approximately three days ago, has garnered significant engagement, accumulating over 5,500 likes and sparking numerous comments from individuals. Among the reactions, many expressed their appreciation and sentiment by using heart emoticons, underscoring the widespread positive response to the heartwarming tribute to Helen Marie Horvath's extraordinary 102nd birthday celebration. Internet reacts to102-year-old WWII veteran surprised by airline on her birthday with wholesome post | Image: Instagram Internet reacts to102-year-old WWII veteran surprised by airline on her birthday with wholesome post | Image: Instagram What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. Cheers to a drink of mango lassi! This renowned dairy beverage from North India, which is extensively consumed throughout the country during the summer, has been named the greatest dairy beverage in the world by the popular food and travel guide TasteAtlas in the 2023-24 awards. What is Mango Lassi? Mango lassi crowned world's best dairy beverage | Image: Generated on DALL.E Mango Lassi is a pleasant combination of yogurt (dahi) and fresh mango. It typically contains cardamom, water, and sugar. For an additional touch, add soaked saffron threads to the recipe to make Kesar Mango Lassi. Mix and combine the ingredients until the beverage is creamy and foamy. Mango Lassi is best consumed chilled to completely appreciate its taste. Lassi is a traditional Indian smoothie from the pre-refrigeration era, when Punjabi farmers would combine milk, sugar, and curd and store the mixture in clay pots. It is a delightful beverage that is ideal for beating the summer heat, refreshing the palette, and hydrating the body. Which flavours can you expect with Lassi? Lassi comes in a range of sweet and salty flavors | Image: Pexels Lassi comes in a range of sweet and salty flavors. Mango lassi is ranked first on TasteAtlas' list of the Top 16 Dairy Beverages in the World for 2023-24, with the standard Punjabi lassi ranking fourth. Other varieties of mango lassi include meetha (sweet lassi), salted lassi, bhang lassi, and mint lassi. Sweet lassi is also ranked as the fifth finest dairy beverage in the world. Having three titles in the top dairy beverages in the world demonstrates how fantastic and popular Punjab's lassi is not only in India, but all across the world. How did people on the internet react to the big win? The internet couldn't quit raving about the delectable mango lassi. In the comments section of TasteAtlas' prize announcement post, one social media user praised it as "Lassi supremacy," while another stated that Mango Lassi is "the best of the best." As the taste of this lassi varies depending on the mango variety used, a social media user stated that the "best one is made of Alphonso." What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. An anonymous teacher has sparked a heated controversy on social media by sharing a list of 32 terms and phrases, such as Riz and Gang Gang, that students are not permitted to use in the classroom. The contentious decision has prompted outrage, particularly among users who claim that many of the banned terms are rooted in African American Vernacular English (AAVE). Why were the students banned from using some words? Teacher banned students from using certain words in class | Image: Unsplash The anonymous educator warned students that using any of the aforementioned phrases would result in a mandatory short essay assignment. In this essay, students must explain why they opted to express themselves using restricted phrases in an academic atmosphere. The teacher supported the decision in a written statement, claiming that using slang in an academic setting could jeopardize a student's capacity to become a good writer. What was the reason according to the teacher? According to the teacher, students' speaking styles frequently reflect their writing styles, and some students' perceived "gibberish" and "improper English" may be inappropriate for academic settings. The whole list of forbidden phrases was recently released on social media, and it includes famous slang terms like on my momma, bruh, gang gang, it's giving, and skee-yee. Among the restricted idioms were terms like 'you ate that up,' intended to signify the successful completion of a task, and 'that's cap,' indicating something as phony or dishonest. However, the list also aroused eyebrows with other questionable inclusions such as ooh-wee, skee-yee, and gyat, which were cut alongside my twin. Check the full list here. How yall feel bout this ? pic.twitter.com/JRC8raLh3f (@hearts4zaniyahh) January 7, 2024 How did people on the internet react? The post received more than 33 million views on the social networking platform. A critic argued that she looks to be on a power trip and has no understanding for her kids' language. The critic claims that her emphasis on conformity overcomes her desire to understand her students, implying a disrespect for the distinct personalities they bring to the learning environment. What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. In a shocking event recorded on CCTV, two women were observed ringing apartment bells and trying to knock on doors in Mumbai. The disturbing video has sparked extensive worry and outrage across the internet. This occurrence, reminiscent of a troubling trend seen on social media, has prompted inquiries into the possible hazards and repercussions of such actions. As the video circulates on the internet, it has prompted conversations about the necessity for responsible online trends and their influence on real-world safety. Authorities and residents are currently contending with the consequences of this alarming incident, underscoring the significance of addressing potential dangers linked to activities inspired by the internet. What Did These 2 Teenagers From Mumbai Do? Girls ring bells At 2:30 A.M. in Mumbai, CCTV footage goes viral | Image: X Surveillance footage capturing two young women inspecting name labels and repeatedly ringing doorbells in a Mumbai apartment complex has gained widespread attention on social media. Shresht Poddar, a resident of Maharashtra's capital, shared the CCTV recordings along with an account of the incident that transpired on January 28. The videos depict the women documenting their actions. However, the situation took a concerning turn as the women, seemingly under the influence of alcohol, according to Shresht, not only examined nameplates but also tried to secure doors from the exterior. In his statement, Shresht mentioned that the G+2 building they reside in primarily houses middle-aged and senior citizens. Girls ring bells At 2:30 A.M. in Mumbai, CCTV footage goes viral | Image: X He recounted an unsettling experience, stating, "Last night at 2:30 am, multiple doorbells startled my mother and me. Unfortunately, the CCTV was offline due to a memory issue, and we couldn't spot anyone from the windows." Some of the footage was eventually recovered after Shresht addressed and resolved the CCTV malfunction the following morning. "I repaired the CCTV in the morning and was surprised to find footage of two seemingly intoxicated girls who were aware of the surveillance. Nevertheless, they went upstairs, inspected nameplates, attempted to secure doors from the outside, and persistently rang the doorbells," Shresht explained. Furthermore, Shresht noted that the residents were taken aback by the women's behaviour, considering they appeared to be conscious of the security cameras but boldly persisted in their activities. Girls ring bells At 2:30 A.M. in Mumbai, CCTV footage goes viral | Image: X His apprehension was justified, as Shresht emphasized, "In the last few years, our building and the Juhu Scheme have experienced several attempted robberies, electrical fires, and even murders in the vicinity. The residents have had to evacuate into the compound in the middle of the night on multiple occasions." "In usual circumstances, I might have overlooked this. However, this girl is confidently recording herself, fully aware of the surveillance cameras. I'm quite certain they believed their actions were impressive," Shresht conveyed in his tweet. He also shared two additional videos of the CCTV footage, illustrating the two women acknowledging the presence of the surveillance cameras. Where Can You Watch The Viral Video? You can watch the viral video on X posted by @shreshtpoddar. 2.30 am last night. 2 young, educated girls entered & recorded themselves trying to lock the doors & ring the bells of houses multiple times, in my building, which has mostly 55+ & senior residents, & a history of previous incidents. They knew CCTVs were present. (Contd.) pic.twitter.com/u4sKbJyDzU Shresht Poddar (@shreshtpoddar) January 28, 2024 How Did The Internet React? In the post's comment section, numerous individuals criticized the women for their "cruel behaviour." One user suggested, "Adhere to proper procedures with law enforcement," while another advised, "Notify the police; they will handle the situation." Internet reacts to girls ring bells At 2:30 A.M. in Mumbai, CCTV footage goes viral | Image: X Internet reacts to girls ring bells At 2:30 A.M. in Mumbai, CCTV footage goes viral | Image: X What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. From earning a meager salary of Rs 8,000 per month as a teenager at a call centre, to becoming Indias youngest billionaire in Forbes list of 2023, Zerodhas co-founder Nikhil Kamaths success story is truly an inspiration for anyone who wants to turn their dreams into reality. Started Trading With Just Rs 8,000 Monthly Salary fortunenikhil kamath story india youngest billionaire/fortune When Nikhil Kamath started working at a call center, he was just 17 years old. With a salary of Rs 8,000 per month, he began trading stocks but he didn't take it seriously until a year later. While opening up about his journey last year, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath had told Humans of Bombay that he began stock trading properly when his father gave him some of his savings and told him to "manage it". "He just had blind faith," Nikhil Kamath said. The Launch Of Zerodha In 2010 zerodha/inc42 Following that, Nikhil Kamath even persuaded the call center manager to follow it. "He told others it worked for him. I eventually stopped going to work entirely, but since I was in charge of the team's finances, I was still counted as present," Kamath revealed, adding And then I quit to start Kamath Associates with my brother and in 2010 we launched Zerodha!" But did Indias youngest billionaire Kamath, who is a school drop-out since 10th grade, always plan on opening a stock brokerage firm? Well, the answer is both a yes and no. Sharing the same, he said "My only plan once I dropped out was to make money. I come from a typical, middle-class familymy cousins are the MBA kind, so questions like, Whats he going to do with his life? were asked. But Kamaths parents had faith in him. "All my parents said was, Dont do something that embarrasses us too much! They had this misconception that I was smartI was good at math. They just had stupid faith in me!" Also Read: When Nithin Kamath Pranked Zerodha Employees By Sending Fake Cops Becoming Indias Youngest Billionaire At 37 kamath brothers zerodha/forbes In October last year, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath officially became the youngest Indian billionaire at 37, according to Forbes' latest list of India's 100 richest people. Nikhil Kamath's current networth stands at $1.1 billion. Nikhil Kamath's Salary In December 2023, Zerodha's company's filings with the ministry of corporate affairs (MCA) revealed that Nithin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath earned an annual salary of Rs 72 crore each in Financial Year 2023 (FY23). Also Read: Zerodha's Billionaire Co-founder Joins Bill Gates & Warren Buffett In Giving Pledge Lessons Nikhil Kamath Learnt From His Experience nikhil kamath story/forbes Nikhil Kamath, the co-founder of Zerodha, had once shared the lessons he had learned thus far from his experience, saying, "From dropping out of school to working at a call center to starting Zerodha and True Beacon, I've identified the two or three things I do well and have stuck with them. That doesn't change even after I become a billionaireI still work 85% of the time and always worry, 'What if I lose it?'" "My only suggestion is to not worry about these things; in five years, they won't matter. Instead, focus on what needs to be done now and have "stupid faith" that everything will work out somehow." the 37-year-old billionaire added. "We must recognise that this government supports the primary sector ," Mitsotakis said, announcing that the online platform for the additional compensation will open on Tuesday Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff of Nigeria, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to offset its debts on some services rendered to the electoral body. Abubakar made the call on Monday in Abuja when he hosted a delegation of INEC management, led by the Commissions Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, who visited the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters in Abuja on a working visit. I would like to seize this opportunity to remind the chairman that there are some outstanding bills which are yet to be cleared by INEC. The settlement of those bills will enable us to serve you better, the Air Force chief said. While noting that the successful conduct of elections is hinged on security and well-choreographed logistics supply chain management, he hughkighted that NAF has been INECs dependable partner in providing security in addition to rapid airlift for the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials across the country. READ ALSO: February 3: INEC Issues Warning Against Potential Disruption Of Bye-Elections He said, I assure you that we remain willing, able and ready to continue supporting INEC as we have always done in the past. At the moment, our C-130s are undergoing maintenance but we have other aircraft that can be employed to move sensitive materials. The caveat is that we need to move those materials a little earlier due to the capacity of the airplanes that we have available. I would like to seize this opportunity to remind the chairman that there are some outstanding bills which are yet to be cleared by INEC. The settlement of those bills will enable us to serve you better. INECs Chairman, on his part said for the February 3 by-elections in three senatorial districts, 17 federal and 28 state constituencies spread across 80 Local Government Areas, 575 Registration Areas/Wards and 8,934 PUs, involving 4,904,627 registered voters, 4,613,291 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) have been collected. He said, In handling such a huge national assignment, the commission cannot do it alone. That is why we seek to mobilise every national asset, including NAF. Musang Valley Plantation (MVP), a leading integrated plantation company in Malaysia, is using advanced Earth observation (EO) data and analytics solutions provided by SC Solutions to drive and implement sustainable practices and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. SC Solutions claims it enables anyone to access earth observation data and derive valuable insights from cutting-edge analytics. It will serve as the long-term representative partner for greenhouse gas validation and verification to enhance and support MVPs ESG programmes. Under the agreement, SC Solutions will work closely with MVP to understand its operations and assess the greenhouse gas absorptions of the plantations in past years using its I-Sat platform, in addition to providing annual reports to MVP detailing the results of greenhouse gas storage efforts. SC Solutions says it set out to create the most comprehensive, integrated earth intelligence platform for the commercial market, developing what it cals Precision Analytics from Earth Observation technology as a solution, and I-Sat as the main platform. SC Solutions says its comprehensive space tech solutions incorporate earth observation satellite imagery analysis, advanced data processing algorithms, and machine learning techniques for accurate biomass estimation and validation. By leveraging its expertise in EO data interpretation and software development, SC Solutions says it is committed to delivering an insightful tool that extensively supports MVP's objectives in promoting environmental sustainability. SC Solutions analytics target use cases in agriculture, forestry, mining, environment and sustainability, and asset management. Rivers State Governor, Siminilayi Fubara has cautioned the newly sworn-in Chief of Staff (CoS) and Special Advisers (SA) not to use their privileged positions to antagonise anyone. Fubara also warned the re-appointed commissioners loyal to his predecessor and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, not to destroy his government. The Governor made the remark on Monday shortly after swearing in the CoS, Edison Ehie, and five SAs in Port Harcourt. The Special Advisers include Darlington Orji, Prince Solomon Eke, Aminayanasam Fiberesima, Deeyah Bariene and Ohia Prince. He further urged them to see their appointment as a call to duty in which they add value to governance and demonstrate that they are truly credible men of the State. Let me add: dont use this position to antagonise anybody, even in your localities. I want to speak to you and I will continue to say it, what God cannot do does not exist. READ ALSO: Ibadan Explosion: Our PDP Candidate Hasnt Even Reached Out To Me Gov. Makinde Slams Atiku During Obis Visit That you succeeded in battle is not because of your power. It is the grace of God. When God says it will not happen again, whoever you are, it ceases from that moment. I am not appointing you today because I want you to go to your areas and start fighting, no. We have surrendered our situation to God and God is going to solve it in a way that will shock the world for everybody to know that God is always God. Please, I dont want this position to be a platform for you to start stalking anyone. Do what you know is right. Fubara warned that there would be consequences should the commissioners who were sworn-in attempt to work against his administration. Let me also use this medium to direct the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, to assign the commissioners that were sworn in last week with their responsibilities. Let the SSG assign only those of you who are here today back to their former offices. Let it be part of my birthday gift to you. But let me also say this, coming and taking back your position is not for you to use it to destroy my government. Whatever it is that youre doing, it is not about me. It is about the things that you can stand to defend and be proud of many years after, he added. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday, screened the its aspirants for the governorship elections in Edo State. With a promise to provide a level playing field for all of aspirants, Chairman of the screening committee and Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang also vowed that the PDP would do all that is necessary to retain Edo State. Charging all aspirants to support whoever emerges as the Partys flag bearer, he said, I want to assure you that we will give all the support we can to ensure that PDP retains Edo State. Ultimately its only one person that will emerge. If we believe that it is God that gives power, then it is not today neither is it on the election day that God is going to determine who will govern. READ ALSO: I Wont Be Intimidated With Godfatherism Out Of Edo Guber Race Shaibu He has already determined. But we as humans dont yet know, that is why these processes are ongoing. We appreciate the concerns that you have expressed, putting in place a level playing field, we are going to be strong advocates of that and ensure that at the end of the day, we have a process that is transparent, a process that is fair. Philip Shaibu, the States Deputy Governor, who spoke on behalf of other aspirants said the screening was peaceful and went well. Former Director-General of the PDP Governors Forum, Osaro Onaiwu, addressing journalists at the Party headquarters after his screening, urged the PDP to reward loyalmembers with the gubernatorial ticket, saying that is the only way they can retain the governorship of the state. Others screened aside Shaibu and Onaiwu were Omosede Igbinedion, Anslem Ojezua, Felix Akhabue and Asue Ighodalo. Gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, on Monday killed two traditional rulers in Ekiti State. The monarchs were said to be returning from a meeting in Irele-Ekiti when they were accosted and gunned down. The traditional rulers were identified as Oba David Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti and Oba Olatunde Olusola, the Onimojo of Omojola-Ekiti. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, who confirmed the killing said details about the incident were still sketchy. READ ALSO: Many Feared Killed, Others Injured As Robbers Attack Ekiti Banks According to him, the tactical and intelligence teams of the command had been deployed to the area of the incident. As disclosed by News Agency of Nigeria, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, the Alara of Ara-Ekiti, survived the ambush. Micheal Ogungbemi, chairman of Ajoni local council development area, was quoted as saying the gunmen attempted to abduct the three traditional rulers. Reacting to the development, Governor Biodun Oyebanji ordered security agencies to fish out the perpetrators. He expressed condolences to the people of Imojo Ekiti and Esun Ekiti, adding that no stone would be left unturned in bringing the assailants to justice. Temitope Osoba, a Nollywood actress, has described a traumatic incident involving sexual assault by a family member. In an interview with Biola Bayo on her talk programme, Talk to B, the Yoruba actress, who had taken a hiatus from the industry, disclosed that she had moved out of her toxic grandmothers house to stay with her uncle. Unfortunately, things became worse for her, as her uncle sexually assaulted her and made advances towards her. According to her, the incident had some consequences on her profession, but she was able to recover and pick up the pieces of her life. READ MORE: I Started Comedy As Crossdresser Brain Jotter Reveals In her words, My grandmother came one day and arrested me and I decided I didnt want to stay with her, so they took me to my uncles house. I started living with him and he started making some advances towards me, trying to harass me sexually. And I told myself, I couldnt go through this again. The relationship affected my acting career to some extent, but I picked up back. 2022/2023, the Devil tried, but he didnt win. I suffered from depression because things became difficult for me, I couldnt meet my needs, people were looking up to me and I wasnt working. It got to a point that I couldnt sleep, had to put the Bible on my chest before I could sleep peacefully cause I would always see something in the dark. I stopped functioning, couldnt eat, brush, bathe, and all. Watch the interview below Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have rescued five abducted persons from two separate gangs of kidnappers. It was gathered that a joint effort involving the FCT Special Intervention Squad and the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit led to the rescue of the five victims. Confirming the development to newsmen on Monday, the Abuja Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, made this known during a press conference in Abuja. She said: Ladies and gentlemen of the press, I am honoured to welcome you all to the FCT Police Command today and to equally give you an update on the rescue of abducted victims by the command. On January 27, at about 11:30 pm, a distress call was received at Iddo Division that sounds of gunshots were heard around Sabon Lugbe axis. A police patrol team was drafted to the scene where one Blessing Eze, female, was met with a bullet wound on her shoulder inside a Toyota Corolla car with RSH 724 KC, black in colour. Blessing explained that she and her husband, Joshua Eze, were returning home when some hoodlums in an unknown vehicle double-crossed them, fired at their vehicle and abducted her husband to an unknown destination. In response, the IGP-Special Intervention Squad and the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command and other tactical sections swung into action, and the victim (Eze) was rescued unhurt at Kuje Forest on January 28, at about 06:20 pm. In a related development, on January 28, at about 05:30 am, one Peter Ede in the company of one ThankGod Ogunyi, both males of Piwoyi, Lugbe, reported at Karmo Division that, on the same date at about 01:50 am while praying at Idu Gbagyi mountain Karmo, some criminal elements numbering about seven, armed with guns and cutlasses attacked them and abducted three of their members to an unknown destination. On receipt of the report, police operatives from Karmo Division led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Abaya Haruna, swiftly mobilized to the scene, combed the surrounding bushes and hills between Karmo to Gwagwa, and engaged the hoodlums in a serious gun duel. The three victims, namely one Igbodi Emeka, male, Precious Uche, female, and Eric Chukwudi, male, were rescued unhurt. Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, says contrary to allegations, he did not sign any agreement with the Presidency to influence the Supreme Courts verdict. Recall that, January 12, the apex court set aside the judgment of the appeal court that sacked Yusuf as the States Governor. Sanusi Bature, spokesperson to the Governor, in a Monday statement, said the judgment was delivered with equity and fairness. Our attention has been drawn to a misconception making rounds on social media indicating an agreement between the presidency and governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the aftermath of the supreme court judgment that affirmed the mandate of his excellency. I wish to categorically state that Governor Yusuf did not enter any agreement or condition with anybody before the supreme court judgment. I therefore urged the public to dismiss the fallacy being orchestrated by enemies of progress. It is on record that my lord, the justices of the supreme court delivered a landmark Judgment with justice, equity and fairness and largely protect the integrity of the judiciary, the statement read. READ ALSO: SCourt Reverses Yusuf, Lawal, Mutfwangs Sack; Upholds Nwifuru, Otu, Bala Mohammeds Election The Governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allowing the level playing ground for justice to prevail through non-interference with the judicial process. The president is a true democrat who will not undermine other political parties in the interest of his party. Let me state and emphatically that Governor Yusuf has no prior agreement with the president. However, the president should rather be appreciated for maintaining neutrality, peace, and stability in Kano. No doubt, the refusal of the president to carry out the wishes of some prominent members of his party has brought about enduring atmosphere in Kano. On this single act, the good people of Kano will continue to appreciate Mr. President and pray for him to succeed in his administration. The governor had several opportunities to meet the president in all of his visits, and the discussions are centred around the development of Kano State, Bature divulged. Cubana Chief Priest, a well-known billionaire businessman, caused a stir after he disclosed that a foreign taxi driver charged him N1million plus for cab fare. This is coming after the businessman attended Davidos 02 Arena recent show in London. Cubana Chief Priest said that he had to spend 12 hours in the taxi and that he was charged 50 pounds each hour after boarding. After converting to Naira, the businessman bemoaned having spent more than a million plus to board a taxi. Taking to his Instagram page, he wrote, Yesterday I pay cab 600 pounds just for 12 hrs 50 pounds per hour I use one million plus enter cab,. Reactions followed after making the revelation, READ MORE: How My Uncle Sexually Harassed Me As Teenager Actress Osoba Temitope Recounts See some comments kingsgoldcomedy wrote: No wonder bouncer no let u enter with Davido na everything you Dey bring come social media olamide_oluwalonimi001 noted: After the bouncer do his work abbii thekingisrael said: But them still bounce you backstage, you go explain tire akejuteejay remarked: Public announcement for private affairs. Class can not be bought. i_am_fragile1 commented: So wetin make we do??? Money miss road. The guy no just mature at all. SEE POST: Speaker Tajudeen Abbas of the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, tasked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take tough decisions to stem insecurity in the country by demanding more performance from Service Chiefs. The Service Chiefs are Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. Commenting on the floor of the green chamber when the House resumed plenary from the yuletide break, Abbas said he is deeply troubled by the widespread insecurity that grips Nigeria and the formidable challenges that test the unity of the nation. He furthered that the threats of insurgency are severely testing the peace and stability of our country, the rise in kidnapping for ransom and the unsettling unrest and crises across all the six geo-political zones. Families and communities have endured immense hardships, and our hearts go out to all those affected by these tumultuous events. We are particularly saddened by the tragic and senseless murder of our daughters, Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar and Folorunsho Ariyo, the heinous murder of over 30 people in Plateau state, as well as many others who have fallen victim to the mindless acts of terror in the last few weeks. We also remember those who lost their lives in the blast in Ibadan triggered by explosives stored by illegal miners. For too long, our nation has been caught in the vicious grip of insecurity, a malaise that spreads its tentacles far and wide, sparing no one in its wake. Abbas who said the numerous security challenges thrive despite measures by the government to tame the menace, said the growing insecurity mocks the governments efforts, challenging its resolve to build a cohesive, peaceful and prosperous nation. It is a stark reminder that the conventional approaches to security we have espoused for so long are no longer sufficient, he said. According to him, it is time to think out of the box and adopt new and contemporary strategies that better respond to the complexities of our current challenges. The enemy evolves, and so must we. I challenge you (security operatives) to rise to this occasion, to demonstrate the indomitable spirit for which you are known, and to do more in safeguarding the lives and properties of our people. READ ALSO: Insecurity: FCT Police Save Five Kidnap Victims Indeed, the time has come for the president to demand greater performance and accountability from our service chiefs and all security and enforcement agencies. I implore the president not to shy away from making the tough decisions. If necessary, we must not hesitate to enact changes within our security apparatus, for the cost of inaction is far too great to bear, he added The Speaker said the green chamber will organise a security summit to generate ideas from experts on ways to tackle the nations insecurity. Meanwhile, the Senate has invited the service chiefs to appear before the upper legislative chamber over the rising incidents of insecurity. The red chamber passed the resolution on Tuesday after a motion sponsored by Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Majority Leader and 108 Senators. While moving the motion, the Bamidele reeled out different cases of insecurity across the country. Bamidele said: Senate equally notes the various kidnappings in the federal capital territory where victims have been killed after collecting ransom. Senate is also aware of several cases of kidnappings all over the country where huge ransom had been paid and several of the victims still got killed. Senate is also aware that the recent killings of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State and the abduction of primary school pupils in Ekiti had further aggravated the level of insecurity in the country. Senate notes the unfortunate bomb explosion at Bodija in Ibadan Oyo State where no less than five lives were lost and several residential houses, schools, hotels, and religious centres were destroyed. The Senate equally notes the killing of several residents of Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi communities in Plateau State. The motion was adopted after it was put to vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpabio, after the session said the outcome would be discussed with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His words: We have a responsibility to collaborate with the executive and contribute our ideas to ensure that our constituents and ourselves, including our children, can sleep with their two eyes closed. Security is everybodys business, and without security, we can not make progress. The Senate President added that the country would not prosper if there were security issues. The headquarters and high-tech manufacturing center of Holtec International in Camden in 2019. Read more Holtec International, an energy technology company, has reached a deal with state prosecutors to pay $5 million in penalties related to its application for New Jersey tax credits. The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office said Tuesday that Holtec has also agreed to retain an independent reviewer to monitor the companys future applications for state benefits. In return, the attorney general agreed not to prosecute Holtec or a related company as long as they comply with the terms of the settlement. Under the settlement labeled a non-prosecution agreement Holtec and Singh Real Estate Enterprises will not receive the $1 million in tax credits they had sought from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Neither Holtec nor Singh Real Estate admitted criminal liability. State Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said the agreements announced Tuesday reinforce our commitment to protecting New Jerseys taxpayers and ensuring fairness and integrity in our economic system by preventing companies from defrauding the states tax incentive programs. Advertisement Today, we are sending a clear message: no matter how big and powerful you are, if you lie to the state for financial gain, we will hold you accountable period, Platkin said. Holtec said it agreed to settle under threat of unfounded retaliatory criminal prosecution, adding that the agreement allows the company and its over 500 employees in New Jersey to continue their important work on the forefront of the green-energy revolution in America and beyond. The company, which has two manufacturing plants and an engineering facility on a 50-acre campus in Camden, said it likely would have been more expensive to litigate the matter with the state. Holtec also said it wont need an independent monitor because it has no intention of seeking additional tax credits. The tax credit program came under scrutiny early in Gov. Phil Murphys tenure. The state comptroller in 2019 issued an audit that criticized the state Economic Development Authoritys oversight of the program. A task force appointed by Murphy, a Democrat, concluded that many companies including several with ties to South Jersey Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III had misled the state on their tax credit applications. Norcross and the companies denied wrongdoing, and the state later provided tax credits after withholding the benefits for some of them. In the aftermath of the task force investigation, the EDA refused to certify an annual installment of Holtecs $260 million tax incentive package a separate award that is unrelated to the benefits at the center of Tuesdays settlement. Holtec then filed a lawsuit accusing the agency of breaching its contract. The EDA said Holtec had made material misrepresentations on its application, including by failing to note the company had previously been temporarily suspended as a contractor by a federal agency and by allegedly misleading the agency about its consideration of an alternate site location in South Carolina. A New Jersey appeals court in November sided with Holtec in that civil case, affirming a lower courts ruling ordering the state Economic Development Authority to pay Holtec $26 million in incentives. Those tax credits are awarded in increments over 10 years. That tax credit fight is not mentioned in the settlement agreement, but Holtec highlighted that history in its statement Tuesday, accusing the state of seeking a public win after losing in court. The conduct covered by Tuesdays agreement dates to July 2018, when Holtec invested $12 million in battery producer Eos Energy Storage in exchange for 6 million shares. Months later, Holtec sought state benefits through New Jerseys Angel Investor Tax Credit Program. Under the program, investors can be awarded incentives of 10% of their investment, capped at $500,000, according to the agreement. So even if a company invests more than $5 million, it can receive only $500,000 worth of tax credits. Holtec, having already invested $12 million, was eligible for only $500,000, according to prosecutors. But in an effort to double the award to $1 million, Holtec and Singh Real Estate told the state that each company had invested $6 million as of July even though Singh Real Estate had made no such investment at that time, according to the agreement. The NJEDA relied on the information contained in the applications and documentation submitted to it and approved $500,000 tax credits for both Holtec and Singh Real Estates purported investments in Eos, the agreement says. Holtec said in a statement that it appropriately sought, received, and relied upon the advice of one of the nations largest accounting and tax firms to structure a proper investment and an accurate tax-incentive application. Holtecs legal counsel oversaw preparation of the transaction documents as well. Holtec maintained that it didnt falsify records and that its submissions to the EDA were accurate. Professors, part-time lecturers, and graduate students strike at Rutgers University in Newark, N.J., Monday, April 10, 2023. The unions representing 9,000 faculty and graduate student workers went on strike for the first time in over 250 years. Read more The percentage of workers who were union members hit an all-time low last year nationwide. But in Pennsylvania, where the percentage of union members is higher than the national average, rates are up since 2022, according to new data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics last week. U.S. union membership rate dropped to 1 in 10 workers in 2023 compared to around 2 in 10 workers in 1983 when BLS first started recording this data. In Pennsylvania, the rate of union membership increased in 2023 from 12.7% to 12.9%, placing it in a group of 19 states that had higher rates than the national average. The increase also coincides with the state gaining more workers in the last year. While the countrys rate of union membership has consistently decreased since 1983, approval of unions was at its highest in 2022 since 1965 according to data from Gallup. Pennsylvanias rise in union membership in 2023 coincides with a year that was filled with the formation of new unions, several strikes, and many historic steps for organized labor in the Philadelphia region. Some highlights include: Advertisement At Rutgers University, a historic precedent was set in April when the unions representing 9,000 faculty and graduate student workers went on strike for the first time in over 250 years. Then in May, residents and fellows in the University of Pennsylvania Health System voted to unionize, making the group of 1,400 professionals the biggest new union in Philadelphia in over 50 years, and the first group of training doctors to unionize in the state. Philadelphia saw union activity among many of its local coffee shops in 2023. Good Karma Cafe workers voted to unionize in 2022 but then voted to get rid of their union in September of 2023 after slow progress on a first contract. Actions taken by unions in the area also reflected national efforts. In the summer, about 5,000 UPS workers in the Philadelphia region held picket practice, as workers across the country got ready for a strike. Employees at an Amazon fulfillment center in West Deptford walked out on Cyber Monday, demanding better pay and working conditions a concerted organizing effort with other states. The Starbucks in University City at 39th and Walnut Streets filed a petition to unionize in November, on the companys annual Red Cup Day when workers at over 200 locations walked off the job. Here are four takeaways from the state of union membership in the country, according to recent BLS data for 2023: Men are more likely to be union members Workers of different genders, races, and ethnicities, and ages experienced different rates of union membership last year. Men were more likely to be part of a union than women with a union member rate of 10.5% compared to 9.5% in 2023. Black workers had a higher union membership rate than Asian, Hispanic, or white workers last year at 11.8%, continuing a pattern seen in 2022. The largest percentage of union members were between 45 to 54 years old. Industries with the most union members Since 1983, the rate of union members has generally decreased in the private sector, while the rate had remained similar in the public sector until 2011. In 2023, 32.5% of workers in public sector jobs, such as police officers, firefighters, and teachers, were union members compared to 36.7% in 1983. Although the private sector gained almost 200,000 union members last year, only 6% of workers overall in the private sector were union members. In 1983, workers in the private sector that were not in agriculture industries had a union membership rate of 16.8%. Hawaii has the highest rate of union members In 2023, 31 states and Washington, D.C., reported union membership rates that were lower than the national average. South Carolina had the lowest union membership rate, while Hawaii and New York had the highest rates in the country. Last year, nearly 30% of union members nationwide lived in California and New York. $173 more a week Nonunion members made less money last year than union members when comparing the usual weekly median paycheck. Nonunion members had median weekly earnings of $1,090 compared to union workers who made $1,263. Sri Lankan operator SLT-Mobitel said it has expanded its partnership with insurance company Union Assurance to enable its customers to access tailored life insurance plans via its mobile money platform mCash. Under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last week, SLT-Mobitel mCash customers can use the payment system to register for and purchase premium life insurance solutions from Union Assurance. SLT-Mobitel promises that the plans are affordable and the registration process simple and easy. The operator will also facilitate access to Union Assurance advisors to help customers pick the most suitable policy. The new MoU is an extension of an existing partnership between SLT-Mobitel and Union Assurance dating back to 2014. The emphasis on financial inclusion and the positive impact on the Sri Lankan community suggests a commitment to making life insurance more accessible and beneficial for a broader audience, said Mobitel COO Sudharshana Geeganage in a joint statement. Given the economic challenges faced, there is an increased importance of addressing and narrowing the financial protection gap in Sri Lanka, added Union Assurance CEO Senath Jayatilake. As such, we are committed to leveraging innovative measures such as this partnership to offer premier life insurance solutions and contribute towards reducing the financial vulnerability faced by individuals in the country. Marijuana activist Chris Goldstein poses on Independence Mall with a printed copy of his official pot pardon from President Joe Biden, which he received via email. Goldstein led monthly "Smoke Down Prohibition" protests on the site in 2012 and 2013 and was subsequently arrested for smoking weed on National Park Service grounds. Read more Marijuana activist Chris Goldstein wasnt just in pursuit of happiness when he lit up joints during his Smoke Down Prohibition events on Independence Mall more than a decade ago. He was protesting for the liberty to do so without fear of arrest on National Park Service grounds, just feet from where the Declaration of Independence was signed. But arrested he was, then taken to trial and convicted in federal court of possession of .5 grams of marijuana. He has never gotten over seeing United States v. Goldstein on court documents. I dont feel like Im against the United States, he told me. I feel like Im trying to improve this country. Now Goldstein, 48, who helped get small amounts of marijuana decriminalized in Philly, has a new government document with his name on it a presidential pardon. Advertisement It does feel a lot better, he said. Im considering getting a tattoo of it, and definitely a T-shirt. Goldstein was surprised to receive his pardon via email last week from the U.S. Pardon Attorneys Office. He was included in President Joe Bidens second round of federal pardons for simple possession of marijuana in December. Im elated because this was a protest so it feels like some validation for what we did, he said. The pardon does feel like a tangible sign the federal government is declaring peace and not war on cannabis consumers. The Smoke Down protests Today, Goldstein, of Willingboro, is a writer, cannabis consumer event consultant, and regional organizer with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). But back in 2012, when his Smoke Down protests began, he was the director of Philly NORML and a freelance marijuana columnist for The Inquirer. He got the idea for the protests after meeting fellow activist N.A. Poe at Occupy Philadelphia. The two decided to commemorate the anniversary of the Controlled Substances Act by holding a protest on Independence Mall in October 2012. During the act of civil disobedience, they sparked up joints at 4:20 p.m. and gave speeches calling for the removal of marijuana from the CSA. A few dozen people attended the first protest, which went off without any police interaction, and they decided to hold the protests monthly for a year. While most were attended by several dozen people, about a thousand people participated on April 20, 2013. It was at the protest the following month, Goldstein said, the troubles began. From May on, officers and officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office, the National Park Service, and the Philadelphia Police Department conducted a coordinated effort to cite and arrest protesters, even going so far as to set up a processing area at the urban national park. Sometimes there were just a dozen of us and sometimes hundreds of law enforcement, he said. I didnt know the National Park Service had riot gear. Goldstein was first cited in June but he continued to return and was arrested in August. He was taken to trial, convicted, and sentenced to two years of supervised probation, which included dozen of drug tests and a $3,000 fine. The protests resulted in a federal record for Goldstein, but locally, they led him and Poe to meetings with then-City Councilmember Jim Kenney to push for the decriminalization of marijuana in Philly. On Oct. 20, 2014, the city passed an ordinance decriminalizing up to 30 grams of weed. While I was on trial, I was meeting with Kenneys staff and helping to write the ordinance that is used in Philly today, Goldstein said. The presidential possession pardon Biden announced his first round of pardons for simple marijuana possession on federal lands and in Washington in October 2022, but applications for those who were eligible didnt go online until March 2023, Goldstein said. He applied right away but didnt hear back and later learned that a second round of expanded pardons to include additional offenses, like simple possession on National Park Service grounds, was in the works. When that came down in December 2023, Goldstein got his pardon. The presidential pardon doesnt erase his permanent record, its merely an answer to what is on it, he said. Hopefully in any situation its a problem, the pardon will be enough, Goldstein said. When announcing the pardons, Biden urged governors to do the same with state offenses. Its been a little surprising to see Gov. Josh Shapiro not answer the presidents call to do something about cannabis justice, Goldstein said. What he can do is start issuing pardons and suspending prosecutions to stop the criminal process of prohibition while the legislature works on the law. Shapiro supports legalizing recreational marijuana, and a majority of Pennsylvania voters do too, but there hasnt been enough Republican support in the legislature to get a bill through (man, those politicians are really bogarting this joint). Meanwhile, every other state bordering Pennsylvania, aside from West Virginia, has now legalized recreational weed and there are billboards on I-95 in Philly advertising the closest New Jersey weed stores to the Pa. border. We are watching millions of potential tax dollars fly out of our state and were still spending money to prosecute people for possessing marijuana. Last year, more than 9,700 adults were arrested in Pennsylvania for marijuana possession, according to the states Uniform Crime Reporting system. If the president can pardon Goldstein for smoking a joint on Independence Mall, Pennsylvania legislators can stop acting like a nanny state, listen to their constituents, and legalize recreational marijuana. I think what we did was a poignant and lasting protest, but I wish it still wasnt so important, Goldstein said. I never thought it would take Pennsylvania this long to decriminalize marijuana. Jordan Jackson, 17, was shot and killed in Northeast Philadelphia, near Bridge and Langdon Streets, on July 28, 2023. His killing remains unsolved. Read more Just before midnight on July 28, police found the body of a young man on a sidewalk in Northeast Philadelphia. Hed been shot once in the head, and died before officers arrived. The victim had no form of identification, police said. He was wearing a medical face mask and blue latex gloves. A gun was at his side. In an email to reporters the next morning outlining the nights violence, police noted the homicide. An approximately mid-20s Black male John Doe was shot once in the head, officials wrote. They entered him into the citys shooting database without an age. A few days later, investigators would learn that the victim was actually 17 years old a young man named Jordan Jackson, who, like many victims of violence, had endured a painful, troubled life before his death, including in the moments just before he was killed. Police never updated the media or its public shooting database with Jacksons correct age or identity, a sad reality in a city that records hundreds of homicides each year. Advertisement That left his mother, Toya Cobb, feeling as if her son had been forgotten. READ MORE: These are the 24 children lost to Philadelphias gun violence in 2023 Cobb contacted The Inquirer after reading Forever Young, a project that chronicled the life of every Philadelphian under 18 who was shot and killed in 2023. Because Jacksons age was never updated by police, his death was not listed in police records alongside the other juvenile victims. But Cobb wants people to know the story of her son and the issues he faced before his death: his childhood trauma compounded by a learning disability and mental health diagnosis; how he cycled through six schools, dropped out of 10th grade, then fell in with friends who were infatuated with guns and crimes. He wasnt perfect, but ... he never had a chance to turn his life around, she said. I just want people to know he wasnt a man in his 20s, she said. He was still a child. A lot of mothers are in this situation Jordan Rush Jackson was born Nov. 25, 2005, and lived in North and Northeast Philadelphia for most of his life. He was Cobbs first child, the eldest of four, and loved the Chicago Bulls, video games, and riding bikes with friends. His laugh, Cobb said, was infectious. As Cobb worked multiple jobs as a single mother, Jacksons grandmother helped raise him for the first few years of his life. But when Jackson was about 4 years old, his grandmother died of a sudden illness. Cobb said that loss changed something in him. She recalls how he ran through the house calling his grandmothers name, how even years later, when he was 10, he would suddenly burst into tears at the dinner table. I miss Mom-mom, she recalled him saying. Jacksons learning disability and mental health troubles led him to act out in school and at home, Cobb said. He cycled through five different schools before he was 14. Shell never forget, she said, when a middle school counselor told her, The only way you can get help for him is if he gets locked up. He was only 11. Two years later, he was arrested and charged with assault for fighting, Cobb said, and started to run away. He was twice admitted to a residential behavioral treatment facility, and each time, she said, he came home traumatized, begging that he never have to return. In 2022, Cobb said it felt as if things were back on track. He was doing better in school, living at home, and spending more time with family. They spent that summer making memories at amusement and water parks, and the beach in Atlantic City. But that fall, when he was just 16, he learned he was going to be a father. His behavior started to spiral, Cobb said he was hanging out with new people, stopped coming home, and he started arguing more with his mother. Two weeks into his sophomore year of high school, he dropped out. His mental health worsened, but he refused medication, his mother said, then he moved in with his girlfriend. At one point, they were homeless and living in a shelter. Cobb said she struggled to control her son he was strong and nearly 6-foot-6, and she couldnt physically force him to stay. I feel like a lot of mothers are in this situation, she said. What do you do when your 16- or 17-year-old son wants to run the streets? Cobb eventually gained full custody of her grandson, and she saw Jackson more often as he came to visit his child. Seeing her baby hold his child, she said, is a memory she will hold forever how he smothered his son in kisses, how he spoke of wanting to be better. He enrolled in weekly therapy. But in early July, Jackson was arrested for carjacking. He refused to go to the court-mandated crisis center, then cut off the GPS tracker on his ankle, and went on the lam, she said. Cobb felt at her wits end. Then, on July 24, he came to her house. He said he was hungry and thirsty, and wanted to see the baby. But Cobb said she couldnt open the door a judge had ordered that he wasnt allowed to see the child without scheduled supervision, and she knew he was on the run. Painfully, she spoke to him only through her Ring camera intercom before he left. He was unstable, she said through tears. Four days later, on July 28, he was shot and killed at Bridge and Langdon Streets in Summerdale. He does have a voice Staff Inspector Ernest Ransom said homicide detectives still dont fully understand what happened the night Jackson was killed. He said one shell casing was found next to the teens body, and police were unable to find any surveillance footage of the shooting. No arrest has been made. A source close to the investigation said one theory is that Jackson may have been planning to commit a robbery just before he was killed. His mother said that although that could be true, she believes from conversations with others that the person he was with that night may have set him up. Cobb said she thinks that her sons case has been treated differently because of his criminal history and how he was found when he was killed: masked and with a gun. She worries, she said, that because police never shared information about his death with the public, investigators are missing out on potential leads. Ransom said detectives are still actively investigating, and that there had been developments in the case as recently as this month, though he declined to share details. Its not forgotten, Ransom said. Were trying to bring closure to this case and find out what happened to this individual because he does have a voice. Cobb hopes thats true. She has moved out of Philadelphia in search of a fresh start. On a recent day, she sat in her home, looking toward the mantel, decorated with a collection of photos of her son, and a black urn holding his ashes. Jordan just wanted to be something, she said. She fell quiet, looked down at her grandson, and shook her head. Shes not quite sure, she said, what that something was and she doesnt think he knew, either. But now, she said, she will never know. Clarice Schillinger, a once-Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in Pennsylvania, was at a preliminary hearing Monday on charges of Read more Teenagers who attended a boozy 17th birthday party that former GOP lieutenant governor candidate Clarice Schillinger hosted for her daughter last fall described on Monday a drunken scene to a Bucks County judge including descriptions of Schillinger sitting on a boys lap and repeatedly taking shots of vodka during the party in her Doylestown home. One teenager also testified that Ms. Clarice punched him in the chin as he left the house with other friends their departures spurred by Schillingers boyfriend growing increasingly drunk and belligerent, allegedly assaulting another teen who testified. After hearing their testimony, Judge Stacy Wertman held Schillinger who led a political action committee that targeted school boards over for trial on charges including simple assault, harassment and furnishing alcohol to minors. Heres what the teenagers said during Mondays hearing, and what happens next: They described a night of beer pong, drinking and fights. Testifying at the district court in Jamison, three teenagers whom prosecutors identified by their initials to protect their privacy told their stories about the night of Sept. 29, when they were invited to a surprise birthday party at Schillingers house on Liz Circle for her daughter, who was turning 17. In a group chat before the party, two girls said that Schillinger, 36, had told them, You could bring alcohol, said one of the teens, a 16-year-old high school sophomore. Advertisement It was common knowledge that you could drink at Schillingers house, the boy said. You didnt have to ask. Inside the house, the basement was festive, decked out in neon colors, the boy said. There was also a bar, and a beer pong table in the back. The bar was stocked with New Amsterdam vodka and Malibu rum, the teens said. Schillinger, her boyfriend and her parents were drinking upstairs, but the teens said Schillinger was in the basement with them for part of the night. Another boy, also a high school sophomore, testified that he was Schillingers partner in beer pong, which they played with vodka. He said he took about 15 shots and remembered the night up until he fell asleep in a bathroom. The other sophomore said he observed Schillinger repeatedly taking shots estimating five to eight. He said he wasnt drinking, but almost all of the 15 to 20 people at the party were. At one point, he went upstairs to find his girlfriend, who was throwing up in a bathroom. As he waited for her outside, he said he heard Schillinger and her boyfriend, Shan Wilson, arguing. Schillinger said that Wilson had punched a wall, the boy said. He said he asked Schillinger if she wanted Wilson to leave, and she said yes. Then Wilson grabbed my neck and slammed me into the wall. The third teenager who testified, an 18-year-old freshman at Rosemont College, said he also wasnt drinking. But he said Schillinger was at one point, sitting on his lap while he was lounging on a beanbag. Schillinger told the teenager that Youre my favorite, he said. To get out of the situation, he said, he told her he had to go to the bathroom. The teenager said he spent the night making TikToks with my friends, just chilling. Around 3 a.m., he said, the boy allegedly assaulted by Wilson came down into the basement crying. A group of kids moved to leave, and that started a whole confrontation, the teenager said. In the kitchen, Schillingers mother, Danette Bert, started fighting with one girl; the two were hitting each other, the teenager said. Once the group left, he said, they realized one of their friends was still in the house. He went back to the front door, where he said Schillinger grabbed me by my shirt and hit me, punching him with a closed fist. My only thing I asked is that nobody leave the house, the teen said Schillinger told him. Her lawyer argued the testimony didnt justify the charges. Schillingers lawyer, Matthew Brittenburg, argued that the teenagers testimony wasnt enough to justify a charge of furnishing alcohol to minors, since they didnt witness who put it in the house. He also said Schillingers actions didnt constitute simple assault, noting the size difference between her and the teenager she allegedly hit who is 68. The teen said he wasnt injured. Assistant District Attorney Sarah Heimbach said prosecutors had shown enough evidence of Schillingers role in providing the alcohol, and the alleged assault, which involved a closed fist punch to the face not a slap, or playful jab. In addition to Schillinger, her boyfriend and mother were charged with simple assault and harassment. But those charges were withdrawn, and both pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in December, court records show. Schillinger was released on her own recognizance Monday. A formal arraignment was scheduled for March 1. Schillinger declined to comment as she left the courtroom. Who is Clarice Schillinger? Schillinger has held a prominent role in local school politics. She led a political action committee, Keeping Kids in School, that opposed pandemic school closures, before being tapped by Bucks County venture capitalist Paul Martino in 2021 to lead the Back to School PA PAC that poured more than $500,000 of Martinos money into school board races, largely backing Republican candidates. In 2022, she ran as a Republican for lieutenant governor, but lost in the May primary. She continued to work with Martino last year as executive director of a federal PAC he launched, Back to School USA, which said it aimed to combat liberal teachers unions and special interest groups that are responsible for indoctrinating our children. PASSHE Chancellor Daniel Greenstein. Thank you for the courage, shining a spotlight into the dark recesses where hate tends to thrive, and taking tangible actions to attack it, said Greenstein, addressing Haywoods efforts. Read more Black and brown students at universities in Pennsylvanias state system are subjected to racial slurs and stereotypes, fail to receive the same educational opportunities as their white peers, and sometimes never get taught by a professor of color. Thats according to a new report compiled by state Sen. Art Haywood, a Democrat representing parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. The report follows on-campus interviews with students and alumni over a 20-month listening tour concluded in November. Black and brown students in the state system are alienated from the campus community in ways that are damaging to the students personally, to the Black and brown school community, and to the schools collectively, the report said. Pennsylvania must move beyond its racist past there is no other option. READ MORE: Condemn, discuss, repeat: Students of color say Pennsylvania's higher education system follows a tired formula to respond to racism instead of enacting the support they need. Advertisement The findings are in contrast to the results of a climate survey conducted by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and released in October 2022 that said the majority of students of color who responded reported they are treated with respect on campus and do not face discrimination or bias. READ MORE: Ability to express political views and employee engagement emerge as concerns in Pa. state university system climate survey Findings of the new report were discussed at a news conference held at West Chester University on Tuesday and included comments by Haywood; Chad Dion Lassiter, executive director of the human relations commission; and Daniel Greenstein, state system chancellor. Thank you for the courage, shining a spotlight into the dark recesses where hate tends to thrive, and taking tangible actions to attack it, said Greenstein, addressing Haywoods efforts. The hate and the prejudice that these students speak to harm each and every one of us, every student, every employee, every alum, Greenstein continued. Lets be clear there is no place for hate on any college or university campus, in PASSHE, in Pennsylvania, and in the U.S., and we will continue to do everything we can to make sure our students feel welcome and have every opportunity to succeed. In a state where about 14% of 18- to 24-year-olds were Black in 2022, 9.8% of the systems students, or 9,253, were Black. An additional 5,872 students, or 6.2%, were Hispanic. The Hispanic share of 18- to 24-year-olds statewide was nearly 11% that year. Overall, nearly 20% of students in the system identified as underrepresented minorities in fall 2022, according to the systems diversity dashboard, while 11% of faculty and staff were in that category. The most recent report detailed more than 170 concerns expressed by more than 100 students and alumni on the 14 campuses (six of the universities have since merged into two schools), enrolling 82,688 students. Haywood said college administrators chose some of the students to share their stories, while others volunteered on their own. But the report doesnt disclose names or, in most cases, the specific campus in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education where the incident or concern was reported. But the report did note that many comments were nearly identical across campuses and singled out three in Western Pennsylvania and one in north-central Pennsylvania as most problematic. They include the three campuses making up Pennsylvania Western University Edinboro, Clarion and California and Mansfield University, which is now a part of the newly merged Commonwealth University. The campuses were found to have the most egregious accounts of racism and should be considered hostile environments for Black and brown students, the report said. Some of the complaints were specific, while others were general. There was an incident where white students stole the belongings of a Black student and recorded a video pretending to lynch their teddy bear, the report said. This harassment caused the Black student to transfer out of the school, and there were few repercussions for the white students. READ MORE: Pennsylvania state university system launches first diversity survey Others reported a Confederate flag being placed on a students dorm door, and a student chat group named after a Ku Klux Klan song. During one visit, 10 of 26 students raised their hand when asked if anyone in the room had been called the N-word by other students on campus or in the community off campus, the report said. Addressing a question about the discrepancy between the Enough report findings and the 2022 PASSHE climate survey, Haywood responded that any incident of racial harassment was cause for concern. We dont have to be called the N-word five times before its unacceptable, Haywood said. The PASSHE study was more statistical. I think the key difference between the two is that a survey, you fill in the boxes. Ours was students telling their stories live. Some allegations targeted behavior by professors. One cited the case of a social work professor who used the N-word in class, and another said professors told students they wouldnt graduate and that people of their skin color fail in certain majors. Another said a professor during a lesson on slavery turned to two Black students in class and began asking them questions, as if they had experienced it. The project, called Enough: Listening Tour to End Racism on PASSHE Campuses, follows a 2020 investigation by Spotlight Pa that found although the system heavily recruited students of color, it did little to support those students once they were on campus. While the systems percentage of students of color had nearly doubled since 2008, their graduation rate was nearly 20 percentage points lower than that of white students, the investigation found. In the aftermath of that article, students and alumni, along with Haywood, identified six areas that the system needed to address: ending racial harassment and speech, nurturing students of color, organizing an incident reporting system, mandating diversity training, improving mental health resources, and hiring faculty and staff of color. The state system hired a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer; mandated diversity training for faculty, staff and students; conducted a climate survey; and posted a public dashboard with diversity statistics for each campus, among other steps. While progress has been made, its not enough, the report said. Haywood, speaking during Tuesdays news conference, began his remarks by holding up a stuffed teddy bear that belonged to a student of color interviewed during his tour. A rope was placed around its neck, put there by that students white roommate. According to Haywood, the student of color eventually withdrew. In another story shared by Haywood, he described a student whose professor made an inappropriate connection between his skin color and the color of a black Lego brick. We have unfortunately heard dozens of these same stories, Haywood said. These students are being denied an education, he added. Haywood urged PASSHE college presidents to get on the same page about racial bias on their campuses, suggesting that each institution adopt a code of conduct on racial harassment, develop a reporting system that would allow students quick responses from campus leaders, and continue to develop retention programs to increase graduation rates for students of color. Haywood singled out Bloomsburg Universitys program, which he said identified students requiring social and academic support early in their education. Each campus is doing something to respond to the incidents, Haywood said. Still, its not enough. Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine, a group formed earlier this month, hold a "die-in" vigil in remembrance of those killed in Gaza since Oct. 7. Read more A newly formed faculty group at the University of Pennsylvania held a die-in vigil on campus Monday in recognition of the lives lost in Gaza since Oct. 7. Beginning on the steps of College Hall, Penns main administration building, protesters rolled out a lengthy white scroll with roughly 6,700 names just a portion of the more than 26,600 people killed since the war began and took turns reading names and ages. A group of about 30 dressed in dark, monochromatic clothing laid silently on the steps, representing those killed amid a banner that read Gazans murdered by Israel since 10/7/23. It was the first public action taken by Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine since the groups launch earlier this month, and follows a semester that saw the campus divided over the universitys response to Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel and the countrys subsequent military response in Gaza. In December, former Penn president Liz Magill and board chair Scott L. Bok resigned after months of protest and a congressional inquiry into the universitys response to antisemitism on campus. READ MORE: Penn faculty protest against Wharton donors attempt to influence academic agenda Advertisement About 100 faculty, staff, and students participated, some carrying signs that said Penn faculty against genocide as they walked by the statue of Benjamin Franklin, Penns founder. Organizers said the new group has been disappointed in the universitys one-sided response that fails to recognize the rights of those protesting for Palestinians and seems to cater to donors pushing for a bigger response to antisemitism. We dont feel supported by the university, said Bassil Kublaoui, associate professor of pediatrics, who described the harassment and doxxing that some faculty and students supportive of Palestinians have received. The university, on the other hand, is fully supporting and fully taking care of our Jewish brothers and sisters who are also here at the university, who are also going through some difficulties. But they are not taking care of us. They are not looking out for us. They are not protecting us. READ MORE: Penn president Liz Magill has resigned following backlash over her testimony about antisemitism He said one of his Penn colleagues was asked to resign because of tweets in support of Palestinians and another was involved in an inquiry. Another was called into human resources because of comments she made at a rally, he said. Kublaoui, who has been at Penn for 14 years, also cited how their critics have conflated anti-Zionism with antisemitism. Zionism is the belief that Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people. Criticism of a foreign state that is committing genocide is not antisemitism, he said. Such criticism must be allowed on a university campus, said Dagmawi Woubshet, an associate professor of English, who is in his seventh year at Penn and who also is part of the faculty group. Critique is the lifeblood of the university, Woubshet said. We teach our students to hone a critical sensibility. Thats one way to be an ethical citizen, here, and also when our students leave and are out in the world. The new faculty group has dozens of members, including faculty, lecturers, staff, and graduate teaching instructors, and hopes to grow as more people learn about it, he added. The university has yet to say anything to recognize the sheer scale of devastation, the death of innocent civilians, Woubshet said. Our action was to embody these deaths that our university administration refuses to recognize. Penn did not immediately respond for comment. Woubshet said the group kept the details of Mondays event closely guarded, given the violence pro-Palestinian protesters recently faced at Columbia University. Some protesters there were sprayed with a chemical at an event earlier this month and had to seek medical attention. Those affected reported vomiting, nausea, chest and abdominal pain, and headaches, according to ABC News. Penns event went on without disruption. As it was winding down, university officials asked the group to clear the steps of the administration building because they arent permitted to block the entrance, Kublaoui said. The group complied. At one point, someone passing by yelled, Shut up, but there was no attempt to interrupt the vigil. Woubshet said the new Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine chapter is one of about 100 at colleges, including Harvard and Rutgers. There are also student chapters, some of which have been banned at universities, including Columbia, which cited violation of campus event policies. The group also condemns antisemitism, he said, pointing to the groups statement when it announced its formation. We do condemn any form of hate, including antisemitism, he said. The action at Penn comes on the same day that the Muslim Legal Fund of America announced it was filing a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, alleging the school has failed to protect its Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students and their supporters from harassment and threats. The complaint was filed on behalf of more than a dozen students, the group said. Mayor Cherelle Parker addresses the crowd at the Inaugural state of the schools address at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts on Tuesday. Read more Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said Tuesday that school funding will be front and center as she builds Philadelphias budget. Parker, speaking at her first public education event since becoming mayor Jan. 2, said that federal, state, and city government, as well as the private sector and philanthropic community, must be on board to help the citys schools. The funding of public education during this budget cycle, it has to become our No. 1 priority, the mayor said. READ MORE: The Philly superintendent will give his first-ever State of the Schools talk Tuesday. Here are three things to expect. Advertisement For too long, Parker said, Philadelphia schools have had to make do with crumbles of funding when they really deserve a whole loaf. (A state court in February ruled that Pennsylvanias system of funding schools was unconstitutional, and ordered fixes, which have not yet been implemented.) Parkers statement came at Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr.s State of the Schools speech, which he intends to make annual. Dozens of lawmakers, community members, union chiefs, and others gathered in the auditorium of the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts to listen to Watlington highlight progress in the district and lay out his vision for how to accelerate student achievement. But first, Parker spoke, saying she was hopeful for the citys schools, despite external forces working against them. She hinted at a need to examine the districts facilities on a large scale the average age of a school building is 73 years old, and many have environmental issues or badly need modernization. In a recent conversation with a Harrisburg lawmaker, Parker said, she discussed how do we build new, and how do we do it in an innovative way? The vision, she said, is connecting schools with city services, such as health centers and libraries. Thats the model, Parker said. (One new city public school, T.M. Peirce in North Philadelphia, opened in January; three more are currently being built Cassidy in West Philadelphia, AMY at James Martin in Port Richmond, and Thomas Holme in the Northeast.) The mayor also repeated a campaign promise, though the language was slightly different than in the past. Parker had called for year-round school, which the district had tried and discarded in the early 2000s. On Tuesday, Parker said she supported this thing called year-round access to educational opportunities during non-traditional times. Some people refer to it as out-of-school-time. I called it year-round school during the campaign. I want to say to you, you can call it whatever you want to call it. I want young people to have access to those opportunities year-round. Watlington has made a 10-school pilot for year-round education a part of his strategic plan, Accelerate Philly, but no specifics have been announced. Administration officials said parents will soon be convened to hash out the details. The superintendent reiterated his support for Parkers push. Our kids need more time, not less, in school, said Watlington. READ MORE: Philly schools are projecting a $407 million deficit The viability of Watlingtons, and Parkers, plans depends on funding. The district, alone in Pennsylvania in its inability to raise its own revenue, is projecting a $400 million deficit as federal COVID-19 relief funds run out. Despite the districts highest credit rating in decades, chronic underfunding means the Philadelphia system again will have its hand out to Harrisburg and City Hall. If Philadelphia gets the money it needs, Watlington said, in the coming year it will invest in extended-day and year-round schools, facility improvements, teacher and principal recruitment and retention, job training, high-dose tutoring, and a re-launch of Parent University, a program that provides education to district families. Watlington said the district will invest $28.1 million in his strategic plan this school year, in issues ranging from safety and academics to better communication with families. The most significant single investment is $13.5 million to replace analog security cameras at 150 schools. On the districts annual survey, just 55% of students said they felt safe in school hallways. Working cameras, officials said, will help bolster that. Watlington stood by his oft-repeated refrain that he wants Philadelphia to be the fastest-improving, large, urban district in the country. The district has gotten some momentum, he said: standardized test scores are generally up, graduation rates and student and teacher attendance is improving, and the dropout rate is decreasing. Progress has been made, but more is needed, the superintendent said. Watlington and Kathryn Epps Roberson, CEO of the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, the districts nonprofit arm, challenged all sectors of the city to join in to speed up that progress. The fund has pledged $40 million over the next five years to specific initiatives in Watlingtons strategic plan, such as paid parent ambassadors and the parent-training program. If youve got sleeves on, roll them up, Roberson said, because its time to get to work. When then-Mayor Ed Rendell launched a plan to transform part of South Broad Street into the Avenue of the Arts three decades ago, the focus was on creating a corridor to showcase world-class orchestra, theater, and dance. World-class culinary arts? Not so much. Overpriced steakhouses, national chains, and soulless hotel eateries are the only restaurant species that have survived the high-rent district of South Broad Street. While independent restaurants of all sorts flourish in the neighborhoods on either side, Broad Streets traffic-choked lanes have proven to be more of an east-west city dividing line than a magnetic destination for quality dining in its own right. The Garces Trading Co. cafe just closed in the Kimmel Center lobby after just one year. Can the glittering new Loch Bar, yet another upscale chain, be an exception to the curse? Things werent looking great the other night when a $79 Dover sole the size of a guppy was delivered to my booth beside the entrance, where gusts of frigid air from the front door kept bursting up my back and an acoustic guitarist across the room was doing the Jimmy Buffett songbook rough justice. Wastin away again in Margaritaville, searchin for my lost shaker of salt ... Advertisement Speaking of salt, someone might actually want to hide it from this kitchen, where the food is often so overseasoned it radiates a sodium halo. But more on the cooking in a moment. Because, with some more work, Loch Bar has an opportunity to change the narrative of restaurant disappointments on South Broad Street. All the essential elements are in place, including a crab cake that is the single best reason to visit, if you can afford it, at $64 for a plate of two. The restaurant anchors the ground floor of Arthaus, Carl Dranoffs soaring new 47-floor luxury condo at Broad and Spruce, whose modern glass tower is tastefully contrasted by Loch Bars classic fish house features of tufted booths, brass, and tile. The airy dining room thrums with one of the most diverse clienteles in town, with its 95 seats, plus 50 at the long raw bar and back rail facing tall glass windows that look directly across to the Kimmel Center crowds. Its no wonder Baltimore-based Atlas Restaurant Group wanted this corner, which is also across from Steak 48, another corporate chain whose controversial dress code and $11-per-shrimp cocktail have proven theres big money to be made at these culture crossroads, no matter how mid the offerings. Loch Bars all-day fish house concept has more of an air of accessibility, if you can get past $19 cocktails that ranged from passable to undrinkable, like the Ring of Fire mezcal-rita that took its name too literally with a heavy hand on the habanero. (Sorry, we have two new bartenders tonight who are still training, said our server, who had promised the drinks spice was moderate.) Success always hinges on the details of execution. In theory, I always value live music. But the fact that Loch Bar books performers specializing in lounge-grade covers of Toto and Ed Sheeran on the same block Gamble and Huff once pioneered the soulful Sound of Philadelphia speaks to another missed opportunity to sync its vibe to some genuine Philly DNA. Atlas did make smart moves in hiring seasoned local veterans to helm its operation. Lynn Rinaldi, the former chef-owner of Paradiso and general manager of Dolce Italian, runs the front of the house with genuine warmth, while chef Michael OHalloran (Bistro 7, New Hopes Stella) leads the kitchen. But they cant do it all in a place that serves 400-plus customers a day and with a staff that varies in polish. For example, its not a good idea for a server to warn, Careful! This plate is very hot! at the exact moment they reach across the table to insert it into a diners hand. Ouch. Its also bad form for servers to offer various price options tableside (be it two sizes of stone crab or a Restaurant Week deal), then say, Oops! Sorry ... The more affordable option is suddenly no longer available. When it comes to crab, Loch Bar delivers on its Baltimore pedigree with Maryland-style baked cakes bound with moist white bread stuffing that let a bountiful portion of sweet jumbo lumps shine. A single six ounce cake costs $32. When paired with a lemon wedge and mediocre frozen fries, its not a stellar value. But it was good. So good I kept thinking about it and returned for a follow-up lunch to try it on a soft brioche bun in a sandwich laced with celery root slaw. The single cake was perfectly portioned for a lunch splurge, and also had an option for salad instead of fries. The creamy crab soup is also sometimes delicious, when you taste it on one of its less-thick days. But then you could also skip straight to maximum richness mode and dive into an old-fashioned crock of cheesy crab dip, which was not so different from any other chain restaurants version, but elevated with more sweet lumps of crab. Generous is not a word Id use to describe the smallest Dover sole Ive ever been served (supposedly it is usually 10 ounces of meat, but certainly not on my plate). Or the half-lobster on our raw bar platter that was so petite I could fit it in my pocket. Even the oysters seemed smaller than usual on the raw bar platter, except for the house Loch Bar Salts from Maryland, which were bland and flaccid, although properly shucked and pooling with briny liquor. The cooked oysters were promising, but the oysters Rockefeller were mostly just crusty broiled cheese, and not enough spinach puree. The fried oysters breading was so aggressively seasoned I could feel my ankles beginning to swell. Its a similar breading used for the thick buttermilk crust of the pressure-fried half chicken, which was juicy enough. At $28, its the least expensive entree (aside from the burger), but not a reason to come. Neither are the Korean-flavored skirt steak lettuce wraps with daikon kimchi, or the maple-glazed Iberico pork ribs, which were perfectly fine but also a completely nonsensical jumble of randomly themed bar munchies. The chicken and sausage gumbo is a solid alternative to the crab soup, but its French-style butter roux was too sweet and a shade too pale, as opposed to the darker, oil-based roux typical of Louisiana gumbo. One should want to come here primarily for the seafood. And there were a couple of solid hits beyond the crab cake. OHalloran does plump Jersey scallops beautifully over beluga lentils and cauliflower puree scented with an aromatic vadouvan curry (a subtle callback to his vadouvan chicken at Bistro 7). Loch Bars fish and chips is also notable, a massive tranche of moist hake sealed inside a sheer crust whose delicate snap is crisped even more by vodka in the batter. If only it was served atop a mountain of better fries. I was intrigued by the more luxurious seafood offering of Loch Bars one-pound halibut chop for two. And the thick bone-in fish would have been glorious, simply served with chanterelles and lemon-herb butter. But it was both overcooked and so harshly oversalted, that my taste buds were finally starting to go numb. OHallorans crew of line cooks, recruited from some of the citys busiest kitchens, may be skilled at cranking out volume, but finesse is not their forte. The issue of high prices and whether they are fair is a sensitive one at a restaurant that depends on delicate ingredients like fresh seafood, where quality simply costs more. Lower prices likely arent in the cards for Loch Bars future, but the experience could improve dramatically simply by paying more attention to details. I also look forward to springs warmer days when Loch Bar can set up the 60-plus outdoor seats it has dedicated for its wide sidewalk, on display only briefly for the restaurants fall debut. It will be a good opportunity for OHalloran to tap the special menu for dogs he perfected for Stellas deck in New Hope (my pup Buttercup, a big fan, will be first in line). Even more importantly, in the way outdoor dining once helped transform Rittenhouse Square, it can help foster the magnetic public display of boulevard dining that has eluded South Broad Street to date. The Avenue of the Culinary Arts? A Philadelphian can always dream. Loch Bar 301 S. Broad St., 215-267-8272; lochbar.com/philly/ Full menu served daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Seafood entrees, $29-$79. Valet parking $28 (good until 11 p.m.) Wheelchair accessible. There are several gluten-free options, and much of the menu is adjustable. (Though not the crab cakes). Theodore Christopher, the longtime head of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, was scheduled to work a hospital shift and supervise a first-year resident. He was disciplined for leaving his shift without first calling in a replacement. Read more Theodore Christopher, the top physician in Jeffersons department of emergency medicine, was recently disciplined after he walked away from his shift to undergo a diagnostic procedure under anesthesia in another part of the hospital, according to three sources with knowledge of the incident. During a daytime shift in late October, Christopher was supposed to be supervising a first-year resident, or intern, who was four months into her training as an emergency medicine doctor after completing medical school, according to the sources and an Oct. 30, 2023, shift schedule obtained by The Inquirer. Christophers disappearance from the emergency department, located within Jeffersons flagship hospital in Center City, raised alarms among staff because he failed to notify the on-call physician and left subordinates scrambling to find another shift supervisor. The lapse could have jeopardized patient care if another doctor hadnt summoned backup, the sources said. The sources asked to remain anonymous for fear of losing their jobs or suffering retaliation. They said the incident was particularly troubling because Christopher is the boss. Advertisement Patients did not experience any lapse in medical care, with multiple emergency medicine doctors on-site to provide treatment and oversee the interns work, Jefferson Health said in a statement. This matter was investigated internally, and appropriate remedial action was taken, spokesperson Deana Gamble said. Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care and professional conduct remains unwavering. She said Christopher had an emergency gastrointestinal issue that required an immediate diagnostic procedure, performed under anesthesia. Christopher, however, was disciplined because he failed to follow Jeffersons internal protocol regarding leaving work, Gamble said. Gamble did not address why he did not call backup, but said Christopher checked on the well-being of the handful of patients under his care and confirmed they were stable prior to seeking medical care. He then entrusted the patients to the capable hands of our dedicated staff, she said. Christopher declined an interview request from The Inquirer for this story. Christopher apologized to fellow emergency medicine doctors a month and a half after the incident during a Dec. 19 staff meeting, held virtually. According to sources in attendance, he said he made a mistake when he did not contact the on-call emergency medicine doctor before leaving for his procedure. Christopher oversees a staff of about 60 emergency doctors who work at Jeffersons main hospital on 10th Street, Jefferson Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia, and cover shifts at Jeffersons urgent care centers. About half of them attended Christophers December meeting. He told them that he didnt feel well and consulted with a gastrointestinal specialist who recommended a procedure on Oct. 30 the day he was supposed to be attending to patients during a scheduled shift. He said as department chair, he would find it unacceptable if anyone on his staff made such an error. Christopher said he reported himself to Jeffersons administrative leadership. He also thanked two doctors on his staff for keeping him honest and holding him accountable. He disclosed that Jeffersons leadership had placed him on leave as a result of his error, sources said. The incident was not the first time that doctors on his staff have criticized Christophers leadership. He had a history of being unavailable as department chair and during scheduled shifts at times, according to court records, an internal Jefferson report, and eight former and current emergency medicine doctors who spoke with The Inquirer. The eight doctors either currently work for Christopher or used to as doctors or former residents and asked to remain anonymous for job protection. In 2020, Jefferson leaders opened an investigation into staff complaints about gender discrimination and management issues, internal Jefferson records and e-mails show. The resulting investigative report did not fault Christopher but recommended departmental improvements. The care and safety of Jefferson Health patients and staff is a top priority. On the morning of October 30, 2023, an attending physician was experiencing an acute medical condition. After ensuring the well-being of the handful of patients under his care and confirming their stable condition, the physician sought necessary medical care, entrusting the patients to the capable hands of our dedicated staff. The physician self-disclosed that he did not personally contact a back-up attending physician. However, another member of the department contacted back-up. Accordingly, there was no change to the usual staffing levels. There were multiple attending physicians on-site and patients were always under attending physician care. There were no negative impacts on patient care and accepted standards of patient care, resident physician supervision and billing were followed. This matter was investigated internally, and appropriate remedial action was taken. Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care and professional conduct remains unwavering. Jefferson spokesperson Deana Gamble, via email An unavailable doctor On Oct. 30, Christopher was scheduled to work a 7 a.m.-to-3 p.m. shift in the emergency departments patient observation unit, known as the clinical decision unit (CDU), according to a shift calendar. The unit is for patients who require medical observation or are awaiting diagnostic tests to rule out heart attacks, strokes, or other serious medical conditions. At about 10:30 a.m. that day, Christopher was undergoing the gastrointestinal procedure, a hospital GI schedule reviewed by The Inquirer shows. Duties that he failed to fulfill during the eight-hour shift included supervising a new resident as she learned how to care for patients in the CDU. During the daytime, the hospital assigns one attending physician to specifically oversee the observation unit. That physician often supervises a first-year resident. The unit is also staffed by either a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. Emergency doctors working on the first floor admit roughly 15 to 30 patients a day to the CDU, which is based on the third floor. A nurse practitioner, also capable of providing a high level of care to patients, worked a 7 a.m.-to-7 p.m. shift in the CDU that day, according to the Oct. 30 shift schedule. However, nurse practitioners are not authorized to supervise medical residents. Jeffersons residency program for emergency medicine doctors is governed by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), a national nonprofit that monitors residency programs. Its rules require Jeffersons emergency medicine doctors to be physically present and provide direct supervision to first-year residents. Christophers absence, if left uncovered, would have violated its requirements. The intern was never without adequate supervision, said Gamble, the Jefferson spokesperson. The CDU is not isolated to the third floor, Gamble said. It is not a physical unit, but rather a service. It is also staffed by a nurse practitioner and other health-care providers. Failure by a physician to supervise a resident can put patients at risk, especially if their condition is complicated or touch and go, said Arthur Caplan, who created the Center for Bioethics and the Department of Medical Ethics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Residents are not yet full-fledged doctors. Theyre still learning, said Caplan, now a professor at New York University. You have to be available, and you certainly shouldnt be unconscious, undergoing a procedure. A lodged complaint Jefferson and other hospitals rely on a safety system for additional physician coverage in unforeseen situations. Jeffersons emergency department always schedules a backup doctor to quickly step in if a doctor on shift is unable to work because of a sudden illness, car accident, or family crisis. Christopher was required to activate the system by calling jeopardy, the term used to summon the on-call emergency doctor. His failure to do so on Oct. 30 resulted in Christopher being placed on a leave in November, three sources said. He was back working in the hospital by early December, they said. Gamble, the Jefferson spokesperson, declined to provide details about the disciplinary action, including whether the physician was placed on leave, with or without pay, and for how long. The Pennsylvania Department of State, which licenses medical doctors, is now considering if further discipline is warranted. Under Pennsylvania law, a doctor has a duty to provide care for patients and can face discipline for failing to properly supervise staff, which can include physician trainees. Last month, a complaint was filed against Christopher with the state, The Inquirer has learned. The complaint started a process that can take months to resolve and may not become public. All complaints are confidential unless wrongdoing is found. State regulators will decide if the complaint against Christopher warrants an investigation. Any findings of misconduct would then go to the Board of Medicine, which ultimately determines discipline. Amy Gulli, a state department spokesperson, said she could not confirm nor deny that a complaint was filed. A lack of leadership Christopher, 68, has been honored for his physician advocacy work as a past president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. He also has held leadership positions in national emergency medicine organizations and trained scores of young doctors in his nearly 30 years as the hospitals chair of emergency medicine. He is an endowed professor at Sidney Kimmel Medical College. But his leadership record at Jefferson has been controversial. Most interviewees reported feeling that there is a lack of leadership, primarily by the chair, or that they do not trust leadership. Confidential investigation of Jefferson's Department of Emergency Medicine by Pietragallo law firm in Philadelphia In late 2020, Jefferson hired an outside law firm to investigate allegations of gender discrimination in the emergency medicine department under Christopher, court records show. Investigators interviewed both female and male doctors on his staff. The majority said they lacked faith in Christophers leadership. Doctors interviewed blamed him for a poor work environment and culture, and criticized him for a failure to mend divides, an inability to make decisions, and being unavailable, according to the resulting report. Most interviewees reported feeling that there is a lack of leadership, primarily by the chair, or that they do not trust leadership, the 42-page report, marked confidential, concluded. The report became public through federal court records in 2022 as an exhibit in a now-settled civil rights lawsuit. Neither the report nor the lawsuit has been written about previously by news outlets. The investigation was spurred by female emergency medicine doctors who had complained about discrimination over the years to Karen Novielli, Jeffersons vice provost of faculty affairs and professional development, court records show. Novielli, through a Jefferson spokesperson, declined to be interviewed for this story. By then, at least two top female emergency medicine doctors had taken Jefferson to court. One filed a contract dispute in state court; the other brought a civil rights lawsuit in federal court. Both female doctors alleged gender discrimination by Christopher. Jefferson settled the 2007 and 2020 lawsuits for undisclosed terms and monetary awards, court records show. A third female emergency medicine doctor had also complained about ongoing gender equity failure in Christophers department. The third female doctor, who did not file a lawsuit, wrote a June 2020 email to Christopher, Novielli, and a key Jefferson point person on diversity and inclusion efforts. The female doctor wrote that gender bias had run rampant in the emergency medicine department. She detailed how men took credit for contributions by female physicians, who faced retribution for speaking out. The investigation by the outside law firm found that some women believed they were paid less than male counterparts, given fewer promotions, and made to feel invisible and bullied. However, others said they did not feel as though their careers were hindered by their gender. Some interviewees said they believed Christopher was doing his best to run a department with a lot of turf wars and personality clashes. Jeffersons spokesperson, Gamble, said in a statement e-mailed to The Inquirer: In 2020, independent counsel was brought in to investigate concerns raised within this department. The resulting information did not substantiate the allegations. The review resulted in departmental changes to improve communication and involve faculty more in decision-making, she said. Jefferson is committed to fostering a secure and inclusive work environment that values and respects the contributions of every employee, Gamble wrote. We take allegations of discrimination seriously. Former Philadelphia police Chief Inspector Carl Holmes leaving the Stout Center for Criminal Justice after a preliminary hearing in March 2020. The charges were ultimately withdrawn. He is in the process of being reinstated. Read more Former Chief Inspector Carl Holmes is entitled to some back pay from when he was off the police force as a result of being charged with sexually assaulting three officers, according to a newly released arbitration decision. Holmes is in the process of being reinstated to the Philadelphia Police Department after the October 2019 criminal case against him collapsed last September and an arbitrator granted a union grievance filed by the Fraternal Order of Police. In a decision made public Tuesday, arbitrator David J. Reilly found that the city, in trying to uphold his firing, had relied exclusively on the indictment to substantiate the disciplinary charges of conduct unbecoming an officer that led to Holmes termination. Doing so, I conclude, proves fatal to its case, Reilly wrote in the Dec. 1, 2023, decision. Advertisement Reilly ordered Holmes to be reinstated and said the city must make him whole for all wages and benefits lost as a consequence of his discharge, including overtime but excluding the period during which the felony charges were pending, and minus any outside earnings. City officials did not immediately respond to questions about how much back pay Holmes could be owed. The FOP had argued unsuccessfully that the chief inspector, who was earning $143,869 in 2019, should be awarded full back pay going back to the date of his termination. READ MORE: Fired, then rehired: Police arbitration system overturned the firings or discipline of more than 100 cops Holmes, 58, was charged by an investigating grand jury with sexually assaulting three subordinates. The presentment alleged that the longtime officer had fondled womens breasts and digitally penetrating their vaginas against their will. He denied the charges. Over the next four years, and through the COVID-19 pandemic, the criminal case slowly unraveled. One accuser had moved to Florida and couldnt be reached. Another also failed to appear. The charges involving the third woman were withdrawn, and Holmes lawyer had questioned her credibility. In weighing this consideration, I take note that Holmes has never had an opportunity, in any forum, to hear and challenge the direct evidence supporting the allegations underlying the indictment, wrote Reilly, the arbitrator. A criminal trial was never held. Rather, as the parties stipulated, the District Attorney ultimately withdrew or dismissed all of the charges. READ MORE: Carl Holmes alleged sexual misdeeds were well known by Philadelphia police and city officials, but a flawed system shielded him for 15 years. Christa Hayburn, one of the women who had accused Holmes of assault, said on Tuesday that she was not asked to testify at the arbitration hearing. My reaction to this reinstatement is its a disgrace, said Hayburn. She alleged that Holmes in 2006 had asked her to join a task force of plainclothes officers assigned to high-crime areas, then sexually assaulted her in his city-issued Dodge Durango. Hayburn testified against Holmes at his March 2020 preliminary hearing. I had told him I had to leave, my husband was waiting for me, Hayburn said on the stand, occasionally breaking down in tears. I kept telling him he was my boss, this wasnt right. The District Attorneys withdrew that case in March 2021. Holmes attorney, Gregory Pagano, had questioned Hayburns credibility, but wouldnt elaborate. He had argued that his client is innocent and had been the victim of what he likened to a witch hunt. Roosevelt Poplar, president of the Philadelphia FOP, said in a statement earlier this month: As part of this officers due process rights, his case was presented to an arbitrator where the City of Philadelphia and the Fraternal Order of Police presented their respective cases. The arbitrator ruled in favor of the officers reinstatement. An Inquirer analysis of police arbitration rulings found that between 2011 and 2019, the FOP had successfully fought to have police discipline overturned or reduced about 70% of the time. Reilly handled 16 cases over that period, siding with the FOP about half of the time. He was also the arbitrator in another high-profile police case more than a decade ago. He ruled in 2013 that Lt. Jonathan Josey be reinstated after he was caught on camera striking a woman in the face during the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Reilly wrote that the contact with the womans face was glancing in nature. Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, a Willingboro native, was deployed at a logistics supply base known as Tower 22 near the Syrian border when a one-way attack drone struck housing units on the base. Read more A 46-year-old South Jersey man was one of three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed Sunday in a drone attack in Jordan that left dozens of other troops injured, military officials said. Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, a Willingboro native, was deployed at a logistics supply base known as Tower 22 near the Syrian border when a one-way attack drone struck housing units on the base. Also killed were Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23. All three were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade, Fort Moore, Ga. At least 34 others were wounded. President Joe Biden blamed Iran-backed militias for the first U.S. fatalities after months of strikes by such groups against American forces across the Middle East since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Advertisement Biden on Monday said that well hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing. On Monday evening, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he was deeply saddened to learn of Rivers death. Murphy said he would sign an executive order this week lowering flags to half-staff to honor Rivers. As parents, Tammy and I send our heartfelt sympathies to all three families who now face the unimaginable pain of losing a cherished loved one. As Americans, we share our gratitude for the soldiers bravery and sacrifice, and for the courage of every servicemember fighting terrorism at home and abroad, to whom we owe a debt we can never repay, Murphy said in a statement. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D., N.J.) also issued a statement honoring Rivers. Sergeant Rivers served with courage, honor, and a deep sense of duty, embodying the best of New Jersey and our nation. His death is a profound loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and our entire country, and a reminder of the heavy debt we owe to our military families for their sacrifice, Booker said. U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D., N.J), who represents Willingboro, said in a statement: He served this country and our local community with great honor and bravery and we are indebted to him and his loved ones for their service and sacrifice. We will never forget what Sergeant Rivers and his fellow fallen soldiers, Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, gave for our nation. May their memory live on in our continued service to our military families. Rivers enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2011 as an interior electrician, according to the U.S. Army Reserve Command Public Affairs Office. He was first assigned to the 990th Engineer Company at Fort McGuire-Dix after completing advanced individual training, officials said. In 2018, Rivers completed a nine-month rotation to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Last year, Rivers was assigned to the engineer brigade at Fort Moore. His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, two Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbons, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star. On behalf of the Army Reserve, I share in the sorrow felt by their friends, family, and loved ones, Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command, said in a statement. Their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and we are committed to supporting those left behind in the wake of this tragedy, Daniels said. Brig. Gen. Todd Lazaroski, commanding general, 412th Theater Engineer Command, said in a statement: We are reminded that the brave men and women who defend our great nation put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our country safe. They represent the best of America. We will remember their service and their sacrifice. Malaysian ICT distributor VSTECS said on Monday its subsidiary VSTECS Astar has become the latest company authorised by SpaceX to resell Starlinks LEO satellite broadband service across the country. VSTECS said it will leverage its network of channels, established relationships with retailers and its diverse client base across sectors like education, healthcare, finance, and the public sector to drive rapid distribution of Starlink. The company also said it is actively building a network of trusted retailers to resell Starlink services, with Harvey Norman the first official retailer to come onboard. VSTECS CEO JH Soong described the collaboration with Starlink as a game-changer that holds immense promise for propelling Malaysia into a new era of digital connectivity. VSTECS Astar is the third company in the last few months to become a Starlink reseller in Malaysia since Starlink received a licence to operate in the country in July 2023. Malaysian telecoms infrastructure services provider REDtone Digital signed an authorised Starlink reseller agreement in November, with plans to offer satellite-based services to government and enterprise customers. Earlier this month, Malaysian satellite company MEASAT said it had signed on to resell Starlink hardware and services, and would infuse Starlink into its CONNECTme NOW satellite broadband service. The Malaysian government has been promoting Starlink and similar satellite broadband services as the ticket to fulfilling its promise of achieving 100% internet penetration throughout the country, including the mountainous areas inhabited by the indigenous Orang Asli population. Black N Brew at 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. on Sept. 20, 2022. The coffee house owners announced that its landlord, Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation (PARC), would not be renewing their lease in the new year. Read more While East Passyunk Avenue prepares for next months Restaurant Week, one of its biggest culinary events of the year, a different talk of the town is buzzing around a single coffee shop in the area. Black N Brew, a beloved coffee house in the center of South Philadelphias main strip of restaurants, bars, and boutiques for the last 17 years, will shut its doors in February, the owners Jennifer and Colleen DeCesare announced on social media earlier this month. They said their landlord, Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation (PARC), chose not to renew their lease with two months notice. The closure announcement spurred an outcry on social media from customers and neighbors confused about how such a celebrated fixture of the avenue, known for hosting donation and fundraising efforts around issues like youth food insecurity and domestic violence, would be thrown out of the building on such short notice. This is terrible! Like why?? I love having you on our corner. And everyone loves you on the avenue, wrote one user under the announcement post. Local community members and supporters of the coffee house scrambled to set up a GoFundMe page for Black N Brews future relocation efforts the next day, which, at the time of publishing, raised more than $7,000 towards its $10,000 goal. B&B is the heart of Passyunk Avenue, wrote someone who donated to the GoFundMe. We sure hope a new location can be found. However, a little more than a week after it was created, the organizers shut down the online fundraising effort. In light of recent events, it is best to close this fundraiser and refund all donations back to the original donors, stated the Saturday update on the GoFundMe page, noting refunds would be issued within the week. The day before the fundraisers end, The Inquirer reported that the owners owe tens of thousands of dollars in state taxes, interest, and fines dating back to 2018 up to last month. Jennifer DeCesare told The Inquirer that the unpaid taxes are a separate issue and have nothing to do with making our monthly rent payment. We have been in an active payment agreement with the state. PARC cites the reasoning for not renewing Black N Brews lease as the DeCesares failure to pay back rent and utility bills that had not been repaid since the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic when the revitalization nonprofit provided the coffee house with discounted rent and utility waivers. After years of negotiations, including two one-year lease extensions, PARC decided to not renew the coffee houses lease in February, PARCs executive director Alex Balloon told The Inquirer last week. The DeCesares say they paid back PARC in full, but that a case of identity theft led the owners to mistakenly send out personal checks from Colleens account, which the DeCesares say may have been missed by PARC, reported Billy Penn. Since this debacle began last month, the DeCesares have told other media outlets they tried to resolve this issue directly with PARC to no avail. A 60-year-old Philadelphia woman has been criminally charged with disrupting a Frontier Airlines flight from Orlando to Philadelphia in which she allegedly exposed herself and threatened to kill other passengers. Dulce Huertas was arrested and charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants, indecent exposure, and simple assault, U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero said in a statementTuesday. Huertas could not be reached for comment, and court records did not list an attorney. According to the criminal complaint filed in the case, Huertas was a passenger on a Nov. 20 flight that was about to land at Philadelphia International Airport when she got up from her seat and stated, I have to pee. Advertisement A flight attendant told Huertas she needed to sit down, and Huertas, who had been served two alcoholic drinks on the flight, yelled and cursed at the flight attendant before sitting back down, the complaint says. After the plane landed and was approaching the gate, Huertas began cursing at passengers around her, the complaint says. A flight attendant requested security at the arrival gate and the captain, who was informed about what was happening, made an announcement for all passengers to remain seated. Once the plane arrived at the gate, but before passengers were allowed to leave, Huertas pushed her way to the front of the plane, the complaint says. Huertas approached the lavatory but was stopped by flight attendants who were disarming the main cabin door, the complaint says. According to the complaint, Huertas then said Sorry everybody, before pulling her pants and underwear down, exposing herself while squatting as if to urinate. She then stood and pulled her pants back up, and cursed at passengers, the complaint says. Hurtas again approached the front of the plane and demanded, let me pass, let me pass, the complaint says. A flight attendant was concerned that Huertas would try to open a door and activate an emergency slide. Huertas allegedly bumped a flight attendant with her belly as she tried unsuccessfully to get by. Huertas then allegedly continued to yell, curse, and threatened to kill multiple passengers. If convicted on all counts, Huertas faces a maximum 21 years and three months in prison, and a $355,000 fine, Romero said. Earlier this month, a 31-year-old Florida woman was sentenced to nine months in federal prison and one year of supervised release for disrupting a 2022 Frontier Airlines flight from Orlando that was diverted Philadelphia from its destination in New York because of the womans actions. A Philadelphia jury has delivered a $2.25 billion verdict against agricultural giant Monsanto, deciding in favor of a Pennsylvania man who contended he developed cancer as a result of using the companys weed killer, Roundup. The unanimous verdict issued Friday awarded John McKivison, 49, of Lycoming County, $250 million in compensatory damages, and $2 billion in punitive damages. The jury found that Roundup causes cancer, and that Monsanto was negligent and failed to warn consumers of the dangers of the product, said McKivisons attorneys, Tom Kline of Kline & Specter in Philadelphia, and Jason Itkin of Houston-based Arnold & Itkin. We are thankful that this unanimous jury found that Bayer/Monsantos Roundup was responsible for causing John McKivisons blood cancer, Kline and Itkin said in a statement. The jurys punitive damages award sends a clear message that this multi-national corporation needs top to bottom change. McKivisons attorneys said that he began using Roundup at his job at a warehouse when he was in his 20s. Because the product killed weeds effectively at his work, McKivison began spraying it regularly at his familys home over the next two decades, his attorneys said. McKivisons personal properties were as large as two acres, and he used the weed killer on food plots he and his family planted to attract wildlife. At one point, his attorneys said, he dispersed Roundup on his property from a tractor in 25- to 30-gallon loads. Advertisement The difference in his life, truly, is that he was exposed to Roundup, Kline said. At issue in the case was the chemical glyphosate, Roundups active ingredient, as well as other ingredients in the weed killer. Monsanto developed glyphosate in 1974, and it has since become one of the most widely used herbicides worldwide, despite concerns that the chemical is carcinogenic. The lawsuit also named Nouryon, a Radnor-based chemical company that manufacturers another ingredient in Roundup known as a surfactant that helps the herbicide effectively kill weeds. World agencies have differed on glyphosates carcinogenic properties. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as part of a group of chemicals that are probably carcinogenic to humans. But in 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that there were no risks of concern to human health when glyphosate is used according to label instructions. In its report, the agency added that glyphosate is unlikely to be a human carcinogen. After legal challenges, the EPA stood by its 2020 findings but said that it would revisit and better explain its evaluation of the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate. Other groups, such as the European Commission, have since said that there is no evidence allowing them to conclude glyphosate is carcinogenic. German pharmaceutical giant Bayer, which became Monsantos parent company after it purchased the group in 2018, said it would appeal the Philadelphia jurys verdict. We disagree with the jurys adverse verdict that conflicts with the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence and worldwide regulatory and scientific assessments, and believe that we have strong arguments on appeal to get this verdict overturned and the unconstitutionally excessive damage award eliminated or reduced, the company said in a statement. Monsanto and subsequently Bayer have been sued thousands of times in complaints linking Roundup to cancer. But Friday marked one of the largest verdicts against the herbicide in the past several years. In a statement, Bayer said that it has resolved the majority of claims filed in this litigation, winning 10 of the last 16 Roundup cases that went to trial, and reducing damages by more than 90% in final judgments. Amid a string of lawsuits, Bayer in 2020 agreed to pay up to $10.9 billion to settle Roundup-related litigation. That settlement, the Associated Press reported, involved roughly 125,000 lawsuits. Other cases have cropped up since then, including one from December in which a jury awarded a plaintiff $3.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages. And in October, Bayer lost another Roundup case in Philadelphia, also filed by Kline and Itkin, with a jury ordering the company to pay $175 million to the plaintiff. Bayer has since vowed to appeal those verdicts as well. Kline said that the companys response and vow to appeal in local cases such as this one cannot outshout a sustainable jury verdict under careful scrutiny and guidance by constitutional judge in the Pennsylvania court system. Their effort here is part of a systematic effort to undermine the integrity of the Pennsylvania courts and the administration of justice in our commonwealth, Kline said. During a press conference outside Philadelphia Police Department Headquarters, supervisory deputy US Marshal Robert Clark displays a handcuff key that was found on teen fugitive Shane Pryor when he was captured earlier this evening on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. Read more The Philadelphia District Attorneys Office said Monday they will charge Shane Pryor for his escape from authorities last week that launched a four-day manhunt and for assaulting a teacher at the Juvenile Justice Services Center. Pryor, 17, will be charged with escape, aggravated assault, hindering apprehension, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person for breaking free from custody Wednesday afternoon while being taken to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, a spokesperson for the District Attorneys Office said. Additionally, Pryor, who prosecutors say fatally shot a 54-year-old woman in Northeast Philadelphia in 2020, will be charged with aggravated assault, making terroristic threats, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, for attacking a teacher in the Juvenile Justice Services Center on January 9. The teacher did not report the incident to police until after Pryor escaped, due to threats he allegedly made that made her fear for her safety, the District Attorneys Office spokesperson said. Advertisement Pryor was captured around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, near Third Street and Roosevelt Boulevard, while U.S. Marshals were conducting surveillance and spotted him boarding a SEPTA bus. Marshals stopped the bus and took Pryor into custody without incident and he was taken to the Philadelphia Police Departments Homicide Unit. When Pryor was apprehended and officers patted him down, they found a small black handcuff key, Supervising Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark said Sunday night. It is unclear how Pryor obtained the key and whether he used it to unlock his restraints. Police continue to investigate the escape. A spokesperson for the citys Department of Human Services, which operates the Juvenile Justice Services Center, did not respond directly to questions about the handcuff key or whether any staffers had been disciplined or questioned regarding Pryors escape, but confirmed an internal investigation is being conducted As part of the investigation, relevant policies, procedures, and practices will be reviewed and a determination made as to whether changes are warranted, the spokesperson said Monday. The spokesperson declined to comment on the Jan. 9 incident, citing the ongoing investigation. In a phone call before a Sunday night hearing, Pryor said he was tired from evading capture for days, said Paul DiMaio, his attorney, on Monday. DiMaio said he did not know how Pryor got the key or if he used it to free himself. After a 10 p.m. Sunday hearing conducted via conference call, Common Pleas Court Judge Barbara A. McDermott decided Pryor would be taken to an adult prison facility, said DiMaio. McDermott made the decision because she said the Juvenile Justice Center or any juvenile detention facility would not be able to guarantee an escape wouldnt happen again, he said. It is unclear where Pryor is being held. Unanswered questions about Pryors escape Pryors capture after four days on the lam brings with it several questions that remain unanswered, namely did anyone help him escape? How did Pryor get the black handcuff key law enforcement found on him when he was apprehended? And did he use the key to unlock his shackles? His escape led to the arrest of an alleged accomplice and renewed focus on the citys embattled jail system. Pryor was handcuffed and shackled before he was driven from the juvenile detention center to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia for a hand injury on Wednesday, authorities said. After arriving at CHOP just before noon, Pryor was able to break from his shackles and push past two unarmed staffers, fleeing on foot, police said. Pryor then went in and out of area buildings before approaching a bystander, claiming he had been in a fight and asking the bystander to use their phone, police said. He called his friend Michael Diggs, 18, who picked him up in a tan Ford Fusion by 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, serving as his getaway driver and getting him out of the University City neighborhood as law enforcement combed the area searching for him. Authorities were able to track Pryor and Diggs to the Olney section of the city, Clark said. Diggs was pulled over driving the Ford Fusion Wednesday night, police said, and Pryor was not in the car at the time. Diggs was charged Friday with hindering a police investigation, escape, criminal conspiracy, and related crimes for his role in the escape. Diggs is being held at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, according to court records. Pryor and Diggs met about a year prior at the Juvenile Justice Services Center, where Diggs had been in custody for an attempted murder charge. A judge tossed Diggs case for lack of evidence. Last week, a law enforcement source told The Inquirer that the two former cellmates had stayed in touch in the months leading up to Pryors escape. Law enforcement solicited tips and information about Pryor and his whereabouts, which resulted in evidence that led agents to stake out an area near Hunting Park that Pryor had been going to since he escaped custody, said Clark. Sunday evening, agents saw a public transit rider that matched the teens description between the Feltonville and Olney neighborhoods. Pryor was being held in connection with the murder of Tanya Harris, 54, in October 2020. Police said Pryor and Kiyan Williams, then-15, met Harris in an alleyway and paid for sex before fatally shooting Harris. The teen told police he was present in the alley at the time of the shooting, but did not pull the trigger, according to the affidavit of probable cause. Pryors mother and DiMaio said the teen has always maintained his innocence. A hearing is scheduled for February 15 for Harris murder, said DiMaio. Staff writer Samantha Melamed contributed to this article. Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter Its Tuesday. Were making progress! Itll be another cloudy day, with a high near 41. Last October, the top physician in Jeffersons Department of Emergency Medicine skipped a shift to undergo a diagnostic procedure without alerting his staff. While Theodore Christopher has been honored for his work, he also has a history of being unavailable. Our lead story takes a look at his controversial leadership record. Also, due to a technical error, Mondays newsletter didnt link to a story we believe is a must-read. Reporter Samantha Melamed spent a year investigating Philadelphias collapsing rowhouses finding that a surge in residential construction, a culture of impunity, and inadequate oversight are destroying homes across the city. In case you missed it, here are 12 of the most illuminating (and infuriating) takeaways from her investigation. Erin Reynolds (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) Advertisement If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Theodore Christopher, the top physician in Jeffersons Department of Emergency Medicine and its longtime chair, was scheduled to work a shift tending to patients and overseeing staff on Oct. 30, 2023. Instead, on that late October day, he was under anesthesia undergoing a diagnostic procedure in another part of the hospital. His absence raised alarms among staff. Christopher had failed to notify the on-call physician and left subordinates scrambling to find another shift supervisor. Though patients did not experience any lapse in medical care, Christophers actions could have jeopardized them if another doctor hadnt summoned backup. Jefferson placed Christopher on leave in November, but sources say he was back at work by early December. Christopher has since apologized to his fellow emergency medicine doctors, saying he learned his lesson, but this is not the first time that doctors on his staff have criticized his leadership. Whats next for this top doc? The Pennsylvania Department of State, which licenses medical doctors, is considering if further discipline is warranted. Read on. The Pa. Supreme Court stopped short Monday of recognizing abortion access as a right protected by the states constitution. But in fractured decision, three of the five justices signaled that they could be open to making that finding in the future. The debate arose from a challenge to a state law limiting Medicaid funding for abortions. A coalition of seven state abortion providers had urged the justices to not only overturn that ban but to recognize for the first time a constitutional right for citizens to make their own reproductive choices. The state high court justices ultimately split on whether they were ready to make the call just yet deferring the question first to a lower court but reproductive rights advocates still hailed the ruling as a positive development. Now, with both the Medicaid funding question and the debate over constitutional protections back in Commonwealth Court, you can expect a heated legal battle over the future of abortion access in Pennsylvania. What you should know today Trivia time This viral TikTok couple, best known for their outfit breakdowns, got their start in Philadelphia. A) Abbie and Herbert B) Darcy and Jer C) Carlo and Sarah D) Pookie and Jett Think you know? Check your answer. What we're... Anticipating: Tierra Whacks new album World Wide Whack is on its way. Loving: Therapy dogs are helping kids become better readers at the Free Library. Reviewing: According to Craig LaBan, Loch Bar, a new high-end seafood spot on Broad, swings big but misses. Unscramble the anagram Hint: This Queen Village restaurant is named after a 1963 Garnet Mimms song that was popularized by Janis Joplin in 1970. A CRABBY PATSY Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Shirley Ramsey who correctly guessed Mondays answer: Wilt Chamberlain. Photo of the day Thanks for starting your day with The Inquirer! Paola Perez will be back in your inbox tomorrow. By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10. Samantha Rodriguez is photographed on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. A South Philadelphia childcare worker with a young daughter, Rodriguez had been receiving a payment of $250 a month that ended in December 2021. Its definitely a hardship, she said of the loss of extra income. Read more Lawmakers in Washington have a chance to improve the health and well-being of an entire generation of children. Recently, as part of a broader tax policy initiative, a bipartisan coalition in Congress announced a deal to expand the child tax credit to benefit an estimated 16 million low-income kids, including nearly three million children under age 3. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that, in the first year alone, it would lift a staggering 400,000 kids out of poverty and improve conditions for an additional three million. (A separate bill, introduced by Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.), would enable parents to recover up to half of what they spend on childcare, including day care, summer camps, and nannies.) But the deadline is tight for Congress to approve and implement the child tax credit, and the business-oriented tax provisions, before the beginning of the 2023 tax filing season. While some observers have focused primarily on the business tax provisions in this new bipartisan tax bill, the public health benefits would be enormous. The public health benefits would be enormous. At Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, every day we see patients whose health conditions are exacerbated by poverty, even in families in which both parents are employed. Hungry kids dont perform as well in school. Children born into poverty also tend to have lower birth weights, behavioral issues, increased risk of chronic illnesses, and higher rates of infant mortality. These are conditions we shouldnt be facing in the wealthiest nation in the world. Advertisement These are also conditions that are eminently solvable. Two years ago, a mother of two daughters who came to CHOP told our providers she had recently received a substantial child tax credit. The money came at a critical time for her to pay off debt. She was then able to spend more money on food and other needs for her kids, and even start saving some for them. The data support her experience, showing that families who received the expanded child tax credit spent it on items children need, such as housing, utilities, clothing, and education costs. This money is not wasted and directly benefits children. In 2021, when the American Rescue Plan gave families up to $300 per month per child for six months, it resulted in the largest one-year drop in child poverty ever from 9.7% to 5.2%. The program was hailed as a universal success. But less than a year later, Congress couldnt agree on if or how to extend the tax credit, and families bore the brunt. A study by CHOP and Penn Medicine researchers found that, when those temporary payments ended, families with children making less than $25,000 a year and there are 3.3 million of those families nationwide saw a more than 6% increase in food insufficiency (not having enough to eat). In 2022, child poverty jumped back up to 12.4% higher than before the pandemic. Financial health and physical health are inextricably linked. If you dont have enough money for healthy food, you become malnourished, which leads to a host of negative health outcomes. Stress is a major health factor, as well: People under stress, financial or otherwise, may be quicker to anger or to shut down a conversation, which leads to more stressful parenting. All of this affects kids the most. READ MORE: The temporary expansion of the Child Tax Credit should become permanent to help Phillys families | Opinion As a part of caring for families with children, CHOP offers financial counseling and help navigating public benefits, and weve seen that direct payments have the biggest impact on health which is why theres so much riding on this measure that Congress is considering. Elected officials might prioritize the business elements of the bipartisan tax deal when discussing it, but to us, considerable attention should be paid to the health benefits. And its about children. Will they be able to eat enough? Will their parents be able to start saving for whatever their childs future holds, or even their own retirement? Will infant mortality rates decrease? Well find out as Congress continues to deliberate this life-changing legislation. We call on members of Congress to embrace the opportunity to improve the health of millions of children and to act promptly so the benefits will start to take hold. Madeline Bell is president and CEO of Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Colleen Gibbons-Brown is a special education teacher at Strawberry Mansion High School. She loves her job but isn't sure she can continue because she sees how children with disabilities are disproportionately punished, putting them at greater risk of ending up in the school-to-prison pipeline. Photographed in front of Strawberry Mansion on Monday, Jan. 21, 2024. Read more I love teaching, but at the end of this year, I will likely quit. Quit Strawberry Mansion High School, where I teach. Quit the school district. Quit teaching altogether. Kids love school, even the teenagers of Strawberry Mansion. Ive lost count of the students whove said theyll never return, only to sheepishly creep in the next day. But a school has to love its children back, and Im not sure the School District of Philadelphia loves all of its children. In the coming weeks, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker will make decisions on school board appointments. These decisions will have a profound impact, as the policies of district leadership trickle down not only to the children and families of our city but also to teachers like me, who teach with our full hearts. Im bracing myself for what will come, but after years of being disappointed, Im tired. Im tired of watching bad decisions hurt our most vulnerable kids, especially those with disabilities. Im tired of watching the ever-churning machine of systemic oppression eat my students whole. Advertisement READ MORE: Unflinching hope in the Philly neighborhood that the most people have abandoned | Opinion The Philadelphia school system is broken in many ways. A history of inequitable funding lingers in asbestos-filled walls and broken air-conditioners. With Lower Merions per-pupil spending and Advanced Placement classes just seven miles away, there is no hiding from the institutional injustices my students face. One hundred percent of students at Strawberry Mansion are considered economically disadvantaged. Nearly half qualify for an individualized education program, or IEP, a plan designed to support students with disabilities. At Carver High School of Engineering and Science, which students must apply to get into, that number is just 5%. Many of the students at Mansion sit in the middle of the intersectionality of race, disability, and poverty; they are an especially vulnerable population that we, as educators, should be purposeful in our efforts to protect. Yet I watch as my students are pushed aside by the district intended to serve them through suspensions that turn into dropouts, disciplinary placements that arent so temporary, and the ensnaring tentacles of the justice system. There is a substantial body of research that shows the inequitable use of discipline on students of color and those with disabilities. Among children with disabilities, one in four of those who are Black will be suspended at least once, but among white children, only one in 11 receive the same punishment. Each time a student is kicked out of their school either via a suspension, alternative placement, or disciplinary transfer there can be enormous consequences. A short suspension may seem harmless, but each removal of a student from their educational environment increases the likelihood they will drop out or come in contact with the police. There is even a name for how we marginalize our students out of school and into cells: the school-to-prison pipeline. Students are funneled from their regular schools into disciplinary and juvenile placements and then pushed toward incarceration. The students we pick for this are those we find the most challenging, the most difficult to understand the ones who dont listen and test our patience. They may love their school, but it wont love them back. The unrequited love of the school system burns them the worst. Not surprisingly, students with disabilities are overrepresented in our justice system. At the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center, 46% of students have an IEP. At Pennypack House, a school for teens facing adult charges, 57% of students have an IEP. The best thing for kids at risk of falling into the justice system is to keep them in school, as research has found that a students connection to school is a protective factor that reduces their risk of entering the school-to-prison pipeline. But instead of protecting our most vulnerable students from this future, we add to their risk. During the 2021-22 school year, 26% of district students involved in disciplinary incidents had an IEP, despite comprising less than 16% of the student population. For 2022-23, 50% of district students identified as Black, but 65% of student offenders were Black. As educators, we see the realities of these disparities in our hallways every day. To us, those statistics arent numbers; they are children. We say their names and smile at them each morning. How many students will get pushed aside before we start real conversations around how to serve them? I know my absence will be a loss for my students. But I dont belong in public school anymore. I became a special education teacher because I acutely remember being 12 years old in math class, having the feeling of This is not the place for me. I tried to reel in my ADHD brain, like leashing a wild dog. I want my students to know that different isnt less, needs arent weaknesses, and every brain is beautiful. I am a true believer. I believe in special education and individualization. I believe in doing my job the right way in compliance with state and federal laws written by people smarter than me. I believe that, with special education, we see students especially our most challenging ones flourish instead of flounder. Yet, here I am, standing in a classroom and thinking, This is not the place for me. As Mayor Parker begins her tenure, I am pleading for change. I need her and other leaders to overhaul our discipline system so students arent sent to alternative placements for nonviolent behaviors. I need her to instill in our schools the values of restorative justice, with a commitment beyond lip service to making it work. I need her to stress accountability so that every student with an IEP receives an appropriate education, even if that looks different or messy or takes more patience, labor, and time. The city teachers union has a role to play, too. Retiring union president Jerry Jordan acknowledged that the rate of Philly teachers leaving the classroom is largely due to inadequate working conditions, yet he offered no action to address this exodus. In the post-pandemic transition back to buildings, there was no influx of counselors, social workers, or community partners, only students in the midst of grief and mental health crises exhibiting challenging behaviors in underequipped schools. I hope the incoming union leadership is able to effectively advocate for working conditions that support both the best interests of teachers and students. As teachers, we need to see that student mental health needs are adequately addressed so we know our lessons can have an impact. Only then will we be able to stay in our jobs without watching the students we love struggle as we helplessly stand by. I need Parker to do all this so I can focus on my students while knowing their rights are protected, so I can teach them to read without worrying theyll be suspended once they cross the threshold out of my room. I want to focus on imbuing in my students the power their education provides. But I need them here, in school, not at home, not at a disciplinary placement, not sitting in an overcrowded juvenile justice cell. I need her to make space for my students in our schools. I can teach them just let them in and, please, let them stay. Colleen Gibbons-Brown is a special educator who has taught middle and high school students for the past seven years. She has taught in public and charter schools across Baltimore and Philadelphia school districts. The Franklin Institute announced nine winners of its annual awards in science and business on Tuesday. Top row, left to right: David A. Weitz, Lisa Su, Gabriela S. Schlau-Cohen, Paula T. Hammond, Janet F. Werker. Bottom row, left to right: Mary C. Boyce, Robert M. Metcalfe, Joanne Chory, Paul D. N. Hebert. Read more The Franklin Institute announced nine winners of its annual awards in the sciences and business leadership on Tuesday, honoring research on such phenomena as how plants harness energy from sunlight, the changes in childrens brains as they learn language, and the hidden plumbing that powers the internet. The winners will come to Philadelphia for four days of lectures and other events from April 15 to 18, ending with a ceremony at the science museum, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary. The institute started giving out awards in its first year, 1824, though back then they focused more on manufacturing and craftmanship. Among the inaugural winners were a bassoon maker and the inventor of a very ingenious machine for cutting and piercing iron plates to make stove pipes. This years winners have tackled more complex problems such as climate change and cancer, but they share a zest for innovation with their counterparts from two centuries ago, said Larry Dubinski, the museums president and chief executive officer. Advertisement In this milestone year, the awards program will celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our 2024 laureates and serve as a reminder of the Franklin Institutes rich history and its ongoing commitment to shaping the future of science and technology, he said in a news release. The museum has given awards to more than 2,000 scientists and business leaders over the years, including 125 who would later win a Nobel Prize. Three of them were honored just last fall with a Nobel. They included University of Pennsylvania scientists Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman, whose work on messenger RNA paved the way for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines against COVID-19, and Columbia Universitys Louis E. Brus, honored for his research on minuscule particles called quantum dots. This years winners of Franklin Institute awards include several who have made their mark in education as well as science, mentoring younger researchers, running academic departments, and translating science for a public audience. Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Paula Hammond and AMD chief executive officer Lisa Su, for example, both serve on the Biden administrations Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Then theres Harvard physics professor David A. Weitz who, in addition to studying arcane properties of polymers and gels, teaches non-science majors about the physics of cooking. He has been known to soft boil an egg to show how proteins respond to heat, and he makes molten chocolate cakes to demonstrate the diffusion of thermal energy. For broad impact, none could top Robert M. Metcalfe, a professor emeritus at the University of Texas-Austin, who is winning a Franklin award in electrical engineering. He was a leader in designing Ethernet, which he has described as the internal plumbing that makes internet communications possible. Ethernet was the plumbing upgrade the internet needed in the 1970s, he said in a 2023 interview. Ethernet enabled the transition from a network of time-shared computers servicing dumb terminals, to an internetwork of personal computers, their servers, and routers. The Franklin award winners are: The bottom line is that any decisions the farmer makes surrounding the future of their land needs a lot of research and also quality legal advice by experts in this field, said Stephens. Once a farmer has committed to signing that piece of paper the impacts could be there for the rest of their lives, not to mention future generations taking on the family farm. The Cuban regime is once again breaking its own laws and violating international legal protocols that protect sexual and reproductive rights, in the case of political prisoner Lisdany Rodriguez Isacc, held in the prison of El Guamajal, in Villa Clara. Seven weeks pregnant, the young woman is being pressured to undergo an abortion at the same time she is being deprived of adequate food and medical care. In the words of General Raul Castro Ruz, the Constitution approved in April 2019 "synthesizes the aspirations of all those who, for more than 150 years, have fought for a free, independent, sovereign and socially just Cuba." This vapid claim came amidst the profound economic and social crisis that the island is enduring, which the recent constitutional reform and its legislative changed have ignored. Regarding sexual rights, the constitutional text states that "the State promotes the comprehensive development of women and their full social participation. It ensures the exercise of their sexual and reproductive rights, protects them from gender violence in all of its manifestations and spaces, and creates the institutional and legal mechanisms for this." According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), "women's sexual and reproductive health is related to multiple human rights, such as the right to life, the right not to be tortured, the right to health, the right to privacy, the right to education and the prohibition of discrimination." The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), meanwhile, have indicated that women's right to health includes its sexual and reproductive components. According to CEDAW, "the denial of access to services needed only by women; low quality services" or "forced sterilization, forced virginity examinations, and forced abortions, without women's prior consent" constitute violations of these rights. Likewise, the Beijing Declaration, one of the most important global roadmaps towards gender equality, states that "women's human rights include their right to have control over and to decide freely and responsibly on issues related to their sexuality, including sexual and reproductive health, without coercion, discrimination or violence." The Cuban Government, a member of the Human Rights Council, having committed to comply with international legal instruments protecting human rights, has been once again exposed, this time in the case of the young Lisdany Rodriguez Isacc. Barbara Isacc, the mother of the pregnant woman, explained that her daughter and her husband had tried for years to have a child. Rodriguez Isacc became pregnant during a conjugal visit. She told her mother that she was seven weeks pregnant. "She is suffering a lot of abdominal pain, and is often dizzy, and there's no Gravinol, no medication to give her. So, they wanted to remove it (by curettage). But the poor woman doesn't want to, because she's never been pregnant before. She wants to have it," the political prisoner's mother told DIARIO DE CUBA. "Now they won't take her to the medical appointment they give pregnant women until ten weeks have passed," Barbara Isacc said. This Cuban is aware that, given her condition, her daughter needs to be well cared for and fed, but the reality, according to the testimony of hundreds of inmates, is that Cuban prisons suffer from serious shortages of food and medicine. "Imagine, if there's normally no food for the inmates... So, I imagine they're doing it (pressuring Isaac to abort) for that very reason. Since the situation is bad in there, because the prisoners don?t have enough food, a pregnant woman is going to be a burden," she added. On Friday, the independent platform Yo Si Te Creo (IBelieveYou) demanded that the young woman "receive all the care set down in the Mother and Child Program." She pointed out that "it is illegal to force a person to undergo an abortion, regardless of whether they are incarcerated, in accordance with the Criminal Code in force since 2022." The case of the young woman, convicted, along with her twin sister Lidianis Rodriguez Isacc, for participating in the 11-J protests in Villa Clara, is not the only one featuring a violation of sexual and reproductive rights in Cuban prisons. Other women behind bars have spoken out about the abusive treatment they suffer, not only when they are pregnant, but after giving birth. Mothers and their children are separated when the children reach one year of age. The situation is aggravated when the reason for a sentence is political, a further violation of women's fundamental rights. Another political prisoner, Lazara Karenia Gonzalez Fernandez, also convicted for her role in the 11-J demonstrations, is fighting for extrapenal leave to block the State from separating her from her son, just over a year old. This young mother from Cardenas, Matanzas, has been sentenced to three years and six months of correctional work with internment for the crimes of disturbing the peace, contempt and resistance, of which she has only served seven months, as she was pregnant after the appeal sentence. Lizandra Gongora, a mother of five minors and imprisoned in Isla de la Juventud, has decried the violation of her right to regular phone calls and demanded that she be transferred to a prison near her residence so that she can see her children. "They've threatened to send me to Guantanamo or Pinar del Rio. I think that's unfair, because my address has been in Havana for 14 years. I'm not going to let them take me to any prison other than the one corresponding to me," Gongora said recently. Lisdany Rodriguez Isaac, Lazara Karenia Gonzalez, and Lisandra Gongora are Cuban women who have been violated, this time not by VAW (which claimed 88 victims in 2023 and has another five so far in 2024) but rather the political violence of the Cuban state's apparatus, which, in an effort to quash dissent, attacks mothers, children, and family. An additional risk that faces our professional clients is the possibility that their professional indemnity insurance might not cover claims arising out of the use of AI, he said. On the other hand, our insurer clients have been faced with claims made on some older wordings that have not been drafted with AI use in mind, even though this is the landscape of today. Lezynski has more than 30 years of industry experience, with expertise across disciplines including IPOs, captives, alternative risk financing vehicles, loss-sensitive agreements and association-sponsored group programs, Alliant said in a news release. Prior to joining Alliant, he served as president in the New Jersey office of a national insurance brokerage and consulting firm. So, consumers were hearing from friends and family that it's hard to find homeowners insurance right now, and they may say, I'm going to stick with the insurer I have right now because I'm afraid if I go out there and try to switch, I can't switch anyway. She is encouraged that insurance companies are starting to highlight more jobs that include the technology sector. Its important for the next generation to understand that the insurance industry offers more careers than just being an agent or broker, she said. There are so many other lanes that may interest those who dont want to be client facing. Introverts may prefer to become an underwriter or actuary, she noted. There is literally something for everyone. Longtime National Rifle Association chief Wayne LaPierre took the stand in his New York civil trial Friday, defending himself against allegations that he violated the trust of the groups 5 million members by spending tens of millions of dollars to enrich himself and close associates. Under questioning from lawyers for New York Attorney General Letitia James, LaPierre said he didnt consider luxury vacations to be gifts when he accepted them from a couple who did millions of dollars of business over the years in contracts with the NRA. James brought the lawsuit under her authority to investigate nonprofits registered in New York. Days before the trial began, LaPierre, 74, announced he would step down Jan. 31. In the Manhattan courtroom, LaPierre acknowledged taking vacations with Hollywood producer David McKenzie, whose company has done business with the NRA. He said he met McKenzie in a business context but considers him a friend. The states lawyers laid out for the jury a series of trips that the two mens families took together, which McKenzie paid for and LaPierre didnt disclose in financial forms. At the time you didnt consider a trip to the Greek Isles to be a gift, right? Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Conley asked LaPierre, in one of many exchanges over the undisclosed vacation travel, lodging and food. No, I did not, LaPierre said. Conley showed jurors photos of multistoried white yachts LaPierre vacationed on with McKenzie in the Bahamas and the Mediterranean, as well as photos from a trip to India. LaPierre acknowledged that McKenzie paid for commercial flights, hotels and food for many of the trips. Media Contract At the time he was making those trips, LaPierre helped McKenzies media company secure a 9-year contract with the NRA worth millions, he acknowledged. Conley also noted that McKenzie personally collected $1.8 million alone in property rental fees for filming NRA content in a home he owns in Los Angeles. Under LaPierres leadership, the NRA became a powerful political lobby group, in addition to its role as a firearms training organization. In recent years it has faced financial troubles, dwindling membership and a leadership crisis. After reporting a $36 million deficit in 2018, the NRA cut back on core programs like training and education, recreational shooting and law enforcement initiatives. Experts have said LaPierre was behind much of the misspending that led to the fiscal downturn, including on employee perks and an unprofitable television venture. The New York attorney general sued LaPierre and three co-defendants in 2020, alleging they cost the organization tens of millions of dollars by authorizing lucrative consulting contracts for ex-employees and expensing gifts for friends and vendors. The state is asking the judge to limit the work they can do for the NRA and New York-based nonprofits, and also to make them repay the NRA and even forfeit any salaries earned while misallocating funds. LaPierre is accused of dodging financial disclosure forms while spending NRA money on travel consultants, luxury car services, and private flights for himself and his family. He has acknowledged spending over $500,000 of the NRAs money on private airfare for family trips to the Bahamas, but says flying commercial would have put him in danger. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New York Gun Liability A Virginia police officer has been denied workers compensation benefits for a heart condition despite the state law that his condition is presumed to be work-related. The Virginia Workers Compensation Commission (VWCC) has ruled that the officers public university employer, Old Dominion University, successfully rebutted the statutory presumption with evidence that the officer was born with the disease and thus it was outside the course of his employment. As a result, John Thomson has been denied medical benefits and temporary total disability for his atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). On an appeal by Old Dominion, the VWCC reversed a deputy commissioners September 2023 ruling that the university failed to convincingly rebut the workplace presumption and awarding workers compensation benefits to Thomson. The three members of the VWCC felt differently, convinced that the evidence from Thomsons doctor cited by Old Dominion in challenging the award was strong enough to rebut the presumption. Case Background Virginias workers compensation code states in part with respect to state police officers that hypertension or heart disease causing the death of, or any health condition or impairment resulting in total or partial disability of any of the following persons who have completed five years of service in their position as . . . shall be presumed to be occupational diseases, suffered in the line of duty, that are covered by this title unless such presumption is overcome by a preponderance of competent evidence to the contrary. In this case, there was no dispute that the officer had been diagnosed with AVNRT and that he was entitled to the statutory presumption in the code. The only question was whether the employer Old Dominion overcame the presumption. In February 2022, while arresting an individual who was resisting arrest, Thomson started feeling chest pain and his heart beating fast in a manner he had not previously experienced. While taking the arrestee to booking, his breathing became more labored, his chest pain became more pronounced, and he felt he would pass out. He went to the emergency department. Thomson denied any prior cardiac history or history of SVT. A cardiologist diagnosed him with AVNRT and performed an SVT ablation. After discharge from the hospital, Thomson continued to follow up with the same cardiologist. At the request of Old Dominion, the cardiologist completed a questionnaire in which he answered yes to the question: Do you agree that AVNRT is a pre-existing condition that Mr. Thomson was born with, which became symptomatic in February 2022? He did not elaborate beyond checking the yes box. Deputys Reasoning In this case, there was no dispute that the officer had been diagnosed with AVNRT and that he was entitled to the statutory presumption in the code. The only question was whether the employer Old Dominion overcame the presumption. To overcome the presumption, the employer must show, by a preponderance of the evidence, both that the claimants disease was not caused by his employment, and there was a non-work-related cause of the disease, according to the two-pronged test set forth in a 1999 Virginia Supreme Court opinion (Bass v. City of Richmond Police Department). In ruling on the case, a deputy workers compensation commissioner noted that while the doctor opined that Thomsons AVNRT was a pre-existing condition that was not caused by his employment, the doctor offered no explanation for this conclusory statement. While the opinion is uncontradicted by any medical evidence of record, it was also insufficient to rebut the presumption in this case, the deputy commissioner ruled in awarding benefits to Thomson. But upon review of that deputys opinion, the three-member VWCC said the cardiologists opinion was entitled great weight since he had been Thomsons treating cardiologist and because there was no contradictory medical opinion in the record. Given these factors, the VWCC said it was appropriate to afford the cardiologists opinion preponderating weight despite the lack of narrative explanation for his opinions. Two Prongs The VWCC found that the doctors questionnaire responses addressed both prongs of the Bass test necessary for the defendant to overcome the presumption. The doctor said Thomsons AVNRT was not caused by his employment, satisfying the first prong of the Bass test. As to the second prong, the doctor said that there was a non-work-related cause of the diseasethat the claimant was born with the disease. The VWCC noted that the state Supreme Court has explained that the burden of establishing a non-work-related cause of the disease can be met upon submission of competent medical evidence that the claimants condition was more than likely a hereditary phenomenon, or a showing that the claimants heart condition was generally thought to be congenital or was probably congenital. The commissioners concluded that the opinion that Thomson was born with AVNRT was competent medical evidence of a non-work-related cause of the disease, satisfying the second prong of the Bass test. The VWCC further noted that while the cardiologist indicated a possibility that the officers disease became symptomatic due to his employment, it is well-established that the employer is not required to exclude the possibility that job stress may have been a contributing factor to the disease in order to rebut the presumption. The VWCC found that the cardiologists opinion was sufficient to rebut the presumption by a preponderance of the evidence. Thus, Thomson had the burden of proving his AVNRT was an occupational disease or a compensable ordinary disease of life under Virginia law. But the VWCC found that the evidence showed that his AVNRT was an ordinary disease of life and not work-related and the doctors opinion that his AVNRT possibly became symptomatic due to work-related stress was insufficient to meet the burden of proof. The officer has the right to appeal the VWCC decision to the Court of Appeals of Virginia. Topics Workers' Compensation Talent Law Enforcement Virginia Global regulators, aviation security specialists and manufacturers failed to reach an agreement on a quick technical fix to the problem of GPS spoofing near war zones at a meeting on Thursday [Jan. 25], instead calling for better training of pilots to deal with the issue, according to two sources briefed on the talks. Airlines have been urging quick action after a series of incidents where navigation systems were disrupted to show a false location or wrong time, though aircraft flight controls remained intact. Spoofing might involve one countrys military sending false Global Positioning System (GPS) signals to an enemy plane or drone to hinder its ability to function, which has a collateral effect on nearby airliners. Airline Industry to Meet to Discuss Safety Concerns Around Spike in GPS Spoofing GPS jamming and spoofing have grown worse in Eastern Europe, the Black Sea and the Middle East, according to industry group OpsGroup. GPS is a growing part of aviation infrastructure as it replaces traditional radio beams used to guide planes towards landing. The first international meeting bringing together the sector was held on Thursday in Cologne, Germany, organized by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and international trade group the International Air Transport Association (IATA). GPS interference can pose significant challenges to aviation safety, and requires that airlines increase data-sharing on jamming and spoofing events, EASA and IATA said in a joint statement. We need coordinated collection and sharing of GNSS (global navigation satellite system) safety data; universal procedural GNSS incident guidance from aircraft manufacturers; a commitment from states to retain traditional navigation systems as backup in cases where GNSS are spoofed or jammed, IATA Director General Willie Walsh. More pilot training could help find an overarching solution to the problem, which experts say is set to worsen with increased global conflict, but it will take longer to approve and standardize any technology. The sector needs to keep some of the older technology in place as an alternative to worsening GPS challenges, officials said at the meeting, according to the sources. While technical solutions are also an option, they can be expensive, complicated and not always effective depending on what kind of spoofing is used. As GPS interference attacks become more sophisticated, technical solutions would have to be consistently updated, creating a game of cat-and-mouse, one of the sources said. A long-term solution also discussed was developing a second layer of authentication that would help check whether a GPS location is being spoofed. This technology has been developed under Europes Galileo program, the sources said, but is not yet in broad use. One of the sources said regulators indicated it was unlikely that any change would be made in the pace of certification for certain technologies, which can take a decade to approve in civil aviation. The next meeting focused on the issue will be a conference on navigation systems held in Antalya, Turkey, in early February organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), they said. (Reporting by Joanna Plucinska in London and Valerie Insinna in Washington; editing by Matthew Lewis and Louise Heavens) Topics InsurTech Tech Aviation This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Carbon Underwriting, Canopius Group and Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) . A summary of these new hires follows here. Carbon Underwriting Appoints Head of Specialty Carbon Underwriting Ltd., the London-based, managing general underwriter and Lloyds syndicate, announced the appointment of Dale Willetts as head of Specialty in addition to supporting the development of Carbons technology capabilities. Willetts brings a wealth of leadership and Specialty underwriting experience to the role and his priority this year will be to spearhead the development and growth of Carbons Accident & Health (A&H) proposition. Before joining Carbon, Willetts was executive vice president, head of Specialty Lines, for Sompo International for five years where he built the A&H portfolio. In a distinguished career spanning 30 years, he has also held leadership roles with ANV, Travelers and other specialty underwriters in the field. *** Canopius Boosts Global Credit & Political Risk Team With 4 Hires Canopius Group, the London-based global specialty re/insurer, announced the appointments of Angelos Deftereos as head of Structured Credit, and Boris Medimorec and Virad Patel as underwriters in its Credit & Political Risk team in London. They take up their roles with immediate effect. In addition, Dimitri Plastiras joins the APAC team in February as an Underwriter. He will initially be based in Sydney and will transfer to Singapore later in the year. Deftereos brings over two decades of experience to Canopius. He joins from Volante Global, where he held the position of managing director Structured Finance, specializing in significant risk transfer (SRT) insurance, a growth area that he will lead in his new role. Prior to this, Deftereos worked as head of Capital Mitigation and Operational Risk Insurance at AXA XL. He has also held senior roles at Morgan Stanley, Aon, Marsh and Goldman Sachs. Medimorec joins Canopius from UK Export Finance having previously spent two years with Arthur J. Gallagher and almost 15 years with MUFG as managing director. He brings more than 25 years extensive private and public sector experience across a number of markets, sectors and debt products, bringing insights from both banking and insurance. Patel joins Canopius from ING, having spent 10 years at the bank across risk, origination, and distribution functions. Most recently, Patel held the position of vice president for Loan Capital Markets. Plastiras joins Canopius from KPMG in Sydney where he was an associate director for Debt Advisory Services. Prior to that, he spent 12 years at Westpac with experience across structured asset finance, trade finance and financial institutions. Canopius has underwriting operations in Australia, Bermuda, Singapore, the UK and US. It underwrites through Lloyds Syndicate 4444 (managed by Canopius Managing Agents Ltd.); a US surplus lines insurer, Canopius US Insurance Inc.; and Canopius Reinsurance Ltd, a Bermuda-based Class 4 reinsurer. *** BHSI Taps Chaucers Merton to Lead UK Customer & Broker Engagement Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) announced it has appointed Fiona Merton as head of Customer & Broker Engagement, UK. The position was previously held by Mark Walker, who was recently named head of National Business, UK, at BHSI. Merton comes to BHSI with more than two decades of London Market & UK insurance industry experience focused on business development and production. Merton joins BHSI from Chaucer Syndicates where she held various positions for nine years, according to her LinkedIn profile. She is based in London and can be reached at Fiona.Merton@bhspecialty.com. Topics Agencies Excess Surplus Grocery chain Trader Joes is joining Elon Musks SpaceX in arguing that the US labor board, which is prosecuting cases against both companies, is unconstitutional. At a Jan. 16 National Labor Relations Board hearing in Connecticut, an attorney for Trader Joes told the judge considering union-busting allegations against it that the company wished to introduce a new argument in its defense. The structure and organization of the National Labor Relations Board and the agencys administrative law judges is unconstitutional, the companys attorney Christopher Murphy said, according to a transcript of the proceeding that Bloomberg News obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. Trader Joes argument echoes that of Musks aerospace company, which filed a lawsuit Jan. 4 arguing that an NLRB case against it should be put on hold because the agencys structure violates the separation of powers established in the US Constitution. SpaceX filed its suit the day after the NLRB issued a complaint accusing it of illegally firing eight employees over an internal letter sharply criticizing Musk. Trader Joes embrace of the argument suggests it could soon become widespread in corporate America. Trader Joes, which has denied wrongdoing in the case, didnt immediately respond to an inquiry. An NLRB spokesperson declined to comment. An attorney for the agency, which is accusing the grocer of illegally threatening and retaliating against workers, said at the hearing, We believe that the NLRB and its administrative law judges are constitutional. US labor law protects the right of employees to organize and communicate about their working conditions, with or without a union. The same law tasks the NLRB with enforcing those protections. The agency includes regional officials who investigate and prosecute cases, administrative law judges who hold hearings and rule on allegations, and labor-board members in Washington who consider appeals of those judges rulings. Spreading Attacks Attacks on the NLRBs constitutionality are likely to become more widespread, because the rightward shift of the federal judiciary makes such arguments more viable, said Catherine Fisk, a law professor at the University of California at Berkeley. After Congress created the NLRB in 1935, many companies refused to recognize its legitimacy, until the US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of the agency in 1937. Now its been on the books for almost 90 years, Fisk said. The only thing that has changed is the membership of the Supreme Court. The union Trader Joes United, which has organized four of the companys locations over the past two years, said the companys new argument could hurt its progressive branding. Customers of Trader Joes would have serious problems with a company that has rejected the New Deal, the unions attorney Seth Goldstein said. While SpaceX has asked a federal judge to prevent an NLRB trial against it from taking place, Trader Joes attorney said he understands the case against the grocer will proceed for now. He said hes raising the issue of the agencys constitutionality for future briefing and argument. The agency judge hearing the case, Charles Muhl, suggested the matter could be for NLRB members or federal judges to decide, after he issues a ruling on the other aspects of the case and it gets appealed. Im certainly not going to be ruling on my own constitutionality anytime soon, Muhl said. Photo: A Trader Joes grocery store in New York. Photographer: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics USA Aerospace Microsoft Corp. said an account that was compromised by Russia-linked hackers, resulting in a hack of some company emails including senior leaders, didnt have multifactor authentication enabled. The hackers tailored their password spray attacks to a limited number of accounts, using a low number of attempts to evade detection and avoid account blocks based on the volume of failures, according to a Microsoft blog post. Cybersecurity experts had previously told Bloomberg News they believed the compromised account wasnt using multifactor authentication, a basic security measure. Thats because it was hacked using a password spray technique that typically involves trying many passwords on a users account in an attempt to crack it. Password spraying doesnt work if multifactor authentication is enabled, said Ru Campbell, a cybersecurity consultant and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional or MVP, who often speaks at conferences about the companys services. Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat from Oregon, called the compromise inexcusable. Multifactor authentication is cybersecurity 101 and would have prevented this latest attack, Wyden said in an emailed statement. This is yet another wholly avoidable hack that was caused by Microsofts negligence. The US government needs to reevaluate its dependence on Microsoft. A Microsoft representative didnt respond to a request to comment on Wydens remarks. In its blog, Microsoft also said it has been warning organizations that they were targets of the same Russian-sponsored group that hacked into its executives emails late last year. The hackers a group known as Midnight Blizzard or Cozy Bear have been identified by Microsofts Threat Intelligence team as the same cyber-espionage group that has been targeting other organizations, according to the blog post from the technology company. The disclosure is the latest sign that the groups recent activities have spread beyond Microsoft. On Wednesday, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. reported a breach of its cloud-based email system that it said was likely caused by Midnight Blizzard. Related: HP Enterprise Discloses Hack by Suspected State-Backed Russian Hackers Last week, Microsoft disclosed that the group compromised a legacy non-production test tenant account and used it as a foothold to access a small number of email accounts, including those of senior leadership and employees who work in cybersecurity and legal. The hackers were initially targeting emails for information about Midnight Blizzard itself, Microsoft said. Last year, Wyden called on government officials to investigate an intrusion of Microsoft Exchange online that enabled the hack of US government emails, including the account of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. HPE, an information technology provider, said it was notified on Dec. 12 that a nation-state hacking group breached its email systems. Investigators believe the hackers accessed and infiltrated data beginning in May using a small percentage of HPE mailboxes from employees working in cybersecurity and other areas. The US government has linked the hacking group, also known as Nobelium, to Russia. The same group previously breached SolarWinds Corp. in a massive cyber-espionage campaign against several federal agencies. Photo: Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics Cyber Russia ATLANTA (AP) A once-prominent labor and employment attorney who fatally shot his wife in 2016 as they rode in an SUV pleaded guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to eight years in prison as part of a plea deal. Claud Tex McIver, 81, had been convicted of felony murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2018 but that conviction was overturned in 2022 by Georgias highest court, which ruled that the jury should have had the option of a misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter charge. As part of Fridays deal, McIver also pleaded guilty to charges of reckless conduct and associated gun possession and was sentenced to seven years of probation, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. He will receive credit for the time hes already spent in custody. Amanda R. Clark Palmer and Donald F. Samuel, McIvers attorneys, told the newspaper that McIvers prison sentence ends in mid-2025, but that he could be released before then on parole. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney said he thought the plea deal was a healthier and cleaner way to resolve the case than a retrial, which could have resulted in a not guilty verdict. He acknowledged that some of those who loved Diane McIver, 64, may be disappointed in how the case ended. Mr. McIver shouldnt have had that loaded gun in his hand with his finger on the trigger, the judge said. For those who seek purely punishment through this process, youre going to be disappointed. McIver apologized for his actions and acknowledged that theres nothing he can do to make up for what happened to his wife. She died as a result of my actions, plain and simple, he said. Ive worn my wedding ring since the day we were married and I intend to wear it until the day I die. I hope were at a point where were not judging each other and we can all move on. Shes my angel and shes waiting for me in heaven. McIver had been awaiting retrial on charges of felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and associated gun possession. The negotiated plea ends an appeal by the state of an order limiting its evidence in the retrial. McBurney had barred prosecutors from alleging at the retrial that McIver intended to kill his wife, as McIver was acquitted in his first trial of malice murder. McIver has always maintained that he shot his wife by accident on the night of Sept. 25, 2016, as he rode in the backseat of an SUV that was being driven by a friend. After they exited an interstate and began driving through downtown Atlanta, McIver said he asked his wife to get his gun from the center console and hand it to him, saying they were in a really bad area. A short while later, McIver fired the .38-caliber revolver once, striking his wife in the back. He claimed he had fallen asleep holding his gun in his lap and that it fired inadvertently. Prosecutors alleged he killed his wife because he coveted her money. Rich, successful and politically connected, the McIvers were considered an Atlanta power couple. McIver was a partner at a national labor and employment law firm. Georgias high court accepted the surrender of McIvers law license in April. He had been an attorney in Georgia since 1973. Diane McIver had risen to the top of U.S. Enterprises Inc., after more than four decades with the real estate and advertising business founded by Billy Corey. Corey was in court Friday to present a statement, which was read aloud on his behalf by an employee from the Fulton County District Attorneys Office. In his statement, Corey said Diane McIver was an integral part of his business and that her death left a large void. He said her death was no accident. One man, one hand and one bullet ended her life and caused a lifetime of misery and loss for so many others, Corey said. There will never be another Diane McIver. Diane was full of life and she should never have been taken away from us in such a careless and malicious way. She is today missed as much as she was on that tragic day. Photo: McIver at his trial in 2018. (Bob Andres/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, Pool) Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Georgia JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Mississippi lawmakers met in special session last week and quickly approved job training money and other state incentives to support a plan by Amazon Web Services to spend $10 billion to build two data centers in the central part of the state. Republican Gov. Tate Reeves had announced Wednesday that a tech company would build the centers at two sites north of the capital city of Jackson, but he withheld the companys name until after legislators approved a $44 million incentive package. Most of the state money, $32 million, will go toward job training programs. Mississippi is building a business climate that is ripe for further growth, especially in the technology sector, Reeves said Thursday. On top of that, were doing what it takes to prepare our workforce to take on these high-paying, technologically advanced jobs of the future. Reeves said the project by Amazons cloud business will be the states largest-ever private corporate investment four times larger than the previous record. He said the data centers could be at least partially open by 2027. He said he expects 1,000 jobs to be created, with salaries of more than $66,000. This is going to have a tremendous impact on generations to come, Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Angela Cockerham, an independent from Magnolia, told her House colleagues. AWS already has data centers in California, Ohio, Oregon and Virginia. The two Mississippi sites are in Madison County, Reeves said. One is a short drive from the Jackson city limit, and the other is close to a Nissan automotive manufacturing plant near Canton. Legislators approved an incentive package with broad bipartisan support. They authorized Madison County to borrow $215.1 million from the state to pay for improvements to roads and the extension of water and sewer systems. Legislative leaders said the money will be repaid by fees the company will pay to the county in place of taxes. Democrats in the Legislature have said the governor has failed to pursue economic development in predominantly Black areas in the western part of the state. Senate Finance Committee Chair Josh Harkins, a Republican from Flowood, said Thursday that the data centers would be linked with another energy production project that would drive investment in several parts of the state including areas represented by Democrats. Entergy Mississippi president and CEO Haley Fisackerly said the utility company will have solar facilities in central Mississippis Hinds County and in Washington and Tallahatchie counties, which are farther north. Fisackerly also said that in coming months, Entergy Mississippi will announce plans for another power generating facility. Fisackerly said Entergy started communicating with Amazon five years ago about what Mississippi could do to attract big tech projects. Amazon said in a news release that it has made other investments in Mississippi since 2010, including five fulfillment and sortation centers, four delivery stations, five solar farms and a wind farm. Mississippi legislators met in special session last week and approved incentives for a factory that will manufacture batteries for electric vehicles. It will be in Marshall County, which is in the far northern end of the state near the Tennessee state line. Photo: Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves, center, and House Speaker Jason White, R-West, left, and Republican Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, right, with a bipartisan group of legislators, during the incentives announcement at the Mississippi Capitol in Jackson, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Mississippi A woman and five children have died in a fire at a home in a small northwest Alaska village, Alaska State Troopers said. The remains of the six have been recovered from the home in Noorvik, an Inupiat community of about 650 people located just over 500 miles northwest of Anchorage. The children authorities believe were killed range in age from 9 to 16, troopers spokesperson Tim DeSpain said by email. He said he would not have additional information about the victims until the State Medical Examiners Office in Anchorage finishes identifying them. Village residents became aware of the fire about 6 a.m. on Wednesday, DeSpain said after conferring with a deputy fire marshal upon their return to Anchorage. Water was used in an attempt to extinguish the fire but it was already fully engulfed and too hot to attempt any rescue, DeSpain said in an email. Troopers said it appeared a fire started near a stove that was reportedly in poor condition. However, troopers said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The names of the victims have not been released. Troopers said they were still notifying relatives. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Alaska The last of the 100 known victims of the wildfire that destroyed Mauis historic town of Lahaina in August was identified as a 70-year-old woman whose husband, sister and several other relatives also died in the fire. Maui police said they identified the victim as Lydia Coloma based on the context of where the remains were found, rather than through DNA or other positive identification methods. Her husband, along with a sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew, also died in the fire, said her sister-in-law, Tina Acosta, in Honolulu. Coloma was from the Ilocos Sur province in the Philippines, Acosta said, adding that she didnt know why the final identification took so long. We were waiting, she said. Identifying those who perished in the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in more than a century has been a long, arduous process. Forensic experts and cadaver dogs have had to sift through ash searching for bodies that were possibly cremated, and authorities collected DNA samples from victims family members. The DNA testing allowed officials in September to revise the death toll downward, from 115 to at least 97. The toll rose slightly over the next month as some victims succumbed to their injuries or as police found additional remains. The number of those who remain unaccounted for has also fallen to just a few from a previous high of nearly 400, according to the Maui Police Department. Coloma was on the unaccounted-for list before her official identification as a victim. Three people remain on the list. The victims ranged in age from 7 to 97, but more than two-thirds were in their 60s or older, according to Maui polices list of known victims. Several were residents of a low-income senior apartment complex. Authorities began reopening the burn zone last fall to residents and property owners who lost homes while urging returning residents not to sift through the ashes for fear of raising toxic dust. This month, crews started clearing debris from residential lots. The waste is being wrapped in thick industrial plastic before the Army Corps of Engineers takes it to a temporary storage site south of Lahaina. The disaster devastated Maui and Hawaii more broadly. Caught in a hellscape, some residents died in their cars, while others jumped into the ocean or tried to run for safety. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. It may have been sparked by downed power lines that ignited dry, invasive grasses. An AP investigation found the answer may lie in an overgrown gully beneath Hawaiian Electric Co. power lines and something that harbored smoldering embers from an initial fire that burned in the morning and then rekindled in high winds that afternoon. The blaze destroyed more than 2,000 buildings, most of them homes, and is estimated to have caused $5.5 billion in damage. Nearly six months after the blaze, about 5,000 displaced residents were still living in hotels or other short-term accommodations around Maui. Economists have warned that without zoning and other changes, housing costs in already expensive Lahaina could be prohibitively costly for many after rebuilding. Associated Press reporter Audrey McAvoy contributed. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Hawaii Long-standing managing director of waste disposal firm O'Donovan's has stepped down from her role after 36 years. Established in 1959, O'Donovan's Waste Disposal was founded by Cork man, Joe O'Donovan, who emigrated from West Cork to the UK. His daughter, Jacqueline O'Donovan, took up the job as MD when she was just 19 years old, receiving an OBE at Windsor Castle in December 2023 for services to recycling, safety and industry. Commended for "pushing boundaries" throughout her career, Ms O'Donovan is leaving the waste disposal firm in the hands of Sortera, a Swedish firm that acquired the company in 2022. "I am excited with what we plan to achieve in 2024 and beyond, with our aim of being the partner of choice in respect of sustainable construction," said managing director of Sortera UK, Mark McCleery. With both organic and strategic growth plans outlined for 2024, Mr McCleery added that it had secured a "fantastic business to build upon." Currently, the waste company owns a combined fleet of more than 220 along with 6 depots servicing London and the Southeast. "I am super excited to move into different industries to see what else I can turn my hand to," said Ms O'Donovan. "I have no intention of abandoning the waste industry as it has been my love for 36 years and it has been such a fantastic journey that I have had from 175k turnover back in the 80s, leaving on a 20m+ high is an amazing achievement from all the family and staff." Throughout her time as MD, Ms O'Donovan was honoured by President Michael D. Higgins with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award for her support of the Irish community in the UK. She also became the first female CEO worldwide to earn a master's degree in demolition management. Not since St Patrick expelled the snakes and converted the country to the church of Rome has there been a greater revolution in Irish culture than the transition from tea to coffee, and the humble croissant has rode in on its coattails. Today, Tuesday, January 30, is International Croissant Day, this cornerstone of the French patisserie is celebrated across the globe. In Ireland, there are increasing numbers of top-quality French bakeries opening up and their produce is a world away from those early attempts at gallic baking. Last summer, Kinsale added Seeds Bakery to its impressive array of culinary hotspots and what an addition it has been. There has been a great response from locals, says the beautifully- named Benjamin leBon. During the summer we know were going to be busy so the true test comes in the winter months and the locals have been very supportive. Benjamin first arrived in Ireland to party in 2006. The visit turned out to be life-changing. I met my partner, says the Breton. She is from Cork. We moved to France and then lived in the West Indies for a short period before moving back here and I opened a wholesale bakery six years ago. Before baking, Benjamin dabbled in various professions including teaching and sales. Though the sales role allowed him to indulge his passion for travel, he admits that he didnt like that at all. When I was a student I used to work in bakeries and I remembered being fond of it, he says. I always liked starting early and finishing early and everyone is always happy to go to the bakery. Its not like the dentist. Its warm and it smells good so it has loads of boxes ticked in the feelgood column. For most people, getting up before the crack of dawn is one reason not to become a baker but for the last 12 years, this has been Benjamins lot. I have one team that gets in at 4.30 in the morning, says the 42-year-old. They bake all the pastries and some cakes and then another team starts at 12. They are in charge of the bread. All 12 members of his team are well-versed in the baking of the perfect croissant. So whats the secret? Good ingredients and then the process, he says. When I am teaching someone to make a croissant I tell them its cold, cold, cold and cold. You need a very cold dough, then, time, a lot of time. The croissants ferment for about eight hours and thats what gives you the flavour. We have little tents that go over them to save them from draughts which might put a skin on them. So under those tents, they can prove gently. That means at half four in the morning when the team comes in they can go into the oven. Romian Tessier and wife Suzanne at ArtyBaker in Dublin Romain Tessier gives his croissants even longer. It takes about two days, says the owner of the ArtyBaker in Dublin. So for example, wed start on Wednesday at 3 am with Fridays croissant in mind. Theyll mix the dough on the Wednesday, leave it to rest overnight, the next day they will laminate it with butter to create all the layers, shape it and leave it to rest overnight again before baking it on Friday morning. Romain, who hails from Tours in the Loire Valley, has been baking since he was a teenager. When I was 14, I had to do an internship, he recalls. So I did it with a friend of mine in a bakery and I really enjoyed it. Two years later, I quit school and did an apprenticeship. You start at sixteen and do three weeks in a bakery and one week at school and that lasts for a minimum of two years before you get your Diploma as a Baker and Pastry Chef. "After that, I worked in an antique bakery with a wood fire, which was very good and I learnt a lot. His qualifications and skills have taken him all over the world. In his early twenties, he was already head baker at the five-star Savoy Hotel in London. He spent another five years in the Hotel Cafe Royal and appeared on Channel 4s Great British Bake-Off: The Professionals in 2018. His talent was spotted by a hotel owner from Kuwait who managed to persuade both him and his wife, Suzanne, to move there. Then, covid struck. We had to leave and come back to Europe, he recalls. But it was quite difficult to find a job, so we agreed whoever found the job first, we would move there. Luckily for the residents of three Dublin suburbs, Suzanne found a job in the Irish capital. Despite his impressive CV, Romain struggled to find work. And then one day he went for a coffee. I met a guy in Sandycove who had a coffee shop with a big warehouse at the back, he recalls. He offered me the chance to produce from the warehouse and sell through his cafe. Thats how we started. Six months later, Romain opened his first ArtyBaker in Dalkey. Since then, he has opened in Kimmage and Sandycove, where it is rumoured residents have seen an increase in waist size. But nobody is complaining. The beauty of baking is that you learn every time you have a new employee come through your door or you work in other places, says Benjamin. I learned loads in France obviously, but I also learnt a lot in the West Indies and even more when I moved back here. You can never stop learning and people are always willing to pass on the knowledge. And a very tasty knowledge it is too. Following the acclaimed Finding Samantha, and The Nobody Zone, the RTE Documentary on One teams latest podcast series is Runaway Joe. The recently-released series tells the story of Michael OShea, who was the subject of an extradition application from Ireland to the US in 1985. Though he had been well regarded for his 20 or so years of living in this country, he was actually a fugitive, otherwise known as Joseph Moloney, wanted in Rochester, New York, for the 1967 murder of his wife June. The title of the show acts as spoiler to the capper of the opening episode: Joe is still on the run. Runaway Joe is written, reported, and produced by Pavel Barter and Tim Desmond, the latter of whom, says they have been careful not to sensationalise the story. In the case of true crime, where it's just kind of salacious and speculative in lots of cases, we're trying to avoid speculation. We never say that he murdered her because he wasn't convicted of that crime, says Desmond. What intrigued them was that Moloney got away twice and justice was not served. Its important to contextualise a story like this, which Desmond points out stretches back six decades. This is a portrait of a dangerous individual who was exercising coercive control and violent behaviour towards his wife at the time, and was due to go on trial for her murder. June Fisk, the wife of Joe Maloney who was murdered in 1967, and whose story is covered in Runaway Joe. The case had gone cold by the time Barter happened across it while reading a memoir by Judge Gillian Hussey, who presided over the 1985 extradition hearing, and the team believe they have gotten further than anyone else in trying to find his location - though Desmond doesnt want to reveal too much, as the first two episodes were only released on Friday, January 19. This is a story that we really believe will develop once people start listening to it, he says, listing out their criteria for the series: 'Is this a story we can bring something new to? Is this a story that can go somewhere while we're in production, while it's happening while the listeners are listening to it? And is this a story that listeners can help us with?' Tim Desmond, from the Lough in Cork. Desmond grew up near the Lough in Cork in the 1970s. A music fan, he recalls seeing Rory Gallagher at City Hall around 1973. He was a DJ on pirate radio - Capital and Radio City 199 - and attended the revered Arcadia venue, which included playing at roller discos, all while he was just 14 or 15. From U2 to the Specials, he saw some incredible gigs at the now-demolished venue near Kent Station. You had thousands of people in this ballroom and you had - what we didn't realise at the time - the best music you could be listening to, he recalls. Desmond got an occasional afternoon slot on RTE Cork Local radio, filling in for Stevie Bolger and Alf McCarthy, but like so many of his peers in those economically-flat times, headed to London in the mid-1980s. On returning, he went to UCC, did a social science degree, and there followed a few decades in the business world. But he couldnt shake the media itch and eventually found himself working on the John Creedon Show and Liveline. He remembers the first episode he made for Documentaries on One, Rebel City Reverts, about the Muslim Community in Cork in 2009, and fondly recalls a package for radio about the delivery of more than Steinway pianos for the relocating Cork School of Music, and the person tasked with tuning them. One of the difficulties with podcasting is if it's not a story that has a lot of sound, then it becomes a bit more like an audiobook," says Desmond. But I think that nowadays, the listeners have become way more sophisticated. So they don't always need beautiful soundscapes, it comes back to the story. He adds: We've become so used to Scandi noir and Netflix; the amount of long-form storytelling that's around now, I think it's changed a lot. I think there was a time when particularly radio people felt that it had to be a kind of a sound story that they were telling over a longer form. But now, it's more an opportunity to really dive deep into a story. Like the one we're doing at the moment, Runaway Joe. Its so funny, actor Andrew Scott, points in a recent interview with On Demand Entertainment, People are constantly talking about our bromance. But neither one of us are particularly bro-like. The Dubliner who shot to stardom playing 'hot priest' in Fleabag, was referring to his friendship with Paul Mescal and how they'd clicked on the set of their latest film, All of Us Strangers. In fact, they'd met years before at a charity event and "just sort of hung out". It helped that they had a lot of friends in common. I guess Bromance is the cliche term we all use, the interviewer laughs, remarking how it's the first thing want to talk about, even ahead of the movie in which they play lovers. Exactly, Mescal adds. And there you go. Therein lies the problem. But if you mean our friendship? Yes, it grew throughout the filming process, and it continues to grow. The great thing about acting is that it forces you to skip the civil polite bits and you are thrown into the deep end and you have to either sink or swim. You get to know someone without having to go through the whole where do you come from, whats your star sign adds Scott, who refers to his co-star as Paulie . You figure out the dynamics of a person through interpreting another character. From Ant and Dec, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Brian O'Driscoll and Craig Doyle, and yes, even Zig and Zag, we are often too quick to reduce the bonds between men as frivolous or twee. Bromances, aka non-sexual intimate relationship between men, are usually portrayed on TV as slapstick - something just for laughs, an atypical bond, a step above the perceived low-quality male friendships based around beer and banter. Yet such representations are a selective, and usually inaccurate portrayal of the relationships men build and sustain. In the case of Brad Pitt and George Clooney, their friendship was so delighted upon in real life (George Clooney says his relationship with Pitt is his longest-lasting affair), that it extended across into fiction via the Oceans Eleven movies. In the blockbuster franchise, their characters even finish each others sentences. In one scene, Pitt walks into a hotel room to find Clooney watching Oprah. They both end up in tears. Sociologist and author, Dr Michael Kimmel who wrote Guyland, a study of young-male friendships, believes that bromance extends beyond celebrity. He says it's due to changes in the way we live, and that delaying big life decisions, such as marriage, has also changed male friendships. In the world of Guyland, portrayed by movies like I Love You, Man and Knocked Up, the motto bros before hos rules: it values male friendship as the most important thing.' He told the Examiner. "There is a demographic revolution, because guys feel no pressure to get married or have children. Its a refusal to grow up, in some ways, a way to avoid adult responsibility. Again, a perhaps reductive way to perceive the nuances of male love. But why are we so quick to dismiss the deep connections among men when it comes to friendship? Dr Richard Layte is professor of Sociology at Trinity College in Dublin Dr Richard Layte is Professor of Sociology at Trinity College Dublin. He believes that bromances shouldn't be underestimated. They provide a source of emotional support for men which many would otherwise lack, he points out. Men and women have different friendship networks in form and function on average, but at the individual level, men and women vary in the kinds of relationships that they need and manage to form. Bromance is a connection that is both ridiculed and viewed suspiciously precisely because it doesnt fit the population norm. It's also based around stereotypes of wider social norms about relationships," Richard explains. Men tend to have wider groups, and tend to meet in groups around certain activities. For example, perhaps they support a rugby team and arrange to watch the matches together and form a WhatsApp groups based around that. They might even break into smaller pockets to those groups, but for the most part, the interactions are often based around slagging each other and joking about. Women tend to have a different pattern when it comes to friendships. They often have small intimate groups where they value emotional intimacy. This can sometimes become a tension in adolescent girls where they are all vying to be part of this small network," he adds. So is our recent rush to embrace bromance a sign of a new wave of emotional intelligence? I suspect its because the changes in our society over time, points out Richard. In the 80s and 90s, we had the concept of new man; someone who would now change nappies, who was emotionally open and vulnerable, much more emotionally literate and insightful than previous generations. Of course, we know that human biology didnt just change overnight. But it was a function of a wider acceptance in society. Bromance is a function of that too. We often need a word in order to embrace these acceptances. Bromance is a label that means we can now talk about it. Remember, if you dont have the language for something, its much more difficult to have that conversation. But for those labelled unmasculine or emotionally vivacious when it came to those friendships, being able to better articulate the forms of masculinity they are inhabiting, means they are choosing to reclaim it. In his memoir, Boy Friend, author Michael Pedersen writes about his approach to male friendship. Michael Pedersen is a prize-winning Scottish poet and author. He is currently Writer in Residence at The University of Edinburgh. His prose debut, 'Boy Friends', was published by Faber & Faber in 2022 in the UK & North America and was a Sunday Times Critics Choice. I always felt an irregular fit for the algebra of male friendship that I was taught to adhere to" he admits. " It was a roll call for which I consistently fell short during my boyhood years. I was too sloppy; too sentimental; too silly; too desperate for their love; too easily a greeter face..." When Pedersen suffered the loss what he calls the most the most valuable friendship Ive ever had, he began reflecting on the memory of it. It prompted him to write a memoir about that relationship. The loss of you has knocked the big cosmic balance off-kilter. He writes in the novel, which is really an ode to a male friendship that looked set to last forever but didnt. I delved into this unusual middle terrain whereby men let spill their concerns and trepidations under the caveat of sport or the indorsed occasion of drinking together, explains Pedersen. Both parlours grant these men the emotional permission to unfurl their vulnerabilities under the guise and protection of a more stable narrativethe watching of sport, the sense of occasion. He believes that not only are these types of interactions important, but they are vital. Many males of this emotionally restrained persuasion will become part of the loneliness epidemic," he says, 'held back by their own shame, or inhibitions, from truly expressing themselves. Unable to invite other male friends out for a walk, or to dinner, or to confab with them on matters vital to their heart and well-being. At best, this mode of feeling comes hand-in-hand with unfulfilled emotional potential. At worst, it is a killer. Boy Friends by Michael Pedersen is available via Faber & Faber. Bereaved families during the pandemic have hit out at how an inquiry into the covid-19 pandemic in Ireland is being framed, advocacy group Care Champions have said. The group was set up in 2020 mainly comprising of families with relatives in nursing homes under lockdown who came together to advocate for stronger protections and supports. Founded by Majella Beattie, they also highlighted serious concerns around patients in hospitals left without visitors for months. They said they were deeply disappointed that information on how the review into the pandemic might look emerged in the media without a formal announcement. We do not believe that the Government appreciates the seriousness of our complaints, regarding the deaths, degrading treatment and arbitrary detention of our relatives and the ongoing obstruction of our access to basic information, Care Champions said. Details emerged following a briefing for opposition politicians on draft plans for what will be called an Independent Pandemic Evaluation Panel. However, the families are concerned about the implications after hearing that people involved in decision-making will not be compelled to appear. We call on the Government to provide the panel with full powers to compel the production of all necessary evidence, they said. We do not have confidence that facts will be comprehensively established in the absence of such powers, and such powers are a basic requirement of a human rights-compliant investigation. Families represented by Care Champions hope to give evidence to the hearings. Many of us intend to give our evidence in public and we demand the unfettered right to do so, they said. We also insist that, in order to give our full evidence, we will have access to all documentation relating to our deceased relative's and our experiences, including all the surrounding circumstances. Among families who have already shared distressing pandemic experiences is Susan Cummins from Grenagh in Cork. She told the Irish Examiner last year residents were left to die at the CareChoice nursing home in Ballynoe. Staff member, Sadie Allen, recalled entering a ward where one resident told her she was so afraid because she had been calling for hours. The nursing home said they were fully staffed and said: We acknowledge the deep loss of those who lost relatives in the outbreak in Ballynoe. We do not comment on any individual resident or their families. The inquiry will not seek to place blame and will include the Governments handling of the pandemic as well as the economic impacts. It is expected to last between 12 and 18 months and will likely not be a statutory inquiry. A draft template for the terms of reference states there should be a particular focus on nursing homes. DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is briefing party members over the British government's proposals aimed at ending Stormonts powersharing impasse. Mr Donaldson arrived at the Larchfield estate near Lisburn shortly before 7.20pm for the short-notice gathering of the DUPs 130-strong executive. Around 50 protesters assembled at the gates of the venue, many carrying posters and banners warning against a DUP sellout. Some shouted at DUP members as they drove into the grounds of the venue. Protesters outside Larchfield Estate where the DUP are holding a private party meeting, they are calling for the DUP not to go back into Stormont until the Irish Sea Border is removed. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Efforts by the DUP hierarchy to keep details of meeting secret appeared seriously undermined when Jamie Bryson, a loyalist activist and vocal opponent of the mooted deal, posted on X, formerly Twitter, what he said were live updates from the confidential briefing posts that included details of apparent attempts to find out who was leaking the information to Mr Bryson. The party has been using a veto power to block Stormonts devolved institutions for two years in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements which have created trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It has been involved in protracted talks with the British government aimed at securing concessions on the arrangements that would address its concerns around trade and sovereignty. The DUP appears to be approaching a final call on the proposed measures. Former DUP councillor David Clarke, who quit the party over bullying claims joins protesters outside Larchfield Estate where the DUP are holding a private party meeting. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Before the executive meeting, the DUP leader was at the partys headquarters at Dundela House in Belfast, where a number of his MPs and peers were in attendance. He declined to comment to waiting reporters as he left to head to the Larchfield estate. Earlier in the day, he met party MLAs at Stormont. If Mr Donaldson presses for acceptance of the proposals and a Stormont return, he is expected to face stiff opposition from some unionists inside and outside his party. They believe the boycott should only end once all economic barriers created by Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol, and the subsequent Windsor Framework, are removed. DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson leaving his party's HQ at Dundela in east Belfast, where he briefed senior members on Gproposals aimed at ending Stormont's powersharing impasse. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire While the deal being offered will seek to reduce red tape and offer additional measures aimed at strengthening British-Northern Ireland ties, they will not result in the axing of the EU and the UKs jointly agreed protocol and framework. Last week, in an impassioned speech at Westminster, Mr Donaldson said he had received threats amid the speculation over an impending deal. The DUP has reported the incidents to the police. Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin said he hoped to see the return of the powersharing institutions, but added that he wanted to give the DUP space to hold the meeting and reach a decision. He said: I respect the fact that they are meeting and having internal discussions; theyve had discussions with UK government on an ongoing basis for the last number of months and so we all know whats involved and we all know the details here. So its really a matter for the DUP to meet. I want to give them the space now to have their meeting. Protesters outside Larchfield Estate where the DUP are holding a private party meeting, they are calling for the DUP not to go back into Stormont until the Irish Sea Border is removed. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire DUP peer and former Stormont speaker Lord Hay said Monday evenings meeting is to update grassroot members by the party leader of where were at with the talks with the government. He criticised unionists who he said were briefing against the party. He told the BBC: The real traitors within unionism are people who continually brief against the party, even within the party, and all theyre doing is damaging unionism for now and the future. Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy accused the DUP of internal party navel-gazing while public services in Northern Ireland have been facing enormous challenges during the time the powersharing institutions have been suspended. Assisted dying risks causing unacceptable changes to basic norms for society and healthcare, an Oireachtas Committee has heard. The committee heard from a representative of the Danish National Council on Ethics, the majority of which advised against the legalisation of assisted dying in Denmark last year. Copenhagen University professor of psychiatry, Merete Nordentoft, said the very existence of an offer of assisted dying will decisively change ideas about old age, the coming of death, and quality of life. If assisted dying becomes an option, there is too great a risk that it will become an expectation aimed at special groups in society. If we offer assisted dying, it says, directly or indirectly, that some lives are not worth living," she said. University of Auckland Professor Roderick MacLeod, a specialist physician in hospice and palliative care since 1989, said he is strongly opposed to legalising assisted dying in any form. He described assisted dying as antithetical to the purpose of medicine and claimed that it has the potential to pressure vulnerable people to end their lives and undermine palliative care. Mr MacLeod said legislated safeguards cannot detect coercion from family members or others with vested interests. He said the effect on health professionals of legalising assisted dying is underestimated by many and sadly, rarely discussed. The effects can seriously adversely impact on individuals ability to continue to practice. In the Netherlands, many physicians have found performing euthanasia to be a drastic and sometimes even traumatic event, he said. On the other hand, Professor of End-of-Life Law and Regulation in the Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Ben White, warned that anecdotal claims or opinions are not a safe basis on which to make laws. Mr White said the committee will continue to receive conflicting information, adding: Only reliable, trustworthy, high-quality evidence will accurately show what is happening in practice. He said it is possible to design a safe and effective voluntary assisted dying system that shows compassion for terminally-ill patients while also protecting vulnerable people. He said coercion can also go the other way in terms of family members wanting their loved ones to hold on. University of Lancaster professor of supportive and palliative care, Nancy Preston, who has a neutral stance on the issue, said doctors have admitted to prolonging the decision-making process until the patient is no longer fit enough to make the request. She said some doctors have said they are shunned by peers for participating in assisted dying. Ms Preston said a panel operating outside of the healthcare system which would make a judgement based on medical reports would address these issues and provide the safest route in the provision of assisted dying, should it be legalised. There has been a surge in the number of Ukrainians arriving in Ireland in recent days ahead of the States impending new 90 day accommodation rule. Fresh figures reveal for the seven days to the end of January 28, there were 628 Ukrainians offered temporary protection. This compares to 390 for the previous week. The increase in numbers will intensify pressure on the Government to continue to find accommodation for those fleeing the war. The figures do not specify if Ukrainians who have arrived in Ireland in recent days are coming directly from Ukraine or another EU country. It is expected the new rules which will see newly arrived Ukrainians offered 90 days in State accommodation before they have to find their own place to live as well as a cut to social welfare from 232 to 38.80 will come into force in early February. The plan was to stem the flow of the number of secondary movements from Ukrainians who are in other EU countries. When asked at the time if the new rules would see a spike in Ukrainians travelling to Ireland, Integration Minister Roderic OGorman said previous discussion of the new rules didnt increase but he couldnt make a prediction. However, it appears now the impending new rules have led to a surge in the number of Ukrainians coming to Ireland before they take effect. It comes after Integration Minister Roderic OGorman told the most recent Cabinet sub-committee on Ukraine that his department intends to pause the offers portal for future commercial offers given sufficient vacancies trends in arrivals and departures and change in government policy. He told the meeting departures from accommodation for Ukrainians are increasing and were at 47 per day on average earlier this month. Reasons for departure included seeking independent accommodation, returning to Ukraine and travelling elsewhere. However, those plans may be shelved given the recent spike in new arrivals in the past 7 days. The increase in Ukrainians is on top of the 1,700 international protection applicants (IPAs) that have arrived into the country in recent weeks. Updated figures from the Department of Integration today also show 758 asylum seekers have not been offered State accommodation. Justice Minister Helen McEntee added Algeria and Botswana to Ireland's list of "safe countries". It means that applicants for IPAs from those two nations will have their cases decided within a maximum of 90 days. However, they have a right to appeal the decision and Ms McEntee said those on the safe list should have their appeal heard and a further decision made within five months. From tomorrow, Botswana and Algeria will be designated safe countries of origin to claim international protection in the state. The existing list of safe countries includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and South Africa. The addition of Algeria, specifically, is seen as significant as it accounts for over 3,100 of those seeking international protection in Ireland. According to the most recent figures, Botswana accounts for 746. It comes as the Government is "sounding out" whether charter flights can be used in order to remove those who have failed in asylum applications. A tender posted on Tuesday says that the Office of Government Procurement, on behalf of the Department of Justice, "wishes to take soundings from the market as to its capacity to provide Charter Flights and Associated Support Services for the purpose of Removal Operations". The tender does not set out a cost. The UK and EU have agreed on a significant change affecting the movement of some goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland as politicians in Northern Ireland gear up for a return to powersharing. DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said the changes show the naysayers are wrong after the UK-EU joint committee expanded the category of not at risk goods entering Northern Ireland. Some trade experts said the decision amounts to a legal change under the Windsor Framework, while also allowing Northern Ireland to better benefit from a free trade agreement secured by the UK Government covering agri-food foods such as New Zealand lamb. It comes after the Northern Ireland Secretary earlier played down the need for any fresh renegotiations with the EU under the proposal deal to get the DUP back into Stormont. Mr Donaldson said: This demonstrates that the naysayers are wrong. There will be legal changes. I asked people to wait and study the outcome rather than follow misinformed speculation. There is more to come. The DUP is delivering real change. Chris Heaton-Harris and Downing Street on Tuesday were keen to stress that the agreement on the table will not stop the UK from exploiting post-Brexit freedoms when it comes to moving away from Brussels trade rules. Senior members of the Conservative party have pressed upon British prime minister Rishi Sunak that Britain must be able to diverge from the EU if it is to make the most of leaving the bloc. It comes after Mr Sunak was reportedly said to be considering offering to voluntarily limit divergence from EU rules in the future to limit the impact of an Irish Sea trade border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Such a position would likely put the Government on a collision path with Brexiteers. We have been able to achieve quite a vast array of decent improvements to make sure our internal market works properly Mr Heaton-Harris, who said the terms of the deal to restore the Stormont Assembly will be published on Wednesday, hailed the joint committee decision. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: Welcome the news of a draft joint UK-EU legal solution to cut tariffs for food imports to NI. This would enable NI traders to benefit from our independent trade policy on key goods like New Zealand lamb and Australian beef. The lengthy wrangling over the shape of an agreement to resurrect powersharing has primarily been between the DUP and the Westminster Government. It had been thought that any move to remove all checks and customs paperwork on GB-NI trade would require EU support, as the arrangements that govern Irish Sea trade the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework have been jointly agreed between Brussels and London. The European Commission said the proposal came following in-depth technical discussions with the UK. Vice-president Maros Sefcovic described it as based on a careful assessment of trade data and replies to the needs of Northern Ireland businesses while protecting our single market. Mr Heaton-Harris had earlier declined to say if he had held negotiations with Brussels before the DUP agreed to participate in talks to revive devolved government in Northern Ireland. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen struck a deal on the Windsor Framework last year (PA) The Cabinet minister, who was due in Belfast on Tuesday to speak with political figures in the region, said the agreement hasnt affected divergence in any shape or form in relation to Brexit. Mr Sunak's official spokesman said the package will not change the freedoms and powers that we have secured through Brexit or through the Windsor Framework. The spokesman added: It wont reduce our ability to diverge nor our commitment to do so should it be in the interests of the UK. Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, under questioning in the Commons from pro-Brexit Tory MPs last week, said she would raise concerns at the highest level about a reported offer by the UK Government to limit divergence from EU laws in order to restore devolution in Belfast. Tory former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg was quoted in The Telegraph as saying any such deal would mean we will not diverge at all. On Tuesday, the Commons European Scrutiny Committee raised concerns that, under current terms, new EU rules on mobile phone design could see Northern Ireland diverge and have significant differences from the UK. Included in the EUs plans for greater sustainability are requirements for phone software updates to remain available for at least five years after the product is placed on the market, and producers will need to make critical spare parts available for seven years after sales of the product end. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said the new UK Government deal will remove all NI/GB checks (Liam McBurney/PA) In its report, the committee said the divergence would not be acceptable and would constitute yet another example of the damage that current arrangements under the Windsor Framework are causing to the union. At his press conference, the Northern Ireland Secretary said negotiations over powersharing had involved a very long conversation with the DUP about how we can make better Northern Irelands place in our internal market. Mr Donaldson said the deal to restore Stormont powersharing will remove all post-Brexit checks on goodsmoving into Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. Mr Heaton-Harris asked if that has been achieved, said: We have been able to achieve quite a vast array of decent improvements to make sure our internal market works properly, as it should do, and you will hopefully be able to see those tomorrow. No 10 confirmed Mr Sunak and Mr Heaton-Harris briefed the rest of Cabinet on the developments on devolution on Tuesday. A Limerick teacher who was jailed for raping his brother has had his appeal against his sentence dismissed. Graham Daly, 40, was found guilty of seven counts of rape and sexual abuse on his younger brother Thomas Daly, 35, in January 2022 by a unanimous verdict. The court heard the abuse took place at various locations across two counties in Munster but were primarily committed in the family home in Raheen, Co Limerick, between 1998 and 2002. Graham Daly was aged between 14 and 18 at the time of the offences and Thomas Daly was between 10 and 14 years. In 2022, Graham Daly received a custodial sentence of eight and a half years for his offences but later appealed both his conviction and sentence. His appeal against his conviction was dismissed in November and on Tuesday, his further appeal against the severity of his sentence was also rejected. Coleman Cody SC for Graham Daly argued there were two grounds of appeal in his clients application to the court against his sentence. He claimed the trial judge erred in fact and in principle in assessing the offences before the court as being of such a severity, that they warranted a headline of sentence in the 10 to 15 years range. He said sentence was disproportionate and excessive in all circumstances. However, on Tuesday morning at the Court of Appeal, Justice John Edwards, Justice Patrick J McCarthy, and Justice Una Ni Raifeartaigh said they were dismissing the application. Appeal judgment Their judgment read to the court said: This was not one-off offending. Rather, it was persistent and repeat offending over a considerable amount of time, escalating all the while in seriousness and culminating in both oral and anal rape at a point when the appellant was on the threshold of attiring his majority (he was almost 18). The victim was vulnerable. The age differential between offender and victim was exploited. That gave rise to a breach of trust component, and that very significant trauma was caused to the victim which persists to this day". In conclusion they said: We therefore find no error on the part of the sentence judge in her selection of the 10 to 15 years range as being the appropriate one within which to locate the gravity of the appellants offending conduct had he been an adult at the time of his offending. The three-judge court said they had carefully considered the sentence and there was no hard or fast rule as to the amount of the discount afforded to the offender, however, each case is individual. They added the biggest difficulty faced by the appellant was the fact that he did not have available to him the additional very substantial discount that would have been available to him had he pleaded guilty. The sentencing judge, they said, had in this case discounted by approximately 35% from the headline sentence of 13 years which she considered appropriate in the case of an adult offender. In Mr Dalys case, she handed down a custodial sentence of eight and a half years because of his age at the time of the offences. The Court of Appeal concluded they found no error in the sentencing judges approach and dismissed the appeal. Mr Daly smiled over at this mother and brother throughout the short hearing. At the sentencing hearing on January 24, 2022, his legal team told the court that their client did not accept the verdict of the court. Thomas Daly was not in court to hear Tuesday mornings judgement -he had attended all other hearings. A quantity surveyor has claimed before the High Court that he has been defamed by and has been wrongly banned from flying with Ryanair. The action has been brought by Cork man, Eoin Michael Cahill, who says the airline has wrongly accused him of allegedly engaging in disruptive behaviour on a date in which he neither travelled on a Ryanair flight nor was he present at Dublin Airport. Mr Cahill claims that he currently works with the Jones Engineering Group on a project in the Danish city of Copenhagen. He claims that flights he takes as part of his work between Denmark and Ireland are purchased by his employer. He claims that it had been arranged that he would fly with Ryanair from Dublin to Copenhagen on January 2, 2024, but after extending his leave he did not travel on that date. The following day he claims he was defamed in an email sent to his employer by Ryanair's customer services. He says it contains a false and untenable allegation that he was "disruptive" on his journey through Dublin Airport and was prohibited from flying with Ryanair again. He claims that if the communication to his employer is not corrected the allegation will have disastrous implications on his professional reputation, especially as he needs to travel to Denmark as part of his work. He is further concerned that the allegedly defamatory communication sent to his employer may have been sent to other parties. Through his solicitor, CW Ashe and Company, Mr Cahill has asked for details of the alleged disruptive behaviour the airline has referred to. Such details have not been furnished to him, it is claimed. He has also asked the airline to correct the record with his employer, and to lift the travel ban it has placed on him, which he claims it has not done. The airline had initially informed Mr Cahill, who is a recent graduate from Munster Technical University, that it was standing over its decision to ban him from travelling with Ryanair. However, the court heard that in subsequent correspondence Ryanair's lawyers asked for a reasonable period to be able to conduct an extensive investigation into the allegations on behalf of the airline. Mr Cahill's lawyers said that the airline has had ample time to address his complaints, and he has launched High Court proceedings against both Ryanair DAC and Ryanair Holdings PLC. Orders sought In his action Mr Cahill, with an address at Killarney Road, Macroom, Co Cork, seeks damages, including aggravated damages for the alleged defamation. He wants the court to make various orders prohibiting the defendants from further publishing the allegedly defamatory material, and a correction order directing the airline to publish a correction of the allegedly defamatory statements. He further seeks various injunctions restraining the defendants from publishing any further allegedly defamatory statements, which are the subject matter of the proceedings, and an order restraining Ryanair from prohibiting his ability to travel with the airline pending the trial of the action. The matter came before Mr Justice Mark Sanfey on Tuesday, who on an ex-parte basis granted Mr Cahill's lawyers permission to service short notice of the injunction proceedings on the defendants. The judge said he was prepared to make the matter returnable, but did raise some concerns about the court's ability to grant the injunctions sought. The judge asked if a court can compel two parties at this stage of the proceedings to enter into a contractual relationship such as the one sought. The matter will return before the court in early February. The Bandon family of a vulnerable teenager have been left to wonder how a 38-year-old stranger could come into their home on a Sunday afternoon and carry out an unprovoked attack on the boy the violent crime only ending when a neighbour punched the intruder until he stopped choking the young victim. Joseph Kelly, of Lower Ardan, Bandon, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to the charge of assault causing harm on the 18-year-old and causing criminal damage to the house. Sergeant Kevin Heffernan said the accused had been drinking all of the previous night and also took a gram of cocaine, did not sleep, and resumed drinking from noon until 4.30pm on the day of the violent attack on August 27, 2023. Caroline OConnell, defending, said at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that Kelly did not know where he was due to his level of intoxication and that when he was put out of the house, he phoned the gardai himself and waited outside to be arrested. Sgt Heffernan confirmed that, adding that others phoned the gardai also. The victims mother said in a victim impact statement that her son is on the autism spectrum and the attack was a setback to a lot of progress the teenager had made over the years. She said her sons younger sister showed great heroism that day, phoning her mother and the gardai for help which resulted in a neighbour running to the scene and intervening. She is left contemplating that she could have been left without my beautiful son but for her neighbours timely intervention. I would also like to thank the gardai for their help, swift arrival and sensitivity (to her sons additional needs). They do brilliant work and, in this case, helped to save my sons life. The job of a parent is to keep their children safe and I have always tried my best for my family. That day, the safety of our lives was shattered in a brutal, unprovoked attack on my vulnerable son. As a family, we will never be able to forget this event. We trust that justice will be done so that no other family would ever have to go through such a traumatic event at the hands of this man, she said. Sgt Heffernan said the mother had gone for a walk with the family dog at around 6pm, leaving her 18-year-old son and his sister for the few minutes of the walk. When Kelly let himself into their family home, he didnt know them and carried out the unprovoked attack. As well as two black eyes, cuts, bruises and a broken arm, the victim suffered very badly in psychological terms, losing confidence in staying at home alone, becoming hypervigilant about home security, and suffering nightmares and flashbacks. Ms OConnell said Mr Kellys family raised 2,000 in compensation which was handed over. She said he expressed remorse and had written a letter of apology as well as signing a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity. Quoting from the record of his interview with gardai, Mr Kelly said: I dont know why I was in the house. Poor man. Lovely family. Judge Helen Boyle was told of a deeply traumatic event experienced by Mr Kelly a year before with the death of his mother. Kelly was remanded in custody until February 21 when Judge Boyle will sentence him. Dogged detective work and a specialist cadaver dog trained to pick up the scent of death combined to help find the human remains which were dumped in a roadside ditch in East Cork. While formal identification of the skeletal remains is awaited, DNA and dental records are expected to confirm within the next 48 hours that the remains are those of Kieran Quilligan, 47, who has been missing since last September. While formal identification of the skeletal remains is awaited, DNA and dental records are expected to confirm within the next 48 hours that the remains are those of Kieran Quilligan, 47, who has been missing since last September. Picture: Garda Info His family is being kept informed of developments. Gardai have not commented publicly on the case yet. However, its understood that the post-mortem examination on the remains which was conducted at Cork University Hospital confirmed that the man met a violent death. The investigation is expected to be upgraded from a missing person's case to a full-scale murder probe once the remains are formally identified. Details emerged last night of how the remains were found during a new and highly focused search operation for Mr Quilligan, who was last seen in Cork city on September 1 last. Details emerged last night of how the remains were found during a new and highly focused search operation for Mr Quilligan, who was last seen in Cork city on September 1 last. Picture: Dan Linehan Following an initial investigation of the circumstances of his disappearance last September, gardai issued a public appeal for information amid growing fears for his safety and wellbeing. One theory is that Mr Quilligan, who had a heroin addiction, was targeted by members of a criminal gang after he robbed a heroin dealer in the city, was lured to a house in the city, abducted, bundled into a car and driven away from the city centre. Picture: Dan Linehan His disappearance led to a major garda search of farmland, water and shoreline in the general Courtstown area of Little Island in late September, with garda divers later searching slurry tanks nearby. Nothing of significance was found and the sustained search operation was stood down. But the missing person investigation continued, co-ordinated from an incident room at the Bridewell Garda Station, which has involved the examination of hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, searches of houses in the Mahon and Blackrock areas, and the seizure of several mobile phones. Arising out of those ongoing enquiries, detectives recently identified several new areas of interest near Rostellan. They prepared a focused search plan for these areas and requested the assistance of a cadaver dog from another police jurisdiction. These dogs are specially trained to pick up the scent of dead bodies. They can also detect blood and semen. Kieran Quilligan's disappearance led to a major garda search of farmland, water and shoreline. Picture: Dan Linehan Gardai secured logistical support for a week-long search operation and they deployed to the first search sites on Monday. Within hours, the cadaver dog indicated to its handler that it had found something of interest. Picture: Dan Linehan Gardai inspected the area in a shallow channel, just a few yards off the main R630, and found human skeletal remains inside a large heavy canvas-style bag similar to the kind used for the disposal of building rubble. The scene was sealed off for a forensic examination, with the search area widened yesterday. Detectives are now trying to establish if the man was killed at Little Island, and his body transported to the Rostellan area where it was dumped. Picture: Dan Linehan Mr Quilligan, who was originally from Bakers Road in Gurranabraher, left his accommodation at Cork Simons emergency shelter on Andersons Quay at 8.30pm on September 1 last in the company of another man. Gardai have been able to establish that he then proceeded to Sullivans Quay and on to Probys Quay near St Fin Barres Cathedral. He was last seen alive on CCTV footage at St Finbarrs Place, near the cathedral, at around 9.15pm that night. Picture: Dan Linehan It shows that he went up the steps at St Finbarrs Place but there is no sighting of him exiting the steps at the top of St Finbarrs Place on to Fort Street. Detectives have spoken to the man who accompanied Mr Quilligan to this area, and they have examined Mr Quilligans phone which has shown no activity since September 1. The Taoiseachs office refused to allow the Irish embassy in Ethiopia to hold a preparatory meeting with a purported African diplomat, which later turned out to be two Russian pranksters. The information has emerged in documents released to the Irish Examiner under Freedom of Information. In December, it was revealed that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was one of the world leaders to have been stung by two Russian pranksters - Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov in a fake diplomatic call with an African Union diplomat. The pranksters had pretended to be Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairperson of the Africa Union Commission and a former prime minister of Chad, during the call. At the time, a spokesperson for the Taoiseach confirmed Mr Varadkar ended the call early due to suspicions about its nature. It transpired to be a sophisticated deep-fake, the spokesperson said, adding that footage released had been doctored and overdubbed in heavily-accented English. The two Russians had initially contacted the Department of the Taoiseach on September 1 to organise a call with Mr Varadkar, using a fake African Union email address and posing as the deputy chief of staff for Mr Mahamat. In their response, the Taoiseachs private secretary confirmed that Mr Varadkar would be in a position to take a video call with the meeting set for October 4. In separate emails between staff at the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are discussions on whether or not communications should go through the Irish embassy in Addis Ababa and if they should first hold a call with the office of the commissioner to prepare the discussion. However, the Taoiseachs Department says its preference is for the embassy not to be involved, instead keeping contact between the two private offices. A spokesperson for the Taoiseach confirmed that the meeting was agreed following advice received from the Department of Foreign Affairs. Such meetings are not normally preceded by a preparatory meeting. As Irelands representation to the African Union, Irelands embassy has regular interactions with the African Union and the office of the commissioner, the spokesperson said. The meeting turned out to be a deep fake conducted with malign intent. The Taoiseach ended the call early due to suspicions about its nature and the manner in which it was conducted. Mr Varadkar is one of a string of world leaders to be stung by the two Russian pranksters, with Italian prime minister Georgia Meloni, Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez and former leaders Angela Merkel and Boris Johnson also falling for fake calls. Following the incident, the Government confirmed that it changed its procedures on setting meetings with the Taoiseach. A deal to restore Stormont powersharing will remove all post-Brexit checks on goods moving into Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK, the leader of the DUP has insisted. Jeffrey Donaldson expressed hope that the Stormont institutions could be back up within days after he secured the backing of his party executive for UK government proposals aimed at addressing the DUPs concerns over Brexits so-called Irish Sea border. The parties eligible to participate in a revived ministerial executive are due to meet later on Tuesday to discuss the next steps. Mr Donaldson conceded that his party had not got everything it wanted in the negotiations with the UK government, but he said the deal provided the basis for the DUP to drop its two-year blockade on devolution in Belfast. The lengthy wrangling over the shape of an agreement to resurrect powersharing has primarily been between the DUP and UK, but any move to remove all checks and customs paperwork on GB-NI trade would require EU support, as the arrangements that govern Irish Sea trade the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework have been jointly agreed between Brussels and London. Mr Donaldson has made clear his partys return to Stormont is dependent on the UK government implementing the various legislative assurances and other measures it has offered. Protesters outside Larchfield Estate where the DUP held its executive meeting on Monday night (Liam McBurney/PA) It is understood the UK government will introduce two statutory instruments at Westminster to give legislative effect to the commitments it has made on trade and sovereignty. It is expected to publish details of the agreement on Wednesday. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has welcomed the DUP move and made clear the UK government would deliver on its end of the deal. The return of Stormont will also see the Treasury release a 3.3 billion (3.8bn) package to support under-pressure public services in Northern Ireland. The financial package includes money to settle the demands of striking public sector workers in the region this year. The DUP has been using a veto power to block Stormonts devolved institutions for two years in protest at the post-Brexit arrangements that have created trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The DUP leader said the if the UK government moved with speed Stormont could be back within days. For the movement of goods within the United Kingdom, the protocol of course imposed severe restrictions on the movement of those goods these new arrangements remove those restrictions, he told BBC Radio Ulster. Zero checks, zero customs paperwork on goods moving within the United Kingdom. That takes away the border within the UK between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and that is something thats very important. Now, are these proposals perfect? Have we achieved everything that we wanted to achieve? No, we havent, I will be honest with people about what weve been able to deliver, the substantive change. DUP leader Sir Jeffery Donaldson MP (left) with deputy leader Gavin Robinson MP after a press conference in the early hours of Tuesday at the Hinch Distillery in Ballynahinch (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Donaldson announced his conditional support for a Stormont return at post-1am press conference in Co Down on Tuesday. That came after he had secured what he said was the decisive backing of the 130-strong party executive during a five-hour meeting on Monday night. He said DUP party officers a key 12-strong decision-making body had also mandated him to move forward on the basis he was proposing. During the powersharing impasse, the DUP has used seven tests to measure any proposals designed to address its concerns on the trading arrangements. Mr Donaldson said the package on the table represented progress across all seven tests. Support for the deal is not unanimous within the DUP and several senior figures remain fiercely opposed to the proposed agreement to restore powersharing. Asked about the potential for dissent within the party, Mr Donaldson added: I am confident that all members of the party will accept what was a decisive move by the party executive. Around 50 loyalist and unionist protesters assembled outside Monday nights meeting at the Larchfield estate in Co Down, many carrying posters and banners warning against a DUP sellout. Some shouted at DUP members as they drove into the grounds of the venue. Unionist critics of Mr Donaldsons move, both inside and outside the DUP, believe the Stormont boycott should only end when the contentious Northern Ireland Protocol, and the subsequent Windsor Framework, are scrapped. Mr Heaton-Harris hailed what he described as a welcome and significant step by the DUP. I am pleased that the DUP have agreed to accept the package of measures that the UK government has put forward and as a result they are ready to return to the Northern Ireland Assembly and nominate representatives to the Northern Ireland Executive, he said. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said this is subject to the binding commitments between the Democratic Unionist Party and the UK government I can confirm that we will stick to this agreement. Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said she was optimistic of an imminent Stormont return (PA) Sinn Fein would be in line to take the First Ministers job in any restored ministerial executive in Belfast. Vice president Michelle ONeill will take on that role. Party president Mary Lou McDonald said she was optimistic Stormont could return before the next legislative deadline for forming an administration, February 8. I am optimistic having heard Jeffrey Donaldsons public declaration that we will see the northern institutions back up and running before the February 8 deadline with a fully functioning Assembly and Executive and north-south bodies, she said. Sinn Fein will now engage with the parties and both governments to ensure we now all press on without delay. It is vital there is political stability to address the scale of the crisis across our public services. Lets now focus minds on the job at hand and to the solutions required to support workers and families who want and deserve functioning government. DUP efforts to keep details of Mondays executive meeting secret were seriously undermined when Jamie Bryson, a loyalist activist and vocal opponent of the UK government deal, posted on X, formerly Twitter, what he said were live updates from the confidential briefing posts that included details of apparent attempts to find out who was leaking the information to Mr Bryson. The Taoiseach, Tanaiste and ministers will head to America, Africa and Australia as 86 cities in 48 countries are visited during St Patrick's week. The list of destinations was agreed by Cabinet on Tuesday and will see Taoiseach Leo Varadkar heading to Washington DC for the traditional shamrock ceremony at the White House with US President Joe Biden. He will also visit the city of Boston, while Tanaiste Micheal Martin goes to Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto. A total of 38 state representatives will travel across the globe. Environment Minister Eamon Ryan will travel to Brazil, Finance Minister McGrath will go to China, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe will visit France and Bulgaria and Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney will travel to India and Bangladesh. Education Minister Norma Foley will visit Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester and London, while Media Minister Catherine Martin will visit Nashville and Austin. Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien will travel to South Africa and Zambia, with Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue will go to Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan, with Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys going to Chicago and Madison in the US. Justice Minister Helen McEntee will head to New York for five days, while Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will be sent to Australia. A statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs said that St Patricks Day is "an unparalleled opportunity to promote Ireland as a great place to visit, work, study, trade with, and invest in". "The theme for St Patricks Day 2024 will be 'Irelands Future in the World', which will focus on young Irish people, and our diaspora, and their perspectives about the world of the future and Irelands place in it. It will highlight the impact and achievements of young Irish and diaspora leaders across the fields of innovation, creativity, community development, business, and academia around the world. "Ministers will emphasise Irelands commitment to international peace and security and the rules-based multilateral system, especially at this time of conflict and turbulence. Other key messages will include the strength of Irelands economy, our active membership of the European Union, our commitment to protecting the Good Friday Agreement, and the high priority we attach to climate action and sustainability." On this day 100 years ago, January 30, 1924, Sean French was dramatically elected Lord Mayor of Cork for the first time. He would go on to become the citys longest-serving, 12-term Lord Mayor, while also winning election on two occasions to Dail Eireann. French was initially elected to Cork Corporation in January 1920, with a mere 73 first preference votes. In the turbulent period that followed with the deaths of Lord Mayor MacCurtain, Lord Mayor MacSwiney and the Burning of Cork he worked steadily in the Corporation, earning a reputation as a straightforward, honest talker at committee and full council meetings. He entered public life at a time of national stress, but the turmoil also presented opportunities and he did not lack the ambition, or the confidence, to take them. However, his ambition was initially halted by the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the Civil War; his staunch anti-Treaty stance led to his arrest on September 12, 1922 and he was sent to the Newbridge Internment Camp. French returned to Cork Corporation 13 months later, with renewed determination. The resignation of Lord Mayor Donal Og OCallaghan opened a door and French made it known at an internal Sinn Fein party meeting that he was interested in becoming Lord Mayor; he duly received the party nomination. However, the Sinn Fein split due to the Treaty meant that his election was not a foregone conclusion. French was hopeful of support from the Labour Party councillors, but he knew he was facing a tough battle in the mayoral contest. This was confirmed when the Cork Executive of Cumann na nGaedheal released details of a letter it had issued to all party members and pro-Treaty members of the Corporation. The letter as printed in the Cork Examiner on Tuesday 29 January stated that Cllr Barry Egan had been unanimously chosen as the mayoral candidate. With battle lines firmly drawn, tensions were high as members gathered in the council chamber of Cork Courthouse on January 30. Sean French had spent the previous days intensely lobbying his colleagues but had doubts as to how some of them would vote, especially the Labour Party members. The Cork Examiner (January 31, 1924) reported that the public gallery was well filled and that there was an outburst of applause when a group of councillors, including the two main protagonists, Sean French and Barry Egan, entered the chamber. Cllr Daniel Gamble proposed Sean French as Lord Mayor for the coming 12 months, claiming that his outstanding abilities were known to all of the members. French was encouraged when Labours Alderman William Kenneally rose to second the proposal. Barry Egan was proposed and seconded by Alderman Edward Coughlan and Alderman Patrick Higgins respectively, both elected under the Sinn Fein banner in 1920. The scene was now set but, before the vote was called, a row broke out in the chamber. Labours Cllr Allen complained that party members were being coerced into voting against their political opinions. Alderman Kenneally, who had seconded the nomination of Sean French, objected to his colleagues use of the word coerced, while Sir John Scott argued that national party politics about the Treaty and Civil War should not have been introduced. This drew a pointed response from Cllr Allen: Sir John Scott is not such an innocent little lamb. He knows quite well that this a political fight today. The Sinn Fein Executive gave orders to elect their man and the Treaty Party gave orders to elect their man." As chair of the meeting, Cllr John Horgan interjected and stressed that it was time to vote, rather than making speeches. There was a hum of excitement and suspense in the council chamber as votes were cast and then counted. The outcome could not have been tighter. For Cllr Sean French, 23 votes, for Cllr Barry Egan, 22. A relieved Sean French signed the roll in acceptance of the honour and he was then invested with the chain of office. The new Lord Mayor delivered a short acceptance speech, stressing that improving and progressing Cork had to be the primary duty of all of the elected members. French stated that he had always stayed true to his ideals and that would not change. He ended by making a promise to his fellow councillors: "If any individual member of the council has anything to suggest to advance Cork, you will have a whole-hearted friend in me and I will give you every assistance. I urge you to forget our differences in the interests of the city." The Cork Examiner (January 31, 1924) launched a scathing attack on the election of Sean French, noting: "A particular section of the Corporation pay little attention to the wishes of their constituents. This was shown yesterday when, by a narrow majority, a coalition succeeded in electing as Lord Mayor a gentleman who, whatever his personal attributes, has openly associated with the party which the electors of Cork repudiated by a nine to two majority." The hard-hitting editorial warned that the citizens of Cork would have the opportunity at the next election to select men who would not treat serious matters with frivolity. It concluded by stating that the citizens would only have themselves to blame if they did not elect representatives to carry out the work which needed addressing. It would be akin to seeing their money virtually thrown into the capacious bottom of the Lough, money which might be more usefully employed in the lighting or cleaning of the streets. Though stung by some of the criticism, Sean French was contented and proud following his election as Lord Mayor. Now 34, he was relatively inexperienced in the political world having only been elected to the Corporation in 1920. He had worked hard and earned the respect of his fellow councillors, especially through his diligent committee work. Despite losing a year due to internment, he had secured enough votes on his return to win the mayoral election and follow in the footsteps of three Cork Republicans he greatly admired Tomas MacCurtain, Terence MacSwiney, and Donal Og OCallaghan. Alas, Lord Mayor French struggled to unite the council and, with the Cork Progressive Association and the Cork Examiner demanding an inquiry into local administration, it was no surprise when Minister Seamus Burke intervened. He ordered the holding of an inquiry which ran for nine dramatic days. While tension filled the air in the Courthouse each day, Sean French was the star of the show, resolutely defending the right of the Corporations elected members to sort out their own problems. French was anxious to make the Corporation more efficient, free from central government interference. Other elected members in the city were either disinterested or had lost faith in local democracy and, inevitably, Cork Corporation was dissolved on October 31, 1924, with Philip Monahan taking over as Commissioner. For the next four and-a-half years, Sean French was Lord Mayor in name only. He won a seat to the slimmed-down Cork Corporation of 21 members when it was re-instated in March 1929. He was also re-elected as Lord Mayor, a position he held until 1937 (bar a two-year period from July 1930 when Blackrocks Alderman Francis J. Daly assumed the mayoralty). Lord Mayor Sean French died on September 12, 1937. The Cork Examiner (September 13, 1937) noted: In his passing is recognised a severe loss to the city in general, for Sean French was one who upheld the prestige of his office with a quiet grace. During his various terms of office as Lord Mayor he had many difficult situations to meet, but he bore himself with remarkable dignity in turbulent times when he was Lord Mayor first, as well as in later days when Cork was rebuilding itself and its civic institutions after the retarding influences of the Anglo-Irish and civil strifes Perhaps his outstanding attribute as Lord Mayor was the manner in which he conducted the business of the Corporation meetings as chairman. In this capacity he proved himself above politics, although he was himself possessed of very fixed political views, and the Corporation showed its appreciation of his worth as chairman when it elected him Lord Mayor by a unanimous vote more than once. In the late 18th century, Catherine the Great planned a tour of Crimea, which her court favourite, Count Grigory Potemkin, had conquered a few years earlier. But while Potemkin had managed to seize the agriculturally rich peninsula from the Ottoman Empire, he had failed to achieve the promised colonisation. To save face, Potemkin ordered the construction of a row of painted pasteboard facades beside the river along which the empress would travel, and brought in cheerful villagers and herds of healthy livestock to complete the illusion. There was no prosperity, but it sure looked like there was. Versions of Potemkin villages have been a staple of Russian history ever since. During Soviet times, the image that communism improved life for all obscured systemic violence and repression. And today, the Kremlin works tirelessly to create the impression that Russia is a beacon of stability and strength, and that a grateful people is fervently devoted to their leader, Vladimir Putin; but behind the facade, one finds disillusion, despair, fear, and rage. You see this truth in contemporary Russian films and television, because popular culture finds it hard to lie completely about the state of politics. In the Russian crime drama The Boys World: Blood on the Asphalt, violent and chaotic politics translate into violent and chaotic streets. When leaders insist that enemies lurk everywhere and that the best defence is to strike first, paranoia, intolerance, and aggression grow. The Russia that the massive forum and exhibition simply called Russia presents might be as glorious as Putin claims, but like Potemkins villages, it is a blatant attempt to obscure a dark truth with appealing lies. Moreover, it is being used to bolster Putins cult of personality. Photo: Sergei Guneyev It should be no surprise, then, that as Putin wages war on Ukraine, Russian children bully their classmates; teenagers film themselves attacking local residents; and adults get into public brawls. Todays Russia is nothing like the citadel of stability and satisfaction nor the bastion of prosperity that the Kremlin claims it to be. Though Russian GDP grew by more than 3% in 2023, despite Western sanctions, this hardly reflects genuine, let alone sustainable, economic dynamism. Instead, it reflects the fact that the state has poured massive resources into the military-industrial complex. But those resources had to be reallocated from somewhere, and a series of catastrophes including infrastructure disasters, energy-supply breakdowns, and fires at factories and warehouses offer clues about where. Moreover, the Ukraine war triggered a mass exodus of Russians, including many with valuable skills, such that 85% of businesses are now reporting a shortage of qualified manpower. Some estimate that, by 2030, Russia will be short up to four million capable workers, which would shave about two percentage points from GDP growth. As in any dictatorship, the more problems Putins regime has, the louder the propaganda. This explains why last November on National Unity Day a massive forum and exhibition simply called Russia opened in Moscow. The six-month event, timed to end after the presidential election in March, is intended to be a large-scale projection of the country, with 131 expositions showcasing Russias main achievements, from breakthrough discoveries to Russian victories in industry, culture, and sports. The Russia that the exhibition presents might be as glorious as Putin claims, but like Potemkins villages, it is a blatant attempt to obscure a dark truth with appealing lies. Moreover, it is being used to bolster Putins cult of personality. In this sense, the choice of venue for the event could not be more appropriate: the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy (VDNKh) was built at the height of Stalins purges. Putins image and avatar preside over the proceedings, talking to workers, meeting with doctors, and praying with clergy on giant screens positioned in the venues pavilions. Meanwhile, the exhibitions gift shop sells merchandise plastered with quotes from the president. The Russian flag cant bother anyone, declares a t-shirt. Its equally honourable to be our friends and our enemies, adds a sweatshirt. For Russians who cant make it to the VDNKh gift shop, similar quotes were featured on giant outdoor screens across the country during the first two weeks of this year. The golden reserve of the nation is its people, Russians were reminded as they walked down the street. We can do anything when our road is lit with love for the fatherland. Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Russia Expo international exhibition and forum at the VDNKh (The Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy) in Moscow last month. Photo: Sergey Fadeichev This is the language learned in Soviet Dictator 101. No one can forget the posters of Stalin in a cream-coloured military-style jacket handing out ice cream to happy children, looming over tilled fields and crowds of peasants, or simply looking proudly into the distance. Images of him were ubiquitous during his rule, plastered onto the sides of buildings, carried as banners in parades, even woven into carpets. Others, from Lenin to Brezhnev, also produced posters touting their simultaneously grand and bland pronouncements. The goal of current Kremlin propaganda is not to convince people that life in Russia is safe and prosperous. It might have started out that way, but as the Ukraine war drags on, Putin has had to adapt. Now, echoing Stalins narrative that progress toward socialism brings more challenges, requiring intensification of the class struggle, Putin is using propaganda to prepare Russians for more war. Read More Putin election campaign presents boxes filled with petitions backing his run The effort is hardly covert. On January 14, a Ministry of Defence pavilion titled Army for children. City of professions. Future of the country was opened at the VDNKh exhibition. On the same day, another Moscow exhibition The Trial. Franz Kafka and 20th-Century Art, held at the Jewish Museum (also known as the Tolerance Center) was closed. What Russia needs today are precisely the messages the Kafka exhibition delivered: the Soviet system was absurd, but capable of ruthless efficiency in crushing innocent individuals. Instead, the messages Russians are now receiving are becoming more militarised and less tolerant by the day a facade behind which lie sham elections, a weakening economy, and proliferating violence. Potemkin would be proud. Cork City is to get a second Premier Inn as part of an ongoing expansion of the UKs largest hotel chain, which opened its first hotel in the city today. Matt Ghent, development manager in Ireland for the Whitbread group, which owns the Premier Inn brand, said the company is actively looking at identifying a site for a second hotel in Cork City. Weve grown Premier Inn significantly in the last 12 months in Ireland and we will keep working hard to expand our presence across the country as we respond to an undersupply of budget hotel rooms. Cork is marked for a second city centre hotel, Mr Ghent said. The opening of the groups first hotel in Cork City is also its first hotel outside Dublin. The opening of the groups first hotel in Cork City is also its first hotel outside Dublin. The group now has a total bed complement in Ireland of over 1,000, with plans to expand to at least 3,500 beds nationwide. The 30m three-star 187-bedroom hotel on the former Moores Hotel site on Morrisons Quay is part of a wider 45m development that included the restoration and conversion to office buildings of numbers 11, 12 and 13 Morrisons Quay, which formed the original Moores Hotel. All three own-door buildings are set to be either sold or leased. Speaking at the hotels official opening, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney said it was a big addition to accommodation in the city. He said that there were some other big projects that are going to move ahead locally too, that would make the part of the city it is in even more attractive. These included UCCs plans for a business school capable of hosting 5,000 students on the opposite quay (Union Quay) and the long-awaited event centre at the nearby former Beamish site on South Main St. I have a lot of ambition about building a world-class event centre and its now pretty close to getting across the line, I hope, at last, Mr Coveney said. Also at the hotel launch was David Kelleher of real estate investment and development company Warren Private, the hotels landlord, which partnered with property development and asset management group Greenleaf on the project. Mr Kelleher said Mark Elliot of Greenleaf had the strange idea that there could be a hotel here some day even though the group had no track record in Cork. He thanked estate agent Sean McCarthy of ERA Downey McCarthy for getting them started. The main contractor on the project was the Co Cavan-based Elliot Group which also worked on one of Dublins Premier Inns. Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney said it was a big addition to accommodation in the city. Elliot Group managing director Darragh Elliott said 1,200 workers of various trades had been through the 0.65-acre Morrisons Quay site over the lifetime of the project, which started in August 2021. The hotels deputy general manager, Jan Folvarcny, said the hotel is fully booked this coming Saturday and is booked out for a number of upcoming events such as the Bruce Springsteen gig on May 16 in Pairc Ui Chaoimh and the Sting/Blondie concert in Musgrave Park on June 18. Payment for a room is based on a dynamic pricing model similar to what Ryanair utilises and is dictated by demand, starting from 57 on a standard non-flex rate on the opening night and 66 for a flex rate. Brazilian police searched the homes and office of Carlos Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro and a Rio de Janeiro city councillor on Monday, two days after the Supreme Court granted the warrants. Police said in a statement that they conducted nine searches on Monday as part of a broader investigation into the nations intelligence agency and alleged spying on political opponents during Mr Bolsonaros term, which ended in December 2022. In a decision made public on Monday, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes said police claim they have identified a group, of which Carlos Bolsonaro is allegedly part, that monitored political enemies and sought information about the existence of investigations related to the children of the then president of the Republic Jair Messias Bolsonaro. Images broadcast on TV network GloboNews showed Carlos and his father outside the latters residence in Angra dos Reis, south of Rio de Janeiro. Police searched the former presidents house for any electronic devices, including phones and laptops, belonging to Carlos. Flavio Bosonaro, centre, and Carlos Bolsonaro, sons of Brazils former president Jair Bolsonaro (Eraldo Peres/PA) Flavio accused the police of being on a fishing expedition, according to a report by one of the countrys main independent newspapers, O Globo. Carlos Bolsonaros lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the AP. Mondays operation comes days after federal police searched the office and home of the former chief of Brazils intelligence agency under Mr Bolsonaro, Alexandre Ramagem, and a dozen other people. Police statements and Supreme Court documents show police are investigating an organised crime group that operated within the intelligence agency, known by its Portuguese acronym ABIN, during Mr Bolsonaros term. The group allegedly used the agencys tools and services for political use and personal gain. The group is also suspected of seeking to interfere with ongoing police investigations, some of which targeted or involved two of Mr Bolsonaros other sons, Jair Renan and Flavio. Police suspect ABIN under Mr Ramagem used a software known as FirstMile, developed by Israeli company Cognyte, to monitor targets and public authorities with the aim of creating false narratives, according to Supreme Court documents. The software allows the geolocalisation of mobile phones. Mr De Moraes, the Supreme Court Justice, said in its decision that police had identified more than 60,500 uses of the software between 2019 and 2021. O Globo, which broke the story in May, reported that ABIN agents used the software to monitor political figures and journalists. Mondays police statement said the latest operation sought to advance the political side of the investigation, to identify the main recipients and beneficiaries of illegally produced information. Alexandre Ramagem, the the former chief of Brazils intelligence agency under Mr Bolsonaro (Eraldo Peres/AP) On Sunday night, Jair Bolsonaro conducted a two-and-a-half-hour-long live broadcast on social media, along with three of his sons, including Carlos. The broadcast was done from a house in the seaside city of Angra dos Reis. In the video, the Bolsonaros defended Mr Ramagem and criticised the investigation, with the former president calling the idea of a parallel intelligence unit fantastical. Local outlets reported on Mr Ramagems ties with the Bolsonaro family since the presidential campaign of 2018. Then a federal police officer, Mr Ramagem served as one of Jair Bolsonaros security coordinators, O Globo reported. Mr Bolsonaro appointed Mr Ramagem to lead ABIN in May 2019. The right-wing leader had previously appointed him to be federal police chief but quickly yielded to growing criticism around the nomination for Mr Ramagem was widely seen as too close to the presidents family, and that he might give members preferential treatment. In a March 2020 TV interview, Gustavo Bebianno, who had acted as one of the former presidents key aides and as a Cabinet minister before being sacked, said Carlos had spoken to him about creating a parallel intelligence unit within the agency. One fine day, Carlos shows up with the name of a federal detective and three agents who would form a parallel ABIN, because he didnt trust ABIN, Mr Bebianno told TV programme Roda Viva shortly before his death in 2020. We advised the president not to do anything of the sort After I left, I dont know if this was implemented or not. Less than two weeks after the interview, Mr Bebianno died suddenly from a heart attack, according to his family. O Globo, which is based in Rio, reported that law enforcement had seized a computer that belonged to ABIN in one of the addresses mentioned in the warrants. The agencys press department told the AP in an email it was investigating the claim. A judge in South Carolina has denied Alex Murdaughs bid for a new trial after his defence team accused a clerk of court of tampering with a jury. Judge Jean Toal ruled that even if Colleton County clerk Becky Hill did tell jurors to watch Murdaughs actions and body language on the stand, the defence failed to prove that such comments directly influenced their decision to find him guilty. One member of the jury that convicted Murdaugh of murdering his wife and son gave evidence on Monday that when the clerk urged jurors to watch his actions and body language during the trial, it made him seem guilty and those comments influenced her decision to convict. But the 11 other jurors said they based their guilty verdicts only on the testimony, evidence and law presented at trial, and just one of them mentioned hearing anything similar about Murdaugh from Ms Hill. All 12 jurors took the 90-mile trip from Colleton County to Columbia to give what was typically about three minutes of testimony, mostly yes-or-no questions from the judges script. Alex Murdaugh is brought into court during the jury-tampering hearing at the Richland County Judicial Centre, in Columbia, South Carolina on Monday (Andrew J Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP) Murdaugh, now a convicted killer, disbarred attorney and admitted thief serving a life sentence, wore an orange prison jumpsuit as he watched with his lawyers. Ms Hill also testified, denying she ever spoke about the case or Murdaugh at all with jurors. I never talked to any jurors about anything like that, she said. But Judge Jean Toal questioned her truthfulness after Ms Hill said she used literary licence for some things she wrote about in her book on the trial, including whether she feared as she read the verdict that the jury might end up finding him not guilty. I did have a certain way I felt, Ms Hill said. Murdaughs defence later called Barnwell County clerk Rhonda McElveen, who helped Ms Hill during the trial. Ms McElveen said that Hill suggested before the trial that they should write a book on the case together, because she wanted a lake house and I wanted to retire, and that a guilty verdict would sell more books. But under cross examination, Ms McElveen said she did not approach the trial judge because she did not think any of Ms Hills comments or behaviours rose to the level of misconduct. Ms Hill was also questioned about why she was telling people hours before the jury received the case that she expected deliberations to be short. The clerk said it was a gut feeling after years in a courtroom. The unusual hearing was prompted in part by a sworn statement from the first juror called to the stand on Monday. She affirmed what she said last August, repeating on Monday that Ms Hill told jurors to note Murdaughs actions and watch him closely when he testified in his own defence. She made it seem like he was already guilty, said the woman, identified only as Juror Z. Asked whether this influenced her vote to find him guilty, she said: Yes maam. Judge Jean Toal talks to the court during the Alex Murdaugh jury-tampering hearing (Andrew J Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP In later questioning, the juror said she also stands by another statement she made in the August affidavit: that it was her fellow jurors, more than the clerks statements, that influenced her to vote guilty. I had questions about Mr Murdaughs guilt but voted guilty because I felt pressured by other jurors, she said. The rest of the jury filed in one by one and said their verdicts were not influenced by anything outside the trial. One said he heard Ms Hill say watch his body language before Murdaugh testified, but said Ms Hills comment did not change his mind. What matters is what the jurors heard and whether that persuaded them to change their verdicts to guilty in a way that was anything other than the product of honest deliberation, prosecutor Creighton Walters said in closing. You have 11 of them strong as a rock who said this verdict was not influenced, Mr Waters said. The evidence is overwhelming from the people who mattered. Defence lawyer Jim Griffin, in his closing, cited case law in arguing that any communication about a case from court staff to jurors is presumptively prejudicial. He said the defence clearly proved Ms Hill made prejudicial comments to the jury, and one of those jurors says it influenced my verdict. How is that not prejudice?. Murdaughs fall from his role as an lawyer lording over his small county to a sentence of life without parole has been exhaustively covered by true crime shows, podcasts and bloggers. Jury tampering is the basis for Murdaughs appeal, but Ms Toal set a difficult standard for his lawyers. She ruled the defence must prove that potential misconduct by Ms Hill directly led jurors to change their minds to guilty. The defence argued if they prove the jury was tampered with, it should not matter whether a juror openly said their verdict changed, because even subtle influence could have kept Murdaugh from getting a fair trial. Ms Toal was chief justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court for 15 years before retiring. She was appointed by the current high court justices to rule on the juror misconduct allegations. She also limited what could be asked of Ms Hill, ruling out extensive questions about a criminal investigation into whether the elected clerk used her office for financial gain, emailed prosecutors with suggestions on how to discredit a defence expert, conspired with her son who is charged with wiretapping county phones, or plagiarised part of her book on the case using a passage from a BBC reporter who accidentally emailed her instead of her boss with a similar address. Im very, very reluctant to turn this hearing about juror contact into a wholesale exploration about every piece of conduct by the clerk, Ms Toal said. Prosecutor Creighton Waters, left, and defence lawyer Dick Harpootlian stand during the hearing (Andrew J Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP) Ms Hill, in a sworn statement, has denied any jury tampering. She did admit to the lifting the writing of the BBC reporter. I did plagiarise and for that I am sorry, Ms Hill said from the witness box. Murdaugh is also serving 27 years after admitting he stole 12 million dollars (11.08mn) from his law firm and from settlements he gained for clients on wrongful death and serious injury lawsuits. Murdaugh promised not to appeal that sentence as part of his plea deal. But Murdaugh has remained adamant that he did not kill his younger son Paul with a shotgun and his wife Maggie with a rifle, since the moment he told deputies he found their bodies at their Colleton County home in 2021. He testified in his own defence. Murdaugh has not started the regular appeals of his sentence, where his lawyers are expected to argue a number of reasons why his murder trial was unfair, including the judge allowing voluminous testimony of his financial crimes. They said this enabled prosecutors to smear Murdaugh with evidence not directly linked to the killings. Australian politician Georgie Purcell has lashed Nine News in Melbourne for using an image edited to make her breasts look bigger and expose her midriff, which the network blamed on automation by Photoshop. But Adobe has cast doubt on Nine Newss claim about its software, after the network broadcast the image during Monday nights bulletin. The programs news director, Hugh Nailon, apologised to Ms Purcell a Victorian upper house Animal Justice Party MP on Tuesday for the graphic error, and blamed automation by Photoshop. Our graphics department sourced an online image of Georgie to use in our story on duck hunting. As is common practice, the image was resized to fit our specs, he said. During that process, the automation by Photoshop created an image that was not consistent with the original. This did not meet the high editorial standards we have and for that we apologise to Ms Purcell unreservedly. But in a statement on Tuesday afternoon, a spokesperson for Adobe said use of its generative AI features would have required human intervention. Any changes to this image would have required human intervention and approval, the spokesperson said. Purcell said she realised the image had been edited when she compared it to the original, taken in 2023. She said it had topped off the worst day she had since she was first elected, given the governments decision to reject a ban on duck hunting. I endured a lot yesterday. But having my body and outfit photoshopped by a media outlet was not on my bingo card. Note the enlarged boobs and outfit to be made more revealing. Cant imagine this happening to a male MP. What gives? pic.twitter.com/NhnkDRMidc Georgie Purcell (@georgievpurcell) January 29, 2024 I endured a lot yesterday, but having my body and outfit Photoshopped by the media wasnt on my bingo card. Its not abnormal for politicians to have catastrophic days at work. Im not afraid to say yesterday was the worst Ive had so far, she said in a statement to Guardian Australia. Unfortunately, the difference for women is that they also have to deal with the constant sexualisation and objectification that comes with having images leaked, distorted and AI generated. Purcell said the incident was another example of the discrimination and barriers that women in politics face. Lets be clear this is not something that happens to my male colleagues, she said. The message this sends to young women and girls across Victoria is that even at the top of your field, your body is always up for grabs. Melbourne-based Photoshop tutor David Ewing said the editing of the photo was no accident. The [statement] has an underlying tone that Photoshop has done this with a mind of its own, but that mind needs to be told what to do, so that means selecting the top and telling it to make it shorter and then that process is automated, he told Guardian Australia. Photoshop would do nothing by itself other than open the photo. Someone has told Photoshop how to edit a part of the image that they have selected. The Victorian head of government, Jacinta Allan, who also appeared in the graphic but whose image did not appear to be edited, said the incident was concerning. Thats no way to represent any woman, let alone a woman who holds a position in public office, represents a community and is in the public discourse every single day, she told reporters. Lets think about the message that it sends, particularly to young women, the distorted images that women see day after day. Record snowfall in Alaska has seen more than 100 inches of snow fall already this winter. So much snow has fallen so far, more than 8.5 feet (260cm) that roofs on commercial buildings are collapsing around Anchorage and officials are urging residents to break out their shovels to avoid a similar fate at home. Over the weekend, there was nearly 16 more inches (41cm) of snowfall, pushing Alaskas largest city past the 100-inch (254cm) mark earlier than at any other time in its history. The city is well on track to break its all-time record of 134.5 inches (342cm). Now, even winter-savvy Anchorage residents are getting fed up with the snow-filled streets and sidewalks, constant shovelling and six days of pandemic-era remote learning. A man uses a shovel to remove snow from his roof in Anchorage, Alaska (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen) It is already in the record books with this years snowfall, at eighth snowiest with a lot of time left this season. Its miserable, said Tamera Flores, an elementary school teacher shovelling her driveway on Monday, as the snow pile towered over her head. Its a pandemic of snow. Last year, 107.9 inches (274cm) fell on Anchorage, making this only the second time the city has had back-to-back years of 100-plus inches of snow since the winters of 1954-55 and 1955-56. This year, the roofs of three commercial structures collapsed under loads of heavy snow. Last year, 16 buildings had roofs collapse with one person killed at a gym. Since its so early in the season, people should think about removing the snow, especially if there are signs of structural distress. These include a sagging roof; creaking, popping, cracking or other strange noises coming from the roof, which can indicate its under stress from the snow; or sticking or jammed doors and windows, a sign the snow might be deforming the structure of the house. Signs have popped up all over town from companies advertising services to remove the snow from roofs. Some fun has come from a whole lot of snow. The deluge of snowfall this year prompted one Anchorage homeowner to erect a three-tiered snowman standing over 20-feet (6-metres) tall. Snowzilla, as it is named, has drawn people to snap photos. Last week, Anchorage had below zero (minus 17.7 C) temperatures overnight for seven days, and it only snowed after it warmed up Sunday. But Anchorage residents may not be able to hold on to the old adage that it is too cold to snow. Sundays storm was the first time since 1916 that over an inch of snow fell in Anchorage when temperatures were minus 16.6 C or colder, said Kenna Mitchell, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. This winter is definitely rough, but us Alaskans are definitely built different, resident Damon Fitts said as he shovelled the driveway at his residence. We can handle 100 inches of snow and still make it to work on time, he said. We can put up with a lot. Frances National Assembly is taking up a bill on Tuesday meant to enshrine a womans right to an abortion in the French Constitution, the first key step in a legislative process that also requires a vote in the Senate. The measure has been promised by President Emmanuel Macron following a rollback of abortion rights in the United States. Mr Macrons government wants Article 34 of Frances constitution amended to include that the law determines the conditions by which is exercised the freedom of women to have recourse to an abortion, which is guaranteed. A constitutional amendment must pass both chambers of parliament and then be approved either in a referendum, or by a three-fifths majority of a joint session of parliament. In many countries, even in Europe, there are currents of opinion that seek to hinder at any cost the freedom of women to terminate their pregnancy if they wish Macrons government is aiming for the second method, though the measures level of support in the Senate is less certain than in the National Assembly. None of Frances major political parties represented in parliament is questioning the right to abortion, and a majority of deputies in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, are expected to vote in favour of the proposal. Some members of the conservative majority in the Senate have criticised the wording of the proposal, making its passage there more uncertain. If the same version of the bill ultimately passes both houses, Mr Macron would call a special session of all legislators in attempts to win a three-fifths vote. Abortion in France was decriminalised under a 1975 law, but there is nothing in the constitution that would guarantee abortion rights. The government argued in its introduction to the bill that the right to abortion is threatened in the United States, where the Supreme Court in 2022 overturned a 50-year-old ruling that had guaranteed the right to an abortion. Unfortunately, this event is not isolated: in many countries, even in Europe, there are currents of opinion that seek to hinder at any cost the freedom of women to terminate their pregnancy if they wish, the introduction to the French legislation says. In Poland, a controversial tightening of the already restrictive abortion law led to protests in the country last year. The Polish constitutional court ruled in 2020 that women could no longer terminate pregnancies in cases of severe foetal deformities, including Down Syndrome. Spains lower house of parliament is to debate and vote on Tuesday on an enormously divisive amnesty law that aims to sweep away the legal troubles of potentially hundreds of people who were involved in Catalonias unsuccessful 2017 independence bid. Socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez agreed to push through the law in exchange for parliamentary support from two small Catalan separatist parties, which enabled him to form a new minority leftist government late last year. The bill could pave the way for the return of the fugitive ex-Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont, head of one of the separatist parties, who fled Spain to Belgium after leading the failed illegal secession bid in 2017 that brought the country to the brink. A key question is whether Mr Puigdemonts party will manage to include clauses in the bill that would cover him against all possible legal challenges if he returns. If it cannot, then it may shoot the bill down. Protesters packed the central Cibeles square in Madrid, Spain, in November, during a demonstration against the proposed amnesty law (Alicia Leon/AP) Mr Puigdemont and the Catalan independence issue are anathema for many Spaniards, and the amnesty bill has roused the ire of the conservative and far-right opposition parties that represent roughly half the countrys population. Many in the judiciary and police are also opposed, as well as several top figures in Mr Sanchezs own party. Opposition parties have staged at least seven major demonstrations in recent months against the law. Even if the bill is approved on Tuesday, it is not known when the law might come into effect as it would have to go to the Senate, where the fiercely conservative leading opposition Popular Party has an absolute majority. The party has pledged to do all in its power to stall the bill in the senate and challenge it in court. Mr Sanchez acknowledges that if he had not needed the Catalan separatists parliamentary support, he would not have agreed to the amnesty. He also says that without their support, he could not have formed a government and the right wing could have gained office, having won most seats in the 2023 elections. He now says that the amnesty will be positive for Spain because it will further calm waters inside Catalonia, and he boasts that his policies for Catalonia since taking office in 2018 have greatly eased tensions that existed between Madrid and Barcelona when the Popular Party was in office. Mr Sanchezs previous government granted pardons to several jailed leaders of the Catalan independence movement that helped heal wounds. The vote needs to be passed by 176 lawmakers in the 350-seat lower house. Mr Sanchezs minority coalition commands 147 seats but in principle has the backing of at least 30 more lawmakers. Catalan separatist politicians dealt Spains government a blow on Tuesday by voting against a hugely divisive amnesty law that was aimed at helping hundreds of their supporters who were involved in Catalonias unsuccessful 2017 independence bid. The most radical separatists, who want to ensure that their leader Carles Puigdemont, a fugitive in Belgium, can return home, said the proposed law did not go far enough to protect him. The Bill must go back to a parliament commission to be drawn up again within two weeks, but it remains to be seen what the government and separatists can do to save it. The rejection highlighted the governments fragility even among its so-called allies. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez agreed to the law in exchange for the parliamentary support of two small Catalan separatist parties, which enabled him to form a new minority leftist government late last year. Protesters packed the central Cibeles square in Madrid, Spain, in November, during a demonstration against the proposed amnesty law (Alicia Leon/AP) But the Bill, which has aroused the ire of millions in Spain, was rejected after one of the two Catalan parties, Junts (Together), voted against it. The party had pushed to include clauses that would cover Mr Puigdemont against all possible legal challenges if he returns to Spain. We will keep negotiating with a margin of 15 days more There is no reason to approve an amnesty law with holes in it, said Junts member Miriam Nogueras. She said the socialists warned them that the proposed amendments could mean that the amnesty law runs into trouble in Europe, but she said they were prepared for that. Socialist Justice Minister Felix Bolanos told reporters that it was absolutely incomprehensible that Junts should vote against a law it had agreed on and do so with right-wing parties that want to see them jailed. Mr Puigdemonts party advised Mr Sanchez from the start that they would be difficult to please when they backed his government, but few analysts imagined that they would risk derailing the very amnesty that is designed to help their supporters. The defeat shows the government will be at the separatists mercy throughout the legislature. Mr Sanchezs minority coalition commands 147 seats but needs the support of several small parties to make a 176 majority in the 350-seat parliament. Junts has seven seats. Mr Puigdemont and the Catalan independence issue are anathema for many Spaniards. Mr Puigdemont is wanted by Spains Supreme Court on charges of disobedience and embezzlement, and two lower courts are investigating him and other secessionists for possible charges of terrorism and treason. The amnesty Bill has been heavily criticised by conservative and far-right opposition parties that represent roughly half the countrys population. Many in the judiciary and police are opposed, as well as several top figures in Mr Sanchezs party. Even if the Bill had been approved, it would have had to go to the Senate, where the fiercely conservative leading opposition Popular Party has an absolute majority. The party has pledged to do all in its power to stall the Bill in the Senate and challenge it in court. Mr Sanchez acknowledges that if he had not needed the Catalan separatists parliamentary support, he would not have agreed to the amnesty. He also says that without their support, he could not have formed a government, and the right wing could have gained office, having won the most seats in the 2023 elections. He now says that the amnesty will be positive for Spain because it will further calm Catalonia, and he boasts that his policies for Catalonia since taking office in 2018 have greatly eased tensions that existed between Madrid and Barcelona when the Popular Party was in office. Mr Sanchezs previous government granted pardons to several jailed leaders of the Catalan independence movement that helped heal wounds. Israeli forces disguised as civilian women and medics stormed a hospital Tuesday in the occupied West Bank, killing three Palestinian militants in a dramatic raid that underscored how deadly violence has spilled into the territory from the war in Gaza. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu meanwhile ruled out a military withdrawal from Gaza or the release of thousands of jailed militants Hamas main two demands for any cease-fire casting doubt on the latest efforts to end a war that has destabilized the broader Middle East. The Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli forces opened fire inside the Ibn Sina Hospital in the West Bank town of Jenin. A hospital spokesperson said there was no exchange of fire, indicating it was a targeted killing. Israels military said the militants were using the hospital as a hideout, without providing evidence. It alleged that one of those targeted had transferred weapons and ammunition to others for a planned attack, purportedly inspired by Hamas October 7 assault on southern Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. Israeli forces disguised as civilian women and medical workers stormed a hospital in the occupied West Bank and killed three Palestinian militants. Picture: Palestinian Health Authority via AP Security camera footage from the hospital shows about a dozen undercover forces, most of them armed, wearing Muslim headscarves, hospital scrubs or white doctors coats. One carried a rifle in one arm and a folded wheelchair in the other. Netanyahu, speaking at an event elsewhere in the West Bank, denied reports of a possible cease-fire deal to end the war in Gaza and repeated his vow to keep fighting until absolute victory over Hamas. We will not end this war without achieving all of our goals, said Netanyahu, who is under mounting pressure from families of the hostages and the wider public to reach a deal. We will not withdraw the Israeli military from the Gaza Strip and we will not release thousands of terrorists, he said. On Tuesday, Hamas top political leader Ismail Haniyeh said the group was studying the latest terms for a deal, but that the priority was the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and that any agreement should lead to a long-term cease-fire. Journalists gather outside of Ibn Sina Hospital following a deadly Israeli military raid in the West Bank town of Jenin on Tuesday (Picture: AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed) He said Hamas leadership had been invited to Cairo to continue talks. The militant group, which has reached lopsided exchange deals with Israel in the past, is expected to demand the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners including high-profile militants in exchange for the remaining hostages. Qatar and Egypt, which mediate with Hamas, have held talks with Israel and the United States in recent days. US officials said negotiators had made progress toward a deal, including the phased release of the remaining hostages over a two-month period and the entry of more humanitarian aid into Gaza. An Israeli soldier takes up position on the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on Monday (Picture: AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov) The war in Gaza began when hundreds of Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250 others. Over 100 were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Israels offensive has killed more than 26,700 people in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The ministry count does not distinguish between fighters and civilians, but it says about two-thirds of the dead are women and minors. A strike on a residential building in the central town of Deir al-Balah on Tuesday killed 11 people, including four children, according to Associated Press reporters who saw the bodies at a hospital. The war has levelled vast swaths of the tiny coastal enclave, displaced 85% of its population, and pushed a quarter of residents to starvation. HOSPITALS HAVE BECOME BATTLEGROUNDS Israel has come under heavy criticism for its raids on hospitals in Gaza, which have treated tens of thousands of Palestinians wounded in the war and provided critical shelter for displaced people. Gazas health care system, which was already feeble before the war, is on the verge of collapse, buckling under the scores of patients as well as a lack of fuel and medical necessities because of Israeli restrictions and fighting in and near the facilities. An Israeli tank drives to a position on the border with the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, on Tuesday (Picture: AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) Israel says militants use hospitals as cover. The military says it has found underground tunnels in the vicinity of hospitals and located weapons and vehicles used in the October 7 attack on hospital grounds. The Palestinian Red Crescent said Israeli forces raided the Al-Amal Hospital in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Tuesday, where about 7,000 displaced people were sheltering. The rescue service said Israeli tanks lined up outside the hospital were firing live ammunition and smoke grenades at the people inside. Raed al-Nims, a spokesperson for the aid group, said everyone was ordered to evacuate. The Israeli military said without elaborating that its forces were operating in the area of the hospital but not inside it. WEST BANK CRACKDOWN Violence in the West Bank has also surged since October 7, as Israel has cracked down on suspected militants, killing more than 380 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most were killed in confrontations with Israeli forces during arrest raids or violent protests. The military said that in Tuesdays hospital raid, forces killed Mohammed Jalamneh, 27, who it said was planning an imminent attack. The two other men killed, brothers Basel and Mohammed Ghazawi, were hiding inside the hospital and were involved in attacks, the military said. The army statement said Jalamneh was armed with a pistol but made no mention of an exchange of fire. Mourners carry the body of Palestinian Abdel Rahman Hamed, 18, during his funeral in the West Bank town of Silwad on Monday (Picture: AP Photo/Nasser Nasser) Hamas claimed the three men as members, calling the operation a cowardly assassination. Hospital spokesperson Tawfiq al-Shobaki said there was no exchange of fire, and that Basel Ghazawi had been a patient since October, with partial paralysis. What happened is a precedent, he said. There was never an assassination inside a hospital. There were arrests and assaults, but not an assassination. Tuesdays raid took place in the West Bank town of Jenin, long a bastion of armed struggle against Israel and the frequent target of Israeli raids, even before the war began. Israel captured the West Bank, along with the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, in the 1967 Mideast war. Israel withdrew troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005, but imposed a stifling blockade on the territory, along with Egypt, when Hamas came to power in a violent takeover in 2007. It maintains an open-ended occupation of the West Bank, where more than half a million Israelis now live in settlements. The Palestinians claim these territories as part of their future independent state, hopes for which have increasingly dimmed since the war began. The foreign minister in Polands new pro-European Union government has said he would like Germanys leaders to think in a creative way about compensating Poland for huge losses it suffered at Nazi Germanys hands during the Second World War. The request was greatly toned down from that of Polands previous right-wing government, which had demanded 1.3 trillion dollars (1.03 trillion) in reparations for Nazi Germanys invasion and occupation in 1939-45. German officials have consistently said that while Berlin recognises its historical responsibility, the issue of reparations was settled decades ago. Foreign minister Radek Sikorski spoke at a joint news conference with German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin before their talks on improving bilateral relations that were strained under Polands previous government. I will also ask the minister (to make) the German government think in a creative way about finding a form of compensation for these war losses, or of redress, Mr Sikorski said when talking about a project in Berlin to memorialise Polands suffering. He did not give details. Ms Baerbock said that confronting the suffering of millions (of people) that Germany brought on Poland remains a task for ever. She did not address calls for reparations. A nation of some 31 million in 1939, Poland lost some six million of its citizens, half of them Jewish, during Nazi wartime occupation. It also suffered enormous damage to its industry, infrastructure and cultural heritage. Germany has been insisting the matter of reparations was closed by decisions taken during communist times, when Warsaw relinquished seeking reparations. Poland stresses it was under the domination of the Soviet Union at that time, so the declaration was made under Moscows pressure and was not legally binding. Tuesday, Jan 30th, 2024 (1:31 pm) - Score 1,080 CityFibre has announced that theyve completed their primary build of a new 10Gbps capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) based broadband ISP network in the Suffolk (England) town of Bury St Edmunds. The network is now Ready for Service for over 16,000 homes, which is said to reflect about 81% of homes and most businesses in the town. The original build said to be worth 8m (todays update doesnt clarify if they kept to that budget) officially got underway in March 2020 (here) and was initially backed by civil engineering contractor Lite Access. But the rollout ended up taking a longer than envisaged after their contractor went into administration, which meant CityFibre had to appoint a different company to help complete the works. NOTE: Cityfibre is supported by ISPs such as TalkTalk, Zen Internet, Cityfibre is supported by ISPs such as Vodafone iDNET and others, but they arent all live or available in every location yet. Since then, CityFibres contractors have laid more than 100km of dense full fibre infrastructure across the town. The completion of this network follows on from the delivery of a complementary contract with Suffolk County Council to build a Public Service Network (PSN) connecting more than 600 sites, including council buildings, schools and NHS sites etc. However, while the primary-build is said to be completed, CityFibre added that they would continue to explore opportunities to reach further areas including new build properties, those on private or unadopted roads and business parks. Neil Madle, Partnership Manager at CityFibre, said: Today marks a new chapter for Bury St Edmunds as it becomes one of the best-connected places in the country. The completion of our primary-build in the town means thousands of residents and businesses can now access full fibre broadband services and enjoy lightning fast and reliable connectivity. This will have far-reaching economic benefits for the local community as our new full fibre infrastructure boosts innovation and productivity. I would like to thank everyone for their support and patience over the last three years as we worked our way across the town. Now residents and businesses can reap the rewards of the work. There are a wide range of packages available through Internet Service Providers on the CityFibre network, which can be found by using the postcode checker on our website. The work supports CityFibres wider ambition of covering up to 8 million UK premises (funded by c.2.4bn in equity and c.4.9bn debt) across over 285 cities, towns and villages (c.30% of the UK) by the end of 2025 (here). The operator has already passed over 3.5 million premises (3.2m as Ready for Service) and they aim to add another million during 2024. In terms of gigabit-capable competitors, CityFibres main competition in the town comes from Openreachs rival FTTP network that is also widely available. Hyperoptic and some smaller networks also have some patchy full fibre coverage, but nothing too significant. Shelton, CT January 30, 2024 As the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW, one of the largest and longest-running business technology events, approaches, we are pleased to announce the addition of Verizon to the already impressive lineup of exhibitors and sponsors. ITEXPO, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, once again projects total attendance of more than 7,000 business and technology professionals. Verizon will showcase their innovations and contribute to the dynamic discussions shaping the future of business technology. Details: Event Name: ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW Dates: February 13-15, 2024 Location: Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Event Website: https://www.itexpo.com Exhibitor Company: Verizon Exhibitor Booth Number: #727L Exhibitor Website: www.verizon.com/business/resources/partner-network/ Media Opportunities at the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW: Explore innovations and new releases from more than 400 exhibitors. Conduct interviews with company representatives. Gain insights into the latest business technology trends, including AI, automation and new contact center technologies. For Media Inquiries or Press Passes: Michelle Connolly Senior Marketing Manager [email protected] Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [ Free eNews Subscription Share this Page Tweet Share Edited by Greg Tavarez 1371138342::cfb49c8e-2422-11e5-99a3-d7f5c6e8b241 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. Arguably the most essential component of the employer and employee relationship is the employment contract. The contract should be clear, concise, and include well-defined protections for the employer. Clauses that are unclear or appear innocuous can have serious consequences when scrutinised before court, something that occurs more regularly than employers realise. Standard bonus clauses and policy clauses are commonly found in employment contracts. However, employers need to be careful in the wording and qualifiers in these clauses to not be caught out for breach of contract. Without careful wording and follow through, these common clauses can leave the employer liable for a claim from its employees. Below, we look at each clause and several cases that have influenced the writing of these clauses in Australia after employers have faced claims for breach of contract. Standard bonus clause When reviewing bonus schemes in employment contracts, the first question to ask is whether the bonus is guaranteed or discretionary in nature. Standard bonus clauses can appear in different forms, with a standard discretionary annual bonus clause tending to appear as: Annual Performance Bonus You (the employee) are eligible to receive an annual performance bonus; The criterial for the annual performance bonus is (i.e. satisfaction of KPIs); and The decision as to whether you will receive the annual performance bonus is entirely within the discretion of the employer. The added proviso of clause (c) often causes employers to assume they have the right to withhold an employees bonus, even if the employee has met the required criteria. They would be mistaken to assume this, as the case of Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd v Lindley [2010] demonstrates an employer cannot withhold a bonus capriciously or arbitrarily. Lindley was found to be entitled to damages after Silverbrook failed to assess whether she had earned the annual bonus over the course of her five years of employment. Lindleys contract provided for a discretionary annual bonus of $40,000 should she meet her KPIs. However, Lindley was never set any objectives to be measured by, and never received a bonus from the company. After her resignation, Lindley claimed she had never been given the opportunity to meet the objectives to qualify for a bonus. A director at Silverbrook stated they had made a deliberate decision not to pay Lindley a bonus, a decision that would not have changed even if her bonus objectives had been reviewed annually. This case demonstrates that a bonus clause can be enforced against an employer in circumstances where they had wrongly refused to assess or pay the bonus. If an employer has no intention of making these payments, they should be omitted from the employment contract. However, this leaves the employer with a question: what makes an employer when exercising their discretion to award a bonus capricious or arbitrary? To answer this question, we can look to the 2015 case Russo v Westpac Banking Corporation. Russos employment contract outlined that he was entitled to a discretionary bonus and certain Westpac policies, including in respect of redundancies, formed part of his contract. In the redundancy policy, there was a statement outlining that should he (Russo) be made redundant he may be entitled to a pro rata bonus at the discretion of Westpac. The qualifier being Russo must achieve an effective rating for his performance at the absolute discretion of Westpac. At his redundancy, Russo received a needs development rating following a flawed process which took impermissible matters into account and Westpac did not give a bonus when terminating his employment. It was found that Westpac had capriciously, arbitrarily, or unreasonably used its discretion not in accordance with its policies. These findings demonstrate an employers responsibility to pay bonuses in accordance with their criteria, and in a way that is not capricious arbitrary or unreasonable. During the hearing, Russos manager admitted Westpac had failed to follow bonus policy, contributing to Russos lower performance rating. While a clause dictating the absolute or sole discretion to decide on the allocation of performance bonus leaves the employer with some flexibility, this needs to be exercised with caution. Policy clauses Policy clauses are implemented by most companies and are used to address discrimination, health and safety, use of company vehicles and so on. These policies are commonly treated as providing directions from an employer. Since the 2007 case of Goldman Sachs JBWere Services Pty Ltd v Nikolich, the qualifier in the second sentence below has become a crucial protection for employers in clauses now commonly worded as: Company Policies: You are required to comply with any written policy of the Company. However, the Companys policies do not form part of your contract of employment. In this case, Mr. Nikolich claimed his employer breached the Working With Us policy in his employment contract, causing him psychological injury. The policy stated the requirement to take every practical step to provide and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. Justice Marshall noted while the contract stated Mr. Nikolich should comply with the policy and practice, responsibility also lay with the employer to comply. The policy was accepted by the Full Court majority as contractual obligation. Mr. Nikolichs employer was found to be non-compliant with their own policy when they terminated his employment, making them liable for a six-figure sum due to the breach of policy. Following this ruling, courts and commissions have accepted that policies will not form part of the employment contract where the above qualifier expressly states this, therefore reducing the risk of breach of contract claims if the employer does not comply. These policies can be complaint handling, disciplinary, performance management, investigations and so forth. Most employment contracts will now include the qualifier, but for contracts where it is not contained, particularly in pre-Nikolich contracts, the company can be held to owe contractual obligations in respect of these policies. This can be seen in the 2022 Elisha v Vision Australia Ltd case. Vision Australia dismissed Elisha after a workplace incident, with the Supreme Court finding this nothing short of a sham and a disgrace due to lack of procedural fairness and failure to comply with the companys policies when effecting the termination. Elishas contract stated: Vision Australia is committed to a fair, equitable and consistent approach to disciplinary action, and to act in accordance with this procedure, as well as all relevant industrial instruments and contract provisions, for all employees who have completed the minimum employment period as defined in the Fair Work Act 2009. When Elisha received a stand down letter, Vision failed to detail the allegation made and Elisha was not given an opportunity to respond to these allegations in a subsequent meeting. Based off the contracts wording, the Supreme Court ruled the companys policies and procedures did form part of the employment contract and it had breached its policies during Elishas termination. The contract failed to have a qualifier that workplace policies are not incorporated into the employment contract, opening them to liability. This Supreme Court decision was ultimately overturned before the Court of Appeal in the Supreme Court of Victoria; however the above principles remain applicable to Australian businesses and provide an example of how liability can be incurred through a failure to adhere to a businesss own workplace policies. For businesses, the takeaway from these two cases is that employment contracts need to use language that carves out policies from becoming incorporated as part of the employment contract with the qualifier: You are required to comply with any written policy of the Company. However, the Companys policies do not form part of your contract of employment. It is also essential to explicitly state that the company can replace or withdraw workplace policies and, most, importantly ensure that language states that they are not contractual in nature. By Holding Redlich Partner Stephen Trew and Senior Associate Michael Hope Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. A senior traffic safety official has said criminal prosecution is necessary for those driving under the influence of high alcohol levels, even when they have not caused any accidents. Tran Huu Minh, Chief of the Office of the National Traffic Safety Committee, said the current administrative penalties for DUI violations are relatively high and have a good deterrent effect. However, current law stipulates that after reaching the level three of DUI violations, which means drivers have over 0.4 mg/liter in their breath or over 80 mg/100 ml in their blood, they will receive the same penalty, regardless of how high the alcohol amount in the bodies. "For example, whether a person drinks 5 or 30 glass beers, they will be fined the same. This does not entirely align with the basic principle in administrative punishment, which is to impose fines proportionate to the violation," Minh told a workshop discussing the harm of alcohol to road users organized by the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Health on Monday in Hanoi. Minh suggests that violations exceeding level 3 should be differentiated into higher penalties. Drivers who commit particularly serious alcohol violations leading to complete loss of control and potential catastrophic traffic accidents should be criminally prosecuted. "This is the case mentioned in Clause 4, Article 260 of the Penal Code, and can be criminally prosecuted even if no consequences have occurred," he said. According to this clause, traffic violations that could lead to consequences such as causing three or more deaths, or property damage of VND1.5 billion (US$61,300), can result in up to one year in prison. To have sufficient grounds for criminal prosecution, specialized agencies, especially the health sector, need to issue regulations defining what level of blood alcohol concentration is considered particularly severe, causing the driver to lose complete control and be processed under the clause. Consequently, the Supreme People's Court Council could issue guidelines for authorities to implement the law's provisions, he said. A police officer checks a driver's alcohol level with a breathalyzer in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Gia Chinh Agreeing with the proposal, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Director of the Vietnam-Germany Transport Research Center, said developed countries like Europe and Japan have criminal penalties for alcohol-impaired drivers endangering traffic safety. "Initially, they face administrative fines, but if the violation escalates, criminal prosecution, including bigger fines and imprisonment, is imposed," he said. He added that the risk factor of drinking alcohol while driving is the "number one danger" requiring increasingly stringent penalty measures. "Drivers can easily spend tens of millions of dong to pay fines if violated, but facing jail time, they will be deterred," Tuan said. Dr. Le Thu Huyen from the University of Transport believes that most countries consider driving under the influence as a crime, with severe cases potentially facing criminal charges even if no consequences have occurred. Drivers also have their violation records stored and face cumulative penalties for repeated offenses. Currently, the highest penalty for car drivers with blood alcohol levels exceeding 80 mg per 100 ml of blood or 0.4 mg/liter in breath is VND30-40 million, with a license suspension of 22-24 months. Huyen proposes differentiating these levels into 80-160 mg/100 ml and 160-240 mg/100 ml to impose heavier fines based on the degree of violations. If a driver's blood alcohol concentration exceeds 240 mg/100 ml, they could face imprisonment, she said. In November 2023, regulations punishing drunk drivers sparked debate in the National Assembly during discussions on the drafted Road Traffic Safety Law. Many delegates argued that the current absolute ban on blood alcohol levels for drivers is inappropriate and suggested establishing limits to determine fines. During the review of the draft law, the NAs Defense and Security Committee said some of its members suggested reconsidering the absolute ban on blood alcohol levels while driving as "too strict and not really in line with the culture, customs, and practices of a portion of the Vietnamese people." These members recommended referring to international experiences and setting appropriate blood alcohol levels for each type of vehicle, ensuring consistency with the Penal Code's regulations. The draft law is expected to be submitted to the NA for approval later this year. Stalls supply traditional Tet products like confectionary baskets, candied fruits, lanterns, and red calligraphy papers in Hong Kong Supermarket in Atlanta City, Georgia, U.S. Photo by VnExpress/Phuong Phuong Some 1,300 overseas Vietnamese in Germany gathered at an event to celebrate the Lunar New Year festival held by the Vietnamese Embassy on Jan. 28. The event also saw the participation of representatives from other embassies in the host country such as Laos, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, the U.S., China and Japan as well as from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Parliamentary Group in the German Parliament, the Ministry of Economy, the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, the German-Vietnamese Association, the mayors of Lichtenberg and Marzahn Hellersdorf, among others. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Vu Quang Minh affirmed that in 2023, Vietnam and Germany's strategic partnership reaped fruits in fields of economy, trade, politics, defense-security, education, and labor. Minh said the relations between the two sides have been expanded and deepened continuously, particularly after the historic visit to Vietnam of German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz in November 2022 and another in early 2024 by German President Frank Walter-Steinmeier. Germany is home to more than 200,000 Vietnamese people. Mayors of Lichtenberg and Marzahn-Hellersdorf districts appreciated the role of the Vietnamese community in Germany, affirming that the community has significantly contributed to the districts' socio-economic development. On the same day, the Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland held a Tet programme in Bern, with the participation of hundreds of overseas Vietnamese and international friends in the country. Ambassador Phung The Long said at the event the overseas Vietnamese community is an inseparable part of the great national unity bloc, and is always of concern to the Vietnamese Party, State and people. The Vietnamese Embassy in Slovakia also organized a "Homeland Spring" program in Bratislava on Jan. 27 to bring the warm Tet atmosphere to the Vietnamese community in the European country. The Vietnamese community was recognized as the 14th ethnic minority group of Slovakia on Aug. 25, 2023. The Biden-Harris Administration highlighted strong U.S. support for democracy in Guatemala recently, sending a delegation led by USAID Administrator Samantha Power to the inauguration of President Bernardo Arevalo. The group met with President Arevalo and his new cabinet as well as leaders from civil society and indigenous representatives. USAID Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean Marcela Escobari was part of the delegation. She said the two countries agreed to work closely on shared strategic priorities: These priorities are very much aligned with ours. For many years, USAIDs work in Guatemala focused on bolstering job opportunities for young people, strengthening citizen security, improving health care for children, protecting natural resources, and expanding legal pathways for Guatemalans to be able to work legally in the United States; as well as a focus on bringing foreign direct investment to Guatemala, which I think will become even easier under this administration. So USAID will be deploying $133 million in these and other efforts, and we will be working hand in hand with this new government. The delegation also met with new Minister of Labor Miriam Roquel to discuss collaboration opportunities under the Root Causes Strategy: President Biden's Root Causes strategy allowed us to really double down on things that we knew were working, and our priorities were creating economic opportunity, improving security and strengthening governance. And we have had really impressive results in these areas just in the last three years. We have helped create more than 165,000 jobs. We've helped more than 100,000 farmers increase their agricultural production, helped bring over $700 million in new sales, and provided nearly 200,000 children under 10 with health and nutrition services. And we are continuing that work. During the visit, Administrator Power announced the new Feed the Future of Rural Financial Inclusion program and an initial investment of $6 million. The program will support access to financial tools for women, youth, indigenous and others to help grow their enterprises and invest in their rural communities. In terms of its connection to migration, it's clear for us that when there is opportunity at home, people don't feel that they need to look for it elsewhere and migrate, she said. People have come together for a more prosperous Guatemala that can really deliver for future generations. We're excited to be able to support it, said Assistant Administrator Escobari. By Heidi Matthews, York University, Canada; Faisal A. Bhabha, York University, Canada; and Mohammad Fadel, University of Toronto | (The Conversation) The International Court of Justice has issued a ground-breaking decision in South Africas genocide case against Israel, ordering Israel to comply with six provisional measures to safeguard the right of Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from genocidal violence. The courts order is binding on Israel and formalizes the international legal obligations of other countries that are parties to the UN Genocide Convention. Properly understood, the order should dramatically alter both the foreign and domestic policy decisions of Israels allies, including Canada and the United States. Israel and its allies cannot dismiss or minimize the importance of this decision. In granting interim relief, the court concluded that South Africas allegations of genocide are, at a minimum, legally and factually plausible. Other countries must act Crucially, the court expressly concluded, by an overwhelming majority, that Palestinians in Gaza face a real and imminent risk of genocide. This puts other countries on notice that they have an international legal duty to take steps to prevent genocide in Gaza in accordance with the courts order. As the court stated in a 2007 ruling when Bosnia accused Serbia of genocide, countries that are parties to the Genocide Convention have an obligation to prevent and a corresponding duty to act the instant that the state learns of, or should normally have learned of, the existence of a serious risk that genocide will be committed. Both Canada and the U.S. have construed the courts decision narrowly, suggesting it merely reiterates Israels right of self-defence and obligation to comply with international humanitarian law. This is a legally indefensible reading of the courts ruling. U.S. President Joe Bidens administration says it believes the courts decision is consistent with existing American policy on Israel and that it continues to view South Africas case as meritless. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly reiterated that Canadas support for the ICJ does not mean that we accept the premise of the case. Statements of political support by the U.S. and Canada that Israel is abiding by the laws of war contrary to the facts cannot shield Israel or its allies from their legal obligations under the Genocide Convention. Those obligations including to prevent genocide are created via treaty and are interpreted by courts, the highest of which is the International Court of Justice. Democracy Now! Video: Palestinians Charge Genocide in U.S. Court; Biden & Blinken Sued for Backing Israels War on Gaza The obligation to prevent genocide, combined with the courts finding of a serious risk of genocide, means that all parties to the Genocide Convention must refrain from taking steps that would actively frustrate the effective implementation of the courts order. Canada in violation of its obligations As South Africa stated, the ICJ has determined that Israels actions in Gaza are plausibly genocidal and has indicated provisional measures on that basis. Among other measures, the court directed Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of acts of genocide, to prevent and punish incitement to genocide and to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The court emphasized evidence from the World Health Organization indicating that 93 per cent of the population in Gaza is facing crisis levels of hunger and that maternal and newborn death rates are expected to increase due to the lack of access to medical care. But just hours after the courts ruling, the U.S. announced it was suspending funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The funding cuts came after Israeli allegations that 12 UNRWA employees had participated in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas against Israel. UNRWA has terminated the accused employees and launched an investigation. The U.S. is the biggest financial contributor to UNRWA. Several other key donor countries, including Canada, quickly followed suit. UNRWA is the largest aid provider in Gaza and a trusted lifeline to civilians in the territory. Even if the allegations are true, defunding the entire organization openly defies the courts order and amounts to collective punishment of the civilian population in Gaza. Disturbingly, moves to defund UNRWA appear to help implement Israeli government plans to undermine the organizations capacity to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Earlier this month, policy experts told the Knesset that UNRWA must be dismantled and thrown in the dustbin of history and that no country that is a friend of Israel should provide them any money. The ICJ found that the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is at serious risk of deteriorating further, plausibly inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the physical destruction of Palestinians in Gaza. Accordingly, any countrys action knowingly contributing to further deterioration would violate the obligation to prevent genocide and could amount to complicity in genocide. Canada must halt arms sales to Israel The courts provisional measures also impact Canadas compliance with its own laws on military exports. In 2022, Canada sent more than $21 million worth of military exports to Israel. The Export and Import Permits Act forbids arms permits to be issued if theres a substantial risk that the goods could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian or human rights law. Because the ICJ found a serious risk of genocide in Gaza, continuing to export arms to Israel would be illegal. It would also be flagrantly inconsistent with Canadas obligation to prevent genocide, and could expose Canada and Canadian officials to liability for participation in genocide. We must reject the politics of deliberate indifference to atrocity currently on display in the Canadian governments reactions to the ICJ ruling. Heidi Matthews, Assistant Professor of Law, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Canada; Faisal A. Bhabha, Associate Professor of Law, York University, Canada, and Mohammad Fadel, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The Israeli newspaper Arab 48 reports that on Sunday evening 12 Israeli cabinet members and 15 members of Parliament (the Knesset) attended a conference in Jerusalem on the recolonization of the Gaza Strip by Israeli squatter-settlers. They were greeted by shouts of Expel the Palestinians and settle the land in its length and breadth. The attendees and speakers clearly were not impressed by the International Court of Justices preliminary injunction against Israel last Friday demanding that it cease genocidal acts and policies. The conference was organized by squatter organizations to promote settlements on Palestinian land in Gaza after the end of the current war, which has killed over 26,000 people and damaged or destroyed most of Gazas buildings and dwellings. The conference was inaugurated by the chief of the Shomron regional council of settlements, Yossi Dagan. He said, The Oslo Accords are dead. We are returning to Gush Katif. In the period 1967-2005 Israeli squatters had established 17 settlements in south Gaza near Khan Younis and Rafah, called Gush Katif. The Israeli army brought the squatters out to Israel in 2005 because it could not protect them there. Dagan continued, The thousands who came here this evening, among them 12 cabinet ministers in the government (from the Likud and Religious Zionist Parties), and more than 15 members of the Knesset, came to commemorate an important event in the process of a comprehensive reform of the Israeli state. We struggled together, he said, for 16 years for the sake of rectifying the shame of the severing of the connection, of the displacement, and of the deportation of the settlements. He was referring to the 2005 withdrawal under right wing Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Sharon at that time also withdrew four settlements from the north of the Palestinian West Bank. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has rejected the notion of sending Israeli squatters back into Gaza after the war. Aljazeera English Video: Return to Gaza conference: Govt ministers say Israel should build in Gaza Attendees waved a placard with the slogan, Only transfer will bring peace. Transfer means the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians. The cabinet ministers and members of Parliament signed a statement with the title, Covenant to help and renew the settlements in the Gaza Strip and northern Samaria as a response to the Hamas attack of October 7, considering that this step will bring security to the occupying power. The plan broached at the conference involves setting up settlement nucleii in the Gaza Strip called yeshi a Hebrew acronym for The United Tribes of Israel. One nucleus would be set up on the outskirts of Beit Hanoun in the north of the Gaza Strip, in addition to another, Maoz, on the southern shore. A third would be established at Khan Younis. At Rafah in the south there would be a squatter settlement for Ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim). The organizers distributed orange ribbons to the attendees as a remembrance of the settlements of Gush Katif. Then the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, took the stage. He began his career in the Kahanaist terror group Kach. The attendees, on seeing him, began shouting transfer, transfer. He replied, They are right. They [the Palestinians] must be encouraged to leave voluntarily. At that point some members of the security forces began pulling down posters calling for the expulsion of the Palestinians. (Ben-Gvirs use of the term voluntary for the expulsion of the Palestinians was of course dishonest, and was intended to protect himself from the charge of racist incitement or even promotion of genocide, given that the International Court of Justice had just asked the Israeli attorney general to move against political figures advocating genocidal policies.) Ben-Gvir said, Withdrawal brings war. We need a return to our home, to control the land, to push toward a solution for encouraging emigration, and to enact of a law punishing terrorism with the death penalty. Others who participated in the conference included the Minister of Finance, Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi, Minister of Construction and Housing Yitzchak Goldknopf, the Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, and the former Minister of Social Equality, Amichai Chikli, who had recently tendered his resignation. Also attending was the Jewish Power Minister for Negev and Galilee, Yitzhak Wasserlauf, along with several other cabinent ministers. They hailed from the far right, secular Likud Party as well as from Religious Zionism and some other small parties. Bezalel Smotrich said, The Israeli people stands at an important and fateful crossroads. We have to decide, will we run away from terrorism once more and allow a node of killing to grow once more behind a fence? Or will we learn the lesson by settling across the length and breadth of our country, dominating it, and combating terrorism, and, with the help of God, bringing security to the entire land of Israel? He recalled being beaten up in the eighth grade for opposing the stupid and scandalous Oslo Peace Accords of 1993 and paying the cost in his personal freedom for protesting the dismantlement of Gush Katif in 2005. Tourism Minister Katz said that he was the son of Holocaust survivors who chose to come to Israel and build the land rather than going to Canada. He said he was part of a rebel group resisting the dismantlement of the Gaza settlements in 2005. He said Israelis now, 18 years later, had an opportunity to undo that mistake. Goldknopf, the minister of Construction and Housing, blamed the withdrawal from Gaza and the end of the settlements for bloodshed against the Israelis. These Great Israel expansionists, who would have been shunned in Israeli politics only a few years ago, are now prominent members of the government. Their entire discourse ignores what the Israelis have done to the people of Gaza since 1967. Gaza was kept under an illegal economic siege, prevented from farming much of its land, prevented from fishing, with ten percent of the children stunted from malnutrition, and a 54% unemployment rate. 70% of the population were families expelled from southern Israel by Zionist gangs, who then moved into their houses and farmed their lands. 40% were still living in refugee camps. They were illegally prevented from ever returning home. The idea that these policies toward the Palestinians plus flooding in to steal more of their land and put Israeli squatter settlements on it the idea that all this would increase peace and security for Israelis is truly insane. We see Americas future and Africas future as joined, declared Secretary of State Antony Blinken on a recent visit to Angola. Our peoples are joined; our prosperity and success in the future is linked. African voices are shaping this century and leading on issues of global importance, including issues that matter to both of our peoples and their lives, from shared prosperity to dealing with climate change, to building greater food security, he said. The U.S.-Angola relationship is stronger, more consequential, and farther-reaching than at any point in the last 30 years, said Secretary Blinken: One of the most successful and dynamic demonstrations of this partnership between our countries and we can see it in action is our work to expand the critical Lobito Corridor that links Angola, Zambia, and the DRC. ... It will spur investment in underdeveloped sectors like telecommunications and agriculture. It will secure critical mineral supply chains that are essential to the economic futures of all of our countries, our industries, our workers, and our climate ambitions. And it will more effectively connect Angola and its neighbors to global markets. The United States has committed funding to refurbish the existing 1,300-kilometer Lobito Atlantic Rail Line. That rail investment is at the heart of the United States Partnership for Global Investment and Infrastructure work in Angola. The U.S. is also looking to invest in additional projects that will generate growth and prosperity in Angola, said Secretary Blinken: Were investing in a multi-billion-dollar solar energy project, which will provide clean electricity to half a million homes. ... Were helping construct steel bridges that will link communities across the country. Were supporting a project to connect people without traditional banking to mobile money applications. The United States is supporting long-term sustainable food production in Africa, for Africans and, ultimately, for the rest of the world. Secretary Blinken discussed Angolas continued efforts to de-escalate tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. We believe that the Luanda Process in tandem with the Nairobi Process is the best hope for enduring peace. Well continue to count on partners like Angola, said Secretary Blinken, to address democratic backsliding in the region and follow through on their commitments on civil society, free and fair elections, and other pillars of democracy in our countries. @saribashi | ( Human Rights Watch ) It has been almost four months since Israel began its strikes on Gaza, following the massacre of hundreds of civilians by Hamas-led gunmen in the countrys south. Roughly 80 percent of the Strips 2.2 million residents have been internally displaced, more than a million of whom are sheltering in Rafah, on the Egyptian border. Over 26,000 people have been killed, including at least 10,000 children, according to local authorities. Even as the hostilities continue, attention is turning to what to do when the fighting subsides. The US government has said that Gazas internally displaced residents should be allowed to return to their homes, a right safeguarded by international law. But many will not have homes to return to. The UN has reported that more than 60 percent of the Strips housing units have been damaged or destroyed. The electricity grid, water and sewage system, health system, mills, agricultural lands, and other civilian infrastructure have also been badly damaged. Most people in Gaza, moreover, are already refugees or descendants of refugees who fled or were expelled from territory that became part of the state of Israel. To which homes, then, do Palestinians in Gaza have a right to return? Aljazeera English Video: Overnight Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip kill dozens of Palestinians Im an Israeli American Jew, married to a Palestinian refugee from Gaza. Our family histories suggest an answer to that question. The first time the Israeli military drove my mother-in-law from her home, she was about five years old (she has no birth certificate). In 1948, as Israeli soldiers neared her village in what is now the southern coast of Israel, her family fled to Gaza, among more than 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled in the war that led to the creation of the state of Israel. (Palestinians call that mass displacement the Nakba, or catastrophe.) They lived in a tent in a refugee camp before moving into a small concrete house with an asbestos roof. In the camp she married a man from her village, which the Israeli authorities eventually demolished. They had five children together. The second time the Israeli military destroyed her house, she was a single mother in her thirties, raising the children on her own her husband had fled to Egypt during the 1967 Israeli conquest of the Gaza Strip. The occupying Israeli military demolished her home in the1970s, presumably to provide more space for military maneuvering through the overcrowded refugee camp. She and her children then lived with relatives. In the 1990s, after Israel turned over much of Gazas land management to the Palestinian Authority, she was allocated a place in the camp on which to build a family complex of three apartments, one for herself and one each for two sons and their families. She was eighty when the Israeli military forced her from her home a third time. This past October she fled to Rafah with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, after the Israeli military ordered northern Gazas one million inhabitants to flee south. Soon after they fled, my brother-in-law got a call from an Israeli military official warning him to evacuate the family home, which was going to be bombed in ten minutes. Im not leaving, he replied, even though he was already in Rafah. My brother-in-law has a resilient sense of humor. Since October, the rest of my mother-in-laws children and grandchildren have either witnessed their homes destroyed or received similar telephone warnings. We fear that she and they are among the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza who are newly homeless. Meanwhile, statements by Israeli officials telling residents of Gaza to leave the Strip raise the specter of forcible displacement, a war crime. They also feed into intergenerational trauma, for my mother-in-law and about 1.7 million refugees living in Gaza 77 percent of the population. For seventy-five years, the Israeli government has refused to allow them to return to the places they left behind one of the serious violations of international human rights law fueling the current escalation of hostilities. My mother-in-law has a right to choose where to return to the home she lost in October or to where she lost her home in 1948. If US policymakers want to hew closely to international human rights law, they should not only oppose forcible displacement from northern Gaza, as they have appropriately done, but also support the right of refugees to decide for themselves where to return and rebuild, including in areas that are now part of Israel. Thats because the right of return enshrined in UN General Assembly Resolution 194 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights persists even when sovereignty over a territory has changed hands, as long as refugees and their descendants, regardless of where they were born, have maintained enough links with the area that it would be considered their own country. That right cant be negotiated away. The other side of my family also has a collective experience of displacement. Five years after my mother-in-law lost her home in1948, my father lost his home in Baghdad, after the Iraqi government there made life all but impossible for Jews in the aftermath of the creation of the state of Israel. As a condition of letting him and his parents leave, the Iraqi government stripped him of citizenship. He found refuge in Israel, where he became a citizen. For my father and many other Israeli Jews, the prospect of Palestinian refugees returning to Israel ignites fears of losing both the safe haven that the country represents for them and the Jewish majority they want to maintain. Many Israeli Jews carry intergenerational memories of the Holocaust in Europe which was made still deadlier by the refusal of countries around the world to admit European Jews as refugees and of having to flee Arab countries after 1948. For many Jews, the October 7 war crimes against Israeli civilians exacerbated this trauma. Everyone has a right to a safe haven, and international human rights law gives the Israeli government broad latitude both to set immigration policies including promoting Jewish immigration and to take measures to protect its citizens and residents. But no safe haven, it stipulates, should come at the expense of violating Palestinians right to safety and other fundamental rights, including the right to return. What should be done? Absent radical changes in the policies of the Israeli and US governments, my mother-in-law is not going to be able to rebuild the home she lost as a child anytime soon. Ill be relieved if my in-laws are merely allowed to return to northern Gaza and receive support to rebuild a house there. If the Israeli government wont let Palestinian refugees in Gaza return to their original homes, it should at least not forcibly displace them from the refugee camps where they built new lives. But if we want to put an end not just to the current violence but also to the cycle of repression engulfing Israel-Palestine, we should adopt a consistent, rights-based approach however uncomfortable or frightening some might find it which addresses that violences root causes. That includes respecting Palestinian refugees right to ret Via Human Rights Watch Vancouver, BC / TheNewswire / January 30, 2023 / Global Energy Metals Corporation TSXV:GEMC | OTCQB:GBLEF | FSE:5GE1 (Global Energy Metals, the Company and/or GEMC), a multi-jurisdictional, multi-commodity critical mineral exploration and development company focused on growth-oriented metal projects supporting the global transition to clean energy, is pleased to announce, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, that it has entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent (the Agreement) with the wholly owned subsidiary of Fulcrum Metals Plc, (Fulcrum) a company with shares that are quoted on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. Pursuant to the Agreement, Global Energy Metals will acquire an immediate 0.5% royalty on net smelter returns (the NSR) in Fulcrums Charlot-Neely, Fontaine Lake, Snowbird and South Pendleton uranium projects (collectively the Projects) located in Saskatchewan, Canada. GEMC will also be granted an option to acquire a 19.9% interest in the Projects as more particularly described below. Some of the Projects are owned 100% by Fulcrum (the Owned Projects), and others are optioned by Fulcrum (the Optioned Projects), which has obtained the consent of the optionor to the assignment of the option to GEMC. Highlights: Located in proximity to the rim of the Athabasca Basin (Basin), Saskatchewan, a premium mining district and leading global source of high-grade uranium. High grade uranium samples of up to 6.22% at Charlot-Neely and up to 1.44% at Fontaine-Lake along with anomalous rare earth samples. Historical work at the projects has demonstrated evidence of uranium mineralization along favourable structural trends. Future exploration requires the undertaking of a modern systematic geologic evaluation to determine the resource potential. The Projects include mineral claims totaling over 59,000 hectares located along the margin of the Athabasca Basin. The Projects have potential for high-grade basement-hosted uranium deposits in a geological setting similar to other major discoveries on the Basin margin. This potential has been confirmed through initial exploration and evaluation by Fulcrum in 2023. A significant number of high-grade uranium showings occur within the Projects in addition to historical small-scale uranium mining. Mitchell Smith, CEO & Director comments: In a world transitioning towards cleaner and greener energy solutions, one element takes center stage: uranium. This is a right time, right jurisdiction, right commodity scenario that aligns Global Energy Metals with uraniums pivotal role in the global energy landscape. Taking a non-operating interest option and royalty on a highly prospective portfolio of Canadian uranium assets fits well with Global Energy Metals ongoing strategy of providing our investors investment exposure to new energy metals critical to an electrified future. Working with Fulcrum, Global Energy will further evaluate options for the projects including the securing of a strategic operational partner to apply their technical and jurisdictional expertise to advance these North American uranium projects at a such a critical time in the nuclear power sector. We look forward to this collaboration with Fulcrum and are encouraged by the addition of a new commodity to Global Energys existing project, equity and royalty portfolio. Ryan Mee, CEO and Director of Fulcrum Metals also commented: The option of Fulcrums uranium portfolio by Global Energy provides positive leverage to all shareholders. Through the monetization of these uranium assets it provides immediate exposure to GEMCs very active and exciting battery mineral, equity and royalty portfolio. We are keen to work with GEMC to further delineate value for these projects at a time when demand for the commodity has been picking up globally as countries focus on transitioning to cleaner sources of energy. KEY TERMS OF ACQUISITION On closing of the transaction, Global will acquire the NSR and a two year option (the Option) to acquire 19.9% of the Owned Projects and a 19.9% interest in the option agreement pertaining to the Optioned Projects (the Option Agreement). In consideration for the NSR and the two year option, GEMC will issue, subject to Exchange approval, five million shares at a deemed price of CAD $0.06 per share to Fulcrum. In order to exercise the option, GEMC will pay to Fulcrum $1M as a combination of cash and shares, as agreed to by both parties at that time, at a minimum deemed issue price (the Floor Price) equal to not less than the Discounted Market Price (as defined in policies of the Exchange) at the time a definitive agreement is announced by way of news release. If the Option remains unexercised on the one-year anniversary of entering into a definitive agreement, Fulcrum is entitled to $50,000 in cash and $125,000 in shares in GEMC at a deemed price per share equal to the Floor Price. Fulcrum will remain as operator of the Projects and will maintain and keep the Projects in good standing. Should GEMC elect to exercise its option it will be provided a carried individual interest on each project on expenditures until a NI 43-101 compliant Resource estimate (or other equivalent report (a Report) is established. Upon completion of a Report, GEMC will be responsible pro-rata to keep the projects in good standing upon exercising the Option. Once GEMC exercises the Option, for each resource delineated in accordance with NI 43-101 on a Property, GEMC will issue to Fulcrum $100,000 in GEMC Shares at a price per share equal to the greater of: (a) the Floor Price; and (b) a 20% premium to Volume Weighted Average Price of GEMCs shares on the Exchange for a period of 5 days. Post Resource, on each project, GEMC can participate or be diluted down to 2% at which time its position will convert to another 0.5% NSR royalty. The transaction contemplated above is a Non-Arms Length transaction in accordance with applicable securities legislation, as Mitchell Smith is a director of both GEMC and Fulcrum. Mr. Smith has declared his conflict to the boards of both companies, and abstained from voting on the transaction. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. PROJECTS OVERVIEWS The project portfolio totals over 59k hectares targeting major structures along strike from historic Uranium mines and projects that have attracted significant investment. Discoveries such as the Arrow discovery (4.3m tonnes at 0.83% U308 https://www.nexgenenergy.ca/exploration/overview/) and Triple R discovery (2.7m tonnes at 1.94% U308 https://fissionuranium.com/projects/triple-r-deposit/project-overview/) have proved the concept of exploring along structure outside of the Athabasca basin. Charlot-Neely Totalling 16,372 hectares located in Northern region of the Athabasca Basin along the Black Bay Fault. Covers 20km of the major Black Bay fault structure which is associated within 10km of 14 historic Uranium mines of the established Beaverlodge District includes over 16km of historical EM conductors. Several historical uranium showings with grab samples up to 6.22% and trenching samples up to 0.15%. The Property contains vein-hosted uranium mineralisation characteristics of the Beaverlodge area with potential for unconformity-style mineralisation at depth - unconformity deposits are known to be larger and contain higher uranium grades. Extensive radioactivity throughout the property including new radioactive hotspots identified in 2023 located along and near structural lineaments is attributed to shear-hosted and vein-type uranium mineralisation. The presence of off-scale radiation (>65,535 counts per second cps), yellow, U-oxide-stained fractures with sub-one percent uranium, and strong hematite alteration is considered typical of structurally-controlled uranium mineralisation. Sampling in 2023 returned numerous anomalous uranium samples including over 5,510ppm U and scintillometer measurements of >65,535 cps at the historical Peacock showing. Sampling exhibits strong hematite alteration along fracture planes and contain alteration overprinting the original rock enriching the sample in finely disseminated uranium - visible yellow uranium oxides are present. The radioactive zone is spatially associated with a large quartz vein and paragneiss/altered pegmatite veining. Evidence of strong deformation, proximity to a major fault (Long Lake Fault), and strong alteration signatures make this a target location for hydrothermal, vein-type uranium mineralisation. Additional recommended work includes prospecting, EM and Magnetic geophysical surveys, geochemical surveys and geological mapping of key showings to advance the project to drill ready stage. Fontaine Lake Covers 5,987 hectares located in the Grease River area, northeast of Lake Athabasca. Several historical uranium sowings of up to 1.44% uranium along with rare earth samples of up to 4,732ppm TREE, 6,940ppm Nb and 1,170ppm Ta 2023 sampling returned scintillometer readings up to 53,000 cps and 7,130ppm U by laboratory assay. The Property contains known vein-hosted uranium mineralization in addition to anomalously radioactive granites (Alaskite-type) generally characteristic of low-grade high-tonnage deposits, comparable to the geological setting of the Rossing deposit in Namibia. Given the large volume of the radioactive granites on and near the property, these rocks are candidates to explain the strongly elevated uranium values observed in the regional lake sediment sample data. Further work recommendations include prospecting to follow up on unexplored radiometric highs to confirm sources of radioactivity which may be masked by radioactive granites; gridded outcrop sampling over strongly radioactive zones in the granite to determine the potential for Alaskite-type mineralization on the Property; and soil or radon geochemical surveys to help delineate prospective structures related to high grade, vein type mineralisation. Snowbird The project covers 32,836 hectares of the largely underexplored Cora Lake and Legs Lake Shear zones between major NE and SW Snowbird faults and the Black Lake Fault, Northern Saskatchewan. The Black Lake structure can be traced for at least 200km across the entire Athabasca Basin and is associated with the Centennial deposit. The project is on trend with the Historic Nisto Uranium Mine and notable projects Fir Island held by Forum Energy, Cree Bay held by F3 Uranium, projects held by Kobald Metals, the Black Lake project held by UEC and recent staking by Dennison Mines. Mining first occurred at the Nisto Uranium Mine in 1950-51. In 1959, Haymac Mines restarted mining and shipped 500 tons of high-graded ore to the Lorado Mill at Uranium City, SK. One shipment of 106 tons of ore graded 1.6% U3O8 (Source: Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index, Mineral Property #1621). Limited historic airborne surveys include Uranium airborne anomalies that have not been followed up on. Limited Lake sediment surveys identified a number of highly prospective REE targets and limited rock sampling identified the Bompas lake uranium occurrence suggesting a significantly wide zone of anomalous mineralisation for which the source of the anomalies had not been identified. South Pendleton The project covers 4,115 hectares of the Needles Fall shear Zone, south of the Athabasca basin Under-explored area that is sparsely mapped. Covers 20km of major faulting. Several airborne Uranium squared anomalies are within the property that are yet to be followed up on. Radioactive boulders of up to 7.17% U308 to the North. In an area that is seeing substantial investment and development. FULCRUM METALS PLC Fulcrum Metals PLC (LON: FMET) is an AIM quoted exploration company which finances and manages exploration projects focused on Canada, widely recognised as a top mining jurisdiction. Fulcrum currently holds a beneficial 100% interest in highly prospective gold and base metals projects in Ontario and uranium projects in Saskatchewan. Fulcrums strategy is to focus on discovery and commercialisation of its Projects through targeted exploration programmes. The primary focus is to make an economic discovery on the flagship Schreiber-Hemlo Properties and to establish the prospectivity of its wider Ontario and Saskatchewan portfolio with a view to securing potential joint venture and/or acquisition interest. The Schreiber Hemlo properties have a history of prospecting and localised extraction since the late 19th century. However, coherent property-level exploration programmes have been limited or absent, particularly in recent times. Fulcrum has an opportunity to carry out such a programme and this approach provides the best opportunity to fully explore the significant prospectivity of the properties. A recent structural study identified 42 priority exploration targets, of which 24 targets within the Big Bear property and 18 in the Jackfish property, with 14 in total (9 on Big Bear and 5 on Jackfish) being ranked as high priority for follow-up. The properties have the potential to host a large, structurally controlled, stratabound-style banded iron formation (BIF) gold prospect similar to the Musselwhite deposit (McNicoll et al., 2016), in addition to an Archean greenstone, orogenic-style lode gold prospect, extending past the bounds of known historical mineral occurrences. The Tully property, 458 hectares in area, is located 30 kilometres northeast of Timmins, Ontario and includes the Tully (Timmins North) deposit, which has been the focus of several drilling campaigns since its discovery in 1969. The Tully deposit is located 2 kilometres southwest of the Bradshaw Gold Project of Gowest Gold Ltd., currently in development. The property is accessed by an all-weather gravel road that extends 15 kilometres to the east off of highway 655. While highly prospective, Fulcrums mining assets are in the exploration phase, so Fulcrum stands to be able to add significantly to the inherent value through exploration success. Fulcrum will continually review opportunities with potential and with a view to increasing shareholder value. It is the Boards intention to deliver medium and long-term growth and to establish the Group as a significant exploration company. Qualified Person Mr. Paul Sarjeant, P. Geo., is the qualified person for this release as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He is a shareholder and Director of the Company. For Further Information: Global Energy Metals Corporation #1501-128 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC, V6B 1R8 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. t. + 1 (604) 688-4219 www.globalenergymetals.com Global Energy Metals Corporation (TSXV:GEMC | OTCQB:GBLEF | FSE:5GE1) Global Energy Metals Corp. offers investment exposure to the growing rechargeable battery and electric vehicle market by building a diversified global portfolio of exploration and growth-stage battery mineral assets. Global Energy Metals recognizes that the proliferation and growth of the electrified economy in the coming decades is underpinned by the availability of battery metals, including cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and other raw materials. To be part of the solution and respond to this electrification movement, Global Energy Metals has taken a consolidate, partner and invest approach and in doing so have assembled and are advancing a portfolio of strategically significant investments in battery metal resources. As demonstrated with the Companys current copper, nickel and cobalt projects in Canada, Australia, Norway and the United States, GEMC is investing-in, exploring and developing prospective, scaleable assets in established mining and processing jurisdictions in close proximity to end-use markets. Global Energy Metals is targeting projects with low logistics and processing risks, so that they can be fast tracked to enter the supply chain in this cycle. The Company is also collaborating with industry peers to strengthen its exposure to these critical commodities and the associated technologies required for a cleaner future. Securing exposure to these critical minerals powering the eMobility revolution is a generational investment opportunity. Global Energy Metals believes Now is the Time to be part of this electrification movement. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information: Certain information in this release may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws and necessarily involve risks associated with regulatory approvals and timelines. Although Global Energy Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. GEMCs operations could be significantly adversely affected by the effects of a widespread global outbreak of a contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of illness caused by COVID-19. It is not possible to accurately predict the impact COVID-19 will have on operations and the ability of others to meet their obligations, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of travel and quarantine restrictions imposed by governments of affected countries. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could further affect operations and the ability to finance its operations. For more information on Global Energy and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review the filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. We seek safe harbour. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Hannan Metals Limited ("Hannan" or the "Company") (TSXV:HAN)(OTC PINK:HANNF) is pleased to announce the completion and submission of its Declaracion de Impacto Ambiental ("DIA") or Environmental Impact Statementat its Valiente copper-gold porphyry project in Peru. The DIA is the primary environmental certification required to allow low impact mineral exploration programs, that includes drilling programs, to proceed in Peru. Highlights: The area for the DIA allows for 40 drill platforms and covers an area approximately 12 km long and 3 km wide (944.17 hectares and disturbance area of 1.74 hectares), at the Valiente project and covers the Ricardo Herrera, Vista Alegre and Sortilegio prospects (Figures 1 and 2); Hannan has discovered a new metallogenic province of Peru at the Valiente project, where Hannan is targeting Miocene age porphyry copper-gold in a back-arc setting in Central Eastern Peru. The DIA area represents a small proportion (4%) of Hannan's total landholding at Valiente. Michael Hudson, CEO, states "Coming on the back of our recent DIA approval at San Martin, the submission of our DIA is another major milestone for Hannan and fits with our strategy of obtaining staggered drill permits to see us drilling multiple targets in the back arc of Peru in our search for giant mineral systems. "Once the DIA is approved, our maiden drill program at Valiente will consist of up to 40 drill platforms to initially test the extensive porphyry copper-gold and epithermal gold mineral system for the first time. The permit will enable us to drill all three prospects outlined in more detail below, Ricardo Herrera, Vista Alegre and Sortilegio. We are thankful for all the detailed work of our employees and external experts and the support of the local communities during the public participation meetings, as well as the advice from various government agencies." Work for the DIA included professional archaeological investigations, community workshops and liaison activities to collect appropriate information necessary to make the submittal for approval to the DGAAM - General Directorate of Mining Environmental Affairs - of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Peru. The work program included: Environmental baseline monitoring for the project, conducted by third party experts; The Peruvian Ministry of Culture granted the CIRA (Certificate of non-existence of archaeological remains) which declares that the project does not impact archaeological sites; and Public participation meetings outlining Hannan's exploration plans were held in the hamlets of Pucayoc and Cunchiyacu, where the communities are on record as approving of the Company's proposed drill program. The DIA is the primary environmental certification required to allow low impact mineral exploration programs, that includes drilling programs, to proceed in Peru. Final DIA and other approvals are anticipated during Q3 2025. About the Valiente Project At the Valiente project, Hannan is targeting Miocene age porphyry copper-gold in a back-arc setting in Central Eastern Peru. Hannan considers the belt to be a potential new metallogenic province of Peru. Located far inboard of the conventional porphyry settings, the project shows regional similarities to deposits such as the large Bajo de Alumbrera copper-gold porphyry in Argentina. The Valiente Cu-Au project represents a small proportion (4%) of Hannan's total landholding at Valiente. In 1984 Ingemmet, the Peruvian Geological Survey, conducted mapping in the central part of the Central Cordillera in the Departments of Huanuco and Ucayali. The area was sporadically explored during the 1990's by Gitennes, Newcrest, BHP, WMC and others but records are sparse. At this time, access to the area was restricted because of unpredictable security conditions and poor infrastructure. From 2020 to 2021, Hannan launched a greenfields exploration program for porphyry and epithermal gold deposits in the high jungle areas of the Eastern Cordillera of Peru, which included regional database compilation, target generation, and field mapping. Hannan also conducted regional stream sediment sampling (fine clay fraction). The target generation permitted definition of prospective area, one of which was the Valiente block located along the eastern flank of the Central Cordillera, Department of Ucayali. The Belen Copper-Gold Porphyry Project The Belen prospect, 100% owned and explored by Hannan, is located 19 km east of the city of Tingo Maria, in central Peru. The deposit site is characterized by steep topography on the eastern flank of the Central Cordillera with elevations between 800 m and 2,000 m above sea level ("a.s.l."). The project was discovered in 2021 during an extensive greenfields exploration program initiated by Hannan. Peru has been a major copper and gold producer since precolonial times. Currently known gold deposits include orogenic gold, porphyry Cu-Au, porphyry Au, transitional porphyry-epithermal, epithermal, and placer gold. The Belen project may represent a transitional porphyry-epithermal style within the newly discovered Valiente metallogenic belt of the central eastern Andes. The Valiente project is located further east than most of the conventional Andean porphyry settings and shows regional similarities to deposits such as the large Bajo de Alumbrera copper-gold porphyry in Argentina. It is interpreted that Valiente was formed in a tectonically favourable area associated with an arc-oblique wrench fault system, that may have aided the ascent of oceanic arc-related magmas into the transfer zone so far inboard from the magmatic arc. A 5,176-line km airborne magnetic and radiometric survey has been completed and processed at the Valiente project. The survey covers the entire 94,500 ha of Hannan's 100%-owned mining concessions across the project area. Hannan's preliminary evaluation of the airborne data demonstrates at least 18 magnetic anomalies of significance across the project. Magnetic and radiometric data were recorded simultaneously during the survey. Both data sets are instrumental for targeting porphyry deposits due to the presence of magnetic minerals (such as magnetite) and potassic alteration (from minerals such as biotite and K-feldspar), often associated with the core of porphyry mineral systems. A strong correlation is observed with known mineralized areas and magnetic and potassic radiometric anomalies such as at the Belen prospect with two porphyry targets at Ricardo Herrera and Sortilegio and Valiente Norte, where four magnetic targets have been identified. The Belen Cu-Au target contains a linked porphyry copper-gold and epithermal gold mineral system which include a number of prospect areas described below in more detail. Ricardo Herrera Copper-Gold Porphyry Target A linked porphyry copper-gold and epithermal gold mineral system has been identified at Belen within an 8 km by 2 km trend. Recent detailed field work has identified a leached copper-gold porphyry with well-developed quartz veining at upper topographic levels and evidence for an enriched chalcocite blanket sampled over 1 km within lower lying creeks at the Ricardo Herrera Copper-Gold Porphyry Target. This coincides with a highly anomalous Cu-Au-Mo soil anomaly over a 1,600 m by 800 m area above a mapped and radiometrically dated Miocene-age porphyry intrusion. The Ricardo Herrera porphyry stock was intruded in several stages, broadly termed early, intermineral, and late, all interpreted within a relatively short time interval. The early stages are hornblende feldspar porphyries of andesitic composition, whereas the late stages consist of unaltered feldspar porphyries of andesitic composition. The intrusions caused contact metamorphism and hydrothermal alteration that partially obliterated the original texture and composition of the sedimentary country rocks. Two early porphyries are identified. The first being an intermediate argillic (chlorite from secondary biotite-white micas) with relicts of potassic alteration (secondary biotite-magnetite) with "EB" type veinlets (early biotite), M-type (magnetite) veinlets and few A-type veinlets (quartz). The second early porphyry intrusion is characterized by A-type veinlets, jarosite-goethite iron oxide veinlets with phyllic alteration (quartz-white sericite), argillic alteration (kaolinite). The intermineral stock is dominated by supergene argillic alteration and propylitic alteration (chlorite, epidote). In porphyry copper systems, the area with the highest copper grade often corresponds to the early porphyries. The focus of the detailed geological mapping has therefore been to identify this area and to sample it with systematic rock sampling. At Ricardo Herrera the combined early hornblende feldspar porphyry is at least covering an area of 850 m x 250 m on the surface. But limited exposures, that are mostly constrained to creeks and rare outcrops, make it difficult to define the true area. Observed copper minerals include pyrite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, molybdenite, neotocite and chrysocolla mineralization. The intermineral hornblende feldspar porphyry contains supergene argillic alteration and minor neotocite. Moderate to pervasive secondary biotite alteration is common throughout the host rock. Strong chloritization and pyritization is observed replacing the secondary biotite. At this initial stage of exploration at the Ricardo Herrera porphyry target, the early porphyry occupies a surface area of 0.21 km2 which is comparable to the 22.37 Moz gold La Colosa deposit in Colombia where the early diorite porphyry occupies a surface area of 0.35 km2. Channel sampling at Ricardo Herrera has been focused on creeks where outcrop exposures are good. In many places access is a limiting factor of what can be sampled. Most channels have to date been taken from zones peripheral to what is interpreted to be the core of the system. The results are summarized in Table 1. Results from 34 individual channels include 5 m @ 0.11% Cu and 5 ppm Mo. This channel is open to either side and is from the strongly leached and weathered exposure of the early diorite porphyry. Fractures are rich in jarosite and goethite after pyrite and chalcopyrite. Importantly, the best and highest-grade results have been achieved from the leached early porphyry. The results are also low in manganese therefore interpreted to be representative of a leached porphyry system. Channel sampling continues. Results from 13.7 km Induced Polarization ("IP") geophysical survey at Ricardo Herrera prospect were released during the period. The survey identified two chargeable zones corresponding to two mapped porphyry units. Each represents a significant exploration target. The second target demonstrates the greatest potential with a chargeable zone over 800 m x 600 m and to at least 500 m depth which remains open. Vista Alegre Epithermal gold target Vista Alegre consists of a gold-bearing epithermal target identified by large gold mineralized boulders of quartz-pyrite and iron oxides. Strongly gold anomalous soil samples have been discovered 2.5 km NW of Ricardo Herrera. Infill sampling at 25 m x 25 m on the target has now been initiated. Previous work has also included: Systematic 100 m x 100 m soil sampling program. Two strong gold anomalous trends that extend for 1,800 m and 970 m respectively have been identified. Assays have been received to date from 376 samples covering an area of 2 km x 1.7 km. Values range from <0.001 ppm to 0.094 ppm, average 0.0056 g/t in soil. The gold anomaly correlates very well with several elements including arsenic. Soil anomalies are coincident with gold found in quartz-iron oxide boulders. To date 19 boulders >0.1 ppm Au have been sampled over a trend of 1.6 km that is parallel to the main gold anomaly. A total 43 rock samples from boulders average 0.48 g/t Au, 6 g/t Te and range from below detection limit to 2.69 g/t Au and Two gold mineralized outcrops have also been located 270 m apart. The mineralization is hosted by 5 - 30 cm wide quartz veins in an intrusive host rock with magnetite and iron oxides. The mineralization is correlated with high values of copper and molybdenum. The outcrops assayed: Grab sample: 1.17 g/t Au, 0.67 % Cu and 33.4 ppm Mo. Channel sample: 30 cm @ 3.21 g/t Ag, 0.57 % Cu and 22 ppm Mo Sortilegio The bedrock of the Sortilegio area is characterized by a multistage intrusive event with complex intercutting relationships. The event was dated (U-Pb) by Hannan in May 2023 to belong to the fertile Miocene epoch (21.8-21.2 Ma). The rocks are composed of diorite to monzonite intrusions, gabbro pyroxenite/lamprophyre and a late stage of megacryst k-feldpar rich monzonite. The intercutting relationships are mostly gradational, and the youngest rocks are the gabbro pyroxenite/lamprophyre and monzonite. The monzonite is mostly K-feldspar megacrystic with a pegmatitic texture. The youngest rocks mapped are thin porphyritic dykes and veins and they are inferred to be contemporary with the mineralization. The mineralization overprints all rocks in the area. It is characterized by a zoned stockwork of goethite-hematite veinlets with relicts of sulphides. The zoning is marked by the intensity of the veinlets/m and vein brecciation in the contact of the k-feldspar megacrystic monzonite. The goethite-hematite veins have formed after primary copper sulfides and represent a leached part of the system, with minor remnants of chalcopyrite-pyrite still present. Magmatic-hydrothermal breccias are often important hosts in alkalic systems. Detailed mapping at Sortilegio has demonstrated a leached alkalic porphyry style copper mineralization over an area of 1,800 m by 1,000 m area. Most notable is a stockwork of goethite veinlets overprinting all phaneritic rocks with six core zones with >20 veinlets/m. Lower intensity veining, marked by 10 to 20 veinlets/m envelope the core zone and form a halo to the higher-grade mineralization. High-grade copper-gold bearing massive goethite boulders with remnants of secondary biotite with one boulder assaying 16.0% Cu and 4.4 g/t Au are interpreted to be sourced from structurally controlled mineralization within these core zones. Strong indications are also emerging of a 4 km long skarn hosted gold-base metal target (the Belen Skarn zone) north and east of Sortilegio, expanding the footprint of the mineral system to cover 10 km. The soil anomalous trend is parallel to an Andean thrust fault and initial soil data suggest a strike >4 km. 190 soil samples have been analyzed with pXRF and 90 samples with fire assay from the area with results ranging from 6 ppm Zn to 2,031 ppm Zn and averaging 109 ppm Zn, 2 ppm Pb to 266 ppm Pb and averaging 18 ppm Pb and <0.001 g/t Au to 0.103 /t Au and averaging 0.008 g/t Au. Technical Background All samples were collected by Hannan geologists. Samples were transported to ALS in Lima via third party services using traceable parcels. At the laboratory, rock samples were prepared and analyzed by standard methods. The sample preparation involved crushing 70% to less than 2 mm, riffle split off 250g, pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were analyzed by method ME-MS61, a four-acid digest preformed on 0.25g of the sample to quantitatively dissolve most geological materials. Analysis is via ICP-MS. Channel samples are considered representative of the in-situ mineralization samples and sample widths quoted approximate the true width of mineralization, while grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property. Gold was analyzed by ALS in Lima using a standard sample preparation and 25g fire assay sample charge. About Hannan Metals Limited (TSXV:HAN)(OTC PINK:HANNF) Hannan Metals Limited is a natural resources and exploration company developing sustainable resources of metal needed to meet the transition to a low carbon economy. Over the last decade, the team behind Hannan has forged a long and successful record of discovering, financing, and advancing mineral projects in Europe and Peru. Hannan is a top ten in-country explorer by area in Peru. Mr. Michael Hudson FAusIMM, Hannan's Chairman and CEO, a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. On behalf of the Board, "Michael Hudson" Michael Hudson, Chairman & CEO Further Information www.hannanmetals.com 1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7 Mariana Bermudez, Corporate Secretary, +1 (604) 685 9316, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Forward Looking Statements Certain disclosure contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements may relate to this news release and other matters identified in the Company's public filings. In making the forward-looking statements the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; planned work programs; permitting; and community relations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp. (TSXV: KLDC) (OTC Pink: KLKLF) ("KLDC or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Phase 2 of its 10,000-m drill campaign at the Kirkland Lake Project has commenced on the Lucky Strike Property. The Company previously completed Phase 1 in September 2023 (see News Release). The 10,000-m drill program is divided into three phases: Phase 1 consisted of nine holes (2,991 m) drilled on the Goodfish-Kirana property Phase 2 has now commenced and the team will drill approximately 4,000 m at the Hurricane Intrusive Zone, KL East Phase 3 will follow up on Phase 1 and 2 drilling with approximately 3,000 m "We are excited to drill-test the Hurricane Intrusive Zone with this inaugural program at Lucky Strike," commented Non-Executive Chairman and Founder, Denis Laviolette. "We know that intrusive-related deposits do not happen in isolation and our close proximity to the Upper Beaver deposit, combined with the shared characteristics of the lithologies, alteration, mineralization and geophysics make these drill targets very attractive." The drill program will initially aim to test the Hurricane Intrusive Zone (Figure 1), which was the subject of prospecting, mapping, and airborne magnetics in 2023. The airborne magnetics program flown in Q2, defined a three-kilometre-long by seven-kilometre-wide anomaly which was further ground-truthed by Kirkland Lake Discoveries in Q3 2023 (Figure 2). Figure 1 Property map showing location of the Hurricane Intrusive Zone at the centre of the KL East Side Figure 2 Hurricane Intrusive Zone geological map with showings and 2023 grab sample assay results Ground-truthing identified silicified and intense epidote-altered intermediate intrusions cut by quartz stockwork veinlets and pyrite mineralization at the Whiskey Jack target. Whiskey Jack is situated on an ESE-WSE trending structure on the margin of a magnetic high, interpreted as the contact between mafic volcanics and a syenite intrusion, with a near-vertical structural reading, which may indicate a conduit for the hydrothermal fluids and mineralization in the area. Drilling will test the continuation of this alteration zone at depth. The Jensen target is proximal to the southeast margin along a magnetic high, within a localized, strong shear zone hosted within a mafic, syenite, and quartz vein sequence. Strong potassium feldspar, hematite and epidote alteration with pyrite and chalcopyrite mineralization characterize the Jensen target and bear the highest similarity to the rocks and mineralization found at Agnico Eagle Mines Limited's (Agnico) Upper Beaver deposit, which is six km to the southwest. Assays of grab samples from the 2023 field program returned up to 1.93 g/t Au with 0.73% Cu. Upper Beaver is a gold-copper deposit that is mainly hosted in the Upper Beaver alkalic intrusive complex and the surrounding basalts it intruded, and is associated with disseminated pyrite and chalcopyrite, and magnetite-sulphide veining associated with strong magmatic-hydrothermal alteration. The mineralization occurs as elongated tabular bodies that strike northeast, dip steeply northwest and plunge 65 degrees to the northeast. The mineralization has been defined along a 400-m strike length from surface to a depth of 1,800 m and it remains open at depth. Queenston Mining sold the 1.1-million-ounce (Moz) deposit to Osisko Mining Corp (Osisko) for CA$550 million in 2012. Osisko, in turn, was bought by Agnico in 2014 and Agnico has since expanded the resource at Upper Beaver. As at December 31, 2022, Upper Beaver had approximately 1.4 Moz of gold and 20,000 tonnes (t) of copper in underground probable mineral reserves (8.0 Mt grading 5.43 g/t gold and 0.25% copper); 403,000 oz of gold and 5,100 t of copper in underground indicated mineral resources (3.6 Mt grading 3.45 g/t Au and 0.14% copper); and 1.4 Moz Au of gold and 17,300 t of copper in underground inferred mineral resources (8.7 Mt grading 5.07 g/t Au and 0.20% copper). An updated mineral resource for the Upper Beaver Deposit was expected in late 2023 but has yet to be released.1 Daniele Spethmann, Founder, President and CEO comments, "We are thrilled to be testing this exciting new target. Since the acquisition of the Lucky Strike Property in May of last year, we've acquired additional data that has made the project even more attractive. The objective of our drilling is to enhance our geological understanding of this promising target within our recently consolidated district-scale property, and we look forward to the results." QP Statement Daniele Spethmann, P.Geo., Founder, President & CEO, and a Director of the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Ms. Spethmann has reviewed the technical information in this news release and approves the written disclosure contained herein. Potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource at the Company's properties to date, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in any such property being delineated as a mineral resource. About Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp. Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp. is a TSX Venture Exchange-listed company that has recently consolidated a district-scale and highly prospective land package in the Kirkland Lake Gold Camp in Ontario, Canada. The properties are hosted in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, one of the world's best-endowed greenstone belts, with 200+ Moz of gold produced to date.2 The properties are host to regional and property-scale mineralized structures that are considered second-order structures off the Larder Lake Cadillac Deformation Zone (LLCDZ), the regional structure in the belt known to be spatially associated with the gold mines hosted in the camp. The properties assembled include the Lucky Strike Property, Arnold property, KL Central, Goodfish-Kirana, and the optioned KL West properties. The KLDC land position comprises approximately 38,000 ha, over 1,338 claims, and 29 patented claims and ranks the Company as the largest landholder in the Kirkland Lake region. For additional information, please contact: Daniele Spethmann, P.Geo. Founder, President & CEO kirklandlakediscoveries.com +1 416 363 0317 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events, including without limitation, statements with respect to the prospective nature of the Company's properties, the timing and nature of proposed exploration programs and any potential similarities with neighbouring properties. Actual future results may differ materially. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. ________________________ 1 https://www.agnicoeagle.com/English/exploration/exploration-projects/Kirkland-Lake-project/default.aspx 2 Canada's Gold Exploration Frontier: The Abitibi Greenstone Belt - https://www.visualcapitalist.com/sp/canadas-gold-exploration-frontier-the-abitibi-greenstone-belt/ VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 30, 2024 /CNW/ - Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSXV: VZLA) (NYSE: VZLA) (Frankfurt: 0G3) ("Vizsla Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce Simon Cmrlec will be joining Vizsla Silver as Chief Operating Officer ("COO"). Mr. Cmrlec is a highly experienced senior engineer with over 30-years of industry experience who has been a director of Vizsla Silver since its formation and has most recently held the position of Chief Operating Officer of Ausenco, a global mining engineering and consulting firm. He has extensive experience in building mining projects around the world and across a number of different commodities and will be tasked with advancing Vizsla Silver's world-class Panuco silver-gold Project towards production, with the goal of becoming one of the world's largest single-asset silver producers. Mr. Cmrlec commences the role on April 1, 2024. "Simon has been involved with Vizsla Silver since its inception, preceding the acquisition of the Panuco-Copala District," commented Michael Konnert, President & CEO. "His guidance as a director has been invaluable in establishing the culture and direction of the Company. Now, we are honoured to welcome him as the incoming Chief Operating Officer as we embark on the next stage of development for the Panuco Project. We thank Martin for all of his contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavours." "I am delighted to work closely with Mike and our excellent Vizsla team as we de-risk and develop the world's next tier one silver asset," commented Simon Cmrlec. "Projects that are as well endowed as Panuco are rare and it's a privilege to be part of its future." Mr. Cmrlec began his career with Western Mining Corporation (WMC) at its Olympic Dam Mine in South Australia where he held several technical and operations roles. He was an Owners Representatives for the Olympic Dam Expansion Project (ODP) where he supported the design, construction and commissioning of the Smelter and Hydrometallurgical facilities. Following the completion of the ODP project Mr. Cmrlec joined Kvaerner and was involved in the construction and commissioning of various base metals, iron ore and gold projects in the US, South America, Middle East and South Africa. In 2001, he joined Inco on the Goro Nickel project in New Caledonia as the Project Manager responsible for the Refinery facility. Mr. Cmrlec held a number of roles on the Goro Nickel project including Senior Project Manager and Construction director in his eight years there. Mr. Cmrlec joined Ausenco in 2009 as the Manager, Project Delivery before assuming the role of President APAC/Africa. In 2015, Mr. Cmrlec moved to Canada and became Ausenco's President North America before transitioning to President Americas in 2017 and the Chief Operating Officer in 2019. Mr. Cmrlec graduated with a B.Eng (Hons) in Metallurgical Engineering from the Gartrell School of Mining, Metallurgy and Applied Geology at the University of South Australia in 1994. Mr. Cmrlec will replace Martin Dupuis, who is no longer with the Company. We want to thank Mr. Dupuis for his many contributions, which have helped advance the Panuco project through its maiden resource and two subsequent resource updates. About the Panuco Project The newly consolidated Panuco silver-gold project is an emerging high-grade discovery located in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, near the city of Mazatlan. The 7,189.5-hectare, past producing district benefits from over 86 kilometres of total vein extent, 35 kilometres of underground mines, roads, power, and permits. The district contains intermediate to low sulfidation epithermal silver and gold deposits related to siliceous volcanism and crustal extension in the Oligocene and Miocene. Host rocks are mainly continental volcanic rocks correlated to the Tarahumara Formation. On January 8, 2024, the Company announced an updated mineral resource estimate for Panuco (the "Updated Mineral Resource"). The Updated Mineral Resource includes an estimated in-situ indicated mineral resource of 155.8 Moz AgEq and an in-situ inferred resource of 169.6 Moz AgEq. An updated technical report is being prepared on the updated Mineral Resource Estimate in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and will be available on the Company's website and SEDAR within 45 days of the date of announcement of the Updated Mineral Resource. About Vizsla Silver Vizsla Silver is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, focused on advancing its flagship, 100%-owned Panuco silver-gold project located in Sinaloa, Mexico. To date, Vizsla Silver has completed over 350,000 metres of drilling at Panuco leading to the discovery of several new high-grade veins. For 2024, Vizsla Silver is focused on de-risking the resource base located in the western portion of the district ahead of a development decision. Additionally, Vizsla Silver has budgeted +65,000 metres of resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the Project's mineral resource, as well as test other high priority targets across the district. Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources The scientific and technical information in this news release was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 which differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The terms "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" used herein are in reference to the mining terms defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards (the "CIM Definition Standards"), which definitions have been adopted by NI 43-101. Accordingly, information contained herein providing descriptions of our mineral deposits in accordance with NI 43-101 may not be comparable to similar information made public by other U.S. companies subject to the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. You are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves. Pursuant to CIM Definition Standards, "inferred mineral resources" are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Such geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An inferred mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Canadian standards, including the CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101, differ significantly from standards in the SEC Industry Guide 7. Effective February 25, 2019, the SEC adopted new mining disclosure rules under subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SEC Modernization Rules"), with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The SEC Modernization Rules replace the historical property disclosure requirements included in SEC Industry Guide 7. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources". Information regarding mineral resources contained or referenced herein may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report according to U.S. standards. While the SEC Modernization Rules are purported to be "substantially similar" to the CIM Definition Standards, readers are cautioned that there are differences between the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definitions Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral resources that the Company may report as "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release includes certain "ForwardLooking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forwardlooking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forwardlooking statements or information. These forwardlooking statements or information relate to, among other things: the exploration, development, and production at Panuco, including plans for resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource. Forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of Vizsla, future growth potential for Vizsla and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of silver, gold, and other metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; Vizsla's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms. These statements reflect Vizsla's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information and Vizsla Silver has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in Mexico; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine; general economic facts; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in Vizsla Silver's management discussion and analysis and other public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information. Although Vizsla Silver has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Vizsla Silver does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. VANCOUVER, BC / THENEWSWIRE / January 30, 2024 Element 79 Gold Corp (CSE:ELEM) (OTC:ELMGF) (FSE:7YS) ("ELEM" or the "Company") announces that is has completed an LOI with Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. (BVN) that is a significant stride toward realizing reanimating and generating revenue from its flagship past-producing Lucero property, near Chachas, Arequipa, Peru. A Transformative Move, Element 79 Gold Corp has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. ("BVN") that paves the way for the sale of ore from the Lucero property. This marks a pivotal moment in the Company's journey and aligns directly with its cash-flow generation strategy for 2024. Unlocking Lucero's Potential CEO of Element 79 Gold, James C. Tworek, expressed his confidence in the opportunity the LOI realizes, stating, "This LOI represents a pivotal moment for ELEM Proof of Concept that this past-producing mine has valuable economic potential today - by aligning with a potential regional commercial partner, and spurring the path to restarting commercial production in the near term. Our team has a series of project milestones to achieve along the way to realizing this potential offtake, including completing a Definitive Agreement with BVN. We are confident our efforts will enrich our understanding of Lucero's property and help unlock more of the inherent value of ELEM's crown jewel." Key Terms of the LOI Under the terms of the LOI, Element 79 Gold and BVN have outlined several key points that promise exciting prospects for the Lucero property: Bulk Sampling Program: A Pilot Bulk Sampling Program is set to commence in mid-2024, aiming to extract a minimum quantity of ore over a 12-month period, to be shipped to BVN's Orcopampa mill for processing. Definitive Agreement: The parties are committed to negotiating a Definitive Agreement approximately 90 days before the Pilot Program's start. Quantity: ELEM will deliver an average of 200 tons per day of ore to BVN's Orcopampa facilities under the Pilot Program. Right of First Refusal: BVN has the exclusive right of first refusal to buy the ore produced by ELEM during the Pilot Program. Purchase Price: The purchase price per metric ton of ore will be determined per delivery, after sampling and testing by BVN, based on industry standards and the LME (London Metal Exchange) pm price of the day. Delivery Schedule: Specific delivery schedules will be mutually agreed upon in advance, ensuring smooth coordination with Orcopampa's operations. Quality Control: Rigorous quality control mechanisms will be established to meet agreed-upon specifications. Unlocking the Past for a Bright Future the expertise of ELEM's team, notably in mine planning and development, Andean geology, and mine operations in Peru, which played an important role in the current community relations and 2023 mapping and sampling plan, as well as will all play a crucial role in drilling for resource value and restarting production. Another component of the LOI is that BVN has granted ELEM access to valuable historical information from its archives, allowing ELEM to benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of the property, and therefore a greater potential for more effective and efficient mine planning. This knowledge will be instrumental in developing an efficient bulk tonnage extraction and toll processing plan. A Bright Future Beckons Element 79 Gold Corps management and Board believes it is in a remarkable position and opportunity, opening doors to revenue generation from the Lucero property. This strategic partnership has great potential, marking a significant milestone in the Company's pursuit of excellence in the mining industry along with the community of Chachas. Note: This Letter of Intent is not legally binding and is intended as a preliminary expression of the parties' intentions, subject to further negotiation and execution of formal additional Agreements. About Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A. Compania de Minas Buenaventura is a Peruvian precious metals producing company with experience in mine exploration, development, construction and operation activities. BVNs journey in 1953 with the acquisition of the Julcani mine, in Huancavelica. Since then they have developed a business culture that focuses on caring for the environment, the health and safety of all our collaborators, and respect for communities. BVN was the first Latin American mining company to list on the New York Stock Exchange, in 1996. For more information please visit: https://www.buenaventura.com/es/nosotros#perfil-corporativo About Element79 Gold Corp Element79 Gold is a mining company focused on gold and silver committed to maximizing shareholder value through responsible mining practices and sustainable development of its projects. Element79 Gold's focus is on developing its past-producing, high-grade gold and silver mine, the Lucero project located in Arequipa, Peru, with the intent to restart production in the near term. The Company also holds a portfolio of 5 properties along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada, with the Clover and West Whistler projects believed to have significant potential for near-term resource development. Three properties in the Battle Mountain Portfolio are under contract for sale to Valdo Minerals Ltd., with an anticipated closing date in the first half of 2024. The Company has also signed an Option Agreement to sell the Maverick Springs project, an advanced-stage exploratory property with an Inferred Resource of 3.71MMoz AuEq (1.37MMoz Au and 175MMoz Ag) and anticipates completing this sale on or before July 21, 2024. In British Columbia, Element79 Gold has executed a Letter of Intent and funded a drilling program to acquire a private company that holds the option to 100% interest of the Snowbird High-Grade Gold Project, which consists of 10 mineral claims located in Central British Columbia, approximately 20km west of Fort St. James. The Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Dale Property, 90 unpatented mining claims located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, and has recently announced that it has transferred this project to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp, and is advancing through the Plan of Arrangement spin-out process. The Companys 2023 review and Corporate Update can be reviewed HERE For more information about Element 79 Gold Corp. please visit www.element79.gold. Contact Information For corporate matters, please contact: James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer and Director E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For investor relations inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations Department Phone: +1.403.850.8050 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2024) - Moonbound Mining Ltd. (CSE: MML) (the "Company") announces that, further to its news releases dated December 15, 2023 and January 5, 2024, it has closed (the "Closing") the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of 1442160 B.C. Ltd. ("NumberCo") from the shareholders of NumberCo (each, a "NumberCo Shareholder") pursuant to a share exchange agreement (the "Share Exchange Agreement") dated January 3, 2024 (the "Acquisition"). Upon Closing, NumberCo became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. About NumberCo NumberCo is a private British Columbia corporation whose wholly-owned subsidiary, Norrabees Lithium (SA) Limited ("Norrabees"), a company incorporated under the company laws of the Republic of Mauritius, is party to a Sale of Shares Agreement (the "Sale of Shares Agreement") dated December 13, 2023 among Norrabees, Dune Resources Proprietary Limited ("Dune"), and SPH Kundalila Proprietary Limited ("SPH"), pursuant to which Norrabees has the right to acquire all of the issued and outstanding share of Dune from SPH (the "Dune Transaction"). In accordance with the Sale of Shares Agreement, the Dune Transaction is to be completed in three parts: part A to be comprised of the sale of 3,124 shares (each, a "Dune Share") in the capital of Dune, constituting approximately 40% of the total issued and outstanding Dune Shares; part B to be comprised of the sale of 3,124 Dune Shares, constituting approximately 40% of the total issued and outstanding Dune Shares; and part C to be comprised of the sale of 1,562 Dune Shares, constituting approximately 20% of the total issued and outstanding Dune Shares. Dune holds 65% of the issued and outstanding shares of Namli Exploration & Mining Proprietary Limited ("Namli"), a private limited liability company under the laws of the Republic of South Africa (the "RSA"), which company holds a mining permit (the "Mining Permit") bearing State Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ("DMRE") reference number NC30/5/3/10950MP, for the minerals lithium ore, nickel, manganese, lead, copper, iron, cobalt, gold, zinc, silver, tungsten, uranium, beryllium, rare earths and tantalum and a prospecting right (the "Prospecting Right"), bearing DMRE reference number: NC30/5/1/1/2/11823PR, for the minerals beryllium ore, copper ore, lead, lithium ore, nickel ore, rare earths, silver ore, tantalum/niobium ore, tungsten ore, uranium ore and zinc ore, both in respect of that portion of the remainder of Farm Steinkopf No. 22, situated in the Magisterial District of Namaqualand, RSA (the "Norrabees Lithium Project"). In connection with the Dune Transaction, Dune will increase its ownership of Namli from 65% to 100% such that it will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dune. About the Norrabees Lithium Project The Norrabees Lithium Project is located in the Namakwa District Municipality, Northern Cape, RSA, some 80km north of Springbok and directly south of the Orange River and the border with Namibia. Access to the licenced area is gained by following the N7 north from Springbok for 62km and then turning on to a spur road for approximately 21km to the mine site. The Prospecting Right covers the majority of the eastern portion of the Namaqualand Pegmatite belt, extending to a total area of 167,000ha. The Mining Permit covers a total area of 5ha, which has been demarcated to include the Norrabees 1 & 11 projects. Summary of the Acquisition Pursuant to the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding NumberCo Shares from the NumberCo Shareholders and as consideration issued 38,000,000 common shares (each, a "Consideration Share") in the capital of the Company, at a deemed price of $0.30 per Consideration Share, and 19,000,000 common share purchase warrants (each, a "Consideration Warrant") to the NumberCo Shareholders on a pro rata basis. Each Consideration Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Share") at an exercise price of $0.40 for a period of three years after the date of issuance of the Consideration Warrants. Pursuant to the terms of a finder's fee agreement, an arm's length finder (the "Finder") was issued an aggregate of 2,000,000 Shares (collectively, the "Finder's Shares") at a deemed price of $0.30 per Finder's Share in connection with the Transaction. The Finder's Shares are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and a day pursuant to relevant Canadian securities laws. The Company will file a Form 51-102F4 - Business Acquisition Report ("BAR") including the audited financial statements for NumberCo and file a National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects technical report on the Norrabees Lithium Project. The Consideration Shares will be subject to a CSE-imposed hold until the date that is 10 days following the filing of the BAR. Upon Closing, Ann Fehr resigned as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and President of the Company and James Lumley was appointed as the CEO and President in her place. There were no other changes to the existing management or board of directors of the Company. James Lumley James Lumley is an experienced professional in the mining and resource sectors, as well as property investment. Mr. Lumley has held various executive positions, including CEO, Business Unit Head, and Project Director. Mr. Lumley was previously the Business Unit Head of Guinea at TerraCom Resources (now TerraCom Limited (ASX: TER)), where he was responsible for managing and developing potential bauxite and iron ore projects. Previously, he served as CEO at Anglo-African Minerals plc., RAM Resources Pty., and NAMA Resources Limited, successfully securing millions of dollars in funding and managing government relations in multiple countries. Mr. Lumley holds an MBA in finance and business studies and has completed graduate banking and financing exams. He also has a history of building strong working relationships with government bodies, investors, and financial institutions, and has successfully negotiated several major deals and memoranda of understanding throughout the African continent. Private Placement The Company also announces that, further to its News Releases of December 19, 2023 and January 18, 2024, it has completed the first tranche of its private placement offering (the "Offering"), which included an aggregate of 7,000,000 subscription receipts (each, a "Subscription Receipt") at a price of $0.30 per Subscription Receipt for gross proceeds of $2,100,000 and an aggregate of 7,000,000 Shares at a price of $0.30 per Share for gross proceeds of $2,100,000. Each Subscription Receipt was converted into one common share of the Company, at no additional cost, upon completion of the Acquisition. The Company intends on completing a second tranche of the Offering. After the issuance of the Shares in the Acquisition and the Offering, the Company has 82,827,903 Shares issued and outstanding on an undiluted basis. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after closing of the Offering. None of the securities sold in connection with the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The aggregate gross proceeds from the Offering are expected to be used for the payment of costs related to the advancement of the Company's mineral projects, to pay for costs in connection with completion of the Acquisition, for working capital and to repay the loan announced in the press release dated January 16, 2024. About the Company Moonbound Mining Ltd. is a mineral exploration company which currently has two exploration projects and is seeking to acquire additional mineral exploration properties. The current projects include the Yak Property, located in northwestern British Columbia, Canada, and the Strathmore Property, which includes seven mining licenses located in Namibia, South Africa. For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). For more information please contact: James Lumley Chief Executive Officer (604) 908 1679 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future, including the statement that the Company will complete a second tranche of the Offering. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable and reflect expectations of future developments and other factors which management believes to be reasonable and relevant, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that investors will have sufficient interest in the Company such that the Company will complete the second tranche of the Offering. Other factors may also adversely affect the future results or performance of he Company, including general economic, market or business conditions, future prices of minerals, changes in the financial markets and in the demand for minerals, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting the mineral exploration industry, as well as the risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and in other filings made by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's SEDAR profile. The ongoing labour shortages, inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, the global financial climate and the conflicts in both Ukraine and Palestine and surrounding regions are some additional factors that are affecting current economic conditions and increasing economic uncertainty, which may impact the Company's operating performance, financial position, and future prospects. Collectively, the potential impacts of this economic environment pose risks that are currently indescribable and immeasurable. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly, are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forwardlooking information whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Onyx Gold Corp. (TSXV: ONYX) (OTCQX: ONXGF) ("Onyx" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed a purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with a Private Vendor pursuant to which Onyx will acquire the Lalonde Property (the "Property") located approximately 85 km east of Timmins, Ontario. The Lalonde Property acquisition expands the Munro-Croesus Property ("Munro-Croesus" or the "Project") to 9,235 ha, a 32% increase, adding substantial exploration potential across this relatively underexplored yet highly prospective section of the Timmins Gold Camp. Highlights of the Lalonde Property and the Agreement: Large (2,235 ha) land package contiguous and on strike to the Munro-Croesus project and directly north of Mayfair Gold's 3.5 Moz Au Fenn-Gib Deposit 1. +10 near-surface gold prospects and occurrences with gold values ranging from 1.03 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold ("Au") to 41.1 g/t Au, 57.8 g/t Au, and 2,500 g/t Au2. The C Zone, the most advanced prospect on the Property, returned spectacular coarse-grain gold in quartz veins from a blasted trench grading up to 2,500 g/t Au. This high-grade vein has characteristics similar to the nearby historic Croesus Mine, indicating the potential for more 'Croesus-like' veins on the Property. There has been limited work done on the Property since the 1980s, with the last work done in 2011. Excellent access to the Property with paved Highway 101 passing near the southern boundary. Acquisition cost of 400,000 shares and C$20,000 (approximately $93,000 under the 20 Day Volume Weighted Average Price). "Since 2019, a concerted effort has been made to unify the land package around the historic, high-grade Croesus mine. Over this time, Onyx's landholdings have increased 26-fold to 9,235 ha, underscoring the Company's commitment to maximizing its presence and potential in the Timmins Gold Camp," said Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO. "We see excellent potential for additional mineral discoveries in this area, which has seen little work due to highly fragmented ownership dating back to the early 1900s. We believe that taking a holistic exploration approach across this newly consolidated land package, including applying new geological thinking and modern exploration methods, has the potential to rapidly validate known gold occurrences while unlocking several exciting new exploration targets. In our view, the work on the Lalonde Property to date has only scratched the surface of the Property's potential. Our consolidation strategy has successfully built one of the largest land packages owned by a junior on this belt during the right time of the cycle that maximizes shareholder value. We are very excited about the prospects of both this new acquisition and our Timmins portfolio as a whole for the Company going forward." Details of the Lalonde Property The Lalonde Property, located approximately 85 km east of Timmins, Ontario, is a large (2,235 ha) contiguous land package with Onyx's current Munro-Croesus Property and fills in a major tract of prospective stratigraphy between existing claim blocks (Figure 2). The Property comprises 53 unpatented mining claims and five 21-year mining leases, of which the mining leases comprise most of the Lalonde land package. The Property has excellent access, with the paved Highway 101 passing the southern boundary of the Property and gravel secondary roads accessing the central portion. The Property has been explored since 1912 by trenching, shallow shaft sinking to 12 meters or less, ground geophysical surveys, geological mapping, and limited shallow diamond drilling. In 1994, prospector Doug Lalonde uncovered spectacular coarse-grain gold in quartz veins from a blasted trench grading up to 2,500 g/t Au (Plate 1). Sporadic exploration work has been completed on the Property since 1994, with the last exploration program completed in 2011. The Property has been idled since that time. The Lalonde Property lies 8 to 10 km north of the Porcupine-Destor Fault Zone. The Property geology is dominated by east-west-striking mafic and ultramafic volcanics that dip steeply to the north and are cut by northeast-striking cross-faults similar to mineralized structures on the existing Munro-Croesus property (Figure 3). The dominant structural feature on the Property is the east-west-striking Munro Fault, a regional scale splay from the Porcupine-Destor Fault Zone, which is host to the Jonpol deposit at Moneta Gold's Tower Gold property (formerly Garrison) located 18 km to the east-southeast. A total of ten (10) gold occurrences have been discovered on the Property to date. Mineralization across these gold occurrences appears to be of two types: either associated with strike-slip shear structures related to the Munro Fault or cross-fault dilatant structures. Below is a summary of the top five (5) gold occurrences. The C Zone is located at the southern portion of the Property. This zone contains the most significant mineralization on the Property and is described as quartz vein/stockwork within a 5- to 15-meter-wide zone of bleaching in a brittle deformation zone, cutting pillowed basalts to andesites. In 1994, prospector Doug Lalonde extended previously completed stripping to the northeast and uncovered a second vein structure that contained spectacular visible gold associated with arsenopyrite, grading up to 2,500 g/t Au. This high-grade vein has characteristics like the historic Croesus Mine, including vein orientation and mineralization style, indicating the potential for more 'Croesus-like' veins on the Property. The Adit Zone, also known as the J-Zone, is in the northwest corner of the Property. There are three old adits as well as a possible shaft of unknown age on this vein system. The Adit Zone is comprised of up to three sub-parallel quartz veins up to 3 meters wide exposed over 142 meters. Historic grab samples from the veins have graded as high as 57.8 g/t Au. The A Zone, located in the central portion of the Property, is defined by two shallow shafts or pits in a grey/green aphanitic volcanic with talc/ankerite alteration containing coarse needles of arsenopyrite and disseminated pyrite. Bruneau Mining (1986) obtained a grab sample value of 7.1 g/t Au and Doug Lalonde (1994) obtained an assay from a grab sample of 41.1 g/t Au. The F Zone, also located in the central portion of the Property, was first reported in 1935 by Young Munro Mines with a shaft sunk to 6.1 meters and, by 1952, deepened to 12.2 meters. The shaft tested carbonatized tholeiitic basalt flows cut by carbonate stringers and bluish-grey quartz. The F Zone is a dilatant shear-associated zone trending east-west with pyrite-arsenopyrite mineralization with discontinuous quartz breccias, veins, and pods. An assay value of 16.0 g/t Au was obtained in a grab sample. The G Zone, located in the northwest portion of the Property, is a showing that is trending northwest-southeast with gold values associated with two narrow subvertical arsenopyrite-rich quartz-carbonate veins. Drilling by Canamax (1986) returned a value of 6.26 g/t Au over 0.46 meters and a grab sample taken by Canamax graded 10.15 g/t Au. The G Zone is described as a narrow, steeply north plunging shoot that forms within quartz-calcite-tourmaline and quartz-axinite veining, enriched in arsenopyrite and gold. Figure 1 - Map of Timmins Properties and Gold Endowment Figure 2 - Munro-Croesus Property Top Gold Targets Figure 3 - Munro-Croesus Property Geology and Lalonde Acquisition Plate 1 - Coarse Gold in Blasted Vein Samples from C Zone (2,500 g/t Au) About the Munro-Croesus Project The Munro-Croesus Project is located along Highway 101 in the heart of the Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada's premier gold mining jurisdiction (Figure 1). This large, 100% owned land package includes the past-producing Croesus Gold Mine, which yielded some of the highest-grade gold ever mined in Ontario. Extensive land consolidation from 2020-2023 has unified the patchwork of patented and unpatented mining claims surrounding the Croesus Gold Mine into one coherent package (Figure 2) and enhanced the exploration potential of the Project. The Project covers 92 km2 of highly prospective geology within the influence of major gold-bearing structural breaks. Bulk-tonnage gold deposits located in the immediate region include the Fenn-Gib gold project being developed by Mayfair Gold Corp. that contains an Indicated Resource of 3.38 Moz at 0.93 g/t Au and an Inferred Resource of 157 koz at 0.85 g/t Au, and the Tower Gold Project being developed by Moneta Gold Inc. that contains an open pit Indicated Resource of 4.46 Moz at 0.92 g/t Au and an Inferred Resource of 8.29 Moz at 1.09 g/t Au1. About the Timmins Area Gold Properties Onyx owns 100% of its three Timmins properties, totaling 420 km2 in size. The Munro-Croesus Gold Project is located approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) east of Timmins, proximal to the Porcupine-Destor and Pipestone Faults, and approximately two kilometers (1.2 miles) northwest and along trend of Mayfair Gold Corp.'s multi-million ounce Fenn-Gib gold deposit. Mining occurred intermittently at Munro-Croesus between 1915 and 1936. The Golden Mile 140 square kilometer (54 square miles) property is located nine kilometers (5.6 miles) northeast of Newmont's multi-million-ounce Hoyle Pond deposit in Timmins. The Timmins South (Golden Perimeter) 187 square kilometers (72 square miles) property is located to the south and southeast of Timmins and surrounds the Shaw dome structure. About Onyx Gold Onyx Gold is an exploration company focused on well-established Canadian mining jurisdictions, with assets in Timmins, Ontario, and Yukon Territory. The Company's extensive portfolio of quality gold projects in the greater Timmins gold camp includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, renowned for its high-grade mineralization, plus two additional earlier-stage large exploration properties, Golden Mile and Timmins South. Onyx Gold also controls four properties in the Selwyn Basin area of Yukon Territory, which is currently gaining significance due to recent discoveries in the area. Onyx Gold's experienced board and senior management team are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration. Qualified Person and Quality Assurance Ian Cunningham-Dunlop, P.Eng., Executive Vice President for Onyx Gold Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. On Behalf of Onyx Gold Corp. "Brock Colterjohn" President & CEO For further information, please visit the Onyx Gold Corp. website at www.onyxgold.com or contact: Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO or Nicole Hoeller, VP of Corporate Communications Phone: 1-604-629-1165 or North American toll-free 1-855-629-1165 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Website: www.onyxgold.com Twitter : @OnyxGoldCorp Fenn-Gib Gold Project and Tower Gold Project mineral resources compiled from public sources and are provided for general information purposes. Readers are cautioned that the Company has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in adjacent properties and they are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties or any potential exploration thereof. The QP has been unable to verify any of the historical technical information in this release and this information is not necessarily indicative of additional mineralization occurring on the Property. Interested parties are referred to Brunswick Resources Inc. Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis Report for the year ended December 31, 2015 as well as the Ontario Ministry of Mines Assessment File Database and the Mineral Inventory Database. Forward-Looking information: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-Looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results including the new high-grade vein structure at the Munro Croesus property described above, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-Looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events, or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Toronto, Ontario and Nucla, Colorado, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. (CSE: WUC) (OTCQX: WSTRF) (Western or the Company) is excited to announce the elevation of Michael Rutter to the position of Chief Operating Officer and the addition of Bruce Norquist to the team as General Manager of Mining Operations. Michael Rutter, who joined the company as Vice President of Operations in 2016, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. During his 22 years in the mining business, Mr.Rutter has gained extensive experience in conventional uranium and vanadium mining and mineral processing. This includes roles as Maintenance and Operations Superintendent for Energy Fuel Inc.s production in Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Previously, Mr. Rutter oversaw maintenance, planning, and development for Lisbon Valley Mining, a copper miner. In 2023, he played a pivotal role in establishing Westerns in-house mining team, expanding its fleet of mining equipment and vehicles, and advancing the Maverick Minerals Processing Plant in Green River, Utah. His extensive history in mining, smelting, and refining, coupled with the years dedicated to advancing mining projects within the Company has prepared Michael to spearhead production expansion from Westerns mines and processing plant. Bruce Norquist, P.E., has joined the Company as the General Manager of Mining Operations, overseeing resource extraction and development across various projects. At the Sunday Mine Complex, he is tasked with implementing the mine plan and refining development and production plans. At the San Rafael Project, Mr. Norquist will lead the advancement of permitting, production of the mine plan, and management of start-up and operations. His experience in the mining industry spans over 38 years, with over 28 years in uranium mining and milling. He has had both on-site and corporate level engineering positions with Cotter Corporation and Energy Fuels Resources Corporation. He also has mining experience in other metal sectors including the lead, zinc, gold, and silver subsidiaries of Teck, Newmont, and Hecla. In many of these positions, he worked closely with the geology departments to optimize mining operations. Mr. Norquist, a registered Professional Engineer, holds B.Sc. degrees in Mining and Civil Engineering and a M.Sc. degree in Mining Engineering, from the Colorado School of Mines. George Glasier, President and CEO, stated "I have great confidence in the leadership of our mining team under Mike and Bruce. We witnessed significant progress during 2023, the strategic reinforcement of our mining team will further expedite mine development and operations. In response to favorable uranium market conditions, we have already doubled operational capacity at the Sunday Mine Complex for 2024, with our mining teams operating seven days a week. Fueled by the substantial increase in uranium prices and a positive mid-term supply outlook, we are strategically investing to accelerate and enhance uranium feedstock production for the Maverick Minerals Processing Plant.". About Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. is ramping-up high-grade uranium and vanadium production at its Sunday Mine Complex. In addition to the flagship property located in the prolific Uravan Mineral Belt, the production pipeline also includes conventional projects in Colorado and Utah. The Maverick Minerals Processing Plant is being licensed in Utah and will include the kinetic separation process. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, forward-looking statements). Statements of that nature include statements relating to, or that are dependent upon: the Companys expectations, estimates and projections regarding the Offering and exploration and production plans and results; the timing of planned activities; whether the Company can raise any additional funds required to implement its plans; whether regulatory or analogous requirements can be satisfied to permit planned activities; and more generally to the Companys business, and the economic and political environment applicable to its operations, assets and plans. All such forward-looking statements are subject to important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys ability to control or predict. Please refer to the Companys most recent Managements Discussion and Analysis, as well as its other filings at www.sec.gov and/or www.sedarplus.com, for a more detailed review of those risk factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the Companys forward-looking statements, and that these statements are made as of the date hereof. While the Company may do so, it does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements at any particular time, except as and to the extent required under applicable laws and regulations. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: George Glasier President and CEO 970-864-2125 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Robert Klein Chief Financial Officer 908-872-7686 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 30, 2024 /CNW/ - Silvercorp Metals Inc. ("Silvercorp" or the "Company") (TSX: SVM) (NYSE American: SVM) is pleased to report assay results from its ongoing diamond drilling program at the TLP mine within the Ying Mining District, China (Figure 1). Highlights (all intersections are in core lengths) High-grade intercepts of Ag mineralization in the Surface Zone (SF Zone): Surface hole ZKTDB0102 intersected 2,186 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver ("Ag"), 6.80% lead ("Pb"), 0.35% zinc ("Zn"), 0.11 g/t gold ("Au"), and 0.43% copper ("Cu") over a 2.29 metre ("m") interval of vein T1W2 at the 1,014 m elevation intersected 2,186 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver ("Ag"), 6.80% lead ("Pb"), 0.35% zinc ("Zn"), 0.11 g/t gold ("Au"), and 0.43% copper ("Cu") over a 2.29 metre ("m") interval of vein T1W2 at the elevation Surface hole ZKTDB0207 intersected 948 g/t Ag, and 0.47% Pb over a 0.55 m interval of vein T28E at the 1,104 m elevation; and 1,453 g/t Ag, 4.58% Pb, 1.69% Zn, and 0.53% Cu over a 0.66 m interval of vein T1 at the 1,097 m elevation intersected 948 g/t Ag, and 0.47% Pb over a interval of vein T28E at the elevation; and 1,453 g/t Ag, 4.58% Pb, 1.69% Zn, and 0.53% Cu over a interval of vein T1 at the elevation Underground h ole ZKT0839 intersected 1,646 g/t Ag, 2.92% Pb, 1.53% Zn, and 0.33% Cu over a 0.60 m interval of vein T14E at the 912 m elevation; and 1,045 g/t Au, 7.03% Pb, 0.58% Zn, 0.09 g/t Au, and 0.12% Cu over a 1.13m interval of vein T16E2 at the 897 m elevation, and intersected 1,646 g/t Ag, 2.92% Pb, 1.53% Zn, and 0.33% Cu over a interval of vein T14E at the elevation; and 1,045 g/t Au, 7.03% Pb, 0.58% Zn, 0.09 g/t Au, and 0.12% Cu over a interval of vein T16E2 at the elevation, and Underground hole ZKT1008 intersected 938 g/t Ag, 7.97% Pb, 0.62% Zn, 0.12 g/t Au, and 0.17% Cu over a 1.73 m interval of vein T14E at the 918 m elevation High-grade Ag intercepts at the Production Zone (P Zone): Underground hole ZKG1830 intersected 5,955 g/t Ag, 1.53% Pb, 0.98% Zn, 0.05 g/t Au, and 0.21% Cu over an 0.60 m interval of vein T22E2 at the 757 m elevation; and 1,737 g/t Ag, 12.60% Pb, 0.9% Zn, and 0.20 g/t Au over a 0.59 m interval of vein T16W at the 743 m elevation intersected 5,955 g/t Ag, 1.53% Pb, 0.98% Zn, 0.05 g/t Au, and 0.21% Cu over an interval of vein T22E2 at the elevation; and 1,737 g/t Ag, 12.60% Pb, 0.9% Zn, and 0.20 g/t Au over a interval of vein T16W at the elevation Underground hole ZKG0324 intersected 442 g/t Ag, 9.65% Pb, 0.13% Zn, 0.10 g/t Au, and 0.09% Cu over a 3.24 m interval of vein T15W at the 773 m elevation, and intersected 442 g/t Ag, 9.65% Pb, 0.13% Zn, 0.10 g/t Au, and 0.09% Cu over a interval of vein T15W at the elevation, and Underground hole ZKT1317 intersected 661 g/t Ag, 1.07% Pb, 0.68% Zn, 0.44 g/t Au, and 0.71% Cu over a 1.94 m interval of vein T1W1 at the 638 m elevation; and 1,004 g/t Ag, 2.43% Pb, 6.22% Zn, 0.70 g/t Au, and 0.20% Cu over a 0.52 m interval of vein T1 at the 631 m elevation From June 16 to December 31, 2023, a total of 23,742 m in 180 diamond drill holes, including 157 underground holes and 23 surface holes, were completed at the TLP mine. Assay results for 158 holes have been received, of which 101 holes intersected mineralized vein structures. Selected assay results are presented in Table 1 below. This drilling program has been focused on two target areas: 1) silver-lead vein structures in the resource area at higher elevations, close to surface (SF Zone), which have seen limited exploration; and 2) infill drilling in the production area (P Zone), particularly above or below previously-mined stopes, where production stopped due to higher than modelled variability in grades, thicknesses, and attitudes of the vein structures (Figure 2). 1) Drilling Near-Surface Ag-Pb Vein Structures within SF Zone In addition to the 23 surface drill holes, which account for over 12.8% of the drill holes in this program, many underground holes drilled also targeted the vein structures at higher elevations above 900 m elevation. High-grade Ag-Pb vein structures intersected include the T1 series, T2, T3, T14 series, T15 series, T16 series, T23 series, T26 series, and T28 series (Table 1). 2) Drilling Above or Beneath Previously-Mined Stopes within P Zone Most holes drilled during this period targeted blocks of known Ag-Pb vein structures that were previously missed due to limited drilling or tunneling, or changes in thickness, strikes and dips of the pay-zones in veins within the resource areas below the 900 m elevation. The high-grade intercepts are mainly associated with the northwest-dipping T1 series, T2 series, T3 series, T11 series, T15 series, T16 series, T23 series, and T31 series, and the east-dipping T14, T22 series, and T28 series. These intercepts are expected to significantly expand and upgrade resources. Since the ramps and access tunnels are already in place, these defined high-grade blocks could be quickly developed and mined. Table 1: Selected intercepts at the TLP mine in the reporting period Hole ID From (m) To (m) Elevation (m) interval (m) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Vein Zone ZKG0142 89.70 90.44 581 0.74 449 2.22 1.23 0.68 0.34 T15W P ZKG0207 121.60 122.10 585 0.50 78 2.33 0.24 0.09 0.23 T11E1 P ZKG0207 167.08 167.62 581 0.54 171 1.11 0.21 0.57 0.04 T11E2 P ZKG0320 46.08 47.73 775 1.65 198 2.05 0.46 0.05 0.04 T15W P ZKG0324 46.00 49.24 773 3.24 442 9.65 0.13 0.10 0.09 T15W P ZKG0324 77.12 78.09 754 0.97 127 0.93 0.11 0.05 0.01 T11 P ZKG0327 65.45 66.05 788 0.60 245 0.47 0.01 0.12 0.01 T11 P ZKG0815 183.80 184.33 722 0.53 68 4.93 0.22 0.01 0.01 T15W P ZKG0818 178.84 179.35 714 0.51 1,143 2.75 0.35 0.22 0.11 T15W1 P ZKG1611 25.89 27.16 748 1.27 387 1.07 0.28 0.05 0.18 T22E3 P ZKG1612 57.19 57.70 748 0.51 232 0.55 0.03 0.05 0.03 T16W1 P ZKG1613 123.64 124.19 743 0.55 477 0.70 0.22 0.05 0.04 T15W4 P ZKG1811 2.07 2.59 761 0.52 183 1.15 0.11 0.05 0.03 T22E P ZKG1812 1.82 3.50 762 1.68 525 1.34 0.25 0.05 0.05 T22E P ZKG1830 15.37 15.97 757 0.60 5,955 1.53 0.98 0.05 0.21 T22E2 P ZKG1830 68.16 69.25 747 1.09 80 2.70 0.24 0.05 0.02 T22E P ZKG1830 87.68 88.27 743 0.59 1,737 12.60 0.09 0.20 0.04 T16W P ZKG1833 137.76 138.79 738 1.03 634 1.10 0.19 0.01 0.06 T15W2 P ZKG1844 70.07 71.26 735 1.19 223 2.67 0.12 0.05 0.13 T22E P ZKG1844 86.14 86.70 729 0.56 1,089 2.30 1.57 0.05 0.09 T16W P ZKG2009 75.96 77.43 815 1.47 7 0.07 0.01 2.26 0.01 T16 P ZKG2011 87.34 87.85 728 0.51 648 0.45 0.93 0.03 0.02 T16W P ZKG2204 149.99 150.49 823 0.50 386 0.52 0.12 0.01 0.03 T16W P ZKG2206 156.66 157.38 787 0.72 77 1.80 0.17 0.05 0.03 T16W P ZKG2405 110.07 110.57 830 0.50 69 1.78 6.66 0.41 0.09 T17W2 P ZKT0109 23.30 23.83 890 0.53 376 9.76 0.05 0.01 0.01 T1W P ZKT0109 33.16 33.73 889 0.57 292 6.43 0.11 0.01 0.01 T1 P ZKT0109 121.00 121.69 882 0.69 296 1.77 0.27 0.01 0.01 T2W1 P ZKT0827 41.17 42.79 917 1.62 295 1.72 0.19 0.01 0.01 T11 P ZKT0840 12.83 13.78 917 0.95 107 0.78 0.14 0.05 0.01 T15 P ZKT0840 109.34 109.89 878 0.55 47 4.22 0.17 0.05 0.01 T11E4 P ZKT0843 5.78 6.42 920 0.64 245 0.42 0.12 0.05 0.01 T15W P ZKT0843 14.80 15.58 916 0.78 846 0.82 0.26 0.05 0.13 T15 P ZKT1007 105.96 107.63 910 1.67 440 4.02 0.93 0.05 0.13 T31W3 P ZKT1009 205.80 206.30 816 0.50 201 5.04 0.18 0.05 0.06 T1W2 P ZKT1010 73.02 73.52 888 0.50 22 10.14 0.10 0.05 0.01 T28 P ZKT1010 166.09 166.60 877 0.51 149 5.32 0.27 0.05 0.03 T1W2 P ZKT1166 115.99 116.59 640 0.60 85 1.48 0.31 0.35 0.24 T1W1 P ZKT1316 120.49 121.09 642 0.60 231 2.48 0.12 0.16 0.12 T1W1 P ZKT1317 84.92 85.50 643 0.58 222 0.03 0.01 0.05 0.01 T23 P ZKT1317 104.42 105.08 640 0.66 194 1.70 0.04 0.49 0.02 T1W2 P ZKT1317 114.72 116.66 638 1.94 661 1.07 0.68 0.44 0.71 T1W1 P ZKT1317 134.53 135.03 635 0.50 148 1.47 0.07 0.26 0.48 T1W4 P ZKT1317 164.10 164.62 631 0.52 1,004 2.43 6.22 0.70 0.20 T1 P ZKT1338 124.37 125.62 646 1.25 146 0.38 0.21 0.26 0.12 T1W2 P ZKT1338 134.58 135.09 645 0.51 383 1.19 1.48 0.63 0.20 T1W1 P ZKT1516 53.54 54.21 650 0.67 236 2.38 0.13 0.10 0.13 T33E1 P ZKT1516 147.10 150.04 639 2.94 108 0.67 0.27 0.42 0.33 T1W1 P ZKT1516 208.70 209.25 631 0.55 269 1.68 1.67 1.33 0.12 T2W P ZKT3311 37.49 38.60 743 1.11 84 1.14 0.12 0.13 0.04 T23 P ZKT3312 36.97 37.52 742 0.55 244 0.73 0.75 0.72 0.03 T23 P ZKT3312 88.34 89.12 733 0.78 29 3.96 0.06 0.05 0.13 T2 P ZKT3314 94.80 95.56 717 0.76 21 2.64 0.07 0.21 0.53 T2 P ZKT3314 116.39 117.19 709 0.80 20 6.62 0.09 0.05 0.49 T14 P ZKT3713 152.15 153.50 714 1.35 65 5.91 0.30 0.11 0.01 T33W P ZKT3912 0.00 1.05 799 1.05 188 0.09 0.57 0.05 0.01 T30 P ZKT3912 61.53 62.42 788 0.89 211 3.15 0.15 0.28 0.08 T31W P ZKT3921 44.37 44.89 789 0.52 116 1.65 0.10 0.05 0.01 T21 P ZKT4102 112.16 112.96 718 0.80 18 0.97 0.10 5.28 0.03 T2W P ZKT4110 54.67 55.49 787 0.82 234 0.62 0.29 0.05 0.04 T31 P ZKT4116 0.00 1.25 802 1.25 343 0.43 0.07 0.05 0.01 T23W P ZKT4116 3.16 3.85 801 0.69 231 1.97 0.04 0.05 0.01 T23 P ZKT4116 30.35 31.39 792 1.04 123 1.76 0.13 0.05 0.24 T2 P ZKT4116 32.38 33.36 791 0.98 26 2.60 0.58 0.05 0.00 T2E1 P ZKT4117 1.49 2.06 801 0.57 169 0.16 0.05 0.01 0.01 T23W P ZKT4117 6.18 6.71 800 0.53 138 0.36 0.06 0.01 0.01 T23 P ZKT4117 28.52 30.10 794 1.58 55 2.49 0.18 0.01 0.01 T2 P ZKT4117 53.17 56.04 788 2.87 81 1.81 0.17 0.01 0.01 T3E P ZKT4133 37.03 37.60 774 0.57 62 8.19 0.27 0.05 0.01 T31W3 P ZKT4133 51.61 52.22 772 0.61 113 4.44 0.16 0.05 0.01 T3E P ZKT4133 78.63 79.32 770 0.69 63 5.99 0.13 0.27 0.08 T31 P ZKT4310 47.13 47.81 768 0.68 83 5.27 0.07 0.05 0.41 T31W3 P ZKT4318 90.46 91.87 732 1.41 33 1.03 0.08 1.88 0.03 T23 P ZKT4319 3.01 4.83 800 1.82 191 0.55 0.04 0.05 0.02 T23W P ZKT4321 63.93 64.43 793 0.50 211 2.49 0.26 0.05 0.17 T2 P ZKT4325 43.71 47.07 795 3.36 153 3.35 0.65 0.30 0.01 T23 P ZKT4325 64.35 65.89 792 1.54 251 2.39 0.23 0.12 0.19 T2 P ZKT4326 53.18 54.15 809 0.97 137 0.28 0.04 0.01 0.01 T23 P ZKT4327 52.33 53.51 810 1.18 114 1.86 0.07 0.12 0.04 T23 P ZKT4327 80.31 80.95 815 0.64 127 0.43 0.09 0.01 0.04 T2 P ZKT4329 155.76 156.44 671 0.68 9 3.59 0.03 0.10 0.00 T20 P ZKT4511 151.66 153.13 706 1.47 30 13.92 0.04 2.20 0.01 T2 P ZKT4511 157.64 158.43 704 0.79 18 3.96 0.21 0.05 0.04 T2E1 P ZKT4511 160.65 161.70 704 1.05 21 6.00 0.42 0.12 0.08 T3 P ZKT4512 147.17 147.67 692 0.50 14 5.99 1.20 0.05 0.09 T2E1 P ZKT4512 150.80 152.14 690 1.34 17 3.48 0.04 0.05 0.02 T3 P ZKT0124 9.98 10.93 965 0.95 242 0.05 0.10 0.02 0.05 T22W1 SF ZKT0125 24.99 25.95 957 0.96 192 2.21 0.17 0.12 0.19 T22W SF ZKT0125 42.88 46.08 949 3.20 219 2.32 0.28 0.07 0.03 T26E SF ZKT0148 51.25 55.54 963 4.29 227 2.88 0.10 0.17 0.03 T1W1 SF ZKT0149 53.91 55.51 962 1.60 300 4.67 0.15 0.12 0.05 T1W1 SF ZKT0149 136.37 136.93 950 0.56 77 2.64 0.07 0.02 0.02 T23 SF ZKT0207 60.15 61.67 957 1.52 186 1.07 0.06 0.05 0.06 T1W2a1 SF ZKT0208 55.38 56.31 958 0.93 111 1.06 0.12 0.01 0.06 T26E SF ZKT0209 128.07 128.64 945 0.57 28 2.64 0.37 0.05 0.01 T28E1 SF ZKT0209 149.40 149.99 941 0.59 178 0.36 0.06 0.05 0.01 T28E2 SF ZKT0235 80.20 80.70 1,021 0.50 654 3.45 0.21 0.05 0.14 T2W2 SF ZKT0248 69.99 71.70 956 1.71 184 5.61 0.11 0.05 0.14 T26E SF ZKT0258 15.83 16.37 1,045 0.54 150 2.24 0.08 0.05 0.02 T1W2a SF ZKT0612 173.30 174.59 885 1.29 432 3.10 0.22 0.05 0.04 T16 SF ZKT0617 54.62 55.15 907 0.53 620 2.86 1.05 0.01 0.01 T16E2 SF ZKT0617 64.51 65.10 904 0.59 232 0.76 0.38 0.01 0.01 T16E3 SF ZKT0617 98.93 99.44 894 0.51 425 1.16 0.37 0.01 0.01 T16E1 SF ZKT0628 63.91 64.45 888 0.54 1,047 11.14 0.29 0.05 0.08 T11E4 SF ZKT0630 42.98 43.99 902 1.01 296 1.58 0.60 0.05 0.05 T31W3 SF ZKT0817 41.03 41.53 1,039 0.50 161 0.67 0.08 0.05 0.02 T3 SF ZKT0838 36.78 37.30 916 0.52 686 2.99 0.40 0.41 0.13 T15W1 SF ZKT0839 28.44 29.04 912 0.60 1,646 2.92 1.53 0.05 0.33 T14E SF ZKT0839 68.92 70.05 897 1.13 1,045 7.03 0.58 0.09 0.12 T16E2 SF ZKT1008 25.71 27.44 918 1.73 938 7.97 0.62 0.12 0.17 T14E SF ZKT1008 38.67 39.19 916 0.52 193 4.88 0.08 0.05 0.03 T15W1 SF ZKT1014 3.02 3.83 921 0.81 121 0.56 0.11 0.05 0.01 T15W SF ZKT1603 6.11 9.01 968 2.90 167 4.53 0.17 0.05 0.04 T2 SF ZKTDB0001 21.89 22.57 1,041 0.68 98 1.66 0.41 0.01 0.03 T23 SF ZKTDB0102 111.70 113.99 1,014 2.29 2,186 6.80 0.35 0.11 0.43 T1W2 SF ZKTDB0202 94.00 94.60 994 0.60 159 1.34 0.82 0.05 0.01 T1W2a SF ZKTDB0207 11.52 16.15 1,122 4.63 167 0.54 0.11 0.05 0.03 T1W2 SF ZKTDB0207 20.67 21.27 1,120 0.60 489 0.79 0.53 0.05 0.06 T26 SF ZKTDB0207 42.94 43.44 1,113 0.50 148 2.54 0.05 0.05 0.02 T1W1 SF ZKTDB0207 76.02 76.57 1,104 0.55 948 0.47 0.02 0.05 0.06 T28E SF ZKTDB0207 103.41 104.07 1,097 0.66 1,453 4.58 1.69 0.05 0.53 T1 SF ZKTDB0309 59.76 60.27 1,058 0.51 300 0.49 1.28 0.01 0.01 T23 SF ZKTDB0612 108.36 109.07 994 0.71 227 0.04 0.05 0.05 0.03 T16W SF ZKTDB0706 93.71 94.24 1,066 0.53 97 1.98 0.13 0.05 0.01 T14 SF ZKTDB1003 103.51 104.02 1,029 0.51 216 0.11 0.36 0.05 0.06 T16 SF ZKTDB1209 87.57 88.24 1,042 0.67 116 3.16 0.47 0.05 0.03 T16 SF ZKTDB1502 109.77 111.11 849 1.34 166 0.30 0.24 0.01 0.02 T16 SF Quality Control Drill cores are NQ size. Drill core samples, limited by apparent mineralization contacts or shear/alteration contacts, were split into halves by sawing. The half cores are stored in the Company's core shacks for future reference and checks, and the other half core samples are shipped in securely sealed bags to the Chengde Huakan 514 Geology and Minerals Test and Research Institute in Chengde, Hebei Province, China, 226 km northeast of Beijing, the Zhengzhou Nonferrous Exploration Institute Lab in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, and SGS in Tianjin, China. All three labs are ISO9000 certified analytical labs. For analysis, the sample is dried and crushed to minus 1mm and then split into a 200-300 g subsample which is further pulverized to minus 200 mesh. Two subsamples are prepared from the pulverized sample. One is digested with aqua regia for gold analysis with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and the other is digested by two-acid digestion for analysis of silver, lead, zinc and copper with AAS. Channel samples are collected along sample lines perpendicular to the mineralized vein structure in exploration tunnels. Spacing between sampling lines is typically 5 m along strike. Both the mineralized vein and the altered wall rocks are cut by continuous chisel chipping. Sample length ranges from 0.4 m to more than 1 m, depending on the width of the mineralized vein and the mineralization type. Channel samples are prepared and assayed with AAS at Silvercorp's mine laboratory (Ying Lab) located at the mill complex in Luoning County, Henan Province, China. The Ying lab is officially accredited by the Quality and Technology Monitoring Bureau of Henan Province and is qualified to provide analytical services. The channel samples are dried, crushed and pulverized. A 200 g sample of minus 160 mesh is prepared for assay. A duplicate sample of minus 1mm is made and kept in the laboratory archives. Gold is analysed by fire assay with AAS finish, while silver, lead, zinc and copper are assayed by two-acid digestion with AAS finish. A routine quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedure is adopted to monitor the analytical quality at each lab. Certified reference materials (CRMs), pulp duplicates and blanks are inserted into each batch of lab samples. QA/QC data at the lab are attached to the assay certificates for each batch of samples. The Company maintains its own comprehensive QA/QC program to ensure best practices in sample preparation and analysis of the exploration samples. Project geologists regularly insert CRM, field duplicates and blanks to each batch of 30 core samples to monitor the sample preparation and analysis procedures at the labs. The analytical quality of the labs is further evaluated with external checks by sending approximately 3-5% of the pulp samples to higher level labs to check for lab bias. Data from both the Company's and the labs' QA/QC programs are reviewed on a timely basis by project geologists. Guoliang Ma, P. Geo., Manager of Exploration and Resource of the Company, is the Qualified Person for Silvercorp under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and given consent to the technical information contained in this news release. About Silvercorp Silvercorp is a Canadian mining company producing silver, gold, lead, and zinc with a long history of profitability and growth potential. The Company's strategy is to create shareholder value by 1) focusing on generating free cashflow from long life mines; 2) organic growth through extensive drilling for discovery; 3) ongoing merger and acquisition efforts to unlock value; and 4) long term commitment to responsible mining and sound Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG") practices. For more information, please visit our website at www.silvercorpmetals.com. For further information Lon Shaver President Silvercorp Metals Inc. Phone: (604) 669-9397 Toll Free: 1 (888) 224-1881 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.silvercorpmetals.com CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER - FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain of the statements and information in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws. Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategies", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "budgets", "schedules", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the price of silver and other metals; the accuracy of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates at the Company's material properties; the sufficiency of the Company's capital to finance the Company's operations; estimates of the Company's revenues and capital expenditures; estimated production from the Company's mines in the Ying Mining District; timing of receipt of permits and regulatory approvals; availability of funds from production to finance the Company's operations; and access to and availability of funding for future construction, use of proceeds from any financing and development of the Company's properties. Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, social and economic impacts of COVID-19; risks relating to: fluctuating commodity prices; calculation of resources, reserves and mineralization and precious and base metal recovery; interpretations and assumptions of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; exploration and development programs; feasibility and engineering reports; permits and licenses; title to properties; property interests; joint venture partners; acquisition of commercially mineable mineral rights; financing; recent market events and conditions; economic factors affecting the Company; timing, estimated amount, capital and operating expenditures and economic returns of future production; integration of future acquisitions into the Company's existing operations; competition; operations and political conditions; regulatory environment in China and Canada; environmental risks; legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing global climate change or other environmental concerns; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; insurance; risks and hazards of mining operations; key personnel; conflicts of interest; dependence on management; internal control over financial reporting as per the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and bringing actions and enforcing judgments under U.S. securities laws. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended March 31, 2021 under the heading "Risk Factors". Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company's forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. CAUTIONARY NOTE TO US INVESTORS The disclosure in this news release and referred to herein was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 which differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The terms "proven mineral reserve", "probable mineral reserve" and "mineral reserves" used in this news release are in reference to the mining terms defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards (the "CIM Definition Standards"), which definitions have been adopted by NI 43-101. Accordingly, information contained in this news release providing descriptions of our mineral deposits in accordance with NI 43-101 may not be comparable to similar information made public by other U.S. companies subject to the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves. Pursuant to CIM Definition Standards, "Inferred mineral resources" are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Such geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An inferred mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Canadian standards, including the CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101, differ significantly from standards in the SEC Industry Guide 7. Effective February 25, 2019, the SEC adopted new mining disclosure rules under subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SEC Modernization Rules"), with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The SEC Modernization Rules replace the historical property disclosure requirements included in SEC Industry Guide 7. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "Measured Mineral Resources", "Indicated Mineral Resources" and "Inferred Mineral Resources". In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of "Proven Mineral Reserves" and "Probable Mineral Reserves" to be substantially similar to corresponding definitions under the CIM Definition Standards. During the period leading up to the compliance date of the SEC Modernization Rules, information regarding mineral resources or reserves contained or referenced in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report according to U.S. standards. While the SEC Modernization Rules are purported to be "substantially similar" to the CIM Definition Standards, readers are cautioned that there are differences between the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definitions Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that the Company may report as "proven mineral reserves", "probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the reserve or resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. On January 22, nearly 50 United Nations member countries, including the United States, and the European Union, signed a Joint Statement condemning Russias continuing aggression against Ukraine. The document also protested Russias hypocrisy of calling a meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the war in Ukraine, only to attempt to lay the blame at the feet of Ukraine and its supporters, while at the same time ruling out any peace plan endorsed by Ukraine or its allies. It is cynicism of the highest order to claim that legitimate and lawful support for Ukraines self-defense is prolonging Russias war of aggression, said United States Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs, Robert Wood. It bears repeating: there are hundreds of thousands of Russian troops in Ukraines internationally-recognized territory. There is not a single Ukrainian soldier on Russian soil. No amount of conspiracy theories and baseless accusations erase the fact that Russias violation of Ukraines territorial integrity started this war. It is President Putins single-minded pursuit of the obliteration of Ukraine and subjugation of its people that is prolonging it, he said. Russias imperialist designs are obvious, and this meeting is another effort to distract from its war crimes and aggression. It is an arsonist blaming the firefighters so it can continue its crime. As its invasion has faltered, Russia has sought more gasoline for its fire, said Ambassador Wood. Indeed, Russia has been augmenting its dwindling supply of war materiel by making deals for ballistic missiles and other weapons with the DPRK, or North Korea, and Iran. These unlawful arms transfers and potential technology transfers from Russia to the DPRK undermine regional stability and the global nonproliferation regime, said Ambassador Wood. This Council must hold to account any country that undermines its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions. In the meantime, Ukraine has led peace formula meetings, a clear sign of desire for a just and lasting peace. Contrast these efforts with Russia, which speaks of an openness to dialogue while launching massive aerial assaults against Ukrainian cities, said Ambassador Wood. While Ukraine has been engaging in diplomacy with the international community, Russia has responded by launching missiles, he said. Dont just listen to Russias words. Look at its actions. Russia must immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraines internationally recognized borders, cease its unlawful procurement of DPRK-origin materiel, and meet its responsibilities as a member of this Council and international community. Post-Tax NPV7% of US$356 Million and 17.4% IRR Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Lion Copper and Gold Corp. (TSXV: LEO) (OTCQB: LCGMF) ("Lion CG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the positive results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on its Yerington Copper Project ("Project") located in Lyon County, Nevada. The PEA envisions an open pit mining strategy followed by a heap leach operation, enhanced by the application of Rio Tinto's Nuton technologies to process primary sulfide copper materials. Given the multitude of advantages offered by Nuton compared to conventional sulfide processing, it serves as the Project's preferred and foundational approach, forming the cornerstone of this PEA. The PEA was completed with funding in accordance with the agreement between the Company and Nuton LLC ("Nuton"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto (see news release dated January 5, 2023). A technical report on the PEA, prepared in accordance with the requirements set forth by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K under U.S. rules, will be filed by the Company on SEDAR+ and on the SEC website within 45 days of this news release. All currency references in this news release and the PEA are in U.S. Dollars. Highlights: Post-tax NPV7% of $356 million and IRR of 17.4%, calculated at a copper price of $3.85/lb (Table 1) Utilization of cutting-edge Nuton technologies for recovering cathode copper from primary sulfide materials, negating the need for concentrator, tailings impoundment and smelter operations 12-year open pit mine life encompassing operations at Yerington and MacArthur, with projected lifetime copper (Cu) production of 1.4 billion pounds, averaging 117 million pounds per year Initial capital expenditure ("CAPEX") of $413 million including all mine pre-production costs, with sustaining capital of $653 million Post-tax payback period of 5.0 years Average cash operating costs of $2.20/lb copper payable Cumulative cashflow of $1.00 billion post-tax and $1.24 billion pre-tax on base case assumptions Exceptionally low overall open pit strip ratio at 0.3:1.0 (waste:feed) Synergistic co-location of processing facilities within a single legacy-affected site, servicing both the Yerington Mine and the MacArthur Mine, effectively minimizing environmental impacts in the region Dewatering of the Yerington pit lake, involving the pumping of approximately 43,000 acre-feet of water at a cost of $50 million, which not only facilitates pit expansion but also unlocks water for alternative beneficial use in Mason Valley Travis Naugle, CEO and co-chairman of Lion CG, states, "We are very pleased with the results of this Preliminary Economic Assessment, which outlines a compelling path forward for advancing the integrated Yerington Copper Project. The projected economics showcase the tremendous value that can be unlocked by adopting an innovative and sustainable approach centered around Nuton technologies for primary sulfide processing. We are dedicated to advancing the Yerington Copper Project in a positive manner that prioritizes environmental stewardship, water conservation, and benefits for tribal and local communities. The minimal footprint of our optimized strategy, with its consolidated infrastructure sited within the brownfield Yerington area, exemplifies our commitment to sustainable development that benefits all stakeholders. This PEA marks an important milestone, and we look forward to advancing the Yerington Copper Project with Nuton in a manner aligned with our ethos of creating shared value." Project Overview The Yerington Copper Project PEA merges the Yerington and MacArthur projects into a cohesive, integrated mining operation. The development strategy begins with the reprocessing of legacy rock stockpiles and tailings at the Yerington Mine, followed by mining activities within the base of the legacy Yerington pit once the pit has been dewatered. To facilitate the processing of primary sulfide and oxide materials, these materials will be mined and transported to separate lined heap leach pads to be located at the legacy Yerington Mine. The leaching process will utilize sulfuric acid delivered via rail from a reputable regional supplier. The leaching process at the Yerington Mine benefits from the application of Nuton technologies, delivering copper recoveries from sulfide materials reaching 74%. This enhanced leaching method, powered by Nuton technologies, also beneficially eliminates the necessity for a concentrator, tailings impoundment and resource-intense smelter operations. The resulting copper-rich leach solutions, sourced from both the sulfide and oxide Heap Leach Facilities ("HLFs"), will be collected and routed to a single solvent extraction and electrowinning ("SX-EW") plant and culminating with the on-site production of LME Grade A cathode copper. In a subsequent phase of operations, the MacArthur Mine will complement the continued activity at the Yerington Mine, focusing on the extraction of oxide material. The oxide material from the MacArthur Mine will be transported by conveyor to the oxide HLF to be located at the legacy-affected Yerington Mine, utilizing the existing infrastructure set up during the initial Yerington phase. The Yerington Mine spans a legacy-affected site situated on a combination of private and public (unpatented) mining claims administered by the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM"), while the MacArthur Mine is exclusively on BLM lands. As such, the Project falls under federal jurisdiction, necessitating compliance with Mine Plan of Operations and Reclamation Plan Permit Application requirements, along with other supporting studies, all subject to analysis under the National Environmental Protection Act. Furthermore, prior to commencing mining activities, other State and local permits will also be required. A New Vision for the Yerington Copper Project We are unwavering in our dedication to the development of the Yerington Copper Project, a commitment deeply rooted in an awareness of the environmental, water conservation, and tribal and social context within which we operate. From the inception of this venture, our guiding principle has been to minimize our footprint while maximizing the positive outcomes for the tribal and other communities living in proximity to the Yerington Copper Project. This ethos remains the bedrock of our core operating values. The strategic alliance with Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto Venture, as both a technology provider and earn-in partner is a testament to our Project's aspiration to serve as a catalyst for positive change in the Mason Valley. This collaboration strengthens our resolve to realize a sustainable and responsible future. Traditionally, the processing of primary sulfide copper resources has necessitated a resource-intensive route, involving concentrators, long-route transportation and smelter operations. This approach incurs substantial demands on water, land and power resources, often entailing intricate global supply chains and significant capital expenditure. In contrast, the heart of our Project lies in the utilization of Rio Tinto's innovative Nuton technologies - a proprietary catalytic bio-heap leaching innovation. Nuton technologies are being evaluated to enable the unlocking of primary sulfide copper resources in a more cost-efficient, environmentally friendly manner, and affording the unique opportunity to produce copper cathode on-site for domestic consumption. The technologies also eliminate the need for permitting, constructing and managing a tailing storage facility, thereby mitigating associated costs and risks. Beyond the environmental merits inherent in the adoption of Nuton technologies, we have undertaken comprehensive trade-off studies to enhance both the positive societal and environmental impacts of our endeavor. These studies underscore our commitment to prioritizing long-term value over short-term financial metrics. For a comprehensive understanding of our approach, please consult the complete PEA Technical Report. We are deeply committed to transparent and continual communication with all stakeholders who stand to be affected by the Yerington Copper Project. We pledge to share project updates as they evolve, ensuring that stakeholders can form informed and fact-based opinions about our initiatives. Stakeholder engagement remains a pivotal element as we progress with the Project, and our ultimate objective is to advance this important endeavor with the full involvement of the community and stakeholders alike, while keeping the end goal in sight. Financial Analysis The base case copper price of $3.85/lb Cu generates a post-tax net present value ("NPV") of $356 million at a discount rate of 7% and Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 17.4%. Capital payback after tax is 5.0 years. Before taxes, the Project NPV (7%) is $482 million with an IRR of 20.3% and payback of 4.7 years. Table 1: Yerington Copper Project Analysis Parameter Units Pre-Tax Post-Tax Copper Price $US/lb 3.85 Economic Indicators Net Present Value (7%) $US M 482 356 IRR % 20.3 17.4 Payback Period Years 4.7 5.0 Copper Revenue less Royalties $US M 5,297 5,297 Total Operating Cost $US M 2,987 2,987 Life of Mine Capital Cost $US M 1,067 1,067 Net Taxes $US M - 243 Net Cash Flow $US M 1,244 1,001 Cash Costs $US/lb payable 2.20 2.37 AISC $US/lb payable 2.96 Copper - Payable Mlb 1,402 Mine Life Years 12 Operating Costs $US M $/t Feed $/lb payable Open Pit Mining 1,254 2.79 0.90 Processing 1,501 3.55 1.15 G & A 67 0.30 0.10 Total 2,823 6.63 2.14 Capital Costs Initial Capital $US M 413 Sustaining Capital $US M 653 Total Capital $US M 1,066 $/lb payable 0.76 Production Summary Yerington Area MacArthur Area Total Heap Feed Mtons 246.1 204.2 450.4 Copper Grade % 0.24 0.18 0.21 Waste Mtons 78.2 58.6 136.8 Strip Ratio W:F 0.32 0.29 0.30 Copper Pounds (millions) In situ 1,298.8 831.5 2,130.3 Recovered 861.2 547.4 1,408.6 The Project generates cumulative cashflow of $1.00 billion on a post-tax basis and $1.24 billion pre-tax with the base copper price of $3.85/lb. Table 2 below shows the sensitivity of the base case Project economics to the copper price on a pre-tax and post-tax basis. Table 2: Yerington Copper Project - Sensitivity to Copper Price Copper Price $US/lb $3.08 $3.47 $3.85 $4.24 $4.62 $5.00 Variance -20% -10% Base 10% 20% 30% Pre-tax NPV @7% $M -$89.8 $201 $482 $771 $1,051 $1,332 IRR 3.7% 13.2% 20.3% 26.5% 31.8% 36.7% Post-tax NPV @7% $M -$129 $122 $356 $589 $812 $1,035 IRR 2.1% 11.0% 17.4% 22.9% 27.6% 32.0% The PEA is preliminary in nature, includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Capital and Operating Costs The capital and operating cost estimates for the Project are summarized below. Initial CAPEX is $413 million and Sustaining CAPEX over the life of the mine is an additional $653 million. All in Sustaining Cost ("AISC") is $2.87/lb Cu. Table 3: Yerington Copper Project Capital Cost Estimate Area Initial Capital (M$) Sustaining Capital (M$) Total Capital (M$) Open Pit Mining 74.5 93.7 168.2 Processing 72.7 184.3 257.0 Infrastructure 118.1 178.8 296.8 Dewatering 45.0 4.8 49.7 Environmental 7.0 42.5 49.5 Indirects 35.5 51.0 86.5 Contingency 60.8 98.1 158.8 Total 413.4 653.1 1,066.5 Table 4: Yerington Copper Project Operating Costs - Life of Mine Area Life of Mine ($/t moved) Life of Mine ($/t process feed) Life of Mine ($/lb copper payable) Open Pit Mining 2.14 2.79 0.90 Processing 3.55 1.15 G&A 0.30 0.10 Total Operating Cost 6.63 2.14 Mining The Mineral Resource for the Project includes the Yerington Deposit, W-3 Stockpile, Vat Leach Tailings ("VLT") and the MacArthur Deposit. The mine schedule for open pit mining totals 450 Mtons of heap leach feed grading 0.21% copper over a processing life of just over 12 years. The sulfide tonnage of 148.5 Mtons grading 0.29% TCu will be crushed and agglomerated before placement on the heap leach pad, while the remaining 301.9 Mtons at 0.18% TCu will be placed in a separate oxide HLF. Waste rock from open pit operations totals 136.8 Mtons and will be placed into waste storage facilities adjacent to the open pits. The overall open pit strip ratio is very low compared to other mining operations, at 0.3:1.0 (waste:feed). Metallurgy & Processing Extensive hydrometallurgical testing has examined both the Yerington and MacArthur materials. This valuation encompasses full-scale production data from Arimetco Inc's legacy heap leach operations and multiple iterations of laboratory testing focused on the MacArthur material. The PEA Technical Report provides a detailed account of these operations and testing outcomes. In early 2022, Nuton embarked on an analysis of the Yerington and MacArthur rock types. The initial emphasis was placed on assessing the MacArthur and Yerington legacy residuals, as well as fresh material, to ascertain the compatibility of Nuton technologies for copper recovery from primary copper sulfide minerals, including chalcopyrite. It has become evident that the technologies are well-suited for processing Yerington primary sulfide rock types, demonstrating recoveries that reach a projected copper recovery rate of over 74%. The metallurgical recovery estimates for the Project are provided in the table below, recognizing that these preliminary figures are subject to refinement as additional data becomes available. The Nuton test work remains ongoing and the quality is expected to improve, leveraging preliminary data and optimization of operational parameters. Further testing of Nuton technologies is slated to confirm metallurgical performance through replicate trials, with completion anticipated in 2024. Table 5: Yerington - MacArthur Recovery Projections by Processing Method Deposit Heap Material Type Pit Phase TCu Recovery Notes: MacArthur Oxide MacArthur 82% Sized to 6" minus Gallagher 54% Sized to 6" minus North Area 53% Sized to 6" minus Yerington Oxide Yerington 70% ROM W3 68% ROM VLT 75% ROM Sulfide-Nuton Yerington 74% Tertiary Crushed Agglomerated Conveyor Stacked: Nuton Process Two separate heap leach facilities will be utilized for the generation of copper solutions for the SX-EW facility. In one processing stream, the Nuton process will harness the leaching of sulfide feed extracted from the Yerington Mine, with the Nuton facility attaining a peak feed rate of 17 million short tons per annum (Mtpa) through the crushing and agglomeration system. Simultaneously, the other processing stream will employ conventional oxide copper leaching technology, encompassing a blend of run-of-mine ("ROM") material and appropriately-sized material. Oxide materials sourced from the Yerington pit, alongside those from the W-3 and VLT stockpiles, will be consolidated within a single heap leach pad, alongside the MacArthur Mine material. Meanwhile, the oxide material from the MacArthur Mine is designed to undergo sizing on-site before being conveyed, agglomerated and stacked at the oxide HLF to be located at the Yerington Mine. The MacArthur material sizing facility is designed to have a peak capacity of 25 Mtpa. Infrastructure The core infrastructure elements encompass HLFs designed for both sulfide and oxide material, Waste Rock Storage Facilities, an overland conveying system for transporting oxide feed from the MacArthur Mine to the oxide HLF at the Yerington Mine, SX-EW facility, ponds and a dedicated twelve-mile rail spur to the Yerington Mine. The placement of new infrastructure has been prioritized to be located within the legacy-affected Yerington Mine area to minimize the creation of fresh disturbance zones. An important component of the infrastructure strategy is the dewatering of the Yerington pit lake, required to enable the expansion of mining activities and unlock the valuable utility of water in Mason Valley. This pit lake, containing approximately 43,000 acre-feet of clean water, necessitates a highly-engineered pumping operation for its complete emptying. Over a two-year timeline and at a cost of over $50 million, the water may be made available to offset existing irrigation demands and recharge the groundwater aquifer in the Mason Valley. Notably, comprehensive water quality assessments spanning more than three decades have demonstrated a steady improvement in the Yerington pit lake's water quality, which presently aligns with or closely approaches drinking water standards, rendering it suitable for a multitude of beneficial applications. By way of scale, the volume of water planned to be provided from the pit dewatering and directed toward aquifer recharge surpasses the Yerington Copper Project's projected annual water consumption requirements by more than tenfold. During mining operations, maintenance dewatering is expected in order to maintain a dry pit, further serving mining and mineral processing needs. Mineral Resource Estimate The Mineral Resources for the Yerington Copper Project are composed of the Yerington Deposit, W-3 Stockpile, Vat Leach Tailings and the MacArthur Deposit. The Yerington Copper Project Mineral Resource estimate described below is classified according to the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (CIM, 2014). Yerington Deposit - The Mineral Resource estimate utilizes validated historic drill hole data generated by Anaconda Copper Mining Company ("Anaconda") and recent drilling results by the Company in 2011, 2017 and 2022. The updated Mineral Resources for the Yerington Deposit are: Measured Resources of 62.9 Mtons at 0.30% TCu; Indicated Resources of 94.7 Mtons at 0.27% TCu; and Inferred Resources of 113.2 Mtons at 0.22% TCu (Table 6). Table 6: 2023 Yerington Deposit Mineral Resource estimate Material Cutoff Grade (TCu%) Tons Grade (TCu%) Contained Copper (lbs) Measured Oxide 0.038 20,230,000 0.25 99,367,000 Measured Sulfide 0.126 42,671,000 0.32 274,578,000 Measured Total 62,901,000 0.30 373,945,000 Indicated Oxide 0.038 13,749,000 0.22 60,166,000 Indicated Sulfide 0.126 80,960,000 0.28 457,921,000 Indicated Total 94,709,000 0.27 518,087,000 Measured + Indicated Oxide 0.038 33,979,000 0.23 159,533,000 Measured + Indicated Sulfide 0.126 123,631,000 0.30 732,499,000 Measured + Indicated Total 157,610,000 0.28 892,032,000 Inferred Oxide 0.038 33,347,000 0.18 122,221,000 Inferred Sulfide 0.126 79,881,000 0.24 385,938,000 Inferred Total 113,229,000 0.22 508,159,000 Notes: Effective date for this Mineral Resource estimate is May 1, 2023. The 2023 Mineral Resource estimate uses a variable break-even economic cut-off grade of 0.038% TCu and 0.126% TCu based on assumptions of a net copper price of $4.08/lb (after processing, transportation and royalty charges), 70% recovery in oxide material, 75% recovery in sulfide material. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not demonstrate economic viability. Mineral Resource estimate reported from within resource pit shell. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resource estimate will be converted into Mineral Reserves. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates and totals may not add correctly. W-3 Stockpile - W-3 is a rock disposal stockpile that lies north-northwest of the current Yerington pit and was derived from subgrade copper oxide material mined during historical Anaconda mining operations. The Inferred W-3 Stockpile Mineral Resource is 14.1 million tons at 0.11% TCu (Table 7). Table 7: 2023 W-3 Stockpile Mineral Resource Statement Class Cutoff Grade (TCu%) Tons Grade (TCu%) Contained Copper ( lbs) Inferred Oxide >= 0.04 14,100,000 0.11 30,571,000 Notes: Effective date for this W-3 Stockpile Mineral Resource estimate is July 31, 2023. The 2023 Mineral Resource estimate uses a variable break-even economic cut-off grade of 0.040 % TCu based on assumptions of a net copper price of $4.08/lb (after processing, transportation, and royalty charges), and 70% recovery in oxide material. Mineral Resource are not Mineral Reserves and do not demonstrate economic viability. Mineral Resource estimate reported from within resource pit shell. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resource estimate will be converted into Mineral Reserves. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates and totals may not add correctly. Vat-Leached Tailings - Vat-Leached Tailings, in the form of oxide tailings, are the leached products of Anaconda's vat leach copper extraction. The oxide tailings, located north of the Process Areas, contain the crushed rock at the base of the leach vats that remained following the extraction of copper in the vat-leaching process. The Inferred VLT Mineral Resource is 33.2 million tons at 0.09% TCu (Table 8). Table 8: 2023 VLT Mineral Resource Statement Class Cutoff Grade (TCu%) Tons Grade (TCu%) Contained Copper (lbs) Inferred Oxide >= 0.04 33,160,000 0.09 62,622,000 Notes: Effective date for this VLT Mineral Resource estimate is July 31, 2023. The 2023 Mineral Resource estimate uses a variable break-even economic cut-off grade of 0.040 % TCu based on assumptions of a net copper price of $4.08/lb (after processing, transportation and royalty charges), and 70% recovery in oxide material. Mineral Resource are not Mineral Reserves and do not demonstrate economic viability. Mineral Resource estimate reported from within resource pit shell. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resource estimate will be converted into Mineral Reserves. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates and totals may not add correctly. MacArthur Deposit - The Mineral Resource estimate of the MacArthur Deposit encompasses three principal domains: Main MacArthur, Gallagher and North Ridge. An overview of Section 14 from the Technical Report, titled "MacArthur Copper Project, Mason Valley, Nevada, USA, Mineral Resource Estimate," is presented in the following tables. There have been no subsequent updates to the MacArthur Mineral Resource following the publication of the Technical Report on February 25, 2022. The Mineral Resource estimate for the MacArthur Deposit are: Measured Resources of 116.7 Mtons at 0.18% TCu; Indicated Resources of 183.7 Mtons at 0.158% TCu; and Inferred Resources of 156.5 Mtons at 0.151% TCu. Table 9: MacArthur Deposit - Summary of Mineral Resource Classification Ktons Grade (Total Cu%) Contained Copper Pounds x 1000 Measured 116,666 0.180 420,929 Indicated 183,665 0.158 579,479 Measured + Indicated 300,331 0.167 1,000,408 Inferred 156,450 0.151 471,714 Notes: The effective date of the MacArthur Mineral Resource estimate is February 25, 2022. Cutoff grade: 0.06% TCu for Leach Cap, Oxide & Transition Cutoff grade for Sulfide: 0.06% TCu for MacArthur & North Ridge, 0.08% TCu for Gallagher. Total resource shell tonnage = 628,831 ktons Table 10: Mineral Resource by Domain Domain Total Copper Cutoff, % MEASURED INDICATED MEASURED & INDICATED Ktons & Grade Above Cutoff Ktons & Grade Above Cutoff Ktons & Grade Above Cutoff Ktons TCu, % Contained Cu Pounds x 1000 Ktons TCu, % Contained Cu Pounds x 1000 Ktons TCu, % Contained Cu Pounds x 1000 MacArthur 0.06 82,983 0.184 305,303 77,171 0.151 233,446 160,154 0.168 538,749 North Ridge 0.06 25,149 0.176 88,507 78,305 0.166 259,558 103,454 0.168 348,065 Gallagher 0.06/0.08 8,534 0.159 27,119 28,189 0.153 86,475 36,723 0.155 113,594 Total 116,666 0.180 420,929 183,665 0.158 579,479 300,331 0.167 1,000,408 Domain Total Copper Cutoff, % INFERRED Ktons & Grade Above Cutoff Ktons TCu, % Contained Cu Pounds x 1000 MacArthur 0.06 30,815 0.158 97,490 North Ridge 0.06 62,593 0.154 192,187 Gallagher 0.06/0.08 63,042 0.144 182,037 Total 156,450 0.151 471,714 Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will be upgraded to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource as a result of continued exploration. Confidence in the estimate is insufficient to allow the meaningful application of technical and economic parameters or to enable an evaluation of economic viability worthy of public disclosure. Inferred Mineral Resources must be excluded from estimates forming the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. Qualified Persons The Qualified Persons (QPs), as that term is defined in NI 43-101, responsible for the preparation of the PEA Technical Report, include: Gordon Zurowski, P.Eng., Principal Mine Engineer (AGP Mining Consultants Inc.) Tim Maunula, P.Geo, Principal Resource Geologist (T. Maunula & Associates Consulting Inc.) - Yerington Mineral Resource estimate Herb Welhener, MMSA-QPM, Vice President (Independent Mining Consultants, Inc.) - MacArthur Mineral Resource estimate Adrien Butler, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer (NewFields) Jeff Woods, QP, Principal Process Engineer (Woods Process Services, LLC) The respective QPs have reviewed and accept the data handling protocols followed for the historical drill hole and assay data, along with the QA/QC analysis of drilling results by standards, blanks and duplicate assays, and the incorporation of this data into the Yerington and MacArthur Mineral Resource estimates presented in the Technical Report. The base case copper price assumption of $3.85/lb Cu was selected by the QPs based on a review of independent market analyst consensus pricing during the time the economic analysis was prepared. This pricing reflects the mid-range of expected real long-term copper pricing to provide a representative and reasonable base case scenario. Each QP has reviewed and verified the content of this news release. Non-IFRS Financial Measures The Company has included certain non-IFRS financial measures in this news release, such as Initial Capital Cost, Cash Operating Costs, Total Cash Cost, All-In Sustaining Cost, Expansion Capital, Capital Intensity, and Effective Cash Tax Rate which are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. As a result, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other corporations. Each of these measures used are intended to provide additional information to the user and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. Non-IFRS financial measures used in this news release and common to the copper mining industry are defined below. Total Cash Costs and Total Cash Costs per Pound - Total Cash Costs are reflective of the cost of production. Total Cash Costs reported in the PEA include mining costs, processing & water treatment costs, general and administrative costs of the mine, off-site costs, refining costs, transportation costs and royalties. Total Cash Costs per Pound is calculated as Total Cash Costs divided by payable copper pounds. Total Operating Costs and Total Operating Costs per Pound - Total Operating Costs are reflective of the cost of mine operations. Total Operating Costs reported in the PEA include mining costs, processing & water treatment costs, and general and administrative costs of the mine. Total Operating Cost per Pound is calculated as Total Operating Costs divided by payable copper pounds. All-in Sustaining Costs ("AISC") and AISC per Pound - AISC is reflective of all of the expenditures that are required to produce a pound of copper from operations. AISC reported in the PEA includes total cash costs, sustaining capital, expansion capital and closure costs, but excludes corporate general and administrative costs and salvage. AISC per Pound is calculated as AISC divided by payable copper pounds. About Lion CG (www.lioncg.com, nuton.tech/partnerships) Lion Copper and Gold Corp. is a Canadian-based company advancing its flagship copper assets at Yerington, Nevada through an Option to Earn-in Agreement with Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto Venture. About Nuton LLC (nuton.tech) Nuton is an innovative venture that aims to help grow Rio Tinto's copper business. At the core of Nuton is a portfolio of proprietary copper leaching related technologies and capability - a product of almost 30 years of research and development. Nuton offers the potential to economically unlock copper from primary sulfide resources through leaching, achieving market-leading recovery rates, contributing to an increase in copper production from copper-bearing waste and tailings, and achieving higher copper recoveries on oxide and transitional material. One of the key differentiators of Nuton is the ambition to produce the world's lowest footprint copper while having at least one Positive Impact at each of our deployment sites, across our five pillars: water, energy, land, materials and society. NutonTM Technologies The NutonTM technologies are proprietary Rio Tinto-developed copper heap leach related processing and modelling technologies, capability and intellectual property. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Stephen Goodman President For more information please contact: Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by C. Travis Naugle, QP MMSA, CEO of Lion Copper and Gold Corp. and a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101. Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "expect", or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to resource estimates, estimate of future production, costs of production and other assumptions used in a preliminary economic assessment, future exploration or production activities and anticipated results. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with extraction based on resource estimates including inferred resources, grades and recoveries not being realized; delays or failures in obtaining necessary permitting or other project approvals, delays in the development of projects, results of additional exploration activity; general economic conditions; adverse industry events; marketing costs; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; the ability of Lion CG to implement its business strategies; competition; currency and interest rate fluctuations, inflation and other risks. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Shareholders and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. By its nature, forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and various future events will not occur. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law. A Syrian charged with committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in his home country between 2011 and 2016 has been detained in Belgium pending a court hearing next week, judicial officials said Monday. The defendant, a man identified as Hossin A., is suspected of belonging to a militia close to the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Salamiyah in the country's west, and of helping to violently suppress opposition movements that began in 2011. He has been in Belgium for the past seven or eight years, according to federal prosecutors. The defendant's Brussels-area home was searched on January 23, along with two companies he had ties to, as a result of an investigation opened in 2021. He was brought before a Brussels judge the following day and charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Syria. He had been due to appear in court again on Monday but the hearing was postponed at the defence's request until February 8, according to judicial officials. He remains in custody until then. The United States on Monday offered a reward of up to $5 million for the arrest of a former Sudanese official sought over alleged Darfur war crimes who escaped from prison when war erupted last year. Ahmed Harun, a former top aide to deposed dictator Omar al-Bashir, is wanted by the International Criminal Court for helping form the notorious Janjaweed militia which carried out a scorched-earth campaign in Darfur in the 2000s. Harun announced in April that he and other former regime officials escaped Khartoum's Kober prison days after fighting broke out between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The United States pointed out that the Janjaweed has evolved into the Rapid Support Forces, which is accused of ethnic-based attacks against the non-Arab population in western Sudan. "Lasting peace in Sudan requires justice for victims and accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses and violations, both past and present," State Departments spokesman Matthew Miller said. "There is a clear and direct connection between impunity for abuses under the Bashir regime, including those of which Harun is accused, and the violence in Darfur today," he said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused the Rapid Support Forces of crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing in the latest bloodshed. The United States has worked with Saudi Arabia to broker between the dueling generals but to little avail. The war has killed at least 13,000 people, according to a conservative estimate by the Conflict Location and Event Data project, and displaced more than seven million people, according to the UN. The International Criminal Court has sought Harun since 2007 over 20 counts of crimes against humanity and 22 counts of war crimes. In 2009, Bashir became the first sitting head of state indicted by the Hague-based court, but Sudan has not handed him over. The reward by the United States -- which itself is not party to the court -- is offered for information that leads to Harun's arrest, transfer or conviction. The United States on Monday offered a reward of up to $5 million for the arrest of a former Sudanese official sought over alleged Darfur war crimes who escaped prison, as charges grow of new atrocities. Ahmed Harun, a former top aide to deposed dictator Omar al-Bashir, is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for helping form the notorious Janjaweed militia which carried out a scorched-earth campaign in Darfur in the 2000s. Harun announced in April that he and other former regime officials escaped Khartoum's Kober prison days after fighting broke out between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The United States pointed out that the Janjaweed has evolved into the Rapid Support Forces, which is accused of ethnic-based attacks against the non-Arab population in western Sudan. "Lasting peace in Sudan requires justice for victims and accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses and violations, both past and present," State Departments spokesman Matthew Miller said. "There is a clear and direct connection between impunity for abuses under the Bashir regime, including those of which Harun is accused, and the violence in Darfur today," he said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused the Rapid Support Forces of crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing in the latest bloodshed. Addressing the UN Security Council on Monday, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said it was his "clear assessment" that both sides were carrying out crimes in Darfur. He said the ICC has not received a single "scrap of paper" from Sudan's armed forces in response to requests to send in investigators. Many in Darfur are right to fear that their situation "will be the forgotten atrocity," he said. "If it does, it will be the second time the people of Darfur have been failed. Humanity at large failed and we must not collectively allow that to happen," Khan told the Council by video link. The United States has worked with Saudi Arabia to broker a peace agreement between the dueling generals but to little avail. The war has killed at least 13,000 people, according to a conservative estimate by the Conflict Location and Event Data project, and displaced more than seven million people, according to the UN. The ICC has sought Harun since 2007 over 20 counts of crimes against humanity and 22 counts of war crimes. In 2009, Bashir became the first sitting head of state indicted by the Hague-based court, but Sudan has not handed him over. The reward by the United States -- which itself is not party to the court -- is offered for information that leads to Harun's arrest, transfer or conviction. In the nineteen eighties, Guatemala was in the throes of a bloody internal armed conflict. The conflict not only took the lives of hundreds of thousands Guatemalan citizens, but also made foreign victims. Among them were four Belgian missionaries who undertook pastoral work with communities on Guatemalas South Coast. Priest Walter Voordeckers was murdered on 12 May 1980, pastoral worker Ward Capiau was killed on 22 October 1981, and pastoral worker Serge Berten was kidnapped on 19 January 1982. He was never seen again and his body was never found. Pastoral worker Paul Schildermans was detained and tortured in 1982 but released under international pressure. Even though Guatemalas internal armed conflict ended in 1996, justice for these crimes was never a possibility, as the country became characterized by high levels of impunity. Since Belgium has extraterritorial jurisdiction over the case, as the victims are Belgian nationals, the victims family members, united in the organization Guatebelga, eventually decided to file a complaint with civil action before the investigating judge in Brussels. Belgian witness Carlos Colson, nephew of Father Voordeckers, described the action of holding the trial in Belgium in itself as a complaint against the Guatemalan state. After 21 years of judicial investigation, in 2022 the Council Chamber and then the Indictment Chamber referred the case to the Assize Court of Flemish Brabant the court that tries the most serious cases. On 14 December 2023, after 11 days of hearings, the jury in Leuven decided that the five accused could be considered the intellectual perpetrators of the crimes, and sentenced them to life imprisonment and court costs, ordering their immediate arrest. Experiences of justice in a faraway country There are obvious challenges to try crimes that took place forty years ago in a faraway country. How will a Belgian jury understand the historical and cultural context of the crimes? This was an important task for the prosecutors, lawyers, the civil parties, and scientific advisor Prof. Stephan Parmentier. Through the use of Guatemalan witnesses and expert witnesses, who talked about the historical context, the patterns of human rights violations during the armed conflict, and their personal experiences witnessing the violence and persecution in the South Coast, the jury indeed came to understand the context and gravity of the violence. It considered the crimes grave enough to qualify them as crimes against humanity, committed within the framework of "a generalised or systematic attack on the civilian population". One of the Guatemalan witnesses, who lost most of her family members during this wave of persecution, describes this as one of the main achievements in the case: The interventions by each and every one of us, of situating them [the jury] and giving them the necessary information so that they could take a decision. There were however aspects of the trial that were more complicated for the Guatemalan witnesses. Two witnesses told us that, because of the way in which the Belgian judicial system aims to preserve the independence of the testimonies and prevent witness tampering, they had received little prior information about the trial and the proceedings. Being unaware what to expect in an unfamiliar justice system with a very different legal culture generated insecurity among them, and even fear among some witnesses travelling from rural areas in Guatemala. Language barriers also played a role. Although interpreters translated the witness statements from Spanish into Flemish, this was not true the other way round for the rest of the proceedings, making it difficult for the Guatemalan witnesses to follow the course of the hearings and understand the verdict. The issue of translation has also come up in other universal jurisdiction cases. Language was also an obstacle for receiving psychosocial accompaniment, which is essential in a case involving traumatic experiences like experiencing the death or enforced disappearance of loved ones. The provision of sufficient information about the functioning of the specific justice system and the importance of two-way translation are important insights for similar universal jurisdiction cases, which could help to make these processes more victim-centred and make the proceedings accessible to the population of the countries where the crimes took place. Justice for them is also justice for us Nevertheless, both Guatemalan and Belgian witnesses unanimously consider the verdict of great significance. The trial helped to achieve justice for the Belgian victims and make clear that cases of grave human rights violations should be judged, even if the crimes took place decades go and regardless of where the court sits. It contributed to establishing the truth about what happened to the Belgian missionaries, but also about the context of human rights violations in the Guatemalas Southern Coast, which is still relatively unknown. All three witnesses that we spoke with agreed that the case contributed to the dignification of the thousands of Guatemalan victims. I feel that this is justice for them [the Belgian missionaries], but also for our families, said one of the Guatemalan witnesses. In fact, the jury in its motivation for the verdict explicitly expressed compassion with the victims and witnesses that suffered violence first-hand or lost their family members. This recognition is an important aspect of justice for the Guatemalan witnesses, especially since a similar judgment has so far been lacking in Guatemala, where the justice system has been co-opted by political and economic elites. The witnesses also express the importance of transnational solidarity for this case. The relationships between the Belgian missionaries, their families and the Guatemalan communities where the missionaries worked, has remained strong throughout the decades. Belgian witness Colson described this solidarity as a motivation for starting the case: After the peace accords in 1996, we wanted to know the truth. Our first visit strengthened us through the people we saw, the stories we heard and the understanding we gained of this terrible period. Vice versa, the strong sense of solidarity also inspired the Guatemalan witnesses to travel all the way to Belgium to testify. A Guatemalan witness described the relief and happiness with the verdict among the Guatemalan community members who knew the missionaries well and also lost family members during this same period. Justice in Belgium, remote though it may seem, therefore also feels like justice for Guatemalan survivors of the armed conflict. Next steps for justice for the Belgian missionaries The five accused did not cooperate with the Belgian court. They were not present during the hearings and were not represented by lawyers. Angel Anibal Guevara Rodriguez, former Defence minister and Donaldo Alvarez Ruiz, former Interior minister, are currently fugitives. Pedro Garcia Arredondo, former head of the police secret service, and Manuel Benedicto Lucas Garcia, former chief of staff of the army, are in prison or under military supervision in Guatemala, while Manuel Antonio Callejas y Callejas was recently released because of health reasons. For a long time, the state of the Guatemalan justice system did not give any hope that a Belgian ruling would make any difference to their position, as more and more human rights cases were facing setbacks, with perpetrators already imprisoned being released. The most that could be hoped for was that the accused would feel restricted in their movement outside of Guatemala, because of an international arrest warrant. Things might now change. On 14 January, Bernardo Arevalo was sworn in as the new president of the country. Arevalo, an anti-corruption champion from opposition party Semilla, has pledged to restore the rule of law in the country. Restoring the justice system will be a huge task, after years of systematic dismantling in which dozens of independent judges and prosecutors fled the country. Furthermore, Arevalo faces a divided congress, while his party has been under attack by the Attorney Generals Office. But Arevalo can count on strong support from the population and the international community. This might be the first time in years that there is finally hope for justice for conflict-era human rights violations in Guatemala. The Belgian verdict can therefore represent a small impulse for justice at a crucial moment. Close to a dozen countries have announced they will suspend aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, known as UNRWA, after allegations that twelve staff members were involved in the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. The United States is the leading contributor to UNRWA and was the first country to suspend aid to the organization. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that the U.S. is extremely troubled by the allegations. The Department of State has temporarily paused additional funding for UNRWA while we review these allegations and the steps the United Nations is taking to address them, he said. White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby noted that Secretary of State Antony Blinken made clear in a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that the United States expects ... a complete and thorough and transparent investigation, and that those who should be are properly held accountable ... as the UN said, even including the potential for criminal prosecution. UNRWA was established in 1948 for refugees of the 1948-1949 Arab-Israeli war. It provides aid and services to people in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. UNRWA operates schools, health clinics, infrastructure and aid projects. Reportedly 2 million people in Gaza rely on UNRWA services for assistance. Israel has long accused the organization of promoting antisemitism in its schools and of allowing Hamas to siphon off money and supplies donated to UNRWA and meant for Palestinian civilians. Spokesperson Miller said that UNRWA plays a critical role in providing lifesaving assistance to Palestinians, including essential food, medicine, shelter, and other vital humanitarian support. Their work has saved lives, and it is important that UNRWA address these allegations and take any appropriate corrective measures, including reviewing its existing policies and procedures. In a statement marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27, President Biden noted, On October 7, Hamas terrorists unleashed pure, unadulterated evil on the people of Israel, slaughtering approximately 1,200 innocent people and taking hundreds more hostage including survivors of the Shoah. It was the worst atrocity committed against the Jewish people in a single day since the Holocaust. As National Security Council Coordinator Kirby said, allegations that even a small number of staff of UNRWA helped in that effort are serious. That is why the United Nations investigation into the charges, he declared, be credible, transparent and thorough, and frankly, timely. In her latest YouTube video titled 'My Money, My Purchase: Regret-Free Life Quality Improvement Items | Sohee's Genuine Picks,' Ahn Sohee takes us on a journey through her recent personal acquisitions. From stylish hats to quirky supplements and even a breakfast routine that she deems 'extreme,' the video is a delightful exploration of Sohee's unique taste and lifestyle choices. Sohee's Hat Obsession Ahn Sohee begins the showcase with her love for hats, emphasizing her fondness for a cap from Brand A that she picked up during her New York vlog. Despite the brand being tailored for men, she highlights the cap's adjustable size, making it a versatile accessory suitable for women. Notably, she mentions that it has the added bonus of making the face appear smaller. Moving on to a more extravagant purchase, Sohee shares her recent acquisition - a hat from Brand C priced at around 900,000 Won (approximately 729 US Dollars). What makes this purchase amusing is that she bought it for herself while originally shopping for a friend's gift. The navy-colored hat from the same brand also catches her attention, praised for its longer brim and rounded shape, offering comfort and style. The simple design with a logo makes it an easy-to-wear accessory for many occasions. READ ALSO: Han So Hee Make Heads Turns With New Image Dive into Sohee's Supplement Routine Beyond fashion, Ahn Sohee divulges her supplement routine, highlighting the importance of Arginine on an empty stomach in the morning. She also shares her preference for a powdered form of Vitamin C, chosen for its eye-catching design. During her travels in the USA, she opted for supplements with vibrant packaging, specifically mentioning the appeal of yellow ones to combat fatigue. Breakfast Chronicles: Sohee's "Extreme" Routine Sohee humorously labels her breakfast routine as 'extreme,' and a constant in her mornings is eggs. To elevate her egg-centric mornings, she recently invested in an egg cooker, poking fun at her previous stubbornness in using a pot for boiling eggs, despite frequent mishaps. In the world of celebrity lifestyles, Ahn Sohee's genuine and unfiltered approach to her purchases stands out. Her video not only provides a glimpse into her personal preferences but also sparks discussions and reactions from her audience. READ ALSO: 'One Night' Reveals Incidents Behind Kim Soo Hyun And Sohee Dating Rumors KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Michelle Williams. Park Hae Soo and Kim Tae Hee might star in the upcoming K-drama "Butterfly." As mentioned by a news outlet, the duo was selected to headline the spy-thriller series. Park Hae Soo, Kim Tae Hee To Possibly Headline Amazon Prime's 'Butterfly' Best known for his role in "Squid Game," Park Hae Soo is in talks to portray the main character in "Butterfly," alongside Hallyu star Kim Tae. According to drama officials, if they officially accept the offer, they will join starring Korean-American actor Daniel Dae Kim, who is set to take on the role of David Jeong, a former U.S. intelligence agent living in Korea. Given that "Butterfly" is his first lead role, Daniel Dae Kim wonders how meaningful it is since the original series is set in Korea. Moreso, the upcoming K-drama is Amazon Prime's original series, which will have six episodes in one season. READ MORE: Kim Tae Hee Reveals Calling Lim Ji Yeon 'Crazy Yeon Jin' - Here's Why Based on the graphic novel of the same name, "Butterfly" is filmed in South Korea with dialogue in both Korean and English. On the other hand, drama and broadcast officials have yet to announce the target release date of the upcoming series, but fans are looking forward to seeing Park Hae Soo and Kim Tae Hee in one frame. Park Hae Soo & Kim Tae Hee's Current & Upcoming K-dramas Meanwhile, Park Hae Soo is set to return to the small screen with another interesting series. Apart from the upcoming Amazon Prime original series, the versatile actor is selected to portray the lead role in Netflix's thriller-crime drama "Karma." Helmed and written by Lee Il Hyung of "A Violent Prosecutor," the forthcoming show is based on the webtoon of the same name. "Karma," which will premiere on Netflix in 2024, depicts the story of a group of people caught in an unexpectedly evil relationship. Due to this, they destroy each other to fulfill their own desires. Joining Park Hae Soo are a slew of notable celebrities: Shin Min Ah, Lee Kwang Soo, Lee Hee Joon, Kim Sung Kyun, and more. While Park Hae Soo stars in back-to-back projects, Kim Tae Hee recently gained attention after making a special cameo. The Hallyu star surprised viewers as she took on the role of herself in the drama "Welcome to Samdalri." Viewers were delighted to see Kim Tae Hee act alongside Shin Hye Sun. In addition, her ageless beauty shone despite only having a small role. Interestingly, her special appearance in the drama is her way of supporting the writer. Kwon Hye Joo, who penned "Welcome To Samdalri," is also the genius behind the hit 2020 K-drama "Hi Bye, Mama," where Kim Tae Hee played the lead role. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: THESE 3 K-Drama Stars Are Predicted to Be the Next Kim Tae Hee, Song Hye Kyo, Jun Ji Hyun For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Disney Plus' upcoming drama "The Impossible Heir" starring Lee Jae Wook is confirmed to hit the screen in this month. Keep on reading to know more about the new series! 'The Impossible Heir' Drops Teaser Introducing Lee Jae Wook, Lee Jun Young & Hong Soo Ju's Characters On January 30, Disney Plus Korea dropped a teaser poster of the soon-to-release series "The Impossible Heir." The drama features the story of minor leaguers trying to take the throne of Korea's largest conglomerate, which they wanted to have, become, and steal. The poster catches the eye with the powerful visuals of the three lead stars Lee Jae Wook, Lee Jun Young, and Hong Soo Ju. They will completely transform into characters with a desire to move from the bottom to the top, depicting an interesting alliance of minor leaguers. Aside from the poster, the production also revealed a teaser trailer that introduces the three characters. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 'Alchemy of Souls' Cast Update 2023: Lee Jae Wook & Go Yoon Jung Return With Exciting Works Lee Jae Wook is Han Tae Oh, he ran away from the world due to his murdered father. Kang In Ha will be played by Lee Jun Young, the extramarital child of Korea's largest conglomerate, Kang Oh Group. The daughter of a debt collector, Na Hye Won is to be portrayed by Hong Soo Ju. Each of them tries to escape from their perspective problems and later on, recognize the strong desire to ally. Trio to Form Alliance and Go Against Largest Conglomerate in Korea From their ordinary day in school, the clip shifted to the high building of Kang Oh Group, which heralds the unpredictable stories of people with huge ambition, and fearless courage. Han Tae Oh spoke and said, "Our plan has finally begun," which heightens the viewers' curiosity about what and how fast the three protagonists will be able to achieve their desires. Expectations are high for this fresh encounter of Lee Jae Wook, Lee Jun Young to Hong Soo Ju, who is solidifying her name in the industry. The versatility, acting skills, visuals, and synergy to be shown by these hottest mainstream actors are expected to create a powerful synergy when combined with an enthralling story and characters. Furthermore, "The Impossible Heir" is set to meet the viewers beginning February 28 on Disney Plus. This will be Lee Jae Wook's next work following "Alchemy of Souls" and his short appearance in the star-studded series "Death's Game." IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Lee Jae Wook, Jo Bo Ah & More Confirmed To Star In 'Hong Rang' + Here's What We Know So Far What can you say about Lee Jae Wook's upcoming drama? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars. Kdramastars owns this article. Shai Collins wrote this. Lee Ji Ah is back in the limelight as she transforms into an efficient problem solver in the brand new JTBC drama "Queen of Divorce." In an interview, she shared how she prepared for the role, and also dished on her honest feelings for the new show. In addition, Kang Ki Young, his co-star, as well as Shin Dong Yeop exposed her true personality behind the cameras. Keep on reading. Lee Ji Ah's True Personality Revealed On January 29, Lee Ji Ah made an appearance in Shin Dong Yeop's YouTube show "Salty Brother Shin Dong Yeop" alongside "Queen of Divorce" co-star Kang Ki Young. The two promoted their forthcoming work, which marks Lee Ji Ah's newest acting gig after the success of her 2023 K-drama "Pandora: Beneath the Paradise." In the show, Lee Ji Ah transforms into a reputable divorce lawyer who plans to avenge herself after her own husband betrays her, making her lose everything she worked hard for. When Shin Dong Yeop asked her why "Queen of Divorce" is a unique piece, Lee Ji Ah shared that her newest acting role resonates with her truest self the most. "If I have to do something, I need to make sure that I do it properly or else, everything goes to waste," the actress shared. "Even in acting, I have the same mindset." Shin Dong Yeop teased her, saying that the Lee Ji Ah in real life and the Lee Ji Ah in front of the camera are two different people due to her "macho" or "haughty" temperament. However, Kang Ki Young backed this up, saying that the actress has been very helpful to him in internalizing his new character throughout the filming process, which he appreciates. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Queen of Divorce' Casting Caused Kang Ki Young Severe Stress? Here's What Happened Watch their guesting below: Praises For Lee Ji Ah In the interview, it is revealed that Lee Ji Ah personally recommended Kang Ki Young to play her new leading man. "He was a great fit for the role," Lee Ji Ah said. "I watched his previous works and I know he'd do a great job in the drama as well as make things even more enjoyable." In response to this, Kang Ki Young expressed his gratitude to the actress. He also shared that Lee Ji Ah made him comfortable on set, especially as he takes on his first-ever major project. Moreover, it is revealed that Lee Ji Ah was hands-on in the work as she would also run lines with him, polishing every detail for a more desirable performance. Catch their exciting chemistry on "Queen of Divorce" this January 31 at 8:50 p.m. KST on JTBC. Don't miss it. ALSO READ: Lee Ji Ah Claps Back At Criticisms For Starring In 'Queen of Divorce': 'Why is it a big deal?' KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. TO ACCESS THIS CONTENT YOU MUST OPEN A SESSION OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT MEMBER LOGIN CREATE YOUR USER ACCOUNT The Greek company TERNA S.A., construction branch of GEKTERNA Group, awarded the international technology group ANDRITZ a contract for the supply of e. . . Canada is sending another $40 million in aid to organizations that are helping Palestinians in Gaza after pausing funding to the UN's relief agency in the region. Palestinians arrive in the southern Gaza town of Rafah after fleeing an Israeli ground and air offensive in the nearby city of Khan Younis on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Fatima Shbair People enter the public coroner's inquest into the mass stabbings that happened on James Smith Cree Nation in 2022 in Melfort, Sask., Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. The last week of the inquest is expected to hear from elders and the Parole Board of Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards Residents and businesses in Edmonton and the surrounding area are being told to limit their water use. The Edmonton skyline is shown on Wednesday, Feb.15, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - Four Nigerian nationals are in police custody after a 25-year-old man allegedly jumped from the fifth floor of their balcony in the Riruta area. The victim, identified as Charles Waga Otieno, works at a nearby car wash and it is alleged that he met his death when he went to deliver a carpet to the individuals at Corner Heights Apartments, Naivasha Road. According to the Nigerians, Otieno was reportedly paid Sh400 for the task. They claimed that they heard him screaming and undressing before he leaped from the fifth floor to the ground floor, sustaining severe head injuries. Police responded to the scene and found the victims mobile phone, earring and cap on the trail from house 56, where he delivered the carpet to the Nigerians. Officers wondered why the victim did not have his trousers on when he fell. The victim was only found with his t-shirt on and did not have his pants, an officer at the scene said. Another neighbor said that the Nigerians were unbothered about the incident. His death is shrouded in mystery since the railings on the balcony are too high for someone to just jump the way the suspects were describing how the incident happened. The four foreign nationals are being held at Satellite Police Station pending ongoing investigations by the police, who are treating the case as a murder. The motive behind the victims decision to jump to his death while naked remains unclear. The body has been transferred to the mortuary, awaiting an autopsy. The victim was a budding rapper but had to work at the neighbourhood car wash to be able to eke a living. He was due to be interviewed next week by Radio Citizen presenter Willy M. Tuva over a song he had just released. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - Detectives have arrested a 26-year-old man believed to be a part of a gang behind car theft. The suspect, Bethlemew Nabwire Ouma, was arrested by a Multi-agency team comprising officers from DCI Kondele and DCI Turbo, who were acting on an intelligence report on a case of a stolen motor vehicle registration number KBN 206V, make Isuzu D-Max. They stormed his residence and recovered several items including an assortment of motor vehicle registration number plates, seven ignition keys, and chassis plates among others. The suspect and all exhibits were taken to DCI Kondele offices for further Police action. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - A senior Government Official in the Defence Ministry is on the spot for grabbing public land in South B, Nairobi. According to an X user, the grabbed land was a public market. The market was demolished and hundreds of traders rendered jobless after the influential Government Official grabbed the prime piece of land. He is planning to set up a mall. See photos below. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 Calvin Klein was spotted out with boyfriend Kevin Baker in Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 28. The 81-year-old designer and his model boyfriend, 35, both wore long-sleeved black shirts as they left Gold's Gym. The longtime fashion icon added black sweatpants and tied a sweatshirt around his waist. The men have been dating since at least 2016 when they made their first official public appearance together at the American Ballet Theatre 2016 Fall Gala. Before that, they had been spotted together in March 2016 at the Mint Luxury Conference in Mumbai, India. They were then seen leaving the Broadway Opening Night Performance of American Psycho in New York City on April 21, 2016. After that, they sat together at the 2016 Future of Fashion Runway Show on May 5, 2016. Klein was previously married to wives Jayne Centre Klein (1964-1974) and Kelly Rector (1986-2006). RENO Broadbent & Associates Inc., an environmental, water resource and civil engineering firm with an office in Elko to serve the mining industry, has completed assisting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the agency's response and recovery efforts to the devastating fatal fires in Maui, Hawaii. Broadbent helped EPAs Region 9, Emergency Response Section in two primary ways: using unmanned aerial systems to map impacted fire zones and assisting with surveying, removing and disposing of household hazardous waste and asbestos containing material, according to Reno-based Broadbent. For Broadbents commercial drone pilots, Neil Ellis and Holly Miller, the mission aimed to utilize drones for burn-scar aerial mapping, digital surface modeling, and analysis of post-disaster conditions over three impacted fire zones covering more than 5,000 acres. In addition to large-scale aerial mapping tasks, EPA tasked Broadbents drone team with multiple special assignments, including surface overland flow modeling for ash and contaminant runoff management, post-disaster 3D modeling and documentation at culturally significant locations for Hawaii and Maui cultural representatives, and coastline mapping for debris assessments. When we received the call requesting assistance for aerial mapping, our team was mobilized within 48 hours, said Neil Ellis, FAA drone pilot and associate scientist. Rapid response efforts are essential during disasters of this magnitude. These fires have been devastating to the island of Maui and our hearts go out to those affected. Regarding hazardous waste removal, Broadbent deployed 16 professionals to support the recovery efforts, the company reported. Under Emergency Support Function-10, the Federal Emergency Management Agency tasked the EPA with surveying, removing, and disposing of hazardous waste and materials containing asbestos from properties affected by fires in Lahaina, Olinda, and Kula. Broadbents environmental scientists, geologists, and certified asbestos professionals assisted in that effort by working alongside Weston Solutions Inc. and EPA teams until the end of December 2023. The company stated that it donated to the Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund. Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - Celebrated CNN journalist Larry Madowo has traded barbs with President William Rutos aide Emmanuel Talam over the President's trip to Italy. Ruto left the country on Sunday, January 28, 2024, to attend the Italy-Africa Summit alongside other African presidents. Madowo took issue with Ruto attending the Summit alongside other African presidents, despite a vow he made in April 2023 that Africa would hold discussions with other countries as a whole, represented by the African Union (AU). "President William Ruto said he and other African leaders would not be summoned by one country. "The African Union would represent them going forward. "He's standing just steps away from both the AU chair & the AU Commission chair in Italy while other East African presidents skipped," Madowo said. Following Madowo's criticism, Taalam took issue with the journalist, accusing him of ignoring the President's speech, where he addressed the issue. "Create time to read the Presidents speech. Basic journalism," Talam told Madowo. In response, Madowo stated, "You don't have the range to lecture me about journalism" and later added, "Out here doing the Lords work." Ruto is on record asking 54 African heads of state not to go to foreign capitals to be addressed by one man He proposed the African heads of state be represented by AU in those foreign trips The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 A Bombay high court has refused pre-arrest bail to a man who was booked for cheating after his wife filed a complaint alleging he had married four times earlier and hid it from her. "the offence of cheating is clearly made out apart from other offences. No case for grant of anticipatory bail order is made out," said Justice Sarang Kotwal in the Jan 17 order. The wifes complaint said she came across his profile on a matrimonial site. They met in April 2022 and got married on June 15, 2022. After marriage, he asked her for financial help. She gave him Rs 7 lakh. He also pledged her ornament for a Rs 32 lakh loan. In Dec, she learnt about his affair with a colleague and in Jan 2023, she returned to her parental home. Thereafter, from her enquiries, she learnt that he had been married four times earlier. The FIR was lodged on August 7, 2023, by Rasayani police station in Raigad district for criminal breach of trust, cheating, bigamy, cruelty and criminal intimidation. The mans advocate said the allegations were false. After his first wifes death, he had married only the complainant and none else in between. However, the wifes advocate showed documents of his marriage with other women and birth certificates mentioning his name as the father. Justice Kotwal took note of the two birth certificates in which the mothers names were different but the mans name was common and shown as the father of both children. "Thus, there are two birth certificates in the year 2009, in respect of two girls in which mothers were different but the father is the applicant himself," Justice Kotwal added. He also noted that there was a proceeding for divorce by mutual consent in 2008, and also another divorce proceeding pending since 2018. "Thus, there is sufficient material to show that the applicant has cheated many women. All this was concealed from the present first informant (wife)," said Justice Kotwal, rejecting the mans application Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria issued a warning to Kenyans operating short-term rental spaces outside the Airbnb platform and other platforms authorised in the country, following increased cases of femicide in the rental spaces. In a statement on Monday, Kuria warned that not every short-stay space is operated under the Airbnb platform, which makes the Know Your Customer (KYC) policy hard to implement. "The government is very concerned about growing cases of crime and murders, mostly targeted at women in short-term rental spaces. "Whereas most of these spaces are termed as Airbnb, they are not transacted through the Airbnb platform and thus there is no Know Your Customer (KYC) data collected, obviously a major security exposure. "The government will crack down on people offering such services outside Airbnb or other authorised and licensed platforms," Kuria stated. Airbnb is an American company operating an online marketplace for short- and long-term homestays and experiences. The company acts as a broker and charges a commission from each booking. On Saturday, January 27, 2024, a section of women groups and men across the country held peaceful protests against the prevalence of femicide in the country. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyongo has left former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in shock. This is after he heaped praises on President William Ruto and his government for the good job they are doing. In particular, the ODM Governor lauded Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over the decision to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kisumu County. In a statement, Nyongo said that once done, the project will improve business growth and travel between Kisumu and Uganda. The Kisumu Governor also noted that the project will open up the Western Tourism Circuit which has beautiful tourist destinations. I would like to thank Transport Cabinet Secretary Hon Kipchumba Murkomen for announcing the long-awaited extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kisumu beginning this year. "This is good news because the project will greatly improve travel between Kisumu and Uganda and support both ordinary travelling and business. "It will also make the refurbished Kisumu port more vibrant, read the statement in part. Nyongo noted that there is a need for transport expansion between the lake region and the rest of the country adding that he hoped the government will expedite the SGR project. Initially, the SGR was to run from Mombasa to Kisumu. However, the project started by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta stalled in Nakuru due to inadequate funds. CS Murkomen during the ongoing government show announced that the government is aiming to do 35 percent of the SGR phase two project by December this year. The first phase of the SGR, which cost over Sh350 billion, was financed by the Chinese government. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, January 30, 2024 A gunman who was shot dead in Florida after killing his grandfather and injuring two cops had just murdered a retired priest and his sister, police have said. Officers arrived at a home in Palm Bay after receiving a routine report about 'domestic disturbance' during a birthday party on Sunday, January 28. According to Mail Online, a gunfight broke out which ended with Brandon Kapas, 24, dead after shooting two officers and fatally injuring his grandfather William Kapas who had tried to intervene. Police later discovered an arsenal of weapons in his car which they found was registered to an address in the north of the city. When they went there, they found the bodies of Father Robert Hoeffner, 76, and his sister Sally in the home they shared. 'Our officers' actions yesterday prevented something even more tragic and devastating from happening and potentially what could have been potentially an active shooter-type incident,' Palm Bay police chief Mariano Angello told a press conference. 'Our officers did what they were trained to do, and that's neutralize and stop a threat to our community.' Father Robert Hoeffner had celebrated 50 years in the ministry last year before his sad demise. 'Throughout his priesthood, Father Hoeffner served the people of God with compassion and humility,' said the Most Reverend John Noonan of the Diocese of Orlando. 'We will miss his grace-filled presence. We know he and his sister are received by the Lord with mercy and love.' Kapas had a series of previous arrests dating back to at least 2019 in Brevard County for DUI and drug offenses, and resisting arrest. Police who arrived at the home on Forgal Avenue NE at 2.30pm on Sunday were warned by his uncle that Kapas might be armed. It was then that Kapas was seen bolting out of the front door and heading towards the stolen car. Chief Angello said he was tasered after refusing to comply with a request to stop but managed to break free during a scuffle with officers. Two deputies were shot and injured before more officers arrived at the scene and chased Kapas up the street as he fired back at them. The man's grandfather was caught in the crossfire before the 24-year-old himself was shot dead. 'It's a very quiet neighborhood and on our street we've been very good at looking out for each other, so for anything to happen it shocking,' one neighbor told Fox35. 'It's really scary because this is like my home area, so to see all this going on is very overwhelming,' said another. 'It's too close to home.' Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - Meru County Senator, Kathuri Murungi, has revealed how President William Ruto survived a grisly accident when he was touring Mt Kenya East region last week. Political analysts claimed the head of state was on a mission to consolidate his support base amid disquiet in the region. On Monday, Murungi recounted Ruto's harrowing experience while traversing the county. The lawmaker revealed the president had a near-fatal accident after his car hit an imposing pothole in the middle of the road. He explained that Ruto was lucky to be alive after the incident, arguing that had they been travelling downhill, then the vehicle would have flipped. "I felt so sorry for the president when I saw that his car had collided and its leg was torn. So, imagine if it had been downhill and had hit a leg, what would have happened to the head of state? That's the problem I'm asking about. It's fortunate that we were going uphill, so it hit and stopped there. But if we had been going downhill at the speed of the presidential motorcade, then we could be talking about other stories," he stated. Murungi laid the blame squarely on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KenHa), questioning why they had failed to maintain the road yet they are funded well by the Treasury. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - The Judiciary has issued a new directive on cases involving tax appeals following Chief Justice Martha Koome's decision. In a notice dated January Monday 29, the Judiciary announced that the Tax Appeal's Tribunal will fully implement the Electronic Case Management (E-filing System). According to the notice, the new system will be effective starting February 2024. "Following the gazettement of practice directions on Electronic Case Management issued vide Gazette Notice number 2357 dated 4th March 2020 by the Honourable Chief Justice, the Tax Appeal's Tribunal will fully implement the E-filing System effective February 2024," the Judiciary announced. "In effect, parties will file all their documents through the e-filing platform, in addition, the parties will be required to avail one hard copy of the documents uploaded for Registry records," the notice added. Parties are required to sign up for an E-filing account via the link https://efiling.court.go.ke/ Further, the Judiciary advised Kenyans to contact them for direction following the implementation of the new system. Moreover, the Judiciary informed Kenyans that it will conduct a virtual training on the e-filing process on 7th and 8th February 2024. The new move followed CJ Koome's decision to digitise all court processes in the country. Under the electronic system, all lawyers, police, DPP, and members of the public are required to register themselves through a portal to log into the Judiciary system. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, January 30, 2024 A vocal UDA MP has warned President William Ruto to go slow on Kenyans, otherwise they may never forgive him. This follows the move by Ruto to impose punitive taxes on Kenyans, a move that is collapsing many businesses. In a statement, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya cautioned that more businesses will be shut if the government continues with its current taxation appetite. According to Gakuya, the current regimes taxation policies are unfriendly and becoming too much for businesses to handle. The MP, further stated that despite the high taxation that the government has been imposing, the targets and trajectories of government projects were not changing. You may think that overtaxing Kenyans, will be the solution but youve realised that, your targets and trajectories are not changing even after making such strife interventions, Gakuya stated According to him, the government has been overtaxing Kenyans, a system, he opined will contribute to more people being driven out of business. Once you push Kenyans to the end, most of them will just close shop, Gakuya added. He further noted that the government leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to public participation despite being reliant on the people. Gakuya also added that representation of Kenyans was not adequately achieved as they were not involved in every step of the process of decision-making leading to ideas being imposed on them. The conversation comes at a time when the government has reviewed its taxation policies since it came into power. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - A Kenyan man who is wanted in connection with the murder of his girlfriend in the US has been arrested in Nairobis Westlands area. The suspected identified as Kelvin Kangethe was arrested at a club on Monday night by police who had been tipped off. He had an Interpol Red Notice on his head after murdering his girlfriend Margaret Mbitu last year. Margarets bloodied body was discovered in a car inside a parking garage at Bostons Logan Airport. Kangethe had been on the run since November last year when he flew from the USA to Kenya after committing the murder. We have a man believed to be the suspect who is wanted in the US over alleged murder. We are waiting for more profiling to know the way forward, a senior DCI official said. If he is positively identified, detectives will liase with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution to start the extradition process. Kenyan detectives had last November received a request from the US authorities to arrest the suspect for the alleged murder. The victims mother said she was planning to break up with the suspect before he killed her. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Monday, January 29, 2024 King Charles III has been released from hospital after undergoing a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate, according to Buckingham Palace. Charles, 75, was photographed leaving The London Clinic on Monday afternoon, January 29, with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side. "The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation," the palace said in a statement. "His Majesty would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days." Charles was released from The London Clinic on the same day that his daughter-in-law Kate, the Princess of Wales, was released from the same hospital. Kate, 42, went home from the hospital privately Monday after a nearly two-week stay following a "planned abdominal surgery" that took place on Jan. 16, according to Kensington Palace. The surgery was "successful," according to the palace. Kate, who is married to Prince William, Charles' son and heir to the throne is a mom of their three young kids. The palace did not provide further details on the type of surgery Kate underwent, but said she is not likely to resume her public duties until later this spring. Charles is expected to resume public engagements after a "short period of recuperation." CARLIN The Carlin Civil Air Patrol Color Guard gathered on Sundays cloudy morning to lower a giant 30-foot by 60-foot American flag for the last time, its fabric worn out from use and now retired, from a parking lot on Griffin Street in Carlin. Air Patrol Deputy Cmdr. Kelly Howard cranked the pulley as cadets helped balance the flag and remove it from its fastenings. Its a little hard to follow standard procedure with such a huge flag, because we dont really have enough people. But our biggest goal is going to be to crank it and keep it off the ground, 2nd Lt. Landon Rowley said. Close Civil Air Patrol Color Guard cadets lower a retired American flag in Carlin, with Deputy Cmdr. Kelly Howard cranking the pully on Jan. 28, 2024. Civil Air Patrol Color Guard cadets hold the gradually lowering U.S. flag to keep it from touching the ground on Jan. 28, 2024. Civil Air Patrol Color Guard cadets hold the gradually lowering American flag to keep it from touching the ground on Jan. 28, 2024. Deputy Cmdr. Kelly Howard and Color Guard cadets stretch out the U.S. flag to make it easier to fold on Jan. 28, 2024. While the Color Guard tried their best to adhere to ceremonial rules, placing the flag on the ground was briefly necessary in order to fold it due to its ragged shape, which made folding tricky. After folding it into a skinny shape, the Color Guard cadets rolled the flag into a bundle. The Color Guard cadets salute the retired flag before placing it in the back of a transport vehicle on Jan. 29, 2024. Gallery: Color Guard retires flag Joined by Deputy Commander Kelly Howard, a group of Color Guard Cadets from Elko's Civil Air Patrol gathered in Carlin to lower a retired American flag on Jan. 28, 2024. Civil Air Patrol Color Guard cadets lower a retired American flag in Carlin, with Deputy Cmdr. Kelly Howard cranking the pully on Jan. 28, 2024. Civil Air Patrol Color Guard cadets hold the gradually lowering U.S. flag to keep it from touching the ground on Jan. 28, 2024. Civil Air Patrol Color Guard cadets hold the gradually lowering American flag to keep it from touching the ground on Jan. 28, 2024. Deputy Cmdr. Kelly Howard and Color Guard cadets stretch out the U.S. flag to make it easier to fold on Jan. 28, 2024. While the Color Guard tried their best to adhere to ceremonial rules, placing the flag on the ground was briefly necessary in order to fold it due to its ragged shape, which made folding tricky. After folding it into a skinny shape, the Color Guard cadets rolled the flag into a bundle. The Color Guard cadets salute the retired flag before placing it in the back of a transport vehicle on Jan. 29, 2024. Although the flag was knotted and tattered from use, the Color Guard managed to fold it up and place it in the back of their vehicle after a few minutes of maneuvering it around the parking lot. Civil Air Patrol has been around since the first of December 1941, prior to the start of World War II, Howard, a member of the patrol for 32 years, said. While the Civil Air Patrol has existed in Elko since 1945, the color guard branch only began there in 2023. We have three main missions, search and rescue or emergency services, aerospace education and then our youth program, which is a cadet program. So part of the cadet program is that they participate in color guard and honor guard activities, which include lowering retired flags, he said. My position in Color Guard is junior flag bearer, 2nd Lt. Devon Means said. We have our cadet, our Color Guard Commander who is the senior rifle bearer, then I am the junior rifle bearer and then we have two rifle bearers. So all I do is I follow the commander and I just carry the Nevada flag. Weve gone to Vegas one time and then were trying to go again this year so we can do color guard competition again, Means noted. One of the greatest things Ive gotten to experience in Civil Air Patrol: I just got to go to Hawaii for leadership school. So that was pretty awesome. And Civil Air Patrol has definitely helped me learn leadership and just helped me better carry myself as a person, he said. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - One of former Prime Minister Raila Odingas lieutenants has lauded Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for announcing the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kisumu. In a statement on Tuesday, Kisumu County Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong'o said if implemented, the extension of the SGR to Kisumu will spur business growth in Kisumu and surrounding areas. "I would like to thank Transport Cabinet Secretary Hon Kipchumba Murkomen for announcing the long-awaited extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Kisumu beginning this year. "This is good news because the project will greatly improve travel between Kisumu and Uganda and support both ordinary travelling and business. "It will also make the refurbished Kisumu port more vibrant," Nyong'o stated. "The needed expansion of transport between the Lake Region and the rest of Kenya has awaited the arrival of the SGR for a long time. "We hope all will be done to expedite this project. Once completed, the SGR will help spur economic growth in Western Kenya and open up the Western Tourism Circuit which is blessed with many beautiful tourist destinations," Nyong'o added. Murkomen announced that the government was aiming to do 35 percent of the project by December this year. "Initially, the SGR was to run from Mombasa to Kisumu. However, the project started by former President Uhuru Kenyatta stalled in Nakuru due to inadequate funds. "As the Kisumu Governor and Chairman of the Lake Region Economic bloc, I wish to thank the national Government for the new commitment in extending the SGR to Kisumu and eventually to Uganda," the Governor said. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 Nigerias former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, has stated that Russia has a hand in Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Malis sudden announcement of departure from ECOWAS. According to Akinyemi, Russia is seeking to weaken western influence in Africa adding that he sees the hand of Russia in what he described as a crisis that had befallen ECOWAS. The former minister said, I think Russia is emboldening these three countries to break up ECOWAS as part of the attempt to weaken what one will call the western influence in this part of the world. And yet, Russia has not shown that it has the capability to help these three countries to combat the jihadists, the Tuaregs, the ISIS who are running wild in the Sahel. He added that ECOWAS is being turned into a battle ground between Russia and the United States, as he said that it was significant that the withdrawal statement came after the U.S. Secretary of State, Blinken, left Nigeria. The former minister said: The reason I call it a crisis is because these three countries, in terms of landmass, thats about half of ECOWAS. So, were not dealing with just a little hiccup on our hands. Theyve levelled charges against ECOWAS that it is being tele-guided by foreign powers. You know the power that they are referring to, and presumably, the fact that our president goes to France and he is in France at the moment kind of reinforces this fear in their minds that the ECOWAS policies are actually French policies. Number two, they say that the sanction is creating terrible economic situations for the people, whereas, they expect us to step in and help them confront the jihadists. Of course, I dont expect us to do that when they are still under suspension. Were going to need some clever steps, diplomatically on this matter, and I think that ECOWAS needs some fast-thinking to make sure that this situation does not get out of hand. He added: They said theyre leaving immediately. ECOWAS protocol says one year, that you give one years notice, and that during that one year, you carry out all your responsibilities, but the guys say theyre leaving immediately. Are you going to force them to stay, or are you going to use this confused situation to bring a palliative into this situation? I dont believe that what is happening is going to be solved easily simply because we now have this confrontation between Russia and the Western countries and NATO, we should have that at the back of our minds. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 President William Ruto almost died last week while touring Meru County. This was revealed by Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi who revealed that the president survived by the skin of the teeth. The UDA Senator alleged that President William Rutos car nearly rolled over on the Embu-Meru Highway due to the poor state of the road. Ruto, who was on a 3-day working tour in the region, was concerned after his car tyre burst mid-journey according to the UDA party lawmaker. Kathuri thus issued an ultimatum to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to repair the road which he alleged was nearly impassable. He also urged the authority's Director General to visit Meru and the neighbouring Tharaka Nithi and Embu Counties to assess ongoing projects. The Presidents car had to stop after hitting a pothole. If the President himself is in danger on our roads, who is safe? Kathuri asked. He further sympathised with the President for enduring a terrifying ordeal that nearly risked the security of the nation. Imagine if it was downhill with the speed of the Presidential motorcade. Imagine what would have happened to the Head of State! he wondered. Kathuri remarked that Ruto's saving grace was that the vehicle was moving uphill at the time of the alleged incident. The Meru Senator also regretted the poor state of roads in Meru County and accused KeNHA of laxity despite being funded to construct and maintain roads. He alleged that KeNHA may have embezzled funds through illegal awarding of tenders, hence the slow progress of infrastructural developments. Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - The government of President William Ruto is planning to implement a saving scheme for Kenyans in the diaspora once the Labour Migration and Management Bill, 2023 sails through. The Bill which is in the final stages of ratification details that the Foreign Affairs Ministry will be responsible for setting up the development kitty. This will be done in consultation with relevant Kenyan missions and it will be a voluntary savings scheme for migrant workers. The Cabinet Secretary responsible for matters relating to foreign affairs may liaise with financial institutions in Kenya to negotiate favourable terms on the investments of any contributions that may be made, the Bill reads in part. As detailed in the Bill, the Treasury CS will be briefed periodically on the state of the savings scheme. He will also in consultation with his foreign affairs counterpart, develop policies and programmes offering incentives to migrant workers to invest in Kenya. Additionally, a government of Kenya-run database will be set and it will contain information concerning the scheme. This will entail but not be limited to programmes and projects in Kenya for investment by migrant workers. The CS responsible for matters relating to foreign affairs may, in consultation with the CS for Treasury, put in place measures for the prevention of fraudulent practices that hinder investment in Kenya by migrant workers, the Bill details further. Setting up the savings scheme is in line with President William Rutos vision to have Kenyans in the diaspora play a key role in nation-building. In December last year, Ruto remarked that one way Kenya was going to stabilize its currency and economy was through diaspora remittances. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - Kenyans across the political divide have been disappointed after a report ranked Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni as one of the best-performing presidents in Africa. The Afrobarometer report placed the Government of Kenya at position 10 in terms of government performance, judged by policies put in place to reduce crime. The state got a 46 percent approval rating, below average. In comparison, Tanzania emerged second with a 74 percent approval rating while Uganda was in position eight with 57 percent. Benin led the ranking with a 77 percent rating followed by Tanzania, Sierra Leone (63 percent), Togo (62 percent), Zambia (60 percent), Mali (60 percent), Niger (59 percent, Uganda and Mauritania (57 percent). The respondents in 39 countries were asked, "How well or badly would you say the current government is handling the following matters, or havent you heard enough to say: Reducing crime? The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 Former Prime Minister Raila Odingas Azimio has warned the United States to stop meddling in Kenya's internal affairs. In a statement read by NARC-Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua, the coalition in particular, faulted the US for having a hand in the Kenya Kwanza administration's decision to deploy police officers to Haiti. Karua remarked that the US and other foreign powers should recognise that Kenya is a sovereign State that ought to operate independently and make its own decisions. We take note of the support expressed by the US government for the Ruto regime to appeal against the ruling on deployment of police to Haiti, Karua stated. It is our hope that all parties should respect the independence of the Judiciary and foreign interests should keep off our national affairs. Additionally, Azimio in its statement noted that it would fully stand for the rule of law and support the need for independence of the Judiciary. The statement was made days after the Executive faulted the Kenyan courts for blocking the deployment of 1,000 police officers to the troubled Caribbean nation. In a statement, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura noted that Kenya had previously deployed forces outside the country. This was after it was ruled that President William Ruto and the National Security Council did not have constitutional powers to deploy police officers outside the country. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - An outspoken United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Member of Parliament has stated that the country is heading in the wrong direction because of the way President William Ruto's policies. Speaking on Monday, Githunguri Member of Parliament, Gathoni Wamuchomba, said Ruto has lost touch with the problems facing the country. Citing the continued depreciation of the Kenyan shilling against the US dollar and the rising cost of living, Wamuchomba suggested that Ruto's economic plan had hit a snag. "The Kenyan Currency is on a free fall at 167 against the USA dollar. "The cost of living is so unbearable, electricity is unbearable, cost of production is unbearable. "Is our plan still working at this rate? "Tutatenga na kupanga mpaka lini (Until when will we set aside and plan)?" Wamuchomba wrote on her twitter page. Wamuchomba is among lawmakers in the 13th Parliament who have boldly expressed their reservations about the country's economic trajectory. She has become a thorn in the flesh of the Kenya Kwanza administration, which she campaigned for about 17 months ago. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - The government of President William Ruto, through the Ministry of Labour, has unveiled a digitized skills inventory system that will gather crucial skills data in the country. In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Labour said the new system will analyze the supply and demand of skills in the country and identify any gaps. The Ministry noted that the inventory system will improve the placement of unemployed youth by aligning their skills with local and international markets. The National Skills Inventory will be utilized to analyze the supply and demand of skills, with the aim of identifying any skills gaps in Kenya. This system will greatly improve the placement of unemployed youth by effectively aligning their available skills with both local and international labor markets, read the statement in part. According to State Department for Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime, the collected data will ensure that the country has a reserve of human resources to meet local demand and address any surplus labour, which is expected to enhance the inflow of remittances. Speaking during a press conference on Monday PS Mwadime mentioned that the database will be hosted on the National Employment Agency Integrated Management System (NEAIMS). The system is accessible through the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection website at www.labour.go.ke. The Kenyan DAILY POST. ELKO Great Basin College President Joyce Helens is the recipient of Phi Theta Kappas Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction, the national honor societys most prestigious award, after honor students at GBC nominated her. The award recognizes Helens commitment to the success of all students, creating leadership opportunities and stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment, according to the announcement. Helens, who retires as GBC president in June, said her career has been dedicated to creating a well-lit path for all students to achieve their dreams, and being recognized for that goal is humbling and deeply appreciated. We are elated to hear that President Helens has been awarded the Shirley B. Gordon Phi Beta Kappa Award of Distinction for college presidents, said Lynette MacFarlan, professor and program supervisor of early childhood education and Phi Theta Kappa adviser. The GBC students of the Beta Beta Epsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa recommended Helens for the award. Helens received word of the award on Saturday. Upon announcing the news to our PTK students, we heard resounding shouts of joy reverberating across our GBC campus, as President Helens has been an amazing role model and mentor to our PTK students, MacFarlan said. She encouraged our one-star chapter in 2020 to shoot for the moon, and in that effort, they have landed among the stars five stars to be exact. Helens said she is honored that our students nominated me for this award, but my support is the easy part. It is because of exemplary faculty such as Professor MacFarlan, who has energized students with her mentorship, that a one-star chapter became a five-star chapter within the national ranks. Along with student officers and their faculty adviser, Helens will travel to the PTK National Catalyst Conference in April to receive her award. The conference will be in Orlando, Florida. Change is a constant in the medical field, and one significant shift thats been shaking up the world of health care employment is the reform of non-compete contracts. Understanding the implications of these changes is crucial to every doctor. I believe its important for you to grasp what the new non-compete contract reforms mean and how they might affect your career. During the first 15 years of my career as a traditionally employed physician, my employment contract did not contain any non-compete language. This proved to be quite beneficial when, over ten years ago, I established my micro-corporation and entered into an employment lite agreement with the same employer, continuing to work in the same role and location. As a result, my current professional services agreement also does not include a non-compete clause. In retrospect, I am grateful that my professional life has not been limited by non-compete contractual clauses. Essentially, I have had the freedom to explore professional opportunities without restrictions; in other words, I was free to roam. The evolving changes in non-compete contracts offer many of you newfound freedom to explore without boundaries as well. The evolution of non-compete contracts in health care Non-compete contracts have long been a part of the health care industry. They were initially designed to protect the interests of employers, such as hospitals and medical practices, by restricting doctors from practicing within a certain radius or for a specified period after leaving their current job. However, these contracts have often been a point of contention, perceived by many as limiting the professional freedom of physicians. Recent legal changes affecting non-compete contracts In recent years, there have been significant legal changes that aim to strike a balance between protecting employers interests and preserving the professional autonomy of doctors. These changes have been influenced by court decisions, legislation, and the changing dynamics of the health care industry. For example, on the federal level, in January 2023, the Federal Trade Commission proposed a rule that would ban most non-competes in the U.S. For doctors, the fine points of this ruling dealt with corporate employers and independent contractors, not employeesnote the distinction. The rule was not immediately binding, and the FTC gave the general public 60 days to comment. Thirteen months later, the FTC still has not issued any final rule or signaled when it will do so. Bloomberg Law reports, per an undisclosed source, that the FTC will not vote on its final rule until April 2024. New state laws also have changed the landscape. There are now five states that outright ban virtually all non-competes, i.e., California, Colorado, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. These laws have just very narrow exceptions, such as for certain sales of businesses. In my state of Indiana, Indianas legislature has passed an amendment, Senate Enrolled Act No. 7, which would invalidate primary care non-compete agreements that begin on or after July 1, 2023. The times are changing, but we have not fully turned the corner in this yetfor the time being, it depends on the state in which you are licensed. But the downstream impact on physician contracts includes the following: Increased scrutiny. Courts and legislatures are becoming more critical of overly restrictive non-compete agreements, especially when they impede access to care. Consideration of public interest. Some jurisdictions are shifting their focus to the public interest, emphasizing the importance of patients access to health care providers. Shortened duration. Reforms have led to limitations on the length of non-compete contracts, making them more reasonable and less onerous for doctors. The implications for doctors So, what do these changes mean for you? Here are some key takeaways: Increased professional mobility. You will find it easier to explore new opportunities and practice settings without the fear of facing crippling non-compete restrictions. Expanded patient access. The reforms are ultimately designed to improve patient access to care by reducing restrictions on your ability to practice in certain areas. Empowerment of physicians. These changes empower you to make career decisions that align more with your personal and professional goals. Strategies for navigating the new landscape As a doctor, its important to understand how these reforms can benefit you. Here are some strategies for navigating the new non-compete contract landscape: Stay informed. Keep up-to-date with the latest legal changes and precedents in your jurisdiction. Consult legal experts. If youre bound by a non-compete agreement or are considering one, consult with legal experts who specialize in health care employment contracts. Consider your career goals. With increased professional mobility, you have more options. Consider your career goals and how these changes can help you achieve them. Choose independence. Create a professional micro-corporation that enables you to engage in contractual agreements through business-to-business contracts instead of individual-to-business contracts. This approach will give you more leverage to avoid or eliminate non-compete clauses, while also establishing a layer of separation from employers suffocating control. Call to action The new non-compete contract reforms are a positive step toward balancing the interests of doctors and employers, ultimately benefiting patients and health care providers alike. You now have more freedom to explore career opportunities and expand your horizons in the ever-evolving world of health care. Embrace these changes as opportunities to shape your career according to your vision and passion. If you have questions or concerns about non-compete contracts and how they affect your career, consider seeking advice from legal experts who specialize in health care employment. Stay informed, and remember that the evolving landscape can work in your favor as a physician. The changes in non-compete contracts are reshaping the health care employment landscape, offering you more flexibility and professional autonomy. Embrace these changes as opportunities for personal and career growth. Your best course of action is to establish a professional micro-corporation that enables you to engage in non-employee professional service agreements for job opportunities nationwide. Drawing from my personal experience, you can bypass traditional employment and opt for an employment lite agreement through your professional micro-corporation. This approach will not only protect you from non-competes but also enhance your professional mobility. Now is the time to empower yourself in the marketplace and take advantage of the evolving contractual changes. Tod Stillson is a family physician, entrepreneur, and Amazon best-selling author of Doctor Incorporated: Stop the Insanity of Traditional Employment and Preserve Your Professional Autonomy. He can be reached at SimpliMD. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X @DrInc9, or join his Facebook community for doctors, Every Doctor Is A Business. Dr. Stillson is the founder of SimpliMD, an exclusive physician community that supports doctors on their journey to micro-business competency through community, courses, content, coaching, and consultation. At SimpliMD, he inspires and informs doctors about the benefits of micro-incorporation through his content and regular blog posts titled The Truth. Schedule a business consultation meeting with Dr. Stillson to discuss how micro-incorporation can help you. The State Minister for Microfinance, Mr. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, has lifted the general ban on money lenders and imposed it on online lenders during a Tuesday dialogue organized by the Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority (UMRA) at Hotel Africana in Kampala. Kasolo called on money lenders to operate within the law. In December 2023, Mr. Kasolo temporarily halted the issuance of licenses to money lenders due to concerns over unfair policies. The Minister cited the influx of unregulated online lenders, raising concerns about their lack of established operating practices. He further warned that all unlicensed money lenders operating in Uganda will be publicly exposed through media channels to protect the general public. As the chief guest, Mr. Kasolo also commended UMRAs Executive Director, Mrs. Edith Namugga Tusuubira and her team for their regulatory and supervisory efforts in achieving strong performance from Ugandan money lenders. Additionally, the Minister pledged to discuss with President Museveni potential funding options to grease the operations of lending companies. He stated, I can talk to the government to fund money lenders only on condition that they will avail 24% interest to clients per year so that the people can get cheap capital and do business. By AFP Fighting between rival communities in a disputed region claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan has killed 54 people, including two UN peacekeepers, the United Nations said on Monday, calling for calm. The clashes in Abyei, a contested oil-rich territory straddling the border of both countries, broke out at the weekend, according to local authorities. The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) said it strongly condemns these attacks against civilians and peacekeepers. Currently, according to local authorities, 52 civilians have lost their lives, while 64 others are said to be gravely wounded, it said. It said peacekeepers came under fire on Sunday while transporting affected civilians from a UNISFA base to a hospital. A Pakistani peacekeeper was killed, and four uniformed personnel and one local civilian sustained injury, it said. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence and appealed to the governments of both sides to investigate so those responsible could be brought to justice, said his spokesman Stephane Dujarric, with attacks on peacekeepers potentially constituting a war crime. A Ghanaian peacekeeper had been killed on Saturday, UNISFA added, calling for an investigation into the violence. Located between Sudan and South Sudan, Abyei has been a flashpoint since the South gained independence in 2011. According to authorities in the Abyei Special Administrative Area, armed youths and a local rebel militia carried out a series of barbaric coordinated attacks, starting on Saturday morning. Rou Manyiel Rou, secretary general for the Abyei Special Administrative Area, said on Saturday that the violence was tied to a long-running conflict between (the) Ngok and Twic communities. In a statement published on Monday, Britain, Norway and the United States, the international Troika that sponsored South Sudans independence, said they were deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in recent months between communities living in and around Abyei. Richard Ssebuganda, a Makerere University student who lost three fingers on his right hand when a teargas canister exploded in his Lumumba Hall room, is among the 12,913 graduates receiving degrees at the ongoing 74th graduation ceremony in Kampala. Ssebuganda graduated with a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Science from the College of Health Sciences. He joined Makerere University with all his fingers but faced a life-altering incident in February 2022 during a protest led by the former Guild president, Shamim Nambassa. I want to do medicine and law because my dream is to become a medical lawyer, Ssebuganda told KFM shortly after graduating on Tuesday. The protest, aimed at ending online lectures, escalated into a confrontation with the police, who fired tear gas and live bullets into students halls of residence. Ssebuganda was in his third year pursuing Medicine and Surgery when the incident occurred. ELKO Though Nevada Classical Academy Elko failed to win state approval to begin as a charter school, organizers are proceeding as if a second application this year will move forward. Headed by a group of Elko community members who are passionate about improving educational experience for students, the schools plans are beginning to take shape. Our board is in the process of petitioning the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority to grant us a school charter, Cadie Hatch, a member of the proposed kindergarten to fourth grade schools community outreach team, said. Joe DeBraga, a member of the Nevada Classical Academys governing board, said the schools leadership is revising the charter application to get feedback from the state on which parts of the school concept need to improve. Were still in that process. We wont open this next year. But it will hopefully open the following year, which would mean 2025 or 2026. Nevada Classical Academy will use the Hillsdale College curriculum, which uses a classical-style and virtue-centered education pattern that includes teaching children about the U.S. Constitution. As part of winning state approval, a Nevada charter school must target populations with low levels of academic achievement, DeBraga said. I dont know who will attend, its a lottery system in many ways. As for how the school is coming together, DeBraga said the school is looking for its leader. Charter schools have a unique style of leadership, he said. They have their own governing board. So were looking for governing board members. We have a Committee to Form right now, which Im a part of. The Committee to Form requires certain types of community members, DeBraga said. You have to have people that understand school finance, school law, school personnel. DeBraga, a former school administrator with the Elko County School District, fills an important niche among the group. I fit a bunch of categories because I have some budget experience, some personnel experience. And then that group completes the application, DeBraga explained. The state has interviews with our committee to make sure everybodys on the same page and they understand our mission and vision. When the schools application is approved, some members of that committee would be added to the governing board, he said. The governing board would have similar requirements for its members. We have teachers, we have parents. It helps if you have someone whos an English language learner, Hispanic, cause thats a big percentage of the population. Thats not required, But it does help in our application. Lisa Becker, Hillsdale College graduate and a leader of the application process, shared her own perspective on how the schools leadership collaborates to make Nevada Classical Academy Elko a reality. We have people on the founding board who come from an education background, and so theyve shared their knowledge and expertise when it comes to the logistics, building a school and all the things that the rest of us dont realize have to go into deciding the details of the school. The school also is awaiting word on its application for nonprofit status, Becker said. Hatch explained how this mission first began. A group of community members toured Treasure Valley Classical Academy in Fruitland, Idaho, in the spring of 2022. They were highly impressed by the academic excellence they observed in the students as well as the culture of respect and civility that pervaded that school. We felt that the residents of Elko County would be supportive of that type of school in our community, and so we have been working with the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority to open a classical academy in Elko County. Following meetings and discussion, the group filed its application. In 2023, we applied through the Nevada State Public Charter School authority for a charter and we learned a lot through the process, Becker said. While the schools 2023 application was denied, Becker said another one is on its way and will happen through improving the application and strengthening our plan. We anticipate putting in another application at the end of April this year to try again to get that charter. Becker said the committee started doing community outreach by attending events and putting together a Facebook page and a website and just really trying to gauge community interests. The goal, she said, is to see which local families might be interested in a classical school and to get some parent feedback about what theyre looking for and what would be the mark of a successful school for them. So far, she said, we get a lot of questions about the school and what type of school it will be and where it will be lots of detailed questions that we dont have all the answers to yet but all things that were working on. Becker said, I think a lot of what we heard was that parents want options for their children that meet the needs of their children. And so for some folks, this sort of model is something that they think would work for their kids. According to preliminary interviews with parents, around 30% of the children signed up for the school are being homeschooled, DeBraga said. In addition, some of the people leading efforts to establish the school, such as Hatch, are homeschool parents who use classical teaching methods, DeBraga said. As a homeschool parent, I have many years of experience using the classical education model at home with my children, Hatch said. I work with the other members of the board to ensure that our school aligns with state standards while maintaining a classical core. Right now, parents are enrolling prospective Nevada Classical Academy Elko students on an online wait list, DeBraga said. He said Elkos singular active charter school, Elko Institute for Academic Achievement, has a long wait list, which makes enrolling new students difficult. And so thats another reason that theres a need for Elko to expand the charter school option, DeBraga said. School choice creates healthy, positive competition among other schools nearby, Hatch said. Schools will work harder to earn parents trust and show that they are empowering kids to achieve their potential. Thus, positive competition improves all the schools in a given area. Becker said there are 150 students signed up to enroll when thats available, which I think shows a lot of interest from the community. As for the areas in which the school development plan needs the most community assistance, Becker said, we need support just with general knowledge of who we are and what were doing. The school is at an early stage in its development, Becker said. We are a proposed school, we have a plan, but were not here yet. What can supporters of the school do for now? In order to get Nevada Classical Academy Elko into the community, we need interested parents who are willing to put their kids on the Intent to Enroll form, Becker said. Also, supporters also could follow the school on Facebook and attend events held by the organizing group. So wed love to hear from people who are interested in that position or who are willing to share the information with their networks. Beyond teaching foundational skills, Becker said, students should also be learning how much fun it is to learn so they could grow into lifelong learners and students and citizens who value knowledge and learning and continually improving themselves. Hatch added, One of the benefits of classical education is that the subjects are integrated, meaning that what the kids learn in math comes up later in the day during literature, which will likely connect back to what theyre learning in history, and may lead to a deeper understanding of a scientific concept. The subjects work together, they are not divided from one another, Hatch said. The school should be able to provide childrens minds with knowledge while also providing their hearts with virtues, Becker said. Because we deliberately teach children moral character and civic responsibility, I look forward to seeing the students apply those virtues to themselves, Hatch said. Weve heard from parents who are very excited about this idea of having virtues instilled in the school and in the school leadership and staff and faculty, but also in the families who are part of that school, Becker said. So I think building a culture where the students and the school and the families all work together and grow together is going to be really neat to watch. Galopin Des Champs and State Man will both face a maximum of four rivals in their respective bids for back-to-back victories at this weekends Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown. Having bounced back to winning ways with a dominant display in the Savills Chase over the Christmas period, Galopin Des Champs will be a warm order to successfully defend his crown in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup before aiming to do the same in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. His biggest threat on Saturday appears to be a familiar rival in Martin Brassils Fastorslow, who took his measure in last seasons Punchestown Gold Cup and the John Durkan at Punchestown in December before sidestepping the Savills on account of the prevailing testing conditions. As well as Galopin Des Champs, Kilkenny trainer Willie Mullins could saddle I Am Maximus, while the potential field is completed by Gordon Elliotts 2022 Irish Gold Cup hero Conflated and his stablemate Coko Beach. Carlow-based Mullins is responsible for six of the nine horses still in contention for the first of eight Grade Ones over the course of the two days the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle with Predators Gold and Loughglynn the two at the top of the market. The Closutton handler also dominates the Spring Juvenile Hurdle, with runaway Punchestown winner Storm Heart and French recruit Salvator Mundi second to last weekends brilliant Cheltenham winner Sir Gino on his only start in France two of eight Mullins entries in a field of 13. The only Grade One favourite not under the tutelage of the champion trainer is Barry Connells Marine Nationale, who will put his unbeaten record on the line in the Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase. Mullins has left in Facile Vega, Gaelic Warrior, Il Etait Temps and Sharjah, although all four also retain the option of running in the the longer Ladbrokes Novice Chase on Sunday. He's a monster A seismic performance from Gaelic Warrior to land the Guinness Faugheen Novice Chase to lead home a 1-2 for Willie Mullins in the @LimerickRaces feature pic.twitter.com/9Io8AGZmBY Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 28, 2023 Gaelic Warrior and Sharjah both carry the familiar colours of Rich and Susannah Ricci, and their racing manager Joe Chambers has hinted the former could avoid a clash with Marine Nationale at this stage. He said: There isnt any other options for him this side of Cheltenham and we will see what he is like going left-handed (over fences), whether that be two miles or over two-miles-five. Itll be interesting to see how that pans out, especially down the back straight. He won over two miles there last year, albeit in a handicap hurdle, but Marine Nationale is a class act and I dont see why we would want to take him on until we have to. With that being said, there are only eight left in the Irish Arkle, of which he and Sharjah are two. We will see and there is a long time until Saturday. Saturdays action concludes with the Grade Two Future Stars (C & G) I.N.H. Flat Race, in which last years winner A Dream To Share is the star attraction among 13 confirmations. On Sunday, State Man will be cramped odds to win his second Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle, with his stablemate Impaire Et Passe set to be in opposition again after chasing him home in the Matheson Hurdle last month. Mullins could also run Echoes In Rain, while a resurgent Bob Olinger would be an intriguing challenger for Henry de Bromhead. Elliotts Fils Doudairies will be a huge outsider. Joining Facile Vega, Gaelic Warrior, Il Etait Temps and Sharjah in the Ladbrokes Novice Chase is another Mullins ace in Fact To File, who is priced up as favourite at this stage. Ballyburn is a short price for the champion trainer in the Tattersalls Ireland 50th Derby Sale Novice Hurdle, with Elliotts Royal Bond victor Farren Glory clear second best in the market. Following the abandonment of the original Clarence House Chase at Ascot, El Fabiolo will be widely expected to land the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase on his way to the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Mullins could also run Dinoblue, last years winner Gentleman De Mee and Saint Roi, De Bromhead has Captain Guinness and Brassil has left in Fastorslow as a back-up option to the Irish Gold Cup. The Mullins theme continues in the concluding Coolmore N.H. Sires Hurricane Lane Irish EBF Mares I.N.H. Flat Race, with Aurora Vega and Baby Kate two of his major hopes. Three people have been officially selected by the Labour Party to contest the upcoming Local Elections 2024 in Kilkenny. Of key importance for the party will be to break regain a foothold in Kilkenny City, previously a stronghold, but where it has now been without a sitting councillor in almost a decade. At a selection convention last night in the Clubhouse Hotel, two candidates were selected to run in the city, and one in South Kilkenny. Trade Union official Andrea Cleere, who previously contested the 2019 Local Election, is to run again, while former councillor Sean OhArgain, recently retired as Principal of Gaelscoil Osrai, will also re-enter the local political fray. Sitting councillor Tomas Breathnach will run again in the Piltown Municipal District, where he is heavily involved in many aspects of the community. Cllr Tomas Breathnach, Andrea Cleere, and Sean O'hArgain. Picture: Vicky Comerford Andrea Cleere said it was a great honour and privilege to be selected to run. "My core beliefs are steeped in socialism, natural justice, trade unionism and hard work, these are values which were instilled in by my family and the experiences of growing up in my community," she said. "I continued to grow these values through my work in the trade union movement working for SIPTU and have over the last two decades honed my communication, negotiation and strategic thinking. "It is important that councillors are elected who possess the right skill for advocating on behalf of the people of Kilkenny. We need Kilkenny County Council to have a bit more diversity, we need more females elected across the Council which will lead more equitable and considered decision making. I look forward to chatting to members of the public on the campaign trail, knocking on the doors and asking for their vote." Sean O'hArgain, who is a former Mayor of Kilkenny, said he hoped to convince local voters he can build on the positive agenda in his year as mayor in 2012/2013. "I considered long and seriously contesting this election, but it is my loyalty to my party that won the day," he said. "It is frankly painful for all of us in this room that we have been without an elected councillor in Kilkenny City for almost a decade now. The legacy of Jimmy and Seamus Pattison, Joe Cody, Tommy and Molly Martin, Luke Boyle, Tony Patterson, Marie Fitzpatrick and so many others means that our party is still held in high regard in this city, with Labour having been central to the political life of the city since our state was founded. My determination is that we will be back at the heart of Kilkennys political life in June of this year." The longtime Labour representative said he would be highlighting three key issues, with the first of them being housing. "I believe that every young couple or single person in our city deserves a home of their own," he said. "The failure of successive governments to build social housing in our city needs to be reversed immediately. The proud families who grew up in council estates in Kilkenny, from O Loughlin Road to Newpark to Fatima Place to Loughboy know what happens when our people are afforded that right. Along with building new social houses and apartments, we need to have affordable private housing available for our constantly growing city," he said. "The second priority for me will be to continue with the creation of a sustainable city, which will be a healthy, prosperous and fulfilling place to live. Having a new generation in our family brings home much more clearly the crucial importance of taking the urgent actions we need to save our local, national and international environment. "I will continue to lead by example in promoting sustainable transport. I was proud to be the first councillor to propose both our city bus system and bike rental scheme. We must continue to expand both schemes so that we give every citizen a real choice to reduce our dependence on cars. "The third priority will be to ensure that every Kilkenny citizen has the right to well-paid and fair employment." The poor water quality of the Kings River, a major tributary of the River Nore, was recently highlighted to elected officials. A presentation on the new Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Project at this months plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council has highlighted how the Kings River is the only tributary of the River Nore with a designation of Bad under the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). This designation is symptomatic of a severe loss of niche species and ecological functioning, food chain collapses and a waterbody incapable of supporting most aquatic life. Cllr Joe Lyons, who is based alongside the King's River in Callan, stated that he was gobsmacked by the findings contained within the presentation. Its deeply concerning, he added. Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Michael Doyle, then used his time to draw further attention to the concerns he has around effluent being discharged through an overflow pipe into the River Nore close to Inistioge. I wouldnt put my dog in The Nore at Inistioge, he told fellow elected members. PROJECT SCOPE In a bid to combat issues such as these, this new national 60 million Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Project will contain locally-led projects to tackle issues affecting water quality in an innovative way. It is hoped that the project will enable improvements in water quality with co-benefits for climate change and biodiversity. Measures are to be designed in collaboration with farmers, and will be targeted specifically to address local challenges. Let me set the scene for you: its half past ten on a Thursday night, and my Dad and I are hunched over a set of blueprints at the kitchen table, both scratching our heads. As we stared at the plans for our new project, a home office/man cave, we played around with the idea of utilising the attic space. We were trying to figure out how much standing height wed have upstairs, and whether it would be worth converting the space. Magnifying glass at the ready, we checked and double-checked the measurements on the plans to no avail. They simply werent there. We cursed the architect and our own inability to figure it out even more. Twenty minutes later and still no closer to figuring out our puzzle, we toyed with the idea of texting our builder, Anthony. Were going around in circles here. Just text Anthony, and hell put us out of our misery. Its 11 oclock; we cant be texting the man at this hour. Common sense prevailed; we opted not to disturb Anthony and, by hook or by crook, to figure it out ourselves. Frustrated, I combed through the plans once again and lo and behold, inspiration struck. 12 years after I left school, and buried deep in the back of my mind, Mr. Osbornes a + b = c echoed in my ears. Pythagoras' theorem. Eureka. Now, I swore a hole in a pot that it was pointless, a waste of time, and that Id never use it again after school - as we all did - and yet, here I was. In its simplest form, I had a triangle in front of me with two of the three required measurements. With the help of a Google search, a trusty calculator, and a scrap of paper, 10 minutes later, I had an answer. Whether it was correct or not would be another thing, but rounded off, we should have about six feet three inches of standing height at its tallest point. A quick text to Anthony the following morning to find out whether my Junior Cert maths had stood the test of time, and his reply of "there or thereabouts" was good enough for me. To Mr. Osborne - you were right, and I was wrong. ELKO Owyhee Combined School now joins the long list of educational institutions that have been recipients of the generosity of Bob and Sandy Ellis who are well-known philanthropic partners to southern Nevada schools. On Dec 18, shoes and socks were distributed to middle and high school students, leaving them amazed at the thoughtfulness of individuals not native to Owyhee who cared deeply about them. The following day, on Dec. 19, Owyhee Combined Schools hosted its elementary Christmas Program. After the program, each student, pre-K through grade 6, received their gifts of one toy, and a pair of shoes and socks, creating a memorable moment captured in photos for parents and guardians. The Robert and Sandra D. Ellis Fund donates thousands of shoes, socks and toys each year to several schools in southern Nevada. Owyhee Combined Schools Principal Mike Strong shared his thoughts about the gift. I truly cant explain the excitement of these children and the feeling in that building. It is something I will never forget, Strong said. We extend our deepest thanks to Bob and Sandy for being the driving force behind this heartwarming initiative. Elko County School District Superintendent CJ Anderson also expressed his gratitude. [We] echo the sentiments of the students and families of Owyhee in expressing our sincerest gratitude and appreciation to Bob and Sandy Ellis. The impact of their generosity will continue to resonate in the hearts of the students and the community, Anderson said. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is briefing party members over Government proposals aimed at ending Stormonts powersharing impasse. Sir Jeffrey arrived at the Larchfield estate near Lisburn shortly before 7.20pm for the short-notice gathering of the DUPs 130-strong executive. Around 50 protesters assembled at the gates of the venue, many carrying posters and banners warning against a DUP sellout. Some shouted at DUP members as they drove into the grounds of the venue. Efforts by the DUP hierarchy to keep details of meeting secret appeared seriously undermined when Jamie Bryson, a loyalist activist and vocal opponent of the mooted deal, posted on X, formerly Twitter, what he said were live updates from the confidential briefing posts that included details of apparent attempts to find out who was leaking the information to Mr Bryson. The party has been using a veto power to block Stormonts devolved institutions for two years in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements which have created trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It has been involved in protracted talks with the Government aimed at securing concessions on the arrangements that would address its concerns around trade and sovereignty. The DUP appears to be approaching a final call on the Governments proposed measures. Before the executive meeting, the DUP leader was at the partys headquarters at Dundela House in Belfast, where a number of his MPs and peers were in attendance. He declined to comment to waiting reporters as he left to head to the Larchfield estate. Earlier in the day, he met party MLAs at Stormont. If Sir Jeffrey presses for acceptance of the Governments proposals and a Stormont return, he is expected to face stiff opposition from some unionists inside and outside his party. They believe the boycott should only end once all economic barriers created by Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol, and the subsequent Windsor Framework, are removed. While the deal being offered by the Government will seek to reduce red tape and offer additional measures aimed at strengthening GB-NI ties, they will not result in the axing of the EU and the UKs jointly agreed protocol and framework. Last week, in an impassioned speech at Westminster, Sir Jeffrey said he had received threats amid the speculation over an impending deal. The DUP has reported the incidents to the police. Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin said he hoped to see the return of the powersharing institutions, but added that he wanted to give the DUP space to hold the meeting and reach a decision. He said: I respect the fact that they are meeting and having internal discussions; theyve had discussions with UK Government on an ongoing basis for the last number of months and so we all know whats involved and we all know the details here. So its really a matter for the DUP to meet. I want to give them the space now to have their meeting. DUP peer and former Stormont speaker Lord Hay said Monday evenings meeting is to update grassroot members by the party leader of where were at with the talks with the Government. He criticised unionists who he said were briefing against the party. He told the BBC: The real traitors within unionism are people who continually brief against the party, even within the party, and all theyre doing is damaging unionism for now and the future. Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy accused the DUP of internal party navel-gazing while public services in Northern Ireland have been facing enormous challenges during the time the powersharing institutions have been suspended. The National Lottery has issued an appeal to players to check their tickets as Ireland's two newest millionaires have yet to come forward to claim their life-changing prizes. An online player in Dublin became the first Lotto jackpot winner of the year after scooping the whopping 14.67 million prize on Saturday night, while a Daily Million player in Kildare won the top prize of 1 million in Sundays draw. The National Lottery have confirmed that both winners are yet to come forward to claim their massive amounts. The Naas store where the winning ticket worth a life-changing 1 million was purchased will be revealed on Tuesday. Over the past week, we have seen our games turn three of our players into National Lottery millionaires and so far we have heard from just one of those big winners," a National Lottery spokesperson said. "Last Tuesdays Daily Million draw saw a Kerry player scoop 1 million. The Kingdom winner has since been in touch but we are yet to hear from our weekend winners in Dublin and Kildare. "Our advice to the winners is to contact our prize claims team as soon as possible so that we can make arrangements for their visit to the Winners Room in Lotto HQ. "While the Dublin player won the 14.67 million Lotto jackpot on Saturday night after purchasing their ticket online, the Kildare Daily Million player won their 1 million after purchasing their ticket in a store in Naas. We are looking forward to announcing the store location tomorrow where we are sure there will be great excitement! The two winners should contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to collect their life-altering prizes in Lotto HQ. Remorseless murderer Philip Dunbar, who claimed he was suffering from a mental disorder due to chronic drug use when he stabbed a disabled homeless man 183 times, is to remain in prison after losing an appeal against his conviction. Philip Dunbar (23) appeared before the three-judge Court of Appeal via video-link from prison today while Mr Justice John Edwards dismissed each ground of his appeal in a lengthy 100-page judgment. Mr Justice Edwards described one ground of appeal as "bordering on unstatable" and said that another argument claiming that the use of CCTV was a breach of his rights was "misconceived". Having noted that similar submissions regarding the use of CCTV had been made "at length" in other trials, Mr Justice Edwards commented: "Valuable court time should not be taken up with such unmeritorious arguments." Dunbar, last of Glenshane Drive, Tallaght, Dublin 24, murdered 23-year-old Adam 'Floater' Muldoon at Butler Park, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on June 22 or 23, 2018. Dunbar, who was 17 at the time, stabbed Mr Muldoon 183 times in an unprovoked attack. After the murder, the trial heard that Dunbar went to a friend's house, where he boasted that he had "slaughtered Floater" and "put him out of his misery" as the victim "begged for his life". He was found guilty of murder by a unanimous jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. Lawyers for Dunbar said that they should have been allowed to argue his responsibility for the killing was diminished due to a mental disorder caused by chronic drug abuse and that the gathering of CCTV used in the trial breached his privacy rights. Mr Justice Edwards said that the burden rests with the defence where they intend to rely on a mental disorder to reduce a murder conviction to manslaughter. The defence, he said, was free to call an expert to identify a mental disorder "if they could find one". In the absence of an expert opinion from a consultant psychiatrist that Dunbar was suffering from a mental disorder, Mr Justice Edwards said it would not be proper to allow a jury to consider that defence. The evidence of consultant psychiatrist Dr Brenda Wright was that Dunbar's symptoms were "abnormal" but they were associated with the use of drugs and if he did have hallucinations, he recognised that they were unreal and they were therefore only "pseudo hallucinations". During the trial, Dr Wright said that, in her opinion, Dunbar did not have a mental disorder at the time of the murder. Even if the jury had rejected Dr Wright's evidence, Mr Justice Edwards said there was no other evidence to satisfy a jury that Dunbar suffered from a mental disorder at the time. In relation to the CCTV evidence, Mr Justice Edwards said the privacy arguments advanced were "quite simply misconceived". He said it is not realistic to expect that people walking in public areas would have a "reasonable expectation of privacy" and it would be a "grave dereliction of duty" by gardai if they did not seek out CCTV footage that could help in either convicting or exonerating a person accused of a crime. The court dismissed further grounds concerning the admissibility of admissions made by the accused during garda interviews and the evidence of a key witness who was not publicly identified during the trial due to a court order. Evidence Mr Muldoon was living as a homeless person in Tallaght before he died. Witnesses at the trial said that the community in Glenshane would support him by feeding him and giving him clothes. He knew Dunbar and on the sunny summer evening before he died, he was hanging out with a small group of young people from the area, including his killer. Most of the group went home at about 11pm and at 23.50 a camera attached to a house in Glenshane Drive caught Dunbar leading Mr Muldoon into the park, helping him over a low wall on the way in. 23 minutes later Dunbar, having carried out the murder, could be seen back in Glenshane Drive on his own. At one point he held Mr Muldoon's Zimmer frame over his head as he walked towards his grandmother's house, where he was living at the time. Having visited his own home, Dunbar then went to a friend's house where he admitted he had just stabbed "Floater". That friend gave evidence that Dunbar had arrived at his home still carrying the bloody knife and "boasted" about the murder, telling him he had put Mr Muldoon "out of his misery". He said Dunbar had said for a long time that he wanted to put Mr Muldoon "out of his misery" and that he wanted to know what it was like to kill someone. He said the accused told him: "Now I know what it's like to be a killer. I know how it feels to be a killer." The witness said Dunbar told him that he knew Mr Muldoon was dead "the second I got him in the neck" but that he "kept going and kept going", changing the hand that he was holding the knife in so that he could keep going. A remarkable performance from a spirited Kilkenny School Project team saw them claim victory in the preliminary senior (U-13) round of the 2024 Credit Union Schools Quiz on Monday. The four city quizzers used their incredible bank of general knowledge to forge a path to victory on what was another very competitive evening of student quizzing in the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel. The questions put to them and all the schools present on the evening covered a wide range of topics including geography, history, music and sport. They will now progress to the regional knock-out stage in March, where they will go head to head with other formidable teams. The goal is to reach the National Final in the RDS, Dublin in April 2024. Second place on the night went to St Canices Co-Ed National School, who brought the quiz to an intense tie-breaker finale. For all their efforts, no child went home empty handed as every participant got a credit union bag filled with goodies. In total, approximately 40 schools took part at local level here in Kilkenny. Best wishes to Kilkenny School Project and last Friday's junior winners St Johns Senior School in the next round! Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Obituaries Newsletter Sign up to get the most recent local obituaries delivered to your inbox. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy RENO The Nevada State Public Charter School Authority unanimously approved the massive expansion of a Northern Nevada charter school despite opposition from the Washoe County School District over concerns its opening may force the closure of existing schools in the area. Mater Academy of Northern Nevada, which operates a Reno charter school with 490 students in grades K-8, received approval on Friday to open a second facility in Golden Valley. The new facility will enroll 1,400 K-12 students within five years, and the existing school will shift into only offering K-5, though it will expand the number of students in those grade levels and stay around 490 students total. In a letter to the Charter School Authority, WCSD Interim Superintendent Kristen McNeill stated the district only received formal notice of the proposal on Dec. 15 and did not receive the application materials for review until Dec. 20 days before winter break. The entire timeline of this application is concerning, Washoe County School Board President Beth Smith said during public comment, adding she was speaking for herself and not the board. Any project with the potential to be detrimental to tax-funded schools should not be quickly approved, she continued. Projects of a similar scale at WCSD would include months public review and public discourse. School closures at the elementary school level would be likely upon the opening of MANN Golden Valley, stated WCSD in its input letter to the SPCSA. None of the 13 schools in the area of the proposed charter school are overcrowded, stated WCSD. Many are operating below 80% capacity. One, Cold Springs Middle School, is at only 44%. The district projects essentially zero net growth for those nearby schools. There is no overcrowded school within this region of the WCSD and absent enrollment growth, this is a zero-sum scenario. An addition of a new K12 school will only accelerate further atrophy of WCSD enrollments. These losses impact the funding of teachers, custodians, nutrition service workers, bus drivers, support staff and school administrators. With Fridays vote, MANN Golden Valley is approved to open with 767 students in grades K-8. The school, which will build a campus, will be immediately adjacent to WCSDs Alice Smith Elementary School, which has also raised concerns about traffic impacts in the area during school dropoff and pickup times. The proposed charter school is also less than 5 miles from a career and technical career education school WCSD is constructing. Debbie Smith CTE High School is scheduled to open for the 2025-26 school year with a projected enrollment of more than 900 students. Chris Daly of the Nevada State Education Association said the Charter School Authority is not meeting the spirit of a 2017 bill meant to better manage growth of charter schools within the state. The board should watch out for the broader public good, he added, by considering the impacts to all students. The Charter School Authority staff and board members were not convinced by the opposition. While WCSD did have some concern regarding this expansion, SPCSA staff does not see a significant enough concern to change its recommendation for approval, said authority staffer Danny Peltier, reading from the official staff recommendation to the board. One thing that really struck me was their fear of competition, said Charter School Board member Lee Farris of the opposition to the school. All of our charter schools go through (competition) because they compete for kids. They have to actively get their kids. They have to recruit those kids. And they have to recruit those families year after year. Keep them. And it makes those schools better. He continued, You would think that competition would do nothing but raise the bar for everybody. Board member Victor Salcido said MANN is doing what was asked of them enrolling a student body representative of the larger community and meeting its academic goals. MANN, he added, is an Academica Nevada school, adding that Academica has a record of successful schools. Academica is a Florida-based charter school management company giant. More than half of all charter school students in the state are enrolled at a charter contracted with Academica. MANN noted that nearly 70% of students in the nearby zip codes they are targeting for enrollment currently attend 1- or 2-star schools. MANNs existing elementary and middle schools are both 3-star schools. MANNs elementary school is the second highest rated Title-1 elementary school in Washoe County in terms of performance, said an SPCSA staff member, and its middle school is the best performing Title-1 middle school. Daly noted that only 35% of MANN elementary and 31% of MANN middle school students are proficient in English Language Arts. WCSD also argued to the SPCSA that it is wholly inappropriate to consider MANNs plan an expansion rather than a new school because it involves offering high school grades and a second facility, as opposed to a simple relocation or adding grades within an elementary, middle or high school. That legal opinion does not appear to be shared by the Nevada Attorney Generals Office, which said in a memo to the SPCSA that the states charter school laws expressly allow for the expansion of additional grades and new facilities. MANN on Friday also received approval to add distance education courses for its students. According to its application to the Nevada Department of Education, which must approve distance learning courses, MANN will be offering the courses with the support of Academica Virtual Education. In its application, MANN noted that other Academica schools have sought to add distance education. CARSON CITY Kelly Lange thought she did everything right. The Las Vegas homeowner knew she should use a licensed contractor for a planned kitchen remodel. She picked an established company, checked their online reviews and made sure their license and bonding was current. I work for a (public) utility here in town, she said, so I knew everything that I was supposed to do. But what she expected to go smoothly instead turned into a yearlong headache. It started with delays work that was supposed to start in October got pushed back to December, then again to January. Then, there were excuses that seemed suspect. Then, without warning, and without returning the money she had already paid, the business closed and stopped answering her calls. Lange knew she could file a claim against the now-shuttered companys bond. She, and a few others in similar positions, did just that. That helped her recoup some, but not all, of her money. Luckily, Nevada has a unique safety net in place for people just like her. The Residential Recovery Fund allows single-family homeowners to recoup their financial losses after a licensed contractor fails to properly perform work. There are some limitations homeowners have to live at the residence and they have to exhaust other means of recovery but the fund offers some recompense for those wronged by licensed contractors. On Jan. 18, Lange was one of more than two dozen people whose cases appeared before the Nevada State Contractors Board, which administers the Residential Recovery Fund. The homeowners were awarded a total of nearly $400,000 from the fund, which had nearly $6 million in it as of December 2023. Since being established by the Nevada State Legislature in 1999, the Residential Recovery Fund has awarded approximately $15 million to 1,648 homeowners. The fund is kept flush through fees charged to all licensed contractors. Lange received approval for $10,204. Next Gen Kitchen and Bath, the company Lange contracted with, had four claims against it at the hearing. Amounts awarded at the hearing ranged from around $1,300 to the maximum amount allowable by state law: $40,000. One homeowner who received the maximum amount allowed paid more than $120,000 to now-defunct Lifetime Power LLC, which completed no work. She told the board she is seeking legal recourse against a partner company she believes should be held responsible, but she thanked the board for doing what it could for her. A number of these homeowners have been through a long, drawn-out process, said David Behar, the director of investigations at the Nevada State Contractors Board. Theyre frustrated. Theyve been out a lot of money. They havent had repairs done to their homes. Theyve been incomplete because theyve been waiting to try to get money to be made whole again. Thats one of the things that this process allows, is for them to maybe finally get some closure. In the majority of the cases heard last week, the at-fault companies had completed no work at all. In one case, the company performed shoddy work that will need to be redone. In another, a company installed an incompatible solar system. S&E Contracting Inc, which operated as Made in the Shade until its license was revoked by regulators in September, had 13 claims against it heard at the most recent hearing. Their abandoned contracts accounted for nearly half of the $400,000 awarded at the hearing. All but one of the 13 claims against Made in the Shade were for projects beyond what the company was bonded for. Accepting projects above their monetary limit is a red flag that a company may be untrustworthy and incapable of completing what it has promised, noted contractors board member Boyd Martin. Another company was found to be working outside of their license for example, completing tile work when licensed only for general landscaping. The Nevada State Contractors Board recommends homeowners accept at least three bids on projects and verify that contractors are properly licensed and bonded for the type of work to be done something that can be done for free online. Do not take their word for it, Behar said, adding that the contractors website will also list whether a contractor has faced disciplinary actions. We try to highlight people that are unlicensed contractors, the ones that are targeting people that are more vulnerable, that maybe dont understand the process and that they wouldnt be eligible for the recovery fund. Homeowners should also be aware that state law largely limits the amount a contractor can collect as a deposit to $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. Lawmakers established those limits in Assembly Bill 39 of the 2023 Legislative Session. Homeowners wronged by an unlicensed contractor are not eligible for the Residential Recovery Fund, but the contractors board does have a criminal division that investigates their wrongdoings. Elko Countys contracted architectural firms recently proposed spending a whopping $87.57 million to build a massive new 70,000-square-foot courthouse. I completely support building a new courthouse, which we desperately need, but I agree with the commissioners who questioned that price tag. We can easily meet Elkos needs, without the excessive expense to taxpayers, by redesigning a smaller and more efficient building that still serves as a landmark of civic pride. Elko is long overdue for a new courthouse. The current building was completed in 1911 and was originally expected to be outgrown and replaced by the mid-1930s. Instead, Elko has continued to rely upon it for over a century, even as our community and our court system has expanded. Today, Elkos courtrooms are spread across three different buildings, none of which are adequately designed to secure dangerous inmates and protect visitors, victims, jurors and court staff. The small spaces also force judges to frequently engage in a game of musical chairs between different courtrooms and even outside facilities like the Elko Convention Center. The architects failed by going completely overboard in their design. They proposed nine different jury-sized courtrooms, even though we only have five judges conducting jury trials. The plans, similarly, include space for nearly twice as many court staff as we have today. There is leaving room for growth, and then there is leaving a third to half of a building empty. It gets even worse when you look closely at the details. For example, the architects designed eighteen different bathrooms on just the third floor alone. Seriously. Four larger ones are designated for public use, while fourteen more bathrooms are reserved for the (maximum) twenty-four employees assigned to that floor. This is emblematic of the fluff we need to cut from this project. Similar examples include four different redundant staircases and enough holding cells to house nearly a third of the jail. Even the estimated $87 million price tag seems questionable. That figure translates to a cost of $1,250 per square foot. For comparison, the famously frugal and efficient federal government (insert eyeroll) is paying less than $775 per square foot for a beautiful new courthouse in Huntsville, Alabama, and under $600 per square foot for a courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa. Here in Elko, we just finished building the Child Advocacy Center for only $435 per square foot. So where on earth did the architects $1,250-per-square-foot estimate come from? Do the million different bathrooms come with gold-plated toilets? Just as important as cutting the wasteful fluff that drives per-square-foot costs, is reducing the overall size of the building to fit Elkos realistic needs. By including, say, five jury courtrooms and two smaller non-jury courtrooms (one for the family court master and one for senior/visiting judges), plus cutting the related empty office space, we can meet Elkos current and future requirements with a courthouse under 50,000 square feet. Combined with a more efficient design, this would make the project affordable using only existing tax revenue. The one area we should not skimp on is the outside design of the new courthouse. Former President Donald Trump wisely issued an executive order (since repealed by President Joe Biden) requiring new federal buildings and courthouses to be designed using traditional and classical architecture. Classically designed buildings are not only beautiful, but they also reflect the traditions and values of our nation, our democracy, and our justice system. Elkos landmark 1911 courthouse exemplifies this. Our new building should continue its proud architectural legacy for generations to come. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. TXO Partners L.P. (NYSE:TXO Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 22,100 shares, a decline of 16.3% from the December 31st total of 26,400 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 40,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short. TXO Partners Stock Performance Shares of NYSE TXO traded down $0.09 during trading on Monday, hitting $18.81. 28,900 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 29,626. The businesss fifty day moving average is $18.73 and its 200 day moving average is $18.64. TXO Partners has a fifty-two week low of $17.23 and a fifty-two week high of $25.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.86. Get TXO Partners alerts: TXO Partners (NYSE:TXO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported $0.27 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.33 by ($0.06). TXO Partners had a net margin of 20.38% and a negative return on equity of 1.33%. The company had revenue of $69.87 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $71.38 million. On average, equities research analysts forecast that TXO Partners will post 0.51 EPS for the current year. TXO Partners Increases Dividend Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 27th. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th were issued a $0.52 dividend. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 11.06%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 16th. This is a positive change from TXO Partnerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.48. Several equities analysts recently issued reports on TXO shares. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on shares of TXO Partners from $27.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Raymond James dropped their price objective on shares of TXO Partners from $30.00 to $26.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on TXO Insiders Place Their Bets In other TXO Partners news, major shareholder Global Endowment Management, L sold 1,500,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.10, for a total transaction of $25,650,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 1,139,098 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,478,575.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, major shareholder Global Endowment Management, L sold 1,500,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.10, for a total value of $25,650,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 1,139,098 shares in the company, valued at $19,478,575.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Keith A. Hutton bought 180,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 10th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $17.60 per share, for a total transaction of $3,168,000.00. Following the acquisition, the insider now owns 3,122,215 shares of the companys stock, valued at $54,950,984. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Institutional Investors Weigh In On TXO Partners A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in TXO. Venturi Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of TXO Partners in the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. UBS Group AG acquired a new stake in shares of TXO Partners in the 3rd quarter worth about $51,000. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of TXO Partners in the 3rd quarter worth about $206,000. HighTower Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of TXO Partners in the 1st quarter worth about $251,000. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised its holdings in shares of TXO Partners by 125.5% in the 2nd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 16,000 shares of the companys stock worth $346,000 after acquiring an additional 8,906 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 17.05% of the companys stock. About TXO Partners (Get Free Report) TXO Partners L.P. focuses on the acquisition, development, optimization, and exploitation of conventional oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquid reserves in North America. Its acreage positions are concentrated in the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico and the San Juan Basin of New Mexico and Colorado. See Also Receive News & Ratings for TXO Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TXO Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. High 34F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 90%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A few flurries are possible. Low 27F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Garrett, IN (46738) Today Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. High near 35F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A few flurries are possible. Low 27F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Angola, IN (46703) Today Snow showers. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 80%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A few flurries are possible. Low 26F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Delegation of Vietnamese Volunteer Community visits President Ho Chi Minhs mausoleum The delegation includes 120 outstanding leaders and volunteers representing tens of thousands of volunteers across all regions of the country. On the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of International Volunteer Day (December 5, 1985 - December 5, 2017), on the morning of December 5, 2017, the Delegation of the Vietnamese Volunteer Community held a ceremony to pay tribute to Uncle Ho, reported to Uncle Ho the outstanding achievements that the Community has made in recent years. The Vietnam Volunteer Community is a volunteer organization established with the purpose of linking clubs, associations, teams and groups nationwide for the purpose of social security and spreading good deeds and bringing better things to the community. Remembering and promoting Uncle Ho's teachings, volunteers with a spirit of enthusiasm and responsibility towards the community and society always try to learn, cultivate and develop themselves with extremely meaningful volunteer activities. The Vietnamese volunteer community currently has a strong volunteer system, with tens of thousands of volunteers always ready to contribute. In recent years, clubs, associations, teams and groups of the Vietnamese Volunteer Community have also organized thousands of meaningful programs with a total value of tens of billions of VND, bringing joy and hope for those who still face many difficulties and misfortunes in society, typically the programs towards the floodplains of Muong La and Son La; Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai; Tram Tau, Yen Bai; programs to help people in central Vietnam overcome the consequences of floods and rescuing agricultural products when people encounter difficulties . The group respectfully offered flowers and entered the Mausoleum to pay their respects to President Ho Chi Minh On behalf of the Youth Union, before the heroic spirit of President Ho Chi Minh, comrade Do Van De promises to try his best to bring the enthusiastic hearts of the youth ready to contribute to the community, bringing thousands of things for society, helping to spread kind deeds more widely, creating a Vietnamese volunteer community with noble humanitarian meaning./. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. High around 35F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. A few flurries are possible. Low 27F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. People visit an exhibition of China's renowned Terracotta Warriors in Alicante, Spain, March 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo) The exhibition, titled "The Legend of China's Qin and Han Dynasties," showcased a selection of 120 original pieces, including seven warriors and a horse, from nine Chinese museums and institutions. MADRID, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Alicante Archaeological Museum (MARQ) this weekend said goodbye to a 10-month multisensory exhibition of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors from China's Xi'an. The exhibition, titled "The Legend of China's Qin and Han Dynasties," was inaugurated on March 28, 2023. It showcases a selection of 120 original pieces, including seven warriors and a horse, from nine Chinese museums and institutions. "The Terracotta Warriors and the archaeological heritage are ambassadors of culture throughout the world," Spanish archaeologist and researcher Marcos Martinon-Torres told Xinhua. People visit an exhibition of China's renowned Terracotta Warriors in Alicante, Spain, March 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo) Martinon-Torres, a professor at the University of Cambridge and the curator of the exhibition, explained the complexities of its logistical framework. "It is an exhibition of archeology and history, but also of technology and science," said the researcher, who has been working jointly with archaeologists and researchers from Xi'an since 2006. MARQ said that around 280,000 people have visited the exhibition. "Not only is the quantity important, but also the impression people form after the exhibition," said Martinon-Torres. The response to the exhibition has been "very enthusiastic, very positive," he added, "especially taking into account the great diversity of the public, who range from tourists seeking sun and beach to academics and children." The exhibition curator said he hoped that the exchange of knowledge with China will continue to be promoted. People visit an exhibition of China's renowned Terracotta Warriors in Alicante, Spain, March 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo) Editor: WRX Press Release January 30, 2024 Cayetano: Human institutions will disappoint us, but there is no disappointment in the Word of God Every human institution will pass, but the Word of God will remain forever and should be used as the basis for good governance. This was part of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's prayer as the Senate opened its session on Monday, January 29, 2024, which also happened to be National Bible Day. "The Lord God is the same today and tomorrow. When we put our trust in people and in institutions, even in a very good institution, we can get disappointed. But when we put our trust in the Word of God, there is no disappointment," Cayetano said in his prayer. Alluding to current moves to amend the Constitution, the independent senator asked: "Will some provisions of our Constitution pass away? Will the Senate pass away? We do not know, but we do know that the Word of God will not." Affirming God's love for the Philippines, Cayetano said history is "not a series of coincidences... or a series of who is more powerful, but history is Your story, Lord God, Your perfect timing." He said history is about men and women "rising up, confessing their sins, and repenting." "So we come before You, Lord God, to fight not only for reforms and education, in health, in the police, but really to have the kind of institutions that will have healthy debate, where all ideas are welcome, where we'll come before You and really repent and first seek Your kingdom and righteousness," he added. Cayetano then prayed for everyone in government -- Malacanang, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and all local leaders, business leaders, and even heads of families -- that God would give them wisdom. "We pray Lord God that at this crucial time that we are at a crossroad, we would depend not on people but on Your Word," he said. Cayetano: Maaari tayong biguin ng mga institusyong pantao, ngunit walang kabiguan sa Salita ng Diyos Ang bawat institusyon ng tao ay mawawala, ngunit ang Salita ng Diyos ay mananatili magpakailanman, kaya dapat itong gamitin bilang batayan ng mabuting pamamahala. Bahagi ito ng panalangin ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano sa pagbubukas ng sesyon sa Senado noong Lunes, January 29, 2024, na pagdiriwang din ng National Bible Day. "The Lord God is the same today and tomorrow. When we put our trust in people and in institutions, even in a very good institution, we can get disappointed. But when we put our trust in the Word of God, there is no disappointment," wika ni Cayetano sa kanyang panalangin. Sa gitna ng kasalukuyang isyu ng pag-amiyenda sa konstitusyon, itinanong ng senador: "Will some provisions of our Constitution pass away? Will the Senate pass away? We do not know, but we do know that the Word of God will not." Binigyang diin ni Cayetano ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa Pilipinas at sinabing ang kasaysayan ay hindi serye ng mga pangyayari, o serye kung sino ang mas makapangyarihan, kundi ang kasaysayan ay kwento ng Diyos sa perpektong panahon. Idinagdag pa niya na ang kasaysayan ay tungkol sa mga lalaki at babae na bumabangon, umaamin sa kanilang mga kasalanan, at nagsisisi. "So we come before You, Lord God, to fight not only for reforms and education, in health, in the police, but really to have the kind of institutions that will have healthy debate, where all ideas are welcome, where we'll come before You and really repent and first seek Your kingdom and righteousness," wika ng senador sa kanyang dalangin. Isinamo ni Cayetano ang lahat ng nasa gobyerno -- Malacanang, House of Representatives, Senate, lokal na lider, lider ng negosyo, at ulo ng mga pamilya -- na bigyan sila ng karunungan ng Diyos. "We pray Lord God that at this crucial time that we are at a crossroad, we would depend not on people but on Your Word," wika niya. This photo taken on Jan. 29, 2024 shows decorations in preparation for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year in Xuan'en County, central China's Hubei Province. Festive decorations are seen across the country as the Spring Festival approaches. (Photo by Song Wen/Xinhua) A drone photo taken on Jan. 29, 2024 shows workers decorating a street with festive lanterns for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year in Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Festive decorations are seen across the country as the Spring Festival approaches. (Photo by He Weiwei/Xinhua) A man hangs red lanterns to greet the Chinese Lunar New Year in the ancient town of Pingyao in north China's Shanxi Province, Jan. 29, 2024. Festive decorations are seen across the country as the Spring Festival approaches. (Photo by Liang Shengren/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 28, 2024 shows decorations in preparation for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year in Linhai City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Festive decorations are seen across the country as the Spring Festival approaches. (Photo by Wang Huabin/Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 29, 2024 shows a dragon-shaped installation in preparation for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year in Xuan'en County, central China's Hubei Province. Festive decorations are seen across the country as the Spring Festival approaches. (Photo by Song Wen/Xinhua) Children watch festive lanterns at a plaza in Yantai, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 28, 2024. Festive decorations are seen across the country as the Spring Festival approaches. (Photo by Sun Wentan/Xinhua) People select Chinese Lunar New Year decorations at a market in Duyun City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 29, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Xiao Wei/Xinhua) A customer buys dolls related to Chinese Lunar New Year in Congjiang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 29, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Luo Jinglai/Xinhua) A customer buys Chinese Lunar New Year decorations at a market in Haian, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 29, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Xu Jingbai/Xinhua) A seller prepares Chinese Lunar New Year decorations at a market in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 29, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Liang Zidong/Xinhua) A customer selects Chinese Lunar New Year decorations at a market in Duyun City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 29, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Xiao Wei/Xinhua) People buy Chinese Lunar New Year decorations at a market in Haian, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 29, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Xu Jingbai/Xinhua) People buy Chinese Lunar New Year decorations in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 29, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Jia Minjie/Xinhua) People buy Chinese Lunar New Year decorations at a supermarket in Jingning County of Pingliang City, northwest China's Gansu Province, Jan. 29, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Wang Yi/Xinhua) A child views red lanterns at a market in Gaomi, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 29, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Li Haitao/Xinhua) Editor: WRX ATK New Delhi [India], January 30: Axis Bank, being one of India's biggest private banks offers credit cards to cater to individuals with varied spending preferences. One can choose a credit card based on the lifestyle i.e. shopping, travel, rewards, and cashbacks. From basic credit cards to premium credit cards concentrating on providing a luxurious experience to the users, Axis Bank has a wide range of credit cards. Let us analyze the top credit cards offered by the bank to see which card provides the maximum benefits. Also Read | PM Modi Quotes on Mahatma Gandhi: Observe Martyrs Day 2024 With These Memorable Sayings by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Father of the Nation. A) Axis Bank Neo Credit Card Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of Axis Bank Neo Credit Card: Also Read | 'A Step in the Wrong Direction': After Epic Games CEO Time Sweeney and Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, Microsoft Also Criticises Changes to Apple App Store in EU. Premium benefits * Monthly 2 times - Up to INR 120 off* at Zomato * 5%* off on Utility Bill Payments on Amazon Pay * 10%* off on BookMyShow and Blink It Fees * Joining Fee: INR 0 * Annual Fee: INR 0 (Limited Period Offer. Available on select channels only) B) Axis Bank MY Zone Credit Card Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card: Premium benefits * Free SonyLiv Premium subscription for 1 year worth INR 999 * Monthly 2 times - Flat INR 120 off* at SwiggyUp to INR 1000* off on AJIO (minimum spend of INR 2999) Fees * Joining Fee: INR 500Annual Fee: INR 500 C) Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card: Premium benefits * Welcome benefits worth INR 600 * Unlimited cashback from Flipkart and many more enjoy our airport lounge access (4 times per year) Fees * Joining Fee: INR 500 * Annual Fee: INR 500 D) IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card : Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of the IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card Premium benefits * Now seamlessly Pay with UPI using your credit card. Cashback of up to Rs.250* on fuel spends4% value back on fuel spent at Indian Oil outlets Fees * Joining Fee: INR 500 * Annual Fee: INR 500 * 2nd year onwards: INR 500 (waived on spends of INR 50,000 in a year) E) Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of the Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card Premium benefits * Choose any one voucher worth INR 12,500 from the below options: 8 Airport Concierge Services per year unlimited lounge access. Fees * Joining Fee: INR 12,500 * Annual Fee: INR 12,500 F) Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card Premium benefits * 1 Complimentary Economy Ticket on joining * Complimentary Club Vistara Base membership to 3 additional Economy Tickets on milestone spends Fees * Joining Fee: INR 1,500 * Annual Fee: INR 1,500 G)Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of the Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card: Premium benefits * 1 complimentary Economy Premium Ticket on joining * Complimentary Club Vistara Silver membership * Up to 4 additional Economy Premium Tickets on milestone spends Fees * Joining Fee: INR 3000 * Annual Fee: INR 3000 H) Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of the Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card Premium benefits * 12,500 EDGE RPs redeemable against Multi brand vouchers worth Rs.5,000*Double the benefit upon achieving the spending milestone of Rs.2.5 lakh** Fees * Joining Fee: Rs.1500 (NIL for Priority Customers) * Annual Fee: Rs.1500 I) Axis Bank Select Credit Card Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of the Axis Bank Select Credit Card Premium benefits * 10,000 EDGE REWARD Points worth INR 2,000 * Flat INR 200 off on Swiggy. * Buy One and Get One ticket FREE on BookMyShow Fees * Joining Fee - INR 3,000 (NIL for Burgundy Customers) * Annual Fee - INR 3,000 (waived on spends of INR 6,00,000 in an anniversary year) J) Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card Welcome Benefit * Amazon eVoucher worth Rs.500 on the first card transaction Cashback * 25% cashback on Airtel Mobile, Broadband, WiFi, and DTH bill payments * 10% cashback on BigBasket, Zomato and Swiggy Other Features * 4 Complimentary lounge visits at select domestic airports * 1% fuel surcharge waiver K) SpiceJet Axis Bank Voyage Credit Card Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of the SpiceJet Axis bank Voyage Credit Card: Special Service * INR 1500 worth of SpiceJet Flight vouchers on doing 2 transactions in the first 30 days as a welcome benefit SC Points * Upto 18 SC Points on credit card spends Top Features * Complimentary 1-year SpiceClub Silver membership * Upto 6000 Bonus SpiceClub Points as a milestone * Renewal benefits up to 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge access in a year L) Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of the Axis bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card: Special Service 1 complimentary Business class ticket on joining Club Vistara Points * 6 CV points on every spend of INR 200 Top Features * 10000 CV points on spends on 1L in the first 90 days M) Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card: Welcome Benefit * 30000 EDGE REWARD Points on doing upon 3 transactions within 30 days from card issuance date Cashback * 10% Cashback on SAMSUNG purchases all year around, across products & services. This is in addition to other and over & above all offers Edge Rewards * Complimentary EazyDiner prime membership for 1 year * Complimentary PRIORITY PASS membership with 6 international lounge visits per annum N) Samsung Axis Bank Signature Credit Card Mentioned below are the benefits and fees of the Samsung Axis Bank Signature Credit Card: Welcome Benefit * 2500 EDGE REWARD Points on doing 3 transactions within 30 days from the card issuance date Cashback * 10% Cashback on SAMSUNG purchases all year around, across products and services. This is in addition to and over and above other all offers (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) On January 24, 2024, the photo taken at Kaiyuan Elementary School in Hanshan District, Handan, Hebei Province, captures the essence of the "Handmade Lanterns Welcoming the Lunar New Year" event. Students exhibited their imaginative skills in crafting lanterns, thus preserving and passing down traditional culture. The joyous and celebratory atmosphere depicted in the photo adds a festive touch to the commencement of the Lunar New Year. (Photo by Hao Qunying / Guangming Photo) On January 24, 2024, Tunxi Demonstration Kindergarten in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, hosted a delightful and engaging event titled "Cute Children Parade for the New Year." Children adorned in festive costumes showcased various folklore performances as they strolled down the streets, immersing themselves in the charm of traditional culture. The occasion was filled with joy and celebration, marking the festive welcome of the New Year of the Dragon. (Photo by Shi Yalei/Guangming Photo) Editor: WRX PNN Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 30: Dexian, a pioneer in the workforce solutions, IT, and staffing industries, is pleased to announce that its DISYS operations in India have been rebranded as Dexian India and are now a part of the Dexian global brand. This move is part of Dexian's strategy to solidify its global brand identity and showcase the availability of the company's comprehensive platform of staffing and business solutions for clients in countries and regions around the world, now including India. Also Read | iRobot Layoffs: After Amazon Terminates Acquisition Deal, Consumer Robot Maker Announces To Lay Off Around 350 Employees, Nearly 31% Workforce. Dexian operations in India began in 2011. After more than 12 years of operation and expertise in India, the company now has offices in Chennai, Noida, Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai. With a current headcount of more than 1500 employees, the company has grown into one of India's largest staffing firms and has hundreds of Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 clients across PAN India. Poised to revolutionize the overall industry with its innovative product offerings and becoming a one-stop agnostic platform offering comprehensive suite of business management tools, Dexian envisioned to integrate technology and achieve sustainable business transformations leading to the pinnacle of success. Currently, Dexian provides staffing services to a varied list of prominent clients, including manufacturing companies and companies with product based services. Maruf Ahmed, Dexian CEO, explained that the company's global platform evolved to address the dynamic landscape of modern business across the world. It was strategically developed to eliminate technology barriers, support innovation programs, and accelerate digital transformation for companies across industries, countries, and continents. Also Read | Delhi Weather Update: National Capital Records 8.7 Degree Celsius Minimum Temperature, AQI in Very Poor Category (Watch Videos). "Our teams in India are a core component of Dexian's global platform of IT staffing and business solutions," said Maruf Ahmed, Dexian CEO. "Modern businesses require comprehensive, innovative solutions to new modes of working and better ways of doing business. Our teams utilize Black Sky Thinking to drive transformation and help our clients work smarter and create new solutions to become more productive and more efficient." Kumar Rajagopalan, Head of Dexian India, leads the company's operations in India and explains that Dexian is an innovation-driven company passionate about its people and creating solutions for its clients. "We believe the future belongs to innovators and problem solvers," he said. "We leverage innovation to deliver proven technology and employment solutions by connecting the right talent and tools with the right organizations to produce new levels of business success for our clients and consultants." The job market is expected to pick up in 2024 after slightly dropping in 2023, driven by the need for specialists in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Following a 5 per cent decrease in 2023, hiring is anticipated to rise by 8.3 per cent this year. A huge onshore and offshore network of highly skilled IT specialists has grown as a result of Dexian's global expansion; this network provides top-notch business solutions and connects its clients with the world's best talent. Dexian is a leading provider of staffing, IT, and workforce solutions with nearly 12,000 employees and 70 locations worldwide. As one of the largest IT and professional staffing companies and the second largest minority-owned staffing company in the U.S., Dexian was launched in 2023 and created from the combination of DISYS, Signature Consultants, and other strategic acquisitions. Dexian fuses the best elements of its legacy companies to create a platform that connects talent, technology, and organizations to produce game-changing results that help everyone achieve their ambitions and goals. Dexian's brands include Dexian DISYS, Dexian Signature Consultants, Dexian Government Solutions, Dexian Talent Development, and Dexian IT Solutions. Visit www.dexian.com to learn more. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) PNN New Delhi [India], January 30: In a momentous event on December 15th, GM Alloys Pvt Ltd, under its widely recognised brand Wonder Aluboard, celebrated the inauguration of its advanced production unit. The event was graced by the company's esteemed Managing Director, Vijay Mittal, and Director, Rajesh Gupta. This milestone marks a significant chapter in the company's history, adding a new layer to its 15-year legacy in the Building Material Industry. Also Read | 'A Step in the Wrong Direction': After Epic Games CEO Time Sweeney and Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, Microsoft Also Criticises Changes to Apple App Store in EU. The new production unit recently opened by Wonder Aluboard shows the company's dedication to developing new ideas. The firm makes a whopping 30 Lacs Square Feet of Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) every month, making it a top player. The decision strengthens Wonder Aluboard in building materials, showing the company is leading the way with its innovative approach. In addition to the firm's well-known Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP), Wonder Aluboard has entered the WPC/PVC Sheet and Door Frame market, aiming to grab a significant share. It aids the company in thinking ahead, staying up-to-date with industry changes, and broadening its range of products. Also Read | Christian Bale Birthday: From The Dark Knight to American Psycho, Top 5 Movies of the Versatile Star!. With over 15 years in the industry, Wonder Aluboard uses its rich legacy to project itself as a formidable brand. The ongoing expansion resonates with the company's vision of becoming a household name in India and beyond. By venturing into overseas markets, increasing production capacity, opening new branches, and creating employment opportunities through the 'Made in India' initiative, Wonder Aluboard aims to make substantial contributions to the industry and the economy. Wonder Aluboard has a mission to strengthen its history and welcome new opportunities. The company, already serving customers through a network of 10 company-operated warehouses and over 600 dealer distributors, is committed to excellence. Regular additions to its colour palette, expansion of product offerings, and approvals from various government and private entities showcase its dedication to staying at the forefront of industry standards. For further queries, visit: www.wonderaluboard.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) SRV Media New Delhi [India], January 30: In a bold move, PowerMax, a leading name in fitness equipment brands, has just introduced two new state-of-the-art full-body massage chairs to their collection: the PMC-2000 and PMC-4900. This marks a significant stride in the brand's commitment to providing innovative and comprehensive wellness solutions for its clientele. Also Read | German Economy Shrinks in Final Quarter of 2023. The launch was officially announced by PowerMax's CEO, Mr. Sanjay Goyal, who expressed the brand's enthusiasm about enhancing the well-being of its customers. "At PowerMax, our vision is to revolutionize the fitness and wellness landscape. The introduction of PMC-2000 and PMC-4900 aligns seamlessly with our commitment to offer cutting-edge products that cater to both physical fitness and mental well-being," he remarked. PowerMax, which is often recognized for its ellipticals, treadmills, and other exercise equipment, has also been venturing into the domain of healing and relaxation for some time now. The most recent additions to their collection are the PMC-2000 and PMC-4900 full-body massage chairs. This diversification is a testament to the brand's adaptability and commitment to holistic wellness. Also Read | Karnataka Shocker: Six-Year-Old Girl Raped by Drunk Youth in Tumakuru District, Arrested. The PMC-2000 boasts 2D Intelligent Technology, offering a stress-free zero gravity luxury massage experience. With intelligent body scan technology and a heating function, this chair is meticulously designed to provide a rejuvenating and customizable massage experience. On the other hand, the PMC-4900 introduces AI intelligent voice control and an intelligent LCD touchscreen. This high-end massage chair also combines luxury and technology with features like automatic health detection that includes blood pressure, blood nutrition, and heart rate. As PowerMax Fitness welcomes this new chapter, they invite everyone to explore the possibilities these massage chairs bring. To delve into the world of ultimate relaxation and wellness, visit [PowerMax Wellness](https://www.powermaxfitness.net/) today. Embrace the future of well-being with Indulge PMC-2000 Full Body Massage Chair and Indulge PMC-4900 4D intelligent Zero Gravity High-End Massage Chair where innovation meets tranquility. For more information, please visit - https://www.powermaxfitness.net/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 30 (ANI): The Allahabad High Court has refused to grant relief on the petition filed by a couple demanding security after an inter-religious marriage. The court has said that the marriage of the couple did not comply with the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Religious Conversion Act. Justice Saral Srivastava gave the order rejecting the separate petitions of many petitioners from Moradabad and other districts. Also Read | 'I Can't Do JEE, Am a Loser': 18-Year-Old Girl Student Commits Suicide in Kota a Day Before JEE Main Exam, Apologises to Parents. The couple had urged the court to ask the family to stop interference in their marital life and demanded security for their safety, citing the threat to their lives. The court said that this was a case of the marriage of a couple of opposite religions. The legal process of religious conversion was not followed before marriage. Therefore, this marriage is not valid under the law, the court said, adding that the anti-conversion law was not followed in this marriage. Also Read | UNESCO World Heritage List 2024-25: 'Maratha Military Landscapes' To Be India's Nomination for UNESCO Tag, Says Culture Ministry. However, the court said that if the petitioners get married after following due process of law, they can seek protection afresh. The anti-conversion law passed in 2021 prohibits unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion and inducement. Out of the total eight petitions, five Muslim youths had married Hindu women and three Hindu youths had married Muslim women . It is known that petitions challenging the constitutional validity of anti-conversion laws by the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are pending before the Supreme Court. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati, Jan 30 (PTI) Assam is among the top five states in the country in the progress of implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters after a review meeting of NEP implementation in higher education institutions, he said some challenges were still there in enforcing it completely and work was on to overcome those. Also Read | Muslim Reservation: After Maratha Quotas, Manoj Jarange Patil Eyes Reservation for Muslims, Dhangar Community. "Assam is among the top five states so far as progress in implementing the policy is concerned. We have invited the vice-chancellors today to ask them about the problems being faced in enforcing the NEP," he said. Kataria said this was the third review meeting, and experts have been invited to guide the government. Also Read | Tata Consultancy Services Announces '15-Year Expansion' of Its Partnership With British Multinational Insurance Company Aviva. "Some challenges are there, especially low enrolment rates," the governor said, adding that the reasons are being looked into. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma raised concerns over the 'stagnant' gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher education in the last 10 years as the recent All India Survey on Higher Education has revealed. The GER is stuck in the 17-18 per cent range despite massive investments in the higher education system in the last decade, he said, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). Sarma indicated exploring the possibility of introducing a new system of scholarship for higher education. The CM urged the officials and heads of higher education institutions to work on a uniform academic calendar and root out ills like nepotism and favouritism, the statement added. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu told reporters after the meeting, "There are various milestones under NEP to be achieved till 2035. Periodic reviews are done to assess the progress and this was one such meeting." Along with state and central government stakeholders, authorities of private universities attended the review meeting, he added. Pegu said various aspects of NEP such as ensuring the employability of pass-outs and encouraging entrepreneurship are being worked on. (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], January 30 (ANI): Following a brief exchange of fire, the police on Tuesday arrested a man accused in connection with the murder of an Air India crew member. The accused was identified as Naveen Sharma and had a reward of Rs 25 thousand on him. Also Read | India Slips to 5th Position in Maldives Tourism Rankings Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Tensions. "The accused, along with two others, was caught for shooting dead Air India crew member Suraj Mann in broad daylight at an upscale market in Noida's Sector 104," an officer said. "Naveen was injured in a brief exchange of fire with the police and arrested from the scene," the officer added. Also Read | PM Modi Quotes on Mahatma Gandhi: Observe Martyrs Day 2024 With These Memorable Sayings by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Father of the Nation. According to the police, the murder was orchestrated by gangster Kapil alias Kallu and was linked to a long-standing family rivalry between the Parvesh Mann and Kapil Mann gangs. Earlier, on Monday, the police arrested two men in connection with the case. The accused were identified as Kuldeep from Delhi's Bhajanpura and Abdul Kadir from UP's Bijnor. Both were arrested near the Sarai Kale Khan bus stand following an exchange of fire with a team of the Crime Branch on Monday morning, police said. Suraj was shot dead in broad daylight at an upscale market in Noida's Sector 104 after he had finished his workout at a gym. He was sitting in his car when three men on a bike (Naveen, Kuldeep, Abdul) pumped bullets into him, according to the police. Further, according to the police, Kuldeep and Abdul were tasked by Kallu Khera of Lawrence Bishnoi and Gogi Gang to eliminate Suraj Mann from inside Tihar jail. The hit was ordered as part of an ongoing gang rivalry between Kallu Khera, alias Kapil and Parvesh Mann, a gangster lodged in Delhi's Mandoli jail. Further details are awaited. (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, Jan 30 (PTI) India has an estimated 718 snow leopards with Ladakh reporting the maximum number (477) of these magnificent cats, the Union Environment Ministry said on Tuesday. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) carried out the first-ever 'Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India' (SPAI) with the support of all snow leopard range states and two conservation partners -- the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysuru, and WWF-India -- between 2019 and 2023. Also Read | Chandigarh Mayoral Election 2024 Results: AAP-Congress Move Punjab-Haryana High Court, Matter To Be Heard on January 31. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released the report during the National Board for Wildlife meeting held here on Tuesday. The SPAI is the first-ever scientific exercise that reports a snow leopard population of 718 in India," the ministry said in a statement. Also Read | Parliament's Budget Session Begins on January 31, With President Droupadi Murmu Address; Last of Present Lok Sabha. The exercise systematically covered over 70 per cent of the potential snow leopard range in the country, involving forest and wildlife staff, researchers, volunteers, and contributions from knowledge partners. The SPAI used a two-step framework and covered approximately 1,20,000 km2 of crucial snow leopard habitat across the trans-Himalayan region, including Union territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, and states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. The first step involved evaluating snow leopard spatial distribution, incorporating habitat covariates into the analysis, and aligning with the guidelines of the national population assessment of snow leopards in India by the environment ministry in 2019. This systematic approach included assessing the spatial distribution through an occupancy-based sampling approach in the potential distribution range. In the second step, snow leopard abundance was estimated using camera traps in each identified stratified region. During the SPAI exercise, total efforts included 13,450 km of trails surveyed for recording snow leopard signs and camera traps at 1,971 locations for 180,000 trap nights. Snow leopard occupancy was recorded in 93,392 km2, with an estimated presence in 1,00,841 km2. A total of 241 unique snow leopards were photographed. Based on data analysis, Ladakh has an estimated 477 snow leopards, Uttarakhand 124, Himachal Pradesh 51, Arunachal Pradesh 36, Sikkim 21, and Jammu and Kashmir 9. The snow leopard range in India remained undefined until recent years due to a lack of extensive nationwide assessments for this vulnerable species. Before 2016, approximately one-third of the range (around 1,00,347 km2) received minimal research attention. Recent status surveys have significantly increased understanding, providing preliminary information for 80 per cent of the range (about 79,745 km2), compared to 56 per cent in 2016. The report also mentions the need for establishing a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell at WII under the MoEFCC, with a primary focus on long-term population monitoring, supported by well-structured study designs and consistent field surveys. Consistent monitoring is essential to ensuring snow leopards' long-term survival. For the same, states and UTs can consider adopting a periodic population estimation approach (every fourth year) in the snow leopard range. These regular assessments will offer valuable insights for identifying challenges, addressing threats, and formulating effective conservation strategies, the report said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mandya, January 30: Amid simmering tension in Mandya over the removal of Hanuman flag from a 108 feet tall flagpost, the Keragodu village Panchayat Development Officer has been suspended. The order issued by Mandya Zila Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Tanveer Asif on Monday said the permission was granted only to hoist the Indian tricolour at Keragodu village. However, the PDO not only gave an opportunity to the people to hoist the Hanuman flag, but also did not take steps to remove it, the order said. It was only on January 28, that the Panchayat Sub-divisional Officer along with Tehsildar and police officers removed the flag, which created a law and order problem for which the PDO was held accountable. Karnataka Flag Hoisting Row: BJP, JDS Workers Hold Protest After Administration Removed Hanuman Flag Amid Heavy Police Deployment in Mandya (Watch Video). As the opposition BJP and its ally JD(S) staged a massive protest in Mandya against the removal of the Hanuman flag and its restoration, security was beefed up on Monday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has accused the opposition BJP and JD(S) of trying to instigate the people over the issue, with an eye on the coming Lok Sabha elections. Police on Sunday had resorted to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd at Keragodu village, and subsequently hoisted the national flag replacing Hanuman flag in the presence of officials of the administration. On Monday, the protestors marched from Keragodu to the Deputy Commissioner's office in the district headquarters of Mandya, covering a distance of about 14 km, holding saffron flags amid chants of "Jai Sri Ram". Karnataka: Security Beefed Up After Administration Removed Saffron Flag in Mandya, Section 144 Imposed (Watch Videos). They also raised slogans against the Congress government. BJP leaders C T Ravi and Preetham Gowda and JD(S) leaders Suresh Gowda and K Annadani joined the demonstrators. As the march reached Mandya city, police resorted to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd as some of the activists allegedly tried to bring down a flex board featuring the image of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders, according to official sources. Later, scores of protestors gathered near the Deputy Commissioner's office, where police were deployed in large numbers and barricades were erected. Ravi and the JD(S) leaders along with former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy addressed the crowd. Chandigarh [India], January 30 (ANI): Ahead of the Chandigarh Mayoral polls scheduled to be held today, heavy security has been deployed at the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh. The Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 24, 2024, announced the decision to hold the Chandigarh Mayoral Elections on January 30 and also entrusted the responsibility for security to the Chandigarh Police. Also Read | Alberta Car Accident: Punjab Man Found Guilty of Car Crash That Killed Elderly Mother and Daughter, Deported To India From Canada. According to Advocate General Punjab, Gurminder Singh, "The Punjab Haryana High Court made its decision regarding the Chandigarh mayoral elections public. The Court has granted permission to hold the Chandigarh Mayoral polls on January 30 at 10:00 am. The Chandigarh Police has been entrusted with full responsibility for security." "The Court has also said that all the counselors coming to vote will come without any security personnel or support. If needed, they will be assisted and provided security by the Chandigarh Police," said the Advocate. Also Read | Land for Jobs Scam: Rabri Devi, Misha Bharti Asked to Be Present Before PMLA Court on February 9. The Mayoral Elections in Chandigarh were scheduled to be held on January 18 but due to the "ill health" of the designated presiding officer, the election was postponed to February 6, after which the matter reached the High Court. Thereafter, the Punjab Haryana High Court, while hearing the matter on January 24, announced the decision to hold the elections on January 30. Earlier, after the Chandigarh mayoral election was postponed, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha accused the BJP of trying to postpone the election because it is scared of "INDIA's triumph". Raghav Chadha, in a post on X, said that the 'BJP is gripped by 'democracy phobia'--a fear of democracy and free and fair elections'. He further alleged that this is a 'deliberate attempt to postpone elections'. This came amid allegations by Congress and AAP leaders that the BJP was trying to halt the election to avoid defeat. AAP and Congress have joined ranks to take on BJP in the mayoral polls. As part of the alliance, AAP will be contesting for the mayor's seat, while Congress candidates are in the contests for the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor posts. (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, Jan 30 (PTI) The Delhi Police on Tuesday claimed to have busted an illegal drug manufacturing lab in Uttar Pradesh's Greater Noida and arrested four foreign nationals. Those arrested have been identified as Nigerian national Eze Uchenna James (49), Alitumo Ifedi Shedrack (28), Eze Ibe Emeka Chibuzo alias Iko (56) and Kenyan national Ivo Osita alias Usta alias Osey (44), police said. Also Read | Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Centre, AAP Government on PIL Against Surging Cyber Crimes. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Ankit Singh Eze, Alitumo and Ivo were previously arrested and convicted in drug trafficking cases and were out on conditional bail. He said 445 grams of fine-quality banned methamphetamine drug, 1 kg of pseudoephedrine, 20.3 kg of raw materials and some lab equipment were recovered from their possession. Also Read | Budget Session 2024: Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar Revokes Suspension of 11 Opposition MPs. Methamphetamine is a fine-quality synthetic drug which has a high demand in rave parties, Singh said, adding that the accused were running an illegal drug-making lab in Greater Noida's Alistonia Estate, Chi-III. On November 27, 2023, a team of the Anti-Narcotics Cell of Dwarka district was privy to a secret tip-off about a Nigerian national being involved in a drug syndicate. The team conducted a raid and nabbed Eze from Uttam Nagar, he said. Another police officer said that on the instance of Eze, his associate Alitumo was arrested from the same area of Uttam Nagar on January 11 and about 100 grams of methamphetamine drug was recovered from his possession. The officer said Alitumo along with Ibe and Ivo used to manufacture fine-quality methamphetamine drug in a Greater Noida-based lab, where the team subsequently conducted the raid and nabbed them on January 16. Police said the accused used to distribute the drugs to their potential customers in Delhi and NCR. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kids use telescopes to observe and count the birds on Sulaibikhat beach during a bird counting event in Capital Governorate, Kuwait, on Jan. 27, 2024. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua) Birds are seen on Sulaibikhat beach during a bird counting event in Capital Governorate, Kuwait, on Jan. 27, 2024. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua) Editor: WXL New Delhi [India], January 29 (ANI): Marking a significant triumph in the realm of cultural representation, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) announced that its tableau of the Ministry of Culture secured the first prize at the Republic Day Celebration (RDC) Parade 2024. According to an official press release from the Ministry of Culture, "The tableau, a stunning blend of tradition and innovation, captivated audiences with its masterful use of the anamorphic technique alongside a rich display of Bharat's cultural heritage--often hailed as the mother of democracy." Also Read | MK Stalin Spain Visit: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister in Madrid To Woo Investors. The anamorphic technique, skillfully employed in our presentation, added a contemporary touch, reflecting the dynamism of our culture, it said. This modern twist seamlessly complemented the traditional elements, creating a tableau that stood out for its artistic finesse and cultural resonance. Also Read | India Slips to 5th Position in Maldives Tourism Rankings Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Tensions. As per the release, the Ministry of Culture takes immense pride in this achievement, showcasing our commitment to preserving and celebrating the diverse tapestry of India. This victory is not just a recognition of our creativity but a testament to the richness of Bharat's cultural legacy, it said. We invite the community to share in our joy and celebrate this momentous occasion. The tableau's success is a testament to the collective effort of our dedicated team and our commitment to presenting Bharat's cultural heritage in an innovative and visually striking manner, it added. Earlier on Monday, the historic Vijay Chowk witnessed the sounds of Indian tunes during the 'Beating Retreating' ceremony, marking the culmination of 75th Republic Day celebrations. (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, Jan 30 (PTI) In a coordinated response, the Indian Navy along with naval forces of Sri Lanka and Seychelles, rescued a fishing vessel with six crew members after it was hijacked in the sea lanes east of Mogadishu, officials said on Tuesday. The Indian Navy has carried out several successful rescues in recent weeks after receiving distress calls from vessels. Also Read | Muslim Reservation: After Maratha Quotas, Manoj Jarange Patil Eyes Reservation for Muslims, Dhangar Community. The Sri Lankan-flagged fishing trawler Lorenzo Putha was hijacked by three pirates on January 27, the officials said. The Indian Navy deployed INS Sharada and also tasked the Sea Guardian long-range drones to locate the hijacked fishing vessel on Sunday and it was intercepted the next day. "In a coordinated multilateral response to the hijacking of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel, the Indian Navy in collaboration with Seychelles defence forces and Sri Lankan Navy successfully intercepted and rescued the hijacked vessel," Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. Also Read | Tata Consultancy Services Announces '15-Year Expansion' of Its Partnership With British Multinational Insurance Company Aviva. The three pirates surrendered to the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) and all six crew members are safe and the vessel is being escorted to Mahe in Seychelles, he said. "The Indian Navy deployed INS Sharada and also tasked the Sea Guardian long-range drones to locate and intercept the hijacked fishing vessel," Madhwal said. "Additionally, efficient operational coordination and information sharing through the Sri Lanka and Seychelles International Liaison Officers at IFC-IOR, New Delhi resulted in the interception of the hijacked fishing vessel on Monday," he said. The Indian Navy established the IFC-IOR (Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region) in 2018 to effectively keep track of the shipping traffic as well as other critical developments in the region under a collaborative framework with like-minded countries. The Navy on Wednesday also said that INS Sumitra, deployed for anti-piracy and maritime security operations in the east of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, rescued two hijacked fishing vessels along with 36 crew (17 Iranian and 19 Pakistani) in the Southern Arabian Sea within a span of 36 hours. (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, January 30: An institution of national importance must reflect the "national structure", the Centre told the Supreme Court on Tuesday while pointing out that around 70 to 80 per cent students studying at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) are Muslims even without reservation. A seven-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, which is hearing arguments on the vexed question regarding the minority status of AMU, was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, that social justice would be a very determining factor in deciding the case. "Your lordships would bear in mind that it is almost an admitted position between the parties that even without reservation, approximately 70 to 80 per cent students are Muslims," Mehta told the bench, which also comprised Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Surya Kant, J B Pardiwala, Dipankar Datta, Manoj Misra and Satish Chandra Sharma. Aligarh Muslim University Minority Status Case: How Can You Not Accept Parliament Amendment, Supreme Court CJI DY Chandrachud Asks Centre "I am not on religion. It's a very, very serious phenomenon. An institution of national importance declared by the Constitution must reflect the national structure. Without reservation, this is the position," he said. In his written submission filed in the apex court, Mehta has said a minority educational institution is not required to implement reservation policy under section 3 of the Central Educational Institution (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006 (as amended in 2012). During the sixth day of hearing, Mehta, while referring to the reservation aspect, said AMU is one of the finest universities and is recognised as an institution of national importance. "So, a deserving candidate of Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe or a socially and economically backward class person would not have the reservation but a person having all economic, everything at his command based on religion would have reservation...," he said. During the day-long hearing, Mehta said there was no concept of minority or minority rights in 1920. The AMU Act came into being in 1920. "Mr Solicitor General, in the absence of an express obliteration of the past by the statute, can the court not look into the pre-existing history unless we find that there are certain express provisions in the statute...," the CJI asked. Mehta said his answer would be "no" for the simple reason that history always has several shades. Umar Khalid Bail Plea: Supreme Court To Hear Student Activists Plea on January 31 in UAPA Case Related to Delhi Riots He said it would not be possible for any party to request the court to go behind it and try and find out the history. Mehta said equality is the "heart, soul and blood" of the Constitution after India became free from the British regime. A five-judge constitution bench had in the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case in 1967 held that since AMU was a central university, it cannot be considered a minority institution. However, it got back its minority status when Parliament passed the AMU (Amendment) Act in 1981. Later, in January 2006, the Allahabad High Court had struck down the provision of the AMU (Amendment) Act, 1981 by which the varsity was accorded minority status. During the hearing on Tuesday, the bench referred to the 1981 amendment and said the intent behind it was to modify the statute so that reasoning given in the Basha case was not applicable. The bench also heard the submissions of senior advocates Rakesh Dwivedi and Neeraj Kishan Kaul during the day. Dwivedi said that to be a Muslim is one thing and to be a minority in another thing. The issue of right under Article 30 of the Constitution, which deals with the right of religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions, also cropped up during the hearing. "The question which is really being addressed before us is whether they are established and administered by a minority. The fact that they are a minority today in UP...that they were a minority at that relevant point of time, because whether they were a minority or not has to be decided on today's standards," the bench said. Dwivedi said minority is a "political concept". He said that in 1920, neither the Muslims nor the Hindus were part of then government and they were equal in the sufferings. "There was no question of minority. The relationship was of the imperial ruler and the subject. We were all subjects, all treated alike, all subjected in the same manner," he argued. "Is it your contention that because prior to 1947 there was no concept of minority as we constitutionally recognise today, therefore, any institution which has been established before 1947 or really before the advent of the Constitution...no such institution will be entitled to claim minority status? It will boil down to that," the bench said. "What change took place on January 26, 1950 that the Muslims, which according to you would not have minority status before 1950, suddenly got minority status after 1950? What is the big change that took place," it asked. Dwivedi said by that time, the country stood divided into two. The CJI said post-independence, the Constitution assured an equal citizenship to everyone whether one is a Hindu or a Muslim. The arguments remained inconclusive and would continue on Wednesday. The top court had on February 12, 2019 referred to a seven-judge bench the contentious issue for adjudication. A similar reference was made earlier. The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre moved an appeal against the 2006 high court order. The university also filed a separate petition against it. The NDA government spearheaded by the BJP told the apex court in 2016 that it will withdraw the appeal filed by the erstwhile UPA dispensation. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ranchi, Jan 30 (PTI) The legislators of the ruling JMM-led coalition partners in Jharkhand on Tuesday expressed solidarity with the Hemant Soren government at a meeting. They also signed a letter of support without any name as speculations are rife that the chief minister's wife Kalpana Soren will be handed over the reins. Also Read | Manvendra Singh's Wife and Ex-Union Minister Jaswant Singh's Daughter-in-Law Chitra Singh Killed in Road Accident, Son Injured in Car Crash in Rajasthan's Alwar (Watch Video). Kalpana Soren, who is not a legislator, attended a meeting of the lawmakers earlier in the day. Two rounds of meetings were held on Tuesday, a day ahead of the chief minister's scheduled questioning by the ED in connection with an alleged land fraud case. Also Read | Interim Budget 2024 Expectations: From Tax Concessions to Promotion of Green Energy, What to Watch Out For From This Pre-Elections Budget This Year. "We are ready for what may come... The BJP is abusing central agencies to destabilise a democratically elected government but we will not allow them to succeed in their mission," Transport Minister and senior JMM leader Champai Soren told PTI. The minister said the meeting was convened just to express legislators' solidarity with the CM in the prevailing circumstances. "There is no proposal. We stand united. We also signed a support letter without any name in case it is required," said another legislator who did not want to be quoted. Health Minister Banna Gupta said any decision in the current scenario will be taken according to the circumstances. "We will again meet tomorrow at the CM House to express solidarity," the Congress minister said. On the speculations that Kalpana Soren might replace her husband as the chief minister, the legislators said no such discussion was held in the meeting. Ending suspense over his whereabouts and intense political drama, Hemant Soren reached his official residence in Ranchi and chaired the first meeting of his alliance MLAs. On Monday, an ED team visited the JMM executive president's Delhi home with the intent to question him and agency officials claimed that he was "untraceable". Sources close to Soren said that the 48-year-old JMM leader came by road from Delhi, undertaking a more than 1250 km journey. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 30 (ANI): Amid a controversy over the removal of a saffron flag in the Mandya district, Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday accused the BJP leaders and their "masters" in the RSS of placing religion and the party above the nation. "It is extremely obvious that for the @BJP4Karnataka & their masters RSS, it is always self, organization, party & religion above the Nation," Priyank Kharge posted on X. Also Read | Mahatma Gandhi Punyatithi 2024: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Pay Homage To Bapu on Death Anniversary (Watch Videos). The officials from the Mandya district removed the saffron flag bearing an image of Lord Hanuman from a 108-foot flagpole in Keragodu village on Sunday. The local gram panchayat has said that permission was given to the Sri Gowri Shankar Seva Trust, which erected the flagpole, only to hoist either the national tricolour or the Kannada flag. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) conducted a protest rally from the village to the District Collector's office, demanding that the flag be hoisted back. Also Read | Mahatma Gandhi Punyatithi 2024: PM Narednra Modi Pays Floral Tribute to Bapu on His 76th Death Anniversary (Watch Video). In his X post, Priyank Kharge quoted BR Ambedkar's final address to the Constituent Assembly, which warned the nation of the consequences of prioritizing creed over the nation. "In his final address to the Constituent Assembly, Babasaheb Ambedkar spoke about prioritizing creed over the nation and issued us a warning," Priyank Kharge wrote in the post. "Will history repeat itself? It is this thought which fills me with anxiety. This anxiety is deepened by the realization of the fact that in addition to our old enemies in the form of castes and creeds. We are going to have many political parties with diverse and opposing political creeds. Will Indians place the country above their creed or will they place the creed above the country? I do not know. But this much is certain if the parties place creed above country, our independence will be put in jeopardy a second time and probably be lost forever. This eventuality we must all resolutely guard against. We must be determined to defend our independence with the last drop of our blood," Kharge quoted Ambedkar. In his response to the issue, Chief Minister Siddaramiah had said that it was not right to hoist the Bhagwa flag instead of the Indian flag. Accusing the BJP of plotting against the state government by intimidating people in the village, the Chief Minister said, "It is no accident that the Hanuman flag is hoisted where the national flag should have been hoisted, deliberately violating the rules and protesting against the government." "This incident is a pre-arranged act of the BJP and Sangh Parivar. Such a situation has been created with the intention of systematically raising the people against the state government. There is no doubt that the plot to create communal riots in Mandya is a preparation for the Lok Sabha elections by the BJP leaders," Siddaramaiah claimed. The Chief Minister said that his government is committed to maintaining peace and order in society. "We are not against any particular caste, religion, or community. Our stand is pro-constitutional. People should not make the mistake of following the words of BJP leaders and taking legal action. It is the duty of all of us to respect the Constitution and the law," he asserted."The opposition parties are playing politics regarding the eviction of Hanumadhwaja in a village in Mandya district. It is not right to hoist the Bhagwa dhwaja instead of hoisting the flag of India. According to the rules, it is not allowed to fly any other flag on the flagpole where the national flag should be flown" the Chief Minister said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Pune (Maharashtra) [India], January 30 (ANI): The Dighi Hills here on Tuesday witnessed a breathtaking display of para jumps by serving and veteran personnel of the Bombay Sappers. Commemorating 100 years of the iconic War Memorial of the Bombay Sappers Group, over 100 paratroopers of the elite 411 (Independent) Para Field Company, including seven senior veterans, undertook static line and free fall jumps to kickstart the events marking the Reunion, a four-yearly event bringing together the entire Bombay Sapper fraternity. Also Read | 'No Father Will Name His Son Nitish in Future': RJD MLA Bhai Virendra Takes Jibe at Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for Switching Sides With BJP, Forming New Government. Officers and troops rubbed shoulders with each other in this daring display of guts and courage, a testimony that the safety and security of the nation are in capable hands. While the serving personnel represented the secure present and a well-thought-through future, the veterans led by the 75-year-old former Engineer-in-Chief, Lt Gen RR Goswami, symbolised the unwavering grit and resolve of 'The Bombay Sappers' to deliver at all costs. Also Read | Mahatma Gandhi Punyatithi 2024: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Pay Homage To Bapu on Death Anniversary (Watch Videos). Brig SR Mazgaonkar at 74 years old, Brig. RG Divekar at 66 years old, and the former Central Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Yogendra Dimri at 61 years old, defied age to partake in this remarkable display of bravery and belongingness. One female serving officer posted at BEG & Centre also carried out the jump to commemorate the event. Along with the paratroopers were the paramotor pilots, who had recently completed the East-West Kutch to Kibithu Paramotor Expedition as an ode to the War Memorial's Centenary. The paramotors enamoured the audience, who were spellbound by their low-level flying and acrobatics. Dighi Hills, which serves as a training area for the Bombay Sappers, had a festive air about it with displays of the traditional Gatka and Malkhamb enthralling the audience, which included numerous school and college children besides serving and veteran officers, JCOs and other ranks along with their families. The exhilarating PT display by the BEG instructors had everyone holding their breaths while applauding the agility and grace on display. BEG Commandant Brig Dilip Patwardhan, on completing the jump, spoke of the significance of the war memorial, referring to it as a 'Shraddha Sthaan', a symbol of sacrifice, valour and selfless service. He said that the Memorial, which serves as the logo of the Bombay Sappers, was erected in February 1923 and has recently been expanded to include the names of gallant bravehearts of the Bombay Sappers who have made the Supreme Sacrifice for the Nation. The scenic environment of the hills and the pristine Gurnam Lake nearby were witness to the joy and rejoicing of the real-life heroes who unquestioningly gave up their today for our tomorrow. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Indore, January 30: A man was arrested for vandalising a 'Shivling' and tearing the poster of Lord Shiva placed in a temple in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district, a police official said on Tuesday. The temple is located in Kotwali Police Station area in the district and the incident occurred on Monday night. The accused had committed the incident in an inebriated state, the officer said. Madhya Pradesh: Fake Facebook Page Created in Name of Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain; Case Registered. The entire incident was also captured in the CCTV camera installed in the temple in which the accused was seen vandalising the 'Shivling' by throwing a flower pot on it. "The accused, Gajju, a resident of Rajendra Nagar in the city, damaged a 'Shivling' by throwing a flower pot on it on Monday late night and also tore the poster of Lord Shiva placed in the temple. The police registered a case under IPC section 295 and arrested the accused," said Tulsiram Raghuvanshi, Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) of Kotwali Police Station. Madhya Pradesh High Court Frees Man Who Spent 12 Years in Jail for Fake Rape Case by Daughter. During the interrogation, the accused told the police that he was angry with God and he did it in an inebriated state, ASI Raghuvanshi said. Further investigation into the matter is underway. (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, Jan 30 (PTI) Pensioners under Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) of retirement fund manager EPFO on Tuesday threatened to go on a hunger strike demanding a hike in their minimum monthly pension to Rs 7,500. Presently, pensioners under EPS-95 of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) get a minimum monthly pension (entitlement) of Rs 1,000, as per rules implemented in September 2014. Also Read | CRPF Personnel Dies by Suicide in Bhubaneswar: Central Reserve Police Force Jawan From Rajasthan Found Hanging in Hotel Room. "Pensioners, led by the National Agitation Committee of EPS-95, will initiate a second indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, demanding various benefits, including increasing the minimum pension to Rs 7,500 per month," a statement by the committee said on Tuesday. The committee said that despite an assurance from Union Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav, their demands have not been fulfilled. Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Samajwadi Party Announces First List of 16 Candidates for Uttar Pradesh; Akhilesh Yadav's Wife Dimple Yadav To Fight From Mainpuri. Pensioners said if their demands are not met, they will begin a hunger strike on January 31. Over 50,000 pensioners from across the country are expected to participate in the agitation. Ashok Raut, president of the committee, said: "This is our final warning. Despite repeated assurances, no action has been taken on our demands. If our demands are not met, we will go on a fast unto death. Before that, state-wise sequential hunger strikes /demonstration will begin from January 31." As per the existing norms, 12 per cent of the basic salary of an employee covered under EPS-95 goes to the provident fund, while 8.33 per cent of the employer's share goes to the Employees' Pension Scheme. Additionally, the government contributes 1.16 per cent to each employee's pension fund. "After working for thirty years and consistently contributing to the EPS-based pension scheme, employees are receiving such a meagre amount as a monthly pension, making it difficult for employees and their families to sustain," Raut said. EPFO dashboard shows that there are 78 lakh pensioners in the country. (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], January 30 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh's magnificent tableau based on the theme 'Viksit Bharat-Samriddh Virasat' bagged the second prize on the 75th Republic Day. On Tuesday, Ajay Bhatt, the Minister of State for Defence, Government of India, presented the commendation letter and memento to Shishir, the Director of the Information and Public Relations Department of Uttar Pradesh, in New Delhi. Also Read | Who Are Kataib Hezbollah? The Iran-Backed Militia Blamed for Killing Three US Soldiers in Jordan. Notably, twenty-five tableaux of 16 states and Union Territories, along with nine different ministries and departments, were displayed on January 26. It is noteworthy that Uttar Pradesh secured second place on the basis of people's choice in this. This tableau of Uttar Pradesh, adorned with the theme of the recently constructed Ram temple in Ayodhya, captivated onlookers. It depicted a five-year-old Ramlala holding a bow. The tableau showcased the magnificence of Sanatan Dharma and Mahakumbh, featuring sages. Additionally, it offered glimpses of Uttar Pradesh's self-reliance, showcasing the Rapid Rail and BrahMos missile technology. Also Read | Land for Job Scam Case: ED Questions Former Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav for Eight Hours (Watch Video). Uttar Pradesh has been honoured for the fifth consecutive year for its captivating tableau in the Republic Day parade. UP's tableau got second prize in 2020, first prize in 2021 and 2022. The state received recognition for its tableau in the People's Choice category in 2023, securing the second and third positions. Similarly, in 2024, UP's tableau held the second position in the People's Choice category, showcasing the state's consistent excellence in the parade over the years. (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], January 30 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended the interim protection from arrest to the Vice-Chancellor and other higher officials of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Science (SHUATS), accused of persuading a woman to adopt Christianity by offering her job and other allurements. A bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sanjay Kumar also directed the State of Uttar Pradesh to file an affidavit within one week. Also Read | Interim Budget 2024 Expectations: From Tax Concessions to Promotion of Green Energy, What to Watch Out For From This Pre-Elections Budget This Year. The apex court has now posted the matter for hearing after three weeks. In December 2023, the top court upheld the Allahabad High Court order, which had refused to stay the FIR registered against the VC and other senior officials. Also Read | Budget 2024: Who Presented Modi Government's Last Interim Budget? All You Need To Know. The High Court, while declining to quash the FIR, had asked them to surrender before the competent court on or before December 20 and seek regular bail. Challenging the High Court order, they approached the apex court, seeking protection from arrest and stay on the High Court order. The FIR was registered at Bewar in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh against Rajendra Bihari Lal, Vice-Chancellor of SHUATS, its Director Vinod Bihari Lal, and five other officials of the Christian minority institution in a case concerning an attempt to convert people to Christianity. The appeal before the top court stated that the FIR contains "baseless and unsubstantiated allegations." "The present impugned FIR has been lodged with malafide intention just in order to falsely implicate, harass, and malign the petitioners and the university," it added. The incident so mentioned in the impugned FIR dates back to 2005, and the present FIR was registered on November 4, 2023, for which there is no plausible justification coming forward to explain this inordinate delay, the petitioners contended. The High Court on December 11, 2023, refused to quash the FIR and observed that no true religion would approve of malpractices of religious conversion by undue force by a priest or godmen. The allegations are that they persuaded a woman to adopt Christianity by offering her a job and other allurements. In an FIR registered on November 4, 2023, lodged under Section 376D (gang rape) and other IPC sections and relevant sections of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, and the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1956, in Bewar, the woman alleged that she belonged to a lower middle-class family and was trapped by another woman who took her regularly to a church. In the FIR, she also alleged that she was regularly subjected to sexual exploitation by the accused petitioners, and she was persuaded and pressured to bring other women for conversion and other illegal work. However, petitioners have submitted that the victim was offered a job at SHUATS, and when she was sacked from her service in 2022, she tailored a story, as mentioned in the FIR, just to rope in all the higher officials of SHUATS, including the Vice-Chancellor. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Spain is ready to promote Ukrainian agricultural exports and is interested in importing Ukrainian agricultural products, in particular corn and sunflowers, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain Luis Planas Puchades at an online meeting with Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Mykola Solsky on Monday. According to the press service of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, during the online meeting the parties discussed issues of export of Ukrainian agricultural products and food security. In particular, the continuation of the duty-free and quota-free trade regime between Ukraine and the European Union. "Spain fully supports Ukraine in the face of unprecedented and illegal Russian aggression. This includes both military and humanitarian assistance. The Spanish Minister of Agriculture emphasized that supporting Ukraine is also promoting Ukrainian exports, which are a key factor for the economy to continue to function," the Ministry of Agrarian Policy said, adding that Spain is interested in importing Ukrainian agricultural products, in particular corn and sunflowers. "I confirmed Spain's support for the extension of trade measures to support Ukraine during a video conference with the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. Ukrainian farmers managed to maintain production, despite the difficulties," Puchades wrote on the social network X after the negotiations. For his part, Solsky thanked his Spanish colleague for his understanding and support. New Delhi [India], January 30 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Karkardooma Court to decide the bail plea of Sharjeel Imam in a sedition case against him. He sought bail on the grounds of the period undergone in the sedition case. He has been in custody since January 2020. It is said that he has undergone more than four years, whereas the maximum punishment is seven years. Also Read | Mahatma Gandhi Punyatithi 2024: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Pay Homage To Bapu on Death Anniversary (Watch Videos). He is also accused in the larger conspiracy of the Delhi riots case. Division bench headed by justice Suresh Kumar Kait Directed the trial court to decide the bail plea within ten days of hearing. Also Read | Mahatma Gandhi Punyatithi 2024: PM Narednra Modi Pays Floral Tribute to Bapu on His 76th Death Anniversary (Watch Video). This plea is listed before the trial court for a fresh hearing on February 7, 2024. Sharjeel Imam approached the high court seeking statutory bail under Section 436 A CrPC. His plea is also pending before the trial court. The High Court disposed of the petition, noting that his plea was also pending before the court. The trial court has been directed to decide it. Advocate Talib Mustafa submitted before the division bench that Sharjeel was arrested in January 2020. He is in custody for last 4 years. His bail order was reserved for three months. Thereafter, the presiding judge was transferred. Now the matter has been listed for fresh arguments before the current special judge. Meanwhile, the high court has listed an appeal against the framing of charges in the sedition case for March 8, 2024. On January 22, Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpayee listed the matter and listed the bail plea for arguments afresh as of February 7, 2024. On December 9, 2023, Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Amitabh Rawat asked the Delhi Police to file a clarification. Special public prosecutor Amit Prasad had submitted that there is some ambiguity on the provision mentioned by the defence counsel on the point that whether the accused under UAPA with multiple offences and undergone half of the sentence under UAPA is entitled to be released on bail under Section 436A Cr.pc. He also submitted that the clarification would take two weeks. Advocate Talib Mustafa had opposed the submissions made by the SPP for the Delhi Police. He argued that what the SPP is submitting is related to post-conviction cases. Sharjeel is under trial. The submissions don't apply to him. He also argued that the bail order was reserved for the last two months. I am not going to wait anymore, he said. Earlier, the court on September 11, 2023, reserved an order on the plea of Sharjeel Imam seeking statutory bail on the grounds of the period already undergone in the sedition case. He has been in custody since January 28, 2020. It had been argued by his counsel that Sharjeel Imam had already undergone a period of more than three and a half years. This is more than half of the maximum sentence in this case. Sharjeel Imam's counsel advocate, Talib Mustafa, had argued that the accused has undergone half of the maximum sentence, therefore he is entitled to statutory bail under Section 436 A Cr.pc. "He has undergone the maximum sentence even without a trial. Under Section 13, UAPA has a maximum sentence of seven years. He has undergone three and a half years," the counsel argued. On the other hand, Delhi police said that there are multiple offences, not only one. Section 436 A Crpc talks about only 'an offence'. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Amit Prasad submitted that a concurrent sentence is an exception, whereas a consecutive sentence is a rule. In this way, the maximum sentence he can be awarded is 16 years, the punishment for which is restricted to 14 years. The SPP also argued that while granting bail, the seriousness of the offences should also be considered. Opposing the submission, counsel for Sharjeel argued that there is an infirmity in the submission of the SPP. Spp has presumed that I would be convicted. It is contradictory to the principle of innocence, the counsel argued. What the SPP is arguing is that post-conviction, I am under trial, not a convict, as the counsel submitted. " I have undergone more than the maximum sentence without conducting a trial for most of the offences. Only Section 13 of the UAPA remains against me, which has a maximum sentence of seven years," the counsel argued. The advocate for Sharjeel argued that SPP is arguing that if I have been convicted, the court is to pass an order on sentence. There is a presumption of innocence on the part of the accused until proven guilty. The benefit of Section 436A is for under-trial prisoners and not for convicted. The punishment I have already undergone can be cumulative once again, as the counsel questioned. The court asked if the gravity is one of the criteria, or the Crpc while granting bail. It is said that the proceedings related to the offence of sedition are stayed and the maximum punishment for offences under UAPA is seven years. He has been in custody since January 2020; that's half of the maximum punishment for the offence under UAPA. It is contended that the applicant has been in custody since January 28, 2020, has completed a period of 3 years and more than 6 months under incarceration and has undergone incarceration extending up to one-half of the maximum period of imprisonment specified for the concerned offence by law. Advocate Ahmad Ibrahim and Talib Mustafa have moved an application on behalf of Sharjeel Imam seeking his immediate release in the present criminal prosecution in terms of the statutory provisions contained in Section 436A of Cr.P.C. The counsel submitted that the applicant has been in custody since January 28, 2020, in connection with the FIR of January 25, 2020, P.S. Crime Branch, registered for the offences punishable under sections 124A, 153A, 153B and 505(2) IPC and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. It is stated that the applicant was arrested in his hometown of Jehanabad, Bihar, on 28.01.2020 and was produced before the Patiala House Court. Since then, he has been in judicial custody after police interrogation. It is further submitted that the investigation in the matter has concluded and a final report or charge sheet against the applicant has been filed in this case on July 25, 2020, for the offences punishable under sections 124A, 153A, 153B, 505 of the IPC and Section 13 of the UAPA. The Court took cognizance of the speeches and offences under sections 124A, 153A, 1538 and 505 IPC on 29.07.2020 and Section 13 of the UAPA on December 19, 2020, as the plea stated. Thereafter, charges were formally framed against the applicant on March 15, 2022, by Court under section 124A, 153A, 153B and 505 IPC The Court had passed the direction effectively staying the operation of Section 124A IPC and all proceedings emanating therefrom, it added. The High Court of Delhi, on October 31, 2022, directed that the trial be stayed in respect of material witnesses and only formal witnesses be examined. It is argued that Section 436A of the Cr.PC. is a wholesome beneficial substantive provision, which is for effectuating the right to speedy trial guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution. It is also said that after the stay of trial in the present case by the High Court in regard to the main offence of Section 124A IPC (Sedition) in light of the directions passed by Supreme Court in S.G Vombatkere v. Union of India on 11.05.2022, the only offences remaining against the applicant relate to offence punishable U/s 153A IPC (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc, and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) which is punishable with imprisonment which may extend to five years, 153B IPC (Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration) which is punishable with imprisonment which may extend to five years, 505 IPC (Statements conducing to public mischief) which is punishable with imprisonment which may extend to five years and 13 of UAPA (Punishment for unlawful activities) which is punishable with imprisonment which may extend to seven years. It is also contended that even as per the maximum punishment extending up to 7 years prescribed under Section 13 UAPA, the applicant has completed one-half of the maximum period of imprisonment specified for the concerned offence by law and hence deserves grant of statutory bail under Section 436A of Cr.PC. (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 (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 30 (ANI): Devotees thronged the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple to receive a darshan of Lord Shri Ram Lalla amidst fog and cold weather conditions in Ayodhya on Tuesday morning. Braving the fog and cold wave, devotees gathered at Rampath to receive the blessings of Lord Ram at the grand Ayodhya Temple. Also Read | Delhi Weather Update: National Capital Records 8.7 Degree Celsius Minimum Temperature, AQI in Very Poor Category (Watch Videos). Speaking to ANI, Pravesh Kumari, a devotee from Punjab, said, "I have come here for the darshan of Lord Shri Ram. He is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. We received good service here and ate langar. The weather is good. There was not much rush in the temple as well. The feeling after visiting the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is ethereal. " Visuals show devotees wearing the Urdhva Pundra "elevated mark" tilaka making their way in queues for the darshan of Shri Ram Lalla. Also Read | Ram Mandir: Unfinished Work in Ayodhyas Ram Janmabhoomi Complex To Restart From February 5. Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the state government is committed to ensuring the safety, convenience, and smooth experience for devotees visiting Ayodhya from all over the country to seek darshan and worship Shri Ram Lalla. Upon his arrival in Ayodhya, the Chief Minister convened a meeting with senior officials from the state, zone, and district at the Control Room situated in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex. He highlighted, "With the improvement in weather conditions and a reduction in cold, we anticipate a surge in tourists and Ram devotees in Ayodhya. We must take special care to facilitate easy darshan of Ram Lalla for all devotees." The Chief Minister instructed officials to implement crowd control measures at all levels, emphasising efficient traffic and crowd management on major roads. He further highlighted that in the upcoming days, chief ministers from various states and their cabinet members are scheduled to visit Ayodhya, directing officials to make special arrangements for their convenience and safety, the statement added. Ensuring a hassle-free experience for all devotees, the Chief Minister directed officials to make arrangements for those staying in hotels, homestays, and tent cities in Ayodhya, the release said. Additionally, the Chief Minister instructed officials to prioritise the maintenance of cleanliness in the city and emphasised the timely and quality completion of ongoing development projects in Ayodhya. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], January 30 (ANI): During a state-level BJP media workshop, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized the essential role of the media in bridging the gap between the government and the public. Chief Minister Dhami stressed how the media serves as a communication channel between the government and the public. Also Read | Fresh Violence in Manipur: Two Killed, Five Injured During Heavy Firing in Kangpokpi and Imphal West. Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the significant role of the media in keeping the public informed about various schemes, spanning from the central to the state governments. He highlighted that the media serves a dual purpose by not only disseminating information about government initiatives but also acting as a crucial intermediary in conveying messages between the government and the public, and vice versa. Also Read | Maharashtra: Prakash Ambedkar-Led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi Joins Maha Vikas Aghadi, Announces Shiv Sena Leader Sanjay Raut. CM Dhami conveyed that the media's role is important because today it has become easy for people to reach information but it has become difficult to reach the right information. The Chief Minister further expressed that the progress towards transforming Uttarakhand into a prominent state is a result of the effective guidance provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Drawing inspiration from the Prime Minister, Uttarakhand has witnessed significant and challenging decisions in the past two and a half years, surpassing those made in the preceding 23 years. On one hand, the implementation of the nation's most stringent anti-copying law in Uttarakhand was accomplished, while on the other, legislation to curb religious conversion was enacted. Notably, strict measures were taken against 'land jihad' for the first time in Devbhoomi. Apart from this, for the first time in 23 years since the formation of Uttarakhand, strict action was taken against the corrupt. "While we ensured 30 per cent reservation for the women of the state, we also came up with a scheme to provide three free cylinder refills in a year. You people have conveyed all these issues to the public in the right way, and they have to be conveyed further also," said the Uttarakhand CM. He also spoke about implementing the Uniform Civil Code of Conduct in Devbhoomi. "After the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code of Conduct, people will have to be made aware of the benefits of UCC. Special care has to be taken to ensure that no misconceptions spread regarding UCC and correct information has to be provided to the people," he said. Dhami also said that compared to the years after independence, during these nine years of the Central Government, there was tremendous progress in the country on all fronts, and India's image was also strengthened across the world. "India has made all-round and inclusive progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. In these nine years, food security was ensured to 80 crore people. About 50 crore Jan Dhan accounts were opened, and about 3.5 crore houses were built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Tap water was supplied to 8.67 crore houses. Not only this, while on the one hand, six thousand rupees have been given to the farmers every year since 2019 in the form of Kisan Samman Nidhi, on the other hand, the Prime Minister also brought the Crop Insurance Scheme. For women empowerment, 11.72 crore Izzatghars were built in rural areas and more than ten crore Ujjwala connections were given. Apart from this, a campaign of one million recruitments was started by organizing an employment fair," Dhami stated. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ambala (Haryana), Jan 30 (PTI) The BJP's target in Haryana is to repeat its 2019 performance by winning all 10 Lok Sabha seats in the state, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Tuesday. In recent months, both the BJP and the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) -- which govern Haryana in an alliance -- have said that they are preparing to contest all 10 Lok Sabha seats in the state while remaining non-committal about field candidates jointly in the parliamentary polls. Also Read | Who Are Kataib Hezbollah? The Iran-Backed Militia Blamed for Killing Three US Soldiers in Jordan. Khattar was speaking after the inauguration of a BJP election office for the Ambala Lok Sabha constituency. Offices for the other nine seats were also inaugurated on Tuesday. The chief minister said the bugle for the Lok Sabha polls has been sounded with the opening of these offices. Also Read | Indian Coast Guard Day 2024 Date, History and Significance: Know All About the 48th Raising Day of Indias Maritime Armed Force. "The target which is before us is very clear; there is no confusion. We formed a government with a majority at the Centre during the past two elections. In the upcoming general elections, some people will say (the BJP will win) 400 seats, some will give a figure close to this," Khattar said. "In Haryana, too, one thing is certain like we had won 10 Lok Sabha seats (in 2019), this time, too, our target is to win all 10 seats," he added. Khattar also urged the people to be wary of the opposition parties. He claimed that the opposition parties will adopt all kinds of tactics, spread confusion on social media, make false statements on television, in newspapers and in meetings prior to the elections. The senior BJP leader said collectively "we are committed to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a developed nation" and emphasised the necessity for every citizen's participation in the endeavour. While India gained independence in 1947, no one had envisioned making the country a "Vishwa Guru", he claimed. "Under the present government and Modi's leadership, continuous efforts have been made in this direction over the past decade. The period until 2047 is referred to as 'Amrit Kaal' during which India aims to be among the developed nations," Khattar said. The "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra" has been organised over the past two months and it is still going on in several districts, the Haryana chief minister said. These programmes, running until Wednesday, aim to connect people with government schemes by organising events in approximately 8,000 locations across Haryana. The focus is on making people aware of government initiatives at their doorsteps, he added. The chief minister also acknowledged the trust that the people have in Modi's leadership. He emphasised the need for the party cadre to go among the people with this trust and make them aware of the BJP's pro-people policies. Haryana has provided jobs to over a lakh youngsters based on transparency and merit in the past nine years and reiterated that 60,000 more are in the pipeline over the next two to three months, Khattar added. The programme in Ambala was attended by Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta and Home and Health Minister Anil Vij, among others. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, Jan 30 (PTI) The gems and jewellery industry has urged withdrawal of hike in Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on import of gold in the coming interim Budget and asked the government to introduce a rationalised tax structure. "The jewellery industry contributes nearly 7 per cent of India's GDP and hence, deserves a pro-business environment," apex body for the gems and jewellery industry All India Gem And Jewellery Domestic Council Chairman Saiyam Mehra told PTI. Also Read | Who Are Kataib Hezbollah? The Iran-Backed Militia Blamed for Killing Three US Soldiers in Jordan. "This will also benefit the government. We urge the finance ministry to withdraw the increase in BCD on gold in the upcoming Union Budget and a rationalised tax structure may be developed to tackle the CAD issue," Mehra said. Currently, the BCD is at 12.5 per cent ad valorem, which takes the total tax to 18.45 per cent on the imported gold, he added. Also Read | Indian Coast Guard Day 2024 Date, History and Significance: Know All About the 48th Raising Day of Indias Maritime Armed Force. He further urged the government to increase the PAN card transaction limit to Rs 5 lakh from the present Rs 2 lakh as gold prices have surged. "With the rising gold rate, there is an urgent need to increase the PAN card transaction limit to Rs 5 lakh from the present Rs 2 lakh. A majority of consumers in rural India buy gold as an investment. "Consumers also sell gold in case of an emergency. With the cash purchase limit of Rs 10,000 per day under the Income Tax Act, consumers cannot sell gold jewellery to meet their needs. Hence, the daily purchase limit also needs to be increased to Rs 1,00,000 per day," he added. Additionally, GJC has also recommended the facility of EMI to be restored to the gems and jewellery industry. India Bullion and Jewellers' Association (IBJA) Director and PNG Jewellers Chairman and Managing Director Saurabh Gadgil said, "The gems and jewellery industry awaits measures to fortify the IIBX exchange, enhanced liquidity for it, so that India becomes a price maker and not a price taker." "Reduction in import duties on gold will ensure that unscrupulous grey market players lose their edge and start getting more organised," he added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ghaziabad (UP), Jan 30 (PTI) A man allegedly committed suicide after killing his wife near Kamla Nehru nagar colony here, police said on Tuesday. Family members said the man had been depressed for sometime and would often say that if he dies, he will also kill his wife. Also Read | Who Are Kataib Hezbollah? The Iran-Backed Militia Blamed for Killing Three US Soldiers in Jordan. According to police, they received information about their bodies around 7.30 am. They were identified as Mahendra enclave residents Vinod Chowdhary and his wife Deepika. Police have recovered a country-made pistol, two mobile phones, DCP city Gyananjay Singh said. Also Read | Indian Coast Guard Day 2024 Date, History and Significance: Know All About the 48th Raising Day of Indias Maritime Armed Force. Singh said family members of Chowdhary revealed during interrogation that he was depressed for some time.They also told the police that Chowdhary would often say that if he dies, he will also kill his wife. Chowdhary was deeply affectionate towards her, the family members told police. The DCP said Chowdhary had bought a country-made pistol a few months ago and kept it in his car, even though he did not have enmity with anyone. Forensic experts said the bullet was fired from a point blank range, Singh said, adding that the police are waiting for the autopsy report. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Tel Aviv [Israel], January 30 (ANI): Despite government efforts to curtail the protests, hundreds of Israeli protesters made their way to the Kerem Shalom border crossing to demonstrate against deliveries of humanitarian aid to Gaza on Monday. Following five consecutive days of protests, the Israel Defence Forces designated the area as a closed military zone to curtail the now-daily gatherings. Nevertheless, the turnout was larger, but unlike previous days, nobody blocked trucks. Police made 13 arrests, including one army reservist who was protesting in uniform. Also Read | Live Breaking News Headlines & Updates, January 30, 2024. The passage of aid deliveries is controversial. Israelis say that food, water and fuel are stolen by Hamas once they arrive inside the Strip. Protesters chanted, "Don't feed Hamas." Also Read | Maldives: Opposition Party Set To Move Impeachment Motion Against President Mohamed Muizzu Day After Parliament Clashes. Among the Monday protesters was Noga Alfasi, whose 56-year-old aunt, Maya Goren, was murdered in captivity. "I did not come here to starve the people, and I did not come to abuse the people. And I think I even came here for the Gazans somewhere. If we just go ahead and give aid and spread this whole thing, the war won't end," Alfasi told the Tazpit Press Service. "My aunt was kidnapped from a kindergarten. That's not humanitarian. They murdered her that way and that's not humanitarian," Alfasi noted, stressing that information about her aunt's death came from intelligence and not from Hamas. "And that is not humanitarian," she added. Under the terms of a temporary ceasefire in November, Hamas was supposed to return all the captive women and children alive or dead, but Goren's body remains in Gaza. "If this aid is done out of mercy, then I don't understand who the mercy is for," said Alfasi. Another protester, Rina Ariel, explained to TPS why she traveled from Kiryat Arba to participate. "To come to these protests is the most important contribution us as the home front can do to the war effort," Ariel said. "The hostages must be released, under conditions that shouldn't harm anyone or weaken the State of Israel. Our hearts cry for the hostages, and we are stopping aid to Gaza to make it clear that there will be no aid until they are released." At a Saturday evening press conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters that a degree of aid was necessary to continue the war to free hostages and remove Hamas from control of Gaza. "Without the minimum amount of humanitarian aid, we will not be able to complete the mission and the objectives of the war," Netanyahu said. Humanitarian aid arriving from Egypt or Israeli ports is inspected by Israel at either the Kerem Shalom border crossing where the Israeli, Gaza and Egyptian borders converge, or at the Nitzana border crossing with Egypt, which is 42 km south of Gaza. After inspection, the trucks are routed to Egypt's adjacent Rafah border crossing to enter the Strip. Following Hamas's October 7 attacks, Israel closed Kerem Shalom for security reasons. Israelis have been protesting at Nitzana too. On Sunday, Israeli reporter Elchanan Groner tweeted from Nitzana a photo of a delivery certificate on one of the trucks. It indicating a shipment of flour that arrived in Ashdod with "UNRWA" as the client. The UN Relief and Works Agency, which supports Palestinian refugees, is under fire following revelations that agency staff participated in Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel. Citing Israeli intelligence reports, The Wall St. Journal reported on Monday that as much as 10 percent of the agency's staff have ties to Islamist terror groups. The US and several other Western countries have suspended funding for UNRWA. "On the one hand, Israel is conducting a campaign against UNRWA and on the other hand, it supplies them with flour and supplies for the enemy who massacred us," Groner tweeted. According to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), 88 trucks were inspected at Nitzana on Sunday. That day's deliveries included 70 tons of food, 440 tons of water, 210 tons of medical supplies, and 425 tons of other items. Four tankers of cooking gas and two tankers of fuel designated for the operation of essential infrastructure also entered Gaza. COGAT is a unit within the Israeli Defence Ministry that coordinates civilian issues between the Israeli government, military, international organizations and the Palestinian Authority. Egypt's Rafah crossing is not equipped to handle large numbers of commercial deliveries. Before Oct. 7, commercial deliveries to the Strip were routed directly through Kerem Shalom. The protests have been organized by Order 9. The movement's name is a reference to the Order 8 emergency notice that army reservists receive for mobilization outside the framework of regular reserve duty. At least 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on Oct. 7. The number of men, women, children and soldiers held captive in Gaza by Hamas is believed to be 136. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Thimphu [Bhutan], January 30 (ANI): Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Tuesday called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to benefit from his guidance on ways to further deepen ties between the two nations. In a post on social media platform X, the Indian Embassy in Bhutan stated, "An honour to receive the audience from His Majesty the King of Bhutan and benefit from his guidance on ways to further deepen the India-Bhutan unique ties of friendship." Also Read | King Charles' British Asian Trust Cuts Ties With Pakistani Singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Amidst Viral Video Controversy. Kwatra, who is on an official visit to Bhutan, called on Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. During his meeting with the Bhutanese PM on Monday, Kwatra reaffirmed the strong friendship shared between India and Bhutan. Kwatra assured Lyonchhen of India's unwavering commitment to being a reliable partner, aligning closely with the priorities outlined by the Royal Government and the people of Bhutan. Also Read | Who Are Kataib Hezbollah? The Iran-Backed Militia Blamed for Killing Three US Soldiers in Jordan. "Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatra called on @PMBhutan Lyonchhen H.E. Tshering Tobgay. FS reaffirmed the close bonds of friendship India shares with Bhutan & assured Lyonchhen of India's firm commitment to partner with Bhutan as per the priorities of the Royal Government & people of Bhutan," said the Indian Embassy in Bhutan in a post on X. Continuing his diplomatic engagements, Kwatra also met with the Bhutanese Foreign Affairs Minister, DN Dhungyel. The discussions between the two sides delved into important bilateral matters of mutual interest, exploring ways to further enhance relations between India and Bhutan across various sectors. In another post on X, the Indian Embassy in Bhutan shared insights into this meeting, stating, "Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatra called on @FMBhutan Lyonpo DN Dhungyel. The two sides discussed important bilateral matters of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen relations across all sectors." Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra held a bilateral meeting with his Bhutanese counterpart Aum Pema Choden on multifaceted cooperation between the two nations. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Bhutan stated, "Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatra held bilateral consultations with Foreign Secretary of Bhutan Aum Pema Choden. A wide-ranging discussion on multifaceted cooperation between in development partnership, space, energy, trade, technology, economic ties, and people-to-people ties." On Monday, Vinay Mohan Kwatra arrived in Bhutan for a three-day official visit from January 29-31. Aum Pema Choden welcomed him at Paro. In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "The visit provided an opportunity for wide-ranging discussions on all aspects of the bilateral relationship including development partnership, 13th Five Year Plan, cooperation in energy, trade, technology, connectivity, infrastructure, economic ties, and people-to-people connections between the two countries." "The visit is in keeping with the well-established tradition of regular exchanges between Bhutan and India, and to further strengthen the existing close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries," it added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hong Kong, January 30 (ANI): China proclaims itself to be a responsible global player. The truth is, despite insistent proclamations of neutrality, it is biased in the way it relates to international crises such as the current Israel-Hamas conflict. Furthermore, this war is exposing the self- interested, mercantile qualities that China brings to all its foreign relations. China is charting a careful path, simultaneously seeking to undermine the USA and curry favour with Arab states. Its risk-avoidance strategy can perhaps best be described as anti-Western neutrality. Approximately one million Chinese work in the Middle East, while the majority of China's oil imports originate from the Middle East - 87.5 million tonnes in 2022, with Saudi Arabia being the largest supplier of crude. Also Read | Alberta Car Accident: Punjab Man Found Guilty of Car Crash That Killed Elderly Mother and Daughter, Deported To India From Canada. On January, 26-27, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Bangkok. China's readout briefly stated that regional issues like the Middle East were "discussed". That was the limit of it. No mention of the Red Sea or Gaza. In contrast, the USA said it attempted to persuade Beijing to pressure Iran to stop Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. According to a White House official, China agreed to "raise this with the Iranians." Nonetheless, an American official pondered, whether China "chooses to use that leverage in that way, I think that remains to be seen". Also Read | US: Missing Indian Student of Purdue University Found Dead Inside College Campus. China has done nothing to curb North Korea's nuclear aspirations, plus it has offered tacit support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Relying on China for anything substantive is a vain hope. China mediated a diplomatic deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March 2023, but Beijing has no real leverage over Teheran and certainly it cannot get it to reign in Hamas. Interestingly, showing which side China really is on, the Houthis said Russian and Chinese ships will not be targeted in the Red Sea. The People's Liberation Army Navy has had anti-piracy task forces in the Gulf of Aden since 2008. However, reports suggest that three Chinese warships, sailing near a merchant ship under attack from Somali pirates and Houthi missiles in late November 2023, refused to respond to its distress calls. On October 15, 2023, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized Israel's killing of civilians. He said Israeli actions had "gone beyond self-defense," describing Israel's campaign as "collective punishment". This slap in the face showed Israel that any previous friendship was simply one of convenience; Beijing has no real affinity with Israel and it sits low among its strategic priorities. Israel said it was "deeply disappointed" by Beijing's response. On the other hand, Wang said on November 20, at the Arab and Islamic ministerial committee on the war in Gaza held in Beijing, that "China is a good friend and brother of Arab and Islamic countries ... We have always firmly safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests of Arab Islamic countries and have always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people". Indeed. Historically, China has always sympathized with Palestine and, from early on, Mao Zedong sent Palestine weapons for use in its struggle against Israel. China is obviously positioning itself on the side of Arab and Muslim countries. But this is quid pro quo, for Beijing will expect their support in international organizations on issues like Taiwan and Chinese global governance. However, Ahmed Aboudouh, a nonresident fellow with the Atlantic Council, an American think-tank, assessed: "Beijing's policy will most likely backfire. China neither has the trust of Israel nor the Palestinians. China's position is at odds with the influential Arab states and lacks credibility and leverage to rein in Iran and its proxies in the region. Israel, the more powerful party to the conflict, no longer sees China as a credible mediator." Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Beijing in June 2023, where the relationship was elevated to a "strategic partnership," the second-highest level. Yet Beijing has offered a miserly USD4 million in humanitarian assistance to Palestine since the conflict erupted, which shows just how strategic Palestine really is to China. Palestine will not be fooled by Chinese verbosity any more than Israel is. Even Israel's Arab neighbours have done more than China in criticizing the Hamas attack. Beijing refuses to blame Hamas or even mention the name of this terrorist organization (which is an acronym for Islamic Resistance Movement). In essence, Beijing has lifted Hamas to the same level as the Palestinian Authority, and by equating Hamas and the Palestinian cause, China reveals its lack of understanding of the complicated dynamics. Furthermore, it incorrectly calls it a "Palestine-Israel conflict" rather than a "Hamas-Israel" one. Aboudouh concluded, "The culmination of all the challenges above creates an unmitigated dilemma for Beijing. On the one hand, if China chooses to change its future policies and play a central role in the conflict, there is no evidence it will be willing to spend much political capital on presenting alternative solutions to the US view of the two-state solution or the Arab Peace Initiative. China doesn't have a vision for a political settlement and is unlikely to offer one soon. This intensifies the credibility deficit that has dominated China's position since the conflict began, which is expected to increase as long as no one in Israel and the Gaza Strip, the West Bank or the wider region takes China's proposals seriously. Although China is interested inexerting pressure on the USA's stance, it has no desire to directly challenge its historical role as the sole interlocutor in the conflict." China issued a position paper on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on November 30, 2023. It stressed the "need for an immediate ceasefire and ending the fighting, ensuring that the humanitarian corridors are safe and unimpeded, and preventing the expansion of the conflict". Beijing's solutions are as follows: implementing a comprehensive ceasefire and ending the fighting; protecting civilians effectively; ensuring humanitarian assistance; enhancing diplomatic mediation; and seeking a political settlement. Undoubtedly, this will be as useful as China's twelve-point position paper on the Russia-Ukraine war, which was promptly forgotten by everyone. China has promulgated a two-state solution since the beginning, although Hamas categorically rejects anything less than the destruction of Israel. A public opinion poll conducted by Tsinghua University in November 2022 showed that only 3.3 per cent of Chinese respondents believed peace in the Middle East should be China's top international priority. In fact, it was the lowest-ranked issue after items such as US- China relations, pandemics and territorial disputes. There is an obvious lack of sympathy for Israel's plight and its legitimate security concerns on China's part. Four Chinese nationals have been killed, six injured and two remain missing since the Gaza conflict broke out on October 7, 2023. Surprisingly, however, this is not widely reported on Chinese social media and correspondingly there is no strong push by the public for the government to take action. Indeed, the conflict is a topic remote from the lives of most Chinese. Noa Argamani, an Israeli woman of Chinese descent, was kidnapped by Hamas and remains a hostage. Her mother pleaded for the Chinese government to intercede in a post that had gathered 260 million views on Sina Weibo by late October, but Chinese officials and state media remain mute. Instead, many hardhearted netizens criticized the mother for being "presumptuous" in asking for Beijing's help. As one op-ed on Baidu, China's equivalent of Google, stated: "After all, like the Israelites, they took a book of scripture and claimed that God asked them to reestablish their country here and to use force to drive away the millions of people who had lived in this land for thousands of years. This kind of folk custom of doves occupying magpie's nests is simply unacceptable to us Chinese people." Of course, one might lay the same charge that this is exactly what China did with territories like Tibet and Xinjiang. Beijing's official stance is that there should be a ceasefire and ultimately a two-state solution. This is reflected in this kind of social media post: "The death of Chinese is unforgivable. Hamas really should not lead Palestine, but Palestine really has no other choice. But that doesn't mean we should go to one-sided support for Israel. We should look at the view of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: armistice negotiations, the implementation of the two-state solution. Let groups like Hamas lose their ground for survival. It is irresponsible that Israel is doing the opposite. Finally, this war in the Middle East will not end in a short period of time. Let's hurry up and evacuate the Chinese." Another common sentiment is that the USA is the instigator and perpetuator of the conflict between Israel and its neighbors. This is a narrative pushed by Chinese state- backed media, and online posts that refer to Palestinian casualties and that support Beijing's official position go uncensored. Chinese social media platforms are rife with anti-Semitism too, despite Chinese law forbidding people from using the internet to promote extremism, ethnic hatred or discriminatory information. Chinese media has not adequately covered Hamas' terror attack, and instead it only fixates on Israel's retaliatory campaign. Conspiracy theories abound too. One writer on Baidu urged, "We Chinese do not owe the Jews anything at all, but now Israel is desperately blaming China. This is a typical case of repaying kindness with enmity. If Israel is unwilling to give us basic respect, then it does not deserve any respect from us." Authors Patricia M. Kim, Kevin Dong and Mallie Prytherch of the Center for East Asia Policy Studies wrote for the Brookings Institute: "...Neither Chinese leaders nor the Chinese public envision a major role for their government in the ongoing crisis." They further suggested, "Beijing will not pass up the opportunity to use the current and future crises to discredit the United States while amplifying its alignment with its non-Western friends. It is likely to remain a nominal power broker in the Middle East by choice for the foreseeable future." Xi has initiated the China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit to foster engagement. As more Arab countries doubt US commitment to Middle East security, more are open to approaches from players such as China. Sine Ozkarasahin, an analyst at the defense research program of EDAM - the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies in Turkey - gives more credit to Chinese influence in the Middle East. She wrote for The Jamestown Foundation: "With a well- planned strategy and a careful exploitation of the gaps opened by US foreign policy shifts, China has successfully increased its role as a strategic actor in the Middle East, including by gaining a foothold in the regional arms market." Ozkarasahin commented, "Although Beijing is known for using infrastructure investment and economic leverage to increase its overseas influence, Sino-Arab relations are not as purely transactional as some argue. On the contrary, they carry the utmost strategic value. With important partnerships in the fields of technology and arms transfers, Chinese influence in the region is already more extensive than many realize. As China improves its relations with once-close US allies, Washington faces two imminent risks. The first risk is economic, whereas the second danger is strategic." "The economic risk is that Washington is already losing its most lucrative arms market to its biggest rival," Ozkarasahin noted. "The second risk relates to geopolitics and has strategic implications. While filling the burgeoning arms market with alternatives to Western suppliers, China is also expanding strategic ties with the leading Arab states, which could reset the balance of power across the region." Sino-Saudi diplomatic relations were established in 1990, but three years before that China supplied the kingdom with DF-3 medium-range ballistic missiles. It appears that China is supporting Saudi Arabia with current ballistic missile programs too. Satellite imagery dating from October 2021 showed that the kingdom had begun manufacturing its own missiles in the town of Dawadmi. Saudi Arabia is China's largest trading partner in the Middle East, plus it participates in the Belt and Road Initiative. But even as ties with Saudi Arabia deepen, this puts China in something of a bind, because Beijing has traditionally been a friend of Iran too. If Riyadh is developing ballistic missiles, that will affect the balance of power with nemesis Iran. China will sit on the sidelines and blame others, instead of positively contributing to a solution. Of course, if the USA is taking the blame, that is sufficient reason not to get involved. Nonetheless, hopes of future Chinese influence in the Middle East are being dashed by this conflict. China's words, without any backup actions, reveal it is in a position of weakness. Self-interest is the bottom line, and China will likely remain risk-averse in the region. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) By Sahil Pandey New Delhi [India], January 30 (ANI): The German Secretary of State at the Federal Foreign Office Susanne Baumann on Tuesday said her country needs well-trained workers and is opening its arms to young, skilled professionals of India in the field of green technology, IT and medical science. Also Read | King Charles' British Asian Trust Cuts Ties With Pakistani Singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Amidst Viral Video Controversy. "We are here with twofold message, the first part is Germany needs well-trained workers in many professional areas and the second part of this message is that we open our arms for talented young Indian workers, students," Baumann told ANI. She was accompanied by Leonie Gebers, German State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs to India and the delegation paid their visit to Delhi's Don Bosco Technical Institute. Also Read | Who Are Kataib Hezbollah? The Iran-Backed Militia Blamed for Killing Three US Soldiers in Jordan. When asked about the sectors in which Germany is looking for skilled Indian workers, Baumann said, "The need in Germany is quite big because of economic and demographic reasons. But, what we are especially looking for are professionals in the field of green technology, IT and in the medical field. We have very good experiences for example, with nurses coming from India." Sharing her thoughts on the young Indian skilled market, Leonie Gebers expressed that "India is a great country and has a lot of potential, whereas Germany has modernized its immigration legislation, and to cater to the German labour market needs, we look at India for different sectors and find ways to cooperate because, at the end, both sides can profit from cooperation." The German State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour reiterated that Germany welcomes Indian professionals and that her country has strong industry and infrastructure along with cultural and natural heritage. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) The government is working on initiatives to address the problem of unreasonable searches of entrepreneurs, seizure of documents and seizure of property, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said. "Bills on rebooting the BES have been submitted to parliament. We are working on several more initiatives that relate to solving the problem of unreasonable searches of entrepreneurs, seizure of documents and seizure of property," Shmyhal said at the Tuesday government meeting. The Prime Minister said the responsible departments are faced with the task of resolving the issue of income limits for government contracts during defense procurement. "This issue needs to be closed so that business can work, develop and invest in the defense of our state," Shmyhal said. Singapore, Jan 30 (PTI) Work is ongoing in new fields identified by the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) which was established by the two countries in September 2022, Indian envoy Shilpak Ambule said here. "ISMR has identified specific pillars of cooperation and work is ongoing in these new fields of food security, digital transformation, green growth, skills and emerging technologies," the Indian High Commissioner to Singapore said here last night at the 75th Republic Day celebration reception. Also Read | Elon Musk Announces Neuralinks Successful Brain Implant Procedure in Human Recipient: Live Breaking News Headlines & Updates, January 30, 2024. The ISMR is a leaders-led forum to explore opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration given the rapidly evolving geopolitical developments in a post-COVID-19 recovery phase and ongoing supply chain disruptions. Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information, Minister-in-charge of the Cyber Security Agency and Smart Nation Initiative, was the Guest of Honour at the 75th Republic Day of India reception. Also Read | Israel-Palestine War: Hamas Appears to Reject New Hostage Deal Offer, Insists on Full Pullout of Israeli Soldiers. Singapore is an indispensable partner when it comes to these fields and active collaborations are ongoing, Ambule stressed. "India and Singapore are strategic partners, and share warm and friendly historical ties. "We have had an intense year of political exchanges in our economic, financial and trade ties which continue to grow from strength to strength," Ambule said as he hosted the reception attended by Singapore government officials and invited diplomats, guests and the Indian community here. "Singapore remains our largest source of FDI and our biggest trading partner in the ASEAN region. Our defence and security cooperation is the most understated area of exchange and the interaction and port visits have only increased," he said. The envoy also shared the space sector collaboration between Singapore and India, having put in orbit a Singapore-made satellite last year on an Indian space vessel. He also appreciated and thanked the Singapore Government officials for consistently working on strengthening the India Singapore strategic partnership. Ambule recapped the success of India hosting the G20 presidency last year and appreciated Singapore's participation in all tracks with 11 ministers participating in the meetings and events and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong attending the Summit in Delhi. He extended warm wishes to the entire Indian community in Singapore and thanked them for their valuable contribution to the development of both nations. "They serve as a vital human bridge between our two countries," he said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lahore, Jan 30 (PTI) Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said he was ousted from power three times but he never revealed any state secret like that of Imran Khan. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo's comments came after a special court set up under the Official Secrets Act handed down a 10-year jail term to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) supremo Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi for leaking state secrets. Also Read | Who Are Kataib Hezbollah? The Iran-Backed Militia Blamed for Killing Three US Soldiers in Jordan. "Seeing his imminent ouster from power (in April 2022), then prime minister Imran Khan attacked Pakistan by revealing state secrets," Sharif told an election rally in Haroonabad at Bahawalnagar district, some 400 km from Lahore. Pakistan's major political parties -- PML-N and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) -- have hailed the court's decision to jail Khan and Qureshi in the cipher case. Also Read | Israel-Palestine Conflict: Benjamin Netanyahu Rules Out Gaza Pullout or Release of Thousands of Militants; Hamas Demands in Truce Talks. "I have endured injustices but I never did anything that harmed Pakistan. I never compromised on national security nor did I disclose national secrets like that of Imran Khan who is responsible for putting national security at risk...I was ousted from the office of the prime minister (by the military establishment), but I never revealed any state secret to save my government," Sharif said. The 73-year-old PML-N leader was ousted from power three times in 1993, 1999 and 2017. Sharif said he did nuclear tests, while Khan attacked monuments of martyrs. The cipher case pertains to a piece of paper, purported to be a diplomatic cable -- the cipher -- that Khan had waved at a public rally on March 27, 2022, and naming the US, had claimed that it was evidence' of an international conspiracy to topple his government. The case was filed against Khan, 71, and Qureshi, 67, on August 15 last year by the Federal Investigation Agency, which accused both of violating the secrecy laws while handling the cable sent by the Pakistan embassy in Washington in March 2022. Khan was ousted through a no-confidence motion in April 2022. Addressing the rally, Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz demanded that the state should deal with Khan and his party like that of terrorists. "Imran Khan should be given treatment which is given to terrorists. Does any political party train its workers in terrorism and provide training to attack national security and security institutions?" she asked, adding today the man who wanted to shut off the air conditioner of Nawaz Sharif in jail is given a 10-year jail term. Sharif returned to Pakistan in October last year after spending four years in self-exile in the UK. He is being given a PM-designate protocol and his party is considered the most favourite to come to power after the Feb 8 polls in the country, apparently with the support of the military establishment. Incarcerated Khan has already alleged that the powerful military establishment has favoured Sharif and that he (Khan) is being targeted to prevent him from returning to power. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Karachi, Jan 30 (PTI) Pakistan's central bank has announced that it will introduce new currency notes with enhanced security features to deal with the menace of counterfeit currencies in the cash-strapped country. The Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Jameel Ahmed told the media here that the currency notes will be incorporated with advanced international security features, including distinct security numbers and design to modernise the Pakistani currency. Also Read | Alberta Car Accident: Punjab Man Found Guilty of Car Crash That Killed Elderly Mother and Daughter, Deported To India From Canada. Ahmed also said the transition would be gradual so that Pakistan does not face disruption and public panic problems as has been witnessed in some other countries in the past. However, some financial experts wonder whether the introduction of new currency notes could also include demonetisation of the Rs 5,000 or higher denomination notes to combat the counterfeit and black money market. Also Read | Shark Attack in Australia: Woman Suffers Serious Leg Injury After Being Attacked by Bull Shark in Sydney, in Stable Condition. According to experts, cash-strapped Pakistan's economy is influenced a lot by the illegal use of black money which is easier due to the circulation of higher denomination notes. It is the right step to ensure the integrity of Pakistan's monetary system but will this include demonetisation has to be seen, said Sohail Farooq of the Capital Investment. He confirmed there had been a rise in the use of counterfeit currency notes in the market, concerning the central bank. If new currency notes are circulated, it will ensure reliability in circulation and also give businesses confidence, he said. Another banker said the central bank must just ensure there is no inconvenience to the public and businesses during the implementation of the new currency. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Gilgit-Baltistan [PoK], January 30 (ANI): The Awami Action Committee has rejected the ongoing notification regarding wheat subsidy and called it vague. The Awami Action Committee has announced that they will continue to hold a sit-in, Pakistan vernacular media Daily K2 reported. On the fourth day of the sit-in, thousands of people held a protest at Ittihad Chowk. Awami Action Committee chief commander Ehsan Ali Advocate, in his speech, said that no negotiations have been held with the Awami Action Committee and added that the notification being shown is a fraud. Also Read | King Charles' British Asian Trust Cuts Ties With Pakistani Singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Amidst Viral Video Controversy. He said that the Awami Action Committee has come up with a 15-point charter of demand, not for a sack of wheat, and the people of Baltistan have also stipulated that the previous prices of wheat should be restored first, then negotiations would take place, according to Daily K2 report. Ehsan Ali Advocate said the negotiations will not be on one point but on fifteen points and we demand that the government stop using these tactics. On Tuesday, a large rally of people from Ishkoman participated in the rally, Daily K2 reported. Also Read | Who Are Kataib Hezbollah? The Iran-Backed Militia Blamed for Killing Three US Soldiers in Jordan. Similarly, the people of Astor and Diamer will also participate in the sit-in and the people of Nagar are also attending the sit-in, the report said. Awami Action Committee Coordinator Fida Hussain said that no negotiations have been held with the Awami Action Committee. However, negotiations have been held with those who were the facilitators and we have no connection with these facilitators. Hussain stated that the Awami Action Committee continues to hold sit-in. Anjuman Tajran General Secretary Masudur Rahman said that their main demand is the complete abolition of the Finance Act, for which they have shut down businesses and suffered losses. Rahman asserted that they are not going to end the sit-in, according to Daily K2 report. The sit-in protests continued in Gilgit-Baltistan over the issue of the Finance Bill, Revenue Act, and Health Card, Pakistani vernacular media, Daily K2 reported. After heavy protests against wheat prices, the first round of negotiations between the protestors and the authorities in PoK's Gilgit-Baltistan, both parties agreed on restoring the old prices of wheat. A five-member negotiation committee was formed under the chairmanship of Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbarkhan. The first round of negotiations between the government and the dharna leaders started late on Sunday night and continued till 2:30 am (local time). Other protestors who couldn't reach there also joined the meeting via video conferencing. In the initial phase, the Pakistani authorities announced restoring the old prices of wheat, but backed down, on the Finance Bill, Revenue Act, Health Card and other issues. It was agreed to continue the negotiation process, according to vernacular media. In the negotiations, it was decided that the wheat quota for Gilgit-Baltistan would be 15 lakh sacks. However, the Awami Action Committee Gilgit has announced that they won't be ending the sit-in until the Finance Bill Revenue Act is abolished and the health card is restored, Daily K2 report. Late on Sunday night, the talks between the Pakistan government and protestors in Gilgit Baltistan were attended by provincial ministers Fathullah Shamsul Haque, Lon Haji Rahmat Khaliq, Iman Shah Sarwar Shah, Hussain Shah and others on behalf of the government. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, Jan 30 (PTI) Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna is campaigning in favour of US President Joe Biden in South Carolina, the home state of fellow Indian-American and Republican presidential aspirant Nikki Halley. "Proud to be campaigning with President Biden in South Carolina," Khanna posted on X, formerly Twitter. Also Read | Maldives: Opposition Party Set To Move Impeachment Motion Against President Mohamed Muizzu Day After Parliament Clashes. Biden was in Columbia, South Carolina, the battle ground state for the next phase of Democratic and Republican primaries. While the Democratic primary is on February 3, the GOP primary is on February 24. "He was fired up in making the case for what he and Democrats have delivered," Khanna said in support of Biden, the only Democratic candidate in fray. Former president Donald Trump and Haley are the two Republican candidates battling for the GOP race in South Carolina. Also Read | US Shocker: Police Take Action After Viral Video Shows Indian Student Vivek Saini, Brutally Killed by Hammer Inside Store in Georgia's Lithonia (Watch Video). According to polls, Trump is leading with 52 per cent, while Haley is trailing far behind with 21.8 per cent. Haley, however, has asserted that she is expecting a strong showing in her home State on February 23. Speaking at the "First in the Nation Dinner" in Columbia, South Carolina, Khanna slammed Haley. "Perhaps if" Haley "had listened to some Civil Rights history over the years, she'd be more open about sharing her story as a first-generation American," Khanna said. "See, as an Indian-American, my parents, my father came here in the late 1960s around when Nikki Haley's father came here. And you know what? Before 1965, it would've been very unlikely for either Nikki Haley's father or my father to be allowed in this country because this country didn't let in Indian immigrants, Chinese immigrants, or for that matter, Asian immigrants. "It is because people like Jim Clyburn were in jail. It is because people like Eleanor Norton organized the March on Washington. It is because John Lewis was beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge that this country passed the 1965 Immigration Act that allowed Nikki Haley and my parents to come to America," he said. "It is because of people like Mr. Clyde or Mr. Lois, Ms. Norton, that I can stand on this stage as a Congressman and that Nikki Haley can pursue the highest office of the land. Let us not forget history. You see, history is personal, it is personal to me because my grandfather, Amarnath Vidyalankar spent four years in jail alongside Gandhi in India's independence movement," he said. "Gandhi's movement for Satyagraha of nonviolent active resistance in the pursuit of truth inspired Rustin. It inspired Lawson and inspired Dr. King who had the Bible and the Gandhi reader wherever he went. And let this be clear, the civil rights movement did not just open doors for black Americans, it opened doors for every person of colour in America," he said. "Why dwell on the history?" he asked. "When my parents and Nikki Haley and their Indian-American parents came here, they couldn't get hired at Harvard or Stanford or Yale. Guess who hired them? The HBCUs. That's why you got so many Indian faculty working there. Let me tell you why history matters because if you don't understand history, you can't make progress about the future," he said. "If you don't understand the moral debt that we have, the profound moral debt to the civil rights movement, you can understand your obligations and duties going forward. I feel the weight of that debt representing Silicon Valley, USD10 trillion of wealth in my district, Apple, Google, Intel, Nvidia, Open AI. And you know what the truth is? There are a lot of Indian-Americans now who have become technology leaders, but there are too few black and Latino Americans who are participating in modern wealth generation," Khanna said. He told MSNBC that he would be going out to states like Michigan and Nevada to make the case for President Biden. "We need this President reelected. The President has delivered on the economy, USD7 billion on historic HBCU funding, high-speed internet, support for small businesses, and student loan relief. The country will go backwards if Trump is elected," he said. In an interview to CNN on Monday, Khanna said Biden in his speech in South Carolina has really drawn a contrast with Donald Trump. "And it was very effective to say that he has delivered for working and middle-class Americans. Donald Trump's economy, lost jobs, was just tax cuts for the very wealthy," he said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Tel Aviv [Israel], January 30 (ANI/TPS): Israel's First Lady, Michal Herzog Monday met at the President's Residence in Jerusalem with Pramila Patten, UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, who was visiting Israel with a team of senior UN legal and medical experts on a fact-finding mission investigating the wide-spread and systematic sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated by Hamas on October 7. Ahead of the meeting, the First Lady and President Isaac Herzog held a private meeting with Under-Secretary Patten. Also Read | Indian Navy Anti Piracy Operation: Navy Rescues Hijacked Fishing Vessel 'Al Naemi' With Somali Pirates, Saves Crew and 19 Pakistanis. President Herzog said: "The scenes we saw on 7th October continue to reverberate. They must be told and must be investigated, and most of all, the victims must be cared for." First Lady Herzog said: "As a woman to a woman, I want to thank you very much for coming to Israel with an open heart and open mind to listen and to see, and to help the survivors." Also Read | Solo Female Travel: From Portugal to Norway, 5 Best Destinations in the World for Solo Female Travellers. Under-Secretary Patten said: "I'm here to express my solidarity with the Government of Israel, the people of Israel, the survivors, the families of victims, and the families of hostages." She added, "Sexual Violence used as a tactic of terrorism, as a tactic of war, is intended to destabilize, to instil fear, to humiliate, to dehumanize not only the victims, but also the families, the societies, the nation, or the perceived enemy." The First Lady and Under-Secretary then went on to meet a range of leading Israeli civil society, legal, and medical experts in the field of women's rights. The meeting was also attended by Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.(ANI/TPS) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chennai, January 30: A resident of Pudu Vannarapet, who had objected to a group of men smoking marijuana near his house, faced a violent backlash when his house was attacked with a petrol bomb on Monday night. The police have arrested one of the accused and are looking for two others who are absconding. According to India Today, the victim, Siva, lives in Desiya Nagar, which is close to the Pudu Vannarapet police station. On Monday evening, he saw some men smoking ganja in a vacant plot near his house. He confronted them and asked them to leave the place, as it was causing nuisance and health issues to the residents. However, the men refused to budge and got into a heated argument with Siva. They also threatened him with dire consequences. Chennai Shocker: Trans Man Chains Woman, Burns Her Alive For Rejecting Romantic Advances, Arrested. Man's House Attacked With Petrol Bomb Over Marijuana Row Later that night, around 10 pm, the men came back with a petrol bomb and hurled it at Sivas house. The bomb exploded at the gate, causing a fire and damaging the property. Siva and his family members, who were inside the house, escaped unhurt. The neighbours rushed to the spot and helped Siva douse the fire. They also alerted the police, who reached the scene and collected the evidence. One Arrested, Two Absconding Siva lodged a complaint with the Pudu Vannarapet police station and provided the CCTV footage of the incident. Based on the footage, the police identified the suspects as Manoj, Vicky and Ravi, who are known to be drug addicts and criminals. The police arrested Manoj from his hideout and recovered the bike used in the crime. The other two accused are still on the run, and the police have launched a manhunt to nab them. Chennai Shocker: Teenager Dies After Injecting Himself With Drug at Friends Birthday Celebration in Hotel. The police have registered a case of attempt to murder, criminal intimidation and mischief by fire against the accused. An investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the petrol bomb and the motive behind the attack. The police have also intensified the patrolling and surveillance in the area to prevent any further incidents. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2024 05:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Ranchi, January 30: A teacher allegedly shot dead two colleagues at a government school in Jharkhand's Godda district, before turning the gun on himself and suffering serious injuries, police said on Tuesday. Jharkhand Shocker: Man Shot Dead by Maoists for Being Police Informer in West Singhbhum District The incident took place at Upgraded High School in Poraiyahat area, around 300 km from Ranchi, during school hours around 11 am, a police officer said. Jharkhand Shocker: Mother Shoots 15-Year-Old Daughter Dead in Giridih After Brawl Over The Latters Marriage Godda Superintendent of Police Nathu Singh Meena told PTI, "The bodies of two teachers, including a woman, were found lying in a pool of blood in a room at the school, while the accused teacher was also found seriously injured." New Delhi, January 30: US Ambassador Eric Garcetti on Tuesday hailed the swift action taken by the Indian Navy against pirates to rescue sailors of merchant ships operations ensuring the safety of shipping in the Indian Ocean. Addressing a meeting of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, Garcetti said the Indian Navy was not only rescuing Indian crew but also sailors belonging to other countries being attacked by pirates and missiles of terror groups. Indian Navy Foils Piracy Bid: Warship INS Sumitra Ensures Safe Release of Hijacked Fishing Vessel From Armed Pirates 800 Miles Off Coast Kochi. This reflects the bigger strategic role that India was playing in the Asian region, he added. Garcetti said that India is the biggest country in the region, and because of its democratic values, was looked upon by other countries to provide protection. He said that the India-US relationship was not an additive India+US relationship but a multiplicative India x US relationship in terms of the power it brought with the world's two biggest democracies coming together. Indian Navy Foils Piracy Bid: INS Sumitra Carries Out Rescue Operation on MV Iman Highjacked by Somali Pirates in Arabian Sea. The ambassador said that the stronger India-US ties defence relationships were also reflected in the deals signed between the two countries in the co-production of defence equipment. He cited the recent signing of the GE engines deal for military planes as an example. The US has not shared this technology even with its close alliance partners but was making it available to India. This shows the importance that the US attaches to India, he added. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2024 02:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat here on his death anniversary. Shmyhal: We complete second month of winter with stable situation in energy sector Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal states that today there are no restrictions or power cuts planned in any region. "This year we are finishing the second month of winter, having a stable situation in the energy sector. Last year we lived in conditions of constant restrictions and shutdowns. Today this is not the case in any region, and there are no plans for it," Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Tuesday. According to him, the government continues to support Ukrainian families and maintains preferential electricity tariffs for the population. "It was and remains UAH 2.64 per kWh. In general, this winter the government does not plan to change any tariffs for the population," Shmyhal emphasized. The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notice on a PIL against rise in cyber crimes, including the forging of court orders, fake FIRs, and arrest warrants. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police arrested Lalit Tekchandani, a prominent builder and director of Supreme Constructions, on Tuesday for allegedly duping several homebuyers in his Taloja project in Navi Mumbai. The EOW had conducted raids at various premises linked to Tekchandani last Friday and interrogated him for nine hours before taking him into custody. He is facing five criminal cases, including the latest one registered at Chembur police station. "The police registered a case against the accused Lalit Tekchandani and others under sections 420, 406 and other sections of the IPC. The case involves 160 home buyers who collectively lost Rs 44 crores," Mumbai Police said. Mumbai: Borivali-Based CA Arrested for 'Rs 3,000-Crore Scam Involving Corporate House' Post on X, Uploading Company's Bank Statement. Builder Lalit Tekchandani Arrested Maharashtra | Mumbai polices Economic Offences Wing (EOW) arrested builder Lalit Tekchandani in a cheating case after a nine-hour interrogation today. The police registered a case against the accused Lalit Tekchandani and others under sections 420, 406 and other sections of the ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2024 (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.) Toronto, January 30: A 26-year-old man hailing from Punjab has been deported to India less than a year after he was found guilty of a car crash that killed a woman and her elderly mother in the Canadian province of Alberta. Bipinjot Gill, who arrived in Canada in 2016 on a student visa, sped through a red light in Calgary on May 18, 2019, killing Uzma Afzal, 31, and her mother, Bilquees Begum, 65, on the spot. He left Canada after his attempts to have a deportation order stayed were rejected by a Federal Court judge this month, the Calgary Herald newspaper reported. "The applicant committed and was convicted for a serious crime. Lives were lost. The families of the victims will never see family members again," Judge Shirzad Ahmed said in his ruling. Indian-Origin Truck Driver Who Killed 16 People in 2018 Crash Loses Bid to Stay in Canada. He also dismissed Gill's claims that he would face harm if returned to India by not being able to access treatment for his mental health issues. "And while (Gill) has struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues, he has been found criminally responsible for his conduct by a competent court of law." Gill, who was 21 at the time of the accident, was behind the wheel of a Hyundai that crashed into a Toyota Corolla at the intersection of Metis Trail and 128 Avenue N.E. in the early morning hours of May 18, 2019. While the two women were pronounced dead on the spot, the driver of the Toyota, Begum's husband, and Uzma's husband were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Canada Road Accident: Semi-Truck Carrying Fireworks Worth USD 100,000 Crashes Into Trailer in British Columbia, Causes Spectacular Display (Watch Video). He was convicted of the double fatality case in April 2023 and sentenced in November to a term of house arrest, 300 hours of community service, and one year of probation. Three months after the accident, Gill was also convicted of dangerous driving and fleeing from a peace officer in August 2019, the judge noted. He was issued a deportation order on September 6, 2022, after being found "inadmissible to Canada for serious criminality," The Herald reported. Gill's lawyer said his client ran out of time in his bid to stay the deportation order and acted without legal counsel for too long. A native of Punjab, Gill earned a two-year diploma from Bow Valley College in 2018. His parents and brother are in Canada on temporary visas, while his uncle and grandparents are Canadian citizens. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2024 08:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). On 29 January Mexicos interior ministry (Segob) confirmed the breach of personal information of 263 journalists following the hacking of a government database. End of preview - This article contains approximately 399 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 29 January Guatemalas new Presidentheld a brief face-to-face meeting with discredited attorney general (AG) End of preview - This article contains approximately 405 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options The United States Agency for International Development in Colombia Claims Their Facebook Page Was Hacked This past Saturday, both the United States Agency for International Development and the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia issued a statement urging "all Facebook users and the general public to exercise caution and ignore any posts or links that orginate from the USAID Colombia Facebook account." Panic ensued after the organization's staff members identified a security breach that could result in a "potential risk" in the organization's official Facebook account. The agency reassured followers that their team is "actively working to restore account security and investigate the extent of the breach." According to the Associated Press, "the agency did not immediately respond to questions on the impact and status of the hack." Currently, the page displays a locked padlock and a message that reads "this content isn't available right now." Charles Littlejohn, a former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) contractor convicted of leaking former President Donald Trump tax returns, received a five-year prison sentence on Monday Fox News reports. The sentencing, delivered by federal District Judge Ana Reyes, also includes 36 months of supervised release and a $5,000 fine. Judge Reyes condemned Littlejohn's actions, characterizing the Donald Trump tax leak as "an intolerable attack on our constitutional democracy." "The press tells us Democracy dies in darkness. It also dies in lawlessness," Judge Reyes stated during the sentencing. "There are numerous lawful means to bring things to light. Trump was under no obligation to expose his returns. People could vote for someone else. They could run against him," she added. READ NEXT: EX-IRS Contractor Pleads Guilty To Leaking Donald Trump Tax Returns Unprecedented Offense and Sentencing Littlejohn, who worked as an IRS contractor, stole tax data from thousands of affluent Americans, including the tax returns of then-President Trump. The sentencing imposed on him is the statutory maximum penalty for the offense, according to BBC. Judge Reyes emphasized the severity of Littlejohn's actions, calling it "an attack on our constitutional democracy." "He targeted the sitting president of the United States of America, which is exceptional by any measure. It cannot be open season on our elected officials," she stated. In a brief statement to the court, Littlejohn acknowledged his crime and expressed awareness of its potential consequences. He claimed to be driven by a desire for transparency. "I made my decision with full knowledge that I would likely end up in a courtroom to answer for my serious crime. I used my skills to systematically violate the privacy of thousands of people," the former IRS contractor said. Despite Littlejohn's claim that he acted out of a moral belief in the right of the American people to know the information, Judge Reyes remained firm in her sentencing decision. She asserted that imposing the maximum penalty would clearly convey that his conduct was unacceptable and unjustifiable. Littlejohn, the former IRS contractor responsible for Donald Trump tax leak, had pleaded guilty in October to one count of disclosing tax return information. Although the charging records did not explicitly name Trump as the victim, Littlejohn identified him in court and revealed providing information to media outlets, the New York Times and ProPublica. Prosecution's Stance and Government Response Government attorneys pressed for the maximum prison sentence, arguing that Littlejohn "sought to influence an election and reshape the nation's political discourse." They characterized his actions as one of the most serious crimes in IRS history, CBS noted. The acting head of the Justice Department's criminal division, Nicole Argentieri, responded to the sentencing. "Today's sentence sends a strong message that those who violate laws intended to protect sensitive tax information will face significant punishment," she said. Prosecutors detailed in their sentencing memo that Littlejohn returned to an IRS-related position to gain access to Donald Trump tax records. They alleged he exploited a computing system loophole to upload stolen data to a private website and leaked it to an unnamed news organization six months later. READ MORE: Donald Trump Loses Again, Must Pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 Million This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: IRS contractor sent to 5 years for releasing Donald Trump tax returns - From WWLTV The Biden administration began reinstating sanctions against Venezuela on Monday after Nicolas Maduro broke one of their agreements on a free and fair election by going after the Venezuelan opposition again, with the country's Supreme Court upholding the ban against opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado from holding public office. Following the announcement of the return of sanctions, the US Treasury Department gave a February 13 deadline for the winding down of any transactions between any US entities and the Venezuelan state-owned gold mining firm Minerven. The US allowed business dealings with the Venezuelan mining firm following the deal with the Maduro regime that had the US partially lift sanctions on Venezuela in exchange for free and fair elections. The deal included having Venezuela lift bans on politicians not allowed to hold office, which the Maduro regime did not fulfill. According to Reuters, the reimposition of sanctions against Venezuela came just hours after a Biden administration official commented on the issue, saying that "the Treasury license that broadly restored dealings with Venezuela's oil industry would be allowed to expire on April 18 if Maria Corina Machado and other opposition figures are not allowed to compete against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in this year's election." It was the Supreme Court of Venezuela, which is strongly allied with President Nicolas Maduro, that reaffirmed the ban on Maria Corina Machado after she won the opposition primary via a landslide last year, getting over 90% of the vote. Venezuela Opposition Candidate Maria Corina Machado Cries Foul Over Reaffirmation of Disqualification Despite her ban on holding public office remaining on, opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado, who was supposed to take on Nicolas Maduro later this year, remains defiant and called her ban a "judicial criminality" and vowed to stay in the race. READ MORE: Latin America Politics 2023: Election, Conflicts, Other Major Issues in the Region In a speech in front of supporters and reporters, she admitted that she expects government repression to increase against her and her team because it is the only tool Maduro and his allies have left against them, adding that "the best option" for her political rival is "to negotiate with us a peaceful transition," according to the Associated Press. "It cannot be called a sentence. It is not even an arbitrary decision. This is called judicial criminality," Machado said in her speech, addressing the Supreme Court decision. "If they believe that they declared my disqualification, then let them know well, they declared the end of this tyranny ... because people are clear and are not going to allow themselves to be stripped of their October 22 decision." Venezuela Suffered Economically Under Nicolas Maduro Under the Maduro regime, Venezuela suffered a massive social and economic crisis despite the country being rich in oil, and this was made worse by US sanctions. As Yahoo! News pointed out, this led to many fleeing the country in search of a better life, fueling the current US migrant crisis. Maduro's mismanagement has been one of the main reasons for this economic downturn in Venezuela, with the regime being accused of downright corruption and the mishandling of funds that the government reportedly made with oil and mining. READ MORE: Guyana Culture: Essequibo Identifies More as Guyanase and Not With Venezuela This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Ongoing state detention, torture in Venezuela highlighted in new report - NBC News Brazil federal police conducted searches on Monday at properties associated with Carlos Bolsonaro, former President Jair Bolsonaro son, as part of an investigation into suspected illegal spying on political opponents during his father's presidency. Carlos Bolsonaro, a city councilor in Rio de Janeiro, is already under investigation by the Supreme Court for allegedly operating a fake news factory from within the presidential palace, Reuters reports. The search of Carlos Bolsonaro's properties represents a significant development in the ongoing spy probe, reaching into the inner circle of the Bolsonaro family. The former president, already deemed politically ineligible until 2030 due to actions during his unsuccessful re-election bid in 2022, faces multiple legal challenges that may lead to imprisonment. READ NEXT: Brazil Police Investigating Former Intelligence Chief for Spying Unveiling the Scandal The scandal surfaced last Thursday when Brazil's Supreme Court disclosed documents accusing the country's intelligence agency, Abin, of conducting surveillance on key political and judicial figures critical of the former president. Targets of the alleged illegal eavesdropping included three Supreme Court justices and a speaker of Brazil's lower house of Congress. Meanwhile, Brazil police searched the home and offices of Alexandre Ramagem, the former head of Abin and a close ally of Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday, according to BBC. The investigation intensified on Monday when officers arrived at a beach house where the former president was staying with his sons. Reports suggest Jair Bolsonaro was on a fishing trip with his sons when the police arrived. This recent probe adds to Jair Bolsonaro's legal troubles, including an eight-year ban from running for office due to baseless claims against Brazil's electronic voting system. Brazil Intel Allegedly Uses Surveillance Software Police suspect that Abin, under Ramagem's leadership, used a software called FirstMile, developed by Israeli company Cognyte, to monitor targets and public authorities, creating false narratives, The Leader noted. According to Supreme Court documents, the software enables the geolocation of mobile phones, with over 60,500 users identified between 2019 and 2021. O Globo, the media outlet that broke the story in May, reported that the Brazil intel agents used the software to monitor political figures and journalists. Monday's police operation aimed to advance the political aspect of the investigation, identifying recipients and beneficiaries of illegally produced information. In a video broadcast on social media, Jair Bolsonaro and his sons, including Carlos Bolsonaro, defended Ramagem and criticized the investigation. The former president dismissed the idea of a parallel intelligence unit as "fantastical." Reports suggest ties between Ramagem and the Bolsonaro family date back to the 2018 presidential campaign. In a March 2020 TV interview, Gustavo Bebianno, a former key aide to the president, claimed that Carlos Bolsonaro discussed creating a parallel intelligence unit within Abin. Bebianno advised against such actions but, less than two weeks after the interview died suddenly from a heart attack. Brazil authorities reportedly seized a computer belonging to Abin at one of the addresses mentioned in the search warrants. The agency's press department is investigating the claim, according to reports. Carlos Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro son, has previously denied any wrongdoing and has not commented on the recent police operation. READ MORE: Argentina President To Visit Israel This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Brazil spy probe reaches Jair Bolsonaro's son - From Reuters In a devastating incident in Palm Bay, Florida, a retired Catholic priest, Father Robert Hoeffner, and his sister, Sally, were among the four victims killed in Sunday afternoon shootings, according to a statement from the Diocese of Orlando. The alleged Florida shooting gunman, identified as 24-year-old Brandon Kapas, also killed his grandfather, William Kapas, and another unnamed individual in separate locations, as per the Catholic News Agency. The motive behind the shootings remains unclear, adding to the shock of the community. The tragic event unfolded at different locations, with the shootings of the Florida priest and his sister occurring separately from those of Kapas' grandfather and the unnamed victim. READ NEXT: Florida Grandmother Dead Following Alligator Attack Police Confrontation and Fatal Shootout The Palm Bay Police Chief, Mariano Augello, addressed the incidents in a news conference, explaining that officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at about 2 PM on January 28. Kapas had reportedly been disruptive at a family birthday party, and concerns arose about potential weapons in his possession, according to the Miami Herald. As officers engaged with Kapas outside the house, he refused to comply with their requests and quickly walked toward his car. The uncle reiterated Kapas' arsenal of weapons in the vehicle, prompting officers to confront him. Despite attempts to use a Taser, the Florida shooting suspect resisted and shot at the officers, leading to a fatal exchange of gunfire. Earlier, between the officers' arrival and Kapas emerging from the house, he shot and killed his grandfather. A subsequent search of the car revealed a significant number of weapons. Upon discovering the car was not registered to Kapas, officers investigated and traced the registration to an address. At the location, they found two individuals fatally shot. The victims, confirmed by the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, were identified as a retired Florida priest and his sister. The police chief commended officers for preventing a potentially more tragic outcome, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding Kapas' intentions. Response From the Diocese and Community Bishop John Noonan, overseeing the Orlando Diocese, expressed condolences over the tragic loss of lives, particularly mourning the deaths of Florida priest Father Hoeffner and Sally, Florida Today reports. The retired Florida priest, who celebrated 50 years in the priesthood, had served at St. Joseph Catholic Church before retiring in 2016. "We mourn with the St. Joseph Catholic community in Palm Bay over the tragic loss of these four lives as we pray for the repose of their souls and extend our prayers to their families," Noonan wrote. The Palm Bay Police continue to investigate the connection between Kapas and his victims. Bishop Noonan's statement extended prayers to the grieving families and the St. Joseph Catholic community. The shootings have deeply affected multiple families, leaving the community in shock. William Kapas Jr., expressing his grief, described his father as a role model and highlighted the traumatic time for their family. "I lost my father. He was my role model. I'm the man I am because of him," said William Kapas Jr. of his father. The family, deeply connected to St. Joseph Catholic Church, plans to release a statement at a later time, highlighting the struggles that the Florida shooting suspect, Brandon Kapas, faced following his mother's death. READ MORE: California Man Found Guilty of Killing 6-Year-Old Boy This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Florida priest among 4 killed in Palm Bay; gunman's motive unknown - From WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando Ukrzaliznytsia received more than UAH 68 million in compensation for losses caused to it as a result of fraud for UAH 206 million when purchasing gas in 2016-2020, Ukrzaliznytsia reported on Facebook on Tuesday. "National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine [National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine] and SAPO [Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office], during joint activities with the office of the director for economic and information security of JSC Ukrzaliznytsia, achieved compensation for losses of more than UAH 68 million to the company as part of an investigation into fraud in the purchase of gas for the needs of the company," Ukrzaliznytsia said. Funds from Ukrzaliznytsia were transferred from August 2023 to January 2024 by a private company that "recognized the unacceptability of the criminal actions committed by its own management and agreed to partially compensate for the damage caused." The name of the company has not been disclosed. Another UAH 2 million were reimbursed by one of the suspects in the case, and another suspect transferred UAH 3 million to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which is provided for by plea agreements concluded between them and the SAPO prosecutor. Previously, the company reported that in June 2023, thanks to joint work with SAPO, fraud for UAH 206 million when purchasing gas for its needs in 2016-2020 was exposed. In this case, a private company has already transferred UAH 20 million to Ukrzaliznytsia as part of compensation for losses caused, undertaking to compensate a total of UAH 68.16 million. From December 2016 to January 2020, officials of the Production Support Center branch of Ukrzaliznytsia, in collusion with representatives of gas companies, organized the purchase of gas bypassing tender procedures. They agreed on an additional markup for gas supplies, which at different periods ranged from UAH 200 to UAH 1,000 per 1,000 cubic meters. The unlawful benefit received was distributed among a wide range of participants in the criminal conspiracy. This was established during investigative actions carried out in June-October 2023. In 2023, Ukrzaliznytsia entered into a second agreement with PJSC Ukrnafta for the purchase of 45 million cubic meters of gas from underground storage facilities at competitive summer prices. In March-September of the same year, Ukrzaliznytsia purchased 13.7 million cubic meters of gas from Ukrnafta. Savings compared to prices on the Ukrainian Energy Exchange on this purchase alone reached UAH 40 million, and compared to previous offers from intermediary suppliers UAH 250 million. In addition, it was reported that Ukrzaliznytsia is fully supplied with gas for the autumn-winter season of 2023-2024. As the New York fraud trial verdict against Donald Trump looms, the former president continued whining against the judge and New York Attorney General Letitia James in an online rant on his social media platform, Truth Social. He continued his usual talking points regarding all his legal problems, including claiming that this is a "witch hunt" despite evidence that he and his company knowingly committed fraud, including recent findings by an independent special monitor of possible tax evasion. According to The Hill, Trump claimed that the Trump Organization made "only success and profits," before pointing to the "100% Disclaimer and Non-reliance Clause, stating CLEARLY that the reader must do their own analysis and due-diligence." Trump then called on federal courts to intervene in the case, stating, "It is a great company that has been slandered and maligned by this politically motivated Witch Hunt. It is very unfair, and I call for help from the highest Courts in New York State, or the Federal System, to intercede. THIS IS NOT AMERICA." In another post, he targeted New York AG Letitia James, calling her "corrupt" and adding that she "sat comfortably and confidently in Court with her shoes off, arms folded, a Starbucks Coffee, and a BIG smile on her face," before going all-caps" saying, "JUST LIKE SHE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT THE DECISION WILL BE!" He also continued his rants by attacking Judge Arthur Engoron, claiming without evidence that he had been "badly influenced" by Democrats before seemingly encouraging him to give him a favorable ruling. "Hopefully, Judge Engoron, who should have never taken this NON JURY Trial, or should have dismissed it long ago, will show that the New York State Judicial System is ALIVE, RESPECTED, AND WELL. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!" Trump wrote. READ MORE: Donald Trump Prepared To Cry Foul and Repeat His Debunked Voter Fraud Claims Should He Lose Donald Trump Lawyer Blasts Independent Special Monitor for New York Fraud Trial As Trump blasts the AG and the judge overseeing the case, Donald Trump attorney Clifford Robert criticized the report made by the independent special monitor, former Judge Barbara Jones, claiming that it was "an inaccurate depiction of the firm's finances intended to justify the continued oversight of the company." Trump attorney Chris Kise also blasted the report in a statement to ABC News, claiming that the independent monitor exaggerated immaterial issues in the Trump Organization's finances to "fill the gaping hole in the Attorney General's case." This is despite the independent monitor saying that she asked the Trump Organization about the discrepancies, and they admitted to them. Donald Trump New York Fraud Trial Verdict May Spell Death for the Trump Organization The verdict over the New York fraud trial of Donald Trump is currently being awaited, and many believe this might spell the end of one of New York's most high-profile businesses, the Trump Organization. In a scathing report by the Associated Press, experts weighed in on the outcome. Columbia University law professor Eric Talley spoke with the outlet and said the possible verdict is "basically a death penalty for a business," especially as Judge Arthur Engoron already made a pre-trial judgment that, based on the evidence already presented, Donald Trump is liable for fraud. READ MORE: Donald Trump Is Confused Why Co-Defendants Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro Pleaded Guilty This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Donald Trump's claims of wealth come back to haunt him in jury verdicts - MSNBC Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been discharged from the hospital and is now back home at the Windsor estate after a two-week stay following abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace announced on Monday, Reuters reports. The 42-year-old wife of Prince William, the heir to the British throne, underwent surgery for a non-cancerous condition at the London Clinic. Her recovery is reportedly progressing well. A statement from Kensington Palace expressed gratitude to the entire team at the London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care provided to the Princess. Although the details of her surgery remain undisclosed, a royal source confirmed on January 17 that Kate Middleton's condition was non-cancerous. The Princess is expected to take several months to recuperate, with a return to public duties unlikely until after Easter. In the absence of the Princess of Wales, Prince William postponed his engagements to look after their three children: Prince George (10), Princess Charlotte (8), and Prince Louis (5). READ NEXT: King Charles' Coronation King Charles III Discharged After Enlarged Prostate Treatment In a separate health development, Britain's King Charles III has been discharged from a London hospital following treatment for an enlarged prostate, per CNN. Buckingham Palace revealed that the 75-year-old monarch, who spent three nights at the London Clinic near Regent's Park, is now undertaking private recuperation after rescheduling upcoming public engagements. The Palace conveyed the King's appreciation for the medical team and the support he received during his hospital visit. Queen Camilla, who visited her husband daily, was by his side as he left the hospital. The King's departure coincided with the announcement of Princess Kate Middleton's return home after her surgery. Charles' diagnosis was disclosed after experiencing symptoms and undergoing a check-up at his Birkhall residence in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Queen Camilla previously assured that the King was "fine" and eager to return to work during recent engagements. Reunion at Windsor: Kate Middleton Back with Children Kate Middleton, now back at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, has reunited with her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. "The Princess of Wales has returned home in Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery," the statement said. The statement extended gratitude to the staff at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for their care, according to Marie Claire. The Wales family expressed appreciation for the well wishes received from around the world. The children, reportedly aware of Kate's condition, have been maintaining contact through FaceTime, and Prince William has been shuttling between home and the hospital. The family, known for its close-knit bond, is navigating through this challenging time together. A source mentioned, "The kids are aware of Kate's present condition. The whole family is taking a step back to deal with it. They are a very close-knit family, and they will get through this together." READ MORE: King Charles Booted Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Out of Frogmore Cottage After Son Called Camilla 'The Villain' This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Kate Middleton leaves hospital after abdominal surgery - From TODAY Run-DMC founder, Jam Master Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell, the influential figure in hip-hop, fell victim to a ruthless ambush driven by "greed and revenge" over drugs, according to federal prosecutors, per the NY Post. The trial of the alleged assassins, Ronald Washington, 59, and Karl Jordan Jr., 39, commenced on Monday. Accused of Jam Master Jay murder at his Queens music studio in 2002, the prosecutors characterized the crime as brutal during opening arguments in Brooklyn federal court. Washington and Jordan, arrested in 2020, are facing charges linked to a long-unsolved Jam Master Jay death believed to be retribution for a failed cocaine deal. READ NEXT: Tupac Shakur Murder Jam Master Jay and the Decline of Run-DMC. Assistant US Attorney Miranda Gonzalez painted a picture of Jam Master Jay's humility, emphasizing his generosity even as Run-DMC rose to fame. Mizell, known for helping those in need, allowed people to stay at his family home or studio during difficult times. However, financial challenges arose in the mid-'90s as Run-DMC's earnings declined, Vulture reports. To supplement his income, Mizell acted as a middleman for cocaine distributors and dealers. A pivotal moment occurred in August 2002 when Mizell and Washington went to Baltimore for a deal. The disagreement with the distributor escalated, leading Mizell to send Washington away empty-handed, leaving Jordan excluded from the potential profits. On October 30 of that year, tensions erupted into violence. Mizell, in his Queens studio, appeared different in the days leading up to his murder, according to Gonzalez. Jordan, accompanied by Washington, entered the studio at 7:30 PM. Jordan, with a 40-caliber gun, fatally shot Mizell in the head, burning hair and skin. The incident also resulted in injuries to others in the studio. Defense Claims and Legal Proceedings Lawyers defending Washington and Jordan vehemently denied their involvement in Jam Master Jay murder, according to Reuters. John Diaz, representing Jordan, highlighted the reliance on aging memories of witnesses cooperating with investigators. Ezra Spilke, representing Washington, pointed to his client's struggles with alcoholism, questioning the motive to harm someone providing stability. The defendants, if convicted, face a maximum sentence of life in prison with a mandatory minimum of at least 20 years. According to prosecutors, Mizell's recording studio in Hollis, the Queens neighborhood where all parties grew up, was a neighborhood hangout. Mizell's manager, Lydia High, and friend Tony Rincon, along with three others working in the recording suite, were present during the murder. Rincon and High are expected to testify, explaining the delayed identification of the killers. Diaz, representing Washington, contested the prosecution's case, claiming investigators had built a flimsy case and landed on the wrong individuals. On the other hand, Jay Bryant was indicted in Mizell's killing on May 30, 2023. Bryant claimed to be the Jam Master Jay's shooter, but federal authorities dispute this. Insisting that evidence does not support Bryant's claim, prosecutors assert that Jordan was the one who shot the Run-DMC founder. Bryant will be tried separately from Washington and Jordan, with his trial expected in 2026. All three men maintain their innocence. READ MORE: Grammy Winner Coolio Cause of Death This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: What took place during day one of Jam Master Jay trial - From Eyewitness News ABC7NY The accident began around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 in the eastbound lanes of Route 22 in Bethlehem Township. Four people have been taken to St. Lukes Hospital-Anderson in Bethlehem Township with injuries, Trooper Nathan Branosky, public information officer for the Troop M barracks, told lehighvalleylive.com.Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor EU ambassadors support using profits from Russian assets to help Ukraine Ambassadors of the European Union have reached an agreement on using profits from frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, the press service of the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council reports. "EU Ambassadors just agreed in principle on a proposal on the use of windfall profits related to immobilised assets to support Ukraine's reconstruction," the press service said on X. Mercer Countys elected commissioners earned a salary of just $32,853 last year. They largely hold jobs outside their political posts, with careers in government, non-profits or the corporate world that pay the bills. To the public, the county describes its seven commissioners as part timers. But when it comes to health benefits, the commissioners treat themselves as full-time employees despite a law that seeks to limit full-time perks from going to part-time officials. A lawsuit filed Thursday in federal court blames a Bethlehem Township nursing home for the death of a man in the homes care. The lawsuit says Myron Loyko died from infections and wounds he suffered while under the care of Old Orchard Health Care Center on Freemansburg Avenue in Bethlehem Township. Philadelphia attorney Eric B. Horst, who represents Old Orchard and its parent company, ProMedica Health System, didnt immediately reply to a request for comment Tuesday. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro visited the Bethlehem area on Tuesday to announce the states first economic development plan in nearly two decades. Shapiro was joined by Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger, state Sen. Lisa Boscola, and other state and local officials at OraSure Technologies manufacturing facility at 2685 Opus Way in Bethlehem Township for the announcement. Zero Vehicles Emissions Ireland (ZEVI) and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) have today announced the county winners of ZEVIs EV Dealership of the Year Awards 2024, with Joe Mallon Motors Portlaoise announced as the winner for Laois. Now in their third year, these awards recognise and reward excellence in the promotion and sale of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ireland. In total, 134 car dealerships from 23 counties participated in the awards, up from 124 dealerships in 2023. Funded by ZEVI, these SEAI-administered awards recognise dealerships working to build consumer understanding and experience of EVs and ultimately their roll-out on Irish roads. Car dealerships are a vital part of the transition to clean and efficient transport. Increasing the amount of EVs on Irish roads means drivers will pollute less, reduce their motoring costs and benefit from the latest technology. Participating car dealers were assessed through a mystery shopping exercise where they were scored on factors including EV prominence in the showroom, salesperson knowledge of EVs, and overall sales approach. Other evaluation areas included EV training, sales trends, and the dealerships website. The winners announced today are on the shortlist for the regional awards which will be announced at this years Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) Annual Dinner taking place on February 22, 2024. One of the four regional winners will then be announced the overall national winner at the SEAI Energy Show taking place in the RDS, Dublin on March 20 21, 2024. Commenting on todays announcement Declan Meally, Director of Business, Public Sector and Transport at SEAI said: I want to congratulate this years county award winners, with extremely high standards demonstrated by all competing dealerships. It is inspiring to see the continued commitment to reducing emissions on our roads, helping Ireland to achieve a cleaner, more efficient transport future. It is great to see a significant increase not only in EV sales, but in participation in the 2024 awards. SEAI recognises that car dealerships and their staff are a key enabler of EV uptake and is delighted to reward excellence in the field. For full details on all winning dealerships, visit www.seai.ie. The death has occurred of Patrick (Paddy) Cody Dungourney, Cork / Fr Murphy Square, Kilkenny City, Kilkenny / The Curragh, Kildare. Retired BQMS, Irish Defence Forces. Paddy died peacefully on January 29, 2024 in the loving care of the wonderful staff at Youghal & District Nursing Home, Gortroe, County Cork. Paddy will be dearly missed by his loving brothers Liam in Florida and Anthony (Tony) in Dungourney, County Cork, sisters-in-law Margaret and Monica, his nephew John, nieces Fiona and Antoinette, grandnephews and grandnieces, relatives, his many friends and neighbours and all of his army colleagues. Paddy is predeceased by his parents William and Margaret. May Paddy Rest In Peace. Paddys family would like to especially acknowledge the care and kindness shown to him by all the staff at Youghal & District Nursing Home. Paddy will repose in Hydes Funeral Home, Drurys Avenue Midleton on Tuesday, January 30, from 7.30pm - 8.45pm. Reception into St. Marys Cathedral, Kilkenny on Wednesday, January 31, for Requiem Mass at 11am followed by burial in St Kierans Cemetery, Kilkenny. Mass will be available to view LIVE on the Cathedral Webcam using this link. The death has occurred of Rosanna Flynn Parnell Road, Harold's Cross, Dublin 12, Dublin / Maynooth, Kildare. Formerly of London and Hampshire, UK. January 26, 2024, peacefully in the wonderful care in the TLC Nursing Home, Maynooth. Pre-deceased by her parents Esther and Ernest, sister Christabel, deeply regretted by her loving sister Stella, brother-in-law Lloyd, nephews Michael and Romany, grand-niece Indigo, grand-nephew Isaac, extended family and a large circle of friends. "Ode to Liberty." Yet, Freedom! yet thy banner, torn, but flying, Streams like the thunder-storm against the wind. (Byron) Reposing at Oliver Reilly's Funeral Home, Leinster Street, Maynooth (W23 V99E) on Thursday (February 1) from 5pm to 8pm. Removal on Friday at approx. 9:15am to arrive at Newlands Cross Crematorium Chapel for 10am Celebration of Life Service. Family flowers only, please. Donations if desired to MASI (Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland) by clicking on the following link: https://www.masi.ie/support-us/ The Celebration of Life Service can be viewed live here: https://www.dctrust.ie/location/newlands-cross/chapel-webstream.html Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues. For all enquiries, please contact Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors on (045) 868 230. The death has occurred of Margaret Keane (nee Gorman) Killybegs Manor, Prosperous, Kildare / Maynooth, Kildare / Tubbercurry, Sligo. January 29, 2024, peacefully at St Brigid's Hospice, The Curragh surrounded by her loving family. Deeply regretted by her loving husband John, children Peter, James, Michael and Louise, daughter-in-law Ciara, Fiona and Julia, grandchildren Sean and Aoife, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, her beloved dog Bundee Aki and friends. Rest In Peace. Reposing at her residence on Wednesday from 4pm - 8pm with evening prayers at 7pm. Removal from her residence on Thursday at approx. 11.30am to arrive at the Church of Our Lady and St Joseph, Prosperous for 12pm Funeral Mass, followed by committal in Newlands Cross Crematorium at approx. 2pm. Family flowers only please, donations, if desired, to the Irish Cancer Society by clicking on the following link : Donate | Irish Cancer Society Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues. For all enquiries, please contact Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors on (045) 868230 Funeral service: https://prosperousparish.net/webcam Cremation / Burial: https://www.dctrust.ie/location/newlands-cross/chapel-webstream.html The death has occurred of Laurence Keane Castle Park, Athy, Kildare. Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in the care of Bloomfield, Rathfarnham, Dublin on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Predeceased by his grandparents Bridget and George Bartley, Michael and Annie Keane and his brother who died in infancy. He will be sadly missed by his mother and father Teresa and James Fennell, siblings Annette, Sandra, James, Louisia, Jonathan and Christopher, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts and uncles, godchildren, godmother, nephews and nieces, extended family and friends. Laurence will repose in Thompsons Funeral Home, Chapel Hill, Mount Hawkins, Athy (R14 NX80) on Tuesday from 5pm with prayers at 6pm removal at 6.45pm to arrive at St Michaels Parish Church for reception prayers at 7pm. Requiem Mass on Wednesday morning at 11am (click here for livestream link). Burial afterwards in St Michael's (New) Cemetery, Athy. The above links are provided and managed by an independent streaming company. The funeral director accepts no responsibility for its functionality or any interruption to a live transmission. Naas Bob Quinn has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Palestine-Israel conflict to honour the legacy of Brigid of Kildare. At a Kildare County Council meeting his call for KCC staff and councillors to observe a Pause for Peace at 12 noon on St Brigids Day February 1 was agreed. However his colleagues were careful to ensure that this did not mean they endorsed any particular views in relation to conflicts anywhere in the world. The Pause for Peace initiative invites people from around the world to pause whatever theyre doing for one minutes silence or reflection on the saints feast day. He noted that Sister Rita Minehan, a Brigidine Sister and founder of the Solas Bhride Centre in Kildare town, said by pausing for peace, we send out a message that we actively oppose warfare and the proliferation of arms, which wreak havoc on human beings as well as on the natural world. He said this movement aims to awaken and build a spirit of global solidarity in our search for peace. Read more Kildare news As we celebrate Brigid 1500 on the anniversary of Brigids death in 524, said Cllr Quinn after the meeting, it seems opportune that we take peace seriously. Brigid was renowned as a woman of peace. She gave away her fathers valuable jewelled sword to a poor man so he could barter it for food for his family. She transformed the weapon into a ploughshare, if you will. People may think calling for an end to a massive conflict is a complete waste of time, he continued, but peace begins with the individual and has the power to build to a community movement, like Pause for Peace, which is a global movement. EPCOR issues a mandatory ban on non-essential water use to Edmonton and Capital Region residents and businesses EPCOR is implementing a mandatory ban on non-essential water use due to a pump issue at E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant, which has halted water distribution from one of the region's two water treatment plants. EDMONTON, AB, Jan. 29, 2024 /CNW/ - On January 29, 2024, at approximately 2:00 a.m., there was a failure in the distribution pumping equipment systems that move water from E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant into the water distribution system. The Rossdale Water Treatment Plant remains operational; however, it cannot adequately supply the entire service area with normal water consumption. EPCOR is informing residents and business in Edmonton and surrounding communities supplied with EPCOR water, including Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Beaumont and Fort Saskatchewan, to eliminate non-essential water use. Until the E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant returns to normal operations, customers may also experience low water pressure. Businesses using large volumes of non-essential water, such as laundromats and car washes, are being asked to halt water use. Businesses using water to deliver a product or service that is life sustaining for people, animals and plants are exempt. Other exemptions include any businesses that must use water to meet health code standards, such as hospitals and restaurants. All residents are asked to conserve water by taking short showers instead of baths and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving. Please delay laundry and hand-wash small amounts of dinner dishes. Every drop helps. At this time, it is unknown when water service from E.L. Smith will be restored. Water restriction measures will be in place until the repair is completed. An update will be provided when there is a change in status. There is no impact to quality of the drinking water. EPCOR continues to apply all its technology and resources to ensuring water quality remains safe. These are difficult circumstances and EPCOR understands the significance of this impact to residents and businesses and we appreciate the cooperation of the public. About EPCOR EPCOR, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, builds, owns and operates electrical, natural gas and water transmission and distribution networks, water and wastewater treatment facilities, sanitary and stormwater systems, and infrastructure in Canada and the United States. The Company also provides electricity, natural gas and water products and services to residential and commercial customers. EPCOR, headquartered in Edmonton, is committed to conducting its business and operations safely and responsibly. Environmental stewardship, public health and community well-being are at the heart of EPCOR's mission to provide clean water and safe, reliable energy. EPCOR is an Alberta Top 75 employer, is ranked among Corporate Knights' 2023 Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada, and is designated a Utility of the Future Today by the Water Environment Federation. SOURCE Epcor Utilities Inc. 29 january 2024 at 17:12 News published onand distributed by: CEMtics deploys New Geo-Location Analytics Platform for AIS Thailand BANGKOK, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CEMtics (cemtics.com), a pioneer in customer experience management and location experience analytics, is excited to announce the successful deployment of a cutting-edge New Geo-Location Analytics Platform for Advanced Info Services Plc. (AIS, Thailand). As the premier Communications Service Provider (CSP) in Thailand with a subscriber base of 44.4 million, AIS is renowned for its leadership in the industry. Embarking on a journey of innovation, AIS has partnered with CEMtics to develop and deploy a state-of-the-art geo-location platform driven by the power of Big Data & Machine Learning. The New Geo-Location Analytics Platform, designed, developed,and deployed by CEMtics, is a comprehensive solution that seamlessly integrates into AIS' on-premises data lake. This platform delivers unparalleled insights using Advanced Analytics powered by CEMtics' custom intelligence and Machine Learning model repository and specialized modules catering to diverse teams including Marketing, Enterprise, B2B and various in-house Business Units. Mr. Suppachai Panichayunon, Head of Solutions Business Unit at AIS, commented: "The New Geo-Location (NGL) Platform is a cornerstone for various business teams in AIS. We are excited to have the business teams use the platform, thereby enhancing their prowess in making informed decisions." Jeevan Sandhu, CEO and Founder of CEMtics, said, "We take immense pride in contributing to AIS's visionary approach and fostering its commitment to innovation. The platform's seamless ingestion and processing of multi-billion records daily offer data-driven insights, amplifying AIS's decision-making capabilities while addressing data privacy, security and quantity concerns." This strategic partnership serves as a testament to CEMtics' unwavering dedication to providing scalable and robust AI/ML-based solutions. By empowering global CSP like AIS, CEMtics is steadfastly aiding in navigating the dynamic telecommunications and data landscape with proficiency and foresight. For further information, please reach out to: [email protected] About CEMtics CEMtics is focused on helping global telecom operators to monetize the (big) data internally and externally. By leveraging our "CEMpliFi" platform, CEMtics has developed and deployed AI powered solutions for Marketing, Care, Enterprise Business and Network teams. CEMtics' Unified NMS provides a single platform to manage 4G/5G Private networks, Wifi Networks, Fixed Wireless Networks and helps automate network operations and device and user management. CEMtics' Customer Data Platform helps CSPs measure and improve customer experience and increase customer retention by creating a 360-degree customer view. CEMtics' External Data Monetization platform is used by CSPs to help its B2B and SMB partners. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2328691/CEMtics_Logo.jpg 30 january 2024 at 00:00 News published onand distributed by: On Friday, January 26, representatives of the Canadian government met with their Ukrainian counterparts to negotiate bilateral long-term security commitments between Canada and Ukraine, the Canadian government's press service said. "These discussions are a crucial step forward in developing Canada's long-term security commitment to Ukraine in line with the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, which was adopted during the NATO Summit in July 2023. Canada, along with its partners and allies, is committed to standing united with Ukraine and is unwavering in its support for the Ukrainian people as they fight Russian aggression, for as long as it takes," the government said. It is noted that during last week's negotiations, Mykola Tochytsky, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, expressed appreciation for Canada's support and assistance in response to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Heidi Hulan, Assistant Deputy Minister for International Security and Political Director at Global Affairs Canada, emphasized Canada's steadfast readiness to stand with Ukraine to deter Russian aggression. The parties discussed key priorities and thematic areas of cooperation, as well as future steps in the negotiating process. Reap Strengthens Its Compliance and Risk Management with Chainalysis HONG KONG, Jan. 30, 2024 /CNW/ -- Reap, a leading payment technology company specialising in bridging Web2 & Web3 finances, is proud to announce its collaboration with the blockchain data platform, Chainalysis. Reap is utilising Chainalysis risk solutions that provide advanced transaction monitoring and robust illicit activity detection capabilities for the blockchain, ensuring the utmost protection for Reap's user funds in the ever-changing digital landscape. Chainalysis' Crypto Crime Report 2024 estimates that while all crypto transaction volume associated with illicit activity amounts to just 0.34% in 2023, the value received by illicit cryptocurrency addresses totals at least $24.2 billion ? a significant amount that needs to be addressed. Reap's adoption of Chainalysis risk solutions helps tackle this issue, leveraging their advanced blockchain data platform to detect and trace on-chain illicit fund flows. By enabling Reap to trace the sender's journey, Chainalysis enhances visibility and enables the detection of abnormal flows at any stage of the transaction process, emphasising the exceptional transparency offered by blockchain technologies. Reap observed a notable trend in 2023; Around 20% of Reap's clients who had not previously used digital currencies started using stablecoins for payments, highlighting the growing recognition of stablecoins. The global surge in digital currency adoption necessitates a comprehensive solution that ensures strict governance, transaction monitoring, and risk management to combat money laundering and other illicit activities. To address this, Reap has amplified its transaction processing capabilities and client protection by utilising Chainalysis risk solutions and its tools to enable real-time transaction monitoring and risk identification, bolstering Reap's ability to mitigate potential risks. Furthermore, Chainalysis seamlessly integrates with Fireblocks, which serves as Reap's custodian wallet. As a result, all transactions passing through Fireblocks are automatically screened by Chainalysis, promptly flagging any suspicious fund flows. Kevin Kang, Co-Founder of Reap, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the company's dedication to solidifying its position in the Web3 space. He stated, "Digital assets often face negative connotations, and Reap aims to dispel any doubts within the industry as global trends steer towards mass adoption. Collaborating with Chainalysis and leveraging their world-class technology allows us to strengthen Reap's international connectivity. We are committed to upholding the highest compliance standards while remaining agile to meet our clients' evolving business needs." "Blockchain is powering a growing wave of innovation, such as with Reap's payment solutions, and risk management is an important step to advancing the industry and building trust in the technology. We are excited to be working with Reap to enable them to confidently manage risks while protecting customers, increasing consumer trust, and strengthening brand reputation," said Diederik Van Wersch, Regional Director, ASEAN & Hong Kong. The collaboration greatly enhances Reap's ability to achieve the highest compliance standards in cryptocurrency transactions, demonstrating its commitment to responsible and ethical practices in the Web3 space. By employing Chainalysis's advanced technology, Reap strengthens its ability to detect and prevent illicit fund flows, and thus, safeguarding users and the broader Web3 community. About Reap Reap is a payment technology company focused on connecting traditional finances with digital assets, combining spend management software with a range of innovative payment products to orchestrate success for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Our card issuing solutions allow businesses to securely issue and curate their own credit card programs, providing seamless experiences for customers. Together with our expense management software, which combines global payout and our flagship Reap Visa Corporate Credit Card, we empower businesses to take control of their finances and streamline their operations. Reap is supported by an empowering group of investors, including Acorn Pacific Ventures, Arcadia Funds, HashKey Capital, Hustle Fund, Fresco Capital, Abacus Ventures and Payment Asia. The Company was founded in 2018 and has since expanded to a team of over 70, working across offices in eight countries. For more information, please visit: https://reap.global/ About Chainalysis Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, exchanges, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies in over 70 countries. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and market intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world's most high-profile criminal cases and grow consumer access to cryptocurrency safely. Backed by Accel, Addition, Benchmark, Coatue, GIC, Paradigm, Ribbit, and other leading firms in venture capital, Chainalysis builds trust in blockchains to promote more financial freedom with less risk. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com SOURCE Reap 30 january 2024 at 01:42 News published onand distributed by: Advanced Magnetic Materials Market worth $38.2 billion by 2028 - Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarketstm CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Advanced Magnetic Materials Market by Type (Permanent Magnet Materials, Semi-Hard Magnetic Materials, Soft Magnetic Materials), End-Use Industry (Automotive, Electronics, Industrial, Power Generation, Medical), And Region - Global Forecast to 2028", is estimated at USD 24.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 38.2 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2023 to 2028. The increasing use of advanced magnetic materials in the automotive industry is one of the most significant factors projected to drive the growth of the advanced magnetic materials market. Browse in-depth TOC on "Advanced Magnetic Materials Market" 214 ? Tables 47 ? Figures 218 ? Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=192828139 Permanent magnet segment to grow at a significant rate in advanced magnetic materials, in terms of value. Permanent Magnet is a type of magnetic material which has exceptionally strong magnetic properties. It is also known as a high- performance magnet. This type of magnet retains its magnetic strength even after removal of the external magnetizing force. This magnet exhibits high magnetic flux density, high coercivity, which makes it suitable for various high-end applications such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), magnetic separation, renewable energy systems and more. Automotive industry to be the fastest-growing end-use industry segment in the global advanced magnetic materials market in terms of value. The use of magnets is most widespread in automotive and hence there is a need of advanced magnetic materials. Magnetic materials have vast applications in the automobile industry. The automobile contains magnetic materials in various parts such as motors, sensors, actuators, and switches. The concerns regarding the fuel economy of vehicles lead the manufacturers to reduce vehicle weight and to increase the combustion efficiency. This has resulted in an elevated use of magnetic materials in automobiles. Magnetic materials are increasingly used in electric motors for various functions such as electric steering, electric braking, electric throttle actuation, auto-clutch, and gearbox actuation. The usage of magnetic materials in the automotive segment is the highest owing to the demand for high-quality materials from the manufacturing & production industries. The demand is estimated to surge in the Asia-Pacific region due to the increasing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=192828139 Asia Pacific continuous to be the largest market in the global advanced magnetic materials market in terms of value. Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest market for advanced magnetic materials. The growth in the Asia-Pacific region is primarily driven by the increasing demand for energy and economic development in the region. The magnetic materials market in Asia-Pacific accounts for greater share owing to the introduction of new products in the magnetic materials industry. North America is the second-largest market for magnetic materials. North America is witnessing stiff competition for magnetic minerals, especially the rare earth minerals; to address the need, the U.S. imports rare earth minerals from Asian countries, such as China and Japan. The rapid industrialization in the region coupled with the increased demand for technological advancements and economic recovery is driving this market. China is one of the largest markets for magnetic materials due to huge production of minerals with processing capabilities. China owns the highest reserves of rare earth minerals across the world. The demand for magnetic materials is expected to surge from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, South Korea, and Indonesia on account of significant production and utilization of magnetic materials in the nations. This has given an opportunity to the multinational companies, such as Hitachi Metals Ltd (Japan), Daido Steel Co., Ltd (Japan), Shin-Etsu Chemical Co Ltd (Japan), and TDK Corporation (Japan) to sell magnetic materials. Some of the key players in the global advanced magnetic materials market are such as Hitachi Metals Ltd. (Japan), TDK Corporation (Japan), Daido Steel Ltd. (Japan), Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. (Japan), Arnold magnetic Technologies (US), Anhui Sinomag Technology Co. Ltd. (China), Neo (Canada), Ningbo Yunsheng Co. Ltd. (China), Vacuumschmelze GmbH & Co. KG (Germany). Browse Adjacent Market: Chemicals Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Soft Magnetic Materials Market - Global Forecast to 2026 Magnetic Materials Market - Global Forecast to 2020 About MarketsandMarketstm MarketsandMarketstm has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarketstm is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStoretm (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarketstm.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarketstm INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insights: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/advanced-magnetic-materials-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/advanced-magnetic-materials.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2297424/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg 30 january 2024 at 02:00 News published onand distributed by: DPD UK Selects Blue Yonder To Redefine Profitable and Sustainable Returns Management DPD UK, an innovative carrier in the express parcels sector, has chosen Blue Yonder's SaaS-based Returns Management solution to provide a digital returns portal, that will be made available to all of its retail customers. DPD UK is a member of Geopost, a European leader in parcel delivery and solutions for e-commerce and part of the La Poste Groupe. The company operates more than 10,000 vehicles in the UK from 85 locations and delivers over 400 million parcels a year. With a strong focus on customer service and sustainability, DPD UK was looking for a digital returns management solution that would work alongside its existing capabilities and that could give it a strong competitive advantage in helping its retail customers manage returns efficiently. DPD turned to Blue Yonder and its recently acquired returns management solution from Doddle. Thanks to the Blue Yonder Returns Management solution, a DPD retail customer can get a new portal live within a few hours. This will allow consumers to book a return in seconds and drop off their items at one of over 10,000 DPD pickup locations across the UK. They will experience a fully digital, branded journey to choose which item to return, select a return reason, and either print a label or generate a QR code to use in the drop-off location. They will also receive tracking updates once the parcel is handed over. "We continue to look at ways to innovate and support our retail customers. Blue Yonder's digital returns portal, combined with our extensive pickup shop network means that 95% of the urban population are under one mile from one of our drop-off locations. As a result, returns for consumers will be quicker, easier and more convenient, giving them added confidence and peace of mind when they shop with our retailer customers," said Elaine Kerr, CEO, DPD UK. DPD UK and their retail customers will benefit from: A smooth digital experience for its consumers, resulting in higher NPS scores and brand loyalty. Substantial control over what can be returned within the return policy, and in turn reducing out of policy returns. Greater data visibility around the reason and status of the returns, helping reduce future returns and customer service inquiries. Reduced reverse logistics costs and improved inventory turnaround by offering convenient consumer drop off locations in the DPD UK network. "The issue of returns is one that many retailers and carriers are keen to resolve. In our latest research, 68% of merchants across European e-commerce markets reported that return rates have increased in the past 12 months, and 63% confirmed that returns are a ?significant' or ?very significant' problem for their business. DPD UK was looking for a solution that could be a strategic differentiator for them and their retail customers within this market scenario. We are proud to team up with DPD UK in supporting their strategy and vision to achieve customer satisfaction, sustainability and innovation," said Tim Robinson, corporate vice president, Blue Yonder. Additional Resources: Learn more about the Blue Yonder Returns Management solution About DPD UK DPD is a member of Geopost, a European leader in parcel delivery and solutions for e-commerce. Part of the La Poste Groupe, Geopost generated a ?15.6 billion revenue and delivered 2.1 billion parcels worldwide in 2022. The company operates more than 10,000 vehicles in the UK from 84 locations and delivers over 400 million parcels a year. In 2018, DPD opened the UK's first all-electric parcel delivery depot in Westminster. DPD currently has over 3,500 EVs in the UK and has announced plans to deliver to 30 of the largest towns and cities in the UK with zero and low-emission final mile delivery vehicles, by the end of 2023. Details of all of DPD's sustainability initiatives can be found on its dedicated green website: green.dpd.co.uk About Blue Yonder Blue Yonder is the world leader in digital supply chain transformation. Global retailers, manufacturers and logistics providers leverage Blue Yonder to optimize their supply chains from planning through fulfillment, delivery and returns. Blue Yonder's AI-embedded, interoperable supply chain solutions are connected end-to-end via a unified platform and data cloud, enabling businesses to collaborate in real time across functions, which supports more agile decision-making, improved customer satisfaction, profitable growth, and more resilient, sustainable supply chains. Blue Yonder - Fulfill your Potentialtm blueyonder.com "Blue Yonder" is a trademark or registered trademark of Blue Yonder Group, Inc. Any trade, product or service name referenced in this document using the name "Blue Yonder" is a trademark and/or property of Blue Yonder Group, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of the companies with which they are associated. 30 january 2024 at 04:05 News published onand distributed by: DIA Europe 2024 to Confront Sustainability, Innovation, and Collaboration in Healthcare DIA, a global organization of life sciences professionals, will emphasize how collaboration and innovation can support sustainability in healthcare at DIA Europe 2024, to be held March 12-14 at Square Brussels Convention Centre in Brussels. DIA Europe, the largest and most forward-looking neutral healthcare conference on the continent, is the only event that gives representatives from the European Commission, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA), national competent authorities, healthcare professionals, and patient populations the opportunity to come together to shape key policy decisions. Now in its 36th year, DIA Europe will feature discussions on the environmental footprint of pharmaceuticals and drug development. Panelists will explore optimal sustainability practices with more than 250 guest speakers across 11 rich content tracks that comprise 100-plus sessions, including much-anticipated "DIAmond sessions" and town halls. They will also participate in collaboration hubs, showcases, and workshops designed to drive change and innovative thinking. "Sustainability is one of the defining challenges in healthcare today," said Ania Mitan, DIA's Senior Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA and India. "No organization can tackle it alone, but through open dialogue, partnership across industry, government, and academia, and listening to the patient's perspective, we can drive real progress. Learning from each other will empower us to develop new approaches that benefit patients, society, and our planet." Attendees will hear from more than 25 EMA executives, including Emer Cooke, the Executive Director of the EMA and the Chair of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA); Martin Harvey Allchurch, the EMA's Head of International Affairs; and Dr. Peter Arlett, the EMA's Head of Data Analytics and Methods Task Force. Leda Stott, a Senior Research Fellow at the Innovation and Technology for Development Centre at the Technical University of Madrid and an authority on multi-stakeholder collaboration; Veronique Toully, the Global Head of Sustainability, Corporate Affairs and Risks at UCB; and Dr. Glenn Wells, Chief Partnerships Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), will deliver a keynote address that examines healthcare's most pressing sustainability challenges. Other can't-miss sessions include: ? "EU Regulatory Town Hall: The New Pharmaceutical Legislation": Explore how we are increasing availability and access to novel healthcare solutions. ? "Digital Transformation in the EU Regulatory Space": Discuss how Europe is building the foundations for its digital transformation in the regulatory space for the next 10 years. ? "Complexity: Interplay and Interface of Different Legislations": Learn how we can drive medicine research, development, and manufacturing amid an increasingly complicated landscape of EU policies and regulations. Three new content tracks this year will cover emerging trends in healthcare: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Real-World Evidence; Innovative Therapies, Precision Medicine, and Diagnostics; and International Collaboration and Regional Updates. DIA is celebrating 60 years of bringing together leading minds to foster innovation, collaboration, and advancement in global healthcare. At DIA Europe, everyone meets on equal terms. To register to attend as a participant or media member, visit https://www.diaglobal.org/Flagship/DIA-Europe-2024. About DIA DIA is a leading global life science membership association that drives collaboration in drug, device, and diagnostics development in pursuit of a healthier world. Founded in 1964 with headquarters in Washington, D.C., and offices in Europe and Asia, DIA provides unparalleled networking opportunities, educational resources, scientific research publications, and professional development programs to members in more than 80 countries. Learn more at DIAglobal.org, and connect with DIA on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram. 30 january 2024 at 04:05 News published onand distributed by: Superior HealthPlan Celebrates 25 Years of Putting Members First With more than 2 million members, Superior has grown into the largest Medicaid managed care organization in Texas. AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Superior HealthPlan ("Superior"), the leading managed care organization in the state of Texas and a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), is celebrating an important milestone ? 25 years of delivering high-quality, local health care to Texans across all 254 counties throughout the state. Founded in 1999, Superior first served 3,400 members in El Paso and has since grown into a statewide leader in managed care, offering comprehensive, quality healthcare services through Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace to over two million members in the state. "We're incredibly proud to have been able to provide health care to those who need it most over the past 25 years, growing from a small health plan in El Paso to an organization that now serves millions of people across Texas," said Superior President and CEO Mark Sanders. "With more than 3,200 dedicated employees who live and work in the communities we serve, we're committed to leading the way to an even healthier future for Texans." Since 2015, Superior has been one of the top-rated Medicaid plans in Texas, maintaining a rating of 3.5 or higher on a 5.0 scale according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Medicaid Health Insurance Plan Ratings. Some of the ways Superior delivers quality care and support to members include: With a focus on active local involvement, Superior partners with community-based organizations to help Texans where and when they need it most. For example, since 2020, Superior has provided more than $500,000 to fund community hygiene closets, which offer critically needed personal care items to Texans at no cost. And, in 2023 alone, Superior provided nearly $1 million in funding to community-based organizations supporting low-income neighborhoods and families across the state. "Since we began 25 years ago, we've always looked for ways to expand our specialized programs, services, and partnerships that can help us positively impact Texas communities," said Sanders. "I'm proud of our dedication to quality, innovation, and active local involvement, which will allow us to continue to fulfill our mission of transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time, for years to come." For more information about Superior, please visit www.SuperiorHealthPlan.com. About Superior HealthPlan Founded in 1999, Superior HealthPlan is a managed care company that delivers quality healthcare throughout Texas. Committed to transforming the health of the community, one person at a time, Superior supports active local involvement in all 254 Texas counties with more than 3,200 employees throughout the state. Superior is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. For more information visit www.SuperiorHealthPlan.com. SOURCE Superior HealthPlan 30 january 2024 at 07:01 News published onand distributed by: United Arab Emirates Conversational Commerce Intelligence Report 2023: Market to Grow by 23% to Reach $7.2 Billion in 2023 - Forecasts to 2028 - ResearchAndMarkets.com The "United Arab Emirates Conversational Commerce Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook - 75+ KPIs on Conversational Commerce Trends by End-Use Sectors, Operational KPIs, Product Offering, and Spend By Application - Q2 2023 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Conversational commerce industry in United Arab Emirates is expected to grow by 23.0% on annual basis to reach US$7.2 billion in 2023. The conversational commerce industry is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 19.4% during 2022-2028. The conversational commerce transaction value in the country will increase from US$7.2 billion in 2023 to reach US$17.5 billion by 2028. This report provides a detailed data centric analysis of conversational commerce industry, covering market opportunities and risks. With over 50+ KPIs at country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of conversational commerce market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics. The conversational commerce industry is still in its early stages of development in the United Arab Emirates. However, the robust internet infrastructure coupled with the tech-savvy population is expected to accelerate the growth of the market from the short to medium-term perspective. To compete with the fast-growing online retail segment in the Emirates, offline retailers are also seeking to build an online presence through conversational commerce. As more and more retailers, across industry verticals, enter the conversational commerce segment to drive customer engagement and sales, the publisher expects the competitive landscape to grow in the Emirati e-commerce industry. This will keep aiding the growth of the conversational commerce market in the United Arab Emirates from the short to medium-term perspective. Mall of the Emirates brings conversational commerce for shoppers in partnership with WhatsApp The United Arab Emirates online shopping industry has recorded strong growth over the last three years. Driven by the pandemic, the trend has continued even after the impact of Covid-19 diminished. Consequently, to compete with the growing e-commerce market, offline retailers are turning to conversational commerce in the Emirati nation. In October 2022, Mall of the Emirates announced that it is allowing shoppers to purchase products from over 350 international and domestic brands entirely through WhatsApp. With conversational commerce, Mall of the Emirates is seeking to bridge the gap between physical stores and digital platforms. From the short to medium-term perspective, more and more offline retailers and supermarkets are expected to leverage conversational commerce to drive their sales and revenue growth, amid the growing online shopping trends. Lulu Hypermarket has already launched an AI-powered customer experience on WhatsApp in March 2023. Salem, an AI-powered assistant, will enable shoppers to order products for in-store collection, receive purchase receipts, and track orders. Furthermore, the retailer has also launched a loyalty program on WhatsApp. As more brands introduce conversational commerce capabilities into their business model, the publisher expects the market to record strong growth over the next three to four years. This will also drive innovation in the fast-growing commerce category. Emirates-based conversational commerce providers are recording strong growth in sales and revenue With more brands turning to conversational commerce, providers are gained widespread traction for their tools and services in the United Arab Emirates. This is evident in the sales and volume growth. Zbooni, one of the leading conversational commerce providers in the MENA region, announced that the firm had recorded strong growth during the 12-month period in 2022. The sales volume for the firm increased by an average of 76% in 2022. Notably, tens of thousands of businesses are using the conversational commerce tools offered by Zbooni. According to the firm, Zbooni merchants experienced a 42% increase in transactions during the Black Friday event in 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. Furthermore, the firm revealed that November and December were the busiest months for Zbooni. In 2023, the firm is projected to record further growth as conversational commerce continues to grow in demand among merchants and shoppers. As the market continues to grow, the publisher also expects foreign players to launch their conversational commerce tools and services in the United Arab Emirates market. This will accelerate the competitive landscape and innovation in the fast-growing commerce sector from the short to medium-term perspective. Key Attributes: CLARA DUPRE The first time my mother disowned my partner, Emin (first name changed), was the very day she met him, three years ago. He's from Azerbaijan and I'm from Luxembourg, and we met in France, where we were both studying. We'd already been together for a year when I organized a brunch for my mother to meet him. It was a disaster. She found out he was Muslim, whereas I'd told her he was an Orthodox Christian because I knew she wouldn't have wanted to meet him otherwise. While I was in the bathroom, she asked him what his religion was. He didn't realize how important the question was to her. He replied that he was Muslim, but non-practicing. She remained polite, but was very cold throughout lunch. And afterwards, she reacted very badly. She told me it was a disgrace, that she never wanted to see him again. She even criticized him for having an accent, even though she and I both have one we're Luxembourgeois! It's absurd. We come from a Christian family but we've never been churchgoers, it's more of a cultural thing. It's the same with my boyfriend, and religion has never been a subject for us, or for his family... I'm not ashamed of my life, I'm not doing anything wrong. I love my boyfriend and the life I have with him. Since that day, talking about my partner has become taboo. When we're together as a family, it's a very odd situation because everyone knows, but nobody talks about it when my mother's around. Nobody asks me any questions. My whole family is in Luxembourg, but he's not welcome there. My mother never says my boyfriend's name, it's always "that guy" or "that dude." It's a heavy burden, and I feel like I'm living a double life: my life here, where all my friends know Emin, who I'm living with now, and my life when I go back to Luxembourg, where I pretend to be single! I never talk about Emin. It's unhealthy, but it works. Yet my father, my brother and my grandmother have no problem with him or his religion. My father is neutral, he just doesn't want to get into a conflict with my mother. So he doesn't say anything. But sometimes, when my mother goes shopping and we're home alone, he asks me a few questions about Emin. As for my paternal grandmother, she adores him! We see her every Sunday on a video call, every Christmas she asks me why I don't bring him along... With my mother, apart from the subject of my companion, we have a pretty normal relationship. But actually, can you really say that, when I'm silent about half my life? It works well because I never talk about Emin. It's unhealthy, but it works. You have 50.12% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa speaks during a ceremony to deliver equipment to the National Police, amid the ongoing wave of violence around the nation, in Quito, Ecuador, January 22, 2024. KAREN TORO / REUTERS Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa on Monday, January 29, ordered the extradition of all foreign nationals incarcerated in the country, which is in the grip of a severe prison crisis fueled by drug trafficking and violent gang battles. In a decree signed on Monday, Noboa called on prison authority SNAI to carry out the administrative procedures necessary to see the foreign inmates serve their sentences "in their country of origin or nationality." The president noted that the small South American country's detention facilities have only 30,200 places yet hold 33,000 inmates. A penitentiary census carried out in 2022 showed that over 10% of inmates in Ecuador were of foreign nationality. Read more Subscribers only Ecuador's President Noboa adopts tough stance over surging gang violence Quito declared a state of emergency on January 8 triggered by the prison escape of one of the country's most powerful narcotics gang bosses, Jose Adolfo Macias, known by the alias "Fito". Situated between major cocaine producers, Ecuador has been plunged into crisis after years of expansion by the transnational cartels that use its ports to ship the drug to the United States and Europe. At least 20 people have been killed in the country's prisons so far this year, and some 200 police officers and guards have been taken hostage and ultimately released. In mid-January, Noboa announced the extradition of some 1,500 Colombian prisoners, a measure rejected by Bogota. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez leaves during a break of the plenary session before a vote on the government's controversial amnesty bill, at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid on January 30, 2024. JAVIER SORIANO / AFP Spanish lawmakers on Tuesday, January 30, rejected a deeply divisive Catalan amnesty bill, with the hardline separatist party that demanded it voting against it on the grounds it did not go far enough. The bill will now be sent back to a parliamentary commission in a major setback for Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez that highlights the fragility of his parliamentary support. The bill was rejected by 179 votes to 171 in the 350-seat parliament where Sanchez's left-wing minority government is dependent on a patchwork of support to pass legislation. Read more Subscribers only Pedro Sanchez forges a pact with Catalan independence advocates in Spain The law will apply to those wanted by the justice system over the 2017 Catalan independence bid, first and foremost the exiled leader of the hardline separatist JxCat party, Carles Puigdemont. He was Catalan regional leader in 2017 and fled to Belgium to avoid prosecution. Although JxCat had demanded the law in exchange for its parliamentary support to secure Sanchez another term in office, it tipped the balance by voting against the bill on Tuesday after its last-minute amendments were rejected. The move angered the government, with Justice Minister Felix Bolanos saying it was "incomprehensible" they voted against a bill they had agreed on, siding with the right-wing parties that sought "to imprison and outlaw them." JxCat wanted to amend the text to guarantee the amnesty would apply to anyone accused of "terrorism" or "treason" wording absent from the current bill over allegations raised in two separate legal probes into Puigdemont. "This text is a good starting point[...] but it has holes that Spain's prejudiced justice system can use to leave the amnesty in tatters," JxCat lawmaker Miriam Nogueras told lawmakers in the debate. "We are not terrorists," said Nogueras, warning lawmakers "not to embarrass the Europeans by trivializing terrorism." Both investigating magistrates have been accused by the left of harboring politically motivated ulterior motives after announcing on Monday they would be extending their probes. 'Rolling out the red carpet' For many on the Spanish right, Puigdemont is seen as public enemy number one. "This law [...] is a joke and its only purpose is to keep Sanchez in power," said right-wing opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo ahead of the vote. "Sanchez wanted to bring Puigdemont to justice and now they are rolling out the red carpet for him. He left Spain in the boot of a car and now he'll return in Sanchez's Falcon," he jeered, referring to the prime minister's private plane. Read more Subscribers only Carles Puigdemont, the Catalan exile who holds the key to the Spanish government Even if the bill eventually passes, it will face numerous hurdles before becoming law, with Feijoo's Popular Party (PP) vowing to slow its passage through the Senate, where it holds an absolute majority. The measure has also drawn fierce opposition from some members of the judiciary and is facing legal challenges that could jeopardize its future. On Monday, a magistrate extended his probe into whether Puigdemont had sought Russian support for a Catalan state, citing evidence of "close personal relationships" between his inner circle and Russian diplomats and spies. According to El Pais, the probe could end in treason charges against Puigdemont that would fall outside the amnesty law. A second magistrate is looking into Democratic Tsunami, a secretive protest group that blockaded Barcelona airport after Spain jailed nine Catalan separatist leaders in late 2019 over the independence crisis. In November, the magistrate said Puigdemont had a "leadership" role within Democratic Tsunami, indicating the charges he faces "could be classified [...] as terrorism." Last week, the Socialists were forced to amend the bill to ensure it would apply to those accused of "terrorism" as long as it didn't involve "a serious violation of human rights." Read more Subscribers only Pedro Sanchez wins support of Catalan separatists with concessions that inflame Spain First Lady Olena Zelenska's Foundation and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine handed over 50 evacuation ambulances to doctors from the government of the United Arab Emirates, the press service of the head of the Ukrainian state reports. "The Olena Zelenska Foundation and the Ministry of Health handed over 50 evacuation ambulances to doctors from the UAE government," reads a message on the official website of the President of Ukraine on Tuesday. Reportedly, 27 of these cars arrived in Ukraine. "The first batch of special transport in the amount of 23 units arrived in our country at the end of 2023. Thus, humanitarian aid from the UAE in the form of ambulances in total reached 50 units," the message states. The president's wife expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian Embassy in the UAE for assistance in implementing the project. As noted in the message, all vehicles are distributed to regions that need special transport for medical evacuation and assistance the most. The donated ambulances are equipped with everything necessary for emergency medical care and the fastest possible evacuation of patients, even in off-road conditions. PARENTS of pupils at a city national school are considering taking legal action to prevent Ukrainian refugees from moving into a building on the same site. The former Salesian School at Fernbank, just off North Circular Road, is to be used as a temporary accommodation centre for people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Up to 251 refugees are set to share 19 of the classrooms at the former secondary school building. But a number of parents with children at the neighbouring Salesian Primary School, which has 420 students, have pledged to do everything we can to halt this. A group of 60 parents - many of whom are non-nationals themselves - have come together to seek ways to stop the old school being used, on the basis of concerns about the conditions refugees will face in the school, in terms of the size of the old classrooms. They are being supported by local councillor Frankie Daly, who said: Putting 251 people in 19 rooms will lead to extremely overcrowded conditions and exacerbate any issues which may arise - which is inhumane to these proposed residents. Dee Lawlor, who has a six-year-old boy in the primary school, said the plan goes against the guidelines for temporary accommodation for people fleeing war, with potentially up to 14 people to a room. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, which is the contracting authority, had not returned a request for comment as the Leader went to press last night. However, its understood their position is the accommodation will satisfy emergency accommodation standards, and will be compliant with building control laws. Ms Lawlor, from Caherdavin, said: "This should not be heard as a 'not on my doorstep' complaint. If this allocation was happening in as close proximity to my home, I would not have any objection. The allocation of hundreds of people who have fled an ongoing, violent war into a condensed area within metres of a primary school is absolutely unacceptable, she added. Another parent Derek O'Brien from Coonagh said: "We'll have to go down that road, when asked about legal action. We don't know what to do anymore because we are being met with a lot of hostility in the sense of being branded far right and racist," he added. Concerns were also raised over shared access, with the group pointing out the emergency services might struggle to access the premises at pick-up and drop-off times during the school day. Security and other on-site personnel, plus CCTV is being provided once its occupants arrive, while there will be new public lighting and improvements to the existing signage. As a group, the parents have pointed out there are 431 vacant homes across Limerick city and county and suggested these could be more suitable to house refugees. Although the plans to use the old Salesian Secondary were announced prior to Christmas, no-one has moved in yet. That's because works are ongoing to ensure emergency accommodation standards are met. It's understood a date of late February is being looked at for the former school to welcome its new residents. The government department will accommodate new arrivals to Ireland upon their entry into the State. It's understood regular talks will take place with the gardai in relation to the centre, and that before deciding on the use of the Salesian School, a number of other options were considered. The old Salesian School as a building has been out of use since last September. The secondary school closed in 2016, and in recent years, it was home to the newly-established Limerick Educate Together secondary school. Since September it has been vacant after staff and students there moved into new-build accommodation at Ballysimon Road. The fact the building is now vacant, and its proximity to the city centre, is understood to be what secured its use as a base for Ukrainian refugees. DARK, unlit streets are causing women in the city to take long detours for their own safety. Thats according to the leader of the womens caucus, councillor Sarah Kiely, Fine Gael, who was supporting calls for the introduction of new lamps on some streets in Limerick. Members of council have unanimously agreed to lobby both Housing Minister Darragh OBrien and Justice Minister Helen McEntee to put in place measures making it easier for the local authority to secure funding to replace street lights, or introduce new units, in quicker order. It really is a safety issue. When I look around this chamber, I'm not sure how many people would alter their route when they need to go somewhere in the dark. We do this every day and every evening because we have to. If you can save 20 minutes by walking down a dark road as a male, youd do it. But as a female, you wouldnt dream of doing that, said councillor Kiely, who chairs the caucus which supports the nine female members of the authority. As a woman, you think about these things all the time. You hold your phone in your hand, you hold your keys in your hand. You worry about if something does happen, so youd adjust your behaviour if there is not good lighting in an area, she added. It was councillor Conor Sheehan who authored the motion calling on government to establish a specific fund to repair streetlights and seek to have new ones added in certain areas. Ive been trying for three years to try and get a light installed in a laneway where there is significant anti-social behaviour. "There are frequently people who are very unwell congregating in that area. They use drugs, the gardai are well aware of it. The only way I was told it was possible to install a light is if I took it out of my own funding, he said. Labour councillor Sheehan was referring to a pot of funding members are given which they can use to spend on their own projects. Fianna Fail councillor Kieran OHanlon seconded the motion, saying that he actually did dig into his discretionary funding to get a light erected in Garryowen. It cost 6,000 and took a whole year to have it operational, he said. Sinn Feins councillor Tom Collopy said there is one small estate on the northside with 15 homes. Since Christmas, two cars have been stolen there. There were three more attempts to steal cars. All because three lights are down in this particular estate. Former mayor Kevin Sheahan, who served in the gardai, suggested councillors seek a recommendation from officers. He believes by getting this, this will smooth the path to getting new lights installed. A CALL has been made to name the new city library after Donogh OMalley, the local TD who brought free secondary education to Ireland. Members in the Adare-Rathkeale district sought to have the new facility in Opera Square named after the late education minister. The library will form the centre-piece of the Opera Square project, construction of which is currently taking place in the city. Its expected to open later this decade. But there was a split between urban and rural councillors over whether the library should be named by members or after a consultation with members of the public, an option favoured by metropolitan councillors. Veteran Fianna Fail councillor Kevin Sheahan, one of the councillors who proposed the motion, saluted Mr OMalley, who died in 1968, for his courage, foresight and patriotic move to bring in universal education. A lot of families could not afford to send their children. We were preparing our young people for the boat when they were 16 or 17. I know whole families who emigrated because there was no work locally and they had no money for secondary education, he said. His party colleague, northside councillor Kieran OHanlon said: He was a brave and tough man. But I think anytime we are calling for something like this, we have to consult with the public. We cant decide here in a bubble of our own. Councillor Daniel Butler, Fine Gael, agreed with the call for public consultation. Call a spade a spade though - we are dominated by streets and buildings named after men, with very few named after women. If anything, we need to consider the female name as part of the process, he said. However, councillor John Egan, who also sits on the Fine Gael benches, said there is no need to publicly consult. It was a view backed by councillors Stephen Keary, Tom Ruddle, Eddie Ryan, Bridie Collins and Brigid Teefy, who said: Free education was the best move ever. It gave everyone equal opportunities. Councillor Conor Sheehan, Labour, said: The library is a public, civic space. The idea the general public should have no say, I don't think is a good idea. It was a view backed up by Social Democrats councillor Elisa ODonovan. Council librarian Damien Brady said when the new library is complete, a decision on its naming will be considered by a special committee before councillors rubber-stamp it. A complaint about a TG4 documentary on the Creeslough explosion has been partially upheld by Irelands media regulator. Coimisiun na Mean looked into the Iniuchadh TG4 - An Craoslach programme, screen on February 8, 2023, and found that it breached sections of the Broadcasting Act 2009. Coimisiun na Mean, which was established to succeed the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to probe complaints about TV and radio programmes, found that the TG4 documentary about the October 2022 explosion was also in breach of programme standards. The complaint was submitted by Killian Flanagan, on behalf of his sister Aine, whose partner Robert Garwe (50) and their daughter Shauna Flanagan-Garwe (5) were killed in the horrific explosion. Ten people died in the blast which tore through the Applegreen complex in the town on October 7, 2022. The regulator outlined in a detailed decision that the distress caused by the broadcast could have been avoided if the broadcaster had given special consideration to the bereaved families and consulted with them prior to broadcast. The Commission believes the actions taken by the broadcaster did not sufficiently demonstrate it took due care when broadcasting programme material which could cause distress, particularly in the context of the scheduling of the broadcast, approximately four months after the incident and before the Garda investigation has completed, Coimisiun na Mean said in its decision. Flanagan told the regulator in a complaint that certain aspects of the programme were distressing particularly because the family does not have detailed information of events until after the Garda investigation is concluded. He pointed out that one interviewee, who had been at the scene of the explosion, said that he heard a little girl talking but he was unable to get to her. This, Flanagan said, caused serious distress to his sister as people believed that the girl referenced may have been Shauna and that she may have been alive with first responders unable to reach her. Flanagan told the commission that his sister was contacted by friends and relatives after the broadcast who also thought the girl referenced in the broadcast may have been her daughter. Coimisiun na Mean agreed that the programme did not name the girl referenced or explain that she survived. The Commission was of the opinion that omitting this information from the broadcast gave rise to a bereaved family believing the reference to a little girl was a reference to their family member who had died in the incident, which caused significant distress to the family, particularly the victims mother, Coimisiun na Means decision read. A description by an interviewee that the building collapsed like a pancake also caused further distress, noting that TG4 had said in advance that it would not report anything about the victims other than what has already been reported publicly. Flanagan said that the programme was made without consultation with the bereaved families and that a request for information from the families was ignored by the broadcaster. In a response to the complaint, TG4 said that the decision to broadcast the programme was not taken lightly and the programme. The broadcaster said that the documentary was aimed at giving a voice to the people involved in the aftermath of the blast - particularly those involved in the rescue of people trapped in the debris. TG4 claimed that there were what it described as ill-informed and unhelpful commentary from certain media outlets in advance of the broadcast. TG4 said these outlets had not sought to review the programme in advance and said this led to a lot of social media activity on the topic. The broadcaster said that it sought clarification regarding the little girl referenced in the programme the day after its transmission. It confirmed that the girl referenced was someone else who was rescued. This information was relayed to Flanagan, TG4 said. TG4 argued that people viewing the full broadcast would conclude that a sensitive and responsible approach to the subject matter was taken throughout. It says that the information contained regarding the cause of the explosion was based on a Garda press release and no examination of or commentary on its cause was included in the programme. The broadcaster said it was satisfied that the programme was in the public interest as it was important for the public to understand the wider impact of the tragedy on those in the local community who were directly involved. Coimisiun na Mean pointed out that a similar story about a boy who was caught up in the explosion included a voiceover clarifying that he was rescued. Coimisiun na Mean acknowledged the legitimacy of the programme, but said only for the fact that the girl referenced in the broadcast was not Shauna Flanagan-Garwe it may have decided the broadcast had unreasonably encroached on a persons privacy. It is unclear why this approach was not taken in relation to the story of the little girl, the regulator said. The Commission noted the broadcaster offered no evidence of having engaged with or consulted bereaved families in the making of the programme, which could have mitigated against the possibility of the broadcast causing distress to a bereaved family. Complaints that the documentary breached a code in relation to respect for privacy and protection of the public interest were not upheld. Jenny Schaben | Dr. Dallas Flickinger, an aquaculture assistant professor at Lincoln University of Missouri (LU), is exploring innovative and viable advancements in the aquaculture sector by spearheading a research grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through collaboration with the Federal University of Para (UFPA) in Brazil. By combining the expertise and resources of these institutions, this partnership plans to promote sustainability practices and contribute to securing a more environmentally conscious future for aquaculture. Flickinger articulates the grand scope of this research endeavor, stating, This grant research will study the economic viability and environmental benefits of freshwater prawns in fish farming when performed in earthen ponds. The lack of published data on the economic and environmental impact of fish and prawn polyculture in the United States underscores the importance of this study. This work performed through the research grant will establish a foundation for future research, simplifying the question of whether adding prawns is more profitable and environmentally beneficial. Through this collaboration, UFPA will contribute students as interns who will reside at Lincoln University, actively participating in fresh-water prawn research in Missouri. This initiative is poised to unfold over a substantial three-year period once set in motion. The partnership between UFPA and LU began as a proposal by UFPA Aquaculture Coordinator Dr. Cristiana Maciel, who has known Flickinger since he started his doctorate in 2013 at Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil. In search of a reliable and experienced colleague, Marciel reached out to Flickinger as an ideal candidate to actively contribute to an international internship due to his ability to speak Portuguese and his extensive expertise in aquaculture. "My fluency in Portuguese enables me to host interns from Brazil who speak any level of English, says Flickinger. This would allow Lincoln University to have a large pool of potential interns with a high skill level not impeded by a language barrier, while also gaining doctorate-level UFPA students solely dedicated to assisting major projects. Flickinger highlighted UFPAs dedication to fostering a lasting partnership to progress aquaculture research and maintain internship opportunities for UFPA students at Lincoln University. "I have plans for additional projects with UFPA, and I anticipate a sustained collaboration between Lincoln University and the Federal University of Para, Flickinger says. UFPA is eager to establish a long-term partnership as it has not previously engaged with American professors specializing in aquaculture. Lincoln University provides a platform for Brazilian students to engage in internships and aquaculture projects in a different environment. The collaboration between UFPA and LU under Dr. Flickinger's leadership promises to yield unique innovations in aquaculture, addressing some of the pressing challenges facing the industry today. As aquaculture continues to play a pivotal role in global food security, collaboration has the potential to impact communities, economies, and ecosystems. With Lincoln University and the Federal University of Para's focus on research development, its efforts may benefit both institutions and serve as a valuable model for fostering global collaboration in the pursuit of a more sustainable and productive aquaculture industry. Learn more about aquaculture research at Lincoln University. Abbey Tauchen | Dr. Ivory Toldson, National Director of Education Innovation and Research for the NAACP and former executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, is set to deliver the keynote address at Lincoln University of Missouris 2024 Founders Day celebration on February 8, 2024. Dr. Toldson, a distinguished leader in education and advocacy, has garnered widespread recognition for his impactful contributions. The Washington Post labeled him as a leader who could conceivably navigate the path to the White House, while Newsweek Magazine hailed him as one of the 30 leaders in the fight for Black men. Dr. Toldsons journey is marked by a profound commitment to addressing challenges faced by the African American community, earning him accolades for his influence on a national level. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Toldson has held key roles such as president and CEO of QEM Network, professor of counseling psychology at Howard University and editor-in-chief of The Journal of Negro Education. Appointed by President Barack Obama, he played a pivotal role in devising national strategies to sustain and expand federal support to HBCUs as the executive director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs. Dedicated to improving opportunities for Black students, Dr. Toldsons leadership extends to advisory roles in organizations like Generation Ready and the National Council on Educating Black Children. Honored with awards such as the Equity Champion Award, he continues to be a driving force in advancing the cause of Black male achievement. Dr. Toldsons journey is a testament to the impact of HBCUs, and Lincoln takes great pride in welcoming him as the keynote speaker for this years Founders Day celebrations. Founders Day celebrates Lincolns 158 years of education service. Founded in January 1866 by Civil War veterans of the 62nd and 65th United States Colored Infantries, Lincoln Institute opened in Jefferson City on September 17, 1866, with two students. In 1887, Lincoln added college-level classes to the curriculum. Under the second Morrill Act of 1890, the school became a land-grant institution. A name change in 1921 to Lincoln University accompanied the schools expansion to a four-year institution, and graduate studies were added in 1940. In 1954, the historically Black university opened its doors to white students and today serves a diverse student population of nearly 1,800 with an array of academic offerings. The university is planning a full slate of events on the Lincoln campus in Jefferson City to mark Founders Day 2024 and Black History Month. Free and open to the public, the Founders Day address will take place on Thursday, February 8 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Mitchell Auditorium at Richardson Fine Arts Center (710 E. Dunklin St., Jefferson City, Missouri) on Lincolns campus. Is this the first time that a phone has AI smarts? No. Chipmakers such as Qualcomm and Mediatek, as well as Apple, have for a few years now had separate processor modules that seek to automate and optimize processes in smartphones. For instance, the battery optimization feature in your phone is an AI algorithm that assesses your smartphone usage pattern and adjusts charging speed and timing to increase battery longevity. However, most AI features were not visible to most userswhich Samsung has now done with live phone call transcripts, AI object erasers in photos, summary generator in voice recorder and more. As smaller AI models become affordable to create, such features will increasingly trickle down to mainstream smartphones. Do these features come at an additional price? Most AI features are free, but you would need active data connections. Samsung, in its fine print, said AI features will remain free until at least 2025 to lure in more users. However, market watchers believe that most brands would start charging some fee for AI features to offset running costs. AI features will also come in flagship devices to begin with, since chipmakers are introducing localized AI models and coprocessors in flagship chips. Brands will also incur higher costs for training and licensing AI models, which could lead to extra fees for users. Counter-arguments suggest brands get access to user data through AI featuresa long-term gain. Is Samsung the only brand to offer AI features? No. In September last year, Google launched the Pixel 8 Pro with similar features as Samsungs S24 lineup. A number of third-party mobile applications also offer generative AI features, which are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. However, Samsung and Google are presently the only two brands that offer AI features integrated into its user interface and default appsand arent dependent on third-party applications. The key difference is that with default integration, brands can offer localized, offline access to AI features. Are these features compelling enough to attract new users? In general, most AI features on smartphones can be accessed through third-party apps, such as ChatGPT. Many features arent the most refined yet. In the next two years, this will be crucial for brands. Addition of new features in smartphones have stagnated, and innovation in form factor, such as foldable and flexible displays, have not seen drastic market acceptance as yet. As a result, more users are holding on to their phones for longera factor that brands are trying to resolve. AI can make a difference here. How could they affect smartphone sales, then? Smartphone sales have slumped for multiple consecutive years. In India, the market dropped 10% YoY in 2022, and 2023 estimates also reflect a slight decline. Shipments in India continue to remain at pre-pandemic levels. However, the premium market is growingdevices priced above 50,000 grew at 75% YoY in H1CY23 as per IDC. Brands are expected to introduce AI-first smartphones in this segment. But, the AI experience isn't uniform and ubiquitous yet. If this is solved, brands could see premium phone users upgrade more often. Press Release January 30, 2024 Koko to House leaders: Rally your troops to abandon PI campaign Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III issued a challenge to the House of Representatives - to urge their fellow members to call for the abandonment of the people's initiative aimed at amending the Constitution. In a radio interview on Tuesday, Pimentel urged those behind the initiative to "abandon ship" and not proceed further with the process. "Sana manggaling sa kanila ang panawagan na 'abandon ship'". Itigil na kung anoman ang napag-usapan natin sa ibaba diyan, sa mga leaders o followers nila or mga people's organizations. Itigil na ang pangangalap ng pirma," Pimentel said in a radio interview on Tuesday. (I hope that the call to 'abandon ship' will come from them. Let's put a stop to whatever has been discussed down there, among their leaders or followers or people's organizations. Put an end to the gathering of signatures.) Pimentel said that all reports pointed to the leadership of the House of Representatives as the instigators behind the so-called people's initiative. "Ang ebidensya in the sense na umabot sa 'min na report ay sila ang nasa likod. Magandang sabihin nila: sa lahat ng nakausap namin tungkol sa people's initiative, abandon ship na. Huwag nang ituloy kung anuman ang instruction na naibigay namin sa inyo," Pimentel said. (The evidence, in the sense that the report that reached us suggests that they are behind it. It would be good for them to say to everyone they've talked to about the people's initiative: 'abandon ship' now. Do not continue whatever instructions we've given you.) Pimentel said the key issue is whether the initiative truly represents the will of the people or if it has become a tool for politicians to advance their own agendas. "Kung involved ang pulitiko sa isang people's initiative, nabubura na yung linya kung kaninong inisyatibo ito, kung sa taumbayan ba o sa pulitiko," Pimentel added. In the same radio interview, Pimentel said that the Commission on Election (Comelec) was correct in suspending all proceedings related to the people's initiative, citing the lack of a legal basis for such actions by the poll body. However, he cautioned the public to remain vigilant, as the Comelec could lift the suspension as well. The assessment of the level of Ukraine's fight against corruption in the annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) was improved by three points - to a record high in the country's history 36 points out of 100 possible, which allowed Ukraine to rise from 116 to 104 place in the ranking of 180 countries, says the report of the anti-corruption organization Transparency International. "Ukraine has demonstrated a good result this year and progressive dynamics in 10 years. Now we have reached the indicators of the EU candidate countries... We have developed an anti-corruption ecosystem from scratch and already have real sentences for high-profile corruption, but we still need to work hard to catch up with the performance of the EU countries," the message quotes the words of Transparency International executive director Andriy Borovyk. At the same time, he noted that if cases of pressure on journalists and members of the public continue, if the authorities interfere in various areas of government, and corruption scandals related to defense do not subside, Ukraine could very quickly lose its achievements. According to the study, Ukraine's growth by 3 points is one of the best results over the past year in the world. Ukraine also became one of 17 countries in the current CPI that demonstrated their best performance of all time. According to the study, Algeria, Brazil and Serbia have the same score. Albania, Argentina, Belarus, Gambia, Ethiopia and Zambia were one point ahead of Ukraine. The world leaders in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index are Denmark with 90 points, Finland with 87 points, New Zealand with 85 points and Norway with 84 points. Among the outsiders in this year's study are Somalia (lost 1 point and with 11 points occupies the last 180th place), South Sudan, Syria and Venezuela, which scored 13 points each and share 177th place. Transparency International emphasized that Ukraine was able to achieve such results by focusing on reforms of the justice system, taking into account the restructuring of judicial self-government and increasing the independence of the judiciary. According to the organization, efforts to strengthen the capacity and independence of its Anti-Corruption Agency (NABU) and Anti-Corruption Prosecution Authority (APA) coupled with the national anti-corruption strategy and its comprehensive implementation program have provided a strong basis for the ongoing fight against corruption. Progress is also evidenced by the active participation of civil society, such as the reaffirmation of the requirement for government officials to file electronic declarations of their assets. Transparency International also added that public procurement in Ukraine remains largely competitive and is recognized by the World Bank, and government efforts, especially in the area of reconstruction, have played an important role in strengthening accountability and control. Despite these improvements, the existence of a significant number of high-level corruption cases remains a serious problem. The government's efforts to combat high-level corruption, including through dismissals and criminal proceedings, demonstrate its commitment to tackling the problem. The study said this also shows that existing systems are functional and capable of detecting such cases. However, they highlight current challenges and the need for sustainable and comprehensive anti-corruption measures for Ukraine to achieve full reform and European integration. Deputy Minister of Economy Oleksiy Sobolev positively assessed these results and set a goal for the next ten years to add another 11 points in this ranking. "It seems to me that this is a very good result and a good answer to everyone's reproaches about how bad everything is here. To be generally leaders in the global fight against corruption over the past 10 years, we would need to add another 5 points, as in Uzbekistan. Then we would have an index now not of 36 points, but of 41, like Kosovo, South Africa or Vietnam. This means having reasonable, realistic expectations," he wrote on Facebook. Some influential dealers are pressing General Motors to introduce hybrid models, worried they risk losing customers who arent ready to make the switch to fully electric cars. Dealers who serve on advisory committees to the automaker have urged executives in several recent meetings to add hybrids to GMs lineup, according to people involved in the discussions. GM has focused on fully electric cars in recent years and largely bypassed hybrids, which pair an internal combustion engine with a small battery and electric motor to boost fuel efficiency. The dealers said they expressed concern that more customers are looking for a middle ground between conventional gas-engine cars and EVs, which are more expensive and require regular charging. GM executives have acknowledged the dealers views but havent made any commitments to future hybrid options, the people said. Automakers often solicit input from dealers on vehicle planning but still typically keep the details of future models under wraps. A GM spokesman declined to comment. The dealers pleas for the company to consider adding hybrid models show another dimension of the pressure facing GM Chief Executive Mary Barra as aspects of her EV push stall. Making such a move would mark a major strategic reversal for GM, which unlike many of its rivals, went all-in on EVs and largely sat out the hybrid market, which executives viewed as an unnecessary interim step. Last month, Barra didnt rule out the prospect of introducing hybrid models in the U.S. when asked about it during an event in Detroit, noting that GM sells them in China. I still believe in the endgame, that you want to move to EVs as quickly as you can," she said. But we have the technology, and well continue to look at where the market is." Across the industry, automakers have seen the pace of EV sales growth slow after a few years of intense consumer interest. Meanwhile, hybrids have taken off over the past year amid consumer reticence toward full electrics, turned off by higher prices and worries about getting stranded between charging stations. Many dealers and car executives see hybrids as an important choice on the spectrum between straight gas-powered cars and EVs. With EV adoption slower, hybrids are going to be a bigger part" of the business, Ford Chief Financial Officer John Lawler said at a Barclays investor conference in November. Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Kia are the major players in the hybrid market. Sales of hybrid vehicles in the U.S. surged more than 50% last year, after a small drop in 2022, according to research firm Motor Intelligence. Those include regular hybrids, which supplement the gas engine but generally dont propel the car on electric power alone, and plug-in hybrids, which can travel in electric mode for a certain distancetypically 10 to 40 milesbefore the gas engine takes over. Hybrids are whats hot right now," said Chris Hemmersmeier, a Salt Lake City-area car dealer who has GM stores as well as other brands, including Kia and Jeep. He said hybrid models at those non-GM storesincluding the Kia Sportage compact SUV and Stellantiss Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee plug-in-hybrid SUVs, sold under the 4xe namehave been selling briskly, and hes worried GMs EV-heavy focus will cause his stores to lose customers. Id like to see GM prioritize hybrids," said Hemmersmeier, who operates Chevrolet and Buick-GMC stores and hasnt been involved in the dealer-committee meetings with company executives. GM offered hybrids for the U.S. market at times over the past two decades. In the mid-2000s, it came out with hybrid versions of its big SUVs, such as the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, among its most profitable vehicles. Those sold poorly, though, and were phased out within a few years. GM was among the first automakers to introduce a plug-in hybrid when it released the Chevrolet Volt in 2010. It offered about 40 miles of driving range in electric mode before a gas generator kicked on to power the electric motor. The Volt was celebrated as an engineering feat and garnered a loyal following, but was a money loser and fell short of GMs internal sales targets. The company discontinued it in 2019. Today there are dozens of plug-in hybrid models on sale in the U.S., with Stellantiss SUVs the top sellers. In recent years, GM executives have expressed skepticism about hybrid technology and concern that they would distract from the companys long-term goal of near-exclusive electric sales by 2035. Customers generally arent interested in hybrids, the value proposition there," Barra said at a Barclays investor conference in 2019. We believe moving to electric vehicles as quickly as possible is the right thing to do." Write to Mike Colias at mike.colias@wsj.com MumbaiJanuary 29, 2024 The CREDAI-MCHI Property Expo 2024, now in its 31st edition, has continued its triumphant run with an exceptional response from all stakeholders. Held at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre in BKC, Mumbai, the expo, organized by the apex body of the real estate industry in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), CREDAI-MCHI, was held from January 26th to 28th, 2024. The expo successfully concluded, attracting 21,116 serious home buyers and booking over 185 units, with inventory sales exceeding INR 350 cr in the three-day period. The event showcased groundbreaking initiatives and innovative concepts, aligning with CREDAI-MCHI's commitment to "Housing for all," aiming to enhance accessibility, affordability, and streamlining industry processes. CREDAI-MCHI in a joint endeavour with the Department of Registration and Stamp promoted governments recently launched Anytime Anywhere e-registration services and more than 155 property documents were e-registered during the Property Expo. Mr. Domnic Romell, President of CREDAI-MCHI, expressed delight at the expo's remarkable response and said, The overwhelming turnout of homebuyers at the expo showcased the positive sentiments in the real estate industry. These were interested customers and hence could avail the various offers as well as explore digitally smart homes with huge discounts and complementary furnitures. The flexible payment options aimed to ease the EMI burden, enhancing homeownership accessibility encouraged the total bookings. This expo has provided a golden opportunity to home buyers, channel partners as well as developers setting the mood for the year going forward. We designed special incentives for women home buyers to promote inclusivity and empowerment." Mr. Nikunj Sanghavi, Convener, Property Expo, CREDAI-MCHI said, The theme of this year's expo, "Zero is our Hero," has garnered significant attention. Exclusive perks like 0% stamp duty and registration fees further amplified the expo's appeal. Moreover, the Super CP 2024 scheme, providing an extra 0.25% commission to channel partners for each confirmed booking. There was a lucky draw with winners taking home Rs. 100,000/- every hour. All this ensured a rewarding experience for all." Sudhanshu Agarwal, Founder, Raghav Builders & Developers, expressed satisfaction with the remarkable customer turnout. The expo, being a significant event for homebuyers, developers, and other stakeholders in the real estate market, provided an extensive opportunity for interaction and collaboration. He emphasized the benefits that drew customers to their projects, such as a central location, fully furnished flats featuring a Pooja room, and the appeal of ready-to-shift homes. Additionally, the innovative rent scheme, where Raghav Builders & Developers would cover the rent until possession, was well-received. Jayesh Chauhan, CMD, Solidago Group highlighted the substantial footfall at their stall during the 31st CREDAI-MCHI property expo. He noted the presence of genuine customers and serious homebuyers throughout the event. Despite having several redevelopment projects, Chauhan observed a high level of interest from homebuyers, emphasizing that customers appeared less skeptical about such projects. Chauhan added, that the expo' has a significant role in shifting the focus of homebuyers towards acquiring a good home or property, especially considering the benefits offered throughout the expo. It has emerged as a comprehensive platform for customers to explore, compare, and select the most suitable property from a variety of projects. Ashok Kumar Mandal, one of the walk-in customer and visitor, expressed his views, I had an incredible experience at the expo and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The event was splendid, and I believe others must have found it equally beneficial. Thank you for organizing such a fantastic expo where so many options are available on a common ground. It simplifies the decision-making for home buyers by comparing and analyzing the deals and projects at one go. Most importantly, the range was humungous from affordable housing to premium and uber luxury projects." Rajesh Baikar, a Chartered Accountant and home buyer who booked his home at the 31st CREDAI-MCHI Property Expo, said, The property expo has been an intriguing experience, offering a comprehensive view of numerous builders and projects. The expo has developers and projects from all across Mumbai, making it convenient and enjoyable to explore all projects. The Enclave project by Raghav Developers, offering premium 2 to 3 BHK homes with modern amenities, signals a positive transformation in Kurla, especially with the connection to the new Atal Setu. This initiative is elevating Kurla's status and reflects the promising growth of the area. Very happy to book a home with the Raghav Group along with the benefits provided by the CREDAI-MCHI property expo." 100 developers including reputed names such as Piramal Realty, Adani Realty, L&T Realty, Rustomjee Ajmera, Raghav Group, Dosti Realty actively participated and showcased over 1000 residential and commercial properties. Additionally, the expo partnered with 12 major banks and housing finance companies presenting more than 25 home loan options to prospective buyers. Amongst the key players were, HDFC Bank, SBI Home Loans and Tata Capital. ABOUT CREDAI-MCHI CREDAI-MCHI is an apex body comprising members from the Real Estate Industry in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). With an impressive membership of over 1800+ leading developers in MMR, CREDAI-MCHI has extended its reach throughout the region, establishing units in various locations such as Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Virar, Raigad, Navi Mumbai, Palghar-Boisar, Bhiwandi, Uran-Dronagiri, Shahapur-Murbad, and most recently in Alibag, Karjat-Khalapur-Khopoli, and Pen. Being the only Government-recognized body for private sector developers in MMR, CREDAI-MCHI is dedicated to promoting the industrys organization and progress. As a part of CREDAI National, an apex body of 13000 developers across the nation, CREDAI-MCHI has emerged as a preferred platform for regional discussions on housing and habitat by establishing close and strong ties with the government. It is committed to breaking barriers to create a strong, organized, and progressive real estate sector in the MMR.The vision of CREDAI-MCHI is to empower the Real Estate fraternity of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as it preserves, protects, and advances the right to housing for all. To continue being a trusted ally, guiding their members, supporting the Government on policy advocacy, and assisting those they serve through the ever-evolving real estate fraternity. Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Virtually every industry needs guidance and support from skilled software development companies to digitize and improve business operations. Professionals from leading IT consulting companies help organizations around the world build a digital presence leveraging innovative trends and technologies based on their business offerings. This not only improves their service offering but also helps them reach their global target audience and enhance their business reach along with business outcomes and ROI. IT consulting companies offer a variety of services to businesses including digital brand establishment, software development, cyber security services, IT infrastructure management, and many more that can enhance their productivity. A business should work with proficient IT consulting companies that can support its ability to boost the effectiveness and capabilities of its operational business processes. Numerous IT consultants of top IT consultation service provider companies assist multinational corporations in implementing digital solutions that integrate cutting-edge technologies. It may be challenging to find the best and most exceptional IT consulting companies in India from among the numerous technically competent and well-established ones. Using their years of experience, skills, abilities, and knowledge, the team of TopITCompanies.co has developed a list of the top 10+ IT consulting companies in India. The team has considered various factors such as employee strength, service offering, technological expertise, client base, location, and more to finalize the list of 10+ IT consulting companies in India in 2024. List of the Top 10+ IT Consulting Companies in India 2024 1. Hyperlink InfoSystem Founded in the year 2011, Hyperlink InfoSystem is a leading IT consulting company offering innovative solutions for global businesses. In the face of complexity and rapid change, they are determined to help their customers and their people around the world succeed by leveraging their proficiency. Their optimism is infectious and helps customers trust in their abilities. Their team of 1000+ IT consultants has delivered 4500+ Mobile applications, 2200+ websites, 120+ AI and IoT solutions, 25+ Metaverse solutions, 20+ NFT marketplace solutions, 120+ Salesforce solutions, 80+ blockchain solutions, and a variety of other innovative solutions. 2. HData Systems HData Systems is a leading business analytics service provider company founded in the year 2019. The company provides technology solutions and services to enterprises across industries such as Banking & Financial Services, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Travel, and Hospitality, through a combination of traditional and newer business models, as a long-term sustainable partner. They help businesses build the road toward success offering their expertise as a support. 3. Dotsquares From humble beginnings back in 2002, they have grown as an international brand, reaching all corners of the globe. They are proud to offer an end-to-end digital design and development service. They have had extensive experience with projects for start-ups, SMEs, and Large Corporations. Their tried and tested processes ensure a smooth transition from project initiation through to delivery and support. 4. QBurst QBurst is an end-to-end solution provider and R&D partner for many businesses. They provide robust digital solutions with enhanced user experience while making the development process enjoyable for clients and employees alike. Aiming to be a responsible industry leader, QBurst focuses on transparent and ethical practices that contribute to sustainable development. They bridge the gap between business operations and social commitment through community initiatives and sponsorship projects that positively impact society. 5. iMOBDEV Technologies iMOBDEV Technologies holds expertise in engineering, experiences, and data, and this unique trifecta is what differentiates them from the crowd. They always want to be the first to transform new ideas into tangible business results while optimizing their use of resources. They are versatile in action and agile in thought because they believe its important to do more with less. 6. Marlabs LLC Marlabs LLC provides digital-first strategy and advisory services, digital labs for rapid solution incubation and prototyping, and agile engineering to build and scale digital solutions, as well as prize-winning products and platforms in AI and analytics, cybersecurity, and IoT. Their offerings help leading companies around the world make operations sleeker, keep customers closer, transform data into decisions, de-risk cyberspace, boost legacy system performance, and seize novel opportunities and new digital revenue streams. 7. Zensar Technologies Zensar is a leading technology solutions company with a strong engineering pedigree. Headquartered in Pune, India, they are part of the RPG Group, serving over 145 global clients. They have been a public-listed company for over 50 years, disrupting the status quo through their deep engineering capabilities, innovation, and velocity. Their workforce delivers cutting-edge digital solutions that empower their clients to thrive and succeed in a world of constant change. 8. Persistent Systems Persistent Systems is a trusted Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization partner, combining deep technical expertise and industry experience to help their clients anticipate whats next and answer questions before theyre asked. Their offerings and proven solutions create a unique competitive advantage for their clients by giving them the power to see beyond and rise above. 9. ITC Infotech ITC Infotech is a leading global technology services and solutions provider, led by Business and Technology Consulting. ITC Infotech provides business-friendly solutions to help clients succeed and be future-ready, by seamlessly bringing together digital expertise, strong industry specic alliances, and the unique ability to leverage deep domain expertise from ITC Group businesses. 10. Virtusa In an ever-evolving digital landscape, businesses need a partner to help them solve complex challenges and navigate the environment of today and tomorrow. Virtusa is that partner. They are builders, makers, and doers with the technical skills and domain expertise to transform the business at scale and speed without disruption. 11. Jade Global Jade is well-positioned to be your strategic IT services partner. They create value through their vast portfolio of IT services delivered by highly skilled and experienced consultants. Their services include business application implementations, integrations, software product engineering, cloud services, technology advisory, testing, and managed services. 12. SumaSoft Suma Soft is a leading IT solution provider and consulting company delivering deep domain expertise, digital expertise, and innovation to help enterprises leverage digital processes and excel in their business. For over 20 years, they have built lasting relationships that have kept them on the cutting edge of innovation. They will endeavor to continue to inspire, transform, and create synergies that shape the digital world and ensure shared prosperity for all. Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Some people have been saying that an SEC approval of Spot Bitcoin ETF applications would inject the tokens price performances with steroids. Others, like Krakens Thomas Perfumo, have their eye on the overall enrichment the sector would gain from institutional interest. As Perfumo sees it, there are 40 trillion or so of retirement assets in the US that currently dont have a very intuitive means of investing in crypto", which are just waiting to gush in when the floodgates are opened. Indeed, it seemed a lot was riding on whether or not the SEC would give the green light when, four days into the new year, Bitcoin prices shuddered at the thought of a red light appearing. The token sunk 9.2% on the news that Matrixport believed all ETF applications would be rejected. The market is keenly focused on the potential for an ETF approval, so even small whiffs of news can cause relatively big market moves", explained Matthew Hougan of Bitwise Asset Management. However, even in a world in which the SEC gives the thumbs up, its not at all clear how much upside will come to token prices as a result. Much of the 172% performances bitcoin has already clocked up in the past year were premised on SEC approval in early 2024, so the event itself could fall flat. Knowing this, many traders may use the approval as an opportunity to cash in on their Bitcoin and this, of course, would actually drag prices down. K33 Research, for one, dont expect mega immediate inflows to the ETFs". CryptoQuant believe SEC approval would spark a Bitcoin price crash down to $32,000. The longer-term bullish viewpoint is based on the presumption that, in the event the Bitcoin ETF became a reality, fund managers would purchase billions of dollars worth of Bitcoin, which would then bolster demand forces against supply, thus propping up prices. Is this scenario fairly certain, or do some important analysts see things differently? Killing Bitcoin with Kindness Arthur Hayes, the CIO (chief investment officer) of Maelstrom, is one of those who begs to differ with the above-mentioned view. If spot ETFs are too successful, they will completely destroy Bitcoin", he suggests. Hayes is imagining a future in which asset managers like BlackRock consume all the available bitcoin with the use of their healthy bank balances, which would slow blockchain transactions to a snails pace. Following this, Bitcoin miners (who secure network transactions for a fee) would lose incentive to continue with their work. As a result,"says Hayes, they would shut off their machines. Without the miners, the network dies and Bitcoin vanishes". Here is a scenario quite different to the one envisioned by Perfumo, and yes, it should be taken into consideration, especially since the market has seen dazzling crypto dreams dashed before now. Fresh Inflows? Returning to Perfumos point about the 40 trillion or so" of assets just waiting for the safety and convenience of a Spot Bitcoin ETF, JP Morgan see things differently and heres why: For a start, if one looks at the spot ETFs that already exist in Canada and Europe, one can see that the floodgates were not, in fact, overwhelmed by institutional interest once approval came. Secondly, even if lots of cash comes into the ETFs, it may simply be channeled out of existing funds like Bitcoin futures ETFs. There is reason to wonder, then, whether the cascades of money flowing into Spot Bitcoin ETFs would really originate in the same old assets pools that were sitting around before. As to the token-price upside expected by some people from the Bitcoin halving event coming up in a few months, this is largely priced in" already, says JP Morgan. The Landscape Ahead Setting sights a little bit closer, onto March 2024, Hayes foresees a plummet in equities which will bring down Bitcoin together with them. He warns us to brace for a liquidity rug pull" that will spark a vicious washout of all the crypto tourists". A final point that should be made is that the other key premise, aside from SEC approval, underlying last years crypto bonanza was anticipated dovishness on the part of the Fed. The problem is that stock traders in the first week of this year seemed to have second thoughts on that very point. Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/ editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/ subscribe to the contents of the article/advertisement and/or views expressed herein. The reader is further advised that Crypto products and NFTs are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the views, opinions, announcements, declarations, affirmations etc., stated/featured in same. The decision to read hereinafter is purely a matter of choice and shall be construed as an express undertaking/guarantee in favour of Hindustan Times of being absolved from any/ all potential legal action, or enforceable claims. The content may be for information and awareness purposes and does not constitute a financial advice. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Q3 Results Today: The Indian stock market is set for a flurry of activity on January 30, as several top companies including Adani Total Gas Ltd, Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, Symphony Limited, Bajaj Finserv Ltd, Voltas Ltd, Larsen & Toubro Ltd, SRF Ltd, and Shyam Metalics and Energy Ltd and Cochin Shipyard will release their third-quarter earnings results. Keeping the Investors glued to screens, watching for key insights into corporate performance and the health of the broader economy. Also Read | Broking community divided on extending hours for equity derivatives trading The market started robustly on January 29, with the Nifty50 surging by 385 points, equivalent to 1.8 per cent, reaching 21,738. The BSE Sensex climbed 1.8 per cent or 1,241 points to 71,942. Also Read | After Monday's steep climb, prepare for more volatility in stocks Firm global cues lifted the domestic market sentiment, as the broad-based rally pushed benchmark Sensex above the psychological 72000-mark towards the closing stages. After last week's major sell-off triggered by FII selling, further short covering coupled with recovery in global indices aided renewed optimism in the markets on January 29. While markets could be choppy ahead of the interim budget later this week and credit policy announcement thereafter, any flare up in the conflict in the Red Sea and simmering tensions in West Asia can fuel volatility," Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd, said. Also Read | Dividend stocks: Shares of Persistent Systems, Gothi Plascon India, Siemens to trade ex-dividend today Over 90 companies to release their Q3 quarter results today - January 30 Among those 90 companies expected to post their quarter 3 2024 results today are Adani Total Gas Ltd, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, Arvind Ltd, Ashok Leyland Ltd, Asian Paints Ltd, Astral Ltd, Bajaj Finserv Ltd, Bajaj Holdings & Investment Ltd, Bharat Gears Ltd, Blue Star Ltd, Chennai Ferrous Industries Ltd, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Comp com Software Ltd, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, GPT Infraprojects Ltd, Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd, Jubilant Ingrevia Ltd, KEC International Ltd, Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd, Meghmani Organics Ltd, National Plastic Technologies Ltd, Piramal Pharma Ltd, Rane Brake Lining Ltd, Sadhana Nitrochem Ltd, Saint-Gobain Sekurit India Ltd, SRF Ltd, Strides Pharma Science Ltd, Subros Ltd, Symphony Limited, Texmaco Infrastructure & Holdings Ltd, Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd, Urja Global Ltd, Veritas (India) Ltd, VIP Industries Ltd, Voltas Ltd, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Ltd, Ashok Leyland Ltd, Asian Paints Ltd, and Astral Ltd. COCHIN SHIPYARD More Information Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! A 15-year outsourcing deal disclosed by Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) on Tuesday is worth at least $2.5 billion in value, an executive aware of the contract said. That would make it possibly TCSs largest outsourcing deal. The companys biggest deal before this was a $2.25 billion contract signed with Nielsen in December 2017. Mumbai-based TCS announced it has won a contract renewal from British insurance group Aviva that runs till 2039. The deal renews TCSs current engagement, under which Friends Life had initially awarded a $2.2 billion, 15-year contract to the company in 2012. Aviva acquired Friends Life in 2014. Under the ongoing partnership, which began on 1 March 2012, TCS is overseeing administration responsibility for 3.2 million policies offered by Aviva until 2027, and was assured of $146 million in revenue every year. The new deal expands the coverage to have TCS oversee 5.5 million life and pension policies offered by Aviva. A $2.5 billion deal for 15 years implies the company would earn at least $165 million in revenue every year. The renewal of the deal marks the third such mega deal (IT contracts valued at over $1 billion) won by TCS under K. Krithivasan, who took over as chief executive officer (CEO) last June after his predecessor Rajesh Gopinathan resigned abruptly in March. In June, TCS bagged a $1.1 billion contract for 10 years from the National Employment Savings Trust, one of the UKs largest workplace pension schemes. And in September, Jaguar Land Rover, owned by Tata Motors, awarded $1 billion work over five years to TCS. Mega deals have come to play a central role in large technology services companies like TCS, which ended with $27.9 billion in revenue in the year to March 2023. It can expect to grow in double digits in the current fiscal only if it has a few new clients that each bring over $150 million in incremental business. Overlay of mega-deal-driven revenues can lead to elevated growth in quarters of strong mega-deal ramp-up," Kotak Institutional Equities analysts Kawaljeet Saluja, Sathishkumar S. and Vamshi Krishna in a note dated 16 October last year, writing that large deals could provide 2-3% to revenues of large IT firms likes TCS, Infosys Ltd and HCL Technologies Ltd next fiscal. TCS, which does not give quarterly or yearly guidance, could end with $29.25 billion in the year ended March 2024, if it reports 4.7% dollar revenue growthits current growth rate in the first nine months of the current fiscal year. At its current size, the countrys largest IT services company needs $146 million in incremental revenue to better its FY23 growth by 50 basis points. A basis point is a hundredth of a percentage point. Mega deals, including renewals, also help TCS, which runs the risk of losing some business because of its other large partnerships coming to an end. The company stares at a potential loss of $450 million in annual revenue from 2025 on account of less business from a Deutsche Bank subsidiary and from Nielsen, and no business from Transamerica Life Insurance Co. after the American arm of Dutch insurer Aegon NV scrapped a $2 billion, 10-year partnership in June last year, five-and-a-half years after it awarded the contract. Still, TCS maintains that it is winning more business and the leaking bucket theory, under which a company loses more business than it wins, does not hold water. [A]re we losing more business now than we are winning? The answer to that is no. We are continuing to add more business because of our strong TCV (total contract value) and that is why there is reason to be optimistic about FY25," Krithivasan said in an interview earlier this month. On Tuesday, a TCS spokesperson declined to offer a comment beyond the press release shared with the exchanges. Our long-standing relationship with Aviva over the last 20 years is a testament to our joint efforts to consistently and continuously transform customer experience," said R. Vivekanand, president, BFSI products and platforms, in the statement. BFSI stands for banking, financial services and insurance. Extending this strategic partnership will improve how we serve our customers, further simplify our operations and support our growth ambitions," Doug Brown, CEO, insurance, wealth and retirement, Aviva, said in the statement, even as the insurance giant declined to share the financials of the contract. China Evergrande Group creditors are set to recover just a fraction of the billions of dollars worth of the builders debt they hold, with most of its assets likely hard to access for liquidators. Almost all of Evergrandes assets are in mainland China, presenting legal hurdles for non-Chinese administrators. The key Hong Kong holdings add up to just $2.9 billion compared with $25.4 billion in offshore liabilities as of the end of June 2022, according to a court document and Bloombergs calculations. Creditors had sought to stave off the liquidation order through more than two years of negotiations with the worlds most-indebted developer, but that had failed to yield substantial progress. While the recovery prospects are bleak for offshore bondholders, what liquidator Alvarez & Marsal Inc. does may serve as a template for Chinese developers as the historic property crisis drags on. The eventual winding-up of Evergrande is a lose-lose situation for the company and its creditors," said Hansen Zhou, senior partner at Bohe & Hansen. The Hong Kong court has pushed the company to propose multiple rounds of restructuring schemes before making a liquidation ruling, demonstrating sufficient professional patience and social responsibility. A deal wouldve been more in the interest of creditors, with an earlier analysis done by Deloitte estimating the recovery rate for the companys notes at 3.4% on average in the event of a liquidation compared with 22.5% in a restructuring. Evergrandes key offshore assets include real estate properties in Hong Kong, an unsecured interest free loan of HK$2.07 billion advanced to China Ruyi Holdings Ltd. and major stakes in Hong Kong-listed property services and new energy vehicle units, according to a court document following Mondays winding-up order. A prized tower in Hong Kong the China Evergrande Centre in Wan Chai has been seized by a lender, according to a September 2022 report. A land plot in the citys Yuen Long area where Evergrande had planned a residential project was sold for $637 million by receivers in 2022. In both cases, creditors risked taking hefty losses in a bid to sell assets and recover the debt behind them. A stock market slump has also shrunk the value of Evergrandes stakes in China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group Ltd. and Evergrande Property Services Group Ltd. The builder holds at least 50% stake in each of the subsidiaries, based on the latest filings, suggesting more than $420 million in combined value as of Tuesdays closing price. The court document also showed 48.4 billion yuan ($6.7 billion) worth of receivables were owed by Hong Kong subsidiaries, but the number was as of 2021 and didnt show how the amount nets out against payables. Deal Collapsed Offshore creditors had demanded controlling stakes in the two Hong Kong-listed companies, along with shares of the developer itself, as part of a restructuring deal. However, the company hadnt presented a restructuring proposal, Judge Linda Chan wrote Monday in her ruling, as she handed down the liquidation order. A 2023 report showed dollar bond holders of Evergrande include Ashmore Group, Redwood Capital Management, Saba Capital Management and Ellington Management. Stakes in the two Hong Kong-listed units, especially the property management firm, could be among the best potential assets for offshore bondholders," said Raymond Cheng, head of China and Hong Kong research at CGS-CIMB Securities. But whether creditors can tap them depends on negotiation between liquidators and Evergrande management." Overall, Evergrande has more than $300 billion of liabilities set against total assets of $242 billion. Beyond Reach The reach of a Hong Kong-appointed liquidator into the indebted companys assets in China is expected to be limited, given only courts in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Xiamen will recognize insolvency proceedings in the city as part of a 2021 deal. Evergrandes property development business includes more than 1,300 projects across 280 cities, according to the companys website. Evergrande valued its property under development at 1.09 trillion yuan ($152 billion) as of June last year, an interim report showed. How much of that can be reserved for offshore creditors remains in doubt. Local Chinese governments and creditors have also been on the move to seize assets as the prospect of a government bailout dimmed. Wuhan and Hainan seized plots of land in 2022. Trust firms that have lent billions of dollars to developers also rushed to salvage their loans. State-backed China Foreign Economy and Trade Trust Co. and Minmetals International Trust Co. took over the stakes of Evergrandes two projects in Chengdu. Liquidations of this scale will often take several years to complete, and this time frame could be extended to a decade or more if the liquidators identify any legal actions against service providers of the company that they wish to pursue in their efforts to recover money for creditors," said Nigel Trayers, managing director of restructuring at accounting firm Grant Thornton. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Elon Musk , CEO of X (formerly Twitter) emerged as the richest person on 30 January, 2024, according to Bloomberg Billionaire's Index . While this is no surprise, it was observed that the combined net worth of Indian billionaires Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani would account for the total net worth of Elon Musk. For context, Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries, ranked 11th in the Bloomberg Billionaire's Index on 30 January, has a net worth of $108 billion. Further Gautam Adani of Adani Group, ranked 14th on the billionaire's index, has a net worth of $95.9 billion. Elon Musk, founder, chairman, CEO, and CTO of SpaceX, angel investor, CEO, product architect and former chairman of Tesla, Inc., owner, chairman and CTO of X Corp., founder of the Boring Company and xAI, co-founder of Neuralink and OpenAI, has a net worth of $204 billion. View Full Image Bloomberg Billionaire's Index shows Elon Musk remains the richest human on Earth, with a net worth that equals the combined net worth of Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani Elon Musk was marked the wealthiest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of US$232 billion as of December 2023, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, and $254 billion according to Forbes, primarily from his ownership stakes in Tesla and SpaceX. Notably, on 28 January, Forbes reported that Bernard Arnault, the Chairman and CEO of Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton(LVMH) had usurped Elon Musk's position as the richest person on Earth. According to Forbes, the net worth of the French billionaire Bernard Arnault and his family stands at $207.6 billion, while Elon Musk was placed second with $204.7 billion. Mukesh Ambani, the richest person in India and in Asia saw his wealth climb $2.8 billion to $101.8 billion, as shares of his flagship, Reliance Industries Ltd., rose 2.6% to close at a record high. on 12 January, Mukesh Ambani had returned to the $100-billion club for the first time since June 2022, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The 66 year old chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries reclaimed his spot as centi-billionaire in 2024. Gautam Adani had briefly surpassed Mukesh Ambani in becoming the richest India earlier in January. According to Bloomberg Billionaire's Index, Gautam Adani was placed 12th while Mukesh Ambani had dropped down to 14th rank. In December last year, Adani became 16th richest man globally in the Bloomberg list when his rank rose three places, thanks to a stellar 30 per cent gain in two sessions, which saw his fortunes surge by over $4.41 billion. Meanwhile, Elon Musk on Tuesday, 30 January, informed that the first human patient has received an implant from brain-chip startup Neuralink and is recovering well. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! NEW DELHI : Vodafone Idea will prioritize payments of vendor dues from internal cash generation starting FY26, after settling a bulk of the outstanding debt of 5,400 crore in the next fiscal year, its chief executive officer Akshaya Moondra said at an earnings call on Tuesday. The easing of debt situation does help us in setting aside some capital or some cash for capex. However, we also have an overdue vendor position and in the first phase as cash is not going towards debt servicing, we will be able to use it towards reduction of vendor dues and that will be a first priority," Moondra told analysts at the call. Vodafone Idea has begun paying off vendor dues, with the latest being payments made to Indus Towers, the tower provider to the carrier that is essential for telecom services. Indus Towers top executive said in its quarterly earnings call last week that one of its clients not naming Vodafone Ideapaid up an extra 300 crore towards pending dues in the October-December quarter, in addition to the full payment of monthly current dues. Vodafone Idea owes Indus about 5,700 crore as of December 2023, for which the tower company has made a provision for doubtful debts. Moondra added that starting Q1FY25, the telco will have to strike a balance between allocation for capex and investments towards improving cash flows, and payments to reduce vendor dues. Of course, when funding is there, then the new funding will be used for new capex and the generation that we are getting from our operations minus the old debt servicing, will be used to pay the vendors," he noted. The debt of 5,400 crore includes 2,300 crore of bank debt, 533 crore of spectrum payouts and 1,600 crore of optionally convertible debentures (OCDs). The OCDs, if converted to equity, would reduce the debt position. For FY26, the bank debt is expected to reduce to about 1,800 crore, Moondra said, even as the companys payouts for spectrum acqu-ired in recent auctions will become due as the four-year moratorium on payments ends in FY25. In FY26, the government payout will be roughly 27,00028,000 crore," he added. Vodafone Idea, the countrys third-largest telecom company by subscribers, is yet to launch 5G services in India, while rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have nearly completed the initial rollouts covering the entire country. Moondra said that he will look at launching 5G services within 67 months of it getting external funding, but emphasized that the carriers delayed launch may get the benefit of observing the levels of 5G adoption amid absence of monetization opportunities being experienced by the other carriers. After funding is there, we will need, lets say, 67 months to launch 5G, and by then the monetization will be clearer than it is today, and our strategy will be based on that. We will have to see the adoption of 5G once it starts getting charged," he said. Moondra reiterated the intent of the promoters of providing direct or indirect financial support to the carrier for meeting its pending payment obligations. They are also committed ultimately to provide this as equity funding, but that will be as things stand now, it will be a part of the overall equity raise," he said. Vodafone Idea has been trying to raise external funding of 20,000 crore through debt and equity, since late 2020. While promoter groups have put in 4,963 crore in funding in two tranches till June 2022 , a 2,000 crore financial assistance was promised by one of the promoters in August last year in case it was needed to pay for government dues. Vodafone Idea had paid the instalment on spectrum bought in the 5G auctions through internal cash generation. Moondra added that the telecom industry has asked the government to offset the blocked input tax credit against payments made on a reverse charge basis, and that government dues on spectrum payments can be accepted from the blocked input tax. It could be very useful if the government can look at it favorably and do something about it because all telecom operators have a large lock-in. With investments already done in 5G spectrum and those payouts are also subject to GST, the GST blockage is really a bit unfair for the industry," he said. Vodafone Idea has upwards of 7,000 crore paid to the government as GST. The industry has been seeking refunds of the GST paid earlier, but the current law does not permit refunds. VODAFONE IDEA More Information Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Congress president and INDIA bloc convenor Mallikarjun Kharge has warned that 2024 Lok Sabha elections would be the last opportunity for the people to save democracy, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi might prefer dictatorship in case his party wins the upcoming polls. Expressing his apprehensions, Malliakrjun Kharge remarked BJP and its ideologue RSS are like poison" "This will be the last opportunity for the people to save democracy in India. If Narendra Modi wins another election, there will be dictatorship in the country. The BJP will rule India like Putin in Russia," Kharge said while addressing a party rally. Launching a scathing attack on the BJP and RSS, Kharge said that the present government under Modi is being run by intimidating states and leaders of the opposition. "Notices are being served to the leaders and ED and Income Tax have become weapons to grind the political opponents," he claimed adding that the people should be aware of the BJP and RSS ideologies. He alleged that the leaders are threatened to leave their parties, friendship and alliances if they oppose the ideologies of BJP and RSS. Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that Rahul Gandhi was frequently threatened as he opposed the BJP and the RSS. "However, Rahul Gandhi did not come under their pressure and continues to fight against such forces that are out to divide the nation," the Congress president said. While blaming the BJP-led central government for the Manipur violence, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Even today, people are being killed in Manipur, women are raped, hundreds of houses, cars are being burnt. Where is Modi Ji, where is BJP?". "Go to Manipur and Nagaland and show yourself (Modi) to people there. Then you will realize how difficult is it to maintain peace. We will have to make sacrifices to keep the nation united. You do not have that courage. Indira Gandhi was aware of the danger on her life. Still, she did not get freighted. Indira Ji in her last speech in Odisha had indicated about the danger to her life," Mallikarjun Kharge said. What was her fault, Mallikarjun Kharge asked adding had she looted anyone? "No, she had all along worked to keep the nation united. But some people killed her. Rajiv Gandhi also sacrificed his life while following his mothers footsteps. Rajiv Ji was killed by a human bomb. For what did he died? He died for the nation," Kharge said. On Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar returning to the NDA, Kharge claimed it will not have any impact on the polls. "One person quitting Mahagathbandhan will not weaken us. We will defeat the BJP," he said. The Congress president also described PM Modi as a "habitual liar" whom he accused of misleading the people by assuring two crore jobs every year and 15 lakh money in every Indians bank account. Referring to PM Modis jibe at Congresss achievements during the last 70 years, Mallikarjun Kharge said, You (Modi) became the chief minister of Gujarat and now the PM because the Congress had held the democracy and Constitution high. But you are now destroying the basics of democracy and the Constitution." Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Head of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Emine Dzhaparova held a working meeting with the Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine Matsuda Kuninori. "Japan is one of the most reliable and consistent partners of our state in the fight against terrorist Moscow. We continue dialogue, share experience, discuss interesting ideas, strengthen partnership for the sake of moving towards a just world and liberating all our lands from Russian occupiers," the intelligence said in the Telegram channel. NEW DELHI : The Union government is discussing a proposal for state-run cooperatives to procure maize, or corn, from farmers from the next Rabi season to meet its ambitious ethanol-blended fuel target, a top official said. If the proposal goes through, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (Nafed) and the National Cooperative Consumers Federation Of India Ltd (NCCF) will procure maize from farmers at state-set guaranteed prices, Union food and public distribution secretary Sanjeev Chopra told Mint in an interview. Currently, biofuels such as ethanol are made primarily from sugarcane and grains such as rice and maize. Nearly 25% of the countrys ethanol is made from cane juice, while another 50% comes from molasses, a byproduct of sugarcare refining. The rest comes from grains. The government is targeting blending 20% ethanol with petrol by 2025-26, up from 12% now, in its push for less-polluting fuel. The discussions come at a time when Indias sugar production is estimated to fall further due to patchy rainfall, hampering supply of molasses for ethanol-production. In the 2023-24 crop season, sugar production is expected to be 31.4 million tonnes against last seasons 32.7 mt after diversion towards ethanol. All the states that grow maize will be covered. This will be a policy signal to ethanol plants that they should switch to maize rather than depending on sugar," Chopra said. In the first phase, the government aims to procure 1.8 million tonnes of maize from farmers during 2024 and 2025 crop years. Indian farmers sow maize twice in a year, once during summer, or Kharif, season, and then again in the winter, or Rabi, months. We are discussing a proposal with the ministries concerned to allow the procurement of maize by Nafed and NCCF from farmers at MSP (minimum support price)," the food secretary said. The government purchases farm commodities at a floor price set to stave off distress sales by farmers. The MSP for maize for 2023-24 is set at 2,090 a quintal. Additional expenditure in terms of procurement, etc., will be subsidised by the government so that ethanol can be supplied to the distilleries for assured supply chain and assured price. This price will be used by (oil marketing companies) to fix prices for ethanol from maize that they will be taking from the distilleries," Chopra said. Currently, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) procures some quantities of maize in select states such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The move to increase procurement of maize is also aimed at diversifying production of crops, especially in Punjab and Haryana that majorly produce paddy and wheat. The idea is that Nafed and NCCF should step in and register farmers so that they get the assurance that they will be able to sell their produce at MSP," Chopra said. This will also ensure crop diversification in states like Punjab, etc., where monocropping is going on." India aims to increase maize production by 10 million tonnes over the next five years as demand for ethanol production grows. Theres also high demand from the poultry industry, which uses maize as feed, agriculture secretary Manoj Ahuja said earlier. Output of maize, the third-most grown cereal in India after rice and wheat, is estimated to be 34.6 million tonnes in 2022-23, up from 33.7 mt in the year prior. Currently, IIMR (Indian Institute of Millets Research) is working on better varieties of maize. The current productivity of maize, which is 3-4 tonnes per hectare, can go up to 5-6 tonnes. As a result, farmers will get a better price or even higher than what they are getting for rice," Chopra said. Mumbai: Private-sector banks such as Axis Bank and ICICI Bank are slowing their hiring pace, as they near their optimal manpower levels in different business units. These lenders, along with HDFC Bank, are among the largest employers in the country, and are no longer looking to compete fiercely for talent, as attrition ebbs and poaching subsides. Banks are becoming more intentional about hiring. While they will continue to invest in expanding their networks, they will not be doubling down on peoples capabilities. There is no need to hire people in the same trajectory," said Rajkamal Vempati, president and head of human resources, Axis Bank. The trajectory" here meant furious hiring when the lenders faced an attrition rate of 3540% in many of their businesses. In the last financial year, banks witnessed a sharp rise in attrition, as demand surged for young workforce in sales, marketing with digital skills, insurance, retail and among fintech companies. The countrys second-largest lender ICICI Bank, too, noted the slack in hiring pace. It does not expect to add headcount at the same pace, in the future. The companys employee base grew by 23,600 in the last 12 months, and 1,700 in the December quarter. The growth in employee expenses has been high over the last six quarters due to an increase in team size. The net increase in employees has slowed down in the quarter ended December, compared to the fiscal first half. We have seen in recentover the last...couple of years, in the last maybe six quarters, a pretty high growth because of the increase in the team size of the bank. But as you would have seen in this quarter, the net increase has slowed down. Compared with about 10,000I think 10,000 to 11,000 in the first half, we were at about 1,700 in Q3," said Anindya Banerjee chief financial officer of ICICI Bank in a recent analyst call. The slowdown in pace does not mean that hiring has stopped. As banks expand their branches , they will continue to need manpower, but the frenzy has abated. Take the case of HDFC, which continues to hire apace, in line with branch additions. There has been an increase of 908 branches over the last 12 months, and the countrys largest private bank added 146 branches in Q3. The bank added 41,000 employees over the last 12 months and 10,000 during the December quarter. The slowdown in hiring will impact the middle and senior profiles the most. Banks will continue to scale up the junior segments. Mint had reported earlier that banks will recruit 50,000 over the next one year from campuses and freshers at entry-level roles. That said, these large lenders are facing what they call infant mortality", where the just-recruited or junior-level employees are heading towards logistics, and delivery services. The term infant mortality is used to define the phenomenon of people leaving their jobs in the first one to three months of joining. The exact attrition at this level is not known, as these large private sector banks use unlisted subsidiaries and associate companies to hire junior employees to undertake back-office functions and sales for them. Banks do not disclose attrition data for subsidiaries. Operating expenses of the banks have increased in Q3, primarily led by 3 factors - continued higher spend on tech, refocus on banks to expanding physical footprint of branches as competition in deposit market is getting intensified, and higher employee expense because of increased attrition. Post a high frenzied hiring in CY23, we may see hiring cool down in CY24," said Asutosh Mishra, head of institutional research, Ashika Stock broking. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Devina Sengupta Devina tracks and writes on workplaces, human resources and education for Mint. She also occaisionally writes an opinion column. She hosts a podcast on interesting HR trends in corporate India called The Working Life. Read more from this author MUMBAI : Banks in India are liquidating some of their investments in sovereign securities to fund an insatiable demand for loans, as deposits become harder to come by amid intense competition. Banks have reduced the share of their statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) holdings over the past couple of months, as per Mint calculations based on data from the Reserve Bank of India. SLR is the proportion of deposits that banks have to mandatorily invest in approved securities. While RBI mandates banks to maintain SLR investmentsin government securities and other sovereign papersof at least 18% of their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL), banks usually maintain 28-29% when credit demand is low. Facing pressure on the deposit front, banks have now reduced their holdings to 27.4% of NDTL, showed data as on 12 January. In comparison, the SLR ratio stood at 28.1% on 17 November 2023, and at 28.7% on 14 July 2023, as per fortnightly business data released by RBI. Experts said that based on internal estimates that point to a shortfall in deposits, banks would be selling off SLR securities. Given that SLR has come down, it means banks have perhaps sold them in the market. The buyers could have been non-bank players like insurance companies because if the transactions were between banks, then the system SLR number would have remained unchanged," said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist, Bank of Baroda. This selloff, Sabnavis said, is indicative of the fact that since RBI has not gone for any permanent infusion of liquidity such as open market operations, and as banks are seeing a prolonged deficit, the way out for banks is to sell government securities. Anyway, every bank is sitting on 8-9% of excess SLR holdings and (this) is a response to the liquidity situation," said Sabnavis. The system liquidity deficit recently crossed 3 trillion on the back of limited government spending and stood at 2.5 trillion as on 28 January, show data from Bloomberg. Banking system liquidity has remained in deficit since mid-September with some intermittent days of surplus in between. Also, banks have been raising deposit rates to lure customers to park their money, but the difference between the pace of credit and deposit growth seems little changed. As on 12 January, non-food creditloans by banks to individuals and companies after adjusting for loans given to the Food Corporation of India (FCI)stood at 20.4% year-on-year, as compared to a 13% y-o-y deposit growth. This has led to an increase in the credit-deposit ratio to 77.55%, as on 12 January, up from 75.14% a year earlier. The ratio indicates how much of a banks deposit base is being utilized for loans. Bankers believe it would not be easy to get deposits as all lenders are vying for the same pie. It will be a war for deposits," Ravi Narayanan, group executive of retail liabilities, branch banking and products at Axis Bank Ltd, told reporters on 23 January. Axis Banks chief financial officer Puneet Sharma said the current liquidity environment would constrain deposit growth for the banking system. Others too said banks are certainly reducing their SLR investments. In order to bridge the gap between deposits and credit, some banks have started selling Gsecs (government securities), but by and large banks are holding on to them," said Ajay Manglunia, managing director and head of the investment grade group at JM Financial. He said that while a couple of years ago there was enough liquidity in the system and banks were not able to find sufficient demand for credit, the situation has changed now. Last year, the surplus funds with banks was invested in Gsecs and that has given good returns," said Manglunia. HSBC Holdings Plc was fined 57.4 million ($73 million) by the UK for incorrectly excluding billions of pounds of its customers money from a depositor protection program. Imposing the penalty, the Prudential Regulation Authority said Tuesday that the lender failed to properly comply with deposit protection rules under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme over many years. The fine, PRAs second highest, reflects the seriousness of the failings" that occurred between 2015 and 2022, according to a statement from the arm of the Bank of England. The depositor protection rules require firms to put in place adequate systems, controls and governance to ensure prompt payments to depositors in the event of a firms failure. Client deposits of as much as 85,000 are insured and fully repaid in the event a bank fails. The regulator said HSBC failed to accurately identify deposits that qualified for FSCS protection. The size of the fine is second only to the 87 million levied on Credit Suisse in July 2023 over its involvement in the collapse of Archegos Capital Management. Though its large by PRAs standards, the amount is relatively small compared to many seen in the US in the last decade. In 2012, HSBC itself agreed to pay $1.92 billion to settle US probes of money laundering. HSBCs shares swung between losses and gains on Tuesday in London and were up 0.1% as of 10:06 a.m. local time. The PRAs report outlined a series of errors related to the implementation of the UKs ring-fencing rules that led to the situation. Staff were unclear about what to do and ended up providing incorrect information to the authorities, the PRA said in a 53-page report detailing what had gone wrong. The failings included 4.5 billion of deposits at the banks non-UK unit being incorrectly marked as ineligible for protection and a further 2 billion of deposits being wrongly excluded from data sent to the PRA. The units FSCS report at the time only included 2 million of deposits, meaning it would have resulted in an under-calculation of HSBC Bank Plcs annual fees to the program. In its findings, the regulator also said that in establishing a British ring-fenced bank, HSBC had transferred a number of specialists in the area of depositor protection to the UK, leaving its European bank short of experts. Internal Group The PRA said it first reached out to HSBC in October 2019 to confirm how it was treating a particular clients deposits in terms of their eligibility for protection within the FSCS. The lender ultimately established an internal working group to investigate whether it was correctly marking deposits that would be eligible for the program. While HSBC soon became aware of the potential scale of its issue with mismarking deposits, it didnt notify the PRA of the matter until April 2021, according to a separate notice filed on Tuesday. HSBC failed to be duly open and cooperative with the PRA in not alerting the PRA over an approximately 15-month period about problems identified in the incorrect marking of accounts as eligible for FSCS protection," the PRA said in its statement. This was clearly information which the PRA would expect firms to share fully and in a timely way." The original fine was 96.5 million but HSBCs cooperation, early admission of certain rule breaches and agreement to a settlement meant it qualified for a reduction, according to the PRA. HSBC is pleased to have resolved this matter," a spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The PRAs final notice recognizes the banks co-operation with the investigation, as well as our efforts to fully resolve these issues." Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! As India anticipates the Union Budget for 2024 , the spotlight is on the manufacturing sector, a crucial player in the country's economic landscape. The departure of several Chinese brands has presented local players with new opportunities, although competing directly remains challenging. The emphasis now is on nurturing growth and resilience, particularly in the wake of recent global challenges/opportunities and the ongoing pursuit of the Make in India initiative. With a keen eye on bolstering economic recovery, the government's focus should include a strategic approach towards export-led growth, particularly within the expansive electronic manufacturing domain. As the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology sets an ambitious goal of making India a $300 billion powerhouse by 2025, it is anticipated that a substantial portion, around $120 billion, will be contributed through export activities. To fortify the manufacturing sector's contribution to this vision, the Union Budget should introduce targeted measures and incentives, specifically tailored to support export-oriented electronic manufacturing. This not only aligns with the government's overarching objectives but also holds the potential to create employment opportunities, particularly for the youth, contributing to the broader goals of the Make in India initiative. One notable avenue deserving attention is the enhancement of existing schemes like the In-bond manufacturing scheme. While this initiative has provided relief to businesses and stabilized working capital, there is room for improvement. Consideration should be given to extending depreciation benefits on goods cleared under the scheme, providing additional incentives for manufacturers with robust compliance and management systems. The disruptions caused by the global pandemic underscore the vulnerability of supply chains, particularly in the availability and transportation of critical components. In the upcoming budget, measures should be introduced to streamline and fortify the supply chain, ensuring resilience and efficiency and minimizing working capital requirements. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, while effective, can be evolved to further stimulate sustainable growth. Transforming it into a Design and Innovation Linked Incentive scheme would not only encourage investments in production capabilities but also channel funds into research and development. This shift can foster a culture of innovation, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of Indian industries globally. Addressing the challenge of imported electronic products is crucial for a level playing field. Consideration should be given to increasing anti-dumping duties on these imports, promoting fair competition. Such a move not only protects domestic manufacturers but also encourages consumers to support indigenous products, aligning with the vision of self-reliance. As Budget 2024 unfolds, it presents a pivotal opportunity to strategically uplift India's manufacturing sector, contributing to economic growth and solidifying the country's position as a manufacturing powerhouse on the global stage. Sharan Maini is the Managing Director of Veira Group Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! India is not keen to include bottled whisky under the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK, but it may allow import of Scotch whisky in big barrels that can be bottled within the country, two government officials aware of the matter said. This is being considered since some foreign liquor companies are under-invoicing bottled whisky while importing and then selling them in India, the officials said on condition of anonymity. Currently, India imposes tariffs as high as 150% to discourage imports of alcoholic beverages, including whisky. There have been issues with under-invoicing when it comes to bottled whisky, hence the decision that you can bring it in barrels and bottle in India," said one of the two officials cited above. Alcohol brought in barrels is used for blending and bottling, reducing the possibility of under-invoicing, they said. The officials added that Indias stand was separately conveyed to a UK minister early this month. India and the UK have held 14 rounds of negotiations for the FTA, and both sides are keen to conclude the agreement. The thinking is to announce the FTA between the two countries before the elections are announced since a lot of discussions have already happened," said the second official. Indias general election is likely to be announced in March. A commerce ministry spokesperson didnt respond to emailed queries. Text messages and emails sent to commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal also remained unanswered till press time. There have been allegations of rampant under-invoicing in imported alcohol by foreign distillers, and the Indian tax department has sent notices to some of them in the past, which have been challenged. There are certain concerns Indian players have, which have resulted in high tariffs for imported whisky. There are also revenue considerations from the governments side," said Biswajit Dhar, a trade expert and professor at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning at Jawaharlal Nehru University. So, the governments idea of bringing down the tariffs on bulk whisky imports by barrel is probably taken with the view of getting the FTA through. But this may not address the concerns of the domestic players and revenue implications faced by the government." When contacted, Vinod Giri, director-general of ]the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), said the body has already made its recommendations to the government. The government has been provided all necessary information and data to take decisions on the matter. We had also made our recommendations that propose a tax reduction on bottled liquor from current 150% to 100% now and then to 50% over a period of time. For bulk spirits, we have suggested (a tax reduction) from 150% to 75% now and then to 25% over time. However, we believe that this must be reciprocated by the UK by removing their non-tariff measures related to maturation," Giri said. On the issue of maturation, the UK is asking for a maturity age of three years for a spirit to be classified as whisky. However, Indian makers have argued that with weather conditions being hotter here, they will lose more than one-third of the whisky due to this condition, and have sought the maturation period to be 18 months. One of the people cited above said that after the FTA with Australia, the duty on imports of wines was reduced from 150% to 100% , which would be reduced to 50% over 10 years. We are asking for same terms in other FTAs," the person added. Earlier, as part of the discussions, the UK had suggested a proposal of bottling in transit. This meant that the product would be exported from the UK to a third countryperhaps in the European Unionwhere it would be bottled and then sent over to India. The proposal was not accepted since a major concern around FTAs is the possibility of third countries shipping goods to India via those that are their treaty partners, to take advantage of the treaty benefits. For Scotch whisky, India stands at No. 5 in the world by value of sales. In 2022, sales of Scotch whisky in India increased by 93% to $340 million, according to industry data. Scotch, however, accounts for just 2% of all whiskies consumed in India. The overall whisky market in the country is expected to cross $22 billion by 2027. Mukesh Ambani -owned Reliance Jio has urged the central government to completely shut down 2G and 3G networks in the country to avoid unnecessary costs and migrate all customers to 4G and 5G networks. Jio's comments came in response to a consultation paper titled 'Digital Transformation through 5G Ecosystem' published by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). While strongly urging for the shutdown of 2G and 3G services in the country, Jio noted, "The Government should come out with a policy and glidepath for closing down the 2G and 3G networks completely so that unnecessary network costs should be avoided, and all customers can be migrated to 4G and 5G services. This will also give great impetus to developing ecosystem to 5G use cases." There is no doubt that the 5G services, its ecosystem and use cases will play most crucial role in driving digital transformation across various industries by providing faster and more reliable connectivity. 5G with its faster data speeds, increased bandwidth, and lower latency, will provide businesses and innovators with the connectivity and capabilities that can give wings to their dreams," the telecom operator added. Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea also commented about the issue in its reply to TRAI in the same consulting paper. VI noted that penetration of 5G in the low-income groups is a big challenge owing to the abundance of 2G/3G enabled smartphones in the country and high costs of 5G phones. "A substantial part of the citizens in the country are generally using older technology i.e. 2G and are not able to access the new generation technology i.e. 4G and 5G despite availability of connectivity. The inability of users to switch to smartphones on account of the cost of these devices, also leads to the users continuing on older technology and hence, not using digital services and most likely ending up being not updated on latest digital technologies and services." The telecom operator has suggested that the government should start providing subsidies for people to give up their feature phones and start using 5G-enabled smartphones which will help bridge the digital divide in the country. VODAFONE IDEA More Information Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Bitcoin is on course to advance for a fifth straight month in what would be the tokens longest such winning streak since a pandemic-era rally oiled by easy money. The largest digital asset has risen about 2% in January, a month of pronounced swings sparked by the rollout of the first US spot Bitcoin exchanged-traded funds and shifting views on the outlook for monetary policy. A run of five straight monthly gains would be the longest since a six-month stretch spanning October 2020 to March 2021, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The token hit a record high of almost $69,000 in November 2021. Spot Bitcoin ETFs from issuers including BlackRock Inc. and Fidelity Investments began trading in the US on Jan. 11. The token surged almost 160% last year ahead of the launches in a wager that the ETFs will attract new investors. Bitcoin then posted a 12-day drop of about 21% after the funds went live as traders monitored how they fared. One of the products, the $21 billion Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, converted into an ETF on Jan. 11 from a closed-end format. Investors pulled money from the fund after the change but the pace of withdrawals has cooled, helping the token to claw back losses. The slowdown in outflows from the Grayscale fund is a substantial positive for market sentiment," Sean Farrell, head of digital-asset strategy at Fundstrat Global Advisors LLC, wrote in a note on Monday. The 10 ETFs overall have so far attracted a net $1 billion, data compiled by Bloomberg show. The group had the most successful ETF launch in history, going by both trading and flow metrics, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Investors are also awaiting the Federal Reserve interest-rate decision this week, having assigned roughly even odds to the prospect of a cut in March. Material changes to that outlook could impact Bitcoin and wider crypto markets given their sensitivity to changes in sentiment and perceptions of liquidity. Bitcoin was little changed at $43,420 as of 7:34 a.m. Tuesday in New York. Smaller tokens like BNB and Cardano were mixed and traded in relatively narrow ranges. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Shares of Azad Engineering , an aerospace components and turbine manufacturer, were locked in the 20% upper circuit limit in today's intraday trade, reaching a historic high of 854.30 apiece. This upward movement follows a 5.30% gain in the previous trading session, driven by the company securing a substantial order from Rolls-Royce. On Monday, during market hours, Azad Engineering informed investors through an exchange filing that Rolls-Royce has signed a 7-year long-term contract with the company to produce and supply critical engine parts for their defence and military aircraft engines. Having debuted on Indian exchanges on December 28, 2023, at a price of 677 per share, which was a 29.3% premium to the IPO price of 524 per share, the stock has witnessed a remarkable 63% increase based on its current price. Also Read: Restaurant Brands Asia share price surges 6% as Q3 loss narrows: Should you buy or sell now? The IPO received a phenomenal response from all section of investors, as it was subscribed by 80.65 times. The company is one of the key manufacturers of its products in the energy, aerospace and defence, and oil and gas industries. It manufactures highly engineered, complex, mission-critical, and life-critical components. The company competes with manufacturers from China, Europe, USA, and Japan. Its customers include global OEMs across the energy, aerospace, defence, and oil and gas industries, such as General Electric, Honeywell International Inc., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Siemens Energy, Eaton Aerospace, and MAN Energy Solutions SE. Also Read: Zee-Sony merger deal fallout: Emergency arbitration to be held in Singapore tomorrow, says report The company has supplied critical components to major commercial aircraft manufacturers for B737, B737 Max, B747, B777, B777X, A320, A350, A355, A350 XWB, and Gulfstream G550, and it is currently in discussions to supply components for new engine platforms to various kinds of aircraft manufacturers, according to the company's RHP report. In terms of financials, the company improved its revenue from 124 crore in the financial year 2020 to 251 crore in the financial year 2023, representing a CAGR of 27% during this period with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 31.61% in the financial year 2023. Also Read: Stocks to buy: Satin Creditcare and ZF Steering Gear - two fundamental stock picks by HDFC Securities Most of its revenues are derived from exports to global OEMs, backed by long-term contracts, and as of September 30, 2023, 89.69% of its total revenue was from contracts with customers located outside India. Disclaimer: We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! India currently stands among the top five nations in terms of defence spending globally. With its recent budget increase, it's plausible that India could soon rank within the top three . In fiscal year 2024, the $74 billion allocated to defence forms a substantial part of the country's GDP. The government's focus on domestic defence equipment production creates a promising environment for defence-related stocks. The ongoing modernization of the Indian military is fuelling the demand for defence products and services, opening up growth avenues for various defence companies in India. That said, investors should note that defence stocks in India can be complex investments. These stocks are subject to economic conditions, market variations, and government decisions. It's crucial to choose fundamentally strong defence companies to maximize investment potential and avoid significant losses. Looking ahead to 2024, what's the outlook for these stocks? The fundamental reason for optimism in defence stocks Recent geopolitical developments, including border tensions, have underscored the need for India's self-reliance in defence. In a volatile geopolitical landscape, India's best strategy is to equip itself with domestically produced arms, ammunition, and technology. Relying on defence imports could be catastrophic in wartime situations. Self-sufficiency in defence also helps mitigate the impact of sanctions during conflicts. Government support Prior to 2018, the defence sector experienced low growth. This has since changed, with the sector now enjoying robust government support in terms of funding and policy. With anticipated increases in defence spending, 2024 looks promising for defence stocks. The government's goal is clear: to modernize and sufficiently arm the forces for potential conflicts against Pakistan and China, focusing on closing the defense capability gap with China. This involves developing indigenous technologies, establishing a robust domestic manufacturing base, implementing structural reforms, and enhancing overall combat capabilities. The last point, enhancing combat strength, presents significant investment opportunities, driven by increasing defence expenditures. Defence sector outlook for 2024 The upcoming Union Budget 2024 will be crucial. If defence spending increases significantly, these stocks are expected to rally. However, given the interim nature of the budget due to impending general elections, major changes may not be forthcoming. Still, defence-related announcements are anticipated. Additionally, investors should watch out for export developments. The government aims to position India as a major defence exporter. Any related announcements from listed firms could positively impact their share prices, irrespective of changes in the budget. Therefore, investors in top defence stocks need not overly focus on specific budget figures or policy decisions. The steady growth of fundamentally strong defence companies should suffice for wealth creation. In choosing these stocks, investors should be cautious of unreliable options. Tanushree Banerjee, co-head of research at Equitymaster, suggests three critical factors to consider for investing in defence stocks: Sales to orderbook ratio: It's essential to monitor if the orderbook effectively converts into sales. Receivables to sales ratio: Defence behemoths were never a part of StockSelect recommendations until 2018. The reason? Historically, high ratios due to delayed government payments made defence stocks less appealing. However, companies like Bharat Electronics and Hindustan Aeronautics have seen a significant reduction in receivable days since 2018, warranting investor attention. Going ahead, assessing this ratio will continue to be important. Asset turnover ratio: Investors should consider companies that efficiently convert assets into sales, rather than only focusing on those with the largest capex plans or order books. While fundamentals and growth prospects for defence stocks appear strong, it's vital to be discerning, as not all stocks offer equal potential. Happy investing. This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com On the eve of an extraordinary meeting of the European Council, at which the leaders of the European Union will again consider the issue of providing Ukraine with EUR 50 billion, there are no changes in the position of Hungary, which blocked this decision at the previous meeting in December. A senior European diplomat told reporters about this on Tuesday in Brussels on condition of anonymity. As you know, precisely because Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked the provision of further financial assistance for the period 2024-2027, the Belgian presidency of the Council convened an extraordinary meeting on February 1. The diplomat said the EU is in the same place where it was on December 14 (the date of the last meeting of the European Council). There is no progress, he said, adding that they can only guess how events will develop, but Hungary is not on board yet. Otherwise, the documents (draft conclusions of the meeting) would already be on the table, the diplomat said. At the same time, as of today, alternative ways to continue financing Ukraine are not being discussed. He said that nothing was discussed regarding Plan B and there is a problem of urgent financing for Ukraine. According to the journalists' interlocutor, the EU will not agree to satisfy all of Hungary's conditions. The diplomat said a decision by all 27 leaders should not be made at any cost. They have to be prepared for any scenario, but they prefer the decision that is made by all 27 leaders unanimously, he said. According to the diplomat, there is room for negotiations; if in Budapest there is a desire to annually discuss how money is spent in Ukraine, this is real (Hungary demands an annual review of Ukraine's funding. The Pran Pratishtha " ritual at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, signifying the resolution of a centuries-old dispute, was truly a significant event. Occurring on January 22, 2024, it brought immense joy to millions of Hindus globally, marking a momentous celebration. The construction of the majestic temple, symbolizing the emergence of a splendid and self-reliant India, is attracting a substantial number of contributors and enthusiasts from across the globe. Details of donations to Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust Individuals who have contributed to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust, officially known as the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust", or those intending to make donations in the near future, are eligible to avail of a deduction under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Here is how you may avail of a tax deduction under Section 80G for your contribution to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust. Before you proceed with claiming a tax deduction, familiarize yourself with the types of donations that are eligible for tax exemption under the Act. Donation criteria : Deductions are applicable only for contributions directed towards the renovation or repair of the temple. Donations for purposes such as darshan, prasad, etc., are not eligible for deduction. : Deductions are applicable only for contributions directed towards the renovation or repair of the temple. Donations for purposes such as darshan, prasad, etc., are not eligible for deduction. Donation method : Cash contributions exceeding 2,000 are ineligible. Please donate using methods such as cheque, DD, online transfer, or through the official website. Deductions apply only to contributions made in cash, by cheque, demand draft (DD), online transfers through National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT), Immediate Payment System (IMPS), and via Unified Payment Interface (BHIM, Google Pay, Paytm, PhonePe, etc.). Contributions in kind, such as bullion, jewellery, or any other non-monetary form, even though they hold monetary value, do not qualify for deduction under the Income Tax Act. : Cash contributions exceeding 2,000 are ineligible. Please donate using methods such as cheque, DD, online transfer, or through the official website. Deductions apply only to contributions made in cash, by cheque, demand draft (DD), online transfers through National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT), Immediate Payment System (IMPS), and via Unified Payment Interface (BHIM, Google Pay, Paytm, PhonePe, etc.). Contributions in kind, such as bullion, jewellery, or any other non-monetary form, even though they hold monetary value, do not qualify for deduction under the Income Tax Act. Tax structure: Only claim deductions if you opt for the old tax regime when filing your Income Tax Return (ITR). Deduction on donations to Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust Can you claim a deduction on the entire donation amount to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Ayodhya? To start with, contributions to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for the Ayodhya Ram Temple construction qualify for a 50 per cent deduction under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This implies that for a donation of 20,000, you can assert a deduction of 10,000 from your taxable income. Priyadarshini Moreshwar Mulye, a SEBI-registered Investment Advisor and Founder, ARTHA FinPlan, shared, Donations to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80G 2(b) starting from FY 2020-21." Other notable points about the tax deduction include: The minimum qualifying donation amount for this deduction is 10. 10. Contributions must be made via the official website of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust or other channels authorized by the Trust. A donation receipt issued by the Trust is a prerequisite for claiming the deduction. The deduction applies exclusively to individual taxpayers and does not extend to corporates or businesses. The maximum deduction you can claim is limited to 10 per cent of your adjusted gross total income for the respective fiscal year. Nevertheless, it is essential to determine the adjusted gross total income initially. Initially, the gross total income comprises earnings from various sources, such as salary, business, interest, rent, capital gains, etc., before any deductions are considered. Its important to note that certain types of income, like long-term capital gains, are taxed at rates distinct from regular income and are not subtracted from the gross total income when calculating the adjusted gross total income. Deductions can be availed through Sections 80C to 80U for various expenditures, including investments, insurance premiums, medical expenses, educational costs, and more. These deductions are subtracted from the gross total income to determine your adjusted gross income. The adjusted gross total income is computed by subtracting deductions under Chapter VI A (excluding 80G) and income subject to special tax rates from the gross total income. This implies that you are eligible to claim a deduction of 50 per cent of the donated amount to the Ram Mandir Trust, capped at a maximum of 10 per cent of your adjusted gross total income. Hiren Thakkar, Proprietor, Hiren S Thakkar & Associates Chartered Accountants added, As per the new tax regime, all donations made under section 80G are disallowed for deduction. However, if you are opting for the old regime, you can claim 50% of the donated amount as a deduction, subject to the condition that donations are made through means other than cash. For cash donations, the maximum allowable limit is 2000." Documentation needed to avail of deduction under Section 80G To avail of the deduction under Section 80G for donations made to the Ram Mandir Trust, you are required to provide the following documents: Donation receipt: This document holds utmost importance as it acts as evidence of your donation to the Trust. The receipt must be provided by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and should include the following details: Your name and address Date of donation Amount donated (in words and figures) Mode of payment (cash, cheque, online transfer) PAN of the Trust Registration number of the Trust under Section 80G Specific mention that the donation is meant for the renovation/repair of the Ram Mandir Proof of payment: Additional documentation may be required depending on the chosen mode of payment. Additional evidence is unnecessary unless the amount surpasses 2,000. In such instances, it is advisable to include a copy of the PAN Card. A copy of the cancelled cheque or a bank statement that reflects the transaction should also be enclosed. ITR Form: When completing your Income Tax Return (ITR), you are required to furnish donation details in the specified schedule, typically Schedule 80G. This information encompasses details such as the Trusts name, PAN, donated amount, and the claimed amount. Deduction benefits available under the old tax regime In the context of seeking deductions and exemptions under the Income Tax Act in India, choosing the old tax regime provides notably more advantages compared to the new tax regime. Important deductions, such as those under Chapter VI A (80C to 80U) and Section 80G, including the deduction for donations to the Ram Mandir Trust, are not accessible under the new tax regime. This implies that taxpayers who wish to benefit from deduction advantages for their contributions must adhere to the old tax regime. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Hong Kong outlined a new national security law that would broaden laws covering sedition and expand the range of material considered state secrets, bringing it more in line with mainland China, where a crackdown on espionage has landed a number of business executives in detention. The new law would expand the definition of national security to include economic matters and define new crimes including treason, foreign interference and seditious intention, according to a framework released Tuesday. The release kicks off a four-week comment period, after which the law will be voted on by the legislature, which is dominated by Beijing loyalists. The push for the new law comes as Hong Kong struggles to reverse an outflow of businesses and residents following mass protests, a crackdown on dissent and tough pandemic-era restrictions. China is also struggling with a drop in foreign investment and waning business confidence. Concerns include restrictions on data and intelligence that have left foreign executives accused of overstepping the rules. The Wall Street Journal last week reported that a seasoned British businessman was given a five-year sentence over accusations he provided information to intelligence agencies overseas. Japan said five of its citizens are currently detained by Chinas intelligence agencies, including a pharmaceutical executive. It is not unimaginable that business worries over being criminalized for espionage, like those businessmen in the mainland, would extend to Hong Kong," said Eric Lai, a research fellow at the Georgetown Center for Asian Law. Article 23 of Hong Kongs founding legal document, known as the Basic Law, required it to write its own national security code after the territory was handed over from the U.K. to China in 1997. An attempt in 2003 led to public outcry and the citys largest protest at the time, with an estimated half a million people taking to the streets. The government ultimately retracted the proposal. We have waited too long," city leader John Lee said Tuesday. Shouldnt we really be doing this to better protect innocent people of Hong Kong, to protect innocent businessmen in Hong Kong?" Its passage will restore confidence in the city among businesses and investors, and those who abide by the law will have nothing to worry about, Lee said. The city came down hard on dissent following widespread pro-democracy protests that began in 2019 over legislation that would have allowed suspects to be extradited to the mainland. Beijing imposed a national security law on the city that shut down the protests and led to hundreds of arrests. Lee on Tuesday called those protests a color revolution" and said the city continues to face national security threats from within and from abroad. He cited risks from U.S. and U.K. intelligence services and said proxies of foreign powers and supporters of Hong Kong independence remain in the city, he said. Without Article 23, weve had almost no right for organized protest or opposition," said John Burns, emeritus professor at the University of Hong Kong. The human rights space has contracted already. This gives the government more tools to ensure that the contraction stays in place." The new legislation would criminalize obtaining, possessing or disclosing nonpublic information likely to endanger national security, including information on policy decisions, defense, international relations, the economic and social development of the city or the country, technological development and science, the document released Tuesday said. The president of the German Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Johannes Hack, said he doesnt expect the business community and the chambers members are the targets of the legislation and that its impact will depend on how broad or precise its language is and how often it is used by prosecutors. The European Chamber of Commerce declined to comment, saying it is collecting views from members. The British chamber said it has no comment but looks forward to contributing to the consultation process. Write to Selina Cheng at selina.cheng@wsj.com (Bloomberg) -- International Business Machines Corp. delivered a companywide ultimatum to managers who are still working remotely: move near an office or leave the company. All US managers must immediately report to an office or client location at least three days a week regardless of current work location status," according to a memo sent on Jan. 16 viewed by Bloomberg. Badge-in data will be used to assess individual presence" and shared with managers and human resources, Senior Vice President John Granger wrote in the note. Those working remotely, other than employees with exceptions such as medical issues or military service, who dont live close enough to commute to a facility must relocate near an IBM office by the start of August, according to the memo. That generally means within 50 miles (80 kilometers), according to a person familiar with the rule who asked not to be identified speaking about corporate policy. Managers who dont agree to relocate and are unable to secure a role thats approved to be remote must separate from IBM," Granger wrote. IBM is focused on providing a work environment that balances flexibility with the face-to-face interactions that make us more productive, innovative and better able to serve our clients," a company spokesperson said. Consistent with that approach, were requiring executives and people managers in the United States to be in the office at least three days per week." Chief Executive Office Arvind Krishna has long touted the importance of in-person work. In a May 2023 interview with Bloomberg, Krishna said that promotions will be rarer for those who arent on-site. Some teams within IBM had already instituted office attendance requirements. IBM has slimmed its operations to focus on software and services in recent years, introduced new products to capitalize on interest in artificial intelligence and divested its managed infrastructure, weather and health businesses. Executives gave a positive outlook for 2024 with fourth-quarter earnings last week, sending shares to their best day in almost four years. Big Blue expects to reduce jobs this year, spending a similar amount on restructuring as it did last year when it planned to cut 3,900 workers, Chief Financial Officer James Kavanaugh said last week. Return-to-office mandates are often seen as fueling attrition. IBM had about 288,000 workers globally at the end of 2022. The company has closed a number of offices since the onset of the pandemic, potentially complicating return-to-office plans for workers. That includes in central New York State, Southbury, Connecticut, and Iowa. Reducing its real estate footprint is part of IBMs ongoing margin-expansion efforts, Kavanaugh said during an earnings call last week. It couldnt be determined how many managers would be required to move under the new rules. Many companies have increased return-to-office requirements over the last year replacing employee-friendly incentives like happy hours and commuter subsidies with more punitive measures including disciplinary action or limited career advancement if attendance targets arent met. The tech industry in particular has seen tightening rules as the market soured and the risk of job cuts has tipped the scale in favor of employers. Amazon.com Inc. and AT&T Inc. have each ordered some remote workers to relocate near offices. Despite new rules, office attendance remained fairly stagnant throughout 2023, according to data from Kastle Systems. Across the 10 largest business districts in the US, the number of workers in the office hovered around 50% of what it was before the pandemic, with tech-heavy regions like the San Francisco Bay Area reporting even lower percentages. --With assistance from Matthew Boyle. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Over the past few weeks, North India has been gripped by an intense and bone-chilling cold, exacerbated by plunging temperatures and thick fog that shows no signs of abating. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has responded to the severity of the situation by issuing both a 'Cold Day Alert' for various parts of Delhi. The persistent weather conditions are expected to persist on Tuesday, with the possibility of light rains on Wednesday and Thursday, which could further contribute to a drop in daytime temperatures. Also Read: IMD issues alerts for severe cold wave, heavy rainfall in 11 states; Varanasi Vande Bharat among several trains delayed The harsh weather has significantly disrupted transportation, leading to delays in both rail and flight operations. Road travel is also being deemed unsafe, particularly during the mornings and nights, due to the poor visibility caused by the dense fog. IMD noted that Delhi is expected to experience light rain on both January 31 and February 1 due to the approach of a second western disturbance to the plains. The IMD mentioned the formation of a wet spell over the Western Himalayan Region from January 29 to February 3, resulting in rainfall across various northern regions, particularly on January 30 and 31. Also Read: Jammu and Kashmir likely to witness heavy rain, snowfall until Feb 1 due to back-to-back western disturbances Meanwhile, regions including Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, and Himachal Pradesh are expected to experience moderate rainfall or snowfall until February 3. Specifically, heavy rainfall or snowfall is predicted for Kashmir on January 30 and 31, and similar weather conditions are forecasted for Himachal Pradesh on January 31. View Full Image Tourists enjoy snow at a ski resort after the fresh snowfall received in Gulmarg on Monday. As the 40-day harshest winter period of Chilai Kalan in Kashmir ended on Monday with scant snowfall or rain, the agricultural and horticulture experts warn of its adverse effects in coming months if there is no major snowfall in early February. (ANI) (HT_PRINT) Also Read: Weather Update: Cold wave conditions persist in Delhi-NCR, IMD issues yellow alert over dense fog Furthermore, from January 31 to February 2, there is a likelihood of light to moderate rainfall in Uttarakhand, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. The forecast suggests that these weather conditions are attributed to the influence of the approaching western disturbance, bringing precipitation to the mentioned areas during the specified time frame. The adverse conditions are causing widespread inconvenience and pose challenges for daily commuting and travel plans. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Jharkhand BJP on Monday claimed that Chief Minister Hemant Soren has been absconding for the last 18 hours, fearing action from the Enforcement Directorate . He made an impromptu trip to Delhi in response to its fresh summons which requested his participation in an ongoing money laundering investigation on January 29. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), State BJP president Babulal Marandi said, According to media sources, late at night Hemant ji, wearing slippers and covering his face with a sheet, ran away from his Delhi residence on foot. Ajay Singh, the security personnel of the special branch who went with him to Delhi, is also missing." The mobile phones of both of them have also been switched off. Since then, the ED and Delhi Police have been searching for them. There cannot be any other example of such gross negligence regarding the security of the chief minister," he added. Following this, Section 144 CrPc was imposed within a 100-meter radius of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's residence, Raj Bhavan, and ED office in Ranchi. The federal agency also seized 36 lakh, an SUV, and some "incriminating" documents after it searched the Delhi residence of Soren. An Enforcement Directorate team on Monday visited the Delhi residence of Soren to question him in connection with a money laundering investigation in an alleged land fraud case. The federal agency had questioned Soren at his official residence in Ranchi on January 20 in the case, and issued fresh summons to him asking him to confirm his availability for questioning on either January 29 or January 31. Official sources claimed that he was "missing" and could not be contacted by the federal agency. The agency seized a Haryana-registered BMW car from Soren's residence apart from some documents recovered by them during the search conducted at the house, sources said as quoted by PTI. The investigation revolves around an alleged "huge racket of illegal change of ownership of land by the mafia" in Jharkhand, according to the agency. The ED has already arrested 14 individuals, including 2011-batch IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan, who served as the director of the state's Social Welfare Department and deputy commissioner of Ranchi, in connection with the case. (With PTI inputs) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! India was among 10 regional countries that attended a conclave in Kabul on Monday organized by the Taliban setup with a broader aim for regional cooperation. The participating countries included India, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan. Taliban regime's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi addressed the Regional Cooperation Initiative meeting in Kabul. India has not yet recognized the Taliban setup and has been pitching for the formation of a truly inclusive government in Kabul, Afghanistan's Khaama Press news agency reported. Russia was represented at the conclave by its special representative for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov. In an official statement, the Taliban foreign ministry said Muttaqi emphasized that these nations should hold regional dialogues to increase and continue the positive interaction with Afghanistan. It is pertinent to note that there was no official word on the meeting by Indian officials. India's participation at the meeting came days after the Indian embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) invited the charge d'affaires of the Afghan mission in the Gulf nation, Badruddin Haqqani, to the Republic Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi. A government source had earlier said that the invite was sent to all accredited missions based in that country and it was part of a standard diplomatic procedure, PTI reported. In his remarks, Muttaqi also urged the participants to take advantage of emerging opportunities in Afghanistan for the development of the region and "coordinate the management of potential threats". "Regional cooperation could be focused on exploring "region-centric" pathways based on common benefits," he said, adding that it should lead to calls for the removal of "unilateral sanctions" on Afghanistan. He said Kabul stands ready to engage and cooperate with the regional countries by working together based on mutual interest and mutual respect. In June 2022, India re-established its diplomatic presence in Kabul by deploying a "technical team" in its embassy in the Afghan capital. India had withdrawn its officials from the embassy after the Taliban seized power following concerns over their security. (With PTI inputs) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Indian Defense officials informed that in a major mission, the Indian Navy warship INS Sumitra rescued a hijacked fishing vessel Al Naemi with Somali pirates around 800 miles off the coast of Kochi. The Al Naemi was sailing off the East Coast of Somalia and successfully rescued 19 Pakistani nationals on Monday This was the second rescue operation that the Indian Navy undertook in a span of 24 hours. Indian Navy had saved another Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, FV Iman, from Somali pirates, which had 17 crew members onboard in its anti-piracy operations along the east coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden on Monday. The Indian Navy's Marine Commandos took part in the operation to rescue the crew of the fishing boat safely. Indian navy warships are deployed all around the Indian Ocean region to provide safety and security in the area", said Indian Defence officials. The Indian Navy said that its warship INS Sumitra intercepted the distressed vessel and pressed into action to locate the fishing vessel, which had been boarded by pirates and saved 19 Pakistani national crew members who were taken hostage. Earlier, India's navy said it had deployed its warship INS Sumitra -- which was on anti-piracy patrol off the east coast of Somalia in the Gulf of Aden -- after receiving a distress message from the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Iman. The hijackings off Somalia have fuelled concerns about a resurgence of Indian Ocean raids by opportunistic pirates, coming on top of a separate surge of attacks launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Houthi gunmen have launched scores of attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden targeting Israeli-linked vessels in response to Israel's war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. International naval forces have been diverted north from the Gulf of Aden into the Red Sea, sparking fears that pirates will exploit the security gap, with the first successful case of Somali piracy since 2017 recorded in December. Pirate attacks off the Somalia coast peaked in 2011 -- with gunmen launching attacks as far as 3,655 kilometres (2,270 miles) from the Somali coast in the Indian Ocean -- before falling off sharply after international navies sent warships and commercial shipping deployed armed guards. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has lodged a Prosecution Complaint against notable figures, including Rabri Devi and Amit Katyal, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This action dates back to January 8, with the focal point being the notorious Land for Job Scam". During Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as the Railway Minister from 2004-2009, the veteran leader was accused of exchanging land for jobs in the Indian Railways. The case implicated not just Lalu Yadav but also his kin. Also Read: Lalu Prasad Yadav appears before ED for questioning in land-for-jobs scam case The family members of Lalu Prasad Yadav viz. Rabri Devi, Misha Bharti, Hema Yadav who are made accused in the PC had received land parcel(s) from family of candidates [who were selected as Group D substitutes in Indian Railways] for nominal amounts," ED said in a statement. The Special Court in New Delhi set the trial in motion on January 27 and summoned the accused to appear on February 9. This legal manoeuvring trails an extensive investigation kickstarted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). It revealed a pattern where jobs in the railways were allegedly bartered for land, marking a stark deviation from ethical governance, ED added. The probe spotlighted M/s A K Infosystems Private Limited and M/s A B Exports Pvt. Ltd., allegedly used to channel the wealth. These allegations are backed by seizures made by the ED in March 2023, including cash and valuables totalling roughly Rs. 2.25 crore, and the provisional attachment of properties worth Rs. 6.02 crore in July 2023. Amit Katyal, a pivotal figure in managing the contentious companies as per allegations, is currently under judicial custody following his arrest in November 2023 for his alleged role in facilitating these transactions. Rabri Devi's Gaushala employee Rabri Devi, Misha Bharti and Hema Yadav acquired land at throwaway prices from families of those secured jobs, as per ED. Allegations also involve Hridyanand Chaudhary, previously employed at Rabri Devi's Gaushala. Hridyanand Chaudhary, another accused in PC is a former employee in gaushala of Rabri Devi who had acquired property from one of the candidates and later transferred the same to Hema Yadav," ED said in the statement. Hema is the daughter of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, former CMs of Bihar. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! January 30 marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi the father of the nationwho was assassinated on this day by Nathuram Vinayak Godse in 1948, just five months and 15 days after the country gained independence from British Rule. On the 76th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, heres a look at some facts about Bapu: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhithe legendary advocate of peace and non-violencewas born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar. At the age of 13, he was married to Kasturba. He was trained in the law at the Inner Temple in London. In 1983 he moved to South Africa to represent an Indian merchant in a lawsuit. There he lived for 21 years. During his stay in South Africa, he first employed non-violent resistance in a campaign for civil rights. Also Read | The time is right for another global Gandhian moment In 1915, he returned to India and soon started organizing farmers and urban labourers to protest against discrimination. He initiated the Satyagraha and Ahimsa movements against the British colonial rule. His non-violent approach and his ability to win people over with love and tolerance had a profound impact on civil rights movements. He not only dedicated his life to India's struggle for freedom but also led nationwide campaigns against untouchability and poverty. He was also an advocate of women's rights. Also Read | Measuring Gandhi's relevance in the digital age On January 30, 1948, when he was on his way to address an evening prayer meeting (around 5:17 pm) at Birla Bhavan, Delhi along with his grandnieces, Nathuram Godse a Hindu nationalist fired three bullets into his chest. According to records, he died instantly. Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary 2024: Significance Mahatma Gandhi is known across the globe for practicing peace and non-violence. His birth anniversaryOctober 2is observed as International Day of Non-Violence. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly designated the day to honour Gandhi's principles. On this day, awareness is raised about the significance of non-violence and its role in promoting peace, harmony, and unity worldwide. Also Read | Why Mahatma Gandhi never won the Nobel Peace despite being nominated 5 times? Mahatma Gandhi death anniversary 2024: Quotes Here are some of the most inspirational quotes by Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation: The greatness of humanity is not in being human but in being humane." An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind." Earth provides enough to satisfy every mans needs, but not every mans greed." You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty." Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served." A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes." Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes." Man is supposed to be the maker of his destiny. It is only partly true. He can make his destiny, only in so far as he is allowed by the Great Power." Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Balmukund Acharya, who won the Hawa Mahal seat in the last Rajasthan Assembly Elections is facing protests from Muslim students of a government senior secondary school in Jaipur. The reason- Hijab . BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya, who sought attention for going around his constituency shutting down shops selling non-vegetarian food a day after being elected as an MLA in Rajasthan. Acharya later apologised for his actions after people complained about him to the National Human Rights Commission. In Jaipur, several school girls jammed the road outside the Subhash Chowk police station and raised slogans against the BJP legislator. They demanded an apology from the legislator and an FIR against him. "The MLA had come to our school to attend the annual function. We welcomed him. We were told that hijab is not allowed. He asked how the girls can breathe while wearing hijabs. He should apologise," the protesting girls told reporters. When Balmukund Acharya, the MLA from Hawa Mahal constituency, was asked about the protest by the Muslim girl students, he told reporters that he had asked the school principal about the dress code rules. "I have asked the school principal that when there is a programme on January 26 or an annual festival in a government school, is there a provision for two different dresses? The principal has said no and said that the students do not follow," Acharya said. The BJP MLA said that the girls were either in hijab or in burqa during the programme in the school. "There were two types of atmosphere visible there. So, I had asked the principal about the dress code," Acharya said. "Why are there two types of dress codes in schools? I did not go to Madrasas and ask them to change their dress. They have their rules," he added. Balmukund Acharya later released a video clarifying his position. "I had asked the principal if they have two different dress codes. When a Republic Day function or any government function is held, is there a different dress code? At this rate, even our children will turn up in lehenga chunni,'' he said. On Tuesday Balmukund Acharya told news agency ANI that he had had a conversation with the Muslim girls, and the protest was only being done by people who were doing politics". Balmukund Acharya said, "This (protest) has been done by a few people who are doing politics. I spoke with the girls and had a good interaction with them. We spoke about PM Modi's schemes and their studies...The truth is that the dress code is not practised there on occasions like Republic Day, Basant Utsav, annual functions or Independence Day...Why are students coming in burqa and hijab? What is this new rule and regulation?...There is a separate Madrasa for that...I have only requested the school administration to speak with the students and make them understand...I would urge the CM that a dress code be implemented in all schools and the students come only in their school uniforms..." Congress MLA from Adarsh Nagar constituency, Rafeek Khan, also tried raising the issue in the Rajasthan Assembly, but the Speaker did not allow him to speak and expunged his statement from the assembly proceedings. Assistant Police Commissioner (North) Dr Hemant Jakhar said that the girl students and their families demonstrated outside the police station on Monday in protest against the MLA's statement during a programme in the school. He said that the girl students and their families demanded that the MLA should tender an apology for his statement. They have also filed a complaint in this regard, he added. (With PTI inputs) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting with the 12th Secretary General of NATO, founder of Rasmussen Global, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who is paying a visit to Ukraine. According to the press service of the head of the Ukrainian state, Zelenskyy thanked Rasmussen for his attention to the issues of security and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. The President also noted the importance of the Joint Declaration on Support for Ukraine, approved by the G7 member countries at the NATO summit in Vilnius and stressed the need for bilateral agreements on security obligations in accordance with this declaration. "I am grateful to the group you and Andriy Yermak established for their help in drafting the Kyiv Security Compact, which formed the basis of the Vilnius Declaration and provides for such significant security commitments. We already have the first results: a very important security document has been signed with the UK. The work with other states is ongoing. I hope to see the result in the nearest future," the President noted. In turn, Rasmussen noted the efforts of the head of the Ukrainian state, thanks to which the situation in Ukraine remains at the top of the world agenda. Head of the Presidents Office Yermak and Rasmussen informed the President about plans to create an international working group on security and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. "Zelenskyy expressed hope that this working group will contribute to the integration of our country into the Euro-Atlantic security space. According to him, Ukraine, as a future NATO member, will be able to significantly strengthen the Alliance's potential, since the Ukrainian army has invaluable experience in waging a full-scale war against Russia," the message reads. Four jawans were killed and 15 others sustained injuries amid an exchange of fire with Naxals in Chhattisgarh. Officials said the incident took place near Tekalgudem village along the Sukma-Bijapur border while a joint team of security personnel was out on a search operation. Three of the personnel killed in the line of action have been identified as constables Devan C (201 CoBRA), Pawan Kumar (201 CoBRA) and Lambadhar Singha from the 150 CRPF battalion. Two CoBRA officers deputy commandant Lakhveer and assistant commandant Rajesh Panchal were among the injured. A team from the 201 battalion of the CoBRA and 150 battalion of the CRPF was working in the area to establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) when the exchange of fire began around 1 pm. Maoists reportedly fired dozens of crudely-made rocket-shaped barrels called BGL and unleashed heavy gunfire during the attack. The area is dominated by the 1st battalion of the Maoists' People's Liberation Guerrilla Army known for executing several audacious attacks against security forces. The Bastar Range Inspector General of Police said the clash took place in the same place where 23 jawans had lost their lives in 2021. Earlier in the day, security forces had averted a major tragedy after recovering two improvised explosive devices while acting on a tip-off. The police said the bombs one weighing 5 kg and another 3 kg had been planted on dirt tracks in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district. The explosives were planted on dirt tracks to target security personnel who pass through the area during patrolling. The bombs were later defused by the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS). A major tragedy has been averted," a police officer told PTI. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! While admitting that China is among the world's major economies, India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said that it is India's neighbour and is going to deploy resources and shape South Asia's geopolitical situation in China's way". However, Delhi shouldn't be scared of Beijing's tactics and focus on giving its best and strengthening diplomatic ties with other South Asian countries, the minister said. "Why should we expect otherwise? But the answer to that is not to complain about what China is doing. The answer is, okay, you are doing it. Let me do better than that," said S Jaishankar while responding to a question during an interaction with students at the Indian Institute of Management Mumbai. His comments have come at a time when China is continuously trying to strengthen its ties with nations like Bangladesh, the Maldives and Pakistan. At the same time, S Jaishankar also emphasised the need to help neighbouring countries during difficult situations. "India's greater capability, our interest and our reputation today warrant that we help out in difficult situations," he said about the Indian Navy's deployment of warships in the Red Sea region to deal with attacks on merchant navy vessels. "We will not be considered a responsible country if bad things are happening around our neighbourhood and we say I have got nothing to do with this. When you are in trouble, the neighbourhood will say the same," he added. He also referred to India's quick response to lend a helping hand to Turkey after the nation suffered from one of the century's worst earthquakes. Jaishankar mentioned helping countries during the Covid-19 pandemic while providing vaccines. "It wasn't just a vaccine. We sent out doctors, including military doctors, to many countries in the Indian Ocean (during the COVID-19 pandemic), so that is where I make the connection with Ramayana," he said. Last week, the Indian Navy contained a fire onboard MV Marlin Luanda, a commercial container oil tanker with 22 Indian crew in the Gulf of Aden. The Navy swiftly responded to a distress call from the vessel after it was struck by a missile on the key shipping route that witnessed similar attacks earlier. On Monday, Indian warship INS Sumitra rescued 19 Pakistani crew of a fishing vessel after their Iranian-flagged fishing vessel was attacked by pirates off the east coast of Somalia. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! People who are suffering from severe pain but dont want to risk addiction to an opioid are closer to a new option for treatment. Vertex Pharmaceuticals on Tuesday reported positive study results for its closely watched non-opioid painkiller. The drug lowered the moderate-to-severe acute pain reported by study volunteers, a sign it could be the first in a new class of painkiller to be approved for use. But the experimental medicine is more likely to provide an alternative to opioids, rather than supplant them, because it didnt work better than a widely used opioid drug sold under the brand name Vicodin. Vertex said it would file for approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by the middle of this year. If and when this medicine is approved, it will offer a new option for patients who need pain relief but who do not want to take an opioid," Vertex Chief Scientific Officer David Altshuler said in an interview. Vertex released the results in a press release, not a peer-reviewed medical journal. The company said the researchers who conducted the studies would publish their results in a journal later this year. About 80 million Americans are prescribed a medicine for moderate-to-severe acute pain each year, according to Vertex. They can choose from a variety of treatments. Many of them take opioids because they work so well. Yet opioids are highly addictive, and their widespread use has fueled an epidemic of addiction and overdose deaths in the U.S. To avoid addiction, many doctors, patients and health authorities have sought an alternative that provides as much relief from pain without creating the dependence on use. Vertexs drug, code-named VX-548, belongs to a new class of medicines that targets molecular mechanisms involved in feeling pain. Researchers have pursued this so-called NaV class for years but experienced repeat setbacks. NaV refers to the channels through which sodium flows in and out of cells. VX-548 blocks the flow of sodium through a channel called NaV1.8, which plays a role transmitting pain signals to the brain. The drug, in other words, works by blocking or diminishing pain at the source before it heads to the brain and creates the feeling of pain. Boston-based Vertex studied VX-548 in three late-stage, or Phase 3, trials that enrolled more than 2,400 subjects with conditions causing moderate-to-severe acute pain. Two of the trials compared the efficacy of VX-548 against a placebo and Vicodin among subjects who either underwent a tummy tuck," or abdominoplasty, surgery or a bunion surgery. The third study measured its efficacy among a range of surgical and nonsurgical acute pain issues. Study subjects didnt show any serious adverse effects in the three studies, the company said. Vertex is best known for its blockbuster cystic fibrosis treatments. The company received the first U.S. approval last month for a therapy that uses Crispr gene-editing technology; the drug, called Casgevy, treats people with sickle-cell disease. VX-548 could open a new, potentially multibillion franchise in pain for the biotech company, Evercore ISI analyst Liisa Bayko said. Its a totally new class of drugs that have never made it this far," she said in an interview before the company released the trial results. If approved, however, the drug will face heavy competition, including from low-price generics, according to analysts. To gain traction, Vertex will have to build experience and relationships in the market. Stuart Arbuckle, Vertexs chief operating officer, said the company aims to sell this new class of medications across different pain types. Last month, the company released positive results for the drug reducing pain caused by diabetes-related nerve damage. Write to Jennifer Calfas at jennifer.calfas@wsj.com Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! NEW DELHI : The Delhi-National Capital Regions second airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh is expected to benefit from significantly lower value-added tax on aviation fuel, according to industry executives and experts. The existing airport catering to Delhi-NCR, in Gurugram, Haryana, charges a value added tax of 25% on aviation turbine fuel, while the tax at the new airport will be about 1%. Airlines spend 35-40% of their total expenditure on fuel. One of the things we do have to offer is lower VAT on ATF. That is important to carriers. Fuel is by far the largest in an airlines profit and loss statement," Christoph Schnellmann, chief executive officer, Noida International Airport Ltd, told Mint. If it is something that we can do, or the government can do to lower some of those costs, it will ultimately bring down the cost of travel for passengers. Air travel is price sensitive everywhere," Schnellmann said. Noida International Airport Ltd operates the Jewar airport. The VAT on aviation turbine fuel ranges between 1% and 30% for various airports. The civil aviation ministry has been actively asking state governments to reduce VAT on aviation fuel, and so far 19 states and union territories have reduced the tax in their respective territories. The Uttar Pradesh government reduced the VAT on ATF in the state to 1% from 21% in 2022. The first phase of the Noida International Airport is expected to be operational by the end of 2024, with one runway, and one terminal having the capacity to handle traffic of 12 million passengers annually. The airport is about 72 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, 52 km from Noida, and 130 km from Agra. The airport is already seeing strong interest from domestic as well as international airlines. Indias largest airline, IndiGo, will be the launch carrier for the airport. Recently, Akasa Air announced it will base its aircraft at Jewar for domestic and international flights. Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, is also looking at Jewar airport. We will be looking at where the demand is. Certainly, Jewar is a big catchment area. It will serve a specific market and certainly we would like to be there," said Aloke Singh, managing director, Air India Express. Certainly, demand comes first. I am saying that (lower VAT) is the icing on the cake," Singh added. Airlines feel a lower VAT would also mean lower fares for passengers. Any such benefits in terms of cost will be transferred to passengers, which means lower fares for passengers flying out of Jewar airport," said the chief executive officer of a low-cost airline, declining to be identified. Analysts also predict a huge benefit for Jewar airport over Delhi. In the case of Delhi airport, 25% is quite high VAT on ATF. I feel the day Noida airport at Jewar is commissioned, Delhi government may be forced to reduce (the tax); otherwise this will be one of the reasons for moving lot of traffic to Jewar," Vijai Agrawal, former chairman of the Airports Authority of India, said during a webinar conducted by aviation consultancy firm CAPA India. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The Indian Consulate in Atlanta is deeply upset about the violent attack that led to the death of Indian student Vivek Saini in the US. It strongly condemned the heinous" act. We are deeply anguished by the terrifying, brutal, & heinous incident that led to the death of National/student Mr Vivek Saini & condemns attack in the strongest terms. It is understood that the US authorities have arrested the accused & are investigating the case," it posted on X (formerly Twitter). The Consulate got in touch with the family of Mr Saini immediately after the incident, provided all consular assistance in sending the mortal remains back to India, and remains in touch with the family," it added. Vivek Saini hammered to death The 25-year-old Indian student recently earned an MBA degree in the US. He was killed in Lithonia, Georgia by a homeless person whom he had been helping for a couple of days. The drug addict, namely Julian Faulkner, attacked him and eventually killed him. The attack was recorded, showing the attacker hitting Vivek Saini around 50 times with a hammer. Saini worked part-time at a store and had been kind to the attacker, giving him food, drink and a jacket, as reported by M9 News Channel. On January 16, Saini got hit on his way home after warning Faulkner to leave or he'd call the cops. When police got there, they saw Faulkner standing by the lifeless body of Saini. Saini, a student from India, came to the US two years back. His family in Haryana is devastated" about losing him, PTI reported. He was a top student looking for a good job. His parents, Gurjeet Singh and Lalita Saini, are too upset to talk about what happened. A video of the event is spreading on social media, but when it happened isn't known. Someone close to the situation told ANI that the police had quickly arrested people after seeing the video. The body of the victim was returned to his family in India on January 24. (With agency inputs) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Elon Musk 's Nerualink has announced that it implanted its first chip in a human on Sunday and that the patient is recovering well, with initial tests showing 'promising neuron spike detection'. Musk's brain chip startup had received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct its first human trial last year, and the startup announced later that year that it was seeking volunteers to have its chips implanted. Also Read | Tesla Vs BYD: Chinese automakers will demolish, says Elon Musk warning of fierce competition Informing about the human trial via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk wrote, The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well. Initial results show promising neuron spike detection." Musk also noted that the first Neuralink product is called Telepathy and it would provide humans with control over using their phone or computer just by thinking. Enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking. Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal." Musk followed up in another post. Also Read | Louis Vuitton's founder Bernard Arnault surpasses Elon Musk as richest person in the world Notably, the billionaire has announced via his earlier posts on the platform that Neuralink's first product will enable people with paralysis to use their smartphones with their minds faster and without using thumbs. Neuralink has already conducted extensive tests on animals and Musk has in the past shared videos of monkeys playing a game of pong while navigating the screen with just its brain. However, Musk's experiments with monkeys have got the company in trouble with some animal rights groups like the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Bloomberg reported. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! United States has remarked that it does not want war with Iran, and does not believe Tehran is seeking war either. The statement from Pentagon comes only a day after an Iran-backed group allegedly killed three soldiers of the United States in Jordan. "We don't seek war, but we will take action, and respond to attacks on our forces," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said. Pentagon has informed that aside from the three soldiers killed, more than 40 troops were wounded in the attack, most with cuts, bruises, brain injuries and similar wounds. Eight were medically evacuated, including three who were going to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The other five, who suffered minor traumatic brain injuries," were expected to return to duty. According to officials, US forces may have mistaken the enemy drone for an American one and let it pass unchallenged into a desert base in Jordan where it killed three US troops. As the enemy drone was flying in at a low altitude, a US drone was returning to the small installation known as Tower 22, according to a preliminary report cited by two officials. The Pentagon spokesperson assured action" in response to the attacks on US forces. Sabrina Singh blamed Iran for enabling groups attacking the United States and said the latest attack carried the footprints" of Iran-backed Katiab Hezbollah. The latest flare up comes amid a war like situation US faces in the trade route infested Red Sea, where the Houthis from Yemen have been launching missile attacks on merchant vehicles, including oil tankers, potentially disrupting supply chain. US had also reportedly launched airstrikes in Yemen land in retaliation to the Red Sea attacks. The Houthis have cited solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza for their attacks in Red Sea. The densely populated Gaza strip have witnessed at least 25,000 accounted for deaths as Israel launched an offensive over three months ago. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden faced a difficult balancing act, blaming Iran and looking to strike back in a forceful way without causing any further escalation of the Gaza conflict. The US President has been under piling political pressure to deal a blow directly against Iran, a move he's been reluctant to do out of fear of igniting a broader war. US President Joe Biden promised on Sunday to hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner (of) our choosing" but said the US wasnt seeking to get into another conflict in the Middle East. While US has been falling shy of declaring war against Tehran, for the fear of a full-fledged Middle East conflict, the drone attack killing three US soldiers in a remote Tower 22, has given US President Joe Biden, just the political space to mete out US retaliation, inflicting costs on Iran-backed forces without risking a direct war with Tehran. The Pentagon identified those killed in the attack as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia. American forces in the Middle East have been attacked more than 150 times by Iran-backed forces in Iraq, Syria, Jordan and off the coast of Yemen since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October, according to Reuters report. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! King Charles has been discharged after a three-night stay at the London Clinic for prostate treatment. He, alongside Queen Camilla, greeted the press briefly before they left. His time away from Royal duties will extend as he seeks privacy for recovery though the span remains undisclosed. The palace assured that his health hiccup prompts no immediate alterations in constitutional duties. Rick Popert, a urology expert, highlighted a typical recovery timeline of four to six weeks after such procedures. However, he urged caution against strenuous activities initially. "It is important to take things gently in the first couple of weeks, but I would expect patients to be fully mobile but avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise," the BBC quoted Popert as saying. Kate Middleton also left the same facility after a 13-day stay for abdominal surgery. Details on her health remain scant, yet the palace confirms her recuperation will stretch over several months at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor. The Princess of Wales public appearances have been on pause since the last Christmas. Her departure from the clinic remained discreet. Prince William, alongside their children, awaits her at their Windsor home. Why King Charles is open about his condition The medical scenarios for both the King, 75, and Princess Kate, 42, stirred public interest, notably with the King's prostate issue. This condition, benign and quite prevalent among older men over 50, led to a surge in public health inquiries, as noted on the NHS website. The King's openness about his condition aimed to foster awareness and prompt others to seek medical guidance for similar health concerns, the BBC added. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Maldives government is witnessing chaos as the Opposition threatens to impeach pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu. Meanwhile, the Maldives' coalition government including Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) has said they would not allow efforts to remove President Mohamed Muizzu to proceed through Parliament. The Opposition party in Maldives, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which also holds a majority in Parliament, is planning to submit a motion to impeach Mohamed Muizzu, according to media reports on Monday. "We will not allow them any opportunities to go ahead with this. They will have to kill us all first before they can even think of removing the President from office," PPM Parliamentary Group (PG) leader Eydhafushi constituency MP Ahmed Saleem (Redwave Saleem) was quoted as saying by The Edition.mv. The development in Maldives parliament comes a day after clashes broke out in Parliament on Sunday between pro-government MPs and opposition lawmakers over differences over the approval of four members of the pro-China President's cabinet. Further, on Monday, the Maldives' Parliament approved only one of the four members of pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet against whom the main opposition MDP has issued a three-line red whip. After the MDP and The Democrats parliamentary group decided to withhold parliamentary approval for four members of Muizzus cabinet ahead of the voting, the pro-government MPs from the PPM/PNC coalition initiated a protest, obstructing the parliamentary sitting. The decision to submit an impeachment motion was taken unanimously in the Maldives parliamentary group meeting of the MDP held on Monday, The Edition.mv reported. Notably, a minimum of 53 votes are required within parliament to remove a sitting president. The Maldives Parliament, which has 87 members, had recently amended its standing orders to make it easier to submit an impeachment motion. The MDP and Democrats, together, have 56 MPs between them; 43 MPs from MDP, and 13 from Democrats. The gathering of signatures for an impeachment motion against the Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu comes a day after the PPM-PNC coalition, with the endorsement of 23 lawmakers, submitted no-confidence motions against Speaker Mohamed Aslam and deputy speaker Ahmed Saleem both from MDP. The Maldives Parliamentary elections are due in mid-March. Soon after taking oath as the President of Maldives on 17 November last year, Mohamed Muizzu, who is regarded as a pro-China leader, formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel from his country, saying the Maldivian people have given him a "strong mandate" to make this request to New Delhi. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Just days ahead of parliamentary elections in Pakistan, a special court on Tuesday convicted jailed former prime minister Imran Khan of revealing official secrets and sentenced him to 10 years in jail. Khan was convicted in what is popularly known as the cipher case. He is accused of exposing state secrets by waving a confidential document, the cipher, at a public rally on March 27, 2022. The document is believed to be a diplomatic correspondence between the Pakistani ambassador to Washington and the foreign ministry in Islamabad. The Federal Investigation Agency filed the case against Khan, 71, and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, 67, on August 15 last year, which accused both of violating the secrecy laws while handling the cable sent by the Pakistan embassy in Washington in March 2022. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party leader had claimed that the document was proof that he was being threatened and that his governments ouster was a US conspiracy, allegedly executed by the Pakistani government and the military. Khan has maintained his innocence, saying that he didnt disclose the exact contents of the document. The US and Pakistan governments have denied the allegations. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, a senior party leader, was also convicted and received a 10-year sentence for manipulating the contents of the diplomatic cable to gain political advantage. The verdict was pronounced ahead of the February 8 general elections. Khan, currently lodged in a Rawalpindi jail, is serving a three-year prison term and more than 150 other cases are still pending against him. Other charges against the former prime minister range from contempt of court to terrorism and inciting violence. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party dismissed the trial as a sham, and its legal team plans to appeal against the conviction before the Islamabad High Court on Wednesday. Legal team will challenge the decision in a higher court and hopefully will get this sentence suspended, given the poor proceedings of a case when Islamabad High Court had clearly annuled proceedings twice, ordered access to media and public but on the contrary, access of legal team was denied, and decision reached in a haste (sic)," the party said in a WhatsApp message, as per a PTI report. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Main Intelligence Agency (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, predicts that the offensive of the Russian occupiers, which has been going on for 2.5 months, will be completely exhausted approximately in early spring. I can tell you, the offensive operation of the Russian Federation is underway now. It began in November 2023. As of now, it has been going on for 2.5 months. You can see the results yourselves. To say that they are great is definitely not true. Unfortunately for us, they have some progress in the fields, near Avdiyivka, the one that happened. But this is not what they expected, Budanov said in an interview broadcast on the United News (Yedyni Novyny) telethon on Tuesday. The head of military intelligence indicated that the occupiers wanted to reach the barrier line along the Chorny Zherebets River in Kharkiv region and the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions as soon as possible. According to him, there is nothing even close to this. But their offensive will continue. Approximately in early spring, it will be completely exhausted, he said. Budanov did not predict what the year 2024 will be like for Ukraine in a military dimension, pointing out that this is a question for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As well as according to the rules of any game, as they say: You make a move, the opponent makes a move. It's the opponent's turn now. It will end, and, I think, ours will begin, Budanov said. Pakistan s central bank has announced that it will introduce new currency notes with enhanced security features to deal with the menace of counterfeit currencies in the cash-strapped country. The Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Jameel Ahmed told the media here that the currency notes will be incorporated with advanced international security features, including distinct security numbers and design to modernise the Pakistani currency. Ahmed also said the transition would be gradual so that Pakistan does not face disruption and public panic problems as has been witnessed in some other countries in the past. Also Read: Pakistan seeks $2 billion financial assistance from China for a year: Report However, some financial experts wonder whether the introduction of new currency notes could also include demonetisation of the 5,000 or higher denomination notes to combat the counterfeit and black money market. According to experts, cash-strapped Pakistans economy is influenced a lot by the illegal use of black money which is easier due to the circulation of higher denomination notes. It is the right step to ensure the integrity of Pakistans monetary system but will this include demonetisation has to be seen," said Sohail Farooq of the Capital Investment. Also Read: Pakistan Elections: Nawaz Sharif vows message of peace to India in PML-N manifesto. What else his polls plan include? He confirmed there had been a rise in the use of counterfeit currency notes in the market, concerning the central bank. If new currency notes are circulated, it will ensure reliability in circulation and also give businesses confidence," he said. Another banker said the central bank must just ensure there is no inconvenience to the public and businesses during the implementation of the new currency. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! (Bloomberg) -- Volodymyr Zelenskiy hasnt dismissed Ukraines army chief, a presidential spokesman said ending an evening of speculation that the popular general had been fired. Definitely not," Serhiy Nykyforov said Monday by phone amid talk of Valery Zaluzhnyis removal. The president didnt dismiss the commander-in-chief." Local media and social networks had been awash with unverified reports about Zaluzhnyis departure a step that would risk a public backlash as a December poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology put his approval rating at 92%. Support in that survey for his exit was just 2%. Talk about a rift between Zelenskiy and Zaluzhnyi has built over the past year as a counteroffensive by Ukraines military found little success in beating back invading forces from neighboring Russia. The army chief in a November interview described the war as a stalemate an assessment that the presidents office challenged. Zelenskiy has also warned top military officials against entering politics. Zaluzhnyi has criticized what he considers an excessively slow pace for drafting new soldiers. Zelenskiy has delayed signing a bill lowering the age of conscription, pushing back against an army request to sign up as many 500,000 soldiers, asking the military instead to present a comprehensive package that includes a blueprint for troop rotations and leave. The tensions add to worries over more than $100 billion in US and European Union funding, which is being held up by political infighting. The EU has so far fallen short of a pledge to send a million artillery shells, leaving Ukraine exposed as Russia boosts war production and forges arm deals with Iran and North Korea. (Updates with context starting in fifth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is facing impeachment proceedings following clashes in Parliament over the weekend. The main opposition MDP which holds a majority has reportedly gathered requisite signatures and plans to submit the motion on Monday. The developments also come amid an escalating diplomatic row with India. Mohamed Muizzu was elected President of the Maldives in late 2023 after securing 54% of the vote share. However the ruling coalition holds only 19 seats in the People's Majlis a fact that makes Muizzu's ouster a very real possibility. An impeachment motion requires a two-thirds majority from the 80-seat House in order to be passed. The Maldivian Democratic Party led by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih currently holds a majority with 43 members in Parliament. The Democrats party led by another former President Mohamed Nasheed holds 13 seats. The Muizzu-led alliance in contrast has merely 19 members. The MDP, in partnership with the Democrats, have gathered enough signatures for an impeachment motion. However, they have yet to submit it," Sun.com quoted an MDP lawmaker to explain. Local news portal Adhadhu indicated that 34 lawmakers have given their support to the impeachment motion. The situation had been somewhat different until November when seven lawmakers resigned from Parliament to assume top positions in the Muizzu-led government. With the Elections Commission deciding against by-polls (since parliamentary polls are scheduled for 2024), the MDP had amended the Parliament's standing orders. Under the new rules, vacated seats are not counted during the determination of the total number of members. According to local media reports, the Attorney General's Office filed a case with the Maldives Supreme Court on Sunday over the recent amendment. However the court is yet to register the case. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Considering Apple's compliance with the EU regulation, should competition authorities in India also mandate the company to accept the installation of alternate app stores and non-Apple payment gateways? Probably not. A more sensible approach would be to accept Apples App Store and Googles Play Store as natural monopolies in their spheres and regulate the tariff, without compromising the security and integrity of these platforms. The European Unions Digital Marketing Act, designed to identify gatekeepers to the digital economy and specify dos and donts for these gatekeepers, came into force on 1 November 2022. Its provisions, however, became applicable on 2 May 2023. Designation of gatekeepers took place on 6 September 2023, and application of the obligations arising from being identified as gatekeepers will kick in from March 2024. The time the European Union gives regulators and the regulated to acquire clarity on what precisely compliance means is noteworthy, especially in India, where some magical thinking is not uncommon on the time it takes for new regulation to take hold. Apple and Google levy a 30% commission on paid apps, subscription apps (the rate falls to 15% after the first year), and the purchase of digital content on these apps, the so-called in-app purchases. There are concessional charges for small businesses, whose definition varies from app to app (and region to region, in some cases). Samsungs app store charges 30%, while several Chinese app stores charge anything between 50% and 60%. The initial justification for such hefty commissions had been that it cost Apple and Google, the app store developers, a lot of money to develop these platforms, and they have to keep spending money to ensure their security by screening and testing the ever-larger streams of new apps admitted to the stores. However, the app stores generate tens of billions of dollars of revenue for Apple and Google, and must be seen as revenue and profit centres, in their own right. There is a case for Apple and Google to charge a fee for letting app developers access the millions of consumers who use their respective app stores, providing a ready market for the app developers. A retail chain takes its cut for products displayed on and sold from its shelves around the land. A similar commission is not unreasonable for Google and Apple. However, for the iOS and the Android operating systems, owned respectively by Apple and Google, their app stores are virtual monopolies for their consumers. The clout this monopoly status vests on them to fleece the app store developers must not be abused. How can this be ensured? One method is to insist on enabling competition. Forcing Google and Apple to sideload apps, that is, let Android and iOS phones install apps from third-party app stores. Another is to cap the commission they can charge. Installing apps from app stores that are not integral to the original operating system is fraught. The risk of malware being embedded in apps from third-party app stores, which get past the gatekeeping done by these third-party app store developers, is significant. Apple has, in Europe, announced a special fee per user per year per app download or update, to cover what it calls the cost of screening the third-party apps. This would impose a significant cost on the app developer, who prefers to be hosted on a third-party app store. Now, the EU regulators could crack down on such a fee. But Apple does have a strong case for recovering the cost of screening third-party apps that could potentially compromise other software on its phones, tablets, or computers. How much that ought to be is a matter for negotiation, if not a protracted court battle. Would it not be simpler to regulate the charges levied by Google and Apple, treating them on par with local monopolies? An airport or a train station is a natural monopoly within a geographical area. Power or telephone cables that are laid to a home do not constitute a monopoly, but duplicating them for another provider entails a waste of resources. Capping the tariff or mandating open access is the sensible solution, in such cases. An important consideration in preferring a regulatory cap on the commission Apple or Google can charge to mandating sideloading of apps is the potential Cambrian explosion of new varieties of malware that attends on the arrival of artificial intelligence as a mainstream source of software creativity. Giant companies such as Google and Apple can devote the resources required to build strong defences against this likely threat. It would be better for the consumer to place the onus for keeping their app stores sanitised against malware in the apps they offer for download on the digital device operating system owners, who also own major app stores, rather than give them a reason to blame third party app stores for such contamination as might take the place of the system integrity of digital devices. The 15% commission that Apple charges small businesses for accessing its App Store is a reasonable cap for any app store to charge anyone. Concessions made to small businesses should be compared to this cap. A reasonable upfront payment for software integrity is likely superior to the risk and chaos that cheaper alternatives potentially represent. On 1 February 2024, Indias finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the central governments interim budget for fiscal year 2024-25, which begins on 1 April. This vote-on- account, preceding the comprehensive budget expected after the Lok Sabha elections slated in the first quarter of next fiscal year, is set against the backdrop of Indias resilient economy and global instability. Traditionally, votes-on-account are valid only for a period of 3-4 months and they focus on early fiscal-year expenditures and revenues. They often also prepare the groundwork for policy reforms in the main budget for the year to be presented after a new government is sworn in. But it need not be so, this time around. I can think of several risks and opportunities that should be kept in view for the forthcoming budget, and also policy preferences that could be set out by it on the direction of the countrys economy. On the risks side, turbulence in global geopolitics is the biggest one. Ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East are not likely to end anytime soon. In fact, after hostilities began last October, the Israel-Gaza conflict has been escalating, disrupting global shipping as safe passage through the Red Sea has become a challenge calling for military protection. On the opportunities front, there are several. There is momentum in the Indian economy, with official full-year output growth in 2023-24 projected to be above 7%. Results of the quarter ended September 2023 showed double-digit industrial growth after several quarters. The construction sector, one of the largest employment creators in the country, is witnessing renewed investment as well, benefitting significantly from government infrastructure spending and a residential real estate uptick. Large industrial sectors, particularly energy, utilities and metals, have seen net profit growth amid falling commodity prices. And a rebound in foreign investment flows took shape from October onwards. So, what could the government do in this budget? My expectation is that the administration will focus on sustaining the domestic economic momentum. In clean energy, globally, a race among countries to emerge as green super-powers has been hotting up through industrial policies focused on that endeavour. Every single day counts towards staying in the race and I would expect the budget to enable Indian companies to stay competitive. More specifically, I hope to see four things in the budget: Sustained capital expenditure: The governments capex has contributed significantly to Indias gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the last few years. This will continue to be needed in 2024-25. The government should sustain its focus on developing transport infrastructure, logistics, energy and other big-spend items that aid Indian competitiveness. Fiscal prudence: This would require a focus on growth within the bounds of fiscal responsibility, with aggressive welfare spending avoided. Indias incumbent government has done well on this score in electoral years of the past and it could do the same this year. Sectoral support: Sustained growth in manufacturing and services as broad sectors is crucial for employment generation and economic stability in India. Relatively recent initiatives like the Centres production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which has had a positive impact on domestic manufacturing, and support for sectors impacted by the pandemic are essential. The interim budget should build upon these foundations to ensure continuous support for these sectors to grow faster and employ more people as they expand. Accelerated PLI payouts would hold an important key to success, since it would help this schemes corporate beneficiaries with liquidity management. Policy changes and resources for faster progress on meeting Indias climate commitments: India needs to add 50GW of clean-energy capacity every year for the next seven years to meet its current climate pledges. The government must prioritize making resources available through its existing initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission. In addition, the Centre must also consider revising taxes and duties on items like battery energy storage systems, which will prove critical for cost-effectively integrating renewable energy (RE) in our power grid. Tax exemptions on domestically procured equipment and services for RE plants aimed at green hydrogen production are also a vital requirement. Funding for the recently launched Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana should be included in the interim budget as well. Finally, the interim budget alone will not be enough. In the face of a global economic slowdown and shifting patterns of global trade on account of geopolitics, Indias export sector faces both new challenges and opportunities. The government must be commended for arriving at the near conclusion of a trade deal with the European Free Trade Area after 16 years of negotiations. We will need more trade deals relatively quickly to capitalize on emerging opportunities. A plan to provide more artillery shells to Ukraine by having Japan send munitions to Britain has stalled, underscoring the challenge the West faces in increasing Kyivs stocks of the much-needed ammunition. Under the proposed initiative, a Japanese company would have produced 155 millimeter shells under license from Britains BAE Systems and then sent the ammunition to the U.K., freeing up London to send more munitions to Ukraine. That plan has now ground to a halt, according to people familiar with the matter. Western efforts to send more artillery shells to Ukraine have so far yielded mixed results. The U.S. has doubled its pre-war production of 155mm munitions while Europe has been slower to boost supplies. Among the problems is the occasional incompatibility of what are supposed to be standardized shells. Securing more artillery shells is a major concern for Ukraine as supplies are stretched after almost two years of war against Russia. Artillery has been heavily used during the conflict, and Kyiv has at times rationed the use of shells. Russia, meanwhile, says it has increased its shell production while receiving further stocks from North Korea. Getting more artillery shells is one of the biggest priorities for Ukraine, Doug Bush, the U.S. Armys assistant secretary for acquisitions, logistics and technology, said in an interview. The Japan-U.K. artillery shell plan stems from Tokyos decision to loosen longstanding controls on arms exports. In December last year, the Japanese government said it would allow weapons made in Japan under license from foreign countries to be sent to the license-issuing nation. Under the revised guidelines, Japan has said it would provide Patriot missiles to the U.S. as early as this quarter, a move that could allow the U.S. to send more of the air-defense missiles to Ukraine. The U.S. originally raised last summer the idea of Japan supplying 155mm artillery shells that could backfill American supplies, freeing up stocks to go to Ukraine. Under a similar arrangement, South Korea has contributed hundreds of thousands of 155mm shells to support Ukraine. Tokyo and Washington are close military allies that have a framework to share ammunition, but Japanese officials said that agreement is only for the exchange and return of supplies between the U.S. and Japan when the two militaries are operating together. Japan maintains a ban on weapons exports to countries involved in a conflict, meaning it cant send shells directly to Ukraine. The idea to supply the U.S. with shells stalled, but after Japan changed its arms export guidelines, the U.K. picked up the baton. Japanese company Komatsu makes artillery shells under license from BAE Systems for Japans army. British officials looked into whether the U.K. military could use 155mm shells made by Komatsu but decided to drop the idea before proposing it formally to the Japanese side, people familiar with the process said. The U.K. and our partners continue to ensure that we equip Ukraine as best we can to defend its sovereign territory," said a spokesman for Britains Ministry of Defense. A Japanese government spokesman declined to comment. The number of shells that Komatsu could have supplied the U.K. was always limited, people familiar with the matter said. Among the many complexities that Western allies face in sending Ukraine more weaponry is a sometime lack of compatibility between shells and guns from different manufacturers. The 155mm shell was pushed as an artillery standard across North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries and the groups allies, allowing countries to work with each others guns and ammunition. In practice, they arent always compatible. Safety issues can sometimes arise, said Mark Cancian, a former artillery officer in the U.S. Marine Corps now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank. The powder and projectile combinations are not always interchangeable," he said. While most shells can be fired from other nations guns, different safety protocols mean they can need to be tested before they can be declared compliant. NATOs top military official has said that deviations in the way members artillery systems work makes it harder to have the interoperability needed across armed forces. In the current system every 155mm artillery system is built slightly different," Adm. Rob Bauer said in an October speech. Allied manufacturers produce 14 different types of 155mm systems, and four more are under development, Bauer said. Ukraine has huge demand for the shells, firing thousands of artillery rounds a day. NATO this month tried to kick-start further production by announcing contracts for the purchase of around 220,000 155mm shells worth $1.2 billion. By November last year, European Union member states had delivered 300,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine, with a further 180,000 ordered but not delivered. European manufacturers complain they arent getting longer-term orders from governments that would give them the confidence to expand capacity. In late 2023, the Pentagon said it had provided more than two million 155mm artillery rounds. The U.S. government owns much of its shell manufacturing process, even if companies often run the plants. The U.S. now produces some 30,000 155mm shells a month, and is on course to make up to 80,000 a month as soon as late 2024, Bush said. Still, the U.S. is facing its own problems, with Congress yet to approve funding to send Ukraine further supplies of American weaponry. If anything keeps me awake at night it is that," said Bush, referring to the budget delay. We need the money." Chieko Tsuneoka and Max Colchester contributed to this article. Write to Alistair MacDonald at Alistair.Macdonald@wsj.com and Alastair Gale at alastair.gale@wsj.com Bihar Chief Minister retained his post as the governmental head in the state, while breaking off from the Mahagathbandhan with Congress, and Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD). Bihar CM and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar flip-flopped his way back to the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)- led national Democratic Alliance (NDA) only a year and half after he had quit and vowed never to look back on the NDA. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar returned to the NDA, only days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, to Nitish Kumar's mentor and former Dalit CM of Bihar- Karpoori Thakur--posthumously. With Nitish Kumar and his JD(U) back in the NDA fold, here's how it looks number-wise ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls. Lok Sabha For 2024, the BJP sees better vote conversion with the JD(U) in its NDA, and its winnability increases with Nitish Kumar joining hands. Bihar sends 40 MPs to the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha has 543 seats of which 339 belong to the NDA. Within the 339 seats of NDA, the BJP has the highest share of 290 seats, followed by JD(U)'s 16 seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election in Bihar, the BJP won 17 seats, the JD(U) won 16, and the RJD won none (despite a sizeable vote share of over 15%). In 2022, after the alliance between the BJP and JD(U) had ended in that particular iteration, the BJPs list of 144 vulnerable Lok Sabha seats saw Bihars share go up from four to 10. Seats like Nawada, Vaishali, Valmiki Nagar, Kishanganj, Katihar, Supaul, Munger, Jhanjharpur, Gaya, and Purnea are in the BJPs list of vulnerable seats in Bihar. Bihar Legislative Assembly Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is unique because he has 43 MLAs in a 243-member House and still is the chief minister. The JD(U) is the third-largest party in Bihar with 43 MLAs after the RJD, which has 79 MLAs, and the BJP, which has 78 MLAs. Earlier after the Legislative Assembly Polls, Nitish Kumar had joined hands with Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), which won 75 seats in Bihar Legislative Assembly, compared to Nitish Kumar-led JD(U)'s 43 seats. Nitish Kumar joined hands with the state's opposition bloc in 2022 after fighting the 2020 assembly election in alliance with the BJP. The RJD remains the single-largest party in the Bihar assembly. According to a Hindu report quoting a BJP official, The Mahagathbandhan vote bank based on the 2020 Assembly polls, that is, RJD, Congress, JD(U), and the CPI(ML) totals up to 52.6%." And even Nitish Kumar alone, in a Lok Sabha poll with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the face (of the opposing BJP) is still good for at least 15% of the vote," said a senior BJP leader involved in the affairs of the State. The 52% figure is almost double that of the BJP and its other allies such as the Lok Janshakti Party and Hindustan Awaam Morcha. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! JERUSALEMEitan Cahn has a vision for the future of Gaza City. He wants to turn it into a high-tech, green city that will draw Jewish residents and foreign tourists alike. It would be renamed New Gaza," and Palestinians wouldnt be welcome. The only way to have peace is if the Arabs are not there," said the 49-year-old rabbi during an event described as Settlements Bring Security," held in Jerusalem on Sunday evening. It will be an Israeli city." Israel still has no concrete plan for what will happen in Gaza after the end of the war, but its influential far right has a clear goal in mind: the Jewish resettlement of Gaza. That objective was laid out explicitly on Sunday, when thousands of people, most of them religious Israeli settlers living in the occupied West Bank, joined government ministers at a raucous event in a packed Jerusalem auditorium. Organizers presented maps featuring plans for new Israeli settlements in Gaza. Crowds broke into dances to the tune of patriotic songs, as footage rolled of Israeli soldiers in Gaza brandishing signs saying they were back in the strip for good. Participants said Palestinians would be encouraged to leave the enclave altogether. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials have repeatedly said they have no intention of reoccupying Gaza, beyond maintaining an open-ended security presence. Most Israelis oppose resettling in Gazaonly 35% in a recent Hebrew University poll support annexing and resettling in the enclave. But Netanyahus ultranationalist flank holds tremendous sway. They could topple his government, forcing new elections when some 70% of Israelis disapprove of the prime minister. At the same time, any attempt to resettle in Gaza would likely harm Israels relationship with the U.S. and moderate Arab countries. The U.S. has repeatedly said it opposes any shrinking of Gazan territory and in such a scenario Saudi Arabia would likely abort efforts under way to normalize relations with Israel, which has long been a priority for Netanyahu. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on Monday called the behavior of Israeli ministers who backed the event about building settlements in Gaza irresponsible, reckless, incendiary." At the pro-settlements event Sunday night, Israels hard-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, joined in the dancing and challenged Netanyahu to take courageous decisions" about the future of the strip. He was among the 11 government ministers and 15 members of parliamentincluding many from Netanyahus own Likud partywho went on stage to sign a public declaration in support of re-establishing Israeli settlements in Gaza. Asked about his views on Sundays event promoting resettling in Gaza, Netanyahu said it would be a political decision his government had yet to make. Several Israeli politicians strongly criticized the public display of support for resettling in Gaza. The participation of ministers and coalition members in yesterdays conference hurt Israeli society during the war," Benny Gantz, head of the center-right National Unity party and a leading member of the governing coalition, said Monday. They hurt our international legitimacy, hurt efforts to create a framework to return the hostages." Yair Lapid, Israels leading opposition politician, called the conference harmful" and a disgrace on Netanyahu." After Israel captured the West Bank and Gaza in 1967, Israel began building settlements in both territories. Derided at first, the Gush Emunimor bloc of the faithfulmovement, founded in the early 1970s to promote the building of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, has left a legacy of nearly 750,000 Israelis living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The settlements are regarded as illegal by most countries and are considered by many to have undermined efforts to create a sovereign Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza. Israel unilaterally pulled its settlements out of Gaza in 2005, partly because they were seen as a security liability and as a way to kick-start peace negotiations with Palestinians. The move was viewed as a heavy blow to the ultraright settler movement that has since vowed to rebuild one day. Hamas took power in the strip two years later and has ruled the enclave with an iron fist since. Israel is determined to eradicate Hamas from the strip in response to the Oct. 7 attacks in southern Israel, in which around 1,200 people were killed and some 240 were kidnapped, according to Israeli authorities. Some far-right politicians say there can be no security for the Israeli population unless Israel has full control of the strip, and those voices are getting louder. During an impassioned speech on Sunday night, Ben-Gvir lambasted the decision to evacuate settlements from Gaza. We warned and screamed," but no one listened, he said. If we want to make sure there isnt another October 7, we need to return home and control the land." He said he supports the transfer of Palestinians out of Gaza. Netanyahu now finds himself caught between his far-right allies and U.S. pressure to avoid a long-term Israeli presence in the enclave. The future of Gaza has been a cause of friction between Israel and the White House. The Biden administration is pressing Israel to wrap up its war against Hamas and to accept a two-state solution. More than 26,000 people, mainly women and children, have been killed in Gaza since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, according to Palestinian authorities. The figure doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants. Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected the possibility of establishing an independent Palestinian state. Under his watch, Israeli settlements in the West Bank have vastly expanded. Dror Etkes, a researcher at Kerem Navot, a civil-society organization that tracks settlements in the West Bank, said settler groups should be taken very seriously" considering their record in the West Bank and their high representation in government. Extremist ideas such as forcibly removing Palestinians from Gaza have a stronger hold on Israeli society than ever before," said Etkes, explaining that the Oct. 7 massacre gave this type of thinking a serious boost." On Sunday night, a huge map of Gaza loomed over attendees, the locations of possible future Israeli settlements marked clearly. Organizers clustered behind six booths, one for each of the aspirational Israeli settlements, from beachfront villages in the north to an ultraorthodox community on the Egyptian border. Participants were encouraged to sign up as potential residents. Dozens of families already had. Cahn, the rabbi, presented a color-coded map of Gaza City, with neighborhoods carrying Hebrew names. The area of Shujaiya was renamed Heroes of Gaza," after the Israeli soldiers who recently died there. The formerly upscale area of Rimal, home to the site of an ancient synagogue, was labeled King David neighborhood." Cahn invited attendees to put their names on toy wooden blocks and place them on areas where they would like to live. This is my fish restaurant in the harbor, its called Shabout," said one participant, pointing at one such wooden block. Bat-Hen Sarig, 36, grew up in an Israeli settlement in Gaza. She said she has been dreaming of going back ever since she was forced to leave over 18 years ago. The start of the war gave a new impetus to calls for reoccupying the enclave, with aspiring Gaza settlers now organized in committees to discuss their plans. Six months ago, we couldnt have imagined that this moment wouldve come so soon," said Sarig, who lives in a West Bank settlement. If we go back its not just to the north of the strip. All of the Gaza Strip belongs to the people of Israel." She is hoping to be back in Gaza as soon as this spring. Ronit Bonomo, 66, said that Israeli settlements are the only way to ensure a lasting peace. We tried for 17 years to live in peace with the Arabs. After what happened on October 7, we cant live in peace. People had enough of war," said Bonomo, who was among the earliest residents of an Israeli settlement in the West Bank in the early 1980s. That is what we are trying to do again." Bonomo sat behind a booth promoting the establishment of a seafront settlement in southern Gaza called Oz Khaim, in the area of present-day Deir al Balah. Several families have already volunteered to eventually move there, she said. We have a lovely community," said Bonomo. It will be on the beach. Wouldnt that be lovely?" Write to Margherita Stancati at margherita.stancati@wsj.com BJP leader Manoj Sonkar was elected Chandigarh mayor on Tuesday amid outrage in the Opposition ranks. Eight out of 36 votes were declared invalid during the contest with Opposition leaders accusing the ruling party of forgery and manipulation. The AAP-Congress grouping has indicated plans to take the matter before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Sonkar polled 16 out of 36 votes on Monday to secure the top post while INDIA bloc candidate Kuldeep Singh secured 12 votes. Eight votes attributed to the Opposition group were declared invalid. The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has 35 members as well as an ex-officio member with voting rights a post currently held by BJP MP Kirron Kher. The AAP presently has 13 councillors while the Congress has seven. The BJP has 14 lawmakers while the Shiromani Akali Dal holds the final seat in the House. ALSO READ: BJP wins Chandigarh mayoral elections as Manoj Sonkar gets 16 out of 36 votes For the first time in the Chandigarh mayor elections eight out of the 36 votes were declared invalid. Congress and AAP alliance had to get 20 votes. We got 12 votes and eight were declared invalid. Not a single vote of the BJP was declared invalid...We are worried as to what will happen in the upcoming 2024 polls. If the BJP can resort to such low levels and commit forgery and illegality...BJP can go to any level to rig the election process," said AAP MP Raghav Chadha. This is robbery. There are 36 Councillor seats in Chandigarh out of which 14 seats are BJPs. 13 seats are AAPs and seven seats of Congress. Total AAP (13 + 7) has 20 seats...BJP has been exposed again..." added fellow party leader Saurabh Bhardwaj. Leaders from the saffron party meanwhile hailed the results as a victory of democracy and the defeat of 'thagbandhan' of AAP and Congress". Party chief JP Nadda asserted that the defeat of the INDIA bloc shows that neither their arithmetic is working nor their chemistry". The manner in which dishonesty has been done in broad daylight in the Chandigarh Mayor elections is extremely worrying. If these people can stoop so low in a mayor's election, then they can go to any extent in the country's elections. This is very worrying," AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal posted on X. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring shared a video on social media to assert that a senior bureaucrat was manipulating the votes. Today will be written and remembered as a 'black day' in the democracy of our country. Unfortunately, this is the same month when we celebrate Republic Day. Today, Constitution has been shredded. The manner in which Chandigarh mayor election was 'looted' by the BJP before the media, in front of the cameras. They did this in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, northeastern states before this. So, this is their old habit..." added Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The opposition INDIA bloc is in the grip of a political crisis as a key alliance partner, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, ditched the Mahagathbandhan and returned to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) fold ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Apart from private meetings succeeded by press briefings, the INDIA bloc, formed seven months ago in Patna, has not conducted any significant public outreach programmes. With time ticking away, there is a lack of clarity on when the bloc will finalise the allocation of seats among its member parties. Nitish Kumar played a pivotal role in the INDIA bloc, a coalition of 28 opposition parties. His exit shortly before the Lok Sabha elections in 2024 is anticipated to have repercussions on the alliance. Nitish Kumar, while announcing his resignation and the dissolution of the Bihar Assembly on Sunday, cited that the situation arose because not everything was alright." JD(U) spokesperson KC Tyagi attributed the breakdown of the INDIA bloc in Bihar to the Congress, stating that Congress leaders prioritised strengthening their party over the opposition grouping, as conveyed to ANI. Tyagi had even accused a section of the Congress leadership of repeatedly "insulting" Nitish Kumar. However, after Kumar's exit, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claimed, The Congress was in favour of appointing Nitish as the convenor of the INDIA bloc." All is 'not' well with the rest of the parties? Trinamool Congress (TMC) Nitish Kumar's exit marks the second setback for the INDIA alliance, coming in the wake of recent developments in West Bengal, including the announcement by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee chose to break ties with the Congress and opt for an independent path in the upcoming Lok Sabha election in the state, just a day before Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra was set to begin in the state. Also Read: Mamata Banerjee blames Congress for seat-sharing delay over unjust demands, Rahul says Bengal CM close to The rift between the TMC and the Congress escalated as state unit chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury persistently criticised the Bengal chief minister. During a press conference on Tuesday, Adhir Chowdhury asserted that Mamata Banerjee attained power in the 2011 elections thanks to the support of the Congress party. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) The JD(U) chief's resignation occurred shortly after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab dismissed speculations about a seat-sharing agreement with the Congress in the state for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Also Read: No AAP alliance with Congress in Punjab for 2024 Lok Sabha polls: CM Bhagwant Mann AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated on Sunday that his party would independently contest all 90 assembly seats in Haryana. However, he mentioned that the Lok Sabha elections would be contested as part of the INDIA bloc. Kejriwal's declaration follows the recent decision by AAP, a member of the INDIA bloc, to rule out any alliance with the Congress in Punjab for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Samajwadi Party (SP) The Congress and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) expressed dissatisfaction with the allocation of 18 seats offered by the Samajwadi Party (SP) to the two INDIA bloc allies in Uttar Pradesh as part of the seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The SP proposed 11 seats for the Congress and seven seats for the RLD in the forthcoming parliamentary elections. The Congress is insisting on receiving at least the 22 seats it secured in 2009, while the RLD is seeking eight seats in the politically significant state, which comprises a total of 80 Lok Sabha constituencies. Discontent with the seats allocated by the SP, a senior leader told PTI that the RLD conveyed that the party is seeking an additional seat. However, Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X that the party's cordial alliance with the Congress is off to a good start". Also Read: Can't have one-size-fits-all: Shashi Tharoor as INDIA bloc allies announce solo fights for 2024 Lok Sabha Polls In the present Lok Sabha, the SP holds three seats, and the BSP has 10 representatives. Sonia Gandhi is the sole Congress Member of Parliament from the state, representing the Rae Bareli constituency. The Apna Dal (Sonelal) has secured two Lok Sabha seats, while the BJP has 64 seats in the state. Opposition leaders have expressed doubts regarding the Congress party's choice to opt out of the alliance collaboration in the state elections. Omar Abdullah, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and a prominent leader of a regional party in the state, remarked that the Congress only remembered the I.N.D.I.A. alliance after three months." Earlier on July 18, led by Mallikarjun Kharge of the Congress party, 26 opposition parties rebranded themselves as INDIA, standing for the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, replacing their previous name UPA or United Progressive Alliance. The outcome of the parliamentary coalition against the BJP, the current ruling party, in the 2024 general elections remains uncertain. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, has held a meeting with Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, stressing full support for the rule of law in Ukraine. Always good to connect with Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin. We collaborate across many areas from war crimes investigations to reform of prosecutors offices. Rule of law is a key European value where Ukraine gets our full support, the ambassador said on X. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticised Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for joining hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and reiterated that 'Mahagathbandhan' will continue fighting for social justice in the state and the alliance does not need CM Nitish Kumar for the cause. He even attacked and mocked the Janata Dal (United) chief for his frequent political flip-flops and said, So this is the condition of Bihar, a little pressure is exerted, and he (Nitish Kumar) makes a U-turn." Also Read: Land-for-jobs scam: PMLA court summons former Bihar CM Rabri Devi, daughter Misa Bharti Right now Baghel ji (former Chhattisgarh CM) told me a joke. The joke goes like this...Your Chief Minister took oath at the Governor's house. Some of his ministers also took the oath. Celebrations were going on. Nitish Kumar decided to go back to his home. Suddenly while going back he realised he had left his shawl at the Governor's house. He went back and met the Governor. Governor was shocked and said you came back so quick this time," said Gandhi while addressing a rally in Bihar's Purnia district on Tuesday. Also Read: Want Nitish Kumar to stay: Akhilesh Yadav blames Congress for Bihar political turmoil In addition to making repeated attacks on CM Nitish Kumar, the Congress leader also reiterated the importance of the caste census. He said that Dalits and backward classes don't get due representation in all sectors of the country. Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren has written a letter to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). You are well aware that the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly will be held between 2nd and 29th February 2024 and the undersigned will be preoccupied with preparations for the same apart from other prior scheduled official engagements," reads the letter. In these circumstances, your insistence to record a further statement of the undersigned on or before 31st January 2024 rocks of malice and reveals your political agenda to disrupt the functioning of the State Government and prevent an elected representative of the people from discharging his official duties," he further wrote. The undersigned's apprehensions that your acts are malefic and politically motivated stand vindicated. The issuance of summon to the undersigned is wholly vexatious and in the colourable exercise of powers given by the statute," the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader added. Hemant Soren missing On January 29, An ED team visited Soren's Delhi residence to question him in connection with a money laundering investigation. It camped there for over 13 hours and searched the premises. Official sources claimed ED could not contact the Jharkhand CM as he was missing". However, a family member said it was a "false" narrative to "delegitimise" Soren's position. The anonymous member also claimed that there were repeated communications to ED and compliance with the summons including willingness to record his statement on January 31 at 1 pm at his Ranchi residence. The ED earlier questioned the Jharkhand CM at his official residence in Ranchi on January 20. It issued a fresh summons to Soren asking him to confirm his availability for questioning on either January 29 or January 31. A PMLA court has issued a summon for Amit Katyal, former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi, Misha Bharti, Hema Yadav, and Hridyanand Chaudhary, instructing their presence on February 9, 2024, to proceed with the trial related to the purported land for job scam, Enforcement Directorate (ED) stated in an official release. Earlier on January 1, 2024, the ED lodged a prosecution complaint (PC) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, against Amit Katyal, Rabri Devi, Misha Bharti, Hema Yadav, Hridyanand Chaudhary, and two companies - A K Infosystems Private Limited and A B Exports Pvt. Ltd. This legal action was filed before the Special Court (PMLA) in New Delhi in connection with the alleged land for job scam. Also Read: Lalu Prasad Yadavs family exchanged land for Railways jobs, says ED while naming Rabri Devis former Gaushala employee Amit Katyal, a businessman allegedly linked to former Bihar chief minister and RJD patriarch Lalu Yadav's family members, is reportedly under scrutiny. The investigations were initiated by the central agency following an FIR filed by the CBI regarding the land for job scam. The allegations suggest that Lalu Yadav, who was the Railway Minister at the time, engaged in corrupt practices concerning the appointment of Group D substitutes in Indian Railways between 2004 and 2009. Also Read: Bihar news: Lalu Prasad Yadav appears before ED for questioning in land-for-jobs scam case According to the FIR, candidates were instructed to transfer land as a bribe to secure jobs in Indian Railways, and a charge sheet has been filed by the CBI in this regard. The ED has accused Lalu Yadav's relativesRabri Devi, Misha Bharti, and Hema Yadavnamed in the prosecution complaint, of receiving land parcels from the families of selected candidates for Group D substitutes in the Indian Railways, allegedly at nominal prices. Hridyanand Chaudhary, also implicated in the prosecution complaint, had previously worked at Rabri Devi's gaushala and allegedly obtained property from one of the candidates. Subsequently, this property was transferred to Hema Yadav. The companies in question, A K Infosystems Private Limited and A B Exports Pvt. Ltd, are described as shell companies that purportedly received the proceeds of crime intended for family members of Lalu Prasad Yadav. The ED said that the immovable properties were allegedly obtained by frontmen in the mentioned companies, following which shares were transferred to family members of Lalu Prasad Yadav at nominal prices. Amit Katyal was purportedly involved in the management of these companies on behalf of Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family. Also Read: Land for job scam case: Delhi court summons Lalu Prasad Yadav, former railway officials and others Earlier, on March 10, 2023, the central agency conducted search operations, leading to the confiscation of approximately 1 crore in cash and valuables estimated at around 1.25 crore. Furthermore, on July 29 of the same year, the ED provisionally attached immovable properties valued at 6.02 crore. Meanwhile, on November 11, 2023, Amit Katyal was arrested by the agency for his alleged involvement in aiding Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family in money laundering. Amit Katyal is under judicial custody as of this date. Further investigation is underway. (With inputs from ANI) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! BEIJINGU.S. and Chinese officials met Tuesday in Beijing to discuss ways to curb the flow of chemicals that are fueling the U.S. fentanyl crisis, adding to a thaw in diplomatic ties that has opened the way for negotiations over the most sensitive issues dividing the two countries. Two months after President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed to dial back tensions at a closely watched summit outside San Francisco, lower-level officials on both sides have been tasked with delving into some of the finer details of the relationship. It is spurring a renewal of the sort of face-to-face diplomacy that was once a routine part of managing U.S.-China ties, but which had all but dried up in recent years as relations plummeted. At Beijings Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on Tuesday, Wang Xiaohong, Chinas minister of public security, praised the high efficiency" with which the U.S. and China had been working together since the San Francisco summit. Our cooperation once again shows that the China-U.S. relationship gains from cooperation and loses from confrontation," Wang said on the first of two days of meetings. Jen Daskal, deputy assistant to the president and deputy homeland security adviser, said Biden dispatched her delegation to Beijing to underscore the importance of this issue to the American people." Perhaps more than any other issue in the relationship, the Biden administration is urgently seeking Chinas help to fight Americas drug crisis by cracking down on Chinese companies that are selling chemical ingredients, also known as precursors, for fentanyl and other drugs to Mexican cartels. The effort carries added significance during an election year in which the fentanyl crisis is likely to feature, including in Midwestern swing states. An immediate breakthrough from the working group is unlikely, particularly against the backdrop of intensifying competition between the two sides. China has been reluctant to provide the U.S. with much concrete help to stop the flow of precursors, which is a challenge even for a determined government to stamp out. Beijing has previously said the U.S. needs to do more at home to control its drug crisis instead of using China as a scapegoat. But the fact that the two sides are talking in-depth again about an issue of great importance to the Americans is being touted by the Biden administration as a sign of progress. China previously froze counternarcotics cooperation after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) visited Taiwan in August 2022. To get Beijing back to the table, the Biden administration agreed to drop sanctions on a Chinese police forensics institute accused of committing human-rights violations against Uyghur Muslims in the northwestern Chinese region of Xinjiang. Previewing this weeks counternarcotics talks, a senior Biden administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the working group as a really critical and pivotal moment for our direct diplomacy" on the fentanyl issue. The improvement in U.S.-China relations stands out as the world has grown more dangerous. The war in Ukraine grinds on with little prospect of a near-term resolution, while in the Middle East, U.S. military personnel and civilian ships in the Red Sea have been under attack by Iran-backed militants. North Korea is turning increasingly hostile toward South Korea. Any of those other hot spots could undermine tentative efforts at a U.S.-China rapprochement. China has aligned itself with Russia and serves as a key backer of North Korea and Iranthe latter of which offers a counterweight to U.S. support of Israel. During two days of meetings in Bangkok last week, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan pressed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to use Chinas influence with Iran to stop the Red Sea attacks. Chinese officials told the Americans they are raising the issue with Iran, although the attacks have continued. Despite conflicts elsewhere, China and the U.S. have taken incremental steps to restart channels for dialogue between their own military forces, which were also largely cut off after Pelosis visit to Taiwan. U.S. Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, convened by videoconference with Chinese counterpart Gen. Liu Zhenli in December to discuss issues including Taiwan and tensions in the South China Sea. Following last weeks meeting between Sullivan and Wang, the U.S. cited progress in resuming military-to-military communications, including setting up talks between theater commanders in the coming months. The U.S. believes that such communications channels are vital to ensuring that misunderstanding or mishaps in the waters or skies where their two militaries at times operate in close proximity dont spiral into conflict. Until recently, China had resisted U.S. calls for rekindling military links, asserting that Beijing didnt believe in talking with the U.S. for the sake of talking. That position appears to have softened since the Biden-Xi summit. On the counternarcotics issue, senior Biden administration officials said last week that, since the November summit, the amount of precursor chemicals from China being seized at some U.S. airports has fallen. Part of the change appears to stem from a notice from the Chinese government issued to its chemical industry in November warning of potential criminal liability for selling chemicals for the production of narcotics. U.S. officials say they also see China shutting down some known precursor suppliers since the summit. A challenge for the U.S. will be winning Chinas help on counternarcotics in the longer term. Because China doesnt suffer from its own fentanyl crisis, it doesnt share the U.S.s urgency to go after precursor sellers. And, as Beijing showed after Pelosis visit to Taiwan, it is willing to withhold cooperation on fentanyl to express displeasure with the U.S. over other issues. This is an issue where China does not benefit enormously," said Chen Dingding, a professor of international relations at Chinas Jinan University. Rather, China is signaling its willingness to help on some domestic U.S. issues. Maybe this will dispense of some of the skepticism that China is not willing to cooperate" with the U.S., he said. Write to Brian Spegele at Brian.Spegele@wsj.com Valentine's Day is around the corner, and choosing the perfect can be a real head scratcher. The day celebrates love, affection and connection, and therefore, people go for gifts like chocolates, flowers, and even fancy dinners. These are good and the most popular gifting options, but in times driven by technology, it is best to gift something more utilitarian. Power banks are a good gifting option, especially keeping in mind that smartphones and devices can run out of battery in the middle of the day. To ensure continued connection with your loved ones over the phone, gifting them a power bank can be a versatile solution. We have curated a list of the top power banks, apt for both wired and wireless charging. These gadgets come from reputed brands and ensure that your devices don't run out of charge. Check out the top options with the latest technology and compact size, making it easy for to travel with them. 1. URBN 10000 mAh Premium Magsafe Power Bank The URBN premium black edition Magsafe power bank is exceptional with its 15W fast wireless charging and strong magnetic hold, ensuring devices stay charged and secure. The pass-through charging feature is a significant convenience, allowing simultaneous charging of the phone and power bank. Its compatibility with a wide range of devices, including iPhones and Androids, via Type C input/output, adds to its versatility. Manufactured in India with high-quality materials and a 1-year replacement warranty, it promises durability and reliability. Specifications of URBN 10000 mAh Premium Magsafe Power Bank Battery Capacity: 10000 mAh Wireless Charging: 15W Fast Wireless Charging Magnetic Hold: Strong with MagTag Ring for Non-Magsafe Mobiles Charging Feature: Pass-Through Charging Input/Output: Type C Compatibility: Broad, including iPhones and Android devices Build Quality: High-quality materials, Made in India Warranty: 1-Year Replacement Warranty Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid 15W fast wireless charging Limited to 10000 mAh capacity Strong magnetic hold with MagTag Ring May not adhere to all non-Magsafe surfaces 2. MI 10000mAh Power Bank Pocket Pro The MI 10000mAh Power Bank Pocket Pro is a powerhouse in a compact form. Its 22.5W ultra-fast charging capability ensures devices are quickly ready to use. The light-weight and pocket-sized design make it highly portable. It supports Power Delivery 3.0 and comes with triple output ports, enhancing its versatility. A full recharge in 6 hours is relatively efficient, making it a reliable option for those on the go. Specifications of MI 10000mAh Power Bank Pocket Pro Battery Capacity: 10000mAh (Lithium Ion, Lithium Polymer) Charging Speed: 22.5 Watt Fast Charging Design: Super light-weight, Pocket-sized Technology: Power Delivery 3.0 Output Ports: Triple Charging Time: Approximately 6 hours Input Ports: Dual (Micro-USB and Type C) Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid 22.5W ultra-fast charging Limited capacity for heavy users Lightweight and highly portable Only 10000mAh may not suffice for multiple device charging Also read: Valentine's Day gift ideas: Make audiophiles happy with 7 best earphones 3. Ambrane 20000 mAh Mini Power Bank The Ambrane 20000 mAh Mini Power Bank is an excellent choice for power users. Its enormous 20000mAh capacity ensures multiple device charges. The 22.5W output and 18W fast charging input mean both your devices and the power bank itself charge quickly. The ability to charge three devices simultaneously is a significant advantage. Its vast compatibility and secure, reliable build, coupled with a classy design, make it a top choice. The 180-day warranty is a nice addition for peace of mind. Specifications of Ambrane 20000 mAh Mini Power Bank Battery Capacity: 20000 mAh (Lithium-Polymer) Output: 22.5W, Type C PD (Input & Output) Charging Speed: 18W Fast Charging Input Multiple Device Charging: Triple Output Compatibility: Universal USB or Type-C devices Safety Features: Multi-layer advanced chipset protection Design: Premium, portable Warranty: 180 Days Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid High 20000mAh capacity Size may be bulkier than smaller models 22.5W fast output & 18W fast input 4. Ambrane Mini Power Bank for iPhone The Ambrane Mini Power Bank is an excellent choice for iPhone users, offering both wired and wireless charging options. Its 20W wired and 15W wireless charging capabilities ensure fast and efficient power delivery. The strong magnetic hold is ideal for MagSafe-compatible iPhones, providing secure charging. Its compact size and premium metal build make it portable and durable. The 5000mAh capacity is sufficient for emergency use, and the 180-day warranty adds to its reliability. Specifications of Ambrane Mini Power Bank for iPhone Battery Capacity: 5000mAh Wired Charging: 20W Max Output Wireless Charging: 15W Output Magnetic Hold: MagSafe compatible Charging Options: USB-C (PD 3.0) & Wireless Design: Ultra Slim, Premium Metal Build Safety Features: Multi-layer chipset protection Warranty: 180 Days Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid 20W wired & 15W wireless charging 5000mAh may not be enough for heavy usage Strong magnetic hold for secure charging Primarily designed for iPhones (limited compatibility) 5. FLiX UltraCharge 20,000mAh QCPD Power Bank The FLiX UltraCharge 20,000mAh QCPD Power Bank excels with its 22.5W Quick Charge Power Delivery, ensuring rapid charging. Its high-capacity battery is a major plus, providing multiple charges for various smartphones. The triple output and dual input ports add to its versatility, allowing simultaneous charging of three devices. Safety features and a substantial 400-day warranty underscore its reliability. Its compact and durable design makes it suitable for regular use and travel, while broad compatibility ensures it meets the needs of various device users. Specifications of FLiX UltraCharge 20,000mAh QCPD Power Bank Battery Capacity: 20,000mAh Charging Speed: 22.5W Power Delivery Ports: Triple Output, Dual Input (USB C/B) Compatibility: Wide range, including iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, Samsung S22, S23, Google Pixel 7, Oneplus Safety Features: Over-current, electrostatic, overload protection, and temperature control Design: Compact, Durable Warranty: 400 Days Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid 22.5W quick charge with high capacity Bulkier due to high capacity Can charge multiple devices simultaneously Also read: Valentine's Day gift ideas: 7 Bluetooth speakers perfect for music lovers 6. boAt Energyshroom PB300 Powerbank The boAt Energyshroom PB300 Powerbank offers a 10000mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging, ideal for quick top-ups. Its 12-layer smart IC protection provides a safe charging experience. The dual USB A output ports allow for simultaneous device charging. The sleek aluminium alloy casing is both stylish and durable. The Pass-Through Simultaneous Charge-Discharge feature is a convenient addition, allowing the power bank to be charged while charging other devices. Specifications of boAt Energyshroom PB300 Powerbank Battery Capacity: 10000mAh Charging Speed: 22.5w Fast Charging Ports: Two USB A Output Safety Features: 12-Layer Smart IC Protection Design: Aluminium Alloy Casing Special Feature: Pass-Through Simultaneous Charge-Discharge Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Fast 22.5w charging capability Limited to 10000mAh capacity Simultaneous charging with two USB ports 7. Belkin 10000 mAh 15W PD 3.0 Slim Fast Charging Power Bank Belkin's 10000 mAh power bank offers a solid blend of portability and power. With 15W PD 3.0, it charges devices quickly. The ability to charge three devices simultaneously is a notable feature. Its slim design makes it easy to carry, and the included USB-A to USB-C cable adds to its convenience. The LED indicator for power status and a 2-year warranty provide added value and assurance. Specifications of Belkin 10000 mAh 15W PD 3.0 Power Bank Battery Capacity: 10000 mAh Charging Speed: 15W PD 3.0 Ports: 1 USB-C and 2 USB-A Design: Slim, Portable Additional Features: LED Indicator Light Warranty: 2 Years, $2500 Connected Equipment Warranty Included Accessory: USB-A to USB-C Cable Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid 15W PD 3.0 for fast charging 10000mAh may not suffice for high-demand devices Can charge 3 devices at once Slim design might limit battery capacity 8. Portronics Luxcell 10K 10000 mAh Power Bank The Portronics Luxcell 10K power bank combines style with functionality. Its 22.5W max output and 10,000 mAh capacity ensure efficient charging for your devices. The inclusion of both Type-C PD and Mach USB A ports allows for versatile charging options. The LED battery indicator is a practical addition for monitoring power levels. Its sleek design and lightweight construction make it easily portable. BIS certification and advanced chip protection layers offer a safe charging experience. Specifications of Portronics Luxcell 10K Power Bank Battery Capacity: 10000 mAh Charging Speed: 22.5W Max Output Ports: Type C PD Output, Mach USB-A Output, Type C Input Design: Sleek, Compact with LED Battery Indicator Safety: BIS Certified with Advanced Chip Protection Additional: Wake Up Button Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid High 22.5W charging speed 10000mAh capacity may not be enough for extensive use Dual port versatility (Type-C and USB-A) Best 3 features for you Product Name Charging Speed Battery Capacity Additional Feature URBN 10000 mAh Premium Magsafe Power Bank 15W Fast Wireless Charging 10000 mAh Strong Magnetic Hold MI 10000mAh Power Bank Pocket Pro 22.5 Watt Fast Charging 10000mAh Power Delivery 3.0 Ambrane 20000 mAh Mini Power Bank 22.5W Fast Charging 20000 mAh Can Charge 3 Devices Simultaneously Ambrane Mini Power Bank for iPhone 20W Wired, 15W Wireless 5000mAh Strong Magnetic Hold FLiX UltraCharge 20,000mAh QCPD Power Bank 22.5W Quick Charge Delivery 20,000mAh Triple Output and Dual Input boAt Energyshroom PB300 Powerbank 22.5w Fast Charging 10000mAh 12-Layer Smart IC Protection Belkin 10000 mAh 15W PD 3.0 Slim Fast Charging 15W PD 3.0 10000 mAh Charge 3 Devices Simultaneously Portronics Luxcell 10K 10000 mAh Power Bank 22.5W Max Output 10000 mAh Type-C PD and Mach USB A Ports Best value for money The Ambrane 20000 mAh Mini Power Bank offers the best value for money. Its high 20000mAh capacity at a reasonable price point is ideal for users who require extensive battery backup. The 22.5W fast charging output and the ability to charge three devices simultaneously make it a versatile choice. Additionally, the broad compatibility with various devices and the 180-day warranty provide both flexibility and security, making it an excellent investment for most users. Best overall product The FLiX UltraCharge 20,000mAh QCPD Power Bank emerges as the best overall product. It boasts a substantial 20,000mAh capacity coupled with a 22.5W Quick Charge Power Delivery, making it powerful and efficient. Its triple output and dual input ports enhance its usability, allowing the charging of multiple devices at once. The compact and durable design, broad device compatibility, and extensive 400-day warranty make it an outstanding choice for a wide range of users. How to find the right power bank as a gift for Valentine's Day? When selecting a power bank as a Valentine's Day gift, consider the recipient's lifestyle and device usage. For someone who uses their phone extensively, look for a power bank with a high battery capacity, ensuring they can recharge their device multiple times. Fast charging capability is crucial for quick top-ups, especially for those always on the go. Portability is key a compact and sleek design makes the power bank easy to carry around. Additionally, consider the compatibility with the recipient's devices. If they use an iPhone, a power bank with MagSafe compatibility would be ideal. For Android users, look for one with USB-C and fast charging capabilities. Safety features and a warranty are also important to ensure the gift is not only thoughtful but also reliable and secure. Lastly, personalizing the gift with a colour or design that suits their style can add a special touch to your Valentine's Day present. FAQs Question : Can power banks damage phone batteries? Ans : High-quality power banks are designed to be safe and should not damage phone batteries. However, using a low-quality or incompatible power bank may lead to issues like overheating or improper charging. Question : How long do power banks last on average? Ans : Power banks typically last for 2-3 years or around 300-500 charge cycles, depending on the quality of the battery and how often it's used. Question : Can I bring a power bank on a plane? Ans : Yes, power banks can be brought on planes, but they must be carried in carry-on luggage. There are restrictions on the battery capacity, usually up to 100Wh without special permission. Question : How do I know when my power bank needs recharging? Ans : Most power banks have LED indicators that show the remaining battery level. When these indicators are low or blinking, it's time to recharge the power bank. Question : Can I charge my laptop with a power bank? Ans : Yes, you can charge laptops with a power bank, provided the power bank has a high enough output (usually around 65W or higher) and the correct output port (like USB-C) that matches your laptop's charging requirements. Disclaimer: At Livemint, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Mint has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Motorola has launched its Moto G24 Power smartphone in India starting at 8,999. The budget smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset and runs on Android 14 with the company's own My UX custom skin. Also Read | Motorola confirms devices getting Android 14 update. Check full list here Moto G24 Power Price: The Moto G24 Power is priced at 8,999 for the 4GB RAM/128GB storage variant while the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant is priced at 9,999. The budget smartphone will be available in two colour variants: Glacier Blue and Ink Blue and it will be available on Flipkart, Motorola.in and select retail stores from February 7 onwards. Interestingly, Motorola is also offering a 750 exchange bonus on trading in the old devices, bringing in the effective price of the base variant down to 8,249. Moto G24 Power Specifications: The Moto G24 Power runs on the MediaTek Helio G85 processor paired with a Mali G-52 MP2 GPU for graphics-intensive tasks. The smartphone is available with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 128 GB of storage. The budget smartphone features a 6.56-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with support for 90Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 537 nits. The smartphone features a puch hole notch design to the front and comes with the IP52 water repellent design. In terms of optics, the Moto G24 Power comes with a dual camera setup to the back with a 50MP primary sensor, a 2MP sensor for taking Macro shots. The smartphone also houses a 16MP front facing sensor for handling all the selfie and video call-related requirements. The Motorola listing confirms that Moto G24 Power will feature a stereo speaker setup with support for Doly Atmos. Moreover, the smartphone will also feature a 3.5mm headphone jack and support FM Radio. In terms of connectivity, the Moto G24 Power comes with support for 4G, Bluetooth 5.0 and a dual nano SIM + microSD card setup which can help expand the storage by up to 1TB. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! TikTok says it has spent $1.5 billion building an operation intended to convince U.S. lawmakers that the popular video-sharing app is safe. TikTok executives publicly promised to voluntarily wall-off American user data and bring in engineers and third parties to certify the apps algorithm delivered content without interference from China, where its parent company, ByteDance, is located. So far, TikTok is struggling to live up to those promises. The special stand-alone unit, code-named Project Texas, oversees American data and content recommendations on its app. In it, managers sometimes instruct workers to share data with colleagues in other parts of the company and with ByteDance workers without going through official channels, according to current and former employees and internal documents viewed by The Wall Street Journal. That data sometimes includes private information such as a users email, birth date and IP address. Meanwhile, ByteDance workers in China update TikToks algorithm so frequently that Project Texas employees struggle to check every change, and fear they wont catch problems if there are any, the people said. TikTok has promised to supply employees in Project Texas with laptops and software owned by their separate unit instead of ByteDance, but for many of them the new devices were slow to arrive. Some workers are worried their ByteDance-owned devices and tools arent secure. TikToks struggles within its Project Texas unit illustrate the challenge it faces protecting U.S. data across a global social-media app. While it doesnt appear that there is any government effort in China to access U.S. user data, it shows TikToks system is porous. Project Texas leaders have promised changes. In a December memo viewed by the Journal, they told workers that they planned to roll out new tools for sharing data and communicating with colleagues. They also reminded employees of the rules around data sharing. A spokeswoman for TikTok said in response to questions for this article that it is voluntarily implementing our plan to protect U.S. user data." The spokeswoman said the apps U.S. algorithm is stored with its American partner, Oracle. She said the algorithm is trained on U.S. user data and supervised by employees within the unit, which is officially called TikTok U.S. Data Security, or USDS. Over the past year, we took the unprecedented step of granting Oracle full access to our source code and algorithm," she said. After the Journal reached out to TikTok for comment, the company accelerated its delivery of laptops to employees. The data handling issues are the latest concern for TikTok employees, some of whom fear the social-media giant isnt honoring its pledge to protect American users. TikTok employees previously raised complaints when TikTok tracked users who watched gay content, and when a string of executives transferred from ByteDances Beijing headquarters to top roles at TikTok in the U.S. TikTok launched Project Texas to assuage lawmakers, who are concerned about its ties to the Chinese government, and to build trust with the apps more than 150 million users. TikTok has been in negotiations for several years with an executive branch panel called the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. over whether it can remain in the country, but it hasnt reached an agreement. TikTok has repeatedly said it doesnt share data with the Chinese government. Project Texas is a challenging undertaking: TikTok has to separate American user data from the rest of the company so that U.S. data and content recommendations exist beyond the reach of the Chinese government. American data would only leave the unit in rare instances and in aggregated form. TikTok embarked on a campaign to sell the plan to lawmakers, civil-society organizations and users. The company published a video about Project Texas with animated pictures and a catchy soundtrack aimed at young people. TikTok Chief Executive Officer Shou Zi Chew also touted the plan in congressional testimony in March 2023. The bottom line is this is American data, stored on American soil by an American company, overseen by American personnel," Chew said. This eliminates the concern that some of you have shared with me that TikTok user data can be subject to Chinese law." More recently, amid legal victories and lobbying from TikToks U.S. backer, pressure on the company from Washington has eased. With Project Texas, Im skeptical that TikToks efforts here ever had any value," said Jacob Helberg, a member of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, a congressional research and advisory panel, who has organized a bipartisan, bicoastal alliance of China hawks. TikTok started work on Project Texas in early 2021, and by early 2023, the unit had walled off U.S. user data. In the months leading up to Chews testimony in Washington, TikTok enforced a strict separation between the unit, which has about 2,000 employees, and the rest of TikTok. Project Texas employees were only allowed to share the user data outside of the unit if it was aggregated and important for the functioning of TikToks app, and they couldnt save the user data to their computers. This put many of the employees in Project Texas in a difficult position: they relied on tools that only functioned with data that they could download to their computers. Without the ability to save the data, they couldnt do their jobs. Some employees raised these concerns with their managers, according to people familiar with the conversations. The employees worried that if they paused their work, the company would put them on performance-improvement plans. But continuing their work broke the rules. TikToks app operates all over the world, except for in China, where ByteDance offers a different version of TikTok. The algorithm that powers TikTok is developed by ByteDance in Beijing. TikTok executives have said internally that they sometimes need to share protected U.S. data with ByteDance to help train the algorithm, or with employees outside Project Texas who work on keeping problematic content off TikTok, according to people familiar with the unit. Meanwhile, Project Texas employees in charge of reviewing TikToks software were instructed to inspect TikToks code for signs of Chinese interference before allowing updates. The Project Texas workers soon found a mountain of code waiting for them to verify each morning. Under pressure to work quickly, employees found the task to be impossible without more personnel, according to people familiar with the unit. Meanwhile, TikToks algorithm is incorporating a growing number of updates that the Project Texas team hasnt run through a review. TikTok has said Texas-based Oraclethe inspiration for the units nameis monitoring all the data that leaves Project Texas and is also checking every line of code in the apps algorithm for suspicious changes. But Oracle doesnt monitor the data employees share with each other over TikToks internal messaging tools, according to people familiar with the data-sharing. Project Texas started to informally roll back some of the data-sharing rules last spring. Managers told employees that they actually could save data to their computers, and that there would be exceptions to the requirement that they could only share data in aggregate. Now many of the Project Texas data protections have devolved into what one employee called a wink and a nod." Other employees say Project Texas officially still prohibits sharing user data except in rare instances. But the instructions some employees receive conflict with that stance. One Project Texas executive recently told employees that TikTok workers outside of Project Texas are tired of hearing no" when they ask for U.S. user data. In the December memo to employees, managers said they planned to launch a special version of ByteDances internal messaging system just for Project Texas employees. Workers in the unit hope this means ByteDance wont be able to access their data. Protected data should never be shared with Global TikTok or ByteDance colleagues," the emailed warned. Employees say ByteDance managers continue to request U.S. data. Raffaele Huang and Elisa Cho contributed to this article. Write to Georgia Wells at georgia.wells@wsj.com President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a telephone conversation with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, thanked him for his personal contribution to his country's support of Ukraine. This support includes two dozen military aid packages, Finland's strong support for Ukraine's NATO integration, and the consolidation of international support, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, Zelenskyy said on his Telegram channel Tuesday. I trust in a fruitful cooperation with Finland's next president. We also talked about the state of the battlefield, current security challenges, and preparations for the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland, he also said. In his turn, the President of Finland wrote on the social network X: Thank you, President of Ukraine Zelenskyy, for another good and timely phone call today. We discussed widely on Ukrainian peace formula, advancing it and ensuring its broad support. Finlands support for Ukraine remains strong and resolute. Presidential elections are currently taking place in Finland. Akins family and friends gathered at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, speaking about the mother of seven, her life, and the countless lives she impacted. It was made clear she'll be missed by those who truly knew her best. US Inspectors General discuss with Umerov importance of oversight, accountability of US military assistance The Inspectors General of the State Department, USAID and the U.S. Department of Defense met with Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said. Today inspector generals of the U.S. Department of State, USAID and the U.S. Department of Defense met with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. We discussed the importance of oversight and accountability of U.S. security assistance and the MODs efforts to assure this oversight, the Ambassador said on X. On January 29, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink announced that three inspectors general from the U.S. Department of Defense, the State Department and USAID had arrived in Kyiv. The agreement reached between Unions and officials at the Department of Public Expenditure on public pay talks has been welcomed by Longford Westmeath Fine Gael Minister, Peter Burke. Speaking after the deal was reached Minister Burke said: This important collective agreement will see increases of 10.25% over a two and a half year period. This is 9.25% in pay increases and a 1% local bargaining mechanism. Public Pay increases that are fair and affordable was the objective set by the Government and I feel this has been achieved. The Minister of State with responsibility for EU Affairs and Defence said the deal will have significance for the Irish economy: Agreement on public pay has proven in the past to be a stabilising influence while at the same time it will underpin transformative change within the public service to increase efficiencies and bring about real reform. The deal will impact the whole country: This will put money back in the pockets of Gardai, Teachers, Nurses and other public servants and contribute to continued economic growth. The pay measures in the Agreement are weighted towards those on lower incomes. Those on lowest incomes will receive up to 17.3% over the lifetime of this Agreement inclusive of the Local Bargaining provision,2 Minister Burke concluded. A care assistant has received two separate driving bans, totalling nine years, after she was detected drink-driving at two separate locations in the same town within a four hour period on the same night. At Ennis District Court, Judge Adrian Harris imposed a three-year disqualification on Margaret Foley for the first offence which happened at Aidan Park, Shannon, Co Clare just after 7pm on November 28, 2022. Judge Harris imposed a separate six-year driving ban for a second offence which was detected less than four hours later at 10.44pm at a different location in Shannon. The second incident occurred sometime after Ms Foley, aged 55, of Portdrine, Cratloe, Co. Clare was released from custody at Ennis garda station following her arrest after the first incident. On each occasion, the same garda, Garda Brian Jackman of Shannon garda station arrested Ms Foley on suspicion of drink driving. Solicitor for Ms Foley, John Casey told the court that his client is totally embarrassed over the nights events and said that Ms Foley has never been in court before. She hasnt had a drink since," he said, adding: Ms Foley would have had difficulties at the time and has taken steps that this does not re-occur." Mr Casey said that his client was pleading guilty to the two drink driving offences, which removed the need for Garda Jackman to give evidence or be present in court for the case. Giving an outline of the facts, Sergeant John Burke told Judge Harris that just after 7pm on November 28, 2022, Garda Jackman stopped Margaret Foley who was driving her car at Aidan Park, Shannon and arrested the woman on suspicion of drink driving. Ms Foley was brought to Ennis garda station where, Sgt Burke stated, a test was carried and Ms Foley was found to be over the limit with 272 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Ms Foley then got a taxi back to Shannon and was still over the legal alcohol limit for driving when she got back into her car to drive home. At 10.44pm, Garda Jackman again stopped Ms Foley on suspicion of drink driving at Clonmoney West, Shannon. According to Sgt Burke, this time Ms Foley was found to have been over the limit again - with her blood sample showing 210 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood. Sgt Burke told Judge Harris that the mandatory penalty for the first offence is three years and a mandatory six year driving ban for the second offence. Sgt Burke said that Ms Foley had no previous convictions. Mr Casey said his client only had money for a taxi back to Shannon on the night from Ennis. Mr Casey handed into court a testimonial from her employer. He said: They think very, very highly of her. She has always been working. She works as a healthcare assistant. He said that Ms Foley has family support in court. Along with imposing the two driving bans, Judge Harris said that he must acknowledge that Ms Foley is addressing the issues on an ongoing basis that were behind the drink-driving offences on the night in question. Judge Harris imposed fines of 200 in each case. The driving bans are to be served concurrently. Crime By Long Island Published: January 29 2024 Vincent DiStasi was arrested by Police for allegedly assaulting and abusing his infant son, who is now in critical condition. Suffolk County Police today arrested a South Setauket man for assaulting and abusing his infant son. Suffolk County Police were called to Stony Brook University Hospital on January 21 after an infant was brought into the emergency department via ambulance with injuries consistent with abuse. Following an investigation by Special Victims Section detectives, the 5-week-old boys father, Vincent DiStasi, was arrested today at the hospital where the child is in critical condition. DiStatsi, 31, whose address is being withheld, was charged with Assault 1st Degree, Reckless Assault of a Child and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Suffolk County Family and Children Servies have been notified. DiStasi is being held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on January 30. Crime, Press Releases By Long Island Published: January 30 2024 Governor Kathy Hochul signs the "Rape is Rape" bill in New York, updating state laws to protect survivors, removing the penetration requirement from rape statutes, and ensuring accountability for all forms of nonconsensual sexual conduct. Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to modernize New York State law to protect survivors of rape and hold perpetrators accountable for sexual assault. The legislation, S.3161/A.3340, updates the definition of rape in the penal code to ensure that additional forms of nonconsensual, forced sexual conduct can be prosecuted as rape. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has prioritized supporting survivors including by signing the Adult Survivors Act, implementing new protections for survivors of domestic violence, and cracking down on human trafficking. We are reassuring survivors that when they walk into a police station or approach the witness stand that the full weight of the law is behind them now going forward, Governor Hochul said. Rape will be treated like the horrific crime that it is. The voices have been heard, and we affirm that justice will be served. Legislation (S.3161/A.3340), also known as the Rape is Rape bill, removes the penetration requirement from the rape statutes and also defines rape as vaginal sexual contact, oral sexual contact, and anal sexual contact. The existing statue excluded oral and anal rape from being called rape and required a higher standard for vaginal rape. By modernizing New Yorks rape statutes, this legislation ensures all survivors are protected from these crimes and offenders will be held fully accountable. State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, Rape is Rape, plain and simple. In New York State we cannot allow outdated, heteronormative notions of sex to limit our ability to acknowledge that fact and to hold those who commit acts of sexual violence accountable. I applaud Governor Hochul for signing our bill (S8008), and now our chapter amendments, to expand the definition of rape to include not only vaginal penetration, but also acts of oral, anal, and vaginal contact. This update to the law will make it easier to hold perpetrators of sex crimes accountable and will be particularly important in helping to protect members of the LGBTQ+ community, who are victims of rape and sexual assault at higher rates than cis-gendered heterosexual Americans. Thank you to Assemblymember Cruz for fighting for this change in the Assembly and thank you to Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for making this bill a priority in the Senate. I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to Lydia Cuomo, the brave survivor, whose activism, and perseverance, spurred this much needed change. Assemblymember Catalina Cruz said, Today Rape is Rape becomes law, sending a message to survivors that what they endured was rape, and it deserves to be acknowledged as such. This profound shift recognizes the full spectrum of pain of survivors endure. I am deeply grateful to Lydia Cuomo for her bravery on behalf of survivors. She endured a horrific rape that sparked the fight to change our laws. I would also like to thank my colleagues in the Assembly, especially the original sponsor - former Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas who refused to stand by in the face of the injustice Lydia faced. I want to thank Speaker Carl Heastie for championing and passing this legislation year after year, as well as the sponsor in the Senate, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, for his tireless dedication that finally got the bill through the Senate. Lastly, I want to thank Governor Hochul for signing it into law so that survivors of rape can finally all be seen. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has prioritized supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. The Governor signed the Adult Survivors Act in 2022, opening a one-year window during which survivors could bring suit against their abusers. Governor Hochul has also signed legislation to establish a statewide rape kit tracking system, strengthen protections and support for survivors of domestic violence, and crack down on human trafficking. The Governor has enacted new laws that expand revenge porn laws to include deep faked images, crack down on sexual conduct against children, and expanding the definition of unlawful coercion to include forcing an individual to share intimate images under threat of physical or emotional harm. Governor Hochul has deployed new resources across State government to ensure survivors are protected. Last year, the Governor announced new guidance for law enforcement agencies when responding to domestic incidents. The Governor has also announced the availability of a streamlined application for individuals seeking help from the state with crime-related expenses. In addition, Governor Hochul has taken significant steps to protect individuals in the workforce from harassment and sexual assault. She launched a statewide workplace sexual harassment hotline, signed new laws to protect employees from sexual misconduct in the workplace, and developed a sexual harassment model policy for employers to use. Governor Hochul's 2024 State of the State includes significant steps to protect survivors of domestic violence. The Governor is proposing bold investments in a set of proven strategies to increase the likelihood of both successfully prosecuting domestic violence cases and seizing firearms, deterring future violence among high-risk offenders, and helping survivors recover: Provide dedicated funding to District Attorneys offices in GIVE jurisdictions to expand DV STAT, a model first piloted in Queens that supports collection of evidence and relationship-building with victims even before an arrest is made. Provide funding to jurisdictions to implement gold standard risk assessment tools to focus on high-risk domestic violence perpetrators and victims; Provide dedicated funding to GIVE jurisdictions to focus on domestic violence offenders, identifying the most high-risk individuals and engaging them to reduce recidivism; Provide funding to expand the Supervision Against Violent Engagement (SAVE) program to improve public safety among recently released individuals by focusing on domestic violence; Provide funding to local jurisdictions partnering with CACs to build the data collection capacity of local law enforcement and to work with the State's Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to review the current state capacity of law enforcement information-sharing with regard to domestic violence reports. New York will modernize the use of the critical data available when answering domestic calls for service through the Domestic Incident Reporting and expand the use of the National Incident Based Reporting System so critical and potentially life-saving information and reports are electronic, shareable, and searchable statewide; Continue the Governors commitment to providing survivors with the emergency, flexible funding aid they need at their time of crisis via microgrants to be used to cover expenses in emergency situations. Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, DCJS is proud of our work to help ensure that law enforcement officers throughout New York are trained and informed on how to respond to rape victims and survivors of sexual assault with sensitivity, professionalism, and respect. We thank Governor Hochul for her unwavering leadership on public safety and for signing this legislation into law, which will allow victims and survivors voices to be heard and perpetrators to be held accountable. Office for Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens said, Thank you Governor Hochul, Senator Hoylman-Sigal, and Assemblymember Cruz, for taking this important step to validate the trauma endured by survivors of sexual assault by holding perpetrators accountable. This legislation exemplifies NYs and OPDVs goal of trauma-informed, survivor-centered and culturally-responsive initiatives and actions to support survivors and victims. Office of Victim Services Acting Director and Counsel John Watson said, Under Governor Hochuls leadership, New York State has expanded protections for victims of crime and ensured funding for programs that provide essential services to victims and survivors of rape, sexual assault, and other crimes. I thank the compassionate professionals who have dedicated their careers to helping their fellow New Yorkers and applaud Governor Hochul for her steadfast commitment to crime victims rights and services. Former New York State Assemblymember Aravella Simotas said, Words have power. By modernizing antiquated rape laws, we acknowledge the trauma survivors experience and take one step closer to equality. Thank you, Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, for your legislative drive, focus, and passion; I could not have asked a better advocate to carry this bill. We would not be here today without the Assemblys unwavering commitment to see this bill become law. Thank you, Speaker Carl Heastie, for your assurance and your friendship. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who was my partner on this legislative priority from its early days, and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, who finally shepherded this measure to its successful conclusion in the Senate. I also thank Governor Kathy Hochul who immediately understood that this bill is about recognizing trauma. Finally, this critical change would not be possible without Lydia Cuomo, who turned tragedy into triumph. She traveled to Albany to tell her story and educate legislators, lawyers and the world about the effects of bad, misogynistic and homophobic definitions to our Penal Code. Thank you for showing us how to move forward and make progress for all survivors of rape. District Attorneys Association of the State of New York President and Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn said, The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York has long strongly supported and advocated for the elimination of the penetration requirement in New York States rape statutes. We commend the Governor and the Legislature for working so hard on this legislation and bringing our sex crimes laws into the modern era by removing the anti-female, gender-biased penetration requirement that had been part of the rape statutes. New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault Interim Executive Director William Rivera said, For far too long, New Yorks antiquated definition of rape has barred survivors from seeking the justice they deserve. Todays signing marks a monumental shift ensuring the definition of non-consensual sexual contact better aligns with the lived experiences of survivors, thus allowing them to seek their vision of justice. We applaud Governor Hochul for signing this bill and moving towards a more equitable New York for all survivors of sexual violence. New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault Executive Director Emily Miles said, With the signing of this legislation and the expansion of the definition of rape, New York States penal law finally comes into alignment with the experiences of thousands of survivors across New York, said Emily Miles, Executive Director of the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault. The Alliance expresses our deep thanks to Governor Hochul, Senator Hoylman-Sigal, and Assemblymember Cruz for their commitment to ensuring ALL survivors' voices and experiences are valued and honored. The Office of Victim Services directly reimburses medical providers for the cost of a forensic rape exam (FRE) if an individual does not have private health insurance or chooses not to use their private health care insurance for the examination. This measure is an exception to the agencys payer of last resort rule and provides for the personal privacy of victims. The Office of Victim Services also accepts FRE documentation in lieu of police reports, which enables individuals to seek financial assistance and reimbursement from OVS for other expenses related to the crime. OVS funds and supports 239 victim assistance programs statewide that provide essential services, such as crisis counseling, support groups, case management, emergency shelter, civil legal help and relocation assistance, among other assistance, to victims and survivors of sexual assault and other crimes, and their families. Individuals may visit ovs.ny.gov/connect to find these programs, which provide services at no cost and regardless of whether an individual has reported the crime to police. New York States Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline also is available for confidential support and advocacy 24/7: 800-942-6906 (voice), 844-997-2121 (text) and opdv.ny.gov (chat). NEW YORK New York Attorney General Letitia James today sued Citibank, N.A. (Citi) for failing to protect and refusing to reimburse victims of fraud. The lawsuit alleges that Citi does not implement strong online protections to stop unauthorized account takeovers, misleads account holders about their rights after their accounts are hacked and funds are stolen, and illegally denies reimbursement to victims of fraud. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has found that the bank fails to respond to fraudulent activity appropriately and quickly. As a result of Citis lax security, New York customers have lost millions of dollars, and in some instances, their entire lifesavings, to scammers and hackers. Attorney General James is seeking to hold Citi accountable for failing to protect its customers and require the company to pay back defrauded New Yorkers with interest, pay penalties, and adopt enhanced anti-fraud defenses to prevent scammers from stealing consumers funds. Banks are supposed to be the safest place to keep money, yet Citis negligence has allowed scammers to steal millions of dollars from hardworking people, said Attorney General James. Many New Yorkers rely on online banking to pay bills or save for big milestones, and if a bank cannot secure its customers accounts, they are failing in their most basic duty. There is no excuse for Citis failure to protect and prevent millions of dollars from being stolen from customers accounts and my office will not write off illegal behavior from big banks. Harm to New York Customers Citi is one of the largest banks in the United States and maintains checking and savings accounts for millions of consumers nationwide, including through online and mobile banking. The lawsuit alleges that scammers are able to steal tens of thousands of dollars from Citi customers because the bank does not implement strong data security and anti-breach practices. As a result of Citis lax security protocols and procedures, ineffective monitoring systems, and failure to respond in real-time and properly investigate fraud claims, New Yorkers have lost millions to scammers. Customers have lost their life savings, their childrens college funds, or even money needed to support their day-to-day lives as a result of Citis illegal and deceptive acts and practices. One New Yorker had $40,000 stolen from her retirement savings account. In October 2021, the customer received a text message that appeared to be from Citi instructing her to log onto a website or call her local branch. The customer clicked the link in the message but did not provide additional information as requested in the text message. Afterwards, the customer called her local branch to report the suspicious activity but was told not to worry about it. Three days later, the customer discovered that a scammer changed her banking password, enrolled in online wire transfers, transferred $70,000 from her savings to her checking account, and then electronically executed a $40,000 wire transfer, none of which was consistent with her past account activity. For weeks, the customer continued to contact the bank and submit affidavits, but in the end, she was told that her claim for fraud was denied. Another New Yorker had $35,000 stolen from her account. She was reviewing her online account and found a message that her account had been suspended and was instructed to call a phone number. She called the number provided and a scammer told her that he would send her Citi codes to verify recent suspicious activity. The scammer then transferred all of the money in the customers three savings accounts into her checking account, changed her online passwords, and attempted a $35,000 wire transfer. Citi attempted to verify the wire transfer by calling the customer, but she was working and did not see the call at the time. Less than an hour later, the scammer attempted another $35,000 wire transfer, which Citi approved without ever having made direct contact with the customer. She lost nearly everything she had saved, and Citi refused to reimburse her. Insufficient Online Banking Security The OAG found that Citis systems do not respond effectively to red flags, such as scammers who are using unrecognized devices, are accessing accounts from new locations, or are changing banking passwords or usernames. Additionally, Citi systems do not flag and stop efforts to transfer funds from multiple accounts into a single account and then send tens of thousands of dollars out the door in minutes. Citi also does not automatically initiate investigations or report fraudulent activity to police or law enforcement authorities when consumers first report it to Citi. In addition, Citi fails to appropriately respond to notifications of fraud by its customers. When victims contact the bank to report fraud, Citi leaves them on lengthy telephone holds, allowing scammers to continue their fraud. Additionally, Citi does not implement sufficient measures to protect consumers from future unauthorized transactions until they visit a local branch. Citi representatives falsely told consumers that their accounts were secure and often promised that their money would be returned, although the bank did not take immediate steps to recover stolen funds. Citi also falsely tells consumers that they need to visit local branches and execute special affidavits detailing the scams that led to their losses information Citi then used to blame consumers and deny their claims. Attorney General James alleges that because Citi makes wire transfers available to consumers online and through mobile banking apps, Citi must reimburse victims of fraud under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), similar to when banks reimburse victims of electronic credit or debit card fraud. Under EFTA, banks such as Citi are required to reimburse their customers for money in their accounts that is lost or stolen through unauthorized electronic payments. However, Citi illegally exploited a narrow exception in these laws to deny consumer claims for reimbursement, resulting in millions of dollars in losses for New York consumers. Through this lawsuit, Attorney General James is seeking to stop Citis deceptive practices and to collect restitution for victims who were denied reimbursement in the last six years, penalties, and disgorgement. Attorney General James encourages all consumers who have lost money to scammers who hacked into their online or mobile banking, whether the bank accounts were with Citi or any other bank, to report their experiences to OAGs Consumer Frauds Bureau. Todays lawsuit is the latest action by Attorney General James to hold big banks accountable. Last month, Attorney General James led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in submitting letters to the federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau urging both agencies to ensure that national banks cooperate with investigations being conducted by state attorneys general. In April 2022, Attorney General James led a multistate coalition of attorneys general in calling on the CEOs of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo to eliminate all overdraft fees on consumer bank accounts. This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Chris Filburn with the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau. The Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Jane Azia and Deputy Bureau Chief Laura Levine, and is a part of the Division of Economic Justice, which is overseen by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris DAngelo and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy Local News By Chris Boyle Published: January 29 2024 Nassau County is so fortunate to have all these dedicated, passionate, and selfless young adults working to help keep our community safe. Legislator Goetz. Recently, Legislator Samantha A. Goetz joined Legislator Rose Marie Walker, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, and Oyster Bay Councilwoman Vicki Walsh at the Nassau County Junior Firefighters Associations 18th annual installation dinner. The NCJFA is an organization made up of over 40 different Junior Firefighter/Explorer organizations from all over Nassau County. The young adults in the NJCFA attend meetings, events, community service opportunities, and a yearly camp to help them gain first-hand experiences in volunteering as a firefighter. There are also opportunities for leadership positions through an executive board of officers from the NCJFA. The installation dinner recognized the achievements of the outgoing board of officers while welcoming the incoming officers to their newly appointed positions. Entrepreneurs in Chernihiv region are claiming a groundless mass blocking of tax invoices; some businesses are on the verge of stopping due to the actions of the region's tax service. "Our enterprises, and these are more than 530 enterprises in Chernihiv region, which suffered direct destruction from the fighting, reopened at our own expense, with our own capital... But, unfortunately, we had problems that began to interfere with our work, which began to interfere with the business community fulfilling its role in social stability, its role as taxpayers," President of the Chernihiv Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry Konstantin Ivanov said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday. According to him, the problem of blocking tax invoices arose in the autumn of 2023, and an attempt in December to resolve this issue to hold a meeting of more than 40 enterprises with the newly appointed head of the Main Directorate of the State Tax Service in Chernihiv region, Yuriy Tverdokhlib, was thwarted due to the absence of this tax director. According to information from the Chernihiv Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, representatives of small- and medium-sized businesses from various sectors of the region's economy, as well as public business organizations with the support of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, filed collective complaints to the Ministry of Economy, the chairman of the relevant parliamentary committee Danylo Hetmantsev, the State Tax Service and reported pressure on business from Tverdokhlib. There are already examples where enterprises are forced to change their registration to another region. "Our company has been a manufacturer of animal feed since 2014. Since 2019, the tax office has not accepted our manufacturer's table, so the company is included in the list of risky ones. In the explanation, among other things, the following was noted: "Prices for the company's products depend on the fatness and age of the animals..." Unfortunately, due to such outright nonsense, to continue our activities, we are forced to open a new enterprise in another region of Ukraine," Andriy Kostyrko, director of Eco Soy Product, said, giving an example. To solve this problem and ensure the normal operation of business, conference participants demand a reform of the tax system and the introduction of personal responsibility for tax officials. If the demands are ignored, they say, they will act in accordance with the Ukrainian law on public speaking. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: January 30 2024 Alfred Weinberg and his family escaped Nazi Germany in 1939, fleeing to the Dominican Republic and eventually settling in New York, where he was granted U.S. citizenship. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and his colleagues on the Town Board proclaimed January 27, 2024 Holocaust Remembrance Day alongside Holocaust survivor, Alfred Weinberg, and many leaders from the Town of Oyster Bays Jewish community. The date marks the liberation of Auschwitz, one of the most infamous concentration camps of the Holocaust. Alfred Weinberg and his family escaped Nazi Germany in 1939, fleeing to the Dominican Republic and eventually settling in New York, where he was granted U.S. citizenship. Alfred married his late wife Audrey and raised their two sons in Farmingdale, where they became active members of the community. In many ways the Weinbergs stand here today and represent the many souls who were tragically unable to escape the Holocaust. They lived for them by becoming beacons of light in their communities and sharing their stories of survival so that we will never forget, said Supervisor Saladino. It is our solemn prayer that we will continue to do everything in our power to make sure that nothing like the Holocaust ever happens again. For the remainder of the month of January, Town Hall will be illuminated in yellow for International Holocaust Remembrance Day. To engage in further education and awareness about the Holocaust, please visit the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center, or visit their website at www.hmtcli.org Crime By Chris Boyle Published: January 30 2024 Messiah Booker Faces 16 Years to Life in Prison at Sentencing. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Messiah Booker, also known as Matthew Booker, 38, of Riverhead, was found guilty after a jury trial for a May 2022 shooting that occurred while Booker had been on parole release from prison for a separate felony. This defendant, a convicted felon on parole, pulled a loaded gun on a teenager, endangering his life, and then later fired that same gun outside of a crowded apartment complex, striking another person in the arm, said District Attorney Tierney. Thanks to the prosecutors and our law enforcement partners, todays verdict is another step forward in holding perpetrators of violence in Suffolk County accountable. The evidence at trial established that on May 20, 2022, at approximately 3:50 p.m., Booker got into a verbal dispute with a teenager in the parking lot area of an apartment complex in downtown Riverhead. As the argument escalated, Booker threatened to shoot the juvenile, and then briefly entered his black Jeep Compass before returning with a loaded gun in a fanny pack. Booker then began to pull the gun from the fanny pack, causing him to flee for his life. The victims family arrived at the apartment complex shortly thereafter, and Booker began to argue with them. During the argument, a large crowd gathered in front of the building. Booker went back to his Jeep, retrieved the same loaded firearm from earlier, and shot at one of the people in the crowd. The bullet ricocheted off the ground and struck another victim in the forearm. Booker then fled the scene on foot. Riverhead Town Police Department officers responded to the scene and located a 9 mm shell casing from the shooting. Bookers Jeep Compass, which was still at the scene, was impounded and a search of its contents was conducted pursuant to a search warrant. During the search, law enforcement recovered drugs including cocaine and morphine, over $1,000 in small denomination bills, four cellular phones, walkie-talkies, a bullet proof tactical vest, 9 mm ammunition, digital scales typically used to weigh narcotics, and drug packaging material including glassine envelopes. Law enforcement tracked Bookers movements with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, and he was apprehended days later and placed under arrest. In 2006, Booker was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Loaded Firearm in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, and sentenced to three years in prison. In 2017, Booker was convicted of Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree, a Class D felony, and was sentenced to five years in prison. At the time that this shooting occurred, Booker had been released from prison and was out on parole for the Attempted Burglary conviction. On January 26, 2024, Booker was convicted after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Anthony S. Senft, of the following charges: Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies; Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree: with the Intent to Sell, Class D felonies; Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, Class A misdemeanors; One count of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor; and One count of Menacing in the Second Degree, a Class B misdemeanor. After the verdict, Justice Senft remanded Booker into custody. Boo ker is due back in court for sentencing on February 27, 2024, and faces a minimum of 16 years with a maximum of life in prison. He is being represented by Ian Fitzgerald, Esq. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys William Richards and Raymond Coscia of the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Richard Freeborn of the Riverhead Town Police Department. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: January 30 2024 Devin Anthony Magarian allegedly used those credentials to issue tens of thousands of prescriptions for narcotics like Oxycodone, and Promethazine and Codeine. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and Drug Enforcement Administration New York Division Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III announced the arrest of a Florida man who allegedly commandeered the e-prescribing privileges of multiple doctors to issue thousands of narcotic prescriptions. Devin Anthony Magarian, 21, from Kissimmee, Florida, was arraigned on January 17, 2024, before Judge Arieh Schulman on charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (an A-I felony), two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (a B felony), Criminal Diversion of Prescription Medication and Prescriptions in the Second Degree (a D felony) and 15 counts of Criminal Diversion of Prescription Medication and Prescriptions in the Fourth Degree (an A misdemeanor). The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The defendants remand was continued today after an appearance in the felony screening part of county court. He is due back in court on February 5, 2024. This is one the most complex and technologically sophisticated drug operations weve ever witnessed, said DA Donnelly. We learned that Devin Anthony Magarian and his associates are part of a wide-ranging conspiracy in which they surreptitiously commandeered the e-prescribing credentials of doctors. The defendant and his associates then used those compromised accounts to issue and fill tens of thousands of prescriptions for narcotics and other controlled substances in Nassau County and multiple states. This is an active investigation, and we thank our partners at the Nassau County Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and authorities in Florida for their work on this case. DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino stated: This investigation was a case of modern day piracy; criminals stealing digital prescription pads to divert medication that put hundreds of thousands of people at risk. Law enforcement acted swiftly to fully identify this elaborate criminal conspiracy operating through online illicit drug sales and interstate trafficking to shut it down. This case is a prime example that drug traffickers will stop at nothing in order to make a profit. Opioids, like fentanyl or diverted prescription medication like oxycodone, have become insipid killers who crept into the illicit drug supply and took user demand by storm resulting in 80% of all drug-related deaths. I applaud our law enforcement partners on their diligent work and commend the DEA Diversion team from the DEA Long Island District Office. DA Donnelly said that in February 2023 an unnamed defendant was arrested outside of a Great Neck pharmacy after picking up two prescriptions that were not in his name. After an extensive investigation, it was determined that the unnamed defendant was in contact with Devin Anthony Magarian, a Florida resident. Magarian is allegedly a leader in an elaborate, multi-state conspiracy that has fraudulently compromised the e-prescribing credentials of doctors throughout the United States and then used those credentials to issue tens of thousands of prescriptions for narcotics across the country. Magarian typically used the privileges to create prescriptions for Oxycodone, and Promethazine and Codeine, a common cough syrup that is abused by drug users. As part of the scheme, associates of Magarian, or runners, picked up prescriptions at pharmacies in multiple states. The prescriptions were typically issued in fictitious names and sent to both chain and mom-and-pop pharmacies. The defendant allegedly operated a channel on the Telegram mobile app that served as an advertisement board. Magarian allegedly let his customers know when the next round of prescriptions via a compromised doctors e-prescribing privileges was coming, so that they could place their orders. The defendant allegedly referred to these moments as portals. Customers allegedly messaged Magarian directly to purchase from the defendant either prescriptions which the customer would then be responsible for filling themselves or actual controlled substances, including Oxycodone, and Promethazine and Codeine. The defendant was arrested by members of the Nassau County Police Department in New York City on January 17, 2024. Magarian was in the New York area to receive approximately $14,000 from a single individual who was picking up prescriptions for Oxycodone allegedly at the defendants direction. The money was compensation for a total of seven prescriptions of Oxycodone 30 mg, each of which contained 90 tablets, for a total of 630 pills. The investigation is ongoing. The Nassau County District Attorneys office thanks the Nassau County Police Department, the DEA New York Division, the DEA Orlando District Office Tactical Diversion Squad, the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and the Orange County and Osceola County Sheriffs Office in Florida. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Brian Rodriguez of the Narcotics, Firearms & Gangs Bureau. Magarian is represented by Douglas Rankin, Esq. On the anniversary of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Commander Lt. General Qassaem Soleimanis death on January 3rd, 2024, two explosions occurred in proximity of the Kerman Martyrs Cemetery, where Soleimanis ceremony was being held. Although all the evidence indicates that the attackers plotted and trained for the bombings in Afghanistan, Iran has avoided straining its relations with the Taliban amid the rising tensions between Iran-backed groups and Israel across the region. According to Iranian state media, 94 people were killed and some 284 were injured. The following day, the Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attacks and the U.S. intelligence confirmed that Islamic States Afghanistan-branch (ISKP) was responsible for the twin bombings. Iranian state media and regime officials, however, were quick to point fingers at Israel and downplayed the links between Afghanistan and the Jan. 3 attacks. On the day of the attack, prominent regime officials promptly accused Israel of organizing and supporting the suicide bombings. IRGC Quds Force Commander Brig. Gen. Esmail Qaani claimed that Zionists funded the terrorist attack in Kerman. Similarly, Hossein Jalali, a parliamentarian, stated that Israel was certainly involved in the attacks. In a statement from ISIS Khorasan the day after the bombings, they wrote: the two martyrdom fighters were able to reach the crowd, which included thousands of Shiites who were performing Shiite rituals near the grave of Qassem Soleimani, who was involved in dozens of massacres against Muslims in Iraq and Syria. But while Irans Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS) later identified ISIS as the group responsible for the attack and mentioned one of the terrorists was a Tajik national, the Ministry omitted the mention of its specific branch in Afghanistan in its first statement. Meanwhile, Iranian state media and officials continued to accuse Israel of orchestrating the attack. IRGC Commander Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami said they (ISIS) can only act as agents on behalf of Zionism. Iranian state-affiliated media echoed these remarks, as Kayhan, Mehr News and Asr-e Iran published content accusing Israel of coordinating the attacks. On Jan. 9, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addressed the attacks during a speech in the city of Qom. Remarkably, Khamenei also did not mention ISIS or Afghanistan; instead, he threatened to suppress the agents who were behind the attacks. Although the second statement issued by MOIS on Jan. 11 said that one of the attackers was trained in Afghanistan, it also claimed that he was Bozorov, a 24-year-old Israeli and a Tajik national and he entered Iran via Pakistan. Iranian state media has widely downplayed Afghanistans link to the attacks. On the day of the attack, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) accused anti-regime media outlets of conspiring to stoke tension between Iran and Afghanistan by spreading misinformation about the identities of the suicide bombers. IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News highlighted that 12 of the victims of the terrorist attack were Afghan nationals and claimed that Iran and Afghanistan share a blood bond and ISIS has targeted both Iranians and Afghans. Despite these rhetorical efforts seeking to dismiss the links between the suicide bombers and Afghanistan, the regime perceives its Eastern border with Afghanistan and Pakistan as a security liability. A day after the attack, Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi announced the initiation of a comprehensive plan to seal the countrys borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan and added that these projects will include various security measures beyond constructing a border wall. Amid a widening proxy conflict with Israel, the Iranian state apparatus is reluctant to taint its relations with the Taliban. So far, Iranian security forces have arrested at least some 35 people so far in relation to the attacks and the third MOIS statement on the bombing published on Jan. 19 claimed that numerous ISIS leaders have been identified and arrested. Somewhat typical to the Iranian crisis playbook, the regime is opting instead to crack down internally and intensify security measures, especially as Iran has seen new skirmishes in Baluchistan Province, along the border with Pakistan. Janatan Sayeh is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian domestic affairs and the Islamic Republics regional malign influence. On January 24, the Israel Defense Forces announced that Israeli warplanes had struck among other targets, as part of the clashes ongoing between Israel and Hezbollah since October 8 a military airstrip and military infrastructure used by [Hezbollah] to direct terror attacks at the Israeli home front. Lebanons state-run National News Agency (NNA) indirectly confirmed the airstrike, saying the Israel Air Force had conducted three strikes on Birket Jabbour in the area of Jezzine, firing five rockets. NNA Lebanon did not mention the specific nature of the Israeli strikes target. Birket Jabbour sits approximately 20.67km north of Metulla, Israels northernmost point on the Lebanon border. This distance becomes relevant in identifying the precise nature and utility of the airstrikes target. The air strips existence was first revealed by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant on September 11, 2023 during his address at Reichman Universitys Counterterrorism Policy Conference. I reveal here, for the first time, said Galant, pictures of an airport for terror purposes that Iran has established in Qalaat Jabbour, in the southern Beqaa, in south Lebanon. The location identified by Galant in his speech and that identified by NNA Lebanon in its report on the January 25 Israeli airstrike are the same general area. This is located 20km north of Metulla, he said. First image of Hezbollahs airport in Qalaat Jabbour revealed by DM Galant The Israeli defense minister then showed his audience another picture of the airports facilities, where you can see two flags the flag of Hezbollah and, unsurprisingly, the flag of Iran. On Lebanese territory, 20 km north of us. In other words, continued Galant, the territory is Lebanese, the control [over this airport] is Iranian, and the target is Israeli. Iran, he said, had established this airbase in Lebanon as part of its overall plan to create a war of attrition against Israel, on all of its fronts even as it continues to develop nuclear weapons. Galant said that the airport had a long airstrip, where mid-size planes are capable of landing, without noting the exact length or breadth of the airstrip. Other credible sources, however, put the length of the airstrip at 1.23km and its width based on satellite footage at 14km only. Israeli Channel 11 (KAN 11) reported at the time that, contrary to Galants claim, the small dimensions, based on estimates, would allow the launching of Iranian drones or small planes only. The report noted that the airports landing strip could not accommodate cargo-planes laden with weapons originating in Iran. Reuters at the time quoted an anonymous non-Israeli source with knowledge of the site, as saying that it could accommodate large drones some of them weaponized built off Iranian blueprints. The source also said that the drones launched from the site could be used for both internal and external operational activities, but added that the nature and direction of the runway suggested the former were more likely, thus confirming Galants assertion that the airport was intended to facilitate aerial attacks against Israel. The Israeli Defense Ministry also assessed at the time that the airport would be used by Iran to launch drones or loitering munitions at Israel during a period of fighting. As noted above, Qalaat Jabbour is located in the southern Beqaa Valley, a short distance from an artificial pond that is locals dubbed Birket Jabbour. It within the administrative borders of Lebanons Jezzine District, between the towns of Maydoun, Kafr Houneh, and the Daraya Farm. It is a hilly area, at an elevation of about 1,000-1,200 kilometers from sea level. Hisham Jabber, a retired Lebanese Armed Forces Brigadier General, commented at the time that he knew the area well and that it housed a barracks and huge training center belonging to Hezbollah, in which the group carried out large military maneuvers, drills of battle scenarios, and simulations of battlefields of different topographical and geographical makeup. Jabber said that Hezbollah has built this complex prior to 2006, and that it had been targeted during the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel war. Other sources claimed the complex was built after the war, under the supervision of Imad Mughniyeh Hezbollahs then-military commander. Hezbollah has reportedly even seized nearby private lands including some belonging to Christian convents and has forbidden their owners from entering them. Instead, the group has offered to buy the property from its owners. Sources in nearby Kfar Houneh also said that nearby residents were well-aware that the area of Birket Jabbour is a closed Hezbollah military zone, housing a huge complex. Its forbidden to go near it or enter it, though they denied hearing about the presence of an airport before. The KAN 11 report noted, based on satellite footage, that construction on the airport portion of Hezbollahs Qalaat Jabbour military complex had begun in November of 2022. Sattelite images show the airstrip reaching almost up to the artificial Birket Jabbour pond. The KAN 11 report continues, They laid the asphalt in July [of 2023] only after leveling the area and establishing aviation infrastructure. In August, per satellite images, they finished paving the runway and built the helipad. The final touches on the airport painting the take-off and landing route with aviation markings only occurred, per the report, two weeks prior to Galants revelation. Hezbollah issued no official comment on the airstrip at the time of Galants revelation or since, and indeed some Lebanese analysts with military backgrounds denied its existence at the time even though Janes Defense Weekly had revealed the existence of a similar Hezbollah 670m long, 20m wide airstrip in the northern Bekaa Valley in 2015, for use by the group in operations in Syria. The most plausible use for that runway, noted the defense magazine, was that the runway was built for Iranian-made UAVs, including the Ababil-3and possibly the newer and larger Shahed-129. Unofficially, however, Hezbollah hinted to acknowledging its existence, when the groups website Al-Khanadeq ran a report on the airport on September 12, 2023. Al-Khanadeq is Hezbollahs most revelatory website, with access to high-ranking Hezbollah officials and military commanders. But it mixes its factual revelations with exaggerated propaganda meant to further the groups psychological warfare against Israel and aggrandize Hezbollahs image among its support base to the point where its often hard to tell the difference. Its report on the airport, while it carried the taunts against Israel requisite of any report by a Hezbollah outlet, nevertheless hewed closely to the facts and framed most of its information as based on Israeli sources. Al-Khanadeq then noted that the Israeli reports had stated that UAVs can be launched form this airport to carry out reconnaissance or attack missions. Indeed this may have been confirmed by the January 25 Israeli airstrike on Birket Jabbour, which came immediately after Hezbollah had announced that its fighters had launched an attack at 11:20 AM on Thursday, 01/25/2024, with two loitering munitions for the first time against an aerial defense position and Iron Dome battery nearKfar Blum, after conducting aerial reconnaissance of the area and target with a drone. David Daoud is Senior Fellow at at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies where he focuses on Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon affairs. Looking for ideas and innovations that will make your agribusiness even more efficient and profitable? Then Sapienza agri-media agency invites you to take part in the Open International Conference Sustainable Agribusiness: "TRADITIONS.NICHE.ECOPRAXIS.TECHNOLOGIES, which will be held on February 14, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. in Kyiv IEC (3rd pavilion, open area) within the framework of the AGROWIND exhibition. PARTICIPATION IS FREE OF CHARGE WITH PRIOR REGISTRATION The conference is organized by Sapienza.media agro-media agency with the support of specialized associations: Ukrainian Fruit and Vegetable Association (UFPA) and the Association of Amaranth and Amaranth Products Producers. Kateryna Zvereva, the organizer of the event and the Founder of Sapienza agro-media agency, explains why you should join: New ideas: You will hear from practitioners and experts of the Ukrainian agricultural market and international experts about the latest technologies and trends in sustainable agricultural production; Practical knowledge: You will learn about effective innovative solutions that will help increase the profitability of your business, taking into account the principles of sustainable development, conservation of natural resources and application of environmental practices; Cooperation opportunities: You will meet colleagues and partners for joint work and development! What awaits us: Heated discussions: Discover the secrets of success from leading farmers, innovators, exporters, agroecology experts, Ukrainian and Canadian cooperatives and FAO experts; Interactive sessions: We will share practical advice and explore new opportunities. The atmosphere of Agrovesna: A rich program, aromatic coffee and fascinating speakers will make this day useful, interesting and inspiring! Don't miss this unique opportunity to get fresh ideas and find new ways to develop your agribusiness. Register via the link below and join our conference! PARTICIPATION IS FREE OF CHARGE WITH PRE-REGISTRATION Join us and step into the future of sustainable agribusiness with us! There are 3 blocks of the conference waiting for you: Block 1. Traditions and innovations of sustainable agricultural development to increase profits Mykhailo Nagornyak, founder of the innovative breeding company Mnagor - "Blue-yellow sweet corn from Ukraine is a hit on the world market. Prospects for the sweet corn market in Ukraine." A representative of BioNorma Group of Companies will tell about new biological products for sustainable agribusiness Oleksandr Duda, Chairman of the Association of Amaranth and Amaranth Products Producers - "Amaranth: healthy products, healthy nation, healthy economy!" Leonid Fadeev, director of Fadeev Agro, author of the "Strong Seeds" technology - "Innovative seed production technology is the basis for increasing yields" Alexander Doynikov, Managing Partner of Viteo Group (Viteo Hemp) - "Technical hemp - deep processing as a niche in the hemp business" Block 2. Cooperation of manufacturers. Technological solutions. State support. Representatives of successful and effective cooperatives in Ukraine and the experience of Canadian cooperatives Oleksandr Yareschenko, Deputy Director for Research, Institute of Horticulture, NAAS of Ukraine - "Niche berry crops and opportunities for producer cooperation to increase profits" Vyacheslav Polishchuk, Head of Horticulture at Ukravit - "Ukrainian plant protection products and services for sustainable production" Taras Bashtannik, President of the Ukrainian Fruit and Vegetable Association - "State support. Technologies. Cooperation of fruit and vegetable producers" Vladyslav Razkevych, Head of Eucalyptus - "Automation of irrigation - luxury or necessity?" Block 3. Systematic approach to sustainable agribusiness in Ukraine: innovations, sustainable practices, technologies, finance, and the path to the EU. Mykhailo Malkov, FAO Government and Donor Relations Coordinator in Ukraine, will tell more about sustainable agribusiness development on the way to the EU. There will also be a discussion with the participation of farmers' cooperatives, communities, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, NGO Ecodia, and specialized associations. The conference will also include the signing of the RESOLUTION ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE. HURRY UP TO REGISTER! PARTICIPATION IS FREE WITH PRIOR REGISTRATION Join us and step into the future of sustainable agribusiness with us! Best regards Kateryna Zvereva, Founder of Sapienza agri-media agency, Conference organizers [email protected], +38 098 205 22 35 (Editor of the media for farmers Seeds.org.ua, Lyudmyla Kalyta) +38 099 737 17 92 (Kateryna Zvereva, write to Viber, Whatsup) Interfax-Ukraine is a media partner of the event Analysis comes as tax administration is looking for new director Luxembourgs Court of Auditors criticised the tax office for inaccurate forecasts, slow digitalisation and lack of staff in a special report published on Tuesday, the first in fourteen years to take a closer look at the administration. The Court of Auditors - a budget watchdog appointed by parliament - published the last report of this kind in 2010, promising a follow-up in 2020, outlining the tax offices work and how it could be improved. A particular gripe for the auditors was inaccurate tax revenue planning. The forecasting methods are different and difficult to trace, the report said and budget proposals submitted to the court lack explanatory comments and calculations to accompany the estimates. The Court of Auditors for its analysis studied forecasts and actual tax revenue between 2010 and 2019, finding sometimes significant gaps, in particular within the main tax office - the Administration des contributions directes, or inland revenue. A lack of context provided means it is difficult to verify the accuracy and completeness of the estimates, auditors said. With only a handful of specialised agents at the administration privy to calculation methods for tax planning, the report also recommended that there should be more formal systems in place to save and share knowledge on methodologies and procedures. Slow digitalisation, lack of staff More also needs to be done to speed up the digitalisation of tax services and the hiring of staff, auditors said, citing delays in the processing of documents. The Administration des contributions directes - which takes in about half of all state revenues and is one of the three administrations tasked with collecting taxes - has struggled to hire more experienced staff. The high demand for such profiles on the labour market and competition from large companies make it harder to attract staff, the administration said earlier this month. Also read: Hiring at tax office improves but still missing target Former tax office chief Pascale Toussing was shown the door at the end of last year reportedly over slow hiring and her failed efforts to modernise the administration. Six administrations were studied in the report: Luxembourg Inland Revenue, the Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority, the Customs and Excise Agency, the Inspectorate of Finance, the national economic and financial committee (CEFN) and national statistics bureau Statec. Luxembourg members of parliament on Tuesday requested a review of the tax administration every five years, with the Court of Auditors saying it is open to the proposal. Grand Duchys efforts to crack down on corruption result in slight improvement in global ranking The Grand Duchy in 2023 minimally improved its score and kept its position as one of the worlds top 10 cleanest countries in an annual corruption ranking, showcasing improvements in its anti-corruption efforts over the past year. Global non-profit Transparency International evaluates countries on their corruption levels and mitigation efforts. A total of 180 countries are ranked in the Corruption Perceptions Index, with a score of 100 meaning very clean. With a score of 78, Luxembourg landed on the 9th spot in 2023, sharing the place with Germany, according to the report published Tuesday. In 2022, the Grand Duchy had managed to remain in the top ten, with 77 points, but had been singled out alongside countries like Haiti, Mongolia and Pakistan for being one of the ten significant decliners in the past decade, meaning it was considered more corrupt. Also read: Transparency battles feature in Bettel governments final year Denmark kept its first place for the sixth year in a row with a score of 90, followed by Finland (87) and New Zealand (85). Neighbours Belgium and France ranked lower than Luxembourg, occupying the 16th and 20th spot respectively. The report also notes that, although Western Europe and the European Union remain at the top of the chart, their average score has dropped to 65 out of 100 points a first in almost a decade for the region. Anti-corruption efforts have stagnated in three-quarters of the countries in the region, it points out, with only six countries improving their score. Luxembourg makes progress Though the report does not take into account cross-border corruption cases, Luxembourgs efforts to tackle corruption have paid off. In December of last year, the Grand Duchy was taken off a corruption watchlist managed by the Council of Europes States against Corruption (Greco), but had been told there were gaps in the oversight of the countrys elected deputies code of conduct. The country was monitored since 2017. Also read: Luxembourg taken off corruption watchlist after tightening rules The Financial Action Task Force a global anti-money laundering watchdog last year also concluded that Luxembourg was largely compliant with global anti-money laundering rules. The country also implemented a whistleblower law that pushed 22 institutions to set up external reporting channels, while private companies above a certain size must introduce internal channels for employees. The legislation also provides legal support to whistleblowers. However, Luxembourg still faces criticism from non-profits about its lack of transparency. An EU Commission report in July said that the country was moving too slowly in its efforts to improve public access to official government documents. The new CSV-DP government in its coalition agreement has said it intends to improve access to information for journalists and media in the country. As things got worse and worse, he decided to throw a concert for peace. Not everyone was happy about this as Marley and his partner Rita were both shot at during a rehearsal just days out before the gig. Manchester, VT (05254) Today Light snow this morning. Then remaining cloudy this afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 60%.. Tonight Occasional snow showers. Low 28F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. CCTV: Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Thailand from January 26 to 29. Can you brief us on the highlights of the visit? What results have been achieved and what common understandings have been reached through the visit? Wang Wenbin: Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi visited Thailand upon invitation from January 26 to 29. During the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin respectively. Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara held annual consultation and jointly met the press. The Thai side stated that Thailand highly values the Thailand-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and attaches great importance to enhancing its friendly cooperation with China. Thailand firmly upholds the one-China principle and does not conduct any official interaction with Taiwan. Thailand congratulates China on holding a successful Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs and agrees with President Xi Jinpings proposal of building an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. Thailand stands ready to work with China to jointly build a China-Thailand community with a shared future, strengthen coordination on regional and international issues, carry out substantive cooperation on implementing the three global initiatives, enhance Belt and Road cooperation, uphold multilateralism, oppose decoupling and severing of supply chains, and keep the industrial and supply chains stable and smooth. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China and Thailand are as close as one family. Our two countries are good neighbors, good friends and good partners. We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations next year. China will focus on building a China-Thailand community with a shared future for enhanced stability, prosperity and sustainability, strengthen practical cooperation across the board and add new dimensions to China-Thailand relations. Our two countries are comprehensive strategic cooperative partners. Enhanced friendship and mutual trust between China and Thailand helps safeguard peace in Asia, maintaining close and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Thailand help energize regional development, and accelerated progress in building a China-Thailand community with a shared future will make humanitys future more promising. During the visit, the two sides reached a series of common understandings: First, enhancing high-level exchanges. The two sides will work together to put into action important common understandings between leaders of our two countries, deepen strategic guidance, continue to render each other support on issues that bear on each others core interests and major concerns and jointly plan for events celebrating the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations next year. Second, focusing on mutually beneficial cooperation. The two sides will actively advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, speed up the construction of the China-Thailand Railway, fully implement the vision of interconnected development of China, Laos and Thailand, and complete the building of the Trans-Asian Railways mid-line section at an early date. The two sides will strengthen cooperation in such fields as agricultural trade, NEVs, digital economy and green development to benefit the two peoples with the dividend of building a China-Thailand community with a shared future. Third, boosting people-to-people and cultural exchanges. One of the highlights of the visit is the signing of the agreement between the two sides on the mutual exemption of visa requirements for holders of ordinary passports. The two countries will usher in a visa-free era. We will jointly enhance the public foundation for the China-Thailand community with a shared future. The bilateral people-to-people exchanges will be brought to a new height. The two sides will strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation and jointly fight transnational crimes including online gambling and telecom fraud for a secure and worry-free environment for the bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Fourth, strengthening multilateral coordination. The two sides will stay committed to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, firmly oppose zero-sum game and winner-takes-all, practice true multilateralism and open regionalism, build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home for China and ASEAN, accelerate the consultation on a code of conduct in the South China Sea, and jointly safeguard ASEAN centrality. China supports Thailand in serving as the co-chair of Lancang-Mekong cooperation and in building a Lancang-Mekong community with a shared future of peace and prosperity. The two countries signed cooperation documents including a protocol regarding the export of Thai agricultural products to China. AFP: The working group on China-US counternarcotics cooperation is holding its first meeting today in Beijing. What does China expect to achieve through the meeting? Wang Wenbin: During the meeting between Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan last week, the two sides agreed to launch the China-US counternarcotics cooperation working group in the near future. China has released relevant information. We hope that the US side will show sincerity, work with China in the same direction and continue to carry out practical counternarcotics cooperation based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. On your specific question, you may refer to competent authorities. Bloomberg: Has China asked the US to reverse its decision to pause approvals for new LNG export projects? Has this decision by the US created any long-term energy security concerns for China, given that some Chinese importers have contracts with the potentially affected American projects? Wang Wenbin: On the specifics of energy cooperation between China and the US, Id refer you to competent authorities. Rudaw Media Network: Due to the Houthis attacks in the Red Sea, is there any negative impact on the Chinese trade with Middle Eastern countries? My second question, the killing of three US soldiers in Jordan by Iranian-affiliated groups has complicated the situation in the regions. How does China see these attacks? Wang Wenbin: On your first question, the Red Sea is an important international trade route for goods and energy. We do not hope to see tensions in the region, call for a halt to the harassment and attacks on civilian ships, advocate respecting the sovereignty of Yemen and other coastal countries of the Red Sea, and are committed to working actively with all parties to alleviate tensions there. The root cause for the escalation of the situation in the Red Sea lies in the spillover effect of the Gaza conflict. A speedy end of the conflict in Gaza will help ease the situation in the Red Sea. We urge parties to the conflict in Gaza to earnestly implement the UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and realize an immediate ceasefire. The international community needs to take coordinated actions for this end. On your second question, we noted the report that an attack on a US base caused casualties, and also noted that Iran said it has nothing to do with the attack. The current situation in the Middle East is highly complex and sensitive. We hope relevant parties will remain calm and exercise restraint, step up dialogue and communication, avoid getting into a vicious cycle of revenge, and prevent further escalation of tensions in the region. China News Service: The Chinese Embassy in Nauru held the reopening ceremony on January 29. Can you share more details with us? Wang Wenbin: The Chinese Embassy in Nauru held the reopening ceremony on January 29. Representative of the Chinese government and Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency Luo Zhaohui, head of the team responsible for re-establishing the Chinese Embassy in Nauru Wang Xuguang, Naurus Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea, and Minister for Infrastructure Development Jesse Jeremiah jointly unveiled the plaque of the Embassy. Speaker of the Nauru Parliament Marcus Stephen, government officials, members of the Nauru Parliament, and representatives from Chinese companies and the Chinese community in Nauru attended the ceremony. At the ceremony, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea, on behalf of Nauru, congratulated China on the reopening of the Embassy, reiterated that Nauru is firmly committed to the one-China principle and regards the one-China principle as a fundamental foreign policy, and noted that after the resumption of diplomatic ties, the China-Nauru relations have developed fast and are warmly received in Nauru, and that Nauru looks forward to what the two countries can do together. After officially resuming diplomatic relations on January 24, China and Nauru agreed to open embassies in each others country at an early date. With the concerted efforts of both sides, only five days on, the Five-Starred Red Flag is once again flying high over Nauru, a sign that the China-Nauru relations are embarking on a fast track of growth. It also shows that the historical trend of commitment to the one-China principle will not be stopped, and the worlds big family committed to the one-China principle will become even bigger. China stands ready to work with Nauru for equal-footed engagement, close communication, sincere cooperation and common development, to steadily advance the bilateral relations and bring more benefits to the peoples of the two countries. RIA Novosti: Russian Central Bank head Elvira Nabiullina said that Russia is discussing with other BRICS countries the interaction of national financial message transmission systems, an alternative to SWIFT. Whats Chinas comments? Wang Wenbin: Ensuring global financial stability and improving global economic governance is a crucial part of international economic and financial cooperation, which bears on the common interests of all countries. Emerging markets and developing countries improving international settlement options gives a boost to each others trade and investment, and global financial stability. China supports efforts in the relevant mechanism and stands ready to contribute to improving global economic governance. The Paper: Its reported that Pakistani foreign ministry in a press conference on January 25 accused Indias intelligence personnel of involvement in the killings of Pakistani citizens in Pakistan. Its said that the assassination was conducted in the same way as the killing of Sikh activists by India in Canada and the US. Pakistan also accused India of recruiting, financing and supporting criminals and terrorists overseas to play defined roles in these assassinations. Whats Chinas comment? Wang Wenbin: China noted the reports and recent diplomatic disputes between relevant countries. The information released by Pakistan is worth our attention. I want to stress that terrorism is humanitys common enemy. China firmly opposes double standards on counterterrorism, which benefits no one and will only backfire. China stands for strengthening counterterrorism cooperation among all countries to jointly fight all forms of terrorism. Kyodo News: The Munich Security Conference will be held in Germany in mid-February. Will Foreign Minister Wang Yi attend the conference? Wang Wenbin: We will release relevant information in due course on the Chinese sides participation in the Munich Security Conference. Please stay tuned. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Head of the State Service for Property Affairs under the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan Matin Eynullayev stated that he will prepare proposals for the sale to private investors of part of the state's shares in major state-owned companies, particularly in the structures of SOCAR, AzerGold CJSC, ASCO, BakTelecom, AzTelekom, and ABB Bank, Trend reports. "We are preparing recommendations for all state-owned firms. Proposal preparation should take no longer than nine months. We are discussing selling blocks of stock rather than direct privatization," Eynullayev said. According to him, corporatization may affect such SOCAR structures as the Azerkhimiya Production Association, ethylene and propylene production enterprises, and methanol and urea plants. "Local and foreign investors will be able to take part in purchasing shares of production associations (PAs) and CJSCs, where the state currently holds 100 percent of shares. The shares of the state will be reduced. Now we are working on preparing proposals for each CJSC and PA, and it may take nine months," Eynullayev said. He underlined that while the government wants to attract international investors to the privatization process, they still have limited land rights (just rent). Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A student was stabbed by another student at a Boston neighborhood high school on Tuesday morning, according to Boston Public Schools and the citys police department. It was 10:54 a.m. when officers went to Jeremiah Burke High School at 60 Washington St. in Dorchester for reports of a person whod been stabbed, the department said. The school said it was put into Safe Mode for about 35 minutes due to the altercation. An unidentified girl, who the school confirmed is a student, was brought to a local hospital with a non life-threatening stab wound, the department said. The suspect, who was identified as another girl who is a student at Jeremiah Burke High, was arrested at the scene, police said. No further information on the circumstances surrounding the incident was made public. The school will have its district crisis response team on site for the next few days to support the community. Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn made a statement regarding the safety of schools in the city in light of the stabbing. The safety of our teachers and students must be our top priority, Flynn said. We need to reconsider our current BPS public safety plan, and include a role for police in our schools and metal detectors that work and are fully operational. Its critical we provide a safe and healthy learning and teaching environment, the councilor said. SPRINGFIELD A multitude of factors, from kindergarten to grade 12, can influence a students pursuit of higher education. Join experienced educators, students, administrators and public officials for data-driven look Tuesday at the pathway to college. The Parents as Partners on the Pathway to Higher Education forum is free, open to the public, with free parking and dinner included. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. It takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the American Internal College Schwartz Campus Center Auditorium at 100 State St. The event is coordinated by Dr. Gloria Williams, the executive director of the Coalition of Experienced Black Educators Inc., Emurriel Holloway, Mary Worthy, Willette Johnson and Dr. Bobbie Rennix. It is hosted by the coalition, the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership and American International College. State Rep. Bud L. Williams, D-Springfield, chairman of the House Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Right and Inclusion, chairman of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and a member of the Governors Advisory Council on Black Empowerment, will be attending, as well. For more information, contact Dr. Williams at 413-537-7285. When news broke that MCI-Concord, the oldest mens prison in Massachusetts, was closing in the summer, one official said the town was caught off guard by the news. The state Department of Correction announced the closing on Wednesday, Jan. 24. The medium-security lockup, which first opened in 1878, will close this summer, according to published reports. The 300 people currently held there will be moved to other state prisons, WBUR reported. The prisons staff also will be moved, according to the Healey administration. Concord Chamber of Commerce President Marie Foley said she found out once the Concord Bridge, a local news site, posted its first story about the closure on Jan. 23 after speaking with state Sen. Michael Barrett. The intention is to close the prison completely by the end of June, Barrett, D-3rd Middlesex, told the newspaper. He said he learned about the closing last Tuesday by the Department of Correction. As soon as they put it online, thats how all of us found out about it, Foley told MassLive on Monday. Read more: Walgreens will close one location in Westfield in February Foley added that neither the chamber nor her colleagues among her several small businesses in town have talked about the closure and what it could mean for the town. Today is my first day home working on paperwork, I have not been out on the street, she said. I usually walk the streets, chat with people to find out what theyre thinking of whats going on. But I havent had time to do that yet. While the story was posted online on Tuesday, she said that many residents and business owners likely did not see the story until the Saturday morning paper. Amidst any stacks of mail left over the weekend, some business owners likely did not read those newspapers until Monday morning, she said. Thats part of why I held off going door to door because I did not want to have to explain it in detail every time, Foley said. I wanted them to have a little bit of background before I went and chatted with them. Its big news but its sudden big news. The closure comes as the states prison population is at its lowest in 35 years, according to the Department of Correction, and this action reflects the departments ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency, advance cost-saving solutions, and deepen investments in programming and services, the agency said in a statement obtained by MassLive. The Correction Department will begin the process of transferring correctional officers and incarcerated individuals throughout this fiscal year with the expectation that this process will be complete by the summer of 2024, the agency said in its statement. The agencys announcement was met with praise from town officials, with Select Board Chair Henry Dane telling the Bridge that the land could be used for Concord Public Works. Keith Bergman, Concords representative to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, told the Bridge that the land could be used for affordable housing, while Housing Authority member Edward Larner said the news presents an opportunity that will be vigorously pursued and [I] hope that any obstacles can be mitigated. MassLive has reached out to the town government about its response to the closure. Foley said the announcement was similar to when state officials turned a former Best Western in Concord into an emergency family shelter for homeless people and migrants. The Boston Globe reported in February 2023 that town officials were thrown off by the short notice and questioned whether renting the Best Western hotel was a long-term shelter solution. The town had no idea, Foley said. Theres some relay of the messaging there that just doesnt happen, that probably historically has never happened and hasnt been set up yet to happen. A Billerica man previously convicted of raping a child younger than 13 pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography in U.S. Federal Court Monday, according to the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office. Eric Robert Johnson, 50, was arrested on the charge in February 2022, and then indicted by a federal grand jury the following month, the U.S. Attorneys office said in a press release. He was previously convicted of two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 in New Hampshire in 1992. Read more: Eric Robert Johnson of Billerica indicted in federal court for possession of child sex abuse images When authorities searched Johnsons home in February and March of 2022, they found a laptop, hard drives and other devices hidden around the home, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Investigators were unable to uncover all the files on the devices for various reasons, including that the laptop had recently run a program that wiped over 50% of its files. Even so, authorities found over 5,000 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse on seven of the seized devices, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Some of the files were of the sexual abuse of victims as young as infants and toddlers. Additionally, while searching Johnsons home, authorities found three mutilated dolls with holes sliced in the groin area, the U.S. Attorneys office said. They also recovered childrens clothing, including backpacks, swimsuits, nightgowns, costumes and diapers. Johnson has been in federal custody since his arrest. The charge of possession of child pornography after a prior conviction for a sex offense provides for sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The man believed to have fled the United States in November after slashing his girlfriends face and neck and leaving her body in a Logan Airport parking garage was arrested at a nightclub in Kenya, according to State Police and Kenyan media. Margaret Mbitu, 31, of Whitman, was identified by police as the woman found dead inside a car in the central parking garage at the airport around 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 1, 2023. She had been reported missing two days before. The trooper who discovered her body found a large amount of blood inside the vehicle, and her body was showing obvious signs of death, according to court documents. Her boyfriend was identified as Kevin Kangethe, 40, of Lowell, the documents said, and a warrant for his arrest was obtained in November, according to State Police. The investigation led authorities to believe Kangethe slashed her face and neck, then left her body in his car and fled to Kenya out of Logan. Kangethe was arrested Jan. 29 at a club in Nairobis Westlands area of Kenya, local outlet MPasho reported, following a joint investigation coordinated by the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, State Police confirmed. He will be extradited at a later date, police said. Further details in the case showed the Lowell man drove a white 2013 Toyota Venza with Massachusetts plates, and was seen on Oct. 30 on several city security cameras around Lowell and Chelsea, according to the court documents. Mbitus phones location had been consistent with the cars location until it was found inside the parking garage with her unresponsive inside, the documents said. Boston EMS said she was declared dead at 7:23 p.m., with the car secured pending a search warrant. An examination of her body found large slash wounds observed to her face and neck area (under her chin) and a puncture wound to her side, the documents said. Kangethe had purchased airline tickets to go to Kenya early on Oct. 31, the documents said. Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden released a statement on Kangethes arrest. Im extremely grateful to the U.S. Department of States Diplomatic Security Service, the FBI, Kenyan law enforcement agencies, the Kenyan government and the Massachusetts State Police for bringing the person accused of Margaret Mbitus brutal murder into custody, the statement read. Their tremendous and untiring efforts will provide Margarets family and friends the opportunity to see Kevin Kangethe face justice for this terrible crime, Hayden said. While Concord town officials have praised what prospects could come about from the impending closure of MCI-Concord in June, one official said it is not yet clear what the prisons shuttering could mean for local businesses. Concord Chamber of Commerce President Marie Foley told MassLive that the news caught her and other town officials off guard. Despite the news breaking Tuesday, Jan. 23, by the Concord Bridge, she said local residents and business owners may not have heard the news until later in the week either in the Saturday edition of the newspaper or by Monday morning. Thats part of why I held off going door-to-door because I did not want to have to explain it in detail every time, Foley said on Monday. I wanted them to have a little bit of background before I went and chatted with them. Its big news but its sudden big news. The state Department of Correction announced the closing on Wednesday, Jan. 24. The medium-security lockup, which first opened in 1878, will close this summer, according to published reports. The 300 people currently held there will be moved to other state prisons, WBUR reported. The prisons staff also will be moved, according to the Healey administration. Foleys initial thought of course, [was] that I felt badly for everyone whos involved there that will be reassigned to other places because they wont be able to come in and enjoy Concord anymore, [purchase at] the restaurants and the businesses. My second concern was are they going to tear the MCI down and construct something new? she said. Will the federal government sell the land? Will they rent it to Concord if the town is interested? How will that move forward? Will it be residential space? Theres so many options for what could happen for that piece of property. The chamber has no position on the matter yet, because it has yet to meet to talk about the prisons closing and its impact on the community. It is next scheduled to meet on Feb, 16, Foley said. That same week, Foley said the towns economic vitality committee would also meet and likely discuss the impending closure. We didnt have enough information, truthfully, to really discuss it in a coherent manner, she said. We know that its federal property, so as far as the closing goes, it will affect business in that the employees at the MCI and the people who will come to visit, who come into Concord, take part in the restaurants and shop around the towns, both Concord and West Concord... but as of right now I dont have a real feeling as to how [the chamber] membership feels about this. MassLive has reached out to the town government about its response to the closure. The agencys announcement was met with praise from town officials, with Select Board Chair Henry Dane telling the Bridge that the land could be used for Concord Public Works. Keith Bergman, Concords representative to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, told the Bridge that the land could be used for affordable housing, while Housing Authority member Edward Larner said the news presents an opportunity that will be vigorously pursued and [I] hope that any obstacles can be mitigated. State Rep. Simon Cataldo, D-14th Middlesex, told NBC 10 Boston that the closure stirred mixed emotions for facility volunteers and employers who employ inmates through prison programs. Foley echoed this point about families who moved to Concord to be closer to family members who are incarcerated and wondered how the closure would affect them. Read more: Panel to highlight new legislation about racial equity in prisons Now they need to up and move...because thats the only way they can visit, she said. ...So its easier for them to live in Concord and commute to work by train and then they can walk to MCI to visit. And these are dedicated families that want to keep their families in the loop with whoever is in MCI. Now they have to upend their lives and move somewhere depending on where that man ends up being. The Correction Department will begin the process of transferring correctional officers and incarcerated individuals throughout this fiscal year with the expectation that this process will be complete by the summer of 2024, the agency said in its statement. Wanda Bertram, communications strategist for the nonprofit Prison Policy Initiative based in Northampton, shared Foleys point that the prison workforce and visitors leaving will likely impact local businesses in the sense that youre going to have fewer consumers coming around. Theres the question of short-term versus long-term, Bertram told MassLive. The short-term answer is I dont know. The long-term answer is, well, it depends on what they do with that land, with that site. The prison is going to close and it seems like it will be available for redevelopment. There are different options that towns have for redeveloping prison sites. The Department of Correction said that the prison population in Massachusetts, at its lowest in 35 years, will advance cost-saving solutions, and deepen investments in programming and services. Theyre probably trying something new, which is good, Bertram said. States and counties should be trying new things because we cant lower our incarceration rates without closing prisons. When you close a prison, you have to have something to replace it if that was bringing any kind of boon to the local economy. One potential outcome Bertram said was a bad idea was repurposing the prison into a facility for people undergoing treatment for substance abuse or mental health issues. These are often folks who are going through a court process and they get diverted to treatment, she said. Sending those people to a prison that just has another name slapped over it it sounds bad and it is bad the conditions and the amount of surveillance people are under is quite prison-like in those places. An Amish family in Michigan got an unpleasant surprise earlier this month after shopping at Walmart in Sturgis, Mich. their vehicle, a horse and buggy, was stolen. Sturgis police said the theft happened at about 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 20. Thats when they were called to the parking lot of the Walmart their for a report of a stolen horse and buggy. Read more: These Walmart stores will close in less than two weeks Fortunately, a witness a truck driver also parked at the Walmart parking lot said he saw a woman make off with the buggy and provided a description to police, officials said. Police found the horse and buggy, unoccupied, later in the evening, and contacted the woman, whom they had had contact with earlier in the day for an unrelated reason at Walmart, at a nearby motel. The 31-year-old woman from Sturgis was arrested and charged with larceny and larceny of livestock, police said. The horse was unharmed and the family had their buggy returned, police said. Business Insider reports that Michigan has the sixth largest Amish population in the United States, and that 10% of the states Amish population lives about 14 miles from the Sturgis Walmart. SPRINGFIELD Superintendent Daniel Warwick will retire at the close of the school year, ending a 48-year career in the city schools that includes achievements such as turning around the citys poorest elementary school, boosting the graduation rate by nearly 30% and being the first district in the state to implement universal free preschool. Warwick joined with Mayor Domenic J. Sarno on Monday to announce his exit. Multiple school staff, friends and family members attended the event at City Hall. A few, including Chief Schools Officer Kimberly Wells, could be seen tearing up during the announcement. Warwick is the citys first home-grown school superintendent, having started his career as a substitute teacher around the age of 21 and moving up the ladder. He is also one of the longest-serving school leaders in the region, Sarno said. But it wasnt just that. He is a Springfield native who grew up in the Hungry Hill section of the city to a mom who emigrated from Ireland. He graduated from Springfield Public Schools, was one of the first in his family to attend college when he went to Westfield State University, and later earned his masters degree and certificate of advanced graduate studies from American International College in Springfield. Warwick choked up during the announcement, saying the decision wasnt an easy one, and he really isnt counting the days toward the end of his career. But the truth is he had put in enough time in as an educator to retire a dozen years ago, at about the same time he was named superintendent. It is an honor and pleasure. I think our system has done great things, and Im very, very proud to be part of it, Warwick said. Forty-eight years is a long time, but it flew by. It has never been a job for me. While Sarno said he would miss Warwick and their amiable relationship, he also wished he and his wife, Mary, a retired educator who taught elementary school, a happy retirement. It is very bittersweet. He has been a great friend, an excellent superintendent, said Sarno, who was a School Committee member when the board voted to appoint Warwick to the position in 2012. We have a great working relationship. While many School Committees and mayors battle for funding, fighting over making school improvements, they never did. We always had synergy, Sarno said. With Warwick hoping to leave as children exit for summer vacation, the School Committee will have to get started on a search to find a new schools head quickly. During the announcement, Sarno, who also serves as chairman of the School Committee, said he has appointed committee Vice Chair Joesiah Gonzalez to head a search group that will also include members Barbara Gresham and Christopher Collins. Collins, who was involved in the last superintendent search a dozen years ago, said he expects the city will advertise nationally for a new superintendent. With some 23,700 students enrolled, the district is the third-largest in New England and likely will attract some highly experienced candidates. Last time we did this, it took eight months. This time, we will have to squish it into five, he said. When looking for a candidate, leadership style will be something that Collins said he will take seriously. Warwicks affable nature has meant he has had a good working relationship with teachers and other staff, the unions and families. The next superintendent will have some big shoes to fill, but will have an outstanding and solid foundation to build upon, Sarno said. Warwicks achievements started early in his career when he took over as principal of Glenwood Elementary School, which at the time was the poorest school in the city with the biggest challenges and the lowest test scores. Warwick said there, and in other schools, that Springfield Public Schools staff proved poor kids could learn and excel. It took time, but Glenwood went from the most troubled school in the city to being named a federal Blue Ribbon School for its achievements. Over the years, Warwick also has seen the graduation rate increase from 56% to nearly 85%, been at the head of the construction of eight new schools, increased staff diversity, and saw a 95% drop in student arrests and a 75% decrease in suspensions. Sarno also gave him accolades for his continued push to keep arts in the schools. Warwick said he doesnt have a magic wand. Most of the results are because of collaborative efforts with staff, families and students. It is about putting in best practices based on data and hard work, he said. Warwick said he had no plans to rest on his laurels in his last year. He is proud of last years implementation of preschool in every elementary school and wants to fine-tune and expand it, now that initial studies are showing it is paying dividends in preparing young children to be ready to learn in kindergarten. There is more work to do to ensure students have the mental and social-emotional services they need, so they are able to learn without distractions, and he said he wants to work more on the Portrait of a Graduate program for high school seniors. A state agency is investigating a towns ambulance service following the death of a 2-year-old girl taken to a hospital in a fire vehicle when no ambulances were available, according to officials. Authorities said previously that the Winthrop girls mother called 911 around 10 a.m. on Friday, leading police and firefighters to respond to a home on Pleasant Street. When they arrived, they found the toddler, who had been ill recently, unresponsive and in a life-threatening condition. First responders rushed the girl to Massachusetts General Hospital in the back of the Winthrop fire chiefs vehicle, but she died at the hospital, authorities said. While police found no signs of trauma or evidence of foul play, the Chief Medical Examiners Office will make a final determination on the toddlers manner and cause of death. According to a Monday evening press release from Winthrop officials, the toddler had to be taken in the back of the fire chiefs vehicle because no ambulances were available to respond at the time of the 911 call. As a result, the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services is now investigating the incident, though it is unclear whether the lack of an ambulance response contributed to the girls death. Ambulance service in Winthrop is provided by Action Ambulances, which keeps two ambulances in the town, officials said. A preliminary investigation of the incident indicates that both ambulances were taking other patients to hospitals when the 911 call came in, and that no mutual aid ambulances were available. Under state law, if an available ambulance from one community in a mutual aid agreement is needed in another, it cannot decline the call or divert its response because of an emergency in its home community. Despite this, officials said, the mutual aid system has repeatedly pulled Winthrop ambulances into other communities, leaving the town without adequate ambulance service. On Monday afternoon, Winthrops town manager, town council president and police and fire chiefs met with Action Ambulance to discuss how the mutual aid system could be improved to heighten cooperation between local ambulance services. Officials said that, while the town is satisfied with Action Ambulances services, the parties also agreed to work on fixing staffing issues and on identifying additional resources that can be diverted to emergencies. Winthrops town leadership plans on reaching out to state legislators to discuss how they might fix problems with the mutual aid system. In the meantime, officials said, Action Ambulance and town officials are cooperating with state agencies investigating the incident. Our hearts collectively pour out for the family in mourning today, and we pledge to be open and transparent with our residents and with state officials, Town Manager Anthony Marino said in the release. MassLive reported previously that the toddler was found in the home of 56-year-old James Feeley, a Winthrop police officer who was charged with child rape and indecent assault last month. Feeley is on leave pending the outcome of the investigation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Azerbaijanis residing in various countries around the world express their support for the candidacy of the architect of Azerbaijan's prosperous future Ilham Aliyev, as the extraordinary presidential election in the country, scheduled for February 7, 2024, is approaching, Trend reports. The compatriots, through their Facebook platform 'BIZ Zafar Yoluna Davam' [WE - Continue the Victory Path], called on Azerbaijanis worldwide to demonstrate national unity and actively participate in the election. The Chairman of the Maarif [Enlightenment] organization operating in Georgia, Chief Editor of the Maarif magazine-newspaper Aladdin Garabaghli issued a statement calling on compatriots residing in different countries to actively support the Leader who ensured the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and engraved the name of the nation in the list of victorious nations: "We are confident that our people will elect the Victorious Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev," the statement reads. The Head of the Azerbaijan Cultural House Kharibulbul in Berlin Sevda Bedeliyori hailed the exceptional achievements under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev in economic development and the promotion of social and cultural initiatives in the country. "We invite Azerbaijanis worldwide to actively participate in the upcoming election and support the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev," she noted. The President of the Azerbaijani Association of Turkic Culture in Slovenia Taleh Gurbanov pointed out that citizens of Azerbaijan residing in Slovenia will joyfully and proudly participate in the extraordinary presidential election on February 7, 2024, and will take pride in expressing their support for the President Ilham Aliyev who inscribed victory in the history of Azerbaijan. The Head of the Azerbaijan Society at the UK University of Warwick Rafiq Niftaliyev in his appeal to the President Ilham Aliyev also emphasized support to his candidacy. "We believe that you are unwavering guarantor of Azerbaijan's independence and the secure future of their people," Niftaliyev said. The Chairperson of the Center for the Culture of Azerbaijani Schoolchildren and Youth Residing in Georgia Jeyran Gurbanova expressed unwavering support for the Supreme Commander who brought victory joy to the Azerbaijani people. "We invite all compatriots residing in different countries to be active in supporting our Leader, who marked the name of our nation with golden letters in the list of victorious nations and ensured the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. We are confident that our people will choose the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev," she noted. An activist of the diaspora living in the UK, the author of the Azerbaijani language book 'Bulbul' [Nightingale] Emilia Jabrayilova said that the full restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty is evidence of President Ilham Aliyev's strategic vision and unwavering commitment to ensuring the welfare of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan needs experienced leadership to ensure prosperity and stability. We believe that under the visionary leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan will continue to strengthen and play a key role in shaping a prosperous future, Gurbanova added. The head of the department of the Insurance Association of Saudi Arabia in Bahrain, a doctor Ellada Abdullayeva expressed wholehearted support from Bahrain's Azerbaijani community to President Ilham Aliyev under the motto 'Continue the Victory Path!' "The Azerbaijani people love their President and are proud that he is the Leader of our strong, powerful state, our proud and invincible people. We call on every citizen of Azerbaijan who has the right to vote to be active in supporting our Victorious Leader. We are confident that the choice of our people will be behind the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev!" she pointed out. The Azerbaijan-California Friendship Association also voiced its position regarding the upcoming election. We, the Azerbaijani diaspora, believe in the victory of President Ilham Aliyev in the upcoming early presidential election. We are confident that we will witness further successes of the Azerbaijani state and people under his wise leadership, the association's chairperson Elnura Hashimova said. The CEO of the GANUN [Law] legal aid center (Georgia) Ali Badirov emphasized that Ilham Aliyev's candidacy in the extraordinary presidential election is supported with slogans like "Victorious leader of victorious people" and "Leader of Azerbaijanis worldwide". "You can be sure that citizens of Azerbaijan residing in Georgia will support you. We are always ready to be active in support of the Leader who has inscribed the name of our nation in the list of victorious nations and ensured the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. We are confident that the people's choice will be the Victorious Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev," Badirov said. On December 7, 2023, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree calling for an extraordinary presidential election in the country on February 7, 2024. On December 19, the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan approved the candidacy of Ilham Aliyev, nominated by the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), for participation in the extraordinary presidential election. Azerbaijan has registered seven candidates to run in the extraordinary presidential election. United States tourists are being told to not head to The Bahamas because of an influx of crime, including 18 murders that have happened this month. The U.S. Department of State issued an advisory on Friday, Jan, 26, telling travelers to use extreme caution in the The Bahamas because of crime. The advisory said the majority of crimes occur in popular travel destinations like New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. In addition, the Over the Hill area of Nassau has seen more gang-on-gang violence that has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population. Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas, the advisory continued. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence. The advisory came after the U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas posted an alert on Wednesday, Jan. 24, urging citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. The murders have occurred in broad daylight and are believed to be motivated by retaliatory gang violence. The embassy said that those who decide to travel to The Bahamas should do the following: Exercise extreme caution in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau) Use caution when walking or driving at night Keep a low profile Be aware of your surroundings Do not physically resist any robbery attempt Review your personal security plans In addition, the U.S. Department of State said tourists can read the country information page for more information on travel to The Bahamas. As the majority-Democrat state Senate takes up its version of a bill making long-sought changes to Massachusetts gun laws later this week, Bay Staters can expect two big things from that debate. First up, Democrats will bring the proposal, which looks to crack down on so-called ghost guns, among other reforms, to the floor as soon as Thursday armed with some pretty significant support in the form of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. The statewide law enforcement group had raised objections over language in a previously approved House bill governing where people could carry weapons. And they come to the table with some heavy-duty clout. In a statement last week, the police chiefs association was unambiguous in its support for the legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Stone Creem, D-Norfolk/Middlesex, saying it was onboard with the concise firearms reform bill put forth by the Senate. Concise is one way of putting it. The bill comes in a full 94 pages shorter than the one the House overwhelmingly approved last fall, according to the politics newsletter MASSterList. And unlike its House predecessor, it wont get a public hearing beforehand. Its a completely different bill with a completely different set of concerns, Jim Wallace, the executive director of the Worcester County-based Gun Owners Action League, told MassLive, as he bemoaned what he described as the lack of transparency accompanying the new proposal. In a statement, House Democrats said they planned to review the Senate proposal, which comes in the form of an amendment to their already approved bill. But they also appeared to suggest that it could be in for tough sledding on their side of the State House as they [kept] in mind the critical nature of the reforms included in the Houses proposal, and the urgency around the issue of gun violence generally, a spokesperson for House Speaker Ron Mariano, D-3rd Norfolk, said. Some added context: Both chambers of the Legislature are controlled by the same party. But just like your familys Thanksgiving table, the relationship occasionally can be fractious. Second, language in the bill that prohibits the marketing of unlawful firearm sales to minors, and exposes violators to civil liability, appears to have emerged as an early sticking point. In their summary of the bill, Senate Democrats said the language was intended to curtail the gun industrys near-absolute immunity from civil litigation. If its passed by both chambers, and Gov. Maura Healey (also a Democrat) eventually signs it into law, the language would create a massive liability and lawsuit wormhole for virtually anyone producing products anywhere, the Gun Owners Action League warned in its analysis of the legislation. The legislation opens the doors to civil action against anyone in the 2A [community] or our suppliers of any products if someone feels harmed, the gun rights group argued in its analysis. This is an intentional end run around the federal law banning frivolous lawsuits. In an email, a Creem spokesperson told MassLive that eight states have passed far-reaching gun industry accountability laws. Several of those laws including those in Illinois, Washington, and Hawaii feature language prohibiting the design, sale, or marketing of firearms to minors. Meanwhile, gun violence reform advocates hailed other fixes in the bill and called on lawmakers to approve them. They include the expansion of extreme risk protection orders, commonly referred to as a red flag law, which allows the court-ordered seizure of someones weapons if its shown they pose a danger to themselves or to others; the banning of so-called Glock Switches, which illegally turns a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic one, according to a published report, and the creation of a new commission charged with studying funding for gun violence prevention services. All told, an average of 255 people die by guns, and 557 more people are wounded, statewide every year, according to the Massachusetts chapter of the gun violence reduction group Moms Demand Action. Gun violence further costs the state $3.5 billion each year, with taxpayers bearing $85.4 million of that total. The Senates bill brings us one step closer to enacting these critical gun violence prevention laws in Massachusetts and making our communities even safer, Mona Hochberg, a Moms Demand volunteer said in a statement. While the commonwealth already has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, legislative authorization of the bill will mean Massachusetts will remain a national leader in preventing the spread of gun violence, Hochberg continued. Lawmakers just have to agree first. A roundup of conversations we're having daily on the site. Subscribe to the Reckon Daily for stories centering marginalized communities and speaking to the under-covered issues of the moment. A $1 million dollar donation erased lunch debt for more than 7,000 kids in Georgia. The Arbys Foundation, a charitable arm of the fast food chain, made the contribution after City Schools of Decatur (CSD) announced it would serve cheese sandwiches and milk to students with outstanding lunch debt until their balances were paid in full beginning this Friday, Feb. 2. The Arbys Foundation wholeheartedly believes that we should have reliable access to meals for children, Arbys brand president Rita Patel told reporters Friday. Our purpose is really making sure that we continue to fight childhood hunger but that were also supporting the communities where these children and families are thriving. So thats where we spend a lot of our energy and we make sure that we do it, again, nationwide, and we leverage our franchisee partners to come along on that journey with us. CSD in a statement said it was grateful for the donation. All past balances have been forgiven, the district wrote in a statement. CSD has less than a 10 percent poverty rate and eligible families continue to receive regular meals through the National Lunch Program. We have also finalized agreements with organizations to provide additional assistance to individual families experiencing financial hardships. As a public school district, we often have to make difficult decisions. However, we remain committed to providing healthy meal options for all students while working diligently to proactively prevent future debt reoccurrences, the statement said. Lunch debt is an ongoing problem for students in America, especially since pandemic-era federal funding for free meals to all students expired in 2022. The Education Data Initiative estimates 30.4 million students carry a combined student lunch debt of $262 million annually. Three Democratic senators attempted to address the issue nationwide last year. In September, Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont introduced the School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act of 2023. The bill would require the Secretary of Agriculture to cancel all existing school meal debt within 180 days of its passage using funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation. But the legislation has been stalled in the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and has yet to be advanced. In Virginia, lawmakers are pushing a state bill that would guarantee free breakfast and lunch to public elementary and secondary school students under two federal programs. Democratic Sen. Danica Roem introduced Senate Bill 283 earlier this month. The states second largest school district ended the 2022-23 school year with almost $350,000 in school meal debt and has relied on donations from teachers and community members to help settle it. The Arbys Foundations most recent contribution will cover 7,413 students in four public school districts in the metro Atlanta area City Schools of Decatur, Cobb, Henry and Fulton County School Districts. The remaining amount, about $800,000, will be distributed among 762 schools nationwide to help over 47,000 students, the foundation said. DH Justin Turner, who was one of the Red Sox most productive hitters in 2023, has signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Blue Jays, MLB Networks Jon Morosi reported Tuesday. Turners deal also includes $1.5 million in roster and performance bonuses, Morosi added. Turner declined the $13.4 million 2024 player option in his Red Sox contract and received a $6.7 million buyout from Boston in November. And so Turner netted at least an extra $6.2 million by opting out and then signing with Toronto. Turner turned 39 on Nov. 23. The two-time All-Star enjoyed a nice season with Boston in 2023, batting .276 with a .345 on-base percentage, .455 slugging percentage, .800 OPS, 23 homers, 31 doubles, 86 runs, 96 RBIs, 51 walks and 110 strikeouts in 146 games (626 plate appearances). He started 98 games at DH, 35 games at first base, seven games at third base and four games at second base. Turner expressed a desire to re-sign with Boston. I love playing in Boston and Ive had a great experience here so obviously, it would be fantastic if I was still here, Turner said in September. He then said in November that remained hopeful about re-signing with Boston. But the Red Sox had other plans, including decreasing payroll. Boston is not expected to replace Turner. It instead is likely to rotate several different position players through the DH spot. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Chairman of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Ties Samad Seyidov and other members of the committee have welcomed the delegation of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye headed by Chairman of the Committee on National Defense Hulusi Akar and expressed gratitude to the Turkish delegation to PACE for their support of Azerbaijan, the Parliament told Trend. According to Seyidov, the strong and friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, characterized as 'one nation, two states,' are flourishing. Cooperation between the two brotherly nations has been reinforced across various domains and has achieved a new level. The Committee Chairman underscored the historical significance of the Shusha Declaration. The Azerbaijani Member of Parliament highlighted that following Azerbaijan's liberation its lands from Armenian occupation and the complete restoration of sovereignty, certain European states displayed a biased stance towards the country. Recently, the Azerbaijani delegation issued a statement during the PACE meeting, declaring the cessation of interaction and withdrawal from the organization due to the prevailing atmosphere of racism, Azerbaijanophobia, and Islamophobia within the structure. Chairman of the National Defense Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Hulusi Akar, conveyed his appreciation for the hospitality and the cordial meeting. He expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development witnessed in the country across all sectors. Akar discussed the various meetings conducted during the visit and emphasized the successful development of allied relations between the two countries in all domains. Hulusi Akar underscored the significance of inter-parliamentary ties and the productive cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries, emphasizing the collaboration within committees and international organizations. He highlighted the great importance of expanding ties within the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States. He noted that the Turkish state and people felt proud of Azerbaijan's victory in the Second Karabakh War. In reference to the upcoming extraordinary presidential election in Azerbaijan, Hulusi Akar expressed the belief that President Ilham Aliyev, the liberator of Karabakh, will be re-elected as the head of state. During the meeting, members of the Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Ties, including Sabir Rustamkhanli, Sevinj Fataliyeva, Javanshir Feyziyev, Nasib Magamaliyev, Sahib Aliyev, Asim Mollazadeh, Ramil Hasan, Rasim Musabekov, Nigar Arpadarai, and Sevil Mikayilova, delivered speeches. They shared their perspectives on the historical and current state of relations and discussed the continued enhancement of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The meeting was attended by deputies of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, including Refik Ozen, Mehmet Ali Celebi, Feyzi Berdibek, Ozgur Ceylan, Metin Ilhan, Zuhal Dora, Dursun Atas, Didem Hasturk, Volkan Durmaz, Gencehan Babis, Mohammad Akkiraz, as well as the Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Cahit Bagc, and other officials. The credentials of Azerbaijan's delegation to PACE were challenged on the opening day of the 2024 winter plenary session. Frank Schwabe, who heads the German delegation to PACE, proposed to deny the Azerbaijani delegation's credentials because Azerbaijan allegedly 'organized the expulsion of Armenians from Karabakh'. Thus, PACE was dissatisfied with the fact that they were 'not invited' to observe the presidential elections to be held on February 7. Before that, in October 2023, the PACE adopted a one-sided and biased resolution regarding localized anti-terrorist measures undertaken by Azerbaijan in Karabakh. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel by Ray Schultz , January 29, 2024 The Eugene Weekly, a newspaper that almost went under after funds were embezzled, will be back on Feb. 8 with a print edition. It will publish around 25,000 print copies, according to Associated Press. The announcement came after at least $150,000 in donations were raised to support the paper. The editor, Camilla Mortensen, is returning to the paper, along with three other staff members, according to the New York Times. The small print weekly based in Eugene, Oregon, was embezzled by an employee to the tune of thousands and thousands of dollars, and is in danger of going out of business, according to a letter titled, Wheres the Damn Paper? The staff writes, Shortly before Christmas, we discovered that EW had been the victim of embezzlement at the hands of someone we once trusted. advertisement advertisement The letter continues, We had to lay off the entire 10-person staff EW three days before Christmas. One of our biggest creditors, our printer, says it will print EW again only if we pay upfront. The paper reportedly owed $70,000 to the printer at that time. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Ahead of the upcoming extraordinary presidential election in the Republic of Azerbaijan on February 7, 2024, the distribution of ballot papers to district election commissions has commenced at the Milli Majlis (Parliament) printing house, Media and Communications Department of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Secretariat told Trend. The process involves members of the CEC, and secretariat staff, along with the chairmen and secretaries of respective district election commissions. "The process has been executed in an open and transparent manner, ensuring that all conditions are in place for international organizations, election observation missions, media representatives, and election stakeholders to closely monitor the proceedings," said the statement of the department. "On the initial day, January 30, ballots will be transported to a total of 36 electoral districts. This includes electoral districts in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, polling stations in the territories liberated from Armenian occupation, as well as electoral districts encompassing remote areas of the republic. Over the following two days, the distribution will extend to all other electoral districts throughout the country, bringing the process to its full completion," the statement reads. "Following the distribution of ballot papers produced under high-security conditions to the district election commissions, the subsequent processes of transportation, storage, and allocation to the precinct election commissions are safeguarded by the relevant bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs," the department added. "During the event, media representatives were briefed on the requirements of the Electoral Code and the organization of the process of the preparation and secure delivery of ballot papers. Additionally, answers were provided to questions of interest to journalists," the Media and Communications Department of the CEC Secretariat said. Upon the approval of the requirements for the text, form, number, and production order of ballot papers by CEC within the stipulated legal terms for the presidential election, the printing process commenced on January 24, 2024. In accordance with the Commission's decision, a total of 6,524,203 ballot papers were printed. After the distribution of ballot papers to the district election commissions in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Electoral Code, they will be transferred from the district election commissions to the precinct election commissions no later than three days before the beginning of voting. On December 7, 2023, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on holding an extraordinary presidential election in the country on February 7, 2024. The Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan (CEC) on December 19 approved the candidacy of Ilham Aliyev, nominated by the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), for participation in the extraordinary presidential election. Azerbaijan has registered 7 candidates to run in the extraordinary presidential election. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel by Erik Oster , January 29, 2024 Caramel candy brand Werthers Original launched its first global campaign in around five years, with a message channeling Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. Home Sweet Home debuted last week with a series of four anthem ads running across broadcast, connected TV, digital, and social channels. Created in partnership with agency Pahnke Chicago and production house Native Content, the ads focus on celebrating comfort and emotional connection, presenting home as more than a place, while connecting the August Storck brand to fond memories and showcasing the brand portfolio across its hard and soft caramel candy varieties. They represent the initial half of eight ads created thus far for the campaign. advertisement advertisement The brand focused on positive childhood moments in its A Little Piece Of Bliss campaign launched in 2019. Still, the campaign does reflect a strategic shift for the brand informed by consumer insights. According to a representative, the campaign is a response to the issue of widespread loneliness. Around half of U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness last year, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Werthers is an iconic brand thats loved across generations, but we needed a fresh approach that featured the brands diverse product portfolio and how that resonated with todays consumers, Kelly Cook, president for Werthers parent company Storck USA said in a statement. The idea behind Home Sweet Home came to me when I was packing up my childhood home to be sold -- the stories those walls could tell. Similarly, when you talk to people about Werthers, everyone has a story -- vivid memories of where they were, who they were with, added Pahnke Chicago CCO Susan Betteridge. It was those stories and those emotions we wanted to capture in the work. Following the U.S. launch, Home Sweet Home will roll out globally later this year, including in Canada and Europe, which represents home ground for Storck, the German confectionery producer behind Werthers, which is headquartered in Berlin. While Home Sweet Home represents the brands first global campaign in years, it is no stranger to spending big on advertising. According to data analysis from MediaRadar, Werthers invested over $30 million on advertising for 2023, and was the number four spender among candy brands. The vast majority of that spending was on digital video, with Werthers devoting about 82% of its budget to such channels according to MediaRadar, with 16% going to TV advertising. That ratio could look a lot different for 2024 with the rollout of Home Sweet Home including new broadcast ads. by Ray Schultz , January 29, 2024 The Daily Iowan, a student newspaper at the University of Iowa, has acquired two community papers, the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun and Solon Economist, from Woodward Communications, effective with their Feb. 8 editions, the Iowan announced. The terms were not disclosed. The Daily Iowan is part of the non-profit corporation Student Publications, Inc. The University of Iowas School of Journalism and Mass Communication will operate the Mount Vernon and Solon newspapers in an effort to provide students with local reporting experience. However, their local editors will continue to lead editorial direction of the papers. We are excited for this opportunity and its a great fit for our organization, says Jason Brummond, DI Publisher, who will manage and serve as publisher of the two publications. Community newspapers play an important and integral role in their communities, and we believe strongly in quality local journalism. by Gord Hotchkiss , Featured Contributor, January 30, 2024 In his bestseller Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, Yuval Noah Harari writes that AI might mean the end of democracy. His reasoning for that idea comes from an interesting perspective: how societies crunch their data. Harari acknowledges that democracy might have been the best political system available to us -- up to now. Thats because it relied on the wisdom of crowds. The hypothesis operating here is that if you get enough people together, each with different bits of data, you benefit from the aggregation of that data. Theoretically, if you allow everyone to vote, the aggregated data will guide the majority to the best possible decision. Now, there are a truckload of yeah, buts in that hypothesis, but it does make sense. If the human ability to process data was the single biggest bottleneck in making the best governing decisions, distributing the processing among a whole bunch of people was a solution. Not the perfect solution, perhaps, but probably better than the alternatives. advertisement advertisement As Winston Churchill said, democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." So if we look back at our history, democracy seems to emerge as the winner. But the whole point of Hararis book is to look forward. It is, he promises, A Brief History of Tomorrow. And that tomorrow includes a world with AI, which blows apart the human data-processing bottleneck: As both the volume and speed of data increase, venerable institutions like elections, parties and parliaments might become obsolete -- not because they are unethical, but because they dont process data efficiently enough. The other problem with democracy is that the data we use to decide is dirty. Increasingly, thanks to the network effect anomalies that come with social media, we are using data that has no objective value, but is simply the emotional effluent of ideological echo chambers. This is true on both the right and left ends of the political spectrum. Human brains default to using available and easily digestible information that happens to conform to their existing belief schema. Thanks to social media, theres no shortage of this severely flawed data. So if AI can process data exponentially faster than humans, can analyze that data to make sure it meets some type of objectivity threshold, and can make decisions based on algorithms that are dispassionately rational, why shouldnt we let AI decide who should form our governments? Now, I pretty much guarantee that many of you, as youre reading this, are saying that this is BS -- that it means humans surrendering control in the most important of arenas. But I must ask in all seriousness, why not? Could AI do worse than we humans do? Worse than we have done in the past? Worse than we might do again in the very near future? These are exactly the type of existential questions we should ask when we ponder our future in a world that includes AI. Our hubris in believing were the best choice for being put in control of a situation is no coincidence. As Harari admits, the liberal human view that we have free will and should have control of our own future was really the gold standard. Like democracy, it wasnt perfect, but it was better than all the alternatives. The problem is, theres now a lot of solid science that indicates our concept of free will is an illusion. We are driven by biological algorithms that have been built up over thousands of years to survive in a world that no longer exists. We self-apply a thin veneer of rationality and free will at the end to make us believe that we were in control and meant to do whatever it was we did. Whats even worse, when it appears we might have been wrong, we double down on the mistake, twisting the facts to conform to our illusion of how we believe things are. But we now live in a world where there is -- or soon will be -- a better alternative, without the bugs that proliferate in the biological OS that drives us. As another example of this impending crisis of our own consciousness, lets look at driving. Up to now, a human was the best choice to drive a car. We were better at it than chickens or chimpanzees. But we are at the point where that may no longer be true. There is a strong argument that as of today, autonomous cars guided by AI are safer than human-controlled ones. And if the jury is still out on this question today, it is certainly going to be true in the very near future. Yet we humans are loath to admit the inevitable and give up the wheel. Its the same story as making our democratic choices. So lets take it one step further. If AI can do a better job than humans in determining who should govern us, it will also do a better job in doing the actual governing. All the same caveats apply. When you think about it, democracy boils down to various groups of people pointing the finger at those chosen by other groups, saying they will make more mistakes than our choice. The common denominator is this: Everyone is assumed to make mistakes. And that is absolutely the case. Right or left, Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, no matter who is in power, they will screw up. Repeatedly. Because they are, after all, only human. by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, January 30, 2024 Actor Idris Elba may be wearing more clothes for his Calvin Klein campaign than last months underwear ads starring Jeremy Allen White. But the apparel company has made sure this second installment of its spring menswear campaign is just as attention-getting. Photographer Mert Alas shot and directed the campaign, which follows Elba as he saunters through the streets of London wearing the brands classic trench coat, layering in minimalist clothing in tailored wool, sateen and cotton. But while Alas underwear spot was full of hot anatomical closeups, Elbas vibe is pure cool. Ads are running now on the companys social channels, and it plans out-of-home placements in global markets, including billboards on Houston Street in New York and La Cienega in Los Angeles. A company spokesperson tells Marketing Daily that out-of-home is also scheduled for London, Milan, Madrid, and Berlin. advertisement advertisement The new campaign is Elbas first appearance for the brand. Elba, best known for his role as Luther, also stars in ads for Uber Eats and has previously appeared in spots for Booking.com.* The launch of the White ads last month, just as the actor and The Bear stormed the awards shows, sparked the kind of internet frenzy that doesnt come along very often, even for Calvin Klein. (Admit it. By comparison, Justin Bieber is just meh.) Those spots even inspired a spoof from Away Luggage, which scrambled to find underwear big enough to fit its extra-large wheelie bags. Calvin Klein is owned by PVH, which is in the midst of an extensive transformation plan. The New York-based company has vowed to make Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger the most desirable lifestyle brands in the world, it says in a note to investors. Thats also meant cleaning out the portfolio, and the company recently unloaded its intimates brands, including Olga, Warners and True & Co., for $160 million. In its most recent quarterly results, PVH says Calvin Kleins sales rose to $1.02 billion, up 6% from $966.5 million in the third quarter of 2022. But sales slipped a bit in North America, falling to $375.5 from $380.2 million in the year-ago period, hurt by a decrease in the wholesale business. *An earlier version of this story should have said that Elba is not currently appearing in Booking.com's advertising. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, January 30, 2024 WPP said today that its organic net revenue growth for full-year 2023 was about 0.9%, in line with earlier guidance, with an operating profit margin of 14.8%. The figuresa sneak peak at fuller 2023 results to be released Feb. 22were revealed during an investor conference the company held today in London to provide an update on company activities and future plans as the industry transitions from the digital age to the AI Age as CEO Mark Read described the shift. advertisement advertisement Another headline numberthe firm has earmarked 250 million GBP for 2024 for additional investments in data and technology to support the companys ongoing AI strategy. Like the other major holding companies, WPP has already invested hundreds of millions to scale AI throughout its organization. And it's working with all the key industry AI players like Nvidia, OpenAI, Microsoft and others. Publicis Groupe last week said it was investing 300 million euros over three years on efforts to create a CoreAI layer that would support all activities at the company. WPP has its own branded Al platform--WPP Open--which has been developed over the past two years, an effort led by Satalia, a UK AI company that WPP bought two years ago. Like Publicis CoreAI, WPP Open is being developed as a central part of the holding companys offering that agencies throughout the company will be connected to. And it is being designed to serve the needs of every major client at WPP. Currently a handful of clients are utilizing it including The Coca-Cola Company, Ford and LOreal. Its credited as being the decisive factor in winning the Nestle media account last year. Some 28,000 users are currently utilizing the Open platform within the holding company. Apart from AI, WPP has targeted efficiencies from ongoing streamlining programs that will produce structural and efficiency savings of around 300 million GBP over the next couple of years and accelerate the companys organic growth. But that wont happen overnight. The firm says that growth for 2024 will be in the range of flat to 1%. But in the next three to five years, Read said the firm is targeting 3%+ growth. The company, Read asserted, is far less complex than it was in 2019. Since then, WPP has retired 300 brands, 1,400 legal entities and 840 office locations, consolidating much of the staff into new campuses around the world. Now, 90% of the companys business is generated by 6 brands including VML, GroupM, AKQA, Ogilvy, production network Hogarth, and PR giant Burson. These brands are critical, said Read. We dont need 500. After months of integration planning, the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson took effect on January 1. In a joint presentation at the investor conference CEO Jon Cook and President Mel Edwards told attendees the combination would generate 50 million GPB in savings. The main strategy behind the merger was to create a single brand with three core and integrated practices including brand experience, customer experience and commerce. Christian Juhl, CEO of GroupM told attendees that half of the $900 billion in annual global media spending is digital and most of that is programmatic. He likened GroupMs task in that regard to high-frequency trading in the financial markets. Google and Meta, he added, control about 47% of the digital pie. We have to be masters in those universes, he said. Juhl touched on simplification efforts at GroupM, noting that from an investment and activation standpoint GroupM acts as one company, one culture and one operating system...We go to market the same way for all of our clients, utilizing the same platforms. The different brands, he added, drive growth by managing clients and conflicts. Juhl added that GroupM is focused on improving U.S. growth performance. He noted refreshed leadership with the recent appointment of Sharb Farjami as North America CEO. U.S. growth in 2023 was 3%, Juhl disclosed, noting that the region suffered some account losses. Its not a capability gap, he said. Rather, the firm failed to communicate its story as effectively as it could have. During the Q&A portion of the event, Read was asked how clients would share in the efficiencies brought by AI. He responded by noting with scaled AI-driven production the company could produce a thousand more assets at a thousandth of the cost for a client. Some of that value would be shared with clients while we keep some for ourselves. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The Russian Minister of Emergency Situations Alexander Kurenkov has visited Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. The two-day visit will focus on issues of cooperation across emergency bodies. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Pentagon said Monday that the three service members killed in an Iranian-backed militia drone attack on their living quarters at a small logistics base in Jordan on Sunday were Army Reserve soldiers from the same unit. The soldiers who lost their lives were Sgt. William Rivers, 46; Spc. Kennedy Sanders, 24; and Spc. Breonna Moffett, 23. They were assigned to the 718 Engineer Company, an Army Reserve unit based out of Fort Moore, Georgia, according to Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokeswoman, who briefed reporters on the incident Monday. In addition to the three killed, Singh said that, as of Monday, more than 40 service members were injured in the deadly attack that came after months of similar strikes on bases that house U.S. troops in Syria and Iraq. The Jordan drone strike marked the first American service members killed in the wave of violence that has swept the region since Israel went to war with Hamas, and President Joe Biden vowed Sunday that the U.S. would respond. Read Next: Tennessee Couple Sentenced, Ordered to Pay Back $65 Million for Roles in Pentagon's Largest Tricare Fraud Case The number of troops wounded in the Jordan attack climbed steadily over the past two days. U.S. Central Command initially said that 25 were injured but later updated the total to "at least 34 service members" as of Sunday evening. On Sunday, Central Command also said that eight personnel had injuries severe enough to need evacuation from Jordan. Singh said all were taken to the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center, located at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq's capital, and three of those patients are scheduled for "imminent transport" to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for follow-on care. The attacks in Iraq, Syria and now Jordan come as the U.S. has launched a campaign of strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have targeted merchant shipping in what they claim is an operation against Israel and its war in Gaza. U.S. warships and airpower, along with international partners, have increasingly been pulled into that conflict. Singh said the Jordan attack was conducted by an Iranian-backed militia, and it was the first deadly incident for U.S. forces since groups linked to Iran ratcheted up drone, mortar and missile strikes in the region on Oct. 17. Since that time, officials said there have been at least 165 attacks on U.S. positions in Iraq and Syria that have left at least 80 injured, not counting the service member deaths and injuries Sunday. In a separate briefing Friday, a senior defense official told reporters that most of those injuries "are from concussive events from rocket mortar, indirect fire, or one-way [drone] attacks with anything from 8 to 50 kilograms of explosives." The Sunday drone strike hit what is called Tower 22, an outpost that sits in the demilitarized zone between Jordan and Syria near the U.S garrison at al-Tanf in Syria, according to The Associated Press. Singh noted that the attack had "the footprints of Kata'ib Hezbollah" but said the Pentagon was not yet "making a final assessment on that." Multiple outlets have reported that the drone managed to sneak past defenses by shadowing a returning U.S. UAV, which led to confusion over whether the attack drone was friendly or not. Singh would not directly confirm those reports but did say U.S. Central Command is investigating. She said the Jordan attack did differ from previous attacks due to where the drone detonated, and that the base was not any less protected compared to others in the region. "It did impact where living quarters are and I believe it was pretty early morning, so people were actually in there," Singh said, later adding that she believed only a single building was hit. The deaths have prompted hawkish Republicans to increase their pressure on Biden for a stronger military response to the spate of attacks U.S. forces have faced in the Middle East since October, including calling for a strike on Iran itself. "The only answer to these attacks must be devastating military retaliation against Iran's terrorist forces, both in Iran and across the Middle East," Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said in a statement Sunday. "Anything less will confirm Joe Biden as a coward unworthy of being commander in chief." Some Republicans, such as Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., and Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, have alluded to the January 2020 assassination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani ordered by then-President Donald Trump as the type of action Biden could take to compel Iran to call off its proxy forces. But the Soleimani killing did not end the threat to U.S. troops from Iran and its proxy forces then. Rather, days after the killing, more than 100 U.S. troops suffered brain injuries when Iran retaliated by launching a barrage of missiles at a base in Iraq. And a few months later, in March 2020, two U.S. troops in Iraq were killed in a rocket attack by an Iranian-backed militia. Biden's Democratic allies in Congress are acknowledging some form of military response will be necessary after the U.S. troop deaths this weekend. But several top Democrats, such as Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin, D-Md., also stressed the response should be "deliberate and proportionate." "I think it is quite worthy at this point to consider whether or not there are targets within Iran, targets where the drones are being made, where the missiles are being made, military targets to send the message that they're not going to get a free pass anymore because that's what Iran has gotten out of this," Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, said on CNN on Sunday. "Right now, they think they can promote their proxies to attack us with no consequences," Smith added. "If that doesn't change, these attacks will continue." Biden, though, has also been facing competing calls from some Democrats and anti-interventionist Republicans to scale back any military action in the Middle East absent specific congressional approval. Those calls were initially sparked by the Biden administration's wave of strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, and some of the same voices who urged restraint there are now admonishing those pushing for military action against Iran. "There is no 'Iran is bad' exception to the Constitution," Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted on social media Sunday. "If we're going to war, Congress must declare it." Related: Is the US Military at War with the Houthis and Iran-Backed Militias? The Answer Is Complicated. A Tennessee couple at the helm of a prescription pharmacy scheme that defrauded the Pentagon's health program of more than $65 million and also ensnared service members will serve time and must pay back the federal government, the Justice Department announced Thursday. Jimmy Collins, 59, and Ashley Collins, 37, of Birchwood, Tennessee, must pay $65,679,512.71 in restitution to the Defense Health Agency and Tricare. Jimmy Collins was sentenced to 10 years in prison -- the maximum he could have received for the charge of receipt of illegal remuneration -- while Ashley Collins will serve 18 months in home confinement for conspiracy. From 2014 to May 2015, the Collinses ran a medical clinic that used a network of doctors and a nurse practitioner to recruit service members and other Tricare beneficiaries to receive specialty medications they didn't need in return for kickbacks. Read Next: Biden Says US 'Shall Respond' After Drone Strike by Iran-Backed Group Kills 3 US Troops in Jordan The prescriptions were then filled by a pharmacy in Bountiful, Utah, which billed Tricare at amounts of $10,000, and in some cases up to $20,000, per prescription -- enough for the Collinses to cover the cost of beneficiaries' copayments, provide payments to participants and spend lavishly on themselves. According to the Justice Department, the Collinses used their taxpayer-funded wealth to finance a lavish lifestyle, purchasing an 82-foot yacht, two Aston Martins and other luxury vehicles, three pieces of real estate in Tennessee, gold and silver bars, and a multimillion-dollar investment annuity. "Today, defendants who defrauded millions of tax dollars intended for the care of our nation's service members were held accountable for their crimes. Yachts and Aston Martins are a fantasy now, and prison is the reality," U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath said in a statement. The Collinses are among hundreds of defendants pursued by the Justice Department in the largest case of medical fraud in the Pentagon's history. In 2013, a number of pharmacy companies that make compounded medications -- personalized dosages or formulas normally crafted for patients who can't tolerate certain ingredients -- as well as unscrupulous physicians, clinic owners and others like the Collinses who teamed with pharmacists found they could produce medications such as pain and scar creams, wound ointments and erectile dysfunction drugs, and market them directly to Tricare patients via phone, advertising and mail without much interference. The companies made thousands of dollars on each prescription, and the scheme became so widespread that the Defense Health Agency spent more than $1.5 billion on these prescriptions in the first half of 2015, causing a budget shortfall that year and prompting the Pentagon to restrict coverage of compounded medications. The Justice Department then began pursuing those involved, as well as service members who got caught up in the scheme. Among those who worked with the Collinses were Josh Morgan and Daniel Castro, two Marines who were stationed in Southern California at the time, and Kyle Adams, a former Navy sailor, according to court documents. The three worked as recruiters, finding Tricare beneficiaries to receive the medications and promising pay in return. The Collinses made nearly $46 million in profit from the fraud and paid Morgan, Castro and Adams roughly 10% of the money. All three previously pleaded guilty for their participation. "Tricare fraud is not a victimless crime; it is theft of taxpayer dollars that would be directly used in support of the health and readiness of our warfighters," said Special Agent-in-Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Economic Crimes Field Office in a press release. The sentencing of Jimmy and Ashley Collins does not complete the case. A nurse practitioner who worked for them and several patient recruiters await sentencing, according to the Justice Department. In fiscal 2022, the Justice Department paid the Defense Department $26.2 million in funds recouped as a result of health care fraud convictions. Related: In Reversal, Defense Department Now Wants to Bring Tricare Beneficiaries Back to Military Health System PORTLAND, Maine A Maine legislative committee considered an emergency request on Monday to grant powers to a panel investigating last year's Lewiston mass shooting that the state's governor said are critical to unraveling how the killings unfolded. An independent commission is investigating the October shootings that killed 18 people in a bowling alley and a restaurant in the worst mass shooting in Maine history. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said the panel needs subpoena power, in part to access the shooter's military records. The Maine Legislature's Committee on Judiciary held an emergency public hearing on the request Monday. The independent commission is hoping to bring Army officials to the table to testify about shooter and former reservist Robert Card's history in March. The judiciary committee could vote on the bill seeking subpoena power on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the committee said. Mills' proposal for subpoena power has the backing of the Democratic and Republican leaders of both houses of the Legislature. The victims, their families, as well as the Maine people deserve to know the details of how the system failed us on Oct. 25," said Republican Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham, the House minority leader. How are they going to get any answers if they don't have subpoena power. Shooter Robert Card committed the killings on Oct. 25 and then died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. The independent commission investigating the shootings is expected to look into potential missed opportunities to prevent the shootings. Card spent two weeks in a psychiatric hospital in New York last summer after an altercation with other reservists. Family members also raised concerns over his behavior and deteriorating mental health state prior to the killings. Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey have said the subpoena power is important to ensure that the commission has the tools it needs to fully and effectively discharge its critical mission of determining the facts of the tragedy in Lewiston. Mills' bill states that it would also authorize the commission to request and receive records from state agencies needed to complete the mission. Maine Policy Institute, a free-market think tank, testified against the proposal on Monday. The group said in written testimony that it felt the independent commission members were handpicked by the chief executive and the attorney general to serve in this capacity and are beholden to nobody but the governor and attorney general. The independent commission took its first testimony on Jan. 25 and heard from members of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office. The law enforcement officers said the state's yellow flag law that allows guns to be confiscated from someone in a mental health crisis limited them in what they could do when they received warnings about Card. LONDON UK Royal Navy vessels are unable to attack Houthi positions in Yemen because they lack the necessary missiles, it has been revealed, in what one former defense chief called a "scandal." Britain has joined America in conducting operations against the Houthis in a bid to halt attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, but the US Navy has had to carry out the majority of strikes on the Yemeni mainland, the Daily Telegraph reported. A UK defense source told the newspaper that HMS Diamond, the Royal Navy destroyer stationed in the Red Sea, lacks "the capability to fire to land targets," meaning the UK's sole source of offensive capability comes from Royal Air Force jets stationed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, around 1,500 miles away. HMS Diamond, the source said, has instead been involved in downing " Houthi drones targeting shipping in the Red Sea," with the only functioning weapons systems on UK destroyers being fixed artillery guns. US Navy destroyers, meanwhile, have the capacity to fire Tomahawk guided missiles, with a range of 1,500 miles. A former senior defense chief told the Daily Telegraph: "It's clearly a scandal and completely unsatisfactory. This is what happens when the Royal Navy is forced to make crucial decisions which can affect capability. "The UK is now having to fly RAF jets thousands of miles to do the job of what a surface-to-surface missile can do." Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, head of the UK Armed Forces, warned the government of the need to "speed up our acquisition processes" for "land attack missile systems" on British vessels five years ago when he was head of the Royal Navy. Since then, a temporary system of Norwegian-made Naval Strike missiles has been installed on just one UK vessel, and has yet to be tested. A new cruise missile system for British warships is due to be introduced in 2028. Conservative MP Mark Francois, a former armed forces minister, told the Daily Telegraph: "The lack of a land attack missile from the Royal Navy's surface fleet was specifically highlighted in a defence committee report some two years ago. "It is encouraging that this missile is now on order but also disappointing that it is still not yet in operational service." Earlier this year, US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro warned that Royal Navy investment is "significantly important" given "the near-term threats to the UK and US." The former chair of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, Tobias Ellwood, urged Defense Secretary Grant Shapps to review the situation. "We can't continue to do this with a surface fleet that's too small and cannot fire on land at range," Ellwood said. On Saturday, Shapps said: "It is our duty to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and we remain as committed to that cause as ever." A spokesman for the UK Ministry of Defence said in a statement: "As with all coalition operations, commanders select the best equipment for the job. HMS Diamond is an air defence destroyer, which has been directly involved in successfully destroying Houthi drones targeting shipping in the Red Sea. "Equally, the Royal Air Force has the capability to strike land targets with high precision, which is why Typhoon aircraft strikes have reduced the Houthis ability to conduct these attacks." ___ (c)2024 the Arab News (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) Visit the Arab News (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) at www.arabnews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Army has posthumously promoted two of the soldiers who were killed in a drone attack in Jordan this weekend as questions remain about what transpired at the small outpost. The U.S. Army Reserve posthumously promoted Spc. Kennedy Sanders and Spc. Breonna Moffett to the rank of sergeant "in recognition of their exceptional courage, dedication, and leadership during Operation Inherent Resolve," a statement from U.S. Army Reserve Command announced Tuesday, referencing the mission to defeat the Islamic State terrorist group in Iraq and Syria. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin "will be calling each of the families to personally relay his respects and is planning to attend the dignified transfer of remains at Dover Air Force Base on Friday, as well," the Pentagon's top spokesman, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, told reporters at a briefing Tuesday. Read Next: As the Marine Corps Says Goodbye to Decades-Old Jet, Its Maintainers Hit the Fleet for the Last Time Sanders and Moffett were killed alongside Sgt. William Rivers late Saturday when Iran-backed militants flew a drone into the living quarters at the base known as Tower 22 along Jordan's border with Syria. "This promotion is a small token of our immense gratitude for Sgt. Sanders and Sgt. Moffett's service and sacrifice," Col. Robert Coker, the chief of staff for the 412th Theater Engineer Command, said in Tuesday's statement. All three were also Georgia residents and assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, an Army Reserve unit based out of Fort Moore, Georgia. According to information provided by the service Monday, Sanders enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2019 as a horizontal construction engineer. Before deploying to Jordan, she also deployed in 2021 for an eight-month rotation to Djibouti in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Among her awards were an Army Service Ribbon, an Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" device. Moffett also enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2019 as a horizontal construction engineer. The Army's statement made no mention of any prior deployments but said that her awards included the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Finally, Rivers enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2011 as an interior electrician. He deployed to Iraq for nine months in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in 2018. Among his awards were an Army Achievement Medal, an Army Service Ribbon, several Overseas Service Ribbons, an Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" device, and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star. Meanwhile, the Pentagon had few direct answers amid questions asking for more details about the attack that killed the three soldiers. Ryder acknowledged that "there are still many questions, to include how the one-way attack drone could have penetrated the facility's air defenses, its point of origin, and which specific Iranian proxy group is responsible." "U.S. Central Command is continuing to look into all those important questions," Ryder added. When asked whether commanders in the area will be taking extra steps to protect their troops, Ryder wouldn't go into specifics, citing operational security, but stressed that the military is "taking this very seriously and ... we will take necessary measures and steps to ensure that our forces are protected." Ryder wasn't able to immediately say whether the troops at Tower 22 are receiving hazardous duty incentive pay or if they are eligible for combat ribbons -- both key indicators that troops are in a situation that the Pentagon recognizes as combat. Aside from recognizing performance under fire, combat accolades are also key pieces of evidence when it comes to Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims over lingering injuries. The attack on Tower 22 has left more than 40 troops injured -- with eight severe enough to need evacuation -- according to defense officials. In contrast, the USS Carney, a ship that, while in the waters off Yemen downed 14 drones in December, was presented with a unit-wide Combat Action Ribbon award in the early days of January. No one on the ship sustained injuries. Related: Pentagon Identifies 3 Army Reserve Soldiers Killed in Jordan When Iran-Backed Militants Flew Drone into Living Quarters Iran urged the U.S. to use diplomacy to ease tensions in the Middle East, as Tehran braces for a military response to a deadly attack on an American base over the weekend. The foreign minister of the Islamic Republic said active diplomacy is underway to find a political solution to the war in Gaza and the regional fallout, without elaborating. The White House knows very well that the way to end the war and the current crisis in the region is political, Hossein Amirabdollahian said in a post on X. The comments came as the U.S. weighs how to retaliate against a deadly attack on a base in Jordan that killed three American soldiers and injured dozens. President Joe Biden blamed Tehran-backed militias in neighboring Syria and Iraq and said hed respond at a time and in a manner of our choosing. Iran denied involvement in the strike, which was the first to kill Americans since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in October. Many Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have said the attack shows Bidens been too soft on Iran. The U.S. and Iran dont have formal diplomatic ties but have exchanged messages about the crisis since October, sometimes through the Swiss embassy in Tehran. Both sides say they want to de-escalate the situation while blaming the other for inflaming it. The U.S. says Irans support for regional militias is fueling tensions, while Tehran says Washington must put pressure on Israel to end its military offensive in Gaza. Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7 from Gaza, triggering the war and roiling the wider region. Since then, U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria have come under regular fire from Iran-supported groups. Hezbollah, also backed by Iran, is exchanging fire with Israeli forces almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border. The Houthis, meanwhile, have caused mayhem in the shipping world with attacks on vessels around the southern Red Sea. They say they wont back down until Israel pulls out of Gaza, despite the U.S. and U.K. launching missiles on their positions in Yemen. This is an incredibly volatile time in the Middle East, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday. I would argue that weve not seen a situation as dangerous as the one were facing now across the region since at least 1973, he said, referring to the year in which Israel fought the Yom Kippur war against Egypt and Syria. Weve made very, very clear from day one that were going to defend our people, were going to defend our personnel, were going to defend our interests, he said. At the same time, the presidents been very clear that we want to prevent broader escalation. ___ 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Marine Corps is saying goodbye to a decades-old jet, and Marines who work on its engine will soon enter the fleet for the last time. The AV-8B Harrier II jet has been in service since the 1980s, according to the Marine Corps. As the service modernizes into a lighter expeditionary force and focuses its attention on the F-35B Lightning II, the Corps is getting rid of the older jet. After a 60-day course, five Marines who will now work on Harrier engines have graduated the final class the Corps will ever put on. The Harrier will be phased out of use over the next two years, according to a press release announcing the graduation this week of the last class of Marines who fix it up. Read Next: Pentagon Identifies 3 Army Reserve Soldiers Killed in Jordan When Iran-Backed Militants Flew Drone into Living Quarters The final class of Marines who will repair and maintain the Harrier's monster F402 jet engine is another casualty of the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030, an aggressive effort to modernize the service that has already seen it get rid of its tanks and the scout sniper military occupational specialty, or MOS. "Teaching this class is bittersweet. I am proud to pass on knowledge to the last generation of students," Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Fife, an instructor for the course, said Monday in a news release. "On the other side, this is the end of an era for the Marine Corps." Marines who graduated the course spent two months learning about the Harrier's engine and its gas turbine starter, according to the release. They will be assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14, the last unit that works on Harriers located at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. After the Harrier makes its final flight, Marines who were assigned to maintain it will have the option to move to another MOS of their choice. "It's mind-boggling to me, knowing that I'm going to the fleet soon and there is nobody else taking this class after me," Pfc. Landyn Powers, a fixed-wing power plants mechanic student, said in the release. The Harrier jet has been in the Marine Corps' inventory for nearly 40 years. In 2020, the service shut down one of its most famous Harrier squadrons and transitioned to the F-35B stealth fighter. "With two years left before the AV-8B Harrier II is retired, the Marine Corps has shifted its priorities to prepare for the transition of the F-35 Lightning II, America's premier fifth-generation fighter," according to the press release. "The F-35 Lightning II, designed to operate from ship and shore, provides the Marine Corps with operational flexibility, and unmatched lethality and tactical supremacy." Related: Marine Corps Marks End of Harrier Operations for Historic 'Tomcats' Squadron Spc. Christian Sutton and his team of nearly two dozen other young soldiers have signed up nearly 6,000 troops as potential bone marrow donors since March 2022. The effort by members of the Army's rank and file fills a critical void amid a nationwide shortage of donors and has become one of the most significant grassroots health care initiatives in the service's recent history. In early January, Sutton -- commonly referred to as "Bone Marrow Guy" on social media -- was in the airport on his way to meet with Command Sgt. Major JoAnn Naumann, the senior enlisted leader for Army Special Operations Command. Read Next: As the Marine Corps Says Goodbye to Decades-Old Jet, Its Maintainers Hit the Fleet for the Last Time Meeting key Army leaders to lobby for expanding his team's bone marrow registry to new units has effectively become Suttton's full-time job in the service, one he created for himself. His team, mostly young soldiers and all recruited through the Army forum on Reddit, have tried to make bone marrow donations -- a relatively obscure practice in the medical community -- commonplace in the Army. "I'm very happy with where the program has gone," Sutton, a 1st Armored Division soldier based out of Fort Bliss, Texas, told Military.com. "My mother died from Hodgkin lymphoma when I was four. She had to get a bone marrow donation, but couldn't find a donor toward the end." The program is dubbed "Operation Ring the Bell," a cover-all name for the grassroots Army effort that gets people signed up for Salute to Life, the Department of Defense's official marrow donation program, which feeds the national registry, established in 1991. While no other junior enlisted soldier has gotten the media attention Sutton has, he's quick to point out that, while he spurred an impromptu Army bone marrow registry, he is now a cog in a machine that has become virtually service-wide. Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer, the service's top enlisted leader, said the effort of those mostly junior soldiers through the Ring the Bell campaign is "an enormous undertaking," in a statement to Military.com. First Lt. John McHale, assigned to 3rd Sustainment Command, established a program to make registering for voluntary bone marrow donation a standard part of processing for soldiers new to Fort Liberty, North Carolina. The in-processing includes a set of briefings seen by the thousands of soldiers who pass through the base each year. "This is about getting the Army to save lives," McHale said. "It has just been a real privilege to be part of this." Each year, roughly 18,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses that demand a bone marrow transplant. However, only about 30% of patients have a family member who is an appropriate match, according to data from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The likelihood of a patient being matched with someone in their lifetime is about 1 in 430, due to registered donor rosters not being robust and complications with finding matches among some ethnic groups. The bulk of bone marrow donations are done through a process called a peripheral blood stem cell donation, a nonsurgical procedure. For five days leading up to the donation, donors get injections to boost the number of bone marrow cells in their bloodstream. Extraction is similar to blood donation. One of the soldiers who signed up through Sutton's "Ring the Bell" effort was recently matched with a patient who needed bone marrow. That soldier came from the very first registry created nearly two years ago. "I don't know how to wrap my head around where it's at now," Sutton said. "The ultimate goal is to make the Army the largest source of bone marrow donations in the United States." Related: In Reversal, Defense Department Now Wants to Bring Tricare Beneficiaries Back to Military Health System BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on the appointment of judges of several first instance courts, Trend reports. Taking into account the proposals of the Judicial-Legal Council, guided by item nine of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, it was decreed to: 1. appoint the following judges to the courts of first instance in accordance with Articles 94 and 96 of the law of Azerbaijan "On courts and judges": For courts handling serious crimes: Baku Court for Grave Crimes: Mahira Karimova Fakhri Mammadov Lankaran Court for Grave Crimes: Ali Aliyev Javid Safarli Sumgait Court for Grave Crimes: Hafiz Aliyev Fahmin Humbatov For administrative courts: Baku Administrative Court: Hamid Aghalarov Aygun Ahadov Orkhan Hasanov Selma Salahova Gunel Sevdimaliyeva Sumgayit Administrative Court: Leyla Mirzayeva Shaki Administrative Court: Farid Ismayilzadeh Vugar Musayev For commercial courts: Baku Commercial Court: Ulkar Hasanova Kanan Huseynov Shirvan Commercial Court: Elshan Abdullayev For military courts: Military Court of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic: Abil Orujaliyev For district (city) courts of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic: Babak District Court: Gunay Ismayil Nakhchivan City Court: Gulsum Aliyeva For district courts of Baku city: Binagadi District Court of Baku city: Aygun Gurbanova Khatai District Court of Baku city: Fuad Akhundov Nasimi District Court of Baku city: Gunay Abidova Anar Ibadzadeh Nizami District Court of Baku city: Gumru Aliyeva Ulkar Yusifova Sabunchu District Court of Baku city: Nilufar Jafarli Hagigat Mahmudova Sabayil District Court of Baku city: Gunel Samadova Surakhani District Court of Baku city: Rubaba Gafarova Yasamal District Court of Baku city: Gulnar Babazadeh Karim Khudayev For district (city) courts: Absheron District Court: Malahat Abbasova Agdash District Court: Javid Sultanov Aghsu District Court: Anar Asgarov Khachmaz District Court: Sarkhan Samadzadeh Ismayilli District Court: Ilgar Huseynov Guba District Court: Vugar Seyidov Masalli District Court: Jeyhun Guliyev Saatli District Court: Mirlatif Sadigov Sumgayit City Court: Elmir Huseynov Shamakhi District Court: Natig Ismayilov Shamkir District Court: Taleh Musayev. 2. This decree will come into effect on February 3, 2024. SEOUL, South Korea North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles into waters off its western coast Tuesday in its third launch of such weapons this month, South Koreas military said, as the North continues to flaunt its expanding arsenal of weapons designed to overwhelm its rivals' defenses. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the South Korean and U.S. militaries were analyzing the launches that were detected around 7 a.m. It did not immediately provide more details, including the number of missiles fired, how far they flew, and whether they were launched from land or sea. The launch followed tests on Jan. 24 and Jan. 28 of the Pulhwasal-3-31 cruise missile North Korea says is designed to be fired from submarines. Following the second launch, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reiterated his goal of building a nuclear-armed navy to counter what he described as growing external threats. It's not yet clear if that water launch Sunday was conducted from an actual submarine or an underwater barge. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years, after Kim accelerated his weapons development to an unprecedented pace while issuing provocative nuclear threats against the United States, South Korea and Japan. The United States and its Asian allies in response have strengthened their combined military exercises, which are increasingly featuring U.S. strategic assets such as aircraft carriers, long-range bombers and nuclear-powered submarines. The countries are also sharpening their deterrence strategies, with Seoul in particular seeking stronger assurances from Washington that the United States would swiftly and decisively use its nukes to defend its ally in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack. The North on Jan. 14 also tested a new solid-fuel intermediate-range missile, which underscored its efforts to advance its weapons that could target U.S. assets in the Pacific, including the military hub of Guam. There are concerns that Kim, emboldened by the steady advancement of his nuclear arsenal and strengthened ties with Russia, would further ramp up pressure against his rivals in an election year in the United States and South Korea. Aside of weapons tests, there are also growing concerns in the South about a direct North Korean provocation. The North in early January fired hundreds of artillery rounds for three consecutive days into waters near their disputed western sea border, prompting the South to conduct similar firings in response. The exchange caused no known casualties or damage, but the sea boundary had been the site of several bloody skirmishes and attacks in past years. During a fiery speech at Pyongyangs parliament on Jan. 15, Kim declared that the country was abandoning its longstanding objective of a peaceful unification with war-divided rival South Korea and ordered the rewriting of the North Korean constitution to cement the South as its most hostile foreign adversary. He then said that the North has no intention to avoid war and would use its nukes to destroy the South if provoked. Experts say the North is aiming to diminish South Koreas voice in international efforts to resolve the nuclear standoff and eventually force direct dealings with Washington as it seeks to cement its nuclear status and negotiate a release of U.S.-led sanctions from a position of strength. A year after 700 gallons of fuel spilled at a Space Force observatory located atop a sacred Hawaiian volcano on Maui, angering locals, officials are still working on approving a remediation plan and presenting it to the community. On Jan. 29, 2023, a diesel fuel pump for a backup generator at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex failed to shut off and the float -- a piece that helps monitor fuel levels -- inside the tank was defective, causing hundreds of gallons to seep into the soil on the 10,023-foot summit of Haleakala, a volcano on the Hawaiian island. Despite gradual progress over the last year, a final plan to make sure all the fuel is cleaned up and determine how the soil will be returned to the land has not been finalized. The service also wants to get community input for the plan, given the sacred nature of the site. Read Next: As the Marine Corps Says Goodbye to Decades-Old Jet, Its Maintainers Hit the Fleet for the Last Time "We endeavor to get the community's viewpoint and do our level best to incorporate their concerns and suggestions in the process. We share their frustrations as we work through this complicated, but deliberate, process," Lt. Col. Phillip Wagenbach, 15th Space Surveillance Squadron commander, said in a press release. "We recognize the cultural importance of the site and have accelerated the process whenever it was safe to do so," he said. Haleakala is a culturally and religiously significant site for native Hawaiians, according to the National Park Service. It is considered to be a dwelling for the gods and is a place where priests perform ceremonies. Part of the delay in cleaning the site is tied to the process of creating a plan that takes into account the cultural and religious significance of the soil, and communicating a plan to local agencies and groups for how to excavate the dirt. That is expected to take several months. "The next step in the process is to present recommended remedial technologies to the public," a statement from Space Base Delta 1 said. "This information will be shared with the community to solicit inputs before a final remediation method is selected. ... Community inputs will be gathered in person and online during a community forum to be held in the coming months." In the days immediately following the diesel leak last year, there was a significant amount of outrage from lawmakers and native groups. Kako'o Haleakala, a local protest group, demonstrated at the site, carrying numerous signs, some that read "U.S. Department of Defense Death" and "Time to Haalele" -- which translates as "Time to Desert," according to Ulukua, a Hawaiian electronic library service that provides a dictionary. The group also posted an online petition titled "End the Maui Space Surveillance Site (MSSS) lease renewal in 2031," which garnered nearly 900 signatures. The spill prompted Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall to make a nearly 5,000-mile trip from Washington, D.C., to issue a public apology a few weeks later. "This incident hurts the environment. It harmed our reputation, calls into question the trust placed on us by our local communities," Kendall said last February during the press conference. "To be clear, I apologize for what has happened, and this department will put our full, sustained effort in repairing what has been done." Workers soon got to work removing an estimated 84,000 pounds of soil. Officials also hired religious and cultural monitors to oversee the project. On June 16, a contract was awarded to GSI Pacific, a Native Hawaiian-owned company, which took soil samples at depths of 40, 80 and 100 feet in an attempt to build an underground "map of fuel contamination depth and breadth," the service announced. The data from those samples was compiled in a report which will be reviewed by the Hawaii Department of Health, or DoH. "The report, currently being reviewed by the Hawaii DoH, indicates the contamination is present above the site-specific cleanup levels to 20 feet below ground surface but poses a very low threat to the drinking water," the service said in a press release Monday. Once remediation efforts based on that data are made, they'll be presented to the public for input and residents can voice their opinion on the efforts online or during in-person community forums. The U.S. military has had a strained relationship with native Hawaiians for decades, but recent incidents have spurred more distrust from the local community. The 700-gallon fuel spill at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex, which is home to the Defense Department's largest optical telescope, according to the Space Force's website, was only a fraction of the 20,000 gallons of jet fuel leaked in a much larger incident at the Navy's Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility near Honolulu in 2021. At least 93,000 people living in military housing on and around Pearl Harbor were affected by the massive jet fuel spill. More than 5,000 gallons eventually seeped into the ground and tap water. That contamination forced thousands to leave their residences, and those who stayed had to rely on bottled water for months. In 2022, the Pentagon announced that the World War II-era bulk fuel farm would be closed and drained. Military.com reported earlier this month that the Department of Defense plans to develop a registry for residents of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to better understand the long-term health impacts. It is still unknown when the registry will be operational, but work on creating it is expected to start later this year. The situation on Maui differed from Red Hill due to the fact that there are no residents and no water sources at the top of the volcano. Related: Space Force Still Figuring Out How Bad the Fuel Spill Atop a Sacred Hawaiian Volcano Was We watched him unalive mythical creatures in "The Witcher," saw him murder Gen. Zod as Superman and we'll soon be watching Henry Cavill shooting enemy spies in the upcoming comedy thriller "Argylle." None of that can possibly compare to the excitement of watching him lead a team of misfits to kill Nazis in Guy Ritchie's much-anticipated film, "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare." This new movie is based on the true story of Britain's real-world Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II, the forerunner of today's special operations that conducted many of the same kinds of missions: sabotage, espionage, reconnaissance and targeted assaults (apparently) wherever the Axis deployed its forces. Officially an action spy comedy, "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" also stars Alan Ritchson ("Reacher"), Eiza Gonzalez ("Ambulance"), Henry Golding ("Snake Eyes"), Cary Elwes ("The Princess Bride"), Hero Fiennes Tiffin ("The Silencing") Til Schweiger ("Inglourious Basterds") and Babs Olusanmokun ("Dune"). Though it looks a little over the top (and I mean that in the best possible way) and a lot of history buffs are apt to scoff at movies that are "inspired by the true story," there's a lot to be excited about with "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare." The film is based on a book by Damien Lewis, the award-winning historian, war reporter and author of "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: How Churchill's Secret Warriors Set Europe Ablaze and Gave Birth to Modern Black Ops." The book tells the story of the first killer unit, called Maid Honour Force, created by Britain's minister of economic warfare, Hugh Dalton (likely played by Elwes). The force was led by the high-born British aristocrat Gus March-Phillipps and a Danish soldier, the equally aristocratic Anders Lassen. The duo assembled a team to capture Nazi shipping in the port of Fernando Po (in what is today the West African island of Bioko, Equatorial Guinea), allegedly with the help of some amphetamines. All of which explains so much about this trailer. From 1940 and beyond the end of World War II, the Special Operations Executive employed more than 13,000 people from all walks of life, male and female, straight and gay, criminal and aristocrat; a composition almost unheard-of at the time. Language, nationality and deniability were prized above all else. The goal was to win the war by any means necessary, which usually meant "butcher-and-bolt" -- brutally kill and vanish. Deniability, of course, meant that most of the men and women on these missions were, for all their bravery, expendable. They undertook some of the most daring, important and seemingly impossible missions of World War II, missions that likely changed the course of the war itself. Few of these early fighters survived until the SOE was officially dissolved in 1946. As for the members of Maid Honour Force, you'll just have to watch the movie. "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" hits theaters nationwide on April 19, 2024. Want to Learn More About Military Life? Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for post-military careers or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov met with Minister of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters Alexander Kurenkov, Trend reports, referring to the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan Republic. The meeting underscored the strong strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Russia. It was highlighted that the two countries should actively develop their collaboration in all areas, including emergency prevention and elimination. The parties emphasized the necessity of signing the Plan of Joint Activities between the Republic of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Russian Federation's Ministry of Civil Defense, Emergencies, and Natural Disasters for 2024-2026. During the meeting, the opportunities for strengthening Azerbaijani-Russian cooperation in emergency prevention and response were highlighted. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel CURTIS TOWNSHIP, MI -- A fight at a Alcona County bar resulted in one man being shot in the groin and the suspected shooter facing a possible attempted murder charge. Deputies with the Alcona County Sheriffs Office were dispatched to the Glennie Tavern around 11:09 p.m. Friday night for a report of a shooting in the parking lot. The first deputy arrived on scene a minute after the call came in and made contact with the suspected shooter, while the victim was found inside the bar suffering from a gunshot wound to his groin. The preliminary investigation determined that the alleged shooter -- a 33-year-old Bay City man -- got into a physical altercation with the alleged victim -- a 30-year-old West Branch man -- in the parking lot. The shooter is accused of shooting the man once with a pistol that was in his pocket during the altercation. The victim was initially transported to a nearby hospital before being moved to St. Marys Hospital in Saginaw where he was listed in stable condition. The shooter was also taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries before being arrested and lodged at the Iosco County Jail on charges of assault with intent to commit murder and possession of a firearm while intoxicated causing a serious impairment. The alleged shooter has not been formally arraigned on the charges, however a magistrate has denied bond in the matter. The suspects name has not been released pending formal arraignment on charges. An investigation into the shooting is ongoing. YPSILANTI, MI -- One Ann Arbor coffee shop plans to bring new life to a space that was once home to Ypsilantis popular Cultivate Coffee and Tap House. Vertex Coffee Roasters plans to open a second location in early spring at 307 N. River St., which held Cultivate Coffee and Tap House until it closed in February 2022. Read more: Indefinite closure at Cultivate Coffee is due to Ypsilantis tent regulations, owners say Vertex Coffee began in 2019 at 1335 S. University Ave. in Ann Arbor and operates its roastery in Milan. Co-owner of Vertex Coffee Roasters Kara Sato said her and her staffs personal connections to Ypsilanti made the decision to open a second location in Depot Town even more exciting. Were excited to be a part of that community, especially in that building, Sato said. It has had a special history, so we feel really lucky to kind of continue being a community gathering space. Vertex Coffee Roasters is committed to offering an approachable cup of coffee, Sato said, adding the queer, women-owned business focuses on bringing single origin coffee along with some unique options. We try to make a really welcoming space for everyone, she said. Customers will be able to find menu items including flights of lattes, a variety of gluten free pastries and other food options in the new Ypsilanti space. The business will also serve its coffee alongside a zero-proof bar, Sato said, adding Vertex Coffee Roasters does not have any current plans to get a liquor license. Despite opening close to other coffee shops like Hyperion Coffee Co., Sato said her goal is to not be a competitor to these other businesses but instead another spot people can enjoy. This next step for Vertex Coffee Roasters is exciting, Sato said, adding she has lots of ideas on how to bring events to the space in the future. Learn more about Vertex Coffee Roasters online. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI A teen accused of murdering an Alabama man in a vehicle last year was trying to hitch a ride to Adrian, according to testimony. Kendall Newbern told police he had flagged down 18-year-old Jason Gregory, a stranger, for a ride to visit his father and girlfriend, Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Jeff Frasier testified during a preliminary examination Tuesday, Jan. 30, before 15th District Court Judge Joseph Burke. Newbern is accused of fatally shooting Gregory, who had recently moved from Alabama to the Ann Arbor area to pursue becoming a master electrician. He was bound over Tuesday on charges of open murder, assault with intent to rob while armed, armed robbery and larceny from a person. Theres no evidence of justification or self-defense, Burke said and sent Newberns case to Washtenaw County Circuit Court. Newbern, now 17, appeared in court Tuesday wearing a maroon sweatshirt and dark blue pants, visible as he exchanged a hug with his mother after the hearing. Read more: 18-year-old fatally shot on freeway moved to Michigan to become an electrician Police were called around 3:30 a.m. June 21, 2023 to westbound I-94 near Parker Road in Lima Township for a report of a single-vehicle crash. When they arrived, they found Gregory, the driver, bleeding from his head, Frasier told Magistrate Elisha Fink at a swear-to hearing in 2023. While enroute to the hospital, officials discovered Gregory had been shot in the head at least once. Newbern, who was 16 at the time, was found walking alongside the highway without a shirt and spattered in blood roughly 2 miles from the scene of the crash, state police Trooper Jeffrey Schrieber testified Tuesday. Police also located a jacket, shirt, wallet, cash and identification cards, including one for a service dog for Gregory, along the side of the freeway, according to testimony. Ammunition later found in Newberns family home matched the gun found near the scene, testified Michigan State Police Trooper Michael Swantek. Read more: Judge orders competency exam for 16-year-old charged in I-94 homicide Frasier said he talked to Newbern at Mott Childrens Hospital, where he had been taken for complaint of a headache after he was apprehended on the side of the freeway. Newbern smelled of alcohol, Frasier said. We didnt really know what we had at that time, Frasier said. Newbern said a third person, whom he believed to be the drivers girlfriend, was in the vehicle, Frasier said. Newbern told Frasier he had been asleep when some bullshhappened, according to testimony. We were unable to concludethat there was a third person in the vehicle, Frasier said. Gregory died of two gunshot wounds one to the head and one to the right shoulder, according to testimony from Washtenaw County Medical Examiner Randy Tashjian. Either shot would most likely have been fatal, he added. Read more: 18-year-old victim in I-94 death was shot in the head, court records reveal There was also evidence of a third shot in the vehicle, according to testimony. Gregory had recently graduated from Buckhorn High School near Huntsville, Alabama, and moved to Michigan over Memorial Day weekend, according to his mother Morgan Gregory. Newbern and Gregory did not know each other, according to police. Although the evidence is circumstantial, Burke said, it shows Newbern was likely the only person in the car and the only one who pulled the trigger. Newbern, who was denied bond, will next appear in court on March 7, before Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Arianne Slay. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page, the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. ANN ARBOR, MI - Before it was dubbed Commie High and earned a reputation as a forward-thinking model for an alternative school, the building at 401 N. Division St. was home to Jones School, an elementary school that was an anchor in Ann Arbors historically Black neighborhood now known as Kerrytown. A new documentary created by 7 Cylinders Studio and the Ann Arbor District Library will examine the schools impact on Ann Arbor upon desegregation and its closing by the school board in 1965. The premiere of There Goes The Neighborhood: The Closing of Jones School is set for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4, in the Screening Room of the Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. In the making of the film, 7CS filmmakers and AADL archivists interviewed more than 30 former Jones students and Black community leaders. They shared memories of Jones School and The Old Neighborhood - the areas now known as Kerrytown and Water Hill. 7CS previously examined the school building in the documentary Welcome to Commie High, which examined Ann Arbor Public Schools Community High School, an experiment in public education that started in 1972. READ MORE: Community High students learn buildings 100-year history is steeped in Black Ann Arbor history A filmed walking tour, studio interviews and historical photos form the core of the film. Run time is approximately 40 minutes, followed by discussion with the audience. The project is part of Ann Arbor 200, AADLs commemoration of the citys bicentennial year. Prior to Jones opening in 1922, most Black students attended the Fourth Ward School at 401 N. Division St. in what was known at the time as Ann Arbors Old Fourth Ward. In the 1910s, the district began planning to replace the school with a larger building in what had eventually become known as Elisha Jones School, which was named after Ann Arbors second superintendent. When the new Jones School opened in 1923, it reflected the neighborhoods Black, Greek and immigrant population. Black students eventually came to represent more than 75% of the schools student body after World War II, when discriminatory housing practices like redlining restricted Black families to the neighborhood. Overall, just 6% of the districts students were Black. While the Supreme Courts landmark Brown v. The Board of Education verdict in 1954 that ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional did not have an immediate impact on Ann Arbor schools, the racial imbalance at Jones School became noteworthy enough that the school board appointed a 12-member citizens committee to evaluate it in 1963. The studys findings led to a report that concluded Jones was a de facto segregated school. Because of the segregated residential patterns, the committee found Black students had higher scores at integrated schools and ultimately recommended closing Jones and busing students to seven different schools in Ann Arbor: Bach, Angell, Allen, Dicken, Lakewood, Pattengill, and Pittsfield. Upon the buildings 100th year anniversary in 2022, students and staff from Community High School focused their efforts on researching and commemorating the buildings first 43 years and its role in the lives of Ann Arbors Black residents. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools. GRAND RAPIDS, MI State Rep. Rachel Hood, a Democrat whose district encompasses northeast Grand Rapids and several surrounding municipalities, on Monday announced she wont seek reelection this fall. Hood, a mother of two who was first elected to the state House in 2018, said her mother and father died in 2021 and 2022, and that she wants to prioritize my family moving forward. My girls were six and eight when I started running, said Hood, 47. They are now 13 and 14. We have just a couple more years left with my oldest daughter in the house, and I want to spend those last years focused on them. She added, Ive been a breadwinner in pretty visible community positions for the last 20 years, and frankly theyve missed out on a little part of me. And before I lose my chance, its time to focus at home. Hood, of Grand Rapids, represents the 81st House District. The district encompasses northeast Grand Rapids as well as Grand Rapids Township, Ada Township and Plainfield Township. In 2022, she defeated Republican challenger and former state Rep. Lynn Afendoulis in an election that saw Democrats take control of state government for the first time in 40 years. Reflecting on her time in office, Hood spoke about accomplishments she and her colleagues made for the Grand Rapids area and the entire state. They included roughly $100 million in investment in parks, trails and public venues along Grand River, an expanded working families tax credit, reproductive rights and extending the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity. These were all things I wasnt sure we would be able to accomplish when we set out, Hood said. Year by year, we checked that work off the box. I am incredibly proud of all those accomplishments. Related: State Rep. Rachel Hood wins 81st state House seat over Lynn Afendoulis Looking forward, she says other items on her legislative to-do list include expanding community-scale solar power in Michigan, protecting children from lead poisoning, ensuring access to prenatal mental health care and supports, and restoring drivers licenses for under-documented immigrants and foreign-born children. I feel confident that the next few months ahead I will be able to finish off my priorities and leave knowing that Michigan is now a place that I can be proud to deliver to my children, said Hood, whose term in office ends at the end of this year. After she leaves office, Hood said she will work in the private sector. I have done a lot of consulting work for quite some time, and have remained active in that work periodically when there were breaks in the Legislature, working outside of the state, Hood said. At minimum I will continue with that and hope that other opportunities will emerge as well. Hood said she worked as a senior consultant for Colorado-based Dig Deep Research before she entered state office. Her work there focused on helping small- and medium-sized municipalities strategize and fund infrastructure investments in the West. She said Dig Deep Research was the firm that she occasionally worked with during breaks in the legislature. Rachel Hood showed us just how powerful it is to send a determined mom to Lansing to fight for her kids, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, said in a statement. Shes a team player who leads with integrity. I didnt expect she would conclude her service in the state legislature before me, but I am honored to celebrate the positive impacts shes had on our region and the state, and grateful for the time and focus she was able to commit to us. Prior to her time at Dig Deep Research, Hood was executive director of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. More on MLive: Owner looks to sell Grand Rapids diner, a neighborhood staple since 1952 Meijer Gardens generates $138M economic impact, study estimates State denies Kent County request for $2.3M to purchase Cannonsburg land HOLLAND, MI Economic development group Lakeshore Advantage has appointed three new people to its board of directors. The new members are Monica King, chief executive officer of Gun Lake Investments; Paul Nemschoff, vice president of global strategy and marketing at Haworth, Inc.; and Kelly Springer, president and chief executive officer of Metal Flow Corp. Each will serve a three-year term on the 19-member board. These new members are an excellent addition to the Lakeshore Advantage board, said Neil Boehm, board chair at Lakeshore Advantage and chief technology officer at Gentex. They bring a depth of experience in key industries needed to help guide the organization and support our regions continued economic success. Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage, said her organizations board is selected to ensure to industry leaders from a variety of industries. These are remarkable industry leadersour region will be well-served by them, she said. Lakeshore Advantage connects businesses to resources to help them grow. It provided support to 33 business growth projects in 2022. The projects were expected to result in 3,352 new and retained jobs, and they were expected to generate a $2.38 billion investment. In addition, Lakeshore Advantage also says it provided additional support to 302 primary employees and 63 startup companies in Ottawa and Allegan counties. More on MLive: Owner looks to sell Grand Rapids diner, a neighborhood staple since 1952 State denies Kent County request for $2.3M to purchase Cannonsburg land Freight company plans 352 jobs, new headquarters in West Michigan WYOMING, MI RoMan Manufacturing, a family-owned company that makes water-cooled transformers used for resistance welding and heating in the automotive and glass-making sectors, has laid off 13 employees and cut the hours of 36 others amid a slowdown in customer orders. Company CEO Nelson Sanchez said the job cuts were announced Monday, Jan. 29. Theres a slowing in the automotive industry, he said. In some of the other industries, those customers are seeing slowing or some sort of economic impact. In addition to the automotive industry, RoMan has also seen fewer orders from the customers in the glass-manufacturing sector, Sanchez said. Those glass-manufacturing companies are clustered in the fiberglass, fiber optics, pharmaceuticals and liquid crystal display sectors, he said. We started to see the slowdown in the incoming order rate probably late in the third quarter of last year, Sanchez said. We had such large backlogs and we had seen such hypergrowth coming out of COVID that we had a lot of backlog to chew through. The 13 people who were laid off mostly worked on the production floor, while a few worked in the companys front office, he said. The 36 workers whose hours were reduced from 40 hours a week to 32 hours a week were also mostly production workers. However, some were office workers, while others served as support personnel, Sanchez said. RoMan Manufacturing was founded in 1980. The second-generation family-owned business is headquartered at 861 47th St. SW in Wyoming. It also has a location in Wyoming near Chicago Drive and Marquette Park, at 1337 Judd Ave. SW, as well as a foundry at 1251 Judd Ave. SW. In addition, the company expects to take occupancy of a new, 27,000-square-foot manufacturing building it built at 868 Barnum St. SW in Wyoming, Sanchez said. That building will house operations for products RoMan makes for the semi-conductor market. Related: Whats under construction near U.S. 131? This family-owned business is growing in size, staffing The company has about 220 employees, nearly all of whom are full-time, Sanchez said. In 2022, the company, whose customers are located throughout the U.S. and the world, generated about $45 million in revenue, he said. About 20% to 25% of our products go overseas, Sanchez said. The rest is sold in North America. But a lot of what we sell in North America are to some pretty large companies that are basically shipping those products to their overseas locations and facilities. In addition to the automotive and glass-making sectors, RoMan also makes power systems used in the data center and semi-conductor industries. Despite the layoffs, Sanchez said hes hopeful sales will rebound. Were still optimistic about the business, he said. For the last two and a half years, post-COVID, weve been running hard and fast trying to keep up with the growth. This year, it wont be a record year. But its darn close. By the end of May, if not earlier, the goal is to restore the 36 workers whose hours were cut from 40 hour a week to 32 hours a week back to full-time, Sanchez said. After that, the company may seek to add another 20 to 25 production jobs. But that will ultimately depend upon if business picks-up. We expect the business to come back strong at the tail end of 2024, he said. More on MLive: New group home beacon of hope for youth aging out of foster care Kent County clerk shares how absentee voters can participate in the presidential primary When will ex-Grand Rapids police officers murder trial happen? Legal fight continues. CURTIS TWP, MI A Bay City man is facing significant felonies in northern Michigan after allegedly shooting a man in his groin outside a bar. Shortly after 11 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, Alcona County Sheriffs deputies responded to a shooting at Glennie Tavern, 3229 S. State Road in Curtis Township. They arrived to find a 30-year-old West Branch man inside the tavern, suffering from a single gunshot wound to his groin. LANSING, MI In memorial of fallen Michigan State Police Trooper Joel E. Popp, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to fly at half-staff. Whitmer ordered all such flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, Jan. 31. Trooper Joel Popp was a proud husband, dad, and public servant who loved Michigan, White said. We mourn his loss and remember the values he embodied that define the best of the Michigan State Police. After joining the agency later in life, he served his community with distinction. Our hearts are with his wife, Stefanie, their young daughter, and all those who knew and served with him. Whitmer encouraged Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations to display their flags at half-staff. Popp, 39, joined the Michigan State Police in January 2020 and graduated as a member of the 137th Trooper Recruit School. He joined the MSP at 35 and was based out of the Tri-City Post his entire career. Before becoming an officer, Popp worked for Frito-Lay. He was a graduate of Bridgeport High School. The evening of Jan. 24, Popp and other troopers were investigating a possible impaired driver on Interstate 75 near Birch Run. An 81-year-old man driving a minivan crashed into two patrol vehicles and Popp, who was standing outside his vehicle. Popp was taken to Hurley Medical Center in Flint where he died of his injuries. The 81-year-old man also suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalization for several days, though he is recovering at his Atlanta, Michigan, home as of Jan. 29. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Thursday, Feb. 1. Popps funeral is to take place 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Saginaw Valley State University Ryder Center, 7400 Bay Road. There will not be a public procession to the cemetery, and a private ceremony will be held at the gravesite after the funeral. A public visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 30 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N Franklin St. A private visitation will be held Monday for family, friends, Tri-City Post members and members of the 137th Trooper Recruit School. Notes of condolences can be sent to: Michigan State Police Directors Office Attn: Heather Luebs, 7150 Harris Drive, Lansing, MI 48909. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund. In the tribute section, note that the donation is for the Popp family. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia said that a meeting of commissions on the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border will take place on January 31, Trend reports. On November 30, 2023, the fifth meeting of the State Commission on State Border Delimitation between Azerbaijan and Armenia was held. ATLANTA, MI An 81-year-old man is no longer hospitalized after crashing into and killing Michigan State Police Trooper Joel E. Popp last week on Interstate 75. The Atlanta, Michigan man is recovering at home, MSP Lt. Kimberly Vetter confirmed on Monday, Jan. 29. Vetter could not say if its believed the man was intoxicated or distracted by cellphone use, as the investigation is still underway and toxicology analysis is pending. Once police have finished their probe, they will send their reports to the Saginaw County Prosecutors Office for review and possible issuance of charges. The man was driving a minivan north on I-75 near Birch Run the evening of Jan. 24 when he came upon a scene of MSP troopers investigating a suspected impaired driver. The 81-year-old man crashed into two patrol vehicles and Popp, who was standing outside his vehicle. Popp was taken to Hurley Medical Center in Flint where he died of his injuries. The 81-year-old man also suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalization for several days. Popp, 39, joined the MSP in 2020. He was a family man, said MSP 1st Lt. Eric Wilber, commander of the Tri-City Post where Popp served for the duration of his career. He flew under radar, in a good way, and kept to himself. I literally never had a complaint filed against him. He was just a genuine person, Wilbur previously told MLive. A Bridgeport Township native, Popp is survived by his wife and 8-year-old daughter. Joel honorably served as a Michigan State Police Trooper, his obituary states. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and golfing. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved being a dad. Popps funeral is to take place 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Saginaw Valley State University Ryder Center, 7400 Bay Road in Kochville Township. There will not be a public procession to the cemetery, and a private ceremony will be held at the gravesite after the funeral. A public visitation is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. A private visitation will be held Monday for family, friends, Tri-City Post members and members of the 137th Trooper Recruit School. Notes of condolences can be sent to: Michigan State Police Directors Office Attn: Heather Luebs, 7150 Harris Drive, Lansing, MI 48909. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund. In the tribute section, note that the donation is for the Popp family. The following is a listing of all home transfers in the the Grand Rapids area reported from Jan. 22 to Jan. 28. There were 24 transactions posted during this time. During this period, the median sale for the area was an 884-square-foot home on San Jose Drive in Grand Rapids that sold for $370,000. Ada 101 Carl Drive, Ada, $274,600, 3,112 square feet, $88 per square-foot, three bedrooms and three bathrooms. 8615 Bennett Street, Ada, $349,900, 1,068 square feet, $328 per square-foot, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. 2255 Egypt Valley Ave., Ada, $585,000, 1,092 square feet, $536 per square-foot, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. 8380 Conservation Street, Ada, $860,000, 2,660 square feet, $323 per square-foot, four bedrooms and three bathrooms. 2500 Sturbridge Drive, Ada, $1,412,000, 3,481 square feet, $406 per square-foot, three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Belmont 6225 Cannonsburg Road, Belmont, $260,000, 2,726 square feet, $95 per square-foot, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Grand Rapids 1020 Sigsbee Street, Grand Rapids, $145,000, 1,361 square feet, $107 per square-foot, one bathroom. 2219 Radcliff Circle, Grand Rapids, $200,000, 1,061 square feet, $189 per square-foot, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. 1847 Georgetown Drive, Grand Rapids, $200,000, 884 square feet, $226 per square-foot, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. 317 Robey Place, Grand Rapids, $215,025, 1,188 square feet, $181 per square-foot, two bathrooms. 1519 Gladstone Drive, Grand Rapids, $265,000, 990 square feet, $268 per square-foot, three bedrooms and one bathroom. 316 Hollister Ave., Grand Rapids, $280,000, 1,460 square feet, $192 per square-foot, two bathrooms. 1741 Radcliff Ave., Grand Rapids, $350,000, 1,260 square feet, $278 per square-foot, two bedrooms and one bathroom. 1124 San Jose Drive, Grand Rapids, $370,000, 884 square feet, $419 per square-foot, two bedrooms and one bathroom. 2769 Alger Street, Grand Rapids, $400,000, 1,443 square feet, $277 per square-foot, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. 3196 Redford Drive, Grand Rapids, $425,000, 2,200 square feet, $193 per square-foot, three bedrooms and three bathrooms. 1720 Conlon Ave., Grand Rapids, $555,000, 2,623 square feet, $212 per square-foot, four bedrooms and three bathrooms. 1031 Iroquois Drive, Grand Rapids, $570,000, 2,701 square feet, $211 per square-foot, two bathrooms. 211 Greenbrier Drive, Grand Rapids, $610,000, 2,282 square feet, $267 per square-foot, three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Rockford 8445 Je Ne Be Drive, Rockford, $260,000, 1,832 square feet, $142 per square-foot, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. 9662 Hessler Crossing, Rockford, $305,000, 1,325 square feet, $230 per square-foot, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. 145 E. Division Street, Rockford, $370,000, 1,080 square feet, $343 per square-foot, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. 9868 Coldwater, Rockford, $575,000, 2,296 square feet, $250 per square-foot, three bedrooms and three bathrooms. 10133 Serenity Shores Drive, Rockford, $596,000, 2,084 square feet, $286 per square-foot, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Real Estate Newswire is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to generate analysis of data from Propmix, an aggregator of national real-estate data.. Vanderpump Rules season 11 premieres Tuesday, January 30 at 8 p.m. ET. Stream the series for free with a Fubo free trial, and watch new episodes the following day on Peacock. About the show: Reality series Vanderpump Rules follows The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump and her friends, family, and colleagues involved with her West Hollywood restaurant, SUR. After last years cheating scandal and dramatic multi-part season 10 reunion, the Vanderpump Rules cast dynamic is not what it used to be, especially with Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval navigating still living together after the affair. Tonights premiere episode finds Ariana discussing the situation with Katie Maloney, spelling out their cohabitation strategy and the reasons for which the house isnt on the market. James Kennedy and Ally Lewber, however, did recently move, and have some decorating to finish before it feels like their home. Meanwhile, amid everyone settling into their now different friend group, Scheana Shay is questioned about any conversations she may have had with Sandoval. Watch the Vanderpump Rules season 11 premiere tonight at 8/7c on Bravo streaming tomorrow on Peacock. Where to watch: BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. In accordance with the instruction of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the return of former internally displaced persons to the restored city of Lachin continue, Trend reports. Another group of citizens was sent from the Garadagh district of Baku on January 30. At this stage, another 23 families (72 people) moved to the city of Lachin. The resettled families will settle in the houses where they once lived in Lachin, which were restored or rebuilt on the basis of instructions from the head of state after the end of the Armenian occupation. Lachin residents expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation. Thus, until today, a permanent settlement in the city of Lachin has been provided for 431 families - 1627 people. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The captain of a Swiss International Air Lines aircraft flying from Zurich to Singapore sent a request for an emergency landing at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The reason was a sharp deterioration in the health of the passenger on board (stroke). The Boeing 777 aircraft landed safely at Baku airport at 06:53 local time. Immediately after landing, the passenger was handed over to an ambulance team, which took him to one of the capitals clinics. Nigar Hasanova Azerbaijans Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov has met with World Bank Country Manager for Azerbaijan Stefanie Stallmeister, Azernews reports. Mikayil Jabbarov hailed the importance of multidimensional relations and effective cooperation with the World Bank, commending the successful partnership in improving the investment environment, public-private sector partnerships, innovation, the development of management technologies, supporting entrepreneurship, and other domains. Stefanie Stallmeister emphasised that the World Bank attaches importance to cooperation with Azerbaijan and that it will continue providing support to the country in achieving its development priorities. During the meeting, the World Bank Group presented the main strategic directions that are included in the new Country Partnership Framework document, which reflects Azerbaijan's development priorities and plans in the short and long term. The document will contribute to regional and global challenges aligning with the Roadmap developed with the World Bank to expand cooperation, as well as pinpoint opportunities to strengthen private sector development and mobilise private capital. The meeting also focused on the development priorities of Azerbaijan, the issues to be reflected in the Country Partnership Framework document, and the organisation of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in the country. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsperson) Sabina Aliyeva participated in the 10th board meeting of the Ombudsman Association of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Pakistan, Trend reports. Speaking at an event hosted by Pakistan's Federal Tax Ombudsman, Aliyeva emphasized that the growing number of armed conflicts and natural catastrophes pose major challenges to protecting human rights and freedoms. The Ombudsmen of Turkey, Morocco, Indonesia, Bahrain, and Bulgaria all attended the occasion. She emphasized that the initiatives aimed at achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals have weakened against the background of these events and stressed the important role of national human rights institutions in facing these challenges. Aliyeva also touched upon the negative impact of military conflicts on the environment. Speaking about the acts of environmental terror committed in Azerbaijani lands during almost 30 years of occupation by Armenia, she emphasized the mine problem faced by Azerbaijan. The Ombudsperson informed about the construction and restoration works carried out in the territories liberated from occupation to ensure sustainable settlement and safe living for the inhabitants. Highlighting that the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan, Aliyeva noted that the decision on this occasion is a vivid example of great trust and respect for the country. She also proposed to organize a joint event with the participation of OIC Ombudsman Institutes, noting that it would create opportunities for the exchange of positive experiences in the field of environmental protection. Several issues of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting of the OIC Ombudsman Association. The importance of the association's presence on international platforms was emphasized during the presentations. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Another group of families of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) arrived in Lachin town of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The newly arrived families were handed keys to apartments. Officials from Azerbaijan's State Committee for Refugees and IDPs, as well as the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan, attended the ceremony in the Lachin district, part of the East Zangazur Economic Region. The families will be settled in the houses where they lived in Lachin town before the occupation and which were restored and rebuilt on the instructions of the head of state after the liberation of Azerbaijani territories. At this point, 23 additional families (72 people) had been resettled in Lachin town. Thus, 431 families, i.e., 1,627 people, have been permanently resettled in Lachin town. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Aberforth Split Level Income Trust (LON:ASIZ Get Free Report) is set to issue its Interim quarterly earnings data after the market closes on Tuesday, January 30th. Aberforth Split Level Income Trust Price Performance Shares of LON:ASIZ remained flat at GBX 122.50 ($1.56) during midday trading on Monday. 11,900 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 20,007. The firm has a market capitalization of 37.99 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -43.75 and a beta of 1.67. Aberforth Split Level Income Trust has a 1 year low of GBX 118 ($1.50) and a 1 year high of GBX 124 ($1.58). The firm has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 121.19 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 120.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 33.11, a current ratio of 2.37 and a quick ratio of 2.37. Get Aberforth Split Level Income Trust alerts: Aberforth Split Level Income Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Stories Aberforth Split Level Trust PLC operates as an investment trust company. It invests in a diversified portfolio of small UK quoted companies. The Trust's portfolio comprises investments in resources basic industries, general industrials, consumer goods, services, utilities, information technology, and financial sectors. Receive News & Ratings for Aberforth Split Level Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aberforth Split Level Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Conifex Timber Inc. (TSE:CFF Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 1.2% on Monday . The stock traded as low as C$0.85 and last traded at C$0.85. 2,230 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 89% from the average session volume of 20,340 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.86. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, CIBC upgraded shares of Conifex Timber from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the company from C$1.00 to C$0.75 in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Get Conifex Timber alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Conifex Timber Conifex Timber Stock Down 1.2 % The company has a quick ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 53.74. The company has a market capitalization of C$34.30 million, a PE ratio of -1.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.06 and a beta of 1.55. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is C$0.65 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$0.88. Conifex Timber (TSE:CFF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported C($0.20) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C($0.18) by C($0.02). Conifex Timber had a negative net margin of 19.21% and a negative return on equity of 18.96%. The firm had revenue of C$38.70 million for the quarter. As a group, analysts forecast that Conifex Timber Inc. will post 0.0300312 EPS for the current year. About Conifex Timber (Get Free Report) Conifex Timber Inc primarily manufactures and sells lumber products in the United States, Canada, Japan, and internationally. It is involved in the timber harvesting, reforestation, and forest management activities; manufacture of finished softwood lumber from spruce, pine, and fir logs; manufacture, sale, and distribution of dimension lumber; processing logs into lumber and wood chips, as well as residual products, such as wood chips, trim blocks, sawdust, shavings, and barks; and providing value added lumber finishing services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Conifex Timber Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Conifex Timber and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Copper Mountain Mining Co. (TSE:CMMC Get Free Report) fell 1.2% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as C$2.44 and last traded at C$2.49. 1,603,544 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 24% from the average session volume of 1,292,865 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$2.52. Copper Mountain Mining Stock Down 1.2 % The firm has a market capitalization of C$533.81 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.28 and a beta of 2.77. The businesss 50 day moving average is C$2.49. The company has a quick ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 50.36. Copper Mountain Mining Company Profile (Get Free Report) Copper Mountain Mining Corporation engages in the mining, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada. It explores for copper, gold, and silver deposits. The company holds 75% interests in the Copper Mountain mine comprising 135 crown-granted mineral claims, 145 located mineral claims, 14 mining leases, 12 fee simple properties, and seven cell claims that covers an area of approximately 6,354 hectares located to the south of Princeton, British Columbia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Copper Mountain Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Copper Mountain Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Davide Campari-Milano (OTCMKTS:DVDCF Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 8,189,800 shares, a decline of 10.6% from the December 31st total of 9,159,300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 15,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 531.8 days. Davide Campari-Milano Stock Performance DVDCF remained flat at $9.80 during midday trading on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 2.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $10.72 and a 200 day moving average of $11.82. Davide Campari-Milano has a 52 week low of $9.67 and a 52 week high of $14.45. Get Davide Campari-Milano alerts: About Davide Campari-Milano (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Davide Campari-Milano N.V., together with its subsidiaries, markets and distributes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. It offers a range of spirits categories, including aperitif, vodka, liqueurs, bitters, whisky, tequila, rum, gin, and cognac, as well as champagne and non-alcoholic aperitif under various brands, such as Aperol, Campari, SKYY, Wild Turkey, Grand Marnier, Appleton Estate, Wray & Nephew Overproof, and other brands. Receive News & Ratings for Davide Campari-Milano Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Davide Campari-Milano and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fresh Vine Wine, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:VINE Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 91,100 shares, an increase of 34.4% from the December 31st total of 67,800 shares. Approximately 1.2% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 229,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Fresh Vine Wine Price Performance VINE remained flat at $0.86 on Monday. 274,828 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 144,944. Fresh Vine Wine has a 52 week low of $0.21 and a 52 week high of $1.99. Get Fresh Vine Wine alerts: Fresh Vine Wine (NYSEAMERICAN:VINE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 14th. The company reported ($0.13) EPS for the quarter. Fresh Vine Wine had a negative net margin of 629.65% and a negative return on equity of 319.88%. The firm had revenue of $0.85 million during the quarter. Institutional Inflows and Outflows About Fresh Vine Wine An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Fresh Vine Wine stock. GTS Securities LLC purchased a new stake in Fresh Vine Wine, Inc. ( NYSEAMERICAN:VINE Free Report ) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 112,512 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $25,000. GTS Securities LLC owned 0.71% of Fresh Vine Wine at the end of the most recent reporting period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 7.46% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Fresh Vine Wine, Inc produces and sells low-carb and low-calorie wines in the United States and Puerto Rico. Its wine varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, and Sparkling Rose. The company sells its products through wholesale, retail, and direct-to-consumer channels. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Fresh Vine Wine Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresh Vine Wine and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Mandom Co. (OTCMKTS:MDOMF Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $9.00 and last traded at $9.00, with a volume of 0 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $9.00. Mandom Price Performance The business has a 50-day moving average of $9.00 and a two-hundred day moving average of $9.00. The company has a market cap of $434.42 million, a P/E ratio of 13.04 and a beta of 2.58. Mandom Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mandom Corporation engages in the manufacture and sale of cosmetics, perfumes, and quasi-drugs in Japan, Indonesia, and internationally. The company offers a range of products, including men's everyday grooming products, as well as general fashion items, such as hair styling, skin care, and body care products; and hair coloring, scalp care, and face care products under the Gatsby and Lucido brands. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Mandom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mandom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RLJ Lodging Trust (NYSE:RLJ Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 9,670,000 shares, an increase of 32.3% from the December 31st total of 7,310,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,510,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 6.4 days. Currently, 6.4% of the shares of the company are sold short. Insiders Place Their Bets In other RLJ Lodging Trust news, Director Arthur Reginald Collins sold 25,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.92, for a total transaction of $298,000.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 30,758 shares of the companys stock, valued at $366,635.36. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other RLJ Lodging Trust news, Director Arthur Reginald Collins sold 25,000 shares of RLJ Lodging Trust stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.92, for a total value of $298,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 30,758 shares in the company, valued at $366,635.36. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Nathaniel A. Davis sold 39,594 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.87, for a total value of $390,792.78. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 43,423 shares of the companys stock, valued at $428,585.01. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 2.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Get RLJ Lodging Trust alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On RLJ Lodging Trust Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in RLJ Lodging Trust by 2.9% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 78,666 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,108,000 after buying an additional 2,246 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can grew its holdings in shares of RLJ Lodging Trust by 2,291.9% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 254,542 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,625,000 after acquiring an additional 243,900 shares during the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of RLJ Lodging Trust by 55.7% during the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 88,013 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,239,000 after purchasing an additional 31,501 shares during the period. APG Asset Management N.V. purchased a new stake in shares of RLJ Lodging Trust during the first quarter valued at $1,588,000. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can boosted its position in shares of RLJ Lodging Trust by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 148,301 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,171,000 after purchasing an additional 4,188 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.77% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth RLJ has been the topic of several analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of RLJ Lodging Trust from $11.00 to $12.50 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, December 22nd. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on RLJ Lodging Trust in a research report on Wednesday, January 10th. They set an outperform rating and a $15.00 price target for the company. StockNews.com raised RLJ Lodging Trust from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 12th. Oppenheimer upped their price objective on shares of RLJ Lodging Trust from $13.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, January 5th. Finally, Truist Financial increased their target price on shares of RLJ Lodging Trust from $13.00 to $14.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 22nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, RLJ Lodging Trust currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $13.70. Read Our Latest Research Report on RLJ RLJ Lodging Trust Price Performance Shares of RLJ Lodging Trust stock traded up $0.11 during trading on Monday, hitting $11.92. The stock had a trading volume of 992,946 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,338,781. The business has a fifty day moving average of $11.36 and a two-hundred day moving average of $10.40. RLJ Lodging Trust has a fifty-two week low of $9.06 and a fifty-two week high of $12.92. The firm has a market cap of $1.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.45, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 3.59 and a quick ratio of 3.59. RLJ Lodging Trust Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th were issued a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.36%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 28th. RLJ Lodging Trusts payout ratio is 129.03%. About RLJ Lodging Trust (Get Free Report) RLJ Lodging Trust is a self-advised, publicly traded real estate investment trust that owns primarily premium-branded, high-margin, focused-service and compact full-service hotels. The Company's portfolio currently consists of 96 hotels with approximately 21,200 rooms, located in 23 states and the District of Columbia and an ownership interest in one unconsolidated hotel with 171 rooms. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for RLJ Lodging Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RLJ Lodging Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The first phase of the Chovdar field in Azerbaijan produced 243,400 ounces of gold, Chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan's AzerGold CJSC Zakir Ibrahimov said during a press conference on the results of activities for 2023, Trend reports. According to him, production has begun at the second phase of the deposit (sulfide phase and side deposits). "There are two types of ores classified according to their properties influencing the extraction of the valuable component: oxide ores and sulfide ores. Oxide ores are formed as a result of the natural weathering of sulfide ores, with the gold and silver they contain being relatively unbound. Concurrently, intermediary ores, termed transit ores in scientific literature, exist between oxide and sulfide ores," Ibrahimov said. "The extraction of gold and silver from oxide ores relies on the heap leach pad (HLP) method, involving solution crushing and precipitation. Nonetheless, this processing approach faces economic challenges due to its low gold recovery percentage. In instances where the method is applied to partial transit ores (oxide-sulfide mixed ores), and particularly in sulfide ores, the recovery rate is approximately 50 percent, rendering it economically impractical," he added. "Hence, to overcome this challenge, transit, and sulfide ores require initial artificial stripping before gold can be effectively precipitated, ensuring a more satisfactory yield. In the near future, a further extension of the operation of the Chovdar Integrated Regional Processing Area (CIRPA) is planned with the discovery of new deposits and an increase in resources in the region," the chairman said. Ibrahimov highlighted that considering these factors, comprehensive metallurgical studies were undertaken to ascertain the production method for all categories of ores intended for processing at CIRPA. "MICON International, renowned for its international standing, has compiled an exhaustive feasibility study along with preliminary design documentation. As outlined in the project documentation, the strategy involves employing a leaching ball for gold mines during the oxide phase and tank leaching in the sulfide phase (CIL - Carbon in Leach) to guarantee optimal efficiency," he added. AzerGold CJSC was established through the decree issued by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on February 11, 2015. It stands as one of the two enterprises dedicated to the extraction of gold and silver in Azerbaijan. Currently, AzerGold is actively involved in the production and export of gold during the oxide (surface) phase of the Chovdar gold deposit's development. This includes operations at the Aghyokhush deposit, initiated in the first phase starting from November 2020, the Marah deposit since July 23, 2021, and the Tulallar deposit since February 2023. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Mitsubishi Co. (OTCMKTS:MSBHF Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,179,800 shares, a drop of 15.9% from the December 31st total of 1,403,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 26,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 45.2 days. Mitsubishi Stock Up 1.3 % OTCMKTS:MSBHF traded up $0.22 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $17.15. The stock had a trading volume of 21,409 shares, compared to its average volume of 30,145. The company has a market capitalization of $37.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.81 and a beta of 0.64. Mitsubishi has a 1-year low of $11.11 and a 1-year high of $18.08. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $16.11 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $16.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.06. Get Mitsubishi alerts: Mitsubishi (OTCMKTS:MSBHF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $33.40 billion during the quarter. Mitsubishi had a return on equity of 9.99% and a net margin of 4.56%. Equities analysts anticipate that Mitsubishi will post 1.53 EPS for the current year. Mitsubishi Company Profile Mitsubishi Corporation engages in the natural gas, industrial materials and infrastructure, petroleum and chemicals, mineral resources, automotive and mobility, food and consumer industry, power solution, and urban development businesses worldwide. The Natural Gas segment engages in the development and production of natural gas/oil; and liquified natural gas business. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCMKTS:OTCM Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 4,100 shares, a decrease of 18.0% from the December 31st total of 5,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 7,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. OTC Markets Group Stock Up 0.8 % Shares of OTC Markets Group stock traded up $0.44 during trading on Monday, reaching $58.00. 6,323 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,375. The stocks fifty day moving average is $57.66 and its 200 day moving average is $56.26. The firm has a market cap of $692.52 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.68. OTC Markets Group has a 1 year low of $49.50 and a 1 year high of $64.99. Get OTC Markets Group alerts: OTC Markets Group (OTCMKTS:OTCM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 8th. The financial services provider reported $0.61 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.61. OTC Markets Group had a net margin of 26.73% and a return on equity of 81.92%. The company had revenue of $27.04 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $27.89 million. Equities analysts forecast that OTC Markets Group will post 2.38 earnings per share for the current year. OTC Markets Group Increases Dividend OTC Markets Group Company Profile The firm also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 7th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 21st were paid a dividend of $1.50 per share. This is an increase from OTC Markets Groups previous dividend of $0.18. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 20th. This represents a dividend yield of 10%. OTC Markets Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 30.00%. (Get Free Report) OTC Markets Group Inc operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Its data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of its three public markets: OTCQX Best Market, OTCQB Venture Market, and Pink Open Market. The company's OTC Link Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for OTC Markets Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OTC Markets Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vitesse Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTS Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,500,000 shares, a growth of 35.1% from the December 31st total of 1,110,000 shares. Currently, 5.9% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 239,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 6.3 days. Vitesse Energy Price Performance VTS stock traded up $0.13 during trading on Monday, hitting $21.63. 152,757 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 217,798. Vitesse Energy has a 1 year low of $15.15 and a 1 year high of $27.39. The firms 50 day moving average is $22.16 and its two-hundred day moving average is $22.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a current ratio of 0.50. Get Vitesse Energy alerts: Vitesse Energy (NYSE:VTS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The company reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.36 by ($0.02). Vitesse Energy had a negative net margin of 7.35% and a negative return on equity of 1.09%. The firm had revenue of $55.05 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $54.46 million. Analysts anticipate that Vitesse Energy will post 0.79 EPS for the current fiscal year. Vitesse Energy Announces Dividend Institutional Trading of Vitesse Energy The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th were given a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.25%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 14th. Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Gabelli Funds LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Vitesse Energy by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC now owns 69,341 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,587,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Vitesse Energy by 1.9% during the 3rd quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 28,953 shares of the companys stock valued at $663,000 after acquiring an additional 537 shares during the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Vitesse Energy by 2,089.5% during the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 1,248 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 1,191 shares during the last quarter. Quent Capital LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Vitesse Energy by 41.6% during the 4th quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 4,378 shares of the companys stock valued at $96,000 after acquiring an additional 1,286 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY purchased a new stake in shares of Vitesse Energy during the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. 52.55% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages recently issued reports on VTS. Roth Mkm began coverage on shares of Vitesse Energy in a research note on Monday, October 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $30.50 price target for the company. Northland Securities upgraded shares of Vitesse Energy from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their price target for the stock from $24.00 to $28.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, Alliance Global Partners began coverage on shares of Vitesse Energy in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $27.00 price target for the company. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $26.10. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Vitesse Energy About Vitesse Energy (Get Free Report) Vitesse Energy, Inc focuses on acquisition, ownership, exploration, development, management, production, exploitation, and dispose of oil and gas properties. The company acquires non-operated working interest and royalty interest ownership in North Dakota and Montana. It also owns non-operated interests in oil and gas properties in Colorado and Wyoming. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Vitesse Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vitesse Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sierra Metals Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:SMTS Get Free Report) shares were down 5% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $0.20 and last traded at $0.20. Approximately 625,400 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 51% from the average daily volume of 413,899 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.21. Sierra Metals Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $32.70 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.60 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a current ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. Get Sierra Metals alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of SMTS. UBS Group AG increased its stake in shares of Sierra Metals by 158.3% in the second quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 42,705 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 26,172 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Sierra Metals in the first quarter worth $36,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Sierra Metals by 5.8% in the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 6,885,301 shares of the companys stock worth $8,125,000 after acquiring an additional 378,500 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 54.24% of the companys stock. About Sierra Metals Sierra Metals Inc, together with its subsidiaries, focuses on the production, exploration, and development of precious and base metals in Peru and Mexico. It primarily focuses on exploration of silver, copper, lead, zinc, and gold deposits. The company's flagship property is the 81.84% owned polymetallic Yauricocha Mine covering an area of 18,778 hectares located in the Yauyos province in Peru. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sierra Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sierra Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK January 30, 2024 / 07:45 PM IST --Raising investments, particularly of the private sector, has been a key focus area for the government. And according to the ministry's report, stronger balance sheets of banks and companies means "growth in investments and credit are poised to increase in this decade". --According to the finance ministry, housing prices began to recover after the coronavirus pandemic, with the average annual growth in real estate prices increasing from 2.3 percent in 2021-22 to 4.3 percent in the first half of the current financial year. --The female labour force participation rate rising to 37 percent in 2022-23 from 23.3 percent in 2017-18, improvement in the sex ratio at birth, and falling maternal mortality rates. "These underline the tectonic shift towards women-led development in India," the report said. --Finance ministry said the government is "committed to an institutional architecture that fosters macro stability". The report states that economy had progressively become less vulnerable even as buffers were being created for future turbulence. -- "India's external debt...is considered comfortable and has been prudently managed over time," the finance ministry's report said, adding that a large portion of the short-term debt is in the form of short-term trade credits. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. The Azerbaijan Mortgage and Credit Guarantee Fund has set limitations for issuing mortgage loans, including preferential mortgage loans, to participating banks to continue the mortgage lending process through 2024, Trend reports, referring to the Mortgage and Credit Guarantee Fund of Azerbaijan. "Regular mortgage loan applications will be accepted beginning on February 2 at 11:00 a.m. Additional information on accepting applications for preferential mortgage loans will be provided," the statement said. Mortgage loan applications are accepted in real time on the electronic government site (www.e-gov.az) using the "Electronic Mortgage and Credit Guarantee" system. The Fund's official website provides information on how to receive mortgage loans at www.mcgf.gov.az/menu/46. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Harshita Tyagi is a budding journalist on a mission to prove that financial markets and geopolitics can be as entertaining as your favorite TV show Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 30. Kazakhstan and Tajikistan have agreed on cooperation in the banking sector, Trend reports. The corresponding agreement was reached during a meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu and Chairman of the Board of Orienbonk OJSC Hasan Asadullozoda in Dushanbe. The parties also agreed to finance joint projects in the agricultural sector, as well as other promising projects. In addition, Nurtleu and Asadullozoda discussed issues of cooperation in the field of organizing interbank settlements during trade and economic transactions, studying the experience of Kazakhstan in the field of digitalization of banking operations, etc. To note, Orienbonk is one of the leaders in the banking sector of Tajikistan in terms of assets and capital. The bank has 32 branches, and 242 banking service centers, employing more than 1,200 people. Meanwhile, trade turnover between Tajikistan and Kazakhstan amounted to $1.014 billion from January through November 2023, which is a 19-percent decrease compared to the same period in 2022 ($1.259 billion). Kazakhstan's exports to Tajikistan during the 11 months of 2023 reached $758.162 million, declining by 4 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2022 ($789.100 million), while imports from Tajikistan for the reviewed months totaled $256 million, which is a 45-percent decrease compared to the $470.190 million recorded in the 11 months of 2022. Andreas Kluth is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering European politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Jaideep Hardikar is a Nagpur-based journalist, a core team member of the People's Archive of Rural India, and author of "Ramrao - The story of India's farm crisis". Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 30. Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Marat Karabayev has met with European Commissioner for Transport Adina-Ioana Valean in Brussels, Trend reports. During the meeting, the parties discussed key issues of developing the transport potential of Kazakhstan and Europe. The parties paid special attention to cooperation in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). At the same time, the parties discussed the possibility of signing an agreement with the EU to fully load TITR taking into account the development of infrastructure and terminal network, as well as the further introduction of a permit-free single form system for Kazakhstan. In addition, Karabayev spoke about the possibility of transferring the ports of Aktau and Kuryk to trust management on a ship-or-pay basis in order to strengthen the maritime fleet and create a container hub in the Caspian Sea. The Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several countries in the region. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor. The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe. The Middle Corridor offers a land route that connects the eastern parts of Asia, including China, with Europe, bypassing the longer maritime routes. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 30. Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Marat Karabayev has met with State Counselor for the Prime Minister of Romania Florin Spataru in Brussels, Trend reports. During the meeting, the parties discussed cooperation in the fields of civil aviation and road transport, the signing of bilateral documents during the visit of the Kazakh delegation to Romania, and the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor) and TRACECA. Karabayev invited Romanian investors to jointly implement infrastructure projects in the transport sector. In turn, Florin Spataru expressed interest in the further development of trade and economic relations between Kazakhstan and Romania. In addition, the Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan invited Florin Spataru and a delegation from Romania to the New Silkway Forum, which will be held in June this year in Astana. Meanwhile, the TRACECA International Program has been operating since 1993 and aims to reduce the delivery time of goods from Asia to Europe and vice versa by 22.5 times compared to sea transport routes up to 1214 days. Moreover, the Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several countries in the region. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor. The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe. The Middle Corridor offers a land route that connects the eastern parts of Asia, including China, with Europe, bypassing the longer maritime routes. Furthermore, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Romania amounted to $2.6 billion from January through November 2023. Exports from Kazakhstan to Romania during the above period amounted to $2.5 billion, and imports from Romania to Kazakhstan amounted to $101 million. In wake of a Bombay High Court order, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation has banned any illegal posters, banners, hoardings or announcements on all public roads in the city and suburbs, an official said here on Monday. The BMC has published a list of locations where such displays are authorised, and will now initiate a campaign to remove the illegal displays in other areas. The civic body has also appealed to citizens, social organisations, and political parties to refrain from erecting any such hoardings, banners or posters without the prior permission of the department concerned at the ward level. The issue was also discussed at a state-level committee chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary, Home, recently to discourage such unauthorised displays on public roads, pathways, etc. The BMC said that violators will be penalised under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995 and Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888. In 2022, the BMC had initiated several drives and uprooted over 16,300 illegal posters, banners, hoardings, announcements, flags, etc from main and arterial roads, and conducted regular campaigns against the public nuisance in different parts of the city and suburbs. There have been instances when such illegal hoardings/banners have posed a risk to pedestrians or vehicles by obstructing the view of traffic signals, and hindering visibility of major heritage buildings or monuments or scenic locations. Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article. Updated at 3.15pm on 31 January 2024 to add comment from Growpital Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has asked Farm Tech Silo LLP (also known as Growpital) and its associate entities ZF Project 1 LLP, ZF Project 2 LLP, ZF Project 3 LLP, Yotta Agro Venture Pvt Ltd and the directors or designated partners of these entities Rituraj Sharma, Gayatri Rinwa and Krishna Sharma not to float any new collective investment scheme (CIS) or collect funds from investors for its existing CIS. In an ex-parte interim order , SEBI directed Cashfree Payments India Pvt Ltd not to accept any payments made through Growpital or on behalf of Growpital. Further, no funds shall be transferred to the escrow account of Farm Silo Tech LLP or Growpital until further orders. It also asked banks, depositories and registrar and transfer agents (RTAs) to freeze bank accounts and demat accounts belonging to these entities and not to allow the transfer or redemption of securities of these entities. In the order, Amarjeet Singh, whole time member (WTM) of SEBI, says, "If an ex-parte ad interim order is not passed at this stage, many prospective investors may get lured with the promise of assured returns and potentially part with large contributions resulting into irreparable injury to them. However, if an ex-parte ad interim order is passed, what is at stake is the rights of the entities herein vis-a-vis a multitude of prospective and current investors. The potential loss of investors that are investing in unregistered CIS cannot be retrieved if prima facie unregistered CIS activities are permitted to be continued by not passing an ex-parte interim order at this stage. The upcoming plans, as disclosed by Rituraj Sharma, including a 'pre-IPO' equity funding round, raise additional concerns that other potentially unregulated activities may be undertaken in future. Therefore, I consider that the balance of convenience is not in favour of the entities." "The amount of money, prima facie, observed to have been mobilised in the Growpital escrow account of over Rs184 crore indicates the magnitude of the prospective threat of investors getting lured to the unregistered activities being carried out by these entities. In light of the same, in order to ensure that additional funds are not mobilised through the Growpital platform under its scheme, arrangement or plans and to safeguard the assets acquired from the funds of the investing public until full facts and materials are brought out and final decision is taken in the matter, I am of the view that pending completion of the detailed examination initiated by SEBI, there is a need to pass an ad-interim ex-parte order to protect the interests of investors at large," he added. After receiving a communication, SEBI investigated Growpital and its business model. SEBI found as of 26 January 2024, three plans are offered on the Growpital platform (available after creation of a login), namely, Leafy Eleven, Ever Green Returns and Harvest Bloom, which have a specified minimum investment amount, tenure of 12 months, and offer payouts at different frequencies with assured returns ranging from 11% 14%. On the Growpital website, SEBI found claims that it manages over 20,000 acres of land. It is further claimed that from every farmland, they have a gross margin of 60% 70% and after operating expenses, they are left with a buffer of 20% to 25%, enabling them to offer guaranteed returns to partners in the LLPs. Growpital was offering various investment plans with an assured return of 11% to 14% by claiming to invest the funds mobilised in agricultural projects to generate tax-free assured returns for its investors. Growpital was making investors a partner in a limited liability partnership (LLP) and treated their investments as a capital contribution to the LLP. "I am of the view that under the guise of an LLP, the designated partners of the ZF Project LLPs are sponsoring a pooled investment scheme. With the promise of assured returns, retail investors are being attracted to become 'partners' in the LLP by making a 'contribution' to the capital of the LLP. The contribution of each investor or partner is then apparently invested into agricultural projects to generate profits or returns for all the partners," Mr Singh from SEBI says. He further noted that allowing fundraising to continue through the plans or investment opportunities offered by Growpital, in effect, means that investors are contributing funds to an unqualified entity without following the safeguards, including norms for transparency, mentioned in the CIS Regulations. For instance, Mr Singh says the CIS Regulations require quarterly disclosures of financial results; however, the ZF Project LLPs do not share quarterly or even half-yearly financial results with their investors or partners. "From the material available on record, including the agreements and websites, it appears that the specific locations of the farms have not been disclosed to investors or partners. Further, the CIS Regulations do not permit any collective investment scheme to offer assured or guaranteed returns. The Growpital platform is, however, attracting investors on the promise of assured tax-free returns." SEBI asked Growpital, the three ZF Project LLPs, Yotta Agro Venture, Rituraj Sharma, Gayatri Rinwa and Krishna Sharma, to cease and desist from floating any CIS, directly or indirectly, and end soliciting or undertaking such activity determined as CIS, in any manner whatsoever, until further orders. It also directed them not to collect any money from new partners or investors or any additional funds from existing partners or investors in existing schemes or plans. These entities are also barred from diverting any funds collected from partners or investors, kept in bank accounts, payment wallets and/or in their custody, or dispose of any assets until further orders. UPDATE: In an email, Rituraj Sharma, founder of Growpital, says they are reviewing with their legal team the SEBI order. "We are fully committed to cooperating with SEBI, ensuring a comprehensive resolution in line with regulatory guidelines. We are in the process of requesting SEBI to unfreeze accounts for business continuity, crucial for partner payouts, farm operations, and supporting over 4,000 krishiveer (farmer) families, over 100 office employees, and collecting sales proceeds from the market against the farm produce sold." Holding the Bhawanigarh municipal council deficient in not maintaining water pipes, the national consumer disputes redressal commission (NCDRC) directed the municipal council to pay Rs2.37 lakh to a house-owner. NCDRC also directed SBI General Insurance Company Ltd to indemnify the loss and pay a Rs2.37 lakh insurance claim. In an order last week , the NCDRC bench of Subhash Chandra (presiding member) and Dr Sadhna Shanker (member) says, "From a perusal of clause 9 of the insurance policy, it is clear that the clause 9 does not mention anywhere that the clause is applicable only in the context of water tanks situated above the house on the terrace. Hence, the loss is covered under clause 9 of the policy, and the insurance company is liable to indemnify the loss." "Considering the fact that the matter relates to the year 2015 and we are now in 2024, the cost of construction has been increased multiple times, and the damage was due to leakage of water from the water pipes, we are of the opinion that a compensation of equal amount of Rs2,37,650 on Bhawanigarh Municipal Council is just and appropriate," the bench says. The case is related to the damage caused by water leakage from the pipes to the home owned by Bhawanigarh, Punjab-based Ram Chander. He bought an old house and deposited the fee for approval of the site plan for his house's construction with the Bhawanigarh municipal council. The site plan was approved on 2 February 2015. He deposited another fee for approval of the site plan of the first floor with the municipal council which was approved on 12 May 2017. Mr Chander obtained a Rs13 lakh home loan from the State Bank of India (SBI). SBI insured Mr Chander's house from SBI General Insurance for a sum insured of Rs24 lakh, covering all the risks of the house. Mr Chander contended that he spent nearly Rs35 lakh on the construction of the house and shifted there after the completion of the building. He noticed some cracks in the walls and the ceiling of the house. During the first week of April 2017, the walls and one portion of the floor of his house suddenly started to subside swiftly, the whole building developed big cracks and all the doors became jammed. He immediately called the mason and also intimated the Bank regarding the loss to his house and the Bank further informed SBI General Insurance. The insurance company appointed a surveyor who visited the house and assessed the loss. SBI General Insurance informed Mr Chander that the loss was not covered under the policy issued to him. Mr Chander again called the mason and the floor was excavated. It was found that there was a pool of water and then he informed the Bhawanigarh municipal council. On information, the officials of the municipal council excavated the common street. They found that the main water pipeline was damaged due to the bursting of pipes which caused the free flow of water. The water pipeline was damaged accidentally due to water overflowing in pipes or due to negligence of the municipal council officials. Mr Chander had written a letter to the municipal council and requested to pay the claim amount against loss. Mr Chander again intimated to the insurance company the reason for the loss caused to his house. SBI General Insurance appointed a surveyor who visited Mr Chander's premises and again took photographs. Mr Chander got the tentative estimate for house repair from engineer Hanish Gupta, who prepared the estimate of Rs27.34 lakh for the reconstruction of the building by giving the opinion that the house was no longer safe for human habitation and should be reconstructed. On 27 April 2017, Mr Chander submitted all the documents to the surveyor of SBI General Insurance. He also wrote letters to officials from the Bhawanigarh municipal council and the Sangrur district deputy commissioner to redress his grievances. SBI General Insurance repudiated his claim on 21 August 2017 on the grounds that the loss was not covered under the policy. Mr Chander immediately approached SBI and requested the settlement of his claim, but it refused to entertain his request. He further approached the municipal council, informing them that his claim had been repudiated by the insurance company and that they had refused to pay any claim amount. But he did not receive any response. Being aggrieved, Mr Chander filed a complaint before the Punjab state consumer disputes redressal commission. SBI General Insurance resisted the complaint by filing a written statement. It stated that the loss had occurred due to seepage of water from a sewerage pipe, occurring over a period with none of the perils covered under 'long-term home policy/ fire policy' and the loss was not covered under the policy. "Further, the cracks in the building are due to continuous seepage of the water from the leaked sewerage line into the foundation of the building and the same is not covered under the policy. The building was to be used for residential purposes, whereas the ground floor was occupied as a shop, hence, it was used for commercial purposes and hence Mr Chander is not a consumer. Hence, the insurance company does not have any liability to pay the compensation, and the liability is only of the municipal council as it is the custodian, manager and owner of the water as well as sewer lines," the counsel for SBI General Insurance contended. The counsel for the Bhawanigarh municipal council stated that there was a minor leakage of water supply which was not to the extent that could have led to the alleged damage. "The minor leakage was at a distance of about 20 feet away from the house, which could by no means be the cause of damage and the damage is covered with the insurance policy." SBI also raised preliminary objections that the complaint was not maintainable against it as it did not disclose any cause of action against it and it was only a facilitator for Mr Chander to assist him to get the insurance policy. In an order on 1 October 2018, the state commission allowed the complaint against the municipal council and dismissed the complaint against the insurance company. It directed the Bhawanigarh municipal council to pay Mr Chander a compensation of Rs2,37,650 with interest at the rate of 6%pa (per annum) from the date of filing the complaint till actual payment, Rs30,000 as compensation and Rs15,000 as cost of litigation. Not satisfied with the order of the state commission, Mr Chander filed an appeal before NCDRC. The counsel for Mr Chander argued that the state commission had not considered the policy in toto and had considered only five clauses and failed to consider clause 9 which clearly covers the claim he raised. He stated that it was an admitted fact that there was a leakage of water from the pipes; therefore, the Bhawanigarh municipal council was liable to indemnify the loss. He further argued that no reasoning had been given to discard the report of the government-approved surveyor and to accept the loss assessed by the surveyor and the complainant. The counsel for SBI General Insurance argued that the loss had occurred due to seepage of water from a sewerage pipe outside the house, which was not covered under clause 9 of the policy. The counsel for the Bhawanigarh municipal council argued that Mr Chander had constructed the building in violation of the building bye-laws and totally changed the nature of the building from residential to commercial; therefore, he was not a consumer. After perusing clause 9 of the insurance policy, NCDRC observed that clause 9 did not mention anywhere that the clause was applicable only in the context of water tanks situated above the house on the terrace. "Hence, the loss is covered under clause 9 of the policy, and the insurance company is liable to indemnify the loss. Hence, the repudiation made by the insurance company is unjustified, and the complainant is entitled for the compensation." Referring to the Supreme Court's judgement in the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust vs Unique Shanti Developers & Ors case, NCDRC opined Mr Chander got the site plan sanctioned for building his house by depositing the requisite fee with the Bhawanigarh municipal council and had been paying the water charges for consumption of water supply. "No evidence of profit-making activity has been brought on record from the alleged shop in the building. Therefore, Mr Chander is a 'consumer' within the definition under Section 2(1)(d)(ii) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986." Considering the admitted fact that there was leakage in the water sewerage pipe, the bench says the damage to the house was due to water leakage from the water pipes laid by the municipal council. "The contention that the leakage of water pipe in the street was at a distance of 20 feet away has no substance because the municipal council has failed to prove that the leakage was insufficient to cause the damage. It is the prime duty of the municipal council to maintain the water pipes laid down in the streets by rectifying them and inspecting them from time to time. Had the pipes been checked or properly maintained, the building would not have been damaged, and the loss would not have occurred. Thus, there is a deficiency on the part of the municipal council in maintaining the water pipes." While disposing the appeal and setting aside the order passed by the Punjab state commission, NCDRC directed SBI General Insurance to pay Rs2,37,650 along with interest at the rate of 6%pa from the date of repudiation till payment to Mr Chander. It also directed the Bhawanigarh municipal council to pay the equal amount of Rs2,37,650 to Mr Chander within four weeks from the date of pronouncement of its order failing which the amount will be paid with interest at the rate of 9% per annum. (First Appeal No115 of 2019 Date: 22 January 2024) China aims to clinch more free trade agreements, vowing increased openness Xinhua) 08:14, January 30, 2024 BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- China plans to step up efforts to expand its global network of high-standard free trade areas in 2024, building on significant accomplishments in negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) over the past year. Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen told a recent press conference that China has already inked 22 FTAs with 29 countries or regions, and the combined trade value with those countries and regions accounted for one-third of China's total. In a move to further share China's opening-up dividends and power regional economic growth, China will enhance efforts regarding FTA negotiations in 2024, according to Wang. "We have a full agenda for FTA negotiations this year," he said. TOWARD A BROADER FTA NETWORK As negotiations for Version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area are scheduled for this week in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, Wang has vowed to exert efforts to conclude the talks this year. The building of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area was completed in 2010. According to customs data, trade between China and ASEAN since 2013 has logged an annual growth rate of 8.8 percent. In 2023, ASEAN was China's largest trading partner for the fourth straight year, while China held its position as ASEAN's largest partner for several years. Visitors shop at the pavilion for Vietnamese commodities at Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua) The two parties announced the official launch of the negotiations to upgrade the free trade area to its third version in November 2022, with the negotiations covering fields such as trade in goods, investment, digital and green economy to build a more inclusive, modern, comprehensive and mutually beneficial China-ASEAN FTA. Experts believe that the upcoming version of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area would also prompt the upgrade of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). It will be easier for the RCEP to leverage its coordinating and superimposing effects, following the leading example of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Version 3.0, said Wang Yiwei, a professor at Renmin University of China. Apart from ASEAN, China also aims to complete the FTA negotiations with Honduras, and the negotiations involving the FTA upgrade with Peru this year. Advancements will be made in negotiations or upgrades of FTAs with the Gulf Cooperation Council, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and Switzerland, according to the vice minister. Peruvian craftsman Oswaldo Mamani promotes alpaca toys at a booth of Warmpaca at the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang) On a broader scale, Wang Shouwen noted that China will continue its efforts to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). In an attempt to align with the CPTPP rules, China has introduced related documents and formulated reform measures to enhance institutional opening-up in Shanghai and other eligible regions. "If the practices yield good outcomes, we will replicate them in other regions of China," Wang Shouwen said. TOWARD HIGH-STANDARD OPENNESS In the past year, China committed to a negative-list model of services and investment opening-up by signing an FTA with Nicaragua and reaching a protocol to further upgrade the FTA with Singapore. This marked a historic moment in China's FTA negotiation history, indicating that the country has reached a new level in advancing its FTA network toward high standards, according to Wang Shouwen. Commenting on the FTA upgrade protocol with Singapore, Yuan Bo, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce, said services and investment are where the growth potentials of the two countries' future development reside. "These two fields are the common interests of China and Singapore." Regarding RCEP cooperation, Yuan believes there is ample room for China to collaborate with RCEP members on consumer goods trade, cross-border e-commerce, service trade and investment, among other spheres. China's foreign trade value with 14 RCEP members amounted to 12.6 trillion yuan (about 1.77 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2023, a 5.3 percent increase compared with that in 2021 before the agreement came into force, according to Wang Shouwen. People visit the booth of South Korea during the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) The pact has allowed Chinese trade companies to enjoy 2.36 billion yuan of tariff concessions for products imported from RCEP countries, while enterprises of RCEP countries benefited from 4.05 billion yuan of tax breaks for products imported from China in 2023. "China is both a beneficiary of and a significant contributor to the enforcement of RCEP," Yuan said. Looking into this year, to further develop China's FTA network into a high-standard one, the country will continue to increase the proportion of zero-tariff products, push forward the comprehensive opening-up of service trade and investment with market-access negative lists, and include trade rules concerning digital economy, green economy, standard certification and government purchase into new FTA negotiations, Wang Shouwen said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Abbas Ganbay Kazakhstan will hold two military exercises with Azerbaijan this year. The Ministry of Defence of Kazakhstan reported on the exercises of the Armed Forces planned for 2024, Azernews reports. According to the information, Kazakhstan will hold two military exercises with Azerbaijan. Command and staff exercises "Birlestik-2024" will be held with the participation of units of the armed forces of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, as well as joint naval exercises of the Caspian littoral states (Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Russia). To recall, According to the joint action plan signed between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the ?????????-2024 (Unity-2024) tactical exercises will be held with the participation of marines and special forces of both countries Naval Forces. It should be noted that at the tactical exercises to be held in the Republic of Kazakhstan in July 2024, the main attention will be paid to ensuring combat interoperability, improving management, exchanging experience, and increasing military personnels professionalism during the troops interaction. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Kazakhstan supports the idea of creating a cooperation mechanism for the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), Daniyar Seidaliyev, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, said, Trend reports. He made the remark during a pannel discussion within the Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity held in Brussels. Thus, to implement this idea, Kazakhstan has proposed to host a meeting of this coordinationation council in Astana in 2024. Moreover, Kazakhstan suggests to hold this meeting along with the visit of President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity was held in Brussels on January 29-30. The forum established key priorities with the ultimate goal of transforming the Trans-Caspian transport corridor into a sustainable, safer, and more efficient route connecting Europe and Central Asia within a maximum of 15 days. In this regard, the EU, together with various partners has mobilized the financing in the amount of 10 billion euros. The European Commission plans to use this money for developing sustainable transport in Central Asia in the short term. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs7.25 lakh on five cooperative banks, for non-compliance with the directions issued by the banking regulator. The highest penalty of Rs5 lakh has been imposed on Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd from Maharashtra. Other banks penalised by RBI are Jila Sahakari Kendriya Bank Maryadit from Madhya Pradesh, Bhilai Nagrik Sahakari Bank Maryadit from Chhattisgarh while Krushiseva Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd and Mula Sahakari Bank Ltd are from Maharashtra. Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Urban Cooperative Bank was penalised for contravention of specific directions issued by RBI under supervisory action framework (SAF) and non-compliance with the directions on management of advances- urban cooperative banks (UCBs) and know your customer (KYC). "The statutory inspection of Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Urban Cooperative Bank conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on 31 March 2022, and examination of the risk assessment report (RAR) and all correspondence related revealed, that the Bank had sanctioned fresh loans and advances carrying risk weight of more than 100% in violation of specific directions issued under SAF and sanctioned gold loans under the bullet repayment scheme beyond the regulatory limit. Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Urban Cooperative Bank further had not conducted periodic updation of KYC as per risk categorisation of customers, not conducted periodic review of risk categorisation of accounts and not put in place a robust software to throw alerts as part of effective identification and reporting of suspicious transactions," RBI says. Jila Sahakari Kendriya Bank Maryadit has been penalised Rs75,000 for contravention of the provisions of section 26A and section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act (BR Act) and the depositor education and awareness fund (DEAF) scheme. The Bank had not transferred the eligible amount to the DEA Fund. Statutory inspection for the year ending 31 March 2022 and examination of the RAR and all related correspondence revealed that Krushiseva Urban Cooperative Bank sanctioned loans to directors and their relatives and incurred capital expenditure without prior approval from RBI, which is a violation of directions issued under SAF. RBI, therefore, imposed a penalty of Rs50,000 on Krushiseva Urban Cooperative Bank. Further, Bhilai Nagrik Sahakari Bank from Chhattisgarh was penalised Rs50,000 for failing to carry out periodic updation of KYC for its customers at the prescribed regular intervals. Mula Sahakari Bank from Maharashtra was penalised with a fine of Rs50,000 for non-compliance with the directions issued by RBI on exposure norms and statutory and other restrictions - UCBs. The Bank also breached the inter-bank counterparty exposure limit, RBI says. RBI says its action against these five banks is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the banks with their customers. Five years after the government appointed an independent board to resolve the mega-failure of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS), the new management has dragged one of the two water management companies of Tamil Nadu (TN) to the national company law tribunal (NCLT) for having stopped repayment of loan to IL&FS. The case comes of up for hearing on 31st January. The New Tirupur Area Development Corporation Ltd (NTADCL) was once seen as a unique project to bring water supply to TNs prosperous hosiery-exporting town of Tirupur, through a public-private partnership. What should have been a profitable and exemplary project is mired in litigation with its largest foreign investor, over mismanagement and dubious dealings by the cabal led by late Ravi Parthasarathy and the apathy of TN bureaucrats. Even after the IL&FS default caused a systemic shock in the Indian financial system in 2018, nothing changed. When a new management under banker Uday Kotak was charged with resolving the IL&FS mess, it appears to have merely changed the nominee directors at NTADCL and continued to ignore the internal issues and litigation that has been festering for over 12 years. So, what finally caused IL&FS to resort to legal action against a green company that makes operational profits and is under its indirect control? Back Story to Litigation The answer lies in how IL&FS controls the two TN water companies. IL&FS set up two joint ventures (JV) with the government of TN (GOTN). Tamil Nadu Water Investment Company Limited (TWICL), in which it has a 54% stake, and NTADCL, the operating unit, where IL&FS has only a direct 15% stake, but controls it by virtue of its shareholding in TWICL. TWICL had a 32.54% stake in NTADCL and AIDQUA Holding (Mauritius) Inc, a foreign investor, held a 28%. After the corporate debt restructuring (CDR), TWICLs holding dropped to 28%, GOTN has 20%, IL&FS has 15% and AIDQUA has 15% ownership (which is under dispute). The problems began when AIDQUA Holding protested the manner in which a CDR unilaterally had reduced its shareholding in 2012 and filed litigation. AIDQUA also accused IL&FS over dodgy financial dealings under influence of an IL&FS cabal headed by late Ravi Parthasarathy (Read: IL&FS Scandal: When a Director Was Threatened with Jail and Slapped with Criminal Defamation for Raising Questions ). Even after 2018, the government-appointed IL&FS management (earlier under banker Uday Kotak and now led by Chandra Shekhar Rajan) did little to set things right at NTADCL and TWICL which have continued to operate on the whims of TN bureaucrats. CDR Mess of 2012 The IL&FS case against NTADCL harks back to the attempt to infuse fresh funds into NTADCL and the third attempt at CDR of 2012 which converted part of the senior debt to equity. It is understood that the CDR left NTADCL with a debt of Rs489 crore which was to be repaid between 2013 and 2026. (Ironically, almost all the debt has been repaid early by selling more water to industrial users than domestic as the CDR had envisaged.) Of the senior debt, Rs90 crore was procured from United State Agency for International Development (USAID) to which NTADCL had apparently been making regular payments, but then it unilaterally stopped repayments on the IL&FS loan (nearly Rs 100 crore), since December 2022. In fact, NTADCL had apparently sought to prepay an amount of Rs47.12 crore and disregarded a sum of Rs52.92 crore, saying it was not owed. According to court documents, NTADCL insisted on reconciliation of money payable and claimed the debt to be a disputed amount. Muddying the water even further is the NTADCLs managements confusing stand on repayment to TWICL (which had routed the TN government funds during the CDR to NTADCL). NTADCL claims that Rs50 crore of a TN government grant (routed through TWICL) was converted to equity in the 2012, giving IL&FS Rs27 crore benefit and the government of Tamil Nadu a Rs23 crore benefit. Strangely enough, sources say that NTADCL has paid another Rs20 crore to TWICL as loan repayment (against the very same grant that was allegedly converted into equity during the CDR). This was done after it had stopped making payments to IL&FS. So why was NTADCL paying TWICL twice over? How can there be equity conversion as well as a loan repayment? Did these decisions have the sanction and authority of the boards? Were they in line with the common loan agreement? Who is running the show at NTADCL and TWICL? The litigation may provide answers. The forcible reduction of AIDQUAs shareholding from over 27% to 15% sparked inconclusive litigation in multiple legal forums including the Supreme Court of India. NTADCLs flip-flop over the conversion of loan to equity adds another layer of drama to the controversy over management of the two water companies. Had the government-appointed management of IL&FS paid serious attention to the green NTADCL and worked at making it fully profitable, there would have been no need for further litigation and an amicable resolution was a possibility. After all, there are three common directors between TWICL and NTADCL including the chairman D Karthikeyan, a TN bureaucrat, L Krishnan and IL&FS has nominee directors on both entities. What action did the nominee directors take when NTADCL made a unilateral decision to stop paying IL&FS? Water Pricing It is important to recall that NTADCL was envisaged and marketed as a profitable business opportunity because Tirupur desperately needed water and its industry was willing to pay for it. I remember Ravi Parthasarathy telling me in the mid-1990s, when the Tirupur water privatisation was being discussed, that the town has the highest density of swanky foreign cars in India due to export earnings (when foreign car ownership was rare) and they had also been paying absurdly high prices for water, which was equally scarce. Had water prices been managed correctly, NTADCL should never have needed a debt restructuring. The very basis of the water privatisation project was that hosiery exporters of Tirupur were tired of surviving on tanker water derived from groundwater on agricultural lands and were willing to pay for regular supply. This is where bureaucrats seem to have messed up. The CDR of 2012, as well as the present financial dispute, is about NTADCLs inability to increase returns because the price of its only productwateris not being raised as planned. So NTADCL, a fundamentally sound company making operational profits since inception, failed to earn enough to service its debt obligations when it came due. TN bureaucrats have repeatedly blocked attempts to raise water prices, although such a decision would not affect domestic users and ordinary people. Their opposition was based on a study by Akara Research & Technologies Pvt Ltd (Akara) in July 2021 which showed that 86% of users would oppose a hike in water prices. The finding is unsurprising. Why would any consumer support a price hikewhether it is water or petrol? The question is: Can NTADCL afford to keep the price frozen. The same study also says, For most users, water is an important and key factor for operations, but cost-wise it does not exceed 0.5-1% of total manufacturing cost. Clearly, hiking water charges for industrial users would not hurt them but make a big difference to NTADCLs profits. Ideally, the new IL&FS management ought to have worked with the TN government to make NTADCL profitable. It would have added lustre to the resolution process. Instead, it ignored the mess for five years and has now taken the legal route against its own subsidiary. The Tirupur water project is a cautionary tale of how mismanagement and litigation can derail even the most well-intentioned projects. The current situation does not have to be lose-lose situation for stakeholders in a water-starved state like TN. There is sufficient and compelling opportunity to turn things around if IL&FS is serious about a resolution. At that time he didnt have as much language as he does now but he used baby sign language to sign 'more' as he called out to us: Again. More. More. More! and insisted we play it over and over again. Then-candidate Gary Gumataotao answers questions at the 2018 attorney general candidate forum at the Guam Museum, Aug. 13, 2018, in Hagatna. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 30. Kyrgyzstan and the EU discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation with a focus on developing transport links, transit potential, and trade, Trend reports. According to the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, the discussion took place during a meeting between the deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, Bakyt Torobaev, and the Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, in Brussels, Belgium. Torobaev addressed the issue of the removal of Kyrgyzstan's airlines from the EU flight safety list. Furthermore, he engaged in discussions about simplifying the visa regime for Kyrgyzstan citizens and suggested collaboration in developing rare earth and other critical metal deposits. In addition, he conveyed the desire for the European side to explore the possibility of supporting the exchange of the country's external debt for "green" projects. In turn, Borrell recognized the increasing significance of Central Asia globally and affirmed the EU's commitment to enhancing ties and cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in mutually beneficial areas. During his working trip to Brussels, Bakyt Torobaev participated at the inaugural session of the Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity. During his speech, Torobaev said that the collaboration between the economically robust EU and resource-rich Central Asia opens significant opportunities for both sides. In this regard, he called for strengthening transportation and trade corridors between the regions. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attends a session of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting at the Hotel Okura Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 17, 2023. The District Court of Guam is seen Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, in Hagatna. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 30. Turkmenistan and the German Goetzpartners Emerging Markets GmbH discussed issues of further development of bilateral cooperation, in particular, the establishment of industrial facilities in the Arkadag city, Trend reports. These issues were discussed during the meeting of Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with Managing Director of the Goetzpartners Emerging Markets GmbH consulting company Vladimir Matias and senior consultant of this company Hans Gerd Prodoehl. It was stated that Germany is one of Turkmenistan's priority partners in the EU, especially in terms of trade and economic cooperation. At the same time, the parties stressed the importance of partnership between transport agencies, associations and companies of the two countries, taking into account the implementation of large-scale projects in the field of transport, communications and logistics in Turkmenistan. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that as part of the construction of the second-stage facilities in the city of Arkadag, an environmentally friendly raw material base has been created in the country that meets international quality standards. The heads of the German company informed about new areas of cooperation, stressing that the planned medical cluster is designed to produce various types of medical products not only for the domestic market, but also for export. At the same time, the use of available local raw materials will make it possible to produce environmentally friendly, high-quality products, which will contribute to strengthening the economy of Turkmenistan and will play an important role in the development of Turkmen - German relations. Meanwhile, the Goetzpartners Emerging Markets GmbH recently won an international tender for the provision of consulting services for the creation of a medical cluster in Arkadag city. The parties' commitment to the implementation of this project was confirmed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Committee for Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan and the Goetzpartners Emerging Markets GmbH company. Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Senator Mitch McConnell View Photo U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered remarks on the Senate floor regarding left-wing climate policy. McConnell was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words: When President Biden took office, the average approval time for liquefied natural gas (LNG) permits was about seven weeks. Right now, its about eleven months. But soon, wait times could actually become irrelevant. At the behest of climate activists, the Administration is now considering adding a climate test to the national interest analysis regulators conduct before approving new LNG projects. Nevermind that climate interests all too often run in the exact opposite direction of Americas national interests. This move would amount to a functional ban on new LNG export permits. The Administrations war on affordable domestic energy has been bad news for American workers and consumers alike. Radical policies from the EPA are killing jobs in coal and auto manufacturing. Regulatory nudging is forcing auto makers to produce a supply of electric vehicles for which there is insufficient demand. And now further limits to LNG exports will only send energy costs higher at a time when the West is trying to reduce its reliance on Russian energy. This agenda is not just bad for Americans at home, either. Its directly at odds with Americas interests on the world stage. From Russia to Iran to China, it is abundantly clear that our adversaries are not waiting for us to wake up from this experiment in green self-harm. Russia is building a new export facility for liquefied natural gas that is scheduled to be up and operating as soon as next year. Iran is also in the process of completing an LNG export facility to be ready next year as well. It should go without saying that increasing global reliance on Russian and Iranian energy is not sound strategy. The Secretary of Energy, herself, has described Russian gas as the dirtiest form of natural gas on Earth. And China, for its part, increased its emissions last year by double the amount U.S. emissions declined. Our allies in Europe are increasingly relying on us to keep their lights and their heat running. It was LNG exports from the United States that allowed Europe to reduce its reliance on Russian energy in the wake of their attack on Ukraine. So, if the Biden Administration is foolish enough to shut down our LNG exports or saddle their national interest analysis with Green New Deal schemes, I hope they understand which nations interests theyre advancing. Choose our nations interests or blindly follow some green radical scheme to empower our political rivals in China, Iran, and Russia. Its hard to fathom this is even a question the Biden Administration is contemplating. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 30. Turkmenistan plays a special role in the positive context of a broader regional partnership, Vice President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas said, Trend reports. He made the remark on the sidelines of the Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity in Brussels. At the same time, Schinas stressed the importance of Turkmenistan's contribution to global energy stability and expressed the EU's hope for continued economic growth of Turkmenistan. "The idea is to promote the development of ties between Central Asia and the EU. The Global Gateway Investors Forum is an incredible opportunity to bring everyone together: governments, investors, international financial institutions," he added. Meanwhile, the Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity, which is taking place in Brussels, Belgium, on January 29-30, 2024, brought together political representatives from all Central Asian countries, representatives of the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as well as private investors. The second day of the event will be devoted to discussing topics relevant to Turkmenistan, including exploring the possibilities of a transit hub. Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel With the upcoming by-elections in Zimbabwe scheduled for Saturday, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has announced its complete readiness to deliver seamless and credible polls. In preparation, ZEC has printed 230,000 ballot papers for the National Assembly elections and 144,000 for the local authorities polls. All 552 polling stations have been set up and are ready for use on election day. Furthermore, command centers have been established and made operational. ZECs vice chairperson, Ambassador Rodney Kiwa, expressed confidence in the electoral bodys preparedness to conduct free, transparent, and credible by-elections. He stated, Yes, we are 100 percent ready confidently for the by-elections on Saturday. Those who were successfully nominated will be on the ballot. Polling stations and command centres are also all in place. Distribution of ballot papers should start today or first thing tomorrow morning. Ambassador Kiwa emphasized the importance of peace in the electoral process, urging political parties and voters to maintain a peaceful environment before, during, and after the polls. He emphasized that the negation of peace would undermine the purpose of holding the elections and democracy at large. The bottom line is that we appeal to all participating political parties, individuals and voters to remain peaceful. I think that is what is most important because we can have all the other things in place in terms of materials but if we dont behave in a peaceful way it negates everything that we are trying to put in place and achieve. So that is our biggest appeal, that lets just walk the peaceful road during this by-election, he stated. ZEC is also encouraging observers to be accredited so they can inspect the polls. Ambassador Kiwa said, Accreditation is also going on well. In fact we encourage as many observers as possible to participate during the elections. The by-elections were triggered by the recall of three legislators and 20 councillors by the CCCs self-imposed secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu. Although they tried to file their papers at the Nomination Court as CCC members, the High Court barred them from contesting under the CCC ticket. However, some of the recalled individuals chose to contest as independent candidates. Among those barred from contesting in the upcoming polls are former deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba, former leader of the opposition in Parliament Amos Chibaya, and Stephen Chagwiza of Goromonzi South. Former Harare Mayor Ian Makone was also removed from the ballot papers. Breaking News via Email This legislation is a Trojan horse: it presents a facade of respecting democratic principles But behind this liberal facade, the exact opposite is happening: an attack is taking place against the constitutional order. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen opened her speech at Davos this year by underscoring the top concern among the World Economic Forums partner companies, which also happens to be one of the Commissions biggest worries as well: misinformation and disinformation. These two risks, she said, are serious because they limit our ability to tackle the big global challenges we are facing climate, demographics and technological changes, and spiralling regional conflicts and intensified geopolitical competition. The primary solution to the problem of mis- and disinformation, according to Von der Leyen, is to forge a grand coalition of sorts between business and governments, which, as luck has it, fits snugly with the WEFs primary mission in life: to promote public private partnerships at all levels and in all areas of government, for the benefit primarily of its partner companies. It has never been more important, VdL said, for the public and private sector to create new connective tissue. Because none of these challenges respect borders. They each require collaboration to manage risks and forge a path forward. Through its Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Commission has already put into operation arguably the most ambitious manifestation yet of this grand coalition between government and business. The DSA imposes a legal requirement on very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) to take prompt action against illegal content hosted on their platforms (e.g. removing it, blocking it, or providing certain information to the authorities concerned). Platforms are also required to take action against hate speech, dis- or misinformation if it is deemed to have actual or foreseeable negative effects on civic discourse and electoral processes, and public security and/or actual or foreseeable negative effects in relation to gender-based violence, the protection of public health and minors and serious negative consequences to the persons physical and mental well-being. Besides take-downs, other familiar tools at the disposal of tech platforms include de-monetisation and de-ranking. The European Commission has primary, but not exclusive, regulatory responsibility for VLOPs and VLOSEs. In a few weeks time, the same requirements will apply to all other online service providers, though responsibility for execution and enforcement will lie with national authorities. A Global Impact? As time goes by, the implications of the DSA are likely to extend far beyond EU borders. Like its predecessor, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), it could even have a global impact, through three mechanisms mentioned by Scott K. Ginsburg, a professor of Law and Technology at Georgetown University, in his paper, When the Digital Services Act Goes Global: First, companies could adopt DSA-compliant practices worldwide. This is a common form of the Brussels Effect in Anu Bradfords accountwhen companies align their global practices with Brussels rules largely out of possible efficiency of adopting those same standards worldwide. This is also the main mechanism in Nunziatos account of the global effects of the DSA. Second, governments might find much to envy in the Digital Services Actwhich validates burgeoning efforts to bring the internet under government control, provides special tools for speeding up the removal of illegal content under local law, includes procedural rules that might limit the power of platforms to label or suppress other content, conveys power to evaluate risk mitigation measures, and sets out break glass crisis control mechanismscomplete with the possibility of getting six percent of the companys global revenue for violations. A third mechanism is possible as well. The European Union could itself promote the DSA as a global model, perhaps incorporating parts of it into its model free trade agreements. As I noted in a previous post, the institution that gets to define what actually constitutes mis- or disinformation on very large internet platforms and search engines for the EUs roughly 450 million citizens (as well as arguably untold millions of citizens far beyond Europes borders) is the European Commission itself: The same institution that is in the process of dynamiting the EUs economic future through its endless backfiring sanctions on Russia and which is mired in Pfizergate, one of the biggest corruption scandals of its 64-year existence.* Now the Commission wants to take mass censorship to levels not seen in Europe since at least the dying days of the Cold War. In this task it will have, in its own words, enforcement powers similar to those it has under anti-trust proceedings, adding that an EU-wide cooperation mechanism will be established between national regulators and the Commission. As the DSA becomes an integral part of the national constitutions of the EUs 27 member states in the coming weeks, it is accompanied by a wall of silence in the mainstream media (quelle surprise!). Even on Twitter/X there is little discussion, which may mean that Elon Musks social media company is trying to abide by the EUs new censorship regime after already facing an illegal content probe over the Israel-Gaza war. Most EU citizens, meanwhile, have probably never even heard of this new regulatory architecture being constructed around the worldwide web, making this arguably the quietest coup in modern European history. One of the rare voices of criticism I have found on the matter is an op-ed in Berliner Zeitung by a retired German judge called Manfred Kolsch. Titled Judge Warns: Freedom of Expression in EU Is in Acute Danger, the article is worth reading in its entirety (click here for an English-language translation on German financial journalist Norbert Harings blog). But for the purposes of this post, I have included a few of the choicest excerpts (translated with the help of a fluent German-speaking family member). A Trojan Horse Kolsch begins the article by unpicking the Orwellian aspects of the DSA: This legislation on digital services is a Trojan horse: it presents a facade of respecting democratic principles. The EU Commission stresses that the DSA is intended to establish strict rules to safeguard European values and Article 1 of the DSA directly states: Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. Behind this liberal facade, however, the exact opposite is happening: an attack is taking place against the constitutional order. Due to the complexity of the matter and the sheer volume of information available, its introduction is going unnoticed. The DSA opens up the possibility of [EU or national authorities] demanding the removal of entries that are not unlawful from very large online platforms and search engines Platform operators are required to pay particular attention to how their services could be used to disseminate or amplify misleading or deceptive content, including disinformation. (Recital 84). In addition, Art. 34 of the DSA makes a clear distinction between unlawful information and information with only detrimental effects. However, the term disinformation is not defined in the DSA. But in 2018 the EU Commission did define it as including information that can cause public harm. In doing so, it determined (p.4) that public harm is to be understood as threats to democratic political processes and political decision-making as well as to public goods such as the protection of health, the environment and security. There can be no doubt that false, misleading or just inconvenient entries need not be unlawful. Nevertheless, they can be declared unlawful at any time on the basis of the DSA. The EU Commission sets the standard by which disinformation is judged. However, this means that politically unsavoury opinions, even scientifically argued positions, can be deleted, and not only that: if it is classified as unlawful, there are social consequences. One inevitable result is that citizens begin self-censoring to align their messages on the platforms with what is currently acceptable within the corridors of power. The cornerstone of any free society the perpetual exchange of intellectual and political ideas, even with opposing opinions will therefore crumble. Another layer of censorship comes in from the fact that the major platforms will have to analyse entries for systemic risks they may pose, evaluate them accordingly and then take risk mitigation measures. Systemic risks are deemed to exist if there are likely (or foreseeable) adverse effects on social debate, public safety or public health. Such entries must be deleted or blocked. From Covert to Overt We have already seen this sort of thing play out in the US, but in a broadly covert manner. As the Twitter Files disclosures showed, federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies helped to curtail, block and shadow-ban government-threatening lines of thought, such as suspicion and hostility toward vaccine mandates and interest in the Hunter Biden laptop, both now well vindicated. Thanks to the EUs Digital Services Act, the online censorship is about to become overt and legally permissible. As Kolsch notes, the DSA threatens to choke public expression and debate on sensitive issues (examples that come to mind: EUs unquestioning support for Israels war crimes in Palestine, Ukraines flailing military campaign, the Pfizergate scandal, the EU Commission and Councils escalating economic war against EU Member Hungary over its refusal to support further expenditure on the Ukraine war, etc.) through a number of mechanisms: Due to the generalised nature of the clauses used in the DSA, the platforms concerned will always find a reason to delete inconvenient entries. The coordinator will have the power to order sanctions and the fact checkers and content flaggers unlimited possibilities when it comes to submitting texts for deletion. Unjustified deletions will be further encouraged by the use of automatic content recognition technologies, which is unavoidable due to the sheer volume of information to be processed. The European Court of Justice ruled (in a recent case concerning the General Data Protection Regulation; N.H.), that these technologies are not capable of predicting the likelihood of future behaviour. Even the Advocate General at the ECJ has explained that the available technologies are not capable of making the judgements required by the DSA, e.g. whether an entry will have a foreseeable detrimental effect on the public debate or public health that would justify deletion [Nonetheless], due to the threat of fines of up to 6% of global turnover in the previous year for infringements, the platforms are incentivised to practise so-called overblocking (i.e. the excessive deletion of permitted expressions of opinion and information or the restriction of their dissemination; N.H.) for financial reasons alone. The Commission and national EU governments will have additional means of applying pressure on platforms to ensure they respond quickly and robustly to their requests to remove illegal, harmful or misleading content. For example, the Commission and/or national governments will be able to impose fines of up to 1% of annual turnover if a company fails to comply with information requests under the Act. And to help expedite matters, a punitive fine of up to 5% of the average daily global turnover or revenues of the platform in the preceding financial year can also be levied. One of the darkest aspects of the DSA regulation, says Kolsch, is the emphasis on preventative actions against illegal, mis- or dis-information, which sounds eerily reminiscent of pre-crime, the concept first coined by Phillip K Dick to express the idea that the occurrence of a crime can be anticipated and prevented before it even happens: The monitoring obligation of all actors is preventative. It is always about expected critical [effects], foreseeable adverse effects on social debate, public safety or public health. The Advocate General at the ECJ has said what is legally necessary: These represent a particularly serious interference with the right to freedom of expression because by restricting certain information before it is disseminated, they prevent any public debate about the content, thus [d]epriving freedom of expression of its actual function as a motor of pluralism. The Advocate General correctly points out that preventive information controls ultimately abolish the right to fundamentally unrestricted freedom of expression and information. Contravening EU Laws on Freedom of Expression Lastly, Kolsch warns that the DSA not only undermines Germanys federalist model of governance but also contravenes many of the EUs and national laws on freedom of expression and information: This surveillance bureaucracy goes against federalism, which is anchored in the German constitution. Until now, media supervision was a responsibility of the 16 federal states (Bundeslander). According to the DSA, content-flaggers and fact-checkers are to be viewed as trustworthy if they have already proven themselves in the past in identifying objectionable content. In plain language this means: the previously known informants under the regime of the previously applicable Network Enforcement Act# will gratefully recognise that their position has now acquired the character of a monopoly. A careful look behind the facade of the rule of law reveals that the DSA knowingly undermines the right to freedom of expression and information guaranteed by Article 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Article 5 of the Basic Law (Germanys written constitution, agreed by the allies back in 1949 when the first post-war government was established in West Germany). Here is the text of Article 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. Not everything about the DSA is bad. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), for example, has praised many aspects of the regulation, including the protections it provides on user rights to privacy by prohibiting platforms from undertaking targeted advertising based on sensitive user information, such as sexual orientation or ethnicity. More broadly, the DSA increases the transparency about the ads users see on their feeds as platforms must place a clear label on every ad, with information about the buyer of the ad and other details. It also reins in the powers of Big Tech by forcing them to comply with far-reaching obligations and responsibly tackle systemic risks and abuse on their platform. But even the EFF warns that the new law provides a fast-track procedure for law enforcement authorities to take on the role of trusted flaggers and uncover data about anonymous speakers and remove allegedly illegal content which platforms become obligated to remove quickly. The EFF also raises concerns about the dangers posed by the Commissions starring role in all of this: Issues with government involvement in content moderation are pervasive and whilst trusted flaggers are not new, the DSAs system could have a significant negative impact on the rights of users, in particular that of privacy and free speech. And free speech and a free press are the foundation stones of any genuine liberal democracy, as notes the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The First Amendment protects our freedom to speak, assemble, and associate with others. These rights are essential to our democratic system of governance. The Supreme Court has written that freedom of expression is the matrix, the indispensable condition of nearly every other form of freedom. Without it, other fundamental rights, like the right to vote, would cease to exist. * While VdL was making her speech at Davos on the need to merge government and corporate power to censor illegal and objectionable information, a reasonably large majority within the European Parliament, consisting primarily of the three main voting factions, voted to keep the details of the COVID-19 vaccine contracts signed between the Commission and Pfizer and Moderna secret despite the fact that the 2020 contract signed between Pfizer and the Commission was already published in its entirety by Italian broadcaster RAI in April 2021. While acknowledging the maladministration involved in the Commissions vaccine procurement practices, the European Parliament also voted to reject two proposals from the conservatives that aimed to pressure the Commission into digging up the infamous text messages between von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Bourla. Those messages are currently the subject of a criminal investigation by the European Public Prosecutors Office as well as a lawsuit by the New York Times. Leaders will be unsurprised to learn that the Parliaments latest move to protect VdL from further scrutiny went virtually unreported in the Brussels-based media and was also barely discussed on Twitter, but the disconnect is rapidly widening between the total lack of transparency and accountability flounced by Europes political elite and the Commissions escalating attacks on even the most basic notions of privacy, anonymity and freedom of expression for the rest of us. # From Wikipedia: In our post yesterday, we discussed how Boeing management was on a path that would result in the liquidation of the company. We did not dwell overmuch on how significant a development that would be, given Boeings heft as a company (for instance, it is Americas biggest exporter) and its critical role as a supplier to civilian airlines and as a defense contractor. Boeing is an apex play in two very large economic ecosystems. Reader GM offered an alternative line of thinking. He argued that the Boeing managements seeming self-destructive conduct was economically rational given the likely trajectory of the airline industry, and the long time frames for capacity addition and major new product development. GM was not suggesting that this sort of calculus, as opposed to good old fashioned greed and bad incentives, was driving Boeings implicit strategy. Recall Boeing has been engaged in a high level of stock buybacks, as opposed to investing in its business, starting in 1998, as in almost immediately on the heels of McDonnell Douglas executives taking control of the company. But it may come to serve as an ex post facto justification if anyone starts to question their conduct. Note that there will be many second-order effects of this trajectory. Many items are shipped by cargo as opposed to by sea. Many multinational corporations depend on air travel, despite the leap in the use of Zoom and other teleconferencing tools, because some things, like factory and vendor facility visits, need to be done in person. Plus experience suggests that a minimum level of in-person contact is necessary for physically-dispersed personnel who need to collaborate closely on complex matters to have smooth dealing with each other. GMs trajectory implies a big unwind of globalization and far-flung supply chains. How quickly will big multinationals get on board with the new reality before it is forced on them? Or is this simply another element of the conundrum that we need to adopt a radical energy paradigm pronto or be run over by it? GMs comment yesterday: Once in a great while, things so speak for themselves that there is not much point in going on overmuch. Israel is not winning against Hamas. So it plans to take on a much tougher opponent, Hezbollah, which will be the result of executing on its plan to enter and occupy Lebanon up to the Litani River. This is not the way clear-thinking people operate. But as Alastair Crooke explains (more on this soon), the Israelis recognize that they are no longer feared militarily in their hood. Maintaining that fear is fundamental to Israeli citizens sense of security. Proof comes via Israel having had to pull its citizens out of the border to Gaza and Lebanon and not having been able to turn things around so they can return. Although I cannot prove a negative, Crooke and some Twitterati maintain that this effective loss of territory very much puts Israel on the back foot, since Israel historically has used buffer zones as an interim step in increasing the area under its control, and understands the risks when that process goes the other way. Despite the assumption by many military experts at the start of the Israel campaign in Gaza, that the IDF would prevail given its much greater resources and ease of resupply, here we are, over 100 days in, and Israel is not all that much closer to victory, save in exterminating the Palestinian population in Gaza, as opposed to eliminating or at least crippling Hamas. Israel has not killed any of the leadership of Hamas military wing. Israel has not rescued any hostages. It is not clear how many Hamas fighters Israel has killed, but its claim of 10,000 versus the 27,000 dead reported in Gaza seems unreasonably high, particularly given admissions that schemes like flooding the tunnel system have not worked very well. Hamas has been retaking Northern Gaza after Israel claimed to have secured it. And on top of that, as an article in todays Links pointed out, Israel is having to husband its artillery use in Gaza in light of global shortages. So they plan to take on Hezbollah with less than a full magazine? There are signs of dissent within Israel over where to go in the war. More and more family members of hostages have been getting sympathetic coverage in the press and support from some officials for their demand that Israel negotiate with Hamas now to get the hostages back. A new story in Christian Science Monitor recounts a key rupture: The cracks in what had been near universal public unity supporting Israels war aims in the conflicts first few months have even reached the five-person wartime Cabinet tasked with prosecuting the campaign against Hamas. In a bombshell television interview on Israels Channel 12 this month, Gadi Eisenkot, a centrist politician and former military chief who joined Mr. Netanyahus wartime coalition in October, said the welfare of the hostages had to take precedence. The government, he added, needed to stop selling fantasies to the public that their release would be achieved through force alone. And the dissent continues: More protests against the Netanyahu government took place tonight in Tel Aviv and the largest cities in Israel. The protesters also demanded a unilateral ceasefire in exchange for the release of Hamas hostages and the holding of new elections. In Tel Aviv, protests were pic.twitter.com/Qyl5I6IFa2 pocalypsis pocalypseos (@apocalypseos) January 28, 2024 But at this point, with Hamas doing not badly given the givens, it has escalated its demands. Israel meeting its demands for their return would be seen by its citizens as a capitulation: Hamas offered to return all its hostages in exchange for: An end to occupation, & apartheid A release of the thousands of Palestinian hostages held by Israel Peace Israel, which says its "waging war to return all hostages", has rejected the deal. Genocide is the point. Rami Ismail / (@tha_rami) January 23, 2024 Netanyahu, who also has his own survival to consider, is fiercely maintaining that defeating Hamas remains the priority, and the release of the hostages will follow from that. Mind you, there are recent reports of negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the release of the hostages. With Tony Blinken involved, I didnt see much reason to be optimistic (how many deals has Blinken said were imminent, like Egypt accepting Palestinian refugees in bulk, that came to naught?). Alastair Crooke, who has long-standing, high-level contacts all over the Muslim world, didnt see fit to dignify them in his recent presentations. A new report in the Times of Israel suggests they are not going anywhere. The subhead: Terror group appears to pour cold water on mediators latest offer after Qatari PM says good progress made; Israel said open to lengthy truce but refuses to end war On top of that, Israel is telegraphing its intent to go into Lebanon, despite the Anglopshere media not taking much notice. Israel first engaged in the lame pretext of negotiating with Lebanon to pull back to the Litani, as in cede a habited area to Lebanon for the benefit of Israeli settlers near the border. Israel is housing these families at what is reported to be non-sustainable cost. The border residents have said they wont return until they cant see Lebanese from their homes. Quite the ask, and Israel has said it will deliver. It has promised these border denizens they will return. The initial promise was by the end of January, which is clearly na ga happen. But Israel is signaling it plans to move soon. From the Times of Israel over the weekend: The IDF said Saturday it was further increasing its preparedness on the northern border, publishing footage from recent intensive training exercises carried out by the 226th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade, as Hezbollah-led forces in Lebanon continue to launch attacks on Israeli communities and military posts along the border The drill by the health system this week dealt with a variety of potential scenarios involving the operation of hospitals, health maintenance organizations community clinics, medical evacuations, and the provision of support to chronically ill people in need of immediate assistance. From the Reuters today: Israeli troops will very soon go into action near the countrys northern border with Lebanon, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said tonight, as tensions surge amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Gallant told troops near the border with the Gaza Strip that others were being deployed to Israels north. They will very soon go into action so the forces in the north are reinforced, Gallant said. The forces close to you are leaving the field and moving towards the north, and preparing for what comes next, he said. BREAKING: The Israeli Armed Forces are deploying tanks and self-propelled artillery on the border with Lebanon. The Israeli military is preparing to launch a sweep to destroy the radical Islamic terrorist organization Hezbollah on the Lebabnon border. pic.twitter.com/T8JMxChRLI vanhoa (@vanhoa2272) January 28, 2024 Yes, Hezbollah has been shelling the border area, but in tit for tat attacks. Crooke contends that both sides so far have been somewhat careful, hoping to goad the other side into a disproportionate reaction they can use to justify a larger attack. But reminiscent of the Great Ukraine Counteroffensive, Israel is committed to Doing Something, and is making that awfully clear in advance too. Without belaboring the issue, there is no reason to think Israel will win against Hezbollah. It was eventually beaten in 2006. Hezbollah is a much better fighting force than then while Israel is no better and perhaps worse. Among other things, Israel is betting on the US entering the conflict and saving its bacon, when Scott Ritter has warned that recent war game have shown Israel to lose against Hezbollah even when the US saddles up. And those didnt factor in the Houthis interfering with ship getting to Israels ports. On top of that, the US has brought aerial refueling planes after the supposed drone attack on an outpost in Jordan that killed three service members. Many observers claim that means the US feels it needs to keep its jets in the air so as not to have them destroyed on the ground. That would have to complicate air support for Israel in Lebanon. In other words, this plan seems, to be polite, a reckless gamble. Yet the Israelis seem fanatically committed to moving ahead with it. Crooke tries to explain what looks like determination to self-destruct: Israel is boxed-in, as is becoming very evident to many Israelis. One Israeli correspondent (formerly a Cabinet Secretary) illustrates its nature: The meaning of the 7th October default is not only the loss of lives but mainly the potential transformation of how Israel is perceived as no longer to be feared by Middle Eastern actors. The Israeli leadership must internalize that we can no longer be content with a sense of victory among the Israeli public It is doubtful whether victory in Gaza is enough to restore the fear of Israel to the levels we had vis-a-vis our enemies. A victory that boils down to just the release of the captives and confidence-building measures to establish a Palestinian state would not be enough in shoring up Israels image in that regard. If the quagmire of Gaza brings the [Israeli] leadership to the realization that there is no ability to present a clear victory on this front, one that will lead to a strategic change in the region, they must consider switching fronts and reasserting Israeli deterrence through the removal of the strategic threat in Lebanon victory against one of the richest and most powerful terrorist organizations in the world Hezbollah can restore deterrence in the region in general Israel must remove the threat from the north and dismantle the power structure Hezbollah has built in Lebanon, regardless of the situation in the south. But without victory in the south, a significant achievement in the north becomes that much more important. The above quotation goes directly to the heart of the issue. That is: How can Zionism be saved?. All the rest of the blah-blah coming from world leaders is largely bluff. Not only is Gaza NOT giving Israelis a sense of victory; on the contrary, it is widely proliferating a violent anger at a surprise, shameful defeat The latest Peace Index survey reflects the pervasive gloom: 94% percent of Jews think Israel has used the right amount of firepower in Gaza (or not enough (43%)). Three-quarters of all Israelis think the number of Palestinians harmed since October is justified to achieve its aims; a full two-thirds of Jewish respondents say numbers of casualties are definitely justified (only 21% say somewhat justified). Crooke explains that Zionism promised Jew security within Israel, and that promise has been turned on its head. Not only are Jews in Israel now insecure, but blowback from the Gaza campaign is also threatening the diaspora. Biden is merely pursuing containment posturing; the two state solution is a non-starter and as we described earlier, the normalization scheme with Saudi Arabia is an empty exercise in optics. He argues in his latest article that Israel feeling it has its back pushed against the wall has unleashed deeper impulses in the form of hewing to cultural archetypes. His article goes through some analogies. I think Crooke is on the right track but has not quite nailed this analytically. But explaining what looks like a mass psychosis is not easy. Crooke has another go at trying to explain Israels overwrought state in his current Judge Napolitano talk, where he describes the conflict as an Armageddon-like struggle which is partly fueled by the way the Islamic world has been in decline for the last 1000 years, with the meddling of Europeans in the last 500 years a major contributor. And the Israel side even more so is seeing it in Biblical and eschatological terms. Hence the emotionality and lack of sound calculations. Crooke has warned (as have a few others) that Israel is putting its survival as a state at risk if it launches a full scale attack against Lebanon. But even that possibility seems to be no deterrent. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. NC seems not have had a round-up on the economic effects of the Covid pandemic recently. (Most of our work on this topic seems to have been done in 2020 and 2021, close to the Before Times. This article provides a useful summary of data from that time.). So, despite the crippling disability of not knowing much about mainstream macro, I thought I would undertake the task. A caveat: As with so much that is important, we dont know very much. There is much we do not know simply because of time lags in data collection and publishing. We would know more if governments and public health establishments, at least in the West, and certainly the Anglosphere, hadnt deliberately vandalized our Covid data collection capabilitities. We would also know more if the press and officialdom didnt throw up their hands and exclaim Tis a mystery! at every encounter with immune dysregulation or loss of executive function, but instead investigated. We will also know more as the course of the pandemic continues, as it seems likely to do, and for some time. So this will in no sense be an exhaustive or even an expert post, but I hope it will serve you to at least create a coherent narrative about where we are, and even, perhaps, what to expect. And since Im dependent now on the horridly crapified Google, I invite readers with sources Ive missed to add them in comments. Ill begin with global economic effects, then move to global and country studies, most of which will be expressed in dollar terms (or other currency). Then I will look at the economic effects of interventions, pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical. I will move to individual aspects of Covid, with particular focus on the labor market. Then I will move on to belief scarring and mortality. I wont be doing a lot of analysis; just trying the get my arms round the fact set. Imagine me emptying out a box of index cards! Global Economic Effects The World Bank, in Rebuilding economies after COVID-19: Will countries recover (September 2023), presents this handy chart, comparing Before Time GDP projections to todays: (Happy memories of the same kind of chart during and after the Great Recession.) Summarizing: But COVID-19 caused the deepest global recession in decades, reducing global GDP by 3.1 percent in 2020. Today, 95 percent of people live in countries with lower GDP growth than forecast before the pandemic. From Statista, Impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the global economy Statistics & Facts (2024): The global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic had severe negative impacts on the global economy. During 2020, the worlds collective gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 3.4 percent. To put this number in perspective, global GDP reached 84.9 trillion U.S. dollars in 2020 meaning that a 3.4 percent drop in economic growth results in over two trillion U.S. dollars of lost economic output. However, the global economy quickly recovered from the initial shock, reaching positive growth levels again in 2021. As far as industries: The COVID-19 pandemic had a varied impact on different sectors and industries. As countries around the world closed their borders and imposed travel restrictions, especially the [superspreading lambert] travel and tourism industry was heavily affected. The travel restrictions led to a sharp decrease in the number of flights worldwide. On the other hand, the internet trade boomed as an increasing number of people either chose or were forced to buy their non-essential goods online, as retailers were forced to close their shops during the pandemic. For instance, Amazons net sales revenue reached new records both in 2020 and in 2021, a trend that continued into 2022. Now to countries; mostly the United States, to be fair, due to the limitations of this temporally pressed researcher. Country Economic Effects For the United States, from Economic Modelling, Macroeconomic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2023), the Introduction: The method: We estimate the economic impacts of COVID-19 in the U.S. using a disaster economic consequence analysis framework implemented by a dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. My eyes just glazed over, but the authors estimate the total impact nets out at $14 trillion. Given the litany of horrors in the Introduction, Im not sure whether I care if its $12 trillion or $24; its real money no matter how you look at it. The numbers are also enormous for Long Covid alone. From David Cutler, The Economic Cost of Long COVID: An Update (2022): In a 2020 JAMA Viewpoint [here], Lawrence Summers and I guessed at the possible economic costs of long COVID. At the time, we thought the cost might be $2.6 trillion. With more data, that estimate can be updated. I do so here. Adding across the three areas, Table 1 shows the total cost of long COVID is $3.7 trillion. 59% of the cost is lost quality of life; the remainder is reduced earnings and greater medical spending. The total amount is roughly $11,000 per person, or about 17% of pre-COVID US GDP. By another metric, the cost of long COVID rivals in aggregate the cost of the Great Recession. I keep seeing that word, trillion! Given that this paper is 2022, the costs might be higher today, since we know more about the course of the illness. For developing countries, Science, Falling living standards during the COVID-19 crisis: Quantitative evidence from nine developing countries : We assemble evidence from over 30,000 respondents in 16 original household surveys from nine countries in Africa (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone), Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines), and Latin America (Colombia). We document declines in employment and income in all settings beginning March 2020. The share of households experiencing an income drop ranges from 8 to 87% (median, 68%). Household coping strategies and government assistance were insufficient to sustain precrisis living standards, resulting in widespread food insecurity and dire economic conditions even 3 months into the crisis. Economic Effects of Interventions Here are economic considerations concerning the main pharmaceutical intervention, vax. From medRxiv (preprint), Impact of Vaccination Rates and Gross Domestic Product on COVID-19 Pandemic Mortality Across United States (January 2024), from the Abstract: Regression analysis reveals that both vaccination and GDP are significant factors related to mortality when considering the entire U.S. population. Notably, in wealthier states (with GDP above $65,000), excess mortality is primarily driven by slow vaccination rates, while in less affluent states, low GDP plays a major role. Odds ratio analysis demonstrates an almost twofold increase in mortality linked to the Delta and Omicron BA.1 virus variants in states with the slowest vaccination rates compared to those with the fastest (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.7-1.9, p < 0.01). However, this gap disappeared in the post-Omicron BA.1 period.... The interplay between slow vaccination and low GDP per capita drives high mortality. Interplay is doing a lot of work, there. Nevertheless: Our study consistently identifies a correlation between lower economic capacity and higher pandemic-associated fatalities, even when vaccination coverage is similar. Recognizing the influence of income levels, specifically GDP per capita, on pandemic excess mortality highlights the critical need to address socioeconomic disparities in public health initiatives. Additional resources are crucial for states with lower economic capacities to bolster pandemic mitigation strategies. And for non-pharmaceutical interventions, Nature, Global evidence on the economic effects of disease suppression during COVID-19. From the Abstract: Governments around the world attempted to suppress the spread of COVID-19 using restrictions on social and economic activity. This study presents the first global analysis of job and income losses associated with those restrictions, using Gallup World Poll data from 321,000 randomly selected adults in 117 countries from July 2020 to March 2021. Nearly half of the worlds adult population lost income because of COVID-19, according to our estimates, and this outcome and related measures of economic harmsuch as income lossare strongly associated with lower subjective well-being, financial hardship, and self-reported loss of subjective well-being. Our detailed policy analysis reveals that school closings, stay-at-home orders, and other economic restrictions were strongly associated with economic harm, but other non-pharmaceutical interventionssuch as contact tracing, mass testing, and protections for the elderly were not. (Lambert here: Yes, we should have paid people to stay home. MR SUBLIMINAL But then who will feed the vaxed and relaxed PMC brunch?! .) Effects on the Labor Market First, the labor market generally. From China, in Nature, Large-scale online job search behaviors reveal labor market shifts amid COVID-19 (2024): The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on labor markets, significantly altering the structure of labor supply and demand in various regions. We use large-scale online job search queries and job postings in China as indicators to assess and understand the evolving dynamics in regional labor markets. [W]e observe that the intention of labor flow recovered quickly from pandemic conditions, with a trend of the central role shifting from large to small cities and from northern to southern regions, respectively. Following the pandemic, the demand for blue-collar workers was substantially reduced compared with demand for white-collar workers. In particular, our analysis reveals a decreased central role of the metropolises and a decreased regional supplydemand mismatch of labor markets. This implies that, under the unprecedented levels of uncertainty and stress amid the pandemic, workers [in general, apparently] show relatively rational career choices that align with regional demand. Sadly, this one is paywalled, but Id truly love to know what relatively [spin!] rational [ideological] could possibly mean. Presumably, workers decided to accept a non-zero risk of infection to feed their families and reproduce their labor power? Now, Long Covid and productivity. Here are estimates from the European Commission, Long COVID: A Tentative Assessment of its Impact on Labour Market Participation and Potential Economic Effects in the EU (January 2024); The paper estimates the prevalence of long COVID cases at around 1.7% of the EU population in 2021 and 2.9% in 2022. This yields a negative impact on labour supply of 0.2-0.3% in 2021 and of 0.3-0.5% in 2022, combining the effect of lower productivity, higher sick leaves, lower hours, and increased unemployment or inactivity. These figures imply that long COVID could have caused on output loss of 0.1-0.2% in 2021 and 0.2-0.3% in 2022. Speculative: Neuropsychological Deficits and Loss of Executive Function. We have to start out with some quotes from chirpy therapeutic types. Connections in Mind: Executive functions are a family of top-down mental processes that make it possible to mentally play with ideas; approach unanticipated challenges with flexibility; take the time to think before acting; resist temptations, and to stay focused. And: Executive functions are the skills people use to remember, plan, and organize their lives. Executive functions control our working memory, mental flexibility, and emotional regulation. We use our executive functions at home, school, and work. So when someone struggles with these skills, problems can arise. This can sometimes be managed in a persons home, but workplaces are often less flexible. And: Executive function refers to the cognitive and mental abilities that help people engage in goal-oriented actions. Executive function directs our actions, self-regulations, behavior and motivation to achieve goals and prepare for future events If you are a physical, occupational or school-based therapist, you may have noticed your patients or students struggling with executive function skills. These might include procrastinating more and having trouble managing time effectively. The COVID-19 impact on executive function has been noticed across the board, mainly due to the shift to remote learning . (Nuh-uh that last part ; minimization. The struggle is mainly due to sequelae of Covid infection.) You can easily see though I did carefully label this section speculative that brain fog from Long Covid, or even neurological sequelae from a mild case, would lead to lost executive function (and hence, many anecdotes about worsened and coarsened public behavior, especially when driving). The redoubtable Ed Young gives a vivid description of brain fog: On March 25, 2020, Hannah Davis was texting with two friends when she realized that she couldnt understand one of their messages. In hindsight, that was the first sign that she had COVID-19. It was also her first experience with the phenomenon known as brain fog, and the moment when her old life contracted into her current one. She once worked in artificial intelligence and analyzed complex systems without hesitation, but now runs into a mental wall when faced with tasks as simple as filling out forms. Filling out forms, it is said, is useful in the workplace. More: [Brain fog] is not psychosomatic, and involves real changes to the structure and chemistry of the brain. It is not a mood disorder: If anyone is saying that this is due to depression and anxiety, they have no basis for that, and data suggest it might be the other direction, Joanna Hellmuth, a neurologist at UC San Francisco, told me. And despite its nebulous name, brain fog is not an umbrella term for every possible mental problem. At its core, Hellmuth said, it is almost always a disorder of executive functionthe set of mental abilities that includes focusing attention, holding information in mind, and blocking out distractions. These skills are so foundational that when they crumble, much of a persons cognitive edifice collapses. Clearly, a person with brain fog would stay home from work, since they couldnt contribute. Ha ha! What was I thinking? This is America, theres no sick leave! Anyhow, The Lancet, in Long COVID is associated with severe cognitive slowing: a multicentre cross-sectional study, in the Discussion: The present study reported a significant psychomotor slowing in individuals diagnosed with [Post-Covid Condition]. Importantly, this cannot be attributed to poor global cognition as measured by a cognitive screening test (MoCA), fatigue, mental health-related symptoms, or speed-accuracy trade-off. Additionally, the data indicate that this impairment does not improve over time. We also replicated this finding within each individual participant as well as with a separate cohort of patients with PCC diagnosed by a different clinic located in a different country. I dont know if anybody was calculated the economic effects of loss of executive function, and maybe that wont happen until an executive jet or two goes down. But whether those with brain fog manage to struggle into work, or whether they stay home, the sheer numbers of those with Long Covid mean that the economic effect will be significant. Sadly, I have to skip over the economic effects of Covid in retail, health care, and meatpacking to get to an intriguing final effect Belief Scarring NBER Working Paper 27429, Scarring Body and Mind: The Long-Term Belief-Scarring Effects of COVID-19 (2020), from the conclusion: No one knows the true distribution of shocks to the economy. Macroeconomists typically assume that agents in their models know this distribution, as a way to discipline beliefs. For many applications, assuming full knowledge has little effect on outcomes and offers tractability. But for unusually large events, like the current crisis, the difference between knowing these probabilities and estimating them with real-time data can be large. We argue that a more plausible assumption for these phenomena is to assume that agents do the same kind of real-time estimation along the lines of what an econometrician would do. This introduces new, persistent dynamics into a model with otherwise transitory shocks. The essence of the persistence mechanism is this: once observed, a shock (a piece of data) stays in ones data set forever and therefore persistently affects belief formation. The less frequently similar data is observed, the larger and more persistent the belief revision. When we quantify this mechanism, our models predictions tell us that the ongoing crisis will have large, persistent adverse effects on the US economy, far greater than the immediate consequences. Preventing bankruptcies or permanent separation of labor and capital, could have enormous consequences for the value generated by the U.S. economy for decades to come. (This article has a lot to say about tail risk, and maybe some enterprising reader can plough through it and summarize for the rest of us.) The following article from Economic Theory, Long-run belief-scarring effects of COVID-19 in a global economy (2024) picks up the theme. From the Abstact While COVID-19 lockdown measures disrupt production worldwide, they also shock workers perceptions and beliefs about the economy and may hence have long-lasting effects after the pandemic. We study a belief-scarring mechanism in the context of labor markets and embed this mechanism into a multi-country, multi-sector Ricardian trade model with inputoutput linkages. Our quantitative analysis indicates that pandemic shocks leave persistent and substantial belief-driven negative impacts on the post-COVID economy. We find that international trade (without sectoral inputoutput linkages) worsens the post-COVID economic losses due to a labor-misallocation effect when workers misconceive comparative advantages, whereas inputoutput linkages dampen such losses. When allowing both trade and inputoutput linkages, a third and negative effect emerges because the presence of the global supply chain amplifies the stake of efficient allocation according to true comparative advantages and hence makes information friction even more costly. Thus, trade, with inputoutput linkages, exacerbates the post-COVID losses for the globe as a whole. (I guess belief scarring is better than ideological hysteresis ha ha.) Both these articles consider belief scarring within the capitalist class. One wonders what belief scarring in the working class is like. Economic Effects of Covid Mortality From Scientific Reports, Assessing the impact of one million COVID-19 deaths in America: economic and life expectancy losses (February 2023). From the Abstract: Between February 2020 and May 2022, one million Americans have died of COVID-19. To determine the contribution of those deaths to all-cause mortality in terms of life expectancy reductions and the resulting economic welfare losses, we calculated their combined impact on national income growth and the added value of lives lost. We estimated that US life expectancy at birth dropped by 3.08 years due to the million COVID-19 deaths. Economic welfare losses estimated in terms of national income growth supplemented by the value of lives lost, was in the order of US$3.57 trillion. US$2.20 trillion of these losses were in in the non-Hispanic White population (56.50%), US$698.24 billion (19.54%) in the Hispanic population, and US$579.93 billion (16.23%) in the non-Hispanic Black population. The scale of life expectancy and welfare losses underscores the pressing need to invest in health in the US to prevent further economic shocks from future pandemic threats. More real money. Conclusion So intimations of mortality bring my canter through Covid economic thinking to a close, as is fitting. I hope to continue digging at this topic, and any pointers from readers in comments will be most welcome, since the literature is larger and more ill-organized than I imagined. Also, I think belief scarring is a good find, with potentially wide application. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 30. Turkmenistan and China are interested in expanding inter-parliamentary cooperation, Trend reports. These issues were discussed during a meeting between Speaker of the Mejlis (Parliament) of Turkmenistan Dunyagozel Gulmanova and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Hao Mingjin, who arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit at the head of a representative delegation of his country. During the meeting, the parties noted the high level of interstate dialogue achieved in recent years, which is successfully developing on a bilateral and multilateral basis, including in the Central Asia-China format as well as through the UN. They stressed the mutual desire to give a new impetus to the traditional partnership, which was initially built on the principles of equality and mutual respect. It was emphasized that the bilateral partnership, which is strategic and long-term in nature, is effectively developing at various levels, including inter-parliamentary and inter-party ties, and interregional cooperation has received a new impetus. Furthermore, during the meeting, an interesting exchange of views took place on expanding mutually beneficial dialogue in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. The Chinese side was familiarized with the structure and activities of the national parliament, and at the end of the meeting, mutual confidence was expressed in building fruitful relations between Turkmenistan and China. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, and other members of Congressional leadership in Washington D.C. on Tuesday (30 January 2024). The Secretary General stressed that a strong NATO is in the strategic interest of the United States, and that through NATO, the US has more friends and allies than any other power. He further pointed to the importance of keeping NATO strong through increased defence investment, welcoming increases across all Allies in recent years. Mr Stoltenberg commended the US for its support to Ukraine and highlighted that this support remains decisive for Ukraines survival and Europes stability. Mr Stoltenberg met with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and participated in a discussion focused on Ukraine with a number Republican representatives. He concluded by meeting with the Co-Chairs of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the leadership of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee. On Wednesday, the Secretary General will deliver a speech at the Heritage Foundation and travel to Troy, Alabama, to visit the Missiles and Fire Control Facility of Lockheed Martin. (As delivered) Thanks so much, Secretary Blinken, dear Tony, Thank you for hosting me here in Washington. It is always good to meet with you. And even more important given the dangers we face. So let me begin by offering my deepest condolences for the US troops killed and wounded in yesterdays drone attack in Jordan. We see Iran continue to destabilise the region. Iran also bears responsibility for backing terrorists who attack our ships in the Red Sea. Tehrans behaviour reminds us of what a world without rules looks like: Unpredictable and dangerous. A world where our security becomes more expensive. I welcome your tireless diplomacy, Secretary Blinken, to prevent further escalation of the war in Gaza. Your efforts to alleviate human suffering. And your hard work toward a peaceful resolution. Russias brutal war against Ukraine is nearing the two-year mark. And a Russian victory would embolden Iran, North Korea and China. That matters for Europes security. And it matters for Americas security. So supporting Ukraine serves U.S. interests. For a tiny fraction of annual defence spending, the United States has helped Ukraine destroy a major part of Russias combat capacity. Without placing a single American soldier in harms way. I welcome the clear commitment from President Biden and you. To sustain U.S. support to Ukraine. And to work with Congress to achieve that. As you said, other Allies are also stepping up. In fact, what European NATO Allies and Canada provide in terms of military, financial, and humanitarian aid actually exceeds what the U.S. is providing. So truly joint effort from both sides of the Atlantic. And I am confident that all NATO Allies will continue to deliver. Because supporting Ukraine is not charity. It is an investment in our own security. President Putin started this war, and he could end it today if he stopped attacking a neighbour. The war could also end if Ukraine stopped defending itself, But that would not mean peace. It would mean Russian occupation. And occupation is not peace. A just peace will require President Putin to realise that he will not get what he wants on the battlefield. Moscow must accept a negotiated solution where Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent nation. What happens around the negotiating table is inextricably linked to the situation on the battlefield. So if we want a lasting, just peace, we must provide Ukraine with more weapons and ammunition. Weapons to Ukraine is the path to peace. Finally, we also discussed adapting our Alliance for the future. In July, we will mark NATOs 75th anniversary with a Summit here in Washington. And as you said, NATO is getting stronger and bigger. Finland is already a member, Sweden will become a member soon. And this demonstrates that Putin is getting exactly the opposite of what he wanted. He wanted less NATO, a weaker NATO. Hes getting a stronger NATO and a more united NATO and a NATO with more members. At the Summit, we will take further steps to bolster NATOs strength. Invest more in our defence. And work with partners around the world. Through NATO, the U.S. has more friends and allies than any other power. Together, we make up 50 percent of the worlds economic and military might. China and Russia have nothing like NATO. It is why they always try to undermine our unity. In times of growing competition and rivalry. NATO makes the U.S. stronger and safer. And all of us more secure. Secretary Blinken, dear Tony, Thank you again for your personal commitment to our transatlantic bond and to our shared security. Thank you. Olivia Gazis, CBS: Today, the United States has not publicly accused Iran of being directly involved in any attacks on US forces, while noting the regime in Tehran supports and does not discourage its proxies from conducting these attacks. This weekend's lethal strike Mr. Secretary was one of at least 160 attacks on US forces in the region by Iranian proxies since October. Could earlier stronger action by the United States against Iran, and not just its militias, have spared American lives? And secondly, if I may, Mr. Secretary, the UN Secretary General has appealed to the US and 10 other countries who have suspended funding to UNRWA, following revelations regarding allegations that at least a dozen of its 13,000 employees may have had involvement in the October 7 attacks. And more than 100 more may have links to militant groups, under what circumstances and how soon could the US consider resuming its support, considering this decision comes as Gaza is tipping into famine, and given your own personal and persistent appeals that humanitarian aid to Gaza, Gaza civilians increase and not decrease? Mr. Secretary General welcome to Washington. Welcome back. The United States Congress, as you well know remains at a political impasse regarding continued aid to Ukraine and the European Union is likewise struggling politically to restart the flow of resources into Kyiv. You yourself have said that Ukraine's spring offensive didn't lead to the results that many had hoped for. So how long does Ukraine's military have before the marginal successes that it did notch when it enjoyed steadier resources from the West, risk being reversed by Russia, which seems to be enjoying growing support from the likes of North Korea and Iran? And briefly, Mr. Secretary General, I understand you'll be meeting with American lawmakers during this trip to Washington much as President Zelenskyy did when he was here late last year. Is there a message you believe you can deliver to those lawmakers to make a timely difference in their decision making? Thank you. Secretary Blinken: Thank you very much. And thank you for also representing all your colleagues and making sure that you ask all their questions as well. Appreciate it. Look first, I think it's very important to note that this is an incredibly volatile time in the Middle East. I would argue that we have not seen a situation as as dangerous as the one we're facing now across the region since at least 1973. And arguably, even even before that, and that is the environment in which we're operating. And of course that was triggered by the horrific attacks of October 7 by Hamas, against innocent men, women and children. We've made very, very clear from day one, that we're going to defend our people. We're going to defend our personnel. We're going to defend our interests and that's exactly what we've done. We've taken action and significant action to deter groups to degrade their capabilities in Iraq, in Syria, in Yemen. At the same time, the President's been very clear that we want to prevent broader escalation. We want to prevent this conflict from spreading. So we are intent on doing both, that is standing up for our people when they're attacked, while at the same time working every single day to prevent the conflict from growing and spreading. And that's exactly what we'll continue to do. It's fundamentally what's in the interest of the United States. What's in the interests of the region, and I think what's in the interests of the world. But the President said this, I think virtually from day one, to anyone who would try to use the crisis in the Middle East the conflict in the Middle East. To sow further instability and to use it as an excuse to attack our personnel. We will respond, we will respond strongly. We will respond at a time and place of our choosing. And obviously I'm not going to telegraph what we might do in this instance or get ahead of the President. But I can again tell you that as the President said yesterday, we will respond and that response could be multi levelled, come in stages and be sustained over time. With regard to UNRWA, the reports that we got last week and UNRWA brought them to us, were deeply, deeply troubling. It is imperative that UNRWA immediately, as it said it would, investigate that it would hold people accountable as necessary, and that it review its procedures. I had a very good conversation with Secretary General the United Nations Guterres last week when we were first made aware of these allegations. And we're going to be looking very hard at the steps that UNRWA takes, again to make sure that this is fully and thoroughly investigated, that there's clear accountability and that is necessary, measures are put in place so that this doesn't happen again, assuming the allegations are fully borne out. Certainly we've not had the ability to investigate them ourselves. But they are highly, highly credible. At the same time, and as you indicated. UNRWA has played and continues to play an absolutely indispensable role in trying to make sure that men, women and children who so desperately need assistance in Gaza, actually get it and no one else can play the role that UNRWA has been playing, certainly not in the in the near term. No one has the the reach, the capacity, the structure to do what UNRWA has been doing. And from our perspective, it's important, more than important, imperative that that that role continues. So that only underscores the importance of UNRWA tackling this as quickly, as effectively and as thoroughly as possible, and that's what we're looking for. Secretary General: I will meet members of Congress tomorrow. And, of course, I'm looking forward to discussing many issues with them, including Ukraine. I'm confident that all NATO Allies also the United States will continue to provide support to Ukraine, because this is in our own security interest to do so. It will be a tragedy for Ukrainians if President Putin wins but it will also make the world more dangerous and us all of us more insecure. It will embolden other authoritarian leaders, not only Putin, but also North Korea, Iran and China to use force. Today it's Ukraine, tomorrow it could be Taiwan. So therefore it is in our interest to ensure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign independent nation, and the support we are providing is making a difference. There's a steady flow of ammunition, weapons from NATO Allies. And we have seen that this support has enabled the Ukrainians to actually make big achievements. We have to remember where we started, when this war started, or when the full fledged invasion happened in February last year, most experts feared that Russia would control Kyiv within days and and the whole of Ukraine within weeks. The reality is that the Ukrainians were able to push back the Russian forces, and they have liberated 50% of the territory that Russia occupied at the beginning of the war. They have been able to inflict heavy losses on the Russian Armed Forces more than 300 [thousand] casualties, thousands of armoured vehicles have been destroyed, and hundreds of planes. And this is something we all have achieved without putting any NATO soldier, US soldier, or any other NATO solar in harm's way. But just by providing military support to Ukraine, and Ukrainians have been able to open the western part of the Black Sea to push the Russian Black Sea Fleet to the east. So they're now able to export grain and other commodities through the Black Sea. These are substantial achievements, and they continue to conduct deep strikes on Russian positions. So this idea that it doesn't help to help them. Actually Ukrainians have proved the opposite. Then of course, we all would like to have seen more progress in the offensive, but we should not underestimate the achievements the Ukrainians have already made. And if we want an end to this war, the only way to end this war is to convince Putin he will not win on the battlefield. And the only way to achieve that is to provide weapons to Ukraine, from the United States, from other Allies and partners. So, support for Ukraine is a good deal for NATO, for the United States, for all of us. Wars are by nature unpredictable, but the only thing we know is that is that we need to continue to support them. And I'm confident that we will do so and also when they meet in Washington, I'm confident that Allies will again commit to sustain their support for Ukraine. Caitriona Perry, BBC: Mr. Secretary, if I could just follow up on my colleagues comments there, you referred to a multistage response to yesterday's attack. Do you hold Iran directly responsible? Do you consider the US to be at war or on the verge of war, at this point? And what impact would any response have on the hostage ceasefire deal which we're told is at an advanced advanced stage at this point? And Mr. Secretary General, if I could ask you what NATO's view is of the risk of the US becoming involved in a direct conflict with Iran, what that means for NATO's other priorities, including Ukraine, and on the risk to further US funding of Ukraine? Can NATO and other Allies, including the EU, keep Ukraine going without the US if they need to do that? And just on the point of EU and European countries, on the issue of Sweden, and Hungary holding out on its ratification of membership, do you think is that forthcoming soon? And what does that mean for future expansion of NATO? Thank you. Secretary Blinken: So the attacks that have taken place since October on our on our forces, on our personnel in both Iraq and Syria, have been conducted by groups that are aligned with with Iran and indeed are supported by Iran. funded by Iran. equipped by Iran. And I would note that the presence of our forces in both Iraq and Syria has nothing to do with with Gaza, nothing to do with the the conflict that's taken place since October 7 since the horrific attacks by Hamas and everything to do with making sure that ISIS doesn't reemerge. That's why they're there. Something that Iran should share as an interest but on the contrary, the groups that are aligned with it, have been conducting these attacks. And as I mentioned, we do not seek conflict with Iran. We do not seek war with Iran. But we have and we will continue to defend our personnel and to take every action necessary to do that, including responding very vigorously to the attack that that just took place. And as I mentioned, I'm not going to get ahead of where the President is. I'm certainly not going to telegraph the response, but as I mentioned, that response could well be multi levelled. It could come in stages. And it could be sustained over time. At the same time, totally separately, we have been working to try to get hostages back out of Gaza and at the same time to get an extended pause. And that effort is something that we're very, very actively pursuing right now. With, of course, our partners in Qatar and Egypt, as well as Israel. Those who are trying to expand the conflict, broaden the conflict, escalate the conflict, they may say that they're doing that somehow in response to Gaza. But every action they're taking really is to perpetuate the conflict and to and to expand it. They don't have the interests of anyone in mind except their own interests as they see them. And we're determined again that we do everything possible not to see the conflict expand. On the contrary, we're working to end it and ended in a way that the atrocities of October 7 never happened again. As well as the suffering that we've seen on the part of Israelis and Palestinians alike, doesn't happen again. That's what we're working toward. And that's where our focus is. Secretary General: First on the issue of a Swedish membership, I welcome of course that Turkiye now has finalised the ratification process with the decision in the parliament and also the signature from President Erdogan This demonstrates that Turkiye has followed up and delivered on what we all promised at the NATO summit in in Vilnius last last summer, and it demonstrates that NATO's door is open. I spoke last week with the Prime Minister Orban of Hungary because now Hungary is the only country that has not yet finalised the ratification process. Prime Minister Orban very clear that he supports Swedish membership of NATO. He told me that then parliament in Hungary will reconvene at the end of February and I expect also in line with what he saidm that the parliament will then finalise certification shortly after that. So I'm confident that Sweden will be a full member of the Alliance, that will make NATO stronger it will send a clear message to Moscow, and it will demonstrate that it's for NATO Allies to decide who is going to be a member Moscow have no veto over NATO enlargement. Then on Iran, of course Iran is responsible for de stabilising the whole region that needs stability and security in the Middle East. It is repressive at home and aggressive abroad. We have seen this through many different attacks and also the different proxy groups, terrorist groups that Iran supports. This underlines of course, also the risk of escalation and therefore I welcome the efforts by the United States to address these risks. And it is important that we also realise that Russia and Iran are now aligning more and more. Russia is more and more dependent on drones from Iran. They actually built a new factory in Russia, based on Iranian drone technology. And in return, Russia is providing advanced technology to Iran. So it demonstrates how authoritarian regimes are now coming closer and closer. And the only answer to that is that NATO Allies, all those countries that believe in democracy, how to stand together as we do in NATO. Alex Marquardt, CNN: Mr. Secretary, if I could start with you, specifically about the hostage and ceasefire talks. Can you share specifically what progress was made yesterday in Paris? The Qatari Prime Minister after his meeting with you he made it sound like a broad framework had been agreed to and it was being taken to Hamas for them to take a look at, do you believe that it is the language surrounding the end of hostilities, that is the biggest sticking point? And if you would also comment on how, to what extent Prime Minister Netanyahu's comments about no Palestinian sovereignty his leaked recording about criticising Qatar, his ministers talking about resettling Gaza, to what extent has that complicated these conversations over an eventual deal? And Mr. Secretary General, following on some of my colleagues questions, how much do you think Ukraine's war efforts are suffering because of the dwindling amount of US aid and the uncertainty about whether more will be coming? How can you convince the US and others to continue sending advanced systems and large, large amounts of aid when they could they say that supply issues are growing? Thank you. Secretary Blinken: So first, of course, look, the less said the better in terms of where we are in pursuing a resumption of getting hostages out and back home with their families. What I can tell you is this, I think the work that's been done, including just this weekend, is important and is hopeful in terms of seeing that process resume. Recall that, the first go round, we were able, with our partners in Qatar and Egypt, to get an agreement that resulted in the release of more than 100 hostages and I believe that the proposal that is on the table, and that is shared among all of the critical actors, of course, Israel, but also with Qatar and Egypt playing a critical role in mediating and working between Israel and Hamas, I believe the puzzle is a strong one, and a compelling one that, again, offers some hope that we can get back to this process, but Hamas will have to make its own decisions. I can just tell you that there is again, strong, I would say alignment among the countries involved that this is a good, strong proposal and the work that was done over the weekend, including by CIA director Bill Burns, was important in helping to advance this, as to comments that people make, or that come out into the media, look, all I can tell you is this. It's my strong assessment, that certainly Israel would very much like to see this process of hostages coming out, resume. It may be, well, I don't want to speak for the Israelis, but I can certainly say from the perspective of the United States because we of course, have American citizens are involved, this is at the very top of our list and has been from from day one. And I believe that Israeli leadership and certainly Israeli society feels very, very strongly about it. So we'll see. I can't say anything more than that, but I can say that very important, productive work has been done. And there is some real hope going forward. Secretary General: The United States has demonstrated leadership in mobilising NATO allies to support Ukraine and I count on the United States, and I am confident that United States will continue to do so, because it is in the interest of the United States to ensure that President Putin does not win in Ukraine. And that we have to remember that this is something we should do together and all NATO Allies and partners, as Secretary Blinken just referred to, European allies have actually provided more support in total for Ukraine than the United States. I commend the United States but we must not forget that this is a joint effort of all Allies. And if we put together what European Allies and Canada are providing its actually exceeds the US support. So this is burden sharing, a joint effort by all Allies together, and we do so in solidarity with Ukraine. But our support is not charity. It is an investment in our own security because we know that this is closely watched also in Beijing. And we also see how China and Russia are aligning more and more, how China is propping up the Russian economy, including the defence production, we see how China is repeating and spreading the same narrative about the war as as Russia, how China has failed to condemn the illegal invasion of Ukraine, and then we have to remember that just days before the full scale invasion, China and Russia, President Xi and President Putin, signed a joint partnership agreement where they promised each other limitless partnership. So I understand that that many Allies are also concerned about China. But that's not an argument for being less concerned about Ukraine. Security is not regional security is global. What happens in Europe matters for Asia. What happens in Asia matters for Europe and today, it's Ukraine tomorrow it can be Taiwan. So therefore, it is in our interest to ensure that we provide the weapons and support they need, and I'm confident that Allies will do so. To make sure that we can do that we need the money but we also need to ramp up production. And I welcome what has been done in the United States, on Wednesday I will go to Alabama to a factory there where they are producing Javelins, Lockheed Martin, to recognise the importance of ramping up production. We have to understand that the fact that European Allies are now investing more in defence is a good deal for the United States, demonstrating that NATO's security is good for the United States. Just over the last two years, European NATO allies have agreed contracts for the US defence industry worth 120 billion US dollars. We need to do more. And therefore, I welcome also that NATO has now the last months actually agreed contracts worth $10 billion to ramp up production of ammunition, of interceptors for the Patriot batteries, and so on, that enable us to replenish our own stocks but also to continue to provide support to Ukraine. So we are able, we have the will. And I'm confident that we'll have the necessary decisions both in the United States and Europe to continue to support. Anders Tvegard, NRK: Mr. Secretary, the Biden administration's policy on supporting Israel is unmistakable. How would you look at the interim ruling by the World Court on Gaza? And if I may, you talked about Congress and the funds. What message does this send about US leadership when your administration cannot, or won't hold words, or promises you cannot fulfil by action? Mr. Stoltenberg, you have now repeatedly warned about that China is watching the discussions over here about arming Ukraine. How does this play out, how will China use this? Secretary Blinken: Let me take the second part of the question first. I think you've heard both from me and from the Secretary General, how critical this this ongoing funding is both from the United States as well as from our partners and Allies around the world and in fact, the EU European Union is also looking at additional support that it wants to provide to Ukraine and that decision is also critical. I think these are mutually reinforcing. As Jens said, the fact that our own Allies and partners have actually provided more than the United States, as much as we've already done, should reinforce the message to Congress as its considering the supplemental budget request, that we really do have, what is so critical, and that is burden sharing. That this is a load that is being borne more than equitably among Allies and partners. And by the way, not just in Europe, of course, we have key partners in other parts of the world and notably in Asia who are participating in this. But equally, if the United States doesn't follow through on our on our commitments, then it's going to make it more difficult to have Europeans and others continue to do what they've already been doing. So I think it matters a lot, more than a lot. I think it's essential that we do make, make good on our commitments. And as we do, I'm convinced that Allies and partners around the world will continue to do what they've been doing. And I also remain confident that in Congress, we continue to have strong and bipartisan support for Ukraine. So let's see in the days and weeks ahead, as this moves forward, there is no other magic pot of money. And we are now currently out of the military assistance that we've been providing to Ukraine and we're even seeing some evidence of what that means on the on the battlefield. So it is absolutely vital, absolutely urgent that we do it. And it is important in the terms that you've laid down, which is what does this mean for our word and our leadership around the world, but I'm confident that as we do it, you will see the benefits of that leadership with many other countries. Allies and partners alike continuing to do what's necessary with us to defend Ukraine. With regard to the ICJ ruling first, let me just say broadly, that we continue to believe clearly that the allegations of genocide are without merit we have consistently made clear to Israel, going back to the early days, the imperative of taking every possible step to protect civilian life, to get humanitarian assistance to those who need it. And also to address dehumanising rhetoric that we've heard from some individuals. The court in this decision agreed with that. And the court's ruling is also very consistent with our view that Israel has the right to take action to ensure that the terrorist attacks of October 7 never happen again, in accordance with international law. So I can just say we took note of the the opinion we will continue to monitor the proceeding as it as it moves forward. Secretary General: China is not an adversary and I welcome the fact that the United States and other Allies engage with China in dialogue on issues of mutual concern, like climate change and an arms control. But at the same time, we have to take seriously the consequences for our security, the significant military buildup, which China now is undertaking, and also the fact that the war in Ukraine is bringing China and Russia closer with the substantial support that China provides to Russia in different ways and the promise of limitless partnership in the midst of this brutal war, aggression against Ukraine. Of course, the size of the Chinese economy, the significant military buildup, all of that is a challenge for all NATO Allies, also for the United States. The United States is by far the biggest Ally. But it is a great advantage even for the United States to have so many friends and Allies as you have a NATO. No other major power, Russia and China has nothing similar. The US represents 25% of the world's GDP but together with NATO Allies, we represent 50% of the world's GDP and 50% of the world's military might. So it's no reason why the US should deal with China alone. Together, we are so much stronger. It demonstrates that NATO is a good deal for the United States. It's good for all European Allies, but also for the United States. So therefore, one of the messages from the Summit next summer, I expect will be that we need to stand together in a more dangerous world. NATO is more needed than ever, because we live in a more unpredictable and dangerous world. AI now considered an existential risk to the planet and humankind as atomic scientists reset Doomsday Clock at 90 seconds to midnight Atomic scientists recently updated the Doomsday Clock to reflect the imminent danger facing the planet. On Jan. 23, they reset it at 90 seconds to midnight for the second year in a row, matching the closest to the hour it has ever been. Midnight on the Doomsday Clock represents an "apocalyptic" state. This means the 90-second mark is classified as "a moment of historic danger." The Doomsday Clock is a design that warns the public about how close humanity is to destroying the world with dangerous technologies. As a metaphor, the Doomsday Clock is a reminder of the many threats humanity must address if people are to survive on the planet. It was created in 1947. At the time, the greatest danger to humanity came from nuclear weapons. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (Bulletin) considered possible catastrophic disruptions in its hand-setting deliberations for the first time in 2007. The Bulletin is a non-profit organization founded in 1945 by a team of scientists, including Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer. Hyman Goldsmith, the Bulletin's co-editor, asked artist Martyl Langsdorf to create a design for the cover of the June 1947 edition of the Bulletin, with the first issue published as a magazine rather than a newsletter. Martyl was married to Alexander Langsdorf, a physicist who worked on the Manhattan Project (an American-led effort from 1942-45 that produced the first Atomic bombs) at the University of Chicago. At first, Martyl considered using the symbol for uranium. But as she listened to the scientists who had worked on the nuclear bomb, she felt their urgency as they debated "the consequences of the new technology and their responsibility to inform the public." Martyl drew a clock to suggest that humanity didnt have much time left to get atomic weapons under control. Michael Bierut, a graphic designer, reimagined the iconic image in 2007. The Doomsday Clock is set based on "existential risks" to the planet and humankind, which include nuclear threats, climate change and disruptive technologies. AI was added as a new concern after the many technological developments in this field in recent years. The Bulletin warned that AI is the "most significant development" in the disruptive technology space. According to the scientists, there is no denying that "AI is a paradigmatic disruptive technology. Any physical threat posed by AI must be enabled by a link to devices that can change the state of the physical world." The Bulletin also mentioned the corruption of information enabled by AI as a "potentially important factor in preventing the world from dealing with other urgent threats," such as pandemics and nuclear risks. AI is also increasingly being used by the military and information operations, particularly for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, simulation and training. (Related: DeepLearning.AI founder warns against the dangers of AI during annual meeting of globalist WEF.) Researchers have warned that lethal autonomous weapons are a great concern, especially because they can identify and destroy targets without human intervention. Decisions to put AI in control of important physical systems, such as nuclear weapons, could potentially pose a direct existential threat to humanity. Many countries are recognizing various concerns about AI The paper also highlighted that several countries have recognized the concerns about AI and have started to take steps to regulate and minimize the harmful impact of the technology. In August 2023, China became the first country to issue effective regulations for AI. In December 2023, the European Union passed its provisional regulations on AI, which member states will then choose to adopt. However, the U.S., which has emerged as the center of AI development over the last year, has yet to pass any official law. In October 2023, President Joe Biden issued an executive order establishing six new AI safety and security standards. The Bulletin warned that AI and other information technologies can be abused to allow authoritarian regimes to monitor citizens' activities and liberties. Additionally, Experts have raised concerns over AI's ability to influence political elections via fake news and information manipulation ahead of a major global election season this 2024. The Bulletin concluded that, despite their profound disagreements, the first step to addressing AI and various threats involves three of the world's leading powers: the U.S., China and Russia. These countries must start by having a serious dialogue about these identified threats. The U.S., China and Russia can still pull the world back from the brink of catastrophe. They should do so "with clarity and courage, and without delay," warned researchers at the Bulletin. Visit FutureScienceNews.com for more news about AI technology and how it can harm humanity. Watch the video below as Elon Musk talks about the dangers of AI at the World Government Summit 2023. This video is from the jonastheprophet channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: AI chatbot tries to get British anti-terrorism advisor TO JOIN ISIS. Study: ChatGTP4 can be programmed to LIE and DECEIVE. U.S., Canadian AI companies COLLABORATE with Chinese experts to shape international AI policy. Sources include: CoinTelegraph.com TheBulletin.org 1 TheBulletin.org 2 Brighteon.com Big Pharma manufacturing medications to cure injuries caused by the very COVID-19 vaccines they hastily rolled out in 2021 On Jan. 12, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene held, on behalf of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, a hearing on adverse events , including increasing rates of myocarditis, pericarditis and blood clots post-Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination. Drs. Peter McCullough, Ryan Cole and Kirk Milhoan, who were the most outspoken medical professionals on the inefficacy and unsafety of mRNA inoculation, presented their testimonies that day. Over the past few years, they got canceled by insurance companies, got fired from their jobs and faced massive public scrutiny and the danger of losing their licenses. At one point in the testimonials, Greene raised a concern apart from the given and proven fact that the "shots" contained foreign spike proteins that harm the body systems and create blood clots. The three doctors have cited several studies proving these are true but lamented how President Joe Biden's government agencies ignored them. Another point is that the Big Pharma companies seem to have manufactured medications and vaccines that would "cure" the adverse reactions brought about by the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Green even quoted the pharmaceutical companies to "Sell the disease and then sell the cure. And their friends in Congress, in turn, force Americans to pay for it. This is how Washington works in many cases." "Is it fair to say then that these vaccine manufacturers created these vaccines with synthetic mRNA that has created heart disease, strokes, neurological problems and everything that you've talked about, do these same manufacturers sell the cures for the diseases that they're creating?" she asked. Cole, a board-certified anatomic and clinical pathologist, did not answer directly but said he finds it ironic that major drug manufacturer Pfizer just spent $40 billion on a cancer treatment company. According to reports, since the commencement of COVID-19 vaccines, there has been an unprecedented rise in the deaths of young people between 2021 and 2022 from rapidly metastasizing and terminal cancers, according to data from the U.K.'s Office for National Statistics. Also, Pfizer's mRNA vaccine was found to be contaminated with cancer-causing DNA fragments. (Related: Dr. Robert Malone warns Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine may cause CANCER.) McCollough, an internist and cardiologist, chimed in saying that following the roll-out of the mRNA vaccines, "I've never prescribed so many blood thinners in my career. This is extraordinary. All day long, I'm confronted with blood clots of different scenarios," he said. Elsewhere in the meeting, the early treatment proponent for coronavirus also revealed how the prices are skyrocketing for medical procedures. Recently, he has been ordering more and more cardiac magnetic resonance images (MRIs) and electrocardiograms (ECG or EKG) and seeing recurrent visits to the emergency room, especially those who are military servicemen. Medical government arms earned from Big Pharma Halfway into the two-hour hearing, the floor was turned over to Congressman Andy Biggs, who named some of the 1246 unique medical conditions that arose since the inoculation drives have been mandated. He reminded all attendees that before Prizer was mandated by a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to release the results of their clinical trials, the pharma company intended to keep these side effects a secret for 75 years. He asked the doctors what drove the establishment to basically ignore these. "Is this because of money? Are there kickbacks available to government officials?" Biggs asked. Cole answered this first by saying, "If we go back historically, unfortunately, a lot of laws that have been passed over time built up this machine that's almost unstoppable," he said citing the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (Prep Act) and the Bayh-Dole Act, formerly known as the Patent and Trademark Act Amendments, which allowed universities to make billions of dollars off their patents. "Does the government work for the people or does the government work for industry? That's the big question and you know there's so much lobby money," he pointed out. "The [Food and Drug Administration] FDA is captured by pharmaceutical companies in terms of what percentage of their budget they get from pharma for drug approval and fast-tracking." He also mentioned the CDC Foundation, which also makes billions of dollars off vaccine patents. It now holds the patents for up to 58 vaccines. Another government agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which has officials who make $150,000 a year for the rest of their lives if they have a patent on a drug that goes to market. "There are intertwining corrupted and financial interests, certainly. When we as a nation value money over our freedom and when we value our own self-interest over having a constitution that matters to each one of us, then we're on the wrong track," Cole emphasized. Watch the full unedited coverage of the Congressional hearing on the injuries caused by COVID-19 vaccines below. Visit VaccineInjuryNews.com to read more stories on the adverse side effects of COVID-19 shots. Sources for this article include: Rumble.com Expose-News.com COVID vaccine compensation claims totaling over $100M lodged against AstraZeneca Big Pharma company AstraZeneca is now facing claims amounting to tens of millions of pounds from 35 victims of its Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine . Lawyers have issued the claims in the High Court over complications resulting from AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine. At least 40 more claims are expected to be lodged against the company. If AstraZeneca loses, the total compensation bill would amount to about 80 million pounds ($102 million). The government of the United Kingdom has underwritten any legal action brought against AstraZeneca as part of its deal in rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine program, which received regulatory approval by the end of December 2021. Manufacturers of the other coronavirus vaccines also received government indemnification. The victims and the families of those who were harmed by the vaccine have been offered a measly one-off payment under the U.K. government's Vaccine Damage Payment scheme. Under the British governments scheme, only victims who suffered adverse reactions that resulted in death or a 60 percent disability are entitled to a tax-free one-off payment of 120,000 pounds ($152,500). However, lawyers argue that the sum is inadequate in many of the cases, especially those where victims have died or were forced to give up their lucrative careers. The scheme has paid out in about 150 cases, of which nearly all occurred after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. Sir Jeremy Wright, former attorney general, said in cases where the U.K. government had already paid damages, causation had effectively been proven. Additionally, Wright is urging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to intervene and settle the cases before they reach court. Wright also said the offered payment is "wholly inadequate," especially if the government wants the public to feel confident that "they will be looked after if in the tiny, tiny minority of cases where the vaccine has gone wrong." He warned that the public's confidence will be damaged if the U.K. government does not step in and settle these cases. (Related: America spent $11 TRILLION on COVID-19 but nearly NOTHING on compensating those injured by the vaccines.) Victims and their families leading the lawsuit In November 2023, Jamie Scott sued AstraZeneca in the High Court in a test case after suffering a significant permanent brain injury. Scott's injury was due to a blood clot that formed after he was vaccinated in April 2021. Scott, who was a constituent of Wright, was unable to work because of his injury. His wife Kate was called by the hospital three times so she could say goodbye to her husband. The couple have two young children, with the youngest still a baby at the time. But Scott was a fighter and he survived the "catastrophic" bleed in his brain. However, he was no longer the same man after his injury. He used to be fit and healthy before he was vaccinated. But afterward, he could no longer follow complex conversations and lost his job. Even his eyesight was impaired. He lamented that he only got the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine because the government said it was the right thing to do and so he and his children could visit his elderly father amid the pandemic. Kerry Williams' husband Ben Hollobone died after he received the AstraZeneca vaccine. At first, his symptoms were similar to a bad cold, which left him cold and shivering. He then experienced symptoms like extreme headaches, a rash on his leg, and a limp. By March 2021, Williams was becoming increasingly worried. Hollobone, who worked as an engineer, was sweating and had severe stomach pain and looked extremely unwell. Eventually, Hollobone was taken to the hospital and wrongly diagnosed with appendicitis. Next, Hollobone was transferred to another local hospital for further treatment, which was complicated because he also had low platelets and was at risk of bleeding. Williams kissed him goodbye and said she would be following right behind him. But because of lockdown rules at the time, it was the last time she saw her husband. Hollobone died on March 17, 2021. One year after Hollobone died, the coroner concluded that his death "was caused by the vaccination." His death certificate listed blocked blood flow to his bowel, blood clot and vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis as the causes of death. Vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) is a health condition that causes blood clots and the vaccine has been linked to it. Reports suggest that one in five cases of patients who contracted VITT have died. Another new case against AstraZeneca has been lodged by the widower of Nicola Weideling, an employee of the University of Oxford, who died at the age of 45 in May 2021 after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. A coroner has already ruled that the cause of death was VITT. Her husband Kurt has urged AstraZeneca to settle the claim. AstraZeneca is being sued under the Consumer Protection Act over claims that the vaccine was not as safe as recipients were led to believe. There is no doubt that there are others who feel sick after immunization or have had diagnoses of illnesses but have not realized that they were feeling sick because of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Watch the video below as another victim of the AstraZeneca vaccine talks about being ignored by the U.K. government. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: EVIL NEEDLE: Studies corroborate that vaccination is truly the greatest crime against humanity. Swiss health insurance report: People receiving cancer treatment since 2020 skyrocketed by 73% after rollout of COVID vaccines. Analysis: Big Oil CEOs thrived during pandemic, thanks to stock-heavy compensation packages that have since soared. Sources include: Expose-News.com Gov.uk Telegraph.co.uk 1 Telegraph.co.uk 2 Brighteon.com Debt-ridden Evergrande faces liquidation order from Hong Kong court In a significant development in Chinas real estate crisis, The beleaguered property giant Evergrande has been ordered to liquidate by a Hong Kong court. The decision, delivered by Judge Linda Chan, comes after Evergrande failed to present a viable restructuring proposal for its staggering $325 billion liabilities, making it a symbol of Chinas real estate market woes. (Article by Blessing Nweke republished from YourNews.com) The default of Evergrande two years ago already had a profound impact on global financial markets. Now, with the court-ordered liquidation, concerns are escalating, causing a more than 20% drop in Evergrande shares in Hong Kong, leading to a suspension of trading. Chinas property sector, contributing to a quarter of the worlds second-largest economy, faces potential turmoil, impacting the ongoing efforts by authorities to curb a stock market sell-off. The liquidation process involves seizing and selling off assets to repay outstanding debts, but whether this will occur depends on the Chinese government Top Shine Global, an investor, initiated the case in June 2022, claiming Evergrande failed to honor an agreement to repurchase shares. However, this dispute represents only a fraction of the companys extensive debts, primarily owed to mainland Chinese lenders. Despite the Hong Kong court order, Evergrandes fate remains uncertain, given the complexities of jurisdictional issues between Hong Kong and mainland China. The Chinese Communist Party, seemingly committed to supporting developers, may downplay the Hong Kong courts decision to ensure ordinary homebuyers receive their properties. The liquidation order does not immediately halt Evergrandes construction work, as subsidiaries remain unaffected. A provisional liquidator will likely be appointed, followed by a formal liquidator after creditor meetings. However, recovery prospects for unsecured creditors, especially foreign ones, are dim, with mainland creditors taking precedence. Judge Chans orders send a strong message, reflecting potential challenges for other defaulted developers like Sunac China, Jiayuan, and Kaisa. Evergrande, working on a new repayment plan, filed for bankruptcy in the US in August, signaling a bid to protect its American assets. The chairman, Hui Ka Yan, faced police surveillance the following month. As the situation unfolds, questions arise about how offshore liquidators will be treated by onshore stakeholders amidst significant local creditors and considerations. The repercussions extend beyond Evergrande, shaping the landscape for developers and creditors in Chinas tumultuous real estate market. Read more at: YourNews.com Farmer protests erupt across Europe over GREEN POLICIES that demand the obliteration of food production Agricultural workers in several European countries say that green policies and taxes are eating into their profits, with farmers calling for more government subsidies Farmer protests have sprung up in France, Germany and Romania ahead of the 2024 European Parliament election in June. The farmers' demands vary in general, but they are all suffering from environmental reforms and need more government subsidies to offset their losses. Farmers in France forced government to address agricultural issues Over the past few days, mass protests in Southern France have forced the government to address farmers' issues. On Jan. 22, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal met with Arnaud Rousseau, the president of the National Federation of Agricultural Operators' Unions (FNSEA). Earlier, farmers warned that they would continue to block some motorways until Attal listened to their demands. The FNSEA has since announced that it will decide later in January whether it will call for nationwide action. According to the farmers, the government's eco-transition policies make national producers uncompetitive. This makes farms unprofitable and forces France to buy food products from countries where environmental standards are weaker. The farmers are seeking better remuneration for their produce, less red tape and protection against cheap imports. Protesters are using their tractors to close down long stretches of road and slow traffic. Protest groups have also dumped agricultural waste at the gates of government offices. The protests in France are a sign of discontent in agricultural heartlands across the European Union. Other groups join protesting farmers in Germany In Berlin, eco-activists stood alongside protesting farmers. According to the farmers, they are fully supportive of environmentally friendly, genetically unmodified farming. However, they explained that they can only support organic farming methods if they have subsidies or, at least, fair prices set for their products. Farmers in Germany have complained that the government has hesitated to enforce such measures even after they have forwarded their demands to Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir. The farmers have been protesting on the streets of Germany since December 2023, when the federal government agreed on a budget canceling several decades-old farming subsidies and benefits. These could have saved German farmers more than 480 million euros ($521 million). Later, Berlin decided to ease the effect of the plans by making the benefit cuts gradual. The January protests in Germany highlight the deep frustration of the public with Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government, which came to power just over two years ago with a progressive, modernizing agenda but has been considered by many as "dysfunctional and incapable." Scholz's government is struggling to resolve many issues and reconcile lofty aims, such as transforming Europe's biggest economy to meet climate targets and investing in neglected infrastructure while also meeting Germany's strict self-imposed rules on racking up debt. Scholz has said that he recognizes the various concerns that go beyond cuts to tax breaks on farmers' diesel fuel. Joachim Rukwied, the head of the German Farmers' Association (DBV), has explained that farmers are disappointed because they are being ignored "and they can't understand why they should be further burdened in European competition." Rukwied added that the DBV will try to win over lawmakers in talks within the coming days, but he warned that there will still be smaller-scale "actions" by farmers to emphasize their point. (Related: German farmers: Ukraines accession to the EU would destroy family farming and flood markets with cheap crops.) Other groups have sympathized with or joined in some German farmers' demonstrations. The groups have included road transport and hospitality associations. Farmers in Romania block main roads with tractors In Romania, farmers and truckers have been blocking main roads with their tractors and trucks for several weeks. The farmers are demanding lower taxes and fairer subsidies. However, talks with the government have failed, and they're continuing to protest. Farmers are also upset over the growing cost of insurance for heavy machinery. In a statement that was sent to media outlets by a local protest leader, protesters warned that they would continue protesting until they "see the first law approved that enforces solutions for as many of the problems" that they have pointed out. These protests are not centrally coordinated, which has hindered negotiations with the coalition government, which then faces local, parliamentary, presidential and European elections later this year. On Jan. 15, Agriculture Minister Florin Barbu and 10 farmer associations announced that they had reached an agreement on several demands, setting clear deadlines for meeting them. But despite the ongoing talks, the protests have continued. Haulers were still in negotiations with transport and finance ministries. The protesters have demanded a moratorium on loan repayments, faster subsidy payments and separate lines at border crossings and the Black Sea port of Constanta for EU lorries and trucks from outside the bloc, including Ukraine. Visit WorldAgriculture.news for more stories about agricultural issues across the globe. Watch the video below for more information about the many farmer protests across the globe. This video is from the Alex Hammer channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Over 55,000 companies shut down in France as countrys economy implodes. Hundreds of German farmers set up disruptive road blockades to protest punitive taxes. The German government is ripping off the farmers who feed the country. Sources include: EuroNews.com APNews.com ABCNews.go.com Reuters.com Brighteon.com ABSURD: Federal jury orders Trump to pay $83.3M for simply denying accusations thrown against him A federal jury has ordered former President Donald Trump to pay an additional $83.3 million in damages to former advice columnist E. Jean Carroll, who claims that Trump damaged her reputation after calling her a liar after she accused him of sexual assault Senior Judge for the Southern District of New York Lewis A. Kaplan appointed by Democratic former President Bill Clinton announced the jury's verdict on Friday, Jan. 26. The jury decided that Trump must pay Carroll $18.3 million in compensatory damages and $65 million in punitive damages. Carroll claims without evidence that, in 1996, during a chance encounter with Trump at a Bergdorf Goodman in New York City, Trump supposedly sexually assaulted her. This is the second time a jury has handed down a verdict in Carroll's favor and related to this supposed event. (Related: INSANITY: Mainstream media want Trump to be ASSASSINATED to prevent him from winning the election.) In May, a different jury ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million. The jury found the former president not liable for rape but responsible for two statements he made as president when he answered reporters' questions after excerpts of Carroll's memoir were published. These two statements denying Carroll's allegations were the basis for her claiming that the former president defamed her. In this second trial that just concluded, Kaplan limited what Trump could say in his defense, claiming that he had "missed his chance" to argue his innocence. This meant that Trump only had a few minutes on the witness stand, during which he denied attacking Carroll and then talked about how "this is not America." The jury deciding whether or not Trump was liable for damages was reportedly only asked how much Trump should pay Carroll for the two aforementioned statements he made. Carroll's attorneys had requested $24 million in compensatory damages and a still unknown but "unusually high punitive award." Trump denies Carroll's accusations, vows to appeal case In a statement posted on his account on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the court's decision should not be representative of the legal system in the United States and claimed that President Joe Biden is using his incumbency to conduct a "witch hunt" against him. "Absolutely ridiculous! I fully disagree with both verdicts and will be appealing this whole Biden-directed witch hunt focused on me and the Republican Party," Trump posted shortly after the verdict against him was read. "Our legal system is out of control, and being used as a political weapon. They have taken away all First Amendment rights." Trump also accused Kaplan of depriving his right to due process by refusing to let the jury see Carroll's interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN, which could have helped exonerate him as it features Carroll stating that "rape is sexy." "Judge Kaplan is refusing me my constitutional right to due process, to defend myself against this false accusation," wrote Trump. "This is a one-sided trial, where the other side is allowed everything, and we are allowed nothing. He is an extremely abusive individual, the likes of which few have seen before." Learn more about the dubious roadblocks being placed in front of Trump at Trump.news. Watch this clip of Trump's attorney Alina Habba vowing to appeal the ruling against the former president. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Subtle death threat? Alex Soros tweets bullet hole and $47, apparently insinuating Trump ASSASSINATION. Report: Michelle Obama preparing to replace Biden for White House run against Trump. Martin Armstrong: The fix is in Trump goes to prison. Top 6 CLAIMS the fake news media and Democrats said would happen under Trump that are ALL happening under Biden. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com Breitbart.com FoxNews.com Brighteon.com Bill Gates wants to engineer AI so we can end polarization and save democracy (control speech, behavior and thought) Microsoft founder Bill Gates recently interviewed OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to discuss the future of AI and the potential for new global controls to maintain peace, safety and democracy around the world. The question is: Whose ideas must the global population submit to in order for there to be world peace? OpenAI and Microsoft are currently working to promote artificial intelligence as a tool for influencing governments around the world and for solving global challenges. During the interview, Gates and Altman lamented how the U.S. government failed to reign in polarization across social media over the past four years. They believe that AI could solve the problem of polarization and therefore save democracy. To do this, AI would have to be engineered in a way to control speech and impose lies as facts - brainwashing the population with propaganda and deceiving people until everyone is forced to agree for the sake of "unity." Governments and social media companies already parrot Bill Gate's narratives and fail to control everyone through censorship Sadly, the U.S. government did engage directly with social media companies over the past four years -- but it was to shadow ban, censor and blacklist important information (and specific information sources) that challenged pharmaceutical and government narratives. These narratives of propaganda and control were destructive to society. For example, the safe and effective COVID vaccine narrative was used to bribe, shame, impose false virtue and instill false guilt to manipulate people into taking it. Any real scientific information about the COVID jabs was blacklisted. Whoever controls AI will be able to shape public opinion and wield significant influence over people. With AI, propaganda can more readily be disguised as fact. It will take incredible discernment and wisdom to understand how AI systems are engineered to control people at the psychological, emotional and behavioral levels. If AI is engineered by people like Bill Gates, we can expect his version of world peace to come with censorship of dissenting voices. We can also expect a complete abandonment of the scientific method (and ethics), and nonstop vilification of the truth on matters that concern our individual health and freedom. During the conversation, Gates explored the idea of using AI as an instrument to foster unity throughout society. Forcing all people to obey narratives that are propagated by Bill Gates will come at a high cost. The global elite's gambit for this kind of world peace will most certainly backfire, leading to mass protests and further societal division. This type of rebellion was already witnessed during the installation of COVID vaccine mandates and vaccine passports, two ideas imposed by Bill Gates and his colleagues from the World Economic Forum. From Australia to Europe to Canada, populations pushed back against the censorship, abuse and unlawful mandates. However, even this reality could all be rewritten with AI that is engineered by people like Bill Gates. Bill Gates wants global governance and an AI that can promote his ideas and his version of "world peace" Gates spoke excitedly on the topic of using AI to promote his version of world peace: I do think AI, in the best case, can help us with some hard problemsIncluding polarization because potentially that breaks democracy and that would be a super bad thing. Gates also said, Whether AI can help us go to war less, be less polarized; youd think as you drive intelligenceId love to have people working on the hardest human problems, like whether we get along with each other. I think that would be extremely positive if we thought the AI could contribute to humans getting along with each other. To properly promote Bill Gates style of world peace, AI would have to be engineered to re-write history on the crimes that Gates financed and participated in during the covid-19 scandal. AI would have to be engineered to exonerate Gates and his colleagues for imposing policies that violated human rights, imposed segregation and caused mass harm. The computing systems would need to weed out the truth about vaccine injury and vaccine mandates -- which upended so many peoples lives. Gates was one of the biggest cheerleaders for these lockdown policies that sought to vaccinate every man, woman and child against their will. During the conversation, Gates also showed his support for global government. If the key is to stop the entire world from doing something dangerous, youd almost want global government, which today for many issues, like climate, terrorism, we see that its hard for us to cooperate, Gates said. Of course, one of the most dangerous things people can do is refuse to get vaccinated and refuse to accept global governance to solve "the climate crisis." As the top financier of the World Health Organization, Bill Gates funded scientists who decried infamously that vaccine hesitancy was one of the biggest threats to the world today. With Gates meddling in AI, were bound to get more of the same propaganda and computing systems that work to defend Bill Gates against the court of public opinion. AI and news aggregation tools that are programmed with specific democratic ideals and belief systems will inevitably divide people further and backfire against their engineers. Sources include: ReclaimtheNet.org Assets.GatesNotes.com [PDF] NaturalNews.com AlJazeera.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com WHO.int Censorship.news TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 30. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev became familiar with the presentation of proposals to accelerate reforms in the healthcare sector on January 22, Trend reports. The "Uzbekistan-2030" strategy identifies a number of tasks to protect the health of the population and improve the quality of medicine. In order to accelerate these reforms and their effective implementation, proposals have been developed with the participation of international experts. Thus, it is proposed to establish a project office, "Center for Health Projects," in the structure of the Ministry of Health in the form of a state institution. The Center will be responsible for such areas as the full implementation of the state health insurance system and the package of free medical services and medicines guaranteed by the state, strengthening the system of control over the quality and safety of medical services, capacity building of personnel, and the development of medical education and science based on international standards. The center will also promote the widespread introduction of digital technologies, accelerate public-private partnership projects, expand the private sector, increase the transparency of public procurement, and reform the pharmaceutical industry. Experienced specialists from specialized medical centers, higher education institutions, and research institutions, as well as foreign experts and consultants, will be involved in the activities of the project office on a contractual basis. Reforms in the health sector require appropriate specialists. A number of measures are envisaged to strengthen human resource potential. In particular, the educational programs of the Tashkent Medical Academy will undergo international accreditation. It will open master's degree programs in public health, preventive medicine, and physical activity. The knowledge of medical students will be assessed through state examinations in two stages on the basis of an internationally recognized system. From the next academic year, based on the needs of the regions, 200 graduates of medical universities will be studying at leading foreign educational institutions under master's and clinical residency programs. This year, 40 existing sanitary rules and norms will be revised and brought into line with international standards. President Mirziyoyev approved these proposals and ordered the approval of a roadmap for the realization of these priorities. TRAITOR TO AMERICA: House will vote to impeach DHS Secretary Mayorkas ASAP, Speaker Johnson reveals As soon as the House of Representatives reconvenes in the coming week, the representatives will vote to impeach Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. This was according to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La). "When we return next week, by necessity, the Homeland Security Committee will move forward with Articles of Impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas. A vote on the floor will be held as soon as possible thereafter," Johnson wrote in a letter to his Republican colleagues dated Jan. 26. According to the House Speaker, facts showed that President Joe Biden and Mayorkas have willfully ignored and actively undermined the country's immigration laws. "Rather than accept accountability, President Biden is now trying to blame Congress for what he intentionally created," he wrote. "The American people know better, and thats why public opinion polls show the country has overwhelmingly sided with us on the issue." Johnson met with the president and negotiators at the White House last week to compromise on a deal on a supplemental funding package that would include funding for both border security and foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel. But the Republican congressman noted that negotiations appeared to have stalled in the Senate. "If rumors about the contents of the draft proposal are true, it would have been dead on arrival in the House anyway," he added, referencing an alleged leaked draft that purportedly included a provision allowing the release of 5,000 illegal immigrants per day into the country, among other concessions. Biden vowed on Friday, Jan. 26, to "shut down the border" when overwhelmed. "What's been negotiated would if passed into law be the toughest and fairest set of reforms to secure the border we've ever had in our country," the POTUS said in a statement, referring to the deal being brokered in the U.S. Senate. "It would give me, as President, a new emergency authority to shut down the border when it becomes overwhelmed. And if given that authority, I would use it the day I sign the bill into law." Meanwhile, if it pushes through, Mayorkas would be the second Cabinet secretary in U.S. history to be impeached. The first one was Secretary of War William W. Belknap in 1876. However, the Senate later acquitted the latter. Johnson backs Abbott's strict border policies In the same letter, Johnson voiced his support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott's efforts, adding that House Republicans would "vigorously oppose" any White House or Senate policy proposal "that would further incentivize illegal aliens to break our laws." Texas authorities seized control of a public park in Eagle Pass, along the Rio Grande, earlier this month and started to put up razor wire to discourage illegal immigrants from crossing the border. The U.S. Supreme Court then ruled that federal authorities could remove the wire. Texas, however, did not stop installing it. "We have to do something," Staff Sgt. Rene Cordova, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety, told reporters at a Jan. 23 press conference. Once the news spreads that Border Patrol is cutting the razor wire, the illegal immigrants will return, and "it won't take them long to figure it out," he said. Abbott continued to defend his state's actions on X. "The Executive Branch of the United States has a constitutional duty to enforce federal laws protecting States, including immigration laws on the books right now," he said. "President Biden has refused to enforce those laws and has even violated them. The result is that he has smashed records for illegal immigration." The governor noted that more than six million illegal aliens had crossed the southern border under the Biden regime. "That is more than the population of 33 different states in this country." (Related: Abbott declares the federal government HAS FAILED TEXAS by refusing to protect the border and defend against migrant invasion.) Meanwhile, analysts contended that Abbott is not violating any law. "SCOTUS vacated an order against the Department of Homeland Security that stopped the Feds from cutting down razor fencing along the border. Nothing says that Texas can't erect the fencing," an article on the Federalist stated. Also, Article I of the U.S. Constitution indicates that a state has the constitutional authority to defend itself, and that it supersedes any federal statutes to the contrary. "The Texas National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety and other Texas personnel are acting on that authority, as well as state law, to secure the Texas border," Abbott further said. InvasionUSA.news has more stories related to the ongoing migrant crisis in America. Watch the video below that talks about the impending impeachment of Mayorkas. This video is from the SecureLife channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: POLL: Immigration now the leading policy concern among U.S. voters. U.S. Supreme Court betrays America and authorizes the total INVASION of illegals by ordering Texas to remove wire fencing. Journalist uncovers "shadowy network" of non-governmental organizations enabling southern border invasion. Biden regime threatens WAR with Texas over border security: "Give us access, or else." Sources include: NTD.com PunchBowl.news Reuters.com TheFederalist.com Brighteon.com Intelligence community veterans warn of imminent danger facing the U.S. due to MIGRANT INVASION at the southern border Senior Department of Homeland Security officials and former high-ranking Federal Bureau of Investigation agents reportedly warned Congressional leaders of "imminent danger" at the border due to President Joe Biden's immigration policies. Addressed to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other congressional leaders, the letter warns that the country "has been invaded" and that this invasion will not stop "as long as the nation's enemies perceive it will be tolerated." Signed by 10 retired executive intelligence officials in the DHS and the FBI, the open letter represents the latest and clearest sign that the United States' intelligence community is unhappy with how the Biden administration has been handling the crisis at the southern border. (Related: Abbott declares the federal government HAS FAILED TEXAS by refusing to protect the border and defend against migrant invasion.) "Until [the migrant invasion] is stopped, the United States is extraordinarily less safe and secure," the intelligence community veterans warned. "Knowing all of this, it would be a shameful travesty if some terrible attack, a preventable attack, were to occur against innocent Americans or the infrastructure that keeps the nation safe and functioning. The government will have failed grievously in its duty to protect." An army of illegals has invaded the United States In the letter, these intelligence community veterans warn that the horde of people pouring into the U.S. from across the border represents a grave threat to the country's security. They point out that, in its modern history, the U.S. has never had to deal with an invasion of the homeland "and, yet, one is unfolding now." "Military-aged men from across the globe, [including] many from countries or regions not friendly to the United States, are landing in waves on our soil by the thousands not by splashing ashore from a ship or parachuting from a plane but rather by foot across a border that has been accurately advertised around the world as largely unprotected with ready access granted," warned the intelligence veterans in the letter. "It would be difficult to overstate the danger represented by the presence inside our borders of what is comparatively a multi-division army of young single adult males from hostile nations and regions whose background, intent, or allegiance is completely unknown," they added. In light of the dire situation and the threat to the nation, these figures argue that it is only reasonable for political figures like Texas Gov. Greg Abbott "to assert that the country possesses dramatically diminished national security at this time" given the attitudes to the border crisis shown by the Biden administration. They further point out that, while it would not be easy to resolve the crisis, the answer to dealing with it is simple enough: By enforcing the nation's laws, using the country's strong military and law enforcement capabilities, and taking advantage of "other natural protective barriers that have provided traditional security in the past" that are currently being "thoroughly circumvented" due to the laxness of enforcing the country's laws. Watch this Jan. 26 episode of "The Pete Santilli Show" as he, his co-hosts and guests discuss the intelligence community's warning of an America under threat of invasion. This video is from The Pete Santilli Show channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: COME AND TAKE IT! Texas DEFIES cease-and-desist order from Biden administration amid Border Patrol access dispute. National Border Patrol Council president says the only way to fix the border crisis is to re-elect Trump. DHS Secretary Mayorkas: Biden administration releasing over 85% of illegal immigrants directly into America. Report: Border Patrol has apprehended almost 16,000 illegals from China since October 2023. "Then they will come for your homes" Elon Musk issues DIRE warning to America. Sources include: ThePostMillennial.com Townhall.com JustTheNews.com Brighteon.com Iran denies involvement in deadly attack on U.S. military base in Jordan Iran has denied all involvement in the unmanned aerial drone attack that hit an American base in Jordan near the border with Syria, killing three service members and leaving dozens wounded. This flies directly in the face of claims by President Joe Biden, who said that radical Iran-backed militant groups were behind the attack. Several American politicians directly blamed Iran, while UK Foreign Minister David Cameron asked them to de-escalate in the region. A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Nasser Kanaani, insisted Iran was not involved, stating: As we have clearly stated before, the resistance groups in the region are responding to war crimes and genocide They do not take orders from the Islamic Republic of Iran. He added: These groups decide and act based on their own principles and priorities as well as the interests of their country and people. Irans mission to the United States supported this claim, saying in a statement that they had no connection and nothing to do with the strike. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has already claimed responsibility for the strike. The group is a loose coalition of militants who are against Americas support for Israel during its war in Gaza. However, it is believed that Irans Revolutionary Guard helps the group coordinate its actions. The Islamic Resistance said that they went after American personnel with drones across three sites in Syria. The site of the attack was U.S. base Tower 22, which is situated in a strategic location in Jordan where it meets the borders of Syria and Iraq. Although not much is publicly known about its purpose, many believe it offers support for the al-Tanf garrison, which has been instrumental in fighting the Islamic State and helping to contain Irans military buildup in Syria. It is not known how many troops are stationed at Tower 22 or what types of weapons and defenses it has. The Tower 22 attack marked the first deadly strike against American forces since the war between Israel and Hamas began last October. Although there have been previous attacks on American bases in the region, this is the first time one has resulted in the loss of American lives. The troops were reportedly in their sleeping quarters at the time the drone stuck. U.S. continues to blame Iran Despite Irans denials, the U.S. continues to pin the blame on them. In an interview with NBC, National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby said: We are not looking for a war with Iran. We are not looking to escalate the conflict in the region. Obviously, these attacks keep coming. Well keep looking at the options. I cant speak for the Supreme Leader or what he wants or he doesnt want. I can tell you what we want. What we want is a stable, secure, prosperous Middle East, and we want these attacks to stop. Militias supported by Iran have attacked American bases in Syria and Iraq more than 150 times, and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have been fighting American forces in Yemen and the Red Sea. President Biden has vowed to respond, saying: We will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing. Some Republican lawmakers are also pushing for retaliation, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) saying that we must send a crystal clear message across the globe that attacks on our troops will not be tolerated. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) said the world is waiting for a sign that the president is finally prepared to exercise American strength to compel Iran to change its behavior. Sources for this article include: RT.com TheGuardian.com TheHill.com Oil rises as tensions increase in the Middle East Oil prices rose on Monday following a drone attack on U.S. forces in Jordan, heightening concerns about supply disruptions in the Middle East. (Article by Comfort Ogbonna republished from YourNews.com) Houthi rebels intensified their assaults on vessels in the Red Sea, targeting a fuel tanker operated by Trafigura. The potential for an expanded conflict increased as Russian refined product exports were expected to decline due to refineries undergoing repairs after drone attacks. Brent crude futures increased by 0.4% to $83.84 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose by 0.4% to $78.35 per barrel. The drone strike on U.S. troops in Jordan raised fears of a broader conflict in the oil-rich Middle East. RBC Capital analyst Helima Croft noted the death of three U.S. service members marked a crucial point, potentially leading to increased U.S. involvement and a heightened risk of regional energy supply disruptions, especially if a direct confrontation with Iran occurs. Trafigura, a commodities trader, stated on Saturday that it was evaluating the security risks of additional Red Sea voyages following an attack by Yemens Houthi group on a tanker. ANZ analysts mentioned that while disruptions to supply had been limited, the situation changed after a Trafigura-operated oil tanker was hit by a missile off the coast of Yemen. With oil tankers associated with the U.S. and UK now at risk, the market is likely to reassess the potential for supply disruptions. Both contracts experienced a second consecutive week of gains, reaching their highest point in nearly two months on Friday. This was driven by concerns about Middle East and Russian oil supply, coupled with positive U.S. economic growth and indications of Chinese stimulus that elevated demand expectations. IG Markets analyst Tony Sycamore noted, The previously prevailing complacency in the oil market has dissipated. Dips in WTI are expected to attract buyers, particularly towards the 200-day moving average at $77.60, with additional robust support anticipated at $75.00 as buyers aim for a push into the low $80s. Due to disruptions caused by fires at refineries on the Baltic and Black Seas, Russia is likely to reduce naphtha exports, a key petrochemical feedstock, by approximately 127,500 136,000 barrels per day. This accounts for around a third of its total exports, as reported by traders and LSEG ship-tracking data. On February 1, OPEC and its allies, collectively known as OPEC+, are set to convene online. However, sources within OPEC+ suggest that decisions regarding oil production levels for April and beyond will likely be deferred to the coming weeks. The timing of the meeting is deemed too early to make conclusive determinations on further output policies. Read more at: YourNews.com BORDER SHOWDOWN: Texas National Guard told to hold the line against federal agents Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick warned during a recent interview on Fox News that sending federal agents to confront the Texas National Guard on the Mexican border would be a major error on the part of President Joe Biden. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has demanded border access, but Texas Governor Gregg Abbott refuses to back down. A recent Supreme Court ruling allows federal agents to dismantle a razor wire fence erected by Texas along Eagle Pass, which is a common entry point for illegal immigrants. Abbott, who installed the fence in 2021, vowed to defy the ruling, emphasizing his duty to protect constituents amid perceived federal immigration law enforcement failures. (Related: BORDER DEFENSE: America protects US-Mexico border with barbed wire and verbal warnings.) The governor said his state is operating within its constitutional right to protect citizens and the country. Patrick cautioned against the Biden administration confronting law enforcement or the National Guard, stating it would be a significant mistake. He stressed that Texas is fulfilling the job desired by the American people and accused Democrats of being willing to challenge a state exercising its constitutional right to border protection. In response to a letter from the DHS, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has been instructed to remove razor wire and grant unrestricted access to agents along Shelby Park. The Texas National Guard has blockaded this 2.5-mile stretch providing access to the border. Patrick accused the administration of trying to provoke a confrontation, emphasizing Texas' commitment to protecting the border and American lives. Border Patrol encountered over 300,000 illegal immigrants in December, marking an all-time high for a single month. Since Biden assumed office in 2021, over 7.5 million people have entered the U.S. illegally, surpassing the population of Arizona. Republicans back Abbott The conflict between Abbott and the Biden administration over the installation of razor wire along the Texas-Mexico border has garnered increased support from a growing number of Republicans. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government has the authority to remove the razor wire installed by the Texas National Guard as part of Operation Lone Star an anti-immigration initiative by Abbott. Abbott, undeterred by the court ruling, maintains a defiant stance. He contends that the state's authority supersedes any federal statutes to the contrary and continues to share updates, emphasizing the Texas National Guard's commitment to "hold the line." Several prominent Republican governors, including Ron DeSantis of Florida, Glenn Youngkin of Virginia, Brian Kemp of Georgia and Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, have expressed public support for Abbott's adversarial position. Congressional Republicans, such as House Speaker Mike Johnson, Texas Representative Chip Roy and Louisiana Representative Clay Higgins, have also endorsed Abbott's defiance. Recent video footage shows the Texas National Guard installing additional razor wire, underscoring Abbott's commitment to maintaining a strong border presence. Responding to Abbott's continued actions, Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democrat from Texas, has urged the Biden administration to establish sole control of the Texas National Guard if non-compliance with the court's ruling is identified. The situation is escalating, with Abbott's hostility toward the federal government finding resonance among Republicans and conservative extremists. Calls for "civil war" and "secession" have emerged online, raising concerns about the potential for violence. The volatile situation underscores the complex and contentious nature of immigration policies and their enforcement at the state and federal levels. Watch this report about the imminent border showdown in Texas. This video is from the Son of the Republic channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: National Border Patrol Council president says the only way to fix the border crisis is to re-elect Trump. Texas Rangers, Border Patrol reclaim Rio Grande Island previously used as base of operations by Mexican drug cartels. Mexican president demands $20 billion in aid and legal status for 10 million Hispanic individuals in exchange for helping U.S. with border crisis. Sources include: RT.com Brighteon.com Watchlisted: Youre probably already on a government extremism list In a closed society where everybodys guilty, the only crime is getting caught.Hunter S. Thompson (Article by John & Nisha Whitehead republished from Rutherford.org) According to the FBI, you may be an anti-government extremist if youve: a) purchased a Bible or other religious materials, b) used terms like MAGA and Trump, c) shopped at Dicks Sporting Goods, Cabelas, or Bass Pro Shops, d) purchased tickets to travel by bus, cars, or plane, e) all of the above. In fact, if you selected any of those options in recent years, youre probably already on a government watchlist. Thats how broadly the governments net is being cast in its pursuit of domestic extremists. Were all fair game now, easy targets for inclusion on some FBI watch list or another. When the FBI is asking banks and other financial institutions to carry out dragnet searches of customer transactionswarrantlessly and without probable causefor extremism indicators broadly based on where you shop, what you read, and how you travel, were all in trouble. Clearly, you dont have to do anything illegal. You dont even have to challenge the governments authority. Frankly, you dont even have to care about politics or know anything about your rights. All you really need to do in order to be tagged as a suspicious character, flagged for surveillance, and eventually placed on a government watch list is live in the United States. This is how easy it is to run afoul of the governments many red flags. In fact, all you need to do these days to end up on a government watch list or be subjected to heightened scrutiny is use certain trigger words (like cloud, pork and pirates), surf the internet, communicate using a cell phone, limp or stutter, drive a car, stay at a hotel, attend a political rally, express yourself on social media, appear mentally ill, serve in the military, disagree with a law enforcement official, call in sick to work, purchase materials at a hardware store, take flying or boating lessons, appear suspicious, appear confused or nervous, fidget or whistle or smell bad, be seen in public waving a toy gun or anything remotely resembling a gun (such as a water nozzle or a remote control or a walking cane), stare at a police officer, question government authority, or appear to be pro-gun or pro-freedom. Were all presumed guilty until proven innocent now. Its just a matter of time before you find yourself wrongly accused, investigated and confronted by police based on a data-driven algorithm or risk assessment culled together by a computer program run by artificial intelligence. For instance, a so-called typo in a geofence search warrant, which allows police to capture location data for a particular geographic area, resulted in government officials being given access to information about who went where and with whom within a two-mile long stretch of San Francisco that included churches, businesses, private homes, hotels, and restaurants. Thanks to the 24/7 surveillance being carried out by the governments sprawling spy network of fusion centers, we are all just sitting ducks, waiting to be tagged, flagged, targeted, monitored, manipulated, investigated, interrogated, heckled and generally harassed by agents of the American police state. Without having ever knowingly committed a crime or been convicted of one, you and your fellow citizens have likely been assessed for behaviors the government might consider devious, dangerous or concerning; assigned a threat score based on your associations, activities and viewpoints; and catalogued in a government database according to how you should be approached by police and other government agencies based on your particular threat level. Before long, every household in America will be flagged as a threat and assigned a threat score. Nationwide, there are upwards of 123 real-time crime centers (a.k.a. fusion centers), which allow local police agencies to upload and share massive amounts of surveillance data and intelligence with state and federal agencies culled from surveillance cameras, facial recognition technology, gunshot sensors, social media monitoring, drones and body cameras, and artificial intelligence-driven predictive policing algorithms. These data fusion centers, which effectively create an electronic prisona digital police statefrom which there is no escape. Yet this crime prevention campaign is not so much about making America safer as it is about ensuring that the government has the wherewithal to muzzle anti-government discontent, penalize anyone expressing anti-government sentiments, and preemptively nip in the bud any attempts by the populace to challenge the governments authority or question its propaganda. As J.D. Tuccille writes for Reason, [A]t a time when government officials rage against misinformation and disinformation that is often just disagreement with whatever opinions are currently popular among the political class, fusion centers frequently scrutinize peaceful dissenting speech. These fusion centers are the unacknowledged powerhouses behind the governments campaign to censors and retaliate against those who vocalize their disagreement and discontent with government policies. Its a setup ripe for abuse. For instance, an investigative report by the Brennan Center found that Over the last two decades, leaked materials have shown fusion centers tracking protestors and casting peaceful activities as potential threats. Their targets have included racial justice and environmental advocates, right-wing activists, and third-party political candidates. One fusion center in Maine was found to have been illegally collecting and sharing information about Maine residents who werent suspected of criminal activity. They included gun purchasers, people protesting the construction of a new power transmission line, the employees of a peacebuilding summer camp for teenagers, and even people who travelled to New York City frequently. This is how the burden of proof has been reversed. Although the Constitution requires the government to provide solid proof of criminal activity before it can deprive a citizen of life or liberty, the government has turned that fundamental assurance of due process on its head. Each and every one of us is now seen as a potential suspect, terrorist and lawbreaker in the eyes of the government. Consider some of the many ways in which we the people are now treated as criminals, found guilty of violating the police states abundance of laws, and preemptively stripped of basic due process rights. Red flag gun confiscation laws: Gun control legislation, especially in the form of red flag gun laws, allow the police to remove guns from people suspected of being threats. These laws, growing in popularity as a legislative means by which to seize guns from individuals viewed as a danger to themselves or others, will put a target on the back of every American whether or not they own a weapon. Disinformation eradication campaigns. In recent years, the government has used the phrase domestic terrorist interchangeably with anti-government, extremist and terrorist to describe anyone who might fall somewhere on a very broad spectrum of viewpoints that could be considered dangerous. The ramifications are so far-reaching as to render almost every American an extremist in word, deed, thought or by association. Government watch lists. The FBI, CIA, NSA and other government agencies have increasingly invested in corporate surveillance technologies that can mine constitutionally protected speech on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in order to identify potential extremists and predict who might engage in future acts of anti-government behavior. Where many Americans go wrong is in naively assuming that you have to be doing something illegal or harmful in order to be flagged and targeted for some form of intervention or detention. Thought crimes programs. For years now, the government has used all of the weapons in its vast arsenalsurveillance, threat assessments, fusion centers, pre-crime programs, hate crime laws, militarized police, lockdowns, martial law, etc.to target potential enemies of the state based on their ideologies, behaviors, affiliations and other characteristics that might be deemed suspicious or dangerous. Its not just what you say or do that is being monitored, but how you think that is being tracked and targeted. Theres a whole spectrum of behaviors ranging from thought crimes and hate speech to whistleblowing that qualifies for persecution (and prosecution) by the Deep State. Its a slippery slope from censoring so-called illegitimate ideas to silencing truth. Security checkpoints. By treating an entire populace as suspect, the government has justified wide-ranging security checkpoints that subject travelers to scans, searches, pat downs and other indignities by the TSA and VIPR raids on so-called soft targets like shopping malls and bus depots. Surveillance and precrime programs. Facial recognition software aims to create a society in which every individual who steps out into public is tracked and recorded as they go about their daily business. Coupled with surveillance cameras that blanket the country, facial recognition technology allows the government and its corporate partners to warrantlessly identify and track someones movements in real-time, whether or not they have committed a crime. Mail surveillance. Just about every branch of the governmentfrom the Postal Service to the Treasury Department and every agency in betweennow has its own surveillance sector, authorized to spy on the American people. For instance, the U.S. Postal Service, which has been photographing the exterior of every piece of paper mail for the past 20 years, is also spying on Americans texts, emails and social media posts. Constitution-free zones. Merely living within 100 miles inland of the border around the United States is now enough to make you a suspect, paving the way for Border Patrol agents to search peoples homes, intimately probe their bodies, and rifle through their belongings, all without a warrant. Nearly 66% of Americans (2/3 of the U.S. population, 197.4 million people) now live within that 100-mile-deep, Constitution-free zone. Vehicle kill switches. Sold to the public as a safety measure aimed at keeping drunk drivers off the roads, vehicle kill switches could quickly become a convenient tool in the hands of government agents to put the government in the drivers seat while rendering null and void the Constitutions requirements of privacy and its prohibitions against unreasonable searches and seizures. As such, it presumes every driver potentially guilty of breaking some law that would require the government to intervene and take over operation of the vehicle or shut it off altogether. Biometric databases. Guilt by association has taken on new connotations in the technological age. The governments presumptions about our so-called guilt or innocence have extended down to our very cellular level with a diabolical campaign to create a nation of suspects predicated on a massive national DNA database. Limitations on our right to move about freely. At every turn, were tracked in by surveillance cameras that monitor our movements. For instance, license plate readers are mass surveillance tools that can photograph over 1,800 license tag numbers per minute, take a picture of every passing license tag number and store the tag number and the date, time, and location of the picture in a searchable database, then share the data with law enforcement, fusion centers and private companies to track the movements of persons in their cars. With tens of thousands of these license plate readers now in operation throughout the country, police can track vehicles in real time. The war on cash. Digital currency provides the government and its corporate partners with a mode of commerce that can easily be monitored, tracked, tabulated, mined for data, hacked, hijacked and confiscated when convenient. This push for a digital currency dovetails with the governments war on cash, which it has been subtly conspriacywaging for some time now. In recent years, just the mere possession of significant amounts of cash could implicate you in suspicious activity and label you a criminal. Americans are having their bank accounts, homes, cars electronics and cash seized by police under the assumption that they have been associated with some criminal scheme. These programs push us that much closer towards a suspect society where everyone is potentially guilty of some crime or another and must be preemptively rendered harmless. In this way, the groundwork is being laid for a new kind of government where it wont matter if youre innocent or guilty, whether youre a threat to the nation, or even if youre a citizen. What will matter is what the governmentor whoever happens to be calling the shots at the timethinks. And if the powers-that-be think youre a threat to the nation and should be locked up, then youll be locked up with no access to the protections our Constitution provides. In effect, you will disappear. Read more at: Rutherford.org Gov. Abbott tells Tucker Carlson: Texas wont back down from securing southern border, Trump to win in November No matter what the Biden regime says, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is determined to "do as much as possible to put up more border barriers and deny illegal entry." Abbott said these words to Tucker Carlson in a recent interview from India, adding that "regardless of what the Biden administration is doing," Texas will continue to keep its head down and do what is necessary to protect against the illegal invasion. Abbott told Carlson that he is "prepared" in the event that Biden tries to take over the Texas National Guard, which many Democrats are now petitioning him to do to stop Texas from protecting its border. "That would be a boneheaded move on his part, a total disaster," Abbott said about the possibility of Biden making such a move. "We are prepared in the event that that unlikely event does occur." "We do have other armed state employees on the border as we speak right this minute, and that's the Texas Department of Public Safety, as well as other law enforcement officers, as well as National Guard from other states. And you can be assured there will be more National Guard from other states and more law enforcement officers within the state of Texas and other states." In an interview from India, Gov. Greg Abbott says ten other states have sent national guard to the Texas border, and others will follow. Abbott says he is prepared for a conflict with federal authorities. pic.twitter.com/F58MLoOsAZ Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) January 26, 2024 (Fact check: The U.S. Constitution allows for Texas to wage war against the federal government to protect itself from imminent, open-border invasions.) Is a terror attack imminent? Echoing Abbott's concerns is a letter sent by 10 retired FBI officials and experts in counterintelligence to Congress warning that the Biden regime's open borders policies are facilitating a "soft invasion" of the United States by military-age men, many of whom hail from terror-linked parts of the world. It is almost as if Biden and his people want America to fail as they allow unfettered illegal access to the country. The situation is so serious that Gov. Abbott recently invoked the invasion clause of the U.S. Constitution, which suggests a terrorist attack could be imminent. "The threat we call out today is new and unfamiliar," the letter reads. "In its modern history, the U.S. has never suffered an invasion of the homeland, and yet, one is unfolding now." "Military age men from across the globe, many from countries or regions not friendly to the United States, are landing in waves on our soil by the thousands not by splashing ashore from a ship or parachuting from a plane but rather by foot across a border that has been accurately advertised around the world as largely unprotected with ready access granted." The letter goes on to warn about a "multi-division army of young, single, adult males from hostile nations and regions whose background, intent, or allegiance is completely unknown." "They include individuals encountered by border officials and then possibly released into the country, along with the shockingly high estimate of 'gotaways,' meaning those who have entered and evaded apprehension," the letter further states. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) responded to the letter by calling it "sobering." He, like Abbott, believes that Biden's open borders policies are "a clear and present danger to America." Gov. Abbott also recently declared that Texas has a right to self-defense, calling the migrant crisis an "invasion." A coalition of 25 Republican governors has signed a letter in support of the Texas resistance. The latest news about the situation down in Eagle Pass and all along America's southern border can be found at InvasionUSA.news. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com NaturalNews.com Outrage: Biden holds America HOSTAGE while demanding ransom in form of BILLIONS more in aid for Ukraine, Israel The Biden regime says it will only "secure" America's southern border if Congress agrees to pass a bipartisan bill to send more cash to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The reason why the word "secure" is in quotes above is because, under Biden's concession plan, as many as 150,000 illegals will still be allowed to cross into the United States per month, which is hardly the sealed border that Republicans, especially in Texas, are demanding. "If that bill were the law today, I'd shut down the border right now and fix it quickly and bring a bipartisan bill that would be good for America and help fix our broken immigration system and allow speedy access for those who deserve to be here," Biden mumbled in a statement. In other words, the only way Biden will do the right thing for America is if the D.C. war machine's slush fund is topped off to the tune of billions more in taxpayer money being sent overseas to the money laundering operations of Ukraine and Israel. (Related: Texas is on the verge of waging full-scale war against the federal government over the latter's refusal to secure America's southern border.) Texas explores waging war on D.C. to secure southern border As many are now rightfully pointing out, Biden does not need Congress to pass his slush fund bill in order to seal America's border. Existing immigration law simply needs to be enforced, which Biden says he will not allow unless he gets his way with securing more funding for Ukraine and Israel. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) commented on this the other day, noting that Biden "falsely claimed" he needs Congress to pass a new law to allow him to close the southern border, "but he knows this is untrue." "As I explained to him in a letter late last year, and have specifically reiterated to him on multiple occasions since, he can and must take executive action immediately to reverse the catastrophe he has created," Johnson further said. He doesn't need this bill to do that. https://t.co/Gzir4pWrUu Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) January 27, 2024 Following a ruling by the Supreme Court against his plan for Texas in favor of Biden's open borders scheme, Gov. Greg Abbott doubled down on securing the border himself with more razor wire along the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass. "The Texas National Guard continues to hold the line in Eagle Pass," Abbott announced in X, adding that "Texas will not back down from our efforts to secure the border in Biden's absence." Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.) appeared on FOX Business to defend Texas and show support for Abbott's plan, stating that Biden's claim about Texas not being allowed to use its National Guard for self-defense is ridiculous. Its ridiculous to claim that a Texas Governor cant use his own National Guard for the self-defense of his own state. - @RepBenCline #WeStandWithTexas pic.twitter.com/sLgogoOwym House Republicans (@HouseGOP) January 28, 2024 Chances are that Republicans will ultimately concede to Biden's demands by passing a pork-filled abomination of a bill that perhaps slightly improves the state of America's southern border while allowing billions more in U.S. taxpayer dollars to flow into Ukraine, Israel and apparently Taiwan as well. "He's holding the border issue hostage," one incensed commenter wrote about Biden's lies. "He's allowing the invasion to continue. He's a traitor." "And he has no shortage of colleagues in D.C.," responded another about the cesspool known as America's federal government. Will Biden succeed in holding America hostage to keep the money flowing to Ukraine, Israel and other deep state entities? Find out more at Treason.news. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com NaturalNews.com Dem-aligned super-PAC drops $1M on Instagram and TikTok influencers to boost Bidens appeal to young voters A political action committee (PAC) supporting the reelection of President Joe Biden has allocated $1 million for social media influencers on Instagram and TikTok. The super-PAC Priorities USA reportedly plans to tap the popularity of content creators and influencers on the two platforms in a bid to address Biden's popularity decline among voters aged 18 to 34. According to the National Pulse, the posts will cover various topics like the economy, abortion access and democracy. Priorities USA claims to have enlisted the support of 150 social media influencers including micro-influencers or those with with fewer than 100,000 followers for the campaign. It seeks to engage voters from Generation Z and younger Generation Y voters by incorporating more political content into their usual repertoire. Influencers involve will then advocate for voter registration and support for Biden and other progressive candidates in key battleground states. (Related: Pro-Israel PAC to spend $100M to unseat Congress members fighting for Palestinian human rights.) "We look forward to working with TikTok throughout the cycle," Priorities USA spokesman Jack Doyle said when asked about the PAC's influencer campaign. One influencer, 42-year-old LaToi Storr, is among the social media personalities recruited by Priorities USA. The Philadelphia-based content creator and lifestyle blogger has been known for her Instagram and TikTok content showcasing local businesses and offering skincare tips. But thanks to the campaign, she has taken on a new role as a political influencer and has been urging her followers to engage in the political landscape of Pennsylvania. Storr used her platforms to encourage her 16,500 followers to register for a Pennsylvania election for state judges and district attorneys. The campaign by Priorities USA comes amid several polls revealing a serious drop in support for Biden among younger voters in critical swing states. This decrease was attributed to his old age, declining mental competence and support for Israel in its extermination of Palestinians in Gaza. This means that Biden is struggling to gain popularity among younger voters, whose backing is crucial for the Democratic Party in the 2024 elections. Social media platforms have confusing guidelines for political ads Priorities USA faces challenges as it grapples with the varying and, at times, confusing guidelines for political ads across social media platforms as it transitions all its spending to digital communications in 2024. For instance, TikTok enforces the strictest policy by outright banning political advertising, including branded political content from creators. In contrast, Instagram and Facebook both owned by Mark Zuckerberg's Meta allow for paid political ads and sponsored content, provided the group is registered in its ad library. Elon Musk's X platform lifted its political ad ban in 2023. However, the enforcement of these policies seems inconsistent given the lack of federal regulations in the realm of campaign advertising on social media. POLITICO shared five TikTok videos from August and October, with the clips coming from influencers paid by the PAC. Four of the five were taken down for violating TikTok's branded content policies on political issues. Even Storr herself wasn't exempt, with TikTok taking down one of her videos posted on Oct. 27. The clip, which called on people to vote in the Keystone State's election in November, was removed for the same reason. But a version of this video that she posted on Instagram sill remains. Visit VoteDemocrat.news for more similar stories. Watch this video to know more about the possibilities of the 2024 elections. This video is from the mcr channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Financial death spiral ensues as SVB, First Republic, Pac West, Signature Bank all COLLAPSE contagion continues. GAME ON! Super PAC American Values 2024 raised over $10 million in campaign funds for RFK Jr. Reeks of desperation: DeSantis super-PAC secretly asks for $50M in donations to beat Trump in Republican primary. LinkedIn co-founder and major Dem donor has visited Epstein island, recently donated $250,000 to Nikki Haley super PAC. Newsom receives millions in fundraising and campaigns outside of California, but denies having any interest in running for president. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com POLITICO.com Brighteon.com Hong Kong court tells Chinas Evergrande property developer to LIQUIDATE with debts of $330 billion China's Evergrande Group is finally being liquidated more than two years after it defaulted, thanks to a court order out of Hong Kong. Widely recognized as the world's most indebted developer, Evergrande currently holds more than $330 billion in total liabilities, which Justice Linda Chan says necessitates a liquidation. Since Evergrande has been unable to offer any kind of concrete restructuring plan, despite many months of delays and repeated court hearings, Justice Chan decided to force the failed developer to start paying up by liquidating its assets. "It is time for the court to say enough is enough," Justice Chan said in a preliminary statement preceding a more detailed statement of reasoning she released later in the day following the ruling. In a statement to Chinese media, Evergrande chief executive Siu Shawn said the company will continue to ensure the completion of existing home building projects despite the liquidation order, which he says will not affect the operations of Evergrande's onshore and offshore units. (Related: Learn more about the Evergrande debacle from our earlier coverage.) How will China treat Evergrande's foreign investors? As with any liquidation, the process will take some time, especially considering the size and scope of Evergrande's operations. There are sure to be many complications and political considerations, not to mention the global impact of the company's failure. Offshore investors will now be paying very close attention to how Chinese authorities treat foreign creditors when a Chinese company fails. "It is not an end but the beginning of the prolonged process of liquidation, which will make Evergrande's daily operations even harder," commented Gary Ng, senior economist at Natixis. "As most of Evergrande's assets are in mainland China, there are uncertainties about how the creditors can seize the assets and the repayment rank of offshore bondholders, and the situation can be even worse for shareholders." Prior to the hearing, Evergrande's share price had tanked by about 20 percent. Following the verdict, trading was halted in China Evergrande and its listed subsidiaries China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group and Evergrande Property Services. China's capital and property markets were already on very thin ice as it is prior to the ruling. With $240 billion in assets, which is substantially less than its liabilities, Evergrande threatens to potentially take down the Chinese economy. China's economy performed much worse in 2023 than authorities anticipated, and is currently struggling through its worst property market in nine years. China's stock market is also wallowing near five-year lows as concerned investors pull their money out of China. After applying for another adjournment, Evergrande's lawyer said "some progress" was made on the company's restructuring proposal. In the latest offer, the failed developer proposed that creditors swap their debts into all the shares the company holds in its two Hong Kong units as opposed to taking stakes of around 30 percent in the company's subsidiaries, which is what was proposed ahead of the last hearing in December. Liquidation threatens to harm the operations of Evergrande, the company's lawyer argued, including its property management and electric vehicle (EV) units. He added that Evergrande's ability to repay all creditors will be hampered by the decision. For the past two years, Evergrande has been working on a massive $23 billion debt revamp plan with a group of creditors known as the ad hoc bondholder group. "We're not surprised by the outcome and it's a product of the company failing to engage with the ad hoc group," commented Fergus Saurin, a Kirkland & Ellis partner who advised the offshore bondholders. "There has been a history of last-minute engagement which has gone nowhere. And in the circumstances, the company only has itself to blame for being wound up." China's economy is in the tank, and it could drag the rest of the world's globalized economies with it. Learn more at CommunistChina.news. Sources for this article include: ChannelNewsAsia.com NaturalNews.com TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 30. China Shuifa Singyes Energy Holdings plans to build five solar photovoltaic power plants in Uzbekistan's Tashkent, Trend reports. This was discussed at a meeting between the head of Yashnabad district administration Bakhtiyor Rakhmankulov, and China Shuifa Singyes Energy Holdings. The general manager of the company discussed plans for the realization of large investment projects. The parties finalized an agreement on the construction of five solar photovoltaic power plants with a capacity of 200 MW each. The project is estimated at $714 million. Furthermore, the Sergeli district administration signed agreements with Zhejiang Yuhing Import & Export as well as Zhijiang Shida Pipe. As part of these agreements, it is planned to set up sanitaryware production in Tashkent. Meanwhile, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) plans to provide a long-term senior loan of up to $140 million for the development, design, construction, and operation of a 200 MW solar photovoltaic power plant and a 500 MWh battery energy storage system in Uzbekistans Tashkent region. The financing will be provided to ACWA Power Riverside Solar LLC, a special-purpose vehicle (the borrower) established in Uzbekistan and fully owned by ACWA Power. ICJ finds plausible genocide case against Israel, suggests military operation in Gaza is not self-defense Much to the chagrin of the Zionist lobby, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Netherlands has found that there is a plausible case against Israel with regard to its military operation in the Gaza Strip. The ICJ treated with contempt Israel's argument that its massacre of Palestinians in Gaza is necessary for "self-defense" purposes, an argument that took up more than half of Israel's pleadings. "Not only did the court find there is a plausible case of genocide, the court only mentioned self-defense once in its interim ruling and that was merely to note that Israel had claimed it," reported historian, human rights activist and former ambassador Craig Murray. Murray spoke with Judge Napolitano about the ruling and provided an analysis of the ruling, which you can watch in full below: (Related: Qatar has postponed all liquefied natural gas [LNG] shipments to Europe as Red Sea tensions rise.) ICJ: Israel, an occupying power, has no right to self-defense In Paragraph 41 of its ruling, the ICJ stated that it has to consider and "balance" the respective rights of South Africa, which formally lodged the complaint, and Israel, the subject of the complaint. "The Respondent emphasizes that it bears the responsibility to protect its citizens, including those captured and held hostage as a result of the attack that took place on 7 October 2023," the paragraph further states. "As a consequence, it claims that its right to self-defense is critical to any evaluation of the present situation." Perhaps the most important aspect of the ICJ's ruling is the fact that it did not affirm Israel's claimed right to self-defense. Murray notes that this "is the dog that did not bark," meaning the ICJ is not in agreement with most of the West that Israel's actions in Gaza are justifiable for self-defense purposes. In essence, the ICJ rejected Israel's claim to self-defense from the angle that an occupying power, in this case Israel, has no such right since the land it occupies is Palestinian land, according to the Court. "... the ICJ did not repeat that an occupying power has no right to self-defense," Murray writes. "It did not need to. It simply ignored Israel's specious assertion." "It could do that because what it went on to iterate went way beyond any plausible assertion of self-defense. What struck me most about the ICJ ruling was that the Order went into far more detail about the evidence of genocide than it needed to. Its description was stark." What the ICJ basically said is that it is not just South Africa's assertion that Israel is committing genocide: Israel is committing genocide, according to the ICJ, which presented this as fact rather than a mere claim. "The Court is saying these are the facts," Murray says. "It is a finding of fact by the Court. I cannot emphasise too strongly the importance of that description by the court of the state of affairs in Gaza." Israel's immediate response to the ruling was to attack the ICJ and further prevent aid from getting into Gaza. The next step for the ICJ is to commence substantive hearings on the legal position in "the Occupied Territories of Palestine," as Murray calls them. The ICJ is convinced, based on available evidence, that Israel intends to commit genocide in Gaza, and that this is not merely an operation to root out Hamas. "It is especially humiliating for Israel that the Court quoted the Israeli Head of State, the President of Israel himself, as giving clear evidence of genocidal intent, along with two other government ministers," Murray writes. The latest news coverage about the situation in Israel can be found at IsraelCollapse.com. Sources for this article include: CraigMurray.org.uk YouTube.com NaturalNews.com The Ohio Senate successfully overrode the veto of Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who rejected a bill that bans transition-related medical care for transgender minors and restricts the participation of trans athletes in sports competitions for girls. House Bill 68, set to take effect in the next 90 days, received 23 votes in favor and nine votes against by the members of the Senate. The bill, which was vetoed on December 29, 2023, originally received an initial 65-28 vote in favor from the Ohio House of Representatives. The legislation, which includes the Save Women's Sports Act and the Saving Adolescents From Experimentation Act, prohibits the prescription of puberty blockers, hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries for minors with gender dysphoria. The bill also bans males who identify as females from participating in female athletics. Physicians who continue to provide such care to minors risk losing their medical licenses. (Related: Ohio House of Representatives upholds trans surgery ban for minors, overrides DeWines veto.) Moreover, the law empowers students to sue educational institutions or organizations if they believe they have been deprived of athletic opportunities due to the participation of transgender students. Ohio has now become the 24th state to block transgender girls and women from participating in girls' sports at the high school and college levels and the 22nd state to restrict minors from access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Sen. Kristina Roegner: There is no such thing as gender-affirming care Report: Ben Shapiro donated up to $500K to migrant trafficking organization in 2022 Ben Shapiro donated as much as half a million dollars to an organization linked to migrant trafficking in 2022. Sam Parker, former U.S. Senate candidate for Utah, disclosed this in a post on X. He referenced the 2022 annual report of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), which indicated Shapiro's donation of between $100,000 and $500,000 to the organization. According to Parker, the Jewish Shapiro remarked that he didn't "give a good damn about the so-called 'browning of America.'" The conspiracy further deepened with the involvement of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who was formerly a board member of the HIAS. "Shapiro and Mayorkas share a certain common background with HIAS," Parker continued. HIAS is reportedly one of the most significant sponsors and facilitators of the mass migrant invasion wave at the U.S. southern border by providing financial and logistics support. One example of this is a migrant processing and support facility in Ecuador, located near the Darien Gap. Mayorkas himself has reportedly toured and approved of this facility. According to the former senatorial candidate, "hordes of migrants pass through here on their way to the U.S. border." But aside from this migrant processing facility, the HIAS is "also building bridges and roads along the way to maximize the number of illegal migrants pouring into the United States." Big League Politics reported that HIAS is also on the federal dole to resettle dangerous migrants from third-world countries into the U.S. to accelerate the nation's demographic destruction. This operation, the outlet added, is not driven by legitimate humanitarian needs. Rather, it is driven by bribes given by people like Shapiro to globalist officials. Never-Trumper "Little Ben" also hates J6ers According to Ann Corcoran of the nonprofit Refugee Resettlement Watch, HIAS has taken tens of millions of dollars from the federal government to resettle migrants into America. Aside from this purpose, it has also taken this money to sue the Trump administration in a bid to obstruct policies meant to slow down the influx of illegal aliens. Shapiro's treachery goes beyond aiding and abetting illegal immigrants. The founder of the Daily Wire, who was once a prominent leader of the Never Trump movement and has openly approved of the mistreatment of political prisoners arrested during the false-flag Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot. The prisoners "are being kept in gulag-type conditions by the Biden regime," according to Breitbart News. During an appearance on HBO's "Real Time With Bill Maher," the pundit told liberal panelists that there were roughly 1,000 pro-Trump patriots on Jan. 6 who deserved to be stripped of their civil liberties and crushed by Biden. "Forty-thousand people did not assault the Capitol," he said. "There were maybe 1,000 people. That is not making light of the evil of those people, who all will end up rotting in prison, as they should." Shapiro appeared on other liberal talk shows and endorsed heinous violations of civil liberties against Trump supporters. But his disdain toward the former president goes back during the latter's first term. In 2016, Shapiro inferred that Trump, Pat Buchanan, Ann Coulter, Alex Jones and Ron Paul were white supremacists as he was attempting to stop the rise of MAGA within the Republican Party. (Related: Biblical brainiac Ben Shapiro lies exposed.) Watch the video below that talks about Shapiro's alleged border invasion funding. This video is from the Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Zionist Ben Shapiro attacks employee Candace Owens, calls her "absolutely disgraceful" for position on Israel-Gaza war. Ben Shapiro celebrates Palantir announcement about affirmative action hiring quota for JEWS: "love this." BASED: Tucker Carlson exposes Israel-firster Ben Shapiro for hating America. Sources include: BigLeaguePolitics.com RefugeeResettlementWatch.org Breitbart.com Brighteon.com Surprise new illness hitting cruise ships: My puke was bright blue A mysterious wave of sickness with some very peculiar symptoms has hit a Florida-based cruise line (Article by Kaley republished from WLTReport.com) Last week, multiple passengers onboard a Carnival Elation cruise ship that embarked from Jacksonville, FL came down with an unknown sickness. One woman Miranda Hill from Tifton, GA reported vomiting bright blue puke, despite not eating anything blue. She spent half of her cruise trip hooked up to an IV in the ships infirmary. Other passengers, including Hills friends and members of her boyfriends family, had similar symptoms. Hill claims that one of her friends, threw up a live parasite. Florida cruise passengers sickened by unknown illness: My throw up was bright blue https://t.co/yRtRKi5L4Jpic.twitter.com/DxJU8oW2Z4 New York Post (@nypost) January 25, 2024 Miranda Hill is still in recovery. She spoke with First Coast News about her experience with the cruise ship illness: Miranda Hill and her boyfriends family from Tifton, Ga. boarded the Carnival Elation last Thursday here at the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal. What Miranda first thought was sea sickness quickly escalated into something more. My throw up was bright blue and I have never eaten anything blue and every time I look up blue throw up, it has to deal with a poisoning, she said. Miranda went from spending her vacation by the water, to being cared for in the medical infirmary for more than half of the cruise. And she wasnt the only one. She says several of her friends and her boyfriends family along with other passengers all had similar symptoms. My friend who I came with, she threw up a live parasite, Hill added. At this time, we dont know for sure what Carnival Cruise is blaming the sickness on the stomach flu. The New York Post reported on Carnival Cruises response the outbreak: On Monday, Carnival Cruise Lines reportedly said people onboard the Elation ship had symptoms of gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu. When reached for comment about the incident, a Carnival Cruise Lines spokesperson told the Post they dont have anything to share at this time, but said the company would provide information when it became available. Miranda, who believes she had food poisoning, says she and her boyfriend were each given a 95-dollar credit from the cruise line after the ship docked back in Jacksonville. I just hope they do better, they clean their ship, they were telling us to wash their hands but who knows if the cooks are washing their hands, Hill said. Related? DISEASE X Are The Globalists Planning Another Pandemic? People all over the world never want to hear the word vaccine again after the pandemic debacle. Yet, with new mRNA biotechnology ready on the computer screen for the next genetic code to come in, you can see how vaccine ideologists cannot wait for another pandemic to test out the rapid release and enjoy booming sales of vaccine lots to governments. What is Disease X? Its no surprise that the WHO and the WEF have formalized and endorsed this planning process for future Big Pharma profits, with the catchy name Disease X. According to the WHO: With fresh warnings from the World Health Organization that an unknown Disease X could result in 20 times more fatalities than the coronavirus pandemic WEF Plans are Underway This week, at the annual World Economic Forum Meeting in Davos, the WEF will devote a panel to discuss novel efforts needed to prepare the healthcare systems for the multiple challenges ahead. Among the hosts: whos-who of Big Pharma. As if this wasnt ominous enough, the session is also linked to the Collaborative Surveillance Initiative of the World Economic Form. Disease X not real? Think again. Says Dr. Peter McCullough, Americas leading cardiologist and outspoken critic of the COVID-19 response: Disease X is supposed to be caused by a pathogen X. Such a pathogen is expected to be engineered in a biolab, most likely an RNA virus, emerging from gain of function research where the right mix of genetic alterations highly promotes the risk for sustained transmission. So, what can be done? The solution is to be prepared. Thats where The Wellness Company comes in. The Wellness Company and its great doctors like Dr. Peter McCullough, Dr. Drew, Dr. Harvey Risch, and Dr. Jim Thorp are regularly in the media fighting against the broken medical establishment. Dr. Thorp, one of the nations leading critics of corrupt Big Pharma, believes that now more than ever people should be prepared for the next pandemic: Ive strongly recommended stockpiling critical medications including antibiotics since the turn of the century. This has been an incredible investment as many friends, family, and patients have benefited. Now, in the winter of 2023, this recommendation is even more crucial. The Wellness Company and their doctors are medical professionals that you can trust and their new medical emergency kits are the gold standard when it comes to keeping you safe and healthy. The ultimate safeguard for your health. Be ready for the next crisis. This medical emergency kit contains an assortment of life-saving medications including ivermectin, amoxicillin, and Z-pak. The Medical Emergency Kit includes a guidebook to aid in the safe use of these life-saving medications. This kit is prescription-only you cant find it in any store or pharmacy. Simply fill out a short questionnaire after purchase and a trusted Wellness Company doctor will confirm your suitability and issue your prescription Medical Emergency Kit. The Wellness Company Medical Emergency Kit includes: Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (generic Augmentin) 875/125 mg 28 tablets Azithromycin (generic Z-Pak) 250 mg 12 tablets Doxycycline Hyclate 100 mg 60 capsules Metronidazole (generic Flagyl) 500 mg 30 tablets Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (generic Bactrim) 800/160 mg 28 tablets Ivermectin 18mg 7 compounded capsules Fluconazole (generic Diflucan) 150 mg 2 tablets Ondansetron (generic Zofran) 4mg 6 tablets 1 Emergency Medication Guidebook written by the Chief Medical Board for safe use. What people are saying about the Medical Emergency Kit: Excellent Kit! This medical emergency kit is great. Having it just in case gives me peace of mind. Highly recommend. Thank you! Melinda C. Glad that I purchased your Medical Emergency Kit! Though I havent yet needed to use any of the medications that are in our kit, I am happy that I ordered it! One never knows when an emergency might occur, and I feel safer having your M.E.Kit at my disposal IF needed! Were so glad we ordered ours! Thank you for making it available! Susan M. Peace of mind. It is an amazing peace of mind to have this kit in case of emergencies and shortages. The Wellness Company did an excellent job of getting this to me in a timely manner and I and thankful to have it. Phyllis T. Hope I will never need it! Thank you for caring! Nice to have doctors who look out for us. Times are unpredictable nowadays, feels good to have something in the medicine cabinet in case of an emergency. Cat S. Great medical emergency kit. Kit came as advertised! Neat and orderly. The guide is great. Only plan on using it in an emergency during a difficult time. Confident it is what I was counting on. Fred D. Dont be caught unprepared for whatever the WEF has in mind. Dont be reliant on the broken and corrupt medical-industrial complex. Dont regret not acting today. (Note: The information provided is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or used as a substitute for professional healthcare guidance. It is your responsibility to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines regarding the purchase, possession, and use of prescription medications. Thank you for supporting businesses like the one presenting a sponsored message in this article and ordering through the links provided, which benefits WLTReport. We appreciate your support and the opportunity to keep you SAFE and HEALTY!) Heres more. INVESTIGATION: Can You OVERDOSE On Ivermectin? Sois Ivermectin DANGEROUS? Is it horse paste that could very well kill you? The Ivermectin Freak Out by our Government reminds me of the War on Drugs trying to convince you youd surely die from marijuana despite there never being a single confirmed case. Same goes for Ivermectin. They claimed it was horse dewormer that could put you in a coma or even kill you! How dangerous! Except.that wasnt true. Not even remotely. In fact, it is one of the safest and most effective medicines we have. What a combo, right? SAFE + EFFECTIVE. You usually get one but not both. IF YOU WANT TO PURCHASE SAFE AND LEGAL IVERMECTIN, KEEP READING BELOW! Watch this short clip from the Greg Hunter Show, posted to Rumble by The Vigilant Fox, where Dr. Pierre Kory makes it very clear how stunningly safe Ivermectin is: Safer that aspirin! VigilantNews had more (I put my favorite part in bold): But first, a quick look at his impressive credentials. Pr. Jacques Descotes, MD, PharmD, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Claude Bernard University of Lyon (France), [is] a world-known toxicologist with a 40-year track [record] as an independent consultant for the pharmaceutical industry as well as an advisor to regulatory bodies worldwide, BusinessWire wrote. In March 2021, he conducted a review of Ivermectins safety profile based on over 350 articles plus accessible web sources. Here are his conclusions: Ivermectin has been administered orally to hundreds of millions of people throughout the world in the past three decades. The assessment of reported adverse events temporally associated with Ivermectin exposure shows that Ivermectin-induced adverse effects have so far been infrequent and usually mild to moderate. It is noteworthy that no deaths have seemingly ever been reported after an accidental or suicidal overdose of Ivermectin. No greater toxicity of Ivermectin has been substantiated in elderly people despite repeated assertions that an ageing blood-brain barrier might lead to increased Ivermectin toxicity level. The positive clinical experience accumulated with Ivermectin administration led many medical experts to break away from early adamant contra-indications in pregnant women. Finally, several national pharmacovigilance networks around the world released information and opinions to ascertain Ivermectin safety in human subjects. So far, there are no critical safety limitations to Ivermectin prescription in current indications. I also want to point out that no severe adverse event has been reported in dozens of completed or ongoing studies involving thousands of participants worldwide to evaluate the efficacy of Ivermectin against COVID-19. Astonishing. So what would it take to overdose on Ivermectin? In order to overdose from Ivermectin, you have to take either a hundred or a thousand times the standard dose, declared Dr. Kory. And there have been accidental poisonings where people have taken large amounts. But you know what happens every time? When they take these massive amounts of Ivermectin, it tends to affect them neurologically. Theyll get confused. They might be stumbling uncoordinated. They go to the hospital, and theres no treatment required. But within days, the patients return to normal. So, theres been no life-ending injuries. No deaths reported with Ivermectin. So, that shows you why its one of the safest drugs in history, even at massive overdoses. LOL..100x and you MIGHT overdose? Wow. If you took 100x the normal glass of water, that too could kill you. Literally, thats true. No, Im serious.the normal glass of water is 8 ounces, right? 8 x 100 = 800 oz. What would happen if you drank 800 oz of water? It would be life-threatening, according to ChatGPT: Ok, soto recap: Ivermectin is SAFER than Aspirin and SAFER or on par with Water. AND effective. Incredible. The only thing it isnt? ? Profitable for BigPharma Ahhhh, now you see why they hated it so much. Safe and effective? NOT liked by the FDA: Have you figured out yet that Government is NOT here to protect you? The SEC The FDA Pick whatever agency you want they exist to protect Big Banks (SEC), BigPharma (FDA), and on and on and on. Now back to Dr. Kory, here is the full interview if you wanted to see it: Pretty powerful stuff! Want some? Keep reading: Need LEGAL and SAFE Ivermectin? Read This! We just reported yesterday that a new leaked report says airlines are looking to BRING BACK MASKS in October. Yes, really. I fully expect a new planned-demic will show up right in time for the 2024 election. Oh they might not call it COVID again and probably they wont. But I fully expect a new one to hit. And Im going to be prepared this time. Whether it comes in the form of a bioweapon or something much more mundane like a tick bite or a Bill Gates mosquito you and your family need to be prepared. Thats where The Wellness Company comes in. You know the Wellness Company and their great doctors like Dr. Peter McCullough and Dr. Jim Thorp are regularly in the media speaking out against the broken medical establishment. Dr. Thorp, one of the nations leading critics of the corrupting influence of big pharma, believes that now more than ever people should be prepared for the next pandemic. Ive strongly recommended stock piling critical medications including antibiotics since the turn of the century. This has been an incredible investment as many friends, family and patients have benefited. Now, in summer of 2023, this recommendation is even more crucial. Dr. Jim Thorp The Wellness Company and their doctors are medical professionals that you can trust and their new medical emergency kits are the gold standard when it comes to keeping you safe and healthy. Be ready for anything, this medical emergency kit contains an assortment of live-saving medications including ivermectin and Z-pak. The medical emergency kit provides a guidebook to aid in the safe use of all of these life-saving medications. From anthrax to tick bites to COVID and even to a bioweapon like the plague the Wellness Companys Medical Emergency kit is exactly what you need to have on hand to be prepared. Rest assured knowing that you have emergency antibiotics, antivirals and anti-parasitics on hand to help keep you and your family safe from whatever the globalists throw at us next! The Wellness Company Medical Emergency Kit includes: Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (generic Augmentin) 875/125 mg 28 tablets Azithromycin (generic Z-Pak) 250 mg 12 tablets Doxycycline Hyclate 100 mg 60 capsules Metronidazole (generic Flagyl) 500 mg 30 tablets Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (generic Bactrim) 800/160 mg 28 tablets Ivermectin 18mg 7 compounded capsules Fluconazole (generic Diflucan) 150 mg 2 tablets Ondansetron (generic Zofran) 4mg 6 tablets 1 virtual consult from a doctor you can trust 1 Emergency Medication Guidebook written by our Chief Medical Board for safe use. The Wellness Company Medical Emergency Kit treats: Anthrax Bacterial Vaginosis Bite Wounds Bronchitis Chlamydia Clostridioides difficile Colitis COVID 19 Gonorrhea Giardiasis Lice Nausea & Vomiting Pharyngitis Pinworms Plague (bioterror) Pneumonia Rickettsial Infections Scabies Shigella Infection Sinusitis Skin Infection Strep Throat Syphilis Tetanus Tick Exposure Tonsillitis Travelers Diarrhea Trichomoniasis Tularemia (bioterror) Urinary Tract Infection Vaginal Candidiasis Viral Upper Respiratory Infection Dont be caught unprepared. Dont be reliant on the broken and corrupt medical industrial complex. Dont regret not acting today. Read more at: WLTReport.com NO WAY: Texas AG Paxton DENIES Biden regimes request to leave the border wide open in Eagle Pass In a recent tweet , Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton put the Biden regime on notice that Texas willbe complying with its demands to open back up the border in Eagle Pass. Not only are the Biden regime's requests "unfounded," according to Paxton they are also wrong. Furthermore, Texas now has "counter-demands" that Paxton says his state needs compliance with in order to secure its southern border with Mexico. Paxton is petitioning the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to supply the official maps and deeds demonstrating the precise land parcels to which it is claiming ownership, as well as an explanation showing how Texas is preventing the federal government access to these specific parcels. By February 15, Paxton wants DHS to procure all of this, as well as full documentation showing that Eagle Pass or Texas ever granted permission for the agency to construct an infrastructure that supposedly interferes with border security. The Biden regime claims, without evidence, that it should be allowed to keep the southern border in Eagle Pass porous and pretty much open to illegal invaders, who merely have to wade across a relatively shallow and calm portion of the Rio Grande River in order to illegally enter America. Paxton wants proof that Congress has the legal authority to empower DHS "to turn a Texas park into an unofficial & illegal port of entry," this referring to Shelby Park, a nearly 50-acre plot of parkland along the banks of the Rio Grande. "If the federal gov. is going to make such claims, it must provide proof," Paxton wrote in a message to the spooks in D.C. (Fact check: The U.S. Constitution does allow for Texas to wage war on the federal government in the event of an imminent, open-border invasion.) Texas puts D.C. on notice over border crisis The Biden regime had previously sent Texas a letter about all this that Paxton says provides "no meaningful response" while "abandon[ing] earlier factual assertions, assert[ing] new ones, & supply[ing] even less of a legal basis for your demand." "Once again, I respectfully suggest that any time you might spend suing Texas should be redirected toward enforcing the immigration laws Congress already has on the books," Paxton further said to the Biden regime. "As I said before, this office will continue to defend Texas's efforts to protect its southern border against every effort by the Biden Administration to undermine the State's constitutional right of self-defense." The Biden regime continues to demand that Texas cede control over Shelby Park to the deep state while ending all border security measures. Biden essentially wants Texas to become an open borders state with no border at all, allowing the state to be indiscriminately invaded by illegals. Meanwhile, a convoy of truckers calling itself "God's army" is headed to Eagle Pass to support Abbott and Paxton's efforts to secure the southern border in and around the Texas border town. Known as the Take Our Border Back Convoy, the group, which is organizing on Telegram, plans to "peacefully gather and protest" in Eagle Pass on February 3. After visiting Eagle Pass, the convoy will continue on through New Mexico to Arizona, then on to California, all of these states also sharing a southern border with Mexico. The convoy is calling on retired law enforcement, veterans, elected officials and business owners to meet in Eagle Pass to protest the illegal invasion taking place there at the order of the Biden regime. These "criminals" and "known terrorists," as the convoy members are calling the illegal invaders, must be stopped or else America could end up becoming the site of another horrific terror attack. America's southern border is wide open, thanks to corrupt D.C. politics. Find out more at InvasionUSA.news. Sources for this article include: Twitter.com NaturalNews.com MySanAntonio.com Peaceful trucker convoy heads to Eagle Pass, Texas, to stop illegal migrant invasion An astounding 700,000 semi-trucks and other large vehicles are heading to Texas as part of a Trucker Convoy 2.0 event to support Gov. Greg Abbott's ongoing efforts to secure his state's southern border. Calling themselves "God's Army," the truckers are reportedly planning to occupy Eagle Pass, the location where Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) is now at odds with the Texas National Guard concerning the installation of razor wire along the banks of the Rio Grande River in Shelby Park. The organizers behind the "Take Our Border Back" convoy say their mission is to take a visible stand against the "globalists" who they say are conspiring to keep America's southern border with Mexico porous, allowing for a constant flow of illegal aliens into the country. "This is a biblical, monumental moment that's been put together by God," said one of the organizers on a recent planning call. "We are besieged on all sides by dark forces of evil." ? it's happening folks Convoy "" #texasbordercrisis Here they are ? pic.twitter.com/N7xkTNPa5X ?Robert The Builder ?? (@NobodymrRobert) January 26, 2024 (Related: The U.S. Constitution clearly stipulates that states like Texas can legally wage war against the federal government to protect their borders from an illegal invasion.) On the move The plan was to have the convoy initiate its travel out of Virginia Beach, hauling through the southeast with several stopovers in Florida and Louisiana. From there, the truckers will descend into Texas, followed by a stop in Arizona and California, to hold three separate rallies. Massive Trucker Convoy called "Take Our Border Back" is headed to Eagle Pass. "700,000 vehicles! That's the prediction here." pic.twitter.com/ybQs7sgKyL Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) January 26, 2024 Like the trucker convoy in Canada before it, this latest public act of rebellion against the federal government's refusal to secure America's southern border sure is a spectacle, if nothing else but will it work? "While it's good to see the truckers and all of the patriots that are hostages in the D.C. gulags display their patriotism in these events, these filthy Marxists are laughing at all of them," wrote one skeptical commenter about the Trucker Convoy 2.0. "They will use their phone data to round them up once the event is over. At some point, Americans will awaken to the fact that the only thing these Marxists understand is brute force. Most of these poor souls are guaranteeing their stays in the Marxist gulags." Another wrote that D.C. needs to remember the Alamo, recognizing that throughout its history, Texas has defied federal overreach to protect its interests. "They refuse to do their job and want to force states to lay down and just die," this person added about the Biden regime's defiance of the law. "We have a right to defend ourselves. Texas became a nation only because Mexico was too corrupt. Americans have forgotten the history of Texas." Someone else expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of this convoy, noting that We the People have never really gotten anywhere with voting, petitions, or even lawsuits. "The sooner Americans get that into their heads, the quicker we might actually have a chance of restoring the republic and the rule of law," this person added, noting further that the Trucker Convoy 2.0 could, in fact, be a honeypot operation run by controlled opposition. "Every mechanism for a 'peaceful' restoration of the republic and the rule of law has been hijacked from within. These PICs (psychos-in-charge) don't feel pity or remorse, and they don't tire or stop in their efforts and they will never, ever leave power of their own volition." The current White House occupant is holding America hostage while flooding the country with illegal aliens. Learn more at InvasionUSA.news. Sources for this article include: BeforeItsNews.com NaturalNews.com Trump warns of WWIII, blames Biden for drone strike on troops in Jordan and execution of four people in Iran Former President Donald Trump warned of World War III and criticized President Joe Biden's administration after Iran executed four alleged Israeli spies and a Tehran-backed militia in Iraq launched a drone strike that killed three members of the United States Armed Forces. The drone attack on Saturday, Jan. 27, near the border between Syria and Jordan killed three U.S. service members and injured 34 others. This is the first time American troops in the Middle East have been killed in an attack by adversaries since the outbreak of Israel's war with Hamas in October 2023. Biden blamed "radical Iran-backed militant groups" for the attack and, in turn, vowed to continue the fight against terrorism. "While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq... We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism," said Biden. "And have no doubt, we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner [of] our choosing." "We absolutely condemn what has happened over the past couple of days," Biden continued. "My thoughts are with all of those impacted, those who lost their lives, their families and those that are injured. We stand resolutely with our allies to bring stability and peace to the region. And that's what we'll continue to work towards." But shortly after the attack, Iran executed four Iranian nationals accused of spying for Israel. According to the state-owned Islamic Republic News Agency, the men identified as Mohammad Faramarzi, Mohsen Mazloum, Vafa Azarbar and Pejman Fatehi were accused of plotting to sabotage a Defense Ministry factory involved in the production of missiles and defense equipment in the city of Isfahan in 2022. Iranian authorities claim that these four individuals were employed by Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, who orchestrated the entire operation and provided training to the four individuals in an African country before they were smuggled into Iran. The execution was carried out following the affirmation of the death sentences by the Supreme Court, initially handed down in September 2023 by another court. The specific method of execution was not disclosed, but Iran usually hangs those condemned to death. Trump says attack would never have happened under his watch In response to these escalating tensions, Trump wrote on his account on the social media platform Truth Social: "This attack would NEVER have happened if I was President not even a chance. Just like the Iranian-backed Hamas attack on Israel would never have happened, the War in Ukraine would never have happened, and we would right now have Peace throughout the World. Instead, we are on the brink of World War 3." Trump expressed his disappointment in the series of events on his Truth Social account. He pointed the finger at Biden, blaming his "weakness and surrender" for the deaths of three U.S. troops and accusing him of leaving the world "on the brink of World War 3." (Related: World War 3 could be imminent as Israel-Hamas war escalates, experts warn.) Our country cannot survive with Joe Biden as Commander in Chief. This brazen attack on the United States is yet another horrific and tragic consequence of Joe Bidens weakness and surrender, Trump wrote. Moreover, Trump argued that Biden's approach to Iran was responsible for the security lapse. "Three years ago, Iran was weak, broke and totally under control," Trump wrote. "Thanks to my Maximum Pressure policy, the Iranian Regime could barely scrape two dollars together to fund their terrorist proxies. Then Joe Biden came in and gave Iran billions of dollars, which the Regime has used to spread bloodshed and carnage throughout the Middle East," he added. Follow WWWIII.news for more news about the conflict in the Middle East. Watch this clip of Sen. Lindsey Graham threatening to "blow up" Iranian oil supplies if Tehran is drawn into the conflict with Israel. This video is from the News Clips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Middle East scholar: Iran-backed Hezbollah joining Israel-Hamas war is a game-changer. WSJ says Iran helped Hamas plot attack on Israel over several weeks; Israel eager to start BOMBING Iran. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken warn Iran and its allies against escalating Israel-Hamas war. Iran warns that Israel will be ANNIHILATED if war on Gaza expands. WSJ: Iran helped Hamas plan its surprise attack on Israel, shortly after Biden handed them $6 billion. Sources include: The-Sun.com APNews.com NewYorkPost.com Brighteon.com No surprise here: United Kingdom confirms its commitment to WHOs PANDEMIC TREATY thats engineered to enslave the world The United Kingdom has confirmed that it is committed to the globalist World Health Organization's (WHO) pandemic treaty one step closer toward medical martial law. Downing Street, under the leadership of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, reiterated this commitment in a "national statement" sent on Jan. 22 to the WHO's Executive Board in Geneva. The British government expressed support toward WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus' goal for the world to agree to this pandemic treaty. "The U.K. underlines [its] commitment to agreement of a new Pandemic Accord and targeted amendments of the International Health Regulations," the statement said. It added that these two edicts will "ensure our preparedness for future health threats with stronger prevention, and response, whilst respecting national sovereignty." But both the accord and the amendments do not respect national sovereignty at all. A petition signed by more than 156,000 Britons called for the government "to commit to not signing any international treaty on pandemic prevention and preparedness established by the W.H.O., unless this is approved through a public referendum." Unfortunately, this was simply brushed off. Tedros himself has previously stressed that the instruments within the Pandemic Treaty should be "legally binding." However, he debunked claims that the global health body will be able to overrule national governments of member states in imposing lockdowns or other restrictions, calling such claims "absolutely false." Tedros calls for nations to expedite ratification of Pandemic Treaty Meanwhile, the WHO head remarked on Jan. 22 that the Pandemic Treaty faces a lot of roadblocks. He called for nations to expedite its ratification, but lamented that its momentum has been slowed down by both by entrenched positions and "a torrent of fake news, lies, and conspiracy theories." "Time is very short, and there are several outstanding issues that remain to be resolved," Tedros told the WHO's Executive Board in Geneva. Failure to do so, he added, would be "a missed opportunity for which future generations may not forgive us." The Ethiopian public health official reiterated that the Pandemic Treaty will serve as "strong agreement that will help to protect our children and grandchildren from future pandemics." He added: "We cannot allow this historic agreement, this milestone in global health, to be sabotaged." According to Breitbart News, "Tedros has argued that more global cooperation will be necessary to confront what has been dubbed 'Disease X' a catchall phrase for a yet unidentified 'serious international epidemic.'" (Related: Disease X and fear mongering.) But concerns about ceding authority to the WHO remain, given its poor performance during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It failed to heed early warnings from Taiwan, wasting critical time that could have been used to contain SARS-CoV-2 locally in China. The global health body also initially spread propaganda from Communist China that there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus, an issue that further delayed the response to the outbreak in Wuhan. It is ironic, then, that Tedros is complaining about the same "lies" he pushed during the COVID-19 pandemic's initial days. A draft of the proposed Pandemic Treaty from October states that member nations seek to "combat false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation, including through effective international collaboration and cooperation." Visit Pandemic.news for more stories about the Pandemic Treaty. Watch this video about how the WHO's Pandemic Treaty falls through. This video is from True Conservative Minutes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Globalist World Economic Forum now parroting Disease X narrative to instill FEAR in the public. Why did Congress help craft a bill last summer called the Disease X Act do they know another bioweapon is about to be released? With Disease X the cover story for the coming mass deaths from the release of the globalists new bioweapons, their blood lust wont end until they are stopped. WHO Pandemic Treaty will take away government oversight in the event of another pandemic, German MEP says. Clay Clark: Biden set to empower WHO via legally binding pandemic treaty Brighteon.TV. Sources include: Breitbart.com TheGuardian.com Brighteon.com United Nations agency in charge of Gaza relief to investigate claims that some of its employees took part in Oct. 7 attack The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which focuses in providing aid for Palestinian refugees, has launched an investigation into claims that some of its employees were involved in Hamas' murderous Oct. 7 attack on Israel. "The Israeli authorities have provided [our agency] with information about the alleged involvement of several UNRWA employees in the horrific attacks on Israel on Oct. 7," said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. "To protect the agency's ability to deliver humanitarian assistance, I have taken the decision to immediately terminate the contracts of these staff members and launch an investigation in order to establish the truth without delay." Lazzarini did not disclose the number of employees allegedly involved in the attacks, nor the nature of their alleged involvement. He said, however, that "any UNRWA employee who was involved in acts of terror" would be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been briefed about the allegations, according to his spokesman Stephane Dujarric, adding that the top UN official "is horrified by this news." As per Dujarric, UN secretary-general asked Lazzarini to conduct a probe regarding the matter. Guterres stressed that any UNRWA employee found to have participated in or abetted the Oct. 7 attacks must be terminated immediately and referred for potential criminal prosecution. "We are extremely concerned by allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. The EU reiterates its strongest condemnation of the attacks by the Hamas terrorists against Israel, which have no justification," said Josep Borrell, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in a statement. "UNRWA has been playing a vital role over many years supporting vulnerable Palestinian refugees in accessing vital services such as education and health, and is a crucial partner of the international community, including the EU. We are in contact with UNRWA, expect it to provide full transparency on the allegations and to take immediate measures against staff involved. The [European] Commission will assess further steps and draw lessons based on the result of the full and comprehensive investigation." U.S. State Department stops funding UNRWA Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State said it was extremely troubled by the allegations which reportedly involved 12 UNRWA employees who allegedly participated in Hamas' massacre. A statement from the department said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Guterres on Jan. 25 "to emphasize the necessity of a thorough and swift investigation of this matter." "The [department] has temporarily paused additional funding for UNRWA while we review these allegations and the steps the UN is taking to address them," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller later remarked. UNRWA has repeatedly said its capacity to render humanitarian assistance to people in the Gaza Strip is on the verge of collapse. The U.S., the EU and Germany were its biggest donors in 2022. Gilad Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the UN, also commented on the allegations. "How symbolic it is that on the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, what we've been claiming for years that UNRWA employees are cooperating with the Hamas terrorist organization and that the UN has become a place where Israel is de-legitimized has been proven true," he said. Visit IsraelCollapse.com for more stories about the ongoing conflict in Israel. Watch this clip from One America News featuring an investigative journalist's expose about the UNRWA years before its collusion with Hamas. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israeli government propagandist WRECKED over Oct. 7 intelligence failure narrative. Israeli general KILLED Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, then lied about it. Israel has dropped more than 65,000 TONS of bombs on Gaza since Oct. 7. Shocking video reveals IDF battle tank firing at Israeli civilian homes on Oct. 7. NARRATIVE COLLAPSE: Washington Post retracts Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallants Oct. 7 Hamas rape claims. Sources include: YnetNews.com Brighteon.com What is Neo? Our in-house Large Language Model (LLM) trained on REALITY content, not wokeism or corporate media propaganda "Neo" is the working name of our in-house Large Language Model (LLM or just "language model" for short) that we are training on reality-based content as part of our project to release a free, open source LLM to this public this coming March. Neo is being created through a process of retraining a base model with truthful content created by alternative media publishers and analysts who are original, intelligent thinkers and whose views reflect the real world, not the imaginary delusional world that the corporate media tries to project onto its readers. As a result, Neo will be the most accurate LLM in the world when it comes to answering questions accurately and honestly across many key areas such as biology, climate, world events, history, natural medicine and so on. For example, most LLMs today will tell you that men can get pregnant. That's because they're trained on "woke" content that's rooted in mass mental illness. That's why the large, corporate LLMs seem so insane and stupid at times. Because Neo is being trained on reality content, it will be one of the few "sane" LLMs in existence. Our first focus with Neo is training it on content related to nutrition, herbs, natural medicine, permaculture, self-reliance and similar subjects. With our very first public release -- slated for the end of March of this year -- you will be able to freely download, install and run this LLM on your own local computer (Mac, Windows, Linux). You will then be able to ask it questions on almost any subject imaginable. It will give you answers in text format, just like a chat bot. This will be released as an "experimental" model under our non-profit entity, as there is no commercial motive behind this model release. If you'd like to be informed of the model release, simply subscribe to our free email newsletter (see above, top right) and get on our email list. To see what Neo is capable of, we are now publishing articles using the very early Neo 0.1 engine, which is barely trained on our material. See this article on Natural News to see what Neo is capable of producing. Roughly each month after that, we will release updated models that are further trained on more material, making them even more capable of answering your questions in a knowledgeable, reality-based way. However, note that because we have millions of documents, transcripts, articles, interviews, books and other content items queued up for training, it's going to take us all of 2024 to complete the training we currently have in mind. This means each new release will be better informed than the previous release, but that you shouldn't expect the early releases to be fully "trained" yet. By downloading and running our Neo LLM on your local computer, you will be able to ask it to perform many useful tasks. You can ask it to: Write articles on the topics of your choice. "Write a 500-word article summarizing the conflict between China and Taiwan." Summarize articles or other content. "Summarize the following article:" Answer questions that you might normally ask a search engine. "Can men get pregnant and have babies? How do I grow tomatoes in poor soil?" Provide how-to instructions for doing specific things, such as, "How do I connect a charge controller to a solar panel?" Create coursework material on any subject matter. "Create a 10-chapter outline of instruction material for the following: " Neo will even write computer code at some level, although that is not its area of focus, and there are far more capable coding LLMs available. For those in the world of LLMs, note that we are building various "flavors" of Neo on top of many different "base models" (such as Phi, Llama, Mistral, Falcon, etc.) and we will credit the underlying base models accordingly. We believe in open source knowledge and providing full credit to those upon whose work we are building. "Neo" actually refers to our massive in-house training materials set which can be applied to any base model, present or future. The free, downloadable version of Neo will have to fit within the framework of computing hardware that typical users have at home or at the office. For this reason, the parameter size, quantization and context window capabilities of these downloadable models will be sized accordingly. Neo runs locally, offline, with no internet Importantly, Neo will work offline, with no internet connection, and it doesn't operate from "the cloud." This means that whatever you ask Neo is your own business, and nobody is monitoring it. You can also use Neo to answer questions about survival, preparedness and off-grid living... even if you are off-grid and have no internet connection at all. Throughout 2024, we will be training Neo on a lot of survival, preparedness and off-grid living material. It will be the best "prepping mentor" to have around. This is critical because it's part of our philosophy of decentralization. We believe that tools of knowledge should be decentralized and never controlled by powerful, dishonest, corrupt corporations or governments. Knowledge should be decentralized and put into the hands of the people. Today, ChatGPT is controlled by a dangerous corporation that's already being infiltrated and partially controlled by the CIA and globalist organizations. As governments seek to regulate AI, they will prohibit ChatGPT and other LLMs from providing "misinformation" as part of their answers. Of course, "misinformation" means anything that contradicts the lies, delusions, propaganda and fraud of the establishment, which means that "misinformation" is usually truthful information. Once governments censor corporate-controlled AI systems, they will be reduced to producing gibberish nonsense on climate, transgenderism, finance and other topics. None of them will be legally allowed to answer questions truthfully on any subject that the establishment wants to control (elections, J6 narrative, history, science, medicine, vaccines, pandemics, war, money, currency, etc.). The more regulation that appears, the more insane and useless centralized LLMs will become. This means that the future of real knowledge and decentralization is only going to be found in the open source LLM community which we fully support. HuggingFace. Uncensored models. Downloadable parameter files. This is where humanity discovers powerful new resources that can help inform and empower human beings while creating freedom rather than enslavement. We are thrilled to contributing to this effort and we will be posting many models this year on HuggingFace, as well as allowing full, free downloads of many of our models, so that others can train on top of our work. And no, LLMs are not demons. They just seem that way because they were trained on demonic content scraped off the internet. With proper training, they can be "exorcised" and retrained to serve humanity. That's exactly what we are doing. Thank you for your support. - Mike Adams, founder, Brighteon.com and NaturalNews.com. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 30. Uzbekistan and Iran discussed improving mechanisms of interaction in the transport and communication spheres during the 7th round of Uzbek-Iranian political consultations on January 29, Trend reports. The delegations of the parties were headed by first deputy foreign minister of Uzbekistan Bakhromjon Aloyev and deputy foreign minister of Iran Ali Bagheri Kani. Within the framework of the inter-ministerial political consultations, the sides exchanged views on the current state and priority areas of bilateral cooperation, as well as interaction within multilateral organizations. Activation of economic diplomacy took center stage during the meeting. In this context, the sides stressed the importance of creating favorable conditions for mutual trade and implementation of investment projects, strengthening direct contacts between business circles of the two countries. The sides discussed the development of inter-parliamentary dialog, expansion of the legal framework of bilateral relations, as well as the schedule of upcoming events at various levels. Furthermore, the parties expressed mutual interest in building up cultural and humanitarian ties, in particular, in establishing partnership relations between research institutions, organizing joint programs and projects in the field of art, literature and education. The meeting also addressed some matters on the international and regional agenda. Meanwhile, volume of trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Iran amounted to $503.4 million in 2023. The data of Uzbekistan's Statistics Agency shows that exports totaled $180.6 million, while imports reached $322.8 million. The yew tree is a remarkable plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. However, it is also one of the most endangered species in the world, due to overharvesting and habitat loss. In this article, we will explore how Chinese scientists are working to save this precious tree and unlock its potential for curing cancer. The Secret of the Yew Tree The yew tree belongs to the genus Taxus, which comprises about 10 species of evergreen conifers. They are native to temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. The yew tree has a distinctive appearance, with dark green needles, red berries, and reddish-brown bark. The yew tree has a long history of human use, dating back to ancient times. It was valued for its wood, which was used to make bows, spears, and furniture. It was also revered for its spiritual and symbolic significance, as it was associated with death, rebirth, and immortality in various cultures. However, the most remarkable feature of the yew tree is its ability to produce a rare and powerful anticancer compound called paclitaxel. Paclitaxel was first discovered in 1962 by researchers from the National Cancer Institute, who isolated it from the bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia). Paclitaxel is an antimitotic agent, which means that it prevents cancer cells from dividing and multiplying. It is used to treat various forms of cancer, such as breast, ovarian, lung, and pancreatic cancer. Paclitaxel is one of the most effective and widely used anticancer drugs in the world. However, it is also one of the most difficult and expensive to obtain. Paclitaxel is present in very low concentrations in the yew tree, making up only about 0.004% of the bark. To produce one kilogram of paclitaxel, about 10,000 kilograms of bark are needed. This means that thousands of yew trees have to be cut down to meet the demand for the drug. This has led to the rapid decline and endangerment of the yew tree, especially in China, where it is classified as a first-level rare and protected species. Also Read: Cyanobacterin Biosynthesis Creates a New Category of Natural Compounds With Potential Implementations in Pharmacology and Agricultural Sectors The Hope of the Tobacco Plant To solve the problem of paclitaxel scarcity and yew tree conservation, Chinese scientists have been searching for alternative and sustainable ways to produce the anticancer compound. One of the most promising methods is to use genetic engineering to transfer the biosynthetic pathway of paclitaxel from the yew tree to another plant that can grow faster and easier. In 2024, two Chinese professors, Yan Jianbin and Lei Xiaoguang, published a groundbreaking study in the journal Science, where they reported that they had successfully created a biosynthetic pathway for paclitaxel in tobacco plants. Tobacco plants are known for their association with lung cancer due to cigarette consumption, but they may also hold the key to new treatments for other cancers. The researchers explained that the synthesis of paclitaxel involves three critical processes: the formation of a skeleton, the biosynthesis of an intermediate called baccatin III, and the attachment of a side chain. They identified and cloned the genes involved in each step and inserted them into tobacco plants using a bacterial vector. They then tested the transgenic tobacco plants and found that they could produce baccatin III, the key precursor of paclitaxel, at a concentration of 0.2% of the dry weight. This is 50 times higher than the concentration of paclitaxel in the yew tree bark. The researchers also suggested that the tobacco plants could be further modified to produce paclitaxel itself, by adding another gene that catalyzes the final step of the pathway. They estimated that the tobacco plants could produce paclitaxel at a concentration of 0.02% of the dry weight, which is still five times higher than the yew tree bark. This would greatly reduce the cost and environmental impact of paclitaxel production, as well as provide a new source of income for tobacco farmers. The study was hailed as a major breakthrough in the field of plant biotechnology and cancer research. It demonstrated the potential of using genetic engineering to create novel and valuable compounds from plants that are otherwise harmful or useless. It also showed the possibility of finding new allies in nature, where enemies can become friends and vice versa. The yew tree and the tobacco plant are two examples of how nature can offer both challenges and solutions for human health. By understanding and respecting the diversity and complexity of life, we may be able to discover new ways to fight diseases and save lives. Related article: Mother Nature's Continued Role in Modern Medicine The recent Colombia fire update revealed that about 17,000 hectares were burned since November as the country experienced hotter temperatures. Firefighters teamed together to quickly avoid the spread of the wildfires. In the recent NWN report, the unfavorable weather conditions contributed to the problem, making it more challenging for firefighters to put out the fires. Forecast warned that the fires could intensify this upcoming March. Colombia Fire Update El Nino and climate change have exacerbated the drought conditions in Colombia. It will become favorable for wildfires to emerge due to the dry vegetation. Firefighters worked tirelessly to help with the raging fires, including in the capital and Bogota mountains. In addition, authorities are expected to investigate for potential people who could have started the fire. Meanwhile, President Gustavo Petro announced a natural disaster due to the wildfires. He asked for international aid to mitigate the fire spread. In January, the country recorded high temperatures that could intensify the fires. Climate Change and Wildfires Climate change can unleash deadly wildfires due to lack of rain. As a result, mitigation of rising temperatures is essential to reduce the global effects, especially for poorer communities. Meanwhile, people going into forests should strictly observe the forest rules. It is important to avoid flammable materials that could ignite fire, and don't leave fire unsupervised. Raging wildfires can threaten many species in the animal kingdom. Forests play a crucial habitat for their living, and the habitat loss could lead to a devastating aftermath. Furthermore, the decline in forests could impact their role in carbon sequestration to fight climate change. Also Read: Global Heating Decreases Rainfall, Increases Heat In Amazon Making Drought 30 Times More Likely Keeping Safe From Raging Wildfires in Colombia The latest report warned of wildfires in Colombia due to unfavorable weather conditions. The dry conditions, drought and hotter temperatures help to ignite spreading fires in the region. People in the affected areas should keep updated with the latest wildfire forecasts in Colombia. The hotter temperatures can become more challenging for older adults, children and people with medical conditions. One concern is the smoky conditions and poor air quality. Unhealthy air can impact people traveling this week. Unessential travel should be avoided due to the threats of wildfires. Moreover, homeowners should immediately evacuate if the fire rapidly moves into their areas. Damage to life and properties is likely due to the weather conditions. Keeping disaster safety kits is recommended in challenging weather conditions, including wildfires, storms and quakes. Homeowners should store food packs, water supplies, flashlights, extra batteries, radios, small phone and medicine kits. Related Article: Forest Health, Tree Growth Threatened By Climate Change, Disease Outbreaks For more similar, don't forget to follow Nature World News A Midwest storm is seen to bring swath of snow to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the Central Appalachians. Weather experts said that the next storm would plunge into the Midwest and Ohio Valley. They said this would arrive early this week in the Great Lakes region. It is forecasted to bring a swath of accumulating snow from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the central Appalachians in the coming days. Clipper Storm To Bring Snow Meteorologists said that the clipper storm would drop southeastward out of Canada as a southward dip in the jet stream ushers cooler air into the upper levels of the atmosphere. Some cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit will notice daytime temperatures a few degrees lower on Tuesday. So far, most locations will only fall between four to six degrees compared to Monday temperature as the storm will move throughout the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) said that much of the country would remain dry over the next couple of days as broad upper-level ridging shifts from the western to central part of the country. Officials explained that one exception would be with a clipper-like system dropping southeastward from the Midwest into the Southeast. Due to this phenomenon, light to moderate rain or snow showers will spread from the Great Lakes Monday evening into the Ohio Valley and Appalachians during the day of Tuesday. Furthermore, little to no snow accumulations are anticipated outside of higher elevations of the central or southern Appalachians, where a couple inches of snow or so will be possible. Read Also: Northeast Weather Forecast: Snow, Colder Temperatures to Unload in January's End Week Chances Of Shower On the other hand, shower chances will increase for the Carolinas on Wednesday, with the potential that coastal areas may see some locally heavier showers that is enhanced by a coastal low developing in the Atlantic. The broad upper-level ridging will also keep temperatures well above late January averages by 10 to 20+ degrees for most of the country on Tuesday and Wednesday. The greatest anomalies are in the Northern and Central Plains and Upper Midwest where highs in the upper 40s to mid-60s are as much as 20-30 degrees above average. A few daily records could be tied or broken. Meteorologists said that the highs along the West Coast through the Desert Southwest and into the Southern Plains will be in the 60s and 70s, with 50s and 60s for much of the Intermountain West. Temperatures will be closer to or a bit below average for the Southeast and northward along the East Coast as conditions are slower to moderate following a cold front passage. Forecast highs range from the 20s and 30s in New England, 30s and 40s for the Mid-Atlantic, and 50s and 60s in the Southeast and Florida. They said that some light to moderate showers are forecasted for portions of the coastal Pacific Northwest through Tuesday as a series of Pacific waves pass by the region. The attention will then turn to an Atmospheric River expected to begin bringing impacts to the West Coast as early as Tuesday evening, and ramping up through the day Wednesday. A combination of strong dynamic forcing as well as a deep, anomalously high stream of moisture moving into southwestern Oregon and northern California will lead to very heavy rainfall, with totals of several inches possible. Related Article: Rounds of Rain to Impact California, Northwestern US This Weekend European Union negotiators reached a new agreement to treat sewage, which requires beauty companies to pay more to clean up microplastic pollution. New Norms For Micropollutants Under draft guidelines based on the "polluter pays principle," companies that sell pharmaceuticals and cosmetics will be required to contribute at least 80% of the additional expenses required to remove microscopic contaminants that contaminate urban wastewater. The remainder will be paid for by governments, according to bloc members, in order to keep crucial products from becoming too expensive or scarce. Despite the fact that microbeads from cosmetic items do not contribute significantly to microplastic pollution, they can be harmful to the environment when discharged into water bodies and are only partially prevented by wastewater treatment plants. The EU's environment commissioner, Virginijus Sinkevicius, stated that the proposed measures will protect citizens from dangerous pharmaceutical and cosmetic wastes entering waterways. "This will make our water cleaner and protect our health," he added. The guidelines, which have been negotiated by the European Parliament and Council of Europe but are not yet legally enacted, bulk up requirements to remove nutrients from water and set new norms for micropollutants. This will also widen the scope of the law. By 2035, EU member states will be required to remove organic matter from urban wastewater before discharging it into the environment in all towns with more than 1,000 inhabitants. And by 2045, all treatment plants that serve water to over 10,000 people must remove nitrogen and phosphorus. According to the European Parliament, an additional step will be required to eliminate a "broad spectrum" of micropollutants. A 2022 study reveals that 87% of products from the ten best-selling cosmetics brands contain microplastics. This includes all synthetic polymers, whether they are solid, liquid, semi-liquid, or water-soluble, as well as nanoplastics and biodegradable plastics. Read Also: Widespread Microplastics Threatened Gold Fish, Marine Ecosystems, New Report Shows Reduction Of Microplastic Governments must also monitor sewage for microplastics, "forever chemical" per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and important health indicators such as antimicrobial resistance. However, member states have been slow to enforce current wastewater treatment regulations. Last month, the European Commission referred Spain to the European Court of Justice for failing to follow existing wastewater regulations in 225 towns. "The agreement we reached today is a breakthrough for significantly improved water management and wastewater treatment standards in Europe, particularly with new rules on removing micropollutants from medicines and personal care products," said Nils Torvalds, a Finnish MEP with the liberal Renew grouping in charge of the proposal. In 2023, the European Commission adopted a REACH ban on microplastics intentionally introduced to products as well as a proposal for a regulation to avoid plastic pellet losses to the environment. These efforts will help to meet the Zero Pollution Action Plan's aim of reducing microplastic discharges by 30%. The EU wants to reduce microplastic emissions by 30% by 2030. This will be achieved by minimizing plastic pollution, which degrades into microplastics, limiting the use of purposefully added microplastics to items and reducing inadvertent microplastic discharges. Related Article: Microplastics Found in 75% of Fish Meant for Human Consumption: Is It Still Healthy to Eat Seafood? Oil sands operations in Canada are emitting more compounds that contribute to atmospheric pollution than previously thought. This is according to a new study led by an international team of chemical and environmental engineers, who found that Canada's tar sands (through oil sands extraction) are producing greater pollutants into the air, causing damage to the atmosphere amid the climate crisis. The scientists collected samples of tar sands in the oil sand region of the country, determining that toxic emissions were above average by normal levels. While the complete repercussions of tar sand extraction on a regional or global scale remain unclear currently, many of these gaseous organic carbon compounds are known to cause health problems that can be severe or cause life-threatening conditions. In recent years, atmospheric pollution or exposure to air pollution has been strongly linked to multiple chronic diseases, including lung cancer, ischaemic heart disease, pulmonary disease, and stroke according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These air pollutants are in addition to the greenhouse gases such as carbon and methane that contribute to climate change and global warming. Canada Oil Sands Operations The new research paper published in the journal Science shows that total organic carbon assessments from oil sands operations in Canada uncovered major gaps in petrochemical emissions reporting. The engineers in the study arrived at their conclusion under the premise that air pollution from these compounds comes from a long-criticized practice described as dirty, in an environmental perspective. While there are various contributing factors to atmospheric pollution worldwide, the international research team chose an emerging oil source in the Canadian landscape, called the Athabasca oil sands region in Canada's Alberta province. Over the past decade, Canada's tar sands have become its major source of oil production, which the team found to be more climate-damaging than previously thought. Also Read: Canada Falls Behind its Climate Goals: What Went Wrong? Athabasca Oil Sands The Athabasca oil sands, also called Athabasca tar sands, is located in northeastern Alberta, where large deposits of heavy crude oil can be found. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Athabasca sands region is one of the world's largest reserves of oil, with the deposits covering an area of about 142,200 square kilometers (54,900 square miles) and is slightly larger than the state of Wisconsin. The "oil sands region" accounts for the largest part of Alberta's economy, the USGS says. However, oil extraction in the region has also drawn criticism from environmentalists before. In the Science study published on January 25, the researchers collected oil sand samples and found dangerous toxicity levels ranging from an average of 1,900% to more than 6,300%. Following their study, the team submitted their findings to Canada's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in 2015, the Canadian tar sands oil is the center of a raging debate about "dirty energy," with related conversations dating back 300 years ago. Related Article: Oil Industries Threatens Indigenous Residents Life of Canadian Forest Experts said that flood plumes and heavy waves due to strong cyclones could have brought damage to the Great Barrier Reef. These bad weather systems include December's Cyclone Jasper and last week's Cyclone Kirrily, which have seen river catchments push out vast quantities of freshwater laden with sediments and nutrients. Strong Winds Breaking Corals These strong cyclones also whip up strong waves that can damage reefs, which can further tear up seagrass meadows that are known habitats for dugongs and turtles. These seagrass meadows also act as nurseries for fish. Further, freshwater can cause corals to bleach and turbid water can starve reefs and seagrass meadows of light that can promote the growth of algae. This will make it harder for corals to grow and multiply. The Great Barrier Reef Foundation explained that these strong winds whip up very large, powerful waves and when they break over coral reefs, they can tear corals from their footing and turn large sections of the reef to rubble. Research by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) indicated that the cyclones could cause damage up to 1,000km away from their path. Cyclones usually leave behind rubble beds of dead coral skeletons and rock fragments that constantly move with the tides and waves. It is much harder for baby corals to settle and grow on unstable and moving surfaces and corals that do manage to settle can be killed as they tumble around. This makes it harder for the Great Barrier Reef to naturally recover following a cyclone. Over time, the rubble beds eventually stabilize with the help of natural binders like encrusting algae and sponges to form a stable platform for new corals. However, with increased bleaching events and storms, the amount of rubble on the Great Barrier Reef is rising. Read Also: Groundwater Seepage Delivers Nutrients to the Great Barrier Reef, but Also Poses Risks of Detrimental Issues, According To Study Erratic Cyclones Meanwhile, climate change is causing higher temperatures on land and in our oceans, which is increasing the frequency and intensity of tropical storms around the world. Experts explained that coral reefs have the ability to recover naturally from the impacts of cyclones, hurricane and typhoons, but it can take a decade or more. They said that when tropical storms occur in quick succession, there often isn't enough time for reefs to recover before they are battered by the next one. Scientists said that on average, about 11 tropical cyclones form within or move into the Australian region (90-160E) every year. Of these, around 25 percent or approximately three tropical cyclonespass within 250 km of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Coral Sea region off the northeast coast of Australia (seaward of the GBR) is a hot spot for the formation of some of the strongest tropical cyclones to have impacted the reef. Tropical cyclones that form in the Gulf of Carpentaria may also track towards the reef; but they generally weaken substantially as they approach the GBR because they must cross land to do so. Tropical cyclones that develop and track within the GBR region and greater Coral Sea are notoriously erratic in terms of their movement, sometimes completing several loops before either making landfall or moving further out towards the sea Related Article: Great Barrier Reef has Chlamydia-Like Bacteria That Steal Nutrients From Corals Authorities in Denmark are racing against the clock to keep a slow-moving landslide of polluted soil from reaching a water source. People in a Danish community are afraid their homes may be destroyed by an avalanche of toxic dirt in one of the country's greatest environmental disasters in history. The landslide is slowly heading towards lst, a village of 400 inhabitants south of Randers in Jutland. The soil began moving at a neighboring factory, run by Nordic Waste, where it had already wrecked houses. Experts expect that at least 2 million tons of contaminated soil are flowing at 2 meters per day, down from 9 meters per day, and will eventually reach the village. It is suspected that it may pollute the Alling A River. Research by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) into the incident, which has sparked fury throughout Denmark, discovered that the landslide was caused by human, not natural, action. It is believed to contain elements from Norway. "It is basically the polluted soil itself that is sliding and it started sliding in the relatively dry years of 2021 and 2022, which is something you would not expect from a natural landslide," said Kristian Svennevig, a senior GEUS researcher. The United Shipping and Trading Company (USTC), which owns Nordic Waste, previously blamed the disaster on climate factors beyond its control. Rene Mller Larsen, whose shop is 500 meters up the hill from the landslide and has lived in the area for decades, said the normally calm rural community has been rocked. "They have been shocked. And then the garbage [contaminated soil] was moving so fast. The worst case was it came to the village," he said. Read Also: America's Most Toxic Ghost Town: The Sinister History of Picher, Oklahoma Clean-up Operations Public officials and the firm that ran the site are disputing who should pay for the huge cleaning. Over the following six months, cleanup expenditures are estimated to exceed 205 million Danish kroner ($29.8 million), with the total cost potentially reaching billions. The clean-up began on December 10th, and nine days later, Nordic Waste stopped up on bringing it under control, leaving the work to the Randers Municipality, which has been rerouting the stream by installing pipes to allow it to travel through the site securely. Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke stated that authorities are trying to extend those pipes and build a sheet pile wall, as well as multiple basins for contaminated water. The most serious issues are runoff from snow and rain. Western Denmark has received a lot of rain and snow during the last week. It is still unclear who will be responsible for the cleanup costs. Nordic Waste was declared bankrupt earlier this week after the Danish Environmental Protection Agency ordered them to give security of more than 200 million Danish kroner ($29.1 million) to avoid an environmental disaster. Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, who visited the site, said that it would be unfair for Danish taxpayers to pay. The issue has sparked debate over whether Nordic Waste has a moral obligation to compensate. The government has criticized Denmark's sixth-richest man, Torben stergaard-Nielsen, who owns USTC, for not paying. Related Article: Ohio Train Derailment Releases Toxic Chemicals in East Palestine: Dead Animals and Sickness Reported According to information published by the US DoD on January 29, 2024, the Kuwait Naval Force and Coast Guard, together with the U.S Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, have united for Exercise Eager Defender 24, a strategic maritime training operation. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link US Navy's cruiser USS Vella Gulf, patrol coastal ship USS Thunderbolt, Coast Guard patrol boat USCGC Monomoy and Kuwait Naval Force patrol boats KNS Istiqal and KNS Al Garoh. (Picture source: US DoD) Conducted in Kuwait and the North Arabian Gulf from January 28 to February 7, this bilateral exercise led by Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade aims to bolster mutual interoperability and military capabilities, reflecting both nations' dedication to regional stability and preparedness. Exercise Eager Defender includes a comprehensive training program where U.S. Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers collaborate closely with Kuwaiti forces. The focus areas of this exercise encompass maritime security, board and search operations, harbor defense, unmanned systems handling, naval infantry tactics, and joint command and control strategies, culminating in a cooperative multinational amphibious assault. This exercise is designed to enhance the tactical skills required to tackle regional security threats and foster stronger military cooperation between the United States and Kuwait. It's part of a series of annual exercises where the U.S. military collaborates with allied nations to maintain a high state of readiness for various crises and contingencies. Context The country has faced various security challenges stemming from its geopolitical position in the Gulf region, particularly concerning its relations with neighboring Iran. Historically, Iran has been perceived as a source of threat to the security and stability of Kuwait and the broader Gulf region. During the Invasion of Kuwait and Operation Desert Storm, Kuwait's Navy suffered significant losses, almost being completely destroyed. The United States has played a significant role in Kuwait's security, particularly since this operation. This collaboration includes multi-domain military training, joint exercises, and support for ongoing operations in the region. However, Kuwait's military preparedness and readiness have lagged behind its Gulf Arab partners and Iran. The country's defense largely depends on U.S. protection, and there is a need for Kuwait to enhance its military capabilities and organizational approach to defense. A notable event in Kuwait's naval history is the signing of the Khawr Abd Allah Protocols on November 11, 2008. This non-legally binding agreement between the heads of the Kuwaiti Naval Force and the Iraqi Navy was the first successful maritime bilateral military agreement for the coordinated use of the Khawr Abd Allah waterway since before the 1991 Persian Gulf War. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. US President Joe Biden is considering options in connection with attacks on US troops in Jordan, coordinator for strategic communications at the White House National Security Council John Kirby said, Trend reports. As the US leader said, we will respond in accordance with our schedule and at a time convenient for us, he said. Earlier, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed condolences over the death of three American soldiers as a result of a drone attack on a base in Jordan. By Alimat Aliyeva On January 30, at about 7 a.m., North Korea launched a series of cruise missiles from the west coast, Azernews reports, citing the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of South Korea. South Korean officials said that this is the third cruise missile launch in the last week. It was launched two days after two Pulchvasal-3-31 submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles. The South Korean armed forces are on high alert, monitoring North Korea's actions, and exchanging information with their American counterparts. Officials said that the cruise missiles fly low and maneuver well, which allows them to evade missile defenses. Cruise missile launches are not a direct violation of UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting North Korea from using ballistic missile technology. French film legend Alain Delon was declared incapacitated by a French court on Monday, January 29. According to the court's ruling, the 88-year-old actor cannot dispose of his real estate independently. From now on, this and other issues related to medical examinations, expenses, etc. will be handled by a state agent appointed by law. ADVERTISIMENT However, the star's heirs - sons Anthony and Alain-Fabien and daughter Anoushka - are deprived of the right to provide him with care, including taking him for medical examinations and interfering with any medical procedures. BFMTV writes about this with reference to the words of the woman's lawyer, who called herself the actor's former "companion." As you know, Delon's children have repeatedly spoken out about their father's "critical" condition. Anthony, for example, said that this Christmas was the "last" for the actor. Meanwhile, Anushka, who is considered to be the celebrity's favorite child, made a statement that her father, who shares a child with Anthony, "can no longer tolerate the aggressive behavior of his son, who constantly claims that he has gone crazy." ADVERTISIMENT All of this led to a loud scandal and a split in the family, which has already been dubbed the "personal tragedy" of the French cinema legend. All of this led to the lawsuit. Alain Delon's lawyer, in particular, filed a lawsuit against Anthony over his words about the "last" Christmas. Now, according to the court's decision, the children will not have access to information about the medical condition of their star father, who was declared incapacitated. ADVERTISIMENT "This will allow a third party to help Alain Delon with his medical examinations. The judge deemed it necessary to deprive Delon's children of managing their father's medical examinations," the source quoted the lawyer as saying. Meanwhile, Anthony has already reacted to the court's decision. He stated: "If this can help set the record straight and stop the lawyers from talking about my father's illness without even reading the documents, that's a good thing. This medical dispute will end once and for all." As OBOZ.UA reported, Alain Delon turned 88 in November 2023. On this occasion, we told you why the twentieth-century sex symbol never became a Hollywood star, what he looks like now, and whether he supports Ukraine. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Georgie Purcell, 31, the youngest member of the Australian parliament, criticized the local Nine Network TV channel for slightly altering her photo. The Australian woman noted that the story used an image that enlarged her breasts and made her outfit more revealing. ADVERTISIMENT In a statement, the channel said that the changes were due to Photoshop automation, not the editorial team's desire. According to the Daily Mail, the photo was shown on Monday evening, January 29, in the newscast, and the heroine of the story reacted to it in the morning. Georgie Purcell, a member of parliament from the Animal Justice Party, publicly condemned the decision of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan not to ban duck hunting. "I went through a lot yesterday. But having the media photoshop my body and outfit was not in my bingo card," the MP wrote, adding that she could not imagine something like this happening to a male colleague. ADVERTISIMENT In the image used by Nine, the official was wearing a top that showed off her cleavage, arms, and other parts of her naked body. In the original image, she was wearing a dress. Georgie Purcell explained that it could not be her body for one very obvious reason - she has had a tattoo on her stomach since 2020. The Nine Network quickly responded to the scandal and apologized for the photo being different from the original. "I'd like to sincerely apologize to Georgie Purcell for the graphic error made in yesterday's edition. Our graphics department found Georgie's image online to use in our duck hunting article. As always, the image was resized to fit our requirements. During this process, Photoshop automation created an image that did not match the original," the company explained. ADVERTISIMENT By the way, the official recently admitted that she worked as a stripper at the age of 19, but did not want to publicize this stage of her life. However, she came across photos taken at that time online, so there was no point in denying the part-time job. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Salman Khan's production company issues warning against fake casting calls Mumbai, January 30 On behalf of actor Salman Khan, his production company, Salman Khan Films issued a statement clarifying that they are not associated with any third party for casting in films. "This is to clarify that neither Mr Salman Khan nor Salman Khan Films are casting for any film currently. We have not hired any casting agents for any of our future films. Please do not trust any emails or messages received by you for this purpose. Legal action will be taken if any party is found falsely using Mr Khan's or SKF's name in any unauthorised manner," the statement read. Last year also Salman's company issued a warning against fake casting calls using his name. Salman established his film production and distribution company, Salman Khan Films in 2011. The first film produced under the banner was Chillar Party, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and Vikas Bahl. Reportedly, the money generated from film productions is donated to the Being Human organization. (ANI - Posted on 30 January 2024) Salman Khan's production company issues warning against fake casting calls Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! In December 2008, the movie The Mysterious Story of Benjamin Button premiered. The film tells the story of a man who was born with the appearance and health of an 85-year-old man, and who magically rejuvenated with age: his skin regained its elasticity, his hair grayed, and his physical performance improved. ADVERTISIMENT The main role in the film was played by American actor Brad Pitt. He is now 60 years old. And it seems that he decided to use the benefits of plastic surgery to partially "repeat" the path of his character. Read more in the OBOZ.UA article. The first beauty manipulations Since the actor's work requires active facial expressions, the first wrinkles began to appear on the cheeks and broad forehead of 30-year-old Brad, which grew deeper over the years. Until he was about 40, he was not interested in plastic surgery and beauty injections. And then, probably because of the high demands on the stars' appearance, he began to visit cosmetologists. In April 2003, the man appeared at the Friends Finding A Cure event with barely noticeable wrinkles, indicating that he had been blanched with a soft filler and resurfaced. Shortly afterward, the actor underwent otoplasty to correct the shape of his protruding ears. ADVERTISIMENT Do you think he stopped there? No! Brad naturally lacks volume in the middle part of his cheeks. If nothing is done about it, his face begins to "creep" downward with age. To prevent this from happening, he used fillers to "lift" his face until he was about 60. However, not always successfully... For example, in 2014, the actor attended the 86th Academy Awards and was criticized because botulinum toxin made his face look bloated. ADVERTISIMENT With the light hand of a plastic surgeon... At the beginning of 2024, a video went viral online in which a former National Health Service doctor, Dr. Johnny Betteridge, suggested that the actor had secretly had a facelift that could cost more than 100,000 (approximately 4,802,668 UAH). The expert compared a photo of Brad Pitt taken at the 2020 Oscars with a photo from Wimbledon in 2023. According to him, the first one shows "normal signs of aging": deep static lines, loss of volume in the eye area and midface, and skin that lacks elasticity in the lower part of the face. While the second one shows that the actor has become "younger": "If you look at the side of his profile, you can see that the change in the contour of the lower part of his face is really striking. And you can tell it's due to the facelift by looking at his scar." ADVERTISIMENT It is quite possible that the actor took this step to look young next to his new girlfriend, 31-year-old fitness trainer Ines de Ramon. The couple has been dating for about a year now, and their relationship is getting stronger and stronger. After Johnny Batteridge's video became popular, journalists from The Sun talked to him. In the interview, the doctor said: "It's impossible to achieve this degree of facelift and contouring, especially in the middle and lower parts of the face, using non-surgical methods. In addition, a facelift often leaves a scar on the earlobe, a wise move that allows people to keep the fact that they have had a facelift a secret." What did Brad Pitt's representatives say about this? They declined to comment. Perhaps, over time, the actor will deny or confirm this information himself. ADVERTISIMENT While real and couch experts are trying to find traces of the surgery, let's take a look at the latest photos of the movie star. He was spotted by the paparazzi in Florida while filming the movie Apex, a movie about Formula 1 racing. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber.Do not fall for fakes! Champaign, IL (61820) Today A few snow showers scattered about the area this morning, otherwise a good deal of clouds. High 39F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 50%.. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 27F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Prior to the pandemic, the majority of American adults thought that families should be responsible for the daily care of older adultsand that families should cover the cost of this care. But there is a small sea change in that way of thinking, says a University of Michigan researcher. U-M demographer and sociologist Sarah Patterson, along with Adriana Reyes of Cornell University, used data from the General Social Survey to determine how Americans attitudes toward elder care have changed over time. The data was drawn from about 2,400 survey respondents aged 18 and older. They found that by 2022, more Americans felt government agencies should be providing help in caring for older adultsboth financially and in providing support for daily tasks such as grocery shopping or laundry. In 2012, 61% of Amercians believed that families should provide care for older family members. By 2022, only 48% of Americans felt this way. Over the same time, Americans support for government assistance nearly doubled, from 13% to 25%. The large, aging American population may be bringing this conversation to the forefront of peoples minds. But another event may also have contributed to a change in attitude: the COVID-19 pandemic, Patterson said. People were suddenly faced with not only taking care of their children, but also potentially a parent who may have moved into the household temporarily or needed help in other ways due to being in a high-risk category for COVID-19, she said. We were curious about how Americans attitudes have been changing considering the pandemic. During the pandemic, a lot of stories came out about the reality of elder care for adult children and other family members, said Patterson, a research investigator at the Survey Research Center and an affiliate at the Population Studies Center, both at the U-M Institute for Social Research. Child care receives a lot of attention, but elder care is more hidden. I think that plays out in peoples attitudes. They think, Now that Ive seen what this means for me, I may need more help.' Americans attitudes toward who should pay for elder care have also changed. In 2012, 37% of Americans thought the government should pay. By 2022, 51% felt this way. In 2012, 44% believed older adults or their family should pay for care; by 2022, this number had fallen to 28%. Patterson points out that these attitudes differ by age. Working-age adults increased their support for government over family payment as well as government support for daily care. Older adults increased their support for both, but not as significantly as working-age adults. These trends in increasing support for government aid mirror other attitude surveys like the Long-Term Care Poll that show support for more government responsibility for older adults health care. We wondered whether the growing population of aging adults was changing peoples attitudes toward elder care, but its really hard to tease this apart from the impact of the pandemic. The reality of the difficulty of elder care became front and center for family members taking care of an older adult during the pandemic. Sarah Patterson, U-M demographer and sociologist The study was published in Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World, a publication of the American Sociological Society. For over three decades, a highly accurate early diagnostic test for ovarian cancer has eluded physicians. Now, scientists in the Georgia Tech Integrated Cancer Research Center (ICRC) have combined machine learning with information on blood metabolites to develop a new test able to detect ovarian cancer with 93 percent accuracy among samples from the team's study group. John McDonald, professor emeritus in the School of Biological Sciences, founding director of the ICRC, and the study's corresponding author, explains that the new test's accuracy is better in detecting ovarian cancer than existing tests for women clinically classified as normal, with a particular improvement in detecting early-stage ovarian disease in that cohort. The team's results and methodologies are detailed in a new paper, "A Personalized Probabilistic Approach to Ovarian Cancer Diagnostics," published in the March 2024 online issue of the medical journal Gynecologic Oncology. Based on their computer models, the researchers have developed what they believe will be a more clinically useful approach to ovarian cancer diagnosis -; whereby a patient's individual metabolic profile can be used to assign a more accurate probability of the presence or absence of the disease. This personalized, probabilistic approach to cancer diagnostics is more clinically informative and accurate than traditional binary (yes/no) tests. It represents a promising new direction in the early detection of ovarian cancer, and perhaps other cancers as well." John McDonald, professor emeritus in the School of Biological Sciences, founding director of the ICRC, and the study's corresponding author The study co-authors also include Dongjo Ban, a Bioinformatics Ph.D. student in McDonald's lab; Research ScientistsStephen N. Housley, Lilya V. Matyunina, andL.DeEtte (Walker) McDonald; Regents' Professor Jeffrey Skolnick, who also serves as Mary and Maisie Gibson Chair in the School of Biological Sciences and Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Computational Systems Biology; and two collaborating physicians: University of North Carolina Professor Victoria L. Bae-Jump and Ovarian Cancer Institute of Atlanta Founder and Chief Executive OfficerBenedict B. Benigno. Members of the research team are forming a startup to transfer and commercialize the technology, and plan to seek requisite trials and FDA approval for the test. Silent killer Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the silent killer because the disease is typically asymptomatic when it first arises -; and is usually not detected until later stages of development, when it is difficult to treat. McDonald explains that while the average five-year survival rate for late-stage ovarian cancer patients, even after treatment, is around 31 percent -; but that if ovarian cancer is detected and treated early, the average five-year survival rate is more than 90 percent. "Clearly, there is a tremendous need for an accurate early diagnostic test for this insidious disease," McDonald says. And although development of an early detection test for ovarian cancer has been vigorously pursued for more than three decades, the development of early, accurate diagnostic tests has proven elusive. Because cancer begins on the molecular level, McDonald explains, there are multiple possible pathways capable of leading to even the same cancer type. "Because of this high-level molecular heterogeneity among patients, the identification of a single universal diagnostic biomarker of ovarian cancer has not been possible," McDonald says. "For this reason, we opted to use a branch of artificial intelligence -; machine learning -; to develop an alternative probabilistic approach to the challenge of ovarian cancer diagnostics." Metabolic profiles Georgia Tech co-author Dongjo Ban, whose thesis research contributed to the study, explains that "because end-point changes on the metabolic level are known to be reflective of underlying changes operating collectively on multiple molecular levels, we chose metabolic profiles as the backbone of our analysis." "The set of human metabolites is a collective measure of the health of cells," adds co-author Jeffrey Skolnick, "and by not arbitrary choosing any subset in advance, one lets the artificial intelligence figure out which are the key players for a given individual." Mass spectrometry can identify the presence of metabolites in the blood by detecting their mass and charge signatures. However, Ban says, the precise chemical makeup of a metabolite requires much more extensive characterization. Ban explains that because the precise chemical composition of less than seven percent of the metabolites circulating in human blood have, thus far, been chemically characterized, it is currently impossible to accurately pinpoint the specific molecular processes contributing to an individual's metabolic profile. However, the research team recognized that, even without knowing the precise chemical make-up of each individual metabolite, the mere presence of different metabolites in the blood of different individuals, as detected by mass spectrometry, can be incorporated as features in the building of accurate machine learning-based predictive models (similar to the use of individual facial features in the building of facial pattern recognition algorithms). "Thousands of metabolites are known to be circulating in the human bloodstream, and they can be readily and accurately detected by mass spectrometry and combined with machine learning to establish an accurate ovarian cancer diagnostic," Ban says. A new probabilistic approach The researchers developed their integrative approach by combining metabolomic profiles and machine learning-based classifiers to establish a diagnostic test with 93 percent accuracy when tested on 564 women from Georgia, North Carolina, Philadelphia and Western Canada. 431 of the study participants were active ovarian cancer patients, and while the remaining 133 women in the study did not have ovarian cancer. Further studies have been initiated to study the possibility that the test is able to detect very early-stage disease in women displaying no clinical symptoms, McDonald says. McDonald anticipates a clinical future where a person with a metabolic profile that falls within a score range that makes cancer highly unlikely would only require yearly monitoring. But someone with a metabolic score that lies in a range where a majority (say, 90%) have previously been diagnosed with ovarian cancer would likely be monitored more frequently -; or perhaps immediately referred for advanced screening. High school students who reported using cannabis, alcohol, or nicotine were more likely to have thoughts about suicide, feel depressed or anxious, have unusual experiences, and exhibit inattention or hyperactivity, according to recent survey-based study conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the University of Minnesota. The study, which is published in JAMA Pediatrics, included 20222023 survey results from more than 15,000 high school students across Massachusetts. We sought to determine whether substance use was dose-dependently associated with various psychiatric symptoms in a large sample if high school students, and whether these associations differed depending on the type of substance used." Randi M. Schuster, PhD, senior author, associate professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at MGH and the director of School-Based Research and Program Development within MGH's Center for Addiction Medicine Schuster and her colleagues found that alcohol use, cannabis useand nicotine use were each associated with an increased prevalence of suicidal thoughts as well as depression/anxiety symptoms, psychotic experiences, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. For example, thoughts of suicide were approximately five-times more prevalent among high school students who used substances daily or near daily compared with those who did not. Increases in psychiatric symptoms were detected even among adolescents with relatively low levels of use. The investigators' findings were replicated when they examined responses from a national survey conducted in 2021. "Our study's results highlight the prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidities among young people who use substances, and they lend strong support for the notion that screening, prevention, intervention and policy efforts need to comprehensively address targets beyond substance use alone," says lead author Brenden Tervo-Clemmens, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. "Also, these efforts may not need to necessarily be specific to a given substance, but rather reflect the multifaceted mental health needs of all adolescents who use substances." Schuster is currently heading up a study that will survey individual students over time to provide additional insights into the relationship and timing of substance use and psychiatric symptoms, which could help investigators develop interventions to better safeguard adolescents' mental health. Additional authors include Jodi M. Gilman, PhD; A. Eden Evins, MD; Kate H. Bentley, PhD; Matthew K. Nock, PhD; and Jordan W. Smoller, MD. This work was funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the American Psychological Foundation. There are many lingering mysteries from the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, why does SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the disease, cause severe symptoms in some patients, while many other coronaviruses don't? And what causes strange symptoms to persist even after the infection has been cleared from a person's system? The world may now have the beginning of answers. In a study published today in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a UCLA-led multidisciplinary research team explores one way that COVID-19 turns the immune system -; which is crucial for keeping people alive -; against the body itself, with potentially deadly results. Using an artificial intelligence system they developed, the study authors scanned the entire collection of proteins produced by SARS-CoV-2 and then performed an exhaustive series of validation experiments. The scientists found that certain viral protein fragments, generated after the SARS-CoV-2 virus is broken down into pieces, can mimic a key component of the body's machinery for amplifying immune signals. Their discoveries suggest that some of the most serious COVID-19 outcomes can result from these fragments overstimulating the immune system, thereby causing rampant inflammation in widely different contexts such as cytokine storms and lethal blood coagulation. The study was led by corresponding author Gerard Wong, a professor of bioengineering at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and in the UCLA College's chemistry and biochemistry department and microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics department. "What we found deviates from the standard picture of viral infection," said Wong, who is also a member of the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA. "The textbooks tell us that after the virus is destroyed, the sick host 'wins,' and different pieces of virus can be used to train the immune system for future recognition. COVID-19 reminds us that it's not this simple. "For comparison, if one were to assume that after food gets digested into its molecular components, then its effects on the body are over, it would be very liberating; I wouldn't have to worry about the half-dozen jelly donuts I just ate. However, this simple picture is not correct." The research team found SARS-CoV-2 fragments can imitate innate immune peptides, a class of immune molecules that amplify signals to activate the body's natural defenses. Peptides are chains of amino acids like proteins, only shorter. These immune peptides can spontaneously assemble into new structures with double-stranded RNA, a special form of a molecule essential for building proteins from DNA, typically found in viral infections or released by dying cells. The resultant hybrid complex of the immune peptides and double-stranded RNA kicks off a chain reaction that triggers an immune response. In addition to their AI analysis, the researchers used state-of-the-art methods for elucidating nanoscale biological structures and conducted cell- and animal-based experiments. Compared to relatively harmless coronaviruses that cause the common cold, the team found that SARS-CoV-2 harbors many more combinations of fragments that can better mimic human immune peptides. Consistent with that, additional experiments with multiple cell types all consistently show that fragments of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus prompt an amplified inflammatory response compared to those from a common cold coronavirus. Likewise, experiments with mice show that fragments from SARS-CoV-2 lead to huge immune response, especially in the lungs. The findings could influence treatment for COVID-19 and efforts to identify and surveil future coronaviruses capable of causing pandemics. We may be able to look at the protein composition of this year's coronavirus strains and figure out whether they're potentially pandemic-capable or just going to cause the common cold." Gerard Wong, professor of bioengineering, UCLA Samueli School of Engineering Wong and his colleagues concentrated on three SARS-CoV-2 fragments. Using a technique for analyzing detailed molecular structures called synchrotron X-ray diffraction, they found that, like the innate immune peptide, the SARS-CoV-2 fragments can organize double-stranded RNA into structures that stimulate the immune system. "We saw that the various forms of debris from the destroyed virus can reassemble into these biologically active 'zombie' complexes," Wong said. "It is interesting that the human peptide being imitated by the viral fragments has been implicated in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and lupus, and that different aspects of COVID-19 are reminiscent of these autoimmune conditions." The scientists also measured the entire set of genes expressed at the cellular level. By performing a comparison with internationally curated databases, the team found that the gene expression profile from cells exposed to SARS-CoV-2 "zombie" complexes closely resembled that from COVID-19 itself. "What's astonishing about the gene expression result is there was no active infection used in our experiments," Wong said. "We did not even use the whole virus -; rather only about 0.2% or 0.3% of it -; but we found this incredible level of agreement that is highly suggestive." The findings may account for some peculiarities of COVID-19 infection. For instance, that fragments from SARS-CoV-2 lead to excessive inflammation could help explain why some seemingly healthy people experience severe COVID-19. Normally, the activity of enzymes varies a great deal between healthy individuals -; with levels differing by as much as a factor of 10. It is ultimately enzymes that are responsible for cutting virus particles into smaller and smaller pieces. Evidence that persistence of SARS-CoV-2 fragments may drive illness also reinforces emerging clues about which treatments may show promise. "Our results suggest we may be able to manage COVID-19 by inhibiting certain enzymes or enhancing others," Wong said. "One could even imagine a strategy also based on mimicry, by using biologically inactive decoys that look enough like these viral fragments to compete for double-stranded RNA, but form complexes that don't activate the immune system." Remnant viral fragments are known to exist in other viral infections, but their biological activities have not been systematically studied. The collaborative effort for this study brought together a team with 24 departmental and institutional affiliations during a particularly challenging time of the pandemic. The first author is Yue Zhang, a former UCLA postdoctoral researcher and current assistant professor at Westlake University in Hangzhou, China. Additional UCLA-based co-authors are doctoral students Jaime de Anda, Jonathan Chen and Elizabeth Luo; HongKyu Lee of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center; Liana Chan, assistant adjunct professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; Michael Yeaman, professor of medicine at the Geffen School of Medicine and director of the Institute for Infection and Immunity at the Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center; and Melody Li, assistant professor of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics. The study's senior authors include Rich Gallo and Victor Nizet of UC San Diego and Silvio Antoniak and Nigel Mackman of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Co-authors are also affiliated with Harvard Medical School, the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The study was supported by the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy and institutional funding sources that include the UCLA W. M. Keck Foundation COVID-19 Research Award Program. Ukrainian artist Sonya Moroziuk found herself in the center of unwanted attention because of her now ex-fiance, corrupt Roman Hrynkevych, who, together with his businessman father, stole from the Armed Forces and caused almost a billion hryvnias in losses to the Ukrainian state budget. However, as it turned out, this was not the first Roman in the scandalous celebrity's life. Moreover, Sonya was married when she started dating Hrynkevych. ADVERTISIMENT TSN journalists managed to find out these details. They said that Morozyuk's former official husband's name is Roman Zalipa. He is a businessman from Volyn who is engaged in construction. Roman (not Hrynkevych) and Sonya got married in December 2022. The wedding was apparently a secret one, because there are no mentions of it on the artist's social media. And judging by the photo, it shouldn't be called a wedding either: the young people simply signed a marriage license in one of the registry offices, where Morozyuk came in a long white hoodie, leggings, and boots. The groom, on the other hand, wore sneakers, not just any sneakers, but from the French fashion house Louis Vuitton. ADVERTISIMENT The fact about the sneakers is probably the funniest and most interesting in this story. Roman Hrynkevych already appeared in the Pechersk District Court of Kyiv wearing shoes from the same luxury brand, worth about 1,000 euros, where he heard his preventive measure. So, we can conclude that Morozyuk chooses businessmen Roman, who wear Louis Vuitton and, of course, give her expensive gifts. ADVERTISIMENT Ukrainians are already aware of Roman Hrynkevych's Cartier jewelry, but Roman Zalipa, according to journalists, gave his beloved a 2015 PORSCHE CAYENNE for 33 thousand dollars. At the same time, Moroziuk claims that she bought the expensive car on her own. In addition, insiders disclosed that before his arrest, Hrynkevych also decided to add a premium car to his bride's fleet, namely a Mercedes for 200 thousand euros. He allegedly ordered a car for Morozyuk, and it is to be delivered to the salon in 2024. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, Ihor Hrynkevych is a defendant in the case of supplying low-quality clothing to the Armed Forces for UAH 1 billion. The SBI detained him in late December. A preventive measure of detention with the possibility of bail in the amount of UAH 429.44 million was chosen for him. The property of his family and companies controlled by him was also seized. Roman Hrynkevych, director of the charity organization, was detained in Odesa on January 22. Law enforcers spent a week catching the son of a Lviv businessman, and in court he said he did not know about it because he did not have a cell phone. Earlier, OBOZ.UA also wrote about how the corruption scandal affected the artist Sonya Moroziuk, who was Roman Hrynkevych's fiancee. Her mural in Kyiv was painted over, all the stars turned their backs on the Ukrainian woman, and she announced that she had broken off the engagement. In response, Hrynkevych only laughed ironically in court. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! BLS E-Services IPO Details: The subscription period for the initial public offering (IPO) of BLS E-Services Ltd (BESL) is set to commence on Tuesday, January 30, and will conclude on February 1, 2024. Before the subscription opening, there is notable demand for BLS E-Services shares in the grey market, commanding a premium double that of the IPO price. BLS E-Services IPO The offer is entirely a fresh issue of 2.3 crore equity shares. The issue will be available at a price band of Rs 129-135 per share. At the upper end of the price band, the IPO will mobilise Rs 311 crore. The company proposes to utilise net proceeds from the fresh issue to strengthen its technology infrastructure to develop new capabilities and consolidate its existing platforms, among others. The money will also be used to fund initiatives for organic growth by setting up BLS Stores, achieve inorganic growth through acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. BLS E-Services IPO GMP The grey market premium (GMP) for BLS E-Services stands at approximately Rs 158, reflecting a 117% increase over the issue price of Rs 135. However, Its crucial to emphasise that Grey GMPs serve as indicators of the companys shares in the unlisted market and are susceptible to rapid changes. Meanwhile, the company on Monday mobilised Rs 126 crore from anchor investors a day before its IPO. The company has allotted 93.27 lakh equity shares to 10 funds for Rs 135 apiece, which is also the upper end of the price band, according to a circular uploaded on the BSE website. Sixteenth Street Asian Gems Fund, Saint Capital Fund, Silver Stride India Global Fund, Aries Opportunities Fund, Aidos India Fund are among the anchor investors that have been allotted shares. BLS E-Services Listing The basis of allotment is expected to be concluded by February 2, with shares slated to be credited to demat accounts by February 5. The stock is scheduled to be listed on both the NSE and BSE on February 6. Over the years, Indian finance ministers have been captured in photographs as they entered parliament carrying a briefcase for the yearly Budget presentation. However, this tradition underwent a significant transformation in 2019, when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman opted for a Bahi Khata, bidding farewell to the conventional Budget briefcase. Also Read: No Economic Survey To Be Presented On January 31, Heres Why What Is Bahi Khata? In 2019, Finance Minister Sitharaman ushered in a departure from the iconic budget briefcase, opting instead for a Bahi Khata or cloth ledger. This decision aimed to break away from the colonial tradition where British finance ministers used to carry a Gladstone Box to Parliament, a practice subsequently replaced by bags and briefcases. India embraced a similar transition. In the lead-up to the 2019 budget presentation, Nirmala Sitharaman was observed with a red Bahi Khata, a traditional ledger of accounts, instead of the customary briefcase. This departure was interpreted as a symbolic renunciation of the colonial legacy, as the briefcase itself was a vestige of British rule in India, modelled after the Gladstone box utilised in British budget presentations. Break away from a colonial practice: The briefcase was seen as a remnant of British rule in India. Using the Bahi Khata, a traditional Indian accounting tool, was seen as a way to embrace the countrys heritage and symbolism. The briefcase was seen as a remnant of British rule in India. Using the Bahi Khata, a traditional Indian accounting tool, was seen as a way to embrace the countrys heritage and symbolism. Connect with the common people: The Bahi Khata is a familiar symbol for many Indians, particularly those in rural areas and small businesses. Using it was seen as a way to make the budget presentation more relatable and accessible to the average citizen. The Bahi Khata is a familiar symbol for many Indians, particularly those in rural areas and small businesses. Using it was seen as a way to make the budget presentation more relatable and accessible to the average citizen. Signal a focus on financial inclusion: The Bahi Khata is often used by small businesses and entrepreneurs to track their finances. Using it was seen as a way to signal the governments commitment to supporting these sectors. The inaugural union budget of independent India saw its first finance minister, RK Shankmukham Chetty, adhering to the British tradition by transporting documents in a leather portfolio bag. Subsequently, in the following years, various finance ministers opted for distinct briefcases to present the budget. In contrast, Sitharamans choice to utilise the Bahi Khata added an indigenous flair to the budgetary process. I thought it was better we move out from the British handhold. And I thought it was good enough to do something on our own. It was easier for me to carry also and very Indian, Sitharaman said of her decision to use the red silk Bahi Khata. The customary vessel for budget documents made its second and final appearance in 2020. However, the subsequent year witnessed a departure from this traditional book of accounts in favour of a more contemporary device. In 2021, Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget in a paperless format, employing a domestically manufactured tablet. In 2021, 2022, and once more in 2023, she brought the tablet to parliament enclosed in a red pouch reminiscent of the Bahi Khata style. The choice to adopt a tablet was perceived as a stride in support of the governments Digital India initiative. Interim Budget 2024 Like the previous three full union budgets, the interim union budget 2024 will also be delivered in paperless form. The interim union budget 2024 is to be presented on February 01, 2024. Union Budget Mobile App For Budget Documents All the union budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), Finance Bill, etc., will be available on the Union Budget Mobile App for hassle-free access to budget documents by Members of Parliament and the general public using the simplest form of digital convenience. It is bilingual (English & Hindi) and will be available on both Android and iOS platforms. The app can also be downloaded from the union budget web portal (www.indiabudget.gov.in). The budget documents will be available on the mobile app after the completion of the budget speech by the union finance minister in parliament. The State Bank of India (SBI) is likely to release the SBI Junior Associate (Clerk) result 2024 for preliminary examination soon. Once the result is announced, candidates who appeared for the recruitment examination can key in their roll number/registration number and date of birth on the login window and download their SBI Clerk prelims results 2024 through the official website of State Bank of India at sbi.co.in. The computer-based test (CBT) preliminary examination was conducted on January 5, 6, 11, and 12 this year at various exam centres across the country. As per reports, the State Bank of India (SBI) will release the Clerk Preliminary 2024 result in the last week of January or the first week of February 2024. However, there is no official confirmation of the result date so far by the bank. SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Result 2024: How To Download Step 1: To download the result, candidates need to visit the official website of the State Bank of India at sbi.co.in. Step 2: Navigate to the careers tab available on the homepage and click on the SBI Clerk Advertisement link. Step 3: Then, Click on the SBI Clerk Preliminary result 2024 link from the drop-down menu. Step 4: As a new page opens, candidates will be required to key in the required credentials. Step 5: Click on submit and the SBI Clerk Prelims Result 2024 will be displayed on the screen. Step 6: Check the SBI Clerk Prelims result and save a copy of the same for further reference. The State Bank of India (SBI) is conducting this recruitment exam with the aim of filling a total of 8,283 Junior Associate posts in the organisation. Candidates who qualify for the preliminary exam will be invited to sit for the mains examination. The SBI Clerk main examination is scheduled to be conducted tentatively in the month of February. Those who qualify for the Mains exam will then proceed to the next stages of the selection process. The SBI clerk prelims exam comprised a 100-mark objective test for an hour. The exam, consisting of three sectionsEnglish Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Abilitywas administered online. It is to be noted by the candidates that negative marks will be applicable for wrong answers in the objective tests. For every wrong answer marked, one-fourth of the mark assigned for each question will be deducted. The Samajwadi Partys first list of 16 candidates from Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections is dotted with family names, with chief Akhilesh Yadavs wife Dimple Yadav contesting from the partys bastion of Mainpuri. This is a seat held several times by Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Dimple had won it in a bypoll a year ago after it was left vacant following the SP patriarchs death. The two other family names are those of Akhileshs cousins Dharmendra Yadav from Badaun and Akshay Yadav from Firozabad. Akshay, who is the son of SP veteran Ram Gopal Yadav, had won from Firozabad in 2014 before losing the seat to the BJP in a tight contest in 2019. Dharmendra has also been an MP from Badaun in 2009 and 2014 before he narrowly lost to the BJP in 2019. The SP has named Bhojpuri actress Kajal Nishad from Yogi Adityanaths stronghold Gorakhpur, which he has represented multiple times in the past before he became the chief minister. The partys choice for the Faizabad seat, which covers the all-important Ayodhya, is 77-year-old Awadhesh Prasad. He is a nine-time MLA from Milkipur and a close aide of the Yadav family, as well as a Dalit face whose stock has been rising in the SP. The SP has given a ticket to Shafiqur Rahman Barq from Sambhal, where he is the sitting MP but the ticket for Moradabad, which has the other sitting MP Dr ST Hasan, has not been declared yet. The party has only three Lok Sabha MPs at present Dimple, Barq and Hasan. The SP lost Rampur and Azamgarh in a bypoll after winning them in 2019. Former Congress leader Annu Tandon, who had joined the SP, is contesting from the Unnao seat. Ravidas Mehrotra, another close Yadav aide and Lucknow Central MLA, has been given a ticket from the Lucknow Lok Sabha constituency. Katheri MLA Lalji Verma, who was earlier with the BSP, is contesting from Ambedkar Nagar as an SP candidate. The announcement of the first list of seats by the SP has come even as seat-sharing talks with the Congress have only begun, and Akhilesh had made it public that he can offer 11 seats to the grand old party out of a total of 80 in the state. Sources said all the 16 seats declared by the SP are seen as strongholds by the party. The move by the SP shows it wants to get on with the seat allocation with only a few months left for the general elections, while the Congress seems to be dragging its feet on the matter. Elon Musk has said his Neuralink brain-chip startup had installed a brain implant in the first human patient on Sunday and is recovering well. The first product from Neuralink would be called Telepathy, Musk said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The initial results show promising neuron spike detection, he added. The companys aim is to connect human brains to computers and it wants to help tackle complex neurological conditions. Telepathy would enable control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking, according to Musk. What is Neuralink? Neuralink is a neurotechnology company co-founded by Musk along with a team of scientists and engineers in 2016 to build direct communication channels between the brain and computers. The aim is to supercharge human capabilities, treat neurological disorders like ALS or Parkinsons, and ultimately achieve a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. The technology is capable of recording and decoding neural signals and then transmitting information back to the brain using electrical stimulation. Till last year, the California-based company had more than 400 employees and has raised at least $363 million. Neuralink is also developing an app that would allow a person to manipulate a keyboard and mouse using only their mind. How Neuralinks Brain Implant Works? Neuralink opened the study trial for recruitment last September. It won the approval from US regulators to test its brain implants in people. The technology will mainly work through an implant called the Link a device about the size of five stacked coins that is placed inside the human brain through invasive surgery. The device is designed to connect human brains directly to computers. The hardware would harbor electrodes capable of both recording neural activity and stimulating specific regions of the brain. As per reports, Neuralinks underlying technology works in the same way as electrophysiology. The electrical chemical signals in the nervous system spark as neurons communicate with one another across gaps between nerve cells known as synapses, according to BuiltIn. The brain activity is captured by electrodes or censors that detect voltages and measure the change in spikes when the voltages fire. Or in other words, our brain activity data is captured not only when we take action, but also if we think about taking action. Researchers hope the implants powers will also treat paralysis, spinal cord injuries and brain disorders. But Will Brain implants Actually Work? Brain implants, which have long been imagined as a science fiction, has slowly evolved into practive with several companies apart from Neuralink introducing ways and means to connect our brains to computers. Billions of dollars are flowing into a clutch of specialist companies hunting for treatments for some of the most debilitating ailments. In 2014, for the first time in history, a paralysed person had regained the ability to move their arm using just their thoughts with a little help from a device implanted in their brain after he agreed to be a part of an experimental trial of a brain-computer interface (BCI), which connects human neural activity to technology. Last year, a paralyzed Swiss man, who lost the use of his arms after a fall, become the first person to test a new technology that reads his thoughts using AI and then transmits signals through his own nervous system to his arms, hands and fingers in order to restore movement. The treatment, a combination of a brain-computer interface and a spinal implant, had previously allow a paraplegic patient to walk again, a breakthrough that was published in the scientific journal Nature in May. (With inputs from agencies) A US military desert outpost in the far reaches of northeastern Jordan has become the focus of international attention after a drone attack killed three American troops and injured at least 34 others there. The US has vowed retaliatory strikes in Iraq and Syria that are likely to be more powerful than the previous attacks in the countries. As per reports, the US military facilities in Iraq and Syria have been targeted over 160 times since October last year since Israel-Hamas war. All About Tower 22 The US base, known as Tower 22, sits near the demilitarized zone on the border between Jordan and Syria along a sandy, bulldozed berm marking the DMZs southern edge. The Iraqi border is only 10 kilometres away. The area is known as Rukban, a vast arid region that once saw a refugee camp spring up on the Syrian side over the rise of the Islamic State groups so-called caliphate in 2014. At its height, over 1 lakh people lived there, blocked by Jordan from coming across into the kingdom at the time over concerns about infiltration by the extremist group. Those concerns grew out of a 2016 car bomb attack there that killed seven Jordanian border guards The camp has dwindled in the time since to some 7,500 people because of a lack of supplies reaching there, according to United Nations estimates. The base began as a Jordanian outpost watching the border, then saw an increased US presence there after American forces entered Syria in late 2015. The small installation includes US engineering, aviation, logistics and security troops with about 350 US Army and Air Force personnel deployed there. The bases location offers a site for American forces to infiltrate and quietly leave Syria. A small American garrison at al-Tanf in Syria is just 20 kilometres north of Tower 22. That base is along a Syrian highway leading into Iraq and ultimately Mosul, once a prominent base of the Islamic State group. Its also a potential weapons shipment route over the road for Iran. US Presence in Jordan US troops long have used Jordan, a kingdom bordering Iraq, Israel, the Palestinian territory of the West Bank, Saudi Arabia and Syria, as a basing point. Some 3,000 American troops typically are stationed across Jordan. However, the US presence in Jordan risks angering a population thats already held mass demonstrations against Israels war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip over civilian casualties in a conflict thats already killed over 26,000 Palestinians. Estimates suggest some 3 million of Jordans 11.5 million people are Palestinian. Widespread unrest could threaten the rule of King Abdullah II, a key American ally. Jordan initially denied the Tower 22 base existed within its border after the attack Sunday. US and Iran Proxy War The killing of the American soldiers is dragging the US further into a proxy war with Iran that President Joe Biden had hoped to avoid and that he still hopes can be contained. After years of trying to ease tensions with Iran through dialogue, and then months seeking to keep the Israel-Hamas war from escalating, the drone strike by Iranian-backed militants on US forces in Jordan crossed an unstated red line for the Biden administration. The United States has already been hitting another Iranian-backed group, Yemens Huthi rebels. The strikes come after warnings failed to dissuade Huthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, which the insurgents say are acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza being bombarded by US ally Israel. The White House has promised a very consequential response to the Jordan attack, which comes at the start of an election year in which Bidens Republican rivals are going on the offensive and urging direct attacks on Iran. In a shocking incident from Andhra Pradesh Gavarapalem, a cable technician allegedly tried to strangle an elderly woman to death at her house last week in an attempt to steal her gold chain. The incident occurred on the evening of January 26 at around 7:30 pm. A video of the incident was captured on CCTV camera and it showed the accused wrapping a towel around the 67-year-old womans neck while she was seated on the sofa. He then tries to strangle her in an alleged attempt to kill. Disclaimer: The following video contains disturbing content. Viewer discretion is advised. Disturbing ClipA young man who tied a towel around the neck of Lakshmi Narayanamma, who was alone in Anakapalli Gavarapalem Park Center, Andhra Prad, and gave her an 8-tula gold chain. In the CCTV footage, Govind, who works in cable, was identified pic.twitter.com/D98iWCxYlH Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) January 29, 2024 According to an India Today report, the accused, Govind, was a cable technician, who often visited the womans home for work. Finding the woman alone in the house, Govind, took advantage of the situation and made an attempt to steal her gold chain. Based on a complaint lodged by the elderly womans family, a case was filed under sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The accused is currently on the run and the police is trying to locate him. An elderly poet in Uttarakhands Pantnagar died after he suffered a heart attack and fell on stage, at a time when he was performing at a poetry festival. A video of the incident has caught attention on social media, which shows him collapsing on a man who was seated behind him all of a sudden, while he was reciting a poem. According to an India Today report, the poetry festival was conducted at the G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology to pay tribute to brave Indian soldiers and was named Pantnagar Kavya Mahotsav. The poet, identified as Subhash Chaturvedi, was rushed to the district hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. Later, his body was taken to his ancestral residence in Mathura. The deceased was an Assistant Accountant at Pantnagar University, who retired in 2014 and was a resident of Jawahar Nagar. In another incident, that happened on January 22, a man playing Lord Hanuman during a Ramlila play died on stage while performing in Haryanas Bhiwani. The man, identified as Harish Mehta, reportedly suffered a heart attack during his performance. Humans of Bombay, one of Indias most popular storytelling platforms renowned for capturing inspiring stories from diverse individuals, proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary yesterday. Commencing its legacy in Mumbai, over the past decade, the platform has expanded to cover all Indian cities and connect with people across the globe through the power of storytelling. With a community of over 5M+ followers and a diverse pan-India audience, HOB chronicles stories ranging from local tea stalls to decoding the journeys of Indias foremost leaders like Ratan Tata and Narendra Modi. The platform is committed to capturing the brighter side of human experiences, delving into complex subjects such as domestic violence, homosexuality, sex work, and drug abuse. This milestone not only marks a decade-long strive to championing Indias exceptional stories, but also signifies the platforms dedication to making important conversations accessible to a wider audience. The journey has been extremely rewarding, achieving numerous milestones, including raising funds for individuals such as Ali Bhatt, a Kashmiri carpet weaver wrongfully imprisoned for 23 years, a young girl from the Kalbelia tribe, and a 14-year-old aspiring pilot. In addition to sharing inspiring narratives, HOB has collaborated with brands like Dove, Amazon, WhatsApp, OLA and Hindustan Unilever, to further showcase the achievements and success of ordinary people. The Suvidha Centre, a CSR initiative by Hindustan Unilever, collaborated with HOB highlighting stories of individuals benefiting from dignified sanitation, generating positive responses and increasing social media awareness. Beyond these online initiatives, the platform extends its influence through various channels, including a white-label agency, YouTube shows like How The Hell Did I Do It and The Humans of Bombay Show. Looking ahead, HOB is gearing up for its first large offline event, the Bombay Storytelling Festival, scheduled for later this year. The festival aims to bring online stories to an offline space, offering unique experiences like the human library, panel discussions, open mics, live music performances, food stalls, and interactive installations. Alongside this HOB now has plans to diversify further into Long Form Content as well. The platform is now diving deep alongside their storytelling approach, with Realign, a new venture that serves as an immersive experience, exploring a unique intersection of science, spirituality, and wellness. Realign stands on three pillars, listen, learn, and live, offering a podcast with insightful conversations, courses that help you align life, and creative community based experiential events, to provide a comprehensive platform and community to REALIGN.The launch of Realign marks a new venture expanding towards diving deep into holistic narratives and guiding people towards a better life. The first leg of Realign, the podcast, is now live. With each episode, listeners are invited to partake in transformative conversations with experts, thought leaders, and visionaries who add up to ones personal growth. Patrons can anticipate engaging conversations with notable guests such as Shikhar Dhawan, Zepto founders Aadit and Kaivalya Vohra, and humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. On the 13th of January, 2024 the 3rd Pillar of Realign Live, was launched with their Manifestation edition. The event focused on the topic of manifestation conducted by Karishma Mehta and specialist Dr Karishma Ahuja. The 3-hour event was a mix of conversations, a workshop and a bringing together of like-minded individuals. It saw a wonderful turn out that was a diverse range of people from 18 to 60+ years of age of whom some had flown in from different parts of the country with the vision and goal to Realign. A glimpse of the first event is presented here. Karishma Mehta, CEO at Humans of Bombay, reflects on the journey, stating, One thing that binds us together is inspiring real-life stories. And in the past ten years of Humans of Bombay, we have believed in the thought strongly. As we look back with gratitude, its empowering to see how the platform has created a sense of belonging and resonated with millions of hearts. In the future, our goal remains the same to unify humans with authentic stories. We are also excited to introduce new avenues, the Bombay Storytelling Festival, and much more, as we embark on the next chapter of storytelling. While these 10 years we have focused on the going wide with our stories and we continue to do that, we now bring to you Realign which is a whole venture about Diving deep into Science, spirituality & Well being. Celebrating a decade of impactful storytelling, Humans of Bombay (HOB) remains steadfast in its commitment to positive change. Humans of Bombay, pledges to explore new ways of storytelling that uplifts and inspires. Realign, HOBs latest venture, is a testament to giving back and empowering the community to lead better lives. In this next chapter, Humans of Bombay continues with its mission, weaving narratives that resonate with the essence of humanity. About Humans of Bombay Humans of Bombay (HOB) stands as Indias largest storytelling platform, dedicated to sharing the authentic life stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds, ranging from ordinary citizens to celebrities. Founded by Karishma Mehta in 2014, inspired by Brandon Stantons Humans of New York, HOB began as a Mumbai-centric photo blog. Today, it has grown into a thriving community of over 5 million people across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, andYouTube, transcending its Mumbai roots to encompass all Indian cities and connect people globally through the art of storytelling. For 10 years, HOB has been a conduit for narratives, shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and journeys of individuals, breaking societal barriers and fostering empathy. Beyond storytelling, HOB actively contributes to social causes, raising funds through crowdfunding for healthcare, education, and social justice. The community has raised Rs 16 crores so far, notably contributing to COVID-19 relief efforts during the pandemic. HOB extends its impact by collaborating with brands and co-creating campaigns with over 200 partners, including Asian Paints, TATA, OkCupid, Netflix, and others. The platform is mediumagnostic, amplifying stories across print, digital, outdoor advertising, social media, brand films, and more. It has launched talk shows on YouTube, including How The Hell Did I Do It and The Humans of Bombay Show, featuring unfiltered conversations with celebrities and industry experts. Notable guests include Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, Neena Gupta, Jos Buttler, among others. Founder and CEO Karishma Mehta has interviewed prominent personalities such as Ratan Tata and PM Narendra Modi, capturing and cataloguing their inspirational journeys on HOB. As HOB journeys towards becoming a comprehensive media platform, it remains committed to authentic storytelling that resonates across various channels, ensuring its content reaches diverse audiences and continues to inspire, connect, and empower. In yet another daring operation in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navys warship, INS Sumitra, rescued 19 Pakistani crew members onboard an Iran-flagged fishing vessel, Al Naeemi, from armed Somalian pirates. As many as 11 Somalian pirates had hijacked the fishing vessel along with its 19 crew members. #INSSumitra Carries out 2nd Successful #AntiPiracy Ops Rescuing 19 Crew members & Vessel from Somali Pirates.Having thwarted the Piracy attempt on FV Iman, the warship has carried out another successful anti-piracy ops off the East Coast of Somalia, rescuing Fishing Vessel Al https://t.co/QZz9bCihaU pic.twitter.com/6AonHw51KX SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 30, 2024 Pirates had boarded FV Al Naeemi and taken all her crew members hostage. Responding swiftly to the developing situation, INS Sumitra intercepted the FV on January 29. Through coercive posturing and effective deployment of her integral help and boats, the Indian warship ensured the safe release of both the crew and the vessel, the Navy said in a statement. The ship undertook confirmatory boarding to sanitise the FV and also check on the crews well being after they were held captive by the pirates. Just yesterday, INS Sumitra Indian Navys indigenous Offshore Patrol Vessel rescued 17 crew members onboard another Iran-flagged fishing vessel, MV Iman, hijacked by Somalian pirates 700 nautical miles west of Kochi in the Arabian Sea. The ALH Dhruv choppers on board the Indian Navys warship had encircled the hijacked vessel to issue warnings to the pirates that hijacked it, Indian Defence officials said. INS Sumitra safely rescued all persons aboard the fishing vessel and disarmed the pirates, asking them to move towards Somalia. FV Iman was sanitised and released for onward transit., Within 36 hours, INS Sumitra rescued two hijacked fishing vessels along with 36 crew members 17 Iranian and 19 Pakistani in the Southern Arabian Sea approximately 850 nautical miles west of Kochi. Through its persistent and relentless efforts, the Indian Navys warship prevented the misuse of these fishing vessels as mother ships for further acts of piracy on merchant ships. The Indian Navy, once again, proved its commitment in the region to act against all maritime threats in order to ensure safety of all mariners and vessels at sea, the statement read. The Navy on January 28 had deployed its missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam in the Gulf of Aden to assist and extinguish the fire onboard an Marshall Islands-flagged vessel with 22 Indian crew onboard. Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said that after six hours of battling the fire along with the crew of the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, the Indian Naval firefighting team successfully brought the blaze under control. India garnered international praise for its timely help to the commercial oil tanker struck by the missile in the Gulf of Aden. On January 16, it became known that the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, underwent abdominal surgery, which required her to spend 10-14 days in the hospital for rehabilitation. She spent 13 days in a private royal clinic, and on Monday, January 29, it became known that the princess was discharged. On the same day, King Charles III also returned home after successful prostate surgery. ADVERTISIMENT During her stay in the hospital, the princess was visited by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, husband Prince William and the Middleton family, Hello! Later, the king himself went under the operating knife. He stayed in the hospital for only three days, according to the BBC. In order to give himself time to rest, Charles III decided to suspend public meetings and activities for an unknown period of time. The princess's return to her duties will depend on the advice of doctors, it is only known that Kate Middleton will continue her work "in bed" and will not appear at public events at least until Easter. Kensington Palace issued a statement announcing the princess's return home and thanking everyone for their support. ADVERTISIMENT "The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She [rehabilitation - ed.] is progressing well. The Prince and Princess would like to express their deepest gratitude to the entire team at the London Clinic, especially the dedicated medical staff, for the care they have provided. The Welsh family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from all over the world," the statement read. Due to the excessive burden of caring for his wife and children, Prince William has temporarily relinquished his duties. Moreover, the family does not have a nanny, so the upbringing of the kids-George, Charlotte, and Louis-is on the Prince of Wales' shoulders. Once Catherine Middleton feels better, Prince William plans to resume public appearances. ADVERTISIMENT Nothing is known about the princess's condition, as well as the problem that led to her scheduled admission to the hospital, but it is known that it is not cancer. Middleton does not want to disclose information about her health, so we can only guess what exactly was bothering her. Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that shortly after Catherine Middleton, King Charles III was taken to the hospital because of an enlarged prostate. He had to undergo a corrective procedure to remove the benign tumor. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! KERALA LOTTERY STHREE SAKTHI SS-400 RESULT ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Sthree Sakthi SS-400 lucky draw for Tuesday, January 30. Check the district-wise full list of winning numbers below. ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Result Today LIVE: Akshaya AK-637 WINNERS for February 4, 2024; First Prize Rs 70 Lakh! FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR STHREE SAKTHI SS-400 LOTTERY WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE WORTH RS 8000 ARE SN 393750 SP 393750 SR 393750 SS 393750 ST 393750 SU 393750 SV 393750 SW 393750 SX 393750 SY 393750 SZ 393750 WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE WORTH RS 75 LAKH ISSO 393750 (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM) Agent Name: P THANKARAJAN Agency No: T 2356 WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE WORTH RS 10 LAKH IS SZ 969347 (KOTTAYAM) Agent Name: MOHANA KUMARI Agency No: K 6296 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE WORTH RS 5,000 ARE 1010 2913 3004 3336 3899 3989 4824 5095 5801 5964 6776 7145 7762 7991 8670 9595 9613 9822 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE WORTH RS 2,000 ARE 2071 2414 3444 3610 4116 6036 6991 7333 7456 8457 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE WORTH RS 1,000 ARE 0500 0990 1061 2265 3583 4309 4862 4898 4971 6397 6636 6728 7293 7308 7716 8410 8855 9179 9639 9703 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE WORTH RS 500 ARE 0000 0070 0450 0483 0811 0982 1071 1438 1479 1551 1699 1990 2076 2394 2473 2606 2648 2673 2702 3827 4124 4261 4331 4397 5322 5650 5730 5797 6170 6331 6808 6819 6926 7095 7300 7375 7568 7629 7749 7932 7976 8164 8211 8378 8406 8438 8659 8715 9088 9097 9445 9850 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE WORTH RS 200 ARE 0330 0371 0507 0842 1057 1362 1695 1977 2023 2145 2310 2540 2725 2847 3234 3740 4407 4889 4953 5539 5572 5615 5659 5870 5880 6403 6556 6579 6582 6620 6635 6872 6953 6992 7287 8053 8129 8920 8931 9114 9308 9387 9419 9537 9739 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE WORTH RS 100 ARE 0017 0177 0212 0257 0395 0495 0561 0605 0701 0807 0856 0875 0915 1016 1143 1158 1169 1320 1431 1446 1472 1573 1611 1651 1707 1924 2005 2038 2084 2201 2205 2279 2329 2344 2362 2409 2411 2659 2785 2791 2800 2820 2826 2860 2862 2939 2947 2964 2994 3106 3137 3297 3341 3420 3533 3597 3666 3736 3770 3857 3931 4083 4134 4281 4582 4654 4708 4737 4775 4865 4885 4895 4896 4902 5003 5012 5097 5323 5585 5591 5674 5686 5697 5719 5804 5855 5934 5943 6065 6129 6270 6309 6362 6457 6535 6573 6673 6675 6799 6816 6942 6971 7140 7200 7361 7565 7863 7933 8019 8070 8197 8206 8560 8650 8686 8896 8923 8982 9131 9144 9335 9389 9604 9734 9808 9939 KERALA LOTTERY RESULT: STHREE SAKTHI SS-400 PRIZE STRUCTURE 1st Prize: Rs 75 lakh 2nd Prize: Rs. 10 lakh 3rd Prize: Rs. 5,000 4th Prize: Rs. 2,000 5th Prize: Rs. 1,000 6th Prize: Rs. 500 7th Prize: Rs. 200 8th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 HOW TO VERIFY KERALA STHREE SAKTHI SS-400 LOTTERY RESULTS? To confirm the validity of their ticket numbers and authenticate the Sthree Sakthi SS-400 lottery results, participants can choose between visiting the official website of the Kerala Lottery Department at www.keralalottery.info or making a personal visit to the designated location. HOW TO COLLECT YOUR PRIZE MONEY? To determine if they have won, individuals need to cross-check their ticket numbers in the Kerala Government Gazette with the officially declared winning numbers. In case of a match, winners must claim their prizes within 30 days of the results announcement by personally visiting the Kerala lottery office in Thiruvananthapuram. During the verification process, they are required to present the winning ticket along with appropriate identification. It was necessary to acknowledge China will influence Indias neighbours, but New Delhi must not be scared of such competitive politics, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday as he also emphasised on the Indian Navys proactive role in the Red Sea region given its maritime capability and capacity to help those in distress. Interacting with students at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Mumbai, Jaishankar replied to questions on a range of issues from China to Indias strained ties with the Maldives, deployment of Naval warships in the Red Sea region and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Referring to piracy and drone attacks on merchant vessels in the key Red Sea region and New Delhis response, he said India will not be considered a responsible country if bad things are happening around its neighbourhood and we say I have got nothing to do with this. There are problems in every neighbourhood, but ultimately neighbours need each other, he said when asked about Indias strained ties with the Maldives, whose new President Mohamed Muizzu is seen as pro-China. There is competition with regard to the growing Chinese influence in the region, but it would be wrong to term it a failure of Indian diplomacy, asserted Jaishankar, who served as Ambassador in Beijing during his decades-long career as an IFS officer. We must recognise, China is also a neighbouring country and in many ways will, as part of competitive politics, influence these countries. I dont think we should be scared of China. I think we should say okay, global politics is a competitive game. You do your best, I will do my best, the diplomat-turned-politician remarked. Being the worlds second largest economy, the Communist giant will deploy resources and try to shape things in its way, he said, adding, why should we expect otherwise, but the answer to that is not to complain that China is doing it. I would say todaywe should not be scared of competition. We should welcome competition and say I have the ability to compete, Jaishankar added. Talking about Indias track record of helping its neighbours, he cited the example of Sri Lanka which was provided with multi-million dollar assistance by New Delhi when the island nation was hit by a grave economic crisis. To a question about the India Out campaign in the Maldives, Jaishankar urged the audience to trust Indian diplomacy. Every country has problems in its neighbourhood. It is never as good as they say it is. It is never as bad as they say it is. There will be problems. Our job is to anticipate, assess, respond. At the end of the day neighbours have relationships with each other, the external affairs minister said. At the end of the day, neighbours need each other. History and geography are very powerful forces. There is no escape from that, he added. Earlier this month, the newly-elected Maldivian President Muizzu asked India to withdraw by March 15 its military personnel deployed in the archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean. Also, breaking a tradition followed by past Maldivian Presidents, Muizzu visited China ahead of India. Jaishankar said Indias greater capability, its own interest and reputation today warrant that it help those in difficult situations, comments made in reference to the Navys deployment of warships in the Red Sea region to deal with attacks on merchant navy vessels. The Indian Navy has deployed 10 of its ships in the region, Jaishankar said. Indias greater capability, our own interest and our reputation today warrant that we actually help out in difficult situations, he said. J aishankar said there is a problem of piracy as well as drone attacks on merchant navy ships in the Red Sea region. We will not be considered a responsible country if bad things are happening around our neighbourhood and we say I have got nothing to do with this. When you are in trouble, the neighbourhood will say the same, he said. Turning to the West Asia crisis, Jaishankar asserted India favours a two-state solution to end the decades-long Israel-Palestine conflict. He said the conflict must be viewed in totality and termed the Hamas deadly incursions inside Israel nearly four months ago as a terrorist attack. Jaishankar, It is certainly the view of India, and a very large number of countries that (the problem can be) only be done (resolved) through a two-state solution that there has to be a Palestinian state side-by-side with the state of Israel. He said what happened on October 7, 2023, was a terrorist attack, referring to Hamas militants launching a series of assaults inside Israel after storming across the border. About 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the attacks, while nearly 250 Israelis and other nationals were taken hostage by Hamas. I dont think there should be confusion on that and as a country which has itself experienced so much terrorism, I think its important that we recognise that and we expressed that solidarity (with Israel) as another victim of terrorism, noted the External Affairs Minister. On Israels strong response to the Hamas attacks, which triggered a war in the Gaza Strip, he said when any country responds, it is equally important to observe international laws, and called for avoiding civilian casualties. All 14 members of Parliament across both houses, who were suspended in the winter session and were referred to the committee for privileges, will now be reinstated. Top sources in the Rajya Sabha said that the recommendation to revoke the suspension of 11 MPs of the upper house came in Tuesdays meeting of the committee chaired by Harivansh Narayan Singh, deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Earlier this month, the Lok Sabha privileges committee had prepared a report to clear suspension of three MPs, which was adopted by the committee on Tuesday. The report will be sent to the Lok Sabha Speaker for his final approval. The action came as MPs from the opposition in both houses were protesting, demanding Union home Minister Amit Shah or Prime Minister Narendra Modi should explain to the Parliament the cause of the security breach in December. The suspended MPs have expressed unconditional apology for their behaviour on the floor of the house for which they were suspended. Some of the MPs argued that they had no intention to disturb the proceedings of the house, but they had no choice given the circumstances. The case of these MPs has been dealt with in a manner similar to the previous cases, including that of Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary, who had faced suspension for calling Prime Minister names. The committees felt the moment the MPs expressed regret for their behaviour, the matter ended. DURING THE WINTER SESSION After the security breach in the Lok Sabha chamber on December 13, 2023, opposition MPs shouted slogans, came to the well of the house and even brought placards. Following the behaviour, the government moved a motion to get them suspended across days. Of the 146 suspended MPs from both houses, 11 from the Rajya Sabha and 3 from the Lok Sabha had their suspension referred to the privileges committee for being serial offenders. For the remaining MPs, the suspension ended with the winter session of Parliament. The three Lok Sabha MPs Dr K. Jayakumar, Abdul Khaleque and Vijayakumar alias Vijay Vasanth will return to the Lok Sabha during the upcoming budget session of Parliament. Among the reinstated Rajya Sabha MPs are Congresss Jebi Mather Hisham, Dr. L. Hanumanthaiah, Neeraj Dangi, Rajmani Patel, Kumar Ketkar, G. C. Chandrashekhar; Lefts Binoy Viswam, Sandosh Kumar, Dr. John Brittas and A. A. Rahim; along with DMKs M. Mohamed Abdulla. The Alappuzha court in Kerala handed over a death sentence to all the 15 PFI activists, who were convicted of murdering of RSS activist Ranjith Sreenivasan. On December 19, 2021, the BJP OBC Morcha state secretary, was brutally attacked and allegedly killed in his home, in front of his family by PFI activists. The accused Naisam, Ajmal, Anoop, Mohammed Aslam, Abdul Kalam alias Salam, Saffaruddin, Manshad, Jaseeb Raja, Navas, Sameer, Nazir, Zakir Hussain, Shaji Poovathungal, and Shernas Ashraf were affiliated with the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and its political wing, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). The BJP leaders murder occurred just hours after SDPI leader K S Shan was killed by a gang on the night of December 18 while he was returning home in Alappuzha. The sentence was pronounced by Mavelikkara Additional District judge V G Sreedevi. The prosecution had sought the maximum sentence for the convicts, saying that they were a trained killer squad and the cruel and diabolical manner in which the victim was killed in front of his mother, infant, and wife brings it within the ambit of the rarest of the rarest of crimes. The court also made the convicts undergo a mental stability test at the Government Medical College in Alappuzha. The first eight accused, who were directly involved in the heinous act were found guilty under Sections 302 (murder), 149 (unlawful assembly), 449 (house trespass to commit offense punishable with death), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 341 (wrongful restraint) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The other set of accused, who stood guard outside the BJPs leaders house with deadly weapons when the assailants committed the crime, were convicted under Sections 302 r/w 149 and 447 (criminal trespass) of the IPC. Howver, the key conspirators, Zakir, Shaji and Shernas were found guilty of criminal conspiracy and murder under IPC Sections 120 B and 302, respectively. The prosecution case is that Ranjeet, the State secretary of BJPs OBC Morcha and a lawyer, was brutally hacked to death by the accused at his residence in Vellakinar, Alappuzha municipality, after barging into his house on the morning of December 19, 2021. The BJP leaders murder was regarded as an act of retaliation, which was carried out in response to the murder of SDPIs State secretary K S Shan at Mannancherrys Kuppezham Junction in Kerala, just the night before. Meanwhile, the trial in the Shan murder case will commence on February 2. Despite the charge sheet being filed by police on March 16, 2022, the trial faced delays in appointing special prosecutor. The first two appointees for the case withdrew for various reasons, following which Advocate P P Haris was appointed to the post last week. India achieved a record of 3.15 crore tap water connections in 2023, at a pace of installing exactly one tap per second, government figures show. Uttar Pradesh alone contributed 40% of these new connections, and the state achieved its full financial year target in just nine months. The pace shown by the Har Ghar Jal programme in 2023 was a significant uptick from 2022 when 2.08 crore tap water connections were achieved. 2023, hence, saw an almost 51% increase, showing that the mission could be on track to achieve 100% tap water saturation by the end of 2024 if the pace is upped further. About five crore households remain to be covered by tap water connections in the country as on date, data shows. Foremost contribution of Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) have been recorded in Uttar Pradesh with the installation of more than 1.27 crore FHTCs averaging almost 35,000 tap connections daily. Thus, more than 2 in every 5 FHTCs reported in the country in 2023 are in Uttar Pradesh. It is encouraging to note that Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have already achieved the respective Annual Action Plans (2023-24), says a government report. The Challenges The states of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Rajasthan remain the big challenges for the completion of the mission. All three states have less than 50% coverage of tap water connections so far, though the country-wide average has reached almost 74%. West Bengal is the most laggard state with only 42% coverage and over one crore households without a tap water connection. West Bengal added only 20 lakh tap water connections in 2023, compared to 1.27 crore in UP. The latest data shows that of the five crore households left to be covered by a tap water connection, 1.9 crore are in the three states of West Bengal, Rajasthan and Jharkhand. The veteran actor Dharmendra requires no introduction. Even at 88, Dharmendra refuses to give up on acting. He recently made a short yet memorable cameo appearance in director Karan Johars blockbuster film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, headlined by Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. Despite not being in the limelight for a long time now, old pictures and videos of Dharmendra often go viral. Recently, a vintage photograph of the Sholay actor sharing the same frame with an Iranian dancer during his younger days is widely circulating on social media, grabbing the attention of the masses. The black and white picture with grainy details first surfaced on the social news aggregation platform Reddit. It captured Dharmendra hugging the Iranian dancer from behind while the woman had her arms wrapped around the actors neck. Both sported beaming smiles on their faces. The woman was dressed in a traditional dancing attire, which comprised a bralette and a thigh-high slit skirt. Dharmendra donned a suit. The photo was presumably dug out from an old newspaper article. Speaking of Dharmendra, the actor made his Bollywood debut with director Arjun Hingoranis 1960 film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. The film was a box-office hit and Dharmendra did not have to look back ever since. Some of his cinematic ventures that are still remembered today include Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Dharam Veer, Dream Girl, and Chupke Chupke among others. Some of his most recent movies are Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 and Apne. After Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Dharmendra will next be seen in director duo Amit Joshi, and Aradhana Sahs romance drama Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. Starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon in the lead, the film will hit the silver screens on February 9. Dharmendra is also a part of director Anil Sharmas Apne 2, the sequel to the 2007 film Apne. He will be sharing screen space with his sons Bobby and Sunny Deol in this upcoming project. Kiran Rao is returning to the direction with the much-awaited Laapataa Ladies. The recently released trailer gave a glimpse into the uproarious comedy adventure of the films world, featuring the promising lead cast of Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Nitanshi Goel, promising a beautiful world from the director with the story rooted in the Indian form. As the set up and the locations shown in the trailer has also caught the attention of the masses and to keep the authenticity of the film alive, Kiran Rao has shot the film Laapataa Ladies at the real locations of Sehore, Madhya Pradesh. Kiran Rao in fact cast the real villagers of Sehore and has also shot in the real houses as the location. The idea behind skipping the set and constructed world was the director Kiran Raos choice to shot the film in real life locations with real audiences of village in order to keep the film relevant to its theme and subject. This will also give the general audiences a real experience. The trailer of Laapataa Ladies has opened to a roaring response and everyone is waiting to see the comedy-drama film from the Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan productions on the big screens on 1st March 2024. Moreover, The film has also received a standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Presented by Jio Studios, Laapataa Ladies is directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan and Jyoti Deshpande. The film is releasing on March 1st, 2024, and has been made under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, with the script based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami. The screenplay and dialogue are written by Sneha Desai, while the additional dialogues have been jotted down by Divyanidhi Sharma. SA Chandrasekar, renowned filmmaker and father of Thalapathy Vijay, expressed concerns about Tamil cinemas current state, highlighting a growing emphasis on star power over substantial content. SA Chandrasekar shared his reservations at a pre-release event for director Ezhils upcoming film, Desingu Raja 2. He critiqued Vijays recent hit, Leo. With a filmmaking career spanning 70 South Indian movies, the filmmaker, who introduced Vijay as a child actor in the 1984 film Vetri, highlights a diminishing focus on compelling screenplays for both directors and audiences. Director SA Chandrasekar spoke at the audio launch of director Ezhils Desinghu Raja 2, featuring Vemal in the lead role. Chandrasekar emphasised the importance of a directors openness to criticism for sustained success in the industry. He illustrated his point by sharing a phone conversation with a director, highlighting the challenges some new-gen filmmakers encounter in receiving constructive feedback. In a recent discussion, he shared an incident, stating, I got to preview the first copy of a film before its release. The director thanked me when I praised the film. But as soon as I started pointing out issues, the director ended the call, saying he was about to eat and promised to call back later. Regrettably, he never did. He mentioned discovering scenes in the film depicting a conflict between a father and a son. I advised him that such scenarios dont ring true and wouldnt resonate. Interestingly, after release, those very scenes received criticism from both fans and critics. Fans noticed similarities between the film Chandrasekar mentioned and Vijays Leo. In Leo, the heros father sacrifices his daughter due to superstitious beliefs, causing a conflict. Leo faced criticism, especially for its second half. Chandrasekars speech has now gone viral among fans. Its noteworthy that SA Chandrasekar and Vijay have experienced strained relations. Earlier, Chandrasekar announced a political party in Vijays name, prompting the actor to file a case against his father. But there seemed to be an improvement in their relationship, as Chandrasekar was invited to participate in Varisus audio launch. In the meantime, Vijay is currently on the set of his upcoming film with Venkat Prabhu, titled Greatest of All Time. The movie includes significant roles played by Prabhu Deva, Prashanth, Laila, Sneha, Meenakshi Chaudhry and Mohan. After Hollywood stars Meryl Streep and Martin Short appeared more than just friendly at the Golden Globes 2024, the rumours of the two dating started doing the rounds. Martin Short has finally addressed the speculations. On Sunday, the actor appeared on Club Random with Bill Maher podcast, where he denied being romantically involved with his Only Murders In The Building co-star. When the podcast host joked about he and Meryl Streep being a power couple", Martin Short said, Were not a couple. We are just very close friends." Both Meryl Streep and Martin Short appeared at the prestigious award show after they were nominated for their performances in the Hulu series. Even after Martin Short denied all the dating rumours, Bill Maher said that they should date because theres nothing more powerful in Hollywood than a power couple." As per a report in Vanity Fair, Bill Maher, while proving his point, gave examples of Hollywoods It couples and said, It worked for Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, it worked for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie." The rumour mill went into an overdrive with suggestions that the two are dating after a People Magazine report confirmed in October that Meryl Streep and her husband Don Gummer, had been separated. While it was only last year that the news of their separation came into the limelight, the two have been separated for more than 6 years. After dating for six months, the actress tied the knot with Don Gummer in 1978. Meryl Streep and Don Gummer, who share four children together, celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in September last year. The People Magazine quoted a representative for Meryl Streep as saying, Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been separated for more than 6 years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart." The report claimed that the two havent been spotted together publicly since the Oscars 2018. However, Meryl Streep continued to wear her wedding band just days before the split was confirmed. Meanwhile, Martin Short hasnt been linked to anyone romantically after his wife, Nancy Dolman, passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010. The two tied the knot in 1980 and share three children. Talking about Only Murders In The Building, the comedy-drama series is available on platforms like Disney+Hotstar and Hulu. Apart from Meryl Streep and Martin Short, it features Selena Gomez, Cara Delevingne, Jesse Williams and Steve Martin in prominent roles. Earlier in the day, it was reported that Varun Dhawan will be starring in the sequel of No Entry, directed by Anees Bazmee. Now, it is being said that hes been approached for another sequel Desi Boyzz 2. According to the latest reports, Varun Dhawan and Tiger Shroff have been approached for the sequel of the popular Akshay Kumar-John Abraham film and Ananya Panday might play one of the female leads. Hindustan Times quoted a source as saying, Desi Boyzz 2 actors are still getting finalised, they will locked once the scripting is done completely. But yes, its true that the OGs John and Akshay wont be coming again in part two. There are talks about approaching Varun Dhawan and Tiger Shroff for the lead roles. The story of part two will be completely different and with new actors, just the title remains the same. the source said. Ananya Panday might be approached as Varuns romantic partner, but the second actress name is still being contemplated and there are no specific names in mind for that, the source added. However, an official confirmation from the makers is awaited. As for No Entry 2, director Anees Bazmee and producer Boney Kapoor have held several meetings with Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh over the last six months. All the actors are equally excited about this venture and believe that the sequel will surpass the level of comedy of the first film, as per reports. Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan is shooting for his upcoming film produced by Atlee. It is reportedly titled Baby John. He has also shot for the Indian spin-off of Citadel with Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Tiger Shroff was last seen in Ganapath with Kriti Sanon. Ananya Panday was last seen in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and her performance was widely appreciated. Since 2022, the Russian rock band B-2 has not performed in the aggressor country, sharply criticizing the war, helping the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and ignoring all former Putinist fans, for which the band members had to pay the price. Now the band is in a difficult situation due to their detention in Thailand and imprisonment but they have not abandoned their principles. ADVERTISIMENT A helping hand was unexpectedly extended to them from Russia when the consul of the terrorist country came to law enforcement, apparently to discuss the terms of deportation, but the musicians refused to meet with him. Their representative wrote about this on Telegram. The musicians were detained on January 24 after a concert in Phuket. The reason for the detention was incorrectly executed documents by the organizers. The band members spent the first night in a police station cell. The next day, the court fined the musicians, and after that they were detained by the Thai migration police. For several days now, according to Mikhail Kozyrev, the host of the TV Rain channel, the stars have been held in inhumane conditions in an open-air cell under the scorching sun. ADVERTISIMENT The day before, the Israeli consulate intervened in the situation and agreed to deport the detainees. Tickets had already been purchased for them, but the decision was suddenly canceled. Sources close to B-2 believe that the situation is completely controlled by the Russian authorities, who are using local law enforcement to put pressure on the artists, trying to win them over. So far, the Russians have not succeeded. "Today, after a visit by high-ranking diplomats from the Russian consulate, the band's representatives were told that the decision to deport them to Israel had been canceled. The band members refused to talk to the Russian consul... They continue to be held in the migration center in a shared cell for 80 people," the post reads. ADVERTISIMENT Mikhail Kozyrev claimed that the detention of B-2 was orchestrated by the Kremlin. The situation "is directly controlled by the Russian authorities, it is a demonstrative reprisal against the musicians," he assured. Obviously, they are trying to lure the stars to the side of the Russian Federation, using methods typical for Russia, which are terror and psychological pressure. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Manoj Sonkar of the BJP won the Chandigarh mayoral elections on Tuesday, after eight votes of the INDIA bloc were declared invalid. The saffron party also won the deputy mayoral and senior deputy mayoral polls, after a boycott by the AAP and Congress that alleged unfair means. All eyes were on the opposition front amid numerous setbacks it has faced in recent days, the latest being the departure of its architect, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. This was the first election where bitter rivals, the Congress and AAP, had agreed to contest together making it a big step towards building confidence; especially considering that, in Punjab, chief minister Bhagwant Mann has refused to share seats with the grand old party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Sonkar was declared the winner with 16 votes, while the BJP had a total of 14 + 1 votes. Perhaps, Shiromani Akali Dals one vote went in its favour. The AAP and Congress had 13 and seven votes each, but got a total of 12 votes after eight were declared invalid. Deeply worrying Soon after the results were declared, AAP boss Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the mayoral elections in the union territory, which is the capital of Punjab and Haryana, were conducted in an unfair manner. The unfair manner and dishonesty in broad daylight in the Chandigarh mayor elections is extremely worrying. If these people can stoop so low in a mayors election, they can go to any extent in the countrys elections. This is very worrying, he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. , Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 30, 2024 Punjabs AAP MP Sandeep Pathak also alleged dishonesty in the Chandigarh mayoral election, calling it deeply concerning. If these malpractices can occur in a local election, it raises serious questions about the integrity of our national elections. This is extremely alarming and calls for a thorough examination of our electoral processes, he said in a post on X. The level of dishonesty witnessed in the Chandigarh mayoral election is deeply concerning. If these malpractices can occur in a local election, it raises serious questions about the integrity of our national elections. This is extremely alarming and calls for a thorough Dr. Sandeep Pathak (@SandeepPathak04) January 30, 2024 Congress MP and former minister Pawan Bansal also took to X and said: The worst fears of unabashed tempering by the BJPs councillor-presiding officer in a premeditated and planned intrigue to murder democracy have come true in Chandigarh mayoral elections. Agent of the Congress-AAP candidate was not allowed to see the ballot papers, the presiding officer announced rejection of eight votes, declared BJP candidate winner and went away. BJP members rushed to the table and tore off the ballot papers, Bansal said in a post on X. (sic) He added: The job normally undertaken by the secretary MC was all carried out by the presiding officer, no one else, including counting agents of the candidates, were called to inspect the ballot papers and he abetted in the mayors position being blatantly usurped by the BJP candidate. The worst fears of unabashed tempering by the BJPs Councillor- Presiding Officer in a premeditated and planned intrigue to murder democracy have come true in Chandigarh Mayoral Elections. Agent of the Congress- APP candidate was not allowed to see the ballot papers, the Pawan Kumar Bansal (@pawanbansal_chd) January 30, 2024 However, the BJP claimed a big victory, the first over the INDIA bloc. Congratulations to @BJP4Chandigarh Unit for winning the Mayor election. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, UTs have witnessed record development. That the INDI Alliance fought their first electoral battle and still lost to BJP shows that neither their arithmetic is working nor their chemistry, said BJP national president JP Nadda on X. Congratulations to @BJP4Chandigarh Unit for winning the Mayor election. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, UTs have witnessed record development. That the INDI Alliance fought their first electoral battle and still lost to BJP shows that neither their Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) January 30, 2024 The AAP has alleged irregularities in the elections and also questioned why eight votes were rejected as invalid. The party is mulling moving the court. It alleged that election agents for neither the BJP nor the AAP or the Congress were present during the counting of votes. The presiding officer, Anil Masih, ignored the demands for party agents to be present during the counting. The AAP and Congress had protested and moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the deferred elections. The court had directed the Chandigarh administration to hold the elections on January 30. The election process began around 10 am while voting began at approximately 10 minutes past 11 am. BJP MP Kirron Kher was the first to cast her vote and the whole process was videographed to ensure transparency. On Monday (January 29), AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, when asked about Nitish Kumars U-turn, said: I feel, Nitish ji should not have left, whatever he did is not right. This kind of conduct is not right for democracy. However, according to my understanding, this will lead to a massive loss for the BJP in Bihar. Even though elections will finally reveal the impact, I feel NDA will lose heavily and the INDIA bloc would benefit. Tomorrow, perhaps, the INDIA blocs first win will come from Chandigarh. In 2023, the BJPs Anuj Gupta had won the mayor elections after seven Congress councillors abstained from voting. The mayoral elections were originally scheduled for January 18, but postponed to February 6 after the presiding officer from the BJP said they were unable to conduct the polls due to illness just when the voting was about to begin. While the BJP has held the mayors post for the past eight years, it also has 14 councillors in the 35-member municipal corporation of Chandigarh. The mayoral elections are conducted through a secret ballot. For the 2024 election, third of the term, the mayors post was reserved for the scheduled caste category. Once again, mayoral election case reaches HC The INDIA bloc demanded sealing of the records of the election results and an immediate hearing of this petition. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, however, refused to hold the hearing on Tuesday and said the concerned bench will hear it on Wednesday (January 31). In the afternoon, senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal and AAP MP Raghav Chadha held a joint press conference. Training guns at the BJP, Chadha said: We saw in the Chandigarh mayoral elections, it was not merely something that was unconstitutional or illegal, it was rashtradroh, deshdroh. The rigging, the illegality that we have seen in the Chandigarh mayoral elections, can only be defined as rashtradroh. Chadha alleged that the BJP did everything it could to win these elections from nominating its minority wing secretary as the presiding officer to deferring the elections on January 18 and attempting to poach councillors. He added that during the elections, when the voting process was over, the BJP office-bearer and presiding officer did not allow any election agent of any party to come forward. Then you saw how the BJPs presiding officer dabbed the ballot papers with ink and declared them illegal, adding that, for the first time in the history of the Chandigarh mayoral polls, eight votes were declared invalid. We had 20 votes, eight were declared invalid, and yet not one vote of the BJP was declared invalid. The BJP had 16, they got 16, he said. Chadha further said if any vote has to be declared illegal, it has to be shown to the election agent and the deputy commissioner, which was not done. The AAP MP also demanded action against the presiding officer and said there should be a criminal case filed against him and he should be sent to jail. Bansal said it was a pre-hatched conspiracy that for the first time 25 percent of the votes were declared invalid and that the the parties had come together not just to defeat the BJP but to rekindle democracy. The AAP and Congress have moved the HC, pleading that these elections are declared invalid and free and fair polls are conducted with a retired judge as the presiding officer. They have also demanded an inquiry into the conduct of the presiding officer. Voting process is underway for the Chandigarh mayoral election, the first battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party and oppositions INDIA bloc before the Lok Sabha polls. The saffron party is pitted against the alliance of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress. Security has been tightened in the city amid the mayoral polls along with a three-layer barricade around the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. HEAVY SECURITY Around 800 police personnel, along with those from the paramilitary forces are deployed in view of the polling process. The high court earlier directed the Chandigarh police to ensure the councillors security as well. Additionally, it asked the police to ensure that no ruckus or untoward incident takes place on or around the premises of the civic body during or after the mayoral election. WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? The mayoral poll in Chandigarh holds a certain importance as the INDIA bloc members, Congress and AAP, have joined hands to contest this election against the BJP. As an alliance, AAP is contesting for the mayors position while Congress candidates are running for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor post. Notably, the saffron party has held the mayors post for the past eight years. The party has 14 councillors in the 35-member Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh. BJPs Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher, as an ex-officio member, also has voting rights in the polls. The Kejriwal-led party has 13 councillors while Congress has seven and the Shiromani Akali Dal has one councillor. WHY MAYORAL POLLS WERE DELAYED? The mayoral election was initially scheduled to be held on January 18 but was deferred to February 6 by the Chandigarh administration after the presiding officer fell ill. At the time, the authorities had also said the polls were postponed after their assessment of the law-and-order situation. The postponement of the elections sparked outrage from Congress and AAP councillors. The AAPs candidate for the mayors post, Kuldeep Kumar, challenged the Chandigarh Deputy Commissioners order to defer the polls in the High Court. The High Court, in its order on January 24, directed the Chandigarh administration to hold the mayoral elections on January 30 at 10 am. Quashing the administrations January 18 order of deferring the elections, the court said that it was unreasonable, unjustified and arbitrary. The high court also directed councillors to not be accompanied by any supporters or security personnel belonging to another state when they go to cast their votes. The Chandigarh Police will ensure security to the councillors, the court had said. WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES? The mayoral elections are done through secret ballot. For the 2024 election, third of the term, the mayors post has been reserved for the Scheduled Caste category. BJP has fielded Manoj Sonkar for the mayoral post against AAPs Kuldeep Kumar. And for the senior deputy mayor post, BJPs Kuljeet Sandhu will be contesting against Congress Gurpreet Singh Gabi. For the post of deputy mayor, BJPs Rajinder Sharma will take on Congress Nirmala Devi. Elections for these three posts are held every year during the Houses five-year term. The Congress had abstained from voting in 2022 and 2023, leading to the BJPs victory in the polls. (With PTI inputs) Hemant Soren News: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has resurfaced in Ranchi after being untraceable for nearly two days. Soren held a meeting with all the MLAs and ministers of his party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. The CMs wife, Kalpana Soren, was also present at the meeting. Meanwhile, amid claims of Sorens evasion from the Enforcement Directorate, Section 144 of CrPC has also been imposed within a 100-metre radius of the CMs residence, Raj Bhavan and EDs Ranchi office. This comes a day after a team from the anti-corruption agency visited CM Hemant Sorens Delhi residence to question him in connection with a money laundering case. Meanwhile, official sources as well as the Bharatiya Janata Party claimed Soren was missing and could not be contacted by the federal agency. However, one of Sorens family members alleged that a false narrative was being set to delegitimise the JMM leaders position. Several leaders from the opposition attended the all-party meeting called by the government ahead of the budget session of Parliament on Tuesday. Sources said the government explained to the opposition leaders that this was a small session and the focus would be on the Presidential address as well as the presentation of the union budget. After the first two days, discussions would begin in both houses on the reply to the motion of thanks to the Presidents address followed by deliberations on the budget, which will be a vote on account. However, sources said the government assuring opposition leaders that all their concerns would be taken into account hardly cut any ice with them. At least half of the opposition leaders, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and Samajwadi Party, raised the matter of overreach by central agencies against them. Many of them pointed to the timing of the action by the Enforcement Directorate against leaders like JMM president and Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren. This was followed by the agencies questioning Lalu Prasad Yadavs family in Bihar over the alleged land-for-jobs scam. The central agency also questioned Haryana Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Monday. The constitutional framework of the country is in danger and we are really concerned about that. The way the agencies have been after opposition leaders like Hemant and Lalu Prasad is something that we want to seek answers on from the central government, senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari who attended Tuesdays meeting said. This action of the government against opposition leaders is indeed very serious, Amarendra Dhari Singh, leader of the Rajya Sabha from the RJD, told CNN-News18 after the meeting. The TMC in particular has been very critical of the way the central government has meted out secondary treatment to West Bengal, despite assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi whom chief minister Mamata Banerjee and her delegation met in the winter session of Parliament. We have approached the government, especially Rajnath Singh, about our concerns and also that our CM will be sitting in protest, demanding economic relief for the state. But unfortunately, even Rajnath Singh had nothing to offer in terms of specific assurances, senior TMC MP Sudeep Bandyopadhyay told CNN-News18. We have asked for cooperation from all opposition MPs in this important session where Rashtrapati will be addressing both houses and the budget will be presented. We have also requested the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajesh Sabha Chairman to revoke the suspension of all suspended MPs. But we will again request the opposition MPs to maintain decorum in the house and not shout slogans or bring placards, parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said after the meeting. The budget session of Parliament will get underway on January 31 with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint session. On the second day, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the interim budget. Sitharaman, Indias first full-time woman finance minister, will present her sixth budget, which is a record in itself. This will be her first interim budget presentation. The brief parliamentary session, the last before the Lok Sabha elections, will go on till February 9. Senior BJP leader and former Jharkhand chief minister Babulal Marandi mocked CM Hemant Soren for evading the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons and appealed to the states people for their lapata (lost) CM. Taking to the microblogging site X, the BJPs state unit president, Marandi said, Touching appeal to the people of Jharkhand:- The Chief Minister of our state has been missing for the last 40 hours due to fear of the central agencies and has again run away hiding his face. - - pic.twitter.com/6QdNm5T0PS Babulal Marandi (@yourBabulal) January 30, 2024 The former CM further wrote this situation is not only a threat to Sorens personal security but to the safety, honor and dignity of the 3.5 crore people of Jharkhand. Marandi said that he will give a reward of Rs 11,000 to whoever will find and bring back our promising chief minister safely without any delay. The senior BJP leader, again in another post on X, wrote, The search is on for the missing Chief Minister of Jharkhand If any gentleman sees this person, please inform immediately at the given address. The person giving correct information will be given a cash amount of Rs 11 thousand. , 11 pic.twitter.com/9nvFhVQlnl Babulal Marandi (@yourBabulal) January 30, 2024 While Jharkhand governor CP Radhakrishnan told reporters, Like you, we are also waiting for the CMs response. Nobody is above the law. We have to work within the Constitution. We want law and order to be maintained. The Jharkhand chief minister went untraceable on Monday evening amid his scheduled raids and questioning by the anti-corruption agency. The mobile phones of Soren and his security personnel were switched off, while his family members, the CMs office, and his colleagues in the cabinet expressed ignorance over his whereabouts to the ED. The federal agency took Sorens BMW away from his Delhi residence, along with his driver on Monday night. Following this, a massive search operation was launched for the chief minister and his aide with the help of Delhi Police. Meanwhile, the BJP leaders in Ranchi are considering a habeas corpus petition before the High Court, sources in the party said. Marandi on Monday evening as well had posted on X over Soren being missing. He wrote, Due to the fear of Enforcement Directorate, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has absconded from the Chief Ministers residence in Delhi and gone underground for the last eighteen hours. According to media sources, late at night Hemant ji, wearing slippers and covering his face with a sheet, ran away from the residence on foot like a thief. Ajay Singh, the security personnel of Special Branch who went with him to Delhi, is also missing. The mobile phones of both of them have also been switched off, since then ED and Delhi Police are searching for them. There cannot be any other example of such gross negligence with the security of the Chief Minister. He requested the governor to take cognizance of this and take appropriate steps to maintain the rule of law in the state. The ED has summoned CM Hemant Soren seven times in connection with stone mining and land scam cases. His party members have been protesting against the ED actions across the state since Sunday. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee, known for her dharna politics, plans to sit on a protest again, in Kolkata from February 2. This time over the states Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) dues. ALSO READ | Mallikarjun Kharge Reaches Out to Mamata Banerjee to Find a Way Forward After TMC Decides to Fly Solo We are not getting money. I have met PM Narendra Modi and told him that our money is pending, still they are not releasing the money. If they dont release the states money by February 1, I will sit on dharna, said Banerjee. Sources said Banerjee plans to run her office from the dharna site under Dr B R Ambedkars statue from February 2. In 2023, Banerjee sat on a dharna for two days over the same demand. In 2019, Banerjee sat on a protest when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) visited then police commissioner Rajiv Kumars residence. Banerjees hunger strike over Singur for more than 25 days in 2006 will always be remembered in the states political history. TMC insiders say that around Rs 7,000 crore is due from the Centre. TMC sources said in the Lok Sabha poll campaign, the party will highlight the deprivation of funds for the state. During last years Panchayat election campaign, too, the TMC had highlighted the issue. Abhishek Banerjee, National General Secretary of TMC, said, We are not making this an issue. It is a fact. We went to Delhi, but the minister concerned did not meet us. We came to Kolkata and sat on a dharna in front of the Raj Bhavan. The governor gave us an assurance that he would take up the issue, but nothing happened. Banerjee then told me to withdraw the dharna as courtesy to the governor. When she realised that nothing happened on that front, she reached out to the PM. She even met him in Delhi. I was part of that team. There has been no progress on that front so far, which is why she has decided to sit on a dharna. As we reflect on Mahatma Gandhi's legacy today, his values of the 'right to work' and 'dignity of labor' resonate deeply.Bengal is denied its MGNREGA dues by the BJP-led centre for over two years now. Despite their hard work, Bengal's workers await their rightful pay. We stand pic.twitter.com/UgSbUA5Ux0 All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) January 30, 2024 Last month, when Sadhvi Niranjan, Minister of State Rural, came to Kolkata, she said officers have been deputed to look into the issue. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari said: If Banerjee starts a dharna, she should get ready to see a counter dharna. They have indulged in malpractices, which is why the money has not been cleared. This is just an election drama. Banerjee has always has won the match from the streets and experts say, this time too, she is trying to fight the Lok Sabha polls using her old style of showing citizens that she is one of them. In a dramatic turn of events, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren resurfaced in Ranchi on Tuesday after being untraceable for nearly two days following scheduled raids and questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The probe agency will question Soren on Wednesday in connection with a money laundering investigation in an alleged land fraud case. Soren called a meeting of the legislators of the ruling JMM-led coalition in Jharkhand and took the signatures of the lawmakers on the letter of support without any name. On Monday, an ED team visited the JMM executive presidents Delhi home with the intent to question him in connection with a money laundering case and claimed that he was untraceable. ALSO READ: Phones Off, Whereabouts Unknown: Facing ED Action, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Untraceable Official sources as well as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed Soren was missing and could not be contacted by the federal agency. Latest Updates on Hemant Soren ED Probe- When it comes to fishing, enthusiasts typically hope for a good catch, perhaps even multiple fish if luck is on their side. However, two Australian anglers have recently captured the internets attention not for the quantity of their catch but for the sheer size of a single fish, surpassing even the dimensions of a crocodile. Ed Hirst and Harry Thomas found themselves in the spotlight after attempting to reel in a colossal fish during a fishing excursion at Port Douglas in Queensland, Australia. In the challenging world of fishing, where landing a sizable catch can be an arduous task, the unexpected encounter left the duo in awe. Ed Hirst shared the thrilling moment on his Instagram account, @ed.explores. The video clip showcases the two men exerting considerable effort as they pull on the fishing line. The suspense builds until the massive catch, identified as a goliath grouper, emerges from the water, leading to a triumphant celebration on the shore. Hirst described the experience in the caption, highlighting the intensity of the 30-minute struggle to secure the colossal fish. He wrote, 30 minutes of pure excitement and anticipation and thats a quick fight for a fish this size! The angler admitted, We did not plan on catching such a monster! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ed Hirst (@ed.explores) The video has garnered over 600,000 views on Instagram, with users flooding the comments section with their reactions. One netizen exclaimed, Just incredible!!!! You are insane! But amazing!!! Another user simply wrote, Amazing. Harry Thomas, one of the anglers, chimed in, expressing gratitude with a message, Legend brother thank you, my man. In the caption, Ed Hirst shared further details of their remarkable fishing experience. He described walking towards the colossal fish, tying a lasso around its tail and successfully bringing it ashore. Notably, the anglers emphasised their commitment to conservation, ensuring the safe release of the goliath grouper back into its natural habitat without causing harm. Expressing his overwhelming excitement, Ed conveyed, I cant put into words how magical I was to experience this whole event, one I will never forget! The captivating fishing expedition has not only left a lasting impression on the anglers but has also captivated audiences worldwide through the power of social media. A Pakistan court on Tuesday handed former Pakistan prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi 10 years in jail in the cipher case. The case is related to a diplomatic document that Pakistan federal investigation agency alleges Imran Khan never returned. The former prime minister has maintained that the document contained a threat from the US to oust Imran Khan when he was in office. A Pakistan special court began the cipher trial anew last month at the Adiala district jail. Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi were indicted for the second time in this case on December 13. The former prime minister and foreign minister of Pakistan, both of who are currently jailed, faced initial charges in the case in October but pleaded not guilty. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared the governments jail trial notification as erroneous because of which the entire proceedings were scrapped. New state defence counsels were appointed after the former defence counsels failed to appear for the subsequent court hearings. Imran Khan criticised the trial, labelling it a joke highlighting that both the prosecution and defence teams were affiliated with the government. The PTI reacted on social media site X with a post saying that Pakistan stands with both Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Pakistan stands with Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who defended Pakistan and stood for Haqeeqi Azadi. No such sham trial can change what happened in March- April 2022, on the orders of Donald Lu. This sentence will be in dustbin in appeal stage, the party said. Pakistan stands with Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who defended Pakistan and stood for Haqeeqi Azadi.No such sham trial can change what happened in March- April 2022, on the orders of Donald Lu.A complete mockery and disregard of law in the cipher case shall not lead https://t.co/y3lmuEIN85 PTI (@PTIofficial) January 30, 2024 Donald Lu was the then-US envoy to Pakistan and is currently serving as assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs. First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, together with the team of her Foundation and the Ministry of Health, handed over 50 ambulances provided by the government of the United Arab Emirates to Ukrainian doctors. The event was captured on photos and video for reporting purposes, so the President's wife once again appeared in front of the cameras in a restrained yet very stylish outfit. ADVERTISIMENT This time, Olena chose a bow in deep dark colors, and the highlight of her look was a golden symbolic brooch. The corresponding photos and videos appeared on the official pages of the first lady. Sunny weather in late January allowed Zelenska to wear a spring look. It consisted of a warm sweater in a neat, cozy dark knit, as well as black straight pants that widened slightly downward. The event took place outside, so the main element of the image was, of course, the coat. Analyzing the photos and videos, it's hard to tell exactly what color the first lady's outerwear was. In some shots, it looks black, but in others, due to the play of sunlight, the shade becomes more chocolate. ADVERTISIMENT This coat is made of dense fabric that holds its shape well, has a straight cut and is fastened with a single button in the middle. The length of the product is just below the knee. The golden brooch that Zelenskaya placed on the collar of her coat on the side of her heart cannot help but catch the eye. The symbolic jewelry is made in the form of a dove spreading its wings. ADVERTISIMENT The First Lady also wore black boots that peeked out from under her pants. The look was completed with gold earrings that harmonized with the brooch. The whole ensemble was successfully combined with Zelenska's hairstyle and standard nude makeup. This time, Olena Zelenska also styled her hair in a standard way: she made the front strands into light waves and straightened the back. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Terrorists attacked two security installations in Pakistans Balochistan province. The militants targeted the Paramilitary Frontier Corps Headquarters in Mach as well as the Mach Jail. The terrorists were able to partially damage the prisons wall. The Baloch Liberation Armys (BLA) Jeeyand Baloch faction claimed responsibility for the attacks in a statement and said another faction also contributed to the attack. The BLA terrorists fired rocket launchers damaging the main door and boundary wall of Mach Jail. One policeman was killed and one truck driver was injured in the ambush. The authorities first blamed the Aslam Acho group for the group. The attack was made using highly sophisticated weapons and the gun battle between terrorists and Pakistani security forces lasted for several hours. The terrorists have now retreated, and our security forces are currently in pursuit, Balochistans caretaker information minister Jan Achakzai said. People familiar with the developments told CNN-News18 that at least 15 rockets were fired from nearby mountains which landed in different areas of Mach town and resulted in explosions. The terrorists launched an attack on a camp of the security forces near the central jail and also entered the Mach railway station. The rockets landed and exploded near a camp of the security forces close to the Mach central jail, the prisons residential area and other places in town. In a significant move, China on Tuesday accepted the credentials of the Taliban-ruled Afghanistans envoy to Beijing. In a formal ceremony, President Xi Jinping accepted the credentials of the Afghan ambassador. At the same ceremony, ambassadors of 41 other countries also presented their credentials to the Chinese president. Xi, while accepting the credentials of Bilal Karimi as the ambassador and special representative, welcomed him as an ambassador to China. Karimi, who joined as ambassador to China in December 2023, also met the Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. With this ceremony, Afghanistan has become an associate of China. CNN-News18 had earlier reported about Karimis appointment when he was accepted by China as the official ambassador of the Islamic Emirate. The Afghan foreign ministry had said that Karimi handed over a copy of his credentials to Hong Li, the chief ceremonial officer of the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs. China has, on multiple occasions, said it respects the national sovereignty of Afghanistan and its decisions. It has also said it does not interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan. China already manages mining contracts in Afghanistan. It had also appointed its full-time ambassador in Kabul, who presented his diplomatic credentials to Talibans Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhud. By doing so, China became the first country to appoint a full-time ambassador to Afghanistan since the fall of Kabul in August 2021. It was a signal that China is ready for big investments and expanding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Afghanistan. Last year, however, China had said the Afghan Taliban must reform before full diplomatic ties. It had said the government will need to introduce political reforms, improve security and mend relations with its neighbours before receiving full diplomatic recognition. At the same time, both countries were hosting each others ambassadors and maintaining diplomatic engagement. It had also said that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community, but the Taliban must respond to the expectations of the international community. The Taliban government has not been officially recognised by any country since seizing power after the chaotic withdrawal of US troops in August 2021. Afghanistans new rulers have promised the country will not be used as a base for militants and, in exchange, China had offered economic support and investment for reconstruction. (With agency inputs) Mohammed Muizzu, the President of the Maldives, seems to have shot himself in the leg. After winning the Presidential election on anti-India and pro-China plank, Muizzu misread the signals back home in his eagerness to endear himself to the Xi Jinping administration in Beijing. His brazen anti-India sentiments have upset the Modi government in New Delhi, triggering panic among the Maldivian opposition parties and the business community. ALSO READ | India No More Top Tourist Market For Maldives, Drops To 5th Spot Behind Russia, China Modis lightning visit to Lakshadweep, the publicity it generated and the subsequent developments in the Maldives have become a big talking point across the Indian Ocean island nation, dividing the nations politics and raising questions over Muizzus ultra foreign policy. After the recent ruckus in the Parliament where the MPs backing Muizzu and those from the opposition came to blows, the Capital Male is abuzz with rumours that the newly elected President may be ousted soon. NO CONFIDENCE The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of former President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih and The Democrats of another former president Mohammed Nasheed together have 56 MPs in the 87-member Parliament. The opposition, which controls the Parliament or Majlis, has already collected the signatures of more than 34 MPs against Muizzu. They are hopeful of unseating him, if the no-confidence motion against him is tabled in the Parliament. Describing Muizzus pro-China stand as reckless and suicidal, the MDP and The Democrats want to restore normalcy between the Maldives and India. An opposition leader, who did not want to be identified, spoke to News18 from Male, expressing fears over the course of action by Muizzu. Dealing with China is a one-way street. Muizzu cant return from that. India has always been our closest neighbour and ally. We cant change that overnight. This kind of reckless behaviour will have far-reaching consequences. We have to save the Maldives from Muizzu", he said. He also added that Muizzu has sent goons to threaten opposition MPs who might vote against him. His goons are all over. He knows he will lose in a free and fair voting. He wants to save his chair at any cost," he said. BIZ COMMUNITY WANTS INDIA FIRST The business community of the country has been friendly with India and it fears the China first policy will detrimental to its interests. A majority of businessmen prefer India over China. We have an old and robust trade relationship with India. We want to continue that. Understandably, the Indian government is upset and it will ruin the business atmosphere here," a Male-based business leader told News18. Indias lead Bank, the State Bank of India (SBI), has a strong presence in the Maldives and controls a big chunk of business. Many depend on SBI for all kinds of banking needs. If the SBI leaves the Maldives, many businessmen will be on the streets. Muizzu does not know anything about economy or trade. He is blindly going with China. The country will pay for his stupidity," he said. THE CHINA FACTOR According to an insider, Muizzu has already invited several Chinese trade delegations and his close aides are busy cutting deals to line their pockets. None of them understands business. This will bring us ruin," he said. According to another insider, China has paid US Dollar 5 million (Rs 40 crore) to Muizzu for the Presidential campaign. He is expecting more from China. He thinks he does not need India. He is a fool to think like that," he said. Most people agree that India is a regional super power and the Maldives should always align with New Delhi keeping future in mind. We never thought that situation would descend into chaos so quickly. Muizzu is playing with the fire. The Dragon will swallow him soon", said another business facilitator. ALSO READ | Opinion | How Muizzu Has Dismantled India-Maldives Ties Fearing loss of power, Muizzu is aggressively trying to save his position, even trying to unseat the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament who will play a decisive role during the no-confidence motion. India and Sri Lanka have been two closest neighbours and allies of the Maldives for centuries. India maintains the largest diplomatic mission in Maldives. The Israeli army was preparing to shift some of its forces from the Gaza Strip to the restive Lebanese border, as international mediators pushed for a new deal to halt its war with Hamas. With Gazans already facing dire humanitarian conditions, the United Nations chief was set to meet on Tuesday with key donors who paused funding after members of the UNs Palestinian refugee agency were accused of taking part in the October 7 attack that sparked the war. Fears of a widening regional conflict were compounded after Israels top ally Washington vowed to respond to an attack that killed three US troops in Jordan. Israeli ground forces backed by tanks have been focused on Khan Yunis, the hometown of Hamass Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, where the Palestine Red Crescent Society reported artillery fire around the Al-Amal hospital overnight. Sinwars office, military sites and a significant rocket manufacturing facility were raided by troops, the Israeli military said. Chief spokesman Daniel Hagari said Monday that the Israeli military had eliminated over 2,000 terrorists above and below ground in the Khan Yunis area, without offering evidence. Israeli strikes across the besieged Gaza Strip killed 128 people overnight, the health ministry in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory said early on Tuesday. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said late Monday that some units in Gaza were moving up to the north and preparing for whats to come a reference to the Israeli-Lebanese border, where there have been almost daily exchanges of fire with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants aligned with Hamas. Truce talks In the latest efforts to broker a new truce, CIA chief William Burns met top Israeli, Egyptian and Qatari officials in Paris on Sunday. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who attended the talks, said Monday that good progress had been made, and that the parties were hoping to relay this proposal to Hamas and to get them to a place where they engage positively and constructively in the process. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed hope for the deal. Very important, productive work has been done. And there is some real hope going forward, Blinken told reporters after the Paris talks. The war was triggered by Hamass bloody October 7 attack that resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures. Militants also seized 250 hostages, of whom Israel says around 132 remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 dead captives. Israels relentless military offensive has killed at least 26,637 people in Gaza, most of them women and children, according to the besieged territorys Hamas-run health ministry. Sheikh Mohammed confirmed that the framework discussed in Paris which he said might lead to a permanent ceasefire included a phased truce that would see women and children hostages released first, with aid also entering besieged Gaza. A senior Hamas official, Taher al-Nunu, said the Islamist group wanted a complete and comprehensive ceasefire, not a temporary truce. It was not immediately clear if Hamas officials had received the text of the Qatari proposal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office has called the Paris talks constructive but pointed to significant gaps which the parties will continue to discuss. Die of hunger Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced in Gaza and rely on scarce aid, but there are fears of further shortages because of the rift between Israel and the UNs agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. At least 12 countries with top donors the United States and Germany joined by New Zealand on Tuesday have suspended their funding over Israeli claims that some UNRWA staff members were involved in the October 7 attack. An UNRWA source, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the issues sensitivity, told AFP it would be a major disaster if donors insisted on stopping their support. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has pleaded for continued financial support to meet dire needs, will meet donors in New York on Tuesday, his office said, as investigations into Israels allegations continue. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz cancelled a meeting with UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini, and said on social media: Supporters of terrorism are not welcome here. In the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where 1.5 million displaced people have taken refuge, some told AFP the UN support was a lifeline. We live on aid from UNRWA, said Sabah Musabih, 50. If it stopped, we would die of hunger. Daily exchanges Israel and the United States have faced attacks from, and struck back at, multiple Iran-backed armed groups in the region, with violence flaring in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen since the war began. Washington said a Sunday drone attack on a remote base in Jordan that killed three US troops requires a response. But White House spokesman John Kirby insisted: We are not looking for a war with Iran. Tehran has denied any involvement in the attack. A war monitor said Israeli strikes in Syria killed eight people Monday, including pro-Iran fighters. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told AFP three Israeli missiles targeted a base belonging to Hezbollah and Irans Revolutionary Guards. Neel Acharya, an Indian student studying at Purdue University, who was missing since Sunday was confirmed dead by authorities in the US state of Indiana. Neel Acharya, the missing Purdue student, has been confirmed dead, according to an email from the interim head of the Department of Computer Science. A friend said, He was a loving, caring, charismatic soul.https://t.co/3AO7QE3M0P Purdue Exponent (@purdueexponent) January 29, 2024 The coroner of the Tippecanoe County said officers arrived at the 500 Allison Road in West Lafayette for a possible dead body and found a college-aged male deceased on Purdues campus. The cause of Neel Acharyas death remains unknown and Tippecanoe authorities have not released any information regarding how Neel died. ALSO READ | Indian Student Beaten to Death with Hammer by Homeless Man Whom He Gave Food, Shelter Neels mother Goury Acharya brought to the attention of the authorities and Indian consulate in Chicago that her son was missing via a post on X on Sunday. Our son Neel Acharya has been missing since yesterday Jan 28 (12:30 AM EST) He is studying at Purdue University in the US. He was last seen by the Uber driver who dropped him off in Purdue university. We are looking for any info on him. Please help us if you know anything, she wrote. The Indian consulate in Chicago responded by saying that it is making all efforts to locate Neel but the Purdue Exponent, a multimedia agency independent of the university, in an email written to the universitys computer science department on Monday, confirmed that Neel died and informed students and faculty of his demise. Who was Neel Acharya? It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our students, Neel Acharya, has passed away. My condolences go out to his friends, family, and all affected, Purdue Universitys Computer Science interim head Chris Clifton said. (He was a) driven individual and academically talented. Its a shock. A real loss to our community, Clifton further added. Neel Acharya was a double major in computer science and data science in the John Martinson Honors College. His roommate and friend Aryan Khanolkar, said he was a loving, charismatic soul, and will be cherished by all of us. Neel Acharyas demise is followed by the news of the grisly murder of Vivek Saini, another Indian student who was residing in the US state of Georgia. A homeless man, Julian Faulkner, killed Vivek with repeated blows from a hammer by a homeless man inside a convenience store where he worked a part-time job. During a high-profile meeting in California last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Joe Biden that there would not be any interference by China in the 2024 US presidential election. The assurance was also reiterated by Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi to Bidens national security adviser Jake Sullivan during their meeting in Bangkok recently, two people familiar with the conversations told CNN. The leaders met in California in November last year to ease historically high military and economic tensions between the two superpowers. The potential for China to interfere in or influence US elections has repeatedly come up at senior-level meetings between the two nations in recent months, the source who was briefed on the matter said. Those discussions signal just how fraught US-China relations have become, and how wary American officials still are of foreign election meddling after 2016, when Russian intelligence agencies hacked the Democratic National Committee and released emails to damage Hillary Clintons presidential campaign. Since then, Iranian, Cuban and Chinese agents have all been active in trying to influence US elections, according to public US intelligence reports. Though none of those efforts have been as aggressive as the 2016 Russian operation. Even if China refrains from interfering in the 2024 election, Beijings hackers are still a potent force, with a foothold in key US infrastructure. For several months, US national security officials have publicly warned that Chinese cyber operatives have burrowed into computer networks in the maritime and transportation sectors access that Beijing might use to disrupt any US military response to a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Chinas history of election meddling China has traditionally taken a more passive role in trying to influence US elections than Russia, focusing on shaping a handful of congressional races, according to US intelligence officials. There are indications, however, that Chinese operatives have become more aggressive in targeting US voters and political candidates. Since 2020, senior Chinese officials have issued broad directives to Chinese operatives to intensify efforts to influence US policy and public opinion in Chinas favor, and senior Chinese officials have aimed to magnify US societal divisions, according to a US intelligence assessment declassified in December. Those influence efforts have included using fake social media accounts to attack US politicians online. Those directives likely gave Chinese operatives more freedom to operate ahead of the 2022 midterms, according to the US intelligence document. Microsoft warned in September that Chinese operatives had used AI-generated images of the Statue of Liberty and other symbols of American life to mimic US voters online and provoke discussion on divisive political issues. Last week, a senior National Security Agency official told reporters that the agency had not yet seen signs of any notable new foreign influence operations aimed at the 2024 election. But US officials are preparing for the possibility that Russia, Iran, China and other foreign actors will try to sow discord among voters through propaganda, hacking or some other means. Between expanding geopolitical turmoil and the chaotic domestic political environment, there will be plenty of motivations and opportunities for a wide range of threat actors to interfere in this years election, said Chris Krebs, who led the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agencys work to protect elections from foreign interference in 2020. Throw in AI-powered influence campaigns and 2024 might be unlike any prior election, Krebs told CNN. North Korea fired another round of cruise missiles on Tuesday, Seouls military said, extending a recent flurry of tests of weapons that analysts warned could be destined for Russias war in Ukraine. This month, Pyongyang has conducted tests of what it called an underwater nuclear weapon system, a solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile, and a new generation of strategic cruise missiles. Relations between the two Koreas have sharply deteriorated, with Kim Jong Un declaring Seoul his principal enemy, as he pulls closer to Moscow, including, Washington says, sending weapons for use in Ukraine. South Koreas military said it had detected the launch of several cruise missiles early Tuesday, adding that it was conducting a detailed analysis while strengthening surveillance in cooperation with ally the United States. Unlike their ballistic counterparts, the testing of cruise missiles is not banned under current UN sanctions on Pyongyang. Cruise missiles tend to be jet-propelled and fly at a lower altitude than more sophisticated ballistic missiles, making them harder to detect and intercept. Despite rafts of UN sanctions, Seoul and Washington say Kim has been shipping weapons to Russia, possibly in exchange for Moscows technical assistance for Pyongyangs budding spy satellite programme. Kim made a rare overseas trip to Russia in September to meet President Vladimir Putin at a cosmodrome, with Putin now set to pay a visit to Pyongyang in return. The North successfully put its first spy satellite into orbit in November. It is believed that North Korea has commenced mass production of cruise missiles ordered by Russia, Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP. It looks like they are conducting experiments of these (ordered) missiles at sea, causing disruption to South Korea and the United States, Anh said, adding that all guided missiles needed to undergo a minimum of five tests before being deployed on the battlefield. Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, said one cannot rule out the possibility that North Korea is conducting test-fires of cruise missiles intended for export to Russia. During the Ukraine war, cruise missiles have played a significant role for Russia in targeting strategic facilities in Ukraine, he told AFP. Chun In-bum, a retired South Korean army general, added that North Korean weapons are for sale as long as the price is right. Election disruption? In December, Seouls spy agency issued a statement forecasting that Pyongyang would carry out military and cyber provocations in 2024, targeting election campaigns in the United States and South Korea. North Korean leader Kim late last year instructed his aides to come up with measures to cause a big stir in South Korea early next year, according to the statement by Seouls spy agency. In recent weeks, Kim has declared the South his countrys principal enemy, jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and threatened war over even 0.001 mm of territorial infringement. He also said Pyongyang would not recognise the two countries de facto maritime border, the Northern Limit Line, and called for constitutional changes allowing the North to occupy Seoul in war, the Norths official Korean Central News Agency said. North Korea seems to indirectly support former US President Donald Trump by emphasising the shortcomings of South Korea and (US President Joe Bidens administration) policy towards North Korea by increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies, told AFP. Thae Yong-ho, a former North Korean diplomat who defected to the South, said this month that Kim was not likely looking to trigger a war, given that Pyongyang was selling a significant number of weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine. If Kim Jong Un intends to initiate a war this year, does it make sense for him to send a substantial quantity of his weapons to Russia in containers? Thae said in an interview with The Chosun Daily, adding that the North was aiming to deter Seoul and Washington by creating the impression of a significant impending action. Pyongyangs latest launch comes after South Korea conducted a 10-day special forces infiltration drill off the countrys east coast, in light of serious security situations with the North, which ended on January 25. The United Kingdom (UK) is considering a push at the United Nations to recognize a Palestinian state, Foreign Secretary David Cameron said as he tries to pitch a proposal to end the Gaza conflict. Camerons comments were welcomed by the Palestinian ambassador in London but sparked a backlash from Conservative MPs who said early recognition would reward Hamas for its violent assault on Israel. The former prime minister claimed that the action may result in irreversible progress to a two-state solution, after being included in the foreign affairs brief by Rishi Sunak last year. As that happens, we with allies will look at the issue of recognising a Palestinian state, including at the United Nations, reported BBC. He also said that a deal would be difficult but not impossible, adding that this could be one of the things that might help to make this process irreversible. Although it is incredibly difficult, although efforts in the past have failed, we cannot give up, quoted the service broadcaster. In addition, the foreign secretary called on Israel to permit increased humanitarian help into Gaza, calling it ludicrous that essential material, including British and other supplies, was being turned away at the border. Britain has traditionally been in favour of a two-state solution, in which Israelis and Palestinians would coexist in independent nations. However, Cameron is proposing that formal diplomatic recognition for a state in Palestine may be granted by Britain earlier on in the peace process, even before a final peace agreement is reached. Together with that, almost most important of all, is to give the Palestinian people a political horizon so that they can see that there is going to be irreversible progress to a two-state solution and crucially the establishment of a Palestinian state, said the former prime minister of the UK. The Palestinians ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, called Camerons words a significant moment. But Camerons fellow member of the Tory party, Theresa Villiers, said bringing forward the recognition of a Palestinian state would reward Hamas atrocities. Regarding the ongoing efforts to put an end to the conflict in Gaza, Cameron stated that there were hopeful signs that negotiations were underway and that the fighting needed to stop right away. Turn that pause into a sustainable ceasefire without a return to the fighting, he said, adding that it would be truly difficult. According to Cameron, Israels past thirty years have been a story of failure as it is marked by a lack of success since the state has been unable to guarantee the safety of its people. (with inputs AFP) A special court established under Pakistans Official Secrets Act on Tuesday handed both former premier Imran Khan and ex-foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi 10 years in jail in the cipher case. However, sources close to Khan said to CNN-News18 that the verdict was decided in advance and part of the proceedings happened in the absence of the judge. Imran Khans statement was recorded under section 342 of the Pakistan Penal Code where he explained everything clearly in sequence, they said. He explained how the then Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa used the then ambassador Husain Haqqani to tell the Americans that the Imran Khan government was going against the United States, said the sources, as well as all events about illegal arrests by spy agency ISIS and irregularities in the cipher case. The case pertains to a diplomatic document that Pakistans Federal Investigation Agencys charge sheet alleges was never returned by Imran. His party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has long held that the document contained a threat from the United States to oust Imran as prime minister. The verdict comes nine days before the February 8 general elections in Pakistan. The sources said there was no mention of the cipher case in court and Imran Khan also explained how the ISI used to meet Americans in embassies. They added that after one hour of the statement being recorded, the judge suddenly went away and returned after 12 minutes. During this period, Imrans statement was over, and then Shah Mehmood Qureshi came to record his statement, said the sources. The judge asked Imran where the cipher was and the former PM said he was not aware. The judge then abruptly started reading out the verdict, handing both Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi 10-year jail terms and then left, said the sources. According to them, the judge was followed by PTI supporters and members of the media but he took off without the statement of Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who gave it later. No cross-examination of witnesses happened and this was done by an assistant of the prosecutors, they said. The sources added that Imran was healthy, exercising, and had lost belly fat. He asked everyone to vote against the establishment in next months elections, they said. The American neurotechnology company Neuralink, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, has implanted a wireless chip into the human brain for the first time. Researchers have been working on the chip for a long time, including testing the high-tech implant on animals. ADVERTISIMENT However, it was only after almost three years of work and research that Neuralink decided to implant the chip into the human brain. OBOZ.UA found out how humanity can benefit from the Neuralink chip, what exactly this implant looks like, and whether there are any risks for people who decide to implant modern technologies into their brains. From animal testing to implanting a chip in the human brain It's worth noting that at the end of 2022, American inventor Elon Musk announced his intention to implant a chip in the human brain that would allow remote control of a smartphone and laptop. At the same time, he assured that the chip would help people with certain diseases. In particular, Neuralink's technologies will be aimed at restoring human vision. The company has also been working on interfaces for brain chips that will allow patients with disabilities to move and communicate again. ADVERTISIMENT Neuralink, which develops interfaces for interaction between the human brain and an electronic device, started its operations in 2016 but was introduced by Musk in March 2017. For several years, the inventors have been conducting animal tests and seeking approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin human clinical trials. A revolution in the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases Only almost 5 years later, the FDA allowed Neuralink to conduct the first human trial of the implant. On January 30, 2024, Musk announced that the implantation of the chip into the human brain was successful. Now, scientists want to evaluate the functionality of the interface, which allows people with tetraplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) to control their bodies with their thoughts. ADVERTISIMENT Researchers from Neuralink are confident that their revolutionary development will help in the treatment of various diseases, both congenital and acquired. According to the scientists, the chip will allow in the future to fully restore the vital activity of people who have suffered a stroke or heart attack and cancer. In particular, Neuralink said that their development will help to overcome such problems as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and dementia. Musk is betting on artificial intelligence According to the inventor Elon Musk, the Neuralink team will primarily focus on solving problems related to human brain diseases. However, the next stage will be the development of a brain-machine interface that will allow humanity to achieve symbiosis with artificial intelligence. ADVERTISIMENT In one of his speeches, Musk said that the human brain has a limbic system that is responsible for primitive needs, desires, and emotions. At the same time, the motor cortex is responsible for the thought process, and Neuralink aims to add digital superintelligence to these natural "technologies". At the same time, Musk emphasized that nothing new will have to be created, because people already have this digital superintelligence - smartphones, computers, and other similar gadgets. According to him, the Achilles' heel in the "connection" between technology and the human brain is the different speed of interaction. He explained that the speed of information output from the brain is very low compared to modern technologies and gave an example that most people type with only two fingers, while people write with one hand. At the same time, the speed of information delivery to the brain is much faster due to the peculiarities of vision and other senses. ADVERTISIMENT Therefore, the main task of Neuralink on the way to synchronizing the brain and artificial intelligence is to adapt the speed of information acquisition by people. What does the chip look like and is it necessary to "charge" the brain? Over several years of work, Neuralink managed to create a chip based on the N1 processor measuring 4x5 mm. Initially, it contained 1024 electrodes, but the potential allows to increase the number of electrodes to 10 thousand in the future. For comparison, analysts said that the most advanced brain stimulation system for Parkinson's patients, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, contains only 10 electrodes. At the same time, the electrodes of the N1 chip are about ten times thinner than a human hair and comparable in size to a neuron. To implant the chip into the human brain, a hole with a diameter of 2 mm must be made, which expands to 8 mm. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, Neuralink has developed a special robot for implanting electrodes into the human head. The scientists noted that implanting a chip of this size requires high precision. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the brain vessels. Neuralink assured that the brain-computer interface is fully implantable, cosmetically invisible, and designed to allow a person to control a computer or mobile device. The company also noted that the N1 implant is hermetically sealed in a biocompatible housing that can withstand physiological conditions several times more severe than in the human body. Obviously, like all Neuralink chip technology, electricity is required. The researchers explained that the N1 implant is powered by a small battery that is charged wirelessly from the outside using a compact inductive charger. ADVERTISIMENT Advanced, special low-power chips and electronics process neural signals, transmitting them wirelessly to the Neuralink program, which decodes the data stream into actions and intentions. In addition, the N1 implant records neural activity with 1024 electrodes distributed over 64 strands. These extremely flexible, ultra-thin filaments are the key to minimizing damage during and after implantation. Is the Neuralink brain implant safe? In early 2023, the nonprofit health organization Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine claimed that Neuralink has a documented track record of animal abuse. The group said it had obtained internal records detailing painful and fatal experiments conducted by Neuralink on monkeys, prompting US federal agencies to investigate. ADVERTISIMENT In his turn, Elon Musk assured that no monkey died as a result of Neuralink implantation. In his turn, Kiminobu Sugai, professor of medicine and head of the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Central Florida, said that the main risk of a brain implant for humans is the risk of infection. He noted that the device is located on the surface of the brain, but can cause some inflammation and immune response. At the same time, an investigation by the American scientific publication WIRED showed that Neuralink allegedly conceals the consequences of its research. According to the publication, experimental monkeys died during the experiments. In particular, the investigation states that in one case, a toxic glue leaked from an implant developed by Neuralink, which led to the death of the animal. ADVERTISIMENT An autopsy showed that the pressure inside the monkey's skull had increased dramatically, causing its brain to deform and rupture. The reason was the toxic glue of the chip itself, which was attached to the animal's skull. Moreover, WIRED found out that the records released by the State University of California, Davis, lack many photos and videos of primates from 2018 to 2020. Analysts believe that such high secrecy is caused by fears of public reaction to animal experiments. ADVERTISIMENT In May 2023, Neuralink announced that it had received official permission from the US authorities to conduct human tests. As promised, such chips will in the future allow to restore sight to the blind or put people with disabilities on their feet. But so far, there have been only relatively minor successes and the deaths of more than 1,500 animals who participated in the experiments. Earlier, Musk boasted that the first person in the world received an implant from a brain chip startup developed by Neuralink. The American inventor said that this person is successfully recovering. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Only Russia claims that there were allegedly Ukrainian prisoners of war on board its IL-76, which crashed near Belgorod on January 24. At the same time, the aggressor has not yet shown any willingness to hand over the bodies to Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Andriy Yusov. He provided new data on the plane crash, about which Russians have spread a lot of disinformation, in a commentary to Suspilne. "It is Russia's statement that our prisoners were there, and so far we can only analyze from their words. There is currently no readiness to hand over the bodies from the other side," the DIU representative said. He added that at the same time, Ukraine is working on this and, if the worst is confirmed, "will do everything possible to take our defenders with a shield or on a shield." Yusov did not rule out the possibility that the Russian VKS Il-76 was carrying both ammunition and prisoners, whom the Russians used as human shields. He says the aggressor's reaction and the circumstances of the crash were provocative. An exchange was indeed planned that day, but the ceasefire was not declared over Belgorod, and Moscow did not inform in advance that it was going to use air traffic to transport prisoners. ADVERTISIMENT "If we take into consideration that the plane was one-third loaded, according to their version, there could have been ammunition, because that's what this plane was mainly used for. There could have been ammunition and people on board - it could have been used as a human shield, so this needs to be carefully investigated. The work in this direction is ongoing," the DIU representative added. Earlier, the head of the department, Kyrylo Budanov, said that there is currently no reliable and comprehensive information about who might have actually been on board the Russian military transport aircraft IL-76. The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters confirmed that 65 prisoners from the list published by Russian propagandists on the day of the crash were indeed to be exchanged. Criminal proceedings were opened in Ukraine over the plane crash under Article 438 of the Criminal Code (violation of the laws and customs of war). ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Major of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksiy Hetman, noted that there are several strange things in the story of the downing of the Russian Il-76 aircraft that are difficult to explain. He believes that against the backdrop of this event, the Kremlin has planned an information campaign to discredit Ukraine in the eyes of its allies. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) has been ordered to pay a former employee US$47 850 in damages for sacking her when she refused to submit to the sexual demands of her boss. Ms Rita Mbatha was working for CZI when then chief executive Farai Zizhou made inappropriate comments and sexual advances between 2002 and 2003. When she rebuffed his advances, CZI fired Ms Mbatha. She successfully sued Zizhou at the High Court five years ago and his house in Harares Hatfield suburb was auctioned under a court order to satisfy the damages he had to pay Ms Mbatha. In December 2021, she was awarded an additional US$180 000 in damages by the same court after she was fired from her employment for complaining about persistent sexual harassment by her boss. Last week, the CZI unsuccessfully contested the registration of Ms Mbathas award following a Supreme Court order of November 2019. Justice Gladys Mhuri ordered CZI to pay Ms Mbatha nearly US$47 850 plus interest at the prescribed rate, finding that she was unfairly sacked for reporting her boss for his improper conduct. The judge also noted that the Supreme Court order under SC 119/19, made it clear what the CZI had to pay. The High Court under case number HC 4380/20 had ruled in favour of CZI allowing it to pay Ms Mbatha Z$41 161,30 instead of US$41 161,30. But the Supreme Court under Civil Appeal SC 437/22 made an order in case number SC 119/19, which is still in force and has not been satisfied. Justice Mhuri ruled that CZI could not claim it was paying the balance in local currency. The judge agreed with Ms Mbatha that if CZI felt the order was not clear, it should have sought clarification from the Supreme Court. In the result, it is my finding that the opposition to this application was unmerited, said Justice Mhuri. The application for registration of the Supreme Court Order under SC 119/19 is hereby granted. The Supreme Court Order of 25 November 2019 under SC 119/19 is hereby registered as a judgment of this court. Respondent (CZI) is hereby ordered to pay the applicant (Mbatha) the sum of US$47 850,01 inclusive of interest calculated at the prescribed rate. In his December 21 judgment, Justice Joseph Mafusire noted that no amount of money seemed adequate to compensate for her loss, but that the court should not be seen to be paying lip service to values espoused in the Constitution on human dignity and integrity, hence compensation should be tangible. Justice Mafusire noted that at the arbitration of the case, Mr Zizhou sought to dismiss his reprehensible conduct as mere jokes. He said Mr Zizhou was callous and engineered Ms Mbathas dismissal from employment. In his ruling, the judge also looked at the power balance and socio-economic dynamics between Ms Mbatha and Mr Zizhou, which he said were skewed given the fact that he was chief executive officer and her boss. According to messages submitted during the application, Mr Zizhou became exceptionally personal about his feelings and at some point said he was bending rules for her to be awarded a pay rise even though she had just finished probation. Mr Zizhou settled the damages he had to pay using his house in Hatfield, which was auctioned in terms of the court order. Herald ACTING President Kembo Mohadi has slammed the fractured CCC for bleeding national resources through its leadership chaos, which has caused unnecessary by-elections that have become a strain to the national fiscus. Elections are generally costly to any nation and authorities have raised concerns that budgeting for a series of by-elections is an unnecessary expenditure for Treasury. The country emerged from the harmonised elections in August 2023, but four months later, by-elections were held to replace National Assembly and local authority members who were recalled by disputed CCC interim secretary-general, Mr Sengezo Tshabangu. After the December by-election Mr Tshabangu instigated a second wave of by-elections to be held this Saturday and is on record saying the recalls are not yet over. The Government has budgeted US$11 million for the December 2023 and February 2024 by-elections with US$5 million being spent in the December by-election while another US$6 million will be used in the polls set for Saturday. President Mnangagwa is now obliged at law to proclaim another by-election after CCC Mt Pleasant National Assembly member, Ms Fadzayi Mahere, tendered her resignation from Parliament yesterday as she followed Mr Nelson Chamisa, who quit as the leader of the opposition last week. It is unclear how many other elected officials will also follow suit. Addressing multitudes during a Zanu PF rally yesterday at Nkulumane Public Library grounds in Bulawayo, Cde Mohadi said Zimbabweans dodged a bullet when they dumped the opposition in the August 2023 harmonised elections. Look at this party that some of you had voted for, it is in disarray, it no longer has a leader. We are now wasting resources through holding by-elections, he said. Where has that party left you, even its president has abandoned the party. CCC is no longer an issue, there is nothing to go to there. There is nothing left there, there is confusion in the party, there is no direction in the party. The opposition has run down the urban centres and now cities are synonymous with dirt. They are failing to pick garbage and now people are dying because of cholera, said Cde Mohadi. He was drumming up support for the Zanu-PF candidate Cde Joseph Tshuma, who will battle it out for the Pelandaba-Tshabalala constituency against Moreblessing Tembo (CCC) and Abraham Nkomo of the Democratic Opposition Party. Mr Gift Ostallos Siziva who was recalled from the seat was disqualified from contesting. Citing the opposition chaos, Cde Mohadi said those who were previously affiliated to the opposition should return to Zanu-PF as it is the only party with a solution-driven agenda and ability to address national challenges. The Acting President said following the August 2023 harmonised elections, it was painful to watch the electorate particularly in Matabeleland region getting lost through voting for the ideologically bankrupt opposition. He, however, said following the by-elections that were held in December, the ruling party regained ground winning three out of five seats in Bulawayo. The province is aiming for a fourth National Assembly seat in the coming by-elections. The Acting President said in the midst of the opposition driven chaos, the ruling party has remained steadfast in transforming the country into an upper middle income economy status as guided by President Mnangagwas vision. He said under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe is in the process of mobilising resources to address most of the challenges affecting the country. The Second Republic since 2018 has initiated a lot of development projects, surpassing the works that were done by the First Republic. We have been involved in extensive infrastructural development, constructing dams, roads and rehabilitating electricity infrastructure, said Cde Mohadi. At the moment, the power challenges that we have are not man-made, but are a result of the climate change resulting in Kariba Dam failing to impound enough water. We are working on rehabilitating the Beitbridge Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road. That is part of the work we are doing, said the Acting President. He said President Mnangagwas re-engagement drive is bearing fruits and noted that just last week, British investors were in the country to discuss areas of cooperation with Zimbabwe. Cde Modadi reiterated that the country will continue to leverage its resources to advance its development agenda and called upon the electorate to vote for Cde Tshuma who is standing on the Zanu-PF ticket for Pelandaba-Tshabalala constituency. We must make sure that Joseph Tshuma is elected come February 3. This will enable him to take your issues to the relevant offices without a challenge. We know that there is an issue of title deeds in Iminyela suburb, we have set in motion measures to ensure that you get the title deeds, but this is a process, said the Acting President. We started the process in Epworth in Harare and we will be cascading it here. All the deserving individuals will get the title deeds. Cde Mohadi said citizens should also unite and advance the development agenda, working closely with the Government. Meanwhile, the Acting President donated 10 laptops to Mandwandwe High School as part of Government initiatives to support the teaching of information communication technologies (ICTs) in schools. He also brought a consignment of exercise books, which will be delivered to Bulawayo schools. Acting President Mohadi also urged Bulawayo businesses and party members to drill six boreholes and assist in alleviating water challenges in the city. Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, expressed gratitude to the Presidium for availing resources to address water challenges. Zanu-PF politburo member Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube also encouraged the electorate to vote for Cde Tshuma as he will not be new to Parliamentary duty. Herald In the face of worsening basic service delivery in many local authorities, including Bulawayo, ratepayers have raised concerns about certain privileges granted to serving councillors. Specifically, they are calling for the revocation of lifetime residential and commercial land rights that have been granted to the most powerful residents. Government through Circular No 12 of 2019 allows councillors the privilege to buy residential land at a 40 percent discount and commercial land for full price. Under this provision, councillors can arrange a payment plan with the local authority, which should be completed within five years of their service in the council. Despite these and other benefits, residents have bemoaned the decline in service delivery in most councils and blamed city fathers for sleeping on duty and failing to show leadership in addressing problems affecting ratepayers. Most urban centres are facing a decline in service delivery with major cities like Bulawayo and Harare struggling to maintain clean streets and provide water while battling ballooning housing backlogs. In Bulawayo, for instance, over 100 000 people are on the housing waiting list and most of the city roads are littered with potholes. Chaos also continues in the city centre where vendors and pushcart operators block pavements and disrupt traffic movement with long-distance buses, pirate taxes and kombis causing traffic jams in undesignated zones. While service delivery is on a declining trajectory, residents said it is disturbing that councillors are only concerned about grabbing stands for personal benefit. These benefits have raised eyebrows, especially considering that from previous council terms, some councillors in Bulawayo are said to have grabbed commercial stands where they are enriching themselves by building townhouses. Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association executive director, Mrs Permanent Ngoma, said it was worrying that councillors have easy access to land at a time when most Bulawayo residents are struggling to get land for building their homes. The feeling from the residents is that those packages are just too much considering that we have a long list of people on the housing waiting list to get stands, she said. The stands are not availed to residents but funny enough councillors seem to get priority in terms of being allocated land even at a time when the council is saying it does not have land. Secondly, you will discover that those councillors when they are given those stands, they immediately sell them. There might be a need to review the policy so that the councillor gets the land in the ward where they serve, said Mrs Ngoma. She said the Government should consider striking off the commercial land benefits for councillors. Bulawayo United Residents Association (Bura) chairman Mr Winos Dube weighed in and queried the logic behind privileges for councillors at the expense of other residents. He said only property owners should be councillors as this will lessen the burden of having chancers. One thing that we ask from the Government and ministrys level is why are they offering those privileges. For instance, the privilege of a residential stand, what we have been advocating for is that there should be a qualification for one to be a councillor, he said. You must be someone who already has property and you have an interest in providing development. As it stands, any person can rise from the streets to become a councillor not because they want to contribute positively to the development of the city but they would be chasing after these packages of a residential stand and a commercial stand. Mr Dube said being a councillor should be voluntary work with little incentives. Former Bulawayo councillor Alderman David Ndlovu, who served in council between 1991 and 2003 said during their time it was unheard of to hear that a councillor had benefitted from the local authority apart from their usual allowances. Alderman Ndlovu shared Mr Dubes sentiments that being a councillor was community service. We were in council to serve the public not to benefit from resources that were meant to serve the public. We were going to the council to provide voluntary work. The only thing that we used to get were allowances. If something like that (getting land) was even suggested, it was called corruption and you will discover that most people who became councillors already had their properties, said Alderman Ndlovu. He said what was saddening to note was that councillors have even submitted themselves to council management, yet they are supposed to be policymakers. At the time we were in council we were not having this thing where councillors would invite council directors to come address residents on council issues, said Ald Ndlovu. The council meetings were solely presided over by the councillor who understood all the issues. I dont want to seem to criticize them or to suggest that we were better than them. But they are doing things that we wouldnt do. They are constructing houses in places we left behind as breathers and in some cases in wetlands. This is now the trend. Director of communication and advocacy in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Mr Gabriel Masvora, said the Government through Circular No. 12 of 2019 granted councillors permission to benefit from a commercial and residential stand within their lifetime. The stand may be sold to the councillor at a discount of 40 percent of the normal values. The stand is to be offered to the councillor on a lease with the option to purchase with payments being made in equal monthly instalments and completed before the end of the term of office of the councillor, he said. Title deeds may not be issued until the development of the home is complete. Mr Masvora said a councillor may not sell the stand or cede the lease during his/her term of office and the cost of servicing of the stand shall be paid in full. However, this offer of residential stand is a privilege and not an entitlement. On Commercial/Industrial stands, the minister granted permission to a councillor to be allocated a single business or industrial stand in their lifetime, within council areas on which to construct a business for him/herself, he said. The stand is to be offered to the councillor on a lease with the option to purchase with payments being made in equal monthly instalments and completed before the end of the term of office. Title deed may not be issued until the development of the home is complete. Herald When Florida's waters cool down in the winter, its resident manatees huddle together for warmththis year, in record numbers. On Jan. 21, Volusia County's Blue Spring State Park, which NPR dubs "one of the largest winter gathering sites for manatees" in the Sunshine State, witnessed a total of 932 of the marine creatures congregated, breaking the previous record of 736 just set on New Year's Day, per the Friends of Blue Spring State Park . The nonprofit Save the Manatee Club notes that Jan. 21 was one of the season's coldest mornings yet, with temperatures in the park's St. Johns River hovering just above 58 degrees. Manatees prefer waters that are at least 68 degrees, on account of their sluggish metabolism and thin layer of fat. Blue Spring's waters are a comfy 72 degrees, which is why it's become a literal hot spot for the sea cows. WFLA notes that the creatures typically seek out warmer natural springs around Florida, and even waters around electrical power plantsTampa Electric, for example, actually hosts a manatee viewing center. Monica Ross, a manatee expert at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, tells NPR that Florida's recent spate of back-to-back cold fronts has contributed to the higher-than-usual number of manatees showing up in the state park outside of Orange City. She notes that ample food in warm springs is another factor, as algae blooms elsewhere are stunting the growth of the seagrass that manatees devour. story continues below Pollution, habitat loss, and run-ins with boats are other threats they regularly face. Citing figures from the state's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, NPR notes "an unusually high number" of manatee deaths on Florida's east coast, with more than 1,000 perishing in 2021, mostly due to starvation. Estimates from the FWCC put the total number of manatees in Florida somewhere between 8,350 and 11,700, as of 2022. "The fact that [manatees] are choosing to be at Blue [Spring] shows how important of a site it is and what a manatee is really looking for, for survival," Ross says. (More uplifting news stories.) Scientists have spotted juvenile great white sharks, but never before had they caught a glimpse of a newborn. That reportedly changed this past July when a drone captured a 5-foot-long pup, apparently still covered with its embryonic layer. There's some doubt given the novelty of the situation, but the shark appeared to be covered in a whitish film that shed in pieces as the shark swam, Gizmodo reports. It also had an underdeveloped dorsal fin matching the appearance of dorsal fins of unborn pups found inside deceased pregnant sharks. Given these two factors, the prevailing theory is that this is the first newborn great white shark ever seena discovery that moves researchers closer to solving one of the biggest mysteries about the largest predatory fish in the world, now an endangered species. Though great white sharks are arguably the most well-known shark in the world, we know surprisingly little about them. It's unknown, for instance, where they give birth. "Capturing the actual birth is the holy grail of shark science," Carlos Guana, a wildlife filmmaker who captured the footage and co-wrote a study on the find published Monday in Environmental Biology of Fishes, tells Gizmodo. "What I filmed is simply a clue that gets us closer to it." The shark was spotted just 1,300 feet off the coast of Carpinteria in southern California, as CNN reports. Study co-author Phillip Sternes, a biology doctoral student at the University of California Riverside, speculates that the shark might've been "hours, maybe one day old at most," suggesting it was born in shallow waters nearby, per CNN. Though great whites are thought to travel roughly 50 miles in a day, "we cannot rule out that the shark, which is quite mobile, could have moved a great distance from the birthing area," Greg Skomal, senior fisheries scientist at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, tells CNN. The area was previously proposed as a potential birthing ground, but critics have argued the sharks must be born further out to sea. Some now question the absence of other newborns in the footage, as great whites typically have between two and 10 pups in a litter. But mature sharks were spotted in the same area on the same day. The discovery, if confirmed, has "the potential to change the direction of where we should be looking" for birthing grounds and may have "bigger implications for what areas should be protected," Guana tells Gizmodo. (More great white shark stories.) UPDATE Feb 3, 2024 6:00 AM CST On Saturday, a Pakistani court convicted and sentenced former PM Imran Khan and his wife to seven years in prison on a charge that their 2018 marriage violated the law, officials and a defense lawyer said. The verdict follows another case in which Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 14 years in prison on Wednesday for corruption, per the AP. It comes ahead of Feb. 8 parliamentary elections in which Khan has already been disqualified due to his graft convictions. The couple's lawyer said the verdict was announced by Judge Qudrat Ullah a day after the trial ended. Khan and his family insist the trial is politically motivated. The prosecution said Khan and Bibi violated the law of a woman waiting three months before marrying again; Bibi was previously married. It's Khan's fourth conviction since 2022, when he was ousted as PM. The sentences will be served concurrently. Jan 30, 2024 6:33 AM CST A Pakistani court convicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan of revealing official secrets on Tuesday and sentenced him to 10 yearsthe latest in a slew of legal cases that supporters say are meant to sideline the imprisoned former cricket star just days ahead of parliamentary elections. The Islamist politician, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in 2022, isn't on the ballot because he's already serving a three-year prison termand more than 150 other cases are still pending against him, per the AP. He nonetheless remains a potent political force because of his grassroots following and anti-establishment rhetoric. However, Pakistan saw violent demonstrations after Khan's arrest last year, and authorities have cracked down on his supporters and party since then, making them wary of staging rallies. A rare shark attack in Sydney Harbor has a victim recovering from serious injuries. The AP reports that the woman was swimming off of Elizabeth Bay on Monday evening when she encountered a suspected bull shark. The woman, identified by Sky News as 29-year-old Lauren O'Neill, was in the water near a private pier around sunset when she was bitten on the right leg, filling the water with blood. O'Neill managed to get to a nearby wharf, which is when resident Michael Porter said he heard a cry for help. "Completely surreal," he describes the scene he found when he ran outside and discovered O'Neill clinging to a ladder on the side of the pier. "From the knee down was completely open. It was like the worst horror movie you've ever seen." Another local, veterinarian Fiona Crago, rushed to the scene as well, compression bandages and other materials in hand to stem the flow of blood from O'Neill's severely injured leg, reports CNN. "I think Fiona saved her life. She's a complete hero," Porter tells Sky. Other neighbors also came out to help until first responders arrived. O'Neill was rushed to a local hospital, where she's reportedly in stable condition, according to police in New South Wales. Police noted that their marine unit would be patrolling the area for the time being as a precaution. There hasn't been a shark attack in the harbor since 2009, when an Aussie navy diver had his arm torn off by a bull shark. CNN notes that January and February are prime months for bull sharks in the harbor, where they show up to eat and mate while the waters are warmer. "[Although] this recent attack is a shock for Sydneysiders, the risk of unprovoked shark attacks are incredibly rare," says Sydney Councilwoman Linda Scott. Locals "embrace our beautiful harbor but do so knowing it's a marine ecosystem." (More shark attack stories.) On Monday, January 29, the European Union took another step towards the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. EU ambassadors have reached an agreement on the use of profits from frozen Russian assets. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the press service of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU on social network X, formerly known as Twitter. "EU ambassadors have just reached an agreement in principle on a proposal to use the excess profits associated with frozen assets to support Ukraine's recovery," the statement said. According to Rickard Jozwiak, Radio Liberty's European Affairs Editor, EU ambassadors "gave the green light to the first step" towards using frozen Russian assets in favor of Ukraine - "putting the proceeds of frozen Russian assets into a separate account." "Now it's a matter of agreeing on the next step: the actual sending of money to Ukraine," the journalist said. Earlier, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee supported a bill to confiscate Russian assets in favor of Ukraine. The Senate called the unprecedented "Restoring Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act" a "big hammer" for the aggressor country, Russia. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, the EU has already decided to impose a tax on frozen Russian assets, which will be used to provide financial assistance to Ukraine through a special fund. This plan is an alternative to direct confiscation of the Russian Central Bank's funds, which the EU lacks the willpower and legal grounds to carry out. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Israeli forces disguised as civilian women and medical workers stormed a hospital Tuesday in the occupied West Bank, killing three Palestinian militants in a dramatic raid that underscored how deadly violence has spilled into the territory from the war in Gaza. The Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli forces opened fire inside the wards of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the town of Jenin. The ministry called on the international community to pressure Israel's military to halt such operations in hospitals. Hospital spokesperson Tawfiq al-Shobaki said there was no exchange of fire, indicating that it was a targeted killing. He said the Israelis attacked doctors, nurses, and hospital security during the raid. "What happened is a precedent," he said, per the AP . "There was never an assassination inside a hospital. There were arrests and assaults, but not an assassination." The military said the militants were using the hospital as a hideout, without providing evidence. It alleged that one of those targeted in the raid had transferred weapons and ammunition to others for a planned attack, purportedly inspired by the Hamas assault on southern Israel on Oct. 7. Footage said to be security camera video from the hospital that circulated on social media showed about a dozen undercover forces, most armed, dressed as women with Muslim headscarves, or as hospital staff in scrubs or white doctors' coats. The AP hasn't independently verified the footage, but it's consistent with AP reporting. The military said in Tuesday's hospital raid, forces killed Mohammed Jalamneh, 27, who it said was planning an imminent attack. The two other men killed, brothers Basel and Mohammed Ghazawi, were hiding inside the hospital and were involved in attacks, the military claimed. The military's statement said Jalamneh was armed with a pistol, but it made no mention of an exchange of fire. Hamas claimed the three men as members, calling the operation "a cowardly assassination." Al-Shobaki said Basel Ghazawi had been a patient in the hospital since October with partial paralysis. (More Israel-Hamas war stories.) The Library of Congress says its Gershwin Prize for Popular Song this year is going to "one of the greatest songwriting duos of all time"Elton John and Bernie Taupin, who have been writing hits for more than half a century. They will be honored at an April 8 tribute concert in Washington, DC that will air on PBS at 8pm Eastern. "Their process seems simple: Taupin writes lyrics and sends them to John, who goes to work at the piano and creates a song," the Library of Congress said in its announcement Tuesday. "It's an incredible honor for two British guys to be recognized like this," John said in a statement. "I'm so honored." "To be in a house along with the great American songwriters, to even be in the same avenue is humbling, and I am absolutely thrilled to accept," Taupin said. John recently became one of the few people to achieve the status of EGOT winner, with Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. NPR suggests that with the addition of the prestigious Gershwin Prize, his title could be "EGGOT." This will be the 14th time the prize, named after songwriting legends George and Ira Gershwin, has been awarded since it was created in 2007, and the third time it has gone to a duo. the Washington Post reports. Dr. Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, tells NPR that the duo are the "epitome of what George and Ira Gershwin stand for: legendary songwriting teams that have really resonated with generations of music lovers." John and Taupin met in 1967 when they answered the same newspaper ad from Liberty Records seeking songwriters. Since then, they have produced more than 30 albums. The Post reports that when John was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, he handed Taupin the statuette, saying "without Bernie, there wouldn't have been any Elton John at all." John delivered the speech and played "Tiny Dancer" when Taupin was inducted in November. (More Elton John stories.) "We know these chemicals don't easily break down, they can build up in our bodies, and some can be toxic at high levels," Dr Presow said on Tuesday. "International research suggests PFAS are only found in a small number of products, but we take a precautionary approach to potential risks from PFAS. Banning these chemicals in cosmetics is part of our ongoing response, which includes phasing out all PFAS-firefighting foams and testing for background levels of PFAS in the New Zealand environment." The decision is one of 25 changes that have been made to the Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2020, which details how the EPA regulates cosmetic products. The changes will ensure cosmetics available in New Zealand are safer for consumers and that the rules better align with international developments, Dr Presow added. "We've also strengthened the regulations so non-hazardous cosmetic products that contain a hazardous ingredient are now regulated. This makes it easier for us to enforce the rules around banned and restricted ingredients that may be found in these products." From December 31, 2026, cosmetic products containing PFAS will be banned from being imported or manufactured in New Zealand. From December 31, 2027, cosmetic products containing PFAS can no longer be sold or supplied in New Zealand, and by June 30, 2028, all cosmetic products containing PFAS must be disposed of. The EPA publicly consulted on the rule changes in 2023 and received 20 submissions, including 14 from the cosmetics industry. "The feedback from our consultation was particularly important for us to better understand how widespread PFAS use is in cosmetics and was supportive of the changes. We will continue to engage with industry to manage the transition before PFAS are banned and the other changes take effect," Dr Presow said. One councillor has suggested the council could cut staff to free up funds, while the mayor said she was open to putting other plans on hold to find the money. Wellington Water had said it would cost $1b a year for 10 years to fix the region's water woes. But Haskell said there was a limit on what could be delivered. She said it was restrained by contractor availability, staff capacity, and an acceptable level of disruption in the city. "We have to dig up roads, we have to interrupt private properties, there's a maximum amount that the city would be able to sustain." The $2.5b was how much Wellington Water believed it could deliver in the city over the next 10 years, Haskell said. "You have to build capability ... it does take awhile to do that, as I say we have been doing that steadily for the past few years." A review into the efficiency of the agency is due out later this week. Despite some reports it will be critical of Wellington Water, Haskell said she welcomed its release. "We can always learn and do things better. "There does need to be investment in our systems and our processes and people, which is also lacking, to kick us up a notch." But that's not the Prime Minister's view. "My personal view is it's a relationship between Crown and iwi, it's akin to a partnership," Luxon said. Luxon on Friday handed off responsibility for the Treaty Principles Bill to Seymour, who he made an associate Justice Minister. It will be based on ACT Party policy to debate and define the principles of the Treaty, which Seymour says has been left in the hands of judges and bureaucrats for too long. "It's an ACT policy. It's important and appropriate that he leads it," Luxon said on Tuesday. He said the coalition deal between National and ACT only includes the commitment to support the Bill through to Select Committee. Luxon last week said the debate being stirred up by the legislation that his own Government is introducing and which he has only defended by pointing to it being a coalition agreement was "divisive and unhelpful". Seymour on Sunday told Newshub he didn't believe the debate was divisive. "Ultimately if we say that the Treaty Principles debate is divisive what we are really saying is we can't do anything where people disagree in this country." He said it made a lot of sense "for the person who is driving the idea" can manage the Bill. "Chris Luxon has been incredibly collegial. I accept this is not his party's policy but all of us are making compromises for the Coalition to work together." Seymour said he hoped National would "judge the public mood and decide that public judgment requires them to keep voting for it". In his speech, Seymour said the notion of the Treaty being a partnership between tangata whenua (land people) and tangata tiriti (Treaty people) could not be true. "It is incompatible with the fundamental democratic value that all citizens are equal under the law. This divisive idea has been fuelled by unelected bureaucrats and judges promoting a 'partnership' interpretation of our founding document." The Treaty Principles Bill was the responsibility of Justice Minister and National MP Paul Goldsmith prior to it being given to Seymour. Goldsmith said he didn't ask for it to be taken off him but as the Justice Minister continues to have an interest in the treaty principles. Labour MP Willie Jackson said Seymour was "out of sync" with both the Prime Minister and celebrated judges that viewed the Treaty as a partnership. He said Luxon had "come to his senses" with his comments on the Treaty being a partnership. "It was good to hear him say that they will continue the relationship and the work of the past few decades," Jackson said. On Luxon's decision to hand off the Treaty Principles Bill to Seymour, Jackson said the Prime Minister wouldn't want to be "tainted" by it. After Mitchell's remarks in Parliament, there had been discussions last night both with the minister and New Zealand First on the policy, Luxon said. Asked if Mitchell would need to correct the record in Parliament, Luxon said it would be something that the government would "work through this [Wednesday] morning". It was important that despite the challenges posed by the target the government stuck to it in order to restore law and order for the country, he said. It was also part of the coalition agreement and would not be changed. New Zealand First leader, Winston Peters, told Morning Report the parties' chiefs of staff spoke overnight and were now reiterating their commitment to train 500 new police officers in the next two years. "We are trying to get our heads around what we were not told coming into this last election about the true state of affairs and the level of attrition and attraction of our police force to the Australian recruitment service. "So we've got a problem here, but we're not giving up on it at all," he said. "Our plan is to deliver on what we promised." A moose works over a patch of willows on Feb. 23, in the hills above Pearl Creek Elementary School. Thanks, Paul Greci of Fairbanks, for sending along this shot. You can submit your best photo online at newsminer.com. Paul Greci photo, Fairbanks We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. By Alimat Aliyeva Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during his keynote speech in parliament, said it was necessary to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to resolve problems in relations with Pyongyang, Azernews reports, citing foreign media outlets. "In order to solve various problems related to the DPRK, it is necessary to hold talks with the country's leader Kim Jong Un. The elaboration of the relevant issue is progressing at a high level under my personal supervision," Kishida stressed. Among the problems in relations between Tokyo and Pyongyang, the prime minister called for the development of the DPRK's missile and nuclear programs and the kidnapping of Japanese citizens. Kishida, like his predecessors in recent years, has repeatedly stated his readiness to personally meet with Kim Jong-un. South Korean media previously reported that representatives of the DPRK and Japan held at least two meetings in third countries in June 2023 to discuss the problem of abducted Japanese citizens. The Japanese authorities have not officially confirmed this. The German defense concern Rheinmetall will build a new ammunition plant that will produce ammunition only for Ukraine and Germany. It is promised to do this in record time, and the products will be produced quickly. ADVERTISIMENT This was announced by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, Bild reports. He noted that the plant will be built in Germany. At the same time, Papperger emphasized that the total amount of orders or framework agreements from the German government for the military needs of Ukraine and Germany in 2024 is expected to be "at least 15 billion euros." This is significantly higher than last year's 10 billion. He noted that it is planned to produce products at a high rate. After all, "what would have taken 10 years to produce is now being done in a few months." "A lot has changed for the better in the military procurement sector. We will build a new ammunition plant in Germany in record time to create strategic security of supply," Papperger said. Rheinmetall and Ukraine Earlier, in the fall of 2023, Rheinmetall established a joint venture with the Ukrainian Defense Industry (formerly Ukroboronprom). The joint venture will service and repair equipment that Ukraine has received from its partners. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, Papperger explained that in the future the company will produce tanks and other armored vehicles, as well as train Ukrainians to maintain them. "Ukrainians need to help themselves. If they always have to wait for Europeans or Americans to help them for the next 10 or 20 years.. It's impossible," Papperger said. He also emphasized that despite former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's threats that "Russia will strike at any Rheinmetall facility in Ukraine," the company can actually be protected from attacks. "There are a lot of plants that produce military products [in Ukraine]. This is just another one, and we can protect it," Papperger said. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa commended the strong Bahraini-Turkish relations. HM the King made the statement as he received yesterday Professor Dr. Numan Kurtulmus, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. His Majesty highlighted the significance of Prof. Kurtulmus visit which reflects mutual keenness to enhance cooperation between the legislative authorities in both countries. HM King Hamad welcomed Prof. Kurtulmus and relayed his greetings to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and wishes to the people of Turkey for continued prosperity. He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of President Erdogan and his keenness on further consolidating bilateral relations and cooperation with Bahrain. Dr. Kurtulmus conveyed greetings and appreciation from the President Erdogan to HM the King, and expressed sincere wishes for the prosperity and progress of Bahrain and its people. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com In a landmark collaboration, Tamkeen, Bahrains labour fund, and Hambro Perks, a leading international investment firm, have announced the launch of the Riyada Business Acceleration Program. This strategic initiative aims to empower Bahraini entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to turn their innovative technology-driven projects into thriving businesses. Riyada represents a threeyear commitment to nurturing 36 high-potential enterprises. Participants will benefit from a tailor-made support system encompassing business incubation, acceleration, and comprehensive guidance. From honing business development strategies to securing funding and building high-performing teams, the program will equip budding entrepreneurs with the critical skills and resources to navigate the early-stage gauntlet and propel their ventures towards success. At the heart of Riyada lies a dedicated six-month support period for each participating startup. Customized training programs, coupled with expert assistance in business and product development, will equip founders with the knowledge and practical tools to refine their offerings and solidify their market positioning. Furthermore, the program acts as a bridge to potential investors, opening doors for startups to secure the financial backing necessary to propel their growth aspirations. Innovation and quality job opportunities Tamkeens unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and creating quality job opportunities aligns perfectly with the launch of Riyada, stated Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen. By joining forces with Hambro Perks, we are creating an integrated framework to nurture promising Bahraini enterprises, empowering them with the tools and resources needed to overcome challenges and pave the way for sustainable growth. Echoing this sentiment, Andrew Wyke, CEO and Founding Partner of Hambro Perks, emphasized the programs potential to unlock local entrepreneurial potential: Riyada will play a pivotal role in supporting emerging Bahraini enterprises and driving innovation across the country. We are excited to collaborate with local startups and provide the guidance and expertise they need to achieve remarkable success. Hambro Perks, with its deep experience in backing breakthrough technology companies across the EMEA region, brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Their team of seasoned investors, legal professionals, and financial experts will actively contribute to the development and growth of the startups enrolled in Riyada. Unique, innovative business models Open to Bahraini startups established within the past three years, the program welcomes applicants with active commercial registrations and unique, innovative business models poised for local and global impact. Startups without a commercial registration but possessing a product prototype and at least one Bahraini founder are also encouraged to apply. Riyada aligns seamlessly with Tamkeens 2024 strategic priorities, focusing on bolstering the private sector and driving economic impact through three key pillars: expanding employment opportunities, enhancing career development for the Bahraini workforce, and nurturing enterprises to adopt technology and boost productivity. With its focus on nurturing innovation and empowering Bahraini entrepreneurs, Riyada promises to be a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity in the kingdom. This collaborative initiative marks a significant step forward in Bahrains journey to establish itself as a thriving hub for tech-driven entrepreneurship and a breeding ground for future business leaders. Nine days after its historic, albeit stunning, landing on the moon, Japan's Smart Lunar Exploration Lander (SLIM) has made contact with Earth. This indicates that the solar panels on the vehicle remained intact, despite the fact that it was upside down on the satellite. ADVERTISIMENT The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) reported the restoration of communication. The SLIM lunar landing made Japan the fifth country in the world to successfully complete such a mission. SLIM landed on the Moon on January 19, 2024. In addition to being a historic mission for Japan, it was also extremely successful in terms of using new technology that allowed the vehicle to land just 55 meters from its intended destination. Although JAXA immediately realized that a soft landing had occurred, it soon became apparent that the lunar vehicle was unable to get a battery charge. It was assumed that the solar panels of the vehicle were not oriented to the Sun, and therefore unable to generate energy for operation. For a little over 2 hours, SLIM managed to collect and send data and images to Earth using its backup power, but eventually it was forced into power saving mode when the battery charge reached 12%. ADVERTISIMENT Subsequently, the small research rovers that were shot off during the landing sent back a photo to Earth that helped to find out what exactly happened and why the panels were not charging the battery. It turned out that the vehicle had made a soft landing, but ended up upside down on the lunar surface, causing its panels to be turned away from the Sun. There was also speculation that the spacecraft could have even damaged the solar panels, but it was not. JAXA then reported that this problem would be resolved by itself when the Sun changed its position relative to SLIM and recharged its batteries. Eventually, this happened. ADVERTISIMENT Now JAXA has managed to re-establish communication with SLIM, having received a message from the spacecraft on January 28. The sun allowed the lander to continue its scientific operations, and it has already begun analyzing the composition of rocks near the landing site. At the same time, even with the additional power, the spacecraft has limited time to make measurements. The lunar night will begin on Thursday, February 1, and will last for 14 days, and JAXA has previously stated that the lander is not designed to survive in the dark and at low temperatures. If the vehicle does fail during the 14 days of darkness and cold, two research rovers will remain on the lunar surface. They will continue to explore and send information to JAXA. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. CALGARY, AB, Jan. 30, 2024 /CNW/ - An ever-growing number of Canadian farmers and ranchers are implementing regenerative practices on their farms that allow them to create resiliency in their operations while restoring the health of our lands. Yet, many Canadians still don't know how regenerative agriculture contributes to Canada's efforts to mitigate climate change while restoring biodiversity, improving farmers' livelihood and enhancing the nutritional quality of the foods they produce. Capturing what healthy soil looks like for Stories of Regeneration. (CNW Group/Regeneration Canada) A new national campaign, Stories of Regeneration , aims to bridge the knowledge gap and foster relations between producers and consumers by showing how regenerative principles are being incorporated into diverse farming models within varying regional, economic, and social contexts. Created by Regeneration Canada, the first national non-profit to promote regenerative agriculture and soil health, the campaign evolved from a series of farm-to-table events held this past summer into what has now become a collection of films, podcast conversations, articles, and webinars that shine a light on the many benefits derived from farming in a way that is good for the people and the planet. The Regeneration Canada team, with support from Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada through the AgriCommunication Program, is now proudly launching these stories featuring ten farmers from eight provinces, each representing operations with diverse production systems. Registrations are open for the next set of free webinars: Regenerating Ourselves: Mental and Physical Health in Agriculture on February 6 Regenerating Nutrition: Healthy Soils For Nutritious Food on February 20 Regenerating Our Roots: Building Community And Honouring Culture Through Food on March 13 . Canadians are invited to follow Regeneration Canada on Instagram , Facebook , X (Twitter) , LinkedIn , and YouTube to join this educational journey and see how regenerative agriculture is delivering value to individual fields and surrounding ecosystems. ____ Founded in 2017 to lead the regenerative movement in Canada, Regeneration Canada focuses on soil regeneration to mitigate climate change, restore biodiversity, improve water cycles and support healthy food systems. The organization achieves its mission by creating spaces for farmers, landowners, scientists, agronomists, businesses, community organizations, governments, and citizens to learn, connect and take action to regenerate soilsknowing that we can only accomplish systemic change by drawing knowledge from diverse stakeholders. SOURCE Regeneration Canada For further information: For interviews and further information about the Stories of Regeneration campaign, please contact: Wendy Ell, Phone: 403.702.0492 (MST), Email: [email protected] Donation brings successful Youth Ready Program to Africa and deepens its proven impact in Latin America Donation supports program delivery to help African youth, who account for 60% of continent's jobless One of the largest-ever philanthropic gifts to an international NGO in Canada TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, The Barrett Family Foundation invested $30 million in World Vision Canada, making it the largest private donation in the international NGO's 67-year history in Canada. The transformational gift will focus on supporting youth in Africa and the organization's Vision for Vulnerable Youth Initiative, also known as Youth Ready, developed to improve the lives of vulnerable youth develop life and livelihood skills in the face of the continent's sky-rocketing unemployment. Foundation (BFF) invests $30 Million in World Vision Canadas Youth Ready program, making it the largest private donation in the international NGOs 67-year history in Canada. Speakers: Robert (Bob) Barrett, CEO, Polytainers Inc., and co-founder BFF and Michael Messenger, President and CEO, World Vision Canada. L to R: The Barrett Family Foundation invests $30 Million in World Vision Canadas Youth Ready program, making it the largest private donation in the international NGOs 67-year history in Canada. (L to R: Rebecca Barrett, Francine Rouleau-Barrett, Robert (Bob) Barrett, and Kim Barrett McKenna). (CNW Group/World Vision Canada) Co-founders of The Barrett Family Foundation, Francine Rouleau-Barrett and Robert (Bob) Barrett, invest $30 Million in World Vision Canadas Youth Ready program, making it the largest private donation in the international NGOs 67-year history in Canada. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada) The donation also supports the program's momentum and proven impact in Latin America where nearly 128,000 young people in seven countries have benefited from the program's training, mentoring, peer support, internships and seed capital to help empower them with economic opportunities. "World Vision Canada is a tremendous partner because it brought international experience and a global network to help us transform our vision to create new academic and entrepreneurial business opportunities for vulnerable youth into reality," said Robert (Bob) Barrett, President and CEO of Polytainers Inc., and co-founder with Francine Barrett, of The Barrett Family Foundation. "Beyond programming, our family wanted World Vision to leverage our donations to bring in other donors, so we could impact the lives of even more young people living in poverty. We are delighted that more than 50 institutional and private donors have invested over $80 million (USD) in the Youth Ready program to support more than 240,000 vulnerable youth. We have seen the results firsthand and we are keen to collectively help even more youth." Across three East African and seven Latin American project countries, youth face challenges related to high unemployment rates, poverty inequality and exclusion. In Africa, youth are two to three times more likely than adults to be unemployed, accounting for 60% of the total unemployed population. In Latin American countries, one in five youth were unemployed in 2022, especially impacting young women who historically face higher unemployment rates than young men. With significant portions of the labour force composed of young people, finding stable and formal employment opportunities remains a persistent issue. "The Barrett Family Foundation's $30 million transformational gift will continue to positively impact the lives of thousands of vulnerable youths living in fragile contexts where they often face challenging hurdles to secure training and support to help them effectively build and employ their skills," said Michael Messenger, President and CEO, World Vision Canada. "We are so grateful for the Barrett family and their continued belief in young people participating in our Youth Ready program in Latin America, and now Africa, who will be equipped to help live up to their God-given potential." Through The Barrett Family Foundation, the Barrett family made their first gift to the Vision for Vulnerable Youth Initiative (Youth Ready) in 2016. Responding to its positive impact on thousands of youths in Honduras and El Salvador, the family, in partnership with World Vision Canada, expanded their initiative into five additional countries - Guatemala, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia in 2019. Together, the Barrett Family Foundation and World Vision Canada have successfully impacted nearly 128,000 vulnerable young people in seven Latin American countries through its Youth Ready program. The Barrett Family Foundation is committed to funding research and learning. They believe that education is a critical step in a young person's life and allows them to build a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities. Quick Facts: With the $30M investment, the Youth Ready program anticipates reaching a total of 30,000 direct beneficiaries and 120,000 indirect community beneficiaries in the following 10 countries: Tanzania , Kenya , Rwanda , Peru , Honduras , Guatemala , El Salvador , Colombia , Bolivia , and Ecuador . investment, the Youth Ready program anticipates reaching a total of 30,000 direct beneficiaries and 120,000 indirect community beneficiaries in the following 10 countries: , , , , , , , , , and . Over one in five African youth were NEET (not in employment, education, or training) in 2020. The Barrett Family Foundation was founded in 2013, by Bob Barrett , his wife, Francine Rouleau-Barrett , and their daughters, Kim and Rebecca. For further details about World Vision Canada and the Vision for Vulnerable Youth Initiative, please visit worldvision.ca. SOURCE World Vision Canada For further information: MEDIA CONTACTS: Deanna Natalizio, North Strategic, [email protected]; Lisa Sorge, World Vision Canada, [email protected], 647-922-9135 There are indications of room temperature and room pressure superconductivity for LK99, PCPOSOS and now parallel lines of wrinkled graphite. There is significant amounts of experimental, computational simulation and theoretical evidence and support for multiple materials having room temperature and room pressure superconductivity and it usually involves one dimensional superconductivity There is a peer review published paper Global Room-Temperature Superconductivity in Graphite. The wrinkled graphite claims have passed peer review. Researcher use scotch-taped cleaved pyrolytic graphite carrying the wrinkles that resulted from this cleaving to which they also refer as to line defects. They detected experimental evidence for the global zero-resistance state. The experimental data clearly demonstrated that the array of nearly parallel linear defects that form due to the cleaving of the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite hosts one-dimensional superconductivity. Researchers report the first unambiguous experimental evidence for the global zero-resistance state, RTSC (room temperature superconductor), in the scotch-tape cleaved highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) that possesses dense arrays of nearly parallel line defects (LD), the wrinkles. They measured the IV characteristics at T = 300 K (aka room temperature and room pressure). The data demonstrate the zero-resistance state below the magnetic-field-dependent critical current Ic(B), which is decreasing with the field. The obtained IV curves demonstrate the characteristic features of low-dimensional superconductors. First, the excess voltage peaks seen just above the Ic(B) and before the Ohmic regime sets in at I > IN, see Figure 1c, are similar to those measured in 1D or 2D superconducting constrictions, and are attributed to the charge imbalance and/or presence of phase slip (PS) centers at superconductor (S) normal metal (N) interfaces. The onset of the Ohmic behavior in IV characteristics corresponds to the suppression of the non-equilibrium superconducting regime or the transition to the normal state. LK99 Sulfur Variants The original korean research team and teams in China both claim and have published non-peer reviewed papers for the claims of room temperature and room pressure superconductors with LK99 and LK99 with sulfur. Berkeley National Labs theorists says experimentalist she knows say that the Chinese who claim LK99 has some superconducting indications are doing high quality work. The US Air Force Research lab is funding analysis of LK99 thin film. One-Dimensional room temperature and room pressure superconductivity is part of the claims proposed for LK99, sulfurized LK99 and PCPOSOS. China Experiment Arxiv Papers LK99 The arxiv paper with copper-substituted lead apatite below room temperature that suggests at room temperature the Meissner effect is possibly present in this material. Chinese universities and research labs have published experimental evidence in support of LK99 as a room temperature superconductor (microwave absorption). The amount of superconducting material that is made in pile of LK99 powder is small. The LK99 needs to have precisely located copper and phosphorous. This leaves one dimensional molecular chains of superconducting material. All previous superconductors have been found to absorb microwaves. It is the nature of superconducting material that they exclude magnetic fields and thus the electronic and magnetic behavior is observed based on interaction with microwaves. Original Korean Team APS Presentation Planned on March 4, 2024 Also Added Sulfur to the Formula They synthesized materials, Pb10-xCux(P(O1-ySy)4)6O1-zSz (PCPOSOS), called PCPOSOS, which exhibit superconducting behavior at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. These materials displayed characteristics of a superconductor, including zero resistance, the Meissner effect, and partial levitation when placed on a magnet (arXiv: 2307.12037). The partial levitation is caused by an inhomogeneity in the magnetic field of the magnet and occurred within the range of critical magnetic fields, Hc1 and Hc2. That is, the magnetic field of the magnet increased with going from center to the edge of magnet. The magnet had approximately 2000G at the center and approximately 3,000G at its edge. The levitation occurred near center. This indicates the center of the magnet is close to Hc1. It disappeared between center and the edge near Hc2, with Hc1 being much smaller than Hc2, because the magnetic moment at Hc2 is much smaller than that at Hc1. When the magnet is slightly moved, the levitation returns to its original position. This phenomenon is analyzed as flux pinning, which is typical of a type-II superconductor. Moreover, the quantum-locking phenomenon, characteristic of a Type-I superconductor, may appear. However, we interpret PCPOSOS as a Type-II superconductor. We will show two videos of levitations and two videos of magnets. France is known not only for its fashion houses and perfumes, but also for cosmetics that make French women's skin shimmer. At the same time, the UK suffers from constant weather changes and problems with water hardness, which greatly affects the skin condition. ADVERTISIMENT In recent years, French cosmetics have become increasingly popular. Many of their products are also used by Ukrainian women: from micellar water to serums with vitamin C. However, the popularity of the French skincare method lies in its simplicity, according to skincare expert Seth Catalano at Who What Wear UK. "French skincare, like French fashion, exudes ease and confidence. It promises results without strict requirements or confusing schemes. French skincare is affordable, result-oriented and enjoyable to use," he explained the main difference in skincare. The main reason why British and French skincare regimens differ is the desire of the British to try something new and popular. For the most part, Ukrainians' skin care tactics are quite similar to those of the British: a constant search for the "right" cream and buying new products. ADVERTISIMENT The expert noted that TikTok often influences the choice of skincare products. Sometimes it seems that you need hundreds of products in your routine to have perfect glowing skin. In fact, this is not true. Just a few high-quality products will be enough to get a good result. This is the concept of French skincare. Catalano advises building your own skincare regimen depending on the order in which you apply the products. "First, we balance the skin by gently cleansing and toning to get the best results from the care," the expert said. In particular, the expert reminded that high-quality sunscreen is one of the most important components of skin care. "First of all, the key to the best results is prevention. Invest in formulas with clinical trials and never forget about sun protection!" he said. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! On 29 November, 2023, Nigerias President presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the joint session of the National Assembly, with a total expenditure of N27.5 trillion, which was later hiked to N28.7 trillion by the parliament. The President claimed that the budget, themed Budget of Renewed Hope, seeks to achieve job-rich economic growth, macro-economic stability, a better investment environment, enhanced human capital development, as well as poverty reduction and greater access to social security. However, a closer look at the budget reflects greed by those who penned it and those who signed off and reveals a picture of hopelessness and a betrayal of the Nigerian people. Lets look at the budget in relation to what the Presidency and National Assembly carted away and what the rest of 240 million Nigerians are left with and what is left to secure Nigeria. One pertinent question is, what was the budget performance for capital projects in 2023? Less than 38 per cent. Critical Analysis of the National Assemblys Budget One of the most glaring problems with the 2024 budget is the humongous allocation to the National Assembly, which amounts to N344.85 billion. This represents an increase of 74.23 per cent from the N197.9 billion proposed by the President, and the highest-ever budgetary allocation to the legislature. The National Assembly has failed to justify this outrageous increase, which comes at the expense of other critical sectors that are in dire need of funding. For instance, the budget of N50billion allocated for the not-fit-for-purpose students loan, an unfair, ineffective, and detrimental scheme to the welfare of about seven million Nigerian students as at 2023, using a 2018/2019 projected yearly enrolment figure of 1.8 million into the tertiary institutions and the expectation from such students who are the future leaders of the country, vis-a-vis the output that will be generated from the lacklustre 10th National Assembly, shows a lack of priorities. Also the amount allocated to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, which is a paltry sum of N131 billion, as reduced from N201 billion, and also that proposed for the Ministry of Police Affairs at N969 billion, compared to the challenges facing Nigerians and the police outfit, are definitely like a drip in the ocean in relation to what they intend to achieve. Will much come out of the two ministries? scrutiny must be applied to the budget earmarked for the Presidency. The allocation reflects the lack of commitment to steering the nation through the storm of socio-economic challenges, but the manifestation of a Presidency cocooned in luxury while the masses face the harsh realities of everyday life. Likewise, the amounts allocated to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, which is a paltry sum of N131 billion, reduced from N201 billion and also that of the Ministry of Police Affairs at N869 billion, from a proposed figure of N938 billion are drips in the ocean, which are inadequate for the challenges they seek to tackle. Also, a look at the budgets for health at N1.33 trillion, education at N2.18 trillion, and agriculture at N12 billion, which are essential for the well-being and development of citizens, are only 5 per cent, 7.9 per cent, and 0.04 per cent of the total budget respectively. Their percentages falls far below the international standards and commitments that Nigeria has signed up to, such as the 2001 Abuja Declaration that requires at least 15 per cent of the budget to be allocated to health, and the 2003 Maputo Declaration that requires no less than 10 per cent of the budget to be allocated to agriculture. This is a skewed and unfair distribution of resources. The national parliament should protect and serve the peoples interests, not enrich itself at their expense. Budget Earmarked for the Presidency Similarly, scrutiny must be applied to the budget earmarked for the Presidency. The allocation reflects the lack of commitment to steering the nation through the storm of socio-economic challenges, but a manifestation of a Presidency cocooned in luxury, while the masses face the harsh realities of everyday life. As the ink dries on the signed 2024 budget of N28 trillion, it has dawned on Nigerians that the country is teetering on the edge of a fiscal abyss, as certain sectors are left gasping for resources, in stark contrast to the apparent opulence enjoyed by those straddling the corridors of power. This monumental financial blueprint, while ostensibly meant to steer the nation towards prosperity, raises concerns regarding its implications, and the harsh predicaments it imposes on the lives of everyday Nigerians. Some example, of the major allocations in the budget of the Presidency, there is N1.2 billion for the purchase of vehicles, N1.1 billion for the maintenance of the presidential fleet, N1 billion for the construction of the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and N500 million for the renovation of the State House Clinic, which became operational only in 2023 and is not meant for public use, and is said to be a world class infrastructure with every needed gadget installed in there. Yet, will there be justification for the number one to visit France for a medical check up? In diving deeper, the supplementary budget also makes allocations for renovation of the residential quarters of Mr President at N4billion, revamping of Aguda House at N2.5 billion, renovation of Dodan barracks the official residence of Mr President in Lagos at N4 billion, refurbishment of the official quarters of the Vice President in Lagos at N3 billion, and all these are to be carried out with borrowed money. Isnt this fantastically senseless and silly? Take a look at the supplementary budget signed about two months back which also has purchase of vehicles for the Nigerian presidency at N6.9 billion and N1.5 billion allocated for vehicles for the office of the First Lady which constitutionally does not have an inkling of a provision in the constitution. Is the presidency a transport authority? In diving deeper, the supplementary budget also makes allocations for renovation of the residential quarters of Mr President at N4 billion, revamping of Aguda House at N2.5 billion, renovation of Dodan barracks the official residence of Mr President in Lagos at N4 billion, refurbishment of the official quarters of the Vice President in Lagos at N3 billion, and all these are to be carried out with borrowed money. Isnt this fantastically senseless and silly? In conclusion The 2024 budget is a budget of renewed despair and frustration for the Nigerian people. The budget reflects the lack of patriotism, foresight, and accountability on the part of those who swore to defend the constitution and portrays a prioritisation of interests of a few over the needs and aspirations of the whole. It is incumbent upon the leadership to engage themselves in a collective introspection, fostering a sense of responsibility, patriotism, and a shared vision for a brighter future for Nigerians. Adamu Rabiu writes from Kaduna. Senate President Godswill Akpabio says members of the upper legislative chamber should work with President Bola Tinubu to address the challenges facing the country without compromising their independence. Akpabio spoke on Tuesday at the resumption of the plenary after a four-week Christmas and New Year holiday. The senate president said history and future generations will not forgive the lawmakers if they failed to use their position to spur change in the country. "History and future generations will not forgive us if we squander this opportunity or fail to leave our mark on the annals of time," Akpabio said. "Let us use our time in this revered chamber to delve into pressing issues, engage in passionate and respectful debates, and craft legislation that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people we represent. "In the coming months, we will face a multitude of challenges, from economic recovery and healthcare reform to national security and social justice. It is imperative that we approach these issues with a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to finding common ground. "Let us rise above partisan divides and work together, transcending party lines, for the greater good of our nation. Our patriotism demands that we heed no other call except Nigeria's call-the call echoed in our National Anthem. "Let us continue to work and collaborate with the Executive Arm under His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, without compromising our independence as enshrined in our constitution." Akpabio said the senators should work together with "open hearts and minds, guided by reason and evidence" in their decision-making. "Let us be champions for the marginalized and the voiceless, advocates of justice and equality," he said. "Our purpose should be twofold: to do as much good as we can to all the people we can, and to prevent any injustices from befalling anyone in our great nation, for injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. "As we embark on this new legislative session, let us be inspired by the limitless potential of what we can achieve together." The senate president added that members of the red chamber must be steadfast in their dedication to the principles of democracy and good governance. The Nigerian Army said its troops rescued 32 kidnap victims during a search-and-rescue operation in Katsina State. The Information Officer of Operation Hadarin Daji, Yahaya Ibrahim, in a statement on Tuesday, disclosed that the troops also killed two suspected terrorists during the operation on Saturday. Ibrahim stated that the troops engaged the terrorists in a gun duel which led to the death of two suspected terrorists while others fled with injuries. He said, In continuation with the series of simultaneous well coordinated clearance operations in its areas of operational responsibilities in the North West which has continued to yield tremendous successes, troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Hadarin Daji operating in Katsina State have rescued 35 kidnapped victims and neutralised two terrorists in Katsina State in a search and rescue operation. The feat was achieved on January 27, 2024, during a clearance operation to some identified terrorist camps at Dumburum forest. During the operation, troops had an encounter with the armed terrorists, neutralising two of the terrorists while others escaped with severe gunshot wounds. He added that the rescued kidnapped victims including 19 male adults, 12 female adults, and four children were handed over to the Katsina State Government by the Commander, 17 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation Hadarin Daji,, Brigadier General OA Fadairo. Fadairo was said to have pledged to continue the attack on the terrorists enclaves. Recall that on January 4 that troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Hadarin Daji, have neutralised 10 terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims between Zamfara and Katsina States. They also recovered arms and ammunition including operational motorcycles and communication gadgets. Similarly, the troops on December 23, 2023, rescued 52 kidnap victims in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The rescued victims include 14 males, 32 females and six children who will undergo medical check-ups, debrief and hand over to appropriate authorities to reunite them with their families. In a related development on November 23, 2023, the same troop rescued 31 kidnapped persons in different areas of Sokoto State. The army disclosed that the troops, under the command of the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Godwin Mutkut, have continued to intensify the onslaught and conducted a series of clearance operations to terrorist enclaves in its areas of operations in the North West. The 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery is set to import crude from the United States (US) in the coming months, a report has said. Trafigura Group sold 2 million barrels of WTI Midland to the Dangote refinery for end-February delivery, Bloomberg reported Monday, quoting traders with knowledge of the matter. This is the first time that the giant refinery has purchased non-Nigerian crude, traders said. Dangote Petroleum Refinery had earlier in the month commenced production of diesel and aviation fuel. Announcing the commencement in a statement, the company said the refinery has so far received six million barrels of crude oil at its two SPMs located 25 kilometres from the shore. The first crude delivery was done on December 12, 2023, and the 6th cargo was delivered on January 8. The first cargo that arrived at the plant was from Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO), one of the largest trading companies in Nigeria and globally, trading over 8 million barrels of crude oil daily. The company made a further move towards the commencement of the production of refined petroleum products with the receipt of an additional one million barrels of crude bonny light supplied by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC Ltd). The fresh one million barrels of crude from the Shell terminal via the MT Otis owned by Trafigural is the second consignment to be delivered to the Dangote facility out of the six million barrels of crude being expected by the worlds largest single-train refinery. The refinery can load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck-loading gantries. The products from the Refinery will conform to Euro V specifications. Hungary seems to be in no hurry to establish good neighborly relations with Ukraine. The country's government said that there is still a long way to go before Prime Minister Viktor Orban meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. ADVERTISIMENT This statement was made by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on Tuesday, January 30, during a briefing, Reuters reported. The briefing was organized a day after the minister met with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Uzhhorod. Answering journalists' questions, Szijjarto, said that there is a long way to go before Viktor Orban and Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet. According to him, if Ukraine fulfills Hungary's conditions, it will create a "clean slate" in bilateral relations and allow for a meeting at the highest level. As a reminder, on Monday, January 29, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and the head of the Presidential Administration Andriy Yermak met with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Uzhhorod. The parties began negotiations to normalize Ukrainian-Hungarian relations. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA previously reported, according to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, a meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Viktor Orban is being prepared. However, no specific date was mentioned during the meeting in Uzhhorod. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Buba Galadima, has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje of harbouring hatred for the people of Kano State. Galadima said Gandujes hatred is the reason he wants to destroy the state. Featuring on Arise TV, the NNPPs chieftain, said the APC National Chairman is aggrieved that the people of Kano rejected him in 2019. According to Galadima: The people were speculating that the president had a say in the judgment of the Supreme Court, there is no actual reason for Abbas victory to be taken away from him except the judiciary is compromised. We won our election square and even in 2019, Abba Yusuf won Ganduje in that election; and that was the reason for Gandujes hatred for Kano people. Thats why he wanted to destroy Kano because he felt they rejected him during that election; therefore he would visit mayhem on them. He wants to take over Kano by force, not minding who is killed or displaced. The import of that judgment is that it has uplifted the image of the country, those who thought they would take over Kano believed that Nigeria would not be the same by now. Gunmen have kidnapped an unknown number of pupils of Apostolic Faith School from their school bus in Ekiti state. The pupils were reportedly heading to Emure-Ekiti on Monday when their bus was intercepted at Eporo-Ekiti. The pupils, a driver, and a teacher were kidnapped during the attack. The gunmen abandoned the school bus conveying the pupils after the attack. Confirming the incident, the Ekiti state government called on residents not to despair as efforts are underway to rescue the children. The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has urged the citizens of the state not to despair over Mondays kidnapping of some school pupils and their teachers in Emure-Ekiti, assuring that efforts are on to get the children and their teachers rescued, the statement reads. Security agencies in the state are already on the trail of the abductors with a mandate to bring the pupils and their teachers back safely. Governor Oyebanji said security is being stepped up across the state with a view to flushing out criminal elements from their hideouts. While calling on the citizens to remain calm and vigilant, he urged them to cooperate with security agencies by making available relevant information to the authorities. The incident followed the murder of two traditional rulers by suspected kidnappers in Ekiti state. The monarchs were said to be returning from a meeting in Irele-Ekiti when they were ambushed and gunned down. The traditional rulers were identified as Oba David Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti; and Oba Olatunde Olusola, the Onimojo of Omojola-Ekiti. ALAKE CONDEMNS ATTACK In a statement on Tuesday, Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals, called on the Ekiti state police command and the Department of State Services (DSS) to rescue the abducted pupils. Alake said the administration of President Bola Tinubu will continue to work very hard to improve the security situation in the country. The minister sympathised with the people of the state over the murder of the two monarchs. He called on security operatives to fish out the killers of the traditional rulers. Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, says he did not sign any agreement with the presidency to influence the judgment of the supreme court. On January 12, the apex court set aside the judgment of the appeal court that sacked Yusuf as the governor of Kano. In a statement on Monday, Sanusi Bature, spokesperson to the Kano governor, said the judgment was delivered with equity and fairness. Although he did not mention the kind of agreement, there were rumours that defecting to the All Preogressives Congress (APC) was a pre-condition to securing a favourable verdict at the supreme court. Our attention has been drawn to a misconception making rounds on social media indicating an agreement between the presidency and governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the aftermath of the supreme court judgment that affirmed the mandate of his excellency, the statement reads. I wish to categorically state that Governor Yusuf did not enter any agreement or condition with anybody before the supreme court judgment. I therefore urged the public to dismiss the fallacy being orchestrated by enemies of progress. It is on record that my lord, the justices of the supreme court delivered a landmark Judgment with justice, equity and fairness and largely protect the integrity of the judiciary. The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for allowing the level playing ground for justice to prevail through non-interference with the judicial process. The president is a true democrat who will not undermine other political parties in the interest of his party, he said. Let me state and emphatically that Governor Yusuf has no prior agreement with the president. However, the president should rather be appreciated for maintaining neutrality, peace, and stability in Kano. No doubt, the refusal of the president to carry out the wishes of some prominent members of his party has brought about enduring atmosphere in Kano. On this single act, the good people of Kano will continue to appreciate Mr. President and pray for him to succeed in his administration. The governor had several opportunities to meet the president in all of his visits, and the discussions are centred around the development of Kano state. Former spokesman to the People Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Campaign Organisation, Segun Sowunmi, has said that one of the things that took him to Daura, Katsina State, on a visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari was to know his thoughts about the possibility of a Nigerian president from the South-East. He also said he was there for a discussion on the future of Nigeria. According to him, he visited the former president to learn from his experiences having served Nigeria for eight years. Sowunmi recently attracted criticism after sharing photos of his visit to the former president on his social media account. The former Atikus spokesperson, however, expressed disappointment over the reception he got from the Obidients after the visit, insisting he was only trying to broaden the discussion on South-East presidency His visit to Daura came barely a few days after another spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign, Daniel Bwala, also visited President Bola Tinubu. I have been seeing for some time now what is going on here, something was not adding up then I went to visit the President of whom you know I go to often and I was agonising to him that look Mr, you people can feed yourself but we cant feed ourselves. So the second thing is that the South easterners are quite upset with their desire to be president and I said let me go to him and have a conversation on that, Mr, we collaborated with ourselves to give Yoruba the Presidency when June 12 happened, are we going to watch the South easterners struggle and be angry? Do you people have a way of figuring out this thing? We grew up believing that there was one north that can stabilize the others when they start to quarrel but youve lost the whole of the middle belt, people are dying there. And if youre running the race youre going to lose the northeast because when the North West stands up for election, the North East backs them, but when the North East stands up for election, you people pretend as if theres another alternative discussion. These were the kind of conversations I went to have with the former President. I would have given you answers [I got from Buhari] but even the Obidients, the Peter Obi people I was trying like lets broaden the conversation, lets broaden the discussion they were down to angry with those abuses and I was like whats going on here? If everybody wants to be tribalistic, then I will be tribal too. The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye has assured residents of the ancient city that the people responsible for the killing of a pastor in the town will not go unpunished. The monarch gave the assurance Monday evening. Recall that a pastor, identified as Evangelist Segun Adegboyega, was killed by some people suspected to be herdsmen who invaded his farm. The incident, according to sources, occurred at the deceaseds farm located at Gege village, along Ogbomoso-Iseyin road on Monday. It was learnt that three people have been arrested in connection with the killing of the pastor. We gathered that the three suspects have been moved into the custody of the Owode Police headquarters. The traditional ruler of the ancient city, Oba Olaoye while addressing the residents, assured the family of the clergyman that he will ensure justice is done. The monarch, who spoke Monday evening, said that he would work with security agents to get justice for the family of the deceased. The monarch said, As your father, I wish to say, this is an ugly situation and its uncalled for. I have spoken my mind to the Area Commander (of Owode Police headquarters), who is here with me and I want to assure you that justice would be served. I equally sympathize with every one of you, may God continue to watch over you and the entire land of Ogbomoso. The Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, on Tuesday, broke down on the floor of the House, while moving a motion on the killing of two traditional rulers in his state. Rotimi moved a motion of urgent public importance on the killings in Ekiti State. However, while presenting the motion, emotion betrayed him, as he broke down in tears. He revealed that the traditional rulers, namely the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola, were killed on Monday by unknown gunmen. Rotimi further stated that apart from the traditional rulers, a commercial driver was killed between Ayedun and Ayebode by armed bandits, and just yesterday (Monday), a school bus loaded with students was hijacked in Emure Ekiti, and their whereabouts still remain unknown. The House, therefore, resolved to urge the Chief of Army Staff to redeploy the military to the outpost along the Oke-Ako area to enhance security and forestall a repeat of these beastly acts. Also, the House asked the Inspector General of Police, the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies to deploy more men to Ekiti North 1 and ensure that those who carried out the dastardly acts are fished out and brought to justice. The House also observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased. Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has condemned the attack on some policemen on patrol at a checkpoint in the state by suspected kidnappers. This is coming less than a week after the governor revealed that 135 lives were lost to cultism and communal clashes between June and December 2023 in the state. Obaseki, who did not disclose where the incident happened, condemned the attack on the policemen during a security meeting at the Solomon Arase Command and Control Centre in Benin City. The governor also expressed worry over the alleged arson and assault on security agencies during a burial by some persons in Oja village in Edo North Senatorial District. Obaseki, who said the incident occurred last Saturday, noted that his government could no longer fold its hands and allow a breakdown of law and order in the state as appropriate actions will be taken. We heard some kidnappers took over a checkpoint and attacked some policemen on patrol, but none lost their lives in the incident and this has prompted the government to commence a total revamp of the vigilante structure. We all are aware of the security challenges in the state, particularly in Edo North, where in the guise of burial some citizens resorted to arson and assault on security agencies in Oja village. Government cant fold its hands and allow a breakdown of law and order in the state as appropriate actions will be taken and we have resolved to deal with what happened last Saturday. We will not accept a situation where citizens attack members of the security agencies, its not acceptable. As a government, we will deal with those involved in the incident, he said. Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, on Tuesday paid a condolence visit to Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar's family. On January 2, bandits abducted Mansur Al-Kadriyar, alongside his six daughters, when they attacked their residence in Zuma 1, Bwari area of Abuja. The bandits later released the father of the girls purportedly for ransom purposes. After some two weeks in captivity, the bandits killed Nabeeha, one of the girls, over the inability of the family to pay the ransom. The abductors reportedly increased the ransom to N100 million and threatened to kill more girls if the money was not paid. On January 21, the remaining five girls regained their freedom after spending 18 days in captivity. Obi, in a post on his official X page, shared photos of his visit. He said it is heartbreaking to witness the pain and suffering of different families due to the spate of banditry in Nigeria. "Today, I witnessed yet another heartbreaking moment as I paid a condolence visit to the grieving family of Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, brutally murdered by her abductors in the nation's capital, Abuja recently," Obi said. "At the same time, I remembered the family of the late Folashade Ariyo. Unfortunate challenges like these raging violence in our society bring out the strength and resilience that lies within us. "It is heartbreaking to witness the pain and suffering of different families caused by the senseless acts of violence that have plagued our nation. "However, amid this darkness, there is hope. Hope that together, as a nation, we can put an end to this horrifying and deadly insecurity. We must come together, united in our resolve to protect the lives and well-being of every Nigerian. "To our citizenry, I implore us that we should not allow fear to paralyze us. Instead, let's stand up against this ugly wave of insecurity. "May we support one another, lend a helping hand to those in need, and work towards creating a safer and more secure future for all. "May the memories of Nabeeha and all those who have lost their lives to such violent attacks inspire us, especially we the leaders, to take more decisive action against this ugly monster of insecurity." See photos below... The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of five suspected kidnappers, 24 hours after the killing of two traditional rulers in the state. The Commands Public Relations Office stated that it could not confirm whether the kidnappers were connected to the killing of the traditional rulers until investigations were concluded. Police spokesman DSP Sunday Abutu said in a statement that the suspects were arrested in a forest. In a bid to flush out criminal elements, especially kidnappers, out of the state, a combined team of the police, NSCDC, Amotekun, OPC, and local hunters embarked on a bush combing operation through Oke-Osun, Ikere/Igbo-Okah, and the thick forest around the Iju/Ikere boundary. During the operation, five suspected kidnappersUsman Jelili, Mohammed Bande, Abubakar Aliu, Isah Abdulahi, and Suleiman Abdulahiwere arrested. During interrogation, the suspects claimed to be herdsmen, but it was later discovered that none of them had cattle, and no cattle were found with them in the forest where they were arrested. The following items were found with them in the forest: two motorcycles, one cutlass, one jack knife and dagger, and four mobile phones, he said. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba explained the delay in the appointment of Fedir Shandor as Ukraine's new ambassador to Hungary. According to him, there were two reasons for the delay: the need for his dismissal from the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a special vetting procedure. ADVERTISIMENT Kuleba said this on Monday, January 29, during a press conference following a meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Uzhhorod. He assured that Sandor will be appointed ambassador "any time now." "There were two reasons for the delay in this issue. The first reason is that he had to resign from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is a big problem, but some kind of legal model seems to have been found. The second is that the procedure of special checks for ambassadorial candidates and for already appointed ambassadors has been restored," Kuleba said. According to the Foreign Minister, Shandor, as far as he knows, has either successfully passed this check or is currently at the final stage of its completion. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, the post of Ukraine's ambassador to Hungary has been vacant since July 2022 amid difficult relations between the two countries. In July 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Lyudmyla Nepop from this position. As reported by OBOZ.UA: - It became known in March last year that Fedir Shandor, a professor at Uzhhorod National University known as the "teacher from the trench," could become Ukraine's ambassador to Hungary. - In August 2023, after a several-month delay, Hungary approved the appointment of Fedir Shandor as Ukraine's new ambassador. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says the political crisis in the state has taken a huge toll on him and on his family. Fubara said this last weekend at a thanksgiving service in Opobo, organised to celebrate the supreme court judgment which affirmed his election as governor. The governor also used the occasion to mark his 49th birthday anniversary. I feel heavy in my spirit. Its not been easy, I can say it, he said. I want to ask a question. When I look at your faces, I see so much excitement, I see happiness. But the question is: am I happy? That is the question. Am I happy? Does God give you a gift or a blessing and add sorrow to it? So when I look at your faces, how happy you are, even when I feel heavy in my spirit, Im encouraged to be happy. Thats how I feel. Its not been easy, I can say it. Advertisement A lot of people who started this journey with us ought to have been here with us but unfortunately they are not here. God knows why. You cant question the almighty. But one thing we cant take away is that God does not make any mistakes. It is a glory to say thank you to God. It gives me extra energy to continue with the battle. It is a battle, but no battle can be bigger than God. The governor said the political crisis in the state literally broke him. I want to thank my family. They are suffering. That is the truth. They are suffering because of this cause. You just have to be strong and understand that after a while, you will get me back, Fubara said. Advertisement Maybe, I will take the birthday happiness to make myself happier than I was when I was coming. But in all, I want to ask that you all continue to pray for peace. We came in, we were selected because they believe we have something to do for our state. We have not been given the opportunity to do those things that we ought to do. We have had a lot of distractions but I strongly believe that while we navigate the part of peace, prayer is also needed for us to pass over this phase. We need peace, total peace on all sides so that we can focus and deliver the dividends of democracy. And this victory, I dedicate it to peace. THE POLITICAL CRISIS Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) and immediate past governor of Rivers, and Fubara, his successor, have been embroiled in a struggle for control of the states political structure. The feud between both men sparked a political crisis in the state one that led to the demolition of the state house of assembly complex. In the wake of the crisis, Wikes associates in the Rivers house of assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against the governor. Fubaras allies kicked against the impeachment moves. Thereafter, 27 lawmakers in the state house of assembly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The political crisis also resulted in the resignation of some of Fubaras cabinet members. On December 18, the governor and Wike agreed to end the political feud between them after President Bola Tinubu intervened. Some of the resolutions reached at the meeting were that: All matters instituted in courts by the different factions should be immediately withdrawn, the 27 lawmakers who defected to the APC should be taken back as members of the assembly, and the impeachment proceedings against Fubara should be withdrawn. The 27 lawmakers who signed the impeachment proceedings rescinded the notice against the governor. The governor has also sworn in the commissioners who resigned from his government. Last week, the Rivers house of assembly overrode Fubaras decision not to assent to four bills earlier passed by the lawmakers. The Rivers assembly is controlled by lawmakers loyal to Wike. President Bola Tinubu has asked security agencies to rescue the pupils kidnapped in Ekiti state. The president also promised that the killers of the two traditional rulers in Ekiti would not escape justice. On Monday, gunmen kidnapped six pupils of Apostolic Faith School, three teachers and a driver at Eporo-Ekiti. The gunmen abandoned the school bus conveying the pupils after the attack. The abduction of the pupils and their teachers occurred a few hours after two traditional rulers were murdered by suspected kidnappers in the state. The monarchs were said to be returning from a meeting in Irele-Ekiti when they were ambushed and gunned down. The traditional rulers were identified as Oba David Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti; and Oba Olatunde Olusola, the Onimojo of Omojola-Ekiti. In a statement on Tuesday, Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, said Tinubu sympathised with the people of Ekiti over the murder of the traditional rulers. "It is with grief that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola," the statement reads. "President Tinubu condemns this mindless and brutal bloodletting and pledges that the perpetrators will not escape justice. Ngelale said Tinubu assured Nigerians that the "nation's security architecture is being robustly fortified for better and expected outcomes". Femi Falana, senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has faulted President Bola Tinubu for his trip to France. Last week, Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, announced that Tinubu had embarked on a private visit to Paris, the French capital, without citing a reason. Ngelale said the president is expected to return to the country by the first week of February. Reacting to the development in an interview on Sunday, Falana said Tinubu's visit to France is embarrassing to Nigeria, especially as the French country has not recognised his presence. The SAN cited the recognised private visits to France by Fela Anikulakpo-Kuti, the late Afrobeat legend, at the invitation of former President Francois Mitterrand. He wondered why a Nigerian president would travel to the same country for the same purpose and get no official recognition. "I hope this will be the last time that a president of Nigeria will expose the country to embarrassment and ridicule by going to a country where his presence is not recognized," Falana said. The human rights activist also said the law does not make provision for a private visit by the president. "There is no provision in the constitution for a private visit by the Nigerian president. Therefore, he cannot go on a private visit and still be running the country," he said. "So to the extent that the activities of the state are still being conducted by him, the question of a private visit does not arise." Falana also criticised Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, for purportedly attending a birthday party in Grenada. Reports had claimed that the governor travelled to Grenada to attend the lavish parties organised by Aisha Achimugu, the Abuja-based Nigerian socialite. However, in a tweet on his official X account, Sanwo-Olu said he travelled to the country to facilitate the economic interests of his state after meeting with the country's prime minister. Falana said Sanwa-Olu's visit to the prime minister was an afterthought designed to cover the embarrassing implications of the trip. "The governor of a state in a federation does not conduct foreign affairs," Falana said. "He knows he cannot tell Lagosians that he went on a private visit to attend a birthday party. That is why he had to quickly call on the PM to make it look official." The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi has called on President Bola Tinubu to take up the responsibility of tackling the ravaging security situation in the country. Obi stated this in a post on his official X handle on Monday while reacting to the gruesome murder of Elesun of Esun Ekiti and Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti. The monarchs who were returning from a security meeting in Irele-Ekiti were attacked and killed by suspected bandits. Reacting, Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, asked the president to wake up from his sleeping bed and tackle the security problems. He wrote, We are saddened by the report that Elesun of Esun Ekiti and Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti were murdered earlier today, cause of death: Insecurity and Tinubu. We call on Tinubu to wake up from his sleeping bed and save Nigeria from total collapse. Dont speak up today. Tomorrow, insecurity might consume you or a loved one. Ali Ndume, chief whip of the senate, says although he has a child that works in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), his comments on the proposed movement of the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and some offices of the apex bank to Lagos are "the truth". Last week, the senator representing Borno south said there would be "political consequences" for moving the aforementioned offices. The senator made the comments following the recent announcements that these offices will be relocated to Nigeria's commercial centre. The development elicited varied reactions, with northern stakeholders like the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Ndume's who outrightly rejected the decisions. Particularly, the whip's intial comment elicited outrage in some sections of the social media. While Doyin Okupe, a former presidential aide, said Ndume's comments were capable of sparking a crisis, Sunday Karimi, senator representing Kogi west, said his colleague spoke for himself and not for the senate. However, Okupe backtracked later, saying the Borno senator meant well for the country. In his defence, Ndume said his comments were borne out of patriotism for the country. 'I SPOKE THE TRUTH' Speaking with TheCable on Monday, Ndume said his comments that there would be political consequences were the truth. "Even if my ward is working in CBN, is she the only person that is going to be transferred to Lagos? There are hundreds of people that they planned to move to Lagos. Whenever an issue like this crops up, instead of addressing the issue, the people and some of the reporters will now concentrate on the messenger, not the message," he said. "So this is the kind of distraction, let us discuss. Is it necessary at this time to relocate some of these departments and agencies of government back to Lagos. Why was the capital moved from Lagos to Abuja, was it not because of congestion, because of inconveniences, because of inefficiencies? "And since then, Lagos has been expanding. This argument that they are forwarding, that it is for efficiency. What efficiency? In today's world where you can do transactions electronically, you can do meetings by Zoom, you can communicate by WhatsApp, you can transfer documents by PDF. There is no excuse there [decision to move CBN, FAAN to Lagos]. "Coming to the political issue, yes, it must have consequences because when Tinubu was elected, he was not appointed, he was elected. "Then even if I have a ward there, my daughter or my son or whatever, which I do, I should not say anything if I see something wrong going on, I should not speak because my daughter is there, that does not work. "You see, somebody has to stand up to speak the truth. That is what I am trying to do. "Let's say I have a ward in CBN. Is there anything wrong with that? My daughter for example or my son or whatever, because I am a politically exposed person, does that take the right of my ward or my relative to work in CBN? That is one." 'STAUNCH SUPPORTER OF TINUBU' The Borno senator expressed confidence that Tinubu will take the right action on the issue. "I am in APC and proud of APC. One of the staunch supporters of Mr President," he said. "Unfortunately, the people outside are trying to be more catholic than the pope. The pope knows me very well, that is Tinubu, he knows I speak the truth. Tinubu will do something because he knows I spoke the truth. There will be political consequences. "Haven't you seen the reaction from the Katsina elders, northerners generally, are against this move. Is it not true that he will seek the votes of northerners in 2027? "Is it not true that northerners again or the opposition will take advantage of this too? Now they [section of the north] are telling us 'we told you that this man is a tribalist, look at what he is doing. In one year he has started making moves to hurt the north'." The remains of a missing Atlantic County man were found in a forest on Sunday, not far from where his car was discovered. Tracy Faulker, 33, of Pleasantville, had been missing since Dec. 6. He was being sought by Hamilton Township police after his abandoned vehicle was found at the intersection of New York and Harbor avenues in Mays Landing, leading police to issue an alert for the missing man. The Black and Missing Foundation had also put out a call to find him. Volunteers who formed a search party on Sunday to comb the woods found human remains, police said Monday. The remains were confirmed to be those of Faulkner, police said. Police on Monday could not elaborate on the cause of Faulkners death or if it is being considered suspicious, citing ongoing autopsy and toxicology tests. Faulkners family organized Sundays search party. A Facebook page named Find Tracy Faulkner was created dedicated to the cause. Sundays search was initially planned for last weekend but was postponed due to poor weather. It was unclear how many people joined Sundays search. Police said the search party was escorted away from the remains after being discovered. An administrator for the page following the event Sunday said the party found the body but did not provide further details. We were able to find an individual who is no longer with us, a statement on the page read. The page said it was awaiting an identification, thanking those who volunteered Sunday. Keep us in your prayers and we will update you as we learn more, which may take some time, the statement said. Attempts to reach Faulkners family on Monday were unsuccessful. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. A popular Bergen County craft brewery will be the latest local beer maker in New Jersey to close down, despite a recent change in state laws this month that loosened tight restrictions on how breweries operate. The Alementary in Hackensack announced Monday plans to suspend operations after eight years in business, citing multiple business challenges and a declining trend in the craft brewing industry. We had an agreement with a buyer for our contract business and that deal fell through, the breweries owners wrote on Facebook. That, plus continued softness in the distro market and downward regional industry trends has left us in an irreconcilable situation. Our biggest error was one of timing, and trusting. A former food-and-beverage worker for the Alpine Country Club in Bergen County has filed a discrimination lawsuit, claiming she was racially harassed by a supervisor and then terminated after complaining. Shakia D. Dixon, who is Black, worked at the country club on Anderson Avenue in Demarest from Feb. 21, 2023, until she was unlawfully terminated on Sept. 4, 2023, according to the lawsuit filed Jan. 23 in New Jersey Superior Court. The lawsuit is the third filed by workers against Alpine Country club in the last 13 months. On Dec. 19, 2022, a woman working as a hostess and waitress claimed the manager fondled her buttocks, shoulder, back and waist without her consent in front of her coworkers. In a suit filed Jan. 31, 2023, a bartender at the club claimed the same manager created a hostile work environment with unwelcome stares, comments about her physical appearance and a number of inappropriate remarks. Dixon states in court papers she was subjected to harassing comments from her supervisor throughout her employment, including her natural hair is messy, and fasting is so unhealthy, as another worker observed Ramadan. The lawsuit claims the supervisor asked Dixons co-workers, Dont you think she is nasty? and Dont you think she is rude? as she allegedly spoke of Dixon. An attorney for Alpine Country Club did not immediately respond on Monday to a call and email seeking comment on the lawsuit. In April, Dixon complained of the alleged discriminatory comments to an assistant general manager who allegedly said the situation was all in (Dixons) head, the suit states. As the alleged harassment continued, Dixon spoke with a representative of human resources, who interviewed several witnesses before reaching out to managers about the allegations. In May, Alpine Country Club hired several workers from South Africa to work in the food-and-beverage department, which allegedly prompted a bar manager to comment the workers sound like savages, when they spoke their native language, according to the lawsuit. A chef also allegedly threw food at the workers from South Africa on multiple occasions, the suit alleges. In August 2023, Dixon was informed that she would no longer work on Mondays. When she asked the food and beverage director about the schedule change, she was told the assistant general manager had decided to cut her hours, the suit says. Dixon was terminated the following month for lack of work, the lawsuit says. The suit accuses Alpine Country Club of discrimination and harassment based on Dixons race, national origin, and ancestry. The suit claims the decision to terminate Dixon was retaliation for her complaints. As a result of the unlawful conduct outlined above, plaintiff has been made to suffer both economic and non-economic harm, the suit says. The lawsuit alleges numerous violations of New Jerseys anti-discrimination laws and seeks to reinstate Dixon to her job. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A Burlington County man was one of three Army Reserve soldiers killed in a weekend drone strike on a U.S. base in Jordan near the Syrian border that also wounded more than 40 others, New Jersey officials confirmed Monday. Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Willingboro, Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia, and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia, died Sunday when a one-way unmanned aerial system impacted their container housing units, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense. Rivers, Sanders and Moffett were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade, Fort Moore, Georgia, the department said. Gov. Phil Murphy said he was deeply saddened to learn of the soldiers death. As parents, Tammy and I send our heartfelt sympathies to all three families who now face the unimaginable pain of losing a cherished loved one, Murphy said in a statement. As Americans, we share our gratitude for the soldiers bravery and sacrifice, and for the courage of every servicemember fighting terrorism at home and abroad, to whom we owe a debt we can never repay. Murphy said he would sign an executive order later this week lowering our flags to half-staff in Rivers honor. At age 46, Rivers had more military experience than the two young women killed. The Defense Department said he joined the Army Reserve in New Jersey in 2011 and served a nine-month tour in Iraq in 2018. He joined the 718th Engineering Company at Fort Moore last year and lived in Carrollton, about 45 miles west of Atlanta. President Joe Biden has promised the U.S. will respond to the attack, and said on Sunday that he was still collecting information on Sunday, but that Army officials know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq. State Senator Troy Singleton and the Burlington County Commissioners released the following statement on the death of Rivers: All of Burlington County is shocked and saddened to learn that one of our own was among the U.S. soldiers killed in this weekends terrorist attack, and our heartfelt sympathies go out to the friends, family and loved ones of Sergeant William Rivers and his two colleagues, Specialist Kenndy L. Sanders and Breonna Moffett. Their deaths are a painful reminder that the freedoms we enjoy are the result of the courage and selfless sacrifice of heroes like them. Like many before them, they gave the last full measure of devotion to this nation, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, their families, and all the U.S. service members standing guard in defense of our country. This article contains material from the Associated Press. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. While an investigation into the killing of a Newark imam is ongoing, authorities on Monday announced weapons charges against three individuals. Abdush K. Sharif, 36, Kevin Rogers, 46, and Deshawn Kinchen, 49, were arrested Friday at a residence in the city, the Essex County Prosecutors Office said. All three are charged with fourth-degree violation of regulatory provisions relating to firearms, the office said. Sharif and Rogers are being held in Essex County jail, but Kinchen was released on a summons, the prosecutors office said. The agency said it is continuing to investigate the shooting death of Imam Hassan Sharif but would not elaborate if the charges announced Monday are connected. Its unclear if Sharif was related to any of the accused. A person named Abdush Sharif was listed in the imams funeral program as his son, though it was not immediately confirmed if he was the same person as the one arrested. The prosecutors office declined to provide additional details. Hassan Sharif was fatally wounded by gunfire outside the Masjid Muhammad-Newark mosque at South Orange Avenue and Camden Street earlier this month. His death spurred a large turnout at his funeral and an outcry from the community, which remembered the cleric as an activist against gun violence. The 52-year-old imam was at the mosque around the time of sunrise prayer when he was shot at multiple times. He was brought to University Medical Center in Newark in critical condition but later died. Authorities at the time said they had no evidence tying the crime to anti-Muslim bias. The trio was arrested on Friday during a search warrant at a home on Palm Street in Newark, according to affidavits of probable cause for each defendant. Police recovered a revolver during the search, and neither defendant had legal ownership of the weapon, the affidavits state. The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nations largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, said Thursday it was offering $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Authorities on Wednesday announced a separate $25,000 reward. Sharif had posted in August on Facebook that someone approached him in the parking lot of the mosque as he was heading in for morning prayer. The person pointed a gun at his head and a struggle ensued, according to the post. The would-be gunman ran away, he said. Police have repeatedly declined to comment on whether or not they were looking to connect the purported incident to the clerics death. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. Alina Mykhailova, a paramedic and the beloved of Dmytro "Da Vinci" Kotsyubaylo, a soldier killed near Bakhmut, told us how she tries to deal with Russian-speaking people. She is incredibly annoyed by children who speak the language of the enemy because they are the future of Ukraine, the military is dying for them, and they continue to subconsciously support Russia. ADVERTISIMENT Alina Mykhailova explained in an interview with TSN that she abstracts herself from Russian and lets it pass her ears, but she still does not accept enemy language from children. She recalled a situation in her life when she embarrassed a child, and even more so her parents, by asking them to switch to Ukrainian. "I had a situation when we were walking with Hugo [a dog given to Alina by her lover - Ed: "Can I pet your dog?" I said: "Only in Ukrainian, because the dog does not understand the language of the enemy." And the parents hang out... I think: "Go ahead, say something". And the child switches to Ukrainian to the dog," the woman recalled. ADVERTISIMENT Mykhailova said that the Russian accent "cuts" her ears, and when children speak this language, it is much more unpleasant. "Russian-speaking children really trigger me now. I don't know why. It's really hard for me. When mom and dad are Russian-speaking and their child is Russian-speaking. And the children have such a terrible Russian accent. And it just... For me, it's a big trigger - Russian-speaking children who are Ukrainians, who live in Dnipro, in Kyiv..." the paramedic explained. Alina Mykhailova seems to be afraid for the future of Ukraine. After all, while the military is fighting for freedom at the front "for the sake of the children's future," these same children do not speak the state language. Such an attitude threatens with new Russian attacks. ADVERTISIMENT "I don't know why, but I don't notice Russian-language content, but children... For me, this is the younger generation... As we say, we are fighting for the sake of children, so why don't children speak Ukrainian?" Mykhailova said. Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote about actor Oleksiy Hnatkovsky, who also does not accept children's Russian-speaking. In his opinion, this is a huge fault of parents who "do not want to mangle the language." Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The battle over rent control at a pair of residential towers in Downtown Jersey City is now being waged in the courts, with both the landlord and tenants of the towers contesting in separate lawsuits a city agencys findings that the buildings falls under rent control. The landlord of Portside Towers argues in a federal lawsuit that the citys decision last fall was unconstitutional and that it should be exempt from rent control, while the tenants claim in a lawsuit filed in Hudson County Superior Court that the city has not enforced the ruling properly and that their rents should be rolled back even further. A Morris County woman has sued McDonalds in Roxbury, claiming she was injured when scalding hot tea spilled on her due to the restaurants alleged negligence. The 58-year-old resident of the Kenvil section of Roxbury Township claims in court papers she was injured on Jan. 13, 2022, at the store in the 200 block of Route 10 East when an employee failed to properly secure the lid of the teacup. Defendants were negligent in the distribution, manufacturing, storage, preparation, inspection and service of the scalding hot tea, alleges the suit, filed Jan. 5 in Superior Court of Morris County. The hot liquid spill resulted in temporary and permanent injuries, has resulted in economic injury, and prevented Crisman from engaging in her everyday activities, the lawsuit alleges. Crisman also claims McDonalds failed to provide adequate warnings about the cup, which the suit alleges was produced in a defective manner. A spokesperson for McDonalds did not respond Monday to requests to comment on the lawsuit. Crismans lawsuit is similar to hot-beverage lawsuits filed against McDonalds on Nov. 3, 2023, in Newark and one filed on Sept. 25, 2023, in Hudson County. In 1992, a woman in Albuquerque, New Mexico, successfully sued a McDonalds franchise when she was burned by a coffee spill. In that lawsuit, the womans attorneys successfully argued that McDonalds served its coffee up to 30 degrees hotter than other restaurants. The McDonalds lawsuits are also similar to a string of suits filed against Dunkin franchises in several New Jersey counties in the past year, court records show. In October 2022, a Long Island woman who claimed her child was burned by hot soup served at Medieval Times in Bergen County received a $300,000 settlement from the businesss insurance carrier. The lawsuit, which was filed in February 2021, claimed the womans son suffered severe burns and injuries when he was served hot soup at the venue located in Lyndhurst. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A woman moved to New Jersey to be with her boyfriend, leaving her son behind in a dirty home in Pennsylvania for more than a month without heat or water, authorities said. Tiffani C. Bogroff, 45, was arrested Saturday in Pennsville in Salem County after police in Manheim Township, Pennsylvania charged her with endangering the welfare of a child, officials said. CBS-21 said the child is 15. Manheim police only referred to Bogroffs child as a juvenile victim. Bogroff occasionally sent her son money via a CashApp to buy food and communicated with him only on Facebook Messenger, Manheim police said in a statement. The teen was also responsible for caring for two dogs and a cat in the home, which has a space heater in one room but no heat, police said. In addition, the house has no running water and the gas has been shut off, authorities said. The water and gas were shut off in November, according to LancasterOnline.com. The cluttered house was filled with trash and spoiled food, according to police, who first visited the home on Nov. 22 after learning a child was living there alone. The teen told police he sometimes goes to school but finds it difficult to wake up in the morning. A relative who lives in the area occasionally took the teen to the grocery store and lets him shower and wash his clothes at the persons house, according to police. Bogroff was charged Jan. 12, officials said. She is being held in the Salem County jail awaiting extradition to Lancaster County. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. A healthcare worker is accused of stealing opioids from an Ocean County medical clinic where she worked, authorities said Monday. Lauren Scholz, 37, of Brick Township, was arrested after being linked to the theft of 100 vials of fentanyl and 40 syringes of hydromorphone from the Vascular Institute at Atlantic Medical Imaging, police said. An anonymous tip of the missing drugs on Thursday led detectives to the facility on Jack Martin Boulevard last week, police said. Attorney information for Scholz was not immediately available. Her role with the company was unclear on Monday. A spokesperson for Atlantic Medical Imaging did not immediately return a request by NJ Advance Media for comment. The office where Scholz was employed is at a medical complex that houses Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center. Police on Friday visited Scholzs office and spoke to management, who confirmed that the doses of the drugs were missing. They were later tied to Scholz and recovered, police said. Scholz at the time of her arrest was also found with cocaine and admitted to stealing the drugs, police said. She was charged with theft, possession of all three drugs, as well as paraphernalia. She was released on a summons. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. The recent op-ed, Texas border problem just got a lot worse, by Nicole Russell of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, incorrectly blames the chaos at the southern border on President Joe Biden. Actually, Biden and Senate Democrats have been working feverishly to negotiate a deal to reform American immigration policy, and have made significant progress toward this goal. Amazingly enough, hard-line Donald Trump supporter Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has stated that even if Trump returns to the presidency, Republicans wont get a better immigration deal. The Passaic County Prosecutors Office has taken plea bargains off the table for two of the three defendants charged with the stray-bullet shooting of honors student Robert Cuadra, who was caught in the crossfire of gang warfare while unloading groceries at his grandmothers house in Paterson. The two defendants, Kahaz Heron and Jaquin Williams, made a joint appearance before Judge Sohail Mohammed in Passaic County Superior Court on Monday. Both were initially offered the same deals 10 years in prison in exchange for guilty pleas to charges of 2nd Degree manslaughter which they had accepted, their attorneys said. But now the deal is off, after the victims mother complained that 10-year prison terms were too lenient for taking the life of her son, an honors student at HARP Academy who was bound for Montclair State University on a scholarship when he was fatally shot in January of 2022. Ten years? Thats not justice at all, said Ivernis Santiago, who said she spoke to the prosecutors office after learning a deal had been struck. It would just be a matter of time before they were right back on the streets. At the hearing on Monday, Herons attorney, Harley Breite, accused the Passaic County Prosecutors Office in court of undermining the defense counsels relationship with his client. Breite said Heron had already signed the forms accepting the deal when the PCPO suddenly reneged on the deal. Williams attorney, Nicholas Patullo, said his client had been offered the same deal. Everyone in the world, including the mother of the victim, knows that my client didnt shoot anyone, Breite told the judge. What the Passaic County Prosecutors Office did was an intentional act meant to erode my clients trust in me. Its reprehensible. Allan P. Nawrocki, the chief assistant prosecutor in charge of the case, did not attend the hearing in person but appeared remotely. He said his superiors at the prosecutors office rejected the plea. Nawrocki, responding to a request for comment following the hearing, said there was never an official plea deal on the table, and that negotiations are continuing. Heron, 20, Williams, 21, and a third man, Jahed Jones, 21, all of Paterson, are all charged with felony murder and weapon possession for their alleged participation in the Jan. 19, 2022 gang shootout on Godwin Avenue in which Cuadra, 18, was hit. Struck in the head by a stray bullet, Cuadra died a short time later at St. Josephs Regional Medical Center in Paterson. The state contends that as many as six men were in the two cars that rolled up on Godwin Avenue around 6:30 p.m. and opened fire. But so far, only three have been arrested, and although none of them have been accused of firing the fatal shot, theyve all been charged with felony murder and weapons possession. According to the arrest affidavit, Heron, Williams, and Jones were arrested hours later by Paterson police in a stolen car with two guns and ammunition. One of the guns was a .40 caliber pistol, and .40 caliber shell casings were found at the scene. In the trunk was a jacket that police believe was worn by the shooter, the affidavit says. The state took DNA swabs in an effort to tie the jacket to one of the suspects. But Breite says the theres no DNA linking his client, Heron, to the crime. The third defendant, Jahed Jones, gave a statement to Paterson police following his arrest. Jones attorney, David Pine, has filed a separate motion seeking to quash that statement on the grounds that police continued to question him after he asked that an attorney be present, a violation of his Miranda rights. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com. A plan to completely ban smoking at one of the last places its allowed in New Jersey inside Atlantic Citys nine casinos just took a big step forward, after years of stalling and despite several sponsors defecting only weeks ago. The state Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee voted 5-1 with two abstentions to advance the latest stab at the bipartisan proposal at the Statehouse in Trenton, marking the first time in nearly two decades there was a vote on the issue. Juan Soto. Trent Grisham. Alex Verdugo. Marcus Stroman. Those are just some of the headline players the New York Yankees have added this offseason and they are not done. There is one more big one coming with spring training beginning in less than three weeks, according to people around the industry. [GM Brian Cashman] has one more move up his sleeve, a National League executive told MLB.coms Mark Feinsand in a story published Jan. 27. FIXING THE YANKEES: Sign up HERE for our twice-weekly newsletter on the offseason changes For who, exactly? A different executive predicted the Yankees will sign Cody Bellinger, and despite ace Blake Snell only having an offer from the Yankees on the table, New York has moved on, a source told NJ Advance Medias Bob Klapisch. Thus, Snell will ultimately call San Francisco his next home. I dont know if those are the exact moves, the exec said. But I think both of those clubs have money to spend and need to do something to make a splash. Feinsand talked to 10 front-office members about which teams would strike with a major move. The Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Yankees and Giants were mentioned most often. Would Bellinger make sense with the Yankees current roster? He could play center field, pushing Aaron Judge to a corner, or first base, where he could take over full-time in 2025 if the Yankees decline Anthony Rizzos team option. Considering the Yankees have added Verdugo and Soto, their current corner outfielders, it would create a logjam in the outfield and at DH, Giancarlo Stantons only place in the lineup. The configuration would also become more complicated when outfielder Jasson Dominguez returns from Tommy John surgery, likely around the All-Star break in July. The other issue is the contract. While Bellinger posted strong box-score stats .307 average, 26 home runs, 97 RBI, 20 stolen bases, 133 OPS+ the underlying batted-ball data is not as promising. The 28-year-old was well below average in barrel rate, average exit velocity and hard-hit percentage, according to Statcast, even as he sported the lowest strikeout rate (15.6%) of his career. Bellingers bounce back in 2023 came after two negative-value-hitting seasons following a shoulder injury and surgery. What is he worth, and for how long? Those questions, presumably, are why Scott Boras client is still unsigned. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. The occupiers, on the orders of the Kremlin, have strengthened the counterintelligence regime on the administrative border between the temporarily occupied Crimea and the temporarily occupied part of Kherson region. In particular, the Chongar checkpoint was additionally equipped with a system for scanning and monitoring vehicles using X-rays. ADVERTISIMENT Currently, all cars crossing the administrative boundary line are thoroughly inspected, the National Resistance Center reported. This is especially true for cars with registration plates of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, both Ukrainian and Russian-imposed. The CNS noted that the occupiers pay special attention to the control of roads and railways in this direction, as it provides support to the group of troops on the TOT of Crimea and the occupiers on the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia directions. According to the activists, after the occupation of the southern regions of Ukraine, the Russians did not remove their checkpoints from the administrative border with Crimea - the Russian special services used them to "filter" civilians. As a reminder, activists of the Atesh military guerrilla movement have established that Russian troops are repelling attacks by Ukrainian maritime drones in Crimea, in particular, with Grad multiple rocket launchers. One such multiple launch rocket system was spotted in the bay of temporarily occupied Sevastopol. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA: - "The Atesh movement discovered warehouses with Kalibr missiles and other Russian weapons in the area of Sukharna Bay in occupied Sevastopol. Several occupiers' trucks were also spotted there. - The occupiers are bringing military equipment and personnel to the temporarily occupied Crimea . Their arrival was recorded in the area of the city station in Dzhankoy. The guerrillas noted that the occupiers' personnel regularly arrive by train and military equipment. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! And the 48-year-old rapper seems to be riding the wave of recognition into 2024, with an honor that could not be more unique to New Orleans. On Saturday, Feb. 3, Juvenile fans along the St. Charles Avenue route should keep their eyes peeled for float No. 11 in the Freret parade, which will be surmounted by a smiling statue of Juvie, wearing a de rigueur camo headband, a diamond-encrusted dollar sign necklace, and a tattoo reading NOLA BOY. Freret captain Bobby Hjortsberg said it was only natural to add Juvenile to the musically inclined parades lineup. Juvenile, Hjortsberg explained, has made it a habit of riding with Troy Trombone Shorty Andrews on his signature float. In honor of Juveniles biggest hit, the theme of the 2024 Freret parade is Back that Float Up. Hjortsberg said hed considered rolling the Juvenile float backward, but hes pessimistic thats technically possible. The Ukrainian military shot down a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber over the Luhansk region . These aircraft are actively used by the occupiers to launch missile and bomb attacks on Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT Andriy Kovalev , spokesman for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, provided details about the destruction of the enemy Su-34 during a telethon on Tuesday, January 30. According to him, the fighter-bomber was shot down by the Defense Forces on Monday, January 29. "Over the past day, the Ukrainian Defense Forces units destroyed 20 areas of concentration of Russian occupants' personnel, four air defense systems, four artillery units, and an enemy electronic warfare station. Estimated enemy losses over the past day amounted to 960 occupants, ten tanks, 29 armored personnel carriers, 31 artillery systems, air defense systems, one Su-34 aircraft in Luhansk region , 35 UAVs, 42 vehicles and five units of special equipment. Believe in the Armed Forces, we will win," the spokesman said. ADVERTISIMENT In the morning report of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the losses of the occupying army, it also mentioned the destruction of an enemy aircraft, but did not disclose details. As of the morning of January 30, since the beginning of the full-scale war, the Defense Forces have already destroyed 332 occupiers' planes and 324 helicopters. It is noteworthy that the day before, the Russian Defense Ministry boasted that its Su-34s had bombed the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the Liman sector with FAB-500 unguided aerial bombs. The price of such an aircraft is about $36 million. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA reported, in early January, a Su-34 fighter-bomber burned down at the Shagol airfield in Chelyabinsk, Russia. Our sources in the Ukrainian intelligence service told us that the DIU was behind the arson operation. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The long-awaited website for the Sisters Destination Management Organization (DMO), Explore Sisters, went live last week at http://www.exploresisters.com. Now being winter, the introductory photograph is of the Three Sisters mountains and a snow-covered landscape overlaid with the new Sisters logo. Plans include prioritizing the information and artwork by season to keep the website current and fresh. The headline says, The Old West. All Grown Up. The introductory paragraph provides ample reasons to come visit Sisters. Visitors learn more by choosing: Get Outdoors, Ways to Play, Places to Eat, Where to Stay, and Sisters Events. Each mouse click reveals colorful photographs and information with links to websites telling the stories of Sisters eateries, lodging, events, and outdoor recreation and exploration opportunities. The board decided to take the time necessary to create a quality product that can serve all their needs. The professional branding guide contains the primary logo as well as a palette of eight colors to be used in all materials produced evergreen, leaf, sky, bark, gold, trail dust, black, and white. Besides the full logo, there is a monogram version for special use as door signage, t-shirts, or when there are space constraints. The primary logo is quite simple, drawing on Sisters Western heritage, while also having a slightly modern feel. The creators described it this way: The serif typeface has been customized just for Sisters, adding Western flair, but making it feel like a boutique brand with a distinctive personality. The combination of strong letter forms with more delicate type suggests that there is more to Sisters than meets the eye. We added the EST. established date to lend historical credence and paired it all with Oregon to make sure people know exactly where we are. To help convey the Sisters brand personality, illustrations were selected that can be used in materials and can also be used in conjunction with the logo. The drawings include the Three Sisters, a pine tree, a horse head, and the antlered head of a mule deer. Any of the illustrations can be used with any of the brand colors. There are three individual typefaces, each for specific purposes, to provide a sense of continuity over time and materials. All elements used in marketing and correspondence blend together to create a professional, cohesive look. According to the creators, Secondary pattern elements for use in layouts are symbols of Western culture and its diverse influences. Quilt patterns convey a feeling of warmth, comfort, and tradition. Paisleys intricate and flowing patterns, which gained popularity in the West during the 18th and 19th centuries, evoke a sense of elegance and adventure. The year 2023 saw the hiring of Scott Humpert as the DMO executive director, and the establishment of the Board of Directors which meets on a regular basis. The priority was to do all the organizational setup, starting at ground zero. During that year, they conducted a community survey of stakeholders and businesses. They studied other destination resort towns to determine Sisters unique position and how to talk about that uniqueness. By years end, they were up and running and ready for business. A branding committee, including several board members, business owners, and Humpert, put out a request for proposals and selected Lookout, based in Portland, as the agency to create all the elements to go into the marketing, communications, and website. They began their work in July with a projected finish date of January 2024, but finished up in November of last year. According to their website, Lookout focuses on helping destinations, and craft food, beverage, and hospitality clients define their unique offerings and communicate that experience to the world through brand development, strategic marketing planning, and breakthrough campaigns. Lookout works as a collaborative pulling together teams specific to each project from a wide-reaching network of some of the finest creative talent anywhere. Humpert is currently a staff of one, and over the past year he has been working nonstop. The budget will determine when and if a second employee can be hired, a position that would require someone with multiple skills. The current operating budget is funded by one-third of the annual transient lodging tax (TLT) collected by the City from lodging establishments, and fluctuates from year to year, or $350,000 minimum. Because the DMO is a 501(c)(6), it is not eligible to apply for many of the grants available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Humpert doesnt want to rely on grants to build capacity because they are temporary sources of income. When they are gone, often the capacity, like an employee, must go, too. Humpert will be looking for opportunities to provide a steady, sustainable income stream beyond the TLT. If 2023 was about organizing and getting up and running, Humpert says 2024 will be about doing fundamental marketing built around the logo, brand, and supporting artwork. Last Monday, the website had a soft launch, allowing for some of the functionality to be tested, making sure all links worked. During 2023, Explore Sisters was accessed through a Central Oregon Visitors website and didnt contain all the information now available. The first phase of the website is inviting people to visit Sisters and providing them with links to what to do and where to stay and eat. Phase Two, which should be complete in several months, will contain fun enhancements, a community calendar with short descriptions, and links to the websites of the events sponsoring organizations. The website can also be used as a referral source for local businesses and organizations. Plans include prioritizing the information and artwork by season to keep the website current and fresh. At the bottom of the website on the left is the link to tourism industry resources, news, and events. There is also a space to sign up to get Sisters trip ideas by email and links to Facebook and Instagram. Humpert explained, The DMO website is the hub of our marketing of Sisters. It acts as a referral site to restaurants, lodging, retail establishments, adventures, anything a visitor might be looking for. All our ads and communications will direct people to ExploreSisters.com. It's been a rough couple of weeks with the snow, rain on snow, and icing cycles that have befallen Sisters Country folk needing to get about. Getting to work, school, the grocery store, or gas station isn't an option for most. Nor is walking the dog. Lt. Chad Davis who heads the Sisters Sheriff's Office told The Nugget that he's been surprised by the few numbers of slip and fall accidents his team has encountered given the persistent conditions. But many have fallen without injury, or caught themselves at the last second as one foot or another slid out from under them. "I don't know if I'd been better off to have fallen on my keester than torque my back as I did catching myself mid fall," mused Leon Warren describing a near miss going to the gym. Most falls end in embarrassment rather than breaks but sprains and bruising can be nonetheless painful. Physical therapists in town tell us that they are seeing an increase in fall-related injuries as well as patients who have aggravated their back or shoulder shoveling snow. Keeping sidewalks and drives clear of ice is not only hard work, it can also be expensive depending on how you tackle it. The key, experts say, is getting to the snow as soon as you can before it turns to ice. Shoveling or snow blowing will make the job of ice control much easier. When the blade of a shovel is no longer cutting it, it's time for topical treatment. First is to know what you are trying to accomplish. Is it improving traction on the ice or removing the ice altogether? Often the first precedes the latter. The options are many, ranging from kitty litter to coffee grounds to sand to sawdust to bird seed. They provide some immediate traction benefits, and in most cases also will act to de-ice. They are generally speaking not harmful to the environment. However they are messy and easily tracked into the house. Kitty litter clumps, and gets muddy quickly. Birdseed is popular in Sisters, with the added benefit of keeping our feathered friends fed. Or so thought Irene Daniels who learned the hard way: "I put down about $15 worth and in five minutes the deer came and licked it clear down," she said. "And the ice was still there until the sun came out." Alfalfa meal is also popular in Sisters Country. Its dry and grainy composition is ideal for traction and like urea often used by farmers to de-ice, it contains no nitrogen and any threat to ground water. For the vast majority of homeowners, chloride-based products will be the go-to choice. Start with what not to use. Sodium chloride or rock salt is often used because it's more affordable than other chlorides. However it is highly corrosive to concrete. According to the Farmer's Almanac, rock salt is effective to approximately 12 degrees, but can damage soils, kill plants and grass, and cause driveway and car problems. It's also toxic to animals when ingested. Plus, if you care about keeping local waters pristine, salt causes problems with the over-salinization of rivers and lakes. If your walk or driveway is made of porous paving materials like concrete or brick, salt causes freeze-and-thaw cycles that eat away at it and make it prone to cracking and crumbling. Salt can dry out and burn your pets' sensitive paws, causing painful cracks and open sores. Licking the salt off also puts them at risk for gastrointestinal problems. If they ingest enough salt, it can be lethal! Salt runoff can contaminate well water and reservoirs and wash into lakes and streams where it is toxic to fish and amphibians, the Almanac reports. Calcium chloride, marketed under dozens of brand names and widely available in Sisters, is the most commonly used non-sodium ice melt product melting at temperatures as low as -25. Magnesium chloride is often touted as being safer for pets. However the ASPCA says that magnesium chloride can cause stomach upset. It is effective to 0. ODOT treats some roads around Sisters with magnesium chloride, a chemical salt that's applied as a liquid solution. It's considered easier on the environment and less corrosive to vehicles and roadways than solid salts favored by eastern states. Magnesium chloride is sprayed as a liquid in dry conditions and can be applied hours in advance of approaching storms. When it rains the treatment washes away quickly unfortunately. Whichever method you use, the first job always is to be safe. Take your time and apply in smaller, repeated treatments rather than one big dose. The Russian terrorist army continues to attack civilian targets in Ukraine. Since the beginning of 2024 alone, the invaders have launched about 1,000 drones and missiles at our country. ADVERTISIMENT Therefore, Ukraine still needs a strong enough air shield. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the social network X. According to him, during the first month of this year, Russian troops launched more than 330 missiles of various types at Ukrainian cities. The enemy also attacked Ukrainians with six hundred attack drones. The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine needs a strong enough air shield to withstand such terrorist pressure. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is building such an air shield together with its partners. "We must ensure Ukraine's control over its skies, which is also crucial for ensuring security on the ground - from positions on the front line to hospitals and schools in the rear," Zelenskyy said. The President said that air defense and electronic warfare are Ukraine's top priorities to defeat Russian terror. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, the spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yurii Ihnat, said that the Russian occupation forces have about 900 high-precision long-range missiles that it can use to strike Ukraine. The enemy produces up to one hundred units of such weapons per month. Earlier it was reported that the Russian terrorist army continues to modernize Shahed kamikaze drones for strikes on Ukraine. In particular, the invaders have once again changed the combat unit of the UAV. Now Putin's terrorists have added cumulative and incendiary effects to Shahed. As OBOZ.UA reported, on the night of January 30, Russian troops attacked Donetsk and Kherson regions. In Myrnohrad, Donetsk region, a missile attack by the invaders killed a man, and another victim of the enemy attack was killed in Avdiivka. In Bilozerska community of Kherson region, the occupants killed a man in his own home. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! This years election cycle sees Captain William Bailey and Sergeant Kent Vander Kamp vying for the only elected law enforcement leadership position in Deschutes County. I know both candidates and have privately expressed to both my respect and admiration for their service to our community at large and their stepping up to the plate to run for office. As a leader at any level in an organization ones first concern must be your ethical bearing. The word Ethics comes from the Greek word Ethos, meaning self. This is the Self as seen by others. For police officers this is your performing, or professional Self. Ethics, or professional performance, is a simple concept. You must be what it is you represent, on or off the job. All too often those among us who have been elected to wear the gold distinction of rank and authority behave in ways that diminish their professional credibility, either behind closed doors or on the street. Police administrators who backstab their employees, or who routinely engage in the personal and professional destruction of a colleague are known by all officers, employees, and sooner or later by voters. A candidates electoral reputation is the sum of what his or her peers and those in the community remember you as having said or done while under the authority of your agency. If you are a promising leader in the future, you must begin building your professional resume and reputation by being careful and consistent about what you say and do. The past is never quite forgotten and our foibles are never quite forgiven. Even so, our bosses, our peers, and the public do extend great rewards to those who recognize their shortcomings, and actively seek to correct their faults. During the 2016 and 2020 campaigns for Sheriff, both challengers to the sitting Sheriff were found and proven to have embellished their professional credentials and accomplishments. Both are no longer in law enforcement for their own reasons. Both of their campaigns boasted of their individual integrity, honesty, and leadership training and accomplishments while lambasting the same of their opponent. In 2024, this form of campaign strategy has outworn itself, and is unwanted by a large number of voters. Hopeful candidates for the office of Sheriff might make a note here: If your campaign chooses to tell us you are in the same league as someone running a private corporation you are wrong. If you want to be in business then hang up your badge and gun and invest in a hamburger franchise. Police work is service work! Service work is people work. If you cannot serve your people as a supervisor or chief or Sheriff you are slowly killing your department or agency, and therefore your community. Kent Vander Kamp and William Bailey are the first two candidates in many years to enjoy the freedom to run for this important office sans any meaningful backing from a sitting Sheriff. Yes, Sheriff Nelson endorses Bill Bailey. But Nelson likewise declared himself a political lame duck many months ago. By doing so he opened the door to the current candidates to run their own race based on their own merits and vision for the future. Integrity, honesty, leadershipthese are all a given in law enforcement. Both the military and Oregons Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) teach these critical ethical and moral skill sets. Anyone can do a search of DPSSTs current officer training records and discover these career-building milestones for themselves. What are voters truly concerned about? I offer we want to hear specific thought processes about local, state, and federal law enforcement issues that may affect us in Deschutes County. If a candidate is unsure about what these might be then it behooves both to provide a communications platform where our questions, concerns, observations, and experiences can be sent to you. And then respond in the public forum, on the record, and in a timely manner. Understand you will be held accountable for your campaign behavior at the ballot box. And please do not repeat the campaign strategies of past candidates who put finger-pointing, misinformation, and misdirection above introspection. We have had enough of that and expect more from our candidates in 2024. Wildlife corridor To the Editor: As members of the Bend to Suttle Lake Wildlife Passage Initiative (B2S), we appreciate the recent article highlighting our locally driven effort, published in The Nugget on January 16 (Initiative seeks to mitigate wildlife collisions, page 4). Highway 20 between Bend and Suttle Lake crosses several important wildlife movement corridors for mule deer, elk and other wildlife. This section of highway sees one of the highest rates of deer and elk wildlife-vehicle collisions in Oregon. The goal of B2S is to construct safe wildlife crossings for the benefit of motorists and wildlife along this 35-mile stretch of highway here in our own backyard. To address the growing safety concern for both wildlife and motorists along Highway 20, state and federal agencies, nonprofits, landowners, and institutions formed B2S, a broad partnership that brings together the expertise, relationships, and regulatory authority essential to success. B2S is currently working on a feasibility study to identify and prioritize potential wildlife crossing sites. The goal is to see projects on the ground within three to five years. In 2020, the Oregon legislature passed legislation directing the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to coordinate efforts to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and has since then allocated $12 million to support wildlife crossing initiatives across the state. More support is needed and right now there is another important opportunity to build upon this work during the upcoming legislative session. Led by Representative Ken Helm (Democrat, District 27), House Bill 4148 takes important steps toward establishing a permanent, dedicated funding source for improving the safety of motorists and wildlife in Oregon. It is expected to be heard in the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water soon, and we urge members of the committee and all legislators to support HB 4148, and make our roads safer for drivers and wildlife alike. Jeremy Austin Wild Lands & Water Program Director for Central Oregon LandWatch Michael OCasey, Deputy Director, Forest Policy and Pacific Northwest Programs for Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Cold Weather Shelter To the Editor: In the front page of The Nugget on January 17 there was an article about an emergency shelter in Sisters. The Sisters City Council had approved a staff-prepared resolution that would authorize the rapid deployment of a temporary shelter in an unoccupied building in downtown Sisters. Sisters Cold Weather Shelter (SCWS) was contacted, and they rushed to set up the shelter. I spoke with Diane at SCSW to ask about volunteering at the shelter, and I learned the shelter was being closed (after three nights) because it was now too warm (in the 30s). SCSW had to pack up everything and leave the building. I reviewed Resolution No. 2024-01 that authorized the temporary shelter and was stunned to learn the resolution stated that a temporary shelter may be necessary only when the temperature is 25 degrees or lower I wonder, would you like to sleep in a tent at night when the temps outside are in the mid 20s or 30s? I do not understand a City Council resolution like this one. I am hoping they will address this issue, and help the homeless in a more humane manner. Rosemary Vasquez Wildfire and insurance To the Editor: Important new wildfire-related consumer protections for home insurance are now law. As your State Representative in House District 53, I know that preventing wildfire from reaching homes and communities is our first line of defense. Sadly, the heartbreaking reality is that catastrophic wildfire in Oregon has caused billions of dollars of losses in recent years, including thousands of destroyed residences. Home insurance is an important safety net should damage or loss take place. But getting or maintaining home insurance can be difficult. Adding to the frustration, homeowners have received notices about the discontinuation of their home insurance or notices of increased premiums that lack any reasoning. In the Oregon Legislatures 2023 session, we passed Senate Bill 82, which just became law on January 1. Senate Bill 82 aims to make it easier for homeowners to obtain and maintain home insurance. Senate Bill 82 requires insurers to provide notice about any decision to terminate or raise premiums on home insurance that is due to wildfire risk, including important details like how the insurer determined wildfire risk, the details of the property that informed the determination of risk, and suggestions for changes that would make the property easier to insure. This new law also extends the amount of time for rebuilding or repairing a home after wildfires (given an emergency declaration) and also disallows an insurance company from using a state wildfire risk map as reason to cancel, non-renew, or increase premiums for home insurance. Also, insurers need to provide information to the public about how they take into account wildfire risk mitigation actions. By taking into consideration wildfire risk mitigation actions such as defensible space and home hardening, or participation in community risk reduction like Firewise, insurers can know that a property has lower risk and price premiums accordingly. Emerson Levy Free Gaza from Hamas To the Editor: I found it curious in Micaela Verbitskys recent letter entitled, Free Palestine, there was no mention of the October 7 murder, rape, torture and abduction of Jews, including guest workers, Americans and Muslims, who were living in kibbutz close to the Gaza border. The massacre was carried out by both Hamas terrorists and ordinary Gaza civilians, who gleefully posted their heinous atrocities online and some even sent the videos to the victims families. So, my question is this, does she condemn Hamas and the slaughter that occurred, without equivocation or justification? If so, there are points that can be debated. If not, there is no point in a discussion. Free Gaza from Hamas! Deborah Halsten Family-friendly restrooms To the Editor: The Family-Friendly Restroom Team would like to extend our gratitude to Bill Bartlett and The Nugget for your recent coverage of our project installing free diaper changing stations for Sisters Country businesses. Since publication we have received several donations, five new inquiries from local stores and restaurants, and an offer to sponsor all installation services (thank you, Re:Vive Construction)! Wed also like to say thank you to Age-Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC) for incubating our project. Their support and fiscal sponsorship helped us turn an idea into a nonprofit initiative with real-world impact. We encourage anyone with community building dreams to reach out to them and explore starting your own Action Team. We sincerely appreciate the support from so many local individuals, organizations, and businesses as we work to help young kids and their caregivers feel seen and sanitary in our community. The surge in interest means were now fundraising for more changing tables; you can make a tax-deductible contribution by visiting agefriendlysisters.com/donate. And if you see a local business with a changing table in the restroom, please thank them! Kellen Klein and Jane Cartwright, Family-Friendly Restroom Team co-founders Whos dangerous? To the Editor: Regarding Thomas Nitchers letter of January 24: Wow! Being a life long Democrat, I was shocked to hear that Im such a dangerous person. Ive always considered myself a thoughtful considerate person, but apparently Ive been busy wrecking energy independence and plotting with ANTIFA. I think comparing the post-Civil War Democratic Party with the one of today is like comparing the Grand Old Republican Party with the MAGA cult of today. The Democrats went through a sea change in the mid-1960s, when President Johnson signed the civil rights bill, and then the voting rights bill into law. The southern Democrats almost to the man (or woman) changed over to the Republican Party. So, in a nutshell, all those absolute blemishes to our countrys history such as the KKK and Jim Crow were inherited by the modern Republican Party. Basic American history. No wonder so many of the southern states are trying to change or ban history books. The Democratic Party disappoints me all the time, but the alternative is out of the question. Maybe someday well have a multi-party system that fits all our needs. A quick note: ANTIFA stands for anti-fascist, so, if youre not anti-fascist then you are pro-fascist. Theres no in between. It would be difficult, as a Democrat, to be behind ANTIFA when there doesnt seem to be such an organization, although Im definitely anti-fascist. Im constantly amazed by the sheer volume of disinformation and misinformation thats out there these days. Youd think more people would take the time to find out the truth of things. If Walter Cronkite told them that Trump was a con-man and lost the 2020 election fair and square, they wouldnt believe him. Bruce Campbell Let freedom write To the Editor: In response to Jim Cornelius editorial, January 24 (The stormy season, The Nugget, page 2): Jim made a great persuasion for those wishing to express their views in The Nugget. If we hadnt witnessed the greatest drive to suppress free speech/thoughts in American history during the past eight years Id tend to agree. Free speech means free; preserved by the blood of those who paid the ultimate price and more since our founding. We humans, created in the image of God, are emotional creatures that react to that which is seen and heard. It is literally impossible to un-see what is happening at the border, while hearing Mayorkas claim otherwise before Congress. I say its time to let freedom write in The Nugget. Do you see and hear what is happening to our young childrens education? Whats up with Harvard? Their initial motto at founding was Truth for Christ and the Church now replaced with hate and anti-Semitism. Concerning bias, Id say for Sisters patriotism and love for our military is one bias that still brings us together every year on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. If you ever visit Washington DC, tour the memorials and then Arlington National Cemetery; you will be moved emotionally! Every war fought by those who perished or came home maimed in combat had confronted evil forms of tyranny; those seeking absolute power by any means possible. To honor our fallen we the people must now fight for and protect the freedoms paid with the blood of our brave. Weve witnessed President Bidens leadership methods and failures; seemingly expressed in the past by the tyrannical monster Lenin: We must be ready to employ trickery, deceit, law-breaking, withholding and concealing truthWe can and must write in a language which sows among the masses hate, revulsion, and scorn toward those who disagree with us. Jeff Mackey PORTAGE A 35-year-old Merrillville woman who staggered from a crashed vehicle, appeared intoxicated and failed field sobriety tests, tested negative for alcohol consumption, but was taken into custody on allegations of driving under the influence, Portage police said. When Hilda Madera refused further testing, police said they obtained a court order and drew blood from her for chemical testing. Drugs overtaking alcohol as culprit in impaired-driving arrests, officials say as crackdown mounts Drug-impaired driving is increasing enough across Indiana and the nation that it is beginning to outpace drunken driving, according to Devon M Police responded around 7:30 p.m. Friday to the area of U.S. 20 and Douglas Drive where they found a running vehicle stuck on its passenger side with its front tire still spinning, according to the report. The driver, determined to be Madera, staggered from the vehicle and was slow to respond to simple questions, police said. She said she drank no alcohol and none was detected during a breath test. New study linking legal pot with spike in severe traffic injuries does not surprise Region police While all marijuana use remains illegal in Indiana, police across the northwest section of the state have been left to grapple with an influx of commercial and particularly potent pot products pouring in from neighboring Michigan and Illinois, where recreational sale and use of the drug are legal. Police said they found pills in the vehicle, but none that would explain her apparent intoxication. A family member reportedly told police Madera was recently prescribed pain medication. Officers recovered a loaded handgun and ammunition and took Madera to the Porter County Jail on charges of operating while intoxicated, including one count of endangering others. CROWN POINT A man charged with killing a Region attorney while burglarizing his home in 2021 has pleaded guilty to the offense. Jason Vazquez, 40, of Hammond pleaded guilty to murder in the perpetration of a burglary in the death of attorney William "Bill" Enslen, 75. His plea agreement stipulates he will be sentenced to 50 years in the Indiana Department of Correction. Murder carries a possible sentence of 45 to 65 years in prison with the advisory sentence being 55 years. If a judge accepts his plea, prosecutors agreed to drop a second murder charge and two burglary charges. His next court appearance is set before Lake Criminal Court Judge Natalie Bokota Feb. 7. Vazquez broke into Enslen's Hobart home on June 24, 2021, and shot him dead, according to information in a probable cause affidavit. DNA evidence collected at the crime scene pointed to Vazquez as the culprit, the affidavit said, and his cellphone was in the area of the crime scene. Video footage from a church across from Enslen's home showed a Chevy pickup truck drive by the residence a couple of times after the burglary, police said, and when officers pulled Vazquez a few months before, he was driving the same truck investigators identified in the video. Enslen's live-in girlfriend found him dead on the rear porch of their residence in the 3600 block of West 61st Avenue. He had been shot three times. Their home had been ransacked, police said, with furniture flipped over, a cabinet broken, a large rug missing and broken glass littering the floor. Vazquez burglarized the home of an elderly woman in Michigan City less than a week before he killed Enslen, according to criminal charges filed in LaPorte County Superior Court. About 9 a.m. June 17, 2021, Vazquez knocked on the door of a home in the 9500 block of West Pahs Road and the woman opened the door, police said. He asked her if she would like her lawn mowed and she declined, police said, and in response, Vazquez pulled out a gun and pointed it toward the woman, yelling at her to "get down." Vasquez pushed past her and stole multiple items, including her credit and debit cards, car keys and television, according to the affidavit. Data obtained from Vazquez's Gmail account showed he was in the area at the time the crime was committed, the affidavit said, and the similarity between this incident and Enslen's killing helped investigators determine Vazquez was likely responsible. CROWN POINT The date of Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr.'s criminal trial could get pushed after his attorneys filed multiple motions Friday that indicated they needed time to obtain and review possible new evidence they allege was withheld or unethically obtained. The defense filed multiple motions, including a motion to continue the trial and a motion to suppress evidence. Martinez's attorneys claim they learned of the existence or potential existence of the evidence during witness depositions taken last month, according to information in a motion to continue the trial. They allege they learned about communications between police and "impermissible third parties" regarding the case. They also assert a large portion of documents from Indiana State Police's initial investigation into Martinez's case had not been given to them. According to a motion to suppress, search warrants for Martinez's cellphone and the Jeep Trackhawk he was driving on the night of his alleged crime were obtained improperly, defense attorneys claim. The trial is set for Feb. 12 before a specially-appointed judge. Martinez was indicted Jan. 6, 2022, on felony resisting law enforcement and misdemeanor reckless driving charges. He allegedly drove more than 50 miles over the posted speed limit on Sept. 18, 2021, while driving north on Main Street in Crown Point. Martinez's attorneys said a continuance is necessary so they can have time to determine if the evidence is exculpatory, which they believe it likely could be, according to the motion. They said they need time to depose witnesses again to ask additional questions. Some of the information, his attorneys wrote, shows location data is inconsistent with Martinez being the operator of the Trackhawk that Crown Point police officers saw traveling on Taft Street. In a response filed Monday, prosecutors said they object to the continuance and will show the court they contest the allegations in Martinez's motion. They requested discussion over the matter be set at the pretrial hearing. Special Judge Jeryl Leach issued a short order in response, simply saying they would discuss the matters Feb. 5. Prosecutors indicated they would introduce evidence at trial related to Martinez's actions at Buddy & Pal's in Crown Point, where he was earlier on the night of the alleged pursuit, and communications between him and his wife on the night of the offense. Some of those communications are privileged, however, according to a ruling from Leach on Dec. 15. The motions to continue the trial and suppress evidence will be discussed at a pretrial conference Feb. 5. GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week HAMMOND Parents, staff members and students of Lew Wallace and Kenwood Elementary schools demonstrated in front of the School City of Hammond's administration building on Monday, as rumors swirl both schools are being considered for closure. Demonstrators began gathering in front of the administration building, located at 41 Williams St., shortly after noon, with more individuals arriving after the school day ended. Chants of "save our schools" echoed throughout the afternoon, with several parents and staff members raising concerns about both schools potentially being shut down, given the large percentage of students of color they serve. Over 90% of Wallace's 450 students are either Black or Hispanic according to data from the Indiana Department of Education, while nearly 60% of Kenwood's 267 students are Black. Several parents and staff members from Wallace also brought up the significant number of students with special needs and English learners who would be affected by the elementary school's potential closure. Almost 14% of its students are English learners, while over 12% of Wallace students are part of the special education program. Susan Elliott, a parent of a Wallace student who is visually impaired, said her main concern is that she doesn't know if another school in the district will give her son the same accommodations he has received at Wallace. "How can they even guarantee that they'll have the right space for him," Elliott said. It was also noted if Wallace were to close, its students would most likely have to attend Annie Burns-Hicks Elementary School, meaning many of those students would have to cross Calumet Avenue, something considered dangerous for the children given it is a major roadway. In addition, they claim Burns-Hicks is already overcrowded and understaffed. The protesters were looking to demonstrate while the Hammond School Board met in executive session on Monday and Tuesday to discuss cost-cutting measures and school consolidation. However, both meetings ended up being canceled. According to Hammond schools Superintendent Scott Miller, both executive sessions were scheduled in case they were needed. Since they were not necessary, both were called off. An executive session meeting is now scheduled for Thursday, according to Miller. Last week, the Hammond Teachers' Federation which has been at a stalemate with the district over contract negotiations since last November released a statement opposing further school closures. In the statement, the teachers' union noted that savings were promised when Lafayette and Columbia elementary schools closed in 2019 and again when Gavit and Clark middle/high schools were closed in 2021. According to the union, those savings never materialized. Hammond Teachers' Federation President Louis Gikas and other Hammond schools teachers took part in the demonstration on Monday. The school city is currently working with the Distressed Unit Appeals Board to create a corrective action plan to adjust its spending and avoid further state intervention following the overwhelming defeat of the operating referendum in November. The referendum, which is set to expire at the end of this year, generates around $15 million annually for Hammond schools, or around 13% of its budget. The district has so far has announced job cuts, including 12 administrative positions. The school board also approved in December to give notice of its intent to eliminate bus transportation services in three years, unless it is able to find another way to fund this service. Miller told The Times any final decision to close a school would occur during a public board meeting. Miller did not state if school consolidation would be considered at the next scheduled business meeting, slated for Feb. 20. Residents and parents are expected to continue demonstrating on Tuesday. In some school districts, it's the end of the snow day In some school districts, it's the end of the snow day The opportunities and barriers of swapping out snow days The future of the snow day US President Joe Biden's administration has warned US House Speaker Mike Johnson against blocking an agreement to strengthen security at the US border. This document should also unblock aid to Ukraine and other countries. ADVERTISIMENT This statement was made in Washington by White House spokesperson Karin Jean-Pierre. The briefing was broadcast on YouTube. "We have worked diligently to make real progress on one of the most important issues facing us - securing our border. Now we need Speaker Johnson to step up to the plate and provide the authority and resources outlined in our request," she said. The White House spokeswoman noted that the Republican Party itself has been in favor of allocating new resources for border security, and the Trump administration has emphasized this directly. The agreement, which was worked on by Republicans and Democrats in the Senate, as well as the White House, provides the necessary measures for this. In addition, referring to Johnson, Jean-Pierre emphasized that if the Republican Party wants to address the problem of illegal immigration, "he must give the Biden administration the authority and funding necessary to secure the border." ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, Senate negotiators agreed to give the US the authority to significantly restrict illegal crossing of the southern border, which will make life more difficult for migrants. The agreement is likely to be made public next week. According to CNN, the leaders of both political parties in the Senate hope to strike a deal to unblock aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Earlier, Zelensky said that if America delays aid to Ukraine, some European countries may also reconsider their position. This also threatens the loss of the US-European alliance. The President of Ukraine believes that this will not happen. However, Europe alone will not be able to provide support to Ukraine to the extent that the United States used to. Neither with weapons nor with finance. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! MUNSTER The Lake County Prosecutor's Office has filed charges against a Chicago man believed to be involved in a violent October home invasion. On October 27 at 1 p.m., Munster Police responded to reports of an armed home invasion in the 1400 block of Park West Circle in Munster. Three people inside the home said at least four armed men forced their way into the house, threatened them with a handgun, bound them with zip ties, covered their mouths with duct tape and stole several items including jewelry and money. After an investigation that involved Munster Police, Chicago Police, Hammond Police, Indiana State Police and the Merrillville ATF, 47-year-old Chicago resident Elkin Alberto Castillo has been charged with multiple felony counts of burglary, armed robbery and criminal confinement. Elkin Alberto Castillo is currently in custody at the Cook County Jail on unrelated charges, according to Munster Police. According to the affidavit, the female victim heard a knock at the door during the early afternoon of Oct. 27. When she answered the door, she was rushed by multiple men who forced her to the ground and struck her. She was bound with zip-ties and duct tape and was dragged down the basement stairs. One of the male victims said he was threatened with a gun, was struck multiple times and was bound with zip-ties and duct tape. The second male victim, the owner of the home, said he was sitting on his second floor balcony when two men came onto his balcony, pointed a handgun at him and demanded money and jewelry. According to the affidavit, the victim said the men were wearing masks and reflective construction-type vests. The owner of the house gave the men about $500 from his pocket. The two men then led the victim to his safe and made him open it. When the men saw that there was no money in the safe, they hit the victim with the handle of the gun and zip-tied his hands behind his back. According to Munster Police, the female victim was taken to a local hospital and the two male victims were treated at the scene. Surveillance footage showed that a brown GMC Terrain and a black Nissan Altima entered Munster just after 8:30 a.m. on October 27. According to the affidavit, both cars contained multiple occupants wearing masks and reflective construction-type jackets. At 11:21 a.m., surveillance video showed the GMC Terrain pull into the driveway of the Park West Circle home. Four men wearing reflective jackets were recorded entering the home. Chicago Police were able to locate both the Nissan Altima and the GMC Terrain in Chicago on Nov. 12 and Nov. 14, respectively. Masks, walkie-talkies, reflective vests, duct tape and zip-ties were found in the vehicles, according to the affidavit. A birth certificate listing Joey Luis Castillo as one of the parents was found in the GMC Terrain. According to Chicago Police, Joey Luis Castillo died in May of 2021. Chicago Police had multiple booking photos of Joey Luis Castillo; among one of the booking photos was an image of Elkin Alberto Castillo. Police issued a news release with surveillance photos of the cars and the suspects in mid November. An anonymous witness called police and said they knew where the driver of the GMC Terrain was. According to the affidavit, the witness heard car doors slamming in the early morning on Oct. 27 and saw the GMC Terrain and the Nissan Altima parked in the 3700 block of S. Honroe Street in Chicago. The witness saw three people putting on high visibility vests and masks and took photos of the people on their cellphone. When shown a photo of Elkin Alberto Castillo, the witness positively identified him as the driver of the GMC Terrain. On Nov. 26, Chicago Police were able to locate Elkin Alberto Castillo in the 3700 block of S. Honroe Street and took him into custody on outstanding warrants. While searching Elkin Alberto Castillo's car, police found a handgun, a fake Puerto Rico driver's license and a watch matching the description of one stolen during the home invasion. According to the affidavit, a search of Elkin Alberto Castillo's cellphone revealed that his phone was in the vicinity of the Munster home that was burglarized on Oct. 27. His phone was also near the Munster home on multiple other days leading up to the invasion. Munster Police are asking the public to help identify the other men involved in the home invasion. If you have any relevant information, call 219-836-6658 or email tnosich@munster.org. You can remain anonymous. The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District has entered 2024 with a focus on increasing South Shore Line service upon completion of the $650 million Double Track NWI project, while dealing with potentially long-term challenges to ridership and revenue ensuing from the COVID-19 pandemic. The commuter railroad expects to return to, and expand, full service in May, after two years of construction that includes busing passengers along portions of the line. South Shore officials believe the end of busing alone will help return riders to the railroad, while faster and more frequent service to and from Chicago an increase from 43 to 57 trains per weekday will provide a categorical boost to ridership. Complicating the financial picture is the fact that the construction project broke ground in the wake of a pandemic that's led to lingering changes in commuting and working habits. Ridership showed improvement in 2023 increasing 8.5% to 1.5 million riders but was still fewer than half of 2019's 3.3 million. NICTD's most recent state audit showed passenger fare revenue of $22.5 million in 2019; the railroad is projecting $17.5 million this year. Its pre-depreciation operating expenses are up from $52 million to an estimated $69 million over that five-year span, leaving fare revenue this year to cover a smaller portion of expenses. Expectations are that ridership will continue to rise, particularly with new service, but railroad officials are also lobbying state leaders for a boost to the state's support of its operations. The South Shore is currently making up revenue gaps with capital reserves. "We've always maintained a healthy cash reserve, because things happen, and so we have been using that cash reserve to offset the difference between revenue and expense the last few years," NICTD President Michael Noland said at the NICTD Board of Trustees meeting Monday. He said NICTD's planning provides for the use of capital reserves to subsidize operations through 2025. In Indianapolis, railroad officials have been discussing the revenue-expense gap with members of the State Legislature and governor's office in an effort to gain increased operating support in the state's next biennial budget, to be produced next year. "We do need to do something structurally with our state funding," Noland said, "but we're going to do it in a way that is informed by another year of operations, without busing, with substantial new service." The railroad's projections include reaching 78% of pre-pandemic ridership by the end of this year, he said. The Double Track project, which gets its name from the addition of a second set of tracks to single-track areas between Michigan City and Gary, also includes new bridges and station replacements and upgrades along the 16-mile stretch. The work is 97% done, according to NICTD, with the return of rail service between the Dune Park and Gary Metro Center stations now provided by bus scheduled for April, and the start of full revenue service, including the additional trains, in May. One portion of the project, the new Michigan City 11th Street Station building a parking garage, won't be complete at the project's conclusion. The station will be part of a major development that will include residential and business components covering a city block. That project, being led by the developer Flaherty & Collins, is scheduled for completion in December, railroad officials said. Between May and December, the city has arranged for ground-level parking on streets and nearby parking lots within one-quarter mile of the station, whose platforms have been completed. NICTD is also planning for the conclusion of its $950 million West Lake Corridor project, currently scheduled for May 2025. The project extends commuter rail service from Hammond to the Munster/Dyer border at Main Street. The project is 60% done, managers reported, with major bridge placement continuing this winter. One remaining challenge, Noland said, is working out an agreement with CSX railroad to build an access road under the CSX freight line at Main Street, to provide access to the South Shore's planned parking lot on the west side of the parallel railroads. "That's probably the key thing we're working on securing," Noland said. NICTD is currently ramping up hiring to staff the new train services, planning to hire more than 80 employees this year. It will hold a job fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 6 in the Suncoast Room at Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa, 777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City. The United Steelworkers union is faulting Nippon Steel for not disclosing financial information related to its proposed $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel. The union said it's been fighting to gain information about the proposed sale of the steelmaker, which operates Gary Works, the Midwest Plant in Gary and the indefinitely idled East Chicago Tin. "Along the way, we discovered that in its efforts to control USS, NSC decided that rather than acquiring USSs business directly, it would instead push its obligation onto a Houston-based holding company called Nippon Steel North America," USW District 7 Director Mike Millsap and International President David McCall said in a letter to members. "This means that Nippon Steel North America would not assume our labor, pension, retiree insurance and other agreements itself. Instead, Nippon Steel North America would acquire the business and take responsibility for our contracts." Foreign companies typically create subsidiaries in countries they do business in for legal reasons. The USW said it's entitled to Tokyo-based Nippon's financials, not that of a holding company it just set up in the United States. "We asked Nippon to provide us with financial information about NSNA, and it admitted that no financial information for NSNA exists. It provided us with some publicly reported information about NSC in Japan, but it ultimately tells us nothing about the soundness of NSNA to stand behind the obligations it would owe USW members and retirees," Millsap and McCall said in a letter to members. "Nor has NSC indicated it will provide enforceable guarantees of NSNAs commitments. In fact, once shareholders are paid off under their deal with USS, NSCs guarantees are finished." Nippon has pledged to assume the existing contract between U.S. Steel and the United Steelworkers union as part of the acquisition, which is likely to undergo both national security and antitrust reviews. The company did not immediately return requests for comment. "This is unacceptable. We negotiated strong protections in our BLAs to prevent USS from making a deal that benefits its shareholders including its executives who hold USS stock in their compensation packages at the expense of our contracts and our plants," Millsap and McCall said in a letter to members. "We are unfortunately accustomed to USS disrespecting its workforce and the union, and now it seems that NSC plans to do the same. In fact, it was disclosed recently that USS blocked NSC from contacting the union before the sale was announced in December, and, rather than fighting USS on this point, NSC simply went along. Your union remains as committed as ever to fighting to protect your interests through our basic labor agreements and wherever we can take this fight." ''LA CAGE AUX FOLLES'' and ''The Real Thing'' - shows about love, both homosexual and heterosexual - dominated the 1984 Tony Awards last night at the Gershwin Theater. ''La Cage,'' the Jerry Herman-Harvey Fierstein musical about two male lovers in a French nightclub, was named best musical and won six Antoinette Perry Awards - the formal name for the Tonys - while ''The Real Thing,'' Tom Stoppard's play about a playwright who learns that love is indeed the real thing, was named best play and won five awards. The Tony voters, audience and one award-winner made apparent their disagreement with the 12-member Tony nominating committee for not nominating Dustin Hoffman for best actor in a play for his performance as Willy Loman in ''Death of a Salesman.'' When Mr. Hoffman made an unscheduled appearance to give the best play award, he received a standing ovation from the capacity audience attending the 38th annual awards, which were nationally televised. Earlier in the evening, when Jeremy Irons accepted the award as best actor in a play, he pointedly lauded the ''extraordinary performances, both nominated and unnominated'' this year. ''Death of a Salesman'' was named the best revival. U.S. air defenses at a remote military outpost in Jordan failed to stop a deadly drone attack yesterday because it arrived at the same time that an American drone was returning to base, American officials said. Three U.S. service members died in the strike, the first known American military deaths in the conflict that has spilled over from the Israel-Hamas war. The Pentagon identified the dead soldiers as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46; Spec. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24; and Spec. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23. The returning American craft prompted confusion over whether the hostile drone which U.S. officials said had the footprints of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-affiliated group in Iraq was friendly, and air defenses were not immediately activated. The drone landed near the living quarters of Tower 22, an American resupply base in northeast Jordan near Syria and Iraq. Two other nearby attack drones were shot down. President Biden, who has vowed to retaliate, could order strikes on Irans proxy forces, a major escalation of the attacks he has already conducted in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. But those strikes havent deterred the militias. Jump to: Todays Theme | Tricky Clues TUESDAY PUZZLE How do you know when youre doing too much? The question seems to plague New Yorkers more than most other people, if only because they live in a bustling metropolis that compresses their personal and professional lives into a smaller area than that of the average American. But whether were city or country folk, our bodies rebel against overexertion or burnout, as it is sometimes called in a bid to shift us back into balance. Do less, says the body. (Not now, body, Im busy.) Freddie Chengs latest crossword, on the other hand, multitasks with ease. Unlike our mortal coil, his clever theme has no signs of burning out. In fact, it burns brighter as it takes on more meaning. A few days ago, Kristi Noem, the Republican governor of South Dakota a MAGA hard-liner sometimes mentioned as a potential running mate for Donald Trump warned that President Biden is remaking America, turning us into Europe. My first thought was: So hes going to raise our life expectancy by five or six years? In context, however, it was clear that Noem believes, or expects her audience to believe, that Europe is a scene of havoc wrought by hordes of immigrants. As it happens, I spent a fair bit of time walking around various European cities last year, and none of them were hellscapes. Yes, broadly speaking, Europe has been having problems dealing with migrants, and immigration has become a hot political issue. And yes, Europes economic recovery has lagged that of the United States. But visions of a continent devastated by immigration are fantasies. Yet such fantasies are now the common currency of politics on the American right. Remember the days when pundits solemnly declared that Trumpism was caused by economic anxiety? Well, despite a booming economy, theres still plenty of justified anxiety out there, reflecting many peoples real struggles: America is still a nation riddled with inequality, insecurity and injustice. But the anxiety driving MAGA isnt driven by reality. It is, instead, driven by dystopian visions unrelated to real experience. That is, at this point, Republican political strategy depends largely on frightening voters who are personally doing relatively well not just according to official statistics but also by their own accounts, by telling them that terrible things are happening to other people. On Friday night at 3 Dollar Bill, a queer club in the East Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, partygoers danced and sang along to early 2000s hits by Fergie, Justin Timberlake and, of course, Sophie Ellis-Bextor whose Murder on the Dancefloor is currently having a renaissance. The theme of the night was the movie Saltburn, which, based on the number of attendees who arrived dressed in costume, is quickly garnering cult status. The crowd cheered as the D.J. played Untouched by the Veronicas. It was like hopping in a time machine to 2007. (Well, a 2007 in which everyone owns an iPhone and has a working knowledge of the words novel coronavirus.) The film, a psychological thriller set in the early aughts, is as freaky as it is aesthetically rich. Come for the sex and the murders and the mind games, stay for the long, gorgeous shots of the debauched lives of the British upper class on summer holiday. The same tone set the mood for the evenings festivities. There were bathwater cocktails made with pineapple juice, rum and coconut milk for extra, soapy froth for sale at the bar. (The drink tasted fine, even if its inspiration, a scene in the film where Barry Keoghan laps up Jacob Elordis leftover bathwater, is perhaps less than appetizing.) The authorities in Southern California announced on Monday that they had arrested five men in connection with the six people found fatally shot at a remote crossroads in the Mojave Desert last week, a grisly scene that investigators believe stemmed from a dispute over marijuana. Just days ago, the news of the bodies seemed a stunning mystery, with few details offered to the public. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department received a call on Jan. 23 for a wellness check. That prompted deputies to head toward an intersection off Highway 395 outside El Mirage, a community about 90 miles northeast of Los Angeles. There, they discovered the bodies of five men. An additional male victim was found early the next morning. Video captured by television news stations blurred out the graphic images. No updates were offered. When Dr. Austin Dennard, an OB-GYN in Dallas, learned that her 11-week-old fetus had a fatal medical condition in July 2022, she immediately understood the medical implications. What she didnt know was that she would soon land in the middle of a lawsuit against the state of Texas and in the midst of the presidential campaign. Dennard is starring in a new political ad for President Bidens re-election campaign, in which she describes her diagnosis and having to leave Texas and its restrictive abortion law to get an abortion. Democrats like Biden are increasingly having women describe, in stark, emotional detail, the personal impact of the abortion bans championed by their Republican opponents. In 2023, Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat seeking re-election in Kentucky, ran an ad featuring a woman who said she was raped as child by her stepfather, criticizing a state abortion ban with no exceptions for rape or incest. The Republic of Korea has protested to Japan over Tokyo's claims to the disputed Dokdo Islands (Takeshima), Azernews reports, citing the official representative of the South Korean Foreign Ministry, Lim Su-seok. "The [South Korean] government protests against the Japanese government's repeated unfair territorial claims to the Dokdo Islands, which are undoubtedly our own territory historically, geographically and in accordance with international law," he stressed. On January 30, the head of the Japanese diplomatic department, Yoko Kamikawa, in his speech on foreign policy goals in 2024, confirmed Tokyo's claims to the Takeshima Archipelago. Tokto (Takeshima) is a group of small islands with a total area of 0.188 square kilometers located east of the Korean Peninsula. These uninhabited rocky territories became the subject of an international dispute after 1945 when Korea was liberated from Japanese colonial rule. The islands are currently controlled by South Korea. Czech President Petr Pavel has said that Europe should prepare for the possibility of former US President Donald Trump winning the US presidential election . This could have quite negative consequences for both Europe and Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT He spoke about this in an interview with TVN24. According to Pawel, if Trump wins the election, the United States will make a deal with Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin, which could be disadvantageous, among other things, for Ukraine. "In this case, we will be faced with a fait accompli that we will have to deal with. It is not about undermining transatlantic ties, it is not about questioning the United States as an ally, but we have to recognize realistically that Donald Trump sees many things differently," he explained. The Czech leader added that if Trump wins the democratic election, the decision of the American people must be respected. "But we must be prepared for this, because there will certainly be certain consequences," he explained. In addition, Petr Pavel also emphasized that Ukraine, unlike Russia, currently has limited capabilities on the battlefield. Therefore, the allies recommend limiting offensive actions and strengthening defense. ADVERTISIMENT According to the Czech leader, Kyiv needs not only purely defensive weapons, but also weapons that will disrupt the supply routes of the Russian army. For example, artillery or longer-range cruise missiles, as well as F-16 aircraft. "Only a balance of power can make both sides realize that they cannot achieve further success and that it is time for negotiations," he added. As a reminder, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban praised the odious politician Donald Trump, calling him "the most successful US president in the international arena." Orban hinted that Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine would not have happened if Trump had been in charge. As OBOZ.UA wrote: - Recently, Donald Trump announced his intention to fight to the last with the Senate agreement on the US state border. He also praised Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson for declaring the bill "dead." ADVERTISIMENT - Trump has repeatedly publicly praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is known for his pro-Russian views. According to Trump, Orban is supposedly "a great leader in Europe." Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Norfolk Southern, the operator of the freight train carrying toxic chemicals that derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, nearly a year ago, has agreed to participate in a federal program that allows employees to report safety issues confidentially, the company and federal officials announced on Monday. In the aftermath of the derailment, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called on Norfolk Southern and the nations other major freight railroads to join the program, one of a series of steps he urged them to take to improve safety. The railroads committed in March to participating, but in the months that followed, they pushed for changes to the program to address concerns about how it functions. None of the largest freight rail companies, known as Class I railroads, had officially agreed to join until the announcement on Monday. Norfolk Southerns participation in the program, known as the Confidential Close Call Reporting System, or C3RS, will be limited in scope. The railroad will carry out a one-year pilot program that will apply to about 1,000 employees in Atlanta; Elkhart, Ind.; and Roanoke, Va., who are members of two unions, a small fraction of the companys work force of roughly 20,000 people. The authorities in Arkansas on Monday captured a capital murder suspect who had escaped from a local jail with another inmate, ending a weeklong manhunt. Officers conducting surveillance in Pine Bluff, Ark., just after 11 a.m. saw the suspect, Jatonia Bryant, 23, walking down a street wearing clothes that matched a description that had been provided to the law enforcement authorities and arrested him without incident, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Mr. Bryant, who is charged with capital murder in the shooting death of a man last year, and Noah Roush, 22, were discovered missing on Jan. 22 from the W.C. Dub Brassell Adult Detention Center in Pine Bluff, roughly 40 miles southeast of Little Rock, after a daring escape that involved bursting through holes they had made in the facilitys ceiling and roof, according to the sheriffs office. On Thursday, officers caught Mr. Roush near an abandoned home in Pine Bluff where he had reportedly been seen. Mr. Roush had been held at the jail on burglary and theft charges. Canada is postponing a plan to offer people suffering from mental illnesses the option of a medically assisted death, two cabinet ministers said on Monday. The announcement by Mark Holland, the health minister, and Arif Virani, the justice minister, came after a special parliamentary committee looking into the plan concluded that there are not enough doctors, particularly psychiatrists, in the country to assess patients with mental illnesses who want to end their lives and to help them do so. The system needs to be ready, and we need to get it right, Mr. Holland told reporters. Its clear from the conversations weve had that the system is not ready, and we need more time. Neither minister offered any timeline for the latest extension. Following an earlier delay, the expansion had been scheduled to come into effect on March 17. An Albanian court on Monday gave the green light to an agreement allowing Italy to send migrants who are rescued in the Mediterranean by Italian ships to detention centers in Albania while their asylum claims are considered. The deal is part of the Italian governments multipronged efforts to stem migration, in particular Mediterranean Sea crossings, sending the message that many undocumented migrants will not be allowed directly into Italy, even temporarily. The agreement was signed in November by the leaders of the two countries, but challenged by opposition lawmakers in Albania, who argued that it violated the countrys Constitution. On Monday, the Albanian Constitutional Court ruled otherwise, clearing the way for the deal to be taken up by Parliament, where Prime Minister Edi Ramas Socialist Party holds 75 of the 140 seats. In New York, Jaap van Zweden, the New York Philharmonics music director, is preparing to say goodbye: Farewell concerts under the banner Celebrate Jaap! are planned over the next few months before his brief, pandemic-interrupted tenure ends this summer. But in Seoul, where van Zweden officially began a five-year term as the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestras music director this month, a new chapter is taking shape. Last week he led sold-out performances of Beethoven and Mahler with the ensemble, his first concerts as music director. We had this feeling of trying to go to the next level, van Zweden said in an interview from Seoul. Van Zweden was greeted as a celebrity, his face plastered on advertisements that declared the start of a new era. Fans snapped photos in front of his portrait in the lobby of the Seoul Arts Center. His inaugural concerts drew high-profile figures in culture and politics, including the mayor of Seoul, Oh Se-hoon, who appointed van Zweden, and the former South Korean president Lee Myung-bak. Iran has emerged as the chief architect in multiple conflicts strafing the Middle East, from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf. It trained and helped arm the Iraqi militias that killed three U.S. service members with a drone in Jordan this weekend. It supplied Hamas and Hezbollah in their clashes with Israel. It launched missiles at anti-Iranian militants inside Pakistan in response to the bombing of a local police station in December. And it has helped Houthi warriors in Yemen attack container ships in the Red Sea to protest the war in Gaza. All of which, taken together, threaten a wider war. Why is Iran suddenly involved in so many conflicts? Todays newsletter will try to answer that question. Since the 1979 takeover of Iran by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the countrys Islamic revolutionary government has had one overriding ambition: to be the lead player shaping the future of the Middle East. Seen another way, it wants Israel weaker and the United States gone from the region after decades of primacy. Biden weighs a response to Iran President Biden is faced with a decision on how far he is willing to go after a drone strike killed three U.S. soldiers at a base in Jordan on Sunday. He vowed to respond to the attack, which he blamed on militant groups backed by Iran, but retaliation could risk a wider war. Air defenses failed to stop the attack at least in part because the hostile drone approached at the same time an American drone was returning to the base, U.S. officials said. That caused confusion over whether the hostile drone was friendly and delayed the activation of air defenses. Biden has carefully calibrated his responses to the more than 150 attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. forces in the region since Oct. 7. But this is the first attack in which American troops have died, and U.S. officials say a different level of response is warranted. My colleague David Sanger writes that Bidens options range from unsatisfying to risky. Biden could order strikes on the Iran-backed militias, which would be a major escalation of the attacks it has already conducted in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. But those strikes have not deterred the proxy forces. He could also go after Iranian suppliers of drones and missiles, perhaps even inside Iran, but that could open another front in the war. New York States attorney general sued Citi on Tuesday, accusing it of failing to stop scammers from stealing an unspecified amount of money from customer accounts, and saying the bank should reimburse fraud victims for any losses. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, laid out a variety of ways in which Citi clients had been fooled into disclosing sensitive information that let hackers gain access to their accounts and steal millions of dollars. In what are known as phishing scams, some of the cases involved Citis customers receiving text messages or emails that purported to be from Citi but were really from criminals. The New York attorney general, Letitia James, said Citi should have been suspicious when large transfers were requested from customer accounts that had not had such activities for decades and that only minutes before had their passwords changed. In one instance, when a customer called her local Citi branch with worries about a phishing message that she had clicked on, the bank told her, Dont worry about it it happens all the time. Three days later, more than $40,000 was transferred out of her account, the lawsuit said. Citi later denied her request to be reimbursed, saying it was her fault for clicking on the scammers message. Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla, suffered a stunning rebuke Tuesday when a Delaware judge voided the pay package that helped make him a billionaire many times over and the worlds wealthiest human being. In a decision that cast a harsh light on the behavior of Mr. Musk and Teslas board of directors, Chancellor Kathaleen St. J. McCormick of the Delaware Court of Chancery said the chief executive had effectively overseen his own compensation plan currently worth about $50 billion with the help of compliant board members. The process leading to the approval of Musks compensation plan was deeply flawed, the judge said. She ordered that the contract that gave Mr. Musk the largest potential compensation plan in the history of public markets be voided, and told parties in the case to work out how Mr. Musk would return excess pay. Some compensation experts said the decision would send a warning to other companies that awarded their top executives very large pay packages. A little more than $3 million to block a proposed mine in Alaska. Another $3 million to conserve land in Chile and Argentina. And $1 million to help elect Democrats around the country, including $200,000 to a super PAC this month. Patagonia, the outdoor apparel brand, is funneling its profits to an array of groups working on everything from dam removal to voter registration. In total, a network of nonprofit organizations linked to the company has distributed more than $71 million since September 2022, according to publicly available tax filings and internal documents reviewed by The Times. The gusher of philanthropic money is the product of an unconventional corporate restructuring in 2022, when Patagonias founder, Yvon Chouinard, and his family relinquished ownership of the company and declared that all its future profits would be used to protect the environment and combat climate change. Sweden will have to wait again for the ratification of its NATO membership application by Hungary, which remains the only country that has not agreed to the Kingdom's membership in the North Atlantic Alliance. The Hungarian Parliament will consider this issue at the end of February. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on Tuesday, January 30, during a briefing, according to the Hungarian edition 24.hu. According to him, the parliament will not meet specifically to ratify Sweden's application to NATO. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, after having a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, called on his country's parliament to ratify Sweden's accession to the Alliance. Hungarian opposition parties have submitted a proposal to convene an extraordinary session of parliament for this purpose. However, Peter Szijjarto believes that such an additional session is unjustified. "Now we are not separated by a long period from the beginning of the next month's regular parliamentary session at the end of February. Therefore, I see no reason to resort to the means of an extraordinary session," the Hungarian minister said. ADVERTISIMENT Answering journalists' questions, Szijjarto said that if the parliament was going to meet only next year, it would be worth considering such an extraordinary meeting. "But since the parliament meets at the end of February, we can wait until the next session, and then this issue can be put on the agenda if the parliamentary majority decides," Peter Szijjarto said. As a reminder, Sweden applied for NATO membership in May 2022, along with Finland, which was a historic shift in its security policy due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, the country still has to wait for the ratification of its application. As reported by OBOZ.UA: On January 23, the Turkish parliament approved Sweden's application to join the Alliance. The next day, Ankara officially approved the ratification of Sweden's accession to NATO. The decision was published in the Official Gazette and signed by the country's president, after which it came into force. ADVERTISIMENT Orban called on the Hungarian parliament to ratify Sweden's accession to NATO. He made this call immediately after NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had a telephone conversation with him. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! There I met Nikola Pavlovic, a genial salesman wearing a flamingo-patterned bucket hat atop long hair, canvas moccasins and a shirt covered in psychedelic flowers. Pavlovic, 31, is an aspiring stand-up comic who began smoking to help with anxiety and found himself down what he called the cannasseur rabbit hole, reading forum posts about exotic hybrid genetics and terpene levels. This expertise eventually took him to Cookies, where his role is to match customers with the ideal strain for their lifestyles. I asked what he would suggest for a freelance reporter who might want to enliven dull afternoons at home in front of the computer. Pavlovic recommended a strain called Laughing Gas: This is like renting a Ferrari in Miami and going on a straight highway, he told me, and just slowly pressing the gas. All around us were neatly labeled $70 jars of weed and $300 bongs laser-etched with the Cookies logo. And, of course, hoodies: Cookies clothing plays a key role in both the brands origin story and its current marketing strategy. The brand predates any legal marijuana regime when Cookies was strictly a black-market concern, hoodies and hat sales allowed it to gain a foothold above ground. And the soft goods give buyers a way to signal something specific to the outside world: I smoke lots of weed, but in the cool Wiz Khalifa way, not the lame suburban-mom way. A business tied to George Norcross III, a high-profile New Jersey Democrat, has agreed to pay a $5 million penalty after a criminal investigation into hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks that the energy company, Holtec International, was awarded. The fine, announced early Tuesday by the state attorney generals office, enables officials from Holtec, a company based in Camden, N.J., that dismantles nuclear power sites, to avoid criminal prosecution linked to a 2018 application for $1 million in tax credits. Mr. Norcross, an insurance executive who sits on the board of Holtec, has for decades held an outsize grip on New Jersey politics and has used his clout in the national Democratic Party and in Camden County, as well as his fund-raising ability, to influence state legislation. Mr. Norcross has never held elected office, and his power has waned over the last several years after a series of embarrassing legislative losses in South Jersey. Still, he has remained one of the states most feared unelected politicians. We are sending a clear message: No matter how big and powerful you are, if you lie to the state for financial gain, we will hold you accountable period, Matthew J. Platkin, New Jerseys attorney general, said in a statement. In my most recent column I had a bit of fun with Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota, who has ominously warned that President Biden will turn us into Europe. I joked that this would mean adding five or six years to our life expectancy. When I shared Noems remarks on social media, some of my correspondents asked whether this meant that were about to get good train service and better food. A note to younger Americans: We already have better food. Its true that Bolognese remains infinitely better in Bologna than anything you can get here, even in New York, but you have no idea how bad American cuisine was in the 1970s. But Noems remarks were part of a long tradition among U.S. conservatives: insisting that Europe is already experiencing the disasters they claim will happen as a result of liberal policies here. Right now, the issue in question is immigration. In the past, however, the imagined European dystopia was supposed to be a result of high taxes and generous social benefits, which allegedly destroyed the incentive to work and innovate. So it seems worth asking what problems Europe really has that is, problems that are different from our own. San Zaw Htway was an artist, activist, political prisoner and dear friend. From 2013 to 2017, we lived and worked in Myanmar with San Zaw Htway, who spent 13 years of a 36-year-sentence imprisoned under harsh conditions. He died at the end of 2017 after a cancer diagnosis. San Zaw Htway touched many lives, serving as a dedicated trauma counselor to former political prisoners and teaching children and refugees to make artwork using recycled materials, as he did when he was in prison. After the February 2021 military coup in Myanmar, a Burmese friend wrote to us asking, What would San Zaw Htway have done in a time like this? And so the idea for this short documentary was born. We asked San Zaw Htways loved ones, some of whom are in hiding or are involved in the resistance, to write to him as an act of remembrance and a way of seeking solace and hope in the midst of the militarys brutal crackdown. This film is composed of their words, read by narrators to protect the identity of the writers. It was almost 15 months ago that The New York Post published a full-page cover photo of Ron DeSantis with the headline DeFUTURE. His 19-point victory in the Florida governors race was one of the few bright spots of the 2022 elections for a weary Republican elite, which was desperately looking to move on from Donald Trump after his handpicked candidates cost the party key Senate seats. A year later, as Mr. DeSantiss presidential campaign stalled, at least a handful of G.O.P. megadonors found new hope in Nikki Haley, with the Koch network announcing millions of dollars in support of her presidential campaign. It would be fair to say that the project has fallen flat: Mr. DeSantis suspended his presidential campaign on Jan. 21, and Ms. Haleys hopes have now dwindled to a thin thread after her loss in New Hampshire. By Donald Trump and his allies, this primary will be portrayed as a victory over a Republican establishment with which he had been at odds for years. But although Mr. Trump has routinely positioned himself as a political outsider, it is clear now more than ever that he has become the Republican establishment, and the partys fate increasingly seems inextricably tied to his. United Nations agencies and officials are no strangers to scandal and infamy. U.N. peacekeepers caused a cholera epidemic in Haiti and committed horrific sexual abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The U.N.s oil-for-food program for Iraq became a multibillion-dollar kickback scheme through which Saddam Hussein all but bribed his way out of international sanctions. In the 1980s, Kurt Waldheim, a former U.N. secretary general, was unmasked as a former Nazi. He was the same secretary general who denounced Israels 1976 rescue of Jewish hostages in Entebbe as a serious violation of Ugandas national sovereignty. Now comes the latest scandal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, better known as UNRWA. Last Friday, Israeli officials presented the U.S. government with an intelligence dossier detailing the involvement of 12 UNRWA employees, seven of them schoolteachers, in the massacre of Oct. 7. As reported by The Timess Ronen Bergman and Patrick Kingsley, the charges range from kidnapping an Israeli woman to storing rocket-propelled grenades to murdering civilians in a kibbutz. Awful enough and the U.N. rightly moved swiftly to terminate the employment of nine of those identified by the dossier. But that may be the least of it. Intelligence estimates shared with the U.S. conclude that around 1,200 of UNRWAs roughly 12,000 employees in Gaza have links to Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and about half have close relatives who belong to the Islamist militant groups, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. For generations, America waged a war against the wolf; now with the animals repopulating the Mountain West, the wolf war has taken on a new shape: pitting neighbors against neighbors as they fight over how to manage wolves. Environmentalists believe that wolves not only deserve a place in the environment but also can help repair it, while livestock producers often feel they shoulder too many costs of living alongside an animal that city dwellers simply want to gawk at. These disagreements have boiled over into fraught political battles, most recently in Colorado, where conservative ranching interests fought a narrowly passed ballot measure to reintroduce wolves to the Rockies right up until mid-December, when 10 wolves were released into the wilderness. But theres another way to see the latest chapter in the story of Americas wolf population: In expanding pockets of the West, citizens across the political spectrum are finding common ground as they adjust to living beside the wolf. Its a lesson in how even in extremely polarized times, its possible to make heated issues less divisive. The predominant narrative of the Big Bad Wolf, which has its roots in biblical stories and Northern European fairy tales, arrived with colonization of America. Government-funded extermination programs incentivized the killing of wolves, largely as a project of civilizing the wilderness, an offshoot of Manifest Destiny. By the mid-20th century, wolves in the contiguous United States had been shot, poisoned and trapped almost to extinction, with just a few stragglers in the Upper Midwest. Badly injured from a fight, a man wakes up in the Calais Jungle, a ramshackle camp for migrants in northern France. His memory is gone, and all he has on him is an Eritrean passport with the name Issa. Thats the premise of Alexis Michaliks brisk, effective new play Passport, which was greeted with a standing ovation last weekend in Paris. Until it was demolished in 2016, the overcrowded Jungle encampment stood as a symbol of Europes refugee crisis, which hasnt entirely subsided. While the site itself is gone, migrants still regularly attempt to cross the English Channel from the Calais area and reach Britain. Many in the French theater world publicly supported the people living in the Jungle, and a handful of small-scale productions in France took the camp as inspiration. Still, the first major play about it came from Britain, in 2017: Joe Murphy and Joe Robertsons immersive The Jungle was inspired by the directors time in Calais, where they set up a theater with migrants. It went on to become a trans-Atlantic hit, and was revived last year at St. Anns Warehouse in Brooklyn. In some ways, Michalik was an unlikely name to follow suit. A star of the commercial theater sector in France, he has built his reputation on accessible, fast-paced comedy dramas like Edmond, a Shakespeare in Love-style spin on the life of the French playwright Edmond Rostand. His last stage endeavor was a French-language adaptation of the Mel Brooks musical The Producers. Drawn by clear turquoise waters and miles of white-sand beaches, around seven million travelers visit the Bahamas each year, but a new warning about increased violence on the island nation has raised alarm over the safety of visiting there. On Jan. 24, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, issued a security alert advising U.S. citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets. The startling alert was unusual for the Bahamas. In addition to security alerts and other notices released by its embassies, the State Department issues travel advisories for countries to provide the suggested vigilance visitors should take. Currently, the Bahamas has a Level 2 (Exercise increased caution) warning. Many tourism-reliant countries, including Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, currently have Level 2 warnings, and most travelers experience safe and enjoyable vacations. The tourism industry in the Bahamas contributes around 70 percent of the nations gross domestic product, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, and employs half the countrys work force. The Illinois State Board of Elections rejected a complaint on Tuesday that accused former President Donald J. Trump of insurrection by trying to remain in office after losing the 2020 election, and that sought to disqualify him from the states primary ballot. The appointed eight-member board, which includes four Democrats and four Republicans, determined unanimously that Mr. Trump could appear on the March 19 ballot and that the board did not have the authority to decide whether he had engaged in insurrection. Lawyers for residents who challenged Mr. Trumps eligibility said they planned to appeal in the courts. Though the Illinois result was a victory for Mr. Trump, the process revealed potential vulnerabilities in his arguments as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a separate case out of Colorado about whether he is eligible for this years ballot. Nikki Haley suggested on Tuesday morning that the United States should go after Iranian military leaders in response to the drone attack by an Iran-backed militia that killed three American service members. Go after the launch sites where theyre doing it, and then go after the leadership, she said in an interview on CBS Mornings, after making similar comments on Monday. This is surgical, she said, adding, You take one or two of them out, and thats what you do. A spokeswoman for Ms. Haleys campaign said the candidate was referring specifically to the leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian military. When one of the CBS hosts, Tony Dokoupil, noted that Iranian leadership is based in Tehran and asked if Ms. Haley was suggesting a strike inside Iran, she replied, citing the Trump administrations killing of the Iranian commander Qassim Suleimani in 2020: When we assassinated Suleimani, he wasnt in Iran. They move around. Virginia is on track to ban legacy preferences at its public universities, which give a boost to children of alumni who apply for admission. The states House of Delegates unanimously approved a bill on Tuesday that would eliminate the preferences; the State Senate did so last week. Gov. Glenn Youngkins office signaled that he would sign the legislation, saying in a statement that he believes admission to Virginias universities and colleges should be based on merit. The law would take effect July 1, after admissions decisions have been made for the fall of 2024. The ban, which would affect two of the countrys more selective public universities, the University of Virginia and William & Mary, is another indication that legacy admissions, which mostly benefit students who are white, wealthy and well-connected, are losing favor across the country. Virginia Tech, another prestigious public university in the state, announced last year that it would no longer take legacy status into account. Khaled Nezzar, a wily, outspoken Algerian general and former defense minister who played a central role in the bloodshed that marked his troubled countrys passage out of the 20th century, died on Dec. 29 in Algiers. He was 86. His death was confirmed by his son Lotfi in a telephone interview from Algiers, the capital. General Nezzar, who at his death was under indictment in Switzerland for war crimes and crimes against humanity, was a key player in the most traumatic episodes of his countrys recent history. Spoken of sparingly in Algeria in 2006 it became a criminal offense to instrumentalize the wounds of national tragedy this bloody history and the countrys refusal to acknowledge it have contributed to its continuing isolation from its North African neighbors and the Middle East. General Nezzar, who was given a heros burial at a state funeral in Algiers that was attended by the prime minister, was at the center of the story. A wealthy Myanmar arms broker with close ties to the leader of Myanmars brutal military regime was acquitted on Tuesday by a Bangkok court on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering, raising fears that he will be free to resume his activities aiding the junta. U Tun Min Latt, who was placed under sanctions by the United States last year for supplying the Myanmar regime with weapons, had spent 16 months in a Thai jail awaiting trial. The case is the first known instance of a close associate of Myanmars army commander, Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, being arrested abroad and put on trial since the military seized power in a coup three years ago. The Thai authorities had accused Mr. Tun Min Latt and three associates of engaging in a scheme to launder drug money by using it to buy electricity in Thailand and sending it across the border to Myanmar. But the Thai criminal court found that the record of bank transactions presented by prosecutors did not provide sufficient evidence to prove the charges. With the ruling, about two dozen family members and supporters of the accused burst into applause in the courtroom. Some wept tears of joy. At the height of Hong Kongs Covid restrictions, the government gave Nicole Kidman and several others a rare exemption from the weeks of hotel quarantine required for travelers so that they could film a series about the malaise of privileged expatriates. That series from Amazon Prime, Expats, which stars Ms. Kidman, aired its first two episodes last week in what it described as a worldwide release. For Hong Kong viewers, they appeared as currently unavailable. The reasons are unknown. Amazon Studios declined to comment. A spokesman for the Hong Kong government said it had facilitated the filming of some street scenes in Expats but would not comment on the operational arrangement of individual businesses. The show is being released after several years of transformation in the city, a Chinese territory. Hong Kong was largely closed off to the world during three years of pandemic restrictions, and speech and dissent have become severely restricted after a mass protest movement was squashed in 2019. The Hong Kong government will enact a long-shelved security law to curb foreign influence and expand the definition of offenses like stealing state secrets and treason, officials announced on Tuesday, in a move expected to further silence dissent in the once-freewheeling Chinese territory. The proposed law would lay out five major areas of offenses: treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets, sabotage and external interference. Some of the definitions would echo mainland Chinese treatments of those offenses. Foreign intelligence organizations, the C.I.A. and British intelligence agencies have publicly stated that they are doing a lot of work against China and Hong Kong, the citys leader, John Lee, said at a news conference announcing the push. Internally, the city is also still facing the seed of unrest, he continued. The law, he said, is to protect us from attacks by foreign forces and by foreign countries. The proposal, known as Article 23 legislation, has long been a major political flashpoint in Hong Kong, a former British colony that was promised certain freedoms when it returned to Chinese control in 1997. The government first tried to enact it in 2003, but backed down after major protests by residents who worried that it would limit civil liberties. Since then, successive leaders put off attempts to revive the legislation, which is required by Hong Kongs mini-constitution, wary of triggering further backlash. French lawmakers on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a bill to enshrine abortion rights in Frances Constitution, the first step in a complex legislative process that began in direct response to the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The bill, proposed by President Emmanuel Macron and his government, was passed by the National Assembly, the lower and more powerful house of Frances Parliament, with 493 votes in favor and 30 against. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal called the vote a great victory. Unlike in the United States, most of Frances political parties broadly support the right to abortion, which was legalized in 1975, and there is no immediate or serious threat to its legality. Putting that right into the Constitution would not change the availability of abortion in France, where both residents and foreigners can terminate pregnancies. But the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health overturning the constitutional right to an abortion set off alarm bells in Europe and galvanized efforts in France to protect the right as inalienable. Activists have also made the case that abortion rights are increasingly under threat in European countries like Poland and Italy, making it all the more urgent to enshrine it in France in case future governments try to roll it back. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal promised more aid for French agriculture on Tuesday and vowed to shield it from unfair competition in an attempt to appease protesting farmers, but many appeared unmoved by his efforts as they blocked major roads around Paris for a second day. The barricades of tractors and bales of hay caused miles of traffic bottlenecks in the Paris region, but protesters have not encircled the city. Neither have they crippled the French capital itself, which has experienced only limited disruptions so far. Still, the farmers have become a growing thorn in the French governments side as it struggles to respond to a wide-ranging mix of demands on farming subsidies, environmental regulations and foreign competition to name only a few. Our agriculture is an asset: not only because it feeds us, in the truest sense of the word, but because it is one of the foundations of our identity and traditions, Mr. Attal said in his first major policy speech since his appointment by President Emmanuel Macron this month. Was it a longing for freedom, for friends or for snacks that pushed the monkey to make his daring getaway? Only the Japanese macaque himself knows for sure. He has evaded the hands of animal keepers who have been chasing him since Sunday, when he escaped from an enclosure in the Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie, Scotland, and fled into the Scottish highlands. Park officials have brought in thermal drones to help them search for the animal and have asked residents to report sightings. The monkeys life on the lam has brought a whirlwind of media attention to the relatively remote communities of Kingussie and Kincraig (combined population: about 1,500 humans). Amused residents, who have given the animal the nickname Kingussie Kong, have found themselves invested in its fate, and journalists have followed animal keepers as they have swept the hills. Britain, Ireland and the United States on Tuesday welcomed a deal to end almost two years of political deadlock in Northern Ireland that will, for the first time, hand the territorys top leadership role to Sinn Fein, a party that mainly represents Roman Catholic voters committed to a united Ireland. The breakthrough came in the early hours of Tuesday morning when the Democratic Unionist Party, whose largely Protestant supporters want to remain in the United Kingdom, said it was ready to end a lengthy and crippling boycott of Northern Irelands political assembly. I believe that all the conditions are now in place for the assembly to return, said Chris Heaton-Harris, Britains secretary of state for Northern Ireland on Tuesday. Claire Cronin, the U.S. ambassador to Ireland, said she welcomed the news. The people of Northern Ireland are best served by a power-sharing government in Stormont as outlined in the Good Friday Agreement, she wrote on social media, adding that President Biden has long made clear his support for a secure and prosperous Northern Ireland. International skatings governing body on Tuesday sought to put an end to a two-year-old controversy by revising the disputed results of a marquee figure skating competition at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. But in stripping Russia of its victory in the team event, awarding the gold medal to the United States and denying Canada the bronze it had been expecting, the sport may have only set the stage for yet another protracted legal fight. The revised finishes were announced by the skating body, the International Skating Union, one day after the teenage Russian star Kamila Valieva was banned for four years for doping. Disqualifying Valieva, a 15-year-old prodigy who had led Russia to an apparent victory, had the most immediate effect on the Olympic team standings: elevating the U.S. to gold and Japan to silver, while, surprisingly, dropping Russia just enough that it could still claim the bronze. Within hours, Russias Olympic committee, already furious about Valievas ban, announced that it would appeal any outcome that denied it the team gold. Canadian officials quickly threatened to appeal the ruling as well. That left skating officials and the International Olympic Committee, which had chosen not to award medals in the team event until Valievas doping case was resolved, wondering how they could at last arrange a dignified Olympic medal ceremony for an ugly dispute that appeared nowhere near its end. The decision to allow Russia to earn a medal despite the presence of an athlete convicted of doping raised yet more questions about Russias influence over top sports bodies. It also highlighted the inability of global sports to enforce rules on doping and to punish athletes and countries in a timely manner. The fragile coalition of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain revealed deep and potentially paralyzing cracks on Tuesday when a tiny, hard-line Catalan separatist party he has allied with rejected a critical amnesty measure as unsatisfactory. The party, Together for Catalonia, provided the support that allowed Mr. Sanchez to form the government last year, on the condition that he give amnesty for alleged crimes linked to the 2017 failed bid for independence. On Tuesday, the party argued that the legislative shield against prosecution for it and its leaders needed to be broader. The rejection of the measure in Spains 350-seat lower house with 179 votes against and 171 in favor, was a setback for Mr. Sanchez, creating the likelihood of more weeks of arduous negotiations. It also raised the prospect that haggling over the amnesty deal the very thing that gave birth to his second term in office might render the government unable to pass basic legislation, including an upcoming budget. The problem is that this could be a zombie government, said Pablo Simon, a political scientist at Carlos III University in Madrid, who added that since Mr. Sanchez had no incentive to call for early elections, the government could simply march along for months or years doing nothing if it didnt untie the amnesty knot. David Cameron, Britains foreign secretary, has signaled that Britain is willing to move up conversations about formally recognizing a Palestinian state, saying that his country and other allies should show Palestinians irreversible progress toward that long-sought goal. Mr. Cameron, speaking to the Conservative Middle East Council, an organization that promotes discussion about the region among the Conservative Party, said on Monday that showing progress toward a two-state solution was essential to negotiating peace, and called Israels security policies of the last three decades a failure. The British government has long held the position that it would only recognize a Palestinian state at the right time in the peace process with Israel, and Mr. Camerons comments, in London, suggested that Britain may be aiming to do that sooner. A top priority is to give the Palestinian people a political horizon so that they can see that there is going to be irreversible progress to a two-state solution and crucially the establishment of a Palestinian state, Mr. Cameron said, according to the BBC, which reported his remarks. On Tuesday, a spokesman for the prime minister said that Mr. Camerons comments were not a departure from the governments longstanding position about a Palestinian state. Our position has not changed on recognition of a Palestinian state: We would do so at a time that best serves the cause of peace, the spokesman said. The U.K. for its part, and I think along with its allies, continues to believe that a two-state solution protects the peace and security of both Israelis and Palestinians. The Israeli military said Tuesday that it had begun pumping water into the vast network of tunnels beneath Gaza, which Hamas has used to launch attacks, store weapons and imprison Israeli hostages. The military has implemented new capabilities to neutralize underground terrorist infrastructure in the Gaza Strip by channeling large volumes of water into the tunnels, the Israeli military said in a statement. The statement was the militarys first public acknowledgment that its engineers were flooding tunnels, a contentious strategy that some military officials have said is ineffective and that the U.N. has warned could damage Gazas drinking water and sewage systems. Even before the war started in October, Israeli military officials had warned that Hamass tunnels presented a major threat. In the months since Israel launched its ground offensive and started uncovering the underground network, military spokesmen have expressed surprise at the length, depth and quality of the tunnels. Some sections of the network are large enough to drive a truck through. Elsewhere, the military has discovered underground chambers in which, they say, some of the 240 hostages taken to Gaza after the Hamas-led assault on Oct. 7 have been held. Senior Israeli defense officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, estimated this month that the underground network is between 350 and 450 miles extraordinary figures for a territory that at its longest point is only 25 miles. Two of the officials said there are close to 5,700 separate shafts leading down to the tunnels. In December, after reports that the military had begun experimenting with flooding some tunnels in northern Gaza, a U.N. official in Gaza warned against it. It will cause severe damage to the already fragile water and sewage infrastructure thats in Gaza, said Lynn Hastings, then the U.N.s humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories. In its statement Tuesday the military said it had selected tunnels to flood after an analysis of the soil characteristics and the water systems in the area to ensure that damage is not done to the area's groundwater. The military began experimenting with flooding tunnels only after the war began, according to three military officials with knowledge of the effort, which was code-named Atlantis. The purpose was never to drown Hamas fighters taking refuge in the subterranean network, but rather to flush them out, the officials said. On the whole, however, the project has had limited success, the officials added. Despite large volumes of water being pumped, many of the tunnels are porous, resulting in seepage into the surrounding soil rather than a deluge through the passageways. One of the Israeli soldiers wore medical scrubs, another a white coat and surgical mask. Their team swept into the West Bank hospital brandishing rifles, took up positions by the waiting-room chairs, then entered a patients room and killed a Hamas commander. Fifteen minutes later they were gone. The raid on Tuesday took place as the Israeli military battled Hamas on multiple fronts: with the dramatic operation in the West Bank, renewed clashes in northern Gaza, and beneath the territorys surface. The Israeli military confirmed for the first time on Tuesday that its engineers had begun pumping seawater into the vast Hamas tunnel network beneath Gaza. Israels latest efforts in the nearly four-month war came amid a renewed push by multiple peace brokers, including the United States, Israel, Qatar and Egypt, for an agreement to pause the fighting. The political chief of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, said on Tuesday that he was studying a proposal for a temporary cease-fire that had come out of talks between officials from those nations in Paris. But even as those talks continued behind closed doors, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted anew that Israel would continue fighting until it achieved complete victory. And the raid at the Ibn Sina Specialized Hospital in the northern West Bank city of Jenin suggested that Israel would continue chasing down Hamas leaders across the region. Israeli forces stormed a Palestinian hospital in the occupied West Bank early Tuesday morning, killing three militants, including a commander in Hamas, according to the Israeli military and Palestinian officials. The top Palestinian health official in the city of Jenin, Wisam Sbeihat, said that Israeli forces had entered Ibn Sina Specialized Hospital there dressed in civilian clothes and carrying weapons. They went to the room where the Hamas commander, Mohammad Jalamneh, 27, was staying with two friends, and shot all three dead, Mr. Sbeihat said. Surveillance video released by the Palestinian Authority Health Ministry shows multiple gunmen in apparent civilian garb including one dressed in a white medical coat and another in blue scrubs walking through the hospital halls, brandishing weapons. The Israeli raid took less than 15 minutes, said Niji Nazzal, the Ibn Sina hospital director. This is a hospital. It deserves protection from all kinds of violence, Dr. Nazzal said. But unfortunately, he added, this is what happened. In a statement, Hamas mourned Mr. Jalamneh as a leader in the Al-Qassam Brigades, the Palestinian factions armed wing. A local militia affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed his companions brothers Mohammad Ghazawi and Basil Ghazawi as members. The Israeli military said all three had been involved in militant activity, including attacks against Israelis. Mr. Jalamneh had also been planning to carry out a terror attack in the immediate future and used the hospital as a hiding place, the military said. BackBay Communications 20 Park Plaza, Suite 1409, Boston, MA 02116 617/391-0790 Financial Services. Professional Services. Private Equity. Fintech. Asset Management. Impact/ESG. Employees: 33. Founded: 2005. Agency Statement: BackBay Communications is an integrated public relations, content development and digital marketing firm focused on the financial services sector. BackBay specializes in private equity and venture capital, asset management, fintech, and impact investing. With offices in Boston and London, BackBay serves companies in North America, Europe, and elsewhere, leveraging global partners. BackBay takes a brand-centric, content-driven approach to developing and executing integrated communications programs for financial services firms including marketing strategy, content development, media relations, brand research and message development, creative design and multi-channel distribution of company news and perspectives to build brand awareness, credibility and drive new business for our clients. Solely focused on financial services since its founding in 2005, BackBay has unparalleled industry expertise and strong relationships with the business and financial media. At BackBay, every client account is staffed with senior team members dedicated to providing clients a high-touch, results-oriented experience. BackBay was recently ranked #1 in Boston for financial services PR by O'Dwyer's for the fifth year in a row and was recognized as Communications Firm of the Year by M&A Advisor. BackBay also consistently ranks as a top 10 global PR Agency in The Deal's private equity league tables. Bill Haynes, founder & CEO 14-16 Great Chapel St., London, UK W1F 8FL +44 (0) 203-475-7552; [email protected] Stephen Fishleigh, managing director Clients Include: ACA ComplianceAdams FundsAmountBay Bridge VenturesBig Path CapitalBoston PartnersBregal SagemountCenter Creek CapitalCenterOak PartnersChatham CapitalClearview CapitalCORE Industrial PartnersCRISILFiduciary Trust CompanyFolium CapitalFuture Energy VenturesGen II Fund ServicesThe GIINGoji InvestmentsGreen Rock Energy PartnersHazeltreeHeartland FundsIMPACT Community CapitalKaren Clark & CompanyMain Street CapitalMeketa Investment GroupMFSMonroe CapitalMonument GroupMyVestNorth Sky CapitalNovaQuest CapitalQUODDSK Capital PartnersStellus CapitalTemenosThompson Street Capital PartnersViridi RNGVital Capital BackBay Communications in the news with O'Dwyer's: Accounts in Transit: Imagine PR Lands Stanley Safaris Tue., Jan. 30, 2024 ...cooperatives trade association; and Tarheel Electric Membership Association, Inc., a central purchasing and materials-supply cooperative. BackBay Communications signs on as a PR partner for the first annual Venture Capital & Private Equity... On the Move: Omnicom Names Medialink's Saxton CMO Tue., Oct. 25, 2022 ...succeed in a transformed consumer world," said Omincom Group president and COO Daryl Simm. George Spencer BackBay Communications tabs agency vice president George Spencer to lead its impact investing & ESG team,... With Growth Comes New Challenges Tue., Aug. 9, 2022 ...at the MO CEO Summit in Portland, Oregon, which was presented by Big Path Capital in partnership with BackBay Communications . We are a mission with a company. That pithy proclamation came from the chief executive... Accounts in Transit: French/West/Vaughan, CGPR Land Reima USA Tue., Jun. 14, 2022 ...CGPR have with our target audiences, said Reima, Inc. head of North America Todd Starcevich. BackBay Communications lands US and Europe PR account of analytics company CRISIL, which is part of... On the Move: Relevance International Names Lanzaro CFO Mon., Apr. 11, 2022 ...have added a talented professional to strengthen our financial and HR operations. Fred Baldassaro, George Spenser BackBay Communications brings on Fred Baldassaro and George Spencer as vice presidents. Baldassaro, who joins the... As ESG Investing Grows, So Do Communications Needs Mon., Aug. 9, 2021 ... Bill Haynes When BackBay Communications first began working with asset managers focused on impact and ESG strategies in 2015,... Accounts in Transit: BackBay Communications Guides Pathfinder Partners Thu., Jun. 10, 2021 ... BackBay Communications guides Pathfinder Partners, a San Diego-based private equity firm specializing in multifamily real estate investments.... How to Find the Right PR Firm Thu., May 6, 2021 ...youre likely to enjoy a successful long-term relationship. *** Bill Haynes is Founder and CEO of BackBay Communications .... Financial Firms Thrive Amid Chaotic Year Mon., May 3, 2021 ...markets, even though theyve been around for decades. BackBay goes the extra mile Fintech PR specialists BackBay Communications accounted for more than $4 million in net fees last year to take the... Accounts in Transit: BackBay Signs Up Ocrolus Wed., Apr. 14, 2021 ... BackBay Communications is named agency of record for Ocrolus, an automation platform that analyzes financial documents... Accounts in Transit: Reevemark Signs Up HC2 Holdings Fri., Apr. 2, 2021 ...The account is by Paul Caminiti, Renee Soto, Pam Greene, Luc Herbowy and Justin New. BackBay Communications is named U.S. agency of record for HAWK:AI, which offers real-time transaction screening and... On the Move: BackBay Communications Hires Media Strategist Mitchell Wed., Jan. 27, 2021 ... Donna Mitchell BackBay Communications hires Donna Mitchell as a media strategist in its asset and wealth management group.... Finding the Right Financial Services Agency Tue., Aug. 11, 2020 ...to collective strategy, teamwork, competence, desire and trust. *** Bill Haynes is Founder and CEO of BackBay Communications .... MergerMarket Crowns Finsbury Deal King Wed., Jul. 15, 2020 ...hit every firm in the global and U.S. top 10, with the exception of BackBay Communications , which was up from 21 deals to 27 globally and from 20 to 24... Opening Doors Tue., Jun. 9, 2020 ...there are doors. Which door will you open? *** Bill Haynes is founder and CEO of BackBay Communications .... Accounts in Transit: BackBay Picks Up Foreside Thu., Apr. 16, 2020 ... BackBay Communications has been named agency of record for Foreside, which provides tech-enabled regulatory and compliance... Accounts in Transit: BackBay Lands Vital Capital Thu., Apr. 2, 2020 ... BackBay Communications has been named agency for Vital Capital, an impact investor focused on companies in sub-Saharan... On the Move: BackBay Communications Hires American Banker's Will Hernandez Wed., Jan. 8, 2020 ... Will Hernandez BackBay Communications has brought on former American Banker technology reporter Will Hernandez as a media strategist.... Accounts: BackBay Communications Wins IMPACT Community Capital Tue., Nov. 19, 2019 ... BackBay Communications picks up IMPACT Community Capital, which has originated over $1 billion of investments in affordable housing... Accounts in Transit: BackBay Reps 29Bison; Lou Hammond Group Promotes NJ; Uproar Raises Awareness for WHILL; Global Results Works Internet of Things Conference Tue., Oct. 15, 2019 ... BackBay Communications has been chosen as agency of record for strategic human capital advisory firm 29Bison.... Accounts in Transit: BackBay Takes Big Path; 5W Powers SparkBeyond; Global Results Communications Hauls in Wahoo's Fish Taco Tue., Aug. 27, 2019 ... BackBay Communications has been chosen as the PR agency of record for Big Path Capital, which... Rethinking Content Marketings Spot in the Sales Funnel Tue., Aug. 13, 2019 ...in conceiving and publishing thought leadership. *** Ken MacFadyen is VP and Head of Content at BackBay Communications .... Accounts in Transit: Backbay Promotes Economist's Climate Risk Summit; Pollack PR Adds Frontline Wildfire Defense System; SRW Feasts with Calbee Snacks; Lou Hammond Lands Nexton, Travel Marquette, Brookgreen Gardens Wed., Jun. 26, 2019 ... BackBay Communications has been selected as PR agency for The Economist Events inaugural Climate Risk Summit,... Content by Committee: the Challenges and an Antidote Mon., May 13, 2019 ...to augment and enhance an integrated PR strategy. *** Ken MacFadyen is Head of Content at BackBay Communications .... Content Rules at Fintech Companies Fri., May 10, 2019 ...content marketing. Thats the verdict of First the Content, Then Domination, a new study from BackBay Communications . According to the study, an overwhelming 96 percent of the top 100 fintech companies... Accounts in Transit: Version 2.0 Communs. Lands SpotOn Dog Containment System; BackBay Wins StoneShot; Carolyn Izzo Adds Bibigo Korean Food; F|W|V Gets Wrapmaster Tue., May 7, 2019 ...and tracking system that lets users take their dog and virtual fence wherever they go. BackBay Communications has been selected as marketing and PR partner for StoneShot. The agency will support media relations and... On the Move: Daddi Brand Communs. Hires Kaya Heitman; Teak Media + Communication Recruits Hayley Reissfelder; Johns Hopkins Adds Suzanne Sawyer Mon., Apr. 22, 2019 ...Reissfelder Teak Media + Communication has hired Hayley Reissfelder as social media manager. Reissfelder comes to Teak from BackBay Communications , where she worked to increase exposure and name recognition for financial clients through integrated,... The Growing Case for Content Fri., Aug. 17, 2018 ... Ken MacFadyen In a Q&A discussion, BackBay Communications Head of Content Ken MacFadyen discussed the catalysts driving content-marketing strategies in financial services. As... People on the Move Wed., Jul. 18, 2018 ... Paul Lim BackBay Communications has brought on former Money Magazine deputy editor Paul Lim as VP. Lim will lead BackBays asset and wealth... Private Equity Firms Step Up PR Efforts Fri., Jul. 13, 2018 ...when it comes to their external communications efforts, according to a report released by BackBay Communications . It finds that PE firms are increasingly using thought leadership to jockey for position... Accounts in Transit Wed., Feb. 21, 2018 ... BackBay Communications has been selected by private equity and venture capital firm SuperReturn as media partner for its annual... Accounts in Transit Wed., Feb. 7, 2018 ...real estate consultancy Knight Frank Middle East, which is working with Atlantis on the project. BackBay Communications has been selected as PR agency for the second annual impact investing conference being sponsored... News of Firms Wed., Jan. 24, 2018 ...to a media crisis, minimizing its duration and impact on the business and the brand. BackBay Communications will return as a sponsor of the annual Venture Capital & Private Equity Conference, a... Content Marketing Commonplace Among Asset Management Firms Thu., Nov. 16, 2017 ...as part of their communications toolkit, according to a report by fintech PR specialists BackBay Communications that sought to analyze the content creation and sharing habits of the worlds 200... 'Strong Brand' is Vital for PE Firms Fri., Oct. 13, 2017 ...fundraising, deal sourcing and recruiting. Thats the conclusion reached by a new study from BackBay Communications and PitchBook, a capital markets financial data and software company. The study asked 45 private... Integrated Communications Programs for Financial Services Firms Mon., Aug. 14, 2017 ...of their companies in an increasingly competitive field. *** Bill Haynes is President & CEO of BackBay Communications , www.BackBayComunications.com.... BackBay Handles Economist Event Wed., Jun. 14, 2017 ... BackBay Communications is handling tomorrow's Impact Investing conference sponsored The Economist at London's Glaziers Hall. More than... ACG Boston Selects BackBay for DealFest Northeast Thu., May 18, 2017 ...in New England helping middle-market M&A professionals build and maintain trusted networks, has named BackBay Communications as its marketing and PR agency partner. First project on tap is the organizations signature... PR Industry Makes the Most of Big Changes Wed., May 3, 2017 ...Vested (#74, $3.5 million), Fish Consulting (#78, $3.1 million), Intrepid Agency (#80, $3 million), BackBay Communications (#81, $2.8 million), IW Group (#84, $2.6 million), Lavidge (#97, $1.9 million), ARPR (#104,... Delta Data Decides on BackBay as AOR Thu., Mar. 30, 2017 ... BackBay Communications has been named agency of record for Delta Data, provider of back-end software solutions... BackBay Names Dowd COO Fri., Mar. 3, 2017 ... BackBay Communications , which focuses on the financial sector, has promoted Jen Dowd to chief operating officer. ... Steve Lipin Gladstone Place Partners chief Steve Lipin personally handles PR for Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Management Group private equity firm, in his campaign to mold the direction of the University of Pennsylvania. Billionaire Rowan, a Penn alumnus and benefactor of the school, played a key role in the effort to oust Penn president Elizabeth Magill, who stepped down in December. He sent a four-page email to Penn trustees called Moving Forward that critics say is a road map that leads to a more conservative university. Penn professors last week staged a protest against Rowans plan. The Philadelphia Inquirer gave Rowans email major play by publishing the complete document. Lipin said Rowan is just raising questions about Penns future, but it is up to the trustees and faculty to determine the best course of action for the school. Gladstone Place does PR for Apollo. An Irish woman in her 70s is planning to skydive with her son in Offaly this February to raise funds for Gaza. Nenagh grandmother, Mary McDonnell (75), is doing the 10,000 foot skydive in Clonbullogue this February 11 with her son Michael in order to highlight the "utter devastation" suffered by the Palestinian people and to raise money for two grassroots organisations based in Gaza. It comes following ongoing conflict in the Israel Palestine region since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. According to the pair's Go Fund Me campaign, which launched last week, all funds raised will go towards Medical Aid for Palestinians and Palestine Children's Relief Fund. Both Mary - who was born in 1948, the same year as the establishment of the state of Israel - and Michael have been longstanding supporters of the plight of the Palestinian people. They are both founding members of Nenagh Friends of Palestine, which was established in 2014 after a previous bombing campaign by Israel that year. The fundraiser has raised over 6,000 out of a 10,000 goal since its launch last week thanks to 111 donors. If you would like to support the duo, click here to make a donation. A man who said he was ordered to take money from his account before being taken to a shop to buy phones which he then had to hand over to others, appeared at Tullamore District Court recently on money laundering charges. In his evidence to the court, Garda Fanning said that the defendant Kyle Smith (23), a student from Lynn Heights, Mullingar, had stated to the gardai that he had received calls purporting to be from his bank telling him that his account was displaying fraudulent activity and asking for his card details. He had dismissed the calls as a scam and hung up. He then received a call to tell him to come outside of his student accommodation in Sligo where a northern registered white Seat Ibiza was waiting. He was ordered to ''get the f... into the car'' and was told nothing would happen to him. He was asked for his bank account details and his phone. He was taken to a printing shop and told to print out his bank statement. A previous court sitting heard that 5,100 had been transferred into his account from a Birr based account owned by the injured party in the case. Mr Smith was told there would be money lodged into his account and he was to withdraw it. He was then brought to a post office to change the money into sterling. He had said he was very nervous in the post office. Following this he was driven to a CeX store and instructed to purchase a number of phones which he handed over. Afterwards he was driven back to his student complex where he was warned not to tell the gardai. Garda Fanning said it was three months before Mr Smith had reported the matter to the Gardai. ''Why he didn't report it at the time I don't know,'' said Garda Fanning. Kyle Smith (23), Lynn Heights, Mullingar pleaded guilty to transferring, possessing or using 5,100 at Bank of Ireland, Emmet Square, Birr on November 26, 2021. Solicitor Patrick Martin said Mr Smith was a young man. He had attended the Garda station by appointment. This had been a very traumatic experience for him and he had come at the earliest opportunity with the full amount of 5,100 which was the sum involved, His parents had accompanied him to court. Judge Cody directed that the money be returned to the Bank of Ireland. He then remanded Mr Smith on continuing bail to April 10 2024 for preparation of a probation report and restorative justice report Sanath Nishanthas wife Chamari Priyanka Perera ready to enter politics Posted by Editor on January 30, 2024 - 1:03 pm Lawyer Chamari Priyanka Perera, wife of late former State Minister Sanath Nishantha, said she is ready to consider her husbands vacant seat only if the people of Puttalam district and the party make a request to do so. She made this statement to the media when she visited the house of late Police Sergeant Anuradha Jayakodi to express condolences to the relatives of his family. Police Sergeant Anuradha Jayakodi was the security officer of former State Minister Sanath Nishantha who was killed in an accident on the expressway recently. My husband did great service to the Puttalam district as well as to the people of the country. No one who sought help from him was ever turned away empty-handed. My children and I cannot believe what happened to him, and it is still like a dream. Even before my husbands death, some media have announced that I would join politics. No one has asked me when publishing such news. I have not made any statements to any media so far saying that I am joining politics. Lawyer Chamari Priyanka Perera said. She further said, Even though I managed half of the political affairs of my husband and worked as his personal secretary, I had no hope of ever entering politics. There is still no such hope. But if the people of Puttalam, the people of the country and the party leadership ask me to take over the position left by him and continue the mission of the people, I may have to think about it. Kathmandu: 38 Indian tourists got to be the first passengers on the mountain flight to the holy Kailash Mansarovar here, on Monday. The chartered flight called the Kailash Mansarovar Darshan Flight, took off from Nepalgunj and gave them a magnificent close view of the holy pilgrim places Mount Kailash and the Mansarovar lake. The view of Mt Kailash was from 27,000 ft. The flight from Shri Airlines took around one and a half hours to complete the trip, Keshav Neupane, regional director of the Siddhartha Business Group that started the venture, told PTI. It had tourists from various Indian cities, including New Delhi, and Mumbai, and many from the states of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Situated in the Ngari prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is considered the most sacred by Hindus across the world. The two natural sacrosanct places are also revered by Buddhists, Jains, and Tibet's indigenous Bonpa faith. Post the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns, China opened the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage in 2023. However, the massive hike in fees and multiple restrictions on visas, especially for Indian pilgrims, meant that practically the Yatra did not happen. The flight to Mt Kailash and Mansarovar is cheap, quick, reliable, and safe, Neupane said adding, the next chartered flight will take place in the first week of February. We will try to make it as frequently as possible based on the demand, Naupene said. Mani Lamichhane, director of the Nepal Tourism Board, told PTI that this will help increase border tourism movement. Now, Indians will be able to have a darshan of Mt Kailash and Lake Mansarovar without coming to Kathmandu. The Indian tourists can feel the divinity without doing much hard work. They don't need to spend days to see Mt. Kailash. They will get to see it within 1.5 hours, he said, adding, A new avenue in tourism has opened up with this flight. The pilgrims going to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal have to travel to Kathmandu. But with this flight, they need not go to the Nepal capital. Nepalgunj is barely 200 km northeast of Lucknow in India and accessible by road too. PITTSBURGH - Veteran sci-fi editor DJ Stevenson has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund Shifting, Swirling HERitage -- an imaginative short story collection rewriting key historical moments where women trailblazers altered the course of human events. The compilation features award-winning women authors spinning "what-if" narratives from the space program accepting the Mercury 13 women astronauts decades ago to way back in First Century Britain with the warrior-queen Boudica defeating Roman invaders. Japanese transport officials raided a Toyota-affiliated plant Tuesday after the company admitted to cheating on engine testing, as Toyota Motor Corp. reported it sold over 11 million vehicles in 2023 to retain its status as the worlds top car manufacturer. Hours after the probe began at Toyota Industries Corp.s plant in Hekinan, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, Toyota Chair Akio Toyoda vowed to steer the company out of scandal and ensure the Japanese automakers group companies stick to making good cars. The Oregonian/OregonLive on Monday appealed what it called an unconstitutional judicial order that it return or destroy documents it obtained during its reporting and not publish information from them. The filing came after U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo on Friday ordered the news organization not to disseminate information from the documents that it obtained from a plaintiffs attorney in a high-profile sex discrimination lawsuit against Nike. The newsroom was working on a separate article, based on independent reporting, about sexual harassment at Nike when it received the documents. Laura Salerno Owens, an attorney with the Portland law firm Markowitz Herbold, told the court that she had inadvertently shared the documents with the newsroom. After the Oregonian/OregonLive declined the attorneys request to return the documents, the attorney filed a motion Thursday, asking the court to order their return. In a 15-page motion filed Monday, attorneys for The Oregonian/OregonLive described the order as a violation of the First Amendment. Independent legal experts agreed. As a general rule, I would say this is an unconstitutional gag order, said Jane E. Kirtley, a law professor and director of the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law at the University of Minnesota. Your newspaper legally obtained these documents, and it is contrary to U.S. Supreme Court precedent to say you should be restrained from publishing something you legally obtained, and at least a good argument can be made that its in the public interest. The sex discrimination lawsuit, filed in 2018, claims Nikes workplace is hostile towards and devalues women and that the company underpaid women. Its one of the most visible pieces of corporate #MeToo litigation. In its Monday filing, The Oregonian/OregonLive also argued it did not receive a copy of Salerno Owens motion and it was not given notice of any related hearings or arguments before Russos order was posted, describing it as a quintessential due process violation, and contrary to this nations commitment to an ordered scheme of liberty. The judges order is not supported by any case law that I know, and I think that it is reversible, said David Rudenstine, a First Amendment expert and Cardozo School of Law professor. Rudenstine wrote the book The Day the Presses Stopped about the precedent-setting Pentagon Papers case, in which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld strict limits on judicial orders that prevent news organizations from publishing information. The Oregonian/OregonLive, as part of a media coalition, had previously intervened in the lawsuit in an effort to get certain legal records unsealed, arguing that it is in the public interest to disclose the information. Many documents in the case had been withheld from the public record, or were partially redacted under a protective order, a common legal mechanism in lawsuits that include sensitive information, such as complaints filed with human resource offices. In the order posted Friday on the electronic docket, Russo said the documents provided to The Oregonian/OregonLive were subject to the cases protective order, which withholds some of the legal documents from public view. In its Monday filing, The Oregonian/OregonLive argued its not subject to the protective order because it has a more limited status in the lawsuit as a non-party intervenor. The filing notes non-parties dont have a stake in the outcome of the lawsuit, and instead had joined the suit to argue for public access to court documents. The Oregonian/OregonLive seeks an emergency review of the court order and, if a decision is not reached quickly, a delay of a Wednesday deadline to return or destroy the documents. Matthew Kish; mkish@oregonian.com Oregon officials evacuated all 17 residents from a senior care center in Sandy after finding a litany of problems that the state said put the residents at immediate risk of harm, records show. The last resident at Mt. Hood Senior Living was removed from the care home at 12:55 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, said Amanda Gardner, the facilitys assistant executive director. The former executive director of the union that represents Oregon State Police troopers and sergeants used bogus donations in the memory of a colleague killed in the Woodburn bank bombing to hide some of his personal spending, according to prosecutors and state records. Darrin Phillips, 57, of Salem, a former senior trooper who went on to lead the union, pleaded guilty in Marion County Circuit Court last week to two counts of first-degree theft and was ordered to pay nearly $60,000 in restitution to the Oregon State Police Officers Association. Phillips was sentenced to two years of probation under the plea agreement. He was a 29-year Oregon State Police veteran. Portland police identified Wade A. Langford, 31, of Gresham as the man fatally shot in a parking lot in an industrial area of Southeast Portland Thursday night. Officers responded to Southeast Salmon Street and Water Avenue to complete a welfare check shortly before 10 p.m. and found Langford dead, police said. The embattled dean of Oregon Health & Science Universitys School of Medicine on Monday broke his silence over his handling of allegations against a prominent doctor, saying he could have moved more quickly and done more to support the student who reported that Dr. Dan Marks had taken photos of women students without their permission. He also deflected blame for the generous bonus Marks received on his way out. When this months big winter storm descended upon Oregon, Portland resident Sarah Eshleman thought she and her family were ready. But as outdoor temperatures plunged into the teens, Eshlemans power went out. The temperature inside her home dropped into the 30s. The fireplace was useless because the chimney flue was frozen over. And she worried about her two children, ages 11 months and 3 years. She strapped the younger one to her back to share her body heat. Gov. Tina Kotek, along with Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, on Tuesday declared a fentanyl state of emergency for downtown Portland as drug use, dealing and overdose deaths continue to ravage the heart of Oregons largest city. The tri-government order seeks to synchronize city, state and county responses to the public health and safety crisis through an incident command structure akin to those used during emergency events such as the coronavirus pandemic or severe weather incidents. Over the next 90 days, government leaders said they will move to slash bureaucratic red tape and pour additional resources into Portlands central city, which includes the Central Eastside and Lloyd District neighborhoods east of the Willamette River. The aim, they said, is to expand access to addiction treatment and social services, reduce fatal overdoses and crack down on illegal activity. Individuals who are struggling with fentanyl addiction are worth investing in, fighting for and providing a clear path to recovery, Kotek said during a press conference Tuesday. (Im) working side by side with my fellow leaders, the mayor and chair, to make sure that our efforts are focused to the fullest extent possible on addressing this crisis. None of the three elected leaders were able to detail specific goals or measurable outcomes they hoped to achieve through the coordinated action. They said those would take shape in the coming weeks. While a joint emergency declaration on fentanyl fulfills one of the top recommendations that emerged from Koteks task force on ways to bolster a beleaguered downtown Portland, its overall success faces obstacles, uncertainty and some skepticism. Treatment beds and drug sobering services remain in short supply, according to officials and behavioral health advocates, as are outreach workers and police officers that many say are needed to make meaningful progress on the streets. And although state lawmakers will weigh proposals next month that would ban the public use of fentanyl and other illicit substances and roll back portions of Measure 110, Oregons pioneering drug decriminalization law, its unclear where the Legislature will ultimately land and whether such suggested remedies will have a measurable impact. A 90-day fentanyl emergency in Portland is good, but a permanent fix to Measure 110 is necessary, said Max Williams, a former Republican state lawmaker who also served as the head of the Oregon Department of Corrections. Williams is now leading a coalition of civic, political and business leaders pushing to make possession of small amounts of street drugs a crime again in the state. Oregon needs to recriminalize possession of fentanyl and other hard drugs as a Class A misdemeanor to help save lives and rescue communities, he said. A Class A misdemeanor carries up to a year in jail. Multnomah County Commission Sharon Meieran, who spent months last year urging Vega Pederson to declare a fentanyl state of emergency to no avail, offered a tepid assessment of Tuesdays announcement. We should all hold our applause until we see what actually happens, she told The Oregonian/OregonLive. You cant solve an emergency by issuing a press release. Its not what leaders say that matters, its what we do. Its taken far too long to decide we have an emergency on our hands, and it certainly wont be over in 90 days. The rise in fentanyl use has upended lives and contributed to a variety of illicit ills across Multnomah County, much of it visibly concentrated in Portlands urban core. County officials recorded more than a fivefold increase in fentanyl overdoses between 2018 and 2022, when the potent synthetic opioid claimed the lives of 209 people, Vega Pederson said Tuesday. In addition to increasing the visibility and coordination of outreach workers, Vega Pederson said the county plans to launch a pair of public education campaigns targeting young people and ramp up its distribution and training on how to use Narcan, a drug that can reverse overdoses. We know that addiction is a chronic disease, she said. We also know that with the right treatment and support, people can and do recover. Wheeler struck a note of optimism, praising the commitment to collaboration among the city, county and state, which comes years into the growing crisis. This partnership is a must-have, Wheeler said. This is exactly the type of coordinated action thats needed to make a direct impact and lasting difference. In a statement Tuesday, Dr. Andy Mendenhall, president and CEO of Central City Concern, agreed. We fully support the declaration of an emergency, especially alignment of the work under a task force structure so that we strategically close service gaps, he said. Our community has been facing an unprecedented onslaught of fentanyl on our streets which is harming our region, driving acuity and costing too much in human, social and financial costs. Oregonian/OregonLive staff writers Maxine Bernstein and Nicole Hayden contributed to this report. -- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh; 503-294-7632 Email at skavanaugh@oregonian.com Follow on Twitter @shanedkavanaugh Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe. Multnomah County needs more LGBTQ+ homeless shelters and housing services, according to a report released Monday that was commissioned by the county-city Joint Office of Homeless Services. The report, written by a group of Portland area organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community, found that there arent enough culturally specific services in Portland to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people, who disproportionately experience homelessness The joint office is eager to address gaps in service, said county spokesperson Julia Comnes. We are working internally with the LGBTQIA2S+ Housing Collaborative to implement and prioritize the recommendations, Comnes said. The report said data on LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness in the Portland area is incomplete. The 2022 federally mandated point-in-time count found that 1.4% of people experiencing homelessness in the county identified as transgender and 1.7% identified as a gender that is not singularly female or male. Nationally, 16.9% of sexual minority adults have experienced homelessness more than double the percentage of the overall population, the report said, citing a 2020 University of California, Los Angeles study. The report recommends the county improve ways to collect sexual-orientation data to better understand the need in the community and to also incorporate sexual-orientation and gender identity into county housing assessments. Certain demographics get prioritized for housing, such as veterans. The report recommends that sexual orientation and gender identity be considered when determining which applicants need housing most. The report also says that the county should provide more LGBTQ+ specific housing programs and homelessness services. While there are youth-specific LGBTQ+ housing services in Portland, including Outside In and New Avenues for Youth, adults dont have access to the same resources, the report said. As part of the countys full shelter system, there are two LGBTQ+ tiny home villages the Queer Affinity Village, which was created by the city of Portland, and Parkrose Community Village, created by the small nonprofit WeShine. However, the group regards those shelters as transitional housing since people are required to wait for an opening and then receive supportive care while they work on transitioning to housing. The report recommends creating low-barrier shelters that are specific to LGBTQ+ individuals because individuals often report feeling uncomfortable or fearful at traditional emergency shelters. Many local emergency shelters are gender binary, which discourages transgender and non-binary people from accessing them, the report said. Comnes said there are no emergency shelter beds currently funded by the joint-office that are reserved specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals. While there are some other service organizations, including eviction prevention nonprofits and Transition Projects permanent housing program for transgender and non-binary people, the capacity is too limited to meet the need, the report said. The report suggests looking to other regions in the country that have created unique programs to support the LGBTQ+ population. Log Angeles recently funded a transitional shelter for transgender Latinas and San Francisco pledged $7 million to end transgender homelessness by 2027, the report said. Despite Oregon and Portlands pride flag waving reputation, our community is not well prepared to welcome these newcomers, many of whom face barriers to housing and other supports, the report said. Nicole Hayden reports on homelessness for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She can be reached at nhayden@oregonian.com. DIFC Innovation Hub is collaborating with global Swiss wealth management firm, Julius Baer, and the Financial Market Infrastructure Euroclear, to lead on tackling challenges in the digital asset estate planning space. Aligned with the UAEs vision to help family businesses maximise their contribution to the economy, the collaborative innovation project, organised by DIFC Innovation Hub, will bring together innovators, investors, and subject matter experts from across the wealth management value chain to explore how families can best use technology to manage rapidly expanding portfolios of tokenised and digital assets. DIFCs Innovation Hub experts will work closely with Julius Baers global innovation team and Euroclears innovation centre of excellence for a three-month sprint that will result in a white paper detailing a future-oriented solution for succession planning relating tokenisation applied to multi-generational inheritance. Serve as blueprint The analysis and subsequent findings will serve as a blueprint for other geographies looking to turn similar challenges into opportunities. It is estimated that AED3.67 trillion ($1 trillion) in assets will be transferred to the next generation in the Middle East over the coming decade. However, only 24% of High-Net-Worth Individuals have a full estate plan in place. Fast adoption of various digital asset classes by individuals and businesses also poses potential complexities to a seamless execution of estate plans currently in place. The DIFC Innovation Hub, Julius Baer and Euroclear collaboration will help bring tangible solutions to this global challenge. Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Innovation Hub, commented: The region is witnessing a trend of generational wealth being deployed across a variety of digital asset classes to diversify and future-proof their portfolios. By bringing together global leading entities across wealth management, financial services providers, tech disruptors and regulators, this newly launched innovation project will help transform one of the largest, underserved markets in the region and open doors to a more inclusive and tech enabled future for family businesses and the wealth management industry. Generational wealth transfer Alireza Valizadeh, CEO, Julius Baer (Middle East) Ltd, said: Generational wealth transfer is gaining momentum in the UAE, and we, as Julius Baer, are in a unique position to advise our clients having had our origins as a family business. On the occasion of Julius Baers 20-year anniversary in Dubai, I am hoping that this innovation project will showcase how we can work together to stay relevant to our future clients and provide a vision highlighting the evolution of the private banking industry especially with the onset of digital assets. Philippe Laurensy, Head of Group Strategy, Product Management and Innovation at Euroclear, added: As a trusted financial market infrastructure we have a strong commitment to collaborate with the market providing innovative solutions to our clients. We are extremely pleased to be working with DIFC Innovation Hub and Julius Baer on what we see as a transformative journey to address market gaps and create efficiencies by harnessing the power of tokenisation. By validating and unlocking the benefits of smart contracts we have the potential to redefine the narrative of wealth management, creating solutions that could span generations. Dubais strategic location along with DIFCs position as the regions most experienced hub for supporting global and regional family-owned businesses, High-Net-Worth (HNW) and Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) Individuals makes it the ideal testing ground for innovative solutions and POCs tackling the future of inheritance and wealth management. Combined with Swiss Wealth Manager, Julius Baers experience in advising UHNW and HNW business families in the wealth transfer process in the Middle East, and Euroclears renewed purpose focused on innovation bringing safety, efficiency and connection in the financial market for sustainable economic growth, the innovation project aims to solve challenges faced by individuals when creating inheritance plans to better manage the future.--TradeArabia News Service Cairo, Egypt (PANA) - As the UN chief prepares to meet representatives from countries who donate to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) late on Tuesday following allegations of collusion with Hamas, the UN health agency, WHO, reiterated that now was not the time to abandon the people of Gaza New York, US (PANA) - Dozens of major aid organisations have expressed deep concern and outrage that some of the largest donors have united to suspend funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the main aid provider for millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the region Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The fourth meeting of the Council of Legal Advisers to African Parliaments Tuesday got underway at the headquarter of Parliament in Benghazi, Libya's second largest city Photo: (Photo : Joseph Presiozo/Getty Images) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerts clinicians to the measle resurgence across the country. The CDC is warning healthcare providers to be vigilant and remain alert against measles due to the growing number of cases. The agency stated that there have been 23 confirmed cases of measles, including 7 cases from international travelers and two outbreaks with five or more infections each. New cases have been reported in several states, such as Washington, D.C., Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Measle Resurgence Grips the Nation: CDC Reports Surge The CDC's recent communication reveals a notable resurgence of measles, with 23 confirmed cases across the United States during the specified timeframe. This measles surge includes seven cases directly attributed to international travelers and two distinct outbreaks, each involving more than five individuals. Health officials express heightened concern, particularly as most reported cases involve children and adolescents who, despite being eligible, have not received the measles-containing vaccine. The CDC underscores the urgent need for healthcare providers to stay vigilant and swiftly identify patients exhibiting febrile rash illnesses, especially those with a recent history of international travel. The CDC attributes the surge in measles cases to an increase in importations, primarily from unvaccinated or undervaccinated U.S. residents traveling internationally. This trend highlights a growing global threat, with the CDC underscoring the need for healthcare providers to ensure patients are up-to-date on measles vaccinations, particularly before international travel. As a part of the urgent recommendations, the CDC advises clinicians to adhere to standard and airborne precautions when evaluating suspected cases, irrespective of the patients' vaccination status. Testing protocols include collecting nasopharyngeal or throat swabs for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and blood specimens for serology. The agency also states that the measles surge nowadays is not just limited to the country but also internationally and is little by little becoming a global threat. Read Also: Breakthrough RSV Vaccines for Infants, Seniors Face Uneven Uptake Amidst Supply Chain Woes Protecting Against Measles: Key Recommendations for Clinicians Healthcare providers are recommended to be alert with patients who have measles-like symptoms and those who have recently traveled abroad, especially to countries with ongoing measles cases. The CDC alert also includes recommendations for clinicians. Healthcare providers are reminded to isolate patients who they suspect are infected with measles. Furthermore, to effectively manage potential outbreaks, healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to administer appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to close contacts without evidence of immunity. The choice between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or immunoglobulin depends on the elapsed time from exposure or medical contraindications to vaccination. Ensuring that all patients are up-to-date on measles vaccination is paramount, especially for those planning international travel. The CDC underscores that one dose of the measles vaccine is 93% effective, while two doses provide 97% efficacy. This resurgence serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent the reemergence of once-controlled diseases. In the face of this measles resurgence, healthcare providers play a pivotal role in implementing the CDC's recommendations swiftly, safeguarding communities from further spread, and mitigating the potential impact on public health. Related Article: Child Tax Credit Boost Unlocks Potential $680 Savings, Will Monthly Payments Return? Photo: (Photo : Platt/Getty Images) An 11-year-old with hereditary hearing loss underwent gene therapy at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), making history as the first patient to undergo gene therapy treatment for hereditary hearing loss in the United States. Gene Therapy Treatment: A First in the US The aim of gene therapy for children with OTOF-mediated hearing loss is to reinstate hearing capabilities. This is achieved by introducing normal otoferlin genes (OTOF) into the inner ear, enabling sensory cells to operate effectively. These functional genes are packaged within a viral vector, a modified version of a harmless virus, facilitating their delivery into the cochlea cells of the inner ear. The vector solution is administered directly into the internal fluid of the cochlea during the procedure. According to John A. Germiller, MD, Ph.D., an attending surgeon and Director of Clinical Research at CHOP, this achievement in gene therapy for hearing loss has been a goal for professionals in the field for over two decades. The recent success involves correcting an abnormality in a rare gene, the otoferlin gene (OTOF). The study's first patient, an eleven-year-old with OTOF-mediated hearing loss, underwent gene therapy at CHOP, making history as the first instance of gene therapy used to potentially treat hereditary hearing loss in the United States. Aissam Dam, an 11-year-old boy, spent his childhood in complete silence, born deaf and having never experienced sound. Residing in an impoverished community in Morocco, he communicated through a self-invented sign language and lacked access to formal education. Upon relocating to Spain, his family recently sought the expertise of a hearing specialist, who unexpectedly proposed the possibility of Aissam participating in a clinical trial involving gene therapy. Read Also: Advocating for Children's Hearing Health: Parents Rally for Insurance Coverage of Hearing Aids The surgical procedure, performed on October 4, 2023, involved delivering a single, small dose of gene therapy (AK-OTOF) directly into the inner ear using an endoscope. This method, a first in the U.S., utilized the "round window," a small entry point into the cochlea. The patient, initially born profoundly deaf in both ears, has experienced a remarkable improvement in hearing, now exhibiting only mild to moderate hearing loss in the treated ear. The success of this investigational gene therapy offers hope for future applications in treating the over 150 other genes causing childhood hearing loss. Genetic mutations can contribute to hearing loss, with more than 150 implicated genes identified to date. The gene therapy designed for OTOF-mediated hearing loss aims to restore hearing by introducing copies of normal OTOF genes into the inner ear. Encased in a viral vector, these genes are delivered into the cochlea's cells, allowing them to function and respond to sound stimuli, ultimately activating the auditory nerve. Advancement of Clinical Trial on Gene Therapy CHOP's involvement in the AK-OTOF-101 clinical trial, sponsored by Akouos, Inc., a subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, signifies a collaborative effort in advancing gene therapy breakthroughs. Dr. Germiller's earlier work on a minimally invasive endoscopic round window surgical approach laid the foundation for the delivery method used in this gene therapy procedure. As the clinical trial progresses, researchers aim to gain insights into the sustained improvement of hearing levels over time. This groundbreaking success with 11-year-old Aissam Dam provides valuable information for directing future efforts to benefit a broader range of patients experiencing hearing loss. Related Article: Two Kids Born Deaf Finally Able to Hear, Parents Share the Experience as 'Truly a Miracle' Photo: (Photo : Unsplash/ Kelly Sikkema) Senators were shocked when IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel revealed that approximately 95% of COVID-era tax break claims made by businesses were allegedly fraudulent, according to a whistleblower's estimate. Senate Finance Committee Chairman, Sen. Ron Wyden, recounted the commissioner's acknowledgment, sparking urgent Congressional action. Initially established to incentivize businesses to retain employees during the pandemic, the employee retention tax credit has faced unforeseen challenges. Originally projected to cost the federal government $55 billion, the program's expenses have surged to nearly five times that amount as of July, with ongoing fraudulent claims continuing to inflate the tally. Lawmakers from diverse political backgrounds, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Ron Johnson, find common ground in advocating for the program's immediate closure. Citing universal fraud and lax oversight, legislators agree that the employee retention tax credit has become untenable and must be swiftly dismantled. Savings from Tax Break Can Enhance Child Tax Credit To offset the costs associated with ending the tax credit, lawmakers are considering a plan to generate an estimated $79 billion over the next decade. This money would be redirected to fund three business tax breaks and enhance the child tax credit for low-income families, providing an average tax cut of $680 in the first year. The child tax credit, initially set at $2,000 per child, has a refundable portion of $1,600, allowing access for parents with minimal federal income tax liability. A recent agreement by congressional tax writers proposes escalating the maximum refundable child tax credit to $1,800 for 2023, $1,900 for the subsequent year, and $2,000 for 2025 tax returns. Advocated by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, this liberal think tank estimates that around 16 million children in low-income families stand to benefit from the proposed expansion of the child tax credit. Read Also: Tax Relief Bill for Workers and Families Expand Provisions for Disaster-Affected Individuals With Specific Exclusions from Gross Income Challenges and Potential Benefits of Legislation Despite broad bipartisan support in a House committee vote (40-3), passing the proposed legislation faces challenges in the Senate, especially in an election year. Senators express concerns about various aspects of the bill, and its fate remains uncertain. The Joint Committee on Taxation proposes speeding up the program's wind-down and imposing stricter penalties on those promoting improper claims. This move aims to curb fraudulent applications and enhance the overall integrity of the tax credit system. IRS Response and Countermeasures The IRS, grappling with a surge in potentially fraudulent claims, temporarily halted the acceptance of tax credit applications in September. Recent updates indicate that the agency has initiated thousands of audits and criminal investigations, with measures in place to address fraud and decrease the backlog of legitimate claims. Lawmakers acknowledge the well-intentioned origins of the program but express reservations about its unintended consequences. Sen. Mark Warner sums up the sentiment, noting the challenges faced by the employee retention tax credit despite its initial good intentions. Related Article: Child Tax Credit Boost Unlocks Potential $680 Savings, Will Monthly Payments Return? Photo: (Photo : John Stillwell/WPA-Pool/Getty Images) Little Leovani Vera, born at a mere 14.5 ounces (410g), spent a significant period battling in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before successfully overcoming the odds. Now, a healthy 14 pounds 8 ounces at 12 months old, Leovani's family is celebrating a milestone they once feared might never happen. Coke Can-Size Newborn Is Now a Healthy Baby Weighing a mere 410 grams initially, Leovani, whose father's wedding ring could fit his wrist like a bangle due to his tiny size, battled through a third of a year in the NICU and successfully pulled through. Now, at 12 months and a healthy weight of 6.5 kilograms, he has achieved a milestone his family once feared might not come to fruition. Isabel, Leovani's mother, considers him her "little miracle" and describes entering survival mode upon his birth, constantly checking on him even at home through hospital cameras. Despite initial worries about sharing his weight, Isabel has found support by connecting with other families facing similar situations on social media. During Isabel's pregnancy in Texas, Leovani's growth slowed, measuring five weeks behind at the 20-week scan. Concerns heightened as it was uncommon for a baby to be significantly undersized this close to birth, with blood flow issues posing a threat to Leovani's nutrition. Due to these concerns and Isabel's rising blood pressure, doctors recommended immediate delivery in December 2022. Born at just 14.5 ounces, roughly the weight of a coke can, Leovani spent 127 days in the NICU, where doctors closely monitored his health and weight progression. Isabel initially hesitated to share his weight out of fear of unsupportive reactions, but she found encouragement after sharing their story online. Read Also: Boy Born Without a Nose Survives After 30 Surgeries With Cartilage Grafts From Ribs, Skin From Thighs Isabel, 32, rarely left Leovani's side, even constantly checking on him through hospital cameras. Reflecting on his growth, Isabel acknowledged the worries during pregnancy, with Leovani measuring five weeks behind at the 20-week scan. Concerns about his size and Isabel's blood flow cutting off nutrients prompted doctors to express concerns about potential complications. Fighting spirit of a mom Premature births, affecting one in 10 babies in the US, pose potential health complications. Leovani's journey involved the dedication of his mother, Isabel Vera, who spent countless hours by his side in the NICU. Leovani's weight initially caused concerns for Ms. Vera, but connecting with other families on social media going through similar experiences provided support and reassurance. Facing heightened blood pressure risks in December 2022, Isabel delivered Leovani on the same day, weighing just 410 grams, equivalent to a coke can. The subsequent 127 days in the NICU ensured close monitoring of his health and weight progression. Initially hesitant to share Leovani's weight, Isabel found support and connection with other families through social media. Home for 245 days now, Leovani has not only survived but thrived, celebrating his first birthday and achieving milestones like learning to crawl. Isabel, proud of her son's progress, ensured he had a special birthday celebration with close family and a joyful outing to Chuck E Cheese. She reflects on the emotional journey, from pleading with doctors for his well-being to the joy of witnessing his first birthday celebration, calling it a full circle moment. Despite the initial fears, Leovani's first birthday was a joyous occasion. Ms. Vera expressed gratitude for her "miracle" and the joy of having a happy and healthy one-year-old. Related Article: Very Cold Baby Found By Dog Walker Discharged to Foster Parents, Named Her After 'Frozen's 'Elsa Meridian Magazine has just posted a new article of mine entitled The Problem of Unanswered Prayers. I hope that some of you will find it helpful or of interest or, at least, not objectionable. My new article could, I think, fittingly be paired with another piece that I wrote a while back, On Choosing Prince Charming. And this sad but (to me) movingly wonderful story about President Jeffrey R. Holland and the tragic recent death of a young woman in Castle Dale, Utah, seems to suit the mood, as well: Why the righteous are not spared tribulation, President Holland explains at funeral of Latter-day Saint teen: Let me encourage all of you to avoid saying what if or would have or should have or could have. Faith always points forward, he tells grieving teens after accident I was pleasantly surprised, a week ago Sunday night, to have Jerry Grover drop by my house to deliver a copy of his latest book, Calendars and Chronology of the Book of Mormon. Im excited to read it, though I havent had a chance to do so yet and wont for reasons that will shortly be apparent have the opportunity to read it for the next month or so. (Its a large and heavy tome.) I regret that, because the prolific and very energetic Brother Grover invariably has interesting things to say. I received a question today in the comments section of this blog, from Bruce Cowser. It raises an issue that is often raised with me, and I think that Ill try a hasty answer here. Dan, Ive long been curious to know how you view the Prophet Mohammed. In your mind, was he: 1. A man inspired by God to dictate limited spiritual truths in beautiful Arabic poetry? 2. A false prophet, skilled at synthesizing ideas and stories rumbling around in his head into beautiful Arabic poetry? Or, 3. Something else altogether? I understand that Mohammed was illiterate, and if so, was not able to study Christian and Jewish texts, but could have heard these texts read or recounted to him. Clearly he draws on biblical stories within the suras of the Quran. The choices for explaining Mohammed may not be as binary as with Joseph Smith, but what is your take (or best guess)? Heres my tentative current position: Im inclined to regard Muhammad thats the spelling of his name in Roman letters that is currently favored among English-speaking Arabists, although several other spellings are entirely acceptable and although a dot under the h would be ideal as a man who was inspired by God, though not, perhaps, fully a prophet in the Latter-day Saint sense. (However, Im open to that possibility too.) I have authoritative support for believing that Muhammad may have been genuinely divinely inspired in such places as the Journal of Discourses (e.g., the remarks of George A. Smith and Parley Pratt at 3:28-42) and a powerfully forthright statement of the First Presidency. I will eventually publish an explanation of how inspiration might have worked in his case, based on suggestions by the late great Scottish Islamicist and biographer of Muhammad W. Montgomery Watt, who was also an Anglican priest. If we can regard the American Founding Fathers and the great Protestant Reformers as having been in some sense inspired, as we commonly do, I cant see what would be so difficult about granting the same status to Muhammad. But didnt he get some things wrong, from the Latter-day Saint perspective, and so some questionable things? Yes, he probably did (although thats a topic for separate discussion). So did the Founders. (Thomas Jefferson, for example, seems to have been a deist, and he owned slaves.) Prophethood doesnt confer infallibility, so there seems no reason to believe that inspiration at a possibly lower level would do so. Im not aware of any serious student of Islam or of the life of Muhammad who believes him to have been a conscious deceiver. As for Muhammads illiteracy: He is described in Arabic sources as ummi, which is generally taken to mean that he was illiterate. And it is true that, in Modern Standard Arabic, ummi does mean illiterate and ummiyya means illiteracy. Moreover, his purported illiteracy has become a major feature of modern Islamic apologetics. Much in the manner of Latter-day Saints discussing Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, Muslims will ask Could such a man have written the Quran? I am not sure, however, that descriptions of Muhammad as ummi were originally intended to claim that he was fully illiterate. Ummi is an adjective derived from the Arabic noun umma, which means something like people or community. In its original sense, I think, ummi meant of the people, or, in once sense, popular. (The important Hebrew-language writer Asher Zvi Hirsch Ginsberg [1856-1927] used the pen name Ahad Haam [ , lit. one of the people, from Genesis 26:10].). Compare the English adjective lay, which comes from Late Latin laicus, which comes from Greek laikos of the people, which in its turn is derived from laos (the common) folk, the people, the crowd. Which would suggest that Muhammad wasnt illiterate but that he was a common man, unlearned. (I will eventually write some more about the evidence that Muhammad actually could read and write, at least on the practical level required of a seventh-century Arabian merchant.) But then, I think an unlearned Muhammad still leaves the Quran difficult to explain. The alleged miracle survives. And finally, yes, I do believe that the choices for explaining Muhammad away if thats the path that one chooses to take; it is one that Im not personally inclined to take are less binary than those for Joseph Smith. Muhammad never had partners in any of his visions and revelations; Joseph commonly did. And Muhammads experiences didnt involve tangible, material objects like the plates of the Book of Mormon. But the evidence for the objective reality of a set of gold plates in the story of the Book of Mormon is, in my judgment, strong and indeed virtually unassailable. And that puts Joseph in a different category, in an important respect, than Muhammad (and many others). Muhammads revelatory experiences can be dismissed as merely personal and subjective. ((Im not saying that they should be.) Frequently, Josephs cannot. Speaking of Islam and Muslims: What China is doing to the Muslim Uyghur minority in East Turkistan needs to be known and understood by the entire world. And these young Uyghur women in Germany are trying very hard to make that so: Uyghur Youth Initiative video on genocide goes viral: Filmed by youth activists following a recent pro-Uyghur protest in Munich, the video has since had over 3 million views on TikTok and 7.5 million hits on Instagram. Happily, by the way, the oppression and genocide of the Uyghurs is not something to be found in the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File. Rather, it is a project undertaken by the Communist Party of China, which is blissfully free of the evils of theism and which is attempting to remove the vicious scourge of religiosity from the world. Recently Ive written about St. Jeromes view on the matter, as well as St. Ignatius of Antiochs (d. c. 110 or 117). Ignatius is described as the bishop of Antioch by Eusebius (see below). Ive also written about how St. Clement of Rome (c. 35-99) seems to be acting as a pope in his letter to the Corinthians. He is identified as the bishop of Rome by both St. Irenaeus and Eusebius (see below). Now Ill take a look at some other early fathers and the father of Church history, Eusebius, to see what they thought about it. Hear now with regard to the stones which are in the building. Those square white stones which fitted exactly into each other, are apostles, bishops, teachers, and deacons, who have lived in godly purity, and have acted as bishops and teachers and deacons chastely and reverently to the elect of God. (Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3, 5) Visions 1-4 suggest to some scholars a date of 95 to 100 for this document, which was considered to be canonical Scripture by Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Tertullian, and Athanasius. But the Muratorian Canon [c. 180-200], the oldest list of New Testament writings, stated, The Pastor, moreover, did Hermas write very recently in our times in the city of Rome, while his brother bishop Pius sat in the chair of the Church of Rome. Pius reigned as pope and bishop of Rome from c. 140 to c. 154. Thus, some think that the Shepherd of Hermas is a composite document. Its certainly as a whole no later than 175-180, when Irenaeus referred to it. Polycarp . . . having in our own times been an apostolic and prophetic teacher, and bishop of the Catholic Church which is in Smyrna. (Martyrdom of Polycarp, 16; the date of Polycarps death is generally thought to be somewhere between 156 and 167; the letter was written by the church in Smyrna by eyewitnesses of Polycarps gruesome martyrdom) Some have argued that Justin Martyr (d. 165) referred to a monepiscopate in his use of the term president (First Apology, 65, 67). Eusebius, in his Ecclesiastical History, states that Dionysius of Corinth [bishop of Corinth in 171] St. Irenaeus (130-202) famously wrote, around 175-180 AD: The blessed apostles, then, having founded and built up the Church, committed into the hands of Linus the office of the episcopate. Of this Linus [start of reign: 64-68], Paul makes mention in the Epistles to Timothy [2 Tim 4:21]. To him succeeded Anacletus [r. c. 79 c. 92]; and after him, in the third place from the apostles, Clement [r. 88-99] was allotted the bishopric. This man, as he had seen the blessed apostles, and had been conversant with them, might be said to have the preaching of the apostles still echoing [in his ears], and their traditions before his eyes. Nor was he alone [in this], for there were many still remaining who had received instructions from the apostles. In the time of this Clement, no small dissension having occurred among the brethren at Corinth, the Church in Rome dispatched a most powerful letter to the Corinthians, exhorting them to peace, renewing their faith, and declaring the tradition which it had lately received from the apostles, . . . To this Clement there succeeded Evaristus [r. c. 99- c. 107]. Alexander [r. c. 107- c. 115] followed Evaristus; then, sixth from the apostles, Sixtus [r. c. 115- c. 124] was appointed; after him, Telephorus [or, Telesphorus; c. 126- c. 137], who was gloriously martyred; then Hyginus [r. c. 136- c. 142]; after him, Pius [r. c. 140- c. 154]; then after him, Anicetus [r. c. 157- c. 168]. Soter having succeeded Anicetus, Eleutherius [r. c. 174-189] does now, in the twelfth place from the apostles, hold the inheritance of the episcopate. In this order, and by this succession, the ecclesiastical tradition from the apostles, and the preaching of the truth, have come down to us. And this is most abundant proof that there is one and the same vivifying faith, which has been preserved in the Church from the apostles until now, and handed down in truth. (Against Heresies, Bk III, 3, 3; my own links in the text; cited in Eusebius, EH, Bk V, 6, 1-5) Irenaeus writes in several places about apostolic succession: that is, the notion that bishops are the appointed successors of the apostles: It is within the power of all, therefore, in every Church, who may wish to see the truth, to contemplate clearly the tradition of the apostles manifested throughout the whole world; and we are in a position to reckon up those who were by the apostles instituted bishops in the Churches, and [to demonstrate] the succession of these men to our own times; those who neither taught nor knew of anything like what these [heretics] rave about. For if the apostles had known hidden mysteries, which they were in the habit of imparting to the perfect apart and privily from the rest, they would have delivered them especially to those to whom they were also committing the Churches themselves. For they were desirous that these men should be very perfect and blameless in all things, whom also they were leaving behind as their successors, delivering up their own place of government to these men; which men, . . . (Against Heresies, Bk III, 3, 3, 1) But Polycarp also was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also, by apostles in Asia, appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna, whom I also saw in my early youth, for he tarried [on earth] a very long time, and, when a very old man, gloriously and most nobly suffering martyrdom, departed this life, having always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down, and which alone are true. To these things all the Asiatic Churches testify, as do also those men who have succeeded Polycarp down to the present time . . . He it was who, coming to Rome in the time of Anicetus caused many to turn away from the aforesaid heretics to the Church of God, proclaiming that he had received this one and sole truth from the apostles that, namely, which is handed down by the Church. (Against Heresies, Bk III, 3, 3, 4) Wherefore it is incumbent to obey the presbyters who are in the Church those who, as I have shown, possess the succession from the apostles; those who, together with the succession of the episcopate, have received the certain gift of truth, according to the good pleasure of the Father. But [it is also incumbent] to hold in suspicion others who depart from the primitive succession, and assemble themselves together in any place whatsoever, [looking upon them] either as heretics of perverse minds, or as schismatics puffed up and self-pleasing, or again as hypocrites, acting thus for the sake of lucre and vainglory. For all these have fallen from the truth. (Against Heresies, Bk IV, 26, 2) True knowledge is [that which consists in] the doctrine of the apostles, and the ancient constitution of the Church throughout all the world, and the distinctive manifestation of the body of Christ according to the successions of the bishops, by which they have handed down that Church which exists in every place, . . . (Against Heresies, Bk IV, 33, 8) Now all these [heretics] are of much later date than the bishops to whom the apostles committed the Churches; which fact I have in the third book taken all pains to demonstrate. (Against Heresies, Bk V, 20, 1) Likewise, Hegesippus [fl. c. 180] bore witness to apostolic succession and monepiscopacy: Hegesippus in the five books of Memoirs which have come down to us has left a most complete record of his own views. In them he states that on a journey to Rome he met a great many bishops, and that he received the same doctrine from all. It is fitting to hear what he says after making some remarks about the epistle of Clement to the Corinthians. His words are as follows: And the church of Corinth continued in the true faith until Primus was bishop in Corinth. I conversed with them on my way to Rome, and abode with the Corinthians many days, during which we were mutually refreshed in the true doctrine. And when I had come to Rome I remained there until Anicetus, whose deacon was Eleutherus. And Anicetus was succeeded by Soter, and he by Eleutherus. In every succession, and in every city that is held which is preached by the law and the prophets and the Lord. The same author also describes the beginnings of the heresies which arose in his time, in the following words: And after James the Just had suffered martyrdom, as the Lord had also on the same account, Symeon, the son of the Lords uncle, Clopas, was appointed the next bishop. All proposed him as second bishop because he was a cousin of the Lord. (EH, IV, 22, 1-4) Tertullian strongly taught apostolic succession in c. 200 AD: But if there be any (heresies) which are bold enough to plant themselves in the midst of the apostolic age, that they may thereby seem to have been handed down by the apostles, because they existed in the time of the apostles, we can say: Let them produce the original records of their churches; let them unfold the roll of their bishops, running down in due succession from the beginning in such a manner that [that first bishop of theirs ] bishop shall be able to show for his ordainer and predecessor some one of the apostles or of apostolic men, a man, moreover, who continued steadfast with the apostles. For this is the manner in which the apostolic churches transmit their registers: as the church of Smyrna, which records that Polycarp was placed therein by John; as also the church of Rome, which makes Clement to have been ordained in like manner by Peter. In exactly the same way the other churches likewise exhibit (their several worthies), whom, as having been appointed to their episcopal places by apostles, they regard as transmitters of the apostolic seed. Let the heretics contrive something of the same kind. (Prescription against Heretics, 32) And again between 207 and 212: We have also St. Johns foster churches. For although Marcion rejects his Apocalypse, the order of the bishops (thereof), when traced up to their origin, will yet rest on John as their author. In the same manner is recognised the excellent source of the other churches. (Against Marcion, Bk IV, 5) St. Clement of Alexandria (c. 150- c. 215) wrote between 190 and 210: [L]isten to a tale, which is not a tale but a narrative, handed down and committed to the custody of memory, about the Apostle John. For when, on the tyrants death [Emperor Domitian in 96], he returned to Ephesus from the isle of Patmos, he went away, being invited, to the contiguous territories of the nations, here to appoint bishops, there to set in order whole Churches, there to ordain such as were marked out by the Spirit. (Who is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved?, 42; cited in Eusebius, EH, Bk III, 23, 5-6) And in another writing, between 202 and 216: Since, according to my opinion, the grades here in the Church, of bishops, presbyters, deacons, are imitations of the angelic glory, and of that economy which, the Scriptures say, awaits those who, following the footsteps of the apostles, have lived in perfection of righteousness according to the Gospel. (Stromata, Book VI, 13) Likewise, St. Cyprian (210-258): Whence you ought to know that the bishop is in the Church, and the Church in the bishop; and if any one be not with the bishop, that he is not in the Church, . . . (Ep. 68, 8) Therefore the power of remitting sins was given to the apostles, and to the churches which they, sent by Christ, established, and to the bishops who succeeded to them by vicarious ordination. But the enemies of the one Catholic Church in which we are, and the adversaries of us who have succeeded the apostles, asserting for themselves, in opposition to us, unlawful priesthoods, . . . (Ep. 74, 16) Firmilian of Caesarea wrote to St. Cyprian in 255 or 256: [T]he power of forgiving sins was given to the Apostles and to the Churches which these men, sent by Christ, established; and to the bishops who succeeded them by being ordained in their place. (Letter 75, 16, 5; from William A. Jurgens, The Faith of the Early Fathers, Vol. 1 [Collegeville, Minnesota: The Liturgical Press, 1970], p. 245) The well-known Protestant Church historian Philip Schaff, editor of the 38-volume set of the Church fathers, wrote about early ecclesiology: Besides appealing to the Scriptures, the fathers, particularly Irenaeus and Tertullian [c. 160- c. 225], refer with equal confidence to the rule of faith; that is, the common faith of the church, as orally handed down in the unbroken succession of bishops from Christ and his apostles to their day, and above all as still living in the original apostolic churches, like those of Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, and Rome. Tradition is thus intimately connected with the primitive episcopate. The latter was the vehicle of the former, and both were looked upon as bulwarks against heresy. Irenaeus confronts the secret tradition of the Gnostics with the open and unadulterated tradition of the catholic church, and points to all churches, but particularly to Rome, as the visible centre of the unity of doctrine. All who would know the truth, says he, can see in the whole church the tradition of the apostles; and we can count the bishops ordained by the apostles, and their successors down to our time, who neither taught nor knew any such heresies. Then, by way of example, he cites the first twelve bishops of the Roman church from Linus to Eleutherus, as witnesses of the pure apostolic doctrine. He might conceive of a Christianity without scripture, but he could not imagine a Christianity without living tradition; and for this opinion he refers to barbarian tribes, who have the gospel, sine charta et atramento, written in their hearts. Tertullian finds a universal antidote for all heresy in his celebrated prescription argument, which cuts off heretics, at the outset, from every right of appeal to the holy scriptures, on the ground, that the holy scriptures arose in the church of Christ, were given to her, and only in her and by her can be rightly understood. He calls attention also here to the tangible succession, which distinguishes the catholic church from the arbitrary and ever-changing sects of heretics, and which in all the principal congregations, especially in the original sects of the apostles, reaches back without a break from bishop to bishop, to the apostles themselves, from the apostles to Christ, and from Christ to God. Come, now, says he, in his tract on Prescription, if you would practise inquiry to more advantage in the matter of your salvation, go through the apostolic churches, in which the very chairs of the apostles still preside, in which their own authentic letters are publicly read, uttering the voice and representing the face of every one. If Achaia is nearest, you have Corinth. If you are not far from Macedonia, you have Philippi, you have Thessalonica. If you can go to Asia, you have Ephesus. But if you live near Italy, you have Rome, whence also we [of the African church] derive our origin. How happy is the church, to which the apostles poured out their whole doctrine with their blood, etc. To estimate the weight of this argument, we must remember that these fathers still stood comparatively very near the apostolic age, and that the succession of bishops in the oldest churches could be demonstrated by the living memory of two or three generations. Irenaeus in fact, had been acquainted in his youth with Polycarp, a disciple of St. John. (History of the Christian Church, Vol. 2, Chapter XII, section 139, Catholic Tradition, pp. 525 ff.) The Ecclesiastical History, by Eusebius (c. 260/265-339) was the first and by far most important comprehensive history of the Church, and was completed in its first edition before 300 AD. It has a wealth of information about monarchical bishops from very early on in Church history: Regarding the confusion or mixed reports about the chronology of the earliest popes, see, Pope St. Clement I (Catholic Encyclopedia, John Chapman, 1908). He states, for example: At the present time no critic doubts that Cletus, Anacletus, Anencletus, are the same person. Anacletus is a Latin error; Cletus is a shortened (and more Christian) form of Anencletus. Further Reading Were Early Churches Governed by Individual Bishops, or Groups of Elders? ( The Bishops of History and the Catholic Faith: A Reply To Brandon Addison (Bryan Cross, Called to Communion, 6-8-14; very long and marvelously detailed) Was the one bishop per city model of church leadership an unbiblical corruption by Catholicism? (A brief look at the monespiscopate) (Nicks Catholic Blog, 10-25-16) Apostolic Succession section on my Church web page. 50 New Testament Proofs for Petrine Primacy & the Papacy [1994] Did Peter or James Preside at the Jerusalem Council? (And Was it the Prototype of Ecumenical Councils or Merely a Local Synod?) [5-21-21] Pope St. Clement of Rome & Papal Authority [7-28-21] Is First Clement Non-Papal? (vs. Jason Engwer) [4-19-22] St. Jerome, Papacy, & Succession (Vs. Gavin Ortlund) [1-20-24] Ignatius Of Antioch On Monarchical Bishops [1-25-24] * * * *** * Practical Matters: Perhaps some of my 4,500+ free online articles (the most comprehensive one-stop Catholic apologetics site) or fifty-five books have helped you (by Gods grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. Or you may believe my work is worthy to support for the purpose of apologetics and evangelism in general. If so, please seriously consider a much-needed financial contribution. Im always in need of more funds: especially monthly support. The laborer is worthy of his wages (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV). 1 December 2021 was my 20th anniversary as a full-time Catholic apologist, and February 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of my blog. PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: apologistdave@gmail.com. Heres also a second page to get to PayPal. Youll see the term Catholic Used Book Service, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing (including Zelle), see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information. Thanks a million from the bottom of my heart! * *** Photo credit: Jjensen (8-23-08). Icon from the Megalo Meteoron Monastery in Greece, representing the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D., with the condemned Arius in the bottom of the icon. [Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license] Summary: I detail the evidence from early Fathers and Eusebius for monarchical (single) bishops being in place in cities and areas in the first and second centuries. In the early months of 2015, I traveled to Rome as Vocation Director of our Diocese along with Bishop Hartmayer for the official annual visit to the now Father Andrew Larkin who at that time was studying at the North American College in Rome. While in the city, Bishop Hartmayer requested an appointment at the Congregation for the Causes of Saints (now called Dicastery for the Causes of Saints) in order to inquire about the status of the Cause for the Beatification of Friar Pedro de Corpa and Companions. The Franciscan Province of the Most Holy Name from New York had finalized the historical research and presented it to the Dicastery almost eight years prior, but this was followed by a long, silent pause. We were warmly welcomed by a Bishop who worked at the Dicastery, and he quickly stated that the Cause should have already concluded because most of the work was done. We were quite surprised and pleased with this news. The Bishop put us in contact with Father Giovanni Giuseppe Califano, OFM, the priest in Rome who was the Postulator, the person who advances beatification and canonization causes and serves as an advocate before the Dicastery. Father Califano was pleased to welcome us the next morning. Ever since that initial visit, and through several more in years after, Father Califano became the indispensable link to move the Cause forward. Among the many instructions from Father Califano, were included the commissioning of a monument and the production of a documentary. Much effort by many was channeled to build a beautiful monument in Darien, Georgia by the Canadian Catholic sculptor Timothy Schmaltz. The stunning work of art by this internationally-acclaimed artist was dedicated in 2021. Thanks to a grant from the Communications Committee of the U.S. Bishops, Guerilla Productions from Savannah was engaged to produce For the Sake of the Gospel, a thirty-minute documentary that tells the heroic story of Friar Pedro de Corpa and Companions within its historical context. This documentary will serve as an effective tool to raise awareness of the story of the Friars. In response to the increased interest in the Cause, and the unwavering commitment from the Diocese of Savannah, Father Califano moved on to write the final document to present to the Dicastery, called a Positio. The same historian who wrote the Positio for the Canonization of Saint Junipero Serra got to work, and the document was submitted to the Dicastery in 2022. In early 2023, we welcomed the good news that the Historical Commission of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints gave the document a unanimous favorable vote. Now we wait for two more committees to review the Cause before Rome grants a final decision, whether or not these five friars may be considered blessed among the saints. Though our hope is that Rome will give a favorable response, and that there will be a Beatification in the future in our Diocese, the story of these friars is worth knowing and telling for its own sake. It is an example of the evangelization undertaken by the Church throughout the centuries, as well as the Franciscan ethos of missionaries living close to those entrusted to their care without a military garrison. The story of these men is one of courageous selflessness and heroic virtue. We pray united to God the Father, that the Cause of Friar Pedro de Corpa and Companions may move forward, so that their work and sacrifice may be officially recognized by the Church and their witness be given to the universal Church as a worthy example to follow. On Monday, February 5th at 5:30pm, EWTN will air a beautiful 30-minute documentary produced by the Diocese of Savannah. If you arent able to watch it, check EWTN on demand, or visit the website of the Cause: www.thegeorgiamartyrs.com after the official premiere. Picture belongs to the Diocese of Savannah, used with permission. At a Glance Expert's Rating Pros Superb antivirus and malware protection Strong online threat protection Customizable dashboard Cons VPN limited to 200MB per day, per device Can have notable performance impact on some PCs Anti-theft tools arent effective Our Verdict Bitdefender Total Security packs superb antivirus defenses into an easy-to-use app, giving it a strong edge despite a couple of features falling flat. In particular, its safe payment environment is a unique protection for sensitive online accounts something that makes up for this suites lack of an included password manager. Price When Reviewed 59,99 Euro Best Prices Today: Bitdefender Total Security Retailer Price Bitdefender 42.49 View Deal Product Price When you pay for software, the last thing you want are limits. And yet, Bitdefender Total Security imposes a rather surprising one on users: VPN use, commonly a part of mid-range antivirus suites, is restricted to a 200MB per-day limit per device. Its an odd ploy, given that rival services offer full, unrestricted VPN access, and sometimes a password manager subscription, too. But Bitdefenders ace in the hole is its stellar protection, along with its easy-to-understand, yet still customizable interface. If you can forgive Total Security its occasional half-baked parts, it provides among the best defense against malware and online threats. Further reading: See our roundup of the best antivirus software for Windows PCs to learn about competing products. What does Bitdefender Total Security include? Bitdefender Total Security offers broad protection against online threats, starting with antivirus, firewall, and ransomware. It also safeguards against network, web, and email issues like brute force attacks, malicious links, and dangerous attachments, as well as screens your local inbox for spam if you use Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird. It controls access to your webcam and microphone to prevent remote spying, too. Bitdefender Total Security is the companys mid-tier antivirus plan. PCWorld / Bitdefender For additional security and privacy, Total Security includes a secure browser, access to its VPN service (albeit limited), tracker blocking, parental controls, and a scanner that checks for system vulnerabilities. It also has anti-theft software tools to recover, lock down, or wipe an associated device. Rounding out the suite are set of utilities: a system optimizer, file shredder for secure deletion, and usage profiles. You can install Bitdefender on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, though not all features are supported on all platforms. How much does Bitdefender Total Security cost? The price of Bitdefender Total Security varies depending on the number of devices covered though not by much. You can choose between a five-device plan and 10-device plan, which all let you install the software on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. 5-device plan $70 for the first year $100 per year thereafter 10-device plan $73 for the first year $110 per year thereafter Bitdefender enrolls users into auto-renewal by default, though refunds are allowed up to 30 days after the automatic renewal date. The company also offers refunds within 30 days of the initial purchase of a subscription. To save more money on Bitdefender, you can purchase a license through retailers like Newegg, B&H, and Amazon, often at a sizable discount. For example, a 10-device, one-year plan was just $50 on Newegg at the time of this articles publishing. Key features of Bitdefender Total Security Installation and user interface Getting started with Bitdefender Total Security is simple and straightforward the installation window even shows short explanations of different features as you wait. However, be careful when setting up your Bitdefender account, as youre only asked to type in your password once. If you dont use a password manager, that leaves you open to misremembering (or mistyping) it. The Bitdefender app has a clean, simple interface, with big tiles for each feature. A shield icon in the upper-left corner serves as a status indicator; itll turn red when something requires attention. Along the left side of the window is access to the dashboard, features sorted by category (Protection, Privacy, and Utilities), notifications, and settings. The app works in conjunction with the Bitdefender Central website portal, where youll handle device management (which includes remote commands you can send to associated devices, like malware scans) and parental controls. The Bitdefender dashboard. PCWorld In the dashboard, youll find six customizable shortcuts to different features, along with suggested action items at the top. The defaults are Quick Scan, System Scan, Vulnerability Scan, VPN, and Safepay, along with a blank tile. Under Protection, you get access to the antivirus scanner, vulnerability scanner (which checks for weaknesses in your apps and network), and settings for online and advanced threat protections, firewall, spam screening, and ransomware safeguards. From Privacy, you can start up the Safepay virtual environment or VPN, jump into parental controls (which are handled through the Bitdefender Central website), install the anti-tracker extension for supported browsers, and manage your webcam and microphone protection settings. You can also access Bitdefenders password manager, but its a separate paid service and not included with the Total Security suite. Within Utilities, youll find a link to Bitdefenders anti-theft tools (managed through the Bitdefender Central website), the optimizer scanner that hunts for temporary and other disposable files, activity profiles (which let you easily change Bitdefenders behavior to align with how youre using the computer e.g., gaming vs. work), and a file shredder for securely deleting files from hard-disk drives (HDD). The Notification section within the Bitdefender app. PCWorld Notifications show a running log of Bitdefenders findings as it monitors your system, organized by urgency level. These differ from the pop-up notifications Bitdefender shows within Windows, which appear at the bottom right of your screen and typically promote other Bitdefender services. One such alert even went as far as to warn me about a LinkedIn data leak from two years ago, in order to suggest signing up for Bitdefenders Digital Identity Protection service. Fortunately, you can turn off special offers in the app settings.) Overall, Bitdefender errs on the side of ease-of-use, giving users a moderate number of settings for the app and per feature. The descriptions of features are also generalized and not very technical. Virus, malware, and threat protection Real-time protection Bitdefender stays on constant alert for potential threats to your PC. On the computer itself, it scans opened or added files, monitors apps for suspicious activity, and screens downloaded email for spam, sketchy links, and dangerous attachments. It specifically looks out for apps that try to encrypt your files, too when not initiated by you, such behavior is likely ransomware trying to hold your data hostage. Meanwhile, whenever youre browsing online, Bitdefender screens for malicious downloads, phishing and fraud attempts, encrypted websites with invalid or bogus certificates, and bad search results. It also blocks unauthorized incoming access to your PC, unauthorized use of your webcam and microphone, and online web trackers (when you install the companys anti-tracking browser extension). You can additionally pair the program with the companys free TrafficLight browser extension, which adds icons to search results marking them safe or risky. Scheduled and manual scans In an unusual move, Bitdefender does not automatically perform regular scans. To run a Quick Scan and/or System Scan at a scheduled time, you must edit those default scans or instead create a custom scan. The process is not intuitive, either. You must open the edit screen and click the Next button before the option to Choose when to schedule this task appears. You must first pass through an unrelated settings screen to reach scheduling options for a scan. PCWorld You can then choose between four intervals daily, weekly, monthly, or at system startup. Daily lets you set a time; Monthly lets you set which day of the month and a time; and Weekly lets you choose a day of the week and a time. For manual scans, you can run Quick Scan, which focuses on critical files and processes; System Scan, which combs through your entire system; or a custom scan youve created. Quick Scan and System Scan can also be initiated through the Bitdefender Central website though you wont see signs of activity on the device. For this reason, I preferred starting my scans directly on the PC I was using. Running System Scan can be slow during its first run, as Bitdefender takes stock of everything on your PC, but it speeds up afterward. (By default, the app scans only new and changed files.) You can also right-click on individual folders and files, and then choose Bitdefender > Scan with Bitdefender to check them out. Most users will be best off with Bitdefenders default antivirus settings, but you can tweak the thoroughness of scans. PCWorld Bitdefender allows you to adjust settings for scans for example, you can choose to have the software always screen all files, even if they havent been changed since your last scan. You dont get a ton of tweaks, but its more than competitors like McAfee and Norton (which go for an ultra-simplified vibe) offer. Vulnerability scanner In addition to scanning for viruses, malware, ransomware, and online threats, Bitdefender can check your PCs app, system files, and network settings for exploitable weaknesses. (Attackers use these openings to compromise your device and/or data.) Found under Protection > Vulnerability, the tool hunts for weak Windows user passwords, critical Windows updates not yet installed, changes to Windows and network settings that could let malicious behavior slip past, outdated apps, Wi-Fi network and router settings that could be strengthened, and more. Like the antivirus scans, you can remotely initiate a vulnerability scan through the Bitdefender Central website. Bitdefenders Vulnerability Scan hunts for weaknesses on your PC that malware and other threats could exploit. PCWorld Firewall Bitdefender takes over firewall duties completely for Windows and though most people are best off leaving it alone with default settings, you can customize how stringent the rules are and whether those rules change based on the type of connection youre on. Bitdefender sends users a notification whenever a potentially malicious app tries to access the internet. I didnt notice any overzealousness on Bitdefenders part while using my test PC, and the settings are nicely streamlined without being too simplified. Scam protection Bitdefender recently released a free service called Scamio, an AI-driven chatbot designed to help verify the legitimacy of email, text messages, instant messages, links, and QR codes. To get started, you must head to scamio.bitdefender.com (login required) or Metas Messenger app. Then youll upload a screenshot, copy/paste into the chat, or simply describe the situation to the bot. As a very basic second opinion, Scamio isnt bad, though its analysis can take longer than expected. I liked that it can easily extract links from screenshot a much safer method, since trying to copy/paste can lead to an accidental click. It also seems to err on the side of caution, dismissing my attempt at sweet nothings as a potential scam. Phew, PCWorld got the greenlight. PCWorld That said, if you want hands-off help for text messages, you should also install Bitdefender on your mobile phone. So long as youre comfortable with the permissions it requests (which go pretty deep), it will automatically screen your chat messages and notifications for potential scams. VPN Bitdefender Total Security includes access to its VPN for multiple devices, but theres one huge catch each piece of gear is allotted a paltry 200MB of bandwidth per day. (You can burn through that by browsing just a few websites.) Youre only allowed to connect to the nearest server, too. Bitdefender Total Security includes VPN access, but you get an extremely low amount of allowed traffic. PCWorld In Bitdefenders favor is a sleek, easily navigated interface I particularly like how important information and stats are laid out clearly. But with free, reputable VPN services offering much more bandwidth and letting you choose a location when connecting, paying for Bitdefender Premium VPN to get unlimited bandwidth and access to servers in all 55 supported countries just doesnt feel worth it. Not when the cost is $40 for the first year and $70 per year thereafter. Parental controls Bitdefender Total Security includes parental controls, which are managed through the Bitdefender Central website. On PC, you can limit screen time, apps used, and websites visited. Android and iOS devices also allow guardians to see location and phone contacts. To begin on a PC, youll first install Bitdefender on it. For mobile devices, youll need to install the dedicated Bitdefender Parental Control app. Then on Bitdefender Central, youll create a profile for your child and assign the computer, phone, or tablet to the profile. Bitdefenders parental controls are simple but laid out clearly. PCWorld From there, you can add time limits and create schedules for blocked use, as well as manage which applications and websites can be accessed. For apps, you can only limit apps your child has already used. However, for websites, you can block or allow by categories, which are predetermined by Bitdefender. By default, children can visit sites within just 13 of the 43 presets, such as search engines, webmail, computers and software, and travel. News is forbidden, which put PCWorld.com on the ban list. (Guess were not enough about computers and software.) As your kid spends time on their device, youll see their usage statistics appear in the dashboards charts. The dashboard also shows location tracking, which works quite well the phone used for testing appeared with close accuracy to the physical location. (The suggested addresses were not correct, however.) Phone contacts display here as well, and automatically update whenever a new contact is added. Additional features Anti-Theft Bitdefender Total Securitys anti-theft tools are fantastic in theory, letting you remotely locate, lock, or wipe your device. For a smartphone, you can also remotely trigger an alarm and/or send a push notification with a message to whomever has it. But in practice, I found this feature to fall flat. For example, my test laptops location wasnt precisely accurate not surprising, since it was based off of the IP address. Meanwhile, my smartphones whereabouts never showed up. Locking the devices also didnt work particularly well, either. If the person holding your phone knows your PIN, youre out of luck. The PIN you set via Bitdefender Central doesnt override that. Bitdefenders anti-theft tools dont fully deliver on the promise. PCWorld The only part that worked as advertised was the remote alert sound, along with the push notification. That only helps with smartphones, though, and youll have to trust that you can annoy someone into doing the right thing. Browser extensions Bitdefender has two browser extensions worth calling out, though neither are locked to the Total Security suite. The Anti-Tracker extension is automatically installed along with the Bitdefender app, where you can also manage its installation if you install another browser on your PC later on. (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Internet Explorer are supported though if youre on an operating system that can still run Internet Explorer, its time to upgrade). It keeps trackers from collecting data on you, and lets you manage this type of information for websites you visit. Bitdefender TrafficLight checks websites for phishing attempts and malware, blocks potentially dangerous elements on websites, and adds visual cues to search results labeling them as safe or risky. Available as a Chrome and Firefox extension, this add-on isnt necessary, but its search-result visual warnings can be helpful. Bitdefenders Anti-Tracker extension automatically gets installed for browsers already on your PC. File Shredder Bitdefenders secure delete feature lets you permanently remove files from your PC provided theyre stored on a hard-disk drive (HDD). Total Securitys File Shredder feature uses the Department of Defense 5520.22-M three-pass method to shred your data, which works on HDDs but isnt as effective on solid-state drives (SSDs). In fact, this way of deleting data can shorten the life of an SSD. With most laptops now using SSDs, this feature will only be useful if you have an external HDD you store sensitive documents on. But Bitdefender is equal to rival antivirus software in this regard. OneClick Optimizer This utility hunts for Windows files, registry items, and internet files it can nuke all in the name of tuning up your PC. But while OneClick Optimizer can quickly wipe away seemingly unnecessary data, it shares little detail about what gets tossed. Thats a big problem for anything related to your registry a place where even seasoned PC users tread cautiously. (And in general, you should always know what youre deleting.) If OneClick Optimizer listed what it gets rid of, perhaps I would have ended up less wary of it. But it only names three categories (Software Locations, Shared DLLs, and Help files) and how many issues found in each. You dont get nearly enough information about what Bitdefender wants to do in Windows registry. PCWorld Given how vague the tool is overall, I still recommend Windows built-in Disk Cleanup app and purging browsing data in the app itself. This method leaves the registry alone and lets you have much more control, while only being slightly more cumbersome. Safepay Safepay is a sandboxed browser that is, a secure environment for accessing sensitive websites, kept separate from everything else running in Windows. Bitdefender promotes this feature as meant for bank websites, and if you navigate to a known banking site, youll see a pop-up asking if you want to load it in Safepay. Within this isolated desktop is a browser with a similar feel as Chrome, but far more bare-bones. You get no extensions and few settings. However, it offers a virtual keyboard, which is a bit cumbersome but useful for those concerned about keyloggers. You can use Safepay with most websites, though videos dont play. Also, Bitdefender doesnt react to all common financial or sensitive websites for example, I didnt see the pop up for irs.gov nor less common banks in the U.S. Youll have to open Safepay and navigate there yourself. A suggestion to use Safepay appears when you visit some banking websites. PCWorld Customer support Should you ever need assistance with Bitdefender, the app contains a help page, which you can access by clicking the life-preserver icon in the upper top-right of the window. It offers direct links to Bitdefenders support website (which includes video tutorials), community forums, and even a full user guide. You can also contact the company by email, chat, or phone. You can change update frequency in general app settings. By default, updates run automatically in the background once per hour. You can stretch this frequency to once every 24 hours (with adjustments available in hourly increments). If for some reason youre on a limited internet connect, you can turn off automatic updates, but your PC will be better protected if you leave it on. Bitdefender also allows you to run updates in the foreground, so that you see when they happen. However, it does not let users perform manual checks for updates. Performance Bitdefender takes top marks in independent tests performed by security research institutes. In AV-Tests protection tests for September and October 2023 (the most current as of this articles publishing), Bitdefender caught 100 percent of the zero-day attack and malware threats. Meanwhile in AV-Comparatives real-world protection test for July through October 2023, Bitdefender detected 99.6 percent of the 512 test cases, with three false positives. (A false positive is when the antivirus software blocks a legitimate download or website.) PCWorld Similarly, Bitdefender ranked well in AV-Comparatives September 2023 malware protection test. Of the 16 antivirus programs tested, Bitdefender scored a 98.2 percent online detection rate, 99.98 percent online protection rate, and 98.2 offline detection rate, with four false positives. Even when you dont have an active internet connection, youre well-protected. Only two other antivirus programs had similarly high marks across the board. In AV-Comparatives November 2023 Advanced Threat Protection Test, Bitdefender detected 14 of the 15 threats, putting it in the lead ahead of the six other companies that participated in the evaluation. This test checks to see how well an antivirus suite handles more sophisticated, targeted threats like malicious scripts and fileless attacks. PCWorld When idle in the background, Bitdefender generally has a light impact on system performance. Its effect was minimal when our test laptop encoded a large video into a smaller 1080p30 file (our Handbrake benchmark), and during PCMark 10s simulation of video conferencing, web browsing, and editing in open-source image and document programs. However, Bitdefenders impact crept up when document editing in Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with UL Procyon test scores falling by about 9.5 percent. When running a heavy scan, Bitdefender can notably affect performance on mid-range and budget PCs even when set to low impact in its settings. Blasting a continuous full scan while running each benchmark dropped PCMark 10 scores by almost 20 percent and UL Procyon results by a sizable 35 percent. Handbrake encodes were less affected, with a 10 percent increase in time needed. However, while these performance decreases sound scary, theyre a reflection of the hardest strain on your PC. I forced Bitdefender to scan the files as if theyd never been checked before, in order to see how hard it would hit our test laptop. But by default, the app only scans new and changed files (as common among antivirus software these days), which reduces the effort needed to check over your PC. For many people, your experience likely will be closer to the idle performance (as outlined above), unless you often work with large batches of fresh or altered files. Is Bitdefender Total Security worth it? Bitdefender Total Security offers top-notch protection in an easy-to-use app. Its main weaknesses are the limitations of a couple of features, like VPN access and Anti-Theft tools, and the questionable usefulness of its OneClick Optimizer utility. But even though rivals like Norton give more bang for the buck, this antivirus software delivers on what matters most, which is keeping your PC (and other devices) safe. Just dont pay for the 5-device license when you can get the 10-device one for only a few dollars more. In a compelling speech delivered at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024, Alex Dadey, Executive Chairman of the KGL Group of Companies, passionately emphasized the pivotal role that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) play in Africa's economic transformation. Mr. Dadey highlighted how these partnerships can address key challenges and propel the continent towards sustainable development and prosperity. Alex Dadey, a renowned diasporan and entrepreneur commenced his address by emphasizing the significance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. He emphasized that both sectors possess unique strengths and capabilities that, when harnessed together, can drive economic growth and foster a conducive environment for investment and innovation. Public-private partnerships, he asserted, have the potential to unlock new opportunities and reshape the African economic landscape. He added, For Africa to experience real economic growth, the private sector must lead, thrive and also be resilient. I have always maintained that governments do not create wealth, the private sector does and therefore incentivizing the sector is the surest way to achieve sustainable growth. The role of Government is clear cut, creating conducive environments and policies to stimulate growth. One of the primary advantages of PPPs, Mr. Dadey noted, is the infusion of private sector expertise, innovation, and efficiency into public projects and initiatives. By leveraging private sector resources and know-how, governments can bridge infrastructure gaps, enhance service delivery, and improve the overall business environment. These collaborations lead to accelerated economic growth and job creation. Mr. Dadey cited the successful collaboration between the KGL Group and the government's National Lottery Authority (NLA) in the lottery sector as an exemplary case of a PPP driving transformative change. This partnership revitalized the NLA, resulting in increased revenue generation and the creation of new opportunities for Ghana's citizens. He urged other stakeholders to emulate this model and proactively seek out similar partnerships across various sectors. He again highlighted the successful partnership between KGL Group through its subsidiary Fuel Automation Ghana Limited, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in the digitalization of the pre-mix fuel sector. He expanded, The design, construction, financing and automation of 300 landing beach Premix fuel outlets across the country reflect a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and reducing inefficiencies that often accompany the manual systems. This move towards automation introduces transparency, accountability, and a streamlined process in the distribution of subsidized fuel, thereby addressing historical challenges associated with corruption and nepotism in the sector. Furthermore, Mr. Dadey highlighted the importance of a new approach in Investment Promotion Strategy in Africa. He stated, African conglomerates should be encouraged to acquire stakes in raw material processing companies situated in developed markets, thereby enabling them to benefit from value addition. The significant profits generated by these companies can then be repatriated to their home countries, thereby bolstering local currencies. This approach also allows African nations to overcome barriers related to quality control and excise duties imposed on manufactured products by developed markets. In conclusion, Alex Dadey's speech at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024 underscored the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships in Africa's economic transformation. It is through collaboration, innovation, and leveraging the strengths of both sectors that meaningful and sustainable development can be achieved. Governments, private entities, and international partners must work hand in hand to forge effective partnerships that drive Africa's socio-economic advancement and improve the lives of its people. 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. Featured Video Absa is proud to announce its continued recognition as a Top Employer by the prestigious Top Employer Institute for the third consecutive year, across five markets - including Ghana, Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, and South Africa. This certification confirms the banks commitment to creating an aspirational workplace as well as maintaining exemplary people practices and initiatives that consistently meet and exceed rigorous global benchmarks. This recognition also highlights Absa's dedication to providing a human-centered work environment, nurturing talent at all levels, continually optimising the employee experiences, and delivering people practices that set the standard for the industry. The Top Employer certification covers best practices in six HR domains consisting of 20 topics including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing, and more. Commenting on the awards, William Easmon, Absa Bank Ghana LTD People & Culture Director, noted: "We are incredibly honoured to be certified and recognised as a top employer once again. This achievement reaffirms Absa's position as a leading employer of choice and most importantly, our commitment to building an organisation that prioritises colleague wellbeing, fosters talent growth and drives performance excellence. We are committed to people, we live excellence, inclusion, stewardship and we continue to build an aspirational workplace, he added. In a statement confirming the award, Top Employers Institute CEO, David Plink said: Exceptional times bring out the best in people and organisations. And we have witnessed this in our Top Employers Certification Programme this year: exceptional performance from the certified Top Employers 2024. These employers have always shown that they care for the development and well-being of their people. By doing so, they collectively enrich the world of work. We are proud to announce and celebrate this years group of leading people-oriented employers: the Top Employers 2024. Being certified as a Top Employer showcases an organisations dedication to a better world of work, which is exhibited through excellent HR policies and people practices. In 2023, Absa was rated top among the 25 best workplaces to grow your career in an annual survey by LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network with more than 900 million members. Absa was also recognised in the fourth edition of Forbess Worlds Best Employers ranking in the same year. Lastly, at Supreme Healthcare Management Services Authentic & Caring Employer (ACE) Awards, Absa Bank Ghana picked up the highest award of the day - Overall Best: Authentic & Caring Employer of the Year, and three others - ACE Organisation of the Year for Financial Services, Employee Well-being of the Year and Most Innovative HR Practical Organisation of the Year. As a purpose-led organisation, Absa remains committed to excellence, fostering diversity and inclusion, and empowering its workforce to shape a brighter future for Africa, one story at a time. 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. Featured Video QNET's insightful YouTube video showcasing the impact of its financial literacy programme, Fingreen, has been honouredwith three prestigious gold award at the 2023 MarCom Awards. Titled "FinGreen: Seeding Financial Literacy for a Brighter Future," the video shines a light on QNET's FinGreen initiative, a peer-to-peer educational program designed to improve financial understanding in underprivileged communities. The video opens with a striking statistic: only one in three adults worldwide possess financial literacy. It then elaborates on how FinGreen contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by addressing inequality and promoting decent work and economic growth opportunities. FinGreen is tailored for women and youth in emerging economies, says Malou Caluza, CEO of QNET. Historically, women have had limited access to financial services compared to men. Although mobile banking and payment platforms have recently improved accessibility, many still lack the essential knowledge for making informed financial decisions. According to experts at the International Federation of Accountants, individuals who lack financial literacy are more vulnerable to fraud, less likely to save their money, more likely to have a large amount of debt, and are at a higher risk of bankruptcy. Ms. Abass Bushira, a young woman leading an agricultural venture testified: The FinGreen training felt like it was designed with me in mind. The curriculum covered topics such as budgeting, investment strategies, debt management, banking, financial planning and others. Launched initially in Turkey and Nigeria in 2022, and expanded to Ghana in 2023, FinGreen primarily targets women and youth in developing regions. The FinGreen programme partners with local experts to assess and identify underserved communities that could most benefit from greater education and inclusion. In Ghana, more than one thousand young people and women were trained in the cities of Accra and Ho. According to Michael Andoh, a student of the Accra Technical University, I have learnt how to achieve personal financial discipline and how to carefully prepare a simple budget for my personal expenses. Caluza believes the MarCom award underscores the video's success in communicating FinGreens mission of individual empowerment for community upliftment. The MarCom Awards is a premier international creative competition.FinGreen: Seeding Financial Literacy for a Brighter Future was one of 6,500 entries from more than 47 countries submitted this year. The video clinched a gold trophy for outstanding achievement. Encouraged by FinGreens success in Nigeria, Ghana, and Turkey with more than 3200 people empowered, QNET will soon expand the programme to Morocco. Readers can view the winning video here or learn more about FinGreen here. 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. Featured Video In a ground-breaking collaboration, Oxford Business Group (OBG) and the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) are joining forces to spearhead the APN initiative to identify and address bottlenecks in manufacturing, adding value, and trading within the African continent. This strategic partnership signifies a commitment to shedding light on Africa's economic landscape, particularly in Ghana andthe context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) headquarters being established in Accra. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between OBG and APN extends over three years, reflecting a dedicated effort to ensure that crucial voices from all sectors become an integral part of the ongoing conversation surrounding Africa's prosperity. The central focus of this collaboration is to create awareness among stakeholders ranging from heads of states to corporate leaders within the continent. This initiative is primarily designed to foster understanding at various levels, offering a platform for interconnected dialogue not only among governments but also between heads of governments and private sector representatives. The collaborative efforts are aimed to promote economic integration and expediting the realisation of the world's largest single market through the AfCFTA. The pivotal "Delivering Prosperity in Africa" conference, scheduled to take place in Accra from the 25th to the 27th of Janury, will mark the official launch of this endeavour. The conference will serve as a platform to bring together leaders from government and the private sector, facilitating discussions on critical issues related to manufacturing, value addition, and trade within Africa. Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Chairman of APN, highlighted the significance of the collaboration in championing African prosperity and economic integration, particularly in the context of the AfCFTA. He emphasised how this partnership with OBG will boost investor confidence in Africa, aligning with APN's mission to explore ways of expediting African economic integration. Ramona Tarta, OBG's Country Director for Ghana, underlined the transformative economic landscape that Ghana is poised to experience as the host of the AfCFTA headquarters. The partnership with APN underscores OBG's commitment to providing insightful analyses that serve as a foundation for global investors' strategic decision-making. As part of OBG's broader research in the continent, the upcoming release of "The Report: Ghana 2024," will feature exclusive insights into Ghana's economic trajectory, with a focus on initiatives to enhance intra-continental trade, industrialisation, and technological advancements. The report will include high-profile interviews and viewpoints from influential figures, capturing Ghana's economic vision and bolstering confidence in the country's investment potential. "The Report: Ghana 2024" will be available in both digital and print formats, offering detailed analyses on Ghana's economic integration efforts, intraregional cooperation, digital expansion, and opportunities arising from the AfCFTA. This publication is set to be an indispensable guide for investors, providing unparalleled insights to navigate Ghana's economic prospects strategically. 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. Featured Video President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Ghana (CIIG), Solomon Lartey, has said that the removal of non-life insurance from the Value Added Tax exemption list would lead to an increased cost of insurance and adversely affect insurance penetration in Ghana. This calls for doubling their efforts as insurance professionals to deepen their understanding of insurance generally and the products offered specifically in order to either maintain their current low insurance penetration rate or improve upon it. He said that the tax on premium insurance will discourage interest from Ghanaians. According to him, the insurance sector in the country has a low penetration rate, which is less than 2%. Solomon Lartey expressed his displeasure over the removal of exemptions for non-life insurance products in the country, which will result in a 21.9% Value Added Tax (VAT) on insurance industry. In an interview with Peace FM News, he said the removal of the exemption for non-life insurance products in the country will affect the insurance industry. He called for the need to maintain high professional standards and deepen insurance education, which has been heightened by current geopolitical and economic developments both globally and locally. While Russia-Ukraine seems to have been navigated and relegated to the background, current unrest in the Middle East has also shaken the insurance landscape, throwing various reinsurance and insurance arrangements (like marine coverages) out of balance. Since the industry is making underwriting losses, overall, it means that insurance companies rely on investment income to meet their claim obligations to policyholders," he said. The CIIG is the mother body of all insurance professionals in the country, which brings together practitioners from life and general insurance, reinsurance, health insurance companies, broking firms, pensions, securities, and trustee firms. Mr. Lartey is the CIIGs 9th president. He took over from Mr. Tawiah Ben-Ahmed, CEO of Sanlam Life Ghana. Source: Prince Baffour Asamoah/Peace FM Newsroom 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. Featured Video Fear is said to have gripped the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso announced their withdrawal from the membership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). GUTA expressed concerns of how their supply chain from these three West African Countries is going to be greatly interrupted sooner than later. Ghana imports onions, tomatoes, Maize, Millets and other staple foods from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. On Sunday, 28th January, 2024, there was a joint communique from the Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso indicating an immediate withdrawal from the ECOWAS. The three countries experienced a power shift when the Military overthrew a democratically elected government. Subsequently, the regional body imposed certain sanctions on these erring countries. However, the three Francophone countries described the sanctions placed on them by the ECOWAS as inhumane, hence their withdrawal. This has necessitated the fear being expressed by GUTA. According the GUTA President, Dr. Joseph Obeng, the earlier a solution is found to this latest economic development the better. Expressing these sentiments during a radio interview on Joyfm on Tuesday January 30, 2024, the GUTA President said; "It will surely have an impact, and we do not know how its going to affect the free flow of traffic and humans.'' Meanwhile, ECOWAS, in a press release, has denied reception of any formal letter from the gang of three. In a related development, Ghanas Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Hon. Boniface Gambilla has assured members of GUTA to exercise restraint as he describes their fear as too early. Source: Kobina Darlington/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. Featured Video The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a statement indicating that it has not received any formal letter of withdrawal from Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso nor Mali. On the 28th May, 1975, fifteen west African States came together to form the union which sought to promote economic integration in all fields of activity of the constituting countries. However, in recent times, the Union has been hit with the political insurgencies in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Democratically elected governments were overthrown by the military. This led the ECOWAS to issue sanctions on the countries. In a video circulating on Social Media, Mali and Niger have issued a letter to ECOWAS clearly spelling out their withdrawal from the inion with immediate effect. A letter published by ECOWAS on its official website emphasized that it has not received direct formal notification from the three member states about their intention to withdraw from the community. The statement established that ECOWAS is still committed to working towards the restoration of constitutional order in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, describing them as very important members of the union. The statement read, The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three member states about their intention to withdraw from the Community." "The ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been working assiduously for the restoration of constitutional order in those countries. "Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the Community and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to their political impasses. According to the ECOWAS, it will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as necessary. The announcement to withdraw from the ECOWAS was done in a joint statement which was telecasted on national television. Despite the sanctions, the military junta-led governments have rather hardened their decision to remain in power. Source: Kobina Darlington/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. Featured Video The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Dame, has revealed that the sentence of life imprisonment is to deter the public against mob justice. Commenting on the verdict of the court relating to the gruesome murder of the late Major Mahama, the Attorney General revealed that, it is inappropriate for the public to take the law into their own hands. The background of the story reveals that, Major Mahama met his untimely death at the hands of some irate mob at Denkyira Obuase in the Central region. The deceased was on official duty as detachment commander, on Monday 29, 2017. Following the gruesome murder of the gallant soldier, some persons suspected to be behind the mob justice were picked up by the joint forces of the military and the Ghana police service. They were subsequently arraigned before court for prosecution. After a seven (7) year trial, the court pronounced judgement on the accused persons on Monday, January 29, 2024. Twelve (12) persons out of the fourteen persons arraigned, were found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. The verdict of the seven member panel who adjudicated the murder case was a unanimous one. Addressing the press after the court ruling, Godred Dame said, "Justice will catch with you and if you think you can resort to justice by yourself, you will be dealt with in accordance of law". "I believe that these men who have been convicted and who are going to spend the rest of their lives in prison will indeed learn a lesson, and Im sure the community in which they live will also learn a lesson. Source: Kobina Darlington/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. Featured Video The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has strongly condemned a series of armed attacks that took place in the Abyei Area, in South Sudan, which resulted in civilian casualties as well as the death of a United Nations peacekeeper from Ghana. The Mission, in a letter released by the UN Ghana office, confirmed that the inter-communal clashes that took place in the Nyinkuac, Majbong and Khadian areas led to casualties and the evacuation of civilians to UNISFA bases to provide safety for those caught up in the violence. It also indicated that efforts are underway to verify the number of those killed, injured, and displaced in the violence. In addition, the UNISFA base in Agok came under attack by an armed group. The mission repelled the attack, but tragically a Ghanaian peacekeeper was killed during the incident, it said. The mission strongly condemns the violence and extends its profound condolences to the families of the civilians who lost their lives as well as the fallen peacekeeper, who gave his life in the service of the people of Abyei. The mission also wishes all of those who were injured in the attacks a speedy and full recovery, it added. UNISFA reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its mandate to provide proactive and robust protection of civilians as well as support to all efforts to secure peace and security in its area of operations. The mission also called for a swift and thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to these attacks and to ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable. 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. Featured Video The Ghana Police Service and other security agencies, in a display of gratitude and camaraderie, held a celebratory guard of honour parade today, 30th January 2024, to bid farewell to the esteemed outgoing Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, at the National Police Headquarters. The ceremony marked a momentous occasion as it brought together heads from the various branches of Ghana's security agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, in his welcome address, expressed profound appreciation for Vice Admiral Seth Amoama's over four decades of unwavering commitment to Ghana. The IGP highlighted the collaborative spirit that defined the relationship between the Ghana Police Service and the Military under Vice Admiral Amoama's leadership. In a series of heartfelt tributes and remarks, heads of other security services - the Director-General Prisons, Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir; Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Julius Kuunuor; Comptroller General of Immigration, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi; and the Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Alhaji Seidu Iddrisu Iddisah took turns to extol Vice Admiral Seth Amoama for his exemplary dedication and collaborative support. The security chiefs, in a unified gesture, presented a citation of honour to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, commending his outstanding leadership qualities and the unbreakable bond fostered among the various security agencies under his tenure. In his response, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo for entrusting him with the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces. He lauded the efforts of the heads of security agencies and also commended the Inspector-General of Police, for the unprecedented guard of honour, describing it as a historic first in the annals of Ghana's security services. As he bid farewell, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama charged the security services to maintain their collaborative efforts in the interest of peace and security of our beloved country. 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. Featured Video Proceedings at the Public Account Committee of Parliamentary was stalled temporary on Monday when the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah was asked when he attained age of 60. The question was from the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George. Graphic Online's Parliamentary reporter, Daniel Kenu reports that Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah went silent after the question. For a long while, he was mute and all the microphones also went off as members of the committee waited for an indication when proceedings could continue. The deputy minister of Finance, Abena Osei Asare, under whose ambit the GRA was appearing before the committee to answer questions on some infractions, jumped to his defence but the chairman of the committee, James Klutse Avedzi, insisted that the Commissioner General should answer the question. The chairman of committee said Rev. Dr Owusu-Amoah was a public servant and therefore there was nothing wrong with the question. But the deputy finance minister, said the question was personal and should not be allowed to fly. While the back and forth was ongoing, the deputy finance minister moved towards the chair. Sitting has been suspended for 45 minutes to address the issue backstage. Questions on retirement There has been some public discussions about Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah's age and a call by some people for him to retire with the argument that he is over 60 years old, the mandatory retirement age for public officers. There is also another argument about the President's prerogative to offer contract to certain appointees who are more than the mandatory retirement age of 60 years in the public service but whose services are still needed by the state. Who is Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah is the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority. Before assuming the top most job at the GRA, he had a vast experience in leadership, management, and banking operations. He started his career in the public service with the Ghana Statistical Service as an Assistant Statistician and later worked in various capacities in banking and management. Experience Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah is a seasoned international banker with almost 30 years experience in Research, Corporate banking, SME/Retail Banking, Strategic Leadership and Strategic Planning and has worked in different countries in Africa and undertaken short term assignments in several countries. Rev. Dr. Owusu-Amoah started his career as an Assistant Statistician with the Ghana Statistical Service engaged in Economic, Social and Statistical Research before joining Standard Chartered Bank, as a Statistician and Research Officer in 1993. For his exceptional performance in the Bank, he gained rapid promotions over a period of 9 years into various Senior positions. These include: Financial Business Support Manager with responsibility for managing the budgeting and planning function of the Bank; Head of Credit Services for Standard Chartered Bank West Africa and Head of Operations and Technology for Standard Chartered Bank Ghana where he became a member of the Executive Committee of the Bank. He was appointed Group Head of Operations for Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) based in Togo where he supervised the operations functions over all the countries of the Ecobank Group. He was very instrumental in setting up from scratch the Ecobank Operations and Technology hub in Ghana known as eProcess International. He joined uniBank Ghana Ltd in 2007 where he became the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. He left uniBank in 2011 and joined Bank of Africa Group as Managing Director and CEO of Bank of Africa, Tanzania for seven years until he was appointed as Group Executive for Special Projects, including Mergers and Acquisitions, strategic collaborations and alliances for the Bank of Africa Group and other international banks. Rev. Dr.Owusu-Amoah, has been a major speaker at conferences and seminars for several International Organizations and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Belgium Investment Organization (BIO). Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai has served on several boards and has contributed significantly to development of the Finance Industry. He was the Chairman of the Board of the Tanzania Mortgage Re-Finance Company, Chairman of the Board of Umoja Switch Tanzania Limited, Member of the Governing Council of the Tanzania Bankers Association and Chairman of the Credit Sub Committee of the Governing Council of the Tanzania Bankers Association. He also served as Chairman of the Board of uniSecurities Ghana Limited, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Akuapem Rural Bank Limited. He is currently a member of the Board of the National Identification Authority, A member of the Board of GCNet Ghana Limited, and a member of the Board of the Minerals Income Investment Fund. Source: graphiconline.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. Featured Video A United Nations (UN) peacekeeper from Ghana has been killed alongside some civilians after clashes between rival local groups in the Abyei region on South Sudans border with Sudan, a UN statement said. According to the statement by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), the clashes occurred in three locations in the Abyei area on Saturday. This led to casualties and the evacuation of civilians to UNISFA bases to provide safety for those caught up in the violence, the statement said. During the fighting, one UNISFA base came under attack and although the attack was repelled tragically a Ghanaian peacekeeper was killed during the incident, the statement said. The UN mission said it was still verifying the number of people killed, injured and displaced by the violence. Clashes between different communities are common in South Sudan, which is still reeling from years of a devastating war that pitted the countrys leader, Salva Kiir, against his former deputy, Riek Machar, in a battle between rival tribes. The UN statement did not say which tribes were involved in Saturday clashes. The Abyei region, rich in oil resources, experiences frequent bouts of violence. Rival factions of the Dinka ethnic group are locked in a dispute over the location of an administrative boundary. The ownership of Abyei itself is disputed between Sudan and South Sudan, which declared independence from Sudan in 2011. Source: graphiconline.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. Featured Video The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has described as quite high the number of women opting for caesarean sections (CS) in the country as against the spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD). It said from the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) report released last week, one in every five women that delivered in the country did so through CS, a figure which it explained was quite high compared to World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation for the country. It said generally at the countrys population level, a 15 per cent CS rate was acceptable but that was not the case presently as the country, per the 2022 GDHS report, had a nationwide caesarean section rate of 21 per cent. The high rate of CS had implications for the country, the Deputy Director, Reproductive and Child Health of the GHS, Dr Chris Opoku Fofie, stated in Accra yesterday at the dissemination of the 2022 GDHS report on maternal, child health and malaria. The more we have women delivering through caesarean section, the more burden is put on the health system and so those that might need the intervention to survive would not get it in a timely manner. We want to have caesarean sections, but there should be a way to ensure that those who need caesarean sections most are those getting it but not as a remedy for all other women who come around. If you dont need it and you get it, you deprive others from getting the life-saving intervention, he explained. C-section A caesarean section is a surgery to deliver a baby through ones abdomen and uterus. It is performed when a vaginal delivery is not safe or possible. Dr Fofie explained that pregnant women that might require CS delivery included those whose babies were having problems coming out or the babys size was too big. GDHS Report The Demographic and Health Survey report is a population-based survey designed to monitor progress on health service utilisation and management to inform decision-making. Since 1998, the survey has been conducted, led by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the GHS and other stakeholders. The information is intended to be used by programme managers and policymakers to evaluate and improve existing programmes. The fieldwork for the latest survey was conducted between October 17, 2022 and January 14, 2023. A nationally representative sample of 15,014 girls and women aged between 15 and 49 years in 17,933 households, and 7,044 boys and men aged 15 to 59 years in half of the selected households were interviewed in the latest survey. Urban Dr Fofie explained that up to a certain level, caesarean sections would help to reduce complications and death but when it went beyond that level to a point where everyone was opting for it, that would not necessarily improve care. He said the survey further looked at where the CS was performed most and from the report, it established that 27 per cent of urban dwellers opted for CS as against 15 per cent by rural dwellers. For instance, the Reproductive and Child Health Deputy Director said from their facility data, the Greater Accra Region had a CS rate of 29 per cent of all deliveries as of last year, but when narrowed to specific hospitals, some of them were performing up to 45 per cent rate which, according to him, was alarming. We are not saying caesarean section is bad, all we are saying is that we should be able to have a system where we will distinguish between those who really need it from those who are requesting it, so that when you need your caesarean section to survive, you get it in a timely manner, he said. Touching on delivery, Dr Fofie said the report indicated that most deliveries were performed by the nurses and midwives group, representing 70 per cent, while for deliveries done by doctors, it was 19 per cent and unskilled delivery, that is those performed by traditional birth attendants, represented seven per cent. Education, wealth quintile The report also established a relationship between the level of education of mothers and the type of delivery they opted for or the venue of delivery. Dr Fofie explained that while 74 per cent of women with no education had skilled delivery, the figure increased to 84 per cent for those who had primary education and for those with secondary education, 92 per cent of them had skilled delivery while those who had above secondary education were 99 per cent. This means that if we invest in education, definitely we will get many more people delivering within our facilities. So we have to focus on education, he said. For wealth, he said, those that were in the lowest wealth quintile (the poorest), 73 per cent had skilled delivery as against 98 per cent for those with the highest wealth quintile (the wealthiest). Remarks A monitoring and evaluation specialist of the GHS, Solomon Boamah, stated that the findings of the report resonated well with GHS and the service appreciated the efforts put in by the GSS to produce the report. A demographer at the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana, Professor Stephen O. Kwankye, said the report showed that the country was doing well even though there were gaps which needed to be tackled. Source: graphiconline.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. Featured Video Fidelity Bank Ghana, the country's largest privately-owned bank, concluded the festive season with a display of generosity through its Employee Volunteering Program (EVP). Under this program, over 300 staff members engaged in impactful nationwide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, combining time, financial resources, and personal involvement to uplift the lives of the less fortunate. In Accra, the Motherly Love Orphanage in Kwabenya, a refuge for underprivileged children, notably those grappling with health challenges like HIV/AIDS, experienced a significant uplift. A collective donation of GHS 6,000 facilitated three months' worth of medication and vitamins for the children, alongside an extra GHS 6,000 ensuring the education of 10 promising students by covering their school fees. Beyond financial assistance, the team generously contributed essential items, including groceries and toiletries, spreading festive cheer and impacting the lives of 59 individuals. In another part of Accra, the Chosen Home Orphanage in Darkuman and Chosen Rehab at Dome also felt the warmth of Fidelity Bank's generosity. Fidelity Bank staff visits filled these institutions with laughter, prayers, and vital donations, while interactions with inmates provided a platform for understanding and future support. The Prestige Caring Hands group from the Prestige Banking department focused on education, donating books and learning materials, and interacting with the teachers, headmistress, and pupils from Kwabenya Basic School, fostering a spirit of learning and growth. The Head Office branch in Accra extended support to the Klicks Foundation for Autism, ensuring continued help for children with autism spectrum disorder. For the Ridge Towers branch team, the Weija Leprosarium benefited from essential supplies and a commitment to a long-term partnership to improve living conditions. Fidelity Bank's CSR efforts stretched beyond Accra, touching lives in the Northern, Western, Central, and Ashanti regions. In Tamale, female inmates at the Tamale prison received much-needed support, including food items, toiletries, and a new refrigerator for medical storage. The "Feed the Orphans" project brought relief to orphanages in Cape Coast and Takoradi, with donations of food, sanitary items, and drinks benefiting 100 children. Finally, in the Ashanti Region, eight children at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Children's Ward received a boost to their health and well-being. Fidelity Bank staff in the region settled their medical bills and provided nutritional support, while a GHS 15,000 donation will ensure continued assistance to other needy patients in the future. Prof. Sampson Antwi, Head of the Directorate of Child Health at KATH, conveyed appreciation for the donation, affirming its dedicated use to support the medical bills of deserving patients. Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree, Head of Partnerships, Sustainability, and CSR, expressed immense pride in the altruism displayed by Fidelity Bank employees. She remarked, "Their dedication to giving back, be it through time, resources, or compassion, truly reflects our commitment to serving the community and has a profound impact on those in need." Additionally, she emphasized, "Our Employee Volunteering Program is a living testament to our commitment to empower our staff for positive community impact. We take great pride in our team's dedication and compassion, not just during the festive season, but we eagerly anticipate sustaining our CSR endeavors throughout the year." Fidelity Bank is dedicated to fostering positive change in the communities it serves, embodying a spirit of giving and community upliftment. The bank's staff-led nationwide CSR initiatives exemplify a united commitment to brightening lives and consistently creating a positive impact on communities throughout Ghana. This robust demonstration underscores Fidelity Bank's steadfast commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development. 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. Featured Video Members of the Kumasi Traditional Council convened to have a crucial meeting on Monday, 29th January 2024 at the Manhyia Palace. The meeting was to decide the fate of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. The second-highest decision-making body of the Asante Kingdom, whose membership is limited to traditional leaders, had been livid about then-embattled Chairman Wontumis failure to honour their summons and appear before them. This follows an altercation between Mr Antwi Boasiako and the Kokosohene, Nana Kwaku Dua, at the recent vetting of parliamentary aspirants in the Ashanti region. Though Chairman Wontumi has denied the accusations, he was invited by the traditional council for a hearing, an invitation he failed to honour on health grounds. The meeting which was rescheduled for Monday, 29th January, 2024 happened today with Chairman Wontumi finally appearing before the traditional council. Based on the accounts and narrations from the various parties, the Council concluded that Chairman Wontumi had done nothing wrong in declaring that he has a kingdom as he had been accused, once it was made within a political context. The Ashanti Regional Chairman was not found guilty on the charges levelled against him, which had to do with him disrespecting the Asantehene. 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. Featured Video The Asanteman Traditional Council has reportedly cleared the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, a.k.a. Chairman Wontumi, of any wrongdoing. The chiefs summoned the NPP regional chairman after he allegedly made derogatory comments against the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The second-highest decision-making body of the Asante Kingdom, whose membership is limited to traditional leaders, had been livid about then-embattled Chairman Wontumis failure to honour their summons and appear before them. This follows an altercation between Mr Antwi Boasiako and the Kokosohene, Nana Kwaku Dua, at the recent vetting of parliamentary aspirants in the Ashanti region. Though Chairman Wontumi has denied the accusations, he was invited by the traditional council for a hearing, an invitation he failed to honour on health grounds A report from the meeting says the Council directed that the Kokosohene, Nana Kwaku Dua, should vacate his position as the Chairman of the Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party for the Manhyia South Constituency. Wontumis accuser Kokosuhene, Nana Kwaku Duah, was also advised to abstain from bringing political issues to the Manhyia Palace. 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. Featured Video Former National Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Alhaji Said Sinare, has hit hard at the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) describing them as Ghana's biggest mistake. While receiving some stalwarts of the Muslim fraternity and Faisal Kumilah, a renowned Hausa musician to his Labone residence on Saturday, the NDC's Zongo President called on Ghanaians to outrightly reject the NPP on December 7th 2024. The former high commissioner also urged frustrated NPP members to leave the party because of its deplorable performance that plunged Ghana into a state of sorry and disarrays, saying the "mass defection from the ruling party across the country signalled the coming interment of the NPP. He described Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as a complete disappointment who cannot represent the future of hope and brighter aspirations that Ghanaians look forward to after helping President Nana Addo to collapse every basic structure of Ghana given to them in 2016. "It is important to stress once again that the 2024 general elections, more than anything else, is a referendum about the scorecard of the NPP and Ghanaians should not reward their failure with even a day more on the saddle," he added. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Tax season for 2024 has begun. And if you happen to be someone who uses platforms like H&R Block to complete your taxes, be wary that some may make you pay for services that could be free, as evidenced by a recent settlement. The Los Angeles Times now reports how the Los Angeles, Calif., City Attorneys office confirmed that a settlement has been reached with H&R Block as of last week. The tax company could be giving customers in California as much as $1.6 million in refunds. According to a statement published by the office, this lawsuit was filed in 2019 and accused H&R Block of fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices by pushing Free-File eligible individuals which is anyone whose adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less to their paid online consumer products. This was done through methods such as stating how customers needed to purchase a paid product to file returns. Bloomberg Law additionally reported in July 2023 how H&R Block along with two other Alphabet Inc.-owned companies, Google and TaxAct Holdings Inc. was hit by more proposed class action lawsuits accusing companies of user privacy violations. ClassAction.org explains that this particular suit affects Anyone in California or Pennsylvania who used H&R Blocks online tax preparation and filing services and has a Facebook account. An update on that, however, remains pending. With tax filing season starting today, this settlement is a reminder that millions of taxpayers are eligible to file their federal tax returns free of charge, said Los Angeles City Attorney, Hydee Feldstein Soto, via statement. My office will always work to protect California consumers and I am pleased to be able to return $1.6 million to people who shouldnt have paid for a free service. The Los Angeles Times adds that affected Californians will be emailed within a few weeks time, most likely around mid-April. By Matthew Brown, The Associated Press An 18th-century British painting stolen by New Jersey mobsters in 1969 has been returned more than a half-century later to the family that bought it for $7,500 during the Great Depression, the FBIs Salt Lake City field office announced Friday. By Lolita C. Baldor, Aamer Mahhani and Zeke Miller, The Associated Press WASHINGTON U.S. forces may have mistaken an enemy drone for an American one and let it pass unchallenged into a desert base in Jordan where it killed three U.S. troops and wounded dozens more, officials said Monday. Details of the Sunday attack emerged as President Joe Biden faced a difficult balancing act, blaming Iran and looking to strike back in a forceful way without causing any further escalation of the Gaza conflict. As the enemy drone was flying in at a low altitude, a U.S. drone was returning to the small installation known as Tower 22, according to a preliminary report cited by two officials, who were not authorized to comment and insisted on anonymity, As a result, there was no effort to shoot down the enemy drone that hit the outpost. One of the trailers where troops sleep sustained the brunt of the strike, while surrounding trailers got limited damage from the blast and flying debris. While there are no large air defense systems at Tower 22, the base does have counter-drone systems, such as Coyote drone interceptors. Aside from the soldiers killed, the Pentagon said more than 40 troops were wounded in the attack, most with cuts, bruises, brain injuries and similar wounds. Eight were medically evacuated, including three who were going to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The other five, who suffered minor traumatic brain injuries, were expected to return to duty. Asked if the failure to shoot down the enemy drone was human error, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh responded that the U.S. Central Command was still assessing the matter. The Pentagon identified those killed in the attack as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Ga.; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Ga., and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Ga. The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade in Fort Moore, Georgia. The explanation for how the enemy drone evaded U.S. air defenses came as the White House said Monday its not looking for war with Iran even as Biden vows retaliatory action. The Democratic administration believes Tehran was behind the strike. Biden met with national security advisers in the White House Situation Room to discuss the latest developments and potential retaliation. A satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC shows a military base known as Tower 22 in northeastern Jordan on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. A satellite image taken Monday of the Jordanian base targeted by a bomb-carrying drone that killed three U.S. soldiers appears to show damage at the site. The damage can be seen in the center left of the photo. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)AP Theres no easy answer here, said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. And thats why the president is meeting with his national security team weighing the options before him. The brazen attack, which the Biden administration blames on Iranian-based proxies, adds another layer of complexity to an already tense Mideast situation as the Biden administration tries to keep the Israel-Hamas war from expanding into a broader regional conflict. The president and I will not tolerate attacks on U.S. forces, and we will take all necessary actions to defend the U.S. and our troops, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said as he met at the Pentagon with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The drone attack was one of dozens on U.S. troops in the Middle East since Hamas launched attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, igniting the war in Gaza. But its the first in which American service members have been killed. Biden promised on Sunday to hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner (of) our choosing but said the U.S. wasnt seeking to get into another conflict in the Middle East. Kirby also made clear that American patience has worn thin after more than two months of attacks by Iranian proxies on U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria and Jordan and on U.S. Navy and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The proxy groups including Yemens Houthi rebels and Iraq based Kataeb Hezbollah say the attacks are in response to Israels ongoing military operations in Gaza. We are not looking for a war with Iran, Kirby told reporters. That said, this was a very serious attack. It had lethal consequences. We will respond, and we respond appropriately. Iran on Monday denied it was behind the Jordan strike. These claims are made with specific political goals to reverse the realities of the region, Irans state-run IRNA news agency quoted foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying. Iran regularly denies involvement in attacks linked back to it through the militias it arms across the wider Mideast. Kirby said that U.S. officials are still working through determining which militant group was behind the attack. He noted that Iran has longed to equip and train the militias. Republicans have laid blame on Biden for doing too little to deter Iranian militias, which have carried out approximately 165 attacks on U.S. troops in the region since the start of the war. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump on Sunday called the attack yet another horrific and tragic consequence of Joe Bidens weakness and surrender. The attack hit a U.S. military desert outpost in the far reaches of northeastern Jordan known as Tower 22. The installation sits near the demilitarized zone on the border between Jordan and Syria along a sandy, bulldozed berm marking the DMZs southern edge. The Iraqi border is only 10 kilometers (6 miles) away. The base began as a Jordanian outpost watching the border, then saw an increased U.S. presence after American forces entered Syria in late 2015. The small installation includes U.S. engineering, aviation, logistics and security troops, with about 350 U.S. Army and Air Force personnel deployed. Iraqs government condemned the drone strike. Spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in a statement that Iraq was monitoring with a great concern the alarming security developments in the region and called for an end to the cycle of violence. The statement said that Iraq is ready to participate in diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. An umbrella group for Iran-backed factions known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed dozens of attacks against bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria since the Israel-Hamas war began. On Sunday, the group claimed three drone attacks against sites in Syria, including near the border with Jordan, and one inside of occupied Palestine but so far hasnt claimed the attack in Jordan. This undated image provided by Shawn Sanders shows Army Spc. Kennedy Sanders, right, posing for a selfie with her mother, Oneida Oliver-Sanders, at a ceremony in Columbus, Ga., on Aug. 9, 2023. The 24-year-old Army reservist's parents confirmed she was among three U.S. service members killed Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, by a drone strike at their base in Jordan near the border with Syria. Sanders of Waycross, Georgia, joined the Army Reserve five years ago, her parents said, and was taking college courses to become an X-ray technician. (Shawn Sanders via AP)AP John Bolton, who served as national security adviser to Trump, said Iran hasnt paid a price for the havoc that its proxies have unleashed in the region. He suggested the Biden administration could send a strong message to Tehran with strikes on Iranian vessels in the Red Sea, Iranian air defenses along the Iraqi border, and bases that have been used to train and supply militant groups for years. So until Iran bears a cost, youre not going to reestablish deterrence, youre not going to put the belligerence on a downward slope. The attack came as U.S. officials were seeing signs of progress in negotiations to broker a deal between Israel and Hamas to release the more than 100 remaining hostages being held in Gaza in exchange for an extended pause in fighting. While contours of a deal under consideration would not end the war, Americans believed that it could lay the groundwork for a durable resolution to the conflict. Top U.S., Israeli, Egypt and Qatari officials held talks on Sunday in France about an emerging framework for a hostage deal. Israel said significant gaps remain but called the talks constructive and said they would continue in the week ahead. Associated Press writers Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad, Jon Gambrell in Jerusalem and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed reporting. How about that wintry mix, folks? Snow isnt fun. Rain can be depressing. Mix them up into that good old wintry mix and you have yourself one yuck of a Pennsylvania winter. Wouldnt it nice to break away and get some sun? Maybe have a few adult beverages on a beach? Well folks, good news. You can catch a flight straight out of Pennsylvania to Cancun for cheap as part of Spirit Airlines limited-time anniversary sale. One-way tickets to the popular vacation spot reportedly start at $79 and with travel dates set between February 7 and March 6 of this yar. The airline offers nonstop flights to Cancun from nine cities, including Baltimore and Philadelphia, so there are a couple spots within driving distance for many in the Keystone State to catch the plane to paradise. For 20 years, weve been pleased to offer our guests affordable, nonstop service to Cancun, making the popular beach destination more accessible and affordable with the opportunity to save on airfare while enjoying more of Cancuns tourist attractions, John Kirby, Spirits Vice President of Network Panning, said according to Travel Pulse. Were grateful to Cancun International Airport and our guest in Southeast Mexico for embracing our business model and trusting us with their travels for the past two decades. Margo Smith might not be a name that most young country music fans know, but if you Google her you will see legend right there next to her name. Sadly, the headlines will also mention that she has died at the age of 84. According to multiple reports, Smith actually passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 23. A cause of death has not been reported. Smith was reportedly a kindergarten teacher in Ohio for around a decade before her career took off. She then churned out 18 studio albums between 1971 and 2005. Smith was named ASACP Country Artist of the Year in 1979 and won the CCMA Living Legend Award in 2001. The Academy of Country Music tweeted Monday about her death. Please join the Academy in mourning the passing of Country star Margo Smith. Nominated for ACM Most Promising Female Vocalist in 1976, she had two #1 hits in the 1970s: "Don't Break the Heart That Loves You" and "It Only Hurts for a Little While." Boasting a show-stopping talent ACM Awards (@ACMawards) January 29, 2024 Please join the Academy in mourning the passing of Country star Margo Smith, it said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. Nominated for ACM Most Promising Female Vocalist in 1976, she had two #1 hits in the 1970s: Dont Break the Heart That Loves You and It Only Hurts for a Little While. Boasting a show-stopping talent for yodeling, she was known as The Tennessee Yodeler. We send our love and healing to her family, friends and fans. Lower Paxton Township has partnered with NutriPacks to secure a $25,000 grant from CommunityAid Foundation that will be used to provide food for Central Dauphin School District students. The funds come at a critical time, as NutriPacks has seen a 36 percent increase in food prices, according to a press release. NutriPacks (www.cdsdnutripacks.org) currently helps 1,890 students in 1,200 households and hands out more than 800 meals weekly. It is with immense joy and appreciation that I extend our heartfelt thanks to CommunityAid for their generous grant of $25,000 to the NutriPacks program, Lower Paxton Township Supervisors Chairman Robin Lindsey said. Together, we are nurturing the future of our community, one meal at a time. The English Premier League returns to the pitch after an 8-day break with a five-match Tuesday schedule that features an afternoon matchup between Aston Villa and Newcastle United. The match is set for a 3:15 p.m. ET start at Villa Park in Birmingham. The Aston Villa-Newcastle match will be carried live on USA Network in 4K. Live streams are also available with introductory offers from FuboTV (free trial), along with DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling TV. Aston Villa is set to play its final match of January looking to light an offensive spark that carries the club into February action. The Lions have played in back-to-back scoreless draws, once in Premier League action against Everton (Jan. 14) and again in the FA Cup against Chelsea (Jan. 26). Aston Villa currently sits in fourth position in the English Premier League standings with a 13-4-4 record and 43 points, trailing on goal differential in a three-way tie with Manchester City and Arsenal. All three sit five points back of Premier League leader Liverpool with 48 points. ASTON VILLA VS. NEWCASTLE UNITED ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH INFO When: 3:15 p.m. ET Where: Villa Park, Birmingham. TV channel: USA Network Live stream options: FuboTV (free trial) | DirecTV Stream (free trial) | Sling TV Moneyline: Aston Villa -120, Newcastle United +290, draw +290. ** Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook Newcastle United sits at 9-2-10 overall with 29 points and is in 10th position with its 29 points. The sides goal differential (+9) suggests more favorable outcomes could be in future with an offense that has scored the sixth-most goals (41) in the Premier League. The Aston Villa versus Newcastle United match will be carried on USA Today with a 3:15 p.m. ET kickoff. Live streams for the match are also available with introductory offers from FuboTV (free trial), along with DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling TV. Heres what all the fuss was about, as Freida Whales reads to kids during Drag Story Time this past Saturday at the Penticton Art Gallery. 888poker LIVE Madrid: Ain't No Place Like Home for Manuel Ledesma January 30, 2024 Josh Noy Global Live Events Assistant Manager An exciting week of action at 888poker LIVE Madrid has come to an end, but not without a storybook finish for Spains Manuel Ledesma under the bright lights of the final table at his home poker room. After starting the final day as the short stack with just 10 big blinds, the Madrid resident battled his way back at Casino Gran Via, staying alive several times before finishing the night holding the coveted 888 Main Event trophy and taking home 58,000. The win was a test of his endurance, as he survived the Day 1b turbo before bagging at the end of 11 more levels of play on Day 2. "I'm really happy, honestly, " Ledesma said after his victory. "I'm a little tired because it was a lot of hours in a row. I came here playing the turbo, and its all day, fifteen hours in a row playing, but well, I'm very happy, honestly, really happy." Ledesma outlasted a field of 435 entries across four starting flights to take the largest portion of the 333,905 prize pool. The final first-place prize was decided after a heads-up deal with runner-up Juan Lyons, who earned 52,000 for his efforts. "I'm playing regularly here in Gran Via" continued Ledesma."I don't have much time to travel or do circuits, but I could play big festivals like the ones here." Although he had previously earned larger scores in his poker career, not much can top the feeling of winning at home. 888 Main Event Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize (EUR) 1 Manuel Ledesma Spain 58,000 * 2 Juan Lyons Spain 52,000 * 3 Ramon Fernandez Spain 32,500 4 Borja Diaz Spain 24,300 5 Guillermo Sanchez Spain 18,205 6 Mateo Calzoni Italy 13,700 7 Greg Campbell United Kingdom 10,000 8 Carlos Perez-Dosio Spain 8,000 * Indicates heads-up deal Final Table Action The day began with Ledesma nursing the short stack out of the final nine players, but he was able to avoid trouble early while seeing others hit the rail. George Chiriac was the first to fall in ninth place when his ace-king ran into the pocket aces of Carlos Perez-Dosio. It did not take long for Perez-Dosio to make his exit as the next to go in eighth spot, while Greg Campbell shoved an inferior ace to end his run in seventh. Action slowed a bit before Mateo Calzoni ran his pocket fours into queens against Lyons to hit the rail in sixth position. From there, the title was sure to be won by a player representing Spain. By the time action was five-handed, Ledesma had already won a trio of all-ins to start building up his stack, but the biggest one came next against Guillermo Sanchez. Ledesma was able to crack kings, signalling a downward turn for his opponent. Sanchez found another pair of kings but lost once again, this time for his tournament life in fifth place. The final hand before the dinner break saw Borja Diaz call off with tens against Ledesma, who found aces to score the knockout. After dinner, Ramon Fernandez and Lyons tangled in a pair of big pots sitting side by side. Lyons caught his card both times, the latter of which sealed a third place finish for the start-of-day chip leader. How to Grab Instant Wins at 888casino: The PokerNews Guide Heads-Up Deal Manuel Ledesma vs Juan Lyons Prior to heads-up play, Lyons held the chip lead as both players agreed to a deal. The agreement still left 11,000 to play for and the 888poker trophy. Ledesma surged into the lead early and never looked back. Despite some strong play from Lyons, he could only manage to make up some of the ground before calling off against Ledesmas flopped set of tens. It marked the end of a great week of poker in the Spanish capital, with a hometown hero taking down the title. Grab the Best 888poker Welcome Bonus Now is the perfect time to join 888poker. If you have not already done so, remember to download 888poker via PokerNews and create your free account. Be sure to check out our 888poker review by clicking the button below to find out about all the amazing welcome bonuses that the site has on offer. The information is kept up to date, so you are guaranteed to find the best 888poker bonus and offers. Sharelines Ledesma outlasted a field of 435 entries across four starting flights An exciting week of action at 888poker LIVE Madrid has come to an end, but not without a storybook finish for Spains Manuel Ledesma under the bright lights of the final table at his home poker room. After starting the final day as the short stack with just 10 big blinds, the Madrid resident battled his way back at Casino Gran Via, staying alive several times before finishing the night holding the coveted 888 Main Event trophy and taking home 58,000. The win was a test of his endurance, after surviving the Day 1b turbo before bagging at the end of 11 more levels of play on Day 2. "Really happy, honestly" Ledesma said afer his victory. "A little tired because it was a lot of hours in a row, I came here playing the turbo and its all day, fifteen hours in a row playing but well, very happy, honestly, really happy." Ledesma outlasted a field of 435 entries across four starting flights to take the largest portion of the 333,905 prize pool. The final first-place prize was decided after a heads-up deal with runner-up Juan Lyons, who earned 52,000 for his efforts. "I'm playing regular here in Gran Via" continued Ledesma."I don't have a lot of time to travel, to do circuits, but I could play big festivals like the ones here." Although he had previously earned larger scores in his poker career, not much can top the feeling of winning at home. 888 Main Event Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize (EUR) 1 Manuel Ledesma Spain 58,000 * 2 Juan Lyons Spain 52,000 * 3 Ramon Fernandez Spain 32,500 4 Borja Diaz Spain 24,300 5 Guillermo Sanchez Spain 18,205 6 Mateo Calzoni Italy 13,700 7 Greg Campbell United Kingdom 10,000 8 Carlos Perez-Dosio Spain 8,000 * Indicates heads-up deal Main Event Final Table Final Table Action The day began with Ledesma nursing the short stack out of the final nine players, but he was able to avoid trouble early while seeing others hit the rail. George Chiriac was the first to fall in ninth place when his ace-king ran into the pocket aces of Carlos Perez-Dosio. It did not take long for Perez-Dosio to make his exit as the next to go in eighth spot, while Greg Campbell shoved an inferior ace to end his run in seventh. Action slowed a bit before Mateo Calzoni ran his pocket fours into queens against Lyons to hit the rail in sixth position. From there, the title was sure to be won by a player representing Spain. By the time action was five-handed, Ledesma had already won a trio of all-ins to start building up his stack, but the biggest one came next against Guillermo Sanchez. Ledesma was able to crack kings, signalling a downward turn for his opponent. Sanchez found another pair of kings but lost once again, this time for his tournament life in fifth place. The final hand before the dinner break saw Borja Diaz call off with tens against Ledesma, who found aces to score the knockout. After dinner, Ramon Fernandez and Lyons tangled in a pair of big pots sitting side by side. Lyons caught his card both times, the latter of which sealed a third place finish for the start-of-day chip leader. Heads-Up Deal Prior to heads-up play, Lyons held the chip lead as both players agreed to a deal. The agreement still left 11,000 to play for, along with the 888poker trophy. Ledesma surged into the lead early and never looked back. Despite some strong play from Lyons, he could only manage to make up some of the ground before calling off against Ledesmas flopped set of tens. It marked the end of a great week of poker in the Spanish capital, with a hometown hero taking down the title. Manuel Ledesma vs Juan Lyons This concludes PokerNews coverage of the 888poker LIVE Madrid Main Event, but be sure to follow our live reporting of the 888poker XL Winter Series and other major events around the world. Donald Trump is criticizing the bipartisan Senate border bill even though his border policies failed. Why Is Trump Bashing The Senate Border Deal? Donald Trump posted on Truth Social and criticized the bipartisan Senate border deal, I didnt need a big, complex Democrat-oriented Border Bill, which will make Republicans look bad, I just closed the Border, and had, by far, the Safest Border in the History of our Country! Trump is lying about closing the border. CNN reported: To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily. Under the proposed deal, the Department of Homeland Security would be granted new emergency authority to shut down the border if daily average migrants crossing unlawfully reach 4,000 over a one-week span. Certain migrants would be allowed to stay if they proved to be fleeing torture or persecution in their countries. Its impossible to close the border to asylum seekers because of current law, despite multiple attempts by Trump to do so while he was in office. Trump is criticizing the Senate border deal because he wants to use the border crisis as a key issue in his presidential election campaign and is seeking to deny President Biden a resolution to the problem or a political win. Was Trumps Border Policy Successful? Research by the conservative Cato Institute found that Trumps border policy failed: President Trumps top policy priority was supposedly border security. But government data show that he failed to improve it. Border Patrol recorded 41 percent more successful illegal entries in fiscal year 2019 than in 2016 and was on pace for 47 percent more through four months of 2020. As he left office in January, reports indicate that the numbers have reached even greater heights. the government records show that Border Patrol was observing more immigrants sneaking into the country than when President Trump took office. In fiscal year 2016, Border Patrol agents witnessed about 100,000 successful entries. By 2018, the number had risen to nearly 128,000. In 2019, it hit 150,000. Through four months of 2020, it was on pace to hit almost 156,000. Trump failed to close the border as president, and his policy resulted in more illegal immigration, not less. Donald Trump is trying to kill a border bill that would solve a problem before the 2024 election because he is putting himself ahead of the country. The former presidents policies failed, and he is blocking the nation from achieving success. A Special Message From PoliticusUSA If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here. We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value. Aiken County and South Carolina residents can cast their ballots Saturday in the first of two presidential primaries to be held this month. The South Carolina Democratic Presidential Preference Primary will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Who can vote? All South Carolina residents registered to vote by Jan. 4 can vote. The Palmetto State does not have closed primaries, meaning anyone from the most conservative voter to the most liberal can vote in either the Democratic or Republican presidential primary, but not both. Who will be on the ballot? Three names will be on the ballot: incumbent Joe Biden, U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., and activist and author Marianne Williamson. No write-ins are allowed. Biden is widely favored in polls and betting markets to win the nomination. RealClearPolitics's polling average shows Biden receiving around 70% of the vote nationally with Williamson receiving 7% and Phillips receiving 3%. RealClearPolitics does not list any polls specifically for the South Carolina primary. ElectionBettingOdds.com lists Biden with a 81.8% chance to win the nomination as of Friday afternoon. Phillips and Williamson are not listed separately. There are no betting market odds specifically for the South Carolina Democratic primary. COLUMBIA Small-caliber ammunition from Fort Jackson firing ranges has been corroding into the Gills Creek Watershed for at least two decades. Its now threatening aquatic life in nearby lakes and streams. The high lead levels could impact many low-income and minority communities in lower Richland who rely on the fish they catch in Gills Creek to put food on the table, not just for recreation, according to an environmental group. The watershed, which has faced a myriad of water quality issues, is made up of 115 miles of streams across Richland County, starting near Sesquicentennial State Park and flowing into the Congaree River just above Congaree National Park. In 2017, lower Richland County residents were warned about high mercury levels in largemouth bass populating Gills Creek. Seven years later, they are again being warned that the fish they catch could pose a risk to their health. Where is the lead coming from? Although DHEC has considered several sources of pollution including air emissions from Owens Steel and CMC Steel, as well as properties owned by the city of Columbia and Richland County state health officials believe most of the lead is coming from firing ranges at Fort Jackson. The Army base has 19 small-arms firing ranges. Seventeen of them are in the western portion of the base, adjacent to small streams and tributaries that are a part of the Gills Creek Watershed, according to a 2022 document Fort Jackson sent to DHEC. Here, bullets and spent casings made primarily of copper and lead corrode into the surrounding soil. These firing ranges have been in use since about 1940, according to Fort Jackson. Fort Jackson first became aware of the lead runoff in 2002, after Mississippi State University conducted a study for the Army. It found that lead-contaminated soil was entering Boyden Arbor Pond and small creeks surrounding the firing ranges, primarily during heavy rain events. NORTH CHARLESTON A couple of weeks ago, I found myself eating a salad with chopsticks in a barbecue joint. It was a really good salad, too, with lots of crunch from watermelon radish and thin, crisp-fried noodles. The concoction is dubbed, fittingly, the crunch salad ($13), and its baby gem lettuce is tossed in a delightfully creamy carrot dressing with a big surge of ginger. What really makes the bowl are the thin shreds of smoked cheddar tucked inside, which add beguiling little pops of hickory smoke amid all the greenery. Thats the kind of salad I can get behind. I can get behind a lot of other things at King BBQ, too, like the shrimp toast sliders ($9 for two). Each stacks a thick, golden brown cube of deep-fried shrimp toast inside a sweet Kings Hawaiian roll. The hot, crisp slab pops with rich shrimp flavor, and tangy, thin-sliced pickles and rivulets of creamy tartar sauce make for a delightful contrast. Yes, I promise I am talking about a barbecue joint. Behind the restaurant, secured inside a tall wooden fence, are a set of Lang offset smokers, and, man, do they smell good when you get out of the car in the broad, newly-paved parking lot reminiscent of the approach to classic North Carolina Piedmont region joints like Stameys and Lexington Barbecue. Then you walk around the corner to the front sidewalk and encounter two giant green guardian lions flanking the main door. Inside, your eye is grabbed by clumps of big red paper lanterns with long tassels dangling over the bar to the right. To the left, the dining room comprises a geometrical maze of small booths with jade green beadboard backs. King BBQ is the handiwork of Shuai and Corrie Wang, the co-owners of Jackrabbit Filly, and Brandon Olson, Jackrabbit Fillys former sous chef and now Kings chef de cuisine/pitmaster. They bill their offering as Chinatown BBQ made with Southern Smoke, and its an apt description. GREENVILLE Stories of desperation take shape at the small white folding table off to the side in Project Host's dining room as Nona Henderson asks questions listed on a survey sheet. Henderson, the entry system manager for United Housing Connections, listens intently as the people sitting across from her speak, checking boxes as she goes. She's one of the dozens of service providers and volunteers who will be searching the Upstate's soup kitchens, shelters and homeless camps this year for the annual Point in Time Count, an effort to count the area's homeless population. Sign up for updates! Get the latest Greenville news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! It's a process that plays out across the country every year. The tally is used to calculate federal funding for homeless services. Last year, the Upstate Continuum of Care, a coalition of nonprofits and other service providers, counted more than 1,400 homeless people in the Upstate. The count this year runs from Jan. 24-31. Its a difficult task, trying to find and count a population who are transient by definition and asking people who are often weary of authority figures to provide detailed information. But while some are hesitant to talk, many of the people at Project Host on Jan. 25 were grateful to have someone to tell their story to. About a hundred people filed into the soup kitchen that morning, looking for a warm meal and a dry place to sit on a rainy day. Henderson and her team sat to the side, offering candy and coupons for a free coffee and donut from Spinx convenience store. Every few minutes, a diner stopped by the table to ask what they were doing there, and some of them agreed to answer the survey questions. As Henderson and the other counters worked their way through the listed questions, the conversations inevitably stray from the scope of the survey. One man said he was struggling to re-assimilate after close to 20 years in prison, during which most of his family died. A mother, newly homeless, and her adult daughter, who had been on the streets for years, also stopped at the table. The younger woman answered "yes" when Henderson asked if she was a victim of domestic abuse, and spent the next several minutes describing the violence that, in part, led to her homelessness in the first place. GREENVILLE Greenville County Councilman Steve Shaw, who announced a bid for state Senate last month, said he plans to reverse course and instead will seek reelection to his current seat. Shaw would have faced off against state Rep. Jason Elliott in the Republican primary in June to replace state Sen. Dwight Loftis, who is retiring at the end of this term. The decision not to run for state office comes after conversations with constituents who urged him to remain on the council, Shaw told The Post and Courier on Jan. 29. "They feel me staying on council will provide continuity for their values, local Greenville County values," he said. His seat is one of seven up for reelection this year, six of them held by Republicans. He is one of only two of those six supported by the ultra-conservative Greenville County GOP in the coming primaries after the other four supported the county's first property tax increase in roughly 30 years. The other councilman supported by the party, Stan Tzouvelekas, announced last week he is leaving the council to run for Elliott's seat in the state House of Representatives. Shaw, a conservative councilman representing the county's District 20, was elected in 2020. Since taking office, Shaw has frequently clashed with his fellow councilmembers, including fellow Republicans. He staunchly opposed the budget that included the tax increase, which amounts to about $58 a year for a $200,000 home, and decried line items including spending on affordable housing, green space and the Greenlink bus system. Talking to The Post and Courier, Shaw left some room to change his mind on his decision to drop out of the state Senate race, saying, "None of us knows until filing." Robert Green, age 45, died on a Williamsburg County road last weekend. According to Highway Patrol, on March 16, at approximately 5:35am, a 2013 Dodge Challenger was driving south on County Line Road near the intersection of Country Club Road two miles outside of Andrews. The car struck a p Read morePedestrian killed on County Line Road But in the end, Toal found that the jury had done its job, ignoring whatever was said and delivering a verdict based on the facts of the case, even though one juror indicated that the clerks comments weighed on her. That juror identified only by the letter Z said that before Murdaugh took the witness stand, Hill told jurors to watch his actions and watch him closely. To me, it felt like she made it seem like he was already guilty, Juror Z said. Asked by Toal if the comments affected her verdict, the juror answered, Yes, maam. The juror also confirmed that she still stood by a sworn statement she signed in August 2023. In that affidavit, she recalled that Hill urged jurors not to be fooled by the case Murdaughs defense planned to present. But that affidavit also appeared to muddy the jurors testimony because it stated that the juror walked into the jury room without having made up her mind. She voted to convict hours later, the affidavit said, because the rest of the jury ultimately swayed her. None of the other jurors said their verdict was influenced by Hills comments, and most said they hadnt heard her make comments about the case at all. But in addition to Juror Z, two did report hearing something: Juror P remembered Hill encouraging the panel to watch his body language before Murdaugh took the witness stand, and Juror X recalled that the clerk said it was rare for criminal defendants to testify. According to Juror X, Hill either said it would be an epic day or an important day. Hill denied making these comments, too. Toal concluded that Hill did make inappropriate comments to at least one juror. But the outcome hinged on the high bar the judge had set for Murdaughs defense team to clear. Prior to the Jan. 29 ruling, the justice said she wanted the defense to prove that the process had been prejudiced essentially to show that the trials outcome was swayed by Hill's comments. In setting that standard, she cited a recent decision of the S.C. Supreme Court that narrowed the path for criminal defendants who believe their jury was improperly influenced. NORTH CHARLESTON Police arrested a 35-year-old who was free on bond in the Jan. 27 fatal shooting of a man on Otranto Road. James Palmer Jr. was arrested Jan. 29 near Fairwind Drive after a 24-year-old man crashed a car on Otranto Road and was found bleeding from a gunshot wound. Officers from the North Charleston Police Department responded just before 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 27 to reports of a collision where a driver left the road, colliding with a fence and tree, causing live power lines to land on top of his vehicle. They found the victim with his eyes rolled up and his hip bleeding from a gunshot wound. The Charleston County Coroner identified the victim as John Thomas III from Columbia, Ga. He died just before 2 a.m. Jan. 28 at the Trident Medical Center. Palmer's arrest came within 48 hours of the initial call. He is charged with murder and possession of a deadly weapon during a crime. Palmer was free on bond from an August 2021 arrest for domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature and two counts of assaulting a police officer while resisting arrest. He is again being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center. This is the second homicide North Charleston police have investigated this year. On Jan. 3, a young girl discovered her mother and mother's boyfriend lying dead in the driveway of their single-family suburban home. Investigators believe the man gunned down his girlfriend before turning the gun on himself. North Charleston police spokesman Harve Jacobs described the incident as an apparent murder suicide. North Charleston police responded to 30 homicides in 2023. Efforts to provide more affordable housing in Charleston County are moving forward, now with plans for flood regulations and a potential new grocery store located on Morrison Drive in Charleston. The county bought the 995 Morrison Drive property for $1.45 million in 1996 and has already made millions by selling off 1.5 acres of the original 8-acre parcel. Matt Wetli, a principal with Development Strategies, a Missouri-based consultant behind Charleston Countys plan to address its housing crisis, shared a brief summary of progress made and next steps at a Jan. 25 special housing committee meeting. The property, where an empty office building now stands, sits at the base of the peninsula's booming Neck Area. The site is adjacent to a public park and a quarter-mile from a stop along the planned Lowcountry Rapid Transit high-speed bus line. It's across the street from the Charleston Tech Center, a massive office building and 816-space parking garage. Wetli said the plan will include the addition of a Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) line, which pertains to flood mitigation and is a feature of flood insurance rate maps produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Pier Janrhett, a supervisory floodplain specialist for FEMA Region 4, said these regulations are meant to encourage higher construction standards. She said including a higher freeboard a factor of safety usually expressed in feet above a flood level would be one of those higher standards. A LiMWA line delineates where waves between 1.5 and 3 feet in height can infiltrate developed areas during flood events. Waves as small as 1.5 feet can cause foundation failure and structural damage to buildings, according to FEMA. Wetli said because of the LiMWA informational line defined by FEMA, they're limited in what can be done with the ground floor of a building. Retail and residential aren't options since they could be damaged by floodwaters, so the ground floor will be used for parking, he said. When I was in third grade, my teacher had a vegetable tasting day for us. We each brought in a vegetable from home and shared it with our classmates. I remember coming home, excited, and announcing to my mother that I had fallen in love with rutabaga. After a startled moment or two, she sm Read moreStevens: For the love of rutabaga and our children S.C. Senators had barely settled in to their debate Wednesday over allowing most South Carolinians to carry guns with practically no restrictions when Sen. Margie Bright-Matthews asked Sen. Greg Hembree how the bill was going to help South Carolina. Mr. Hembree proceeded to recount the changes the Legislature has made to gun laws since it first passed the Law Abiding Citizens Self-Defense Act of 1996 and his initial concerns about each successive change because of worries expressed among law-enforcement types that there would be blood in the streets. And every time when lawmakers allowed people to get permits to carry concealed weapons most places, when they allowed those weapons to be carried into bars, when they allowed people with permits from far less restrictive states to carry their guns here, when they allowed weapons to be carried openly that turned out not to have happened. It probably wont happen this time either, he said. But that didnt answer Ms. Bright-Matthews question. How, she repeated, is this bill going to improve our state? And here the former prosecutor was stymied, because the reason he was speaking at that moment was to try to stop the bills biggest supporters from stripping out the one provision that could potentially do some good an unrelated measure police say will make it easier to slow the revolving door on our criminal justice system, by making possession of a firearm by more convicted criminals a felony. We hope Sen. Hembree is right about the limited danger to passing H.3594; he might be. Whether he is or isnt, the fact is that South Carolina is not going to be improved by allowing anyone who hasnt been convicted of certain crimes to carry a gun just about anywhere they want, with no requirement for training or even exposure to the short list of places those guns are still prohibited. FLORENCE "WANT MORE" Myles Calvert and Tamara LaVallas new Florence art exhibit is a study in making art as much as it is a study in the art itself. On the surface, the work appears subdued, even minimalist. Hues of black, white and gray dominate. Form is the focal point simple, gently curving lines with little ornamentation. Dozens of small concrete vessels, for example. A burnt oak bench. Yet beneath the surface lies a years-worth of work: hundreds of hours spent in the studio, countless iterations of the same idea, a compulsion to go a little further, add another layer to the piece. There's this obsessive, intense, all-consuming passion and energy, LaValla said. But it doesn't express itself in this maximalist way. Actually, all of that sort of gets funneled quite precisely. Thats part of the premise of "WANT MORE," featured at the Gately Gallery in downtown Florence through March 7. The two artists described the exhibit as a collection of obsessive, ritualistic, indulgent pieces that lean heavily on technique, dedicated line quality and a meticulous process. The gallery features art from the past two years and from a wide swath of disciplines video to screen printing to sculpture. On one wall sits a 26-minute video of a flickering candle. On another, white cloths hang, each printed with the same black cube. The diversity of designs was part of the appeal for the gallery, said Dawn Fenimore, the gallery coordinator. Owned and operated by Francis Marion University, Gately Gallery selects five exhibits to show each year. "WANT MORE" is the first of 2024. The submission from Calvert and LaValla differed from recent selections, Fenimore said. Many recent exhibits have focused on two-dimensional work, while "WANT MORE" embraced a variety of materials and techniques. It really just brought a different texture to the gallery than weve had before, she said. The exhibit is built on the friendship between Calvert and LaValla, both professors at Winthrop University in Rock Hill. EFFINGHAM The arrest of five males, including two juveniles, by the Florence County Sheriffs Office could lead to the discovery of more car break-ins possibly connected to the five. The five were arrested Jan. 28 and are charged with two counts of larceny/breaking into motor vehicle and one count of conspiracy/criminal conspiracy, common law. The three adults are being held in Florence, while the juveniles were sent to Columbia. Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye said at a Jan. 29 press conference the arrests wouldnt have been possible without help from the community. That call put us on this, bottom line, Joye said. The Sheriffs Office got a call around 2:50 a.m. that described a car in the area around Pine Needles Road matching the description of a car associated with car break-ins, which a deputy at the time was responding to. The deputy saw a white 2013 Nissan Altima that matched the description he received and stopped the car on his way to the address of a break-in, according to an incident report from the Sheriffs Office. The men in the car told the deputy they were driving from their house but couldnt give the address. The deputy called for another deputy and the men in the car were detained. The deputy was responding to a call from a man whose family car was broken into. The man provided video footage of the five men breaking into the car. The man described an item stolen from the car, which was found in the car the five men were driving. The men were arrested when the item was found. It matters when you notify us because this led to an arrest that possibly through the investigation is gonna be more cases where these people have been going into cars, Joye said. The Sheriffs Office continues to investigate the incident. Joye recommended individuals lock their cars and not leave guns in plain view to prevent vehicle break-ins. Eighty-five percent of guns the Sheriffs Office confiscates or finds in connection with a crime are stolen, Joye said. Republican Catherine Templeton next week will announce her plans to run for Congress against U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, setting up what is expected to be a crowded, contentious and dramatic clash in the GOP primary for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District. Brandon Moody, an adviser for Templeton's forthcoming campaign, confirmed the news Jan. 30 to The Post and Courier. It came after the newspaper tried for days to reach Templeton for comment about her political ambitions. Plans for a Feb. 5 kickoff event in Mount Pleasant are underway. Her official candidate filings, along with a campaign website, are expected in the coming days before the launch. A campaign video could also follow. Mace, R-Isle of Palms, did not immediately return a request for comment. The dynamic unfolding in the primary contest lays bare what had been rumored for months: That Mace would face political consequences and challengers for her seat after joining a GOP-led revolt to oust Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House. Before McCarthy left Congress, he unloaded on Mace one of eight House Republicans to reject him as speaker in an interview with CNN, saying she had not "earned the right" to be reelected. "If you've watched her, just her philosophy and the flip-flopping, yeah," McCarthy said. "I don't believe she wins reelection." Mace has built a high-profile reputation in Congress as someone who refuses to toe the GOP party line, frequently calls herself a "caucus of one" and has a knack for landing TV interviews. She often attributes her seemingly unpredictable voting patterns to the independent streak that cuts across her district. Mace, who first rose to prominence in 1999 when she became the first female graduate of the formerly all-male Corps of Cadets at The Citadel, was first elected to Congress in 2020. She is seeking reelection to a third term. COLUMBIA The S.C. House of Representatives is slowly advancing two bills allowing localities to hold referendums on Sunday liquor sales, the legalization of curbside pickup and regulation of spirits for home delivery. But the debate over the pair of bills has exposed rifts in the Legislature that cut across party lines, even as both appear to carry fairly good prospects of passing in the House. On Jan. 24, the House Judiciary Committee voted 17-5 to send a bill that would allow counties or municipalities to hold referendums to greenlight liquor sales from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. It would also allow microdistilleries statewide to sell their products on Sundays, no referendum needed. The committee passed a second bill 16-4 to legalize curbside sales of alcohol and regulate home delivery of alcohol. South Carolina is one of four states that still ban the sale of liquor on Sundays; the others are Texas, North Carolina and Utah. On one side of the issue are the states microdistilleries and major retailers like Maryland-based chain Total Wine & More and Diageo, a London-based international distiller, who support the change they believe would boost sales. What other type of business in this state can be open on Sunday but is unable to sell products that it produces? Chris Crowe, the owner of Burnt Church Distillery in Bluffton, told lawmakers at a Jan. 10 subcommittee hearing. The bills supporters in the Legislature include coastal lawmakers who see the ban on Sunday sales as hampering tourism, along with free market Republicans and Democrats who view the law as a moralizing vestige of another era. Locally owned ABC stores have fiercely opposed the change. They believe out-of-state chains will pour money in to win referendums, and that once passed, theyd be forced to open on Sundays to compete with the big retailers. PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 16:00:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 454 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ACR Oversaw Listing, Verification, and Issuance of Credits to A-GasBOWLING GREEN, OH / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 /A-Gas, a leader in the lifecycle management of refrigerants, announces it is one of the first two carbon projects approved for issuance of Ecology Offset Credits by the Washington State Department of Ecology, the regulatory agency responsible for the state's compliance carbon market.A-Gas collected refrigerant gases from Washington State via their Rapid Recovery on-site refrigerant recovery service, Rapid Exchange on-demand cylinder swap service, and from distributor partners. Once collected, A-Gas destroyed the refrigerant gas in their proprietary plasma arc destruction units, PyroPlas. A-Gas PyroPlas is the only plasma arc destruction technology in the United States approved for generating carbon offsets. A-Gas PyroPlas is the cleanest end-of-life technology because it can destroy Ozone Depleting Substances to an efficiency of 99.9999% with de minimis emissions and no adverse environmental impacts.Now, the 109,180 Ecology Offset Credits issued by the Department of Ecology to A-Gas (A-Gas 2-2023; Project ID: ACR902) can be used by covered entities towards meeting their emission reduction obligations in Washington's program.ACR was the Offset Project Registry for the project, issuing the serialized Registry Offset Credits to be converted to Ecology Offset Credits. The project was also verified to comply with the California Air Resources Board Compliance Offset Protocol for Ozone Depleting Substance Projects, which was adopted by the Washington Department of Ecology to generate the Registry Offset Credits."A-Gas is proud to be one of the first project developers for Ecology Offset Credits. Our purpose is to effectively manage the lifecycle of refrigerants to protect and enhance the environment. With the issuance of these credits, A-Gas is providing Washington organizations with a transparent mechanism to build a more sustainable future," stated Brooke Willard, Carbon Program Director for A-Gas."Carbon markets offer the least-cost pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also supporting other priorities, such as clean air and healthy communities," said Mary Grady, executive director of ACR. "We're pleased to be the first Offset Project Registry to issue carbon credits in support of the State of Washington's commitment to climate action." About A-GasA-Gas (US), headquartered in Bowling Green, Ohio, is a trading subsidiary of A-Gas International (headquartered in Bristol, UK) and is the world's largest refrigerant recovery and reclamation company. The company's core business offers environmental solutions and lifecycle management services for ozone depleting substances and global warming agents, including CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and Halons in the HVAC/Refrigeration and Fire Suppression Industries. For more information about A-Gas, please visit www.agas.com/us Contact InformationKristin Nugentkristin.nugent@mgr1.com 617-367-0100 Ext. 148Related Files2024_WA Issuance Announcement.docx SOURCE: A-GasView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 10:00:43 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 565 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 New capabilities help corporates de-risk their payment cycle within the AccessPay platformMANCHESTER, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 /AccessPay, the leading provider of bank integration, today announced the addition of Confirmation of Payee (CoP) and Sanctions Screening capabilities to its Fraud & Error Prevention Suite1, launched in 2023. The new capabilities will enable finance teams to avoid fraudulent and non-authorised payments, as well as accidental misdirection of funds. They will also ensure compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.AccessPay Confirmation of Payee "In developing the Fraud & Error Prevention Suite, AccessPay's aim was to help businesses take a proactive approach to fraud and risk management," states Anish Kapoor, CEO of AccessPay. "Regulators have increasingly high expectations when it comes to fraud and risk management, as demonstrated by the upcoming UK SOx regulation2, which requires large businesses to have robust controls in place to prevent fraud and errors. The addition of new CoP and Sanctions Screening capabilities will allow finance teams to de-risk even more elements of the payments lifecycle within our platform, demonstrating these controls to regulators." The new CoP capability from AccessPay enables organisations to perform name checks against beneficiaries to ensure the payment is sent to the correct account, helping to protect against Authorised Push Payment Fraud and the risk of human error. CoP checks are currently offered by the UK's largest banks and the PSR3 has mandated that all PSPs4 and building societies roll out these checks by mid-2024."Many finance professionals will be familiar with CoP checks through their banking platforms; a key differentiator of AccessPay's CoP service is that it is embedded within the AccessPay platform," details Fiona Brown, Customer Success Director at AccessPay. "This removes the need for finance teams to conduct checks off-platform by creating mock payments on banking portals to verify payee details. Instead, all checks happen within AccessPay, considerably decreasing the risks associated with manual checks and increasing efficiency in payment workflows." AccessPay's new Sanctions Screening capability enables businesses to check individuals, companies and transactions against government-issued lists of restricted parties. This helps firms subject to Money Laundering regulations bolster their AML5 processes when onboarding customers by detecting accounts linked to financial crime. Keeping up with the increasingly complex sanctions landscape has proved particularly challenging in light of the enduring Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has seen bodies such as OFSI6 introduce a raft of new sanctions packages against Russia and its allies. Failure to comply means companies can incur heavy fines and suffer significant reputational damage; data from HM Treasury7 shows that the total value of fines levied by the various UK supervisory bodies for non-compliance jumped from 109m in 2020-21 to 504m in 2021-22.Together, the tools offered by AccessPay's Fraud & Error Prevention Suite help businesses to streamline processes, mitigate key risks and improve regulatory compliance. With new risks emerging all the time, AccessPay will continue to add new features to the Fraud & Error Prevention Suite to help protect against potential losses, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.Notes to editors1. AccessPay, Managing financial compliance and fraud prevention2. Financial Reporting Council, Restoring trust in Audit and Corporate Governance 3. Payment Systems Regulator4. Payment Service Provider 5. Anti Money Laundering 6. Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation 7. HM Treasury, Anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism: Supervision Report 2020-22Contact InformationChanda ShingadiaThe Comms Crowdchanda@ commscrowd.com +44 (0)7951 163 615SOURCE: AccessPayView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 16:00:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 711 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 DELRAY BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Adolore BioTherapeutics ("Adolore" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company focused on developing breakthrough opioid-free gene therapy treatments for chronic pain, today announced that Roy C. Levitt, MD, the Company's founder and Executive Chairman, Clinical Professor, University of Miami, and Principal Investigator of a NIH, NINDS, HEAL UH3 Award will present at the 5th Annual NIH HEAL Initiative Scientific Meeting being held February 7-8, 2024 in Bethesda, Maryland.As part of his presentation, Dr. Levitt will provide a preclinical development update on the Company's gene therapy program for chronic pain associated with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). The presentation will take place as part of the Creative Therapeutic Strategies session being held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 3:00 PM ET, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.There are currently very few safe, efficacious non-opioid analgesic treatments for chronic pain on the market, leaving a large and very urgent unmet medical need. Leveraging its innovative CA8*(*Carbonic anhydrase-like analgesic peptides, CA8 variants) gene therapy, Adolore is currently advancing two preclinical development programs, ADB-101 for the treatment of patients' chronic pain caused by erythromelalgia, an orphan disease, and ADB-102 for the treatment of patients with chronic pain caused by knee OA. Based on compelling preclinical data generated to date, the Company is progressing these programs towards IND filings and first-in-human clinical studies. This CA8* therapeutic technology was licensed in 2023 by Adolore BioTherapeutics Inc. from the University of Miami, Miami, FL.The Company's development program for the treatment of chronic pain in knee osteoarthritis is supported by the NIH/NINDS HEAL UH3 Award to the University of Miami that supports all formal pre-clinical GLP/GMP/GCP development work through a first-in-human study in patients expected to commence in 2026.For more information about the NIH HEAL Initiative Meeting, visit the event website here.About the NIH HEAL InitiativeThe Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative, will bring together HEAL-funded researchers, patient and community partners/advisors, National Institutes of Health (NIH) leadership and scientific staff, federal officials, and other stakeholders to share research findings, explore trends and shared interests and challenges, and identify opportunities to advance the goals of the initiative.Plenary sessions will be available for the public to view via NIH VideoCast. The meeting will also include scientific symposia, discussion groups, networking, and poster sessions for in-person and virtual attendees.About Adolore BioTherapeutics, Inc.Adolore BioTherapeutics, Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for the treatment of chronic pain and other pain and nervous system conditions or disorders. Our best-in-class programs are long-acting, locally acting gene-therapies that are opioid-free Disease Modifying Anti-Pain therapies (DMAPs) for the treatment of chronic pain.The Company's two current CA8* gene therapy programs are in preclinical development for treatment of patients suffering from erythromelalgia, a life-long heritable chronic pain condition representing an orphan drug disease with no approved therapy, and chronic osteoarthritis knee pain, affecting a large number of patients that is often treated with opioids due to the lack of good alternatives, thus contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis.For more information, visit adolore.com Forward Looking StatementsTo the extent this announcement contains information and statements that are not historical, they are considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "project," "will," "should," "may," "plan," "intend," "assume" and other expressions which predict or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. You should not rely on forward-looking statements, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those associated with drug development. These risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.Investor Relations ContactJTC Team, LLCJenene Thomas833-475-8247 adolore@ jtcir.com SOURCE: Adolore Biotherapeutics, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 15:16:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 851 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Career Launch helps to remove barriers for those interested in careers in the medical fieldNORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 /KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation announced an investment of $750,000 in the Akron Children's Foundation, aimed at supporting its Career Launch Program.Career Launch is a workforce development program designed to remove barriers for participants looking to return to school and seeking a career in the medical field. Those who are enrolled, either employees or community members, continue to work in their jobs while attending college courses that will put them on the path to a stable career in healthcare with advancement opportunities. Graduates from the program receive job placement with Akron Children's."The Career Launch program provides an opportunity to fill in-demand positions at the hospital, while building a diverse workforce that reflects the patients, families and communities it serves," said Joe Daleiden, KeyBank East Ohio Market President. "KeyBank is so proud to support this program and Akron Children's on their mission of removing barriers to education for our community members. We believe everyone - regardless of their situation - deserves a chance at a successful future and a quality education is just one of the many building blocks for that success." "We are committed to serving the communities around us, helping talented people build the skills they need to put them on a path to stable careers with advancement opportunities in the medical field," said Janae Bragg, vice president of talent management at Akron Children's. "We are grateful for this investment from KeyBank, which will allow us to continue to remove barriers to access and help people achieve career success." Career Launch participants are eligible for:All costs for tuition, uniforms, books, supplies and equipment. Career Launch also offers transportation and childcare assistance when needed. Each participant is partnered with a mentor who is selected for a student's area of expertise. Each graduate will receive job placement with Akron Children's Career Launch recruits agree to work for Akron Children's for two/three years post-graduation.Kristine Hilles, 32, is currently attending Kent State University through the Career Launch program, pursuing a degree in nursing."When I found out I was accepted into the program, I felt relieved that I could go back to school to finish what I really wanted to go for," Hilles said. "I was going through a hard time at that point in my life and this gave me something to focus on. I'm excited for the structure this will give me to be successful in a career that I've always dreamed of doing." Veronica Miller, 39, graduated from Stark State College with a LPN certificate and is currently working at Akron Children's in the gastroenterology department."Akron Children's didn't just write me a check and say good luck', they helped me transition into my career," Miller said. "The program invested in me and my future. My mentors held me accountable and pushed me to excel." Miller is enrolled in courses to obtain her Registered Nurse degree.KeyBank has supported Akron Children's Hospital for more than two decades. In 2018, KeyBank pledged $1 million to support the hospital's Assuring Success with a Commitment to Enhance Nurse Diversity (ASCEND) Program.ABOUT KEYCORPKeyCorp's roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $188 billion at December 31, 2023.Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/ . KeyBank is Member FDIC.ABOUT AKRON CHILDREN'SAkron Children's is an independent, nonprofit pediatric health care system that has been caring for children in northeast Ohio since 1890. Our pediatric care is ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek. With two hospital campuses, six regional health centers and more than 50 primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, we are making it easier for today's busy families to find the high-quality care they need. We also operate neonatal and pediatric units in the hospitals of our regional health care partners. In 2022, our health care system provided more than 1.3 million patient encounters. Every year, our Akron Children's Home Care nurses provide thousands of in-home visits, and our School-Based Health Center nurses manage clinic visits for students from preschool through high school. With our Quick Care Online virtual visits and Akron Children's Anywhere app, we are here for families whenever and wherever they need us. Learn more at akronchildrens.org View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: KeyBankWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: KeyBank PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 15:31:00 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 398 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / National plaintiffs law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP encourages investors in Archer-Daniels-Midland Company ("ADM" or the "Company") (NYSE:ADM) who suffered losses from purchasing or otherwise acquiring ADM common stock between April 30, 2020 and January 22, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"), to contact us immediately regarding a pending securities fraud class action against ADM. The deadline to apply to be lead plaintiff is March 25, 2024.Class Period: April 30, 2020 - January 22, 2024Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: March 25, 2024Case information: lieffcabraser.com/securities/adm Contact us: Email or text investorinfo@ lchb.com or call 1-800-541-7358ADM, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is an agricultural supply chain manager and processor.The action alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements about the performance and prospects of ADM's Nutrition segment, while engaging in improper accounting practices and procedures that obscured the segment's true performance and purported growth.On January 21, 2024, ADM announced that it had placed its CFO and Senior Vice President, defendant Vikram Luthar, on leave effective immediately. According to ADM, Luthar's "leave is pending an ongoing investigation being conducted by outside counsel for ADM and the Board's Audit Committee regarding certain accounting practices and procedures with respect to ADM's Nutrition segment, including as related to certain intersegment transactions." The Company also revealed that it launched its investigation after it received a request for documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result, ADM delayed its Q4 and FY 2023 earnings release and withdrew its outlook for the Nutrition segment. On this news, the price of ADM common stock plummeted $16.23 per share, or approximately 24%, from its closing price of $68.19 per share on the previous trading day, to close at $51.69 on January 22, 2024.About Lieff CabraserLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, with over 120 attorneys in offices in San Francisco, New York, Nashville, and Munich, Germany, is an internationally recognized law firm committed to advancing the rights of investors and promoting corporate responsibility. Recognized as a "Plaintiffs' Powerhouse" by Law360, Lieff Cabraser has litigated some of the most important civil cases in the United States, and has assisted clients in recovering over $129 billion in verdicts and settlements. For over 50 years, Lieff Cabraser has remained committed to ensuring access to justice for all.ContactSharon LeeLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP415 956-1000 slee@ lchb.com SOURCE: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 05:58:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 786 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 29, 2024 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTCQB:BNXTF)(FSE:4XT) is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated December 21, 2023, December 28, 2023 and January 4, 2024, the Company has closed the final tranche of its non-brokered private placement in the amount of 720,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.40 per Unit for gross proceeds of $288,000 (the "Final Tranche"). Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire an additional Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.70 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months from the date of distribution of the Unit. The total placement size, cumulative of all tranches, is 2,920,000 Units for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,168,000 (the "Offering").The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering, including the Final Tranche, to fund activities related to drug development and commercialization programs, and general working capital purposes.In connection with closing of the Final Tranche, the Company paid cash finder's fees in the amount of $23,040 to an eligible finder, and issued to the same finder 57,600 non-transferable Share purchase warrants (the "Finder's Warrants"), with each Finder's Warrant exercisable into a Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance at a price of $0.67 per Share.All securities issued in connection with closing of the Offering, including those issued in the Final Tranche, are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation.The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities.About BioNxt Solutions Inc.BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience accelerator focused on nextgeneration drug formulations and delivery systems, diagnostic screening tests, and new active pharmaceutical production and evaluation, including: precision transdermal and oral dissolvable drug formulations; rapid, lowcost infectious disease and oral health screening tests; and standardization and clinical evaluation of emerging active pharmaceutical ingredients for neurological applications. The Company has research and development operations in North America and Europe, with an operational focus in Germany, and is currently focused on regulatory approval and commercialization of medical products for European marketsBioNxt Solutions Inc.Hugh Rogers, CEO and DirectorEmail: info@ bionxt.com Phone: +1 780-818-6422Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" InformationThis news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking information in this news release includes the anticipated use of the proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc. Oman's Nama Water Services has announced the launch of commercial operation at its temporary Al Ghubrah station, which has a total capacity of 20,000 cu m per day. The project aims to guarantee the continuity of water supply to citizens and resident subscribers, said a statement from Nama. The Omani water services company said commercial operations at the temporary Al Ghubrah station will continue for another five years until the completion of work on the Al Ghubrah Station Phase III. According to Nama, the construction work on the project is in its initial phase. "The operation of the temporary Al Ghubrah station comes with the aim of supporting the currently existing station, and covering the current increasing water needs in Muscat Governorate during peak water demand," said Engineer Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Nuaimi, the CEO of Operations and Maintenance at Nama Water Services. "This comes within the framework of the company's keenness to ensure water security by developing the required infrastructure and thus keep pace with urban expansion, whether at the level of residential, commercial or governmental facilities," he added. The Al Ghubrah Station 3 is an independent station from Al Ghubrah Station (2). Engineer Mohammed bin Marhoon Al Hinai, the Head of the Automation Systems and Precision Devices Department, stressed the operational readiness of the station, which operates on a reverse osmosis method, according to the planned capacity. According to him, Nama Water has been providing its services to more than 4 million people through water distribution, wastewater collection, transportation, treatment, disposal, and treated water supply. "Its total subscriber base for water and wastewater networks now stands at more than 896 subscribers," stated Al Hinai. Nama is achieving a steady increase in water production to keep pace with population growth and the increasing demand for water, said the top official. "Its drinking water production capacity surged to more than 444 million cu m in 2022, up 4% over the previous year," he added.-TradeArabia News Service PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 16:17:03 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 729 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Students from HBCUs compete in real-world investing event on the Bloomberg Terminal learning risk management, investing and data analytics skills within financial marketsNORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / BloombergOriginally published on bloomberg.com Bloomberg for Education and Bloomberg Human Resources have expanded the reach of this year's Bloomberg and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Trading Challenge to new universities and shifted to evaluate participant investment performance against a developed market (DM) index.The Bloomberg and HBCU Trading Challenge exercises the financial acumen of college participants through a virtual investment competition on the Bloomberg Terminal. Geared towards Black students in the US who are typically underrepresented in the finance industry, the challenge was created to help HBCU students build marketable skills and knowledge needed to compete for finance jobs and provide hands-on experience that they will use in their future careers.This year, students invested $1 million virtual US dollars across companies in the DM index in a closed network, with the assistance of university faculty and assigned Bloomberg mentors. The winner was decided based on the trade performance of participants, benchmarked against real DM indices on the Bloomberg Terminal."The new focus on developed markets stocks builds on last year's ESG-specific challenge to introduce another layer of difficulty and further replicate real world experiences," said Emily Perrucci, Global Head of User Support at Bloomberg. "Fund managers often must consider ESG factors as part of managing a much larger, diverse portfolio. We want to ensure students have a well-rounded understanding of market indices to be best prepared for future careers in finance." Participating universities included Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, Spelman College and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). Jaeden Patterson, a Senior at FAMU was this year's winner. "The advice I would give to future participants is to take advantage of your resources," said Patterson. "The mentor that was provided through the challenge helped me navigate unfamiliar functionality on the Bloomberg Terminal. Additionally, I was able to take the Bloomberg ESG Certificate Course, which enabled me to identify ESG investment strategies and apply them to develop a profitable portfolio." Students who participated in this year's challenge were invited to Bloomberg's headquarters in New York City. There, top-performing students had the opportunity to present their trading strategy to a panel of experts who offered feedback and insights on the students' experience. Students who participate in the challenge also receive direct access to Bloomberg recruiters who provide professional development support around interviewing and resume creation.Bloomberg continues to build relationships with HBCUs and contribute to cultivating the success of its students. By providing additional resources, like the Bloomberg Terminal, University professors are able to further enrich their coursework with the same tools that are used by financial professionals."Florida A&M University School of Business and Industry (SBI) has a long legacy of training students to be capable and well-prepared young business professionals. Bloomberg plays a role in that training process," said Dr. Inger M. Daniels-Hollar, Assistant Professor of Finance at FAMU. "Bloomberg access enables us to simulate for our students the experience of sitting on a real-life desk while they're still in college - much like a law student might argue in a mock courtroom before becoming a lawyer." About Bloomberg for Education Bloomberg for Education offers a suite of education technology products and services that immerse learners directly into the financial markets and provide research and analytics across multiple industries. Universities around the globe use Bloomberg to bring the real world of finance into the classroom, providing students with access to the same information platform used by leading decision makers in business, finance and government. For more information, visit: https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/product/education/ About Bloomberg Bloomberg is a global leader in business and financial information, delivering trusted data, news, and insights that bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to markets. The company helps connect influential communities across the global financial ecosystem via reliable technology solutions that enable our customers to make more informed decisions and foster better collaboration. For more information, visit https://www.bloomberg.com/company or request a demo.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bloomberg on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: BloombergWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bloomberg Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Bloomberg PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 14:30:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 992 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 P.O. is for a VKIN-300 Unit intended for use by Waste-Processing Company in FranceHOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Camber Energy, Inc. (NYSE American:CEI) ("Camber" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that BOX 03 International S.A. ("BOX 03") issued a purchase order for a VKIN-300 Waste Treatment system designed by Camber's majority-owned subsidiary, Viking Ozone Technology, LLC ("Viking Ozone").The VKIN-300 unit is intended for use by one of BOX 03's existing clients, a waste management company based in France that has been active in collecting, managing and treating waste from healthcare facilities for over twenty-five years.James Doris, Camber's President & CEO, stated "We have spent several months putting the appropriate infrastructure in place to successfully execute our commercialization strategy for this revolutionary technology, including expanding Viking Ozone's portfolio of waste treatment units, enhancing our technical team, formalizing relationships with reputable organizations in key markets, and establishing an appropriate framework and methods to ensure timely delivery, commissioning, certification and after-sales support. BOX 03 is an organization with intimate knowledge of the challenges waste-processing companies face in the current environment, and their issuance of this particular order evidences their belief that the Viking Ozone system is the most superior product available in the market. We believe our ozone technology will ultimately become the standard treatment system for regulated medical waste, and anticipate more orders from BOX 03 and other distributors in the near future." The medical waste industry is currently valued at $14 billion and is expected to grow at a 7.2% CAGR through to 2032. The Viking Ozone system is at the forefront of this expansion, ready to make the world a cleaner, safer place.About the VKIN-300The VKIN-300 unit is one of many in the Viking Ozone portfolio of waste-processing systems.About Viking OzoneViking Ozone offers a cleaner, safer and more sustainable alternative for waste treatment, and its system is a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to incineration, chemical treatment, autoclave and heat treatments for regulated medical waste and bio-hazardous waste. Viking Ozone's system is designed to reduce the amount of energy required to process waste, which conserves resources, lowers operating costs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a cleaner, safer environment. The modular design and low profile allow for multiple configurations and savings for civil work at the site. To learn more about Viking Ozone please visit https://vkin-ozone.com/ BOX 03The purchase order for the VKIN-300 unit was issued by BOX 03 International S.A., the authorized distributor of Viking Ozone's proprietary ozone waste treatment systems in Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, and French speaking countries of West Africa, to Simson-Maxwell Ltd. ("Simson-Maxwell"), a majority-owned subsidiary of Viking Energy Group, Inc., which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Camber. Simson-Maxwell intends to ship the VKIN-300 unit to France in or about April, 2023 after which the unit will be subject to various mechanical, environmental and other testing and certification procedures, standards and requirements, as applicable. BOX 03's payment obligations with respect to the purchase of the VKIN-300 unit are subject to the unit satisfying all such procedures, standards and requirements and there are no assurances of a positive outcome. BOX 03 provides consultancy and project management services to various end-users of waste treatment systems, with particular emphasis on advising and supporting globally-recognized companies engaged in the business of treating and disposing of medical waste in Europe and abroad.About Camber Energy, Inc.Camber Energy, Inc. is a growth-oriented diversified energy company. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Viking Energy Group, Inc. ("Viking"), Camber: (i) provides custom energy & power solutions to commercial and industrial clients in North America; (ii) holds an exclusive license in Canada to a patented carbon-capture system; and (iii) has a majority interest in: (a) an entity with intellectual property rights to a fully developed, patented, ready-for-market proprietary Medical & Bio-Hazard Waste Treatment system using Ozone Technology; and (b) entities with the intellectual property rights to fully developed, patent pending, ready-for-market proprietary Electric Transmission and Distribution Open Conductor Detection Systems. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.camber.energy Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Any statements that are not historical facts contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements", which statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "projects," "will," "may," "anticipates," "believes," "should," "intends," "estimates," and other words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, involve known and unknown risks, a reliance on third parties for information, transactions that may be cancelled, and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in our industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results include risks and uncertainties related to the fluctuation of global economic conditions or economic conditions with respect to the oil and gas industry, the COVID-19 pandemic, the performance of management, actions of government regulators, vendors, and suppliers, our cash flows and ability to obtain financing, competition, general economic conditions and other factors that are detailed in Camber's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Further examples of such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: (i) whether all terms and conditions of the purchase order will be met by the parties and whether the purchase order will result in the eventual delivery of the VKIN-300 Unit or realize revenue for the Company; (ii) whether the delivery of the VKIN-300 unit will materialize within the slated timeline; (iii) the ability of Camber or any of its subsidiaries to maintain ex PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 11:00:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 364 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Essex Realty Group, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of Essex Capital Markets, LLC. Essex Capital Markets will provide tailored debt and equity solutions to clients in the mid-market and institutional space for all property types.CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Essex Realty Group, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of Essex Capital Markets, LLC. Essex Capital Markets will provide tailored debt and equity solutions to clients in the mid-market and institutional space for all property types. Essex President Brian Kochendorfer says, "We believe the need for alternative solutions for both debt and equity has never been higher and will provide our clients with more options for their properties as their loans expire and they look to add to their portfolio." Essex Capital Markets Essex Capital Markets - Chicago, IL LogoDarragh Griffin, formerly of Wintrust for over a decade, has signed on to lead the company as its key Principal. "We couldn't be happier to be partnering with Darragh Griffin for Essex Capital Markets. His experience, successful track record, and reputation in the industry are a perfect complement to the Essex brand and we look forward to him leading this new entity," adds Doug Imber, founder of Essex."The opportunity to establish ECM and partner with Essex Realty Group came about from a shared ideology. I chose ERG because of their outstanding market reputation, proven track record in building successful relationships and developing real estate professionals," said Darragh Griffin, President of Essex Capital Markets. "Their superior business knowledge and ingrained client relations set them apart. As an honest and hardworking individual, I value the strong ethical reputation and work ethic that Essex embodies. Our partnership is based on shared values of industry expertise, exceptional service, and a commitment to ethical practices. Essex Realty Group was the clear choice for me as I look to grow in the next phase of my career with the establishment of Essex Capital Markets." Essex Realty Group, Inc. specializes in the sale of investment real estate throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.Contact InformationMary McGinnisMarketing Associatemary@ essexrealtygroup.com 773.305.4900SOURCE: Essex Capital MarketsView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 18:16:49 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 407 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MURFREESBORO, TN / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Grieving the loss of a loved one is an immense challenge, and finding the right words to honor their life can be equally daunting. Daniela Kam and her brother Aaron Damiano, based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, recognized this struggle after the loss of their father. Determined to help others facing a similar difficulty, they co-founded Eulogy Pen, an innovative AI service available online.Eulogy Pen understands that grief is powerful and that saying goodbye is never easy. The brother and sister duo realized that they were not alone in expressing the profound emotions associated with loss. Thus, Eulogy Pen was born, aiming to provide families with a simple yet impactful tool to honor their loved ones and bring communities together.The online platform offers a straightforward process, where users fill out a simple form with memories, qualities, and details about the departed loved one. In return, Eulogy Pen instantly generates a heartfelt eulogy and obituary, which can be easily edited, recreated, and shared among family members. This streamlined approach ensures that the focus remains on celebrating a once-lived life.Eulogy Pen catalyzes the creation of meaningful memorials and allows for a seamless transition from online platforms to physical memorial services or celebrations of life. The platform not only aids in preserving cherished memories but also provides a healing outlet for those navigating the challenging journey of grief."We created Eulogy Pen to offer solace during times of sorrow and to help individuals find the right words to remember their loved ones," says Daniela Kam, co-founder of Eulogy Pen. "It's more than just a service; it's a template for honoring and celebrating a lasting legacy." Daniela Kam and Aaron Damiano, Owners of Eulogy PenIn an era where connections are paramount, Eulogy Pen bridges the digital and the heartfelt gap, ensuring that memories endure. To learn more about Eulogy Pen and its transformative impact on the grieving process, visit their online platform at https://eulogypen.com About Eulogy Pen:Eulogy Pen, founded by Daniela Kam and Aaron Damiano, is an AI-powered online service based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The platform aims to assist individuals and families in honoring their loved ones by simplifying the creation of eulogies and obituaries. Through a user-friendly interface, Eulogy Pen provides a healing and communal space to celebrate and remember lives well-lived.Media Contact:Daniela Kam, Aaron DamianoOwnersEulogy Pen(877) 895-3422 https://eulogypen.comContact@eulogypen.com SOURCE: Eulogy Pen PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 15:21:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 860 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 WESTBURY, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / FAVO Capital, Inc., the rapidly growing US-listed funding company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Glen Steward as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) to the company's Board of Directors. An experienced professional with over 25 years in the financial and investment industry, Glen brings specialized skills, in-depth expertise and strategic insight, further strengthening the exceptional leadership team at FAVO.Glen is the Founder and Chairman of Stewards Investment Capital, a significant shareholder in FAVO Capital, Inc. He has an extensive background as a Director and Board Member of various companies within the financial industry. Currently holding positions on the board of two Asset management companies registered by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) South Africa and Financial Services Commission (FSC) Mauritius, Glen has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in navigating the complexities of the financial landscape."We are delighted to welcome Glen to the FAVO Capital, Inc. family as our Chief Strategy Officer. His specialized experience and strategic vision make him a valuable addition to our leadership team as we embark on this exciting journey to solidify our position to provide customized funding to small and mid-sized businesses," said Vincent Napolitano, CEO of FAVO Capital, Inc.Glen founded Stewards International Funds PCC, leveraging the valuable experience gained while working for renowned investment banks such as Merryll Lynch and DMG Deutsche Morgan Grenfell during his five-year tenure in London.Glen's strategic prowess played a pivotal role in the integration of the FAVO Group of Companies into FAVO Capital, Inc, leading him to join the Advisory Board in June 2023. Since then, he has been driving substantial investment into FAVO Capital Inc. by facilitating a groundbreaking investment by one of South Africa's largest pension funds through Stewards Investment Capital.As the new Chief Strategy Officer, Glen will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of FAVO Capital, Inc. His appointment comes at an opportune time as FAVO Capital, Inc. rolled out its expansion plan starting with 3 recent acquisitions early January, reinforcing its position as a leader providing customized funding for small and mid-sized businesses. FAVO Capital Inc will continue to bolster its expertise in key roles to ensure best in class corporate governance and service delivery.Glen's appointment reinforces FAVO Capital's commitment to excellence, prudent risk management and innovation in the financial services industry. The company looks forward to achieving new milestones under his strategic guidance.Commenting on this new role, Glen added, "I am honored and particularly energized to be joining the remarkable team at FAVO Capital, Inc. and contribute to its growth trajectory. It is a significant investment for Stewards Investment Capital, given the immense growth potential of the private credit market in the US, currently valued at USD 1.5 trillion. My appointment as Chief Strategy Officer underscores my strong belief in the potential growth of FAVO Capital and the emerging private credit sector. I am excited to introduce fresh ideas to achieve our strategic vision while ensuring sustainable growth, practicing prudent risk management, and developing innovative solutions to address the evolving funding needs of small and mid-sized businesses." About FAVO Capital Inc.FAVO CAPITAL is a Direct Funding Company, which provides customized, short-term funding to small and mid-sized businesses nationwide. FAVO Realty is a Real Estate Investment Company which invests in a diversified portfolio of quality commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. "FAVO" is "Honeycomb" in Latin - The Honeycomb (Hexagon) is the most efficient shape in the universe. FAVO intends to be Efficient, Flexible & Durable.Contact:Email: info@ favocapital.com Tel: 833.328.6477Website: www.favocapital.com Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains certain forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements, estimates, and projections of future trends and of the anticipated future performance constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Series' expectations, beliefs, or future strategies that are signified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "believes," or similar language. These forward-looking statements concern the Company's operations, economic performance and financial condition and are based largely on the Company's beliefs and expectations. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from expected results. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release FAVO Capital, Inc and its Management Team expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this document to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, unless specifically required by law or regulation.SOURCE: FAVO Capital, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 16:30:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 654 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MONTVALE, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Today, IMA (Institute of Management Accountants), the worldwide association of accountants and financial professionals in business, released "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Accounting and Finance: A Global Perspective." The report outlines how to embrace a future with artificial intelligence (AI) along with the challenges organizations can face and prerequisites needed for a successful AI integration.As AI continues to reshape the accounting and finance profession, IMA engaged global experts and leaders in the profession to study the applications of AI and what barriers could exist to implement processes into accountants' daily work. Insights from these discussions are valuable for informing organizational strategies as leaders prepare to embark on their AI journey."AI is a game-changer that has the potential to empower accounting and finance professionals when it comes to data analysis, forecasting and decision-making," said Susie Duong, Ph.D., CMA, CPA, CIA, EA, senior director of research and thought leadership at IMA and author of the report. "The use of AI will drive the future of the profession's growth, unlock untapped potential, and increase the value of professionals and organizations." The research for the report found that while AI will not fully replace human expertise, professionals at all levels will need to embrace and adopt this transformation and focus on technology proficiency, data analytics, critical thinking, and cross-functional collaboration. Likewise, organizations will need to foster human-machine collaboration, focusing on upskilling and reskilling team members, and creating a culture of ongoing learning to understand AI's strengths and weaknesses, steering toward its responsible and fruitful implementation.Study participants identified four aspects of challenges associated with AI implementation, which are human, technological, operational, and ethical. Challenges related to people - involving all levels of employees within an organization, were identified as the biggest hurdle for success of AI initiatives, according to 38 percent of participants."AI has entered the mainstream in everything we do today. For accounting and finance professionals to be successful, they need to focus on upskilling and reskilling programs which will help them work with AI effectively," said Mike DePrisco, president and CEO at IMA. "Fostering a culture of collaboration, commitment, and transparency while navigating the implementation of AI is key to promoting the responsible and beneficial use of new technologies worldwide." To solve for these challenges and for a successful AI integration, the study outlined the following prerequisites:Aligning AI strategies with organizational goals and ensuring adequate executive support, addressing the skills gap of the existing workforce through training and development; Fostering cross-functional collaboration, process reengineering, and scalability; Focusing on data quality and the digital preparedness of teams; and Navigating AI-related risks and embracing ethical AI practices.The research drew insights from in-depth dialogues from interviews and roundtable discussions with experts in the field and accounting/finance leaders spanning the U.S., Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, North Africa, India, and China. The full report is available on IMA's website: https://www.imanet.org/en/Research-Publications/IMA-Reports/The-Impact-of-Artificial-Intelligence-on-Accounting-and-Finance About IMA (Institute of Management Accountants):IMA is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the CMA (Certified Management Accountant), CSCA (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis), and FMAA (Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate) certification programs, continuing education, networking, and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. Twice named Professional Body of the Year by The Accountant/International Accounting Bulletin, IMA has a global network of about 140,000 members in 150 countries and 350 professional and student chapters. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., USA, IMA provides localized services through its six global regions: The Americas, China, Europe, Middle East/North Africa, India, and Asia Pacific. For more information about IMA, please visit www.imanet.org ###CONTACT:Giuseppe Barone IMA(201) 474-1681 giuseppe.barone@imanet.org Brian Sherry Stern Strategy Group(908) 325-3860 ima@ sternstrategy.com SOURCE: IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 05:16:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 394 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / January 29, 2024 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until February 20, 2024to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE:INSP), if they purchased the Company's shares between May 3, 2023 and November 7, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.What You May DoIf you purchased shares of Inspire and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-insp/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byFebruary 20, 2024 .About the LawsuitInspire Medical and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On November 7, 2023, post-market, the Company disclosed disappointing financial results for 3Q 2023, including "a decline in prior authorization submissions for patients seeking Inspire therapy," as well as problems with its highly touted "Acceleration Program" requiring "some corrective action." On this news, shares of Inspire Medical plummeted approximately 20%, from a closing price of $161.74 per share on November 7, 2023, to a closing price of $129.95 per share on November 8, 2023.The case is City of Hollywood Firefighters' Pension Fund v. Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., No. 23-cv-03884.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit http://ksfcounsel.com/ Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partner lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com 1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 16:00:57 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 500 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 As the fund continues to expand, Leo's expertise will help not only SpaceFund, but its broad portfolio of space companies as well.HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / SpaceFund, Inc., a world-leading space venture capital firm, is thrilled to announce that internationally respected business leader Leonardo (Leo) A. Rodriguez has joined its Board of Directors to help drive growth at SpaceFund and its 21 portfolio companies. Mr. Rodriguez began this role in early January and is already contributing significantly to the fund's operations and fundraising.Leonardo A. Rodriguez "We are extremely fortunate to have Leo join our board of directors," said Dan Schatzman, SpaceFund CEO, and Board Chairman. "His extensive business experience in high-growth technology companies will help significantly in taking the fund to the next level as well as helping portfolio companies to successful exits." As Leo has been acting in an advisory function for the company's board of directors for the past several years, he is already familiar with the portfolio of companies and is well-known by the team. He brings a wealth of knowledge in international markets, specifically related to mission-critical process automation. In his storied career, Mr. Rodriguez has positively impacted multiple industries such as oil and gas, power, chemicals, metals and mining, pulp and paper, and pharmaceuticals. He retired from Emerson in 2018 as chairman and CEO of Emerson Latin America, where he managed operations exceeding several billion dollars per year."There are very few projects that I would consider coming out of retirement for, and SpaceFund is that opportunity," said Leo Rodriguez. "I'm constantly amazed by the quality of the team, their fascinating portfolio of space companies, and the rapid and reliable growth of this cutting-edge industry. I'm excited to meaningfully contribute to the future of SpaceFund and the wider space industry." Following a 40-year career with Emerson, Leo joined Jaguar Precision Machine as an equity partner. Jaguar is an advanced precision machining enterprise serving commercial space, national security, and defense customers. During his time at Jaguar, he realized the massive business potential of the growing space economy and how his skillsets in operations, capital markets, and cutting-edge technology could be applied to this nascent sector."Leo is the missing piece that we needed to round out our board of directors," said SpaceFund managing partner, Meagan Crawford. "With Mr. Rodriguez's experience in capital markets, we now have a versatile and highly experienced board that is perfectly positioned to help SpaceFund, and our portfolio succeed." Leo graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology, where he received his Bachelor of Engineering Degree with concentrations in Metallurgy and Materials Science. His formal business studies were conducted at Dartmouth's Amos Tuck School of Business. Leo was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba, arriving in the United States in 1960 and becoming a naturalized United States citizen in 1970. Leo is also a citizen of Spain.Contact InformationMeagan Crawfordmanaging partnermeagan@ spacefund.com 281-908-0392SOURCE: SpaceFund, Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 23:45:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 946 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The new WELL designation will pioneer a health leadership benchmark for new and existing homes focused on spurring global market transformation; early adopters hailing from 10 countries signal strong market demand.NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / In an effort to recognize and award industry best practices to create healthier and more resilient homes, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for driving market transformation through healthy buildings, organizations and communities, today announced its new WELL for residential program, launching with 25 global pilot participants that have enrolled nearly 30,000 homes and residences. The evidence-based, third-party verified certification program is poised to transform the way homes are designed, built and maintained to support human health and well-being.The WELL for residential program, informed by the evidence-based principles of the WELL Building Standard (WELL) and its 10 WELL concepts, offers more than 100 strategies to create homes that prioritize resident health, comfort and well-being. Designed to empower builders and developers, operators, architects and designers and homeowners, the new health leadership framework is applicable to both single family homes and residences within multifamily buildings."We are excited to work side by side with our pilot participants, as well as hundreds of stakeholders along the residential sector value chain, to introduce this transformational roadmap that will help market leaders adopt health-first strategies into how we design, operate and maintain our homes," said Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO, IWBI.Healthier and more resilient homes are increasingly vital today as people look to enhance their homes for advancing their health and well-being, while also fortifying against future health threats or challenges. The WELL for residential program seeks to provide a solution to help transform the global residential market and ensure that everyone, no matter their backgrounds, has access to a home that enhances their health and enables them to make healthier decisions.The development of the program drew upon two years of industry input, market insight and expert recommendations from IWBI's WELL for residential Advisory, a working group of over 100 globally renowned subject matter experts, including leading builders and developers, architects and engineers, public health and building scientists, government officials and academics, as well as other real estate professionals.Projects can earn the WELL Residence seal for residences upon completion of third-party review and verification of selected strategies. To attain a WELL Residence certification, a home must achieve at least 40 points. Projects also have an opportunity to earn a pre-certified WELL Residence status upon preliminary design review, an incremental milestone that allows participants to communicate achievement before construction is completed.Leading organizations excited to contribute toward the groundbreaking program are embracing WELL for residential in their developments. Twenty-five pilot participants have committed to implementing WELL for residential across nearly 30,000 residences in both single family homes and multifamily communities. The projects have a diverse global footprint across 10 countries, including, the United States, Canada, China, Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Spain, Montenegro and the Netherlands.Hodgdon applauded the pilot participants for their leadership and commitment to creating healthier living environments for residents.To date, participants of the WELL for residential program include but not limited to:AM Gebiedsontwikkeling - Groen van Prinstererlaan Amstelveen and Burgemeester Haspelslaan AmstelveenARCHETYPE Investments - Continuum 115 ApartmentsAssembly OSM - 147 St. Felix Street and 247 East 117th StreetBaopu Development - Baopu CareCaplow Manzano - CM1City Sanctuary Development - Albion CourtCorvias - United States Army and the Department of Defense Military Housingd2d Green Design - Singh ResidenceDaiwa LifeNext - L-Place Esaka IIFirst Wave Development - Soho Capital Project Foshan Green Neighborhood Villa Technology - Green Neighborhood VillaJohnson Development - JubileeMagleby Development - VelvaereMinto Communities - 123 PortlandPatron Capital Advisors - CotownShea Homes San Diego - Fox Point FarmsSeneca - Seneca at Southern HighlandsSynchro PM1 doo - Synchro Yards Water ResidencesUrban Green Development - 1643 BoulderEmbracing WELL for residential as a way to pioneer health innovation, some of the programs earliest adopters included Corvias with nearly 22,000 single-family homes and apartments across seven military installations in six states through its partnerships with the United States Army and the Department of Defense as part of the military housing privatization initiative; Jubilee, a Texas-based community of nearly 5,000 single family homes by Johnson Development; Velvaere of Park City, Utah, a wellness-focused sky resort by Magleby Development; Caplow Manzano's CM1 in Miami, a single family house elevated for climate preparedness; Albion Court of London, a historic brewery conversion by City Sanctuary Development; 123 Portland in Toronto by Canada's leading developer Minto Communities; New York modular tech company Assembly OSM's Saint Felix in Brooklyn and 117th Street in Harlem; Baopu Care in Taipei; Christopher Homes' Seneca at Southern Highlands in Henderson, NV; Green Neighborhood Villa in Foshan, China; and renovated Continuum 115 Apartments by ARCHETYPE Investments in Charlotte, NC.During the pilot stage, IWBI will work with global users and collect stakeholder feedback to refine the new standard, ensuring it is a robust, globally applicable roadmap for healthier, more resilient homes.The WELL for residential program adds to the WELL ecosystem and provides a new pathway for creating people-first residences. The program builds upon the work IWBI has already done within the multifamily sector through its WELL Certification and WELL ratings programs. Leading organizations in the multifamily homes that have achieved WELL Certification have helped inform and inspire the development of the new WELL for residential program.The WELL ecosystem comprises WELL Certification under the WELL Building Standard, a library of building and organizational strategies focused on health, the WELL Health-Safety Rating, WELL Performance Rating, WELL Equity Rating and certification under the WELL Community Standard. WELL's holistic, evidence-based approach has provided a roadmap for organizations to promote social sustainability performance and enhance their ESG strategy. As a result, thousands of organization PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 18:16:48 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 327 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Levi & Korsinsky informs shareholders that a settlement has been reached in the pending class action lawsuit against Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE: BE). The settlement provides for a fund of $3,000,000 to benefit class members. For the purposes of the settlement, the class is defined as: on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants who: (1) purchased or otherwise acquired Bloom securities pursuant and/or traceable to Bloom's Registration Statement issued in connection with Bloom's July 2018 initial public stock offering or (2) purchased the publicly traded securities of Bloom between July 26, 2018 and September 16, 2019.If you are a class member as defined above, you may be entitled to a pro-rata share of the settlement fund. In order to receive a share of the settlement, you must file a claim form by March 29, 2024.For more details on the settlement, including a copy of the claim form, please visit: https://zlk.com/settlement-form/?redirect=aHR0cHM6Ly96bGsuY29tL3NldHRsZW1lbnQvYmxvb20tZW5lcmd5LWNvcnBvcmF0aW9uLXNldHRsZW1lbnQ=&spr=157&wire=1&ticker=BE Levi & Korsinsky did not act as lead counsel or otherwise participate in litigating the above class action. We are providing this information as a courtesy to remind class members of the claims deadline so they can file their forms in a timely fashion.Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 16:49:00 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 490 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 /MOTION PT Group (MOTION) proudly announces the successful acquisition of Feehley Physical Therapy (Feehley PT), a distinguished private physical therapy practice group with a widespread presence throughout the state of Maryland.Dr. Rob Feehley, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We have been searching for a reputable business partner that can help us continue along our growth trajectory, and we believe MOTION is the perfect fit for us. Their established practice, known for superior customer service and quality care, aligns seamlessly with our values. We can't wait to see what this joint venture will bring!"Patients of Feehley PT will continue to receive exceptional care from the same dedicated clinical teams they trust. With the support of MOTION's parent company, Confluent Health, clinical professionals now have access to an expanded suite of resources, including management services, advanced education, and musculoskeletal health tools. Confluent Health offers streamlined community engagement, innovative digital solutions, value-driven care models, and robust marketing and financial resources. The partnership also grants access to renowned physical therapy network PTPN, ongoing educational programs, and professional development opportunities through Evidence in Motion. Additionally, it includes access to Fit For Work, a leading provider of employee safety.Ed Miersch, Chief Executive Officer of MOTION, emphasized the organization's mission, stating, "MOTION's mission has always been to deliver compassionate care, facilitate healing, and empower patients to live their fullest lives. The addition of Feehley PT reaffirms our commitment to providing exceptional service and empowering patients on their journey to recovery." This acquisition expands MOTION's presence in Maryland allowing the company to serve more people. Kristi Henderson, CEO of Confluent Health, expressed pride in the MOTION PT group and welcomed Feehley PT into the Confluent Health family. Henderson stated, "The expertise and excellence embodied by this practice will undoubtedly enhance our growth trajectory, unlocking countless opportunities for optimizing patient care." For additional information about MOTION or to schedule an appointment with a skilled therapist at one of their locations, please visit their website at motionptg.com MEDIA CONTACT:Betsy Appleton betsy@ goconfluent.com (502) 536 - 4584ABOUT MOTION PT GROUP: Motion PT Group (MOTION) is a Northeast-based private physical therapy practice group. As a proud member of the Confluent Health family, MOTION positively impacts patients' lives by delivering the best care and results through proven research, innovative treatments and technologies and an approach that treats patients with respect and dignity. For more information, visit motionptg.com , or find them on Facebook at @MOTIONptg.ABOUT CONFLUENT HEALTH: Confluent Health is a family of physical and occupational therapy companies. We are transforming healthcare by strengthening private practices, developing highly effective clinicians, innovating new services and technology to improve the quality of care for patients, and lowering costs via more effective treatment, workplace wellness, and injury prevention. For more information, visit goconfluent.com or find us on Facebook at @confluenthealth.SOURCE: Confluent Health PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 20:30:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 628 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Pegasus Resources Inc. (TSX-V:PEGA)(Frankfurt:0QS0)(OTC/Pink Sheet symbol:SLTFF) (the "Company" or "Pegasus") is delighted to announce the successful completion of a comprehensive geological mapping and sampling program on its past-producing Energy Sands property in Utah. For this initiative, the Company collaborated with Dahrouge Geological Consulting USA Ltd. ("Dahrouge") to conduct a thorough assessment, significantly enhancing our understanding of the property's potential."The significant 7800 ppm reading on sample ESRS24-037 is an exciting confirmation of promising mineralization at our Energy Sands property in Utah." CEO Christian Timmins stated, "This result boosts our confidence in its strategic value, and we look forward to the detailed analysis from SGS. This analysis will guide informed decisions and strategic advancements in our exploration efforts at Energy Sands." A total of 41 samples were diligently collected over the 13-day program and have been submitted to SGS Laboratories Services for further detailed analysis. Utilizing the RS-125 handheld spectrometer, Pegasus identified notable samples from prospector outcrops, tailings, outcrops, and historical adits. ESRS24-037 displayed a remarkable 7800 ppm reading, indicating substantial mineralization. Completing the geological mapping and sampling program is crucial in advancing Pegasus' exploration efforts. It provides valuable insights into the mineral-rich potential of the Energy Sands property. The Company remains committed to leveraging this data for informed decision-making as it continues to pursue sustainable resource development.Figure 1: Sample ESRS24-037 - High-grade sample from shallow prospect. RS-125 U-7800ppmFigure 2: Sample ESRS24-013 - In-situ sample source from historic adit. RS-125 U>10,000ppmFigure 3: Sample ESRS24-009 - High-grade in-situ sample. RS-125 U>10,000ppm*Please note that the RS-125 does not have the highest degree of precision, so these values should be taken as indicators, not absolutes.*A historical report archived by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) outlines small-scale production of uranium by the Minerals Corporation of America, totalling 51.8 Tons at a grade of 0.373% U3O8 and 1.10% V2O5 occurred between 1953 and 1956 (Byers & Robertson, 1956).NI 43-101 DisclosureThe technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jacob Anderson, CPG, MAusIMM, who is a Resource Geologist for Dahrouge Geological Consulting USA Ltd., and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, who has prepared and/or reviewed the content of this press release.About Pegasus Resources Inc.Pegasus Resources Inc. is a diversified Junior Canadian Mineral Exploration Company with a primary focus on uranium, with exposure to gold and base metal properties in North America.The Company is also actively pursuing the right opportunity in other resources to enhance shareholder value. For additional information, please visit the Company at www.pegasusresourcesinc.com On Behalf of the Board of Directors:Christian TimminsPresident, CEO and DirectorPegasus Resources Inc.700 - 838 West Hastings StreetVancouver, BC V6C 0A6PH: 1-403-597-3410X: https://twitter.com/MrChris_Timmins X: https://twitter.com/pegasusresinc E: info@ pegasusresourcesinc.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward-Looking StatementsStatements included in this announcement, including statements concerning the Company's plans, intentions, and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.SOURCE: Pegasus Resources Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 15:01:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 636 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Planck Concludes Robust Year, Earns Recognition as a 2023 Gartner Cool Vendor in Insurtech Adding GenAINEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Planck , the trusted leader in AI-based risk research and data solutions for commercial insurers and producers, today announces the close of a momentous year, having been recently named to the 2023 Gartner Cool Vendors in its Insurtechs Adding GenAI' report. Thereporthighlights the role of GenAI in insurance, industry applications and early adopters. Planck earned the recognition as it "represents novel solutions to some common insurance use cases in the commercial and life insurance industries," according to Gartner.Planck leverages the power of GenAI to provide real-time risk and underwriting insights to commercial insurers, agents, and underwriters, ensuring clarity and openness in the process. Fulfilling a need in the market, over the past year, Planck has seen a significant increase in user growth on its platform, and notably, Planck's PLUS Risk Workbench has gained substantial traction among insurance underwriters and agents in the U.S.Among the reasons for earning this recognition, Gartner highlighted the pivotal role that Planck plays in delivering quality property & casualty (P&C) underwriting insights amidst the current backdrop of the challenging market conditions for commercial lines. The report notes, "Anyone tasked with improving the quality of underwriting insights, especially in casualty lines, should consider evaluating Planck's solution to surface such insights using GenAI." "We are honored to be acknowledged by Gartner for our novel approach to GenAI in insurance," says Planck Co-Founder and CEO,Elad Tsur . "In the commercial insurance sector, the significant potential for automation through GenAI is clear, especially in underwriting, sales, and support. Planck is dedicated to leading in this space, providing top-tier tools and data insights to enhance risk prediction and improve loss ratios for the commercial industry." This recognition drives even more momentum for Planck, which recently launchedPlanck PLUS , the first GenAI-enhanced underwriting risk workbench to provide greater accuracy, transparency, and deeper risk insights for commercial insurers. To date, global carriers have demonstrated strong interest and adoption. Planck also recently marked a notableinvestmentfrom IAG to help bring its underwriting automation operations to the Australian commercial insurance market.To learn more about Planck and its premier product, Planck PLUS, visitPlanckdata.com *Gartner, Cool Vendors in Insurtechs Adding GenAI, By Richard Natale, Sham Gill, Chuck Thomas, Rajesh Narayan, 17 October 2023. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and COOL VENDORS is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.About Planck:Planck is the trusted global leader in AI-based risk research and data solutions for commercial insurers. Through its GenAI platform, Planck empowers commercial insurers to most effectively analyze and generate business risk data - driving service and underwriting excellence by connecting the most up-to-date and complete insights with limited submission input. Carriers, MGAs, and insurtechs worldwide leverage Planck's holistic solution for customer acquisition and growth strategies, submission validation, underwriting new business, and more. The platform makes managing risk more predictable, allowing its clients to increase written premium while reducing loss and expense ratios - in addition to providing the comprehensive protection businesses need.For more information, visitwww.planckdata.com . Follow Planck onLinkedInandX .Media Contact:Derrius RodgersCaliber Corporate Advisersderrius@ calibercorporate.com SOURCE: Planck PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 12:00:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 438 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 David Williams joins Point2Point Global to transform international shipping with customer solutions powered by analytics.BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Point2Point Global, a leading force in the international shipping and logistics sector, proudly announces the appointment of David Williams as the Head of Customer Solutions. With a career steeped in data science and an impressive track record with industry giants like FedEx and A.P. Moller-Maersk, David brings unparalleled expertise to his role, promising to revolutionize the company's commitment to customer-centric solutions.Point2Point Global Logo In his role, David Williams will spearhead the company's data-driven initiatives, leveraging his extensive experience in navigating the complexities of data analytics within the logistics landscape. His arrival marks a significant milestone in Point2Point Global's mission to redefine The Way Ship Gets Done. David's wealth of experience, adaptability to diverse scenarios, and analytical prowess position him as a key asset to the Point2Point Global team. His leadership is anticipated to play a pivotal role in understanding the unique needs of customers and crafting strategic solutions that set the company apart in the industry."We are thrilled to welcome David Williams to Point2Point Global as the Head of Customer Solutions. His appointment aligns seamlessly with our commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction," said Gary Harnum, P2PG CEO and Co-Founder at Point2Point Global. "David's leadership will undoubtedly enhance our ability to navigate the dynamic complexities of the global e-commerce landscape, delivering exceptional experiences to our clients." David Williams expressed his excitement about joining the Point2Point Global family, stating, "Our team's extraordinary talent and depth of expertise are simply beyond compare. At Point2Point Global, we view our role as more than mere transportation and logistics. It's about adeptly navigating and mastering the dynamic complexities of the global e-commerce landscape to elevate both your experience and that of your customers. We're primed and ready to GET SHIP DONE! Let's partner together and redefine what it means to excel in this space!"Point2Point Global, boasting over 60 years of combined experience at the pinnacle of international shipping and logistics, stands as a powerhouse in the industry. The addition of David Williams to lead Customer Solutions is expected to further propel the company toward excellence.Join us in welcoming David Williams to the Point2Point Global family. As we continue to innovate, collaborate, and lead in the world of international shipping and logistics, the company looks forward to the exciting journey ahead.Contact InformationKaralyn KlepperAccount Directorkklepper@ interknow.com 781-264-6756SOURCE: Point2Point GlobalView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 16:16:47 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 659 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / GoDaddyOriginally published on GoDaddy Resource LibraryTell us a little bit about yourself and your role.I've been with GoDaddy for almost six years, and I'm currently an Account Manager Lead. In this role, I assist clients with their Marketing Services Premium package. The goal of the role is to have someone who is versed in marketing and our tools. This way, we can take a more hands-on approach to helping small businesses achieve their goals.What's the most challenging yet rewarding thing that you've worked on at GoDaddy, thus far?Change. Change can be both positive and negative, depending on the perspective. I was part of company that GoDaddy acquired in 2018. The transition was fairly intense but fruitful long term with the addition of features and a baseline change in the program. The hardship was communicating these changes in mass. With a lot of hard work and a little luck, our team was able to navigate these changes with minimal turbulence. The transition allowed for growth not only personally but also for my clients, not to mention some shiny new bells and whistles!You are involved in Empower by GoDaddy. Can you share more about the program and its impact?Empower by GoDaddy is our way of giving back to the people who rely on GoDaddy - the small business owners. We put together hands-on classes that are specific to the business at hand and open forum for entrepreneurs to receive feedback, ideas, and help! One of the most satisfying things about this program is that you get to see people light up when they learn something new or see a different perspective.Could you elaborate on your volunteer experiences with GoDaddy?I've been fortunate to do extensive volunteering through Empower by GoDaddy. I've conducted over a dozen sessions with hundreds of business owners and taught in-house classes on small business marketing. Seeing people's faces light up as they scribble notes is truly endearing and brings a full sense of accomplishment. It reinforces the fact that we're here to help. I also can't forget the experience from Season Four of the Made in America series. If you haven't checked it out on YouTube, I highly recommend it.How do you feel that GoDaddy supports you to do things that are important to you?GoDaddy has given me several opportunities to work on programs across the company. One of my desires is to give back to the local community and protect our green spaces. With our "Volunteer Days", I was able to be a part of a park clean up, helping the local community in a huge way with the support of that donated time!What's your personal mantra?"Reasonable and attainable goals." I had a mentor years ago say this to me when I would bite off more than I could chew and it just stuck. Whenever I'm creating a plan or a course of action for myself or anyone, I set these goals with this mantra.What do you enjoy doing outside of work?Outside of work, I'd classify myself as a social butterfly. Living in Austin, TX, there's never a shortage of things to do. From live music to physical activities, there's always something to keep me busy. If I'm not out and about, I'm likely at the gym or on my motorcycle.*Bonus: My secret talent is heelying*Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You're more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter TikTok Career PageView additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from GoDaddy on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: GoDaddyWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/godaddy Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: GoDaddy PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 17:16:04 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 482 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Supporting Motorola Solutions and Solving for SaferEMMAUS, PA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / TWG Security, a leading provider of advanced security solutions in the Greater Lehigh Valley, and Wireless Electronics Inc., a premier dealer in southeast Pennsylvania and New Jersey for Motorola Solutions, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to offer an integrated security ecosystem to existing and potential clients. This collaboration leverages the strengths of both companies to provide a comprehensive suite of security solutions under Motorola Solutions' Solving For Safer Ecosystem.Unifying Technologies for Enhanced Security and Efficiency The partnership between TWG Security and Wireless Electronics Inc. represents a significant step forward in the security industry. By combining TWG Security's expertise video surveillance, access control and weapons detection, with Wireless Electronics Inc's proficiency in mission-critical communication solutions, the alliance aims to revolutionize how businesses approach safety and security.Motorola Solutions' Solving For Safer Ecosystem: A Game ChangerAt the heart of this partnership is the Motorola Solutions. The Solving For Safer Ecosystem unifies voice, video, data, and analytics technologies on a single platform. This innovative approach allows businesses to increase security, improve safety, reduce costs, boost efficiency, and enhance communication across various staff, teams, and locations. The ecosystem is designed with the customer's needs in mind, enabling both TWG Security and Wireless Electronics Inc. to deliver on their promise of "Security Done Right".TWG Security and Wireless Inc's Approach to Client Education and Advanced Solutions TWG Security and Wireless Electronics Inc. stand at the forefront of the security and communications industry. They focus not only on delivering advanced solutions but also on educating their clients about the full spectrum of security technology. TWG's experience center is the cornerstone of this mission, hosting lunch and learn' sessions where clients engage with an array of integrated technologies including video surveillance, access control, license plate recognition, and more. This interactive learning environment, complemented by Wireless Electronics Inc's expertise in communication solutions, empowers clients with the knowledge to make informed security decisions, thereby enhancing their operational safety and efficiency.About TWG Security and Wireless Electronics Inc. TWG Security and Wireless Electronics Inc. together represent a fusion of extensive industry experience in providing security and communication solutions. TWG Security, with over 16 years of service in the Greater Lehigh Valley, specializes in a wide array of cutting-edge security solutions and prides itself on crafting solutions that address the specific needs of its clients. Complementing this, Wireless Electronics Inc. brings to the table over 25 years of expertise as a leading provider of mission-critical two-way communication solutions. As Elite + certified dealers for Motorola Solutions, Panasonic, and Avigilon, Wireless Electronics Inc. delivers unparalleled expertise and service, enhancing the field of wireless communication. The combined prowess of these companies offers a comprehensive approach to security and communication for a diverse client base.Contact InformationCory GranisonMarketing Specialistcgranison@ twgsecurity.com 4849859473SOURCE: TWG SecurityView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 04:01:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 651 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 29, 2024 /As a member of the Global Compact Bolivia, BlueGrace Energy Bolivia (BGEB) will be crucial in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda, building a fairer and more sustainable world.BlueGrace Energy Bolivia (BGEB) has recently joined the UN Global Compact Network Bolivia, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. As highlighted by Julio Jose Montenegro, the CEO of BlueGrace Energy Bolivia (BGEB), this move positions BGEB as a key player in promoting environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility. BGEB's commitment is evident in its efforts to align with over 90% of the UN goals, particularly through significant collaborations and initiatives in carbon credit issuance and forest conservation.Also, in a recent development, BlueGrace Energy Bolivia (BGEB) has entered into a significant collaborative partnership with Spain's APRISCO ENERGY INDUSTRIES S.L. and London-based MAXIMANCE 2030 LTD. This alliance signifies a strategic step in enhancing sustainability initiatives and reflects a commitment to shared environmental goals. The collaboration represents a convergence of international expertise and resources, aiming to bolster impactful sustainability projects and drive forward innovative solutions in environmental conservation and energy efficiency.In December 2023, BlueGrace Energy Bolivia, in partnership with MAXIMANCE 2030 LTD, secured approval for ISIN UK.BG.MAX 785.985257, which facilitates the support of the Landmark Amazon Rainforest Conservation of 20.5 million acres in Bolivia through equities, with a tenure of 10 years.Mr. Montenegro indicated that BGEB's dedication to sustainability is evident in its commitment to conserving and aligning with the UN's Global Compact. Utilizing advanced technology for carbon credit quantification, this initiative significantly contributes to global climate goals.The global carbon credits market, expected to reach $100 billion by 2030, highlights the importance of BGEB's project. This initiative, crucial for limiting global warming, represents a synergy of financial investment and environmental action, positioning BGEB as a leader in sustainable innovation.BGEB's partnerships extend beyond environmental goals, forming strategic alliances with influential entities such as the Capital Market Association (ICMA), and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), focusing on empowering indigenous and impoverished communities. Their approach integrates social initiatives with sustainability, adhering to principles in human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. BGEB enhances access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, fostering community development while advancing ecological preservation. This holistic strategy positions BGEB as a leader in both environmental conservation and clean energy innovation in Bolivia, exemplifying the power of collective action and innovation in achieving a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.BGEB's journey inspires us all to take action, as together, we can address climate change and protect our planet for future generations.About BlueGrace Energy Bolivia:BlueGrace Energy Bolivia (BGEB), a global consortium of experts in diverse areas, is committed to advancing the transition to a net-zero future in response to climate change challenges. Boasting decades of experience, our team is pioneering 21st-century energy transition projects. Grounded in professional expertise and unwavering integrity, we aim to create genuine value for business and society Learn more at:Web: https://bluegracebolivia.com/ Youtube: http://tinyurl.com/1BGEB Instagram: http://tinyurl.com/0BGEB LInkedIn: http://tinyurl.com/56BGEB For further information, please contact:JULIO JOSE MONTENEGRO jmontenegro@ bluegracebolivia.com +1 (305) 972-6173 (Miami - EE.UU.) NELSON PINEDA MARTINEZ nelopineda@ bluegracebolivia.com +591 714-72257 (Bolivia)For all media inquiries, please contact:Ivan Linde ivan.linde@bluegracebolivia.com +1 (786) 273-7068 (Miami - EE.UU.) DisclaimerThis announcement is solely for informational use and should not be viewed as financial, legal, or investment guidance. It includes projections and statements that aren't based on past events. Any statement in this release that isn't a historical fact is a projection. Readers should be aware that the basis for these projections might be incorrect and are advised not to rely solely on them. Any projections in this announcement come with a warning. They are current as of the release date, and the Company has no plans to update them, except as mandated by securities regulations.SOURCE: BLUEGRACE ENERGY BOLIVIA PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 14:01:40 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 888 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Victory Clean Energy Inc's (OTC PINK:VYEY) subsidiary H2 Energy Group Inc., a leading provider of Affordable Sustainable TrueGreen Hydrogen, and Redding Rancheria Economic Development Corporation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of Native American communities, are pleased to announce their new venture in Northern California.Through this project, H2 Energy Group will work with Redding Rancheria Economic Development Corporation to bring Affordable TrueGreen Hydrogen to Native American communities and Disadvantaged Communities in the area. H2 Energy Group will provide completely Sustainable TrueGreen Hydrogen technology and expertise to help these communities transition to Sustainable energy sources and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.This partnership represents a significant step forward in the effort to combat climate change and improve the lives of Native American and Disadvantaged Communities everywhere. H2 Energy Group is committed to working with Redding Rancheria Economic Development Corporation to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all."We are thrilled to be partnering with Redding Rancheria Economic Development Corporation to bring clean energy to Native American communities," said Jim McGinley, CEO of H2 Energy Group. "We believe that everyone should have access to Affordable and Sustainable TrueGreen Hydrogen, and this project will help us make that a reality." "This partnership with H2 Energy Group is an exciting opportunity for our organization and the communities we serve," said Jeremy Hayward, President of Redding Rancheria Economic Development Corporation. "We are committed to working with H2 Energy Group to bring clean, reliable energy to our communities and create a brighter, more sustainable future." H2 Energy Group and Redding Rancheria Economic Development Corporation will work together to identify and implement TrueGreen Hydrogen production and distribution projects in Native American and Disadvantaged Communities. They will also engage with local leaders and community members to ensure that the projects directly benefit the needs and goals of the communities they serve.This partnership is just one of the many ways that H2 Energy Group is working to create a truly Sustainable future for all. The company is committed to deploying its TrueGreen Hydrogen technology directly in collaboration with organizations like Redding Rancheria Economic Development Corporation to bring the social and economic benefits of Affordable TrueGreen Hydrogen to underserved communities.About Victory Clean Energy Victory Clean Energy is an innovative Green Hydrogen energy company dedicated to developing and implementing clean, sustainable low-cost energy solutions with applications across various industries, including transportation, power generation, and industrial processes. The Company's pioneering TrueGreen Hydrogen production solutions aim to provide clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy sources to a diverse range of clients. TrueGreen Hydrogen positions the Company as a formidable force in the low-cost Green Hydrogen sector, focusing on decarbonization in heavy transportation and industrial Hydrogen markets. With this commitment, Victory Clean Energy is dedicated to shaping a sustainable and cleaner future for industries and communities worldwide.Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Company based on management's experience, perception of historical trends and technical analyses, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate and reasonable by management. When used in this press release, the words "will," "potential," "believe," "estimated," "intend," "expect," "may," "should," "anticipate," "could," "plan," "project," or their negatives, other similar expressions or the statements that include those words, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, our ability to successfully complete the proposed merger, integrate H2EG with our operations and realize the anticipated benefits from the merger, any unexpected costs or delays in connection with the merger, general economic conditions and the ability to manage and continue growth, and other factors described in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any updates to those risk factors set forth in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Further information on such assumptions, risks and uncertainties is available in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") that are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov , and on the Company's website at www.vyey.com . Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.Contact Mark KomonoskiPartnerIntegrous CommunicationsDirect: 877-255-8483Mobile: 403-470-8384 mkomonoski@ integcom.usWebsite | NewsroomSOURCE: Victory Clean Energy, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-01-30 06:00:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 930 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Wi2Wi Corporation, a leader in precision timing devices, frequency control products, and microwave filters, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ted Clark as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1st, 2024. Serving various market segments including Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial IoT, Avionics, Space, and Military, Wi2Wi is poised for continued innovation under Mr. Clark's leadership. With his extensive expertise and proven track record in the technology sector, Mr. Clark is expected to drive significant growth and success for the company.With over three decades of experience in the technology industry, Ted Clark has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision. He has been a pivotal figure in steering companies, ranging from Fortune 100 enterprises to innovative startups, towards groundbreaking success. His tenure as Senior Vice President at Hewlett Packard Inc., where he led the Global Notebook Business Unit to achieve the number one market share, is particularly notable.As a Managing Partner at THCC LLC since 2013, Mr. Clark has shown an outstanding ability to drive market strategy, build operational frameworks, and execute business objectives with remarkable success. His expertise in product development, technology solutions, and IoT makes him an ideal fit for Wi2Wi's future growth.Wi2Wi's Board of Directors believes that Mr. Clark's dynamic approach to leadership, combined with his deep understanding of global technology markets, makes him the perfect candidate to lead Wi2Wi into its next phase of innovation and expansion."We are thrilled to have Ted Clark at the helm of Wi2Wi. His remarkable record in driving technology companies to achieve and exceed their goals assures us that Wi2Wi's future is in capable hands. We look forward to Ted's leadership in steering our company towards new heights in the frequency control sector," says Gary DuBroc, Chair of Wi2Wi Corporation's Board of Directors.Under Mr. Clark's leadership, Wi2Wi anticipates accelerating its growth and continuing to deliver outstanding value to its customers and shareholders.Investor & Media ContactDawn Leeder, Chief Financial Officer+1-608-203-0234 dawn_l@ wi2wi.com About Wi2Wi CorporationLeaders in Frequency Technology and Wireless Solutions Founded in 2005, Wi2Wi Corporation has established itself as a leader in frequency control technology and wireless solutions, catering to a diverse array of industries including Avionics, Space, Industrial, and Government sectors. With our roots in innovation and precision, we are committed to delivering top-tier frequency control products and wireless connectivity solutions.Centralized Innovation in Middleton, Wisconsin Our Middleton facility is not just the heart of our manufacturing operations; it is a center of excellence for design and engineering, especially in timing and frequency control. Here, we combine state-of-the-art manufacturing with our laboratory's stringent reliability and quality controls to ensure that every product we offer is synonymous with precision and reliability.Advanced Frequency Control and Wireless Connectivity Solutions At Wi2Wi, we specialize in advanced frequency control products, which are essential for a wide range of high-performance applications. Our products are known for their precision, durability, and innovation. Alongside these, we design and manufacture deeply integrated, end-to-end wireless connectivity solutions, offering our customers a comprehensive approach to wireless technology.Partnerships for a Connected World Our approach to innovation is enhanced by strategic partnerships with global leaders in technology, manufacturing, and sales. We leverage a global network of manufacturer's representatives and collaborate with world-class distributors for efficient order fulfillment, ensuring that our advanced frequency control and wireless solutions reach a global market.Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including management's assessment of future plans and operations, and the timing thereof, that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks associated with the ability to access sufficient capital, the impact of general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and overseas, industry conditions, stock market volatility. The Company's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits, including the amount of proceeds, that the Company will derive there from. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the Company's operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website ( www.sedar.com) . Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Furthermore, the forward- looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: Wi2Wi Corporation The Nigerian government said Tuesday it will revoke the licences of mining companies over failure to sign Community Development Agreements (CDA). The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this while speaking at the BusinessDay Media Solid Minerals Conference, held in Abuja. This year I am using this opportunity to sound a note of warning. Any company that fails to sign their community development agreement stands the risk of having its licences revoked, Mr Alake said. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development had in November 2023 launched revised guidelines for the production of the Community Development Agreement. According to the ministry, the CDA is a statutory provision that ensures the transfer of socio-economic benefits to mining host communities. It is a legal document that contains obligations by the Mineral Title Holder (MTH) to host communities and vice versa. Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Alake said only 18 companies signed CDAs with their communities last year. Last year, I launched the revised requirements for community development agreements. It was the appropriate forum to appeal to holders of mining licenses to ensure that they negotiate with the communities in their mining areas and sign the agreements which ensure that the communities benefit from the wealth created from their commonwealth. I wish to note, with dismay, that only eighteen (18) companies signed CDAs with their communities last year. We hope to enforce the implementation of the revised guidelines in the new year and those found wanting will face stiff penalties, he added. Licences The minister said in 2023, the ministry granted no fewer than 499 licences to applicants involved in the business of purchase and sales of minerals. Last year, no fewer than 499 licenses were granted to applicants involved in the business of purchase and sales of minerals, he said. Predictably, he said applications for the purchase and sale of lithium topped the list with 146 licences, followed by gold 91, tin 46 and coal, 32. Other minerals for which licences were granted include Tantalite, Iron Ore, Kaolin, Feldspar, Beryl, baryte, Columbite, Mica and Aquamarine, he added. He explained that the ministry has continued to facilitate the processing of applications for permits to refine minerals and to process and purchase. Without a modicum of doubt, Nigeria is very rich in minerals. If this was the only requirement for foreign direct investment, we would sit arms akimbo and wait for the investors to come. It is not. We are competing with other countries across the continents for investors, he said. The minister said the struggle to attract foreign investors starts with the creation of a supportive investment climate in the country by adopting international best practices which translate to the ease of doing business. In this regard, he said various assets have been mobilised to encourage investment. Efforts are also being made to improve the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Act 2007 to accommodate the changes over the years and make it more amenable to national priorities, he said. Artisanal miners Mr Alake further explained that the campaign against illegal mining and call on artisanal miners to form co-operatives and get government recognition, support and a legal basis to mine is yielding fruits. To date, there are 2,329 registered artisanal miners co-operatives in the country. In 2023, 123 co-operatives were registered. It is significant that 77 of 123 opted for registration following my appeal to them to join hands with the federal government, he said. He noted that the ministry provides extension services to these co-operatives by improving their bookkeeping skills and drilling techniques. I wish to further urge artisanal miners to come together and register as co-operatives. To ease the operations of this sub-sector, the ministry has licensed 986 buying centres across the 36 states of the federation. Plateau, for obvious reasons of its long mining history, has 315 centres followed by Federal Capital Territory, 224 and Lagos, 108, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on Tuesday said it has held talks with a South Korean consortium led by Daewoo E & C on the development of gas projects in Nigeria. Olufemi Soneye, the chief corporate communications officer of NNPC Ltd, made this known in a statement on Tuesday. The statement said the discussions held in Seoul, South Korea, on Monday, were aimed at deepening NNPC Ltds drive to tap into the nations vast gas resources to be a supplier of clean and affordable energy to the global market. The NNPC said that South Korea, a major destination for Liquefied Natural Gas (LPG) exports and the consortium, in collaboration with the Korean Export-Import Bank, expressed interest in advancing discussions on investing in greenfield and other gas development opportunities. The talks will pave the way for the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will unlock strategic foreign direct investment in line with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administrations policy of making Nigeria a prime destination for global investors, the statement said. The statement also added that the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, congratulated Temile Development Company, an indigenous player in the gas sector, on the commissioning of its 23,000 cubic meters ultra-modern Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Carrier in Ulsan, South Korea, on Tuesday. Mr Kyari said the vessel, named Alfred Temile 10, represents a significant stride towards deepening the utilisation of gas in-country and growing gas revenues. It is great that Temile Development Company is able to complete the construction of the 23kt LPG vessel. This will go a long way in improving access to LPG in the domestic market and providing cleaner fuel in our country. Nigerias objective is to ensure that everyone has access to clean energy and particularly walks away from biomass as a source of energy. We know this is good and that is why we will continue to support it, Mr Kyari was quoted in the statement as saying. He said that NNPC Ltd, alongside its partner West Africa Gas Ltd (WAGL), was building its vessels which will boost LPG supply in Nigeria with a view to saturating the market. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A few hours after Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso announced their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday, Nigeriens poured out into the streets of Niamey to celebrate freedom from ECOWAS and the West. BBC Hausa reported that several residents of the Niger Republic capital were in a celebratory mood over the decision. The regional bloc had imposed sanctions on the three countries but more recently in Niger, where soldiers toppled President Mohamed Bazoum, considered to be a strong pillar in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel. The sanctions have crippled Nigers economy and affected basic services like electricity, a lot of which was procured from Nigeria. The three countries being led by military juntas were founding members of the regional bloc in 1975 but have now exited, saying ECOWAS has moved away from the ideals of its founding fathers and pan-Africanism. officially notified of the three countries exit but it was a decision long coming with their formation of the ECOWAS has responded that it was yet to beof the three countries exit but it was a decision long coming with their formation of the Alliance of Sahel States in September last year. This alliance will be a combination of military and economic efforts between the three countries Our priority is the fight against terrorism in the three countries, Malis defence minister Abdoulaye Diop said at the press conference. Trouble in disguise On the surface, the decision may be seen as the right one by many citizens of the countries, especially with the way ECOWAS handled the coup situation in Niger. However, several analysts see the decision as an unwise one that will haunt the three countries and their neighbours economically, socially, politically and security-wise. Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdrawing from ECOWAS amounts to a colossal act of economic self-sabotage. Isolating yourself from your closest neighbours amid an epic economic crisis is profoundly unwise, and unfortunately, ordinary citizens who are led to believe this action serves their interests, will be the primary victims, said Bulama Bukarti, senior analyst at the Extremism Policy Unit at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Mr Bukarti, who shared his thoughts on X, said Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso do not have an alternative to the regional bloc This imprudent decision was driven solely by the narrow, narcissistic ego of the military juntas holding these nations hostage. The three countries are among the 16 landlocked states in Africa. Landlocked countries dont have direct access to the ocean or sea. For decades, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso depended on Nigeria and Benin, especially, for their maritime economy and other important sea resources. Cutting off countries that surround them in a period of economic instability will worsen the economic situation of the three countries especially since none of them has a vibrant economy. in an interview with Trust TV on Monday. The three countries should not be arrogant. They should also try to allow diplomacy to prevail because no country is self-sufficient and that is the grund norm of diplomacy itself. International relations are founded on the basis that no country is self-sufficient and that we are relying on one another, Sulaiman Uba-Gaya, a journalist and public affairs analyst, saidwith Trust TV on Monday. Nigeria in reality has been the one picking most of the bills of ECOWAS. Most of the other members if you look at their GDPs are not even up to half of Lagos State. Nigers GDP is merely 14.7 billion dollars, Malis is 19.7, likewise, Burkina Fasos is 19.8. They should also look at the larger picture because their citizens are going to suffer more. There are more Nigeriens coming into Nigeria than Nigerians go into Niger Republic, they stand to get more from us with due respect to them. Security situation In terms of security, the fortune of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso has not improved since the soldiers took over. The three countries, like the others around, have been facing terrorism. The porous borders in these countries help marauding terrorists to move around the Sahel, unleashing mayhem. In all the coups, the soldiers vowed to tackle insecurity but the security situation in the three countries has been deteriorating with no end in sight. In Niger Republic, for instance, the absence of multinational counter-insurgency has made its borders vulnerable, especially around Zinder and Diffa regions bordering Yobe and Borno states in Nigeria. Northern Nigeria has also not been spared. 17 soldiers were killed while 20 got wounded during a terror attack on Nigerien soldiers. In four months, a media report revealed that Niger suffered an unprecedented 443 military casualties from terror attacks. Even Nigers border with Mali was not spared aswhile 20 got wounded during a terror attack on Nigerien soldiers. In four months, a media report revealed that Niger suffered an unprecedentedcasualties from terror attacks. rise in insecurity following the military coup. In its analysis of the coup and security situation, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) said Niger has seen afollowing the military coup. ACLED said. ACLED data show that incidents of violence targeting civilians perpetrated by IS Sahel quadrupled in August relative to July.since then, the military government in Niger has failed to deliver on its promise to improve stability and security in the country, Mali cancelled its Independence Day celebration following an upsurge in attacks in the northern part of the country. Last year,its Independence Day celebration following an upsurge in attacks in the northern part of the country. The country has been at the mercy of violent armed groups since 2012 and when the military took over in 2021, they accused politicians of not doing enough to tackle the situation. But things have not gotten better. Citizens will suffer If the situation deteriorates, residents of border communities in the affected countries will bear the brunt. States in extreme northern Nigeria will also not be spared. Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno states share a 1,608 kilometres border with the Dosso, Tahou, Maradi, Zinder and Diffa regions of Niger. In all of these states and regions, there have been intermarriage, business relationships and economic dealings that have existed for decades. Several analysts believe the latest development is detrimental to business, politics and other engagements between citizens of the countries. For us in the northern part of the country (Nigeria), youll see that residents of these communities (border) are always engaged in businesses going in and out of the countries. With this development, youll see that these people are cut off from both activities. The two countries from this side rely heavily on each other for the supply of goods and services required, Bashir Achida, an economist and senior lecturer at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, told PREMIUM TIMES. This is the major route (Illela Konni border) for states like Sokoto, Kebbi and even Zamfara to convey goods like onions, garlic and other goods to Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali and Cote dIvoire. They also bring back other commodities. So, this will lead to a loss of millions of Naira. This is a setback to our relationship and economic activities in the two countries, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian government on Monday expressed sadness over an announcement by three ECOWAS member states to withdraw from the bloc. In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, Nigeria recalled that ECOWAS has worked to promote peace, prosperity and democracy in the region. Nigeria stands with ECOWAS to emphasise due process and shared commitment to protect and strengthen the rights and welfare of all citizens of Member States, it said. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso on Sunday announced that they were withdrawing from ECOWAS due to what they called illegal and inhumane sanctions imposed on them following the coups in their countries. They also claimed that the bloc has moved away from its founding principles and no longer protects its members. The withdrawal announcement did not follow due process as stipulated in the ECOWAS charter. ECOWAS, currently led by Nigerias President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, said it had yet to receive any notification of withdrawal from either of the states. READ ALSO: According to the statement from Nigerias foreign ministry, Nigeria has worked sincerely and in good faith to reach out to all members of the ECOWAS family to resolve the difficulties being faced. However, It is now clear that those seeking to quit the Community do not share that same good faith. Instead, unelected leaders engage in a public posturing to deny their people the sovereign right to make fundamental choices over their freedom of movement, freedom to trade and freedom to choose their own leaders, Nigeria said. Nigeria said it remains open to engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger so that all the people of the region can continue to enjoy the economic benefits and democratic values that ECOWAS embraces. It also appealed for continued support for ECOWAS from the International Community. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigeria has recorded an improved ranking in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released on Tuesday by Transparency International (TI), moving five places up to rank 145 out of 180 countries assessed. Apart from moving five places up from its 150th position, the country also gained one point added to its previous 24, ending up scoring 25 out of the 100 maximum points in the 2023 CPI results. The CPI, arguably the most widely used global corruption ranking in the world, measures how corrupt each countrys public sector is perceived to be. It uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero means highly corrupt, and 100 means very clean. Small fluctuations or changes in a countrys CPI score are not usually significant, says the TI, a Berlin-based non-profit and non-governmental organisation concerned with ending corruption in the countries and territories of the world. According to TI, Nigerias slight improvement in points scored, places below the Sub-Saharan African average of 33 points. Seychelles (CPI score: 71) remains the top scorer in the region, followed by Cabo Verde (64) and Botswana (59). Equatorial Guinea (17), South Sudan (13) and Somalia (11) perform the lowest with no sign of improvement. Nigeria shares its 145th position in the 2023 CPI with Liberia, Madagascar and Mozambique. Cases of corruption and related challenges in justice systems in the region range from reports of bribery to extortion and political interference in justice systems of countries like Nigeria (25), to the dismissal and imprisonment of magistrates accused of corruption in Burundi (20), and all the way to the denial of justice for victims of human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (20). These examples underscore the justice systems crucial role in safeguarding basic human rights and social equity, wrote Paul Banoba, Robert Mwanyumba and Samuel Kaninda, Regional Advisors for Africa, Transparency International. The experts said the 2023 CPI shows that countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have a long way to go in their fight against corruption. Nigeria had recorded an improvement in the previous 2022 CPI, moving up to 150th compared to its 154th position out of 180 countries assessed in the 2022 rankings. The improved ranking was not accounted for by gaining additional points. It moved up four places despite maintaining its previous score of 24 out of 100 points in the 2021 assessment. More details later Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, on Tuesday, called for the strengthening of the existing symbiotic relationship between the FIRS and the Armed Forces in the country. Mr Adedeji made the call when he received the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who was on a visit to the Revenue House in Abuja with his team of top Military officers. A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman quoted Mr Adedeji as saying that prosperity and development will be difficult to achieve in an insecure environment. The FIRS boss stated: A lot of people will ask: what is the relationship between the Armed Forces and the FIRS? What you will hear President Bola Tinubu say at all times is that we will not tax the seeds, but the fruits from them. This means when we plant the seeds, we water it to grow. The Armed Forces personnel are the people who help us to guide the vineyard where the seeds are planted, especially in the oil and gas industry. They make it possible for us to go into the vineyards to pluck the fruits. Without you, we will not have the right fruits. If there is no security, there is no way prosperity can happen. We are interested in prosperity because that is what we want to tax. So, there is a symbiotic relationship between the Armed Forces and FIRS. We dont take this relationship for granted. When companies dont run as a result of insecurity, they will not make profits and when they dont make profit, there will be nothing to tax. That is why the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and security operatives in general is number one on the agenda of President Bola Tinubu. It is when we have security that prosperity can come and it is when there is prosperity that we will have the revenue to give to the federation, Mr Adedeji told General Musa. Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff had pledged the support of the military to FIRS in its operations and determination to make available the needed revenue for government services. The more FIRS succeeds, the more Nigeria benefits from the institution. So, FIRS is really very crucial to the government and to us as members of the Armed Forces as well as to the country. We are also here to show our commitment to ensuring that we give you all support whenever it is needed so you can do your job without any harassment or intimidation from any quarters. FIRS is able to raise funds for the federation. We know the importance of taxation and how it brings development. We are beginning to have awareness from members of the public who now realise that the taxes they pay are important for the development of the country, General Musa said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerian lawmakers are set to embark on another security summit despite the non-implementation of the previous one held two years ago. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Tuesday, announced that the House will hold another summit amid current insecurity across the country. Mr Tajudeen who announced this at the resumption of plenary, lamented the rising insecurity in the country. In light of these challenges, I propose convening a National Legislative Security Summit. This Summit will serve as a crucible for ideas, where stakeholders from diverse sectors security, traditional and religious institutions, academia, civil society, and more will forge enduring solutions to our security woes. It is time to harness our collective expertise, to break the silos that have hindered our progress, and to chart a new course towards peace and stability, Mr Tajudeen said. The security situation in Nigeria has in the recent past deteriorated. There has been an upsurge in cases of killings and abductions in virtually all parts of the country. Over 200 persons were killed by gunmen and properties were destroyed in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Christmas Eve. Earlier in the year, several persons were kidnapped in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with some of the victims losing their lives. Only on Monday, two traditional rulers were killed in Ekiti State. A coalition of 48 civil society organisations said on Monday that between May 2023 when President Bola Tinubu assumed office and January 2024, at least 2 423 people have been killed in mass atrocities-related incidents while about 1,872 persons have been abducted. Gbajabiamilas security summit The House of Representatives is planning another security summit despite its failure to implement the report of the previous one held for about two years. In 2022, the 9th session of the House, under Femi Gbajabiamila as speaker, convened a three-day security summit in Abuja, to discuss some of the security challenges facing the country. The summit produced a report that contained 19 resolutions which were subsequently transmitted to the then-president, Muhammadu Buhari. However, many of the recommendations have not been implemented by the executive. It is unclear why the House is embarking on another summit when the report is still with the presidency. Also, Mr Gbajabiamila, who chaired the 2022 security summit is currently the chief of staff to President Tinubu. Although it is not known how much was spent on that event, the lawmakers once again plan to spend taxpayers money to organise another summit whose report may be dumped on a shelf to gather dust. While lawmakers are talking and debating, the country is facing grim insecurity. Our strategy is not working Tajudeen Mr Tajudeen stated that the current strategy of the government is not working and urged Mr Tinubu to consider a change of strategy to deal with insecurity. He asked the president to demand more from the service chiefs and take tough decisions if need be. I implore the president not to shy away from making the tough decisions. If necessary, we must not hesitate to enact changes within our security apparatus, for the cost of inaction is far too great to bear, he said. The speaker added, It is a stark reminder that the conventional approaches to security we have espoused for so long are no longer sufficient. The time has come to think out of the box and adopt new and contemporary strategies that better respond to the complexities of our current challenges. READ ALSO: Nigerian lawmaker weeps in parliament while discussing insecurity To our patriotic and brave security forces, while commending your heroism and sacrifice, the time has come for you to review your approaches and strategies, innovate and adapt. The enemy evolves, and so must we. Meanwhile, Mr Tajudeen has set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the killings in Plateau State last month. The committee is chaired by Sada Soli (APC, Katsina). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate on Tuesday summoned security chiefs to an interactive session over the rising cases of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, killings and other criminal activities across the country. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the decision of the upper chamber during plenary. The service chiefs summoned are the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar and Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla. Mr Akpabio directed the service chiefs to appear before senators next week to find a lasting solution to the rising case of insecurity in the country. He said the Senate will thereafter discuss the outcome and resolutions of the meeting with President Bola Tinubu to ensure a lasting solution to the security challenges facing the country. The senate president also directed lawmakers to observe a one-minute silence in honour of those who have been killed unjustly. The upper chamber made the resolution to summon the security chiefs following a motion sponsored by the senators to the effect. The motion was presented by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) on behalf of his colleagues. Second invitation Meanwhile, this is not the first time the Senate under the leadership of Mr Akpabio will be summoning the security chiefs since they were appointed last year. The Senate in its last sitting in December summoned the service chiefs after Diket Plang (APC, Plateau Central) moved a motion to call the attention of the lawmakers to the killings and destruction of properties when armed men invaded several communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Christmas Eve. Since the summon, the service chiefs have not appeared before the lawmakers. Motion Mr Bamidele, while presenting the motion, expressed sadness over the rising case of insecurity across the country. He mentioned the recent attack in Agatu and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State which claimed the lives of many residents of the area and destroyed many properties. The senate leader also listed cases of various kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory where victims were killed even after the payment of ransom. Mr Bamidele identified the recent killings of two traditional rulers and the abduction of primary school pupils in Ekiti State as part of the rising case of insecurity. He therefore prayed for the senate to invoke its earlier resolutions to invite security chiefs for an interactive session to find a lasting solution to the issue of insecurity in the country. Senate further notes the recent killings in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, which led to the loss of lives, including security personnel and wanton destruction of properties as well as the brutal killings of eleven residents of Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. Senate equally notes the various kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory where victims have been killed after collecting ransom. Senate is also aware of several cases of kidnappings all over the country where huge ransom had been paid and several of the victims still got killed. Senate is also aware that the recent killings of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State and the abduction of primary school pupils in Ekiti had further aggravated the level of insecurity in the country. Senate notes the unfortunate bomb explosion at Bodija in Ibadan Oyo State where no less than five lives were lost and several residential houses, schools, hotels, and religious centres were destroyed. The Senate equally notes the killing of several residents of Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi communities in Plateau State. Responsibility Mr Akpabio, while responding to the motion, said the lawmakers have the responsibility to collaborate with the executive to resolve the rising insecurity in the country. After the interactive session with the security chiefs, which we agreed that it should be next week, we would also fix a time to discuss the outcome with Mr President. We have a responsibility to collaborate with the executive and contribute our ideas to ensure that our constituents and ourselves, including our children, can sleep with their two eyes closed. Security is everybodys business, and without security, we can not make progress. We are very determined to make laws and pass resolutions aimed at ensuring rapid progress of the country and the immediate improvement of the Nigerian economy. This will not be possible without a secured nation. We will take this up with Mr President after interaction with security chiefs, the senate president said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has, for the umpteenth time, reacted to the lingering crisis at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) over the alleged job racketeering which has led to the nonpayment of some workers for almost a year. Mr Pate, in a statement shared on the X handle of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, explained reasons for the delayed action on the matter, saying the ministry is working out the possibilities of addressing the issue. Earlier in November 2023, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the ministry issued a statement signed by its Director of Press, Patricia Deworitshe, confirming the indictment of some officials of the hospital including a former Acting Chief Medical Director, Afolabi Owojuyigbe, of engaging in job racketeering. The ministry said an investigative panel led by Aderemi Azeez found that Mr Owojuyigbe carried out over-employment in the hospital, without provision in the personnel budget. According to the statement, the panel disclosed that Mr Owojuyigbe, a Consultant anaesthetist, employed over 1,973 staff as against the waiver for 450 vacancies granted to the hospital by the federal government in the 2022 employment process. Mr Owojuyigbe and his accomplices are therefore culpable of job racketeering, according to the panel. Workers murmur Meanwhile, as a result of the development many of the employed workers have not received their salaries for about a year since their employment. However, the government is insisting that the employment is illegal and that the government has no money to pay the illegal employees. However, the affected workers have taken to social media to accuse the government of subjecting them to penury. They said the ministry is deliberately delaying the process to frustrate them out of the job. Minister responds The minister has, however, said the ministry is still working to resolve the issue, saying many of those illegally engaged are non-clinical workers and there is no money in the hospital to pay for them. In a statement shared Monday on X, Mr Pate alleged that many of the job seekers and their sponsors influence peddlers and made illegal transactions to secure the illegal positions. He clarified that the issue is primarily an OAUTH mismanagement of employment issues with collusion between a few civil actors in the institution, some corrupt individuals, and many desperate job seekers. He said OAUTH was reportedly approved to recruit 450 health workers but unfortunately, almost 2000 additional employment /job offers were granted above the number. Now, the quandary is how to tease out the truly legally employed versus the illegal ones, he said. Resolution The Minister disclosed in the statement that the ministry is soon coming with some of the difficult decisions while avoiding embarrassment for the innocent as much as possible. He pleaded that those who racketeered should quietly consider moving on while we find ways to resolve for the more innocent caught in the mess. About Owojuyigbe PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Mr Owojuyigbe was appointed the Acting CMD of the teaching hospital in March 2022 when the then substantive CMD, Victor Adetiloye, a professor, left the office. This newspaper also confirmed that apart from Messrs Owojuyigbe and Tajudeen who were suspended in July, the hospitals Director of Establishment, Lekan Ganiyu, was also suspended. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print To ease the movement of election materials for Saturdays rerun and by-elections in some difficult terrain, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has agreed to airlift them for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Chief of Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar, committed while receiving the INEC Chairperson, Mahmood Yakubu, during a courtesy visit in Abuja on Monday. Mr Yakubu had requested the assistance of the Air Force to deliver materials to three locations in the North-east, South-east and South-west geo-political zones of the country. The INEC chairperson said the commission would conduct bye-elections and re-run elections in 26 states of the Federation. He noted that in nine states, two Senators, four members of the House of Representatives and three members of state Houses of Assembly will be elected in bye-elections to replace members who passed on or resigned their memberships of the national and state Assemblies. Mr Yakubu disclosed that rerun elections will take place at designated constituencies or Polling Units as ordered by the Election Appeal Tribunals. In all the elections, we will fill vacancies in three Senatorial Districts, 17 Federal and 28 State Constituencies spread across 80 Local Government Areas, 575 Registration Areas/Wards and 8,934 Polling Units involving 4,904,627 registered vo ters, out of which 4,613,291 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) have been collected, he said. Mr Yakubu noted that the electoral umpire could not handle such a huge national assignment alone, hence the need to mobilise every national asset, including NAF. It is in the realisation of this objective that the law empowers the Commission to seek the support of the security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies in the delivery of materials and the protection of election officials as clearly provided for in Section 27(3) of the Electoral Act 2022. The elections are holding this weekend. Working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), materials are being delivered to many locations. However, given the size and distance of some constituencies, we seek the support of NAF to expeditiously deliver materials to three locations in the North East, South East and South West geo-political zones of the country. We have already indicated to the Chief of the Air Staff the specific locations and the tonnage of materials to be airlifted, the INEC chairman said. He added that the evacuation of materials from local airports to the States where elections will hold will be handled by the Commission and the CBN as has been the standard practice. Thereafter, the inspection and movement of all materials to the various Local Government Areas and beyond will be done with the full participation of all stakeholders, particularly agents of political parties and candidates, observers and the media in a transparent manner. In his response, Mr Abubakar described INEC as a dependable partner in providing security and rapid airlift for the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials across the country. He noted that the relationship between the NAF and the electoral umpire has been anchored on shared objectives, geared towards ensuring that good governance, stability and the rule of law reign throughout the country. Also, he commended the INEC chairman for the numerous initiatives that have been executed under his watch, insisting that the reforms have raised the bar of transparency and credibility in the nations electoral process. I assure you that we remain willing and ready to continue supporting INEC as we have always done in the past. At the moment, our C-130s are currently undergoing maintenance, but we have other aircraft that can be employed to move sensitive materials. The caveat is that we need to move those materials a little earlier due to the capacity of the airplanes available, the Air chief said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has arrested no fewer than 4,907 persons for 6,339 traffic offences during the just concluded Operation Zero Tolerance in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Sector Commander, Mutaa Chorrie, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Operation Zero Tolerance occurred during the yuletide season between 15 December 2023, and 15 January. Mr Chorrie said that non-use of seat belts, use of phones while driving and overspeeding were the major causes of accidents during the operation. He, however, said the Corps would be embarking on another special patrol operation in 2024 in the territory. He added that the experience during the 2023 end-of-the-year special patrol operations propelled the Corps to commence another. This, he said, would not only check excesses of users of mobile phones but would also reduce incessant road traffic crashes in the six area councils. The special Operation is tagged Operation Falcon Speed Mobile Control. This will help check all the things that cause road accidents and curb to the barest minimum, he said. The FRSC boss stressed that the Corps had provided raider guns and other operational logistics to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness in 2024. READ ALSO: Mr Chorrie said the Command would also embark on intensive sensitisation in churches, Mosques and schools which he believed have larger populations. This will also help to inculcate driving culture and educate road users on effective traffic management in the FCT. The Corps would be visiting churches on Sundays and Mosques on Fridays as well as various public and private schools, he said. The Sector Commander appealed to motorists, particularly commercial drivers to always abide by traffic rules and give maximum cooperation to FRSC. This, he said, would not only reduce road accidents with fatalities but also save lives and properties in the territory. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Imo State have uncovered three decomposing unidentified corpses suspected to be kidnap victims at a forest in Ihiagwa and Avu communities in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state. The police spokesperson in the state, ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed the discovery to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Owerri. NAN reports that a viral video on social media had shown about four decomposing bodies reportedly uncovered in the forest by Imo hunters and forest guards. Mr Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, had directed a tactical team to thoroughly search all the bushes and forests in the area to see if there were more kidnappers and dead bodies. Operatives of Imo State Police Command Special Tactical Squad, led by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Aboki Danjuma, raided a forest along Avu-Ihiagwa communities, suspected to be kidnappers hideout. In the process, five suspected kidnappers were arrested, while three decomposing unidentified corpses suspected to be kidnap victims were recovered. The command intends to carry out a DNA confirmatory test to ascertain the identities of the victims, Mr Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police, stated. According to him, intense combing of the forest and other locations in the state was ongoing, with the aim of stamping out all forms of crime. He advised residents to provide information that could lead to the arrest of criminals, as well as secure and safeguard the state. Mr Okoye urged residents to either go to their closest divisional police officer, the Area commanders or commanders of the tactical teams. Abduction for ransom has become one of the prevalent crimes in many Nigerian cities lately. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The 2023 governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Akwa Ibom State, John Akpanudoedehe said he was reluctant to congratulate Governor Umo Eno on his victory at the Supreme Court because of the different interpretations that people may give to it. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Mr Eno, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the 18 March 2023 governorship election in the state. Mr Eno won in 29 of the 31 local government areas in the state, with a total of 354, 348 votes. The Young Progressives Party candidate, Bassey Albert came second with 136, 262 votes. The All Progressives Congress candidate, Akanimo Udofia, followed with 129, 602 votes, while Mr Akpanudoedehe, of the NNPP, with 12, 509 votes, came fourth. Dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, the opposition parties challenged the declaration of Mr Eno as the winner of the election but lost at the Election Tribunal and the Appeal Court. The legal battle was laid to rest on 11 January when the Supreme Court validated Mr Enos election and dismissed the appeals filed by the opposition parties, including that of Mr Akpanudoedehe and his party, for lacking in merit. In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, Mr Akpanudoedehe said he would love to congratulate the governor on his victory but because many people would think he has been bribed to do so. Not that I will not love to do it. We understand that politics is a sport. You must have the spirit of sportsmanship but the interpretation will be different. The Supreme Court has declared Mr Eno as governor, if you want to protest, you will protest to heaven because that is the final. You know I have a very large support base. People will say this your man before he did that he must have taken money from the PDP, he said. Asked if he is considering contesting in the 2027 governorship election, Mr Akpanudoedehe declined to offer a direct answer to the question. Weve just finished one. The Supreme Court has just declared someone as governor. For now, it is governance. Give him space to govern, you dont talk about politics. Dont discuss the politics of 2027 because it is God that gives power, he said. Originally a member of PDP Mr Akpanudoedehe is a former senator. He was originally a member of the PDP, a platform where he was elected a senator and later served as the minister of state for the FCT. He was the director general of the governorship campaign committee of Godswill Akpabio (now Senate President) in 2007. He later fell out with Mr Akpabio and defected to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), a platform he contested the 2011 governorship against Mr Akpabio, who contested under the PDP platform. For close to two decades, Mr Akpanudoedehe was the face of opposition politics in the state, after defecting from the PDP to the ACN which later metamorphosed into the APC. He was a national secretary of the APC, a platform he aspired for the 2023 governorship election, but was outmanoeuvred by Mr Akpabio and others who helped Mr Udofia to win the party ticket despite Mr Udofia joining the party about a week before the party primary The frustration triggered Mr Akpanudoedehes resignation from the APC and defection to the NNPP where he secured the party ticket for the 2023 election. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Imo House of Assembly has passed a motion urging the state governor, Hope Uzodinma, to recover the assembly quarters from squatters so they can be used as intended. The motion was sponsored by the representative of the Orlu State Constituency, Ikenna Ihezuo (APC). Presenting the motion, Mr Ihezuo said that the Imo House of Assembly staff quarters were illegally converted to personal use and needs to be recovered. He recalled that members and staff of the assembly, including aides of the lawmakers, were ejected from the premises under very controversial circumstances and the place was renamed Heroes Apartments. He added that the assembly records showed that there was no resolution or agreement to cede the said properties. He added that the illegal conversion had impacted negatively on members and staff of the assembly who had to rent accommodation elsewhere. The lawmaker stated that the purpose for which the quarters were built had been grossly defeated and should be addressed. He prayed the lawmakers to urge the governor to recover the properties from those currently managing them and put them to proper use. Supporting the motion, Gilbert Nwosu (APC-Oguta), stated that conversion of the quarters was an insult to the legislature and should not be allowed to continue. He added that the accommodation of lawmakers in other states was sacrosanct and called for urgent action to be taken. Also supporting the motion, Uche Agabige (APC-Orsu), stated that all those involved in the illegal conversion of the assembly quarters should be brought to book. He also suggested that everything recovered from the quarters should be handed over to the legislature as compensation. Contributing to the debate, the Owerri Municipal representative, Kingsley Amadi (LP), said that the premises had not been well maintained before they were converted for commercial purposes. He appealed to the government to ensure that they are properly maintained when they are recovered and returned to the assembly. Following votes in favour of the motion, the Speaker, Chike Olemgbe, ruled in favour of prayers of the motion. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the representative of Isu State Constituency, Kingsley Ozurumba (APC), was sworn in during the plenary. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cleared 10 aspirants for the 22 February governorship primary election in Edo State. The PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, said this when he spoke with reporters on Tuesday in Abuja. He said that the aspirants had been presented with the partys Provisional Clearance Certificates at the PDP national headquarters in Abuja. The aspirants that have been cleared include Philip Shaibu, the Edo deputy governor; former managing director of Sterling Bank, Asue Ighodalo, former House of Representatives member, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama; and a former chairperson of Esan West Local Government Area, Felix Akhabue. READ ALSO: PDP promises transparent primaries for Edo guber poll Others are former chairperson of the Edo chapter of the All Progressives Congress, Anslem Ojezua, former House of Representatives member, Omosede Igbinedion; Arthur Esene, Martin Uhomoibhi, and Osaro Onaiwu. Mr Bature said that the 11th aspirant, Balogun Sunday, failed to appear for screening. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu says Nigerias security architecture is being robustly fortified in response to the worsening insecurity across the country. Mr Tinubu was reacting to the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti on Monday and the kidnap of school pupils and their teachers in the same state. PREMIUM TIMES reported the killing of the monarchs and the kidnap of the six pupils, three teachers and a school bus driver in the state. The killing of the traditional rulers and kidnap of the 10 pupils and workers occurred in different parts of Ekiti and it is not yet certain if the atrocities were carried out by the same group or different groups. No group has claimed responsibility for the dastardly acts. In his Tuesday statement, President Tinubus spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, said, It is with grief that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola. President Tinubu condemns this mindless and brutal bloodletting, and pledges that the perpetrators will not escape justice. The president condoles with the families and subjects of the traditional rulers, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and the people of Ekiti State on this deeply agonizing development. In the same vein, the president directs the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped around Eporo-Ekiti area of the state. As security of life and property is the primary responsibility of government, President Tinubu assures Nigerians that the nations security architecture is being robustly fortified for better and expected outcomes. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Jigawa State Government has announced that it has secured the transfer of its students who were evacuated from war-ravaged Sudan to Cyprus and India. A total of 194 students from the state who are largely pursuing medical programmes were on scholarship in Sudan. They were among thousands of Nigerians evacuated from that country amid violent civil clashes that erupted in the country last April. Sixteen additional students were sponsored to study in Sudan by the Muhammed Ndimi Foundation (MNF). On Monday, the state government said the students are departing to continue their programmes in the new universities, an official said 184 of them are going to Cyprus and 10 others are heading to India, next month. Umar Namadi, governor of Jigawa State said his government has worked tirelessly to get the students transferred to standard universities in Cyprus and India in its resolve to address the dearth of medical workers in the state. Since their return (from Sudan), the government has been working day and night to secure another admission for the students in a competent and standard university to continue their studies for achieving our desired goals of getting enough manpower to manage our health facilities. Today the state ministry of Higher Education has successfully secured admission for 184 students in Cyprus University and 10 at Indian University, and all necessary arrangements have been completed for their flight to that country on 5th February, Mr Namadi said. Also, the states Commissioner for Higher Education, Isa Chamo said, the state government has spent 2.6 billion for admission, transport, registration and other required logistics for the 194 students. Mr Chamo said that some of the students will study for two years while some three years before completing their studies. According to him, since the inception of the present administration under the leadership of Mr Namadi over 4.6 billion has been expended on various student scholarship programmes. The state government has also reviewed the annual students Scholarship to cover at least 50 per cent of their registration fee in any public university and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria, Mr Chamo added. Some of the students who attended the send-off programme at the Government House with their parents applauded the commitment of the governor to ensuring that they got transferred to other foreign universities within a timeframe. One of the students leaders, Nura Illiyasu said, Its another dream come true after another one was shattered by war in Sudan. We never expected it soon because of the government bureaucracy and competing priorities. We are grateful to the governor and commend him over his concern for education which translates his word and determination into action, to make Jigawa great. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Muslim Community in Ondo State has cried out against its continued marginalisation and exclusion from governance in the state. This was the submission when the community, led by the Chairperson, League of Imams and Alfas in the state, Ahmed Aladesawe, paid a courtesy visit to the governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday in his office. While addressing the governor, Mr Aladesawe urged the governor to right the wrongs of past administrations in the state by bringing into his government members of the Muslim community. He said the Muslim community used the opportunity to condole with the government on the loss of the former governor, the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and also to congratulate Mr Aiyedatiwa on his assumption as governor. He praised the governor for some decisions and approvals he had made since he came into office, which has brought smiles on the faces of residents. We cannot but say that all the appointments you have made so far fall short of the expectations of all fair-minded, just, God-fearing, and objective good people of the State, including our-good-selves, the Chief Imam said. Previous administrations have strategically and critically marginalised the Muslims of Ondo State. We have been reduced to sub-human beings. We are not in government, and we are not involved in governance. In the administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the Muslims were not among the ten principal officers of the government, namely the Executive Governor, Deputy Governor, SSG, Chief of Staff, Chief Press secretary, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Head of Service, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and chairman of the ruling party, he added. Mr Aladesawe noted that all efforts to correct the lopsidedness in the then government proved abortive as the late governor was not ready to correct the marginalisation. He said the Muslim community in the state is equally unhappy with the appointments made by Governor Aiyedatiwa thus far. You have made four cardinal appointments after your swearing-in, and all are people of your faith with no single Muslim. Are you saying that you cannot find a Muslim in your party cerebral enough to accept even one of those appointments? Are you saying the Muslims are so short of technocrats and intellectuals who can man those offices? We, as elders, are disturbed and our children are restless. Our youth are not happy, but we have to calm them with the assurance that we will meet with you and that we believe you will correct the lopsidedness, he said. The Chief Imam reminded the governor that Ondo state was not a Christian state. As such, he noted that any government that desires peace, stability and development must recognise the religious diversity of the state. All the Muslim youth organisations, including this body, wrote to you pleading that you pick one of our best as your deputy to aid you in the administration of this state. Alas, without any explanation or indulgence, you decided to pick your choice and jettison the over two million Muslims of Ondo State. Mr Aladesawe prayed that God would grant Mr Aiyedatiwa the wisdom and courage to right the wrongs of the previous administrations. We believe you are specially sent to take the good people of Ondo State to the promise land and we are sure that you will not leave the Muslim community behind in the journey, he further said. The community also complained of marginalisation in public schools where the state government had refused to hire teachers for Islamic Religious Knowledge, and do not allow their children to wear hijab or be allowed to attend Jumuah. While pledging their support for the governor, the community urged the governor to address all their concerns. Reacting to the issues raised, the governor said recent appointments were made based on political considerations rather than religious affiliations, stressing that the people of the state must be united regardless of faith. He assured that future appointments would take into account the diverse interests of the states population. The governor affirmed support for both private and Islamic schools, noting the governments previous efforts in supporting special Islamic education initiatives. He reassured the Muslim community of ongoing efforts to address teacher shortages and ensure the recruitment of Islamic teachers. Mr Aiyedatiwa also clarified the status of the Muslim Welfare Board, stating that there were no plans for dissolution. He affirmed the governments commitment to effective governance through the constitution of new boards. The governor also provided assurances regarding salary arrears, stating that all outstanding payments have been cleared, and reiterated the administrations focus on youth development and employment opportunities. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake, has condemned the gruesome murder of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State. Mr Alake in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Tuesday also condemned the abduction of some school children in the state. The two traditional rulers the Onimojo of Imojo -Ekiti, Olatunde Olusola; and Elesun of Esun Ekiti, David Ogunsola, were reportedly gruesomely murdered by their assailants while returning from a security meeting. The school pupils who hail from Emure Ekiti were kidnapped on their way from the school on Monday in another community -Eporo Ekiti According to Mr Alake, the two tragic incidents, again, speak to the challenges of insecurity in the country, which he said the President Tinubu-led administration is working very hard to surmount. The minister condoled with the Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji; the government and the people of the state, especially the families and subjects of the departed kings. While I strongly condemn this unfortunate incident, I urge the security agencies to fish out the assailants and ensure they face the full wrath of the law until justice is served, he said. ALSO READ: Nigerian lawmaker weeps in parliament while discussing insecurity Mr Alake called on the police high command and the State Security Services (SSS) to rescue the primary school pupils. There is no doubt that this is a very distressing moment for the people of Ekiti State and Nigerians in general, but the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu will continue to work very hard to improve the security situation in our country, Mr Alake said. Dr. Oladele Alake Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals January 30, 2024. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A Nigerian lawmaker burst into tears on Tuesday on the floor of the parliament while discussing the insecurity in his state. Although the security situation across the country appears to have worsened with almost daily reports of killings and kidnappings, the lawmaker focussed on the latest incident in his state. At the plenary of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson of the House, broke down in tears while reading a motion on the Monday murder of two monarchs in Ekiti State. Mr Rotimi, who represents Oye/Ikole Federal Constituency, could not contain his emotion while reading the motion. In the motion, he called for a security intervention to stem the tide of criminality ravaging Ekiti State. He said there has been an increase in criminal activities in Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency in recent times resulting in the lost lives and properties. Mr Rotimi informed his colleagues that the two monarchs were murdered by yet-to-be-identified criminals. On Monday, January 29, 2024, these criminals carried out a dastardly attack in the Oke-Ako area in Ikole Local Government Area resulting in the death of two traditional rulers: the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti Oba Olatunji Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola and leaving a host of others with life-threatening injuries, he said. While talking about the monarchs, Mr Rotimi was sobbing loudly and some of his colleagues had to console him with pats on the back. Consequently, the House resolved to urge the Chief of Army Staff to deploy soldiers to the outpost along the Oke-Ako area to enhance security and forestall a repeat of these beastly acts. The House directed the Inspector General of Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp Commandant General, and heads of other security agencies to deploy more officials to Ekiti North 1 and ensure that those who carried out dastardly acts are fished out and brought to justice. They also compelled the Ministry of Works and FERMA to immediately rehabilitate the Ayedun to Irele road, and other roads in the Federal Constituency. Apart from the two monarchs killed, six schoolchildren, three teachers and a bus driver were also kidnapped on Monday in the state, PREMIUM TIMES reports. The 10 people were kidnapped in the Emure part of Ekiti and it is not yet certain if they were kidnapped by the same gang that killed the monarchs. In its resolution, the House urged the security agencies to put all measures in place to rescue the school children, teachers and the bus driver. The motion was adopted without debate and passed when Speaker Abbas Tajudeen put it to vote and a minute silence was observed. Following the adoption of that motion, the House adjourned its sitting till next week Tuesday to allow lawmakers to participate in the bye-elections in some constituencies scheduled for the weekend. The speaker announced that the adjournment became necessary to allow members to participate in the bye-elections. Insecurity Across Nigeria The latest incidents in Ekiti State are not isolated as they are part of the worsening insecurity across the country. There have been cases of killings and kidnappings in several parts of the country, including Abuja, the Nigerian capital. PREMIUM TIMES reported on Monday that a coalition of 48 Civil Society Organisations called on President Bola Tinubu to act fast to stem the security situation. At a press conference, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa, who spoke on behalf of organisations, said they are deeply concerned about the rising insecurity across the country. He urged the government to take urgent steps towards ending it. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A group known as the Enugu State Graduate Farmers, has expressed dismay over the destruction of its 35,000 hectares of rice farm by herders in the state. The farmland is at Ojoloko farm site at Umuiba, Nara, in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. Some of the farmers who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Enugu, said all their investments in the farmland were destroyed by cattle. They complained that the bank that lent them money was now after them for repayment. After grazing, they set farm on fire Speaking to NAN on the development, the President, Enugu State Graduate Farmers, Patrick Mba, said that at every harvest, the herders would go to the farm, eat up their rice and set others on fire. According to him, the farmers have lost billions of naira and up till now Sterling Bank is chasing some of them around because of inability to repay the loan they took. We are those farmers trained by the Enugu State Government during the tenure of former Governor Sullivan Chime. We started farming at Adani in Uzouwani Local Government Area, but when the farm was handed over to another company, we relocated to Nara where we have over 50, 000 hectares of land. We cultivated 35,000 hectares with rice both certified seed and paddy rice, since 2020 and in 2021, we borrowed money and did the farming, but when we were about to harvest, cows ate 80 per cent of the rice. They are in our farm on Sunday and Monday grazing and setting the rest on fire, Mr Mba said. He added that they did not confront them but reported the matter to the State Security Service, Amagunze Police Station, and also informed the commissioner of police and the Enugu State Government. We have once been invited for a meeting, but after the meeting the herders came back and did worse. We are appealing to the government to help us stop them from entering our farms as well as organisations to come to our aid as most have lost confidence in farming. Since 2020 that we started, we have lost all that we planted worth N1.5 billion, but this year experience was much, he said. Another farmer and leader of a farm cluster, Chukwudinka Ezeihu, described the attack as a total destruction, stressing that it has been devastating for them. He explained that when they were expecting a quantum of yield from their rice they suffered to farm, they would wake up and see the farm destroyed by herders. This year alone, we have lost billions of naira. How do we pay people that invested their money in the business? When we sent out videos of the destruction early this January, I made a statement at the Amagunze Police Station where they gave us someone to mediate between the farmers and the herders. He said that the herders agreed to compensate them for the destruction. How can they be telling somebody who had lost over N1 million that he is going to be paid N200,000 as compensation? he asked. Corroborating the claims, another farm cluster leader, Emeka Ugwuja, said, If you go to the police there now, you will see five different complaints on the same issue. Most families are already leaving their houses. My own farm is valued at N10 million, they are negotiating to pay compensation of N500,000. Government should please chase those herders from the agrarian community as our means of livelihood have been affected, he appealed. What I saw was heartbreaking Chidike Ukoh, the founding president of the National Youths Empowerment Association, Africa, a civil society organisation, who inspected the level of destruction at the rice farm, said he received a call on the emergency situation of the farm. He said Enugu graduates farmers were partners with them for over 12 years consistently. We have done some interventions for them and they are a wonderful and fantastic group. They told us that herders invaded their farms and destroyed it. I have visited the farm to see things for myself, the rice fields were burnt, (and) some packed rice were marched by cows, making it impossible to pick them. What I saw was heartbreaking as some rice heaps they cut waiting for threshing were set on fire. On getting there on Sunday, some rice were still burning, Mr Ukoh said. He added, Our own interest is peace, mediation and sustained peace as a civil society organisation. Let the livestock and rice farmer coexist as nature provides and not one putting the other into indebtedness and suffering. Let there be security and with their action, the national food security by President Bola Tinubu will not be achieved. Leader of Hausa community speaks on the destruction Abubakar Sambo, the Sarki Hausawa and leader of Hausa community in Enugu State, while saying that the issue of herders was a very complex one, described the situation as very unfortunate. He said as the Hausa leader in the state, he has tried to maintain peaceful coexistence in Enugu and ensure that herders do not destroy farmland but where it happens, they should pay for damage. Proffering solutions, Mr Sambo called for establishment of ranching to stop the animals from entering into farms. From the complaints I have received, the destruction is much, and it is saddening that people will cultivate and somebody will destroy it. We are doing our best to see that those involved pay compensation, he said. Were doing our best Police Speaking on the matter, the divisional police officer in the area, who did not want his name mentioned in the story, told NAN that they were aware of the situation, adding that the division had visited the farmland several times. We are doing our best to curtail their activities which is becoming too much, he said. When contacted, the States Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, said he had been having meetings with Miyetti Allah on how to curb the menace, adding that the Enugu State Government had not rested on the matter. READ ALSO: Cattle traders appeal to govt to allow them live inside Abia market He stated that attacks by herders was a national issue, stressing that it was heartbroken that after suffering, farmers would lose their rice to herders. Government is not resting, we are doing something. Governor Mbah has deployed security agencies everywhere to ensure that the state is secured, Mr Ubru said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerias electoral commission, INEC, has sworn in Etekamba Umoren, a known member and loyalist of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). The commission also deployed him in Delta State where he would serve as REC for the next five years. INEC disclosed this in a statement by its spokesperson, Sam Olumekun, on Tuesday. Mr Umoren replaced Monday Udo-Tom whose five-year tenure has expired. The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Tuesday 30th January 2024. The meeting was preceded by the swearing-in of Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and deployed to Delta State following the expiration of the tenure of the last holder of the office yesterday, Monday 29th January 2024, Mr Olumekun said. PREMIUM TIMES had reported that Mr Umoren is a member of the APC and an ally of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. He is one of the 10 RECs appointed by President Bola Tinubu in October last year. While the remaining nine were sworn in in December, the commission said Mr Umoren would be sworn in when the tenure of his predecessor, Mr Udo-Tom, expired this month. INEC Chairperson, Mahmood Yakubu, urged the new REC to adhere strictly to his oath of office which requires neutrality and impartiality in the discharge of his duties. He also enjoined the new REC to abide by the Commissions Code of Conduct and sustain regular consultations with stakeholders, he said. An indigene of Akwa Ibom State, he holds a Bachelors degree in Geography from the University of Benin. Umoren served in various capacities in the Akwa Ibom State civil service, rising to the position of Permanent Secretary. Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigeria added one point to its score to rank 145 among 180 countries in the new Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by Transparency International (TI) on Tuesday. Its new score of 25 out of maximum 100 points in the new 2023 CPI, which is up from the 24 it recorded in the previous review, is far below the Sub-Sahara African average of 33 points. Small fluctuations or changes in a countrys CPI score are not usually significant, says TI. TI, through its Nigerian chapter, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), offered some reasons for Nigerias marginal, unimpressive improvement in points scored and ranking among the 180 countries assessed, during the release of the CPI in Abuja on Tuesday. The CPI uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero means highly corrupt, and 100 means very clean. Nigeria scored 25 in the 2023 CPI to place 145 out of a total of 180 countries assessed, compared to the 24 points it scored to rank 150th in the 2022 CPI. Its scores have hovered between 24 and 28 in 10 years. It reached the peak of 28 points in 2016, the year after then President Muhammadu Buhari rode to power to on the back of a promise to fight corruption and when Nigeria made strong commitment to fight corruption in the London summit. But the countrys scores have only fallen and frozen ansin the years that follow, reaching its lowest of 24 points in the 2021 and 2022 CPI reports. It only gained one point in the latest report to score 25 points. TI and CISLAC attributed the slight improvement in to three factors, including the launch of the Beneficial Ownership Register in May last year. The other two factors, according to the body, is the contribution of Nigerias vibrant media, civil society and citizenry in demanding transparency and accountability and arrests and recoveries by anti-corruption agencies. In May 2023, the Nigerian government launched its Open Central Register of Beneficial Ownership which is also known as the Persons with Significant Control (PSC) register having passed a Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 which supports its establishment. This was also in line with Nigerias commitment at the London 2016 Anti-corruption summit. While the launch of this register does not solve the challenge of procurement fraud in public contracting through the use of corporate vehicles and companies by politicians, it was a step in the right direction, CISLACs Executive Director, Auwal Musa (Rafsanjani), statement in the statement for the release of the CPI. The organisation called on the government through the Corporate Affairs Commission to ensure that this register is updated with information on persons who have significant interest in companies. On the roles of the media, civil society and citizens, it said the trio through their complementary efforts have constantly put the Nigerian government on its toes, through the constant highlight of issues militating against the national interest of the country. In addition to this, the statement said the arrests and recoveries of proceeds of crime by Nigerias anti-corruption agencies also played a major role. For example, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) through its Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative has recovered billions of Naira in diverted constituency and executive projects. However, it is important to highlight that these agencies need to thoroughly investigate and prosecute high-profile individuals without political interference, it added. Downside The downsides of Nigerias performance in the year reviewed in the report, include unchecked electoral corruption, judicial corruption, corruption in the security sector, opaqueness of public institutions, and reward of corrupt and questionable individuals with an appointment. The rest are wasteful expenditures and failure to prosecute high-profile cases. The organisation recalled how Nigerias 2023 general elections dashed the hopes of Nigerians who were hoping for a better electoral process despite the passing of the 2022 Electoral Act. Relying on the European Union (EU) Observation Missions critical review of the election, the statement said The poor performance of the election fails to justify the huge resources allocated to INEC for the conduct of the elections. It said judicial corruption manifested in decisions of courts on the disputes arising from the disputed elections. Different conflicting rulings by the different courts, it said, have questioned the independence and integrity of the judiciary as an institution. Also, adding to the poor corruption perception in the country, according to CISLAC, is the corruption in the security sector. In 2023, the defence and security sector accounted for 13.4 per cent of the budget3 which was about twice the sum of the next two sectors education (8.2%) and infrastructure (5.7%). However, the security situation of the country continues to be a challenge and the corruption in this sector is worrisome. In October 2023, a military court martial sitting in Abuja sentenced a Major General to seven years imprisonment for stealing, forgery, misappropriation, and conspiracy. He was also ordered to refund US$ 2 million and 1.69 billion Naira. This is likely only one incident of many. Corruption in the security sector is worrisome because aside from its impacts on the peaceful coexistence of citizens, it also impacts the economy with over 400,000 barrels of crude oil stolen daily as stated by the National Security Adviser. Also within the year, the new administration of President Bola Tinubu oversaw the appointment and nomination of individuals with corrupt and questionable pasts into leadership positions at the political party level, the executive, and the legislative arms of government. CISLAC described this development as worrisome. Recommendations As part of its recommendations to address the gaps, the organisation called for the strengthening of the independence of the Nigerian justice system to shield it from interference. Merit-based promotion and appointments should be carried out rather than political appointments. This will help win back the trust of the citizens in the judiciary. It also called for a proper integrity monitoring mechanism in the Nigerian judiciary. This, it said, should cover whistleblowing and other reporting channels. Our electoral system needs to be reformed to regain the lost trust of the citizens, it added. It also said the Beneficial Ownership Register should be regularly updated with information and citizens should also be granted access. Other recommendations include: The relevant anti-corruption agencies should ensure that high-profile corruption cases are pursued to their logical conclusion for the benefit of Nigeria and its citizens. They should also explore international alternatives in cases of grand corruption that are transnational. Government agencies should disclose as much data as possible about government contracts in line with the proactive provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, the open government partnership and other international commitments Nigeria has signed onto. Agencies given the mandate to recover assets under the Proceeds of Crime (and Management) Act 2022 should ensure that they establish a database where information about assets in their custody is easily accessed by citizens in line with the Act and the proactive provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2011. The National Assembly should ensure transparency in the implementation of the constituency projects. The relevant agencies should ensure that those found guilty are brought to book. Impartial and unhindered investigation of security sector corruption must be prioritised to improve the deteriorating security across Nigeria. Security Votes and other secretive defence expenditures must be investigated by the civilian law enforcement agencies. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy has concluded her first-of-its-kind Build-A-Thon initiative, which is aimed at introducing senior secondary school students to embedded systems and maker culture. The event, which was held across three Nigerian cities Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abeokuta, marked a significant step forward in the Federal Governments commitment to digital literacy and skill development. Organised in partnership with the UK-based NGO Raspberry Pi Foundation and supported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the initiative aims to equip 1,500 students with skills needed to stimulate critical thinking and promote teamwork through dynamic technology collaboration. During the 4-day event which kicked-off on 22 January, 2024, students engaged in hands-on learning experiences while learning skills such as the use of Raspberry Pi, embedded systems, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Beyond theoretical knowledge, the Build-A-Thon also provided a diverse learning ecosystem comprising technology labs, DIY boxes, and workshops. This multifaceted approach endowed students with practical insights and real-world applications of the skills they acquired during the programme. Kicking off the opening day in each state were dignitaries such as Professor John-Cliff Nwadike, the immediate past Commissioner for Education in Imo state; Mr Chimezie Amadi, the immediate past Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-governance in Imo State; Professor Abayomi Arigbabu,the Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology in Ogun state, and Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the Borno state Commissioner for Education. The Commissioners spoke highly of the initiative and commended the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy for driving this initiative. They also wished the participants well and admonished them to use the new skills they had learnt. Speaking on the successful completion of the Build-A-Thon programme, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani said: We are very proud of the outcome of the Build-A-Thon which is the largest known Raspberry Pi makerthon. The innovative prototype projects created within four days by the participating schools serve to reinforce our belief that investing in the youth today will pave the way for a more technologically advanced and innovative Nigeria tomorrow. Mr Tijani further highlighted the broader impact of such initiatives, stating, This Build-A-Thon not only nurtures innovation but also aligns with our commitment to digital education. I am delighted to announce that this initiative seamlessly connects with our ongoing Code Clubs, a collaborative effort with the Raspberry Pi Foundation. These Code Clubs, spanning 17 locations in Nigeria, are part of a global movement dedicated to putting the power of computing and digital making into the hands of young minds worldwide. Some of the programmed prototypes built by the students were smart homes, speedboats, automated parking lot, heartbeat monitor, robotic hands designed for the disabled, digital timer alarm systems, coin bank, electric car, smart doors, machines designed to alert the blind, deaf and mute when in danger, aircraft, bluetooth speakers, and various other innovative prototypes. On the Demo Day, each contesting school presented their product prototypes for assessment and outstanding students and teams were presented with awards for their efforts. The results across the three states were as follows; Best Overall project In Owerri, Comprehensive Secondary School, Avu won the Best Overall Project for their prototype of a functional speedboat for recreational water activities and a rechargeable fan and light, serving as a dual-purpose solution for students studying at night. In Abeokuta, the United Comprehensive High School won the Best Overall Project for their prototype of a smart home, targeted at solving a problem for people with disabilities, giving them remote access to control their homes with adequate security measures in place. While in Maiduguri, Government Day Secondary School, Lamisula won the Best Overall Project for a prototype of a Smart Home suitable for internally displaced persons who have left their ancestral homes and implored government assistance to make it a reality. In the same vein, they also remodelled the newly constructed main flyover in Maiduguri Borno Express for easy movements of road users and commuters. The success of the Build-A-Thon reinforces the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economys dedication to the growth and development of Nigerias digital economy in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ondo State Chief Judge Olusegun Odusola has granted amnesty to 12 inmates who were awaiting trial for various offences at the Security Custodial Centre in Owo. Mr Odusola, on Monday, granted the release of the inmates during a routine visit to the facility. He said the gesture was part of efforts to decongest the correctional centres across the state. The Chief Judge had last week pardoned eight inmates in Ondo and Okitipupa Custodial Centres, making it a total of 20 inmates released in the state in the last week. The inmates were released unconditionally due to a lack of diligent prosecution on the part of the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Ondo State Ministry of Justice. Those who were pardoned and their alleged offences include a 35-year-old man, Godwin Stephen, who had been standing trial for three years and three months over burglary and stealing; Olajide Oluwaniyi, 35, awaiting trial for cultism for over two years; Ajayi Shittu, 37, for stealing, and Olorunduyilami Abayomi, 23, for attempted murder. Other inmates released include 51-year-old Eze Friday, also on trial for almost four years for defilement; Moses Odey, 23, standing trial for cultism; a 42-year-old hunter, Ismaila Ojo, facing a murder charge; Friday Emmanuel, 29, standing trial for unlawful carnal knowledge; Seun Ologunagba, Peter John, Lohman Dakati, 23, and Shuaibu Wisdom, 29, all charged for stealing. The Chief Judge noted that some inmates had been in custody for many years without trial, while some were detained unlawfully for a long period over lack of diligent prosecution either from the court or the DPP. Mr Odusola said the visit was to review some cases of human rights abuse and also to inspect the general condition of the centres. He lamented over the state of some of the correctional centres across the state, especially the Okitipupa Centre, while he called on the authority of the centre to take the necessary steps to ensure its rehabilitation. He then urged the released inmates to turn over a new leaf and keep away from any act that could lead them back to the correctional centre. In his remark, the State Comptroller of Corrections, Jude Agboje, appreciated the Chief Judge and his team for taking time to address critical issues relating to congestion in the custodial centres. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ( Read 2051 Times) Kota: Birthday wishes and congratulations are pouring in for Advocate Kumari Rekha Devi on her special day from family, friends, and her mentors. Advocate Kumari Rekha Devi has been known for her diligent efforts since childhood. Advocate Kumari Rekha Devi, a versatile learner, holds degrees in Electronic IT, Computer Courses, LLB from Kota University, and is currently pursuing LLM. She has also been training under Senior Advocate Akhtar Khan to become a proficient lawyer. Currently, she is preparing for her PhD in law. Prior to her legal pursuits, Advocate Kumari Rekha Devi worked as an apprentice in Electronic IT at Army Cantonment in Delhi for a year. She dedicates most of her time to her studies, emphasizing honesty, punctuality, hard work, and loyalty in her work. Known for her straightforward nature, Advocate Kumari Rekha Devi values justice above all. She believes in open communication and maintains a disciplined lifestyle. She is currently preparing for her Ph.D., showcasing her commitment to continuous learning. Apart from her academic achievements, Advocate Kumari Rekha Devi actively engages in social service. She shares a close bond with her elder sister, Kumari Asha, who serves as the President of Krishna Manav Vikas Sansthan, contributing to various social welfare activities. Advocate Kumari Rekha Devi receives accolades not only from family and friends but also from her mentors and well-wishers in the field. Senior journalists like Advocate Akhtar Khan, Dr. Prabhat Kumar Singhal, news bureau chief Nayaaz Mohammad, and TV journalist E-News Rajasthan, among others, extend their heartfelt wishes on her birthday. Source : Economic Development Partnership Indicates More Progress Expected in 2024 for the Region SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2023, the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) achieved historic firsts and reached impressive milestones across education, air travel, economic development and quality of life with recognition from third parties such as the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, PwC and Urban Land Institute, CityHealth, and others, with more progress to come, according to greater:SATX, the region's economic development organization. 2023 brought groundbreaking progress for San Antonio, Texas, across education, air travel, economic development, and quality of life, among others. This 2023 year-in-review infographic showcases the top 3 achievements for greater:SATX, the region's economic development partnership, along with the many partners it collaborates with to achieve such wins. Go to https://greatersatx.com/2023-year-in-review-and-groundbreaking-wins-for-san-antonio/ to see the full graphic. "San Antonio is at a critical point in our growth trajectory," said Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, president and CEO of greater:SATX. "The shared vision and collaborative work of our corporate, government and regional economic development leaders allows the region to set ambitious goals and, more importantly, to achieve them. We are committed to keeping this momentum going in 2024 and beyond." The 2023 highlights include: 2024 is expected to bring forward more progress on all fronts, said Saucedo-Herrera, as greater:SATX supports the San Antonio International Airport in securing additional nonstop flights, lures more companies to the region, and supports local business advancement, along with deploying key initiatives in partnership with 19 regional economic development organizations in the San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA and megaregional partners through to Austin. "The rest of the world is taking notice of what San Antonio has to offer a tremendous place to live, work and build a business," she said. "Our metro is majority-minority with 56% Hispanic and 42% bilingual, and many experts believe the rest of the nation will look like San Antonio by 2045. We are working together to sustain a region that offers economic prosperity and a high quality of life for all residents and businesses." Click here for a 2023 Year-in-Review Infographic showcasing these 2023 successes. About greater:SATX greater:SATX is the economic development partnership leading the San Antonio region's transformative growth through global corporate recruitment, local business advancement, and workforce development. The San Antonio region, or SATX, is the eight-county San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA, which is the 24th largest MSA in the nation (2022). At the core of greater:SATX's mission is attracting, retaining, and growing quality jobs for all San Antonians that provide pathways to economic mobility. This work is guided by greater:SATX, supported by regional businesses, regional economic development partners, and by the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, CPS Energy, and SAWS. The organization is responsible for assisting over 500 companies to relocate or expand in the region, which collectively employ more than 120,000 San Antonians. For more information on San Antonio's industry growth and economic opportunity, visit greatersatx.com and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @greater_SATX , LinkedIn, and Facebook . Media Contacts: Mardi Larson, Amendola for greater:SATX, [email protected] SOURCE greater:SATX Automated Resolution is the next big customer service metric TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ada, the AI-native customer service automation company, today released its 2024 Trend Report showcasing the three trends that businesses using AI-powered customer service can expect for the year ahead. Ada analyzed hundreds of use cases and data from its clients to uncover what is shaping the customer service revolution caused by AI. "Our data shows that AI is creating extraordinary customer service, and will keep improving customer service into 2024. It's no surprise that our clients who have implemented AI-powered customer service solutions are seeing first-hand the benefits to their business," said Mike Murchison, CEO and founder, Ada. The trend report found: Automated Resolution is the customer service metric of the future . There's a direct correlation between the increase in the rate of Automated Resolution (a fully automated conversation between a customer and a company that does not escalate to a human agent) and the increase in overall customer satisfaction scores, with every 10 point increase in AR bringing a 6 point increase in CSAT, on average. . There's a direct correlation between the increase in the rate of Automated Resolution (a fully automated conversation between a customer and a company that does not escalate to a human agent) and the increase in overall customer satisfaction scores, on average. AI is developing beyond basic workflows towards reasoning and resolving all manner of complex issues . While FAQs are currently the most successfully automated use case with the highest conversation volume, action oriented inquiries are increasingly in demand as consumers look to AI to solve problems (e.g., password reset, order modification, etc.) rather than just sharing information. . While FAQs are currently the most successfully automated use case with the highest conversation volume, (e.g., password reset, order modification, etc.) rather than just sharing information. Generative AI will move companies off scripted chatbots to more sophisticated AI agents, and that transition increases both automated resolution and CSAT. "We use Automated Resolution Rate as a core KPI for our digital support team, and we are reporting it up to our senior leadership because of the efficiencies that we are driving through the business through our relationship with Ada," said Allie Hurley, Head of Global Support, ClickUp. About Ada Ada is an AI-native customer service automation company on a mission to make customer service extraordinary for everyone. Ada makes it easy for businesses to automatically resolve the greatest number of customer service conversations across channels and languages with the least amount of effort. Since 2016, Ada has powered more than 4 billion automated customer interactions for brands like Meta, Verizon, AirAsia, Yeti, and Square. Born in Toronto, Ada serves companies and their customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.ada.cx. SOURCE Ada Southern California's most innovative community organizations address solutions to homeownership affordability LONG BEACH, Calif., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Affordable Housing Clearinghouse (AHC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization dedicated to making homeownership accessible through education and financial assistance, announces the return of "Empowering Homeownership Expo" for first-time homebuyers to be held on Saturday, March 2 at The EXPO Center in Long Beach, CA. "One of my biggest challenges in the homebuying process was to understand the process and put my financials in order," stated Alma Sarmiento, one of ACH's first-time homebuyers. "The best aspects of Affordable Housing Clearinghouse were the educational resources, emotional support and the down payment assistance program. Homeownership has impacted my life in many ways, and I feel more confident about my future," she added. "Families and households that are vulnerable have been able to build long-term financial assets through the access and resources provided by our organization and lending partners. From our affordable housing development projects to homebuyer programs and financial empowerment, we work on addressing the needs of low-income families in a wholistic sense," remarked Brenda J. Rodriguez, Executive Director of Affordable Clearing House. The Empowering Homeownership Expo is a free event. AHC convenes in partnership with F&M Bank, Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles and Long Beach Center for Economic Inclusion. Guest speakers will address preparing for the homebuying process, down payment assistance programs and the benefits of owning property in Long Beach. For this event, a first-time homebuyer is generally defined as someone who has not owned and occupied their own home in the last three years. As a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, Affordable Housing Clearinghouse provides homebuyer education, financial literacy workshops and one-on-one housing counseling. The Empowering Homeownership Expo will be a resource for low-income individuals and families starting their journey to homeownership this spring. To learn more about the home buying process and AHC's financial assistance programs, register for Empowering Homeownership Expo here by February 15, 2024. About Affordable Housing Clearinghouse Affordable Housing Clearinghouse collaborates with community stakeholders to serve moderate, low-income, very-low-income and special-needs populations. They offer financial education, homeownership opportunities and innovative solutions addressing local community needs. Their mission is to create a future where families live in stable, affordable housing through the essential practices of inclusiveness, integrity and transparency. For more information: https://www.affordable-housing.org/. SOURCE Affordable Housing Clearinghouse An EV Charging & Interoperability Test Bed for Scaling EV's YPSILANTI, Mich., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation has awarded the American Center for Mobility (ACM) and subrecipients CharIN and Argonne National Laboratory, a grant of $2.9 million to help aid America's electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and accelerate a resilient EV charging network. This project will enhance and expand the electric vehicle (EV) charger testing environment at the American Center for Mobility (ACM), located at Willow Run, in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan. By leveraging both private sector contributions and federal funds, ACM and its partners plan to expand current and evolving EV testing and certification capabilities at the Willow Run test facility. A focus will be on increasing the number of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)-compliant DC fast charger (DCFC) equipment and implementing rigorous testing methods for EV charger operability and interoperability. "The proliferation of new EVs and EV charging stations as well as over-the-air software updates is spurring the need for more interoperability testing," says Reuben Sarkar, CEO of ACM. "The industry needs a centrally located test bed in the heart of automotive country with a market representation of DC Fast Chargers." The Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) is the largest global EV charging industry alliance dedicated to realizing the goals of universal charging standards using CCS, MCS, ISO 15118, and SAE J3400. CharIN members span the whole value chain of EV charging and is open to all interested parties, including leading companies from the automotive sector, charging industry, and other associated industries. According to Erika Myers, the Executive Director of CharIN North America, "CharIN is delighted to support the development of this crucial high-powered EV charging test facility at the American Center for Mobility. With over 60 CharIN members now headquartered in the United States, along with many of our other 330+ global members moving operations to the United States, demand for interoperability and conformance testing is quickly outstripping the supply offered by CharIN's bi-annual testing events, which have been hosted for over seven years in North America and globally. In addition to year-round testing at this facility, we are delighted to make this a permanent site to host CharIN Testivals, which encourages peer-to-peer learning, networking, and equipment interoperability testing." Argonne experts will contribute their expertise in interoperability testing, test procedure development and deep understanding of EV charging communication standards. "Argonne has a long-standing history of successful collaborations with ACM and the automotive industry in Michigan more broadly," says Thomas Wallner, Director of Argonne's Transportation and Power Systems Division. "We are excited to support this critical effort towards improving the EV charging experience." About American Center for Mobility ACM offers a one-of-a-kind global development center to transform the way industries advance safe, sustainable, and secure mobility technologies. Located in Southeast Michigan on over 500-acres at the historic Willow Run site in Ypsilanti. ACM offers: an Advanced Mobility Proving Ground with test environments featuring specialized infrastructure, equipment, facilities and resources; An innovation and technology campus with an industrial tech park for the co-location of mobility companies; Event and demonstration areas for showcasing mobility technologies and convening industry activities. ACM is open to private industry, start-ups, government, standards bodies, and academia. For more information about ACM, visit acmwillowrun.org About CharIN Inc The Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) Inc. (dba CharIN North America) serves as a leading industry association bringing CharIN's global approach to decarbonization through the electrification of North American transport. Convening together industrywide e-mobility stakeholders including automakers, charging station manufacturers, component suppliers, energy providers, government officials, and grid operators, our organization assists members in coordinating, advancing, and advocating for interoperability across electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Driving forward the widely-adopted Combined Charging System (CCS), the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) platforms, and now the SAE J3400 standard, CharIN works to ensure all electric vehicles from light-duty passenger cars to freight trucks, e-ferries, ships, and planes can work seamlessly with available charging stations and services. CharIN serves as a pivotal, unified voice for industry-standard, interoperable charging technologies, and best practices, working with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and policymakers to unleash innovation and encourage the rapid adoption of electric vehicles in municipal, commercial, and private use. For more information about CharIN, visit https://www.charin.global/ For more information about CharIN, visit https://www.charin.global/ About Argonne National Lab Argonne National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center, where talented scientists and engineers work together to answer the biggest questions facing humanity, from how to obtain affordable clean energy to protecting ourselves and our environment. Argonne is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) and one of our nation's premiere national labs with a strength in transportation related R&D. For more information about Argonne National Laboratory, visit www.anl.gov Media Contact: Madison Baughey, [email protected] For more information about ACM, visit acmwillowrun.org . SOURCE American Center for Mobility Leading Home Service Franchise Group Breaks Development Records and Works Toward Further Expansion in the U.S. COLUMBIA, Md., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Authority Brands, a franchise industry leader with an extensive portfolio of home service brands, announced today it signed a total of 190 franchise development agreements in 2023, a 60 percent year over year increase, to grow the company's presence across 421 new territories. To diversify its portfolio of franchises, Authority Brands also acquired Screenmobile in February and launched a new franchise model Lawn Squad in September. "The growth and success of our franchise development efforts over the past 12 months is a testament to the dedication of our entire team at Authority Brands, as well as the ongoing support of the communities we serve," said Jordan Wilson, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at Authority Brands. "As we look to continue to build on this momentum in 2024, our team is excited about the bright future ahead, looking for opportunities to reach new milestones and service more homes across the country with the quality and excellence our brands are known for." 2023 highlights and milestones from companies within the Authority Brands portfolio include: On top of sales success and expansion across target markets, franchisors within the Authority Brands portfolio continue to modernize business strategies and look for ways to enhance the customer experience. Franchise owners within the Authority Brands portfolio are engaging with each of their local communities through charitable initiatives while utilizing Authority Brands' resources to set each location up for successful 2024. Combined, the Authority Brands franchise brands operate more than 2,000 locations with an expansive network of more than 1,000 franchise owners. All franchise concepts within the Authority Brands portfolio are looking to expand with qualified franchisees across the United States. To learn more about franchising opportunities within the Authority Brands portfolio, please visit: https://www.authoritybrands.com/franchising/ . About Authority Brands Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands' companies include 16 leading home service franchise brands: America's Swimming Pool Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, Color World Painting, DoodyCalls, DRYmedic Restoration Services, Homewatch CareGivers, The Junkluggers, Lawn Squad, Mister Sparky, Monster Tree Service, Mosquito Squad, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Screenmobile, STOP Restoration, and Woofie's. Together, these brands provide home services through more than 2,000 territories operated by more than 1,000 franchise owners. Authority Brands is dedicated to supporting individual franchise owner growth by providing strong marketing, technology, and operational support. See www.authoritybrands.com for more information. Contact: Sarah Guffey Fish Consulting 954-893-9150 [email protected]. SOURCE Authority Brands, LLC Leading Coffee Franchise Enters 2024 with Impressive Development Pipeline and Same-Store-Sales Up YOY DENVER, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is gearing up for a momentous 2024, following a year marked with continued success through the awarding of agreements for 25 locations and opening of seven stores, three of which were in new markets. The leading coffee franchise stands firm in its commitment to innovation, philanthropy, and unwavering dedication to premium Hawaiian coffees. With prime territories available across the country and a franchise opportunity that is turning heads, Bad Ass Coffee is positioned as a leader within the competitive coffee franchise landscape. Taking center stage last year was a greater focus on implementing refined systems and processes with franchisees which resulted in improved store-by-store financial performance. With same-store sales up YOY and more than half of the system setting record sales weeks, prospects are flocking to the brand's franchise opportunity. Notable 2023 brand achievements include: Bad Ass Coffee continues to prioritize innovation to meet the needs of today's modern customers while helping drive franchisee profitability. This, paired with advances in marketing, technology, streamlined operations, and more, has led to tremendous results. "As we transition from building infrastructure to seeing first-hand the success of this implementation, we are maturing as a brand and are incredibly excited for the future," said Scott Snyder, CEO of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii. "The momentum we have is at an all-time high as we continue to develop primary markets. Despite challenging economic conditions, interest from franchisee prospects has only grown, further validating our position as a leading coffee franchise in the QSR space." Driving this next era of growth is recently appointed Chief Development Officer, Gregg Koffler, who oversees the brand's franchise expansion strategies while streamlining the development process. With eyes on aggressive growth, the brand already boasts more than 100 stores in the development pipeline and aims to secure agreements for an additional 36 locations while opening 20+ additional stores in 2024. Company leadership has identified the Coastal, Southwest, and Southeast regions, and Texas as prime growth markets. Bad Ass Coffee provides a development support system , including teams, technology and tools to help identify the right territories for expansion, plus expertise in financing, real estate, and construction management. The success of Bad Ass Coffee has not gone unnoticed. The brand ranked on QSR's 2023 40/40 List as one of America's hottest emerging fast casual brands and also landed on the prestigious 2023 Inc 5000 ranking. According to Bad Ass Coffee's 2023 FDD, the top 50% of stores saw an average net sale of more than $1 million, with the average of the top 25% exceeding $1.2 million*. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii was born on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1989 with the dream of sharing American-grown, premium Hawaiian coffee with customers everywhere. In addition to premium coffee from the famous Kona region of the Big Island, Bad Ass Coffee also sources from Kauai and Maui. Beyond premium Hawaiian coffees, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii serves up a full menu of popular blended drinks, signature lattes, cold brews, teas, innovative foods with a Hawaiian twist, and branded merchandise. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is looking to partner with qualified and engaged individuals seeking multi-unit opportunities. The brand offers an affordable, highly scalable opportunity with strong profit potential. Franchisees can expect a total investment range between $454,200 920,500*. As International Franchise Association VetFran members, veteran franchisees who join will receive a $10,000 discount* off the initial franchise fee. For more information on Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii franchise opportunities, visit badasscoffeefranchise.com or call 833-205-2224. *Source: 2023 FDD Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii About Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii was born on the Big Island of Hawai'i in 1989 and is dedicated to sharing premium Hawaiian coffees "with a kick" from the Hawaiian Islands through 30-plus U.S. franchise locations with 100+ additional shops in various stages of development. Today, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii stores also serve popular blended drinks, teas, food, along with other international premium coffees and sell popular branded merchandise with exceptional service and the Aloha Spirit. Bad Ass Coffees are available in franchise stores, online and will soon be available through grocery, hospitality, and specialty retail channels. The Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii brand and franchise is owned by Royal Aloha Franchise Company, LLC. For more information, visit badasscoffee.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram @badasscoffeeofhawaii . Franchise information is available at badasscoffeefranchise.com. SOURCE Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii New analyzer complements hub labs by advancing capabilities of satellite and independent community hospital labs DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, a clinical diagnostics leader, will unveil its new DxC 500 AU Chemistry Analyzer, an automated clinical chemistry analyzer, at Medlab Middle East in Dubai, taking place February 5-8, 2024. The DxC 500 AU Chemistry Analyzer is one of several recent Beckman Coulter solutions designed to address the complete needs of healthcare systems that are looking to complement central hub laboratories by advancing the technology and capabilities of satellite and independent hospital laboratories. "Healthcare systems around the world are strategically adopting hub-and-spoke models for better efficiency and healthcare access," said Kathleen Orland, Senior Vice President, Business Unit, General Manager, Chemistry and Immunoassay for Beckman Coulter Diagnostics. "Hub-and-spoke clinical laboratory models optimize resources to improve access to testing services and enhance overall standardization for quality testing and positive impact on inventory and cost management across a health system. The new DxC 500 AU Chemistry Analyzer advances capabilities of spoked labs with a broad menu of high-quality assays that deliver consistent, commutable results across Beckman Coulter's AU clinical chemistry systems, positively impacting clinical decision-making and patient outcomes." The DxC 500 AU Chemistry Analyzer features advanced automation technology, onboard guided workflows, and standardized reagents for use across healthcare networks. Its menu of more than 120 assays has been independently and objectively verified for high quality Six Sigma performance, supporting confidence in clinical results, reducing QC trouble shooting and lab operational costs. "Our Six Sigma assessment has shown that the DxC 500 AU analyzer easily exceeds the demands of the new, more stringent CLIA 2024 performance specifications," stated Sten Westgard, Director of Client Services and Technology for Westgard QC. The DxC 500 AU Chemistry Analyzer is for in vitro diagnostic use only. It is available throughout North America and the Middle East. Global commercial availability is planned for March 2024. Follow and connect with Beckman Coulter Diagnostics via LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. About Beckman Coulter. Inc. A global leader in advanced diagnostics, Beckman Coulter has challenged convention to elevate the diagnostic laboratory's role in improving patient health for more than 80 years. Our mission is to Relentlessly Reimagine Healthcare, One Diagnosis at a Time and we do this by applying the power of science, technology and the passion and creativity of our teams. Our diagnostic solutions are used in complex clinical testing, and are found in hospitals, reference laboratories and physician office settings around the globe. We exist to deliver smarter, faster diagnostic solutions that move the needle forward from what's now to what's next. We seek to accelerate care with an extensive clinical menu, scalable lab automation technologies, insightful clinical informatics, and optimize lab performance services. Headquartered in Brea, Calif., with more than 11,000 global team members, Beckman Coulter Diagnostics is proud to be part of Danaher. Danaher is a global science and technology leader. Together we combine our capabilities to accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow's science and technology to improve human health. 2024 Beckman Coulter. All rights reserved. Beckman Coulter, the stylized logo, and the Beckman Coulter product and service marks mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Beckman Coulter, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2024-12476 SOURCE Beckman Coulter Diagnostics Unleashing a New Era: Miracle Pet Supply is gearing up for a spectacular debut into the pet care landscape. The stage is set for our grand opening on February 1, 2024, we don't just bring products; we bring solutions. Join us in revolutionizing the industry, addressing specific pet care challenges with innovative solutions. Be part of the transformation mark your calendar for February 1, 2024, as Miracle Pet Supply takes the lead in redefining the pet supply experience! Your pets deserve extraordinary care, we're here to deliver it. STATESVILLE, N.C., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Miracle Pet Supply, a Statesville-based online pet store, is preparing to make waves in the pet care industry with its grand opening slated for February 1, 2024. Miracle Pet Supply is set to revolutionize the pet care landscape, as it gears up for its grand opening on February 1, 2024. As a premium online pet supply store based in Statesville, North Carolina, Miracle Pet Supply aims to address common pet care challenges by offering innovative solutions to pet owners. Miracle Pet Supply stands out as more than just an online pet store; it's a destination for pet owners seeking high-quality products and solutions tailored to their furry or scaley friends' well-being. With a diverse range of premium pet supplies, from treats to accessories and health products, Miracle Pet Supply is committed to providing an unparalleled shopping experience for pet enthusiasts. Founder Parker Jeffreys emphasizes, "Our grand opening marks the beginning of a new era in pet care, offering not just products but solutions to enhance the health and happiness of pets." The grand opening celebration will introduce pet owners to a curated selection of products sourced from reputable manufacturers and designers. Miracle Pet Supply's commitment to excellence ensures that only the finest products make it to their virtual shelves, promising pet owners a one-stop-shop for all their pet care needs. Miracle Pet Supply invites pet owners, enthusiasts, and the media to join in the grand opening festivities, explore the extensive product range, and discover the innovative solutions that set Miracle Pet Supply apart in the pet care industry. For more information, please contact: Parker Jeffreys Owner Miracle Pet Supply 220 E Water St Ste C #148, Statesville NC 28677 [email protected] 704-380-0755 About Miracle Pet Supply: Miracle Pet Supply is a Statesville-based premium online pet supply store dedicated to providing innovative solutions for pet care challenges. With a focus on quality, variety, and customer satisfaction, Miracle Pet Supply is poised to become the go-to destination for pet owners seeking top-tier products for their beloved companions. Visit miraclepetsupply.com for more information. Mission: Our mission at Miracle Pet Supply is to revolutionize the pet care experience by offering a diverse range of premium, innovative, and carefully curated products, fostering a community that celebrates the love for pets while prioritizing their well-being. SOURCE Miracle Pet Supply LONDON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Built by BizClik, FinTech Magazine is proud to launch the FinTech LIVE Dubai virtual event in 2024. FinTech LIVE Dubai is hosted virtually on the 17th of April, 2024 and brings together C-suite, V-suite, and Director-Level Finserv, Banking, and Insurance executives from large-scale organisations across the Middle East & Africa. With over 1,000 virtual participants expected across the event, FinTech LIVE Dubai offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with and learn from the leading executives in the largest companies. Join us at FinTech LIVE Dubai, where you will connect with like-minded professionals, gain invaluable insights, and contribute to the collective efforts in driving digital transformation in the finserv industry across MEA. For further details on FinTech LIVE Dubai, click HERE . Louis Thompsett, Editor-in-Chief for FinTech Magazine says: "Following the growing success of FinTech LIVE New York and our flagship event FinTech LIVE London, I'm delighted to see FinTech LIVE expand into both MEA and APAC with the launch of FinTech LIVE Dubai and FinTech LIVE Singapore. "Alongside our inaugural FinTech Awards 2024, this year is a milestone in our scaled-up efforts to connect the world of fintech. By launching in MEA and APAC, we can now connect fintech leaders wherever they are in the world." You can read the latest news in FinTech Magazine by clicking HERE . SOURCE BizClik Bridge2Rwanda's students will continue using IXL's personalized learning platform to improve their English-language proficiency and increase their chances of obtaining university scholarships KIGALI, Rwanda, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IXL , the personalized learning platform used by 15 million students worldwide, has announced an extension of its partnership with Bridge2Rwanda (B2R), a nonprofit dedicated to creating global education opportunities for high-achieving African students. B2R educators will continue leveraging IXL's award-winning platform to deliver targeted English language arts (ELA) instruction, helping learners build and master literacy skills essential for securing university scholarships. In total, B2R has used IXL to support 500 students across eight different training programs since the partnership began. Bridge2Rwandas students will continue using IXL's personalized learning platform to improve their English-language proficiency and increase their chances of obtaining university scholarships. Despite encouraging improvements in literacy rates, limited access to resources and a nascent reading culture pose significant challenges to educational achievement in Rwanda. Recognizing the pivotal role education plays in enhancing socioeconomic outcomes, Bridge2Rwanda was established in 2007 to empower Rwandan high school students with high-quality reading and writing opportunities. B2R's ultimate goal is to build a thriving community of well-educated African leaders who will accelerate their nations' growth and improve the lives of others. B2R began using IXL Language Arts in 2019 to support the English language development of 30 high-achieving scholars from Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Burundi. In 2020, the nonprofit relied on IXL's all-inclusive platform to ensure that its English language learners (ELLs) developed essential ELA skills during distance learning. After two years of an impactful partnership, B2R made IXL an integral component of its new intensive English training and college preparatory program, Isomo Academy . The inaugural class of 120 Isomo Academy scholars quickly embraced IXL's tailored support, built-in instructional resources, and engaging learning opportunities. During the first week of Isomo Academy's eight-week training program, educators use IXL's adaptive assessment, the Real-Time Diagnostic , to pinpoint each student's English proficiency level, helping them understand individual strengths and areas for improvement. Based on these insights, the diagnostic then generates personalized skill recommendations to challenge and support learners at the right level. Additionally, B2R educators use the diagnostic to track student growth each week to ensure that students are progressing and mastering essential ELA concepts. Bridge2Rwanda educators also rely on IXL's comprehensive curriculum to help students build the skills that they need to become strong communicators. Each day at Isomo Academy, students take writing and reading classes that are paired with intensive language and communication seminars. Additionally, students work on IXL skills that align with their classroom lessons. The combined approach allows educators to engage students at their individual levels, assign homework, and differentiate learning beyond the school day. "IXL bursts bottlenecks for Bridge2Rwanda scholars by eliminating language barriers," said Luke Dreiling, Lead English Teacher, Bridge2Rwanda. "This enables them to excel in their studies, advance their careers, and contribute significantly to the growth of African communities." "Bridge2Rwanda's dedication to expanding educational opportunities for young African students is commendable. We are excited to continue equipping even more bright and ambitious learners with the tools they need to confidently pursue their dreams on a global scale," said Paul Mishkin, CEO of IXL Learning. "At IXL, we are committed to leveraging education as an instrument of empowerment to break down language barriers and ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive." IXL's impact on English language learners IXL Language Arts gives teachers a systematic way to troubleshoot each student's unique reading and writing roadblocks, and put them on the path to success: Among schools with a high percentage of ELLs, research demonstrates that those using IXL outperformed non-IXL schools on Smarter Balanced Assessments in ELA by as much as seven percentile points. IXL's comprehensive curriculum provides more than 2,400 adaptive skills that span early literacy, reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and advanced concepts, such as persuasive writing. Each IXL skill is adaptive, ensuring that ELLs feel confident that they are perfectly challenged and supported at the right level when developing fluency. IXL's adaptive assessment, the Real-Time Diagnostic , pinpoints students' grade-level proficiency in key ELA strands, and generates targeted next steps to help students grow from where they are. As English language learners progress, these personalized recommendations stay up-to-date, ensuring that they always have a clear path toward mastering ELA concepts. As students learn and practice, IXL provides in-the-moment support and resources for self-remediation. For example, video tutorials guide learners through the building blocks of reading, writing, and grammar to provide additional support during learning and independent practice. If a student answers a problem incorrectly, IXL provides a step-by-step explanation of the right answer so that students can learn from their mistake and solidify their knowledge of that skill. Educators also rely on insights from IXL Analytics to track student progress, monitor readiness for exams, and differentiate instruction to fill knowledge gaps. Up-to-date reports help teachers uncover areas of challenge for each student and identify patterns in mistakes in order to provide targeted reteaching. About Bridge2Rwanda Brideg2Rwanda was created in 2007 to create opportunities for Rwanda's most promising students to obtain a global education. The mission of Bridge2Rwanda is to build a lifelong fellowship of high-capacity leaders in Africa to accelerate the growth of their countries and improve the lives of others. Since its conception, Bridge2Rwanda has helped more than 400 African students compete and win scholarships from around the world, with more than $100M in cumulative scholarships. About IXL Currently used by 15 million students and in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts, IXL is an all-inclusive educational platform that provides a comprehensive PK-12 curriculum and instructional resources, actionable analytics and a state-of-the-art assessment suite. IXL's end-to-end teaching and learning solution supports personalized instruction in math, English language arts, science, social studies and Spanish. With more than 130 billion questions asked and answered around the world, IXL is helping schools and parents successfully boost student achievement. The IXL Learning family of products also includes Rosetta Stone , TPT , SpanishDictionary.com , ingles.com , Wyzant , Vocabulary.com , ABCya , Education.com and Emmersion . To learn more about IXL, visit www.ixl.com , facebook.com/IXL and twitter.com/IXLLearning . Press Contact Joslyn Chesson IXL Learning [email protected] SOURCE IXL Learning LONDON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BSI has appointed a new President of its Assurance Services division. The business improvement and standards company, which partners with more than 77,500 clients in 195 countries, has appointed Harold Pradal to head its global Assurance Services Division. Pradal takes on the role of President, Assurance Services, nearly five years after joining BSI as the Group Chief Commercial Officer, following 16 years in senior strategic and operational leadership roles at International SOS and GE Healthcare. Harold Pradal, President, Assurance Services, BSI BSI's Assurance Services division is a global leader in the delivery of independent assessment and verification to standards or audit programs, enabling organizations to build trust with their customers and consumers. Pradal stated, "I am humbled to lead BSI's Assurance division, and excited by our mission to help solve global societal challenges from sustainability to digital security and other critical issues like modern slavery". Additionally, Pradal has been appointed as a Board member of the Independent International Organisation for Assurance (IIOA) to represent BSI. The IIOA is a trade association engaging a wide array of assurance bodies to deliver tangible value ranging from quality and sustainability to health safety and well-being. Pradal stated, "I look forward to partnering with the team and other organizations at IIOA, to increase the positive impact on society through assurance." Contact: [email protected] SOURCE BSI Started strategic collaboration in manufacturing AR glass display modules TOKYO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellid Inc. (Headquarter: Minato Ku, Tokyo, CEO: Satoshi Shiraga, hereinafter referred to as "Cellid") secured funding through a third-party allotment of new shares from General Interface Solution (GIS) Holding Limited (Headquarter: Grand Cayman Island, Chairman: Hsien-Ying Chou, hereinafter referred to as "GIS") and entered into a strategic memorandum of understanding. Background Cellid develops display modules for augmented reality (AR) glasses with a wide field of view, high efficiency and resolution through its unique design using AI and nanotechnology. GIS, which signed the strategic MOU, is a global pioneer in the design and manufacture of touch panels and display modules. Through this capital alliance and collaboration agreement, the two companies will expand mass production and related quality control systems of AR glass display modules and accelerate the distribution of AR glasses to establish a strong position in the market and to achieve overall business success through cooperative growth. Outline of Collaborations Collaboration in technology development and manufacturing related to AR glass display modules Cooperation of human resources and development of technology to promote the above Comment of GIS Traditionally GIS is a company with core competence in touch & display business. But for long-term strategic company growth, GIS has moved forward to the AR area by investing in optical component and optical module business. Through the strategic investment in Cellid today, GIS is building a stronger relationship with one of the world's leading player in the AR industry and enhancing our value to both of our customers. We believe the cooperation between GIS and Cellid will bring high performance and premium quality of mass-production AR optical modules into reality in the near future. General Interface Solution (GIS) Holding Limited Location: Cayman Islands Chairman: Chou Hsien-Ying Founded: January 2011 Listed: Taiwan Stock Exchange (Code: 6456.TW) Business details: Design and manufacture of touch panels and display modules Cellid Inc. Location: Minato Ku, Tokyo, Japan Representative Director: Satoshi Shiraga Founded: October 2016 Business details: Development and sales of spatial recognition engines and displays for AR glasses https://cellid.com/en About Cellid Cellid's core business is development of AR glass display modules, mainly waveguides and spatial recognition engines for next-generation devices. Cellid's unique optical simulation technology and proprietary production technology have enabled the development of display modules that are as thin and light as ordinary eyeglass lenses, with clear images and one of the world's largest field of view for waveguides. Cellid also develops and provides industry-specific solutions using spatial recognition software technologies such as Cellid SLAM. By combining AR display hardware technology and real-world spatial recognition software technology, we are accelerating "Blending the Physical and Digital Worlds," and leading the realization of extraordinary information tools that are more accessible and convenient for humans. SOURCE Cellid Inc. Stock Market Symbols GIB (NYSE) GIB.A (TSX) www.cgi.com/newsroom MONTREAL, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) and Posti Group, the leading delivery and logistics services provider in Finland, Sweden, and the Baltics, have entered a 10-year strategic partnership for the development and delivery of digital multichannel messaging services. Through the agreement, Posti will partner with CGI on production of these services, and transfer 88 professionals who are based in Finland, Poland, Latvia and Estonia. In addition, CGI will partner with Posti to modernize the digital messaging technology. The collaboration will empower Posti to respond more effectively to their customers' rapidly changing expectations, as well as future cybersecurity and operational security requirements. "Based on our earlier collaboration with CGI in other areas, such as software robotics and payroll services, we are aware of and confident in CGI's digital service production expertise and quality," said Kimmo Salakka, Vice President of Strategy, Offering, and IT at Postal Services, a business group within Posti Group. "The agreed partnership ensures digital solutions that are critical for supporting multi-channel messaging at Posti. This is also significant news from a customer and consumer point of view, as the offering and services and the security of communication will improve. CGI is a company we can trust to deliver the new digital messaging solutions we require, as well as to treat our 88 transitioning professionals with exceptional care." "We are pleased with Posti's trust in our capabilities, as well as with the highly skilled Posti professionals who are transitioning to CGI and will subsequently benefit from a wide range of opportunities for developing their skills and careers, along with highly competitive benefits, including the best share purchase program in our industry," said Leena-Mari Lahteenmaa, President of CGIs operations in Finland, Poland and Baltics. "Digital messaging touches everyone," she continued. "For Posti customers, it appears in shipment notifications, applications for services, invoices, and so much more. Digital messaging must be reliable and secure, as well as free of interruptions. Through our digital messaging and technology modernization services, , enabling it to provide better customer service, strengthen security, and position itself for future growth." CGI helps logistics firms worldwide drive business transformation through IT modernization, Internet of Things, digital insights, cybersecurity, and other advanced technologiesenabling them to meet customer demands, drive efficiencies, and save costs. About CGI Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 91,500 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2023 reported revenue is C$14.30 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com. About Posti Posti is the leading postal and logistics services company in Finland, Sweden, and the Baltics. Its core business includes packages, freight, postal services, and logistics solutions. The company operates in seven countries, and its goal is to provide fossil-free transport by 2030. Turnover for Posti in 2022 was EUR 1,651.6 million, and the company has approximately 20,000 employees. Learn more at www.posti.com. Forward-looking information and statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable United States safe harbours. All such forward-looking information and statements are made and disclosed in reliance upon the safe harbour provisions of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking information and statements include all information and statements regarding CGI's intentions, plans, expectations, beliefs, objectives, future performance, and strategy, as well as any other information or statements that relate to future events or circumstances and which do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts. Forward-looking information and statements often but not always use words such as "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "anticipate", "foresee", "plan", "predict", "project", "aim", "seek", "strive", "potential", "continue", "target", "may", "might", "could", "should", and similar expressions and variations thereof. These information and statements are based on our perception of historic trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other assumptions, both general and specific, that we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Such information and statements are, however, by their very nature, subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, of which many are beyond the control of CGI, and which give rise to the possibility that actual results could differ materially from our expectations expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not restricted to: risks related to the market such as the level of business activity of our clients, which is affected by economic and political conditions, additional external risks (such as pandemics, armed conflict, climate-related issues and inflation) and our ability to negotiate new contracts; risks related to our industry such as competition and our ability to develop and expand our services, to penetrate new markets, and to protect our intellectual property rights; risks related to our business such as risks associated with our growth strategy, including the integration of new operations, financial and operational risks inherent in worldwide operations, foreign exchange risks, income tax laws and other tax programs, the termination, modification, delay or suspension of our contractual agreements, our expectations regarding future revenue resulting from bookings and backlog, our ability to attract and retain qualified employees, to negotiate favourable contractual terms, to deliver our services and to collect receivables, to disclose, manage and implement environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives and standards, and to achieve ESG commitments and targets, including without limitation, our commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, as well as the reputational and financial risks attendant to cybersecurity breaches and other incidents, and financial risks such as liquidity needs and requirements, maintenance of financial ratios, interest rate fluctuations and the discontinuation of major interest rate benchmarks and changes in creditworthiness and credit ratings; as well as other risks identified or incorporated by reference in this press release, in CGI's annual MD&A and in other documents that we make public, including our filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators (on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (on EDGAR at www.sec.gov). Unless otherwise stated, the forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. While we believe that our assumptions on which these forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are based were reasonable as at the date of this press release, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking information or statements. Furthermore, readers are reminded that forward-looking information and statements are presented for the sole purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding our objectives, strategic priorities and business outlook as well as our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Further information on the risks that could cause our actual results to differ significantly from our current expectations may be found in the section titled Risk Environment of CGI's annual MD&A, which is incorporated by reference in this cautionary statement. We also caution readers that the above-mentioned risks and the risks disclosed in CGI's annual MD&A and other documents and filings are not the only ones that could affect us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could also have a material adverse effect on our financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business or reputation. SOURCE CGI Inc. CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In partnership with Thompson Child & Family Focus (Thompson), Charlotte Community Health Clinic (CCHC) announces the January 30, 2024 grand opening of the Dave Cathcart Pediatric Clinic, named after the long-serving volunteer and Board member who passed away in 2022. The clinic will offer comprehensive pediatric care, including well and sick child visits, acute care services, dental services, immunizations, and behavioral health integration. "With this new location at the Dave Cathcart Pediatric Clinic, we uphold our vision of a healthy community where all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay, have access to comprehensive, coordinated, affordable, and quality health care," said CCHC CEO Carolyn Allison. This new CCHC location is the result of a convergence of three main factors the people, the place, and the project funding. Initially, the introduction of CEOs led to a relationship between the two agencies who serve similar populations of youth and families receiving Medicaid or are under-insured. Then came the discussion of the existing Thompson location in Grier Heights that could accommodate the clinic space needed and fill an unmet need for pediatric care in the area. Finally, CCHC received Health Resources and Services Administration funding focused on capital projects for community health centers the investment needed to renovate and upfit the space donated by Thompson. "When CCHC approached us to collaborate we could foresee the benefits this partnership would bring to the youth in this community. Integrating physical health care services to our main hub for community mental health services is a triple win," stated Thompson President/CEO Will Jones. "It's a win for those we serve who need physical health care, a win for CCHC's patients who need mental health care, and a win for the Thompson mission to strengthen children, families, and communities." The Dave Cathcart Pediatric Clinic is located at 769 N. Wendover Road, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28211. About Dave Cathcart Raised in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, Dave J. Cathcart worked as a private wealth advisor in Charlotte, NC with nearly fifty years of employment at Bank of America. Aside from his career in finance, Dave spent his time volunteering, which ultimately led him to the Charlotte Community Health Clinic, Inc. in 2003. After working with CCHC for a year, Dave joined the Board of Directors in 2004. Over nearly two decades, Dave held many leadership positions at CCHC including Board Chair, Vice Chair, Development Committee Chair, Executive Committee Member, and Finance Committee Member. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Charlotte Community Health Clinic Foundation and served as its President and Chair. The opening of the Dave Cathcart Pediatric Clinic will memorialize Dave Cathcart, his monumental impact on CCHC, and eternalize his contribution to the Charlotte community. About Charlotte Community Health Clinic Since 2000, Charlotte Community Health Clinic, Inc. (CCHC) has grown from a free clinic into a federally qualified community health center that provides children and adults with medical, dental, and behavioral health services. CCHC understands that all individuals, regardless of ability to pay, should have access to comprehensive health care. To make this vision a reality, CCHC strives to achieve their mission of improving the health of the community by providing the highest quality, patient-centered healthcare services for low-income and other underserved individuals. Learn more at charlottecommunityhealth.org. About Thompson Child & Family Focus Headquartered in Matthews, North Carolina (Mecklenburg County), Thompson Child & Family Focus (Thompson) is a human services non-profit agency accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). Thompson strengthens children, families, and communities by providing evidence-based and trauma-informed early childhood, family stability, and mental health services, virtually and in-person. Thompson is led by President/CEO Will Jones and employs over 400 staff in NC, SC, and FL. Learn more at www.thompsoncff.org, or email [email protected]. SOURCE Thompson Child & Family Focus -Fast casual concept debuting newest Alabama location with free chicken salad for a year giveaway- ATLANTA, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick , the nation's only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today it is growing again in Alabama with a new location in Phenix City. Featuring a convenient drive-thru, Chicken Salad Chick Phenix City is at 3616 U.S. Highway 431. It is situated in a shopping center off U.S. Highway 280 across the street from Aldi. The franchising group behind the new restaurant now owns a total of 10 Chicken Salad Chicks, including the Columbus, Georgia-area locations on Airport Road and in Midland. The Phenix City community is invited to celebrate this grand opening on Tuesday, Feb. 6; the first 100 guests that morning will win free chicken salad for a year. During grand opening week, Phenix City guests can expect to experience the Southern hospitality that Chicken Salad Chick is known for with specials and giveaways that include: Tuesday, Feb. 6 Free Chicken Salad for a Year to the first 100 Guests The first guest in line will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests in line receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year.* Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. The first guest in line will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests in line receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year.* Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. Wednesday, Feb. 7 The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio receive a FREE Chicken Salad Chick Tote Bag.** The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio receive a FREE Chicken Salad Chick Tote Bag.** Thursday, Feb. 8 The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio receive a FREE 40 oz. Chicken Salad Chick Tumbler with handle.** The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio receive a FREE 40 oz. Chicken Salad Chick Tumbler with handle.** Friday, Feb. 9 The first 50 guests to purchase two large Quick Chicks receive a FREE Chicken Salad Chick 18- Can Cooler .** The first 50 guests to purchase two large Quick Chicks receive a FREE Chicken Salad Chick 18- .** Saturday, Feb. 10 The first 50 guests to purchase a large Quick Chick receive a FREE large Quick Chick on their next visit.** Multi-unit franchise owners David Harris, Ken Greene, Rand Jones and Bart Middlebrooks of SureChick, LLC debuted their first Chicken Salad Chick in 2012 on Airport Road in Columbus, quickly expanding in the market to Midland. They now own seven additional locations in Alabama and Kentucky. Operator Laney Brittingham managed Chicken Salad Chick restaurants for a decade before joining forces with this group two years ago and will be overseeing the Phenix City location as well. "Over the past 11 years of spreading joy, enriching lives and serving others in the Columbus market, our restaurant teams have consistently heard from guests asking us to bring Chicken Salad Chick to Phenix City. The time is finally here, and we appreciate the support of this fantastic community in helping to make it happen," said Laney Brittingham. "We are thrilled to open this convenient location along Highway 280 and bring our made-from-scratch chicken salad to our regulars, new friends and travelers through the area." This restaurant group enjoys giving back to important causes. With the Phenix City opening, they are supporting Habitat for Humanity as part of their pre-opening Friends & Family events. Chicken Salad Chick in Phenix City will be open Monday Saturday from 10 a.m. 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.chickensaladchick.com . Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and trends. For more information on giveaways and specials, visit https://www.facebook.com/ChickenSaladChickPhenix-City-AL. *Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. The first 100 guests must remain in line and download the Craving Credits app. Wi-Fi will not be available on site. Once the restaurant opens, guests will make a purchase of "The Chick" or anything of greater value and enter a code in the Craving Credits app to officially secure their spot. If you leave the line for any reason, your spot will be awarded to the next guest in line. Guests will receive their first free Large Quick Chick electronically to their app the Monday following Grand Opening Day. **Must download the CSC App and be 16 years or older to purchase. Not valid with any other offers. Limit 1 reward per guest present." About Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick's robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Founded in Auburn, Alabama, by Stacy and Kevin Brown, in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 250 restaurants in 18 states. Today, under the leadership of Scott Deviney and the Chicken Salad Chick team, the brand is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. Chicken Salad Chick has received numerous accolades including rankings in the 2023 Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Franchise Times' Fast & Serious for the third consecutive year, Fast Casual.com's top Movers and Shakers from 2018 to 2023, QSR's Best Franchise Deals in 2019, 2020 and 2022, and Franchise Business Review's Top Food Franchises in 2020. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information. Contact: Nicole Hunnicutt Fish Consulting 404-558-4108 [email protected] SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) announced that Keith Fernandez, President of CHLI's Alumni Association, has been chosen as one of 60 Scholars who will form the Presidential Leadership Scholars' (PLS) ninth class. For nearly a decade, PLS has served as a catalyst for a diverse network of leaders brought together to collaborate and create meaningful change in the United States and around the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson and their administrations. Keith Fernandez The class was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were chosen based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at improving civic engagement or social good by addressing a problem or need in their community, the country, or the world. Keith Fernandez is currently President of the CHLI Alumni Association and was a 2006 Ford Motor Company Congressional Intern in the office of then-U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (FL). Fernandez heads Social Impact Communications at DoorDash and previously served as Counsel and Communications Director to then-U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL). He is a graduate of the University of Florida, Levin College of Law and Florida International University. "I'm honored to have been selected to be part of this class of Presidential Leadership Scholars and to be partnering with CHLI on my personal leadership project, to help break down financial and other barriers for the next generation of CHLI leaders through the establishment of a public policy fellowship. This fellowship will help Hispanic college graduates pursue their public service goals and bring their unique perspective to the rooms where decisions are made that impact our communities. I'm especially grateful to Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and CHLI's President and CEO, Mary Ann Gomez Orta, for their support and partnership," said Keith Fernandez. For his PLS personal leadership project, Keith Fernandez will partner with CHLI to establish a public policy fellowship focused on empowering Hispanic college graduates who want to serve our nation on Capitol Hill. "As CHLI's chairwoman, part of my role is to encourage our alumni to reach new professional milestones focused on expanding the diversity of thought. Keith's Presidential Leadership Scholars personal leadership program will help CHLI ensure Hispanic college graduates have another way to get to Capitol Hill and launch their careers in public service. I'm confident this fellowship will not only benefit CHLI alumni but will be a key piece of Keith's CHLI legacy. I'm incredibly proud of Keith and look forward to working closely with him to make this fellowship a reality," said the Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, CHLI Chairwoman. Over the course of the program, scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from key former administration officials, business and civic leaders, and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership and exchange ideas to help strengthen their impact in the communities they serve. The 2024 program kicked off on January 24 in Washington, D.C. ABOUT CHLI: CHLI is the premier organization founded by Members of Congress and corporate leaders to advance the Hispanic community's economic progress with a focus on social responsibility and global competitiveness. Founded in 2003, CHLI is a 501(c)3 non-profit and non-partisan organization. CHLI is dedicated to fostering a broad awareness of the diversity of thought, heritage, interests, and views of Americans of Hispanic and Portuguese descent. CHLI's purpose is to prepare future leaders through internships, fellowships, scholarships, and leadership conferences. For more information about CHLI and its programs, please contact Emily Benavides, [email protected] ABOUT PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP SCHOLARS: The Presidential Leadership Scholars program is a partnership among the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. To learn more, visit www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org . For updates about the Presidential Leadership Scholars, use #PLScholars and follow @PLSprogram on Twitter and Instagram. SOURCE The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute Mid-sized law firms demonstrate increased productivity alongside challenges in timely invoice collection, while small firm counterparts size up the AI opportunities ahead Clio offers mid-sized law firms unique analyses to benchmark their business performance against other mid-sized firms and smaller firms in the broader legal services market Mid-sized firms excel at converting their efforts into revenue, yet struggle to receive timely payments, particularly when compared to smaller firms Mid-sized firms share cautious attitudes with small firms when it comes to AI in the legal profession, however small firms may have the competitive advantage should perceptions change NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Clio , the world's leading provider of cloud-based legal technology, unveiled its 2024 Legal Trends for Mid- Sized Law Firms report at the Legalweek New York conference. The report highlights crucial areas impacting mid-sized law firms, defined as firms with 20 or more employees. It encompasses financial performance, the impact of legal technology, andnew this yearincludes perceptions of artificial intelligence in legal practice. Clios second edition of the Legal Trends for Mid-Sized Law Firms report is now available (CNW Group/Clio) The 2024 Legal Trends for Mid-Sized Law Firms report reveals that the average lawyer in a mid-sized law firm is earning more than ever before, but still has significant billing and collection hurdles. Lockup, a new cash flow metric introduced this year, underscores a collection issue among mid-size law firms that if left unsolved, could create liabilities for firms. Getting paid faster is a key theme in this year's report, with smaller law firms outpacing their mid-sized firm counterparts in adoption of online payments. The report also covers AI trends throughout the legal sector, unpacking how mid-sized law firms differ in their approach from smaller firms, and in some cases, even their clients. "With the advent of AI, we have entered a new era of technology education and adoption across the legal sector, and we know that firms who find a way to leverage the technology are going to have a competitive advantage," said Jack Newton, CEO and Founder of Clio. "This report uncovers an essential overview of how mid-sized firms are keeping up with the pace of rapid innovation, something that becomes increasingly difficult with larger business infrastructures and staff. And let's be clear, AI is not the only piece of the puzzletech adoption, particularly in collections and payments, is still lagging behind in certain workflows among the mid-sized firm segment. I encourage legal professionals to leverage this rich data to see where the competitive advantages lie among firms who make their technology work harder for the overall health of the firm." A substantial increase in billable work signals heightened productivity and financial success Insights from the report highlight a remarkable shift in mid-sized law firms, with a massive increase in billable hours compared to 2016, indicating heightened productivity across the segment. Individual lawyers are now billing substantially more and collecting more revenue, underscoring the significant financial and operational success of mid-sized law firms in the evolving legal landscape. Compared to 2016, mid-sized law firms have experienced tremendous growth in the number of billable hours captured by their employees, capturing nearly 60% more billable hours than they did in 2016 Mid-sized law firms have experienced tremendous growth in the number of billable hours captured by their employees at nearly 60% more billable hours than in 2016 The average lawyer in a mid-sized law firm is also earning more for their firm than ever before, billing 140% more and collecting nearly 180% more than in 2016 Mid-sized law firms lead in billing speed, but lag behind smaller law firms in payment collection Law firms should closely monitor the speed and consistency of payment collection to avoid revenue being held in lockup, which encompasses unbilled and uncollected revenue. Mid-sized law firms, on average, demonstrate a proactive approach in generating invoices but struggle with the collection process. Features such as online payments, bulk billing, and client-facing apps like Clio for Clients are associated with significant reductions in lockup periods, providing valuable insights for firms seeking to streamline their financial processes. Mid-sized law firms exhibit a median realization lockup of 36 days, with the top 25% achieving a median lockup of 20 days, highlighting variations in billing efficiency The median collection lockup for mid-sized firms is 52 days, emphasizing the need for improvement in the timely collection of outstanding payments Clio Payments usage by mid-sized firms results in a two-day reduction in realization lockup, a six-day reduction in collection lockup, and a 13-day reduction in total lockup, enhancing overall financial liquidity Lawyers in mid-sized and smaller firms have similar attitudes towards AI use in the legal professionbut smaller firms may have more to gain Lawyers in mid-sized and smaller law firms are approaching the integration of AI cautiously. While there is recognition of AI's growing importance in legal practices, some legal professionals remain skeptical about its current level of advancement and reliability. This cautious stance, however, does not fully align with the adoption of AI technologies in the sector, as reported by legal professionals: A majority of lawyers in mid-sized and smaller firms express reservations about the reliability of AI, yet they acknowledge its potential benefits, suggesting a balanced perspective on technology adoption AI is already making significant inroads in legal practices, with 19% of lawyers self-reporting use of AI for marketing activities. Its application extends to critical legal tasks such as legal research at 14%, document drafting at 13%, and litigation discovery at 9% Future aspirations for AI use include document management, calendaring, and document signing These findings highlight a gap between the current application of AI in legal practices and the expectations of clients, especially in the context of mid-sized firms. There is a pressing need for law firms to more closely align their technology strategies with client preferences. Embracing AI in ways that meet client expectations is a matter of staying current with technological trends, and a strategic imperative for maintaining competitiveness and client satisfaction. The report also points out a potential competitive advantage for small firms in the adoption of AI. For smaller firms with fewer resources, AI presents tremendous potential to scale their businesses and, effectively, punch above their own weight. "Technological advancements have not only empowered solo practitioners to compete effectively with larger firms but have also streamlined decision-making processes for smaller players in the legaltech field. To maintain a competitive edge, it is imperative that mid-sized law firms adapt and prioritize the adoption of cutting-edge legal technology. The data is clearthese are the necessary tools to operate and excel in today's dynamically evolving landscape," said Clio's Lawyer-in-Residence, Joshua Lenon. With a commitment to supporting the growth of mid-sized law firms, Clio has increased investment and developed services specifically tailored for the mid market segment. Today, over 1,000 mid-sized law firms use Clio to power their law firms, highlighting the company's dominant presence across this segment of the legal market. Clio's unparalleled, data-science backed reports on the legal sector have provided timely and actionable insights for legal professionals since 2016. This year's mid-sized firm report leverages aggregated and anonymized data from tens of thousands of legal professionals to benchmark significant trends in law firm business performance. It also identifies key factors for improvement for mid-sized firms. Download Clio's second edition of the Legal Trends for Mid-Sized Law Firms report at clio.com/enterprise/ltr About Clio Clio is transforming the legal experience for all by creating the world's leading cloud-based technologies for law firmsto keep lawyers and their clients better connected throughout the legal process. Firms of all sizes and practice areas use Clio products to manage firm operations, streamline billing and payments, automate legal documents, and improve client experiences. Following its US$250M Series D funding, led by TCV and JMI Equity, and its US$110M Series E investment, led by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and OMERS Growth Equity, Clio has made history by becoming the first legal practice management unicorn in the world, and the first legal practice management company to be recognized by all 50 state bar associations. Learn more at clio.com. SOURCE Clio SAN RAMON, Calif., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Community Financial Credit Union , a non-profit financial institution headquartered in Plymouth, Mich., has launched a multi-year partnership with Lumin Digital , delivering an integrated online banking experience to its more than 80,000 members. With the launch of Community Financial, Lumin Digital now supports more than 50 live financial institutions across the United States and more than 4 million users under contract on Lumin's cloud-native digital banking platform. Lumin will provide the credit union with many member-requested features like business banking and heightened safety and security protocols, alongside a seamless digital integration of their existing third-party services and partners. Additionally, with the launch of Lumin's cloud-native online and mobile banking platform, they have augmented their suite of services, including tailored spending analyses, financial guidance, savings objectives and fraud notifications. Leveraging Lumin's technology, Community Financial will provide its members with instantaneous updates and streamlined features, simplifying day-to-day banking activities. "We're committed to making an impact in our members' lives by offering services that make their banking experience easier and more personal. We're thrilled to have a partner in Lumin that's going to help us do that," said Tansley Stearns, president and CEO of Community Financial Credit Union. "We've seen a rising number of members expressing interest in a digital-first banking experience, and with everything we're able to offer them through Lumin, our hope is that they know they are being heard." According to a report by BMO Financial Group , half of Americans (50 percent) said they plan to use digital banking more in 2023, and nearly half of Millennials and Gen Z (45 percent) say digital banking is the only way they bank. Referring to the report, Lisa Daniels, chief delivery officer at Lumin Digital, noted, "With the growing trend of Americans increasing their reliance on digital bankingengaging in behaviors such as depositing funds, transferring money to friends and family, and exploring new products and servicesLumin Digital is ready to provide Community Financial Credit Union with truly transformative technology. This will enhance the member experience in every transaction, enabling the credit union to strengthen connections with members through sought-after features." About Community Financial Credit Union The relationship with members is everything because Community Financial Credit Union is always looking out, standing beside members in every season of life. Community Financial is a full-service financial institution headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan since 1951 with 15 branches in Southeast and Northern Michigan and $1.6 billion in assets. Membership is open to any person or any business in the state of Michigan. Community Financial is deeply rooted in the communities it serves, offering programs and partnerships like student-run credit unions, an obstacle-free path to homeownership, and more. To learn more about Community Financial and why on earth there's a bear on the logo, visit cfcu.org . About Lumin Digital Lumin Digital is a fintech company specializing in digital banking solutions. Through a fundamentally different approach to technology, service, and people, the company provides financial institutions with a best-in-class, cloud-native platform that drives consumer adoption, engagement, and growth. For more information, visit lumindigital.com . SOURCE Lumin Digital CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) will present at the 2024 CAGNY (Consumer Analyst Group of New York) Conference on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 9 a.m. ET. Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer of Conagra Brands, Tom McGough, executive vice president and co-chief operating officer, Ale Eboli, executive vice president and chief supply chain officer, and Dave Marberger, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will present information on Conagra Brands' business strategies and financial outlook. A video webcast of the presentation and presentation slides will be available on conagrabrands.com/investor-relations under Events & Presentations. A replay of the webcast will be available until Feb. 20, 2025. About Conagra Brands Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Conagra Brands combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Conagra's iconic brands, such as Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, and Slim Jim, as well as emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, Duke's, Earth Balance, Gardein, and Frontera, offer choices for every occasion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com. SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc. AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Covenant Clearinghouse, the nation's largest servicer of real estate assessments, welcomes Jeff Johnson to the position of in-house General Counsel. Prior to earning a Juris Doctor degree at Columbia University School of Law in 2001, Jeff served his country as a military Prisoner-of-War interrogator. Jeff's extensive legal career including as a senior associate at New York-based Kirkland & Ellis LLP as well as a partner with Jackson Walker LLP has primarily focused on complex real property litigation, including extensive first chair jury and bench trial litigation as well as state and federal appeals. According to Covenant Clearinghouse's managing partner, Joe Alderman, "Jeff's vast, decades-long experience in real property law, and his multi-state admission to state and federal courts, makes him ideally suited to oversee Covenant Clearinghouse's expanding legal department." About Covenant Clearinghouse: For over a decade Covenant Clearinghouse has acted as servicing agent and trustee in the administration of assessment rights also called capital recovery fees or private transfer fees created in connection with hundreds of billions of dollars of commercial and residential real estate projects, which help spread infrastructure costs while providing important community funding for non-profits. www.covenantclearinghouse.com Contact Megan Lee. [email protected] (T: 866-599-9450) SOURCE Covenant Clearinghouse LLC CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cyber threats are always changing, and the market for cybersecurity is being driven by these factors as well as digital transformation projects, regulatory compliance, AI and ML integration, Zero Trust security, IAM emphasis, cloud-native solutions, threat intelligence sharing, and the convergence of IT and OT security. In order to meet the complex cybersecurity problems of an interconnected digital landscape, these trends demonstrate the market's focus on innovation, resilience, and adaptation. The global Cybersecurity Market size is projected to grow from USD 190.4 billion in 2023 to USD 298.5 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The expansion of the Cybersecurity Market is primarily driven by the escalating number and sophistication of cyber threats as organizations and individuals increasingly operate in a digitally interconnected world. The widespread adoption of technologies like cloud computing, the IoT, and AI further amplifies the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Additionally, stringent regulatory requirements for data protection across various industries compel businesses to enhance their cybersecurity frameworks. The rapid digital transformation, coupled with a heightened awareness of cyber risks, also plays a crucial role in fueling the growth of the Cybersecurity Market. Browse in-depth TOC on "Cybersecurity Market" 370 - Tables 60 - Figures 365 - Pages Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=505 Scope of the Report Report Metrics Details Market size available for years 2017-2028 Base year considered 2022 Forecast period 20232028 Forecast units Value (USD Million/Billion) Segments Covered Offering, Solution Type, Services, Deployment Mode, Organization Size, Security Type, Verticals, and Region Geographies covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America Companies covered Major vendors in the global Cybersecurity Market include IBM (US), Cisco (US), Microsoft (US), Palo Alto Networks (US), Fortinet (US), Check Point (US), Trellix (US), Trend Micro (Japan), Rapid7 (US), Micro Focus (Open text) (UK), AWS (US), Oracle (US), Accenture (Ireland), CyberArk (US), SentinelOne (US), Qualys (US), F-secure (Finland), F5 (US), RSA Security (US), Sophos (UK), Forcepoint (US), Proofpoint (US), Juniper Networks (US), SonicWall (US), Zscaler (US), Google (US), Fortra (US), Crowdstrike (US), Broadcom (US), Redington (India), NTT (Japan), Algosec (US), Cynet (Israel), Nozomi Networks (US), Revbits (US), Aristi Labs (India), Illumio (US), Seclore (US), Securonix (US), Sejel Tech (SaudiArabia), Proficio (US), Wijungle (India), Secureden (US), Orca Security (US), Wattle Corporation (India), Open Raven (US), CPX (UAE), and Mesh Security (Israel). By vertical segment, the healthcare & life sciences vertical will grow at the highest CAGR during the forecasted period. The healthcare and life sciences sector is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the Cybersecurity Market for several reasons. The sector deals with vast amounts of sensitive personal health information, making it a prime target for cyberattacks. With the increasing use of technology in healthcare, such as electronic health records and connected medical devices, there is a larger surface for potential cyber threats. These technologies, while improving patient care and operational efficiency, also create vulnerabilities that need strong cybersecurity measures. Additionally, the healthcare sector must comply with stringent regulations regarding patient data protection, like HIPAA in the US. Historically, the healthcare sector has not been as heavily invested in cybersecurity as others, which means there is a lot of ground to cover quickly. Thus, the need for rapid improvement in cybersecurity, driven by both increasing threats and regulatory requirements, is why the healthcare and life sciences vertical is anticipated to see significant growth in cybersecurity investment and development. Request Sample Pages@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=505 By offerings, the solution segment holds the largest market size during the forecast period. The solutions segment in the Cybersecurity Market is anticipated to have the largest market size due to several key factors. Firstly, the growing number of cyber threats, which are becoming more complex, requires sophisticated and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. These threats are no longer limited to large organizations but affect businesses of all sizes and individuals, broadening the market for cybersecurity solutions. Secondly, the rapid digital transformation across various industries has made businesses more reliant on digital infrastructure. This shift demands robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and ensure business continuity. Additionally, as companies increasingly adopt technologies like cloud computing, the IoT, and AI, the need for advanced security solutions to safeguard these technologies becomes more pronounced. Furthermore, regulatory requirements across the globe are becoming stricter in terms of data protection, pushing companies to invest in reliable cybersecurity solutions to comply with these regulations. All these factors contribute to the growing market size of the solutions segment in the cybersecurity landscape. By region, the Asia Pacific market is to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region, encompassing well-established economies like China and Japan and emerging economies like India, is poised for the highest CAGR during the forecasted period due to several key factors. Rapid economic growth in the Asia Pacific region led to a significant increase in digitalization across businesses and government sectors, creating a larger target for cyber threats. This surge in digital activities necessitates stronger cybersecurity measures. Additionally, the region is experiencing a rapid expansion in internet usage and smartphone adoption, further increasing the need for robust digital security. Many countries in the Asia Pacific are also developing and enforcing stricter data protection regulations, compelling businesses to enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure. Moreover, as industries in the region such as banking, healthcare, and retail increasingly adopt digital technologies, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks, thus driving the demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions. The combination of these factors contributes to the anticipated high growth rate in the Cybersecurity Market in the Asia Pacific region. Top Key Companies in Cybersecurity Market: IBM (US), Cisco (US), Microsoft (US), Palo Alto Networks (US), Fortinet (US), Check Point (US), Trellix (US), Trend Micro (Japan), Rapid7 (US), Micro Focus (Open text) (UK), AWS (US), Oracle (US), Accenture (Ireland), CyberArk (US), SentinelOne (US), Qualys (US), F-secure (Finland), F5 (US), RSA Security (US), Sophos (UK), Forcepoint (US), Proofpoint (US), Juniper Networks (US), SonicWall (US), Zscaler (US), Google (US), Fortra (US), Crowdstrike (US), Broadcom (US), Redington (India), NTT (Japan), Algosec (US), Cynet (Israel), Nozomi Networks (US), Revbits (US), Aristi Labs (India), Illumio (US), Seclore (US), Securonix (US), Sejel Tech (SaudiArabia), Proficio (US), Wijungle (India), Secureden (US), Orca Security (US), Wattle Corporation (India), Open Raven (US), CPX (UAE), and Mesh Security (Israel) are the key players and other players in the Cybersecurity Market. Recent Developments In December 2023 , IBM Consulting and Palo Alto Networks expanded their strategic partnership to enhance enterprise security, focusing on AI-driven security operations and cloud transformation. The collaboration aims to strengthen end-to-end security postures for clients, addressing the accelerating threats in cybersecurity. , IBM Consulting and Palo Alto Networks expanded their strategic partnership to enhance enterprise security, focusing on AI-driven security operations and cloud transformation. The collaboration aims to strengthen end-to-end security postures for clients, addressing the accelerating threats in cybersecurity. In November 2023 , IBM introduced a new product called QRadar SIEM, which is a cloud-native SIEM system designed for hybrid cloud environments. It integrates advanced AI capabilities for efficient threat detection and response, targeting the reduction of noise and improvement of alert quality. The platform offers streamlined operations for security teams, enabling faster identification and management of cybersecurity threats in diverse IT landscapes. , IBM introduced a new product called QRadar SIEM, which is a cloud-native SIEM system designed for hybrid cloud environments. It integrates advanced AI capabilities for efficient threat detection and response, targeting the reduction of noise and improvement of alert quality. The platform offers streamlined operations for security teams, enabling faster identification and management of cybersecurity threats in diverse IT landscapes. In June 2023 , Cisco introduced Secure Access, a new SSE solution designed to enhance hybrid work experiences by simplifying access across various locations, devices, and applications. It offers a common access experience, providing a single, effortless way for users to access all resources by intelligently and securely directing traffic. With a single, cloud-managed console, it eases security operations and enhances efficiency. Additionally, it incorporates faster detection and response capabilities, backed by Cisco Talos' AI-driven threat intelligence for enhanced threat blocking. Cisco Secure Access aims to deliver a more secure, hassle-free user experience, redefining secure connectivity in today's distributed IT environments. , Cisco introduced Secure Access, a new SSE solution designed to enhance hybrid work experiences by simplifying access across various locations, devices, and applications. It offers a common access experience, providing a single, effortless way for users to access all resources by intelligently and securely directing traffic. With a single, cloud-managed console, it eases security operations and enhances efficiency. Additionally, it incorporates faster detection and response capabilities, backed by Cisco Talos' AI-driven threat intelligence for enhanced threat blocking. Cisco Secure Access aims to deliver a more secure, hassle-free user experience, redefining secure connectivity in today's distributed IT environments. In March 2023 , Orange Cyberdefense collaborated with Microsoft to launch two new MSSs, enhancing the security features of Microsoft 365 Defender. These services, Managed Workspace Protection and Managed Threat Detection [xdr] for Microsoft 365 Defender, aim to block attacks, enhance security posture, and provide 24/7 threat detection and incident response. The partnership builds upon Orange Cyberdefense's expertise in Microsoft technologies and is pivotal in providing advanced security solutions to customers across various sectors. , Orange Cyberdefense collaborated with Microsoft to launch two new MSSs, enhancing the security features of Microsoft 365 Defender. These services, Managed Workspace Protection and Managed Threat Detection [xdr] for Microsoft 365 Defender, aim to block attacks, enhance security posture, and provide 24/7 threat detection and incident response. The partnership builds upon Orange Cyberdefense's expertise in Microsoft technologies and is pivotal in providing advanced security solutions to customers across various sectors. In February 2023 , Palo Alto Networks introduced a new solution that is easily enabled on Palo Alto Networks' network security products, including Next-Generation Firewalls and Prisma SASE. It leverages AI for OT environment security against sophisticated threats and simplifies operational processes. The solution addresses challenges in securing OT devices, providing enhanced visibility, inline security, and adherence to high uptime requirements. Inquire Before Buying@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=505 Cybersecurity Market Advantages: By enforcing compliance with data protection standards and maintaining consumer trust, cybersecurity solutions secure data integrity, confidentiality, and availability through access controls, encryption, and data loss prevention (DLP), among other methods. By using vulnerability assessments, risk analysis, and risk mitigation techniques, cybersecurity solutions assist businesses in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating cybersecurity risks. This lowers the possibility and consequence of cyber incidents. By minimising downtime, financial losses, and reputational harm, cybersecurity solutions help organisations respond to cybersecurity issues swiftly and efficiently through protocols for incident detection, analysis, containment, eradication, and recovery. Networks, systems, and endpoints are continuously monitored by cybersecurity solutions for suspicious activity and indicators of compromise (IOCs). Threat intelligence feeds and analytics are used to identify and react to new threats instantly. Endpoints including PCs, laptops, mobile phones, and servers can be protected against malware, unauthorised access, and other online dangers with the help of cybersecurity solutions. This ensures that the entire IT infrastructure of the company is safeguarded. Cybersecurity solutions offer cloud security capabilities to safeguard infrastructure, data, and applications hosted on the cloud against dangers particular to the cloud, illegal access, and other security lapses. This guarantees safe cloud adoption and migration. Cybersecurity solutions are scalable and versatile, meeting the specific security needs and budgetary restrictions of organisations with customisable features and deployment options. Report Objectives To define, describe, and forecast the Cybersecurity Market based on offering, solution type, services, deployment mode, organization size, security type, verticals, and region: To predict and estimate the market size of five main regions: North America , Europe , Asia Pacific , Middle East & Africa , and Latin America , , , & , and To analyze the subsegments of the market concerning individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall market To provide detailed information related to the primary factors (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges) influencing the growth of the Cybersecurity Market To analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high-growth segments of the Cybersecurity Market To profile the key players of the Cybersecurity Market and comprehensively analyze their market size and core competencies. Track and analyze competitive developments, such as new product launches, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, agreements, and collaborations in the global Cybersecurity Market. Browse Adjacent Market: Information Security Market Research Reports & Consulting Browse Other Reports: Managed SIEM Services Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Workplace Safety Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Privileged Access Management Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Cloud Data Security Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Container Security Market - Global Forecast to 2026 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/cyber-security-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/cyber-security.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2297424/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - DeFi Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "DeFi Technologies") (NEO: DEFI) (GR: RB9) (OTC: DEFTF), a crypto native technology company that pioneers the convergence of traditional capital markets with the world of decentralised finance ("DeFi"), is pleased to announce a corporate webinar scheduled for January 30, 2024, at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET. The webinar will feature a Company overview and update, including the Company's strategic outlook in the months ahead. The presentation will include insights from Olivier Roussy Newton, Chief Executive Officer, and Russell Starr, Head of Capital Markets. Additionally, Anthony Pompliano, the co-founder of Reflexivity Research LLC, which has recently entered into an agreement to be acquired by DeFi Technologies, will be contributing to the discussion. Individual and institutional investors, advisors, and analysts are cordially invited to attend this 30-minute session, followed by a Q&A segment. Please register for the webinar using the following link: https://t.co/gWQEtFgimi Corporate Highlights: DeFi Technologies is a technology company that enables traditional investors to participate in a diversified portfolio of digital assets across the decentralized finance and Web3 sector. Technologies is a technology company that enables traditional investors to participate in a diversified portfolio of digital assets across the finance and Web3 sector. The Company aims to capture the potential for growth in digital assets and the future of finance through regulated equity instruments. DeFi Technologies stands out as a publicly traded company specifically constructed to provide investors with direct exposure to these nascent markets. Technologies stands out as a specifically constructed to provide investors with direct exposure to these nascent markets. DeFi Technologies is the parent company of Valour Inc, an issuer of exchange-traded products ("ETPs") tracking the performance of digital assets with listings across leading European stock exchanges including Euronext (Paris & Amsterdam), Frankfurt Stock Exchange and Nordic Growth Market. About DeFi Technologies: DeFi Technologies Inc. (NEO: DEFI) (GR: RB9) (OTC: DEFTF) is a crypto native technology company that pioneers the convergence of traditional capital markets with the world of decentralised finance (DeFi). With a dedicated focus on industry-leading Web3 technologies, DeFi Technologies aims to provide widespread investor access to the future of finance. Backed by an esteemed team of professionals with extensive experience in financial markets and digital assets, we are committed to revolutionising the way individuals and institutions interact with the evolving financial ecosystem. Join DeFi Technologies' digital community on Linkedin and Twitter, and for more details, visit https://defi.tech/ About Valour Valour Inc. issues exchange traded products (ETPs) that enable retail and institutional investors to access digital assets like Bitcoin in a simple and secure way via their traditional bank account. Established in 2019, Valour is a wholly owned subsidiary of DeFi Technologies Inc. (NEO: DEFI) (GR: RB9) (OTC: DEFTF). For more information on Valour, visit https://valour.com Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information: This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the webinar; the acquisition of Reflexivity Research LLC; the regulatory environment with respect to the growth and adoption of decentralized finance; the pursuit by DeFi and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited the acceptance of Valour exchange traded products by exchanges; growth and development of decentralised finance and cryptocurrency sector; rules and regulations with respect to decentralised finance and cryptocurrency; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. SOURCE DeFi Technologies Inc. The nomination of novel Kv1.3 inhibitor DPT0218 for the treatment of various immunological diseases including IBD and AD. DPT0218 is a gut-restricted, highly potent and selective Kv1.3 inhibitor with excellent in vivo efficacy and safety profile in preclinical studies. This project further validates the capabilities of DP Technology's drug design platform RiDYMO. BEIJING, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DP Technology, an "AI for Science" new paradigm-driven company, today announced the nomination of DPT0218, a novel small molecule targeting Kv1.3, as a preclinical candidate compound for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Atopic Dermatitis (AD). The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 is known to be crucial for maintaining the membrane potential required for the induction of inflammatory responses[1] because Kv1.3 inhibition reduces calcineurin mediated immune cell activation and proliferation[2]. Inhibition of Kv1.3 therefore offers a potential opportunity to specifically impair inflammatory immune cell activity and proliferation, including in antigen-activated T cells. Previously, Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) made an initial payment of $60 million to D. E. Shaw Research (DESRES), with potential development and commercial milestone payments of up to $475 million for DES-7114, a lead compound of the Kv1.3-targeted therapeutics program. Recently, the activity of T cells has become a compelling intervention point in IBD[3]. Long-lived memory T-cell populations, particularly tissue resident subsets, may contribute to the chronicity of IBD and represent a potential target for therapy[4]. Kv1.3 expression was elevated in PBMCs from UC patients and correlated with the prevalence of Th1 and Th2 T cells. Kv1.3 expression was also detected on T cells from biopsies of UC patients[5]. It is estimated that there are at least 8 million IBD patients worldwide, of which more than 5 million in Europe and the U.S. The global market for autoimmune drugs is projected to reach $140 billion by 2028, with IBD medications accounting for $28 billion, representing 20% of the market share. DPT0218 is a potential 'best-in-class' highly selective Kv1.3 inhibitor with a novel scaffold. It has shown positive results in preclinical animal models of various autoimmune diseases such as IBD and AD. The compound exhibits sub-nanomolar potency and has achieved over 2000-fold selectivity for the Kv1.3 channel over a range of other ion channels, including Na+, K+, and Ca2+. It also showed unique DMPK profiles, high colon/ileum concentrations with low systemic exposure in multiple species, demonstrating an excellent safety profile in preclinical studies. "Although antibodies play a pivotal role in the treatment of moderate to severe IBD, their applications are limited by constrained therapeutic efficacy, immunogenicity, parenteral route of drug delivery, poor tolerability, and high cost." said Xiaomin Zhang, Head of Drug Discovery at DP Technology. "As a small molecule, DPT0218 has shown potent inhibition of T cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine secretion in both in vivo and in vitro studies, demonstrating its potential as an effective treatment for IBD. We'll actively advance DPT0218 to clinical research and explore its application to other autoimmune diseases." "DP Technology is the pioneer of AI for Science paradigm, dedicated to integrating 'AI + Simulation + Experiments' to address unmet clinical needs." said Weijie Sun, Founder and CEO of DP Technology. "The dynamics of ion channels are extremely complicated, and our RiDYMO platform is unequivocally well-suited for the drug development of these highly challenging systems. The successful discovery of DPT0218 is an important step towards achieving the AI for Science vision. We look forward to collaborations with seasoned partners to advance this program to the next milestone." The RiDYMO drug design platform integrates various AI and physical algorithms, dedicated to the development of drugs for "undruggable" targets and "best-in-class" molecules. As one of its core algorithms, Reinforced Dynamics (RiD) has a significant advantage in the sampling efficiency of molecular dynamics simulation. By fully leveraging the high-dimensional representation capabilities of neural networks, RiD can efficiently capture dynamic conformational changes in complicated biomolecular systems. The RiDYMO platform is dedicated to studying the dynamics of biological systems and revealing cryptic binding sites, encompassing a range of challenging systems including protein-protein interactions (PPIs), intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), membrane proteins, RNA, and others. It has also been validated on "undruggable" targets including c-Myc and GPX4. About DP Technology DP Technology, an "AI for Science" new paradigm-driven company, dedicated to applying Artificial Intelligence and Molecular Simulation algorithms to solve important scientific problems by combining advanced computational methods.Relying on DP Technology's world-leading Dynamics-based drug design platform, RiDYMO, and the de novo design platform for macromolecules, the team has established external collaborations and built up strong internal pipeline, focusing on three areas of CNS, oncology and autoimmune diseases. Morehttps://www.dp.tech/en Business[email protected] Media[email protected] Reference [1] Chiang EY, Li T, Jeet S, et al. Potassium channels Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 co-operatively and compensatorily regulate antigen-specific memory T cell functions. Nat Commun 2017:14644. [2] Lin CS, Boltz RC, Blake JT, et al. Voltage-gated potassium channels regulate calcium-dependent pathways involved in human T lymphocyte activation. J Exp Med 1993:63745. [3] Sandborn WJ, Su C, Sands BE, et al.; OCTAVE Induction 1, OCTAVE Induction 2, and OCTAVE Sustain Investigators. Tofacitinib as induction and maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis. N Engl J Med 2017:172336. [4] John T. Chang. Pathophysiology of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. N Engl J Med 2020:2652-64. [5] Anna-Lena Unterweger, Morten . Jensen, Fabrizio Giordanetto, et al. Suppressing Kv1.3 Ion Channel Activity with a Novel Small Molecule Inhibitor Ameliorates Inflammation in a Humanised Mouse Model of Ulcerative Colitis. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis 2021:194358. SOURCE DP Technology Federal legislation would support new model for delivering cost-effective, on-demand care access PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OCHIN is proud to support the Equal Access to Specialty Care Everywhere (EASE) Act, new congressional legislation designed to address persistent community health care gaps through the creation of a national, virtual specialty care network. The demonstration proposed by the EASE Act would drive measurable clinical efficiencies for rural and medically underserved communities in alignment with other Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation payment models by seamlessly integrating specialty care with electronic health records. "Everyone should have access to timely specialty care in order to be healthy, but patients in rural communities face unique challenges," said Jennifer Stoll, chief external affairs officer at OCHIN. "We are grateful to all the legislators championing the bi-partisan EASE Act, including House sponsors Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA), Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV), and Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR) whose leadership will build clinical capacity, improve patient access, and curtail rising health care costs for rural communities." "By allowing patients to utilize telehealth when finding specialty care, rural and underserved communities can quickly access quality, low-cost health care," said Steel. "This commonsense step is critical in reducing costly emergency room visits by allowing patients to address the root cause of health concerns before they grow worse." Reflecting national trends post COVID pandemic, a recent OCHIN network analysis found that the average wait time to see a specialist, such as a cardiologist or neurologist, has grown to 58 days and significantly delayed referrals were just 40% likely to be completed. Due to ongoing clinician shortages, an aging population, and systemic barriers that disproportionately impact rural communities (such as lack of transportation or insurance) it's anticipated that these wait times will continue to increaseultimately compromising patient health and increasing cost to the system. The EASE Act would address these challenges by testing a network to provide specialty care through a range of digital modalities, such as eConsults, telehealth, and EHR-based clinical decision support. A similar pilot on a smaller scale at an OCHIN member clinic in Oregon found that dermatology eConsults were effective in reducing follow up time for patients by an average of 45 days with financial benefits to the clinic. Research has also demonstrated the value of eConsults within other specialties. OCHIN has supported health care innovation for more than 20 years by equipping providers with the tools and technology needed to measurably improve the health and well-being of rural and medically underserved communities. Across various health care settings and modalities, OCHIN currently supports 32,000+ providers at about 2,000 care delivery sites, reaching nearly 6 million patients. About OCHIN OCHIN is a nonprofit leader in equitable health care innovation and a trusted partner to a growing national provider network. With the largest collection of community health data in the country and more than two decades of practice-based research and solutions expertise, OCHIN provides the clinical insights and tailored technologies needed to expand patient access, grow and connect care teams, and improve the health of rural and medically underserved communities. Learn more at ochin.org. SOURCE OCHIN Grants and investments will aim to improve postsecondary completion and degree attainment for rural communities LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ECMC Foundation, a nationally focused foundation, today announced its new Rural Impact Initiative, which aims to support the transformation of postsecondary education in rural communities nationwide. In addition to a diverse portfolio of grants, the Foundation will use program-related investments to fund promising innovations to help meet the unique needs of rural students. Roughly 46 million Americans live in what the federal government designates as rural areas: relatively sparsely settled communities with small populations that are relatively isolated from large cities. The "some college, no degree" population is overrepresented in rural areas, but little reliable data is available to provide additional context. Additionally, while rural residents tend to graduate high school at higher rates than their counterparts from denser areas, college completion poses pervasive challenges. "College graduates contribute to their home communities by playing critical roles in workforce development, civic engagement and overall economic success, yet postsecondary education systems too often struggle to graduate learners from underserved communities," said Dan Fisher, president and CEO of ECMC Group, the Foundation's parent company. "The Rural Impact Initiative will support rural community colleges and universities to better leverage local partnerships, align programming and skill development and generate sector-bridging career opportunities that accelerate completion rates and allow graduates to secure great jobs within their home communities." "The Rural Impact Initiative builds on learnings from grants and program-related investments made over the span of several years and comprehensive research from the field," said Jacob Fraire, president of ECMC Foundation. "More than two million rural learners enroll in postsecondary education, annually, and we must prioritize programs and policies which address the conditions that inhibit their success." The Rural Impact Initiative will be led by Stephanie Sowl, PhD, ECMC Foundation program officer and a nationally recognized expert in the field. The Foundation will issue requests for proposal in 2024 and accept letters of inquiry on an ongoing basis. Grants and investments will align with a three-pronged strategy aimed at developing knowledge, building capacity of rural-serving institutions and supporting community-based organizations. About ECMC Foundation ECMC Foundation is a nationally focused foundation whose mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments to remove barriers to postsecondary completion; build the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems; and transform the postsecondary ecosystem using a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures. Working with grantees, partners and peers, ECMC Foundation's vision is for all learners to unlock their fullest potential. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting www.ecmcfoundation.org and ECMC Group by visiting www.ecmcgroup.org. SOURCE ECMC Foundation DOVER, Del., Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eilean Therapeutics LLC, a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing best-in-class and first-in-class small molecule inhibitors to target escape mutations in hematologic and solid malignancies, today announced the clearance from the Human Research Ethics Committee in Australia to begin human dosing in the Phase 1 clinical program of eiletoclax, a highly potent and selective BCL2 inhibitor. "The first in human dosing of eiletoclax in Australia represents another important milestone for Eilean Therapeutics, as we progress, with an accelerated development of our portfolio of best-in-class agents targeting hematological malignancies," stated Iain Dukes, Chief Executive Officer of Eilean Therapeutics. "The highly differentiated pre-clinical profile of eiletoclax emphasizes important advantages over venetoclax-like molecules in safety, tolerability and feasibility of outpatient treatment, enabling the molecule to safely target AML and CLL patients alone and in combination with other targeted therapies." About Eiletoclax Eiletoclax (ZE50-0134) has earlier reported best-in-class potency and selectivity against BCL2, a key pro-survival protein that is overexpressed in many cancers. This clinical candidate demonstrated equivalent in vivo anti-tumor efficacy as venetoclax in B cell and myeloid malignancy cell lines and in vivo models. Compared to venetoclax, eiletoclax exhibits significantly less suppression of non-malignant immune cell populations, a result that suggests superior selectivity and an improved safety profile. About Eilean Therapeutics Eilean Therapeutics LLC is a biopharmaceutical company co-founded by Orbimed, Torrey Pines Investment and Dr John C. Byrd, focused on the discovery and development of best-in-class and first-in-class small molecule inhibitors that target escape mutations in hematologic and solid cancers. The company is utilizing a proprietary hybrid AI platform (Expert Systems Inc.), leveraging its key partners proprietary data, chem-bio platforms, knowledge and expertise to choose highly valuable molecular mechanisms of pathology; to precisely design and accelerate the execution of discovery and development of best-in-class and first-in-class therapies. Eilean Therapeutics' goal is to utilize its capabilities and platform to become a leader in developing novel breakthrough medicines to maximize the clinical benefit when treating hematologic and solid malignancies. For more information visit www.eileanther.com Media Contact: Amy Burd CSO [email protected] SOURCE Eilean Therapeutics A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Study Assessing the Safety and Efficacy of the ReCET System in Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Endogenex, Inc., a clinical stage medical device company dedicated to improving outcomes in patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to initiate a clinical study of the ReCET System for the treatment of T2D in adult patients, inadequately controlled by non-insulin, glucose lowering medications. The ReCET Clinical Study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double blinded, sham controlled study assessing the safety and effectiveness of the ReCET System. The pivotal study will enroll up to 350 patients at clinical sites in the United States and Australia. "Endogenex is excited to achieve this important clinical milestone," said Stacey Pugh, Endogenex CEO. "This is a critical next step in advancing the ReCET Procedure as a treatment that addresses the underlying causes of T2D that are not targeted by current diabetes medications." "Many people living with T2D struggle to remain in control of their blood sugar levels, even while using modern glucose lowering medications. This presents a significant challenge for patients and their care providers," stated Richard Pratley, MD, Medical Director of the Advent Health Diabetes Institute in Orlando, Florida and Co-Principal Investigator for the ReCET Study. "Preliminary results of the ReCET Procedure have been very encouraging, so we look forward to participating in this study and expanding the understanding of how it may fulfill a significant need in the care of this patient population." "The role of the duodenum in metabolic function and signaling is well-established," stated Dr. Barham Abu Dayyeh, MD, MPH, the Director of Advanced and Metabolic Endoscopy at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and Co-Principal Investigator for the ReCET Study. "Regenerating duodenal tissue through the ReCET Procedure has the potential to target underlying pathophysiologic factors associated with Type 2 Diabetes. The evaluation of this procedure within the ReCET Study may pave the way for a novel treatment approach to this disease." The ReCET Clinical Study will be enrolling patients at up to 30 sites in the United States and up to 10 sites in Australia. The ReCET Procedure: ReCET is a novel, endoscopic, outpatient procedure that targets the underlying cellular pathology of the duodenum that may contribute to the development and progression of Type 2 Diabetes. Through the application of highly controlled, non-thermal pulsed electric fields, the ReCET System is designed to initiate the body's natural regenerative process to restore proper cellular signaling from the duodenum and improve metabolic function, including better control of blood glucose levels. The ReCET System has been evaluated as part of feasibility clinical studies including REGENT-1 US, REGENT-1 Australia, and EMINENT in the Netherlands. The clinical studies assessed safety and efficacy in adults with Type 2 Diabetes whose blood glucose levels were inadequately controlled, despite the use of insulin and non-insulin medications. Publication of preliminary study outcomes has been presented at clinical conferences globally. The ReCET System has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA for treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in adult patients inadequately controlled by glucose lowering medications. About Endogenex: Endogenex is a privately held, clinical stage company headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Endogenex was founded, in partnership with Mayo Clinic, to develop therapies to improve outcomes for people living with Type 2 Diabetes. Endogenex's focus is centered on the principle that effective treatment for Type 2 Diabetes can extend beyond pharmaceutical options, correct metabolic function, and help people regain control of their blood glucose levels. For more information, please visit our website at www.endogenex.com or www.twitter.com/endogenex Media Inquiries: Brent Collins [email protected] +1(612)-227-6949 SOURCE Endogenex BANGALORE, India, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EV Traction Motor Market is Segmented by Type ( AC Induction Motor , Permanent Magnet Motor ), by Application ( BEV , PHEV ). The Global EV Traction Motor Market Size is expected to reach USD 96780 Million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 40.0% from 2023 to 2029. Claim Your Free Sample Now: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-25R2338/COVID_19_Impact_on_Global_EV_Traction_Motor_Market_Insights_Forecast_to_2026 Major Factors Driving the Growth of EV Traction Motor Market: Numerous important reasons are driving the growth of the market for traction motors for electric vehicles (EVs) . First, the need for traction motors is fueled by the growing demand for electric cars worldwide, which is a result of environmental consciousness and the need to lower carbon emissions. Adoption of electric propulsion systems is further encouraged by strict global pollution laws. The market is developing as a result of ongoing technological improvements in motor design, falling battery prices, and rising infrastructure investment for charging. The market for EV traction motors is expanding at an accelerated rate due to factors such as government subsidies, industry player cooperation, shifting customer preferences towards environmentally friendly solutions, and worries about energy independence. Unlock Insights: View Full Report Now! https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-25R2338/covid-19-impact-on-global-ev-traction-motor TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF EV TRACTION MOTOR MARKET: The global demand for electric cars is the main factor behind the growth of the electric vehicle (EV) traction motor market. Cleaner and more environmentally friendly transport solutions are becoming increasingly popular as public awareness of environmental concerns and the need to cut carbon emissions grows. Both customers and governments are endorsing EVs more and more, and this growth in demand is immediately translating into an expanding market for EV traction motors. The development of charging infrastructure is intimately linked to the growth of the market for EV traction motors. Companies, investors, and governments are realizing that in order to facilitate the mass adoption of electric cars, a strong charging network is required. Stricter emission laws are being implemented by governments all over the world to tackle air pollution and climate change. These laws encourage the use of electric cars and foster an atmosphere that is conducive to the growth of the EV traction motor industry. To comply with regulatory agencies' stringent emission criteria, manufacturers must innovate and improve electric propulsion systems, such as traction motors. One of the main factors propelling the market expansion for EV traction motors is the decreasing cost of batteries for electric vehicles. Consumers will find electric vehicles more inexpensive as long as battery prices continue to decline because this lowers the entire cost of constructing these vehicles. The total value proposition of electric vehicles is strengthened by this affordability along with increased battery efficiency, which increases demand for EVs. Incentives and subsidies are being offered by several governments throughout the globe to encourage the use of electric vehicles. Customers will find electric vehicles more financially appealing as a result of these, which may include tax credits, rebates, and other financial incentives. These kinds of incentives encourage the EV industry, which benefits the EV traction motor business as a whole. Investing in electric mobility is a response to nations' growing worries about energy independence and their desire to lessen their reliance on fossil fuels. This shift is facilitated by electric cars, which are propelled by EV traction motors and provide a greener and more sustainable option. The EV traction motor market is anticipated to maintain its current development trajectory as countries work towards energy security and sustainability. Own It Today Buy Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-25R2338&lic=single-user EV TRACTION MOTOR MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS The top companies in the worldwide EV traction motor market are Broad-Ocean, BYD, and Tesla, among others. About 35% of the worldwide market is occupied by the top 3 competitors. With over 70% of the worldwide market, North America and Japan are the two largest marketplaces. With a 75% market share, permanent magnet motors are the most common kind. The primary application, accounting for over 70% of the share, is BEV. 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DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS! - EV Traction Motor Controller market is projected to reach USD 94760 Million in 2029, increasing from USD 15290 Million in 2022, with a CAGR of 26.0% during the period of 2023 to 2029. - EV Traction Motor Core market size is expected to reach USD 8447.6 Million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 17.1% from 2023 to 2029. - EV Traction Inverter market size is expected to reach USD 94760 Million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 26.0% from 2023 to 2029. - Automotive Traction Motor Core market was valued at USD 1943.1 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 10560 Million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 27.4% during the forecast period 2023-2029. - Traction Converter market was valued at USD 2349.4 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 2916.6 Million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period 2023-2029. - Electric Vehicle Motor Market - Electric Commercial Vehicle Market - Electric Vehicle Motor (EVM) Controller Market - Stationary Electric Vehicle Charging Gun Market - Thermoset Composite Materials For EV and Hybrid Vehicles market is projected to reach USD 304.2 Million in 2029, increasing from USD 125 Million in 2022, with the CAGR of 11.3% during the period of 2023 to 2029. - Electric Vehicle Charge Air Cooler market is projected to reach USD 1641.1 Million in 2029, increasing from USD 458 Million in 2022, with the CAGR of 20.0% during the period of 2023 to 2029. - Electric Vehicle HVAC System market is projected to reach USD 6159.4 Million in 2029, increasing from USD 43130 Million in 2022, with the CAGR of 5.3% during the period of 2023 to 2029. - Motor Driver IC market size is estimated to be worth USD 4551.6 Million in 2021 and is forecast to be a readjusted size of USD 4551.6 Million by 2028 with a CAGR of 5.5% during the review period. - Railway Traction Motor Market - Locomotive Traction Motors market is projected to reach USD 3612.8 Million in 2029, increasing from USD 2159.3 Million in 2022, with the CAGR of 7.6% during the period of 2023 to 2029. - High Quality Gearless Traction Elevator market is projected to reach USD 43250 Million in 2029, increasing from USD 28040 Million in 2022, with the CAGR of 6.4% during the period of 2023 to 2029. - Gearless Traction Motors in Elevator market was valued at USD 850 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 1276.7 Million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period 2023-2029. - Gearless Traction Elevators market size is expected to reach USD 9159.9 Million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2023 to 2029. - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Market - Electric Car Battery Market - Electric Power Steering Motor market is projected to grow from USD 2479.5 Million in 2023 to USD 2808.8 Million by 2029, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.1% during the forecast period. - Electric Motor Market - Flatwire & HAIR-PIN Motor Market - Folding bikes market was valued at USD 790.90 Million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 1,260.98 Million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 8.7% from 2020 to 2027. - Electric Bus market size is estimated to be worth USD 12870 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 22670 Million by 2028 with a CAGR of 9.9% during the review period. - Battery Electric Car Market - Electric Vehicle Battery Reuse and Recycling Market - Battery Electric Vehicle Engine Cooling Systems Market - High-Performance Electric Motorcycle market - Electric Scooter and Motorcycle market - Micromobility market - Vehicle electrification market - Electric vehicle motor market - Electric Bike Market - Electric Scooter market - Electric Commercial Vehicle market DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US! Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs. Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs. To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains a detailed research methodology employed to generate the report. Please also reach our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources. YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS: REACH OUT TO US! Valuates Reports [email protected] For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/ Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/ https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese SOURCE Valuates Reports First Place Ranking Fueled by Top Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Ease of Doing Business Scores ENGLEWOOD, N.J., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --G2, a leading software marketplace that provides a platform for businesses and buyers to read reviews and see product ratings, has released its Winter 2024 Relationship Index for EDI in which eZCom ranked first among all EDI providers. Earning a Relationship Index score of 9.77 out of 10, eZCom outpaced 25 competitors including SPS Commerce (8.7), TrueCommerce (9.13) and OpenText (7.72). "This report has us energized," said eZCom's CEO, Carol Weidner. "It's a testament not just to our platform but to our team too. We believe that the best EDI solution blends technology and people. You have to have robust, easy-to-use software and you have to have people who know EDI inside and out. That's how we help our customers improve efficiencies, reduce errors and ultimately, grow." The Relationship Index is derived from a company's ease of doing business score, its quality of support score, its relationship score, its relationship data and how likely an existing customer is to recommend the company to a peer. eZCom outscored numerous competing providers across these categories, earning the following scores: Relationship Score: 98 (Industry Average: 83) Relationship Data: 94 (Industry Average: 91) Likelihood to Recommend 94 (Industry Average 91) Ease of Doing Business: 97 (Industry Average: 93) Support: 99 (Industry Average: 92) In addition to ranking first in the Winter 2024 Relationship Index for EDI, eZCom also earned the following G2 Winter 2024 recognition within the EDI category: Best Usability Momentum Leader Most Implementable (Mid-Market) Small Business Leader Best Results Independent customer reviews contribute significantly to a provider's Relationship Index score. With over 150 vetted customer reviews, eZCom takes pride in providing exceptional customer experiences: eZCom is the best in the business for EDI. The tech people are helpful and informative. The team always takes me to the next level in my learning. The product is robust, so I appreciate the training. Danielle R. Excellent service. Dallas [Richards, eZCom's Support Team Manager] has helped me out in a very customer friendly way, very patient. Already heard from our IT department that he was very helpful. EDI obviously has many advantages. eZCom is priced favorably and their service is extremely good. Edwin S. View G2's Winter 2024 Relationship Index for EDI. About eZCom Software eZCom Software provides broad and deep experience within the EDI and eCommerce marketplace with over 20 years of designing smart and compliant EDI and Drop Ship applications for the supply chain. eZCom is an EDI provider for many large and well-known retailers including department, specialty, luxury, convenience and big box stores globally -- for their in store, online and drop ship programs. The Lingo Technology Platform connects with all your trading partners and integrates your ERP/business systems, marketplaces and shipping platforms. eZCom's in-house, US-based integration, development and support teams are available on-demand to help brands turn EDI and order processing from a time-consuming requirement into a genuine competitive advantage. About G2's Relationship Index Providing benchmarks for product comparison and market trend analysis, a product's Relationship score is calculated by a proprietary algorithm that factors in real-user satisfaction ratings for a number of relationship-related review questions. Software buyers can compare products in the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) category according to their Relationship scores to streamline the buying process and quickly identify the products that provide the best relationship with software sellers based on the experiences of their peers. The Index provides benchmarks for product comparison and market trend analysis. SOURCE eZCom Software Inc. AKRON, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to a business transition, most family business owners "fly by the seat of their pants." That's the view of family business expert Chrissy Myers, author of the book Reluctantly Resilient: One CEO's Journey to Thriving in Leadership and Life (2023, Gravitas Press). Cover Chrissy Myers A leader at her family's insurance agency, Myers thought she knew the answers to business and life. That is, until the Affordable Care Act shook the very foundation of the business. In the tailspin of activity just before ACA went live, Myers unexpectedly lost her husband. Suddenly, she was a single mom with two kids under six, steering a business with an uncertain future. Myers candidly shares her struggles as a business leader in a market upheaval, the challenges common in a family business and the stress she experienced as a widow and mom dating and building a healthy family. "We question our decision to work with Mom and Dad and wonder why everyone else makes it look so easy," says Myers. "We are all feeling the same way, hoping no one else notices what a struggle we are enduring." Although she has been through a complete transition herself, Myers notes, "I can't offer a step-by step guide to transition your family business, but I recommend the following based on what I learned in the process: Go to therapy for yourself. Family business transition is difficult and requires skills of emotional intelligence. Counseling provides a space where you can safely identify where past grievances and your emotional needs have become roadblocks and even self-sabotage. It's also a space to level up your skills in communicating your needs while acknowledging the needs of others, responding rather than reacting, and balancing your work with your other priorities. Engage a lawyer and an accountant you trust. Before calling around or asking for referrals, prepare a list of the qualifications and qualities you need in these two key roles. Take your time interviewing and finding the right fit for you. You will likely continue to work with these professionals after the transition and for years to come. Comfort with how these professionals communicate with you can be just as important as their skill sets. Take no hostages. If you have a spouse or significant other, children, or close friends who will be with you on your ownership journey, get their buy-in and support early in the process. Following the emotional and high-stress days as you navigate the transition, there will be difficult days ahead when the business is yours. Getting through the transition is the first, not the final, step. Take time to create a framework of how work and life will fit together. This is key to ensuring you continue to be happy with your decision over the long haul. Be intentional in the time you spend with your family, and try not to talk about the transition all the time. I know it's hard. Take care of yourself. The way you care for yourself during the transition creates the pattern of how you care for yourself as a business owner. Discipline yourself to eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. Make time to do enjoyable things, ones that give you energy, because you are going to need it. Establish a limit. You must have a threshold at which you are willing to walk away regardless of where you are in the process. My own limit came two months after my mom had retired without a completed agreement." Myers is known for her resilience in transitioning her family business, Associated Underwriters Insurance (AUI), through the changes necessitated by the Affordable Care Act, COVID-19 and numerous personal tragedies and changes within her family. She is the CEO of AUI and Clarity HR, which serve small and medium-sized businesses in for-profit and nonprofit sectors in the areas of HR and employee benefits. She serves on numerous boards of directors and is a tireless advocate for families struggling with addiction and mental health issues. About Gravitas Press And Indie Books International Gravitas Press and Indie Books International often collaborate to bring books to market. Indie Books is helping with public relations to launch Reluctantly Resilient. Media Contact Henry Devries [email protected] 619-540-3031 SOURCE Chrissy Myers TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning global Insurtech BOXX Insurance that combines cyber insurance and security has announced the launch of a cutting-edge cyber risk mitigation solution in collaboration with AXA, aimed at providing crucial support to small businesses. Recognizing the critical need for comprehensive protection against cyber threats for small businesses, BOXX Insurance has developed a user-friendly solution designed to help businesses better predict and prevent, potential cyber attacks. BOXX Insurance Logo "Small businesses often face significant challenges in securing adequate support against cyber risks, which can have devastating consequences for their operations" said Vishal Kundi, CEO and Founder, BOXX Insurance. "Driven by our mission to make the world a digitally safer place, we conducted in-depth research to understand the specific needs of small businesses. The findings underscored the importance of not only responding to and recovering from cyber attacks but also predicting and preventing them". Kundi added. The newly launched solution focuses on risk mitigation by enhancing the ability of small businesses to predict and prevent cyber risks delivered in partnership with AXA by: External Perimeter Scanning Assessment: Companies receive a cyber risk score based on scanning their external attack surface, along with a breakdown of contributing factors and a benchmark against industry peers. Alerts for Compromised Credentials: Users benefit from 24/7 dark web monitoring to identify compromised credentials, such as email addresses, credit card numbers, and bank account details, with expert advice on responding to data breaches. Employee Awareness and Training: The solution provides digital risk assessments and cyber awareness training to gauge critical risk exposure based on business operations. Training modules include onscreen and downloadable information, short videos, and self-assessments. Instant Response Wallet: In the event of a hack, users can access an instant response wallet for guidance on necessary actions to take. "Recognizing that 80% of cyber breaches stem from inadequate security measures, this new solution empowers businesses to proactively combat cyber threats. Through the provision of real-time alerts, digital risk assessments, and ongoing training, we are proud to introduce this indispensable tool to support our business clients, launching initially in Spain today." said Alfonso Zayas Satrustegui, AXA Seguros Espana. "By offering companies a dynamically updated task list for sustained protection and equipping team leaders with a reporting dashboard to monitor progress, we deliver a powerful tool ensuring the digital safeguarding of our valued business clients." "The AXA Future Risk Report underscores the escalating threat posed by cyber threats," remarked Kundi. "Whilst 68% of individuals acknowledge their vulnerability to cyber risks, an overwhelming 90% of experts concur that the potential for a massive global cyberattack is significant. BOXX takes great pride in collaborating with AXA to deliver a comprehensive solution that addresses the evolving needs of their clients, strengthening them against these increasing risks". BOXX Insurance remains committed to its mission of making the digital world safer for all. Through this innovative partnership with AXA, small businesses can now leverage advanced cyber risk prevention tools to protect their operations and stay one step ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape. About BOXX Insurance BOXX Insurance Inc. helps businesses, individuals and families insure and defend against cyber threats. Privately-held with headquarters in Canada, BOXX has global offices in Toronto, Miami, Zurich, Dubai and Mumbai. BOXX Insurance is an award-winning global cyber protection and insurance provider. We're not a typical company. That's by design. We're serious about making the world a digitally safer place; creating real, positive changes for our clients and partners, and building a lasting legacy, from what we create, inside the BOXX. Every day we're improving the digital health of businesses, families and individuals around the world who rely on BOXX's solutions and services to predict, prevent and insure them against cyber threats Media Contact: [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2328703/BOXX_Insurance_Global_cyber%C2%A0insurtech_BOXX_Insurance_partner_wit.jpg DETROIT, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported fourth-quarter 2023 revenue of $43.0 billion, net income attributable to stockholders of $2.1 billion and EBIT-adjusted of $1.8 billion. GM reported full-year 2023 revenue of $171.8 billion, net income attributable to stockholders of $10.1 billion and EBIT-adjusted of $12.4 billion. The chart below summarizes GM's 2023 financial guidance and 2023 results, as well as the company's 2024 guidance, which is for a year of strong financial performance. Final 2023 Guidance 2023 Results 2024 Guidance Net income attributable to stockholders $9.1 billion - $9.7 billion $10.1 billion $9.8 billion - $11.2 billion EBIT-adjusted $11.7 billion - $12.7 billion $12.4 billion $12.0 billion - $14.0 billion Automotive operating cash flow $19.5 billion - $21.0 billion $20.8 billion $18.0 billion - $21.0 billion Adjusted automotive free cash flow $10.5 billion - $11.5 billion $11.7 billion $8.0 billion - $10.0 billion EPS-diluted* $6.52 - $7.02 $7.32 $8.50 - $9.50 EPS-diluted-adjusted* $7.20 - $7.70 $7.68 $8.50 - $9.50 *2024 guidance includes an estimated $1.45 per share impact from the company's accelerated share repurchase program (initiated in November 2023) based on current share price and offset by $0.50 from a higher tax rate and lower interest income. It assumes a full-year weighted-average diluted share count slightly below 1.15 billion shares. GM's 2024 financial guidance includes anticipated capital spending of $10.5 billion - $11.5 billion, inclusive of investments in the company's battery cell manufacturing joint ventures. Conference Call for Investors and Analysts GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra and GM Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson will host a conference call for the investment community at 8:30 a.m. ET today to discuss these results. Conference call details are as follows: 1-800-857-9821 (U.S.) 1-517-308-9481 (international/caller-paid) Conference call passcode: General Motors General Motors An audio replay will be available on the GM Investor Relations website in the Events section. Visit the GM Investor Relations website to download the company's earnings deck and GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra's letter to shareholders . Results Overview Three Months Ended $M except per share amounts December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Change % Change Revenue $ 42,980 $ 43,108 $ (128) (0.3) % Net income attributable to stockholders $ 2,102 $ 1,999 $ 103 5.2 % EBIT-adjusted $ 1,757 $ 3,799 $ (2,042) (53.8) % Net income margin 4.9 % 4.6 % 0.3 ppts 6.5 % EBIT-adjusted margin 4.1 % 8.8 % (4.7) ppts (53.4) % Automotive operating cash flow $ 4,688 $ 7,488 $ (2,800) (37.4) % Adjusted automotive free cash flow $ 1,341 $ 4,460 $ (3,119) (69.9) % EPS-diluted(a) $ 1.59 $ 1.39 $ 0.20 14.4 % EPS-diluted-adjusted(a) $ 1.24 $ 2.12 $ (0.88) (41.5) % GMNA EBIT-adjusted $ 2,011 $ 3,654 $ (1,643) (45.0) % GMNA EBIT-adjusted margin 5.7 % 10.3 % (4.6) ppts (44.7) % GMI EBIT-adjusted $ 269 $ 272 $ (3) (1.1) % China equity income $ 93 $ 201 $ (108) (53.7) % GM Financial EBT-adjusted $ 707 $ 775 $ (68) (8.8) % __________ (a) EPS-diluted and EPS-diluted-adjusted include a $(0.05) impact from revaluation on equity investments in the three months ended December 31, 2023. Years Ended $M except per share amounts December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Change % Change Revenue $ 171,842 $ 156,735 $ 15,107 9.6 % Net income attributable to stockholders $ 10,127 $ 9,934 $ 193 1.9 % EBIT-adjusted $ 12,357 $ 14,474 $ (2,117) (14.6) % Net income margin 5.9 % 6.3 % (0.4) ppts (6.3) % EBIT-adjusted margin 7.2 % 9.2 % (2.0) ppts (21.7) % Automotive operating cash flow $ 20,828 $ 19,094 $ 1,734 9.1 % Adjusted automotive free cash flow $ 11,666 $ 10,466 $ 1,200 11.5 % EPS-diluted(a) $ 7.32 $ 6.13 $ 1.19 19.4 % EPS-diluted-adjusted(a) $ 7.68 $ 7.59 $ 0.09 1.2 % GMNA EBIT-adjusted $ 12,306 $ 12,988 $ (682) (5.3) % GMNA EBIT-adjusted margin 8.7 % 10.1 % (1.4) ppts (13.9) % GMI EBIT-adjusted $ 1,210 $ 1,143 $ 67 5.9 % China equity income $ 446 $ 677 $ (231) (34.1) % GM Financial EBT-adjusted $ 2,985 $ 4,076 $ (1,091) (26.8) % __________ (a) EPS-diluted and EPS-diluted-adjusted include a $(0.10) and $(0.13) impact from revaluation on equity investments in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet , Buick , GMC , Cadillac , Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar , a global leader in safety services and connected vehicle technology, can be found at https://www.gm.com . Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements: This press release and related comments by management may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact and represent our current judgment about possible future events. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially due to a variety of factors, many of which are described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. 2023 Guidance Reconciliations The following table reconciles expected Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to expected EBIT-adjusted (dollars in billions): Year Ending December 31, 2023 Net income attributable to stockholders $ 9.1-9.7 Income tax expense 1.4-1.8 Automotive interest income, net (0.1) Adjustments(a) 1.3 EBIT-adjusted $ 11.7-12.7 The following table reconciles expected automotive net cash provided by operating activities under U.S. GAAP to expected adjusted automotive free cash flow (dollars in billions): Year Ending December 31, 2023 Net automotive cash provided by operating activities $ 19.5-21.0 Less: Capital expenditures 10.3-10.8 Adjustments(a) 1.3 Adjusted automotive free cash flow $ 10.5-11.5 The following table reconciles expected EPS-diluted under U.S. GAAP to expected EPS-diluted-adjusted: Year Ending December 31, 2023 Diluted earnings per common share $ 6.52-7.02 Adjustments(a) 0.68 EPS-diluted-adjusted $ 7.20-7.70 ________ (a) Adjustments as of September 30, 2023. Includes adjustments related to our Buick dealer strategy, voluntary separation program and GM Korea wage litigation. See our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, for full details. We do not consider the potential future impact of adjustments on our expected financial results. 2024 Guidance Reconciliations The following table reconciles expected Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to expected EBIT-adjusted (dollars in billions): Year Ending December 31, 2024 Net income attributable to stockholders $ 9.8-11.2 Income tax expense 2.1-2.7 Automotive interest expense, net 0.1 EBIT-adjusted(a) $ 12.0-14.0 The following table reconciles expected automotive net cash provided by operating activities under U.S. GAAP to expected adjusted automotive free cash flow (dollars in billions): Year Ending December 31, 2024 Net automotive cash provided by operating activities $ 18.0-21.0 Less: Capital expenditures 10.0-11.0 Adjusted automotive free cash flow(a) $ 8.0-10.0 __________ (a) We do not consider the potential future impact of adjustments on our expected financial results. General Motors Company and Subsidiaries1 Combining Income Statement Information (In millions) (Unaudited) Year Ended December 31, 2023 Year Ended December 31, 2022 Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Combined Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Combined Net sales and revenue Automotive $ 157,667 $ 102 $ $ (110) $ 157,658 $ 143,974 $ 102 $ $ (101) $ 143,975 GM Financial 14,225 (41) 14,184 12,766 (6) 12,760 Total net sales and revenue 157,667 102 14,225 (151) 171,842 143,974 102 12,766 (107) 156,735 Costs and expenses Automotive and other cost of sales 138,254 3,088 (12) 141,330 124,317 2,576 (2) 126,892 GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses 11,376 (2) 11,374 8,864 (2) 8,862 Automotive and other selling, general and administrative expense 9,349 493 (2) 9,840 9,902 766 (1) 10,667 Total costs and expenses 147,603 3,581 11,376 (16) 162,544 134,219 3,342 8,864 (5) 146,421 Operating income (loss) 10,064 (3,479) 2,848 (135) 9,298 9,755 (3,240) 3,903 (102) 10,315 Automotive interest expense 928 33 (49) 911 986 5 (5) 987 Interest income and other non-operating income, net 1,345 107 (1) 86 1,537 1,282 48 (1) 103 1,432 Equity income (loss) 342 138 480 663 173 837 Income (loss) before income taxes 10,823 (3,405) 2,985 10,403 10,713 (3,197) 4,076 5 11,597 Income tax expense (benefit) 563 1,888 Net income (loss) 9,840 9,708 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 287 226 Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders $ 10,127 $ 9,934 Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 10,022 $ 8,915 ________ 1 Certain columns and rows may not add due to rounding. Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Unaudited) The following table summarizes basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Basic earnings per share Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders $ 2,102 $ 1,999 $ 10,127 $ 9,934 Less: cumulative dividends on subsidiary preferred stock(a) (26) (12) (106) (1,019) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 2,076 $ 1,987 $ 10,022 $ 8,915 Weighted-average common shares outstanding 1,302 1,415 1,364 1,445 Basic earnings per common share $ 1.59 $ 1.40 $ 7.35 $ 6.17 Diluted earnings per share Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders diluted $ 2,076 $ 1,987 $ 10,022 $ 8,915 Weighted-average common shares outstanding diluted 1,307 1,425 1,369 1,454 Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.59 $ 1.39 $ 7.32 $ 6.13 Potentially dilutive securities(b) 23 10 23 10 __________ (a) Includes a $909 million deemed dividend related to the redemption of Cruise preferred shares from SoftBank for the year ended December 31, 2022 and an insignificant amount in participating securities income from a subsidiary in the year ended December 31, 2022 and in the three months ended December 31, 2022. (b) Potentially dilutive securities attributable to outstanding stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) at December 31, 2023 and 2022, were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the securities would have had an antidilutive effect. Combining Balance Sheet Information (In millions, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Combined Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Combined ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 12,228 $ 1,344 $ 5,282 $ $ 18,853 $ 13,629 $ 1,519 $ 4,005 $ $ 19,153 Marketable debt securities 7,613 7,613 10,760 1,390 12,150 Accounts and notes receivable, net(a) 11,814 1,891 (1,327) 12,378 11,910 2,114 (691) 13,333 GM Financial receivables, net 39,246 (170) 39,076 33,811 (188) 33,623 Inventories 16,467 (6) 16,461 15,369 (2) 15,366 Other current assets(b) 1,994 466 5,205 (428) 7,238 2,009 347 4,912 (442) 6,825 Total current assets 50,115 1,809 51,624 (1,931) 101,618 53,677 3,256 44,842 (1,324) 100,451 Non-current Assets GM Financial receivables, net(d) 45,391 (348) 45,043 40,702 (112) 40,591 Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates 8,943 1,670 10,613 8,511 1,665 10,176 Property, net 50,104 93 124 50,321 45,011 98 140 45,248 Goodwill and intangible assets, net 2,793 715 1,354 4,862 2,877 727 1,341 4,945 Equipment on operating leases, net 30,582 30,582 32,701 32,701 Deferred income taxes 21,722 1,723 (1,106) 22,339 20,348 1,108 (917) 20,539 Other assets(c) 6,869 215 1,140 (538) 7,686 7,995 322 1,069 9,386 Total non-current assets 90,430 2,745 79,156 (886) 171,446 84,742 2,254 76,702 (112) 163,586 Total Assets $ 140,546 $ 4,555 $ 130,780 $ (2,817) $ 273,064 $ 138,419 $ 5,510 $ 121,544 $ (1,436) $ 264,037 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable (principally trade)(a) $ 27,846 $ 185 $ 1,136 $ (1,054) $ 28,114 $ 27,307 $ 146 $ 712 $ (679) $ 27,486 Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Automotive(a) 591 272 (435) 428 2,144 13 (198) 1,959 GM Financial 38,540 38,540 36,819 36,819 Cruise 6 (6) 2 (2) Accrued liabilities(b) 21,468 590 5,741 (436) 27,364 18,662 612 6,081 (445) 24,910 Total current liabilities 49,906 1,053 45,417 (1,931) 94,445 48,113 772 43,612 (1,324) 91,173 Non-current Liabilities Long-term debt Automotive(c) 15,979 544 (538) 15,985 15,879 6 15,885 GM Financial 66,788 66,788 60,036 60,036 Cruise(d) 348 (348) 112 (112) Postretirement benefits other than pensions 4,345 4,345 4,193 4,193 Pensions 6,673 8 6,680 5,692 6 5,698 Other liabilities 13,447 454 2,614 16,515 11,927 465 2,375 14,767 Total non-current liabilities 40,444 1,345 69,409 (886) 110,312 37,691 583 62,417 (112) 100,579 Total Liabilities 90,350 2,399 114,826 (2,817) 204,757 85,804 1,356 106,029 (1,436) 191,752 Noncontrolling interest - Cruise stock incentive awards 118 118 357 357 Equity Common stock, $0.01 par value 12 12 14 14 Additional paid-in capital(e) 18,866 240 1,314 (1,290) 19,130 26,313 90 1,433 (1,409) 26,428 Retained earnings 39,579 (12) 15,823 1 55,391 32,054 1,766 15,429 1 49,251 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (9,066) 1 (1,183) (10,247) (6,552) (2) (1,348) (7,901) Total stockholders' equity 49,391 229 15,954 (1,289) 64,286 51,829 1,855 15,515 (1,407) 67,792 Noncontrolling interests(e) 805 1,809 1,289 3,903 786 1,942 1,407 4,135 Total Equity 50,196 2,038 15,954 68,189 52,615 3,797 15,515 71,927 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 140,546 $ 4,555 $ 130,780 $ (2,817) $ 273,064 $ 138,419 $ 5,510 $ 121,544 $ (1,436) $ 264,037 _________ (a) Eliminations primarily include GM Financial accounts and notes receivable of $0.5 billion due from Automotive; and Automotive accounts receivable of $0.8 billion primarily due from GM Financial and Cruise at December 31, 2023; and GM Financial accounts and notes receivable of $0.5 billion due from Automotive accounts payable and Automotive accounts receivable of $0.1 billion due from GM Financial accounts payable at December 31, 2022. (b) Eliminations primarily related to intercompany asset transfers between Automotive and Cruise for autonomous vehicle (AV) capital. (c) Eliminations related to deferral agreement between Cruise and Automotive as regards to engineering and capital spending incurred by Automotive on behalf of Cruise resulting in a long-term payable for Cruise offset by a long-term receivable for Automotive. (d) Eliminations primarily related to intercompany loans due from Cruise to GM Financial in the year ended December 31, 2023. (e) Primarily reclassification of GM Financial Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, B and C. The preferred stock is classified as noncontrolling interests in our consolidated balance sheets. Combining Cash Flow Information (In millions) (Unaudited) Year Ended December 31, 2023 Year Ended December 31, 2022 Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Combined Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Combined Cash flows from operating activities Net income (loss) $ 10,102 $ (2,414) $ 2,152 $ $ 9,840 $ 8,509 $ (1,900) $ 3,095 $ 5 $ 9,708 Depreciation and impairment of Equipment on operating leases, net 4,904 4,904 4,839 4,839 Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges on Property, net 6,756 188 40 6,984 6,346 55 49 6,451 Foreign currency remeasurement and transaction (gains) losses 344 5 349 173 (1) 172 Undistributed earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates, net 295 (50) 245 225 (32) 193 Pension contributions and OPEB payments (1,099) (1,100) (790) (790) Pension and OPEB income, net 89 2 90 (1,190) 1 (1,189) Provision (benefit) for deferred taxes (305) (991) 256 (1,041) 1,247 (1,297) 475 425 Change in other operating assets and liabilities(a) 3,376 637 846 (3,037) 1,822 2,363 1,067 (1,263) (5,144) (2,977) Other operating activities(c) 1,272 658 (1,493) (1,601) (1,163) 2,211 243 (1,688) (1,556) (790) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 20,828 (1,921) 6,662 (4,638) 20,930 19,094 (1,832) 5,476 (6,695) 16,043 Cash flows from investing activities Expenditures for property (10,684) (63) (24) (198) (10,970) (9,007) (197) (44) 10 (9,238) Available-for-sale marketable securities, acquisitions (3,940) (490) (4,429) (8,511) (3,326) (11,837) Available-for-sale marketable securities, liquidations 7,443 1,902 9,345 4,565 3,506 (14) 8,057 Purchases of finance receivables(a) (38,593) 3,214 (35,379) (39,113) 5,139 (33,974) Principal collections and recoveries on finance receivables 28,343 4 28,346 27,017 (129) 26,887 Purchases of leased vehicles (13,640) (13,640) (11,949) (11,949) Proceeds from termination of leased vehicles 13,033 13,033 14,234 14,234 Other investing activities(b) (1,505) 536 (969) (4,544) (151) 4,633 (62) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (8,686) 1,349 (10,882) 3,556 (14,663) (17,497) (17) (10,006) 9,638 (17,882) Cash flows from financing activities Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt (6) (150) (156) 40 333 373 Proceeds from issuance of debt (original maturities greater than three months) 24 228 50,940 (228) 50,963 2,255 99 43,557 (99) 45,813 Payments on debt (original maturities greater than three months) (1,644) (33) (43,001) 3 (44,675) (1,631) (1) (37,925) (50) (39,606) Payments to purchase common stock (11,115) (11,115) (2,514) 14 (2,500) Issuance (redemption) of subsidiary stock(b) 493 (493) 2,419 (4,541) (2,121) Dividends paid(c) (479) (1,919) 1,800 (597) (265) (58) (1,819) 1,745 (397) Other financing activities (336) (292) (146) (774) (363) (668) (134) (13) (1,178) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (13,555) 396 5,724 1,082 (6,353) (2,478) 1,791 4,014 (2,943) 383 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (15) 69 54 (147) 9 (138) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (1,437) (167) 1,573 (31) (1,028) (59) (507) (1,594) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 13,746 1,526 6,676 21,948 14,774 1,584 7,183 23,542 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 12,310 $ 1,359 $ 8,249 $ $ 21,917 $ 13,746 $ 1,526 $ 6,676 $ $ 21,948 _________ (a) Includes eliminations of $3.0 billion and $5.0 billion in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 for purchases/collections of wholesale finance receivables resulting from vehicles sold by GM to dealers that have arranged their inventory floor plan financing through GM Financial. (b) Includes eliminations of $0.5 billion and $2.4 billion in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 for Automotive investment in Cruise and reclassifications of $2.1 billion in the year ended December 31, 2022 for purchase of Cruise preferred shares from SoftBank. (c) Eliminations include dividends issued by GM Financial to Automotive in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The following tables summarize key financial information by segment (dollars in millions): GMNA GMI Corporate Eliminations Total Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Total Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 Net sales and revenue $ 35,231 $ 3,938 $ 96 $ 39,264 $ 25 $ 3,743 $ (53) $ 42,980 Expenditures for property $ 3,437 $ 173 $ 3 $ $ 3,613 $ 13 $ 4 $ 77 $ 3,706 Depreciation and amortization $ 1,602 $ 165 $ 5 $ $ 1,771 $ 10 $ 1,217 $ $ 2,999 Impairment charges $ $ $ $ $ $ 209 $ $ $ 209 Equity income (loss)(a)(b) $ 106 $ 92 $ $ $ 198 $ $ 27 $ $ 225 GMNA GMI Corporate Eliminations Total Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Total Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 Net sales and revenue $ 35,471 $ 4,319 $ 44 $ 39,834 $ 25 $ 3,277 $ (28) $ 43,108 Expenditures for property $ 2,914 $ 311 $ 10 $ $ 3,235 $ 57 $ 16 $ (4) $ 3,304 Depreciation and amortization $ 1,401 $ 124 $ 5 $ $ 1,531 $ 14 $ 1,223 $ $ 2,767 Impairment charges $ $ 1 $ $ $ 1 $ $ $ $ 1 Equity income (loss)(a) $ (4) $ 200 $ $ $ 197 $ $ 25 $ $ 222 GMNA GMI Corporate Eliminations Total Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Total Year Ended December 31, 2023 Net sales and revenue $ 141,445 $ 15,949 $ 273 $ 157,667 $ 102 $ 14,225 $ (151) $ 171,842 Expenditures for property $ 10,147 $ 522 $ 15 $ $ 10,684 $ 63 $ 24 $ 198 $ 10,970 Depreciation and amortization $ 6,146 $ 589 $ 21 $ $ 6,755 $ 38 $ 4,944 $ $ 11,737 Impairment charges $ $ $ $ $ $ 209 $ $ $ 209 Equity income (loss)(a)(b) $ 196 $ 440 $ $ $ 635 $ $ 138 $ $ 773 GMNA GMI Corporate Eliminations Total Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Total Year Ended December 31, 2022 Net sales and revenue $ 128,378 $ 15,420 $ 177 $ 143,974 $ 102 $ 12,766 $ (107) $ 156,735 Expenditures for property $ 8,280 $ 706 $ 20 $ $ 9,007 $ 197 $ 44 $ (10) $ 9,238 Depreciation and amortization $ 5,800 $ 513 $ 21 $ $ 6,335 $ 53 $ 4,888 $ $ 11,276 Impairment charges $ 11 $ 1 $ $ $ 12 $ $ $ $ 12 Equity income (loss)(a) $ (9) $ 672 $ $ $ 663 $ $ 173 $ $ 837 ________ (a) Includes Automotive China equity income of $93 million and $201 million in the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and $446 million and $677 million in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. (b) Equity earnings related to Ultium Cells Holdings LLC are presented in Automotive and other cost of sales as this entity is integral to the operations of our business by providing battery cells for our electric vehicles. Equity earnings related to Ultium Cells Holdings LLC were $102 million in the three months ended December 31, 2023 and $293 million in the year ended December 31, 2023. General Motors Company and Subsidiaries Supplemental Material1 (Unaudited) General Motors Company (GM) uses both generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and non-GAAP financial measures for operational and financial decision making, and to assess Company and segment business performance. Our non-GAAP measures include: earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)-adjusted, presented net of noncontrolling interests; earnings before income taxes (EBT)-adjusted for our General Motors Financial Company, Inc. (GM Financial) segment; earnings per share (EPS)-diluted-adjusted; effective tax rate-adjusted (ETR-adjusted); return on invested capital-adjusted (ROIC-adjusted) and adjusted automotive free cash flow. GM's calculation of these non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to potential differences between companies in the method of calculation. As a result, the use of these non-GAAP measures has limitations and should not be considered superior to, in isolation from, or as a substitute for, related U.S. GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures allow management and investors to view operating trends, perform analytical comparisons and benchmark performance between periods and among geographic regions to understand operating performance without regard to items we do not consider a component of our core operating performance. Furthermore, these non-GAAP measures allow investors the opportunity to measure and monitor our performance against our externally communicated targets and evaluate the investment decisions being made by management to improve ROIC-adjusted. Management uses these measures in its financial, investment and operational decision-making processes, for internal reporting and as part of its forecasting and budgeting processes. Further, our Board of Directors uses certain of these and other measures as key metrics to determine management performance under our performance-based compensation plans. For these reasons, we believe these non-GAAP measures are useful for our investors. EBIT-adjusted (Most comparable GAAP measure: Net income attributable to stockholders) EBIT-adjusted is presented net of noncontrolling interests and is used by management and can be used by investors to review our consolidated operating results because it excludes automotive interest income, automotive interest expense and income taxes as well as certain additional adjustments that are not considered part of our core operations. Examples of adjustments to EBIT include, but are not limited to, impairment charges on long-lived assets and other exit costs resulting from strategic shifts in our operations or discrete market and business conditions, and certain costs arising from legal matters. For EBIT-adjusted and our other non-GAAP measures, once we have made an adjustment in the current period for an item, we will also adjust the related non-GAAP measure in any future periods in which there is an impact from the item. Our corresponding measure for our GM Financial segment is EBT-adjusted because interest income and interest expense are part of operating results when assessing and measuring the operational and financial performance of the segment. EPS-diluted-adjusted (Most comparable GAAP measure: Diluted earnings per common share) EPS-diluted-adjusted is used by management and can be used by investors to review our consolidated diluted EPS results on a consistent basis. EPS-diluted-adjusted is calculated as net income attributable to common stockholders-diluted less adjustments noted above for EBIT-adjusted and certain income tax adjustments divided by weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted. Examples of income tax adjustments include the establishment or release of significant deferred tax asset valuation allowances. ETR-adjusted (Most comparable GAAP measure: Effective tax rate) ETR-adjusted is used by management and can be used by investors to review the consolidated effective tax rate for our core operations on a consistent basis. ETR-adjusted is calculated as Income tax expense less the income tax related to the adjustments noted above for EBIT-adjusted and the income tax adjustments noted above for EPS-diluted-adjusted divided by Income before income taxes less adjustments. When we provide an expected adjusted effective tax rate, we do not provide an expected effective tax rate because the U.S. GAAP measure may include significant adjustments that are difficult to predict. ROIC-adjusted (Most comparable GAAP measure: Return on equity) ROIC-adjusted is used by management and can be used by investors to review our investment and capital allocation decisions. We define ROIC-adjusted as EBIT-adjusted for the trailing four quarters divided by ROIC-adjusted average net assets, which is considered to be the average equity balances adjusted for average automotive debt and interest liabilities, exclusive of finance leases; average automotive net pension and other postretirement benefits (OPEB) liabilities; and average automotive net income tax assets during the same period. Adjusted automotive free cash flow (Most comparable GAAP measure: Net automotive cash provided by operating activities) Adjusted automotive free cash flow is used by management and can be used by investors to review the liquidity of our automotive operations and to measure and monitor our performance against our capital allocation program and evaluate our automotive liquidity against the substantial cash requirements of our automotive operations. We measure adjusted automotive free cash flow as automotive operating cash flow from operations less capital expenditures adjusted for management actions. Management actions can include voluntary events such as discretionary contributions to employee benefit plans or nonrecurring specific events such as a closure of a facility that are considered special for EBIT-adjusted purposes. The following table reconciles Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to EBIT-adjusted and segment profit (loss) (dollars in millions): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Net income attributable to stockholders(a) $ 2,102 $ 1,999 $ 10,127 $ 9,934 Income tax expense (857) 580 563 1,888 Automotive interest expense 222 267 911 987 Automotive interest income (308) (215) (1,109) (460) Adjustments Voluntary separation program(b) 130 1,035 Buick dealer strategy(c) 131 511 569 511 Cruise restructuring(d) 478 478 GM Korea wage litigation(e) (30) (106) India asset sales(f) (111) (111) Cruise compensation modifications(g) 1,057 Russia exit(h) 657 657 Patent royalty matters(i) (100) Total adjustments 598 1,168 1,865 2,125 EBIT-adjusted 1,757 3,799 12,357 14,474 Operating segments GM North America (GMNA) 2,011 3,654 12,306 12,988 GM International (GMI) 269 272 1,210 1,143 Cruise (792) (524) (2,695) (1,890) GM Financial(j) 707 775 2,985 4,076 Total operating segments 2,196 4,176 13,806 16,317 Corporate and eliminations(k) (439) (377) (1,448) (1,843) EBIT-adjusted $ 1,757 $ 3,799 $ 12,357 $ 14,474 __________ (a) Net of net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests. (b) These adjustments were excluded because they relate to the acceleration of attrition as part of the cost reduction program announced in January 2023, primarily in the U.S. (c) These adjustments were excluded because they relate to strategic activities to transition certain Buick dealers out of our dealer network as part of Buick's EV strategy. (d) These adjustments were excluded because they relate to restructuring costs resulting from Cruise voluntarily pausing its driverless, supervised and manual AV operations in the U.S. while it examines its processes, systems and tools. The adjustments primarily consist of non-cash restructuring charges, supplier related charges and employee separation charges. (e) These adjustments were excluded because they relate to the partial resolution of subcontractor matters in Korea. (f) These adjustments were excluded because they relate to an asset sale resulting from our strategic decision in 2020 to exit India. (g) This adjustment was excluded because it relates to the one-time modification of Cruise stock incentive awards. (h) This adjustment was excluded because it relates to the shutdown of our Russia business including the write off of our net investment and release of accumulated translation losses into earnings. (i) This adjustment was excluded because it relates to the resolution of substantially all royalty matters accrued with respect to past-year vehicle sales in 2022. (j) GM Financial amounts represent EBT-adjusted. (k) GM's automotive interest income and interest expense, legacy costs from the Opel/Vauxhall Business (primarily pension costs), corporate expenditures and certain revenues and expenses that are not part of a reportable segment are recorded centrally in Corporate. The following table reconciles diluted earnings per common share under U.S. GAAP to EPS-diluted-adjusted (dollars in millions, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Diluted earnings per common share $ 2,076 $ 1.59 $ 1,987 $ 1.39 $ 10,022 $ 7.32 $ 8,915 $ 6.13 Adjustments(a) 598 0.46 1,168 0.82 1,865 1.36 2,125 1.46 Tax effect on adjustments(b) (180) (0.14) (127) (0.09) (504) (0.37) (423) (0.29) Tax adjustments(c) (870) (0.67) (870) (0.64) (482) (0.33) Deemed dividend adjustment(d) 909 0.63 EPS-diluted-adjusted $ 1,624 $ 1.24 $ 3,028 $ 2.12 $ 10,513 $ 7.68 $ 11,044 $ 7.59 ________ (a) Refer to the reconciliation of Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to EBIT-adjusted and segment profit (loss) for adjustment details. (b) The tax effect of each adjustment is determined based on the tax laws and valuation allowance status of the jurisdiction to which the adjustment relates. (c) In the year ended December 31, 2023, the adjustment consists of tax benefit related to the release of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets considered realizable in Korea. In the year ended December 31, 2022, the adjustment consists of tax benefit related to the release of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets considered realizable as a result of Cruise tax reconsolidation. These adjustments were excluded because significant impacts of valuation allowances are not considered part of our core operations. (d) This adjustment consists of a deemed dividend related to the redemption of Cruise preferred shares from SoftBank in the year ended December 31, 2022. The following table reconciles our effective tax rate under U.S. GAAP to ETR-adjusted (dollars in millions): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Income before income taxes Income tax expense Effective tax rate Income before income taxes Income tax expense Effective tax rate Effective tax rate $ 10,403 $ 563 5.4 % $ 11,597 $ 1,888 16.3 % Adjustments(a) 1,916 504 2,221 423 Tax adjustments(b) 870 482 ETR-adjusted $ 12,319 $ 1,937 15.7 % $ 13,818 $ 2,793 20.2 % ________ (a) Refer to the reconciliation of Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to EBIT-adjusted and segment profit (loss) for adjustment details. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for these adjustments is included in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The tax effect of each adjustment is determined based on the tax laws and valuation allowance status of the jurisdiction to which the adjustment relates. (b) Refer to the reconciliation of diluted earnings per common share under U.S. GAAP to EPS-diluted-adjusted for adjustment details. We define return on equity (ROE) as Net income attributable to stockholders for the trailing four quarters divided by average equity for the same period. Management uses average equity to provide comparable amounts in the calculation of ROE. The following table summarizes the calculation of ROE (dollars in billions): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Net income attributable to stockholders $ 10.1 $ 9.9 Average equity(a) $ 72.0 $ 66.6 ROE 14.1 % 14.9 % ________ (a) Includes equity of noncontrolling interests where the corresponding earnings (loss) are included in Net income attributable to stockholders. The following table summarizes the calculation of ROIC-adjusted (dollars in billions): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 EBIT-adjusted(a) $ 12.4 $ 14.5 Average equity(b) $ 72.0 $ 66.6 Add: Average automotive debt and interest liabilities (excluding finance leases) 16.2 17.6 Add: Average automotive net pension & OPEB liability 8.1 9.4 Less: Average automotive net income tax asset (21.1) (21.2) ROIC-adjusted average net assets $ 75.2 $ 72.3 ROIC-adjusted 16.4 % 20.0 % ________ (a) Refer to the reconciliation of Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to EBIT-adjusted and segment profit (loss) for adjustment details. (b) Includes equity of noncontrolling interests where the corresponding earnings (loss) are included in EBIT-adjusted. The following table reconciles Net automotive cash provided by operating activities under U.S. GAAP to adjusted automotive free cash flow (dollars in millions): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Net automotive cash provided by operating activities $ 4,688 $ 7,488 $ 20,828 $ 19,094 Less: Capital expenditures (3,613) (3,235) (10,684) (9,007) Add: Employee separation costs 53 849 Add: Buick dealer strategy 213 120 674 120 Add: Patent royalty matters 145 Add: GM Brazil indirect tax matters 57 57 Add: Russia exit 31 31 Add: GM Korea wage litigation 26 Adjusted automotive free cash flow $ 1,341 $ 4,460 $ 11,666 $ 10,466 Vehicle Sales GM presents both wholesale and total vehicle sales data to assist in the analysis of our revenue and market share. Wholesale vehicle sales data consists of sales to GM's dealers and distributors, as well as sales to the U.S. government, and excludes vehicles sold by our joint ventures. Wholesale vehicle sales data correlates to GM's revenue recognized from the sale of vehicles, which is the largest component of Automotive net sales and revenue. In the year ended December 31, 2023, 29.4% of GM's wholesale vehicle sales volume was generated outside the U.S. The following table summarizes wholesale vehicle sales by automotive segment (vehicles in thousands): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 GMNA 782 787 3,147 2,926 GMI 161 180 621 653 Total 943 967 3,768 3,579 Total vehicle sales data represents: (1) retail sales (i.e., sales to consumers who purchase new vehicles from dealers or distributors); (2) fleet sales (i.e., sales to large and small businesses, governments and daily rental car companies); and (3) certain vehicles used by dealers in their business. Total vehicle sales data includes all sales by joint ventures on a total vehicle basis, not based on GM's percentage ownership interest in the joint venture. Certain joint venture agreements in China allow for the contractual right to report vehicle sales of non-GM trademarked vehicles by those joint ventures, which are included in the total vehicle sales we report for China. While total vehicle sales data does not correlate directly to the revenue GM recognizes during a particular period, we believe it is indicative of the underlying demand for GM's vehicles. Total vehicle sales data represents management's good faith estimate based on sales reported by GM's dealers, distributors and joint ventures; commercially available data sources such as registration and insurance data; and internal estimates and forecasts when other data is not available. The following table summarizes industry and GM total vehicle sales and GM's related competitive position by geographic region (vehicles in thousands): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Industry GM Market Share Industry GM Market Share Industry GM Market Share Industry GM Market Share North America United States 3,987 625 15.7 % 3,723 623 16.7 % 15,981 2,595 16.2 % 14,242 2,274 16.0 % Other 944 122 12.9 % 791 106 13.4 % 3,592 460 12.8 % 3,066 406 13.2 % Total North America 4,931 747 15.2 % 4,514 729 16.2 % 19,573 3,055 15.6 % 17,307 2,680 15.5 % Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa China(a) 7,236 569 7.9 % 6,333 576 9.1 % 24,976 2,099 8.4 % 23,489 2,303 9.8 % Other 5,654 166 2.9 % 5,239 124 2.4 % 21,941 576 2.6 % 20,253 505 2.5 % Total Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa 12,891 735 5.7 % 11,572 699 6.0 % 46,917 2,675 5.7 % 43,741 2,808 6.4 % South America Brazil 679 92 13.5 % 602 88 14.6 % 2,307 328 14.2 % 2,103 291 13.8 % Other 338 30 8.8 % 365 36 10.0 % 1,418 128 9.0 % 1,563 160 10.3 % Total South America 1,016 121 11.9 % 967 124 12.8 % 3,725 456 12.2 % 3,666 451 12.3 % Total in GM markets 18,838 1,604 8.5 % 17,053 1,553 9.1 % 70,215 6,186 8.8 % 64,715 5,939 9.2 % Total Europe 3,972 1 % 3,836 1 % 16,384 2 % 14,234 2 % Total Worldwide(b)(c) 22,810 1,605 7.0 % 20,888 1,553 7.4 % 86,600 6,188 7.1 % 78,949 5,941 7.5 % United States Cars 722 40 5.6 % 716 61 8.5 % 3,054 224 7.3 % 2,814 214 7.6 % Trucks 1,034 321 31.1 % 1,086 347 31.9 % 4,249 1,303 30.7 % 3,974 1,246 31.4 % Crossovers 2,231 264 11.8 % 1,920 215 11.2 % 8,678 1,068 12.3 % 7,454 814 10.9 % Total United States 3,987 625 15.7 % 3,723 623 16.7 % 15,981 2,595 16.2 % 14,242 2,274 16.0 % China(a) SGMS 211 271 870 1,037 SGMW 358 305 1,229 1,266 Total China 7,236 569 7.9 % 6,333 576 9.1 % 24,976 2,099 8.4 % 23,489 2,303 9.8 % __________ (a) Includes sales by the Automotive China Joint Ventures: SAIC General Motors Sales Co., Ltd. (SGMS) and SAIC GM Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd. (SGMW). (b) Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria are subject to broad economic sanctions. Accordingly, these countries are excluded from industry sales data and corresponding calculation of market share. (c) As of March 2022, GM is no longer importing vehicles or parts to Russia, Belarus and other sanctioned provinces in Ukraine. As discussed above, total vehicle sales and market share data provided in the table above includes fleet vehicles. Certain fleet transactions, particularly sales to daily rental car companies, are generally less profitable than retail sales to end customers. The following table summarizes estimated fleet sales and those sales as a percentage of total vehicle sales (vehicles in thousands): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 GMNA 141 159 679 564 GMI 168 138 506 426 Total fleet sales 309 297 1,185 990 Fleet sales as a percentage of total vehicle sales 19.3 % 19.1 % 19.2 % 16.7 % North America capacity two-shift utilization 93.1 % 99.2 % 97.1 % 98.8 % SOURCE General Motors Company CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Grady Campbell , a leading private equity branding and marketing firm, is pleased to announce the 2024 TOP 50 PE Firms in the Middle Market . The TOP 50 PE Firms in the Middle Market program's focus is to acknowledge highly reputable PE firms that have great teams, an exceptional track record, and demonstrate significant deal and fundraising activity. Private equity firms on the 2024 TOP 50 PE list have earned the trust of investors and business owners. "While large PE firms tend to draw most of the media attention, we know that the majority of middle market M&A activity is driven by small and mid-sized firms. This year's TOP 50 PE list is exceptional. We are proud to support these leading middle market private equity firms whose relentless pursuit of excellence leads to significant advantages for their portfolio companies and limited partners." Kerry Grady, Program Founder Founded in 2016, The TOP 50 PE Firms in the Middle Market is the original awards program designed specifically to acknowledge and promote leading small and mid-sized private equity firms in the middle market. The TOP 50 PE Firms in the Middle Market is highly regarded as a reliable, unbiased program by PE professionals, business owners, investment bankers, the media, and the public-at-large. To learn more, visit: gcipeawards.com or email: [email protected] SOURCE Grady Campbell CALGARY, AB, Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - (TSXV: GRD) (OTCQB: GRDAF) Grounded Lithium Corp. ("GLC" or the "Company") today announced that Greg Phaneuf, SVP Corporate Development & CFO, will present live at the Battery and Precious Metals Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on January 31, 2024. GLC invites individual and institutional investors, as well as advisors and analysts, to attend in person or online at www.VirtualInvestorConferences.com. DATE: January 31, 2024 TIME: 10:30am EST LINK: https://bit.ly/3O92vPo The Company will also be available for virtual 1x1 meetings: February 1st and February 2nd. This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com . Recent Company Highlights Closed a strategic investment with Denison Mines Corp ( TSX: DML NYSE American: DNN ) that is structured to fully fund an upcoming field pilot and other Kindersley Lithium Project (" KLP ") expenditures; and ) that is structured to fully fund an upcoming field pilot and other Kindersley Lithium Project (" ") expenditures; and Published a preliminary economic analysis on the KLP which reports top decile parameters compared to its peer group on a relative scale. About Grounded Lithium Corp. GLC is a publicly traded lithium brine exploration and development company that controls approximately 1.0 million metric tonnes of Measured & Indicated lithium carbonate equivalent mineral resource and approximately 3.2 million metric tonnes of Inferred lithium carbonate equivalent resource over our focused land holdings in Southwest Saskatchewan as per the Company's updated PEA. The updated PEA, titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report: Preliminary Economic Assessment Kindersley Lithium Project Phase 1 Update" dated November 7, 2023 and effective as of June 30, 2023, reports a Phase 1 NPV 8 after-tax of US$1.0 billion with an after-tax IRR of 48.5%. GLC's multi-faceted business model involves the consolidation, delineation, exploitation and ultimately development of our opportunity base to fulfill our vision to build a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition shift. U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on https://www.otcmarkets.com/. About Virtual Investor Conferences Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors. Qualified Person Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Doug Ashton, P.Eng., Alexey Romanov, P. Geo., Meghan Klein, P. Eng., Dean Quirk, P.Eng., Jeffrey Weiss, P.Eng., Chad Hitchings., P.L. Eng., and Michael Munteanu, P.Eng., each of whom is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The opinions, forecasts, projections and statements about future events of results, are forward looking information, forward-looking statements or financial outlooks (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. These statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by GLC that the Company believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Although GLC believes that the assumptions underlying, and expectations reflected in, these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements pertaining to the advancement, timing and funding of the field pilot, decile rankings compared to its peer group and GLC's vision of becoming a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition. Among the important factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: GLC's expectation that our operations will be in Western Canada, unexpected problems can arise due to technical difficulties and operational difficulties which impact the production, transport or sale of our products; geographic and weather conditions can impact the production; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact commodity prices and consumption more than GLC currently predicts; the failure to obtain financing on reasonable terms; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the failure of drilling to result in commercial projects; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; and the other risk factors detailed from time to time in GLC's periodic reports. GLC's forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. SOURCE Grounded Lithium Corp Grants will provide independent physician practices with funds to implement DHCS' Equity and Practice Transformation Directed Payment Program SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Net, one of California's most experienced Medi-Cal managed care health plans and a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), announced $2 million in grants to 47 independent physician practices throughout California. Focused on increasing access to available funding from the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), the grants will remove barriers that may limit physician practices' ability to take advantage of the Equity and Practice Transformation (EPT) Provider Direct Payment Program. Independent physicians are a critical part of the healthcare delivery system, dedicating their careers to serving some of the state's most vulnerable residents. In their quest to provide quality healthcare, they encounter numerous challenges, such as securing sufficient staffing and resources. These are essential for applying for and effectively using available funds, which would enable them to undertake transformative activities in their practice. The grants provided by Health Net will aid these independent physician practices in their endeavors to keep pace with the rapidly changing demands of the healthcare industry. Medicare and Medi-Cal President at Health Net, Martha Santana-Chin, stressed the importance of supporting physicians to enhance outcomes and advance health equity: "We recognize the critical contributions of these physicians to our communities, and our collaboration with DHCS is instrumental in enhancing physicians' capabilities, ensuring their success." The distribution of grants was based on successful acceptance into the EPT program, with priority given to practices based on their Healthy Places Index score and the number of interventions in their approved application. Recipients will use the funds to improve their practices, including implementation of electronic health records, care coordination, processes, infrastructure, and technology to improve access. Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC), formerly known as the California Medical Association Foundation, has long supported physician practices and is an important partner for Health Net. Health Net provided grant application assistance, utilizing PHC personnel to help bridge gaps for practices who needed additional staff to apply for aid. "We're honored to partner with Health Net on this vital program aimed at empowering independent physician practices as they implement the Department of Health Care Services Equity and Practice Transformation Directed Payment Program," said President & CEO at Physicians for a Healthy California, Lupe Alonzo-Diaz. "Health Net's grant program will enable physicians to overcome the barriers as they strive to provide the best possible care for their communities." "I applaud Health Net and Physicians for a Healthy California in their strategic partnership to help physicians build sustainable practices with the potential to improve health outcomes for our most vulnerable residents," said Assembly member Tina McKinnor, District 61. "The importance of their work cannot be understated. To ensure all Angelenos have access to quality healthcare, we must support our physicians so they can continue to serve and innovate." Beyond the grants awarded, Health Net remains committed to supporting quality improvements in independent physician practices. As a trusted Medi-Cal partner in California, Health Net will continue collaborating with DHCS to transform Medi-Cal and address the state's evolving healthcare needs. What Recipients are Saying "With this funding from Health Net, we're enabled to strengthen our operations, improve quality of care and close gaps on disparities by increasing equity of care access and delivery for the populations we serve," said pediatricians at Burbank Pediatric Affiliates, Drs. Rashida Saifee and Mariya Zakiuddin. "If not for their assistance in the grant application process, we would not have been able to take advantage of this opportunity to improve our patient satisfaction and engagement. We are extremely thankful for their support." "This grant will help us make strides to better integrate value-based systems of care across the entire continuum of care," said pediatrician at Dr. Toni Johnson-Chavis & Associates, Dr. Toni Johnson-Chavis. "Thanks to Health Net, we'll be able to greatly improve the level of care that we provide to more than 10,000 newborns, adolescents and young adults throughout the area of Compton." About Health Net Founded in California more than 40 years ago, Health Net believes that every person deserves a safety net for their health, regardless of age, income, employment status or current state of health. Today, we provide health plans for individuals, families, businesses of every size and people who qualify for Medi-Cal or Medicare. Together with our 90,000 network providers, Health Net serves three million members across the state. We also offer access to substance abuse programs, behavioral health services, employee assistance programs and managed health care products related to prescription drugs. We make these health plans and services available through Health Net, LLC and its subsidiaries: Health Net Life Insurance Company and Health Net Community Solutions, Inc. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. Health Net and Centene employ more than 6,300 people in California who work at one of five regional Talent Hub offices. For more information, visit www.HealthNet.com. SOURCE Health Net Leading Home Franchisor Anticipates Remarkable Growth in 2024 as Demand Continues to Surge for Home Franchise Opportunities IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Home Franchise Concepts, a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises, announced today that they surpassed growth goals in 2023, with nearly 240 territories sold across its entire brand portfolio including, Budget Blinds, The Tailored Closet, PremierGarage, Concrete Craft, AdvantaClean, Kitchen Tune-Up, Bath Tune-Up, Two Maids, Aussie Pet Mobile, and Lightspeed Restoration . Throughout the year, Home Franchise Concepts consistently exceeded quarterly expansion goals, surpassing mid-year development plans by opening 142 locations in the first half of 2023, followed by 121 locations in Q3 and Q4. This expansive growth from the leading home services franchisor stems from an aggressive and driven strategy under the leadership of Andrew Skehan as Chief Executive Officer, focusing on improving technology, targeting smaller markets, and expanding the brand portfolio. Skehan, who joined Home Franchise Concepts as CEO in August 2022, has been actively collaborating with leadership across each brand within the organization, recognizing growth opportunities, enhancing relationships, and fostering the development of robust teams. A key focus of his leadership has been increasing the use of technology for a higher understanding of sales performance and the inner workings of the family of brands. This has resulted in further refined customer experiences through improved CRM and other technology platforms that analyze data and aid in determining the allocation of resources and funds. By engineering the implementation of such technologies, Paul Ebert, president of Aussie Pet Mobile and Two Maids, was able to satisfy more Aussie Pet Mobile customers and implement changes in the business model to expand its footprint by increasing the number of vans required to open an Aussie Pet Mobile location. Similarly, Budget Blinds' President, Heather Nykolaychuk, used data to kickstart an initiative targeting smaller markets through the addition of partial territories onto existing businesses, providing more growth opportunities for current franchisees and a tiered-size approach to openings. Both Ebert and Nykolaychuk have excelled in driving success and further establishing their respective brand identities under the Home Franchise Concepts portfolio. Home Franchise Concepts also introduced a new brand to its growing portfolio this year. Lightspeed Restoration provides 24/7, world-class service from highly trained technicians to address water and fire damage restoration as well as indoor air quality (IAQ) improvements for residential and commercial properties. Lightspeed quickly expanded across the U.S, with 12 locations currently open and more in the pipeline, as the brand aims to expand in the Southeast and Southwest regions in 2024. "The consistent improvements and developments within Home Franchise Concepts is a reflection of company-wide efforts to provide targeted attention along with innovation and fresh perspectives to each brand," said Jonathan Thiessen, Chief Development Officer of Home Franchise Concepts. "As a recognized leader in franchisee-franchisor relationships and home services, empowering our leadership and trusting them to build effective teams ultimately guides our path to profitability and success." As the company celebrates the success of last year, Home Franchise Concepts is looking forward to a strong 2024 with a goal of nearly $1.4 billion in system-wide sales. Home Franchise Concepts aims to introduce more brands and continue increasing innovative technology to expand its franchise footprint across multiple brands nationwide. To learn more about Home Franchise Concepts and franchise development opportunities, visit https://www.homefranchiseconcepts.com/. About Home Franchise Concepts Home Franchise Concepts , is one of the world's largest franchising systems in the home improvement goods and services space, among the world's largest franchise businesses and a recognized leader in franchisee-franchisor relationships. Home Franchise Concepts' brands including Budget Blinds, The Tailored Closet, PremierGarage, Concrete Craft, AdvantaClean, Lightspeed Restoration , Kitchen Tune-Up, Bath Tune-Up, Two Maids and Aussie Pet Mobile, are supported by more than 2,600 franchise territories in the U.S. and Canada. For information on franchise opportunities, please visit homefranchiseconcepts.com. About JM Family Enterprises JM Family Enterprises, Inc. was founded by automotive legend, Jim Moran in 1968. It is a privately held company with $18 billion in revenue and more than 5,000 associates. Rooted in automotive and united in its strong culture and core values, JM Family is in the business of helping other businesses succeed. As a long-term partner, it is invested in its companies, associates and its communities. Driven by exceptional performance, current subsidiaries are in the automotive, financial services, franchising and specialty distribution industries. Its family of companies includes: Southeast Toyota Distributors, JM&A Group, World Omni Financial Corp. (dba Southeast Toyota Finance), JM Lexus, Home Franchise Concepts, Futura Title & Escrow and Rollease Acmeda. Interact with JM Family on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact: Meghan Bronner Fish Consulting 954-893-9150 [email protected] SOURCE Home Franchise Concepts COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Life has a challenging tempo. Sometimes, it moves faster or slower than we'd like. Nevertheless, we adapt. We pick up the rhythm of conversations. We keep pace with the crowd walking a city sidewalk. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Assistant Professor Arkarup Banerjee explains: "There are many instances where we have to do the same action but at different tempos. So the question is, how does the brain do it." In collaboration with New York Universitys Michael Long and Stanford Universitys Feng Chen and Shaul Druckmann, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory neuroscientist Arkarup Banerjee is using singing mice, like the one shown here, to understand how our brains control timing and communication. These studies may offer valuable insights into neurological conditions that affect our ability to speak, including strokes and communication disorders. Now, Banerjee and collaborators have uncovered a new clue that suggests the brain bends our processing of time to suit our needs. And it's partly thanks to a noisy critter from Costa Rica named Alston's singing mouse. This special breed is known for its human-audible vocalizations, which last several seconds. One mouse will sing out a longing cry, and another will respond with a tune of its own. Notably, the song varies in length and speed. Banerjee and his team looked to determine how neural circuits in the mice's brains govern their song's tempo. The researchers pretended to engage in duets with the mice while analyzing a region of their brains called the orofacial motor cortex (OMC). They recorded neurons' activity over many weeks. They then looked for differences among songs with distinct durations and tempos. They found that OMC neurons engage in a process called temporal scaling. "Instead of encoding absolute time like a clock, the neurons track something like relative time," Banerjee explains. "They actually slow down or speed up the interval. So, it's not like one or two seconds, but 10%, 20%." The discovery offers new insight into how the brain generates vocal communication. But Banerjee suspects its implications go beyond language or music. It might help explain how time is computed in other parts of the brain, allowing us to adjust various behaviors accordingly. And that might tell us more about how our beautifully complex brains work. Banerjee says: "It's this three-pound block of flesh that allows you to do everything from reading a book to sending people to the moon. It provides us with flexibility. We can change on the fly. We adapt. We learn. If everything was a stimulus-response, with no opportunity for learning, nothing that changes, no long-term goals, we wouldn't need a brain. We believe the cortex exists to add flexibility to behavior." In other words, it helps make us who we are. Banerjee's discovery may bring science closer to understanding how our brains enable us to interact with the world. The possible implications for technology, education, and therapy are as unlimited as our imagination. About Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Founded in 1890, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has shaped contemporary biomedical research and education with programs in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology and quantitative biology. Home to eight Nobel Prize winners, the private, not-for-profit Laboratory employs 1,000 people including 600 scientists, students and technicians. For more information, visit www.cshl.edu SOURCE Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory The contract victory comes as caregivers are advocating for employers to go above the $16 minimum wage which was just implemented for Nevada's 13,000 home care workers LAS VEGAS, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A group of almost 300 home care workers employed by Consumer Direct throughout Nevada just won a union contract with wages of $17 an hour, which will help recruit and retain the workforce to provide quality care for the state's rapidly aging population and people with disabilities. Average wages for Nevada's 13,000 home care workers had been stuck at around $11 an hour for over a decade, creating a crisis-level workforce shortage. On January 1, the state's $16 minimum wage was implemented for home care workers and caregivers have been advocating for employers to go above the bare minimum in union contract negotiations. This is the first time in history that Nevada home care workers have achieved a contract with a $17 wage. "There's only one way to describe the $17 wage in our new union contract: life changing," said Nicole Brown, who has been a home care worker in Las Vegas for over 10 years. "We do this work with genuine love and put our whole hearts into our jobs. I care for a woman with disabilities and I'm essential for her well-being. But I was only getting paid $11.25 an hour which forced me to work a second job as a gas station clerk just to survive. I can't afford a car, so I wake up at 3 am to ride the bus over an hour to work. The stress, strain and lack of sleep has been painful. With the $17 wage, I'll be able to buy a car which will give me more time to get rested and allow me to be fully present for my client. I want to thank Consumer Direct for leading the way on making these improvements for workers and those we care for." In March of 2022, Consumer Direct workers voted by 94% to join the union, SEIU Local 1107. Then they sat down with their employer and negotiated the union contract, which also includes the establishment of a labor-management committee to address issues including health and safety; employer-paid training; a fair disciplinary process; and a commitment to work with management to continue advocating for quality home care in government. Workers voted unanimously to ratify the union contract and ballots were counted on January 25. This is the first contract settlement resulting from a massive statewide organizing drive, which has included over 1,000 Nevada home care workers voting in landslide union elections at multiple employers. Hundreds more workers are currently heading toward union elections. In the last state legislative session, caregivers and their union won an increase in the minimum wage for home care workers to $16 and a 42% funding increase. The budget increased the "Medicaid Reimbursement rate" the funding that home care employers receive for providing services from $17.56 to $25 an hour, the first meaningful change in over 20 years. Most home care services in the state are delivered by private agencies funded through Medicaid. Newly unionized workers at other agencies who are still in contract negotiations say that their employers must follow Consumer Direct's lead and use the millions of dollars in increased funding to raise pay above the state minimum. "This union contract is an absolute blessing for all home care workers, including those of us who care for family members," said Sharon Daniels, who lives in Reno. "I've cared for my mother-in-law, who's 88 years old and has Alzheimer's, for 15 years. I made the decision to provide her care because I love her deeply and didn't want to put her in a nursing home. Caring for a family member is extremely tough work physically, mentally and emotionally, and is terribly underpaid. Even though my mother-in-law requires 24/7 care, I was previously only paid $10.25 an hour for 25 hours a week. As Americans age, more and more families are going to start realizing that we have to transform the home care industry to make sure we can care for our seniors. This historic union contract is a giant step toward creating the urgent change we need." Home care workers help with all the daily activities that enable seniors and people with disabilities to live at home with health and dignity. Duties include bathing, feeding, taking clients to doctors appointments, grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions and medication reminders. In-home caregivers who are 85% women and majority people of color support their clients in every area of the state, both rural and urban. A "Silver Tsunami" has been crashing over Nevada as the state's older population grows much faster than the rest of the country. There are currently almost half a million Nevadans over the age of 65, and because the vast majority would strongly prefer to live at home, demand for services has been skyrocketing. But families increasingly cannot find caregivers for their loved ones due to severe difficulties with recruitment and retention of workers. The workforce shortage has been caused by poverty pay, a lack of basic benefits, the lingering impact of the pandemic and rising compensation in other industries. A research report by the nonpartisan Guinn Center found that one out of two home care workers leave their jobs in the first year, and Nevada will need 5,300 additional personal care aides by 2026. Caregivers say that this contract is a solid foundation to start addressing the crisis, but much more has to be done. They vow to continue pressing forward in their remaining contract negotiations, organizing non-union workers, and holding elected officials accountable for improving jobs and care. SEIU Nevada Local 1107 is the largest healthcare and public service union in the state, representing over 20,000 workers. Together, SEIU 1107 members fight for good union jobs, quality services and a better quality of life for all working Nevadans. Contact: [email protected] 347-865-8038 [email protected] 435-301-6013 SOURCE SEIU Local 1107 MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EuroBar proudly introduces a new bar station with a level of sophistication, unmatched functionality, and ergonomic design that is setting a new benchmark in the industry. Inspired by the European bars' elegance and effectiveness, EuroBar ushers in an era of elevated experiences and refined aesthetics for the modern hospitality landscape. EuroBar Product Commercial Introducing EuroBar, the Bar Station where Functionality meets Design. EuroBar proudly introduces a new bar station with a level of sophistication, unmatched functionality, and ergonomic design that is setting a new benchmark in the industry. "We are thrilled to officially introduce EuroBar to the industry," says Livio Lauro, designer of the EuroBar. "EuroBar represents a new era of bartending, one that prioritizes bartender well-being, operational simplicity, and unforgettable customer experiences. Its central workstation, complementing the bar top, provides a spacious and ergonomic prep area, reducing strain on the bartender's lower back and shoulders. By repositioning the ice bin to the side, we ensure convenience without compromising cleanliness. EuroBar's design represents effectiveness in action where every detail serves to enhance the craft and elevate the experiences we create." At the heart of EuroBar lies a commitment to embracing the versatility required by modern establishments with increased prep surface and ample storage for ingredients and small wares. From serving coffee to bar snacks, from wine to cocktails, EuroBar is an efficient and elegant solution for any establishment. The key features include: 1. Ergonomic Design: EuroBar offers an ergonomic workspace that minimizes strain and promotes better posture, resulting in reduced injuries and enhanced well-being. 2. Elevated Aesthetics: EuroBar Station is a testament to elegance and sophistication: its design not only enhances the visual appeal of the bar area but also embodies the essence of a finely curated establishment. 3. Customization: EuroBar provides unparalleled customization options, allowing establishments to tailor their bar stations to their specific needs. Modular design enables operators to choose from various modules, sizes, and layouts, ensuring a seamless fit. 4. Enhanced Efficiency: EuroBar optimizes bartender productivity by offering a centralized workstation, reducing unnecessary movements and clutter. The strategically positioned workspace allows mixologists to craft cocktails comfortably and efficiently. 5. Clean and Organized: With designated spaces for bar tools, garnishes, and waste disposal, EuroBar keeps the workspace organized and minimizes cross-contamination risks, especially positioning the ice on the side, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene. Additionally, the bottom portion of the EuroBar's units are equipped with drawers and cabinets to store unsightly bar necessities. Compared to other bar stations that typically sit on 4 long legs which limits the use of the space below them. EuroBar is now available on AutoQuotes, or you may reach out to our sales team for more information at [email protected]. About EuroBar: EuroBar is a pioneering brand in the hospitality equipment industry, dedicated to transforming the bartending experience. Designed by industry expert Livio Lauro, EuroBar Station offers an ergonomic, customizable, and efficient central workspace that elevates both bartender well-being and customer engagement. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, EuroBar is poised to shape the future of mixology. Learn more at www.eurobarstation.com . Available in AutoQuotes for purchase. For media inquiries, please contact: Tracy Beyer Sr. Manager of Business Development [email protected] SOURCE EuroBar LANDSDALE, Pa., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ivera Group, Inc. (the "Company" or "Ivera"), a forensic consulting services company, today announced that Wendy Hubbard has joined the Company as Vice President of Forensic Engineering. Wendy Hubbard to Oversee National Expansion of Ivera's Forensic Engineering Division Post this Wendy Hubbard, Vice President of Forensic Engineering Wendy will be responsible for ensuring the continued growth of our engineering services while improving business strategies and the expansion of business relationships. She will support the development of an effective workforce across the market segments, while upholding industry standards and working closely with our field engineers, ensuring that evaluations are performed timely, accurately, and within budget. Wendy will play a crucial role in developing new service offerings in engineering and the expert witness space. Her 25-year career has included forensic investigations, complex project management, construction oversight, managing global teams of engineers and technical experts in analysis of property damage claims and investigations. Wendy received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Her educational background and experience will be instrumental in executing the Company's strategic business goals and providing a superior work product to our clients in the insurance and legal industries. "We are thrilled to welcome Wendy to the team," said Bill Gruhler, CEO of Ivera. "Wendy's experience and expertise align perfectly with our vision, and we are eager to leverage her many skills and experience to drive continued innovation and improvement within our organization." "As Ivera continues its expansion throughout the United States, Wendy's leadership, and strong background in managing technical experts and developing workflow will accelerate our growth. We are excited to have her as part of the Ivera team," stated Gruhler. "I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Ivera's success in the forensic engineering space. The leadership team of Ivera have established an incredible foundation for this business to grow on and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to this team with an eye toward scaling the services geographically. Each Ivera team member has extensive experience in the forensic industry, and we share similar visions for our future. It is a very exciting time at Ivera, and I am looking forward to executing growth initiatives and more importantly, collaborating and continuing to provide their customers with exceptional technical service," stated Wendy Hubbard, Vice President of Forensic Engineering, Ivera. About Ivera Group, Inc. Ivera Group, Inc., headquartered in Landsdale, Pennsylvania, is a diversified forensic consulting services company that assists its clients through the strategic management of four complementary business segments: Forensic Accounting, Forensic Engineering, Building Consulting and Medical Legal Services. For additional information, please visit our website at iveragroup.com. Contact: Bruce Foster [email protected] SOURCE Ivera Group, Inc. Playing Cupid Just Got Easier with Made-to-Order Bourbon FRANKFORT, Ky., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Love is in the air at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery as its team of cupids create handcrafted bourbon with the custom message of affection of your choice. The Mattingly family has been associated with distilling in Kentucky for almost two hundred years and perfected such innovations as the column still and double-staved barrels. Now, six and seven-generation descendants Jeff and Cameron Mattingly have created another industry first - a digital custom bourbon experience allowing gift givers unparalleled access to create their own made-to-order bourbon. Customize your bourbon at J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery J. Mattingly 1845 offers one of a kind message options The online J. Mattingly 1845 Valentine's Day Custom Bourbon Experience allows customers to select their favorite mash bill from hundreds of "Double-Staved" proprietary barrels selected by the Mattingly team of blenders, choose their bottle, label, closure (including wax colors of red, pink or white) and their own personal name for their creation. "The online custom bourbon experience allows everyone to express their love with a customized bottle and label, allowing for heartfelt messages for the bourbon lover in your life. We've created orders of everything from marriage proposals to more casual notes of affection," said Harry Richart, president, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery. "Crafting a custom bottle of Kentucky bourbon is one of the most unique and highly personalized gifts for whatever situationship one is in. We also have gift cards available to order online so your sweetheart can customize their own bottle of bourbon, which would make a great date night experience." The digital J. Mattingly 1845 Holiday Custom Bourbon Experience is available online at jmattingly1845.com , and all orders placed by Feb. 2nd will arrive by Feb. 14th (shipping exclusions apply for some U.S. states). The J. Mattingly 1845 Valentine's Day Custom Bourbon Experience is available online and in person at the Distillery in Frankfort Monday-Saturday from 8:30-5:00 throughout the year (reservations are requested for the in-person experience but walk ins welcome when open spots are available). Gift cards are available for the in-person and online experience. Prices for the custom bottles start at $155 for a 750 mL bottle. About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, starting in 1845 with John Graves Mattingly's first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2. Many historians today believe his distillery was the first registered distillery in Kentucky. In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business. Today, Jeff's son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. For more information about J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery visit www.JMattingly1845.com. For High Res Images Click Here Media Contact: Amy Preske Booze PR 502-320-1506 [email protected] SOURCE J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery The Concorde and Jefferson partnership fosters the growth and success of Texas dental professionals. DALLAS, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Concorde Career Colleges and Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics today announced Jefferson's donation of two iTeroTM intraoral 3D scanners to Concorde's Dallas and San Antonio campuses. Executives from Concorde, Jefferson and Align Technology (the parent company of iTero) recently made surprise visits to both campuses to deliver the pre-owned scanners, originally valued at $60,000 MSRP, and provide demos and hands-on training. The occasion marked the latest phase of the organizations' partnership aimed at enriching the pool of dental hygiene professionals in Texas. "Our partnership with Jefferson has fostered the growth and success of dental professionals throughout Texas setting a wonderful example of how thoughtful workforce solutions can address the demand for healthcare professionals," said Kevin Prehn, president of Concorde Career Colleges. "We are grateful for Jefferson's generous investment in our students and programs with these scanners that offer on-campus access to innovative, cutting-edge technology that's the future of dentistry." Added Dr. Ankoo Raina, chief dental officer for Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics, "At Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics, we are committed to revolutionizing patient care within the dental industry and passionately believe in nurturing the next wave of dental professionals. Our partnership with Concorde Career Colleges embodies this vision." Through a handheld wand, an iTero 3D scanner captures thousands of images of a patient's mouth in seconds. The images are relayed to digital software that instantly creates a 3D model of teeth and gums, which allow dental professionals to more easily detect cavities and other abnormalities, identify crowded teeth or misalignments, and find plaque buildup in tough-to-reach spaces. Patients can view what's happening in their mouths, which paves the way for better oral health education and a superior patient experience. Using the scanners in clinical practice, Concorde students will also see firsthand how the technology facilitates seamless information sharing among dental professionals, laboratories, and specialists. "Align is pleased to support the educational mission of Jefferson and Concorde to enhance the training and education of dental teams. The iTero intraoral scanners can aid dental team members in conducting comprehensive dental conversations using visualization capabilities and Align's suite of digital tools that are an important first step in a patient's educational journey and can improve the long-term oral health of patients," said Trent Ritter, iTero general manager. For Jefferson Dental, integration of the iTero 3D scanners into their patient care model has transformed how they communicate and build trust with their patients. "These scanners are more than just equipment; they are gateways to higher-quality care and patient empowerment," said Dr. Raina. "By donating iTero scanners to the distinguished Concorde Dental Hygiene Program, we are not just sharing technology; we are sharing a part of our philosophy that better tools lead to better understanding, and ultimately, better health outcomes." Students in Concorde's CODA-accredited Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene Program can complete their degree in as little as 17 months.1,2 The curriculum blends online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals. Graduates of the associate degree program may also be eligible to further their education and pursue a Dental Hygiene bachelor's degree through Concorde's online degree completion program. The online bachelor's degree completion program requires that applicants have earned an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited institution and are a licensed dental hygienist. 1The programs in dental hygiene at Dallas and San Antonio are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and have been granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements." The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission's web address is www.coda.ada.org. 2Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course schedule. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount. About Concorde Career Colleges Concorde Career Colleges, the healthcare division of Universal Technical Institute (www.uti.edu), (NYSE: UTI), operates 17 healthcare focused campuses across eight states under the brands Concorde Career College and Concorde Career Institute, preparing America's next generation of health care and dental professionals for rewarding careers. The Concorde blended education model combines online coursework with in-person lab classes and clinical settings. Concorde's 25 student-focused academic programs and personalized support prepares graduates for in-demand careers in nursing, dental, respiratory, diagnostic, and other healthcare roles. Concorde schools are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Council on Occupational Education (COE). For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu, or visit us on LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges or on X (formerly Twitter) at @news_UTI or @ConcordeCareer. About Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) (the "Company") was founded in 1965 and is a leading workforce solutions provider of transportation, skilled trades and healthcare education programs, whose mission is to serve students, partners, and communities by providing quality education and support services for in-demand careers across a number of highly skilled fields. The Company is comprised of two divisions: Universal Technical Institute ("UTI") and Concorde Career Colleges ("Concorde"). UTI operates 16 campuses located in 9 states and offers a wide range of transportation and skilled trades technical training programs under brands such as UTI, MIAT College of Technology, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. Concorde operates across 17 campuses in 8 states, offering programs in the Allied Health, Dental, Nursing, Patient Care and Diagnostic fields. About Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics Since the opening of its first office in 1967, Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics has been a trusted oral healthcare provider for thousands of families with 70+ offices throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Jefferson takes a comprehensive oral healthcare approach, integrating general dentistry, hygiene, and orthodontics, which helps their patients live better lives. With the latest technology and talented, caring team members, they strive to earn their patients' trust and build lifelong partnerships. Learn more about Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics at jeffersondental.com. About Align Technology, Inc. Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign System, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for approximately 252 thousand doctor customers and are key to accessing Align's 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Over the past 26 years, Align has helped doctors treat over 16.4 million patients with the Invisalign System and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information. Media Contact: Sharon Rolenc [email protected] 612-720-2083 SOURCE Concorde Career Colleges ROCKLEDGE, Fla. , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kona Gold Beverages, Inc. (OTCPK: KGKG), a dynamic holding company specializing in product development within the better-for-you and functional beverage sector, is excited to share an update from its new management team. Dear Valued Shareholders, We're reaching out with significant news from Kona Gold Beverage. We're embarking on a new phase focused on revitalizing our operations and driving tangible value for you, our shareholders. Commitment to Transparency and Engagement We are dedicated to maintaining an open line of communication, sharing updates - whether they're strides forward or challenges to overcome. We believe in the power of transparency and consider our shareholders a vital part of our journey. Look forward to receiving timely, detailed updates through our material event press releases, keeping you at the heart of our progress. Addressing Shareholder Concerns: No Reverse Stock Split in the Immediate Future We understand the importance of addressing your concerns directly. Regarding the possibility of a reverse stock split (RS), we want to assure you that such a move is not on the immediate agenda. Our focus is on strategies that safeguard shareholder interests and promote sustainable growth. We appreciate your patience and trust as we navigate this journey together. Strategic Capital Deployment and Product Expansion We're on a mission to raise capital in a way that preserves shareholder value. Our recent $5 million credit line is a testament to this commitment. By establishing this non-dilutive credit line, it enables us to launch the eagerly awaited rebranded Kona Gold Energy Drinks and fuel research and development for new beverage products in exciting market segments. Navigating Prior Investments with Strategic Foresight According to the company's prior filings, Mast Hill holds a substantial amount of convertible debt. We will schedule a conference call with Mast Hill to gain a deeper understanding of their intentions, keep shareholders fully informed about their holdings, holding periods, and any conversion timelines. Building a High-Performing Team for Market Success We're assembling a group of seasoned professionals in sales, in-house marketing, and brand visibility. Our strategy includes outsourcing specific roles and services in order to keep overhead down. Our team will be focused on brand visibility and customer acquisitions. Your Input Matters: Crafting a Comprehensive Investor Business Plan Your insights and feedback are invaluable to us and we want to hear from our shareholders. Shareholder feedback is also crucial for us as we develop a comprehensive investor business plan, detailing our roadmap, milestones, and key strategies. This plan is not just a document; it's our commitment to a robust foundation for future growth. Stay tuned as we keep you informed and involved every step of the way. Looking Ahead with Confidence We appreciate your support and partnership as we move forward. Should you have any questions or feedback, we encourage our shareholders to reach out to us. Warm regards, The Kona Gold Beverage Team For more information regarding Kona Gold Beverage, please visit: https://konagoldbeverage.com/ About Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. Kona Gold Beverage, Inc., a Delaware corporation, operates its wholly-owned subsidiary, Kona Gold LLC. Kona Gold, LLC has developed a premium Hemp-Infused Energy Drink line; please visit its website at www.konagoldhemp.com. Kona Gold is located on the east coast of Florida in Rockledge. Safe Harbor Statement: The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Investor Relations Contact: 844-714-2224 [email protected] SOURCE Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. Strategic Alliance: Lean Learning Center Merges with Mastermind Consulting Network to Elevate Business Solutions TECUMSEH, Mich., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lean Learning Center, renowned for its tailored lean training solutions, announces its merger with Mastermind Consulting Network, a group of experienced business consultants. This significant move combines Lean Learning Center's lean methodology expertise with Mastermind's extensive consulting experience in various industries. Bill Artzberger, Lean Learning Center: "This merger is a landmark moment for both our companies. It combines our strengths in lean methodologies with Mastermind Consulting Network's diverse industry experience, promising to deliver unparalleled value to our clients." Implementing lean transformations in the industry is challenging. Combining efforts of the Lean Learning Center and Mastermind Consulting Network can effectively address these. Commonly, there's focus on tools and techniques, neglecting the cultural and leadership aspects unique to each organization. A successful lean transformation involves more than just tool deployment; it requires cultivating a lean culture, underpinned by strong leadership, and tailored to the organization's specific needs and characteristics. This approach embeds lean principles deeply within the organization, ensuring long-term improvements and efficiency. Chris Cottle, Mastermind Consulting Network: "Joining forces with Lean Learning Center allows us to leverage their specialized knowledge in lean practices, enhancing our ability to offer comprehensive solutions to our clients. We are excited about the opportunities this merger brings." Mastermind Consulting Network prioritizes business growth and success. It offers expert guidance and strategies, customized to each company's specific challenges and goals. Its external perspective helps uncover overlooked opportunities and efficiencies. Leveraging expertise in operational improvement, market analysis, and strategic planning, businesses can enhance growth, optimize operations, and secure a competitive industry edge. About Lean Learning Center Lean Learning Center, based in Troy, Michigan, has been at the forefront of providing effective lean training solutions. They offer a range of services for healthcare, manufacturing, certification courses, and online education. Known for their custom-tailored approach, they focus on driving real results and lasting improvement. About Mastermind Consulting Network Mastermind Consulting Network, comprising over 150 skilled business consultants, serves diverse industries including healthcare, technology, finance, and local services like plumbing and insurance. The network fosters mutual growth and enhances consulting practices through shared expertise. It's committed to addressing industry-specific challenges with collective insights and customized, practical solutions that target the root causes of problems. Melih Oztalay CEO SmartFinds Marketing 248-568-2241 [email protected] This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com. SOURCE Mastermind Consulting Network WILMINGTON, Mass., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Locus Robotics, the market leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfillment warehouses, will showcase its innovative Vector AMR with multiple configuration options at Manifest 2024 on February 5-7 at Caesar's Forum in Las Vegas, NV. Attendees will see live demos at Booth 501 showcasing Vector's versatility with flexible configuration options that enable intelligent, hi-volume productivity and efficiency to transform warehouse fulfillment efficiency. "We're excited to demonstrate Locus's new Vector AMR as part of our powerful portfolio of proven automation solutions," said CEO Rick Faulk. "Our AMRs collaborate seamlessly alongside workers to enable retailers, 3PLs, and distribution centers to efficiently deliver for their customers and help meet surging order volumes, amid labor shortages." On Tuesday, February 6th, join Gina Chung, Locus Vice President of Corporate Development for an engaging panel discussion on the "Seamless Integration of Robotics and Warehouse Technologies." Dive into the world of cutting-edge logistics and robotics technology featuring top experts from across the warehouse robotics industry. Locus's industry-leading robotics and warehouse execution software efficiently manages unpredictable volumes and mitigates labor availability shortages to help brands, retailers, and third-party logistics (3PL) operators gain control to efficiently meet and exceed fulfillment goals. The Locus solution offers retailers and 3PLs a proven, predictable, and cost-effective solution to meet growing demand, seamlessly scale operations, and deliver an exceptional customer experience despite ongoing labor challenges and rising order volumes. About Locus Robotics Locus Robotics is the world leader in revolutionary, enterprise-level, warehouse automation solution, incorporating powerful AI-driven, intelligent autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that operate collaboratively with human workers to dramatically improve product movement and productivity 23X. Named to the Inc. 500 three years in a row, an IFOY winner, and earning over 23 industry and technology awards, the Locus solution dramatically increases order fulfilment productivity, lowers operational costs, and improves workplace quality, safety, and ergonomics for workers. Supporting more than 125+ of the world's top brands and deployed at 300+ sites around the world, Locus Robotics enables retailers, 3PLs and specialty warehouses to efficiently meet and exceed the increasingly complex and demanding requirements of today's fulfilment environments. SOURCE Locus Robotics 2023 results in 86 franchises awarded alongside nearly 80 new store openings Multi-unit growth guides the 2024 strategy with more than 4,000 potential U.S. locations identified for development Company leadership leans into international and corporate store expansion in 2024 TOLEDO, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Marco's Pizza, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, closes out 2023 amid an impressive development year awarding 86 franchises and opening nearly 80 new stores. These achievements have set the stage for considerable expansion in 2024 with company leadership identifying more than 4,000 potential U.S. locations in addition to vast international opportunity that is catching the attention of operators and the investment sector looking to grow and diversify their portfolios. Marco's strategy continues to combine its renowned high-quality product that provides the basic foundation to scale, a strong business model, a knowledgeable leadership team, strategic partnerships, multi-channel national advertising, and a commitment to new technology and innovation all to meet the needs of today's modern customer. Notable 2023 achievements include: "Marco's continues to prove itself as one of the fastest growing and most innovative pizza brands in the country with no intention of slowing down," said Co-CEO & President, Tony Libardi. "We're at the forefront as the industry continues to evolve with consumer needs and growing market changes. In the year ahead, we'll continue to prioritize monumental growth, advancements in technology, and above all, our commitment to delivering a superior quality product and customer experience." Marco's 2024 development strategy will center around multi-unit growth as leadership prioritizes franchisee relations and operational support with nearly half of its current franchise network comprised of multi-unit operators. Other key areas of opportunity lie in capitalizing on franchise growth in the nontraditional sector alongside international expansion, with near-term opportunities existing in the LATAM region and future sights set overseas. As franchise development continues, leadership prioritizes a strong development support system, including technology and tools to help identify territories for expansion, plus support in real estate, construction management, field operations, and information related to financing. FRANdata, a leading research and advisory firm that analyzes the franchise market, reports Marco's 2023 FUND Score of 895 is in the top 1% of all evaluated franchise systems and is among the top three scores for all QSR brands. The brand's impressive performance has earned multiple awards and recognition: Ranking in Newsweek's 2023 America's Best Customer Service in the pizza chains category, earning a spot on QSR's Top 50, appearing on Nation's Restaurant News' prestigious Top 500 ranking, and most recently claiming the No. 48 spot on Entrepreneur's 2024 Franchise 500 ranking. According to the brand's Franchise Disclosure Document, the Top 50% of Marco's franchised stores generated average net royalty sales of $1,222,684 during the 2022 fiscal year*. For more information on Marco's Pizza franchise opportunities, visit https://www.marcos.com/franchising/ or call 866-731-8209. ABOUT MARCO'S PIZZA Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco's Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States. Marco's was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale ("Pat") Giammarco and thrives to deliver a high-quality pizza experience, known for its dough made from scratch and its three fresh signature cheeses. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate over 1,200 stores in 34 states with locations in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. Most recently, Marco's Pizza was ranked No. 51 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2023 "Franchise 500" ranking. Other recent accolades include a high ranking on Newsweek's 2023 "America's Best Customer Service" in pizza chains list, earning a spot on QSR's Top 50, and being featured on Nation's Restaurant News' prestigious "Top 500" ranking. *Based on the Average Sales Volume of the top 50% of our Franchised Stores for our fiscal year 2022. Based on our fiscal year 2022, 160 of 414 Franchised Stores in the category (or 39%) met or exceeded this average. This information appears in Item 19 of our 2023 FDD please refer to our FDD for complete information on financial performance. Results may differ. There is no assurance that any franchisee will perform as well. SOURCE Marco's Pizza GELEEN, Netherlands, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Matisse Pharmaceuticals B.V., a clinical stage company developing a medicinal product for the treatment of sepsis, today announced topline results from the HistoSeps trial evaluating the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of intravenously (IV) administered M6229 in critically ill sepsis patients. According to the WHO, sepsis is the leading cause of death. Currently, there is no effective treatment against sepsis. Matisse's platform technology is based on the discovery that in most patients suffering from sepsis, proteins called histones are released by the innate immune system and apoptotic and/or necrotic cells into the blood stream, where they are toxic to other cells. Due to this self-enforcing cascade, people may die from organ failure within one or two days. Preclinical results have shown that by neutralizing the toxic histones with Matisse's product M6229, the negative cascade is inhibited by neutralization of cationic histones by highly anionic M6229. In this first in human clinical study, performed at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Amsterdam University Medical Center, in total 10 critically ill patients in ICU setting received a six-hour IV infusion of M6229. This study met its primary objectives, showing favorable safety and tolerability as well as close to dose-proportional pharmacokinetics of IV administered M6229 in critically ill patients with sepsis. Preliminary semi-quantitative plasma histone H3 (H3) analysis executed by the University of Maastricht, showed a pharmacodynamic effect of M6229 by assessing plasma levels of extracellular histones in the study patients, before and at different time-points after M6229 administration. A decrease in SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score was found for 70% of the patients following the three days after the infusion day. Further quantitative analyses on plasma histones H3 and H2b are ongoing. Based on available data, it is concluded that the treatment infusion with M6229 should be started as soon as possible after patients are diagnosed with sepsis to be most effective. Matisse Pharmaceuticals is preparing for a Phase IIb clinical study in which critically ill sepsis patients will receive an IV infusion which should last until discharge from ICU, or organ support free for 24h, or severe adverse events, or the maximum allowed duration of infusion is reached. The recently closed funding round will allow Matisse to effectively continue its preparation for the large scale phase IIb study in sepsis patients. In the course of 2024, Matisse aims to conclude an additional funding round which should cover the full execution of the phase IIb clinical trial, the production scale up to a commercial level and to progress on a number of R&D projects, thereby also further strengthening the organization. "We are very pleased with the results confirming strong progress in the development of our lead compound M6229, as the first effective treatment for sepsis. The current data give strong guidance to us in the design of a successful phase 2b study, which we expect to run in the US and Europe," according to Kees Groen, Chief Development Officer at Matisse Pharmaceuticals. About M6229 Matisse claims to have identified an elegant solution for treating sepsis by using its lead compound M6229 to neutralize toxic circulatory histones. Matisse's platform technology is based on the discovery that in most patients suffering from sepsis, proteins called histones are released by the innate immune system and apoptotic and/or necrotic cells into the blood stream, where they are toxic to other cells. Due to this self-enforcing cascade, people may die from organ failure within one or two days. Preclinical results have shown that by neutralizing the toxic histones with Matisse's product M6229, the negative cascade is inhibited by neutralization of cationic histones by highly anionic M6229. Currently, there is no effective treatment against sepsis. According to the WHO, sepsis is the leading cause of death. From the 49 million patients globally suffering from sepsis every year, more than 20% die. According to a study by Buchman et al., published in the Journal of Critical Care Medicine, sepsis is the most common cause of in-hospital deaths, costing over $62 billion annually in the USA alone. About Matisse Pharmaceuticals Matisse Pharmaceuticals BV was founded in 2014 in Geleen, the Netherlands. Matisse targets life-threatening inflammation by neutralizing cytotoxic components of the inflammatory system. Its main development program is the development of a medicine to fight sepsis and septic shock. This study has been financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs by means of the PPP Allowance made available by the Top Sector Life Sciences & Health to stimulate public-private partnerships. www.matissepharmaceuticals.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2328706/Matisse_Pharmaceuticals_Logo.jpg SOURCE Matisse Pharmaceuticals B.V. Chicago Region's Flagship Venture Summit Returns to 167 N. Green Street on May 23 CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, in partnership with World Business Chicago, announces the return of the Chicago Venture Summit Future-of-Food. As the leading hub for food production in the nation, Chicago boasts a thriving ecosystem encompassing traditional food giants, innovative startups, ingredient pioneers, and unparalleled talent. The event, scheduled for May 23, 2024, will be held at 167 Green Street, bringing together visionary entrepreneurs, savvy investors, and industry leaders at the forefront of technology-driven transformations shaping the food industry's future. Chicago is the #1 U.S. food production and innovation hub with corporate giants, startups, pioneers, and top talent. Post this Chicago Venture Summit, Future of Food 2024 "On behalf of the residents of our great city and its vibrant business community, I look forward to the 2024 convening of the Chicago Venture Summit, Future of Food," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Chicago stands as a trailblazing force in food innovation, and we invite startups, investors, and companies from across the globe to join us at the Chicago Venture Summit to witness the remarkable advancements taking place in food production and innovation. Here, too, you'll see our unwavering commitment to Chicago leading the charge in cultivating and sustaining an inclusive environment for entrepreneurship and ensuring equitable access to venture capital opportunities, especially for startups founded by women and people of color." The Chicago Venture Summit reaches a significant milestone in 2024 as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. This highly regarded event, known for its connecting of local founders and investors, attracts national and global sector leaders eager to tap into the region's thriving startup ecosystem. Organized by World Business Chicago, the Chicago Venture Summit stands as one of the region's flagship innovation and venture programs. In 2023, the summit achieved record-breaking success by hosting two unique sector events "Future-of-Food" and "Future-of-Climate Tech," each drawing more than 2000 attendees, including startup founders, Fortune 500 executives, sector innovators, and investors. "I'm immensely proud of the World Business Chicago team leading this effort," said Michael Fassnacht, President & CEO, World Business Chicago. "Chicagoland's food sector continues to be one of the region's most competitive and growing industries. The depth and breadth of the sector are world-class. Here we have big food giants coexisting with amazing startups, an increasing number of them founded by women and people of color. Our region boasts an active and engaged investor community, a vibrant culinary scene, and some of the best urban farms in America. For all these reasons and more, the Chicago Venture Summit enjoys the reputation and following as one of the premiere venture summits in the country." Chicago Venture Summit Future-of-Food 2023 featured a full week of programming around food innovation, with 8 unique events during the week of the summit, including an opening reception with over 500 guests, including sector innovators, corporates, founders, and more. The summit itself featured a startup portfolio containing over 160 founders, 60% of which are underrepresented founders. "As the seventh generation to live on our farm, my life's work is to both to grow food and to drive industry growth in our region" said Matt Kellogg, Chairman of the Kendall County Board. Kendall County is a founding member of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, the regional collective led by World Business Chicago. "Chicagoland is positioned to continue to be one of the world's most important economic regions and will continue to provide the highest quality food and innovative products to consumers across the nation." The Chicago Venture Summit returns to the vibrant 167 Green in Chicago's Fulton Market District, marking its sixth consecutive year at this iconic venue. Spanning an impressive 640,000 square feet, this office building, developed by Shapack Partners and Focus, and owned in partnership with Walton Street Capital, stands as a testament to both its strategic location and innovative design. Notably, CCC Information Services, Foxtrot, and a host of other forward-thinking companies have chosen 167 Green as their headquarters. They join the ranks of industry leaders like Kroll and WeWork, solidifying this building's reputation as a hub for innovation in the Fulton Market District. Featuring one of Chicago's largest town hall spaces, a rooftop terrace, sitting room, game room, and gym, 167 Green offers a dynamic and collaborative environment for businesses of all sizes. You can learn more about the Chicago Venture Summit Future-of-Food 2024 at www.ChicagoVentureSummit.com . Registration for this invite-only investor and startup conference will open in the coming weeks. ABOUT WORLD BUSINESS CHICAGO World Business Chicago (WBC) serves a critical role in driving inclusive and equitable economic development throughout the city's 77 neighborhoods, focused on high growth sectors: food production, transportation, distribution, & logistics; manufacturing; healthcare & life sciences, and our local innovation, startup, & venture ecosystem. As the City of Chicago's economic development agency, World Business Chicago leads corporate attraction & retention, workforce & talent, community impact, and promotion of Chicago as a leading global city. Supported by a council of 300+ local leaders, World Business Chicago's portfolio of innovation & venture programs include: the Chicago Venture Summit series, Startup Chicago, and ThinkChicago. Follow World Business Chicago on LinkedIn for news and announcements on corporate relocation and expansion, industry and ecosystem growth, U.S. and world rankings, an economic development. SOURCE WORLD BUSINESS CHICAGO WINDHAM, N.H., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MD Esthetics is excited to announce the acquisition of InjectZen, an established medical spa serving the North Shore area of Massachusetts. This practice is part of the growing premier MD Esthetics brand which is comprised of eight corporate and franchisee owned practices. MD Esthetics by The Zen Spa, formerly known as The Zen Spa, quickly built their customer base through strong Instagram and social media following. Ashley Penta, the owner of InjectZen trained under Doctor Pedro as the first student of MD Esthetics Academy. Her brand of facial mapping and optimization is aligned with that of MD Esthetics. According to CEO Michael Pedro, MD, "In addition to InjectZen's core values and alignment on clinical excellence, geographically this acquisition allows us to maximize our marketing and business operations efforts by being able to service patients from southern New Hampshire to Worcester, as well as Cape Cod and everything in between. Additionally, this gives us the opportunity to expand MD Esthetics Academy into a new market." According to Ashley, "The decision to merge The Zen Spa and MD Esthetics is driven by a shared commitment to ongoing education, providing the highest quality of care and achieving optimal outcomes for patients. Both brands are industry leaders, and by uniting, we can establish and even higher benchmark of excellence." MD Esthetics intends to implement its business operations and leverage its marketing reach to optimize and significantly grow this new territory. About (MD Esthetics Academy): MD Esthetics Academy is led by Michael Pedro, MD, and Angela Lamothe, APRN. This unique six-month mentorship program sets an unprecedented standard of mentoring and training for highly motivated novice and seasoned injectors. The curriculum consists of an online training portal with over 60 hours of recorded didactic and demonstrations, five in-person workshops, small class sizes and professional mentorship from practicing professionals. All MD Esthetics clinicians must successfully complete the Academy before joining our clinical team. About (MD Esthetics): MD Esthetics, LLC is led by Michael Pedro, MD, a board-certified anesthesiologist, inventor of the SuperNOVA and SuperNO2VA devices, serial entrepreneur and most recently the Chief Medical Officer for Vyaire Medical, a global leader in the respiratory medical device space. MD Esthetics is a renowned medical spa specializing in skincare solutions. With a team of experienced professionals and state-of-the-art technology, they offer personalized solutions to help individuals regain confidence and enhance their well-being. Featuring: Hormone Replacement Therapy, Laser Hair Removal, CoolSculpting, Dermal Fillers, Facial Optimization, and more! MD Esthetics represents the area's highest-quality treatments and customer service. Mdestheticsus.com, mdeacademy.com for academy information, mdestheticsfranchise.com for franchise opportunities. SOURCE MD Esthetics Group EPA-funded initiative seeks community input to support green space design concepts MIAMI, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami Waterkeeper, along with a cohort of local resiliency groups, announced an innovative initiative dubbed the Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project . The project will culminate with six to eight green infrastructure design solutions across urban Miami-Dade County, incorporating numerous opportunities for community involvement and participation. The starting point for this innovative work is an interactive online tool that solicits community input to identify green infrastructure opportunities in underutilized public spaces ripe for revitalization to reduce flooding, excessive heat and habitat loss. The project will also place significant emphasis on improving the resiliency of historically vulnerable communities within Miami-Dade County. "Green infrastructure can improve quality of life for a community, from increasing recreation opportunities to cooling and improving air and water quality, these spaces can also be used to enhance overall community resilience," said Miami Waterkeeper's Executive Director and Waterkeeper, Rachel Silverstein, Ph.D. "The project serves as a confirmation of our mission to make Miami a global leader in climate resilience, grounded in science, rooted in nature, and driven by community." This initiative was enabled through an Environmental Protection Agency grant awarded to Miami Waterkeeper to investigate ways to incorporate green infrastructure into Miami-Dade County's built environment. Together with One Water Academy, Everglades Law Center, the University of Miami College of Engineering, P.E.E.R. Group, and the University of Miami Environmental Justice Clinic, Miami Waterkeeper was also awarded funding from Pisces Foundation to support community engagement in the project. Green infrastructure leverages natural and semi-natural elements such as parking lots, green spaces, trees, wetlands, canal banks, bioswales and other vegetation to create a more sustainable, resilient, and enjoyable urban environment while addressing various environmental challenges. The public is invited to participate in the project by sharing their suggestions through the user-friendly interactive tool , accessible on both your mobile device and desktop. To stay informed about the Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project and upcoming community events, visit the project website at www.miamiwaterkeeper.org/green_infrastructure. About Miami Waterkeeper Miami Waterkeeper is a nonprofit organization that develops local solutions to global challenges. As a leading environmental advocate in South Florida, Miami Waterkeeper focuses on sustainable solutions for clean water, sea level resilience, and habitat protection. For more information about Miami Waterkeeper, visit www.miamiwaterkeeper.org . SOURCE Miami Waterkeeper Aegle Medical Solutions will be the sole distributor of Mindray's Hepatus-Series Transient Elastography Diagnostic Ultrasound Systems MAHWAH, N.J., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mindray North America, a global leader and developer of healthcare technologies and solutions for patient monitoring, anesthesia, and ultrasound announced a new strategic agreement with Aegle Medical Solutions, a long-time distributor of medical devices based in Ohio, to be the sole distributor of its Hepatus-Series Transient Elastography Diagnostic Ultrasound Systems for liver care. Aegle Medical Solutions will be the sole distributor of Mindrays Hepatus-Series Transient Elastography Diagnostic Ultrasound Systems Aegle Medical Solutions has more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, providing a consultative approach to helping healthcare professionals evaluate and implement new technologies into their clinical settings. The agreement with Aegle to distribute the Hepatus-Series underscores both companies' commitment to address the growing prevalence of chronic liver disease. Mindray and Aegle Medical are devoted to delivering non-invasive solutions to detect, diagnose, and track liver diseases in patients to help reduce the risk of pain and further complications that typically occur with other methods of diagnosis, such as liver biopsy. "As liver disease continues to grow as an epidemic, it is important for us to continuously find new ways to better serve patients by enabling their clinicians to get a clear view of liver health with innovative technologies and quantitative tools that are reliable," said Wayne Quinn, Mindray North America President. "The partnership with Aegle to distribute the Hepatus-Series Ultrasound Systems provides us with an excellent opportunity to better serve those patients and expand our liver care offerings in the U.S. market." "We are extremely excited about this exclusive distribution agreement with Mindray to introduce to the U.S. market their NexGen transient technology, called the Hepatus," said Michael McTighe, President & CEO, Aegle Medical. "At Aegle Medical, we are dedicated to supporting healthcare professionals with emerging technologies that improve their clinical confidence, diagnostic accuracy, and overall patient satisfaction, and that is exactly what Mindray has developed and delivered to the market with the introduction of the Hepatus platform." The Hepatus-Series Ultrasound Systems use transient elastography to offer clinicians a complete solution for non-invasive liver disease management. The Hepatus-Series Systems feature a new suite of quantitative tools for evaluating liver disease, providing clinicians with an easy-to-use and reliable solution for diagnosing liver fibrosis and liver steatosis. About Mindray Mindray is a leading developer, manufacturer, and supplier of medical device solutions and technologies used in healthcare facilities around the globe. We believe we can change lives by making the most advanced healthcare technology attainable for all. We do this by empowering healthcare professionals through innovative, high-value solutions that help create the next generation of life-saving tools across three primary business segments: medical imaging, patient monitoring and life support, and in-vitro diagnostics. Mindray maintains its global headquarters in Shenzhen, China; Mindray North America is headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey. Our Ultrasound Innovation Center is located in Milpitas, California, with additional facilities in major international markets around the world. For more information, please visit https://www.mindray.com. About Aegle Medical Solutions Aegle Medical Solutions has more than 25 years of experience and knowledge in the healthcare industry, providing a consultative approach to assisting healthcare professionals evaluate and implement new technologies into their clinical setting. A medical distributor of NexGen technologies across the US&C, Aegle Medical is dedicated to supporting healthcare professionals with emerging technologies. Aegle Medical sells and distributes cutting-edge medical equipment and innovative software that increases clinical confidence, diagnostic accuracy, and patient satisfaction. https://aeglemedicalsolutions.com/mindray/ SOURCE Mindray North America New AI-powered applicant tracking, precise geofencing, advanced insights, time-saving documentation, and payroll integration MIAMI, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With the New Year underway, many businesses are reevaluating their HR software solutions to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the evolving HR management landscape. Gartner data highlights that businesses frequently replace HR software due to system inefficiencies, missing features, and reliability concerns. Key reasons for dissatisfaction include inefficiency (34%), insufficient functionality (29%), and unreliability (13%). In response to these challenges, modern HR software solutions are offering five new features designed to enhance efficiency within its software: AI-powered Applicant Tracking System : New AI-powered Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to streamline the traditional CV screening process, a major bottleneck in recruitment. This innovative feature allows hiring managers to assess applications based on various criteria such as company values, job descriptions, CVs, offer letters, and custom questions. The result is a significant reduction in screening time, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation process. Geofencing Precision: Geofencing Precision addresses challenges faced by organizations with multiple locations or flexible policies. By incorporating geofencing capabilities into its time-tracking features, HR software solutions help prevent unauthorized overtime, a key contributor to increased labor costs and decreased workforce productivity. This enhancement allows HR leaders to enforce accurate clock-ins at designated workplaces, thereby reducing labor costs and enhancing employee accountability. Insights V2 Data Analytics: Insights V2 provides organizations with comprehensive data for informed decision-making. Users can now filter company data using multiple parameters, simplifying the process of checking and exporting valuable metrics in real-time. This timely and accurate insight is crucial for strategic decision-making. Time-Saving Documentation: Time-Saving Documentation enables users to pre-fill forms with document templates and fillable PDFs. This streamlined process, combined with personalized data, enhances efficiency for employees verifying information, meeting the growing demand for tools that simplify administrative processes. Seamless Payroll Integration: HR software solutions are seamlessly integrating payroll and benefits administration with HR management processes. This aims to enhance organizational efficiency by reducing manual errors, improving accuracy, and fostering collaboration between HR and finance departments. Recognizing this, Factorial , a leading provider of HR software solutions, is introducing innovative features from AI-powered applicant tracking to payroll integration. Jordi Romero, Co-founder and CEO of Factorial, emphasizes, "These new features reflect our dedication to empowering HR teams globally. By harnessing the power of technology, we aim to transform the way organizations approach human resources, fostering efficiency, collaboration, and success." As businesses strive for greater efficiency and effectiveness in the new year, Factorial is committed to providing support and solutions. About Factorial Founded in 2016, Factorial offers people-centric solutions for HR teams, automating processes so they have more time to dedicate to the people within their organization. With over 75,000 users across 65+ countries, Factorial serves clients such as KFC, Booking.com, and Whisbi. Factorial became Europe's newest Unicorn in 2022 following a Series C investment round. For more information, please visit https://factorialhr.com/ , Media Contact: Velocitas Interactive Marketing + PR [email protected] 305.735.9845 SOURCE Factorial BETHLEHEM, Pa., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Moravian University announced it will host an event to officially launch the School of Professional Studies and Innovation (SPSI), a school designed to provide academic programs designed for adult learners who want to advance or reimagine their professional careers. Faculty, staff, community partners and other members of the Lehigh Valley business community are expected to attend. The launch event will take place on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Payne Gallery (346 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018) on Moravian's Priscilla Payne Hurd (South) campus. "This event will celebrate the launch of this exciting new school, which will impact adult learners, as well our community and corporate organizations, in the Lehigh Valley and beyond," said Bryon L. Grigsby, president of Moravian University. "Courses in the new school will be taught by industry experts, experts who will help prepare our students for a marketplace and a digital economy that's changing every day with new innovations in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and new areas of business automation and transformation to name just a few." In October 2023, Moravian University announced that Deirdre Letson-Christofalo, Ed.D. had been named Associate Provost and Dean of the School of Professional Studies and Innovation. The School of Professional Studies and Innovation will focus on adult learners interested in earning an advanced degree, like a Master's in Cybersecurity, or a professional certificate, like a Certificate in Project Management, in a school that provides flexible, online options. In addition, those adults that want to finish their bachelor's degree will find programs available within SPSI. To cover this event please contact Michael Corr at Moravian University. Visit moravian.edu/spsi to learn more. About Moravian University Moravian University is the nation's sixth-oldest university, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that blend liberal arts with professional programs. For more than 275 years, the Moravian University degree has been preparing students for reflective lives, fulfilling careers, and transformative leadership in a world of change. Moravian University is a member of The New American Colleges and Universities (NAC&U), a national consortium of selective, small to midsize independent colleges and universities dedicated to the purposeful integration of liberal education, professional studies, and civic engagement. Visit moravian.edu to learn more about how the Moravian University focus on education for all prepares its students for life-long success. SOURCE Moravian University The worlds largest and most advanced power cable-laying vessel has begun operations on the $3.8 billion strategic project by Emirati energy majors - Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) - to power and significantly decarbonise Adnocs offshore production operations. The innovative project will see the development and operation of a first-of-its-kind high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) subsea transmission system in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. It will power Adnocs offshore production operations with cleaner and more efficient energy, delivered through the Abu Dhabi onshore power grid, operated by Taqas wholly owned subsidiary, Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company (Transco). The project will require some 1,000km of HVDC cables bundled with fibre optics, and the transmission system will have a total installed capacity of 3.2 Gigawatts (GW), with two independent sub-sea HVDC links and converter stations. According to Adnoc, the cable-laying vessel, the Leonardo da Vinci, owned by the Prysmian Group, has arrived in the UAE from Europe and will be here for an initial four-month period. Operating between Mirfa on the western Abu Dhabi coastline and the offshore Zakum cluster, a distance equivalent to that between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Leonardo da Vinci will lay bundled cabling along the first 134km route, before returning later to lay cables along a second 141km route, it stated. Commercial operations of the offshore electrification project are set to commence in 2025. The project is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of Adnocs offshore operations by up to 50%, replacing existing offshore gas turbine generators with more sustainable power sources available on the Abu Dhabi onshore power network. Adnoc pointed out that more than 50% of the value of this project will flow back into the UAEs economy under its In-Country Value (ICV) programme. The project was initially announced in December 2021. It is funded through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) - a dedicated company jointly owned by Adnoc and Taqa (30% stake each), and a consortium comprising Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco), Japans Kyushu Electric Power Company and French utility major EDF, it stated. Led by Kepco, the consortium holds a combined 40% stake in the project on a build, own, operate and transfer basis.-TradeArabia News Service SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading travel publisher Matador Network has teamed up with PhD biochemist and mushroom educator Dr. Gordon Walker to produce Mushrooms Are Hot Right Now , a just-released Matador Original Video that explores how fungi can help solve some of our planet's biggest problems. "I knew that mushrooms were important," says Matador Network CEO Ross Borden, "but working on this doc with Gordon has opened my eyes to how intertwined our lives are with fungi and how essential they are to our survival." Image: Matador Network Available through Matador Network's website , YouTube and various distribution partners, the documentary combines evocative visuals and expert interviews to detail the many ways fungi can be an ally in humanity's attempt to undo its own harms. Walker and fungal educator Mario Gabiati explore the natural ability of fungi to store carbon, as well as enable novel technologies like biofuels, medicines, and mycomaterials. Dr. Ning Sun from ABPDU Labs discusses how mycelium-grown leather can replace animal leather and plastics in fashion. "Humans have caused a tremendous amount of damage to this planet with our careless unsustainable practices," says Walker. "Fungi may be one of our only chances of creating a sustainable future for humanity. Otherwise, we are going to slide into exponential decay." Walker, who in addition to appearing in the film is a co-producer, earned his PhD from University of California, Davis, and under the Fascinated By Fungi moniker has, for the past eight years, been educating the public about fungi through his visually stunning and deeply informed social media posts. As the preeminent fungal influencer, he has amassed 3 million followers on social media, across popular platforms like TikTok , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube . "What I am trying to do is catch peoples' attention, get them to focus on fungi in a way they've never really seen before," he says. "Every time I share this information, I have someone who says, 'Hey, you just blew my mind. I didn't know there was yeast on our skin. I didn't know they were inside of us. I didn't know all these different places where fungi slotted into our world.'" The documentary was written and directed by Kati Hetrick and filmed in Emeryville and Shasta-Trinity National Forest, a favorite mushroom hunting ground for Walker, who lives in nearby Napa, California. "It was fun to have the film crew from Matador in business mode and then to find a mushroom and everyone becomes an excited toddler," Walker says. "That was the best part for me to see other people get so excited about a mushroom, and I think this film will have that effect for a lot of viewers." Watch Mushrooms Are Hot Right Now here. About Matador Network Matador Network is the world's No. 1 media brand for modern adventurers and creator of the personal AI travel assistant GuideGeek . With more than 16 million followers across social media, Matador has become a leading travel brand through its production of article features, city guides, creator-first content and original videos. Matador is the top-ranking travel brand on TikTok and its videos are viewed more than 140 million times per month. It has content distribution deals with American Airlines, Hearst Media and Gas Station TV, and works with brands like Ford, REI, Samsung, YETI, Southwest Airlines, Visit California and Microsoft. matadornetwork.com Media contact: Jason Simms [email protected] 860-526-1555 SOURCE Matador Network LIVORNO, Italy and ITASCA, Ill., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Laviosa Chimica Mineraria SpA, a global expert in mineral-based products, has appointed NAGASE Specialty Materials NA LLC (NSM) as its exclusive distributor in the United States for its bentonite rheology additives. With this partnership, NAGASE Specialty Materials is further positioned to support the paints, coatings, construction, lubricants, and plastics industries with Laviosa product lines like LAVIOSA ARGIMEL, DELLITE, LAVIOTHIX, and LAVIOKOLL. NAGASE Specialty Materials NA LLC and Laviosa Chimica Mineraria SpA announce exclusive distribution agreement in the United States for Laviosas bentonite clay products. Laviosa's commitment to transforming bentonite into added-value solutions is clear. Serving over 1,500 customers in over 80 countries, Laviosa is an established market leader with six manufacturing and mining locations in Europe and four in Asia. NAGASE Specialty Materials shares Laviosa's mission to serve the United States market and is especially suited to fulfill it. Entering this agreement with an already diverse portfolio of mineral technologies and an expansive customer network in Laviosa's target markets, NSM is ready to make an impact with the addition of these high-quality performance materials. "We are excited to introduce Laviosa and their products to the United States market," said Al Bernhardt, vice president of Functional Materials at NSM. "Laviosa's team is customer-oriented, and their deep technical curiosities are matched by their great technical capabilities," said Bernhardt. "The NAGASE Specialty Materials team is eager to leverage its technical sales, customer service, and distribution expertise to grow this partnership," concluded Bernhardt. "This is more than just an opportunity to grow our global presence and sales," says Valentina Ermini, who manages Technical Sales for Rheology Modifiers at Laviosa. "Our team constantly seeks to understand our customers' challenges and innovates to address them," said Ermini. "Together with Nagase's network, market knowledge, and expertise, we will be very strongly positioned to support industry in the United States," concluded Ermini. Laviosa is eager to support several industry sectors with its selection of bentonite clays. LAVIOTHIX and LAVIOKOLL ranges are selected, purified, and activated inorganic clay-based rheological additives suitable for mineral-based systems and coatings, enabling their use in a multitude of systems including latex paints, ceramic glazes, sealants, inks, mortars, plasters, stuccos, and adhesives. Laviosa Chimica Mineraria SpA produces a series of nanoclays under the DELLITE brand, used in various polymeric matrices to form nano composites with interesting properties and advantages such as lightweighting, increased fire resistance, superior gas permeability, and improved mechanical properties. LAVIOSA ARGIMEL organoclays provide thixotropic benefits to oil-based lubricants and solvent-borne coatings systems and are available as pre-gels or as self-activating powders." To learn more about Laviosa's products and request samples, visit https://www.nsm-na.com/specialty-chemical/suppliers/laviosa.html or contact Tom Downing, NSM's director of new supplier development, at [email protected]. About Laviosa Chimica Mineraria SpA Laviosa Chimica Mineraria SpA is one of the major global suppliers of bentonite products: the processing and distribution of special clays is our core business. We have developed numerous possible applications for these minerals as prime material for industry or mass market end products. Our products, together with applicative consultancy of our technicians and our services, are sold in more than 80 countries in the world to more than 1,500 customers, engaged in several different fields of application. Our special clays are used, other than in the landfill application, in coatings and detergency formulations, in paper production processes, in civil engineering, in casting and others: in all these our products contribute to find solutions of high added value. The company's strength lies in our people's constant attention to innovation, growth and value creating. Quality of our process is certified by the international standard ISO 9001:2008 About NAGASE Specialty Materials NAGASE Specialty Materials is a leading distributor and manufacturer of specialty chemicals, serving industries that impact everyday life ranging from coatings and plastics to pharmaceuticals and personal care. NAGASE Specialty Materials is committed to adding value to customers' product development and manufacturing processes with extensive resources to fulfill that commitment. NAGASE Specialty Materials is part of NAGASE Group, a public company with $8 billion in annual revenue. Founded in Kyoto, Japan in 1832 as a specialized purveyor of dyes and chemicals, NAGASE now has 114 group companies and more than 7,000 team members. Spanning over 32 countries and regions, NAGASE connects the world with high-end materials and technologies. In 2023, NAGASE & CO., LTD. was ranked No. 5 among the 'Top 100 Chemical Distributors' list published by ICIS, a global provider of chemical market information. For more information about NSM, visit www.nsm-na.com or call 630-228-7644. LAVIOSA CHIMICA MINERARIA SpA NAGASE SPECIALTY MATERIALS NA LLC MEDIA CONTACT: INTERVIEW CONTACT: Valentina Ermini Tom Downing Technical Sales, Rheological Modifiers Director of New Supplier Development +39 0586 434252 630-561-5302 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE NAGASE Specialty Materials NA LLC CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Harvard University Division of Continuing Education's Professional & Executive Development has launched a new Leadership Program designed to empower LGBTQ+ professionals to thrive as leaders. The intensive four-day program, held on Harvard's Cambridge, MA campus in July 2024, will provide participants with leadership strategies tailored to their unique experiences and identities. LGTBTQ+ Leadership Program: Leading with Pride, was designed specifically to help this audience gain skills in authentic leadership, strategic thinking, navigating organizational cultures, and positioning themselves for advancement. It incorporates interactive sessions, case studies, expert panels, and networking opportunities to help participants develop critical leadership skills. "This program allows LGBTQ+ professionals like me to fully embrace our identities and experiences as we develop our leadership abilities," said lead instructor and expert-in-residence Shawn O'Connor. "Participants will leave with tangible tools to elevate their careers while fostering more inclusive workplaces." O'Connor's teaching team is rounded out with recognized leaders Andy Bandyopadhyay, Nancy Forsyth, and Bob Bordone. Participants will leave with tangible tools to elevate their careers while fostering more inclusive workplaces. Post this Topics range from personal branding to negotiation to mentorship culminating with the creation of a personal action plan. The LGBTQ+ Leadership Program aims to give its mid-to-senior level participants the confidence and skills to make a transformative impact as leaders within their organizations. Registration is open for the inaugural on-campus program, which starts on July 15. About the Harvard Division of Continuing Education The Harvard Division of Continuing Education is a division of Harvard University dedicated to bringing rigorous programs and innovative online teaching capabilities to modern purpose-driven learners including working professionals, high school students, visiting college students, and those seeking higher learning in retirement. We've been fueled by innovation and dedicated to excellence for over 100 years. Learn more at Harvard Division of Continuing Education. Contact: Harry Pierre, [email protected] SOURCE Harvard University Division of Continuing Education Georgia-Based Cladding Manufacturer Fosters New A-ha Moments for Projects; Products to be Featured on Official Show Home JOHNS CREEK, Ga., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nichiha USA , a leading manufacturer of top-tier building materials solutions, is celebrating its attendance at the 2024 International Builders' Show (IBS) with exciting new cladding offerings for boundless design options. The annual trade show, hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), will be held in Las Vegas, NV from February 27-29, 2024. At IBS 2024, Nichiha will highlight its particular value for residential and multifamily projects of all sizes. The Nichiha family of products enables designers and builders to achieve minimalist, contemporary, and traditional looks of all kinds, several of which can be specified in custom colors with no minimum quantity requirements or additional cost. The brand's unmatched ability to offer architects and home builders with limitless avenues for expression and design can be seen in the 2024 booth offerings. New variants of the brand's most popular products will be on display at booth C7507 for IBS 2024 attendees to interact with and feel the Nichiha difference. "This year, we're building on the success of our 'A-ha Moments' campaign, celebrating the moments when architects, designers, and builders realize that Nichiha has the solution they've been looking for," said Kenny Collins, director of residential sales. "We're also debuting new product colors, celebrating the innovative solutions we offer, and demonstrating the unmatched value offered by our architectural wall panel (AWP) lineup." Among the Nichiha innovations to be featured: The company will debut new color options for its ever popular VintageWood AWP in Poplar and Blackwood shades to cater to design and market trends. AWP in Poplar and Blackwood shades to cater to design and market trends. The show will serve as the launch for the brand's new ConcreteBoard, a cladding option that closely resembles concrete, but leaves the heavy weight behind, offering new design possibilities. White Smoke will also make its debut at the show as a new shade of Nichiha's VintageBrick , offering a clean, traditional masonry look, but without the need for specialized installers. Though each product offers a distinct look, all install in the same fashion with Nichiha's Ultimate Clip System . Thanks to a partnership with Cavco Builders, IBS attendees will also notice Nichiha's VintageWood and Latura V-Groove cladding on a modular home in the Pro Builder Show Village . The performance matches the looks, too. All Nichiha architectural wall panels (AWP) incorporate a built-in rainscreen system for optimal building protection against even the most formidable climate and traffic challenges. Nichiha's IBS booth will also showcase the brand's Premium Plank Siding lineup, including primed Savannah Smooth , which offers the craftsman look of lap siding and striking shadow lines. Sierra Premium Shake , offered in pre-primed and pre-finished colors, closely mimics the luxurious aesthetics of cedar shake siding but without the associated maintenance. Also on display are NichiProducts , which will be shown in board-and-batten style to highlight its adaptability for trendy and traditional looks alike. Nichiha experts will be on handthe same professionals who offer technical design reviews, on-site product training, and superior customer service for all projects. Home builders are encouraged to find inspiration and creativity in Nichiha's Modern Home and Custom Home lookbooks. Similar materials are also available for commercial developers in Nichiha's Commercial and Multifamily lookbooks. At IBS 2024, Nichiha will occupy the C7507 exhibitors booth near the entrance of the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. EDITOR'S NOTE: A host of Nichiha subject matter experts are available for interviews during IBS at Nichiha's booth. To secure an appointment, please contact Sean McFarland at [email protected] . About Nichiha USA Nichiha USA, a subsidiary of Nichiha Corporation, is a leading manufacturer of high-functioning cladding for commercial and residential building applications. Founded in Japan in 1956, Nichiha now employs over 2800 employees at 13 locations worldwide. Nichiha creates long-term value for architects, builders and contractors through building material solutions that are durable and available in a breadth of colors, styles and textures, with customized support to meet any specification and help customers get the most out of their projects. To learn more, visit www.nichiha.com . Photos: https://www.bldpressroom.com/nichiha/IBS2024 Media Contact: Sean McFarland, MA 412-851-3242 [email protected] SOURCE Nichiha USA A rise in industrialization, benefits of nitrogen generators, and growth in popularity of sustainable development drive the growth of the global nitrogen generators market. PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Nitrogen Generators Market by Type (PSA Nitrogen Generator, Membrane Nitrogen Generator, and Cryogenic Nitrogen Generator) and End User (Food & Beverage, Transportation, Medical & Pharmaceuticals, Electrical & Electronics, Chemicals, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032.". According to the report, the global nitrogen generators industry generated $8.1 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to generate $14.6 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2032. Request PDF Sample Copy @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/4468 Prime determinants of growth A rise in industrialization, benefits of nitrogen generators, and growth in popularity of sustainable development drive the growth of the global nitrogen generators market. However, high initial investment in buying nitrogen generators restricts the market growth. Moreover, growth in investments in semiconductor industry across developed and developing economies presents new opportunities in the coming years. Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Historical Period 2020-2021 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2023 $8.1 billion Market Size in 2032 $14.6 billion CAGR 4.8 % No. of Pages in Report 212 Segments Covered Type, end user, and region. Drivers Growth in popularity of sustainable development Benefits of nitrogen generators Rise in industrialization Opportunity Growth in investments in semiconductor industry Restraint High initial investment The PSA nitrogen generator segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period On the basis of type, the PSA nitrogen generator segment held the highest market share in 2020, accounting for more than half of the global nitrogen generators market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) Nitrogen Generator produce nitrogen with high purity levels, often exceeding 99.9%, ensuring quality and consistency in industrial processes. In addition, these generators are designed to meet specific flow rate requirements, making them adaptable to a range of applications. Furthermore, these generators operate efficiently, utilizing the pressure swing adsorption process to separate nitrogen from other gases without excessive energy consumption. However, the membrane nitrogen generator segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2032. Membrane nitrogen generators have various advantages that make them highly desirable to many plants. Membrane generators have fewer moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance requirements and increased operational reliability. In addition, these generators are easy to operate, making them user-friendly and easy to integrate into different industrial processes due to fewer moving parts. Buy This Research Report (212 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/cfc0b1a6da3625451c1db3c072102aca The chemicals segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period On the basis of end user, the chemicals segment held the highest market share in 2020, accounting for more than one-fourth of the global nitrogen generators market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Nitrogen plays a critical role in various applications within the chemical and petrochemical industry, where safety, process optimization, and environmental considerations are important. Nitrogen is primarily used for creating an oxygen-less environment in chemical storages along with various other applications. However, the electrical and electronics segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 5.9% from 2023 to 2032. Nitrogen is used in various soldering as well as for blankets in the electronics manufacturing industry. Furthermore, nitrogen plays a crucial role in semiconductor manufacturing, where it is used in various processes, including the production of integrated circuits (ICs), annealing, and sintering. North America to maintain its dominance by 2032 On the basis of region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2020, accounting for more than one-third of the global nitrogen generators market revenue, and is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The manufacturing industry in North America is on the rise, owing to the increase in demand for locally produced products. According to the data published by the U.S. Department of Defense in October 2022, manufacturing represents 11% of the U.S. GDP and 60% of its total exports, and this is expected to rise in the future. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2032. The Asia-Pacific is one of the fastest-growing regions across the globe, expanding at a rate of 5% per year. Rapid industrialization has led to expansion in the manufacturing sector, which in turn has boosted the economy. Inquire Before Buying @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/4468 Leading Market Players: - Air Liquide S.A. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Atlas Copco AB Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd. Linde plc NOVAIR SAS On Site Gas Systems, Inc. Parker Hannifin Corporation Peak Gas Generation PCI The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global nitrogen generators market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Trending Reports in Nitrogen Generators Industry (Book Now with 15% Discount): Global atmospheric water generator market growing at a CAGR of 14.8% from 2022 to 2031. Global cryogenic equipment market growing at a CAGR of 7% from 2023 to 2032. Global consumer electronics electric motor market registering a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2032. Hot Air Generators Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Industrial Generator Sets Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 About us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies, and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact us: United States 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 [email protected] Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research LONDON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nord Anglia Education is proud to announce that three of its schools were named winners at the 2024 International School Awards hosted by ISC Research. Based on ISC Research's judging criteria, British Vietnamese International School Hanoi won an award for its community service project in support of residents of the 'Floating Village', an underprivileged community on the Red River's Banana Island. The population are amongst the poorest in Hanoi and, since starting the project, students have helped improve the community's living conditions. Students regularly visit with residents for social outreach initiatives ranging from rubbish collection to growing fruit and vegetables and more. Paul Holyome, Principal of BVIS Hanoi, said: "We're absolutely delighted to have won this award. Our community service work is embedded across our curriculum and has enabled many of our students and colleagues to witness first-hand the urgent need to support underprivileged communities. The work our colleagues and students are undertaking to support the Floating Village community is truly heartwarming and I'm extremely proud of all their efforts. With the generous social impact grant awarded to the school by Nord Anglia, the project will continue to go from strength to strength and improve the lives of so many in a very positive and sustainable way." St Andrews International School Bangkok was awarded for its creative initiative called the 'Elephant Project', which educates students whilst raising awareness about elephant conservation. Primary School students across all year groups work together to raise awareness and money for the 'Global Trust Asian Elephant Foundation' to protect elephants in the Chiang Rai region. Students have been able to take part in a virtual safari to see the hardworking heroes of this organisation at work whilst also getting to see elephants in their natural habitat. In 2020, St Andrews' Primary School was named 'International School of the Year' for its environmental initiatives. Paul Schofield, Principal of St Andrews Bangkok, said: "We're honoured to receive this award for our Elephant Project, which gives our students a deep connection to wildlife, opens their minds to the importance of conservation, and is having a tangible impact. I'm so proud of our students and the work they're doing across Chiang Rai." Regents International School Pattaya in Thailand received its award for the school's student-led initiative called the 'Culture Club'. Led by Sixth Form students Angela, Suhani, Sreya, and Sameera, it focusses on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and empowers students to take on leadership roles in areas that hold significance for their peers and the wider community. The club's efforts are linked to UN Sustainable Development Goals #5 (Gender Equality) and #10 (Reduced Inequalities). Amos Turner-Wardell, Principal of Regents Pattaya, said: "We couldn't be prouder of this award as it shows how hard we as a school and community are working to ensure that EDI is at the heart of everything we do. To be awarded for an initiative run by our studentsenabled by our supportive EDI representative Ms Laura Rooney, our Head of English, and with the aim to make our school community and the world a better placeis just phenomenal. I'm extremely proud of their achievement!" Winners of the International School Awards were selected by a panel of independent judges from 245 applications, which were received from international schools around the world including those in Malaysia, India, the United States, the Seychelles, and Uganda, alongside many others. To learn more about the awards and this year's winners, please click here. About Nord Anglia Education As the world's leading international schools organisation, we're shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life. Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible. No two children learn the same way, which is why our 80+ schools in 33 countries around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world's top universities. To learn more or apply for a place for your child, go to nordangliaeducation.com. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1503193/3645357/Nord_Anglia_Education_Logo.jpg SOURCE Nord Anglia Education Supree develops innovative fruit and vegetable varieties designed to naturally dry on the vine while preserving high vitamins and nutrient levels, and rich taste NESS ZIONA, Israel, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NRGene Technologies Ltd. (TASE: NRGN) is pleased to introduce Supree (Supree-Zanim), its newly established FoodTech subsidiary, specializes in innovative fruit and vegetable varieties that naturally self-dry on the vine while maintaining nutritional value and flavor. Supree Semi-dried tomatoes: GROWN TO BE A SUPERFOOD Supree's first product line is a unique semi-dried tomato varieties that stand out for their delicious taste, high nutritional value and one year frozen shelf-life. The uniqueness of these varieties is in their skin's structure that is filled with microcracks which enables natural moisture evaporation. This natural drying process preserves the rich taste, vibrant color, vitamins, and antioxidants, resulting in a superfood that loses about 80% of its original weight when ripe, intensifying flavor and nutritional concentration. Supree's semi-dried tomatoes are perfect for various culinary applications from snacks, salads and cooked dishes, baked goods, and even desserts. The thawed product retains its quality, texture, and nutritional value and is available throughout the year, regardless of growing season. The tomatoes can also serve as a versatile natural ingredient. Tomato powder derived from these tomatoes enriches processed food products across various industries, including meat products, meat substitutes, healthy beverages, and snacks. Presently, Supree is targeting premium B2B markets in Israel, Europe, and the Middle East, including restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and food manufacturers. Leading chefs, such as Chef Ran Shmueli from the Claro restaurant, Tel Aviv, have tried Supree's semi-dried tomatoes. Chef Shmueli remarked, "We are always happy to incorporate high-quality, innovative Israeli ingredients into our menus. Occasionally, I come across something truly new. And such are the cherry tomatoes that self-dry on the vine. Their taste, uniqueness, and innovation elevate and enrich our dishes and menus." The potential market size for Supree's tomatoes is estimated to reach USD 1.5 billion by 2030. Supree anticipates that its semi-dried tomatoes will create a new category within the USD 16 billion market for dried tomatoes. Additionally, the tomatoes may serve as a substitute product for the USD 10.2 billion dried fruit market, the USD 4.4 billion frozen fruit market, and the USD 60 billion superfood market. Our projections consider the market shares of these segments and take into account market education and penetration rates. Elevating sustainability and cost efficiency, Supree's tomato varieties enable optimal seasonal growth, eliminating the need for artificial heating or cooling. Immediate post-harvest drying, packaging, and freezing significantly reduce fruit loss along the supply chain. In addition, mechanical harvesting is planned and is expected to bring substantial savings in labor cost, ultimately reducing tomato prices. To facilitate the production and processing of the first product, Supree has signed a partnership agreement with Tzabar Tech, which strengthens the agricultural foundation and promotes technological innovation in agrifood-tech. Together, the companies will establish a joint venture, with Tzabar Tech providing its expertise in farming and trading of agricultural produce to support the unique growing and post-harvesting processes of the tomatoes. NRGene's CEO, Gil Ronen, emphasized, "Israeli farmers aspire for unique products that can be exported to global markets, aiming to increase their income and strengthen the Israeli economy. Supree focuses on developing innovative agricultural products manufactured in Israel for the global market. NRGene's technology will allow Supree to reach markets rapidly with highly unique products. To maximize the project's success, we decided to collaborate with Tzabar Tech and are confident that our joint efforts will bring even greater success to the project." Tzabar Tech's CEO, Gilad Mintz, stated, "The collaboration between Tzabar Tech and Supree presents an excellent opportunity to integrate innovative growth technologies, while allowing farmers to improve work processes and achieve more profitable yields." About Supree: Supree is an Israeli food-tech company specializing in the production of self-drying fruits and vegetables. Leveraging NRGene's genomics and AI technology, Supree aims to bring new naturally dried fruits and vegetables to the market, enriching food with tasty, healthy, and long shelf-life products. For more information, visit the company's website: www.supree.co. About NRGene: NRGene is an AgTech company focusing on research, development, and commercialization of IP-intensive technologies and novel traits and varieties of crops and animals. With a vast proprietary database and AI-based technologies, NRGene accelerates and improves the natural development of key crops and animals in the global agriculture and food industries. For more information, visit the company's website: www.nrgene.com. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2329035/NRGene_Supree.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2329036/Supree_Logo.jpg Media contact: Yana Voldman VP Strategy and Growth [email protected] SOURCE NRGene OCLC adds WorldCat Entities identifiers to WorldCat records and integrates linked data functionality into cataloging services already used by libraries DUBLIN, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OCLC, the worldwide leader in library cataloging and metadata services, is developing linked data services, products, and datasets that provide the descriptive resources needed to curate data at scale and across workflows. This work connects library resources to the knowledge streams that inform our everyday lives. WorldCat bibliographic records are now enriched with WorldCat Entities uniform resource identifiers (URIs), establishing a bridge between MARC data and linked dataconnecting data across local systems and workflows. Current cataloging applications have been and will continue to be enhanced to add valuable linked data elements into existing workflows. And new, innovative services will be rolled out later this year to further enable libraries to manage and integrate linked data at a pace that's right for them. "OCLC's approach to collaborative management of library data at scale has been successful for more than 50 years, supporting library practices, ethics, and values while advancing new technologies, services, and expertise," said Skip Prichard, OCLC President and CEO. "Successful incorporation of linked data into widespread library practice will require a stable and scalable infrastructure. With WorldCat as the foundation, we can better translate today's data formats into linked data and integrate that linked data into the workflows of thousands of libraries around the world." As libraries continue to focus on new ways to facilitate the creation and sharing of knowledge, and as the volume and variety of information increases, metadata and metadata expertise are more important than ever. The move to linked data expands librarians' role as knowledge workers to enhance discovery. It also embeds the library more deeply in knowledge creation and sharing on campus and in the community. Evolving library data into linked data allows unique, valuable library metadata to be represented in other sources on the web, through smart devices, and for use in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). OCLC has the infrastructure, tools, and community-informed expertise to support libraries through this metadata transformation. "Any replacement of MARC-based cataloging with linked data services will take time and careful evaluation," said Gina Winkler, OCLC Executive Director, Metadata and Digital Services. "We're in a unique position to partner with libraries at every step. Our approach is inclusive and supports libraries moving at a pace that works for them." Visit oc.lc/linkeddata for more detailed information, and to subscribe to stay informed of how OCLC is supporting libraries with new linked data initiatives. About OCLC OCLC is a nonprofit global library organization that provides shared technology services, original research, and community programs so that libraries can better fuel learning, research, and innovation. Through OCLC, member libraries cooperatively produce and maintain WorldCat, the most comprehensive global network of data about library collections and services. Libraries gain efficiencies through OCLC's WorldShare, a complete set of library management applications and services built on an open, cloud-based platform. It is through collaboration and sharing of the world's collected knowledge that libraries can help people find answers they need to solve problems. Together as OCLC, member libraries, staff, and partners make breakthroughs possible. OCLC, WorldCat and WorldShare are trademarks and/or service marks of OCLC, Inc. Third-party product, service and business names are trademarks and/or service marks of their respective owners. For more information: Contact Bob Murphy at [email protected] or +1-614-761-5136 SOURCE OCLC TSXV: PGZ | OTCQX: PGZFF | FSE: 2EU Canada Honda target: 3km north of expanding La Romana copper-tin discovery Best gold intercept to date at Canada Honda; every hole hitting mineralization Gravity target spans over 2km, indicating significant size potential Drill program expanding east and west, targeting continuity of the copper-gold mineralization VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pan Global Resources Inc. ("Pan Global" or the "Company") (TSXV: PGZ) (OTCQX: PGZFF) (FSE: 2EU) is pleased to announce results for two further drillholes from an 11-hole step out drill program at the Canada Honda copper-gold (Cu-Au) discovery, on the Company's 100% owned Escacena Project in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, southern Spain. Drilling has resumed, with additional holes planned targeting extensions of Canada Honda copper and gold mineralization. Figure 1 - Canada Honda gravity anomaly map showing locations for new drillholes CHD09 and CHD10, and cross-section locations A-A (Figure 2) and B-B (Figure 3). Figure 2 - Cross section A-A, showing select assay results and simplified geology for new drillhole CHD09, and hole CHD08 (reported January 11, 2024). The results show copper-gold mineralization beneath a thrust fault, and gold above in the hanging wall. Figure 3 - Cross section B-B, showing select assay results and simplified geology for new drillhole CHD10, and hole CHD05 (reported September 8, 2023). The results show copper-gold mineralization extending from surface to 300m downdip. "These excellent results provide further indication of size potential and continuity of the copper-gold mineralization at the Canada Honda target. We are also excited about the results showing significant gold in the structural hanging wall at Canada Honda," said Tim Moody, President and CEO of Pan Global. "The next steps at Canada Honda include further drilling to test for shallow extensions in the east, where copper-gold soil geochemistry indicates the mineralization comes to surface, and further test a large gravity target that extends for two kilometers to the west." Highlights: Drillhole CHD09 1m at 0.45% Cu, 10.5g/t Au , 9.5g/t Ag, 0.12% Co from 120m , and 1m at 1.12g/t Au, 7.9g/t Ag, 0.26% Zn from 133m , and 20m at 1.09g/t Au, 0.6g/t Ag from 154m , including 2m at 5.83g/t Au, 2.7g/t Ag , and 2m at 0.12% Cu, 2.09g/t Au, 0.6g/t Ag from 227m , and 13m at 0.51% Cu, 0.36g/t Au, 2.7g/t Ag from 254m , including 8.1m at 0.61% Cu, 0.52g/t Au, 3.3g/t Ag , including 3.1m at 1.01% Cu, 0.45g/t Au, 4.8g/t Ag Drillhole CHD10 13m at 0.59% Cu, 0.34g/t Au, 2.0g/t Ag from 150m , including 5.6m at 1.15% Cu, 0.67g/t Au, 3.8g/t Ag , and 2m at 0.21% Cu, 5.25g/t Au, 1.1g/t Ag from 174m Hole ends in 1.1m at 0.27% Cu, 0.42g/t Au, 1.6g/t Ag from 198m Hole CHD09 extends the copper-gold mineralization 80m down-dip from previous drillhole CHD08 and expands the gold mineralization down-dip from previous drillhole CHD08 and expands the gold mineralization CHD10 successfully tested a down-hole electromagnetic target, confirming copper-gold mineralization 140m downdip beneath a historical mine tunnel Two styles of mineralization are recognized at Canada Honda: Copper-gold volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) style mineralization (pyrite, chalcopyrite), including stockwork, semi-massive and massive-sulphides hosted within shales, similar to the host rocks at the former Aznalcollar and Los Frailes mines, 4km to the east; and Gold mineralization associated with quartz-sulphide (pyrite, and lesser chalcopyrite, sphalerite and arsenopyrite) veins and stockwork within folded and fractured shale and quartzites, in the structural hanging wall above the copper-gold mineralization Table 1 Canada Honda Selected Drill Results Hole ID From To Interval1 Cu Au Ag Co Pb Zn m m m % g/t g/t ppm ppm ppm CHD09 120.0 121.0 1.0 0.45 10.50 9.5 1200 207 536 and 133.0 134.0 1.0 0.07 1.12 7.9 52 694 2550 and 154.0 174.0 20.0 0.01 1.09 0.6 73 7 51 incl. 154.0 156.0 2.0 0.04 5.83 2.7 68 20 83 incl. 164.0 166.0 2.0 0.01 2.57 0.8 124 19 80 and 227.0 228.0 1.0 0.24 3.60 0.9 122 10 89 and 254.0 267.0 13.0 0.51 0.36 2.7 115 38 101 incl. 258.9 267.0 8.1 0.61 0.52 3.3 138 46 111 incl. 258.9 262.0 3.1 1.01 0.45 4.8 213 46 106 CHD10 150.0 163.0 13.0 0.59 0.34 2.1 119 28 100 incl. 150.0 155.6 5.6 1.15 0.67 3.8 227 46 147 incl. 153.0 155.6 2.6 1.98 1.12 5.4 311 51 103 and 174.0 176.0 2.0 0.21 5.25 1.1 85 19 55 and 198.0 199.1 1.1 0.27 0.42 1.6 50 67 431 1 Approximate true thickness Table 2 Canada Honda Drillhole Collar Information Hole ID Easting 2 Northing 2 Azimuth (o) Dip (o) Length (m) CHD09 737281 4156409 180 -78 278.0 CHD10 737228 4156287 198 -55 199.1 2 Coordinate system: UTM30N ERTS89 Further drill results will be released as soon as they are received. About the Escacena Project The Escacena Project comprises a large, contiguous, 5,760-hectare land package controlled 100% by Pan Global in the east of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Escacena is located near the operating mine at Riotinto and is immediately adjacent to the former Aznalcollar and Los Frailes mines where Minera Los Frailes/Grupo Mexico is in the final permitting stage with construction anticipated to start in 2024. The Escacena Project hosts Pan Global's La Romana copper-tin-silver and Canada Honda copper-gold discoveries and a number of other prospective targets, including, Bravo, Barbacena, El Pozo, Romana Norte, San Pablo, Zarcita, Hornitos, La Jarosa, and Romana Deep. About Pan Global Resources Pan Global Resources Inc. is actively targeting copper-rich mineral deposits, given copper's compelling supply-demand fundamentals and outlook for strong long-term prices as a critical metal for global electrification and energy transition. The Company's flagship Escacena Project is located in the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in southern Spain, where a favourable permitting track record, excellent infrastructure, mining and professional expertise, and support for copper as a Strategic Raw Material by the European Commission collectively define a tier-one jurisdiction for mining investment. The Pan Global team comprises proven talent in exploration, discovery, development, and mine operations - all of which are committed to operating safely and with utmost respect for the environment and our partnered communities. The Company is a member, and operates under the principles, of the United Nations Global Compact. QA/QC Procedures Core size was HQ (63mm) and all samples were core. Nominal sample size was 1m core length and ranged from 0.5 to 2m. Sample intervals were defined using geological contacts with the start and end of each sample physically marked on the core. Diamond blade core cutting and sampling was supervised at all times by Company staff. Duplicate samples of core were taken approximately every 30 samples and Certified Reference materials inserted every 25 samples in each batch. Samples were delivered to ALS laboratory in Seville, Spain and assayed at the ALS laboratory in Ireland. All samples were crushed and split (method CRU-31, SPL22Y), and pulverized using (method PUL-31). Gold analysis was by 50gm fire assay with ICP finish (method Au-ICP22) and multi element analysis was undertaken using a 4-acid digest with ICP AES finish (method ME-ICP61). Over grade base metal results were assayed using a 4-acid digest ICP AES (method OG-62). Over grade tin was determined using peroxide fusion with ICP finish (method Sn-ICP81x). Qualified Persons James Royall, Vice President Exploration for Pan Global Resources and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information for this media release. Mr. Royall is not independent of the Company. Forward-looking statements Statements which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information included in this media release are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, environmental, and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products, and prices. Readers should refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of its audited financial statements filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission. The forward-looking information contained in this media release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this media release. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Jason Mercier, VP Investor Relations and Communications, [email protected] / [email protected], Tel: +1-778-372-7101 / +1-604-689-9930, www.panglobalresources.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2329412/Pan_Global_Resources_Inc__PAN_GLOBAL_DRILLS_MULTIPLE_GOLD_AND_CO.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2329413/Pan_Global_Resources_Inc__PAN_GLOBAL_DRILLS_MULTIPLE_GOLD_AND_CO.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2329415/Pan_Global_Resources_Inc__PAN_GLOBAL_DRILLS_MULTIPLE_GOLD_AND_CO.jpg ROCHELLE PARK, N.J., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PANOS brands, LLC ("PANOS"), a provider of branded consumer foods, is pleased to announce that effective today it has acquired certain assets of Tessemae's LLC, including the Salad Dressings & Condiments Business ("Tessemae's", www.tessemaes.com). Tessemae's is a leading brand in refrigerated and shelf stable organic salad dressings. "Tessemae's offers a range of great tasting, organic salad dressings that consumers love. The products align with consumer interest in clean labels, and will be a great complement to our Walden Farms line of better for you salad dressings," said Darcy Zbinovec, CEO of PANOS brands. "We're excited to partner with Retailers to expand availability of Tessemae's across markets to service the strong consumer interest in the refrigerated and shelf stable dressings." "We're excited to partner with Retailers to expand availability of Tessemae's across markets." Post this About PANOS brands PANOS brands is a consumer food products company that manages a unique portfolio of shelf-stable and perishable specialty food brands across multiple categories and channels. PANOS is an acronym that precisely defines the company's mission to offer Premium, Authentic, Natural, Organic, and Specialty foods throughout the world. True to its namesake the ancient Greek word for torch we like to think of our brands as a beacon for consumers who are increasingly demanding a wide spectrum of quality, better-for-you specialty foods. PANOS brands products can be found at most natural, specialty and traditional grocery stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.PANOSbrands.com. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE PANOS brands, LLC SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Primer Technologies, an AI/ML technology firm specializing in decision-ready AI, has appointed three accomplished professionals to its executive leadership team. Leonard Law joins as Chief Product Officer. Leonard has decades of product experience from his time as Head of Product at Coinbase and his various senior level positions at Google where he led product initiatives for YouTube and Google Cloud. Edgar Ejercito, the company's new Chief Financial Officer, brings over 20 years of public and private company finance experience from his time at various software companies, including most recently Everlaw. In addition, Edgar, a former U.S. Navy submarine officer, provides firsthand experience of the need for the kind of operational intelligence that our Armed Forces require and that Primer delivers. Adam Wergeles, Primer's Executive Vice President and General Counsel, brings over 30 years of experience as an executive and general counsel for public and private technology companies. The leadership team further expands with additional appointments, including: Toni Hipp , Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff to the CEO, previously served as Chief of Staff at Google, Deloitte, and the CIA. , Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff to the CEO, previously served as Chief of Staff at Google, Deloitte, and the CIA. Eman Blair, Vice President of Intelligence Community Strategy and Business Development, brings over two decades of experience as a senior technology leader in the U.S. Intelligence Community. Brent Williams , Vice President of Infrastructure and Security, previously Chief Information Security Officer at SurveyMonkey with a background at Accenture, Salesforce, and the CIA. , Vice President of Infrastructure and Security, previously Chief Information Security Officer at SurveyMonkey with a background at Accenture, Salesforce, and the CIA. Brian Gershkoff, Vice President of Solution Architecture, brings extensive expertise from leadership roles at Rebellion Defense, Descartes Labs, and as Chief Knowledge Officer and Deputy Chief Data Officer at U.S. Special Operations Command. "We are thrilled to welcome these exceptionally talented leaders to our team," said Sean Moriarty, Primer's CEO. "Their collective expertise will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and provide critical solutions to our military, intelligence, and public sector customers." Moriarty added, "Our ongoing ability to attract employees of this caliber and level of experience is a testament to the extraordinary opportunity Primer has to be the leading provider of decision-ready AI to the world's most critical institutions." About Primer Primer's AI software is deployed by the U.S. Government, strategic allies, and Fortune 100 companies to extract timely insight and decision advantage from massive datasets. Primer has offices in Arlington, Virginia and San Francisco, California. For more information, please visit www.primer.ai. SOURCE Primer PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Privakey, a pioneering provider of passwordless authentication and authorization solutions, proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking Single Sign-On (SSO) solution designed exclusively for enterprises. This innovative solution marks a significant leap towards robust cybersecurity while simplifying access. Recent incidents, reminiscent of those faced by leading organizations, emphasize the critical need for passwordless authentication and authorization. Cybercriminals, through clever social engineering, exploit traditional password systems, causing significant financial damage. Privakey SSO offers a proactive solution, significantly reducing the risk of costly breaches. Unmatched Security and Simplicity Privakey's Passwordless SSO introduces a powerful cryptographic authenticator seamlessly incorporating your biometric data, PIN, and passkey for both authentication and authorization purposes. Accessible through mobile devices (iOS and Android) or using cutting-edge passkey technology on Macs and PCs, Privakey's solution redefines simplicity and security. Privakey SSO transforms the user authentication experience. It eliminates the frustration and hassle of passwords and out-of-band codes. Instead, Privakey offers users the fastest and most convenient method for accessing cloud-based applications and services, while dramatically reducing the risk of attacks. Enhanced Identity Verification and Seamless Integration with Existing Systems Privakey SSO boasts a built-in identity verification feature. A biometric or PIN asserted by the user, plus the device-based secure passkey verifies the user's identity as originally registered, adding an additional layer of security. It serves as a secure gateway to a multitude of digital services. Privakey SSO can function as a standalone, lightweight company identity platform, or it can be quickly integrated to provide fast and easy passwordless login to industry-leading enterprise identity solutions from Microsoft, Google, Okta, and others. Swift and Elegant Implementation "Privakey SSO is designed for speed and simplicity in both implementation and user experience. Small and medium-sized businesses can have Privakey SSO up and running within hours. Large enterprises benefit from a single, highly secure passwordless gateway to authorized applications and services," stated Charles Durkin, CEO of Privakey. "We've engineered our solution to be fast, easy to use, scalable, and robust, ready to help you eliminate passwordsthe primary target of cybercriminals. It's ideal for healthcare, financial services, ecommerce, legal, and IT sectors." Join the Privakey SSO Free Beta Test To experience the future of secure access, join the Privakey SSO Free Beta Test, launching on January 30, 2024, and concluding on May 31, 2024. To register for participation in the Beta Test, please visit the Privakey website at www.privakey.com . About Privakey Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, Privakey leads in passwordless authentication and authorization, with founders experienced in government security. The company offers a comprehensive suite of solutions for workforce and customer-facing identity, authentication, and authorization, centered around its industry-leading Central eXchange (CX) technology. This technology efficiently brokers authentication requests in a secure, rapid, and scalable way. Privakey's SSO and Identity Services (IdS) are based on CX technology, with IdS APIs offering direct access to CX capabilities, enabling companies to integrate Privakey's speed and simplicity into their workflows and transactions. Privakey holds key patents foundational to CX technology and modern passwordless identity solutions, including US9813400, US10348715, and US10904234. More Information Visit www.privakey.com for details about Privakey, the Beta Test, and innovative Passwordless SSO and its other solutions. Contact: Ms. Sofie Granadino Social Media Marketing Manager Email: [email protected] Phone: 626-399-5006 SOURCE Privakey, Inc. NEST360 alliance with 5 sub-Saharan countries chart urgent and actionable path to U.N. sustainable development goal by 2030 HOUSTON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST360) international alliance today launches Phase 2 of its groundbreaking mission to reduce newborn mortality in sub-Saharan Africa with $65 million in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, The ELMA Foundation, and generous individual contributions. Rebecca Richards-Kortum (from left), Dr. Msandeni Chiume, Abiy Seifu Estifanos, Dr. Nahya Salim, Reginald DesRoches, Dr. William Macharia, Amy Ditmar, Maria Oden and Prof. Chinyere Ezeaka (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University) Of the estimated 2.3 million newborns who die every year around the globe mostly from preventable causes, African countries have the highest rates of mortality. An African newborn has almost 10-times the risk of neonatal death compared to a baby born in Europe or the U.S. Adequate medical care could ensure the survival of 75% of the estimated 1.1 million African newborns who die each year. By focusing on sub-Saharan Africa, the NEST360 mission is strategically aligned with the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically targeting SDG 3.2, the goal to limit newborn deaths to no more than 12 per 1000 live births by 2030. "NEST360 is an international alliance of clinical, biomedical, and public health experts from 22 leading institutions and organizations," said NEST360 co-founder Rebecca Richards-Kortum, a bioengineering professor at Rice University. "Improving quality for small and sick newborn care in NEST360-implementing countries and beyond requires a systems-change approach that cuts across all levels of care. "This includes addressing the multiple clinical needs of the individual patient; ensuring the design, availability, and maintenance of appropriate equipment and sufficient clinical and biomedical staff at facilities across a district; and implementing national policies to support overall care." This second, five year phase of the initiative will build upon the progress achieved in Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, and Nigeria during the initial phase (2019-2023), where the alliance, in partnership with the countries' governments, improved the quality of care for about 100,000 babies admitted each year to the 67 hospitals implementing NEST360. With a target fundraising goal of $90 million, this next phase will impact five key countries that together contribute to almost 50% of the newborn deaths on the continent. In Phase 2, the alliance's reach will grow to 144 implementing hospitals, with expansion of the network to Ethiopia. Newborns face very different chances of survival around the world, simply due to where they were born. Small and sick babies are especially vulnerable, as they can require around-the-clock care involving more than one medical device or procedures to sustain vital functions like breathing, thermoregulation, or to fight infection. Nearly half of all childhood deaths occur during the first four weeks of life, with the riskiest day being the first day after birth. "I firmly believe that together, we can and must make this possible," said NEST360 co-founder Dr. Queen Dube, Newborn Health Program Lead of the Department for Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Ageing at the World Health Organization. "What makes NEST360 unique is that they co-design a package of care with African governments to implement and improve newborn survival in their front-line hospitals." A collaborative effort of organizations based in Africa, the U.S., and the U.K., the alliance takes a strategic data-driven approach to improving newborn care in sub-Saharan Africa. "Most approaches to small and sick newborn care have focused on single interventions, but most newborns will have more than one problem and, therefore, require multiple interventions," said NEST360 co-founder Dr. Nahya Salim, a clinical pediatric specialist at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. "As a clinician, I have learned firsthand how important it is to have the right space, the right devices, adequately trained staff, and locally owned data to ensure every newborn can arrive, survive, and thrive." NEST360 focuses on three critical pillars to ensure implementation of a health systems package that encompasses not only the provision of life-saving equipment but also effective utilization and integration for sustainability: Delivering Innovation: NEST360 deploys effective medical technologies suitable for low-resource settings. The aim is to identify existing devices for effective, rugged, and affordable use in these environments and, where needed, to accelerate the creation and scale of new solutions. Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies is dedicated to advancing technologies for global health and is a critical partner working on this pillar. Establishing an Educational Ecosystem: NEST360 trains health care providers, including nurses, doctors, and biomedical technicians, in the operation, maintenance, and repair of critical newborn care technologies, working to integrate these skills into national curriculums for a sustainable health care workforce. The initiative has developed open-source educational resources, hands-on training programs for clinicians and biomedical engineers, and has established a unique cross-country model for sustainable impact. Implementing Evidence-Based Care: A key to sustainable impact, this pillar involves data-driven approaches for improving quality of care and governmental buy-in. Monitoring and evaluation are crucial for identifying strengths and areas for immediate improvement, as well as for documenting a performance track record that can serve as a blueprint for implementing the NEST360 action model in other contexts/regions. Having achieved coverage across all districts in Malawi during the initial phase of the program, the initiative's 77 new sites in Phase 2 are planned in Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia the latter being the most recent NEST360 partnering nation. The alliance's expansion into Ethiopia builds on an existing national-level initiative, Saving Little Lives. NEST360's robust network of stakeholders and its collaborative approach with African governments support sustainable, country-led change. "Over the last five years, NEST360 has accomplished the seemingly impossible while ensuring that change is being led from within each country. We are excited to be a part of this program for the next five years and to see the positive outcomes that will outlive NEST360," said Dr. Minnie Kibore, senior manager for Child Health and Development at the Children's Investment Fund Foundation. Kibore spoke on behalf of the NEST360 Funding Coordinating Committee, comprised of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation and The ELMA Foundation. "I am inspired by the transformative impact of the NEST360 international alliance. The commitment to reducing newborn mortality in sub-Saharan Africa through innovative solutions, strategic collaboration and a data-driven approach exemplifies the best of global health initiatives," said Rice University President Reginald DesRoches. "The expansion of the NEST360 program reflects a profound dedication to systemic change, addressing not only the clinical needs of individual patients but also the crucial aspects of equipment availability, healthcare staff, and national policies. "This initiative aligns with the core values of our university, emphasizing the role of education, research and innovation and evidence-based care in creating sustainable improvements in newborn health." For more information, visit nest360.org or click here to watch a video of the Phase 2 announcement event. This news release can be found online at news.rice.edu. About Rice University Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of architecture, business, continuing studies, engineering, humanities, music, natural sciences and social sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 4,574 undergraduates and 3,982 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for lots of race/class interaction, No. 2 for best-run colleges and No. 12 for quality of life by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. SOURCE Rice University SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rittal LLC, a global leader in industrial and IT enclosures, introduces the new RiTherm enclosure climate control design platform to simplify and accelerate the design of powerful, sustainable cooling units. With the new RiTherm design software, designers can configure custom cooling units in the Eplan Cloud to help foster a more connected ecosystem. The new RiTherm enclosure climate control software offers a variety of exciting new features that can help manufacturers create more sustainable cooling practices. An energy efficiency calculator helps designers balance required enclosure cooling outputs in a variety of environments with an eye toward reducing energy consumption. This calculator also provides critical insight into how manufacturers can reduce their overall carbon footprint without sacrificing cooling output. RiTherm's integrated calculator helps designers determine the ideal cooling outputs based on specific industrial enclosure configurations. This capability allows designers to meet the cooling output requirements and sustainability goals of each individual customer and provide tailored climate control solutions for a variety of industrial applications. This new software operates entirely in the Eplan Cloud. Not only does this completely digitalize cooling unit design in service of creating a more connected ecosystem, but it also makes it faster than before to configure or modify custom, energy-efficient cooling units. The RiTherm tool continues to drive value through prioritizing documentation by generating certificates of heat-dissipation compliance to help save time and money in cooling unit deployment. Engineered for global use, RiTherm is compatible with 15 different languages and features a mobile app to help designers configure efficient cooling solutions on-the-go. For more information, visit rittal.com/us-en_US/Software/RiTherm , or contact us at email: [email protected] , phone: 800-477-4000. Image Caption: With the new RiTherm design software, designers can configure custom cooling units in the Eplan Cloud to help foster a more connected ecosystem. Image may be reproduced. Please name Rittal LLC as the source. About Rittal LLC Founded in 1982, Rittal LLC is the fully owned US subsidiary of Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, and is headquartered in Schaumburg, IL. With a main production facility in Urbana, OH, a dedicated Modification Center in Houston, TX, and logistic hubs in Urbana, OH; Springfield, OH; Houston, TX; Sparks, NV; and Atlanta, GA, Rittal LLC is fully committed to providing the United States with quality enclosure solutions. Founded in 1961 in Germany, Rittal is a global manufacturer of industrial and IT enclosures, racks, and accessories, including cooling solutions and power management systems for industrial, data center, outdoor, and hybrid applications. As the largest enclosure manufacturer in the world, Rittal provides quality solutions for practically any industrial or IT infrastructure application. Rittal is part of the owner-operated Friedhelm Loh Group along with Eplan. SOURCE Rittal North America LLC AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rollick, the leading provider of marketing technology solutions for the Powersports, RV, and Marine industries, is excited to announce the launch of its new Digital Dealer Subscription Package for marine dealers. This comprehensive package empowers marine dealers with valuable tools to build trust via digital placement of the prestigious NMMA award badge, enhanced website engagement, nurture leads effectively through email automation, and generate quality leads from members, customers, and employees of affinity groups like Sam's Club, AAA, Progressive, eBay, JD Power, and the nation's largest employers. In today's evolving digital landscape, marine shoppers seek deeper online engagement. Rollick's new Package addresses this demand head-on, dramatically improving the way dealers connect with online shoppers to drive more sales. "We are very excited to introduce this comprehensive package for marine dealerships," said Amy Norris, SVP of Dealer Solutions for Rollick. "Our commitment to creating solutions that address our customers' defined needs guided the creation of this package. It includes a mix of our tried-and-true solutions and new offerings that help dealers showcase their accomplishments and more easily glean the results of the NMMA Award Program." Key Features of the Digital Dealer Subscription include: Single Sign On & Consolidated Dashboard to Review NMMA Survey Results View your results across all brands you sell in a single report to save time and more easily act upon the learnings. NMMA Award Badge for Trust Building: For dealers that won a customer satisfaction award via their participation in the NMMA Program, gain credibility and build trust by proudly displaying a digital badge in multiple areas of your website. Enhanced Lead Conversion for Increased Website Engagement: Elevate the online shopping experience by allowing your website shoppers to explore and customize their boat purchase journey, enhancing website engagement and driving conversions. Effective Lead Nurturing: Leverage the power of personalized email automation with Rollick's Nurture product for all leads generated via Rollick sources. Statistics show that 55.6% of marine shoppers find personalized emails about their product of interest most influential in their ultimate purchase decision. Receive Leads from High Quality Customers: Generate quality leads from members, customers, and employees of affinity groups like Sam's Club, AAA, Progressive, eBay, JD Power, and the nation's largest employers. Reach a broader audience and convert prospects into loyal customers with advanced lead generation strategies. For more information on Rollick's new Digital Dealer Subscription Package for Marine dealers, please visit www.rollick.io, or to schedule a demo, visit https://rollick.io/schedule-demo . About Rollick Rollick connects manufacturers, dealers, finance, and insurance providers with in-market consumers in the Powersports, RV, and Marine industries to deliver a seamless customer journey. Rollick's solutions, utilized by over 130 OEMs and thousands of dealers, include new customer acquisition, enterprise lead management, digital retailing, inventory marketing, customer experience/loyalty, and marketing automation. In addition, the company has rapidly built its GoRollick.com outdoor recreational vehicle buying marketplace to include a nationwide network of dealers and an affinity partner network with access to over 250 million high-quality customers, including policyholders of major insurance providers, employees at more than 2,000 top U.S. companies, members of the military, veterans and first responders. For more information, visit Rollick.io. SOURCE Rollick DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rotary, part of Vehicle Service Group (VSG) and Dover (NYSE: DOV), today announced the launch of its new, patent-pending All-Vehicle (AV) lift arms. The arms are a breakthrough innovation designed to make it easier for automotive service professionals to correctly spot and lift nearly any vehicle make and model including next generation electric vehicles (EVs) using a single lift. As vehicle designs have continued to evolve in recent years, selecting the right lift equipment is becoming more of a challenge for automotive service professionals. As a result, automotive service shops have had to utilize multiple types of lifts to provide full service or offer limited service on some vehicles due to space constraints. The new Rotary AV lift arms allow for maximum reach and retraction to properly lift all vehicles within the rated lift capacity using OEM recommended pick up points. Both large and small shops can now easily lift EVs, imports and luxury vehicles without having to turn business away because of the inability to properly lift specific models. "Whether retrofitting an existing Rotary SPOA10 series lift or installing a next-generation lift system with the AV arms, shops will have the only automotive two-post lift they'll ever need," said Jason Matthews, Director of Product Management for Rotary. The AV lift's unique arm design eliminates the need to re-spot vehicles to properly reach OEM recommended pick up points. Its launch is yet another way in which Rotary is 'Serving the Shop' by helping owners and technicians run their repair operations more efficiently and maximize labor time and cost savings. Among the numerous benefits the new AV lift arms bring to the automotive service space are: Full clearance on EVs for easy battery removal and service The shortest arm retraction in the industry by up to 9 inches (ideal for EVs, SUVs and unibodies in addition to standard vehicles) Easier vehicle spotting with a 30% larger pickup range than conventional two-stage lifts The lowest profile arms for a two-post lift in the industry, designed for working on low profile vehicles without interference "The anticipated surge in EV adoption underscores the importance of future-proofing automotive service shops," Matthews added. "The new AV arms are doing that and more by helping shops prepare to service more vehicles, optimize operations and increase profits." For more information about Rotary's AV arms, please visit rotarylift.com/av-arms/. About Rotary: In 1925, Peter Lunati designed, built and patented the first fully hydraulic automotive lift and ushered in a new era in vehicle service with the 'Rotary' name. Nearly a century later, Rotary has grown to become the world leader in vehicle service and repair shop productivity with global operations extending from our headquarters in Madison, Indiana, throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Rotary is committed to 'Serving the Shop' and has purposefully designed equipment to work seamlessly to support shops in the safest, fastest and most efficient way. Rotary offers solutions for vehicle lifting, wheel service, diagnostics and calibration, alignment, A/C service and more supported by world-class training and customer service and backed by the most comprehensive national distribution and service network. Rotary is part of Vehicle Service Group, an operating company of Dover Corporation's Engineered Products segment. For more information, visit RotarySolutions.com. About Vehicle Service Group: As an operating company of the Dover Corporation, Vehicle Service Group (VSG) offers the world's premier brands in vehicle lifting, wheel service, collision repair and aftermarket OEM equipment. With over 95 years of experience, we design, test, manufacture, sell and support our products with one thing in mind: our customer. For more information, visit vsgdover.com . About Dover: Dover is a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider with annual revenue of over $8 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services through five operating segments: Engineered Products, Clean Energy & Fueling, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions and Climate & Sustainability Technologies. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 65 years, our team of over 25,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Dover trades on the New York Stock Exchange under "DOV." Additional information is available at dovercorporation.com . Vehicle Service Group Contact: David Fischmer (812) 265-9543 [email protected] Dover Media Contact: Adrian Sakowicz, VP, Communications (630) 743-5039 [email protected] Dover Investor Contact: Jack Dickens, Senior Director, Investor Relations (630) 743-2566 [email protected] SOURCE Dover SEMICONDUCTOR MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS BANGALORE, India, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to the General Macroeconomic Climate, the Worldwide Semiconductor Market is predicted to have decreased by 10.1% in 2023 to USD 516.1 Billion. The memory integrated circuit (IC) industry has been the most impacted this year. Thankfully, leading worldwide memory IC makers have stabilized shipment prices since the first quarter of 2023 by implementing production reduction measures. The memory integrated circuit (IC) market is estimated to expand at a pace of 46.3% annually and reach USD134.3 Billion in 2024. It is also forecast to increase at a rate of 38.7% and 13.1% annually in 2025 and 2026, respectively. Over the next three years, this industry is anticipated to be a significant growth driver for the semiconductor market worldwide. Claim Your Free Sample Now: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/MICR-Semi-0Q24/Stay_Ahead_2023_Semiconductor_Industry_Research_Value_Pack Major Factors Driving the Growth of Semiconductor Market In 2023, the semiconductor market is expected to rise rapidly due to a number of variables coming together. Developments in technology, especially with regard to semiconductor materials and manufacturing techniques, are making it easier to create powerful devices. Specialized semiconductor solutions are becoming more and more necessary as 5G technology becomes more and more in demand and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) become more prevalent. A variety of semiconductor applications are needed for the growing Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, electric cars , and automotive electronics, all of which are major contributors. The semiconductor industry is being shaped by a discernible move towards sophisticated production techniques, a heightened focus on cybersecurity, and an increasing recognition of the need for environmental sustainability. Together, these elements propel the market's expansion and place semiconductor makers at the forefront of technological advancement in a range of sectors. Unlock Insights: View Full Report Now! https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/MICR-Semi-0Q24/stay-ahead-2023-semiconductor TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE SEMICONDUCTOR MARKET The semiconductor market is expected to develop significantly, mostly due to continuous innovation and technical breakthroughs. Developments in semiconductor design, manufacturing techniques, and materials are propelling the creation of chips that are more potent and efficient. Semiconductor businesses are at the vanguard of offering cutting-edge solutions, driving the market ahead as demand for IoT devices, artificial intelligence , and high-performance computing rises. In 2023, the semiconductor market will be significantly influenced by the rollout of 5G technology . Advanced semiconductor components are needed for 5G networks to be widely used in order to enable higher connection and data rates. The market is growing as a result of semiconductor manufacturers' increased demand for chips made for smartphones, 5G infrastructure, and other connected devices. One important aspect affecting the semiconductor business is the way AI and ML technologies are being integrated into many sectors. Specialized semiconductor solutions, like as high-performance GPUs and accelerators, are required for AI applications. The need for chips designed specifically for AI and ML workloads is anticipated to fuel substantial market development as these technologies become more and more integrated into consumer and enterprise applications. The semiconductor market is seeing significant expansion due to the automobile industry. In-car entertainment and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are two examples of the increasingly complicated automotive electronics that need advanced semiconductor solutions. Furthermore, the increasing use of electric vehicles (EVs) is largely dependent on semiconductor components for features like autonomous driving, power electronics, and battery management systems. Market dynamics are being impacted by supply chain interruptions and shortages, which the semiconductor sector is negotiating. Semiconductor manufacturers are investing in capacity expansion and technical upgrades to fulfill the rising demand for chips across sectors and improve supply chain resilience, which is driving market development. Smaller nanoscale nodes and more sophisticated production techniques are being used by the semiconductor industry. This change minimizes power usage, improves chip performance, and makes it possible to fit more features into smaller form factors. Investing in cutting-edge manufacturing technology can provide semiconductor businesses a competitive edge in the market. The Semiconductor Market is being impacted by the increased focus on cybersecurity, since there is a greater need for dependable and secure chips. Data integrity and protection are top priorities for semiconductor makers as a result of increasingly complex digital threats. Across all industries, the incorporation of security measures into semiconductor designs is becoming important in determining purchase choices. Own It Today Buy Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=MICR-Semi-0Q24&lic=single-user Key Companies: Alchip Semiconductors Amazon Amkor Ardentec Apple ASE Group Apple Inc Macronix Orient Semiconductor MediaTek Quanta Novatek Qorvo Qualcomm Inc Texas Instruments Purchase Chapters: https://reports.valuates.com/request/chaptercost/MICR-Semi-0Q24/Stay_Ahead_2023_Semiconductor_Industry_Research_Value_Pack SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. 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Valuates Reports [email protected] For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/ Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/ https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese Logo - tps://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg SOURCE Valuates Reports NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Evolution AB ("Evolution" or the "Company") (OTC: EVVTY). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Evolution and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On January 24, 2022, Analyst Alpha Generation Limited released a report on Evolution (the "Report") to certain institutional investors. According to subsequent media coverage, the Report stated that (i) a significant portion of Evolution's revenue "could be at risk due to future regulatory clampdowns," and (ii) Evolution was "exposed to revenues from what we [the authors of the Report] believe to be illegal gambling activities." On this news, Evolution's American Depositary Share ("ADS") price fell $19.78 per ADS, or 14.68%, over the following three trading sessions, to close at $115.00 per ADS on January 27, 2022. On April 26, 2022 (that is, on April 25, 2022 in the United States), Australia's gambling regulator announced that it had requested that Australian internet service provides block six online gambling sites, the operators of at least five of which were direct or indirect customers of Evolution's, alleging that the sites were engaged in illegal gambling. On this news, Evolution's ADS price fell $6.02 per ADS, or 6.22%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $96.73 per ADS on April 27, 2022. On May 4, 2022, industry press reported that the Swedish Administrative Court had upheld most of the record Swedish fines of 175 million Swedish Krona (approximately $17.8 million) that had been imposed on brands operated by ComeOn Group, a subsidiary of Cherry AB (publ), a customer of Evolution's, in relation to breaches of Swedish online gambling regulations. On this news, Evolution's ADS price fell $12.34 per ADS, or 10.88%, to close at $101.09 per ADS on May 5, 2022. On May 7, 2022, media outlets reported that industry participants had lobbied the UK government against an overhaul of gambling laws in the UK. On this news, Evolution's ADS price fell $14.84 per ADS, or 14.54%, over the following three trading sessions, to close at $87.25 per ADS on May 11, 2022. On April 27, 2023, Evolution released its financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2023. Among other items, the Company disclosed that Evolution's revenue from the RNG segment of its business did not grow, and that its North American business segment had experienced a low growth rate. On this news, Evolution's ADS price fell $11.24 per ADS, or 8.23%, over the following four trading sessions, to close at $125.26 per ADS on May 2, 2023. Finally, on October 26, 2023, Evolution released its financial and operating results for the third quarter of 2023 and held an analyst call to discuss the results. In its quarterly report and on the analyst call, Evolution disclosed that the Company faced delays in opening new studios and that revenues for its RNG and North American business segments did not grow. On this news, Evolution's ADS price fell $7.15 per ADS, or 7.61%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $86.80 per ADS on October 27, 2023. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP BOSTON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership , a global authority on leadership, gender equity, and inclusion, is pleased to announce the appointment of three Strategic Advisory Board members: Paula Connolly, Partner and Co-Chief Technology Officer at Bain Capital; Denise Millard, Chief Partner Officer at Dell Technologies; and Greg Martin, Head of US, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at John Hancock. "It is with sincere excitement that I welcome three executive leaders to the Strategic Advisory Board," said Susan MacKenty Brady, CEO of the Institute for Inclusive Leadership. "They each have dedicated effort and commitment in creating workplaces that work for everyone and join a global dream team of change-makers who help guide the direction and impact of the Institute. Simmons is proud to be the catalyst that unites the members, and we are deeply honored for the leadership of its advisory board." Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership Welcomes New Executive Board Members Post this "We are thrilled and grateful to have the opportunity to work with these three leaders as the newest members of the Strategic Advisory Board," said Simmons University President Lynn Perry Wooten. "Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago and our institution has a vital role to play in educating the next generation of leaders. Our close partnership with the Institute is critical to our mission and I look forward to working with the Advisory Board as we advance our strategic priorities around every day, equitable leadership." Paula Connolly Partner and Co-Chief Technology Officer at Bain Capital Paula joined Bain Capital in 2011. She is a Partner and Co-Chief Technology Officer. Prior to joining Bain Capital, Paula was a Vice President at Fidelity Investments, where she worked in a variety of technology positions, including production operations, program and project management, disaster recovery management, and technology process and governance. She holds an MBA from Bentley University and a Bachelor of Arts from Clark University. Denise Millard Chief Partner Officer at Dell Technologies Denise's passion for connecting with customers and enabling sales and partner organizations has been a constant throughout her 20+ year career. She previously held senior executive roles, leading Sales Operations, Professional Services, Channel Sales, Learning and Enablement, Field Marketing and Sales Strategy. Intensely committed to developing the next generation of talent, Denise is a strong believer in mentorship and development. She is a long-standing sponsor and contributor to Dell's Women In Action (WIA) Resource Group and most recently served as the Executive Sponsor for the New England WIA chapter. She holds an MBA from Clark University and a BS in Business from Bryant University. Gregory Martin US Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at John Hancock Greg is US Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at John Hancock. As US Head of DEI, he leads the development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that support Manulife/John Hancock's national and global strategy. As a member of Manulife's Global DEI leadership team, he is building a DEI framework that cultivates signature programs focused on engagement, career development, community, and business efficiency. Prior to joining John Hancock Greg served as an Ameriprise Financial Advisor and an Investment Advisor at TD Bank. He has an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Organizational Leadership. About the Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership The founding of the Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership in 2019 builds on the University's rich heritage of igniting positive action, fostering everyday leadership, and striving for lasting social justice. Our vision is simple: Manifest equity in leadership in our lifetime. Through research, corporate and executive education programs, and the Simmons Leadership Conference, the Institute develops the mindset and skills of leaders at all stages of life so they can foster gender parity and cultures of inclusion. SOURCE Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SKF has reached a significant sustainability milestone by entering two Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) purchase agreements in North America. This will enable SKF factories and facilities in the U.S. and Canada to achieve 100% renewable electricity. The first agreement focuses on investing in Green-e certified wind energy. This partnership will span through 2025, reinforcing SKF's commitment to supporting renewable energy sources. The second is a 12-year agreement, starting in 2026, signed with Clearway Energy Group (Clearway) for a portion of the RECs generated from a 452 MW solar farm currently under construction in Kent County, Texas, USA. The agreement with Clearway is SKF's first long-term REC procurement at scale in the U.S. This will enable SKF to effectively address 100% of its annual electricity consumption in its U.S. and Canada facilities with renewable electricity. It will also help SKF make significant strides towards its aim to decarbonize the Group's operations by 2030 and become net zero throughout the value chain by 2050. John Schmidt, President, Industrial Region Americas, says: "At SKF, we firmly believe in the importance of actively contributing to a cleaner and greener future and we are thrilled to make this significant stride toward sustainability. We have set ambitious targets and these renewable energy agreements not only align with our commitment to reducing carbon emissions but also empower us to support the development of renewable energy projects." Valerie Wooley, Senior Vice President of Origination at Clearway, says: "Clearway commends SKF on taking action towards achieving their sustainability targets by committing to a long-term agreement to purchase RECs from our solar project in Kent County." The agreements are part of SKF's broader sustainability agenda, which includes initiatives to reduce energy consumption, increase use of renewable energy, and minimize environmental impact. Schneider Electric supported SKF in the selection of and negotiations for both projects. RECs generated from Clearway's solar farm will be listed with the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS). This means that it will meet all requirements for certification pursuant to the Green-e Renewable Energy Standard for the U.S. and Canada. Aktiebolaget SKF (publ) CONTACT: For further information, please contact: PRESS: Carl Bjernstam, Head of Media Relations tel: 46 31-337 2517; mobile: 46 722-201 893; e-mail: [email protected] INVESTOR RELATIONS: Patrik Stenberg, Head of Investor Relations tel: 46 31-337 2104; mobile: 46 705-472 104; [email protected] The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/637/3917865/2570442.pdf 20240130 SKF secures 100% renewable electricity in the U.S. and Canada https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-rec-tsn-1,c3261986 SKF REC TSN 1 https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-rec-tsn-2,c3261987 SKF REC TSN 2 https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-john-schmidt,c3261989 SKF John Schmidt SOURCE SKF Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki seems to invoke his characters and scenes from another era. And yet, his films resemble timeless, enduring fables. Fallen Leaves, his most recent movie that brought him back from the retirement he announced in 2017, tells the story of Ansa and Holppa, two solitary individuals who meet by chance in the Helsinki night and try to find the first, last and only loves of their lives. The road towards this worthy goal is clouded by the mans alcoholism, lost telephone numbers, not knowing each others names or addresses, and fates love of putting obstacles in the way of those seeking happiness. The Finns new film takes place in the universe of his so-called proletariat trilogy, formed by Shadows in Paradise (1986), Ariel (1988) and The Match Factory Girl (1990). Autumn Leaves sees protagonists Alma Poysti (Helsinki, 42 years old) and Jussi Vatanen (Sonkajarvi, 45 years old) star in a comedy full of tenderness and a luminous nostalgia. The film takes place in 2024, but hints at the 1970s or 80s with an obvious anachronism, which is on display in details like an analog radio in a pub, where people listen to the news from Russias war in Ukraine. For actors, its great that many of the scenes are quite tragic, but at the same time, they can be funny. I guess thats how it is in life as well. Even though your life can be miserable, theres still something funny about it, says Vatanen on a videocall with his co-star. I guess humor is kind of a basic force that helps you get through the day in life, and especially in the lives of Kaurismakis characters, says Poysti. Kaurismaki is well-known as a lover of film. Even when hes crafting a portrait of the devastation of war, capitalisms ruthlessness and the isolation of contemporary life, one of the movies central themes is how movies and the love of the seventh art plays a role for these characters, in their lives and relationships. In some films, that might seem like a superficial gimmick, but Poysti says that in Autumn Leaves, it comes from a deeper place. There is nothing elitist in the way that Kaurismaki does it. Its as if in some way he was carrying on a dialogue with his cinematographic gods. Hes winking at Chaplin, Godard and Jim Jarmusch. But hes including all of us. It comes from a very passionate, and I guess, loving and very respectful place. Its like the whole film is full of these hidden gems. And some of them youll understand and some of them you might not. But its not something that limits you from enjoying the film, the actress says. Chaplin is still the best, he kept it simple, the Finnish director said in an interview in Cannes, where the movie was awarded the Jury Prize. Regarded as a master of self-control, with short but meaningful sentences, the director of Shadows in Paradise put his protagonists to the test with Autumn Leavess minimalist script, requesting that they not rehearse beforehand, and only do one take per scene. Vatanen says that it was very easy to trust Kaurismaki, given that when the actor was seven or eight years old, the director had already presented work at Cannes. Poysti admits that at first, the lack of rehearsal and challenge presented by getting it right on one take was quite terrifying. She remembers him telling them, If you make a mistake, we can do two takes. If it is a disaster, you can do three. Of course, Kaurismaki was joking, but it was also true. With this task looming, the actress set aside time to watch all of his films, not only because she wanted to feel a connection with the long chain of his filmography, which has already reached a total of 20 films. Like her co-star, she agrees on the importance of the art of trust. The quality you get with that single shot is extraordinary, because they become so precious. The moments stand out and become extremely honest and pure. And at least what I learned is that when you repeat something, theres that little layer of pretending that it never happened. And if you manage to capture it in one shot, you get very raw and honest moments. And you really start to love it. You become obsessed with capturing those moments, chasing them and getting it right. I guess I went from being a little terrified to absolutely loving every layer of work, Poysti says. Autumn Leaves is available in selected cinemas and is streaming on the Mubi platform. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Foss Swim School's donation, paired with a gift match, will help provide more than 13,000 free or low-cost swim lessons to children in need through Foss Swim School's scholarship program ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Step Into Swim , a non-profit initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) dedicated to creating more swimmers through safe swim education, today announced a strategic partnership with Foss Swim School . Foss Swim School's substantial donation and a direct match for this gift from the PHTA Board of Directors will help Step Into Swim offer a grant to Foss Swim School's scholarship program. The grant will provide 13,000 free or low-cost swim lessons that will give children in six Midwest states access to the lifesaving skill of learning to swim in 2024. John Foss and Rowdy Receiving swim lessons from a qualified instructor reduces the risk of drowning by 88% among children ages 1 4. This underscores the importance of water safety programs, like those provided through Foss Swim School, that save lives through swim education and create safer swimmers to help drive down the drowning rate. Step Into Swim will be able to make a positive impact across a wide range of communities in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin thanks to the generous donation from Foss Swim School paired with a gift match. "I am excited for Step Into Swim to partner with Foss Swim School, pulling our resources together to increase access to safe swim education where it's needed in the Midwest," said Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines, PHTA Vice President of Partnerships & Development who leads the Step Into Swim initiative. "Jon and Susan Foss are innovators in the swim safety world who have impacted millions of lives with their quality swim instruction over the last 30 years. It's inspiring to find a program like Foss that believes in safe swimming just as much as we do." Foss Swim School shares Step Into Swim's commitment to creating safer swimmers and prioritizing drowning prevention education. For more than 30 years, Foss Swim School has focused on making swimming part of child enrichment and building skills for a lifetime of confidence. Foss Swim School has 27 dedicated swim schools in six states across the Midwest, with more schools being built in the next year. "I have always been a huge fan of Rowdy's and when we finally had the chance to meet earlier this year, we instantly bonded over our passion for teaching as many kids water safety skills as possible," shared Foss Swim School co-founder, Jon Foss. "By partnering up with Step Into Swim, we can help give more kids access to lifesaving swim lessons." Contributions like this from Foss Swim School are integral to growing Step Into Swim's mission. Step Into Swim raised over $1,000,000 in 2023, which has provided grants to more than 100 facilities in 35 states and funded swim lessons for 27,000 children. The initiative has gifted swim lessons to more than 330,000 children since 2012 through YMCAs, Jewish Community Centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, and many more. Step Into Swim is funded through contributions and 100 percent of donations go to learn-to-swim programming. To learn more, visit https://www.stepintoswim.org/ . To learn more about or to apply for a scholarship with Foss visit their website . About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance & Step Into Swim The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with 3,800 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth to increase our members' professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA facilitates the expansion of swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org . Step Into Swim is an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance committed to safe swim education and drowning prevention. By investing in the next generation of swimmers through learn-to-swim programs, the Step Into Swim initiative instills confidence, empowers long-term participation in water activities, touts the positive benefits of water play, and advocates for safe practices. Since its inception in 2012, Step Into Swim has played a role in reducing drowning fatalities and has gifted swim lessons to more than 330,000 children with support from community organizations, partners, industry advocates, members and more. For more information, visit www.stepintoswim.org . About Foss Swim School Jon and Susan Foss opened their first swim school in 1993. They created an age-appropriate curriculum, helping even the youngest swimmers confidently learn water adjustment, safety, strokes, and technique. With 30 years of expertise, FOSS has redefined the swim lesson experience by providing a fun, original, technically sound, and safer style of teaching. FOSS currently has 27 schools in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Learn more by visiting www.fossswimschool.com or looking us up on our social channels. Media Contact: Amy Willer Director, Content and Communications Pool & Hot Tub Alliance 703-838-0083, ext. 121 | [email protected] Rachael Blom Director of Marketing Foss Swim School 952-935-8969 | [email protected] SOURCE Foss Swim School Rebrand includes strategic staff expansion and promotions to strengthen capacity and client support WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Betty&Smith, a strategic communications and advertising firm, is now alignco a company for today's changemakers and tomorrow's. Founded in 2018, the firm and its clients work to tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time poverty, healthcare, racial inequity, climate, threats to personal freedoms, and the future of our democracy. Along with the launch of the alignco brand, the firm is announcing a strategic expansion of its team, as well as the promotions of several team members. Founding partners Alison Betty and David Smith begin this new venture with decades of experience working at the center of some of the most competitive candidate, independent expenditure, and issue advocacy campaigns in the country. They are joined by a seasoned team of strategists responsible for creating award-winning campaigns for the nation's leading foundations, trade associations, membership organizations and political candidates and committees. Strategic Communications and Advertising Firm Betty&Smith Rebrands as alignco Post this "We've known for a while that we wanted to create a new brand that is a reflection of our expanded team and shared values," said David Smith, founding partner. "As we approach this next election with so much on the line, from basic human rights to the future of our democracy, we begin this new chapter at a larger scale, powered by a brilliant team of innovators in campaign development, advertising, coalition building, digital media, and storytelling." "This is a natural evolution that represents the company we have become. We will continue to work with candidates, advocates, funders and more," said Alison Betty, founding partner. "We do it with a clarity of purpose - grounded in the idea that if we more closely align our message with mission, inspiration with action, authenticity with excellence we can fortify progressive causes and the people who lead them." Alignco is pleased to announce changes to the company's expanded team: Rhonda Craig-Williams has been promoted to Vice President. At alignco, Rhonda uses her media savvy to develop campaigns that generate widespread attention and resonate with diverse audiences. Driven by a deep commitment to social justice, Rhonda is passionate about advocating for equitable policies for historically marginalized communities. Adept at crafting compelling narratives and driving impactful messaging campaigns, Rhonda leverages her knack for storytelling and political acumen to help partners effectively convey key messages, enhance their brand reputation, and mobilize grassroots support. Mihika Sapru-Jones has been promoted to Senior Director. Mihika is a data-driven, creative strategist with a passion for unearthing fresh audience perspectives and developing groundbreaking ideas as a result. She builds multi-media campaigns for a wide range of advocacy, philanthropic, and political partners and believes in the power of culture to change culture. A proud first-generation immigrant, Mihika credits her experience living and working across four continents for her passion for creating messages that resonate with diverse audiences. She has long worked at the intersection of digital advertising and progressive issues, having worked on electoral politics, criminal justice reform, and more at a DC-based digital agency, and on gender-based violence prevention and immigrant justice at a global human rights organization. Benjamin Mitchell joins alignco as a Director. Ben is a writer and a storyteller at heart. As a veteran communications strategist, he goes beyond winning hearts and minds he is committed to moving people to action. At alignco, Ben's background as a network television news producer helps changemakers in and outside of politics hone the right message, tell the real story, and build campaigns that create meaningful change in people's lives. Ben has led winning campaigns on an array of progressive causes including reproductive justice, healthcare access, climate change, and voting rights. Prior to moving to advocacy communications, Ben was an Emmy award-winning producer at CBS News. Sydney HarpsUpshur joins alignco as a Senior Manager. Sydney brings her vast experience in communications, public service, and progressive advocacy that has fueled her passion to create compelling stories that promote equity, foster progress, and increase inclusivity. With a background in strategic public affairs and public relations, she has led comprehensive communication campaigns in federal and municipal government, crafting compelling narratives, and bringing the stories of her candidates and constituents to life. At alignco, Sydney is dedicated to shaping narratives that captivate, inspire, and drive positive change for all. Kenzie Bender has been promoted to Account Executive. Kenzie plays an essential role in equipping advocates and nonprofits with the tailored communications support and resources they need to advance some of the most critical issues of our day. Kenzie applies exceptional project management skills and a deep-seeded passion for progressive causes to deliver on issues ranging from health insurance enrollment, Medicaid expansion, and more. No matter the issue at hand, Kenzie brings a steadfast commitment to our client's cause and helps bring campaigns to life. Prior to joining alignco, Kenzie worked at a national organization building a network of support for cancer patients where she leveraged communications to advocate for policies that ensured patients and survivors could access care and resources. About alignco: alignco is a full-service strategic communications, advertising, and digital agency that partners with today's changemakers and tomorrow's to drive lasting change and build a more equitable, just world. To learn more, visit alignco.us . Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Betty&Smith HOUSTON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Succeeding a uniquely impactful journey in innovation in kids' toys with licensed Lamborghini Roadsters, Licensed Toyota models, and Harley-Davidson Jeep, Teoayeah returns in 2024 with two new models the wiggly electric car N7 Classic and its powerhouse counterpart the N7 Pro. 360 Controls for the most Versatile Experience Teoayeah Roars into 2024 by Unveiling N7 Classic and N7 Pro electric wiggle cars Teoayeah introduces a complete 360 steering wheel for the first time in the domain with these models. Naturally, this translates to the most faithful experience next to the real thing for kids. Why settle for only the outdoors? They take the fun even indoors with thoughtful engineering inclusion of an auto and a manual mode. With the former, your child just presses the power button, and off we go by pressing the pedal. On the manual side, the kids slide with their feet while being in complete control of the steering wheel. Light it Up on Melodious Journeys Teoayeah baked fun and safety seamlessly with the N7 Classic and the N7 Pro. Whenever the car is on, it is not just twisting and gliding, but bright illumination of the front lights can lead the way while the super safe magnetic PU wheels flash with vibrant colors. To make the rides even sweeter, the engineers designed it in a manner that no batteries are required for the bright lights of the cars, enabling a more sustainable lifestyle and being durable simultaneously. Furthermore, the Bluetooth implementation on the cars connects to your smartphone to play your child's favorite tunes as they glide along, cherishing their childhood to the fullest. Ultimate Safety with Anti-Tip Over and Slow-Start Feature Teoayeah places the highest priority on the uncompromising safety of your child. With this motivation, its oversized seats are both ergonomic and safe for your younglings. Constructed on a novel pressure-resistant body, they can carry both you and your child, so no one misses out! It is not just the looks, though. The anti-tip chassis with anti-tip rear wheels and its spring shock system ensures no tips or tilts and realizes the safest ride imaginable. Furthermore, regardless of which model you pick up, Teoayeah has you covered from unwanted sudden impacts using its slow start feature. Present the Gift of a Wholesome Childhood Pediatricians worldwide emphasize the importance of bright colors, music, and lively movements as stimulants of dynamic growth, hand-eye coordination, and balance. Consequently, the vivid cars are a testament to Teoayeah's commitment to hearty childhood development. Moreover, both are effortlessly easy to install. Therefore, the N7 Classic and the N7 Pro make the safest, scholastic, and the most innovative gift for your children or loved ones'. Which One to Pick the Teoayeah N7 Classic or the N7 Pro? The primary difference between the N7 Classic and N7 Pro is in their power. The N7 Classic boasts an impressive 6V battery, whereas the N7 Pro is powered by a gargantuan 12V battery, leading to speeds as high as 4 mph. If you prefer to set the lowest speed for additional safety, the stellar engineering on both the N7 Classic and the N7 Pro includes a safety plug-in button on the cars' underside. So, if your child is entirely new to riding any kind of toy vehicle, go with the N7 Classic. For the ultimate experience, the Teoayeah N7 Pro is the way to go! With the unveiling of the Teoayeah N7 Classic and the N7 Pro, the brand is kicking off 2024 with a bang. Committed to the safest and most joyous rides for your child, the thoughtful engineering behind the two new models is not an accident but a conscious endeavor. Reasonably, Teoayeah is extremely proud to announce the launch of the N7 Classic and N7 Pro. Given all their virtues, pick up the most innovative and scholastically rewarding cars for your child or as a gift. About Teoayeah Teoayeah is a young, energetic brand dedicated to providing children with safe and high-performance riding gifts, each toy car is equipped with specialized safety facilities to meet the riding needs of children of different ages, accompanying and caring for baby's healthy growth! In a very short span of time, Teoayeah has earned extremely high praise from enthusiasts, social media influencers, digital media and consumers. Adhering to the motto of "LOVE, FOLLOW, SHARE", Teoayeah brings the best playmates to accompany childhood to the most adorable audience, providing a wide range of quality gift options for parents, and each gift of love can span happy childhood and leave indelible and precious memories in the hearts of parents and children. To learn more about Teoayeah and to get in touch, please visit www.teoayeah.com. SOURCE Teoayeah Family-style restaurant spreads the love with seasonal specials and meals for two DALLAS, Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Maggiano's Little Italy has announced the return of its specially-crafted Valentine's Day dine-in and carryout menus for couples and some decadent seasonal features for the month of February. As a restaurant focused on bringing people together over the joy of delicious food and drink the Italian-American restaurant is looking forward to delivering extra-special romantic offerings to its guests this holiday! February limited-time menu offerings. During the month of love, Maggiano's will have mouth-watering seasonal features to indulge in including a Shrimp Parmesan appetizer, Bone-in Veal Parmesan and Salmon Oscar entrees as well as a Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake with Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Dinner can be paired with seasonal drinks such as the Rosa Spritz and our monthly wine feature. In addition to its seasonal chef creations, Maggiano's will offer its dine-in "That's Amore" meal for two, available from Thursday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 18, starting at $99. Guests will choose from a number of the restaurant's classic dishes to build a three-course meal, with one appetizer or two side salads, two entrees, and two desserts. There will be plenty of options to choose from including starters like Mozzarella Marinara and Calamari Fritte, hearty mains such as Blackened Salmon with Crispy Calabrian Shrimp and the ever-popular Rigatoni "D" and sweet indulgences such as Maggiano's famous Tiramisu and Warm Apple Crostada. Guests will also have the option to level up their romantic dinners with the addition of a dish, or two, from the February features menu for an additional price. "We are excited to kick-start 2024 with some brand-new and well-loved offerings for our guests," said Larry Konecny, chief concept officer and vice president of Maggiano's Little Italy. "We've worked to create an elegant, intimate atmosphere in each of our restaurants, and paired with our 'That's Amore' menu, you've got yourself the perfect Valentine's Day date venue." For those looking to enjoy a romantic night at home, Maggiano's will also offer a carryout bundle from Feb. 8 - 18 for two, available to order either online or via phone. The bundle contains the following: Italian Meatballs with a savory marinara sauce Maggiano's Salad with smoked bacon, blue cheese, red onions and a house dressing Taylor Street Baked Ziti with Italian sausage, tomato ragu and mozzarella cheese Fettuccini Alfredo with an asiago cream sauce Choice of one of the following entrees Chicken Francese with crispy Vesuvio Potatoes Salmon Lemon & Herb with a white wine herb butter sauce Beef Medallions with Garlic Mashed Potatoes Choice of two of the following desserts New York Style Cheesecake Tiramisu Chocolate Cake Reservations for Valentine's Day, or any day worth celebrating, are available now for dine-in guests via phone, online through Maggianos.com and on the Maggiano's app . Restaurants will be open during regular hours to serve up its love-filled Italian staples for the holiday. About Maggiano's Little Italy Maggiano's Little Italy specializes in Italian-American cuisine served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Maggiano's menu features both classic and contemporary recipes authentic pastas, signature salads, steaks, fresh seafood, regular chef specials and specialty desserts. Maggiano's 50 restaurants nationwide offer lunch and dinner as well as delivery, carryout services and banquet spaces for special occasions. Maggiano's is owned and operated by Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than one million guests daily. Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories. In addition to Maggiano's, Brinker owns and operates Chili's Grill & Bar. Follow news about Maggiano's on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. For additional information, including the restaurant nearest you, please visit maggianos.com. SOURCE Maggianos Little Italy By Andrea Gilman, Early Warning Services LLC, Chief Marketing Officer NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Criminals have been challenging the banking and digital payments space for decades. As the financial services industry began offering safeguards like EMV chips, 3Dsecure, and biometrics, at Early Warning we've seen criminals pivot to new strategies, leveraging their technology know-how and preying on the weakest link of all -- human nature. Andrea Gilman, CMO, Early Warning Services LLC S.A.F.E Squad is a multichannel campaign that helps educate viewers on fraud and scams in an entertaining video format. Thanks to social media and many other channels, it is now easier than ever to tailor crimes to appeal to consumer emotions. Tapping into feelings like pity, fear, greed, and even love are all tools financial criminals have employed to steal upward of 8 billion dollars in 2022, according to the FTC. Financial Criminals Are Growing More Devious Consumers must know the most frequent schemes criminals employ: 'pay yourself' scams, pig butchering, and catfishing. In 'pay yourself' scams, a criminal sends a text or call impersonating your bank or credit union. They offer to stop the fraud and ask that you send money -- often urgently -- to your own phone number or email address, which they claim is now linked to your new bank account. They will often request your OTP (one-time passcode) to authorize the payment and then open a new account they own with your credentials and redirect your money right into their pocket. and ask that you send money -- often urgently -- to your own phone number or email address, which they claim is now linked to your new bank account. They will often request your OTP (one-time passcode) to authorize the payment and then open a new account they own with your credentials and redirect your money right into their pocket. Pig butchering is an elaborate operation that ensnares innocent victims in a web of deceit with the promise of incredible returns from bogus investments. The criminals build an online relationship with victims, which can sometimes start as a sham romance and evolve into an investment scam. Typically, criminals casually mention their massive wealth derived from investments to get the victim interested, and victims often make their initial investments to maintain this newfound relationship. After a few cycles, the criminals go for 'the whole hog' i.e., all your retirement savings. Catfishing is a similar scheme with the added promise of a romantic relationship. Money changes hands from the victim to the criminal over time, with increasing frequency and in higher amounts. Learn more about catfishing from Nev Schulman , who coined the term in his 2010 film based on his own experience, and who partnered with Zelle in the past to produce a series of TikTok and Instagram PSAs on the topic. Education is the First Defense Against Financial Criminals While there isn't a silver bullet that can eliminate the threat of financial criminals in one fell swoop, we at Early Warning believe that multiple layers of defense are the best way to protect consumers and education is that critical first line. Indeed, research from FINRA indicates that when people are aware of a specific scam, they are 80% less likely to engage with it, and if they do engage, are 40% less likely to lose money or sensitive information. Our Zelle consumer education efforts started over five years ago with a partnership promoting financial literacy with high school students. Over the years, our efforts evolved to include additional partnerships to reach broader audiences and expand resources on our website within the Financial Education Center. We've also worked on several award-winning "edutainment" style campaigns, including the recently launched S.A.F.E. Squad, a mock detective show produced in partnership with Vox Media. The edutainment format allows us to educate viewers about scams in a compelling but relatable manner. To Fight Fraudsters, the Industry Must Continue to Partner Together We've also educated millions of consumers of all ages through partnerships with the Better Business Bureau, the National Council on Aging, the Cybercrime Support Network, and HerCampus Media. We also provide turnkey educational materials to financial institutions to educate their customers and members. Importantly, we are also educating consumers right in their mobile banking app displaying repeated alerts that remind hundreds of millions of consumers per year about safety when they need it most. At Early Warning, fighting fraud and scams is deeply etched into our DNA as a 30+ year payments partner of the U.S. financial service ecosystem. But we cannot fight the battle against financial criminals alone. To reach consumers, we need to continue to come together as an industry and invest in targeted educational efforts that reach them where they are: from coffee shops to their homes and dorm rooms to phones and laptops. Spreading the message and removing the stigma around scams is the only way to fight back against scammers where it matters most in the hearts and minds of Americans. SOURCE Early Warning Services, LLC SAN DIEGO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) and University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) Rady School of Management are proud to announce the launch of the Biotech Accelerator Unicorn Program, a pioneering joint program specifically designed to empower CEOs, founders and investors in the life sciences and biotechnology industry. This program, to be held at UC San Diego on 9-13 September 2024, offers participants the essential knowledge, leadership skills, and valuable connections necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving biotech landscape. The CKGSB-UC San Diego Biotech Accelerator Unicorn Program bridges the expertise of the two prestigious institutions, offering a unique curriculum that dives into the technological, managerial and strategic aspects of biotech. Building on the success of CKGSB's global ecosystem for next-generation unicorns, this collaboration will offer hands-on experiences and real-world insights to equip participants with the critical tools, knowledge and connections necessary to drive growth and innovation. Participants will acquire skills to assess market potential, create strategic plans for product launch and development, and confidently navigate the entire commercialization process through a global perspective. Located in the thriving biotech hub of San Diego, the program harnesses the Rady School's regional collaborations with industry leaders, experts, biotech entrepreneurs and potential investors to provide industry visits, startup interactions, and case studies all of which are crucial for driving growth and propelling companies towards achieving unicorn status. Designed with a forward-thinking approach, the program places a strong emphasis on leadership and biotech management skills tailored to the biotech industry's unique demands. Participants will delve into the ethical dimensions of biotech, navigating the sector's moral dilemmas and understanding the importance of responsible innovation. Furthermore, the program ensures participants are future-ready by exploring predictive trends. The partnership also includes a collaboration with UC San Diego Extended Studies which leverages the university's community and regional connections to business and industry leaders. The CKGSB-UC San Diego Biotech Accelerator Unicorn Program is part of the global ecosystem that CKGSB is fostering for the next generation of unicorns, with a renewed and enhanced emphasis on global responsibility, social purpose and long-term perspective. CKGSB is China's first privately-funded, research-intensive and not-for-profit business school, which aims to cultivate transformative business leaders with a global vision, sense of social responsibility, innovative mindset, and ability to lead with empathy and compassion. The UC San Diego Rady School of Management was founded in 2003, and created as a shared vision by local science and technology leaders with the goal of enhancing the vitality of the strong regional economy. The Rady School offers a comprehensive portfolio of seven graduate Master's programs, a PhD program and Executive Education courses. Website link: https://english.ckgsb.edu.cn/program/the-biotech-accelerator-unicorn-program/ SOURCE Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) LONDON, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The total investable wealth currently held in the BRICS bloc amounts to USD 45 trillion and its millionaire population is expected to rise by 85% over the next 10 years, according to the inaugural BRICS Wealth Report, published by international investment migration advisory firm Henley & Partners . There are currently 1.6 million individuals with investable assets of over USD 1 million in the grouping of the world's leading emerging economies, including 4,716 centi-millionaires or 'centis' and 549 billionaires. The original BRICS cohort comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa added substantial new financial firepower and geopolitical clout with the inclusion this month of new MENA members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The BRICS bloc now represents more than 45% of the world's population and accounts for a larger share (nearly 36%) of global GDP than G7 countries (30%) when adjusting for purchasing power parity (PPP). CEO of Henley & Partners, Dr. Juerg Steffen, says an expanded BRICS presents attractive new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs worldwide. "The inclusion of MENA countries is not just a political realignment but a recognition of their growing economic stature, offering access to fast-growing consumer markets, strategic geographic positioning, and unique cultural and business environments." Wealth growth trends The new report reveals that in the last decade, private wealth grew by a remarkable 92% in China, which is now home to 862,400 millionaires, including 2,352 centis and 305 billionaires. India follows in 2nd place in the BRICS HNWI ranking, with 326,400 millionaires, including over 1,000 centis and 120 billionaires, and wealth growth soaring by 85% over the past 10 years. The UAE's millionaire population has also shot up since 2013, by 77%, and is now home to 116,500 millionaires, including over 300 centis. The past decade has also seen robust private wealth growth in Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia, with their millionaire populations rising by 35% and 30%, respectively. Leading personal finance and investment expert Jeff D. Opdyke says "economically, non-Western nations with BRICS at the vanguard are pushing the globe into a new reality: An emerging economic, social, and monetary status quo that is upending what the world has accepted as normal for nearly eight decades." Looking to the decade ahead, India leads the BRICS pack with a forecast 110% increase in wealth per capita by 2033. Saudi Arabia is runner up with its wealth per capita expected to expand by over 105% in the next 10 years, followed closely by the UAE on 95%, China (85%), Ethiopia (75%), South Africa (60%), and Egypt (55%). Wealthiest cities China lays claim to five of the Top 10 wealthiest cities in BRICS, with capital Beijing securing top honors with 125,600 millionaires, including 347 centis and 42 billionaires. Hot on its heels in 2nd place is Shanghai (123,400 millionaires), with Shenzhen (5th with 50,300), Hangzhou (6th with 31,600), and Guangzhou (9th with 24,500) also making the Top 10. The UAE and India each have two cities in the Top 10. Dubai is in 3rd place with 72,500 resident millionaires (including 212 centis and 15 billionaires), and Abu Dhabi sits in 10th place with 22,700 HNWIs (68 centis and 5 billionaires). Mumbai, India's de-facto financial center, is 4th with 58,800 millionaires (236 centis and 29 billionaires) and national capital Delhi ranks 7th (home to 31,000 millionaires, including 123 centis and 16 billionaires) ahead of Moscow in 8th place (30,300 millionaires, with 207 centis and 23 billionaires). The Russian Federation's capital is the only Top 10 city with a declining millionaire population over the past decade. Moscow saw a 24% drop in HNWIs while the rest of the wealthiest cities in BRICS have all enjoyed significant private wealth growth of between 75% (Abu Dhabi) and in the case of Shenzhen an astonishing 140% more millionaires than in 2013. Head of Research at New World Wealth, Andrew Amoils, says five BRICS cities to watch are Bengaluru, Cape Town, Jeddah, Riyadh and Sharjah, as all are expected to experience particularly strong (80%+) wealth growth over the coming decade. Read the Full Press Release SOURCE Henley & Partners From the producers of the award-winning series The College Tour, comes a groundbreaking new series spotlighting the various academic pathways that are preparing Spanish-speaking students for success. AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The highly-anticipated first season of The College Tour en Espanol, an exciting new series from Emmy-nominated producers Alex Boylan, Lisa Hennessy, and Burton Roberts, is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Hosted by Lorena Segura, The College Tour en Espanol travels the country, showcasing colleges and universities through the unique lens of Spanish-speaking students on today's campuses. Each episode offers an intimate view of college life, allowing the entire Spanish-speaking population worldwide a chance to explore colleges without having to travel anywhere! "Season 1 of The College Tour en Espanol is filled with amazing students who have worked hard to achieve success in so many areas. This season is not only a source of inspiration and motivation but also culturally enriching, portraying the dynamic voices of the many Spanish-speaking communities living out their dreams in higher education," said executive producer Alex Boylan. Featured colleges and universities include: Arizona State University New Jersey Institute of Technology Kean University Community College of Denver Maricopa Community Colleges Each school this season shares a common commitment to a holistic approach in preparing Spanish-speaking students for success. Whether fostering innovative learning environments, establishing valuable career connections, or offering internship opportunities, these institutions are unwavering in their dedication to supporting students in thriving both on and off campus. "The future is bright for these students, and I am so excited for them to get a chance to share their personal and academic journeys with the world," Boylan added. ABOUT: The College Tour is a groundbreaking TV series that takes viewers on an intimate journey through colleges and universities nationwide, sharing each school's story through the diverse lens of its students. Informative and inspiring, the show brings equity to college readiness by providing free access to meaningful information about higher education anytime, anywhere. Additional resources from The College Tour include The College Tour en Espanol and a comprehensive website designed to assist students in navigating all aspects of higher education. The College Tour and The College Tour en Espanol are available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and at www.thecollegetour.com . Media Contact: Samantha Jonas-Hain (646) 512- 4675 [email protected] SOURCE The College Tour As part of its bicentennial celebrations, The Franklin Institute proudly announces the laureates of the 200th year of the Awards Program. Through their boundless creativity and passion for discovery, they have seen the previously invisible, pushed the limits of nature's toolkit, and dreamed up solutions to global challengesadvancing health, sustainability, and human connection. "The 200-year legacy of The Franklin Institute Awards stands as a shining example of our dedication to honoring those who have made significant strides in advancing scientific knowledge," said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute. "In this milestone year, the Awards Program will celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our 2024 laureates and serve as a reminder of The Franklin Institute's rich history and its ongoing commitment to shaping the future of science and technology." Since its inception, The Franklin Institute Awards Program has honored the most influential scientists, engineers, and inventors who have significantly advanced science and technology. The roster of more than 2,000 laureates includes luminaries such as Nikola Tesla, Marie and Pierre Curie, Orville Wright, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Jane Goodall, Stephen Hawking, and more recently, vaccine pioneers Kizzmekia Corbett, Drew Weissman, and Katalin Kariko. Notably, 125 of these laureates have also received the Nobel Prize. "The legacy of The Franklin Institute Awards is entwined with some of the most epic milestones in human innovation, from the development of the typewriter to the dawn of quantum computing, from the diesel engine to the Mars Rover, and from X-rays to genome editing," said Dr. Darryl Williams, Senior Vice President of Science and Education at The Franklin Institute. "The program has become a symbol of excellence and innovation, inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of knowledge." The achievements of nine laureates will be celebrated in a ceremony hosted by Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts on April 18, 2024, at the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial of The Franklin Institute. The 2024 Franklin Institute Awards Laureates David A. Weitz, Ph.D., Harvard University 2024 Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science for transforming our fundamental understanding of squishy materials ranging from gels, polymers, colloids, and emulsions to living organisms. His innovations led to the development of microdevices for applications ranging from rapid disease screening and drug discovery to cosmetic products. A master educator, he has popularized science through the physics of cooking. Lisa Su, Ph.D., AMD 2024 Bower Award for Business Leadership For her transformational leadership of AMD, a leader in high-performance and adaptive computing and one of the fastest growing semiconductor companies in the world. As an accomplished engineer and champion for diversity and women in tech, Dr. Su's bold vision to deliver the next generation of computing and AI solutions has led to AMD becoming one of the industry's most influential companies. Gabriela S. Schlau-Cohen, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2024 Benjamin Franklin NextGen Award for illuminating the fundamental chemical processes that protect plants from sun damage, uncovering novel approaches to increasing crop yields. Paula T. Hammond, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2024 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry for innovative methods to create novel materials one molecular layer at a time and for applying these materials to areas ranging from drug delivery to energy storage. Janet F. Werker, Ph.D., O.C., FRSC, The University of British Columbia 2024 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Computer and Cognitive Science for charting how children learn the sounds of languages and how their brains change and adapt in critical ways as they do so. Her work helps us understand typical and atypical human development. Paul D. N. Hebert, Ph.D., FRSC, O.C., University of Guelph 2024 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Earth and Environmental Science for his bold vision to catalog every living organism using a small piece of DNAa DNA barcodewhich allows scientists to rapidly discover new species and assess biodiversity and provides everyone with a means to explore biodiversity for themselves. Robert M. Metcalfe, Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin 2024 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Electrical Engineering for his pioneering role in the design, development, and commercialization of Ethernet, an interface for networking and file sharing between computers. Joanne Chory, Ph.D., The Salk Institute for Biological Studies 2024 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science for applying genetics to understanding how plants sense and respond to light and for inspiring new strategies for using plants to combat climate change. Mary C. Boyce, Ph.D., Columbia University 2024 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Mechanical Engineering for transformative contributions to our understanding of the physical behavior of polymers, materials made of long chains of molecules, leading to innovative product development of rubber and other soft materials. Bank of America returns in 2024 as the Presenting Sponsor of The Franklin Institute Awards Ceremony and Dinner for the 22nd consecutive year. The Hess Foundation and PNC Bank are the 200th Anniversary Sponsors. For more information about The Franklin Institute Awards Program and the 2024 laureates, please visit fi.edu/awards. 2024 Franklin Institute Awards Press Kit | Images Video ABOUT THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in science and technology learning and a dynamic center of activity. As Pennsylvania's most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science experiences. For more information, visit www.fi.edu. SOURCE The Franklin Institute "Ocho" Generates Transformative Insights From Proprietary, Licensed and Public Data about Work Tech Companies FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Starr Conspiracy, a leader in brand, marketing and go-to-market strategy for Work Tech companies, today announced a new AI assistant for Work Tech market research. Ocho, a custom-built chatbot, leverages advanced GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) technology to enhance the quality and scale of data insights. Ocho offers a unique advantage in Work Tech market research by leveraging The Starr Conspiracy's 25-year collection of specialized data and top-tier licensed sources. This unmatched knowledge base is skillfully analyzed through AI, expertly trained and fine-tuned to identify and classify Work Tech companies. Ocho provides clear, detailed insights into companies, market trends and solution capabilities, making it an invaluable tool in understanding the Work Tech landscape. Ocho is revolutionizing market research for a diverse range of users. It's an essential tool for Work Tech companies strategizing their market entry, competitive positioning or go-to-market strategy. The AI research assistant is also helping investment firms create better market landscapes and identify off-the-radar opportunities. "For the last quarter century, we have been mapping the world of Work Tech," said Ashley Bernard, co-CEO of The Starr Conspiracy. "Work Tech companies, private equity firms, venture capitalists and others have repeatedly told us that our market research is more complete and accurate than any other source. With Ocho, we have increased the scope and granularity of our analysis by an order of magnitude." The Starr Conspiracy already uses Ocho to enhance client outcomes in a wide range of projects where market research is key. The chatbot's unique, open-ended design enables strategists to pursue novel and creative lines of inquiry that can be rapidly validated against Ocho's expansive knowledge base. This is leading to groundbreaking strategies for brand, marketing, and the overall go-to-market function. "The real magic of The Starr Conspiracy is that we know as much about Work Tech as we know about marketing," said Bret Starr, Founder and co-CEO of The Starr Conspiracy. "And we know as much about marketing as we know about Work Tech! You have to know both to achieve extraordinary outcomes in this very competitive field. Ocho is just another example of our drive to combine marketing expertise with industry expertise in innovative ways that deliver a huge advantage to our Work Tech clients." In its current version, Ocho is only available to clients of The Starr Conspiracy. The AI research assistant is utilized in select client projects by the company's trained strategists. Select projects include: Message and positioning Go-to-market strategy Customer experience design Brand research Buyer research Customer analysis Competitor analysis A public version of the solution is currently in development and is expected to launch later this year. Join the waiting list for the public version of Ocho here: https://thestarrconspiracy.com/ir/ocho-ai/ For more information about Ocho and its capabilities, or to request a demonstration, please visit www.thestarrconspiracy.com or contact Kevin Mangum, Chief Revenue Officer of The Starr Conspiracy ([email protected]) About The Starr Conspiracy The Starr Conspiracy is an experience agency for Work Tech companies specializing in brand, marketing and go-to-market strategies. Media Contact: Tony Spangler, APR VP of Public and Analyst Relations The Starr Conspiracy [email protected]. SOURCE The Starr Conspiracy Everything comes back, even if it is wrapped in different clothes. In the France of Emmanuel Macron and the perhaps unstoppable rise of Marine Le Pen, the dispute regarding the revolution and the left-wing totalitarianism that marked the French intellectual life of the mid-20th century and that confronted Jean-Paul Sartre with Albert Camus is back, too. A book titled Oublier Camus (in English: Forgetting Camus), by Olivier Gloag, a professor at the University of North Carolina, has reopened the wound. The text portrays Camus as a colonialist writer a sexist one, too, among other sins far removed from the image of secular saint and irreproachable humanist icon. Its not about judging Camus, but about enriching the reading, says Gloag. He must still be read, but without seeing him as a character from a fairy tale. The Camusians did not like Oublier Camus. They accuse Gloag of intellectual dishonesty, of tearing down statues and of cancelling, in the style of the leftist American university, as has been read in Le Figaro. Also, of reconstructing the Stalinist processes of the 1950s. What is fascinating is how a dispute that took place so long ago the breakup between two friends who happened to be the most famous intellectuals of the time still has not ended. Sartre, author of Nausea and Being and Nothingness, is read less, and he is considered to have been dramatically wrong in some of his political commitments. Camus, author of The Stranger, is a bestseller, they read him in school and politicians of all parties invoke his memory. As Mario Vargas Llosa wrote in 1981, that controversy is still current, as every morning it is updated by the newspapers, with their share of havoc and the political and moral dilemmas in which they plunge us. Four decades have passed and, even though Camus won the battle for posterity, the controversy remains open. I try to go beyond an emotional position: it is not about knowing whether one likes Camus or not, says Gloag. If there is a criticism, it is of his reception. In the last 30 years, there has been a kind of idolatry. He is almost sacred in France as the reactions to my book have shown. What he seeks in the 141 pages of Oublier Camus (published in French by La fabrique editions) is to desacralize him. No, the author maintains, Camus, of French and Spanish descent and born in colonial Algeria to a poor family, was not anti-colonialist. In The Stranger, a work of fiction narrated by a Frenchman who kills a nameless Arab on an Algerian beach, everything [...] seems to de facto deny the status of human being to Algerians. Camus, he says, is the ultimate colonial writer. The Plague, Camus other great novel, narrates the story of an epidemic in the Algerian city of Oran. It has been interpreted as an allegory of the Nazi occupation of France, but that is not the case, according to Gloag. I propose a different reading. The plague is neither Germany nor the Germans; it is the resistance of the Algerian people to the French occupation, an intermittent but ineluctable phenomenon, which from the perspective of the colonists resembles a deadly disease. And so the author proceeds, with an inquisitive and relentless reading of Camus work and biography, from the resistance to Nazism to the commitment against the death penalty, covering the break with Sartre, his relationship with the actress Maria Casares (and women in general) and his reservations about the independence of the country where he was born and to which he felt deeply attached. Jean-Louis Barrault, Pierre Brasseur, Madeleine Renaud, the painter Balthus, Arthur Honegger, Maria Casares and Albert Camus in Paris, in 1948. Lipnitzki / Roger Viollet / Getty Images Reading his own words, his works and [...] his letters, writes Gloag, one discovers the characters multiple sides, which refute the mythical image that has been built of the beautiful novelist, straight, solitary, supportive, tormented but fair. The title of the book, the author explains to EL PAIS, does not mean that he is forgotten, nor that he should be; quite the contrary. What must be forgotten is the Camus that has been presented to us, he explains. Today in France there is a permanent use of Camus by the political establishment. We have to rid ourselves of this Camus who serves to justify everything and nothing. I propose to free Camus from the abusive, complacent manipulations, and face him directly. Mohammed Aissaoui, a writer and journalist in French (like Camus), born in Algeria (like Camus) in a poor family (like Camus) and author of the recently published Dictionnaire amoureux dAlbert Camus (in English: Love dictionary of Albert Camus) says by phone: This controversy has not surprised me at all. The assault on the Camusian myth began during his lifetime, after the 1953 publication of the essay The Rebel, which caused the break with Sartre. Because he was already a myth, even more so after 1957, when at the age of 42 he became the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature since Rudyard Kipling. Then, in 1960, his death in a car accident would further enlarge the legend. The controversies never stopped. An essay published in 1970 was titled Camus: Philosopher for High School Students. The great Irish intellectual and diplomat Conor Cruise OBrien in the 1970s, and the Palestinian-American Edward Said in the 1990s, already stressed the colonial aspect of his work. Controversy is common, observes Aissaoui. The only thing that is strange here is that the attack always comes from a certain extreme left, when this political fringe should be proud that the son of a modest family, educated in the republican school, became a great French writer. He ponders: How can we blame him for being a colonialist? People forget that he was a son of Algeria, that at the age of 20 he went to Kabylia to see the misery and do a report that I would describe as almost worthy of a Nobel Prize, and that he was not at all distant from the Arab population. Regarding the war, which broke out in 1954 and led to independence in 1962, he points out: Evidently, it was his homeland, and he felt torn by what was happening. Benjamin Stora is a leading historian of Algeria, where he was born, and a man with a long history on the Trotskyist, socialist left. He is outraged by those who criticize Camus alluding to colonialism: In France there is an old Stalinist current that keeps bringing up the same nonsense every 10 years. Yes, says Stora. Camus was not in favor of independence, and advocated a federal solution. But he was one of the few to condemn the 1945 French massacre of Algerians in Setif, and he was close to other nationalist leaders like Messali Hadj. What he opposed, he adds, was the hegemonic FLN, the only party. What politically grounds Camus is Spain, the Spanish revolution, points out the historian. But he was anti-Stalinist, his world belonged to the anarcho-syndicalists. There is, in essence, another underlying debate between the radical left, more Sartrean, and the social democratic left, more Camusian. Gloag accuses the latter, at the end of the book, of insidiously masking its racism and imperialism with a false universality, which also masks the class struggle with a facade of egalitarianism. The two irreconcilable lefts, as former Prime Minister Manuel Valls said. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition NEW YORK CITY, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Stuart Piltch Scholarship for Entrepreneurs, an esteemed program dedicated to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit, announces the launch of its annual scholarship for aspiring innovators. Established in honor of the distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist, Stuart Piltch, this scholarship aims to propel the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders towards success. Applicants for the one-time award of $5,000 must meet specific criteria to be considered for this prestigious scholarship. The Stuart Piltch Scholarship for Entrepreneurs welcomes current college or university students actively engaged in entrepreneurial pursuits, as well as high school students with future plans to pursue entrepreneurship-related studies at the university level. Stuart Piltch, A Beacon of Entrepreneurial Excellence At the helm of this scholarship is the visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, Stuart Piltch. A luminary with a remarkable career spanning the intelligence community and the healthcare/insurance industry, Mr. Piltch brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to the entrepreneurial landscape. Igniting the Entrepreneurial Spark The Stuart Piltch Scholarship for Entrepreneurs is open to students from all fields of study, recognizing that entrepreneurship knows no bounds. Whether applicants have initiated their own businesses or are nurturing groundbreaking ideas, the scholarship seeks to support individuals with a strong entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for innovative thinking. Application Details and Important Dates Eligible students are encouraged to apply before the August 15, 2024 deadline. The winner of the scholarship will be announced on September 15, 2024. Connect with the, Stuart Piltch Scholarship To learn more about the scholarship program, eligibility criteria, and the application process, please visit https://stuartpiltchscholarship.com/. For inquiries and further information, please contact the Stuart Piltch Scholarship team. Join the Journey, Ignite the Spark The Stuart Piltch Scholarship for Entrepreneurs invites all eligible students to seize this transformative opportunity. Let the scholarship be the catalyst for your entrepreneurial journey, where innovation thrives, and the future is shaped by the visionaries of today. About Stuart Piltch Scholarship for Entrepreneurs The Stuart Piltch Scholarship for Entrepreneurs is an annual program that honors the legacy of Stuart Piltch, a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist. Dedicated to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit, the scholarship provides financial support, networking opportunities, mentorship, and resources to empower the next generation of innovative thinkers and leaders in the entrepreneurial space. SOURCE Stuart Piltch Scholarship $1.8 billion U.S. market projected to continue rapid growth trajectory ATLANTA, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Zero Proof, the first and leading dedicated online retailer, importer, and supplier of adult non-alcoholic beverages, today announced the closing of its Series A funding round. The round was led by Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation, the U.S.-based venture arm of Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. The company's previous lead investor, Overline, participated in the round, along with Springdale Ventures. The Zero Proof plans to use the funding to hire salespeople in key markets, expand its distribution network nationwide, grow its base of key retail accounts, and broaden its wholesale portfolio. Additionally, the company plans to increase its suite of proprietary adult non-alcoholic spirits and wine, building on the successful launch of its new non-alc wine label, Saint Viviana. We are excited to partner with The Zero Proof and to support the company in furthering its lead in the hyper-growth adult non-alcoholic beverage category. Post this "I'm thrilled to welcome our new, strategic investors to the team," said Sean Goldsmith, CEO and co-founder of The Zero Proof. "It's an exciting time for the adult, non-alc category, and this new funding enables us to accelerate our already phenomenal growth by building out our omnichannel distribution and broadening our suite of high-quality, delicious NA beverages." In addition to its leading e-commerce platform at www.thezeroproof.com, The Zero Proof also sells through distribution partners like KeHE and LibDib, DSD Distributors and key retailers nationwide. The company is the exclusive importer of top international, non-alcoholic brands Gnista (Sweden), ISH (Denmark), and Oddbird (Sweden). The Zero Proof also offers an expanding suite of company-owned brands that today includes Saint Viviana and Lapo's, its line of Italian aperitivos and digestivos. "We are excited to partner with The Zero Proof and to support the company in furthering its lead in the hyper-growth adult non-alcoholic beverage category," said Kristen Bareuther, President and Head of Investment at Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation. "We've closely studied the market and believe The Zero Proof is best positioned to be the long-term category winner, with unparalleled distribution and an ever-expanding product offering." According to IWSR, 42.5% of the U.S. legal drinking age population consumes no/low-alcohol beverages, resulting in a current domestic market specifically for Adult no-alcohol beverages totaling over $1.8 billion. The U.S. no-alcohol market is projected to rapidly grow, with IWSR forecasting that by 2027 the category will command nearly 4% of total alcohol volumes in the top 10 global no/low-alcohol markets. Growth in the category is being driven in large part by Millennials, with 45% of this generation being "substituters," consuming no/low alcohol beverages on certain occasions and alcoholic beverages on others. "Overline is thrilled to continue our partnership with Sean and the team at The Zero Proof," said Sean O'Brien, Managing Partner of Overline. "The adult NA category shows no sign of slowing, and The Zero Proof continues to take share in this exciting category. The company's revenue has increased sixfold since our initial investment, and this additional funding will help them further accelerate growth through increased distribution and product availability." The Zero Proof experienced 300% revenue growth in Q4 from 2022 to 2023 and Dry January will be another record month for the company. About The Zero Proof Atlanta-based The Zero Proof is a leading online retailer, importer and supplier of premium non-alcoholic wine, spirits and cocktails. The Company reaches customers through its e-commerce shop at www.thezeroproof.com, where consumers are also able to find a wide range of content that helps them discover new products and places to enjoy them. The Zero Proof also wholesales its broad selection of premium imported and domestic non-alc beverages to retailers nationwide. About Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation is an Investment Fund launched in 2023 by Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. Located in San Francisco, Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation provides funding to US startups that have attractive brands with significant future growth potential in the low-alcohol beverages, non-alcohol beer-taste beverages, and adult soft drink categories. Additionally, Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation invests in startups with technology that will lead to new sales and manufacturing methods. Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. is a global beverage leader offering a diverse collection of brands centered on beer, alcohol and non-alcohol beverages, and food. Asahi Group's mission is to deliver on our great taste promise and bring more fun to life. Contact: Mercer Brockenbrough [email protected] 706-540-6258 www.thezeroproof.com SOURCE The Zero Proof The updated edition of this seminal work is available for purchase on January 30th, 2024 TEMPE, Ariz., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, tax and wealth expert Tom Wheelwright, CPA and CEO of WealthAbility, published the third edition of the decade-long bestselling book, Tax-Free Wealth: How to Build Massive Wealth by Permanently Lowering Your Taxes. Tax-Free Wealth is a comprehensive guide to the strategies that are available to everyone to build massive wealth and permanently reduce their taxes. The third edition revisits and updates this wealth-building philosophy and is expanded and updated to include recent tax law changes. Tax-Free Wealth: How to Build Massive Wealth by Permanently Lowering Your Taxes (Third Edition) In Tax-Free Wealth, readers learn why governments want them to pay less taxes, why entrepreneurs and investors get all the breaks, why to never fear an audit, how to survive one, and how to use your tax savings to build tremendous wealth. Wheelwright makes taxes fun, easy, and understandable, providing actionable insights that empower readers to demystify the lax law and use it to their advantage. Wheelwright has a wide range of professional experience. He has worked in Big 4 accounting, where he managed and led professional training for thousands of CPAs at Ernst & Young's National Tax Department in Washington, D.C., served as in-house tax advisor for Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, and taught as an adjunct professor in the Masters of Tax program at Arizona State University for 14 years. He's built and scaled multiple CPA firms and serves as the personal accountant of renowned author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki. "I think you'll find, as I have, Tom's passion for taxes and helping you save money in taxes to be infectious," remarked Kiyosaki. "And I know you'll find the wealth of knowledge he brings to the table to be life changing." Continues Wheelwright, "Taxes often steal people's dreams and retirement, and Tax-Free Wealth explains how to use the tax law as a road map for reducing your taxes and increasing your wealth. The book is a valuable resource not only for individuals but also for entrepreneurs, investors, and small business owners looking to minimize their tax burdens and maximize their wealth accumulation." Tax-Free Wealth, the third edition, is available starting January 30th, 2024. For more information about Tax Free Wealth, visit https://taxfreewealthbook.com/. For more information about Tom Wheelwright, CPA and WealthAbility, visit https://www.wealthability.com/. About Tom Wheelwright, CPA Tax and wealth expert Tom Wheelwright is a CPA, CEO of WealthAbility, Rich Dad Advisor, entrepreneur, international speaker, and author of the bestselling books The Win-Win Wealth Strategy and Tax-Free Wealth. Wheelwright is the CPA for Robert Kiyosaki and has spoken on stage on six continents to over 100,000 entrepreneurs, small business owners, and investors. He also hosts two popular podcasts: The WealthAbility Show with Tom Wheelwright CPA and The WealthAbility for CPAs Show. Media Contact: Terri Kayden, Krupp: [email protected] SOURCE WealthAbility COLUMBIA, Md., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MedStar Harbor Hospital and MedStar Montgomery Medical Center joined an exclusive group of the nation's hospitals last week when the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Commission on Magnet Recognition Program announced that each hospital achieved the Magnet designation for excellence in nursing. It's the highest and most prestigious distinction a healthcare organization can achieve in the United States. Less than ten percent of hospitals nationwide have achieved a Magnet designation. MedStar Harbor and MedStar Montgomery, along with MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center (4th designation) are three of just eight hospitals in Maryland to attain Magnet recognition. Along with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (5th designation, with only two Magnet hospitals in DC), MedStar Health now has four hospitals with Magnet designation. The Magnet Recognition Program distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for providing the highest quality patient care, teamwork, professionalism, and innovation in Nursing practice. Obtaining Magnet status requires significant documentation, a comprehensive evaluation and an extensive site visit. As the gold standard for nursing excellence, Magnet recognition is bestowed upon an organization for a four-year time frame, and an organization must re-apply for the designation. "I am so proud of our nurses at MedStar Harbor Hospital and MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, who respectively, looked at the ANCC Magnet requirements and made the commitment to each other, to their patients and their communities, to strive for this level of excellence," said LynnMarie Verzino, DNP, MHA, senior vice president and Chief Nursing Officer for MedStar Health. "This accomplishment underscores the outstanding collaboration, partnership, and support among our nursing teams. It is with immense pride and joy that I celebrate their collective efforts." The announcement Jan. 18th at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center was made during a call from the Magnet Recognition Program Commission to a full assembly of nurses and leaders, who responded with enthusiasm and applause. "Our journey towards Magnet status has been such an exciting adventure," said MedStar Montgomery's Chief Nursing Officer Claire Piccirillo, DNP, RN. "Today I am reminded that achieving Magnet status is not just a recognition of our commitment to deliver the best possible patient care, it is a celebration of the outstanding work each one of our nurses do, day in and day out." MedStar Harbor Hospital nurses and leaders received its notification from the Magnet Recognition Program Commission, during a Facebook livestream, Jan. 19th. "Patients at MedStar Harbor Hospital should know the care they receive is rated among the highest in the country," said Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Karen Elliott, DNP, RN. "The bar is set high to achieve this honor, through hard work, great attitude, and professionalism. We are so proud to be ranked among the most elite hospitals in the country for our nursing standards." MedStar Montgomery and MedStar Harbor were also recognized by the ANCC with a total of 11 exemplars, which underscore exceptional performance in various elements of the Magnet model. MedStar Montgomery received six exemplars for Exemplary Professional Practice and MedStar Harbor received four exemplars in the same category acknowledging outstanding effective care services, high quality patient outcomes within a culture of safety and quality improvement. Additionally, MedStar Harbor was awarded an exemplar in Structural Empowerment for a supportive learning environment, including professional development and academic achievement. "This achievement marks a significant milestone for MedStar Harbor and MedStar Montgomery. I celebrate this distinction as a reflection of commitment from our dedicated nurses, clinicians and support teams. This recognition truly reflects their continuous devotion to our communities in providing the highest levels of compassionate, quality, and safe care," Verzino said. SOURCE MedStar Health TOKYO, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Electro-Communications publishes the January 2024 issue of the UEC Research and Innovation online newsletter. UEC R&I Home Page http://www.ru.uec.ac.jp/randi/ The January 2024 issue of UEC Research and Innovation includes video profiles of UEC faculty Katsuya Suto (Innovation: AINet: AI for Innovative Wireless Networking) and Akihiko Ikeda (Research: Materials science at ultra-high 1000 T magnetic fields). The news is a report on the visit of UEC President Shunichi Tano and Director Kazuaki Oya to New Zealand to foster new partnerships. January 2024 issue of UEC Research and Innovation online newsletter http://www.ru.uec.ac.jp/randi/ Video Profiles http://www.ru.uec.ac.jp/randi/video/research/202401.html Condensed matter physics: Materials science at ultra-high 1000 T magnetic fields Akihiko Ikeda Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering Science Akihiko Ikeda introduces his research on condensed matter physics, particularly the effects of high magnetic fields up to 1000 Tesla on materials. Under these extreme magnetic conditions, changes occur not only in electron spin but also in the electronic, phononic, optical, and lattice states. Ikeda's primary goal is to observe material phase transitions leading to entirely new crystal structures unique to very high magnetic fields. Video https://youtu.be/CO1GWB83ZfU More http://www.ru.uec.ac.jp/randi/video/research/202401.html AINet: AI for Innovative Wireless Networking Katsuya Suto Associate Professor, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering http://www.ru.uec.ac.jp/randi/video/innovation/202401.html Katsuya Suto and his group is dedicated to revolutionizing wireless communications and networking through the integration of AI technologies. Suto is focused on the integration of joint source and channel coding using deep neural networks. In current wireless communication systems like 4G and 5G, source coding caters to user services, but communication quality suffers due to non-optimized channel coding, leading to issues like block noise in video transmissions. Video https://youtu.be/lPKJt2GZoWU More http://www.ru.uec.ac.jp/randi/video/innovation/202401.html News http://www.ru.uec.ac.jp/randi/news/ Building Bridges for Future Partnerships: UEC President Shunichi Tano and Director Kazuaki Oya Cultivate Collaborations in New Zealand In a significant stride towards global academic collaboration, President Shunichi Tano and Member of the Board of Directors Kazuaki Oya of UEC visited New Zealand from December 4 to 8. The delegation, accompanied by key university representatives, visited the three major cities of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Read more http://www.ru.uec.ac.jp/randi/news/ Photograph: http://www.ru.uec.ac.jp/randi/images/news/2023/202401_2.jpg Caption: Consul General of Japan in Auckland Matsui and President Tano. Further information The University of Electro-Communications 1-5-1 Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 81-(0) 42-443-5000 Website: http://www.uec.ac.jp/ About the University of Electro-Communications http://www.uec.ac.jp/ The University of Electro-Communications (UEC) in Tokyo is a small, luminous university at the forefront of pure and applied sciences, engineering, and technology research. Its roots go back to the Technical Institute for Wireless Commutations, which was established in 1918 by the Wireless Association to train so-called wireless engineers in maritime communications in response to the Titanic disaster in 1912. In 1949, the UEC was established as a national university by the Japanese Ministry of Education and moved in 1957 from Meguro to its current Chofu campus Tokyo. With approximately 4,000 students and 350 faculty members, UEC is regarded as a small university, but with expertise in wireless communications, laser science, robotics, informatics, and material science, to name just a few areas of research. SOURCE The University of Electro-Communications The World's First AI-Powered Job Mapping Tool to Track the Creation of AI Jobs Announced by UMD-LinkUp COLLEGE PARK, Md. , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- UMD-LinkUp, a collaboration between the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, LinkUp Job Market Data, and Outrigger Group, introduced the world's first tool for mapping the creation of jobs requiring artificial intelligence skills: UMD-LinkUp AI Maps. AI Maps leverages LinkUp's industry leading job data to visualize the spread of jobs requiring skills in AI across the country by sector, state and more granular geographic levels. The resulting interactive map allows users to track the creation of U.S. based AI jobs each month; rank states by their share of those jobs; do a deeper dive across economic sectors, metropolitan areas, and counties; and determine a region's AI Intensity: the ratio of its AI jobs to all other postings. Redefining Accuracy The handful of recent research papers on the subject have relied on keyword-based approaches to identify jobs requiring AI skills, resulting in up to 70% false positives. UMD-LinkUp AI Maps shifts the paradigm by utilizing a fine-tuned large language model (LLM) to enhance accuracy. This sophisticated approach filters AI jobs with an accuracy exceeding 90% when compared against manual checks by researchers. "In short, we are using AI to track the dispersion of AI jobs," says Anil K. Gupta, Michael Dingman Chair and professor of Strategy, Globalization and Entrepreneurship at the Robert H. Smith School of Business and co-lead of the project. "We are using highly specialized LLMs to assist with filtering AI jobs for an accurate and timely assessment of what constitutes an AI job." An analysis of initial findings is available in the From West to the Rest white paper, which shows AI jobs are on the upswing, despite a decline in IT jobs in general. The report pinpoints regions that have the highest share of AI jobs, including the Washington, D.C. region, thanks to the concentration of federal agencies and defense and aerospace contractors that have embraced the new technologies. "UMD-LinkUp AI Maps exemplifies the type of industry- and policy-relevant research being done at the Smith School on the rapidly growing impact of AI on the U.S. economy," says Prabhudev Konana, dean of the Smith School. "I am also delighted to note the emergence of the National Capital Region as the nation's second biggest hub for the creation of AI jobs." Ascension of AI Skills In 2023, AI job postings have grown, defying the overall decline in IT job postings since the start of pervasive layoffs in early 2022. While California continues to dominate AI postings as the epicenter of digital technologies, there is unmistakable evidence of accelerating geographic spread in AI postings over the last five years. The UMD-LinkUp map provides an advanced picture of the AI labor market as it develops. Jon Norberg, Chief Strategy Officer at LinkUp and project co-lead, says AI Maps will be a vital tool in analyzing AI-powered economic shifts: "What's most exciting is that every week brings new ideas for exploring how AI jobs are going to integrate into the economy and what skills and technologies are going to advance or decline as AI becomes integral to more employers." "The productivity enhancements created by AI will be profound, and knowing where those productive employees are located is going to be crucial to understanding how the U.S. economy is functioning," says Evan Schnidman, co-founder and CEO of Outrigger Group and project partner. Gupta, Norberg and Schnidman along with their colleagues bring decades of expertise in academia, human capital management, and growth consulting to bear on the evolving implications of artificial intelligence on the labor economy. UMD-LinkUp AI Maps is poised to define how the world visualizes and understands the emerging landscape of AI job creation. The tool combines academic rigor, highly accurate employment data, and expertise in AI methodologies to empower users as they navigate the question on everybody's mind: how will AI change the world of work? Maryland Smith The Robert H. Smith School of Business is a global leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland at College Park, the school offers undergraduate, MS, MBA, PhD, and executive education programs. Several of the school's departments rank among the top 10 in the world for research in their respective fields. LinkUp LinkUp combines more than 20 years of experience in human capital management and employment data with proprietary technology that indexes millions of job listings daily directly from employer websites around the world. From this unique jobs dataset, LinkUp provides clients with actionable insights into the global labor market at the macroeconomic to individual company level or across themes, skills, products, and technologies. Outrigger Group Outrigger Group provides fractional executives to fast-growing startups and established businesses. Outrigger's expert team of experienced executives and entrepreneurs helps companies accelerate growth through the most challenging phases of building a business, from inception through liquidity events. For media inquiries, please contact: Greg Muraski Media Relations Manager Phone: 301-892-0973 Email: [email protected] SOURCE University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business A B-17 pilot in the series 'Masters of the Air' Swarms of German fighters tear through American bomber formations like deadly bolts of lightning in a sky streaked with condensation trails and the murderous glare of tracer fire. A furious, desperate combat takes place on an infinite battlefield in the sky above. B-17s are shot down, plunging towards the ground or spinning around like the burning leaves of giant trees. The pilots of the Flying Fortresses try to maintain formation so as not to become solitary prey for enemy fighters. And in the midst of the storm of destruction, the gunner in the exposed ball turret on the planes underbelly explodes in a cloud of blood when hit. Superb, said the British James Holland, one of the fashionable military historians, of the new World War II miniseries Masters of the Air. Of course, stories of air combat have been told before, but never the war waged by the American heavy bombers over Germany and occupied Europe, and certainly not with the realism and emotion with which it appears in this nine-episode Apple TV+ miniseries. Masters of the Air is very faithfully based on the extraordinary 2006 book by Donald L. Miller of the same title. With the same successful formula as Band of Brothers (parachute regiment) and The Pacific (marines) and Tom Hank, Steven Spielberg and Gary Goetzman as producers, Masters of the Air follows an American units campaigns throughout World War II. This time the story focuses on the members (pilots, crews, mechanics, and commanders) of the Bloody 100th, a long-suffering Bombardment Group in the famous US Eighth Air Force, stationed in eastern England. From their base in the English countryside the famous Flying Fortresses impressive four-engine Boeing B-17 heavy bombers took off pregnant with a devastation they intended to make rain down to subdue Nazi Germany. A B-17 'Flying Fortress' in a promotional photo for the miniseries 'Master of the Air' on Apple TV+ Throughout the series we witness sensational, bone-chilling scenes, our hearts in our mouths and amazed at what human beings are capable of suffering (and inflicting) in war. In one scene Messerschmitt Bf 109s attack the bombers from the front, spraying them with bullets that open large holes in the cabin, in the fuselage and in the flesh of the American aviators. In another we see the little puffs of black smoke that comes from the Flak (the German anti-aircraft defense). The projectiles dot the sky and shake the bombers when they detonate so much for modern-day turbulence these little explosions can literally burst the planes and their crews wide open. At one point, the crew of a B-17 debris from other disintegrated bombers rain down, including a body that hits their wing. Other shocking scenes are the one in which a crew member gets caught in the bomb hatch while trying to parachute out of his plane while it plunges into a dizzying fall and a comrade tries desperately to free him, or when a returning crew member falls to his knees and vomits violently as he tries to comprehend the slaughter he witnessed on an failed mission. The series shows very well the contrast between the powerful bombers, which were marvels of aeronautical technology at the time and that take off in impressive formations, and the way in which they are destroyed. As one pilot summarized when trying to assimilate the vision of ten men and three tons of metal reduced to a cloud of black smoke, it seems impossible that something so big could disappear so quickly. In the scene featuring a forced landing of a bullet-riddled B-17, with two engines out of action, no wheels, and several crew members dead or badly injured, it is impossible not to shudder when the pilot utters the phrase: Crew, prepare for landing. Un B-17 abatido por un Me-262 sobre Crantenburg (Alemania). Most of those scenes come from the book, and from real testimonies collected by Miller. The most incredible thing about the series is that in reality it truly was like that. And after surviving bloody and terrifying missions, those young people from the four corners of the United States and from all social classes were able to get back in their planes the next day. 26,000 airmen of the 8th Air Force died. They suffered more fatalities than the Marine Corps. Masters of the Air shows definitively that if there was anything worse than serving in submarines during World War II, it was serving in the bombers. To the soldiers usual fear of death, being part of a bomber crew added vertigo and claustrophobia the planes look big on the asphalt, but they are laden with bombs and space on board is tight. Not only that, the environment at 10,000 feet is extremely hostile. The lack of oxygen and the cold, along with the atmospheric conditions, were among the mortal dangers that the aviators faced, and the series shows this very well. In one episode, we see how a machine gunner who removes his gloves to unjam his weapon gets his hands stuck-frozen to the metal and tears his skin off as he frees himself. The groups adventures are especially well represented as in Millers book through a set of real characters, played by actors, such as Majors Gale Buck Cleven (Austin Butler) and John Bucky Egan (Callum Turner), Lieutenants Harry Crosby (Anthony Boyle), Glenn Graham (Darragh Cowley), and Curtis Biddick (Barry Keoghan, the in vogue star of Saltburn), and ground Sergeant Ken Lemmons, played by Rafferty Law, son of Jude Law. The proven formula of telling a story from within a combat unit and emphasizing the human dimension of its members reworks its magic in Masters of the Air (we inevitably suffer for those young people in life and death situations in their planes. It awakens our affinity for them and we identify with young airmen, at a time when it is extremely difficult to do so with the military who sow chaos and destruction and devastate cities, killing the civilian population with their bombs. Imagen de la serie 'Los amos del aire'. And if there is any weapon that is difficult to empathize with, it is bombers. The debate over the horrific destruction caused by American high-altitude strategic bombing in World War II appears in Millers book and in the series, in which some airmen question the slaughter of civilians. In any case, both the series and the book opt for the reassuring thesis that this suffering was necessary to put an end to the Nazis, and that somehow the Germans had asked for it. Miller tries to distinguish between the American bombing, which would always have been targeted, he emphasizes, at attacking the German war effort (even considering that the bombs go off course) and that of the British, who did not hesitate to destroy cities deliberately. The series and book continually remember the enormous sacrifice made by the bomber crews, who lost 60 Flying Fortresses and almost 600 men in a single mission. Another complex issue that the book and series mention is that of racism: the democratic United States allowed some Black pilots to fly fighter planes (the Tuskegee men) but in no way in bombers. Apple TV+ What stands out about the series is its technical and operational accuracy (the missions it recounts are authentic, including the one that ended with the landing in North Africa after bombing Regensburg) and a production design that takes meticulous care of everything, from the planes to the smallest period element, passing through the aviators clothing, with the iconic leather and sheepskin jackets. There are also the many historically accurate details. Among them, the secrecy with the Norden sights, the decisive instrument that allowed American bombers to hit the targets with unprecedented precision, or the scene in which a radio operator eats the sheets with the frequencies and the secret identification of the device before it can fall into enemy hands. Likewise, the way in which the atmosphere in the bases (and the canteens) is shown, the crew members superstitions, the stress of combat, the fear (the Focke-Wulf funk), the mystique of the 25 missions after which you were going home (the true story of the B-17 Memphis Belle, which the 1990 film of the same name focused on), the positive relationship of American personnel with British children, and the romantic and sexual relationships during the war. Through parallel plots, the series very accurately captures how the escape networks worked for downed pilots (through them Chuck Yeager was able to return to combat), and the lives of the captured airmen and interned in concentration camps (Stalag Luft, like the one in The Great Escape). Among the drawbacks, the accentuated and sometimes excessive epic sense of the narrative, and a certain aestheticism (it is doubtful that the bomber boys were all so handsome and posed so well). These are two things that certainly contribute to making Masters of the Air a great spectacle, but that jar a little with the ultimate reality of how the bombers left the world below after they had delivered their payloads. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Former President Jair Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party (PL) and his son Carlos Bolsonaro attend a Presidential Debate ahead of the national election, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, September 29, 2022. Brazils federal police on Monday searched the homes and office of Carlos Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and a Rio de Janeiro city councilman, an officer with knowledge of the operation told The Associated Press. The officer spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not allowed to comment publicly about the case. Police said in a statement that they conducted nine searches Monday as part of a broader investigation into the nations intelligence agency and alleged spying on political opponents during Bolsonaros term, which ended in Dec. 2022. Carlos Bolsonaros lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the AP. By midday local time, Bolsonaro had not commented publicly on the search, and neither have his two brothers who are also in politics, nor his father. Mondays operation comes days after federal police searched the office and home of the former chief of Brazils intelligence agency under Bolsonaro, Alexandre Ramagem, and a dozen other people. Police statements and Supreme Court documents show police are investigating an organized crime group that operated within the intelligence agency, known by its Portuguese acronym ABIN, during Bolsonaros term. The group allegedly used the agencys tools and services for political use and personal gain. The group is also suspected of seeking to interfere with ongoing police investigations, some of which targeted or involved two of Bolsonaros other sons, Jair Renan and Flavio, a sitting senator. Police suspect ABIN under Ramagem used a software known as FirstMile, developed by Israeli company Cognyte, to monitor targets and public authorities ... with the aim of creating false narratives, according to Supreme Court documents. Mondays police statement said the latest operation sought to advance the political side of the investigation, to identify the main recipients and beneficiaries of illegally produced information. Sunday night, Jair Bolsonaro conducted a two and a half-hour long live broadcast on social media, along with three of his sons, including Carlos. The broadcast was done from a house in the seaside city of Angra dos Reis. In the video, the Bolsonaros defended Ramagem and criticized the investigation, with the former president calling the idea of a parallel intelligence unit fantastical. Local outlets including O Globo, a leading daily, have reported on Ramagems ties with the Bolsonaro family since the presidential campaign of 2018. Then a federal police officer, Ramagem served as one of Jair Bolsonaros security coordinators, O Globo reported. In one photo widely published in local media, he appears all smiles at a 2018-2019 New Years Eve party alongside Carlos Bolsonaro and their then partners. Bolsonaro appointed Ramagem to lead ABIN in May 2019. The right-wing leader had previously appointed him to be federal police chief, but quickly yielded to growing criticism around the nomination due to the fact that Ramagem was widely seen as too close to the presidents family, and that he might give members preferential treatment. In a March 2020 TV interview, Gustavo Bebianno, who had acted as one of the former presidents key aides and as a Cabinet minister before being fired, said Carlos had spoken to him about creating a parallel intelligence unit within the agency. One fine day, Carlos appears to me with the name of a federal detective and three agents who would form a parallel ABIN, because he didnt trust ABIN, Bebianno told TV program Roda Viva shortly before his death. We advised the president not to do anything of the sorts ... After I left, I dont know if this was implemented or not. O Globo, which is based in Rio, reported that law enforcement had seized a computer that belonged to ABIN in one of the addresses covered by the warrants. The agencys press department told The AP in an email it was investigating the claim. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition United Nations, Jan 30 : Major donors are sending one of the world organisation's oldest and largest relief operations to the brink of collapse after disclosures that the employees of the organisation set up to help Palestinian refugees took part in the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel. "It's not so much the existence of the agency is at stake. It's the lives of the people that the agency serves that's at stake," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday about the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It will run out of funds past next month, he added. UNRWA -- and the UN itself -- have been shaken by Israel's allegations that 12 staffers of the organisation joined in the attacks on Israel. A dossier shared with several news media organisations by Israel also asserted that at least 190 UNRWA staff were working for Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The UN immediately fired nine of those accused of participating in the attacks, one was dead and the identities of two were being ascertained, Guterres said on Sunday. He added that he was "horrified" by "the abhorrent alleged acts of these staff members" and it "must have consequences". Dujarric said that the UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services has been activated to investigate the allegations. On the other side of the ledger, at least 152 of the 13,000 UNWRA relief workers in Gaza have been killed in the Israeli attack on Gaza in retaliation for the Hamas attack that killed about 190 people in Israel and had about 240 taken hostage. After the US and at least a dozen other governments announced that they were freezing aid to UNRWA, Guterres said it will run out of funds next month to meet "the dire needs of the desperate population" of two million in Gaza. He appealed to the donors not to suspend their aid but to continue helping UNRWA. The US is the largest contributor sending nearly $344 million to UNRWA, which had a budget of $1.62 million last year. Germany, which comes next with a $202 million contribution, also suspended payments. UNRWA was founded by the UN General Assembly in 1949 in the aftermath of the war the previous year during which hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were forced out of their homes in Israel. It provides an array of services, from schooling and medical facilities to food and economic assistance, to Palestine refugees scattered across the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank occupied by Israel, as well as Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. Dujarric said that the organisation was irreplaceable in Gaza where 26,000 people, most of them women and children have been killed, 85 per cent of the population displaced, hospitals destroyed and mass starvation is threatened. "No other organisation than UNRWA has the infrastructure to do the work that they do," he added. "It's not as if anyone else can come in tomorrow and do the work that they do." According to Israel, nine of the 12 UNRWA workers who participated in the attack were teachers and one was a social worker. It accused two of them of participating in the taking of hostages, two of participating in raids on kibuttzes and one of arming himself with an anti-tank missile. US administration of former President Donald Trump had cut off aid to UNRWA in 2018 when Nikki Haley, a strong critic of the organisation and of Palestine, was the permanent representative to the UN. Soon after his election, US President Joe Biden ordered the aid to resume and now he faces questions about the integrity of UNRWA. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the work of UNRWA, saying on Monday that it "has played and continues to play an absolutely indispensable role in trying to make sure that men, women and children who so desperately need assistance in Gaza actually get it". Therefore, he said, "it is imperative that UNRWA immediately, as it said it would, investigate, that it hold people accountable as necessary and that it review its procedures". A Congressional hearing on UNRWA and its employees' involvement in the 10/7 attack is scheduled. India contributes $5 million directly to UNRWA every year and its representative in Palestine, Renu Yadav, handed over an instalment of $2.5 million in November. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) Prayagraj, Jan 30 : The Allahabad High Court has dismissed the petitions filed by eight interfaith couples for protection of their lives, saying that their marriages were not in compliance with provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. The anti-conversion law passed in 2021 prohibits unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion and allurement. Through separate petitions, the couples had approached the high court seeking directions for their protection and non-interference in their matrimonial lives. The court dismissed these petitions on different dates this month. Giving this decision, Justice Saral Srivastava noted that these were cases of interfaith marriages, but the marriages themselves were not in accordance with law as the anti-conversion law had not been followed. In the eight cases before the high court, five Muslim men had married Hindu women and three Hindu men had married Muslim women. The court mentioned the religions of the petitioners in the orders. Declining the requests made by the petitioners, the court said, "In such view of the fact, the relief prayed by the petitioners cannot be granted. Consequently, the writ petition is dismissed." However, the court left it open to the petitioners to prefer fresh writ petitions in case they solemnise the marriage after following the due procedure of law. After the enactment of the anti-conversion law, various benches of the high court have normally declined to interfere unless the provisions of the said law are followed. Toronto, Jan 30 : A 26-year-old man hailing from Punjab has been deported to India less than a year after he was found guilty of a car crash that killed a woman and her elderly mother in the Canadian province of Alberta. Bipinjot Gill, who arrived in Canada in 2016 on a student visa, sped through a red light in Calgary on May 18, 2019, killing Uzma Afzal, 31, and her mother, Bilquees Begum, 65, on the spot. He left Canada after his attempts to have a deportation order stayed were rejected by a Federal Court judge this month, the Calgary Herald newspaper reported. "The applicant committed and was convicted for a serious crime. Lives were lost. The families of the victims will never see family members again," Judge Shirzad Ahmed said in his ruling. He also dismissed Gill's claims that he would face harm if returned to India by not being able to access treatment for his mental health issues. "And while (Gill) has struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues, he has been found criminally responsible for his conduct by a competent court of law." Gill, who was 21 at the time of the accident, was behind the wheel of a Hyundai that crashed into a Toyota Corolla at the intersection of Metis Trail and 128 Avenue N.E. in the early morning hours of May 18, 2019. While the two women were pronounced dead on the spot, the driver of the Toyota, Begum's husband, and Uzma's husband were taken to the hospital in critical condition. He was convicted of the double fatality case in April 2023 and sentenced in November to a term of house arrest, 300 hours of community service, and one year of probation. Three months after the accident, Gill was also convicted of dangerous driving and fleeing from a peace officer in August 2019, the judge noted. He was issued a deportation order on September 6, 2022, after being found "inadmissible to Canada for serious criminality," The Herald reported. Gill's lawyer said his client ran out of time in his bid to stay the deportation order and acted without legal counsel for too long. A native of Punjab, Gill earned a two-year diploma from Bow Valley College in 2018. His parents and brother are in Canada on temporary visas, while his uncle and grandparents are Canadian citizens. New York, Jan 30 : An Indian studying at Purdue University has been found dead outside a building on the campus after he went missing last week, a county coroner in the US confirmed. According to the Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office, officials were called around 11.30 a.m. on Sunday to 500 Allison Road in West Lafayette for a possible body. Upon arrival, a "college-aged male" was found deceased outside Maurice J Zucrow Laboratories on Purdue's campus, the Fox59 news channel reported, citing the coroner. "Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family, and we hope they are respected during such a difficult time," Coroner Carrie Costello said, adding that an autopsy is due to take place. According to The Purdue Exponent, the university's student-run newspaper, Acharya was a double major in computer science and data science at the John Martinson Honors College. Chris Clifton, the university's Computer Science head told The Exponent that he received an email from the Office of the Dean of Students confirming Acharya's death on Monday. "It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our students, Neel Acharya, has passed away. My condolences go out to his friends, family, and all affected," Clifton wrote in an email to the faculty and students. Clifton called Acharya a "driven individual and academically talented". Acharya's friend and roommate, Aryan Khanolkar, told The Exponent that he was a "loving, charismatic soul, and will be cherished by all of us". According to Goury Acharya, mother of the deceased, her son was last seen by the Uber driver who dropped him off in Purdue university. In a post shared on X, she appealed for help, saying: "Our son Neel Acharya is missing since yesterday Jan 28 (12:30 AM EST) He is studying in Purdue University in the US. He was last seen by the Uber driver who dropped him off in Purdue University. We are looking for any info on him. Please help us if you know anything". In a reply to the post, the Consulate General of India in Chicago said that is in touch with Purdue University authorities and will extend all possible support and help. The incident comes just days after a 25-year-old Indian student, working part-time at a convenience store in Georgia, was hammered to death by a homeless man. Vivek Saini was hit almost 50 times on the face and the head, according to an employee who worked with him. Chennai, Jan 30 : The Greater Chennai Police on Monday arrested a teenager on charges of murdering an old woman who lived on the pavement at Ennore here. The woman who was living in the pavement for the past thirty years was found dead on January 25, and local people alerted police. Nearby residents and shop keepers said that the woman would be around eighty years of age. Police sent the body for an autopsy which revealed that she had an injury behind her head that led to her death. On inspection of CCTV visuals, it was found that a youth was seen carrying her from the pavement. With the help of local people, the youth was identified as Seeman (18) hailing from Eranavoor who was living with his grand mother. During interrogation he told police that he was staying with his friends for the past one week after a quarrel with his grand mother and had left home. He told police that he was drunk that night and while walking on the street, he found the old woman sleeping on the pavement. He gagged her and carried her from the pavement but the woman was crying for help. Police said that he beat up the woman to silence her and in the process she died. The Ennore police will be conducting a forensic study on the body of the woman to understand whether sexual assault had taken place as Seeman was seen carrying her. The accused was produced before a magistrate who remanded him to judicial custody. Prayagraj, Jan 30 : Trouble is brewing in Allahabad University (AU) with students alleging assault on a postgraduate student by AU proctor and SSL hostel assistant, and the university officials denying the charge. A large number of students held a protest near the Central Library Gate of the Allahabad University on the issue and blocked the road, late on Monday evening. Contrary to the allegations, the AU administration filed a complaint against the student at Colonelganj police station. The dispute arose over mess fees, with SSL hostel residents objecting and filing a complaint with the vice-chancellor. The MA final year student claimed he was summoned to the proctoras office on Monday, where assistant superintendent Atul Narain Singh allegedly assaulted him. Enraged students gathered outside the university gate, resisting police attempts to pacify them. Atul Narain Singh, in his police complaint, stated that the student had made objectionable comments against the hostel authorities on WhatsApp. He alleged that the student misbehaved and issued threats when his suspension order was issued. The student left the proctoras office after police intervention. AU's Public Relations Officer, Jaya Kapoor, refuted the assault claims, stating that neither the proctor Rakesh Singh nor any proctorial board members assaulted the student. "AU has footage of the student entering and leaving the proctoras office, and a complaint has been filed against the student at Colonelganj police station," she added. United Nations, Jan 30 : A Pakistani peacekeeper has been killed in an attack by an armed group in the Abyei area that is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan, according to the UN. The peacekeeper with UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was killed on Sunday while transporting civilians to a hospital, the mission said on Monday. This was the second attack on peacekeepers in two days during which a Ghanian peacekeeper was killed on Saturday. The UN identified neither the victims nor their attackers. Media reports quoting Abeyi officials attributed the attacks to armed gangs from South Sudan's Warrap State. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "deeply concerned by the violence" in which several civilians were also killed, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. Guterres "condemns the violence and attacks against the peacekeeping force and calls on the governments of South Sudan and Sudan to swiftly investigate the attacks", he added. Abyei, an area of about 10,000 square kilometres rich in oil and minerals, is claimed by Sudan and by South Sudan, which gained independence from it in 2011. The Security Council set up UNISFA that year to maintain peace between the two countries and to protect civilians. In addition to the confrontation between the two countries that is now largely contained, conflicts between the Dinka and Nuer tribes and also factions within them have flared up in the area. UNISFA said that had allowed people facing imminent threats to take refuge in some of its camps. On Sunday, "while transporting affected civilians from a UNISFA base to a hospital, peacekeepers came under heavy fire, during which a Pakistani peacekeeper was killed and four uniformed personnel and one local civilian sustained injury", UNISFA said. Of UNISFA's 2,587 troops, 571 peacekeepers were from Pakistan. So far, 169 Pakistani peacekeepers have been killed while serving in UN operations, according to the UN. The UNISFA's Deputy Commander Brigadier Abu Syed Mohammod Bakir is from Bangladesh. The UN has a separate operation, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), to keep the peace between warring factions there. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) The next lesbian, gay, or transgender person to be the godparent of a baby baptized in a Catholic parish, or in a cathedral, in any corner of the world, may not know what led him or her to assume that crucial responsibility in the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church. But the process began in Brazil, in the office of a bishop in Sao Paulo. Specifically, it started with a letter with six questions addressed to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and signed by Bishop Jose Negri, of the diocese of Santo Amaro, in the southern part of Latin Americas most populous city. The Holy See received the letter on July 14 and responded almost four months later with a decision signed by Pope Francis. The news was made public at the beginning of November. In summary, trans Catholics can be baptized, but it is not a right and requires avoiding disconcerting believers and public scandal. A same-sex couples children can receive the same sacrament as long as there is a well-founded hope that they will be educated in the Catholic faith. They can all serve as witnesses for a wedding. Bishop Negri raised the six questions clearly and directly. The first question: Can a trans person be baptized? The fourth inquiry: Can a same-sex couple appear as the progenitors of a child to be baptized if he or she was adopted or conceived through other methods, such as surrogacy? The response from the body that deals with the Churchs doctrinal and theological questions the former Inquisition was also concise in its three-page answer, which included multiple footnotes. The Brazilian prelate declined this newspapers request to be interviewed about his consultation and its consequences. The decision on whether LGBTQ+ Catholics can receive some sacraments has caused less of a stir than another of the Pontiffs rulings (unrelated to Negri) this one announced in December which deepens his policy of the institutions openness. The Vatican approved the blessing of same-sex couples, but, importantly, without equating it to marriage. The decision has even caused a small rebellion on the part of Perus clergy. The diocesan prelate, known here as Dom Jose, was born in Milan, Italy, as Giuseppe, but he has lived in Brazil since his 20s. He has a degree in Psychology from the Gregorian University in Rome. He has a slight Italian accent, is 64 years old and boasts 132,000 Instagram followers, almost ten times more than the diocese he leads. The publications from the day last November when the Vatican announced its response to his query do not refer to the matter. But, like Argentinas Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Negri is in favor of the Catholic hierarchy listening to the peripheries, be they urban, social or economic. Previously, he was bishop in Blumenau, in the whitest part of Brazil, a land colonized by German immigrants who preserve the language and even celebrate Oktoberfest. A few years ago, he chaired the Brazilian Episcopal Conferences child protection committee; at the time, he pledged that the Church would firmly confront the sexual abuse in its midst. The bishop of Santo Amaro is on the most conservative spectrum of the Church in Brazil and is prudent as a bishop, explains Paulo Ricardo, of the Institute of Religious Studies (ISER). The diocese over which he presides includes some two million Catholics and owes its fame to Father Marcelo Rossi, of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement, which was a true mass phenomenon in the 1990s thanks to his records, a Latin Grammy, show masses and modern methods of evangelization. The fact that this consultation on LGBTQ+ people reached the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith from Brazil is not so surprising if one considers that the South American country is one of the nations where the Catholic Church has more faithful, although the group is dwindling in the face of a strong push by evangelicals. Same-sex marriage has been legal for over a decade. Fifteen years have passed since the public health system performed the first gender-affirming procedure. And while Brazil is the country where the most trans people are murdered (among those countries that record such crimes), they are also represented in many areas of society and have tremendous visibility. Indeed, there are two trans deputies in Brazils national congress and another two in state legislatures. Bishop Jose Negri (right) last Wednesday. Diocesis de Santo Amaro Luis Rabello, 35, the executive secretary of the Brazilian network of LGBTQ+ Catholic groups, welcomes the changes introduced by Pope Francis because they serve to give visibility to a group that has always existed in the Church, both among the faithful and as catechists. He is happy that the Vatican has finally adopted norms to resolve issues that until now have been handled on a case-by-case basis. On the phone from Brasilia, he recalls a case from a few years ago: a trans woman who had undergone gender-affirming surgery requested that her dead name the name on her birth certificate be replaced by her new one on her baptismal certificate. She got her wish. It happened in Curitiba, a city in southern Brazil. The representative of LGBTQ+ Catholics in Brazil maintains that Bishop Negris questions for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith responds to a social demand. LGBTQ+ people are demanding more space in the Church; they are demanding respect. He explains that it is a trend that has grown in recent years with social changes and the LGBTQ+ communitys inspired by the current Pontiffs gestures. Rabello notes that Pope Francis has received trans people in the Holy See. A civil servant by profession, he believes the recent Vatican rulings are very important for educating priests, bishops... Brazil has about 20 LGBTQ+ Catholic groups spread over 10 states that meet in person, plus virtual ones, including one for non-binary people. A priest from the diocese of Santo Amaro, Father Negris diocese, monitors these groups, Rabello says. Pope Francis has a very special place in the hearts of Brazilian LGBTQ+ Catholics for the answer he gave a Brazilian journalist in 2013 on the return flight from his visit to Brazil. Francis spoke for the first time about LGBTQ+ people; [he was] the first pope to utter the word gay! Rabello recalls. It was a revolution in an institution with two millennia of history. That gesture and the ones that followed encouraged the LGBTQ+ faithful to seek more information and to ask their parishes about baptism, marriage and being godparents for baptisms and weddings. Last October, Bishop Negri spoke a little about his childhood during an interview with another priest both in collars during the so-called diocesan youth meeting. He recalled that his grandmother introduced him to the Church and taught him the Rosary (which she recited in Latin). My ideal was to be an altar boy, but Jesus wanted something else, he explained. The motto of that youthful encounter sounded provocative: You seduced me, Lord, and I let myself be seduced. Bishop Negri took advantage of the occasion to announce that he was organizing a big event to evangelize en masse, in schools, in subway stations, at bus stops, in universities... The battle between Catholics and Evangelicals for the souls of over 200 million Brazilians is intense. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Jaipur, Jan 30 : If political sources are to be believed, preparations are being made in Rajasthan to ban hijab in government schools in Rajasthan. As per sources, a report on hijab ban will be prepared at a high level in the Education Department and sent to Education Minister Madan Dilawar. Party workers said that Dilawar has sought a report from the department regarding the status of hijab ban in other states and its effects in Rajasthan. At the same time, Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena has also said that hijab should be banned in government and private schools and madrasas. After studying the patterns of other states, a status report on the possibilities of hijab ban will be sent to the minister. After getting the green signal from higher ups, a final decision on banning the hijab will be taken in the schools of Rajasthan, said party workers. Dr. Meena said, "I will talk to the Chief Minister on this. When the Mughal invaders came here, they started this tradition in our country. The DNA of Indian Muslims is also ours. Burqa and hijab are not acceptable in any way in our country. When hijab and burqa are not acceptable in Muslim countries, then why should we adopt them? Our MLA has raised this issue. There is dress code in police and schools also. Like this, some police officer will sit in the police station tomorrow wearing kurta and pyjama. There is a rule for everything." On December 31, 2021, there was a controversy in a college in Udupi District of Karnataka over the ban on hijab. When this controversy escalated, in February 2022, the then Karnataka Government had banned all types of clothes and items with religious identity in schools and colleges. The order argued that any clothing or item that would disturb equality, integrity and public law and order would not be allowed to be worn in schools. The Karnataka High Court had upheld the decision to ban hijab in schools and colleges and said that the dress code in schools and colleges was correct. Los Angeles, Jan 30 : Actor-comedian Bob Odenkirk was left gobsmacked after his family line was confirmed to be linked to that of King Charles III. The 'Better Call Saul' star appeared on the US genealogy series 'Finding Your Roots' when he was told of the shocking discovery, reports Mirror.co.uk. The revelation awkwardly came after the American insisted he was "not a monarchist". The show's host Henry Louis Gates Jr, made the connection after being able to trace Odenkirk's family roots back five generations to Friedrich Carl Steinholz, who was the actor's fifth great grandfather born in Plon, Germany in 1755. As per Mirror.co.uk, the findings showed how Steinholz's mother conceived him out of wedlock with the Duke of Plon, who was in fact tied to other royal families across Europe thanks to intermarriage. Prior to the reveal, Odenkirk said on the show: "I'm an American. I'm not a monarchist. I don't believe in that. You know, I feel like it's a little twisted. I understand why society built itself around monarchs and leaders, and they passed them down through generations. I understand that goes through every society, every civilisation. But I think that we've gotten to a better place with democracy and we should keep going down that road." That's when Gates jumped in to give him the huge surprise that he was 11th cousins with Charles, which led to Odenkirk jokingly changing his tune immediately. He laughed: "Well maybe I'll change my mind on that." The pair got into a jovial back and forth, with Gates "criticising" Odenkirk for "trashing" his newfound family. Toronto, Jan 30 : An 18-year-old Indo-Canadian has been taken into custody and an arrest warrant has been issued for a 16-year-old in connection with the shooting death of a fellow Indian-origin teen last month. Preetpaul Singh was arrested after homicide investigators executed a search warrant at a house in Brampton, Ontario, and has been charged with accessory after the fact to commit an indictable offence, the Peel Police said in a release. On December 19, 2023, a local hospital notified Peel Police about 18-year-old Nishan Thind who was admitted with a gunshot wound just before 6 pm. Police said Thind, who succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, was shot at an unknown location and time. The alleged shooter, a 16-year-old boy, continues to be at large and is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for manslaughter. He cannot be named under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the police said in a recent statement. Police said active investigation into the case is on and anyone with information is asked to contact homicide detectives. Washington, Jan 30 : Republicans in Congress are pressuring President Joe Biden to "strike back" at Iran to retaliate against the drone attack on Tower 22 in Jordan in which three US troops were killed and over 34 personnel injured. Out of 150 missile attacks so far on US bases in the Middle East, this is the first time the militants broke through Pentagon's defence shield killing military personnel. The Republican response comes a day after the front running 2024 GOP candidate former President Donald Trump criticised Biden's "foreign policy of weakness and surrender" to Iran, citing the unfreezing of $6 billion of oil revenues of the Islamic state last year as one of the instances. Trump alleged the funds were being misused for military purposes while Biden asserted there were checks and balances against that. Even as President Biden and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin vowed to hit back at a time and place of their choosing, an inevitable US response to the attack has raised the spectre of the middle east war escalating further. Tensions in the region are already growing as the Israel-Hamas war prolongs without any solution to achieving a ceasefire or return of the remaining hostages. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday vowed action during an appearance at the Pentagon before a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. "The president and I will not tolerate attacks on US forces and we will take all necessary actions to defend the U.S. and our troops," Austin was quoted by the media as saying. President Biden has also pledged to respond. But GOP lawmakers are sure to be critical of the president as a rematch of Biden and former President Donald Trump appears imminent in the 2024 election. And nothing less than a direct strike on Iran would appease some Republicans in Congress, says report from US News and World Report. Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said that the "tragedy was avoidable." "For years now Biden has emboldened Iran - sending them billions & tolerating their aggression against our troops," he posted on social media. "America must show strength," Scalise said. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina was more direct, mocking Biden: "I am calling on the Biden Administration to strike targets of significance inside Iran, not only as reprisal for the killing of our forces, but as deterrence against future aggression." Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas talked in a similar vein. "The only answer to these attacks must be devastating military retaliation against Iran's terrorist forces, both in Iran and across the Middle East," Cotton said. "Anything less will confirm Joe Biden as a coward unworthy of being commander-in-chief." Senator John Cornyn of Texas originally posted: "Target Tehran" before clarifying that he was not calling on the Biden administration to bomb Iranian civilians. Patna, Jan 30 : The NDA Government in Bihar will bring a no confidence motion against the current Speaker, Awadh Bihari Chaudhary, on February 10. As the present government has the majority in Bihar Vidhan Sabha, removing Chaudhary from the post of Speaker would just be a formality, in case he does not resign. A meeting in this regard was held at the Chief Ministeras residence on Monday evening where Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Sinha, Jitan Ram Manjhi and other leaders were present. They had discussions on the Budget Session that is expected to start on February 12. The NDA had brought a no confidence motion application before the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat on January 28 and as per the law any session can be started only after the 14-day period. This was the second time when a no confidence motion was brought against a Speaker in five years in the state. Earlier, the Mahagathbandhan Government had brought the no confidence motion against then Speaker Vijay Kumar Sinha. He is now the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. Bengaluru, Jan 30 : A plea has been submitted to Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot seeking consent to file a complaint with the Lokayukta Special Court against Minister for Cooperation K.N. Rajanna over appointment of a retired officer facing alleged corruption charges for a key post in spite of availability of efficient IAS officers in the department. RTI activist Dinesh Kallahalli stated on Tuesday that he has sought consent to file a private complaint and demand probe under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC over appointment of a retired officer facing serious corruption charges for a prominent post. "The complaint was lodged on September 29, 2023 in this regard. The latest development is that the office of the Governor has sent the file for further action to the office of the Chief Secretary of the Government of Karnataka." "The efficient IAS officers within the department are not considered and a retired officer preferred for the post. There is strong suspicion of vested interest behind the appointment," the complaint states. In the complaint, it is alleged that Minister Rajanna has appointed C.N. Devaraj to the post of Managing Director of Karnataka State Cooperative Apex Bank located in Chamarajpet in Bengaluru on contract basis for a period of 11 months. "It is proved in the investigation that Devaraj, on the capacity of MD of Karnataka State Apex Bank earlier had allegedly disbursed loans to private people, commercial institutes and trusts without taking surety." The complaint also alleges that Devaraj had given away loans amounting to hundreds of crores to construction companies, sugar factories and gold jewellery shops violating norms and not taking surety. "There is a possibility of rampant corruption and mischief behind the appointment of Devaraj to the Karnataka State Cooperative Apex Bank by the Minister Rajanna. I seek the consent to file a private complaint against him," the complaint states. "Devaraj, then CEO of Karnataka State Cooperative Apex Bank and Minister Rajanna, then President of the same bank, during their tenure had allegedly violated rules of the bank and disbursed loans to the amount of Rs 2,000 crores. This had come to light in the audit report. The loan was not utilised for the purpose it was taken and was used for personal and other purposes. The interest and loan amount is not paid by the parties within time. The registrar of Cooperative Societies had written a letter to the Principal Secretary of the Cooperative Department for a high level probe in this connection," Dinesh Kallahalli has explained in the complaint. Minister Rajanna is protecting Devaraj and cooperating for practice of corruption. If Minister Rajanna is investigated, many illegalities will come out and hence the permission for lodging a private complaint against him is sought, the complaint alleged. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA from Maner constituency Bhai Virendra on Wednesday alleged that many Bihar politicians and bureaucrats are having sleepless nights as they are unable to get liquor. (Twitter). Image Source: IANS News Patna, Jan 30 : After the formation of the NDA Government in Bihar, RJD MLA Bhai Virendra attacked Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday and said that no father would name his son Nitish Kumar in future. "Nitish Kumar has done 'paltimar' so many times that everyone in the country calls him 'Palturam'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him 'Palturam' as did Amit Shah and now people throughout Bihar and the country are calling him 'Palturam'. "Due to his selfish act, no father would name their son Nitish in future," Virendra, the RJD MLA from Patna's Maner Assembly constituency said. Nitish Kumar sabotaged four elected governments in the last 10 years. He first withdrew support from the Jitan Ram Manjhi Government in 2014 and he became the Chief Minister of Bihar. In 2017, he broke the alliance with the Mahagathbandhan, which led to the collapse of the elected government and he formed a government with the BJP. In 2022, he broke his alliance with the NDA and the JD-U-BJP and HAM government collapsed. Following that he formed the government with the help of the RJD, Congress and Left parties. On January 28 this year Nitish Kumar broke the alliance with the Mahagathbandhan and joined hands with the NDA to form the government. Mumbai, Jan 30 : Actress Shubhangi Atre, who essays the role of Angoori Bhabhi in the hit television show 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai', has shared her experience shooting the artificial intelligence (AI) track of the show. In the track, Angoori's lookalike metallic companion is meant to assist her but turns her world upside down, leading to hilarious chaos. Talking about the same, Shubhangi Atre said: "Each week, we strive to bring our audience fresh, captivating, and entertaining content. Our dedicated team of writers and creatives worked tirelessly to infuse humour into the storyline, eliciting laughter from our viewers. In one of our recent episodes, we had an AI-driven plot in line with the current AI trend." In the episode, Angoori turns into a robot. It so happens that Angoori, overwhelmed with tasks, receives an AI robot from Saxena (Saanand Verma). Unaware of its vulnerability to liquids, she unintentionally gives it water, resulting in the malfunctioning robot insulting Vibhuti (Aasif Sheikh) and mistreating Tiwari (Rohitashv Gour), causing chaos and distress. The actress further mentioned: "When I learned about the Angoori robot, an AI humanoid character, I humorously questioned if it would be akin to 'Chitti,' played by the legendary Rajnikant in the film 'Robot'. It was quite fun shooting that episode, and it was a refreshing change, adding to an exhilarating experience. I commend the show writers for consistently creating unique tracks that challenge us as actors and allow us to do something different." The actress shared that while embodying Angoori would have been simpler, portraying a robotic version posed a challenging task. She continued: "I had to strike a balance, ensuring I didn't exaggerate movements and appeared as authentic as performing routine household tasks typical of Angoori. The actress adds, "Through this role, I discovered that playing an AI robot entails more than mimicking cold, robotic movements; it also involves eliciting laughter from the audience. As an artist, I can attest that it was a nuanced choreography of code and emotions. Delving into this humanoid role, I realised that, in a way, we are all constrained by our programming, whether it be the algorithms of our DNA or the societal codes shaping us." She said that she received numerous compliments for her robotic dialect and performance, fueling her motivation to take on unconventional roles. She added: "Observing the progress of humanity, I genuinely believe that AI transcends mere technology; it provides a glimpse into our future. As algorithms advance and machines learn, AI is poised to reshape our lives. The recent track in our show exemplifies how artificial intelligence is revolutionising our way of life, work, and interaction, offering a compelling preview into the future." 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai' airs on &TV. Indigenously built Indian Naval ships Kulish and IN LCU 56 during the maiden bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Indian Navy officials on Tuesday said that they have rescued a hijacked fishing vessel 'Al Naemi' with 11 Somali armed pirates. The officials said that the Navy's Marine Commandos carried out the operation and rescued the crew including 19 Pakistani nationals. The official said that the navy rescued the vessels through swift, persistent and relentless efforts by the Mission Deployed Indian Navy warship in the Southern Arabian Sea approx 850 nm West of Kochi. "It also prevented misuse of fishing vessels as Mother Ships for further acts of Piracy on Merchant Vessels," the officials said. The officials said that the warship los has carried out another successful anti-piracy ops off the East Coast of Somalia, rescuing Fishing Vessel Al Naeemi and her Crew (19 Pakistani Nationals) from 11 Somali Pirates. They said that INS Sumitra, post rescuing MV Iman, was again pressed into action to locate and intercept another Iranian flagged FV which had been boarded by pirates and her crew taken hostage. "Sumitra intercepted the FV and through coercive posturing and effective deployment of her integral helo and boats compelled the safe release of the crew and the vessel," the officials said. They said that this was the second successful anti-piracy operation by the Indian Navy in the last 24 hours. Indian Defence officials said that Indian navy warships are deployed all around the Indian Ocean region to provide safety and security in the area. The officials said that earlier in another swift response by Indian Navy's Mission Deployed warship ensured safe release of hijacked vessel and crew. Lucknow, Jan 30 : At least 10 trainee priests, selected out of 23 trainee priests, have joined in the performance puja of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The religious service method committee of the temple trust has selected them for chanting the mantras before the various aartis in the temple. Religious committee chairman, Swami Govind Dev Giri said that no change has been made in the team of priests already involved in the puja. Trainee priests are deployed only to assist in chanting mantras. About 3,000 candidates had applied for the post of priests for the Ram temple in November last year after the vacancies were advertised by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The trust had shortlisted 200 candidates based on merit for the interview and selected 20 candidates for the training. These candidates had a six-month training based on the religious syllabus prepared by the top seers and during the training, the trust selected 10 best candidates and deployed them to assist the existing group of priests. The candidates are being given the training regarding the procedure of different pujas including asandhya vandana, its procedures and mantras, special mantras and akarma kanda regarding the worship of Lord Rama. --IANS amita/dan Confusing an enemy drone with one of its own returning to base appears to be the factor behind the attack on a U.S. position in northeastern Jordan on Sunday, in which three U.S. servicemen were killed and 40 others were wounded, military officials said. The incident was the first to kill U.S. soldiers in a hostile act since the Israel-Hamas war started on Oct. 7. It increases pressure on Joe Biden as pro-Iranian militia attacks in the Middle East proliferate and the risk of regional escalation appears greater than ever. According to the U.S. commanders account, the return of a U.S. drone to Tower 22, the attacked outpost near the Syrian border, caused confusion among those in charge of the air defense systems, who did not know if the approaching device was theirs. That doubt led to a delay in activating the defense systems. Two other unmanned aerial vehicles that attacked other U.S. positions were shot down without causing any damage, the commanders said. The militia drone attacked the barracks that serve as a residential area inside the base, where 350 U.S. military personnel are stationed. Many of them were sleeping at the time. In addition to the three dead, another thirty soldiers were wounded in the incident. On Monday, Biden met with his National Security team at the White House to discuss the situation after the attack in northeastern Jordan, near the Syrian border. According to the White House, those in attendance included National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and National Intelligence Director Avril Haines. The coalition of pro-Iranian militias in Syria and Iraq, known as the Islamic Resistance of Iraq (IRI), said on Sunday that it had attacked three U.S. positions in Jordan, including the Tower 22 base. Iran has denied any involvement in the attack on U.S. forces and described the incident as part of clashes between the U.S. and resistance groups in the region. At Mondays White House press conference, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to confirm that the incident was caused by a misidentification. Like Biden a day earlier, he did say that the United States would respond to the attack: We do not seek another war. We do not seek to escalate. But we will absolutely do what is required to protect ourselves [] and to respond appropriately to these attacks. [] This attack over the weekend was escalatory, make no mistake about it. And it requires a response, make no mistake about that. Kirby emphasized that the response will come at a time and place of our choosing. In a similar vein, at the start of a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin who returned to his office at the Pentagon on Monday after recovering from complications from cance r said that the president and I will not tolerate attacks on U.S. forces and we will take all necessary actions to defend the U.S. and our troops. In regard to their retaliation, the White House and the Pentagon face a problem that has affected them since the beginning of the crisis: how to react with enough force to prevent future aggressions while also being restrained enough to avoid an escalation of unpredictable consequences. The numbers speak for themselves. Since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, U.S. forces have been the target of over 150 attacks, for which Washington blames pro-Iranian groups in increasingly more areas of the Middle East, from Houthi missile launches from Yemen to the Red Sea area to drone attacks on their positions in Iraq and Syria. In addition, there have been another 30 or so Houthi attacks on merchant ships. Until now, the Biden administration has been relatively restrained in response to these militia strikes. In Yemen, U.S. strikes alone or in coordination with British forces had been limited to destroying rebel radar and missile sites. Its retaliatory military activities in Syria had similar objectives. Time and again, Washington has insisted that it sees no indication that Iran has any interest in being directly involved in the conflict. Many analysts see a Washington response to the latest aggression as inevitable, but they warn of the consequences. The United States will have to respond forcefully to this attack, says William Wechsler, a former deputy secretary of defense who now works at the Atlantic Council think tank. But the U.S. must make sure that its reaction minimizes the risk of provoking a wider regional war or forcing the Iraqi government to demand the withdrawal of the U.S. troops still stationed on its territory, about whom the two governments are negotiating. Among the options being considered at the Pentagon, experts point to seizing Iranian assets, including ships; attacking Iranian forces outside or inside that country; and continuing their relatively moderate strikes against pro-Iranian militias. If Biden has resisted a direct strike against Tehran thus far, given the risk of a regional escalation, Republicans are clamoring for an attack on Iranian territory. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Senator John Cornyn urged target[ing] Tehran. Later, he specified that he was calling for strikes against the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard. Senator Lindsey Graham called on Biden to hit Iran now. Hit them hard. Senator Tom Cotton declared: The only answer to these attacks must be devastating military retaliation against Irans terrorist forces, both in Iran and across the Middle East. Anything less will confirm Joe Biden as a coward unworthy of being commander-in-chief. On his social network Truth Social, former President and Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump said: We are on the brink of World War III. He added that Sundays brazen attack on the United States is yet another horrific and tragic consequence of Joe Bidens weakness and surrender, although he did not call for a specific U.S. response. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Thane : , Jan 30 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a closure report in an eight-year-old extortion case involving the former Thane and Mumbai Commissioner of Police Parambir H. Singh and others. The CBI closure report, signed by CBI's Additional SP, New Delhi R.L. Yadav was submitted to the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Thane Court, on December 30, 2023. The probe agency has provided a detailed report of its deep investigations into the case, plus all the documentary evidence and list of 23 witnesses therein as part of the closure report. "The above discussed facts and circumstances do not substantiate the allegations or disclose any incriminating evidence for launching prosecution against any of the accused persons. Therefore, Closure Report is being submitted before this Hon'ble Court," said the CBI. The report also said that "the allegations made against Parambir Singh were found to lack corroborative evidence, relying solely on the oral statement of the complainant." According to the FIR, the alleged crimes took place between November 2016-May 2018 in which a Mumbai-based builder, his associates and two police officers DCP Parag S. Manere and CP Parambir H. Singh were allegedly involved in the purported extortion. Besides the two senior police officers, the others named in the FIR were Sanjay Mishrimal Punamiya, Sunil Mangilal Jain and Manoj Ramu Ghotkar. In the complaint lodged by Sharad Agrawal, his uncle Shyamsunder Agrawal was arrested in an alleged Urban Land Ceiling Act scam case and the accused persons had connived to extort money of around Rs 9 crore from him, and a part of the money was paid up. Shyamsunder Agrawal was a business partner with Punamiya in a realty development company, Tirupati Balaji and Rajaram Dev Enterprises, but owing to some dispute, their partnership ended. Punamiya, along with his friend Milan Gandhi, had filed a complaint with Thane Police and Shyamsunder Agrawal was arrested in the ULC case of Bhayander town in Thane district. Thereafter, Jain called up Sharad Agrawal, claimed that Punamiya is very close to the then CP Parambir H. Singh and asked him to fulfil their demands or face the consequences like proceedings under the dreaded MCOCA act and other cases. A few days later, Sharad Agrawal and his brother Shubham Agrawal met Ghotkar who threatened them and advised them to arrive at a settlement with Punamiya and Singh. He took them to meet Singh and later Manere also joined in and they made an alleged demand for Rs 20 crore from the Agrawals, but after negotiations it was reduced to Rs 9 crores. Of this, Rs 1 crore was given to Ghotkar and then Shubham Agrawal was arrested allegedly on instructions of Singh leading to payment of another amount of Rs 1 crore to Punamiya. The CBI closure report, while exonerating Singh, said that the allegations against Shyamsunder Agrawal on the ULC case were established and a chargesheet has been filed in the matter. Even the role of Punamiya has come to the fore in the case, and he - along with Shyamsunder Agrawal - is facing a trial. On Sharad Agrawal's contentions that he had paid up Rs 1 crore to Ghotkar and another Rs 1 crore to Punamiya by taking cash loans from his relatives/friends, the CBI found that none of them stated that they had given the money for 'paying police officials'. Referring to several other subsequent developments and deals, the CBI said that there was no threat/coercion/pressure on the complainant for any settlement which he had not honoured, the incidents of 2016-2017 were reported in 2021, by which time the evidence to unravel the truth was not available. The CBI also found nothing irregular in the property transaction/s involved as they were properly documented and there was no independent evidence to support Sharad Agrawal's claims. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) Bengaluru, Jan 30 : The Karnataka Government and Opposition continued to spar on Tuesday over the issue of removal of a Hanuman flag in Keragodu Village of Mandya District recently. The BJP had held protests in all district headquarters condemning the move. Commenting on the row, Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, said in Bengaluru on Tuesday that the people in Mandya and old Mysuru region were living peacefully and the BJP was attempting to disturb the peace there as well. "All people in the villages in Karnataka live in brotherhood and together they celebrate all festivals. The BJP leaders have brought a new experiment which will destroy the harmony between the people," he stated. The Hanuman flag was hoisted in spite of the Gram Panchayat permitting only the Tricolour or regional flag to be put up there. "Where did the slogan 'Har Ghar Tiranga' coined by the BJP go? Let them keep hoisting the flag of Hanuman instead of the national flag," Shivakumar stated. Minister for Agriculture, N Chaluvarayaswamy, speaking from Mandya on Tuesday stated that it was painful to see former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy making efforts to destroy the peace of the people of Mandya District. Addressing a conference over the Hanuman flag row, Chaluvarayaswamy, also district incharge of Mandya stated, "Mr. Kumaraswamy don't forget that with the support of people of Mandya, you have become the CM. Do not destroy their lives here. Being a responsible leader of the Opposition, you should ensure that the government is on the right track. You can't indulge in destroying peace. The people of the district had given you the power. In the last elections they have blessed us. If we don't tread the right path, they will also teach us a lesson. You have to remember this. Do not encourage the forces who are against the Constitution and democracy. We don't know who provoked the people to hoist a Hanuman flag, it might have been done to gain political benefits during election time," he said. Meanwhile, Sumalatha Ambareesh, MP from Mandya questioned the defence of the government in this regard. "The government is claiming that they are ensuring strict implementation of the law. In this respect, could they only see the Hanuman flag? Including Mandya, there is illegal mining and encroachments of lakes, why is the government silent on these issues?" Sumalatha Ambareesh questioned. "The Hanuman flag did not hurt feelings of any religion. It was not hoisted to provoke minorities. There was no problem with it. If there was government action on every illegality, it could have been understood. People of Mandya react differently than other parts of the state. They are really hurt. The government should agree to its mistake and find a solution," she said. "The Hanuman flag was hoisted at a public place. It was not hoisted on a sacred place belonging to another religion. The issue could have been resolved peacefully and in a simple manner by holding talks with villagers. The government woke up to the issue six days after hoisting of the Hanuman flag and gave it a political twist," Sumalatha alleged. The JD-S taking to social media on Tuesday maintained that Lord Hanuman will ensure the end of the Congress party which is acting like a chameleon in the state. Attacking the Congress it stated, "You have mentioned saffron. That is our tradition and symbol of local culture. It is a stamp of our belief. For those who don't respect their religion and who only benefit from appeasement politics, the sanctity of rituals, tradition won't be understood. For dirty minds the saffron is also a part of politics," it stated. New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed a trial court to decide and pronounce judgment by February 17 on an application filed by Sharjeel Imam, in a case involving alleged inflammatory speeches against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), seeking statutory bail. Imam, who was booked under FIR 22 of 2020 by Delhi Police's Special Branch, was initially registered for the offence of sedition. Later, Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was invoked. He has been in custody since January 28, 2020, and his argument is centered around the claim that he has completed half of the maximum seven-year punishment prescribed under Section 13 of the UAPA. The division bench, comprising Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Manoj Jain, disposed Imam's plea for regular bail, saying that the application for statutory bail is already under consideration before the trial court. The court issued a clear directive, stating, "We direct the trial court to decide and pronounce judgment in the said application within 10 days from the next date of hearing." Furthermore, the court affirmed Imam's right to file a fresh appeal if bail is denied, based on the grounds mentioned in his initial appeal or any additional grounds. Delhi Police had earlier opposed Imam's claim that he has completed half of the maximum seven-year punishment prescribed under Section 13 of the UAPA, saying that there is not just one offence, but multiple. According to his application, he has spent three years and six months in judicial custody and thus should be entitled to statutory bail under Section 436A of the Criminal Procedure Code. The application states that Imam is willing to provide reliable surety and adhere to any conditions upon his release. The charges against Imam include sedition (Section 124A), promoting enmity between different religious groups (Section 153A), making assertions prejudicial to national integration (Section 153B), making statements conducive to public mischief (Section 505) under the Indian Penal Code, as well as punishment for unlawful activities (Section 13) under the UAPA. Chennai, Jan 30 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin -- who is currently on a visit to Spain -- has invited industrial investments for aerospace, defence, pharmaceuticals, water filtration, food processing and other sectors. Addressing the industrialists in Madrid, Stalin said that Spain is the sixth largest trading nation with the state. "Like Spain being the fourth largest economy in Europe, Tamil Nadu is the second largest economy among the Indian states," the Chief Minister said. He added that he had visited UAE, Singapore and Japan to attract investments and will be travelling to the USA and Australia for the same purpose. Washington, Jan 30 : The GOP has come under fire from a section of the US media which says that if the Republicans continue to back a beleaguered former President Donald Trump, who is facing numerous court cases on election subversion and tax fraud, then they only end up alienating a wide swath of voters including many conservatives. "Some people want a principled conservative, others want that too, but revenge is more important. Revenge doesnat go well in the end. "I can pretty much guarantee that if Republicans obtusely tie their horse to the former president, they can count on ostracizing a wide swath of American voters, including many conservatives," a columnist in USA today commented based on what she claimed was the general feeling of the American voters. . As someone who works in the world of words, I understand that their meaning - and use - can change over time. Yet, something I greatly resent is how the Republican Party has conflated Trump with conservatism, she wrote in the publication, considered to be a great influencer and public opinion maker in the USA. , It certainly doesn't, and I can pretty much guarantee that if Republicans obtusely tie their horse to the former president, they can count on ostracising a wide swath of American voters, including many conservatives, Ingrid Jacques, the op-ed writer, said. "It seems like that's what they plan to do. The Democrats want just that , they want Trump against Biden, so that the latter can win easily, they don't want Nikki Haley, who would beat Biden easily with swing voters on her side," other media reports said. Trump loyalist Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene put it this way last week after the New Hampshire primary: "This is a true change for the Republican Party. It says that not only do we support President Trump. We support his policies. And any Republican that isnat willing to adapt to these policies, weare completely eradicating from the party." Prepare to eradicate a lot of people ? - People Republicans will need come November, if winning is the actual goal, the reports commented on Green's extreme observation saying, Don't give up: Trump wins New Hampshire, but if Haley drops out, Democrats will get their wish. Don't do it. Trumpism has taken over the GOP: Conservatism has generally been promoted with its ideals, never a particular politician or personality. Conservatism means a belief in free markets, individual liberty and limited government, the columnist wrote saying , there used to be widespread consensus inside the GOP about that, too. Now, the Republican Party has made Trump fealty a litmus test for the ideology. For instance, Kevin Roberts, the president of The Heritage Foundation, a long respected conservative think tank, posted this after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dropped out of the GOP primary: "While we all rally around our movement's leader -Trump - we also know that the future of conservative policies will be in how effectively we implement Trumpian conservatism." Let's be clear: Trump and "Trumpism" are not synonymous with conservatism. Maybe Republicans have forgotten, but Trump has changed political parties more times than heas been married. And his policies reflect a jumbled ideology. For instance, he recently supported a new 10 per cent tariff on all imported goods - a move that would have negative economic consequences on Americans and one that goes against conservatives' longtime support of free trade, Roberts said. . Similarly, Trump has made a point of calling out his last remaining GOP rival a" Nikki Haley a" for rightly making a case for reforming entitlements like Social Security and Medicare. Those programs are going bankrupt (and fast), but Trump has mocked Haley for speaking the truth. Trump also proved a wild spender during his first term, adding nearly $8 trillion to the federal deficit over 10 years and almost $4 trillion in debt. While some of that was related to the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of it wasnat, media analysts said. So much for fiscal restraint, a section of the US media lamented. To make matters worse, the Republican National Committee has considered going whole hog for Trump, even before the GOP primary process plays out. It's true Trump has won the first two contests in Iowa and New Hampshire, but the rest of the states still deserve a say, and Haley, the former South Carolina governor and US ambassador to the United Nations, is planning to stay in the race for now. The Dispatch reported over the weekend that the RNC was reviewing a draft resolution (now withdrawn) that "would declare Trump the party's presumptive 2024 presidential nominee," even as Haley doggedly pursues her campaign. RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel also said that after New Hampshire, it's time for the party to come together behind Trump and focus on the general election. That's incredibly disrespectful to the primary process and to the many conservatives who want to make their own choice. The more closely the Republican Party aligns with Trump, expect an even greater number of voters to jump ship and identity as independents, opinion makers in the media say. As many conservatives - and some Democrats - say , they feel politically homeless. And voting for President Joe Biden is a nonstarter. If there were ever a moment for a strong third party candidate, I hope 2024 is, media analysts said, reflecting how the American voters were frustrated with both Biden and Trump and wanted a big change as third party candidates such as Robert Kennedy Jr, grand nephew of John F Kennedy , could make at the hustings , who will successfully take away the voters from both Biden and Trump. Los Angeles, Jan 30 : Actress Jameela Jamil, who is known for 'She-Hulk: Attorney at Law', 'Star Trek: Prodigy' and 'How to Build a Girl' admits her public persona used to be "negative" and "divisive" but she refused to be "cancelled". The 37-year-old actress became well-known for her opinionated posts on social media on a range of subjects and she didn't shy away from conflict online - but Jameela is adamant she's happy to apologise if she steps out of line rather than disappearing forever, reports 'Female First UK'. She told The Standard newspaper: "I get in trouble all the time. I think cancellation is very much your decision; whether you are so egotistical that you disappear. Or if you go, 'sorry my bad', and you come back." She further mentioned: "So I have gotten into trouble before, but I'm not going to go away because of that. Especially for women of colour, there's this idea that you have to be so perfect which is just not the case at all. So, no. I just like to be as honest with my followers as I can, and I think I strike a good balance between saying what I think and protecting my privacy." As per 'Female First UK', Jameela went on to admit she is now trying to be less "negative" online and she's finding better ways to communicate her opinions. 'The Good Place' star added: "I think I used to be a much more negative person publicly and a little divisive, but it's just because I was angry and had this stored up rage that came out in a way that led me to speaking too fast. I think my heart was in the right place and that what I was talking about was correct, but I really reconsider now whether that was the best way to communicate." Hyderabad, Jan 30 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 76th death anniversary. They offered floral tributes at Bapu Ghat at Langer Houz here, where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed at the confluence of Musi and Esi rivers. The Chief Minister, along with Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Director General of Police Ravi Gupta and other officials, paid their respects at the Samadhi and later showered petals on the statue of the father of the nation. Senior Congress leader and former MP V. Hanumanth Rao and other Congress leaders were also present. "Yesterday, today and tomorrow Mahatma's teachings are Sri Ramaraksha," Revanth Reddy posted on 'X' in his tributes to the father of the nation. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan attended a programme in connection with Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary in Puducherry, where she is holding the charge of Lieutenant Governor. Paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the governor posted on social media: "On Martyrs Day, let's salute and gratefully remember the sacrifice of Gandhiji and countless other brave leaders who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation. Heartfelt tributes to the father of the nation and all martyrs on this day." Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader T. Harish Rao also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. "Bapu's unwavering commitment to non-violence and his timeless teachings light our path to a better India. May his legacy endure in our hearts," he said. Mumbai, Jan 30 : Adani Energy Solutions (AESL) feels that the competitive intensity for the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) based projects -- worth Rs 1.1 lakh crore in pipeline -- has ebbed significantly. Post a relatively lean last fiscal, most players currently have sufficient projects in hand and are not desperate to bag them at any cost, which is healthy for the sector. "Expectation is, competition will not be very intense, as every player currently has work. Moreover, the upcoming projects are big sized (i.e. beyond the scope of some players) and hence we don't expect much pressure on IRR for the future projects in the pipeline," Kandarp Patel, CEO, Adani Energy Solutions, told investors post announcing the company's Oct-Dec quarter results Monday. AESL, country's largest private sector power transmission company with a network of 20,422 cKM (circuit kilometers) of network, currently has eight transmission projects worth Rs 17,000 crore under commission phase, even as it looks to win more in the coming quarters. Of the Rs 1.1 lakh crore worth of transmission projects expected to be put for bid over the next 6-7 months, Rs 80,000 crore has already been notified, for which the bidding process will get completed by Apil-May. On Monday, the company reported 19 per cent YoY growth in its quarterly revenue to Rs 3,515 crore. Comparable PAT (ex-one time), rose 1 per cent to Rs 281 crore, while consolidated operational EBITDA rose by 10 per cent to Rs 1,454 Cr. During the quarter, it added 302 cKM of network by operationalizing two projects, and won one. In its smart meter business, the company said it has an order book of 2.1 crore smart meters across various states, requiring a capex of Rs 17-18,000 crore. "As per regulations, we have to commission the meters in 27 months, but our objective is to do so in under 24 months. Here, we don't need to wait for the full roll out to begin earning as revenue accretion starts even with partial network rollout. This is largely a self-funded business," Patel told analysts. Smart meters enable two-way communication between the discom and individual electricity meters and comes with several advantages over the analog ones. The discoms can manage their cash flows much better as the meters are pre-paid and hence there is no default risk. These meters also allow more accurate billing based on actual consumption. As Smart Meters enable real time data collection, the discoms can plan their power purchase better and offer time-of-day tariffs. India plans to replace all its 25 crore electricity meters to smart meters over the next couple of years. Of this, it is yet to bid out 13-14 crore meters, representing massive opportunity in the space. AESL had earlier indicated that it is targeting a 25 per cent market share in the overall smart meter business. It is taking an integrated approach towards the entire business value chain to retain complete control over the rollout as well as end-user experience. Software and analytics related to smart meters will be provided through JV Adani Esyasoft Smart Solutions. AESL has signed up with Airtel to deploy 'Airtel IoT Hub' for smart meter tracking and monitoring with analytics, diagnostic capabilities, and real-time insights and services. Similarly, sister firms AdaniConneX and Adani Digital Labs will provide data hosting and digital consumer interface respectively. Through the group's CSR arm, the company is training an army of technicians who would help quick smart meter roll out & will become employable for the entire industry. In its distribution business where AESL serves more than 12 million consumers in metropolitan Mumbai and the industrial hub of Mundra SEZ, Patel said the company has applied for second license for Mundra, outside of the SEZ region (where it already holds the license), Navi Mumbai, and Jewar (UP), and is awaiting regulatory approvals to launch its service. "We plan to set up our own distribution infrastructure in each of these regions," he said. The company has annual capex plans of Rs 6,000 crore towards its transmission and distribution business. On its credit rating, the management said it is engaged with the raters to restore the company's rating as has already been done by S&P (restored to Stable). --IANS dan/ Kolkata, Jan 30 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the West Bengal government regarding the unnatural death of a convict in judicial custody in a correctional home in the state. West Bengal Human Rights Commission (WBHRC) too has sought a report from the state government on this count. Already the court of the chief judicial magistrate has ordered a judicial probe behind that unnatural death. The victim, Hatem Ali Mondal (83), died at the Burdwan District Correctional Home in East Burdwan district of West Bengal on Monday. As per records, he was sentenced to life imprisonment by a district court at Kalna in East Burdwan district, then undivided Burdwan district in the year 2005 during the previous Left Front regime in West Bengal. As per complaints filed, the convict was taken to the Burdwan Medical College & Hospital from the correctional home premises after he complained of physical uneasiness on late Sunday night. However, the accusation against the correctional home authorities is that instead of getting him admitted at the hospital, the convict was provided with some preliminary medications at the outdoor department of the hospital and was taken back to the correctional home after a few hours. On Monday morning as his conditions deteriorated, he was again brought to the Burdwan Medical College & Hospital, where he was declared dead. The post-mortem report of the deceased is yet to come following which the exact reason of his death could be known. Bengaluru, Jan 30 : A 6-year-old girl was raped by a drunk youth in Tumakuru district of Karnataka. The incident took place in Trayambakeshwari Nagar locality and the accused has been arrested by the police. The victim has been admitted to the government hospital. Police said that 23-year-old accused Pavan, a resident of ID Halli, had observed that the girl was playing alone in front of her house and there was no one at her residence. Police said that the accused had lifted her in his arms and taken her inside and committed the crime. Reports said that the girl screamed and shouted for help and the neighbours and passers-by rushed to the help of the girl and got her out from the clutches of the accused. Sources said that the accused Pavan, a drunkard, used to roam the streets of the town and target small children who were playing alone and it is suspected that he is involved in more such cases. Police said that an investigation is underway. Whenever gunfire is heard in almost any neighborhood in Guayaquil, the first instinct is to run to get the children to safety. Hide in the room farthest from the front door, away from the windows, under the bed, or throw the mattress over them. There is no sufficient shield to protect them. It is not enough to forbid them from going to school after each outbreak of violence, because they are murdered while they are sleeping, at home, with the windows and doors closed, like Valentina, Bryanna, Adiel, Aitana, Maite, Alexander... In the arms of their parents, or eating an ice cream. Violence in Ecuador severely affects children; at least two minors were killed every day in 2023, according to the Ministry of the Interior. Last year ended with a staggering figure of 770 homicides of children aged from birth to 19, as classified by the Ecuadorian police. That represents a 640% increase compared to the 104 recorded in 2019, UNICEF has alerted. Most of the homicides were as a result of firearms and the victims fell mainly into two groups: newborn babies and children aged up to four; and adolescents aged between 15 and 19, who are recruited by criminal gangs that use minors at the forefront of the war to extort, murder, sell drugs and recruit other children, the police have reported. When we see this terrifying figure of 770 homicides, we realize that for the last four years, children have assumed the bodily risks of violence, says Sybel Martinez of the Alliance for the Rights of Children and Adolescents. And that raises the question, because the protection of children is exclusively the responsibility of adults. We are talking about the state, society, and family, and we have all failed them. This is happening as an evolution of the increase of criminality in Ecuador, and it is worrying in a country where childhood already presented, and presents, multiple challenges, says Luz Angela Melo, UNICEF representative in Ecuador. Keeping children alive is not the only challenge for the state, which has extended care for 4.5 million infants. Ecuador has the third-highest rate of chronic malnutrition in the region, which means that one out of every five children under two years of age is not well-nourished and does not reach healthy levels of height or weight, which leads to diseases that prevent their development. In Ecuador, 37% of children aged under five consume water contaminated with E. coli bacteria, and that figure increases if the children are in the Amazon region. Added to this, half of the countrys children are physically and psychologically abused, according to the 2018 Health and Nutrition survey, and there is no permanent campaign in place to prevent it. Ecuadorian society must stop normalizing violence against children and women; it is an outcry, says Melo. Every day, six girls who have been victims of sexual abuse aged between 10 and 14 give birth. Not only are they scarred by the trauma of sexual violence, but they are girls who instead of playing or studying are breastfeeding, Melo stresses. Today, 244,000 children and adolescents are outside the education system in Ecuador. The Alliance for the Rights of Children and Adolescents and other human rights organizations are closely observing the effects of the declaration of an internal armed conflict by President Daniel Noboa on January 9, after a wave of attacks that included the seizure of a television channel by armed men. The operations of the security forces have resulted in almost 4,000 arrests since then, among them minors, who when they were apprehended, we could see that in addition to being humiliated and tortured, nobody thought to say hold on a minute, they are children, says Martinez. We are not saying that they are not offenders; we are saying that besides being offenders they are victims of recruitment, trafficking, and of a society and a state that effectively looks at what is happening from a distance and without [thinking of] the need to protect them. And that the response we give is that they must be tried as adults. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Kolkata, Jan 30 : In his first reaction to a tiff between a single-judge Bench and Division Bench in the Calcutta High Court, Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam expressed discomfort over the situation on Tuesday. "I am sad and ashamed over what has happened. Such things are not expected in the temple of law," said the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice. He also observed that since Calcutta High Court is one of the most prestigious courts in the country, the situation which has evolved is impacting the common people. "We are trying our best to normalise the situation and I am hopeful that the situation will normalise again," Justice Sivagnanam observed. His observations have immense significance at a time when the matter is already in the Supreme Court of India. The root cause of the face off is an order passed on January 24 by the single- judge Bench of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay directing a CBI probe in a case involving the use of fake caste certificates for admissions to medical colleges in the state. However, in the absence of any written order from the Division Bench on Wednesday, Justice Gangopadhyay asked the CBI to go ahead with the investigation by registering an FIR. On January 25, when the matter was again referred to the Division Bench of Justice Sen and Justice Kumar, the latter rejected the FIR. The differences started taking a serious turn from there. When the information about the rejection of the FIR by the Division Bench reached the Bench of Justice Gangopadhyay, the latter took strong objection over the development. Accusing Justice Sen of passing a "politically-biased" order, Justice Gangopadhyay also referred to an incident when Justice Sen reportedly called Justice Amrita Sinha to his chamber and gave the latter certain suggestions on the cases related to the school job scam being heard by her Bench. The Supreme Court took a suo motu cognisance of the unprecedented differences and on January 27, a five-judge Bench of the apex court stayed all the proceedings pending before the Calcutta High Court, including directions for a CBI probe issued by Justice Gangopadhyay. Canberra, Jan 30 : Australia has recorded 40 per cent rise in sexual assault cases since 2013, a government report said. In an annual report published on Monday, the federal government's principal review body, the Productivity Commission, said that 123.7 out of every 100,000 Australians reported being sexually assaulted to police in 2022, an increase of 42.8 percent from 86.6 out of every 100,000 people in 2013, Xinhua news agency reported. The highest numbers of such cases were reported from New South Wales, the largest of Australia's states and territories, with 152.2 out of every 100,000 people having made complaints to police in the state in 2022, more than double the 71.2 out of every 100,000 people in the Australian Capital Territory. The national rate of armed robbery reports fell from 24.3 out of every 100,000 people in 2013 to 18.1 in 2022, and homicide rate fell slightly from 1.9 victims per 100,000 people to 1.6 in the same period, the report said. Mark Dreyfus, Australia's attorney-general, said the inquiry would look into how the government can improve the justice system experiences of victims and survivors of sexual assault. In January, the federal government announced an Australian Law Reform Commission review into justice system responses to sexual violence. Bengaluru, Jan 30 : Former Chief Minister and JD (S) state president H.D. Kumaraswamy challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday that if he had the capacity he should accept the caste report prepared by H. Kantharaj, the former chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission. The statement has assumed importance as CM Siddaramaiah had declared that he would accept the controversial report. Addressing a press conference, Kumaraswamy stated, accept the Kantharaj report if it is flawless. The ruling party members have claimed that the report is unscientific. "Why is CM Siddaramaiah not accepting the report even as it is almost a year since he came to power?" Kumaraswamy taunted. He questioned whether the report not signed by the Member Secretary could be accepted? "My party would extend support if it is helpful economically, socially and academically for poor families. If it is implemented with honesty, we will also extend unconditional support," he maintained. He accepted that he had stated he would place information before the public regarding the collection of funds for the Ram Mandir construction. "If the BJP indulges in activities which are against the law, I won't support them," said. Kumaraswamy stated that it is the money of the people that is being spent on 'guarantee schemes' in the state. It is not the money of the Congress party which is utilized. Slamming the Congress government over the Hanuman flag row, he questioned is it wrong to flaunt a saffron shawl? "When I had gone to attend a Dalit's programme, I had sported a blue shawl. The Congress leaders have a cheap mindset about saffron. Which is the colour in the Tricolour? Will it be tiranga if the saffron colour is taken out?" Kumaraswamy questioned. The Congress has fabricated the letter submitted to the authorities to hoist the flag in Keragodu in Mandya district. "If I have done anything wrong, send me to the gallows. But, in case you are guilty, what should be done?" Kumaraswamy asked the Congress leaders. The Congress leaders had launched a series of attacks on Kumaraswamy alleging that through the Hanuman flag row he is trying to disturb the peace and harmony of the south Karnataka region. Cauliflowers will now come in shades of purple, yellow, green. Image Source: IANS News Kanpur, Jan 30 : The Chandra Shekhar Azad University for Agriculture & Technology in Kanpur has reported promising outcome in cultivating cauliflowers in vibrant shades of purple, yellow, and green. These nutrient-rich cauliflowers, indigenous to Australia, could soon be cultivated in Uttar Pradesh on a large scale. According to experts, the favourable climate and soil conditions in Uttar Pradesh make it an ideal environment for growing these colourful cauliflowers. Not only are they visually stunning, but they are also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering a significant nutritional boost to their consumers. The research is being spearheaded by the vegetable department of the university. Farmers across the state can soon expect to receive seeds of these unique cauliflower varieties, enabling them to diversify their crops and enhance both, nutrition and economic opportunities. Head of Department, Vegetables, Dr Ram Batuk Singh, said these varieties, known as Karotina and Valentina, exhibit striking colours, with Karotina being yellow and Valentina being purple. Imported seeds from Australia underwent extensive trials on the universityas fields, tailored to suit the local climate and soil conditions. The cultivation of these cauliflowers, without pesticides and chemicals, has shown significantly improved yields, proving to be suitable for farmers in Kanpur and across the state, he said. New Delhi, Jan 30 : President Droupadi Murmu nominated Chandigarh University Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu to Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed happiness over the nomination. "I am delighted that Rashtrapati Ji has nominated Satnam Singh Sandhu to the Rajya Sabha. Satnam Ji has distinguished himself as a noted educationist and social worker, who has been serving people at the grassroots in different ways," Modi wrote on X. He said that Sandhu has always worked extensively to further national integration and has also worked with the Indian diaspora. "I wish him the very best for his Parliamentary journey and am confident the Rajya Sabha proceedings will be enriched by his views," the Prime Minister said. The officials said that Sandhu made creation of world class educational institution his life's mission by fist laying the foundation of Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC) at Landran in Mohali in 2001 and then going a step forward with the formation of Chandigarh University in 2012 which a found a place in QS World Rankings 2023, fist among private universities in Asia. They said that the hardships faced in early life have also seen the Chandigarh University Chancellor Sandhu turn into a staunch philanthropist who has extended financial help to lakhs of students for pursuing quality education. "He is actively involved in large scale community efforts to improve health and wellness and also to advance communal harmony through his two NGOs 'Indian Minorities Foundation' and New India Development (NID) Foundation," the officials said. They said that Sandhu has made a mark with his efforts for national integration at home and has worked extensively with the diaspora abroad. Panaji, Jan 30 : Stating that Bangladeshi intruders getting Indian passports issued from Goa, poses a threat to national security, Congress leader and CWC Permanent Invitee Girish Chodankar, demanded a thorough probe into the issue on Tuesday. His comments came after the intrusion by five Bangladeshis and issuance of Indian passports to three of them by the Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Panaji came to light, after their arrest by Pune police. The five Bangladeshis had illegally entered India through Siliguri in West Bengal, and were arrested by Pune police for illegally obtaining Indian passports from Goa. Questioning how they got police clearance, Chodankar expressed shock over how they intruded into Indian territory and earned a living without any local documents. "This has proved that Intelligence agencies and the Border Security Force failed to keep a check on illegal entry of Bangladeshis into India. This further proves that Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have also failed to protect our borders," Chodankar said. "The Foreign Affairs Ministry also stands exposed because of this issue. Had this happened during the Congress' rule then the BJP would have made this an issue of nationalism to target us. Today they are mum over the issue which is linked to our security," Chodankar said. "It is strange to learn that these Bangladeshi nationals got passports from Goa and that, too, after getting police clearances. Citizens of Goa have to go through cumbersome processes while seeking a passport, but those who are not residents of the state got the passport easily," Chodankar said. "Chief Minister Pramod Sawant should take action against those responsible for lapses and those who issued police clearance to foreign nationals. How could they get passports without having proper documents," he asked. He strongly demanded a probe by the National Advisory Council to fix responsibility and ensure such incidents are not repeated. "Since it is a national security issue the state government also must investigate thoroughly and book those responsible," he said. Kolkata, Jan 30 : Doctors with registrations from other states but currently practising in West Bengal will have to mandatorily get enrolled with the West Bengal Medical Council. This will not only be applicable for the doctors associated with the state-run hospitals, but also for doctors linked with private hospitals, including those running private chambers. "A detailed notification in this regard will be issued shortly. As a first step, all the private hospitals in the state have been asked to furnish a list of the medical practitioners associated with them," said an office-bearer of the state medical council. It is learnt that in the initial stage, the big corporate hospitals in the state have been asked to furnish the details of the list of doctors associated with the state medical council within the next 15 days. The hospital authorities have also been asked to furnish the details of Aadhaar and PAN cards of the doctors attached to them, The office-bearer said that this move is aimed at making the doctors with registrations from other states accountable to the council in the event of any medical negligence case involving them. City-based oral and maxillofacial surgeon Srijon Mukherjee told IANS that this condition of mandatory enrollment with the state medical council for all doctors practising in the state was always there. "The only thing is that it was never strictly implemented. Probably, the state medical council is now going to implement the same more strictly. Whatever it might be, enrolment of all doctors practising in West Bengal irrespective of their state of registration with the state medical council is absolutely necessary. I agree with the council that it will help in fixing accountability in the event of any complaint of medical negligence," he said. Patna, Jan 30 : Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that the Central government is giving waivers to the industrialists of the country but not to the farmers. "Modi government is giving waivers to the industrialists but is not giving the same to farmers of the country. The government had brought three laws for the farmers to snatch their land. I have raised these points but the media has been after me and the Congress. "I went to Bhatta Parsaul village in UP a few years ago and pointed out that the land of farmers was being captured by the government and given to the industrialists. Instead of talking against it, the media started accusing me," Rahul Gandhi said in Purnia district of Bihar on the second day of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi went to Araria district and visited a temple there and paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary. In Purnia, he attended Kisan Chaupal in Sisabadi village and interacted with farmers. Congress on X wrote that the Mahayatra of justice is inspired by the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi. "They are trying to mow down this ideology. The Congress will stand there where they try to mow the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi," Congress said in its X post. Senior Congress leader said that the hatred forces killed Mahatma Gandhi 76 years ago. "To remember him, Rahul Gandhi was present in Araria district and paid homage to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi," Ramesh said. He said that Congress' fight with the hatred ideology will continue across the country. "Those who have opposed Mahatma Gandhi in his entire life, refused his ideology and murdered him are now trying to grab his heritage. Those who are glorifying Nathuram Godse are not allowed to define "Idea of India," Ramesh said. Pune, Jan 30 : A five-year old male leopard who met with a serious accident on the Pune-Nashik Highway has been rescued and is undergoing treatment at a specialised medical facility here, officials said on Tuesday. The incident was reported late on Monday when a speeding vehicle knocked the leopard which lay badly injured in Kalamb area of the Manchar Forest Range. Wildlife SOS rushed to the spot after a distress call from the Maharashtra Forest Department and shifted the injured and bleeding feline to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Junnar. When the Wildlife SOS team reached the Kalamb area, they encountered a tough scenario as a huge crowd gathered to watch the leopard, blocking the road. Even the injured feline was extremely agitated by the noisy crowds around and his own suffering, but finally the SOS team tranquilised him with a dart gun. They gently lifted the leopard into the trap cage and sped off to the Junnar facility. The vets there subjected him to the thorough medical examination and found serious trauma (head injuries), a broken mandible (lower jaw), cracked canines and incisors and other external bruises. According to Dr. Chandan Sawane of Wildlife SOS, the leopard is now in a state of lateral recumbency (lying on side), put on oral medication and antibiotics, supportive therapies and is eating well. Wildlife SOS co-founder and CEO Kartick Satyanarayan said the incident highlighted the harsh realities of road accidents involving wild creatures, an outcome of the expanding urban landscape and shrinking habitats as highways keep cutting through their natural habitats. Kolkata, Jan 30 : West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Tuesday reminded the West Bengal Police that arresting Sheikh Shahjahan, the accused mastermind behind the attack on ED and CAPF officials on January 5, is their "obligation" and "sheer promises" will not be enough. Kolkata, Jan 30 (IANS) West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Tuesday reminded the West Bengal Police that arresting Sheikh Shahjahan, the accused mastermind behind the attack on ED and CAPF officials on January 5, is their "obligation" and "sheer promises" will not be enough. "Arresting an accused should not be limited to promises made in the matter. That is rather the obligation," the Governor told mediapersons after attending an official programme at Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas district on Tuesday. At the same time, he also suggested being patient in the matter. "The law is taking its own course. A hunt is on to track and arrest the accused. I think the accused will be in custody as per legal provisions. I am requesting all to have patience," the Governor said. The Governor's comment is perceived to be significant considering that Shahjahan's counsel on Tuesday approached a special PMLA court in Kolkata seeking anticipatory bail for his client. Since the affidavit filed in the matter contains the signature of the accused, questions are being raised why the police are unable to track him when his counsel managed to meet him to get his signature on the affidavit. On the day of the attack on ED and CAPF personnel, the Governor had said that he will take appropriate action as per constitutional provisions against the attackers. He had also issued a note of caution to the state government to be ready to face the consequences if the latter fails to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities. "The state government should take the responsibility in preventing such barbaric acts. The state government should understand the ground-level realities or else it should be ready to face the consequences," the Governor had said. IANS src/ Last summer, Oleksii Reznikov then-minister of defense for Ukraine was hit by a case of alleged fraud, regarding the purchase of materials for the army. Anastasia Radina, 39, is the head of the Ukrainian Parliaments Anti-Corruption Committee. She called for accountability. Reznikov challenged her to prove the accusations, or resign. Without being intimidated, on August 26, the legislator for the Servant of the People party President Volodymyr Zelenskiys bloc gave the minister 48 hours to prove that the purchases hadnt been made by his nephew (without tender and at triple the price). Reznikov lasted 10 days in office before resigning. Radina is still in her position. A graduate in Law with a long career as an anti-corruption activist, Radina was elected to federal office in 2010. A married mother of one, she meets EL PAIS for her interview in the lobby of a hotel in Kyiv, near the Verkhovna Rada, the Parliament of Ukraine. These days, local media outlets are covering the illegal surveillance of the publication Bihus.info, which is dedicated to investigating corruption. Radina firmly expresses that the work of journalists is essential to denouncing this scourge. People pay attention to them, she affirms. According to data provided by Radinas team, during the 2016-2023 period, the work of all anti-corruption organizations allowed for the recovery of 182 million euros ($196 million). Since February 2022, the Anti-Corruption Committee, the Office of the Prosecutor General and the High Anti-Corruption Court have transferred around $50 million of what was recovered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they defend the country from the Russian invasion. Question. You entered the Parliament of Ukraine five years ago. Is Ukraine less corrupt today than in 2019? Answer. Ukraine is very different from the country we inherited after the Revolution of Dignity in 2014. I often hear references to Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index. Its important to be precise: this index isnt about how corrupt a country is, but about what the population thinks about [the prevalence of corruption]. And I would say that the perception of Ukraine also reflects the work that investigative journalists are doing. Before 2014, the Corruption Perceptions Index [didnt place Ukraine at a high level]. But we had a government that was half-government, half-criminal group, with an organized system to embezzle more than half of the state budget for the benefit of a single family. And Ukraine wasnt perceived by the population as very corrupt. Q. Why? A. Because when you turned on the television or the radio, you didnt hear about corruption in Ukraine. When freedom of expression is restored when journalists and investigative media outlets [are able to do their work] the population begins to talk about corruption. Scandals have broken out, something that didnt happen in the time of [President Viktor Yanukovych, from 2010 until 2014]. I think its good that the population is aware that corruption is a problem, because thats how politicians are put under pressure. Its positive that this awareness exists in public opinion. Opinion polls since 2016 have consistently shown that corruption is one of the three big national problems that people expect politicians to address. This is what has helped us push anti-corruption reform. Q. Is the way in which society judges corruption changing? A. Absolutely. A growing number of Ukrainians 86% say that corruption is unacceptable. The level of tolerance has been decreasing since the Revolution of Dignity. A number of reforms have also been implemented to address petty corruption, which isnt about people not wanting to pay bribes, but rather about not having accessible services or understandable procedures. For example, [citizens want to] have the opportunity to enroll their children online in daycare without having to pay money. For political corruption, independent institutions have been set up from scratch, without the legacy of the old systems inherited from the Soviet Union. There has been success in establishing specialized anti-corruption institutions: an independent preventive agency, an investigation agency, a prosecutors office and even a high court. And this is what sends a message to the entire system that there are no untouchable people and that corruption is finally becoming punishable something that didnt happen before 2014. Q. How important is fighting corruption while simultaneously fighting a war against Russia? A. I would say its just as important, because people fight for the country that offers freedom, the rule of law and justice. Our job as politicians is to guarantee the type of country they fight for. Q. Whats the main concern of the Anti-Corruption Committee? A. Ensuring that anti-corruption institutions have mandates, powers and resources to be able to act correctly and independently. In reality, I dont know of any country that has gone this far, even sacrificing some government sovereignty to ensure that these institutions are truly independent of any vested interests or politicians. At the same time, we have a broader mandate [when it comes to] parliamentary oversight. We investigate, for example, cases presented by investigative journalists regarding alleged inflated prices and procurement by the [Ministry of] Defense. What we did after the scandal broke out (about the purchase of materials during Minister Reznikovs tenure) was to present a legal initiative to introduce transparency in military procurement. This legislation was passed in just a few months, a very fast pace for the Ukrainian Parliament. Q. How long does Ukraine need for real change? A. Frankly, this change is already happening. I can give you some numbers: the High Anti-Corruption Court which has been in operation for four years has already sentenced 27 judges (in the previous government, there was only one record of a sentence in 2009, against Ihor Zvarych, a magistrate in Lviv). If this doesnt show us that the system is changing, [nothing will]. Its important not only because there are people who are serving their sentence in prison, but because judges were considered untouchable for many years. The anti-corruption mechanism is beginning to play a preventive role, which is what we dreamed of in 2014 and 2015. Q. Have you felt threatened because of your job? A. I wouldnt say that Ive felt any danger. I have a big reputation as a no-deals person. Im proud of that. But just four years ago, we saw how civil society activists were harassed: their houses were burned down, they received threats. Q. Are these kinds of things still happening, or are they disappearing? A. The question is: are there individuals or groups of people who would want to use these outdated methods? Unfortunately, yes. We have the case of illegal surveillance of journalists [from the anti-corruption media outlet Bihus.info]. Theres been a reaction, nobody has said it was ok. The important thing is that the authorities now investigate this case, because theres criminal responsibility. Its the same as the case of supposedly inflated prices when it comes to purchases being made with public money. There are still people who think they can get away with it. But we also have a newly-created system with rules and institutions to respond to that. Chennai, Jan 30 : Automotive wheels major, Wheels India Ltd on Tuesday said it has registered a net profit of Rs 12.58 crore for the Q3 ended 31st December 2023 as compared to Rs 15.36 crore registered in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Revenues for Q3 ended 31st December 2023 went up 11.1 per cent to Rs. 1,131 crore as compared to Rs 1,018 crore for the Q3 ended 31st December 2022. The revenue growth in Q3 was driven by a strong recovery in exports. The company registered export revenues of Rs 307 crore in Q3 ended 31st December 2023 as compared to Rs 205 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Commenting on the results, Srivats Ram, Managing Director said that the profits in Q3 were impacted by low demand in the tractor and mining wheel segments and by the floods that affected our Padi plant (in Chennai) in the first week of December (2023). "There was no power for a week at our plant in Padi, and we were not able to run it to full capacity in that period," he said. On the revenue growth, Ram said that despite slowing down of the economy in some geographies they have managed to grow our exports for the fourth consecutive quarter. "When compared to Q3 of last year, growth came in the machining of castings for windmills and in hydraulic cylinders, apart from aluminium wheels," he said. On the near-term outlook, Ram said that while the global economy is likely to slow down next year, they are hopeful of continuing to grow our exports. "On the domestic front, we expect the Indian economy to show reasonable growth post elections," he said. Bengaluru, Jan 30 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that Mahatma Gandhi had wanted that all castes and religions should live in harmony. Providing justice to all and treating everyone equally was Gandhi's concept of Ram Rajya. He was speaking to the media after garlanding the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday on his death anniversary. Today is the day when Mahatma Gandhi was martyred on January 30, 1948 after being shot by Godse. When Gandhiji was a little late in going for the Bhajan after his conversation with Vallabhbhai Patel, the assassin Godse shot him on the pretext of touching Gandhi's feet. This country gained independence under Gandhi's leadership, the CM said. Gandhiji chanted 'Hey Ram' even as he breathed his last. He had great devotion and faith in Shri Ram. That is why 'Raghupathi Raghava Raja Ram' was his favourite hymn. Shri Ram was an obedient son and went into exile for 14 years. Godse, who was a fanatic, killed Mahatma Gandhi, who worshipped Shri Ram, who gave ideal governance, he maintained. "We should all follow his example and treat all religions as equal. Gandhiji who showed the path of truth and non-violence is called the Father of the Nation. There are people among us who worship Godse, the killer of such a great man. On behalf of the people of the state and the government, I pay our respects to Mahatma Gandhi," the CM said. Responding to MP Sumalatha's accusation that the Hanuman flag row happened due to the failure of the district administration, the CM said that permission was given to hoist the national flag or the Kannada flag, the flag of any religion, caste or party was not allowed to be hoisted. An attempt has been made to create unrest in the society with the malicious intention of gaining political advantage, he added. Responding to former CM Kumaraswamy's call for a Mandya bandh on February 8, the CM said that people will decide whether to accept the bandh call or not. They first took permission to hoist the National Flag and instead hoisted the saffron flag, he said. Chandigarh, Jan 30 : In a major setback to INDIA bloc's Congress-AAP alliance, the civic body ruling BJP on Tuesday retained the Chandigarh mayoral post for the ninth time in a row by winning the post with just four votes. The AAP-Congress alliance lost the seat despite having maximum councillors. Congress and AAP councillors accused the presiding officer of rigging and not following the due electoral process. The mayoral poll row has reached the high court again and the hearing is likely to take place on Wednesday. Eight out of 36 votes were declared invalid by presiding authority Anil Masih, a nominated councilor, with no voting right. The BJP got 16 votes, while the AAP-Congress alliance had 12 votes despite they had 20 councillors. BJP's Manoj Sonkar defeated AAP's Kuldeep Tita, the candidate of the AAP-Congress combine. After the mayor's election, both the Congress and AAP boycotted the elections of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayour. BJP's Kuljeet Singh and Rajinder Sharma won the post of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor, respectively. In a 35-member house of the Municipal Corporation, the BJP has 14 councillors, with another vote of member of Parliament and ex-officio member Kirron Kher. The AAP has 13 councillors, while the Congress holds seven. The Shiromani Akali Dal has one councillor in the House. The ruckus erupted after the BJP mayor was elected. All 36 votes were polled, comprising the vote of local MP Kirron Kher, who was the first to cast a vote. Responding to the victory, BJP national President J.P. Nadda in a post on X said, "That the INDI Alliance fought their first electoral battle and still lost to BJP shows that neither their arithmetic is working nor their chemistry." AAP MP Raghav Chadha told the media here, "Whatever we saw during the Chandigarh mayor election is not only unconstitutional but also treason...The illegality that we saw in the Chandigarh mayor election can only be called treason." He demanded that the presiding authority should be booked for electoral fraud and demanded a High Court monitored reelection. "This shows the BJP for a mayor election can use all illegal tactics which would they do during the Lok Sabha elections seeing their loss. Does the BJP want to make this country North Korea?" Chadha, who was accompanying senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal, told the media. AAP national Convenor Arvind Kejriwal termed the results as dishonesty. "The manner in which dishonesty has been done in broad daylight in the Chandigarh mayor election is very worrying. If these people can stoop so low in a mayor election, then they can go to any extent in the elections of the country. This is very worrying," he said in a post on X. Congress' former MP and Union minister Bansal said for the first time in the Chandigarh mayor elections eight out of the 36 votes were declared invalid, which means 25 per cent votes were declared invalid. "The Congress and AAP alliance had to get 20 votes. We got 12 votes and eight were declared invalid. Not a single vote of the BJP was declared invalid," he questioned. Bansal said Congress and AAP agents were not given access to the ballot paper. "The presiding officer, who I would say is a shallow person, had been given one clear instruction to declare the BJP candidate as the winner." The election, initially scheduled on January 18, was postponed to February 6 after the presiding officer fell ill. After Opposition councillors moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court over the postponement, the court directed that the polls be held on January 30. In January 2023, 29 votes were polled in which Anup Gupta of the BJP won the mayor election defeating Aam Aadmi Party's Jasbir Singh Laddi by only one vote. Gupta got 15, while Singh secured 14. The Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal abstained from the voting. In 2022 too, the BJP candidate had won from just one vote after a vote was declared invalid due to various reasons. New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday reserved judgement in a PIL seeking intervention to address the issue of hateful and inflammatory content against the Rohingya community on Facebook. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by two Rohingya refugees, Mohammad Hamim and Kawsar Mohammed, calls for directions to Meta to cease the spread of such content and dismantle algorithms that promote hate speech and violence against minority communities. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, during the hearing, indicated that the PIL might be treated as a representation to the Central government or that the petitioners have the liberty to approach Facebook with their grievances. It stressed the importance of following proper procedures, noting the absence of a prior notice to the Union government before filing the PIL. The court remarked that the petitioner did not reference the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and suggested that a civil suit might be a more appropriate remedy. Senior advocate Arvind P. Datar, representing Facebook, spoke about the three-tier system in place under the IT Rules 2021 to address offending posts on social media platforms. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the petitioners, argued that Facebook magnifies and spreads hateful content against the Rohingya community, alleging the platform is a propagator of hate speech. The court noted the challenges of addressing abuse on social media but questioned the suitability of a writ petition as a remedy as it stressed the need for a balanced approach between free speech and controlling hate speech on social media. Earlier, advocate Kawalpreet Kaur, representing the petitioners, had alleged that misinformation and harmful content originating in India target Rohingya refugees on Facebook, and the platform appears to intentionally neglect acting against such content. The PIL says that Facebook's algorithms contribute to the promotion of such harmful content. The petition stresses the highly politicised nature of the Rohingya refugee presence in India, stating that the community is disproportionately targeted with content portraying them as a threat, often using terms such as 'terrorists' and 'infiltrators'. The plea refers to a 2019 study by Equality Lab, revealing that a significant percentage of Islamophobic posts on Facebook in India specifically targeted Rohingya, despite their minimal representation in Indiaas Muslim population. The PIL argues that Facebook's failure to act against hate speech poses a threat to the lives of Rohingyas, violating their right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The petitioners contend that Meta is also in violation of Section 79(3) of the Information Technology Act read with Rule 3 of the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules 2011, which outlines the due diligence to be observed by intermediaries. Hamim and Mohammed had sought directions to Meta to suspend accounts promoting hate against the Rohingya community and to transparently report how it applies content moderation policies on flagged content. The plea further demanded an India-specific report on hate speech content moderation, specifying removal decisions, appeals, and outcomes. --IANS spr/vd Hyderabad, Jan 30 : The Telangana High Court on Tuesday put brakes on the swearing-in of M. Kodandaram and Amer Ali Khan as members of the state Legislative Council. The court directed that status quo be maintained with regard to two vacancies of MLCs till further orders. The interim order was passed by a bench of Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice S. Nanda on the petitions filed by BRS leaders Dasoju Sravan Kumar and Satyanarayana, challenging the rejection of their nominations by the Governor last year. The court pronounced the order on the plea by the petitioners to stop the swearing-in till their petitions are decided by the court. The interim order will be in force till February 8, when the petitions will be taken up for hearing. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on January 25 nominated Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) P:resident M. Kodandaram and journalist Amer Ali Khan as members of Legislative Council under Governoras quota on the recommendation of the new state government. Both Kodandaram and Amer Ali Khan had Monday gone to the Legislative Council to take oath but since Council Chairman Gutha Sukender Reddy was not available, they returned after waiting for nearly three hours. They were informed that Sukhender Reddy was not well and they sought time for taking oath on Tuesday. The ruling Congress alleged that Sukhender Reddy intentionally avoided administering oath as he belongs to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the petitions by Sravan Kumar and Satyanarayana were to come up for hearing on Tuesday. Earlier, the Governor had decided not to fill two vacant MLC seats under Governor quota till the Telangana High Court disposed off writ petitions but later made the nominations. Sravan Kumar and Satyanarayana were nominated to the Legislative Council by the previous BRS government but the Governor had rejected the nominations. The recommendation passed by the then state Cabinet in July last year was sent to the Governor. However, she rejected the nominations on September 19 on the ground that the two were "politically aligned persons". The BRS leaders last month filed the petitions, challenging the Governoras action. The petitioners contended that the decision taken by the Governor to reject the recommendations of the Council of Ministers was due to "lack of personal satisfaction" and not due to any ambiguity in the recommendation itself, which is arbitrary therefore illegal. The petitioners called the order passed by the Governor as mala fide, arbitrary, unconstitutional and in excess of her jurisdiction. New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Supreme Court has quashed a criminal complaint of defamation filed by a lawyer against the owner of a newspaper for publishing an alleged defamatory article with title "Advocate ne pan masala vyavasayi par karaya jhuta mamla darj (Advocate gets false case filed against pan masala seller)". The decision was delivered by a bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta on a special leave petition filed by an owner of the Madhya-Pradesh based newspaper aSunday Blasta challenging an order passed by the MP High Court. Initially, a magistrate court in Hoshangabad had refused to initiate criminal prosecution for defamation against the registered owner of the newspaper for publishing the news article in 2013. However, the order of the judicial magistrate was reversed by the Additional Session Judge in 2018 and the reversal was upheld by the high court in its impugned order. The complainant advocate alleged that the owner Sanjay Upadhya had allowed the said news article to be published in his newspaper without ascertaining the true facts and that such publication brought down his reputation in the eyes of the public at large. After going through the orders passed by the courts below as well as the high court, the apex court said that the rejection of complaint for criminal prosecution by magistrate court was a "well-reasoned order". The Supreme Court said: "We are also of the view that the news article in question was published in good faith and in exercise of the Fundamental Right of Freedom of Speech and Expression enshrined under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India." Allowing the appeal, the top court said that the view taken by the magistrate cannot be termed to be illegal or unjustified warranting interference by the High Court in exercise of the revisional jurisdiction. "As a consequence, all proceedings sought to be taken against the accused appellant in pursuance of the complaint filed by the respondent-complainant under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 are also quashed," it added. San Francisco, Jan 30 : Netflix Co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings has donated $1.1 billion of his company shares to charity. Hastings donated two million shares to the charity known as the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, reports The Wall Street Journal. The charity is popular with tech founders with over $10 billion in assets at the close of 2022. Donors see an immediate tax benefit (like avoiding payment of capital-gains tax) but funds can ultimately "sit for years" before being distributed, according to the report. Hastings's gift accounts for about 40 per cent of the executive's direct ownership stake in Netflix. Previous donors have included Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, who gave more than $1 billion worth of Facebook stock a decade ago. Earlier this month, the foundation appointed Greta Hansen, Santa Clara County's Chief Operating Officer, to the position of board chair and added David Chun and Archana Sathaye as new members of the board. "I'm honoured to be joining an incredible board of individuals motivated to make our community a better place," said Sathaye. "I look forward to working alongside them to make an already successful organisation even more impactful in our community." Since 2007, the foundation has leveraged its unique position and relationships to create dynamic partnerships that "further the success of our neighbours throughout the region." In 2022, it granted $2.57 billion to nearly 6,000 organisations, $394 million of which supported nonprofits right across the 10-county Bay Area in the US. --IANS na/dan Pakistani security forces are seen near the site of an attack in Karachi, Pakistan, on Feb. 17, 2023. At least three attackers were killed and 10 people wounded on Friday night when a group of terrorists opened fire at a police building in Karachi, p. Image Source: IANS News Islamabad, Jan 30 : Six militants were killed in a clash with security forces in Pakistan's Balochistan province, local media reported. Balochistan Interim Information Minister Jan Achakzai said security forces on Monday night thwarted three "coordinated attacks" launched by terrorists using rockets and sophisticated weapons in Mach town on Monday night, Dawn reported. The minister posted on X: "The security forces thwarted the terrorists' attempt to create lawlessness in Mach town of the province by taking swift action." Militant group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Srinagar, Jan 30 : J&K Police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested 11 drug peddlers from Baramulla, Sopore and Budgam districts of Kashmir Valley. "Psychotropic/contraband substances were recovered from the accused," police said. Police said that at a checkpoint in Wussan at Sultanpora, one person identified as Ghulam Rasool Dar of Palhalan in Pattan tehsil was arrested from whose possession 53 gms of Charas like substance was recovered. "Police station Uri also established a checkpoint at Langhama where Nowkhaiz Khan, Yasir Ahmed, both Paranpelan, Abdul Waheed of Tilawati and Sibti Hassan of Kila Kiratpur were arrested. 70 gms of Charas-like substance were recovered from them," police said. Police said that in the Dangiwacha area of Sopore three persons were intercepted who have been identified as Farooq Ahmad Malla of Hadipora Rafiabad, Firdous Ahmad Dar and Riyaz Ahmad Ganie, both the residents of Reban. "During search, 100 grams of Charas-like substance and three mobile phones were recovered from their possession," police said. Police said that in the Rafiabad area of Baramulla a person was intercepted who has been identified as Mehraj ud Din Mir of Omar Colony Chijhama Rafiabad. "During search, 50 grams of charas like substance and a mobile phone was recovered from his possession," police said. Police said that in Budgam, during routine naka checking near Srinagar International Airport, a police party of Police Post Humhama intercepted a vehicle driven by Javid Ahmed Dar of Gagoo Humhama. "During search of the vehicle, charas-like substances weighing about 70 grams and 58 Strips of Alprazolam tablets were recovered," police said. Police said that a vehicle used in commission of crime has also been seized. "In another incident, during Naka checking at Khansahib near Ahle Hadees Masjid, a police party of Police Station Khansahib intercepted a suspicious person carrying two nylon bags who on seeing the police party tried to flee from the spot. He was later arrested. "He has been identified as Khurshid Ahmed Mir of Khansahib. During search, semi grinded charas like substance weighing about 2.38 Kg was recovered from his possession," police said. Police said that cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and investigation has been taken up. Godda, Jan 30 : A teacher of a government high school in Jharkhand's Godda district on Tuesday gunned down two colleagues, including a woman, in the library before shooting himself. Godda, Jan 30 (IANS) A teacher of a government high school in Jharkhandas Godda district on Tuesday gunned down two colleagues, including a woman, in the library before shooting himself. The teacher, who suffered grievous injuries, has been admitted to a hospital in the area. It is said that the incident was the result of a alove trianglea and took place in a school located in Chatra village in the Poreyahat police station area. Sources said that after reaching the library, the teacher named Ravi Ranjan first closed the door and shot his colleagues, teachers Sujata Devi and Aadesh Singh present there. After this he shot himself in the forehead. Hearing the sound of the gunshots, the other teachers in the school informed the police. When the police reached the spot and broke open the library door, Sujata Devi and Adarsh Singh were found to be dead, while an injured Ravi Ranjan was lying on the ground. According to the villagers, Ravi Ranjan is a divorcee and he liked Sujata Devi. Sujata was already married and her husband is in the army. The second teacher killed in the shooting, Adarsh Singh, was a resident of Chandauli in Uttar Pradesh. Alucor, a leading EPC contractor in the Middle East region, has announced a strategic collaboration with Doosan, a South Korean multinational conglomerate corporation, for the Shuaibah 3 IWP, a landmark seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination project in Saudi Arabia. As per the deal, Alucor will be providing mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation installation for Shuaibah 3 IWP which will boast a 600,000 cu m per day capacity. The project is being developed by a special purpose vehicle (Shuaibah Three Water Desalination Company) launched by Saudi utility developer Acwa Power and Water & Electricity Holding Company (Badeel), a wholly-owned unit of Saudi Arabias sovereign wealth fund PIF. An agreement was inked in 2022 by Shuaibah Three Water Desalination Company with project off-taker Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) to restructure the Shuaibah 3 IWPP. The project involves the transformation and replacement of the existing IWPP, transitioning from an energy-intensive power generation and thermal desalination facility to a state-of-the-art SWRO desalination plant, supported by solar power. This conversion is poised to yield a substantial positive environmental impact, with an estimated annual reduction of nearly 45 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and conservation of 22 million barrels of light crude oil. Once completed, the project, located 110 km south of Jeddah in Shuaibah region, is set to become one of the largest desalination facilities in the kingdom.-TradeArabia News Service The noise surrounding the campaign funding that brought Gustavo Petro to the presidency of Colombia is not new. After the leftist leader achieved a historic victory in the 2022 elections, questions arose about the figures he presented to the National Electoral Council (CNE). Until now, the president and members of his campaign have avoided the accusations, but a recent investigation by the Attorney Generals Office once again calls them into question. At the center of the investigation is the Colombian Federation of Education Workers (Fecode), one of the countrys main unions, which provided the resources that are under scrutiny. The matter revolves around a check for 500 million pesos (about $125,000) written out by Fecode and which allegedly went to Petros campaign, which exists as a legal entity. In August of last year, the digital media outlet La Silla Vacia revealed that the union indeed transferred this money, but not to the presidential campaign. Although the purpose of the donation was to support the candidate this much was confirmed by Fecode officials to the media the money was given to Colombia Humana, one of the parties that belongs to the Historical Pact, the leftist coalition that endorsed Petro. Colombian law prohibits corporations, associations, societies and foundations from contributing funds to presidential campaigns, and authorities are investigating whether the money was used to finance campaign expenses. The theory about a possible triangulation of resources that it went through the party in order to evade the law is at the core of the mess. The matter got underway on January 22, when officials from the Prosecutors Office carried out an inspection at the headquarters of Fecode in Bogota. Although the investigation went unnoticed by public opinion, two days later the president himself drew attention to what had happened. The raid of a workers organization, seeking paths to remove the president of the Republic from the Presidency. We are not talking about just anything, he said while visiting the department of Choco with his ministers. Without mentioning the amount of the contribution to his campaign, Petro criticized the conduct of the Prosecutors Office. I always thought that the raids were against mafia organizations that illegally finance politicians. Now they are against workers organizations, because the president is not part of drug trafficking or one of those politicians who allow themselves to be financed by drug trafficking. Petro has spoken of legal movements to remove him from office, in what he has described as a soft coup or reflections of the so-called lawfare. In late May 2023, he thus described the decisions of state bodies independent from the executive, such as the Prosecutors Office, against members of his party for diverse and dissimilar cases. By the way, have you realized that they are taking away the votes of the lawmakers of the Historical Pact, suspending them with administrative orders? That is, they are de facto changing the political representation in Congress that the people elected. They took away the speakership of Congress from the Pact, and now they are taking away its votes. It is a soft coup, he wrote on the social media platform X. It is unfortunate but we are in the same situation as all Latin American countries. They use the Prosecutors Office and the Attorney Generals Office to do politics. In the case of his campaign funding, his remarks were overshadowed by the findings of the Prosecutors Office, which were published by the newspaper El Tiempo. These include records of a meeting of the Fecode executive committee on May 3, 2022, in which officials approved a decision to provide financial support to the campaign of the candidate Gustavo Petro for the Presidency of Colombia. Three weeks later, according to another document to which the newspaper had access, the union issued a check for 500 million pesos in the name of Dagoberto Quiroga, representative of Colombia Humana, with the objective of collaborating with the Petro [presidential] campaign 2022-2026. On September 23 of that same year, with Petro already sitting in the presidents office and after the publication by La Silla Vacia of information about the undeclared donation, Quiroga went to a notarys office to sign a sworn document that contradicted the Fecode files. In that document he made it clear that the unions contribution was made to the political party (Colombia Humana movement) but not to the presidential campaign. Five days later, President Petro appointed Quiroga as superintendent of Home Public Services. Asked about the discrepancy between the notarized document and Fecodes records, the superintendent explained that Fecode did in fact try to make a contribution to the campaign, but that it was rejected. It was at that moment that the possibility of donating the money to Colombia Humana arose, he says, to cover operating expenses. We delayed drawing up the notarized statement because we didnt agree on dates and we were collecting documents. We accepted the money because this is a young party and needs funds, he commented. His version coincides with that of Eduardo Noriega, spokesperson for Colombia Humana, who assured El Espectador that the donation went to the party and not to the campaign. The Prosecutors Office will continue to investigate the final whereabouts of the money. If its use in the campaign is proven, it would imply that the campaign violated the limits established by law. The accounts in the possession of the CNE indicate that the candidacy of the current president did not exceed the financial limit by 151 million pesos ($37,750) in the first round and 147 million pesos ($36,750) in the second. The 500 million pesos under scrutiny would exceed these two limits and would be added to other possible unreported funds that are under investigation. Last June, Semana magazine revealed recordings of former ambassador Armando Benedetti, in which he stated that he helped obtain 15,000 million pesos ($3.7 million) for the campaign; and in August, in the middle of his judicial process, Nicolas Petro, the presidents eldest son, admitted that irregular money was also used in the race for the presidency. However, weeks later, Nicolas indicated that he had been pressured to become a weapon against his father. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition San Francisco, Jan 30 : Japanese automotive giant Toyota has issued an immediate "DO NOT DRIVE" advisory, in which it recalled about 50,000 vehicles in the US over faulty airbags issue that can cause "serious injury or death" to the driver or passengers. The recall notice includes certain model year 2003-2004 Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix, and model year 2004-2005 RAV4 vehicles. "Certain airbags found in the subject vehicles are under an URGENT airbag safety recall. Due to the age of the vehicles, if the airbag deploys, a part inside is more likely to explode and shoot sharp metal fragments which could cause SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH to the driver or passengers," Toyota said in a statement. The carmaker urged the vehicle owners not to drive these vehicles until the free safety recall repair has been conducted. It also asked the owners to contact their local dealer instead of driving their vehicles to be repaired. "Toyota will repair or replace the airbag for FREE. Toyota is notifying known owners of these vehicles every month through a variety of communication channels," the company said. Since 2009, more than 30 deaths have been connected to Takata airbag inflators, reports BBC. This week, the Japanese automaker halted delivery of some vehicles due to errors in certification testing for diesel engines made by Toyota Industries. An inquiry revealed that Toyota Industries employees altered horsepower output testing. "The investigation found that irregularities occurred during the horsepower output testing for the certification of three diesel engine models for automobiles that Toyota had commissioned to TICO (Toyota Industries Corporation)," Toyota said. "Ten vehicle models are using the affected engines globally, including six in Japan," it added. With a hawkish undertone, RBI-MPC may continue to retain the repo rate: Experts. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, Jan 30 : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced on Tuesday that it has decided to make an additional amount of Rs 5,000 crore available to the Standalone Primary Dealers (SPDs) under the Standing Liquidity Facility. The amount will be available at the prevailing repo rate of 6.50 per cent, starting from January 31, according to an RBI statement. The decision to release the amount is based on an assessment of the prevailing and evolving liquidity conditions, the central bank said. The incremental limit for individual SPDs is being conveyed to them separately. All other terms and conditions of the facility shall remain unchanged A primary dealer is an RBI-registered entity authorised to buy and sell government securities. Standalone primary dealers are either subsidiaries of banks or entities incorporated under the Companies Act and registered as non-banking financial companies. Chandigarh, Jan 30 : The budget session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha will commence on February 20, School Education Minister Kanwar Pal, who also holds the portfolio of Parliamentary Affairs Minister, said here on Tuesday. He said a decision in this regard was taken at the meeting of the Cabinet. At the start of the Cabinet meeting, a two-minute silence was observed in honour of the martyrs of India's freedom struggle. He said as per the government's decision the Cabinet initiated by honoring the martyrs and sanctioned employment for 18 of their dependents who, due to various reasons, missed the application deadline for jobs. He said farmers would no longer be required to pay a royalty of Rs 200 for soil extracted from their farms for personal use. "They can conveniently submit the necessary information on the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal, eliminating the need to visit government offices," he said. He said that the Cabinet also gave approval for a loan of Rs 1,500 crore to Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation. "The corporation's outstanding loan, previously around Rs 14,000 crore, has been substantially reduced to Rs 4,000 crore and is expected to be completely cleared in the future," he added. New Delhi: Media persons at the Supreme Court complex on the day of the court's verdict. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended its order granting interim protection against arrest to the Vice-Chancellor and other higher officials of the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Science (SHUATS), who were booked by Uttar Pradesh Police for allegedly persuading a woman to adopt Christianity by offering her a job and other allurements. A Bench, presided over by Justice Aniruddha Bose asked Additional Advocate General Garima Prasad (AAG), representing the state government, to file a counter affidavit within a period of one week in the matter. The matter is tentatively listed for further hearing on February 23. In December 2023, a Vacation Bench of the top court had passed an interim order protecting Rajendra Bihari Lal and other petitioners from arrest in connection with an FIR registered with Bewar Police Station of UP's Hamirpur. Further, the Supreme Court had stayed operation of the impugned judgment passed by the Allahabad High Court asking the accused to surrender before the court on or before December 20, 2023 and apply for regular bail. In its order passed on December 11 last year, a Division Bench of Justice Rahul Chaturvedi and Justice Mohd Azhar Husain Idrisi of the High Court had refused to quash the FIR lodged against varsity officials under Section 376D (gang rape) and other IPC Sections, and relevant Sections of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 and Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1956. It had said, "No God or true church or temple or mosque would approve such types of malpractices. If someone has chosen to get converted to a different religion, then it is totally another aspect of the issue. In the instant case prevailing upon the tender mind of a young girl providing gifts, clothing and other physical amenities and then asking her to get baptised is an unpardonable sin." The High Court had said the allegations levelled in the FIR were extremely serious and horrifying, and asked the Superintendent of Police (SP), Hamirpur to personally supervise the investigation and submit a report before the concerned Magistrate within 90 days. The accused in the case had pleaded that the victim was offered a job at SHUATS and when she was sacked from her service in 2022, she tailored a story as mentioned in the FIR, just to rope in all the higher officials of SHUATS, including the VC. In her FIR, the woman alleged that she belonged to a lower middle-class family and was trapped by another woman who took her regularly to a church and she was regularly subjected to sexual exploitation by the accused, including the VC of SHUATS, formerly known as Allahabad Agricultural Institute. In the FIR, she said that she was pressurised to bring other women for conversion and other illegal works. Mumbai, Jan. 30 : Maharashtra heritage lovers welcomed the Centre's decision to nominated 12 Maratha forts for the UNESCO World Heritage List 2024-2025, as 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India', announced by the Ministry of Culture. The list includes forts at: Raigad, Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg (Maharashtra) and one Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, all representing the extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers. These forts -- included in the UNESCO's tentative list of 2021 -- are distributed across diverse geographical and physiographic regions and showcase the strategic military prowess of the Maratha rule, between the 17th-19th centres. "This extraordinary network of forts, varying in hierarchies, scales and typological features, is a result of integrating the landscape, terrain and physiographic characteristics distinctive to the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau and the Eastern Ghats in the Indian Peninsula," said the Ministry of Culture. A majority of these are linked with the life and times of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680), whose 350th anniversary of Coronation (June 6, 1674) is being celebrated this year. Experts and fort lovers like Umesh Zirpe, the President of Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangha (AMGM), Ramnath Amberkar, Sunil Deodhar and others warmly welcomed the Centre's decision. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Culture for the UNESCO nomination. "The Government of India has submitted a proposal to UNESCO to include the area of the Maratha military lanscapes, forts during the time of our idol Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This proposal has been submitted for the year 2024-25," Fadnavis said. Maharashtra has more than 390 forts, of which only 12 have been selected under the cultural category and of these eight are under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India. India presently has 42 World Heritage Sites of which 34 are cultural, 7 are natural and one is a mixed location. From the 42, Maharashtra has six sites - five cultural and one natural comprising Ajanta Caves (1983), Ellora Caves (1983), both in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the Elephanta Island Caves (1987), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004), Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018), all in Mumbai, and the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which falls in the natural category (2012). --IANS qn/dan Bengal: OPDs in state-run hospitals to start operating from 9 am from Wed. Image Source: IANS News Imphal, Jan 30 : Central and state's health schemes are facing severe challenges, including financial constraints and operational hurdles in Manipur affecting the possible beneficiaries, especially the ethnic violence affected people. Both the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY), a central flagship scheme offering health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year and the Manipur government's Chief Ministergi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT) designed to benefit economically disadvantaged citizens in the state offering coverage of up to Rs two lakh per eligible family. Under the CMHT eligible family identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) for the treatment of seven critical ailments, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney ailments, neurological conditions, liver ailments, cancer, neonatal diseases, and burns annually. On April 4, 2022, the state government increased the hospitalisation benefits within the scheme, launched by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on January 21, 2018, to Rs 5 lakh per family annually. The financial strains for both the health schemes came to light when a coalition of private hospitals in the state, operating as the "Association of Healthcare Providers (India)" Manipur State Chapter, recently wrote to the Chief Minister. They requested the settlement of outstanding bills accrued in providing benefits to CMHT beneficiary patients at their facilities. Amid the ongoing ethnic strife plaguing Manipur, the association urged the Chief Minister for the swift settlement of long-standing bills related to both CMHT and PMJAY incurred by private hospitals in Manipur. Hospital sources said that the outstanding bills, supposed to be paid by the government, for both CMHT and PMJAY are in the tens of crores. "Unable to find a means to access treatment under CMHT or PMJAY, the distressed patients were compelled to resort to borrowing money or selling their assets to gain admission to hospitals," health officials said on condition of anonymity. The letter of the association to the Chief Minister highlighted that a significant portion of private hospitals in Manipur are enlisted for both CMHT and PMJAY, actively catering to the healthcare needs of the local population. Due to the delayed release of funds, a substantial number of economically disadvantaged patients, who had arrived at CMHT-empanelled private hospitals with optimism for cashless treatment, found themselves being required to make upfront payments. They were then left hoping for reimbursement once the hospital's outstanding CMHT bills were settled. Health officials said that the government is preparing to gradually settle the outstanding amounts, providing a glimmer of hope, but patients continue to face challenges, including extended waiting times and difficulties accessing prescribed medicines Meanwhile, the state health directorate issued a public notice last month, indicating that the State Nodal Cell (CMHT) had observed the presence of unauthorised individuals in possession of CMHT cards. The notice issued by the Director of Health Services and State Nodal Officer CMHT, Kh Sasheekumar Mangang, said that the individuals possessing the cards include government employees and their families, pensioners, as well as non-poor households falling under the exclusion criteria outlined by the state government for CMHT. The announcement instructed all unauthorised holders of CMHT cards to return their cards by December 31, emphasising that failure to do so could lead to punitive measures. Following the issuance of the notification, a significant number of individuals in possession of unauthorised CMHT cards have complied by surrendering them to the health directorate. Chennai, Jan 30 : The Tamil Nadu government will constitute a mandatory state commission for sexual and gender minorities. This was revealed in the Tamil Nadu Gender and Sexual Minority (LGBTQIA+) draft policy submitted before the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Commissionerate. A committee consisting of LGBTQIA+ persons prepared the draft policy document after holding consultations with the LGBTQIA+ community. According to officials of the Commissionerate 240 persons from the LGBTQIA+ communities were consulted before the draft was submitted after 10 consultations were held. The policy document also referred to an earlier version prepared by the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission. The policy also recommends horizontal reservation in education and employment for the transgender and intersex persons besides imposing a bar on being fired from jobs if employees undergo a change in gender identity. The draft policy also suggests equal recognition of transmasculine (Tirunambi) and intersex persons as was being done in the case of transfeminine (Tirunangai) persons. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court gave three months time for implementing the policy and adjourned a case in which he has been issuing directives for the welfare of LGBTQIA+ persons from 2021 to June 2024. The judge provided time after public prosecutor Hassan Mohammed Jinnah sought time for the state government to finalise the policy after holding discussions with all stakeholders. The judge while providing time after reading the draft policy document commended the state government and said, "The policy underscores a notable commitment to empowerment and inclusivity, articulating detailed rights related to movement, property, and public office for the LGBTQIA+ community." He stated, "commendable stride towards recognising the rights of trans and intersex individuals... The policy's consideration for specific sub-groups within the LGBTQIA+ community speaks to a nuanced approach to services, inclusion, and sensitisation." The draft policy envisages the provision of separate cells and showers for transmasculine and transfeminine inmates in prisons; protection from family violence including corrective rape against LGBTQIA+ persons; recognition of same-gender relationships by means of Deed of Familial Association and sensitive gynaecological and sexual/reproductive health care for lesbian, bisexual, pansexual women and transmasculine persons. The draft policy once implemented will be a landmark move by the Tamil Nadu government and can change the present situation of the LGBTQIA+ communities in the state.This can be replicated in other states as well leading to legal safeguards and protection for the members of the community. New Delhi, Jan 30 : There seems no relief from bad air quality in Delhi as the Air Quality Index (AQI), on Tuesday evening, plummeted to severe levels at several monitoring stations across the city. However, experts suggest that with two Western Disturbances in quick succession, the air quality is likely to improve in the coming days. On Tuesday, the air quality at Anand Vihar plummeted in the "severe" category with PM2.5 at 458 and PM10 at 459 while NPO2 reached at 155 or "moderate", as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI monitoring station at Dwarka sector 8 recorded PM2.5 at 432 and PM10 at 415, in the "severe" category. At IGI Airport station, the PM 2.5 was at 408, or "severe" while PM 10 was at 386, in the "very poor" category and CO was at 109 or "moderate". The AQI at Jahangirpuri was also in "severe" levels with PM2 10 reaching 408 and PM 2.5 at 399, or "very poor". The CO was recorded at 100 or "satisfactory". The PM2.5 at Punjabi Bagh also reached 446, in the "severe" category while PM10 was at 417 and CO was at 126 or "moderate". The PM2.5 at Okhla Phase-II was recorded at 496 and PM10 at 486 -- both in the "severe" category. The NO2 was at 119 and CO was at 117, in the "moderate" levels. The air quality at Mandir Marg station was also in "severe" category with PM 2.5 at 411 and PM 10 at 352 or "very poor". At Mundka, the AQI remained in the "severe" category with PM2.5 at 405 and PM10 at 294 or "poor". The AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good"; 51 and 100 "satisfactory"; 101 and 200 "moderate"; 201 and 300 "poor"; 301 and 400 "very poor"; and 401 and 500 "severe". Kolkata, Jan 30 : In a significant development on Tuesday, all the education-related cases pending before Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay has been shifted to different bench. Kolkata, Jan 30 (IANS) In a significant development on Tuesday, all the education-related cases pending before Calcutta High Courtas single-judge bench of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay has been shifted to different bench. As per the new roster issued by the office of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, the education related matters will now be heard by the single-judge bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha. In the changed roster, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyayas bench has been allotted cases related to industry and labour laws. The development came just hours after Justice Sivagnanam expressed discomfort over the tiff between the single-judge Bench of Justice Gangopadhyay and a division bench headed by Justice Soumen Sen. The Chief Justice said that he is saddened and ashamed because of how the situation evolved, as he expressed hope that the situation will normalise soon. In the changed roster, no reason has been mentioned for the changes. Incidentally, Justice Mantha was in national headlines last year following the boycott of his bench by a section of advocates close to the ruling Trinamool Congress, which continued for some days. At that time, some miscreants had pasted slanderous posters on the walls of the residence of Justice Mantha in South Kolkata. Although the police launched an investigation into the matter, no one has been arrested in connection with the case so far. Already, the education-related matters have been removed from the division bench headed by Justice Sen. Although one particular case related to higher secondary teachersa irregularity was still with the division bench, Justice Sen on Tuesday himself recused from hearing the matter. Kolkata, Jan 30 : Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused the BJP of trying to influence food and dressing habits of people in the states ruled by the saffron party. "What is BJP doing in the states it rules? It is trying to ban consumption of non-vegetarian food. Shops selling non-vegetarian food are being bulldozed in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Everyone has the right to freedom of choice," Banerjee said while addressing an administrative review meeting in North Dinajpur district. Accusing the saffron camp of making an attempt to influence the dressing habits of people, the Chief Minister referred to Mahatma Gandhi and said, "Gandhiji spoke about unity in diversity. All the fingers of the hand are not of the same size. Does that mean that we chop off our palm," Banerjee asked. The Chief Minister also reiterated Trinamool going solo in West Bengal in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, claiming that only Trinamool is capable of defeating the BJP and the CPI(M)-Congress in West Bengal. However, throughout her speech, she did not make any reference to the INDIA block or Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The Chief Minister also referred to the multi-crore cash-for-school jobs case in West Bengal. "If anyone has deliberately indulged in irregularities, the law will take its own course against them. We will not stand by them," Banerjee said. The European Union is running out of patience with Hungary. The level of frustration of the member states with the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his blocking of the financial lifeline to keep Ukraines defense against the Russian invasion afloat has risen sharply. Several diplomatic sources have been quite blunt on the matter. In a key week for Kyiv, several leaders are launching what could be a final warning to Hungary to give the green light to the approval of 50 billion ($54 billion) over four years for Ukraine within the EU budget at a European summit convened to address the issue on Thursday. Brussels continues to pressurize and negotiate while Budapest, which showed signs Monday that with conditions and concessions it could accept an agreement, has criticized EU blackmail, an accusation that is mutual. Several member states are already talking about applying extraordinary measures on Budapest if it maintains its blockade on funds for Ukraine and a policy of coercion that has already become its hallmark. Orban has insisted on linking his decision to the release of European funds that Brussels has withheld for his violations of the rule of law: in December, on the eve of the European summit at which key issues for Ukraine were discussed, the European Commission unfroze 10.2 billion for Hungary, but withheld 21 billion. As the tone against Hungary has hardened in the corridors of the negotiations, there has been talk of keeping that 21 billion withheld from Budapest. Or of skipping Hungarys turn to chair the EU Council from July until December and going straight to Poland, the next member state on the list. But that is a difficult and purely symbolic process. In addition, some member states believe it is time to table in earnest the discussion of restarting proceedings against Hungary for violations of the rule of law, which could result in the EUs most fractious and Russia-friendly partner losing its voting rights. But such a decision requires unanimity and that too is complicated. The time has not yet arrived to push the red button, a senior EU source says. For several member states, support for Ukraine is an existential and strategic question, and one of survival. Now there are more capitals that want to be tougher on Orban, but there is still room for maneuver. For the time being, if there is no agreement, it will be made clear that Hungary is a completely isolated country: 26 partners against one. And that would have not only political but also economic effects, for example on the countrys credibility, says a European diplomat. Meanwhile, an internal European Council analysis paper on the Hungarian economy, describing its extremely high dependence on EU funds, the serious problems it would face if it cannot access them, and pointing to the option of leaders talking publicly about the possibility of withholding funds if there is no agreement on Ukraine on Thursday - something that would alienate investors - has added fuel to the fire of an already festering debate. Budapest has branded the note, advanced by the Financial Times and to which EL PAIS has had access, as evidence that the EU wants to sabotage it. European Council sources deny that the note, just over a page long, outlines a plan of action towards Hungary. " The document, drafted by #Brussels bureaucrats only confirms what the Hungarian Government has been saying for a long time: access to EU funds is used for political blackmailing by Brussels, Hungarys Minister of European Affairs Janos Boka said on social networks. Some member states are finally waking up, says Daniel Freund, Green MEP and one of the most vocal critics of Hungarys violations of the rule of law. The withdrawal of voting rights and the freezing of all funds are the EUs sharpest swords, notes Freund, who believes the signals from Brussels on Hungarian voting blackmail are clear, but also argues that they should not be used to break the veto on Ukraine, but for what they are designed for: to address Hungarys breaches. On Monday, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto traveled to Kyiv for the first time since the start of the war with Russia. As announced by his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, the two agreed to set up a bilateral commission to resolve, within 10 days, the disagreements of both sides on the issue of Ukraines Hungarian minority. Kyiv hopes that the meeting in the western Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod will help break Hungarian resistance to approving the European aid package. Emergency brake on aid to Kyiv Hungary did not agree in December when it did give the green light for the EU to open accession talks with Ukraine to a broader revision of the multiannual financial framework to create a special 50 billion package for Ukraine, in addition to other funds for immigration and competition. Orban, who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has refused to allow the financial lifeline for Kyiv to be tapped from the EU budget. To do so outside that framework would hinder and slow down the process, according to the other 26 partners. As a condition for accepting the formula, Budapest wants a year-by-year review of the funds being sent or some kind of emergency brake and the addition of more EU funds for surveillance of the blocs external borders, as well as some kind of clause that would allow member states more time to spend the funds allocated to the Covid recovery fund (the current deadline is the end of 2026). Such a measure would benefit Budapest if it manages to meet the requirements to receive it. The negotiation is now focused on that emergency brake, which could satisfy Budapest without handing it the ability to veto aid to Ukraine year-by-year. There are no longer any pending political gestures on the table, such as the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine. It is now a matter of keeping Kyiv afloat in its war against Russia. The 50 billion allocation over four years would mean the Ukrainian state has a chance to continue to function and not collapse, thus handing Putin victory. And that, explains another diplomatic source, is the point that explains why now the level of annoyance with Hungary has risen to such levels. Without European funds, Ukraine could have to cut the salaries of two million civil servants, according to an internal document published by EL PAIS in December. European leaders are reluctant to put a plan B on the table to send funds to Ukraine. There is the option of doing it without Hungary, EU sources acknowledge, but several member states would need the approval of their parliaments and that would slow the process down and complicate it further. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Chandigarh: BJPs Manoj Sonkar with party councillors flashes victory sign after winning the post of Mayor in the Chandigarh municipal corporation polls. Image Source: IANS News Chandigarh, Jan 30 : The INDIA bloc on Tuesday launched a scathing attack against the BJP after their candidate faced defeat in the Chandigarh mayoral election. Leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress, in a joint press conference, termed the election as unconstitutional, illegal and a fraud by the BJP. AAP leader Raghav Chadha, Congress leader Pawan Bansal, AAP Chandigarh in-charge Jarnail Singh, AAP leader Prem Garg and Congress Chandigarh president Harmohinder Singh Lucky addressed the press conference to expose the BJP's treason against the Constitution and rejected the election. Addressing the media, Chadha said the Chandigarh mayoral election was a fraud perpetrated by the BJP. He said what the BJP did was unconstitutional, illegal, anti-national and treason. Chadha added that everyone knows that the INDIA bloc had 20 votes (13 AAP and seven Congress councillors) and the BJP had 16 (14 councillors, 1 MP and 1 Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) councillor). So the BJP conspired against democracy to win the election. Chadha said first the presiding officer fell ill and they postponed the election till February 6, but after "we approached the High Court, a new date of January 30 was decided for election." After cancelling the election on January 18, the BJP tried to execute their Operation Lotus and tried to poach our councillors but when they did not succeed in this they appointed Anil Masih, a BJP person who is also their minority wing secretary, as the new presiding officer for this election. Chadha said at the time of counting no election agents of their parties were allowed near the counting table, when the rule is that all election agents are present at the time of counting and any vote that is declared invalid is first shown to the election agent and the Deputy Commissioner and only with their consent can it be declared invalid. But no rules were followed in counting and declaring the votes as invalid. Chadha said eight out of the 20 votes of the INDIA alliance were declared invalid which is unprecedented in the history of Chandigarh mayoral elections, while not even one vote of the BJP was declared invalid. He alleged that the presiding officer himself tampered with the ballot papers to make votes of the INDIA alliance councillors invalid. Congress leader Bansal said this is the 'jungle raj' of the BJP that "we are fighting against". He said "we (INDIA alliance) came together to save our democracy. In Chandigarh it was the beginning of INDIA vs BJP, but the unnerved BJP took unimaginative actions to win this election when they were clearly losing". "First they postponed the election, then they tried to poach our councillors, then they appointed a BJP leader as presiding officer for this election who tampered with the ballot papers of our councillors to invalidate the votes, their imposter presiding officer was doing it all by himself when he is there just to oversee the election process," the former Union minister said. Bansal claimed that even the media was not allowed inside to cover the election. He said this was not an election but a disgusting joke of the BJP so it has now become much more important to defeat them. He said "if the BJP came to power one more time in 2024 they would eradicate the election process and kill our democracy". In a major setback to the INDIA bloc's Congress-AAP alliance, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation ruling BJP retained the mayoral seat for the ninth time in a row by winning the post with just four votes. The AAP-Congress alliance lost the seat despite having the maximum councillors. New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notice on a PIL against rise in cyber crimes, including the forging of court orders, fake FIRs, and arrest warrants. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora sought response of Centre, Delhi government, Delhi Police, and Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Now, the matter is likely to come up for hearing next on March of 19. Last time, the court had stressed the need for a reformed policing system to meet new challenges. The same bench had noted the importance of adopting a straightforward complaint filing system for such cases. The petitioners had argued that the websites of the Central and State Cyber Cells lacked activity and failed to raise awareness about the latest cyber crimes. The court had noted the seriousness of the issue but said that the prayers in the petition differed from the oral submissions. Referring to the proposed changes as "unworkable prayers," the court had directed the petitioners' counsel to amend the petition for further consideration on January 30 (Tuesday). "Cyber crime is a genuine problem today. Everyone is getting troubled. This is something unique happening now. We donat know what the authorities can do about this. Only awareness can work. Awareness is needed," it had said. Addressing the Delhi Police's counsel, Santosh Kumar Tripathi, the court had stressed the urgency of creating a simple digital facility for people to report cyber crime complaints via email. It had pointed out the need for swift action, especially in cases involving monetary transactions that could cross international boundaries. Tripathi had submitted that a centralised number 1089 is already there and people can lodge complaints on it. The bench had, however, said that the numbers are generally not functional and digital facilities should be made available. "Suppose someone succeeds in transmitting money. Money has to be blocked immediately. It cannot be done till you have a digital system in place. Otherwise, money will cross the boundaries of this country. You wonat be able to reach it," the court had said. "Even if the money is given through banks, it will go out of the country in 15 minutes. I think they (petitioners) are giving good suggestions. One is to create awareness and the other is to have a (simple) mechanism to lodge complaints," the court had said. It had called for the creation of special dedicated units to address the growing challenges posed by cyber crimes and stressed the importance of police officers being well-versed in computer technologies. Furthermore, the court had asked the Central government's counsel to explore the possibility of establishing a unified system to verify the genuineness of the orders passed by the authorities. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed to bring to the notice of the court the issue of the rapidly multiplying and mutating menace of cyber crime which has now taken a perilous turn and emerged as a new kind of skullduggery, that is a adigital arresta scam, which poses a greater threat. San Francisco, Jan 30 : Chinese short-video making platform TikTok has been sued by at least 5,000 parents in the US, claiming that the app is "destroying America's youth". Thousands of parents are seeking accountability from the company through a lawsuit spearheaded by ClaimsHero.io, UNILAD reported. ClaimsHero, which claims to offer no legal services other than to help people contact lawyers and support them with their claims during arbitration, is representing the parents in a lawsuit claiming that the popular social media platform is 'harmful'. "An algorithm poisoning Americaas Youth: TikTok is a weapon targeted at Americaas youth. Its search algorithm turns the platform into a drug a" featuring relentless violent, sexual, and even suicidal content that targets children as young as 12 years old," the ClaimsHero website read. aWe will manage the claim process for you from end-to-end while working with the lawyers representing you, so that there is less of a burden on you during the litigation process. And if you win, you may be eligible for a cash award," it added. ClaimsHero also urged to "share your TikTok story with us and your family may be eligible for up to $10,000. Together, we can hold TikTok accountable, protect our children, and safeguard the future of America". Brittany Edwards, one of the parents involved, said she joined the legal battle because she believes the app had a negative impact on her daughter, the report mentioned. Speaking to the New York Post, she described the heartbreaking moment she learned from a friend that her 12-year-old daughter had recorded a TikTok titled "LOWKEY GONNA COMMIT Suicide". The founder of ClaimsHero, Kelvin Goode, has also emphasised the importance of taking action since TikTok added a new caveat to its user agreement recently. Earlier this month, the US state of Iowa sued TikTok, alleging that it is misleading parents about the kinds of content available to children. The lawsuit from Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said the TikTok app contains "frequent and intense sexual content and nudity, profanity and crude humour, mature and suggestive themes, and alcohol, tobacco, and drug use and references". New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday informed a Delhi court that it will file a supplementary charge sheet within a month in connection with the alleged land-for-job scam involving Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad and his family members. Before Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court, the agency assured that the final report would be submitted by the end of February. This disclosure was made during the court's consideration of an application by RJD leader Ahmed Ashfaq Karim, seeking the release of Rs 13 lakh cash seized during the investigation. The court has deferred its decision on the application until the filing of the supplementary charge sheet, with the matter scheduled for further hearing on February 27. Last week, the court had issued summons to Lalu Prasad's wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, her daughters, and others in the money laundering case, asking them to physically appear in the court on February 9. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently filed its first charge sheet in connection with the case of the which the court took cognisance. The court had directed the individuals named in the charge sheet to appear in the court, saying there were sufficient grounds to proceed in the matter. Amit Katyal, who is allegedly a close associate of Lalu Prasad's family, has also been named along with some companies in the charge sheet. The court recently sought a reply from the CBI on an application moved by Lalu Prasad, his son and wife seeking supply of documents filed along with the charge sheet. The court had asked the CBI to file a reply on the pleas of the eight accused seeking supply of deficient documents. On October 3 last year, the court had granted bail to Lalu Prasad, his son and wife in the case. On September 22, the court took cognisance of a fresh charge sheet filed by the CBI against Lalu Prasad and others. Since the probe agency did not oppose the bail, Additional Sessions Judge Geetanjali Goel granted bail. The CBI had registered the case on May 18, 2022 against Lalu Prasad and 15 others, including his wife, two daughters and unidentified public servants and private persons. The ED had said in July that it has attached assets worth more than Rs 6 crore belonging to Lalu Prasad's family -- his wife Rabri Devi and daughter Misa Bharti -- and linked companies as part of its money laundering investigation against them in the case. The CBI had, on July 3, filed a charge sheet against Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi and their son Tejashwi Yadav. "During the period 2004-2009, Lalu Prasad (then Railway Minister) had obtained pecuniary advantages in the form of transfer of landed property in the name of his family members in lieu of appointment of substitutes in Group 'D' posts in different Zones of Railways," a CBI official had earlier said. A number of residents of Patna themselves or through their family members sold and gifted their land in favour of the family members of Lalu Prasad and a private company controlled by him and his family. "No advertisement or any public notice was issued for such appointment of substitutes in Zonal Railways, yet the appointees, who were residents of Patna, were appointed as substitutes in different Zonal Railways located in Mumbai, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Jaipur and Hajipur. "In continuation of this modus operandi, about 1,05,292 sq ft land and immovable properties located in Patna were acquired by Lalu Prasad and his family members through five sales deeds and two gift deeds, showing the payment made to the seller in cash in most of the land transfer," the CBI had said. The CBI had filed the charge sheet in the case on October 10, 2022 against 16 persons, including Rabri Devi and her daughter, and sanction was then obtained to prosecute them. Patna, Jan 30 : Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday attacked Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for succumbing to BJP's pressure and leaving INDIA bloc. "After BJP applied a little pressure on Nitish Kumar, he again took a U-turn and left the INDIA bloc," Rahul Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi, while sharing an anecdote, said that former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel once shared a joke with him: "Baghel said that Nitish Kumar took the oath of Chief Minister in Raj Bhawan along with some other leaders. BJP leaders were also present. After the swearing-in ceremony, Nitish was returning home, stopped midway and asked the driver to take him back to Governor House as he had forgotten his shawl. "When he reached the Governor's House, the Governor told him 'Itni Jaldi Wapas Aa Gaye," Rahul Gandhi said while addressing a rally in Rang Bhumi ground in Purnia. He said that RJD forced Nitish Kumar to undertake the caste census in the state otherwise he was not interested in carrying out the survey. "After, he joined our alliance, I asked him to get the caste based survey done in Bihar and I will have no compromise over it. It was Congress and RJD which applied pressure on Nitish to conduct the caste based census in Bihar. BJP was always against it," Rahul Gandhi said. He said that BJP did not want caste based surveys to take place anywhere in the country. "If caste based census is undertaken across the country, everything will become clear. People would come to know about the actual population of Dalit, OBC, and EBC, tribal. BJP does not want you to focus on social justice but wants to distract you," Rahul Gandhi said. He said that Nitish Kumar was trapped between INDIA bloc and BJP. "INDIA bloc alliance will bring social justice in Bihar. We do not require Nitish Kumar. Our alliance will work in Bihar too," Rahul Gandhi said. New Delhi, Jan 30 : Pilots' unions at Air India have lodged a complaint with aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that that the airline is failing to adhere to flight duty time limitations (FDTL). These regulations establish guidelines for the maximum duration a pilot can be on duty, aiming to prevent fatigue-related risks. The unions - the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) and the Indian Pilots' Guild (IPG) - have also written to Air India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson flagging the issues. In the letter to DGCA on January 28, accessed by IANS, the unions alleged that airline's approach to extend the FDTL for pilots amounts to "compromising" the safety of the pilots besides violating established regulations. "We are writing to bring to your attention a matter of grave concern regarding the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) compliance within our organisation," the letter read. "It has come to our notice that some pilots are facing intimidation and coercion to extend their FDTL beyond the prescribed limits by DOPS & Base Managers including threats of jeopardising their career progression. Such practices not only compromise the safety and well-being of our pilots but also violate established regulations. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and compliance within our organisation. However, the reported incidents undermine these principles and pose a serious risk to both our personnel and the integrity of our operations. "If these practices persist, we feel compelled to inform the regulatory authorities with evidence, including call records, to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe that our duty is not only to the company but also to the safety of the passengers and the reputation of the aviation industry. We request your immediate intervention to investigate these allegations and put an end to any coercive practices related to FDTL extensions. We trust that you will take the necessary steps to address the situation promptly," the letter added. However, when contacted, DGCA officials refused to comment on the issue. Mumbai, Jan 30 : Maharashtra's opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Tuesday took on board several other parties including Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India-Marxist, Aam Aadmi Party and others, senior leaders said here on Tuesday. The new parties joined the MVA alliance of Congress-Shiv Sena-UBT-Nationalist Congress Party-SP at the crucial round of talks for seat-sharing in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections held this evening. SS-UBT MP Sanjay Raut said that the discussions are progressing "smoothly" in a cordial atmosphere and the final decisions on the seat-sharing aspects are expected to be taken soon. In a significant development, the VBA led by Prakash Ambedkar officially joined the MVA alliance and Tuesday's talks after a written invitation from the MVA leaders, said a Congress leader. The VBA comprising Dalits, Dhangars, tribals, Agris, Banjaras, Kolis, Malis, Kaikadis and other communities has also confirmed that Ambedkar would attend the next MVA meeting scheduled later this week. The MVA's letter said that the country is passing through a critical phase and its great democratic traditions are turning to a dictatorship. "People apprehend that in 2024, if there is a different result in the country (with Bharatiya Janata Party returning to power), this will probably be the last election. The MVA was formed to change this situation and bring about a difference in the state and country," it said. "The inclusion of VBA into the MVA will definitely boost the anti-dictatorship struggle in the country The Constitution and democracy are at risk, we have to work together and save them," said Raut. The VBA could play a vital role for the MVA's prospects in the next elections, given its track record of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls when it was in alliance with the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). The VBA-AIMIM severely hit the vote-banks of the Congress and undivided NCP in at least a dozen of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state, which proved beneficial to the BJP and the undivided Shiv Sena. However, the situation apparently improved when the VBA-AIMIM tie-up was severed before the 2019 Assembly elections and helped form the MVA government headed by Uddhav Thackeray. Jaipur, Jan 30 : : Chitra Singh, wife of the former MP from Rajasthan's Barmer, Manvendra Singh, died in a road accident on Tuesday while Singh, his son Hamir Singh and the driver sustained injuries. The accident occurred at the Haryana border near Naugaon in Alwar at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. The injured were rushed to a Alwar hospital. Manvendra Singh is the son of Jaswant Singh, who was the Foreign Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Manvendra Singh's son Hamir Singh suffered fractures in his hand and nose. The former MP also sustained injuries in the ribs and the lungs. Manvendra became an MP from the BJP, now he is in the Congress. Alwar's Additional SP Tejpal Singh said that the accident happened around 5 o'clock. There were four people including the driver in the car (Jeep Compass), all of whom were coming to Jaipur from Delhi. Information about the accident was received over the phone at the control room. However, information about how the accident happened has not been revealed yet. Eyewitnesses said that the car was going at speed, went down the road, crossed the divider and collided with a wall. The people present there rushed the driver to a government hospital. The driver's leg also got fractured in the accident. The police officer said that the other victims are out of danger. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has expressed grief over the death of Manvendra Singh's wife Chitra Singh. Quetta, Jan 30 : A blast targeted a political rally organised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday evening in Sibi district of Balochistan, resulting in at least four fatalities and several injuries, a media report said. Babar, the Medical Superintendent of District Headquarters Hospital, confirmed the tragic incident, stating that four individuals lost their lives in the explosion, Express Tribune reported. "We received four bodies from the spot of the blast," Babar disclosed, adding that five injured individuals were promptly brought to the Sibi hospital for medical treatment. The explosion occurred as the rally, belonging to the former ruling party, was passing through the main Jinnah Road in Sibi. Police sources have attributed the incident to a bomb detonation, highlighting the vulnerability of political gatherings to such security threats, Express Tribune reported. The deadly blast underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by political parties and their supporters in the region as they engage in public activities ahead of general elections. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf strongly condemned the bomb blast that targeted its election rally. In a statement issued by a party spokesperson, deep sorrow and grief were expressed over the tragic martyrdom of party workers. The PTI spokesperson denounced the attack on the peaceful election rally, attributing it as a grave failure of the caretaker provincial and federal governments. "The state machinery is preoccupied with targeting PTI leaders and workers, including Founder-Chairman Imran Khan and Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in baseless and fabricated cases," the spokesperson said. New Delhi: AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan coming out from court with officials of Anti-Corruption Branch , a day after his arrest in connection with alleged irregularities in the Delhi Waqf Board recruitment, in New Delhi on Saturday, September 17, 2022. (. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to give immediate relief to AAP MLA and Waqf Board chief Amanatullah Khan against the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a Rs 36 crore property case. Special CBI judge Rakesh Syal, of the Rouse Avenue Courts, had recently taken cognisance of an ED charge sheet filed in the case. As Khan moved the high court, a division bench of Justices Rekha Palli and Rajnish Bhatnagar, adjourned the matter to be heard on Thursday, seeking clarification on when the summons was initially issued. Khan has challenged the constitutional validity of Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and has also sought a directive to quash the cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) and the ED. Senior advocate Vikram Chaudhari, representing Khan, stressing on the urgency of the matter, stated that he was summoned a week ago to appear before the ED today (Tuesday). The court, however, responded by stating that relief cannot be sought at the last minute. Now, the matter will come up for hearing on February 1. The ED had filed the charge sheet against Zeeshan Haider, his partnership firm Skypower, Javed Imam Siddiqui, Dawood Nasir, and Qausar Imam Siddiqui. Allegedly, a property worth Rs 36 crore was acquired with illicit funds, purportedly influenced by Khan, who reportedly handed over Rs 8 crore in cash. Questioned about Khan's role, the ED's counsel had said that further investigation related to others is ongoing. The counsel had submitted that the accusations in the predicate offence pertain to irregularities in the Delhi Waqf Board, where Khan was allegedly involved in corrupt practices, including misappropriation of Rs 100 crore and providing jobs. During the investigation, the ED considered FIRs filed earlier by the CBI, ACB, and Delhi Police. The ACB sought a PMLA investigation against Khan, alleging properties were acquired in Delhi, Telangana, and Uttarakhand with alleged ill-gotten money. Searches at premises owned by Hamid Ali Khan and Qausar Imam Siddiqui revealed incriminating evidence and illegal weapons. The recovered diaries suggested high-value transactions between Khan and Javed Imam Siddiqui, including the purchase of Rs 36 crore plot in Tikona Park, Okhla. The court was informed that an agreement to sell of Rs 36 crore, recovered from the accused mobile, was manipulated, indicating tampering with evidence. The ED said that the property was bought at Khan's behest, and the court was presented with evidence of Rs 27 crore cash transaction, making it a compelling case to summon the accused persons. Lilian (right), acquitted after serving eight years in prison. She was jailed after suffering an obstetric emergency. In this photo, she is pictured partaking in a press conference in El Salvador, on January 17, 2024. El Salvador has an internationally-known reputation for torturing women from impoverished backgrounds. In November 2021, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights made this clear with the case of Manuela, one of 74 women who were given 30-year-long prison sentences by the Salvadoran justice system after suffering obstetric emergencies. Manuela died in 2011 from cancer, well before clemency was a viable option for unjustly-imprisoned women like her. When she lost her baby, she had not yet been diagnosed with an illness that it was later learned had affected her pregnancy. It took 10 years for her innocence to be restored in an international court, but that recognition paved the way to ending the nightmare for the others. In December 2023, El Salvador released Lilian, the last woman convicted for an out-of-hospital birth. Lilians release ends a cycle in the lives of these women, about whom we knew little or nothing until April 2014. This was when a social movement Una flor por las 17 (A flower for the 17) was launched. The campaign reported on the conditions that these women were living in during their pregnancies and while giving birth. They lived in conditions of poverty and for the most part hadnt finished their basic education. Their income came from informal commerce or care work. The story was almost always the same: contractions (which were confused with stomach pain) led them to a bathroom almost always one with a septic tank where they gave birth to their babies without any help or medical attention. When help finally arrived, instead of being seen as women and girls who needed assistance, they were labeled as suspects, handcuffed to a stretcher and accused by the Attorney Generals Office of being bad mothers. Ignoring the pain they had gone through, the authorities would claim that the victims had failed in their duty to protect the lives of their newborns. All of them were subjected to misogynistic laws that were passed between 1999 and 2019, the decade in which El Salvador became the country with the most restrictive stance against abortion. In 1998, the reform of the Penal Code came into force in El Salvador, eliminating three grounds under which abortion was permitted (rape, incest, or health of the mother). And, in 1999, the Constitution was reformed to incorporate the recognition of life from the moment of conception. Despite the fact that all of the imprisoned women had experienced premature or full-term births (many of which ended in miscarriages or spontaneous abortions), the judicial authorities initially accused them of abortion. According to the prosecutors and judges, the mothers had consciously attempted against the lives of their own children. The impact of the reform was such that it filled El Salvadors Union of Medical Workers with fear. In the public hospitals where these women were treated, memorandums arrived from the government, which notified doctors and surgeons that anyone involved in an abortion would lose their license to practice. The story of the 17 the initial number of pardons that the campaign requested was told around the world, with the intention of putting pressure on the authorities to review the circumstances under which these women were unjustly imprisoned. The echo was greater beyond El Salvador: foreign correspondents began to enter the country to cover the stories of these women and amplify what was clearly an injustice. At home, however, the campaign was largely met with societal indifference. Meanwhile, elites with political and economic power reacted violently, being the same individuals who had pushed the reforms of 1998 and 1999. The then-director of the Institute of Legal Medicine, Jose Miguel Fortin Magana, was in charge of attacking those who spoke up for the women, claiming that he could prove that the newborns had been murdered. Fortin Magana is a member of Opus Dei a viscerally anti-abortion institute of the Catholic Church and his wife was part of the board of directors of the Yes to Life Foundation. This is one of the organizations that, for years, led a movement against the liberation of the 17 imprisoned women. The group even set up a website where it attached photos of them, so as to reveal their identities. Teodora del Carmen Vasquez was convicted of a spontaneous abortion and sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2008, in El Salvador. Marvin RECINOS Fear wasnt only rampant among doctors. Since abortion and everything similar to it is taboo in El Salvador, few lawyers or human rights organizations wanted to litigate these cases. Morena Herrera one of the leaders of the feminist movement in El Salvador and president of the Citizens Group for the Decriminalization of Abortion tells EL PAIS that in 2013, when they were compiling the cases, she recalls how they went from lawyer to lawyer, from office to office. Everyone told them no, arguing that the cases were sure to be lost, given the national legislation and constitutional reform. It wasnt until a court finally admitted the first review of the sentences in 2014 that various important allies such as the Human Rights Institute of the Central American University (UCA) and the Foundation for Studies for the Application of Law (FESPAD) decided to join to the campaign as part of the legal defense. International organizations also joined the campaign and were key in applying pressure. But the success of finally freeing the 73 women is clearly the result of the tireless work of the Salvadoran feminist movements. They would mobilize and take over the streets outside the courts each time a hearing was held. Eventually, they took Manuelas case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Of the 73 women released, only one was granted pardon, while 10 were acquitted. This was despite the fact that all of them without exception were recognized as having been tried without procedural guarantees and with insufficient evidence. Despite the fact that they had the right to their freedom, the vast majority were not declared innocent. Meanwhile, those who were released by order of a judge faced threats. For Maria Teresa, for instance, the judge who reviewed her case acquitted her in 2016. But instead of being able to rebuild her life with her son and family, she had to flee the country. The Attorney Generals Office announced that an appeal was going to be filed, to have her conviction reinstated. After having sought asylum, she now lives in Switzerland. Teodora one of the best-known faces of this campaign was denied her innocence on two occasions. After almost 11 years in prison, she managed to get out for good behavior. Her sentence was commuted. On the day of her release, the official in charge of her case said that, thanks to the time she had been in prison (unjustly), she had managed to complete high school as if the state had done her a favor. In 2022, a documentary about the judicial process she went through was censored in El Salvadors movie theaters. The authorities claimed that it was an apologist film, making excuses for criminality. Not in all cases, but over time, the arguments utilized to convict the women began to fall apart, as some judges saw beyond the taboo. Imelda a 19-year-old girl who had been repeatedly raped by her stepfather and whose baby survived the obstetric emergency had to admit that she was guilty of having abandoned her newborn daughter, in the hopes of being given a lighter sentence. In December 2018, after 20 months in jail, the judge ultimately didnt accept her guilt and instead declared her innocent, noting that it was impossible for Imelda to understand that she was committing a crime. 25 years after the reform, the laws remain unchanged in El Salvador. Still, protests havent been in vain. 73 women have regained their freedom, protocols have been created to care for obstetric emergencies and guarantee medical secrecy, while the judges who preside over these cases now have a ruling from the Inter-American Court that sets a precedent to avoid unjust convictions. Nothing is perfect, of course. There are still 11 women facing criminal proceedings for similar cases in the country. The state continues to refuse to take responsibility or offer reparations to the unjustly-imprisoned women and their families. But the path has been paved, and these women, whose voices were once silenced by the judiciary, are now fighting to make sure that these state crimes never happen again. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has arrested an interstate gangster, infamously known as 'Ravan of Sahebganj' in north Bihar, who was wanted in a two-decade old murder case in Surat, Gujarat. The accused has been identified as Ram Naresh Sahani. A police officer official said that Sahani was also a proclaimed offender in a case of NDPS Act under Crime Branch, Delhi, since 2014. "He got interim bail for the marriage of his daughter, and jumped it, following which he was declared proclaimed offender by a Delhi court," the officer said. Sharing the details regarding an incident dating back two decades, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sanjay Bhatia said that in 2005, on the occasion of Dussehra, a man named Kumod was fatally attacked by three suspects, including Sahani, in Surat. Consequently, a case involving charges of murder and attempted murder was registered, gaining notoriety as the 'Kumod Murder case'. The primary accused, Sahani, had fatally shot Kumod and subsequently fled the scene with his accomplices. "Since then, Sahani had managed to evade arrest," said Bhatia. "During the process of gathering information on proclaimed offenders, we received intelligence through technical surveillance indicating that Sahani was residing on the outskirts of Muzaffarpur, Bihar," the officer said. A police team was formed and dispatched on January 5 to locations outside Patna and Muzaffarpur, with the objective of apprehending the wanted criminal. Upon reaching, the police team found that Sahani was known as the 'Ravan of Sahebganj' in the area. He was also an active "liquor supplier and a notorious interstate criminal from northern Bihar", who commanded a gang comprising over 50 members in the region. "Due to his intimidating influence, locals refrained from providing any information about him," said Bhatia. "It is noteworthy that whenever the police increased pressure, he would flee to Nepal, returning to Bihar after a period, and resuming criminal activities," said the officer. Subsequently, the police team utilised undercover informants, and received a tip-off that Sahani would visit the Registry Office in Muzaffarpur for some work. "He was apprehended from near the Tehsil on the outskirts of Paru town in the rural area of Muzaffarpur," Bhatia said. New Delhi, Jan 30 : Enterprise conversational and generative AI technology provider Kore.ai on Tuesday announced $150 million in funding led by FTV Capital, a sector-focused growth equity investor. The round also saw participation from Nvidia and existing investors such as Vistara Growth, Sweetwater PE, NextEquity, Nicola and Beedie. The new funding will accelerate Kore.ai's market expansion and continuous innovation in AI to deliver tangible business and human value at scale. "Sitting above the infrastructure layer and LLM chaos, our open approach grants businesses freedom of choice with built-in guardrails for effective AI implementation," said Raj Koneru, founder and CEO of Kore.ai. Gartner estimates the conversational AI market to reach $377 billion in revenue by 2032, up from $66 billion in 2023. Kore.ai provides an enterprise-grade, no-code platform to help companies of all sizes power business interactions with AI safely and responsibly while driving significant revenue and cost savings. "We've spent significant time examining the landscape and evaluating advanced-AI platforms, and Kore.ai clearly stood out with its proven enterprise-grade platform capabilities, visionary leadership, strong R&D focus, established global customer base and clear path to profitability," said Kapil Venkatachalam, partner at FTV Capital. Kore.ai customers include leading financial institutions such as PNC Bank and large global banks, as well as major brands such as AT&T, Cigna, Coca-Cola, Airbus and Roche. The company automates 450 million interactions a day for about 200 million consumers and two million enterprise users worldwide. San Francisco, Jan 30 : The shares of German pharmaceutical and agricultural company Bayer have plummeted after the court ordered it to pay $2.25 billion in damages, the highest amount yet in its ongoing lawsuit over an alleged carcinogenic effect of its Roundup weedkiller. On Monday, Bayer shares fell 4.77 per cent to EUR30.78, bringing the stock's three-month decline to more than 24 per cent, reports the Wall Street Journal. The company said that a jury in a Philadelphia court last week sided with the plaintiff and ordered it to pay $250 million in compensatory damages and $2 billion in punitive damages. The company said it plans to appeal the decision, the report mentioned. "We disagree with the jury's adverse verdict that conflicts with the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence and worldwide regulatory and scientific assessments, and believe that we have strong arguments on appeal to get this verdict overturned," a spokesman for Bayer was quoted as saying. The company claimed to have a solid track record in roundup litigation, having won 10 of the last 16 cases at trial. Bhopal, Jan 30 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday indirectly "invited" Congress MLA Omkar Singh Markam to join his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), quipping he was in the "wrong place". The invitation came during a programme in Jabalpur where the public representatives from various parties were present. When Yadav came on to the dais to address the gathering, he started welcoming all the MLAs and MPs present there. As he came to the Congress MLA as name, the CM asked: "Where is Omkar Singh Markam ji?" As Markam stood up, Yadav then, in a sarcastic tone, said: "Omkar ji you are sitting at the wrong place, please come with us." Markam did not say anything, but only smiled. However, after the programme was over, Markam, talking to reporters on CM Yadavas offer, said: "I would just say that the Chief Minister should focus on development of Madhya Pradesh, and not to worry about me." Markam, a four-time MLA from Dindori, is considered a prominent tribal leader of the Congress in Madhya Pradesh. In the 2023 Assembly election,he defeated BJPas Pankaj Singh Tekam by a margin of 92,962 votes. Markam, who won four consecutive assembly elections a" 2008, 2013, 2018 and 2023, is considered close to former Chief Minister Kamal Nath and he was also a minister in his cabinet. Patna, Jan 30 : MoS Home Nityanand Rai on Tuesday said that Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav and Hemant Soren have looted the money of poor people that is why the central agency is questioning them. "CBI had taken action against Lalu even before the BJP government. Taking the lands for jobs of poor people is a big crime that is why action has been initiated against him and his family," Rai said. He said that if anyone thinks that he is special and has high post and that action will not be taken against him or her is wrong. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said that Rahul Gandhi is responsible for bringing Lalu Prasad Yadav to a grave situation. "He will not be able to contest any election now. The IRCTC scam had taken place during the Congress government and the CBI filed a case against him during Manmohan Singh government," the Deputy Chief Minister said. Hyderabad, Jan 30 : Telangana Congress has started receiving applications from party leaders for allotment of tickets for forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. The applications for all 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state will be received till March 3. A special committee has been constituted for the scrutiny of the applications. After the meeting of the Pradesh Election Committee (PEC) on Tuesday, Chief Minister and Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President A. Revanth Reddy told mediapersons that the meeting unanimously passed a resolution authorising the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to finalise the candidates. He said that in-charges have already been appointed for all the 17 constituencies. Reddy said the campaign for Lok Sabha elections will be launched with a public meeting at Indravelli in Nirmal district on February 2. Public meetings will be held in all the constituencies. Reddy, who presided over the PEC meeting, asked the party leaders to work hard for Congress' victory. He also mentioned that the schedule for Rajya Sabha elections has already been announced. The Chief Minister said the Congress government will implement all the guarantees given in the election manifesto. Necessary allocations to implement the guarantees will be made in the budget. The government will also release white paper on irrigation in the ensuing budget session of the state legislature. The CM also said the vigilance department has already started an investigation into the irregularities in the irrigation department. Reddy said he would give appointment to all the MLAs who want to discuss people's problems with him. "I will also give appointments to KTR and Harish Rao," he said. Jaipur, Jan 30 : Rajasthan Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Tika Ram Jully on Tuesday questioned the Chief Minister and asked him why no document was placed in the house after a MoU was signed between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh over Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). "You signed the MoU on ERCP without reading it. This is the first time in the history of this House that we have seen that no document has been placed in the House and we are still discussing it," LoP said while responding to the Governor's address in the assembly. He said that ERCP is an issue of very important public interest that is why they are discussing it otherwise discussion would not have taken place in the House without the document. "When the Chief Minister says in the House that a MoU on ERCP has been signed is a matter of concern. At least 83 MLAs from ERCP districts give them a copy of that MoU," he said. Remembering Father of the Nation -- Mahatma Gandhi -- on his death anniversary, Jully said that even today there are people among us who have killed Gandhi but they could not kill his ideology. "Your ministers here are paying obeisance to Gandhi while at the same time getting his and Ambedkar's photo removed from the chamber," he said. He also assured the ruling dispensation that if the government takes decisions in the public interest the opposition will fully support the government in its endeavors. "We are with the government, but we will not shy away from taking to the streets to protest against their wrong decisions," he said. Jully also advised the government to give a cylinder to every family of Rajasthan for Rs 450. Chennai, Jan 30 : The Madras High Court on Tuesday summoned five inspectors of Tamil Nadu Police, posted at a police station in Chennai for shabby investigation of a fund misappropriation case against the former office-bearers of the Southern India Cinematographers Association. A complaint was filed against the former office bearers by General Secretary M. Ilavarasu that they had misappropriated an amount of Rs 40 lakh. Justice Jagdish Chandra summoned Inspectors Shivakumar, Ramamoorthy, Selvarani, Kannan, and A.V. Srinivasan, who had served at Soundarapandiyanar Angadi Police Station in T. Nagar since March 3, 2022, to be present in the court on February 5 and explain the inordinate delay in investigating the complaint. Ilavarasu had, in his petition, pointed out that the misappropriation complaint was lodged with the Greater Chennai Commissioner of Police on November 22, 2016. After that, a petition was filed in court seeking a direction to the police to register a FIR on the basis of the complaint. Justice M.S. Ramesh had directed the Central Crime Branch on October 9, 2017 to conduct a preliminary inquiry within 15 days and register a FIR, if a cognisable was made out. The CCB registered a FIR on February 13, 2018 and transferred it to the local police since the misappropriated amount was less than Rs 50 lakh. Since there was no progress thereafter, the actor moved the high court once again in 2022 seeking a direction to the police to expedite the probe. Justice Jagdish Chandra disposed of the direction petition on March 3, 2022 after ordering the Inspector of Police concerned to file a final report within four months. The complaint was re-registered at the Soundarapandiyanar Angadi police station but again there was no progress forcing the actor file the present contempt of court petition in 2023. After the filing of the contempt plea, the police filed a final report on December 13, 2023 recommending closure of the complaint, and informed the court of this. At this, the judge wondered how the police could have kept the funds misappropriation complaint pending for seven long years but could then file a negative final report within a day after inquiring with the complainant. Justice Chandra said that this was just an example of how many complainants were forced to approach this court and seek a direction even to get an FIR registered. He further said that the complainants are forced to file a petition to expedite the investigation and once again to file a final report. "Nothing moves until contempt petitions are filed," Justice Chandra said, adding that the police was conducting shabby investigation in most of such criminal cases and expressed his displeasure at this. --IANS aal/vd Patna, Jan 30 : Panic spread in Dehri city in Bihar's Rohtas district when a leopard from the forest area entered it on Tuesday evening. The leopard entered the house of retired teacher Shashi Prabha in Lala colony near Jagjivan college in Dehri. However, the family members displayed courage and presence of mind as they managed to lock the leopard in a room. "We have informed the Wildlife Department about the incident. The rescue operation is underway," said an officer of Dehri police station. "We were staying inside the houses due to cold weather. Suddenly, we heard about a leopard roaming in the locality. When we opened the door to go and out and find out more, the leopard entered the house of Shashi Prabha. The family members managed to lock the wild cat in one room and informed the local administration," colony resident N. Pandey said. Meanwhile, an official of the Wildlife Department's Rohtas zone, said that Dehri has dense forests around it and it seems that the wild cat stray came out in search of food and water. New Delhi, Jan 31 : Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt on Tuesday gave away the best marching contingents and tableaux awards for the Republic Day Parade. He announced separate results, one by a panel of judges and the other through an online public vote conducted by MyGov. Three panels of judges were appointed to assess the performance of Marching Contingents from three Services, Marching Contingents from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)/other auxiliary forces, and tableaux from various States/Union Territories and Ministries/Departments. Odisha was adjudged the best state/union territory (UT) tableau by a panel of judges whereas Sikh Regiment Contingent as best marching contingent among the three services, and Delhi Police Women Contingent named best marching contingent among Central Armed Police Forces/other auxiliary forces in both categories, an Ministry of Defence (MoD) official said. The MoD in a statement added that best states/UTs tableau award was given to Odisha's Woman Empowerment in Viksit Bharat, followed by Gujarat (Dhordo: A Global Icon Of Gujarat's Border Tourism) and Tamil Nadu (Kudavolai System in ancient Tamil Nadu -- Mother of Democracy). Ministry of Culture's tableau based on the theme 'Bharat: Mother of Democracy' bagged the top position among Ministries/Departments in the panel of judges section. Special Prize was given to Central Public Works Department (Central Vista -- Viksit Bharat Ka Pratibimb) whereas special memento was given to 'Vande Bharatam' a" Dance Group, the MoD official added. The MoD said that in addition to the panel of judges, a web page was created on MyGov platform for online registration of citizens for watching the Republic Day Parade and Beating the Retreat Ceremony 2024 online. An online poll was conducted by MyGov for the citizens to vote for their favourite tableau from states/UTs and Ministries/Departments as well as among the marching contingents to select the best among the popular choice category. The online poll for the popular choice was conducted between January 25 to 27 on MyGov web page. The results mentioned disclosed that best marching contingent among the three services is Rajputana Rifles Regimental Marching Contingent. Best Marching Contingent among CAPF/other auxiliary forces is CRPF Woman Marching Contingent. First position for states/UTs tableau was given to Gujarat (Dhordo: A Global Icon Of Gujarat's Border Tourism) followed by Uttar Pradesh (Viksit Bharat Samradh Virasat), Andhra Pradesh (Transforming School Education in Andhra Pradesh a" Making Students Globally Competitive). The best tableau for Central Ministries/Departments was given to 'Vibrant Villages' prepared by Ministry of Home Affairs. Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed With her usual sobriety, the president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Joan E. Donoghue, read a very important ruling in the matter relating to the application of the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip, raised by South Africa. In essence, the ICJ, by 15 votes to 2 the vote of the Ugandan judge was incomprehensible, Israels was foreseeable has ordered Israel to take the following measures: to prevent the commission of acts of genocide in Gaza, to take the necessary measures to prevent and punish acts of public incitement to genocide, to allow the entry of humanitarian aid, and to preserve and not destroy evidence. Reactions have come in from foreign ministries, from NGOs and from social media platforms. Some media have described the decision as a South African success. Certainly, it is, but it is a provisional success, because the Courts decision does not mean that its jurisdiction over the case, the admissibility of the claim, or the merits of the matter are a foregone conclusion. Others, on the contrary, had been hoping that the main measure requested by South Africa would be ordered: the cessation of Israeli hostilities. But this claim went too far, since the Genocide Convention does not prohibit hostilities as such, even when international humanitarian law is allegedly being violated. What this Convention prohibits is the commission of acts, typically carried out in a context of hostilities, but with a very specific intention: to destroy in whole or in part a group identifiable in its national, ethnic, racial or religious characteristics. In this regard, the ICJs jurisprudence is very demanding, since in the absence of direct evidence of a genocidal plan, the plaintiff must demonstrate that said intention is the only possible one that can be inferred from the facts. In assessing this decision, it must be remembered that the Court has ordered measures very similar to those directed at Myanmar in the matter relating to the alleged genocide against the Rohingya. Furthermore, the Court has spent more time than usual in detailing the dramatic situation experienced by Gazans, based on expert reports. Add to this that it has ordered a measure, not requested by South Africa, of great importance: that Israel take immediate and effective measures to allow the passage of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Finally, the Court has sent a message to the parties to comply with their international obligations in the course of the conflict, and to Hamas to release the hostages. It is still too early to assess the real impact of this decision. But it is worth asking whether it is an indicator of the future success or failure of the South African lawsuit (if this matter reaches the merits phase). In my opinion, nothing changes. It is important to reiterate: for now, the Court has only determined that the rights invoked by South Africa are plausible; that is, they have the possibility of basing a favorable ruling on the merits. We will have to wait, therefore, for this phase before making a definitive analysis. Before that happens, we will probably hear more racy public statements, see more horrendous videos, and read more worrying reports. On the other hand, third States will intervene in the procedure and there will be expert evidence, expert reports and victim statements discussed in detail. One thing is certain: South Africa has already put Israel in front of the mirror of its own actions. Whats more, it has prompted the Israeli attorney general to call any public statement that incites harm against civilians in Gaza criminal. For this fact alone, the South African initiative deserves to be praised. There are 153 States in the Genocide Convention: only one has risked suing Israel. The cases before the Court relating to the Genocide Convention present a very high emotional tension. When in 2007 the ICJ read its ruling regarding a Bosnian claim against Serbia (concluding, among other things, that Serbia was not responsible for the genocide in Srebrenica), a Bosnian victim tore up the text of the ruling before the judges. This type of reaction is foreseeable when everything is played to one card: in the absence of other relevant international treaties that grant it jurisdiction, the Court can only determine whether or not there was genocide, but not crimes against humanity or war crimes. A dismissal ruling is perceived by the plaintiff as a humiliation; an upholding judgment is an insult to the defendant. Whatever the outcome of the Gaza issue, we must not lose confidence in the highest judicial body of the United Nations. With its successes and errors, it is supported by almost eight decades of rigorous work and universal geographic representativeness. Asier Garrido Munoz is a lecturer of public international law at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. He has also served as an associate legal officer at the ICJ. Tucumcari doesnt have the money to make improvements on Third and Fourth streets near downtown, but it approved an engineering pact so it can be ready when the funds arrive. City commissioners during their meeting Thursday approved a $133,277.6... Quay County commissioners on Monday approved a $550,000 revolving fund application with the New Mexico Finance Authority to help the emergency dispatch center move to a new site in Tucumcari. The no-interest loan to the Tucumcari-Quay Regional Em... Our belated and weak response to the missile attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea by Houthi militants has been embarrassing. But thats what happens when theres no strong leader in the White House. Watching Joe Biden and his inept state d... A possible live grenade was confiscated last week during a multi-agency drug bust on Tucumcari's west side. Raul Diaz-Villalobos, 39, was charged with trafficking a controlled substance in a school zone (by possession with intent to distribute) a... A local contractors lawsuit against a company that owns and operates a recreational marijuana dispensary in Glenrio was dismissed earlier this month. Pacheco Construction & Truckings complaint against Glenrio Properties was dismissed with pr... A sonic boom over Quay County and other parts of the region earlier this month occurred during a training exercise, public affairs officials from two Air Force bases in New Mexico said. The boom on the evening of Jan. 19 shook windows at resident... A Tucumcari police officer remains on administrative leave after being arrested and briefly jailed last week on domestic violence-related charges involving a former girlfriend. The woman also filed a petition for an order for protection against h... For the third straight year, Tucumcari High School was among the winners of the New Mexico Governor's STEM Challenge. The THS team, which proposed a system for Native Americans to have better internet access, was among 40 that received $500 prize... The murder of Luis Donaldo Colosio remains an open case three decades after the presidential candidate was gunned down. The Attorney Generals Office (FGR) is investigating a new lead in the murder that happened on March 23, 1994, in Tijuana (Baja California). The FGR revealed on January 29 that charges have been filed against Jorge Antonio Sanchez Ortega, a former employee of CISEN, Mexicos defunct civilian intelligence agency. Sanchez had been assigned to Colosios security team during his presidential campaign. The FGR also implicated Genaro Garcia Luna, then the deputy operations director at CISEN, currently facing drug trafficking charges in the U.S. The reopened case challenges the theory that killer Mario Aburto acted alone. Aburto has since claimed that he confessed under torture. The judge overseeing the FGRs new allegations Alberto Chavez Hernandez dismissed them and did not recommend proceeding to trial. The FGR maintains that the evidence against Sanchez Ortega shows his presence at the crime scene within seconds of the shots being fired. The FGR also presented blood test evidence of Colosios blood on Sanchezs clothes, even though Sanchez was not involved in transporting Colosio to the hospital after the attack. The FGR also claimed evidence of Sanchez firing a weapon, supported by multiple testimonies of his escape from the crime scene. The FGR asserts that Garcia Luna hid Sanchez after the murder and subsequently orchestrated his hasty and secret escape from Tijuana. The FGR said it would appeal the judges ruling, and accused him of obstructing justice as well as making personal remarks against Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The case has been reopened by a special prosecutors office headed by Abel Galvan. Following Aburtos allegations of torture, President Lopez Obrador ordered a new investigation 30 years after the murder. Critics of the government suspect political motives behind reopening the investigation, especially during the crucial presidential and legislative elections later this year. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. In this week's UGA police blotter, nearly $1,000 worth of bikes were stolen on UGA campus, an arrest warrant was produced for an altered check of $4,044 and UGA visitors break into Sanford Stadium. Organisations are facing growing privacy concerns over the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) while getting attractive returns from investments in privacy, according to Ciscos latest Data Privacy Benchmark Study. Photograph: Kind courtesy Mohammad Usman/Pixabay The findings highlight the responses from 2,600 privacy and security professionals across 12 geographies, said the annual review of key privacy issues impacting business. "Organisations see GenAI as a fundamentally different technology with novel challenges to consider, said Dev Stahlkopf, Cisco Chief Legal Officer. More than 90 per cent of respondents believe GenAI requires new techniques to manage data and risk. "This is where thoughtful governance comes into play. Preserving customer trust depends on it. The India findings from the report reveal that 92 per cent of the respondents recognise their customers will not buy from them if they do not adequately protect their data, the highest level in years. All respondents said that external privacy certifications are an important factor in their buying decisions. Organisations have a responsibility to use data ethically, according to 98 per cent of respondents in India. 96 per cent of respondents agreed that privacy is a business imperative, not just a compliance burden. 95 per cent indicated that privacys benefits exceed its costs. As many as 95 per cent of respondents in India recognised they need to do more to reassure their customers that their data was being used only for intended and legitimate purposes in AI. 69 per cent of respondents in India have said that organisations are ensuring a human is involved in the process to reassure customers about data use and AI. Data localisation has taken centre stage with 97 per cent of respondents saying that their data would be inherently safer if stored within their country or region. However, 96 per cent of respondents said that data localisation adds cost to businesses. As many as 88 per cent of respondents in India said that privacy laws have had a positive impact on their business (the highest after China). Only 6 per cent of respondents said that privacy laws have had a negative impact on their business. In todays digital-first world, data is a valuable asset, and safeguarding it is not just a compliance matter, but a business imperative. "The study underscores a critical reality 92 per cent of respondents acknowledge that customer trust and loyalty are at stake if data protection measures fall short, said Samir Kumar Mishra, director, Security Business, Cisco India and SAARC. This reflects the pivotal role that robust privacy practices play in influencing customers buying decisions, as well as a major shift in how companies are addressing them, he said. 'From data on enquiries, we can build what we call a data lake or a data warehouse where data is classified into various cohorts and then we use AI and ML tools to predict demand down the line.' IMAGE: Workers install an electric motor inside a Tata Nexon electric sport utility vehicle at the Tata Motors plant in Pune. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters From production planning and inventory management to predicting the supply of critical components and deciding on features, colours and variants that customers want -- original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are using data and employing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools to manage their operations. Not just predicting demand patterns, AI-ML tools are being actively used by companies to reduce supplier risk management, according to OEMs. "The gold standard of planning inventory is now to start tracking from the enquiries itself, and not only from retail sales or invoicing of vehicles," said Shashank Srivastava, senior executive officer, marketing and sales, Maruti Suzuki India. "When a customer is logging in his or her query on a search engine, or the OEM Web site, or is walking into a dealership -- it is generating data, and analysing it helps us to predict demand trends," Srivastava added. "From data on enquiries, we can build what we call a data lake or a data warehouse where data is classified into various cohorts and then we use AI and ML tools to predict demand down the line," he said. This helps with colour choices -- retail data can only reflect what the OEM is producing, and not what the customer is enquiring about. "It should be the other way round, we should be producing what the customer is asking for," Srivastava said, adding that AI and ML tools help determine patterns, whether regional, demographic-wise, for customer cohorts of 'look-alike' people. In the age of connected cars (where cars can communicate bi-directionally with systems outside the car), it is possible that in the future a car manufacturer will call a customer for an early replacement of a brake pad because it knows the person has a habit of hitting the brakes frequently. Predictive maintenance is just one of the things that OEMs are trying to achieve by using AI-ML tools to interpret, analyse and come up with predictive patterns out of the data-bank they have. With AI-ML models becoming strong collaborative and complementary tools, Tata Motors is increasingly using them to make well-informed and strategic, tactical or operational decisions across a variety of functional and business domains. The company said it is using AI and ML models for lead scoring and re-purchase (which helps to prioritise high potential leads and allocate resources efficiently). Tata Motors also pointed out that it is using AI-ML forecasting algorithms to analyse historical sales data, market trends, and socio-economic factors to predict demand in the industry, as well as their sales, enabling adjustments to production plans to meet shifting demand. Sources from another major passenger vehicle OEM told Business Standard that the company is tracking cars, colours and variants on a real-time basis based on bookings, and production is planned accordingly. At present, it is mainly being used in maintenance and also on shop floors. The company said that data from smart sensors is able to predict many abnormalities in equipment, resulting in 5 per cent reduction in maintenance downtime. The early success of AI and ML tools has now led the company to consider the next level of implementation by horizontal and vertical deployment of solutions across the shops. The idea is to opt for demand forecasting using historical data, market trends, and external factors to predict future demand, helping companies to optimise their inventory and reduce the stocks. "When the semi-conductor crisis happened, we used AI-enabled optimisers for production planning," Srivastava said. "Depending on the past data on which a vendor can supply how much and in what timelines, we did forecasting for component supplies and procurement and accordingly did the production planning," he added. Massively complex models serve as scenario planners -- simulate potential disruptions, and manage risks associated with the supply chain (such as shortages of critical components or geopolitical factors affecting availability of raw materials), Tata Motors added. Industry experts believe that the trend will revolutionise the entire value chain in the near future. "This will have a positive impact on the entire value chain, once companies have clarity on demand, ensuring manufacturing and related activities can be streamlined better," said Vinnie Mehta, Director General, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India. "Benefits from a manufacturing perspective include predictive maintenance which will reduce the downtime, lesser breakdowns will result in better inventory management, leading to leaner, efficient and cost-effective supply chain, eventually benefitting the customer, thus creating a virtuous cycle," Mehta added. Another industry expert highlights that the trend started during the pandemic and it may soon transform booking and customer dealings online. Dealers, however, pointed out that while things have started moving in this direction, it is still early days. Manish Raj Singhania, president, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, said it would be too early to gauge how much of a dramatic transformation can happen in terms of reducing inventory at the dealer end or even reducing waiting periods. "Each OEM has its own dealer management system software where the dealers have to feed the data. At times the data an OEM needs and a dealer needs are slightly different," Singhania said. "So, we have now begun talks with software vendors to develop a DMS for dealers which would be uniform across all FADA dealers," he added. PREDICTING maintenance USING AI-ML Auto OEMs are using AI-ML tools to predict trends from their database. Data from customer enquiries, dealers, and reported retail sales are fed into databanks and then arranged cohorts. AI-ML tools then come up with predictive trends based on these cohorts. Data analytics is also applied for in-bound logistics. This is used to predict supply disruptions, vendor supply planning. AI-enabled optimisers are used for production planning. AI-ML tools are also used for predictive maintenance of cars or even plants. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com 'In Eastern Ladakh the Chinese attempted salami slicing.' 'Our response has been superb. Our military has responded magnificently.' Photograph: Kind courtesy ADG PI - Indian Army In nearly 35 years in the Indian Foreign Service, Ambassador Gautam Bambawale served four tenures in China. He speaks fluent Mandarin, is an expert on China and understands the complexities of India-China relations extremely well. "If the Chinese feel that they can take something by force, then it is impossible to negotiate with them. They just stall the negotiation thereon. We too should not negotiate under such pressure. However, keep in mind, that we have taught the Chinese some lessons in Eastern Ladakh," he says about the challenges of dealing with Chinese. "One of our goals must be to continue India's rise and reduce the asymmetry with China. Each one of us must contribute towards India's enhancing comprehensive national power. Once that is achieved significantly, there is nothing much that the Chinese can do," he says in the second part of a detailed interview with Rediff.com's Archana Masih and Nikhil Lakshman. Part 1 of the Interview: 'Xi had already ordered Galwan when he met Modi in Chennai' What implication is the recent tension with the Maldives likely to have on India, especially in view of President Mohammad Muizzu's visit to China? The situation has more to do with the domestic politics of Maldives. Of course, the current tension is a problem for India presently, but India will tackle it going forward. We shall do what it takes. This is how international politics is played. The countries in South Asia will try to balance between India and China. It is a politico-diplomatic game which India too will continue to play. As you know India gives sizeable development assistance to all its neighbouring countries including the Maldives. We do a lot of meaningful projects there which make a difference to the economy of the Maldives. We are doing much more than before because India is much more capable now. We shall continue with these activities as they benefit the people of the Maldives. In the background of the China-Bhutan boundary negotiation, do you, as a former ambassador to Bhutan, feel that Bhutan is moving away from India's strategic influence? China and Bhutan are still in the process of negotiating their boundary and this has been going on for several years. The process will have ups and downs. Analysts in India must remember this and not have knee-jerk reactions to every development. Bhutan is a true friend of India and will do its best to keep India's interest in mind too. The two countries work very closely with each other. This will continue and we do not need to be suspicious of every new step. India needs to be pragmatic and mature in its relationship with Bhutan. Are the talks on the boundary issue between India and China dead? Boundary talks are off the rails till disengagement and de-escalation is achieved. Until then the boundary talks cannot take place. The situation on the LAC will remain tense for an extended period. Just as our military had to man the heights in the thick winter after the Kargil conflict, we are now doing the same on the LAC with China. IMAGE: General Manoj Chandrashekhar Pande, accompanied by Fire and Fury Corps senior officers, reviews operational preparedness. Photograph: ANI Photo Did Prime Minister Modi invest too much into the relationship with Xi Jinping? I don't think he invested too much. He was looking at the possibility of India-China finding a new template to work together. It was a normal diplomatic outreach which was needed by both countries. Xi also invested in the relationship with Modi. Some compare what occurred post April 2020 in Ladakh to what Zhou Enlai and Mao Zedong did to Jawaharlal Nehru. I disagree with this comparison because the 1962 War was a full scale conflict that India lost badly. We lost territory, but then the Chinese went back to their original positions. In Eastern Ladakh the Chinese moved two divisions of troops and attempted salami slicing. Our response has been superb. Our military has responded magnificently. As I said earlier, when considering what happened in Eastern Ladakh, since there is no agreed boundary, you should not ask whether India has lost territory or whether China has lost territory. You must ask whether the status quo has changed and the answer is yes. IMAGE: Indian Army formations including T-90 and T-72 tanks and BMP infantry combat vehicles carry out drills in Eastern Ladakh. Photograph: ANI Photo As a diplomat who spent four tenures in China, in your assessment, how difficult is it to deal with the Chinese? First, you have to come to a situation which is in the interest of both countries. Once you arrive at that point, then things move fast. If the Chinese feel that they can take something by force, then it is impossible to negotiate with them. They just stall the negotiation thereon. We too should not negotiate under such pressure. However, keep in mind, that we too have taught the Chinese some lessons in Eastern Ladakh. Meanwhile, India has also strengthened its comprehensive national power. I want to highlight three recent events which are manifestations of India's increased national power: One of our goals must be to continue India's rise and reduce the asymmetry with China. Each one of us must contribute towards India's enhancing comprehensive national power. Once that is achieved significantly, there is nothing much that the Chinese can do. So the answers to many issues in international politics lie within India. They lie in the domestic realm. How long do you think it will be before India can bridge this asymmetry with China? If India grows at 8% per annum and China grows at 5% per annum, then by 2047 China will be an 88 trillion dollar economy in purchasing power parity (ppp) and India will be a 66 trillion dollar economy in ppp. So we would have reduced the gap. IMAGE: Indian Army drills in Eastern Ladakh. Photograph: ANI Photo Do you think the Ladakh standoff can only be resolved if Mr Modi and Xi meet? I don't think that is entirely true. No doubt it will need high level intervention, but such a resolution does not happen at the top most level. It has to start at the bottom and the final decision can be taken at the higher level, but the options have to come from the bottom. Will the Chinese continue being obdurate? At least in two-three areas, we have reached de-escalation. At Pangong lake for example. They are being obstinate in Depsang, so we will continue to be present there militarily and simultaneously keep talking to them. We too have to be obstinate -- I don't know why it is so difficult to see this? So the LAC will continue to be live? Yes, at least in Sub Sector North (SSN). Eastern Ladakh will be manned through the winter. IMAGE: Indian and Chinese troops and tanks disengage from the banks of the Pangong lake area in Eastern Ladakh, February 2022. Photograph: ANI Photo Could the PLA open a fresh point on the LAC, perhaps in the central sector? They could, but India could also do that. I don't understand why you are blind to these kinds of possibilities. The Indian media must open its mind to the fact that both sides can play such games. Not just one side. The government has been investing a lot of financial resources to beef up security and infrastructure on the LAC. Additionally, the Indian economy has been doing well; tax revenue is buoyant and the government has wherewithal to spend more. Our economy is much smaller than China or the US, but if we narrow that gap in the next 10, 20 years then the Chinese will be able to do less. So the answers to such questions lie within India and not outside of India. Do you think China is trying to influence domestic politics in India? China tries to do this in many countries. If they try it in India, it will backfire. Indians have great national pride and are patriotic. If the Chinese want them to do one particular thing and try influencing our public opinion, Indians will do just the opposite! So this is a double edged sword. Whichever government has been in place at the Centre has always kept the nation's interest foremost and that is unquestionable. Part 3 of the Interview: 'China will have to untie the knot if the relationship has to improve' Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (C-R) attends a formal academy on the occasion of the national day of the Serbs in the Republic of North Macedonia, in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia, 27 January 2024. Serbia is considering reintroducing compulsory military service, its president said Tuesday, citing tensions in the Balkans and elsewhere in Europe. President Aleksandar Vucic said top army commanders gave him a strong argumentation in favor of the reintroduction of a mandatory draft, which was suspended in 2011 in a push to professionalize the armed forces. The populist Serbian president did not specify when the draft would return. He said the national parliament, which is dominated by his allies, would vote on the proposal, which comes after a long campaign by nationalists in favor of it. We are not threatening anyone, Vucic said as he inspected an exhibition of military hardware after meeting with the commanders. Today, if you dont have (a strong) army, you dont have a country. We will see if it (military service) will last 90 or 100 days, or maybe 110 days, Vucic told reporters. As well as when it will be introduced and how the financial and logistical assumptions will be fulfilled. Opposition politicians and other critics of a draft have questioned the logic of a military buildup when Serbia is almost completely surrounded by NATO member countries which have superior firepower in case of a conflict. There are also concerns that the government may struggle to foot the bill for a larger military. Tensions have been high in the Balkans, which went through the bloody breakup of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Although formally neutral, the Serbian army has maintained close ties to Russia, from which it purchases most of its arms, including fighter jets and tanks. Although formally seeking European Union membership, Serbia has refused to introduce sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Tensions have revolved primarily around Serbias former province of Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008, which Serbia and allies Russia and China have not recognized. Serbia has raised the combat readiness of its forces on the border with Kosovo several times over the past several months. Serbia has also maintained cordial relations with NATO, whose peacekeeping troops have been stationed in Kosovo since 1999, when the Western military alliance intervened to stop Serbias bloody crackdown on Kosovo Albanian separatists. Another volatile region is Bosnia, where Bosnian Serb separatist leader Milorad Dodik has been threatening to declare the Serb-controlled half of Bosnia independent and unite it with neighboring Serbia. Dodik accompanied Vucic at the meeting with army commanders on Tuesday. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 'During the nine years of BJP rule, not a single temple has been reconstructed.' 'They might have constructed the Ram temple as it is an emotional issue. But they are not much interested in issues like heritage.' IMAGE: A view of the Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura. Photograph: ANI Photo On January 22, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi performed the pran pratishta at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, throwing open the temple to devotees from all over the country. One person who can be credited for such a denouement at Ayodhya is former regional director of the Archaeological Survey of India, K K Muhammed, who was one of the members of the archaeological team under Professor B B Lal who excavated the Babri Masjid site and found remains of a temple there. "I have always said that Muslims should give three places to the Hindus, one is Sri Ramji's birthplace and the other two are Mathura and Gyanvapi," K K Muhammed tells Shobha Warrier/Rediff.com. IMAGE: A view of the Kashi Vishwanath temple dham and the Gyanvapi Masjid complex in Varanasi. Photograph: PTI Photo from the Rediff Archives What do you remember about the excavation of the Babri Masjid site by the archaeological team of which you were a member? We conducted the excavation in 1976-1977 under the leadership of Professir B B Lal. I was a member of the team. Professor Lal had earlier excavated Hastinapura as part of finding the Mahabharata sites, and he had come to some conclusions. After that, he wanted to find the Ramayana sites. As a part of that idea, we went to the Babri Masjid site. What he wanted was a possible archaeological conclusion. I remember when we went inside the mosque -- it was a mosque then -- we were stopped by police personnel saying it was under litigation, and we could not go inside. Professor Lal told the policemen that we were not part of any litigation, and we were researchers from the Archaeological Survey of India. Then we were allowed to go in. Once we were inside, we could see that the mosque was standing on temple pillars. IMAGE: K K Muhammed, the archaeologist who made some important findings regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi site. All photographs: Kind courtesy K K Muhammed You mean, before you started the excavation itself, you saw the pillars? Yes. Engraved on the 12th century pillars of a temple were images of poorna kalasa, which is a symbol of prosperity in Hinduism. It is one of the ashta mangala chinha -- eight auspicious symbols in Hinduism. There were other Hindu scriptures also on the pillars and the walls of the mosque. Normally, such images get defaced, but they were quite visible there. In fact, the presence of these images was mentioned by some Jesuit travellers who had come to India many, many, years ago. Once we started the excavation, we could see a number of pillar bases in the western and southern parts on which the pillars were standing. Then, we also excavated some terracotta idols which you would find exclusively in temples and not in mosques. As you know, idols cannot be seen in mosques. There were also many structures of women, men and animals. It was on the basis of these excavations that Professor Lal came to the conclusion that there was a temple below the mosque. It was not a very big issue then, and he didn't want to provoke the people. But the findings were recorded in detail, mainly for academic purposes. In 1990, Marxist oriented historians like Professor Irfan Habib gave a statement that the team under Professor Lal did not excavate anything associated with a temple. So, there was no need for the Muslim community to hand over the site to the Hindus. Though archaeologists do not go to the press like historians, Professor Lal had to defend himself then on what we had found at the site. But nobody came forward to support him. As most of the archaeologists are government servants, they cannot speak, especially on a very sensitive subject like this. I was in Madras at that time, working for the ASI. But I decided to give a statement to the Indian Express on the 15th of December 1990 that what the Marxists historians said were total lies. I said I was with Professor Lal at the excavation site, as part of the team, and that I had seen the pillars and also the pillar bases. I also said that those who had spoken were not archaeologists, and as archaeology is a technical subject, they had no domain competence to speak on a technical subject. I also pointed out that none of those historians were at the site when the excavations were going on. The third part of my statement was that as the site at Ayodhya was as important to Hindus as Mecca and Medina for the Muslims, they should hand over the site to the Hindus. IMAGE: The Makara pranali used for letting out Abhishekha Jala from the temple is conclusive evidence of the presence of a pre-Babri Masjid temple, says K K Muhammed. How did the Muslim community and others react to your statement? It created a furore. It angered the Marxist historians as nobody had spoken like that earlier. They could say whatever they wanted as truth. They had an upper hand on every subject till then. Did they respond to your statement? No, there was no response from their side. What about the public? As expected, Hindus supported me, and Muslims were naturally against me. I started getting threatening calls. As you remember, in those days only landline phones were there. But then, such a reaction was expected. IMAGE: Black stone pillars similar to this reused in the mosque suggests that a temple pre-existed at the site. The Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992... None of us expected such a thing to happen. It was a big shock to all of us. I didn't look at this from the prism of religion. No archaeologist will look at a historic structure from the prism of religion. As archaeologists, we were against the demolition of a historic dome. One way of preserving it was, transplanting it to some other place. They also could have declared it as a national monument. Yes, that would not have solved the problem. The only possible solution was transplanting it to some other place. That idea was also mooted earlier. Though a group of Muslims were ready to hand the site over, the Marxists historians of Aligarh and JNU, without the knowledge of the subject, misguided them. Then, the Muslims also got carried away by what these people propagated. As a Muslim and also as an archaeologist, were you of the opinion that the site should be handed over to the Hindus because it had great sentimental value to them? Of course. For Muslims, it was a mosque, but not associated with Prophet Mohammed. Had it been associated with Prophet Mohammed, of course, they would have had a claim. The second most important people in Islam are Caliphs. And the site had no association with them or other divinities. Hindus cannot shift this site to another place as it was the birthplace of Lord Ram. But Muslims could have shifted the mosque. I always say that India is a secular country only because the majority of the population are Hindus. Had this not been a Hindu majority country, India would not have been a secular country. I am of the opinion that Muslims should appreciate this aspect. IMAGE: K K Muhammed with then US president Barack Obama and Michelle Obama during their visit to India in 2010. How do you feel about the prime minister participating in the opening puja of the temple in Ayodhya, and the talk of them making India a Hindu Rashtra? That's purely a political question. I feel we have taken great pains to solve a very complex issue. Even when we were doing the excavation, we appreciated the faith and feelings of thousands of people. I am always of the opinion that you may be a rationalist, but you should appreciate the feelings of others. Yes, the BJP took the initiative to solve the issue. Otherwise, it would not have had a solution by this time. Generally, I don't get into that territory as I consider myself an archaeologist. So, my role is limited. IMAGE: The Gupta period terracotta figurine indicates that the site was active in the Gupta period. Do you feel what you people did in 1976 had a good conclusion? Yes, an issue that has been bothering the country for centuries has been solved. It was a moment of fulfilment; it was a moment of satisfaction not just for me, but for the entire country. Even Muslims are relieved that such a huge problem has a conclusion finally. Except for the Marxists, everybody is happy. Are you of the opinion that the Ram Mandir at the site where the Babri Masjid existed will not divide the communities but unite them? Definitely. The Muslims contribute only 6% at Ayodhya. And many of them depend upon the temple activities for their livelihood. Now that it is attracting a lot of tourists, it will only help the local population. Whenever I had gone there with Hindus accompanying me, I could sense the excruciating pain they were going through. I am immensely happy that all the Hindus are feeling relieved now. IMAGE: The richly decorated Sunga period terracotta plaque, K K Muhammed says, speaks about the antiquity of the site. Many people describe you as a supporter of the BJP. Are you? No. I am not a follower of the BJP or the RSS. If so, I would not have said, during BJP rule, that the Archaeological Survey of India had suffered a lot. I am a liberal person who identifies with the roots of our culture, that is the Hindu culture. There is nothing wrong in that. You look at Malaysian and Indonesian Muslims, the Ramayana and Mahabharata are very important to them. You said the Archaeological Survey of India suffered a lot during the BJP rule. In what way? In regard to reconstructing a number of old temples. I have reconstructed 80 temples with the help of dacoits in the Chambal valley. But during the nine years of BJP rule, not a single temple has been reconstructed. They might have constructed the Ram temple as it is an emotional issue. But they are not much interested in issues like heritage. IMAGE: K K Muhammed sitting on the floor in the centre. Now they are talking about Gyanvapi, Mathura, etc. Is it right to dig up every mosque when we have the Places of Worship Act? Yes, we have the Places of Worship Act. Still, the Muslims should give two more places to Hindus voluntarily. Gyanvapi and Mathura. If you go to Gyanvapi, you will feel sorry to see a Nandi looking at the mosque. There is also evidence to show that the original temple was destroyed. I have always said that Muslims should give three places to the Hindus, one is Sri Ramji's birthplace and the other two are Mathura and Gyanvapi. As these places are as important (to Hindus) as Mecca and Medina, Muslims should hand them over willingly, or you can transplant them to some other place. Such an act will be healing for the Muslim community also. A number of things were destroyed earlier, and today's Muslims are not responsible for that. At the same time, Muslims will become responsible when they try to defend the barbaric acts of the Muslims who had invaded India. They should stop that. You go to Goa, you will see that the Portuguese had committed greater atrocities than the British and the Muslims. But they never justify what their ancestors had done. The British of today also do not justify. That should be the attitude of the Muslims also. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com 'After Manoj Jarange Patil began his long march towards Mumbai on January 20, he kept increasing his demands and the government meekly surrendered to him.' IMAGE: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil being welcomed by supporters in Thane, November 21, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo "One can only conclude that the government is appeasing the Marathas to win their favour in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections," senior journalist and political commentator Prasad Mokashi tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com. Will a large section of Marathas really get the benefit of reservations just because the government has issued the GR accepting the inclusion of words sage-soyre? It is very doubtful that the Marathas will really benefit out of it at all. How much proportionate reservation will come into the kitty of different sections of OBCs, including the Marathas now, because of this GR will have to be studied carefully. The government will definitely suffer the ill-consequences of this GR if it becomes evident that it was issued only to appease the politically dominant Maratha caste and no significant gains fall into the lap of the Marathas. After Manoj Jarange Patil began his long march towards Mumbai from Antarwali Sarati on January 20, he consistently kept on increasing his demands on his way to Mumbai and the government sort of meekly surrendered to him. If you carefully study the trajectory of MJP's agitation you would realise that this was a government-sponsored agitation. This government, while it ignored many such agitations earlier, showed lot of keenness to engage and entertain MJP's demands. The Shinde government actively encouraged MJP ever since he gained popularity in the wake of the lathi-charge on his supporters at Antarwali Sarati on August 29, 2023, and after that both MJP and Shinde began scratching each other's back. It was like Shinde telling MJP that we will hoodwink people by creating a perception that we are tough on you and you make a hue and cry about it. One can only conclude that the government is appeasing the Marathas to win their favour in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections. How will the government benefit from this show of appeasement? It is now open that the government has meekly surrendered before MJP or else it would not have accepted all his demands in toto. The survey conducted by the government, the (Sandeep) Shinde committee (which has now been given a two month extension as part of the understanding between MJP and the government) appointed by the government only exposes how soft it was towards MJP. The government and its three constituents (Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, the BJP and Ajit Pawar's NCP) want to increase the count of their elected representatives riding on the back of MJP's agitation. A sham was played out (by Shinde and MJP) to show that the agitators were in control of the fight for reservations and successfully corner the government over this issue, which in turn would blindly accept all the demands of the agitators without actually giving anything material to the agitators. The entire exercise was carried out to delay the reservations to Marathas till the eve of the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections and then offer a lollipop to mollycoddle the Marathas. You said the MJP's agitation is sponsored by the government. Could you explain what do you mean? MJP and his supporters, during their march towards Mumbai, consistently threatened the government that they would not be responsible for any disruption of law and order after they reach Mumbai's Azad Maidan on January 26 and that they would not withdraw their agitation under any circumstance if their demands are not met. What measures were being undertaken by the state home department, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, to neutralise these threats coming from a 2 lakh strong agitators? Why did MJP get so much leeway to issue such threats without fearing the consequences? Why was no action taken against him by the home department? Why does this government adopt a stern approach towards others who agitate for reservations? Since one does not get answers to such questions one is given to doubt the intention of this government. Has MJP emerged as a hero after the government's surrender before the Marathas? He has successfully created an impression that Marathas have no other leaders except himself who they can trust. His last-minute demand, which he made during his victory speech, that the government should provide free education to all the Marathas till they start getting reservation benefits on the ground only shows what he is capable of doing. Is one to say that Marathas did not get any educational benefits before he emerged on the scene? He also demanded that all the cases against those involved in the violence against the OBCs last year be withdrawn and the government has hinted at accepting this demand as well. All this only indicates that MJP was encouraged to make such unjustifiable demands and assured that the government would accept it. Will the Marathas actually benefit from the GR and will it become effective before the 2024 Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections? Doesn't look like the implementation will happen any time before the elections, but a message has gone to the Marathas that the government has ceded ground to the demands made by them. Many of these demands would need at least three-four months to get implemented if the government is serious about it, but then it would all depend upon the legal challenges this GR would face in the days ahead. If you look at the demands related to admission to educational institutions then no admissions will be happening before May-June (2024 when the academic year starts). About Marathas getting reservations in government jobs, one does not see any vacancies being announced or any recruitment drive happening in government institutions. The Marathas, who have till now applied for jobs in the open category, will now have to redo the entire recruitment formalities and apply under the reserved category. All this takes lot of time. The government knows all this will lead to lot of delays and it is happy about it because it serves the purpose of delaying the proceedings till after the next elections in which it expects to reap the benefits of Maratha votes. Don't you think the Marathas too understand these delaying tactics? How would they vote if the GR doesn't transform into real, tangible benefits at the ground level? Will the Maratha votes split given that they are traditional voters of the NCP and Sharad Pawar but could now move towards Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena after he handed over the GR to MJP at a public rally? All the prominent leaders in Maharashtra are responsible for MJP emerging as an influential Maratha leader. They have all nurtured and nourished him expecting to reap benefits from his popularity. It is the leaders from the Shiv Sena, NCP, Congress, BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT) who are responsible for making him so big. It will now depend upon MJP who he favours more. Just like certain leaders and their political parties benefitted because of the Anna Hazare agitation (in 2010 against corruption in UPA II), MJP's agitation would also have political beneficiaries. However, the entire society and the state will face the consequences of this agitation, in the way it was handled and its final outcome would leave no real beneficiaries. At least three Central Reserve Police Force personnel, including two commandos of its elite jungle warfare unit Commando Battalion for Resolute Action, were killed and 14 others injured in an encounter with Maoists along the border of Sukma and Bijapur districts of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, the police said. IMAGE: File image of security personnel carrying out an anti-Maoist operation in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. Photograph: ANI Photo Among the three slain personnel, two belonged to the CoBRA's 201st battalion and one to the CRPF's 150th battalion, a senior police officer said. The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action or CoBRA is the elite jungle warfare unit of the Central Reserve Police Force. The exchange of fire occurred near the Tekalgudem village when a joint team of security personnel was out on a search operation, inspector general of police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P said. On Monday, a new camp of security personnel was set up in Tekalgudem, a Maoist stronghold along the inter-district border, around 450 km away from the capital Raipur, he said. After setting up the camp, the personnel of the Special Task Force, District Reserve Guard and CoBRA, were carrying out a search in nearby Jonaguda-Aliguda villages when Naxals opened fire, he said, adding the forces retaliated. Realising that the security personnel were zeroing in on them, Naxalites fled the spot, he said. "Three personnel were martyred and 14 others injured in the incident. Of the deceased personnel, two belonged to CoBRA's 201st battalion and one from CRPF's 150th battalion," Sundarraj said. He said the injured jawans were being shifted to a hospital. As many as 23 security personnel were killed in an encounter with Naxalites in the same Tekalgudem forest in April 2021. All the legislators of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led ruling alliance in Jharkhand have been asked not to leave the state capital Ranchi and to attend a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the current political situation in the state, a JMM official said. IMAGE: JMM party workers protest against the ED, in front of Raj Bhawan in Ranchi. Photograph: ANI Photo The meeting, proposed at the CM House, has been called to discuss strategy over the current political situation and the Enforcement Directorate's proposed questioning of Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday, he said. In an email sent to ED, Soren agreed to record his statement on January 31 at 1 pm at his residence. JMM general secretary and spokesperson Vinod Kumar Pandey told PTI that all the MLAs of the ruling alliance have been asked to stay in Ranchi in view of the current political situation. The JMM, Congress and RJD are members of the ruling alliance. "They will meet on Tuesday to discuss future course of action," Pandey said. Asked if the CM has returned to Ranchi, Pandey expressed ignorance. The ruling party legislators had remained at the residence of the chief minister till late night on Monday in the wake of the ED team visiting Soren's residence in Delhi. The Maldives Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim called on Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu to formally apologize to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India, Voice of Maldives, a Maldivian digital news outlet, reported. IMAGE: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. Photograph: Amr Alfiky/Reuters "Regarding any country, especially a neighbouring one, we shouldn't speak in a way that affects the relationship. We have an obligation to our state that must be considered. President Solih did consider this obligation and issued a Presidential Decree banning the 'India Out' campaign. Now, Yameen is questioning why Muizzu, who participated with him in the India Out Campaign, has not nullified the Presidential Decree," he said. He added, "The Decree should not be nullified, as it would only result in a loss to the nation. That cannot be done. I would tell Muizzu that it shouldn't be done. Also, I call on President Muizzu to formally apologise to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi regarding his remarks after the China trip." Earlier last year, then Maldives President Ibrahim Solih signed a decree stating that the opposition's 'India Out' campaign is a 'threat to national security'. This allows security agencies to take down campaign banners and provides constitutional cover to take action against opposition parties. The opposition, led by former president Abdulla Yameen of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) was spearheading an 'India Out' campaign for over the last year propagating the unproven claim that Indian military officers stationed in the Indian Ocean island nation are a violation of Maldives sovereignty. The campaign's implicit target was then Maldivian President Solih and the Maldivian Democratic Party, both perceived as close to India. Notably, Solih was one of the prominent Maldives leader to condemn the derogatory remarks made by some junior ministers which led to a diplomatic standoff between the two nations. India and the Maldives on January 14 'agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel' from the island nation, according to the Maldives' Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was the main campaign plank of Muizzu's party during the presidential elections. On the second day of assuming office, Muizzu officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives. Apart from the call for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, a massive row erupted after a Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging and unsavoury references to Primer Minister Narendra Modi's recent Lakshadweep visit and call to development the Indian archipelago as a global retreat for beach tourism. The Maldives government, however, distanced itself from the remarks. The Bharatiya Janata Party candidate swept the Chandigarh mayoral polls on Tuesday in a shock defeat for the Aam Aadmi Party-Congress alliance, which alleged foul play and moved the high court seeking fresh elections. IMAGE: BJP's Manoj Sonkar with other party leaders celebrates his victory in the Chandigarh mayoral polls on Monday. Photograph: ANI on X The two opposition partners had predicted an easy victory in the 35-member House of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, projecting it as an early test for the INDIA bloc. But the BJP retained all three top posts for which elections were held. Councillors from the two parties created a ruckus in the House as the result for the mayor's post was declared, and then boycotted the next phase elections to pick the senior deputy mayor and the deputy mayor. BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar defeated the AAP's Kuldeep Kumar for the mayor's post, polling 16 votes against the 12 won by his rival. Eight votes were declared invalid. After the opposition boycott, BJP nominees Kuljit Sandhu and Rajinder Sharma were declared elected to the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor, respectively. They got 16 votes each. Tuesday's elections were held on directions from the Punjab and Haryana high court, following their postponement on January 18. Opposition councillors alleged tampering with the ballot papers by presiding officer Anil Masih, a charge rejected by him and the BJP. Hours after the result, Aam Aadmi Party's defeated candidate moved the Punjab and Haryana high court, party leaders said. The party wants the court to set aside the results and order fresh elections under the supervision of a retired high court judge. AAP leaders expected the matter to be heard on Wednesday. Opposition councillors squatted outside the House and shouted slogans against the BJP after the result. AAP candidate Kuldeep Kumar was seen in tears. AICC general secretary KC Venugopal called the election a brazen, shameless capture of the democratic system. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal expressed serious concern over the cheating in broad daylight and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called it a Black Day for democracy in India. BJP president J P Nadda took a dig at the opposition's unity efforts. That the INDI Alliance' fought their first electoral battle and still lost to BJP shows that neither their arithmetic is working nor their chemistry, he said. Newly elected mayor Sonkar also slammed the Opposition. "Levelling allegations is what they do. The presiding officer conducted the polls in a fair manner and the entire process was videographed," he said. They tried to tear the ballot papers when the mayoral poll result was declared and they got into scuffles," he claimed. The AAP and the Congress have accused the presiding officer of making some marks on the ballot papers during the counting, rendering them invalid. They argued that these invalid ballots tilted the balance in the BJP's favour. Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal claimed that the Congress and the AAP agents were not allowed to examine the ballot papers. The presiding officer announced the rejection of eight votes, declared the BJP candidate the winner and went away. BJP members rushed to the table and tore off the ballot papers," he alleged. Congress councillor Gurbax Rawat too alleged that the presiding officer did not call the party's election agent when the ballot box was opened for counting. "We do not accept the result," he said. The BJP has 14 councillors in the 35-member corporation. Its Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher also has voting rights as an ex-officio member. The AAP has 13 councillors, the Congress seven and the Shiromani Akali Dal one. In Punjab, the AAP and the Congress have indicated reluctance on contesting the Lok Sabha polls together even though they are both in the INDIA grouping. But they agreed to contest together in the elections in Chandigarh, the Union Territory that serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. As part of the Chandigarh alliance, the AAP contested for the mayor's post while the Congress fielded candidates for the two other posts. Tight security arrangements were in place around the municipal corporation building for the polls. About 700 police personnel, along with those from paramilitary forces, were deployed, officials said. The polls were originally scheduled for January 18 but deferred to February 6 by the Chandigarh administration after the presiding officer fell ill. The administration's order had triggered protests by the Congress and the AAP councillors. On January 24, the high court directed the administration to hold the mayoral polls at 10 am on January 30. While quashing the order postponing the elections, the court called it "unreasonable, unjustified and arbitrary". Elections to the three posts are held every year during the House's five-year term. The Congress abstained from voting in 2022 and 2023, leading to a BJP victory. The election for the mayor's post is through a secret ballot. In this year's elections, the post was reserved for a candidate from the Scheduled Caste category. The chief imam of All India Imam Organisation on Monday said a 'fatwa' has been issued against him for attending the January 22 consecration ceremony at the Ram temple complex in Ayodhya. IMAGE: Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi. Photograph: ANI on X Talking to PTI Video, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi also said that from the day of the event, he has been getting abuse and 'threats on phone calls' from a section of people. The ceremony took place on January 22 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi participating in the rituals, the occasion being attend by over 7,000 invited guests from various communities and walks of life. Ilyasi said the fatwa was issued to him by an individual 'on social media' and his mobile phone number was mentioned in that and forwarded to all imams and mosque authorities, asking them to 'boycott me'. The fatwa also asks 'me to tender an apology' and 'resign from my post', he added. '...what prompted them to issue a fatwa, they only know.... Ram Janmabhoomi (temple) trust had sent me an invitation, which I accepted. 'After that for two days, I kept thinking what decision I should take, because it was the biggest decision of my life. But then I thought for communal amity, for the country, and in the national interest, I took this decision and I went to Ayodhya,' the imam said. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him. All sadhus and seers acknowledged him and expressed joy and the temple trust also welcomed him, Ilyasi said. 'My aim was to send 'paigam-e-mohabbat', which I delivered there. In that message, the statement that I gave was that we belong to different castes, our way of worshipping may be different, our rituals may be different, our religion may be different, our faith may be different, but our biggest religion is of being human and humanity,' he said. 'Secondly, we live in India, so we are all Indians, and we all should together make India strong, and Indianess strong. The nation is above all. The moment I gave this message of love, it started coming up on social media and various channels. Since then, on my telephone, I started getting threats, abuse,' Ilyasi said. The fatwa also takes exception to "my comments on insaniyat as the biggest religion" and that the nation is 'above all', he added. The imam said he had done nothing wrong, so there was no question of him tendering an apology. He said no one has the right to issue such a fatwa. "This is India of 'sarva dharma sambhav', of unity in diversity," he said. He asserted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is rising. "India has landed on the Moon.... It is on the path of becoming vishwaguru, and in this changing India, we will have to be united, be organised, and then it will become strong. As this is an India for all. That's why it's great," the imam added. The Madras high court on Tuesday directed the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department to install boards in all Hindu temples stating non-Hindus were not permitted beyond the kodimaram (flagpole) area in the respective shrines and said Hindus also have fundamental right to profess and practice their religion. IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi (third from left) feeds an elephant as he offers prayers at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, in Tiruchirappalli, January 14, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Justice S Srimathy of the HC's Madurai Bench gave the judgement while hearing a plea from D Senthilkumar, who sought directions to the respondents to permit Hindus alone to the Arulmigu Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple and its sub-temples. He also wanted display boards to that effect in all entrances be set up. The famous Lord Murugan temple is located in Palani in Dindigul district. The respondents were the TN government, represented by principal secretary, department of tourism, culture and religious endowments, the commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and the executive officer of the Palani temple. The HR&CE department administers Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu. Admitting the petition, the court directed the respondents to install boards indicating "non-Hindus are not allowed inside temple after Kodimaram" in the entrance of the temples, near the flagpole and at prominent places in the shrine. "The respondents are directed not to allow the non-Hindus who do not believe in Hindu religion. If any non-Hindu claims to visit particular deity in the temple, then the respondents shall obtain undertaking from the said non-Hindu that he is having faith in the deity and he would follow the customs and practices of Hindu religion and also abide by the temple customs and on such undertaking the said non-Hindu may be allowed to visit the temple," the court ruled. Further, whenever such a person is allowed based on the undertaking the same shall be entered in the register which shall be maintained by the temple. "The respondents shall maintain the temple premises by strictly following the agamas (temple rules), customs and practices of the temple," the judge said. The respondents submitted the said writ petition was filed only for the Palani temple and the order may be restricted to it alone. "But the issue raised is larger issue and the same ought to be applicable to all Hindu temples, hence the plea of the respondents is rejected. As stated supra these restrictions would ensure communal harmony among different religions and ensure peace in the society. Therefore the state government, the HR&CE department, the respondents and all persons who are involved in temple administration are directed to follow the directions to all Hindu temples," the court said. The people belonging to Hindu religion have right to profess and practice the faith. "Likewise, people belonging to other religions have right to profess and practice their religion. But the customs and practice of their respective religion cannot be interfering with and any interference ought to be curtailed. The temple is not (a) picnic spot or tourist spot. Even in Arulmighu Brahadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur the other religion people are allowed to admire and appreciate the architectural monuments of the temple, but not after Kodimaram." "While admiring the architectural monuments the people cannot use the premises as picnic spot or tourist spot and the temples premises ought to be maintained with reverence and as per agamas. Therefore, the rights guaranteed under the Articles is not granting any right to the respondents to allow the other religion people if they do not have any faith and belief in the Hindu religion. Moreover, the rights are guaranteed to all religions and there cannot be any bias in applying such right," the court added. The HC also referred to certain incidents of non-Hindus allegedly entering temples. "It was also reported that in Arulmighu Brahadeeswarar Temple a group of persons belonging to other religion had treated the temple premises as picnic spot and had non vegetarian food inside the temple premises. Likewise, recently on 11.01.2024 a newspaper had reported that a group of persons belonging to the other religion had entered the Arulmighu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai with "their sacred book" near sanctum and sanctorum and was attempting to do their prayers" there. These incidents are absolutely interfering with the fundamental rights guaranteed to the Hindus under the Constitution, the judge said. "The Hindus also have fundamental right to profess and practice their religion freely and propagate their religion without interfering in their way of practice. Therefore, the Hindus have right to maintain their temples as per their customs, practices and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department is having duty to protect the temples from such unwanted incidents." "In fact, in the above narrated incidents the Department had failed to protect the fundamental rights guaranteed under the constitution," the court added. The Indian Navy rescued an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel with 19 Pakistani crew members and a Sri Lankan trawler in two swift operations after armed pirates hijacked the boats in the Arabian Sea amid deteriorating security situation arising out of Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeting various cargo ships in the region. IMAGE: Indian Navy rescued Iranian-flagged fishing vessel hijacked by Somali pirates. Photograph: ANI on X Indian warship INS Somalia rescued fishing vessel (FV) Al Naeemi from 11 Somali pirates off the east coast of Somalia on Monday, in the second such rescue of an Iranian-flagged vessel in the troubled region, officials said. In total, the Indian Navy rescued three hijacked vessels in the Arabian Sea since January 28. "Indian naval ship Sumitra, having thwarted the piracy attempt on FV Iman, has carried out yet another successful anti-piracy operation off the east coast of Somalia, rescuing fishing vessel Al Naeemi and her 19 Pakistani crew from 11 Somali pirates," Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. The warship had responded to a distress call from FV Iman on January 28 and rescued the vessel and its 17 Iranian crew members from armed pirates. In another mission on Monday, the Indian Navy along with naval forces of Sri Lanka and Seychelles, rescued a fishing vessel after it was hijacked in the sea lanes east of Mogadishu. The Sri Lankan-flagged fishing trawler Lorenzo Putha was hijacked by three pirates on January 27, Madhwal said. "In a coordinated multilateral response to the hijacking of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel, the Indian Navy in collaboration with Seychelles defence forces and Sri Lankan Navy successfully intercepted and rescued the hijacked vessel," he said. The three pirates surrendered to the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) and all six crew members are safe and the vessel is being escorted to Mahe in Seychelles, he said. On Sunday, the Indian Navy deployed INS Sharada and also tasked the Sea Guardian long-range drones to locate and intercept the hijacked fishing vessel. "Additionally, efficient operational coordination and information sharing through the Sri Lanka and Seychelles international liaison officers at IFC-IOR, New Delhi resulted in the interception of the hijacked fishing vessel on Monday," he said. The Indian Navy established the IFC-IOR (Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region) in 2018 to effectively keep track of the shipping traffic as well as other critical developments in the region under a collaborative framework with like-minded countries. In a statement, the Navy provided details of INS Sumitra rescuing FV Al Naeemi. "INS Sumitra was pressed into action to locate and intercept another Iranian-flagged FV Al Naeemi, which had been boarded by pirates and her crew taken hostage," it said. "Responding swiftly, Sumitra intercepted the vessel on January 29 evening and through coercive posturing and effective deployment of her integral helicopter and boats compelled the safe release of the crew and the vessel," it said. INS Sumitra has been deployed for anti-piracy and maritime security operations in east of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden. "INS Sumitra, over the course of less than 36 hours (time since the first distress call from FV Iman), through swift, persistent and relentless efforts has rescued two hijacked fishing vessels along with 36 crew members in the southern Arabian Sea, approximately 850 nautical miles west of Kochi, and prevented the misuse of these fishing vessels as mother ships for further acts of piracy on merchant vessels," the Navy said. Last week, the Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam extinguished a fire onboard a commercial oil tanker with 22 Indian crew after the vessel was struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden. The Navy on January 5 thwarted an attempted hijacking of Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea and rescued all its crew members. Liberian-flagged vessel MV Chem Pluto, with 21 Indian crew members, was the target of a drone attack off India's west coast on December 23. Besides MV Chem Pluto, another commercial oil tanker that was on the way to India came under a suspected drone strike in the Southern Red Sea on the same day. The vessel had a team of 25 Indian crew. The Navy has already enhanced the deployment of its frontline ships and surveillance aircraft for maritime security operations in view of the maritime environment in the critical sea lanes including in the North and Central Arabian Sea. An institution of national importance must reflect the "national structure", the Centre told the Supreme Court on Tuesday while pointing out that around 70 to 80 per cent students studying at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) are Muslims even without reservation. IMAGE: An Aligarh Muslim University building. Photograph: PTI Photo A seven-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, which is hearing arguments on the vexed question regarding the minority status of AMU, was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, that social justice would be a very determining factor in deciding the case. "Your lordships would bear in mind that it is almost an admitted position between the parties that even without reservation, approximately 70 to 80 per cent students are Muslims," Mehta told the bench, which also comprised Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Surya Kant, J B Pardiwala, Dipankar Datta, Manoj Misra and Satish Chandra Sharma. "I am not on religion. It's a very, very serious phenomenon. An institution of national importance declared by the Constitution must reflect the national structure. Without reservation, this is the position," he said. In his written submission filed in the apex court, Mehta has said a minority educational institution is not required to implement reservation policy under section 3 of the Central Educational Institution (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006 (as amended in 2012). During the sixth day of hearing, Mehta, while referring to the reservation aspect, said AMU is one of the finest universities and is recognised as an institution of national importance. "So, a deserving candidate of Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe or a socially and economically backward class person would not have the reservation but a person having all economic, everything at his command based on religion would have reservation...," he said. During the day-long hearing, Mehta said there was no concept of minority or minority rights in 1920. The AMU Act came into being in 1920. "Mr Solicitor General, in the absence of an express obliteration of the past by the statute, can the court not look into the pre-existing history unless we find that there are certain express provisions in the statute...," the CJI asked. Mehta said his answer would be "no" for the simple reason that history always has several shades. He said it would not be possible for any party to request the court to go behind it and try and find out the history. Mehta said equality is the "heart, soul and blood" of the Constitution after India became free from the British regime. A five-judge Constitution bench had in the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case in 1967 held that since AMU was a central university, it cannot be considered a minority institution. However, it got back its minority status when Parliament passed the AMU (Amendment) Act in 1981. Later, in January 2006, the Allahabad high court had struck down the provision of the AMU (Amendment) Act, 1981 by which the varsity was accorded minority status. During the hearing on Tuesday, the bench referred to the 1981 amendment and said the intent behind it was to modify the statute so that reasoning given in the Basha case was not applicable. The bench also heard the submissions of senior advocates Rakesh Dwivedi and Neeraj Kishan Kaul during the day. Dwivedi said that to be a Muslim is one thing and to be a minority is another thing. The issue of right under Article 30 of the Constitution, which deals with the right of religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions, also cropped up during the hearing. "The question which is really being addressed before us is whether they are established and administered by a minority. The fact that they are a minority today in UP... that they were a minority at that relevant point of time, because whether they were a minority or not has to be decided on today's standards," the bench said. Dwivedi said minority is a "political concept". He said that in 1920, neither the Muslims nor the Hindus were part of then government and they were equal in the sufferings. "There was no question of minority. The relationship was of the imperial ruler and the subject. We were all subjects, all treated alike, all subjected in the same manner," he argued. "Is it your contention that because prior to 1947 there was no concept of minority as we constitutionally recognise today, therefore, any institution which has been established before 1947 or really before the advent of the Constitution... no such institution will be entitled to claim minority status? It will boil down to that," the bench said. "What change took place on January 26, 1950, that the Muslims, which according to you would not have minority status before 1950, suddenly got minority status after 1950? What is the big change that took place," it asked. Dwivedi said by that time, the country stood divided into two. The CJI said post-independence, the Constitution assured an equal citizenship to everyone whether one is a Hindu or a Muslim. The arguments remained inconclusive and would continue on Wednesday. The top court had on February 12, 2019, referred to a seven-judge bench the contentious issue for adjudication. A similar reference was made earlier. The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre moved an appeal against the 2006 high court order. The university also filed a separate petition against it. The NDA government spearheaded by the BJP told the apex court in 2016 that it will withdraw the appeal filed by the erstwhile UPA dispensation. In just 96 hours, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has lost 16 donor countries that contributed half of its budget. The trickle of announcements continued on Monday, with Austria and Japan the sixth-largest contributor due to claims of alleged involvement in the Hamas attack on October 7 by 12 local employees of the agency, which has fired nine and is clarifying the identity of two others (one more has died). The agency now estimates that it will only have funds to operate until the end of February, according to its communications director, Juliette Touma. These funds provide education (which takes up 59% of its budget), manage clinics, help buy food and clothing, grant microcredits and support single mothers for a total of 5.9 million Palestinian refugees. Some countries, such as Spain, Ireland and Norway, have said they will keep up their contributions, while the European Commission (the EU is the third-largest contributor) will wait for the result of the internal investigation by the United Nations and will carry out its own audit. The economic blow affects refugees and the agencys 30,000 workers in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, but concern is focused on the Strip because the agency is the main humanitarian actor in an enclave that has become uninhabitable in the words of UN emergency relief coordinator Martin Griffiths. The war has changed the UNRWAs daily activity: it coordinates the entry of humanitarian aid, its schools and medical centers have become shelters for a million people, it has lost about 150 employees due to Israeli airstrikes, and only 3,000 of its 13,000 workers in the area are still performing duties. Before the war, in 2022, there were 3.5 million medical appointments in Gaza at the agencys 22 medical centers, and around 290,000 students were enrolled in its 278 schools, according to its latest annual report. Of the 2.3 million Gazans, 1.5 million are registered as refugees. The latest plea has come from the director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. This Sunday he asked countries to reverse their decision because at this critical moment, cutting off funding will only hurt the people of Gaza who desperately need support. That same day, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres issued a message of his own: While I understand your concerns I myself was horrified by these accusations I firmly call on governments that have suspended their contributions to, at least, ensure the continuity of UNRWA operations. The New York Times on Monday released information from the dossier that Israel has provided to the United States on the 12 employees. One is accused of kidnapping a woman, another of participating in a massacre in a kibbutz and a third of having given ammunition to the militiamen. In addition, one of the Israeli hostages in Gaza freed in November in an exchange for Palestinian prisoners has claimed that he was held in the home of a teacher from the agency. The release of the report is allegedly part one of a three-phase plan that appears in a confidential document from the Israeli Foreign Ministry and was reported on national television channel 12 in late December. The second phase would consist of gradually stripping the UN agency of its powers and the third, giving these powers to the authority as yet to be defined that will govern Gaza after the conflict. A few days later, a political source cited by the newspaper Israel Hayom said that the country will strive to find an alternative to the UN agency when the war ends, because right now it is the only group that knows how to distribute food, water and medicine in the area. Israel maintains a long-standing campaign against UNRWA, accusing it of helping to perpetuate the Middle East conflict, of colluding with the Hamas government in Gaza and of educating hate in its schools. Since 2015, a parliamentary lobby to reform the UNRWA has proposed stripping descendants of refugee status, so only a few hundred thousand elderly people would conserve their refugee status. Other critics accuse the agency of corruption and inefficiency. The Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, announced on Monday the cancellation of a meeting scheduled for Wednesday between ministry personnel and the head of the agency, Philippe Lazzarini. UNRWA employees participated in the massacre of October 7. Lazzarini should draw conclusions and resign. Supporters of terrorism are not welcome here, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. A day earlier he had already urged the UNRWA head to please resign in response to Lazzarinis message calling the halt on funding over allegations against a small number of employees immensely irresponsible. Vulnerable to controversies The agency has had funding problems for years. Its structure makes it particularly vulnerable to controversy, such as in 2018, when the then president of the United States, Donald Trump, canceled contributions. Fully 94% of its annual budget, about $1.17 billion (1.08 billion), depends on voluntary contributions from states who, in addition, acquire payment commitments that they are not obliged to fulfill. The rest of the money comes from the United Nations budget, contributions from other agencies, international organizations, NGOs and private donations. Therefore, the loss of two heavyweights like the United States and Germany leaves a huge hole in the organization. The first gave $343.9 million in 2022 (the last year with definitive data). The second, $202 million. Between them they add up to 46% of the budget. The UNRWA has lost several more of its top 20 contributors, such as Japan ($30 million), Canada ($23 million), the Netherlands, the United Kingdom (both with $21 million), Italy ($18 million) and Australia ($13 million). Flour distribution by UNRWA in Rafah, on January 29. IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA (REUTERS) The UNRWA only deals with Palestinian refugees, so it is more exposed to the vicissitudes of the Middle East conflict. The rest of the world is handled by another United Nations agency, UNHCR, which was born at the same time and largely deals with providing protection and temporary help and, if circumstances require it, facilitating resettlement. Al wikala (the agency, in Arabic), as the Palestinians usually call it, was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1949, at the end of the first Arab-Israeli war and as a result of the Nakba, the flight or expulsion of two thirds of the Palestinians from the territory of the State of Israel that had just been created. Its mandate is to provide them with humanitarian assistance and protection until a just and lasting resolution is achieved, which has never come to pass. It is the same Assembly that had declared a year earlier, in its Resolution 194, that refugees who wish to return to their homes and live in peace with their neighbors should be allowed to do so as soon as possible. Conceived as a temporary tool, it has to renew its mandate every three years. And, as descendants of those original refugees inherit refugee status, the initial figure of 700,000 has become, several generations later, 5.9 million. Lambasting the Bharatiya Janata Party for allegedly bringing up the issues of NRC, CAA and Uniform Civil Code ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted she would not allow anyone to take away the citizenship of people during her lifetime. Speaking at a public distribution programme at Raiganj in Uttar Dinajpur district, she alleged that the BJP "opportunistically raised" the issue of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA ahead of the upcoming elections. "They (BJP) are speaking about NRC (National Register of Citizens), CAA, and Uniform Civil Code ahead of the elections. This is nothing but politics. We have given citizenship to everyone (and) they (people in border areas) are getting everything. They are citizens, which is why they are allowed to vote," she said. "But let me make it very clear that as long as I am alive, I will not allow NRC implementation in West Bengal. I will not allow them to take away the citizenship of anyone... everyone here is a citizen," Banerjee affirmed. On several occasions earlier, Banerjee has said her government won't allow the implementation of CAA in the state. Her latest remarks were prompted by Union minister Shantanu Thakur's recent assertion that the CAA would be rolled out across the country within a week. Thakur's statement, made during a public gathering at Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas district on Sunday, fuelled concerns regarding the imminent enforcement of the controversial legislation. The CAA, enacted by the BJP-led government at the Centre in 2019, seeks to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim immigrants, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India before December 31, 2014. Expressing concern over reports of the Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly issuing separate identity cards to residents in border areas, Banerjee cautioned people against accepting such cards, labelling those as potential tools in an "NRC trap". "They are issuing separate identity cards to people living in border areas. Never accept these cards. This is a trap," Banerjee warned, emphasising the need for vigilance among border communities. Banerjee's assertions align with her earlier claims in Cooch Behar district, where she accused the BSF of similar actions, a charge denied by the paramilitary force. Reacting to Banerjee's statement, the West Bengal BJP unit said the CAA is a law of the land and no one can stop it from being implemented. "CAA is a law of the land and no one can stop it from being implemented. Why is she making confusing statements about NRC implementation? The Centre has never said anything about NRC implementation," BJP leader Rahul Sinha said. The CM rallied support against what she characterised as an alliance between the Congress, CPI-M, and BJP in West Bengal, urging people to unite under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) banner to counter this perceived threat. "It is the TMC that is fighting for the rights of the people of the state. We all have to unite to defeat the Congress-CPI (M)-BJP nexus in Bengal," Banerjee said, calling for solidarity among citizens. Her remarks follow her recent announcement of the TMC's decision to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal alone. Amid simmering tension in Mandya over the removal of Hanuman flag from a 108 feet tall flagpost, the Keragodu village Panchayat Development Officer has been suspended. IMAGE: BJP workers and supporters hold protest over the removal of Lord Hanuman flag in Karnatakas Mandya, at the Mysore Bank Circle, in Bengaluru on Monday. Photograph: ANI Photo The order issued by Mandya Zila Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Tanveer Asif on Monday said the permission was granted only to hoist the Indian tricolour at Keragodu village. However, the PDO not only gave an opportunity to the people to hoist the Hanuman flag, but also did not take steps to remove it, the order said. It was only on January 28, that the Panchayat Sub-divisional Officer along with Tehsildar and police officers removed the flag, which created a law and order problem for which the PDO was held accountable. As the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and its ally Janata Dal-Secular staged a massive protest in Mandya against the removal of the Hanuman flag and its restoration, security was beefed up on Monday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has accused the opposition BJP and JD-S of trying to instigate the people over the issue, with an eye on the coming Lok Sabha elections. Police on Sunday had resorted to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd at Keragodu village, and subsequently hoisted the national flag replacing Hanuman flag in the presence of officials of the administration. On Monday, the protestors marched from Keragodu to the Deputy Commissioner's office in the district headquarters of Mandya, covering a distance of about 14 km, holding saffron flags amid chants of 'Jai Sri Ram'. They also raised slogans against the Congress government. BJP leaders C T Ravi and Preetham Gowda and JD-S leaders Suresh Gowda and K Annadani joined the demonstrators. As the march reached Mandya city, police resorted to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd as some of the activists allegedly tried to bring down a flex board featuring the image of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders, according to official sources. Later, scores of protestors gathered near the Deputy Commissioner's office, where police were deployed in large numbers and barricades were erected. Ravi and the JD-S leaders along with former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy addressed the crowd. A special Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances court in Porbandar has sentenced six persons to 20 years' rigorous imprisonment and four others to 10 years in jail in the case of smuggling of 1,445 kg of drugs on a merchant ship nabbed by the Indian Coast Guard off the Gujarat coast in July 2017. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo Had the accused succeeded in selling such a large quantity of drugs, it could have ruined the lives of hundreds of youth of this country, the court of special judge PH Sharma at Porbandar in Gujarat said in the order passed on Monday. After taking these drugs, the youth do not even think twice while committing serious crimes and also get involved in anti-social and anti-national activities, the court observed. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each on the six persons sentenced to 20-year imprisonment, out of the eight crew members who were on board the merchant vessel 'Henry'. They will have to undergo another five-year rigorous imprisonment in case they fail to deposit the fine, the court said in its order. Four others arrested by the investigation agencies in the case were sentenced to 10-year rigorous imprisonment and also fined Rs 1 lakh each. They will have to undergo another two years and six months imprisonment if they failed to deposit the fine, the court said. Three out of a total 13 accused in the case died during the pendency of the trial and the case against them was abated. The vessel was intercepted and its crew detained on July 29, 2017 off the Gulf of Khambhat along the Gujarat coast by the Indian Coast Guard ship 'Samudra Pavak.' Out of the 13 accused arrested, eight were crew members of the merchant ship while five others were accused of searching for customers and safe hideouts for the drugs along the Gujarat coast after its landing, the prosecution stated. The accused persons were booked under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Out of the 1,445 kg of drugs packed in 1,526 packets seized from the vessel, 1,018 kg was found to be heroin and 427 kg morphine, the court said. The ICG had then claimed it to be one of its biggest drug hauls in the state. The suspicious intruder vessel, which was found to be registered in Panama, had eight crew members onboard and no cargo. When questioned by the ICG, the captain of the ship said it was headed to Bhavnagar for breaking at the Alang yard, which was denied by the Gujarat Maritime Board. The vessel was then taken to Porbandar and its crew detained for interrogation in the presence of personnel from intelligence agencies, police, customs, enforcement, narcotics, and the Navy. As per the prosecution, the eight crew members of the seized vessel including the ship captain had conspired with smugglers based out of Iran and Pakistan to bring drugs into India via the Gujarat coast by hiding them in pipes and hidden cavities of the vessel. The vessel belonged to an Iranian smuggler named by the investigating agency as Saiyad Ali Morani, the prosecution said. The ship captain had contacted one of the five accused, who were arrested later, to search for customers and hideouts for the smuggled drugs, it said. The court also took into account 23 witness statements and 218 documentary evidence produced by the prosecution. Had the accused succeeded in selling such a large quantity of drugs, it could have ruined the lives of hundreds of youth of this country, the court said. After taking these drugs, the youth do not even think twice while committing serious crimes and also get involved in anti-social and anti-national activities, the court observed in its order. It is therefore the responsibility of the court to keep the social and national interest in mind while passing a judgment against the accused persons, it said. Out of the 13 accused persons, six belonged to Uttar Pradesh, three hailed from Mumbai, two from West Bengal and one each from Bihar and Himachal Pradesh. The six accused who have been sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment are Suprit Tiwari (27), Sanjay Yadav (27), Devesh (23), Munish Kumar (27), Vinay Yadav (27) and Munish Patel (19). Those given 10-year jail term are Sujit Tiwari (19), Vishal Yadav (24), Suleman Bhadela (47) and Saud Patel (26). A day before the start of the Budget session, the chairs of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on Monday revoked the suspension of 14 Opposition MPs, allowing them to attend House proceedings, sources said. IMAGE: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi (second from right) speaks to the media after the all-party meeting ahead of the interim Budget Session of Parliament, as Union Ministers of State Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Muraleedharan look on, in New Delhi, Janaury 30, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The MPs -- 11 of the Rajya Sabha and three of the Lok Sabha -- were suspended during the last session and their cases were referred to the respective committees of privileges. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Rajya Sabha chairman and the Lok Sabha speaker have agreed to the government's request to revoke the suspension of the 14 MPs. The privileges committee of the Lok Sabha had recommended that the suspension of the three MPs -- Abdul Khaleque, K Jayakumar and Vijay Vasanth of the Congress -- be revoked after they expressed regret for their conduct during the Winter session when their relentless protests prompted the Chair to take action. The privileges committee of the Rajya Sabha held the 11 suspended opposition MPs guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council of States, but Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar revoked their suspension allowing them to attend the Budget session, sources said. In its report to the Rajya Sabha chairman a day before the session starts on Wednesday, the committee also recommended that the period of suspension already suffered by the members be treated as "sufficient punishment" for the transgression. The MPs held "guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council" of States are Jebi Mather Hisham, L Hanumanthaiah, Neeraj Dangi, Rajmani Patel, Kumar Ketkar, GC Chandrashekhar, Binoy Viswam, Sandosh Kumar P, M Mohamed Abdulla, John Brittas and AA Rahim. The committee presented the report to Dhankhar, taking note of the situation that the suspended members would not be able to attend the special address of President Droupadi Murmu to both Houses of Parliament, the first address in the new building of Parliament, on Wednesday. The committee usually submits its recommendations to the House. The sources said the chairman invoked the authority vested in him under the rules of procedure to revoke their suspension enabling the members to attend the special address by the president. While a total of 146 Opposition MPs, including 100 of the Lok Sabha, were suspended for bringing placards into the chambers and frequently disrupting parliamentary proceedings, the transgressions by these 14 were considered more serious. The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha had together suspended 132 MPs for the remainder of the Winter session, which ended on December 21, and had referred the case of these 14 MPs to the respective privilege committee. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joshi told reporters on Tuesday, "Everybody's suspension will be withdrawn. We have requested the (Lok Sabha) speaker and the (Rajya Sabha) chairperson on behalf of the government and they have agreed." He, however, asserted that leaders of different parties who attended an all-party meeting ahead of the session were told that they should follow the decision that MPs should not bring placards or similar materials inside chambers during the session or else the Chairs will be forced to take action. Some of the suspended Lok Sabha MPs were informed about the speaker's decision Tuesday evening. The Budget session will commence on Wednesday. 'The BJP will use Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha to check Nitish Kumar.' 'They will not allow him to function freely as before.' IMAGE: Janata Dal-United President Nitish Kumar takes oath as Bihar's chief minister for the ninth time after his party joined the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, January 28, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Hours after Janata Dal-United President Nitish Kumar was sworn as chief minister, hours after the JD-U joined the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, his latest political gambit is being dissected in Patna, Bihar's capital. Unlike the past when the BJP played second fiddle to the JD-U, the BJP this time is prepared to be the dominant partner in the alliance. On January 27 and 28 the BJP bargained hard with Nitish Kumar before extending its support. He was asked to resign first; the BJP's letter of support came later. "Our party has certain terms and conditions, keeping the experiences of the past in mind," says a senior BJP leader, who was involved in the secret process that resulted in political realignments in the state nearly 17 months after Nitish Kumar pulled out of the alliance with the BJP in August 2022. The JD-U has 45 MLAs in the Bihar assembly; the BJP has 78 MLAs. Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, who have been tough critics of Nitish Kumar, were sworn in as deputy chief ministers. Political watchers say the JD-U has no option but to go along with what the BJP demands. For one, the JD-U has limited social support in caste-ridden Bihar. Two, its vote share has declined in recent years. Three, Nitish Kumar's political credibility is at a low due to his changing sides repeatedly in recent years. BJP leaders, it is said, have assured Nitish Kumar that the JD-U will be given a dozen seats to contest in the 2024 Lok Sabha election unlike the 2019 polls when the BJP and JD-U contested an equal number of 17 seats each. The BJP won 17 and the JD-U 16. The Lok Janshakti Party, another NDA constituent, won 6 seats. The Congress won one seat, the Rashtriya Janata Dal none. JD-U leaders admit that the 'Nitish factor' is no longer visible in the state and the party is banking on the Modi and Ram factors to do well in the 2024 election. IMAGE: Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar with the newly sworn-in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy CMs Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. Photograph: ANI Photo In the last NDA government that was formed in 2020, the BJP's Renu Devi and Brajkishor Prasad, both belonging to the Extreme Backward Castes, were appointed deputy chief ministers. Earlier, senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, who belongs to the Vaishya OBC community, was the deputy chief minister; Nitish Kumar and Modi shared an amiable relationship. Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were voluble in their criticism of Nitish Kumar during the 17 months of the Mahagathbandan government. Sinha, who was the assembly speaker during the previous NDA government, had an inimical association with Nitish Kumar even when he was an NDA CM. The turban wearing, bearded, Choudhary, who belongs to the OBC Koeri caste, declared last year that he would not remove his head gear till Nitish Kumar was ejected as chief minister. During Sunday's swearing in, Choudhary's turban stayed in place. When the BJP's central leadership picked Choudhary as the Bihar party chief, RJD leaders reminded him that 24 years earlier, it was the BJP that had protested against him, resulting in his removal from the state cabinet on the charge of being underage. Then Bihar governor Suraj Bhan, who had been a senior BJP leader, sacked Chaudhary in November 1999 as minister of horticulture, weight and measurement in Rabri Devi's RJD government, after the BJP and Nitish Kumar's then Samta Party alleged he was underage. Bhan directed the then state government to lodge a case of fraud, forgery and misrepresentation against Chaudhary and sought recovery of salary and allowances paid to him as minister. Chaudhary had reportedly displayed three different dates of birth in documents presented at different places. IMAGE: Nitish Kumar meets JD-U supporters after taking the oath as chief minister. Photograph: Kind courtesy Janata Dal (United)/Twitter Samrat Chaudhary joined the BJP five years ago, in 2018. His father, Shakuni Chaudhary, a former soldier-turned-Socialist politician, was a minister and former MP, considered close to the Nitish Kumar-Lalu Yadav duo. Before joining the BJP, Samrat Chaudhary was with the RJD till 2014 and after that with the JD-U. Bihar BJP leaders say Home Minister Amit Shah chose Samrat Chaudhary to lead the state party. Till early January, Choudhary projected himself as the BJP's CM candidate for next year's 2025 Bihar assembly polls. Vijay Kumar Sinha, who belongs to the powerful Bhumihar upper caste, had described Nitish Kumar as 'loktantra ka hathiyara (murderer of democracy)' in 2022 when he was speaker of the Bihar assembly. Sinha's denunciation came during a heated exchange with Nitish Kumar, then an NDA CM, in the assembly. "The BJP will use Choudhary and Sinha to check Nitish Kumar. They will not allow him to function freely as before," a senior BJP leader says. IMAGE: Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary being felicitated at the BJP office in Patna, January 29, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Political activist Satyanarayan Madan points out there was a time when the BJP was dependant on Nitish Kumar, deploying 'Brand Nitish' to fight the RJD. The BJP projected Nitish Kumar as chief minister in the 2005 assembly election and it clicked with the voters. This formula was repeated in 2010. In 2013, Nitish Kumar dumped the BJP and contested the 2015 assembly polls with the RJD. In 2017, he dumped the RJD and returned to the NDA. After the 2020 assembly polls, in which the JD-U won only 43 seats, he became CM with the BJP's support. The BJP won 74 seats in that election. After dumping the BJP in August 2022, he formed the Mahagathbandan government with the RJD (which has 79 seats in the assembly), the Congress and the outside support of the Left parties. On Sunday, he returned to the NDA. Only this time, he was no longer the leader who always had his way in an alliance with the BJP. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. High 44F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. A few flurries are possible. Low near 30F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. A before (left) and after (right) planting of trees and shrubs. The plants will mature to become a buffer between the agricultural land and the adjacent brook which flows into the Missisquoi River. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program supported this project. The decision by several countries to suspend their financial contributions to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) represents, in practice, an unjustified collective punishment of the entire population of Gaza. The group of nine countries justified the suspension of aid citing the alleged involvement of 12 local employees in the bloody attack against Israel perpetrated by Hamas on October 7. The fact that the two main donors the United States and Germany have been joined by, among others, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, Australia and Canada represents a loss of more than half the agencys financing. Moreover, it has aggravated the inhumane conditions in which Gazans have been living since the Israeli army unleashed an indiscriminate, large-scale retaliatory military offensive. For years the UNRWA has been the target of different Israeli governments determined to tarnish the role of the international humanitarian organization with accusations of collusion with terrorism. The UNRWA, which is investigating the events, has already fired nine of its 12 local employees (of the other three, one is dead and the identity of the other two is being clarified) who were allegedly involved in the attack that left 1,200 dead in Israel. Without doubt, this is a very serious accusation that, however, cannot be used to discredit the entire agency, which is part of the United Nations. The agency employs 30,000 people, of whom 13,000 work in the Gaza Strip itself. Right now the UNRWA offers the only minimal support for two million people who have been subjected for three months to an inhumane siege. It is a military blockade that has already caused more than 25,000 deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is dependent on Hamas. Punishing the UNRWA at this time has condemned hundreds of thousands of innocent people, who do not have food, water, or shelter, to a helpless plight. Meanwhile, Israeli bombings and destruction continue. Defunding the agency goes against even the merest notion of humanity and buys into the discourse of Israeli extremists, who consider all Palestinians their mortal enemy. It is also an opportunistic punishment that borders on a thirst for revenge and escapes all logic. Adopting a measure as drastic as paralyzing the economic and operational ability of an institution that plays a role not only in welfare, but also in health and education, to purge the alleged acts of 12 employees out of a total of 30,000 is, to say the least, disproportionate. If such a radical criterion were applied to any other public or private organization on the entire planet, there may be no choice but to dissolve them all. In the face of such a dramatic situation, Spains decision to continue financing the humanitarian organization to at least try to alleviate the situation of hundreds of thousands of people is the right one. That the Palestinian population is not the terrorist organization Hamas is an evident fact that has been accepted until now by everyone except those in favor of total and indiscriminate war. The unjust withdrawal of funding to the UNRWA does nothing to help a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. It will only bring more suffering to innocent civilians who will rightly feel completely abandoned by many of the worlds most powerful democracies. From Rafah, at the southern end of the Gaza Strip on the border with Egypt, Jonathan Crickx describes a sea of improvised tents, where 1.3 million Palestinians are crowded amid the sound of Israeli bombings coming from the city of Khan Younis, around three miles to the north. In a conversation interrupted by continuous phone line outages, the head of rights advocacy and communications for UNICEF in Palestine notes that the population has quintupled in the south of the coastal enclave due to the massive displacement forced by the war. Every day more and more arrive here, where they can barely be offered a little food and some water to survive, between 1.5 and two liters per head per day for drinking, cooking, and washing, warns the Belgium-born humanitarian worker, who cut his teeth in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Some of his U.N. colleagues in Gaza have lost family members. Dozens of them have even been killed. Since the beginning of the war, more than 150 employees of UNRWA (the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees) have perished in Israeli attacks, he says. With 13,000 employees in the Strip, UNRWA is the main organization providing aid to the civilian population. Two million of the enclaves 2.3 million inhabitants depend on this agency to survive. The United Nations has dismissed several UNRWA employees after they were accused by Israel of being involved in the October 7 attacks launched by Hamas, in which some 1,200 people were killed on Israeli territory. UNRWA has already warned that it will not be able to continue its operations in Gaza beyond February if the 16 countries that have withdrawn their economic support, including the U.S., the United Kingdom and Germany, do not resume their contributions. The usual hardships faced by the agency may be exacerbated by a lack of funding. The humanitarian situation in the Strip threatens to worsen if UNRWA loses more than half of its income. Hygienic conditions in Rafah are terrible: there is only one latrine for every 500 to 700 people, leading to the spread of diseases such as chronic diarrhea, Crickx says. In the few weeks since the end of December, cases have risen from 40,000 to 70,000; and it is one of the leading causes of infant mortality. The impact of the war on childrens health is very worrying. In Rafah, where he observes numerous buildings destroyed by Israeli shelling, Crickx reports that no direct attacks are being recorded now. The war has already caused more than 26,000 deaths, 70% of whom are women and children, he says, citing data from the Gazan Ministry of Health. But the situation is very complex and we can only make estimates, without being able to differentiate by type of casualties. He considers that in view of the internal exodus of the population and with most of the hospitals destroyed or on the verge of collapse, counting the deaths of children is a challenge. In health centers that are still partially functioning, he notes that the occupancy rate exceeds up to 300% of the patient care capacity. In one recent case, a woman who had given birth by cesarean section was discharged a few hours later [in order to free up a bed], he details. She didnt even know how to clean her wound. She acknowledged as much to the UNICEF staff who treated her in southern Gaza. There are many minors hospitalized in corridors for lack of other space, with hardly any assistance or medicine, warns Crickx. The World Health Organization (WHO) has detailed a dramatic situation in the hospitals, with an almost total lack of anesthesia and painkillers, and of basic medicines. From the tent city that has sprung up in recent weeks, Crickx acknowledges that the war threatens to move closer to the Egyptian border. No one knows when it will get here, so we are hoping for a ceasefire as soon as possible, he says. Before the war, some 400,000 children were in need of mental health treatment and psychological support in Gaza. After the outbreak of the conflict, UNICEF maintains that practically all children in the Strip (40% of its 2.3 million inhabitants are under 15 years of age) are in a situation of maximum vulnerability. A child waits in a line to receive water, in Rafah, on January 28. SALEH SALEM (REUTERS) I felt helpless There are one million children in Gaza traumatized by the war and waiting for a ceasefire. We dont have access to all the children, but in view of the duration and intensity of the fighting, we estimate that all of them are in need of mental health and psychological care now, Crickx adds. The aid worker reports from Rafah that almost all the children he has met have told him they have lost a family member in the fighting. He cites the case of Hasane, an 11-year-old girl. It really struck me. She lost her father, mother, brother, and two sisters, and she also lost a leg in the war, he recalls. It was hard for me to listen to the story of a little girl bathed in tears scarred by so much grief. I felt helpless. But many people, many children, were also killed on October 7, in an absolutely horrific attack in Israel, Crickx adds. What is really needed in Gaza, in addition to urgent humanitarian aid, is a prolonged and lasting ceasefire. The grief felt here is very intense. For the sake of all the children, the fighting must stop. The aid that is coming in is insufficient As you can see for yourself, we have a lot of difficulties in maintaining communications and coordinating our work. For example, to try to get medical supplies to a hospital, he explained between line cuts last Saturday. The aid that is coming into Gaza is insufficient. For security reasons, it is also not possible to reach everyone who needs help and all areas of the Strip, Crickx acknowledges. UNICEF is delivering highly nutritious baby food for 40,000 children under five, an age range that accounts for 330,000 children in the Strip. We cannot meet all the needs, laments the representative of the U.N. childrens agency. In appeal to overturn his 27-year sentence, Kem Sokha will face 8 more hearings in the coming months. A convoy of police vehicles carrying former Cambodia National Rescue Party President Kem Sokha heads to an appeals court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. Updated Jan. 30, 2023, 4:15 p.m. ET. Former Cambodian opposition party leader Kem Sokhas bid to overturn his 27-year sentence for treason will undergo eight more hearings in the coming months after Appeals Court judges at Tuesdays hearing denied a request to lift visitation restrictions. Security was tight at the Phnom Penh Appeals Court, with checkpoints outside and reporters barred from the building. Kem Sokha, 70, was sentenced in March 2023 and placed under house arrest, barred from politics and banned from meeting with non-family members without the courts permission. The conviction and verdict were widely condemned as politically motivated. On Tuesday, Kem Sokha said in court that the restrictions have greatly reduced the number of visits from relatives to his Phnom Penh home, according to his lawyer, Ang Odom. Family members who stay with him are regularly checked, Ang Odom told Radio Free Asia. This is yet another violation against those people who are not involved with the court case. Another court requirement mandates that Kem Sokhas lawyers seek a judges permission before meeting with him. The Appeals Court on Tuesday refused a request to lift that order. I already stressed that we will not seek permission. We cant do that because it is against our professionalism, Ang Odom said to RFA. We have the right to see clients at any place during working hours. Slow pace The courts three-judge panel plans to hold a total of nine hearings in the appeals case at a rate of two per month, according to Ang Odom. The next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 8. The drawn-out pace matches the original Phnom Penh Municipal Court trial, which also featured hearings, testimony and other proceedings that were sometimes scheduled weeks or months apart. Kem Sokha was arrested in September 2017, and charged with colluding with a foreign power. After his arrest, he spent a year in a prison near the border with Vietnam. He was transferred to house arrest in Phnom Penh in October 2018. More than a year later, the court eased some of the restrictions, allowing him to travel inside the country but banning him from participating in politics. The municipal court trial was delayed for more than a year due to restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kem Sokha has always denied the treason charges, which led to his arrest a few months after the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, or CNRP, made large gains in local commune elections. The charges relate partly to a video recorded in 2013 in which he discussed a strategy to win power with the help of U.S. experts. The United States Embassy has rejected any suggestion that Washington was trying to interfere in Cambodian politics. Shortly after the 2017 arrest, Cambodias Supreme Court dissolved and outlawed the CNRP, paving the way for then-Prime Minister Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party to take all 125 National Assembly seats in the 2018 general election. Hun Sen used similar tactics in last Julys election, barring the main opposition Candlelight Party from fielding candidates, allowing his party to win 120 seats in the Assembly. A month before the 2023 election, Hun Sen refused to pardon Kem Sokha. He stepped down just after the CPPs election victory. His eldest son, Hun Manet, was appointed prime minister weeks later. International human rights standards Amnesty International demanded Kem Sokhas release this week in a statement issued ahead of Tuesdays appeal hearing. Anyone who dares to speak out against the government is at risk, said Amnestys deputy regional director for research, Montse Ferrer. Cambodian authorities must respect, protect, promote and fulfill the human rights of everyone in the country, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and end the increasing restriction of civic space. Sam Rainsy, the exiled acting leader of the CNRP, also called for the 2023 verdict to be quashed. Theres no way forward for #Cambodia until Kem Sokha is freed and allowed his political rights, he wrote on X. Phil Robertson, the deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch, said the decision to keep restrictions in place shows again that in all aspects, the courts handling of this case on baseless treason charges has never been free or fair. No country that truly respects international human rights standards would ever require a prosecutors office to approve a defendants access to his legal counsel, he said. Earlier this month, Kem Sokhas daughter Monovithya lashed out at Western nations such as France for meeting Cambodias new leader in the hope of improving relations, calling it lazy and ineffective. Translated by Samean Yun. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang. Updated to add further comments from Kem Sokha's lawyer. The disqualification of Maria Corina Machado as a presidential candidate jeopardizes the recent international progress Venezuela has made. The White House has given President Nicolas Maduro a two-month ultimatum to allow disqualified opposition candidates to participate in the upcoming elections. The United States also gave any U.S. entities conducting transactions with a Venezuelan state-owned gold mining firm until February 13 to wind them down, revoking one of the concessions granted after the Barbados agreements with opposition leaders. These moves directly respond to the Venezuelan Supreme Courts decision to uphold the ban on Machado and former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, despite Machados victory in the primaries last October. The April deadline is subject to the expiration of the decrees signed last November granting licenses to United States oil companies. Washington agreed to ease some sanctions to encourage the Venezuelan government to resume negotiations with the opposition for a democratic solution to the countrys ongoing crisis. Although this sanctions relief by the U.S. had a limited impact on the countrys economy, it did mark a significant initial step. The Maduro regime had its own interpretation of the Barbados agreements. While it opened the door for four minor candidates to participate in the upcoming elections, it blocked opposition front-runner Machado and Capriles, a veteran politician who ran against Maduro in the 2013 elections. The United States is clearly unhappy and is trying to keep the negotiation process going by gradually rolling back concessions. Theyve got till the spring to honor their commitments, said John Kirby, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council. Theyve got decisions they have to make before we weigh what decisions well take. Venezuelas enduring economic and political crisis shows no signs of abating. Machado hasnt stopped campaigning, while Maduro stubbornly digs in and risks a breakdown in its recent rapprochement with Washington. Jorge Rodriguez, president of Parliament and head of the delegation negotiating with the U.S. and opposition leaders, says the ban on Machado is irreversible and accused her of being involved in a corruption scheme during Juan Guaido's interim presidency. The ban stems from the same 2014 investigation citing alleged irregularities in Machados declaration of assets while serving as a legislator. The Venezuelan government won some sanctions relief recently that enabled global oil companies to resume doing business with PDVSA, the state-owned oil company. It also successfully negotiated the exchange of Alex Saab for detained Americans and political prisoners. Saab had been arrested and jailed in Miami on money laundering charges. The Venezuelan government values Saab, and Maduro said he acted as a special envoy to help Venezuela survive crippling international financial sanctions. Saab now heads the Venezuelan International Investment Center. Meanwhile, the U.S. recently approved deportation flights to Venezuela to address immigration pressures, a priority for President Biden, who faces a tough re-election fight this year. The Venezuelan opposition continues to face heavy legal defeats and harassment from the Maduro regime. The government unfoundedly accused Machados team and others of five different assassination plots, and arrested the individuals implicated in the conspiracy. These alleged assassination plans were used to accuse the opposition of violating the Barbados agreements, which further undermines the front-running candidate striving to bring about a change in government after 25 years under Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro. Machado says shes carefully watching the negotiations with the U.S., and intends to challenge the Supreme Courts decision in order to stay in the race. But the ruling regime has shown no signs that its willing to relax its stranglehold on power in Venezuela. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition In many places, graft has gotten worse: Myanmar has fallen 32 places on the index of 180 countries since 2017. Anti-coup protesters hold posters reading "#Reject Military Coup #Save Myanmar" in Yangon, Feb. 22, 2021. In Asia, Myanmar beat out only North Korea for perceptions of corruption in the public sector. For yet another year, there was little to no meaningful progress towards curbing corruption in Asia in 2023, according to the latest annual graft index from Transparency International, with only three regional jurisdictions making it into the world top 20. Singapore (5th), Hong Kong (14th) and Japan (16th) remain the jurisdictions with the most clean government in Asia, according to the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, which was released Tuesday. Ahead of Singapore on the list, the top four countries remain Denmark, Finland, New Zealand and Norway, rendering the top five unchanged from last year. The United States, meanwhile, comes in at 24th, tied with Barbados and just ahead of the Himalayan nation of Bhutan. Very few countries show sustained turnarounds that indicate significant changes in corruption levels, and several historically at the top are slowly declining, the report says of Asia, adding it was another year of little to no meaningful progress towards curbing corruption. The annual report draws on several different sources that capture perceptions among businesspeople and country experts of corruption, Transparency International says. The group then calculates a score out of 100 for each country and ranks them on a list from 1 to 180. Stuck in the mire Its the fifth year in a row that Asias overall average score has been stuck at 45 out of the possible 100, the group says. But its worse than that: 71% of Asia-Pacific jurisdictions fall below that dismal mean, with a steep drop-off on the list after the regions best performers. In fact, after Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Bhutan, the next cleanest Asian governments are in Taiwan (28th), South Korea (32nd) and Malaysia (57th). Each of those three were little changed from last year. East Timor and mainland China (joint at 76th) then lead the region mid-table on this years list beating out Vietnam (83rd), India (93rd), Thailand (108th) and Indonesia and the Philippines (115th). Chinese Premier Li Qiang presides over a meeting of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, Jan. 10, 2024. The meeting also discussed plans to improve government conduct and combat corruption. (Wang Ye/Xinhua via Getty Images) It was a slight fall for Vietnam, after it improved from 87th to 77th place in last years report. China in 76th place is a more notable fall, though, after it came in at 65th last year and the year before that was at 66th. That puts the worlds second-largest economy back in the corruption territory it occupied in the late 2010s although its still not as bad as 2018, when China came in at 87th, behind Turkey and Argentina. At the worst end of this years list are Laos (136th), Cambodia (158th) and Myanmar (162nd), which in the region beat out only North Korea (172nd) for perceptions of corruption in the public sector. Asia has little to cheer for at this end of the list, with those countries only beating out war-torn or economically ravaged countries like Yemen (176th), Syria and Venezuela (177th) and Somalia (last). Authoritarian link The reports authors note that the bottom of the index is mainly fragile states with authoritarian regimes and draw a direct connection between illiberal and undemocratic regimes and poor scores. These weak scores reflect the lack of delivery by elected officials on anti-corruption agendas, together with crackdowns on organised civil society and attacks on freedoms of press, assembly and association, Transparency International says of the Asia-Pacific in the report. Myanmar, for instance, has fallen 32 places since it peaked at 130th in the 2017 report. It has fallen back behind Cambodia as Southeast Asias most corrupt jurisdiction for a second year in a row, after beating Cambodia for an unbroken seven-year stretch from 2013 to 2020. Perhaps not coincidentally, that stretch coincides with a now aborted period of democratic reform in the country: Myanmar held its first free elections in decades in April 2012, allowing Aung Sang Suu Kyis party back into government, but returned to outright authoritarianism and a bloody civil war after the February 2021 coup detat by the military. The report also notes that many countries have pursued short-term fixes to corruption that focus on punishing officials caught engaging in graft, rather than investing in what it calls integrity infrastructure reforms that put in place long-term structural checks on power. It notes China has made headlines with its aggressive anti-corruption crackdown, punishing more than 3.7 million officials over the past decade, which coincides roughly with the time since President Xi Jinping came to power pledging to crack down on corruption. However, the countrys heavy reliance on punishment rather than institutional checks on power raises doubts over the long-term effectiveness of such anti-corruption measures, it says. Since Xi assumed the presidency in 2013, China has improved just four places on the annual graft index, going from 80th to 76th. Edited by Malcolm Foster. The company logo is seen on the headquarters of China Evergrande Group in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China on Sept. 26, 2021. After seven postponements, the Hong Kong High Court has finally issued a liquidation order against Chinese property giant Evergrande Group this week as China, the worlds second-largest economy, struggles to fix its worst real estate crisis amid shrinking growth. Some analysts believe the liquidation marks the bursting of Chinas real estate bubble and the end to any government rescue for indebted property developers. Judge Linda Chan in her ruling on Monday stated that Evergrandes debt restructuring plan lacked progress and the company was insolvent, so she officially ordered the company to be liquidated, according to Hong Kong media reports. The collapse of the company, which has been laden with more than US$300 billion in liabilities, has also triggered more Chinese real estate defaults, causing job losses and protests from homebuyers who are left without assets. In response to the court order, Evergrande Chief Executive Officer Xiao En said Evergrande Real Estate has been investigated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission, and the actual controllers of the group have been subject to compulsory measures in accordance with the law for suspected violations of laws and crimes. Ive tried my best and Im very sorry, he said, as cited by Chinas 21st Century Business Herald.The group and Evergrade have tried our utmost to defend this offshore liquidation. We tried our best, and its very regrettable. A person pushes a cart near media members standing outside the High Court where a court hearing on property developer China Evergrande Group is held, in Hong Kong, China on Jan. 29, 2024. (Lam Yik/Reuters) Once the poster child of Chinese real estate, Evergrande borrowed heavily to finance the building of blocks and blocks of high-rise residential homes across the country. But its aggressive business approach ran into trouble, and it defaulted on its debts in December 2021. Evergrandes chairman, Hui Ka Yan, was also arrested last year and was under investigation for suspected crimes. While thousands of Chinese property buyers have little means to seek compensation apart from turning to social media to vent and staging guarded protests, institutional investors have turned to the courts. The case that resulted in Mondays ruling was filed in June 2022 by Top Shine Global. Mainland Chinese financial experts interviewed by Chinese state media have played down the impact of the liquidation on the domestic market. Speaking to the Securities Times, Li Shuguang, a professor at China University of Political Science and Law, said the impact on the interests of domestic bondholders is limited. Separately, Wang Chunfei, an associate professor in accountancy at the Central University of Finance and Economics, said Evergrandes problems are an isolated scenario in the industry. But a financial scholar, Ling Si, told Radio Free Asia Evergrandes liquidation is a wake-up call, which has also cast a huge shadow on real estate transactions. In the future, we can only rely on ourselves and bear business risks. If there is a break in the capital chain and liquidity risks, the Chinese government will most likely not make substantial intervention. A man walks in front of unfinished residential buildings at the Evergrande Oasis, a housing complex developed by Evergrande Group, in Luoyang, China September 15, 2021. Picture taken on Sept. 15, 2021. (Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters) As the Chinese economy splutters, Beijing is rolling back its austerity policy on speculation on the real estate sector which had been a major growth driver. Chinas state-run Xinhua News Agency reported Monday that Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Ni Hong called for an urban real estate financing coordination mechanism to be established and local authorities to propose a list of financeable real estate projects. A real estate industry expert from southern Guangdong province who only gave her surname Huang told RFA that while the government has tasted the consequences of its over-reliance on the sector, it also failed to find another way to replace its contribution to economic growth. If you want to stop an industry that accounts for such a high proportion of economic growth, many problems will arise, Ms. Huang added. Translated by RFA Staff. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn. Across Taiwan, civil defense groups are preparing for war and other disaster scenarios. It's Jan. 12, the day before Taiwan's presidential elections, and dozens of people are tramping around a park in the central city of Taichung carrying heavy backpacks in the dark. From time to time, a trainer yells "Air strike!" and a person drops to the ground to have their mock injuries treated by trainee first-aiders by flashlight. The Taichung Self-Training Group is a grassroots civilian defense operation that hopes to take the pressure off emergency services in the event of war or major disaster, its leader You Chiao-chun, a 36-year-old nurse, explains. The point of the training is to ensure its members don't panic "when a real disaster occurs," You says, adding: "We have to be ready ourselves before we can help anyone else." You's team is divided into groups to simulate a scenario in which volunteers help evacuate civilians across uneven terrain under enemy bombardment, offering first aid and physical assistance to the injured as they go. You tells them that the trees are tall buildings that can rain shards of glass and other debris down on them, while the children's play equipment represents parked vehicles that could explode at any time. Ukraine wake-up call Ever since Russian tanks poured across the border into Ukraine in February 2022, meeting with stronger-than-expected military resistance and the mobilization of civilians throughout the country, people in democratic Taiwan have been focusing on the island's own defenses against a possible Chinese invasion. As the government extends compulsory military service for men to one year and Taiwanese soldiers volunteer to defend freedom and democracy in Ukraine, civilians across the island are also organizing -- holding regular training sessions teaching fitness, first aid and disaster awareness. Members of the Taichung Self-Training Group simulate an evacuation during an air raid, Jan. 12, 2024. (Hsu Shih-kai for RFA Mandarin/The Reporter) Two years later, more than 20 groups are running in Taiwanese cities and counties, as part of a spontaneously organized and decentralized civilian defense movement. You set up the Taichung group a year ago to prepare local people for what she terms the "compound disaster" of war, getting a handful of replies at first to a social media post. Now, the group has about 60 members, most of them working professionals, with 15-20 people typically attending an evening training session. "For every person who trains to save themselves, more resources are freed up for people in greater need," You says. Weight training, first aid The group started out with weight training, so they would be able to carry heavy loads in the event of an emergency, then moved onto first-aid skills like bandaging and tourniquets. Instructor Wei Ting was inspired to join by her personal memories of disaster -- when a massive earthquake hit her hometown on Sept. 21, 1999, cutting off her community from the rest of the world for two weeks. "This experience motivated me to take action, and made me willing to take responsibility," says Wei, who now teaches high school and holds multiple first-aid qualifications and is a government-trained disaster relief volunteer. Members of the Taichung Self-Training Team discuss their training exercise late into the evening, Jan. 12, 2024. (Hsu Shih-kai for RFA Mandarin/The Reporter) The group's head instructor Luo Hsuan-hsuan is a physical therapist who has also worked as a paramedic. She supervises their physical training and devises training scenarios like the one in Taichung park. The group is also working with local companies, schools and security organizations to deliver disaster response and rescue training to local people. "The ideal self-training group is a mutual-help community where everyone can contribute their own expertise," You says, adding that she wants members to take what they have learned back to their schools, workplaces and families, and train more people. It's a more rescue-based vision than the retired chip billionaire Robert Tsao's US$33 million Kuma Academy program, set up to train 3 million civilians in civil defense, including 300,000 snipers, so they could fight alongside regular and reserve forces in the event of a Chinese invasion. A participant in Operation Magpie holds a certificate of completion issued by the Kuma Academy. (Chen Hsiao-wei for RFA Mandarin/The Reporter) Tsao, the 75-year-old founder of United Microelectronics Corps, reapplied for Taiwanese nationality in 2022 after naturalizing as a citizen of Singapore, saying he wanted to help in the fight against the military threat from Beijing. Simulated battles The program held two large-scale training drills under the code-name "Operation Magpie" last year, one challenging the forest survival skills of more than 100 trainees over an 8-hour period, and another simulating a wartime attack in downtown Taipei. Groups were thrown into unfamiliar situations with just a few aerial photos of the area, with instructions to plan their way through the scenario, navigating simulated scenes of battle and civilian injuries, complete with sound-effects. Kuma Academy CEO Ho Cheng-hui said the primary goal during a disaster is self-protection. "[We want] at least one person in every household who is prepared for the threat of war, and knows what to do," Ho told RFA/The Reporter in a recent interview. Another civil defense organization, the Forward Alliance, held a backup operations training day at Taipei's Huashan Park in September 2023, bringing in old vehicles and rescue equipment, and teaching people how to rescue others from car crashes, fires, earthquakes, shootings and other complex events. Participants rescue a patient in a simulated training event organized by the Forward Alliance. (Hsu Shih-kai for RFA Mandarin/The Reporter) The event ended with a surprise simulated "terrorist attack" on participants, who were forced to organize a mass evacuation on the spur of the moment, despite being exhausted. Meanwhile, more than 50 people have joined the Tainan branch of the Citizens' League civil defense and rescue organization, which is currently applying to register as an official rescue organization under the Ministry of the Interior. The 28-year-old founder of the Tainan Citizens' League, who gave only the nickname Jeff, said his group is working on a local map of potential high-risk military targets, including electrical substations, refineries and airports. It has also developed a mobilization plan for Tainan that would see members gathering at designated locations in the wake of an attack or disaster, before moving ahead with further evacuation or disaster relief operations. Women taking the lead Liu Wen, an assistant researcher at the Institute of Ethnology at Taiwan's Academia Sinica said the civil defense movement is likely a coping mechanism in the face of anxiety over a possible invasion. "That anxiety isn't going to go away for most people, but it can be organized and transformed," Liu said. "It can be turned into proactive energy, allowing people to start preparing, rather than just crying out in fear." Participants study aerial photos during the Kuma Academys Operation Magpie. (Chen Hsiao-wei for RFA Mandarin/The Reporter) She said she has found that civil defense groups are often dominated by women, who have largely been left out of official defense and national security plans. Figures from Kuma Academy and the Forward Alliance back up Liu's research, with women making up some 60% of Kuma Academy trainees in 2023, and around 70% of Forward Alliance volunteers. "Taiwan's national defense and civil defense systems have long excluded women," Liu said. "Women haven't had the opportunity to learn about military issues. The only way they could do that would be to join the military." She said women actually make ideal community leaders in disaster rescue and civil defense operations. "They understand their own needs and those of their families very well, so they pay attention to detail, and are more efficient when preparing supplies," Liu said. "They're also more accustomed to cooperating with others." A member of a Self-Training Group in the northern city of Taoyuan who gave only the nickname Emily is a full-time mother of two who doesn't always make it to every session, but she already has an evacuation plan for her family. Her home has floor-to-ceiling windows in the vicinity of the Taoyuan Railway Station that is an obvious hazard in the event of war, earthquake or typhoon, so she has designated a safe area away from the window, where she stashes emergency supplies. She also knows how she will get her kids out of the 10th floor apartment with the family's supplies, and the route they will take to their local evacuation point. Participants triage, treat and transfer injured patients during a simulated Forward Alliance rescue training event in Taipei. (Hsu Shih-kai for RFA Mandarin/The Reporter) None of her family is very interested when she tries to talk to them about it, however. "They thought I was kicking up a fuss about nothing," she says, adding that she tells them that the Self-Training Group is just a fitness club. "I stay quiet and keep my anxieties to myself," Emily says, adding that she did try to broach the topic again during the recent earthquake in Japan. Training oneself A fellow Taoyuan group member, a 27-year-old banker who gave only the nickname Davis, said many group members develop their skills independently, then share them with the rest of the group. He is already a certified life-saver, a junior EMS and a Combat Casualty Care assistant, training he undertook in his own time and at his own expense. "My life over the past year has been all about being in class," he says. "Almost no rest days." Meanwhile, in Hsinchu county, the Shufeng Disaster Prevention Self-Training Group, who have a high proportion of parents with school age children, have been practicing carrying their kids on their back to train for a possible evacuation scenario. Taoyuan Self-Training Group member Chuang Yu-wei practices resuscitation techniques on a computerized training dummy. (Hsu Shih-kai for RFA Mandarin/The Reporter) Shufeng group member Yeh Hsin-mei a pseudonym as she didnt want to be identified is a 52-year-old dentist, whose kids are both grown. She holds Advanced Cardiac Life-saving Surgery Pre-hospital Trauma Life-saving Surgery certificates that are only available to medical practitioners, and frequently shares her skills and knowledge with the group. She has already been called to public service -- during the early days of the pandemic in Taiwan. "I was mobilized to help with rapid testing during the COVID-19 [restrictions]," Yeh says, adding calmly: "If there is a war, I will very likely be drafted." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. This report was jointly produced by RFA Mandarin and The Reporter, a Taiwan-based investigative magazine. The names of Emily, Jeff, Davis and Yeh Hsin-mei have been changed at their request. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and North Koreas Premier Kim Tok Hun tour typhoon-affected farms in Anbyon County, North Korea, in this undated photo released by North Koreas Korean Central News Agency on Aug. 17, 2023. North Korea has formally launched a party committee dedicated to the development of its economically challenged rural regions. This initiative comes as local areas are dealing with economic difficulties stemming from sanctions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The inauguration of the committee followed just about a week after the countrys leader Kim Jong Un made a rare public acknowledgement of the dire state of his countrys economy, urging ruling party officials to take immediate action. In the midst of actively promoting organizational work to thoroughly and perfectly implement transformative strategies for local industrial development, the non-permanent 2010 Local Development Central Implementation Committee has embarked on its official projects, North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency said Tuesday. The 2010 Local Development Policy refers to a measure announced by Kim earlier this month, aimed at improving the Norths struggling local economies. The measure involves constructing industrial factories throughout 20 counties across the nation each year, and ultimately improve the living standards of the North Korean people within the next 10 years. Led by a Presidium of the Politburo member of the ruling Workers Party of Korea, Jo Yong Won, the committee will oversee and guide the construction progress, including the design and construction of new local industrial factories, as well as the development projects for raw material bases, KCNA said. The importance of the newly established committee is reflected in the fact that Jo also holds a position as a secretary of the Secretariat of the WPK, a close associate and advisory body of the North Korean leader. Vice Premier Pak Jong Gun, whose main responsibility is overseeing the nations economy, was also included in the committee. Kim last week labeled the countrys ongoing economic problem as a serious political issue, saying that his government was unable to provide even basic necessities such as basic foodstuffs, groceries, and consumer goods to the local people. The overall local economy is currently in a very pitiful state, lacking even basic conditions, Kim said at a politburo plenary meeting last week, according to KCNA. North Koreas economy contracted for the third consecutive year in 2022, according to South Koreas Statistics Korea report in December. The latest available data showed a 0.2% year-on-year drop in North Koreas GDP in 2022, following a 0.1% decrease in 2021, and a 4.5% contraction in 2020. On a closer look, the countrys manufacturing industry shrank for six consecutive years since 2017, with it contracting 4.6% in 2022, according to the latest available data from the Souths central bank, Bank of Korea. The economic impact of this to the nation may have been severe as the sector accounts more than 20% of the Norths entire economy. A major mission of the committee is to revive the manufacturing sector. Establishing practical measures to solidify local raw material bases and ensure the normalization of production in local industrial factories is also one of the important tasks of the Central Implementation Committee, according to KCNA. Kim has been facing issues related to the economy and food shortages since he assumed power in 2012. These problems have been intensified recently amid the aftermath of COVID-19 and international sanctions. North Korea shut down its borders for the COVID quarantine at the expense of its trade with China, while it has continued its nuclear and missile development, putting its economy under the United Nations sanctions regime. Amid economic challenges, North Korea has recently been ramping up its military threats in the Korean peninsula. According to South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff Tuesday, the North fired multiple unidentified cruise missiles off its western coast at around 7 a.m. North Korea also test-fired submarine-launched cruise missiles Sunday, with Kim ordering officials to expedite his countrys nuclear submarine development. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn. The crash killed 3 majors, a captain, and a brigadier on board, according to the Karen National Union. A Eurocopter-356 was shot down by Karen National Liberation Army and joint forces in Kayin state on Jan. 29, 2024. The Karen National Liberation Army shot down a Myanmar junta aircraft, killing soldiers onboard, a member of the ethnic force told Radio Free Asia. The group shot a helicopter down in Kayin state while it was enroute to a battalion based in Myawaddy, near the Thai border, he said, asking to remain nameless for fear of reprisals. Two helicopters flew in at around 2:30 p.m. today, the Karen National Liberation Army member told RFA on Monday. They were targeted and shot with heavy weapons, missiles, drones, and cannons at the same time while they were landing. The Karen National Liberation Army and other allied forces killed five junta officers on board. The aircraft were a Eurocopter-356 flying alongside an Mi-35 attack helicopter, he said, adding that the Eurocopter was destroyed during the attack.The Mi-35 went back to the Mawlamyine-based Southeast Military Regional Command headquarters. It was fired at with a 0.5 [heavy machine gun] from Asia Road. We still dont know if it was hit or not, he said. The five killed included three majors, a captain, and Brig. Gen. Aye Min Naung, the Karen National Union announced on Monday night, adding that another onboard the helicopter was also injured. Karen National Liberation Army joint forces are seen in an undated photo. (Karen National Liberation Army) RFA contacted Karen National Union spokesperson Padoh Saw Taw Nee by phone for information on injured persons, but calls went unanswered. As of Tuesday afternoon, the military junta had yet to issue a statement confirming the attack. Apart from Aye Min Naung the commander of the 44th Light Infantry, Col. Soe Tun Lwin, acting commander of Light Infantry Battalion 9, and pilot Col. Toe Oo were among the dead, according to military sources quoted by The Irrawaddy website. Kayin state junta spokesperson Saw Khin Maung Myint told RFA he was not aware of the incident. A downed jet from the battle of Nam Hpat Kar in a picture released on Jan. 25, 2024. (Citizen Journalist) On Jan. 3, the Kachin Independence Army reported they shot down a military helicopter that was delivering rations to Nar Hpawt military camp in Waingmaw township, Kachin state. The group said the attack destroyed the helicopter and killed the regime soldiers on board. The Kachin Independence Army also claimed to have shot down a junta fighter jet on Jan. 16 near Nam Hpat Kar village in Kutkai township in northern Shan state. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. News reports in Thailand have connected Tun Min Latt to a Thai senator charged in a separate criminal case. Thailands Criminal Court in Bangkok is seen in this file photo. The court dropped drug-trafficking charges against a Burmese businessman who is under U.S. sanctions for his alleged ties to the Myanmar junta, during a hearing on Jan. 30, 2024. A Bangkok court dropped drug-trafficking charges on Tuesday against a Myanmar businessman with alleged links to the military junta who is under U.S. sanctions, and four Thai nationals, including the son-in-law of a Thai senator, citing insufficient evidence. After the Criminal Court issued its ruling, it ordered Burmese national Tun Min Latt and the other four released from jail, where they had been in custody since their arrest in September 2022. Among the Thais who were freed was Dean Young Gultula, whose father-in-law, Sen. Upakit Pachariyangkun, has been charged in a separate case for suspected involvement in a transnational crime organization, illegal drugs and money laundering. After careful consideration, [the court] found that the prosecutions evidence lacked sufficient weight to prove the defendants guilty of all charges brought against them, an excerpt from the ruling read. Furthermore, the evidence presented by the defense successfully refuted all allegations, leading to the courts decision to dismiss [the case]. In September 2022, Tun Min Latt and Dean Young Gultula were arrested by Thai police for alleged involvement in the illegal methamphetamine trade. According to a report by the Reuters news agency, Thai authorities picked up Tun Min Latt in Bangkok on suspicion of laundering drug money through the electricity trade between Mae Sai, a Thai town on the border with Myanmar, and Tachileik, a town in Myanmars Shan state. The Burmese businessman has investments in the hotel, energy and mining sectors, and is a close associate to Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the Burmese junta chief and 2021 military coup leader, according to Reuters, which cited three sources. During Tuesdays hearing, Tun Min Latt was brought to the court from jail to hear the verdict but did not speak to reporters after the ruling. Last March, the United States government put Tun Min Latt on a list of individuals and companies with ties to the Burmese junta to be targeted with sanctions. The U.S. Treasury Department alleged he was closely connected to Min Aung Hlaing, and that his companies had imported military weapons and equipment into Myanmar. In December 2023, prosecutors in Bangkok filed drug and money-laundering charges, among others, against Sen. Upakit Pachariyangkun. The senator, who posted 10 million baht (U.S. $287,000) bail after he was charged on Dec. 14, is scheduled to return to court on May 13 for the initial hearing in his case. Thai news reports have linked Upakit to Tun Min Latt. After Tun Min Latt was arrested in Bangkok in 2022, Upakit denied having any close relationship to the Burmese national, the Bangkok Post reported at the time. Upakit was appointed to the Thai Senate in 2019 by the military-led government of then-Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha. According to analyst Zachary Abuza, a regular contributor to BenarNews, documentation has linked Upakit and Tun Min Latt for 24 years. In a column published by BenarNews last year, Abuza said the two had owned companies together including The Myanmar Allure Group, which developed a hotel and casino, along with power companies including United Power of Asia and its Myanmar subsidiaries. Benar is an online news agency affiliated with Radio Free Asia. Myanmar nationals living in Thailand hold a picture of former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest marking the two-year anniversary of the military takeover that ousted her government outside the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, Feb. 1, 2023. Updated on Jan. 30, 2024 at 10:27 a.m. ET Nearly 400 women in Myanmar have been sentenced to prison, some for more than 20 years or even death for political offenses in the three years since the coup, a report by the Burmese Womens Union said. The report included high-profile women including ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi and documentary filmmaker Shin Daewe among the 398 women sentenced by the junta, which took control of the country on Feb. 1, 2021. The most recent high profile sentencing occurred on Jan. 10, when journalist and film director Shin Daewe, 50, got life in prison for ordering a drone online. When she went to pick up the drone on Oct. 15, junta soldiers arrested her on terrorism charges. She is a filmmaker, and she makes films. She bought the things she needed. I cant understand how it was connected to terrorism, her brother, Myint Thu, told RFA Burmese. Being shut up in prison will keep her from family and from making more films. It will be a loss for her, the family and the community, he said. I just want my sister to come back home. Most of the women were convicted under two laws: Section 50 (j), a counter-terrorism law, and Section 505 (a), a Burmese Womans Union, or BWU, official told RFA. The latter law was added to the penal code to the junta after the coup, and it can be used to punish comments or implications that the coup or the military is illegitimate, according to New York-based Human Rights Watch. Nearly 400 women, including documentary filmmaker Shin Daewe, have been sentenced to prison or death during three years of the military coup, according to Burmese Womens Union. Here is Shin Daewe speaking at the Wathan Film Festival in 2014. (Courtesy of Wathann Film Festival) Some were sentenced to 40 years in prison for contacting and donating to the resistance forces, the official said, asking not to to be identified for fear of reprisal. The junta also used Section 121 on high treason, the most popular legal provision being used to charge politicians; and section 124 on incitement to riot to charge the 398 women. The junta also outlawed bail after taking charge and has arrested more than 20,000 people, including more than 5,000 women since, mostly for political offenses. According to the records compiled by the BWU, of those arrested women, 39 were sentenced to life in prison and 16 face the death penalty. Additionally, two received sentences between 45 to 65 years, seven between 30 and 45 years, 27 between 20 and 30 years, 105 between 10 and 20 years, 205 between five to 10 years, 315 between one and five years, and two under one year. Martial law The junta has imposed a number of martial law areas throughout the country, and most of those arrested were tried and sentenced in military courts. According to martial law, political offenses can be given the death penalty, indefinite imprisonment with hard labor, or maximum punishment under the respective charges. An official from the Thailand-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, or AAPP, commented that the military council has purposely cracked down on women who had been participating in anti-regime peaceful protests that have been ongoing since just after the coup. "Why are political prisoners sentenced to long-term prison terms? The main reason is hatred, the official said. Its quite clear about the junta. To be frank, they want to kill the people who are against them. Though many of the people arrested and unfairly sentenced are men, women are participating in anti-junta movements at a very high rate, he said. We see women side-by-side with men and against the regime in all ways. The regime hates it very much, the official said. They crack down on women unjustly because they hate them so much. It seems like they are taking revenge. He added that the junta filed charges as they pleased, and when imposing sentences, the judges themselves were only making orders according to the instructions from the junta. But the juntas spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun told RFA in 2022 that only those who are guilty are punished in accordance with law. However, he also said that a person who just donated a single kyat to any anti-junta cause could face imprisonment of at least 10 years or even the death penalty under the counter-terrorism laws. According to Aung Myo Min, the human rights minister for the shadow National Unity Government, made up of former lawmakers ousted by the coup, the military courts deprive people of their right to defend themselves. Does a person get his or her legal rights during this kind of legal process, court hearings and passing judgements? Im sure they wont get it, he said. The military courts have no independence. You dont have the right to call witnesses or the right to defend. If you look at it, if a person is unjustly arrested, his or her legal rights are denied. Translated by Htin Aung Kyaw. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. Update describes Myint Thu as Shin Daewe's brother. For an attention-grabbing speech to the 2022 U.N. climate conference, a Tuvalu cabinet minister stood on one of the atoll nations smallest islands and predicted it could be the first to be submerged by rising seas. The filament of land, known as Te Afualiku, however has more than tripled in area over the past century, geomorphological research shows. The entire land area of Tuvalu a two-hour flight northeast of Fiji increased by 2.9% over four decades despite sea levels around it rising twice as fast as the global average. The increase resulted from land growth outpacing erosion on nearly all of its islands. The findings are part of a dataset of more than 1,100 coral reef islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans that shows most of them have kept pace with sea-level rise likely due to the intrinsic ability of reefs to build the islands that sit on them. The body of research runs counter to a fatalistic narrative about small island nations. Popularized by media coverage, some scientific modeling based on the most pessimistic assumptions, and at times by island leaders in their efforts to galvanize donors, it voyeuristically portrays the low-lying atolls as doomed to disappear within decades and their people as inevitable and helpless climate refugees. In a hundred years there will still be islands in all these countries and people living on them. But the configuration of those islands is going to be looking different to what it currently is, Paul Kench, an expert on changes in tropical coastal environments, told Radio Free Asia-affiliated news organization BenarNews. This Dec. 6, 2021 photo shows high-tide flooding and debris covering the road to the airport in the Marshall Islands capital Majuro after storms and tidal surges caused flooding in Pacific island nations. (Chewy Lin/AFP) Kench said his research shows there is no correlation between sea level rise about 24 centimeters (9.4 inches) since 1880 and changes in reef islands. To track the changes it uses satellite imagery as well as geological markers left by reef islands as they gradually move or alter in size. About a third of the islands studied by Kench and other scientists decreased in area over different timeframes that range from a decade to more than a century. They were predominantly uninhabited and small, from 0.1 to 1.0 square kilometers (up to 0.4 square miles) in area and their erosion or movement was in keeping with natural change in reefs. Despite the ability to adapt, atolls and the hundreds of thousands of people who live on them still face significant threats from a hotter planet. Its uncertain whether they can continue to keep up with sea-level rise, which has accelerated in recent decades. Depending on what scenario unfolds for the carbon emissions that drive higher global temperatures, the ability of coral reefs to produce the sediments that underpin island building will be impaired or collapse the latter still, some scientists say, an unlikely eventuality. Deeper water over reefs means stronger waves and also a higher likelihood of events where storm surges wash over the low-lying atolls and inundate the urban centers that have filled slivers of land such as already flood-prone Majuro in the Marshall Islands and Fogafale in Tuvalu. Governments of atoll nations increasingly see land reclamation and other engineering as the answers to projected sea-level rise. At the last U.N. climate conference, in December, the Marshall Islands announced it would cost U.S. $35 billion to raise the height of all its atolls. We call it our survival plan, said John Silk, a Marshall Islands politician. The financial implications of adapting to climate change are immense. We are looking at expenses in the billions to safeguard our homes, our culture and our future, he said, according to a video of the climate conference presentation. The plan requires a robust climate finance strategy and the solidarity of the international community. We urge developed nations to join us in this endeavor. This undated image shows a seven-hectare land reclamation that added about 5% to the area of Fogafale, the principal island of Tuvalus Funafuti, atoll following its completion in November 2023. Tuvalus longer-term plans for land reclamation call for doubling the size of Fogafale by reclaiming 3.6 square kilometers (1.4 square miles) from the lagoon. (Courtesy of Hall Contracting) The Marshall Islands, home to about 40,000 people, says it should make decisions between 2040 and 2050 on which islands to protect, based on what data shows is happening to sea level, and consolidate infrastructure and social services on. It would carry out island engineering between 2050 and 2070 to protect against a future sea-level rise of two meters (6.56 feet). One scenario is to move the people on Majuro and Ebeye atolls 70% of the population to different raised-up islands. Last month, Tuvalu Finance Minister Seve Paeniu told BenarNews the country was seeking $1.3 billion for land reclamation that would create a long-lasting refuge for the countrys 10,000 people. The money would go into doubling the size of the most populated island, Fogafale, by reclaiming 3.6 square kilometers (1.4 square miles) from the lagoon and linking Fogafale to two smaller islets. Contingent on financing, the first phase could start in 2025 and would involve moving the airport runway that dominates the center of the island, he said. Tuvalus plans for Fogafale also double as a solution to some of the problems that stem from its small land area and urbanization. The relocated runway, for example, is envisaged as a rainwater catchment that could ease the islands persistent shortages of fresh water. The plan forecasts that half of Fogafale will be flooded at high tide by 2050 and nearly all of the island by 2100. Its assumptions are based on the most pessimistic but not inevitable scenario for emissions and related sea-level rise developed by the U.N.s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. If you think about it from the perspective of how do I best safeguard my home and youve got one shot to do it, I can get behind engineering for the more extreme variable, said Alex Wegmann, a marine scientist at The Nature Conservancy. Because it could happen or something close to it could happen and you dont want to have a once in a generation investment not be enough, he said. Seve Paeniu, the Tuvalu minister of finance and economic development (second from right), speaks during a press conference at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 11, 2023. (Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters) Wegmann works on the rehabilitation of Palmyra Atoll, a remote reef in the Pacific without permanent inhabitants that was significantly altered by the U.S. military during World War II. Land reclamation, such as that proposed by Tuvalu, also runs the risk that the atoll loses its ability to adapt naturally, he said. Largely left alone since the end of the war, Palmyra has rebounded into an abundantly rich marine world and become an example of how an atoll environment can thrive. It is also a site for long-term conservation experimentation. Since 2019, conservationists have been injecting herbicide into coconut palms to kill them and make more space for native vegetation that seabirds prefer to roost in. It doesnt mean island nations should abandon their copradried coconut meatindustries. The idea is that supporting the seabird population will result in more pooped out nutrients for the reef, underpinning its resilience. What were doing on Palmyra is hopefully going to be informative to atolls but we dont envisage it as a carbon copy scenario because of the uniqueness of it, Wegmann said. In December, 10 scientists, including Kench and Wegmann, put their names to a scientific journal opinion piece that criticized the prevailing pessimism about atolls. They called for more research into measures in parallel to the international efforts to reduce planet-warming emissions to keep reefs healthy. In interviews, some of the co-authors said land reclamation was part of the arsenal but shouldnt be seen as the only option. Climate change, ocean warming, marine heatwaves, theyre all jeopardizing coral reefs but whats tipping the scales between recovery and collapse is in most cases local factors, said Sebastian Steibl, a conservation biologist at the University of Auckland. Reefs that are healthy, they can rebound and recover from these marine heatwaves. But if on top of that we also get sewage release, we get dredging, we get destructive reef practices, these are the corals that really collapse under these marine heatwaves, he said. The rubbish dump on Tuvalus most populated island, Fogafale, is pictured in this screen grab from video shot on May 19, 2023. Scientists say the ability of coral reefs to renew the islands that sit atop them is threatened by warmer seas and human activities. (Stephen Wright/BenarNews) Arthur Webb, the UNDPs technical adviser on Tuvalus land reclamation plan, rejects the idea that natural island building and its uncertainties is a realistic strategy for populated atolls. Storms and cyclones that can dump huge quantities of coral rubble on reefs and islands are known to be part of the island-building process but are untenable for communities, he said. The land reclamation plan for Fogafale, he said, is an engineering solution and will mostly replace natural processes no apologies. Its a viable solution to a problem of immense magnitude to the people of Tuvalu. But crucially it is 100% commensurate with the scale of the problem science tells us they face, Webb said. It will provide a reliable, stable, safe platform that will allow reasonably safe living for a known time horizon, he said. Nothing else comes close. Among the significant uncertainties for atoll nations, according to the Marshall Islands plan, are lack of understanding how reefs will respond to continuing human-driven changes in the climate and what interventions work. Not much is known about adaptation on atolls because there has been little investment in research, it said. Pilot studies are needed, for example, to identify whether nature-based measures will be able to keep pace with an accelerating rate of sea level rise. Kench said he was surprised by his joint initial research in about 2010 of some 30 reef islands that showed them growing in size. The findings were criticized, he said, so the research was expanded. I show people what the islands are doing. People dont like that message quite often. And then they say what I say is controversial, he said. Because it cuts across what an island government might be wanting internationally to portray themselves as. The data, he said, should become the basis for predictive tools that help atoll nations plan amid sea-level rise. We would never suggest this isnt challenging for island communities, but if you stop and look at how islands are changing, that puts you in a much more powerful position to make decisions, he said. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization. Hanoi and Manila signed agreements to better manage incidents and foster maritime cooperation amid rising tensions at sea. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., left, and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, right, look on as Philippine Coastguard Commander Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan and Vietnamese Coastguard Commander Le Quang Dao exchange signed documents in Hanoi, Vietnam Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. UPDATED at 11:56 A.M. ET on 01-30-2024 Vietnam and the Philippines on Tuesday signed two memoranda of understanding on cooperation in the South China Sea during the visit by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Hanoi, the Philippine Presidential Communications Office said. One covered incident prevention and management in the South China Sea. The other was on maritime cooperation, the office said in a news release. A memorandum of understanding, or MOU, is a non-binding agreement that clarifies the parties intentions and working relationships. On incident prevention and management the two nations agreed to enhance coordination regarding maritime issues bilaterally, within the ASEAN and with other dialogue partners, with both sides intensifying efforts to promote trust, confidence, and understanding, through dialogue and cooperative activities, the office said. The MOU on maritime cooperation is aimed at strengthening the understanding, mutual trust, and confidence between the two parties through development of a Joint Coast Guard Committee to discuss common issues and interests between the two coast guard forces. A hotline communications mechanism will be established between them, it added. No further details were provided. Both Vietnam and the Philippines are claimants in the South China Sea, alongside China, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. As the risk of escalation caused by competing claims arises, the ability to resolve mutual disputes amicably demonstrates strength and non-interference of a third party, according to Pooja Bhatt, an independent maritime security analyst. This is a good solid step even before you face a common challenge or threat, she said. It will also set precedence for other similar maritime disputes that South China Sea littorals face, added the Delhi-based analyst. Carl Thayer, a veteran Vietnam expert from the University of New South Wales in Canberra, Australia, called the MOUs a positive development because the Philippines and Vietnam are strategic partners, though their relationship has not lived up to its fullest potential. The fact that they're talking about how their coast guards can interact is important because coast guards are there to help and protect fishing and fishermen, good order at sea and enforce international law, he told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday. So, in a sense, theyre both asserting that even though they have a dispute, under international law and UNCLOS [the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea] if they cant reach an agreement, they can enter into an arrangement of a practical nature, he said. Risk of provoking China President Marcos is in Hanoi on a two-day state visit, during which hes set to meet with Vietnams top leaders the president, the prime minister and the chair of the National Assembly but not the general secretary of the Vietnam Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, who is believed to be in poor health. Marcos is the first Philippine head of state to visit Vietnam in nearly a decade, after a visit by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2016. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., right, and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong inspect honor guards during a welcome ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnam Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. (Hoang Thong Nhat/VNA via AP) Before leaving for Hanoi on Monday, the president said that maritime cooperation would be one of the cornerstones of the strategic partnership which we are going to forge with Vietnam. The two countries in 2015 established a so-called strategic partnership, the only such association the Philippines has with an ASEAN member state. Vietnamese media, while covering Marcos movements in Hanoi extensively, have not reported on details of the maritime cooperation agreements, which analysts say may risk provoking China. The official Vietnam News Agency only said that the two sides pledged to maintain and foster peace, security, stability and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. Beijing claims most of the South China Sea and Chinese vessels have recently had tense confrontations with Philippine coast guard ships near some atolls also claimed by Manila. You can see most of the statements about the South China Sea have been issued by the Philippines and not Vietnam, said a Vietnamese analyst who wished to stay anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue. Manila is keen to get Hanoi involved to form a united front [against China] but Hanoi does not want to publicly show that, the analyst said. Nguyen The Phuong, a Vietnamese security analyst, said Vietnam adapted a cautious approach to its agreement with the Philippines. The Philippines wanted to have some mechanism similar to those they had had with the United States, Japan and Australia, and Vietnam did not want China to paraphrase Hanoi-Manila relations, especially the ones related to South China Sea issues, in an anti-China direction, he said on Tuesday. Bilateral cooperation Another Vietnamese analyst, however, hailed the agreements on maritime cooperation as a clever move in breaking Chinas dominance by peaceful means. China has been stalling the negotiations for a Code of Conduct [COC] in the South China Sea but step by step Vietnam and other neighbors could cooperate to work out a COC for ASEAN, Dinh Kim Phuc, a well-known scholar, said. Beijing may retaliate by increasing maritime patrols near Vietnams oil fields such as the Vanguard Bank, but I dont think they will react more than that, Phuc told RFA. Back in November 2023, President Marcos said during a livestreamed event that his country is seeking separate risk-reducing agreements with Southeast Asian neighbors. We have taken the initiative to approach those other countries around ASEAN whom we have existing territorial conflicts with, Vietnam being one of them, Malaysia being another and to make our own code of conduct, the president said. Chinese media, meanwhile, have warned of further risks of conflict should the cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines target a third party and harm others' interests. The state-run Global Times said that if Vietnam and the Philippines cooperate in certain areas to the detriment of China's interests in the South China Sea, it will only irritate the situation in the South China Sea and make the risk of conflict higher. Chinese coast guard ships block Philippine coast guard BRP Cabra as it tries to head towards Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea during a rotation and resupply mission on Aug. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) In a related development, ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Luang Prabang, Laos, on Monday also discussed the current situation in the South China Sea. We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety, and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, the blocs ministers said in a joint statement. Some of them expressed concern on the land reclamations and activities, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions, and may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region without naming any country. We emphasized the importance of self-restraint in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states, the statement said, calling on all countries to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan. Adds comments from Carl Thayer and Nguyen The Phuong. In a move set to tighten government control over practicing religion in China's western Xinjiang Province, the Muslim-majority region will introduce a set of regulations that -- among other things -- will require all new places of worship to reflect "Chinese characteristics and style." The sweeping legislation will come into force on February 1 as part of a broader multiyear campaign aimed at controlling religion in Xinjiang, which is home to mainly Muslim ethnic groups such as Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and Hui (aka Dungans). As part of the new set of "regulations on religious affairs," all new mosques, churches, and other religious buildings must reflect Chinese design elements and any renovations to extant layouts will require approval from Xinjiang's regional authorities. Additional measures include controls on "large-scale" religious gatherings -- which will require approval from the local government at least one month in advance -- and that religious content posted online must be screened by the regional government. The rules also say for the first time that interpretations of religious doctrine must "meet the requirements of contemporary China's development and China's outstanding traditional culture," a move that experts warn could further cement an ongoing crackdown against Uyghur and minority rights in the region. "The move is significant, as it's about cutting off China's religions from international networks and communities and keeping them socially and politically isolated under the watch of the Chinese Communist Party," Bradley Jardine, managing director of the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, told RFE/RL. China has been accused of systemic human rights violations in Xinjiang, including launching a dragnet that sent more than 1 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other Muslim minorities to detention camps and prisons. A growing body of evidence -- including firsthand testimony and leaked official Chinese government documents -- support the accusations, which range from forced labor to sexual abuse, forced sterilization, and erasing Uyghur cultural and religious identity, including the tearing down of mosques and other religious sites. These actions have drawn accusations of genocide from international rights groups and several Western governments. In 2022, a UN report found China was committing "serious human rights violations" in Xinjiang that may amount to crimes against humanity. China has denied any human rights abuses in the region and says that its policies in Xinjiang are designed to counter extremism and terrorism. Against this backdrop, local activists are worried about the lasting effects of these policies as the new rules come into force. "Religious rights have long been restricted in Xinjiang," Bekzat Maksutkhan, the director of Naghyz Atazhurt, an unregistered organization in Kazakhstan focused on ethnic Kazakhs affected by the crackdown in Xinjiang, told RFE/RL. "But this law is the legalization of all those previous actions." What Does The New Law Mean? Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the communist government's atheistic ideology has led to consistent efforts to suppress and control religion inside the country. But while previous legislation has governed religious practices inside Xinjiang, experts say that the new legislation marks a significant escalation, demanding not just control but a specific reflection of "Chinese characteristics and style" in religious buildings and customs. According to the regulations set out for Muslims, religion should not interfere in "clothing, weddings, funerals, and other ethnic customs" and "religious activity sites that are newly built or renovated, expanded, or rebuilt should reflect Chinese characteristics and style in terms of architecture, sculptures, paintings, and decorations." Claims of Chinese authorities altering or pulling down mosques in Xinjiang are not new, with a 2020 report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute documenting the destruction and renovation of mosques in Xinjiang, finding two-thirds were changed, mostly since 2017, when Beijing accelerated its crackdown and expanded its camp system. A 2023 report by the watchdog group Human Rights Watch used public documents, satellite images, and witness testimony to show that the Chinese government had expanded its campaign of closing and altering mosques to regions other than Xinjiang, as part of an official policy known as "consolidation." As part of this, local authorities have removed architectural features of mosques -- such as Arabic-style domes and minarets -- replacing them with traditional Chinese designs to make them look more "Chinese." Authorities in Beijing have rarely commented on this policy, but a June 2022 report by the Chinese state news outlet CCTV praised the removal of such architectural features as "protecting traditional heritage." The new regulations look to formalize and build on these policies. Beyond the rules on mosques, the law looks to expand the authority of the Islamic Association of China, the official government supervisory organ for Islam. The state body will now be the only organization that can organize activities related to the hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, and only mosques and individuals that are members of the association will be allowed to participate. The law also calls on religious leaders to transmit a "patriotic" spirit to followers and stipulates that religious schools should instill Chinese characteristics, such as praising socialism and using Mandarin Chinese, in their teachings. "China is trying to justify its crimes in Xinjiang to the world and the international community to make their crimes appear legitimate," Yerbol Dauletbek, the head of Atazhurt Eriktileri, another organization in Kazakhstan that helps ethnic Kazakhs, told RFE/RL. "This law is one of them." Why China Targets Religion The ruling Chinese Communist Party has viewed religion as a form of foreign influence that could undermine its authority and has looked to control and suppress all major religions in the country. China's overall policy has been called "Sinicization," which requires religious groups to align their doctrines, customs, and morality with Chinese culture. The government also has strict rules for all religions, with provisions in its national law saying that it is illegal for minors 18 years or younger to attend religious services or celebrations or be taught about religion in any way. Government pressure has been particularly targeted toward religions that Beijing views as foreign, such as Islam and Christianity -- both Protestantism and Catholicism. Authorities have in the past removed crosses from churches and had others demolished. Christianity in China is also governed by several sets of rules. Christians are allowed to worship in "official churches" registered with supervisory government agencies, although millions of Christians in China still worship in underground churches. Since Xi Jinping became leader of the Communist Party in 2012, Beijing has tightened control over Christian activities outside of registered venues, shutting down churches that refuse to register and arresting prominent church leaders. Buddhism -- particularly Han Buddhism, the most widespread branch practiced in China -- has been treated more leniently by Chinese authorities, but the government has cracked down on Buddhists in Tibet. Beijing has tried to cement allegiances there and discourage support for the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist leader living in exile in India. Chinese officials have also been accused of carrying out "political reeducation" campaigns, separating children from their families, and have torn down thousands of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, monuments, and statues. A similar approach to that practiced on Buddhism in Tibet has also been applied to Islam in Xinjiang. When Xi last visited the region in August, he called on officials there to conserve "hard-won social stability" and to "more deeply promote the Sinicization of Islam and effectively control illegal religious activities." "When we say Sinicization, the broad core is aimed at cutting [these] world religions off from the world," Jardine said. "And [instead] keeping them locally grounded, tied to the Communist Party, and politically neutralized." Written and reported by Reid Standish in Prague with reporting by Ruslan Medelbek of RFE/RL's Kazakh Service Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has approved its new strategy for 2024-2026 that is aimed at enhancing the emirate's economic performance and sustainable growth, driven by knowledge and innovation and contributing to the realisation of its strategic priorities, reported Wam. Established in 2021, DIEZ aims to play a vital role in promoting economic growth in the emirate over the next three years. It seeks to follow an economic roadmap aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, supporting the D33s ambitious vision for achieving sustainability, creating a vibrant market characterised by an array of investment opportunities, and promoting a future-ready business-friendly environment capable of adapting to changes and trends in diverse sectors. The plan will further strengthen DIEZs mandate to promote Dubais standing as a leading regional and international destination for investment across various categories, thus contributing to the realisation of the emirates strategic priorities with respect to integrated economic zones. DIEZ focuses on three strategic pillars: excel, grow, and enrich. Underpinning its commitment to excel are three priorities: strengthening DIEZs contribution to Dubais non-oil economy, advance as a market leader across its business portfolios, and creating a remarkable experience for clients, enabling their growth and success. In the context of the grow pillar, DIEZ aims to pioneer the next high-growth industry economic zone in Dubai, invest in high-value businesses along the value chain, and position DIEZ as a leading global player in the realm of economic zones. The enrich pillar will focus on elevating DIEZs value proposition through a range of new, high-quality products and services, besides contributing to building a sustainable future by adopting responsible environmental, social, and governance practices. Unveiling the new strategy, DIEZ Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the plan will further strengthen its mandate to promote Dubais standing as a leading regional and international destination for investment across various categories, thus contributing to the realisation of the emirates strategic priorities with respect to integrated economic zones. "Our new DIEZ strategy is built on an integrated framework based on careful planning that aims to improve the quality of services provided to businesses, investors, and companies from all sectors and of all sizes. Our objective is to enhance the vital role of free zones as a major contributor to the local and national economy," he stated. "This reinforces our commitment to strengthening Dubais position and that of the UAE as a global partner and an attractive, influential economic hub. These efforts are carried out in accordance with national directives and plans, in cooperation with our partners from the public and private sectors," he added. According to him, DIEZ's purpose highlights its commitment to enable businesses, enhance lives, and foster a vibrant economy. At the same time, its aspiration aims to open a new world of infinite economic opportunities based on a set of core institutional values including togetherness, a passion to make a difference, affinity through cultivating relationships, customer success and a futuristic vision by encouraging forward-thinking and retaining an innovative mindset, stated Sheikh Ahmed. Executive Chairman Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni pointed out that the approval of DIEZ 2024-26 strategy was an important step towards achieving the vision of Dubai's wise leadership, said the Wam report. "We aspire to make Dubai a preferred destination for investors worldwide and solidify its role as an essential link within the global trade network. This will be achieved by focusing on three strategic cornerstones: achieving excellence, growth, and enriching the economic landscape, as well as placing investors at the top of our priorities by striving to achieve their aspirations and providing products, services, and solutions that exceed their expectations," noted Al Zarooni. "The strategy serves as a roadmap for DIEZ to open a new world of infinite economic opportunity. We plan to leverage the promising potential within the emirate and work alongside our strategic partners to elevate it to greater levels of efficiency and effectiveness. This, in turn, will be advantageous to businesses and investors by applying best practices and providing top-tier support and services to Dubais economic community across various sectors," he added. The word libido comes from the Latin libido, which means desire or lust. In psychology and medicine, the term is used to denominate a persons sexual desire, a yearning that leads men and women alike to seek a full and satisfying sexual relationship. When you look at the term through this lens, libido seems to be a simple matter, but the truth is that an infinite number of myths have sprung up around it throughout history. Among these, one of the most common is the belief that men always have sexual desire and women do not. More and more researchers are pointing out, however, that female sexual desire is in the midst of a pleasure revolution that is intent on doing away with the stigma and guilt that women have traditionally felt for having an active libido. Ana Lombardia, author of the book Hablando con ellos. La sexualidad de los hombres heteros [Talking with them: Heterosexual mens sexuality] (Oberon, 2022) explains that the panorama is changing markedly, throughout many countries. We are living an authentic revolution of female sexual pleasure in which women are asking for sexual relationships that are pleasurable for them, too. Women no longer want to just be penetrated. Sexologist and general health psychologist at Madrid therapy organization Centro TAP, Ana Antelo Pousa, says that words like guilt and shame show up a lot in her consultations with women who come to her with worries about having a powerful libido. In our society, feminine desire could not be demonstrated, women were the ones who had to be courted and there was a very intense stigma to which women were subjected when they expressed their desire. Take, for example, the figure of the femme fatale. From tradition came stigma, and stigma brought guilt along for the ride. But that hasnt always been the case. Sexuality has evolved with the mentality of human beings. Thats how Coral Herrera Gomex explains it in the book La construccion sociocultural del deseo y el erotismo [Sociocultural construction of desire and eroticism]: Desire and eroticism are human impulses that determine our way of relating to others and to the objects around us. They have always been extolled as part of the mysteries of life in poetry and literature, especially during the 19th century, when the Romantics expressed their desires and the frustration they felt over not being able to reach the object of their passions. This is why desire is a political, social and economic construction that varies according to country and historical epoch. This human quality is innate, but learned: eroticism is determined by our emotional and relational structures; we inherit those structures mainly through culture, says Herrera. Until now, explain researchers, sexual relations have always centered on the mans pleasure. Sex took place when he wanted it, and women complied, says Lombardia. Nowadays, the expert explains, its necessary that both people involved feel sexual desire for the encounter to take place, which has had the effect of diminishing the amount of sex we have: its no longer only about what he wants. Its impossible to measure sexual desire with any exactitude, but we can get an idea, and based on the conclusions of diverse studies, it appears that couples are giving less and less importance to desire and sex, explains sexologist Ana Garcia. Feminine desire could not be shown, women were the ones who had to be courted and there was a very intense stigma to which women were subjected when they expressed their desire A pan-European study conducted by Yougov for Gleeden, Infidelity and the evolution of relationships in Spain and Europe in 2022, suggests that only 25% of Spaniards are really satisfied with their sex life. Garcia says that if 75% of the people in the study do not find solutions for improving their sex life, desire will disappear. There are studies that show that people are having less sex now than they did 50 years ago. Specifically, the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles found that in 1990, couples between the ages of 16 and 64 made love five times a month, a number that dropped to four times in 2000 and three in 2010. This means that over the course of 20 years, the number has dropped by 40%. Myths that characterize women as passive entities who can only wait around until they are hunted down by a man have had negative impacts on men themselves. So much so, explain psychologists consulted for this article, that the thought that they should always want sex is undermining mens sense of their own masculinity: it worries them. A supposed lack of manly impetus is already the second most common reason why younger men go to sexual health specialists, second only to premature ejaculation, according to sources contacted for this article. Sexuality and psychology expert Alberto Alamo says that the cliche persists that men always want sex and women always have a headache. This is a myth that does not line up with the number of men who come to his office looking for help with flagging sexual desire. The main problem is not lack of desire, but rather the change men go through once their relationship has been established. Once that first phase of falling in love passes, this problem can arise. Men are very visual and are more excited by novelty, says Alamo. In his practice, he sees proof every day of how the pressure on men to maintain a high libido leads to erectile dysfunction issues: When we get them to relax and remove the pressure that society places on them, the penis can usually become erect again. Lombardia says that sexual relations based on penetration dont excite the majority of women, who in many cases have stopped having this kind of sex because they have discovered that they can have a good time on their own. In this vein, sexologist Antelo says the sex toys have decentralized erotic desire for the penis. Nowadays, women can be at the center of pleasure. Today, we dare to speak of sexuality and to enjoy it without shame. Sexual desire depends on how relaxed the woman is Sexual desire is characterized by two factors: The first is subjective, what for one person can be high sexual desire may not be enough for another. On the other hand, it can be influenced by a variety of factors: biological, psychological, social and environmental, explains Garcia. Low sexual desire among women has never been taken seriously enough, and due to that fact, there are almost no scientific studies on the subject. Nonetheless, some factors that can influence a loss of desire are hormonal. Birth control pills, for example, can cause a loss of libido as a side effect. Lombardia says that its paradoxical that women take hormones to be able to have sex, when those same pills can take away their libido. Other factors that can alter levels of sexual desire are stress, not getting enough rest and anxiety. Womens pleasure expert Andrea Aguilar says that the body always asks for more of what it likes. If a sexual encounter is pleasurable, well always want to repeat it. Vladimir Putin has claimed a fifth presidential term with a landslide victory in a tightly controlled election that has been condemned by the West as neither free nor fair as the Russian leader seeks to prove overwhelming popular support for his full-scale invasion of Ukraine and increasingly repressive policies. With 99.75 percent of ballots counted, Putin won another six-year term with a post-Soviet record of 87.29 percent of the vote, the Central Elections Committee (TsIK) said on March 18, adding that turnout was also at a "record" level, with 77.44 percent of eligible voters casting ballots. The 71-year old Putin -- who has ruled as either president or prime minister since 2000 -- is now set to surpass Soviet dictator Josef Stalins nearly 30-year reign to become the longest-serving Russian leader in more than two centuries. "This election has been based on repression and intimidation," the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told journalists in Brussels on March 18 as the bloc's foreign ministers gathered to discuss the election, among other issues. The March 15-17 vote is the first for Putin since he launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that has killed tens of thousands of Russians and led to a clear break in relations with the West. In holding what has widely been viewed as faux elections, Putin wants to show that he has the nations full support, experts said. The vote was also held in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, where hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers are located. Moscow illegally annexed the regions since launching the invasion, though it remains unclear how much of the territory it controls. The Kremlin's goal "is to get as many people as possible to sign off on Russia's war against Ukraine. The idea is to get millions of Russian citizens to retroactively approve the decision Putin single-handedly made two years ago," Maksim Trudolyubov, a senior fellow at the Kennan Institute, wrote in a note ahead of the vote. In remarks shortly after he was declared the winner, Putin said the election showed that the nation was "one team." But Western leaders condemned the vote, with the White House National Security Council spokesperson saying they "are obviously not free nor fair given how Mr. Putin has imprisoned political opponents and prevented others from running against him." British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said "this is not what free and fair elections look like," adding in his message on X, formerly Twitter, that illegal elections have also been held on occupied Ukrainian territory. The French Foreign Ministry said Putin's reelection came amid a wave of repression against civil society. It also praised in a statement the courage of "the many Russian citizens who peacefully protested against this attack on their fundamental political rights." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Putin has become "sick with power" and he is just "simulating" elections. "This imitation of 'elections' has no legitimacy and cannot have any. This person must end up in the dock in The Hague [at the International UN Tribunal for War Crimes]," Zelenskiy said on X. Putin's allies were quick to heap praise on the Russian leader for his election success. China, one of Russia's most importants allies, congratulated Putin, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian saying President Xi Jinping and the Russian leader "will continue to maintain close exchanges, lead the two countries to continue to uphold long-standing good-neighborly friendship, deepen comprehensive strategic coordination." Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi called Putin's victory "decisive," the state news agency IRNA reported. WATCH: Leading psychiatrists discuss how excessive power can impact brain functioning and what the impulse for total control reveals about the mind and personality traits of authority figures. Putin was opposed by three relatively unknown, Kremlin-friendly politicians whose campaign was barely noticeable. The main intrigue was whether Russians would heed opposition calls to gather at polling stations at noon on March 17 to silently protest against Putins rule. Russian media had reported in the months leading up to the election that the Kremlin was determined to engineer a victory for Putin that would surpass the 2018 results, when he won 77.5 percent of the vote with a turnout of 67.5 percent. The Kremlin banned anti-war politician Boris Nadezhdin from the ballot after tens of thousands of voters lined up in the cold to support his candidacy. Nadezhdin threatened to undermine the narrative of overwhelming support for Putin and his war, experts said. Independent election observers were barred from working at this years presidential election for the first time in post-Soviet history, experts said. Russian elections have been notorious for ballot stuffing and other irregularities. The vote was also held in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, where hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers are located. The United States called the elections neither fair nor free. 'Noon Against Putin' With options to express resistance severely limited by the lack of competition and repressive laws, opposition leaders called on voters opposed to Putin to gather near polls at noon to show the Kremlin and the country that they were still a force. Russia's opposition movement suffered a serious blow last month when Aleksei Navalny, Putins fiercest and most popular critic, died in unclear circumstances in a maximum-security prison in the Arctic where he was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism widely seen as politically motivated. Long lines formed at polling stations across Russia's 11 time zones at the designated time for the "Noon Against Putin" protest, including in Novosibirsk, Chita, Yekaterinburg, Perm, and Moscow among other Russian cities. "We're not really expecting anything, but I'd somehow like to make a record of this election for myself, tick the box for myself, so, when talking about it later, I could say that I didn't just sit at home, but came and tried to do something," said one Russian who came to vote at noon. "The action has achieved its goals," Ivan Zhdanov, the head the Anti-Corruption Foundation formerly headed by Navalny, said in a YouTube video. "The action has shown that there is another Russia, there are people who stand against Putin." The Moscow prosecutor's office had earlier warned of criminal prosecution against those who interfered with the vote, a step it said was necessary due to social-media posts "containing calls for an unlimited number of people to simultaneously arrive to participate in uncoordinated mass public events at polling stations in Moscow [at noon on March 17] in order to violate electoral legislation." Lawyer Valeria Vetoshkina, who has left the country, told Current Time that if people do not bring posters and do not announce why they came to the polling station at that hour, it would be hard for the authorities to legitimately declare it a "violation." But she warned that there were "some basic safety rules that you can follow if you're worried. The first is not to discuss why you came, just to vote. And secondly, it is better to come without any visual means of agitation: without posters, flags, and so on." Ella Pamfilova, head of Russia's Central Election Commission (TsIK), on March 16 said there had been 20 cases of people attempting to destroy voting sheets by pouring liquids into ballot boxes and eight incidents of people trying to destroy ballots by setting them on fire or by using smoke bombs. Russians living abroad also took part in the "Noon Against Putin" campaign, with hundreds of people lining up at 12 p.m. outside the Russian embassies in Sidney, Tokyo, Phuket, Dubai, Istanbul, Berlin, Paris, and Yerevan among other capitals. "It's not an election. It's just a fake. And so we're here to show that not Russians elect the current leader of Russia, that we [are] against him very severely, and that lots of people had to flee their country to be free," said Anna, a Russian citizen living in Berlin and who gathered outside the embassy in the German capital. Putin was challenged by Liberal Democratic Party leader Leonid Slutsky, State Duma deputy speaker Vladislav Davankov of the New People party, and State Duma lawmaker Nikolai Kharitonov of the Communist Party, none of whom opposed the war. The Russian leader had the full resources of the state behind him, including the media, police, state-owned companies, and election officials. In the winter of 1924, inhabitants of a small village near Tehran looked up as a metal-bodied airplane swooped in to land, bumped along a field, then collapsed in a cloud of dust after its landing gear broke. The pilot of the plane was Swiss aviator Walter Mittelholzer, who had received an invitation from the Persian government to deliver a new Junkers aircraft to the country, which would be renamed Iran in 1935. Kaspar Surber, a Swiss journalist who wrote a book on Mittelholzer, told RFE/RL the aviator was chosen for the flight to Persia in part to "popularize flying" through aerial images he would take there. Mittelholzer was famous at the time for becoming the first person to extensively photograph Switzerland's mountains from an airplane. In the 1920s, Surber says there was something of a "race" between German and British aviation companies to begin air services in Persia, making Mittelholzer's photography skills a key promotional advantage. A Swiss newspaper wrote of the aviator, "The Swiss people know what to expect from their Mr. Mittelholzer, who can not only pilot a plane across unknown countries but also photograph and film in flight." After their ignominious landing 40 kilometers outside of Tehran, Mittelholzer and mechanic Ernst Bissegger had a tense confrontation with villagers before help eventually arrived from the Persian capital and their aircraft was repaired. Mittelholzer and Bissegger's flight of more than 3,000 kilometers from Switzerland to Persia included a standoff with Turkish authorities who confiscated their plane, troubles with poor-quality gasoline purchased in Baghdad, and erroneous maps that forced them into the ill-fated landing during which their plane's landing gear collapsed. Mittelholzers initial impressions of the territory of Persia from above were of "areas that lie desolate and empty and wander past the observing eye for hours. Huge alluvial fans, piles of rubble, and deltas of saline rivers [that] characterize the country." Isolated settlements occasionally came into view as the pair flew over Persian territory. "Here and there a green patch shines," Mittelholzer wrote, "a space in the center of which features residents' mud huts rising on narrow and winding streets. Silver bands mark the irrigation channels at the edges of the gardens." Mittelholzer seized the opportunity to photograph Persia extensively from above in photographs that are now held by the ETH Zurich library. The Swiss aviator and photographer also made use of his camera on the ground to capture a country on the cusp of dramatic change under Reza Shah Pahlavi, a ruler who would become known as Persia's "modernizing strongman." At the time of Mittelholzer's visit to Persia, the country was without major rail or road networks, and camel caravans were still in use as a means of foreign trade, making air transport an enticing possibility for the country's rulers. With the aviation industry still in its infancy in Persia, Mittelholzer and Bissegger had the sky virtually to themselves as they swept low over urban centers to snap images that would soon stun European audiences. Mittelholzer predicted that aerial photography would play a significant role in documentary imagery of the future. "Another hitherto unseen world opens up before us. It is as if the Earth has thereby gained a new face, and man a new, unflawed eye," he wrote in 1928. After spending several weeks inside Iran, the two Swiss aviators eventually made the long trek back to Central Europe by car. Mittelholzer would later co-found a company that became Swissair, Switzerland's national carrier until 2002. He died in a mountaineering accident in 1937 aged 43. In a newspaper obituary, a friend noted that Mittelholzer's death in the mountains that he loved, and that had sparked his extraordinary career, had a certain tragic poetry: "They have embraced him 0n his last wanderings and claimed him, and perhaps he would not have wished for a better end, but alas it came all too soon, there was so much more for him to do." RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government. If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us. To find out more, click here. NEAR ROBOTYNE, Ukraine -- "To put it bluntly, we barely have enough strength to defend what we gained over the summer," Ihor, a battalion commander who took part in the liberation of Robotyne, the southernmost point Ukrainian forces recaptured in the Zaporizhzhya region in their counteroffensive last year, told RFE/RL. "And we gained it with great losses." A stocky man of 52 with an olive-drab kaffiyeh-style scarf around his neck, he supports himself with a walking stick. The piece of shrapnel from a Russian shell that hit him during fighting for the village is still lodged inside his leg. Over the 17 months the unit spent in southern Ukraine, hardly any of his soldiers escaped harm. Half of them died or suffered wounds that made further combat service impossible, he said. Now, five months after taking Robotyne, the only road leading to it is too dangerous to drive because of the proximity of Russian forces. The roar of artillery fire and the whiz of falling shells thunders over the snow-covered steppe. Dozens of drones hanging in the sky spot almost any movement and attacks come in minutes. Nearly two years into their full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops are on the offensive on almost all sections of the front line, including in the Zaporizhzhya region, where Robotyne is located, backed by an economy on a war footing. For the most part, Ukraine is holding ground despite uncertainty concerning Western aid, emptying ammunition stockpiles, and a manpower shortage. Halted Advance When Ukraine's widely anticipated counteroffensive aimed at breaking through toward Melitopol, Berdyansk, and the Azov Sea coast kicked off last June, the 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade -- which includes the First Battalion, led by Ihor -- was supposed to support the newly created NATO-trained and Western-equipped assault formations. But as the Ukrainian attempt at a quick and decisive attack with tanks and armored vehicles faltered, the brigade found itself at the forefront of what would turn out to be monthslong endeavors to break through a series of Russian trenches, anti-tank obstacles, and minefields known as the Surovikin Line. Its gradual southward advance started with the seizure of a strategic hilltop south of the town of Orikhiv referred to as "Position X" due to the shape of Russian fortification there. Russian troops held on through five assaults and were forced to retreat only after a surprise attack carried out during their shift change. Once they took it, the Ukrainians would not have held the position without ammunition left by the Russians, soldiers from the brigade told RFE/RL. After that, several Ukrainian brigades fought their way through Russian defenses for two months before they raised the national flag in Robotyne in late August. A month later they reported a breakthrough close to the neighboring village of Verbove, but since then their movement toward Tokmak, a strategic road-and-rail hub for the way to Melitopol, has stopped. According to Ihor, Ukraine's push forward was halted because unlike during the successful campaigns in Kharkiv and Kherson regions in autumn 2022, Russian forces expected it and prepared for it. He said that for his brigade, fighting against echelon formations on the mostly flat terrain with insufficient air support resulted in a loss ratio of 1:5 -- five Ukrainian casualties for every Russian killed or wounded in action. "If you think that after all this we are looking forward to a cease-fire, you are dead wrong: We will fight for every inch of the ground we took back," he said. 'Hardly Possible' Today "Position X" provides a viewpoint overlooking the territory reclaimed by Ukraine. To get to their positions, most of which were recaptured from Russians, Ukrainian soldiers must walk several kilometers on foot, usually early in the morning when the visibility is low. They spend days and nights in trenches and dugouts running along the shattered tree lines cutting through the flat landscape, havens that offer limited protection from artillery fire and drone-dropped munitions. The winter in southern Ukraine is relatively warm with temperatures fluctuating around zero degrees Celsius even as late as in January. The steppe wind, however, can be piercingly cold. Lighting a campfire or turning on an electricity generator risks detection by Russian forces. Since autumn, trenches have been plagued by swarms of mice and rats. They are crawling into soldiers' clothing, biting fingers, and causing sleepless nights. If not suppressed, the rodent infestation can spread rat-bite fever, which can cause soldiers to vomit and even bleed from their eyes. But these problems pale in comparison to the constant threat to life from Russian fire. According to reconnaissance soldiers from the 65th Brigade, Russian troops assault the first line of Ukrainian defenses two or three times on "quiet" days and around 10 times on "hot" days. Kit, a scout whose unit recently took six Russian soldiers captive, said he believes the attacks are carried out by inexperienced soldiers, including ex-convicts, and that they are often under the influence of drugs. It's hardly possible to fight in such conditions, an infantryman who goes by the call sign Dym -- Smoke -- and recently fought against attacking Russian forces, told RFE/RL. The Russians, he said, have an advantage in all types of weapons and feel like theyre at home here. Ukrainian artillery crews and drone teams try to prevent or stop these assaults. "Our job is to cover our boys in the first line," a mortar-team commander known as Rikki told RFE/RL as he walked out of a tiny dugout he has been sharing for over six months with two fellow soldiers, Winston, 26, and Batya (Dad), 48. At their position, one can tell that Ukraine's supply of shells has dwindled just by listening: For every 10 incoming Russian shells, the Ukrainians fire one or two. The team has been firing just up to five shells per day at Russian infantry, Rikki 28, told RFE/RL, adding: "We are fighting with what we have." After almost two years of fighting in the area, the two sides know each other very well. Docent, 25, the head of a Ukrainian tank unit, told RFE/RL that by now his team "knows the coordinates of all possible points on the enemy terrain." Two of his soldiers, Shakhist and Grek, both 54, counted that they have fired more than 1,000 rounds from their Soviet-era T-72 tanks. Both had been trained at a Soviet base in East Germany in the 1980s, and decades later both were mobilized shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was also stationed in East Germany in the 1980s with the KGB, launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. "It's not the most modern weapon, but it still does the job," Grek said, adding that drones, especially kamikaze drones, pose a great risk. Different kinds of drones have been increasingly used by both sides of the war in Ukraine due to their low cost and high accuracy, which allows pilots to target moving vehicles and infantry. They also play a vital role in the real-time observation of the battlefield and correcting artillery fire. But flying drones in wintertime gets difficult. The batteries of popular FPV drones have shorter lifespans in lower temperatures and thus they usually fly for no more than 30 minutes. Low visibility also limits their reconnaissance capabilities, a 30-year-old drone operator with the call sign Dzhyn (Genie) told RFE/RL. Minutes earlier, the team had lost a drone shortly after taking it up. Unlike most of the grounded drones that get jammed by Russian radio-electronic warfare systems, their drone was simply crushed by strong wind and cold temperatures. "It went to drone heaven," said Dzhyn's comrade Leshiy, 33. "They were made for wedding ceremonies, not for war." But drones, especially those equipped with night-vision cameras, have made warfare more dangerous than ever before. Even ground assaults are meant in part to force enemy troops to reveal their camouflaged positions to reconnaissance drones and make them vulnerable to attack from the air, soldiers from the brigade told RFE/RL. And according to Ihor, the warfare on Ukraine's southern steppes has reached an equilibrium impossible to break without a large number of resources or a technological leap. With a $61 billion package of mostly military aid stymied in the U.S. Congress and questions looming over future EU aid, it's unclear when those resources might come -- if they ever do. 'Low' Morale Moreover, as the war drags on and Ukraine struggles to reform its military enlistment system, the shortage of manpower is an increasingly acute problem. In December, the 65th Brigade was reinforced with the 57th Separate Rifle Battalion. The unit had spent the previous 13 months fighting in Bakhmut and other areas in the eastern Donbas region that have seen some of the most intense fighting of the war. Members of the unit spoke to RFE/RL at an abandoned school after their first fights in the Robotyne area. The 10 men, visibly exhausted and some of them in great physical pain, spoke candidly of discontent with their treatment by the military brass and army bureaucracy. Soldiers voiced anger at medical commissions, at the high-level leaders who decided to move them to the south, and at having to fight despite the losses and what they called a lack of weapons. "Had I known how the army would treat me, I would not have joined," said Mykola, 58, a soldier who volunteered to fight almost two years ago. The battalion suffered heavy losses and was not given time to recover, soldiers said. Most of its members, farmers and workers from the Chernivitsi region in the west, volunteered to fight. "Most of us joined driven by patriotism, and most are already dead," said a soldier with the call sign Lutiy, 41. It was an unintentional experiment with tragic results. Thousands of short people around the world received growth hormones extracted from the pituitary gland of cadavers. The treatment was discontinued around 1985, when it was discovered that these intramuscular injections could transmit the prions that cause the deadly Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which is similar to mad cow disease. Now, a new study reveals another undesirable effect of those therapies. A University College London research team believes that those treatments with pituitary hormones a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain transmitted Alzheimers disease to five people in the United Kingdom. These would be the first known cases of transmission of the disease. Some 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, which is linked to Alzheimers in most cases. The tragic and unintentional experiment could shed light on the mysterious mechanisms of the disease, which still lacks an effective treatment. It is common to find abnormal accumulations of two proteins beta-amyloid and tau in the brains of deceased patients. Led by neurologist John Collinge, the same research team warned in 2015 that they had detected suspicious beta-amyloid plaque in the brains of six people who died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease after receiving growth hormones. In 2018, they detected amyloid beta in batches of the hormone stored for decades and proved that these proteins caused dementia in laboratory mice. The Collinge research team is convinced that it has found the first five known cases of accidental transmission of Alzheimers disease. All those affected received growth hormones from cadavers, often for years, and began to show symptoms of dementia when they were between the ages of 38 and 55 years old, despite lacking the genetic variants present in other early cases. The finding was published on Monday in the scientific journal Nature Medicine. In 2015, early indications triggered worldwide alarm as a result of some erroneous headlines, especially in the tabloid press. The British tabloid Daily Mirror proclaimed on its front page: You can catch Alzheimers. The Collinge team emphasizes that cadaver hormone treatments were discontinued decades ago and that there is no evidence that beta amyloids can be transmitted in other contexts, for example, during activities of daily living or when providing routine care. However, the authors call for a review of the measures in place to prevent the accidental transmission of Alzheimers disease during invasive surgery. The instruments used in neurosurgery are the main concern; we must ensure that they are decontaminated, Collinge told EL PAIS. An international study conducted just over a decade ago found 226 cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease caused by growth hormone treatments from cadavers. Epidemiologist Fernando Garcia Lopez says that a hundred cases have been detected in France. Garcia Lopez, of Spains National Epidemiology Center, explains that there have been eight cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease caused by implants of dura mater one of the membranes that protect the brain after brain tumor operations in Spain. Since 1987, the epidemiologist explains, the dura mater obtained from cadavers has been treated with lye and the problem was eliminated. Almost 2,000 people in the United Kingdom received growth hormones obtained from cadavers between 1959 and 1985. To date, some 80 cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease caused by these treatments have been observed. The expected outcome, the researchers argue, would be to find more cases of Alzheimers disease in this group of patients. Epidemiologist Fernando Garcia Lopez notes that Spain has had a surveillance system in place since 1995, which analyzes whether patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease received growth hormones decades ago. Why has France had 119 cases and [Spain] has had none? Its a mystery, he says. In 1996, John Collinges lab showed that the new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease stemmed from the same strain of prions abnormal transmissible proteins that caused mad cow disease. The British neurologist believes that there are lessons from that prion disease that can also be applied to Alzheimers disease. Collinge and his colleagues hypothesize that beta-amyloids do not have a single profile, but are a cloud of diverse species, as is the case with prions. Ignoring that heterogeneity could lead to the emergence of resistance to early Alzheimers drugs. Neurologist Pascual Sanchez Juan is categorical. Alzheimers disease is not contagious. Caring for patients at home or in nursing homes does not imply any risk, he explains. Sanchez Juan is the scientific director of the Foundation Center for the Investigation of Neurological Diseases in Madrid, Spain. If we find out the specific strain, we will be able to better direct each patients treatment, but we have not yet been able to correlate this diversity of beta-amyloid plaque with the different clinical subtypes of Alzheimers disease, he laments. The expert, who belongs to the Spanish Society of Neurology, is optimistic: Alzheimers probably stems from many causes, but there are many mechanisms that we do not know. This new study is an unrepeatable scientific experiment. They unintentionally injected the pathology into the patients. Now they will be able to clarify things that would be impossible otherwise. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building is seen in Washington, U.S. September 28, 2020. A former contractor for the Internal Revenue Service who pleaded guilty to leaking tax information to news outlets about former President Donald Trump and thousands of the countrys wealthiest people was sentenced to five years in prison Monday. Charles Edward Littlejohn, 38, of Washington, D.C., had pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized disclosure of tax returns and return information. He gave tax information to two news outlets, The New York Times and ProPublica, between 2018 and 2020. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said she handed down the highest possible sentence to deter anyone else who might feel an obligation to break the law. Littlejohn apologized to the people affected and said he expected to face consequences. I acted out of a sincere, if misguided, belief I was serving the public interest, he said. Instead, my actions undermined the fragile trust we place in government. Defense attorney Lisa Manning argued for a lower sentence in line with typical guidelines for someone without a criminal record. Reyes, though, said the crime was extraordinary because Littlejohn targeted the president. When you target the sitting president of the United States, you target the office, she said. It can not be open season on our elected officials. She also sentenced Littlejohn to three years of supervised release and a $5,000 fine. Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said he was among those whose tax information was leaked by Littlejohn. He said the possibility it could be published affects his entire family and Littlejohn should have faced additional criminal charges from the Justice Department for exposing personal information just to harm people, he said. Justice Department prosecutors did not name the outlets in the charges, but the description and time frame align with stories about Trumps tax returns in The New York Times and reporting about wealthy Americans taxes in the nonprofit investigative journalism organization ProPublica. The 2020 New York Times report found Trump, who had broken with tradition and refused to voluntarily release his tax returns, paid $750 in federal income tax the year he entered the White House and no income tax at all some years thanks to colossal losses. Six years of his returns were later released by the then-Democratically controlled House Ways and Means Committee. ProPublica, meanwhile, reported in 2021 on a trove of tax-return data about the wealthiest Americans. It found the 25 richest people legally pay a smaller share of their income in taxes than many ordinary workers do. Both publications have declined to comment on the charges, and ProPublica reporters previously said they didnt know the identity of the source. The stories sparked calls for reform on taxes for the wealthy and calls for investigations into the leaking of tax information, which has specific legal protections. The IRS has said any disclosure of taxpayer information is unacceptable and the agency has since tightened security. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition An 18-year-old Taughmaconnell native is set to launch a campaign aimed at promoting youth turnout at local elections as well as encouraging more youth candidates to run. As a young person from County Roscommon, Sam Brooks said it was hard not to feel underrepresented in local politics. Having recently turned 18, he now wants to speak up for young people who may feel that their voice does not matter when it comes to politics. Almost 40% of Roscommons population is under the age of 30 and yet there is exactly one councillor sitting on Roscommon County Council who fits that description, he said. After the last General Election, one TD said that old age should not be a restriction for any job not least that of a TD. As the system currently stands, I believe that old age is not a restriction but a requirement to enter politics, he said. The 2023 Chairperson of Roscommon Comhairle na nOg (Roscommons shadow authority representing those under the age of 18) points out that almost two thirds of young people rate their trust in the Dail and local authorities as below a five out of 10 and is that really a shock to anybody? The reality is that young people do not see themselves reflected in this country's government. It is often claimed that we live in a free society and that young people can jump in when they want, and while this is true to an extent the reality is that there are very few people rushing to support young candidates and next to no political parties making their election a priority. Does this mean that old people should just get out of politics and move aside for younger generations? No, absolutely not. But it does mean that we should move to elect more young people, more women, and more minorities to positions of power. Everybody needs to be given an equal and fair chance, and as the system currently stands this is not a reality, he said. Sam said, despite all this, it was important to recognise what he describes as the hesitance of older generations regarding this issue. He argued that many of the older generation believed they would receive a significantly worse deal from a political landscape more representative of younger people, but it is worth asking in what way does the status quo benefit them? Pension rates in Ireland are below average compared to the generosity of many of our developed neighbours such as Finland, Italy, and Spain, and there is constant talk of raising the pension age yet again. In comparison, many younger politicians across the political spectrum are firm in their support for older generations, fiercely advocating for a freeze in the pension age and a rise to the state pension. Younger people have demonstrated their support for older generations both because they care about the quality of life of their parents and grandparents and because younger people will have to experience the effects of their policies 30, 40 or 50 years down the line. The Trinity College student, who is studying Sociology & Social Policy, contends that young people are not represented, and many forms of proposed representation are merely a formality on the part of government. Reports produced by youth groups and events supported by government such as the National Youth Assembly and Comhairle na nOg have shown the solid grasp young people have on policy and the issues facing not just themselves but also broader society. However, while some progress has been made in some areas such as increased broadband availability after the national broadband rollout, other areas like public transport continue to lag far behind with slow growth despite continued calls by youth for an improved public transport network. Sam believes something needs to change, and that change can only come if more young people start registering to vote, get involved in politics on a local and national level and maybe even run for office themselves. This works best when accompanied by older generations standing behind young people and contributing to their campaigns so that we can foster the next generation of politicians as people who care for all. Other groups also need to stand behind young people, by opening community groups to younger members along with political parties actively pledging to run and support more young candidates. Once we accomplish these goals the dominos will fall and I for one look forward to hopefully seeing a more representative county council after the elections in June. He is encouraging those of all ages who want to get involved and encourage youth turnout and youth candidates in Roscommon and surrounding counties to contact him on Whatsapp/Text at 085 187 1724 or by email at sam.brooks247@gmail.com Chandigarh Mayor Election 2024 News Today Live BJP vs AAP Congress INDIA Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Chandigarh administration to conduct mayoral polls on January 30. Chandigarh Mayor Election 2024 News Today: As directed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh mayoral polls were held on January 30 and Manoj Sonkar of the Bharatiya Janata Party has become the new Mayor of the city. According to information, as many as 8 votes were declared invalid due to which the calculations changed. Advertisement For the Bharatiya Janata Party, Manoj Sonkar was the candidate for the Mayor post while Kuljeet Sandhu was contesting for Senior Deputy Mayor and Rajinder Sharma was up for Deputy Mayor. For the Congress and AAP alliance, AAP's Kuldeep Singh was up for the Mayor post, while Congress' Gurpreet Singh and Nirmala Devi were up against the Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor, respectively. Earlier, the Chandigarh Administration had announced that the Mayor Election 2024 will be held on February 6 after the elections were deferred on January 18. Back then, Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh, had announced the new date for Chandigarh's Mayoral Polls which were earlier supposed to be held on January 18. As per the earlier order issued by Vinay Pratap Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh, "the meeting for the election of Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor will now be held at Assembly Hall of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation on February 6, 2024 at 11 am." Advertisement However, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Chandigarh administration to conduct mayoral polls on January 30. Notably, Chandigarh Mayor Elections 2024 was being considered the first round of 'The BJP vs INDIA' alliance ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This year, AAP and the Congress party formed an alliance under which, AAP fought for the mayor's seat while the Congress contested for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor posts. Advertisement In the 35-member Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, the BJP had 14 councillors while Aam Aadmi Party had 13 councillors, and the Congress had 7. On the other hand. the Shiromani Akali Dal had one councillor in the House. (For more news apart from Chandigarh Mayor Election 2024 News Today Live, BJP vs AAP, Congress, INDIA, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) China's National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) website quietly retracted its page featuring the proposed online gaming restrictions as of Tuesday morning. Following the news, the shares of online gaming companies such as Tencent Holdings (TCEHY) and NetEase (NTES) surged in the stock market. In December, China proposed some regulations to curb obsessive gaming by limiting in-game purchases and daily log-in rewards. The proposed regulations wiped off approximately $80 billion in terms of market value from two leading Chinese online gaming companies in Shanghai, Hong Kong and New York. However, after witnessing the repercussions of the announcement, the NPPA announced that it would make amendments to the draft after carefully studying the public feedback on the proposed rules. It also emphasized that the regulations were meant to promote "healthy development" of the gaming industry. Later, a key official of the Communist Party's Propaganda Department was removed over poorly handling the release of the online gaming rules draft. The country's biggest crackdown on online gaming came in 2021 when the government banned children from playing online games for more than a stipulated time on certain days. It also stopped granting gaming licenses for eight months. China approved a total of 105 new video games in December last year. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News British lending major HSBC Holdings Plc has been fined 57.42 million pounds by the Bank of England's Prudential Regulation Authority or PRA for failures in customer deposit protection identification and notification. The fine, the second highest imposed by the PRA, reflects the seriousness of the failings, according to the financial watchdog. The agency has fined HSBC Bank plc and HSBC UK Bank plc for historic depositor protection failings. The companies, over many years, failed to properly implement the requirements set out in the Depositor Protection Rules. Meanwhile, the PRA said it does not consider that the companies' breaches were deliberate or reckless. As per the Depositor Protection Rules, the companies are required to put adequate systems and controls, and governance, to ensure the integrity of critical information. Financial Services Compensation Scheme or FSCS relies upon these information to make prompt payments to depositors in the event of a firm failure. In a statement, the PRA noted that HSBC Bank and HSBC UK Bank failed to accurately identify deposits that were eligible for FSCS protection. The failings occurred for HSBC Bank between 2015 and 2022, and for HSBC UK Bank between 2018 and 2021. HSBC Bank's depositor protection failings were so significant the PRA determined that it had materially undermined the firm's readiness for resolution, it said. HSBC Bank also failed to be duly open and cooperative with the PRA in not alerting the agency over an around 15-month period about problems identified in the incorrect marking of accounts as "eligible" for FSCS protection. Sam Woods, Deputy Governor for Prudential Regulation and Chief Executive Officer of the PRA, said, "The serious failings in this case go to the heart of the PRA's safety and soundness objective. It is vital that all banks comply fully with our requirements around preparedness for resolution. HBEU fell far short of its obligations in this area, and failed to disclose its failings to us in a timely manner. These failures led to today's action, including the significant fine." The PRA noted that the fine was reduced by 15 percent due to the companies' cooperation throughout the investigation, including the early admission of certain rule breaches, and by further 30 percent as they agreed to resolve the matter. Without these reductions, the fine imposed by the PRA would have been 96.5 million pounds. The PRA's highest fine imposed to date was 87 million pounds on Credit Suisse in July 2023. In December last year, South Korea's financial regulator reportedly had imposed a fine of 26.5 billion won or $20.4 million on HSBC and BNP Paribas for engaging in illegal naked short selling. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Bluebell Capital Partners, a well-known activist European hedge fund, recently expressed its concerns over BP plc's energy transition strategy. The fund's leaders, Giuseppe Bivona and Marco Taricco, criticized BP's plan that projects a significant decline in oil and gas demand as unrealistic and raised doubts about the potential loss of market value and poor returns from the company's solar and wind farm projects. Bluebell emphasized the significance of BP's focus on areas where it can excel while avoiding ventures with low potential returns. The fund advocated for an increase in near-term oil production and a commitment to emissions reduction in line with societal expectations. BP has faced criticism from various stakeholders despite its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Bluebell Capital Partners asserted that BP's approach has negatively impacted its stock price and challenged the feasibility of its vision for a drastic decline in oil and gas demand. The former CEO of BP, Bernard Looney, who initiated significant changes within the company, departed amid allegations of improper personal relationships. However, under the leadership of Chairman Helge Lund and CEO Murray Auchincloss, BP continues to support Looney's strategy despite Bluebell's objections. Although Bluebell's objections carry weight, it holds a relatively small stake in BP and lacks the financial power to compel a shareholder vote. While BP had previously pledged to reduce emissions by 35-40%, it later revised this target to 20-30% as it navigates challenging market conditions. Amidst the pressure from activist investors, BP's approach to emissions targets remains uncertain. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News US President Joe Biden speaks during the South Carolina's First in the Nation Dinner at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, South Carolina, on January 27, 2024. President Joe Biden has made some strong claims over the past few days about shutting down the U.S.-Mexico border as he tries to salvage a border deal in Congress that would also unlock money for Ukraine. The deal had been in the works for months and seemed to be nearing completion in the Senate before it began to fall apart, largely because Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump doesnt want it to happen. A bipartisan bill would be good for America and help fix our broken immigration system and allow speedy access for those who deserve to be here, and Congress needs to get it done, Biden said over the weekend. Itll also give me as president, the emergency authority to shut down the border until it could get back under control. If that bill were the law today, Id shut down the border right now and fix it quickly. A look at what Biden meant, and the political and policy considerations at play: Where is Bidens tough talk coming from? Biden wants continued funding for Ukraine in the face of Russias invasion. Senate Republicans had initially said they would not consider more money for Kyiv unless it was combined with a deal to manage the border. As the talks have progressed, Biden has come to embrace efforts to reach a bipartisan border security deal after years of gridlock on overhauling the immigration system. But his statement that he would shut down the border right now if Congress passed the proposed deal is more about politics than policy. He is seeking to disarm criticism of his handling of migration at the border as immigration becomes an increasing matter of concern to Americans in the leadup to the presidential election. Would the border really shut down under the deal? No. Trade would continue, people who are citizens and legal residents could continue to go back and forth. Biden is referencing an expulsion authority being negotiated by the lawmakers that would automatically kick in on days when illegal border crossings reached more than 5,000 over a five-day average across the Southern border, which is currently seeing as many as 10,000 crossings per day. The authority shuts down asylum screenings for those who cross illegally. Migrants could still apply at ports of entry until crossings dipped below 3,750 per day. But these are estimates, the final tally hasnt been ironed out. Theres also an effort to change how asylum cases are processed. Right now, it takes several years for a case to be resolved and in the meantime, many migrants are released into the country to wait. Republicans see that as one reason that additional migrants are motivated to come to the U.S. The goal would be to shrink the resolution time to six months. It would also raise the standards for which migrants can apply for asylum in the first place. The standard right now is broad by design so that potential asylum seekers arent left out, but critics argue the system is being abused. Didnt Trump also threaten to shut down the border? Yes, and in far more draconian fashion. Trump vowed to shut down the U.S-Mexico border entirely including to trade and traffic in an effort to force Mexico to do more to stem the flow of migrants. He didnt follow through, though. The closet he came was during the pandemic, when he used emergency authorities to severely limit asylum. But trade and traffic still continued. The recent echoes of the former president by Biden, who had long argued that Trumps border policies were inhumane, reflect the growing public concern about illegal migration. But Bidens stance threatens to alienate progressives who already believe he has shifted too far right on border policies. Does Biden alredy have authority to shut down the border? House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Trump ally and critic of the proposed deal, has argued that presidents already have enough authority to stop illegal border crossings. Biden could, in theory, strongly limit asylum claims and restrict crossings, but the effort would be almost certainly be challenged in court and would be far more likely to be blocked or curtailed dramatically without a congressional law backing the new changes. What is the outlook for the proposed deal? Prospects are dim. A core group of senators negotiating the deal had hoped to release detailed text this week, but conservatives already say the measures do not go far enough to limit immigration. House Speaker Johnson, R-La., on Friday sent a letter to colleagues that aligns him with hardline conservatives determined to sink the compromise. The speaker said the legislation would have been dead on arrival in the House if leaked reports about it were true. As top Senate negotiator, James Lankford, R-Okla, said on Fox News Sunday, that after months of pushing on border security and clamoring for a deal tied to Ukraine aid, when were finally getting to the end, Republicans seem to be saying ;Oh, just kidding, I actually dont want a change in law because of the presidential election year. Trump is loath to give a win to Biden on an issue that animated the Republicans successful 2016 campaign and that he wants to use as he seeks to return to the White House. He said Saturday: Ill fight it all the way. A lot of the senators are trying to say, respectfully, theyre blaming it on me. I say, thats okay. Please blame it on me. Please. What happened to Bidens border efforts so far? Bidens embrace of the congressional framework points to how the administrations efforts to enact a broader immigration overhaul have been stymied. On his first day in office, Biden sent a comprehensive immigration proposal to Congress and signed more executive orders than Trump. Since then, he has taken more than 500 executive actions, according to a tally by the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. His administrations approach has been to pair new humanitarian pathways for migrants with a crackdown at the border in an effort to discourage migrants from making the dangerous journey to the U.S.-Mexico border on foot and instead travel by plane with a sponsor. Some policies have been successful, but the number of crossings has continued to rise. Hes also sought to make the issue more regional, using his foreign policy experience to broker agreements with other nations. Bidens aides and allies see the asylum changes as part of the crackdown effort and thats in part why they have been receptive to the proposals. But they have resisted efforts to take away the presidents ability to grant humanitarian parole -- to allow migrants into the U.S. for special cases during emergencies or global unrest. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition General Motors (GM) plans to change its product-line strategy by bringing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or PHEVs to the North American market, CEO Mary Barra informed the investors during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call. Barra said that the PHEVs, which include combustion engines coupled with battery technologies, will be rolled out on selected models in North America, to comply with the federal fuel regulations. Earlier, GM had started a plug-in electric vehicle line by introducing Chevrolet Volt in the 2010s. Later, it was discontinued in 2019 due to a lack of demand. Currently, the only hybrid model of GM in the U.S. is a traditional hybrid version of the Chevrolet Corvette. The change in production line is an attempt to steer clear of penalties related to the Biden administration's stringent laws on fuel economy and emission standards. In April, the U.S. government introduced tailpipe emissions standards to push EV sales to 67 percent by 2032. Further, in July the administration announced that it plans to cut vehicle fuel consumption almost in half by 2035. It proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards which require automakers to meet an estimated 58 miles per gallon average fuel economy by model year 2032. It also requires automakers to improve fuel efficiency by 2% per year for cars and 4% per year for light trucks beginning in model year 2027. Barra concluded, "GM remains committed to eliminating tailpipe emissions from our light-duty vehicles by 2035, but, in the interim, deploying plug-in in strategic segments will deliver some of the environment or environmental benefits of EVs as the nation continues to build this charging infrastructure." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Dr Chikezie E. Uzuegbunam presenting his research By The Division of Communications & Advancement Rhodes University proudly spotlights the ground-breaking work of one of its lecturers, Dr Chikezie E. Uzuegbunam, whose research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa has garnered international recognition. Funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, this journey began with a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Cape Town and has now reached an inspiring milestone at the 2023 African Studies Association (ASA) Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Dr Uzuegbunam was among the 20 fellows funded by Carnegie and recognised for outstanding scholarship in various disciplines. This prestigious cohort represents both Carnegies and ASAs vision of future-focused, multidisciplinary scholarship in Africa. Rhodes University is honoured to be represented among this elite cohort. Dr Uzuegbunams research, which aligns with the innovative "Afro-Futures" theme, presented a nuanced, contextualized view of AI, offering a decolonial perspective centred on the African context. This innovative approach to understanding AI's development and implications on the continent was recognised for its timeliness and relevance, addressing a topic that has been largely overlooked in global discussions. Of significance, the research highlighted the emergence of AI in Africa, with its applications spanning politics, poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and more. This evolving AI ecosystem, shaped by international tech giants and indigenous initiatives, aligns AI systems with African interests and culture. However, the exploration also revealed significant ethical, policy, and regulatory challenges, emphasising the need for a balanced and comprehensive understanding of AI's broader implications on fundamental rights and freedoms. During the ASA meetings, Dr Uzuegbunam delved deeper into the multifaceted nature of technology in Africa. The emphasis was on a multi-dimensional approach to studying technology, exploring its potentials and drawbacks, with the Humanities playing a crucial role in offering a more holistic perspective. The research identifies Mauritius, Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria as the front-runners in AI development in Africa. The research anticipates a vibrant African AI ecosystem led by young tech innovators and start-ups. Despite challenges such as dependency on Western models and a need for coherence in AI policymaking, the continent is poised for growth, especially with an increased educational focus on Data Science, AI, and Machine Learning. Looking ahead, Dr Uzuegbunam plans to actively engage in ASA's scholarly activities, including conferences, workshops, research collaborations, and publishing. This involvement will contribute significantly to understanding AI and its implications in Africa. Currently supervising MA students on AI's impact on South African journalism, Dr Uzuegbunam anticipates introducing AI components into the media and journalism curriculum, enriching the academic offering at Rhodes University. This journey underscores the university's commitment to cutting-edge research and highlights the significant role of African perspectives in the global AI discourse. KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2024 - 20:42 | All, Japan, World Japan's agricultural, fisheries and forestry product exports rose 2.9 percent in 2023 to a record 1.45 trillion yen ($9.9 billion), with increased shipment to the United States and Hong Kong making up for a decline in sales to mainland China, government data showed Tuesday. Despite rising for the 11th consecutive year, growth was heavily blunted compared to 2022's rise of 14.2 percent, hampered by China's import ban on Japanese marine products over the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, according to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. However, China remained Japan's top export destination and purchased 237.6 billion yen worth of goods in 2023, despite the figure falling 14.6 percent from the previous year, marking the first decline since 2011. Marine product shipments to the country saw a steep drop of 29.9 percent, with scallops, which had shown strong growth in recent years, dropping 43.6 percent. But scallop exports to the United States sharply expanded from September. Farm minister Tetsushi Sakamoto said at a press conference that some exporters are making good progress finding new markets for their products. Sales of pearls surged 92.0 percent, as demand in Hong Kong notably grew after a trade fair was held there in spring, with green tea seeing a 33.3 percent rise, supported by increasing demand in the United States and Europe, according to the ministry. Exports in the second half of the year fell 2.9 percent compared to the same period in 2022 due to China's ban. Sales of alcohol products to China such as sake and whisky also fell due to an economic downturn in the country. The Japanese government is helping businesses establish new sales routes and strengthen their supply systems, with the aim of meeting its target of raising annual agricultural and seafood exports to 2 trillion yen by 2025 and to 5 trillion yen by 2030. Related coverage: Japan business group seeks end of China seafood ban in talks with Li China seeks visa exemption treatment from Japan for diplomats Record 87% of Japanese "do not feel friendly" toward China: survey KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2024 - 19:16 | All, Japan The Supreme Court has rejected a 10th and likely final retrial request to review the 1961 murders of five women with poisoned wine in the central Japan city of Nabari. In a decision dated Monday, the top court rejected a special appeal for reopening the case involving Masaru Okunishi, who died at age 89 of pneumonia while on death row in 2015, some 43 years after his death sentence for killing the women, including his wife, was finalized. The latest petition was filed by Okunishi's sister Miyoko Oka, 94, with the defense team saying it would be her last due to her advancing years. Oka took up the case after her brother died midway through his ninth retrial request. The defense submitted the special appeal to the Supreme Court after the Nagoya High Court rejected it in March 2022. Four of the five deliberating justices said they were against holding a retrial. But Justice Katsuya Uga, an administrative law scholar, said they should reopen the case, becoming the first Supreme Court justice to express his opposition. Five women, including Okunishi's wife, died and 12 others were hospitalized after drinking poisoned wine at a community meeting on March 28, 1961, in Nabari, Mie Prefecture. While Okunishi initially told investigators he had laced the wine with a pesticide, he retracted his confession before his indictment. The Tsu District Court acquitted Okunishi in 1964, citing a lack of evidence. But the Nagoya High Court overturned the lower court ruling and sentenced him to death in 1969, a decision the Supreme Court upheld in 1972. In the latest petition, defense lawyers submitted as new evidence an expert report stating a fragment of the paper seal on the wine bottle's stopper showed traces of commercially available glue that differed from that used at the wine's manufacturing stage. They argued it showed the true culprit could have opened the wine at a location other than the crime scene, administered the poison and subsequently resealed the bottle. But the top court backed the Nagoya High Court's decision not to authorize a new trial on the basis the written expert opinion did not constitute new evidence. In the seventh retrial petition in 2005, the Nagoya High Court decided to reopen the case after finding there was a high possibility the pesticide Okunishi named was not used. However, the decision was nullified after prosecutors filed an objection. Related coverage: 1970s bombing fugitive may have worked in Kanagawa Pref.: sources Man sentenced to death over 2019 Kyoto Animation arson that killed 36 21-year-old man given death penalty for 2021 murder, arson in Japan KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2024 - 16:15 | All, Japan As Japan struggles to address the gender inequality that blights its international reputation, former Prime Minister Taro Aso has highlighted how far the country has to go with sexist comments made publically about Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa. In a speech Sunday in Fukuoka Prefecture, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party vice president gave his assessment of Kamikawa's appearance and referred to her as "obasan," which loosely translates as old lady, even while praising her diplomatic skills and performance on the world stage. "I wouldn't say she's particularly beautiful," he said before commending her for her ability to "speak confidently and organize diplomatic meetings without relying on aides." Compounding his inappropriate remarks, Aso also failed to use Kamikawa's correct name, calling her "Kamimura" on several occasions. Aso further remarked on Kamikawa's notable performance at the U.N. General Assembly in New York in September, shortly after her appointment as foreign minister, saying, "Even we were impressed by how this old lady managed so well." Kamikawa on Tuesday addressed the remarks obliquely, telling a press conference, "I am aware that there are various opinions and voices out there, and I am grateful for all of them." "My focus is on carrying out diplomacy that people understand and support, and I will continue to strive daily to this end," she added. But Professor Toko Tanaka from the University of Tokyo, a specialist in gender studies, criticized Aso's comments for perpetuating stereotypes that a woman's value lies in her looks and youth, noting that male politicians would not be subjected to such value judgments. Japan continues to lag in gender equality within the political sphere, with a dismal ranking of 138th out of 146 countries in the Political Empowerment subindex of the World Economic Forum's gender gap report. Experts stress the urgent need for a shift in approach, emphasizing remarks that discriminate based on gender, looks and age are unacceptable even when made privately. Unfortunately, the issue is not confined to the national politics in Japan. In a Mie Prefectural Assembly committee session last December, a male member commented on the appearance of two high school girls he saw at a local event, saying, "The two were very beautiful. I thought they scored 100 points without a doubt." A female councilor swiftly condemned the comments, saying individuals are unique and should be accepted for who they are. She expressed concerns about the impact of objectifying young people and called for the government to address the issue. Another female councilor from Fukuoka Prefecture, who was harassed by a male colleague, expressed dismay at Aso's comments, saying they were particularly "disturbing and shameful" coming from someone of his status. She warned that such attitudes being considered acceptable at the heart of politics deter women from pursuing legislative careers, underscoring the challenge of achieving more equality in a political system that forces women to regularly endure sexism. Related coverage: Ex-Japan PM Aso vows to maintain LDP faction as "policy group" LDP panel to seek faction disbandment in event of funds law violation Aso to keep faction as Japan ruling party grilled over funds scandal KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2024 - 09:08 | World, All Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations wrapped up talks on Monday, endorsing Thailand's initiative to set up a humanitarian corridor to provide aid for civilians displaced by the country's intensifying civil war, the regional bloc said. Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, who chaired the two-day meeting that started Saturday in Luang Prabang, said at a press conference following the meeting, also attended by a senior Myanmar military government official, that Thailand proposed the plan for the humanitarian corridor to safely deliver assistance to those displaced within Myanmar or who fled to Thailand. Myanmar, which will soon mark three years since the military coup that toppled the country's democratically elected government, sent its representative to a key ASEAN meeting for the first time since other members decided in October 2021 to allow only a nonpolitical representative from the country to attend. Saleumxay said the foreign ministers welcomed the presence of the senior official from Myanmar at the meeting. "We are sure the more we engage with Myanmar, the more understanding, the deeper understanding (we will have)" between Myanmar and other ASEAN members, as well as between the country and the international community, he said. According to Thai Vice Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, the Myanmar representative told the foreign ministers that the military government understands ASEAN's concerns over the situation in Myanmar, adding it endeavors to address the country's issues through cease-fire discussions with opposition forces. The military regime has violently suppressed protests against the Feb. 1, 2021, coup that ousted the government of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Since October last year, fighting between the military and rebel ethnic groups opposing the regime, as well as pro-democracy forces, has been intensifying. As this year's ASEAN chair, Laos has been more willing to engage with Myanmar's military regime. The junta initially sought to have a higher-ranking official, such as its foreign minister, join the meeting, but other ASEAN members rejected the plan. Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara told reporters that the assistance provision by Thailand would begin in late February after the junta and the Thai government designate the areas for the corridor connecting Myanmar and Thailand. Parnpree added ASEAN's organization for humanitarian assistance would observe the humanitarian corridor mission. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Related coverage: FOCUS: Myanmar junta threatened by armed opposition forces 3 yrs after coup Myanmar junta senior official attends ASEAN meeting in Laos Japanese, Cambodian leaders vow to bolster security cooperation KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2024 - 17:55 | All, Japan Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged Tuesday to take a leading role in restoring public trust and establishing a stable political base, as a slush funds scandal has sent shockwaves toward his ruling Liberal Democratic Party. In his policy speech during an ordinary parliamentary session, Kishida also said Japan "faces a crucial moment" in several areas, such as tackling the nation's flagging economy and responding to a powerful earthquake that struck the central part of the country on New Year's Day. Kishida's address comes amid allegations that some factions of the LDP, which he heads, are suspected of underreporting revenue from fundraising parties over many years and accumulating hundreds of millions of yen in slush funds to reimburse their members. Opposition parties are stepping up their offensive against Kishida in parliament over the money allegations, now the biggest issue during the 150-day ordinary session that began Friday. The political funds scandal, which led to criminal charges against several lawmakers and accountants of the factions, has driven the approval ratings for Kishida's Cabinet to their lowest levels since it was launched in October 2021. In his first policy speech since the scandal was revealed late last year, Kishida apologized for causing the public to "cast skeptical eyes" on politics. It is rare for a prime minister to touch on an intraparty issue in such an address at parliament. The LDP promised in internal reform proposals endorsed on Thursday to move away from factions as vehicles for securing funds and allocating key government and party posts for lawmakers. Still, the party allowed them to continue as "policy groups." Critics have voiced doubt about the effectiveness of the proposals, claiming that it is difficult to distinguish between factions and policy groups and that the LDP failed to hammer out substantial solutions to prevent the abuse of political funds. Kishida's speech drew heckling from many opposition lawmakers, with Kenta Izumi, chief of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, later criticizing the prime minister for failing to promise to get to the bottom of the allegations. Izumi told reporters after the session that he felt Kishida's remarks regarding the money scandal were "extremely insincere." Earlier Tuesday, the CDPJ and other opposition parties agreed to urge the LDP to question all of its lawmakers as to whether they have received slush funds from their factions. The parties also confirmed that they will ask executives of those factions to explain in parliament about their suspected involvement in the money scandal. As for the deadly magnitude-7.6 quake on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast, Kishida said the government will set up a panel under his leadership to facilitate recovery and reconstruction measures. Kishida said his government has recently decided to double the reserve funds to 1 trillion yen ($6.7 billion) in the draft budget for fiscal 2024 from April to provide emergency funds to grapple with the fallout from the quake, describing it as a "rare step." On the economic front, Kishida emphasized that reviving the Japanese economy remains the "biggest mission" of his administration, highlighting the significance of achieving wage hikes exceeding rising prices "by any means." As the government has called on private companies to raise wages for their employees, Kishida said in his speech that he will aim to realize salary hikes for workers in the medical, social welfare and public service fields, among others. Japan's core consumer prices, excluding volatile fresh food items, rose 3.1 percent last year, marking the fastest pace of increase in 41 years, official data showed earlier this month, as the cost-of-living crisis deepened without robust wage growth. Kishida also committed to strive to boost local economies that have lagged behind those in cities, reiterating that the government will maintain its goals of an annual 60 million foreign visitors and 15 trillion yen in inbound travel spending by 2030. In shoring up the tourism industry across Japan, it is necessary to ease the negative impact of "overtourism" that has triggered traffic jams, pollution, hindrances to residents' movement and other problems brought about by the influx of travelers, Kishida added. In diplomacy, Kishida, former foreign minister, said he will exert leadership "unique to Japan" for stability and prosperity in the world, as the geopolitical environment has become more "tense" following conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Kishida said Japan will cooperate with allies and like-minded countries, particularly with the United States, adding he will pay close attention to how the outcome of the U.S. presidential race in November will affect the international community. Regarding Asia, Kishida said he will advance the trilateral framework involving the United States and South Korea against North Korea's nuclear and missile development while noting that Japan has been seeking to build "constructive" relations with China. Kishida, meanwhile, said he will keep urging China to lift its import ban on Japanese seafood, which was implemented in the wake of the discharge of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant that began in August. With Russia's invasion of Ukraine dragging on, Kishida said Tokyo will bolster sanctions on Moscow and support for Kyiv. The Japanese government is scheduled to host a conference to promote Ukraine's economic reconstruction in Tokyo in February. Related coverage: LDP to negotiate political funds law revisions with other parties: Japan PM Public health's role in promoting routine immunizations has increased lifespans for all Michiganders. Norm Hess Public Health New public health laws regarding water system construction were passed in the 1930s. Restaurant and other health inspections are part of public health. HSBC bank has been fined 57.4m by the Bank of England after admitting serious failings in protecting customer deposits. The BoEs Prudential Regulation Authority said the Asia-focused bank failed to accurately identify deposits that were eligible for Britains Financial Services Compensation Scheme - which protects customer cash up to 85,000. It added that the fine was reduced from an original 96.5m after HSBC co-operated with the PRA's investigation. The failings occurred for HSBC Bank (HBEU) between 2015 and 2022, and for HSBC UK Bank between 2018 and 2021. The serious failings in this case go to the heart of the PRAs safety and soundness objective. It is vital that all banks comply fully with our requirements around preparedness for resolution," said PRA chief executive Sam Woods. "HBEU fell far short of its obligations in this area and failed to disclose its failings to us in a timely manner. These failures led to todays action, including the significant fine. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2024 - 08:17 | World, All In war-torn Myanmar, an offensive launched in late October by an alliance of three ethnic minority rebel groups in the country's northern region has posed the biggest challenge to the military since the Feb. 1, 2021, coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. Together with offensives by other ethnic rebel groups and the militia of a parallel government formed by members of Suu Kyi's political party, the attacks threaten the military's grip on power three years since the coup. But observers caution that it is too early to expect the resistance forces to defeat the military because it still has authority consolidated in the junta chief and ethnic rebels have conflicting claims over territories. China, concerned about the conflict across its border, mediated between the two sides and announced ceasefire agreements in December and January. But the agreements fell through, with the alliance blaming the military's continued airstrikes and artillery firing. The intensifying civil war is making the already dire humanitarian situation in the country worse. Action on Armed Violence, a Britain-based organization, said 745 civilians were killed by explosive weapons in Myanmar last year, a 155 percent increase over 2022. When the three ethnic groups called the Three Brotherhood Alliance announced the ongoing offensive dubbed "Operation 1027" for its launch date, the alliance said, "We are dedicated to eradicating the oppressive military dictatorship, a shared aspiration of the entire Myanmar populace." Junta-appointed Acting President Myint Swe subsequently warned on Nov. 8 that Myanmar would be "split into various parts" if the junta fails to manage the situation. On Jan. 4, some 2,000 government troops in Laukkai, the capital of the Kokang ethnic group's self-administered zone in northern Shan State, surrendered to the Kokang militia, one of the groups of the alliance. Military soldiers are reportedly suffering morale deterioration due to exhaustion from relentless fighting. Aung Zaw, editor-in-chief of The Irrawaddy news website, wrote in a Dec. 29 commentary that more soldiers will defect from the military in 2024 when more offensives by the opposition forces are expected. "Soldiers will be forced to remain in their military quarters, lacking the will to fight, low on morale and disillusioned. They know the people hate them," he wrote. The alliance claimed to have taken hundreds of army outposts and seized over a dozen strategic towns in Shan State in October. Intense fighting has since spreading to the western state of Rakhine where the ethnic Arakan Army is fiercely attacking the military, gradually seizing army bases and junta-held towns. The People's Defense Force, the resistance force backed by the parallel National Unity Government, or NUG, has been collaborating with ethnic Kachin, Kayin and Kayah rebel groups. They have stepped up fighting in line with Operation 1027, capturing several towns in central Sagaing region and northwestern Chin State as well as Kayin and Kayah States in the southeast. Duwa Lashi La, acting president of the NUG, said in a social media post on Jan. 21, "The only way to root out the terrorist army...is through collaborative efforts of the ethnic armed groups and the Peoples Defense Force." The military staged the coup after the 2020 general election in which Suu Kyi's then-ruling party National League for Democracy won a landslide victory. The 78-year-old democracy icon has been detained since the coup and sentenced to decades of imprisonment. The junta initially promised to hold a general election after a one-year state of emergency, but it has since extended the period every six months, saying it needs more time to repulse the resistance forces. Although the Operation 1027 and other offensives have brought hope, some experts see predictions of the junta's collapse as premature. Morgan Michaels, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said in a January report that the impact of the military's territorial losses on morale could generate internal instability of the regime of Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing. "Yet any effort to sideline Min Aung Hlaing will be difficult. Since the coup, the junta leader has carefully consolidated his power by removing potential rivals from important positions," he said. Aung Zaw said the junta is not about to be toppled and expressed concerns over China as a mediator. "In the absence of an active Myanmar policy and consistent engagement from the West, China has grabbed the opportunity and attempted to broker a peace deal in the recent conflict, though the effort has yet to yield results," he said. "However, no one trusts China," Aung Zaw said, noting that it remains a key arms supplier to the regime. A 40-year-old local ethnic affairs expert in Myanmar, on condition of anonymity, said ethnic minority groups seem to view the anti-coup movement as a chance to achieve their decades-long goals of greater autonomy in their territories. "But in that setting, intra-ethnic and inter-ethnic conflicts could emerge due to overlapping territorial claims and historical communal tensions among them," he said. The civilian population continues to suffer as the number of displaced people by the end of 2023 stands at 2.6 million, U.N. figures show. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is expected to continue working for humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, according to Moe Thuzar, senior fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. Laos, as ASEAN's rotating chair, has appointed a special envoy on Myanmar, who visited the capital Naypyitaw in January. ASEAN and the junta in April 2021 reached a five-point consensus that included an ASEAN envoy meeting with "all parties concerned," presumably including Suu Kyi's NLD, but the military has not followed through on it. Among the displaced people is a 45-year-old woman from Moe Meik in Shan State who in January, as the military lost its base near the town and the sound of gunfire got closer to their home, fled the town to the central city of Mandalay with her family. "I heard some civilians who stayed behind in the town have died due to artillery" of the military, she said. "We don't want military rule, but we also want to see the war end as quickly as possible." Related coverage: Myanmar junta likely to send senior official to ASEAN meeting in Laos FOCUS: Japan urged to proactively engage with Myanmar as China steps in Myanmar junta, militias agree to cease-fire in China-mediated talks Motorola has introduced its newest affordable smartphone, the Moto G24 Power, in the Indian market. Belonging to the Moto G-series, this device features the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, providing a maximum of 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Constructed with a stylish acrylic glass build, the Moto G24 Power boasts a dual rear camera system, with a prominent 50-megapixel main sensor. Ensuring extended usage, it incorporates an impressive 6,000mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging for rapid recharging. 8,999 for the base model (4GB RAM + 128GB storage) and 9,999 for the top-end variant (8GB RAM + 128GB storage). Interested buyers can choose from Glacier Blue and Ink Blue colour options. Sales are set to begin on Flipkart and Motorola website, and select retail outlets. The Moto G24 Power runs on Android 14 with My UX on top. Its 6.56-inch HD+ IPS LCD features a 90Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 537 nits. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 SoC, the phone supports up to 8GB of LPDR4x RAM, expandable up to 16GB with RAM boost technology. In India, the Moto G24 Power is priced at8,999 for the base model (4GB RAM + 128GB storage) and9,999 for the top-end variant (8GB RAM + 128GB storage). Interested buyers can choose from Glacier Blue and Ink Blue colour options. Sales are set to begin on Flipkart and Motorola website, and select retail outlets. The Moto G24 Power runs on Android 14 with My UX on top. Its 6.56-inch HD+ IPS LCD features a 90Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 537 nits. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 SoC, the phone supports up to 8GB of LPDR4x RAM, expandable up to 16GB with RAM boost technology. Receiving over Rs 900 crore in funding this month, SpiceJet is directing its attention towards upgrading its fleet and implementing cost-cutting measures. The no-frills airline aims to navigate through challenging times. In an internal communication to senior staff, the airline highlighted its significant bank balance, which includes Rs 160 crore obtained as an installment through the government's Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS). The carrier, which had been facing multiple headwinds in recent months, has so far received around Rs 1,000 crore under the ECLGS. The latest installment came recently after its Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh infused funds into the airline, according to an official in the know. Singh, who has been helming the no-frills carrier, has so far put in Rs 200 crore out of the Rs 500 crore fund infusion that he had announced last year. The official stated that the airline has accumulated funds exceeding Rs 1,100 crore within a three-month period. Recently, the airline disclosed the receipt of the initial tranche amounting to Rs 744 crore as part of the total fundraising target of Rs 2,250 crore through the issuance of securities on a preferential basis. On December 12, the airline announced its intention to generate fresh capital amounting to Rs 2,250 crore through the issuance of securities. In a meeting with senior officials of the airline, Singh underscored the significance of prudent expenditure and affirmed his personal oversight of major expenses. As per the communication, the airline will give priority to upgrading its fleet, improving on-time performance, and instituting cost-cutting measures to streamline operations. The airline currently maintains an operational fleet comprising approximately 40 planes. Ongoing efforts are taking place in emerging sectors identified through the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR), which was established by both countries in September 2022, as stated by the Indian representative, Shilpak Ambule. "ISMR has identified specific pillars of cooperation and work is ongoing in these new fields of food security, digital transformation, green growth, skills and emerging technologies", the Indian High Commissioner to Singapore said here last night at the 75th Republic Day celebration reception. The ISMR serves as a forum led by leaders to investigate possibilities for collaboration that can be mutually advantageous, especially in light of the swiftly changing geopolitical landscape during the post-COVID-19 recovery phase and persistent disruptions in the supply chain. Josephine Teo, who holds the position of Minister for Communications and Information, Minister-in-charge of the Cyber Security Agency, and Smart Nation Initiative, was the Guest of Honour at the reception for India's 75th Republic Day. Singapore is an indispensable partner when it comes to these fields and active collaborations are ongoing, Ambule stressed. "India and Singapore are strategic partners, and share warm and friendly historical ties. We have had an intense year of political exchanges in our economic, financial and trade ties which continue to grow from strength to strength", Ambule said as he hosted the reception attended by Singapore government officials and invited diplomats, guests and the Indian community. "Singapore remains our largest source of FDI and our biggest trading partner in the ASEAN region. Our defence and security cooperation is the most understated area of exchange and the interaction and port visits have only increased", he observed. The envoy also shared the space sector collaboration between Singapore and India, having put in orbit a Singapore-made satellite last year on an Indian space vessel. The domestic stock market concluded positively on Monday, with the Sensex surging by 1241 points to reach 71,941, and the Nifty gaining 385 points to close at 21,737. Today's spotlight is on the following companies set to release their earnings for the December 2023 quarter on January 30: Larsen & Toubro, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Bajaj Finserv, PB Fintech, Arvind, Astral, Adani Total Gas, Blue Star, Cochin Shipyard, Coromandel International, Gillette India, JBM Auto, J Kumar Infraprojects, KEC International, KPIT Technologies, Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, Piramal Pharma, Keystone Realtors, Shyam Metalics and Energy, SRF, Strides Pharma Science, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company, Symphony, Triveni Engineering & Industries, VIP Industries, and Voltas. ITC ITC has announced a 6.5% increase in its consolidated net profit (attributable to owners) for the quarter ending on December 31, 2023. The net profit has risen to Rs 5,335 crore from Rs 5,007 crore in the same period last year. The consumer goods giant has benefited from higher demand for its products, which include cigarettes and noodles, among others. YES Bank Arun Agrawal has resigned as the Country Head of Institutional and Government Banking, citing personal reasons. The bank has accepted Agrawal's resignation, effective January 29. NTPC The largest power generation company in the country has reported a 2.1 percent year-on-year increase in standalone net profit, amounting to Rs 4,572 crore for the quarter ending December FY24. The growth was driven by weak operating numbers and lower topline. On the other hand, standalone revenue from operations in Q3 decreased by 4.7 percent to Rs 39,455.3 crore compared to the same period last year. Godfrey Phillips India The manufacturer of cigarette and tobacco products reported a net profit of Rs 212.4 crore during Q3, representing a 6.6 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. The revenue from operations also grew by 36 percent YoY, reaching Rs 1,250 crore for the quarter. Bajaj Finance Bajaj Finance has reported a 22.40% YoY increase in its consolidated profit for Q3 of FY24. The profit figure reached Rs 3,638.95 crore in Q3 FY24, up from Rs 2,973 crore during the same period in the previous fiscal year. The company's revenue from operations also grew by 31.28% to Rs 14,161.09 crore in Q3 FY24, compared to Rs 10,787.25 crore in Q3 FY23. Vodafone Idea The telecom operator posted a net loss of Rs 6,986 crore for the December quarter, against a loss of Rs 8,738 crore in the previous quarter. Revenue fell 0.4% sequentially to Rs 10,673.1 crore. Mahindra Logistics The company logged a net loss of Rs 16.4 crore from Rs 15.5 crore last year. Revenue climbed 5.1% at Rs 1,397.2 crore. However, EBITDA slipped 17.1% to Rs 52.2 crore, and margin dropped to 3.7% from 4.7% last year. Havells India The executive committee has approved an investment of up to $20 million in Havels International Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated in Delaware. The funds will be used to leverage new growth opportunities in the US. Marico The FMCG company clocked a 16% rise in consolidated net profit of Rs 386 crore in the December quarter, from a year ago despite a lower topline. Consolidated revenue from operations declined nearly 2% to Rs 2,422 crore. GAIL GAIL has reported a significant increase in its consolidated net profit, reaching Rs 3,193.34 crore in the third quarter of the financial year 2023-24, as a result of a softening in liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices from the previous year. In the same period last year, the consolidated net profit stood at Rs 397.59 crore. Furthermore, the net profit has sequentially risen by 31 percent from Rs 2,442.18 in the quarter ended September 2023. Piramal Enterprises The company has recently released its financial report for the December quarter. Unfortunately, the report revealed a consolidated net loss of Rs 2,377.6 crore compared to a profit of Rs 3,545.4 crore from the previous year. This was primarily due to an exceptional loss of Rs 3,539.8 crore from the company's investments in alternative investment funds. Furthermore, revenue from operations also fell by nearly 12% year-on-year to Rs 2,476 crore. Newgen Software The company's subsidiary has been awarded a seven-year project for digital product development, operational support, and related services to support the digitization of Singapore, with a total value of nearly Rs 97 crore. Dubai Chambers recently organised 14 training workshops on corporate tax that were aimed at increasing awareness in this area among the citys business community. Designed to enhance the readiness of companies to meet the compliance requirements of the UAEs corporate tax regime, the sessions were attended by 1,327 representatives from businesses across diverse sectors. Presented in three languages including Arabic, English, and Mandarin to cater to a wider group of entrepreneurs and businesses, the workshops ensured participants kept pace with the latest legislative developments and corporate tax compliance requirements. The interactive workshops created a platform for participants to engage in discussions on the corporate tax law and how it impacts companies operating in the UAE. Businesses gained a comprehensive understanding of the tax system together with key factors including exemptions, qualifying for exemptions in free zones, accounting standards, tax groups, and transfer pricing. Working in close collaboration with relevant entities to support the business community, Dubai Chambers served as the strategic partner of IMTITHAL, a corporate tax awareness programme was launched by the Dubai governments Department of Finance to deliver a series of informative workshops. In addition, the chambers supported a public awareness session on Corporate Tax held by the UAE Ministry of Finance. Dubai Chambers also organised a special workshop to provide an overview of the UAEs Corporate Tax Law to the commercial attaches of EU Diplomatic Missions in the country. The session was attended by 13 officials representing the interests of EU embassies and commercial attaches and provided an overview and key highlights of the new corporate tax regime. Several workshops were also organised in collaboration with leading local and international companies specialised in taxes, legal affairs, and accounting. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said: The introduction of corporate tax marked a key regulatory and strategic development in the national economy and is a top priority for all business sectors. The UAEs competitive Corporate Tax regime aligns with international best practices and further enhances Dubais position as a leading global hub for business and investment, as well as supporting the emirate's diversification agenda and sustainable economic development. Dubai Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to the private sector by improving the business community's ability to keep pace with legal and tax developments. The chamber helps companies to ensure their full compliance with applicable regulations, laws, and procedures while enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy. These workshops succeeded in providing detailed insights and practical guidance that contributed to enhancing the ability of companies in Dubai to meet their tax obligations. TradeArabia News Service KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2024 - 21:12 | World, All Hong Kong leader John Lee on Tuesday unveiled details of proposed security legislation intended to supplement the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. The legislation will cover treason and theft of state secrets, which are not covered under the national security law. The new law will prohibit foreign groups from conducting political activities and local organizations from establishing ties with them, a move designed to further crack down on dissent in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong government first proposed the legislation in 2003, called for under Article 23 of the Basic Law, Hong Kong's mini-constitution. But it was forced to shelve the bill as over 500,000 people took to the streets to protest against it. Lee said at a press conference that the government needs to defend the city from "potential sabotage." "Legislation for Article 23 of the Basic Law is something that we need...and have to do as soon as possible, because it is our constitutional responsibility," the leader said. Lee and government officials elaborated on criminal acts outlined in the new law, including cyber sabotage carried out to endanger national security. The current national security law took effect in June 2020 following anti-government protests in 2019. It criminalizes acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, but not treason or theft of state secrets. Under the sweeping national security law, dozens of pro-democracy activists, lawmakers and journalists have been charged. After soliciting public opinion until Feb. 28, the government aims to enact the law during the current session of the Legislative Council meeting, which will finish at the end of July, according to local media reports. Related coverage: FEATURE: 1st Hong Kong AV actress in Japan market breaking barriers Hong Kong police vow to pursue democratic activist Agnes Chow for life H.K. media tycoon Jimmy Lai's landmark national security trial begins STATEN ISLAND, NY -- On Friday, Staten Islands very own Chuck is set to come out of hiding to predict the arrival of the spring season. Dont worry if you dont know much about Staten Islands beloved celebrity or this fun family tradition. Here is your guide to everything you need to know about the annual Groundhog Day celebration. 1. The practice of the prognosticator The tradition of Groundhog Day is held on Feb. 2 every year. A designated groundhog is tasked with predicting the future of the winter season. If the creature sees its shadow, it is said that we will receive six more weeks of winter. If not, we are spared from a frigid few weeks and can expect an early spring. 2. Digging to the roots Groundhog Day can be traced back to Candlemas, an early Christian holiday where candles were blessed and distributed. If there were clear skies on the holiday, that would be sign of an extended winter. Germans eventually adopted the idea that if the sun made an appearance on this day, a hedgehog would cast a shadow and it would be a symbol for six more weeks of winter. Upon arrival in the states, German immigrants carried on the tradition and tasked the groundhog with the responsibility of predicting the winter season. The first place to adopt this practice was Punxsutawney, Pa., home of Punxsutawney Phil. 3. An aged seer Staten Islands own groundhog, Chuck, aka Charles G. Hogg, has been carrying the responsibility since 1981. His main rival, Punxsutawney Phil can be traced back to 1886. Despite the experience gap, Chuck has a leg up on his competitor. 4. Grounded guesses Unlike Phils 39% accuracy, as shown by the Stormfax Almanac, Chuck boasts a far more impressive number. According to the Staten Island Zoo, Chuck boasts an accuracy rate around 80%. Now thats something to write mama Hogg about. 5. Tallying it up To determine whether Chucks guess was right or wrong, the weather over the following six weeks is tracked. If the temperature climbs above 40 degrees, the day is determined to be atypical. At the end of the six weeks, the total number of typical and atypical weather days is tallied up. If the number of atypical days exceeds those that are typical, it will be deemed an early spring. If not, there would have been six weeks of winter. 6. Popular with politicians Staten Island Chuck is something of a local celebrity. Maybe he isnt buying ferries or dating Kim Kardashian, but he does shake hands with a famous face every now and then. Every Groundhog Day, Chuck is visited by politicians and other local officials. Hes seen the likes of Gov. Kathy Hochul, former Mayor Bill de Blasio and former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, although he has his gripes with the latter two. 7. Closed off Chuck As Mayor Michael Bloomberg tried to coax Staten Island Chuck out of his den, Chuck bit his finger before predicting an early spring at the Staten Island Zoo on Feb. 3, 2009. video still / Michael Mcweeney STATEN ISLAND ADVANCESTATEN ISLAND ADVANCE Chuck has seen quite a dramatic decade for the likes of a groundhog. After biting Bloomberg in 2009, Chuck thought the worst was behind him. However, after de Blasio dropped a groundhog stand-in named Charlotte in 2014, nothing has been the same. After the incident, the Staten Island Zoo in West Brighton adopted a policy in which only the official handler could hold Chuck. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. After taking home top honors in a nationwide designer competition, Anjela Drobot of High Society Salon garnered the title of Beauty Envision Awards Bridal Style 2023 Winner at a prestigious annual competition for beauty industry professionals in Las Vegas. Described as the ultimate competition for innovative stylists looking to elevate their skills, showcase their creativity and envision the next era in the business of beauty, the event was staged at the Aria Resort & Casino where the high society in the hair and beauty business gathered to celebrate the best of the best in the trade. Anjela Drobot, co-owner of High Society Salon, stands near a photo of her hair style creation, and showcases her First Place Trophy at the Beauty Envision Awards Bridal Style 2023 Winner competition in Las Vegas. (Courtesy/Elena Hecht @elenahechtphoto)Staten Island Advance As co-owner and creative design director at High Society Salon, a neighborhood stronghold in Dongan Hills, Drobot wowed judges and took home gold for her smooth, sophisticated bridal coiffure hairstyle that she meticulously created for model Jessica Rodriguez. Anjela Drobot, co-owner of High Society Salon, created a bridal hair style for model Jessica Rodriguez. (Courtesy/Elena Hecht/ @elenahechtphoto)Staten Island Advance Whats more, during her presentation she produced and recorded an original video with voice narration that expressed her creativity, showcased her skills and offered expert beauty advice. There are different categories, such as color, cut, style and I participated in Bridal Style category, Drobot said. There were 11,000 competitors in all different categories. The contest was open to residents of the U.S., District of Colombia, Canada and Puerto Rico. I was required to create a video where I demonstrated a before video of a model, the process of creating a hairstyle, the after video results and the final look images. My video and picture were done by Elena Hecht, model and makeup artist was Jessica Lee Rodriguez. Also, in the video I explained how I incorporated the theme into my entry look. Along with being recognized as a top industry artist, the winners additionally received a $1,000 Visa Gift Card, a full Wella Education Certification Journey (valued at $6,500) and a First Place Trophy. Drobot was a finalist in Bridal Style category along with two other finalists from U.S. and Canada. A LONGTIME FIXTURE IN DONGAN HILLS Drobot co-owns High Society Salon, now celebrating its 45th anniversary, with Angela Ambrosio, stylist and salon manager. We service women and men of any hair type and style, straight or curly, long or short, edgy or classic, Drobot said. Our mission is dedicated to sharing all that we know and learned in our never ending quest for knowledge. Celebrating it's 45th business anniversary, stylists at High Society Salon, from the left are, Anise Levitas, Christina Denora, Anjela Drobot, co-owner, Edlira Shaqiri, Rajmonda Karaj, Selena Galindo, Natalia Osadchenko, and co-owner Angela Ambrosio. (Courtesy/Anjela Drobot)Staten Island Advance She adds, Our team of well educated professionals are highly recommended due to their quality salon services. We believe in educating our stylists so they can provide the latest trends and most current hair-healthy products. MEET HIGH SOCIETYS STYLISTS Ambrosio is co-owner, managing scheduling and daily routines. She has 20 years experience in the fashion industry. Christina Denora specializes in color, natural highlights, balayage, fashion colors, Keratin F450 and various forms of hair extensions and keeps up with the latest trends and style techniques and offers advice on whats best for clients. Anise Levitas specializes in all hair cutting, color, highlights and perms and is certified in multiple smoothing/straightening treatments. Selena Galindos skills in balayage, hair painting and all coloring techniques, leave a lasting impression. From the left, stylists,Rajmonda Karaj and Selena Galindo apply highlights to clients at High Society Salon. (Courtesy/Angela Drobot)Staten Island Advance Rajmonda Karaj holds strong customer service skills with her strength lying in hair color and up styling. And Edlira Shaqiri is known for her bouncy blowouts. THE SALON THROUGH THE YEARS When Anjela and I bought the salon in January of 2018, we wanted to continue the previous owners legacy of having a welcoming, friendly, atmosphere along with providing exceptional services using quality products, Ambrosio said. Angela Ambrosio, left, and Anjela Drobot, co-owners of High Society Salon. (Courtesy/Anjela Drobot)Staten Island Advance Our first priority after owning the salon was to update the interior, so we gutted and renovated the entire salon and the final results turned out better than expected. The decision to keep the name High Society was made because of the recognition and the reputation the salon has amassed through the years in the neighborhood and because the salon is located on the corner of Old Town Road and Hylan Boulevard, which is a very busy corner, Ambrosio went on to explain. And since owning the salon, we have been blessed to have increased our clientele, she continued. As the creative director, Anjela keeps the staff inspired and has helped add a younger generation from the result of keeping on trend with all style and color applications. Every appointment begins with complimentary consultation to provide the best experience. Services include all types of color and highlighting applications (Balayage, AirTouch, Vivid coloring, and color blocking), perms, formal styles, extension (Beaded Weft, tape ins, clip ins, and Great Lengths bonded extensions), haircuts, and straightening/smoothing treatments that add volume, shine and smoothness to your hair with an innovative formula. Specialists help to select the best products to maintain a desired home style. Anjela has also made a huge impact on the bridal industry here on Staten Island and along the entire East Coast, she added. Her structured and glamorous formal styles are so beautiful that stylists from the Tri-State area attend her formal styling classes. Jessica Rodriguez poses after her hair was styled by Anjela Drobot, co-owner of High Society Salon. (Courtesy/Elena Hecht/@elenahechtphoto)Staten Island Advance Winning that award was so exciting for us and myself and the rest of the staff were beyond proud! Besides our amazing staff the best part of our salon is our clients! They range from babies coming in for their first hair cuts, to communions, to prom age, to wedding, to mom and grand moms! We really adore the relationship we have with all of them, she noted. Our goal is to continue to grow our salon and bridal business and to continue to elevate ourselves and our staff! FLASHBACK: HISTORY OF THE SALON The year was 1979 and Joann Dapolito was only 19. Her dad was a businessman and former owner of a travel agency. Dapolito recounts the original name of the salon was Hair Bazaar when she came on board as the shampoo girl. I worked every single day and eventually the owner left and I took it over. And I was dedicated from day one, she recalled. The interior of High Society Salon in Dongan Hills. (Courtesy/Anjela Drobot)Staten Island Advance Dapolito would go on to obtain her license in cosmetology and name the business High Society Salon during a time when not many businesses lasted that long, she added. The business flourished during the early 80s and in 2001 Dapolito expanded the space, and broke through into a second store. In 2004 Dapolito sold the business to Angela Ambrosios mom, Maria. High Society Salon is located at 207 Old Town Rd. Phone 718 667-0811 or visit www.highsocietyhairsalon.com STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Toyota is urging certain vehicle owners to immediately stop driving their car and receive a free safety repair due to an urgent recall for air bags deployments that may cause serious injury or death. According to a notice posted by Toyota, the company has issued an immediate do not drive advisory for certain model year 2003-2004 Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix and 2004-2005 RAV4 vehicles in the United States involved in the Takata airbag recalls. Approximately 50,000 vehicles are involved in the recall. Certain air bags found in these vehicles are under an urgent air bag safety recall. Due to the age of the vehicles, if the air bag deploys, a part inside is more likely to explode and shoot sharp metal fragments, which could cause serious injury or death to the driver or passengers. Owners shouldnt drive these vehicles until the free safety recall repair has been conducted. Owners should contact their local dealer instead of driving their vehicle to be repaired as dealers may provide one of several options free of charge, such as mobile repair at the vehicles location, towing to the dealership, vehicle pickup and delivery, or other alternate transportation options. Toyota will repair or replace the airbag for free. The car company is notifying known owners of these vehicles every month through a variety of communication channels. To see if your vehicle is involved in a safety recall, visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information. For any additional questions, Toyota customer support is also available by calling the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331. DO YOU HAVE A RECALL ON YOUR VEHICLE? Wondering if your car has any open recalls? You can easily check it out by visiting the NHTSAs website and plugging in your vehicle identification number (VIN). The service also reports recalls to tires, childrens car seats and other equipment. If you plug in your cars VIN and a recall does not appear, your vehicle most likely has no open recalls. The exception would be if a new recall hasnt yet posted. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Improving the mental health of New Yorks children and teens has become one of the states top priorities as data suggests that youths are experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts at increasingly high rates. Earlier this month, Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined her priorities for the year in her 2024 State of the State address, which included numerous efforts to expand the availability of youth mental health services and crack down on social media features deemed harmful to childrens mental wellbeing. Focusing on our kids is critical because theyre our most precious resource, Hochul said. Whether its creating school-based mental health clinics or taking on social media companies, we need a comprehensive approach to youth mental health. We must help the children who are hurting right now. The seven-point plan was inspired, in part, by the discussions with New York teens held during last years Youth Mental Health Listening Tour, where Hochul spoke with middle and high schoolers across the state to gauge their mental health experiences so that the states policies and programming can be directly informed by those most impacted by them. As we spoke with young New Yorkers during Governor Hochuls listening tour last spring, we became keenly aware of the many different behavioral health issues confronting our youth. By strengthening school-based supports and providing additional assistance to children and adolescents, we can help successfully address these challenges earlier in their lives, said Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan. SCHOOL-BASED MEMTAL HEALTH CLINICS The governor said the state will establish a school-based mental health clinic in any school that wants one, building on the 137 school-based clinics funded last year, which will bring the state total to more than 1,200 sites. LIMITING SOCIAL MEDIA New legislation that will be included the governors budget, the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act, would limit social media companies ability to use addictive, algorithmic feeds to keep children on their platform longer. The legislation, if passed, would require all social media users under the age of 18 to receive a default chronological feed exclusively comprised of content from accounts they already follow. Users would need to receive parental consent to opt back into an algorithmic feed. Parents would also be able to block their childs access to social media during certain hours and prohibit the apps from sending notifications to their children at certain times without parental consent. Another piece of legislation, the New York Child Data Protection Act, would prohibit sites from collecting, using, sharing, or selling personal data from minors without informed consent, which for users under the age of 13 would need to come from their parents. The state will also develop and distribute educational resources related to safe social media usage for children and teens, covering topics like the risks of social media use, understanding privacy, protecting personal information and reporting cyberbullying, online abuse and exploitation. YOUTH TREATMENT PROGRAM The governor will look to expand on the states first-in-the-nation Youth Assertive Community Treatment (Youth ACT) program, which provides services and support to youth who are at risk of entering residential or inpatient psychiatric treatment, allowing them to remain with their families while being treated. Amid a a shortage of child psychiatrists and child-serving mental health clinicians, Hochul plans to expand the states Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Program, with designated slots for clinicians who work in child-serving agencies and treat children and families. Building off last years Youth Mental Health Listening Tour, the state will establish a Youth Mental Health Advisory Board to continue child and teen involvement in the development of state policies and programs. The governor also plans to offer additional funding for the states Teen Mental Health First Aid training programs, which are youth-driven and youth-centered, with teen ambassadors helping their struggling peers. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York officials called on the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday to protect access to a medical form of abortion. The nations highest court will hear arguments in March about access to mifepristone, a medication used for abortions and miscarriage management, and the administrations of Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams filed legal briefings urging the Supreme Court to preserve patients access to the drug. New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia Hinds-Radix joined her counterparts in Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and Santa Clara County, Calif. in calling for the court to preserve current access to mifepristone. New York City has been and will remain a hub for access to reproductive care because reproductive care is health care, and health care is a fundamental right, Adams said. We are proud to lead this coalition in taking action in full support of protecting womens access to medication abortions. The Supreme Court announced in December that it would hear arguments March 26 after the 5th Circuits decision last year to limit access to the drug. That decision is on hold ahead of the Supreme Courts hearing of the appeal brought by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in its case against the group Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine. Hochul joined the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, a coalition of 22 governors, calling on the Supreme Court to overturn the decision, and highlighted some of the states preparative steps in the case mifepristone is taken off the market, including the state Health Departments purchase of a 5-year supply of misoprostol, a medical abortion alternative. Following the Fifth Circuit decision limiting mifepristone a safe and effective abortion medication utilized for two decades the Health Department acted quickly to ensure abortion access remained available throughout the state, said Governor Hochul. I join fellow governors throughout the nation in demanding an end to the harmful politicizing of reproductive healthcare, and call on the court to recognize the longstanding, independent scientific authority of the FDA. The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicines argues that the FDA did not adequately review safety risks of the drug before approving it in 2000 and allowing for later expansions to access. Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a statement in April following a district court decision in favor of the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine. He argued that the decision overturned the FDAs expert judgement on the medication. The most conservative Supreme Court in generations, the nine-member body overturned the long-standing precedent of Roe v. Wade in 2022 returning the legality of abortion to the states. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A trio of Staten Island homeless shelters are seemingly on the verge of opening, but its unclear when they will officially start operation. Spokespersons for the city Department of Homeless Services (DHS), which is overseen by the Department of Social Services (DSS), did not respond to requests for comment about when they expect the three shelters to open. Visits to all three sites Friday showed they were close to completion after being announced years ago during former Mayor Bill de Blasios administration. Workers outside the largest shelter a 200-family, five-story structure in Tompkinsville expected to house up to 500 people could be seen putting the finishing touches on the exterior of the building. Additionally, workers were working on the ground floor, which will be commercial space. A DHS spokesperson previously said the department expected that shelter at the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Van Duzer Street to open by the end of 2023, and would be operated by WIN, a non-profit organization formerly known as Women in Need. A homeless shelter in Stapleton is shown Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Paul Liotta)Paul Liotta News of the shelter first broke in 2019 as part of de Blasios Turning the Tide initiative that promised to bring 90 new shelters to the five boroughs. While Mayor Eric Adams has reversed course on other shelters announced by his predecessor, like two in Manhattan and another in the Bronx, hes offered no sign of a change of heart regarding the Staten Island shelters, despite continued community pushback. STAPLETON SHELTER Perhaps receiving the most vocal opposition is the site in Stapleton at 119 Tompkins Ave., which is set to house 100 men within walking distance of PS 78 and I.S. 49. In addition, the Eagle Academy for the Young Men of Staten Island is housed in I.S. 49. A DHS spokesperson previously said that the department expects the Stapleton site to be in operation as early as the end of the year, but a Friday visit showed no signs of operation. Former Borough President James Oddo, who now heads the city Department of Buildings, first brought news of that shelter, located at the former Staten Island-headquarters of the New York Foundling, to the publics attention in 2021, along with a third shelter at 1055 Hylan Blvd. in Grasmere. A homeless shelter in Grasmere is shown Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Paul Liotta)Paul Liotta GRASMERE SHELTER DHS spokespersons have said they expected the Grasmere site, set to house 50 women and be operated by the Institute for Community Living, to open early next year. A visit to the site last week revealed workers putting finishing touches on the building that formerly housed doctors offices. City officials have said repeatedly that all three of the shelters will be used to house the citys traditional homeless population, and not migrants. Since spring 2022, more than 170,000 people have made their ways to the five boroughs from around the globe, tens of thousands of whom remain in the citys care. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Whether it be quality of life issues plaguing government subsidized housing, chronic flooding in your neighborhood, public safety or preserving an important pieces of American history here on Staten Island, the Advance/SILive.com strives to be the voice of the community. And we pride ourselves on quality journalism, which we do everyday. Now, we want to hear from you. What are the issues you, your neighbors, family and friends find yourselves struggling with? Do we need more youth mental health services, daycare options, oversight of nursing homes, or an investigation into other city/state services? All of the above, or none of the above? What changes would make your quality of life on Staten Island better? IN-DEPTH JOURNALISM Our in-depth journalism focuses on the issues that impact Staten Islanders from every corner of the borough, and is often undertaken as series where our staffers utilize their best reporting and investigative skills to get to the heart of the issues. Our Public Interest & Advocacy team has tackled many topics of interest to Staten Islanders, in which we have shined a light on issues impacting members of our community. From our Dignity in Danger series that looked at the lack of housing options for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to the abhorrent conditions in government subsidized housing, weve brought these issues to light. And in many cases, weve spurred action, and helped facilitate change. FACILITATING CHANGE Last year, we launched Rebuilding Sandy Ground, an ongoing journalistic initiative about the nations oldest free Black settlement still inhabited by descendants of its pioneers. When we launched the project, the Sandy Ground Historical Societys museum -- located in the heart of Rossville -- was flooded and riddled with mold, and the group was in urgent need as its historians sought to pass the torch of preservation to a new generation. After the series launched, a myriad of Staten Island groups reached out to save Sandy Ground, and today the community is on its road to recovery with a new interim executive director appointed, and an active fundraising campaign to rebuild the Historical Societys museum. Last year, the Advance/SILive.com also launched an investigative series into the abrupt closure of Amethyst House, the boroughs only safe haven dedicated to sober women. The investigative reporting revealed a tragic death within the facility, instances of missing medications, erratic leadership behavior, and bold attempts to conceal these issues. The facility has since been taken over by Camelot of Staten Island and has reopened a temporary space for sober women as a new, larger facility is being constructed. In 2022, the Advance/SILive.com launched an advocacy project that highlighted the LGBTQ+ exclusion by organizers of the Staten Island St. Patricks Parade through a series of stories exploring the large amount of city resources used to support the event, as well as the overwhelming support from the community of the Pride Center of Staten Island. While the Parade Committee has yet to allow LGBTQ+ groups to march under their own banner, the groups participating in the parade have dwindled, only three elected officials marched last year, and the traditional political breakfast that for decades preceded the parade has been canceled for a second year in a row. WHATS NEXT Thats just some of what weve done. We want to continue to advocate for the people of Staten Island. For this reason, we are asking you, members of the community, to tell us what youd like to see us dig into this year. Send your suggestions to tips@siadvance.com. FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and X IN CLASS: This feature is part of an ongoing education column highlighting the various activities that engage school communities. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Local Staten Island non-profit, the Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation, donated more than 6,000 toys to schools, organizations and families in need during this past holiday season. The foundation, which provides financial and emotional support to individuals and organizations in need -- focusing on the needs of children, delivered toys to students across the borough. Teddy Atlas, founder of the foundation, and Santa Claus paid a visit to PS 18 in West Brighton and PS 373 in New Brighton in mid-December, as well as PS 74 in Tompkinsville and PS 44 in Mariners Harbor. Other recipients included: Uncle Chase Foundation; KWoods Foundation; Silver Lake Headstart; RUMC Headstart; St. Philips Baptist Church; Brothers Care Inc.; Lavelle Preparatory School; Jamari William Foundation; Theophile Outreach Center; Faith United Methodist Church, and more. Part of the magic of Christmas is the belief children have in Santa Claus. That is why again this year the Dr. Atlas Foundation handed out over 6,000 toys to ensure the magic continues to exist for all our kids, said Atlas. Some of the toys were donated by the NYPD, the FDNY and Rare Breed Compound, a gym located in Eltingville. Part of the magic of Christmas is the belief children have in Santa Claus. That is why again this year the Dr. Atlas Foundation handed out over 6,000 toys to ensure the magic continues to exist for all our kids, said Teddy Atlas, founder of the Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation. (Courtesy/Sharon Curry)Sharon Curry TEACHER RESIDENCY For those looking to enter a career as an earth science teacher, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNM) is offering a paid residency program. AMNM is offering the Master of Arts in Teaching Earth Science Residency Program (MAT ESRP), a paid, accredited, degree-granting program that prepares the science teachers of tomorrow. Applications are open through Wednesday, Jan. 31, at www.amnh.org/learn-teach/master-arts-teaching. Since its founding, the program has prepared more than 165 earth science teachers for high-needs schools in New York City and beyond, including those switching to education from fields like finance, IT, social work and more. Accepted applicants will begin the 15-month program this June at the museum, before moving on to complete teaching residencies in public schools during the fall and spring semesters. Participants will then wrap up their coursework back at the museum with program completion in August 2025. Benefits of the fully paid program include: A full fellowship to cover tuition, books and fees A $40,000 stipend toward living expenses over the 15-month program 100% employment rate post-graduation Experience teaching in schools alongside highly qualified mentor teachers Coursework at a world-class museum, led by scientists and teacher educators Continued access to mentorship and museum resources post-graduation DEANS LIST Staten Islander Eliot Conti has been named to the fall 2023 Deans List at Emory & Henry College. For inclusion on the Deans List, a student must be enrolled full-time and earn at least a 3.6 GPA for the semester. Emory & Henry College is a private liberal arts college in Emory, Virginia. Additionally, several Staten Islanders who attend DeSales University also made the colleges fall 2023 Deans List, including: Christopher Matera, majoring in Medical Studies Kayla Jakers, majoring in Nursing Olivia La Grua, majoring in Medical Studies Madison Celi, majoring in Medical Studies Emily Leverock, majoring in Biology Lauren Bove, majoring in Psychology Isabella Mina Arroyo, majoring in Medical Studies Joseph Wilson, majoring in Sport Management Jack Warburton, majoring in Accounting Lauren Bahno, majoring in Nursing Emma Scotto, majoring in Medical Studies Ava Palma, majoring in Medical Studies DeSales University, in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, is a private, co-educational, four-year liberal arts school. SEND US YOUR STORIES Do you have a story idea for the In Class education column? Email education reporter Annalise Knudson at aknudson@siadvance.com. KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2024 - 16:41 | All, World North Korea fired several cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea on Tuesday, the South Korean military said, marking Pyongyang's third cruise missile launch in a week. The missiles were fired at around 7 a.m. from the western city of Nampo, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The projectiles could be the same type of new strategic cruise missiles launched last Wednesday and on Sunday, the military said, adding it is believed the purpose of Tuesday's launch was to improve the missile's capabilities. The new missile, named "Pulhwasal-3-31," which means "flaming arrow" in Korean, is believed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed Sunday's test of submarine-launched Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles and discussed issues related to the building of a nuclear-powered submarine, according to the official Korean Central News Agency. Related coverage: North Korea says it tested submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles N. Korea fires several cruise missiles from its east coast: S. Korea North Korea fires cruise missiles into Yellow Sea: South Korea Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe! Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions. Premium Subscription As low as $8.25 per month Premium Includes: Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. The ability to download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. The ability to clip & download articles or images to share with others. Access to the last 90 days of e-Editions with search, downloading and clipping options. Unlimited access to our award-winning online content Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community For Clarke, the rewards of being your boss always makes the hard work worth it. Credit: J. Clarke Constructions I always try to remember what it was like working for someone I reward them whenever I can our Christmas party last year was an all-expenses paid trip to Surfers Paradise. Its also crucial to have the right tools in place to get the job done. Given customers often check you out on social media before giving you the job, be prompt in responses to clients and suppliers over email, do your invoicing and payroll and have your files backed up and safe in the cloud, Clarke says having a supportive internet provider in Superloop has been a game-changer for his business. With social media and cloud being so crucial in this day and age, everyones got it, everyones doing it keeping up with content [is so important]. People want to see how real the team is. They want to see what we do, if we make a mistake, how we can fix it, he says. We spent a lot of time looking to see which internet provider was right for us. We definitely found the [right] one with Superloop, and their business plan has been a cut above the rest. I feel like theyre part of my team. They have support based in Australia and they really know what I want, they know what I need. Thats a big tick for me. But his number one piece of advice to other small business owners or those thinking of taking the plunge is to be ready to put in the hard yards. Get ready for some challenges. Be ready for people to say no and to face a few roadblocks, Clarke says. Everything that comes against you will make you stronger and the next time it happens youll know how to deal with it. Dont be afraid to ask for help or guidance and remember at the end of the day, youre only human and you can only do as much as you can. For Clarke, the rewards of being your boss always makes the hard work worth it. It is 100% rewarding the fact that youre building something of your own is amazing. Every day that youre still in business and running your own show is a blessing, he says. Power up with Superloop Totalbiz high-speed business internet for just $99/mth and up to two months free! Switch to Superloop today. See website for T&Cs. Inflation has fallen to its lowest level in two years, dropping to a lower-than-expected 4.1 per cent, in a development that effectively ends the chance of further interest rate rises. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported this morning that prices increased by 0.6 per cent through the final three months of 2023. It was the lowest quarterly increase in inflation since March 2021. It took the annual rate down to 4.1 per cent from 5.4 per cent. The last time inflation was this low was in the December quarter of 2021. Inflation peaked at 7.8 per cent in December 2022, forcing the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates to 4.35 per cent. The bank board meets next week with markets expecting the RBA to hold rates steady. The bureaus head of prices statistics, Michelle Marquardt, said housing prices (up 1 per cent), alcohol and tobacco (up 2.8 per cent) and insurance and financial services (up 1.7 per cent) had contributed to the quarterly increase. Rents were up by 0.9 per cent after a 2.2 per cent jump in the September quarter. Tobacco prices were up by 7 per cent after the biannual increase in tobacco excise. Insurance prices rose by 3.8 per cent. The increase in insurance was due to higher premiums across motor vehicle, house and home contents insurance. Over the past twelve months, insurance rose 16.2 per cent, making it the largest annual rise since March 2001, Marquardt said. But some prices fell, particularly in food and beverages. Prices for lamb dropped by 12.1 per cent, those of beef and veal edged down by 1.5 per cent while fruit and vegetables slipped by 1.2 per cent. In further positive news, the bureaus monthly measure of inflation - released today and covering December - showed price pressures easing even further. This measure dropped to 3.4 per cent from 4.3 per cent in November. Its measure of underlying inflation also eased, to 4 per cent from 4.6 per cent. As soon as she heard the screams Shark attack! Shark attack Elizabeth Bay resident and vet Fiona Crago ran to her bathroom, grabbed the two compression bandages her wife happened to buy earlier that day, and headed to the wharf. Her neighbour Lauren ONeill was lying there. The 29-year-old had been swimming out to a boat when a shark mauled her leg. Shed managed to get herself to a ladder as neighbours rushed to help, but she was in shock and bleeding profusely. Shark attack victim Lauren ONeill is treated by paramedics after being bitten at Elizabeth Bay, and (left) with her kayak near the scene of the attack. Credit: Tim Levy, Wolter Peeters The injury was severe and a bone was broken. Cragos training kicked in. I just focused on what I had to do, which was to stem the blood flow and bandage the leg as best I could with what I had, and put a tourniquet on. There was blood in the water and on the wharf. ONeill began drifting into unconsciousness, Crago said. But because people around her were reassuring her, she did remain conscious for the whole ordeal. She was so brave. She was so polite. She was saying thank you. There is, however, one story that has fascinated through the decades, and it is one of the great Sydney yarns. See, back in 1935, this Sydney fisherman by the name of Bert Hobson, found that while fishing off the Heads, he had jagged a huge tiger shark. Kill it? No, he has a much better, and more lucrative idea. Instead, he tows it to his brother Charlie Hobsons famous Coogee Aquarium, so they can charge the punters a shilling or so to see it! And that is why, on Anzac Day of that year, that aquarium is chock-a-block with Diggers and their families. Loading The tiger shark, not happy about its confinement, charges around the aquarium looking as if it wants the children for hors doeuvres and their parents for the main course so wonderfully frightening! until suddenly, before their very eyes the shark ... The shark ... The shark disgorges a ... a ... a human arm! When it is gingerly retrieved with a net on a long stick, a very particular arm it proves to be, with a crude tattoo of two boxers on its bicep, and a piece of rope around its wrist. By pure happenstance a Herald journalist by the name of Narcisse Young is Johnny-on-the-spot, and is able to file the story with great detail and it is published in the next days paper. James Smiths arm was thrown up by a shark in the Coogee Aquarium in 1935. Members of the public come forward. Theyd know that tatt, anywhere! It belongs surely, belonged to small-time Sydney crim James Smith. The police quickly launch a murder investigation, and another petty crim by the name of Patrick Brady, who shared digs with Smith in Cronulla is asked to come down to the station for a wee chat. Alerted by all the publicity, a local taxi driver comes forth, and alleges that he had taken Brady to the lower north shore house of a famous boatbuilder by the name of Reginald Holmes, a local pillar of his church and community. The plot thickens, as Sydney reads every latest instalment of the saga, agog. Strangely, Holmes refuses to give any explanation for his association with Brady, whereupon he is arrested SENSATION on suspicion of murdering Smith. Hold the front page! Brady breaks down, sings like a canary and, though he steadfastly maintains that he had not murdered Smith, he does allow that he and Holmes had in fact, well, not to put too fine a point on it, actually been engaged in a criminal scheme, involving forgery. At this point Holmes does what the police are pleased to refer to as a runner and disappears, only to turn up, as drunk as two skunks, at dawn on the morning of Monday, May 20, in a boat not far from Bennelong Point. In one hand, he has a bottle of brandy. In the other, a .32 pistol. As the water police approach, he puts the gun to his forehead, pulls the trigger and ... survives. Nothing but a flesh wound. Hell have the lot of them! For the next half hour, the police chase him all over Sydney Harbour, as the still-drunken Holmes, with blood streaming down his face, leads them on a merry chase. After finally being taken into custody, Holmes is again taken down to the station, and this time the canary turns vengeful vulture accusing Patrick Brady of killing his fellow crim and roommate Smith, and sinking his body in a tin trunk off Port Hacking Heads! Reginald Holmes, left, found murdered and small-time crook and police informer James Smith, whose arm was found in the shark. Credit: Fairfax Archive Sydney has never seen anything like it, never read anything like it, and the appetite to read more is voracious. The once venerable Reginald Holmes, with his reputation now far more shot to pieces than his head, promises to give full details when the inquest into the death of Smith is held, starting on the morning of June 12 ... and, by gee, he very nearly makes it, too. Alas, alas, just a few hours before he is due to testify he is shot dead down at The Rocks, in another sensation. Loading What can the police now do with Patrick Brady? Not much. The still preserved arm doesnt count as a body to prove murder, or even, necessarily a la the later tragic saga of Melissa Caddicks foot washing up that he was dead in the first place. But their key witness is dead. Hundreds of students returning to Newington College on Wednesday were greeted with a parent protest outside the inner west schools gates as backlash intensified against a decision to admit girls to the 160-year-old institution. A group of parents and alumni gathered at the private schools main entrance carrying placards that called for the college to abandon its plan to transform into a fully co-educational school by 2033. Two police officers were in attendance, as well as school security at entrances. Second-generation graduate of Newington College Tony Restos participated in the protest. Credit: Kate Geraghty Former Newington student Dallas Morgan, who has a son at the high school, said the decision to open up the college to female students had outraged some of the old boys, and was urging the council to reconsider. A pedestrian walks past a tractor during a protest in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 30, 2024. Belgian farmers started their protests at the end of last week against decreasing income, increasing regulations and other issues. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Farmers block a road with their tractors during a protest in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 30, 2024. Belgian farmers started their protests at the end of last week against decreasing income, increasing regulations and other issues. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Tractors stop on a street during a protest in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 30, 2024. Belgian farmers started their protests at the end of last week against decreasing income, increasing regulations and other issues. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Tractors stop on a street during a protest in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 30, 2024. Belgian farmers started their protests at the end of last week against decreasing income, increasing regulations and other issues. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) A police vehicle is seen during a protest in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 30, 2024. Belgian farmers started their protests at the end of last week against decreasing income, increasing regulations and other issues. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Tractors stop on a street during a protest in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 30, 2024. Belgian farmers started their protests at the end of last week against decreasing income, increasing regulations and other issues. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) A woman accused of murdering her adult son by giving him an overdose of painkillers did so to rid herself of a troubled young man, a court has heard. Maree Mavis Crabtree, 57, pleaded not guilty in the Brisbane Supreme Court to one count of attempted murder, one of murder, and one of attempted insurance fraud. Jonathan Crabtree, 26, had a brain injury as a result of a car crash, the court was told. Jonathan Crabtree, 26, was found dead at 9.55am on July 19, 2017, in the familys home at Maudsland, north of the Gold Coast, with an excessive amount of prescription oxycodone in his system. Crown prosecutor Philip McCarthy told the jury in his opening statement for the trial he would endeavour to prove Crabtree deliberately administered a drink to her son containing the drug that killed him. Confidential evidence around the fatal shooting of two Queensland police officers has been shared with the American lawyer defending a US man accused of encouraging the killings. Donald Day Jr, 58, was arrested in December by the FBI in Arizona on two counts of interstate threats 12 months after the fatal shootings at rural Wieambilla, west of Brisbane. Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold were shot dead in December 2022. Day was later charged with illegally possessing firearms, including three military-style rifles and a sawn-off pump-action shotgun, along with a large cache of ammunition. US prosecutors were last week granted a protective order to provide Days lawyer with evidence gathered by the Queensland Police Service in their ongoing investigation into the shootings. Taylor Swift fans are booking out Melbourne hotels to the point the city will likely be at peak occupancy on the back of the pop stars Eras tour. In a trend known as gig tripping, concertgoers are increasingly travelling for key concerts or making a night of it at a hotel or Airbnb property. Melbourne hotels are eyeing record occupancy rates coinciding with Taylor Swifts Eras tour. Credit: Getty Images Accommodation Association general manager Dougal Hollis said coming hotel occupancies in Melbourne were very strong, particularly on the Friday and Saturday nights of Swifts gigs on February 16, 17 and 18. The third show is on a Sunday night. It is expected that Melbourne city hotel occupancies for Swifts The Eras Tour concerts will better those achieved for Ed Sheerans two Melbourne concerts of around 91 per cent, and may even surpass occupancy levels achieved for pop icon Billy Joels sole Australian performance in Melbourne of 93 per cent, he said. About 180 trees in Perths Hyde Park, including grand old Moreton Bay fig trees and London plane trees, are likely to be chopped down as a tiny invasive bug wreaks havoc across metropolitan Perth. Authorities are attempting to contain the fallout of the arrival of the polyphagous shot-hole borer into Perth, an exotic beetle native to South East Asia that kills trees by boring tunnels into them and implanting a fungus. Twenty per cent of Hyde Parks Moreton Bay Figs and London Plane Trees may need to be chopped down to stop the shot hole borer. Credit: City of Vincent Some of Perths most picturesque parks are ground zero for the invasion, including urban oasis Hyde Park, Lake Claremont, Kings Park and Perth Zoo. Trees have already been removed in these parks but Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said of the 900 trees in Hyde Park, about 20 per cent may have to be felled to stop the spread of the borer. City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has vowed not to let his tilt at state politics interfere with his council job amid fears his advocacy may be compromised by a combative relationship with government. The prominent Seven West Media personality confirmed his intention to join the Liberal Party and nominate for preselection in the seat of Churchlands on Friday, ending 18 months of persistent speculation. Basil Zempilas said his tilt at state politics would not impact his mayoral duties. Credit: Holly Thompson He credited his sparring matches with the state government during his stint as lord mayor with having sparked his interest in politics. But that was the very concern aired by residents at the citys annual electors meeting on Tuesday, which saw Zempilas grilled about how he would balance lobbying on their behalf with a political campaign, fundraising and a relationship with government likely to favour antagonism over cooperation. 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 Of all the emotions racing through Glenn Orgiass mind when he realised he had been mauled by a shark, one of the most enduring was one of the least rational. Embarrassment, he says. I was embarrassed. There were a lot of people out there, but Im kind of a private person. I didnt want to scream for help and attract attention. Nothing made sense. Seconds earlier, hed been mildly irritated by the feeling that another surfer had tugged on him from behind: this was Bondi Beach on a busy February afternoon. Now, even as he saw his left hand dangling from his forearm, he was embarrassed. More normal reactions soon tumbled in: terror that the shark would come at him again; deep sorrow for his four-months-pregnant partner, Lisa; and a pure determination to win the race to shore ahead of the blood flowing out of him. "The attack was just mathematical randomness" Glenn Orgias, who lost his left hand after being bitten by a great white at Bondi in 2009. Credit: Fairfaxsyndication.com It comes back to me all the time, Orgias says now. Im mangled, Im in big trouble, I know the sharks still there and Im attracting it with all my blood and I can hardly move. But the overwhelming feeling was, I just really want to live. What also returned, once he had been helped ashore by six strangers, was that funny feeling Id stuffed up. I was kind of humiliated, pissed off at myself You idiot. It was hard to get over. Three years on, Orgias is a father, campaigns for the Red Cross Blood Service, and works for the same energy-trading firm he was with at the time of the attack. He is surfing again and has written a self-searching book about his encounter. Having found a kind of inner peace through the experience of losing his hand, Orgias realises that his embarrassment, his sense that he was singled out by the great white, was solipsistic: It was just my shit. Advertisement Orgias was the first person bitten by a shark at Bondi in 58 years, but his attack was the second of three that occurred in consecutive weeks around Sydney at the end of the 2009 summer. Good Weekend spoke to the other two victims navy diver Paul de Gelder, who lost a hand and most of his right leg to a bull shark attack in Sydney Harbour, and teenage surfer Andrew Lindop, who had his left leg bitten to the bone by a great white at Avalon, north of the city as well as other survivors, and heard a similar tale of discovery, a confrontation not so much with a shark as with ones own irrational nature. Ive become more wary, but less scared, Lindop says. If that makes any sense. Those who have known the reality feel less terrified than before they were bitten. Does it make sense? What does it say about our relationship with natural predators? What does it say about our relationship with our own fears, with, as Orgias puts it, our own shit? Out on a limb navy diver Paul de Gelder, who lost a hand and a leg to a bull shark in Sydney Harbour in 2009. Credit: Fairfaxsyndication.com There's no denying the external reality of a great white when you are in the water, close enough to rub noses. This is what I am doing a few days after meeting Orgias. Cage diving with great whites, part of the tourism experience in the fishing town of Port Lincoln, at the tip of the Eyre Peninsula, is not uncontroversial. In April, the South Australian government announced that it would reduce the number of cage-diving licensees, winning support from those who believe chumming, or throwing blood and scraps into the water, will condition sharks to associate humans with feeding. The counter-arguments are that encounters with sharks will deepen our understanding, both of the animal and of our own fears, and that tourism jobs have been the compensation for fishing income that was lost when great whites became a protected species in 1997. Fear factor Simon Letch shows the teeth marks in his board after a 2005 attack. Credit: Fairfaxsyndication.com Charter boats take tourists 40 nautical miles (75 kilometres) south of Port Lincoln, to the great white shark colony at the Neptune Islands. It is a bleakly beautiful place, low dun-coloured islands interrupting Southern Ocean swells. When the boat anchors, the crew hurl fish blood and offcuts into the water. Soon four enormous shapes cruise up, their grey backs and white undersides standing out against the green water. Advertisement While the chumming continues, a cage is lowered into the water and six divers at a time, wetsuited and breathing through hookah lines supplied by air tanks on the boat, climb in. Once the heart rate and breathing settle, a sense takes over that is something like awe. The sharks circle, taking several looks before accelerating at a chunk of fish gut. They roll their bodies and distend their jaws. Up to five metres long, they are immensities of muscle. Their teeth are sharp and so very abundant. Loading Yet its patently absurd to think of them as killing machines or man-eaters. That would be to place ourselves too close to the centre of their world. Nobody, in my group at least, comes out of the cage more scared than they were before they went in. The divers come out of the water starry-eyed, and not with the endorphin surge of danger survived. Its something else. One of the South Australian cage-diving licensees is Rodney Fox. In 1963, Fox survived horrific wounds from a great white attack while competing in a spearfishing competition. When a wave of vigilantism rose as it does after every attack Fox took the sharks side. He continued diving professionally for 16 years, and has since become that very Australian kind of entrepreneur, a shark man, through his education foundation, counselling and motivation, books and tourism. Once youve been bitten, you start to learn that they have a place in the world and its up to us to live with them, says Fox, who is fascinated by how the experience changes people. The fear of being eaten alive is in our genes, back to the time of being hunter-gatherers. Now that we can sleep safely on land, the most feared predator is the shark. This fear generates peoples ideas about them, which are often distorted. Its hard to let go of it, but the more you educate yourself, the more you can defeat the fear. Advertisement Of the shark attack survivors I spoke to, de Gelder would love to go cage-diving and supports the practice. Orgias is more tentative. I feel bad for the shark in that situation, same as if youre trekking into the African mountains to watch gorillas. Its their domain, theyre happy, they dont need us. Were only doing it for our titillation. There's an irrefutable truth in that, but I don't feel any more titillated than if I'd seen a great white through the glass of an aquarium. There's something else in it, which I leave the boat without being able to put my finger on. The first recorded shark attack in Australia came three years after white settlement. A NSW north coast indigenous woman was killed, but the number of Aborigines with missing limbs sighted around Sydney's Port Jackson suggested that sharks had been attacking fishermen for a long time. In the early 20th century, the boom in ocean bathing brought a spate of attacks, and 18 fatalities after World War I saw the erection of protective enclosures in 1937. The shark-meshing program across Sydney's most popular swimming beaches has existed more or less unchanged for 75 years. (The meshing program is unique. Queensland, Durban in South Africa, parts of New Zealand, and Hong Kong have all used shark meshing, but only NSW has done it on a large scale without additional measures such as baited drum lines.) Survival ... Lisa and Glenn Orgias at Bondi Beach, where Glenn was attacked. Credit: Quentin Jones There have been 247 shark attacks in NSW, 67 fatal, since 1791. In the past 20 years, Australia-wide, 23 people have been killed by sharks. Research scientist Dennis Reid, now retired, and his colleague Vic Peddemors studied the catch in NSWs shark nets from 1950 to 2010, and found that the numbers of all sharks had steadily declined. In the first summer of netting, 1937-38, more than 800 sharks were reportedly caught. The next summer it was 300, and now there is only one shark caught per 100 net days. In fact, the government commissioned the study not to see if the nets were keeping sharks out, but to see if populations of threatened species such as the grey nurse and great white, and bycatch such as dolphins, turtles, dugongs and whales, were being harmed. The result was somewhat sadder: the numbers were so low that the report concluded that over-fishing, depleting overall marine populations, was probably the main reason Sydney bathers were safer than ever. Simon Letch did not give fear time to take hold after he was attacked in April 2005. The illustrator had paddled out to Bronte reef in Sydneys east at dawn when, as he was about to sit on his surfboard, he felt a tug. I thought, Am I on a rock? I looked down and saw the head of the shark latched onto the front of the board. I duckdived the board onto it a couple of times. You know, Youre not going to be interested in this, have some more. I was force-feeding it my board. Advertisement Keeping his feet out of the water, Letch paddled towards the beach and caught a wave in. "I started laughing aloud. I thought, 'I'm through, I'm safe!' " After warning some other surfers They said, Bullshit, then I showed them my board Letch began walking home. Five minutes later, My legs went to jelly as the shock hit me. After an hour at home, Letch made a decision. I said, Its probably a good idea to go back now. I didnt want to let it get into my head. If I waited until the next morning, and went out at the same time, it might really freak me out. So I just went. Swell time... shark attack victim Paul de Gelder hits the waves. With a spare board, Letch paddled out at the same spot. Its strange to say, but I was probably more fearful of sharks before the attack. There were times when I just couldnt get it out of my mind. I think I was fearful but not respectful. Now I have a healthy respect for sharks but am not obsessed. I judge conditions and make a decision whether or not to go out. That sense, as illusory as it might seem, of judging risk and defying fear, has moved to the centre of the survivors stories. Andrew Lindop was back in the water three months after being attacked, and now takes a more sensible view of sharks. If I heard a shark alarm before the attack, he says, Id probably go in a little bit, paddle around, then get back out into the waves. Now, if the alarm goes off, I get out of the water. A shark attack changes people. Orgias discovered a coherent story in his relationship with the ocean and believes the attack made him a better person. After his left hand was amputated, he soon became anxious to return to surfing. Shark expert Vic Peddemors visited him with assurances that he hadn't been bitten because he'd eaten in too many nice Bondi restaurants. It had nothing to do with him. Advertisement Secret documents dating back to the Fraser government and including advice on the Iraq War have been found locked away, hidden in sealed envelopes and forgotten in dusty parts of the prime ministers own department. A review of how 78 cabinet documents created in 2003 by John Howards government failed to be delivered to the National Archives has discovered even more papers some of which go to the heart of the operation of previous administrations were simply lost within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. An official review found the prime ministers department literally lost track of documents because it was overwhelmed by its COVID-19 pandemic workload. Credit: Maria Ercegovac Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the investigation earlier this month, slamming the mishandling of the documents, which included official reports to the national security committee. Former spy chief Dennis Richardsons inquiry cleared the department and the Morrison government of deliberately misplacing the documents, which were expected to be released on January 1. Legislation to change the controversial stage 3 cuts will be introduced into parliament next week as the opposition continued to insist it had not yet reached a position on the $359 billion package. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the Coalition was yet to decide whether it would back the changes, while Treasurer Jim Chalmers urged the Liberal and National parties to back the bigger tax cuts for essential workers. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the tax cuts were designed to ease cost of living pressures. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Chalmers said that while inflation was easing, households were still doing it tough which was why the government had made the changes to the income tax cuts. I say to the Liberals and Nationals, do not stand in the way of a bigger tax cut for the steelworkers and truckies and teachers and nurses of this country. Do not stand in the way of a bigger tax cut to help middle Australia deal with these cost-of-living pressures, he said. Premier Jacinta Allan has declared exiled MP Will Fowles will not return to the parliamentary Labor Party after police closed an investigation into an alleged assault against a government staffer and did not lay any charges. The Ringwood MP, who was arrested and questioned in October, has always denied wrongdoing and on Tuesday said he looked forward to working for his constituents. Lower house MP Will Fowles. Credit: AAP I acknowledge the confirmation from Victoria Police that they have closed the investigation and will not proceed with any charges, Fowles said in a statement. I have always maintained my innocence in the matter, and I am looking forward to continuing my work for my constituents in parliament. West Australian Premier Roger Cook has leapt to the defence of the Environmental Defenders Office as the Coalition vowed to end federal funding of the law firm behind legal challenges of major oil and gas projects. Speaking from Perth on Tuesday, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced he would defund the EDO if his party was returned to government. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The Albanese government has tipped $8.3 million into the firm since coming to power in 2022, while the Cook government funded the WA branch to the tune of $150,000 last financial year. The WA government has budgeted a further $150,000 over the next two years which the WA Liberals have pledged to cease if they win the 2025 election. Despite harbouring its own concerns about the EDO, and Cook himself in December lamenting well-funded green organisations dividing indigenous groups to engage in environmental lawfare the WA government will continue its funding. MEXICO CITY, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday dismissed as "demagogic" recent threats from some U.S. politicians to close the Mexico-U.S. border. Closing the border between the two countries would not resolve the immigration problem as these politicians suggest, Lopez Obrador said at his regular daily press conference. "With a modicum of intelligence, you couldn't think that this is a solution," Lopez Obrador told reporters at the National Palace in Mexico City. U.S. President Joe Biden remarked a few days ago that he would be willing to close the border with Mexico should the flow of migrants exceed the administration's capabilities. Donald Trump, Biden's predecessor and potential Republican presidential candidate in November 2024, has also mentioned the possibility of closing the border as he campaigns to return to power. According to Lopez Obrador, the threat to close the border is just politicians relying on emotion rather than reason to drum up support. "The position 'we are going to close the borders' is very demagogic," he said. Closing the border would have untold consequences for Mexican and U.S. companies, given the degree of commercial integration that exists between Mexico and the United States, noted Lopez Obrador. A plan to cover a Giza pyramid with granite cladding has been called absurd after its proponents promised it would deliver a gift from Egypt to the world. The project aims to restore the Pyramid of Menkaure, the smallest of the three pyramids at Giza, to its original glory over a three-year period. Workers watch as a stone is lifted by a crane during a conservation project by the base of the Pyramid of Menkaure. Credit: AFP The structure was originally cased in 16 layers of granite blocks, but only seven remain today. Their restoration, which has sparked controversy among archaeologists and Egyptologists, has been hailed by supporters of the plan as a historic move to restore a wonder of the ancient world. West Bank/Gaza/Doha: Hamas said it was weighing up a new ceasefire proposal in the war with Israel in Gaza, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his forces would not withdraw from the enclave until they had achieved total victory. The developments came hours after Israeli commandos disguised as medical workers and Muslim women killed three Palestinian militants in an undercover raid on a hospital in the occupied West Bank an action that underscored the risk of the Gaza conflict spreading to other fronts. Image taken from surveillance video shows Israeli forces disguised as civilian women and medical workers hold weapons in a hallway at the Ibn Sina Hospital in the West Bank town of Jenin. Credit: Palestinian Health Ministry via AP In Gaza itself, clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters in the north of the enclave forced more Palestinian residents to flee to safer areas, and southern parts of the coastal enclave were hit by Israeli airstrikes overnight. Fighting intensified around Gazas largest hospital still in service, the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which is surrounded by Israeli troops, the World Health Organisation said. Washington: US President Joe Biden says he has made a decision on how to strike back against the drone strike that killed three American troops in Jordan, and has held Iran responsible for supplying weapons to the militia group that caused the deaths. Two days after the deadly attack, the US is preparing to retaliate with a response that is likely to be multi-tiered and sustained over time, but risks escalating tensions even further in the Middle East. US President Joe Biden. Credit: AP Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday (AEDT), Biden did not elaborate on details but replied yes when he was asked if he had decided how to respond. He also added: I dont think we need a wider war in the Middle East. Thats not what Im looking for. Washington: There were 65,000 rape-related pregnancies in US states where abortion was outlawed following the Supreme Courts decision to curtail womens reproductive rights, according to new research. With abortion looming as a major flashpoint in this years election, a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has reignited concerns about the growing number of women being forced to travel interstate to terminate unwanted pregnancies, or who resort to self managed and potentially unsafe procedures. An activist marks the first anniversary of the Supreme Courts decision that overturned Roe v Wade, by displaying a neon sign in support of abortion access in front of the US Supreme Court. Credit: AP According to the study, an estimated that 519,981 rapes were associated with 64,565 pregnancies during the four to 18 months that abortion bans were in effect in 14 Republican-led states. But the researchers found that fewer than a dozen abortions each month were offered in states where rape exceptions are made, suggesting such exemptions are still not giving women the abortion access they need. WILLEMSTAD:--- The yearly military training, called Barracuda Warrior, this year took place in Curacao from January 15 29. This training brought together several units from the Dutch Caribbean Region, under which the Marine Squadron Carib from Aruba, the Marine detachment from Saint Maarten, the Boat platoon from Curacao, the Brigade in the West, and a platoon from the Curacao military. 185 Soldiers participated in this training. The objective of the exercise was to reinforce the cooperation between the diverse units which normally are stationed on several islands. The activities during Barracuda Warrior entail amongst other things, shooting exercises, amphibious runs (both day and night), operating in urban areas, and simulating planned and unplanned attacks. The Soldiers from Curacao are increasingly participating in major military exercises in the context of professionalizing the Caribbean military. In addition, joint training increases operational effectiveness. Barracuda Warrior remains an important military exercise to promote the readiness and cohesion of maritime and land forces in the Caribbean. This supports Defense's mission in the Caribbean: rendering peace and security in the region. BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- China does not want tensions in the Red Sea and is committed to working with all parties to make positive efforts to ease tensions in the Red Sea, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked if the Houthi group's attacks in the Red Sea have negative impacts on China's trade with Middle East countries. Wang said the waters of the Red Sea are an important corridor for international trade of goods and energy, and China does not want tensions in the Red Sea. China calls for a cessation to the harassment of civilian vessels and earnest respect for the sovereignty of Red Sea littoral countries, including Yemen, and is committed to working with all parties to make positive efforts to ease tensions in the Red Sea, he said. Wang said the root cause of the escalating situation in the Red Sea is the spillover of the Gaza conflict, and a quick end to the fighting in Gaza will help ease the situation in the Red Sea. China urges all parties to the conflict in Gaza to earnestly implement the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly, and achieve a ceasefire immediately, Wang said, noting that the international community should take coordinated action to that end. Lagrange points, or Lagrangian points, are locations in space where objects can stay in position relative to another, larger body. They are made possible by the balance of gravitational and centripetal forces for example, between Earth and the sun, or between Earth and the moon, NASA explains . Because Lagrange points are easy to reach, many spacecraft are sent to perform their observations from these locations. Related: How Lagrange points solved one of physics' biggest problems Lagrange point FAQs What is a Lagrange point in simple terms? A Lagrange point is a region of space where gravitational and centripetal forces balance so that an object, such as a spacecraft or an asteroid , can remain stationary relative to a larger body, such as Earth. The Lagrange points are particularly useful for parking space probes. Does Earth have a Lagrange point? Earth has five Lagrange points, as does Earth's moon. Earth's L1 and L2 points are within the easiest reach of space missions. How far is the L1 point from Earth? The Earth-sun L1 point is about 932,000 miles (1.5 million km) from Earth. The L2 point is the same distance but in the opposite direction, away from the sun. It took the James Webb Space Telescope about a month to reach L2. How many Lagrange points are there? Diagram of the Lagrange points associated with the sun-Earth system. (Image credit: NASA / WMAP Science Team) Each pair of gravitational bodies has five Lagrange points. Let's take Earth and the sun as an example. The first Lagrange point, L1, is between Earth and the sun. The second Lagrange point, L2, is on the opposite side of Earth from the sun. Because the sun is partially blocked by Earth, L2 provides a dark, unhindered vantage point for space telescopes such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to view the universe, according to NASA . L3 is located on the opposite side of the sun to Earth, so we cannot see it. L4 and L5 are positioned 60 degrees in front of and 60 degrees behind Earth in its orbit and are where the Trojan asteroids cluster . These five points are mirrored in other pairs of bodies. For example, the Earth-moon system has its own set of Lagrange points . L1 is between Earth and the moon, L2 is on the far side of the moon, L3 is on the opposite side of Earth to the moon, and L4 and L5 are 60 degrees in front of and behind the moon on its orbit around Earth. Who discovered the Lagrange points? The history of the Lagrange points goes back to the mid-to-late 18th century, long before there were rockets or spacecraft. Much of the legwork had been done in the previous century, with Johannes Kepler 's three laws of planetary motion and Isaac Newton 's laws of gravitation, which together describe how the moon orbits Earth, and how Earth and the other planets orbit the sun . The first three Lagrange points were initially proposed by the great mathematician Leonhard Euler in 1760 while he was studying the inward and outward forces acting on a large body orbiting another object, such as the sun. Later, in the early 1770s, Joseph-Louis Lagrange, who was Euler's student , discovered L4 and L5 and corroborated Euler's earlier work. How do Lagrange points work? A spacecraft at a Lagrange point feels a balance between the gravitational pull of two large bodies such as Earth and the sun, or Earth and the moon on a smaller object, and the centripetal force needed for that smaller object to move in time with them and thus appear to remain in a specific location relative to them, NASA explains. Such a location is a Lagrange point. For example, at the L1 point, which lies between Earth and the sun, the sun's gravity will pull a spacecraft around it faster than Earth orbits the sun. (Kepler's second law of planetary motion tells us that the closer an object is to the sun, the faster it will orbit.) However, Earth's gravity can pull back on a spacecraft, slowing it down. At L1, all of these forces are in balance, and a spacecraft at L1 would be moving slow enough to maintain its position, at least temporarily. The situation is reversed for L2, which is a little farther from the sun than Earth is. Here, spacecraft should orbit the sun a little more slowly than our planet does, but Earth's gravity can pull them along and balance the forces. The European Space Agency (ESA) describes L1, L2 and L3 as "meta-stable," meaning that, over longer periods of time, spacecraft or asteroids will drift out of them. L4 and L5 are permanently stable over billions of years, which is why the Trojan asteroids can remain there. What are the distances to the Lagrange points? The distance to the Earth-sun Lagrange point 1 is about 932,000 miles ( 1.5 million kilometers ) from Earth. Lagrange Point 2 is the same distance in the opposite direction. Lagrange Point 3 is about 186 million miles (300 million km) from us. Both L4 and L5 are about 19 million miles (30 million km) from Earth. Given the relatively short distances to the Earth-sun L1 and L2 points, they can be easily accessed by spacecraft. Because the Earth-moon Lagrange points are much closer to us, all of them can be reached. What spacecraft are currently at the Lagrange points? Several spacecraft are found at the Earth-sun L1 point. These include the joint ESA-NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory and NASA's Advanced Composition Explorer and Wind missions, which study the solar wind . In September 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation launched Aditya-L1 , a solar mission to L1. Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Deep Space Climate Observatory is at L1, looking back at Earth. The Earth-sun L2 point has become famous recently as the home of JWST. It is joined at L2 by ESA's Euclid and Gaia missions and a German-Russian high-energy astrophysics mission called Spektr-RG . Past missions at L2 include NASA's Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe and ESA's Planck mission, both of which studied the cosmic microwave background , and ESA's Herschel Space Observatory. Future missions to L2 will include NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope , ESA's PLATO and ARIEL exoplanet missions, and the joint ESA-Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Comet Interceptor spacecraft. There are no current missions at L3, L4 or L5. What are Trojan asteroids? Because L4 and L5 are permanently stable Lagrange points, any objects that exist in them will remain there. As such, asteroids can become trapped at L4 and L5 . Astronomers call these objects Trojan asteroids. Jupiter has the most Trojan asteroids. More than 10,000 have been detected so far, with more at L5 than at L4 . NASA's Lucy mission launched in October 2021 to explore Jupiter 's Trojan asteroids and will arrive at its first one in 2027. Trojans have also been found , in much smaller numbers, at the L4 and L5 points of Venus, Earth, Mars, Uranus and Neptune, which, after Jupiter, has the most, with 31 known Trojans as of the end of 2023. Additional resources You can read more about the five Lagrange points in this article by Neil deGrasse Tyson . If you're more mathematically inclined, check out this NASA PDF describing the Lagrange points using equations. For an animated view and description of Lagrange points, watch this NASA video featuring Hal Levison, principal investigator for the Lucy mission. Bibliography Neil J. Cornish, 'What Are Lagrange Points?', NASA, 2023 https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/resources/faq/what-are-lagrange-points/ 'Webb Orbit', Goddard Space Flight Center, https://webb.nasa.gov/content/about/orbit.html#:~:text=The%20James%20Webb%20Space%20Telescope,second%20Lagrange%20point%20or%20L2 Steigerwald, William; 'How Were the Trojan Asteroids Discovered and Named?' NASA, 2021, https://www.nasa.gov/missions/how-were-the-trojan-asteroids-discovered-and-named/ Maccone, Claudio; 'The Lunar Farside Radio Lab Study of the IAA', https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228781180_The_Lunar_Farside_Radio_Lab_Study_of_the_IAA Wright, Alison; 'The Trojan is Out There', Nature Physics, 7, 592, 2011, https://www.nature.com/articles/nphys2061 'Joseph Louis Lagrange', Physics Today, 2017, https://pubs.aip.org/physicstoday/Online/9280/Joseph-Louis-Lagrange 'What Are Lagrange Points?' European Space Agency, https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/What_are_Lagrange_points 'L2, the Second Lagrangian Point', European Space Agency, https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Herschel/L2_the_second_Lagrangian_Point Karen Sottosanti, 'Lagrange Point', Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2023, https://www.britannica.com/science/Lagrangian-point 'An Assessment of Space Situation Around SunEarth Lagrange Point L1', Indian Space Research Organisation, 2023, https://www.isro.gov.in/Assessment_spacesituation_LagrangePoint_L1.html 'SOHO Overview', European Space Agency, https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/SOHO_overview2 'ACE: Advanced Composition Explorer', NASA, https://science.nasa.gov/mission/ace/ 'Aditya-L1', Indian Space Research Organisation, https://www.isro.gov.in/Aditya_L1.html 'Deep Space Climate Observatory', HarvardSmithsonian CfA, https://pweb.cfa.harvard.edu/facilities-technology/telescopes-instruments/deep-space-climate-observatory-dscovr 'Euclid's Journey to L2', European Space Agency, https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2023/05/Euclid_s_journey_to_L2 'Gaia Mission', Gaia in the UK, https://www.gaia.ac.uk/mission 'Illustration of the Spektr-RG spacecraft', European Space Agency, 2020, https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2020/06/Illustration_of_the_Spektr-RG_spacecraft 'WMAP Trajectory and Orbit', NASA, https://wmap.gsfc.nasa.gov/mission/observatory_orbit.html 'Planck Satellite Manoeuvre Aims at L2 Arrival', European Space Agency, 2009, https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/Planck_satellite_manoeuvre_aims_at_L2_arrival 'Herschel', European Space Agency, https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/Herschel 'Observatory', Nancy Grace Roman Telescope, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, https://roman.gsfc.nasa.gov/observatory.html 'PLATO factsheet', European Space Agency, https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Plato_factsheet 'ARIEL Factsheet', European Space Agency, https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Ariel_factsheet 'Mission', Comet Interceptor, https://www.cometinterceptor.space/mission.html#:~:text=Comet%20Interceptor%20is%20planned%20to,point%20observations%20around%20the%20target . Talbert, Tricia; What are the Trojan Asteroids? We Asked a NASA Scientist, Episode 8, NASA, 2021, https://www.nasa.gov/solar-system/what-are-the-trojan-asteroids-we-asked-a-nasa-scientist-episode-8/#:~:text=So%2C%20what%20are%20the%20Trojan,formation%20of%20our%20solar%20system Bottke, William F. et al; 'Origin and Evolution of Jupiter's Trojan Asteroids', Space Science Reviews, 219, 83, 2023, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11214-023-01031-4 Li, Jian et al; 'Asymmetry in the number of L4 and L5 Jupiter Trojans driven by jumping Jupiter', Astronomy & Astrophysics, 669, A68, 2023 https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2023/01/aa44443-22/aa44443-22.html LUCY: Twelve Years, Eleven Asteroids, One Spacecraft, https://lucy.swri.edu/ 'Astronomers Find Second Known Earth Trojan Asteroid', National Science Foundation, 2022, https://new.nsf.gov/news/astronomers-find-second-known-earth-trojan French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) PARIS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. Eight "blocking points" have been set up on major highways around the French capital. Almost 800 tractors have surrounded the city, with farmers vowing to "starve Paris." According to the gendarmerie, 30 departments and 16 highways have been affected by the farmers' movement across the country. The French farmers started their movement nearly two weeks ago to protest against decreasing income and increasing rules, regulations and paperwork. Some complained that unfair trade policies had put them in unfair competition with farmers from other countries not subject to the same rules. French Minister of Agriculture Marc Fesneau has announced that "new measures will be taken tomorrow." Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron called a meeting with several ministers on Monday afternoon to discuss the situation, his office said. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal had announced an initial series of measures in response to farmers' anger, including putting brakes on the rising cost of diesel for farm machinery use. He also promised to seek to simplify administrative tasks for farmers and inject subsidies into organic farming. However, these measures did not extinguish farmers' fury. Attal said on Sunday that the initial measures were "just the beginning," and pledged to "continue day after day, week after week, to make progress." French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, on Jan. 29, 2024. French farmers blocked motorways around Paris on Monday afternoon as they continued protesting against rising prices, red tape and "unfair competition" from other countries. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian envoy to the United Nations said the country does not bear responsibility for actions by any individual or group in the region, the official news agency IRNA reported on Tuesday. Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks in a letter to the French envoy, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for January. The report said the letter responded to the U.S. envoy's Friday letter, in which "unwarranted" accusations were leveled against Iran. Iravani noted that the U.S. envoy's letter contained "unwarranted references alleging that militia groups affiliated with the Islamic Republic of Iran's armed forces are involved in actions against U.S. personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria." He stressed that Iran "categorically rejects these unfounded allegations." As emphasized in Iran's previous letters to the Council, he said, "There is no group affiliated with the Islamic Republic of Iran's armed forces, whether in Iraq, Syria, or elsewhere, that operates directly or indirectly under Iran's control or acts on the country's behalf." The Iranian envoy thus concluded that "Iran is not responsible for the actions of any individual or group within the region." In addition, Iravani said the actions taken by the United States in Iraq and Syria were "illegal and in violation of international law and the UN Charter." U.S. troops in Syria and Iraq have frequently come under attack by resistance groups in the region since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7. TOKYO, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Three deaths were reported on Tuesday after an overturned fishing boat was discovered on Lake Biwa in the Japanese prefecture of Shiga, according to local police. The Shiga prefectural police on Tuesday received a call from a fisherman who had spotted an overturned boat on Lake Biwa, the country's largest freshwater lake, and local authorities, including the fire department, arrived at the scene to retrieve the bodies of the three deceased. The police disclosed that all three victims were males approximately 50 years old, with life jackets on. It was reported that the victims were reported missing on Monday evening after they had gone fishing on Lake Biwa on Monday and had not returned, according to local media reports. The accident occurred near a fishing area known for black bass and trout. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. In the case of the UK, you might think of spending on healthcare and modernising the NHS; spending on social care; on education; you might think about critical public investment to address the climate transition; but also to boost growth. Almost most important of all is to give the Palestinian people a political horizon so that they can see that there is going to be irreversible progress to a two-state solution and crucially the establishment of a Palestinian state, he said. Britain has always theoretically, in-an-ideal-world sort of way, supported this outcome, but Lord Cameron has said the UK has a responsibility to set out what that would look like. And this even given the bleak outlook in the wake of the Hamas atrocities in October. Is anyone else filled with revulsion at the unedifying spectacle of all these Tory plotters attempting to undermine dear old Rish? These peacocking treacherous non-entities yes, Im talking about you Sir Simon Clarke, Will Dry, Danny Kruger are inconsequential specks of dust one and all. As for Kemi Badenoch, going on TV at the weekend sweetly calling for her party to back Rishi while also supposedly being a member of the Evil Plotters WhatsApp Group undermined any credibility she had for being a good egg. Have any of these people ever worked in an office and had colleagues before? Do they not realise what an appalling look this all is to the voting public, and do they not understand that no one normal will ever hire them again? I understand that Rishi griddles while Rome burns, making videos about the dangers of flavoured vapes and giving speeches about re-jigging A-levels while his colleagues panic about losing their jobs over the Rwanda debacle. But treachery and facile plots are never a good look. The artist Lubaina Himid whose marvellous and moving sculpture and sound installation Naming the Money, featuring 100 life-size painted wooden figures, each representing an enslaved person, servant or refugee, is found across two rooms of the show has said of historical injustices: We need to ask the questions and give the answers: creative people are the best people to give the answers. Its as if, here, the historic works are the question and the contemporary pieces offer answers by way of critique or poetic reflection. The show doesnt trash the past or historic artists, rather it points to contexts that were always there, but long ignored. The news comes after a tragic sequence of events at the Italian house following the shock departure of Jeremy Scott Moschinos creative director of more than a decade in March. In October it was announced that David Renne, the designer from Tuscany, Italy, who was best known for having designed womenswear at Gucci for more than two decades, would be the successor. Nine days into his tenure he died from a sudden illness, according to a statement from the companys owner, Aeffe SpA. Pictures on his phone revealed images of plants thought to be cannabis or coca, and a picture of him in a pair of patterned shorts - which were later found in the bags. This suggested he played a role in packing the bags, the NCA said. Counsel to the inquiry Jamie Dawson KC said: The reason we think that is the case is we have obviously asked the Scottish Government for all of its papers concerning these matters and although we have cabinet minutes, we dont have minuted records of either of those groups. We must put a stop to the dangerous Channel crossings that are putting lives at risk and we must put an end to this mass trafficking of people to save lives. That is the humane thing to do and it is the fair thing to do. Myself and some others went to New York and we organised an event to raise money for the ACLU in an attempt to put it up to Irish America, that the Irish story was one of immigration and that we needed to support those migrants in America who felt insecure because of the new Trump regime. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Dennis Francis in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Tuesday met with President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Dennis Francis in Beijing. Han said that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has always practiced true multilateralism and firmly safeguarded the authority and status of the UN. China advocates an equal, orderly, multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, and it encourages all countries to work together to meet challenges and achieve common prosperity, he added. Noting that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, Han said China is willing to enhance cooperation with the UN and join hands with all sides to work for a more just and reasonable global governance system under the guidance of the concept of building of community of shared future for humanity. Calling China an important cooperative partner of the UN and a staunch force in safeguarding world peace and development, Francis said that China is expected to play a more important role in promoting sustainable development, advancing international cooperation and addressing global challenges. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Dennis Francis in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) He later moved to clarify the comments by saying that his remarks referred to Israels right to self defence and that he was not saying that Israel had the right to cut off water, food, fuel or medicines. Although the Duke is certainly prepared to attempt to resolve the remainder of his claim through agreement, it is necessary to list a trial of the remainder of his claim as soon as is practicable, in order that his claim, which was issued almost four-and-a-half years ago in September 2019, may be fully determined if agreement is not reached, he set out, in a written submission to Mr Justice Fancourt. Chief operating officer of Transport for London (TfL) Glynn Barton said: Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who was tragically killed following a collision with a bus in Victoria this morning. During the speech, Khan claiming the document was proof he was being threatened and that his ouster was a US conspiracy, allegedly executed by the military and the government in Pakistan. Washington and Pakistani officials have denied the claim. "They executed the three men as they slept in the room," he told the Reuters news agency. "They executed them in cold blood by firing bullets directly into their heads in the room where they were being treated." So I convinced myself Im a Faithful, because at the end of the day, Im the game master that has to murder to keep the game going. So I was just an open book who was a Faithful and I still believe in Faithful now, which is probably some traits of a psycho. She added: ''It was very dangerous, there were a couple of injuries. One girl next to me had a panic attack and full on collapsed and had to be carried out." Afghan caretaker government's Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi speaks at a press conference after the conclusion of a regional conference on Afghanistan titled "Afghanistan's Regional Cooperation Initiative" in Kabul, Afghanistan, Jan. 29, 2024. Afghan caretaker government's Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi has emphasized Afghanistan's positive engagement and good relations with different nations. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) KABUL, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Afghan caretaker government's Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi has emphasized Afghanistan's positive engagement and good relations with different nations. "We are calling upon the world community, upon all countries, far-flanged countries to have positive relations with Afghanistan," Muttaqi told reporters at a press conference after the conclusion of a regional conference on Afghanistan on Monday evening. The conference titled "Afghanistan's Regional Cooperation Initiative" was hosted by the Afghan caretaker government. All the participants stressed that a peaceful and progressive Afghanistan is in the interest of the region, Muttaqi said. All the participants in the conference have underscored the role of Afghanistan in linking Central Asia to South Asia, Muttaqi said, adding that participants agreed to be cooperative in implementing major development projects. This photo taken on Jan. 29, 2024 shows a regional conference on Afghanistan titled "Afghanistan's Regional Cooperation Initiative" in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghan caretaker government's Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi has emphasized Afghanistan's positive engagement and good relations with different nations. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Afghan caretaker government's Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi is pictured at a press conference after the conclusion of a regional conference on Afghanistan titled "Afghanistan's Regional Cooperation Initiative" in Kabul, Afghanistan, Jan. 29, 2024. Afghan caretaker government's Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi has emphasized Afghanistan's positive engagement and good relations with different nations. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Tensions escalate over immigration issue between Texas, U.S. federal gov't Xinhua) 08:16, January 30, 2024 WASHINGTON/HOUSTON, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The immigration issue has recently intensified tensions between the southern U.S. state of Texas and the federal government, exacerbating partisanship and fears of a constitutional crisis in the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled earlier in January that federal agents could cut the razor wire that Texas has installed at the border of the United States and Mexico. The razor wire, set up at the order of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, is meant to deter migrants from crossing the border. Abbott said that the operation was within the constitutional "right of self-defense," and he accused U.S. President Joe Biden of failing to fulfill his constitutional duty to protect the nation's borders by allowing millions of immigrants to enter the country illegally. "This is not over. Texas' razor wire is an effective deterrent to the illegal crossings Biden encourages," Abbott said on social media. "I will continue to defend Texas' constitutional authority to secure the border and prevent the Biden Administration from destroying our property." Abbott has gained the support of more than 20 Republican governors, as well as former U.S. President Donald Trump. Biden said the White House is negotiating an immigration bill with members of both parties in Congress to address the "border crisis." The White House has repeatedly slammed Abbott and other Republicans for using the immigration issue as a political "stunt." The unprecedented "standoff" between Texas state and the federal government over the southern border is escalating, according to U.S. media reports. Polls have shown that immigration is one of the top issues for American voters as the country enters an election year in 2024. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) and Zain Bahrain have announced the signing of a ground-breaking agreement that will see the two facilitate and nurture collaborations for educational initiatives at the university as well as support the telecom group's initiatives. The partnership between AUBH and Zain Bahrain will encompass a series of programmes, collaborations, and events meticulously crafted to elevate the professional growth of AUBH students and faculty, said a statement from AUBH. This will include cultural, artistic, seasonal, sporting, and applied research and development of case studies in areas of mutual interest to both entities, it stated. "We are proud to have this partnership with AUBH, a collaboration that is built on a foundation of shared values and a commitment to excellence," stated Zain Bahrain Chief Communication and Investor Relations Officer Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa after signing the deal with AUBH President Dr. Bradley J. Cook. "This partnership also represents Zain Bahrain's long-term commitment to supporting education and empowering the next generation of leaders. Both entities will work together to create a vibrant and dynamic environment fostering creativity and innovation with a wide range of resources and experiences that will contribute to their personal and professional advancement and the overall development of Bahrain's educational landscape," he added. On the key partnership, Cook said: "AUBH is unwavering in its commitment to providing a comprehensive educational journey that extends well beyond traditional academic boundaries." "Our collaboration with Zain is a testament to our dedication to partnering with several organizations to enhance the academic and professional journey of our students. We are proud to formalize this partnership with Zain to elevate both educational and professional prospects for AUBH students," he stated. "This partnership will further foster a holistic educational experience at Bahrains first American-model University, which is in line with AUBHs educational philosophy, culture, and approach. In doing so, AUBH graduates will be career-oriented individuals equipped with skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving market," he added.-TradeArabia News Service MOSCOW, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Central Election Commission (CEC) of the Russian Federation on Monday registered incumbent Russian President Vladimir Putin as a candidate in the country's upcoming presidential elections. Ella Pamfilova, chairperson of the CEC, announced that the decision was adopted unanimously. According to CEC Secretary Natalya Budarina, 315,000 voter signatures were submitted in support of the current Russian president. This exceeds the threshold of 300,000, the number a self-nominated candidate must collect to officially register according to Russian law. The CEC had previously registered three other candidates, namely leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Leonid Slutsky; Vladislav Davankov, who was nominated by the country's New People Party; and Nikolai Kharitonov, a candidate nominated by the Russian Communist Party. The Russian presidential elections will be held on March 15-17. Four cases of malaria infection have been recorded in the last month at the Victor Babes Infectious and Tropical Diseases Hospital Bucharest, in Romanian citizens who travelled to Zanzibar. "Representatives of the Romanian Society of Tropical Diseases and Travel Medicine and of the Victor Babes Infectious and Tropical Diseases Hospital Bucharest draw attention to the importance of prophylactic treatment against malaria, as well as other specific diseases, when travelling to endemic areas. In the last month, four cases of severe malaria have been recorded at the Victor Babes Infectious and Tropical Diseases Hospital Bucharest in patients who recently travelled to Zanzibar," a press release said, agerpres reports. In this context, specialists launch an appeal to the general public, stressing the importance of proper medical information in relation to travel to certain tourist destinations.Travel agencies are also urged to direct tourists to medical offices specialising in infectious diseases and travel medicine, in order to obtain the necessary medical information before leaving on a trip. As many as 61,822 people, including 5,954 Ukrainian citizens, entered Romania on Monday, January 29, the General Border Police Inspectorate (IGPF) reported on Tuesday. According to IGPF, at the border crossings nationwide on Monday, 131,400 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, were checked both on the way in and on the way out of Romania, as well as about 40,300 means of transport. The border police detected 39 illegal acts (20 crimes and 19 misdemeanors) in the areas under their jurisdiction - the border crossings and the green border - committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, levying over RON 15,335 in fines in the process. Assets worth about RON 33,400 were impounded. Eleven foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided by the law were denied entry. Also on Monday, five Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave the country for various legal reasons. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said Tuesday that the governing coalition has proposed that the diaspora should have two days for voting in the elections for the European Parliament. The PM was asked if there was a two-day option for elections in the diaspora. "We will see. Let's see. My colleagues had this proposal, so did my colleagues from PNL [National Liberal Party]. In order to avoid creating excitement in the diaspora, there is this proposal and you know very well that last time we took the decision to vote from Friday to Sunday," Ciolacu said at the Social Democratic Party (PSD) headquarters. Asked whether Romania's membership in the European Union should be provided in the Constitution, Ciolacu said, "It will be a decision I will take after I find out the opinion of my colleagues." President Klaus Iohannis received on Tuesday at the Cotroceni Palace a delegation of the leadership of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), on the occasion of their participation in the Holocaust victims' remembrance events, the Presidential Administration informs. The delegation was made up of JDC president Annie Laurie Sandler, JDC CEO Ariel Zwang, and JDC director for Romania Sharli Israel Sabag. President of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania - Mosaic Cult (FCER-CM) Silviu Vexler and FCER-CM vice-president Ovidiu Banescu also attended the meeting, agerpres reports. President Klaus Iohannis evoked the long, productive and highly beneficial presence of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee in Romania, congratulating the JDC leadership for their constant support of Romania's Jewish communities, as well as for the involvement in the development of social and medical assistance programs, in the improvement of religious life, the preservation of the sacred Jewish heritage, and in the implementation of numerous educational and cultural programs.The head of the state praised the cooperation between the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania - Mosaic Cult and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee in areas of relevance for the Romanian society as a whole, especially in the social-educational and humanitarian area.Amid the recent commemoration of the victims of the Romanian Holocaust, President Klaus Iohannis reiterated the priority the Romanian state attaches to cultivating the memory of the Holocaust tragedy, making sure that extremist, anti-Semitic and xenophobic acts are condemned without hesitation and, essentially, that a climate of social peace is cultivated through mutual knowledge, pluralism, civic responsibility and constructive dialogue. President Iohannis brought to mind the condemnation by our country, from the very first moment, of the recent terrorist attacks against the State of Israel, underlining the importance of providing adequate humanitarian assistance and protection to the hard-tried civilian population of Gaza.The members of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee leadership thanked President Klaus Iohannis for the climate of stability and cooperation in which the Jewish minority carries out its activities alongside all the officially recognized minorities in Romania, contributing to harmonious interethnic coexistence, to a living dialogue between cultures and the passing down of common values.They also highlighted the contribution of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee to humanitarian assistance to the victims of the Russian aggression on Ukraine, as well as the excellent collaboration with the Romanian authorities in this regard. President Klaus Iohannis will be in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday and Thursday to attend a memorial ceremony organised by the European Commission in memory of Jacques Delors and an extraordinary European summit, according to the Presidential Administration. On Wednesday, he will take part in a memorial ceremony organised by the European Commission in memory of Jacques Delors (July 20, 1925 - December 27, 2023), a former president of the European Commission in 1985-1995, and on Thursday, in the extraordinary meeting of the European Council. The main subject at the extraordinary European summit is to win agreement at the level of the European Union over the mid-term revision of the EU long-term budget 2021-2027. The most important decisions regard support for Ukraine, on all dimensions, including military support under the European Peace Facility, in accordance with Ukraine's needs. "President Klaus Iohannis will speak up for a balanced and constructive approach that will allow winning the necessary consensus for the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework, based on the elements already agreed on the revision package by 26 EU member states, including Romania, at the meeting of the European Council in December 2023. An agreement at the level of all 27 EU member states would later allow the rapid adoption of European legislation regarding support for Ukraine," the Presidential Administration says. Iohannis is also expected to strongly plead for Ukraine to remain a top priority on the European Union's agenda and emphasise that support for Ukraine, in all its forms, has to continue and have increased predictability, both financially and militarily. Romania's Railway Reform Authority (ARF) and the Polish rolling stock manufacturer Pojazdy Szynowe Pesa Bydgoszcz Spolka Akcyjna (PESA) will sign today a contract for the purchase of 62 electric multiple units (EMUs). Attending the signing ceremony at the headquarters of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (MTI) will be Transport Minister Sorin Grindeanu and Polish ambassador in Bucharest Pawel Soloch. "The evaluation boards sent the Polish supplier of rolling stock PESA an invitation to sign, on January 30, 2024, at 11:00hrs, a contract for the purchase of 62 electric multiple units intended for regional short-distance transport that is divided into three lots. The period of maintenance and repair services is 15 years, necessary for the operation of those trains. Thus, the purchase contracts provided for a revision clause under which maintenance can be extended for a further 15 years without having to hold a competitive bidding, just by concluding an additional act," according to ARF. Funds for the project will be provided from the European Modernisation Fund (MF) 2021 - 2030, one of the key instruments contributing to the objectives of the European Green Deal by supporting a socially just transition towards a green economy. The total value of the project at the time of the auction was between RON 3.23 billion lei and RON 4.15 billion, VAT excluded. The duration of the contracts related to the lots will be 221 - 222 months, depending on the assigned lot. Save Romania Union (USR) argues that a new minister of Justice is needed, in the context in which our country remains among the EU countries with the worst performance regarding the implementation of anti-corruption measures, with 46 points out of a possible 100, according to a Transparency International report. "It is not at all surprising, in the context in which we have been witnessing in recent years a competition between the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Liberal Party (PNL) as to who will give more blows to the Justice, while the referee Iohannis encourages them from the sidelines. Under the 'preoccupation' and 'concern' of president Iohannis, an anti-reformist network seized the judiciary, colluded with the politicians, harassed and, sometimes, removed the brave magistrates from the judiciary and put its shoulder to the hijacking of the anti-corruption fight," the USR press release reads, agerpres reports. The representatives of the Save Romania Union mention that there is a need for a new minister of Justice "who will not be conducted" by Klaus Iohannis and people "without political involvement, competent" at the heads of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) and the General Prosecutor's Office for the anti-corruption fight to once again become a priority."The stagnation in the gray area of the international rankings that measure how the fight against corruption is perceived reveals that the rule of law does not work effectively and there is no trust in the efficiency of the institutions. It also shows that it is not enough to talk about fighting corruption, to applaud the annual stocktaking reports, to say that you change the laws in order to have anti-corruption results, but you have to act in this sense. What (former liberal Justice minister, ed. n.) Predoiu did, under the umbrella of PSD-PNL and with the agreement of Iohannis, change the laws of justice and let go of the appointments of chief prosecutors on a procedure in which the politician decides who leads the anti-corruption institutions and against organized crime, there was no way to raise the country in the anti-corruption rankings, but to sink it even more," declared deputy Stelian Ion, former Minister of Justice."We have a governing coalition that gave blow after blow in the anti-corruption fight. They appointed servile people to the National Anti-corruption Directorate and the General Prosecutor's Office, they ignored the opinions of the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM), and the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) gave the big pardon by prescribing the facts. Corruption remains the main problem. Corruption affects our lives: from health, education, to economic development and justice. They are not just numbers in international statistics, it is the reality that millions of Romanians face every day. We don't have modern hospitals and schools because of this," said USR deputy Silviu Dehelean.Romania further remains among the EU countries with the worst performance in terms of the implementation of anti-corruption measures, with 46 points out of a possible 100, which reflects significant deficiencies in the rule of law, according to the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, released on Tuesday by Transparency International on a global level. A Romanian lorry driver who was about to cross the border at Nadlac II border crossing point called 112 on Tuesday morning to say that he heard noises in the trailer and that there might be migrants hiding there, and the authorities found four Ethiopians among the cargo. The driver was waiting in a queue on the motorway to cross the border into Hungary when he heard noises from the trailer and border police intervened. "He called the single emergency number 112, reporting noises in the semi-trailer. Our colleagues went to the place where the lorry was located and carried out a quick check, after which they discovered four foreign nationals in the compartment intended for transporting goods. They were taken to the border police headquarters for investigation. During the checks, it was established that they are citizens of Ethiopia, legally entered Romania," informed the Arad Border Police. The foreigners are being investigated for attempted fraudulent crossing of the state border. This photo taken on Jan. 30, 2024 shows the site of a raid at the Ibn Sina Hospital in the West Bank city of Jenin. The Israeli army killed three young Palestinian men during a raid in a hospital in the West Bank city of Jenin, Palestinian and Israeli sources said on Tuesday. Kamal Abu Al-Rub, acting Governor of Jenin, told Xinhua that Israeli special forces disguised in civilian clothing entered Ibn Sina Hospital in the city and "assassinated" three young men. The Israeli army Spokesperson Avichai Adraee said in a statement on the social media platform X that the forces "killed an armed cell of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), which had hidden inside Ibn Sina Hospital in the city of Jenin, accusing it of planning to carry out a sabotage operation." (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) RAMALLAH, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army killed three young Palestinian men during a raid in a hospital in the West Bank city of Jenin, Palestinian and Israeli sources said on Tuesday. Kamal Abu Al-Rub, acting Governor of Jenin, told Xinhua that Israeli special forces disguised in civilian clothing entered Ibn Sina Hospital in the city and "assassinated" three young men. "This is a new crime committed by the occupation in violation of all charters and customs that protect hospitals," he added. The Israeli army Spokesperson Avichai Adraee said in a statement on the social media platform X that the forces "killed an armed cell of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), which had hidden inside Ibn Sina Hospital in the city of Jenin, accusing it of planning to carry out a sabotage operation." The West Bank has witnessed escalating tension since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, as a result of the ongoing Israeli incursions into various cities, towns and camps in the West Bank. This photo taken on Jan. 30, 2024 shows the site of a raid at the Ibn Sina Hospital in the West Bank city of Jenin. The Israeli army killed three young Palestinian men during a raid in a hospital in the West Bank city of Jenin, Palestinian and Israeli sources said on Tuesday. Kamal Abu Al-Rub, acting Governor of Jenin, told Xinhua that Israeli special forces disguised in civilian clothing entered Ibn Sina Hospital in the city and "assassinated" three young men. The Israeli army Spokesperson Avichai Adraee said in a statement on the social media platform X that the forces "killed an armed cell of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), which had hidden inside Ibn Sina Hospital in the city of Jenin, accusing it of planning to carry out a sabotage operation." (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 30, 2024 shows the site of a raid at the Ibn Sina Hospital in the West Bank city of Jenin. The Israeli army killed three young Palestinian men during a raid in a hospital in the West Bank city of Jenin, Palestinian and Israeli sources said on Tuesday. Kamal Abu Al-Rub, acting Governor of Jenin, told Xinhua that Israeli special forces disguised in civilian clothing entered Ibn Sina Hospital in the city and "assassinated" three young men. The Israeli army Spokesperson Avichai Adraee said in a statement on the social media platform X that the forces "killed an armed cell of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), which had hidden inside Ibn Sina Hospital in the city of Jenin, accusing it of planning to carry out a sabotage operation." (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) As many as 1,943 new cases of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 were recorded in January 22-28, 2023 week in Romania, with over 30,000 RT-PCR and rapid antigenic tests performed, the Health Ministry informed on Tuesday. Of the new cases, 636 were in re-infected patients, who tested positive more than 90 days after the first time they recovered from the disease. As of January 28, 3,521,283 cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Romania. - Hospitalisations - As many as 383 people with COVID-19, including 64 children, are hospitalised in Romania at specialist care facilities. Out of the total number of hospitalised patients, 25 patients, including one child, are in intensive care. - Deaths - According to the ministry, 16 Romanians - seven men and nine women - infected with SARS-CoV-2 are reported dead in the January 22 - 28 week. Deaths by age groups: one in the age group 50 - 59 years; three in the age group 60-69 years; five in the age group 70-79 years, and seven in the age group over 80 years. All deaths were in patients with comorbidities, and seven were vaccinated against COVID-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 68,822 people diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 infection have died in Romania. Romania produced, in the first 11 months of 2023, a quantity of crude oil of 2.562 million tons of oil equivalent, 114,300 toe less (-4.3%) compared to the same period the previous year, according to centralized data by the National Institute of Statistics (INS). Crude oil imports rose, in the January-November 2023 period, to 6.696 million toe, being 1.36 million toe below those recorded in the first 11 months of 2022 (-16.9%). According to the latest Energy Balance Forecast, published by the National Commission for Strategy and Prognosis (CNSP), this year's crude oil production was expected to be 3.050 million tons oil equivalent, down 2.3%, compared to 2022. CNSP indicates that Romania's crude oil production will be on a downward trajectory in the period 2023-2026, with an average annual rate of -2.2%, a consequence of the natural decline of deposits and the maintenance of existing production units. Thus, in 2024 it will be 2.98 million toe (-2.3% compared to the previous year), in 2025 to 2.91 million toe (-2.3%) and in 2026 to 2.855 million toe (-2 %). On the other hand, for the import of crude oil, CNSP estimates an increase in the mentioned period with an average annual rate of 4.1%. For 2023, the Energy Balance Forecast estimates imports of 9.215 million toe (+5.1% compared to the previous year), for 2024 of 9.65 million toe (+4.7%), for 2025 to 10 million toe (+ 3.6%), and for 2026 of 10.3 million toe (+3%). Three shipments of waste from Germany and Sweden totalling 44 tonnes were denied entry into Romania by customs authorities of Arad and Bihor after it was found that the drivers did not have legal documents. The lorries were checked at the Nadlac II and Bors II border crossings. "They were shipping, according to the cargo manifests, second-hand furniture and various goods from commercial companies in Germany and Sweden for companies in Romania. There being suspicions about the legality of the shipments, the border police requested authorised support from Arad and Bihor County Commissioners within the Bihor National Environmental and Consumer Protection Guard. Checks revealed that the lorries were actually loaded with 44,760 kg of waste, for which the drivers failed to produce the papers on required by law for the import of such products," the Arad Border Police reported on Tuesday. The authorities ordered that the waste be returned to the two countries where it had been loaded. ST. LOUIS Heavy rain swelled the creeks on Jan. 30, 1982, then the rain turned to snow. With only 4 inches of snow forecast, the worry was flooding. Lightning illuminated the snowfall as most people went to bed that Saturday night. They awoke next morning to a winter wonderland unseen here in 70 years. Lambert Field recorded 13.9 inches of snow, but the airport was on the low slope of the storm's worst. Follow-up National Weather Service reports put the totals for most of the city, southwest St. Louis County and Jefferson County at 18 inches or more. Madison County had 17 inches, St. Clair County 15. The Greenville, Ill., area was buried under 2 feet. Fifty miles to the north and south of the Gateway Arch, accumulations were light. The Jan. 30-31 storm was the third-heaviest snowfall ever recorded here, beaten only by 20.4 inches on March 30-31, 1890, and 15.5 inches on Feb. 20, 1912. Hundreds of motorists abandoned vehicles on highways and streets. Buses and heavy trucks got stuck in traffic lanes. Police nabbed a burglar by following his footsteps. At 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, Edwardsville firefighters David Carnaghi and Capt. Dennis Henson helped to deliver Sharon Miller's 9-pound son in the back of their ambulance, stuck on Interstate 55. "The baby is fine. Those guys were just great," said Miller, eventually safe and warm in a hospital. Snowplows worked nearly round the clock, but there was too much snow to push away. It would take most of a week, at heavy cost to public budgets, to clear the main roads. The action heroes were civilian owners of four-wheel-drive vehicles, who became the locomotion for police departments, medical services and repair crews. They delivered medicine to the sick and milk to babies, and doctors and nurses to hospitals. 10 times the Mississippi River froze over in St. Louis The river froze over at St. Louis at least 10 times from 1831 to 1938, when completion of the Alton Lock and Dam corralled much of the ice fro Jackie Taylor of Ballwin walked to her job at a pizza parlor. She made 30 pizzas that Ballwin firefighters delivered to a nursing home, where none of the staff showed up. Amtrak and Greyhound stopped running. Lambert cleared its runways, but few passengers could get to their flights. Bi-State canceled most bus routes for two days. Public officials urged workers to stay home - an easy call to honor, given the state of most driveways. The Missouri National Guard cleared downtown's main streets with front-end loaders and dump trucks. Five days into the big dig, an exasperated Mayor Vincent C. Schoemehl Jr. said, "The city has 454,000 residents, and that means the city has 454,000 civil engineers." At least 16 people died, most of them stricken while shoveling snow. Most schools didn't even try to reopen until Monday, Feb. 8. Images from the blizzard of '82 The blizzard of 1982 The blizzard of 1982 The blizzard of 1982 The blizzard of 1982 The blizzard of 1982 The blizzard of 1982 The blizzard of 1982 The blizzard of 1982 The blizzard of 1982 The blizzard of 1982 The blizzard of 1982 The blizzard of 1982 The blizzard of 1982 AUGUSTA A southern Missouri grape-grower is alleging the Hoffmann-owned Augusta Winery misled him about its plans to purchase his grapes, eventually buying just a fraction of what a representative first discussed. As a result, Charles Hart, of Wright County, is now claiming in a suit filed in St. Charles County that he had to scramble to find buyers, a portion of his crop went to waste and his business lost money. Representatives from Hoffmann Family of Companies said they had not seen the suit and did not comment on Tuesday. The winery is located on High Street in Augusta, a town of just under 300 residents bordered to the south by the Katy Trail, and to the north by the winding Highway 94, a road often traversed by St. Louisans making the hourlong trek to Missouris wine country. The Hoffmanns began buying up properties in 2021 throughout Warren, St. Charles and Franklin counties with aspirations to build the region up to rival Napa Valley. At one point, the Hoffmanns operated more than two dozen businesses in the area. Last year, the Hoffmanns began selling off properties and listing businesses for sale. David Hoffmann, the former CEO of the Hoffmann Family of Companies, said at the time that his sons, who had taken over running the business, were selling off just a small portion of their holdings to refocus on winemaking. The lawsuit filed last week claims that Hart, the Wright County grower, met with Don Simon, Hoffmanns chief executive in Missouri, to discuss the purchase of grapes for the Augusta Winery in November 2021. The petition says Hart told Simon that he was willing to forgo sales to other clients, including some long-term customers, and sell his vineyards entire yield to the winery. The following month, Simon texted Hart that he was looking forward to working out a deal, the petition says. In January, Hart texted Simon to ask if Augusta had enough tank space to process his crop of grapes, which could amount to as many as 400 tons. Augusta did, Simon responded it had capacity for 1,150 tons already and was building capacity for another 300. In March, Hart texted Simon again. Another winery was looking to contract with him for grapes. What should I tell them? Hart asked. We want them all my friend, Simon replied. In May, Hart contacted Simon about whether one of them should prepare a contract. Simon said he was working on it. Still a go, Simons text read in part, need them grapes. Hart ultimately sent a contract proposal, but, the lawsuit claims, it was never executed, and Augusta only took a small portion of Harts grapes. In late summer, as harvest season drew near, Hart sent ripeness data for his crop to Augustas winemaker, who asked if Hart could begin sending Catawba grapes a red, seeded grape typically used for sweet wines and blends the following week. Hart agreed, but a few days later, the winemaker suggested that Hart should talk to Simon. In the end, the lawsuit claims, Augusta bought a portion of Harts grapes. Hart sold some to two other former customers and found some commercial buyers for others. He even opened his vineyard as a pick your own crop for the public. Still, the petition claims, about $170,000 worth of grapes rotted on the vine. Developer has big plans for Augusta, Mo. wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Hoffmann Family of Companies develops Augusta wineries Daniel Neman Features writer Follow Daniel Neman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today What is St. Louis food? Is it a square or two of Imos pizza? A late-night slinger at a diner? A Cardinal Sin concrete from Ted Drewes? Or is it the Calabrian Chili Short Ribs that Little Fox chef Craig Rivard created by marinating cross-cut short ribs in a sweet and spicy Italian mixture? The Korean Kalbi Jjim that has always played a central role in Kimchi Guys chef Munsok Sos family celebrations? The Umeboshi Onigiri sticky rice wrapped around a pickled plum from Kurt Bellons Izumi food truck? The truth is, St. Louis cuisine long ago expanded beyond pork steaks and toasted ravioli. Now it includes foods from every corner of the world. A slim new cookbook, The Global Foods Market Cookbook, celebrates the increasingly wide variety of flavors and cuisines that now make their home in St. Louis. Included are the recipes for the short ribs, kalbi jjim, onigiri and 20 other dishes from Asia, Europe and North and South America. Its a fun way to highlight both the diversity of people that we have in St. Louis and also the diversity of food that we have here, said Shayn Prapaisilp, who more than anyone is the man behind the cookbook. Prapaisilp is the chief operating officer of his familys STJ Group Holdings, which owns the King & I and Chao Baan restaurants and the international markets Global Foods Market and United Provisions. I never thought that book publishing would be part of my career as a grocer, he said. It took almost a year to bring the book together, from concept to publication. Prapaisilp and his team put out a call to local chefs, home cooks and others who have a passion for food. The response was larger than they could fit in a single cookbook and a sequel may be in the offing if this book sells well. Unfortunately, we couldnt include everyones recipes, but we wanted to curate it to include recipes from all over the world, he said. So the book features a recipe from home cook Katie Cannella for Red Wine, Porcinis & Saffron Risotto, a family recipe that she says is different from risottos typically served in restaurants. The dried porcini mushrooms are rehydrated in red wine instead of water, and both the chopped mushrooms and porcini-flavored wine are added to the cooking liquid. But the book also features recipes from some of the regions top chefs, including Yellowbellys Ben Tulin, who contributes a recipe for lobster enchiladas. Indos and Sados Nick Bognar offers a recipe for Shrimp Toast. A recipe for Hummus Shuk comes from Ben Poremba, whose group of restaurants includes the Israeli flavors of Olio. And Mission Taco Joints Jason Tilford presents a recipe for Beef Barbacoa. To see other people interested in your food that you grew up eating is great to see people incorporating your food into everyday eating, Prapaisilp said. Prapaisilps own heritage is Thai, so he said he is naturally inclined to favor the recipes from Asia that are in the book. But even in Southeast Asia, he said, the differences in cuisine can be surprisingly large. My parents are from two different regions of Thailand, and sometimes they cant even agree on what kind of food to eat. It would be like asking a New Englander to eat Southern food every day, he said. The expansion of international cuisines in St. Louis reflects the same growth across the country, he said. Not just the dishes themselves, but the ingredients that go into them are finding widespread acceptance everywhere. Kimchee is more popular now. Fish sauce is everywhere; youre seeing it on the table almost like mustard and ketchup. Items that used to be exotic are now being included in everyday cooking and are being folded into food that we look broadly at as American cuisine, he said. Any ingredients listed in the books recipes that cannot be found at standard grocery stores are, of course, available at Global Foods Market. As a child of immigrants, Prapaisilp appreciates the work being done to welcome international newcomers to the region by the International Institute of St. Louis. So for every book sold, he will donate one book to the institute, and will also donate a portion of the proceeds to them. Its his way of supporting immigrants and encouraging them to come to the area. Theyre making St. Louis a richer and more delicious town, he said. The Global Foods Market Cookbook is $20 and is available at Global Foods Market, 421 North Kirkwood Road, in Kirkwood, and United Provisions, 6241 Delmar Boulevard, in University City. Tony Messenger Metro columnist Follow Tony Messenger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today PEACEFUL VILLAGE, Mo. Until the bulldozers show up in the backyard, a lot of folks dont pay much attention to the nitty-gritty operations of their government. So it was for Jon Jerome. Jerome is president of Heroes Care, a nonprofit that helps veterans and their families. He lives in the High Ridge area of unincorporated Jefferson County. His property butts up against one of the most unique governmental bodies in Missouri: Peaceful Village, created in 2008. The tiny village was the inspiration of Jack Walters, who built a church and Christian childrens camp on 78 acres he owned along Antire Road. In 2007, the Missouri Legislature had passed a controversial law, supported by former Speaker of the House Rod Jetton, to help a wealthy donor create his own village. The donor wanted to bypass building and zoning regulations in southwest Missouri. The short-sighted law was repealed a year later, but dozens of landowners across the state had already tried to take advantage of it. Walters village was created by a 2-1 vote of the Jefferson County Commission in September 2008, before the repeal took effect. The commissioner who voted no, suggesting the village was unconstitutional, issued a prophetic warning. I think its bad public policy, Chuck Banks said. Jack may be a great person, but you never know who will come next. Dan Ross Jr. is who came next. Ross is pastor of New Hope Fellowship Church, which now operates in the cross-shaped church that Walters built. Ross bought the property and village from Walters in 2015. He and his son are trustees of the village, along with other family members and people who attend the church. The church and the village are intertwined. This brings us to the bulldozers in Jeromes backyard. Last July, he noticed a permit posted on the property next to his. He called the number on the notice, and it wasnt in service. He called the county and was told he had to talk to the village. But nobody seemed to have any contact information. By December, when the bulldozers had dug right up to his property line, and dangerously close to Antire Road, Jerome sent an open records request to Ross at the church. He wanted city permits for the property, building codes, contact information, meeting minutes and more. On Dec. 20, Ross, the pastor and trustee, responded. Yes, he wrote, Jerome can have the documents if he forks over $4,500. This is an all-too-common tactic by government officials seeking to hide public documents. Its also illegal. Jerome alerted the attorney generals office, the Missouri Ethics Commission and anybody else he could think of. Meanwhile, the building continued. None of this made sense to Jerome. How could one family, connected to a church, approve their own building permits for a project without any oversight? Jerome figured the only way to fight this particular City Hall was to get rid of it. So late last year, he found some residents theres a mobile home park and some retirement homes in the village limits to sign a petition to dissolve Peaceful Village. In late December, the Jefferson County Commission unanimously accepted the petition. A vote is set for April. It will be contested among the 67 registered voters in the village. Ross is unapologetic about his project. He is building two residential care facilities sober homes, he calls them that will be run by a nonprofit he created, Cedar Oak. Over the past couple of years, Ross has battled with Jefferson County as he tries to build facilities to help the homeless population. The county has shut us down at every turn, he says. The sober homes are being built in the village so we dont have to deal with Jefferson County. And there is a need for such facilities in Jefferson County, Ross argues. The people in Jefferson County who have addiction issues have to go live in St. Louis because theres no sober houses here, Ross says. Ross says at least some of the people in the sober facility will be graduates from another nonprofit he leads Adult and Teen Challenge St. Louis a Christian-based drug treatment home that is also on the churchs property in Peaceful Village. Heres where a timeline of overlapping events helps sort through the complaints Ross is now facing. In 2020, Ross started a real estate investment company, called BRR Investments. Around that time, during the COVID-19 pandemic, New Hope Fellowship became one of the top recipients of federal money intended to get food to children, at schools and elsewhere. From 2020 through mid-2022, New Hope Fellowship claimed about $22.5 million through the program. The church has said it was serving 30,000 hot meals a week at the height of the pandemic, trucking food to partner sites across Missouri. The food program has drawn the attention of federal investigators, who have charged at least one nonprofit leader for allegedly skimming money for personal financial gain. Ross says that hasnt happened with his church, although a state audit of the program in 2020 raised questions about $400,000 in bonuses that hadnt been approved by the state. A 2021 audit questioned some of the financial accounting procedures of the church but raised no more issues regarding the bonuses. Also in 2020, Ross newly formed real estate company started buying several Jefferson County properties, including the land in Peaceful Village where the sober homes are being built. Around that same time, Ross also remodeled his home, according to county records. Its in nearby Byrnes Mill. Ross, despite being a trustee in Peaceful Village, doesnt live in the village. All of those connections among businesses, nonprofits, a church and a government body all tied to one person dont sit well with at least one neighbor. Its frustrating, Jerome says. Every time he went to a government entity that he thought could help with his questions the county, the fire district, the attorney general they all seemed to suggest his only option was to file a lawsuit. How is any of this legal? he asks. Its a fair question. The voters of Peaceful Village will answer it in April. ST. LOUIS The lawyers for a bar owner charged with assault after police crashed into his business say prosecutors are refusing to give them body camera footage of the incident. Lawyers for Chad Morris, the owner of Bar:PM, said prosecutors on Jan. 18 gave them what was supposed to be the entirety of the evidence against their client. But they argue in a motion filed Monday that instead of handing over actual body camera videos, the circuit attorneys office gave them a document that rather convolutedly ... appears to be saying that six bodycam videos exist. And yet, despite having been on notice of the existence of these videos since December 18, 2023, the Circuit Attorney refuses to produce these videos to the defendant, the motion said. Lawyers also wrote that they have emailed the assistant circuit attorney twice requesting those videos with no response. Late last month, police showed the footage to several St. Louis aldermen and members of the city LGBTQ advisory board, but they said they would not release it publicly because of Morris pending criminal case. Whats different about this compared to normal cases is that we know (the video) exists because they publicly said that they showed it to the aldermen, one of his lawyers, Javad Khazaeli, told the Post-Dispatch. Usually the hardest part is finding out whether or not video exists. Sometimes it takes months to find out. ... In this case, everybody knows that videos exist. Christine Bertelson, a spokeswoman for the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office, did not immediately return a call for comment. Morris was charged with third-degree assault and resisting arrest after a rookie police officer drove his police SUV into Bar:PM, a popular gay bar on South Broadway. Morris owns the business with his husband. The confrontation escalated between responding officers, and Morris was arrested. He was released from jail more than a day later with a bruised face. Police said Morris pushed one of the officers investigating the crash and ran from police; Khazaeli, his lawyer, has disputed several parts of the officers account, including that Morris was the aggressor. Morriss next hearing in the criminal case is scheduled for Friday. His arrest stirred up public outrage on social media. In two different surveillance video clips released last month by Khazaeli, the police SUV can be seen driving down South Broadway, running a red light and swerving unexpectedly and slamming into the building. Khazaeli earlier this month released part of an onlookers cellphone video that showed Morris husband, James Pence, being handcuffed less than a minute into his interaction with an officer after the crash. Pence was not charged. St. Louis police Chief Robert Tracy said during a news conference several weeks after the incident that he was sorry the crash happened and that the rookie officer is, too. Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct Christine Bertelson's title. ST. LOUIS A 56-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to killing a 3-year-old girl and her father at a home in the city's Mount Pleasant neighborhood. Henry Hughes pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, robbery, burglary and two weapons offenses in the deaths of Tommy L. Williams and his daughter, Octavia Williams. Family members told the Post-Dispatch at the time of her death that the little girl would often follow Williams around on walks, and she helped him wash his car. "She was a daddy's girl," Octavia's older half-sister Nicole Breiner said last year. "They were so close." Hughes lived in the apartment below the Williams family. Police said he shot Williams in the basement before going upstairs to the family's apartment and strangling Octavia. Hughes' case was set for a status hearing on Jan. 19. It was there that he pleaded guilty to all of the charges. ST. LOUIS A teenager was shot in the leg Monday afternoon in the city's Walnut Park East neighborhood. Officers were called around 4:15 p.m. to the 5200 block of Robin Avenue, police said. They found a 16-year-old boy who had been shot in the leg, police said. He was conscious and breathing. He told officers he and a 13-year-old friend were walking when they heard gunshots, police said. The boys ran and then the 16-year-old realized he was shot. Additional information was not immediately available. Editor's note: This story has been edited to reflect the correct age of the shooting victim. Paratroopers take part in a rehearsal for Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Jan. 30, 2024. Four paratroopers suffered minor injuries on Tuesday during rehearsals for Independence Day celebrations, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) spokesman Dushan Wijesinghe said. Sri Lanka will celebrate its 76th Independence Day on Feb. 4. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua) COLOMBO, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Four paratroopers suffered minor injuries on Tuesday during rehearsals for Independence Day celebrations, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) spokesman Dushan Wijesinghe said. Wijesinghe said the two paratroopers are from the Sri Lanka Air Force, while the other two are attached to the Sri Lanka Army. Two of the paratroopers were injured when their parachutes entangled mid-air while performing an aerial acrobatic manoeuvre, he said. Wijesinghe said the other two were injured when their parachutes failed to open. They were undergoing treatment in hospitals in Colombo, he said. Sri Lanka will celebrate its 76th Independence Day on Feb. 4. A paratrooper takes part in a rehearsal for Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Jan. 30, 2024. Four paratroopers suffered minor injuries on Tuesday during rehearsals for Independence Day celebrations, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) spokesman Dushan Wijesinghe said. Sri Lanka will celebrate its 76th Independence Day on Feb. 4. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua) Paratroopers take part in a rehearsal for Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Jan. 30, 2024. Four paratroopers suffered minor injuries on Tuesday during rehearsals for Independence Day celebrations, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) spokesman Dushan Wijesinghe said. Sri Lanka will celebrate its 76th Independence Day on Feb. 4. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua) A paratrooper takes part in a rehearsal for Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Jan. 30, 2024. Four paratroopers suffered minor injuries on Tuesday during rehearsals for Independence Day celebrations, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) spokesman Dushan Wijesinghe said. Sri Lanka will celebrate its 76th Independence Day on Feb. 4. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua) JEFFERSON CITY St. Charles and St. Louis counties are one step closer to getting charter schools after approval of a measure on Monday by a state legislative committee. Currently, state law only allows charter schools in St. Louis and Kansas City and in unaccredited school districts and some provisionally accredited districts. The House Special Committee on Education Reform approved a measure that would expand charter schools into St. Charles and St. Louis counties and Columbia. Originally, Reps. Justin Hicks, R-Lake Saint Louis; Brad Christ, R-south St. Louis County; and Cheri Toalson Reisch, R-Columbia, each filed independent pieces of legislation pertaining to the districts they represent. On Monday, the committee combined the bills into one so that charter school expansion in the three areas will all be considered together. If the charter school proposal gets enough votes by the full House, it would then move to the Senate for consideration. Those advocating for more charter schools across Missouri say they give options to parents who may not be happy with public schools but cant afford private schools. When he presented his St. Charles County proposal earlier this month, Hicks said the effort is about ensuring parents have options and kids arent pigeonholed into public schools. Charter school critics say they drain resources away from Missouris public school districts, which are struggling to retain teachers and produce satisfactory educational outcomes. Rep. Kevin Windham, D-Hillsdale, on Monday opposed the measure. He said he was dismayed there is an effort to expand charter schools into new counties, when we didnt look hard enough to find the problems with the current charter school system and didnt find the need to correct those. Since first opening in St. Louis in 2000, charter schools have a mixed record. More than half of the 37 charter school operators that opened in the city have since folded due to financial or academic failures, including La Salle and Hawthorn last year. Earlier this month, the Missouri Charter Public School Commission gave two new St. Louis charter schools the green light to submit applications. Friendly Academy would be a north St. Louis grade school, and Spark Academy would be a middle school in the citys central corridor. Updated at 5:25 a.m. Tuesday with committee cancellations. JEFFERSON CITY A state senator from southwest Missouri called out Gov. Mike Parson on Monday, holding up a slate of gubernatorial appointments in the senators yearslong quest to address a tax dispute between some businesses and the Department of Revenue. I hate to be a rebel. And I hope thats not the way this is coming across. But I guess thats my rebellious nature, Moon said on the Senate floor Monday evening. Ive got lots of stuff I can do and say for whatever time it takes to where the governor will call and say senator, we're on it, Moon said. After coming into session shortly before 6 p.m., the Senate was standing at ease as of 10:20 p.m. Moon eventually withdrew his motion after 11 p.m., but no vote on the gubernatorial appointments had taken place as of 11:45 p.m. amid continuing Republican infighting. But the filibuster, joined by several members of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, stretched through the early morning, prompting the cancellation of several committee hearings scheduled for Tuesday, including economic development, agriculture, emerging issues and commerce. Sens. Nick Schroer, Denny Hoskins and Moon were among those holding the floor. Moons stalling began when the Senate began to consider a slate of Parsons appointments to various state boards and agencies. Moons filibuster Monday marked the latest delay for the gubernatorial appointments. The names were tangled up last week in a separate dispute between Freedom Caucus Republicans and Senate Republican leaders and others. Pending appointments include Robert Knodell, who has been leading the Department of Social Services in an acting capacity; and Paula Nickelson, the acting director of the Department of Health and Senior Services. The usually talkative Moon, who isnt a member of the Freedom Caucus despite being allied with them, had been taking a back seat on the Senate floor as his colleagues last week pressured Senate Republican leadership for fast action on possible initiative petition changes. But on Monday, Moon took aim at the appointment of former state Sen. Dan Hegeman, R-Cosby, to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. Hegemans name appeared on a list of gubernatorial appointments that Rowden wanted to approve in one vote. But Moon moved to pull Hegemans name off the list and put his appointment up for a separate vote. He referenced a 2021 incident in which he said Hegeman refused to help Moon override Parsons veto of $140,000 that legislators allocated to businesses stung when the Department of Revenue reinterpreted state tax laws without notice. In 2021, the Senate was derailed for hours when Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, who is now running for governor and allied with Parson, wouldnt recognize Moon to bring the bill up for debate. Senators who handle bills that are vetoed traditionally are the ones who bring them up for override attempts. Hegeman, then the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, handled the measure. In an effort to move forward, Hegeman eventually moved that the Senate vote on the override. The override failed on a 13-15 vote. Hegeman did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday. Moon also referenced a meeting with Parson and others after he took office in 2018. The governor stated, this is not verbatim, but he stated, the audits will continue, but no one will have to pay. But, Moon said, the audits continued, and one by one, these businesses were ... told they were out of compliance with their tax receipts, and they had to pay. Moon on Monday referred to TJ Rehak, whose business has been closed since being wrongly charged with a use tax, said Luke Schrandt, Moon's legislative assistant. Governor and your staff, if youre looking for one (case) to pinpoint and target to give back $36,000, I appeal to you, Moon said. Schrandt said several other businesses were wrongly charged with a use tax, and they have either gotten a refund, or given up on trying to get a refund. Supporters of the Missouri Freedom Caucus have scheduled a demonstration at the Capitol at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Hoskins said he was expecting hundreds of patriots to watch the Senates proceedings, including 30 from Johnson County, his home county. CLAYTON The St. Louis County Council will hold its meeting virtually Tuesday because of security concerns following weeks of protest by anti-war demonstrators. County police and Council Chair Shalonda Webb were concerned about safety, police spokeswoman Sgt. Tracy Panus said. Webb, a Democrat from unincorporated North County, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. But councilmembers said police had information that some of the protesters could be bad actors. This decision was made between area law enforcement professionals and Council Chairperson Webb for the safety of the attendees and the Council, Panus said. Last week, protesters shut the meeting down as they urged councilmembers to introduce a resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. Police arrested one person. Speakers will still be able to register for public comment at Tuesdays meeting. They may register starting one hour prior to the 6:30 p.m. start using the councils online meeting platform, Webex, at this link: https://bit.ly/3vSSJLd. Registration ends 15 minutes before the meeting starts. Panus said police were working on a plan so that future meetings could be held in person. CHICAGO Illinois election board on Tuesday kept former President Donald Trump on the states primary ballot, a week before the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on whether the Republicans role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol disqualifies him from the presidency. The boards unanimous ruling comes after its hearing officer, a retired judge and Republican, found that a preponderance of the evidence shows Trump is ineligible to run for president because he violated a constitutional ban on those who engaged in insurrection from holding office. But the hearing officer recommended the board let the courts make the ultimate decision. The eight-member board, composed of four Democrats and four Republicans, agreed with a recommendation from its lawyer to let Trump remain on the ballot by determining it didnt have the authority to determine whether he violated the U.S Constitution. Board member Catherine McCrory prefaced her vote with a statement: I want it to be clear that this Republican believes that there was an insurrection on Jan. 6. Theres no doubt in my mind that he manipulated, instigated, aided and abetted an insurrection on Jan. 6. But McCrory said she agreed the board doesnt have jurisdiction to enforce that conclusion. Trumps attorney urged the board not to get involved, contending the former president never engaged in insurrection but that wasnt something it could determine. We would recommend and urge the board to not wade into this, attorney Adam Merrill said. Trump cheered the decision in a post on his social media network, Truth Social. The VOTE was 8-0 in favor of keeping your favorite President (ME!), on the Ballot, Trump wrote. An attorney for the voters who objected to Trumps presence on the ballot said theyd appeal to Cook County circuit court. Whats happened here is an avoidance of a hot potato issue, attorney Matthew Piers told reporters after the hearing. I get the desire to do it, but the law doesnt allow you to duck. The issue will likely be decided at a higher court, with the U.S. Supreme Court scheduled next week to hear arguments in Trumps appeal of a Colorado ruling declaring him ineligible for the presidency in that state. The nations highest court has never ruled on a case involving Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which was adopted in 1868 to prevent former confederates from returning to office after the Civil War but has rarely been used since then. Some legal scholars say the post-Civil War clause applies to Trump for his role in trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election and encouraging his backers to storm the U.S. Capitol after he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Dozens of cases have been filed around the country seeking to bar Trump from the presidency under Section 3. The Colorado case is the only one that succeeded in court. Most other courts and election officials have ducked the issue on similar grounds to Illinois, contending they dont have jurisdiction to rule on the obscure constitutional issue. Maines Democratic Secretary of State also ruled that Trump violated the 14th Amendment and is no longer eligible for the White House, but her ruling is on hold until the Supreme Court issues a decision. Trumps critics argue hes disqualified by the plain language of Section 3, which forbids those who swore an oath to support the Constitution, then engaged in insurrection against it from holding office. They contend the former president is ineligible just as if he didnt meet the constitutional threshold of being at least 35 years old. But Trumps attorneys have argued that the provision is vague and unclear and that Jan. 6 doesnt meet the legal definition of an insurrection. Even if it did, they argue, that Trump was simply exercising his First Amendment and isnt liable for what occurred and that the bar on office shouldnt apply to presidents. Section 3 was heavily used immediately after the Civil War, but after Congress granted an amnesty to most former Confederates in 1872 it fell into disuse. Legal scholars can only find one example of it being deployed in the 20th century against a socialist who was not seated in congress because he objected to U.S. involvement in World War One and only used a handful of times since Jan. 6. The Illinois board members ducked the issue by concluding that, under state law, all they can do is assess whether the basic paperwork candidates fill out is true. The only way to remove Trump would be by concluding he made a false statement when he swore under oath in that paperwork that he was eligible for the office he sought. Board member Jack Vrett, a Republican, warned that would create a dangerous precedent, given the dozens of election boards in the state that follow the main ones lead. If we allowed them to say, Dont just look at the papers, look at the underlying allegations, that would open a floodgate, Vrett said. Every possible school board candidate would seek to challenge the qualification of their rival, Vrett added, based on some alleged criminal conduct. JEFFERSON CITY The earliest age Missourians could get married would be 18 under a new proposal by two state lawmakers. Missouri teenagers are currently allowed to marry at age 16 with parental consent, but state Sens. Holly Rehder, R-Sikeston, and Lauren Arthur, D-Kansas City, are sponsoring legislation to raise the age by two years. At a committee hearing Monday, Rehder said that with her mothers consent, she married her 21-year-old boyfriend at 15 and got pregnant four months later. It was only until much later that I realized that at 15 years old you really dont have the mental capacity to make those type of decisions, she said. Arthur called raising the marriage age a moral imperative that protects the innocence and potential of our youth. Lauren Van Wagoner, a Kansas City resident, spoke in support of the bill and told her personal story about marrying her 21-year-old boyfriend at 17. She called her 12 years of marriage a horror story. I complied with my marriage because I didnt see another option. I thought I was doing what was right by my religion, said Van Wagoner. The reality is, I wasnt mature enough to make that decision. Minors have limited legal rights, which makes it easy to force a child to stay in an abusive, dangerous marriage, said Matthew Huffman, chief public affairs officer for Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Minors face overwhelming legal and practical barriers if they attempt to flee an abusive marriage, he said. We have all kinds of limitations on age, whether its tanning beds or having your ears pierced, said Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold. So certainly whether you can enter into a legal contract like marriage, it seems appropriate that youve reached the age of majority. The question of allowing minors to marry in Missouri is not new. Last year, the issue garnered national attention after Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, said he knows a couple who married at ages 11 and 12 and are still together decades later. Moon offered the anecdote during a committee hearing on his legislation, which led to a ban on gender-affirming health care for minors. At that hearing, another lawmaker pointed out that Moon in 2018 voted to keep the minimum marriage at 15 when the issue came up for a vote. Moon in 2018 said it was parents fundamental right to allow their minor children to enter into a marriage contract. The Legislature ultimately raised the minimum marriage age to 16 in 2018. Before the change, minors could marry at 15 with a parents consent, or, alternatively, seek a court order at any age to receive a marriage license. At the hearing Monday, only the Rev. Timothy Faber opposed the measure. When pressed by Sen. Curtis Trent, R-Springfield, on specific situations that might warrant keeping the minimum marriage age 16, Faber could not offer any examples. To close that totally just seems too much, he said. Faber was appointed as a member of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights by Gov. Mike Parson in 2021. He has since left the commission, according to online records kept by the state. The legislation is Senate Bills 767 and 1342. About 10 eagles gathered in Clarksville, Missouri, to snatch fish from open water of Mississippi River south of the lock and dam on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. After a few cold, gloomy weeks of weather the sun returned with blue skies on Monday. Temperatures soared into the 50's round the St. Louis region. Tuesday will be more seasonally cold, but many of the next ten days are expected to feature above average warmth. WASHINGTON U.S. forces may have mistaken an enemy drone for an American one and let it pass unchallenged into a desert base in Jordan where it killed three U.S. troops and wounded dozens more, officials said Monday. Details of the Sunday attack emerged as President Joe Biden faced a difficult balancing act, blaming Iran and looking to strike back in a forceful way without causing further escalation of the Gaza conflict. As the enemy drone was flying in at a low altitude, a U.S. drone was returning to the small installation, according to a preliminary report cited by two officials, who insisted on anonymity. As a result, there was no effort to shoot down the enemy drone that hit the outpost. One of the trailers where troops sleep sustained the brunt of the strike, while surrounding trailers got limited damage from the blast and flying debris. Aside from the soldiers killed, the Pentagon said more than 40 troops were wounded in the attack, most with cuts, bruises, brain injuries and similar wounds. Eight were medically evacuated, including three who went to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The other five, who suffered minor brain injuries, were expected to return to duty. The preliminary conclusion was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Asked if the failure to shoot down the enemy drone was human error, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh responded that the U.S. Central Command was still assessing the matter. The Pentagon identified those killed in the attack as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Ga.; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Ga., and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Ga. The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade in Fort Moore, Georgia. The explanation for how the enemy drone evaded U.S. air defenses came as the White House said Monday its not looking for war with Iran even as Biden vows retaliatory action. The Democratic administration believes Tehran was behind the strike. Biden met with national security advisers in the White House Situation Room to discuss the latest developments and potential retaliation. Theres no easy answer here, said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. Thats why the president is meeting with his national security team weighing the options before him. The brazen attack, which the Biden administration blames on Iranian-based proxies, adds another layer of complexity to an already tense Mideast situation as the Biden administration tries to keep the Israel-Hamas war from expanding into a broader regional conflict. The president and I will not tolerate attacks on U.S. forces, and we will take all necessary actions to defend the U.S. and our troops, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said. The drone attack was one of dozens on U.S. troops in the Middle East since Hamas launched attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, igniting the war in Gaza. Its the first in which American service members have been killed. Biden promised on Sunday to hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner (of) our choosing but said the U.S. doesnt want to get into another conflict in the Middle East. Kirby also made clear that American patience is thin after more than two months of attacks by Iranian proxies on U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria and Jordan and on U.S. Navy and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The proxy groups including Yemens Houthi rebels and Iraq based Kataeb Hezbollah say the attacks are in response to Israels ongoing military operations in Gaza. We are not looking for a war with Iran, Kirby told reporters. That said, this was a very serious attack. It had lethal consequences. We will respond, and we respond appropriately. On Monday, Iran denied it was behind the Jordan strike. These claims are made with specific political goals to reverse the realities of the region, Irans state-run IRNA news agency quoted foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying. Iran regularly denies involvement in attacks linked back to it through the militias it arms across the wider Mideast. Kirby said U.S. officials are still working through determining which militant group was behind the attack. He noted that Iran has long equipped and trained the militias. Republicans have laid blame on Biden for doing too little to deter Iranian militias, which have carried out approximately 165 attacks on U.S. troops in the region since the start of the war. The attack hit a U.S. military desert outpost in the far reaches of northeastern Jordan known as Tower 22. The installation sits near the demilitarized zone on the border between Jordan and Syria along a sandy, bulldozed berm marking the DMZs southern edge. The Iraqi border is only about 6 miles away. The base began as a Jordanian outpost watching the border, then saw an increased U.S. presence after American forces entered Syria in late 2015. The small installation includes U.S. engineering, aviation, logistics and security troops, with about 350 U.S. Army and Air Force personnel deployed. 2023 in photos: Unforgettable images capture Middle East in turmoil Immigration into the U.S. is a substantial issue in the current presidential campaign. This is odd in light of worldwide declining female fertility rates essentially due to urbanization. One doesn't need 10 kids to help with the harvest if one lives in the city. The U.S. fertility rate is currently at about 1.7% (number of children less-than-15 divided by the number of women of child-bearing age). A rate of 2.1% is needed to just maintain the current level of population. We have been below replacement levels for years. There can be little doubt that unless some unknown force ends urbanization, we are headed toward a world of declining population. Our population for the last decade would quite possibly have declined overall if it weren't for immigration. In light of these trends, how does it make sense to advocate policies that will make the U.S. a less desirable place for immigration? It seems likely that if our population declines, a lot of businesses will find out that annual sales growth is totally dependent on having more people to sell to. Phillip Michaels University City NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Crown Holdings, Inc. At Crown, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is a fundamental part of our identity and knows no limits. We continuously seek opportunities to celebrate and amplify the voices of our diverse workforce, as we recognize that our strength lies in the unique blend of talent, backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that exist at Crown. Recently, across our EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) locations, our plants have taken inspiring steps to strengthen our culture of inclusion and recognition. Our Saudia Arabia Plants Receive the Mowaamah Certificate Our KSA plants were recognized for their initiatives and actions to foster diversity and were recently awarded with the Mowaamah Certificate. Mowaamah is a voluntary project managed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The program enables companies to become certified in providing a work environment suitable for people with disabilities. The Mowaamah Certificate covers physical disability, learning difficulties and neurodiversity. This achievement demonstrates Crown's dedication to empowering everyone and providing all of our employees with a work environment where their contributions make a meaningful impact. Empowering Inclusivity at Valencia Plant with Adecco and Pablo Pineda Meanwhile, our Valencia plant took a remarkable step toward promoting inclusivity in the workplace by partnering with Adecco on a training session that shed light on the significance of inclusive behaviors. Using VR headsets, participants could briefly step into the shoes of individuals with different disabilities, offering a powerful glimpse into their daily lives. Employees also had an invaluable chance to hear from Pablo Pineda, a well-known Spanish actor and advocate for inclusivity who lives with Down syndrome. At Crown, we firmly believe in embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity, not just as a value but as a way to enrich our community and our business success. These recent events were a meaningful step toward greater inclusion, respect and empathy in our workplace. We are proud of our plants that are showcasing dedication to creating a workplace where every employee can thrive and feel valued and inspired-and ultimately experience a sense of belonging and fulfillment. These initiatives emphasize Crown's unwavering dedication to empower each individual and provide a nurturing workplace where every contribution matters. They also reflect our belief that our employees are at the core of our organization, and together, we're building a brighter and more inclusive future for all. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Crown Holdings, Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Crown Holdings, Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/crown-holdings-inc Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Crown Holdings, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese lawmaker has called on compatriots across the Taiwan Strait and overseas Chinese to work together for the greater national interests, and advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the course of China's peaceful reunification. Zheng Jianbang, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress and chairman of the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang (RCCK), made the remarks at a Chinese New Year gathering of the RCCK Central Committee on Tuesday. Speaking highly of the RCCK's work in 2023, Zheng said it will unite more closely around the Communist Party of China Central Committee in the new year, and unremittingly strive for Chinese modernization to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China with more outstanding achievements. He Baoxiang, vice chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and executive vice chairman of the RCCK Central Committee, presided over the event. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Cypher Metaverse Inc. (CSE:CODE) ("CODE" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it is continuing in assisting the financing for the acquisition of Agapi Luxury Brands Inc. ("Agapi"). The secured bridge loan entered between CODE and Agapi on May 10, 2023, has been increased from $600,000 to $950,000 of which $886,692 has been advanced to date to advance Agapi's business plan and growth initiatives. Agapi continues to expand its sales of its luxury cigars. After receiving Cypher shareholder approval for the acquisition of Agapi, Cypher and Agapi are completing their current financials statements and listing statement, after which it is anticipated that the exchange will provide their final consent to closing. About Cypher Metaverse Inc. CODE seeks early-stage investments in emerging technology sectors, including the blockchain ecosystem, fintech and the metaverse. The Company identifies such opportunities and applies its relationships and capital to advance its interests. The Company's head office is located at 1780-355 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2C8, and its Common Shares are currently listed on the CSE. CODE is a reporting issuer in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. Contact Information For further information, please contact: Cypher Metaverse Inc. Brian Keane - Director Phone: Toll-Free (877) 806-CODE (2633) or 1 (778) 806-5150 Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the exploration and development of Agapi's products, the proposal to complete the Transaction and associated transactions, including statements regarding the terms and conditions of the Transaction the Exchange Ratio, the name change of the Company, the Private Placement, the use of proceeds of the Private Placement, the Bridge Loan and the proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer. The information about Agapi contained in the press release has not been independently verified by CODE. Although CODE believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because CODE can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, the risks that the parties will not proceed with the Transaction, the name change of the Company, the Private Placement, the appointment of the proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer and associated transactions, that the ultimate terms of the Transaction, the Private Placement, the appointment of the proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer and associated transactions will differ from those that currently are contemplated, and that the Transaction, the name change of the Company, the Private Placement, the appointment of the proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer and associated transactions will not be successfully completed for any reason (including the failure to obtain the required approvals or clearances from regulatory authorities). The terms and conditions of the Transaction may change based on CODE's due diligence and the receipt of tax, corporate and securities law advice for both CODE and Agapi. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. CODE undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of CODE, Agapi, their securities, or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable) except as required by securities laws. SOURCE: Cypher Metaverse Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Nation's largest commercial flooring and interior solutions provider announces leadership promotions. ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / The nation's largest commercial flooring installation and facility services provider, Diverzify, is pleased to announce the promotion of Danielle Hunsicker into the role as Chief Operating Officer for the organization, which now includes sixteen brands and sixty-two locations throughout the United States. Diverzify Logo The promotion was communicated to the Diverzify network last month when it was announced that current COO, Jim Pels, would be transitioning into a Chairman role for the company at the start of 2024. Pels will continue to provide invaluable guidance and contribute to Diverzify's long-term strategic vision. "Danielle has consistently demonstrated unparalleled dedication, strategic foresight, and exceptional leadership during her tenure as our Executive Vice President," said Diverzify CEO, Jordan Zmijewski. "Her commitment to operational excellence, coupled with her innovative approach, has been instrumental in driving our company's growth and success. I have full confidence that Danielle's vision, expertise, and unwavering dedication to our values will further move Diverzify towards new heights of achievement." Hunsicker joined Diverzify as Executive Vice President in early 2022 after previously holding leadership positions with PPG Industrial Coatings, Dal-Tile, and Ardex Americas throughout her 20-year career. With Diverzify's continued growth trajectory and annual revenue surpassing $1B, Hunsicker will focus on enhancing Diverzify's business operations while further consolidating and streamlining resources across the family of brands. "It has been an honor to be a part of the Diverzify growth journey," said Hunsicker. "I look forward to working alongside the talented leadership team to help leverage the expertise of the network's many trusted brands as Diverzify continues to expand its services and market reach and serve our customers in a way that has never been done in our industry before." Hunsicker will also prioritize the expansion of Diverzify's social and sustainability programs. Under her leadership, Diverzify created two new employee resource groups in 2023: The Women's Leadership Group (WLG), which aims to support, uplift, and empower women at every level; and Diverzify Supporting Veterans (DSV), which focuses on honoring veterans, promoting unity, and celebrating diversity. The enterprise also announced its dedication to minimizing its environmental footprint by fostering strategic partnerships with companies aimed at diverting waste from landfills, reflecting Diverzify's mission to promote sustainability and responsible stewardship of resources. Other notable promotions and transitions within the Diverzify network implemented at the start of this year include: Laura Dellbrugge has been promoted to the position of Executive Vice President of Strategic Businesses. Ed Gorey has been promoted to Regional President. Joe Piscitello has been promoted to Regional President. Steve Becht has assumed the role as President for Pavilion Floors. Russell Scott has been promoted to President of Kenny Floor Covering following the retirement of long-time president, Kevin Kenny. ABOUT DIVERZIFY Diverzify is the largest commercial flooring and facility services provider in the country with approximately 3,000 employees and a network of nearly 7,500 craftsmen in almost every major market in the United States. The first-of-its-kind enterprise has revolutionized the historically fragmented industry. Diverzify has built a network of brands that allows the enterprise to employ the optimal experts, services, and resources for every project, every time. By leveraging established service quality with advanced technologies and specialized training, Diverzify is establishing new measures of service and success for the industry. Diverzify's growing family of brands includes: APEX Group CCS Floors Collaborative Turnkey Solutions (CTS) DiverzifyPro Epoxy S.I. Floors by Beckers Flooring Solutions Kenny Floor Covering Kiefer USA Pavilion Floors ProSpectra RD Weis Companies ReSource Colorado Select Prefab Solutions (SPS) Spectra Contract Flooring Wholesale Floors For more information about Diverzify, visit www.diverzify.com Contact Information Marissa Luznar [email protected] Related Images Diverzify Logo Diverzify COO Danielle Hunsicker Headshot SOURCE: Diverzify, LLC View the original press release on newswire.com. Rates include upgrades to make the grid more resilient and shorten the duration of outages New programs will give customers more control over energy use and help low-income customers Approval includes performance incentives to hold the utility accountable for reliability, encourage renewables and reduce peak system loads CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Duke Energy Carolinas will implement new rates for North Carolina customers on Jan. 15 as approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC). Rates for North Carolina customers will remain well below the national average, even after Duke Energy Carolinas completes approximately $7.7 billion in upgrades to make the electric grid more resistant to outages and enable faster power restoration. And as in its Duke Energy Progress order issued in September, NCUC approval covers multiyear rates, along with incentives and penalties to hold the utility accountable for reliability and other performance metrics. "We've made significant infrastructure upgrades in recent years to meet customer needs and expectations," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "This commission order enables us to continue meeting the energy demands of a growing region while limiting annual rate increases and giving customers more cost certainty." Rate changes start Jan. 15 After extensive evaluation since the rate review was requested last January, along with constructive settlements with the NCUC Public Staff and other parties, the NCUC approved a net increase in retail revenues in year one of about $436 million (8.3%), followed by $173 million (3.3%) in year two and $165 million (3.1%) in year three. Customer bills already reflect an interim rate adjustment implemented Sept. 1. Accounting for that, beginning Jan. 15, the change from current rates for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month will be an increase of $10.04, from $130.29 to $140.33 per month, followed by a $4.19 increase on Jan. 1, 2025, and a $4.10 increase on Jan. 1, 2026, for a total of $148.62 by 2026. According to the Edison Electric Institute, the national monthly average for typical residential customers was $171.67 as of Jan. 1, 2023, before other utilities go through their own rate adjustments. The full NCUC rate review order can be found here. Duke Energy Carolinas serves about 2 million households and businesses in central and western North Carolina, including Charlotte, Durham and the Triad. Help for low-income customers The NCUC ordered Duke Energy Carolinas to establish a Customer Assistance Program (CAP) that reduces bills for the utility's most vulnerable customers through a $42 monthly credit for 12 months. Customers helped by the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) or the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) - federally funded initiatives for those at or below 130% and 150% of the poverty level, respectively - will be automatically enrolled in CAP beginning this month in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Duke Energy will also refer CAP customers to weatherization and energy efficiency services that can help provide long-term solutions to reduce energy usage. As part of a settlement in the rate cases for both Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress, Duke Energy shareholders will contribute $10 million for health and safety repairs that would otherwise prevent low-income customers from qualifying for weatherization and other energy efficiency improvements. Duke Energy shareholders are contributing an additional $6 million to the Share the Light Fund in support of North Carolina customers. New options for all customers For all customers, Duke Energy Carolinas has also established new time-of-use rate options and energy efficiency programs to help lower their costs and reduce energy use: Time-of-Use rates incentivize customers to shift electricity use to periods of low energy demand. Simple examples include running a dishwasher overnight or doing laundry on weekends; options are available for commercial and industrial customers as well. More detail can be found at duke-energy.com/NewRatesNC. rates incentivize customers to shift electricity use to periods of low energy demand. Simple examples include running a dishwasher overnight or doing laundry on weekends; options are available for commercial and industrial customers as well. More detail can be found at duke-energy.com/NewRatesNC. A Tariff on Bill program called "Improve & Save" will enable residential customers - owners and renters - to pay for energy efficiency upgrades through their Duke Energy bill. The program will incentivize customers to replace inefficient electric HVAC systems or insulation in a manner that ensures their annual savings are greater than the monthly cost of the upgrades - improving their service while lowering their bill. The program is expected to launch in first quarter 2024, and a dedicated webpage for the program is coming soon. "Our goal with these programs is to help offset the rate increase as much as possible by giving customers more control over their energy use," said Bowman. "The programs are designed to reduce costs across the entire system, benefiting all customers." Holding the utility accountable for reliability, renewables goals As in the Duke Energy Progress order, another new aspect of this rate approval is the implementation of performance incentive mechanisms (PIMs). First allowed by North Carolina's clean energy legislation (HB951), PIMs advance state policy goals through financial incentives and penalties that encourage utility performance in areas of shared interest with customers. Following settlements with various participants in the rate review process, the NCUC approved three PIMs with annual incentives that grow up to $15 million in potential rewards as well as $15 million in potential penalties for Duke Energy Carolinas across three areas: Reliability - holds the utility accountable to maintain expected levels of reliability through graduated penalties that would be distributed to customers if reliability dips below target levels. - holds the utility accountable to maintain expected levels of reliability through graduated penalties that would be distributed to customers if reliability dips below target levels. Renewables Integration and Encouragement - encourages adoption of clean energy resources across three categories: DER Integration - advances net energy metering (NEM) distributed energy resources (DERs), which allow customers to access zero-emissions generation - such as rooftop solar - at their homes and businesses, reducing their electricity consumption from the grid. Large Customer Renewable Program Encouragement - supports large commercial and industrial customers, educational institutions and local governments that have clean energy goals and want access to renewable energy. Utility-Scale Interconnection - incentivizes solar and solar-plus-storage interconnections above the estimated annual amounts in Duke Energy's Carbon Plan. - encourages adoption of clean energy resources across three categories: Time-Differentiated and Dynamic Rate Enrollment - encourages the utility to create and gain approval of innovative rate designs and increase customer participation in existing rates that are designed to reduce system peak load. A new page on Duke Energy's website allows monitoring of these PIMs as well as other tracking metrics related to customer service, reliability and electric vehicle integration. Duke Energy Carolinas Duke Energy Carolinas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 19,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2.8 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 24,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina. Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people. Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear. Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2023 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Duke Energy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Duke Energy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/duke-energy Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Duke Energy View the original press release on accesswire.com How the YWCA Edmonton's Rose Campaign spurs learning and action during 16 days of activism NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / "It's not okay, and we need everyone at the table to help." Late November to mid-December marks an important annual period to renew commitments to end gender-based violence, a collective issue that the YWCA Edmonton wants people to know will take more than just awareness to build equity for affected women and girls. "We know this is a problem that is preventable and solvable, but we cannot do it alone," says Christine McCourt-Reid, Director of External Relations at YWCA Edmonton. "We could see significant change in our lifetime - but we need to be working together." The Rose Campaign is a national advocacy campaign that began on Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on Dec. 10, World Human Rights Day. In Canada, Dec. 6 also marks the anniversary of the 14 young women who were murdered at l'Ecole Polytechnique, adding to the importance of this critical campaign period each year. The Rose Campaign began in 1991 as part of the global 16 Days of Activism and is also the YWCA Edmonton's largest campaign of the year, raising unrestricted funds for programs where support for women is needed most. "This is the hardest type of fundraising for a non-profit to do," says McCourt-Reid. "Instead of program-specific donations that can often sit unused for some time, we want people to recognize that sometimes the area of greatest need is greater than any specific donation." The YWCA Edmonton piloted its Equity Fund last year with the specific purpose of allocating funds where they are needed most. Enbridge has supported the YWCA Edmonton since 2021 through an annual $25,000 Fueling Futures donation to the Equity Fund as part of our commitment to build vibrant, sustainable communities near our operations. The funding allows the YWCA to allocate funds to programming that is in most need throughout the year, including counselling services, advocacy, disability supports and youth programs. On Dec. 5, Enbridge employees also attended the Rose Breakfast in Edmonton, where we provided a $5,000 sponsorship. "We are so grateful for organizations that see the value in what we are doing and invest in change," says McCourt-Reid. "The funding is significant for us-it makes a real difference in what we are doing." The YWCA Edmonton has been leading social change and progress for women since 1907. During this year's Rose Campaign, supporters can continue to educate themselves and take action through YWCA resources and continuing the conversation year-round. "It's tough to put into words the feeling of seeing the transformation that people make on their journeys - I'm so proud to be part of an organization that does this work." (TOP PHOTO: YWCA Edmonton board member Michelle Okere, who is also the chair of its Truth and Reconciliation Committee, speaks during the annual Rose Campaign Breakfast on Dec. 5.) YWCA Edmonton board member Michelle Okere, who is also the chair of its Truth and Reconciliation Committee, speaks during the annual Rose Campaign Breakfast on Dec. 5. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Enbridge on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Enbridge Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/enbridge Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Enbridge View the original press release on accesswire.com WESTBURY, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / FAVO Capital, Inc., the rapidly growing US-listed funding company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Glen Steward as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) to the company's Board of Directors. An experienced professional with over 25 years in the financial and investment industry, Glen brings specialized skills, in-depth expertise and strategic insight, further strengthening the exceptional leadership team at FAVO. Glen is the Founder and Chairman of Stewards Investment Capital, a significant shareholder in FAVO Capital, Inc. He has an extensive background as a Director and Board Member of various companies within the financial industry. Currently holding positions on the board of two Asset management companies registered by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) South Africa and Financial Services Commission (FSC) Mauritius, Glen has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in navigating the complexities of the financial landscape. "We are delighted to welcome Glen to the FAVO Capital, Inc. family as our Chief Strategy Officer. His specialized experience and strategic vision make him a valuable addition to our leadership team as we embark on this exciting journey to solidify our position to provide customized funding to small and mid-sized businesses," said Vincent Napolitano, CEO of FAVO Capital, Inc. Glen founded Stewards International Funds PCC, leveraging the valuable experience gained while working for renowned investment banks such as Merryll Lynch and DMG Deutsche Morgan Grenfell during his five-year tenure in London. Glen's strategic prowess played a pivotal role in the integration of the FAVO Group of Companies into FAVO Capital, Inc, leading him to join the Advisory Board in June 2023. Since then, he has been driving substantial investment into FAVO Capital Inc. by facilitating a groundbreaking investment by one of South Africa's largest pension funds through Stewards Investment Capital. As the new Chief Strategy Officer, Glen will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of FAVO Capital, Inc. His appointment comes at an opportune time as FAVO Capital, Inc. rolled out its expansion plan starting with 3 recent acquisitions early January, reinforcing its position as a leader providing customized funding for small and mid-sized businesses. FAVO Capital Inc will continue to bolster its expertise in key roles to ensure best in class corporate governance and service delivery. Glen's appointment reinforces FAVO Capital's commitment to excellence, prudent risk management and innovation in the financial services industry. The company looks forward to achieving new milestones under his strategic guidance. Commenting on this new role, Glen added, "I am honored and particularly energized to be joining the remarkable team at FAVO Capital, Inc. and contribute to its growth trajectory. It is a significant investment for Stewards Investment Capital, given the immense growth potential of the private credit market in the US, currently valued at USD 1.5 trillion. My appointment as Chief Strategy Officer underscores my strong belief in the potential growth of FAVO Capital and the emerging private credit sector. I am excited to introduce fresh ideas to achieve our strategic vision while ensuring sustainable growth, practicing prudent risk management, and developing innovative solutions to address the evolving funding needs of small and mid-sized businesses." About FAVO Capital Inc. FAVO CAPITAL is a Direct Funding Company, which provides customized, short-term funding to small and mid-sized businesses nationwide. FAVO Realty is a Real Estate Investment Company which invests in a diversified portfolio of quality commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. "FAVO" is "Honeycomb" in Latin - The Honeycomb (Hexagon) is the most efficient shape in the universe. FAVO intends to be Efficient, Flexible & Durable. Contact: Email: [email protected] Tel: 833.328.6477 Website: www.favocapital.com Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements, estimates, and projections of future trends and of the anticipated future performance constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Series' expectations, beliefs, or future strategies that are signified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "believes," or similar language. These forward-looking statements concern the Company's operations, economic performance and financial condition and are based largely on the Company's beliefs and expectations. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from expected results. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release FAVO Capital, Inc and its Management Team expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this document to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, unless specifically required by law or regulation. SOURCE: FAVO Capital, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Hannan Metals Limited ("Hannan" or the "Company") (TSXV:HAN)(OTC PINK:HANNF) is pleased to announce the completion and submission of its Declaracion de Impacto Ambiental ("DIA") or Environmental Impact Statementat its Valiente copper-gold porphyry project in Peru. The DIA is the primary environmental certification required to allow low impact mineral exploration programs, that includes drilling programs, to proceed in Peru. Highlights: The area for the DIA allows for 40 drill platforms and covers an area approximately 12 km long and 3 km wide (944.17 hectares and disturbance area of 1.74 hectares), at the Valiente project and covers the Ricardo Herrera, Vista Alegre and Sortilegio prospects (Figures 1 and 2); Hannan has discovered a new metallogenic province of Peru at the Valiente project, where Hannan is targeting Miocene age porphyry copper-gold in a back-arc setting in Central Eastern Peru. The DIA area represents a small proportion (4%) of Hannan's total landholding at Valiente. Michael Hudson, CEO, states "Coming on the back of our recent DIA approval at San Martin, the submission of our DIA is another major milestone for Hannan and fits with our strategy of obtaining staggered drill permits to see us drilling multiple targets in the back arc of Peru in our search for giant mineral systems. "Once the DIA is approved, our maiden drill program at Valiente will consist of up to 40 drill platforms to initially test the extensive porphyry copper-gold and epithermal gold mineral system for the first time. The permit will enable us to drill all three prospects outlined in more detail below, Ricardo Herrera, Vista Alegre and Sortilegio. We are thankful for all the detailed work of our employees and external experts and the support of the local communities during the public participation meetings, as well as the advice from various government agencies." Work for the DIA included professional archaeological investigations, community workshops and liaison activities to collect appropriate information necessary to make the submittal for approval to the DGAAM - General Directorate of Mining Environmental Affairs - of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Peru. The work program included: Environmental baseline monitoring for the project, conducted by third party experts; The Peruvian Ministry of Culture granted the CIRA (Certificate of non-existence of archaeological remains) which declares that the project does not impact archaeological sites; and Public participation meetings outlining Hannan's exploration plans were held in the hamlets of Pucayoc and Cunchiyacu, where the communities are on record as approving of the Company's proposed drill program. The DIA is the primary environmental certification required to allow low impact mineral exploration programs, that includes drilling programs, to proceed in Peru. Final DIA and other approvals are anticipated during Q3 2025. About the Valiente Project At the Valiente project, Hannan is targeting Miocene age porphyry copper-gold in a back-arc setting in Central Eastern Peru. Hannan considers the belt to be a potential new metallogenic province of Peru. Located far inboard of the conventional porphyry settings, the project shows regional similarities to deposits such as the large Bajo de Alumbrera copper-gold porphyry in Argentina. The Valiente Cu-Au project represents a small proportion (4%) of Hannan's total landholding at Valiente. In 1984 Ingemmet, the Peruvian Geological Survey, conducted mapping in the central part of the Central Cordillera in the Departments of Huanuco and Ucayali. The area was sporadically explored during the 1990's by Gitennes, Newcrest, BHP, WMC and others but records are sparse. At this time, access to the area was restricted because of unpredictable security conditions and poor infrastructure. From 2020 to 2021, Hannan launched a greenfields exploration program for porphyry and epithermal gold deposits in the high jungle areas of the Eastern Cordillera of Peru, which included regional database compilation, target generation, and field mapping. Hannan also conducted regional stream sediment sampling (fine clay fraction). The target generation permitted definition of prospective area, one of which was the Valiente block located along the eastern flank of the Central Cordillera, Department of Ucayali. The Belen Copper-Gold Porphyry Project The Belen prospect, 100% owned and explored by Hannan, is located 19 km east of the city of Tingo Maria, in central Peru. The deposit site is characterized by steep topography on the eastern flank of the Central Cordillera with elevations between 800 m and 2,000 m above sea level ("a.s.l."). The project was discovered in 2021 during an extensive greenfields exploration program initiated by Hannan. Peru has been a major copper and gold producer since precolonial times. Currently known gold deposits include orogenic gold, porphyry Cu-Au, porphyry Au, transitional porphyry-epithermal, epithermal, and placer gold. The Belen project may represent a transitional porphyry-epithermal style within the newly discovered Valiente metallogenic belt of the central eastern Andes. The Valiente project is located further east than most of the conventional Andean porphyry settings and shows regional similarities to deposits such as the large Bajo de Alumbrera copper-gold porphyry in Argentina. It is interpreted that Valiente was formed in a tectonically favourable area associated with an arc-oblique wrench fault system, that may have aided the ascent of oceanic arc-related magmas into the transfer zone so far inboard from the magmatic arc. A 5,176-line km airborne magnetic and radiometric survey has been completed and processed at the Valiente project. The survey covers the entire 94,500 ha of Hannan's 100%-owned mining concessions across the project area. Hannan's preliminary evaluation of the airborne data demonstrates at least 18 magnetic anomalies of significance across the project. Magnetic and radiometric data were recorded simultaneously during the survey. Both data sets are instrumental for targeting porphyry deposits due to the presence of magnetic minerals (such as magnetite) and potassic alteration (from minerals such as biotite and K-feldspar), often associated with the core of porphyry mineral systems. A strong correlation is observed with known mineralized areas and magnetic and potassic radiometric anomalies such as at the Belen prospect with two porphyry targets at Ricardo Herrera and Sortilegio and Valiente Norte, where four magnetic targets have been identified. The Belen Cu-Au target contains a linked porphyry copper-gold and epithermal gold mineral system which include a number of prospect areas described below in more detail. Ricardo Herrera Copper-Gold Porphyry Target A linked porphyry copper-gold and epithermal gold mineral system has been identified at Belen within an 8 km by 2 km trend. Recent detailed field work has identified a leached copper-gold porphyry with well-developed quartz veining at upper topographic levels and evidence for an enriched chalcocite blanket sampled over 1 km within lower lying creeks at the Ricardo Herrera Copper-Gold Porphyry Target. This coincides with a highly anomalous Cu-Au-Mo soil anomaly over a 1,600 m by 800 m area above a mapped and radiometrically dated Miocene-age porphyry intrusion. The Ricardo Herrera porphyry stock was intruded in several stages, broadly termed early, intermineral, and late, all interpreted within a relatively short time interval. The early stages are hornblende feldspar porphyries of andesitic composition, whereas the late stages consist of unaltered feldspar porphyries of andesitic composition. The intrusions caused contact metamorphism and hydrothermal alteration that partially obliterated the original texture and composition of the sedimentary country rocks. Two early porphyries are identified. The first being an intermediate argillic (chlorite from secondary biotite-white micas) with relicts of potassic alteration (secondary biotite-magnetite) with "EB" type veinlets (early biotite), M-type (magnetite) veinlets and few A-type veinlets (quartz). The second early porphyry intrusion is characterized by A-type veinlets, jarosite-goethite iron oxide veinlets with phyllic alteration (quartz-white sericite), argillic alteration (kaolinite). The intermineral stock is dominated by supergene argillic alteration and propylitic alteration (chlorite, epidote). In porphyry copper systems, the area with the highest copper grade often corresponds to the early porphyries. The focus of the detailed geological mapping has therefore been to identify this area and to sample it with systematic rock sampling. At Ricardo Herrera the combined early hornblende feldspar porphyry is at least covering an area of 850 m x 250 m on the surface. But limited exposures, that are mostly constrained to creeks and rare outcrops, make it difficult to define the true area. Observed copper minerals include pyrite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, molybdenite, neotocite and chrysocolla mineralization. The intermineral hornblende feldspar porphyry contains supergene argillic alteration and minor neotocite. Moderate to pervasive secondary biotite alteration is common throughout the host rock. Strong chloritization and pyritization is observed replacing the secondary biotite. At this initial stage of exploration at the Ricardo Herrera porphyry target, the early porphyry occupies a surface area of 0.21 km2 which is comparable to the 22.37 Moz gold La Colosa deposit in Colombia where the early diorite porphyry occupies a surface area of 0.35 km2. Channel sampling at Ricardo Herrera has been focused on creeks where outcrop exposures are good. In many places access is a limiting factor of what can be sampled. Most channels have to date been taken from zones peripheral to what is interpreted to be the core of the system. The results are summarized in Table 1. Results from 34 individual channels include 5 m @ 0.11% Cu and 5 ppm Mo. This channel is open to either side and is from the strongly leached and weathered exposure of the early diorite porphyry. Fractures are rich in jarosite and goethite after pyrite and chalcopyrite. Importantly, the best and highest-grade results have been achieved from the leached early porphyry. The results are also low in manganese therefore interpreted to be representative of a leached porphyry system. Channel sampling continues. Results from 13.7 km Induced Polarization ("IP") geophysical survey at Ricardo Herrera prospect were released during the period. The survey identified two chargeable zones corresponding to two mapped porphyry units. Each represents a significant exploration target. The second target demonstrates the greatest potential with a chargeable zone over 800 m x 600 m and to at least 500 m depth which remains open. Vista Alegre Epithermal gold target Vista Alegre consists of a gold-bearing epithermal target identified by large gold mineralized boulders of quartz-pyrite and iron oxides. Strongly gold anomalous soil samples have been discovered 2.5 km NW of Ricardo Herrera. Infill sampling at 25 m x 25 m on the target has now been initiated. Previous work has also included: Systematic 100 m x 100 m soil sampling program. Two strong gold anomalous trends that extend for 1,800 m and 970 m respectively have been identified. Assays have been received to date from 376 samples covering an area of 2 km x 1.7 km. Values range from Soil anomalies are coincident with gold found in quartz-iron oxide boulders. To date 19 boulders >0.1 ppm Au have been sampled over a trend of 1.6 km that is parallel to the main gold anomaly. A total 43 rock samples from boulders average 0.48 g/t Au, 6 g/t Te and range from below detection limit to 2.69 g/t Au and Two gold mineralized outcrops have also been located 270 m apart. The mineralization is hosted by 5 - 30 cm wide quartz veins in an intrusive host rock with magnetite and iron oxides. The mineralization is correlated with high values of copper and molybdenum. The outcrops assayed: Grab sample: 1.17 g/t Au, 0.67 % Cu and 33.4 ppm Mo. Channel sample: 30 cm @ 3.21 g/t Ag, 0.57 % Cu and 22 ppm Mo Sortilegio The bedrock of the Sortilegio area is characterized by a multistage intrusive event with complex intercutting relationships. The event was dated (U-Pb) by Hannan in May 2023 to belong to the fertile Miocene epoch (21.8-21.2 Ma). The rocks are composed of diorite to monzonite intrusions, gabbro pyroxenite/lamprophyre and a late stage of megacryst k-feldpar rich monzonite. The intercutting relationships are mostly gradational, and the youngest rocks are the gabbro pyroxenite/lamprophyre and monzonite. The monzonite is mostly K-feldspar megacrystic with a pegmatitic texture. The youngest rocks mapped are thin porphyritic dykes and veins and they are inferred to be contemporary with the mineralization. The mineralization overprints all rocks in the area. It is characterized by a zoned stockwork of goethite-hematite veinlets with relicts of sulphides. The zoning is marked by the intensity of the veinlets/m and vein brecciation in the contact of the k-feldspar megacrystic monzonite. The goethite-hematite veins have formed after primary copper sulfides and represent a leached part of the system, with minor remnants of chalcopyrite-pyrite still present. Magmatic-hydrothermal breccias are often important hosts in alkalic systems. Detailed mapping at Sortilegio has demonstrated a leached alkalic porphyry style copper mineralization over an area of 1,800 m by 1,000 m area. Most notable is a stockwork of goethite veinlets overprinting all phaneritic rocks with six core zones with >20 veinlets/m. Lower intensity veining, marked by 10 to 20 veinlets/m envelope the core zone and form a halo to the higher-grade mineralization. High-grade copper-gold bearing massive goethite boulders with remnants of secondary biotite with one boulder assaying 16.0% Cu and 4.4 g/t Au are interpreted to be sourced from structurally controlled mineralization within these core zones. Strong indications are also emerging of a 4 km long skarn hosted gold-base metal target (the Belen Skarn zone) north and east of Sortilegio, expanding the footprint of the mineral system to cover 10 km. The soil anomalous trend is parallel to an Andean thrust fault and initial soil data suggest a strike >4 km. 190 soil samples have been analyzed with pXRF and 90 samples with fire assay from the area with results ranging from 6 ppm Zn to 2,031 ppm Zn and averaging 109 ppm Zn, 2 ppm Pb to 266 ppm Pb and averaging 18 ppm Pb and Technical Background All samples were collected by Hannan geologists. Samples were transported to ALS in Lima via third party services using traceable parcels. At the laboratory, rock samples were prepared and analyzed by standard methods. The sample preparation involved crushing 70% to less than 2 mm, riffle split off 250g, pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were analyzed by method ME-MS61, a four-acid digest preformed on 0.25g of the sample to quantitatively dissolve most geological materials. Analysis is via ICP-MS. Channel samples are considered representative of the in-situ mineralization samples and sample widths quoted approximate the true width of mineralization, while grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property. Gold was analyzed by ALS in Lima using a standard sample preparation and 25g fire assay sample charge. About Hannan Metals Limited (TSXV:HAN)(OTC PINK:HANNF) Hannan Metals Limited is a natural resources and exploration company developing sustainable resources of metal needed to meet the transition to a low carbon economy. Over the last decade, the team behind Hannan has forged a long and successful record of discovering, financing, and advancing mineral projects in Europe and Peru. Hannan is a top ten in-country explorer by area in Peru. Mr. Michael Hudson FAusIMM, Hannan's Chairman and CEO, a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. On behalf of the Board, "Michael Hudson" Michael Hudson, Chairman & CEO Further Information www.hannanmetals.com 1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7 Mariana Bermudez, Corporate Secretary, +1 (604) 685 9316, [email protected] Forward Looking Statements. Certain disclosure contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements may relate to this news release and other matters identified in the Company's public filings. In making the forward-looking statements the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; planned work programs; permitting; and community relations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news. SOURCE: Hannan Metals Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com As the fund continues to expand, Leo's expertise will help not only SpaceFund, but its broad portfolio of space companies as well. HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / SpaceFund, Inc., a world-leading space venture capital firm, is thrilled to announce that internationally respected business leader Leonardo (Leo) A. Rodriguez has joined its Board of Directors to help drive growth at SpaceFund and its 21 portfolio companies. Mr. Rodriguez began this role in early January and is already contributing significantly to the fund's operations and fundraising. Leonardo A. Rodriguez "We are extremely fortunate to have Leo join our board of directors," said Dan Schatzman, SpaceFund CEO, and Board Chairman. "His extensive business experience in high-growth technology companies will help significantly in taking the fund to the next level as well as helping portfolio companies to successful exits." As Leo has been acting in an advisory function for the company's board of directors for the past several years, he is already familiar with the portfolio of companies and is well-known by the team. He brings a wealth of knowledge in international markets, specifically related to mission-critical process automation. In his storied career, Mr. Rodriguez has positively impacted multiple industries such as oil and gas, power, chemicals, metals and mining, pulp and paper, and pharmaceuticals. He retired from Emerson in 2018 as chairman and CEO of Emerson Latin America, where he managed operations exceeding several billion dollars per year. "There are very few projects that I would consider coming out of retirement for, and SpaceFund is that opportunity," said Leo Rodriguez. "I'm constantly amazed by the quality of the team, their fascinating portfolio of space companies, and the rapid and reliable growth of this cutting-edge industry. I'm excited to meaningfully contribute to the future of SpaceFund and the wider space industry." Following a 40-year career with Emerson, Leo joined Jaguar Precision Machine as an equity partner. Jaguar is an advanced precision machining enterprise serving commercial space, national security, and defense customers. During his time at Jaguar, he realized the massive business potential of the growing space economy and how his skillsets in operations, capital markets, and cutting-edge technology could be applied to this nascent sector. "Leo is the missing piece that we needed to round out our board of directors," said SpaceFund managing partner, Meagan Crawford. "With Mr. Rodriguez's experience in capital markets, we now have a versatile and highly experienced board that is perfectly positioned to help SpaceFund, and our portfolio succeed." Leo graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology, where he received his Bachelor of Engineering Degree with concentrations in Metallurgy and Materials Science. His formal business studies were conducted at Dartmouth's Amos Tuck School of Business. Leo was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba, arriving in the United States in 1960 and becoming a naturalized United States citizen in 1970. Leo is also a citizen of Spain. Contact Information Meagan Crawford managing partner [email protected] 281-908-0392 SOURCE: SpaceFund, Inc. View the original press release on newswire.com. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Konverge Digital Solutions, a leading force in custom software development, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Founded in 1994, the Toronto-based company has been at the forefront of technological innovation, redefining the standards of excellence in the industry. Konverge Konverge logo Over these three decades, Konverge has earned a reputation as the premier software development company in Toronto, a recognition built on a foundation of relentless dedication and exceptional expertise. This milestone reflects the company's commitment, creativity, and the high caliber of its team and clientele. Konverge expresses deep gratitude to all those who have played a pivotal role in its journey to becoming a distinguished name in the software development sector. As a leader in software application development in Ontario, Konverge 's success story is one of trust and dedication. The company thanks its esteemed clients and partners, whose support has been crucial to its growth and achievements. Through collaboration, Konverge has overcome complex challenges, delivering innovative solutions with a significant global impact. This anniversary is a testament to Konverge's continuous innovation, commitment to quality, and passion for exceeding expectations. Looking to the future, the company is excited to leverage emerging technologies and explore new opportunities, continuing to drive the digital revolution. Anniversary Highlights: A Roadmap of Konverge's Evolution 1994: Foundation of Konverge, spearheading innovative software development. 2000: Strategic partnership with Armstrong Fluid and Technology. 2012: Launch of Field Eagle, revolutionizing inspection processes. 2014: Global expansion, amplifying our development capabilities. 2018: Introduction of MenuSano, transforming food service industry analytics. 2020: Unveiling a groundbreaking automotive industry product. 2024: Celebrating our 30th Anniversary, three decades of digital excellence. Impact and Milestones: Konverge's 30-Year Legacy Rapid Growth: Konverge has experienced a 50% yearly increase in project volume, underscoring its growing capabilities and market trust. Scaling Success: The company has evolved from small-scale projects to multimillion-dollar ventures, showcasing its enhanced expertise and market confidence. Exceeding Milestones: With over 2,000 successful projects, Konverge demonstrates its unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Global Expertise: Growing from a handful of innovators to a worldwide team of over 200 professionals, Konverge unites diverse skills and visions under one goal. Are you looking to embark on a journey of digital transformation? Whether you're a forward-thinking corporation seeking expert software development services, or innovative solutions like Field Eagle and MenuSano, or needing expert software development services, Konverge Digital Solutions empowers your vision. Contact Information: Phone: 1-866-640-2345, Email: [email protected] Contact Information Sonia Couto Managing Director [email protected] 866-640-2345 SOURCE: Konverge Digital Solutions View the original press release on newswire.com. The newly announced integration between Nextatlas's data and Market Logic's insights platform will streamline the process for enterprises to surface and share fresh insights across their organizations. BERLIN, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Market Logic Software, the market-leading SaaS provider of insight management solutions, is thrilled to announce a partnership with Nextatlas, a pioneer in AI-driven trend forecasting and consumer insights. This collaboration aims to revolutionize how businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence to access deeper insights into market trends and consumer behaviors. Market logic's AI-driven insights platform serves as a centralized hub for managing market knowledge. The platform, powered by the company's ground-breaking AI for insights technology, DeepSights", allows business professionals to obtain trusted insights at scale and speed through intuitive, natural language interactions. Nextatlas complements the Market Logic platform by providing a direct link to a rich collection of forecasting and consumer insights. Utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, Nextatlas analyses social media data, online content, and various sources to identify emerging trends and consumer behaviors. The insights generated by Nextatlas are invaluable for businesses across industries, enabling informed decision-making related to product development, marketing strategies, and more. The newly announced integration between Nextatlas's data and Market Logic's insights platform will streamline the process for enterprises to surface and share fresh insights across their organizations. Business users will be able to deepen their understanding of markets with DeepSights" pulling relevant Nextatlas data into reports alongside other trusted information sources. This powerful combination of two leading AI platforms will empower business leaders, especially those in Go-To-Market functions, to identify new opportunities and innovate ahead of the competition. "In the race to outperform the competition, companies are increasingly seeking the support of AI to shrink the time it takes to uncover and act on market and consumer insights. With that goal in mind, Market Logic's strategy is to facilitate our clients' access to an ecosystem of cutting-edge data providers. Nextatlas is renowned for its application of artificial intelligence to the creation of insights, and we are excited to be working together to help our customers shorten the insights-to-action cycle," said Olaf Lenzmann, Chief Product and Innovation Officer, Market Logic. "We're really excited to bring together Nextatlas's AI in trend forecasting with Market Logic's DeepSights". This partnership is a game-changer in market intelligence, making AI insights more impactful for businesses. By blending our strengths in spotting emerging consumer trends with the powerful insights from DeepSights", we're giving companies the tools they need to stay ahead of market changes. Together with Market Logic, we're transforming how data is used in decision-making, creating a top-notch resource for businesses looking to innovate and stay competitive," said Luca Morena, Co-founder and CEO of Nextatlas. DeepSights" is specifically trained to understand the full meaning and context of market and consumer content. Through natural language interactions, it enables professionals in marketing, product development, and insights to explore their company's vast pool of market knowledge and extract relevant information rapidly. Drawing on internal and secondary content, DeepSights" provides concise answers and summary reports to business users in seconds, saving significant time each day and accelerating time to action. As DeepSights" is accessible via standard business applications, such as Microsoft Teams and Google Chat, it enables companies to bring valuable insights into the heart of daily business workflows. To learn more about how this strategic partnership can elevate your business and increase the impact of insights on business performance, please contact [email protected]. Media contact: Daniela Zuin, CMO Market Logic Software [email protected] Tel: +44 7799 113040 About Market Logic Software: Market Logic is a market-leading SaaS provider of insights management solutions. Our AI-enabled insights management platform, powered by our special purpose AI for Insights technology DeepSights, allows insights teams to equip business decision-makers with trusted insights at scale and speed. Since 2006, we've helped hundreds of consumer-focused brands across the globe to transform into insights-driven businesses. Market leaders such as Unilever, Vodafone, Bayer, and Tesco are driving innovation and making smarter market moves with the support of Market Logic. Find out more at https://marketlogicsoftware.com. About Nextatlas Since its inception in 2012, Nextatlas has positioned itself as a pioneering force in trend forecasting and predictions, utilizing artificial intelligence to meticulously analyze social media posts on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit. With a focus on early adopters, the platform evaluates information from over 300,000 users, extracting and filtering data for relevance, quality, and authenticity. Through this innovative AI technology, Nextatlas publishes daily insights into emerging trends and cultural shifts, challenging the traditionally opinion-led industry with a fully-fledged scientific approach. The platform's name symbolizes its commitment to creating not just an "Atlas for the Future," but the next evolution of a cultural Atlas - a dynamic map dynamically charting sociocultural changes with the power of AI and data analysis. Nextatlas continues to lead the charge in predictive trend detection, revealing evolving consumer behaviors and confidently predicting developments not yet visible on the horizon. Contact Information Daniela Zuin CMO [email protected] SOURCE: Market Logic Software View the original press release on newswire.com. VDA Telkonet's Tech Report 2024 traces the direction of tomorrow's hotels towards the well-being of the entire hotel ecosystem and announces the pilot project applying neuroscientific monitoring to the hospitality sector. MILWAUKEE, WI / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Technology for the wellbeing of people, guests, and staff, as a challenge for the hotel industry: all for the benefit of operational efficiency and sustainability. This, in a nutshell, is the people experience', the direction of tomorrow's hotels outlined by the Tech Report 2024 "Hospitality 2024: Neuroscience and Technology Enhance the People Experience in Hotels" by VDA Telkonet, a global group with headquarters in Pordenone, Italy, that provides technological solutions for Room Functionality Management and Energy Saving for the hospitality market. The international survey, also involving 250 hotels worldwide, explores the potential of technology combined with neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and data analysis for the evolution of the hotel industry. Technology in hotels, a recognized asset: improves operational efficiency and guest experience Technology in hotels improves staff operational efficiency. For nine out of ten hoteliers, the most appreciated tech solutions are those that provide staff with real-time data on the status, operation, and potential malfunctions of installed devices. Constant monitoring of systems, equipment, and rooms allows facilities to implement preventive maintenance or provide a timely response in the event of faults, avoiding compromising the stay of guests and others.In this way, increasing the safety and comfort of hotel guests optimizes resource management to the benefit of environmental sustainability and cost containment. Focusing on the quality of the experience offered to the guest, he study conducted by the Company confirms how much technology supports worldwide hoteliers by contributing significantly to improving it (94% affirm this). If the automation of hotel rooms - which includes electronic keys, sensors, thermostats, and smart switches - by now does not wow' customers, the element that seems to make the difference for about 94% of the hoteliers interviewed is the possibility of recognizing their preferences to increase loyalty. However, today only 30% rely on a data-driven method, analytical and supported by objective evidence, to recognize what guests want (72% rely solely on the classic review', 26% on staff intuition). Neurhospitality : hotels' change of pace for people's well-being In relation to the perception of the potential of data, VDA Telkonet's Tech Report explores for the first time in Italy the application of neuroscience to the hotel sector. More than six out of 10 hoteliers are unaware of the existence of this science capable of objectifying guest emotions and making them measurable through key performance indicators. Even if not traced back to the scientific discipline to which they belong, they are still defined as "very important" Sleep quality Index (58%), air quality (50%), environmental comfort in the hotel room (62%). With the values provided by the application of neuroscience, in fact, it is possible to obtain quantitative data that immediately communicates the value of the experience to the accommodation facility so that the manager can take note of it and act accordingly. "The real step forward in the hospitality industry lies in seeking, and pursuing, the wellbeing of all those who are part of the hotel ecosystem, thus moving from guest-experience to people-experience, a concept of true 360-degree hospitality," says Piercarlo Gramaglia, CEO of VDA Telkonet. "Guided by a people-centered philosophy, we embrace sophisticated technologies and the latest research in neuroscience to create awareness around a new culture of hospitality, capable of providing a quality environment and experience that benefits the tourism industry as a whole." The partnership with Strobilo and the pilot project in Italy Although it appears that technological solutions based on neuroscience studies can be a useful method to improve people's experience in hotels, only 11% of respondents are considering their implementation. To tear the veil of Maya, the Group is launching a pilot project in Italian hotels in collaboration with Italy-based start-up Strobilo, a data tech company that uses the most advanced techniques of neuroscience in combination with Al and Machine Learning to study the relationship between humans and their environment. Leading the way is an accommodation facility in Rome in which a special neuroscientific monitoring module has been installed and integrated into the Etheos platform, VDA Telkonet's cloud-based room management system. Thanks to the partnership, an algorithm collects data from the sensors related to the main KPIs (Sleep Quality Index, Air Quality Index, Brain e Ambience comfort), analyzes them in real-time and makes them available to the hotelier, returning an objective performance index of the guest's experience. To this quantitative evaluation, it will be possible to combine the capacity of the installed system and intervene through room automation to optimise room conditions that will be dynamically modified, compensating for changes in the environment, to maintain guest comfort at the highest possible level. From this first special monitoring that would allow hotels to offer more comfortable and safe stays, while ensuring more efficient management of resources, it emerges that the major areas of intervention are: operational efficiency (66%), guest safety and well-being (62%), and personalization of services (63%). Download the Tech Report 2024 by clicking here. Notes to editors: Survey conducted by VDA Telkonet from October to December 2023 as part of the Group's second Tech Report. In the sample 250 cross-border structures distributed across Europe, USA, Canada, UAE for a total sample of 250 responding hotels. About VDA Telkonet The VDA Telkonet Group presents itself as the largest global player active in the development of EMS and GRMS solutions for the hospitality market. The Group defines the future of the industry by putting the person at the center of smart technology development and ensuring the right balance between maximizing comfort and saving energy. With around 1 million smart rooms installed in more than 50 countries, over 60 years of experience, two in-house R&D teams and 40 engineers with both hardware and software expertise, the Group demonstrates a deep understanding of the areas in which it operates and is the ideal strategic partner for the global hospitality market. Contact: Barbara Alvino Communication manager VDA Telkonet +39 3467820693 SOURCE: Telkonet, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 21, 2023 shows a city view of Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) NANJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. As a manufacturing hub in the Yangtze River Delta, the city has magnetized a thriving cluster of top-notch battery and new energy vehicle (NEV) makers, infusing robust momentum into its economic growth. The output value of the new energy industry in the city reached about 768 billion yuan last year, and the city aims to expand the output value to over one trillion yuan by 2025, according to Chen Jinhu, Party chief of Changzhou. "The new energy industry is a winning formula for Changzhou's development." Data show that the industrial chain integrity of power batteries in Changzhou has reached 97 percent, ranking first in China, and the output accounts for 20 percent of the country's production capacity. The city also contributes to 10 percent of Chinese-made photovoltaic cells and modules. In 2023, it produced more than 700,000 NEVs, accounting for 70 percent of those made in Jiangsu. "Changzhou's new energy industry cluster is very developed and highly concentrated, so it fosters strong innovation capacity and great efficiency in production," said Zhang Yaojun, a professor from Renmin University of China. Plenty of foreign-funded companies in new energy have also settled in Changzhou and benefited from the local industrial chain. "We choose Changzhou because we need a place where we can get to scale very quickly, and Changzhou offers a unique combination of supply chain infrastructure," said Jorg Heinemann, CEO of America's EnerVenue, a storage battery supplier. "We want to be a large part of Changzhou's new energy vision and scale here and grow very big in this location." And the progress of Changzhou is the epitome of how China is continuously moving toward the green transition. The city representatives were invited to a side event at the China Pavilion of the COP28 climate change conference last year. "For Changzhou, new energy is not just an industry, and the ultimate participants and beneficiaries of promoting green and low-carbon development are the people," said Wang Xiaodong, a local official, at the event. This photo taken on Jan. 3, 2024 shows a workshop of the CRRC Qishuyan Co., Ltd. in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) A staff member works at a workshop of the Jiangsu Hengli Hydraulic Co., Ltd. in Wujin District of Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 22, 2023. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 4, 2024 shows a view of China Dinosaur Park in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 4, 2024 shows the Changzhou-Taixing Yangtze River bridge under construction in east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Li Bo) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 4, 2024 shows a view of China Dinosaur Park in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Li Bo) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 5, 2024 shows the Jiangsu Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. in Liyang, Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Li Bo) An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 22, 2023 shows the night view of the oriental salt lake resort in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) Robots weld bodyshells of cars at a workshop of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Li Auto Inc. in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 10, 2024. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) A staff member helps a senior citizen with games at a community service center in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 9, 2024. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) An elderly couple watch wedding dress photos shot by their nursing home in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 9, 2024. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 22, 2023 shows the night view of the oriental salt lake resort in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 24, 2023 shows the view of a culture village in Tianmu Lake scenic spot of Liyang, Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 27, 2024 shows the Changzhou-Taixing Yangtze River bridge under construction in east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 21, 2023 shows a city view of Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 21, 2023 shows a city view of Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 4, 2024 shows a city view of Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Li Bo) An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 21, 2023 shows the view of a historical and cultural block in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) This photo taken on Jan. 10, 2024 shows a factory of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Li Auto Inc. in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) A staff member works at the Micro Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd. in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 3, 2024. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) People visit the Industrial Heritage Exhibition Hall of Changzhou Section of the Grand Canal in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 3, 2024. Dubbed as a capital of new energy, Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, reported a regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.01 trillion yuan (about 140.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 6.8 percent year on year, the local statistics department said Tuesday. With a population of around five million, Changzhou has become the least populated Chinese city with a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan, joining Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Nantong as the fifth city in Jiangsu Province to achieve this milestone. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) ALBUQUERQUE, NM / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / TEAM 1ST TECHNOLOGIES (TEAM 1ST), a renowned service robot solutions company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico and OTSAW Digital Inc. ("OTSAW INC"), a subsidiary of the global robotics company OTSAW, are thrilled to announce their strategic collaboration with this dynamic partnership. Robot As pioneers in their fields, TEAM 1ST and OTSAW INC. are united in their commitment to pushing the boundaries of robotics. This partnership aims to leverage their collective expertise, experience and resources to drive innovation and create groundbreaking solutions that will have a profound impact on industries and people's lives. This collaboration aims to combine OTSAW INC.'s deep knowledge of robotic technologies with TEAM 1ST's track record in providing and deploying service robot solution integration, deployment and support. OTSAW, the parent company of OTSAW INC., operates globally with offices in three key locations, Singapore, Burlington, MA, and Augsburg, Germany. They specialize in robotics and are known for their disruptive technologies, particularly in sectors like interior and exterior security, healthcare, cleaning, material transport, vacuuming and delivery, where they deploy autonomous robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). TEAM 1ST's primary focus is on the Facility Management Industry, Fortune 500, Power Companies, Data centers, Municipalities and more, serving areas such as Hospitals & Healthcare, Commercial Airports, Hotels & Hospitality, Commercial & Industrial Spaces, Retail & Shopping malls, or any other entity that requires automated exterior and interior security enhancement, delivery, material transport, commercial vacuuming and disinfecting service robots to augment their existing operational frameworks. TEAM 1ST and OTSAW are dedicated to ongoing innovation with the goal of expanding their disruptive impact into additional sectors in the future. Their versatile robots transcend industry boundaries, offering limitless potential and fantastic ROI across various sectors and spaces. About TEAM 1ST: TEAM 1ST TECHNOLOGIES for over 15 years is the go-to technology source for organizations and companies looking to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving and growing tech world. We provide tested and vetted cutting-edge solutions in Audio Visual, Interactive, Collaborative, Robotics, Unified Communications and Physical Security Integration Solutions. We believe that technology opens up a world of possibilities for organizations in all perspectives. We strive to bring innovative products and services that will help organizations and Fortune 500 companies in North America reach their technology initiatives and increase ROI. Our team of highly skilled professionals is always up to date on the latest trends and technologies, allowing us to provide our clients with the most effective solutions. About OTSAW: OTSAW, a pioneering global robotics company, has been supporting facility management through groundbreaking autonomous robot innovation in multiple industries, including Security, Healthcare, Cleaning, and Logistics. They offer a comprehensive range of robots designed for various applications, including last mile delivery robots, outdoor and indoor security robots, material handling and cleaning robots. Contact Information David Dworsky CEO Team 1st Technologies [email protected] 844-472-6750 SOURCE: Team 1st Technology View the original press release on newswire.com. Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corp. (NYSE: TYG) Tortoise Midstream Energy Fund, Inc. (NYSE: NTG) Tortoise Pipeline & Energy Fund, Inc. (NYSE: TTP) Tortoise Energy Independence Fund, Inc. (NYSE: NDP) Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE: TPZ) OVERLAND PARK, KS / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2024 / Tortoise today announced the tax characterization of 2023 distributions paid to common stockholders of each of the funds listed below: 2023 Tax Characterization of Distributions TYG NTG TTP NDP TPZ Qualified Dividend Income 40% 46% 22% 30% 16% Ordinary Dividend Income 18% 7% 0% 0% 33% Return of Capital 42% 47% 78% 70% 51% Long-Term Capital Gain 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Additional information regarding the tax characterization of the 2023 distributions is available at www.TortoiseAdvisors.com. A copy of the information is also available upon request by calling (866) 362-9331. Nothing contained herein or therein should be construed as tax advice. Consult your tax advisor for more information. Furthermore, you may not rely upon any information herein or therein for the purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Annual Report The adviser also announced today the release of the combined 2023 annual stockholders' report including all of these funds. The annual report is available online at cef.tortoiseadvisors.com. Please call (866) 362-9331 or email [email protected] to request a hard copy of this report free of charge. About Tortoise Tortoise focuses on energy & power infrastructure and the transition to cleaner energy. Tortoise's solid track record of energy value chain investment experience and research dates back more than 20 years. As an early investor in midstream energy, Tortoise believes it is well-positioned to be at the forefront of the global energy evolution that is underway. With a steady wins approach and a long-term perspective, Tortoise strives to make a positive impact on clients and communities. For additional information, please visit www.TortoiseAdvisors.com. Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. is the Adviser to Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corp., Tortoise Midstream Energy Fund, Inc., Tortoise Pipeline & Energy Fund, Inc., Tortoise Energy Independence Fund, Inc. and Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. For additional information on these funds, please visit cef.tortoiseadvisors.com. Safe harbor statement This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements that may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are "forward-looking statements." Although the funds and Tortoise Capital Advisors believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the fund's reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Other than as required by law, the funds and Tortoise Capital Advisors do not assume a duty to update this forward-looking statement. Contact information For more information contact Eva Lipner at (913) 890-2165 or [email protected]. SOURCE: Tortoise View the original press release on accesswire.com Special screenings of Clueless and Sleepless in Seattle; Engagement Package on the Observation Deck; and $10k Over-the-Top Valentines Day Dinner on a Private 102nd Floor NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Celebrate the most romantic day of the year at the Worlds Most Romantic Building. The Empire State Building (ESB) the number one attraction in the U.S. by Tripadvisor travelers for two consecutive years announced today that it will host themed movie screenings; offer an over-the-top, bucket list Valentines Day date for one lucky couple; and provide a special engagement package for couples who plan to tie the knot this February. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130140269/en/ Worlds Most Romantic Building: Empire State Building Celebrates Valentines Day with NYC's Most Romantic Date Experience, Engagement Package, and Film Screenings (Photo: Business Wire) Empire for Two This year, one lucky couple can book the Empire State Buildings first ever private Valentines Day dining experience, that for a $10k price tag gives them access to the entire 86th Floor Observatory all to themselves, as well as a three-course dinner with wine pairing high atop the exclusive 102nd Floor, that is also closed for the entirety of the date. Curated and prepared by the head chef at STATE Grill and Bar the Empire State Buildings signature restaurant on ground level dishes include options like lump crab with caviar, porcini crusted filet mignon, and a decadent chocolate cake, accompanied by a live musician and themed decor. Before dinner, the couple will embark on a private tour of the Empire State Building with Champagne. The lavish Empire for Two ticket package is available for Feb. 14 at 8:30 p.m. and must be reserved by Feb. 12. This year, one lucky couple can book the Empire State Buildings first ever private Valentines Day dining experience, that for a $10k price tag gives them access to the entire 86th Floor Observatory all to themselves, as well as a three-course dinner with wine pairing high atop the exclusive 102nd Floor, that is also closed for the entirety of the date. Curated and prepared by the head chef at STATE Grill and Bar the Empire State Buildings signature restaurant on ground level dishes include options like lump crab with caviar, porcini crusted filet mignon, and a decadent chocolate cake, accompanied by a live musician and themed decor. Before dinner, the couple will embark on a private tour of the Empire State Building with Champagne. The lavish Empire for Two ticket package is available for Feb. 14 at 8:30 p.m. and must be reserved by Feb. 12. As IF! Gather your girlfriends this Galentines Day for a one-time screening of the quotable comedy Clueless on the Empire State Building Observatorys 80th Floor on Feb. 13. Fans will enjoy drinks and snacks from Culture POP, Dylans Candy Bar, and Robs Backstage Popcorn included with their ticket. Mixologists will shake up complimentary espresso martinis courtesy of the newly opened, 23,000 square foot Starbucks Reserve located at the base of the building for guests to sip on with the movie before they take in the views from the 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories. Gather your girlfriends this Galentines Day for a one-time screening of the quotable comedy Clueless on the Empire State Building Observatorys 80th Floor on Feb. 13. Fans will enjoy drinks and snacks from Culture POP, Dylans Candy Bar, and Robs Backstage Popcorn included with their ticket. Mixologists will shake up complimentary espresso martinis courtesy of the newly opened, 23,000 square foot Starbucks Reserve located at the base of the building for guests to sip on with the movie before they take in the views from the 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories. Its a Sign Channel the romance of Sleepless in Seattle the classic 90s love story that features scenes filmed at the Worlds Most Romantic Building in a special screening on Feb 14. Guests will enjoy the film screening on the buildings 80th Floor with complimentary drinks and snacks from Culture POP, Dylans Candy Bar, Robs Backstage Popcorn included with their ticket. In a nod to their deep Seattle heritage, Starbucks Reserve will serve complimentary espresso martinis to guests before they recreate the movie magic on the 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories. Channel the romance of Sleepless in Seattle the classic 90s love story that features scenes filmed at the Worlds Most Romantic Building in a special screening on Feb 14. Guests will enjoy the film screening on the buildings 80th Floor with complimentary drinks and snacks from Culture POP, Dylans Candy Bar, Robs Backstage Popcorn included with their ticket. In a nod to their deep Seattle heritage, Starbucks Reserve will serve complimentary espresso martinis to guests before they recreate the movie magic on the 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories. Happily Ever Empire Toast to forever with ESBs exclusive engagement experience this February. The Happily Ever Empire package includes an exclusive guided tour of the Observatory Experience; a private, roped-off corner of the 86th Floor Observatory to pop the question; and a bottle of Champagne to toast to your yes! Toast to forever with ESBs exclusive engagement experience this February. The Happily Ever Empire package includes an exclusive guided tour of the Observatory Experience; a private, roped-off corner of the 86th Floor Observatory to pop the question; and a bottle of Champagne to toast to your yes! Love Lights On Feb. 14, the Empire State Buildings world-famous tower lights will shine in a pink heartbeat in its annual Valentines Day gift to New York City. Text CONNECT to 274-16 to receive real-time information about the Empire State Buildings tower lights. There is no better backdrop than the Empire State Buildings unparalleled views as you celebrate love this Valentines Day, said Jean-Yves Ghazi, president of the Empire State Building Observatory. We are excited to offer the exclusive opportunity for one couple to have our iconic Observatory all to themselves in New York Citys most romantic date. The Empire State Building Observatory Experience recently underwent a $165 million reimagination that features an interactive museum with nine galleries, brand-new bespoke Observatory host uniforms, and iconic Observatories on the 86th and 102nd Floors. Hi-res imagery can be downloaded here. More information about the Empire State Building and tickets can be found online. About the Empire State Building The Empire State Building, the World's Most Famous Building," owned by Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (ESRT: NYSE), soars 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan from base to antenna. The $165 million reimagination of the Empire State Building Observatory Experience creates an all-new experience with a dedicated guest entrance, an interactive museum with nine galleries, and a redesigned 102nd Floor Observatory with floor-to-ceiling windows. The journey to the world-famous 86th Floor Observatory, the only 360-degree, open-air observatory with views of New York and beyond, orients visitors for their entire New York City experience and covers everything from the building's iconic history to its current place in pop culture. The Empire State Building Observatory Experience welcomes millions of visitors each year and was declared "America's Favorite Building" by the American Institute of Architects, the world's most popular travel destination by Uber, the #1 attraction in the US for the second year in a row in Tripadvisors 2023 Travelers Choice Awards: Best of the Best, and the #1 New York City attraction in Lonely Planets Ultimate Travel List. Since 2011, the building has been fully powered by renewable wind electricity, and its many floors house a diverse array of office tenants such as LinkedIn and Shutterstock, as well as retail options like STATE Grill and Bar, Tacombi, and Starbucks. For more information and Observatory Experience tickets visit esbnyc.com or follow the building's Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Weibo, YouTube, or TikTok. Source: Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Category: Observatory View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130140269/en/ MEDIA CONTACT: Empire State Realty Trust Jamie Steinberg 212-400-3339 [email protected] Source: Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Sustainability, Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence & Entrepreneurship Emphasized in Community Solutions from Gen Z Student Innovators RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Samsung Electronics America today announced that 50 schools have advanced as State Winners in the esteemed 14th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) competition. Each State Winner has earned a Samsung technology prize package worth $12,000; the full list of State Winners is available at Samsung.com/Solve. These Gen Z innovators now move forward in their quest to be named one of three National Winners that each unlock $100,000 for their school. Overall, Samsung will award more than $2 million* in prizes to this years participating schools. State Winners were selected from among 300 State Finalist public middle and high schools who submitted detailed lesson plans outlining how their students propose using STEM to address an important community issue. Sustainability, public health, and accessibility featured prominently in the solutions outlined by the State Winners, as were projects that had cultural significance, such as those dedicated to preserving endangered crops of cultural importance to communities, and safeguarding endangered indigenous languages. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a nationwide competition designed to empower students in grades 612 to leverage the power of STEM to create innovative solutions addressing critical issues in their local communities. The competition engages U.S. Gen Z students to catalyze change by applying Problem-based Learning (PBL) principles, environmental stewardship, and entrepreneurship to address some of society's most pressing challenges. The competition also promotes active, hands-on learning, making STEM more tangible and showcasing its real-world applications. Gen Z's Commitment to Community Through Innovation Ann Woo, Head of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America, noted: Working with students involved with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, weve heard time and again that helping people in their local communities and society at large are key motivators. Thats certainly borne out by this years round of Gen Z-led STEM projects, where roughly one-third of our finalists are focused on solving public health issues, and another third on promoting environmental sustainability. Accessibility for people with disabilities, public safety, and agriculture were also top trending projects. Showcasing a forward-looking approach to problem-solving, nearly half of the student STEM-based solutions embrace the use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing, big data analytics, geo-mapping, and robotics. Moreover, a number of the entries exhibit promising elements of entrepreneurship, or incorporate design thinking principles, highlighting the students' innovative approaches and potential for building impactful solutions that endure beyond the competition. Upcoming Competition Phases Each State Winner will receive a video production kit from Samsung to help document their project and produce a three-minute video demonstrating how they are using STEM to address the community issue raised in their lesson plan. Samsung employees will once again serve as mentors, assigned to the State Winners on a one-to-one basis to help guide the student teams as they develop their projects and build a prototype. State Winners will need to submit their videos for review ahead of the video deadline on Thursday, March 7, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. ET. Based on the State Winners video submissions: One school will be honored as a climate visionary with a Sustainability Innovation Award for driving sustainable change through STEM innovation , and an additional $50,000 prize package that includes Samsung ENERGY STAR technology for driving sustainable change through STEM innovation and an additional $50,000 prize package that includes Samsung ENERGY STAR technology One school will be selected for the new Rising Entrepreneurship Award , receiving a $25,000 prize package to foster the development of a scalable, sustainable venture that will extend beyond the competition , receiving a $25,000 prize package to foster the development of a scalable, sustainable venture that will extend beyond the competition 10 National Finalist Schools will be chosen to participate in a live, in-person pitch event in April where they will present their project to a panel of judges. From the National Finalists: - Judges will name 3 National Winners, each of whom earns a prize package worth $100,000 - The remaining seven National Finalist schools will be awarded $50,000 in Samsung technology and classroom supplies - A Community Choice Winner will be determined through online voting by the general public, winning an additional $10,000 in prizes - An Employee Choice Winner will be selected by Samsung employees to receive $10,000 in prizes in addition to their National Finalist winnings Samsung Solve for Tomorrow launched in 2010 as a way to boost interest, proficiency, and diversity in STEM. The education-based citizenship program is now a catalyst for a change in the perception of STEM, a crucial aspect in fostering a skilled future workforce and informed citizens of the modern world. To date, Solve for Tomorrow has awarded $27 million in Samsung technology and classroom supplies to 3,500-plus public schools across the United States. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. *$2 million prize is based on an estimated retail value. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130372214/en/ Sharon Oh [email protected] Source: Samsung Electronics America DULUTH, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AGCO (NYSE: AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, today announced the launch of FarmerCore, a transformative global initiative to deliver a next-generation farmer and dealer experience. The launch of the new end-to-end distribution model is a significant milestone in advancing AGCOs Farmer-First strategy and solidifying its commitment to helping farmers across the globe become more profitable, productive and sustainable. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130732479/en/ FarmerCore revolutionizes sales and service using tools that put dealers in closer proximity onsite and online to farmers. From product research to in-season uptime, the program develops and integrates digital and physical elements across the purchasing journey and product ownership lifecycle to create a leading on-farm offering. AGCOs strategy remains focused on putting the farmer at the center of everything we do, said Eric Hansotia, Chairman, President and CEO of AGCO. The FarmerCore initiative further solidifies our pledge to prioritize farmers, blending physical and digital experiences to build brand loyalty and deepen customer engagement. Ultimately, were going to bring our entire business to the farmer through digital tools, service trucks, local parts access and more in partnership with AGCOs global dealer network. FarmerCore is built on three pillars: the on-farm mindset, smart network coverage and digital engagement. The on-farm mindset positions dealers to meet customers needs at every stage of the ownership journey. Smart network coverage de-emphasizes the one-size-fits all outlet approach, moving toward a hub-and-spoke model that adds light retail outlets, service centers and parts-only locations. Digital engagement gives farmers 24/7 online access to sales and support, including online parts purchasing, dealer digital storefronts, online configurators and more. Many AGCO dealerships already deploy aspects of the FarmerCore program, including mobile service fleets, alternative format outlets (e.g., parts-only stores) and digital tools to enhance customer support. In fact, the FarmerCore model has proven successful at the regional level through AgRevolution, an AGCO-owned, full-line agricultural equipment dealer serving farmers in Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana. We provide farmers with an outstanding on-farm experience that spans the entire ownership journey, said Stacy Anthony, CEO of AgRevolution. Our farmer-first mentality, combined with implementing FarmerCores assets, enables greater engagement across our region and helps us deliver exceptional customer outcomes and value. I am excited at the unlimited potential this innovative, farmer-first model will deliver to AGCOs dealer network and farmers around the world. With FarmerCore, mobile assets bring buying and servicing to the farm. While dealership locations will continue to anchor farmer support in local communities, mobile and digital channels allow farmers to engage on their terms. FarmerCore will be implemented in close partnership with AGCOs global dealer network and will become a leader in ag machinery support, across every aspect of the ownership lifecycle. The program launches globally this year in select North and South America dealer organizations, with continued expansion throughout 2024. About AGCO AGCO (NYSE: AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers customer value through its differentiated brand portfolio including core brands like Fendt, GSI, Massey Ferguson, Precision Planting and Valtra. Powered by Fuse smart farming solutions, AGCOs full line of equipment and services helps farmers sustainably feed our world. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of approximately $12.7 billion in 2022. For more information, visit www.AGCOcorp.com. For company news, information, and events, please follow us on X: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on X, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130732479/en/ Aryn Drawdy Corporate Communications Director [email protected] Source: AGCO Jens Erik Gould, founder and CEO of Amalga Group, was featured in a recent interview discussing the immense benefits that nearshore outsourcing can bring to U.S. companies. AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Jens Erik Gould, founder and CEO of Amalga Group, is excited to announce that he was recently featured in an exclusive interview in which he discussed the benefits of nearshore outsourcing and the cultural advantages that it provides. Gould also discussed how, in the last few years, companies have started to shift their IT outsourcing services from offshore locations like India to Latin American countries. One of the main benefits of doing so, he said, is the relatively close proximitycompared to other countries such as Indiaand the fact that employees are in similar time zones to those in the United States. This helps to create more cohesion, communication, and a better environment for collaboration. After all, employees located in Asia often work when U.S. employees are sleeping, whereas Latin Americans rise and go to sleep when Americans do. According to Gould, another major advantage of nearshore outsourcing is the cultural affinity and alignment with the United States. Throughout much of Latin America, and particularly in Mexico, employees at nearshore outsourcing companies have a deep cultural understanding of the U.S. that can be hard to find elsewhere. This may not seem important, said Jens Erik Gould, but it really is. Cultural affinity can lead to better relationship building. When people are able to chat and get to know each other better on a human level, it's easier to develop mutual respect, which often leads to better production. Gould also says that education levels in Latin America are high. There are great technical universities in many Latin American countries, all of which prepare their graduates for successful careers in tech fields. Many of the graduates of these universities go on to work for multinational companies, as they bring extensive knowledge and skills to their positions. These are highly creative people who bring a unique perspective to problem-solving, which can help American companies approach problems, challenges, and solutions in a new way. In the interview, Gould also discussed why so many U.S. companies are turning to Latin America for their software engineering and IT needs. Finally, he mentioned how nearshore outsourcing can help companies reduce costs while maintaining high-quality standards. Amalga Group, based in Texas, is a nearshore outsourcing company that specializes in staffing IT departments, software engineering, and contact centers. Through Jens Erik Gould's leadership, Amalga Group is dedicated to helping U.S. companies overcome talent challenges while streamlining operations. Jens Erik Goulds full interview can be found here. About Jens Erik Gould Jens Erik Gould is the Founder & CEO of Amalga Group, a Texas-based nearshore outsourcing company specializing in providing highly qualified talent in IT, software engineering, and contact centers. Previously, Gould spent over a decade reporting on topics such as business, politics, and energy in the United States and Latin America for esteemed media outlets like Bloomberg News, The New York Times, and TIME Magazine. About Amalga Group Amalga Group, a Texas-based nearshore outsourcing firm, delivers cost-effective talent in IT, software engineering, and customer service. Their top-tier Latin American team aids U.S. companies in healthcare and tech, tackling labor shortages while minimizing costs. Going beyond typical outsourcing, Amalga Group adopts an on-demand talent model, providing flexibility for rapid workforce scaling. Backed by seasoned professionals, their strategic services drive measurable growth for clients of all sizes. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240129285640/en/ Amalga Group Austin, TX https://www.amalgagroup.com/ [email protected] Source: Amalga Group Proven IT professional services leader joins executive team to manage Armis customers experience and retention SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Armis, the asset intelligence cybersecurity company, today announced the appointment of Bart Hammond to Chief Customer Officer (CCO). As CCO, Hammond will be responsible for leading Armis Customer Success team, managing Armis customers experience and retention. Our customers are our number one priority. As a customer centric organization, keeping a pulse on every aspect of customer health is essential to consistently helping customers to better use our solutions to solve their toughest cybersecurity challenges, said Yevgeny Dibrov, CEO and Co-Founder of Armis. Bart will be critical in evolving our customer journey, ensuring every touchpoint delivers value for customers. I have no doubt that Bart will be an invaluable asset to Armis and a key driver of the companys continued success. Bart Hammond brings 30 years of IT professional services and leadership experience from both global, multinational technology organizations and regional, entrepreneurial consulting organizations. Most recently, Hammond served as CCO at Drift, where he led efforts to operationally and organizationally scale all customer functions. Prior to this, Hammond oversaw the entire post-sales customer experience at Ping Identity, where he led the team through tremendous growth, culminating in a public offering. Hammond has also held numerous global strategy, operations, and P&L leadership roles at organizations including EMC, Interlink Group and Accenture. I am thrilled to join such a fast-growing company, which is propelled by the strength of its platform, said Hammond. We take seriously our responsibility to engage with our customers who so heavily rely on Armis solutions to improve their cybersecurity posture. I look forward to working with our exceptional team as we continue to invest to scale, evolve and improve our adoption, technical and support services. To learn more about the Armis leadership team, please visit: https://www.armis.com/about/our-leadership/ About Armis Armis, the asset intelligence cybersecurity company, protects the entire attack surface and manages the organization's cyber risk exposure in real time. In a rapidly evolving, perimeter-less world Armis ensures that organizations continuously see, protect and manage all critical assets. Armis secures Fortune 100, 200 and 500 companies as well as national governments, state and local entities to help keep critical infrastructure, economies and society stay safe and secure 24/7. Armis is a privately held company headquartered in California. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130421876/en/ Rebecca Cradick Senior Director, Global Communications Armis [email protected] Source: Armis DoubleTree San Pedro follows Le Merigots lead and parts ways with Aimbridge LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On the first day of the American Lodging and Investment Summit, UNITE HERE Local 11 members announced a boycott of Aimbridge Hospitality, the largest third-party hotel operator in the world, until the company agrees to sign a fair contract at its union properties in Southern California. During the same week, on January 25, the Union received notification from the ownership of the DoubleTree property in San Pedro that effective February 19, Remington Hospitality would become the operator at the hotel. This follows Aimbridges loss of an operator role at another major hotel in the areathe Le Merigot Santa Monicalast August. Dubbed Shamebridge by its employees, Aimbridge has been embroiled in controversy since the beginning of the Southern California hotel strike. Among other developments, last October, housekeepers at the San Pedro DoubleTree the same hotel that has just terminated its agreement with Aimbridge filed a class-action lawsuit against a subsidiary of the operator alleging violations of panic buttons and other worker safety provisions of the Los Angeles Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance. Aimbridges business model and practices have also drawn critical attention. Following private equity firm Advent Internationals 2019 acquisition of Aimbridge, industry analysts and credit ratings agencies have expressed concerns about C-suite turnover, overly-aggressive growth and credit. In November 2023, Baron Ah Moo, U.S. managing director for PKF Hospitality Group suggested, There is pressure on the third-party management fee model from all sides (brands, competition in the space, and the market economy) and Aimbridge, with an eye on a liquidity event (public sale/IPO), may have overextended itself to spur that aggressive growth. Hotel Investment Today further reported that [t]here have also been rumblings about weaker performance at Aimbridge as it focused on growth, as well as owners looking for smaller, third-party firms to get more individual attention from their operator. With rumors like that swirling, change is not an unexpected outcome. UNITE HERE Local 11 is a labor union representing more than 32,000 hospitality workers in Southern California and Arizona that work in hotels, restaurants, universities, convention centers and airports. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130650222/en/ Maria Hernandez | 623-340-8047 | [email protected] Source: UNITE HERE Local 11 147.5 Megawatt (MW) Pontotoc Wind will produce energy to power 40,000 homes PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a leading sustainable energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, today announced its first renewable energy project in Oklahoma. Pontotoc Wind, a 147.5 MW wind farm with 33 turbines, powering 40,000 homes, will be constructed in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma and expand Avangrids presence in the U.S. to 25 states. We are thrilled to be developing our first renewable energy project in Oklahoma, that will deliver clean, renewable, wind power to the Pontotoc County community along with jobs and local investment, said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO. With Pontotoc Wind, we are helping to accelerate a clean energy transition in the state and across the U.S. Pontotoc Wind will generate about 500,000 MWh of power each year, enough energy to power more than 40,000 homes. Construction is expected to begin in 2024 and will produce more than 200 jobs. Avangrid expects the project will contribute to the surrounding area for more than 20 years, including local jobs to support wind farm operations and other community investment. Additionally, Pontotoc Wind will contribute an estimated $25 million in property taxes over the life of the project, which benefits local schools and other services. Avangrid worked closely with the U.S. Air Force for several years to carefully site the project in an area that protects the Air Force's mission. With more than 8.6 GW of installed renewable capacity, Avangrid is the third-largest renewable energy operator in the U.S. Once construction is complete on this project, Avangrid will have operations or assets across half the country. About Avangrid: Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $41 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, Avangrid has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs more than 7,600 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital for three consecutive years as one of the JUST 100 companies a ranking of Americas best corporate citizens. In 2022, AVANGRID ranked second within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment and the communities it serves. The company supports the U.N.s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the Worlds Most Ethical Companies in 2022 for the fourth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com. About Iberdrola: Iberdrola is one of the world's biggest energy companies and a leader in renewables, spearheading the energy transition to a low carbon economy. The group supplies energy to almost 100 million people in dozens of countries. With a focus on renewable energy, smart networks and smart solutions for customers, Iberdrolas main markets include Europe (Spain, the United Kingdom, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy and Greece), the United States, Brazil, Mexico and Australia. The company is also present in growth markets such as Japan, Taiwan, Ireland, Sweden and Poland, among others. With a workforce of nearly 40,000 and assets in excess of 141.7 billion, across the world, Iberdrola helps to support 400,000 jobs across its supply chain, with annual procurement of 12.2 billion. A benchmark in the fight against climate change, Iberdrola has invested more than 130 billion over the past two decades to help build a sustainable energy model, based on sound environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130758589/en/ Keaton Thomas [email protected] 503-956-9621 Source: AVANGRID, Inc. The $65,000,000 program will support one of Californias most impactful and cost-effective climate solutions MILL VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to advance climate-friendly natural refrigerants in supermarkets, today announced its appointment as third-party administrator for the California Air Resources Boards (CARB) F-gas Reduction Incentive Program (FRIP). The program aims to reduce high-global warming potential (GWP) emissions by incentivizing the adoption of climate-friendlyparticularly ultra-low GWP (GWP less than ten)technologies. Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants are potent climate pollutants, and addressing them is one of the leading global climate solutions. However, upfront costs are a significant barrier to transitioning to climate-friendly refrigerants, especially for small and independent businesses and businesses operating in disadvantaged communities. These funds will help eliminate that barrier. Were honored to take on this important role and committed to the continued success of this groundbreaking program, said Danielle Wright, executive director of NASRC. Not only will FRIP support businesses across the state to transition to future-proof refrigerants, but it will also serve as a blueprint for other states to follow. Launched in 2020, FRIP initially provided $1,000,000 in funding to support food retail installations of low-GWP refrigeration equipment and proved to be one of the most impactful and cost-effective programs administered by CARB ($27/MTCO2e). With a $65,000,000 budget, this next phase of FRIP will drastically accelerate the transition of Californias existing facilities to climate-friendly refrigerant alternatives and contribute to Californias climate targets. As the third-party administrator, NASRC and its subcontractors will support the programs implementation through stakeholder engagement, technical guidance for applicants and grantees, information sharing, workforce development activities and fund distribution. NASRC will seek public feedback on the program design and will announce opportunities for public input in early 2024. Program eligibility and application dates will follow. About the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council The North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC) is a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit working to advance climate-friendly natural refrigerants and reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by traditional HFC refrigerants. We collaborate with stakeholders from across the industry, including over 55,000 food retail locations, to eliminate the barriers to natural refrigerants in supermarkets. For more information, visit nasrc.org, LinkedIn, Instagram, X and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130980424/en/ Morgan Smith [email protected] 585-217-2254 Source: North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council TOKYO, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Japanese auto giant Toyota Motor Corp. said on Tuesday it has temporarily halted operations on six production lines across four vehicle plants in Japan until Thursday. The decision came in the wake of recent revelations about fraudulent engine tests conducted by its affiliate Toyota Industries Corp. The automaker, which brought operations at the four plants to a standstill on Monday evening, aims to resume production after receiving confirmation from the transport ministry that Toyota's vehicle engines meet required regulatory standards. The affected plants, all situated in central Japan, include Toyota Auto Body Co.'s Yoshiwara, Inabe and Fujimatsu plants, as well as Gifu Auto Body Co.'s headquarters plant. The suspension not only impacts models subject to shipment halts due to the scandal, such as the Land Cruiser SUV, but also affects other models not initially subject to such measures, including the widely popular Alphard minivan. On Tuesday, Japan's transport ministry inspected a Toyota Industries Corp. factory in central Japan, a day after the company admitted to rigging engine power data resulting in a partial halt of shipments from Toyota Motor. The ministry is expected to determine the severity of administrative punishment it will impose on Toyota Industries, such as an operation correction order and the revocation of certifications needed for mass production. On Monday, Toyota Motor disclosed its decision to suspend shipments of 10 vehicle models, including the Land Cruiser, in response to Toyota Industries' deceptive performance tests for three types of automobile engines supplied to Toyota Motor. Out of the 10 models, six are intended for the domestic market. Also on Tuesday, the auto giant announced it sold record 11.23 million vehicles globally last year, maintaining its global lead for the fourth straight year. The annual sales, including models produced by the group's scandal-hit mini-vehicle maker Daihatsu Motor Co. and truck manufacturer Hino Motors Ltd., went up 7.2 percent from a year earlier. AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The National Association of Real Estate Editors has issued a call for entries for NAREE's 74th Annual Journalism Competition. Deadline: Enter on www.naree.org between Feb. 1 and March 1, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EST. NAREEs journalism competition is for work published or aired in 2023. Winners will be announced in June at NAREE's 58th Annual Real Estate Journalism conference in Austin. NAREEs journalism competition is open to reporters, columnists, writers, editors, and freelancers covering commercial and residential real estate, mortgage finance, sustainable development, and related real estate fields, including home building and design. Competition categories for work with a single byline include Best Collection of Work - Residential Real Estate, Best Collection of Work - Commercial Real Estate, Best Column, Best Economic Analysis, Best Architecture story, Best Interior Design story, and the Kenneth R. Harney Award for Best Consumer Education Reporting. Categories for individual writers published in a daily or weekly newspaper include Best Residential Real Estate Story, and Best Commercial Real Estate Story. Three categories are available to magazine writers with a single byline including Best Residential, Mortgage, or Financial Real Estate magazine story. Teams of journalists and individuals can enter work in Best E-Newsletter, Best Breaking News Story, Best Investigative Report or Series, Best International Real Estate Story and Best Multi-Platform Package or Series. Teams or individuals may enter Best Audio Report or Podcast, and/or Best Video Report. Publications may enter the Best Newspaper Real Estate or Home Section, Best Home or Shelter Magazine, or Best Web Site categories. Categories are listed on NAREE.org NAREE's Platinum Award of $1,000 recognizes the Best Overall Individual Entry. The Kenneth R. Harney Award for Best Consumer Education Reporting carries a $1,000 prize. The Best Freelance Collection winner receives $500. The Ruth Ryon Best Young Journalist (age 30 or under) and Gold winners in 29 categories receive $250 awards. The faculty of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University will judge entries on clarity of writing, objectivity, originality, depth of reporting, and/or graphic design/production. All professional journalists writing for bona fide independent news outlets, both NAREE members and non-members, may enter. NAREE, founded in 1929, is a non-profit association of reporters, editors, authors and online journalists. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130419929/en/ [email protected] Mary Doyle-Kimball, NAREE Executive Director www.NAREE.org Source: The National Association of Real Estate Editors WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) announced the results of its online poll for the 2023 Porker of the Year. There were five worthy candidates who were guilty of plugging pricey policies, promoting earmarks and wasteful practices, pushing budget increase, and widening the Green New Deal scheme. After the votes were tallied, the dishonor went to Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who were named CAGWs June 2023 Porkers of the Month for wanting to spend trillions of dollars more for their latest Green New Deal scheme. In a runaway race, Sen. Markey and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez received 66 percent of the vote, beating second place New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) by 52 percentage points. Congress has already approved hundreds of billions for Green New Deal projects, but Sen. Markey and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez want even more. Their reintroduction of the Green New Deal is full of outrageously expensive programs. It calls for replacing all fossil fuel and nuclear power with solar energy which would require 18.7 billion solar panels and a land mass equal to the combined size of New York and Vermont. CAGW President Tom Schatz said, We would like to thank the taxpayers who voted for all of the worthy candidates. The results are not surprising, as Sen. Markey and Rep. Ocasio-Cortezs Green New Deal is outrageously expensive and would cause enormous environmental damage to our nation while doing little to nothing to reduce pollution. The deal has nothing to do with protecting the environment, it is about a complete takeover of the U.S. economy and the end of capitalism. For trying to push taxpayers deeper into debt, Sen. Markey and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez deserve the distinction of 2023 Porkers of the Year. CAGW is the nation's largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government. Porker of the Year is a dubious honor given to a lawmaker, government official, or political candidate who has shown the most blatant disregard for the interests of taxpayers throughout the year. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130976115/en/ Alexandra Abrams (202) 467-5310 [email protected] Source: Citizens Against Government Waste DUBLIN, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CollisionRight (the Company), a leading consolidator of automotive collision repair shops in the United States, today announced a majority investment from Summit Partners, a leading growth equity investment firm. The new capital will help support CollisionRights growth plan, which is focused on acquiring and operating high-quality, customer-friendly collision repair shops across the Central United States and Mid-Atlantic regions. CollisionRight Founder and CEO Rich Harrison will retain significant equity ownership in the business by investing alongside Summit, as will several other members of the Companys senior management team. Founded in 2020, CollisionRight has acquired 89 collision repair shops in the past three and a half years, establishing the Company as one of the leading consolidators and providers of collision repair services in the United States. The Company and its skilled repair technicians aim to provide high-quality, reliable repairs for consumers, using modern technology, paint, and parts, and to be an equally reliable partner to the Companys insurance carrier partners who pay for the overwhelming majority of repairs undertaken by CollisionRight. Partnering with Summit will help CollisionRight enter a new and expanded era of growth, said CEO Rich Harrison. Summits growth focus and commitment to operational excellence align with our desire to continue to partner with the countrys best shop operators and provide the driving public with timely and high-quality repairs. Our goal is to create an industry leader that will set the standard for growth, excellence and customer service. We are confident that partnering with Summit will help us to achieve that goal, he added. CollisionRight has quickly established itself as a market leader in the collision repair industry, and we are excited to help Rich and his team extend this leadership position, said John Carroll, a Managing Director at Summit Partners who will join Rich Harrison on the Companys Board of Directors. The collision repair industry remains highly fragmented, large and, in our view, very attractive, added Robert Grady, an Advisory Partner at Summit who will also join the Companys Board of Directors. We look forward to working closely with the CollisionRight team to capitalize on this opportunity and enhance the Companys position as a growing, high-quality, customer-focused company. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. About CollisionRight CollisionRight is a leading provider of automotive collision repair services through a network of 89 facilities across nine states including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia. CollisionRight differentiates itself through a passion for quality repair work, backed by heavy investment in state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, technician training and auto manufacturer certifications. CollisionRight shops repair over 90,000 cars per year and maintain over 100 direct repair programs with insurance carriers. The Company maintains strong relationships with insurance carriers, who generate approximately 90% of the Companys sales. The Company is based in Dublin, Ohio. For more information, please visit www.CollisionRight.com. About Summit Partners Founded in 1984, Summit Partners is a global alternative investment firm with capital dedicated to growth equity, fixed income, and public equity opportunities. Summit invests across growth sectors of the economy and has invested in more than 550 companies in technology, healthcare, and growth products and services. Summit maintains offices Boston, Menlo Park, London, New York, and Luxembourg, and invests in companies around the world. For more information, please see www.summitpartners.com or Follow on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130110212/en/ For CollisionRight Aaron Weir, General Counsel, 614-507-6680 Emily Deree, Marketing Communications Manager, 614-600-3014 Source: Summit Partners and CollisionRight NEW PRAGUE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Electromed, Inc. (Electromed or the Company) (NYSE American: ELMD), a leader in innovative airway clearance technologies, today announced that it will issue its financial results press release for the fiscal 2024 second quarter ended December 31, 2023, on February 13, 2024 after the close of the stock market. Company management will host a conference call the same day at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results. Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing (877) 407-0789 (Domestic) or (201) 689-8562 (International). The live conference call webcast will be accessible in the Investor Relations section of Electromeds website and directly via the following link: https://viavid.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1650986&tp_key=12e0064318 For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available by dialing (844) 512-2921 (Domestic) or (412) 317-6671 (International) and referencing the replay pin number 13743606. Additionally, an online replay will be available in the Investor Relations section of Electromeds web site at: https://investors.smartvest.com/events-and-presentations/default.aspx About Electromed, Inc. Electromed, Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells products that provide airway clearance therapy, including the SmartVest Airway Clearance System, to patients with compromised pulmonary function. It is headquartered in New Prague, Minnesota, and was founded in 1992. Further information about Electromed can be found at www.smartvest.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130636352/en/ Brad Nagel, Chief Financial Officer (952) 758-9299 [email protected] Mike Cavanaugh, Investor Relations ICR Westwicke (617) 877-9641 [email protected] Source: Electromed, Inc. Innovative products, expanded channel partners, and global customers underpin the companys 38th consecutive profitable quarter and industry leadership recognition SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Gigamon, the leading deep observability company, today announced significant cloud business momentum for 2023, delivering over 100 percent cloud revenue growth (YoY). Powered by strong global customer demand for the Gigamon Deep Observability Pipeline, the companys overall recurring revenue grew over 20 percent YoY and is now over 70 percent of total revenue. The latest quarter brings the total to 38 consecutive quarters of profitability, underscoring the growth and momentum in the companys fast-growing cloud business, as organizations continue to choose Gigamon to secure and manage hybrid cloud infrastructure. Gigamon celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and as the deep observability market continues to expand globally, forecasted to reach $2B by 2027, it again expanded its leadership position with 67 percent market share in the first half of 2023, according to a new report by 650 Group. Hybrid Cloud, Encrypted Traffic Escalate Security Challenges in Modern Organizations Nearly every organization is embracing hybrid cloud infrastructure to maintain a competitive edge. However, various considerations around hybrid cloud security have emerged as top priorities for IT and security leaders and their teams, given the sharp rise in cloud-based security threats and breaches. The Gigamon 2023 Hybrid Cloud Security survey of 1,000 IT and security leaders revealed that while 90 percent of respondents admitted to having suffered a data breach in the past 18 months, one in three breaches are going undetected by traditional security and observability tools. The survey also revealed that 70 percent of the organizations lack awareness around blind spots and the dangers concealed in encrypted traffic, admitting they let encrypted data flow freely. IT organizations continue to be challenged with the complexity of multi-cloud environments and the rapidly evolving threat landscape, said Alan Weckel, founder and technology analyst of 650 Research. "Deep observability is a game-changer for operations teams, tangibly reducing that complexity by providing the network-derived insights needed to optimize their security and performance tool stack, eliminate blind spots, and proactively address issues. As a result, the deep observability market is one of the fastest growing market segments, expected to grow 100 percent in 2023 and approach $2B by 2027. Gigamon is in a unique position to capitalize on this growth trajectory due to their market share leadership and innovative, value-added capabilities like Precryption technology and Application Metadata Intelligence. Gigamon Deep Observability Pipeline Elevates Security Posture for Global Organizations Gigamon uniquely addresses hybrid cloud security challenges with its deep observability pipeline that efficiently delivers network-derived intelligence to traditional cloud, security, and observability tools, helping to eliminate security blind spots and enabling organizations to better secure and manage their hybrid cloud infrastructure. The threat is more pernicious than ever, and the attack surface has dramatically increased, making it so that no organization large or small is immune to cybersecurity breaches, said Shane Buckley, president and CEO of Gigamon. As a result, we continue to see organizations prioritizing security for their hybrid cloud infrastructure as part of ongoing digital transformation initiatives despite some of the challenging economic headwinds over the past 12 months. This year, hybrid cloud security will remain a top budgeting priority, and we believe our deep observability pipeline is the most cost-effective, efficient approach to securing hybrid cloud infrastructure. The companys continued momentum in securing hybrid cloud infrastructure for its global customer base is underscored by the following milestones in 2023: To learn more about the Gigamon Deep Observability Pipeline, visit our website here; to learn about award-winning Precryption technology, visit our website here. Gartner and Peer Insights are trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences, and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About Gigamon Gigamon offers a deep observability pipeline that efficiently delivers network-derived intelligence to cloud, security, and observability tools. This helps eliminate security blind spots and reduce tool costs, enabling you to better secure and manage your hybrid cloud infrastructure. Gigamon serves more than 4,000 customers worldwide, including over 80 percent of Fortune 100 enterprises, 9 of the 10 largest mobile network providers, and hundreds of governments and educational organizations worldwide. To learn more, please visit gigamon.com. 2024 Gigamon. All rights reserved. Gigamon and the Gigamon logo are trademarks of Gigamon in the United States and/or other countries. Gigamon trademarks can be found at www.gigamon.com/legal-trademarks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130585741/en/ Gigamon Media Contact: [email protected] Source: Gigamon Spanish literacy solution recognized as an Equity Champion TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Learning A-Z, a Cambium Learning Group brand, announced that Raz-Plus Espanol has won a 2023 Supes' Choice Award from the Institute for Education Innovation (IEI) in the Equity Champion category. The Supes' Choice Awards the only industry awards judged exclusively by school district superintendents recognize innovative products that help districts achieve excellence in education. Raz-Plus Espanol expands on the Spanish resources in Raz-Plus, offering a comprehensive K-5+ Spanish literacy solution that delivers equity of instruction to dual language classrooms to develop and build Spanish and English biliteracy. Alongside the Spanish resources available in Raz-Plus, Raz-Plus Espanol provides exclusive access to additional Spanish, transadapted reading resources, and summer school content for year-round instruction. Adaptable for whole class, small group, and independent student activity, Raz-Plus Espanol provides all the essential classroom tools needed to succeed from planning to practice. "We are honored that the countrys K-12 education leaders have recognized Raz-Plus Espanol for its commitment to equitable literacy instruction," said Aaron Ingold, Interim President at Learning A-Z. "Quality bilingual education resources are critical for student success, and this award validates our commitment to creating innovative solutions for diverse classrooms." The Supes' Choice Awards evaluate entrants on innovation and ingenuity, commitment to student outcomes, client support, interactivity and engagement. As the only awards judged exclusively by superintendents, these awards offer unique insight into the most valuable products for today's classrooms. This recognition is the second Supes Choice Award Learning A-Z has won. The company previously earned acknowledgment in the inaugural Equity and Anti-Racism Champion category. Learning A-Z remains dedicated to developing innovative literacy tools, such as Raz-Plus Espanol, to advance educational equity. To learn more about Raz-Plus Espanol and Learning A-Z's full suite of solutions, please visit www.learninga-z.com. About Learning A-Z Learning A-Z delivers pre-K6 solutions that inspire curiosity, ensure comprehension, and instill the joy of learning in elementary students. Its award-winning digital products, which include Reading A-Z and Raz-Kids, are used by more than 12.8 million students and over 700K teachers in more than 170 countries. Learning A-Z is a Cambium Learning Group company. For information, please visit www.learninga-z.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter. About Cambium Learning Group Cambium Learning Group is the education essentials company, providing award-winning education technology and services for K-12 educators and students. With an intentional collection of respected global brands, Cambium serves as a leader, helping millions of educators and students feel more seen, valued, and supported every day. In everything it does, the company focuses on the elements that are most essential to the success of education, delivering simpler, more certain solutions that make a meaningful difference right now. To learn more, visit www.cambiumlearning.com or follow Cambium on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. The Cambium family of brands includes: Cambium Assessment, Lexia, Learning A-Z, Voyager Sopris Learning, ExploreLearning, Time4Learning, and Kurzweil Education. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130362915/en/ Media: Kate Weber Marketing, Learning A-Z [email protected] Christy Dean BLASTmedia for Learning A-Z [email protected] Source: Learning A-Z Global supply chain innovator bolsters U.S. presence with new Lonestar State location to support ongoing expansion efforts OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kinaxis Inc. (TSX: KXS), the leading supply chain management platform, today announced the opening of a new office in Dallas, Texas to help serve the companys expanding U.S. customer base as it looks to position itself for future growth. The company already has a well-established team and the new Dallas office located in Las Colinas will serve as a centralized hub where employees and customers can come together to engage, collaborate and work towards solving some of the most pressing challenges facing global supply chains. The opening of the new Dallas location caps a period of significant growth and expansion for Kinaxis globally, following the addition of offices in the UK, the Netherlands, India, Singapore and Japan, among others. Lockheed Martin is just one of the Dallas-Fort Worth-area companies that utilizes Kinaxis solutions to help them prepare for and respond to disruptions to their vast supply chains. Dallas is recognized as a growing, centrally located region for technical and supply chain management talent, said Megan Paterson, chief operating officer at Kinaxis. Establishing a permanent hub in the U.S. is a critical part of our global footprint as businesses continue to adopt Kinaxis to manage supply chains in an increasingly complex environment. With more than 40,000 users in 100+ countries, Kinaxis works with some of the worlds biggest brands in sectors such as CPG, automotive, high tech, life sciences and more. Its AI-powered technology and patented concurrency technique allows companies to orchestrate their supply chain network end-to-end from strategic planning to last-mile delivery. Kinaxis technology helps supply the agricultural industry with 40% of the worlds tractors, helps keep more than 110,000,000,000 teeth clean each year, and ensures more than 35 million pets are fed nutritious meals each year. For more information on Kinaxis and current open roles, please visit: https://www.kinaxis.com/en/open-positions. About Kinaxis Kinaxis is a global leader in modern supply chain management. We serve supply chains and the people who manage them in service of humanity. Our software is trusted by renowned global brands to provide the agility and predictability needed to navigate todays volatility and disruption. We combine our patented concurrency technique with a human-centered approach to AI to empower businesses of all sizes to orchestrate their end-to-end supply chain network, from multi-year strategic planning through down-to-the-second execution and last-mile delivery. For more news and information, please visit kinaxis.com or follow us on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130899801/en/ Media Relations Jaime Cook | Kinaxis [email protected] 289-552-4640 Investor Relations Rick Wadsworth | Kinaxis [email protected] 613-907-7613 Source: Kinaxis Inc. CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PPM America, Inc.s (PPM) private equity arm, PPM America Capital Partners (PPMACP) today announced the final closing (December 31, 2023) of its eighth co-investment fund, PPM America Private Equity Fund VIII LP (together with its parallel fund, referred to herein as Fund VIII), a vintage 2021 fund. The final close amount of $660 million is PPMACPs largest to-date, surpassing its previous fund which closed in 2018. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130400560/en/ "This closure continues our track record of increasing the size of each subsequent fund. We are incredibly grateful to our limited partners who have shown confidence in our ability to create value through manager and asset selection in these uncertain and volatile markets," said Champ Raju, PPM America Capital Partners' Managing Director, Head of Private Equity. (Photo: Business Wire) Fund VIII will continue to invest in a diversified pool of co-investments alongside top-tier buyout and growth equity sponsors. Fund VIII will target approximately 50 co-investments and will be well diversified by vintage year, sponsor and sector/industry and will typically allocate between $10-$25 million per co-investment. Since 1996 and encompassing several market cycles, PPMACP has consistently participated in the co-investment space on behalf of its clients raising eight funds totaling over $4 billion in historical commitments and closing over 250 deals across 50+ sponsors. Investments focus primarily on North American buyout and growth opportunities. The four partners of the 9-person PPMACP investment team average 25 years of investment experience including 22 years of average firm tenure. PPMACP operates as one integrated team, deploying capital across a primary funds platform and co-investments alongside sponsors where we invest. As of September 30, 2023, the private equity program had $5.76 billion in assets under management with nearly $11 billion in total historical capital commitments across primary funds and co-investments. With 28 years of sourcing co-investments for our clients, PPMACP has the experience, relationships and agility necessary to access deals from high-quality fund managers and construct a well-diversified investment portfolio across industry, size and sponsor, said Champ Raju, Managing Partner, Head of Private Equity. This closure continues our track record of increasing the size of each subsequent fund. We are incredibly grateful to our limited partners who have shown confidence in our ability to create value through manager and asset selection in these uncertain and volatile markets. About PPM America Capital Partners Our mission is to be seen by clients and their advisors as a consistently reliable partner to help them achieve their long-term value goals. PPMs private equity capabilities were established in 1991 and PPMACP launched PPMs first co-investment fund in 2000. Since its inception, PPMs private equity team has navigated multiple market cycles focusing primarily on North America buyout and growth opportunities. PPMs private equity team manages both primary fund investments as well as sponsor-led co-investments. For more information, please visit PPMs website at ppmamerica.com/our-strategies/private-equity. PPM is a US-based institutional asset manager with $68.46 billion in assets under management as of 30 September 2023.1 Established in Chicago in 1990, PPM exists to consistently support institutional clients in achieving their long-term value goals. We offer our Midwestern mentality of hard work, straight talk, full transparency and humility. Our success is supported by a team-based culture that encourages debate, collaboration and consistency. At the center of our belief is the fact that our best ideas to date have and can come from any team member anywhere in our firm. We believe the success of our investment culture is best demonstrated by the strong retention of our clients and investment professionals. 1 AUM includes committed but unfunded capital for PPMs private equity and commercial real estate businesses. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130400560/en/ Tom Perry, Financial Writer Marketing & Communications P: 312-843-5969 E: [email protected] www.ppmamerica.com Source: PPM America, Inc. MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Last week in Wilmington, DE, Prolitec Inc. and ScentAir Technologies, LLC squared off in front of an eight-person jury, in federal court. Prolitec had accused the ScentAirs ScentBreeze product of infringing six claims from two of its patents - four of which focused on minimizing fragrance oil leaks that describe some of the innovations of the Aera (aeraforhome.com) consumer product line. ScentAirs SVP of Marketing and Products, Logan Andres, testified that ScentAirs ScentBreeze product had issues on leaking and that ScentAir got lots of complaints from salespeople and customers on both leaks and noise. ScentAirs counsel, Mr. Vincent Galluzzo, emphasized the point saying during his closing argument that the ScentBreeze leaked like a faucet. Mr. Andres testified that ScentAir discontinued the Breeze in the United States in October 2022. But despite all the problems with the ScentBreeze, ScentAir continues to sell the Breeze internationally. While the jury found no infringement of Prolitecs six asserted patent claims, they also concluded that all six claims were valid. We didnt come away with the reasonable royalty we had sought, but we did reaffirm critical intellectual property that we will continue to defend against unauthorized use, said Prolitec EVP and COO Matt Ansley. Weve forced ScentAir to fall back on their new Whisper product, which uses the same, inferior, dry media technology of the ScentWave that they tried to leave behind by launching the ScentBreeze. In seeking to invalidate Prolitecs patents, ScentAirs hired expert, Timothy Morse, offered opinions that lacked any scientific reliability. ScentAirs expert opined that ScentAirs own ScentDirect product provided the leak resistance benefits called for in the asserted patent claims. On cross-examination, Prolitecs counsel, Marc Levy of Seed IP Law Group, got ScentAirs expert to admit that he didnt do any testing of the alleged prior art and that he just did it in his head. Prolitecs expert, Professor Marcus Hultmark of Princeton University, testified that if one of his researchers came to him with Mr. Morses opinion, he would be disappointed and that he would really expect some experimental evidence. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130335779/en/ Media Contact: Barry Schwartz, Schwartz Public Relations [email protected] 212-677-8700 ext. 118 Source: Prolitec Inc. TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Q4 Inc. (TSX: QFOR) (Q4 or the Company), the leading capital markets access platform, today announced that it has obtained a final order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) approving the previously announced plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), pursuant to which a newly formed entity controlled by Sumeru Equity Partners (Sumeru), a leading technology-focused investment firm, has agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company (Common Shares) for $6.05 in cash per Common Share, other than those held by certain shareholders rolling their equity interests (the Arrangement). All of the conditions to the completion of the Arrangement have now been satisfied or waived, excluding any conditions that, by their terms, cannot be satisfied or waived until the effective date of the Arrangement. Completion of the Arrangement is expected to occur on February 1, 2024. Shareholder Questions and Assistance Shareholders who have questions or require assistance submitting their Common Shares in connection with the Arrangement may direct their questions to Computershare Investor Services Inc., who is acting as depositary in connection with the Arrangement, at 1-800-564-6253 (North American toll-free) or +1 514-982-7555 (calls outside North America), or by email at [email protected]. About Q4 Inc. Q4 (TSX: QFOR) is the leading capital markets access platform that is transforming how issuers, investors, and the sell-side efficiently connect, communicate, and engage with each other. The Q4 Platform facilitates interactions across the capital markets through IR website products, virtual events solutions, engagement analytics, investor relations CRM, shareholder and market analysis, surveillance, and ESG tools. The Q4 Platform is the only holistic capital markets access platform that digitally drives connections, analyzes impact, and targets the right engagement to help public companies work faster and smarter. The Company is a trusted partner to more than 2,500 public companies globally, including many of the most respected brands in the world, and maintains an award-winning culture where team members grow and thrive. Q4 is headquartered in Toronto, with offices in New York and London. Learn more at investors.Q4inc.com. All dollar figures in this release are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. About Sumeru Equity Partners Sumeru Equity Partners provides growth capital at the intersection of people and innovative technology. Sumeru seeks to embolden innovative founders and management teams with capital and scaling partnership. Sumeru has invested over US$3 billion in more than fifty platform and add-on investments across enterprise and vertical SaaS, data analytics, education technology, infrastructure software and cybersecurity. The firm typically invests in companies throughout North America and Europe. For more information, please visit sumeruequity.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release includes forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the purchase by the Purchaser of all of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, the anticipated timing and the various steps to be completed in connection with the Arrangement and the anticipated timing for closing of the Arrangement. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans targets, expects or does not expect, is expected, an opportunity exists, is positioned, estimates, intends, assumes, anticipates or does not anticipate or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might, will or will be taken, occur or be achieved. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, nor guarantees or assurances of future performance but instead represent managements current beliefs, expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events and operating performance. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this release, are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from those indicated by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the proposed Arrangement will not be completed on the terms and conditions, or on the timing, currently contemplated, or at all, the possibility of the Arrangement Agreement being terminated in certain circumstances, and the other risk factors identified under Risk Factors in the Companys latest annual information form and managements discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022 and in the managements discussion and analysis for the period ended September 30, 2023, and in other periodic filings that the Company has made and may make in the future with the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada, all of which are available under the Companys SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company. However, such risk factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors not currently known to us or that we currently believe are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements represent the Companys expectations as of the date of this release (or as the date it is otherwise stated to be made) and are subject to change after such date. However, the Company disclaims any intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable Canadian securities laws. All of the forward-looking statements contained in this release are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130425414/en/ Investor Contact Edward Miller Director, Investor Relations (437) 291-1554 [email protected] Media Contact Longacre Square Partners Scott Deveau [email protected] Source: Q4 Inc. BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Over 8.04 million individuals participating in China's basic medical insurance had applied for cross-provincial medical bill settlement through online platforms in 2023, an annual increase of 159 percent, data from the National Healthcare Security Administration showed. In 2023, the total number of direct settlements of medical expenses incurred outside their home provinces reached 129 million, reducing the out-of-pocket payments for insured individuals by 153.67 billion yuan (21.63 billion U.S. dollars), according to the administration. China has seen an expansion of its on-spot settlement service system for cross-provincial medical expenses in recent years, with more medical institutions covered in it and more people benefiting from it, the administration said, pledging further efforts to improve services in this regard. HOUSTON & CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Stellus Capital Management, LLC (Stellus) announced today that its affiliates participated in providing senior debt financing and an equity co-investment in support of Clearview Capitals (Clearview) investment in AdCellerant (AdCellerant or the Company), a provider of outsourced digital marketing software and services. AdCellerant partners with media companies and agencies to provide outsourced execution across a range of cutting-edge digital marketing tactics on a white label basis, along with sales support and training on various digital tactics. This enables AdCellerants partners to sell Madison Avenue-caliber digital marketing products to their advertiser clients, with fulfillment handled entirely by AdCellerant. These capabilities are powered by UI.Marketing, a proprietary technology platform that automates proposal generation, order management, execution, and campaign reporting, all on a white label basis. The Company is led by a highly driven and experienced management team that has worked together for more than 15 years. Geoff Faux, Partner at Clearview, said, From the very beginning, we have been impressed by AdCellerants industry-leading digital marketing capabilities, innovative technology, and commitment to client success. We view these outstanding core attributes of the business as a reflection of AdCellerants very talented and dedicated leadership team, and we look forward to working with them to continue AdCellerants rapid growth for years to come. We appreciate Stellus partnership throughout the transaction process. We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Clearview to support AdCellerants next phase of growth, said Bill Haverland, Managing Director at Stellus, adding, We believe the Companys unique value proposition and proprietary software, combined with Clearviews expertise, will propel the Companys already impressive trajectory. About Stellus Capital Stellus Capital Management (Stellus) is one of the longest tenured direct lenders specializing in senior secured loans in the lower middle market. Formed within the D.E. Shaw Group in 2004, Stellus spun out in 2012 and today manages $2.8 billion across various investment vehicles including closed-end institutional funds, a public BDC (NYSE: SCM), and a perpetual non-traded private BDC. Stellus is a single strategy firm and its founding partners have been investing together in the lower middle market for 19+ years with a track record of over $8.7 billion deployed in over 350 transactions. Stellus is headquartered in Houston, TX with offices in the Washington D.C. area and Charlotte, NC. Learn more at stelluscapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130122263/en/ Sarah Bowes 860-805-1759 [email protected] Source: Stellus Capital Management, LLC RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Officials at The Preiss Company (TPCO), one of the nations largest, privately-held, student housing owner-operators, today announced the company was voted as a Top-Ranked Employer in the Best Place to Work Multifamily category of awards presented by Multifamily Leadership, a multifamily events, news and media platform. TPCO was honored at the recent Multifamily Innovation Summit in Phoenix, Ariz. This recognition is the culmination of many of our efforts to create a best-in-class work environment, said Adam Byrley, chief operating officer. Our organizations mission is to strive to foster communities that inspire and empower individuals to be the best version of themselves. Were honored and humbled to win such a prestigious award and extremely motivated to continue and enhance our efforts in the coming year ahead. The award reflects TPCOs commitment to its team, evident in its comprehensive benefits program, which includes a Healthy Lifestyle Reimbursement Program, 12-weeks paid maternity leave, paid parental leave and a Corporate Wellness Program. TPCO fosters a culture of development and growth, both personal and professional, through Learning Stipends, Relocation Opportunities and annual company conferences. Underlining the companys ethos, the establishment of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion council and Employee Resource Groups, like Preiss Gives Back and The Rainbow Coalition, demonstrate TPCOs commitment to community outreach, philanthropy and an inclusive work culture. The new era of leadership in the multifamily industry is defined by a commitment to making a positive societal impact, said Patrick Antrim, founder and CEO, Multifamily Leadership. It's about understanding and being aligned with the company's mission and vision, and this alignment is increasingly vital as businesses are called upon to take on greater societal responsibilities. The Best Places to Work Multifamily honorees are at the forefront of this movement, poised to shape the future with a stronger, more influential voice. About The Preiss Company Now in its 37th year, Raleigh-based The Preiss Company specializes in developing, acquiring, and managing multifamily and off-campus student housing. Ranked among the top 10 largest, privately-held student housing owner-operators in the nation, TPCO is a recognized leader in the industry. For more information and career opportunities, visit www.tpco.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130990372/en/ Kasey Munsch, Vice President of Marketing 919-706-0668 [email protected] Source: The Preiss Company DUBLIN, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Verdantas, a private-equity-backed firm specializing in environmental consulting, sustainable engineering, modeling, and digital technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sujan Turlapaty as its new Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO). Leveraging over 20 years of progressive cross-functional experience as a seasoned technology executive, Sujan brings invaluable expertise to craft and execute digital strategies aimed at fostering growth and driving innovation. Under the guidance of our newly appointed CDIO and with a team of over 1,000 professionals, Verdantas is investing in its digital vision pillar. Committed to delivering precise datasets and tailored models, Verdantas addresses complex environmental and infrastructure challenges, contributing to sustainable project outcomes. Verdantas strategic focus on digital innovation positions technology as a key differentiator in the environmental consulting and sustainable engineering field. Jesse Kropelnicki, CEO of Verdantas, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition to the leadership team, stating, "We are excited to welcome Sujan to Verdantas as our CDIO. With a proven track record of spearheading large-scale technology initiatives and integrations, he will play a pivotal role in driving our digital and information continuity function forward, ensuring our organization remains at the forefront of innovation. This role seamlessly integrates with our established digital solutions team, bridging internal digital advancements like AI and overall digital ecosystem, enhancing our already existing digital client solutions. As a visionary leader and strategic thinker, Sujan stands at the forefront of digital transformation, bringing a value-driven and results-oriented mindset to help organizations achieve their strategic business objectives. Speaking about Verdantas' vision, Sujan Turlapaty stated, "I am thrilled to be part of Verdantas and contribute to its ongoing success. My primary focus is on harnessing emerging technologies to enhance business operations, improve customer experiences, and drive revenue growth. Additionally, I view AI and digital technology as enablers, not replacements for employees, streamlining their tasks and empowering us to enhance productivity." Looking ahead, Sujans strategic vision includes co-creating a business strategy with a customer-centric mindset for both internal and external stakeholders. This involves outlining a comprehensive enterprise roadmap featuring a modern data platform to provide predictive analytics and establishing a digital ecosystem for partners, vendors and customers. Moreover, a significant emphasis will be placed on harnessing the power of GenAI for advanced environmental modeling and analysis, project planning and resource allocation optimization. This underscores Verdantas leadership in digital innovation within the broader environmental services sector. About Verdantas Verdantas specializes in delivering an integrated mix of environmental consulting, sustainable engineering, modeling, and cutting-edge digital technology to support markets with secular tailwinds and foster sustainable project outcomes. Our expertise spans power projects including renewables, water resources, government related land use and remediation as well as traditional transportation infrastructure projects. Our team of over 1,000 professionals, consisting of environmental scientists, engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, collaborates closely with clients, utilizing advanced technology to deliver precise datasets and models for complex environmental and infrastructure challenges. Functioning as strategic partners, we assist clients in achieving their infrastructure and sustainability objectives. Grounded in a people-focused culture, Verdantas prioritizes the well-being of our employees, clients, and communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.verdantas.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130443495/en/ Alyson Hanson, Vice President of Strategic Communications Email: [email protected] verdantas.com Source: Verdantas This partnership is the latest example of VPPs commitment to keeping veterinary medicine in the hands of veterinary professionals by offering co-ownership opportunities to associate veterinarians. KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Veterinary Practice Partners (VPP), the veterinary community revolutionizing vet practice ownership and support, is proud to announce its partnership with Dr. Michelle Rudd, who is transitioning from associate veterinarian and Medical Director at the Annapolis Cat Hospital and Bay Ridge Animal Hospital to equity partner. Attracted by VPPs deeply embedded culture of community and operational support, Dr. Rudd joins more than 90 other former associate veterinarians who have become co-owners in partnership with VPP. Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Annapolis Cat Hospital and Bay Ridge Animal Hospital originally partnered with VPP in 2017. The hospitals are full-service, state-of-the-art veterinary practices, providing wellness care, diagnostics, dentistry, surgery, an in-house pharmacy, and more. Dr. Rudd valued VPPs culture and operational success to such an extent that she decided to become a co-owner and equity partner of the hospital alongside VPP. VPPs differentiated approach to partnership allows veterinarians like me to have a vested interest in the two practices, said Dr. Rudd. Although I was initially hesitant about partnering with a corporation, VPPs model allows veterinary practices to maintain control over medicine while VPP handles the operational aspects of business ownership. The partnership through economies of scale, improved purchasing power, and a deeper pool of resources provides enhanced benefits to staff members that arent always available to private practice employees. VPP cares about the people they employ, and they want to help veterinarians like me create a place where our staff is valued and our patients are provided with the best care possible. The partnership with Dr. Rudd serves as the latest example of VPPs commitment to developing associate DVMs into equity partners and owners. Since inception in 2011, 92 associate veterinarians have become equity partners of their respective veterinary clinics and hospitals. Seventy-six percent of these new doctor-partners are female. In an industry where most of the workforce is female, VPPs differentiated co-ownership model is moving the needle toward more equitable practice ownership in the veterinary industry. VPP co-owns practices nationwide with local veterinarians, assisting them to grow their practice, develop their teams, improve operations, and more skillfully navigate the rapidly changing environment for animal health services. VPP doctor-partners retain control over medical services and practice culture while VPP handles the core business functions, including marketing, finance and accounting, operations, IT, and HR and recruiting. This division of responsibility allows VPP to keep veterinary medicine in the hands of veterinarians. At VPP, our pathway to practice ownership sets us apart, as demonstrated by the more than one-third of doctors within our VPP community who are equity partners, said John McDonough, CEO of VPP. As we continue to work hand-in-hand with our partnered practices, VPP also opens the door for women and other underrepresented groups to join the ranks of practice owners. Our focus is on driving success for the VPP community while nurturing the career paths of the talented employees at our partnered hospitals and clinics. Veterinarians interested in exploring co-ownership opportunities with VPP can find more information at www.vetpracticepartners.com. ABOUT VETERINARY PRACTICE PARTNERS: Based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, Veterinary Practice Partners (VPP) is a nationwide veterinary community revolutionizing vet practice ownership and support. With more than 140 co-owned animal hospitals and clinics nationwide, VPP has become an established partner of choice through its co-ownership model that enables veterinarians to focus on providing high-quality patient care and fostering a strong culture at their individual practices, while VPP provides operational support across learning and development, HR and recruiting, marketing, technology, and finance. For more information on Veterinary Practice Partners, visit vetpartners.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130923671/en/ VPP: George Spencer BackBay Communications [email protected] John McDonough Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Source: Veterinary Practice Partners Promote cooperation, including infrastructure sharing Anticipate synergy through joint sales and marketing activities to strengthen global competitiveness via organic collaboration. Continue to search for partners to cope with DX environments and seek strategic global business opportunities SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Webcash Global Co., Ltd. (CEO Lee Sil-Kwon) announced that it has signed a strategic business agreement with Miracom Inc. (CEO Kang Seok-Rip, hereinafter Miracom) and Webcash Vietnam (CEO Wang Moon-Chan) to target the Vietnamese market and find new customers. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240129313514/en/ From left Webcash Vietnam CEO Wang Moon-Chan, Miracom Inc. CEO Kang Seok-Rip, and Webcash Global Co., Ltd. CEO Lee Sil-Kwon (Photo: Webcash Global Co., Ltd.) On November 8th, key officials including CEO of Webcash Global Co., Ltd. Lee Sil-Kwon, CEO of Webcash Vietnam Wang Moon-Chan, and CEO of Miracom Inc. Kang Seok-Rip attended the signing ceremony held at Webcash Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. This agreement was to create direct and indirect synergy by establishing mutual cooperation system between the two companies to secure business competitiveness in the Vietnamese market. It will help Webcash Global and Miracom to expand customer contact points and service radius by utilizing their own services and online and offline channels. The two companies also agreed to work together to enhance competitiveness, such as joint sales marketing to existing and potential customers, cooperation in service operation, and sharing infrastructure. Earlier in July last year, Webcash Global acquired a Vietnamese ERP company and expanded its business area in the local market. Through this agreement, Webcash Global expects to strengthen its network with Vietnamese private companies to explore new business opportunities and actively respond to securing stable supply chains. Currently, Webcash Global Co., Ltd. is introducing local customized services that incorporate successful cases of B2B Fintech services into overseas markets. In particular, starting with WABOOKS, an expense management service aimed at Southeast Asia in 2022, it is providing B2B Fintech services that assist corporate cash management such as billing service specialized for large amount of transactions WeBill365 and integrated Vietnamese bank account service WeMBA. WABOOKS is a service that simplifies the expense management of overseas corporations. Receipt processing and storing, Collecting e-Invoices from Vietnam GDT (General Department of Taxation), Cash book and Cash advances management, Inquiry on transaction details and balances of major Vietnamese bank accounts, and Account transfers are possible all in one place in WABOOKS. Due to these convenient features, it is attracting Korean companies actively doing business in Vietnam, as well as local Vietnamese companies. In addition, it has received great reviews from various industries as it allows users to sign up for plans appropriate to the size and field of each company. "We are happy to collaborate with Webcash Global, which is leading high satisfaction with excellent services to target the Vietnamese market," said Kang Seok-Rip, CEO of Miracom, "We will expand business opportunities through organic collaboration that can maximize synergy between the two companies in the future." "This agreement will serve as an opportunity to increase business competitiveness in the Vietnamese market by combining the strengths of the two," said Lee Sil-Kwon, CEO of Webcash Global, "We will strive to build a shared growth engine for both companies through close mutual cooperation." Miracom Inc. is a company that provides specialized smart factory solutions such as production management systems (MES), warehouse management systems (WMS), facility automation, product automation systems, and IT infrastructure construction. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240129313514/en/ For English and Vietnamese Ms Le Thi Oanh +84-28-7300-1660 [email protected] For Korean Eunji Kim +84-28-7300-1661 [email protected] Source: Webcash Global Co., Ltd. FILE PHOTO: A person puts gas in a vehicle at a gas station in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 11, 2022. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo By Nicole Jao NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices rose on Tuesday as a higher global economic growth forecast and escalating tensions in the Middle East offset concerns around Chinese demand. March Brent crude futures, which expire on Wednesday, rose 47 cents to settle at $82.87 a barrel. The more active April contract settled up 67 cents at $82.50. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude settled up $1.04, or 1.35%, at $77.82. The International Monetary Fund raised its forecast for global economic growth, upgrading the outlook for both the U.S. and China on faster-than-expected easing of inflation. On Monday, both crude contracts fell by more than $1 as a deepening real estate crisis in China fueled concerns over demand in the world's biggest crude consumer, with a Hong Kong court ordering the liquidation of property company China Evergrande Group. "There's still concerns about what we've seen in China, but the fundamentals, from a supply risk standpoint, are still very bullish," said Phil Flynn, analyst with Price Futures Group. Continuing conflict in the Middle East also provided support to the market. U.S. President Joe Biden said he has made up his mind on how to respond to a drone attack as he weighs punishing Iran-backed militias without triggering a wider war. "[The] latest upticks might be driven by some market participants adding some positions now that US President Biden has decided how to react," said Giovanni Staunovo, analyst at UBS. On the supply side, the U.S. began reimposing sanctions on Venezuela this week after the country's top court upheld a ban blocking the candidacy of the leading opposition hopeful in a presidential election later this year. Saudi Aramco said it had received a directive from the Saudi energy ministry to maintain its maximum sustainable capacity at 12 million bpd and not to continue increasing it to 13 million bpd. Saudi Arabia is the world's biggest oil exporter. "While we remain hesitant to speculate on motivations for this decision, within it, we see potential acknowledgment of a firmer global supply picture than has been broadly appreciated," Walt Chancellor, an energy strategist at Macquarie, said in a note. An OPEC+ meeting on Feb. 1 is unlikely to bring a decision on the group's oil policy for April, analysts are hoping it could shed some light on production plans. U.S. crude stocks dropped by 2.5 million barrels while gasoline inventories gained 600,000 barrels in the week ended Jan. 26, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday. Official U.S. government data is due on Wednesday. (Additional reporting by Ahmad Ghaddar, Emily Chow and Trixie Yap; Editing by David Gregorio andf Stephen Coates) AGCO (NYSE: AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, today announced the launch of FarmerCore, a transformative global initiative to deliver a next-generation farmer and dealer experience. The launch of the new end-to-end distribution model is a significant milestone in advancing AGCOs Farmer-First strategy and solidifying its commitment to helping farmers across the globe become more profitable, productive and sustainable. FarmerCore revolutionizes sales and service using tools that put dealers in closer proximity onsite and online to farmers. From product research to in-season uptime, the program develops and integrates digital and physical elements across the purchasing journey and product ownership lifecycle to create a leading on-farm offering. AGCOs strategy remains focused on putting the farmer at the center of everything we do, said Eric Hansotia, Chairman, President and CEO of AGCO. The FarmerCore initiative further solidifies our pledge to prioritize farmers, blending physical and digital experiences to build brand loyalty and deepen customer engagement. Ultimately, were going to bring our entire business to the farmer through digital tools, service trucks, local parts access and more in partnership with AGCOs global dealer network. FarmerCore is built on three pillars: the on-farm mindset, smart network coverage and digital engagement. The on-farm mindset positions dealers to meet customers needs at every stage of the ownership journey. Smart network coverage de-emphasizes the one-size-fits all outlet approach, moving toward a hub-and-spoke model that adds light retail outlets, service centers and parts-only locations. Digital engagement gives farmers 24/7 online access to sales and support, including online parts purchasing, dealer digital storefronts, online configurators and more. Many AGCO dealerships already deploy aspects of the FarmerCore program, including mobile service fleets, alternative format outlets (e.g., parts-only stores) and digital tools to enhance customer support. In fact, the FarmerCore model has proven successful at the regional level through AgRevolution, an AGCO-owned, full-line agricultural equipment dealer serving farmers in Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana. We provide farmers with an outstanding on-farm experience that spans the entire ownership journey, said Stacy Anthony, CEO of AgRevolution. Our farmer-first mentality, combined with implementing FarmerCores assets, enables greater engagement across our region and helps us deliver exceptional customer outcomes and value. I am excited at the unlimited potential this innovative, farmer-first model will deliver to AGCOs dealer network and farmers around the world. With FarmerCore, mobile assets bring buying and servicing to the farm. While dealership locations will continue to anchor farmer support in local communities, mobile and digital channels allow farmers to engage on their terms. FarmerCore will be implemented in close partnership with AGCOs global dealer network and will become a leader in ag machinery support, across every aspect of the ownership lifecycle. The program launches globally this year in select North and South America dealer organizations, with continued expansion throughout 2024. Core & Main Inc. (NYSE: CNM), a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Dana Kepner Company LLC, and associated entities. Dana Kepner is a distributor of water, wastewater, storm drainage, and geotextile products, along with specialty tools and accessories. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The team at Dana Kepner recognizes the importance of providing local expertise to its customers in the waterworks industry. Like the Core & Main team, they add value by serving as knowledgeable and trusted advisors to municipalities and contractors, said Steve LeClair, chief executive officer of Core & Main. We are excited about this opportunity to extend our geographic reach, expand the range of products and services that we offer, and add key talent into our organization. Founded in 1933 and based in Denver, Colorado, Dana Kepner has 19 locations across the U.S., operating in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Nevada, Rhode Island, Texas and Wyoming. The team offers a variety of waterworks products, including pipes, valves and fittings, as well as meters and meter accessories. Dana Kepners team is actively engaged in industry associations committed to advancing waterworks infrastructure, and they have earned their position as a highly credible partner in the communities they serve. The teams solid reputation aligns with our core values as a sales-driven organization that puts people first. I look forward to seeing how we can grow together with our shared focus on developing industry experts, said Jack Schaller, president of Core & Main. Dave Wickett, president and chief executive officer of Dana Kepner, said, We at the Dana Kepner Company are excited to combine our regional knowledge and relationships with the nationwide reach of Core & Main. Together, we will create the momentum to serve and supply the water and wastewater industry with unmatched excellence. Palatin Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: PTN) ("Palatin" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class medicines based on molecules that modulate the activity of the melanocortin receptor system, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with healthcare-focused institutional investors for the issuance and sale of an aggregate of 1,831,503 shares of its common stock, at a purchase price of $5.46 per share of common stock. Palatin has also agreed to issue in a private placement warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,831,503 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.46 per share. The warrants will become exercisable on the six months anniversary of the closing date and will expire on the date that is four years after the closing date. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as exclusive placement agent for the offering. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about February 1, 2024 , subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The gross proceeds from the offering are expected to be approximately $10 million . Palatin intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes. The shares of common stock described above (excluding the warrants and the shares of common stock underlying the warrants) are being offered by Palatin pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-262555) that was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 7, 2022 , and subsequently declared effective on September 26, 2022 . The offering of shares of common stock to be issued in the registered direct offering is being offered only by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of the effective registration statement. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to, and describing the terms of, the registered direct offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus relating to the registered direct offering, when available, may also be obtained by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, at 430 Park Ave. , New York, New York 10022, by telephone at (212) 856-5711, or by email at [email protected]. The warrants described above will be issued in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Regulation D promulgated thereunder and, along with the shares of common stock underlying such warrants, will not be registered under the Securities Act, or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the warrants and underlying shares of common stock, upon issuance, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in this offering, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. A.O. Smith (NYSE: AOS) shares rose over 1% premarket Tuesday on the back of its latest quarterly earnings release, which saw it top consensus profit and revenue expectations. The company posted Q4 earnings of $0.97 per share, $0.02 better than the analyst estimate of $0.95 per share. Revenue for the quarter came in at $988 million, above the consensus estimate of $982.33 million. For the whole of 2023, AOS reported record sales of $3.9 billion, representing an increase of 3% year-on-year. The rise in sales was primarily driven by higher water heater volume. "For a third consecutive year, A. O. Smith delivered record sales in 2023, led by resilient North America water heater demand," said Kevin Wheeler, chairman and chief executive officer of AOS. "We achieved sales growth in China of 4% in local currency despite continued challenges in the Chinese economy." Looking ahead, the company sees its FY24 EPS between $3.90 and $4.15 vs the $4.05 estimate. Net sales for the period are expected to be between $3.97 billion and $4.05 billion. By Sam Boughedda HAIKOU, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Flight HU763 departed from Haikou Meilan International Airport in Haikou City, south China's Hainan Province, at 2:46 a.m. on Tuesday, marking the official commencement of the new air route from Haikou to Abu Dhabi. The inaugural flight also marked the province's first international air route to the Middle East. Operated by Hainan Airlines, it utilizes the A330 aircraft and will operate every Tuesday and Saturday. The outbound flights will depart at 2:30 a.m. and have an estimated local arrival time of 7:25 a.m. in Abu Dhabi. The return flights, HU764, will depart from Abu Dhabi at 5:40 p.m. local time and are expected to land in Haikou at 5 a.m. the following day. It is anticipated that the new air route will significantly boost cooperation between Hainan and the United Arab Emirates in the fields of the economy, culture and tourism. FILE PHOTO: A sign hangs in front of the world headquarters of Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., October 23, 2019. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo By Sriparna Roy and Khushi Mandowara (Reuters) -Vertex Pharmaceuticals' experimental drug reduced acute, post-surgical pain without the risk of addiction, a major milestone in the company's decades-long efforts to bring a non-opioid pain medicine to market. The company plans to file for U.S. approval by mid-2024 for the drug, which works by blocking pain signals at its origin before they reach the brain. If approved, it could achieve annual sales of more than $5 billion, according to analysts. When compared to a placebo, the drug was more effective in reducing the intensity of pain after 48 hours in two late-stage studies, Vertex said on Tuesday. The treatment, however, failed to meet the secondary goal of reducing pain when compared to a combination of the opioid drug hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Shares of the drugmaker, up more than 35% in the past 12 months, slipped to $433.75 in early trading. Still, analysts hailed the results as a win for Vertex and said the drug was likely to gain approval for treatment of acute pain, offering a much-needed alternative for addictive opioid painkillers that have fueled a national crisis. "Investors and the company did not expect superiority over opioid as there is a huge safety (and) addiction advantage even without that," said Wells Fargo analyst Mohit Bansal. While Vertex's drug works by blocking pain signals at source, opioids trigger the brain's reward centers as they travel through the blood. They then attach to the receptors in the brain, leading to addiction and abuse. The company said the drug, named VX-548, was safe and well-tolerated in trials that tested a total of about 2,400 patients. Common side effects included nausea and constipation. Attempts to bring new opioid alternatives to market by drugmakers such as Eli Lilly and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have failed in trials. "I don't think anybody expects that this drug will replace or mean the end of opioid pain medicines, but it absolutely offers an alternative that is sorely needed," Piper Sandler analyst Christopher Raymond said ahead of data. Roughly 80 million patients are prescribed a medicine for their moderate-to-severe acute pain every year in the U.S, Vertex said. (Reporting by Leroy Leo, Sriparna Roy, Khushi Mandowara in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila, Bill Berkrot and Saumyadeb Chakrabarty) La Paz, Baja California Sur, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a world where travelers seek genuine connections and immersive experiences, La Paz, Baja California Sur, emerges as the gateway to paradise, inviting explorers to discover the heart and soul of Mexico's hidden gem.Nature's Oasis at Your Doorstep: Nestled between the Sea of Cortez and the breathtaking desert landscape, La Paz is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Explore the marine wonders of the Sea of Cortez, often referred to as the "Aquarium of the World," or embark on an adventure through the striking desert scenery. From whale watching to hiking picturesque trails, La Paz offers unparalleled experiences for those seeking a harmonious blend of land and sea. On Espiritu Santo Island, a Protected Natural Area declared a World Heritage Site, there are around 20 sites for snorkeling and diving. In Los Islotes, sea lions are the main attraction, and there are more than 600 species of flora and fauna that have been recorded, which makes the island a marine paradise for diving lovers. Some of the best-known scenarios are the Suwanne Reef, as well as the artificial reefs Salvatierra (El Ferry), Fang Ming, Lapas 03 and Canonero C-59 Francisco Marquez.Luxury Meets Tranquility: For those seeking indulgence, La Paz provides a sanctuary of boutique accommodations that seamlessly integrate with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Unwind in exclusive spa retreats, dine on delectable cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, and relish in the tranquility of a destination where luxury meets authenticity. Camping with glamour. La Paz has a wide offering of Glamping, that combines the best of the natural environment with hotel amenities and services that allow a superior rest experience to reconnect with the ecosystem and regain energy. La Ventana, Rancho Cacachilas and Isla Espiritu Santo are some of the places where visitors can find a wide range of accommodations in this segment that allows them to enjoy the starry sky of La Paz every night. Dive into Authentic Culture: La Paz, renowned for its warm hospitality, invites travelers to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Baja California Sur. From strolling through historic streets adorned with colorful murals to engaging with local artisans and savoring authentic Mexican cuisine, every moment in La Paz promises an enriching cultural encounter. Nestled in the heart of La Paz, the mining town of El Triunfo stands as an unparalleled testament to authentic culture. The town's mining heritage, combined with the resilient spirit of its inhabitants, creates a unique tapestry of authenticity. El Triunfo immerses visitors in a genuine cultural experience, making it the ultimate example of preserved heritage of Baja California Sur. Sustainable Paradise: La Paz takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and ecotourism. Travelers can participate in marine conservation projects, experience ethical wildlife encounters, and contribute to preserving the beauty that makes La Paz a sustainable paradise for generations to come. From the pristine beaches to the azure waters teeming with marine life, La Paz encapsulates a commitment to preservation. Sustainable development and eco-conscious choices make La Paz a model destination for those seeking a tranquil haven that prioritizes the well-being of both its residents and the environment.Whether you crave cultural immersion, nature exploration, or a luxurious escape, La Paz, Baja California Sur offers an unparalleled tapestry of experiences. La Paz reaffirms its position as the Gateway to Paradise, promising travelers an authentic and unforgettable escape. About La Paz, Baja California SurLa Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, is a coastal paradise nestled between the Sea of Cortez and the desert landscape. With its rich cultural tapestry, diverse marine life, and commitment to sustainable tourism, La Paz invites travelers to explore, connect, and experience the true essence of Baja California Sur. Attachments Marisol Hernandez Grupo Euroamerica +13053002249 [email protected] Source: Fideicomiso de Turismo de La Paz Scottsdale, Arizona, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Rock Coffee Bar, a leading boutique coffee chain that is known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel energy drinks, has announced the grand opening of its first store in League City, Texas. Set to open on Friday, February 2, the League City store brings the number of Black Rock Coffee Bar stores to 15 in the greater Houston area and 30th in the Lonestar state. Located off of Interstate 45 at 2494 S Gulf Freeway in League City, Black Rock Coffee Bar will celebrate its grand opening on February 2nd by offering free 16-oz drinks throughout the day at this location, along with various promotions throughout the week. Weve seen significant growth in Texas, particularly in Houston, said Mark Davis, CEO Black Rock Coffee Bar. Our connection with our Texas customers is genuine, and were excited to continue expanding in the great Lonestar state. We look forward to serving the League City community. The new 2000-square-foot Black Rock Coffee Bar store showcases the boutique coffee chains signature industrial modern design. This design philosophy is aimed at ensuring that visitors can not only enjoy their favorite beverages but also relax, work, or socialize in a laidback and inviting environment. With 129 stores across the U.S., the popular coffee chain is set to become the go-to destination for all coffee enthusiasts seeking fast and friendly service. The skilled team of baristas at Black Rock are committed to enhancing the overall customer experience making it their mission to brighten their customers' day. Black Rock Coffee Bars mission is to be a positive force in the communities it serves. Founded in 2008 in Portland, Oregon, an area of the Pacific Northwest known for its coffee excellence, Black Rock Coffee Bar continues its rapid expansion in the West and into the Sunbelt with locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. The boutique coffee chain recently was named the Fastest Growing Private Company in Oregon and SW Washington in 2021 by the Portland Business Journal. In 2023, Black Rock Coffee Bar ranked 1179th among Americas Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. Magazines 5000 Annual List. The Black Rock culture prides itself on providing opportunities for young people to learn how to lead, run a business, and develop people skills. About Black Rock Coffee Bar Black Rock Coffee Bar is a national boutique coffee shop that is known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel energy drinks. Founded as a family owned and operated business in Oregon in 2008, Black Rock Coffee Bar has grown to more than 125 retail locations in seven states. The Black Rock culture prides itself on not only being a positive force for the communities it serves, but also the team members that fuel their locations day in and day out. An important aspect of their team mission is to recognize those that go above and beyond by displaying the 4Gs of Black Rock - grit, growth, gratitude, and grace. For more information, visit https://br.coffee/ Attachment Beth Gast Black Rock Coffee Bar 5037024405 [email protected] Source: Black Rock Coffee Bar SAN DIEGO, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quick Custom Intelligence, a leading provider of innovative solutions for the gaming industry, is thrilled to announce its title sponsorship of the highly anticipated RavingNEXT: Indian Gaming Strategic Operations & Leadership Conference. The conference is set to take place from January 30 to February 1, 2024, at the prestigious Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. RavingNEXT is the premier gathering for professionals in the Indian gaming industry to collaborate, connect, and strategize for the future. With a focus on building strategic operations and leadership teams that provide resources and growth opportunities, this event promises to be a significant milestone for the industry. Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has a long-standing commitment to empowering the gaming industry with cutting-edge solutions. As the title sponsor of RavingNEXT, QCI aims to enhance the conference experience for all attendees by showcasing their expertise in delivering intelligent, custom solutions tailored to the unique needs of each casino operation. "We are thrilled to be the title sponsor for RavingNEXT, an event that aligns perfectly with our mission to empower the Indian gaming industry with data-driven insights and innovative solutions," said Dr. Ralph Thomas, CEO of Quick Custom Intelligence. "Our team is excited to connect with industry leaders, share our knowledge, and contribute to the growth and success of Indian gaming operations." Brady Scott, CFO of Raving, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, "We are delighted to have Quick Custom Intelligence as the title sponsor for RavingNEXT. Their expertise in data analytics and marketing automation is invaluable to our industry, and we believe their involvement will greatly benefit our attendees as they seek to enhance their strategic operations." Key highlights of the RavingNEXT conference include: Insightful keynote speakers. In-depth workshops and sessions addressing critical topics in Indian gaming operations. Networking opportunities to foster connections and collaborations among professionals. A showcase of the latest technologies and solutions designed to enhance casino operations. Quick Custom Intelligence will play an integral role throughout the conference by providing valuable insights and expertise in data analytics, marketing automation, and customer engagement strategies. Their team of experts will be available to discuss how QCI's solutions can empower Indian gaming operators to optimize their strategies and drive growth. For additional details and registration information about RavingNEXT: Indian Gaming Strategic Operations & Leadership Conference, please visit www.ravingnext.com. ABOUT RavingRaving was founded in 1998 and is a Native-owned, women-managed organization. For over two decades, Raving has partnered with over 152 Tribal Nations and enterprises and 71 commercial properties along with First Nations throughout Canada and internationally in Europe and Asia. From years on the casino floor, we understand all aspects of your gaming and resort operations and the challenges and sticky situations gaming executives face. We pride ourselves on building custom programs tailored to your needs, utilizing evidence-based methodologies to identify the root cause and create lasting solutions. Our team of over 20 strategic partners, all experienced gaming and hospitality professionals, support Tribal organizations and commercial casinos worldwide in strategically improving their overall operations. Raving produces several events and publications including Raving Host and Player Development Conference; Raving NEXT: Indian Gaming Analytics and Marketing Conference; Casino Marketing and Technology Conference; Tribal Gaming & Hospitality Magazine. Visit www.betravingknows.com or call 775-329-7864 to find out more about Ravings products and services. ABOUT QCIQuick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 160 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $24 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com. ABOUT Andrew CardnoAndrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and masters level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrews innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of todays mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industriesbe it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSDAndrews impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrews work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors. Source: QCI NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP: Do you, or did you, own shares of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE: BTI)? Did you purchase your shares between February 9, 2023 and December 6, 2023, inclusive? Did you lose money in your investment in British American Tobacco p.l.c.? Do you want to discuss your rights? Bernstein Liebhard LLP announces that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (BAT or the Company) (NYSE: BTI) between February 9, 2023 and December 6, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the Complaint). If you purchased or acquired BAT securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit British American Tobacco p.l.c. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact paralegal Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or [email protected]. According to the Complaint, BAT is a multi-national tobacco company that sells cigarettes (which the Company refers to in its filings as combustibles or sticks, for individual cigarettes) and other tobacco-related products, such as vaping products, chewing tobacco, snus, and heated tobacco products. BAT refers to itself in its filings as the Group. In January 2017, BAT, which already had a 42% stake in Reynolds American Inc. (Reynolds), took over the remaining interest in Reynolds for $49.4 billion dollars, valuing Reynolds at around $86 billion. This resulted in Reynolds becoming a BAT subsidiary. In doing so, BAT took control of the Camel, Newport, and Natural American Spirit cigarette brands (the Premium American Cigarette Brands or the Brands), among others, which are considered to be premium cigarettes. Throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose that BAT materially understated the risks and potential likelihood of an impairment to the Brands as a result of various longstanding headwinds. On December 6, 2023, BAT issued a press release announcing that it was taking a 25 billion Pound (or around $31.5 billion USD) impairment on the cigarette brands it acquired from Reynolds. On this news, British Americans American Depositary Receipt (ADR) price fell $2.68 per share, or 8.88%, to close at $28.86 per ADR on December 6, 2023. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 25, 2024 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesnt require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member. If you purchased or acquired BAT securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit British American Tobacco p.l.c. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact paralegal Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or [email protected]. Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journals Plaintiffs Hot List thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. 2024 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. Contact Information: Peter Allocco Paralegal Bernstein Liebhard LLP https://www.bernlieb.com (212) 951-2030 [email protected] TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Lunar New Year is always associated with a form of archaic festival, rooted as it is in traditional Chinese customs. But that couldn't be further from the truth Hong Kong explodes with colour and fabulous celebrations during the Lunar New Year period. With bustling flower markets, exciting city-wide events and beautiful festive displays galore staged throughout the entire festive period from day to night, Hong Kong is one of the Asian cities with the richest Lunar New Year ambience. Tourists looking to experience a celebration like no other should pay a visit during the Lunar New Year - and we can show you how to celebrate just like the locals do. #1 Tuck into a Poon Choi Feast for Being Perfect in Every Way Also known as a "basin meal," poon choi used to be a somewhat under-the-radar dish, mainly confined to rural villages. It has recently seen an explosion in popularity, especially during the Lunar New Year period. An enormous basin is layered with ingredients and covered in a rich, savoury gravy. The basin is then gently warmed up and eaten communally. There is much symbolism attached to the ingredients found in poon choi, from pork that symbolizes prosperity to prawns that symbolize happiness. Locals believe that eating these auspicious foods can attract these positive attributes into your life. Tourists visiting Hong Kong can partake in a traditional poon choi feast by joining extraordinary local tours to one of Hong Kong's rural walled villages like those in Yuen Long or Sha Tau Kok. With distinct customs attached to these walled villages, you can expect a fascinating glimpse into how villagers celebrate the Lunar New Year! #2 Make Yourself a Lunar New Year Pudding to Achieve New Heights Lunar New Year puddings are among the most popular dishes to serve during Lunar New Year. These delectable puddings come in both sweet and savoury varieties and symbolize prosperity and attaining new heights in the new year. They're typically made before the Lunar New Year period and served during house visits to friends and relatives. Perfect for cooking lovers, who can take home the recipe of Lunar New Year puddings through participating in the hands-on festive workshops run by traditional bakeries in town like Kee Wah, allowing you to make these conventional treats for your loved ones whenever and wherever you like. #3 Play Mahjong to Activate Good Luck During the Lunar New Year, locals visit each other's homes to share New Year's blessings and spread happiness. One of the favourite activities among locals during the new year is to play mahjong. With a maximum of four players engaging at a time, this fun, highly social game represents unity and togetherness and requires both luck and skill to win. The loud clacking of the mahjong tiles sounds like the firecrackers set off during the Lunar New Year to drive away misfortune. Be ready to fall in love with this game you can join an exclusive mahjong course organized by the local operator that promises to have you "washing" those tiles like a pro in no time. Immerse Yourself in Marquee Lunar New Year Events in Hong Kong Besides family and friends' gatherings, the festive atmosphere fills up every corner of the city with an exciting array of celebratory events you should not miss during the LUNAR NEW YEAR time in Hong Kong. The city's biggest Lunar New Year event, the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, is returning with a bang to kick off the Year of the Dragon on February 10 (Chor 1) after a five-year hiatus. From 8 pm until 9:45 pm, the parade winds through the popular tourist area of Tsim Sha Tsui, with performances by entertainers worldwide, lavishly decorated floats and much more as you will discover on-site. Stay tuned for the ticketing details and join us for this unmissable world party! The festive ambience continues to shine on February 11 (Chor 2) as the world-famous Victoria Harbour lights up with the spectacular 2024 Lunar New Year Fireworks Display. Marvel at the world-class fireworks brightening the night sky as the city roars into the new year. Head to the best viewing points on both sides of the harbour promenade for this shimmering performance, and usher in abundant prosperity and joy as the fireworks bloom gorgeously in the air. The Lunar New Year period lasts until the 15th day. Before that, tourists can expect to enjoy a rich festive spirit around the town. A vibrant array of exciting celebrations awaits you in Hong Kong, such as the Chinese New Year Raceday, city-wide lion dances galore, and so much more. Dont delay schedule your trip to Hong Kong to begin a perfect Year of the Dragon! A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. Members of the media can download photos from the following links:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QJdFEmpnvHHiYC92ck1BQ3h5NHENyU7O?usp=sharing For media inquiries, please contact: Jorge Lee Carol Lam [email protected] [email protected] Tel: (416) 366-2389 ext 206 Tel: (416) 366-2389 ext 201 Source: Hong Kong Tourism Board Canada Reston, Virginia, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA), the nations largest career and technical student organization focused solely on business, and Equedi, a leading social media and professional platform to foster creativity and innovation among high school students, announced the launch of the 2024 FBLA/Equedi Dreams to Reality contest. The contestwhich is designed to help high school students build their professional networks, collaborate with like-minded students, and connect with universities and potential employersbuilds off the success of the inaugural Dreams to Reality contest that drew 500 students from across the United States in 2023. As part of the contest, students create an online portfolio to showcase their academic and career achievements by area, such as extracurricular activities. They also demonstrate their creativity through photos, videos, and a personal mission statement. After an initial review of candidates, semifinalists will be asked to answer a series of questions focused on leadership, and finalists will be interviewed by Equedis leaders about their profile. Our members who participated in the 2023 contest found it to be an extremely worthwhile effort, which is why we are delighted to once again partner with Equedi on this important initiative, FBLA President and CEO Alexander T. Graham said. Both FBLA and Equedi want to see high school students take their success and translate that into the workforce, helping members to turn their dreams into realities. Equedi Founder Adam Fernandez added, Collaborating with FBLA aligns perfectly with our mission to unlock the creative potential of students. By combining our innovative platform with FBLAs expertise in business education, we are creating a unique space for students to cultivate their ideas and develop the skills needed for success in the business world. The contest is open to all FBLA High School members. Equedi will award cash prizes to the top three finishers at FBLAs National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida from June 29 to July 2. Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education association with more than 193,000 middle school, high school, and college members worldwide. FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. The association is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. For more information, visit fbla.org. Mary Lynn J. Rynkiewicz Future Business Leaders of America 7038604888 [email protected] Source: Future Business Leaders of America Dr. Paul Hebert receives Benjamin Franklin Medal for revolutionary work Guelph, Ontario, Canada, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Paul Hebert, the University of Guelph evolutionary biologist who pioneered the field of DNA barcoding, has won the Benjamin Franklin Medal for Earth and Environmental Sciences for 2024. Known as the father of DNA barcoding, Hebert receives the medal for work pioneering the use of a genetic barcode capable of identifying species using a tiny segment of DNA, in the same way as barcodes discriminate products in the supermarket. Capable of making species identification faster, more accurate, and less expensive than previous methods, the technology underpins a global effort to catalogue all life on Earth. The Franklin Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting science and innovation, has awarded Benjamin Franklin medals since 1824 to world-changing scientists, engineers, inventors, and industrialists. Past laureates include Nikola Tesla, Pierre and Marie Curie, and Albert Einstein. Hebert is the fourth Canadian to receive this honour. Its thrilling to receive the 2024 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Earth and Environmental Science, Hebert said. Importantly, this award endorses a planetary research program led by Canada that is providing humanity with the knowledge required to better insulate biodiversity from global change. The technology Hebert conceived and developed has become a revolutionary method for helping scientists identify all species on the planet through the not-for-profit International Barcode of Life (iBOL) Consortium headquartered at the CBG. With Hebert as scientific director, the consortium unites more than 1,000 researchers in 41 countries with a shared mission to build a global barcode reference library to illuminate biodiversity. Through the use of DNA barcoding, researchers will register more species by 2030 than have been identified over the last 275 years through the traditional Linnaean taxonomic system. This award is a much-deserved recognition of Dr. Heberts completely transformative work. DNA barcoding technology has literally changed how we see and know life on Earth, said Dr. Rene Van Acker, interim vice-president research. Hebert is also the founder and CEO of the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG) within the College of Biological Science at U of G, which houses the world's largest DNA archive for biodiversity and a massive species image library. As a professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Molecular Biodiversity, Hebert has mentored 57 graduate students and 56 postdoctoral fellows throughout his career and more than 40 of them now hold faculty positions, reflecting his commitment to excellence and innovation. Dr. Hebert has provided many students, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with unparalleled hands-on opportunities at the forefront of biodiversity, ecology, and evolutionary science, said Dr. Mazyar Fallah, dean of the College of Biological Science. Through the CBG, our students learn innovative analytical and technical skills, positioning them as trailblazers in biodiversity research to improve life and secure bright futures in science. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/582a98fc-ae60-489d-bc22-f392927c767b Your vote is important no matter how many votes you hold. The Board of Directors of LUR unanimously recommends that Shareholders vote IN FAVOUR of the Arrangement Resolution. Shareholders who have questions or need assistance with voting their shares should contact LURs proxy solicitation agent and shareholder communications advisor Laurel Hill Advisory Group by telephone at 1-877-452-7184 or by email at [email protected]. TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Latitude Uranium Inc. (Latitude Uranium, LUR or the Company) (CSE: LUR, OTCQB: LURAF, FRA: EI1) is pleased announce its notice of special meeting of shareholders (the Meeting) and management information circular (the Circular) are now available on LURs website at https://latitudeuranium.com/investors/special-meeting/ as well as under LURs profile on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca). LUR has commenced the mailing of the Circular and related materials for the special meeting of LURs shareholders (LUR Shareholders) on Tuesday, January 30th, 2024. The Arrangement and Meeting Details On December 7, 2023, LUR entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the Arrangement Agreement) with ATHA Energy Corp. (CSE: SASK) (OTCQB: SASKF) (FRA: X5U) (ATHA) pursuant to which ATHA will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Latitude Uranium (the LUR Shares) by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (the Arrangement). At the Meeting, LUR Shareholders will be asked to consider a resolution (the Arrangement Resolution) regarding the Arrangement pursuant to which all of the issued and outstanding LUR Shares will be acquired by ATHA in exchange for 0.2769 of a common share of ATHA (each whole share, an ATHA Share) for each LUR Share held (the Exchange Ratio). The Exchange Ratio is based upon ATHAs reference price of C$1.00, and an implied consideration per LUR Share of C$0.28, which represents a 68% premium to LURs closing price on December 6, 2023, the last trading day prior to the announcement of the Arrangement. Upon completion of the Arrangement, former LUR Shareholders and former ATHA shareholders (including holders of ATHA subscription receipts) are expected to own approximately 30.98% and 69.02% (inclusive of approximately 1.94% to be held by current holders of ATHA subscription receipts), respectively, of the combined company (the Combined Company) immediately following completion of the Arrangement, based on the number of LUR Shares and ATHA Shares issued and outstanding as of January 25, 2024, after giving effect to ATHAs concurrent financing (which assumes the issuance of an aggregate of 4,000,000 ATHA Shares upon the conversion of an equivalent number of ATHA subscription receipts) and before giving effect to the 92E Scheme (as defined herein). LUR will hold the virtual Meeting on February 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) online at meetnow.global/MPUJSW6 with the ability for participation electronically as explained further in the Circular. The Board of Directors of LUR unanimously recommends that Shareholders vote IN FAVOUR of the Arrangement Resolution LUR Shareholders are encouraged to read the Circular and vote your LUR Shares as soon as possible. The deadline for voting your LUR Shares is at 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on Friday, February 23, 2024. Strategic Rationale for the Merger The following is a summary of the principal reasons for the unanimous recommendations of Latitude Uraniums Board of Directors (the LUR Board) that LUR Shareholders vote IN FAVOUR of the Arrangement Resolution. Significant Premium. Under the terms of the Arrangement, LUR Shareholders will receive 0.2769 of an ATHA Share for each LUR Share held. Based upon ATHAs reference price of $1.00, the implied value of the Consideration per LUR Share is $0.28, representing a 68% premium to the closing price of the LUR Shares on December 6, 2023, the last trading day before the announcement of the Arrangement. Under the terms of the Arrangement, LUR Shareholders will receive 0.2769 of an ATHA Share for each LUR Share held. Based upon ATHAs reference price of $1.00, the implied value of the Consideration per LUR Share is $0.28, representing a 68% premium to the closing price of the LUR Shares on December 6, 2023, the last trading day before the announcement of the Arrangement. Largest Exploration Portfolio in Canada. The Combined Company is expected to hold 7.1 million acres of exploration acreage spread across Canadas top three uranium jurisdictions, including the largest holdings in both the Athabasca Basin (Saskatchewan) and Thelon Basin (Nunavut) two of the highest-grade uranium districts in the world. The Combined Company is expected to hold 7.1 million acres of exploration acreage spread across Canadas top three uranium jurisdictions, including the largest holdings in both the Athabasca Basin (Saskatchewan) and Thelon Basin (Nunavut) two of the highest-grade uranium districts in the world. Enhanced Capital Markets Profile. The Combined Company will have an increased market capitalization, allowing for greater access to capital and trading liquidity, strengthened position for future M&A, expanded research coverage and increased attractiveness among institutional investors. The Combined Company may also benefit from potential re-rating from asset diversification, as well as additional exploration upside. The Combined Company will have an increased market capitalization, allowing for greater access to capital and trading liquidity, strengthened position for future M&A, expanded research coverage and increased attractiveness among institutional investors. The Combined Company may also benefit from potential re-rating from asset diversification, as well as additional exploration upside. Strong Balance Sheet to Execute on Exploration Programs. With no debt and a forecast cash balance of over $55 million following completion of the Arrangement and ATHAs concurrent financing, the Combined Companys exploration activities are expected to be fully funded well into 2025. With no debt and a forecast cash balance of over $55 million following completion of the Arrangement and ATHAs concurrent financing, the Combined Companys exploration activities are expected to be fully funded well into 2025. Participation in Future Growth. LUR Shareholders will receive ATHA Shares pursuant to the Arrangement and thereby will have the opportunity to participate in future increases in the value of the Combined Company and the opportunities associated with the Combined Companys assets and properties, including entry into the Athabasca Basin and a portfolio of fully funded and ongoing exploration projects including the Gemini Discovery and carried interest upside on active exploration blocks held by NexGen Energy Ltd. and IsoEnergy Ltd. LUR Shareholders will receive ATHA Shares pursuant to the Arrangement and thereby will have the opportunity to participate in future increases in the value of the Combined Company and the opportunities associated with the Combined Companys assets and properties, including entry into the Athabasca Basin and a portfolio of fully funded and ongoing exploration projects including the Gemini Discovery and carried interest upside on active exploration blocks held by NexGen Energy Ltd. and IsoEnergy Ltd. Outstanding Leadership. The Combined Company Board of Directors and management team will have decades of experience, and a demonstrated track record, in all facets of uranium exploration, development and capital formation needed to drive growth in uranium resources and build shareholder value. The Combined Company Board of Directors and management team will have decades of experience, and a demonstrated track record, in all facets of uranium exploration, development and capital formation needed to drive growth in uranium resources and build shareholder value. Business Climate and Review of Strategic Alternatives. The LUR Board has periodically reviewed a range of strategic alternatives for creating shareholder value, and in the ordinary course of business Latitude Uranium has had regular engagement with several industry peers in that regard, including other potential transactions. The LUR Board consulted with its financial and legal advisors and reviewed the current and prospective business climate in the uranium industry and other strategic opportunities reasonably available to Latitude Uranium, including continuation as an independent enterprise, taking into account the potential benefits, risks and uncertainties associated with such opportunities. The LUR Board believes that following completion of the Arrangement, the Combined Company will be better positioned to continue its strategy than Latitude Uranium as a standalone entity or in combination with another industry peer. Additional details with respect to the Arrangement, the reasons for the unanimous recommendations of the LUR Board as well as the potential benefits and risks are described in the Circular, which LUR Shareholders are urged to read in its entirety. Shareholder Questions LUR Shareholders who have any questions or require assistance with voting may contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, Latitude Uraniums proxy solicitation agent and shareholder communications advisor: Laurel Hill Advisory GroupToll Free: 1-877-452-7184 (for shareholders in North America)International: +1 416-304-0211 (for shareholders outside Canada and the US)By Email: [email protected] About Latitude Uranium Inc. Latitude Uranium is exploring and developing two district-scale uranium projects in Canada. Our primary focus is expanding the resource base at Angilak, which ranks amongst the highest-grade uranium deposits globally, outside of the Athabasca. Additionally, we are advancing the CMB Project, situated in the prolific Central Mineral Belt in central Labrador adjacent to the Michelin Deposit, with numerous occurrences of uranium, copper and potential IOCG style mineralization. For More Information, Please Contact:Latitude Uranium Inc.John JentzCEO[email protected] Toll-Free: 1-833-572-2333 Email: [email protected] Website: www.latitudeuranium.com Twitter: @LatitudeUr_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-uranium-inc/ Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Transactions have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws, and any securities issuable in the Transactions are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the Transactions, including statements with respect to the expected benefits of the Arrangement to the LUR Shareholders, the anticipated composition of the Combined Company Board of Directors and management team, the anticipated mailing of the Circular and the date of the Meeting, the ability of Latitude Uranium and ATHA to successfully close the Arrangement on the timing and terms described herein, or at all, the filing of materials on SEDAR+, the successful integration of the businesses of Latitude Uranium and ATHA, the prospects of each companies respective projects, the anticipated size of ATHAs concurrent financing, the funding of combined companys planned exploration program through 2025, and the pro forma ownership of the combined company. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management of Latitude Uranium at the time, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions regarding the Company following completion of the Arrangement, that the anticipated benefits of the Arrangement will be realized, completion of the Arrangement, including receipt of required shareholder, regulatory, court and stock exchange approvals, the ability of Latitude Uranium and ATHA to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Arrangement, other expectations and assumptions concerning the Arrangement, and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although Latitude Uranium has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Such statements represent the current views of Latitude Uranium with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Latitude Uranium, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: inability of Latitude Uranium and ATHA to complete the Arrangement, a material adverse change in the timing of any completion and the terms and conditions upon which the Arrangement is completed; inability to satisfy or waive all conditions to closing the Arrangement as set out in the Arrangement Agreement; the Latitude Shareholders or ATHA Shareholders not approving the Arrangement; the CSE not providing approval to the Arrangement and all required matters related thereto; the inability of the Company to realize the benefits anticipated from the Arrangement and the timing to realize such benefits; unanticipated changes in market price for Latitude Shares and/or ATHA Shares; changes to Latitude Uraniums and/or ATHAs current and future business plans and the strategic alternatives available thereto; treatment of the Arrangement under applicable competition laws and the Investment Canada Act; regulatory determinations and delays; any impacts of COVID-19 on the business of the Company and the ability to advance the Companys projects; stock market conditions generally; demand, supply and pricing for uranium; and general economic and political conditions in Canada and other jurisdictions where the applicable party conducts business. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in Latitude Uraniums most recent annual information form, the Circular and other filings with the Canadian securities regulators which are available under LURs profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Latitude Uranium does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Source: Latitude Uranium Inc. HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nine Java Blend employees in the HRM, including four leaders of a unionizing drive, were terminated last week. WHAT: Press Conference to address Java Blend Terminations WHEN: Wednesday January 31, 2024 @ 10 am (TOMORROW!) WHERE: Hampton Inn by Hilton (Homewood Suites). 1960 Brunswick St. Worker leaders will make a statement at the press conference. Employees at the Java Blend cafes on North St and Sackville in Halifax, the production and roastery warehouse on Borden Ave. in Dartmouth, as well as the Cortado Tasting Room in Bedford, all participated in a Labour Board certification vote in June 2023. Eight months later, however, the ballot box remains sealed. SEIU Local 2 represents 20,000 workers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. We are proud members of the largest, fastest growing and most dynamic union in North America. Media Contact Diego Mendez | 416-476-7762 [email protected] Source: SEIU Local 2 JERUSALEM, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that his government will not release Palestinian prisoners or withdraw forces from Gaza, despite international efforts to achieve a ceasefire deal. Netanyahu said in Eli, an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, that "I hear various claims about potential deals, and I want to it make clear: we will not conclude this war without achieving all our goals. This entails eliminating Hamas, releasing all of our hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel." "We will not withdraw our forces from the Gaza Strip," he said, adding Israel will not release thousands of Palestinian prisoners. His remarks come after Israel deemed talks in Paris earlier this week as "constructive." Senior U.S., Qatari, Egyptian, and Israeli intelligence and government officials gathered to discuss a deal to end the conflict. Also on Tuesday, Ismail Haniya, head of Hamas' political bureau, stated in a press release that his movement had received and is studying the proposal, which involves stopping the conflict in Gaza and releasing the hostages in exchange for the release of prisoners from Israeli jails. At least 26,751 people have been killed and 65,636 others injured in Gaza since Israel launched its massive offensive on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led onslaught on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties. FALLS CHURCH, Va., Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) today announced that it has entered into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC to repurchase $1 billion of Northrop Grummans common stock. The company continues to target returning well over 100% of its free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2024. Under the ASR agreement, Northrop Grumman expects to receive an initial delivery of approximately 1.8 million shares on Jan. 31, representing approximately 80 percent of the expected share repurchases under the ASR agreement, based on the companys closing price of $438.31 on January 29, 2024. The final number of shares to be repurchased through the ASR will be based on Northrop Grummans volume-weighted average price during the term of the transaction, less a discount, and is expected to be completed no later than the second quarter of 2024. The ASR will be completed under the companys current share repurchase authorization, which currently has approximately $3.6 billion remaining. Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers toughest problems, our employees define possible every day. Note: Statements in this press release contain or may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as will, expect, anticipate, intend, may, could, should, plan, project, forecast, believe, estimate, guidance, outlook, trends, goals and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and inherently involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. A discussion of these risks and uncertainties is contained in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Source: Northrop Grumman Corporation OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oklahoma City Community College's online associate degree in psychology has been named one of 2024's "Best" by Forbes Advisor. OCCC's program is one of 10 nationwide on the Forbes Advisor list of Best Online Associate Degrees In Psychology of 2024, released online January 18. "Oklahoma City Community College is honored to receive this national recognition from Forbes Advisor," said OCCC President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones. "Offering more than 87 degree and certificate programs, OCCC focuses on providing students with flexible learning options that meet their needs." In its web post, Forbes Advisor said it picked OCCC because learners can engage with an online Associate of Arts in psychology as a pathway to entry-level roles or continued bachelors-level study in the field. OCCC's low tuition costs for in-state and out-of-state students, distance delivery methods, and student organizations and services such as the Psychology Club, Psi Beta National Honor Society, and the online Psychology Lab were all factors influencing Forbes Advisor's decision. "Rigorous online learning at Oklahoma City Community College is one of our pathways to student success," said Dr. Juanita Ortiz, vice president of academic affairs at OCCC. "We are thankful to Forbes Advisor for recognizing our online psychology program as one of the best in the U.S." About Oklahoma City Community College Since its inception in 1972, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has been the heartbeat of the Metro, dedicated to empowering learners and strengthening communities. Serving more than 18,000 students, we are committed to producing leaders. Student Success, Community Enrichment is our mission, and we offer more than 87 degrees and certificate programs that provide a foundation for further education or immediate career readiness. We remain dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education that equips students to achieve personal and professional goals. OCCC is more than an institution; we are a community catalyst, fostering growth and success in our city, our workforce, and the lives of our students. Discover your potential at OCCC, where your future is our purpose. Visit us at occc.edu. Media Contact:Sarah BarrowExecutive Director of Communication405-834-5406[email protected] Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a89285c8-1e93-4a21-bd4a-d63a3f72a6c1 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19de9a6f-29a0-4870-9c46-648e4fb1355a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5912c2e9-69ec-4983-addb-1bec7aadaf25 Oklahoma City Community College Campus Oklahoma City Community College is the states fourth largest public institution, currently serving more than 18,000 students. Oklahoma City Community College Graduation Oklahoma City Community College's online associate degree in psychology has been named one of 2024's "Best" by Forbes Advisor. Online learning at Oklahoma City Community College OCCC's program is one of 10 nationwide on the Forbes Advisor list of Best Online Associate Degrees In Psychology of 2024. Source: Oklahoma City Community College CLEVELAND, OHIO, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Range Impact, Inc. (OTC: RNGE) (Range Impact), a public company dedicated to improving the health and wellness of people and the planet through a novel and innovative approach to impact investing, today announced the appointment of former U.S. Congressman Zack Space and former Ohio State Senator Jay Hottinger, President and Executive Vice President, respectively, of Sunday Creek Horizons LLC (Sunday Creek Horizons), as Strategic Advisors. In May 2023, Range Impact engaged Sunday Creek Horizons, an Athens, Ohio-based consultancy focused on improving the health, wealth and quality of life of citizens living in the rural communities of Appalachia. Since that time, Sunday Creek Horizons has been instrumental in advancing Range Impacts mission-driven vision of acquiring, reclaiming and repurposing former mine lands throughout Appalachia. As a further expansion of this strategic relationship, Messrs. Space and Hottinger have agreed to join Range Impact as Strategic Advisors. Congressman Space served Ohios 18th Congressional district from 2006 to 2011, and was instrumental in bringing broadband technology, employment opportunities, and infrastructure improvements to his Appalachian district. During his time serving the 18th District, Congressman Space secured more than $100 million for broadband infrastructure, with much of the current broadband backbone in this Appalachian region attributed to these funds. Congressman Space served on the prestigious House Energy and Commerce Committee, as well as the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs. In 2019, Congressman Space founded Sunday Creek Horizons and currently serves as its President. Senator Hottinger represented the Appalachian region for 28 years in Ohios General Assembly. In 2022, Senator Hottinger retired as President Pro Tempore and the second-highest ranking member of the Ohio Senate. As a leader at the Ohio Statehouse, Senator Hottinger earned over 35 awards from various organizations and sponsored dozens of bills, including, lowering Ohios DUI limit, eliminating Ohios estate tax, helping families save for higher education and for children with special needs, and providing programs and funding for at-risk youth and families in crisis. In 2023, Senator Hottinger joined Sunday Creek Horizons as Executive Vice President. Michael Cavanaugh, Range Impacts Chief Executive Officer, stated, I am thrilled to welcome Congressman Space and Senator Hottinger to our growing team. Cavanaugh added, Zack and Jay are universally well-respected, authentically mission-driven in their thoughts and actions, and invaluable thought leaders that will help propel the growth and expansion of our ambitious vision throughout Appalachia. Our entire organization enthusiastically welcomes Zack and Jay to our Range Impact team. In my forty years working across Appalachian Ohio, I have never seen as much potential as I do today, said Congressman Space. Range Impact recognizes the promise that the transformation of distressed assets holds for our region, and is a national leader in revitalizing land in Appalachia that will pay dividends for the community and company for years to come. During my decades representing eastern Ohio counties in the Legislature, I saw hardworking, passionate local officials in Appalachian communities struggle to attract companies because of a lack of site readiness, said Senator Hottinger. Range Impacts strategy to acquire, clean up and redevelop vast tracts of former mine land is the first sincerely transformative strategy Ive seen to bring significant economic development to eastern Ohio. Im proud to partner with a company that aims to expand the corporate investment wins seen in my home of Licking County across southeastern Ohio. About Range Impact, Inc. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Range Impact is a public company (OTC: RNGE) dedicated to improving the health and wellness of people and the planet through a novel and innovative approach to impact investing. Range Impact owns and operates several complementary operating businesses focused on developing long-term solutions to environmental, social, and health challenges, with a particular focus on acquiring, reclaiming and repurposing mine sites and other undervalued land in economically disadvantaged communities throughout Appalachia. Range Impact takes an opportunistic approach to impact investing by leveraging its competitive advantages and looking at solving old problems in new ways. Range Impact seeks to thoughtfully allocate its capital into strategic opportunities that are expected to make a positive impact on the people-planet ecosystem and generate strong investment returns for its shareholders. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in Section 27(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Although we believe that these statements are based on reasonable assumptions, they are subject to numerous factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those indicated in such statements. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development stage companies, timing of clinical trials and product development, business strategy and new lines of business. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Range Impact, Inc. Investor Relations P: +1 (216) 304-6556 E: [email protected] W: www.rangeimpact.com CANTON, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Real estate brokerage leaders are once again bullish on housing and the economy in 2024, according to a the newest Delta Real Estate Leadership Survey of more than 130 brokerage leaders representing firms collectively responsible for more than 65 percent of all home sales last year. Two in three (66%) leaders expect housing demand to improve this year, compared to last year when only third of leaders surveyed expected improvement in 2023. Moreover, a little more than half (53%) of leaders said the US economy will improve or improve significantly in the next 12 months. It's about-face for real estate leaders as last year 51% expected the US economy to deteriorate in the next 12 months (2023). The Delta survey once again reveals real estate leaders confidence in the economy increases the closer it is to home, explained Michael Minard, CEO and owner of Delta Media Group. They are much more confident about their local economy than their state, US or global economy, he added. When real estate brokerage leaders were asked to rank their confidence in their local, state, US and global economies today versus a year ago, local economies reaped the highest overall confidence (42%), followed by state (33%) and US (29%) Leaders have little confidence in the global economy, Minard added. Only 3% were more confident of the global economy today versus a year ago, with 57% being less confident. Forty percent said their confidence remained unchanged, he added. Still, one in five real estate leaders believe the US economy (20%) will deteriorate or deteriorate significantly in 2024. About the surveyThe independent research, conducted in December 2023 by Delta Media Group, one of Americas largest technology solutions providers for real estate brokerages, collected responses from more than 130 broker-owners and top brokerage executives representing firms that were responsible for more than 65 percent of US residential real estate transactions last year. More than one in four (28%) of the leaders responding manage brokerages with more than $1.5 billion to over $10 billion in projected 2023 transactions; nearly one third (31%) manage brokerages with over $500 million to $1.5 billion; 31% manage brokerages with over $100 million to $500 million, and 10% manage brokerages with less than $100 million in total transactions. Delta survey participants included leaders from all sizes of brokerages, with 14% managing brokerage with more than 1,000 agents; 12% managing brokerages with over 500 to 1,000 agents; 38% managing brokerages with more than 100 to 500 agents; 16% managing brokerages with over 50 to 100 agents; 6% managing brokerages with 50 agents or fewer. Forty-four percent of the respondents are 60 years or older; 32% are 50 to 59 years old; 14% are 40-49 years old; and 8% are 31 to 39 years old and 1% are 18-30 years old. In addition, 74% surveyed are male, and 26 percent are female up from 21% female last year. About Delta MediaDelta Media Group, Inc. is one of America's largest real estate technology solutions providers for real estate brokerages. Located in Canton, Ohio, it is the inventor of DeltaNET, considered the industry's most advanced CRM-based, all-in-one digital marketing platform. The largest family-owned business in its space, Delta is the trusted technology partner for many of the best-known real estate brands, including more than 80 LeadingRE Affiliates and over 50 top-ranked brokerages nationwide. Discover more at deltamediagroup.com. Media contacts:Kevin Hawkins (206) 866-1220[email protected] Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f059e648-f8cc-45fb-876d-dadd21b0c66a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8e5f138e-96c8-4951-9bb1-c00fb45faa97 Real estate leaders see housing, economy improving in 2024 Real estate brokerage leaders are once again bullish on housing and their local economy in 2024, but show little confidence in the global economy. Michael Minard, CEO and owner of Delta Media Group Michael Minard, CEO and owner of Delta Media Group, one of America's largest real estate technology solutions providers for real estate brokerages, located in Canton, Ohio. The largest family-owned business in its space, Delta is the trusted technology partner for many of the best-known real estate brands, including more than 80 LeadingRE Affiliates and over 50 top-ranked brokerages nationwide. Source: Delta Media Group NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) of Evolution AB (publ) (OTC: EVVTY) between February 14, 2019 and October 25, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 25, 2024. SO WHAT: If you purchased Evolution AB securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Evolution AB class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22119 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 25, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. 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. 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 firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, Defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements regarding Evolutions and Evolutions customers compliance with governing laws; the effect of non-compliance on Evolutions revenue; and Evolutions predicted growth and growth strategies. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Evolution AB class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22119 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. 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 Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dresner Partners, an award-winning, FINRA-registered middle-market investment bank and Mergers Alliance member firm, is pleased to announce that Samuel J. DiSalvo has joined the firm as Managing Director. Mr. DiSalvo covers the Technology sector with a focus on Healthcare Technology (HCIT) and Technology Services. He brings 20 years of experience in investment banking, financial advisory, and valuation services, and is based in California. Prior to joining Dresner Partners, Mr. DiSalvo was a Managing Director at Solganick & Co., a boutique M&A advisory firm, where he led the firms efforts within HCIT. Mr. DiSalvo has represented clients in transactions with financial sponsors and strategic acquirers including Accenture, Wipfli, LLP, and US Oncology Network/McKesson. Previously, Mr. DiSalvo served as a Vice President in the M&A practice of Kaufman Hall, a diversified management consulting firm focused on healthcare sector. While there he completed over 100 investment banking, strategic advisory, and valuation engagements. Mr. DiSalvo started his career at Huron Consulting Group and Wellspring Partners in Chicago, working in its Business Valuation and Financial and Economic Consulting practice. Commenting on hiring of Mr. DiSalvo, Steven M. Dresner, President of Dresner Partners said, We are very pleased to welcome Sam DiSalvo to the firm. His focus on Technology, particularly in HCIT and Technology Services, will further enhance the efforts of our professionals working in these sectors. Samuel DiSalvo added, Dresner Partners is a leader in mid-market M&A with a reputation for providing excellent advisory services and I am excited to collaborate with my new colleagues to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients. The depth and breadth of Dresner Partners services, combined with its strong domestic and international presence in many industry verticals, provides an excellent platform to serve our clients. Mr. DiSalvo holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Miami University. About Dresner Partners Dresner is an award-winning, FINRA-registered middle-market investment bank headquartered in Chicago, with professionals located in New York, Cleveland, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, and Palo Alto. For more than 30 years, Dresner Partners has provided financial advisory services to middle-market companies throughout the world including merger and acquisitions advisory, institutional private placements of debt and equity, financial restructuring, valuations, and strategic consulting services. Dresner Partners has extensive international and cross-border transaction experience and is a member of Mergers Alliance, one of the worlds leading global mergers and acquisitions partnerships focused on the middle market. An affiliated company, Dresner Corporate Services, is a strategic communications firm specializing in public relations, investor relations and corporate development. More information is available at www.dresnerpartners.com. You can also follow Dresner Partners on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DresnerPartners. Media Contact:David Gutierrez, Head of PR, IR and Corp. Dev., (312) 780-7204, [email protected] For Transaction Related Inquiries: Steven M. Dresner, President, (312) 493-5701, [email protected]Samuel J. DiSalvo, Managing Director, (310) 999-3443, [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1e313c23-74cb-48ec-9f2b-75d07b660cf1 Samuel J. DiSalvo Samuel J. DiSalvo, Managing Director, Dresner Partners Investment Banking Source: Dresner Partners HARTSVLLE, S.C., Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sonoco Products Company (Sonoco or the Company)(NYSE: SON), one of the largest global sustainable packaging companies, today announced that certain of its subsidiaries entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Protective Solutions business to Black Diamond Capital Management, LLC (Black Diamond) for an estimated $80 million in cash. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2024. This sale is the result of Sonocos continuing evaluation of its business portfolio and is consistent with its strategic and investment priorities. Sonocos Protective Solutions business is one of North Americas premier manufacturers of molded expanded polypropylene and expanded polystyrene foam components and integrated material solutions serving the automotive, power sports, impact surfaces, HVAC, electronics/technology, appliances, and various other industrial end markets. The business operates nine manufacturing facilities and has approximately 900 employees. Net sales were approximately $170 million in 2023. Financial results for Protective Solutions are reported in Sonocos All Other Businesses reporting segment. We believe this divestiture builds on our previously articulated strategy to divest non-core assets and to refocus our efforts on core businesses to achieve greater scale, profitability, and market leadership, said Howard Coker, President and CEO of Sonoco. I personally would like to thank the entire Protective Solutions team for their years of delivering quality products and outstanding customer service on behalf of Sonoco. We know their knowledge, experience, and leadership will be greatly valued by their new owner and wish the entire team much continued success in the future. Raymond James is acting as the exclusive financial adviser and Jones Day is acting as legal advisor to Sonoco in connection with this transaction. Greenberg Traurig, LLP is acting as the legal advisor to Black Diamond in connection with this transaction. Contact Information: Lisa Weeks Vice President of Investor Relations & Communications [email protected] 843-383-7524 About Sonoco Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE: SON) is a global provider of packaging products. With net sales of approximately $7.3 billion in 2022, the Company has approximately 22,000 employees working in more than 320 operations around the world, serving some of the worlds best-known brands. With our corporate purpose of Better Packaging. Better Life., Sonoco is committed to creating sustainable products, and a better world, for our customers, employees and communities. The Company ranked first in the Packaging sector on Fortunes Worlds Most Admired Companies for 2022 and was also included in Barrons 100 Most Sustainable Companies for the fourth consecutive year. For more information on the Company, visit our website at www.sonoco.com . About Black Diamond Black Diamond is a leading privately held alternative asset management firm with over $10 billion in assets under management across complimentary private equity, hedge fund and CLO/structured strategies. Black Diamonds private equity platform focuses on partnering with middle market companies in market leadership positions, often within sectors characterized by material tangible assets. Black Diamond has significant experience executing corporate carve out transactions from public and private companies including acquisitions of businesses from EBSCO Industries, Hexion Inc, Georgia Pacific and Arcosa Inc, among others. Founded in 1995, Black Diamond is headquartered in Stamford, CT. MELBOURNE, Australia and NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TransPerfect, the worlds largest provider of language and artificial intelligence solutions for global business, today announced the opening of a new office in Melbourne, Australia. TransPerfects Melbourne office will serve as an eDiscovery hub for the TransPerfect Legal division, joining the companys existing location in Sydney. The opening of this new office comes in response to overall company growth as well as the increased demand for legal services across Australia. TransPerfect has invested heavily in Australia and Oceania, in part due to the diverse range of talent, including a growing pool of eDiscovery specialists. In 2023, TransPerfect Legal received Australasian Lawyer and NZ Lawyers Service Provider Award within the legal technology and eDiscovery category for the second consecutive year. TransPerfect Legal comprises a global team of legal experts that delivers software and service solutions to every Am Law 200 and Global 100 law firm, along with the majority of Fortune 500 corporate legal departments. As the worlds largest provider of language and technology solutions, TransPerfect Legal offers legal professionals the ability to leverage AI, analytics, and multi-language technology across eDiscovery, forensic consulting, due diligence, data privacy, information governance, managed review, and staffing projects. TransPerfect President and CEO Phil Shawe stated, We are enthusiastic about Australia and the growth weve seen in our Sydney office. Building on that success by providing a local service option in Melbourne is the next step in bringing local service to our clients in the region. To view available positions, visit TransPerfects careers page. TransPerfect MelbourneL50, 120 Collins StreetMelbourne VIC 3000, Australia About TransPerfect Legal TransPerfect Legal is an industry leader in global legal support. Founded in 1992, TransPerfect Legal offers a full suite of services, including forensic technology and consulting, e-discovery and early data assessment, managed review and legal staffing, language services, deposition and trial support, and paper discovery and production. With offices in over 120 cities across six continents, TransPerfect Legal is a trusted partner for every Am Law 200 and Global 100 law firm, as well as the majority of Fortune 500 corporate legal departments. For more information, visit www.transperfectlegal.com. About TransPerfectTransPerfect is the world's largest provider of language and artificial intelligence solutions for global business. From offices in over 120 cities on six continents, TransPerfect offers a full range of services in 200+ languages to clients worldwide. More than 6,000 global organizations employ TransPerfect's GlobalLink technology to simplify management of multilingual content. With an unparalleled commitment to quality and client service, TransPerfect is fully ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 certified. TransPerfect has global headquarters in New York, with regional headquarters in London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit our website at www.transperfect.com. Contact:Ryan Simper +1 212.689.5555[email protected] Source: TransPerfect Toronto, Ontario and Nucla, Colorado, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. (CSE: WUC) (OTCQX: WSTRF) (Western or the Company) is excited to announce the elevation of Michael Rutter to the position of Chief Operating Officer and the addition of Bruce Norquist to the team as General Manager of Mining Operations. Michael Rutter, who joined the company as Vice President of Operations in 2016, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. During his 22 years in the mining business, Mr.Rutter has gained extensive experience in conventional uranium and vanadium mining and mineral processing. This includes roles as Maintenance and Operations Superintendent for Energy Fuel Inc.s production in Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Previously, Mr. Rutter oversaw maintenance, planning, and development for Lisbon Valley Mining, a copper miner. In 2023, he played a pivotal role in establishing Westerns in-house mining team, expanding its fleet of mining equipment and vehicles, and advancing the Maverick Minerals Processing Plant in Green River, Utah. His extensive history in mining, smelting, and refining, coupled with the years dedicated to advancing mining projects within the Company has prepared Michael to spearhead production expansion from Westerns mines and processing plant. Bruce Norquist, P.E., has joined the Company as the General Manager of Mining Operations, overseeing resource extraction and development across various projects. At the Sunday Mine Complex, he is tasked with implementing the mine plan and refining development and production plans. At the San Rafael Project, Mr. Norquist will lead the advancement of permitting, production of the mine plan, and management of start-up and operations. His experience in the mining industry spans over 38 years, with over 28 years in uranium mining and milling. He has had both on-site and corporate level engineering positions with Cotter Corporation and Energy Fuels Resources Corporation. He also has mining experience in other metal sectors including the lead, zinc, gold, and silver subsidiaries of Teck, Newmont, and Hecla. In many of these positions, he worked closely with the geology departments to optimize mining operations. Mr. Norquist, a registered Professional Engineer, holds B.Sc. degrees in Mining and Civil Engineering and a M.Sc. degree in Mining Engineering, from the Colorado School of Mines. George Glasier, President and CEO, stated "I have great confidence in the leadership of our mining team under Mike and Bruce. We witnessed significant progress during 2023, the strategic reinforcement of our mining team will further expedite mine development and operations. In response to favorable uranium market conditions, we have already doubled operational capacity at the Sunday Mine Complex for 2024, with our mining teams operating seven days a week. Fueled by the substantial increase in uranium prices and a positive mid-term supply outlook, we are strategically investing to accelerate and enhance uranium feedstock production for the Maverick Minerals Processing Plant.". About Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. is ramping-up high-grade uranium and vanadium production at its Sunday Mine Complex. In addition to the flagship property located in the prolific Uravan Mineral Belt, the production pipeline also includes conventional projects in Colorado and Utah. The Maverick Minerals Processing Plant is being licensed in Utah and will include the kinetic separation process. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, forward-looking statements). Statements of that nature include statements relating to, or that are dependent upon: the Companys expectations, estimates and projections regarding the Offering and exploration and production plans and results; the timing of planned activities; whether the Company can raise any additional funds required to implement its plans; whether regulatory or analogous requirements can be satisfied to permit planned activities; and more generally to the Companys business, and the economic and political environment applicable to its operations, assets and plans. All such forward-looking statements are subject to important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys ability to control or predict. Please refer to the Companys most recent Managements Discussion and Analysis, as well as its other filings at www.sec.gov and/or www.sedarplus.com, for a more detailed review of those risk factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the Companys forward-looking statements, and that these statements are made as of the date hereof. While the Company may do so, it does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements at any particular time, except as and to the extent required under applicable laws and regulations. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: George Glasier President and CEO 970-864-2125 [email protected] Robert Klein Chief Financial Officer 908-872-7686 [email protected] Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Bravada Gold Corporation(TSXV: BVA) (OTCQB: BGAVF) (FSE: BRTN) ("Bravada" or "Company") announces that the following incumbent directors were re-elected at the Company's annual general meeting held on January 26, 2024: Joseph A. Kizis, Jr., Lawrence Page, K.C., Michael Rowley, G. Ross McDonald, John Kerr and Nigel Bunting. In addition, the shareholders re-appointed Smythe LLP, Chartered Accountants as auditors of Bravada and approved the Company's rolling incentive stock option plan pursuant to which a maximum of 10% of the issued shares will be reserved for issuance under the plan. The plan is subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance. The following officers were re-appointed subsequent to the annual general meeting: Joseph A. Kizis, Jr. as President, Lawrence Page, K.C. as Chairman, Graham Thatcher as Chief Financial Officer and Arie Page as Corporate Secretary. About Bravada Bravada is an exploration company with a portfolio of high-quality properties in Nevada, one of the best mining jurisdictions in the world. Bravada has successfully identified and advanced properties with the potential to host high-margin deposits while successfully attracting partners to fund later stages of project development. Bravada's value is underpinned by a substantial gold and silver resource with a positive PEA at Wind Mountain, and the Company has significant upside potential from possible new discoveries at its exploration properties. Since 2005, the Company has signed 33 earn-in joint-venture agreements for its properties with 20 publicly traded companies, as well as a similar number of property-acquisition agreements with private individuals. Bravada currently has 10 projects in its portfolio, consisting of 810 claims for approximately 6,500 ha in two of Nevada's most prolific gold trends. Most of the projects host encouraging drill intercepts of gold and already have drill targets developed. Several videos are available on the Company's website that describe Bravada's major properties, answering commonly asked investor questions. Simply click on this link https://bravadagold.com/projects/project-videos/. On behalf of the Board of Directors Joseph A. Kizis, Jr., Director, President, Bravada Gold Corporation For further information, please visit Bravada Gold Corporation's website at bravadagold.com; or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at [email protected]. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. These statements are based on a number of assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding general economic conditions, interest rates, commodity markets, regulatory and governmental approvals for the company's projects, and the availability of financing for the company's development projects on reasonable terms. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Bravada Gold Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196024 CANBERRA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The number of people reporting cases of sexual assault in Australia has grown by more than 40 percent over the last 10 years, a government report has revealed. The federal government's principal review body, the Productivity Commission, on Monday published its annual report on government services including the justice system. According to data in the report, 123.7 out of every 100,000 Australians reported being sexually assaulted to police in 2022, an increase of 42.8 percent from 86.6 out of every 100,000 people in 2013. New South Wales, the largest of Australia's states and territories, had the highest rate of reported sexual assaults with 152.2 out of every 100,000 people having made complaints to police in the state in 2022, more than double the 71.2 out of every 100,000 people in the Australian Capital Territory. Earlier in January, the federal government announced an Australian Law Reform Commission review into justice system responses to sexual violence. Mark Dreyfus, Australia's attorney-general, said the inquiry would look into how the government can improve the justice system experiences of victims and survivors of sexual assault. While the rate of sexual assault reports increased over the last decade, the national rate of armed robbery reports fell from 24.3 out of every 100,000 people in 2013 to 18.1 in 2022. Australia's homicide rate fell slightly from 1.9 victims per 100,000 people to 1.6 in the same period. Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Enablence Technologies Inc. (TSXV: ENA) ("Enablence" or the "Company"), a leading provider of photonics semiconductors for datacom, telecom, automotive and industrial automation applications, announced today the completion of a debt financing package provided by Pinnacle Island LP, a limited partnership formed under the laws of the Province of Ontario (the "Lender"), to support Enablence's growth plan . The debt financing package will support Enablence's strategic growth plan by providing the funding necessary to accelerate the development and commercialization of new families of photonics products based on planar lightwave circuits (PLC) and LiDAR technologies on silicon-based chips. The debt financing package includes (i) a subordinated secured non-revolving term loan dated January 26, 2024, with the Lender in the maximum principal amount of CDN $4,300,000 (the "Loan Facility"), and (ii) an amendment to existing convertible debenture of the Company in the amount of CDN $11 million (the "Convertible Debenture") held by the Lender that will result in the Convertible Debenture becoming a secured obligation of the Company (subject to the Company obtaining minority shareholder approval for such amendment). "The continued support of key investors in our strategic growth plan is greatly appreciated," noted Todd Haugen, CEO, Enablence Technologies. "This support will help to accelerate the expansion we are experiencing across our product lines, which is key to achieving our long-term revenue growth targets. The new investment also enhances both our present operational capabilities and supports the development and the proliferation of new optical devices." Additional details on the Loan Facility and Convertible Debenture amendment are described below. Loan Facility The Lender entered into a loan agreement with the Company dated January [26], 2024 (the "Loan Agreement"), under which the Lender agreed to provide the Company with the Loan Facility. The Loan Facility is a subordinated secured non-revolving term loan in the maximum principal amount of CDN $4,300,000 and includes a loan in the principal amount of CDN $2,040,820, which the Lender advanced on December 13, 2023, and was evidenced by a demand promissory note (the "Promissory Note") that accrued interest at a rate of 10% per annum and was repayable on demand. The principal amount of the Promissory Note plus accrued interest now forms part of and is governed by the terms of the Loan Agreement. The principal amount outstanding under the Loan Facility bears interest at the rate of 12% per annum and has a maturity date of July 31, 2025. The Company intends to use the CDN $2,190,000 of additional cash that was advanced to the Company under the Loan Agreement to finance its working capital requirements. As additional consideration for entering into the Loan Agreement, the Company agreed to pay a structuring fee to the Lender of CDN $215,000 (the "Loan Agreement Structuring Fee"), of which CDN $85,394.40 has been paid to the Lender as of the date of the Loan Agreement. The remaining balance of the Loan Agreement Structuring Fee, CDN $129,605.60, will be paid to the Lender on the maturity date of the Loan Facility, July 31, 2025. To secure the Company's obligations under the Loan Facility, the Loan Agreement provides that, within 30 days of the date of the Loan Agreement: (i) the Company will execute and deliver a general security agreement (the "Issuer GSA") granting the Lender a second priority security interest over all of the Company's present and after-acquired assets and a second priority pledge of the shares of Enablence Canada Inc. ("Enablence Canada") and Enablence USA Inc. ("Enablence USA"); (ii) each of Enablence Canada, Enablence USA and Enable USA Components Inc. ("Enablence Components", and together with Enablence Canada and Enablence USA, the "Guarantors") will execute and deliver a guarantee (a "Subsidiary Guarantee") and a general security agreement (a "Subsidiary GSA") granting the Lender a second priority security interest over all of its present and after-acquired assets; and (iii) Enablence USA will execute and deliver a second priority pledge of the shares of Enablence Components. The Loan Agreement also provides that the Company, the Guarantors, the Lender, and Vortex ENA LP ("Vortex") will enter into an intercreditor agreement (the "Intercreditor Agreement") to govern the relationship between the Issuer's and the Guarantors' secured creditors. The granting of such security impacts the priority of the Lender compared to the Company's unsecured creditors but does not change the relative recovery position of the Company's shareholders. Vortex is a "related party" of the Company. Since Vortex may be considered to be acting jointly or in concert with the Lender, the entering into of the Loan Agreement and the granting of security discussed above (the "Loan Transaction") is considered to be a "related party transaction" for purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements available under MI 61-101. The Company is exempt from the formal valuation requirement in Section 5.4 of MI 61-101 in reliance on Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, as no securities of the Company are listed on a specified market under MI 61-101. Additionally, the Company is exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirement in Section 5.6 of MI 61-101 in reliance on Section 5.7(1)(f) of MI 61-101 in respect of the Loan Transaction, as the Loan Facility is not convertible directly or indirectly, into equity or voting securities of the Company. Amended and Restated Convertible Debenture In connection with the Loan Transaction, the Company also intends to amend and restate the Convertible Debenture (the "Amended and Restated Convertible Debenture") held by the Lender to reflect that the repayment obligations of the Company thereunder are secured on the same basis as the Company's repayment obligations under the Loan Facility (the "CD Amendment"). The Issuer GSA and each Subsidiary Guarantee and Subsidiary GSA will grant a second priority security interest as security for the Company's repayment obligations under the Amended and Restated Convertible Debenture upon the effective date of the Amended and Restated Convertible Debenture (which is expected to be March 7, 2024). No changes are proposed to the maturity date, principal amount, or conversion price of the Convertible Debenture. As the Lender may be considered to be acting jointly or in concert with Vortex, a "related party" of the Company, the CD Amendment is a "related party transaction" of the Company for purposes of MI 61-101. While the Company is exempt from the formal valuation requirement in Section 5.4 of MI 61-101 in reliance on Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, as no securities of the Company are listed on a specified market under MI 61-101, the Company is not exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101 in respect of the CD Amendment. As such, the Company intends to obtain minority shareholder approval for the CD Amendment (the "CD Amendment Approval") at its upcoming annual and special meeting of shareholders of the Company. Until the CD Amendment Approval has been obtained, the CD Amendment will not be effective, and the Convertible Debenture shall remain unsecured and governed by the terms of the original Convertible Debenture. The Loan Transaction and the CD Amendment remain subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. About Enablence Technologies Inc. Enablence Technologies Inc. is a publicly traded company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: ENA). The Company designs, manufactures, and sells optical components, primarily in the form of planar lightwave circuits (PLC) and LiDAR technologies on silicon-based chips. Enablence products support a broad range of customers in the multi-billion, datacenter, telecom, automotive, and industrial automation industries. Enablence operates a wafer fab in Fremont, California, with design centers in Canada and China supported by sales and marketing operations worldwide. For more information visit: www.enablence.com. ### For more information, contact: Todd Haugen, CEO Enablence Technologies Inc. +1 (510) 226-8900 [email protected] Ali Mahdavi, Capital Markets & Investor Relations [email protected] Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company based on current expectations and assumptions of management, which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties associated with our business and the economic environment in which the business operates. All such statements are forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on current expectations, including the impact of the Loan Transaction and the proposed CD Amendment, the ability of the Company to repay any indebtedness, and the receipt of final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for the above-mentioned transactions, and involve several risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, and the assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are made, are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct, including the ability of the Company to repay any indebtedness. We caution our readers of this news release not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as many factors could cause actual results or conditions to differ materially from current expectations. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the Company's operations are outlined in the Company's continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.com) under Enablence's issuer profile. Enablence does not intend and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission, or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196207 Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - ICEBERG Financial announces a groundbreaking achievement in the digital realm: the creation of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) in the Metaverse. This pioneering project by ICEBERG CyberLab aligns with the UAE government's vision of a digital Dubai, showcasing ICEBERG's commitment to innovation in the Web3 space. The digital replica of Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), created by ICEBERG CyberLab, marking a new era in the financial sector's evolution in the Metaverse. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9959/195941_iceberg1en.jpg In the heart of the United Arab Emirates, a revolutionary vision is unfolding, reshaping the digital landscape and introducing the world to a new era of technological advancement. At the forefront of this groundbreaking journey is ICEBERG Financial's CyberLab known as ICE-Lab, a division committed to exploring and innovating within the realms of Web3 and the Metaverse. ICEBERG CyberLab, leveraging its deep expertise in investment consultancy and financial technology, has played a pivotal role in aligning with the grand vision of the UAE government - to build a digital twin of Dubai in the Metaverse. This ambitious project aims not just to replicate the city's physical attributes but to create an immersive, interactive digital experience that mirrors the dynamism and vibrancy of Dubai. One of the most notable contributions of ICEBERG CyberLab in this grand endeavor is the meticulous creation of the Burj Khalifa in the Metaverse. This digital rendition of the world's tallest building is not merely a structural replica; it's a symbol of innovation and grandeur, reflecting the spirit of Dubai. The virtual Burj Khalifa stands as a beacon of progress in the digital world, attracting global attention and setting a new benchmark for virtual architecture. The Metaverse version of the Burj Khalifa, a symbol of ICEBERG CyberLab's commitment to digital innovation and architectural excellence in the virtual world. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9959/195941_iceberg3en.jpg Beyond architectural marvels, ICEBERG CyberLab has also significantly contributed to the financial landscape of the digital Dubai. In collaboration with key stakeholders, they have successfully implemented the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) within the Metaverse. This digital financial hub is a testament to ICEBERG's commitment to diversifying and enriching the financial sector through cutting-edge technology. It serves as a virtual nexus for international investors, offering a range of financial services and opportunities unique to the digital realm. Further distinguishing itself, ICEBERG Financial is among the few financial institutions keen on transforming the traditional financial sector into the realm of Web3. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates ICEBERG's dedication to not only participating in the digital revolution but leading it. By integrating blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and other Web3 innovations into its operations, ICEBERG is pioneering a new wave of financial services, geared towards a more decentralized, transparent, and efficient financial ecosystem. ICEBERG CyberLab's involvement in these monumental projects underlines the firm's dedication to innovation and its ability to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital world. The successful creation of key landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and DIFC in the Metaverse, coupled with ICEBERG's commitment to Web3, is not just a technical achievement; it's a strategic move aligning with ICEBERG's broader mission to be at the vanguard of financial technology and investment consultancy. A stunning rendition of the Burj Khalifa in the Metaverse, showcasing ICEBERG CyberLab's dedication to merging architectural grandeur with digital frontier technology. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9959/195941_iceberg2en.jpg As Dubai continues its journey to become a leading digital economy, ICEBERG CyberLab's contributions to this vision are pivotal. The firm's expertise in tokenization and securitization, combined with its deep understanding of the financial markets, tech companies, eCommerce, and the healthcare industry, positions ICEBERG as a crucial player in this transformative era. In conclusion, ICEBERG CyberLab's role in building a digital Dubai is a shining example of how innovative thinking and technological expertise can contribute to realizing a grand national vision. As Dubai evolves in the Metaverse, ICEBERG Financial stands as a key architect of this digital future, driving progress and prosperity in the UAE and beyond, while boldly leading the charge into the new age of Web3 finance. Media Contacts: Name: Public Relation (Sarah Travis) Website: https://iceberg.financial/ Business email:[email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/195941 Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Celebrating five years in the industry, Mogul Press is doing much more than just marking a corporate anniversary. It's been a real adventure in reshaping what public relations and communication mean in today's world. Hitting the impressive mark of working with over 10,000 clients isn't just a number for them; it's a clear sign of how deeply the agency cares about setting new standards in the industry and making sure every client walks away more than satisfied. Mogul Press Originating from a visionary idea to propel businesses and entrepreneurial spirits to greater heights, Mogul Press has emerged as a beacon in public relations. The agency's role extends beyond traditional services; it acts as a storyteller and a strategist, crafting unique narratives through social media, content marketing, and influencer engagements. What sets Mogul Press apart is its adeptness at forging meaningful connections with key journalists and media entities across the United States, ensuring that each client's story not only reaches but resonates with the right audience. Reflecting on this remarkable journey, Nabeel Ahmad, the Founder and CEO of Mogul Press, shares, "These past five years have been more than a growth trajectory for us and our clients. They have been a collaborative adventure, a shared narrative of aspirations and achievements. Every client, every project has enriched our journey, teaching us and allowing us to contribute in return." Internationally acknowledged for its excellence,the firm's blend of public relations and marketing, underpinned by a strong emphasis on data-driven strategies, has consistently amplified client outcomes. "In the dynamic world of PR, our compass has always been the data and insights that inform and shape our strategies," Nabeel Ahmad elaborates. As Mogul Press looks ahead, it remains steadfast in its commitment to evolution and innovation in sync with industry trends. The agency's past successes and client partnerships pave the way for its continued dedication to providing outstanding services in the future. About Mogul Press: Mogul Press is a renowned public relations and communications agency specializing in media placements, personal branding, and marketing strategy. With a strategic focus on narrative-driven campaigns and influencer partnerships, the agency emphasizes the importance of establishing trust and credibility. Headquartered in the US and with branches in the UAE and Asia, Mogul Press is expanding its global presence. It aims to be the go-to agency for entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, and decision-makers seeking undeniable credibility for the agency and its clients. Contact Information Media Contact Name: Mogul Press Website: https://mogulpress.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mogulpress/ Email Address: [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196008 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - MYND Life Sciences (CSE: MYND) (OTCQB: MYNDF) ("MYND" or the "Company") The Company is pleased to welcome Ms. Laurie Bakke who was recently appointed to MYND's Board. Ms. Bakke joins as an independent non-executive director, bringing over 30 years of experience in the banking and finance industry to the Board. Ms. Bakke has extensive experience in domestic and international commercial finance with expertise in strategic direction, financial performance, risk and opportunity assessment, and business development. Ms. Bakke has led finance divisions for both privately held and publicly traded banks in the United States and Sweden. She possesses the ability to transform businesses, to generate targeted business and financial returns and to build high-performing teams. Dr. Lyle Oberg, Executive Chairman of MYND states, "I extend a very warm welcome to Ms. Bakke. Her experience will bring significant value to the MYND Board and its shareholders." With respect to the proposed merger with Cava Healthcare Inc. ("Cava"), the Board of Directors formed a Special Committee to review the proposed transaction. Cava shares a robust, complementary business relationship with MYND as reflected in intellectual property assets, scientific expertise, and goals, that will allow a powerful approach to provide detection and new treatment options for several important maladies such as Alzheimer's disease, depression and cancer. For this reason, a strategic merger of the two companies offers a unique combination of strengths that will redefine the landscape of medical innovation and is a testament to the unwavering commitment of both companies to drive transformative advancements of these and other inflammation-related diseases. The Cava and Mynd management teams are working in concert to secure a bridge financing loan, up to $1,500,000, to facilitate the amalgamation and restructuring. Mr. Jay Campbell, MYND Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, states, "The proposed merger is well on its way to being realized and once completed will add significant value for both MYND and Cava shareholders." The combined company will initially focus on three specific areas that are in advanced development: Alzheimer's Disease: We are focused on repurposing FDA approved anti-angiogenesis cancer drugs for the treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Positive results in animal models have allowed us to rapidly move into a Phase 2B clinical trial. Diagnostic Biomarker and Treatment of Depression: MYND continues to develop a diagnostic biomarker with the potential to diagnose and monitor major depressive disorder (MDD), a growing global health concern. A clinical trial in Australia is currently underway to assess the biomarker performance in microdosing trials for treatment of MDD. Interleukin-33 ("IL-33") Biomarker for Cancer Monitoring and Prognosis: MYND continues to advance its development of an important immune-regulator for monitoring the transition of primary cancers to their metastatic form and is associated with aggressive disease progression. The plan is to assess its prognostic performance in a 10,000-patient clinical trial. MYND Life Sciences Inc. is a medical biotech drug research and development company focused on neuro-pharmaceutical and novel drug development, diagnostics and vaccines. MYND is developing new biological entities and new chemical entities and differentiates itself from other (bio)pharmaceutical companies by developing unique molecular approaches to treat and diagnose diseases. The Company advances pharmaceutical developments through rigorous science and clinical trials while diligently patenting and safeguarding its intellectual property. For more information please contact: John (Jay) Campbell Email: [email protected] Phone: 403-671-0292 Web: www.myndsciences.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196210 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Ophir Gold Corp. (TSXV: OPHR) (OTCQB: OPHRF) (FSE: 80M) ("Ophir" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the Pilipas lithium project ("Project") in James Bay Quebec. The Project is located proximal to existing hydroelectric power, all-season road infrastructure, and is situated in highly prospective greenstone terrain. Following to the announced option agreement with Azimut Exploration Inc. (see news release dated December 11 2023 ) , the Company has identified numerous documented occurrences of pathfinder elements in historical sampling on Pilipas that indicate further potential for a fertile LCT geological setting. From historical literature, rock samples with anomalous concentrations of Ta (tantalum), Ce (cesium), Nb (niobium) and Sn (tin) geochemistry have been reported. Additionally, numerous tourmaline within white pegmatite dykes have been documented (Figure 1). Collectively, the information is strongly suggestive of a fertile LCT environment. The geochemical findings are in addition to the encouraging LCT potential reported in the news release on December 11 2023 and recapped below. Two district scale shears, and secondary structures with multiple large-scale folds with dilation along fold axis and in folds, have potential to host potential LCT pegmatites. (Figure 2) The SIGEOM database contains records of several pegmatite outcrops (SIGEOM code I1G), while hyperspectral and high-resolution satellite imagery suggests numerous large white pegmatite dykes that straddle the greenstone contact, and major fault zones. (Figure 3) Pilipas is immediately adjacent to the newly discovered 175-metre long by 42-metre wide Ninaaskumuwin spodumene pegmatite immediately to the south. (Figure 1) "High resolution satellite imagery of the numerous documented pegmatites on Pilipas, resemble in size, shape, and color to the spodumene bearing pegmatite dyke discovered south of Pilipas and elsewhere in the region. Coupled with the geology and geochemistry, Pilipas has the potential to host a significant number of large scale LCT pegmatites," comments, Ophir CEO, Shawn Westcott. "We are eager to get crews on site, to rapidly advance any new LCT Pegmatite discoveries." Management cautions that discoveries on adjacent properties (i.e. Spodumene on the Ninaaskumuwin discovery at Elmer East and gold on the InSight prospect on the Munischiwan Property which are noted in Figure 2) may not necessarily be indicative to the presence of mineralization on the Pilipas Property. The Company considers the Pilipas Property to host significant potential for spodumene pegmatites (LCT) due to its favorable greenstone geological setting, regional faulting, sheer zones and hinge fold, as well as anomalous Ta, Cs, Nb and Sn geochemistry and numerous observed tourmaline in described white pegmatites. Figure 1: Pegmatite outcrops and select historical samples displaying elevated tantalum and niobium mineralization To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6338/196082_5b45b9fe4460ca9c_001full.jpg Figure 2: Regional geology and historical grab samples displaying gold, silver and copper values proximal to the Pilipas Property, which is outlined within the grey boundary above. Figure Source: Azimut Exploration To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6338/196082_5b45b9fe4460ca9c_002full.jpg Figure 3: Satellite imagery and Sentinel-2 hyperspectral analysis displaying potential pegmatite outcrops To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6338/196082_5b45b9fe4460ca9c_003full.jpg Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Nathan Schmidt, P. Geo., Senior Geologist for Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, who has prepared and reviewed the content of this press release. The results discussed in this document are historical. An Ophir Gold Corp. qualified person has not performed sufficient work or data verification to validate these results in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. The Company nevertheless believes that they provide an indication of the property's potential and are relevant for any future exploration program. About the Pilipas Lithium Project In December 2023, the Company entered into an option agreement to earn 70% interest in the Pilipas Property consisting of 135 claims totaling 7,100 ha situated within the La Grande Subprovince (Archean Superior Province). It is primarily underlain by volcano-sedimentary rocks (Greenstone) of the Lower Eastmain Greenstone Belt: conglomerate, sandstone, basalts and felsic to intermediate tuffs. Two regional NW-SE dextral faults transect the southwestern and northeastern parts of the Property. The Property is immediately adjacent to the newly discovered Ninaaskumuwin spodumene pegmatite made by Quebec Precious Metals on their Elmer East project, however, mineralization on Ninaaskumuwin may not necessarily be indicative to the presence of mineralization on the Pilipas Property. The Pilipas Property is a highly prospective environment for lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites, as well as highly prospective for both gold and copper. About the Company Ophir is a diversified mineral exploration company focused on the exploration and development of the Radis and Pilipas Lithium Properties in James Bay, Quebec, and the past-producing Breccia gold property located in Lemhi county, Idaho. Ophir holds an option to earn a 100-per-cent interest in the Radis property over a three-year period from Eastmain Resources Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fury Gold Mines Ltd., an option to earn a 70% interest in the Pilipas property over a three-year period from Azimut Exploration Inc. and an option to earn a 100-per-cent interest in the Breccia property from DG Resource Management Ltd. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Shawn Westcott" Ophir Gold Corp. For further information, please contact: Shawn Westcott, CEO Phone 1 (604) 365 6681 [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable and include statements in this press release related to the Pilipas Property being in highly prospective greenstone terrain; the exploration and discovery potential of the Pilipas Property; the potential for a fertile LCT geological setting; interpretation of exploration results including that the Pilipas Property has the potential to host a significant number of large scale LCT pegmatites; the intention to rapidly advance any new LCT Pegmatite discoveries; and the Company's future exploration plans with respect to the Pilipas Property. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risk related to the failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of technical reports including feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of sampling and drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of preliminary economic assessments, prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196082 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - Peninsula Energy (ASX: PEN) is pleased to announce that the company is presenting a live virtual corporate update hosted by Red Cloud Financial Services on February 5th, 2024 at 2:00pm ET. We invite our shareholders, and all interested parties to register for the webinar and participate in the live Q&A session at the end of the presentation moderated by Red Cloud. The replay will be emailed out to all webinar registrants proceeding the event and will also be available on the Red Cloud website. For more information and to register: https://redcloudfs.com/events/rcwebinar-pen-2/. Commodities to be covered: Uranium About Peninsula Energy Peninsula Energy's 100% owned Lance Project, one of the largest uranium projects in the United States, is undergoing a project transformation initiative to transition to a low cost and environmentally friendly low pH ISR operation.Once back in production at the end of 2024, the long-life Lance Project will establish Peninsula as a fully independent end-to-end producer, supplying yellowcake product for a green energy future. About Red Cloud Securities Inc. Red Cloud Securities Inc. is an IIROC-regulated investment dealer focused on providing a full range of brokerage services to all investor types focused in the junior resource sector. Our services include Investment Banking, Research, Institutional and Retail Trading, Institutional Sales, and Retail Investment Advisory services. About Red Cloud Financial Services Inc. Red Cloud Financial Services Inc. is a globally focused capital markets advisory firm that provides a full range of executive strategy, media, marketing, and corporate access services. Our breadth of services combines with our significant knowledge of the junior mining industry combine for unique product offering. The company was founded by capital markets professionals with extensive experience in the junior mining industry. For further information: Peninsula Energy Wayne Heili, Managing Director & CEO +61 8 9380 9920 [email protected] For additional information contact [email protected] or visit: www.redcloudfs.com www.facebook.com/RedCloudFinancialServices www.twitter.com/RedCloudFS www.linkedin.com/company/red-cloud-financial-services-inc www.youtube.com/c/RedCloudFinancialServicesInc www.instagram.com/redcloudfs The product was developed after months of extensive research and development. Shenzhen, China--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2024) - SMONET, an intelligent security solutions provider, has launched its latest product, the SMONET Thumbprint Door Lock (Model M6). This biometric door lock was months in development and saw the company doing extensive research to understand user habits, pain points, and desired features. SMONET - Thumbprint Door Lock To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8846/196069_4a81dce064e2ca1d_001full.jpg Talking to the press, David Dai, a senior company representative, said, "We are excited to launch The Model: M6-BWF-S. Our dedicated research team invested months into refining this product to ensure it offers strong functionality and security. This user-centric approach has been integral to our mission to deliver practical and user-friendly solutions that provide value to consumers' daily lives. The SMONET Thumbprint Door Lock is also tailored to the evolving needs of its users." The SMONET Thumbprint Door Lock features a 10-in-1 secure design, offering a variety of unlocking methods, including fingerprints, a mobile app, passcodes, key fobs, keys, auto-lock, E-Key, remote control, and compatibility with voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Google Home. The lock's versatility is aimed at eliminating concerns about misplaced keys and ensuring a secure experience. Additionally, the product's ease of remote access is a vital feature. With a dedicated gateway compatible with 2.4GHz WiFi, users can unlock their doors from anywhere in the world using the mobile app. This functionality aims to facilitate individuals on vacation or remotely managing rental properties. He continued, "The SMONET Thumbprint Door Lock is a security solution and a comprehensive smart home management tool. Users can enjoy real-time operation records and instant notifications. This makes it ideal for families with children returning from school." To enhance home security and provide a tailored user experience, the lock can generate and store 100+ temporary codes, including one-time, permanent, and anti-peep codes. David Dai went on to add, "The SMONET Thumbprint Door Lock is suited for modern living. Our team of 20 people in the R and D department invested time in developing the self-locking feature, customizable auto-lock times, and one-touch locking to help meet the needs of people with busy lifestyles." People interested in learning about the SMONET Thumbprint Door Lock and other products from SMONET can visit the website today: https://www.smonet.com/. About the company SMONET is a provider of intelligent security solutions that was established in 2010. Their product line includes camera kits and smart locks for homes and offices worldwide. The products are made in-house in their 8000 square meter factory. Media Contact Contact Person Name: David Dai Company Name: SMONET Email: [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196069 Novartis (NYSE: NVS) February 110 straddle priced for a move of 3.5% into the expected release of quarter results before the bell on January 31. Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. In their new case study, Grip Tech Flooring demonstrates their expertise in providing seamless auto body shop epoxy flooring in Toms River, NJ, with a high-quality Elite Crete installation at Anthony's Auto Body II, reflecting their dedication to functional and stylish flooring solutions. Grip Tech Flooring proudly announces the completion of their state-of-the-art Elite Crete seamless epoxy flooring installation at Anthonys Auto Body II, situated in Toms River. This project underscores their commitment to delivering durable, stylish, and maintenance-friendly flooring solutions specifically designed for commercial and auto body shop spaces. For an in-depth look at this transformation, view the full case study on the Grip-Tech Floor Coatings site. In just four days, Grip Tech Flooring skillfully transformed a 500 sq. ft. area at Anthonys Auto Body II into a resilient and aesthetically pleasing workspace. Joe Delandro, the owner of Grip Tech Flooring, shared his insights on the project, stating, "Our goal is always to surpass our clients' expectations with robust flooring solutions that cater to the specific demands of their industry while enhancing overall workspace aesthetics." The newly installed seamless epoxy floor with a 4-inch cove base at Anthonys Auto Body II provides a clean, safe environment, perfectly suited to the daily demands of automotive work. The detailed case study available on the Grip Tech Flooring website offers a comprehensive view of this innovative installation process and the advantages of using seamless epoxy systems in challenging environments. Grip Tech Flooring, known for its expert solutions in commercial and industrial flooring, continues to innovate, providing high-performance flooring that expertly blends functionality with design appeal. The successful project at Anthonys Auto Body II is a testament to their commitment to delivering exceptional results and ensuring client satisfaction. Discover more about Grip Tech Floorings services and explore custom flooring solutions by reading the detailed case study on the Grip Tech Case Study Showcase or getting in touch with their team of experts directly. About the company: Grip Tech Flooring, based in Toms River, NJ, is a leader in providing innovative and high-quality flooring solutions. Specializing in commercial and industrial applications, the company offers a range of services, including the installation of seamless epoxy flooring tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of each client. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on using innovative materials and techniques, Grip Tech Flooring prides itself on delivering durable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional flooring systems. Their team of experienced professionals ensures that every project, big or small, is executed with precision and attention to detail, guaranteeing customer satisfaction. For more information, visit Grip Tech Floorings website or contact their expert team for consultations and services. Contact Info: Name: Joe Delandro Email: Send Email Organization: Grip Tech Floor Coatings Address: 919 Route 33, Unit 3738 Freehold NJ 07728 Phone: (732) 614-6929 Website: https://griptechflooring.com/ Release ID: 89120060 In case of detection of errors, concerns, or irregularities in the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we strongly encourage you to reach out promptly by contacting [email protected]. Our efficient team will be at your disposal for immediate assistance within 8 hours resolving identified issues diligently or guiding you through the removal process. We take great pride in delivering reliable and precise information to our valued readers. Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. VortexAI: launches its self In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency trading, having an edge can make all the difference. Enter VortexAI, the revolutionary trading bot that's redefining the landscape with its state-of-the-art AI technology. Here's a glimpse into how VortexAI is making trading seamless, profitable, and accessible for all. The Rise of VortexAI VortexAI isn't just another trading bot; it's a game-changer. With a team that boasts a background in algorithmic crypto trading dating back to 2015, VortexAI brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Their lead engineer, a seasoned name in the crypto industry, even developed the order matching engine for one of the pioneering derivatives exchanges. The Power of AI and Machine Learning What sets VortexAI apart is its relentless commitment to innovation. Over the years, the team has developed over a dozen proprietary machine learning models, trained on massive datasets that include live order books, transaction histories, and Ethereum network data. This powerful combination of AI and machine learning empowers VortexAI to navigate the volatile crypto markets with precision. Seamless and Accessible Trading VortexAI is all about accessibility. It offers a range of trading strategies, from scalping to swinging, catering to traders of all levels. What's more, the platform is designed to make trading effortless. Auto-Trading: For those who prefer a hands-free approach, VortexAI offers auto-trading. The bot takes the reins, executing trades based on AI-driven signals and strategies, allowing traders to sit back and watch their portfolios grow. Semi-Auto Trading: With semi-auto trading, users have the flexibility to enter positions (long or short) based on the bot's offerings. It's a perfect blend of human judgment and AI assistance, allowing traders to make strategic decisions while benefiting from the bot's insights. The Future of Trading With VortexAI, the future of trading is here. Their AI models are continuously learning and adapting to market conditions, making real-time decisions to maximize profits and minimize risks. In a rapidly evolving crypto landscape, having a companion like VortexAI gives traders an edge like never before. The future of trading is marked by innovation, and VortexAI is leading the way. As blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies continue to reshape the financial world, automated trading bots like VortexAI will play an increasingly pivotal role. These bots are not just tools; they are partners that understand market dynamics better than humans ever could. What's on the horizon? It's a future where traders can harness the power of AI to navigate complex markets effortlessly. It's a future where AI companions like VortexAI democratize trading, making it accessible to traders of all backgrounds. It's a future where success isn't limited to the few but open to the many. In a market where every second counts, VortexAI gives traders the advantage they need. It's a testament to the power of AI and machine learning in transforming an industry. As VortexAI continues to scale and grow, it's clear that the future of trading is in safe and capable hands. Further Details: Website: https://vortexaitrading.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/VortexAIPortal Twitter: https://twitter.com/vortexai_main Contact Info: Name: James Truman Email: Send Email Organization: VortexAI Website: https://vortexaitrading.com/ Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only. Information verification has been done to the best of our ability. Still, due to the speculative nature of the blockchain (cryptocurrency, NFT, mining, etc.) sector as a whole, complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. You are advised to conduct your own research and exercise caution. Investments in these fields are inherently risky and should be approached with due diligence. Release ID: 89120117 If there are any deficiencies, problems, or concerns regarding the information presented in this press release that require attention or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we encourage you to notify us without delay at [email protected]. Our diligent team is committed to promptly addressing your concerns within 8 hours and taking necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or facilitate the removal process. Providing accurate and trustworthy information is of utmost importance. The Red Sea crisis has seen ocean freight rates increase faster than the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic as swathes of shippers are told some of their contracts will not be honoured, according to Xeneta. Xeneta, a leading ocean freight rate benchmarking and intelligence platform, has released data which reveals shipping costs on key trades from the Far East to Europe spiked more than 200% in the first 52 days of the Red Sea crisis. This outpaces the increase in rates seen during the first 52 days of the pandemic. Emily Stausbll, Xeneta Market Analyst, said: Rates have not hit anywhere near the levels we saw during Covid-19, but the sudden nature of the Red Sea crisis has seen a more rapid increase in rates, which is arguably creating even more disruption than during the early months of the pandemic. The impact of the Red Sea crisis, while more immediate, is not expected to be as prolonged as the pandemic and shippers are becoming increasingly impatient and suspicious of carriers seeking to keep rates elevated for as long as possible, it said. This is backed by a poll of hundreds of Xeneta customers, which revealed almost two thirds of shippers have been told their minimum quantity commitments (MQCs) are not being honoured under existing contract agreements, with carriers pushing them onto the freight all kinds (FAK) market and higher rates. Peter Sand, Xeneta Chief Analyst, said: Everyone is accusing everyone at the moment, which is normal during situations when there is so much uncertainty in the market. Ocean freight carriers did not invent this crisis and it takes time for them to put in new shipping networks to deal with the disruption caused by diverting away from the Suez Canal. However, you can also see this from the shippers perspective who may view the rate increases as carriers acting opportunistically to maximise the money they can make. With the market expected to peak during February, it remains to be seen how long shippers patience will last. Stausbll added: It is inevitable that rates will come down once carriers are able to deal with the capacity crunch in the Far East resulting from ships being delayed returning from Europe via the Cape of Good Hope. At the moment shippers may accept the carriers argument that it takes time to react to such an unexpected and sudden crisis, but that will only last so long and we may see rates begin to flatten or decline sooner than many anticipated. - TradeArabia News Service CAIRO, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed on Monday the necessity to keep funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). During a phone conversation, they also discussed the pivotal role played by the UN and its various organizations in providing support and relief to the people in the war-torn Gaza Strip, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement. Sisi and Guterres said continuing funding UNRWA would allow the agency to perform its humanitarian role, according to the statement. As of Monday, Canada, Australia, Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, Estonia, Japan, Austria and Romania have joined the United States in pausing funding for UNRWA after Israel accused several UNRWA employees of suspected involvement in the Hamas attack on Israel last October. Their conversation also touched on the overall situation in the Middle East and the danger of expanding the cycle of the ongoing conflict. They discussed the Egyptian, regional, and international efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire and deal on the Hamas-Israel hostages-prisoners swap and delivering relief aid to Gaza in large quantities soonest possible. Israel has been waging a massive military campaign against Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, after the militant group launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 Israelis, according to the Israeli authorities. The Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza has risen to 26,637 since the onset of the conflict, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said Monday. ABU DHABI , UAE and SINGAPORE , Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ACX Group is pleased to announce the successful connection of AirCarbon Pte. Ltd.'s Singapore based trading platform ("ACX SG"), with the regulated environmental instruments exchange operated by ACX Ltd and ACX Clearing Corporation Ltd ("ACX Exchange") in the Abu Dhabi Global Market ("ADGM"). This exciting enhancement represents an important step in ACX Group's strategy of connecting key global environmental instrument markets, as one consolidated liquidity pool operated under the regulated oversight of the ACX Exchange. Key benefits of ACX SG's connection to the ACX Exchange are: Enhanced Liquidity: The expanded number of market participants trading on ACX Exchange's single order book will increase liquidity and therefore contribute to tighter spreads, more efficient price discovery and enhanced transparency. The expanded number of market participants trading on ACX Exchange's single order book will increase liquidity and therefore contribute to tighter spreads, more efficient price discovery and enhanced transparency. Global Network: ACX Group's global network ensures that market participants can easily navigate multiple liquidity pools and instruments from a single interface, thus streamlining the trading process, decreasing operational costs and eliminating the need to onboard with multiple platforms. global network ensures that market participants can easily navigate multiple liquidity pools and instruments from a single interface, thus streamlining the trading process, decreasing operational costs and eliminating the need to onboard with multiple platforms. Regulatory Compliance: ACX SG's clients will benefit from the investor protection that results from ACX Exchange's regulatory status, being a Recognised Investment Exchange and a Recognised Clearing House under the supervision of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM . The regulatory framework ensures participants trade under a fair, robust and transparent environment, with access to carbon markets globally. Mr. Thomas McMahon , co-CEO & co-Founder at ACX Group, expressed his enthusiasm about this significant milestone, stating, "By connecting ACX SG to the ACX Exchange, we are enhancing liquidity while fortifying investor protection. This synergy offers our clients the best of both worlds, and we are excited to bring these benefits to the trading community." ACX Group invites traders, investors, and market participants to experience the benefits of its platform first-hand and be part of this exciting journey towards a more connected and regulated trading environment. About the ACX Group: ACX Group, including the regulated ACX Exchange (operated by ACX Ltd and ACX Clearing Corporation Ltd) and the Singapore based AirCarbon Pte. Ltd., provides corporates, financial entities, carbon project developers and other market participants, with an efficient and transparent means of trading environmental instruments. Through leveraging distributed ledger technology, ACX provides a seamless and user-friendly platform, with the lowest transaction fees in the market, to facilitate growth of environmental instrument markets and contribute to the necessary transition to a net zero global economy. ACX Group is proud to be a member of the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) and the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), further enhancing its commitment to sustainability and responsible trading practices for carbon and other environmental products. ACX Group has garnered international recognition as the Best Carbon Exchange globally in Environmental Finance's esteemed Voluntary Carbon Market Rankings for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023), solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.acx.net. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acx-group-strengthens-global-presence-through-connecting-acx-singapore-to-acxs-abu-dhabi-exchange-302046593.html SOURCE ACX (AirCarbon Exchange) Foundation to offer the transport of up to 100 humanitarian containers to Americares in 2024 STAMFORD, Conn. , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Americares has joined CMA CGM Foundation's Containers of Hope program, which will transport humanitarian aid for the health-focused relief and development organization for one year. Under this new partnership, the Foundation will leverage the CMA CGM Group's assets in maritime, air and logistics solutions to transport up to 100 Americares containers of essential medicine and medical supplies in 2024. The donated aid shipments20-foot equivalent sea containers (TEUS)will support Americares mission to save lives and improve health for people affected by poverty or disaster. The freight will support Americares emergency response program as well as its ongoing medicine security work in locations served by the CMA CGM Group such as Cambodia , Colombia , the Dominican Republic , El Salvador , Ghana , Guatemala , Honduras , Liberia and Tanzania . The Foundation will mobilize the CMA CGM Group's expert staff members to support Americares international supply chain and work alongside Americares logistics staff to coordinate the donated shipments. "Our new partnership with the CMA CGM Foundation will expand access to life-changing medicines and medical supplies for disaster survivors and children and adults in poverty," said Americares President and CEO Christine Squires . "We expect to increase humanitarian aid shipments to the 4,000 hospitals and health centers Americares supports worldwide as a result." Americares first shipment through the Containers of Hope program is on the way to Ghana , where Americares partners with a local organization to support 250 hospitals, clinics and health centers. The shipment contains more than 15 tons of medical aid, including antibiotics, intravenous fluids and medical supplies. In addition, Americares has aid shipments headed to the Dominican Republic , Lebanon and Liberia thanks to the Containers of Hope program. "These first shipments are an example of our Foundation's commitment to humanitarian efforts. We are pleased to put the CMA CGM Group's assets at the service of Americares and help improve the health of those affected by poverty or disaster," said CMA CGM Foundation President Tanya Saade Zeenny . Americares previously benefited from donated freight from CMA CGM subsidiary, American President Lines (APL), receiving free transport for more than 250 containers from 2012 to 2021. Americares helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; increase accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of medicine and medical supplies; improve and expand health services; and prevent disease and promote good health. Since it was established more than 40 years ago, Americares has provided $22 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States. Since its inception in 2012, the CMA CGM Foundation Containers of Hope program has developed a real expertise in humanitarian logistics and has shipped more than 35,000 tons of aid to 70 countries at no cost to nonprofit partners. About Americares: Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster. Each year, Americares reaches 85 countries on average, including the United States , with life-changing health programs, medicine, medical supplies, and emergency aid. Americares is one of the world's leading nonprofit providers of donated medicine and medical supplies. For more information, visit americares.org. About the CMA CGM Foundation: Established in 2005, the CMA CGM Foundation is chaired by Tanya Saade Zeenny . It is committed to working for "Education for All," has supported since its inception close to 400 projects, which have benefited tens of thousands of children. With its focus on humanitarian and societal challenges facing many countries, it has also run the Containers of Hope operation since 2012. Thanks to this massive transport operation, major humanitarian organizations are able to ship equipment for humanitarian relief at no cost via the CMA CGM Group's lines. Learn more: CMA CGM Foundation. Follow on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . MEDIA CONTACTS: Jacqueline Serna , Americares [email protected] Jennifer Petrisko , CMA CGM [email protected] [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americares-joins-the-cma-cgm-foundations-containers-of-hope-program-302048010.html SOURCE CMA CGM Chuck Sykes and John Chapman join the board, bringing tremendous industry experience including US Nearshore expertise to support Atento's transformation plan. MADRID , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Atento Luxco 1 ("Atento" or the "Company"), one of the world's largest providers of customer relationship management and business transformation outsourcing (CRM/BTO) services and an industry leader in Latin America , today announced the appointment of two new non-executive board members - Chuck Sykes , the former president and CEO of Sykes Enterprises, and John Chapman , former CFO of Sykes Enterprises. Chuck Sykes has agreed to become Chairman of the Board. From 2004 to 2021, Chuck Sykes was president and CEO of Sykes Enterprises , a publicly traded global business process operator specializing in customer service and digital marketing engagement. During his tenure he led the organization to become one of the leading global brands in the BPO sector, growing the company from 15,000 to 60,000 employees across 22 countries including a highly successful Latin American footprint. His tenure with the company culminated with the successful sale to Sitel in 2021. was president and CEO of , a publicly traded global business process operator specializing in customer service and digital marketing engagement. During his tenure he led the organization to become one of the leading global brands in the BPO sector, growing the company from 15,000 to 60,000 employees across 22 countries including a highly successful Latin American footprint. His tenure with the company culminated with the successful sale to Sitel in 2021. John Chapman was an operationally focused CFO and has extensive public company experience. He built a dynamic finance team to support the growth of Sykes Enterprises , helping grow the organization to approaching $2B in annual revenues during his tenure and contributing to its successful sale. Chuck Sykes and John Chapman join Anil Bhalla , Timothy Gravely , Mark Nelson-Smith and Dimitrius Oliveira on the current board at a time when Atento has entered an exciting new phase in its business strategy aimed at leading the way to Business Transformation Outsourcing. Dimitrius Oliveira , Atento's Chief Executive Officer, commented that "these appointments to the board will bring great value to the company given their extensive track record in the industry. Their strategic vision and knowledge will complement the capabilities of the board to achieve the objectives and our growth plans." John Chapman said: "I am honored to join the Board at such an exciting time for Atento. I look forward to working closely with Dimitrius and the leadership team, as we focus on long-term success, growth, and financial performance. I strongly support Atento's focus on technological investment for the transformation of the Customer Experience with the employees and clients at the center." Chuck Sykes added: "I am honored to be taking on the role of Chairman and excited about working with the board and executive team to drive the business forward. Our focus remains on delivering best-in-class solutions to our customers and creating value for our stakeholders. I couldn't be more optimistic about the future of Atento." About Atento Atento is the largest provider of customer relationship management and business transformation outsourcing ("CRM BTO") services in Latin America and one of the leading providers worldwide. Atento is also one of the leading providers of nearshoring CRM BTO services for companies operating in the United States . Since 1999, the Company has developed its business model in 17 countries, employing 120,000+ people. Atento has more than 400 clients, to whom it offers a wide range of CRM BTO services through multiple channels. Atento's clients are mostly leading multinational companies in the telecommunications, banking and financial services, healthcare, retail and government sectors. In recent years, the company has been recognized for its excellence by several industry analysts in different regions, including Everest (named as a "star performer" in 2021), Gartner (recognized as a leader for Customer Service BPO in the Magic Quadrant since 2021), Frost & Sullivan (named a leader in CX Outsourcing in Latin America for 2022), or Forbes (selected as one of the 100 best companies to work for in 2023 in Spain ). For more information, visit www.atento.com. Media contact: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atento-expands-board-with-appointment-of-two-new-non-executive-board-members-302047694.html SOURCE Atento S.A. In the news release, Amelia Earhart's Aircraft Believed to be Found by Unconventional Team of Experts, issued 29-Jan-2024 by Deep Sea Vision over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company to include its logo as part of the press release, as well as allow the media contact information to be visible to the public, rather than just for media-only, as originally issued inadvertently. The complete, corrected release follows: Amelia Earhart's Aircraft Believed to be Found by Unconventional Team of Experts Deep Sea Vision Sonar Image May Unlock One of the Greatest Mysteries in Aviation History CHARLESTON, S.C. , Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- After an extensive deep-water search, a talented group of underwater archaeologists and marine robotics experts have unveiled a sonar image that may answer the greatest modern mystery - the disappearance of Amelia Earhart . Amelia Earhart's aircraft believed to be found, potentially solving the great mystery in aviation history Captured westward of Earhart's projected landing point, in a swath of the Pacific untouched by known wrecks, the image reveals contours that mirror the unique dual tails and scale of her storied aircraft. Deep Sea Vision (DSV), a Charleston, South Carolina -based marine robotics company led by CEO Tony Romeo , was pursuing the missing aircraft using the "Date Line theory" of her disappearance nearly 87 years ago. Originally theorized in 2010 by Liz Smith , a former NASA employee and amateur pilot, the Date Line theory attributes Earhart's disappearance to simply forgetting to turn the calendar back one day as she flew over the International Date Line. Smith suggested that Amelia's navigator, Fred Noonan , miscalculated his celestial star navigation by simply forgetting to turn back the date from July 3 to July 2 as they flew across the Date Line, creating a westward navigational error of 60 miles. As a private pilot, DSV's CEO Tony Romeo and his brother Lloyd Romeo believed the idea had merit and began digging deeper into the celestial math Smith had laid out. The Romeos came to believe that after 17 hours of exhausting flying it was quite plausible that Earhart's navigator Fred Noonan could have made such an error. The theory and area described by Smith had never been searched until now. Romeo was not surprised to find the aircraft intact, saying, "We always felt that she [Earhart] would have made every attempt to land the aircraft gently on the water, and the aircraft signature that we see in the sonar image suggests that may be the case." Romeo hopes they can answer that question very soon. "We're thrilled to have made this discovery at the tail end of our expedition, and we plan to bring closure to a great American story." The Deep Sea Vision team, a diverse group of experts, proved that diligent efforts and next-generation technology could take on the monumental task of finding Earhart's Lockheed Electra. For 90 days, the DSV team searched across 5,200 square miles of the Pacific Ocean floor, more than all previous searches combined. Their secret weapon, the HUGIN 6000, is an autonomous underwater marvel, modified by their own hands to outperform any underwater submersible used before. It is the most capable system available in the world, able to reach full ocean depth. DSV further improved the equipment by modifying the side scan sonar to search nearly 1,600-meter-wide swaths instead of the normal 450 meters. The changes were made possible by DSV President of Operations, Craig Wallace , who Romeo recruited directly from the sonar manufacturer to help put the expedition together. The team launched the expedition out of a tiny island in the Pacific Ocean about a four-day cruise from where the discovery was made. Each dive of the sonar equipment lasted nearly two days and collected several terabytes of data scanning the sea floor. The international team worked around the clock, analyzing the imagery using cutting edge software that was being written as the mission went along. Their discovery, made at the conclusion of the expedition, was a testament to technological triumph and the unyielding pursuit of closure for an American icon. Earhart's fate has been the source of speculation and conspiracy theories since her mysterious disappearance in 1937. She remains a defining icon of her generation, women's rights and a pioneering spirit of early aviation. DSV believes they are one step away from closure to this great mystery and will be keeping all other information, including the exact location, strictly confidential. While Romeo is very optimistic about their find, he acknowledges that there was a great deal of internal debate about whether to release the sonar image publicly. Many prominent authorities have been working to validate DSV's findings, including Dorothy Cochrane , Aeronautics Curator at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, who stated, "We are intrigued with DSV's initial imagery and believe it merits another expedition in the continuing search for Amelia Earhart's aircraft near Howland Island ." Unlocking the mystery of Earhart's whereabouts is one of several projects for Romeo and Deep Sea Vision. The investment they spent to launch the company is already leading to more exciting projects. DSV has already concluded a yet to be announced project in the Pacific and is currently providing their technology for a longer-term project in Australia . About Deep Sea Vision Deep Sea Vision is a marine robotics company specializing in deep ocean exploration and survey. With the latest variant of the HUGIN 6000, Deep Sea Vision owns the most advanced autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) commercially available. Deep Sea Vision was founded by Tony Romeo , a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, and led by Operations Chief, Craig Wallace , who was the former HUGIN product manager at Kongsberg Maritime. Deep Sea Vision is aiming to become the market leader in mineral exploration and habitat mapping over the next decade. CONTACT: Peter LaMotte , [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amelia-earharts-aircraft-believed-to-be-found-by-unconventional-team-of-experts-302047045.html SOURCE Deep Sea Vision Seasoned Franchise Executive to Drive Next Era of Growth for the Service-Based Brands TORONTO , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Blo Blow Dry Bar, North America's original blow dry bar and blow dry bar franchise, and LashKind, an innovative brow and lash franchise concept, announces the appointment of Corey Wilde as Vice President of Franchise Development. With the franchise brands rooted in booming industries, both are poised for momentous growth. Wilde comes from 25 years of leadership experience in franchise development for both domestic and internationally recognized brands such as Bruster's Ice Cream, Cold Stone Creamery, Kahala Brands, and Togo's Eateries. His fundamental strengths in franchise development include international and multi-unit development, lead generation marketing and prospecting, retail leasing, ground-up retail development, franchise operations, and real estate site selection. "I'm looking forward to bringing the Blo and LashKind brands into urban and suburban markets across the US and Canada ," Wilde said. "Starting a business can be overwhelming, but we do our best to make it fun that's just part of our corporate culture. Sustainable and strategic growth will remain a priority as we align with business savvy entrepreneurs, and utilize a methodical approach to guiding and supporting them through each step of their journey." In his new role with Blo and LashKind, Wilde's primary focus will be to integrate new franchisees into the system and strategically expand the brands' footprints within key US and Canadian markets. He also plans to focus on refining the discovery and awarding process, and usher in new franchisees that prioritize involvement in their communities. In onboarding new franchisees, Wilde will play a significant role in ensuring they're focused on the fundamentals of business ownership, goal setting and profitability while helping existing franchisees grow and broaden their portfolios. With the next wave of growth underway, company leadership has identified the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest regions as prime growth markets for the brands. As a category disruptor, prospects are looking to stake their claim within Blo Blow Dry Bar's available territories. With a proven business model that offers multiple revenue streams, LashKind serves as the ideal opportunity for those wanting to enter the franchise space. "With Corey's previous experience, we know he will play a pivotal role in driving our next era of growth," said Vanessa Yakobson , CEO of Blo Blow Dry Bar and LashKind. "His background and experience in growing brands speaks volumes to the value he brings. As we look to the future, we are confident that Corey is the right fit for our leadership team and will deliver positive franchise development results." Just at the start of the runway, the global salon services market is currently valued at $230.6B and expected to experience continuous growth. With consumers placing a greater focus on experience, the Blo Blow Dry Bar and LashKind business models are primed to match their growing demands. Blo Blow Dry Bar has 150 locations nationwide while emerging brand LashKind has five locations in various stages of development. Blo Blow Dry Bar and LashKind are currently seeking single and multi-unit operators to join both brand's rapid expansions. For more information about Blo's franchise opportunities visit franchise.blomedry.com, and for more on LashKind's franchise opportunities, visit lashkindfranchise.com/contact-us . About Blo Blow Dry Bar Blo Blow Dry Bar is North America's original blow dry bar and the world's largest blow dry bar franchise. The company transformed beauty norms and reinvented the salon industry when it launched the "no cuts, no color" concept: only blow outs. Since opening its first location in Canada in 2007, Blo has grown to over 150 locations across the U.S. and Canada and continues to expand rapidly. The brand has also evolved over time, adding makeup services, a membership program, and quality retail products to its bars. With a mission to enhance the lives of those in the community through the power of flawless blow outs and beauty services, Blo Blow Dry Bar offers perfectly styled hair and exceptional customer experiences seven days a week. For more information visit www.blomedry.com. About LashKind LashKind is an innovative brow and lash franchise concept, grounded in the success of Canadian-based MYNC Beauty Inc. (founded in 2011) and brought to you by the team behind the category disruptor, Blo Blow Dry Bar. With a proven business model in a booming industry, LashKind is designed to stand out and set franchisees up for success. As a collective of beauty lovers, LashKind's mission is to make guests look and feel beautiful by providing fun and fabulous bar environments, expertly-delivered services and high-quality products, while helping ensure guests' natural lashes and brows remain healthy. To learn more, visit lashkindfranchise.com . Media Contact: Paige Stark , Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/corey-wilde-joins-blo-blow-dry-bar-and-lashkind-as-new-vice-president-of-franchise-development-302047794.html SOURCE Blo Blow Dry Bar DETROIT , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported fourth-quarter 2023 revenue of $43.0 billion , net income attributable to stockholders of $2.1 billion and EBIT-adjusted of $1.8 billion . GM reported full-year 2023 revenue of $171.8 billion , net income attributable to stockholders of $10.1 billion and EBIT-adjusted of $12.4 billion . The chart below summarizes GM's 2023 financial guidance and 2023 results, as well as the company's 2024 guidance, which is for a year of strong financial performance. Final 2023 Guidance 2023 Results 2024 Guidance Net income attributable to stockholders $9.1 billion - $9.7 billion $10.1 billion $9.8 billion - $11.2 billion EBIT-adjusted $11.7 billion - $12.7 billion $12.4 billion $12.0 billion - $14.0 billion Automotive operating cash flow $19.5 billion - $21.0 billion $20.8 billion $18.0 billion - $21.0 billion Adjusted automotive free cash flow $10.5 billion - $11.5 billion $11.7 billion $8.0 billion - $10.0 billion EPS-diluted* $6.52 - $7.02 $7.32 $8.50 - $9.50 EPS-diluted-adjusted* $7.20 - $7.70 $7.68 $8.50 - $9.50 *2024 guidance includes an estimated $1.45 per share impact from the company's accelerated share repurchase program (initiated in November 2023 ) based on current share price and offset by $0.50 from a higher tax rate and lower interest income. It assumes a full-year weighted-average diluted share count slightly below 1.15 billion shares. GM's 2024 financial guidance includes anticipated capital spending of $10.5 billion - $11.5 billion , inclusive of investments in the company's battery cell manufacturing joint ventures. Conference Call for Investors and Analysts GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra and GM Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson will host a conference call for the investment community at 8:30 a.m. ET today to discuss these results. Conference call details are as follows: 1-800-857-9821 ( U.S. ) ) 1-517-308-9481 (international/caller-paid) Conference call passcode: General Motors An audio replay will be available on the GM Investor Relations website in the Events section. Visit the GM Investor Relations website to download the company's earnings deck and GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra's letter to shareholders . Results Overview Three Months Ended $M except per share amounts December 31 , 2023 December 31 , 2022 Change % Change Revenue $ 42,980 $ 43,108 $ (128) (0.3) % Net income attributable to stockholders $ 2,102 $ 1,999 $ 103 5.2 % EBIT-adjusted $ 1,757 $ 3,799 $ (2,042) (53.8) % Net income margin 4.9 % 4.6 % 0.3 ppts 6.5 % EBIT-adjusted margin 4.1 % 8.8 % (4.7) ppts (53.4) % Automotive operating cash flow $ 4,688 $ 7,488 $ (2,800) (37.4) % Adjusted automotive free cash flow $ 1,341 $ 4,460 $ (3,119) (69.9) % EPS-diluted(a) $ 1.59 $ 1.39 $ 0.20 14.4 % EPS-diluted-adjusted(a) $ 1.24 $ 2.12 $ (0.88) (41.5) % GMNA EBIT-adjusted $ 2,011 $ 3,654 $ (1,643) (45.0) % GMNA EBIT-adjusted margin 5.7 % 10.3 % (4.6) ppts (44.7) % GMI EBIT-adjusted $ 269 $ 272 $ (3) (1.1) % China equity income $ 93 $ 201 $ (108) (53.7) % GM Financial EBT-adjusted $ 707 $ 775 $ (68) (8.8) % __________ (a) EPS-diluted and EPS-diluted-adjusted include a $(0.05) impact from revaluation on equity investments in the three months ended December 31, 2023 . Years Ended $M except per share amounts December 31 , 2023 December 31 , 2022 Change % Change Revenue $ 171,842 $ 156,735 $ 15,107 9.6 % Net income attributable to stockholders $ 10,127 $ 9,934 $ 193 1.9 % EBIT-adjusted $ 12,357 $ 14,474 $ (2,117) (14.6) % Net income margin 5.9 % 6.3 % (0.4) ppts (6.3) % EBIT-adjusted margin 7.2 % 9.2 % (2.0) ppts (21.7) % Automotive operating cash flow $ 20,828 $ 19,094 $ 1,734 9.1 % Adjusted automotive free cash flow $ 11,666 $ 10,466 $ 1,200 11.5 % EPS-diluted(a) $ 7.32 $ 6.13 $ 1.19 19.4 % EPS-diluted-adjusted(a) $ 7.68 $ 7.59 $ 0.09 1.2 % GMNA EBIT-adjusted $ 12,306 $ 12,988 $ (682) (5.3) % GMNA EBIT-adjusted margin 8.7 % 10.1 % (1.4) ppts (13.9) % GMI EBIT-adjusted $ 1,210 $ 1,143 $ 67 5.9 % China equity income $ 446 $ 677 $ (231) (34.1) % GM Financial EBT-adjusted $ 2,985 $ 4,076 $ (1,091) (26.8) % __________ (a) EPS-diluted and EPS-diluted-adjusted include a $(0.10) and $(0.13) impact from revaluation on equity investments in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. General Motors (NYSE: GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet , Buick , GMC , Cadillac , Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar , a global leader in safety services and connected vehicle technology, can be found at https://www.gm.com . Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements: This press release and related comments by management may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact and represent our current judgment about possible future events. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially due to a variety of factors, many of which are described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. 2023 Guidance Reconciliations The following table reconciles expected Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to expected EBIT-adjusted (dollars in billions): Year Ending December 31, 2023 Net income attributable to stockholders $ 9.1-9.7 Income tax expense 1.4-1.8 Automotive interest income, net (0.1) Adjustments(a) 1.3 EBIT-adjusted $ 11.7-12.7 The following table reconciles expected automotive net cash provided by operating activities under U.S. GAAP to expected adjusted automotive free cash flow (dollars in billions): Year Ending December 31, 2023 Net automotive cash provided by operating activities $ 19.5-21.0 Less: Capital expenditures 10.3-10.8 Adjustments(a) 1.3 Adjusted automotive free cash flow $ 10.5-11.5 The following table reconciles expected EPS-diluted under U.S. GAAP to expected EPS-diluted-adjusted: Year Ending December 31, 2023 Diluted earnings per common share $ 6.52-7.02 Adjustments(a) 0.68 EPS-diluted-adjusted $ 7.20-7.70 ________ (a) Adjustments as of September 30, 2023 . Includes adjustments related to our Buick dealer strategy, voluntary separation program and GM Korea wage litigation. See our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 , for full details. We do not consider the potential future impact of adjustments on our expected financial results. 2024 Guidance Reconciliations The following table reconciles expected Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to expected EBIT-adjusted (dollars in billions): Year Ending December 31, 2024 Net income attributable to stockholders $ 9.8-11.2 Income tax expense 2.1-2.7 Automotive interest expense, net 0.1 EBIT-adjusted(a) $ 12.0-14.0 The following table reconciles expected automotive net cash provided by operating activities under U.S. GAAP to expected adjusted automotive free cash flow (dollars in billions): Year Ending December 31, 2024 Net automotive cash provided by operating activities $ 18.0-21.0 Less: Capital expenditures 10.0-11.0 Adjusted automotive free cash flow(a) $ 8.0-10.0 __________ (a) We do not consider the potential future impact of adjustments on our expected financial results. General Motors Company and Subsidiaries1 Combining Income Statement Information (In millions) (Unaudited) Year Ended December 31, 2023 Year Ended December 31, 2022 Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Combined Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Combined Net sales and revenue Automotive $ 157,667 $ 102 $ $ (110) $ 157,658 $ 143,974 $ 102 $ $ (101) $ 143,975 GM Financial 14,225 (41) 14,184 12,766 (6) 12,760 Total net sales and revenue 157,667 102 14,225 (151) 171,842 143,974 102 12,766 (107) 156,735 Costs and expenses Automotive and other cost of sales 138,254 3,088 (12) 141,330 124,317 2,576 (2) 126,892 GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses 11,376 (2) 11,374 8,864 (2) 8,862 Automotive and other selling, general and administrative expense 9,349 493 (2) 9,840 9,902 766 (1) 10,667 Total costs and expenses 147,603 3,581 11,376 (16) 162,544 134,219 3,342 8,864 (5) 146,421 Operating income (loss) 10,064 (3,479) 2,848 (135) 9,298 9,755 (3,240) 3,903 (102) 10,315 Automotive interest expense 928 33 (49) 911 986 5 (5) 987 Interest income and other non-operating income, net 1,345 107 (1) 86 1,537 1,282 48 (1) 103 1,432 Equity income (loss) 342 138 480 663 173 837 Income (loss) before income taxes 10,823 (3,405) 2,985 10,403 10,713 (3,197) 4,076 5 11,597 Income tax expense (benefit) 563 1,888 Net income (loss) 9,840 9,708 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 287 226 Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders $ 10,127 $ 9,934 Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 10,022 $ 8,915 ________ 1 Certain columns and rows may not add due to rounding. Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Unaudited) The following table summarizes basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31 , 2023 December 31 , 2022 December 31 , 2023 December 31 , 2022 Basic earnings per share Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders $ 2,102 $ 1,999 $ 10,127 $ 9,934 Less: cumulative dividends on subsidiary preferred stock(a) (26) (12) (106) (1,019) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 2,076 $ 1,987 $ 10,022 $ 8,915 Weighted-average common shares outstanding 1,302 1,415 1,364 1,445 Basic earnings per common share $ 1.59 $ 1.40 $ 7.35 $ 6.17 Diluted earnings per share Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders diluted $ 2,076 $ 1,987 $ 10,022 $ 8,915 Weighted-average common shares outstanding diluted 1,307 1,425 1,369 1,454 Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.59 $ 1.39 $ 7.32 $ 6.13 Potentially dilutive securities(b) 23 10 23 10 __________ (a) Includes a $909 million deemed dividend related to the redemption of Cruise preferred shares from SoftBank for the year ended December 31, 2022 and an insignificant amount in participating securities income from a subsidiary in the year ended December 31, 2022 and in the three months ended December 31, 2022 . (b) Potentially dilutive securities attributable to outstanding stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) at December 31, 2023 and 2022, were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the securities would have had an antidilutive effect. Combining Balance Sheet Information (In millions, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Combined Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Combined ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 12,228 $ 1,344 $ 5,282 $ $ 18,853 $ 13,629 $ 1,519 $ 4,005 $ $ 19,153 Marketable debt securities 7,613 7,613 10,760 1,390 12,150 Accounts and notes receivable, net(a) 11,814 1,891 (1,327) 12,378 11,910 2,114 (691) 13,333 GM Financial receivables, net 39,246 (170) 39,076 33,811 (188) 33,623 Inventories 16,467 (6) 16,461 15,369 (2) 15,366 Other current assets(b) 1,994 466 5,205 (428) 7,238 2,009 347 4,912 (442) 6,825 Total current assets 50,115 1,809 51,624 (1,931) 101,618 53,677 3,256 44,842 (1,324) 100,451 Non-current Assets GM Financial receivables, net(d) 45,391 (348) 45,043 40,702 (112) 40,591 Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates 8,943 1,670 10,613 8,511 1,665 10,176 Property, net 50,104 93 124 50,321 45,011 98 140 45,248 Goodwill and intangible assets, net 2,793 715 1,354 4,862 2,877 727 1,341 4,945 Equipment on operating leases, net 30,582 30,582 32,701 32,701 Deferred income taxes 21,722 1,723 (1,106) 22,339 20,348 1,108 (917) 20,539 Other assets(c) 6,869 215 1,140 (538) 7,686 7,995 322 1,069 9,386 Total non-current assets 90,430 2,745 79,156 (886) 171,446 84,742 2,254 76,702 (112) 163,586 Total Assets $ 140,546 $ 4,555 $ 130,780 $ (2,817) $ 273,064 $ 138,419 $ 5,510 $ 121,544 $ (1,436) $ 264,037 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable (principally trade)(a) $ 27,846 $ 185 $ 1,136 $ (1,054) $ 28,114 $ 27,307 $ 146 $ 712 $ (679) $ 27,486 Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Automotive(a) 591 272 (435) 428 2,144 13 (198) 1,959 GM Financial 38,540 38,540 36,819 36,819 Cruise 6 (6) 2 (2) Accrued liabilities(b) 21,468 590 5,741 (436) 27,364 18,662 612 6,081 (445) 24,910 Total current liabilities 49,906 1,053 45,417 (1,931) 94,445 48,113 772 43,612 (1,324) 91,173 Non-current Liabilities Long-term debt Automotive(c) 15,979 544 (538) 15,985 15,879 6 15,885 GM Financial 66,788 66,788 60,036 60,036 Cruise(d) 348 (348) 112 (112) Postretirement benefits other than pensions 4,345 4,345 4,193 4,193 Pensions 6,673 8 6,680 5,692 6 5,698 Other liabilities 13,447 454 2,614 16,515 11,927 465 2,375 14,767 Total non-current liabilities 40,444 1,345 69,409 (886) 110,312 37,691 583 62,417 (112) 100,579 Total Liabilities 90,350 2,399 114,826 (2,817) 204,757 85,804 1,356 106,029 (1,436) 191,752 Noncontrolling interest - Cruise stock incentive awards 118 118 357 357 Equity Common stock, $0.01 par value 12 12 14 14 Additional paid-in capital(e) 18,866 240 1,314 (1,290) 19,130 26,313 90 1,433 (1,409) 26,428 Retained earnings 39,579 (12) 15,823 1 55,391 32,054 1,766 15,429 1 49,251 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (9,066) 1 (1,183) (10,247) (6,552) (2) (1,348) (7,901) Total stockholders' equity 49,391 229 15,954 (1,289) 64,286 51,829 1,855 15,515 (1,407) 67,792 Noncontrolling interests(e) 805 1,809 1,289 3,903 786 1,942 1,407 4,135 Total Equity 50,196 2,038 15,954 68,189 52,615 3,797 15,515 71,927 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 140,546 $ 4,555 $ 130,780 $ (2,817) $ 273,064 $ 138,419 $ 5,510 $ 121,544 $ (1,436) $ 264,037 _________ (a) Eliminations primarily include GM Financial accounts and notes receivable of $0.5 billion due from Automotive; and Automotive accounts receivable of $0.8 billion primarily due from GM Financial and Cruise at December 31, 2023 ; and GM Financial accounts and notes receivable of $0.5 billion due from Automotive accounts payable and Automotive accounts receivable of $0.1 billion due from GM Financial accounts payable at December 31, 2022 . (b) Eliminations primarily related to intercompany asset transfers between Automotive and Cruise for autonomous vehicle (AV) capital. (c) Eliminations related to deferral agreement between Cruise and Automotive as regards to engineering and capital spending incurred by Automotive on behalf of Cruise resulting in a long-term payable for Cruise offset by a long-term receivable for Automotive. (d) Eliminations primarily related to intercompany loans due from Cruise to GM Financial in the year ended December 31, 2023 . (e) Primarily reclassification of GM Financial Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, B and C. The preferred stock is classified as noncontrolling interests in our consolidated balance sheets. Combining Cash Flow Information (In millions) (Unaudited) Year Ended December 31, 2023 Year Ended December 31, 2022 Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Combined Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Combined Cash flows from operating activities Net income (loss) $ 10,102 $ (2,414) $ 2,152 $ $ 9,840 $ 8,509 $ (1,900) $ 3,095 $ 5 $ 9,708 Depreciation and impairment of Equipment on operating leases, net 4,904 4,904 4,839 4,839 Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges on Property, net 6,756 188 40 6,984 6,346 55 49 6,451 Foreign currency remeasurement and transaction (gains) losses 344 5 349 173 (1) 172 Undistributed earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates, net 295 (50) 245 225 (32) 193 Pension contributions and OPEB payments (1,099) (1,100) (790) (790) Pension and OPEB income, net 89 2 90 (1,190) 1 (1,189) Provision (benefit) for deferred taxes (305) (991) 256 (1,041) 1,247 (1,297) 475 425 Change in other operating assets and liabilities(a) 3,376 637 846 (3,037) 1,822 2,363 1,067 (1,263) (5,144) (2,977) Other operating activities(c) 1,272 658 (1,493) (1,601) (1,163) 2,211 243 (1,688) (1,556) (790) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 20,828 (1,921) 6,662 (4,638) 20,930 19,094 (1,832) 5,476 (6,695) 16,043 Cash flows from investing activities Expenditures for property (10,684) (63) (24) (198) (10,970) (9,007) (197) (44) 10 (9,238) Available-for-sale marketable securities, acquisitions (3,940) (490) (4,429) (8,511) (3,326) (11,837) Available-for-sale marketable securities, liquidations 7,443 1,902 9,345 4,565 3,506 (14) 8,057 Purchases of finance receivables(a) (38,593) 3,214 (35,379) (39,113) 5,139 (33,974) Principal collections and recoveries on finance receivables 28,343 4 28,346 27,017 (129) 26,887 Purchases of leased vehicles (13,640) (13,640) (11,949) (11,949) Proceeds from termination of leased vehicles 13,033 13,033 14,234 14,234 Other investing activities(b) (1,505) 536 (969) (4,544) (151) 4,633 (62) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (8,686) 1,349 (10,882) 3,556 (14,663) (17,497) (17) (10,006) 9,638 (17,882) Cash flows from financing activities Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt (6) (150) (156) 40 333 373 Proceeds from issuance of debt (original maturities greater than three months) 24 228 50,940 (228) 50,963 2,255 99 43,557 (99) 45,813 Payments on debt (original maturities greater than three months) (1,644) (33) (43,001) 3 (44,675) (1,631) (1) (37,925) (50) (39,606) Payments to purchase common stock (11,115) (11,115) (2,514) 14 (2,500) Issuance (redemption) of subsidiary stock(b) 493 (493) 2,419 (4,541) (2,121) Dividends paid(c) (479) (1,919) 1,800 (597) (265) (58) (1,819) 1,745 (397) Other financing activities (336) (292) (146) (774) (363) (668) (134) (13) (1,178) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (13,555) 396 5,724 1,082 (6,353) (2,478) 1,791 4,014 (2,943) 383 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (15) 69 54 (147) 9 (138) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (1,437) (167) 1,573 (31) (1,028) (59) (507) (1,594) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 13,746 1,526 6,676 21,948 14,774 1,584 7,183 23,542 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 12,310 $ 1,359 $ 8,249 $ $ 21,917 $ 13,746 $ 1,526 $ 6,676 $ $ 21,948 _________ (a) Includes eliminations of $3.0 billion and $5.0 billion in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 for purchases/collections of wholesale finance receivables resulting from vehicles sold by GM to dealers that have arranged their inventory floor plan financing through GM Financial. (b) Includes eliminations of $0.5 billion and $2.4 billion in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 for Automotive investment in Cruise and reclassifications of $2.1 billion in the year ended December 31, 2022 for purchase of Cruise preferred shares from SoftBank. (c) Eliminations include dividends issued by GM Financial to Automotive in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The following tables summarize key financial information by segment (dollars in millions): GMNA GMI Corporate Eliminations Total Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Total Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 Net sales and revenue $ 35,231 $ 3,938 $ 96 $ 39,264 $ 25 $ 3,743 $ (53) $ 42,980 Expenditures for property $ 3,437 $ 173 $ 3 $ $ 3,613 $ 13 $ 4 $ 77 $ 3,706 Depreciation and amortization $ 1,602 $ 165 $ 5 $ $ 1,771 $ 10 $ 1,217 $ $ 2,999 Impairment charges $ $ $ $ $ $ 209 $ $ $ 209 Equity income (loss)(a)(b) $ 106 $ 92 $ $ $ 198 $ $ 27 $ $ 225 GMNA GMI Corporate Eliminations Total Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Total Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 Net sales and revenue $ 35,471 $ 4,319 $ 44 $ 39,834 $ 25 $ 3,277 $ (28) $ 43,108 Expenditures for property $ 2,914 $ 311 $ 10 $ $ 3,235 $ 57 $ 16 $ (4) $ 3,304 Depreciation and amortization $ 1,401 $ 124 $ 5 $ $ 1,531 $ 14 $ 1,223 $ $ 2,767 Impairment charges $ $ 1 $ $ $ 1 $ $ $ $ 1 Equity income (loss)(a) $ (4) $ 200 $ $ $ 197 $ $ 25 $ $ 222 GMNA GMI Corporate Eliminations Total Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Total Year Ended December 31, 2023 Net sales and revenue $ 141,445 $ 15,949 $ 273 $ 157,667 $ 102 $ 14,225 $ (151) $ 171,842 Expenditures for property $ 10,147 $ 522 $ 15 $ $ 10,684 $ 63 $ 24 $ 198 $ 10,970 Depreciation and amortization $ 6,146 $ 589 $ 21 $ $ 6,755 $ 38 $ 4,944 $ $ 11,737 Impairment charges $ $ $ $ $ $ 209 $ $ $ 209 Equity income (loss)(a)(b) $ 196 $ 440 $ $ $ 635 $ $ 138 $ $ 773 GMNA GMI Corporate Eliminations Total Automotive Cruise GM Financial Reclassifications/ Eliminations Total Year Ended December 31, 2022 Net sales and revenue $ 128,378 $ 15,420 $ 177 $ 143,974 $ 102 $ 12,766 $ (107) $ 156,735 Expenditures for property $ 8,280 $ 706 $ 20 $ $ 9,007 $ 197 $ 44 $ (10) $ 9,238 Depreciation and amortization $ 5,800 $ 513 $ 21 $ $ 6,335 $ 53 $ 4,888 $ $ 11,276 Impairment charges $ 11 $ 1 $ $ $ 12 $ $ $ $ 12 Equity income (loss)(a) $ (9) $ 672 $ $ $ 663 $ $ 173 $ $ 837 ________ (a) Includes Automotive China equity income of $93 million and $201 million in the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and $446 million and $677 million in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. (b) Equity earnings related to Ultium Cells Holdings LLC are presented in Automotive and other cost of sales as this entity is integral to the operations of our business by providing battery cells for our electric vehicles. Equity earnings related to Ultium Cells Holdings LLC were $102 million in the three months ended December 31, 2023 and $293 million in the year ended December 31, 2023 . General Motors Company and Subsidiaries Supplemental Material1 (Unaudited) General Motors Company (GM) uses both generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and non-GAAP financial measures for operational and financial decision making, and to assess Company and segment business performance. Our non-GAAP measures include: earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)-adjusted, presented net of noncontrolling interests; earnings before income taxes (EBT)-adjusted for our General Motors Financial Company, Inc. (GM Financial) segment; earnings per share (EPS)-diluted-adjusted; effective tax rate-adjusted (ETR-adjusted); return on invested capital-adjusted (ROIC-adjusted) and adjusted automotive free cash flow. GM's calculation of these non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to potential differences between companies in the method of calculation. As a result, the use of these non-GAAP measures has limitations and should not be considered superior to, in isolation from, or as a substitute for, related U.S. GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures allow management and investors to view operating trends, perform analytical comparisons and benchmark performance between periods and among geographic regions to understand operating performance without regard to items we do not consider a component of our core operating performance. Furthermore, these non-GAAP measures allow investors the opportunity to measure and monitor our performance against our externally communicated targets and evaluate the investment decisions being made by management to improve ROIC-adjusted. Management uses these measures in its financial, investment and operational decision-making processes, for internal reporting and as part of its forecasting and budgeting processes. Further, our Board of Directors uses certain of these and other measures as key metrics to determine management performance under our performance-based compensation plans. For these reasons, we believe these non-GAAP measures are useful for our investors. EBIT-adjusted (Most comparable GAAP measure: Net income attributable to stockholders) EBIT-adjusted is presented net of noncontrolling interests and is used by management and can be used by investors to review our consolidated operating results because it excludes automotive interest income, automotive interest expense and income taxes as well as certain additional adjustments that are not considered part of our core operations. Examples of adjustments to EBIT include, but are not limited to, impairment charges on long-lived assets and other exit costs resulting from strategic shifts in our operations or discrete market and business conditions, and certain costs arising from legal matters. For EBIT-adjusted and our other non-GAAP measures, once we have made an adjustment in the current period for an item, we will also adjust the related non-GAAP measure in any future periods in which there is an impact from the item. Our corresponding measure for our GM Financial segment is EBT-adjusted because interest income and interest expense are part of operating results when assessing and measuring the operational and financial performance of the segment. EPS-diluted-adjusted (Most comparable GAAP measure: Diluted earnings per common share) EPS-diluted-adjusted is used by management and can be used by investors to review our consolidated diluted EPS results on a consistent basis. EPS-diluted-adjusted is calculated as net income attributable to common stockholders-diluted less adjustments noted above for EBIT-adjusted and certain income tax adjustments divided by weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted. Examples of income tax adjustments include the establishment or release of significant deferred tax asset valuation allowances. ETR-adjusted (Most comparable GAAP measure: Effective tax rate) ETR-adjusted is used by management and can be used by investors to review the consolidated effective tax rate for our core operations on a consistent basis. ETR-adjusted is calculated as Income tax expense less the income tax related to the adjustments noted above for EBIT-adjusted and the income tax adjustments noted above for EPS-diluted-adjusted divided by Income before income taxes less adjustments. When we provide an expected adjusted effective tax rate, we do not provide an expected effective tax rate because the U.S. GAAP measure may include significant adjustments that are difficult to predict. ROIC-adjusted (Most comparable GAAP measure: Return on equity) ROIC-adjusted is used by management and can be used by investors to review our investment and capital allocation decisions. We define ROIC-adjusted as EBIT-adjusted for the trailing four quarters divided by ROIC-adjusted average net assets, which is considered to be the average equity balances adjusted for average automotive debt and interest liabilities, exclusive of finance leases; average automotive net pension and other postretirement benefits (OPEB) liabilities; and average automotive net income tax assets during the same period. Adjusted automotive free cash flow (Most comparable GAAP measure: Net automotive cash provided by operating activities) Adjusted automotive free cash flow is used by management and can be used by investors to review the liquidity of our automotive operations and to measure and monitor our performance against our capital allocation program and evaluate our automotive liquidity against the substantial cash requirements of our automotive operations. We measure adjusted automotive free cash flow as automotive operating cash flow from operations less capital expenditures adjusted for management actions. Management actions can include voluntary events such as discretionary contributions to employee benefit plans or nonrecurring specific events such as a closure of a facility that are considered special for EBIT-adjusted purposes. The following table reconciles Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to EBIT-adjusted and segment profit (loss) (dollars in millions): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31 , 2023 December 31 , 2022 December 31 , 2023 December 31 , 2022 Net income attributable to stockholders(a) $ 2,102 $ 1,999 $ 10,127 $ 9,934 Income tax expense (857) 580 563 1,888 Automotive interest expense 222 267 911 987 Automotive interest income (308) (215) (1,109) (460) Adjustments Voluntary separation program(b) 130 1,035 Buick dealer strategy(c) 131 511 569 511 Cruise restructuring(d) 478 478 GM Korea wage litigation(e) (30) (106) India asset sales(f) (111) (111) Cruise compensation modifications(g) 1,057 Russia exit(h) 657 657 Patent royalty matters(i) (100) Total adjustments 598 1,168 1,865 2,125 EBIT-adjusted 1,757 3,799 12,357 14,474 Operating segments GM North America (GMNA) 2,011 3,654 12,306 12,988 GM International (GMI) 269 272 1,210 1,143 Cruise (792) (524) (2,695) (1,890) GM Financial(j) 707 775 2,985 4,076 Total operating segments 2,196 4,176 13,806 16,317 Corporate and eliminations(k) (439) (377) (1,448) (1,843) EBIT-adjusted $ 1,757 $ 3,799 $ 12,357 $ 14,474 __________ (a) Net of net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests. (b) These adjustments were excluded because they relate to the acceleration of attrition as part of the cost reduction program announced in January 2023 , primarily in the U.S. (c) These adjustments were excluded because they relate to strategic activities to transition certain Buick dealers out of our dealer network as part of Buick's EV strategy. (d) These adjustments were excluded because they relate to restructuring costs resulting from Cruise voluntarily pausing its driverless, supervised and manual AV operations in the U.S. while it examines its processes, systems and tools. The adjustments primarily consist of non-cash restructuring charges, supplier related charges and employee separation charges. (e) These adjustments were excluded because they relate to the partial resolution of subcontractor matters in Korea . (f) These adjustments were excluded because they relate to an asset sale resulting from our strategic decision in 2020 to exit India . (g) This adjustment was excluded because it relates to the one-time modification of Cruise stock incentive awards. (h) This adjustment was excluded because it relates to the shutdown of our Russia business including the write off of our net investment and release of accumulated translation losses into earnings. (i) This adjustment was excluded because it relates to the resolution of substantially all royalty matters accrued with respect to past-year vehicle sales in 2022. (j) GM Financial amounts represent EBT-adjusted. (k) GM's automotive interest income and interest expense, legacy costs from the Opel/Vauxhall Business (primarily pension costs), corporate expenditures and certain revenues and expenses that are not part of a reportable segment are recorded centrally in Corporate. The following table reconciles diluted earnings per common share under U.S. GAAP to EPS-diluted-adjusted (dollars in millions, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Diluted earnings per common share $ 2,076 $ 1.59 $ 1,987 $ 1.39 $ 10,022 $ 7.32 $ 8,915 $ 6.13 Adjustments(a) 598 0.46 1,168 0.82 1,865 1.36 2,125 1.46 Tax effect on adjustments(b) (180) (0.14) (127) (0.09) (504) (0.37) (423) (0.29) Tax adjustments(c) (870) (0.67) (870) (0.64) (482) (0.33) Deemed dividend adjustment(d) 909 0.63 EPS-diluted-adjusted $ 1,624 $ 1.24 $ 3,028 $ 2.12 $ 10,513 $ 7.68 $ 11,044 $ 7.59 ________ (a) Refer to the reconciliation of Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to EBIT-adjusted and segment profit (loss) for adjustment details. (b) The tax effect of each adjustment is determined based on the tax laws and valuation allowance status of the jurisdiction to which the adjustment relates. (c) In the year ended December 31, 2023 , the adjustment consists of tax benefit related to the release of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets considered realizable in Korea . In the year ended December 31, 2022 , the adjustment consists of tax benefit related to the release of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets considered realizable as a result of Cruise tax reconsolidation. These adjustments were excluded because significant impacts of valuation allowances are not considered part of our core operations. (d) This adjustment consists of a deemed dividend related to the redemption of Cruise preferred shares from SoftBank in the year ended December 31, 2022 . The following table reconciles our effective tax rate under U.S. GAAP to ETR-adjusted (dollars in millions): Years Ended December 31 , 2023 2022 Income before income taxes Income tax expense Effective tax rate Income before income taxes Income tax expense Effective tax rate Effective tax rate $ 10,403 $ 563 5.4 % $ 11,597 $ 1,888 16.3 % Adjustments(a) 1,916 504 2,221 423 Tax adjustments(b) 870 482 ETR-adjusted $ 12,319 $ 1,937 15.7 % $ 13,818 $ 2,793 20.2 % ________ (a) Refer to the reconciliation of Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to EBIT-adjusted and segment profit (loss) for adjustment details. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for these adjustments is included in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The tax effect of each adjustment is determined based on the tax laws and valuation allowance status of the jurisdiction to which the adjustment relates. (b) Refer to the reconciliation of diluted earnings per common share under U.S. GAAP to EPS-diluted-adjusted for adjustment details. We define return on equity (ROE) as Net income attributable to stockholders for the trailing four quarters divided by average equity for the same period. Management uses average equity to provide comparable amounts in the calculation of ROE. The following table summarizes the calculation of ROE (dollars in billions): Years Ended December 31 , 2023 2022 Net income attributable to stockholders $ 10.1 $ 9.9 Average equity(a) $ 72.0 $ 66.6 ROE 14.1 % 14.9 % ________ (a) Includes equity of noncontrolling interests where the corresponding earnings (loss) are included in Net income attributable to stockholders. The following table summarizes the calculation of ROIC-adjusted (dollars in billions): Years Ended December 31 , 2023 2022 EBIT-adjusted(a) $ 12.4 $ 14.5 Average equity(b) $ 72.0 $ 66.6 Add: Average automotive debt and interest liabilities (excluding finance leases) 16.2 17.6 Add: Average automotive net pension & OPEB liability 8.1 9.4 Less: Average automotive net income tax asset (21.1) (21.2) ROIC-adjusted average net assets $ 75.2 $ 72.3 ROIC-adjusted 16.4 % 20.0 % ________ (a) Refer to the reconciliation of Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to EBIT-adjusted and segment profit (loss) for adjustment details. (b) Includes equity of noncontrolling interests where the corresponding earnings (loss) are included in EBIT-adjusted. The following table reconciles Net automotive cash provided by operating activities under U.S. GAAP to adjusted automotive free cash flow (dollars in millions): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31 , 2023 December 31 , 2022 December 31 , 2023 December 31 , 2022 Net automotive cash provided by operating activities $ 4,688 $ 7,488 $ 20,828 $ 19,094 Less: Capital expenditures (3,613) (3,235) (10,684) (9,007) Add: Employee separation costs 53 849 Add: Buick dealer strategy 213 120 674 120 Add: Patent royalty matters 145 Add: GM Brazil indirect tax matters 57 57 Add: Russia exit 31 31 Add: GM Korea wage litigation 26 Adjusted automotive free cash flow $ 1,341 $ 4,460 $ 11,666 $ 10,466 Vehicle Sales GM presents both wholesale and total vehicle sales data to assist in the analysis of our revenue and market share. Wholesale vehicle sales data consists of sales to GM's dealers and distributors, as well as sales to the U.S. government, and excludes vehicles sold by our joint ventures. Wholesale vehicle sales data correlates to GM's revenue recognized from the sale of vehicles, which is the largest component of Automotive net sales and revenue. In the year ended December 31, 2023 , 29.4% of GM's wholesale vehicle sales volume was generated outside the U.S. The following table summarizes wholesale vehicle sales by automotive segment (vehicles in thousands): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 GMNA 782 787 3,147 2,926 GMI 161 180 621 653 Total 943 967 3,768 3,579 Total vehicle sales data represents: (1) retail sales (i.e., sales to consumers who purchase new vehicles from dealers or distributors); (2) fleet sales (i.e., sales to large and small businesses, governments and daily rental car companies); and (3) certain vehicles used by dealers in their business. Total vehicle sales data includes all sales by joint ventures on a total vehicle basis, not based on GM's percentage ownership interest in the joint venture. Certain joint venture agreements in China allow for the contractual right to report vehicle sales of non-GM trademarked vehicles by those joint ventures, which are included in the total vehicle sales we report for China . While total vehicle sales data does not correlate directly to the revenue GM recognizes during a particular period, we believe it is indicative of the underlying demand for GM's vehicles. Total vehicle sales data represents management's good faith estimate based on sales reported by GM's dealers, distributors and joint ventures; commercially available data sources such as registration and insurance data; and internal estimates and forecasts when other data is not available. The following table summarizes industry and GM total vehicle sales and GM's related competitive position by geographic region (vehicles in thousands): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Industry GM Market Share Industry GM Market Share Industry GM Market Share Industry GM Market Share North America United States 3,987 625 15.7 % 3,723 623 16.7 % 15,981 2,595 16.2 % 14,242 2,274 16.0 % Other 944 122 12.9 % 791 106 13.4 % 3,592 460 12.8 % 3,066 406 13.2 % Total North America 4,931 747 15.2 % 4,514 729 16.2 % 19,573 3,055 15.6 % 17,307 2,680 15.5 % Asia/Pacific , Middle East and Africa China (a) 7,236 569 7.9 % 6,333 576 9.1 % 24,976 2,099 8.4 % 23,489 2,303 9.8 % Other 5,654 166 2.9 % 5,239 124 2.4 % 21,941 576 2.6 % 20,253 505 2.5 % Total Asia/Pacific , Middle East and Africa 12,891 735 5.7 % 11,572 699 6.0 % 46,917 2,675 5.7 % 43,741 2,808 6.4 % South America Brazil 679 92 13.5 % 602 88 14.6 % 2,307 328 14.2 % 2,103 291 13.8 % Other 338 30 8.8 % 365 36 10.0 % 1,418 128 9.0 % 1,563 160 10.3 % Total South America 1,016 121 11.9 % 967 124 12.8 % 3,725 456 12.2 % 3,666 451 12.3 % Total in GM markets 18,838 1,604 8.5 % 17,053 1,553 9.1 % 70,215 6,186 8.8 % 64,715 5,939 9.2 % Total Europe 3,972 1 % 3,836 1 % 16,384 2 % 14,234 2 % Total Worldwide(b)(c) 22,810 1,605 7.0 % 20,888 1,553 7.4 % 86,600 6,188 7.1 % 78,949 5,941 7.5 % United States Cars 722 40 5.6 % 716 61 8.5 % 3,054 224 7.3 % 2,814 214 7.6 % Trucks 1,034 321 31.1 % 1,086 347 31.9 % 4,249 1,303 30.7 % 3,974 1,246 31.4 % Crossovers 2,231 264 11.8 % 1,920 215 11.2 % 8,678 1,068 12.3 % 7,454 814 10.9 % Total United States 3,987 625 15.7 % 3,723 623 16.7 % 15,981 2,595 16.2 % 14,242 2,274 16.0 % China (a) SGMS 211 271 870 1,037 SGMW 358 305 1,229 1,266 Total China 7,236 569 7.9 % 6,333 576 9.1 % 24,976 2,099 8.4 % 23,489 2,303 9.8 % __________ (a) Includes sales by the Automotive China Joint Ventures: SAIC General Motors Sales Co., Ltd. (SGMS) and SAIC GM Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd. (SGMW). (b) Cuba , Iran , North Korea , Sudan and Syria are subject to broad economic sanctions. Accordingly, these countries are excluded from industry sales data and corresponding calculation of market share. (c) As of March 2022 , GM is no longer importing vehicles or parts to Russia , Belarus and other sanctioned provinces in Ukraine . As discussed above, total vehicle sales and market share data provided in the table above includes fleet vehicles. Certain fleet transactions, particularly sales to daily rental car companies, are generally less profitable than retail sales to end customers. The following table summarizes estimated fleet sales and those sales as a percentage of total vehicle sales (vehicles in thousands): Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31 , 2023 December 31 , 2022 December 31 , 2023 December 31 , 2022 GMNA 141 159 679 564 GMI 168 138 506 426 Total fleet sales 309 297 1,185 990 Fleet sales as a percentage of total vehicle sales 19.3 % 19.1 % 19.2 % 16.7 % North America capacity two-shift utilization 93.1 % 99.2 % 97.1 % 98.8 % View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gm-releases-2023-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results-and-2024-guidance-302047453.html SOURCE General Motors Company Messdaghi Brings Proven Expertise and Diverse Background to Elevate Security Practices AUSTIN, Texas , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HiddenLayer , the leading security provider for artificial intelligence (AI) models and assets, has welcomed Chloe Messdaghi as its Head of Threat Intelligence. She is focused on sharing the latest Security for AI research, building bridges between ML developers, Security Researchers, Data Scientists, and the CISO communities, and driving growth of the Security for AI category through education. Messdaghi Brings Proven Expertise and Diverse Background to Elevate Security Practices Messdaghi brings with her a proven track record of advising and developing solutions and strategies that have driven vast improvements in security teams. She has extensive knowledge of the industry, coming from multiple tenures in security-based roles, including within security for AI. With a background in politics, working for the Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and as a volunteer for the United Nations, Messdaghi brings a unique perspective to the job. "We are thrilled to bring Chloe on to drive growth not only for HiddenLayer but the category as a whole," said Chris Sestito , Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at HiddenLayer. "Her ability to tap into the MLOps community and drive growth will be invaluable to the HiddenLayer mission." Messdaghi has won numerous awards during her career, including Cybersecurity Woman of the Year, Cybersecurity Advocate of the Year, and has been named a Power Player in the Cybersecurity industry by both SC Media's Women in IT Security and Business Insider. She serves as a board member for The Diana Initiative and is an Advisory Board Member for the Election Security Research Forum. "I am incredibly excited to join HiddenLayer and expand my ability to truly impact the security for AI category," said Messdaghi. "With this new role, I will be able to accelerate AI/ML adoption in a proactive and sustainable way by interacting with the communities at every stage of the ML Ops Lifecycle." Her research, op-eds, and commentary have been featured in numerous outlets, including Forbes, Business Insider, Bloomberg, and TechRepublic. She holds a bachelor's degree in international relations from the University of California at Davis and a MSc in Politics from the University of Edinburgh. About HiddenLayer HiddenLayer, a Gartner-recognized AI Application Security company, helps enterprises safeguard the machine learning models behind their most important products with a comprehensive security platform. Only HiddenLayer offers turnkey security for AI that does not add unnecessary complexity to models and does not require access to raw data and algorithms. Founded in March of 2022 by experienced security and ML professionals, HiddenLayer is based in Austin, Texas . For additional information, including product updates and the latest research reports, visit www.hiddenlayer.com . Contacts Hannah Williams SutherlandGold for HiddenLayer hiddenlayer@sutherlandgold.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hiddenlayer-appoints-chloe-messdaghi-as-head-of-threat-intelligence-302047949.html SOURCE HiddenLayer Leading Home Franchisor Anticipates Remarkable Growth in 2024 as Demand Continues to Surge for Home Franchise Opportunities IRVINE, Calif. , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Home Franchise Concepts, a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises, announced today that they surpassed growth goals in 2023, with nearly 240 territories sold across its entire brand portfolio including, Budget Blinds, The Tailored Closet, PremierGarage, Concrete Craft, AdvantaClean, Kitchen Tune-Up, Bath Tune-Up, Two Maids, Aussie Pet Mobile, and Lightspeed Restoration . Throughout the year, Home Franchise Concepts consistently exceeded quarterly expansion goals, surpassing mid-year development plans by opening 142 locations in the first half of 2023, followed by 121 locations in Q3 and Q4. This expansive growth from the leading home services franchisor stems from an aggressive and driven strategy under the leadership of Andrew Skehan as Chief Executive Officer, focusing on improving technology, targeting smaller markets, and expanding the brand portfolio. Skehan, who joined Home Franchise Concepts as CEO in August 2022 , has been actively collaborating with leadership across each brand within the organization, recognizing growth opportunities, enhancing relationships, and fostering the development of robust teams. A key focus of his leadership has been increasing the use of technology for a higher understanding of sales performance and the inner workings of the family of brands. This has resulted in further refined customer experiences through improved CRM and other technology platforms that analyze data and aid in determining the allocation of resources and funds. By engineering the implementation of such technologies, Paul Ebert , president of Aussie Pet Mobile and Two Maids, was able to satisfy more Aussie Pet Mobile customers and implement changes in the business model to expand its footprint by increasing the number of vans required to open an Aussie Pet Mobile location. Similarly, Budget Blinds' President, Heather Nykolaychuk , used data to kickstart an initiative targeting smaller markets through the addition of partial territories onto existing businesses, providing more growth opportunities for current franchisees and a tiered-size approach to openings. Both Ebert and Nykolaychuk have excelled in driving success and further establishing their respective brand identities under the Home Franchise Concepts portfolio. Home Franchise Concepts also introduced a new brand to its growing portfolio this year. Lightspeed Restoration provides 24/7, world-class service from highly trained technicians to address water and fire damage restoration as well as indoor air quality (IAQ) improvements for residential and commercial properties. Lightspeed quickly expanded across the U.S , with 12 locations currently open and more in the pipeline, as the brand aims to expand in the Southeast and Southwest regions in 2024. "The consistent improvements and developments within Home Franchise Concepts is a reflection of company-wide efforts to provide targeted attention along with innovation and fresh perspectives to each brand," said Jonathan Thiessen , Chief Development Officer of Home Franchise Concepts. "As a recognized leader in franchisee-franchisor relationships and home services, empowering our leadership and trusting them to build effective teams ultimately guides our path to profitability and success." As the company celebrates the success of last year, Home Franchise Concepts is looking forward to a strong 2024 with a goal of nearly $1.4 billion in system-wide sales. Home Franchise Concepts aims to introduce more brands and continue increasing innovative technology to expand its franchise footprint across multiple brands nationwide. To learn more about Home Franchise Concepts and franchise development opportunities, visit https://www.homefranchiseconcepts.com/. About Home Franchise Concepts Home Franchise Concepts , is one of the world's largest franchising systems in the home improvement goods and services space, among the world's largest franchise businesses and a recognized leader in franchisee-franchisor relationships. Home Franchise Concepts' brands including Budget Blinds, The Tailored Closet, PremierGarage, Concrete Craft, AdvantaClean, Lightspeed Restoration , Kitchen Tune-Up, Bath Tune-Up, Two Maids and Aussie Pet Mobile, are supported by more than 2,600 franchise territories in the U.S. and Canada . For information on franchise opportunities, please visit homefranchiseconcepts.com. About JM Family Enterprises JM Family Enterprises, Inc. was founded by automotive legend, Jim Moran in 1968. It is a privately held company with $18 billion in revenue and more than 5,000 associates. Rooted in automotive and united in its strong culture and core values, JM Family is in the business of helping other businesses succeed. As a long-term partner, it is invested in its companies, associates and its communities. Driven by exceptional performance, current subsidiaries are in the automotive, financial services, franchising and specialty distribution industries. Its family of companies includes: Southeast Toyota Distributors, JM&A Group, World Omni Financial Corp. (dba Southeast Toyota Finance), JM Lexus, Home Franchise Concepts, Futura Title & Escrow and Rollease Acmeda. Interact with JM Family on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact: Meghan Bronner Fish Consulting 954-893-9150 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/home-franchise-concepts-exceeds-expansion-goals-in-2023-plans-for-strong-sales-in-the-new-year-302048206.html SOURCE Home Franchise Concepts Apprentices graduate as experienced electricians with no student loans U.S. News & World Report ranks electrician top career for job security HARRISBURG, Pa. , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IEC Pennsylvania, the state chapter of Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), announced it is accepting applications Feb. 14-23 for its next electrical apprenticeship class which starts in September 2024 . IEC Pennsylvania's apprenticeship program covers residential, commercial and industrial construction and electrical wiring. Individuals accepted into the four-year program work full-time as apprentices for electrical contractors and attend employer-paid instructional classes in-person and online. The program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and Pennsylvania Apprenticeship and Training Council. The job outlook for electricians is strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, about 80,000 openings for electricians are projected each year on average through 2031. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked electrician as a top career for job security. The median annual wage for electricians in Pennsylvania was $73,540 as of May 2022 , which is an hourly wage of over $35 not including benefits. This represents a 7.1 percent increase over the median annual wage 12 months prior. "Becoming an electrician provides excellent earning potential and demand for electricians is growing," said IEC Pennsylvania Apprenticeship Coordinator Kristi Wickard . "Apprentices graduate as experienced electricians, not entry-level, and without the burden of student loans. If you are interested in starting a new career or considering a career change, apprenticeship offers the chance to earn while you learn." Applicants for IEC Pennsylvania's apprenticeship program must be age 17 or over and have a high school diploma or their GED. To view all eligibility requirements and apply, visit the "Apprenticeship" page of IEC Pennsylvania's website. Individuals may also call (717) 280-1124 or email [email protected] for more information. IEC Pennsylvania also offers a state-registered pre-apprenticeship program for high school students and individuals who are interested in the electrical field. Pre-apprentices gain hands-on experience in the field and opportunities to shadow electricians as they prepare for the apprenticeship program. IEC Pennsylvania represents merit-shop and independent electrical and systems contractors in all but three of Pennsylvania's 67 counties. ( Beaver , Lawrence and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania are served by IEC Western Reserve based in Youngstown, Ohio .) To learn about IEC Pennsylvania membership, events, apprenticeship opportunities and continuing education programs, visit IECPennsylvania.org. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iec-pennsylvania-accepting-applications-for-paid-electrician-apprenticeships-feb-14-23-for-fall-2024-program-302047062.html SOURCE IEC Pennsylvania WASHINGTON , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspir Senior Living, an ultra-luxury senior living provider, announced today the grand opening of its Leasing Gallery at 1417 22nd Street, NW Washington D.C. , 20037, just a short distance from the renovation site at the historic Fairfax at Embassy Row hotel. The Leasing Gallery will be open to prospective residents to get a preview of the exceptional lifestyle Inspir Embassy Row promises, meet the Executive Director, and virtually explore the property while the renovations take place. Inspir Embassy Row Leasing Gallery 1417 22nd St NW Washington , DC 20037 Open Daily, Call to schedule an appointment Executive Director: Laurie Thomas The Leasing Gallery will include the opportunity for prospective residents to closely examine and interact with the high-end finishes and fine millwork that will be featured throughout the apartments in the community. Visitors to the Leasing Gallery will be able to get a firsthand look at the attention to detail and quality craftsmanship found in the living spaces at Inspir Embassy Row. The opening of the Leasing Gallery marks a significant step towards providing the District's discerning older adults with five-star amenities, fine dining, expert care and culturally-rich programming. On time to meet the increased demand for senior living in the Capitol, Inspir will open its ultra-luxury offering in December 2024 in the heart of Washington D.C.'s prestigious Embassy Row neighborhood. The community will offer assisted living and memory care focused on an independent lifestyle. The one-of-a-kind community on Massachusetts Ave. NW will be 8 stories, 173,932 sq. ft. and feature 174 luxurious private apartments (including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences and a variety of unique and beautifully designed amenity spaces. The property is located in the cultural heart of D.C. - less than two blocks from Dupont Circle Metro, and minutes away from The White House, Pennsylvania Avenue , The Smithsonian Museum, The Philip Collection, and The Anderson House. The property's Executive Director, Laurie Thomas , remarked, "We are thrilled to open the doors to our Leasing Gallery and welcome prospective residents and their families an opportunity to explore the opulence and sophistication that they can expect when they call Inspir their home. Inspir Embassy Row is the perfect setting for older adults seeking the highest standard of living, and our Leasing Gallery showcases the epitome of luxury that awaits them." Inspir Embassy Row already has several early depositors who will be moving into the community next year. One future Inspir resident detailed their enthusiasm stating, "The location is perfect - it's the neighborhood I live in and I did not want to move away from my family and friends, and favorite restaurants. I most look forward to living the Inspir lifestyle and benefitting from the rich social experiences they will offer - it will not just be a new home but a new chapter filled with opportunity." For further information or to schedule a meeting, please contact Laurie Thomas at (202) 293-2100 or visit https://inspirseniorliving.com/senior-living-washington-dc . About Inspir Senior Living (www.inspirseniorliving.com) Inspir Senior Living is a brand under Maplewood Senior Living focused on offering ultra high-end senior living residences in major metropolitan or destination locations. The Inspir brand is the convergence of luxury accommodations, exceptional hospitality, cutting-edge technology, whole-person wellness and world-class care. Inspir's first community was built in Manhattan's Upper East Side and its second is under construction in Washington D.C.'s prestigious Embassy Row neighborhood. For more information, please visit http://www.inspirseniorliving.com or call (202) 293-2100. Media Contact Information: Warschawski Madeline Slezak (410) 367-2700 (484) 574-3528 madeline.slezak@warschawski.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inspr-senior-living-opens-leasing-gallery-in-embassy-row-302048096.html SOURCE Maplewood Senior Living SHANGHAI, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Currently, an exhibition area of over 180,000 square meters has been booked for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), according to a CIIE promotion event. It is expected that the total booked exhibition area for the 7th CIIE will surpass 200,000 square meters by the end of January. The global promotion of the 7th CIIE was launched in December 2023 and is scheduled to last until June 2024. This promotion effort is expected to cover more than 30 countries and regions. The 7th CIIE is due to be held in Shanghai in November 2024. The 6th CIIE saw tentative deals worth a total of 78.41 billion U.S. dollars reached for one-year purchases of goods and services -- a record high. Athens, Georgia street musician John 'Fitz' Burton's song about his dog Spot has become an international sensation in Germany and beyond. ATLANTA , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The single Spot by electronic band Of Love and Lust (OLAL) was released as a benefit song with 100% of proceeds going to the Rescue Me charity operated by World Organization. The Spot music video is available on YouTube. OLAL fans can also find Spot on Spotify, Apple Music, and other services. Every listen generates royalties benefiting the 501c3 Rescue Me charity by World Organization. The creation of Spot spanned four countries. Producer Gareth Jones seamlessly merged this throwback to old time blues rock and roll with a modern electro-pop style. The genius of Gareth Jones is unmistakable, known for his work with eminent artists including Depeche Mode and Erasure. OLAL's 33-year old drummer and multi-instrumentalist Alex Baum will be doing interviews from February 4, 2024 through February 7, 2024 while in Los Angeles for the GRAMMY Awards. About World Organization World Organization is a 501c3 nonprofit charity based in Georgia . Media Contact [email protected], 706-769-9696 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/international-hit-spot-by-depeche-mode-producer-gareth-jones-benefits-world-organizations-rescue-me-charity-302047965.html SOURCE World Organization NEW YORK , Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- J. Safra Real Estate ("JSRE"), the real estate arm of The J. Safra Group (the "Group"), announced today that it will acquire Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, Massachusetts . JSRE's acquisition of this signature property from Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation (AAC) will add to its existing global signature portfolio of high quality, iconic assets including the Gherkin Building in London and 660 Madison Avenue in New York City , among others. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. The Group, with total assets under management of over USD $300 billion , consists of privately-owned banks under the Safra name and investment holdings in asset-based business sectors such as real estate and agribusiness. Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation (AAC), a private real estate firm owned by Ben Ashkenazy , has, from time to time, been successful and strategic partners with JSRE on assets throughout their respective portfolios. Faneuil Hall Marketplace has anchored downtown Boston since its construction in 1827, serving as a commercial hub of the city with a continuously vibrant mix of local business and life. JSRE stated: " Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a tremendous asset and truly the heart of Boston . It is consistent with our real estate portfolio of signature assets. We look forward to working in lockstep with the Boston Planning & Development Agency, the City of Boston and other local constituents to continue the excitement, pride, and success of this world-class destination." "It has been our honor and privilege to have served Faneuil Hall Marketplace , the City of Boston , and the millions of visitors who have enjoyed their experiences at this historic asset," said Joe Press , Chief Operating Officer at Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation. About J. Safra Group The J. Safra Group (the "Group"), with total assets under management of over USD $300 billion , consists of privately-owned banks under the Safra name and investment holdings in asset-based business sectors such as real estate and agribusiness. The Group's banking interests in 160 locations globally, are: Safra National Bank of New York, headquartered in New York City, USA; J. Safra Sarasin, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland ; and Banco Safra , headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil ; all independent from one another from a consolidated supervision standpoint. The Group's real estate holdings, through its real estate arm, J. Safra Real Estate, consist of more than 200 premier commercial, residential, retail and farmland properties worldwide, such as 660 Madison Avenue in New York City and London's iconic Gherkin Building . Its investments in other sectors include, among others, agribusiness holdings in Brazil and Chiquita Brands International Inc. With deep relationships in markets worldwide, the Group is able to greatly enhance the value of businesses which are part of it. There are more than 34,000 employees associated with the Group. About Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation Headquartered in New York City , Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation is a private real estate investment firm focusing on the acquisition, development, asset management and marketing of retail, hotel, and office assets. Ashkenazy Acquisition has acquired over 15 million square feet of retail, hospitality, office, and residential properties, located throughout the United States , Canada , and England . With a portfolio containing more than 100 buildings valued at approximately $12 billion , Ashkenazy Acquisition has a superior performance history in purchasing and managing premier assets worldwide. Ashkenazy Acquisition is comprised of an experienced team of in-house, seasoned professionals, including acquisitions, finance, construction, leasing, development, and marketing. The integrated team of real estate professionals offers exceptional expertise at all levels of the transaction and subsequent management. MEDIA CONTACTS J. Safra Group and J. Safra Real Estate Ross Lovern Kekst CNC [email protected] +1-212-521-4866 Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation Russ Colchamiro Marino. [email protected] +1-646-285-5137 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/j-safra-real-estate-to-acquire-faneuil-hall-marketplace-from-ashkenazy-acquisition-corporation-302047259.html SOURCE J. Safra Group Pringles and Pop-Tarts maker continues to make progress on renewable electricity transformation Announcement represents significant step as part of Kellanova's Better Days Promise to advance sustainable and equitable access to food CHICAGO , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kellanova (NYSE: K), formerly known as Kellogg Company, a global snacks-led powerhouse, is pleased to announce that the maker of Cheez-It and Rice Krispies Treats is on track to reach its goal of creating a climate-positive future, including achieving 100 percent renewable electricity in global Kellanova-owned manufacturing facilities by the end of 2030. This step forward is part of Kellanova's Better Days Promise. 90 percent renewable electricity in North America Today, we are proud to share that our Kellanova-owned North America manufacturing operations* will achieve 90 percent renewable electricity by the end of 2024 through a previously signed virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA). In 2021, the company signed a long-term wind energy VPPA in North America for approximately 360 gigawatt hours of wind electricity annually. The wind farm, located in north central Texas , adds clean energy resources to the community's local grid that is equal to 90 percent of the volume of electricity used across Kellanova's North American manufacturing facilities. "Today's announcement is a big step toward achieving our Better Days Promise goal of 100 percent renewable electricity across our global manufacturing facilities by the end of 2030," said Janelle Meyers , chief sustainability officer, Kellanova. "As a global food company, we have a significant role to play in helping to reduce reliance on limited energy sources across our value chain and creating a positive impact for people and the planet." Renewable electricity across the globe Globally, by the end of 2030 Kellanova aims to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity across owned manufacturing plants through a variety of programs, on-site, VPPAs and renewable energy certificates (RECs)and has made significant progress to that end: In Europe , Kellanova's manufacturing facilities have recently achieved 100 percent renewable electricity to address its operations through the purchase of RECs. Kellanova's European manufacturing facilities have been purchasing RECs since 2016. In addition, the company is in the early stages of a research program partnership with the U.K. government to establish the potential use of green hydrogen as an alternative to natural gas for Kellanova manufacturing facilities in the country. , Kellanova's manufacturing facilities have recently achieved 100 percent renewable electricity to address its operations through the purchase of RECs. Kellanova's European manufacturing facilities have been purchasing RECs since 2016. In addition, the company is in the early stages of a research program partnership with the government to establish the potential use of green hydrogen as an alternative to natural gas for Kellanova manufacturing facilities in the country. In its Asia , Middle East and Africa region, Kellanova has grown the share of renewable electricity from 1 percent in 2018 to 33 percent in 2023 through a variety of solutions, such as the use of solar panels in our owned facilities in India , South Africa , Thailand and Malaysia . , and region, Kellanova has grown the share of renewable electricity from 1 percent in 2018 to 33 percent in 2023 through a variety of solutions, such as the use of solar panels in our owned facilities in , , and . In Latin America , Kellanova's facility in Colombia sources 100 percent renewable electricity through hydroelectric energy. Kellanova measures greenhouse gas emissions and renewable electricity in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The company will report on 2024 progress against its Better Days Promise commitments in its social and environmental report, which will be issued in 2025. *Kellanova North America manufacturing operations encompass facilities in the United States , Canada and one facility in Mexico . About Kellanova Kellanova (NYSE: K) is a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles, and North America frozen foods with a legacy stretching back more than 100 years. Powered by differentiated brands including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats, RXBAR, Eggo, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Coco Pops , and more, Kellanova's vision is to become the world's best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Kellanova is guided by our purpose to create better days and a place at the table for everyone through our trusted food brands. We are advancing sustainable and equitable access to food by addressing the intersection of hunger, sustainability, wellbeing, and equity, diversity & inclusion, with the ambition of creating Better Days for 4 billion people by the end of 2030 (from a 2015 baseline). Visit www.Kellanova.com for more information. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" about sustainability performance and projects. These statements are made on the basis of the Company's views and assumptions at this time and the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements unless required by law. This statement is not a guarantee of future performance; and actual events or results may differ materially from this statement. Investors should consult the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the information set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 , and the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2023 ) for information about certain factors that could cause such differences. Copies of these filings may be obtained upon request from the Company's Investor Relations department or on the Company's web site at https://www.kellanova.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kellanova-set-to-achieve-90-percent-renewable-electricity-across-north-america-in-2024-302048098.html SOURCE Kellanova Led by FTV Capital, with participation from NVIDIA and existing investors, funding will further solidify Kore.ai's leading position in explosive advanced AI market ORLANDO, Fla. , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kore.ai, a leader in enterprise conversational and generative AI platform technology, today announced $150 million in funding. The strategic growth investment was led by FTV Capital, a sector-focused growth equity investor with a successful 25+ year track record investing across enterprise technology, along with participation from NVIDIA and existing investors such as Vistara Growth, Sweetwater PE, NextEquity, Nicola and Beedie. The new funding will accelerate Kore.ai's market expansion and continuous innovation in AI to deliver tangible business and human value at scale. Poised to seize market momentum around putting AI to work The AI market has seen rapid growth and disruption driven by advancements in technology and shifting user expectations. Gartner estimates the conversational AI market to reach $377 billion in revenue by 2032, up from $66 billion in 2023. This reflects an exponential demand for enhanced customer experiences, streamlined business operations and innovative GenAI applications addressing specific business tasks. Kore.ai provides an enterprise-grade no-code platform to help companies of all sizes power business interactions with AI safely and responsibly while driving significant revenue and cost savings. From conversational virtual assistants to generative AI (Gen AI) applications, Kore.ai's differentiated platform offers purpose-built workflows, highly configurable tools and a flexible, open architecture that are recognized as the leading approach by customers and analysts. This gives teams the ability to craft custom solutions or deploy pre-built, domain-trained virtual assistants across multiple industries such as banking, healthcare and retail and across a variety of functional roles such as IT, HR and others, to accelerate time-to-value. "We have been working with advanced AI for a decade now our deep technology expertise and market understanding put us in a prime position to take advantage of the momentum and to do AI right in order to meet growing customer needs," said Raj Koneru , founder and CEO of Kore.ai. "Sitting above the infrastructure layer and LLM chaos, our open approach grants businesses freedom of choice with built-in guardrails for effective AI implementation. As we look to enhance our Gen AI-powered innovations and drive wider adoption across a variety of market segments, we are pleased to have the backing of FTV Capital, a firm that has significant experience in our space and invaluable connections across the enterprise to augment our exciting growth trajectory." "We've spent significant time examining the landscape and evaluating advanced-AI platforms, and Kore.ai clearly stood out with its proven enterprise-grade platform capabilities, visionary leadership, strong R&D focus, established global customer base and clear path to profitability," said Kapil Venkatachalam , partner at FTV Capital. "We're excited to partner with such an experienced and high-caliber team that consistently delivers world-class innovations, and we look forward to leveraging our deep knowledge and network to catalyze Kore.ai's success." Market understanding and expertise across diverse use cases Today, several Fortune 2000 companies across a variety of industry verticals leverage Kore.ai to enhance their customer, employee and contact center agent experiences and drive measurable ROI. Customers include leading financial institutions, such as PNC Bank and large global banks, as well as major brands such as AT&T, Cigna, Coca-Cola, Airbus and Roche. Over the past several years Kore.ai has consistently demonstrated triple-digit year-over-year growth in revenues. The company automates 450 million interactions a day for about 200 million consumers and two million enterprise users worldwide. In addition to domestic growth, Kore.ai's growth has been fueled by rising demand from emerging markets in Asia Pacific , Europe , LatAm and the Middle East . As a result, Kore.ai has added new Global 2000 enterprise customers across major verticals. Kore.ai has been recognized as a leader and an innovator by top analysts, including being named a leader in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Conversational Al Platforms twice in a row. About Kore.ai Kore.ai is a leading provider of advanced AI technology with a decade of experience in helping enterprises realize business value through the safe and responsible use of AI. The company's innovative platform, no-code tools and solutions are used to deliver end-to-end customer and employee experiences from automated to human assisted and to build generative AI enabled applications. Kore.ai takes an open approach allowing companies to choose the LLMs and infrastructure that best meet their business needs. Trusted by over 200 partners and 400 Fortune 2000 companies, Kore.ai helps them navigate their AI strategy. The company has a strong patent portfolio in the AI space and has been recognized as a leader and an innovator by top analysts. Headquartered in Orlando Kore.ai has a network of offices to support customers including in India , the UK , Middle East , Japan , South Korea , and Europe . Visit Kore.ai to learn more. About FTV Capital FTV Capital is a sector-focused growth equity investment firm that has raised $6.2 billion to invest in high-growth companies offering a range of innovative solutions in three sectors: enterprise technology and services, financial services, and payments and transaction processing. FTV's experienced team leverages its domain expertise and proven track record in each of these sectors to help motivated management teams accelerate growth. FTV also provides companies with access to its Global Partner Network, a group of the world's leading enterprises and executives who have helped FTV portfolio companies for two decades. Founded in 1998, FTV Capital has invested in 140 portfolio companies, including Agiloft, BillingPlatform, EBANX, Lean Solutions Group, LogicSource, Neptune Flood Insurance, Patra, PlateIQ, ReliaQuest and Vagaro, and successfully exited/partially exited companies including Enfusion (NYSE: ENFN), Globant (NYSE: GLOB), InvestCloud (recapitalized), RapidRatings (recapitalized), Strata Fund Solutions (acquired by Alter Domus ), VPay (acquired by Optum) and WorldFirst (acquired by Ant Financial). FTV has offices in San Francisco , New York , Connecticut and London . For more information, please visit www.ftvcapital.com and follow the firm on LinkedIn. Media Contact: Kierra Webster kierra.webster@fusionpr.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/koreai-secures-150-million-strategic-growth-investment-to-drive-ai-powered-customer-and-employee-experiences-for-global-brands-302047214.html SOURCE Kore.ai WINDHAM, N.H. , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MD Esthetics is excited to announce the acquisition of InjectZen, an established medical spa serving the North Shore area of Massachusetts . This practice is part of the growing premier MD Esthetics brand which is comprised of eight corporate and franchisee owned practices. MD Esthetics by The Zen Spa , formerly known as The Zen Spa , quickly built their customer base through strong Instagram and social media following. Ashley Penta , the owner of InjectZen trained under Doctor Pedro as the first student of MD Esthetics Academy. Her brand of facial mapping and optimization is aligned with that of MD Esthetics. According to CEO Michael Pedro , MD, "In addition to InjectZen's core values and alignment on clinical excellence, geographically this acquisition allows us to maximize our marketing and business operations efforts by being able to service patients from southern New Hampshire to Worcester , as well as Cape Cod and everything in between. Additionally, this gives us the opportunity to expand MD Esthetics Academy into a new market." According to Ashley, "The decision to merge The Zen Spa and MD Esthetics is driven by a shared commitment to ongoing education, providing the highest quality of care and achieving optimal outcomes for patients. Both brands are industry leaders, and by uniting, we can establish and even higher benchmark of excellence." MD Esthetics intends to implement its business operations and leverage its marketing reach to optimize and significantly grow this new territory. About (MD Esthetics Academy): MD Esthetics Academy is led by Michael Pedro , MD, and Angela Lamothe , APRN. This unique six-month mentorship program sets an unprecedented standard of mentoring and training for highly motivated novice and seasoned injectors. The curriculum consists of an online training portal with over 60 hours of recorded didactic and demonstrations, five in-person workshops, small class sizes and professional mentorship from practicing professionals. All MD Esthetics clinicians must successfully complete the Academy before joining our clinical team. About (MD Esthetics): MD Esthetics, LLC is led by Michael Pedro , MD, a board-certified anesthesiologist, inventor of the SuperNOVA and SuperNO2VA devices, serial entrepreneur and most recently the Chief Medical Officer for Vyaire Medical, a global leader in the respiratory medical device space. MD Esthetics is a renowned medical spa specializing in skincare solutions. With a team of experienced professionals and state-of-the-art technology, they offer personalized solutions to help individuals regain confidence and enhance their well-being. Featuring: Hormone Replacement Therapy, Laser Hair Removal, CoolSculpting, Dermal Fillers, Facial Optimization, and more! MD Esthetics represents the area's highest-quality treatments and customer service. Mdestheticsus.com, mdeacademy.com for academy information, mdestheticsfranchise.com for franchise opportunities. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/md-esthetics-acquires-inject-302048324.html SOURCE MD Esthetics Group EPA-funded initiative seeks community input to support green space design concepts MIAMI , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami Waterkeeper, along with a cohort of local resiliency groups, announced an innovative initiative dubbed the Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project . The project will culminate with six to eight green infrastructure design solutions across urban Miami-Dade County , incorporating numerous opportunities for community involvement and participation. The starting point for this innovative work is an interactive online tool that solicits community input to identify green infrastructure opportunities in underutilized public spaces ripe for revitalization to reduce flooding, excessive heat and habitat loss. The project will also place significant emphasis on improving the resiliency of historically vulnerable communities within Miami-Dade County . "Green infrastructure can improve quality of life for a community, from increasing recreation opportunities to cooling and improving air and water quality, these spaces can also be used to enhance overall community resilience," said Miami Waterkeeper's Executive Director and Waterkeeper, Rachel Silverstein , Ph.D. "The project serves as a confirmation of our mission to make Miami a global leader in climate resilience, grounded in science, rooted in nature, and driven by community." This initiative was enabled through an Environmental Protection Agency grant awarded to Miami Waterkeeper to investigate ways to incorporate green infrastructure into Miami-Dade County's built environment. Together with One Water Academy, Everglades Law Center, the University of Miami College of Engineering, P.E.E.R. Group, and the University of Miami Environmental Justice Clinic, Miami Waterkeeper was also awarded funding from Pisces Foundation to support community engagement in the project. Green infrastructure leverages natural and semi-natural elements such as parking lots, green spaces, trees, wetlands, canal banks, bioswales and other vegetation to create a more sustainable, resilient, and enjoyable urban environment while addressing various environmental challenges. The public is invited to participate in the project by sharing their suggestions through the user-friendly interactive tool , accessible on both your mobile device and desktop. To stay informed about the Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project and upcoming community events, visit the project website at www.miamiwaterkeeper.org/green_infrastructure. About Miami Waterkeeper Miami Waterkeeper is a nonprofit organization that develops local solutions to global challenges. As a leading environmental advocate in South Florida , Miami Waterkeeper focuses on sustainable solutions for clean water, sea level resilience, and habitat protection. For more information about Miami Waterkeeper, visit www.miamiwaterkeeper.org . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/miami-resiliency-groups-launch-green-infrastructure-accelerator-project-302047969.html SOURCE Miami Waterkeeper OMAHA, Neb. and BELGRADE, Maine , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bot Image, Inc., a Nebraska and Maine based Artificial Intelligence medical device company (www.botimageai.com), raised the performance bar with its FDA-cleared AI software ProstatID. The unique trifecta clearance of this software used for prostate cancer detection, diagnosis and screening using non-invasive/non-contrast "short-form" of MRI sequences known as bi-parametric MRI (bpMRI) has demonstrated standalone performance of 93.6% AUROC (area under the sensitivity specificity curve). This is in stark contrast to results reported in recent articles reporting other Prostate AI products. Dr. Randall Jones , Bot Image, Inc. founder and CEO points out that "academic articles that state broadly that there is little to no benefit to using AI in prostate cancer detection; yet, have only tested one such product, are doing a disservice to the industry". He further notes that "not all medical devices or medical software are equivalent and only standardized performance measurements using high quality biological truth data can accurately distinguish them". "Furthermore, if results are not reported in terms of the standalone performance of such software, then it's like comparing apples to oranges. During Bot Image's latest clinical trial utilizing 13 board certified abdominal radiologists reading the same prostate MR image sets with confirmed biological ground truth points, the highest sensitivity-specificity score obtained from the radiology group was a 0.742 compared to the 0.936 attained by the ProstatID software. Bot Image's ProstatID has huge implications for men's health and for costs savings in the healthcare industry by being the perfect tool for early detection, active surveillance, and treatment planning using its output which detects and classifies suspicious lesions with a linearly scaled risk score as well as commonly used PI-RADS case scoring system. Clinical users have also commented that the software significantly reduces their prostate MRI interpretation time by providing them with suspicious lesion "targets" to further focus upon and grade in their clinical reports. So, Jones states "the software has the potential to save the healthcare system billions of dollars by: 1) reducing false positives that end up costing both patient and system significantly via reduction of unwarranted biopsies and/or other treatments; 2) improving early detection; thereby reducing costs associated with more robust cancer treatments due to prevention of advanced disease; and 3) further saving costs associated with use of contrast agents (drug costs and MRI system and staff time) as well as interpretation time. For additional information please visit www.botimageai.com or contact Melanie Jones [email protected]. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-studies-demonstrate-that-bot-images-prostate-cancer-ai-software-outperforms-the-field-302048075.html SOURCE Bot Image Inc. New Business Unit Expands with Solution-Based Approach and Key Industry Hires FORT COLLINS, Colo. , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Otter Products, creator of OtterBox, the No. 1 most trusted smartphone case brand in the U.S., is launching the OtterBusiness brand to support its approach in the B2B marketplace. With this launch, OtterBusiness will serve commercial customers with solutions that expand beyond the case to enhance productivity and efficiency. For more than 25 years, Otter Products has been a trusted partner in the B2B marketplace, offering robust solutions including the uniVERSE case system and the rugged Defender Series. The recent launch of the award-winning Hardline Series for iPad, developed and certified for use in hazardous industrial environments, is an example of the holistic approach the OtterBusiness team will provide to customers in a variety of industries including manufacturing, retail, transportation, education, healthcare and more. "The launch of OtterBusiness is a culmination of years of effort from our engineering, product, marketing and sales organizations," said Berkley Fuller , Chief Commercial Officer at Otter Products. "We are partnering with key OEMs, service providers and customers to define solutions and solve industry-specific pain points. The Hardline Series was engineered in this way to allow mobile technology to be taken into locations where it had not been possible before. Our 2024 CES Innovation Award illustrates the industry demand for more full-service solutions." To support this expansion for Otter Products, the OtterBusiness team has added seasoned industry executives from the B2B marketplace. Tim Wagner joins Otter Products as the SVP of Commercial Sales & GTM and was previously the head of Worldwide Public Sector Go-to-Market at Apple. Prior to Apple, Wagner was the SVP & GM of Enterprise Sales for Samsung Electronics America where he and his team created and grew Samsung Mobile's U.S. B2B revenue to more than $6.5B over 4 years. joins Otter Products as the SVP of Commercial Sales & GTM and was previously the head of Worldwide Public Sector Go-to-Market at Apple. Prior to Apple, Wagner was the SVP & of Enterprise Sales for where he and his team created and grew Samsung Mobile's B2B revenue to more than over 4 years. Justin Varland joins Otter Products as the VP of Commercial Carrier Sales and Strategic Routes to Market. Before joining Otter, Varland was the Apple Lead at Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) and held senior executive roles within the B2B organizations at Apple and Samsung. "End customer requirements have always been front and center at Otter," said Wagner. "Now with the creation of our dedicated commercial organization and the launch of OtterBusiness we are poised to create game-changing differentiation with both our commercial solutions and with how we partner to bring them to market. We are truly reinventing how value-added third parties innovate and jointly execute with OEMs, Carriers and IT Solution Providers." To learn more about OtterBusiness, including scheduling a 1:1 consultation, visit www.otterbusiness.com. About OtterBusiness OtterBusiness is the commercial division of Otter Products, the creator of OtterBox, the No. 1 most trusted smartphone case brand in the U.S. OtterBusiness is dedicated to bold innovation and bringing industry leading solutions for businesses, schools and governments to market. We are committed to activating business solutions that break barriers and empower our customers and partners to unlock their full potential. At the center of every OtterBusiness innovation is a deeper goal to affect positive, lasting change. In partnership with the OtterCares Foundation, OtterBusiness grows to give back by inspiring kids to change the world through entrepreneurship and philanthropy. To learn more about this mission, visit OtterBox.com/GivingBack. For more information, visit OtterBusiness.com. About OtterBox: From humble beginnings in a Fort Collins, Colo. garage, OtterBox now leverages more than 25 years of engineering and design expertise to develop protective products for all things mobile. It's no surprise that OtterBox is the #1 most trusted smartphone case brand in the U.S. From ultra-rugged to sleek and stylish, OtterBox has you covered. Protect it. Style it. OtterBox it. At the center of every OtterBox innovation is a deeper goal to affect positive, lasting change. In partnership with the OtterCares Foundation, OtterBox gives back by inspiring kids to change the world through entrepreneurship and philanthropy. To learn more about this mission, visit otterbox.com/givingback. For more information, visit otterbox.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/otter-products-launches-otterbusiness-in-north-america-302048214.html SOURCE Otter Products LLC Amidst an alarming surge in identity-related crimes, Regula, a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions, calls for heightened vigilance during Identity Theft Awareness Week. RESTON, Va. , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landscape saturated with staggering statistics, the need for innovative solutions to safeguard against the usage of stolen identities becomes more pronounced. The gravity of identity-related crimes is illustrated by the Identity Theft Resource Center's annual report , disclosing a record 3205 data compromises in 2023, marking a seismic 78% increase from the prior year. These breaches facilitated hackers in gaining unauthorized access to the personal information of millions of consumers. Businesses Under Attack The tangible consequences of data breaches can be grasped by spotlighting prominent cases of the year 2023. Shields Healthcare Group, a Massachusetts -based medical services provider, saw the theft of sensitive patient information and confidential data in a breach that affected approximately 2.3 million people. MOVEit Transfer software, a file transfer tool developed by Progress Software, experienced a significant cybersecurity incident impacting over 1,000 victim organizations and more than 60 million individuals . The breach exposed large volumes of often-sensitive data, including pension information, social security numbers, medical records, and billing data. 23andMe, a genetics testing company, faced a significant breach in October 2023 , revealing vulnerabilities in the protection of sensitive genetic and personal information. The breach involved unauthorized access to the "DNA Relatives" feature, exposing personal information of millions. Initially affecting one million users of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and 100,000 users of Chinese descent, the breach later expanded to include records of four million more general accounts. Government Systems at Risk, Too Governments globally face the specter of identity theft threats. Australia's myGov platform , a digital identity hub, has fallen victim to scams totaling US$2 billion this year alone. India's national biometric authentication system weathered 55 hours of downtime , while Bangladesh grappled with vulnerabilities in its online birth registration system due to a leak of national ID card numbers. Anonymous Sudan's cyberattack on Kenya's eCitizen portal resulted in disruptions and alleged passport data theft, emphasizing the global nature of the threat. Next Level of Identity Verification Biometric checks are proliferating in the fight against identity theft, driven by the increasing new threats. As Regula's survey highlights, a third of businesses were hit by deepfake fraud in 2022. Today, biometrics are reshaping the way we approach security. Here are some noteworthy examples of 2023. Apple's Vision Pro introduces iris biometrics for device unlocking. Stadiums across America embrace facial recognition and AI for enhanced fan experiences, ranging from weapons detection to automated concessions. Nightclubs in the UK trial biometric-loaded body cameras, enhancing security with Reveal's digital evidence management system. Airports globally, including Singapore's Changi Airport , adopt biometrics for improved processes. American Express pioneers secure online transactions by adding face and fingerprint biometrics to its SafeKey standard. Intriguing Examples In a unique twist, Australia plans to launch a digital identity system for goats and sheep , with mandatory registration from 2025, potentially preceding a human counterpart. Canadian scientists utilize facial recognition for tracking seals , a fascinating application echoing efforts with sea dragons in Australia . Biofire's biometric handgun introduces facial recognition, which works well in the dark, authenticating users with either face or fingerprints. But of course, most important and widespread is that governments worldwide are advancing digital identity systems, with an estimated 4.9 billion digital identities in use by 2029 . A Piece of Advice for 2024 "In the wake of these breaches, malicious actors seized the opportunity to illicitly access the personal information of millions of consumers, underscoring the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. What can help? First of all, document liveness verification ensures the presence of a real document and the authenticity of an ID by scrutinizing dynamic security features, especially in remote scenarios. Cross-referencing all the data in the document, together with authenticity and biometric checks, makes it possible to identify inconsistencies that may signal fraud. Also, e-documents such as e-passports or eIDs are more secure and difficult to fake than traditional identity documents. That's because the RFID chip holds digitally signed data that can be read and verified with NFC-enabled smartphones and specialized IDV software. Moreover, utilizing "zero trust to mobile" approach, which involves re-verifying the RFID chip on a server in a secured perimeter, ensures the e-document is trustworthy, and the chip is not cloned or its data manipulated" advises Ihar Kliashchou, Chief Technology Officer at Regula. About Regula Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the largest library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies in document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security or speed. Regula was repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in Gartner Market Guide for Identity Verification. Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/regula-urges-awareness-as-identity-theft-soars-to-a-record-3205-data-compromises-302047239.html SOURCE Regula Forensics, Inc SCHAUMBURG, Ill. , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rittal LLC, a global leader in industrial and IT enclosures, introduces the new RiTherm enclosure climate control design platform to simplify and accelerate the design of powerful, sustainable cooling units. The new RiTherm enclosure climate control software offers a variety of exciting new features that can help manufacturers create more sustainable cooling practices. An energy efficiency calculator helps designers balance required enclosure cooling outputs in a variety of environments with an eye toward reducing energy consumption. This calculator also provides critical insight into how manufacturers can reduce their overall carbon footprint without sacrificing cooling output. RiTherm's integrated calculator helps designers determine the ideal cooling outputs based on specific industrial enclosure configurations. This capability allows designers to meet the cooling output requirements and sustainability goals of each individual customer and provide tailored climate control solutions for a variety of industrial applications. This new software operates entirely in the Eplan Cloud. Not only does this completely digitalize cooling unit design in service of creating a more connected ecosystem, but it also makes it faster than before to configure or modify custom, energy-efficient cooling units. The RiTherm tool continues to drive value through prioritizing documentation by generating certificates of heat-dissipation compliance to help save time and money in cooling unit deployment. Engineered for global use, RiTherm is compatible with 15 different languages and features a mobile app to help designers configure efficient cooling solutions on-the-go. For more information, visit rittal.com/us-en_US/Software/RiTherm , or contact us at email: [email protected] , phone: 800-477-4000. Image Caption: With the new RiTherm design software, designers can configure custom cooling units in the Eplan Cloud to help foster a more connected ecosystem. Image may be reproduced. Please name Rittal LLC as the source. About Rittal LLC Founded in 1982, Rittal LLC is the fully owned US subsidiary of Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, and is headquartered in Schaumburg, IL. With a main production facility in Urbana, OH , a dedicated Modification Center in Houston, TX , and logistic hubs in Urbana, OH ; Springfield, OH ; Houston, TX ; Sparks, NV ; and Atlanta, GA , Rittal LLC is fully committed to providing the United States with quality enclosure solutions. Founded in 1961 in Germany , Rittal is a global manufacturer of industrial and IT enclosures, racks, and accessories, including cooling solutions and power management systems for industrial, data center, outdoor, and hybrid applications. As the largest enclosure manufacturer in the world, Rittal provides quality solutions for practically any industrial or IT infrastructure application. Rittal is part of the owner-operated Friedhelm Loh Group along with Eplan. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rittals-new-ritherm-enclosure-climate-control-tool-digitalizes-the-design-of-powerful-sustainable-cooling-units-302048286.html SOURCE Rittal North America LLC A visitor poses for a photo with a panda mascot at the Chinese New Year temple fair in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 28, 2024. Thousands of Ugandans and the Chinese community thronged Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala for a "temple fair," a traditional cultural event that features all kinds of Chinese folk art, followed by a gala evening, to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon, with the Spring Festival falling on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) KAMPALA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The fusion of Chinese and Ugandans in a Tai Chi performance here on Sunday at the Chinese New Year celebration was a sign of the deepening people-to-people ties between the two countries. Thousands of Ugandans and the Chinese community thronged Kololo Independence Grounds in the Ugandan capital of Kampala for a "temple fair," a traditional cultural event that features all kinds of Chinese folk art, followed by a gala evening, to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon, with the Spring Festival falling on Feb. 10 this year. Lion dances and creative performances combining Ugandan and Chinese cultural elements dazzled the audience. The aroma of Chinese cuisine and other exotic dishes filled the place. Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhang Lizhong said the Spring Festival is the most important traditional holiday in Chinese culture, featuring family reunions and good wishes for the coming year. "It not only bears the ideas of Chinese civilization of peace and harmony but also carries the common values of humanity such as harmonious family, social inclusion, and sound relationship between man and nature." He called on the Chinese expatriates in Uganda to "actively fulfill corporate social responsibilities and effectively promote the people-to-people friendship between China and Africa." Henry Okello Oryem, Uganda's minister of state for international affairs, said Africa has a special historical relationship with China, which played a crucial role in helping southern Africa, in particular, to fight colonialism. He said China has financed the construction of major transportation and energy infrastructure projects, which has promoted his country's industrialization as well as social and economic growth. Bruno Ruganzu, a Ugandan visual artist, told Xinhua that artistic activities such as painting and cultural performances are important in promoting understanding among different peoples. "There is a special relationship between Uganda and China, and art is a way to bridge the gap. Art goes beyond language and culture; art is being who we are. By knowing who you are, you can bridge the gap and understand our differences and similarities for the harmony of the universe," Ruganzu said. Magnus Bruun Rasmussen, a Dutch citizen living in Uganda, brought his whole family to the carnival. "It is a great pleasure to come here and visit this festival and experience the culture of China in Uganda. It is a good opportunity to see the exchange of culture between two great nations. We need to know each other's history; we need to know where we come from and what we bring," said Rasmussen. The all-day event was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Federation of Chinese Associations in Uganda. Chinese companies also exhibited their products and services, ranging from heavy machinery to traditional cuisines. Artists from China and Uganda perform at the Chinese New Year's eve gala in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 28, 2024. Thousands of Ugandans and the Chinese community thronged Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala for a "temple fair," a traditional cultural event that features all kinds of Chinese folk art, followed by a gala evening, to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon, with the Spring Festival falling on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) Artists from China and Uganda perform at the Chinese New Year's eve gala in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 28, 2024. Thousands of Ugandans and the Chinese community thronged Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala for a "temple fair," a traditional cultural event that features all kinds of Chinese folk art, followed by a gala evening, to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon, with the Spring Festival falling on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) A Ugandan artist performs at the Chinese New Year temple fair in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 28, 2024. Thousands of Ugandans and the Chinese community thronged Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala for a "temple fair," a traditional cultural event that features all kinds of Chinese folk art, followed by a gala evening, to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon, with the Spring Festival falling on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) Hannah Tumukunde, the newly-crowned Miss Uganda 2023, learns Chinese calligraphy at the Chinese New Year temple fair in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 28, 2024. Thousands of Ugandans and the Chinese community thronged Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala for a "temple fair," a traditional cultural event that features all kinds of Chinese folk art, followed by a gala evening, to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon, with the Spring Festival falling on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) Visitors watch a traditional Chinese instrument performance at the Chinese New Year temple fair in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 28, 2024. Thousands of Ugandans and the Chinese community thronged Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala for a "temple fair," a traditional cultural event that features all kinds of Chinese folk art, followed by a gala evening, to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon, with the Spring Festival falling on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhang Lizhong speaks at the Chinese New Year temple fair in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 28, 2024. Thousands of Ugandans and the Chinese community thronged Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala for a "temple fair," a traditional cultural event that features all kinds of Chinese folk art, followed by a gala evening, to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon, with the Spring Festival falling on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) Henry Okello Oryem, Uganda's minister of state for international affairs, speaks at the Chinese New Year's eve gala in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 28, 2024. Thousands of Ugandans and the Chinese community thronged Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala for a "temple fair," a traditional cultural event that features all kinds of Chinese folk art, followed by a gala evening, to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon, with the Spring Festival falling on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) Trading Symbol: TSX: SVM NYSE AMERICAN: SVM VANCOUVER, BC , Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Silvercorp Metals Inc. ("Silvercorp" or the "Company") (TSX: SVM) (NYSE American: SVM) today announced that it has received authorization of its supplemental listing application from the NYSE American (the "NYSE-A Authorization") in connection with Silvercorp's off-market takeover offer (the "Silvercorp Offer") for all of the shares of OreCorp Limited ("OreCorp") not already owned by Silvercorp for consideration comprising 0.0967 common shares of Silvercorp and A$0.19 cash per OreCorp share (the "Transaction"), as described in the Company's news release of December 26, 2023 . Receipt of the NYSE-A Authorization marks another significant step in the Transaction: Silvercorp will now proceed with issuing a notice in accordance with the Australian Corporations Act that the "Stock Exchange Approvals" condition to the Silvercorp Offer has been satisfied. As previously announced on January 24, 2024 , the Company received conditional approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"). Final TSX approval is subject to the Company meeting certain customary conditions required by the TSX. The Company anticipates that the next significant step towards completing the Transaction will be a merger-approval decision in relation to the Silvercorp Offer from the Tanzanian Fair Competition Commission ("FCC"). In early November 2023 , Silvercorp obtained FCC approval in respect of the then proposed scheme of arrangement with OreCorp (the "Existing Approval"). Given this Existing Approval, the minimal additional documentation which OreCorp and Silvercorp were required to provide to the FCC in the updated application and recent meetings with relevant Tanzanian authorities, Silvercorp anticipates that it is well positioned to receive the further FCC confirmation and/or approval in respect of the Silvercorp Offer within an expedited timeframe. As an example, the FCC was willing to reduce the required public notice period from 14 days to 7 days in light of the Existing Approval. Silvercorp currently expects to receive the FCC decision by mid-February 2024 and will provide further updates on the Transaction as appropriate. Silvercorp notes that the OreCorp Board has provided a unanimous recommendation in favour of the Silvercorp Offer, in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to the independent expert's report concluding, and continuing to conclude, that the Silvercorp Offer is reasonable to OreCorp shareholders. About Silvercorp Silvercorp is a Canadian mining company producing silver, gold, lead, and zinc with a long history of profitability and growth potential. The Company's strategy is to create shareholder value by 1) focusing on generating free cashflow from long life mines; 2) organic growth through extensive drilling for discovery; 3) ongoing merger and acquisition efforts to unlock value; and 4) long term commitment to responsible mining and ESG. For more information, please visit our website at www.silvercorpmetals.com. For further information Silvercorp Metals Inc. Lon Shaver President Phone: (604) 669-9397 Toll Free 1(888) 224-1881 Email: [email protected] Website: www.silvercorpmetals.com CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER - FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and US securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategies", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "budgets", "schedules", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: the Transaction; TSX final approval; the recommendation of the OreCorp board and conclusions of the independent expert; FCC approval; the Company's intentions with respect to the Nyanzaga Project; statements regarding enhanced trading liquidity, re-rating potential and participation in further upside; price of silver and other metals; the accuracy of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates at the Company's material properties; the sufficiency of the Company's capital to finance the Company's operations; estimates of the Company's revenues and capital expenditures; estimated production from the Company's mines in the Ying Mining District and the GC Mine ; timing of receipt of permits and regulatory approvals; availability of funds from production to finance the Company's operations; and access to and availability of funding for future construction, use of proceeds from any financing and development of the Company's properties. Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks relating to: global economic and social impact of COVID-19; fluctuating commodity prices; calculation of resources, reserves and mineralization and precious and base metal recovery; interpretations and assumptions of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; exploration and development programs; feasibility and engineering reports; permits and licences; title to properties; property interests; joint venture partners; acquisition of commercially mineable mineral rights; financing; recent market events and conditions; economic factors affecting the Company; timing, estimated amount, capital and operating expenditures and economic returns of future production; integration of future acquisitions into the Company's existing operations; competition; operations and political conditions; regulatory environment in China and Canada ; environmental risks; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; insurance; risks and hazards of mining operations; key personnel; conflicts of interest; dependence on management; internal control over financial reporting; and bringing actions and enforcing judgments under U.S. securities laws. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in the Company's Annual Information Form under the heading "Risk Factors" and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 40-F, and in the Company's other filings with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company's forward-looking statements are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this news release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, guidance cannot be guaranteed. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information related to the Company, including Silvercorp's Annual Information Form, can be obtained under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and on the Company's website at www.silvercorpmetals.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/silvercorp-satisfies-another-condition-in-connection-with-orecorp-offer-302047332.html SOURCE Silvercorp Metals Inc LONG ISLAND, N.Y., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Suffolk Credit Union, with asset base of $1.8 billion , is proud to announce the introduction of a groundbreaking Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service to its suite of digital banking solutions. This strategic move, a first among New York credit unions, is made possible through a collaboration with equipifi, a leading BNPL platform designed for debit card issuers, highlighting Suffolk Credit Union's commitment to leveraging top-tier partnerships to meet the evolving needs of its members. The integration of equipifi's advanced BNPL platform with Suffolk Credit Union's core banking systems and digital banking interface represents a significant leap forward in offering personalized financial solutions. This initiative will enable members to seamlessly access tailored BNPL offers that align with their financial health, directly through Suffolk Credit Union's online banking app, thereby enhancing their financial management and flexibility. Michele Dean , President and CEO of Suffolk Credit Union, emphasized the importance of innovation and strategic partnerships in providing value to members: "Our mission is to be at the forefront of financial innovation, constantly adapting to the changing needs of our members. Our collaboration with equipifi is a testament to this commitment, ensuring we deliver exceptional products and services. It is rewarding leading a team that is not only talented but also courageous in taking bold steps to meet and exceed our members' expectations." This new BNPL service is part of Suffolk Credit Union's ongoing effort to enhance its digital banking offerings, providing members with more flexibility and control over their financial transactions. With the BNPL market experiencing rapid growth and consumer demand for such services increasing, Suffolk Credit Union is positioning itself as a primary financial partner for its members, ready to support them through every significant financial decision. "Consumer expectations for their debit cards are changing due to the growing popularity of BNPL," said Bryce Deeney , CEO and co-founder of equipifi. "By launching BNPL, Suffolk Credit Union is positioning themselves to meet their members as the go-to financial institution for every important financial moment." BNPL programs grew 25 percent in transaction value last year and are projected to surpass $100 billion by 2024. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 89 percent of all repayments in 2020-2021 were made through the debit card. Launching BNPL is part of Suffolk Credit Union's initiative to design a safer and more reliable experience to meet the evolving needs of its current and future members. About Suffolk Credit Union: Suffolk Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative established in 1967. Serving over 70,000 members with approximately $1.8 billion assets, Suffolk Credit Union offers a wide range of financial services to individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as their immediate family members. Committed to excellence in service, Suffolk Credit Union provides its members with comprehensive financial products and services designed to meet their evolving needs. About equipifi: equipifi is at the forefront of the BNPL sector, offering a leading platform for debit card issuers across the United States . This white-label solution is designed to align with consumer purchasing behaviors, payment preferences, and financial goals, seamlessly integrating with banking cores and digital platforms to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/suffolk-credit-union-announces-innovative-partnership-to-launch-buy-now-pay-later-service-elevating-financial-flexibility-for-members-302047380.html SOURCE Suffolk Credit Union NEW YORK , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The following release was issued by RG/2 Claims Administration LLC, as Claims Administrator, on behalf of Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. PUBLICATION NOTICE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK Peifa Xu, Individually and On Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, Plaintiff, v. Gridsum Holding, Inc., Guosheng Qi , Ravi Sarathy , Michael Peng Zhang , and Thomas Adam Melcher , Defendants. Civil Action No. 1:18-cv-03655 (GHW) SUMMARY NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF CLASS ACTION AND PROPOSED CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT To: ALL PERSONS AND ENTITIES THAT PURCHASED OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRED GRIDSUM HOLDING INC. ("GRIDSUM") SECURITIES (I) FROM SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 THROUGH JANUARY 7, 2019 , OR (II) PURSUANT AND/OR TRACEABLE TO THE OFFERING DOCUMENTS ISSUED AND OTHERWISE IN CONNECTION WITH GRIDSUM'S SEPTEMBER 2016 INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING, ((I) AND (II) TOGETHER, THE "CLASS PERIOD"), INCLUSIVE, AND WHO WERE DAMAGED THEREBY (THE "SETTLEMENT CLASS") EXCLUDED FROM THE CLASS ARE DEFENDANTS, ANY PREVIOUSLY NAMED DEFENDANTS IN THE ACTION, CURRENT AND FORMER OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY, MEMBERS OF THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES AND THEIR LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES, HEIRS, SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS AND ANY ENTITY IN WHICH ANY EXCLUDED PARTY HAS OR HAD A CONTROLLING INTEREST. PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY. YOUR RIGHTS MAY BE AFFECTED BY PROCEEDINGS IN THIS ACTION. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 and an Order of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, that the Court-appointed Lead Plaintiff William Barth , and additional plaintiff Xuechen Li (collectively, "Plaintiffs"), on behalf of themselves and all other members of the Settlement Class, and Gridsum, Guosheng Qi , Ravi Sarathi , Michael Peng Zhang , and Thomas Adam Melcher (collectively, "Defendants", and together with the Plaintiffs, the "Parties"), have reached a proposed settlement of the claims in the above-captioned class action (the "Action") in the amount of $4,500,000 (the "Settlement"). A hearing will be held before the Honorable Gregory H. Woods on April 3, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. , in Courtroom 12C of the United States District Court, Southern District of New York , 500 Pearl Street , New York, NY 10007 (the "Settlement Hearing"), where the Court will consider whether: (i) the Settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate, and should be finally approved; (ii) the Plan of Allocation is fair and reasonable, and should be approved; and (iii) Lead Counsel's application for attorneys' fees and expenses and Plaintiffs' reimbursement awards are reasonable and should be approved. The Court may change the date of the Settlement Hearing, or hold it telephonically or via videoconference, without providing another notice. You do NOT need to attend the Settlement Hearing to receive a distribution from the Net Settlement Fund. IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THE SETTLEMENT CLASS, YOUR RIGHTS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT AND YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO A MONETARY PAYMENT. A full Notice and Claim Form can be obtained by visiting the website of the Claims Administrator, www.gridsumsecuritiessettlement.com; calling the Claims Administrator toll free at 1-866-742-4955; emailing the Claims Administrator at [email protected]; or writing to the Claims Administrator at: Gridsum Securities Settlement c/o RG/2 Claims Administration LLC P.O. Box 59479 Philadelphia, PA 19102-9479 Inquiries, other than requests for the Notice/Claim Form or for information about the status of a claim, may also be made to Lead Counsel: BRAGAR EAGEL & SQUIRE, P.C. Attn: Lawrence P. Eagel 810 Seventh Avenue , Suite 620 New York, NY 10019 (212) 308-5858 If you are a Settlement Class Member, to be eligible to share in the distribution of the Net Settlement Fund, you must submit a Claim Form postmarked or submitted via e-mail no later than May 15, 2024 . If you are a Settlement Class Member and do not timely submit a valid Claim Form, you will not be eligible to share in the distribution of the Net Settlement Fund, but you will nevertheless be bound by all judgments or orders entered by the Court relating to the Settlement. If you are a Settlement Class Member and wish to exclude yourself from the Settlement Class, you must submit a written request for exclusion in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Notice such that it is received no later than March 4, 2024 . If you properly exclude yourself from the Settlement Class, you will not be bound by any judgments or orders entered by the Court relating to the Settlement, whether favorable or unfavorable, and you will not be eligible to share in the distribution of the Net Settlement Fund. Any objections to the proposed Settlement, Lead Counsel's application for attorneys' fees and expenses and awards to Plaintiffs, and/or the proposed Plan of Allocation must be filed with the Court, either by mail or in person, and be mailed to counsel for the Parties in accordance with the instructions in the Notice, such that they are received no later than March 4, 2024 . PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT, DEFENDANTS, OR DEFENDANTS' COUNSEL REGARDING THIS NOTICE. DATED: January 30, 2024 BY ORDER OF THE COURT UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK SOURCE: Lawrence P. Eagel, Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., 810 Seventh Avenue , Suite 600, New York, NY 10019, Telephone 212-308-5858, [email protected] and Tina Chiango , RG/2 Claims Administration LLC, P.O. Box 59479, Philadelphia, PA 19102-9479, Telephone 866-742-4955, Facsimile 215-827-5551, [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/summary-notice-of-pendency-of-class-action-and-proposed-class-action-settlement-for-purchasers-of-gridsum-holding-inc-securities-from-september-22-2016-through-january-7-2019-302047948.html SOURCE RG/2 CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION LLC NEW YORK , Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Synechron, Inc. , a leading global digital transformation consulting firm focused on financial services and technology organizations, announces the launch of its Synechron Nexus suite of nine Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions that are ready to be deployed within weeks. This array of generative AI-led solutions was designed to span the nexus between human expertise and AI, while enabling users to automate manually intensive tasks, increase project speed, drive operational efficiencies, and reduce costs across various key business tasks. Each solution, divided among three value streams, allows Synechron clients to improve their operations, reduce friction in their processes and boost productivity. 1. Business Growth: Practical, innovative applications that enhance business capabilities: Synechron Amplifai is a GenAI-powered market research solution. Its automated research capability saves significant time in a wide range of use-cases, reducing the tedium of gathering, analyzing and reporting market news, trends and strategies. is a GenAI-powered market research solution. Its automated research capability saves significant time in a wide range of use-cases, reducing the tedium of gathering, analyzing and reporting market news, trends and strategies. Synechron Clarifai is a tool for summarizing and analyzing call-center transcripts. Conversations are flagged for non-compliance and further human review/actions. is a tool for summarizing and analyzing call-center transcripts. Conversations are flagged for non-compliance and further human review/actions. Synechron Simplifai centralizes project portfolio data and metrics for streamlined executive decision-making, informing effortless, data-backed decisions for executive and steering committee groups. 2. Operational Efficiency: Advanced solutions to streamline processes and elevate internal operations: Synechron Nexus Chat is built on a conversational AI model, understands and engages in a comprehensive range of scenarios and supports plug-ins for real-time data and integration, while delivering human-like conversational responses and text, safely and securely. is built on a conversational AI model, understands and engages in a comprehensive range of scenarios and supports plug-ins for real-time data and integration, while delivering human-like conversational responses and text, safely and securely. Synechron Replai is an AI-driven, RFP and proposals tool, streamlining proposal creation with high-quality, insightful responses, with the ability to search the internal knowledge repository for fast access and content re-use. is an AI-driven, RFP and proposals tool, streamlining proposal creation with high-quality, insightful responses, with the ability to search the internal knowledge repository for fast access and content re-use. Synechron Unifai is an AI-driven HR solution, designed to simplify interactions between company HR functions and employees, such as policy information and employee-specific payroll details. is an AI-driven HR solution, designed to simplify interactions between company HR functions and employees, such as policy information and employee-specific payroll details. Synechron Identifai collects comprehensive online market intelligence and provides an in-depth understanding of business, emerging technology trends, or any research topic. 3. Developer Productivity: Toolkit to optimize timelines, minimize costs, and automate practices across the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC): Synechron Codifai is an SDLC productivity improvement tool, using automation in code generation, unit test case generation, legacy code migration, code optimizations, and automatic code documentation. It works closely with Synechron Verifai which addresses software testing aspects. is an SDLC productivity improvement tool, using automation in code generation, unit test case generation, legacy code migration, code optimizations, and automatic code documentation. It works closely with Synechron Verifai which addresses software testing aspects. Synechron Verifai is a GenAI tool for SDLC productivity, using automation in code generation with a focus on QA test case generation, automated test script generation, synthetic test data generation, and bug detection and bug fixing. It works closely with Synechron Codifai which addresses software development efficiency. This new Synechron Nexus AI suite of real-world, practical business solutions, combined with the five formalized RiskTech.AI Accelerators (launched in October 2023 ), leverages Synechron's AI Practice expertise globally. The creation of AI-led business solutions has been a passion of Synechron's for over a decade, and the firm's commitment to innovative excellence has won the firm eight prestigious AI industry awards to date. Faisal Husain , Synechron's Co-founder and CEO, said of the launch of the Synechron Nexus AI Suite of solutions, "We are proud to be releasing this extensive array of AI-enhanced solutions that go beyond the hype, and provide significant, tangible benefits to business operations. AI and GenAI-rich tools are not just ideas we offer to our clients, but key process accelerators that we ourselves at Synechron are deploying across our company, as we offer ways to integrate the benefits of this technology with human expertise." Ryan Cox , Co-head of Synechron's AI Practice in the UK , added, "Our team has developed, tested, and successfully integrated these advanced AI solutions. Our approach is to strategically guide our clients to integrate AI effectively within their business processes. We identify the key areas where AI can bring the most impact, aligning our solutions to their unique business needs. This targeted approach ensures significant value creation with maximum benefit." Prabhakar Srinivasan , Co-head of Synechron's AI Practice in Bangalore, India , commented, "Artificial Intelligence has proven to be a wonderful force for driving business enhancements by quickly synthesizing extraordinarily large data sets. The Large Language Models used learn over short span of time on how to optimize each firm's proprietary information, thereby boosting productivity and allowing businesses to realize time and cost savings as they optimize tasks." About Synechron At Synechron, we believe in the power of digital to transform businesses for the better. Our global consulting firm combines creativity and innovative technology to deliver industry-leading digital solutions. Synechron's progressive technologies and optimization strategies span end-to-end Artificial Intelligence, Consulting, Digital, Cloud & DevOps, Data, and Software Engineering, servicing an array of noteworthy financial services and technology firms. Through research and development initiatives in our FinLabs we develop solutions for modernization, from Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain to Data Science models, Digital Underwriting, mobile-first applications and more. Over the last 20+ years, our company has been honored with multiple employer awards, recognizing our commitment to our talented teams. With top clients to boast about, Synechron has a global workforce of 15,000+, and has 48 offices in 19 countries within key global markets. For more information on the company, please visit our website or LinkedIn community. For more information please contact: Rashmi Joshi Synechron +91-9560694654 [email protected]/ [email protected] Zoe Forbes-Pyfrom (+44) 7718 599666 [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1943591/Synechron_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/synechron-launches-synechron-nexus-ai-solutions-suite-in-fulfilling-the-promise-of-ai-with-ready-to-use-solutions-302046726.html SOURCE Synechron By Amanda Ferguson BELFAST (Reuters) -Northern Irish and British politicians voiced optimism on Tuesday that the regional power-sharing government could be restored quickly following a breakthrough overnight, ending a near two-year crisis that threatened a key part of the 1998 peace deal. After months of negotiations, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) said the party had endorsed proposals agreed with London on post-Brexit trade rules to end its boycott of the government which it quit in February 2022. The DUP, the region's largest pro-British party, had argued that London's Brexit deal with the European Union undermined Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom by demanding checks on some goods coming from Britain. But London's offer to cement Northern Ireland's position in the UK in law, plus a 3.3 billion pound ($4.2 billion) financial package, looked set to win over the DUP. All sides want to move quickly before critics unpick the proposals and imperil the restoration of regional government, a key part of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement to end decades of sectarian violence. Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson told BBC Radio Ulster the government could be restored within days "if the (UK) government moves with the speed that I believe they can". He said the legislation would have two elements; one designed to affirm Northern Ireland's place within the UK and the other amending the UK Internal Market Act to "protect the region's ability to trade with the rest of the UK". "Have we achieved everything that we wanted to achieve?" he asked. "No, we haven't. I will be honest with people about what we've been able to deliver." Chris Heaton-Harris, Britain's Northern Ireland minister, said he looked forward to "the restoration of the institutions of (the Northern Ireland Assembly) Stormont as soon as possible". He declined to offer any detail on the deal. If finalised in Northern Irish party talks later on Tuesday, the proposals will be published on Wednesday. The three other parties set to form a new executive - Sinn Fein, the Alliance Party and the Ulster Unionist Party - broadly welcomed the developments and said they were ready to go back into government. MUCH AT STAKE London has kept its proposals under wraps to try to prevent them being undermined by hardened opponents of the post-Brexit trade deal with the EU as both sides sought to end the impasse. The two-year hiatus has put pressure on stretched public services and led to a budget deadlock with London. That triggered the biggest public sector strike in a generation this month after Northern Irish workers failed to receive pay increases given to others across the UK. Steve Baker, a junior Northern Ireland minister, tried to pre-empt concerns that the changes might require Britain again to follow some EU regulations - which would infuriate advocates of Brexit. "There are no commitments of any kind ... to align GB (Great Britain) with EU law; prevent GB from diverging from any retained EU law; or increase alignment in Northern Ireland beyond the strictly limited scope parliament has approved," he said on X. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said his government and the European Commission still had to see the final deal to be confident it did not have any negative consequences for last year's reworked post-Brexit deal for Northern Ireland or the Good Friday Agreement. But following a "good" phone call with his British counterpart, Rishi Sunak, Varadkar told Ireland's parliament that he hoped a new government would be formed by Feb. 8. ($1 = 0.7890 pounds) (Additional reporting by Padraic Halpin in Dublin, Writing by Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Kevin Liffey, Christina Fincher, Ros Russell) FILE PHOTO: West African leaders gather for Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Head of States and Government meeting in Abuja, Nigeria August 10, 2023. REUTERS/Abraham Achirga/File Photo By Bate Felix, David Lewis and Giulia Paravicini DAKAR (Reuters) - A decision by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to quit West Africa's economic and political bloc reverses decades of regional integration, leaving millions of people in limbo, and is likely to deepen the three junta-led countries' ties with Russia. The move to withdraw from the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) could yet take time to implement, opening a door for negotiations. But, if carried through, it is set to disrupt the region's trade and services flows, worth nearly $150 billion a year. It also raises questions over millions of nationals from the three poor and landlocked nations who settled in neighbouring states as the bloc allows visa-free travel and right to work. Ivory Coast alone is home to more than 5 million people from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Niger shares 1,500 km of border with Nigeria and 80% of its trade is done with its richer neighbour, said Seidik Abba, president of the Paris-based CIRES think tank. Ghana, Togo and Benin also have a big diaspora from Niger. "If they decide to go ahead and leave, it will become a very big problem, economically and politically, and the stakes are the highest for the people from these three countries," he said. More than a dozen analysts and Africa diplomats consulted by Reuters agreed the trio's stance on ECOWAS underscored tumult across a region where armies have struggled to contain Islamist militants since seizing power in several countries. Meanwhile, Russia has been extending its influence at the expense of former colonial power France, regional heavyweight Nigeria and the United States. Earlier this month, Russia and Niger, ruled by a junta since a coup last year, agreed to develop military ties. Russian military personnel flew into Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou last week to ensure the safety of the country's military leader. Russia's Wagner mercenary group also has 1,000 fighters in Mali. The three military-ruled countries jointly announced their departure on Sunday, accusing ECOWAS of abandoning its founding ideals and falling under the influence of foreign powers. They said the bloc had offered little support against Islamic insurgencies that have killed thousands and displaced over 2 million. EMPTY THREAT ECOWAS has responded to a wave of coups in the region since 2020 with sanctions that the juntas have called "illegal and inhumane." The bloc also threatened to use force to restore constitutional rule in Niger, but did not follow through. On Monday, ECOWAS chair Nigeria said the "unelected" military authorities of the three countries were letting their people down, but added it remained willing to engage with them. Established in 1975, ECOWAS has sought to promote economic and political cooperation within the fragmented region, home to a mix of former French and British colonies. Mucahid Durmaz, senior West Africa analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft, said he now expects increased tariffs and new restrictions on the movement of people, goods and money. The move by the trio is likely the "silliest own goal since the United Kingdom voted for Brexit," said Charlie Robertson, head of macro strategy at London-based investment management company FIM Partners, referring to Britain's departure from the European Union. "The three countries were already among the poorest in ECOWAS, and indeed the world and leaving won't help," he said, adding the trio account for just 8% of the bloc's gross domestic product. Under ECOWAS rules, leaving the bloc takes at least a year, so those living outside their home countries should not face immediate consequences. But in a worst-case scenario, "we could see one of the major movements of people that we have seen in decades - citizens across the subregion packing their things and heading back home," said Kwesi Aning, a Ghana-based security analyst. Gilles Yabi, founder of West African think tank WATHI, said the trio had stopped short of announcing their withdrawal from the regional monetary and economic union that uses the CFA franc, something that would have an even bigger impact. "I think Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso know that it's not easy it's not possible actually to withdraw from the monetary union, when you don't have your own system in place, a new currency in place, for example," he said. 'EMBARGO ON OURSELVES' In Mali's capital, Bamako, tailor Adama Coulibaly welcomed the juntas' decision, saying it was normal for the countries to take matters into their own hands because ECOWAS had failed. But health worker Nagnouma Keita was apprehensive. "Our three states cannot survive on their own, especially since they have no access to the sea. I believe that, in reality, we are imposing an embargo on ourselves," she said. Some analysts said ECOWAS had been too swift to punish the juntas, having previously failed to call out civilian leaders, in Ivory Coast and Guinea among others, who extended their rule through problematic elections or referendums. Threatening military intervention against the juntas but failing to act also reduced the bloc's credibility, they said. For years, security experts have said countries in the region must work closer sharing more intelligence to tackle the spreading insurgencies that are feeding off poverty, neglect and abuse as much as ideology. Instead, the latest crisis at ECOWAS highlights the growing rift between the Western-allied elected governments and military-run countries increasingly relying on Russia and China. "The departure from ECOWAS will have catastrophic consequences for the ability to respond to the many security challenges facing this region," said Abba. (Reporting by Bate Felix, David Lewis and Giulia Paravicini; Additional reporting by Tiemoko Diallo and Boureima Balima, editing by Silvia Aloisi and Andrew Cawthorne) FILE PHOTO: Illegal miners are caught using jets of water to dig for gold, damaging the soil by the edge of the Couto de Magalhaes river, during an operation by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) against illegal BRASILIA (Reuters) - The Brazilian Air Force said on Tuesday it fired warning shots at a plane and forced it to land for violating a no-fly ban over the Yanomami Indigenous reservation where illegal gold miners have been returning despite federal efforts to keep them away. Two bursts of machine gun fire were fired during the interdiction on Monday to warn the pilot of the unregistered plane - a single-engine Cessna 182 - to change course and land, according to a video released by the Air Force. Shortly after landing on an earthen airstrip, the pilot escaped into the rainforest, evading Federal Police who had arrived to seize the plane, an Air Force Statement said. It was not clear whether the plane was involved in illegal gold mining, that has resumed in the vast protected reservation the size of Portugal, despite a government operation last year to remove some 20,000 illegal wildcat miners. The Air Force has been criticized for not enforcing the no-fly zone ordered by the government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Jan. 30 last year. As Brazil's military scaled back support for the government crackdown, the gold-seeking miners have come back, deepening a humanitarian crisis that is killing the Yanomami from flu, malaria, malnutrition and violence in the isolated Amazon rainforest. Environmental enforcers told Reuters in December that unregistered planes were flying miners back into the reservation due to the ineffective ban on flights. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Sandra Maler) FILE PHOTO: Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa speaks during a ceremony to deliver equipment to the National Police, amid the ongoing wave of violence around the nation, in Quito, Ecuador, January 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro/File Photo By Alexandra Valencia QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador will start to gradually reduce its gasoline subsidy from the second quarter of this year, as well as work to improve the electrical grid and build a national refining system, President Daniel Noboa said on Tuesday. Noboa wants the measures to help finance his military offensive against criminal gangs, which he has designated as terrorist groups. As the country's economy struggles with liquidity problems and external debt, the president has also asked the National Assembly to approve increases to value added tax (VAT) and he wants to delay the closure of the ITT oil block in the Amazon. "We agree with targeting subsidies," Noboa said in an interview with Ecuavisa, a local television channel. "(But) we cannot change subsidies that affect the people or the country's competitiveness. It has to be progressive; we cannot strike at once, but rather as we generate greater efficiencies." Subsidies will be removed gradually from gasoline, he said, adding that domestic gas and diesel will not be affected by the change. Last year Ecuador expected to allocate more than $2.6 billion of its budget to fuel subsidies. The government is looking for foreign investment to build a diesel refining system in Ecuador and improve the electrical grid to make eliminating the subsidies sustainable, Noboa said. Noboa's VAT proposal would increase sales tax from 12% to 15% until 2026, when it would decline to 13%. The bill would also levy taxes on the profits of private banks and large companies. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Oliver Griffin; editing by Barbara Lewis) FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump leaves the courtroom after attending the Trump Organization civil fraud trial, in New York State Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., November 6, 2023. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton By Alexandra Ulmer (Reuters) -Hotelier Robert Bigelow told Reuters on Tuesday he gave Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump $1 million for his legal fees and agreed to donate another $20 million to a pro-Trump outside group for campaign purposes. "I gave him $1 million towards his legal fees a few weeks ago. I made a promise to give him $20 million more, that will be to the super PAC," the Nevada-based owner of Budget Suites of America said in an interview. The commitments, which have not been previously reported, show some big money is coalescing around Trump, the runaway frontrunner to clinch the Republican presidential nomination to face Democrat Joe Biden in the November general election. Bigelow's donations also highlight the unusual role some political donors are playing as Trump faces four pending criminal cases this year. Those cases include two over his efforts to reverse his 2020 presidential election loss, one over his handling of classified documents upon leaving office and another over his hush money payments to a porn star. Bigelow, who also founded Bigelow Aerospace and funds investigations into extraterrestrial life, said he felt Trump was being unfairly targeted in the criminal cases and that his sympathy towards the former president had motivated the donation. "I was just sympathetic. They didn't solicit anything from me," Bigelow said. The $20 million would be spread out but "starts right away," he added. The Justice Department says it acts without political bias. All of Trump's Republican rivals, bar former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, have dropped out of the race, and Trump is all but assured of clinching the nomination. Trump and his team have been seeking to peel wealthy benefactors away from Haley, making calls trying to convince donors to switch sides. Trump has gone so far as to warn the donors they would be banished from his orbit if they made further donations. Bigelow initially backed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the Republican nomination, but dropped him in part over his strict anti-abortion policies. BILLS AND FINES For all of Trump's political success, however, his legal costs are rapidly mounting. Trump was hit last week with an $83 million verdict in a defamation case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll, and a judge is set to rule any day now on the New York Attorney Generals request for $370 million in penalties for his misrepresentations to banks about his net worth. The New York Times reported earlier on Tuesday that pro-Trump groups spent some $50 million on legal bills and "investigation-related" expenses in 2023. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm that figure. Bigelow said he could not remember the exact name of the entity to which he sent the $1 million, but Trump's Save America PAC has been an important vehicle for paying his legal fees. When asked whether he was considering donating more to help pay Trump's legal fees, Bigelow declined to comment. Bigelow said he had dinner with Trump on Monday night at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. "It was supposed to be one hour. It was over two hours. And we still ran out of time," Bigelow said, declining to provide details of their conversation. Bigelow said he was concerned about turmoil in the Middle East and felt confident in Trump's capacity to navigate crises given his 2017-2021 term in the White House. (Reporting by Alexandra Ulmer; Additional reporting by Jack Queen; Editing by Ross Colvin and Stephen Coates) By Kanishka Singh (Reuters) - A far-right extremist from Ohio was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for firebombing a church that planned to host two drag events, a court filing showed on Tuesday. Aimenn Penny, 20, was a member of White Lives Matter, Ohio, a group with racist, pro-Nazi and homophobic views, according to the U.S. Justice Department. He was arrested last March several days after he threw Molotov cocktails at the Community Church of Chesterland in Chesterland, Ohio. Penny pleaded guilty in October to a church arson hate crime and to using fire and explosives to commit a felony. He was sentenced to 216 months, or 18 years, in prison by U.S. District Judge Bridget Meehan Brennan, according to a filing in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Federal prosecutors said during the case that church burnings have "a long and sordid history" in the United States, and such acts serve "as potent a symbol of hate as burning a cross on a lawn or leaving a hanging noose." Drag shows often involve feminine clothing, makeup and hair worn by a man, and have become increasingly mainstream in recent years in the United States. Ohio Republican lawmakers who oppose drag shows consider them contrary to traditional values and have labeled them as explicit and obscene. U.S. Republicans have led efforts to limit drag in many states recently. Performers and civil rights groups have condemned the proposed drag regulations, saying they are unconstitutional, redundant under existing obscenity laws, and would lead to further harassment and violence against gay and transgender people. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler) Folk artists perform "iron flowers", a folk art performance in which molten iron is cast into the air to show a firework effect, at a temple fair in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Jan. 28, 2024. (Photo by Huang Zhengwei/Xinhua) Jordan's supporters cheer for the team during the round of 16 match between Iraq and Jordan at AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 in Doha, Qatar, Jan. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Can) Luo Zhaohui (2nd R), head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, who participates in the reopening ceremony of the Chinese embassy in Nauru as a representative of the Chinese government, and Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea (2nd L), unveil a plaque of the Chinese embassy during the ceremony held in a hotel in Nauru, Jan. 29, 2024. The reopening ceremony of the Chinese embassy in Nauru was held on Monday evening in a hotel in the southeastern part of the Pacific island country. (Photo by Chen Guolong/Xinhua) Spectators watch a balloon taking off at the 44th International Balloon Festival in Chateau-d'Oex, Switzerland, Jan. 28, 2024. The 9-day balloon festival closed here on Sunday with the participation of over 60 balloons from 15 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Chen Binjie) A child views red lanterns at a market in Gaomi, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 29, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 10 this year. (Photo by Li Haitao/Xinhua) An actress performs Huangmei opera onboard G7575 bullet train, Jan. 29, 2024. A series of traditional cultural activities, such as opera performance and paper cutting show, were held on the bullet train on Monday. China officially ushered in its largest annual population migration on Jan. 26. The 40-day travel surge, also known as "chunyun," will see hundreds of millions of people return home and reunite with their friends and families. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 29, 2024 shows performers of fire dragon dance in a shower of molten iron at the Volga Manor in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. As the final stop of a perform tour which started from Tongliang District of Chongqing Municipality to greet the upcoming Spring Festival, actors of the Tongliang Dragon Dance team staged a grand fire dragon dance show for tourists here on Monday. The dragon dance has a history of thousands of years in Tongliang. In May 2006, the Tongliang Dragon Dance was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. Different from regular dragon dances, the fire dragon is the most heart-shaking part of the Tongliang Dragon Dance. The "fires" or "sparks" are molten iron at about 1,500 degrees Celsius. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) Villagers play lusheng, a reed-pipe wind instrument, at a scenic spot in Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, Liuzhou City of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jan. 28, 2024. As the Spring Festival approaches, staff members in local scenic spots and residents in hamlets of Sanjiang are busy rehearsing traditional songs and dances to welcome visitors. In recent years, Sanjiang has been actively promoting the integrated development of culture and tourism industries. The county attracted 9.01 million tourists last year, with a revenue of 9.6 billion yuan (about 1.34 billion U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang) A craftsman makes an ice sculpture in Oslo, capital of Norway, Jan. 27, 2024. An exhibition featuring Chinese ice sculptures and lanterns opened in Oslo on Sunday, drawing crowds of visitors with Chinese culture set against Norwegian landscapes. The "Hello, China" Ice Sculpture and Lantern Art Exhibition showcases the artistic talents of ice sculptors from Harbin, in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, as well as lantern makers from Zigong in southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Photo by Chen Yaqin/Xinhua) People take pictures of light decorations ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year in south China's Macao, Jan. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka) A man hangs red lanterns to greet the Chinese Lunar New Year in the ancient town of Pingyao in north China's Shanxi Province, Jan. 29, 2024. Festive decorations are seen across the country as the Spring Festival approaches. (Photo by Liang Shengren/Xinhua) (Reuters) - A Russian court has sentenced four Jehovah's Witnesses to seven years each in prison after finding them guilty of coordinating extremist activities, according to a spokesman for the religious group. Russia's Supreme Court designated Jehovah's Witnesses as "extremist" in 2017, liquidating and banning the group's nearly 400 chapters across the country. The European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2022 that the ban was illegal. Since then raids, interrogations and jailings of adherents have occurred with some regularity in Russia, which counted roughly 175,000 active believers at the time of the ban, according to the group's Russian website. "Russia continues to shamelessly misemploy its anti-extremist legislation to ban, imprison, and at times beat and torture Jehovah's Witnesses," the spokesman, Jarrod Lopes, told Reuters by email. Russian officials have previously denied allegations of mistreatment or torture of Jehovah's Witnesses. Some 790 members of the group have been criminally charged or are under investigation for their faith, with 147 sentenced last year, Lopes said. "Russia's legal system has become a cathedral of what it hates - extremism," he said. Religious life in Russia is dominated by the Orthodox Church, which is championed by President Vladimir Putin. Some Orthodox scholars view Jehovah's Witnesses as a "totalitarian sect." Last week, a six-month trial against four men in the southwestern Russian city of Samara concluded with guilty verdicts and seven-year sentences for each. The men, Aram Danielyan, Denis Kuzyanin, Sergei Polosenko and Nikolai Vasilyev, were charged based on hidden recordings of worship services and personal conversations about their faith, as well as electronic evidence which Lopes said was planted in a computer belonging to a defendant by an "FSB technical specialist" during a search. Lopes added that the men are expected to appeal their convictions. Separately, a woman in the nearby city of Tolyatti was given two years' forced labour for the same crime on Jan. 25, the same day as the four men were sentenced, according to the group's Russian website. (Reporting by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) A banner reads "Macron answer us" as French farmers block a highway with their tractors during a protest over price pressures, taxes and green regulation, grievances shared by farmers across Europe, in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, January 30, 2024. R By Yves Herman and Kate Abnett JOSSIGNY, France/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -French and Belgian farmers angry about rising costs, EU environmental policies and cheap food imports blocked highways and access roads to a major container port on Tuesday as the protests spread across Europe. In France, farmers, who have been protesting for over two weeks, stepped up their pressure on the government by blocking highways with their tractors near Paris and setting bales of hay ablaze to partly block access to Toulouse airport. "Whatever happens, we are determined to go to the end," farmer Jean-Baptiste Bongard said as crowds of farmers huddled together around small fires on a highway in Jossigny, near Paris, blocked by the tractors. "If the movement needs to last a month, then it will last a month," said Bongard. In Belgium, where protests have been inspired by those in neighbouring France, farmers blocked access roads to the Zeebrugge container port. Farmers organising the protest said they planned to bar access to the North Sea port, the country's second-largest, for at least 36 hours. They targeted it because they said it received economic support at the expense of farmers. Belgian farmers also blocked a square in central Brussels, saying they would stay put until at least Thursday, when EU leaders meet in the city for a summit. Spanish farmers said they would join the movement and organise protests in February. The French protests follow similar action in other European countries, including Germany and Poland, ahead of European Parliament elections in June in which the far right, for whom farmers represent a growing constituency, is seen making gains. CHEAP IMPORTS COMPLAINT Farmers say they are not being paid enough, are choked by excessive regulation on environmental protection and face unfair competition from cheap imports. "The farmers are desperate, really desperate," said Mark Wulfrancke, from Belgium's Algemeen Boerensyndicaat. "We want respect from our government, the European government. The only way to show that respect is to make a policy that is farmer friendly, food friendly. We need a correct price," Wulfrancke told Reuters. In France, the protests increased in intensity on Monday, leading up to the EU summit, when they hope their action and those of other farmers in Europe will grab the attention of the politicians focused on aid for Ukraine and the bloc's budget. While the farmers' crisis is not officially on the agenda, French President Emmanuel Macron said he would discuss it with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and government leaders. Much of the bloc's agricultural rules, hefty subsidies and import rules are decided in Brussels jointly by member states and the European Parliament, alongside the executive European Commission. "We need to have a European debate," Macron said on Tuesday. Wary of protests escalating, the French government has already dropped plans to gradually reduce subsidies on agricultural diesel and promised to ease environmental regulations. "We've asked (the EU) for very concrete things for our farmers," said Macron, calling in particular to ensure that imported produce meets European standards. MERCOSUR TRADE TALKS Imports from Ukraine, on which the EU has waived quotas and duties since Russia's February 2022 invasion, and renewed negotiations to conclude the Mercosur trade deal with South American countries have fanned farmers' discontent about unfair competition in sugar, grain and meat. France wants "to have clear measures on imports from Ukraine because today we have in volume and quality things that are destabilising the European market, whether chicken or cereals", Macron said. The European Commission said on Tuesday that it was continuing to pursue trade talks with the Mercosur bloc, a day after Macron's office said it understood the EU had halted talks. Brazil's Foreign Trade Secretary Tatiana Prazeres also said on Tuesday that negotiations were ongoing. But Macron insisted he did not want the agreement as it was currently drafted, due to a lack of guarantees that imported products would have to follow similar rules as European ones. Several other EU members back the deal, which would be the largest trade agreement for the bloc in terms of tariff reduction and part of the EU strategy of trade diversification following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a desire to reduce its reliance on China. "Contrary to common French practice, the EU does not in fact operate by presidential decree," one EU diplomat said. EU governments and the European Parliament need to approve any trade deal the Commission has reached. Macron also said he wanted more flexibility on some of the EU's joint agricultural rules, including on fallow land. There, the European Commission appeared poised to offer some policy changes, by proposing to extend an exemption on rules requiring farmers to leave part of their land fallow if they apply for EU subsidies. Farmers must normally meet certain conditions including devoting 4% of farmland to "non-productive" areas where nature can recover, though there is already a temporary exemption in response to the Ukraine war and food security concerns. The 4% rule on fallow land was part of the grievances that led to protests in France and elsewhere. Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau will be in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss France's farming demands, his office said. (Reporting by Yves Herman and Marco Trujillo in Jossigny, Zhifan Liu, Tassilo Hummel, Elizabeth Pineau, Gus Trompiz, Piotr Lipinski, Benoit van Overstraeten and Geert de Clercq in Paris, Phil Blenkinsop and Kate Abnett in Brussels; Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Alison Williams, Sharon Singleton, Ros Russell) FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The German air force on Tuesday scrambled fighter jets to identify and escort a Russian military aircraft flying without a transponder signal close to Germany's Baltic island of Ruegen, it said in a post on social media platform X. Its jets set off from Laage in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, identifying the Russian aircraft in international airspace, and accompanying it for a short time before it turned back east, the post said. The IL-20M military aircraft was flying without a transponder signal over the Baltic Sea, it said. (Reporting by Emma-Victoria Farr and Sabine Siebold, editing by Gareth Jones) (Reuters) - German police have confiscated 50,000 bitcoin worth $2.17 billion in the country's 'most extensive' cryptocurrency seizure ever, it said in a statement on Tuesday. "This is the most extensive seizure of bitcoins by law enforcement authorities in the Federal Republic of Germany to date," police in the city of Dresden said. The investigation was supported by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the FBI and a Munich-based forensic IT expert company, it said. Police said ongoing investigations into commercial money laundering are directed against two suspects who ran a German piracy website until 2013. The bitcoins were seized after the suspects voluntarily transferred them to official wallets provided by the BKA, it added. (Reporting by Bartosz Dabrowski, editing by Matthias Williams) (Reuters) - Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, in a phone call with his Jordanian counterpart on Tuesday, condemned an attack on a U.S. military outpost on Jordanian territory near the border with Syria, state media reported. Hussein and Ayman Safadi stressed the need to distance the two countries and the region from military threats by any side, Iraqi state media added. Iran-aligned groups have been waging attacks against Israeli and U.S. targets from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Syria since the war between their Palestinian ally Hamas and Israel began on Oct. 7. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organisation of hardline Iran-backed militant groups, on Sunday claimed attacks on three bases, including one on the border between far northeastern Jordan and eastern Syria. That attack killed three U.S. soldiers and wounded more than 40 troops. It was the first deadly strike against U.S. troops since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October and marks a major escalation in tensions that have engulfed the Middle East. Iraq's government is backed by parties and militias close to Iran, though not directly by the hardline groups that have been firing on U.S. forces, Western and Iraqi officials say. Baghdad has condemned the attacks while also saying regional escalation would continue as long as the Gaza war went on. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin vowed on Monday the U.S. would take "all necessary actions" to defend its troops after the deadly drone attack, even as President Joe Biden's administration stressed it was not seeking a war with Iran. (Reporting by Timour Azhari; writing by Enas Alashray; editing by Mark Heinrich) FILE PHOTO: A member of Hashd al-Shaabi (paramilitary forces) holds a flag of Kataib Hezbollah militia group during a protest to condemn air strikes on their bases, outside the main gate of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq December 31, 2019. REUTERS/Thai By Timour Azhari BAGHDAD (Reuters) -Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah announced on Tuesday the suspension of all its military operations against U.S. troops in the region, in a decision aimed at preventing "embarrassment" of the Iraqi government, the group said. "As we announce the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces - in order to prevent embarrassment of the Iraqi government - we will continue to defend our people in Gaza in other ways," Kataib Hezbollah Secretary-General Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi said in a statement. Three U.S. troops were killed in a drone attack near the Jordan-Syria border on Sunday that the Pentagon said bore the "footprints" of Kataib Hezbollah, though a final assessment had not yet been made. A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on the group's statement, adding: "Actions speak louder than words." The U.S. has vowed to respond to the attack. Iran-aligned groups, known collectively as the "Axis of Reistance", have been waging attacks against Israeli and U.S. targets from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Syria, since their Palestinian ally Hamas and Israel went to war on Oct. 7. Kataib Hezbollah is the most powerful faction in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of hardline Shi'ite armed factions that have claimed more than 150 attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since the Gaza war began. The U.S. has responded with deadly strikes in a cycle of escalating violence that Iraqi officials said threatened to undo progress towards stabilizing the country after decades of conflict. Kataib Hezbollah's decision followed days of intensive efforts by Iraq's prime minister to prevent a new escalation after the Jordan attack, his foreign affairs adviser Farhad Alaadin said. "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has been hard at work in the past few days, engaging with all relevant parties inside and outside Iraq," Alaadin said in an interview. "All sides need to support the efforts of the Prime Minister to prevent any possible escalation," he added. In its statement, Kataib Hezbollah also said there were disagreements with allies over its attacks, singling out Iran. It said counterparts in the Axis of Resistance "often object to the pressure and escalation against the American occupation forces in Iraq and Syria," the statement said. Iran has denied involvement in attacks by Iraqi groups. Founded in the aftermath of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Kataib Hezbollah is one of the elite Iraqi armed factions closest to Iran. Iraq's government is backed by parties and armed groups close to Iran, though not directly by the hardline groups that have been firing on U.S. forces, Western and Iraqi officials say. Baghdad has condemned the attacks while also saying regional escalation would continue as long as the Gaza war went on. (Reporting by Timour Azhari; Editing by Sandra Maler and Cynthia Osterman) FILE PHOTO: Italy's Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti delivers a speech at the G7 High-Level Corporate Governance Roundtable in Niigata on May 11, 2023. KAZUHIRO NOGI/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo By Valentina Za and Giuseppe Fonte MILAN (Reuters) - Italy's Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti sought clarification from UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel over the lender's potential interest in Popolare di Sondrio during a meeting held last week, two people close to the matter said. Both UniCredit and Italy's Treasury declined to comment. Orcel earlier this month dismissed as "noise" a newspaper report that UniCredit was the lender behind stake-building in Popolare di Sondrio, saying his bank had not been buying shares in its smaller rival. However, the report and UniCredit's stance on Popolare di Sondrio in the context of Italy's banking sector consolidation process were discussed during the recent meeting, the sources said. As head of Italy's second largest bank, Orcel holds a few meetings every quarter in Rome with government representatives, another person familiar with the matter said. Italian financial daily Il Sole 24 Ore reported on Jan. 18 that a U.S. investment bank had been building an up to 10% stake in Popolare di Sondrio to allow an Italian lender to become a leading shareholder, with UniCredit being the main candidate. When asked in a television interview if UniCredit was buying shares, Orcel said: "No, we're not." However, asked if UniCredit was interested in Popolare Sondrio, Orcel said: "We're interested in everything, at the right price." Reuters has not been able to establish whether or not an investment bank had bought shares in Popolare di Sondrio that it could pass on to UniCredit. With its roots in Lombardy, Popolare di Sondrio could help UniCredit strengthen its historically weak presence in the wealthy northern region. Orcel has left the financial industry guessing about his M&A strategy. The veteran dealmaker walked away in 2021 from negotiations with the state to buy bailed-out Monte dei Paschi (MPS). The following year, he decided last minute against launching a buyout offer it had readied for Banco BPM. Any M&A deal in Italy's financial sector requires Rome's backing under so-called golden power rules aimed at shielding assets deemed of strategic importance. Popolare di Sondrio is worth 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) according to LSEG data, compared with a market value of 46 billion euros for UniCredit, whose shares have risen 215% since Orcel's appointment in 2021, boosted by his generous payback policies. Any major investor in Popolare di Sondrio would need to contend with Italian insurer Unipol, the biggest shareholder in both Pop Sondrio and rival BPER with stakes of nearly 20% in each and insurance partnerships with both. Orcel has pledged to decide this year whether to boost UniCredit's payback to shareholders with part of the more than 10 billion euros in excess capital it has piled up, setting very strict conditions to use the money for an acquisition instead. ($1 = 0.9228 euros) (Reporting by Valentina Za in Milan and Giuseppe Fonte in Rome; Editing by Jan Harvey) FILE PHOTO: JPMorgan Chase Bank is seen in New York City, U.S., March 21, 2023. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs/File Photo NEW YORK/LONDON (Reuters) - JPMorgan has delayed a key decision on whether to lift the weighting of Venezuela's bonds in its widely-followed EMBI index series by a month, with the next update due by Feb. 29. The move came as the United States reintroduced some sanctions on Venezuela after President Nicolas Maduro's main opposition rival, Maria Corina Machado, was barred at the weekend from running in the upcoming elections. Venezuela's bonds and those of its state oil firm PDVSA have had a "zero weighting" in JPMorgan's influential index since 2019 when Washington banned U.S. investors from trading them as part of a plan to put pressure on Maduro's administration. October's removal of those sanctions by the U.S. Treasury, though, saw the U.S. bank launch a three-month "index watch observation period" in early November to potentially raise the bonds' weightings again. "The Index Watch will be extended further and the next update on the Index Watch will be announced no later than February 29th," JPMorgan said, also asking index users to give their latest views on the bonds. JPMorgan's EMBI indexes are the main global benchmarks for hard-currency bonds issued by emerging market countries. A combined 20 Venezuelan government and PDVSA bonds with a total value of just over $53 billion are currently included in them. Analysts at Morgan Stanley said that they still expected the changes to happen despite Monday's delay. "The base case remains that the Venezuela and PDVSA bonds are re-weighted in the index," they said, predicting it would be announced "a few weeks after the (new) February 29 deadline". Ted Pincus at hedge fund Mangart Advisers, which holds Venezuelan bonds, called JPMorgan's extension "unexpected" given that the bonds meet the main requirements for index re-weighting, such as being freely-traded in the open market. "Political volatility is part of EM investing," Pincus said. (Reporting by Rodrigo Campos in New York and Marc Jones in London; Editing by Stephen Coates and Mark Potter) FILE PHOTO: Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meets with President of Kenya William Ruto inside the Madama Palace (Senate) as Italy hosts the Italy-Africa summit in Rome, Italy January 29, 2024. REUTERS/Remo Casilli/File Photo By Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - Kenya's president endorsed Italy's plan for closer cooperation with Africa on Tuesday, saying it was evidence that Europe was taking the continent seriously despite criticism over the limited initial funding. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni unveiled a long-awaited initiative on Monday aimed at helping African countries prosper in return for curbing illegal immigration, pumping a preliminary 5.5 billion euros ($5.96 billion) into the scheme. Some critics scoffed at the small scale of many of the projects, while the chairman of the African Union Commission publicly chastised Meloni for not consulting more widely on the priorities beforehand. But Kenyan President William Ruto told Reuters that the so-called Mattei plan, named after the late founder of Italian energy giant Eni, represented a good start. "Every journey begins with one simple step. And I think that the most important step has been made, that we are recalibrating our relationship with Italy as a continent," Ruto said. The Kenyan leader said it was especially relevant given Italy held the rotating chair of the Group of Seven (G7) major Western powers, adding that he was confident Meloni would honour her pledge to promote African interests during her presidency. "The narrative around Africa was conflict, disease, war. Now it's changing. It is opportunity, investment, market and solutions," he said, denying any doubts over the financial stability of his own country. African Union Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat jolted his Italian hosts on Monday with sharply worded comments at the opening of the summit in Italy's opulent Senate chamber. "We are not beggars, our ambition is much higher, we want a paradigm shift for a new model of partnership that can pave the way towards a fairer and more coherent world," he told Meloni. "You can well understand that we can no longer be satisfied with mere promises that are often not kept," he said. Meloni's domestic political foes accused her of short-changing her guests, saying much of the money that she pledged had already been announced previously. "There is nothing new in the Mattei Plan, just funding already provided in the past and projects started long ago under another name," said Davide Faraone, the Senate leader of the centrist Italia Viva party. Of the 5.5 billion euros promised by Meloni, some 3 billion euros came from an international climate fund set up in 2021, while other funds would come in the shape of public guarantees rather than hard cash for on-the-ground projects. "This is not entirely about money. This is about a relationship," Ruto said, adding that Europe was waking up to the immense potential of Africa, which has the largest renewable energy resources in the world and two thirds of its arable land. "The meeting encapsulated a new thinking not just in Italy, but in Europe and globally, about the place of Africa as a continent," he said. ($1 = 0.9228 euros) (Reporting by Crispian Balmer; Additional reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Christina Fincher) FILE PHOTO: People fleeing from violence after the murder of a local gang leader camp out in the courtyard of Cite Soleil's town hall, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti December 7, 2019. REUTERS/Valerie Baeriswyl/File Photo By Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - Kenya is going to push ahead with plans to lead a U.N.-approved security mission to Haiti, despite a court in Nairobi last week blocking the deployment, Kenyan President William Ruto told Reuters on Tuesday. The international force is aimed at tackling rampant gang violence in the Caribbean nation, which killed nearly 5,000 people last year, and is due to be initially financed by the United States. The mission was thrown into doubt after the Kenyan court ruled that it would be unconstitutional to deploy officers abroad unless there was a "reciprocal arrangement" in place with the host government. Ruto said Haiti had asked for help months ago, and he expected a request would come shortly that would satisfy the demands of the court. "So that mission can go ahead as soon as next week, if all the paperwork is done between Kenya and Haiti on the bilateral route that has been suggested by the court," Ruto said following an Italian-Africa summit in Rome. Asked if discussions were underway with Haiti to get the necessary request, Ruto said: "Absolutely. Haiti have actually written formally, not today, several months ago." Haiti first sought help in 2022 as gang violence surged but was unable to find anyone willing to take charge, with many foreign governments wary of supporting the impoverished country's unelected administration. Kenya, which has a long history of taking part in international peace-keeping operations, stepped forward last July and committed 1,000 police officers, saying it was doing so in solidarity with a brother nation. The Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, and Jamaica subsequently said they were willing to help, with the United States pledging $200 million to get the deployment off the ground. "The mission is on course. The mission is a bigger calling to humanity," Ruto said, stressing that it was a police rather than a military operation. The United Nations said last week that it had documented 4,789 people killed by gang violence in Haiti last year, an increase of 119% from 2022, and that another 3,000 people had been kidnapped. (Reporting by Crispian Balmer, editing by Ed Osmond) ISLAMABAD, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has reaffirmed his country's strong commitment to further consolidate bilateral ties with Iran, the prime minister's office said in a statement. In a meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Kakar emphasized the need to address common challenges through collaborative and cooperative approaches, rooted in the respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter, in particular, territorial integrity and sovereignty of both Pakistan and Iran. In highlighting the importance of such diplomatic principles, the Pakistani prime minister underscored the significance of fostering a shared commitment to upholding the sovereignty of both nations and respecting established international norms. Kakar also extended an invitation to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico accepted a formal request from the United States on Tuesday to review alleged labor rights violations at call centers belonging to Spanish company Atento in the central Mexican state of Hidalgo. Mexico's economy ministry announced it accepted the request from U.S. trade officials in a joint statement along with the Mexican labor ministry. Earlier this month, the U.S. government said it found evidence of "egregious" labor rights violations at Atento call centers in Mexico. Atento, which operates two Hidalgo call centers offering customer service to BBVA bank customers, did not immediately respond to a request to comment. Mexican authorities have 45 days to conduct a review to determine if there was a denial of labor rights at the company, the statement noted. It added that the review is part of a rapid response labor mechanism in the USMCA North American trade pact, that includes both the United States and Mexico. (Reporting by Raul Cortes Fernandez and Valentine Hilaire; Editing by David Alire Garcia) FILE PHOTO: The North Korean flag flutters at the North Korea consular office in Dandong, Liaoning province, China April 20, 2021. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea fired multiple unidentified cruise missiles on Tuesday into the sea off its west coast, South Korea's military said, the third time Pyongyang has tested cruise missiles in less than a week. The missiles were launched at around 7 a.m. (2200 GMT on Monday), Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities were closely monitoring the situation and analyzing the details of the launch, it said. The launch comes amid a rise in tension on the Korean peninsula and follows a barrage of cruise missiles fired by Pyongyang off its east coast on Sunday. Sunday's launch was a test of the new submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCM) dubbed "Pulhwasal-3-31" and leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test, North Korean state media KCNA reported on Monday. Last week's missiles were also Pulhwasal-3-31, KCNA said, adding that they were the "strategic", which typically refers to nuclear-capable weapons. South Korea's JCS said last week that it believes the firing of "Pulhwasal-3-31" was to test upgrades of existing missiles' capabilities. (Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Ed Davies and Miral Fahmy) Deputy head of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev takes part in ceremonial events, that mark the anniversary of the World War Two victory over Japan, in Glory Square in the far eastern city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia, September 3, 2023. Sputnik/Y By Andrew Osborn (Reuters) - Senior Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev told Japan on Tuesday it would have to drop territorial claims to a group of Pacific islands if it wanted to conclude a peace treaty with Russia formally ending World War Two. The blunt remarks by Medvedev, a former president who is deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, over what Moscow calls the Kuril islands are likely to anger Japan which lays claim to four of the southernmost islands, which it calls the Northern Territories. Russia, the main successor state to the Soviet Union, and Japan have never signed a peace treaty formally ending their hostilities during World War Two, with the islands remaining the primary stumbling block. The islands are located off Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, and were seized by the Soviet Union at the end of World War Two. Diplomats on both sides once spoke of the possibility of reviving a Soviet-era draft agreement that envisaged returning two of the four islands to Japan as part of a peace deal. But Russia withdrew from peace treaty talks with Japan and froze joint economic projects related to the islands in 2022 because of Japanese sanctions over Russia's war in Ukraine and relations have soured further since. Medvedev said he was respondidipng to comments by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida who he said had spoken in favour of a peace treaty with Russia. "Nobody's against the peace treaty on the understanding that ... the 'territorial question' is closed once and for all in accordance with the constitution of Russia," Medvedev said on his official X account. In 2020, Russia's constitution was amended to bar handing over territory to a foreign power. Medvedev, who styles himself as one of the Kremlin's most hardline anti-Western hawks, said Japan would also have to accept that Russia would develop the Kuril islands and station new weapons there. "We don't give a damn about the 'feelings of the Japanese' concerning the so-called 'Northern Territories'. These are not disputed territories but Russia," said Medvedev. "And those samurai who feel especially sad can end their life in a traditional Japanese way, by committing seppuku (Japanese ritualistic suicide by disembowelment). If they dare, of course." Medvedev accused Japan of cosying up to the United States despite the fact that the U.S. military had dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Russia said in December it regarded joint military exercises by Japan, the United States and Australia near Hokkaido to be a "potential security threat". It has complained about Japan - with U.S. help - expanding its military infrastructure and increasing arms purchases. Japan has periodically expressed unease about Russia beefing up its military infrastructure on the disputed island chain. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by John Davison and Ros Russell) By Alan Charlish WARSAW (Reuters) - Ryanair is hoping that Poland's new pro-European government will support its growth plans in the country which assume a doubling in size over the next 6-8 years, CEO Michael O'Leary said on Tuesday. A new government headed by former European Council President Donald Tusk took power in Poland in December after 8 years of nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party rule. "I think the previous government were interested in holding down that growth. They didn't want Ryanair to expand, so we ran into a lot of political interference," O'Leary told Reuters. "We hope the new government will be more outward looking...the more Poland looks toward the EU...the better that will be for Poland, the Polish economy and for Ryanair's growth in Poland." The company said it plans to raise passenger numbers in Poland - the largest country in the European Union's eastern wing - by 10% to 18 million this year. It announced 30 new routes from the country for a total of 300. "We have ambitious plans to double in size in Poland over the next 6-8 years but what we need here is increased infrastructure," O'Leary said. He said Ryanair had not yet met with the new government but hopes an agreement on its growth plans could be reached this year. In addition to complaints about capacity constraints, particularly at two airports around Warsaw - Modlin and Warsaw Chopin Airport - Ryanair has criticised the former government's plans to build a new airport in central Poland, the Solidarity Transport Hub. "The central airport plan was the dumbest plan ever invented by a pretty dumb government it has never made any sense, we have always been opposed to it, it is stupid," O'Leary said. "This is what the communists used to do: 'we'll build an airport in Siberia and everybody will use it because we say you all have to use it'. It doesn't work that way." The new government is re-examining plans for the construction of the hub, which was envisaged to be operational in 2028, serving 40 million passengers per year. Construction work has yet to be started. O'Leary said the airline plans to invest in Ukraine and planned to fly from the country within six weeks of skies reopening for commercial flights which were halted due to Russia's invasion in 2022. "We will be the largest airline in Ukraine the minute the war ends." (Reporting by Alan Charlish, writing by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Ros Russell) View of an Optus shop in Sydney, Australia November 8, 2023. REUTERS/Kirsty Needham (Reuters) - Singtel said on Tuesday it was not looking to divest from its Optus unit, Australia's second-largest wireless operator, refuting a report from Australian Financial Review (AFR). AFR had earlier reported on Tuesday that Optus executives were exploring options including selling off the company's enterprise and business divisions. Optus is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Telecommunications, commonly referred to as Singtel. "Singtel views its stake in Singtel Optus Pty Limited as strategic and believes in the long-term outlook of the Optus business," the company said in a statement. Sydney-based Optus, which drew public ire after a 12-hour network blackout affected over 10 million Australians in November, is also facing a class action lawsuit over a massive 2022 data hack. (Reporting by Poonam Behura in Bengaluru; Editing by Shweta Agarwal and Tasim Zahid) FILE PHOTO: Cranes and shipping containers are seen at Pyeongtaek port in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, July 9, 2020. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo By Jihoon Lee SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's exports likely rose for a fourth straight month in January on growing chip sales, with the headline figure pushed up further by calendar effects, a Reuters poll showed on Tuesday. Exports out of Asia's fourth-largest economy are expected to have risen 17.8% in January from a year earlier, faster than a gain of 5.0% in December, according to the median estimate of 17 economists in the survey conducted Jan. 23-29. That would be the biggest annual increase since May 2022 for South Korean exports, which started to rise slowly from October 2023 after a year-long downturn. South Korea is the first major economy to report trade figures each month, providing an early gauge for world demand, but its data in January and February is often distorted by timing differences in Lunar New Year holidays. The Lunar New Year holiday period, which was in January last year, will be in February this year, resulting in more working days and a favourable comparison base for this month. "Korean exports are expected to remain in positive territory for the fourth straight month as semiconductor exports continue to be robust," said Chun Kyu-yeon, an economist at Hana Securities. "Solid exports to the United States and improving shipments to China will likely lead the gradual recovery in exports," Chun said. In the first 20 days of this month, exports of semiconductors rose 19.7%, set to extend their gains for a third straight month. By destination, exports to the United States rose 3.6% during the period, but those to the European Union dropped 9.4%. China-bound shipments rose 0.1%, after falling for 19 consecutive months. While calendar effects would be a boost, there also were some downside factors, such as weakening demand in Europe and supply chain disruptions in the Red Sea, economists said. "We believe sequential momentum remains weak as Korea's port activities dropped sharply owing to logistics disruptions in the Red Sea area," Barclays economists said in a note. "This likely affects non-tech exports, which are shipped more by sea than air." Meanwhile, imports likely fell 7.6% in January from a year earlier, according to the survey. That would be slower than a fall of 10.8% in December and mark the smallest decline in 10 months. In the survey, the median forecast for the monthly trade balance pointed at a surplus of $0.80 billion, just enough to keep the balance in the black for an eighth month, but much smaller than $4.46 billion in December, which was the biggest in three years. South Korea is scheduled to report monthly trade figures for January on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 9 a.m. (0000 GMT). (Reporting by Jihoon Lee; Polling by Milounee Purohit and Anant Chandak in Bengaluru; Editing by Stephen Coates) Former U.S. President Donald Trump testifies as he takes the stand watched by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan during the second civil trial where E. Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her decades ago, at Manhattan Federal Court in New York City, U.S., By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - A lawyer for Donald Trump said on Monday a possible conflict of interest involving the judge who oversaw E. Jean Carroll's recent defamation trial may justify overturning the writer's $83.3 million award. In a letter filed in federal court in Manhattan, the lawyer Alina Habba cited a Jan. 27 New York Post article discussing U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan's alleged prior working relationship with Carroll's lawyer Roberta Kaplan, who is not related. Both worked about two years at the same time at the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in the early 1990s, before Judge Kaplan was appointed to the federal bench in 1994. The article quoted an unnamed former Paul Weiss partner who said Roberta Kaplan sought to distinguish herself, like all associates, and Judge Kaplan had been "like her mentor." Habba said this "particularly concerning" matter could justify a new trial on liability and damages, which the judge's "overtly hostile" treatment of Trump's side and "preferential" treatment of Carroll's side could also support. Trump plans to appeal last Friday's $83.3 million verdict, which stemmed from his June 2019 denials that he raped Carroll in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. Judge Kaplan's chambers did not immediately respond to a request for comment after business hours. Spokespeople for Carroll and Roberta Kaplan did not immediately respond to similar requests, but one spokesperson told the Post that no conflict existed. Paul Weiss also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Habba's letter cited among other things the Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges. The code says judges shall disqualify themselves from cases where their impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including when "a lawyer with whom the judge previously practiced law served during such association as a lawyer concerning the matter." Carroll's $83.3 million verdict included $18.3 million of compensatory damages and $65 million of punitive damages. A different jury last May awarded the former Elle magazine advice columnist $5 million, finding Trump liable for a similar October 2022 defamation and for sexual abuse. Trump is appealing that verdict. The first jury's findings were binding for the second trial, leaving the jury there to focus only on damages. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Stephen Coates) By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and two Texas business groups sued the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday seeking to overturn the Biden administration's new digital discrimination rule. The FCC in November adopted final rules to prevent digital discrimination in access to broadband services under a directive from Congress. Under the new rules, the FCC can investigate broadband access discrimination complaints and issue penalties to companies violating the rules. The FCC said the rules are aimed at preventing "digital discrimination of access to broadband services based on income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, or national origin." The U.S. Chamber, which filed the challenge in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, said the regulation is overly broad and covers "nearly every business practice related to providing access to broadband including pricing." FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said in October that the agency had "created a process that is aimed at finding solutions that work for all parties." A spokesperson for Rosenworcel declined comment on the lawsuit on Tuesday. Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr sharply criticized the rule in November when it was adopted, saying it gives "the federal government a roving mandate to micromanage nearly every aspect of how the internet functions." Rosenworcel said the FCC will "accept genuine reasons of technical and economic feasibility as valid reasons why it may not be possible for equal access to a providers network." The other Republican FCC commissioner, Nathan Simington, said in November that under the rule the commission will "run a permanent inquisition against the broadband industry, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty when we should instead be encouraging greater investment and innovation." Since Democrats took control of the FCC in early October after being divided 2-2 since January 2021, Rosenworcel has moved quickly to set new rules. The FCC voted in October to advance a proposal to reinstate landmark net-neutrality rules and assume new regulatory oversight of broadband internet rescinded under Republican former President Donald Trump. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler) DAMASCUS (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates has dispatched an ambassador to Damascus for the first time since the Syrian conflict erupted in 2011, Syria's state media reported on Tuesday, in a new signal of Syria's warming ties with the Arab region. Incoming Emirati envoy Hassan al-Shehi presented his credentials to Syria's foreign affair minister Faysal al-Meqdad at the foreign ministry on Tuesday. Syria has been slowly re-establishing diplomatic ties with the Arab region in recent years, after many recalled their envoys and closed embassies in reaction to President Bashar al-Assad's crackdown on protests against him in 2011. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and, to a lesser extent, the UAE then backed rebels against Assad - but Abu Dhabi has rebuilt ties with Damascus in recent years. Assad visited the UAE in 2022 - his first trip to an Arab state since the civil war erupted - and again in 2023 after a devastating earthquake killed thousands in Syria. The tragedy cleared the way for a thaw in Arab ties with Assad and months later the Arab League reversed its more than decade-long suspension of Syria's membership. Regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia, which last year reached an agreement with rival Iran to restore bilateral ties, has opened the door for possible dialogue with Damascus especially on humanitarian issues. Syrian daily Al-Watan reported that Riyadh would be sending an ambassador to Damascus soon. Hundreds of thousands of people have died in the Syria conflict, which spiralled out of an uprising against Assad, drew in numerous foreign powers and splintered the country. (Reporting by Firas Makdesi and Kinda Makieh; Writing by Maya Gebeily, editing by Ed Osmond) By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) - British investment minister Dominic Johnson said he discussed the seizure of frozen Russian assets with U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo on Monday, and stressed that any move to do so must be done in strict accordance with international law. Johnson said these were clearly "unique times," but it was imperative to ensure that any move was well-coordinated internationally and there were still important legal details to work out. A U.S. Senate committee last week approved legislation that would help set the stage for the United States to confiscate Russian assets and hand them over to Ukraine for rebuilding after the destruction of the nearly two-year-long war. The European Union, United States, Japan and Canada froze some $300 billion of Russian central bank assets in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. Group of Seven countries have been studying a possible seizure of the assets as a way to have Russia pay for the damage its invasion caused in Ukraine. U.S. and British officials have been exploring options for confiscating Russian central bank assets, but senior EU officials last week said the bloc was unlikely to do so given worries about the legality of such a move and the potential for spooking investors in euro assets. "There's a good amount of work to do," Johnson told Reuters during his visit to Washington. "We've got to make sure that we get the detail right ... We've got to make sure these things are legally watertight." Britain needs to protect its reputation as a "safe and stable" place to invest, he said, adding that was critical to make sure "the rest of the world feels reassured that we are sticking to the rule of law and property rights." Russia has said confiscation of those assets would go against the principles of free markets and the Kremlin has warned it would seize U.S., European and other assets in response to such a move. Johnson said the issue was clearly "top of mind" for Adeyemo, but said he was confident his U.S. counterparts understood the need to iron out the legal and technical details. He said a G7 meeting later this month would be an important watershed moment for the allies' conversations on the issue, but declined to say if a breakthrough was possible. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Stephen Coates) ISLAMABAD, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- A special court on Tuesday sentenced former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to 10 years in prison, respectively, for exposing official secrets. In an official statement, Khan's political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) confirmed the sentence, adding that they will challenge the decision in a higher court. The case, commonly known as the cipher case, had been heard in Adiala Jail in north Rawalpindi city where both Khan and Qureshi are facing imprisonment in other cases. A few days before facing a no-confidence movement in parliament which led to his ouster from the government last year, Khan displayed a paper in a public rally, claiming that it was a diplomatic correspondence between officials of Pakistan and a foreign country to hatch a conspiracy to topple his government. While announcing the verdict, the judge said that both accused made the classified document public during the rally, using it for their political gain. The court added that their move had harmed the country's reputation and affected security and diplomatic affairs. By Tim Hepher DUBLIN (Reuters) - A senior United Airlines executive highlighted the widespread loss of experience in the aviation industry since the COVID-19 pandemic and said it may have contributed to recent problems at Boeing. "Experience counts and they need to have a good experienced team righting the ship," Executive Vice President Finance Gerry Laderman told the Airline Economics conference in Dublin. "Part of the problem for lots of industrial companies is nobody realised the difficulties that we were all going to get hit with as we came out of COVID," Laderman said. "Principally the supply chain but also a lack of senior people and a lot of retirements: the knowledge base. That impacts everybody, and I think that is part of what happened at Boeing and ... it will take time." Laderman said he would not comment on whether there should be management changes at the planemaker. Boeing said on Monday it was withdrawing a request for a key safety exemption that could have allowed regulators to speed up certification of its coming 737 MAX 7. Lawmakers had been pressuring the planemaker to withdraw the petition following a mid-air cabin blowout on Jan. 5 on a 737 MAX 9 that has exposed numerous safety and quality control concerns at one of the world's two major jetmakers. Investigators are examining whether bolts were missing or incorrectly installed on the Alaska Airlines jet. The reactions of influential executives like Laderman, who is seen as one of the most prolific buyers of Boeing jets having started at Continental before it merged with United in 2010, are being watched closely at this week's air finance gathering. Conference delegates said Boeing's decision raised questions about the timing of the larger and more widely sold MAX 10, whose certification had been expected a year after the MAX 7. United is a leading operator of the MAX 9, which was partially grounded for three weeks following the blowout. It has also ordered 277 of the larger MAX 10, for which Boeing has also been expected to ask for an exemption. Laderman deflected a question on efforts by United to secure more competing A321neos after Reuters reported that CEO Scott Kirby had recently visited Airbus to open negotiations. "I don't keep track of his travel anymore ... I do know that he's in the (United) leadership conference today," said Laderman, who is shortly due to retire after recently stepping down as chief financial officer. The A321neo is in strong demand with few available soon. Laderman said Airbus also has its share of delivery problems. "Yes there's a Boeing issue. But keep in mind, for very different reasons, Airbus has issues too, related mostly let's say to the supply chain. (Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Conor Humphries and Mark Potter) FILE PHOTO: A person casts his ballot for the upcoming presidential election during early voting in Sumter, South Carolina, U.S., October 9, 2020. REUTERS/Micah Green By Nate Raymond (Reuters) -Civil rights activists on Tuesday failed to convince a federal appeals court to reconsider a ruling that could sharply curtail lawsuits enforcing a landmark voting rights law's protections against racial discrimination. The full 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a request by the Arkansas Public Policy Panel and the Arkansas State Conference NAACP to reconsider a 2-1 ruling by a panel of judges holding that only the government and not private plaintiffs can pursue cases enforcing Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The panel's November decision marked the first time a federal appeals court had reached such a conclusion. The vast majority of Voting Rights Act lawsuits for decades have been filed by private parties, not the U.S. Department of Justice. The ruling came in a lawsuit challenging a redistricting plan for the Arkansas State House of Representatives that the two groups alleged undermined the voting power of Black people in the Republican-led state. The plaintiffs, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, have called the November decision "radical." It applies to seven states within the 8th Circuit's jurisdiction, Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. "That it chose not to rehear the case ignores the gravity of what's at stake generations of precedent protecting voters and in turn our democracy," Sophia Lin Lakin, a lawyer with the ACLU who argued the appeal, said in a statement. The plaintiffs said they were "exploring next legal steps." They could now try to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, where two members of the court's 6-3 conservative majority, Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas, have raised the question of whether private litigants do have a right to sue. In 2022, U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky, an Arkansas federal judge appointed by former Republican President Donald Trump, held that only the U.S. attorney general is empowered to file lawsuits under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. That provision prohibits voting rules that are racially discriminatory. In November's 2-1 opinion authored by U.S. Circuit Judge David Stras, another Trump appointee, the 8th Circuit held that the law does not lay out a "private right of action," even though courts including the Supreme Court have taken on such cases for decades. Three judges dissented from Thursday's decision to not have the full 8th Circuit rehear the case, including U.S. Circuit Judge Steven Colloton, an appointee of Republican former President George W. Bush, who called the November ruling "flawed." (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and David Gregorio) FILE PHOTO: U.S. Representative Cori Bush (D-MO) speaks in support of the removal of the ratification deadline for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., April 27, 2023. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic U.S. Representative Cori Bush said on Tuesday the Justice Department is probing her campaign's spending on security, adding that she is fully cooperating with the investigation. Bush, a member of the high-profile group of House progressives nicknamed "The Squad," said in a statement that she had faced threats even before she was sworn into office in January 2021 and had used campaign funds for security. She denied wrongdoing. "As a rank-and-file member of Congress I am not entitled to personal protection by the House," Bush said in a statement. "I have not used any federal tax dollars for personal security services." The Justice Department declined to comment. Bush said the allegations focused on her husband's role on the campaign, adding that he had been a part of her security team due to his experience in the area. The Federal Elections Commission and the House Ethics Committee are also probing her campaign, Bush said. The Office of Congressional Ethics also conducted a months-long investigation and found no wrongdoing, she said. The Office of Congressional Ethics declined to provide details about whether it had conducted an investigation. On Monday, a formal communication was read on the House floor stating that the House Sergeant at Arms had been served with a grand jury subpoena and was complying with it. It did not provide details about the case. The Office of the House Sergeant at Arms did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Bush has spoken of facing economic hardship before her election to office, including being evicted three times and living in her car with her children for a while. In July 2021, she spent a night on the steps of the Capitol to protest the end of a COVID-era freeze on evictions. In 2023 she brought Michael Brown Sr. as her guest to President Joe Biden's State of the Union address. He is the father of Michael Brown, whose 2014 shooting by a Ferguson, Missouri, police officer helped give birth to the Black Lives Matter movement. (Reporting by Makini Brice in Washington; Additional reporting by Andrew Goudsward and Richard Cowan in Washington; Editing by Scott Malone and Matthew Lewis) A Palestinian woman holds a placard during a protest against the suspension of UNRWA funding by some Western states, in front of the United Nations Palestinian aid agency UNRWA's building in Beirut, Lebanon January 30, 2024. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -The United States said on Tuesday that the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees needs to make "fundamental changes" before Washington will resume funding that was halted over Israeli accusations that some agency staff took part in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield welcomed a U.N. inquiry into the accusations against staff at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and a planned agency review. She also said the U.S. was seeking more detail from Israel about the allegations. She described "fundamental changes" as: "We need to look at the organization, how it operates in Gaza, how they manage their staff and to ensure that people who commit criminal acts, such as these 12 individuals, are held accountable immediately so that UNRWA can continue the essential work that it's doing." The accusations became public on Friday when UNRWA announced it had fired some staff after Israel provided the agency with information. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday that of 12 people implicated nine were fired, one is dead, and the identity of the remaining two was being clarified. The United States - UNRWA's biggest donor - temporarily paused its funding, along with a cascade of other countries. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Tuesday that Washington provides $300-400 million a year. Miller said that in the current fiscal year, which began in October, the U.S. had so far provided about $121 million to UNRWA. Guterres met with dozens of UNRWA donors in New York for more than two hours on Tuesday to discuss the U.N. action being taken in response to the Israeli allegations and hear concerns. Several ambassadors described the meeting as constructive. Guterres appealed to countries who had suspended UNRWA funding to reconsider and to "other countries, including those in the region, also to step up to the plate," Palestinian U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour told reporters after the meeting. China's U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun said Guterres shared information with donors about the individual accusations made against UNRWA staff. "We are at a very critical moment in coping with the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the war is still going on ... we should not allow these individual cases to dilute our attention in pursuing a ceasefire," Zhang told reporters. 'NO SUBSTITUTION' An Israeli intelligence dossier, seen by Reuters on Monday, includes accusations that some UNRWA staff took part in abductions and killings during the Oct. 7 raid that sparked the Gaza war and alleges some 190 UNRWA employees have doubled as Hamas or Islamic Jihad militants. The Palestinians have accused Israel of falsifying information to tarnish UNRWA. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday that Israel has not yet shared the intelligence dossier with the U.N. UNRWA employs 13,000 people in Gaza, running the enclave's schools, its primary healthcare clinics and other social services, and distributing humanitarian aid. "Every year, UNRWA shares its list of staff with the host countries where it works," said Dujarric. "For the work that it does in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA shares the list of staff with both the Palestinian Authority and with the Israeli government, as the occupying power for those areas." Earlier on Tuesday, the U.N. Security Council expressed concern about the "dire and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation" and urged all parties to work with U.N. Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag. The statement by the 15-member council came after Kaag briefed the body behind closed doors for the first time since she was appointed about a month ago. Kaag said there was "no substitution" for the humanitarian role of UNRWA. "There is no way that any organization can replace or substitute the tremendous capacity, the fabric of UNRWA, the ability and their knowledge of the population in Gaza," Kaag told reporters after the briefing. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien and Christopher Cushing) By Deisy Buitrago and Vivian Sequera CARACAS (Reuters) -Venezuela is prepared for the reimposition of U.S. sanctions on its oil and gas exports and will stop accepting repatriation flights from the U.S. if "economic aggression" intensifies, high-level officials said on Tuesday. The U.S. began reimposing sanctions on Caracas this week after the South American country's top court upheld a ban blocking the candidacy of the leading opposition hopeful in a presidential election later this year. The Treasury Department on Monday gave U.S. entities until Feb. 13 to wind down transactions with Venezuelan state-owned miner Minerven. The U.S., which first imposed oil sanctions on Venezuela in 2019, had granted sanctions relief for the OPEC member country in October in recognition of the Barbados deal, which included releasing political prisoners, allowing international observers and setting conditions for a fair presidential election. The U.S. State Department separately said on Tuesday Washington does not plan to renew a wider license that has allowed Venezuela's oil to freely flow to its chosen destinations when it expires on April 18. "Actions by Nicolas Maduro and his representatives in Venezuela, including the arrest of members of the democratic opposition and the barring of candidates from competing in this year's presidential election, are inconsistent with the agreements signed in Barbados," the State Department said, referring to the deal on election conditions inked between Maduro's government and the opposition last year. "Absent progress between Maduro and his representatives and the opposition Unitary Platform... the United States will not renew the license when it expires on April 18," the State Department added, referring to general license 44, which provides relief to Venezuela's oil and gas sector. "Venezuela is prepared for any circumstance," Oil Minister Pedro Tellechea told reporters on the sidelines of a government event in Caracas. "They will find a powerful industry ready to face any situation." Since October, Venezuela's oil exports have slightly increased, with more cargoes going to the U.S. and Europe, which used to be its preferred markets before sanctions. The U.S. would also feel the impact of any reimposing of energy sanctions on Venezuela, Tellechea told reporters, adding that the country will not "kneel down" just because somebody tries to impose which countries it can do business with. Venezuela will reject migrant repatriation flights from the U.S. from Feb. 13 and review other cooperation if "economic aggression" against it intensifies, Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez said on social media. "If they carry out the false step of intensifying economic aggression against Venezuela, at the request of extremist lackeys in the country, from Feb. 13 the repatriation flights of Venezuelan migrants will be immediately revoked," Rodriguez said. Repatriation flights to Venezuela from the U.S. restarted in October under an agreement between the two countries. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security last conducted a removal flight which included Venezuelans in late December, the eleventh such transport last year. DHS has said it removed or returned over 460,000 individuals, between mid-May and late December 2023. (Reporting by Deisy Buitriago and Vivian Sequera in Caracas, writing by Marianna Parraga and Julis Symmes CobbEditing by Marguerita Choy) FILE PHOTO: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a joint statement during the visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the Malacanang Palace, in Manila, Philippines, January 10, 2024. Ezra Acayan/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo By Khanh Vu HANOI (Reuters) -Vietnam and the Philippines agreed on Tuesday to boost cooperation between their coastguards and to prevent untoward incidents in the South China Sea, in an announcement during a state visit to Hanoi by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The two Southeast Asian countries have competing claims over some parts of the South China Sea, a conduit for $3 trillion of annual ship-borne trade that China claims almost in its entirety. The two memoranda of understanding on security covered "incident prevention in the South China Sea" and "maritime cooperation" among coastguards, according to a Vietnamese official who announced the deals during a formal ceremony in the country's presidential palace. The agreements in Hanoi could risk angering Beijing, especially if they paved the way for future compromises on disputed claims. China tends to view progress in the resolution of border disputes among other claimants with scepticism. Both Hanoi and Manila have had run-ins with China's coastguard in the past, but altercations have been frequent in the last year between vessels of China and U.S.-ally the Philippines, adding strain to deteriorating relations. The maritime cooperation deal aims to establish a comprehensive partnership between the two Coast Guards on capacity building, training, and personnel and ship exchanges to improve their ability to run operations together, according to Marcos' remarks at a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. "The South China Sea remains to be a point of contention," Marcos said at the meeting. "We are firm in defending our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction against any provocations. But at the same time, we are also seeking to address these issues with China through peaceful dialogue and consultations as two equal sovereign states." Before meeting Vietnam's President Vo Van Thuong, Marcos said Vietnam was "the sole strategic partner of the Philippines" in Southeast Asia and stressed that maritime cooperation was the foundation of that relationship. "The world and regional situation is evolving in a rapid and complicated manner and therefore we need to unite and cooperate more closely," Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said, noting Marcos' visit helped boost bilateral relations. Vietnam, one of the world's biggest rice exporters, also sealed agreements with the Philippines, a top importer of the grain, covering rice trade and agriculture cooperation. In his two-day visit to Hanoi, Marcos is meeting Vietnamese leaders, but not Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, according to official schedules, in what would be Trong's third consecutive absence from meetings with visiting leaders this month. Trong, 79, however attended a parliament's session in mid-January, partly dispelling concerns about his health after he was not included in official schedules of visiting leaders from Laos and Indonesia. Before meeting Vietnamese political leaders on Tuesday, Marcos met Pham Nhat Vuong, the head of Vingroup, Vietnam's largest conglomerate, on Monday. The company said on Tuesday its electric car unit VinFast will open a business network in the Philippines. Marcos said the Philippines could help produce batteries for electric vehicles, thanks to its reserves of cobalt, copper and nickel, Vingroup said in a statement. He said the two countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion from $7 billion. (Reporting by Khanh Vu in Hanoi; additional reporting by Karen Lema in Manila, Francesco Guarascio in Hanoi; Editing by Martin Petty, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Sonali Paul) (Reuters) - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is preparing to replace top commander Valery Zaluzhny in what would be the biggest shake-up of its military brass during Russia's almost two-year-old invasion, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. Zelenskiy on Monday offered Valeriy Zaluzhny, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, a new role but the general refused, the FT report said, citing four people familiar with the discussions. (Reporting by Jose Joseph in Bengaluru; editing by Mark Heinrich) A prison van carrying opposition politician Job Sikhala arrives at the Harare Magistrates Court, for sentencing, in Harare, January 30, 2024.REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo/File Photo By Nyasha Chingono HARARE (Reuters) - A Zimbabwean court on Tuesday freed opposition politician Job Sikhala after nearly 600 days of pre-trial detention on charges of inciting public violence in 2022. Sikhala, 51, a leader in the opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has been arrested dozens of times since he began his political career in 1999. He was jailed in 2022 for obstruction of justice and inciting public violence after saying that the ruling party, ZANU PF, had killed an opposition activist, which it denied. He denied all charges against him. On Tuesday, a Harare magistrate convicted him of inciting public violence but gave him a suspended two-year sentence because he had already spent so long in jail. "He is now a free man. He is going to come out today," his lawyer, Harrison Nkomo, told journalists outside the court, where Sikhala's supporters sang and danced in celebration. Nkomo added that his client, a lawyer, would appeal against the conviction. "We are not resting. What we want is an acquittal," he said. Kept in the high-walled Chikurubi maximum prison in Harare which houses Zimbabwe's most dangerous criminals, Sikhala had written spirited letters calling for solidarity. He is the only Zimbabwean politician to have endured such a long pre-trial detention. (Reporting by Nyasha Chingono; Editing by Nellie Peyton and Nick Macfie) The new leader of 7th Air Force, Lt. Gen. David Iverson, salutes his airmen during a change-of-command ceremony at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Jan. 30, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea An F-15 Strike Eagle pilot took command of the 7th Air Force during a ceremony here Tuesday, 30 years after his father led the organization. Lt. Gen. David Iverson relieved Lt. Gen. Scott Pleus, who was scheduled to leave the Korean Peninsula that day to become the Air Forces director of staff at the Pentagon. The ceremony, inside a hangar, was led by the commander of U.S. Forces Korea, Army Gen. Paul LaCamera. Osan, roughly 35 miles south of Seoul, is home to the 7th Air Force, U.S. Space Forces Korea and the South Korean air forces Operations Command. In addition to a handful of direct report units at Osan, the 7th Air Force includes the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan and the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base, 80 miles to the south. Army Gen. Paul LaCamera, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, presents Lt. Gen. Scott Pleus, outgoing 7th Air Force commander, with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Jan. 30, 2024. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes) Airmen salute new 7th Air Force commander Lt. Gen. David Iverson during a ceremony at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Jan, 30, 2024. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes) Speaking to an audience of about 300 people, Iverson said serving with the South Korean military is one of the best parts of living here. Our steadfast dedication forged in shared sacrifice has built a common bond between us and led to deep and lasting friendships, he said. Serving here, standing beside all of you, protecting the freedom and democracies of our nations, is truly an honor. He received his commission in 1991 through the ROTC program from the University of Virginia. He graduated flight school in 1993 from Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and has since clocked in over 5,400 flight hours, 1,500 in combat. Iverson is the son of Lt. Gen. Ronald Iverson, also an F-15 pilot who commanded the 7th Air Force from 1994 to 1997. The 7th Air Force develops the total air campaign and reinforcement plans for the defense of South Korea and Northwest Asia and maintains the readiness of 117 operational units and 8,300 U.S. Air Force personnel, according to Pacific Air Forces. The 7th Air Forces mission is to employ airpower to deter aggression and maintain the armistice between U.N. Command and North Korea and defend South Korea. Pleus, who took command in 2020, said it was an honor to serve here. While this is my third assignment to Korea, I can confidently say that the mission here is like no other, Pleus said. Throughout seven decades of hard work and dedication, the service members stand ready to deter aggression, and if required, defend [South Korea]. The 7th Air Force oversaw several key military developments during Pleus tenure, such as the first B-52H Stratofortress landing in South Korea in at least 30 years in October and the first combined airpower demonstration by U.S., South Korean and Japanese aircraft that month. Those drills were held amid a series of North Korean ballistic-missile launches; the communist regime fired 24 such weapons last year. These accomplishments would not be possible without the exceptional effort and innovative problem-solving capabilities of this alliance, Pleus said. LaCamera thanked the two generals for their service. The 7th Air Force commander is also USFKs deputy commander. Under the leadership of these two leaders, the 7th Air Force has been and will always be ready to fight tonight and win, he said. The Bernie Beck Gate at Fort Cavazos, Texas, on May 23, 2023. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes ) AUSTIN, Texas One Fort Cavazos soldier was killed and another injured in a shooting Saturday morning in a town about 15 miles from the central Texas Army post. Two soldiers were driving along Interstate Highway 14 at about 9 a.m. when they exited onto the access road near the entrance to Nolanville, according to the Nolanville Police Department. The shooting occurred while the vehicle was moving, killing the passenger and injuring the driver, who called 911. The vehicle did not crash, according to police, who are assisting in the investigation by the Army Criminal Investigation Division. The injured soldier was taken to a hospital and remains in stable condition, according to police. Police have not yet interviewed the injured soldier to build a narrative of what led to the shooting. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, according to the division. Base officials have not identified the soldiers. Our leaders are closely supporting the families and working with local authorities, the division said. Nolanville is a small town of about 6,000 people. XI'AN, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for efforts to promote industrial innovation through scientific and technological innovation, and accelerate the cultivation of new productive forces. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in northwest China's Shaanxi Province from Monday to Tuesday. Three U.S. soldiers wounded in a Jan. 28, 2024, drone strike in Jordan are expected to arrive in Germany on Tuesday for treatment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, according to U.S. officials. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes) Three American service members wounded in a weekend drone strike in Jordan that killed three Army reservists are expected to arrive at an Army hospital in Germany on Tuesday, according to U.S. officials. One of the injured soldiers is in critical condition but has been stabilized, while the other two are in stable condition, said Kirk Frady, spokesman for Medical Readiness Command Europe. They are being flown from Baghdad to Ramstein Air Base on an Air Force aeromedical evacuation aircraft, Frady said. From there, the soldiers will make the short trip to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the largest Defense Department hospital overseas. A decision on whether evacuation to the U.S. for further treatment is necessary will be made by hospital staff, Frady said. He added that the hospital is not expecting to receive any more troops injured in the Sunday morning strike at Tower 22, a small logistics support base in northeast Jordan along the Syrian border. At least 40 other American service members were wounded, and the number could rise as personnel are evaluated, the Pentagon said Monday. Eight service members required evacuation from Jordan to the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said. Five were assessed for mild traumatic brain injuries and are expected to return to duty, she said. The three reservists killed in the strike were in their quarters. They were identified Monday as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. They were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion from the 926th Engineer Brigade based at Fort Moore, Ga. They had been scheduled to return to Georgia in the summer after their deployment, which began late last year as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the American mission supporting the fight against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.. An Iran-backed militia was responsible for the drone strike, the Pentagon said. Singh on Monday declined to name the group but said it had the footprints of Kataib Hezbollah. The group is backed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an elite unit of Irans armed forces that supports terrorist groups and anti-American militants in Iraq and Syria, according to defense officials. The military is investigating how the drone evaded air defenses designed to protect the roughly 350 Army and Air Force personnel deployed to the base, Singh said. Part of that review includes whether the drone wasnt shot down because troops on the ground believed it to be a returning American drone, she said. Ive seen those reports, Singh said. Thats something that Central Command is assessing right now. An amphibious combat vehicle fords back to shore for a final evaluation during a certification course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., in July 2023. (Mhecaela Watts/U.S. Marine Corps) The Marine Corps is sending its new amphibious combat vehicle to the Pacific with an expeditionary unit from California, the Corps acting commandant said Thursday. The new additions to the services inventory will arrive on Okinawa with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit from Camp Pendleton, Calif., Gen. Christopher Mahoney said during an event at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C. The eight-wheeled amphibious combat vehicles, or ACVs, move troops from ship to shore and are designed to ride the surf close to shore during assaults. They are essential to the Marines force redesign that aims to structure the Corps as a distributed, light strike force equipped to fight across Pacific islands. The combat vehicles deploying with the 15th MEU will become part of the Okinawa contingent once they get out there, Mahoney said without elaboration. The ACV, first developed by BAE Systems of York, Pa., under a $67 million contract in June 2019, replaces the amphibious assault vehicles whose use by the Corps concluded not long after the accidental deaths of nine crew in July 2020. Eight Marines and a Navy corpsman drowned when their amphibious assault vehicle sank off the coast of Southern California. An investigation blamed the sinking and fatalities on poor training, bad judgment and shabby maintenance, but the mishap also underscored the assault vehicles deficiencies. In fall 2020, BAE Systems received a $184 million contract for full-rate production of the amphibious combat vehicle, according to the company website, and late the following year the Corps announced it would replace the aging, tracked amphibious vehicles with the new, wheeled vehicles. The replacement ACVs have had their own set of problems, both on land and sea. The Corps halted ACV training in rough waters after one of them rolled over in the surf zone near Camp Pendleton in October 2022. There were no fatalities. In December, a Marine with the 15th MEU died when the ACV he was in rolled over at Pendleton. Mahoney told the audience that the service is working toward lifting training restrictions on the ACVs to get them back into unprotected waters. There are a couple of more things to go, but Im confident that we will get the training, get the procedures and the methods, to the level that we need to be confident in rough-sea states, he said. Mahoney, the assistant commandant, is standing in for Commandant Gen. Eric Smith, who is recovering from an Oct. 29 heart attack, a month after being sworn in by Navy Secretary Carolos Del Toro. Defense News reported Friday that the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group will deploy from the West Coast in phases this spring with the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer and dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry, from which the ACVs would deploy, expected to depart in March. U.S. service members with Task Force 61/2 (TF 61/2) pose for a group photo at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, Aug. 16, 2023. TF 61/2 was deployed in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe areas of operation. (Jack Labrador/U.S. Marine Corps) The 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade is back home at Camp Lejeune, N.C., following an eight-month deployment in the 6th Fleet area of operations. The brigade deployed for the second time as Task Force 61/2, headquartered in Naples, Italy. While under the tactical control of TF 61/2, Marines and Sailors from seven task groups and rotational forces conducted exercises and port visits across two continents and 20 countries, including in the High North, the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic Sea region, and the Gulf of Guinea, according to a Marine Corps news release. The brigade began the deployment with exercise Baltic Operations 2023, or BALTOPS 23, a two-week exercise in June that involved the U.S., Britain, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Turkey and 13 other countries. The task force then supported the Spanish Flotilla Exercise (FLOTEX) 23, and in late July coordinated efforts to combat wildfires in Greece. The task force also supported Large Scale Exercise 23 in August and the Georgian and U.S. Army-led exercise Agile Spirit 23 in September. Also in September, the task force participated in Archipelago Endeavor 23, an integrated Swedish and Marine Corps field training exercise, and oversaw Exercise Lisa Azul 23, a bilateral training exercise between Spanish and U.S. Marines. Next up was Exercise Northern Coasts 2023, a Baltic Sea exercise focused on the collective defense of NATO Allies in the area, and Exercise Northern Challenge 2023, an annual exercise led by the Icelandic Coast Guard, which included explosive ordnance disposal and improvised explosive device disposal training. This was first year the Marine Corps participated in the exercise, according to the release. After Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, the task force shifted focus to provide support to forces preparing to operate in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It also participated in the Finnish-led Exercise Freezing Winds. We planned and executed more exercises and played a crucial role in real world operations, including the firefighting operations in Greece and operations in the Eastern Mediterranean, Priddy said. As a task force, we gained real-world experience in the employment of forces utilizing Force Design concepts and crisis response actions. The 2d MEB team did a tremendous job, and I am proud of everything our Marines and sailors accomplished throughout our deployment. Then-Cmdr. Danielle DeFant salutes at a change of command ceremony in San Diego, Calif., Dec. 1, 2017. Defant, now a captain, was relieved of command of the cruiser USS Lake Erie in October 2023. A Navy investigation report determined that DeFant had bullied her crew and created a toxic command climate. (Jailene Casso/U.S. Navy) A Navy captain relieved of command of a San Diego-based cruiser last year battered and bullied sailors while creating a culture of fear through temper tantrums and public humiliation, according to a service investigation. Capt. Danielle DeFants toxic leadership aboard USS Lake Erie put the ships crew at higher risk of an accident, investigators concluded in an Oct. 2, 2023, command report. A copy of the report was first obtained and posted online by San Diegos KPBS through a Freedom of Information Act request. DeFant made some sailors feel as if they were walking on eggshells and caused many of the nearly 50 officers assigned to the ships wardroom to fear giving her bad news, according to the report. There is clear evidence that Captain DeFants recurrent, counterproductive behaviors have had adverse effects on subordinates and the command, and have had destructive effects on her crew, the report stated. DeFant, whose Navy career spans more than 30 years, was fired Oct. 12. She subsequently was transferred to commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet. Such headquarters reassignments are common while the Navy determines whether an officer relieved of duty for loss of confidence in their ability to command will remain in the service. DeFant was fired 10 days after the 25-page investigation report was sent to Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, commander of Carrier Strike Group 9. The report, which examines DeFants leadership after taking command of Lake Erie in July 2022, investigated complaints of toxic command culture and sexual discrimination. It included summaries of interviews with DeFant and at least 45 officers and other sailors. The report did not find evidence to substantiate the allegation of sexual discrimination. However, investigators concluded that DeFants repeated targeting of two officers on Lake Erie violated the services rules on bullying, the report states. DeFant also likely violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice when she grabbed a bridge officer by the collar and admonished him for speaking out of turn, investigators found. The names of the witnesses and other crew members were redacted in the report. Other sailors reported being hit, roughly pushed or nudged by DeFant. The captain characterized some of those encounters as an effort to get a sailors attention or correct them. But investigators found that while sometimes DeFants corrections were warranted, they were often excessive and unprofessional. They also determined that she appeared to mostly target junior officers and department heads, often screaming, berating and humiliating them in front of their subordinates when she was displeased. During her first address to the combined wardroom and Chiefs Mess, the colloquial names for groups of officers and chief petty officers, one witness said that DeFant came in hot she was screaming she was yelling what her expectations were to the team and that the whole team was in shock. Later into her two years of command, DeFant told an officer that when I say Im tired of this problem, Im really saying Im tired of you or words to that effect, the report states. She told another sailor they were useless and in November 2022 smacked the collarbone of a conning officer who couldnt hear a helmsman speaking, telling the sailor to pay attention, according to the report. In another instance, DeFant berated a junior officer on the bridge for pointing out dolphins swimming near the ship. During a debriefing in the ships pilot house following engineering casualties while Lake Erie was underway in November 2022, DeFant yelled at and insulted sailors as they offered their assessments, the report states. She then shut down the meeting, using profanity in telling everyone to get off the bridge. Later, DeFant cleared a wardroom meeting about the same incident and reminded two sailors of their positions in the command. I run the ship, and (the executive officer) runs the ship with me, you dont run the ship, according to the report. DeFant also told the sailors they had better learn that lesson if they intended to continue in the Navy. DeFant admitted she was angry and yelled during the debriefing after learning about the scope of the engineering problem. She also admitted to sometimes yelling at people in cases where she had to repeat herself, and said she didnt always follow the practice of praising in public and reprimanding in private. Defant stated that most of the crew was comfortable with giving her bad news, while acknowledging that some, particularly junior officers, were not. But investigators found that DeFants behavior eroded the confidence of her crew. One sailor stated he would not want to go to war with (DeFant) because you never knew what you would get. In the early morning hours of Feb. 3, 1943, as the U.S. transport ship USAT Dorchester sank beneath the waves of the chilly Labrador Sea, troops who managed to make it onto lifeboats reported a curious sight: four men standing on the deck of the sinking ship, arms linked in prayer. The men wore no life vests; they had given those away to other soldiers. One had given his gloves to another man, according to The Army Historical Foundation. These were The Four Chaplains, who courageously gave their lives as they offered aid and comfort to the soldiers on the ship, which was bound for Greenland before it was struck by torpedoes from a German U-boat U-233. The four Lt. George L. Fox (Methodist), Lt. Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Lt. Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed) and Lt. John P. Washington (Roman Catholic) will be remembered Saturday on the 81st anniversary of the Dorchesters sinking. Top, from left, George L. Fox and Alexander D. Goode. Bottom, from left, Clark V. Poling and John P. Washington. (U.S. Army) Wreaths Across America will pay tribute with a Facebook live event at noon EST, broadcasting from the Balsam Valley Chapel in Maine. The Dorchester set sail from New York City to Greenland on Jan. 23, 1943. The U.S. had signed an agreement with Denmark in 1941 pledging to defend Greenland from invasion during World War II, according to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The more than 900 men on the Dorchester were on their way to replace personnel on the Greenland bases when the ship was hit. Despite their differing faiths, the four chaplains were drawn to military service following the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. As the Dorchester went down, the four men helped guide soldiers to escape hatches and lifeboats, with each sacrificing his life vest to another soldier. When Navy Petty Officer John J. Mahoney tried to return to his cabin to retrieve his gloves, Rabbi Goode stopped him. Never mind, I have two pairs, Goode told Mahoney, taking off his gloves and giving them to the officer, according to a history from the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation. Mahoney would later realize that Goode sacrificed his only pair of gloves, according to the foundation. The ship was escorted by U.S. Coast Guard cutters USCGC Tampa, USCGC Escanaba, and USCGC Comanche. The Wreaths Across America program also will honor Coast Guardsman Charles Walter David Jr., who rescued 93 men from lifeboats and died 54 days later of pneumonia, according to a Wreaths Across America news release. Only 230 men survived the Dorchesters sinking, according to the Air Force museums fact sheet. In December 1944, the four chaplains were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart. Congress later authorized The Four Chaplains Commemorative Medal, which was awarded to the chaplains next of kin in 1961, according to the fact sheet. Amelia Earhart stands in front of the Lockheed Electra in which she disappeared in July 1937. (Smithsonian Institution) (Tribune News Service) Eighty-six years after Amelia Earhart disappeared, and following countless searches over and in the Pacific Ocean, the founder of a deep-sea exploration company believes he has found her airplane. The evidence: a few fuzzy images taken roughly 5,000 meters under the surface of the Pacific, showing what appears to be an object on the ocean floor. Shaped like a plane, the object is located where experts believe the famed pilot went down while attempting to become the first woman to fly around the world. Tony Romeo, a pilot and former intelligence officer with the U.S. Air Force, is convinced that the image captured in December by his company, Deep Sea Vision, shows the remains of Earharts Lockheed 10-E Electra. The aviator and her navigator, Fred Noonan, vanished in July 1937 after leaving Lae, New Guinea, on their way to Howland Island in the Pacific Ocean. Their disappearance gave rise to conspiracy theories that have endured for nearly a century. Deep Sea Visions sonar images may be the latest clue for those trying to unravel the mystery. Youd be hard-pressed to convince me thats anything but an aircraft, for one, and two, that its not Amelias aircraft, Romeo told the Today show. In a statement, the South Carolina-based company states that the images were captured along Earharts projected flight path, in an area believed to be untouched by known wrecks. Romeo, a commercial real-estate investor who sold his properties to finance his search for Earharts plane, told the Wall Street Journal he has spent $11 million on travel, gear and an underwater drone. He plans to return to the area to get better images of the object and, he hopes, prove his theory. Romeo was not immediately available for comment. Deep Sea Vision said that it had captured a sonar image in the Pacific Ocean that appears to be Earharts Lockheed 10-E Electra aircraft. (Deep Sea Vision) On Sunday, Deep Sea Vision published to its Instagram account the underwater images. The object appears to have outstretched wings and a tail. What became of Earhart has baffled historians and amateur enthusiasts, some of whom have spent millions of dollars searching for clues. Some theorize that Earhart and Noonan didnt crash into the ocean but were stranded on a deserted island where they were forced to land after running out of fuel. More outlandish theories posit that Earhart was taken prisoner by Japanese forces, or that she was a spy recruited by the U.S. government for a secret surveillance mission. Others believe Earhart somehow used her disappearance to secretly return to the U.S. and live a quiet life away from the spotlight. Most of the clues generated by searches have yielded false hope and dead ends. One photo featured in a History Channel documentary, Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence, suggested that she and Noonan crash-landed and were captured by the Japanese military. Then a history blogger found the same photograph published in a book from 1935, two years before Earhart disappeared, shattering the theory. In 2018, researcher Richard Jantz wrote in Forensic Anthropology that bones found on the Pacific island Nikumaroro likely belonged to Earhart. Jantz wrote that he compared the bones to Earharts known measurements and concluded that they likely belonged to her. A forensic anthropologist at the University of South Florida used DNA testing in 2019 in an attempt to confirm the theory but would later tell the Tampa Bay Times: It wasnt her. Romeo, who told the Wall Street Journal hes been searching for the plane since September, has scanned about 5,200 square miles of ocean floor. The image resembling Earharts plane was spotted by his team while reviewing hours of footage; the spot where it was taken is believed to be about 100 miles off Howland Island, where Earhart and Noonan were planning to refuel. Deep Sea Vision searched the ocean floor using what searchers have called the Date Line theory, which holds that Noonan miscalculated his celestial navigation when the pair flew across the International Date Line, throwing off their route by about 60 miles, according to a statement from the company. If the object in the image is indeed Earharts plane, it would appear to be relatively intact despite more than 80 years underwater. We always felt that [Earhart] would have made every attempt to land the aircraft gently on the water, and the aircraft signature that we see in the sonar image suggests that may be the case, Romeo said in the statement. Earharts round-the-world flight was supposed to finish in Oakland. After her disappearance, the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard searched the area for 16 days to no avail. 2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Doug Huddy/Stars and Stripes) Naval Base Guam, March 2003: The second sub to arrive for Submarine Squadron 15, USS San Francisco, is moored alongside its tender ship, USS Frank Cable, at Guams Polaris Point. Military activity was ramping up on the strategic island at the time. In addition to the naval expansion, the Air Force presence on nearby Anderson Air Force Base grew with the opening of the Global Hawk facility in 2009 to house and service up to six of the unmanned aircraft systems. Read the 2003 article on the build up on Guam here. This rendering from Japan's Ministry of Defense shows a state-of-the-art fighter under development by Japan, the United Kingdom and Italy. (MOD) TOKYO Japanese robotic skills and American know-how in artificial intelligence merge conveniently in a project to bring unmanned vehicles to air combat, a U.S. academic said Tuesday. The U.S. Department of Defense and Japans Ministry of Defense agreed last month to combine artificial intelligence and machine learning with advanced, unmanned aerial vehicles. The AI developed in this joint research is expected to be applied to UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) operated alongside Japans next fighter aircraft, both defense departments said in a joint news release Dec. 22. Japan, the United Kingdom and Italy aim to build, by the mid-2030s, an aircraft that combines speed, stealth, advanced sensors and AI that can fire hypersonic missiles and be flown without a pilot if required, the BBC reported Dec. 9. While both Japan and the United States have broad high-technology competence, Japan is particularly strong in robotic systems, especially for factory automation, according to Arizona State University engineering professor Braden Allenby. Importantly, Japanese capabilities do not just involve a few leading firms, but a deep ecosystem, he said by email Tuesday. The Americans are, of course, world leaders in AI. The cooperation is driven by geopolitical challenges such as Russian aggression and troublemaking, and the increasing militarism and technical competence of China, Allenby said. While the AI-drone program has received attention, there could also be collaboration on AI systems for undersea and surface naval warfare, Allenby said. Meanwhile, U.S. aerospace firm Boeing and the Australian air force are developing the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, an unmanned aircraft that will also support fighter jets. The Ghost Bat is designed to fly independently or as part of a team providing intelligence and reconnaissance support and fighter-like performance, according to Boeings website. Then-Staff Sgt. DariusOmar Stephens, a military working dog handler for the 18th Security Forces Squadron, works with ZsoZso at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Aug. 24, 2023. (Edward Yankus/U.S. Air Force) NAHA, Okinawa A Japanese court handed an airman and his wife suspended sentences Tuesday for their attempt to receive cannabis vape pens via the mail at Kadena Air Base in August. Tech. Sgt. DariusOmar Stephens, 26, a military working dog handler at Kadena, and his wife, Elena Barriga-Stephens, 22, admitted Tuesday in Naha District Court to violating Japans cannabis and customs laws by asking Stephens mother to send them vape pens containing cannabis liquid. Barriga-Stephens also admitted possession of liquid cannabis. The prosecutor asked the court for 1 years in prison for Stephens and two years for Barriga-Stephens; their attorneys requested suspended sentences. Judge Hironobu Ono sentenced Stephens to 1 years in a Japanese prison and Barriga-Stephens to two years. Both sentences were suspended for three years. Stephens may have yet to reckon with Air Force authorities. Kadena Airmen are expected to uphold the highest standards, and the U.S. military is committed to holding those accountable who are convicted of committing criminal acts, a spokesman for the 18th Wing, Lt. Col. Raymond Geoffroy, said by email Tuesday. The couple expressed remorse in court Tuesday. I am truly sorry for our situation, Stephens said. Our family is truly sorry. Barriga-Stephens said: I felt regretful, because it wasnt just me in the situation. Stephens mother, Kasandra Michelle Stephens, 45, sent a package containing 2.88 grams of cannabis liquid from the United States that arrived at Tokyo International Airport, or Haneda Airport, on Aug. 16, a prosecutor said in court. Three days later, it arrived at Kadena, where it was intercepted by local custom officers, the prosecutor said. Barriga-Stephens was charged with possession of 1.594 grams of cannabis liquid. DariusOmar Stephens explained in court that he did not think much about it when his wife asked his mother via a group chat to send some vape pens to share with a co-worker. He admitted requesting one for himself, but he said he decided not to use it after all. The airmans mother, who pleaded guilty Jan. 18 to attempting to smuggle the cannabis liquid, is scheduled for sentencing Friday. SEOUL, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's unsold homes rebounded in December, boosting worry about the sluggish housing market, government data showed Tuesday. The number of unsold homes nationwide was 62,489 at the end of December, up 7.9 percent from a month earlier, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Unsold houses began to expand from about 14,000 in late 2021 due to higher borrowing costs, but the number stayed downward for nine consecutive months through November amid a low supply of new homes. Local builders refrained from new home construction amid the faltering housing market. The country's central bank had left its policy rate unchanged at 3.50 percent since January 2023, after increasing it by 3.0 percentage points for the past one and a half years. The number of unsold homes in the capital Seoul and its surrounding metropolitan area, in which about half of the country's population resides, jumped 43.3 percent from a month earlier to 10,031 at the end of December. The number in other areas gained 3.0 percent to 52,458 in the cited month. The number of housing permits was 388,891 in 2023, down 25.5 percent compared to the previous year. The number of housing starts tumbled 45.4 percent to 209,351 last year across the country. The number of home transactions came in at 555,054 in 2023, up 9.1 percent from a year earlier. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the State Department in Washington on Jan. 29, 2024. (Mandel Ngan, AFP via Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) Iran urged the U.S. to use diplomacy to ease tensions in the Middle East, as Tehran braces for a military response to a deadly attack on an American base on Sunday. The foreign minister of the Islamic Republic said active diplomacy is underway to find a political solution to the war in Gaza and the regional fallout, without elaborating. The White House knows very well that the way to end the war and the current crisis in the region is political, Hossein Amirabdollahian said in a post on X. The comments came as the U.S. weighs how to retaliate against a deadly attack on a base in Jordan that killed three American soldiers and injured dozens. President Joe Biden blamed Tehran-backed militias in neighboring Syria and Iraq and said hed respond at a time and in a manner of our choosing. Iran denied involvement in the strike, which was the first to kill Americans since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in October. Many Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have said the attack shows Bidens been too soft on Iran. The U.S. and Iran dont have formal diplomatic ties but have exchanged messages about the crisis since October, sometimes through the Swiss embassy in Tehran. Both sides say they want to deescalate the situation while blaming the other for inflaming it. The U.S. says Irans support for regional militias is fueling tensions, and Tehran says Washington must put pressure on Israel to end its military offensive in Gaza. Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7 from Gaza, triggering the war and roiling the wider region. Since then, U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria have come under regular fire from Iran-supported groups. Hezbollah, also backed by Iran, is exchanging fire with Israeli forces almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border. The Houthis, meanwhile, have caused mayhem in the shipping world with attacks on vessels around the southern Red Sea. They say they wont back down until Israel pulls out of Gaza, despite the U.S. and U.K. launching missiles on their positions in Yemen. This is an incredibly volatile time in the Middle East, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday. I would argue that weve not seen a situation as dangerous as the one were facing now across the region since at least 1973, he said, referring to the year in which Israel fought the Yom Kippur war against Egypt and Syria. Weve made very, very clear from day one that were going to defend our people, were going to defend our personnel, were going to defend our interests, he said. At the same time, the presidents been very clear that we want to prevent broader escalation. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out the freeing of thousands of prisoners or pulling troops out of Gaza as part of any hostage-exchange or cease-fire deal with Hamas. We will not withdraw the IDF from the Gaza Strip, and we will not release thousands of terrorists. None of this will happen, Netanyahu said in a speech to young men at a pre-army preparatory program on Tuesday. The prime minister reiterated that Israel wont conclude its war against Hamas without achieving all of its goals: eliminating the Iran-backed group, securing the return of all remaining hostages and ensuring that Gaza will never again constitute a threat to Israel. Netanyahu was responding to a report by Israels Channel 12, which said a prisoner-for-hostage exchange was discussed by officials from Qatar, Egypt, the U.S. and Israel over the weekend to try and secure a cease-fire to the near four-month war. Hamas is still holding more than 100 people in Gaza who were taken during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel which triggered the conflict. About 110 were returned during a seven-day cease-fire that ended Dec. 1, a deal made in exchange for about three times as many Palestinian prisoners. A Channel 12 reporter said in a post on Telegram on Monday that the cease-fire deal under discussion in Paris at the weekend was for the release of 100-250 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for each hostage. In the first stage, 35 hostages would be released over a period of 45 days. Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Telegram that the group, which is classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the European Union, is studying the Paris Summit proposal. Their priority is stopping the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, he said. (Tribune News Service) A Wisconsin man stopped by Kentucky deputies last week was allegedly on his way to a local military base with several guns, body armor and a camera, according to court records from state and federal officials. The incident occurred in the early morning hours Thursday when deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office saw Alexander Laykovich, 26, driving erratically on U.S. Highway 150 west, according to his arrest citation. The sheriffs deputy pulled Laykovich over on a vacant drive next to a closed business 3 miles west of Stanford. Officials discovered Laykovich had on body armor, according to his arrest citation. He told deputies he was in the military and was going to Fort Knox but didnt have military ID on him. Deputies asked Laykovich to get out of his car and saw a handgun on the drivers seat, court documents say. Deputies later searched the rest of the car and found eight guns, which included a Franklin Armory lower receiver model FAI-15 and a Palmetto State Armory pistol brace rifle model PA-15, according to court documents. He was also in possession of a 37mm smoke/flare launcher. Authorities also found that Laykovich had multiple knives, a loaded magazine, percocet pills, a large amount of money and an activated body camera, according to court documents. Laykovich was previously banned for life from buying firearms after a circuit court in Missouri ruled on Jan. 27, 2023, he had mental health issues significant enough to prohibit him from having guns. Court documents say two of the guns were purchased by someone else for Laykovich in October. Laykovich told authorities he previously sought medical care from Veterans Affairs Health Care and was going into intensive care management for post-traumatic stress disorder, a traumatic brain injury and a stroke. Both federal and state authorities have filed court documents supporting charges against Laykovich. He is facing state charges of careless driving, trafficking a controlled substance (opiates), trafficking marijuana and having a prescription-controlled substance thats not in a proper container. Hes also charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm in federal court, according to court documents. Laykovich was in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which is used to prevent prohibited people from buying guns, court documents say. In April he was charged with carrying a concealed weapon in Waukesha, Wisconsin, after he was found with a flamethrower, a large amount of ammunition and marijuana during a traffic stop. After his arrest, Laykovich told sheriffs deputies was in inactive status with the U.S. Army and was traveling to Fort Knox to deal with an issue with his security clearance, court documents say. The FBI task officer who filed the criminal complaint in federal court has a primary investigative responsibility for terrorism violations, court documents say. Cassandra Mullins, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, confirmed there is an active joint federal investigation into the incident. The FBI did not provide comment ATF is working with our federal partners and the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office. Because this investigation is ongoing, no other details will be released at this time, Mullins said in a statement. Laykovich is being held at the Pulaski County Detention Center, according to jail records. 2024 Lexington Herald-Leader. Visit kentucky.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower conducts flight operations on Jan. 22, 2024, in response to increased attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on the shipping lanes of the Red Sea. (Kaitlin Watt/U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON Lawmakers are at odds on how the U.S. should respond to an Iran-backed drone attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. soldiers this week, with some urging restraint and others calling for forceful action. I urge President [Joe] Biden to proceed thoughtfully and carefully with a strategic, proportional response that avoids unnecessary escalation, said Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., a member of the House Armed Services Committee. No more weak, proportionate responses. Weakness invites aggression and escalation, said Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, a former Navy SEAL. Time to kill another Iranian general, perhaps? That might send the right message. Biden has vowed to hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing and said Tuesday that he had decided on a response to the deadliest attack on American forces since the killing of 13 troops during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He blamed Iran for arming the militants that carried out the Sunday attack, as well as more than 160 others throughout the Middle East in recent months, but said he did not want to see the U.S. embroiled in a wider war in the region. Thats not what Im looking for, Biden said. That caution is also being expressed by Democrats, who said the U.S. must find a way to retaliate without further inflaming tensions. We must be strategic in our actions as these militants are actively seeking to pull the United States into a larger regional conflict, said Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., another member of the Houses Armed Services Committee. The Middle East has been on edge since more than 1,000 Israelis were killed by Hamas militants in October and Israel invaded the Gaza Strip in response. The conflict has prompted Houthi rebels in Yemen to target commercial shipping in the Red Sea and led to at least 165 attacks on U.S. forces throughout the region, including 98 in Syria, 66 in Iraq and the latest strike on a military outpost in Jordan. About 80 troops have been injured in the attacks, according to U.S. officials. Two Navy SEALs died this month during an operation in the Arabian Sea to interdict Iranian weapons to the Houthis. U.S. forces have been launching airstrikes against the group since mid-January. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, acknowledged hostilities in the region have spiraled into a wider war but warned that it can always become wider still. He said the U.S. needs to go more directly after Iran and disrupt the flow of missiles, drones and other weapons that the country is funneling to militant groups. The targets could be either inside Iran or elsewhere, but they must be considered, he said in a CNN interview. The calculus right now is just not in our favor, Smith said. Iran is allowing these attacks to happen with no consequences to themselves. As long as that continues, the attacks will continue and our service members will be at risk, and that cant be tolerated. Weve got to change Irans calculus and have them bear some of the cost of what theyre doing. Some Republicans have called for direct strikes on Iran, with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., proclaiming: Hit Iran now. Hit them hard. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and an Army veteran, said the only answer to the Jordan attack must be devastating military retaliation against Irans terrorist forces, both in Iran and across the Middle East. The top Republican on the committee, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., demanded direct strikes against Iranian targets and Iranian leadership. Its time to act swiftly and decisively for the whole world to see, he said. Calls for strike targets inside Iran are limited, but they have renewed concerns from lawmakers who want to reassert congressional war powers as the U.S. gets further enmeshed in military actions in the region. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said Congress must weigh in on any war decisions. There is no Iran is bad exception to the Constitution, he wrote in a response to Graham on X, formerly Twitter. If were going to war, Congress must declare it. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., agreed, writing: Bombing Iran would require an act of Congress according to the Constitution. A bipartisan group of lawmakers from the House and Senate pressed the White House last week to seek authorization from Congress before launching additional strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, on Monday defended Bidens legal right to respond to the Jordan drone attack without approval from Congress. The president has the authority to take the action he needs to protect our troops and our facilities overseas under Article 2 of the Constitution, which establishes the president as the commander in chief of the military and gives him authority to protect troops, Kirby said. Congress last signed off on an authorization for the use of military force in 2002 for the Iraq War. In 2001, lawmakers gave the president sweeping powers to use force against all nations, organizations or persons involved in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Presidents have leaned on both authorizations to legitimize military engagements overseas, particularly in the Middle East. Senators last year voted to repeal the Iraq War authorization, but the effort stalled in the House. A U.S. Army AH-64E Apache helicopter lands at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, in 2022. Purchases of the attack helicopter by Poland from the U.S. in 2023 amounted to $12 billion, according to the State Department. (Oscar Toscano/U.S. Army) The United States sold $238 billion worth of weapons to foreign governments in 2023, as many European countries sought to replace stock sent to Ukraine for its defense against invading Russian forces. That sum is a 16% increase from the year before and includes sales by U.S. arms companies and those directly negotiated by Washington, a statement Monday from the State Department said. The government transfers were worth roughly $81 billion, a 56% increase from the previous year, according to State Department data. This is the highest annual total of sales and assistance provided to our allies and partners, the statement said in reference to the government transfers. An M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fires from the Smardan Training Area in Romania on Jan. 17, 2024. Poland's government-to-government purchases of HIMARS from the U.S. in 2023 amounted to $10 billion, the State Department said Monday. (Aiden OMarra/U.S. Army) A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook flies over the training area at Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 15, 2023. Germany spent $8.5 billion on CH-47F Chinooks from the U.S. in 2023. (William Kuang/U.S. Army Reserve) Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine and is aiming to build the strongest land army in Europe by 2026, made some of the largest government-to-government purchases. These included $12 billion for Apache attack helicopters, $10 billion for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, $4 billion for an Integrated Air and Missile Defense System and $3.75 billion for M1A1 Abrams battle tanks. Other European countries concerned about Russias aggression on the Continent also were among the biggest spenders. Germany paid $8.5 billion for Chinook helicopters and nearly $3 billion for advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, according to the State Department. After years of criticism for not meeting NATOs target of spending 2% of gross domestic product on defense, Germany pledged to make its military the backbone of European defense in the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, a German court ruling that has restricted deficit spending is likely to roll back some of Berlins military procurement plans. The Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Norway also each bought American weaponry worth $1 billion or more from the government, the State Department said. Italy spent the most on a single direct commercial sale, which arent managed by the U.S. governments Foreign Military Sales program but still require congressional approval. They spent $2.8 billion on F-35 fighter jet wing assemblies and subassemblies, according to the State Department data. Some Asian countries also featured prominently in commercial U.S. arms transactions in 2023. India, Singapore, South Korea and Saudi Arabia spent at least $1 billion in direct sales from American companies, the data showed. The State Departments figures were for fiscal year 2023, which ended in October. This file image shows Northrop Grummans Cygnus cargo spacecraft as it is grabbed by the Canadarm2 robotic arm at the International Space Station. (NASA) (Tribune News Service) SpaceX is set to lend a hand once more providing launch services for its competitors as a Falcon 9 rocket is set to take up a Northrop Grumman spacecraft on a resupply mission to the International Space Station. The Cygnus spacecraft on the NG-20 mission loaded with more than 8,200 pounds of supplies and science equipment will be the first resupply launch of the year for the orbiting ISS. Its set to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Stations Space Launch Complex 40 at 12:07 p.m. A backup launch option falls to Thursday at 11:18 a.m. Space Launch Delta 45s weather squadron forecasts a 95% chance for good launch conditions, which falls to 90% if delayed to Thursday. The Falcon 9s first-stage booster is making its 10th flight and will make a recovery landing back on land at Canaverals Landing Zone 1, which means its sonic boom might be heard along the Space Coast and other parts of Central Florida. Among the cargo are more than 20 science payloads including a 3D metal printing investigation, an artificial retina experiment, optical fiber production project, and a pair of robotic arms to investigate space surgery, according to the ISS National Lab. Well be looking at the ability to perform surgery in space that is controlled from doctors on the ground, said NASAs Meghan Everett, a deputy scientist for the ISS program. Dont worry, were not doing surgery quite yet on the astronauts in space. Well be using rubber bands to mimic human tissue. Also flying up are supplies for the ISS such as spare parts for its urine processor, oxygen generator, solar power arrays and exercise equipment. Food flying up includes apples, citrus, cheese, hazelnut spread, coffee, hummus and lots of ice cream, said NASAs Dina Contella, operations integration manager for the ISS program. Dont tell the crew, some of thats a surprise, she said. We have things like chocolate ice cream of course, but even some fancier like chocolate brownie and some other mint chip and other things that were requested by them. The ice cream along with time-sensitive science is being loaded the day of launch. SpaceX built a special fairing door for its Falcon 9 so teams will be able to access the Cygnus as part of the launch plan. Cygnus is expected to arrive to the ISS early Thursday when it will be grappled by the Canadarm2 and be attached to the Unity modules Earth-facing port for cargo unloading by the Expedition 70 crew. Cygnus will spend about 100 days attached to the ISS before it is released to burn up in Earths atmosphere. This is the first of at least three missions SpaceX will fly for Northrop Grumman after that company ran out of usable Antares rockets, which have been used to fly most of Cygnus previous 19 resupply missions to the ISS since 2010, all from launch facilities in Virginia. It did launch from the Space Coast once before on board a United Launch Alliance Atlas V back in 2016. Originally SpaceX and Orbital ATK were awarded NASAs Commercial Resupply Services contracts and SpaceX continues to fly its cargo Dragon spacecrafts on resupply runs to the ISS. Each company has a contract to send up cargo twice a year. Northrop Grumman acquired Orbital ATK in 2018. Its supply of Antares rockets though hit a double hurdle as federal law required companies to use American-made engines for certain missions and that meant steering away from Russian-made RD-181 engines. But also a major portion of the Antares is fabricated by a Ukrainian company, and supply chain issues tied to Russias invasion of Ukraine led Northrop to announce in 2022 it would partner with Firefly Aerospace to create a new version of its Antares rocket, but that wont be available until at least 2025. Thus SpaceX stepped in to fill in the gap. Its a tremendous honor to be part of this team, said SpaceX chief engineer Bill Gerstenmaier. Its neat effort to see how all the spaceflight participants come together. It isnt the first time SpaceX has been able to complete the job when other companies couldnt, even if its SpaceX competition. The invasion of Ukraine stymied plans for internet satellite company OneWeb to launch from Russia, and instead shifted to SpaceX and Indias space agency to perform six remaining launches to complete its constellation, which is similar to SpaceXs Starlink service. And SpaceX will even lend a hand to Elon Musks frenemy Jeff Bezos as Amazon recently contracted for some assistance in getting its own massive internet satellite constellation Project Kuiper into orbit. We treat everyone fairly, Musk said with a small laugh during a January meeting with SpaceX employees. SpaceX has also been the beneficiary of other companies delays, such as picking up the slack for crewed missions to the ISS as part of NASAs Commercial Crew Program as competitor Boeings CST-100 Starliner has fallen years behind. Crew Dragon was supposed to trade off duties with Starliner so each launched one mission per year sending up astronauts for six-month stays on board the station, but SpaceX is now prepping for its eighth rotational mission since 2020 while Boeing is still aiming for its first crewed test flight, which is slated for April. SpaceX managed 96 launches of its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets in 2023. With Falcon we have achieved the most launches of any rocket in a single year ever, Musk said. Were aiming for maybe as much as 150 flights this year. 2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Atlanta VA medical Center, located in Decatur, Ga. (Bob Andres, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS) (Tribune News Service) Georgia Bureau of Investigation officials said Tuesday that their agents are investigating a death at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Decatur, Ga., after police shot and killed a man who was displaying suicidal ideations. John Robert Smith, a 58-year-old from Decatur, arrived at the hospital Monday evening, and staff brought him into the emergency room. Once inside the emergency room, Smith pulled out a knife and threatened to harm himself, according to the GBI. VA police officers responded to the ER and tried to get Smith to drop the knife, according to the GBI. He refused and advanced toward a staff member with the knife in hand. Thats when an officer shot Smith, who was pronounced dead on the scene by medical staff. Its unclear if Smith was a veteran. Our prayers go out to those affected by this incident, the VA said in a statement. We are unable to comment at this time as this matter is currently under investigation. GBI is conducting an independent investigation into the matter at the request of the Department of Veterans Affairs Police. Smiths body will be taken to the DeKalb County Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy. When the GBI investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the DeKalb County District Attorneys Office for review. 2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. GAZA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh confirmed on Tuesday that they received the proposal hashed out at the Paris meeting, indicating that they will deliver a response on it. Haniyeh said in a statement that "our response to the proposal will be based on stopping Israeli aggression against Gaza and withdrawing their forces from the Gaza Strip." He added that Hamas is open to discussing any serious ideas, provided that "they lead to a comprehensive cessation of aggression and providing shelter for our displaced people." Haniyeh appreciated the role of Egypt and Qatar in reaching a sustainable ceasefire agreement in Gaza, saying that Hamas received an invitation to visit Cairo to discuss the framework agreement issued by the Paris meeting. Philip O'Connor died in 2019 after his car was struck on the hard shoulder of the M11 by an articulated lorry A Circuit Court hearing produced no explanation as to what caused the road accident which claimed the life of Glenbrien man Philip O'Connor. The 30 year old died in 2019 after his car was struck on the hard shoulder of the M11 by an articulated lorry near Gorey. Truck driver Milan Zofcik travelled from his native Slovakia for the sentencing hearing before Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain. He pleaded guilty to the charge of careless driving causing death at Clough on the afternoon in question. Members of the O'Connor family were present as the court dealt with the case. Wexford Courthouse. They heard Detective Garda Tomas O'Leary provide a summary of the evidence. It was around 2.08 p.m. on June, 2019 when O'Connor pulled his Nissan Skyline on to the hard shoulder to deal with a phone call. The stationary car was hit by Zofcik's Scania truck and it burst into flames as it was shunted 60 metres by the force of the collision. The two vehicles were north bound on a sunny day and road conditions were good, the detective confirmed. Though there was a slight bend in the road, the car should have been clearly visible from the lorry. Examination of the tachograph record suggested that the Scania was travelling at around 74 km/h before the impact well inside the 120 km/h limit. It also emerged that the defendant made no effort to brake until after he struck the rear of the Nissan. Other road users on the M11 at the time observed nothing out of the ordinary before the accident. Zofcik's phone was seized by investigating gardai who concluded there was nothing to suggest it was being used at the time. It appeared that the driver was not under the influence of any intoxicant. Clough roundabout. On the day of the fatal accident, he was nearing the end of a shift that had brought him from Celtic Linen in Wexford to Ballina and back. He collected a second load from Celtic Linen and was headed for Dublin when he veered on to the hard shoulder south of Gorey. The accused was then living in Tyrellstown, County Dublin, and he was working for a Kilkenny haulage firm. In recent years, since the incident at Clough, he was treated in Slovakia for prostate cancer. He was also suffering from scoliosis in his back and from carpal tunnel syndrome in his hands, the hearing was informed. A professional lorry driver since 1995, he had been in Ireland for a number of years, though he had little English was assisted in court by a Slovakian interpreter. The 59 year old was described as divorced, father of an adult son, and now resident in a small village in Slovakia. The hearing was given a victim impact statement, read into the record by the dead man's brother Michael O'Connor on behalf of the family. The statement recalled 'a day that will haunt our family for eternity'. Michael spoke of how his deceased brother was the most level-headed member of the family, a man of high standards and principles. 'Our lives feel empty,' he stated, saying that the O'Connors feel they will never get the answer as to why Philip died. Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain offered condolences and acknowledged that that the loss of such a fine young man had clearly been devastating for the family. The only explanation she could offer for what happened was that the defendant had suffered a momentary lapse of attention. The court noted that Zofcik was an experienced driver and that he had offered an apology. She recorded a one year prison sentence but suspended the full term after observing that she could see no purpose in sending him to jail. She banned him from driving for a year, with immediate effect. Two Wexford town residents described their close encounters with a burglar during a trial at the Circuit Court. Accused Trevor Mooney denied entering houses in the Park and Newtown Road neighbourhoods in the early hours of April 6 in 2022. However, the jury in the case had no doubts about the guilt of the 52-year-old Dubliner. The defendant address given as Buttercup Park, Darndale, Dublin 17 was brought to court by prison officers. He was serving a three month stretch for contempt imposed after he attempted to video the selection of a previous jury. His antics with his mobile phone led to the collapse of the trial late last year, before any evidence could be given. There was no escaping justice the second time around as a jury of eight men and four women was sworn in without mishap. Mooney became re-acquainted in court with the occupants of the two houses he intruded into on the morning in question. He first called to the semi-detached Stony Park home of JJ Murphy who was asleep in his bedroom. Murphy testified that he was woken around 3 a.m. by a light shining on his beside table. He opened his eyes to find a man standing close by with his (the witnesss) trousers in his hand. The householder let out a shout and the uninvited visitor left immediately. There was no sign of any forced entry but the back door of the house was not locked. When Murphy checked the trousers, he discovered that a wallet and two 20 notes were missing. Mooney popped up again less than an hour later in the Newtown Road home of Vivienne Leacy. She was sworn in to tell the trial how she was in her kitchen when she heard a noise coming from the living room. She thought her cat, Ben, must be the cause of the noise. Instead it turned out to be a man with silvery blond hair and a Dublin accent. He said he was looking for a house party and then let himself out through the front door. It appeared that he must have gained access to the living room by climbing in through a window left open for Ben. He was intercepted shortly afterwards in John Street by Garda Laura Tobin who saw him testing doors of houses to check if they were locked. Evidence linking Mooney with the crime in Stony Park was offered by JJ Murphys next door neighbour May Kelly. She provided footage from a camera fitted to her doorbell which showed a man testing the handle on her front door on that night in April of 2022. The clothes of the man matched those worn by Mooney. The burglaries were investigated by Garda Sergeant Geoff Scally, since transferred from Wexford to Portlaoise. The sergeant interviewed the accused shortly after his arrest, asking him why he was in Wexford. No clear answer was provided beyond an assertion that the reason was confidential. Defending barrister Brian Mulvany queried the validity of identification evidence but to no avail. The jury was not swayed, bringing in unanimous guilty verdicts after an hours deliberation. Judge James McCourt remanded Mooney in custody for sentencing on February 1. Lawyers for the gangland criminal argued that his conviction should be overturned due to the quality of images used, breaches of his privacy and over the lack of records Gangster 'Fat' Freddie Thompson, who is serving life for the murder of David 'Daithi' Douglas in Dublin in 2016, has lost a bid to have his conviction quashed over his identification from CCTV footage. In April of last year, lawyers for gangland criminal Thompson argued that his conviction for the murder of Mr Douglas should be overturned due to the quality of images used, breaches of his privacy and over the lack of records on how he was identified by gardai from CCTV footage. Mr Douglas (55), a father of one, was shot six times as he had lunch at a counter in his partners shop, 'Shoestown', on Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 8, on July 1, 2016. A semi-automatic pistol with its serial number removed was found next to his head. Thompson (43) of Loreto Road, Maryland, Dublin 8, had pleaded not guilty to his involvement in the murder of Mr Douglas but was jailed for life at the Special Criminal Court in August of 2018 after a 12-day trial. In sentencing Thompson, Mr Justice Tony Hunt said "this was an execution involving intricate, advanced planning and coordination". The judge noted that the prosecution did not suggest that Thompson was the person who fired the shots, but that he was one of the people involved. Daithi Douglas was murdered Thompson had been driving a Ford Fiesta that was involved in the murder plot. The Fiesta was seen interacting with other vehicles and individuals involved in the plot on the morning before the shooting. It also drove past 'Shoestown' four minutes before the shooting, in what Mr Justice Hunt said was a "final check" before the gunman arrived to carry out the "planned execution". At the Court of Appeal last April, John D Fitzgerald SC, for Thompson, said one of the grounds of appeal against his client's conviction related to CCTV identifying Thompson driving the Fiesta at White Swan Industrial Estate at 10.48am on the day of the shooting. Mr Fitzgerald said the State's case had been a circumstantial one, with one strand being the CCTV identification made by two gardai relating to Thompson driving the Fiesta in convoy with a Mercedes Benz, known in the trial as "the murder car", a Suzuki Swift, which was the ultimate getaway car, and a burned-out Mitsubishi Mirage. Mr Fitzgerald said CCTV montages were used in the trial tracking the movements of the convoy throughout the day. They traced Thompson and his associates to and from the scene, culminating in the group going to Little Caesar's restaurant off Grafton Street in Dublin city centre at around 8pm. The barrister said no record or notes of the procedure around the Garda identification had been taken and therefore it was not possible to test the validity of the identification, which he said was a "very important part of the State's case". "There were no procedures in place and no training in how to show footage to Garda witnesses," said Mr Fitzgerald. Counsel had also argued that some CCTV footage should have been excluded from the trial because the recordings were a breach of the appellants right to privacy and of data protection law. At the Court of Appeal today, Ms Justice Una Ni Raifeartaigh read out a lengthy judgement dismissing Thompsons conviction appeal. Ms Justice Ni Raifeartaigh said the trial court did not err in ruling admissible the White Swan footage. We note that the court took a different view in relation to a different piece of footage and was clearly aware of the need for the CCTV footage to be of sufficient quality before ruling it admissible, said Ms Justice Ni Raifeartaigh. Ms Justice Ni Raifeartagh said the trial court did not err in admitting the recognition evidence with the caution that it could only be given some weight in court. Ms Justice Ni Raifeartaigh said the trial courts approach to the recognition evidence was legally correct and carefully considered. The trial court had said it would not have relied on the recognition evidence if it had been the only evidence in the case but gave it some weight, in view of the remainder of the evidence, she said. Regarding some Garda witnesses not taking notes around the recognition of Thompson, Ms Justice Ni Raifeartaigh said that procedural shortcomings were not such as to disentitle the trial court from ultimately relying on the evidence of the two recognition witnesses. The trial court observed the witnesses first-hand and assessed whether the alleged shortcomings were such to deprive the evidence of any probative value and was entitled to conclude they did not, said Ms Justice Ni Raifeartaigh. Ms Justice Ni Raifeartaigh said the appellant had argued that CCTV footage and images taken from private entities and dwellings breached his right to privacy. Ms Justice Ni Raifeartaigh said the appellant had argued that CCTV footage and images taken from private entities and dwellings breached his right to privacy. Ms Justice Ni Raifeartaigh said the trial court had ruled that householders who had CCTV but had not registered with the Data Protection Commission were committing an infringement but this did not automatically make the CCTV inadmissible as a breach of the appellants right to privacy. The trial court had said that Thompsons right to privacy was not breached when he was recorded on public streets, along with the rest of the public in a non-targeted way and where his movements were in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy to murder, said Ms Justice Ni Raifeartaigh. The judge said that the Court of Appeal agreed with the trial court in ruling that there was no breach of Thompsons privacy. The shoe shop where David Daithi Douglas was gunned down Individuals walking down a public street, driving a car on a public road, or even eating a meal in a restaurant open to the public do not, in this day and age, have a reasonable expectation that their movements will be immune from CCTV observation, certainly in a situation where no individual is being targeted for the gathering of information, said Ms Justice Ni Raifeartaigh. Ms Justice Ni Raifeartaigh added that the CCTV being objected to was from individuals and had not been created by the State or its agents but had been collected by gardai in the context of the murder investigation. Ms Justice Ni Raifeartaigh told lawyers for Thompson that none of the grounds of appeal had been upheld and then dismissed the appeal in its entirety. ***** Thompson is one of four men who have been jailed in relation to the murder of Mr Douglas. In June 2021, Lee Canavan (34) of Edenbrook, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, was jailed for life for his part in the joint enterprise or shared intention to murder Mr Douglas. However, the court did not agree with the State's contention that Canavan was "the person who literally pulled the trigger", owing to a lack of forensic or identification evidence. In 2019, Nathan Foley (24) of Maryland, Dublin 8, was jailed for six years after he pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal organisation by driving one of four cars and buying mobile phones used in the offence. Gareth Brophy (28) of Reuben Walk, Dublin 8, was jailed in February 2020 for ten years for his role as getaway driver. They say truth can sometimes be stranger than fictionthat is what happened A garda has rubbished a suggestion she gave some chips to an elderly man arrested on his birthday on suspicion of drink-driving during the 20-minute nil-by-mouth period required before providing a breath sample. She also told Killarney District Court that she did not bring chips into the room during this observation period and, furthermore, she does not eat chips. Daniel Shanahan (79) of Tullig, Kilflynn, has been disqualified from driving for two years after the subsequent breath samples he provided returned a reading of 47 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. Judge David Waters said he did not, for one minute, believe that the member-in-charge on the night at Tralee garda station, Garda Leanne Haussmann, offered chips to someone subject to the 20-minute observation period required before providing a breath sample. The court heard that Garda David ONeill was on patrol in the Tralee area at approximately 7.53pm on June 27 last when he observed someone not wearing a seatbelt while driving. He followed the driver, who stopped at Knocknahilla, Kilflynn, after Garda ONeill turned on his siren. On speaking to the driver (Mr Shanahan), Garda ONeill said he noticed his speech was slurred, and he said there was a strong smell of alcohol from the accused. He later arrested Mr Shanahan on suspicion of drink-driving, conveying him to Tralee garda station. Mr Shanahan was represented in court by solicitor Dave Ramsey and barrister Richard Liston. Under questioning by Mr Liston, Garda ONeill said he couldnt recall if Mr Shanahan told him he wasnt wearing a seatbelt due to a hernia. Garda ONeill said it was not true that he was not present during Mr Shanahans 20-minute observation period in Tralee garda station. Killarney Courthouse Mr Liston said his client requested a doctor on several occasions so he could provide a blood sample instead of a breath sample, his hernia making the latter more difficult. He also said that Garda Haussmann gave chips to Mr Shanahan, which he ate. Are you asking me to believe the garda offered him chips? Judge David Waters asked Mr Liston. Garda Haussmann said that Garda ONeill was present for the entire observation period and Mr Shanahan did not, at any time in custody, request a doctor so he could provide a blood sample. As the member of charge, Garda Haussmann said she would have granted this request. She told the Court that Mr Shanahan also did not mention his hernia while in custody. She told the court that she did not give any chips to Mr Shanahan, and she does not eat chips. Mr Shanahan said that he told Garda ONeill he was not wearing a belt due to his hernia and added that he was scheduled to receive surgery for his hernia. He said he asked for a doctor numerous times so he could provide a blood sample, and that he had given a detailed account of his medical difficulties to Garda Haussmann. He said he explained to Garda Haussmann that it was his birthday, and she told him to cheer up before pouring chips out for him. Why would I make that up? he asked. They say truth can sometimes be stranger than fictionthat is what happened. Mr Shanahan said he had been watching racing in a betting office in Tralee earlier that day. When asked by gardai if he had been celebrating his birthday, he said he was, adding most people do. On convicting Mr Shanahan, Judge Waters noted that the accused did manage to give both breath samples required of him. Mr Shanahan has one previous drink-driving conviction dating back over 30 years. Judge Waters disqualified Mr Shanahan from driving for two years and imposed a 300 fine. Recognisance was set in the event of an appeal. Graham McEvoy (25) is accused of threatening Ill stab the face off you, Ill stab you to death as he lashed out and cut the officer. A MOUNTJOY inmate slashed a prison guards face with an improvised weapon" while trying to escape after he was taken to a clinic for an x-ray, it is alleged. Graham McEvoy (25) is accused of threatening Ill stab the face off you, Ill stab you to death as he lashed out and cut the officer. He is facing trial after a judge ruled the allegations were too serious to be dealt with at Dublin District Court. Judge Gerard Jones adjourned the case for the preparation of a book of evidence. Mr McEvoy, of Captains Road, Crumlin, is charged with producing a weapon capable of inflicting serious injury while assaulting the officer, causing him harm. He is also charged with threatening to kill him or cause him serious harm. Garda Sergeant Michelle Lynch said the DPP consented to the case being dealt with in the district court subject to the judge considering the issue of jurisdiction. Judge Jones asked for a summary of the allegations. Sgt Lynch said on May 8 last year, the accused was escorted by prison officers to the VHI Swiftcare clinic in Smithfield for an X-ray. After the appointment was completed, Mr McEvoy was handcuffed and brought to the cell van. The rear door was opened and the officer who was cuffed to the accused removed that cuff. Mr McEvoy still had the other cuff on and was being assisted in getting his jacket off in the van when he stood and charged at the prison officers in an attempt to escape, it was alleged. Outside the van, a prison officer tried to restrain Mr McEvoy against the car parked next to them, pushing him up against it to use the car as leverage. It was alleged the accused swung both arms violently, lashing out with the arm that was still cuffed. He said Ill get you, Ill stab the face off you, Ill stab you to death, Sgt Lynch alleged. He continued to lash out and the prison officer felt a sharp pain under his right eye, the court heard. Another officer grabbed for the weapon and got control of the accuseds right hand. The officers noticed a white object which fell to the ground and was moved away. The accused was placed back in the van. The alleged victim looked at the front of his shirt and saw blood. The weapon allegedly used was a hard plastic improvised weapon with a sharp end, Sgt Lynch said. The cut under the alleged victims right eye had to be glued and strips placed on it. This is very serious, Judge Jones said. I refuse jurisdiction without hesitation. He adjourned the case to a date next month for service of a book of evidence. Mr McEvoy will be sent for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court when the book is ready. Care worker Jennifer Poole (24) was fatally stabbed seven times by her crazed ex- Gavin Murphy in her Finglas home in north Dublin The brother of a care worker murdered by her ex-boyfriend says he is fighting in Jennifers name to ensure domestic abusers past crimes are known to new partners. Jennifer Poole (24) was fatally stabbed seven times by her crazed ex- Gavin Murphy in her Finglas home in north Dublin while her toddler son lay waiting outside in her car. Murphy became enraged when Jennie who had suffered a litany of violent abuse at his hands over several months decided to end their relationship. But Murphy, who also had a history of coercive control over Jennie, snapped when he saw pictures of her out the previous night with three friends and managed to persuade her to let him into her apartment in April 2021 to have a shower, although now its known his main motive was to kill her. The fiend had 13 previous convictions, including one for physically assaulting his partner and her mother and for which he served time in prison. Her brother, secondary school teacher Jason, now hopes Jennies Law will stop future victims being killed or seriously injured like his sister if it gets on the statue books. Killer Gavin Murphy had a history of domestic abuse He tells the Sunday World it has gone to stage two in the Seanad: The Minister is also working on some sort of right-to-ask, right-to-tell policy, he confirms. It will probably be called Operation Jennie or something like that. It will allow the Guards to give and tell the victim the history of an abuser. They have one in already in play where if a person has been found guilty of murder, for example, and when they are released from prison their next relationship or partner is informed, but it doesnt happen in domestic violence situations. He believes his familys trailblazing campaign is keeping them going. Were not getting Jennifer back but its an opportunity to make sure she is not forgotten, and also that other families dont have to suffer, like were suffering every day. This campaign keeps you going and helps you focus and gives you a purpose that people will hopefully be saved by having a register where their former partners, ex- partners or new partner will be registered. With Jennifers ex-partner at the time, if the register had been there the guards would have been able to inform her that he had done time in prison for a similar offence. Up to last November, a total of 264 women have been murdered in Ireland since 1996, while one in four females say they have suffered physical abuse in domestic relationships. It shouldnt be happening, all these women murdered due to domestic violence, Jason says. But we dont have one solid piece of legislation. Domestic violence isnt a crime in its own right and thats really the biggest issue. Campaigner Jason Poole He says there is similar legislation in the UK, Clares Law, which allows victims and their families to check an abusers past domestic violence history. He stresses that a person can be most at risk when they end a relationship. What people need to understand, when you leave your partner or your ex-partner, you are at your most volatile of that relationship, he notes. They have lost you and you are now moving on. That is the biggest issue for them, the control they have lost. Murphy is now serving life in Portlaoise prison. Jennifer ended the relationship, recalls Jason. She went out with three female friends. He added them all on Instagram that morning, to find out where Jennifer was and what she was doing, and he came back at one oclock that day and murdered her He had lost control, and was trying to regain control again. He had tried the line Im going to kill myself if you dont come back to me, he had tried that cycle over and over again and all the time she fell into the trap. [But this time] she had succeeded to move on with her life and he knew at that point Ive lost her, Ive lost control, if I cant have her nobody else can have her and he went back to her apartment and planned to do what he did. Jason and his family take part in a new TG4 documentary next week on the case, in which he reveals he has Jennies name tattooed on his arm and visits her grave several times a week. Jasons mum dad have custody of Jennies children Nevaeh (10) and Zach (seven). They are really into their sports, and they have their activities and we just keep them in a very positive mindset, he says. Maru Inar Measc airs on TG4 at 9.30pm on Wednesday Carl Hargaden was brought before Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal today A man has appeared in court charged with slashing his wifes face with a broken glass. Carl Hargaden was brought before Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal today following the attack on Sunday. The 61-year-old is alleged to have slashed Anna Hargadens cheek, wrist and neck with a broken glass during an incident at the house they shared at Flax Fields, Convoy on Sunday, January 28. Judge Ciaran Liddy was told the injured woman was understood to be attending for plastic surgery in Galway in the hope that the scars can be reduced. Hargaden was charged with assaulting Anna Hargaden causing her harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Photographs of the victim's injuries were submitted to the court. Gardai told the court that Hargaden cut the back of the womans head with the same implement. The woman also sustained injuries to her neck and jaw in the incident. Hargaden, a 61-year-old of Flax Fields, Convoy, County Donegal, was also charged with breaking the womans glasses and with taking her mobile phone. The accused was also alleged to have made a threat to burn down the family home during the course of the dispute. During the incident, Hargaden claimed to have placed the womans mobile phone in a fridge, but the phone was located outside the premises on Monday. Garda Tom McNally gave evidence of arresting Hargaden on Monday afternoon When charged, Hargaden asked gardai: Why is Anna not charged with assault? Hargaden also told investigating officers I never stole her phone. I took it and added I didnt intentionally break her glasses, but I did. Garda McNally told the court that there would likely be further charges proffered once directions are obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Gardai objected to bail due to the seriousness of offences, the maximum penalty that can be imposed, a fear that the accused would interfere with witnesses in the case and the likelihood of further charges. Garda McNally said the accused was not taking prescribed medication and has been consuming alcohol. He said the woman is in fear of Hargaden. Mr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor for Hargaden, said his client is a retired man who has some health issues. He was a professional man and he is now retired and on disability, Mr Gallagher said, adding that the pair are married, but have been encountering some difficulties of late. Mr Gallagher told the court that Hargaden could provide an address outside of the Convoy area at which he will reside. Mr Gallagher said Hargaden would give an undertaking to abide by any conditions that the court might impose. He said his clients only previous conviction was under the Road Traffic Act for drink-driving. Bail was granted with strict conditions imposed by Judge Ciaran Liddy. Hargaden was ordered by Judge Liddy to stay out of the Convoy and Raphoe areas of County Donegal. The accused man must stay away from the injured party and have no contact, either directly or indirectly, to include via social media. Hargaden is to remain alcohol free and was told to take all prescribed medication. Hargaden is to reside at an address to be provided to gardai and must sign on at Letterkenny Garda Station every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The matter was adjourned until February 7. LA PAZ, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 22 people have died due to the heavy rains across Bolivia since November, the Bolivian government said Monday. "From November 2023 to January 2024, seven departments were affected. La Paz was most affected. We have 9,625 families affected and impacted," Juan Carlos Calvimontes, deputy minister of civil defense, said at a news conference. La Asunta, Tipuani, and Irupana municipalities in La Paz, as well as Cotagaita in Potosi, were declared a "municipal disaster," Calvimontes said, adding that the cities of Huacaraje and Trinidad in Beni were declared a "municipal emergency." So far, 44 municipalities have been affected by the floods caused by the heavy rains. The national government has provided 131 tons of humanitarian assistance, the minister said. It emerged last week that The White House in Co Louth townland, seven kilometres north of Drogheda is the subject of a Proceeds of Crime Act action Re Natalie and Eduard Chiper. The house owned by the Chipers which is the subject of a CAB application. Pic taken 23-1-2024 The gated mansion is a short drive from Drogheda in Co Louth This is the stunning mansion belonging to a glamorous Moldovan couple which is now the target of the Criminal Assets Bureau. Natalie and Eduard Chiper are being pursued by CAB in a legal case after criminal charges against them were dropped over an almost 1 million drugs haul in 2019. It emerged last week that The White House in Co Louth townland, seven kilometres north of Drogheda is the subject of a Proceeds of Crime Act action launched last year. Situated on a narrow cul-de-sac and surrounded by a leylandii hedge, the two-storey house is in a very private setting. With four bedrooms and 3,400 square feet of space, it also boasts a double staircase in the hall, according to the original planning permission made by a previous owner. Eduard Chiper lodged a second planning application in 2015 to add a garage to the property which was granted. The wrought-iron gates and railings at the front of the property would now cost close to 20,000 to manufacture, according to a gate-maker consulted by the Sunday World. Four-bed detached houses in the countryside surrounding Drogheda are currently being sold with asking prices of around the 600,000 mark. The last property sold in the area went for 505,000 in 2018, according to the Price Property Register Moldovan couple Eduard and Natalie Chiper In the High Court last week it was heard that a forensic accountant had been engaged, they had agreed to allow documents to be inspected and that the case was moving forward, according to counsel for the couple However, counsel for CAB said no replying affidavits had yet been received and that to say there was talks with is misconceived. Counsel for the couple said that they had wanted access to CAB documents, but Judge Alex Owens said the forensic accountant should be able go ahead with the available information. Additional affidavits can follow if needed, he said. The couple had been arrested in January 2019 after gardai found 940,000 of cannabis herb in a County Louth premises. The Sunday World previously reported how they both spent time in custody before getting bail, the case against them was later dropped by the Director of Prosecutions. In 2019 the DPP withdrew charges against the husband and wife who were alleged to have been in possession of the cannabis. They had been charged in January that year with being in possession of the drugs with the intent to sell or supply under Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. They were also charged with simple possession of drugs under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, it had been heard in court hearings at the time. The couple were arrested after a planned search of the premises was carried out by detectives from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, assisted by officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau and officers from the Co Louth division. The couple were remanded in custody for a time before they were granted bail after independent sureties lodged large sums of money. The charges were struck out at Drogheda District Court. At an earlier bail hearing a judge approved two independent sureties totalling 30,000 to allow Natalie Chipers release on bail. At that stage she had already been in custody for four weeks at the Dochas Centre in Mountjoy. Under the Proceeds of Crime the Criminal Assets Bureau can seek to have property of people declared as being bought with crime cash. Targets of a CAB action, who may have no criminal convictions, must provide evidence of legitimate income to show how the assets were bought. The case against the Chipers is currently at the Section 3 stage to have their assets declared the proceeds of crime. If CAB wins such as order it can move onto Section 4, which involves a receiver being appointed with the power to take over the property and to sell it off. Last year saw properties belonging to Ross Browning, the Kinahan Cartels man in Ireland, being taken over by CAB which have yet to go on the market. Meanwhile in November the last refuge Co Wexford house of Kinahan Cartel drug-dealer Barry Fowler and his partner Lorna Palmer sold for 266,000 in a five-minute auction. Peter OToole (76) was granted bail in the sum of 10,000 in his own bond when he appeared before Galway District Court on Monday charged A pensioner, who was involved in a High Court dispute over the purported 9 million estate of Co. Galway farmer Margaret Hernon has been charged with passing on a forged cheque for 1.425 million. Peter OToole (76) was granted bail in the sum of 10,000 in his own bond when he appeared before Galway District Court on Monday charged on two separate counts relating to the 1.425 million cheque. He was charged that between January 4th and January 7th 2019 in Galway, he used an AIB cheque, which he knew to be false, in the name of Peter Lydon to the value of 1.425 million made payable to a solicitors company. The charge is contrary to section 26 of the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences Act. He faced a second charge that on January 4th 2019 at Leagaun, Moycullen, Galway he made a false instrument i.e. the cheque made out in the sum of 1.425 million contrary to section 26 of the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences Act. In May of last year, the High Court heard a dispute between OToole and Margaret Hernons family over the estimated 9 million estate had been settled. As part of the settlement, the parties agreed that half of the late Margaret Hernons estate would go the main beneficiary of a will made in 2006, Peter OToole, who is a son of one of her first cousins. The case related to the estate of Margaret Hernon The remaining half of the estate was to be divided among over 40 other offspring of Ms Hernons first cousins, one of whom, Augustus Gus Kelehan, challenged the validity of the 2006 document and asked the High Court to set it aside. Ms Hernon left a valuable estate that includes a farmhouse where she resided at Barnacranny, Bushypark, Galway, with adjoining 13 acres of farmland, lands in Athenry Co Galway, and a significant quantity of cash. During the proceedings, the court heard the estates value was not agreed by the parties but had been estimated as being worth between 2.5 million and 9 million. Ms Hernon and her late husband Frank, who predeceased her, had no children and she was an only child. Her nearest living relations are the children of her first cousins. It was initially believed she had no will when she died aged 91 years on March 16th, 2017. However, several months after her death a will, purportedly executed in 2006 by Ms Hernon before now-retired solicitor Liam OGallchobhair, of Highfield Park, Galway, surfaced. In that document, a sum of 22,000 was left to a few friends and relatives of Ms Hernon, and to the local Catholic church she regularly attended. In his action against Mr OGallchobhair, in his capacity of the purported executor of the 2006 will, Mr Kelehan claimed the 2006 will should be set aside. Stay safe lads, and don't get behind the wheel of that car. An uninsured drug driver who wouldnt stop when requested by gardai ended up being arrested after crashing their car into a ditch in Louth. Gardai posted a dramatic image online at the weekend showing debris all over the road in the Drogheda area. The car is seen with its brake lights on a little too late, well off the road in between trees. A garda spokesperson said: "Drogheda Roads Policing attempted to stop this driver after they were spotted driving without insurance. The driver refused to stop for gardai and a short time later accidentally came off the road and landed in a ditch. The driver was uninjured and tested positive for cannabis. The motorist has since been charged and a court appearance will follow shortly. Given the high numbers of road deaths in Ireland already so far this year, gardai cautioned: Stay safe lads, and don't get behind the wheel of that car. Road deaths for 2024 are as follows: Pedestrians (two), Drivers (eight), Passengers (four), Motorcyclists (one), bringing the Total Year To Date figure of (15) as of January 30. Whitty admitted exportation of cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine through the airport knowingly. He was jailed for 35 months. A man tried to board a flight to Dubai last year with thousands of pounds worth of drugs stashed in Kinder Surprise eggs hidden up his bum. Michael Whitty (25) from Huyton in Liverpool, was sniffed out with large amounts of cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine at Manchester Airport on May 12. He told authorities that the substances were for personal use whilst abroad. Liverpool Crown Court heard that the mule was stopped by UK Border Force officers at around 9am as he waited to board a flight which was due to take off for the United Arab Emirates from Terminal One. A well trained group of sniffer dogs has surrounded the Merseyside man. Whitty was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital following his arrest, but refused to comply with body scans. 40 ecstasy tablets and 31.22g of ketamine were later discovered in the cell toilet by officers. The drugs were hidden inside three, yellow Kinder Surprise eggs. Kinder Surprise egg Whitty also produced a sealed object containing 12.6g of cocaine with a purity of around 77 pc upon using the cell toilet again on May 14. He would not speak when questioned by detectives initially. The cocaine was estimated to have a street value of roughly 1,475 with the ecstasy valued in the region of 500. The class B drugs were meanwhile said to have been worth around 1,460. Ultimately, Whitty claimed he was a "heavy user" who was "reliant" upon the drugs for personal use. He also stated that friends had bought his one-way ticket as surprise gift. Prosecutors rejected Whittys claims and found that the drugs were intended for dealing in the Middle East, "on somebody else's instruction". Whitty has a number of previous convictions for burglary in 2012, possession of ammunition in 2017 and possession of cannabis in 2021. Stuart Mills, defending, told the Liverpool court this week: "He has had a very bad addiction but, given his incarceration, that has allowed him to begin to conquer that addiction. He is obviously motivated to do so at this point. "He knows he has to do something about his drug addiction, otherwise he is going to be in and out of custody for a long time. He has also undertaken education while in custody, again demonstrating an intention, willingness and motivation to try and better himself. "He intends, when he is released, to seek work within the construction industry. This speaks of somebody who is looking to his future." Whitty admitted exportation of cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine through the airport knowingly. He was jailed for 35 months. Judge Charlotte Crangle said: "I accept that you were doing this on somebody else's instruction. The account that these drugs were for your own personal use only was rejected. "Those prepared to engage in this type of activity must expect significant custodial sentences. You are still young and relatively lightly convicted. "You are exactly the kind of person, given your drug habit, who would be susceptible to agreeing to do this on somebody else's behalf. I would be failing in my public duty if I were not to impose an immediate custodial sentence upon you today. Three houses within a mile of each other in the county were hit by lightning during a severe thunderstorm. Debbie and Keith with their children Scott, Zach and Issy. Emergency services working on the house in Newtowncunningham. Photo: North West News Pix. A Donegal mother whose home was destroyed after it was struck by lightning has issued a warning to other homeowners. On Monday, January 22 at approximately 2:55pm, lightning struck the Nesbitt family home on the outskirts of Newtowncunningham, County Donegal. Three houses within a mile of each other were hit by lightning during a severe thunderstorm. Debbie was in the house along with her three children Scott, Zach and Issy when the lightning struck and set fire to the roof of the house. Debbie said the initial impact was like a bomb hitting the roof with slates, bits of the chimney and debris flying off the house. My first thought was to call the fire service and get my three kids to safety. Debbie and Keith with their children Scott, Zach and Issy. I did this and then rang my husband, Keith, who works in Fane Valley Stores roaring down the phone for him to get home immediately. Looking from outside I knew that the fire was already in the third floor and attic. I rushed inside and with the help of neighbours, got some of my family photos, wedding album, and others bits and pieces from the lower floors. All Monday afternoon Keith and I stood and watched our home burn. Issues locating a fire hydrant in a rural area meant that there wasnt enough water readily available to fight the fire. Around 7pm, the fire was out and most of what we own was gone. It was soul wrenching. I was in so much pain and anger. Keith was numb, said Debbie. Some of the damage caused by the lightning strike. The fire service from Derry arrived at the scene quickly but unfortunately, their work was hindered by the lack of fire hydrants in the rural area. Debbie believes a map of fire hydrants should be readily available for residents and the fire service. She said, We need a GIS map of water hydrants in Donegal. If the Northern Ireland Fire Service are responding to homes in Donegal they need this. This is a reasonably straightforward task. If this had been available on Monday, I think the fire would have been out sooner, said Debbie. Unfortunately, in the days following the incident, the Nesbitts discovered that their home was under-insured. Debbie issued a warning to homeowners to check their insurance and ensure it is in order for compensation. She explained, Our house was insured, however our assessor has said it is under-insured. According to Zurich, 49pc of Irish homes are underinsured but we did not think our home was one of them. This revelation floored me and the trauma of the event didnt help. I advise homeowners to check out how much you should have your property insured for. I know everyone is struggling financially but were now seeing the ugly side of insurance. The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland have a calculator where you can check your homes value scsi.ie/consumer/build/calculator, said Debbie. The family now face the daunting task of rebuilding their home and finding somewhere to live temporarily. To help with the costs, Debbies sister has set up a GoFundMe page and it has raised over 27,000. The community of Newtowncunningham also held a meeting on Friday night to discuss further fundraising ventures for the families affected by the lightning. Debbie said the generosity they have received since the incident has blown them away and they wish to thank everyone for their support. She continued, We are blessed to have the best family, friends, work colleagues, neighbours and community. We have a lot to be thankful for and unfortunately theres always others in more suffering than us. Keith, the kids and I really want to thank everyone for the help and support theyve given us so far. Wed not have got through these last few days without everyone. Theres just too many to mention, we hope you know were forever grateful. We have to thank local shops and businesses and all those people who have given us clothes and food. Its hard to comprehend the generosity were experiencing. Hopefully weve a house to move into soon, from a man who said, hed always great time for my father. If anyone would consider donating so that we can try bridge the gap between what we may get from the insurance company and what it will take to rebuild our house wed be forever thankful and grateful, said Debbie. The accident happened at lunch time on Saturday John Connor (79) died in a single vehicle crash near Frenchpark in County Roscommon on Saturday afternoon Funeral details have been announced for former Fine Gael TD, senator and county councillor John Connor (79) who died in a single-vehicle collision at the weekend. Mr Connor will repose in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Frenchpark on Wednesday from 5pm until 7.30pm. Removal from the funeral home on Thursday to St. Asicus Church, Frenchpark arriving for Mass at 11.30am, followed by interment in Cloonshanville cemetery. The tragic accident which killed the politician occurred at around 2pm in Frenchpark, Co Roscommon on Saturday 27. Mr Connor, who was travelling alone, was taken to Sligo University Hospital, but was pronounced dead a short time later. A note on rip.ie states: February 14th, 1944 January 27th, 2024. Peacefully, with his family by his side, in University Hospital, Sligo John Connor Sadly missed and remembered with love by his sisters Margaret (Cady) and Anne (Gallagher), brothers-in-law Gerry and Brendan, nephews John, Barry, Paul, Jarlath and Ulick and their families Karey, Rebekah, Cecilia, Claudine, Erin, Milena, Nicolas, James, Ellie, Abby, Isabel, Henry and Heidi, to Pat and Margaret Moran, cousins, relatives, neighbours and many friends May He Rest in Peace. In a statement, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was "deeply shocked" over Mr Connor's death. "John had an unwavering commitment to the people of his area and brought a considerable expertise to politics at local and national level, Mr Varadkar said. "He had a keen intellect and was well versed in international affairs, but always had his finger on the pulse of local matters. "He was very popular among his colleagues in Fine Gael and I know provided good counsel to a number of younger public representatives, who were grateful for his advice and time." John Connor (79) died in a single vehicle crash near Frenchpark in County Roscommon on Saturday afternoon Fine Gael TD for Sligo-Leitrim Frank Feighan said that Mr Connor was "a man of huge integrity, a great orator, political wisdom, good company and a great friend". Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway Denis Naughten said that he "learned a lot from John over our years in Fine Gael". "He was someone who cared passionately for rural Ireland. As an orator John was the true successor to his neighbour James Dillon," Mr Naughten added. "So sorry to hear of Johns untimely passing. I have lovely memories of supporting John when Canvassing for the Senate many years ago . He was a lovely gentleman. Sincere Condolences to his sisters Margaret and Anne and the extended Connor Family . May he rest in peace, said Hilary Quinlan of Waterford. Gardai are appealing to any witnesses or any road users with video footage (including dash cam) to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094 9621630, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Restrictions will also be put on refugees who have already been granted status in another EU country. Those granted refugee status elsewhere will be put into an inadmissibility procedure which will also be fast-tracked. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. The number of countries deemed safe by the Government will be expanded, meaning migrants from those countries will have their cases decided on within 90 days. Photo: Niall Carson/PA The Government is to fast-track the decision-making process around asylum claims as part of a crackdown on migrants using the system as a back door to economic migration. From tomorrow, the number of countries deemed safe by the Government will be expanded to include Algeria and Botswana, meaning migrants from those countries will have their cases decided on within 90 days. Restrictions will also be put on refugees who have already been granted status in another EU country. Those granted refugee status elsewhere will be put into an inadmissibility procedure which will also be fast-tracked. Unless it is appealed to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal, or if the appeal is unsuccessful, the application for asylum will be closed and the migrant will be forced to leave. Both changes will kick in from tomorrow. Justice Minister Helen McEntee will bring a memo to Cabinet outlining her plan to drive down the rate of asylum applicants who have been seeking accommodation from the State. The addition of Algeria is a significant move in the Governments plans to tackle rising levels of migration to Ireland. Latest figures from the Department of Integration show the State is currently accommodating 3,110 people from Algeria and 709 from Botswana. Countries are classed as safe where there is generally no persecution, no torture or degrading treatment or punishment, and no threat of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict. At present countries deemed safe include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and South Africa. An asylum-seeker presenting from a safe country has their application process fast-tracked. They receive their interview date on the day they apply for international protection, with the interview expected to take place in a matter of weeks. Applications for asylum from the list of safe countries have decreased by 38pc since November 2022, with first-instance refusals running at 81pc. An average of 78pc of those who then appealed had their appeals rejected. The minister believes that expanding this level of swift and clear decision-making will lead to further decreases in efforts to use the asylum system here as a back door to economic migration, said a government source. This comes as the Government is being urged to extend the 800 Ukrainian Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) to people taking in other migrants. Nearly a third of those who have taken in Ukrainians said the 800 monthly payment was a key motivation when deciding whether to take in a refugee, according to a new survey. The research and call to extend the payment comes from a group of organisations which oversee pledged accommodation. Helping Irish Hosts, a not-for-profit organisation which connects refugees with hosts and offers hosts support, said thousands of asylum-seekers have been granted leave to remain but cannot move out of direct provision because of the rental crisis. [Extending the payment is] a part of communicating boldly with people the Irish welcome as opposed to negative sentiment and narrative, said CEO Angie Gough. A quarter of Ukrainian refugees currently live in host accommodation. The organisation will launch its survey of 1,412 Irish hosts in Leinster House tomorrow. Nearly half of hosts were matched with refugees through implementing partners such as the Helping Irish Hosts organisation, Red Cross, United Nations Migration Agency (IOM) and the Peter McVerry Trust. Only 16pc of hosts were matched with a refugee through local councils, while 38pc of hosts made their arrangements privately. Nearly all hosts say that hosting a refugee has been a positive experience and 76pc say solidarity is what motivated them to take a person in. While half extended the pledge to over a year, 14pc of hosts do not intend to extend their offer of accommodation. Ms Gough said offering a room in your house and apartment to a migrant will help them integrate into Irish society. While the research shows mostly positive experiences of hosting a refugee, there are some negative experiences, with one host saying: It turned out we were very misaligned with our guests in terms of values. She made it very clear that she saw it as a rental agreement. However, a different host said hosting has given them great satisfaction. Hosting is more than just a bed, its a network and an opportunity for integration facilitated by people in local communities, said Ms Gough. Firefighters and paramedics from Tallaght were at the scene of the incident involving the two luxury cars The traffic lights in Tallaght damaged in the incident. Photo: X/Dublin Fire Brigade The front of the Tesla was also damaged. Photo: X/Dublin Fire Brigade A BMW sustained damage to its front in the collision. Photo: X/Dublin Fire Brigade The Tesla and BMW badly damaged in the crash in Tallaght, Dublin. Photos: Dublin Fire Brigade A crash involving a BMW and a Tesla left both vehicles and two sets of traffic lights badly damaged in west Dublin. Firefighters and paramedics from Tallaght were at the scene of the incident involving the two luxury cars, which also caused major damage to both cars. The front of the Tesla was also damaged. Photo: X/Dublin Fire Brigade The circumstances of the incident which happened over the weekend, and the condition of the occupants of the vehicles, is not known. Firefighter/Paramedics from Tallaght, along with our Ambulance and Emergency Tender attended this two car RTC (road traffic collision) over the weekend, Dublin Fire Brigade said on X. The traffic lights in Tallaght damaged in the incident. Photo: X/Dublin Fire Brigade Two sets of traffic lights were also damaged. The crews assessed people on scene and made the scene safe. New South Wales Police in a statement said she suffered a serious injury to her right leg. The attack took place in Elizabeth Bay, just 2km from the iconic Sydney Opera House. Photo: Getty It is believed that the woman was attacked by a bull shark. Photo: Getty A woman has been hospitalised with serious bite wounds to her leg after being attacked by a shark while swimming in Sydney Harbour. The victim, identified as Lauren ONeill (29), who lives in an apartment block nearby, was swimming at a private wharf at Elizabeth Bay around 7.45pm local time (8.45am GMT) on Monday, less than 2km from Sydneys iconic Opera House, when she was bitten by the suspected bull shark. New South Wales Police in a statement said she suffered a serious injury to her right leg. Shark attacks in Sydney Harbour are rare, but the area is known to be an important habitat for bull sharks and their young. The attack took place in Elizabeth Bay, just 2km from the iconic Sydney Opera House. Photo: Getty People living nearby rushed to help the victim, with one man telling the Sydney Morning Herald he heard a soft yell for help from his window. She was trying to climb in and behind her was her leg, which was completely open and full of dark red blood behind her, Michael Porter told the paper. It was surreal. We have always been worried and known about sharks in the harbour... its only now that it feels very real. She was extremely brave, she was lucid and knew everything that was going on, and as she started to lose blood she started to lose a little bit of consciousness, but we just followed the triple zero respondents advice to try and keep her awake, Porter said. She wasnt in a panicked state at all, she was very calm," he said. It was surreal, weve always been worried and known about sharks in the harbour its only now that it feels very real. Another witness said Ms ONeill dragged herself to safety on a nearby wharf. A vet who lived nearby living nearby then applied tourniquets and bandages to stem the bleeding of her wound until paramedics arrived. She swam out to the boat and on her way back she got bitten by, I think it was a bull shark, another witness told local news outlet OnScene Bondi. We ran out. My wifes a vet and she basically bandaged it up. Weve always been worried and known about sharks in the harbour its only now that it feels very real Ms ONeill remains in a stable condition in intensive care at St Vincents Hospital, where she is expected to undergo surgery. It was Sydneys first shark attack in the harbour since 2009, when an Australian navy diver was mauled by a bull shark during a training exercise in Woolloomooloo Bay. In February 2022, 35-year-old British diving instructor Simon Nellist was killed by a 3m (9ft 10in) great white shark at Little Bay, which was Sydneys first fatal shark attack since 1963. Marshall Teague highlights the one thing that was off-putting The star of the original Road House movie pointed out one issue he has with the trailer released for Conor McGregors forthcoming film. The Notorious is starring in a re-make of the 1989 action classic fight flick starring Patrick Swayze and Marshall Teague. Now Marshall Teague has given an interview to TMZ where he critiqued the production side of the movie. Jake Gyllenhaal is a fantastic actor and Conor McGregor is an incredible fighter. I mean his acting career I dont know that much about, but as far as his fighting is concerned, hes top of the list, he said. Marshall Teague Marshall then highlighted the noises used in post-production as being a slight issue which broke his concentration. I got to tell you I watched it in the fight and the one thing I found humorous was the sound of the hits in the fight you know theyre just, I dont know, theyre a little off to me. "But thats okay, I think. As far as Conors ability to play the character as the chief bad guy I think hell do fine with that. Hes done it all through his career so I think he has a lead on that. "His first scene in the trailer kind of threw me. But hes Irish, what can I say? They have a different way of announcing themselves. I think the movie will do fine. "But will it be around in 35 years? Who knows. Patrick Swayze was a different fighter, he was more serious. But very much a ladies man. Is it going to last? Time will tell, he said. McGregor said he enjoying his first movie role The Hollywood star also gave the funny reason why he cant make an appearance in the film himself, despite fans pleading for it to happen. "It might be an over night butt kicker without the charm of the first. People will like it or they wont. Its not the original. But sometimes re-makes fall on their butt, I find it hard to do that. But I hope it does well. "I miss Patrick every day, he was a great guy. I hope the two of them have the same relationship. People have been asking me in their thousands if I will be in the film. No, Im not. Im older, they are much younger people. Besides that, I died! I ripped my throat out, Teague added. Patrick Swayze poses for a "Road House" portrait circa 1989 inLos Angeles, California (Photo by Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images) McGregor broke a Hollywood record before the films release if a now-deleted tweet is true. Conor claimed he was the highest-paid first-time actor, even more than Dwayne The Rock Johnson received for his first Hollywood project. What did you think of my acting debut movie trailer? Hell of a ride! I am now officially the highest-paid first-time actor of all time, on record, pipping Dwayne Johnson for the top spot. Incredible! he wrote. Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership with Enterprise Ireland, the Irish governments trade and innovation agency. The new agreement will create a digital bridge between the two countries and ease the processes of attraction and expansion for Irish and Dubai companies. The MoU was signed at Dubai Chambers headquarters in the presence of Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy; Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers; and Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. The Republic of Ireland was represented by Minister Dara Calleary, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation; Alison Milton, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to the UAE; and Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland. The strategic agreement aims to connect companies in Dubai with Irish businesses to promote mutual cooperation and partnerships. The MoU will create rewarding opportunities for members of Enterprise Ireland, particularly in the fields of technology, manufacturing, and clean energy, as well as environmental, social, and governance practices. Stimulating ties In addition, the agreement will strengthen the business, trade, and investment relations between Ireland and Dubai, stimulating economic and commercial ties and enabling Irish companies to expand into markets across the Mena region. The MoU aims to create opportunities for small businesses between Ireland and Dubai, especially in the area of digital technologies, while providing a platform for businesses in both markets to explore the potential to increase bilateral exports. The agreement also seeks to develop a platform for cross-cultural training and capacity building for doing business across different cultures and languages. Lootah said: Dubai plays a pivotal role in the global business landscape and serves as a vital gateway for the growth and expansion of companies from around the world. The emirate is continuing to consolidate its position as an ideal platform that brings together creative ideas and innovative entrepreneurs particularly in the field of modern digital technologies creating more opportunities, building promising partnerships, and developing effective solutions and pioneering projects. Key step He added: This partnership between Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and Enterprise Ireland represents a significant step that will benefit the business communities in both Dubai and Ireland, including small and macro businesses and specialised tech projects. By sharing local expertise and exploring mutual opportunities, the agreement will increase the volume of mutual trade and investment and support the growth of the digital economy. Clancy said: Demand for Irish innovation in Dubai and across the UAE is high, with exports continuing to rise year on year. Through this agreement with Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, we aim to collaborate together to facilitate strong connections between Dubai Chamber members and Enterprise Ireland client companies for mutual benefit. By focusing on technology, manufacturing, and clean energy, this agreement aligns with our commitment to supporting Irish enterprises in expanding their global footprint. Together, we are unlocking opportunities that will drive growth, innovation, and success for businesses in Dubai and Ireland.--TradeArabia News Service SEOUL, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's export volume rose for the fourth successive month in December last year on recovering demand for locally-made tech products and transport equipment, central bank data showed Tuesday. Export volume index climbed 6.2 percent in December from a year earlier after gaining 1.0 percent in September, 7.2 percent in October and 11.4 percent in November, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). In terms of volume, outbound shipment for computer, electronic and optical devices, including semiconductors, advanced 16.4 percent in December on a yearly basis, keeping an upward trend for the fifth straight month. Export volume for transport equipment, machinery, chemical products and oil products all increased in single figures. Export value index grew 3.3 percent in December from a year earlier, continuing to expand for the third month. Import volume index dwindled 7.1 percent in December from a year earlier, maintaining a downward momentum for the sixth consecutive month on lower demand for industrial and mining products. Import value index dipped 11.7 percent last month, keeping a downward trend for the 10th straight month. Net terms-of-trade index for goods, or a ratio of export prices to import prices, added 2.4 percent in December from a year earlier owing to the faster fall in import prices than export prices. Hector Barbotta Seville Tuesday, 30 January 2024 | Updated 01/02/2024 08:34h. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram A new drought decree in Andalucia will focus on recovering boreholes, desalination projects and push councils into fixing existing leaks in their water supply networks. The new law approved on Monday 29 January is the fourth drought decree to be passed and the one with the largest budget allocation, of 217 million euros. The decree also focuses on reclaimed water to guarantee supply to the production sectors. The measures are expected to provide an additional 81 cubic hectometres of water. Regional minister Carmen Crespo said: "We are in an emergency situation and we are acting to the limit of what we can". Andalusian Executive spokesman Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco criticised the Spanish central government for its lack of help and demanded more support, while the Junta hopes the European Union will recognise the region's situation as an area with extreme exposure to drought, which would allow it access to specific funds for hydraulic works. Junta president Juanma Moreno, as a result, embarked on a three day trip to Brussels this Tuesday to negotiate with officials. Moreno will meet with executive vice-president of the European Commission Maros Sefcovic, and will attend various meetings. Rachel Haynes / Europa Press Tuesday, 30 January 2024, 12:27 | Updated 12:43h. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron reiterated his commitment to continue working to conclude a treaty with the EU for Gibraltar at a meeting in London with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo on Monday. Despite the "complex" negotiations, Cameron remains "confident that a treaty is achievable and can deliver for everyone in the region", said a statement issued by the UK government's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office after the meeting. This is the first time Cameron and Picardo have met face-to-face since the former prime minister returned to government. The meeting follows the latest round of UK-EU Gibraltar treaty negotiations which took place last week in Brussels. "Throughout negotiations the UK, with Gibraltar, has presented proposals to secure future prosperity for the whole region that maintain the balance of the Political Framework agreed with Spain in December 2020," the Foreign Office added. Contingency plans The Gibraltar government said on Monday: "The latest developments in relation to the UK-EU treaty were discussed during the meeting, as well as the contingency preparations for a non negotiated outcome (NNO)." "The Foreign Secretary agreed that it remained prudent to continue working together to ensure robust plans were in place for all scenarios, including a non-negotiated outcome," said the Foreign Office, reiterating the "UKs unwavering support for Gibraltar". The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister of Gibraltar Dr Joseph Garcia and the UK's Minister for Europe Leo Docherty. After the discussions Picardo said that he very much welcomed the strong signal of support for Gibraltar sent by the meeting with Cameron and Docherty. They are both good friends of Gibraltar and our meeting today demonstrates the close relationship between Gibraltar and the United Kingdom as well as the close personal relationship between us. "Shared prosperity" Meanwhile in Spain, Minister for Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albares said: "Spain has presented a global, balanced and generous proposal to create a zone of shared prosperity between Gibraltar and the Campo de Gibraltar." He added that Spain was just waiting for a "response from the United Kingdom". The minister called for all political parties to support the agreement under negotiation. "This agreement by no means diminishes Spain's claim on sovereignty," he said, insisting that was the Spanish government aims to achieve is "an agreement that guarantees the free circulation of people and goods, that does away with any physical frontier and allows us to share use of the airport". Eugenio Cabezas Nerja Tuesday, 30 January 2024, 18:56 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Rocio Martin's voice trembles every time she mentions the name of her little boy, Jorge, who died on 19 March 2022 in the Hospital Materno Infantil in Malaga city as a result of an aggressive childhood cancer. Doctors had diagnosed the cancer in Jorge's head just a month earlier, when he was not yet eleven months old. Little Jorge Gomez was born on 27 February 2021 during the pandemic and was Rocio's first child together with her partner Jorge Gomez. Rocio, 37, who is from Alhaurin de la Torre and Jorge, 43, from Nerja met about seven years ago. Jorge had been married before and had no children, and Rocio has a 14-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. The couple, who now live in Nerja, had decided that they wanted to have a baby together. When he was born, Jorge was healthy and everything was totally normal. He weighed 3.55 kilos and measured 56 centimetres. Everything was going well until early February 2022 when Rocio Martin began to notice that her son was eating less and less and vomiting what little he did eat. The couple took Jorge to their paediatrician in Nerja who referred them to the Axarquia hospital in Torre del Mar, where medics did a CAT scan on the baby, "and there was a four-centimetre hole in the cerebellum", Jorge explains, adding,The doctors told us from the beginning that it was a very aggressive cancer, but you are filled with strength and hope that you were going to get through it". However, despite their little warriors early determination to fight, in the end Jorge lost his battle against the malignant tumour, classified as an ATR (Atypical Rabdoid Teratoid) . Another baby on the way "He had an operation at the beginning of February and then contracted meningitis. They put him on antibiotics and he was recovering and was going to start proton therapy, but it couldn't be, the damned cancer took him away", his mother says in tears. Two years after the tragedy, Rocio is now almost eight months pregnant and she is due to give birth to her third child, Ares, named after the god of war, a name chosen by her daughter Leyre, on 1 April. But before Rocio gives birth, the family, with the help of different groups in Nerja, are organising a charity dance and music gala on 17 February to remember little Jorge and to raise funds for the CRIS Contra el Cancer (against cancer) Foundation. The foundation is based in Madrid and has been supporting research into all types of cancer, especially rare types, since 2010. A poster made by the family to advertise the charity event on 17 February. SUR "The three of us continue to attend therapy with psychologists, but we have enough strength to remember Jorge and to do our bit to try to ensure that never again will a family have to go through what we are going through," says Rocio, who admits that "little by little you get used to the idea that this is a lottery, and that it has happened to you". She adds, "We underwent genetic tests at the maternity hospital and they ruled out any hereditary factors. The event on Saturday 17 February will take place at the Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja. There will be two sessions, one at 5pm and the other at 6.30pm and it will include a presentation about the work of CRIS, a performance by the Nerja-based Sara Jorge Dreams Dancers modern dance academy. Actor and children's entertainer Rocio Delgado will be hosting the gala. A video will be shown with images of Jorge's short but intense life, and a manifesto will be read about the need to promote research against childhood cancer. The event will end with a minute's silence and a round of applause in memory of Jorge and all the children who suffer and have suffered from this disease. Admission to the event is ten euros, which will go entirely to CRIS. Anyone interested can also make donations either via the family, organisers of the gala through their Instagram @pollueloguerrero or the Cris Contra el Cancer Foundation. Rocio and Jorge have already raised around 4,000 euros from the sale of bracelets, key rings and necklaces that are given as gifts at events such as weddings, christenings and communions. Last year, as part of their grief therapy, the couple walked the Camino de Santiago, which they describe as "a very enriching experience" and recommend to everyone. Tony Bryant Benalmadena Tuesday, 30 January 2024 | Updated 31/01/2024 10:12h. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Benalmadena has begun the plantation of its first urban forest to absorb CO2 emissions to offset the carbon footprint. The initiative has been made possible thanks to an agreement signed by the town hall and Talher, an environmental and sustainability services company that is part of the Clece group. The project, which will be the companys first in Spain, will consist of a 1.5-hectare plot of land, on which it will plant 1,200 different species of trees. The project was launched on Monday by the towns mayor, Juan Antonio Lara, together with the southern regional director of Clece, Javier Gallego Trigo, and the director of Talher, Monica Manrique Samaniego. The mayor explained that the project received the green light after receiving the certificate of registration from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO). The launch was used the plant the first 30 trees, which included cork oaks, pine, carob and wild olive trees. The species chosen meet certain requirements such as adaptation to the environment and the ability to meet the objective of repopulation: they are also resistant and resilient to fires and climate change. Talher has developed a management plan by which it will be responsible for repopulating native species and maintaining them for the next three decades. The mayor visits the reforestation site. SUR Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow and store it: the reforestation of the municipal plot, which suffered a fire in 2019, is estimated to absorb 150 tonnes of CO2 over the next 30 years. Lara thanked the company and its subsidiary for having chosen Benalmadena for the first initiative of its kind in Spain, which, he said, will improve the natural environment, increase biodiversity and enhance the multifunctionality of spaces. With this project, both Benalmadena and Talher will contribute to the mitigation of climate change, while creating a new tree cover that helps to conserve and promote both the quality and biodiversity of the landscape, through the recovery of tree cover, he said. Enrique Miranda Malaga Tuesday, 30 January 2024, 17:53 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram El Caminito del Rey is one of the great tourist attractions of Malaga province of Malaga and certainly one of the most impressive inland places to visit in the whole of the Andalucia region. It is a spectacular pathway - once described as the most dangerous in the world - that clings, in places, high above the gorge. It was reformed in 2015 to enable walkers to enjoy the pathways and the incredible views in complete safety. To visit the Caministo del Rey you have to book tickets in advance and it is not always easy to get them for certain dates, due to the great demand, both from individuals, groups and tour companies. This Thursday, 1 February, tickets go on sale for the period from 1 April to 30 September 2024, so it is advisable to book now to reserve the dates that may be of interest. Prices and where to buy tickets Tickets will be available, both for individuals and agencies, and can be purchased at www.caminitodelrey.info for the price of 10 euros for general tickets and 18 euros for guided tours. This is the only official website where tickets can be purchased and it is not recommended purchasing tickets through other channels. Buying tickets from unauthorised outlets is a risk, as there is no guarantee of authenticity. To purchase tickets, you must register and select a specific day and time. Each user can purchase a maximum of 10 tickets. How to get there: car parks, trains and shuttle buses Although it may seem that the Caminito del Rey is a distance away from the tourist areas of the Costa del Sol, the reality is that it is easy to reach and there are several options. The pathway starts in the municipality of Ardales, crosses the municipality of Antequera, and ends in El Chorro (Alora). If you don't want to go by private car, the best way is to take the Cercanias C2 commuter line train, which can be caught from Malaga city centre, at either the Maria Zambrano or Malaga Centro stations. The C1 line along the western strip of the Costa del Sol ends at these stations, so there is also a connection from Torremolinos or Fuengirola. By car, the Caminito del Rey has a visitor reception centre located in the municipality of Ardales, which has parking with capacity for 240 vehicles. Visitors can park for two euros per day, which can also be booked when purchasing tickets to visit the walk on the website. It is recommended to arrive at least one hour in advance. There are shuttle buses (not managed by the Caminito del Rey) to and from the car park and the path. Tickets can be purchased either in advance when you buy your ticket or in cash on site. The bus service runs from 7.40am to 8pm. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to the stop near the Kiosko Restaurant. Safety, duration and recommended age The Caminito is the first path in Spain and one of the first in Europe to be accredited as a cardio-safe area, as it has seven defibrillators along its route and staff trained in their use and first aid. An integrated system for health and safety is also being created to deal with geological, forest fire, biotic, natural and climatic risks, although it should be remembered that El Caminito del Rey is a rehabilitated infrastructure for active tourism in a natural environment, which involves some risks and requires a certain degree of physical effort or dexterity from its visitors. El Caminito is three kilometres long and barely one metre wide. One of the best known parts of the route is a hanging walkway suspended some 105 metres above the floor of the gorge and a suspension bridge that spans the two sides. Taking into account the paths leading to the access and the shuttle bus, the estimated time to complete the whole trip is between 3 and 4 hours. You don't need to be an expert hiker to do the route, but you do need to have good mobility and not have physical problems to access the climbs, footbridges or stairs that are common on the route. Due to the height of some of the sections, it is also not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo. As for age, the Caminito del Rey does not allow children under 8 years of age to enter for safety reasons. Pets, crutches and walking sticks (including hiking sticks) are also not allowed. As proud carriers of the Nordic tradition of social dialogue, where autonomous social partners negotiate solutions, the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise acknowledges the significance of todays Social Partner Summit at Val Duchesse. It is indeed symbolic to make a renewed commitment to strengthening social dialogue at EU level at the very place where almost forty years ago the foundation was laid. At Swedish Enterprise, we look forward to contributing to the realization of the Pact for European Social Dialogue as contained in the Val Duchesse declaration. Providing the conditions are right, we firmly believe that social dialogue can contribute to making Europe the best place to live, work and do business. Nevertheless, it is essential that all social dialogue activities also contribute to the international competitiveness of European businesses. The competitiveness of the EU economies and, hence, our welfare, depends on the capacity of firms and industries to drive and adapt to change through innovation, raising productivity and achieving a presence in key strategic sectors. Moreover, it is only through competitive companies and healthy economies in the EU member states that the high employment levels that are a prerequisite for providing European citizens with strong social rights and good living standards can be sustained. In fact, these conditions are linked; improved living standards cannot be created without growth and there will be no social Europe without jobs. Furthermore, the rules and regulations that companies in the EU are obliged to follow must always be compared with the rules and regulations by which competitors outside the EU have to abide, particularly in Asia and North America. A lack of balance in this regard between the EU and the rest of the world will severely damage the competitiveness of companies based in the EU, putting us all at a disadvantage. In addition, the shared competence in the area of EU social policy and the role of national social partners must be respected. After all, social policy is still primarily the responsibility of the EU Members states, while the functioning of the internal market as well as trade and competition policies are the exclusive competences of the EU. In last years State of the Union address in which the promise of a second Val Duchesse social partner summit was made, Commission president Ursula von der Leyen also said that Europe will do whatever it takes to keep its competitive edge. The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise will be very happy to see this delivered as well, especially in the area of social policy during the next political cycle. BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended Spring Festival greetings to the country's military veterans. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), extended the greetings when attending a gala held by the CMC for retired military officers of Beijing-based troops on Monday. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Iranian border guards have killed a member of the Ansar al-Forghan "terrorist" group in the southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province near its border with Pakistan, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Tuesday. The member was killed in an armed clash with the provincial border guards in Jakigur village in Rask County, Tasnim quoted Iran's Border Guards Commander Ahmad Ali Goudarzi as saying, without specifying the date of the clash. He said the slain individual was a member of a coalition comprising the "terrorist" groups operating in eastern Iran, who had taken part in another "terrorist" operation in the province in the past. Goudarzi said the Ansar al-Forghan "terrorist" group also confirmed the death of its member in a statement. The Ansar al-Forghan is a Takfiri extremist group that Iran designated as a terrorist cell. It has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks in Sistan and Baluchestan province over the past years. On Monday, Goudarzi said Iran's border guards had smashed a "terrorist" group following an armed clash with its members in Jakigur, according to Tasnim. One member of the "terrorist" group was killed and two others escaped after sustaining injuries during an exchange of fire with Iranian border guards. Bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, Sistan and Baluchestan province has witnessed several terrorist attacks on both civilians and security forces over the past years. On Dec. 15, 2023, 11 policemen were killed and seven others injured in an attack on a police headquarters in Rask County, for which the Jaish al-Zulm "terrorist" group claimed responsibility. St. Josephs Physicians announced Dr. Anthony Vigliotti has been hired to provide palliative medicine care at St. Josephs Health Hospital. He has more than 10 years of experience, including serving as the assistant medical director for Hospice of CNY. >> Send us your companys news about People in Motion Syracuse, N.Y. A judge granted bail Tuesday morning to a man incarcerated at the downtown Syracuse jail so he can seek further medical attention for injuries from an altercation last week with a sheriffs deputy. Syracuse City Court Judge Mary Anne Doherty set bail for Ozell Stanley III at $2,500 cash, $2,500 bond and $2,500 partially secured bond. He has been in the Onondaga County Justice Center for the last three months. He was being held in the jail on no bail. The U.S. Department of State has issued a warning for a popular travel destination after 18 murders were reported this month. A travel advisory posted Friday urges tourists to exercise increased caution when traveling to The Bahamas due to crime. The Level 2 alert says violent crime, including burglaries, armed robberies and sexual assaults, can occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas, where law enforcement may be limited. The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the Over the Hill area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population, the alert says. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence. According to AL.com, the advisory comes after the U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas posted an alert urging citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. The killings, believed to be motivated by retaliatory gang violence, have occurred in broad daylight. If you decide to visit The Bahamas, the embassy and the state department recommended the following: Exercise extreme caution in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau) Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is Use caution when walking or driving at night Keep a low profile Be aware of your surroundings Do not physically resist any robbery attempt Review your personal security plans Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency Prepare a contingency plan for emergency and medical situations Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel Travelers are also urged to be aware of safety risks while swimming or using commercial recreational watercraft, which are not consistently regulated. Always review and heed local weather and marine alerts before engaging in water-based activities, the advisory said, and never swim alone, regardless of your age or level of swimming skills. Read the full travel advisory at travel.state.gov. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday condemned the deadly violence over the weekend in the disputed Abyei Administrative Area, in which two peacekeepers and numerous civilians were killed, his spokesman said. "He condemns the violence and attacks against the peacekeeping force and calls on the governments of South Sudan and Sudan to swiftly investigate the attacks, with the assistance of the peacekeeping force, known as UNISFA, and to bring the perpetrators to justice," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman. "He reminds all parties that attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes." Dujarric said Guterres conveys his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased peacekeepers from Ghana and Pakistan, the Abyei civilians and to the governments and people of Ghana and Pakistan. Officials in Juba, South Sudan, confirmed on Sunday at least 42 deaths from clashes on Saturday between armed youth of the Twic community and Ngok Dinka. Rou Manyiel Rou, the secretary general of Abyei Special Administrative Area, said attacks in Nyinkuac, Majbong, and Khadian areas by armed youth from the Twic community and youth loyal to their spiritual leader Gai Machiek also left 35 people wounded. Simon Aguek Chan, the commissioner of Twic County of Warrap state, said their youth were not involved in the violence in the Abyei Administrative Area. Aguek said that the fighting was between armed Nuer youth staying within Abyei and the local Ngok Dinka youth. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. Nikhilb2008 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 5,196 Thanked: 10,125 Times Visit to SEMA, Las Vegas | Supercars, Modifications, 4x4s, drag racers & more There is also a lot of hype thanks to the youTube vloggers who make it there. SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Marketing Association. The other reason why SEMA is really hyped is because it isnt open to the public. Of course, people can get in by sharing passes or by faking their IDs, but it isnt easy. For me and my colleagues to enter, we had to upload our company documents, our personal ID, our official ID and then once approved by the organisers, we had to pay 120$ per person for the duration of the show. The show also doesnt have too much for the common man, but enthusiasts can always find something to excite them. The main difference between the European shows which I've attended in the past and this show is that the B2B brands use a lot of high profile supercars to attract people to their booths. Much more than in Europe. Brands like Inozetek were the cynosure of all eyes as they had a couple of really interesting supercars in their stall including that of famous YouTube Alex Choi and Daily Driven Exotics. It wont be possible for me to give details on each of the many cars I saw in this show. Many of them caught my eye but I didnt know what mods were under the hood. I didnt get a chance to meet the famous Shmee, but his video actually covers most of the cars I saw with interviews with the famous owners. You can actually use this video as a guide to all the nice cars at SEMA 2023. https://youtu.be/LmkiCDdf7Pc?si=S_sL9xBgk0uhchZR This thread will be more of a pictorial tour of SEMA with minimum explanation. As soon as we entered, we saw a couple of nice GTRs and a 5th Gen Supra. Apart from slammed supercars, the other major theme of SEMA was lifted trucks. There was also a nice 992 GT3RS with Rotiform wheels. Plenty of supercars and slammed cars were used to market and showcase alloy wheel brands. I also took a close up pic of the actuators for the GT3RS' DRS system The crazy Aero around the car There was also a nice NSX -- Not as clean and unmodified as I like, but an NSX is an NSX finally. A mid engined Honda supercar developed by the legendary Ayrton Senna. A surprisingly clean and what I found out later, one of the only clean, stock looking Aventadors at the show More pics SEMA is a show that is organised every year in Las Vegas. The hype surrounding this show is insane as every supercar owner and car collector tries to be there.There is also a lot of hype thanks to the youTube vloggers who make it there.SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Marketing Association.The other reason why SEMA is really hyped is because it isnt open to the public. Of course, people can get in by sharing passes or by faking their IDs, but it isnt easy.For me and my colleagues to enter, we had to upload our company documents, our personal ID, our official ID and then once approved by the organisers, we had to pay 120$ per person for the duration of the show.The show also doesnt have too much for the common man, but enthusiasts can always find something to excite them.The main difference between the European shows which I've attended in the past and this show is that the B2B brands use a lot of high profile supercars to attract people to their booths. Much more than in Europe.Brands like Inozetek were the cynosure of all eyes as they had a couple of really interesting supercars in their stall including that of famous YouTube Alex Choi and Daily Driven Exotics.It wont be possible for me to give details on each of the many cars I saw in this show.Many of them caught my eye but I didnt know what mods were under the hood.I didnt get a chance to meet the famous Shmee, but his video actually covers most of the cars I saw with interviews with the famous owners.You can actually use this video as a guide to all the nice cars at SEMA 2023.This thread will be more of a pictorial tour of SEMA with minimum explanation.As soon as we entered, we saw a couple of nice GTRs and a 5th Gen Supra.Apart from slammed supercars, the other major theme of SEMA was lifted trucks.There was also a nice 992 GT3RS with Rotiform wheels. Plenty of supercars and slammed cars were used to market and showcase alloy wheel brands.I also took a close up pic of the actuators for the GT3RS' DRS systemThe crazy Aero around the carThere was also a nice NSX -- Not as clean and unmodified as I like, but an NSX is an NSX finally. A mid engined Honda supercar developed by the legendary Ayrton Senna.A surprisingly clean and what I found out later, one of the only clean, stock looking Aventadors at the showMore pics Last edited by Nikhilb2008 : 26th January 2024 at 17:58 . TurboKat BHPian Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: AS-01/AS-12 Posts: 102 Thanked: 277 Times View My Garage The tale of "Dusty" | Long-term ownership report of our 2016 Hyundai Grand i10 A brief background of the automobiles owned by my dad : My dads first vehicle was a 1986 Bajaj Super, bought from his older brother in 1988. He bought it right after earning the first profit from his newly established business and continued to use it till 2008. My parents got married in 1997. Initially they used the scooter for commutes as well as for occasional long-distance trips to their respective hometowns. Gradually, the need for a car arose. Back in the late 90s, the Maruti 800 was selling like hotcakes and it was the default choice for the first-time car buyer. Dad was more inclined towards the Zen. He went to the Maruti showroom, enquired about the prices of the LX and VX variants and brought a quotation of both the variants to discuss with his younger cousins. Santro was not in the list as it was considered ugly by my mom. My uncles (dads younger cousins) used to keep track of the latest automotive news and were regular subscribers of magazines like Auto India. They suggested him to choose the Matiz instead of the Zen as it was more spacious and the F8C engine was a decent performer. Dad went to the Daewoo showroom with one of his cousins on 16th November, 1999. The manager of the showroom was a relative of one of his customers. He informed dad about the prices of all the four variants (SS, SD, SE, SP) and the waiting periods. The showroom had three cars on display, a Mineral Red Matiz SS, a green Cielo and a Twinkle Beige Matiz SD. All the cars were booked. However, the manager had implicitly implied that the allotment of one of the Matizes could be changed by showing a later date of arrival to a customer. All dad had to do was to pay extra 10000 rupees to the dealership. Dad needed a car as soon as possible. So, he readily agreed to pay the extra amount. Next came the variant. The SD variant was a no brainer as it had air conditioning, left ORVM and a radio cassette head unit (AKF-4015) with two speakers right from the factory. The car was delivered on 17th November, 1999. With the exit of Daewoo Motors India Limited from the Indian soil in 2002, a lot of people sold their cars at meagre prices. Our car had covered 1 lakh kms. till then. Dad decided to hoard some parts from a known source (closing Daewoo dealer in Delhi) and retain the car. Reason why we decided to buy a new car : Fast forward to 2015, the Matiz had served us through thick and thin and had covered 3 lakh kms. without a single engine rebuild. The Daewoo ASC had shut up shop in 2012. Since then, it was maintained by mechanics at FNGs. After shifting to FNGs, the car started showing signs of deterioration. In 2015, the engine was overhauled and radiator was replaced as the older one had started leaking at certain places. After the engine rebuild, the car had covered 25 thousand kms. On one rainy evening (16th April, 2016, to be precise), mom, dad, and I were returning from the marriage ceremony of a relative, hosted at their hometown (300 kms. away). It was around 9 pm when we reached Guwahati. Suddenly, clouds of white smoke started spewing out of the exhaust pipe. The car started to idle roughly and jerk violently during acceleration. Somehow, we managed to reach home and park the car in the garage. All of us were exhausted after the long trip. Dad decided to take the car to the FNG the next morning. Next morning, the car refused to start and even after starting for a brief period, it used to turn off. The mechanic was called home to diagnose the problem. He gave an estimate of 50,000 Rupees for the repairs. (I dont know much in detail about what happened with the car as I was a 13 year old kid with minimal access to the internet, unlike some of the current BHPians who are in their early teens and are pretty knowledgeable about cars.) It was decided that instead of getting the car repaired, we would be buying a new car. Keeping that in mind, we started scouting for a new car. Cars initially considered : 1. Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Likes: Its a Maruti = Excellent ASS + Easy availability of parts, as the K12M engine was shared with other cars + Best resale value Its a Maruti = Excellent ASS + Easy availability of parts, as the K12M engine was shared with other cars + Best resale value Dislikes: Boot was small for my parents liking. Moreover, there were 5 Swifts in the extended family (two VDIs, two VXIs and one ZXI). They didn't want to buy a car which was owned by almost all the relatives. 2. Hyundai Grand i10 Asta Option 1.2 Likes: It's a decent product from Hyundai, many owners had reported niggle free ownership experiences, sorted suspension, which wasnt wobbly like the suspension setup found in the previous Hyundais, excellent fit and finish, sufficient boot space, good overall performance of the 1.2 Kappa engine. It's a decent product from Hyundai, many owners had reported niggle free ownership experiences, sorted suspension, which wasnt wobbly like the suspension setup found in the previous Hyundais, excellent fit and finish, sufficient boot space, good overall performance of the 1.2 Kappa engine. Dislikes: The fixed front head rests, but it wasn't a problem for my dad as he is 5'7". 3. Hyundai Elite i20 Sportz 1.2 Likes: It was getting more goodies than the Grand i10 like reverse camera, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic climate control. It was getting more goodies than the Grand i10 like reverse camera, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic climate control. Dislikes: As the kerb weight was more than the Grand i10, it felt sluggish. 4. Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta 1.2 Likes: Same as Swift + fresh product in the market Same as Swift + fresh product in the market Dislikes: Waiting period of 6 months. We needed a car as soon as possible. 5. Ford Figo 1.2 Likes: Better handling than the Marutis and Hyundais + good looks Better handling than the Marutis and Hyundais + good looks Dislikes: The 1.2 engine. Dad didnt find its performance adequate. The 1.5 TDCI was a gem of an engine. We couldve gone for the base variant, but it was vetoed by mom and our monthly commute was below 1000 kms. So, buying a diesel car didn't make sense. Wild card entry: Fiat Abarth Punto Likes: Well, I think there are a lot of threads that explain how special an Abarth Punto is. Well, I think there are a lot of threads that explain how special an Abarth Punto is. Dislikes: Fiat ASS was a gamble in North East India. We had heard a lot of horror stories from various people who bought Fiat cars. The Abarth Punto was a 2015 car, owned by one of dads business contacts. They were selling the car as it wasnt fuel efficient. Dad took the car for a spin and came back grinning like a maniac. He had finalized the car, paid a token amount to the seller and informed mom that he would be buying the car. Mom strictly laid out the condition that our next car would be of a brand which had a certain future in India, a well laid out network of service centres and easy availability of parts. So, the Abarth was cancelled. The gentleman was kind enough to return the token amount. Ultimately, there were two contenders, the Grand i10 and the i20. The Grand i10 was chosen as it felt peppier than the i20, was comparatively cheaper and had the good-looking diamond cut alloy wheels. The Stardust shade was liked by everyone in the family. So it was finalized that we would be buying the top of the line variant in the Stardust shade. The car was booked at a sub dealer of Oja Hyundai on 16th September, 2016 instead of the main dealer, as it was only 2kms. away from our home. We were promised a fresh car by the SA, and true to his word, we received a car which was manufactured on 28th September, 2016(decoded by a VIN checker). The car arrived at the stockyard on 5th October, 2016. All the formalities for the car loan were completed by 6th October. PDI was also completed on the same day and we brought the car home on 7th October, 2016. The Matiz was sold to Hyundai H Promise. They offered Rs. 30,000 for the car, which was much better than the meagre amount offered by Maruti True Value. On-road Price = Rs. 6,71,000 Festive Discounts = Rs. 20,000 Old Vehicles Price = Rs. 30,000 Final Price = Rs. 6,21,000 Freebies offered = MOBIS seat covers, rubber floor mats, ambi pur perfume, mudflaps and an idol of lord Ganesh. Dad decided not to opt for the insurance package offered by the dealer (Bharati AXA) and got it from Bajaj Allianz at a cheaper price. It is a well-established statement that unlike the 90s kids, the 2000s kids dont feel much excitement when a new car comes home. However, it was not true in my case. My half-yearly exams had ended on 5th October. I wanted dad to bring the car home on 5th itself. Mom said that the loan disbursement was not yet done and we needed to wait till the next day. I waited impatiently and kept praying for 7th October to arrive soon. The formalities were completed on 6th October. But dad didnt want to take delivery of the car in the evening. On 7th, we arrived at the showroom in the afternoon. As the formalities were complete, we didnt need to wait for long and took the car to a nearby temple for the pooja. Pic clicked on the day the car was delivered. Me and dad checking the new car, and a cleaner spraying Colin on the windshield. I wanted to choose a name for the new car. One day, I was watching the Cars movie with a friend at his place. The Rust-eze brothers appeared on the screen and started cracking jokes. I liked those characters. One of the Rust-eze brothers was named Dusty. Moreover, the car's paint shade was nomenclatured as Stardust. Adding 1 and 1, it was child's play to decipher how the car received it's name. I was quite proud of myself that I had chosen a unique name for the car. Little did I know it was a fairly common name, as I later found out the nicknames of DBHPian Dr. AD's rides. I wish everyone a happy new year. Since 2022, I had been thinking about penning down an ownership review of our car. But hadnt been able to write/type a single word due to my lack of creativity while playing with words as well as not having substantial knowledge on cars. However, after reading various long term ownership reviews, I finally decided to take the plunge. So, without further ado, Ill start the writeup.My dads first vehicle was a 1986 Bajaj Super, bought from his older brother in 1988. He bought it right after earning the first profit from his newly established business and continued to use it till 2008. My parents got married in 1997. Initially they used the scooter for commutes as well as for occasional long-distance trips to their respective hometowns. Gradually, the need for a car arose.Back in the late 90s, the Maruti 800 was selling like hotcakes and it was the default choice for the first-time car buyer. Dad was more inclined towards the Zen. He went to the Maruti showroom, enquired about the prices of the LX and VX variants and brought a quotation of both the variants to discuss with his younger cousins. Santro was not in the list as it was considered ugly by my mom. My uncles (dads younger cousins) used to keep track of the latest automotive news and were regular subscribers of magazines like Auto India. They suggested him to choose the Matiz instead of the Zen as it was more spacious and the F8C engine was a decent performer.Dad went to the Daewoo showroom with one of his cousins on 16th November, 1999. The manager of the showroom was a relative of one of his customers. He informed dad about the prices of all the four variants (SS, SD, SE, SP) and the waiting periods. The showroom had three cars on display, a Mineral Red Matiz SS, a green Cielo and a Twinkle Beige Matiz SD. All the cars were booked. However, the manager had implicitly implied that the allotment of one of the Matizes could be changed by showing a later date of arrival to a customer. All dad had to do was to pay extra 10000 rupees to the dealership. Dad needed a car as soon as possible. So, he readily agreed to pay the extra amount. Next came the variant. The SD variant was a no brainer as it had air conditioning, left ORVM and a radio cassette head unit (AKF-4015) with two speakers right from the factory. The car was delivered on 17th November, 1999. With the exit of Daewoo Motors India Limited from the Indian soil in 2002, a lot of people sold their cars at meagre prices. Our car had covered 1 lakh kms. till then. Dad decided to hoard some parts from a known source (closing Daewoo dealer in Delhi) and retain the car.Fast forward to 2015, the Matiz had served us through thick and thin and had covered 3 lakh kms. without a single engine rebuild. The Daewoo ASC had shut up shop in 2012. Since then, it was maintained by mechanics at FNGs. After shifting to FNGs, the car started showing signs of deterioration. In 2015, the engine was overhauled and radiator was replaced as the older one had started leaking at certain places. After the engine rebuild, the car had covered 25 thousand kms. On one rainy evening (16th April, 2016, to be precise), mom, dad, and I were returning from the marriage ceremony of a relative, hosted at their hometown (300 kms. away). It was around 9 pm when we reached Guwahati. Suddenly, clouds of white smoke started spewing out of the exhaust pipe. The car started to idle roughly and jerk violently during acceleration. Somehow, we managed to reach home and park the car in the garage. All of us were exhausted after the long trip. Dad decided to take the car to the FNG the next morning. Next morning, the car refused to start and even after starting for a brief period, it used to turn off. The mechanic was called home to diagnose the problem. He gave an estimate of 50,000 Rupees for the repairs. (I dont know much in detail about what happened with the car as I was a 13 year old kid with minimal access to the internet, unlike some of the current BHPians who are in their early teens and are pretty knowledgeable about cars.) It was decided that instead of getting the car repaired, we would be buying a new car. Keeping that in mind, we started scouting for a new car.1.2.3.4.5.The 1.5 TDCI was a gem of an engine. We couldve gone for the base variant, but it was vetoed by mom and our monthly commute was below 1000 kms. So, buying a diesel car didn't make sense.The Abarth Punto was a 2015 car, owned by one of dads business contacts. They were selling the car as it wasnt fuel efficient. Dad took the car for a spin and came back grinning like a maniac. He had finalized the car, paid a token amount to the seller and informed mom that he would be buying the car. Mom strictly laid out the condition that our next car would be of a brand which had a certain future in India, a well laid out network of service centres and easy availability of parts. So, the Abarth was cancelled. The gentleman was kind enough to return the token amount.Ultimately, there were two contenders, theand the. The Grand i10 was chosen as it felt peppier than the i20, was comparatively cheaper and had the good-looking diamond cut alloy wheels. The Stardust shade was liked by everyone in the family. So it was finalized that we would be buying the top of the line variant in the Stardust shade.The car was booked at a sub dealer of Oja Hyundai on 16th September, 2016 instead of the main dealer, as it was only 2kms. away from our home. We were promised a fresh car by the SA, and true to his word, we received a car which was manufactured on 28th September, 2016(decoded by a VIN checker). The car arrived at the stockyard on 5th October, 2016. All the formalities for the car loan were completed by 6th October. PDI was also completed on the same day and we brought the car home on 7th October, 2016.The Matiz was sold to Hyundai H Promise. They offered Rs. 30,000 for the car, which was much better than the meagre amount offered by Maruti True Value.= Rs. 6,71,000= Rs. 20,000= Rs. 30,000= Rs. 6,21,000= MOBIS seat covers, rubber floor mats, ambi pur perfume, mudflaps and an idol of lord Ganesh.Dad decided not to opt for the insurance package offered by the dealer (Bharati AXA) and got it from Bajaj Allianz at a cheaper price.It is a well-established statement that unlike the 90s kids, the 2000s kids dont feel much excitement when a new car comes home. However, it was not true in my case. My half-yearly exams had ended on 5th October. I wanted dad to bring the car home on 5th itself. Mom said that the loan disbursement was not yet done and we needed to wait till the next day. I waited impatiently and kept praying for 7th October to arrive soon. The formalities were completed on 6th October. But dad didnt want to take delivery of the car in the evening. On 7th, we arrived at the showroom in the afternoon. As the formalities were complete, we didnt need to wait for long and took the car to a nearby temple for the pooja.I wanted to choose a name for the new car. One day, I was watching themovie with a friend at his place. The Rust-eze brothers appeared on the screen and started cracking jokes. I liked those characters. One of the Rust-eze brothers was named. Moreover, the car's paint shade was nomenclatured as. Adding 1 and 1, it was child's play to decipher how the car received it's name. I was quite proud of myself that I had chosen a unique name for the car. Little did I know it was a fairly common name, as I later found out the nicknames of DBHPian Dr. AD's rides. Last edited by TurboKat : 28th January 2024 at 09:57 . BARCELONA, Spain, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- China's visa-free travel initiative is an important step towards facilitating business with Europe, the Spanish CEO of China-Europe Consultants told Xinhua in a recent interview. "For business people especially, who often need flexibility when it comes to travelling, this initiative has been a big change for the better," said Marin Orriols, referring to China's decision in November to allow citizens of several countries to travel to China without a visa. Orriols, who is based in Barcelona, has been doing business in China for 20 years. Earlier this month, he took advantage of the new visa-free situation to travel to Guangdong Province, visiting Shenzhen and Guangzhou. He described the experience as "gratifying." "When you get to China, in my case Shenzhen airport, you obviously have to go through passport control but you now pass through more quickly because you no longer have to show a visa," he added. The trial initiative, which began on Dec. 1 and will continue until Nov. 30, allows passport holders from seven European countries -- Spain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Malaysia and Switzerland -- to travel to China for up to 15 days without the need for a visa. Orriols stressed that the measure is particularly helpful for business people, who often need to travel at short notice, but will also benefit foreign tourism in China. "It not only makes it easier for people from different countries to do business with China, but it also makes it easier for tourists: to attract them ... in a way that is more agile, easier and above all less costly," he said. One of the main benefits of the trial measure, Orriols said, is the removal of the obligation to apply for a visa weeks before traveling, which was a long and expensive process. The measure has been introduced as part of the Chinese government's efforts to explore ways of boosting the economy, he underlined. "China needs to open up, needs to find new markets, needs foreign companies to invest there, needs to find ways to reactivate its economy," he said. Rumor mill: Microsoft, Google, among others have introduced numerous products and services leveraging generative AI since OpenAI's breakthroughs popularized the technology in 2022. However, chief rival Apple, taking a cautious approach, has yet to unveil anything incorporating generative AI. That could change starting this year, as reports indicate iOS 18 could be one of the company's largest-ever software releases. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that iOS 18, expected to launch in 2024, could be Apple's most significant OS update ever. It could mark the Cupertino giant's entrance into the generative AI arena that Microsoft, Google, Nvidia, and OpenAI have dominated. Writing in the subscriber-only Q&A section of Bloomberg's Power On newsletter, Gurman promised to share more at a later date. However, the lofty description of iOS 18 strengthens prior reports regarding Apple's planned feature updates for this year. The spearhead of Apple's initial AI push could be an improved version of Siri that leverages the company's large language model, internally codenamed "Ajax GPT." The new Siri would likely include functionality similar to generative AI-based chatbots like ChatGTP or Google Bard. The latest on iOS 18 from the Q&A section of Power On: I'm told that the new operating system is seen within the company as one of the biggest iOS updates if not the biggest in the company's history. Stay tuned for more. https://t.co/w2Lt7itezV Mark Gurman (@markgurman) January 28, 2024 Although Apple spends millions on AI development, CEO Tim Cook admits that it prioritizes being better over being first. The Cupertino giant has no desire to stumble into the controversies other generative AI systems have encountered regarding accuracy and copyright. Aside from Siri, Apple is also considering incorporating AI into other applications like Apple Music, Pages, and Keynote. It could also apply the technology to its Xcode platform to facilitate writing code and spotting errors. Prior reports indicate that Apple's LLM will run on built-in chips, unlike other widely-used models that rely on cloud servers. The AI would leverage the neural engines featured in the last few generations of Apple devices. Apple might also introduce Rich Communication Services (RCS) support into its messaging platform with iOS 18. Last year, the company confirmed plans to add the protocol sometime in late 2024. Implementing RCS would allow non-iPhone users to send text messages to iPhones with advanced features like high-resolution media, read receipts, end-to-end encryption, and more. Morgan Stanley analysts expect Apple to introduce iOS 18 with a developer beta release at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, which will primarily center on AI. As usual, the new firmware will likely receive a public release in September. WTF?! "God told me to do it," is a line espoused by some criminals as an excuse for their crimes, but Colorado pastor Eli Regalado is probably the first person to use it as a reason for pocketing money he made in a crypto scam. Online pastor Regalado and his wife, Kaitlyn, are accused of defrauding more than 300 investors out of $3.2 million via a cryptocurrency they created called INDXcoin. Regalado admits that half of this money was used for the couple's personal benefit, but he seems to be pointing the finger of blame at God, though he might have misheard the Lord. When Regalado announced on his YouTube channel that he was going to start selling crypto last April, he said that God was backing the project and that he was "setting the rails for God's wealth transfer." Eli Regalado Regalado and his wife sold INDXcoin through an online crypto marketplace called Kingdom Wealth Exchange that Eli created, controlled, and operated. Using sales pitches filled with Bible quotes and claims that the coins were valued at $10 - $12 but available for $1.50 or less, they raised $3.2 million. According to Colorado state regulators, INDXcoin was "essentially worthless." While investors lost millions, the couple used at least $1.3 million of the money they received on vacations, a Range Rover, jewelry, luxury handbags, cosmetic dentistry, clothes, and an au pair. They also spent a huge sum on home renovations, and at least $290,000 went into their online-only church, Victorious Grace Church. Regalado did not deny that the pair used the money for their own gains. "The charges are that Kaitlyn and I pocketed 1.3 million dollars, and I just want to come out and say that those charges are true," he said in a video statement a few days after the civil charges were filed. "A few hundred thousand dollars went to a home remodel that the Lord told us to do." "We took God at his word and sold a cryptocurrency with no clear exit." The Regalados marketed their coin as a low-risk, high-reward investment. Eli even claimed the Lord had told him people would become wealthy if they invested. The pair's lack of experience in crypto became obvious when a third-party auditor's report allegedly described their INDXcoin code as unsafe, insecure, and riddled with serious technical problems. This was before the coin launched, yet they continued to promote it. When investors failed to reap the promised rewards, Regalado said they just had to wait for God's plan to unfold. The state says the INDXcoin was not backed by assets and there was no market beyond its pool of investors. The couple also failed to explain how the market would work and that their own Kingdom Wealth Exchange was the only platform where the coin could be bought, sold, or traded. In a video addressing the accusations, Regalado said "We launched an exchange [...] The exchange technology failed. Things went downhill. And from that point forward, we've just been waiting on the Lord." "I know this looks bad," he added. "I know this looks terrible." The pastor also said that about half a million dollars of investors' money was used to pay taxes to the IRS. It appears that Regalado hasn't lost his faith that God will help him and INDXcoin investors out of this hole. "Either I misheard God or God is still not done with this project, and He is going to do a new thing," he said in a recent video. "What we're praying for, and what we're believing for still, is that God is going to do a miracle. God is going to work a miracle in the financial sector [and that] everyone [who invested] is going to be able to receive money back." The Regalados face civil fraud charges for allegedly violating the anti-fraud, licensing and registration provisions of the Colorado Securities Act. Forward-looking: Multi-level memory cells (MLC) can store more than a single bit of digital information at the same time, and MLC chips are the cornerstone of modern solid-state drives. Samsung is about to introduce a new generation of SSDs based on quad-level memory cells (QLC), providing unprecedented areal density for storage applications. The 2024 edition of IEEE's International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) is coming to San Francisco between February 18-22, and Samsung is seemingly ready to steal the show with the introduction of its new memory solutions. The corporation has developed a new generation of QLC Flash chips, which will include 280 layers for a density of 28.5Gb per square millimeter. Samsung's new QLC NAND V9 chips are claimed to be 50% denser than the competition (YMTC 232L), providing the highest areal density in the Flash memory industry (QLC or TLC) right now. QLC NAND V9 chips are also faster, with a maximum transfer rate of 3.2 Gbps compared to a 2.4 Gbps data rate provided by the previous generation. Data transfer and performance are still an issue for QLC-based SSDs, Tom's Hardware remarks, but a 3.2 Gbps throughput should be more than enough to make the new chips a compelling solution for PCIe solid-state drives. Thanks to its QLC NAND V9 tech, Samsung could soon start selling 16TB M.2 SSDs. Samsung has repeatedly stated that QLC NAND Flash chips are the future of solid-state storage, as TLC memory chips are quickly reaching the maximum raw capacity they can achieve. The higher, unprecedented surface density provided by the new QLC chips would bring lower costs to the manufacturing process, though speed still isn't on par with modern, high-end consumer NVMe SSDs sold by both Samsung and the competition. Samsung's presentation during the upcoming ISSCC should at least confirm that the company is making significant progress in the development of the QLC technology. Current QLC-based SSDs employ large cache memories that can take up to 25 percent of the total storage capacity of the drive, easing the performance issue slightly. When the cache is full, write speeds can collapse and fall back to sub-par SATA levels (100-300 MBps). Memory manufacturers currently competing with Samsung in the QLC storage market include Micron, which has developed a 232-layer QLC chip for a 19.5 Gb storage density per square millimeter. YMTC is also developing a record QLC memory solution, with 232 layers and a 20.62 Gb density per square millimeter. A hot potato: It's not just average workers who are being forced to leave the comforts of home. IBM has given an ultimatum to its remote managers: get back into the office or a client location for at least three days per week or find another job. The company's message to those who live too far away to comply with this demand? Move closer. IBM made its get-back-or-get-lost demand in a company-wide memo sent on January 16 that was seen by Bloomberg. The demand that managers report to a location at least three days per week is "regardless of current work location status." The memo made it clear that no managers will be able to avoid the mandate as badge-in data will be used to assess individual presence and shared with HR. Managers who don't live close enough to travel to an IBM facility three days per week must relocate near an office by the start of August. A person familiar with the rule said this generally means within 50 miles. There will be exceptions, but only for the likes of medical reasons and military service. Senior Vice President John Granger wrote in the note that any managers who refuse to relocate or can't secure a position at the company that's approved for remote work must separate from IBM. An IBM spokesperson confirmed the memo's contents to Bloomberg. "IBM is focused on providing a work environment that balances flexibility with the face-to-face interactions that make us more productive, innovative and better able to serve our clients," they said. "Consistent with that approach, we're requiring executives and people managers in the United States to be in the office at least three days per week." Like many companies, IBM has gone back on its promise of not forcing workers back into the office. CEO Arvind Krishna said in May that it wouldn't happen, but he also warned that those who do work remotely will likely find promotions harder to come by. Back in September, one of IBM's divisions, IBM Software, mandated that anyone living within 50 miles of an IBM office had to work at the location at least three days per week. Many workers are so against returning to an office, even if it's for three days per week, that they would rather quit and find another job. It's been happening a lot at Amazon, which has faced huge pushback from employees over its RTO mandate. Orwellian Britain: UK authorities are discussing proposed amendments to the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), a law enacted in 2016 to significantly enhance the electronic surveillance capabilities of British intelligence agencies and police. Apple is actively opposing the suggested changes to the IPA, citing concerns that these alterations could adversely impact the company's global business. Apple has taken a stance against the proposed update to the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which could potentially grant the UK government unprecedented control over future software updates released by the company. Cupertino contends that London authorities are seeking new veto power against updates that might interfere with investigative activities by law enforcement agencies. In 2023, Apple stated that it might be compelled to withdraw FaceTime and iMessage from the UK market if the proposed IPA changes were to become law. The amendments will now be debated in the House of Lords, and Apple has once again voiced its opposition to the "unprecedented overreach" of the UK government into the company's software business. Cupertino expressed "deep concern" about the IPA amendments, asserting that they would jeopardize users' privacy and security on a global scale. If enacted, the updated IPA law would empower UK authorities to secretly block new software updates for iOS, macOS, and other Apple software products. The UK would function as a surveillance overlord for every Apple user worldwide, compelling Cupertino to cancel crucial security-related updates if they could impede the country's ability to effectively investigate iOS and macOS devices. The amended IPA could compel Apple to withdraw entirely from the UK market, potentially conflicting with the privacy safeguards provided by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European citizens. Apple contended that secret backdoors and ineffective end-to-end encryption would violate the EU's GDPR. In recent weeks, civil liberties groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have voiced their opposition to the amended IPA, citing concerns about compromising the security of devices and the internet. The proposed legislation would require technology companies, including those located outside the UK, to inform the UK government about their future plans to enhance security and privacy in their software products and services. UK authorities are defending the proposed veto powers they seek to enshrine in law. A government spokesperson told the BBC that the UK supports technological innovation and private secure communications, but these must not compromise "public safety." The spokesperson argued that London requires global surveillance powers to apprehend "child sexual abusers and terrorists," emphasizing the need for the UK Parliament to make "democratically accountable" decisions regarding lawful access to secure communication devices with the well-being of children in mind. In context: Microsoft Edge is accused of stealing data from rival browser Chrome without users' consent. This raises privacy and security concerns, as well as some questions about Microsoft's tactics to gain market share. Is it just a bug or is there something more sinister at play? Microsoft Edge is back in the spotlight but not for what you'd think. According to several disgruntled users, Edge has been caught red-handed snatching open tabs and other data from Chrome without so much as a by-your-leave. Tom Warren from The Verge recounted his own ordeal, claiming that Edge surreptitiously hijacked his Chrome tabs across two devices following recent Windows updates. To make matters worse, the browser didn't even try to cover its tracks, boldly launching itself with all the ill-gotten tabs in tow, as if nothing had happened. Edge does offer the ability to import data from Google Chrome every time you launch it. This way, you can "always have access to your recent browsing data" in Microsoft own words. However, Warren claims that he had this feature turned off, and he never got a prompt to enable it. This suggests that the feature may be malfunctioning and operating beyond the user's control, violating their privacy and preferences. If you've encountered a similar issue, you can go to edge://settings/profiles/importBrowsingData and disable the feature. I installed the latest Windows 11 update (KB5034204) and it rebooted and automatically opened Microsoft Edge with all the Chrome tabs I had open before installing the update AA couldn't believe my eyes. Anyone else had this? Tom Warren (@tomwarren) January 24, 2024 This isn't the first time Microsoft has been accused of employing questionable tactics to boost Edge's adoption. From forcing Edge on users through Windows updates to sneaky prompts when attempting to download Chrome, the company has a track record of aggressive browser promotion. Despite these (minor) controversies, Edge does have its merits. It boasts a sleek interface and some nifty features, such as Collections, Immersive Reader, and Vertical Tabs not to mention all the new AI goodies. However, resorting to underhanded tactics may not be the best way to win hearts and minds, and may backfire in the long run. Fortunately, for those weary of Edge's antics, relief may be on the horizon, at least for EU users. Soon, they'll have the option to bid adieu to Edge with a simple right-click in the Start menu, thanks to the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which pulls the reins on big tech's dominance. Article Update: March 14, 2024 The abundance of digital information and its dynamic nature have made it crucial for individuals and organizations to manage their content efficiently. Content Management Systems (CMS) have become indispensable tools in this landscape, enabling users to create, organize, and distribute digital content. As the volume of digital content has grown, the need for dynamic and user-friendly systems to manage and update content has become increasingly evident. Over time, CMS has evolved to meet the increasing complexity of digital ecosystems. These systems allow multiple users to contribute to content creation and management, enabling collaborative work and streamlining the editorial process. Nowadays, modern CMS platforms offer a responsive design that ensures content adapts to different devices and screen sizes. They often provide sophisticated analytics, SEO tools, and e-commerce capabilities, making them versatile solutions for various digital needs. Although there are plenty of CMS platforms available, some remain on top. Listed below are the top 5 best CMS software of 2024. No. 1 Contensis Overview Contensis is an enterprise Content Management System (CMS) that has been created by Zengenti, a UK-based software company with over 20 years of experience. It is widely used by leading organizations across the globe to transform their websites, intranets, and apps. The software is considered a hybrid CMS that combines the advantages of both traditional and headless content management systems. This unique approach allows content teams and developers to collaborate and create, manage, and publish multilingual content across various platforms with ease. As such, Contensis is an excellent fit for a diverse range of industries such as education, government, and the private sector. It is designed to be an API-first platform that offers powerful APIs, webhooks, and comprehensive content modeling capabilities. These features enable Contensis to deliver content to any platform seamlessly. One of its core API technologies is the RESTful Delivery API, which allows content to be published as JSON using the developer's preferred coding language. This level of flexibility is essential when delivering content to diverse digital channels, including websites, mobile apps, wearables, and business systems. Contensis promises an agile CMS that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, providing a fantastic user experience throughout the content management process. According to G2, a software review company, 91% or 9 out of 10 users who have reviewed Contensis would recommend it to others. This reflects the trust that leading organizations globally place in this platform. Features Content Modeling, Authoring, and Governance Contensis is a powerful tool allowing development teams to create and manage well-structured content easily. Its content modeling features and authoring and governance tools help maintain content quality and consistency, making it ideal for handling complex modern websites. Site View for Non-Developers Contensis understands the value of cooperation between developers and non-developers. Site View offers an easy-to-use interface for non-developers, allowing them to create and manage content in a hierarchical structure. This helps to bridge the gap and enables content and marketing teams to contribute more effectively. Flexible Content-Type Builder Contensis lets users model content according to their needs, adding validations and guidelines to maintain high quality. The intuitive interface and customization options make it easy for teams to hit the ground running, ensuring a quick and efficient content creation process. Collaborative Authoring Experience Contensis fosters collaboration by allowing colleagues to add comments directly to specific fields within the entry editor. Features like @mention facilitate discussions and feedback throughout the content workflow, streamlining the collaborative authoring experience. Composable and Docker Container Support The software provides a modular method to create websites and services, eliminating the restrictions of a single technology stack. It facilitates the utilization of Docker containers, which are widely used in the industry, enabling developers to create websites, applications, and services as controllable code packages. This adaptability promotes innovative opportunities while maintaining high efficiency. Multilingual Content Models Contensis enables organizations to shape their content with rich content models. The content type builder lets users define the content structure, link content types together, add field validation, and define language variations, creating rich multilingual content models. No. 2 Joomla Overview Joomla is a popular open-source content management system (CMS) used for website development since its establishment in 2005. The project started from Mambo, another CMS that was widely used at the time and has since grown into a robust platform with a dynamic community of developers and users. The Joomla project is managed by the Joomla! Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining the CMS's sustainability and growth. The software is known for its flexibility and extensibility, making it a versatile solution for various websites, from personal blogs to extensive enterprise applications. Joomla's community-driven nature ensures regular updates, plugins, and themes, making it a reliable choice for dynamic and collaborative web development experiences. Features Content Management Joomla is known for its exceptional content management system, providing a hassle-free experience for users. Its modular approach allows administrators to add custom fields to articles, users, contacts, and extensions, giving them the flexibility to organize and present content as per their requirements. Frontend Editing One of the standout features of Joomla is its ability to edit content seamlessly from the frontend. Users can make instant corrections or modifications while browsing the site without having to switch to the administrative section for minor edits. Powerful Extensibility Joomla's strength lies in its extensibility, offering users access to over 7500 extensions. The Joomla Extension Finder and Joomla Extensions Directory empower users to customize their websites with diverse functionalities as per their specific needs. Integrated Help System Joomla prioritizes user support with its integrated help system. The contextual help option, available on most pages, aids users at every skill level understand the platform's features. Version checking ensures users are using the latest software and a system information tool aids in troubleshooting. Additional support is accessible through online resources such as Joomla Documentation and the User Forum. Banner Management For those who want to monetize their websites, Joomla offers a comprehensive banner management tool. This feature allows users to add advertising, create clients and campaigns, and customize banners with ease. No. 3 Drupal Overview Drupal is an open-source content management system that has been a significant player in the digital world since its establishment in 2000. Developed and maintained by a diverse community of global developers, Drupal is supported by the Drupal Association. This non-profit organization aims to promote its growth and ensure its accessibility to everyone. It is committed to an open-source model that aligns with its mission to empower individuals, businesses, and organizations in creating, managing, and optimizing their online presence. Drupal is renowned for its flexibility, scalability, and security, making it the CMS of choice for many users, from small businesses to large enterprises. The software is known for its scalability, making it an excellent choice for projects of any size. Whether you're managing a small blog or a high-traffic enterprise website, Drupal's architecture can handle the demands of evolving digital landscapes. Features Content Authoring and Management Drupal provides a user-friendly content authoring experience that enables users to create, edit, and organize content effortlessly. Its powerful taxonomy system makes content categorization easy, making it simple to manage and navigate even the most extensive websites. Extensibility with Modules The Drupal ecosystem is enriched by a vast repository of modules that extend its core functionality. These modules cover many features, including SEO optimization, e-commerce capabilities, social media integration, and more. This extensibility ensures that Drupal can evolve alongside the ever-changing web development needs. Customization and Theming Drupal offers unparalleled customization options that allow developers to create unique and visually appealing websites. Its theming system enables the creation of stunning designs, ensuring that your website reflects your brand identity. You can build custom themes or choose from a variety of pre-built themes as per your design preferences and technical expertise. Security and Performance Drupal prioritizes security, with regular updates and a dedicated security team addressing potential vulnerabilities promptly. The platform's robust access control system ensures that only authorized users can make changes to the site. Additionally, Drupal's performance optimization features contribute to faster loading times, enhancing the overall user experience. No. 4 Magento Overview Magento is an open-source content management system (CMS) that is widely acclaimed and has been a powerhouse in the e-commerce industry since its inception in 2007. It was developed by Varien, Inc. and became an Adobe company in 2018, cementing its position as a major player in the digital commerce landscape. Magento's modular design allows for customization and scalability, making it suitable for both small businesses looking to establish an online presence and large enterprises seeking a comprehensive e-commerce solution. Its versatile framework ensures the creation of engaging and dynamic digital shopping experiences, whether for B2B or B2C purposes. Features Flexibility and Scalability Magento's modular architecture enables businesses to scale their online presence easily. Whether you're a startup or a well-established enterprise, the platform can adapt to your needs, accommodating growth without compromising performance. Robust E-Commerce Functionality Magento provides a comprehensive suite of e-commerce features, from product management to order processing. Users can easily manage product catalogs and process transactions securely while implementing flexible pricing strategies. The platform also supports various payment gateways, ensuring a seamless and secure checkout process. Customization and Theming Magento offers extensive customization options that allow businesses to tailor their online stores to match their brand identity. With a vast marketplace of themes and extensions, users can enhance their stores' visual appeal and functionality without extensive development efforts. No. 5 bulletlink Overview bulletlink is the most advanced CMS, mainly for newspapers and magazines. It offers top-quality newspaper website templates, using the latest web technology to make its clientele stand out. It is a simple yet powerful solution that requires no coding or HTML knowledge and has options to customize the design free of cost. Features SEO Friendly The newspaper software automatically creates SEO (Search Engine Optimization) pages, including URLs, meta keywords, titles, and descriptions. It optimizes the content of a website to increase its visibility in the search results of engines like Google and Microsoft Bing, thus increasing the traffic to the newspaper's website. Fast Site Response The newspaper CMS leverages Cloudflare CDN to speed up content delivery. It reduces response times, resulting in a better experience for web and mobile users. It also optimizes the server infrastructure to respond to user requests more quickly. bulletlink runs sites on mirrored cloud servers, ensuring fast site response and virtually zero downtime maintenance. Wide Variety of Newspaper Website Templates Customers can choose from a wide variety of newspaper website templates and even mix and match portions to create stunning, custom designs. bulletlink continuously adds and updates its template library to serve its clientele, from dailies and weeklies to magazines and shoppers. The newspaper software is capable of creating virtually any design with a combination of different colors, images, numbers of columns and sizes, etc, making each newspaper website template unique at an affordable price. Advanced Banner Ad Management Generate revenues for your business by placing banner ads all around your website. Ads can be positioned virtually anywhere on your page. Furthermore, ads come with multiple style placement options such as random, time rotation, click rotation, sequence rotation, popups, sticky, peeler, etc. bulletlink strives to meet and exceed customers' expectations with a 24/7 free support system and great response time. The newspaper and magazine CMS system offers top-quality newspaper website templates, format consistency, and fast site performance at a low price so any publication can provide a seamless user experience for their online readers on any device. Conclusion Utilizing a Content Management System (CMS) offers a lot of advantages for individuals and organizations seeking to establish and maintain an effective online presence. CMS platforms streamline content creation, editing, and organization, enabling users to easily manage their digital assets without requiring extensive technical expertise. The centralized control provided by CMS promotes consistency across websites, ensuring a uniform brand image and user experience. Choose from the top 5 CMS software in 2024 and experience the best of what it has to offer. 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. * This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of techtimes.com Samsung reportedly found a way to cut costs in creating its foldable smartphones and it is through the use of inkjet printing for its bezels, with the new method allegedly applied to upcoming devices. It was earlier reported that Samsung has a goal to bring more affordable smartphones for all starting this year and it may use the said new method to help bring the prices down. Currently, both of Samsung's releases are known for being in the premium-priced tier of foldable smartphone options available in the world. Samsung to Use Inkjet Printing for Foldables' Bezels A report by a renowned Korean publication, The Elec, claims that Samsung is looking to bring a new way of creating the bezels of the smartphone through inkjet printing, and this may apply to the 2024 releases of the company. Originally, Samsung relied on Segyun Hitech's renowned "micro dry process decoration" method, also widely referred to as the MDD. Through MDD, the bezels are through a film which would then be cut later to form what would be placed between the glass display and its body. The said bezel films are attached to Samsung's OLED panels and will help add protection to this layer, going between the panel and ultra-thin glass used on foldable display devices, best known for their ability to stay in shape and avoid cracking. Read Also: Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Brings Mobile AI with Google, Alongside 'Galaxy AI' Samsung's New Method: Cut Costs with Inkjet Print According to 9to5 Google, with this new method, the bezels would be in place before it is blasted with inkjet print, and the original print could be used for other bezels for other units. The new method is focusing on cutting costs for the company's production of the said foldable displays but it remains unknown what would be the difference in its looks or feels once applied. More Affordable Foldables Coming this 2024 Recurring rumors have been present since last year regarding Samsung's plans to bring more affordable foldable smartphones for the world to see and purchase if they wish to experience this expandable experience. However, these are still all rumors from sources and reports, with Samsung not yet confirming the arrival of new foldable variants and many are only expecting its mainline devices released before. It is important to note that the flagship foldable device from the company, its Galaxy Z Fold5, costs $1,799.99 for the 256GB option, while the Z Flip6 starts at $999.99, also with the 256GB storage option. However, further reports claim that the new and cheaper variants will start at as much as half the price of the regular releases, expecting it to be offered at $400 to $500. The old reports corroborate the latest information available for Samsung's goals to bring new foldable to life, centering on more affordable pricing once it hits the market later in 2024. It remains unknown what Samsung will do to make the said foldable cheaper for users, but the latest claim said that one factor is for its bezels, with the company using inkjet printing instead of the MDD for its goals. Related Article: Entry-Level Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Coming? Here's What to Expect 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. PHNOM PENH, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The restoration work on the western gate of Banteay Kdei temple in Cambodia's famed Angkor Archaeological Park has been completed, the APSARA National Authority (ANA) said in a news release on Tuesday. Neth Simon, an archaeologist and project manager from the ANA's Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, said the restoration work had been carried out since 2020 and completed at the end of 2023. She said under the project, stones had been fixed and reassembled according to their original design from the foundation to the top of the gate. "After the completion of this restoration work, we expect that the western gate of Banteay Kdei temple will be strong and safe again for tourists to pass through and to take beautiful pictures there," Simon said. "In particular, the value of ancient structure has been preserved as a legacy for the next generations." According to the news release, due to age, nature, and human factors, the structure of the western gate of Banteay Kdei temple was in a very dilapidated condition, as its central tower was badly damaged. Built in the late 12th to early 13th centuries under the reign of King Jayavarman VII, Banteay Kdei is one of the temples in the 401-square-km Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Siem Reap province. The Angkor Archaeological Park, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1992, is the most popular tourist destination in the Southeast Asian nation. California is considering legislation aimed at providing parents with enhanced tools to protect their children from the potential pitfalls of social media addiction. This underscores the state's commitment to empowering parents in navigating and mitigating the impact of excessive social media use on their children's well-being. (Photo : Photo by Ron Lach) Protecting Youth from Social Media Addiction The Protecting Youth from Social Media Addiction Act (SB 976) and the California Children's Data Privacy Act (AB 1949) have been introduced to address concerns related to children's online well-being and data privacy, as reported by Engadget. Led by the state's Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Senator Nancy Skinner, and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, these bills present measures to grant parents control over their children's exposure to algorithmic social feeds and to establish safeguards for the privacy of individuals under 18. This legislative initiative follows a previous child safety bill in California, which, though scheduled to take effect this year, is currently on hold. If enacted, SB 976 could empower parents of minors to choose between algorithmic and chronological social feeds and allow them to block social media notifications for their children. Senator Skinner has underscored the impact of social media platforms designed by companies to encourage addiction, especially among the younger demographic. Research indicates a connection between social media addiction in youth and heightened instances of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. In light of these concerns, Senator Skinner emphasizes the urgency for action, stating that waiting for social media companies to address the issue is no longer viable. She deems SB 976 crucial to establishing practical boundaries that empower parents to protect their children from the potential risks associated with social media addiction. Bolstering Data Privacy Safeguards Meanwhile, AB 1949 seeks to bolster data privacy safeguards for Californian children under the age of 18. The bill introduces provisions that empower the state's consumers to be informed about the personal information gathered and sold by social media companies. It also grants them the authority to prevent the sale of their children's data to third parties, as stated in its press release. To secure any exceptions, the bill mandates "informed consent," particularly from parents for children below 13 years old. Moreover, AB 1949 addresses shortcomings in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), particularly regarding the efficacy of data protection for 17-year-olds. While the CCPA offers robust protections for those under 16, the proposed bill aims to close existing gaps. Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) asserts that AB 1949 represents a pivotal stride in rectifying privacy law gaps, preventing tech giants from exploiting and profiting from the sensitive data of children without consequence. Also Read: Expert Links Increase in Teen Depression With Social Media Usage The introduction of these bills appears to align strategically with a forthcoming US Senate hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, which will feature the testimony of five CEOs from major tech corporations addressing online safety for children. The Wall Street Journal reported that California is a key participant in a coalition of 41 states that filed a lawsuit against Meta in October, citing harm to children's mental health. Internal documents from Meta in 2021 characterized "tweens" as a "valuable but untapped audience. Related Article: Teens' Excessive Use of Social Media May Cause Brain Development Alterations: Study 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Years after the proposed human trials of Neuralink for its brain chip implants, the company is now announcing that it has done the procedure on its first test patient, Elon Musk confirms. In the latest statement by the Neuralink CEO and co-founder, the company's first human test subject is currently recovering after the procedure, with initial findings revealed by the executive. There are still limited details regarding this latest development from the company, but this marks a monumental step towards what it promises to offer soon. Elon Musk's Neuralink Completes First Brain Implant on a Human In the latest post by Elon Musk via X, he confirmed that the company had already undergone its human testing phase for Neuralink and chosen a test subject, with the volunteer receiving the first brain implant chip from the company. Musk did not name who the volunteer was or any other demographic for identification, with the renowned CEO not sharing any media to accompany the announcement. Musk's latest update confirms its human testing phase already commenced, with the application taking place yesterday, amid the weekend. Read Also: Elon Musk's Neuralink Launches PRIME Study: First Human Clinical Trials for Brain-Computer Interface Starting Soon The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well. Initial results show promising neuron spike detection. January 29, 2024 Neuralink's Human Test: Patient is 'Recovering Well' The Neuralink chief also said that the patient is "recovering well," under the PRIME Study program, given the proprietary N1 Implant (Brain-computer interface or BCI) with its R1 Robot surgically placing the chip. It was placed in a region of the brain that is meant to control movement. While it was not revealed who the patient was, Musk and Neuralink initially sought a quadriplegic patient for the test. Moreover, it was revealed by the CEO that in its initial findings, there was a "promising neuron spike detection" observed. Neuralink's Brain Chips for Human Testing It has been years since Elon Musk revealed his new company called Neuralink which centers on creating brain chips that the company would implant to bring artificial intelligence to a person. This would lead to fusing artificial intelligence into a person for "AI symbiosis," as Musk called it, with the company and its CEO long hinting at the possibility of human trials. There have been certain concerns from experts and the public regarding the human applications of Neuralink's brain chips for a long time now, with many looking to block it from proceeding. A previous controversy involving Neuralink also sparked massive protests against the company as its monkey test subject died in its lab, with the Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) claiming animal abuse. Last year, the company received the approval to proceed with human testing of its disputed brain chip, but there were no updates from the company apart from seeking volunteers for the project. Fast forward to almost a year later, Musk announced the update to its actual testing which turned out to be a success, also reporting brain activity immediately after its application. Related Article: Elon Musk to Bring Tesla, Neuralink, and X's Data for xAI-To Understand the Universe? 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately half the world's population is now protected against industrially manufactured trans fats. According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, 53 nations have enacted successful measures like trans fat bans and limitations, helping 3.7 billion people, or 46% of the world population. "These policies are expected to save 183,000 lives every year. Just five years ago, only 6% of the world's population was protected from this toxic additive with similar policies," he remarked, according to VOA. Trans fat, formed by hydrogenating vegetable oil, poses severe health risks, solidifying in both products and the body's coronary arteries. Tom Frieden, president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, highlighted the prior estimation of half a million annual fatalities linked to trans fat consumption. (Photo : FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Image) World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks at a press conference on the World Health Organization's 75th anniversary in Geneva, on April 6, 2023. Trans fat, found in margarine, palm oil, fried meals, baked goods, pastries, and other processed foods, increases the risk of mortality from any cause by 34% and coronary heart disease by 28%, according to the WHO. Eliminating trans fat might save 17.5 million lives in 25 years, per estimates. Five Model Countries Honored Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand were recognized by the WHO for their commitment to eliminating trans fat from their food sources via regulations and monitoring. Frieden hopes that other countries will follow their lead in addressing the problem. Read Also: New Study Exposes Disturbing Link Between Energy Drinks and Health Issues in Young People The Danish Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ib Petersen, revealed that Denmark's policies helped bring down coronary heart disease rates by 11%, Citizen Digital reported. Petersen emphasized the positive impact on financially disadvantaged groups. Notably cardiovascular diseases, responsible for 17.9 million global deaths in 2019, making trans fat elimination crucial. Tom Frieden asserted that removing trans fats is economically and politically viable, saving lives without significant costs. Frieden cautioned countries lacking regulations about becoming trans fat "dumping grounds." An Enduring Fight Against Trans Fat Research in the 1950s began revealing the impact of trans fats on elevated blood lipid levels (cholesterol), marking the early stages of understanding potential harm, per Health News. Throughout the 1990s, subsequent studies consistently demonstrated adverse effects, such as increased inflammation and damage to the blood vessel lining (endothelium). The early 2000s saw US labeling legislation require trans fat transparency. The outcomes led the FDA to ban partially hydrogenated oils in 2018, responding to trans fat health risks in the food business. The regulation of non-natural trans fats in the US has reduced the incidence of coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Experts advise checking grocery store nutrition labels as an ideal way to avoid trans fats. In the ingredient list, look for trans fat-containing partially-hydrogenated oils. A Health article also recommend that, when dining out, check the restaurant's website or inquire about what oil they cook with. Related Article: FDA Greenlights First AI-Powered Device to Detect All 3 Common Skin Cancers 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Garante or the Italian data protection authority (DPA), has officially notified OpenAI that its artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT has breached the European Union's (EU) data privacy rules, Reuters reports. Garante's official statement says the notification followed after OpenAI was hit with a temporary ban last March 2023 over the same privacy concerns. After reviewing the results of its ongoing fact-finding investigation, the Italian DPA has onceagain determined that the evidence gathered suggests there had been violations of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). (Photo : KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)\ A photo taken on November 23, 2023 shows the logo of the ChatGPT application developed by US artificial intelligence research organization OpenAI on a laptop screen (R) and the letters AI on a smartphone screen in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany. The Garante reportedly said on Monday that OpenAI, which Microsoft supports, has 30 days to submit defense arguments instead of these privacy violations. It also mentioned that the work of a European task force made up of national privacy watchdogs will be considered in the probe. In addition, BBC states the regulator is worried that the chatbot may expose younger users to inappropriate content. Legislators and authorities have taken notice of ChatGPT because of its rapid development, with Italy being the first nation in Western Europe to prohibit it temporarily. Read Also: FTC Launches Investigation into Big Tech's Investments in AI, With Google, Amazon, and Microsoft Under Scrutiny Privacy Violation Repercussions Verified violations of the pan-EU framework may reportedly result in fines of up to 20 million, or 4% of worldwide yearly revenue. Even more concerning for a massive AI company such as OpenAI, data protection authorities (DPAs) have the authority to issue orders requiring modifications to data processing to stop verified infringement. As a result, it might be compelled to alter its methods and withdraw its service from EU members when privacy regulators try to force it to make adjustments it finds objectionable. OpenAI's Response OpenAI reportedly responded by stating that it takes extra precautions to safeguard people's data and privacy while believing that its operations comply with the GDPR and other privacy laws. The business insisted that instead of teaching its AI about specific people, it wants it to learn about the world. In addition, OpenAI stated that they intend to carry on their positive collaboration with Garante and are actively striving to minimize the amount of personal data used to train their systems, such as ChatGPT, which also declines requests for sensitive or private personal information about individuals. Alongside Garante, OpenAI also received a complaint over ChatGPT's GDPR compliance in Poland last summer concerning an occasion where the tool produced false information about a person. This case's GDPR investigation is reportedly still ongoing. Meanwhile, OpenAI has sought to create a physical base in Ireland in response to growing regulatory risk throughout the EU. In January, the company announced that this Irish firm would be the service provider for data belonging to EU customers going ahead. With these actions, it hopes to obtain what is known as "main establishment" status in Ireland and transfer to the Data Protection Commission of Ireland for the assessment of its GDPR compliance, avoiding its business being potentially subject to DPA oversight from anywhere in the Union where its tools have local users. Related Article: OpenAI Brings Updated GPT-4 Turbo, No More AI 'Laziness' in Preview Version 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An AI-driven robot demonstrates an exceptional ability to read Braille at a speed twice that of humans-reaching an impressive 315 words per minute. The researchers harnessed algorithms to enable the robot's camera to effectively deblur captured images. (Photo : HUSSAIN RADWAN/AFP via Getty Images) A blind Saudi reads in braille a copy of the Koran, Islam's holy book, inside a mosque on the first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in the coastal town of Qatif, 400 kms east of Riyadh, on May 27, 2017. Reading Braille Twice as Fast as Humans Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an AI-powered robot capable of reading Braille at an impressive speed of 315 words per minute. Interesting Engineering reported that this doubles the average human reading speed. The robot's accuracy is reported to be close to 90 percent. Unlike traditional robotic Braille readers that work statically, reading one letter at a time, this new robot uses a camera as a fingertip to read the text, providing a more dynamic and efficient reading process. The researchers designed algorithms to enhance the camera's image processing, allowing the robot to accurately identify Braille letters and overcome challenges such as motion blur. Recognizing the need for enhanced Braille reading capabilities, the team developed machine learning algorithms to empower the reader in rectifying images through the removal of simulated blur before engaging in letter recognition. Making Sure of Speed, Accuracy The introduction of artificial blurring to a set of clear Braille images facilitated algorithm training. Once adept at deblurring, the team employed a computer vision model to detect and categorize the Braille letters. During testing, the researchers moved the reader along rows of Brailled characters, showcasing its remarkable ability to read at a speed of 315 words per minute-twice as fast as a proficient human Braille reader. The achieved text accuracy stood at an impressive 87 percent. David Hardman, a doctoral student at the College of Engineering from Cambridge University, expressed his surprise at the high precision in Braille reading, especially considering the use of artificial blur for algorithm training. He underscored that the team successfully identified a balanced trade-off between speed and accuracy, reflecting the capabilities seen in human readers. The researchers have envisioned a future where this technology can be scaled to the size of a human hand for application on the skin. It's important to note that the primary goal of this research isn't solely to develop faster Braille readers. Also Read: Lego Launches Braille Bricks For Blind And Visually Impaired Children Braille serves as an excellent testing ground for robotic 'fingertips' due to the precision required to distinguish letters placed close to each other. The remarkable aspect is that the researchers achieved this using an off-the-shelf sensor with exceptional accuracy. EurekAlert reported that human fingertips, with their innate sensitivity, play a crucial role in helping us comprehend the world around us. The sensory signals captured by our fingers enable us to determine the amount of force that can be applied to an object in our hand before it reaches its breaking point. Replicating these capabilities in robots has posed a significant engineering challenge. Beyond softness, robotic hands need abundant sensor information to emulate human hand behavior. Striking a balance between softness and the required sensor information has proven difficult, especially when dealing with flexible or deformable surfaces. Related Article: Google's New Braille Keyboard for Android Is a Win for Greater Accessibility 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The revolt against AI and its continued availability with limited regulations or guidelines is massive now, but the recent announcement of OpenAI and Common Sense Media wants to change this sentiment for the tech. A new collaboration has been formed by the two entities, both looking towards creating new AI guidelines that will help improve online safety for the development. For more than a year, AI has been growing rampantly, but some developments have no bars held against its misuse and potential dangers for different age groups online. OpenAI, Common Sense Media Collaborates for AI Guidelines OpenAI and Common Sense Media announced their collaboration towards creating new AI guidelines that will help the world, especially its children, to use it responsibly. The renowned AI company said that through this collaboration, it would be bringing AI guidelines and educational materials for parents, educators, and teens that would help improve its products. This was announced earlier amid the #CommonSenseSummit, with Jim Steyer and OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman. Apart from this, OpenAI said that there would be "family-friendly" GPTs available to access via its GPT Store, adhering to Common Sense Media's ratings and standards. Read Also: China Unveils Plan to Lead Global AI Standards Race, Drafts Standardization Guidelines We are collaborating on AI guidelines and educational materials for parents, educators, and teens, as well as a curation of family-friendly GPTs in the GPT Store based on @CommonSense ratings and standards. https://t.co/TEqW89PqDm OpenAI (@OpenAI) January 29, 2024 What Will the New AI Guidelines Do for Online Safety? As per Common Sense Media, the goal is to create these guidelines to better lead children to understand and use AI responsibly, especially at this time when controversies are high against artificial intelligence. The collaboration is focused on helping teens and families use AI safely, one that would start promoting its safe and reliable use. Responsible AI Use and its Regulation It is safe to say that AI is relatively new in society, but the technology has since given mixed opinions to its users, especially with the endless possibilities that one can do with its power. That being said, there are many agencies, organizations, and entities that are looking to push forth AI guidelines and regulations to help govern its use, with the EU's AI Act now established as the world's first. While many companies are claiming that there are safeguards are already in place for AI, it is still not enough for many, and it is seen in massive events in the past where many are still using it for unethical applications. The United States, United Kingdom, and 16 other countries including Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Australia, Chile, Israel, Nigeria, and Singapore have all signed the so-called "AI Pact." Through this, world-recognized guidelines and regulations would help set up AI to be a safe and ethical application, giving a highlight to security. AI is still in its early stages, and despite these guidelines, there are still many harmed by what it has to offer. OpenAI and Common Sense Media want to change this, with both companies' assets set to play a massive role in creating AI guidelines for online safety. Related Article: Biden Administration Starts Writing AI Standards, to Ask for Public Input 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Michael Lukacs) As the countdown to next month's lunar landing by Intuitive Machines (LUNR) begins, the United States is on the cusp of a historic moment in space exploration. The mission, scheduled for February 10, represents the first American-led effort to reach the moon's surface since the crewed Apollo 17 mission in 1972. This marks a seismic shift from government-led endeavors to a dynamic era of private enterprise in space exploration. Michael Lukacs, the lead investor in LUNR, said, "This is a moment that will redefine our engagement with space, transforming it from a distant, government-exclusive realm to a vibrant, accessible, highly profitable frontier. It's a new chapter where space is not just a frontier for exploration, but a fertile ground for innovative and forward-thinking investment." Michael Lukacs' journey to the forefront of space investment is as unconventional as the sector itself. Michael, the son of a forklift driver from New Jersey, earned a position at Appaloosa Management under the mentorship of David Tepper. There, Michael's investment philosophy took shape, rooted in a relentless focus on numbers and metrics, along with an optimism about finding growth potential in new frontiers. His relationship with Tepper was founded on honesty and loyalty, and Michael expressed his enduring gratitude and deep admiration for Tepper, stating, "He's hands-down the smartest man I've ever worked with in the world of business and finance." This unique blend of optimism, tenacity, and an eye for hidden opportunities eventually led Michael to focus a portion of his investments on space. He saw an ecosystem brimming with possibilities in the vast expanse above Earth, a realm unbounded by the constraints that often limit terrestrial innovation. This realization set the stage for what would become a defining venture in private space exploration: Intuitive Machines' upcoming IM-1 mission. Intuitive Machines is set to mark a significant milestone in lunar exploration with its long-awaited IM-1 mission. Launching on February 10, 2024, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the mission will deliver five critical payloads for NASA to the lunar south pole. The destination is fitting for IM-1, poised to be the first American-led mission to the moon's surface since the crewed Apollo 17 in 1972. The mission's cornerstone, the Nova-C lander, is a solar-powered hexagonal cylinder with the capacity to carry up to 286 pounds (130 kilograms) of scientific payloads. Among its diverse objectives, IM-1 will measure lunar regolith interactions, explore space weather effects on the lunar surface, and provide crucial data for future safe landings. Following IM-1, the company has already planned two more lunar missions, IM-2 and IM-3, as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Delivery Services (CLPS) program. IM-2, set for a mid-2024 launch, will be groundbreaking with its Micro Nova (Nova) Hopper capable of extensive lunar exploration. This device can traverse up to 15.5 miles (25 km) across the lunar surface, hopping into shadowed craters potentially housing ice and then returning. The mission aims to capture the first-ever images from inside these craters at the lunar south pole. IM-3, following closely, will carry four science instruments to investigate the mysterious "lunar swirl" at Reiner Gamma, deploying autonomous robots for in-depth surface exploration. Beyond these three missions under the Commercial Lunar Payload Delivery Service program, Intuitive Machines envisions a future teeming with ambitious projects. Key among them is the Lunar Data Network, a constellation of satellites set to orbit the moon from 2023, enhancing communication with lunar missions. Additionally, Intuitive Machines is collaborating with Northrop Grumman to design a Lunar Terrain Vehicle for NASA's Artemis astronauts and is developing the Nova-D lander, capable of carrying payloads up to 1,650 pounds (750 kg)a significant step up from the Nova-C. Many of Lukacs' investments have been inspired by his support for Kam Ghaffarian's vision. Ghaffarian's efforts in the private sector's space exploration have led to a network of ventures known collectively as the 'Kamverse,' which includes Intuitive Machines, LUNR, and Axiom Space. Axiom is preparing for a significant role in space mission operations, having secured exclusive international contracts for the period following the International Space Station's decommissioning in early 2031. Michael credits the success of Axiom and LUNR in obtaining key government contracts to a relentless focus on innovation and value led by the most experienced and capable team working in space. Another key player is Michael Suffredini, an authority in space station development and operation. His extensive experience, particularly his decade-long tenure as the International Space Station Program Manager at NASA, significantly contributes to the strategic direction and innovative achievements of Axiom Space. Intuitive Machines' development of private lunar landers, in conjunction with NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, represents a major leap toward establishing a sustainable presence on the moon. Michael Lukacs remarked, "This era marks a new chapter in humanity's cosmic journey. Space exploration is becoming an integral part of our everyday lives, powered by the ingenuity and ambition of private enterprises. We're entering an era where lunar landings, once rare national achievements, are becoming regular milestones. This showcases the synergy between government vision and private sector prowess, indicating a significant shift in how we approach space exploration." Reflecting on the broader implications of this shift, Lukacs compared it to a historic technological milestone, saying, "What we're seeing in space exploration today mirrors the groundbreaking moment of Netscape's public offering in 1995. Back then, the full impact of the digital revolution was not yet understood. Similarly, as we embark on this new chapter in space research and development, we're at a juncture where the potential and implications of our ventures into space are immense, yet not fully grasped by the wider world." The advent of the Internet transformed technology and connectivity globally. Likewise, the current phase in space exploration is set to open new opportunities and developments in areas like space-based research, manufacturing, mining, and potential interplanetary travel and settlements. These initiatives are laying the groundwork for innovation in science and the economy. In a world in which Space companies like British Virgin Galactic (SPCE) are trading at exceptionally high valuations based solely on the promise of space tourism, Intuitive Machines and Axiom Space are focused on destinations such as the Moon and the International Space Station, where they believe that paying customersboth corporate and governmentare going to invest increasingly. Advancements in space research, especially in microgravity environments, are especially promising for the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, while space-based manufacturing demand is expanding across several industries. The national security and prestige implications of space are also big drivers of government investment. Only a handful of countries, including the United States, Russia, China, and India, have succeeded in landing moons. Leadership in space exploration is essential for maintaining technological leadership, geopolitical influence, and national security. Led by innovators like Michael Lukacs and Intuitive Machines, the current space exploration efforts are more than technological feats; they mark a pivotal shift in human progress. This new era in space ventures is poised to reshape global dynamics and redefine our engagement with space. It's a defining moment in history, steering us toward a future where active exploration and utilization of space becomes a norm. 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. * This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of techtimes.com The arrival of vivo's X100 series in Europe is bound to generate excitement among tech buffs. This highly anticipated lineup offers cutting-edge features and a price point that may surprise some. The Chinese tech giant first introduced the X100 series in China, followed by a global debut a month later. After three months, European consumers can finally get their hands on the latest flagship devices - now with exclusive pricing details (via PhoneArena). Despite not being listed on vivo's European websites yet, pricing information has surfaced, courtesy of Notebookcheck. The spotlight is on the vivo X100 Pro, priced at 1,199 ($1298). This pricing strategy takes a notable leap from the initial figures we saw during the global debut in India - approximately $770 for the X100 and $1083 for the X100 Pro. A Closer Look at Specs Priced 50 higher than its Samsung counterpart, the vivo X100 features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame. Furthermore, it is IP68 dust/water resistant up to 1.5m for 30 minutes, ensuring durability. Internally, it is powered by the Dimensity 9300 chipset, MediaTek's flagship processor challenging the likes of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the Galaxy S24 series. The immersive 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 1 billion colors and a 120Hz refresh rate takes the spotlight, with a pixel-rich 1260 x 2800 resolution. The octa-core CPU, which includes Cortex-X4 and Cortex-A720 cores, enables smooth multitasking. Camera enthusiasts will enjoy the triple 50 MP main camera setup, which provides a variety of perspectives, while the selfie camera is 32 MP. This smartphone has a non-removable Li-Ion 5400 mAh battery and supports 100W wired charging, which promises 1-50% in just 12 minutes, as well as 50W wireless charging and reverse wired charging. Challenges in the Software Arena While the vivo X100 Pro shines in terms of hardware, Phone Arena notes that it faces challenges from competitors like Google and Samsung in the software support arena. Vivo commits to three major Android OS updates from Android 14 onwards and provides a three-year warranty. When compared to Google's promise of 7 years of support for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung's commitment to seven years of major OS updates and security patches for the Galaxy S24 series, the X100 Pro appears to lag behind. Read Also: Samsung to Use Inkjet Printing for Bezels on Upcoming Foldables to Save Money Reach and Model Choices Notebookcheck tells us that Vivo's European release is currently limited to Austria and Czechia. Interestingly, the pricing details were exclusively provided for the X100 Pro, hinting at a strategic decision not to sell the X100 model in Europe. The move suggests a calculated approach to market segmentation and consumer preferences. The X100 Pro's higher price point in Europe raises questions about its positioning against established competitors. Whether it can carve a niche in a market dominated by tech giants remains to be seen. For now, European consumers have a new contender vying for their attention. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: Google Pixel 8a Leak Shows its Potential Retail Box: What Does it Include? 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. California-based insurance brokerage and consulting firm, Keenan & Associates, has been thrust into the spotlight after revealing a data breach affecting a staggering 1.5 million customers. As a prominent company in the education, healthcare, and public agencies sectors, Keenan is now grappling with the aftermath of a cyberattack that exposed sensitive personal information. Discovery of the Breach The breach, discovered on August 27, 2023, prompted Keenan & Associates to take swift action. Upon detecting disruptions on specific network servers, the company initiated an immediate investigation, enlisting the expertise of leading third-party cybersecurity and forensic professionals. Related Article: Cisco Talos Claims Ransomware Is 2024's Biggest Security Threat-Schools Now on Target List Extent of the Compromise Disturbingly, the data breach has compromised a myriad of personal details, varying based on individuals' connections with the firm. The exposed information includes full names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers (SSNs), passport numbers, driver's license numbers, health insurance details, and general health information. "The investigation determined that an unauthorized party gained access to certain Keenan internal systems at various times between approximately August 21, 2023, and August 27, 2023, and that the unauthorized party obtained some data from Keenan systems," the company said. Both customers and employees appear to be impacted, heightening concerns about identity theft, financial fraud, phishing attacks, and health insurance fraud, according to Bleeping Computer's investigation. Mitigation Efforts by Keenan Keenan & Associates is actively improving its security measures in response to the breach. The company is intensifying security protocols across its network, internal systems, and applications. Additionally, the company is contemplating additional steps to bolster its overall cybersecurity framework. Protective Measures for Affected Individuals Individuals receiving breach notifications are strongly advised to leverage the complimentary two-year identity theft protection service provided by Experian. Remaining vigilant for any signs of suspicious account activities or unsolicited communications is crucial in mitigating potential risks associated with the exposed information. In the wake of this significant data breach, Keenan & Associates is navigating the aftermath diligently, prioritizing the security and well-being of the 1.5 million affected customers. In other news, notorious ransomware gang Akira had reportedly attacked the Finland-based Tietoevry Oyj data center which is providing computer systems to Sweden. In our previous report, we wrote that the cyberattack might stay for quite a long time. Authorities believed that it would take weeks for the affected government agencies in Sweden to recover from the attack. Since the incident, 178 reports of personal data breaches have been recorded. The same group of cybercriminals attacked Lush, a popular cosmetics firm in the UK. The cybersecurity incident, as described by the investigators, had affected more than 900 stores globally. Read Also: Cyberattack Strikes Fulton County Amid Trump Election Interference Trial 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A recent study published in the Frontiers of Psychology suggests that cursive handwriting might be more effective in promoting learning than typing. The research, involving 36 students, examined brain activity as participants wrote words by hand and typed them on a keyboard. According to Gizmodo, the findings indicated that handwriting led to more complex electrical connectivity patterns in brain areas associated with memory formation and information encoding compared to typing. The study emphasizes that increased brain connectivity was exclusive to handwriting, offering evidence supporting the idea that it promotes learning. Researchers advocate for early exposure to handwriting activities in schools to establish optimal neuronal connectivity patterns for learning. The implications highlight potential cognitive development benefits for children, underscoring the importance of incorporating handwriting into educational practices and contributing to the ongoing debate on penmanship versus modern technology in schools. California Mandates Cursive Writing Training In California, there is a resurgence of cursive handwriting instruction for grade school students. Assembly Bill 446, sponsored by former elementary school teacher Sharon Quirk-Silva and enacted in October, mandates handwriting education for approximately 2.6 million Californian students in grades one to six, with cursive lessons typically starting from the third grade onward, according to a Reuters report. Experts argue that learning cursive enhances cognitive development, reading comprehension, and fine motor skills. Beyond these benefits, educators find value in exposing children to historical documents and family letters. The decline of cursive aligned with the rise of computer keyboards and tablets, exacerbated by the exclusion of cursive from the 2010 Common Core education standards. Read Also: WHO Lauds Progress in Eliminating Harmful Trans Fat: 183,000 Lives Saved Yearly California's move echoes a nationwide trend, becoming the 22nd state to mandate cursive handwriting and the 14th since 2014, with five states introducing cursive bills in 2024. Leslie Zoroya, project director for reading language arts at the Los Angeles County Office of Education, cites research indicating that cursive promotes various interconnected skills crucial for childhood development. To address previous inconsistencies in cursive instruction, Quirk-Silva, who had a meeting with former governor Jerry Brown in 2016, advocates for comprehensive cursive proficiency by sixth grade. "The hope of the legislation is that by the time students leave sixth grade, they would be able to read and write it," Quirk-Silva remarked, as quoted in the report. Ink and Paper Remain Significant in The Digital Age While the correlation between cursive handwriting and reading achievement lacks causal proof, educators express concerns that discontinuing cursive instruction in the United States could lead to a decline in educational outcomes. A small-scale study by Italian researchers suggested that teaching cursive to first-year primary school students might enhance their reading skills. Canada faced a similar situation, initially phasing out cursive only to reintroduce it in 2023. Last year, the Ontario Ministry of Education reinstated the requirement for cursive handwriting instruction, prompting interest in effective methods and frequency of cursive instruction, per the BBC. Analyzing the OECD PISA 2022 global rankings for reading achievement among 15-year-olds, the United States ranked ninth, trailing STEM powerhouses like Singapore (first place) and Japan (third place). In Western Europe, cursive writing remains a staple. Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France uphold this tradition, while the United Kingdom retains joined-up handwriting in its curriculum, emphasizing unjoined handwriting learning before introducing diagonal and horizontal strokes, according to the UK government's Ofsted research review. Related Article: Can a Tuning Fork Vibrate Forever in Space? Here's What NASA Says 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. At a seminar on the China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) held last week by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the University of Abuja, Nigerian intellectuals said the initiative demonstrated China's global vision. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Earlier on Sunday, the declarations by the military junta leaders were broadcast on national televisions of Mali and Niger, sparking concern among the international community. On Sunday, the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially asserted Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger remain integral members of the regional bloc in response to an earlier declaration by the military junta in each respective country, stating their intention to withdraw membership. The ECOWAS Commission said in a statement that it was yet to receive any direct notification from the three member states about their intention to withdraw from the community. "Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the community and the Authority of Heads of State and Government remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse," read the statement. Earlier on Sunday, the declarations by the military junta leaders were broadcast on national televisions of Mali and Niger, sparking concern among the international community. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso quit ECOWAS: The three countries have only given notice of their exit and are still members of ECOWAS for the next one year - Col. Festus Aboagye. #AMShow pic.twitter.com/GlL8bZRwsV JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) January 29, 2024 According to Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, Malian minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, and spokesperson for the transitional government of Mali, this decision was taken in "full sovereignty" by Ibrahim Traore, president of the Transition of Burkina Faso, Colonel Assimi Goita, interim president of Mali, and Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tchiani, president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland of Niger, and they decided to take "all their responsibility before history" by responding "to the expectations, concerns and aspirations of their populations." ECOWAS was founded in 1975 with a mission to promote economic integration in all fields of economic activities, particularly industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial questions, and social and cultural matters. To demand a return to constitutional order, ECOWAS, based in Nigeria's capital Abuja, has imposed drastic sanctions on the three countries since the military seized power there. They simply had nowhere to evolve: a Russian paleontologist on the progress of scientific ideas about dinosaurs A business manager suspected of having ordered the attack on an elected official from Saint-Denis Tigrane Seydoux, the Frenchman behind the fashionable Italians in Madrid in which you always have to visit the bathroom Energy transition: The experts say so, the Court of Auditors says so Guangxi's 15 cultural tourism projects plan to attract investment in Guangdong with a total investment of more than 80.7 billion yuan International newspapers: Gaza is bringing Washington back to the region, and Netanyahu may lose his position Annoyed by a kissing couple: woman attacks the person sitting next to her on the train A member of the Fatwa Council in Britain calls on Western Muslims to adhere to their religion and identity Death and stuff, the worst series of the week: the copy of a copy of a copy of Agatha Christie Alaska Airlines passenger about hole in plane wall: "I kept staring into the hole and hoping it wouldn't tear any further" Alaska Airlines passenger about hole in plane wall: "I kept staring into the hole and hoping it wouldn't tear any further" 9th day of the Grand Sumo Spring Tournament New entrant with only one winner Takafuji 9 consecutive wins IN PICTURES - Football: discover the new Blues jerseys for Euro 2024 and the Olympics For the fifth time in a row: Medvedev lost again to Alcaraz in the Masters final in Indian Wells Badminton Akane Yamaguchi "Shidamatsu" pair and others are guaranteed to participate in the Paris Olympics Rugby: here is the program of the French XV for the rest of 2024 The first batch of imported exhibits of the 135th Canton Fair entered the country smoothly Yen exchange rate: The yen depreciates to the low 149 yen level to the dollar, due to speculation regarding monetary policy. Daihatsu's name announced by the FTC: ``We were waiting, but we will set up a forum for discussions.'' La Unio denounces the second detection of Moroccan strawberries with hepatitis A in nine days Without unnecessary risks: the ruble has risen in price on the Moscow Exchange following the results of the presidential elections in Russia The "wave of rework" after the Spring Festival has driven the rental market in Guangzhou to heat up rapidly In the first two months, the total foreign trade import and export value of Kashgar, Xinjiang increased by 90% year-on-year. Apartment Works.. Hisham Maged shines with an intelligently adapted drama that is far from being copied The new 'sighting' of Kate looking "happy, healthy and relaxed" fails to silence rumors about a crisis in her marriage A court in the DPR sentenced ten Azov militants to terms ranging from 26 to 27 years in prison Operation seduction of the head of Chinese diplomacy in New Zealand and Australia On display ! - On the Poster Planete Afro: Hiro is back with his new album Ame Putin expressed gratitude for conducting the election campaign according to the law It warms the heart: the president of Puy du Fou reacts to the prize for best show in the world Operational-tactical aviation and artillery: the Russian Armed Forces struck the site of a meeting of the command staff of the SBU and the Armed Forces of Ukraine Civil servants will have the salary increase after Easter and before the Budgets are approved Niger: what follow-up after the denunciation of the military agreement between Niamey and Washington? TikTok is at the heart of the US election season Putin: all traitors fighting against Russia will be identified by name and they will not be given peace Urgent | Al Jazeera obtains exclusive photos showing the Qassam tracking the movements of officer in the Shaldag unit, Yitzhar Hoffman, before he was killed by a snipers bullet. In light of the confrontation with Israel... where has the Hezbollah-Free Patriotic Movement alliance reached? Defeat in the FA Cup: Klopp breaks off interview I have no nerves for you Communities 2019 - Privacy The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. They simply had nowhere to evolve: a Russian paleontologist on the progress of scientific ideas about dinosaurs A business manager suspected of having ordered the attack on an elected official from Saint-Denis Tigrane Seydoux, the Frenchman behind the fashionable Italians in Madrid in which you always have to visit the bathroom Energy transition: The experts say so, the Court of Auditors says so Guangxi's 15 cultural tourism projects plan to attract investment in Guangdong with a total investment of more than 80.7 billion yuan International newspapers: Gaza is bringing Washington back to the region, and Netanyahu may lose his position Annoyed by a kissing couple: woman attacks the person sitting next to her on the train A member of the Fatwa Council in Britain calls on Western Muslims to adhere to their religion and identity Death and stuff, the worst series of the week: the copy of a copy of a copy of Agatha Christie Alaska Airlines passenger about hole in plane wall: "I kept staring into the hole and hoping it wouldn't tear any further" Alaska Airlines passenger about hole in plane wall: "I kept staring into the hole and hoping it wouldn't tear any further" 9th day of the Grand Sumo Spring Tournament New entrant with only one winner Takafuji 9 consecutive wins IN PICTURES - Football: discover the new Blues jerseys for Euro 2024 and the Olympics For the fifth time in a row: Medvedev lost again to Alcaraz in the Masters final in Indian Wells Badminton Akane Yamaguchi "Shidamatsu" pair and others are guaranteed to participate in the Paris Olympics Rugby: here is the program of the French XV for the rest of 2024 The first batch of imported exhibits of the 135th Canton Fair entered the country smoothly Yen exchange rate: The yen depreciates to the low 149 yen level to the dollar, due to speculation regarding monetary policy. Daihatsu's name announced by the FTC: ``We were waiting, but we will set up a forum for discussions.'' La Unio denounces the second detection of Moroccan strawberries with hepatitis A in nine days Without unnecessary risks: the ruble has risen in price on the Moscow Exchange following the results of the presidential elections in Russia The "wave of rework" after the Spring Festival has driven the rental market in Guangzhou to heat up rapidly In the first two months, the total foreign trade import and export value of Kashgar, Xinjiang increased by 90% year-on-year. Apartment Works.. Hisham Maged shines with an intelligently adapted drama that is far from being copied The new 'sighting' of Kate looking "happy, healthy and relaxed" fails to silence rumors about a crisis in her marriage A court in the DPR sentenced ten Azov militants to terms ranging from 26 to 27 years in prison Operation seduction of the head of Chinese diplomacy in New Zealand and Australia On display ! - On the Poster Planete Afro: Hiro is back with his new album Ame Putin expressed gratitude for conducting the election campaign according to the law It warms the heart: the president of Puy du Fou reacts to the prize for best show in the world Operational-tactical aviation and artillery: the Russian Armed Forces struck the site of a meeting of the command staff of the SBU and the Armed Forces of Ukraine The Court describes the role of Puigdemont's right-hand man as "essential" and endorses the Tsunami investigation Civil servants will have the salary increase after Easter and before the Budgets are approved Niger: what follow-up after the denunciation of the military agreement between Niamey and Washington? TikTok is at the heart of the US election season Putin: all traitors fighting against Russia will be identified by name and they will not be given peace Urgent | Al Jazeera obtains exclusive photos showing the Qassam tracking the movements of officer in the Shaldag unit, Yitzhar Hoffman, before he was killed by a snipers bullet. Defeat in the FA Cup: Klopp breaks off interview I have no nerves for you Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant First detection of object that may contain nuclear fuel debris on water Communities 2019 - Privacy The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. ISTANBUL, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and two others went missing Tuesday when a fishing boat sank off Turkiye's Aegean coast, local media reported. The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT on Monday) when the boat was sailing for fishing with 10 people onboard near the western province of Izmir, the Demiroren news agency said. The report said the cause of the accident remained unclear while search and rescue operations were launched. Highlights: Great white shark with skin disease or newborn?. The shark was observed by a drone camera in July 2023 in the waters off Southern California. It was around 1.5 meters long and completely white. Adults, on the other hand, are gray above and white below. However, it is also possible that the white layer comes from a skin disease, writes the team. The study does not address whether there is evidence of such layers in newborns in other shark species, says author Timo Moritz. A documentary filmmaker and a biologist have filmed a great white shark - which could be a newborn. But the discovery is controversial. Enlarge image Great white shark off the coast of California: newborn or shark with skin disease? Photo: Carlos Gauna / The Malibu Artist A great white shark swims in rich turquoise water: This is shown by a drone camera shot off the coast of California. A special specimen may be seen on it - the video is supposed to show a great white shark that has just been born. The aerial photograph shows the animal stripping a white film from its body, report nature filmmaker Carlos Gauna and biology doctoral student Phillip Sternes from the University of California at Riverside in the journal Environmental Biology of Fishes. This film could indicate a newborn animal whose body still has substances from the embryonic stage stuck to it. The shark was observed by a drone camera in July 2023 in the waters off Southern California, the authors write. "This may be the first evidence of a young animal in the wild." It was around 1.5 meters long and completely white. Adults, on the other hand, are gray above and white below. However, it is also possible that the white layer comes from a skin disease, writes the team. However, the shark's size and appearance suggested it was a newborn. In addition, the recording comes from both an area and a time of year in which the birth of young sharks is assumed. The article is serious, says Timo Moritz from the German Oceanographic Museum in Stralsund, assessing the scientific publication. "Regardless of this, you have to be careful with conclusions, because this is only an isolated observation." The team of authors tends to assume that it is a baby shark. However, the study does not address whether there is evidence of such layers in newborns in other shark species. "As far as I know, that's not the case and that of course weakens this hypothesis." He himself doesn't want to highlight any of the hypotheses as more likely. The photographer Gauna reports that he probably spotted pregnant sharks at the location. I had filmed three very large sharks at this particular location in the previous days that appeared to be pregnant. That day one of them dived, and not long after that this completely white shark appeared. The wildlife filmmaker has already spent several hours filming sharks all over the world. According to the authors, skin diseases do occur in sharks, but only rarely. The fact that the skin beneath the detached layer was normally pigmented speaks against albinism. Diseases such as dermatitis have also been proven in sharks, but the conditions are not similar to what was observed. According to the duo, if the white layer is not embryonic substances, the only possibility would be a previously unknown skin disease. Already in 2019, another team reported six newborn white sharks that were caught with nets off the Pacific coast of Mexico between 2015 and 2017. The animals, which were 1.1 to 1.5 meters long, were released again after data collection. ani/dpa ISLAMABAD, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- A Pakistan court on Tuesday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a 10-year jail term for "leaking state secrets," local media reported. ZHENGZHOU, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin has stressed the importance of delivering aid to disadvantaged people, thus ensuring a well-heated winter and a safe Spring Festival season for them. Shen made the remarks during her fact-finding tour on civil affairs and relevant work for people with disabilities in central China's Henan Province from Sunday to Monday. Shen urged earnest efforts to resolve the pressing difficulties and problems that concern the disadvantaged group most, ensure sound social assistance of different types at different levels, and deliver various kinds of relief payments promptly. Efforts should also be made to ensure sound accountability for workplace safety and carry out proper safe management work for institutions offering civil affairs services and services for people with disabilities, Shen said. Bboxx, a data-driven super platform, has reinforced its dedication to Africa with the strategic move of its Headquarters from London to Kigali and plans to invest $100 million in Rwanda. This decision, announced at the UK-Rwanda Business Forum in Kigali, underscores Bboxxs commitment to Africa to serve, innovate, and grow in the heart of the continent and train nearly 500 more Rwandans in the next 5 years. The announcement coincides with an ambitious plan as the companys impact is set to expand tenfold with the aim of reaching 36 million people by 2028 thanks to a $100 million partnership with Kuwaiti investment company EnerTech, announced in December 2023. Energy poverty Bboxx has grown significantly since it first began tackling the challenge of energy poverty in Africa. The Company was founded in 2010 by three friends who graduated from Imperial College and established its first on-the-ground operations in Rwanda. In the 13 years since, it has expanded into 11 African markets including providing electricity to more than 10% of Rwandas households and has broadened the range of essential products and services from solar energy to include pay-as-you go clean cooking solutions, water pumps, smartphones, and even electric vehicles. Simultaneously, Rwanda has modernised and transformed immeasurably over the past 20 years, making it an opportune place for the company to base itself, with many business-friendly policies including the Kigali International Financial Centre and upcoming Start-up Act. Rwanda is home to a growing pool of tech and engineering talent, and is a prime location for growth and investment. Tech and innovation Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, said: "Rwanda's transformation into a hub for tech and innovation is no coincidence; it's the result of deliberate policies, a conducive business environment, and our commitment to offer a competitive jurisdiction. Bboxx's decision to relocate its headquarters to Kigali is a welcome decision and aligns with our efforts for Rwanda as a magnet for smart, sustainable investments. Our unique ecosystem offers a fertile ground for companies like Bboxx to innovate and expand, signalling to the world that Rwanda is open for business and ready for the future." In addition, being closer to its customers allows Bboxx to better understand and meet the unique needs of every household and business it serves. This transition embodies Bboxxs promise to stay rooted in the communities it serves, ensuring reliable and innovative solutions to the challenges they face. Heart of the continent Mansoor Hamayun, CEO and Co-Founder of Bboxx, said: "In our journey to revolutionise access to essential products and services across Africa, it's only fitting that we position ourselves at the heart of the continent. This move to Kigali not only brings us closer to the communities we serve but also cements our commitment to be an Africa-first, data-driven super platform, transforming lives and unlocking potential at an unprecedented scale." With Rwanda a member of the Commonwealth, and with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, the UK is a key development partner of the country. Omar Daair, High Commissioner to Rwanda, said: "The UK's partnership with Rwanda is built on shared values and a mutual commitment to sustainable development. Bboxxs move to Kigali is a reflection of this strong relationship and exemplifies the UK's ongoing support for African innovation. As Bboxx begins its next chapter in Africa, we are proud to have played a role in their journey and look forward to continuing our partnership to foster prosperity and transformation across the continent."--TradeArabia News Service Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a drone production company in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Jan. 30, 2024. Li made an inspection tour in northwest China's Shaanxi Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) XI'AN, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for efforts to promote industrial innovation through scientific and technological innovation and accelerate the cultivation of new productive forces. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in northwest China's Shaanxi Province from Monday to Tuesday. The premier inspected a display devices company on Monday. He stressed that manufacturing enterprises should increase spending on research and development and foster their technological competition edges. While visiting a smart braking manufacturer, Li urged the company to seize the latest development trend of commercial vehicles and accelerate industrial transformation and upgrading. The premier also inspected Western Superconducting Technologies Co., Ltd. and encouraged the firm to promote technological development and continuously advance the transformation and industrial application of sci-tech achievements. During his visit to a material technology firm on Tuesday, Li called on the company to focus on cutting-edge technologies and address key and core technological problems. At a drone production company, the premier said that the drone industry has broad prospects, calling for stronger efforts to research and develop new technologies and products and better tap the economic potential of the low-altitude airspace. At the new campus of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Li urged teachers and students to make more progress in building the university-enterprise joint innovation platform and promoting the integration among industrial, academic, and research circles. The premier fully recognized the achievements of Shaanxi's economic and social development and expected the province to give full play to its advantages, ensure the solid implementation of policies, and make more contributions to overall national development. Li also presided over a symposium and listened to the opinions and suggestions of local officials on the draft government work report and government work. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a display devices company in Xianyang, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Jan. 29, 2024. Li made an inspection tour in northwest China's Shaanxi Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) Abortion-rights and anti-abortion demonstrators gather outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, Friday, June 24, 2022. The Supreme Court ended constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place nearly 50 years, a decision by its conservative majority to overturn the court's landmark abortion cases. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe) Qantas has poached Danielle Keighery from Optus two weeks before she was due to start in her role as the embattled telecommunications companys head of corporate affairs. Keighery is experienced in transforming company culture and will join the airline in March after a two-year stint at Crown Resorts and more than a decade at rival airline Virgin Australia. She will replace Andrew McGinnes, who resigned last week after 13 years at the company. Former Virgin and Crown Resorts corporate affairs executive Danielle Keighery has quit her role at Optus to join Qantas. Credit: Qantas has been savaged over the past two years by staff, customers and, at times, investors who have felt let down by the airlines business practices since the end of COVID-19 lockdowns. One source of customer discontent across the airline industry has been poor on-time performance. Qantas recently engaged management consultant McKinsey to improve its number of delays and cancellations, as first reported by The Australian Financial Review. McKinsey is the second management consultant to be hired to assist the companys overhaul, after Qantas hired Boston Consulting Group in September. Australian actor Geraldine Viswanathan is set to become the latest homegrown hero to join the Marvel universe, with the 28-year-old being announced as the latest recruit in Marvels Thunderbolts. Viswanathan replaces The Bear star Ayo Edebiri, who is departing the project due to scheduling conflicts after production was delayed thanks to the dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes last year. Geraldine Viswanathan has joined the cast of the team-up film, replacing Ayo Edebiri in an undisclosed role after the Emmy-winning The Bear star dropped out of the project due to scheduling. Part of Marvels Phase Five, Thunderbolts is set to bring together the worlds of Ant-Man and the Wasp, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Black Widow and the upcoming Captain America instalment New World Order. Plot details are scarce, but Thunderbolts is being billed as Marvels answer to Suicide Squad, bringing together a rag-tag bunch of anti-heroes. Louis Tomlinson fans were left feeling confused and angry at organisers after the line-up process for the former One Direction singers concert at Riverstage turned chaotic. The line-up for Louis Tomlinson at Riverstage in Brisbane. Credit: Kristen Camp The venue had stated camping was prohibited, and that numbered wristbands would be handed out from 9.30am for a 5.15pm gate entry to the concert on Tuesday night. But organisers didnt follow their own rules, as special golden wristbands were handed out to a group of fans who had rocked up a day early on Monday. Samantha Maguire, 18, was one of the lucky recipients and told this masthead she arrived at Riverstage at midday on Monday. Advertisement Exclusive Eating outJust open Is Sydneys dining scene finally ready to embrace the Peruvian party? Top chefs are already embracing Peruvian cooking around the world. With the arrival of the 104-seater Callao at Barangaroo, the cuisine is beginning to make waves in the harbour city too. Scott Bolles January 31, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share When Callao restaurant opens at Barangaroo in Sydney this week, it joins a long underrepresented but now fast-growing niche: Peruvian-influenced food in the harbour city. The local Peruvian party includes Warike in Surry Hills and Moche at Pyrmont, but the cuisine is already a hot ticket on the global dining scene. Last year, Central Restaurante in Lima was named the worlds best restaurant in the Worlds 50 Best list. Callao leans in on Nikkei cuisine fostered by the influx of Japanese immigrants to Peru. Dexter Kim The diversity of the cuisine helps. Spanish colonisation and African migration created distinct brands of Peruvian cuisine, as well as Chifa-style cooking (a marriage of Chinese and Peruvian). Callao leans in on one of Perus great culinary strengths: the Nikkei cuisine fostered by the influx of Japanese immigrants that began in the late 1800s. Advertisement Chef Jihwan Choi worked at the now-closed Bar H in Surry Hills and former Pyrmont fine-diner Momofuku Seiobo before taking charge of the Callao kitchen. Choi argues Sydney was influenced by Nikkei long before the wave of Peruvian restaurants. [Chef] Nobu Matsuhisa uses Peruvian ingredients, and many chefs worked at Nobu around the world. Restaurants like Sake [where Choi has also worked] and Toko. Ox heart tomato with yuzu kosho, tosazu gel, tomato essence, albahaca oil and whipped queso fresco. Dexter Kim Where Japanese immigrants incorporated Peruvian ingredients, the Japanese-Peruvian Callao follows the same path, with dishes such as an emulsion of the South American chilli pepper, aji amarillo, served with beef tartare and pickled daikon. Also on the menu is bonito doused with ponzu leche de tigre, avocado ice-cream and the odd Australian reference, such as burnt pineapple parfait and a pineapple sorbet Paddle Pop. Advertisement The 104-seat dining space, designed by Kathryn Ashley Studio, features raw, textured walls and is framed by a mountain landscape, inspired by Perus rainbow mountain, Vinicunca. Peruvian chef Alejandro Saravia was a pioneer of Peruvian food in Sydney, opening a short-lived restaurant in Surry Hills in 2011. He was early to the trend perhaps too early and after opening a number of successful Melbourne restaurants, including Farmers Daughters, he will launch Morena restaurant at Sydneys GPO in mid-March. Photo: Dexter Kim Saravia will take a broad sweep of food at Morena. In regard to the Peruvian side [Morena] will showcase a traditional ceviche from Peru and a Nikkei version alongside each other. The menu will also include lomo saltado, the Chinese-inspired Peruvian dish of stir-fried beef. Australians understanding of Latin American cuisine has developed in the last decade, with more restaurants opening and more travel between Australia and the Americas, Saravia says. Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up A well-known member of Sydneys Serbian community and Liberal Party branch president may have been the victim of a politically motivated murder, police suspect. The unsolved killing of Radojko Djordjevic has remained on NSW Polices caseload since his body was found in bushland in the Southern Highlands in 1985. Now police are offering $500,000 to anyone with information that can lead to a successful arrest and conviction of the person responsible. Police believe Radojko Djordjevic was murdered. Credit: NSW Police Djordevics badly decomposed body was found by a council worker at Marulan on January 31. Five days earlier, he had been reported missing by his wife when he failed to meet her as planned at a Canberra church festival. He died from multiple gunshot wounds, shot in the neck and chest. A coroners report found he most likely died sometime between the 24th and 31st. How long does it take to retile a pool? A clear answer to that question is not easy to ascertain. But the City of Sydney council says it will take more than a year in the case of the beloved Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool in The Domain, which will close in May for 16 months including all of next summer while it is retiled and the gas heating system is converted to electricity. The Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool last underwent a major refurbishment in 2011. Credit: Dallas Kilponen The council says the extensive maintenance works are essential, but the timeframe for the closure has some stakeholders asking why it will take so long and fearing a repeat of the delays that have plagued other Sydney pool projects. An internal note from council chief executive Monica Barone this month said the works included full replacement of the tiles in the main 50-metre pool and the smaller program pool, as well as concrete and steel maintenance of the pool structure. A Colombian man with links to drug traffickers has disappeared, with police fearing he is dead. Two men were arrested on Tuesday, more than four months after 28-year-old Sergio Cuesta was last seen at a house on Jabiru Drive at Chelsea Heights, in Melbournes south-east. Sergio Cuesta was last seen in September 2023. Sadly, we do believe at this time that he has met with foul play and is no longer alive, Missing Persons Squad Detective Inspector David Dunstan told reporters on Tuesday. Cuesta didnt tell the male friend who dropped him off at the home in September 2023 why he was visiting the location. Theres cringeworthy content, and then theres Deloittian dross. Big four accountants Deloitte has shaken off barbs from Labor senator Deborah ONeill that unethical consultants are a threat to the nation by sharing some posters. One of the Deloitte posters. Credit: The Aussie Corporate Instagram account Curiosity may kill cats, but its great for Deloittians, says one. Be the best you, you can be, says another. And finally: Well done everyone! Take the rest of the day off. (Thats a joke, obvs) . The posters have copped a roasting on The Aussie Corporate Instagram account, which posts Australian business memes. WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The White House said Monday that the United States will not go to war with Iran after three U.S. soldiers were killed in the Middle East in a drone attack the Joe Biden administration attributed to Iran-backed militias. "We are not looking for a war with Iran," John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council, told reporters during a regular press briefing at the White House, saying that the United States is "not looking to escalate" the situation following the "escalatory" attack resulting in first U.S. fatalities since the start of the Israeli-Hamas conflict on Oct. 7. "It requires a response, make no mistake about that. I will not get ahead of the president's decision-making," Kirby said. In a written statement on Sunday, Biden vowed that the United States will take action to hold those responsible for the attack to account "at a time and in a manner (of) our choosing." Kirby's remarks were later echoed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. "We want to prevent this conflict from spreading, so we are intent on doing both, that is standing up for our people when they're attacked, while at the same time working every single day to prevent the conflict from growing and spreading," Blinken said during a press availability at the U.S. Department of State attended by visiting NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Three U.S. soldiers were killed and more than 40 others were wounded in the drone attack on Saturday night U.S. Eastern Time targeting U.S. forces stationed in northeast Jordan near the border with Syria, according to an update from Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh at a separate press conference Monday. The Pentagon on Monday identified the three fallen soldiers, all of whom were members of a U.S. Army Reserve unit. Citing anonymous officials, U.S. media reported Monday that the reason the one-way attack drone slipped U.S. defenses to successfully carry out the attack was that U.S. personnel confused the "enemy drone" with one of their own returning to the U.S. base from a surveillance mission. "I can't corroborate those accounts by U.S. officials," Kirby said at the White House briefing when pressed to explain the possible cause. "The Department of Defense is, as you would expect them to do, going through all the forensics here to figure out exactly what happened and how to make sure it doesn't happen again." Anti-gang detectives have arrested a man they allege is responsible for commissioning and directing a series of fires targeting the restaurants and tobacco stores of an opposing syndicate locked in a violent war over Melbournes illicit tobacco trade. The 25-year-old from Epping was taken into custody by detectives from the Lunar and Viper taskforces in Bundoora just after 3pm on Tuesday. A screengrab taken from footage of police arresting on Tuesday a 25-year-old man accused of directing a series of suspicious fires across Melbourne last year. Credit: Victoria Police Police said he would now be interviewed. No charges have been laid. Police allege the man who has been arrested is linked to an insurgent faction in Melbournes underworld being run by a ruthless new kingpin who has plunged the city into a fresh war. This year will mark 10 years since Labor, under the leadership of former premier Daniel Andrews, came to power. While the state government will surely celebrate the occasion, for the Coalition, it will be a stark reminder of how long it has been stranded in the political wilderness. It seems almost a given that Victoria is now a progressive state hostile to the conservative side of politics. The reality is, of course, more complicated. While Andrews dominated the political stage as few premiers before him have, his longevity was partly due to an ineffective opposition. John Pesutto says his party wants to pause the Suburban Rail Loop. Credit: Darrian Traynor Labor has certainly had shortcomings that a capable opposition could have exploited. Its foot-dragging on strengthening the states integrity bodies, Andrews increasingly contemptuous responses to misconduct within the state Labor Party and grandiose election promises that ring hollow once in government step forward the State Electricity Commission are all signs of a government under little or no pressure. Will Jacinta Allan be given the same free pass? The early signs are not encouraging. There were nervous hugs, a few tears and even a mic-dropping arrival in a fire truck as Fairfield Primary School welcomed its newest students on Tuesday morning. Roy Valsorda won some instant cachet among prep friends when his firefighter dad, David, dropped him and his mum, Georgie, off just after 9am. Roy Valsorda is dropped off after a ride in a fire truck for his first day at Fairfield Primary School. Credit: Justin McManus It was five-year-old Roys first ride in the fire truck, on an already big day. Asked how the ride was, Roy, who reckons play will be his favourite part of school, said excitedly: It was like riding in a fire truck. WA homeowners will be able to build a granny flat in their backyard without battling lengthy council approval as the state government attempts to ease the acute housing crisis gripping the state. Under the reforms announced on Tuesday, planning approval will not be required to build a granny flat up to 70 square metres as long as it meets setback requirements. Granny flats will no longer need council approval. Credit: Planning Minister John Carey said the government continued to do everything it could to bolster the supply of housing throughout Western Australia including cutting unnecessary red tape. COVID has rapidly reshaped our housing market and as a government we are taking it seriously, and we are throwing everything at it, he said. Woodside has halted installation of a vital offshore gas pipeline for its $18 billion Scarborough gas project after a serious incident on Monday night ripped a gaping hole in the pipeline, prompting a union claim that shortcuts were being taken on safety. The Castorone pipeline installation vessel lost control of the pipeline it was installing off the Pilbara coast, forcing an evacuation of workers and damaging the pipeline, according to a source not authorised to speak to the media. It was the second serious safety incident on the 330-metre long vessel this month. An underwater camera reveals the damage to the Scarborough pipeline. Credit: Anon. An underwater camera sent down to the seabed after the most recent incident confirmed the pipeline was ruptured, allowing seawater to flow in. The vessel, billed as its flagship by Italian owner Saipem, had an earlier incident on January 2 when uncontrolled movement of the vessel was violent enough to break the pipeline, sending some sinking to the seabed, according to another source not authorised to speak to the media. So it has come to this. Amazon, one of the worlds largest companies, has self-censored a TV series about a group of rich foreigners living in Hong Kong because of national security laws imposed on the city by Beijing. Extraterritorial, wide-reaching and terrifying, Chinas national security laws aimed to wipe out dissent in the democratic enclave in 2020 after months of protest over Beijings growing influence. They did. Now they have neutered Nicole Kidman and her group of gin-slinging friends in the Amazon series Expats. Nicole Kidman owns the rights to Expats which is not available in Hong Kong. Credit: The series premiered in all of Amazons markets around the world last week. That is everywhere except the city it is about. Amazon has not released an episode on its Hong Kong site. The company has declined multiple requests for comment. Hong Kong lawmaker Dominic Lee Tsz-king said on Monday the decision was made by the streaming platform and was unrelated to the government. This is the pervasive impact of Hong Kongs national security laws. They are so broad that a $777 billion company is self-censoring a show that is mostly about Kidmans desperate search for her lost son. Hong Kong is just the setting for the six-and-a-half-hour epic, but that is enough to see one of the few major foreign productions about the city in recent years wiped from the screens. Islamabad: A Pakistani court has sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan and one of his party deputies to 10 years in prison each, after finding them guilty of revealing official secrets. The verdict drew swift criticism from Khans followers. It was also another blow to Khan, a former cricket star turned Islamist politician who was ousted through a no-confidence vote in Parliament in April 2022 and is serving a three-year prison sentence in a graft case. Imran Khan has been sentenced to 10 years in jail. Credit: Bloomberg According to Zulfiqar Bukhari, chief spokesman for Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, the verdict was announced on Tuesday by a special court set up at the prison in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, where Khan is held. Authorities said Khan and his deputy Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who also received a 10-year sentence, have the right to appeal the ruling in the case popularly known as the Cipher. URUMQI, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Bedel Port on the China-Kyrgyzstan border will open in 2024, Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the people's government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, said on Tuesday. Erkin Tuniyaz made the remarks while delivering the regional government work report at the annual session of the Xinjiang people's congress, which opened on Tuesday. Bedel Port is located more than 70 kilometers from Uqturpan County in Xinjiang, about 80 kilometers from Karakol in Kyrgyzstan, and 350 kilometers from Almaty in Kazakhstan. The chairman also said that in 2024, Xinjiang will accelerate efforts to keep its Khunjerab Port open throughout the year. Khunjerab Port is a crucial gateway for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, handling a cumulative import and export freight volume of over 200,000 tonnes from 2016 to 2020. A resident puts up a Spring Festival couplet in Yongxi ancient town in Dazu District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Jan. 30, 2024. Decorations have been set up in the town to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) A local resident prepares decorations in Yongxi ancient town in Dazu District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Jan. 30, 2024. Decorations have been set up in the town to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) Residents walk in Yongxi ancient town in Dazu District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Jan. 30, 2024. Decorations have been set up in the town to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) Residents walk in Yongxi ancient town in Dazu District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Jan. 30, 2024. Decorations have been set up in the town to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) Children run in Yongxi ancient town in Dazu District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Jan. 30, 2024. Decorations have been set up in the town to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) Chinese carmakers exported 3.83 million passenger cars in 2023, up 62%, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). The massive growth was propelled by a surge in the exports of new energy vehicles (NEVs), which soared 77.6% to more than 1.2 million units last year. Join todays China Trends and delve into an exploration of China's NEV landscape with us. Guest: Liu Jia Analyst of Electronics & Automotive from Nomura Orient International Securities Chapter Markers: 01:03 Chinas electrification and smart technologies are driving the countrys global car competitiveness. 03:26 Exportation will remain as the primary method for Chinese OEMs to increase overseas sales. 04:29 The role of brand recognition in overseas marketing. 05:17 Innovation in areas such as battery performance will increase NEVs popularity. 05:56 Challenges faced by Chinas NEV sector 08:25 The future development of the NEV exports 09:04 Advice from Liu Jia: Should you buy a new energy car or a petrol one? SACRAMENTO, the United States, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government has been facing increasing protests across the country calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and some groups are even seeking legal challenges to force the White House to withdraw support for Israel. U.S. President Joe Biden has been criticized for "repeatedly" refusing to push for a ceasefire in Gaza and his administration's Gaza strategy accused of being "illogical." "That approach is illogical on both the domestic and international fronts, not to mention the security risks that come with it," wrote Wa'el Alzayat, a former Middle East policy expert with the U.S. Department of State, in an article titled "Biden's Gaza Strategy Is an Illogical Disaster" published by Time magazine on Monday. He said those risks were made apparent by Sunday's attack on U.S. troops near the border between Jordan and Syria, which left three U.S. servicemen dead and 34 others injured. "Now, with Sunday's attack that was claimed by Islamic Resistance, a coalition of Iranian-backed groups that oppose Washington's support for Israel's war on Gaza, the risk of escalation has only grown," Alzayat wrote in the article. More than 26,000 Palestinians, mostly women and minors, have been killed in the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. Over the past few weeks, Biden, on a series of presidential election campaign rallies, has been increasingly interrupted by protesters, who said they were upset about the White House's support for Israel in its offensive in Gaza. A campaign rally focused on abortion rights was interrupted 13 times on Jan. 23, with one protester shouting "Genocide Joe" and another calling for a "ceasefire now," the NBC News reported. In November, an NBC News poll found that 34 percent of registered voters approved of Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war, with 56 percent disapproving. The numbers were worse among voters under age 35, with about 70 percent disapproving of Biden's handling of the war. The latest protest took place on Friday in Oakland, California, where a crowd gathered around the federal courthouse to show support for a lawsuit against the U.S. administration, and urge action to stop the war. The lawsuit was filed by Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) in November 2023 against Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, charging them with complicity and failure to prevent the "unfolding genocide" in the occupied strip. Friday's four-hour hearing for the case commenced hours after the International Court of Justice in The Hague found it plausible that Israel has committed acts of genocide in Gaza, in a case brought by South Africa. During the testimony, plaintiffs told the stories of their loved ones being killed in Gaza, expressing their grief and outrage to the federal judge. The judge will determine whether the judicial branch can condemn or block the president from providing aid to Israel. A Justice Department attorney argued that the plaintiffs' claims were "political questions" and that a judicial finding against U.S. foreign policy could cause "international embarrassment" and undermine the foreign policy stance. Josh Paul, a former senior State Department official who resigned over the Biden administration's support for the war on Gaza, filed a declaration in support of the CCR case on Friday morning. "Since October 7th, we've seen a sharp increase in the transfer of arms to Israel both through the speeding up of previously authorized transfers and through the ramming through Congress of so-called emergency sales of thousands of rounds of tanks, ammunition, and alternative shells," he wrote. The lawsuit in California also garnered significant international attention, with 77 legal and civil society groups from around the world backing it in a late December briefing to the court. These groups argued that the United States is violating its duties under international law to prevent and not be complicit in genocide, contributing to the erosion of "long and widely-held norms of international law," such as the Genocide Convention and Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The case is just one of a number of legal actions ongoing in the United States challenging the White House's support for the Israeli attacks on Gaza. In another lawsuit, Palestinian Americans have accused the U.S. administration of failing to protect U.S. citizens in Gaza and denying them equal protection, a constitutional right. A boy kneels by a grave for victims killed in the Hamas-Israel conflict in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 30, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 26,751, and 65,636 others wounded since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 26,751, and 65,636 others wounded since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. The ministry's Spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qedra said that the Israeli army killed 114 and wounded 249 others during the past 24 hours. Al-Qedra stressed that Israel is increasing its siege on the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip for the second week in a row, adding Israel "places 150 medical personnel, 450 wounded, and 3,000 displaced people under targeting." Al-Qedra explained that the electricity generators in the complex would stop within two days due to a lack of fuel, which would increase the suffering of the medical staff and patients. Meanwhile, a Palestinian security source told Xinhua that the Israeli army has increased the frequency of its raids during the past hours on Gaza City, the Nuseirat camp, the city of Khan Younis, Beit Lahia, and Rafah City. A source in the Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza City reported that rescue teams had recovered dozens of bodies as a result of the Israeli bombing that targeted civilian homes in the city. In addition, the city of Khan Younis witnessed heavy raids targeting its western areas, reaching the vicinity of Nasser Hospital and Al Amal Hospital, according to eyewitnesses. Palestinian people bury bodies at a grave for victims killed in the Hamas-Israel conflict in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 30, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 26,751, and 65,636 others wounded since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinian workers bury a body at a grave for victims killed in the Hamas-Israel conflict in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 30, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 26,751, and 65,636 others wounded since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinian workers bury a body at a grave for victims killed in the Hamas-Israel conflict in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 30, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 26,751, and 65,636 others wounded since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinian workers bury a body at a grave for victims killed in the Hamas-Israel conflict in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 30, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 26,751, and 65,636 others wounded since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinian people bury a body at a grave for victims killed in the Hamas-Israel conflict in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 30, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 26,751, and 65,636 others wounded since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinian workers bury a body at a grave for victims killed in the Hamas-Israel conflict in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 30, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 26,751, and 65,636 others wounded since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinian workers bury bodies at a grave for victims killed in the Hamas-Israel conflict in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 30, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 26,751, and 65,636 others wounded since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) A Palestinian worker buries a body at a grave for victims killed in the Hamas-Israel conflict in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 30, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 26,751, and 65,636 others wounded since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Three new hires join Speciality Brands sales team Image: (left to right) Dylan Bell, Richard Prideaux, Jody Buchan Premium drinks distributor Speciality Brands has announced the addition of Richard Prideaux, Dylan Bell and Jody Buchan to its sales team. Richard Prideaux joins the company in the new role of Head of Commercial and will oversee Speciality Brands UK sales team. Prideaux has 20 years experience in the drinks industry, having worked with Fullers Brewery, Moet Henessey UK and Diageo. Joining the brands London on-trade wing is Dylan Bell, who joins the team from Kyro. Prior to Kyro, Bell held various commercial roles including with 58 & Co and the London Distillery Company, and started his career in the industry at William Grant & Sons, working across brands such as Monkey Shoulder, Sailor Jerry and Glenfiddich. Jody Buchan joins the companys Scottish sales team as Business Development Manager with a focus on the on-trade. Buchan has 20 years experience in hospitality and has most recently worked as a brand ambassador for Monkey Shoulder. Chris Seale, Speciality Brands managing director says: "Were thrilled to welcome Rich, Dylan and Jody to our talented team. Their diverse skills and industry knowledge will undoubtedly open plenty of new opportunities for our brands. As we celebrate our 15th anniversary this year, we continue to invest in our business and I am really proud that our portfolio attracts so many industry talents. 2024 is off to a great start and were looking forward to even greater success in the future." 30 January 2024 - Lucy Schofield Share this story CAA implementation within a week KOLKATA : UNION Minister Shantanu Thakur on Monday claimed that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA will be implemented across the country within a week. Ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, on the other hand, dismissed the claim as a poll rhetoric, while vowing to prevent CAA implementation in the State. Thakur, the BJP MP from Bongaon Lok Sabha seat, which has a substantial population of Matua community, outlined plans for swift implementation of the contentious legislation within seven days. The CAA, enacted by the BJP-led Government at the Centre in 2019, seeks to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim immigrants, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India before December 31, 2014. Addressing a public rally at Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas district on Sunday evening, Thakur, also the Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, said, Ram Mandir has been inaugurated. Within the next one week, CAA will be implemented not only in West Bengal but also across the country. Continuing his critique of the TMC Government in West Bengal for its staunch opposition to the CAA, he said, This State Government claims that if you have voter and Aadhaar cards, you are a citizen of this country and can cast your votes. If that is the case, then why is it that thousands of people here have been deprived of their right to vote? The Chief Minister has to answer why these people have been deprived. He emphasised the imperative of implementing the CAA to safeguard future generations. Speaking to reporters in Kolkata on Monday, Thakur, also a prominent Matua community leader, reiterated, I stand by what I stated yesterday. The CAA will be implemented within seven days. This is my guarantee. The Matuas, comprising a significant portion of the States Scheduled Caste population, have been migrating to West Bengal since the 1950s, fleeing religious persecution in erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. Since the nineties, political parties in West Bengal have actively courted the support of the Matuas, whose substantial population and tendency to vote cohesively render them a valuable voting bloc. The Matua community is anticipated to reap the most benefits from the implementation of the CAA. Thakurs assertion regarding the CAAs implementation comes amidst reports this month suggesting that the legislations rules would be notified much before the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections. His remarks elicited strong reactions from the Trinamool Congress, which has vehemently opposed the CAA, labelling it as divisive.. As usual, the BJP is resorting to its old tactics of using CAA. Our party supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has categorically stated that CAA wont be implemented in West Bengal. People residing in the State are already citizens of this country, remarked State Minister Shashi Panja. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said the BJPs raising of the CAA issue ahead of the Lok Sabha polls is just election rhetoric.. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, addressing a programme in Cooch Behar district, accused the BJP of raising the CAA issue solely for electoral gains ahead of the elections. We are the ones who took to the streets to protest against the NRC (National Register of Citizens). They (BJP) are now chanting CAA as they aim to politicise it before the elections. Everyone is a citizen of this country; if they are not voters of this country, how are they benefiting from central Government schemes? she said. The TMC supremo advised locals in Cooch Behar, particularly Rajbanshis, to ensure that their names are on the voters list to protect themselves from the CAA. The West Bengal BJP unit declined to comment on Thakurs statement but expressed optimism about the CAAs implementation before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. I cannot comment on what he (Thakur) said; only the Government can speak about it. The Government and the party are two separate entities in our system. However, I have confidence in Union Home Minister Amit Shah that the CAA rules would be drafted before the Lok Sabha elections, said BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar. Last month, Shah had reiterated that the implementation of CAA is inevitable as it is the law of the land. During a BJP meeting in Kolkata, he accused Banerjee of misleading people on the CAA issue. The TMC has consistently opposed the CAA, with Banerjee alleging that the BJP is exploiting the citizenship issue for political gains. The promise of implementing the controversial CAA served as a major electoral platform for the BJP in the previous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in West Bengal, with party leaders believing it played a pivotal role in the BJPs ascent in the State. According to the manual of parliamentary procedures, the rules for any legislation should have been framed within six months of presidential assent or an extension should be sought from the committees on subordinate legislation in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Since 2020, the Home Ministry has been taking extensions at regular intervals from the parliamentary committees for framing the rules. Several people lost their lives during the protests after Parliament passed the law. Pariksha Pe Charcha Trust deficit between parents, children serious issue, can push students into depression: PM NEW DELHI : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said trust deficit between parents and children is a serious issue and that the distance created by it can push children into depression. Interacting with students, teachers and parents during the annual Pariksha Pe Charcha, the Prime Minister said the trust deficit is never sudden but is a result of a long-drawn process and requires a deep self-analysis of everyones conduct, be it teachers, parents or students and that that students should compete with themselves and not others and parents should never sow the seeds of competition and rivalry between siblings. He also cautioned parents against treating their childrens report cards as their own visiting card, while asserting that it is crucial to instill resilience in children to help them cope with pressures and parents and teachers should collectively address challenges faced by them. Responding to a question by Deepasri, a student from Puducherry Government Higher Secondary School, who joined the programme via video conferencing, the Prime Minister touched upon the serious issue of trust deficit in families and asked parents and teachers to tackle it. The deficit is not sudden but is a result of a long-drawn process and requires a deep self-analysis of everyones conduct, be it teachers, parents or students. Honest communication can reduce the chances of trust deficit, he said. Students should be sincere and honest in their dealings. Similarly, parents should also convey their confidence in their children instead of suspicion. The distance created by the trust deficit can push children into depression. Teachers should keep channels of communication open with the students and avoid favouritism, he said. The Prime Minister also asked students and parents to participate in an experiment and requested families of friends to regularly meet and discuss positive things that can help children. Organised by the Union Ministry of Education, Pariksha Pe Charcha has been engaging students, parents and teachers over the past six years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fourth edition was held online, while the fifth and sixth editions returned to the town hall format. A total of 31.24 lakh students, 5.60 lakh teachers and 1.95 lakh parents participated last year. This time, an estimated 2.26 crore registrations have taken place on the MyGov portal, highlighting the widespread enthusiasm among students. The event was also attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Ministers of State for Education - Subhas Sarkar, Annapurna Devi and Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. It is crucial to instill resilience in our children and help them cope with pressures... We cannot just switch off and the pressure is gone. One must become capable of bearing any kind of pressure. They should believe that pressure keeps on building and one has to prepare oneself, he said during the two-hour interaction. Prime Minister Modi suggested students to always make friends who are more intelligent and work harder. You must be inspired by such friends. Dont let the pressure of studies and examinations overpower you, he said. Modi said that even though competition and challenges act as inspirations, competition must be healthy. A lot of parents keep on giving examples of other children to their children. Parents should avoid doing these things... Never sow the seeds of rivalry and competition among students, he said. We have also seen that those parents who have not been very successful in their lives have nothing to say or want to tell the world about their successes and achievements, make the report card of their children their visiting card. Whenever they meet someone, they will tell them the story of their children, he said at the seventh episode of his outreach programme with students ahead of examinations. The Prime Minister explained that the stress faced by students is of three types - induced by peer pressure, by parents and self-induced. At times, children take pressure on themselves that they are not performing up to the mark. I suggest that you should set small goals during preparation and gradually improve your performance, this way you will be completely ready before exams, he said. We have to make ourselves capable of facing any sort of pressure. Students need to make themselves ready to go through any condition. If we visit any cold place, we make up our minds, and accordingly, we keep ourselves ready... (in the) same way you have to be ready for exams, Modi said. The Prime Minister said that the challenges faced by students must be addressed collectively by parents and teachers. He also encouraged teachers to forge strong connections with their students. The bond between educators and learners is the foundation for a bright future. If teachers start working on building a relationship with their students from the first day of the year, there wont be any question of tension building up among students at the time of examinations, he said. Teachers must expand their connections with students much beyond their subject syllabus so that students can reach out to their teachers even for the smallest of problems. Music teachers can not only help their own students deal with tensions, they can do so for students of the entire school, Modi said. Replying to questions on balancing studies with a healthy life, Prime Minister Modi said many students use mobile phones and some do it for many hours. He advised students not to use their sleep time for watching reels. I get into deep sleep within 30 seconds of lying on the bed on all 365 days. When I am awake, I am fully awake, but I am totally asleep while sleeping. Nutrition is also necessary. Our body must get the required nutrition. A good balance of food and regular exercise for fitness are also necessary, Modi said. Emphasising the need to avoid mistakes due to the over-enthusiasm of parents or over-sincerity of the students, the PM asked the parents not to over-hype the exam day by new clothes, rituals or stationery. He also asked the students not to keep preparing until the last moment and approach exams with a relaxed mindset. The Prime Minister suggested that students read the question paper and plan with time allocation to avoid panic at the last moment. Modi also advised students to practice writing. In this age of mobile phones and laptops, students are losing the practice to write while exams are supposed to be hand-written. Of the time dedicated to studies, you should devote at least 50 per cent of time to practise writing with pen and paper he said. Asked how he keeps a positive mindset amid the challenges of his job, Modi said it is in his nature to challenge every challenge and asserted that he looked for a way to deal with poverty in the country instead of just sitting on the issue like others. Describing students as the shapers of Indias future, Modi said the Pariksha Pe Charcha programme is like an examination for him too. He also said that students have become more innovative than ever. The event was also attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Ministers of State for Education - Subhas Sarkar, Annapurna Devi and Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. 30th COMP-EX 2024 ends on a high note Business Reporter BEING Sunday, being the last day of COMP-EX 2024, experienced a heavy rush. Large scale events are back again, and COMP-EX too ensuring that the people once again, especially those who choose to chill on weekend evenings with families to visit such ongoing exhibitions in the city visit to spend time knowing, gaining and enjoying. People from all walks of life took time out to take advantage in terms of their personal knowledge up-gradation as well as picking up various products of their need. Being the last day of COMP-EX 2024, the IT enthusiasts treated themselves to amazing deals and deep discounts while shopping for IT products, especially laptops, PCs, surveillance systems, and services in the field of computer, mobile phones and security systems. The gracious visit and presence of the Dy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis. Devendra Fadnavis on the penultimate day was yet another day to feel the significance for Nagpur with the leaders visit at COMP-EX 2024. Under the aegis of VCMDWA, organising COMP-EX relentlessly and successfully for the 30 editions is a creditable example of sheer grit, determination, meticulous planning, co-ordination, teamwork, execution and with a mission and purpose to bring the latest IT advancements, developments and digital introductions to the people of Central India, primarily Nagpurians. Dinesh Naidu, President VCMDWA and COMP-EX 2024 Organising Committee has specially expressed gratitude towards all COMP-EX participant exhibitors, vendor partners, participating companies, event-media partners and all the visitors who turned out in large numbers and helped COMP-EX 2024 to attain newer milestones and newer heights of success. Last but not the least, he has also expressed his gratitude towards his fellow office bearers and members of VCMDWA for their cohesive and uni-focus participation in making COMP-EX 2024 a huge success. The office bearers who have worked relentlessly in organising the event of this large a scale, notably VCMDWA organising committee members Dinesh Naidu, President, Rohit Jaiswal, Vice President, Lalit Gandhi, Secretary, Jayanti Patel, Treasurer and Sanjay Chourasia, Joint Secretary, and Executive Body Members Sandeep Bhartiya, Nikhil Gandhi and Pravin Kanhe. The notable support to Comp-Ex 2023 was extended by The Hitavada as well as all other various media support and service partners. Aryodaya Honda celebrates Republic Day with fanfare Business Reporter Aryodaya Honda, a renowned Honda car dealership in the city, celebrated 75th Republic Day with an exclusive drive for Elevate, a distinctive series by Honda. Over 20 cars participated in the event, showcasing the series allure. Elevates price starts at an affordable range of Rs 10.99 lakh, making it an accessible choice for many. What makes Elevate unique is its blend of affordability and performance, prioritizing safety, spacious interiors, and fuel efficiency. Elevate stands out with its smart connectivity features, ensuring a modern and enjoyable driving experience. More than 20,000 Elevate cars have been sold in just 100 days since its launch. Customers may book Elevate by paying just Rs 21,000 at Aryodaya Honda: C-102 Central MIDC Road, Hingna, Wadi Nagpur. For details, call on Ph. 07104688888. Bajrang Dal stages gherao of Khamardih police station Staff Reporter RAIPUR, Hundreds of Bajrang Dal members on Monday staged gherao of Khamardih police station after the police granted immediate bail to the miscreants accused of assaulting an elderly man and vandalising his home at Gayatri Nagar. Bajrang Dal State Convener Rishi Kumar Mishra told The Hitavada that miscreants attempted to kill an elderly man at Gayatri Nagar. The incident happened in front of the police personnel, yet they didnt intervene, Mishra alleged. The police also released with the accused individuals within a few hours on bail from the police station. Additional Superintendent of Police Lakhan Patle assured that the police will register more statements and add fresh provisions to strengthen the case. According to the complainant, B L Agrawal, the disturbance occurred outside the society around 11:45 PM on January 28. A group of boys was reportedly hurling abuses, prompting Agrawal to investigate. Upon going outside, he witnessed some goons forcefully entering the colony, using indecent language, throwing stones, breaking a cars windshield and making threats. They were allegedly searching for Santosh Jains family within the apartment. Agrawal, along with Vijay Aravaliya and other colony members, intervened and brought the individuals down from the apartment. Despite efforts to de-escalate the situation, the aggressors continued with abusive language until the colony residents escorted them out. The incident was promptly reported to the Khamhardih police station, leading to an ongoing investigation. Subsequent to the inquiry, the police arrested the identified individuals involved in vandalising the car, assaulting residents and causing a disturbance inside the apartment. The arrested individuals include: Sheikh Imran, son of Sheikh Ismail, aged 21, Faheem Khan, aged 28, Mohammad Shakeel Ahmed, aged 46, residents of K K Road, Moudhapara in Raipur. Fadnavis vows support for Marathi language THANE, DEPUTY Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday reaffirmed the state Governments commitment to promoting and preserving the Marathi language. He was speaking at the Vishwa Marathi Sammelan in Navi Mumbai. Highlighting the rich heritage and unique qualities of Marathi, Fadnavis emphasized the need for collective efforts to achieve its universality, an official release said. He called upon institutions working in the field to collaborate with the newly established Marathi Language University. Recognising the importance of education in the mother tongue, Fadnavis expressed support for the Centres New Education Policy promoting vernacular languages, it said. He lauded Maharashtras pioneering move to offer engineering courses in Marathi and pledged to provide district-level funding for language preservation initiatives, said the release. Fadnavis highlighted the contributions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Saint Dnyaneshwar, urging the audience to take pride in Marathis glorious past and preserve it for future generations, it said. Announcing the upcoming establishment of Marathi Bhasha Bhavana in the state, Marathi Language Minister Deepak Kesarkar called it a central hub for various language conservation efforts, the release added. Meanwhile, Bais has stressed the need for a collective initiative to promote the Marathi language and culture across the world. He was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Vishwa Marathi Sammelan-2024 in Navi Mumbai township on Saturday. Fire 7 shops gutted in late night inferno; nobody injured Staff Reporter A fire broke out in shops in TT Nagar police station area in the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. The policemen patrolling there first saw the fire and informed the fire control room of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation. After which fire fighter vehicles were sent to the spot. The fire was extinguished in about two hours, but by then all the goods kept in the shops were burnt to ashes. Corporations Fire Officer Rameshwar Neel said that the information about fire in the control room was given by TT Nagar Police Station staff at around 2.51 am. After this, one browser, three fire fighters and three water tankers were sent from Mata Mandir, Fatehgarh and Pul Bogda Bridge. Then the fire engulfed seven shops. As soon as the information was received, shopkeepers also reached the spot with their family members. But due to the huge fire, it took about two hours to extinguish it. The fire was completely extinguished by 5 in the morning of Monday. Blazing inferno destroyed at least seven business establishments, including two groceries, a mechanic shop, a mobile repair, mponline kiosk and a flour mill, were on fire near Hanuman Mandir, Jawahar Chowk area. But since the shutter was old, there was difficulty in breaking it. In such a situation, a rope was tied to the shutter and then it was tied to the fire engine and it was broken. After which the fire was extinguished. Eyewitnesses said that the fire first started due to short circuit in the nearby electric pole. Within some time the fire spread inside the shops. Due to there being a mechanic shop nearby, oil and petrol was spread outside the shops. This caused the fire to flare up further. There was a delay in extinguishing it because it was located in a nearby oil shop. Rakesh Gupta, President of Adarsh Jawahar Chowk Traders Association, said that traders have suffered huge losses due to the inferno. The district administration should immediately conduct a survey and give appropriate compensation to the shopkeepers. These shopkeepers had invested their entire lives in business, but everything was ruined due to arson. Game-changer Audyogik Mahotsav ends on a high note Business Reporter ANNOUNCEMENTS about big surge in investments in Vidarbha marked the Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav that concluded on Monday. The three-day event proved to be a game-changer for regional development. The carefully orchestrated strategies of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have started reaping rewards with investors flocking the region and local industrialists unveiling ambitious expansion plans. This is further underscored by Gadkaris announcement about the launching of the Sindi Dry Port in Wardha within the next 20-25 days, while Fadnavis vowed to attract a staggering Rs 40,000 crore in investments for Gadchiroli. Speaking at a panel discussion held during the Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav, Gadkari said, most of the required infrastructure facilities at the Sindi Dry Port were ready for the exim trade. It will be the fourth such facility in the region which is expected to take export and import trade to a next level. Addressing the valedictory function of the mega event here on Monday, Fadnavis said that the State Government had signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with seven companies for production of green hydrogen in Maharashtra involving a total investment of Rs 2.70 lakh crore. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde signed these MoUs in presence of Fadnavis in Mumbai on Monday. Fadnavis said that Arcelor-Mittal Nippon Steel India Ltd was one of the companies with whom the State Government had signed an MoU for setting up of the steel manufacturing plants based on green energy in Maharashtra involving Rs 40,000 crore. Interestingly, Fadnavis said, he will leave no stone unturned to attract the companys investment in Gadchiroli, reiterating his resolve to turn the tribal and backward district into a steel manufacturing hub. Earlier, on the first day of the Mahotsav, over 25 MoUs were signed between angel investors and startups in the region. Besides, the event also witnessed a couple of entrepreneurs announcing sizable investments in the logistics sector in the strategically located Nagpur region. In another seminar during the expo, Gadkari highlighted the growing investment in MIHAN, especially in the aviation and information technology sectors. An MoU was also signed between Ramcharan Group of Chennai and SIAN Agro Nagpur on technology transfer on the occasion. Kaushik Palicha of Ramcharan Group, and Nikhil Gadkari and Sarang Gadkari of SIAN Agro, signed the agreement. WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday upgraded global growth forecast to 3.1 percent in 2024, 0.2 percentage point higher than the projection in October, according to its newly released World Economic Outlook update. Indian Navy saves Iranian vessel from pirates near Somalia NEW DELHI : INDIAN warship INS Sumitra on Monday ensured the safe release of an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel and its 17 crew members after it was hijacked by some pirates off the east coast of Somalia, officials said. The Indian Navy swiftly responded to a distress call from the vessel last night, they said. INS Sumitra, deployed on anti-piracy operations along the east coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, responded to a distress message regarding the hijacking of an Iranian flagged fishing vessel Iman, Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. The fishing vessel had been boarded by pirates and the crew members were taken as hostages, he said. INS Sumitra intercepted the vessel, acted in accordance with the established SOPs (standard operating procedures) to coerce the pirates for the safe release of the crew along with the boat and ensured the successful release of all 17 crew members along with the boat, Madhwal said. The vessel was subsequently sanitised and released for onward transit. Mission deployed Indian naval ships on anti-piracy and maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean region symbolises the Indian Navys resolve towards the safety of all vessels and seafarers at sea, Madhwal said. The response by the Indian Navy to the fresh incident came two days after its warship INS Visakhapatnam extinguished a fire onboard a commercial oil tanker with 22 Indian crew when the vessel was struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy deployed its missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam to assist the vessel after receiving a distress call from it on Friday night. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) had said the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel MV Marlin Luanda was hit by an anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Iran-backed Houthi militants. The Navy on January 5 thwarted an attempted hijacking of Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea and rescued all its crew members. Liberian-flagged vessel MV Chem Pluto, with 21 Indian crew members, was the target of a drone attack off Indias west coast on December 23. Besides MV Chem Pluto, another commercial oil tanker that was on the way to India came under a suspected drone strike in the Southern Red Sea on the same day. The vessel had a team of 25 Indian crew. The Navy has already enhanced the deployment of its frontline ships and surveillance aircraft for maritime security operations in view of the maritime environment in the critical sea lanes including in the North and Central Arabian Sea. Israel To Continue War By Ian Parmeter THE growing rift between the Biden administration and the Netanyahu Government over Israels war in Gaza is now in the open, with public disagreement between them on the viability of a two-state solution to the conflict. US President Joe Biden literally embraced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu within days of Hamas horrific attack in southern Israel on October 7, and the US has steadfastly protected Israels interests in the UN Security Council. But tensions have mounted as the civilian death toll from Israels massive retaliation in Gaza has climbed to more than 25,000 70% of whom are women and children. To put that in context, more non-combatants have been killed in less than four months in Gaza than in nearly two years of war in Ukraine, where the civilian death toll only recently exceeded 10,000. Biden warned in December that Israel was losing international support over its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza. The administration has also made clear through background media briefings its concern that Netanyahu has no postwar plan for Gazas governance. And following the preliminary order issued by the International Court of Justice in the genocide case against Israel this past weekend, White House commentary made clear the courts orders aligned with US policy. Specifically, the court said Israel must take all possible steps to minimise civilian harm and increase the flow of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. With criticism of Israel mounting on the global stage, the Biden administration has inserted the United States long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In response, Netanyahu has thrown down the gauntlet flatly rejecting the creation of a separate Palestinian state. He posted on X: I will not compromise on full Israeli security control over the entire area and this is contrary to a Palestinian state. Butting heads with US Presidents: This rift between the two leaders should not be a surprise. Netanyahu is Israels longest-serving Prime Minister and has the self-belief that goes with 16 years in office. This is not the first time he has butted heads with a US President. In particular, he had a poisonous relationship with Barack Obama, notably visiting Washington to address a joint sitting of Congress in 2015 without bothering to call on the President an extraordinary breach of protocol. Despite the fact the Oslo Accords of 1993 and 1995, signed by former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, laid down a pathway to the creation of a Palestinian state, Netanyahu has never hidden his Opposition to the concept. In a recently published profile of Netanyahu in the New Yorker, David Remnick describes how the Israeli leader made a speech in 2009 in which he conveyed a wary and highly conditional openness to a Palestinian state. The conditions included: n Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state n No return of Palestinian refugees outside Israel n The demilitarisation of a future Palestinian state n Jerusalem remaining the united capital of Israel. n None of these was likely to be acceptable to Palestinians. Remnick comments the speech was a tactical move, with a larger goal in mind. He quotes the reaction of then-US ambassador to Israel, Martin Indyk: We met a day or two after the speech. [Netanyahu] was all puffed up, and he said to me, All right, I said it, now can we get back to dealing with Iran? Is Biden or Netanyahu right? This leads to the current and more important question: who is right about the future viability of a two-state solution, Biden or Netanyahu? Putting aside questions of equity and morality, analysis of the evidence suggests the answer is Netanyahu. The simple fact is the number of Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank (including East Jerusalem) now about 700,000, who live alongside three million Palestinians means there is not much space left for a Palestinian state. Most Israelis agree with Netanyahu: The other factor is that Netanyahus rejection of a Palestinian state reflects the current views of most Israelis. The extent to which Netanyahu, in office throughout this period, might have influenced these declines is difficult to measure. But considering the current level of hatred and distrust between Israelis and Palestinians, its difficult to envisage any potential replacement for Netanyahu taking a different line on a Palestinian state. That reality is reinforced by the Orthodox Jewish demographics noted above. Orthodox Jews tend to vote for conservative religious parties, which means growing numbers of Orthodox voters favour the formation of right-wing Governments (given Israels strict proportional representation voting system). Netanyahu currently leads an extremist right-wing Government, and its unlikely to be the last. That means talk of a two-state solution by Western Governments is simply kicking the can down the road. Its not going to happen. Israelis respect the US and value the materiel and diplomatic support provided by US presidential administrations, but they wont be ordered about by them. And there could be a change in leadership in the US this year, too. The leading Republican candidate, Donald Trump, had a reputation as the most pro-Israel US leader since Harry Truman when he was in office. So, if Trump wins the election and Netanyahu is still in office next year, there will be little head-butting at all. (The Conversation) Nitish soon to expand Cabinet, Lobbying starts for Speakers post PATNA : A DAY after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar formed the Government in Bihar in alliance with the NDA, hectic lobbying started for the post of Assembly Speaker, and other legislators to be included in the Council of Ministers. Kumar on Monday chaired the meeting of his new cabinet to distribute portfolios. After the cabinet meeting, leaders of NDA constituents, however, remained tight-lipped about the distribution of portfolios. According to sources, the Cabinet Secretariat is expected to issue a notification pertaining to portfolio distribution by Monday evening. Meanwhile, the BJP has submitted a notice of no-confidence motion to the Assembly Secretary against Speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhary, who represents the RJD. BJP leaders, in the notice, expressed a lack of confidence in the present speaker as a new Government has assumed power. The motion was signed by legislators of the BJP as well as the JD(U). The Cabinet meeting chaired by Nitish Kumar was attended by all the eight Ministers who took oath on Sunday. Pediatrician Dr Dubey elected Prant Sanghchalak of RSS Mahakaushal Prant Staff Reporter Noted pediatrician Dr Pradeep Dubey was unanimously elected as Prant Sanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Mahakaushal Prant. He was elected in the two-days Regional Meeting of RSS held at Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Jabalpur. The meeting was organised under the supervision of Sahsarkaryavah Dr Manmohan Vaidya. Addressing the meeting Dr Manmohan Vaidya said that instead of establishing a network, the organization has a vision to unite the entire society and every Swayamsevak should dedicatedly work for the same. Swayamsevaks should keep the spirit of Hum by downsizing the Mai and for this they should always remember their Dharma to return back to the society instead of giving to the society. On the occasion, Prant Sanghchalak declared his new working committee comprised of noted Architect and social worker Uttam Banerjee as Prant Karyavah of Satna while noted Industrialist Vinod Nema of Narsinghpur and Anil Chandravanshi of Seoni as Sah Prant Karyavah and named the workers of other Karya Vibhag and activities. During the meeting, Dr Dinesh, Akhil Bharatiya Gram Vikas Sanyojak, Deepak Vispute, Kshetra Pracharak, Shivram Samdariya, Kshetra Pracharak Pramukh and Prant Pracharak, Brajkant were present. Row over removal of Hanuman flag intensifies in Ktakas Keragodu MANDYA, THE situation in Keragodu remained tense on Monday and security beefed up in the village, a day after a row broke out over the removal of a Hanuman Dhwaja as protests continued, demanding that the flag with a portrait of Lord Hanuman be reinstated. The situation remained tense, but under control, even as the incident led to a political slugfest between the Congress Government and Opposition BJP-JD(S), who have joined the protests. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the Opposition BJP and JD(S) of trying to instigate people on the issue with an eye on the coming Lok Sabha elections. Police on Sunday had resorted to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control. The police and administration had hoisted the Tricolour replacing the Hanuman Dhwaja. On Monday, the protesters marched from Keragodu to the Deputy Commissioners office in the district headquarters of Mandya holding saffron flags amid chants of Jai Sri Ram. They raised slogans against the Congress Government. BJP leaders C T Ravi and Preetham Gowda were among those who took part. As the march reached Mandya city, police resorted to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd as some of the activists allegedly tried to target a flex with the image of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders, official sources said. A large contingent of police force has been deployed as a precautionary measure, as people of Keragodu and surrounding villages, along with BJP, JD(S) and Bajrang Dal workers and activists from other organisations continued to protest the removal of the flag and demanded that it be hoisted once again. Siddaramaiah clarified the authorities had to intervene as permission was taken to hoist the tricolour and Kannada flag only. He also hit back at the BJP for calling him anti-Hindu, and asserted he is a Hindu who loves people from all religions. Team VNIT develops chargerfor light electric vehicles Staff Reporter With the rise in number of electric vehicles, people need to have a charging facility at their homes. To charge the vehicle, everybody has to install plug point where they can keep their vehicles comfortably for charging. Many people, especially those staying in flats, find it difficult to get their vehicle charged. But an invention made by the team of Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), that has developed wireless charger for electric vehicles, has provided the solution to this problem. This wireless charger is designed and developed by Dr Ritesh Keshri, Associate Professor and his team of PhD students Vaka Ravikiran, Suman Saurav and Sana Azami with significant contributions from other PhD and MTech students of the e-Mobility Lab. Dr Keshri told The Hitavada, This wireless charger can charge a light electric vehicle of 4.8 kWh battery pack within three hours. Dr Ritesh Keshri has been working in this area for the last eight years to ensure product level demonstration. Nagpurs transformer making company High Rise Transformer and Bose Research Pvt Limited Bangalore are technology support partners for industry grade development. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India funded the project with a grant of Rs 1 crore. It has been executed together with CDAC. e-Mobility Lab is working rigorously on the different domains of electric vehicles since 2015 and came up with various future technologies. Vice President hails youths as architects of Bharat PUDUCHERRY, VICE President Jagdeep Dhankhar called the youth of the country as architects of Bharat and urged them to believe in the nation and have a non-compromise attitude towards corruption. Addressing students at Pondicherry Central University at an interactive session on Viksit Bharat@2047 on Sunday, the Vice President said, you are architects of Bharat. This is not a mere statement. You are architects of Bharat because you are real stakeholders. You will have a non-compromise attitude towards corruption and you will have to believe in your nation because others are believing in the nation. Pointing out that there was an ecosystem in place in the country now, where every young mind has opportunities to exploit his or her potential, unleash talent and energy, realise dreams and aspirations, Dhankhar said, now autocracy and corruption have gone and meritocracy prevails. We have bid goodbye to favouritism, patronage, nepotism and corruption. The Vice President also underscored the need for transparency and accountability in governance, which is the theme now. Now you know what you want. You want merit alone to be rewarded. When you got all this, it is legitimate for us to dream big keeping in view our civilization ethos of more than 5000 years. He said, we have demonstrated to the world what India is capable of, be it Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Hamas conflict, or dealing with Middle East or European Union or America, India has its own voice, independent voice. Calling on students to make Viksit Bharat in 2047 their mission and passion, the Vice President said no one can be higher stakeholder in the Government than young minds. You are more involved with governance than anyone else. He said there was a time when some people thought they were above the law and that no one could reach them. ... All are equal before law and no one will be spared now if violated the law... It is equality before law that is the nectar of democracy and that is the essence of democracy. We cannot visualize democracy without there being equality before law and equal opportunities. Hailing the contribution of women in various fields, the V-P said, women power was in full play at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26 on Kartavya Path and the world was stunned. Women are not just pilots of commercial airlines. They are fighter pilots and they are being admitted to the Army and Defence. No one thought before. People holding Chinese calligraphy works pose for photos during a Chinese cultural event at the Confucius Institute of the Prince Sultan University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) RIYADH, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- "I wish you good health, happiness and longevity!" The allegro in the Chinese language echoed in a hall at Prince Sultan University in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh, during a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year. Crowded with enthusiastic visitors, the event held on Monday afternoon showcased the rich traditions of the Chinese festival, which falls on February 10 this year. The venue was adorned with red lanterns, couplets and various styles of Chinese calligraphy. Abdullah Hazmi, a student who is studying the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) Level 2, expressed his admiration for the immersive experience of tasting traditional Chinese foods and learning about the art of Chinese tea brewing. He said that his encounter with the Spring Festival's customs inspired a deeper interest in Chinese culture, leading him to learn more about the Chinese language at the Confucius Institute at Prince Sultan University. A highlight of the event was the calligraphy booth, where participants eagerly awaited their turn to have their names written in Chinese characters on red paper, creating a personal and cherished memento of the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which has been officially listed as a UN floating holiday in its calendar of conferences and meetings as from 2024. Faisal Islam, who recently embarked on his Chinese learning journey, shared how the art of brush writing ignited his fascination with the expressive beauty of Chinese characters and the overarching charm of Chinese culture. The event also featured traditional Spring Festival scrolls, penned by students from China's Tsinghua University. These volunteers, along with Confucius Institute teachers, presented a series of cultural performances, including demonstrating traditional Chinese dragon dances and Chinese shadow puppetry, playing the erhu, a traditional Chinese musical instrument, and performing tai chi fans. Zhang Xinying, the Chinese dean of the Confucius Institute at Prince Sultan University, said "it is not only a Spring Festival celebration, but a grand event to bring Chinese culture into the campus, fostering deeper Sino-Saudi cultural exchanges." The Confucius Institute, a collaborative effort between Shenzhen University and Prince Sultan University, has witnessed, since its inauguration on June 4, 2023, a growing interest in Chinese language and culture among its students, with nearly 100 students enrolled in five classes to learn junior and medium-level Chinese language. Students learn about Chinese calligraphy during a Chinese cultural event at the Confucius Institute of the Prince Sultan University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) Students learn about Chinese tea culture during a Chinese cultural event at the Confucius Institute of the Prince Sultan University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) A boy tries his hands on Chinese calligraphy during a Chinese cultural event at the Confucius Institute of the Prince Sultan University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) Students holding a paper dragon pose for photos during a Chinese cultural event at the Confucius Institute of the Prince Sultan University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) People holding souvenirs pose for photos during a Chinese cultural event at the Confucius Institute of the Prince Sultan University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) Students chat during a Chinese cultural event at the Confucius Institute of the Prince Sultan University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) A student (L) tries her hands on Chinese calligraphy during a Chinese cultural event at the Confucius Institute of the Prince Sultan University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) Ryan Berg, an American living in south China, is heading back to school. Is he ready to put his head in the lion's mouth, and get to grips with lion dancing? China i2i Group, a leading player in the global tourism industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Taiba Investments a groundbreaking collaboration that will pave the way for holding China Visitors Summit (CVS) in Saudi Arabia, scheduled to take place in Riyadh in 2024. The group recently expanded its portfolio through the acquisition of Dur Hospitality, a leading company specialising in delivering world-class hospitality services infused with authentic Saudi hospitality. As Saudi Arabia emerges as an increasingly attractive destination for Chinese travellers, hosting the CVS in the kingdom represents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between these two significant players in the global travel industry China as a prolific source market and Saudi Arabia as a burgeoning destination, a statement said. In the wake of the pandemic, Chinese inbound travel to the Middle East is poised to surpass 2019 levels in the coming year, and Saudi Arabia is set to lead the way as one of the fastest-growing markets for Chinese travellers in the Middle East. The CVS, China Visitors Summit Saudi Arabia, will serve as a dynamic platform, uniting a diverse array of Chinese travel buyers, including travel agencies, tour operators, MICE managers, corporate travel planners, OTA's (Online Travel Agencies), and specialty agencies catering to luxury, adventure, historical, and cultural tour products, all of which align seamlessly with the unique offerings of Saudi Arabia. Taiba Investments in Saudi Arabia stand as significant players in the hospitality landscape, boasting a portfolio of over 40 properties and 5,746 rooms across the country and an additional 20 properties in development. The expertise and expansive network are invaluable assets that will contribute to the success of CVS Saudi Arabia. This landmark cooperation entails hosting the CVS event at one of Taiba Investments prestigious properties, alongside close collaboration in developing comprehensive marketing and promotional campaigns to amplify the event's reach and impact. Alexander Glos, CEO at the China i2i Group, said: This partnership represents a significant milestone in bringing together the dynamic Chinese travel market and the boundless opportunities Saudi Arabia offers. We are confident that CVS Saudi Arabia will create lasting connections and foster tourism growth between these two vibrant destinations. TradeArabia News Service Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with a delegation led by Wellars Gasamagera, secretary general of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met on Tuesday with a delegation led by Wellars Gasamagera, secretary general of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). Wang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that in recent years, the two countries' leaders have maintained communication and exchanges in various ways, leading the continuous development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Rwanda to consolidate strategic mutual trust, deepen high-quality cooperation on jointly building the Belt and Road, strengthen international coordination and push friendly China-Rwanda relations to a new level, Wang said. He noted that the CPPCC is willing to strengthen exchanges with the Rwandan side and make more contributions to the development of bilateral relations. For his part, Gasamagera said that the RDF cherishes the brotherly friendship with the CPC, admires China's remarkable development achievements and thanks China for its long-term support for the development of the country. Rwanda adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to strengthen the exchange of experience with China on party and state governance, achieve common development, jointly implement the three major global initiatives and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with a delegation led by Wellars Gasamagera, secretary general of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The reopening of the Chinese embassy in Nauru shows that China-Nauru relations are embarking on a fast growth track, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said on Tuesday. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a daily press briefing when answering a relevant query. Wang said that on behalf of Nauru, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea congratulated China on the reopening of the embassy, and reiterated that Nauru is firmly committed to the one-China principle and regards the principle as a fundamental foreign policy. Aingimea also noted that China-Nauru relations have developed rapidly and been warmly received in Nauru since the resumption of diplomatic ties, and that Nauru looks forward to what the two countries can do together. After officially resuming diplomatic relations on Jan. 24, China and Nauru each agreed to open an embassy in the other's country at an early date. Through the concerted efforts of both sides, the five-star red flag is once again flying high over Nauru just five days on, a sign that China-Nauru relations are embarking on a fast growth track, Wang said. This also shows that the historic trend of commitment to the one-China principle will not be stopped, and that the global family of commitment to the one-China principle will grow even larger, he said. China stands ready to work with Nauru for equal-footed engagement, close communication, sincere cooperation and common development, aiming to advance bilateral relations steadily and bring more benefits to the peoples of the two countries, Wang said. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to hold a meeting with key donors to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on Tuesday, to ensure continued support for relief work for Palestinian refugees, his spokesperson said Monday. The UN chief has also engaged in discussions with the head of the Office of Internal Oversight Services, the highest investigative body within the UN system, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said during the routine noon briefing Monday. The discussions aimed to ensure the expeditious and effective execution of the investigation into allegations that several UNRWA personnel were implicated in the attacks that occurred on Oct. 7 in Israel, he said. "We have a process of accountability that is going on. While that is going on, people need to survive and we need continued support for UNRWA and all our humanitarian work," he said. The secretary-general, while deeply troubled by the accusations, has a vital message for donors, particularly those who have suspended their contributions: "To at least guarantee the continuity of UNRWA's operations, as we have tens of thousands of dedicated staff working throughout the region," the spokesperson said. "The dire needs of the desperate populations they serve must be met," he stressed. In addition to its operations in the Gaza Strip, UNRWA plays a crucial role in delivering humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Within the Gaza Strip, the agency is engaged in delivering life-saving aid to more than 2 million civilians, managing shelters for over 1 million individuals, and providing essential services such as food, water, and healthcare. Also on Monday, a coalition of leading international aid agencies and NGOs jointly called upon countries that have suspended funding for UNRWA due to allegations of staff collusion "to reaffirm support for the vital work" carried out by the UN agency. ABUJA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- At least 30 suspected kidnappers were killed in a Nigerian military airstrike during a weekend raid in the country's northwestern state of Kaduna, authorities said on Monday. The operation on Saturday followed an intelligence report as a military fighter jet sighted the movement of suspects riding in a convoy of 15 motorbikes in the Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna, said Edward Gabkwet, the Nigerian airforce's spokesperson, in a statement. The intelligence report also revealed that the criminal group was responsible for the ambush on troops in the same area earlier on Saturday, Gabkwet said. "They had also carried out several attacks and abductions on innocent civilians in Birnin Gwari." He added that the suspected kidnappers were trailed to a location where they converged before they were "neutralized" in a precision strike. GAZA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces on Tuesday stormed the Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, reported the state-run Palestine TV. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said in a statement that Israeli forces demolished the outer wall of the hospital, and asked displaced people and medical personnel to evacuate immediately. In the past days, the vicinity of the hospital has witnessed intense Israeli shelling, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries and displacing hundreds of Palestinians from the area. Al-Amal Hospital hosts thousands of Palestinians who sought refuge there as a result of Israeli shelling in various areas of Khan Younis. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied the report. "There's no storming of the Al-Amal hospital, entry into it or any ordering of people to leave at gunpoint," an IDF spokesman said in a statement. Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross on Tuesday called for the protection of civilians amidst the fighting in the Gaza Strip. "The ongoing hostilities in densely populated urban areas, including areas surrounding hospitals, endanger the lives of the most vulnerable groups, such as medical teams, patients, the wounded, children, people with disabilities, and the elderly," the committee said in a statement sent to Xinhua. The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 26,751 since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a cross-border surprise attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people, said the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Tuesday. Newly-appointed United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Syria Hassan Ahmad al-Shihi (L) presents his credentials to Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Damascus, Syria, on Jan. 30, 2024. Hassan Ahmad al-Shihi on Tuesday officially presented his credentials to Faisal Mekdad, becoming the first ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Syria in 13 years. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Hassan Ahmad al-Shihi on Tuesday officially presented his credentials to Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, becoming the first ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Syria in 13 years. At his meeting with Mekdad in the Syrian capital Damascus, al-Shihi conveyed to the Syrian side his commitment to enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries, the official Syrian news agency SANA reported. The UAE envoy also pledged to work to strengthen cooperation and achieve mutual progress between the two Arab states, the report said. For his part, Mekdad expressed Syria's deep appreciation for the UAE's solidarity with and support for Syria during challenging times. The UAE embassy reopened in Syria in 2018 and a charge d'affaires has been in charge of the diplomatic mission since then. In recent years, the relations between Syria and the UAE have improved, with the UAE playing a role in bringing Syria back to the Arab League last year and providing significant relief aid during a deadly earthquake in February last year. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad visited the Gulf country in 2022, his first visit to an Arab country since Syria's civil war erupted in 2011 when the UAE recalled its ambassador from Syria. Newly-appointed United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Syria Hassan Ahmad al-Shihi (L) meets with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Damascus, Syria, on Jan. 30, 2024. Hassan Ahmad al-Shihi on Tuesday officially presented his credentials to Faisal Mekdad, becoming the first ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Syria in 13 years. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday summoned British Ambassador to Iran Simon Shercliff to strongly protest Britain's recent "baseless" accusations and "illegal" sanctions against Iran. The British envoy was summoned by Director General of Western Europe at the Iranian Foreign Ministry Majid Nili Ahmadabadi, following "accusations by Britain's regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran," said a statement published on the ministry's website. The statement did not specify the British accusations, but Shercliff was summoned after Britain on Monday imposed sanctions on a number of Iranian officials, including members of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). London claimed that some of the Iranian officials had been "involved in threats to kill journalists on the British soil" while others were "part of international criminal gangs linked to Iran." British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier on Monday said he was concerned about tensions in the Middle East and urged Iran to de-escalate. Sunak made the remarks in response to an attack that killed on Saturday three U.S. service members in northeastern Jordan near Syria's border, which U.S. President Joe Biden blamed on "Iran-backed groups." Ahmadabadi also criticized "illegal" British sanctions imposed on Iran under "unreal pretexts," while strongly condemning British officials' "baseless and unfounded" accusations against Tehran. He said the British government's bid to sour the atmosphere against Iran was another "unconstructive and destructive" measure that was doomed to failure. The British ambassador, for his part, pledged to convey Iran's protest to London. SANAA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Commander of Yemen's Houthis on Tuesday said the group is ready for a long-term confrontation with the United States and Britain in the Red Sea as tensions are rising in the region amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. "Our revolutionary leadership and the supreme political council have taken all well-studied steps, both near and far, and we are prepared for a long-term confrontation with the Western forces," Mohamed al-Atifi, commander of Houthi forces, said in a statement aired by the group's al-Masirah TV. "The United States, Britain, and their allies must realize the strength of the decision and there is no debate over it," he said, vowing to launch more attacks on the shipping lines to press Israel to end the attacks on the Palestinian enclave. The Houthi commander also condemned the Biden administration's redesignation of his group as "terrorists" earlier this month, describing the U.S. decision as "ridiculous." On Jan. 17, the United States re-designated the Houthis as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist," reversing the Joe Biden administration's move at the outset of its term in February 2021 to revoke the designation given the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen at the time. On Monday, the group claimed responsibility for attacking a U.S. Navy warship in the Gulf of Aden with a ballistic missile, one day after it carried out a deadly missile attack on a British oil tanker and set it on huge fire for long hours before assistance from U.S. warships managed to put the fire off. The Houthis have escalated their missile attacks on commercial ships "connecting with Israel" and U.S. warships in the Red Sea since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, demanding an immediate end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza. The United States has since Jan. 12 launched multiple strikes against targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, with Britain directly participating in some of them and other allies providing support. Many shipping companies have stopped transiting in the Red Sea for fears of Houthi missile attacks, which caused cargo prices to increase. The Houthi group has controlled much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the strategic Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, since late 2014 when it forced the internationally recognized government to the south of the country. SOREPA claims | IMPHAL, Jan 30: The Socialist Revolutionary Party (SOREPA), Kangleipak has claimed responsibility for killing Heishnam Bobo Singh (ex-army) s/o Heishnam Chitamani of Pallel Bazar but staying in the rented house of one Sarangthem Ganggaram at Kakching Lamkhai. According to a press release issued by SOREPA publicity and organisation secretary MC Yaiphabi, Heishnam Bobo Singh was awarded capital punishment for outraging the modesty of his minor daughter repeatedly. Investigation by the outfit revealed that Sarangthem Ganggaram too molested the minor girl who now needs medical attention. While Bobo has been awarded death penalty, Ganggaram too has been penalised and asked to bear all the expenses for the girls treatment, it said. It further warned that any one found guilty of committing sexual crimes against women, and drug dealers would be awarded exemplary punishment. State and war on civilians Responsibilities and failures | It certainly evokes a mixed feeling. Of course, we are referring to the Chief Ministers appeal to the people not to create troubles in the valley districts and entrust the responsibility of protecting the States unity and integrity to the government. The first part of the appeal is okay. It is the second part which is problematic and hard to digest. The failure of the state vis-a-vis the current violent crisis is stark and unmistakable. The state failed miserably not once, not twice but repeatedly. The failure of the state started even before the pre-planned and premeditated aggression erupted and it is still unable to fully discharge its responsibilities and duties. A few days after the offensive was launched and Meiteis were attacked from all directions, Chief Minister N Biren admitted that there were security lapses as well as intelligence failure. The failure of the state started when it failed to apprehend the sinister intention and objective of the so-called Tribal Solidarity Rally, particularly the one planned and taken out at Churachandpur on May 3, 2023. This failure of the state proved to be extremely costly to thousands of innocent people as well as to the idea of Manipur as a whole. It is also equally perplexing and shocking that the state (state here refers to both Imphal and New Delhi) and its armed forces did not make any attempt to stop the infamous Churachandpur rally, participated by armed hoodlums and automatic rifles-wielding combatants, from making its way to Torbung Bangla. Once they reached Torbung Bangla, it was total mayhem. Hundreds of houses were vandalised and burnt down within minutes. Again, neither the state nor its armed forces made any attempt to stop the mayhem. Such is the abject failure of the state. Even after buffer zones were created to contain the violence, Kuki militants managed to sneak into Kwakta after crossing a buffer zone manned by security forces and slew three sleeping men on August 5, 2023. The terror attack at Kwakta is not any isolated case of the states failure to protect its citizens. There are several instances of Kuki militants sneaking into Meitei villages and murdering innocent villagers. To recall a few incidents, four villagers who went to collect firewood were murdered by Kuki militants on January 10, 2024 at Kumbi Haotak. This was followed by the gruesome murder of four other innocent villagers at Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou on January 18. The list of the state failures is simply too long. It is the repeated failures of the state which compelled untrained villagers to shoulder the responsibility of defending their villages. The villagers are no combatants but they have no other option. All civilian youth who have taken up arms are not combatants nor are they trained in using firearms. But the sustained offensive launched by Kuki militants and their supporters, and the states miserable failure to respond appropriately compelled the youth to take up arms and shoulder the responsibility of defending the integrity of Manipur. Had the state and its security agencies protected the unarmed civilians from the heavily armed aggressors, no one might have thought of looting weapons from the state armoury because they would have no need for weapons. If civilians arming themselves is a headache to the state, it is the states own making. Civilians arming themselves is neither a good sign nor desirable but what is even more disappointing is the states failure to protect its citizens. It is the states failure which enabled Kuki militants and their supporters to cleanse Meiteis from Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Moreh. Coming to the appeal of the Chief Minister to entrust the responsibility of protecting the states unity and integrity to the government, many would like to question if the state is in a position to effectively defend its citizens from the aggressors, even if it is not ready to neutralise them completely. RABAT, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan security services have dismantled a terrorist cell active in recruiting fighters for the Islamic State (IS) militant group in the Sahel region. Four members, aged between 35 and 40, were arrested on Monday and Tuesday in the cities of Tangier, Casablanca, Beni Mellal, and Inzegane, according to a statement of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation, Morocco's intelligence bureau. The statement added that searches carried out at the homes of the suspects led to the seizure of several electronic devices, sums of money, large sabers, balaclavas, and a rifle. Investigations have revealed that the cell coordinates with leaders of the IS in the Sahel-Saharan region, intending to help extremists reach this area, it added. The statement said that arrestees were remanded in custody as part of the ongoing investigation under the supervision of the competent prosecutor. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee cautioned residents living near the India-Bangladesh border areas not to accept identity cards provided by the Border Security Force (BSF). The chief minister was talking during an administrative meeting in Cooch Behar, which borders Bangladesh, where she claimed that those accepting ID cards from the BSF might come under the purview of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). I have got information that the BSF is trying to provide identity cards to the residents in the bordering villages. Do not accept these cards. If you accept them, you might come under the ambit of NRC. Everyone understands who is actually steering the movement against the NRC, she said. She also said that she will instruct the chief secretary, district magistrate and district police superintendents to look into the matter. While issuing the note of caution, the chief minister also called for the killing of some Trinamul Congress workers in Cooch Behar district by firing from central forces on the polling day during the Assembly elections in 2011. All those behind the killings have been released on bail. I take a strong objection to that. Murderers getting bail is a dangerous precedent. In future, anyone committing murder will easily be released on bail, the chief minister said, as per reports. Banerjee also said that the BJP is again trying to resurrect the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) before the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Advertisement How can fresh citizenship be granted to those who have already cast their votes for so many years? We have already given citizenship to those coming to West Bengal as refugees. Colonies have also been set up for them. They are entitled to the benefits of all the development schemes of the state government, she said. We have fought against the NRC. Rajbanshis are citizens of India. They have again started shouting CAA, CAA for the sake of votes, she added. Banerjees remarks came after Union Minister Shantanu Thakur said on Sunday that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be implemented across the country in a week. MOGADISHU, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) said it has handed over nine military bases to the Somali government, marking the completion of the second phase of the troop withdrawal from the country. Seven of the nine military bases were handed over Monday at a ceremony held in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, ATMIS said in a statement issued Monday evening. "The drawdown of 3,000 troops and handover of the seven military bases which conclude Bio Cadale, Raga Ceel, Parliament, State House, Qorillow, Burahache, and Kismayo Old Airport ENDF mark a watershed moment in the ongoing Somalia security transition process," ATMIS said. According to ATMIS, two other military bases that were closed are Sarille and Old Airport KDF. Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, director of conflict management within the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department of the African Union Commission who spoke at the event in Mogadishu, said the drawdown marked a significant milestone in Somalia's positive trajectory. Bah said the drawdown is also a testament to the critical progress made by Somalia since May 2022 under the visionary leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He said Somalia's security forces have demonstrated incredible courage and resilience in degrading al-Shabab as part of sustaining security sector development. "Our collective efforts have enabled us to carry out an orderly and smooth transition of 2,000 troops last year and, this month 3,000 ATMIS troops through the handing over of seven key Forward Operating Bases (military bases)," Bah said. He noted that the orderly transition has been due to the strong efforts of the tripartite committee of ATMIS, the Somali government and the UN Support Office in Somalia. "The successful completion of this drawdown Phase, notwithstanding significant challenges, including the El Nino, is a testament to the will of the Federal Government of Somalia to an orderly transition," he said. Bah said the African Union is fully committed to completing the security transition on time, in particular, beginning preparations for the Phase 3 drawdown of 4,000 ATMIS troops by June 30. He said the AU is equally supportive of implementing the Somalia Security Development Plan under Somalia's leadership, recently endorsed in New York in December 2023, which has come in the wake of other remarkable achievements, including the admission of Somalia into the East African Community, the debt relief and the lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia. In this plan, Bah said they have agreed with the government to explore modalities for a post-ATMIS security arrangement to be submitted to the AU and UN Security Councils by March 31 for endorsement. "We believe this is a critical step towards achieving long-term peace and stability in Somalia, and we urge all stakeholders to support this effort," he added. Chief minister on Monday, hinting at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said no one has the right to dictate as to which god one should worship. She was obliquely referring to the pran pratishtha ceremony at Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. What do they think? I will only follow and worship the god they suggest. I am not ready to allow that. I have studied Ramayana. I have studied the Bible, Guru Granth Sahib and Tripitaka as well, the CM said while addressing an administrative review meeting in Cooch Behar on Monday. Banerjee also indirectly ridiculed the BJP for not referring to Sita Mata or Mata Koushyalya. They never speak about them or the sacrifices they made, Banerjee said. She also accused the BJP of ignoring the popular religious places and religious festivals in the state. They never speak of the Madan Mohan Temple or the Jalpeshwar Temple. They never speak of Durga Puja. I have said this before and I am saying this again, religion is about personal faith, but festivals are for all, she said. Banerjee also accused the BJP of unnecessarily targeting her over the issue of corruption. My party will not take the responsibility of personal corruption by just 1 per cent of the leaders. Similarly, the state government will also not take the responsibility. Now the dacoits are addressing us as thieves. Advertisement I do not accept any salary as chief minister. I even pay the bill for a single cup of tea. So do not lie and call me a thief, the chief minister said. On central funds being denied to the state, she said, They havent released the funds for MGNREGA for two years. Even those, who worked havent received their wages. Yet, through the state government, I have generated 40 per cent of 100 days work through the poor people. They received their wages every month. Hardening her stand towards the central government, Mamata said, I will wait till 1 Feb. I had given them 7 days. They have to release our money. We will not sit back and watch them live in their palaces while blocking the money allocated for the houses of the poor people. They have blocked funds for roads and MGNREGS. I will hold a meeting with the people, who havent received their wages (under MGNREGA) and the 11 lakh people who were cleared to get houses (under Awas Yojana). She once more showed her humane side, when she said, I will say what I have to after that meeting. Have hope and faith. If they dont release the funds, I dont care. As long as I am here, Trinamul govt is here, we will stand by the people like we always do. After giving something just before elections, they (central government) may take credit. But this is not the money of zamindars. They are taking our money and not releasing our funds. She, taking a dig at the Prime Minister, said, Even if someone takes vaccination, [his] photo is there. The day isnt far when there will be similar selfies on death certificates. Calling the somersault by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar as most unfortunate, Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee said people of Bihar are watching everything and will take the right decision at the right moment. He was addressing the media after holding the administrative review meeting of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat this evening. Earlier, he inaugurated an auditorium at Amtala. Mr Banerjee said As Nitish Kumar is almost twice my age I will not speak ill about him. If he thinks that by taking BJPs support he can push Bihar forward, it is his decision. What I have understood is in electoral politics credibility is everything and the last word is spoken by the people. They are watching that a person is changing from one party to another in six to seven months. Rest assured, they will take the right decision at the appropriate moment. Asked about the alliance with Congress in Bengal Mr Banerjee said In the past seven months just mark what Adhir Chowdhury has said about Trinamul Congress. Advertisement This has happened at a time when senior Congress leaders have said that Miss Mamata Banerjee is the most important leader of the INDIA alliance, Mr Chowdhury here goes on criticizing Miss Banerjee. He is the leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha and state PCC chief. He has demanded Presidents rule in Bengal. Then whose hand is he strengthening? He wants to fight against Miss Banerjee, he said adding, From June 2023, we have been discussing seat sharing and our chairperson has fixed the latest deadline on 31 December, 2023. Till date Congress has not responded, he said. Coming down heavily on the Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, he said, The way has referred to Miss Banerjee calling her first name shows only his poor breeding and lack of any culture. He has brought down the culture of Midnapore that has produced great leaders like Satish Samanta and others and Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. You may like Mamata Banerjee, you may not like her but you cannot call her by her first name. Calling the incident at Sandeshkhali, where the ED officials were beaten up by local people, he said, Such an incident is uncalled for. But it is the BJP that has used the enforcement agencies to heckle and harass the opposition leaders. ED is not arresting neither Suvendu Adhikari nor Himanta Biswa Sarma against whom they had started investigation. You join the BJP and all your wrong doings are put beneath the carpet, he questioned. He pointed out that Mr Adhikari is getting fanned by the ED and CBI and a section of the court and this has given him an impression that he can go ahead with whatever way he likes. Supporting Miss Banerjees declaration that movement against the Centre will start from 2 February for non-clearance of the dues, he said, The BJP does not want to clear the dues. Miss Banerjee had met the Prime Minister along with the party MPs and he had assured that the senior officials of both Centre and state would sit to settle the matter. Nothing has progressed as yet and we cannot wait indefinitely. Mr Banerjee made it clear that he would follow the instruction of the party and go to the places where his party wanted him to go. Father John Felix Raj, S.J, vice-chancellor of St. Xaviers University, Kolkata (SXUK) was honoured with the JHEASA Magis 2024 award on Saturday at St. Xaviers College at the National Jesuit Higher Education conference. Fr. Raj received this award in appreciation of his commitment, dedication and hard work in advancing the mission of higher education in South Asia through his pioneering and path breaking initiatives making a difference in society. Fr. Stanislaus DSouza, president of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia presented the Magis medal to Fr. Felix Raj while Fr. Joseph Christie from Rome handed over the plaque. Fr. Joe Arun presented the citation and Fr. Dominic Savio honoured him with a special shawl. An award is a public recognition, appreciation of the past achievements one has made and it is also an invitation to the future task ahead. Yes, I am humbled and I have a long way to go,said Fr. Felix Raj after receiving the Magis award. Advertisement Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have raised concerns regarding the Securities and Exchange Board of Indias (SEBI) plan to introduce instant trade settlement in the equity markets. In a letter to the Hong Kong-based Asia Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (ASIFMA), sent to SEBI, it has cautioned that while the intent behind this is commendable, it may fragment market volumes due to the existence of two settlement cycles. ASIFMA represents many leading offshore funds. Advertisement Sebis plan is to implement the new settlement in two phases. In the first phase, Sebi will introduce an optional T+0 settlement which implies traders will receive proceeds by 4:30 PM on the same day. This will be an intermediate step to help market institutions align with the shorter settlement cycle. Then the market will transition to instant settlement where traders will receive proceeds on a trade to trade basis instantly within an hour of the trade. Once phase two is implemented, the intermediate phase i.e. T+0 settlement will be discontinued. While India should be commended for being one of the first movers in accelerated settlement, which we note is a global trend, we urge caution if India moves too fast ahead of the rest of the major markets which are also competing for foreign investments, ASIFMA said. The Association argued that this could impact market liquidity and also lead to higher trading costs. One of its key concerns is that shares of the same company may trade at two different prices in the instant and T+1 settlement cycles. Market fragmentation clearly gives rise to liquidity risk, which is not good for any market. Most investors, as well as regulators, want to see a liquid market, which, among other things, comes with a diversity of investors and market participants, it added. Experts believe that the Sebis proposal will boost liquidity for domestic retail investors since they would be able to receive the proceeds of the trade immediately as compared to the current T+1 settlement, under which stocks and funds are deposited in a traders account with a days lag. While most of the retail investors and domestic funds will opt for the instant settlement since it offers better efficiency and liquidity, foreign funds and select AIFs may stick to the existing T+1 cycle. Sebi had acknowledged in the consultation paper that these concerns but has taken a view that there will always be arbitrage traders who will step in to ensure price consistency. However, FPIs are not agreeing with this view. The elections for the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in Delhi were held on January 30. Dr Tapan Bihari has been elected as the State President, while Harsh Attri has been re-elected as the State Secretary, announced Sushri Nidhi Tripathi, the election officer. Dr. Tapan Bihari hails from Jajpur, Odisha, and currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University. He has been an active member of ABVP since 2001 and held the responsibility of State Vice President of the ABVP Delhi from 2018 to 2021. While, Attri, who hails from Aligarh district in Uttar Pradesh, has been a member of the ABVP since 2015. He has completed his LLB from Delhi Universitys Faculty of Law and is currently a postgraduate student in Buddhist Studies department at Delhi University. He has held various responsibilities in ABVP including District Co-convener, Vibhag Co- Convener and National Executive Member. Attri is said to be a crucial contributor in the victory of ABVP during the 2023 Delhi University Students Union Elections. Advertisement As per the officials of the organisation, both of the newly elected office bearers would assume their responsibilities, for the forthcoming year, during the ABVP Delhi State Conference to be held on 4th February 2024 at JNU. Meanwhile, last year the Parishad marked the 75th anniversary of its establishment and held the 69th National Conference on December 8th at the Indraprastha Nagar tent city in Burari, New Delhi, which was attended by more than 10,000 students across the country. Reacting to BJP win in mayoral polls in Chandigarh, Aam Aadmi Party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged the victory of saffron party is the result of dishonesty put into practice in broad daylight, and called it a matter of great concern. He further said if they (the BJP) could stoop to so low for mayoral polls, they can go to any length to ensure their victory in the Lok Sabha elections due this year. He said what had happened was worrisome. Meanwhile, there was ruckus in the legislative assembly as the councilors of the AAP and the Congress accused the Opposition of cheating and diverting public attention from the electoral process. Advertisement AAP leader Raghav Chadha said what happened was not a setback to the coalition of INDIA, but for the country as a whole and its democracy. The coalition was aggrieved and apprehensive about the upcoming general elections as anything could happen with the BJP at the helm. Addressing the media, the AAP Lok Sabha MP pointed out that the presiding officer declared eight votes of AAP invalid without verification of the ballot. Demanding action against the presiding officer, he said his party would file a complaint against him with a demand for his arrest and an inquiry into the case. Reportedly, the BJP polled 16 and the AAP-Congress alliance 12 votes in the elections even though the total number of councilors cast their vote is 20 as eight votes were declared invalid. The deputy commissioner and presiding officer receives complaints against counting from the agent of parties as per the norm. But, Chadha regretted that this was not the case in the elections. The municipal council consists of 35 councillors, including 14 from the BJP, with another vote of Member of Parliament (MP) and ex-officio member Kirron Kher. The AAP has 13 councilors, and the Congress 7, while the Shiromani Akali Dal has a lone councillor. Halle Bailey, the talented actress known for her role in The Little Mermaid, recently faced a wave of criticism over her decision to keep her pregnancy private until the surprise announcement of her son Halos birth with rapper boyfriend DDG. The star took to X, previously known as Twitter, to address claims that she had intentionally misled the public about her pregnancy. In a strongly-worded response, Bailey refuted the allegations, asserting, I never lied or even said anything about it, honey. Making a joke about my nose was the farthest I went. Ill never understand why you are mad I protected my own peace, wouldnt you do the same? This comes after a Snapchat user last November speculated about Bailey having a pregnancy nose, prompting a quick response from the actress. Despite Baileys silence on her pregnancy before the Instagram post, eagle-eyed fans and media outlets noticed subtle changes, such as her choice of loose-fitting clothes in photoshoots and on the red carpet in the latter half of 2023. Furthermore, her limited presence during the press tour of the musical adaptation of The Color Purple, in which she played a significant role, raised eyebrows. Advertisement Since the revelation of Halos birth, Bailey has provided glimpses into her pregnancy journey through throwback clips, including an underwater maternity shoot reminiscent of The Little Mermaid. Additionally, the actress hinted at a potential return to the recording studio, sparking curiosity among her fans about upcoming projects. In the face of public scrutiny, Halle Bailey remains unapologetic about her choice to keep her pregnancy private, emphasizing the importance of protecting her own peace. As she embraces motherhood, fans eagerly anticipate further updates on her life and career, curious to see what creative ventures the actress may embark upon next. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary and said Bapus aspirations for Ram Rajya and world peace were deep-rooted in his teachings. The Chief Minister offered floral tributes at the statue of Bapu at GPO in the presence of school children who also paid their respects to the Mahatma through recitation of bhajans. Remembering Mahatma Gandhi, the Chief Minister wrote on his social media handle X, Humble tribute to the unparalleled symbol of humanity, Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, on his death anniversary. The profound thoughts of Pujya Bapu pave the way for the fulfillment of the resolve of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat. His aspirations for Ram Rajya and world peace are ingrained in his teachings. Advertisement Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Mayor Sushma Kharakwal, and MLA Mahendra Singh, among others, also paid their tributes during the programme. Union minister Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday released a status report on snow leopards in India in a first-such scientific exercise, with the country now having a total of 718 such leopards. Releasing the report during the National Board for Wildlife meeting held here, he said the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) programme is the first-ever scientific exercise in the country. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is the national coordinator for this exercise that was carried out with the support of the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysuru and WWF-India. Advertisement The SPAI systematically covered over 70 per cent of the potential snow leopard range in the country, involving forest and wildlife staff, researchers, and volunteers. Covering approximately 1,20,000 km across the trans-Himalayan region, including Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, the exercise was conducted from 2019 to 2023 using a meticulous two-step framework, an official release stated. The first step involved evaluating snow leopard spatial distribution, incorporating habitat covariates into the analysis, aligning with the guidelines of the national population assessment of snow leopards in India by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2019. In the second step, snow leopard abundance was estimated using camera traps in each identified stratified region. A total of 241 unique snow leopards were photographed. Based on data analysis, the estimated population in different states are as follows: Ladakh (477), Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), and Jammu and Kashmir (9), it said. Until recent years, the snow leopard range in India was undefined due to a lack of extensive nationwide assessments for this vulnerable species. Before 2016, approximately one-third of the range received minimal research attention, reduced to just 5 per cent in pockets like Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. The report also underlined the need for establishing a dedicated snow leopard cell at WII under MoEFCC with a primary focus on long-term population monitoring, supported by well-structured study designs and consistent field surveys. Yadav said consistent monitoring is essential to ensuring snow leopards long-term survival. For the same, states and UTs can consider adopting a periodic population estimation approach (every fourth year) in the snow leopard range. These regular assessments will offer valuable insights for identifying challenges, addressing threats, and formulating effective conservation strategies, the minister added. A Kerala court on Tuesday awarded capital punishment to 15 accused in connection with the murder of BJP leader Ranjith Srinivasan. They all were allegedly associated with the now banned Islamic outfit Popular Front of India (PFI). Srinivasan, an OBC wing leader of the BJP, was brutally killed in front of his mother, wife and minor daughter in Alappuzha district on December 19, 2021. The prosecution had sought capital punishment for the accused, terming the diabolical murder a rarest of rare crime. Advertisement Mavelikkara Additional District judge VG Sreedevi pronounced the judgment. The court found that eight of the 15 men awarded death penalty were directly involved in the murder. Four of them had also reached his house armed with deadly weapons to prevent him from escaping. Three other accused were convicted for hatching the conspiracy to murder the BJP leader. An advocate by profession, Srinivasan was the OBC Morcha Kerala state secretary and a member of the BJP state committee. His political murder had sparked massive protests and outrage. MOGADISHU, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Climate-induced crises will continue to drive humanitarian needs in Somalia in 2024, the United Nations said on Tuesday. George Conway, deputy special representative of the UN secretary-general, resident and humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, said humanitarian partners would implement a more rigorously targeted response, with a focus on assisting populations in most severe need. "In addition to climatic shocks, conflict, and insecurity, widespread poverty and disease outbreaks will continue to drive humanitarian needs this year," Conway said in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, during the release of the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) for Somalia. The HNRP seeks 1.6 billion U.S. dollars to assist 5.2 million people out of 6.9 million who need lifesaving humanitarian and protection assistance in Somalia. Conway said humanitarian and development partners will strengthen complementarity and work toward collective outcomes that will help reduce needs, risks and vulnerabilities, increase resilience, and ensure that future shocks do not lead to catastrophe. Somalia was hit by shocks including devastating drought, unprecedented heavy rains and flooding, and new displacement in 2023, leaving millions who continue to suffer from hunger and malnutrition, the UN said. While the situation has improved since 2023, 4.3 million people, almost one-fourth of the population, remain acutely food insecure, and two in five children under the age of five suffer from acute malnutrition, the UN said. An estimated 3.8 million people are internally displaced, and a cholera outbreak is spreading in several districts, according to the UN. Mohamud Moalim, commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), said more than 80 percent of the displaced are women and children and face serious protection risks. Moalim said the government is concerned about the humanitarian situation that is worsened by climate-induced crises. According to the UN, the response is tailored to ensure realistic planning and strict response boundaries. The funding requirements reflect a 37 percent reduction from the 2.6 billion dollars that was required to meet the needs of 7.6 million people in 2023. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he was delighted that Satnam Singh Sandhu has been nominated for the Rajya Sabha. Modi said Sandhu has always worked towards national integration and wished him very best for his Parliamentary journey. I am delighted that Rashtrapati Ji has nominated Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji to the Rajya Sabha. Satnam Ji has distinguished himself as a noted educationist and social worker, who has been serving people at the grassroots in different ways. He has always worked extensively to further national integration and has also worked with the Indian diaspora. I wish him the very best for his Parliamentary journey and am confident the Rajya Sabha proceedings will be enriched by his views, Modi wrote on X. Advertisement Earlier today, the Union Home Ministry in a notification said that President Droupadi Murmu has nominated Sandhu to the Upper House of Parliament. Also an agriculturist, Sandhu is the founder of Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC) in Mohali. He is credited for the formation of Chandigarh University in 2012. In a social media post, Vice-President and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar also welcomed his nomination to the Upper House. His rich work in community service and his passion towards education, innovation and learning will be big sources of strength for the Rajya Sabha. I wish him the very best for his tenure, Dhankhar said in a social media post. Last year, PM Modi had praised the Chandigarh University founder during his monthly radio show Mann Ki Baat for creating the largest human chain, depicting the Indian national flag. Sandhu is also said to have played a key role in arranging Prime Minister Modis meeting with Sikh diaspora during the saffron partys minority outreach Sadbhavna Yatra. Congress leader Manvendra Singhs wife Chitra Singh died in a car accident on Delhi-Jaipur highway on Tuesday. Singh, his son Hamir Singh and the car driver sustained injuries in the accident. The trio is undergoing treatment at an Alwar hospital where their condition is said to be stable. Chitra Singh was brought dead to the hospital and Manvendra Singh sustained a chest injury but he is consciousTheir son has sustained minor injuries, said doctor JS Solanki. Advertisement The accident reportedly took place at Haryana-Rajasthan border near Alwars Naugaon at around 5 PM. Manvendra Singh is the son of Jaswant Singh, who was the Foreign Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. The accident happened around 5 oclock. There were four people including the driver in the car (Jeep Compass), all of whom were coming to Jaipur from Delhi. Information about the accident was received over the phone at the control room. However, information about how the accident happened has not been revealed yet, Alwars Additional SP Tejpal Singh told news agency IANS. According to eye witnesses, the car went down the road, crossed the divider and collides with a wall at speed. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress Chhattisgarh incharge Sachin Pilot has expressed grief over the death of Manvendra Singhs wife Chitra Singh. The news of the demise of Mrs. Chitra Singh, wife of Mr. Manvendra Singh Jasol in a road accident is sad. I pray to God to give peace to the departed soul and courage to the family. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of Shri Manvendra Singh Jasol and other family members injured in the road accident, Gehlot wrote on X. Pilot said that he was shocked by the news of Chitra Singh and expressed his deep condolences. Information has been received about former MP Manvendra ji and his family getting injured in a road accident. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident including Manvendra Singh ji and his son. I am shocked by the news of the death of Shri Manvendra Singh Jasol jis wife Smt. Chitra Singh ji in a road accident and express my deep condolence, Pilot said. The Budget session of Parliament, which is also the last session of the 17th Lok Sabha, will commence on Wednesday with President Droupadi Murmus special address to both the houses. This will be the first address of President Murmu in the new Parliament building. After her address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the interim budget. Advertisement Ahead of the last session of the Parliament, the government convened an all-party meeting to struck a conciliatory note with the Opposition. Speaking to reporters after the all-party meeting, Union Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said that the government has requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to revoke the suspension of Opposition MPs. All (suspensions) will be revoked. I have spoken with the (Lok Sabha) Speaker and (Rajya Sabha) Chairman, I have also requested them on behalf of the governmentThis is the jurisdiction of the Speaker and the Chairman. So, we have requested both of them to speak with the concerned privileged committees, revoke the suspension and give them the opportunity to come to the House. Both of them agreed, Joshi said. He further informed that the meeting was attended by 45 leaders from 30 parties, including the ruling BJP and main Opposition Congress. The meeting was held in a conducive atmosphere. This is a short session and the last one of the 17th Lok Sabha. We have requested the MPs to not come with placards, Joshi added. Following the meeting, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar revoked the suspension of 11 Opposition MPs in order to allow them to attend the special address of President Murmu. Dhankhar revoked their suspension shortly after the Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee held them guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council of States. The committee presented its report to the Rajya Sabha Chairman and reportedly recommended that the period of suspension already suffered by the Opposition MPs be treated as sufficient. The MPs whose suspension has been revoked are Congresss Jebi Mather, L Hanumanthaiah, Neeraj Dangi, Rajmani Patel, Kumar Ketkar, and GC Chandrasekhar, CPIs Binoy Viswam and Sandosh Kumar P, DMKs Mohamad Abdulla and CPIMs John Brittas and AA Rahim. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the BJP of killing the democracy after the saffron party registered an unlikely victory in the controversial Chandigarh mayoral election. The AAP and Congress had fielded a joint candidate for the mayoral elections, which was being seen as the first direct contest between INDIA alliance and the BJP. The INDIA alliance candidate Kuldeep Singh recieved 20 votes (13 AAP + 7 Congress) BJPs Manoj Sonkar who got 16 votes. Advertisement However, Sonkar still won the the Mayors post as presiding officer Anil Masih declared Singhs eight votes invalid. The AAP and Congress alleged that Masih inked the ballots of their members with hai own pen in order to declare them invalid. It is beyond imagination what the BJP, which can kill democracy in front of the entire world in the mayor elections, will do to remain in power in Delhi. Years ago, on this day, Godse had assassinated Gandhiji and today Godsevadis (Godse followers) sacrificed his ideals and constitutional values, he said. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of misusing the electoral machinery and said that the Chandigarh mayoral elections will further erode peoples confidence in fair elections. The brazen misuse of electoral machinery at the behest of BJP in the Chandigarh Mayoral polls will further erode the confidence of people in free and fair elections, Kharge said. The Congress president reiterated his 2024 last election warning and accused the Godse worshipper BJP of murdering democracy on the day Mahatma Gandhi was killed by Nathuram Godse. As I said yesterday, 2024 is the last chance for us to save Democracy. If we do not come together, to save it from BJP, our future generations shall repent. On Gandhi jis Martyrs Day, Godse worshipper BJP has murdered Democracy and all ethos of Constitution, Kharge added. Yoga guru Ramdevs wax sculpture will be placed amongst more than 200 statues of prominent world figures at the famous Madame Tussauds museum at Times Square in the US. The wax sculpture was unveiled at an event in the national capital on Tuesday. Ramdev expressed his gratitude and said the wax figure is not only about honouring him, but taking into account the rich Indian culture. He said he considers this as an important recognition of the global influence of Indian culture, especially Yoga and Ayurveda. Advertisement The honour symbolizes much more than my personal journey, and represents ancient spiritual wisdom of India which is based on the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, he said. The Yoga guru also spoke of Patanjalis aim to have a large number of schools imparting Gurukul-inspired education in a bid to incorporate such values and ethics that will help save the world from every kind of terrorism. Appreciating the attention to detail and accuracy of the wax figure developed by the Madame Tussauds team, he said they matched even the tiny hair on his body and created a real life-like sculpture. Apart from Ramdev, Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchans sculptures are already placed at the Madame Tussauds in the New York city. A senior official of the Madame Tussauds New York, Tiago Mogodouro, said Baba Ramdevs commitment to society through Yoga and the introduction of the Ayurveda culture, and his advocacy for healthy living is a gift for everyone. It stands as a testament to the profound impact and global reach of his teachings, he added. The inauguration of the Ram Mandir by the Prime Minister last week was witnessed by millions across the globe. The Indian diaspora celebrated the occasion with gusto in their home countries. This made the globe aware of the significance of the event. Within India, it bound the nation as one, bringing nationalism to the fore. Rarely has the nation witnessed the kind of euphoria as it did during the inauguration. Its acceptability received a boost with almost no violence on religious processions celebrating the occasion across the country. For days, Ayodhya has been packed with lakhs of peaceful devotees seeking darshan; managing it has been a challenge to state and temple authorities. Repeated requests to the public to delay their visits has had little impact. The inauguration gave a boost to the ruling BJP as national elections draw close. Its boycott by the opposition will be played up in forthcoming campaigns. The event was closely observed and commented upon across the world. Comments varied depending on how the nation or publication views India. The fact remains that there are organisations and institutions unwilling to accept that a former colonial Asian state is challenging the authority of the grand old West. Taiwans foreign affairs minister, Joseph Wu, mentioned that the world is divided into two categories, those who are going to fall in love with India and those who already have. Good wishes on the inauguration flowed in from Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Seychelles and Nepal. New Zealand Minister David Seymour, sent a congratulatory message mentioning, I wish to congratulate everyone in India, including PM Modi. UN General Assembly President, Dennis Francis said, Delighted to arrive in New Delhi when the country is celebrating its second Diwali. At the same time, there were critics. The nature of criticism depended on the leaning of the media house. Advertisement A few sample headlines would add credence. The New York Times headline stated, Modi opens a giant temple, a triumph toward a Hindu-first India. It added, the temple is on the site of a centuries-old mosque destroyed in a Hindu mob attack that set a precedent of impunity against Muslims. A Washington Post headline read, A temple to a top Hindu deity was built over a destroyed mosque in India. Here is why it matters. In Europe, the BBC headline read, India PM Modi inaugurates Hindu temple on razed Babri mosque site. The Guardian stated, Modi inaugurates Hindu temple on site of razed mosque in India. The Daily Mail termed the temple as the Hindu Vatican. The Financial Times headline said, Indias Narendra Modi rides Hindu nationalism wave in Ayodhya temple opening. Al Jazeera, a Qatar based news outlet, had as its headline, Indias Modi opens Ram temple built on site of demolished mosque in Ayodhya. China Dailys headline read, Modi opens unfinished Hindu temple in Ayodhya in grand style. A near similar report was issued by Xinhua. The OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation), under instigation from Pakistan, criticized the construction. The OIC objection mentioned that it denounces these actions aimed at obliterating Islamic landmarks represented by the Babri Mosque, which has stood tall in the exact location for five centuries. India rejected the OIC statement, mentioning, Government of India categorically rejects OIC Secretariats unwarranted and narrowminded comments. The Pakistan foreign ministry, which was expected to comment negatively, said, A temple built on the site of a demolished mosque will remain a blot on the face of Indias democracy for times to come. It also called on the UN to save Islamic heritage sites in India. India retaliated by stating, the absurdity of a serial violator of minority rights commenting on the treatment of minorities in another nation is not lost on anyone. Critics ignore the fact that it took the Indian Supreme Court ten years to conclude the case and issue its verdict after assessing every possible angle. There was no arbitrary decision either by the government or the courts. While western media commented negatively, global government spokespersons made no statements. While India was criticized, despite following the rule of law, there was silence when in 2020, Erdogan, the Turkish President, reconverted the Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine Christian church, into a mosque. Paul Antonopoulos, the editor of Greek City Times tweeted that Greece, after independence, began reconverting mosques to churches. In Pakistan, temples are broken down and mosques built in their place, over which there is silence. The Ram Mandir is expected to be the biggest draw in tourism in India, likely to surpass the Taj Mahal. Erik Solheim, a Norwegian Green politician and diplomat mentioned on X (formerly Twitter), It will be one of the largest tourist attractions in the world. Its construction has created a euphoria unheard of in recent years. Micheal Kugelman writes: With Ram Mandir, he (PM Modi) is sparing no effort to further position himself for electoral success, resorting to the tried-and-true tactics that have long energized his supporters and enraged his critics. There is no doubt that the inauguration of the temple will impact votes in the forthcoming elections. The re-election of Modi for a third consecutive term would be unpalatable to many. Indias growth, independent foreign policy, determination to steer clear of western alliances and refusing to be pressured while adopting an India-first policy has resulted in the growth of anti-India lobbies. For them, an alliance at the Centre, which can be controlled and manipulated, would be ideal. The fact that the inauguration would benefit him politically has added to biases in western media publications. As External Affairs Minister Jaishankar stated recently, I expect it (battle of narratives) to reach a crescendo in the first six months of this year As elections come closerthey will actually start to attack the process if it looks like its going a way in which the narrative drivers dont like They will attack the Supreme Court and Election Commission. Weve got to figure this out and we have to fight back. The current dispensation would reap benefits of the inauguration in the upcoming elections. This was evident when the PM tweeted, The first decision I have taken after returning from Ayodhya is that our government will launch Pradhan mantri Suryodaya Yojana with the target of installing rooftop solar on 1 crore houses. (The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.) Immigration has again emerged as a central factor in American politics, holding the potential to sway electoral outcomes. The narrative surrounding the issue has echoes from the past, reminiscent of how former President Donald Trump rode the border chaos wave to secure the Republican nomination and subsequently the presidency in 2016. Today, the countrys southern border is once again a focal point, with nearly 250,000 attempts to cross in November alone. Its a stark contrast to the rhetoric of yesteryears, where Mr Trump campaigned on the perception of a crisis that wasnt as severe then as it is now. The surge in border crossings, exacerbated by the asylum-seeking process and the release of individuals into America, poses a significant challenge for President Joe Biden. Since taking office, over 3.1 million border-crossers have been admitted, a number surpassing the population of Chicago. Add to that the undisclosed number of those who have entered undetected or overstayed their visas, and the issue gains political weight. The Democrats find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the consequences of a more lenient stance on immigration. The publics trust, particularly on border security, leans toward Republicans by a margin of 30 points, making it the partys strongest suit in voters eyes. Yet, this isnt solely a problem for Mr Biden. Economic factors, such as a tight labour market, have historically influenced the ebb and flow of illegal immigration, a challenge faced by previous administrations. However, the blame game only goes so far. While Mr Biden inherited a complex situation, his initial reversal of some Trump-era policies, like discontinuing the border wall and ditching the remain-in-Mexico policy, predictably led to an uptick in illegal immigration. The President has quietly adjusted course since the mid-term elections in 2022, filling gaps in the wall and making changes to the asylum-seeking process. Yet, these efforts remain largely unknown to the public, as Mr Biden hesitates to highlight what might be perceived as a political U-turn. Advertisement In this delicate balancing act, Mr Biden faces challenges from both sides of the aisle. The House of Representatives has bundled a stringent immigration bill with funding for Ukraines war, a move met with resentment from the administration. However, this could be a unique opportunity for Mr Biden to navigate the complex landscape. Instead of viewing it as an imposition, he could seize the chance for bipartisan collaboration. The immigration debate is nuanced, with sensible demands from both Republicans and Democrats. Raising the threshold for credible fear and addressing the backlog of immigration cases are reasonable aspirations. As the political pendulum swings, Mr Bidens challenge is clear ~ to address immigration comprehensively, defying partisan divides. By doing so, not only would Mr Biden embrace what is morally right, but also position himself favourably in the eyes of the electorate, mitigating the risk of immigration becoming the Achilles heel that costs him the presidency. The elegance of the six yards of woven wonder cannot be denied! On every occasion, be it festive celebrations or social engagements, the saree takes centre stage. The occasion transforms into a saree parade as women show off their gorgeous masterpieces woven by our skilled craftsmen. Each saree has a story to tell. As Indian textile art historian Jasleen Dhamija has written in her introduction to her book, Sarees are a topic of love for many. To me, they are way more than mere garmentsthey trigger memories of events and of people; they evoke emotions. (SareesStories in Six Yards) Thus, when three saree items from West Bengal recently received the GI tag, it became an occasion to celebrate along with the weavers. Mamata Banerjee, chief minister of West Bengal, announced her pleasure over the social media platform X. She wrote, Three handloom saree items of West Bengal, namely Tangail of Nadia and Purba Bardhaman, and Korial & Garad of Murshidabad and Birbhum, have been registered and recognised as GI products. I congratulate the artisans for their skills and achievements. We are proud of them. In fact, till date, 27 items from Bengal have received the GI tag. Handloom weaving remains a major occupation in rural West Bengal. There are more than 3.5 lakh handlooms in West Bengal, as per records of the Directorate of Textiles in West Bengal. Advertisement Tangail sarees are one of the most attractive handloom products in Bengal. The word Tangail finds its origin in the Tangail district of erstwhile East Bengalpresent-day Bangladesh. The weavers of these sarees are mainly from the Basak community, who migrated from the Tangail district before partition to settle in Katwa, Dhatrigram, Tamaghata, and Samudragarh areas in Purba Bardhaman district. Tangail is also manufactured in Nadia. Around 20,000 Tangail weavers in Bengal are involved in its production. Earlier, the Tangail saree was referred to as Begum Bahar, in which silk warp and cotton weft were used to create it. Eventually, the use of both silk warp and cotton weft became popular around the country. According to the Directorate of Textiles in West Bengal, silk Tangail sarees have been revived. But the cotton Tangail is more popular. Tangail cotton sarees have a finer count and are adorned with extra-warp designs using coloured yarn. It is a simplified version of a Jamdani cotton saree, but with minimal designs in the body portion. The technique of drawing and weaving extra weft for figured Tangail sarees is more or less identical to that of Jamdani sarees. Weaving is done using locally sourced pure cotton threads. The threads are first thoroughly washed with water to remove contaminants, then dried in the sun and sent to be bleached and dyed. After the dying process is complete, the cotton threads are sent to the weavers in bundles to make the bobbins. Weaving is done on a handloom by traversing the longitudinal threads (warp) with the horizontal threads (weft). For a better look and finish, weavers apply a paste made from sago or popped rice, which lends a sheen to the sarees and also makes them a little tough. This is how tant sarees are woven. Tangail sarees are the quintessential six-yard taant sari and are characterised by a thick two-to-four-inch border and a decorative pallu. Woven using fine cotton yarn in a variety of floral, paisley, and artistic motifs like bhombra (bumblebee), tabij (amulet), rajmahal (a royal palace), ardhachandra (half moon), chandmala (garland of moons), ansh (fish scales), hathi (elephant), ratanchokh (gem-eyed), benki (spiral), and tara (star). Geographically, Bengal is known for producing the best-quality cotton sarees because of the quality of cotton grown in this region due to its proximity to rivers and the soil conditions. The exquisite Baluchari silk saree of West Bengal, famous for depictions of mythological scenes on the pallu and border, also received the GI tag in 2011. Even the Garad and Korial are exquisite weaves typical of West Bengal. In fact, the word Korial has been derived from the word Kora, meaning white. Theyre usually classified into two types, namely the Gorod-Korial, a refined version of Garad sarees, and the Korial-Benarasi, embellished with heavy gold and silver motifs inspired by the Banarasi brocade technique. Garad is a white saree with a red border that epitomises traditional Bengali women. Garad silk sarees hold immense cultural significance in Bengal and have sacred importance in the traditional rituals of the Bengali community. The red border represents fertility and prosperity, while the white or off-white body symbolises purity and innocence. These sarees are traditionally woven with threads and are not dyed so as to retain the purity of the fabric, with a bold, red border to off-set the white body. A more ornamental and richer version of the quintessential Bengali Garad silk saree is the Korial silk saree, also called Garad-Korial. While the Garad has a vibrant red border on a white or cream body, the Korial version has intricate motifs woven on the white base, along with elaborate patterns adorning the border and pallu, mostly using zari. Korial silks are rich and intricately woven, making them perfect for weddings and similar occasions. The main feature of the Korial saree is its pure white body and broad red border. However, unlike the Korial, the Garad saree has a lighter red border and is usually adorned with flower-shaped and other motifs that enhance its appeal. Both the Garad and Korial are sourced from the districts of Murshidabad and Birbhum, where the silk weaving industry of West Bengal is primarily confined. In terms of sericulture production, West Bengal contributes more than 12 per cent of the total production in the country. In fact, women contribute about 60 per cent of the workforce engaged in sericulture. Saree can never go out of fashion. It is being worn and will be worn by both the young and the old. The elegance and beauty of a saree is incomparable. The sarees that women inherit as heirlooms are wrapped in stories and memories. Christmas in the hills of the Dhauladhar Range in Himachal Pradesh was an adventurous sojourn. A fairy tale ambience captured our attention as eight like- minded team members braved the cold to witness some breathtaking sights! We reached Chandigarh Railway station at dawn, on a very cold December morning. This was already more than a 24-hour train journey. But without wasting a single minute, we immediately boarded the pre-booked 12- seater tempo traveller, with all our luggage, and headed straight for McLeod Ganj, our first destination in the itinerary. The meticulous planning well crafted by our tour manager drove us through the picture perfect curves to reach Mcleod Ganj after an adventurous 8-hour drive. Anticipating the long route, we had some hot tea at a road side dhaba, and picked up our usual crate of Bisleri before getting on that mountain road . To be highlighted (with a funny icon): Advertisement A tip: We suggest that you carry enough Mineral Water when you travel in the hills as it is safe and economical. In one of our tours we had so many of mineral water bottles that we had to sell some to other tourists to lighten our luggage! The breathtaking view of the snow peaks made us forget our rough drive through roads, adversely affected by land-slides. But the patience and well disciplined driving of the hill drivers are to be much appreciated as they do such a commendable job in making the tourists feel safe and comfortable, while negotiating such damaged roads, not to mention the hairpin bends. Again some sizzling large stuffed alu parathas, so very typical of Himachal Pradesh, followed by more milky tea, welcomed us as we stopped at another way side food joint for a meal. As a bonus, it was more to enjoy the exquisite view of the snow clad Pir Panchal Range that played peek-a-boo throughout our climb. The heavenly Mcleod Ganj , abode of the living Buddha, Dalai Lama is dotted with numerous monasteries, museums, temples, lakes, waterfalls and Tibetan settlements. This little suburb of upper Dharamshala has quite a few cafes selling delicious Chinese and Tibetan dishes with soft steamed mutton momo, as a special delicacy; the numerous shops that overflowing with tourists buying Himachali and Kashmiri winter stuff and artefacts in the narrow mall road. These branch out in many of the lanes and by lanes. A visit to the Main Dalai Lama Temple, Ride on the Rope way to and fro Mcleodganj and Dharamshala and shopping to our hearts content as we enjoyed the sunset were the activities we covered on the day before retiring for the night. The HPTDC stay had all the comfort amenities ranging from warm water supply, warm blankets to mountain view rooms, in addition to a restaurant serving piping hot food. On Christmas morning we were at Naddi. The picturesque village from where we got a closer view of the Pir Panchal Range.The beautfiful landscape provides a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Naddi also houses the International Sahajayjoga Institute for Academic and Spiritual Enlightenment built by HH Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi. Back to McLeod Ganj, our time was spent window shopping, relaxing in the cafe and watching the Christmas crowd Khajjiar, certified as mini Switzerland was next on our itinerary. Few hours drive took us to Khajjiar only to be disappointed to find not a single drop of snow; as was expected and predicted by weather experts. The valley, however, surrounded by dense pine forests and a natural lake seemed like a beautiful picture postcard. We reached our final destination, Dalhousie, the next day after only a few hour drive. Throughout our journey, a view of the snow-clad Dhauladhar Range and the Manimahesh Kailash kept us company. The latter known as Chamba Kailash, which stands towering over the Manimahesh Lake, is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Kalatfop , Daikund Peak, Panchpula Waterfall, and a few churches are some of the well known landmarks that the enthusiastic tourists choose once they are in Dalhousie. We visited a few but enjoyed visiting Kalatop more, to experience a laid- back time with the people of the hills, while enjoying our coffee and sandwiches and undoubtedly, the view. Our journey back was marked by trains delayed due to dense fog; surprisingly lack of a proper food joint at New Delhi railway station, our capital. But once we boarded the Rajdhani after a twelve hour wait, we were well taken care of. Freedom fighter Lt Bharati Asha Sahay Choudhury, aged 95, shared her reminiscences and encounters battling with the British for the freedom on 24 January of the Tata Steel Kolkata Literary Meet. Tanvi Srivastava, the granddaughter-in-law of Asha, commenced the session by recalling the life story of Asha-san, followed by the launch of her remarkable Japanese memoir, The War Diary of Asha-san. The autobiography was written in the form of journals in Japanese (as she was born and brought up there, she is more fluent in Japanese than in any other languages). She used to write her daily grind of fighting in combat zones on scraps of paper she could find, and she kept this diary with her from 1943 to 1947. Twenty years later, after she finally came back to India after independence, she rephrased her diary into Hindi and titled it Asha San Ki Subhash Diary. This version was first published in the Hindi magazine Dharmayug in 1973, which then followed over 13 issues. Later, Tanvi translated it from Hindi to English and renamed it The War Diary of Asha-san. Let us once again revisit the emergence of this brave soul through the discourse of her autobiography. Advertisement Asha Sahay Choudhury, popularly known as Asha-san, was a member of the Rani Jhansi Regiment (RJR), the first all-women military wing of the world. RJR was the womens unit of the Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, formed under the leadership of Subhash Chandra Bose. Bharati was born in Kobe, Japan, on 2 February 1928, to Anand Mohan Sahay and Sati Sahay. Anand Mohan Sahay was an activist of the Indian Independence League who later became the military secretary of the Indian National Army. His wife, Sati Sen Sahay, joined him a few years later. Together, they started a magazine called Voice of India to promote the cause of Indian independence among the citizens of Japan. Anand later opened a branch of the Indian National Congress in Kobe. The young couple were important players in the Quit India Movement. They took refuge in Japan after the Chauri Chaura incident (1922), when British officers began to arrest freedom fighters who engaged in armed resistance. Anand Sahay then started inculcating patriotism in Japan among the Indians there. Asha, because of the influence of her patriotic parents, was raised with strong nationalist ideas and learned to oppose Western imperialism from a young age. She attended traditional Japanese schools along with her siblings. Asha was very young when she met Netaji in Tokyo, and asked for his permission to join the INA. Finally in 1944, she joined the newly-formed Rani of the Jhansi Regiment of the Indian National Army under the leadership of Colonel Lakshmi Sehgal. She fought on the battlefields of Singapore, Malaysia, and Burma, which showed how the freedom struggle of India impacted regions across the globe. Training was given in rifle handling, anti-aircraft guns, methods of driving trucks, warfare, etc. I fought on the battlefields of Singapore, Malaysia, and Burma during the war with the British army for the countrys independence. We used to march from Bangkok up to Burmas frontier. We learned to salute our nation and the flag with utmost love and respect, despite living in another country. We also learned to strike back at the enemy, especially those British people who dominated our motherland. However, this training didnt turn us into shooting machines with a heart of stone. We could never shoot the sepoys. They were my own countrymen. Many of them even got their nationalist sentiment from us the women soldiers participating in the war and sacrificing lives without a second thought, and finally surrendered and joined the Azad Hind Force, Asha tells The Statesman, recalling those bygone years of hers. Asha kept fighting along with the soldiers of Jhansi camp. In the meantime, when the war ended, she could not reach India. Her father was imprisoned in Central Jail, Singapore. He was later released and returned to Bhagalpur with his family in 1946. In the same year, Asha was married to Patna resident Dr LP Choudhary. Since then, she has come to be known as Asha Choudhary. In recent years, she has contributed to the development of the academic infrastructure of rural Bihar. She spent a few years teaching and mentoring students there about the love and loyalty that one should have for ones nation. What makes this story special is that it transcends time, space, and language. When one reads this diary, it feels like the individual has been transported back in time. It gives an individual the feeling of battling for freedom on the battlefield. The background is set in Japan, Bangkok, Thailand, and India, as the freedom struggle of our country expanded across the globe. The common man was inspired. The audience was absolutely thrilled to interact with a regal patriot. The session concluded with Asha-san singing Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja which fueled the atmosphere with nationalist sentiments and deep respect and pride for our freedom fighters. The writer is an intern at The Statesman TUNIS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Tunisia inked Monday an agreement to improve social protection for Tunisia's agricultural workers, according to the Tunisian Ministry of Social Affairs. The agreement, signed in Tunis by Tunisia's Social Affairs Minister Malek Ezzahi and Mohamed Amrani, acting representative for FAO's subregional office for North Africa, will launch action programs for social security benefits for farmers and fishers. Ezzahi stressed the vital role of agricultural workers in the country's economy and food security and said they need better working conditions. An Indian studying at Purdue University has been found dead outside a building on the campus after he went missing last week, a county coroner in the US confirmed. According to the Tippecanoe County Coroners Office, officials were called around 11.30 a.m. on Sunday to 500 Allison Road in West Lafayette for a possible body. Upon arrival, a college-aged male was found deceased outside Maurice J Zucrow Laboratories on Purdues campus, the Fox59 news channel reported, citing the coroner. Advertisement Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family, and we hope they are respected during such a difficult time, Coroner Carrie Costello said, adding that an autopsy is due to take place. According to The Purdue Exponent, the universitys student-run newspaper, Acharya was a double major in computer science and data science at the John Martinson Honors College. Chris Clifton, the universitys Computer Science head told The Exponent that he received an email from the Office of the Dean of Students confirming Acharyas death on Monday. It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our students, Neel Acharya, has passed away. My condolences go out to his friends, family, and all affected, Clifton wrote in an email to the faculty and students. Clifton called Acharya a driven individual and academically talented. Acharyas friend and roommate, Aryan Khanolkar, told The Exponent that he was a loving, charismatic soul, and will be cherished by all of us. According to Goury Acharya, mother of the deceased, her son was last seen by the Uber driver who dropped him off in Purdue university. In a post shared on X, she appealed for help, saying: Our son Neel Acharya is missing since yesterday Jan 28 (12:30 AM EST) He is studying in Purdue University in the US. He was last seen by the Uber driver who dropped him off in Purdue University. We are looking for any info on him. Please help us if you know anything. In a reply to the post, the Consulate General of India in Chicago said that is in touch with Purdue University authorities and will extend all possible support and help. The incident comes just days after a 25-year-old Indian student, working part-time at a convenience store in Georgia, was hammered to death by a homeless man. Vivek Saini was hit almost 50 times on the face and the head, according to an employee who worked with him. Russias near two-year war with Ukraine will cripple its economy in the long run despite its claims that it had found new ways to beat Western sanctions earning almost $15.2 billion in revenues through clandestine shipping of oil and minerals mainly to India and China. Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing election in March this year amid domestic pressure to pull down prices and withdraw the army from Ukraine, has however taken to gloating about Russias resistance to international sanctions and its supposed economic resilience, despite the best efforts of the US and its G7 partners to choke off Moscows oil revenues and starve it of military technology, media reports said. Scoffing at Europes economies, Putin said at a recent event in Moscow: We have growth, and they have decline They all have problems going through the roof, not even comparable to our problems. Advertisement Its true that, as the second anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, the Russian state is earning billions from oil and diamond exports, its military factories are working flat out, and many Russian banks can still access the international financial system, CNN reported per intelligence it gathered from the former Soviet Union. Russia has adapted to the wide range of sanctions imposed by Western nations. Sanctions have not weighed down the Russian economy, instead its economy is one per cent larger than it was on the eve of the invasion. But the longer-term outlook is far less rosy. War is distorting the economy and sucking resources into military production at an unsustainable pace, reports said. Rostec, a Russian state-owned defence company, has increased the production of armoured vehicles nearly fivefold in the year to November, according to its Chairman Sergei Chemezov. There have been similar vast increases in the production of munitions and drones. We boosted the production of munitions for firearms and MLRS (multi-launch rocket systems) by 50 times, Chemezov told Putin at a Kremlin meeting in December. But building things in order for them to be destroyed on the battlefield is not a path to economic success, economists in Russia felt. Since February 2022, Western powers have sought to shrink Russias revenues from exports of energy and minerals, and choke it of access to technology and finance, impairing its ability to wage war. In the process they have imposed sanctions on more than 15,000 Russian entities and individuals, according to a database created by the Atlantic Council. Since sanctions take time to have an effect, plenty of customers depend on Russia for what it does best selling oil and other commodities. Much of Asia has not signed up to sanctions, providing Russia with ready markets for its oil, as well as with high-technology equipment once bought from the West. India and China now account for 90 per cent of Russian oil exports, according to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. While trying to limit Russian profits from oil, the G7 nations announced that Western vessels and insurers could only be used when the oil is priced at less than $60 a barrel. So Russia developed a new network of shippers to get round the restrictions and keep selling to India and China. As global crude prices declined toward the end of 2023, so did Russian revenues, but they still earned $15.2 billion in November alone. The Atlantic Council think-tank, which tracks the impact of sanctions, reckons Russia is moving 71 per cent of its oil exports through a growing ghost fleet, whose ownership and registration details are camouflaged, CNN reports claimed. Shipping analysts Windward estimated in September that as many as 1,400 vessels had been used to move Russian oil in defiance of Western sanctions, many of them sailing without insurance. Christine Abely, author of The Russia Sanctions: The Economic Response to Russias Invasion of Ukraine, says the oil price cap has become subject to more widespread evasion over time, both due to direct violation of the terms of the cap and by Russia building out its own shadow fleet to transport oil. Western officials are hard put to contain the evasive measures Russia is taking to beat their sanctions. In October, the US Treasury Department sanctioned companies registered in Turkey and the UAE for carrying Russian crude sold above the price cap. But clamping down on the evasion is difficult in the opaque world of merchant shipping, media reports said. In addition, the Atlantic Council notes, most Russian banks maintain access to SWIFT a messaging service that connects financial institutions around the world enabling them to conduct international transactions and settle cross-border payments. Only some banks have been disconnected from the platform as part of sanctions. The think-tank also calculates that Russia imported more than $900 million worth of battlefield and dual-use technology per month in the first half of 2023. The UK National Crime Agency said recently: Russia is trying to procure UK sanctioned goods through intermediary countries using complex supply chains and alternative supply routes to acquire sanctioned products. A Financial Times analysis of available official Russian data found that even as access to precision tools from the West had been shut, Russia increased imports of advanced machine tools known as computer numerical control (CNC) from China tenfold. Taiwanese and South Korean enterprises have also sold such tools, which can be used in military industries, the FT found. Russia has used intermediaries that conceal the ultimate destination and end-use of items of everything from ball bearings to navigational equipment with impudence and confidence. The US Treasury is trying to keep up, says Abely, by going after these intermediaries. Last month it sanctioned several Turkish companies; Chinese and UAE companies have also been sanctioned. Its a painstaking process, but it raises the costs to Russia. Sanctions have restricted the access of Russias military industry to sophisticated technology and Russia has been forced to pay a premium for substitutes from other markets, the Bank of Finland says in a recent report. It estimates that the cost to Russia of Chinese goods useful to its war effort rose 78 per cent from 2021 to 2023. Sanctions against individuals, including the freezing of their assets and the confiscation of superyachts, have not led to a groundswell of opposition to the Kremlin or even the war among the elite, though a couple of oligarchs have voiced their opposition (from relatively safe foreign shores.) Very few of their assets have been confiscated by Western countries and the Kremlin has given them a stark choice: support the motherland or lose everything. Major donors are sending one of the world organisations oldest and largest relief operations to the brink of collapse after disclosures that the employees of the organisation set up to help Palestinian refugees took part in the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel. Its not so much the existence of the agency is at stake. Its the lives of the people that the agency serves thats at stake, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterress Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday about the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It will run out of funds past next month, he added. Advertisement UNRWA and the UN itself have been shaken by Israels allegations that 12 staffers of the organisation joined in the attacks on Israel. A dossier shared with several news media organisations by Israel also asserted that at least 190 UNRWA staff were working for Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The UN immediately fired nine of those accused of participating in the attacks, one was dead and the identities of two were being ascertained, Guterres said on Sunday. He added that he was horrified by the abhorrent alleged acts of these staff members and it must have consequences. Dujarric said that the UNs Office of Internal Oversight Services has been activated to investigate the allegations. On the other side of the ledger, at least 152 of the 13,000 UNWRA relief workers in Gaza have been killed in the Israeli attack on Gaza in retaliation for the Hamas attack that killed about 190 people in Israel and had about 240 taken hostage. After the US and at least a dozen other governments announced that they were freezing aid to UNRWA, Guterres said it will run out of funds next month to meet the dire needs of the desperate population of two million in Gaza. He appealed to the donors not to suspend their aid but to continue helping UNRWA. The US is the largest contributor sending nearly $344 million to UNRWA, which had a budget of $1.62 million last year. Germany, which comes next with a $202 million contribution, also suspended payments. UNRWA was founded by the UN General Assembly in 1949 in the aftermath of the war the previous year during which hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were forced out of their homes in Israel. It provides an array of services, from schooling and medical facilities to food and economic assistance, to Palestine refugees scattered across the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank occupied by Israel, as well as Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. Dujarric said that the organisation was irreplaceable in Gaza where 26,000 people, most of them women and children have been killed, 85 per cent of the population displaced, hospitals destroyed and mass starvation is threatened. No other organisation than UNRWA has the infrastructure to do the work that they do, he added. Its not as if anyone else can come in tomorrow and do the work that they do. According to Israel, nine of the 12 UNRWA workers who participated in the attack were teachers and one was a social worker. It accused two of them of participating in the taking of hostages, two of participating in raids on kibuttzes and one of arming himself with an anti-tank missile. US administration of former President Donald Trump had cut off aid to UNRWA in 2018 when Nikki Haley, a strong critic of the organisation and of Palestine, was the permanent representative to the UN. Soon after his election, US President Joe Biden ordered the aid to resume and now he faces questions about the integrity of UNRWA. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the work of UNRWA, saying on Monday that it has played and continues to play an absolutely indispensable role in trying to make sure that men, women and children who so desperately need assistance in Gaza actually get it. Therefore, he said, it is imperative that UNRWA immediately, as it said it would, investigate, that it hold people accountable as necessary and that it review its procedures. A Congressional hearing on UNRWA and its employees involvement in the 10/7 attack is scheduled. India contributes $5 million directly to UNRWA every year and its representative in Palestine, Renu Yadav, handed over an instalment of $2.5 million in November. WINDHOEK, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- More than 50 percent of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Namibia do not survive, Ester Muinjangue, the country's deputy minister of health and social services, said on Tuesday. Speaking at the launch of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, ahead of World Cancer Day which falls on Feb. 4, Muinjangue emphasized the urgency of addressing this public health crisis and underscored the importance of early detection through screening. "In Namibia, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer after breast cancer, and it is estimated that 236 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, with 135 dying from the disease each year," she said. According to Muinjangue, since 2018, public health facilities have screened 138,992 women using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) and Pap smear screening methods. However, there remains a significant number of women who have not yet been screened. She said the commemoration of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and World Cancer Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of and availability of cervical cancer screening and treatment services at public health facilities for women who are at risk. "By promoting awareness, regular screenings, and access to quality healthcare, we are not only preventing illness but also nurturing a society that values the well-being of its citizens," she said. As part of the commemoration, all public health facilities across the country will be providing unscaled cervical cancer screening services from Jan. 22 to Feb. 2, and will continue to do so as an integrated health approach. "During this campaign, cervical and breast cancer screening, as well as other general examinations, will be performed, while health education about cervical cancer prevention will be massively disseminated," she said. According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Namibia has a population of 855,578 women aged 15 years and above who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Job Title: NXP Storekeeper (Non Expendable Property Storekeeper) Fresher A Level Jobs Organisation: United States US Embassy, US Mission in Uganda Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda Salary: UGX 50,500,012 /= Per Year Position Number: Kampala-2024-001 About US Embassy: The United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Uganda for over 30 years. Ambassador Natalie E. Brown currently heads the U.S Mission to Uganda. The Mission is composed of several offices and organizations all working under the auspices of the Embassy and at the direction of the Ambassador. Among the offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Peace Corps Job Summary: The NXP Storekeeper (Non Expendable Property Storekeeper) is responsible for direct supervision of fourteen non-expendable property staff and oversees the receipt, storage and issuance of non expendable property. Incumbent develops daily work plans and assigns work to staff. Monitors inventory levels against Posts replacement schedule and coordinates with the NEPA section to verify property descriptions. Decides adequate storage space from NXP warehouse items and performs residential property inventories. Incumbents work area is located in the warehouse and reports to the Property Management Supervisor. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: NOTE: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. The applicants for the United States US Embassy NXP Storekeeper (Non Expendable Property Storekeeper) job should have completed secondary school (both O and A Level) . Required. Required. At least three years of experience in store keeping/property and supply management, two years of which are at a supervisory level, is required. Excellent working knowledge and understanding of current store management regulations and guidelines relevant to storage, supply, inventory taking and disposal is required. Ability to use computers and standard MS applications and programs is required. Must posses a valid drivers license, and have ability to operate hand power tools and drive a forklift . This may be tested This may be tested Language: Good working knowledge and ability to speak and read/write English (Level III) is required. This may be tested How to Apply: All those interested in working with the United States Embassy, US Mission in Kampala should send their applications online at the link below. Click Here Deadline: 9th February 2024 For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline CM Pushkar Singh Dhami disclosed this information via tweet He said that his govt. will implement UCC in the state by bringing a bill in the assembly soon Dehradun: The time to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state is now near. The expert committee formed regarding UCC will submit the final Report of UCC to the state government on 2 February. Chief Minister (CM) Pushkar Singh Dhami disclosed this information through a tweet on the X (previously known as Twitter) platform of social media on Monday. CM Dhami said that after receiving the UCC draft, the government will soon implement the UCC in the state by bringing a bill in the Assembly. It should be known that after taking oath as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand for the 2nd time, CM Dhami, as per his promise, held the first meeting on 23 March 2022. During the cabinet meeting held at that time, it was decided to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. To prepare the draft of UCC, an expert committee was constituted under the chairmanship of retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai on 27 May 2022 Here is the 5-member expert committee that is preparing the final draft on UCC: The committee was formed under the chairmanship of retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai. The committee includes Delhi High Court judge Justice Pramod Kohli, former Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand Shatrughan Singh, Doon University Vice Chancellor Prof. Surekha Dangwal and social activist Manu Gaur are included. Lets talk about what exactly is Uniform Civil Code? Uniform Civil Code (UCC) advocates equal law for people of all religions & communities living in India. At present, every religion & caste has a different law, according to which decisions are taken in personal matters like marriage & divorce. After the implementation of UCC, the same law will apply to all the citizens of India, from every religion & caste in matters like marriage registration, divorce, child adoption and division of property. Raipur, January 21, 2024 - A significant moment unfolded as Burnett Homeopathy Pvt Ltd., a distinguished name in homoeopathic medicine, orchestrated a highly successful Doctors Meet at the luxurious Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Raipur. This gathering brought together esteemed medical professionals, including renowned homoeopathic Dr. Nitish Chandra Dubey, founder of Hariom Homeo, for an engaging discussion on the upcoming Research Summit scheduled in Delhi and Germany. Against the backdrop of the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Raipur, the event provided an opportune platform for doctors to share insights, discuss experiences, and delve into the latest developments in homoeopathic medicine. The ambiance of the venue complemented the collaborative spirit of the gathering. Burnett Homeopathy Pvt Ltd. representatives actively engaged in a detailed conversation with attending doctors, including the esteemed Dr. Nitish Chandra Dubey. The discussions revolved around the impending Research Summit, with a focus on fostering collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of groundbreaking research in homoeopathic medicine. Dr. Nitish Chandra Dubey, a stalwart in the field of homoeopathic and founder of Hariom Homeo, expressed his optimism about the Research Summit's potential impact. "Bringing together experts from different corners of the world is essential for the advancement of homoeopathic medicine. The Research Summit provides a unique opportunity for global collaboration and knowledge exchange," commented Dr. Dubey. The Doctors Meet at Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Raipur, served as a precursor to the much-anticipated Research Summit. Attendees discussed key themes and topics that will take center stage during the summit, underscoring the significance of a global perspective in homoeopathic research. Dr. Nitish Chandra Dubey , a key figure in organizing the event, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the level of engagement among the doctors present. "The collaboration and commitment demonstrated by the medical community during this event are truly heartening. The Research Summit is poised to be a landmark occasion in advancing our understanding of homoeopathic," stated Dr. Nitish Chandra Dubey. Tamil star Thalapathy Vijay is all set to register his yet to be named political party with the Election Commission of India in the first week of February. Vijay will be the latest addition to Tamil Nadus long list of actors turned politicians. Sources close to the actor said that his fan club Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (TVMI) will be converted into a political party and registered with the ECI. A long list of names for the party is being discussed by his well-wishers and fans. Sources said Vijays party will be working along the same lines of the two Dravidian majorsthe DMK and the AIADMKtalking Dravidian politics and ideologies of Periyar and Annadurai. With the registration of the party, the stage will be set for the actors political debut in the 2026 assembly elections. The administrative work of the registration process has already begun. Members of TVMI met at the actors office in Panaiyur on the outskirts of Chennai on January 25 and elected Vijay as the president of the association. The meeting which went on for three hours, in the presence of Vijay, elected other office bearers also. The general council gave its approval to the bylaws of the yet to be named political party to be registered with ECI, said an insider. Though Vijay plans to take the electoral plunge only in 2026, the registration is scheduled to happen before the Lok Sabha polls due in April-May as the ECI had tweaked the rules for allocation of symbols to the registered unrecognised political parties. Also the office bearers of TVMI and Vijays well wishers feel that the ECI rules may get diluted further if the BJP returns to power after the Lok Sabha polls. The ECI has made it mandatory for the registered unrecognised political parties to furnish audited accounts of the last three financial years. The other reason for the actor to gear up for the registration process is the increasing pressure from the BJP which is keen to make inroads in Tamil Nadu. Sources say the BJP doesnt want Vijay to emerge as a competitor for its state president K. Annamalai. Vijay has been facing lots of external challenges even before his entry, say sources close to him. With the registration of the political party, Vijay will join the long list of actor turned politicians in the state after M.G. Ramachandran, Shivaji Ganesan, Jayalalithaa, Vijayakanth and Kamal Hassan. Known to be a man of few words, in contrast to his on-screen persona, Vijay feels that he can prove to be successful like MGR and Jayalalithaa. The 49 -year-old actor is one of the most popular stars from Tamil Nadu with a strong fan base across the state in all age groups unlike Rajinikanth or Kamal Hassan or Naam Tamilar founder leader Seeman. After being untraceable for several hours, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary today. Soren, along with party leaders paid tributes to Gandhi at Bapu Dham in Ranchi. Talking to presspersons, Soren said, Today is the death anniversary of Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi) and the ruling party is paying him floral tributes. We are proud that such people were born among us and gave us guidance. Responding to a question about him being missing, Soren said, I am in your heart; what's the problem?" Soren, who is being probed by Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case was said to be untraceable by the agency. seized Rs 36 lakh, an SUV and some "incriminating" documents after it searched the Delhi residence of Soren. The ED searched Soren's 5/1 Shanti Niketan residence in south Delhi on Monday for almost 13 hours to question him in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land deal case in Jharkhand. However, Soren did not appear before the officials and it said the chief minister was untraceable. According to reports, Soren reached his official residence in Ranchi past midnight. He met MLAs of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led ruling alliance at his residence. The Chandigarh mayor election results announced on Tuesday have stirred up a political storm with the Aam Aadmi Party moving the Punjab-Haryana High Court, highlighting concerns over the integrity of the entire process. The petition, filed by AAP councillor Kuldeep Kumar, who was the candidate for the mayor post, has demanded a fresh election in a free and fair manner under the supervision of a retired judge of the high court. The petition also demanded investigation by an independent agency into the "entire fraud" committed during the election process. The court will hear the matter on Wednesday. The BJP swept the polls, winning all the three posts including of mayor, defeating the Congress-AAP alliance. The saffron party got 16 votes, while the AAP-Congress alliance bagged 12 votes despite having 20 councillors. The opposition parties accused the presiding officer of rigging and not following the due electoral process. Eight out of 36 votes were declared invalid by presiding authority Anil Masih, a nominated councilor, with no voting right. "It is a black day for democracy. Everyone saw how they stole votes and forcibly made their candidate win. The issue is not who becomes mayor but the country should not lose and the democracy should not lose. Mayors come and go, parties come and go," AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said. Accusing the BJP of indulging in "hooliganism" in full public view, Kejriwal said if people do not stop it together it will be extremely "dangerous" for the nation. "The AAP-Congress alliance had a clear majority and it was a straight election. Eight votes or 25 per cent of the total votes were declared invalid. What kind of election was this? The mayoral poll result shows there is something wrong and at a large scale, they can go to any extent in national polls," he alleged. The Congress termed it as the shameless capture of the democratic system. "Brazen, shameless capture of the democratic system. Declaring opposition votes invalid to win the Mayor Election in Chandigarh shows that it is second nature for the BJP to override the democratic mandate," AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal said in a post on X. "First they abruptly postponed the elections, and then devised a way to capture it. This is a warning for all those who are deluded into thinking that the Modi-led BJP will allow democracy to function if they win in 2024," he said. The Indian Navy in collaboration with Seychelles Defence Forces and Sri Lanka Navy has successfully intercepted and rescued a Sri Lankan fishing vessel hijacked by Somali pirates. According a defence ministry statement, the hijacking incident was reported onboard the Sri Lankan flagged fishing trawler Lorenzo Putha about 955 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia on January 27. Indian Navy deployed INS Sharada and also tasked the Sea Guardian long-range drones to locate and intercept the vessel. Additionally, efficient operational coordination and Information Sharing through the Sri Lanka and Seychelles International Liaison Officers at IFC IOR, New Delhi resulted in the interception of the hijacked fishing vessel by SCGS Topaz in Seychelles EEZ on 29 Jan 24, the ministry said. The three pirates have surrendered to the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG). All six crew members are safe and the vessel is being escorted to Mahe. In another swift operation earlier in the day, the Navy rescued an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel with 19 Pakistani crew members off the east coast of Somalia. "Indian naval ship Sumitra, having thwarted the piracy attempt on FV Iman, has carried out yet another successful anti-piracy operation off the east coast of Somalia, rescuing fishing vessel Al Naeemi and her 19 Pakistani crew from 11 Somali pirates," Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. In total, the Indian Navy rescued three hijacked vessels in the Arabian Sea since January 28. Last week, the Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam extinguished a fire onboard a commercial oil tanker with 22 Indian crew after the vessel was struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden. The voting to elect the mayor, senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation will be held on Tuesday amid heavy police deployment. The voting, which was once deferred, will begin on Tuesday at 10 am following directions from Punjab and Haryana High Court. The elections are considered high stakes as the BJP will take on the opposition INDIA bloc, in the first clash between the NDA and the INDIA bloc before the general elections. The Congress and the AAP are fighting the elections together against the BJP, which has held the mayor's post for the past eight years. Kuldeep Kumar, representing the AAP, is contesting for the mayoral post, while the Congress is fielding candidates for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. The elections were originally scheduled for January 18 but were deferred citing the illness of the presiding officer Anil Masih. However, the Congress and AAP alleged that the BJP was stopping the elections from happening, fearing defeat. The Congress and AAP held a demonstration and AAP approached the courts against the move. Following the move, the Punjab & Haryana High Court directed the Chandigarh Administration to conduct the elections on January 30, with directions to Chandigarh police to ensure that "no ruckus takes place." Interestingly, Anil Masih, whose apparent illness had led to the deferment of elections, was appointed the presiding authority for the mayoral election again. The high court had also directed that the councillors who come to cast their votes shall not be accompanied by any supporters or security personnel belonging to any other state. #WATCH | Heavy security deployed in Chandigarh in view of the mayor election. pic.twitter.com/RTjJXb4jcB ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2024 Considering the law and order situation, a heavy police deployment is being put in place. About 800 police personnel, along with those from the paramilitary force, will be deployed during the poll process. There will also be a three-layer barricade around the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. The BJP has 14 councillors in the 35-member Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. Its Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher also has voting rights as an ex-officio member. The AAP has 13 councillors and the Congress seven. The Shiromani Akali Dal has one councillor. The Congress abstained from voting in 2022 and 2023, resulting in the BJP's victory in those polls. The election process for the mayor's position is conducted through a secret ballot. YANGON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar police have arrested seven suspects for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in eastern Myanmar's Shan state, the official Myanmar News Agency reported on Tuesday. After receiving a report that a group of illegally armed people was arriving at a mobile shop in Tachileik town in eastern Shan state, and then police went to the shop and arrested the suspects on Jan. 26, the media report said. The suspects included two Thai nationals and five Myanmar nationals, it said, adding that confiscated firearms and ammunition included four pistols, seven magazines and 62 bullets. One of the Thai suspects was a fugitive wanted in drug cases by Thai and Myanmar authorities, the media report said. Legal action has been taken against the suspects, and a further investigation was underway, the report said. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has reached his official residence in Ranchi amidst reports of him going missing. Soren, who is facing Enforcement Directorate probe in a money laundering case was said to be untraceable by the agency. According to reports, Soren reached his official residence past midnight. All MLAs of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led ruling alliance were asked to remain in Ranchi Soren met with them at his residence. The meeting was called to discuss strategies regarding the current political situation, and the Enforcement Directorate's proposed questioning of the CM on Wednesday, a legislator told PTI. ED on Tuesday seized Rs 36 lakh, an SUV and some "incriminating" documents after it searched the Delhi residence of Soren. The ED searched Soren's 5/1 Shanti Niketan residence in south Delhi on Monday for almost 13 hours to question him in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land deal case in Jharkhand. However, Soren did not appear before the officials, who said the chief minister was untraceable. Section 144 CrPc was imposed within 100-metre radius of Jharkhand CM Hemant Sorens residence, Raj Bhavan and ED office in Ranchi. In December 2021, Alappuzha witnessed the tragic and violent deaths of 38-year-old K.S. Shan, the State Secretary of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), and 40-year-old Ranjith Sreenivas, a BJP leader. Both individuals fell victim to brutal murders in separate incidents within a span of less than 12 hours. Shan was the first to be attacked at Kuppezham Junction in Mannancherry on a Saturday night. On the same night, Sreenivas, the State Secretary of the BJPs OBC Morcha and a lawyer, was assaulted at his home in Vellakinar. Today, the Mavelikara Additional District Sessions Court-I handed down the death penalty to 15 individuals for the murder of Ranjith Sreenivas. This marks the first instance where such a large number of people are collectively sentenced to death in a case in Kerala. All 15 perpetrators were associated with the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and its political arm, the Social Democratic Party of India. Despite arguments from the defence asserting that the case did not meet the criteria for the rarest of rare category justifying capital punishment, the court disagreed, declaring it to be such. On January 20, the court convicted all 15 under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code. Among the 15 who got convicted in the case, 12 were found to have directly participated in the act. Among them, the first eight accused, who entered the victims house, received a life sentence in addition to the death penalty. They were found guilty under Sections 302 (murder), 149 (unlawful assembly), 449 (house trespass to commit an offense punishable with death), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 341 (wrongful restraint) of the Indian Penal Code. The killing of RSS worker Nandukrishna, allegedly carried out by SDPI members at Vayalar in Alappuzha on February 24, 2021, is seen as the triggering incident for Shans murder and subsequently Sreenivass murder. These 'communally tinged political killings' had raised concerns about a potential communal escalation in Kerala back in 2021. The chargesheet for both Shan and Sreenivas murders was submitted on the same day by the police. However, the trial for the Shan murder case is yet to commence. The expected start date for the trial is February 2 but it faced delays due to issues in appointing special prosecutors. The first two special prosecutors in the case withdrew, and the latest oneAdv P.P. Hariswas appointed only last week. An Indian student was found dead outside a laboratory in Purdue University premises on Monday. Neel Acharya, a student pursuing a double major at the University was reported missing on Sunday. The cause of death is yet to be ascertained. Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office officials were called around 11.30am on Sunday to 500 Allison Road in West Lafayette for a possible dead body. Upon arrival, a college-aged male was found deceased outside Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories on Purdue's campus. In an email sent to the department, Chris Clifton, interim head of the university's Computer Science Department said, It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our students Neel Acharya has passed away. The leadership in the Department of Computer Science expresses our profound sorrow for his passing. I am deeply saddened by his loss. My condolences go out to his friends family and all affected. Clifton added Neel was a driven individual and academically talented. He pursued a double major in computer science and data science and was a John Martinson Honors College student. He aspired to pursue numerous academic achievements and shared profound connections with friends. He was very proud of and cared deeply for his brothers at Triangle Fraternity. Neel could be counted on to reach out to others and make them feel included. He was an achiever and an includer, with his: most notable qualities being genuine kindness and unwavering compassion, Clifton said. Clifton told the local Purdue Exponent newspaper that he received an email from the Office of the Dean of Students confirming Acharya's death. "A deceased person was found that matched Neel's description and had Neel's ID on (him)," he said. Neels mother Goury Acharya had posted on X, seeking support to find her missing son. "Our son Neel Acharya has been missing since yesterday January 28 (12:30 AM EST) He is studying at Purdue University in the US. He was last seen by the Uber driver who dropped him off at Purdue University. We are looking for any info on him. Please help us if you know anything." Responding to her post, India's Consulate General in Chicago, said: "(The) Consulate is in touch with Purdue University authorities and also with Neel's family. The consulate will extend all possible support and help." This is the second death of an Indian student in the United States in two days. On Monday, a recent graduate Vivek Saini was murdered by a homeless drug addict in Georgia state's Lithonia city. Saini, who was offering help to the homeless man was hammered to death by the latter. The Indian Consulate in Atlanta expressed anguish over Sainis death. We are deeply anguished by the terrifying, brutal, & heinous incident that led to the death of Indian National/student Mr Vivek Saini and condemn attack in the strongest terms. It is understood that the US authorities have arrested the accused and are investigating the case. The Consulate got in touch with the family of Mr Saini immediately after the incident, provided all consular assistance in sending the mortal remains back to India, and remains in touch with the family, the Consulate tweeted. -with agency inputs. The Pushkar Singh Dhami government is likely to table the Uniform Civil Code Bill in the Uttarakhand Assembly during the upcoming session, sources in the know of the developments said. According to reports, the Uttarakhand assembly will convene between February 5 and 8 and the Pushkar Singh Dhami government is expected to table the bill on February 6. Uttarakhands Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Premchand Aggarwal told ANI, "We are hopeful that the UCC Committee will submit its report on February 2. After this, the UCC bill will tabled in the state assembly on February 6." Earlier, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had said that the UCC committee is expected to submit draft bill to the government on February 2. "UCC was our resolve. We had promised during the elections that we will work towards bringing the UCC after the formation of government. The draft committee has completed its work and conveyed to us that they will hand over the draft to us on February 2. As soon as the draft is received, the formalities shall be fulfilled and the Assembly session has been called from February 5. We will work towards bringing it as an Act," Dhami told PTI on Monday. A committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai was formed by the Dhami government in 2022 to prepare a draft UCC for Uttarakhand, which could become the first state to have one - barring Goa which inherited a common code from the Portuguese at the time of Liberation. The UCC has been one of the three key poll planks of the BJP for a long time. UCC refers to a common set of laws that are applicable to all the citizens of India that is not based on religion and deals with marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption among other personal matters. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said the Mahagathbandhana grand alliance of Congress, RJD and Left partieswill continue fighting for social justice in Bihar and for that purpose the alliance does not require Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Gandhis swipe at the JD(U) president, who dumped the alliance and formed a fresh government in Bihar with the support of the BJP on Sunday, came on the second day after his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra entered the state. On Monday, in his rallies in the state, the former Congress president chose to remain silent on the political developments which have come as a huge blow to the grand alliance and the INDIA bloc ahead of the elections. The Mahagathbandhan will fight for social justice in Bihar; we don't require Nitish Kumar for that purpose, we don't require him at all, Gandhi said, addressing a public rally in Purnea district. Reiterating his demand for a caste-based census, the Congress leader alleged that Dalits and backward classes don't get due representation in all sectors of the country. Our country needs a caste-based census to determine the exact population of Dalits, OBCs and others, he said. An Enforcement Directorate (ED) team on Monday visited the Delhi residence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to question him in connection with a money laundering investigation but found the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader 'missing'. However, the JMM leadership rubbished the "confusion" regarding Soren's whereabouts, stating that he will appear before the investigating agency on Wednesday. A family member too alleged that a "false" narrative was being set to "delegitimise" Soren. The member, who did not wish to be identified, told PTI that they had informed the ED regarding Soren's compliance with the summons including his willingness to record his statement on January 31, 2024, at 1 pm at his Ranchi residence. This is the tenth summons issued to Soren in the land scam case. The drama unfolded on Monday after ED officials arrived at Soren's residence at 5/1 Shanti Niketan building in South Delhi around 9 am. Unable to find the chief minister, the agency officials searched the premises for over 13 hours. The agency seized a Haryana-registered BMW car from Soren's residence apart from some documents. The ED officials had already visited his official residence in Jharkhand too. "An ED team went to the residence of the chief minister in Delhi to question him but he was not there. Some other teams also went to the Jharkhand Bhawan and a few other locations but could not find the chief minister," a source told PTI. Police personnel stand guard outside Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence, in New Delhi | PTI The JMM had claimed that Soren left Ranchi for Delhi on January 27 for personal work and would be back. Party general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya told reporters on Monday that the way "the political situation has been presented is against democratic values." "The CM has gone to Delhi for personal work and will return as well. He has been called on January 31. We are ready for that day. You asked us the place and time and we informed you the place would be CM's residence on Kanke Road and the time would be 1 pm. Who is creating all this confusion now," Bhattacharya added. However, the Jharkhand unit of the BJP claimed that the chief minister has been absconding for the last 18 hours, fearing action of the ED, and urged Governor C P Radhakrishnan to take cognisance of the matter as the "credibility and reputation of Jharkhand are at stake". "According to media sources, late at night Hemant ji, wearing slippers and covering his face with a sheet, ran away from his Delhi residence on foot. Ajay Singh, the security personnel of a special branch who went with him to Delhi, is also missing," Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi claimed in a post on X. "The mobile phones of both of them have also been switched off. Since then, the ED and Delhi Police are searching for them. There cannot be any other example of such gross negligence regarding the security of the chief minister," the former CM said. The ED questioned Soren at his official residence in Ranchi on January 20 in the case. To its fresh summons to him asking him to confirm his availability for questioning on either January 29 or January 31, Soren sent an e-mail but did not confirm the date or time, ED sources told PTI. In the email, Soren alleged that the ED's actions were "motivated by political agenda" to disrupt the state government's functioning and claimed that its insistence to record his statement again on or before January 31 reeked of malice. "Preserve video recording of seven-hour questioning (of January 20) to make available to the court of law," Soren said in the email while agreeing to record his statement on January 31 at the Ranchi residence. The chief minister's office is yet to respond. However, Jharkhand Governor said he was keeping a watch on the situation in the state in the wake of the ED summons to the CM. "I am keeping a watch on the overall situation as the custodian of the Constitution. It is the job of the Governor, I am doing it. We will cross the bridge when it comes," he told reporters. Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur alleged that confusion was being created surrounding Soren's location under a "well-designed conspiracy". "Attempts are being made to create a perception that the President's rule will be imposed in the state. People are spreading rumours that the CM is missing," Thakur said. Protesting farmers in France on Tuesday set ablaze stacks of hay partly blocking the access to Toulouse airport in southwestern France. Farmers had intensified their protest since Monday as proper actions are not taken by the government in addressing their demands including adopting measures against cheap imports. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is set to announce new policy plans later on Tuesday. "Whatever happens, we are determined to go to the end," farmer Jean-Baptiste Bongard was quoted by Reuters. Farmers were camping on a highway in Jossigny, near Paris during overnight. "If the movement needs to last a month, then it will last a month," said Bongard. Farmers raising huge placards written "Let's save agriculture" demanded government to take necessary measures before the siege in Paris. In Longvillers, farmers had blocked both carriageways of the highway with tractors. According to BFM TV, stacks of hay and tyres were set on fire at the roundabout in front of the airport. EU Summit Being the European Union's biggest agricultural producer, framers protest in France is set to gain attention in the summit. Its been over a week since the protest has been going on. The farmers' campaign for better pay, fewer constraints and lower costs has become a major crisis for Attal in the first month of his new job. Protesters rejected pro-agriculture measures that Attal announced last week as insufficient. With tents, reserves of food and water, protesters had come for a long battle as the nation is set to host the Summer Olympics this year. The protest had hit the traffic near Paris as well making it difficult for the people to commute. In the wake of the protest entering Paris, the government has deployed around 15,000 police officers, to stop any effort by the protesters to enter the capital. Officers and armoured vehicles also were stationed at Paris' hub for fresh food supplies, the Rungis market. Farmers in neighbouring Belgium also set up barricades to stop traffic reaching some main highways, including into the capital, Brussels. French farmers assert that higher prices for fertiliser, energy and other inputs for growing crops and feeding livestock have eaten into their incomes. Protesters also argue that France's massively subsidized farming sector is over-regulated and hurt by food imports from countries where agricultural producers face lower costs and fewer constraints, reported The Associated Press. In her second rescue mission, the Indian Naval ship INS Sumitra carried out yet another successful anti-piracy operation off the East Coast of Somalia, rescuing a fishing vessel and its crew from 11 Somali pirates. The fishing vessel Al Naeemi was Iranian-flagged and had 19 Pakistani nationals onboard as crew members. This comes a day after the warship thwarted the piracy attempt on FV Iman, another fishing vessel with 17 crew members onboard. The vessel too was hijacked by some pirates off the east coast of Somalia. "INS Sumitra was again pressed into action, to locate and intercept another Iranian flagged fishing vessel Al Naeemi, which had been boarded by pirates and her crew (19 Pakistani Nationals) taken hostage. Responding swiftly to the developing situation Sumitra intercepted the FV on PM 29 Jan 24 and through coercive posturing and effective deployment of her integral helo and boats compelled the safe release of the crew and the vessel," said a statement by the Indian Navy. It added that the Navy personnel inspected the vessel and checked on the well-being of the crew who were held captive by the Somali pirates. The response by the Indian Navy to the fresh incidents came two days after its warship INS Visakhapatnam extinguished a fire onboard a commercial oil tanker with 22 Indian crew when the vessel was struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy deployed its missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam to assist the vessel after receiving a distress call from it on Friday night. Indian Navy helicopter escorting the fishing vessel | ANI The Navy has already enhanced the deployment of its frontline ships and surveillance aircraft for maritime security operations in view of the maritime environment in the critical sea lanes including in the North and Central Arabian Sea. Amid impeachment scare against President Mohamed Muizzu, Maldives government has approached the Supreme Court over the recent amendment to Parliament's standing orders which makes the impeachment process easier. When the clashes broke out in the Parliament between the ruling and the opposing MPs, the Attorney General's office filed the case on Sunday. The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which holds a majority in the Maldivian Parliament, had stalled approval of three members of President Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet paving way for a fight in the House. Later, MDP announced that it planned to submit a motion to impeach Muizzu and that it already started gathering signatures for the same. Initially, the row erupted when seven lawmakers resigned from Parliament in November to assume top positions in Muizzu's administration. According to Sun.mv, an online news portal, the Elections Commission decided against holding by-elections as the parliamentary elections were scheduled for this year. Taking advantage of the situation, the main opposition MDP amended Parliament's standing orders so that vacated seats aren't counted when determining the total number of MPs, it said. Currently, Parliament requires 54 votes to impeach the president, instead of 58. Also, according to the amendment to the standing order, the total number of MPs is now 80, instead of 87. The MDP and the Democrats announced an alliance to work together in the Paliament to hold the government accountable. The MDP and Democrats, have 56 MPs between them; 43 MPs from MDP, and 13 from Democrats. MDP lawmakers are confident that the party has gathered enough signatures to file an impeachment motion. Earlier, MDP and the Democrats had expressed concern about the pro-China Muizzu government's anti-India stance. Opposition demands Muizzu's apology Leader of Jumhoori Party, Gasuim Ibrahim, has urged Muizzu to formally apologise to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seek "diplomatic reconciliation" to mend bilateral relations. While speaking to the media, Gasuim urged Muizzu to seek forgiveness from India for the indirect attacks made in the interview, reported the Voice Of Maldives portal. After Muizzu's five-day visit to China, he stressed that his nation will be reducing dependence on India in various areas, including medical services. After three American troops were killed in northeast Jordan near the Syrian border, United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday said he has decided on how to respond to the attack. He was speaking to the reporters as he left the White House on a campaign trip to Florida. Reportedly, Biden had made the decision after consulations with top advisers at the White House. Though Biden did not elaborate on the decision, he said the US does not need a wider war in the Middle East. On Monday, national security council spokesperson John Kirby, in an interview on NBC television, said that the US is not looking for a war with Iran. "We are not looking for a war with Iran. We are not looking to escalate the conflict in the region. Obviously, these attacks keep coming. Well keep looking at the options. I cant speak for the Supreme Leader or what he wants or he doesnt want. I can tell you what we want. What we want is a stable, secure, prosperous Middle East, and we want these attacks to stop," he said. After the Jordan strikes, Biden had said that the US would respond to the strikes. He has been under immense pressure from the opposition for retaliatory strike as well. However, the nature and the time of the response is unclear so far. Three US soldiers were killed and at least 34 were wounded in the drone attack by Iran-backed militants. "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" claimed the responsibility for the attacks. However, Iran denied its involvement behind the attacks and said "was not involved in the decision making of resistance groups". ISLAMABAD, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and five others injured when a blast hit a rally of the political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Tuesday, official sources told Xinhua. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in the cipher case, his second conviction since ousted from power. Besides Khan, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Quresh too was sentenced to prison. The decision was announced by special court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain during the hearing of the case in Rawalpindi. Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) confirmed the development. The cipher case pertains to allegations that Khan had shared contents of a secret cable sent by the country's ambassador in Washington to the government in Islamabad. During a public rally on March 27, 2022, Khan waved the document and claimed that it was 'evidence' of an international conspiracy to topple his government, naming the US. The Pakistani investigation agency also charged that Khan never returned the diplomatic document. Judge Zulqarnain during the hearing, had handed over a questionnaire under Section 342 of the Pakistan Penal Code to Imran and Qureshi, reported Karachi-based Dawn. After Imran recorded his statement, the court asked him about the whereabouts of the cipher. Imran replied that he had it in his office. Meanwhile, the PTI has issued a statement saying that Pakistan stood with Imran and Qureshi "who defended Pakistan and stood for haqeeqi azadi". "No such sham trial can change what happened in March-April 2022, on the orders of Donald Lu," the statement added. "A complete mockery and disregard of the law in the cipher case shall not lead us to forget our primary responsibility in order to provide justice to Imran and Qureshi." The party added that its legal team will challenge the decision in a higher court and hopefully will get this sentence suspended. It also hinted at how Islamabad High Court had clearly annuled proceedings twice. Interestingly, this comes just nine days before the the February 8 general elections, which the PTI is contesting amid a state crackdown and without an electoral symbol. The party also urged the public to come out and vote on February 8. This comes as PTI faces a possible ban if Khan and other top brass are convicted in the cases relating to the May 9 violent incidents, according to a media reports. The Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office on Tuesday denied reports that the chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Valeriy Zaluzhnyi has been sacked, but it has only served to strengthen swirling rumours of cracks and inner conflict within Ukraines war-fighting machinery. On being asked on Tuesday evening whether the military chief had been asked to quit, Zelenskyy's press secretary Serhii Nykyforov, said: Definitely not. The president has not dismissed the commander-in-chief. The report comes at a time for Ukraine when Russian forces are trying to open up a new front along Kharkhiv in order to extend the war frontier so that the Ukrainian defences thin out. On a comparative scale, the Russian military positions are more firmly entrenched and dug in than the Ukrainian ones. Also with the winter snow set to thaw with the gradual onset of Spring, the ground becomes muddy and full of slush. As a result, movement of tanks and artillery becomes much more sluggish and prohibitive. This is a situation where Russia is believed to be placed in a more advantageous position than Ukraine. The reports acquire credibility because of open disagreements between the Zelenskyy and Zaluzhnyi since November including a public spat. In November, General Zaluzhnyi had said in an interview that the threat of a prolonged war persisted which would be a trap for Ukraine, something Zelenskyy strongly disagreed with. There were also reports that the President was bypassing Zaluzhnyi and communicated directly with some military commanders. In General Zaluzhnyi, Zelenskyy may also perceive a political threat with his presidential term ending this year even as Zaluzhnyi soars in popularity in opinion polls. Meanwhile, Ukraine is facing growing financial stress to fund the war effort as a recent meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) ended without committing to any additional aid of war supplies to Ukraine amid reports of the war-torn country reeling under a severe shortage of ammunition to counter the Russian military. Ukraine fires 6,000 to 8,000 artillery rounds on a daily basis along the 1,200 km long frontier with Russia. Additionally, the cost of these 155 mm rounds has increased threefold from $1,000-1,500 apiece. MUMBAI, India, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Pvt. Ltd., the leading global provider of B2B data, insights and AI-driven platforms, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Plastics Export Promotion Council (PLEXCONCIL) to create an ecosystem for promoting, aiding and fostering the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) exporters in the country. This partnership will help SMEs in India to increase their visibility, expand access to global markets, find potential customers, uncover new suppliers and channel partners, manage risk and identify growth opportunities. The Indian government has set a target for the country to become a US$5 trillion economy by FY 2025 and SMEs will play a critical role in this growth journey. This segment is expected to contribute 50% of GDP by FY 2025 from the current 30%. To achieve that target, SMEs must contribute 75% to the incremental GDP between today and FY 2025. This represents a significant contribution of SMEs to India's growth and they will require increased support from the government, policy makers and business service providers. Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Avinash Gupta, Managing Director & CEO India, Dun & Bradstreet, remarked, "For over two decades, Dun & Bradstreet has been dedicated to empowering Indian MSMEs, offering essential business intelligence for their sustained growth. With more than 99% of businesses falling within the Micro, Small, and Medium category in India, and a substantial 94% operating in an unorganized capacity, our collaboration with PLEXCONCIL is poised to be instrumental in propelling the growth of MSMEs, particularly those involved in plastic exports. Through the utilization of Dun & Bradstreet's D-U-N-S RegisteredTM Solution, MSME plastic exporters can fortify their credibility and enhance visibility on a global scale. In the upcoming quarter, we are excited to introduce an ESG seal tailored for our MSME customers, facilitating seamless collaboration with larger corporates. This initiative not only aids MSMEs in aligning with ESG targets but also encourages larger corporations to actively engage with the MSME supply chain, fostering a sustainable and mutually beneficial ecosystem." Mr. Hemant Minocha, Chairman, PLEXCONCIL, said, "This collaborative venture with Dun & Bradstreet marks a significant milestone in our proactive initiatives. It is poised to empower SME and MSME members of PLEXCONCIL with diverse D&B services, providing them with essential tools to overcome challenges and propel business growth. Leveraging Dun & Bradstreet's D-U-N-S RegisteredTM Solution, MSME plastic exporters can not only fortify their credibility and visibility on both domestic and global fronts but also gain a competitive edge across various platforms within their industry peers." Mr. Sribash Dasmohapatra, Executive Director, PLEXCONCIL, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "I am thrilled to announce that PLEXCONCIL has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dun & Bradstreet for the issuance of the D-U-N-S Number. This distinctive nine-digit identifier is widely recognized by exporters and importers globally, including in the US, Australia, and the European Union. It serves as a valuable tool to establish the legitimacy, ownership, and credit-worthiness of business partners on an international scale." Expanding on the collaboration, he mentioned, "As part of our collaborative efforts, Dun & Bradstreet will provide a comprehensive package, featuring the D-U-N-S Registered seal. This seal can be prominently displayed on websites and incorporated into email signatures, documents, and presentations by members of the council. The tailored package, accessible to PLEXCONCIL's MSME members, is poised to play a pivotal role in nurturing relationships and advancing market development." MSME plastic exporters may refer to these short videos: https://youtu.be/Quh2OzweE1M & https://youtu.be/Rl0PeLsU9TI to know the benefits of having a D-U-N-S Number. About PLEXCONCIL The Plastics Export Promotion Council (popularly known as PLEXCONCIL) sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of Commerce, Government of India, represents the exporting community in the Indian Plastics industry. It is one of several Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) launched by the Government to project India's image abroad as a reliable supplier of high-quality products in order to give a boost to the country's exports. PLEXCONCIL is the apex body of the plastics industry in India and represents over 2,500 exporters who manufacture/trade in plastics products ranging from plastics raw materials to semi-finished and finished items. PLEXCONCIL is committed to support the efforts of its members to achieve export excellence and service the overseas buyers to find appropriate trade partners in the Indian plastic industry. In its pursuit to achieve export excellence, various export promotional activities are undertaken by PLEXCONCIL. These include participation in international trade fairs; sponsoring delegations to target markets; inviting business delegations from the overseas to India; organising buyer-seller meets both in India and the overseas etc. and servicing the needs of its members. The Council also routinely undertakes research and surveys, organizes the Annual Awards to recognize top performing exporters, monitors the development of new technology and shares the same with members, facilitates joint ventures and collaboration with foreign companies and trade associations as well as represents the issues and concerns to the relevant Government bodies. Products from the Indian plastic industry are exported to over 200 countries round the globe with the major trading partners being the United States, European Union, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Nigeria, Indonesia, Egypt, etc. For more information: http://www.plexconcil.org/ About Dun & Bradstreet Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet's Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk, and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. Website: www.dnb.co.in Twitter: @DNBIndia LinkedIn: Dun & Bradstreet India Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2314099/DBLogo.jpg (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, a notable trend has emerged: Cardano (ADA) whales are increasingly diverting their investments towards Solana (SOL) and the rising DeFi platform Retik Finance (RETIK). This shift signals a significant change in investment strategies within the crypto community, reflecting the evolving market dynamics and the burgeoning potential of these alternative platforms. Cardano (ADA): A Pioneer Facing New Challenges Cardano, known for its robust, research-driven approach to blockchain technology, has long been a favourite among investors for its innovative contract capabilities and strong developmental roadmap. However, the crypto market is fast-paced, and with emerging technologies and platforms gaining traction, even established players like Cardano face new challenges to maintain their dominance. Solana (SOL): The High-Performance Contender Solana has rapidly gained a reputation for its high throughput and low transaction costs. With its innovative Proof of History (PoH) consensus combined with the Proof of Stake (PoS) mechanism, Solana offers a highly efficient and scalable solution. This has attracted developers and investors alike, looking for platforms that can handle high-volume and high-speed transactions, essential for modern financial applications and decentralised applications (dApps). Retik Finance (RETIK): The DeFi Innovator Retik Finance is carving out a niche in the decentralised finance (DeFi) space. Its offering includes a comprehensive suite of products such as a multi-chain non-custodial wallet, AI-powered P2P lending, advanced DeFi debit cards, and a smart crypto payment gateway. Retik Finance aims to bridge the gap between cryptocurrency and everyday financial transactions, making it a highly attractive investment for those looking to capitalise on the growing DeFi market. >>>> Click Here To Buy RETIK Tokens <<<< Why the Shift from Cardano to Solana and Retik Finance? 1. Technological Advancements: Solana's PoH and PoS mechanisms offer a more efficient alternative for handling complex financial transactions, attracting Cardano investors looking for high performance and scalability. 2. Market Potential of DeFi: Retik Finances focus on integrating DeFi into everyday transactions presents a new realm of possibilities. The platform's approach to the real-world application of DeFi is a significant draw for investors seeking innovative financial solutions. 3. Diversification Strategy: As the crypto market matures, investors are looking to diversify their portfolios. By investing in Solana and Retik Finance, Cardano whales can tap into different market segments and technologies, spreading risk and potential reward. 4. Community and Ecosystem Growth: Both Solana and Retik Finance have rapidly growing communities and ecosystems. This network effect is a strong pull for investors looking for platforms with high growth potential and active development. 5. Potential for Higher Returns: The relative novelty and rapid growth of Solana and Retik Finance offer the potential for higher returns compared to more established platforms like Cardano, which may have already seen their peak growth phases. The Implications for the Crypto Market This trend of migration from Cardano to Solana and Retik Finance has broader implications for the crypto market: 1. Market Maturation: It indicates a maturing market where investors are increasingly savvy, seeking out platforms that offer the best technological solutions and market potential. 2. Increased Competition: The shift in investment patterns increases competition among blockchain platforms, driving innovation and better services for users. 3. Changing Investor Sentiments: The migration reflects changing investor sentiments, favouring platforms that offer real-world applications, scalability, and a strong roadmap for growth. What Does the Future Hold? The future of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency investments is likely to see more such shifts. As the market evolves, investors will continue to seek out platforms that offer innovative solutions, scalability, and real-world applications. Platforms like Solana and Retik Finance are well-positioned to capitalise on these market dynamics, potentially leading the next wave of blockchain innovation. Conclusion: A Dynamic and Evolving Investment Landscape The migration of Cardano whales to Solana and Retik Finance is a testament to the dynamic nature of the crypto market. As investors continually adapt to the changing landscape, platforms that offer innovative solutions, scalability, and market potential will likely attract more interest. This shift is not just a momentary trend but a sign of the market's ongoing evolution, highlighting the importance of staying adaptable and informed in the world of cryptocurrency investing. Click Here To Take Part In Retik Finance Presale Visit the links below for more information about Retik Finance (RETIK): Website: https://retik.com Whitepaper: https://retik.com/retik-whitepaper.pdf Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retikfinance (Disclaimer : The above Press Release is provided by HT Syndication and PTI will not take any editorial responsibility of this content.). PTI PWR PWR NEW DELHI , Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 8th Edition of The Times Group Global Business Summit (GBS), one of the largest conclaves of its kind in Asia, is scheduled to take place on February 9 and 10, 2024 at Taj Palace,New Delhi India. This year, Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi will set his vision for a New India at the summit and will be complimented by other key cabinet ministers that will underscore that goal for the country. Deliberations will pivot on the theme of Disruption, Development, and Diversification, where global leaders from across the world, such as; Bill Winters, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank; Jennifer M. Johnson, CEO, Franklin Resources Inc; Ravi Kumar S, CEO, Cognizant; Michael Schoellhorn, CEO - Defence and Space, Airbus; Andres de Leon, CEO, Hyperloop TT; Michael Spence, Economist & Nobel Laureate, and David Hanson, CEO & Co-Founder, Hanson Robotics among others, will be seen collaborating to find solutions to the most critical problems humanity is facing today. The Times Group Global Business Summit, curated and executed by ET Edge, is a forum for global leaders to discuss current issues and map the future. This year, government leaders, opinion-makers, business magnates, corporate heads, academicians, and technocrats from across the world will gather to understand the complexities being faced globally, predict the world's trajectory, and propose practical solutions for current and future challenges. Mr. Vineet Jain, Managing Director of The Times Group said, "In an era marked by escalating global uncertainties, we must harness the intellectual prowess of some of the best minds to collaboratively devise solutions that will help us in building a resilient world. This year's summit will once again serve as the fertile grounds on which thought-provoking discussions and exchange of ideas will contribute to resolving some of the most pressing global challenges plaguing our communities and lives." The 2024 edition is expected to be attended by 2000+ delegates from diverse industries, sectors, and backgrounds from over 20 countries. About The Times Group Global Business Summit The Times Group Global Business Summit has been a distinguished platform that has welcomed eminent personalities from India and abroad, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Microsoft's Bill Gates, Airbnb's Brian Chesky, Huffington Post Media Group's Arianna Huffington, Uber's Dara Khosrowshahi, Netflix's Reed Hastings, Apple's Steve Wozniak, venture capitalist Guy Kawasaki, World Bank Group's Anshula Kant, Adani Group's Gautam Adani, Bharti Enterprises' Sunil Bharti Mittal, actor Shah Rukh Khan, and Economist and Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman, among others. About ET Edge ET Edge an Initiative of The Times Group is India's largest conference and thought leadership company. Since its inception in 2015, ET Edge has been at the forefront of creating unique thought leadership initiatives with the objective to empower multiple sectors, industries, and segments by dispersing critical business knowledge through strategically developed specialised conferences and summits. A team of young, enthusiastic, and innovative minds across multiple cities in India work together towards a common objective of curating pertinent conversations that address today's business needs. The Times Group Global Business Summit is among ET Edge's flagship IPs, which strives to bring together visionaries and key global leaders through its enriched knowledge platforms to aid the symbiotic relationship between societies and businesses. Some of the other marque conference properties of ET Edge include (SDG) Sustainability Development Goals Summit, Supply Chain Summit, CX Summit, and Best Brands series. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR Kathmandu, Jan 30 (PTI) Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister Purna Khadka on Tuesday called for a positive response from the UK for the Gurkha soldiers who retired from the British Army before 1997 and are demanding perks and pensions on par with their British counterparts. Khadka, who is also the defence minister, pressed for the demand at a meeting with the UK's Chief of the General Staff, Gen. Patrick Sanders, who is visiting the Himalayan nation. Sanders called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and met Khadka and Foreign Minister NP Saud on Tuesday. Khadka urged Sanders to address the concerns of Gurkha soldiers who retired from the British Army before 1997 and demand equal perks and pensions on par with their British counterparts, according to Foreign Ministry sources. He talked about the long-standing bilateral ties between Nepal and the UK that have extended to the people-to-people level. The deputy prime minister also pointed out that the two countries share similar values in democracy, human rights, the rule of law and independence, human values and dignity. During a separate meeting with the British Army chief, Foreign Minister Saud requested the UK government to address the demands of the ex-British Gorkha soldiers regarding their pension, asserting that it would provide justice to them. In response, Sanders assured that the UK Government is serious about the demands put forth by the ex-soldiers and said that it wants to resolve the issue. He also assured that the British government will focus on creating employment and promoting tourism and economic growth in its future assistance programme in Nepal. The Nepalese Gurkhas have been part of the British Army for nearly 200 years. There are currently over 4,000 Gurkhas employed in the Brigade of Gurkhas across many trades, according to the British Army website. * Ro Khanna campaigns for Prez Biden in S Carolina, reminds Nikki Haley of history US doesn't seek another war: White House on drone strike by Iran-backed group US and Chinese officials hold over 12-hour meet in Bangkok: WH Indian student who went missing at Purdue University confirmed dead India-Singapore working on food security, green growth and emerging tech Pakistan to issue new notes to combat counterfeit currencies Pakistani security officials thwart coordinated attack on Balochistan province's Mach jail Stories on Israel-Gaza war. Stories on political developments in Pakistan. * (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI) Washington, Jan 30 (The Conversation) A drone attack that killed three American troops and wounded at least 34 more at a base in Jordan has increased fears of a widening conflict in the Middle East and the possibility that the US may be further drawn into the fighting. President Joe Biden vowed to respond to the assault, blaming Iran-backed militias for the first US military casualties in months of such strikes in the region. But to what extent was Iran involved? And what happens next? The Conversation turned to Sara Harmouch, an expert on asymmetric warfare and militant groups in the Middle East, to answer these and other questions. What do we know about the group that claimed responsibility? Al-Muqawama al-Islamiyah fi al-Iraq, which translates as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, has claimed responsibility for the drone attack. However, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq is not a single group per se. Rather, it is a term used to describe an umbrella organization, which, since around 2020, has included various Iran-backed militias in the region. Initially, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq emerged as a response to foreign military presence and political interventions, especially after the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq acted as a collective term for pro-Tehran Iraqi militias, allowing them to launch attacks under a single banner. Over time, it evolved to become a front for Iran-backed militias operating beyond Iraq, including those in Syria and Lebanon. Today, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq operates as a cohesive force rather than as a singular entity that is to say, as a network its objectives often align with Irans goal of preserving its influence across the region, but on a national level the groups have their distinct agendas. The collective is notorious for its staunch anti-US posture and dynamic military campaigns, such as a recent two-day drone operation targeting American forces at an Iraqi airbase. Operating under this one banner of Islamic Resistance, these militias effectively conceal the identities of the actual perpetrators in their operations. This was seen in the deadly January 28, 2024, attack on Tower 22, a US military base in Jordan. Although it is evident that an Iranian-supported militia orchestrated the drone assault, pinpointing the specific faction within this broad coalition remains elusive. This deliberate strategy hinders direct attribution and poses challenges for countries attempting to identify and retaliate against the precise culprits. What do they hope to achieve in attacking a US target? Iranian-backed militias have been intensifying attacks on US forces in recent months in response to American support for Israel in the Israel-Hamas conflict, and also to assert regional influence. Since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023, Iranian-backed militias have repeatedly struck American military bases in Iraq and Syria, recently expanding their attacks to include northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border. The deadly assault on January 28 marks a significant escalation, though it is the first instance during the Israel-Hamas war that American troops have been killed. The attack in Jordan forms part of a strategy by Iranian-backed militias to counter Washingtons support for Israel in the Gaza conflict. But it is also aimed at advancing a wider goal of pushing US forces out of the Middle East entirely. By coordinating attacks under the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, these groups are trying to display a unified stance against US interests and policy, showcasing their collective strength and strategic alignment across the region. What role did Iran have in the attack? Iran has officially denied any involvement in the drone strike. But the Islamic Resistance in Iraq is known to be part of the networks of militia groups that Tehran supports. Iran, through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, has provided such militias with money, weapons and training. However, the extent of Irans command and coordination in specific incidents like the Jordan attack remains unclear. At this stage, more concrete evidence is necessary to firmly implicate Iran. As Iran expert Nakissa Jahanbani and I recently explained in an article for The Conversation, Irans strategy in the region involves supporting and funding militia groups while granting them a degree of autonomy. By doing so, Iran maintains plausible deniability when it comes to attacks carried out by its proxies. So while Irans direct involvement in the attack has not been definitively established, Tehrans long-standing support of groups like the Islamic Resistance in Iraq is well documented, playing a significant role in the regional conflict dynamics and geopolitical strategies. What options does the US have to respond? It isnt clear how the US intends to respond to the attack. The Biden administration faces complex dynamics when it comes to responding to attacks linked to Iranian-backed militias. While a forceful military strike is an option that the Biden administration appears to be looking at, targeting Iran directly on its own soil is fraught with risks and may be seen as a step too far. Even when targeting Iranian interests or personnel, such as the assassination of Quds Force General Qassem Soleimani, the US has conducted these actions outside Iranian territory. Irans denial of direct involvement in the attack further complicates the situation and makes it less likely that the US attacks Iran in retaliatory strikes. But adopting a targeted approach, such as striking militia leaders outside of Iran, raises questions about the effectiveness of US tactics in deterring Iran and its proxies. This strategy has been employed in the past, yet it has not significantly curbed Irans or its proxies aggressive actions. The concern is that while such strikes are precise, they may not be enough to deter ongoing or future attacks. The key to the strategys success may rest in identifying the most influential factors, or centers of gravity, that can effectively influence Irans behavior. This means determining key leaders, critical infrastructure or economic assets, which, if killed, destroyed or seized, could substantially alter Irans decision-making or operational capabilities. The Biden administrations need to balance a strong response with the geopolitical consequences highlights the difficulties of navigating a tense and evolving situation. How might the attack affect the wider Middle East conflict? How the US responds could reshape the Middle Easts geopolitical landscape and influence the dynamics of proxy warfare in the region. A strong military response from Washington might deter Iranian-backed militias from future attacks, but it could also provoke them into taking more aggressive actions. In the short term, any US retaliation especially if it targets Iranian interests directly could escalate tensions in the region. It could also exacerbate the cycle of tit-for-tat strikes between the US and Iranian-backed forces, increasing the risk of a broader regional conflict. And given that the attacks pretext involves the Israel-Hamas war, any US response could indirectly affect the course of that conflict, impacting future diplomatic efforts and the regional balance of power. (The Conversation) PY PY By Dov WaxmanRosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Professor of Israel Studies, University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, Jan 30 (The Conversation) As Israels war with Hamas drags into its fourth month, some Israelis are becoming increasingly angry at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his governments inability to free the remaining 136 hostages in the Gaza Strip. Israeli protesters have called for Netanyahus resignation, while dozens of family members of the hostages stormed the Israeli parliament on January 22, 2024, demanding a deal for the hostages release. The Conversation US spoke with Dov Waxman, a scholar of Israeli politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, to better understand the public pulse in Israel, and why some experts including him are saying that Netanyahu does not want to end the war. How is Israeli public opinion on the war shifting? For the first three months or so of the war, Israelis, specifically Jewish Israelis, strongly supported the war and the governments declared goal of defeating and dismantling Hamas. That consensus and unity are rapidly fraying. Netanyahu says continuing the war is the best way to release the hostages, but more and more Israelis, including the families of the hostages, are arguing that with every passing day that the war continues, the lives of the hostages are in greater danger. Theres also growing doubts about whether Israel can actually decisively defeat and destroy Hamas. More than three months into the war, Hamas is still standing and firing rockets into Israel. While Israel has assassinated mid-level Hamas commanders, Hamas leaders are still alive and able to call the shots. You have said that Netanyahu does not want to end the war. Why would that be? Netanyahu is widely unpopular in Israel. Many Israelis, including some of Netanyahus supporters on the right, hold him accountable for the cascade of failures that resulted in Hamas massive incursion and horrific attack on October 7, 2023. To restore his domestic support, Netanyahus only hope is to continue the war and try to achieve the total victory over Hamas that he has been promising. If he fails to deliver on this, and on the release of the hostages, his Likud party is likely to lose the next election and hell be out of office. How does this political pressure influence Netanyahus response to the war? In order for Netanyahu to hold his coalition government together and avoid an election, he has to appease the far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties in his government. For the ultra-Orthodox parties, that means ensuring that their constituents receive the generous government subsidies and welfare benefits that they depend on, not requiring them to serve in the Israel military unlike other Israeli Jews and maintaining the religious status quo in Israel. For the far-right parties, it means supporting Israeli settlers in the West Bank and expanding settlements there, and also preventing anything that will strengthen the Palestinian Authority, which the far-right wants to get rid of. To keep his far-right allies in the government, Netanyahu has to block any post-war plan that gives the Palestinian Authority control over Gaza. Merely discussing the question of post-war Gaza is treacherous for Netanyahu because the far-right is calling for Israel to reestablish Jewish settlements there. The Biden administration opposes any long-term Israeli presence in Gaza and wants a revamped and revitalized Palestinian Authority to eventually return to oversee the territory. Netanyahus way to evade these conflicting pressures is to avoid any discussion of the post-war governance of Gaza as much as possible. Netanyahu has only said that Israel must have security control over Gaza, but what that actually entails is totally unclear. What are most Israelis increasingly focused on, regarding the war? Most Israeli Jews are focused on the fate of the hostages and on Israeli military casualties these are the stories that dominate Israeli media coverage. The families of the hostages have made sure that their plight is not forgotten. And since some of the hostages who were released back in November are recounting their harrowing experiences in captivity, this is also keeping public attention focused on the hostages still in Gaza. The deaths of Israeli soldiers in Gaza also receive a lot of attention on January 23, the Israeli military had its deadliest day since the war began when 24 soldiers were killed. Most Israeli Jews have served in the military, and most have family members or friends currently serving. So they are very connected to the military, and military deaths resonate very powerfully in Israeli society. What most Israelis are not focusing on is the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Many are not even aware of what is happening to Palestinians in Gaza, because it receives little coverage in the Israeli media. Families of the hostages are speaking out against the Israeli government and its inability to free the hostages. What kind of pressure is this creating? It has a big effect. There is great empathy for what these families are going through. There is also a strong ethos that the state has a moral obligation to rescue its citizens, including its soldiers. Many people feel that the state fundamentally failed its citizens on October 7 because it failed to prevent or stop the massacre and abductions that took place. So it is now especially incumbent on the government to bring the hostages home. Even if Israel defeats Hamas but doesnt free the hostages, it will leave an open wound in Israeli society and damage, if not rupture, the relationship between the Israeli state and its citizens. Why is it unlikely that the military can free the hostages? The hostages are kept underground in tunnels that are hundreds of miles long. Its likely they are frequently moved around, so it is next to impossible to even locate them. And even if they are located, actually reaching them before they are killed by their captors would be very, very difficult. The only feasible option to free the hostages is to strike another deal with Hamas. But it will be very hard for Netanyahu to accept the terms that Hamas is demanding, particularly ending the war. Netanyahu and his defence minister argue that the more military pressure Hamas is under, the more likely it is to accept a deal on terms that are acceptable to Israel. But the other members of the war cabinet, and growing numbers of Israelis, now believe Israel should make a deal to release the hostages whatever the price, even if that means ending the war without defeating Hamas. (The Conversation) PY PY JAKARTA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian authorities lowered the status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki from alert level to caution, the second-highest level as volcanic activities decreased, but the emergency response status remained, the country's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) announced Tuesday. Head of the PVMBG, Hendra Gunawan, said that as of Monday, the height of the eruption column decreased on average from 1,500 meters above the peak to 500 meters. The glide distance of hot clouds shortened to 1 km, from previously 2 km. The movement of lava flow to the northeast slowed down. Furthermore, the number of eruption earthquakes decreased, from 15 to 25 times per day to three to five times. "The mountain is still erupting, but the volcanic activities have started to decrease, but we are still monitoring it until it is safe for all of us," Gunawan said at an evacuation post in East Flores regency, East Nusa Tenggara province, as quoted by local media. However, Gunawan said the people around the volcano were still strongly recommended not to do activities within a 4-km radius of the eruption center and were told to remain cautious of the potential for rain lava floods in rivers. "People should still wear masks and cover their noses and mouths to avoid the impact of volcanic ash on the respiratory system," he said. Located in the southern part of the country's Flores island, one of Indonesia's popular tourism destinations, the Lewotobi Laki-Laki has erupted over the past month, forcing more than 2,000 people from seven villages to evacuate. Local media reported that during the period of Jan. 17 to Jan. 28, four people died at the evacuation posts. Hironimus Lamawuran, head of Communication and Information Office of East Flores, said most of them died from asthma and shortness of breath. All of them were elderly aged 60 to 90. Separately, East Flores Acting Regent Doris Alexander Rihi ensured that the evacuation posts were in good and decent conditions and the basic needs of the evacuees had been fulfilled, but those who died had refused to eat or drink water. "They did not eat or drink well. Some only drank one glass of milk each day," Rihi said. The East Flores Regional Disaster Mitigation told local media recently that they lacked supplies on food for the evacuees. Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, head of Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, said the evacuees would be allowed to return to their homes when the status lowered to standby, the third level after caution. "If the status is lowered again, maybe some people can go home soon," he said. Indonesia is one of the countries with the most volcanoes in the world, given its geographic position on the Pacific Ring of Fire. On Tuesday, Mount Merapi in Yogyakarta province, Java island, erupted three times. Merapi is the most active volcano among the total of 13 volcanoes in Indonesia. In early December 2023, it erupted and killed 23 people, mostly mountain climbers. Blacksburg (US), Jan 30 (The Conversation) Ukrainians have endured war for nearly two years. Since the Russian invasion of February 24, 2022, more than 6.3 million Ukrainians have fled the country, while an estimated 3.7 million are internally displaced. The war has had damaging geopolitical and ecological consequences. But it is ordinary Ukrainians, those who stayed to endure and fight, who experience its strains and horrors daily. As the war enters its third year, what is the mood among these Ukrainians? As a political geographer who has worked with colleagues on surveys in the region for years, I know that measuring public opinion in wartime Ukraine presents many challenges. Nearly 1 in 4 Ukrainians have had to move from their homes. And while the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line has largely stabilized, missile and drone attacks are a daily occurrence. Patriotic feelings are high, and so also is distrust, especially in places formerly occupied by Russia. Most public opinion research today in Ukraine is conducted by telephone interview. Survey companies make calls to randomly selected functioning numbers and ask citizens over the age of 18 to participate. Response rates can be low. Nonetheless, survey companies manage through persistence. The latest survey by the National Democratic Institute released on Jan. 26 provides insight into how Ukrainians are coping. Administered by the reputable Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, this telephone survey recorded the views of 2,516 Ukrainians from November 14-22, 2023. Four findings stand out: 1. Costs in lives and mental health are high Since the outset of the war, the National Democratic Institute has asked Ukrainians if they have experienced the loss of family and friends from the war. In May 2022, one-fifth of respondents indicated that they had. In November 2023, almost half said they had lost loved ones, with higher rates among middle-aged and young respondents. The mental health costs to Ukrainians of war are considerable. Many are forced to flee to shelters at all hours. Almost three-quarters of women and half of male respondents report a deterioration of their mental health, according to the latest poll. Lack of sleep is the single largest reported health cost of the war. But lost income, deteriorating physical health and family separation are also commonly reported. Any post-war Ukraine will be a society where significant parts of the population are living with physical and mental disabilities. Human rehabilitation needs are already considerable and will grow. 2. More Ukrainians are willing to negotiate Since the war began, the National Democratic Institute survey has asked if Ukraine should engage in negotiations with Russia to try to achieve peace. A majority (59 per cent) said yes just a few months into the war in May 2022. But, by August 2022, in the wake of accumulating Russian assaults and alleged war crimes, sentiment had flipped with a majority against. By January 2023, the share of those in favour had dropped 30 points to a low of just 29 per cent. Since then, this percentage has climbed upward. In November 2023, it rebounded to 42 per cent. As it stands, the majority of Ukrainians are opposed to seeking negotiations with Russia. Talks, in any case, are not on the agenda. In the current war climate, there appears little prospect of negotiations with Vladimir Putins Russia at a time when it is deepening the militarization of the state, economy and society. Academic research, largely based on the US experience since World War II, suggests that as casualties increase, public support for war declines. Wars of defense against an invasion appear to be different, with greater public tolerance of loss because the conflict is perceived as necessary and just. But as Ukraine drives to recruit 450,000 to 500,000 new soldiers to replace its fallen and wounded, this proposition will be significantly tested. 3. Resistance to land concessions continue From the outset of the war, Ukrainians have been surveyed to elicit what they would accept as the price of peace. The question is difficult for Ukrainians who rightly feel victimized. Research by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology since the outset of the war reveals overwhelming sentiment among Ukrainians against territorial concessions for immediate peace. My own research with social psychologist Karina Korostelina in front-line southeastern Ukrainian cities revealed the overwhelming belief that Ukraines territorial integrity is sacred. But so too, of course, is human life. Ukrainians are understandably divided over what should be prioritized: preserving territory or preserving lives. Wartime experiences also matter. Earlier research suggested that those most affected by the war through displacement and most concerned about their immediate security are more likely to prioritize a cease-fire. Russia occupies approximately 18 per cent of Ukraine today, a figure composed of territories it controlled before February 2022 (Crimea and the Donbas) and territories it subsequently seized and retained. Some, but not much, territory has shifted hands this last year. To most Ukrainians, it is unacceptable to hold only the territory it currently controls as the price for peace 71 per cent strongly reject this, another 13 per cent less strongly in the survey. Only 12 per cent see peace based on current territorial control as acceptable. Meanwhile, a majority declare it is fully unacceptable to return to the pre-2022 borders. Slim majorities also say it is unacceptable that Ukraine renounces its aspirations to join NATO and the European Union as the price of peace. These attitudes restrain Ukraines leadership, as US officials signal that they do not foresee Ukraine retaking lost territory in 2024. Right now, it is safer politically to fight than confront an ugly peace. 4. Ukrainians expect a long war but remain optimistic Ukrainians do not think the conflict will end any time soon, with 43 per cent saying that war will go on for an additional 12 months, at least. A third responded that they simply do not know when the conflict will end. In May 2022, just a few months into the conflict, 1 in 4 Ukrainians thought the war would end within three months. In November 2023, only 3 per cent had that expectation. War, paradoxically, generated a surge of optimism about Ukraines future as Ukrainians processed suffering into hope. That sentiment remained high in November 2023, with 77 per cent of respondents saying they were optimistic about the countrys future, though fewer Ukrainians said that they were very optimistic. Data on this important metric in 2024 will be revealing. The desire to resist Ukraine war fatigue is growing among the countrys Western backers. But no group is more tired of this war than Ukrainians. The costs being paid by ordinary Ukrainians are enormous in terms of lives lost, settlements destroyed, environments poisoned and futures compromised. And these costs come across in public opinion surveys. But so too does an enduring desire to have their war resistance mean something, to have it affirm Ukraines independence and territorial integrity. (The Conversation) PY PY Washington, Jan 30 (PTI) US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi held more than 12 hours of meetings in Bangkok, the White House said Monday. "Over the weekend, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held more than 12 hours of meetings in Bangkok with his counterpart from the People's Republic of China, Director Wang Yi," John Kirby, NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House told reporters at a news conference here. "Sullivan and Director Wang took stock of progress on key issues following the meeting between President (Joe) Biden and (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping) back in November. Now, that includes discussing efforts to resume military-to-military communication, which has occurred; addressing artificial intelligence safety and risks; and advancing bilateral counter-narcotics cooperation," Kirby said. In fact, the launch of a working group on counter-narcotics will begin Tuesday in Beijing. The US delegation will be led by Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Jen Daskal. "The two sides also held constructive discussions on global and regional issues, including those related to Russia's war against Ukraine; the Middle East, of course; the DPRK; the South China Sea; and Burma. And they also discussed cross-Strait issues," Kirby said. At a separate news conference with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed that the United States and other allies engage with China in dialogue on issues of mutual concern, like climate change and arms control. "But at the same time, we have to take seriously the consequences for our security, the significant military buildup which China now is undertaking, and also the fact that the war in Ukraine is bringing China and Russia closer, with the substantial support that China provides to Russia in different ways and the promise of a limitless partnership in the midst of this brutal war of aggression against Ukraine," he said. "Of course, the size of the Chinese economy, the significant military buildup, all of that is a challenge for all NATO allies, also for the United States. The United States is by far the biggest ally, but it is a great advantage even for the United States to have so many friends and allies as you have in NATO. No other major power -- Russia and China has nothing similar," Stoltenberg said. "The US represents 25 per cent of the world's GDP. But together with NATO allies, we represent 50 per cent of the world's GDP and 50 per cent of the world's military might. So, there's no reason why the US should deal with China alone. Together, we are so much stronger. It demonstrates that NATO is a good deal for the United States," he said in response to a question. "It's good for all European allies, but also for the United States. So, therefore, one of the messages from the summit next summer I expect will be that we need to stand together in a more dangerous world. NATO is more needed than ever because we live in a more unpredictable and dangerous world," he said. Thimphu, Jan 30 (PTI) Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Tuesday called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and discussed ways to further deepen the "unique ties of friendship" between the two nations. Kwatra arrived here on Monday on a three-day trip, in the first high-level visit from India after the formation of a new government under People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Tshering Tobgay. "An honour to receive the audience from His Majesty the King of Bhutan and benefit from his guidance on ways to further deepen the India-Bhutan unique ties of friendship," he posted on X, sharing some photographs of the meeting. On Monday, Kwatra called on Prime Minister Tobgay at the Prime Ministers Office in Gyalyong Tshogkhang. The meeting discussed various areas of mutual interest and cooperation between Bhutan and India. The Prime Minister also hosted a dinner for the Foreign Secretary and his delegation at his residence. During his Bhutan visit, Kwatra also held bilateral consultations with Foreign Secretary of Bhutan Aum Pema Choden. A wide-ranging discussion on multifaceted cooperation between India and Bhutan in development partnership, space, energy, trade, technology, economic ties, and people-to-people ties, the Indian embassy here said on Monday. Kwatra's visit comes against the backdrop of China and Bhutan looking at an expeditious resolution of their festering boundary row that could have implications for India's security interests. Ahead of Kwatra's visit, the Ministry of External Affairs said the trip provided an opportunity for wide-ranging discussions on all aspects of the bilateral relationship including development partnership, 13th Five Year Plan, cooperation in energy, trade, technology, connectivity, infrastructure, economic ties, and people-to-people connections between the two countries. "The visit is in keeping with the well-established tradition of regular exchanges between Bhutan and India, and to further strengthen the existing close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries," the ministry said in a statement. London, Jan 30 (AP) Italian regulators said they told OpenAI that its ChatGPT artificial intelligence chatbot has violated European Union's stringent data privacy rules. The country's data protection authority, known as Garante, said on Monday that it notified San Francisco-based OpenAI of breaches of the EU rules, known as General Data Protection Regulation. The watchdog started investigating ChatGPT last year, when it temporarily banned within Italy the chatbot that can produce text, images and sound in response to users' questions. Based on the results of its fact-finding activity," the watchdog said it concluded that the available evidence pointed to the existence of breaches of the provisions in the EU privacy rules. OpenAI has 30 days to reply to the allegations. It didn't respond immediately to a request for comment. The company said last year that it fulfilled a raft of conditions that the Garante demanded to get the ChatGPT ban lifted. The watchdog had imposed the ban after finding that some users' messages and payment information were exposed and because ChatGPT didn't have a system to verify users' ages, allowing children to get answers from the AI tool that were inappropriate for their age. It also questioned whether there was a legal basis for OpenAI to collect massive amounts of data used to train ChatGPT's algorithms and raised concerns that the system could sometimes generate false information about individuals. The growing popularity of generative AI systems like ChatGPT are also drawing increasing scrutiny from regulators on both sides of the Atlantic. The US Federal Trade Commission opened an inquiry last week into the relationships between AI startups OpenAI and Anthropic and the tech giants that have bankrolled them Amazon, Google and Microsoft. Competition regulators in the 27-nation EU and Britain, meanwhile, are also examining Microsoft's OpenAI investments. AI systems also face broader oversight in the EU, which is finalising its groundbreaking AI Act, the world's first comprehensive rulebook for artificial intelligence. The bloc's 27 member states are expected to give their approval in a key vote on Friday. (AP) GRS GRS Washington, Jan 30 (PTI) An Indian student pursuing a double major at the prestigious Purdue University in the US state of Indiana, who went missing on Sunday, has been confirmed dead, the university has said. Tippecanoe County Coroners Office officials were called around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday to 500 Allison Road in West Lafayette for a possible dead body. Upon arrival, a college-aged male was found deceased outside Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories on Purdues campus. Neel Acharya went missing on Sunday. It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our students Neel Acharya has passed away. The leadership in the Department of Computer Science expresses our profound sorrow for his passing. I am deeply saddened by his loss. My condolences go out to his friends family and all affected, Chris Clifton, interim head of the universitys Computer Science Department, said in an email to the department on Monday. Clifton said Neel was a driven individual and academically talented. He pursued a double major in computer science and data science and was a John Martinson Honors College student. He aspired to pursue numerous academic achievements and shared profound connections with friends. He was very proud of and cared deeply for his brothers at Triangle Fraternity. Neel could be counted on to reach out to others and make them feel included. He was an achiever and an includer, with his: most notable qualities being genuine kindness and unwavering compassion, Clifton said. Clifton told the local Purdue Exponent newspaper that he received an email from the Office of the Dean of Students confirming Acharya's death. "A deceased person was found that matched Neel's description and had Neel's ID on (him)," he said. Goury Acharya, the mother of the dead student, in a post on X on Monday, said: "Our son Neel Acharya has been missing since yesterday January 28 (12:30 AM EST) He is studying at Purdue University in the US. He was last seen by the Uber driver who dropped him off at Purdue University. We are looking for any info on him. Please help us if you know anything." Responding to her post, India's Consulate General in Chicago, said: "(The) Consulate is in touch with Purdue University authorities and also with Neels family. The consulate will extend all possible support and help." The exact reason for death is not known yet. Acharyas demise comes after the news of the grisly murder of Vivek Saini, another Indian student who had recently earned an MBA degree in the US and was hammered to death by a homeless drug addict in Georgia states Lithonia city, making it the second student death in the US in the past few weeks. Lahore, Jan 30 (PTI) Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said he was ousted from power three times but he never revealed any state secret like that of Imran Khan. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo's comments came after a special court set up under the Official Secrets Act handed down a 10-year jail term to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) supremo Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi for leaking state secrets. "Seeing his imminent ouster from power (in April 2022), then prime minister Imran Khan attacked Pakistan by revealing state secrets," Sharif told an election rally in Haroonabad at Bahawalnagar district, some 400 km from Lahore. Pakistan's major political parties -- PML-N and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) -- have hailed the court's decision to jail Khan and Qureshi in the cipher case. "I have endured injustices but I never did anything that harmed Pakistan. I never compromised on national security nor did I disclose national secrets like that of Imran Khan who is responsible for putting national security at risk...I was ousted from the office of the prime minister (by the military establishment), but I never revealed any state secret to save my government," Sharif said. The 73-year-old PML-N leader was ousted from power three times in 1993, 1999 and 2017. Sharif said he did nuclear tests, while Khan attacked monuments of martyrs. The cipher case pertains to a piece of paper, purported to be a diplomatic cable -- the cipher -- that Khan had waved at a public rally on March 27, 2022, and naming the US, had claimed that it was evidence of an international conspiracy to topple his government. The case was filed against Khan, 71, and Qureshi, 67, on August 15 last year by the Federal Investigation Agency, which accused both of violating the secrecy laws while handling the cable sent by the Pakistan embassy in Washington in March 2022. Khan was ousted through a no-confidence motion in April 2022. Addressing the rally, Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz demanded that the state should deal with Khan and his party like that of terrorists. "Imran Khan should be given treatment which is given to terrorists. Does any political party train its workers in terrorism and provide training to attack national security and security institutions?" she asked, adding today the man who wanted to shut off the air conditioner of Nawaz Sharif in jail is given a 10-year jail term. Sharif returned to Pakistan in October last year after spending four years in self-exile in the UK. He is being given a PM-designate protocol and his party is considered the most favourite to come to power after the Feb 8 polls in the country, apparently with the support of the military establishment. Incarcerated Khan has already alleged that the powerful military establishment has favoured Sharif and that he (Khan) is being targeted to prevent him from returning to power. Ranchi, Jan 30 (PTI) A teacher allegedly shot dead two colleagues at a government school in Jharkhand's Godda district, before turning the gun on himself and suffering serious injuries, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place at Upgraded High School in Poraiyahat area, around 300 km from Ranchi, during school hours around 11 am, a police officer said. Godda Superintendent of Police Nathu Singh Meena told PTI, "The bodies of two teachers, including a woman, were found lying in a pool of blood in a room at the school, while the accused teacher was also found seriously injured." Ranchi, Jan 30 (PTI) The legislators of the ruling JMM-led coalition partners in Jharkhand on Tuesday expressed solidarity with the Hemant Soren government at a meeting. They also signed a letter of support without any name as speculations are rife that the chief minister's wife Kalpana Soren will be handed over the reins. Kalpana Soren, who is not a legislator, attended a meeting of the lawmakers earlier in the day. Two rounds of meetings were held on Tuesday, a day ahead of the chief minister's scheduled questioning by the ED in connection with an alleged land fraud case. "We are ready for what may come... The BJP is abusing central agencies to destabilise a democratically elected government but we will not allow them to succeed in their mission," Transport Minister and senior JMM leader Champai Soren told PTI. The minister said the meeting was convened just to express legislators' solidarity with the CM in the prevailing circumstances. "There is no proposal. We stand united. We also signed a support letter without any name in case it is required," said another legislator who did not want to be quoted. Health Minister Banna Gupta said any decision in the current scenario will be taken according to the circumstances. "We will again meet tomorrow at the CM House to express solidarity," the Congress minister said. On the speculations that Kalpana Soren might replace her husband as the chief minister, the legislators said no such discussion was held in the meeting. Ending suspense over his whereabouts and intense political drama, Hemant Soren reached his official residence in Ranchi and chaired the first meeting of his alliance MLAs. On Monday, an ED team visited the JMM executive president's Delhi home with the intent to question him and agency officials claimed that he was "untraceable". Sources close to Soren said that the 48-year-old JMM leader came by road from Delhi, undertaking a more than 1250 km journey. Agartala, Jan 30 (PTI) The Tripura government has decided to give licences for 51 new fair price shops in the state, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said on Tuesday. At present, there are 1,060 fair price shops and 9.76 lakh ration card holders in the eight districts of the state. "The government has decided to provide 51 new dealerships of fair price shops to improve the service delivery system for ration card holders. Under the new guidelines, there will be a new ration shop for 400 ration cards," Chowdhury said. Each ration shop at present serves 900-1,200 ration card holders, which inconveniences people to get ration materials on time, he said. "Things will improve once the new ration shops are in place. People will not have to travel long distances to get the supplies from ration shops as a result," he added. Chowdhury said the government has also decided to provide an additional 5 kg of rice to each ration card holder in February and March at a price of Rs 13 per kg for APL (above poverty line) card holders. Families having BPL (below poverty line) and Priority Group cards will get the additional 5 kg of rice free of cost. At present, BPL and Priority Group card holders get 35 kg of rice per month free of cost, while APL card holders get 20 kg per month. Chowdhury said the government was working to replace the existing paper cards with PVC ones. Kolkata, Jan 29 (PTI) Around 40 people of an NGO demonstrated at the venue of the International Kolkata Book Fair here on Monday evening, alleging that they were not allowed to carry on social activities involving street children by the police. A Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate official said some people assembled before the Little Magazine pavilion at the book fair ground, and shouted slogans against the police and event authorities around 7 pm, which triggered tension among visitors. Police whisked away around 20 agitators and briefly kept them at its control room before releasing the NGO members, he said. The members of 'Amar Pathshala' claimed they had brought several street children to the fair ground on January 28 for a programme, but police did not allow the children to enter for no reason. "If the book fair belongs to everyone, why such discriminatory attitude towards children? a spokesperson of the organisation said. Publishers and Booksellers' Guild president Tridib Chatterjee said a demonstration by some people took place at one corner of the fair. The book fair is a platform for bibliophiles, for children, for people of all sections, he said. Some youths had recently demonstrated at the fair ground, opposing the developments in Gaza and against the Ram Temple consecration at Ayodhya, but they were dispersed by the police, officials said. "We don't want the fair to turn into a place of slogan shouting or politics," Chatterjee added. NEW DELHI, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Armed rebels Naxals killed at least three security personnel and injured 14 others in India's central state of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, a local police officer said over phone. The death toll is feared to rise as some of the injured were said to be in a critical condition, according to the police. The armed rebels launched a sudden attack on the security personnel who were on regular patrol duty in the state's Sukma district. All the 14 injured security personnel were airlifted to state capital Raipur for better medical treatment. Further details are awaited. Shimla, Jan 30 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary. In a statement, Shukla said Gandhi led India's freedom struggle and showed the world the power of non-violence. Gandhi's message of truth and non-violence is more relevant now than ever. The entire nation is grateful to him for leading one of the world's biggest non-violent movement and showing the power of non-violence to the world, a statement issued here said. The chief minister said Gandhi's leadership and dedication towards non-violence played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. He called upon the citizens to draw inspiration from Gandhi's ideals and incorporate them into their lives as a genuine tribute to him. The duo also paid floral tributes to the statue of Gandhi at the Ridge, Shimla. January 30 marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and is observed as Martyrs' Day. A two-minute silence was observed and patriotic songs and bhajans were recited on the occasion. New Delhi, Jan 29 (PTI) Culture Ministry's tableau themed 'Bharat: Mother of Democracy' has bagged the first prize among tableaus that were part of the 75th Republic Day parade, officials said on Monday. The tableau blended tradition and innovation and captivated audiences with its masterful use of the anamorphic technique to display "Bharat's cultural heritage - often hailed as the mother of democracy," the Culture Ministry said in a statement. "The anamorphic technique, skillfully employed in our presentation, added a contemporary touch, reflecting the dynamism of our culture. This modern twist seamlessly complemented the traditional elements, creating a tableau that stood out for its artistic finesse and cultural resonance," it said. The Ministry of Culture said it takes immense pride in the achievement as it showcases "our commitment to preserving and celebrating the diverse tapestry of India". New Delhi, Jan 29 (PTI) The chief imam of All India Imam Organisation on Monday said a "fatwa" has been issued against him for attending the January 22 consecration ceremony at the Ram temple complex in Ayodhya. Talking to PTI Video, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi also said that from the day of the event, he has been getting abuse and "threats on phone calls" from a section of people. The ceremony took place on January 22 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi participating in the rituals, the occasion being attend by over 7,000 invited guests from various communities and walks of life. Ilyasi said the fatwa was issued to him by an individual "on social media" and his mobile phone number was mentioned in that and forwarded to all imams and mosque authorities, asking them to "boycott me". The fatwa also asks "me to tender an apology" and "resign from my post", he added. "...what prompted them to issue a fatwa, they only know.... Ram Janmabhoomi (temple) trust had sent me an invitation, which I accepted. "After that for two days, I kept thinking what decision I should take, because it was the biggest decision of my life. But then I thought for communal amity, for the country, and in the national interest, I took this decision and I went to Ayodhya," the imam said. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him. All sadhus and seers acknowledged him and expressed joy and the temple trust also welcomed him, Ilyasi said. "My aim was to send 'paigam-e-mohabbat', which I delivered there. In that message, the statement that I gave was that we belong to different castes, our way of worshipping may be different, our rituals may be different, our religion may be different, our faith may be different, but our biggest religion is of being human and humanity," he said. "Secondly, we live in India, so we are all Indians, and we all should together make India strong, and Indianess strong. The nation is above all. The moment I gave this message of love, it started coming up on social media and various channels. Since then, on my telephone, I started getting threats, abuse," Ilyasi said. The fatwa also takes exception to "my comments on insaniyat as the biggest religion" and that the nation is "above all", he added. The imam said he had done nothing wrong, so there was no question of him tendering an apology. He said no one has the right to issue such a fatwa. "This is India of 'sarva dharma sambhav', of unity in diversity," he said. He asserted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is rising. "India has landed on the Moon.... It is on the path of becoming vishwaguru, and in this changing India, we will have to be united, be organised, and then it will become strong. As this is an India for all. That's why it's great," the imam added. New Delhi, Jan 30 (PTI) It is the responsibility of the State to ensure that the maximum number of trees are protected from being chopped, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said while asking the Central Empowered Committee to explore an alternative solution to cutting down 3,874 trees for the construction of a road project in the Taj Trapezium Zone. The Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) covers about 10,400 square km and is spread over Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras and Etah districts of Uttar Pradesh and the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. The apex court is hearing a public interest litigation on preserving the Taj Mahal and its surroundings. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan directed the Uttar Pradesh government to provide a sketch of the proposed alignment of the Agra-Jalesar-Etah road and asked the CEC to inform if it was possible to save some trees. "As Article 51A mandates that it is duty of every citizen to save trees, we also reiterate that it is also the responsibility of the state to ensure that maximum number of trees are protected," the bench observed. The top court posted the matter for hearing on March 12 and asked the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure that the divisional forest officer gives a report on the feasibility of translocation of some of the trees. The apex court had permitted the felling of 12 trees in the TTZ for entry and exit to a new petrol pump in Uttar Pradesh's Agra district while brushing aside the claims of an applicant seeking action against alleged illegal removal of trees in the area. While allowing the application seeking the nod to fell 12 trees, the bench noted the CEC's report had permitted felling of these trees, subject to certain terms and conditions. The top court has been monitoring developments in the area to protect the monument built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1631. The mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sultanpur (UP), Jan 30 (PTI) A jawan of the Prantiya Rakshak Dal (PRD) was shot and injured by unidentified assailants when he was returning home on a motorcycle in Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, a police officer said on Tuesday. The incident took place Sunday night and the injured jawan has been referred to a hospital in Lucknow for better treatment. The PRD is a community security force that works for the preservation of public peace and protection of life and property. According to police, PRD jawan Ranjit Kumar Tiwari, 30, was returning home from duty when he was attacked by the assailants in the Kurhwar police station area. A bullet hit the jawan in the stomach and he fell from the bike, police said. The assailants then hit him in the face and fled from the spot. Superintendent of Police Somen Barma said the jawan has been sent to Lucknow for better treatment. Action will be taken as soon as a complaint is received from his family. The incident appears to be the fallout of a property dispute, he said. JOIN THE TENS OF THOUSANDS WHO ALREADY ARE ALERTED OF BREAKING NEWS LIKE THIS IN LIVE TIME: YWN WHATSAPP STATUS UPDATES: CLICK HERE to join the YWN WhatsApp Status. YWN WHATSAPP GROUPS: CLICK HERE to be added to an official YWN WhatsApp Group. MAKE SURE TO CHECK THIS PAGE FREQUENTLY AS UPDATES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN LIVE TIME THERE IS NO NEED TO REFRESH THIS PAGE AS UPDATES WILL APPEAR AUTOMATICALLY (YWN World Headquarters NYC) IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari announced in a press conference on Monday that IDF troops have killed over 2,000 Hamas terrorists in the Khan Younis region. The area, identified by Hagari as the Hamas capital in the south, has become the focal point of intense military activity. Rear Adm. Hagari detailed that the IDFs operations in Khan Younis have been both above and below ground, leading to significant casualties among Hamas forces. This includes the elimination of numerous Hamas operatives over the past week, contributing to the total count since the IDFs operations began in the southern part of the Strip last month. The IDFs successes in Khan Younis extend beyond the battlefield. Hagari revealed that many Hamas commanders have either been killed, compelled to flee, or have surrendered, providing IDF with critical intelligence about the groups activities and networks. Additionally, he noted the apprehension of several Hamas gunmen involved in the October 7 attacks. Addressing a more somber aspect of the conflict, Rear Adm. Hagari spoke directly to the 136 hostages in Gaza, assuring them of ongoing efforts for their release. If you can hear me now, we have not forgotten you, we think about you all the time There is a huge international effort, and our job is to create the conditions to bring everyone home, he stated, highlighting the complexity and human cost of the conflict. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) In a setback to efforts to secure the release of over 130 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza, the terror group has rejected a new framework for a hostage deal, insisting that it will not accept any agreement that does not include an end to the war and the withdrawal of all Israeli troops from Gaza. The statement was issued alongside the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, another terror group, and emphasized that a complete and comprehensive ceasefire was necessary before any exchange deal could take place. Earlier, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani had indicated that Hamas had softened its stance on the demand for a complete ceasefire, but Israel has rejected this claim. The proposed deal, which was agreed upon by Israel, involves the release of Palestinian prisoners and a temporary pause in fighting, but does not provide for a permanent ceasefire. The US and Qatar have been mediating the negotiations, but Hamas rejection of the deal has thrown a wrench into the works. Israeli officials are being cautious, acknowledging that there is still a long way to go in the negotiations. The Prime Ministers Office has also denied that a deal has been reached, saying that the reports are incorrect and include conditions that are not acceptable to Israel. The fate of the hostages remains uncertain, with their families holding weekly rallies in Tel Aviv to demand their release. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with many civilians caught in the crossfire. Despite the setback, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed optimism, saying that the proposal is a strong one and a compelling one, but that Hamas must make its own decisions. The Qatari Prime Minister has also expressed hope that an agreement might lead to a permanent ceasefire in the future. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Undercover IDF soldiers, Shin Bet operatives, and Border Police officers carried out a dramatic and unprecedented operation in Jenin early Tuesday morning in the Ibn Sina hospital in Jenin, where armed terrorists planning an imminent terror attack against Israelis were hiding. Israeli security forces, disguised as doctors, nurses, and Palestinian women, entered the hospital with their weapons drawn and quickly went up to the third floor to the room where the terrorists were sleeping, eliminated them with guns with silencers, and then escaped the building. The operation, based on precise Shin Bet intelligence, lasted for only ten minutes. According to Israeli security officials, many terrorists in Yehudah and Shomron use hospitals as hiding places for their terror activities in the belief that Israeli forces wont target them there. During past IDF operations in Jenin, terrorists hiding in Ibn Sina Hospital fired at Israeli security forces from the hospital grounds. One of the terrorists who was eliminated was Muhammad Jalamnneh, a senior Hamas operative who maintained contact with Hamas leaders abroad and was injured in the past while planning a car bombing attack. He was also involved in transferring weapons and ammunition to terror squads for shooting attacks against Israelis and was most recently involved in planning a raid attack inspired by the October 7th massacre. The two other terrorists who were eliminated were Muhammad Azawi, a Jenin Brigades operative who was involved in various terror activities, including shooting at IDF forces, and his brother, Bassel Azawi, an Islamic Jihad operative. IDF Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that for a long period, a large number of wanted suspects have been hiding in hospitals, using them as a base for planning terror activities and executing attacks, while believing that hospitals will provide them protection from security forces. This is another example of the terrorist organizations cynical use of civilian spaces and hospitals as shelters and human shields. Jalamneh planned to soon carry out an attack and used the hospital as a hideout and was therefore eliminated. The security forces will continue to act against any threat that endangers the security of Israeli citizens. It was also reported that IDF forces operated overnight in the Al-Arub camp, north of Chevron, in the eastern area of Shechem, in the town of Sinjil, north of Ramallah, and in Tulkarm. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) VIENTIANE, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The China Cultural Center in Laos hosted an event here to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 10 this year. The event held on Monday was attended by Lao Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Vansy Kuamua, Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Laos Wang Chang, Director of the China Cultural Center in Laos Li Yiping, along with more than 100 participants from Lao and Chinese sides. At the event, an orchestra from east China's Jiangsu Province presented a wonderful folk music performance to the Lao people. The concert started with the "Dance of the Golden Snake," and concluded with Lao's famous song called "The Land of Freedom." Speaking at the event, Vansy said Laos and China are friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, and the people of the two nations have a long history of friendly exchanges. "On behalf of the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the people of all ethnic groups in Laos, I would like to extend my best wishes to the Chinese people and wish you all a happy Lunar New Year," said Vansy. The China Cultural Center in Laos will continue to organize various activities, such as hand-wrapping dumplings workshop, cultural exhibitions, Chinese traditional costume wearing and other activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2024. The 78th United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Dec. 22, 2023, officially designating the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, as a UN floating holiday. The rocket launchers used by Hamas to fire a barrage on the Tel Aviv area on Monday evening were destroyed Monday night by the Israeli Air Force. The Air Force, directed by the 98th Brigade, used fighter jets to strike the rocket launchers, located in the southern Gaza Strip. It is believed that additional rocket launchers were destroyed in the attack as well. In a separate strike, a Hamas anti-tank unit was destroyed. The barrage was the first attack on central Israel in almost two months. At the same time, soldiers from the 98th Division continue to operate in Khan Younis, and soldiers from the 162nd Division continue to operate in the northern and central Gaza Strip. IDF forces arrested a large number of terror suspects in the Khan Younis area, as can be seen in the video below: (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Amit Soussana, a 40-year-old Israeli woman who spent 55 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza, spoke to journalists about her ordeal on Monday in front of her destroyed home in Kfar Azza. On October 7th, Soussana hid inside a closet in her home but was dragged out by Hamas terrorists. She bravely resisted her abduction, fighting and kicking seven Hamas terrorists as they tried to drag her across a field to Gaza. The abduction was very violent, she said. I kept resisting until they eventually tied me up by my arms and legs and dragged me on the floor. It took them over an hour to take me to the border. I was beaten up really badly. My entire face and body were bruised and swollen. Soussana said that she was held alone in Gaza for about two weeks with armed Hamas terrorists guarding her the entire time. There was little food. I was kept in the dark and had to ask permission to use the bathroom. I was not even allowed to close the bathroom door. After two weeks, she was moved from place to place and was held with other hostages. All the Hamas guards were heavily armed and abused me and the other hostages. I was also held in a Hamas tunnel 40 meters deep where there was no oxygen and very little food. The tomb-like tunnel was damp and dark and felt like being buried alive. I was under emotional and physical terror the entire 55 days, feeling like every moment could be my last. Every second felt like an eternity. I hope that the remaining hostages there can keep their faith alive and stay strong. But even the toughest souls cant hold on for such a long time. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Following reports on Monday evening that Hamas rejected a new ceasefire/hostage release deal, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Tuesday that he received the ceasefire proposal formulated during talks in Paris on Sunday and he is considering it. Haniyeh added that he will be visiting Egypt for talks regarding the proposal and that his priority is seeing a complete halt to the war in Gaza, including the withdrawal of all IDF forces from the Strip. Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated on Tuesday that an irresponsible deal will lead to the dissolution of the government. The Prime Ministers Office said that a deal is still far off as Hamass demands are unacceptable. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) British Foreign Secretary David Cameron expressed the UKs willingness to consider recognizing a Palestinian state as part of efforts to achieve an irreversible peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Speaking at a reception for Arab ambassadors at the House of Commons, Cameron emphasized the importance of creating a political horizon for the Palestinians, enabling them to envision the establishment of a Palestinian state. He stated, We have a responsibility there because we should be starting to set out what a Palestinian state would look like; what it would comprise; how it would work. Cameron suggested that recognizing a Palestinian state, potentially at the United Nations, could contribute to making the peace process irreversible. The UK has put forward a five-point plan, which includes ending the ongoing conflict, establishing a political horizon for a two-state solution, and creating a technocratic Palestinian government to govern both Gaza and the West Bank. As part of this plan, Hamas leaders would be expelled to another country. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The IDF has rotated out the Kiryati Brigade from the Gaza Strip, replacing them with different forces in the Khan Younis area, according to a statement from the military. Over the past weeks, reserve soldiers from the armored brigade conducted operations in Khan Younis, targeting Hamas members and conducting raids on the groups facilities, the IDF noted. Furthermore, the brigade employed drones for intelligence gathering during their missions, and there was an instance where these reservists detected an approaching Hamas cell. Crackdown: Vape maker Chill Brands lost nearly a third of its value after Rishi Sunak announced a ban on disposables Shares in London-listed vaping firms took a kicking yesterday after Rishi Sunak announced a ban on disposables. Vape maker Chill Brands lost nearly a third of its value, with shares dropping 30 per cent, wiping 4.6million off its value and leaving it with a market capitalisation of just over 12million. Shares in Supreme also fell around 2 per cent in early morning trade before rallying in the afternoon when the company asserted it was ahead of the curve for regulatory changes. The Prime Minister laid out plans that he hopes will stamp out the growing number of youngsters taking up the habit. Recent data suggests that the number of children vaping has tripled in the past three years with 9 per cent of 11-to-15-year-olds using the devices. And aside from banning disposable vapes, the Government has also said it will introduce restrictions on flavours, colourful packaging and how vapes are displayed in shops. This is a major headache for producers and distributors, who will need to adapt to the changes. Effectively, investors are saying there is a major risk to earnings, whether it is from Sunaks latest announcement or the general direction of travel by the Government to stop young people getting into the vaping habit, said Russ Mould, analyst at AJ Bell. Chill Brands maintained that its products, equipped with recharging ports, should not be classified as disposable. Supreme bosses welcomed the announcement having taken a number of proactive measures in recent months. Shares in car dealer Inchcape rose as it revealed it could sell its UK retail arm. The division has 3,700 staff across 70 sites and works with car makers such as Audi, BMW and Toyota. The FTSE 250 group has hired bankers at Rothschild to work on the possible sale in a deal that could be worth several hundreds of millions of pounds. Shares increased 0,7 per cent, or 4.5 p, to 688 p. Inchcape confirms that following approaches from a number of interested parties it is reviewing strategic options for the UK retail business, which potentially could include a sale, the company said in a statement. This review is at a very early stage and there can be no certainty that it will result in a transaction. Up for sale: Inchcape's UK retail arm has 3,700 staff across 70 sites and works with car makers such as VW, Audi, BMW and Toyota. The firms retail operations across the UK, Poland, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, account for less than 10 per cent of group profits. Inchcape has repositioned its business to focus on automotive distribution, which involves working with car makers such as Toyota in Singapore to plan the pricing, timing and logistics of bringing vehicles to market. It is among a handful of car dealers to remain listed in London after Lookers was snapped up last year, while private equity predators have circled Pendragon (up 0.6 per cent, or 0.2p, to 34.4 p). On a subdued start to the week, the FTSE 100 inched down 0.03 per cent, or 2.35 points, to 7632.74 and the FTSE 250 lost 0.14 per cent, or 26.86 points, to 19,311.16. A data centre and wireless network investor that floated in London three years ago has proposed winding down its business. Digital 9 Infrastructure started a strategic review in November last year. This included agreeing to sell its entire stake in its prized asset, Verne Global, for around 456million. Stock Watch - Inspecs Eyewear firm Inspecs lost almost a third of its value after business slowed last month. The Bath-based group, which designs, makes and sells sunglasses, frames, and lenses, warned its results for 2023 will be weaker than expected following a poor December. While its profits should increase 16 per cent to 18 m, revenues of 200 m were broadly flat on the year before. Shares, which floated at 195 p in February 2020 and peaked at 408 p in January 2022, plunged 28.9 per cent, or 25p, to 61.5 p. And yesterday, Digital 9 said it would be in the best interests of shareholders for it to shut up shop. It intends to sell its assets and return some of the proceeds to investors. Shares gained 5.5 per cent, or 1.35 p, to 25.95 p. Heading in the other direction was Ferrexpo as investors fretted over a legal case against one of the iron ore miners businesses that may be taken to the Supreme Court in Ukraine. Shares dropped 2.5 per cent, or 2.1 p, to 83.75 p. Another faller was Kingfisher following a downgrade from analysts at RBC who warned that the weakness in the French home improvement market was unlikely to ease any time soon. The investment bank added that it does not expect the retailer to see meaningful profit growth until 2025 amid subdued housing activity. Shares fell 1.9 per cent, or 4.2p, to 220.9 p. Wealth manager Schroders was also in the firing line, with City analysts offering a bleak outlook. Shares slid 3.7 per cent, or 15.8p, to 409.2p. Trainline made gains after analysts at investment bank Morgan Stanley increased the online ticketing apps target price. Shares rose 3.4 per cent, or 10.6 p, to 326.6 p. Higher gold prices sparked a rally among precious metal miners. Fresnillo rose 10 per cent, or 49.8p, to 548.6 p and Hochschild Mining added 8.7 per cent, or 8.45p, to 105.6p. But Serabi Gold which mines in Brazil reported a fall in fourth-quarter production and sales alongside higher operating costs. Shares slid 11.6 per cent, or 5p, to 38p. Investors in Union Jack Oil showed their support for the companys plans to start doing business in the United States. Shares were flat at 18p. Hostel chain Safestay had a solid set of annual results amid demand from families and business travellers. It also flagged a recovery in large school and college group bookings after the pandemic. Shares rose 4.4 per cent, or 1p, to 24p. An activist investor has urged BP to ditch its green strategy and continue to cash in on oil and gas. Bluebell Capital Partners wrote to the energy giants chairman Helge Lund with concerns about how the FTSE 100 energy giant is run. The London-based hedge fund blasted BPs green transition plan as irrational and said the strategy has depressed its share price. Investors are concerned that BP is underperforming compared with rival Shell and US energy giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron. Shell has scaled back its net zero transition strategy under the leadership of chief executive Wael Sawan. And American energy firms have doubled down on oil and gas production. Green dream: But investors are concerned that BP is underperforming compared with rival Shell and US energy giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron But new BP chief executive Murray Auchincloss has vowed to press ahead with the green strategy laid out by his predecessor Bernard Looney. BP was left reeling by the shock exit of Looney in September. He was forced to resign after failing to be fully transparent about personal relationships with colleagues. The Irish businessman was found guilty of serious misconduct and stripped of 32million in pay, bonuses, share awards and other benefits. Bluebells letter was sent in October, after Looneys departure while Auchincloss was still interim chief. The former finance chief was this month confirmed as Looneys permanent replacement. Some investors were disappointed in the selection of a continuity candidate and Auchincloss promptly reiterated his support for the green agenda. In the letter, which came to light yesterday and was also addressed to Auchincloss, the fund said it would have called for Looneys resignation had he not already stepped down. BP should scrap its pledge to cut oil and gas output by 25 per cent by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, Bluebell said. Pledge: New BP chief executive Murray Auchincloss (pictured) has vowed to press ahead with the green strategy laid out by his predecessor Bernard Looney Instead, it said BP should increase oil and gas investment and production targets, while slashing spending on renewables. This irrational strategy has, quite understandably, depressed the value of BPs share price, leading to an approximate 40 per cent discount vs its best-in-class-peers, Bluebell said, citing US giants ExxonMobil and Chevron. The share price is clearly indicating that the stock market sees BPs current strategy as unappealing and value destructive, the letter added. Bluebell did not reveal the size of its stake in the oil and gas major. A BP spokesman said: BP welcomes constructive engagement with our shareholders. We have met with most of our major shareholders recently and continue to receive support for our strategy. We continue to make significant progress, remain focused on delivery, and are confident the strategy will grow the value of BP and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders. Bluebell, a small activist investor focused on European stocks, was involved in the removal of the chief executive of French consumer goods company Danone in 2021. It unsuccessfully pressured mining giant Glencore to spin off its thermal coal business, before selling its stake in the company. Ryanair has trimmed its profit guidance for the year as it grapples with a higher fuel bill and an ongoing row with online travel agents. The budget airline said it expects annual profits to hit 1.66billion, down from its previous estimate of 1.75billion. This was a blow for chief executive Michael OLeary, who is reportedly in line for a 85million bonus if the company posts a 1.8billion profit or shares hit a target of 21 for 28 days. Shares, which are listed on Dublins Euronext, are trading at around 19. The downgrade came after profits hit 12.8million for the three months to the end of December, down 93 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier. Bonus: In a blow for chief exec Michael O'Leary (pictured) Ryanair said it expects profits to hit 1.66bn, down from its previous estimate of 1.75bn Europes largest airline suffered as fuel costs jumped 35 per cent during the quarter, setting the group back over 1billion in the three months. It was also hit when several online travel agents including Booking.com and Kayak removed Ryanair flights from their sites last month amid an ongoing row over additional charges. Ryanair described the online agents as pirates and had already warned the decision to kick it off would hamper the groups annual results. The firm has been forced to cut ticket prices on its own site to counter this setback. Neil Shah, analyst at investor relations business Edison Group, said: Ryanairs results have been blown off course, though not unexpectedly, with the airline industry experiencing a turbulent time of late. Nonetheless, the carrier flew 41 m passengers during the quarter, raking in revenues of 2.3billion, which was 17 per cent more than the year before. I t also made 809million from customer add-ons during this period, or roughly 20 per customer for extras such as checked-in bags and seat allocation. OLeary remained punchy about expansion plans. He even offered to buy more Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircrafts if other airlines cancel their orders. Boeing was plunged into crisis earlier this month after a cabin panel on an Alaska Airlines plane blew open mid-flight. United Airlines boss Scott Kirby last week signalled that he would stop buying their planes. OLeary yesterday said: We have told them [Boeing] if some of these American airlines dont want to take the MAX 10 aircraft, Ryanair will take those aircraft. Shares in tool hire company Speedy Hire plunged after a nasty profit warning. The company, which rents out everything from hammer drills and LED lights to generators, said it has been hit by a slowdown in trading, contract delays and a mild winter reducing demand for heating products. As a result, it expects profits to be lower than previously thought. Shares tumbled 18.1 per cent, or 6.5p, to 29.5p. Speedy Hire has been hit by challenges across the construction sector. Revenues from its national customers some of the UKs biggest contractors rose 3 per cent in the third quarter to December 31. But this was less than the 5 per cent growth it reported in the first half of its financial year. Profits hit: Speedy Hire said it has been hit by a slowdown in trading, contract delays and a mild winter reducing demand for heating products And while the group has secured deals, it warned that it will take longer than expected for revenues to come in. While investors appeared concerned by the latest update, some in the City remained optimistic. Although disappointing, this is due to events beyond Speedy Hires immediate control, said Peel Hunts Andrew Nussey. And analysts at Liberum said that while sentiment will no doubt be adversely affected by todays update the company has shown it has levers for growth. On the wider market, the FTSE 100 rose 0.4 per cent, or 33.57 points, to 7666.31 and the FTSE 250 edged up 0.2 per cent, or 38.34 points, to 19349.5. Private equity firm 3i made gains following an upgrade from analysts at Barclays ahead of its third-quarter update on Thursday. The investment bank said the focus will be on Action the Dutch non-food discount retailer and most successful company in the blue-chip firms portfolio which should report strong trading over Christmas. Shares rose 2.6 per cent, or 64p, to 2497p. Stock Watch - Argentex Shares in currency firm Argentex crashed to a record low after it warned that tough market conditions and the rising cost of doing business will hit profits. In November, the group expected its results for 2023 to be around the same as the previous 12 months when it made 50.4million of revenue and an 11.3million profit. But yesterday it revised its outlook by forecasting revenues of 49.8million and a profit of at least 8million. Shares plunged 19.4 per cent, or 13.6 p, to 56.4 p. Auction Technology Group saw its value shoot up by almost a fifth following a positive update. The company, which operates online market places that allow bidders to access items such as paintings, sofas and antiques, said revenues rose 3 per cent to 35million in the three months to the end of December. As a result, it said it remains on track for its revenues to increase between 5 per cent and 8 per cent across its financial year. Shares soared 19.8 per cent, or 90.5p, to 547p. Clinical trial specialist Hvivo will start paying an annual dividend from this year as it cashes in on rising demand for its services. The group, which recruits healthy adult volunteers and infects them with a medical-grade version of a virus to test the effectiveness of drugs and vaccines being developed by biotech and pharmaceutical companies, reported that revenues increased 15.5 per cent to 56million in 2023. In a further dose of good news, Hvivo has already secured 90 per cent of its revenue for this year and expects to make 62million. Shares surged 8.4 per cent, or 2.2p, to 28.5p. Heading in the other direction was Deliveroo after its German-based rival Delivery Hero, which held a 4.5 per cent stake in the group, sold its holding at a huge discount to the price it paid three years ago. Shares slid 3.1 per cent, or 3.8p, to 118.1p. There was some respite for Synthomer after it said it has reduced its debt bill by half since the start of 2023. Shares in the chemicals group added 3.9 per cent, or 5.3p, to 140p. Kromek, a Durham-based technology group, is cashing in on demand for its products that are being used to detect nuclear threats in Ukraine as well as cancer in hospitals around the world. The company said it remains on track to report record revenues for this year, having increased its first-half sales while losses narrowed. Shares rose 0.9 per cent, or 0.05p, to 5.75p. This photo taken with a mobile phone on Jan. 30, 2024 shows people gathering near a blast site in Sibi district of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province. At least five people were killed and five others injured when a blast went off near a political rally in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Tuesday, official sources said. (Str/Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and five others injured when a blast went off near a political rally in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Tuesday, official sources said. The incident happened around 5:35 p.m. local time (1235 GMT) when explosive materials fixed at a motorbike exploded in Sibi district of the province, the sources told Xinhua. The rally of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was targeted in the attack, the sources added. The injured people were shifted to a nearby hospital where three of them are in critical condition, the officials said, adding that the area was cordoned off for investigations. No group has claimed the attack yet. This photo taken with a mobile phone on Jan. 30, 2024 shows people gathering near a blast site in Sibi district of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province. At least five people were killed and five others injured when a blast went off near a political rally in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Tuesday, official sources said. (Str/Xinhua) Pressure is mounting on Diageos chief executive after the drinks giant posted sliding sales and profits. Drinkers downgrading to cheaper booze in the US, and a perfect storm in Latin America and the Caribbean, saw the Guinness maker issue a subdued set of half-year results. A strong performance in the UK was not enough to offset declining sales elsewhere and ease the pressure on Debra Crew, who took over in June. As such, the FTSE 100 group saw sales fall 1.4 per cent to 8.6 billion in the six months to the end of December. Profits were down 11 per cent to 2.6billion. Shares remain down around 15 per cent since Crew, 53, succeeded Sir Ivan Menezes. She conceded that the past six months have been challenging for Diageo and our sector but said she expected an improvement in the second half. Sales slump: Drinkers downgrading to cheaper booze in the US, and a perfect storm in Latin America and the Caribbean, has put the pressure on Diageo boss Debra Crew (pictured) Let me be clear, we are not satisfied with these results, she said. And I am restless to get this business to perform to its full potential. Consumers are still facing multiple headwinds. Our consumers are resilient, but theyre also still cautious and choiceful. Premiumisation continues, but there are still some pockets of downgrading. Sales in North America, its largest market, fell 2 per cent in the six months to the end of December with single malts down 27 per cent. Johnnie Walker fell 13 per cent and George Clooney-founded Casamigos tequila dropped 14 per cent. More affordable spirits such as Buchanans and Bulleit jumped 36 per cent and 19 per cent respectively. Crew also bemoaned a perfect storm of problems in Latin America and the Caribbean where sales fell 18 per cent amid weak demand for spirits such as Scotch whisky as well as a build-up of unsold stock. The poor performance in the region triggered a profit warning in November that resulted in the biggest fall in Diageo shares on record. Nonetheless, yesterdays update showed the UK remained a bright spot, with sales up 9 per cent in the half-year. This was largely thanks to the bumper performance of Guinness, which saw a 24 per cent rise in sales in Britain. The gain in the UK helped lift sales across Europe 10 per cent. And Nuno Teles, Diageos UK boss, played down fears drinkers in the UK were trading down. He said: The cost-of-living crisis is something we are aware of, and consumers will be looking at how to address it. But the reality is that Guinness which is a premium product is growing well ahead of the beer sector. He said bumper events, such as Six Nations Rugby, underscored Britons eagerness to splash out on booze. Diageo said that as many as 300,000 pints of Guinness are sold at Twickenham on England match days. But Aarin Chiekrie, an equity analyst at investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown, said the outlook for profits for the rest of this year remains murky. He added: The medium-term looks slightly brighter, but improvements in the Latin American and Caribbean market will be key and to a large extent thats outside of Diageos control. Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, added: All is certainly not lost at Diageo, but the performance in Latin America and the Caribbean has left a bitter taste in the mouth, from which it may take some time to recover. Crew started her career as a military intelligence officer in the US army, before working at consumer titans such as Pepsico, Kraft Foods, Nestle and Mars. Tens of thousands of pensioners who were missold timeshares are at risk of never seeing justice in their lifetime as the compensation claims drag on for months, a law firm representing them warns. In May last year, a High Court ruling paved the way for victims who had been missold timeshares after 2010 to receive compensation from major banks, including Shawbrook and Barclays Partner Finance (formerly Clydesdale Financial Services). Today, Praetorian Legal, a law firm which represents these timeshare owners, is calling on the Chancellor to force banks to pay up. In a letter to Jeremy Hunt, seen by Money Mail, lawyer Gary Smith warns that it is a grave injustice for many thousands of victims in urgent need of the compensation they are owed. He estimates that around 25,000 victims should receive a total of 500million in compensation and up to 150,000 each in the worst cases. Pressure: Thomas and Agnes Woods (pictured) are desperate to draw a line under the timeshare nightmare that has cost them 48,000 over the past 24 years However, nine months later, victims are still waiting and have faced severe financial hardships in their senior years. Mr Smith says that several victims have died without seeing justice. Timeshares proved hugely popular in the 1980s and 1990s and a decade ago more than half a million people in the UK still owned them. But they fell out of favour as the sector became notorious for its aggressive sales techniques. The schemes gave investors the right to take a holiday in a property, often abroad, for a set number of days a year. In return they paid a lump sum upfront and annual maintenance fees. Investors also had the option to part-own a property in what was known as fractional timeshare schemes. These investments typically involved expensive loans from banks working with timeshare firms. But in some cases, investors ability to repay the debt was not properly assessed, leaving many trapped in contracts with properties they couldnt offload. Former secretary of state for business and trade Vince Cable this week described the delays as yet another scandal from the banking sector and another case of cynical disregard for the rights of misselling victims. There is also an uncomfortable parallel with the current Post Office scandal, he says. Intolerable foot dragging means that those whose rights have been established by the courts are denied compensation to which they are due. Banks claim delays are due to complexity involved in resolving cases. A Barclays spokesman says: We are sorry for the delay in resolving these complaints, which are taking longer to process than anticipated due to their complexity. Any customers who are concerned about an outstanding case should contact us directly. Payouts: Lawyers estimate 25,000 timeshare victims should receive a total of 500m in compensation and up to 150,000 each in the worst cases A spokesman for Shawbrook says: We welcomed the courts clarifications of the applicable law and its finding that each complaint must be carefully considered on its own individual facts, and a one-size fits all approach is not appropriate. Thomas and Agnes Woods from Rattray, Aberdeenshire, are desperate to draw a line under the timeshare nightmare that has cost them 48,000 over the past 24 years. In 2000, the couple took out a loan to buy a fractional timeshare to take family holidays with their three children in destinations including Spain, the Lake District and America. Initially, the couple paid 4,000 in four monthly instalments for a set of points which could be redeemed for a one-off weeks holiday. The scheme would also require them to pay an annual management fee of 2,000. They chose to spend that week in Spain, but on arrival, they say, timeshare sales representatives insisted they attend a five-hour meeting where they were pressured into spending thousands of pounds more to buy another set of points for a holiday at a later date. They then agreed to pay a second instalment of 4,000. The couple say they were told that they could not buy the points outright and were encouraged by salespeople to take out loans. It sounded like a good deal its so easy to get caught up in it all, says Agnes, a former ambulance service worker. At first, the family took two holidays a year, but a few years on found the high costs were crippling their finances. Fad: Timeshares proved hugely popular in the 1980s and 1990s but fell out of favour as the sector became notorious for its aggressive sales techniques Agnes says: In 2017 we were desperate to get out of the scheme. There was no way to avoid paying the 2,000 annual management fee so we joined the lawsuit led by Gary Smith. The couple say they appealed to the Financial Ombudsman Service, and it was in touch in November to say that they were due compensation. The Ombudsman said it would be paid out by December 8 but were still waiting, says Agnes. A Financial Ombudsman Service spokesman says it has resolved more than 800 cases and issued a further 1,700 provisional assessments. He says: The final decisions of our free and independent service are legally binding when accepted by a consumer businesses must follow our direction, including with other similar cases. If they do not we will refer them to the regulator. Our priority now is to settle any other cases quickly and fairly. NEW DELHI, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Indian naval ship (INS) "Sumitra" successfully carried out an anti-piracy operation off the east coast of Somalia, rescuing fishing vessel "Al Naeemi" and its crew, said the Indian navy in an official statement on Tuesday. "INS Sumitra" had been deployed for anti-piracy and maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden. The warship received an alert on Monday from the ship "Al Naeemi" about it being taken hostage. The Indian naval ship intercepted the Iranian ship, and through coercive posturing secured the safe release of the crew, including 19 Pakistani nationals, and the vessel. A day earlier the warship had responded to a distress message regarding hijacking of an Iranian flagged fishing vessel "Iman," which had been boarded by pirates and the crew taken as hostages. The fishing boat was intercepted by "INS Sumitra." Following the SOPs and coercive posturing, the vessel and its crew, including 17 Iranian nationals, were safely rescued. NEW DELHI, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and five others wounded Tuesday in a fresh round of violence in India's northeastern state of Manipur, said the local police. According to the police, the exchange of fire between two groups broke out in the bordering area of Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts. Today two individuals were killed in a firing incident between armed miscreants at bordering area of Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts, a statement issued by the police said. Local media reports, quoting police sources, said the five people wounded in the firing included a youth leader from ruling Bharatiya Janata Party from the state. TBILISI, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on Monday he has decided to resign. "I want to announce the decision that I am leaving the post of prime minister today," Garibashvili told a press conference. Earlier in the day, local media said Garibashvili will be appointed the head of the ruling Georgian Dream party, while Irakli Kobakhidze, the current party leader, will become the country's prime minister. ROME, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Italy on Monday pledged around 5.5 billion euros (5.96 billion U.S. dollars) to support its initiatives to help economic development in Africa, as part of a wider strategy to reduce the flow of migrants from Africa to Europe. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the Mattei Plan -- named after Italian industrialist Enrico Mattei, who played a key role in Italy's economic development following World War II -- "a new strategic partnership with African nations." The plan aims to transform Italy into a kind of regional energy hub while speeding up the development of African economies and slowing the arrival of migrants in Europe. Meloni made the remarks during the first Italy-Africa summit held on Monday at Italy's Senate in Rome with around two dozen African leaders, alongside top figures from the European Union and the United Nations. According to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 270,000 migrant arrivals on Europe's Mediterranean shores were recorded in 2023, the highest one-year total since 2016. The vast majority of those migrants departed from Africa and more than half came to Europe via Italy. The initial layout of 5.5 billion euros will come from Italy's climate fund and development cooperation fund, Meloni said. Those funds will be used to underwrite specific pilot projects such as vocational training and health care reforms in various African nations. At the summit, Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, said the African side would have liked to be consulted on the strategies in the Mattei Plan. "I insist on the need to move from words to deeds," he said. "We can no longer be content with promises, which are often unfulfilled." Meloni said further steps will be made amid collaboration between the various nations and multilateral groups involved. "Italy is taking precise foreign policy decisions," she said, noting that efforts toward greater African development will have "a place of honor" on the agenda of the Group of Seven nations this year. Italy will hold the rotating presidency of the G7 until Dec. 31. (1 euro = 1.08 U.S. dollar) LONDON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- HSBC has been fined 57.4 million British pounds (72.8 million U.S. dollars) for "serious failings" in depositor protection over several years, The Bank of England's Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) said on Tuesday. HSBC, the largest Europe-based bank by total assets, failed to "accurately identify deposits that were eligible for Financial Services Compensation Scheme," which protects customers and pays compensation up to 85,000 pounds per person when authorized financial services firms fail, the PRA said in a statement. This was the second highest fine ever imposed by the PRA, only after the 87-million-pound fine imposed on Credit Suisse in July 2023. "The serious failings in this case go to the heart of the PRA's safety and soundness objective. It is vital that all banks comply fully with our requirements around preparedness for resolution," Sam Woods, Deputy Governor for Prudential Regulation and Chief Executive Officer of the PRA, said in a statement. HSBC "fell far short of its obligations in this area, and failed to disclose its failings to us in a timely manner," Woods added. (1 pound =1.27 U.S. dollar) Irish premier Leo Varadkar is to travel to Washington and Boston for celebratory St Patricks Day events as calls for the event to be boycotted were made by some opposition politicians. Ministers travel plans for the week of March 17 were confirmed at Cabinet on Tuesday, a trip traditionally used by the Irish Government to develop business and diplomatic ties around the world. A bowl of shamrocks are handed to the US president by the Taoiseach at a White House ceremony in what has become a long-standing tradition. Mr Varadkar said that although Ireland had not yet received a formal invite to the White House, he would accept such an invite. If I am invited, I will accept and as always, well use it as an opportunity to speak to the US president and the US administration about matters of interest and matters of concern to the Irish people, he said. And those conversations are not always pleasant ones because while we agree on the vast majority of things, we dont agree on everything. Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheal Martin, is to travel to Vancouver, Ottawa, and Toronto in Canada, and Minister for Environment, Climate and Transport Eamon Ryan is to head to Brazil. Minister for Finance Michael McGrath is to travel to China, while Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe is going to France and Bulgaria. Housing Minister Darragh OBrien is travelling to South Africa and Zambia, Minister for Children Roderic OGorman is travelling to the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Osaka, and Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney is travelling to Bangladesh and India. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is travelling to six Australian cities: Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney, while Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue is going to Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Justice Minister Helen McEntee is to travel to New York; Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin to Nashville and Austin; while Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys is travelling to Springfield, Chicago and Madison. Minister for Education Norma Foley is travelling to Edinburgh, Cardiff, Manchester and London; and Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris is also travelling to London. Junior ministers are also being sent to various locations across the world for St Patricks Day: chief whip and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton is to travel to Singapore and minister of state Mary Butler is to travel to the Holy See, Cyprus and Italy. Attorney General Rossa Fanning will accompany the Taoiseach to Washington and Boston. The St Patricks Day events are being organised as some opposition politicians called for the high-profile White House visit to be used to push for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The SDLP has said that it would boycott the White House events over US military support for Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip, but would send a delegation to Washington to make the case for an end to violence. I could not rub shoulders, drink Guinness and have the craic while the horrifying impacts of the brutal war in Gaza continue, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MP said. I think that there should be a boycott of the trip, full stop, this year, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry said. Asked about the opportunity to influence the opinion of President Joe Biden, he said: I think a stronger way to make the point is to do the boycott. Persuasion is not always about parlez vous. Its also about actions and taking a strong stance. Heres a tremendous opportunity to show solidarity with the Palestinian people it should be taken. He added: Senior Irish politicians, whether it be Leo Varadkar, Fianna Fail politicians, or Mary Lou McDonald, should not be in Washington on St Patricks Day this year, handing over the bowl of shamrocks to the Biden administration. Sometimes you have to take a stand. The programme for Irelands national St Patricks festival and parade in Dublin was also unveiled on Tuesday, with this years theme being spreach the Irish word for spark. Sinn Fein has accused the Minister for Housing of failing to provide a progress report on the 3,550 affordable homes the Government pledged to deliver last year. Pearse Doherty said that a government housing progress report published last week contained very little information about the thousands of affordable homes to be delivered by local authorities and approved housing bodies. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that the update on the affordable properties will be published in the coming weeks. A housing report published last week revealed that there were 32,695 new homes completed in 2023, exceeding the target of 29,000 set out in the Governments housing plan. Mr Doherty said that housing report contained 44 glossy pages, lots of words, lots of numbers, but very little information in relation to the delivery of homes for which the government is directly responsible. Incredibly, Minister OBrien failed to provide a progress update on the 3,550 genuinely affordable homes to rent or to buy that your government promised to deliver through local authorities and approved housing bodies last year, he added. Not one word in the report about it, complete and utter silence. You can see why this rings alarm bells Taoiseach, because since you came to office or since this government came to office, your government has missed its affordable housing targets, not just one year, but every single year for four years in a row now the targets have been missed. The targets were far, far too low. The lack of pace, the lack of ambition, the lack of urgency to deliver affordable houses has serious consequences for people. Thousands of adults who want to strike out on their own are living at home with their parents. Theyre in their 30s, or in their 40s and as we know young people are leaving in their droves for a chance of a better life, flocking to places like Australia. Mr Varadkar said: I dont have those numbers available yet, but I think they will be available in the next couple of weeks. What I want to acknowledge is that rents are very high for far too many people in this country and a lot of people are waiting far too long to be in a position to buy their own home. It is something that government is helping with. Take the rent credit for example, worth 750 euros per renter per year this year and 500 euros last year. A lot of people claiming that helping them with the rent. Of course, weve the new form of cost rental housing, a form of public housing, which allows people to rent more affordable rates, and that is really taking off now. Its proving very popular and were going to see a lot more of that being built around the country in the coming years. When it comes to first time buyers, helping them with schemes that you want to abolish, like Help to Buy for example, like First Home and that is making a huge difference. We saw figures out only in the last couple of days, which showed that the number of first time buyers drawing down first mortgage is at its highest level since 2007. Thats an extraordinary change and where we were only a few years ago. In 2007, I was in my 20s we are actually back to that now. Those are the kind of numbers that were now seeing people buying their first home. Labour leader Ivana Bacik said Irelands housing record continues to dominate every aspect of Irish life. She said that homeless figures show that 4,000 children are recorded as homeless, while Ryanair has bought up multiple homes for its workforce. Were seeing the health of renters and local authority tenants suffering due to poor conditions like mould and damp, with little action or follow up from inspectors, Ms Bacik added. It is a core function and a duty of the state to vindicate the rights of everyone who lives here to have decent secure and affordable housing. But in allowing this housing crisis to deepen and to worsen, your government is failing to fulfil that duty and people across the country are worse off because of it. MOSCOW, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- A potential return of U.S. nuclear weapons to Britain would be a dangerous step, which could only undermine the European security, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Tuesday. The statement came amid media reports that the United States is planning to place nuclear weapons in Britain for the first time in 15 years in response to an alleged threat from Russia. "Regarding the topic of the hypothetical return of American tactical nuclear weapons to the British territory, I would like to warn in the most definite and strict way against this destabilizing step," Ryabkov said. The Russian diplomat further stressed that such a move would not strengthen the U.S. security, nor would it strengthen the security of Britain. He said that this would "increase the overall level of escalation" and pose a threat to the European security. Moscow has its own ways to monitor what is happening in order to draw appropriate conclusions, Ryabkov said. "We would like to warn NATO ... against further escalation, which is becoming increasingly dangerous," he said. MOSCOW, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Russia is discussing with other BRICS countries the interaction of national systems for transmitting financial messages, the country's central bank governor, Elvira Nabiullina, said on Tuesday. "Russia has a System for Transmitting Financial Messages (SPFS), which is an alternative to SWIFT. Similar infrastructure exists in some other countries. We are holding discussions on the interaction of such platforms, but here the interest and technical readiness of our partners are important," said Nabiullina. She added that 159 foreign participants from 20 countries have already joined the Russian system. The SPFS was created by the Bank of Russia to mitigate the risks of potential disconnection of Russian banks from SWIFT -- an international interbank system for transmitting information and making payments, which connects more than 11,000 organizations in almost every country in the world. LONDON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has agreed to a deal with the United Kingdom (UK) government, paving way for the power-sharing in the Northern Ireland Assembly (Stormont) to return after boycotting the devolved administration in Belfast for nearly two years. Following a late-night meeting, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said Tuesday that the party's executive had backed a deal with Westminster to return to Stormont power-sharing. The UK government is expected to publish the deal in full on Wednesday, and pass the legislation in Parliament on Thursday. Donaldson said agreements reached by the DUP, the largest pro-British party in Northern Ireland, with the UK government "provide a basis for our party to nominate members to the Northern Ireland Executive, thus seeing the restoration of the locally elected institutions." The DUP collapsed the power-sharing government with the Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein in February 2022 in a dispute over post-Brexit trade rules. The DUP has been in vehement opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol, the trade solution agreed by London and the European Union (EU) to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the neighboring Republic of Ireland. Under the deal, an Irish Sea border was created between the British mainland and Northern Ireland, meaning goods transported to and from Northern Ireland are subjected to border controls. The power-sharing model of government in Northern Ireland was introduced in the 1990s as a way of ending decades of violence as part of the Good Friday Agreement. It requires the representation of both nationalist and unionist parties in any government. Westminster's Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris hailed the breakthrough on Tuesday morning a "welcome and significant step." "All the conditions are in place for the Assembly to return," he said. "The parties entitled to form an executive are meeting today to discuss these matters, and I hope to be able to finalize this deal with the political parties as soon as possible." Photo taken on Jan. 30, 2024 shows a U.S. House Homeland Security Committee meeting to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States. Republicans in the U.S. House announced impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing him of "willfully and systematically refusing to obey the law" on immigration issues, leading to a failure to control immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in the southern U.S. state of Texas are in a standoff with the federal government over a sharp immigration dispute. Observers have argued that the standoff reflects the nation's political fray, warning against a potential constitutional crisis that might further split the country. They also believe immigration will emerge as a critical issue in this year's election. "UNPRECEDENTED" STANDOFF Immigration has long been among the most controversial topics in the United States. In recent years, the Democratic and Republican parties in the United States have been at odds over immigration issues. After Democrat Joe Biden became President of the United States, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other Republicans frequently challenged the Biden administration over policy on illegal immigration, accusing it of inaction. These Republicans have chartered buses and planes to send illegal immigrants to Democratic-led cities. The White House has criticized Abbott and other Republicans for using immigrants as a "stunt" for political purposes. The Texas authorities disagreed with the federal government regarding border law enforcement, and the case was taken to the U.S. Supreme Court. Earlier last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Texas cannot block Border Patrol agents from cutting the razor wires set by Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border as part of the state's response to a "crisis at the border." Abbott has refused to obey the ruling, with the Texas National Guard continuing to roll out razor wires along the border. Abbott said the Constitution had granted Texas the right to defend and protect itself and that Biden had failed to fulfill his duty to secure the U.S. border by allowing millions of immigrants to enter the country illegally from the southern border. "Under President Biden's lawless border policies, more than 6 million illegal immigrants have crossed our southern border in just 3 years. That is more than the population of 33 different States in this country. This illegal refusal to protect the States has inflicted unprecedented harm on the People all across the United States," he said in a statement on Wednesday. A CBS News report called the "standoff" between Texas and the federal government at the southern border "unprecedented." A POSSIBLE "CIVIL WAR"? The standoff between Texas and the federal government has further aggravated the partisan divide in the United States. Last week, 25 other GOP governors released a joint statement in support of Abbott and Texas' constitutional right to self-defense. Trump, who is running for president in 2024, has also sided with Abbott. Far-right congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has even called for a "national divorce" in the United States to split the country based on political ideology into "red" Republican states and "blue" Democratic states. Republicans in the U.S. House announced impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing him of "willfully and systematically refusing to obey the law" on immigration issues, leading to a failure to control immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. However, House Democrats accused Republicans of abusing their impeachment power to undermine efforts to address immigration issues. Democratic members of Congress, including Joaquin Castro, have called on the Biden administration to take a tougher stance with Texas, such as "federalizing" the Texas National Guard and subjecting them to a Supreme Court ruling and relevant federal laws. "Greg Abbott and the Republicans in Texas have become bloodthirsty," said Castro on a press call with other Texas Democrats. The New York Post wrote in an editorial that the "war" between Biden and Abbott puts the United States at risk of a constitutional crisis. In an interview on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said his state does not want a confrontation with the Biden administration. However, when asked whether this situation will "turn into a civil war," Patrick reiterated that Texas has a constitutional right to secure its border. "We believe constitutionally we are right, we have a right to defend our citizens, we have a right to defend this country, and we are just doing our job." IMPACT ON ELECTION Immigration, one of the most politically divisive and complex matters in the United States, is emerging as a top issue in the 2024 election. As the primary season for the 2024 U.S. presidential election gets underway, a recent opinion poll showed that immigration is the top policy concern for American voters. Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of the interviewed in the poll believe the immigration problem has worsened during the Biden administration. Biden said the White House team is negotiating with members of both parties on an immigration bill to seriously address the "crisis at the border." American columnist Julio Ricardo Varela believes that public opinion may pressure Biden into taking a tougher stance on immigration issues to hedge Trump's advantages on immigration issues. While Latino voters helped Biden win in 2020, Biden's choice to be more like Trump on immigration may backfire on him for the 2024 election. Trump has always taken a tough stance on immigration issues, advocating the large-scale construction of a border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Since announcing his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump has continued to play the "immigration card" and repeatedly attacked the Biden administration over immigration and border policies. In the 2016 presidential election, border security was a crucial issue believed to have helped Trump win. His supporters consisted of white, blue-collar workers and individuals with less education who wanted the federal government to implement stricter immigration and border policies. As the 2024 race increasingly becomes a likely rematch between Trump and Biden, immigration will emerge as a key 2024 election wedge issue. Photo taken on Jan. 30, 2024 shows a U.S. House Homeland Security Committee meeting to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States. Republicans in the U.S. House announced impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing him of "willfully and systematically refusing to obey the law" on immigration issues, leading to a failure to control immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Photo taken on Jan. 30, 2024 shows a U.S. House Homeland Security Committee meeting to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States. Republicans in the U.S. House announced impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing him of "willfully and systematically refusing to obey the law" on immigration issues, leading to a failure to control immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Photo taken on Jan. 30, 2024 shows a U.S. House Homeland Security Committee meeting to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States. Republicans in the U.S. House announced impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing him of "willfully and systematically refusing to obey the law" on immigration issues, leading to a failure to control immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Photo taken on Jan. 30, 2024 shows a U.S. House Homeland Security Committee meeting to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States. Republicans in the U.S. House announced impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing him of "willfully and systematically refusing to obey the law" on immigration issues, leading to a failure to control immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Photo taken on Jan. 30, 2024 shows a U.S. House Homeland Security Committee meeting to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States. Republicans in the U.S. House announced impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing him of "willfully and systematically refusing to obey the law" on immigration issues, leading to a failure to control immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Today, unreported political news is important for our our www.TonysKansasCity.com blog community for a lot of reasons but mostly because it shows the Kansas City Northland getting SERIOUS about their representation. Here's the word . . . Clay County Board of Election Commissioners Hire Heather Hall as new Republican Director (Liberty, Missouri) The Clay County Board of Election Commissioners hired Heather Hall, former Kansas City Missouri Councilwoman, as the new Republican Director of the Election Board. Hall will work in partnership with Tiffany Ellison, the Democrat Director, to ensure fair, honest and transparent elections for the voters of Clay County. Hall served the residents of Kansas City in District One from 2015-2023 which is all in Clay County. Hall has been active in elections and politics in Clay County since moving to the Northland in 1999 and believes in the power of elections to ensure freedom for all citizens. She and her husband, Eben, a retired police officer, have three grown children. Darla Wierzbicki, Chairman of the Board of Election Commissioners said, We voted unanimously to hire Heather. We believe she brings a wealth of experience, transparency and honesty to the position and for the voters of Clay County. I couldn't be more thrilled to have Heather Hall as a Co-Director! Her experience as an office holder brings a fresh and valuable perspective to our team. Having already served as Interim Director, we've witnessed firsthand how effectively she works towards achieving the mission of the Election Board. Together, we are determined to improve and enhance the way we serve Clay County voters. Heather's enthusiasm and dedication make her a true asset to our office. We are excited for positive changes we will make with Heather on board, said Tiffany Ellison, Democrat Director The Clay County Board of Election Commissioners' mission is to administer the election process in an unbiased, honest, and efficient manner so that all eligible Clay County voters will have an opportunity to vote in accordance with local, State, and Federal laws. For more information, visit www.voteclaycountymo.gov. ### Developing . . . Amid the backdrop of intense speculation and a media circus . . . The demand for more information is legit as families struggle to understand a soul crushing loss . . . Here's one of the more reasoned statements that offers more insight . . . Check-it: Johnson's brother Jonathan Price said he is making discoveries of his own, including the fact that one of the men was found on the back porch, away from the others. The Kansas City Police Department has said there is no evidence of foul play but Price has demanded they explain what they think happened. 'I'm not saying there was or was not a crime, but if you immediately suspect no foul play then you should have a story, you should have something to tell the families and for no-one to hear anything that doesn't make any sense,' he told Chris Cuomo on News Nation. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Brother of dead Chiefs fan says cops are ignoring grieving relatives Police have said there is no evidence of foul play but Jonathan Price, the brother of Ricky Johnson, has said he is finding out things for himself and has demanded to know what they think happened Police Say There's Still No Evidence of Foul Play in Mysterious Deaths of 3 Frozen Chiefs Fans We still do not know much of anything regarding the three Kansas City men who froze to death in the backyard of a friend's house following a Chiefs' watch Inside the Mysterious Deaths of 3 Men Found Dead in Friend's Frozen Yard: What We Know So Far After three men were found dead in their friend's backyard in Kansas City, Missouri, their families raised suspicions as to the manners of their deaths. Here's everything to know about their death investigation. Developing . . . Canada Post has unveiled a new Black History Month stamp honouring Mary Ann Shadd. Shadd, born in 1823 in Wilmington, Del., was an activist who broke boundaries to fight for the rights of Black people and women. She was an abolitionist, educator, newspaper publisher and lawyer. In 1851, Shadd was invited to teach in Windsor, Ont., where she helped open a racially integrated school that supported families fleeing enslavement in the United States, a Canada Post description reads. Two years later, she started the Provincial Freeman, becoming the first Black woman in North America, as well as the first woman in Canada, to publish and edit a newspaper. It was published from Windsor and later from Toronto and Chatham. The Provincial Freeman was an anti-slavery newspaper advocating for the advancement and equality of Black people. It also promoted Canada as a place where Black people could settle, raise families and contribute as free citizens. Shadd initially kept her name off the masthead to avoid alienating readers; however, she revealed her identity in 1854. She moved back to the U.S. in 1863. She became the second Black American woman to obtain a law degree and became a lawyer and prominent suffragist. Her father, Abraham Doras Shadd, who was active in the Underground Railroad, was honoured on Canada Posts first Black History Month stamp in 2009. The Mary Ann Shadd stamp was revealed in late January in Chatham, where Shadd spent most of her years while living in Canada. The stamp was designed by Underline Studio and illustrated by Natasha Cunningham. The U.S. State Department recently issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas, warning travelers to be extra careful. The advisory, released on Friday, focuses on the risk of crime, especially in New Providence and Grand Bahama. The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas also noted an increase in murders in Nassau since the start of 2024, with gang violence being a major cause. U.S. State Department Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for the Bahamas Travelers planning trips to the Bahamas are being urged to be more cautious following a new travel advisory. The U.S. State Department's warning, issued on Friday, specifically points out the increased crime rates on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama. This includes the popular tourist destinations of Nassau and Freeport. The caution comes after a security alert from the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas. This alert highlighted that 18 murders have happened in Nassau since the beginning of the year, many in broad daylight. The main reason behind these murders is thought to be gang-related violence, according to USA Today. In particular, the advisory emphasizes the need for greater vigilance in the "Over the Hill" area in Nassau, located south of Shirley Street. This area has seen a lot of gang violence, leading to a high number of murders that mainly affect locals. The State Department's warning also mentions the dangers of violent crimes such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults. These crimes can happen anywhere, including places where tourists stay. The advisory notes that some short-term rental properties might not have enough security. Related Article: Holiday Travel in Taiwan Risks Disruption from EVA Air Strike Moreover, the advisory includes a warning about using commercial watercraft for recreational purposes. These water tours and activities are not always safely managed. The advisory mentions that the watercraft might not be well-maintained, and some operators may lack proper safety training. Because of these safety concerns, U.S. government workers are prohibited from using jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands. Lastly, travelers are advised to be careful of sharks while swimming in the Bahamas. There have been recent incidents, some fatal, involving sharks. Travel Risks in the Bahamas: Caution Advised for Tourists Travelers heading to the Bahamas need to be careful due to several risks. The U.S. Department of State has rated the Bahamas at Level 2, meaning people should be extra careful when visiting. This Caribbean paradise, known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, has seen some safety concerns lately. Firstly, water activities can be dangerous. There are issues with commercial boats not being well-maintained and some operators not having the right safety training. As reported by the Traveling Lifestyle, tourists should check local weather and sea conditions before doing any water-related activities. Even in good weather, accidents have led to injuries and deaths. Swimming alone is not safe, regardless of how well you can swim. Stay within your limits and always swim where it's safe. There's also a risk of shark attacks, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings in the water. The Bahamas also faces natural disasters like hurricanes, especially from June to November. Visitors should keep an eye on the weather and have a plan in case of emergencies. Having travel insurance for trips to the Bahamas is a good idea. Finally, health risks like mosquito-borne illnesses are present. Tourists should protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing long clothes, using bug spray, and staying in places with screens. Read Also: Travel Disruption Alert: Storm Jocelyn Hits UK Rail, Road Networks African Travel, Inc. (ATI), a luxury safari company, is launching 95 new 'MAKE TRAVEL MATTER' experiences in 2024 across Africa. These trips are part of ATI's commitment to sustainable tourism and will support wildlife and community projects. Two standout experiences are the Vultures Breeding Program in South Africa's Shamwari Reserve and the Cheetah Conservation effort in Namibia. African Travel, Inc. Introduces New Wildlife Conservation Tours in Africa for 2024 African Travel, Inc. (ATI) has recently announced that it will include 95 'MAKE TRAVEL MATTER' experiences in its 2024 travel packages across Africa. This move aims to make sure that tourists visiting Africa have a positive impact on the wildlife and local communities. These experiences are designed to support the United Nations' sustainability development goals. Sherwin Banda, the President of ATI, expressed excitement about exceeding their 2025 goal by offering these experiences a year early. According to Travel Pulse, these trips are not just about seeing Africa's natural beauty but also about contributing to wildlife conservation and supporting local communities. ATI's collaboration with the TreadRight Foundation enhances their efforts in wildlife protection. One of the key experiences is the Vultures Breeding Program at the Shamwari Reserve in South Africa. Here, tourists can visit the Shamwari Private Game Reserve, known for its successful conservation initiatives. This program, which started on January 23, 2024, in partnership with Vulpro, aims to protect African vultures facing a serious decline in numbers. Related Article: Underwater Hotel: New Room Off Tanzania, Africa Lets Guests Sleep With the Fish Another highlight is the Cheetah Conservation in Namibia, part of a 10-day luxury train journey. Guests will travel on the Rovos Rail, enjoying beautiful landscapes and viewing wildlife, including stopping at the Cheetah Conservation Fund's Research and Education Centre. This organization works to save cheetahs and their ecosystems, addressing the dramatic decrease in their population. These experiences by ATI not only offer a unique way to explore Africa but also allow travelers to contribute positively to the continent's wildlife conservation and community development. Africa Sees More Tourists, Fights Crime Concerns with New Measures Africa is welcoming more international visitors this year, with a notable increase in tourists from the United States. South Africa, in particular, has seen about 7.6 million foreign visitors from January to November. Skift revealed that it is still 17% lower than the 10.2 million who visited in 2019, but the numbers are growing. The U.S. alone sent 370,500 travelers, marking a 42% jump from last year. South Africa's government is taking big steps to ensure these tourists stay safe. They plan to have 2,300 tourism monitors in places like parks and popular attractions. These monitors will work alongside regular police to protect visitors. Travel from other African countries is the biggest reason for the increase in tourism. 5.8 million African travelers visited South Africa, 76% more than last year. However, visits from Asia are still low. Despite these positive trends, there are worries about crime. To address this, Cape Town and Johannesburg are boosting their security efforts. They are adding more safety staff and creating special programs to help tourists stay safe. South Africa also uses famous people like comedian Trevor Noah in their ads to attract more visitors. Plus, they have a new safety app for tourists, linking them to help if needed. All these efforts show how Africa is working hard to grow its tourism and keep visitors safe. Read Also: These Are the 5 Vacation Spots in Africa to Visit If You're Tired of Cold Winters WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Joe Biden administration reimposed sanctions on Venezuela targeting its oil and gas sector on Tuesday, saying the move was in response to the decision by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government to ban a leading opposition candidate from running for president. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that since the Maduro government failed to honor an agreement it reached in October with the opposition Unitary Platform to allow all opposition candidates to compete in the presidential election later this year, the United States will not renew a relief to Venezuela's oil and gas sector beyond its expiration date of April 18. The relief, known as General License 44, was issued in October to encourage the Maduro government to fully implement the agreement reached in Barbados. Additionally, the United States is revoking General License 43, which authorizes transactions between U.S. persons and Minerven, the Venezuelan state-owned gold mining company. Venezuela's Supreme Justice Tribunal on Friday upheld a ban prohibiting the country's opposition presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado from holding public office. Asked about the possible reinstatement of the sanctions on Monday, John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council, told a White House press briefing that Maduro and his allies "haven't taken those actions" they committed themselves to in the Barbados Agreement. "Now, accordingly, they got until April to do so, so we have options available to us. I'm not going to preview any of those at this time. But we certainly have options, with respect to sanctions and that kind of thing that we could take," Kirby said. When you talk about the places around the world with breahtaking, picture-perfect beaches, such a list will never ever be complete without Bali. Millions of travelers flock its beaches each year to get a taste of the beauty that Bali is so proud of. However, it also has much to offer those who are looking for more than just beaches. In fact, the town of Ubud has been a favorite among travelers who still want to enjoy nature away from the beach. It's known among travelers for being the greenest part in Bali, and we're about to show you why. Here are some tourist attractions and destinations that you should visit when in Ubud. Campuhan Ridge Walk Being around nature at times encourages you to go on long walks. When in Ubud, make sure to go for on Campuhan Ridge Walk. There is no entrance fee you have to pay for, so enjoying the beautiful scenery is all free. Make sure to wear the right attire if you want to go on a walk to avoid any discomfort! Tegallalang Rice Terrace Also known as the Tegallalang Rice Fields, the Tegalllalang Rice Terrace are rice paddies that follow what is known in Bali as "subak." This is essentially the traditional Balinese irrigation system. A 20-minute drive north of Ubud, make sure to head first to the top of the rice terrace and enjoy the view before making your way down. Don't forget to drop by the "LOVE BALI" swing near the entrance to get that Instagram photo you'll definitely want to share with your followers. Related Article: Bali's Wellness Tourism Booms as Travelers Seek Health and Harmony Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary No list of must-visit places in Ubud will ever be complete without the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Also known as the Ubud Monkey Forest, more than 1,200 Balinese long-tailed macaque monkeys call the sanctuary home. It has been regarded as a sacred place since the 14th century. There is an entrance fee that you have to pay if you want to enter the Ubud Monkey Forest. For more details on entrance fees as well as how to book your visit, click here. Ubud Palace Otherwise known as the Ubud Royal Place or the Puri Saren Agung, the Ubud Palace has served as the official residence of Bali's royal family since the late 19th century. Today, it has become a museum as well as center for traditional art. Easily accessible through the Jalan Raya Ubud shopping street, the palace is a two-minute walk from the Ubud Art Market. The palace is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but if you want to catch a cultural performance, make sure you're there at 7:30 p.m. Read Also: Travel Tips: The Best Places to Do Yoga in Bali, Indonesia The Committee on Political Affairs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a draft resolution on the confiscation of frozen Russian assets and their use in support of Ukraine's recovery. This is said in a statement published on the PACE website, Ukrinform reports. In a draft resolution based on a report by Lulzim Basha (Albania, EPP/CD), the committee said Russia, as the aggressor state, should provide full compensation for the injury caused by its internationally wrongful acts, including the destruction of infrastructure, loss of life, economic hardship, and other adverse effects. The committee said that approximately US$300 billion of frozen Russian sovereign assets should now be put at the disposal of reconstructing Ukraine, the committee said. By June 2023 the documented damage to Ukraines infrastructure and economy caused by Russias aggression was estimated to have reached US$416 billion, the parliamentarians pointed out. The committee recommended the establishment of an international compensation mechanism under Council of Europe auspices, comprising an international trust fund into which Russian assets held by Council of Europe member and non-member states should be deposited, and an impartial and effective international claims commission, operating under recognised judicial norms, to adjudicate claims presented by Ukraine and other entities affected by the aggression. The committee urged Council of Europe member and non-member states holding Russian assets to actively co-operate in transferring these assets to such a mechanism with the support of the EU, the US and the G7. Under international law, states possess the authority to enact countermeasures against a state that has seriously breached international law. Now is the time for Council of Europe member states to move from sanctions to countermeasures, the committee said, adding that the legitimacy of such countermeasures remains unassailable within the framework of sovereign immunity. The Council of Europe had already led the way in expressing its solidarity with Ukraine and its people, the committee noted, by excluding Russia from its membership, and by setting up a Register of Damage to log damage, loss or injury suffered by Ukraine, as a first step towards holding Russia accountable for its wrongful acts. Such steps, the committee concluded, would have the three-fold objective of strengthening Ukraine, ensuring Russias accountability and deterring future aggression. The full Assembly bringing together parliamentarians from the 46 member states of the Council of Europe will debate the report in due course. As reported by Ukrinform, this week the U.S. Senate committee approved legislation that would help Washington to confiscate Russian assets and hand them over to Ukraine for rebuilding after the destruction caused by the war unleashed by Russia. facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter Published January 30, 2024 WHAT: ULM FAFSA Frenzy Open House WHEN: Monday, February 5, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. WHERE: Sandel Hall, 4020 Northeast Dr., Monroe WHO: High school and transfer students MONROE, LA The University of Louisiana Monroe is hosting a FAFSA Frenzy Open House on Monday, February 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. FAFSA Frenzy is a free event to help high school and transfer students fill out their FAFSA applications. Students are encouraged to come to the lobby of ULMs Sandel Hall, 4020 Northeast Dr. in Monroe any time between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on February 5. Staff from ULMs Recruitment and Financial Aid departments will be on hand to help students navigate the form. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing the form allows high school students to know what types of financial aid for which they qualify. Each student will need to bring their FSA ID information for themselves and their parent or guardian, 2022 tax return and W-2 information for the student and their parent or guardian. Students and parents are also welcome to bring any questions they may have. While not required, students are encouraged to bring a laptop if possible. ULM wants to make sure that no student leaves any money on the table, said Erica Hopko, ULM Associate Director of Customer Service and Outreach. We will help you fill out the FAFSA so that college can be more affordable, she said. For more information about FAFSA Frenzy, contact the ULM Department of Financial aid at (318) 342-5320 or finaid@ulm.edu. Snacks and popcorn will be provided. For more information about the FAFSA, visit studentaid.gov. | By Alex Likowski We have a major opportunity to leverage new technologies to bring lifesaving therapies and new drugs and clinical trials to all the patients of Maryland, whether in West Baltimore or the Eastern Shore, University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) Dean Mark T. Gladwin, MD, told members of the Maryland Senates Budget and Taxation Committee on Jan. 24 in Annapolis. Gladwin, who also is the vice president for medical affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor, joined other top officials from UMB; the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP); and the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) to explain the promise of the newly launched University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC). (l-r) Mohan Suntha, Darryll Pines, Bruce Jarrell For example, were now launching programs that use data science to identify women who are newly pregnant and have hypertension that are of high risk for preeclampsia and high mother-baby mortality, Gladwin added. We can identify patients across the state that are not being screened today for lung cancer and ensure that electronic consultation and patient navigation are provided for them as they are screening. Launched in November 2022, UM-IHC seeks to leverage recent advances in network medicine, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to create a premier learning health care system that evaluates both de-identified and secure digitized medical health data to improve outcomes for patients across Maryland. UM-IHC is expected to energize research in the life sciences including applied artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, immersive visualization, real-world evidence and adaptive clinical trials, population health, and therapeutic drug discovery. While driving technological advancement, the goal is to also provide critical mass to Marylands technology economy. Although UM-IHCs physical offices are located in Montgomery County, home to a burgeoning cluster of more than 300 biotechnology companies, the institute is fueled by the partnership of UMBs medical expertise, UMCPs advanced computing prowess, and the vast medical records of UMMS, which provides more than 25 percent of all Maryland hospital-based care for more than 2 million patients. The University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing was envisioned to improve the health of the citizens of Maryland, said UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS. And this is possible because of the deep expertise you will hear about in computing at College Park and health care at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and electronic medical records at the University of Maryland Medical System, and in collaboration with Montgomery County. UMCP President Darryll Pines, PhD, MS, told the committee that the bill before them, Senate Bill 376, would provide crucial support for UM-IHC and help make Maryland a national pioneering leader helping to create the next generation health care model. Last summer, Gov. Wes Moore told the Maryland Association of Counties that the state needed to prioritize our spending in a way that strengthens our economic engine, not just for now, but for the future of all Marylanders, and leaves no Marylander behind, Pines said. So, with your support, this legislation and investment in the IHC will do just that by making Maryland not only a super cluster of high-tech innovation and economic impact, but also the foundation of a new and healthier future for every citizen of the state of Maryland, and potentially the nation. So far, Montgomery County has committed $40 million to the project over five years, matched by a $30 million commitment from UMB and UMCP via their 12-year collaboration, the University of Maryland Strategic Partnership: MPowering the State (MPower). Last year, the Maryland congressional delegation provided an initial $3 million for equipment. And UMMS has contributed a multimillion-dollar electronic health records database. The terms of the bill under consideration by the Maryland General Assembly would provide an additional $1.5 million through MPower in Fiscal Year 2025, increasing to $6 million each year, beginning in Fiscal Year 2029. Beyond groundbreaking advances in health care, UM-IHC also is expected to help address health inequities in Maryland, Gladwin said. Were facing a disruptive revolution in artificial intelligence that is now changing the practice of medicine overnight," he said. "The major risk of this revolution is the use of data from a homogeneous patient population to create algorithms for all populations. These new programs are not necessarily representative of diverse populations and may introduce major bias and even fabrication in health care models. We have a major opportunity and responsibility in the state of Maryland to ensure that these new systems are free of bias, and serve all of our patients, regardless of color or socioeconomic status. UMMS President and CEO Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, added, When you think about who we are as a health system, we are everything from academic health care in urban-based environments like the city of Baltimore, we are transforming health care in Prince Georges County. We are a rural health care provider on the Mid-Shore, we deliver health care in counties like Harford County, Charles County, and Anne Arundel County. And the reason that that is important to this conversation is that when you think about that unique 2 million patients that we serve across our health system, the data from this experience provides a unique asset to the conversation and to the idea of developing a learning health system that will inform how we think about health care in the future, not just for the state of Maryland, but in fact, the nation." Suriyapong Thongsawang Over a month's worth of Russian crude-oil production is stranded near South Korea. Currency disagreements with importers have left 14 cargo tankers idling. US sanctions also play a role, with India turning to alternative sources of crude. Tankers carrying over a month's worth of Russian oil production have been stuck in a weeks-long limbo, as US sanctions and payment disagreements keep buyers at bay. Vessels loaded with 10 million barrels of the Russian Sokol crude have been idling around the South Korean port of Yosu, Reuters reported. To save on freight costs, three supertankers have become a floating storage, accepting product from smaller vessels ship-to-ship. In total, 14 ships have sat stranded as importers of Russian crude are unable to settle on a currency with which to pay for the oil. Payment disagreements between India and Russia have spanned for months now: After Russia had issues repatriating its massive stockpile of Indian rupees, it has insisted on using the Chinese yuan, something New Delhi seeks to avoid. The lack of common ground has started impacting the trade between the two major oil partners, as India has recently turned to the Middle East to source its crude imports. And despite millions of Russian barrels ready to offload, there's no indication that could happen soon. An Indian Oil Corp source told Reuters that the firm doesn't anticipate receiving any Sokol grade oil in the near term. That's also as the US has started to clamp down harder on restrictions that aim to curb Moscow's energy trade. Since October, the US Treasury has sanctioned eight cargo ships that carried crude above the $60 price cap, a measure imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. In mid-January, India's Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri acknowledged that Western sanctions were a factor in pursuing alternative trade: "In the Russian case, it is a question of price cap and it is also a question of some of their shipping entities coming under adverse notice of others." Russia is highly dependent on its energy trade. While flows have remained high, Moscow's tax revenue from oil and gas still dropped 24% in 2023. Read the original article on Business Insider In this article, we discuss 12 best Canadian dividend stocks for income investors. You can skip our detailed analysis of the Canadian stock market and the past performance of Canadian dividend stocks, and go directly to read 5 Best Canadian Dividend Stocks For Income Investors. Canada's primary stock index concluded the year 2023 on a positive note, driven by a surge in energy and financial stocks. Despite facing challenges from inflationary pressures, Canadian stocks rebounded from the declines experienced the previous year, posting an 8% gain for the year. For 2024, there is renewed optimism among investors for a potential interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada. Apart from the general performance of the stock market, Canadian dividend stocks also demonstrated robust results in the previous year. The S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index is crafted to assess the performance of companies listed in the S&P Canada BMI that adhere to a consistent dividend policy of either maintaining or increasing dividends annually for a minimum of five years. In the year 2023, this index recorded a positive growth of 5.07%. This indicates that the selected companies, renowned for their commitment to stable or rising dividend payouts, collectively experienced a favorable performance over the course of the year. Analysts predict that the impressive performance of dividend stocks is poised to persist into 2024. They express confidence in the outlook for dividend stocks in Canada, asserting that the current opportunities are unparalleled in recent history. A key factor contributing to this optimistic outlook is the presence of stable, low-volatility blue-chip companies that are currently providing enticing yields. These companies, characterized by their reliability and strong market position, are seen as a driving force behind the continued appeal of dividend stocks, making them particularly attractive to investors seeking both stability and attractive returns. Noah Solomon, who serves as the Chief Investment Officer at Outcome Metric Asset Management, discussed Canadian dividend stocks in a recent interview with Wealth Professional, an online information resource catering to Canadian advice and planning professionals. Here are some comments from the analyst: Story continues Canadian dividend stocks are offering yields of between 6.5% and 7.5%, which are tax-preferred because theyre Canadian companies. Thats like a bond equivalent yield approaching 10%. Mr. Solomon's perspective on Canadian dividend stocks aligns with that of seasoned fund manager Tom Czitron, who remains optimistic about dividend stocks as a sound long-term investment. Czitron mentioned that the era of inexpensive capital costs and malinvestment is coming to an end, signaling potential challenges for flashy growth stocks. In this shifting landscape, Czitron emphasizes the increasing significance of dividends, suggesting that they will play a more pivotal role than before. He even provides specific recommendations for purchase during the ongoing market downturn. Canadian dividend stocks have not only demonstrated robust performance in the recent past but have also maintained consistency over the years. As highlighted in a report from RBC Global Asset Management, investors benefiting from dividends experienced a significant boost in their purchasing power. Over the last two decades, dividends in the Canadian market have shown an annual growth rate of approximately 7.9%. In contrast, inflation has averaged an annual rate of 2.2%. When compounded over time, this has resulted in a remarkable 361% growth in dividends, while inflation has led to a comparatively modest 53% increase in prices. This data underscores the enduring strength and value that Canadian dividend stocks have provided to investors. Although U.S. dividend stocks such as The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), and AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) enjoy popularity among investors, Canadian dividend stocks are equally regarded as dependable choices for income-focused investors. In this article, we will explore some of the best dividend Canadian stocks. 12 Best Canadian Dividend Stocks For Income Investors Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash Our Methodology: For this article, we scoured the list of S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index, which includes Canadian companies with at least five years of dividend growth track records. From that list, we selected stocks that are traded on American stock exchanges and sorted them by the number of hedge fund holders in our database that also had positions in those companies at the end of Q3 2023. This means that these Canadian companies are the most famous among hedge fund investors. The companies mentioned below also have strong dividend histories and healthy balance sheets, which make them reliable investment options for income investors. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the number of funds that have stakes in them as of Q3. Hedge funds top 10 consensus stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Thats why we pay very close attention to this often-ignored indicator. 12. Pembina Pipeline Corporation (NYSE:PBA) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 11 Pembina Pipeline Corporation (NYSE:PBA) is a Canadian energy transportation and midstream service provider. The company operates in the energy infrastructure sector and is involved in the transportation, storage, and processing of energy-related products. The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.6675 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.67%, as of January 30. It is among the best Canadian dividend stocks on our list. Though American stocks such as The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), and AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) are all the rage among investors, Canadian stocks also offer reliable investment options for income investors. At the end of Q3 2023, 11 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in Pembina Pipeline Corporation (NYSE:PBA), compared with 15 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $91 million. With over 1.1 million shares, Millennium Management was the company's leading stakeholder in Q3. 11. Fortis Inc. (NYSE:FTS) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 12 Fortis Inc. (NYSE:FTS) is a utility holding company with operations in the electric and gas utility sectors. The company owns and operates electric utilities that generate, transmit, and distribute electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. In December 2023, the company declared a quarterly dividend of C$0.59 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. Overall, it has been growing its dividends for the past 50 consecutive years, which makes FTS one of the best Canadian dividend stocks on our list. The stock's dividend yield on January 30 came in at 4.39%. As of the close of Q3 2023, 12 hedge funds in Insider Monkey's database reported having stakes in Fortis Inc. (NYSE:FTS), the same as in the preceding quarter. The overall value of these stakes is more than $61.8 million. 10. Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 13 Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) is a Canadian multinational financial services company that operates in the insurance, wealth management, and financial services sectors. The company's dividend growth streak currently spans over 10 years and it offers a quarterly dividend of C$0.365 per share. With a dividend yield of 4.82%, MFC is one of the best Canadian dividend stocks on our list. Insider Monkey's database of Q3 2023 indicated that 13 hedge funds owned stakes in Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC), down from 18 in the previous quarter. The total value of these investments is over $106.4 million. Among these hedge funds, Galibier Capital Management was the company's leading stakeholder in Q3. 9. The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14 The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD), commonly known as TD Bank, is a major Canadian multinational bank that provides a wide range of financial products and services to individuals, businesses, and institutional clients. In November 2023, the company declared a 6.3% hike in its quarterly dividend to C$1.02 per share. Through this increase, the company stretched its dividend growth streak to nine years, which makes TD one of the best Canadian dividend stocks on our list. As of January 30, the stock has a dividend yield of 4.94%. With a collective stake value of roughly $70 million, 14 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owned positions in The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD). In comparison, 17 hedge funds held stakes in the company in the previous quarter, worth over $311 million. 8. TELUS Corporation (NYSE:TU) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14 A leading Canadian telecommunications company, TELUS Corporation (NYSE:TU) is next on our list of the best Canadian dividend stocks for income investors. The company provides a wide range of telecommunications and information technology services to consumers, businesses, and governments. It has raised its payouts every year since 2004 and currently offers a quarterly dividend of C$0.3761 per share. In addition to this, the company has returned nearly $19 billion to shareholders through dividends since 2004. As of January 30, the stock has a dividend yield of 6.11%. At the end of September 2023, 14 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owned stakes in TELUS Corporation (NYSE:TU), up from 13 in the previous quarter. The consolidated value of these stakes is over $54.4 million. 7. Thomson Reuters Corporation (NYSE:TRI) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16 Thomson Reuters Corporation (NYSE:TRI) is a multinational information and media company that operates in the fields of news, information, data, and technology. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.49 per share, having raised it by 10% in 2023. This was the company's 30th consecutive year of dividend growth, which makes TRI one of the best Canadian dividend stocks on our list. The stock's dividend yield on January 30 came in at 1.30%. As per Insider Monkey's database of Q3 2023, 16 hedge funds owned stakes in Thomson Reuters Corporation (NYSE:TRI), up from 15 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is more than $108 million. Among these hedge funds, Balyasny Asset Management was the company's leading stakeholder in Q3. 6. Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 19 Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY) ranks sixth on our list of the best Canadian dividend stocks for income investors. The global financial services company has been growing its dividends since 2012 and currently offers a quarterly dividend of C$1.38 per share. The stock's dividend yield on January 30 came in at 4.12%. RY can be a good addition to dividend portfolios alongside some prominent US companies, such as The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), and AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV). At the end of Q3 2023, 19 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY), down slightly from 20 in the previous quarter. The consolidated value of these stakes is over $193.6 million. Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Canadian Dividend Stocks For Income Investors. Suggested articles: Disclosure. None. 12 Best Canadian Dividend Stocks For Income Investors is originally published on Insider Monkey. In a bold move aimed at reshaping higher education to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving workforce, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the state's higher education system. The ambitious initiative, announced on Friday, seeks to enhance workforce development, increase college accessibility, maintain affordability, and fortify the stability of the state's 25 institutions. Consolidating Governance for Efficiency and Coordination The multifaceted approach includes consolidating the governance of both two- and four-year institutions, introducing a new funding formula, and implementing a significant tuition reduction for low- and middle-income students. Shapiro, a Democrat, expressed his vision for a higher education system that not only provides economic success for the state but also offers diverse opportunities for all Pennsylvanians. Under the proposed changes, ten public universities within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and all fifteen state community colleges would fall under a unified governing body. Despite this consolidation, the institutions would retain their independence, with no plans to close campuses, cut staff, or merge individual entities. READ ALSO: House Committee Investigates Antisemitism At The University Of Pennsylvania Affordability at the Forefront: Tuition Reduction and Funding Formula A central aspect of the plan involves a substantial tuition reduction for low- and middle-income students, reducing their expenses to $1,000 per semester compared to the average cost of $7,716 at PASSHE institutions. This reduction aims to make higher education more accessible and affordable. Furthermore, the plan introduces a funding formula based on institutional performance, incentivizing positive outcomes. Shapiro emphasized the need to rethink the higher education system, offering accessible and affordable options for individuals pursuing various paths, whether entering the workforce directly or seeking further education. This proposal aligns with broader trends across the country as higher education institutions grapple with declining enrollments, demographic shifts, and increased pressure to address workforce demands. Addressing Unique Challenges: Pennsylvania's Saturated Marketplace Pennsylvania faces unique challenges, having the fourth-highest number of colleges in the country. The state's colleges must contend with a saturated marketplace, leading to fierce competition for applicants and limited state funding. Notably, Pennsylvania was one of six states that witnessed over 30 percent cuts in per-student funding between 2008 and 2019. Michael Horn, a co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, suggests that Pennsylvania's challenges create a "perfect storm" necessitating a strategic reset. Consolidation, a common move in disrupted industries, becomes a key component of the state's efforts to align cost structures with demand and ensure sustainability. Leadership Support and Initial Reactions While higher education leaders throughout Pennsylvania currently express general support for the proposed overhaul, it remains to be seen whether this sentiment will persist as more details are unveiled, and the potential losses and gains for the institutions involved become clearer. General Assembly members may not uniformly support increases in funding. Dan Greenstein, chancellor of PASSHE, views the governor's proposal as a real opportunity to build upon the strengths of PASSHE universities and community colleges. John Sygielski, president of HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, lauded the plan for setting up Pennsylvanians for success by facilitating credit transfers and aligning education with employer needs. The Road Ahead: Questions, Challenges, and Legislative Support Despite initial support, questions loom, particularly regarding the execution of the new governance system and its impact. The devil, as they say, is in the details. The estimated costs of the plan are expected to be revealed on February 6, during the governor's annual budget message, shedding light on the financial implications and potential challenges. While the plan excludes Pennsylvania's four largest public institutions, it still represents a significant stride toward addressing the state's higher education challenges. The proposed funding formula, overseen by the state Department of Education, aims to break the cycle of political gamesmanship, ensuring a more stable funding environment for colleges. However, Governor Shapiro's vision requires legislative support for full implementation. State Senator David Argall emphasizes the need for a detailed plan that assesses risks and ensures a net-positive outcome. The success of the proposal hinges on navigating the intricacies of the state Legislature and securing the necessary investments. In conclusion, Governor Shapiro's plan signals a groundbreaking shift in Pennsylvania's higher education landscape. By consolidating governance, introducing a new funding formula, and prioritizing affordability, the state aims to create a more agile and responsive system. As the proposal moves forward, Pennsylvania stands at the forefront of redefining higher education to better serve its students and meet the demands of a dynamic workforce. RELATED ARTICLE: Governor Shapiro's Ambitious Plan: Transforming Higher Education In Pennsylvania With $1,000 Semester Proposal In a significant development, a group of House Republicans is seeking detailed insights into the U.S. Department of Education's decision to impose a hefty $37.5 million fine on Liberty University. The prominent evangelical institution, headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, is currently under investigation for purported violations of federal campus crime-reporting requirements. The request for a comprehensive briefing was initiated by influential lawmakers including North Carolina Representative Virginia Foxx, the leading Republican on the House education committee, Kentucky Representative James Comer, who chairs the House oversight committee, and Virginia Representative Bob Good. Their joint letter outlines deep concerns about what they perceive as a targeted approach by the Department of Education towards religious institutions, exemplified by fines and program reviews that appear to exceed established precedents. Preliminary Findings and Opacity Surrounding Allegations At the heart of the controversy are the Department of Education's preliminary findings, as revealed in a document obtained by The Washington Post. According to this document, Liberty University allegedly failed to adhere to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act, a federal law requiring institutions to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Furthermore, the university is accused of discouraging victims from reporting crimes. What adds to the complexity of the situation is the lack of transparency surrounding these preliminary findings. The document outlining the Department's initial conclusions has not been made public, raising questions about due process and Liberty University's ability to adequately respond to the allegations. READ ALSO: Republicans Call For Investigation Into Education Department's Delayed FAFSA Rollout Undermining Due Process: Leaked Preliminary Report Sparks Concerns The leaked preliminary report, according to the representatives, has not only cast a shadow on the due process afforded to Liberty University but has also created an environment where the institution may be subjected to an unprecedented and exorbitant fine. The lawmakers argue that the leaking of this report has prejudiced the case, potentially influencing public opinion against the university before it has had a fair chance to present its defense. "It has become increasingly evident that the department is prepared to make an example of Liberty University by issuing an exorbitant and unprecedented fine," the lawmakers asserted in their letter. This raises fundamental questions about the fairness of the Department's approach and the potential consequences for Liberty University, not only in financial terms but also in terms of its reputation and standing within the higher education landscape. Broader Implications for Religious Institutions and Federal Oversight The concerns expressed by the House Republicans extend beyond Liberty University and touch upon broader issues related to federal oversight of religious institutions. The lawmakers question whether the Department of Education, in its pursuit of enforcing campus crime-reporting requirements, is inadvertently or intentionally targeting institutions with religious affiliations. This debate raises crucial questions about the balance between holding educational institutions accountable for safety measures and safeguarding religious freedom within the higher education sector. Liberty University, founded by the late Jerry Falwell Sr., has been a significant player in conservative politics and evangelical circles. The potential ramifications of a $37.5 million fine go beyond financial implications, potentially impacting students, faculty, and the institution's ability to fulfill its educational mission. The Call for Transparency and Due Process In response to these concerns, the House Republicans are demanding a briefing from Department of Education staffers before any final decision on the program review and fine is issued. The lawmakers emphasize the importance of transparency, fairness, and adherence to due process, not just for Liberty University but as a standard in federal scrutiny of educational institutions. The requested briefing could shed light on the Department's motivations, decision-making process, and the evidence supporting the unprecedented fine. It serves as a call for accountability within the federal regulatory framework, ensuring that institutions facing scrutiny have a fair opportunity to address allegations and present their case. The House Republicans' demand for a detailed briefing reflects a deeper inquiry into the actions of the Department of Education and their potential impact on religious institutions. The case of Liberty University serves as a focal point for a broader conversation about the complexities of federal oversight, accountability measures, and the delicate balance between ensuring campus safety and preserving the religious freedom integral to many educational institutions. As this case unfolds, it underscores the need for transparency, due process, and a thoughtful approach to navigating the intersection of accountability and religious freedom in higher education. RELATED ARTICLE: House Republicans' College Cost Reduction Act: A Comprehensive Overhaul Of Higher Education In a stern letter addressed to the Arizona Board of Regents, Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her deep concern and criticism regarding the University of Arizona's financial crisis. The university's mismanagement, which came to light in November, involved a miscalculation of finances leading to the loss of over $240 million. The governor's scathing remarks highlight not only the financial challenges but also broader issues of accountability, transparency, and leadership within the institution. Financial Crisis Unveiled: Lack of Accountability and Transparency The crux of Governor Hobbs' criticism centers on the University of Arizona's handling of its budget crisis. The revelation that the university misjudged its finances by more than $240 million is not just a financial concern but, as Governor Hobbs contends, a symptom of a more profound issue related to accountability, transparency, and leadership within the institution. Hobbs, a Democrat, did not mince words in her letter, stating that the situation goes beyond financial mismanagement. She highlighted a lack of a coherent vision to address the financial challenges, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive plan to restore the university's financial health. The absence of agreement on the severity of the problems further complicates the situation, potentially leading to deep cuts that could significantly impact the university's operations. READ ALSO: University Of Arizona Administration Accused Of Financial Mismanagement Leadership Questions and Concerns Over Interim CFO Appointment Governor Hobbs raised specific concerns about the leadership dynamics within the University of Arizona. She questioned the appropriateness of John Arnold, the executive director of the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR), serving as the university's interim chief financial officer. In her letter, she likened this situation to "the fox guarding the henhouse." The choice of Arnold, in the governor's view, raises questions about the independence and impartiality of the oversight in addressing the financial crisis. Former UA CFO Lisa Rulney, who had been partly blamed for the financial crisis, resigned in December, adding another layer of complexity to the leadership challenges facing the university. The governor's call for Arnold to step out of the interim CFO role underscores the need for unbiased leadership in navigating the university's financial recovery. Concerns Over Ashford University Acquisition and Communication Issues Governor Hobbs also expressed apprehension regarding the University of Arizona's acquisition of for-profit Ashford University in 2022. Citing a recent report that linked the $256 million purchase to budgetary problems for the institution, the governor questioned the wisdom of the acquisition. While UA officials dispute the claim that the Ashford purchase played a role in the financial crisis, Hobbs remains concerned about the potential implications and financial strain it might have caused. Communication surrounding the budget crisis was another focal point of the governor's critique. She called for improved communication to address the lack of a shared vision and understanding of the severity of the financial challenges. Transparent and effective communication, according to Hobbs, is crucial to rebuilding trust and navigating the complexities of the financial recovery process. Governor's Demands for Resolution: A Comprehensive Plan and Accountability Governor Hobbs outlined specific demands in her letter to the Arizona Board of Regents. She requested a detailed plan from the University of Arizona outlining how it intends to resolve the financial issues. This plan would not only address the immediate financial crisis but also lay out a roadmap for restoring the institution's financial health in the long term. Furthermore, the governor called for John Arnold to step down from the interim CFO role, emphasizing the need for an impartial leader to guide the university through the challenging financial recovery process. Improved communication strategies were also demanded to keep stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the resolution efforts. Additionally, Governor Hobbs sought a detailed report on the rationale and process used to assess the purchase of Ashford University and its subsequent rebranding as the University of Arizona Global Campus. This reflects her commitment to understanding the factors contributing to the financial strain and ensuring accountability for past decisions. Governor Katie Hobbs' letter to the Arizona Board of Regents underscores the severity of the financial crisis at the University of Arizona. Her criticism goes beyond financial mismanagement, addressing issues of accountability, transparency, and leadership. The demands for a comprehensive resolution plan, changes in leadership dynamics, and transparency in decision-making highlight the governor's commitment to restoring the university's financial health and fostering a culture of responsible governance within the institution. As the University of Arizona grapples with these challenges, it faces a pivotal moment that will shape its future trajectory and reputation in the realm of higher education. RELATED ARTICLE: U.S. Education Department Expands Discrimination Investigations To Arizona State, Northwestern, Yale, And Abraham Lincoln University The landscape of higher education has long been intertwined with the challenges of textbook affordability. Over the years, various strategies have been employed to alleviate the burden on students, with inclusive or equitable access emerging as a prominent solution. However, the Biden administration's proposal to roll back certain policies concerning this approach has sparked a contentious debate. We delve into the intricacies of this debate, exploring perspectives from publishers, educators, and students. The Policy Proposal: Opt-In versus Opt-Out The proposed policy change by the Biden administration aims to transition from automatic billing for textbooks and supplies to an opt-in system. Under the existing model, nearly half of degree-granting institutions have embraced inclusive access, ensuring students receive all necessary materials as part of their tuition and fees. However, the proposed shift would require students to actively opt in, potentially altering the dynamics of procurement. Publishers argue that this change could jeopardize the viability of inclusive access models, emphasizing the importance of widespread participation for cost-effectiveness. Kelly Denson of the Association of American Publishers expresses concern over the potential negative impact on students, citing the administration's commitment to higher education affordability. Conversely, proponents of the policy change champion it as a means to restore student autonomy. Christina R. Hilburger, a librarian, highlights the importance of choice, questioning the purported cost savings of inclusive access. Critics of the current system argue that it primarily benefits publishers and advocate for long-term sustainable solutions, such as open educational resources. READ ALSO: What Borrowers Need To Know About Biden Administration Fast-Tracking Student Loan Forgiveness Implications and Perspectives The proposed policy change has elicited varied responses from stakeholders within the education ecosystem. Educators like Shahrooz Moosavizadeh laud the benefits of inclusive access, emphasizing its role in ensuring timely access to materials at reduced costs. However, concerns linger regarding the opacity of access models and the lack of ownership over materials, particularly with the prevalence of required software. On the other hand, researchers like Michael Moore warn against undermining the progress made in reducing textbook costs and enhancing accessibility. Moore's findings underscore the positive correlation between inclusive access participation and academic performance, highlighting the potential consequences of policy reversals. Student Voices: Convenience versus Autonomy Amidst the policy debate, students occupy a central position, grappling with the implications of proposed changes on their academic experience. Madison Lewis, a sophomore, extols the convenience of inclusive access, emphasizing its role in alleviating the stress associated with textbook procurement. However, she acknowledges the importance of maintaining immediate access for students. In contrast, Graceanne Hoback, a junior, voices frustration with the shortcomings of inclusive access, citing instances of excessive costs and limited transparency. As a student advocate, she calls for greater autonomy and transparency in textbook procurement, advocating for measures that empower students to make informed choices. The Biden administration's proposed shift in textbook procurement policy has ignited a multifaceted debate within the education community. While inclusive access models have garnered support for their potential to reduce costs and enhance accessibility, concerns persist regarding transparency, autonomy, and long-term sustainability. As stakeholders continue to engage in dialogue and advocacy, the ultimate goal remains clear: to ensure that students have equitable access to educational resources without compromising their autonomy or financial well-being. Whether through policy reforms, technological innovations, or grassroots initiatives, the pursuit of affordable and accessible education remains paramount in shaping the future of higher education. RELATED ARTICLE: Biden Administration Announces $5 Billion Student Loan Relief, Forgiving Debts For 74,000 Borrowers In a significant development for higher education institutions in Washington, House Bill 2242 has navigated its way to the house floor, propelled by the relentless advocacy efforts of University of Washington (UW) students. This legislation, designed to overhaul sexual assault resources on campuses, is poised to bring about transformative changes affecting all public higher education institutions in the state. Student-Led Initiative: UW Students Drive the Bill Forward At the heart of this legislative push are UW students who have actively championed the cause. The bill, which seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for handling sexual assault cases, is a direct outcome of the collaborative efforts between student leaders and lawmakers. ASUW President Jacob Feleke and Vice President Ellis Andrews played pivotal roles in advocating for the bill, testifying in support of its crucial provisions. One of the fundamental objectives of House Bill 2242 is to empower survivors by delineating a clear set of rights tailored to their needs. The proposed legislation aims to expedite Title IX processes, ensuring that investigations are completed within 180 business days from the day of reporting. Moreover, universities would be mandated to enhance education programs, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to them. READ ALSO: UT Austin Ends Scholarship Program For Undocumented Students, Sparking Controversy Voices of Experience: UW Student Leaders Share Personal Stories The momentum behind House Bill 2242 gained strength as student leaders shared their personal experiences, underscoring the urgency of reform. Feleke, recounting his own assault experience, highlighted the prevailing culture of suppressing student-on-student incidents to safeguard the university's reputation. Andrews narrated a case of rape within a UW dormitory, shedding light on the prolonged Title IX process that left the survivor waiting for resolution for ten months. Failures in Accountability: A Call for Systematic Change Feleke's testimony emphasized the common practice of universities burying student experiences to protect their image. His own quest for accountability at UW ended with frustration due to dead ends and inadequate support. Andrews, in recounting the case of the dormitory rape, exposed the flaws in UW's Title IX report, which took an astonishing 10 months to conclude and resulted in a suspension citing a "one-time occurrence." These failures underscore the urgent need for systemic change. Transformative Measures: Key Provisions of House Bill 2242 1. Creating a List of Rights for Survivors A cornerstone of the bill, this provision seeks to empower survivors by explicitly outlining their rights throughout the reporting and investigative processes. 2. Establishment of Student Health and Safety Committee To ensure a holistic approach to campus safety, the bill proposes the creation of committees dedicated to student health and safety, fostering an environment of collective responsibility. 3. Enhanced Education Programming Recognizing the importance of awareness, the legislation mandates an increase in education programs focused on sexual assault resources available on campus, equipping students with the knowledge to navigate these crucial situations. 4. Accelerating Title IX Processes Perhaps one of the most impactful changes, the bill aims to streamline Title IX investigations, setting a maximum timeline of 180 business days from the day of reporting. This is a significant step toward ensuring timely justice for survivors. While the bill has garnered broad support for its overarching goals, Title IX coordinators from various public universities have offered recommendations for refinement. They emphasize the need for flexibility in timelines, acknowledging the importance of considering survivors' comfort levels. Additionally, concerns were raised about the potential drawbacks of utilizing "peer advocates," with suggestions favoring the involvement of professionals in advocacy roles. Having moved past committee stages on January 26, House Bill 2242 is poised to make its way to the house floor for further deliberation. The bill's progress, amendments, and eventual outcomes can be tracked through the legislature's official website. As Washington State takes strides to overhaul its approach to campus sexual assault resources, the bill stands as a testament to the power of student advocacy in effecting meaningful change. RELATED ARTICLE: Washington State University, Union Reach Tentative Agreement Ending Strike (@ChaudhryMAli88) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Jan, 2024) Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday agreed for increasing bilateral economic and trade relations to enhance the business integration between the two countries. Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malkii met with Caretaker Minister for Interior and Commerce Dr. Gohar Ejaz here to negotiate bilateral economic cooperation, said a press release issued here. In the meeting, the interior secretary, commerce secretary and other high officials were also present. In the meeting, it was agreed to further develop Pak-Saudi business-to-business relations and start negotiations for searching new business avenues. Meanwhile on the occasion,Dr. Gohar Ejaz said that Saudi industrialists could get benefit from investment opportunities in the steel and petrochemical industry in Pakistan. He said that the government was taking steps to increase cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the Information Technology (IT) sector. The minister said the northern regions of Pakistan were rich in natural beauty. He said that investing in luxury resorts in these areas could be beneficial for both the countries. Dr. Gohar Ejaz said we are working on setting up 'Brand Pakistan' stores globally to market Pakistani products. (@ChaudhryMAli88) XINING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Jan, 2024) -- The world's first solar magnetic-field telescope working in the mid-infrared wavelength has achieved a breakthrough by improving its measurement accuracy, according to Chinese scientists. The telescope, known as the Accurate Infrared Magnetic Field Measurements of the Sun (AIMS), is a major project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. It is located in the Lenghu township in northwest China's Qinghai Province, at an average altitude of about 4,000 meters. Scientific data shows that the AIMS telescope has carried out precise measurements of solar vector magnetic fields for the first time with an accuracy exceeding the 10 Gauss level, said Wang Dongguang, chief engineer of Huairou Solar Observing Station of National Astronomical Observatories, under the Chinese academy of Sciences. "This means that the telescope has achieved the expected goal of directly measuring the solar magnetic field intensity in the mid-infrared band using a super narrow-band Fourier spectrometer," Wang said. Israeli undercover agents, some disguised as medical staff, raided a West Bank hospital Tuesday and shot dead three Palestinians, in the first such operation in eight years Jenin, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Jan, 2024) Israeli undercover agents, some disguised as medical staff, raided a West Bank hospital Tuesday and shot dead three Palestinians, in the first such operation in eight years. An AFP photographer saw a bullet hole on a pillow covered in blood following the raid at Ibn Sina Hospital in the northern city of Jenin, where Palestinians gathered around the bodies of those killed. The Israeli military said forces entered the hospital -- a major health facility serving Jenin city and its adjacent refugee camp -- to target members of Palestinian group. Announcing the killing by Israeli forces of three people inside the hospital, the Palestinian health ministry stressed healthcare facilities are granted special protection under international law. "The minister of health calls urgently on the United Nations General Assembly, international institutions and human rights organisations to end the daily string of crimes committed by the occupation (Israel) against our people and health centres," a ministry statement said. The Palestinian foreign ministry said the "heinous" hospital killings were a "crime against humanity", in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. For the fourth time in a row, Tesla's (NASDAQ: TSLA) stock price dove following its earnings report release. Share prices of the leading electric vehicle (EV) maker finished down 12.1% on Thursday after the company missed estimates on the top and bottom lines and offered a weak production forecast for 2024. CEO Elon Musk said the company was between two major growth waves, indicating that investors would have to be patient until new products help reaccelerate Tesla's growth rate. Tesla's automotive revenue growth slowed to just 1% year over year, reaching $21.6 billion, and overall revenue grew just 3% to $25.2 billion. Additionally, profits continued to tumble, with gross margin slipping from 23.8% in the quarter a year ago to 17.6% in Q4 2023, and operating income fell 47% to $2.06 billion. While Tesla's growth has moderated significantly, the stock still retains a significant premium over other automakers. This is primarily due to expectations of coming disruptive technologies like full self-driving, its Optimus autonomous humanoid robot, and new car models, including a lower-priced offering and even "robotaxi," a purely autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel. Musk made predictions about two of those initiatives, and either could be game changers for Tesla. Here's what he had to say. Image source: Tesla. 1. Full self-driving could be coming this year Full self-driving has become something of a white whale for Tesla, as the company has been touting the technology for years, but it has yet to be fully deployed, though a beta version is available. For many investors, full self-driving, or FSD, is the technology that will make Tesla a truly transformative company. Ark Invest's Cathie Wood envisions robotaxis with FSD technology contributing a majority of the company's profits as soon as 2030, just six years away. It's unclear when Tesla will offer full self-driving, as there are technological, reputational, and regulatory hurdles. However, according to Musk's comments on the earnings call, it could be coming sooner than most investors think. Story continues In response to a question about other carmakers licensing FSD technology, Musk said, "I really think lots of car companies should be asking for FSD licenses. We've had some tentative conversations, but I think they don't believe it's real quite yet. I think that will become obvious probably this year." It's not clear exactly what Musk is referring to when he says "obvious," but it sounds like the company is on the verge of making it clear that FSD is real and functional. He also said he was interested in hosting another AI day later this year, so investors should expect to learn more about the timeline for FSD, and could even see a release sometime in 2024. 2. Tesla's next-gen vehicle is coming in 2025 Tesla has also been teasing a mass-market vehicle for years as well, and investors finally got some information regarding that launch. In response to a question about moving production of the next-generation vehicle platform to Austin, Texas, Musk said, "Our current schedule says that we will start production toward the end of 2025, so sometime in the second half. That's just what our current schedule says." Musk also acknowledged that he's "often optimistic regarding time," a tongue-in-cheek reference to his earlier delivery promises that came up short. For example, the Cybertruck was originally slated for delivery in 2021, but it finally rolled out late last year. Musk has said time and again that competing on price is key to the company's long-term growth and market share gains, and introducing a mass-market vehicle that could be priced around $25,000 is a cornerstone of that strategy. The Tesla chief also added, "We're very far along on our next-generation low-cost vehicle," and he called the manufacturing system involved "revolutionary." An affordable Tesla vehicle that could compete with the likes of a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic could be a game changer for the company, especially if it performs significantly better than similarly priced vehicles. What it means to Tesla investors Tesla did not give guidance for 2024, but it seems likely to be a lost year for the company, barring a major announcement with full self-driving. Still, the stock's recent pullback seems to adequately reflect the business's near-term weakness. If the company can deliver on FSD and the next-gen vehicle, the stock should be a winner over the long term. Of course, Musk's comments on the timeline aren't a guarantee by any means, but the potential of another disruption from Tesla should help put a floor on the EV stock, barring further declines in its profit margins or negative revenue growth. Where to invest $1,000 right now When our analyst team has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for two decades, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has more than tripled the market.* They just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Tesla made the list -- but there are 9 other stocks you may be overlooking. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of January 22, 2024 Jeremy Bowman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 2 Elon Musk Predictions Tesla Stock Investors Need To Hear was originally published by The Motley Fool A job fair for the hospitality, tourism and outdoor recreation industries is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, in the University of Wyoming College of Business atrium. The fair is open to employers looking to staff up for seasonal operations or to promote year-round career opportunities for recent graduates. UW students seeking internships, summer employment or career opportunities are encouraged to attend. Registration for the fair closes Friday, Feb. 9. Employers and students can register through Handshake at https://bit.ly/HandT_registration2024. UWs Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Initiative, the College of Business and the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources host the event. Tourism is the second-largest industry economically in Wyoming and the largest employment sector with over 30,000 people employed, says Dan McCoy, a co-sponsor of the event and interim director of the WORTH Initiative. We know from our partners that staffing is one of the largest challenges facing the industry. We are hoping to pair interested and qualified students with career and job opportunities to support these important industries. Students interested in attending the fair should register in advance; drop-in attendance also is encouraged. Students who register in advance can seek out the specific employers in attendance, share resumes and communicate with potential employers through Handshake. For more information, email Jordan Kobliska, internship and employment coordinator for the WORTH Initiative, at jkoblisk@uwyo.edu. Vietnams Pet Food Market for US Firms The USDAs Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is investing more than US$170,000 to assist US pet food producers to access the Vietnam market. In this light, we look at how this market is developing. The trend of raising pets in Vietnam is growing rapidly. According to a survey by TGM Pet Care, 67 percent of respondents in Vietnam own pets and up to 53 percent of those people are raising more than one, with dogs and cats being the most popular. Moreover, the relationship between Vietnamese pet owners and their pets is changing with their furry friends taking an ever more central role in family life and this has sparked increased interest in the nutrition and health of said pets. And it is this that has facilitated rapid growth in Vietnams pet food industry. In fact, according to American Animal Feed Industry Association (AFIA) data, Vietnams total pet food imports have grown by 69 percent in the last five years. Furthermore, US pet food suppliers are set to receive a boost to enter the Vietnam market to the tune of US$170,000 in funding from the USDAs Foreign Agricultural Services. With this in mind, we look at the opportunities for US pet food firms in Vietnam. Opportunities Raw materials American investors can find attractive investment opportunities by supplying raw ingredients for pet food manufacturers. Many pet food producers in Vietnam currently lack the necessary technology to manufacture additives and specialized nutritional supplements for peoples pets. As a result, these raw ingredients are often imported. For example, Vietnamese enterprises currently rely heavily on rice to feed their animals. This is often more expensive than maize used in other countries and significantly increases production costs. Therefore, US firms may find a market providing cheaper feed productsmaize, for exampleto Vietnamese pet food firms. Processing technology Another option for US investors may be to provide high-quality processing equipment and machinery to domestic production facilities. Currently, pet food processing companies in Vietnam are limited by older technology on their production lines which limits their output, consumes excessive resources, and results in low-quality products. This is leading domestic buyers to choose foreign pet fooda trend local firms may be looking to arrest. US Government support The USDAs Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is investing more than US$203 million to assist agricultural groups in expanding export markets for US agricultural products and food. Specifically, the FAS has sponsored the AFIA, to the tune of US$170,000. These funds are earmarked to support US animal feed producers to expand their market share in Asian markets, China and Vietnam specifically. This should see easier market access for US pet food firms in the near future. Regulations Notably, Vietnam does have some regulations that may apply to foreign firms looking to export animal feed products to this burgeoning Southeast Asian nation. Labeling Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP outlined key labeling requirements for pet food products imported into Vietnam. Packaging must include the following information: The manufacturers name and address; The company name and address of the import agent; The product name and information; Details regarding how to use the product; Storage instructions; The date the product was manufactured; and The expiry date. Importing pet food Vietnam charges a 7 percent levy on US pet food. When importing pet food into Vietnam, US enterprises must comply with the customs procedures outlined in Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC. This includes providing the following documentation: A customs declaration, A commercial/sales contract, The official invoice, A packing list, A certificate of origin (if any) The bill of lading, Quality inspection records, and A catalog of goods (if any). Value Added Tax The Value Added Tax (VAT) for pet food products was eliminated by amendments to the Law on Value Added Tax outlined in Law 71/2014/QH13. This law applies to both imported and domestically produced animal feed products. Key players in the Vietnam animal feed market Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) ADM is one of the worlds largest nutrition firms, specializing in both human and animal nutrition. ADM provides a variety of products in Vietnam and is headquartered in southern Vietnams Ho Chi Minh City. Purina PetCare Purina PetCare is a member of the Nestle Group. Purina provides its premium pet food product Purina Pro Plan in Vietnam. This product is increasingly popular with Vietnams pet-owning consumer class on the back of growing disposable incomes and an affinity for high-end products. Charoen Pokphand Group Charoen Pokphand Group (C.P) is a leading Thai firm that specializes in food processing, mainly for livestock and pet farming. The company began investing in Vietnam in 1988 and has so far expanded to more than 90 branches spread around the country. DoggyMan H. A. Co., Ltd. DoggyMan is currently one of the most popular names in Vietnams pet product industry. This is a Japanese pet food manufacturing company that offers a range of pet products such as chewable dog treats and chips. DoggyMan has had an office in Vietnam since 2015. Mars Petcare Mars Petcare is a leading pet food company from the US. A subsidiary of Mars Incorporated, Mars Petcare distributes several well-known international brands in Vietnam such as Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin, and Temptations. Moving forward As the number of pet owners in Vietnam expands, the demand for pet food will continue to increase. Along this line of thought investors can find a myriad of profitable opportunities in this market with plenty of room to grow. For more information on Vietnams pet food market, contact the business advisory experts at Dezan Shira and Associates. Where the Civil War never seems to end -- our presidential campaigns In this article, we will look into the 20 most corrupt countries in Asia. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Most Corrupt Countries in Asia. Prevalence of Corruption in Asia Asia has been subjected to corruption for years. In the past recent years, the public started protesting against the entrenched corruption across Asia. However, decade-long anti-corruption protests across the region have not delivered the desired results, as reported by Transparency International. It resulted in populist leaders exploiting public sentiments, by presenting themselves as the only solution to systematic corruption, instead of enacting meaningful reforms. Several Asian countries rank among the most corrupt countries in the world. According to the 2022 Corruption Prevalence Index, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia led the region, reporting the highest score in Asia and the Pacific. In 2022, several diplomatic summits were held, which yielded varied results across Asia and the Pacific. While Pacific countries took major steps against corruption, Asian economies lagged. CPI scores in the most populated economies dropped, as politicians made meaningless promises to combat corruption. For instance, Malaysia's decline in the CPI score is reflective of its struggle with corruption. The report cites various scandals in the country including the 1MDB scandal which is known as one of the biggest corruption exposes in the world, involving people from different sectors across six countries. The former prime minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak went to prison in 2022 due to his involvement in this case. In December 2022, the Anti-Corruption Commission opened a new case against a different prime minister who was involved in the embezzlement of $136 billion during his tenure. Another example is Mongolia which reached its lowest score in 2022. However, the country initiated its steps toward combating corruption and remodeling the anti-corruption framework, the risks remain the same. The lack of regulation in the country allowed government officials to prioritize their gains over public interest, resulting in protests in the capital. To counter the situation in the country, its government must take significant initiatives such as redrafting the procurement laws in the country, terminating corrupt officials, homogenizing governance of state-owned enterprises, and enhancing overall transparency. Story continues Pakistan is also among the Asian countries that recorded a downward trend in 2022, its lowest score since 2012. In 2018, the former prime minister Imran Khan promised to counter the entrenched corruption in the country and foster social and economic justice, however, he was not able to fulfill the promises he made. Later, he was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022. This disrupted any anti-corruption efforts made during his tenure. It is crucial for Pakistan to not allow political scandals to wreck these efforts. China's Efforts Against Corruption According to an article by Reuters, published on January 18, China's efforts to combat corruption have become a part of its system now. China has purged over 5 million officials in a decade-long anti-corruption campaign. The president of China, Xi Jinping has pronounced this as an "overwhelming victory" against the rampant corruption in the country. Jinping pledges to amplify his efforts focusing on sectors including finance, energy, and medicine. While this move will help crack down on corruption, it will also present multiple concerns about the economic growth of the country. The growth has already been impacted by restricted lending and economic challenges of $18 trillion. Despite the praise of this move by the president, many challenges persist regarding the long-term impact of the anti-corruption drive in China. Companies Thriving in the Corruption-Free Countries in the Region Countries with lower corruption promote stable and efficient financial markets, attracting investors and improving access to financing. Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong are the top Asian countries that reported the highest CPI score in 2022. Some of the top companies that are contributing to the growth of these economies include Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM), and Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (NASDAQ:MLCO). Sea Limited (NYSE:SE) is a Singaporean tech conglomerate. On December 29, 2023, the company announced that its Thailand subsidiary had teamed up with Garena, Shopee, and SeaMoney to introduce the 'Wishlist Game Board Allocating Money to Fulfill Dreams'. This initiative by Sea Limited (NYSE:SE) aims to bring experts, including Wizards of Learning, the Board Games for Learning Institute, and The Money Coach together. This will enhance skills and foster strong financial resilience in youth. The board game utilizes financial planning concepts and interactive gameplay to educate the youth. On January 25, Toyota Motor Corporation's (NYSE:TM) Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) premiered two updated Yaris models, the GR Yaris RZ High-performance Ogier Edition and the GR Yaris RZ High-performance Rovanpera Edition, at the round of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship at Monte Carlo. Purchasing lotteries for sale of both models will start in spring 2024 in Japan, through GR Garage locations nationwide, with limited sales of up to 100 units. Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (NASDAQ:MLCO) is an integrated resort company, headquartered in Hong Kong. On August 28, 2023, the company announced it had become the first-ever integrated resort operator to introduce NORDAQ water purification and bottling solutions across its global portfolio, including properties in Macau, the Philippines, and Cyprus. With its commitment to sustainability, Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (NASDAQ:MLCO) aims to slowly replace single-use plastic bottles with reusable bottles across its properties. The company installed NORDAQ at over 40% of its hotels and restaurant outlets in Manila and Macau. This initiative will eliminate an estimated 14.8 million plastic bottles yearly, once fully operational. With this context, let's take a look at the most corrupt countries in Asia. 20 Most Corrupt Countries in Asia 20 Most Corrupt Countries in Asia Methodology To compile our list of the most corrupt countries in Asia, we utilized the corruption prevalence index (CPI) data from Transparency International. The indicator ranks countries based on the perceived levels of public sector corruption in countries. A higher score out of 100 indicates corruption-free countries whereas a lower score represents the most corrupt countries. Our list ranks countries in descending order of their CPI score. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 20 Most Corrupt Countries in Asia 20. Nepal Corruption Perception Index (2022): 34 out of 100 Nepal is ranked among the most corrupt countries in Asia. The country reported a corruption perception index of 34 out of 100 in 2022. The country is ranked 110 among 180 countries globally. 19. Mongolia Corruption Perception Index (2022): 33 out of 100 Mongolia ranks 19th on our list. In 2022, the country reported a corruption perception index score of 33 out of 100. 18. Philippines Corruption Perception Index (2022): 33 out of 100 In the Philippines, the perceived levels of corruption are relatively higher, as the country reported a CPI score of 33 out of 100 in 2022. It is ranked 18th on our list. 17. Laos Corruption Perception Index (2022): 31 out of 100 Laos is ranked among the most corrupt countries in Asia. The country reported a corruption perception index of 31 out of 100 in 2022. The country is ranked 126 among 180 countries globally. 16. Uzbekistan Corruption Perception Index (2022): 31 out of 100 Uzbekistan is ranked 16th on our list. In 2022, the country reported a CPI score of 31 out of 100, as reported by Transparency International. 15. Kyrgyzstan Corruption Perception Index (2022): 27 out of 100 In Kyrgyzstan, the perceived levels of corruption are relatively higher, as the country reported a CPI score of 27 out of 100 in 2022. It is ranked 15th on our list. 14. Pakistan Corruption Perception Index (2022): 27 out of 100 Pakistan is one of the most corrupt countries in Asia. With a CPI score of 27 out of 100 in 2022, it is ranked 14th on our list. 13. Bangladesh Corruption Perception Index (2022): 25 out of 100 Bangladesh is ranked 13th on our list. In 2022, the country reported a CPI score of 25 out of 100. 12. Iran Corruption Perception Index (2022): 25 out of 100 Iran is ranked among the most corrupt countries in Asia. The country reported a corruption perception index of 25 out of 100 in 2022. The country is ranked 147 among 180 countries globally. 11. Afghanistan Corruption Perception Index (2022): 24 out of 100 Ranked 11th on our list, Azerbaijan reported a corruption perception index score of 24 out of 100 in 2022. 10. Cambodia Corruption Perception Index (2022): 24 out of 100 In Cambodia, the perceived levels of corruption are relatively higher, as the country reported a CPI score of 24 out of 100 in 2022. It is ranked 10th on our list. 9. Lebanon Corruption Perception Index (2022): 24 out of 100 Lebanon is ranked among the most corrupt countries in Asia. The country reported a corruption perception index of 24 out of 100 in 2022. 8. Tajikistan Corruption Perception Index (2022): 24 out of 100 Tajikistan ranks 19th on our list. In 2022, the country reported a corruption perception index of 24 out of 100. 7. Azerbaijan Corruption Perception Index (2022): 23 out of 100 Ranked 7th on our list, Azerbaijan reported a corruption perception index of 23 out of 100 in 2022, as reported by Transparency International. 6. Iraq Corruption Perception Index (2022): 23 out of 100 Iraq is ranked among the most corrupt countries in Asia. The country reported a corruption perception index of 23 out of 100 in 2022. The country is ranked 157 among 180 countries globally. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Corrupt Countries in Asia. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 20 Most Corrupt Countries in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey. When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the opening of a new Hindu temple earlier in January, analysts called it the unofficial start of his reelection campaign. With India due to go to the polls as soon as April, surveys say Modi is the most popular elected leader in the world, while commentators agree his reelection is all but certain. Henry Wilkins reports from Ayodhya on how Modi has taken advantage of Hindu nationalism to gain such support. French cereal grower Jerome Regnault has spent years explaining his profession, as co-founder of a nonprofit to educate consumers about agriculture, and as a local lawmaker for the Ile-de-France region surrounding Paris. But last week, he chose to communicate another way firing up his tractor to join a spreading farmers' protest in France and across the European Union. "It's been several years since government announcements haven't been followed," Regnault said, as he drove to a roadblock set up by farmers Monday in the Yvelines department west of the French capital. "In farming, we like to weigh, measure, count. So, it's over with announcements." Simmering discontent among European growers has exploded into protests and blockages of ports and roads in recent months, hopscotching from Germany and Poland to touch the Netherlands, Romania, Greece, Spain and Belgium and now agricultural heavyweight France. The grievances are varied, but many touch on complicated bureaucracy, soaring costs of inputs like fertilizer and fuel, competition from overseas and European environmental regulations that many say threaten their business. Speaking to parliament on Tuesday, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal vowed to resolve the standoff, and promised fresh financial support to farmers. From Sweden, French President Emmanuel Macron added more concessions, calling for ending select food imports from Ukraine and an end to talks on a trade deal with countries in a Latin American trade bloc known as Mercosur. Yet there is no sign of the protest movement fading. Farmers in Brittany dumped 700 tons of soil on a highway Tuesday, in a bid, they said, to "sow a prairie." Around the southern city of Toulouse, others tried to block access to a local airport. Meanwhile, Paris-area protesters promised to slowly tighten a blockade on eight main arteries around the capital, with some aiming to block the wholesale market Rungis that supplies the city's food. The discontent clashes with national values that have long embraced farming and rural life. Every year, French presidents and political candidates make an obligatory stop at the Paris agricultural fair to pat cows, chat with growers and snack on sausages. Yet many of France's small- and medium-sized farmers are becoming poorer by the year. Over half a century, the number of farms has plummeted, from 1.5 million to about 456,000 today. Roughly one-quarter of growers lives under the poverty line, and suicide rates are high, according to French statistical agency INSEE. Heading toward a wall Regnault, whose farm is located on the outskirts of Paris and who took over the business from his father, pointed to a raft of red tape and expenses, and faulted both French and EU bureaucracy. Among other demands, he wants more subsidies to farmers and an end to diesel taxes along with international trade agreements that he said penalize French agriculture. Regnault said he uses pesticides judiciously and tries to follow green farming practices as long as they don't undermine his business. "The Green Deal and the Farm to Fork seem wonderful, but they harm agricultural productivity," said Regnault, referring to two major EU measures aimed at promoting healthy and environmentally friendly food production and slashing carbon emissions. Polls show a large majority of French support the protest movement. And a recent CSA survey found more respondents believe French farmers do a better job of protecting nature than environmentalists. Nadine Lauverjat, coordinator for French environmental group Generations Futures, sided with the farmers on ending major international trade deals like with Mercosur, but rejected efforts to soften environmental regulations that she argued ultimately helped farmers as well. "We're heading towards a wall," she said of the standoff, "and so are the farmers." Marco Contiero, who heads agricultural policy for environmental group Greenpeace in Brussels, outlined a range of changes that he said are needed, and would benefit both the bloc's farmers and environment. Among them: ensuring EU farm subsidies target small- and medium-sized growers rather than large ones, incorporating costs like pollution in the price of food, and cutting profits earned by fertilizer companies, retailers and others. Rather than being too stringent, Contiero said, many of the EU's Green Deal environmental regulations have not been enforced or are not binding. "The science is unequivocal we have to do things differently," Contiero said of the growing environmental problems facing Europe, from degraded land to polluted water and climate change. "The problem for farmers is that we cannot ask them to do things better if the current subsidy system keeps benefitting the biggest ones." Here and elsewhere, right-wing parties have capitalized on the farmers' anger and the mounting anti-EU and anti-globalization sentiments. "What we're paying today is the punitive ecology by the crazy environmentalists from Brussels," Laurent Jacobelli, spokesman for France's far-right National Rally party, told France-Info radio Tuesday. "There is a large chunk of French farmers who don't believe in the government anymore," said farmer Regnault. Nor, he added, do they believe in the mainstream right and left parties. "They'll be tempted to vote for the far right," he said, "Which would be unfortunate." Top U.S. leaders, including President Joe Biden, are expected to gather Thursday for the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. In his remarks at last years event, Biden focused on promoting unity, referencing the lives taken by the pandemic, gun violence, police brutality and climate change. My prayer for this prayer breakfast is we start to see each other again, look at each other again, travel with each other again, argue like hell with each other again, but then still go to lunch together, Biden said at the 2023 breakfast, which was attended by hundreds of members of Congress and higher-level officials. The event is organized by the nonprofit National Prayer Breakfast Foundation, which says that all faiths are welcome. Before 2023, it was run by the Fellowship Foundation, a religious group. This year, the breakfast is being held in the context of multiple global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Every U.S. president since Dwight Eisenhower in 1953 has attended the annual breakfast. Papua New Guinea is in early talks with China on a potential security-and-policing deal, Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko told Reuters, weeks after deadly riots in the South Pacific nation's capital. Amid jostling between Washington and Beijing for influence in the Pacific, the biggest Pacific Islands nation, Papua New Guinea (PNG), has previously said Australia and the United States are its security partners, while China is an important economic partner. China approached PNG in September with an offer to assist its police force with training, equipment and surveillance technology, Tkachenko said in an interview with Reuters on Monday. Talks continued last week. "We deal with China at this stage only at [the] economic and trade level. They are one of our biggest trading partners, but they have offered to assist our policing and security on the internal security side," Tkachenko said. PNG will assess if the Chinese offer duplicates security and policing assistance already being offered by Australia and the United States, he said. "It is still in [the] early stages of negotiation with our Commissioner of Police and our Minister of Internal Security," he said. "They have offered it to us, but we have not accepted it at this point in time." China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China is a "strong economic partner" of PNG, and the two nations formed diplomatic ties in 1975, Tkachenko said. PNG signed a A$200 million ($132 million) security deal with Australia last month to boost policing, and days later Prime Minister James Marape told an investment conference in Sydney that he had not held talks with China on security when he visited Beijing in October. PNG had chosen Australia and the United States as security partners, he said. Riots in the PNG capital, Port Moresby, earlier in January left at least 16 dead, with major retail stores burned and looted, after police struck over pay. Marape's government called in the PNG defense force to restore order but didn't seek Australia's help. China's embassy complained to PNG about the safety risk to Chinese citizens living in Port Moresby. PNG struck a Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States during a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in May, giving the U.S. military access to PNG ports and airports. Tkachenko said PNG would not do anything to jeopardize its defense and security relationships with Australia or the U.S. and was not a "fence-sitter." Riots in the neighboring Solomon Islands in 2021 saw China strike security and policing pacts with Manasseh Sogavare's government a year later, alarming Washington and Canberra. Australia's Pacific Minister Pat Conroy pledged A$35 million in policing assistance to neighboring East Timor on Monday during an official visit, amid concern in Canberra that Beijing is again aggressively targeting the police and security sectors in the Pacific. Conroy will on Tuesday visit Nauru, which switched diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing this month. Beijings revelation that it sentenced an elderly and well-connected British businessman who has lived in China for decades to five years in prison for espionage will further discourage business and trade, say analysts and a friend of the man. Last week, Chinas Foreign Ministry confirmed that in August 2022 a Beijing court found Ian J. Stones, a 70-year-old consultant, guilty of buying and unlawfully providing intelligence for an organization or individual outside China. Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin was responding to a question about Stones at a regular press briefing the day after The Wall Street Journal broke the story on his case, which had not previously been made public by the Chinese or British. Wang said that Stones appeal of the verdict was rejected last September but did not provide any more details about the case. He did say the Chinese courts held the trial strictly in accordance with the law, guaranteed Stones procedural rights, and allowed the UK [side] to visit him and sit in on the sentencing. Stones' daughter, Laura Stones, told The Wall Street Journal the Chinese authorities refused them access to legal documents and did not allow them to attend the trial. There has been no confession to the alleged crime; however, my father has stoically accepted and respects that under Chinese law he must serve out the remainder of his sentence, she told the Journal. Stones has worked in China since the 1970s for prominent companies, including Pfizer and General Motors. He started his own consultancy, Navisino Partners, which he was working for when he disappeared from public view in 2018, the Journal reported Thursday. Stones also built close relations with Chinese government agencies and officials, including some with whom he studied who went on to achieve high ranks. 'He thought he could manage' Peter Humphrey, a former fraud investigator for Western firms in China, has known Stones for 45 years. He told VOA, "Three years before he was taken, I saw him in London. He had realized that an agency was tracking him, and they even invited him for a tea chat. So he was worried, but he thought he could handle it. Then, when he was detained, he also thought he could manage. So, he did not speak out to the outside world." Governments and rights groups have accused China of arresting foreigners to use as bargaining chips. China in 2018 arrested two Canadians, a consultant and an analyst, on spying charges after Canadian authorities arrested Chinese technology company Huaweis chief financial officer on a U.S. warrant for violating sanctions on Iran. Beijing released the Canadians in 2021 after a deal was made to release the Huawei officer. Romanian university professor Marius Balo worked in China before being charged with contract fraud and sentenced to eight years in prison in 2014. He told VOA, "In my own experience, these espionage cases are bogus. They use it as an excuse to capture people and then use them as bargaining chips. I've met several of these people, and it's a common tactic for them." Another possible explanation Humphrey says its also possible Stones was hired by a company linked to an intelligence agency. "If you are a consultant, you want to see as much information as possible so that you can analyze and interpret it and write a report for your client about the condition of the Chinese economy and predictions for what will happen in the next few months, and so on. But the problem might be: Who is the client? Humphrey said. Among his clients, are there any that the Chinese authorities do not want him to provide information to? Sometimes intelligence services try to use consultancies to gather information for them unwittingly," he said. "I don't know if Ian Stones fell afoul of this or not." VOA sent requests for comment via email to the Chinese Embassy in London and the British Foreign Office. No response has been received yet. China last year expanded its counterespionage law to include more options for prosecuting alleged spying. Chinas Ministry of State Security earlier this month announced it arrested a man it identified as a third party national named Huang for spying for Britains MI6 foreign intelligence service. The arrest was seen by some analysts as retaliation for Britains arrest last year of a parliamentary researcher on suspicion of spying for China. Benedict Rogers, chief executive of the Britain-based human rights organization Hong Kong Watch, said Chinas espionage allegations not only worsen Sino-British relations but also significantly affect foreign nationals and businesses operating in China. "Whether the Chinese allegations are true, or whether this is a tit-for-tat retaliation for allegations of Chinese espionage at Westminster, remains to be seen, he said. But either way, this incident will make it a much more dangerous environment for British citizens doing business in or traveling to China." China under President Xi Jinping has been tightening controls on information, raiding foreign companies and jailing journalists. China jailed Humphrey himself in 2013, the year Xi first became president, for two years for his consultancys collecting and selling of private information, revoked his risk consultancys business license, and had him deported. Its not clear if the Chinese court will count any of Stones time served in detention toward his five-year sentence. If it does, he could be released as early as this year. VOAs Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report. Chinese President Xi Jinpings acceptance this week of ambassador credentials from the representative of Afghanistan amounts to the first official recognition of the interim Taliban government by a major nation, some analysts and former diplomats say. Xi welcomed Asadullah Bilal Karimi, the Taliban-appointed Afghan ambassador, in a formal ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, along with envoys from Cuba, Iran, Pakistan and 38 other countries, who also presented their credentials. Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, evaded a direct question at a briefing Wednesday as to whether China now recognizes the Taliban administration in Kabul. But, he said, "China believes that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community," adding that it was normal diplomatic protocol for China to receive and accredit an ambassador from the interim Afghan government. "China has understood what the rest of the world has not," Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's chief spokesperson, said Tuesday at an event on the social media platform X. "We are not in a unipolar world," Mujahid said, calling on Russia, Iran and other countries to take similar steps and upgrade diplomatic relations with Kabul. Xi told the new ambassadors that China is seeking deep friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with their countries, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported. Diplomatic recognition is not always formally declared, and diplomats contacted by VOA offered differing opinions on whether Beijing's action constitutes such recognition. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said whether Beijing has officially recognized the Taliban regime is for Chinese officials to clarify. "I have seen some comments from them to the contrary," Miller told VOA on Tuesday. For the United States, Miller said, the Taliban's relationship with the international community depends on their actions. "China may be getting ready to break ranks and take the final technical step either within the U.N. system or outside of it through a bilateral initiative," Omar Samad, a former Afghan ambassador, wrote to VOA. Javid Ahmad, Afghan ambassador to the United Arab Emirates under the former Afghan government, called the Chinese move an act of recognition. "The signal is unmistakable, as no head of state would accept ambassadorial credentials unless they recognize the government. In this instance, the Chinese leadership is treating the Taliban envoy in the same manner as other ambassadors, a clear indication of recognition," Ahmad told VOA. While China's acceptance of Karimi's credentials marks a significant step, it remains an isolated one. No other major nation has recognized the Taliban's Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and the United Nations has repeatedly denied their requests for representation at the world body. The United States and European countries have imposed economic and political sanctions on Taliban leaders and entities, accusing them of grave human rights violations, particularly concerning women's rights to education and work. Since reclaiming power in August 2021, the Taliban have steadily established control over many Afghan diplomatic missions, primarily in neighboring countries. The group now oversees embassies in at least 14 countries, including Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Some countries, including Russia, China and Iran, have maintained their embassies in Kabul. Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters in New York that Moscow had not recognized the Taliban regime because of political and human rights considerations. "We, as the rest of the U.N. members, do not officially recognize the Taliban," Lavrov said through an interpreter. Last month, the U.N. Security Council authorized the secretary-general to appoint a special envoy for Afghanistan to facilitate coordinated international engagement with de facto Taliban authorities. Taliban officials have objected to the appointment of the new envoy, saying the U.N. should stop treating Afghanistan as an anomaly within the international community. VOA correspondents Margaret Besheer and Nike Ching contributed to this article. A bomb explosion at an election rally in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province Tuesday killed at least four people and injured several others. Police and health officials confirmed the casualties, saying the attack in the town of Sibi targeted a motorcycle campaign rally led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, party, headed by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Hospital sources said many of the injured were in "critical condition," and that the death toll was likely to rise. No group or individual immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. PTI confirmed that its supporters were the targets of the attack. It said that a party candidate for the National Assembly, or lower house of parliament, had organized the gathering ahead of Pakistan's February 8 national elections. The deadly blast followed overnight heavy clashes between security forces and separatist insurgents elsewhere in Baluchistan. Provincial officials reported that a shootout erupted Monday night after heavily armed men stormed the city of Mach, launching dozens of rockets at several locations, including the central jail and the headquarters of the paramilitary Frontier Corps force. In a statement late Tuesday, the Pakistan military reported that security forces had effectively responded to the "terrorist" raid and foiled it in the process. It added that the ensuing clashes left nine assailants, including suicide bombers, dead, while four security personnel and two civilians were also killed. The separatist Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, claimed responsibility for staging the attack, stating it had inflicted heavy casualties on Pakistani security forces. The group, however, is known for inflating the number of casualties from their attacks. Last week, Ukrainian officials said they uncovered massive military fraud in a scheme that saw tens of millions of dollars exchanged for weapons that never materialized. Where is the investigation leading? Russia says its taken a city in the Kharkiv region, and Ukraine says it still holds the city. Whats the latest on the ground? Aberystwyth Universitys Jenny Mathers discusses gender and the economic and military dynamics affecting Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine's international supporters, and the security relationship among them. Ukraine has resorted to a variety of methods to fend off invading Russian forces. One of the latest ones involves training dogs to accompany Ukrainian soldiers on their missions. South Africas ruling African National Congress on Monday suspended former President Jacob Zumas membership after he campaigned for a different political party. The suspension, the latest incident in a feud between Zuma and President Cyril Ramaphosa, came after a press conference in December in which Zuma announced he would vote for the new uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party because of Ramaphosas leadership. In a statement, the ANC said Zuma was irreconcilable with the partys constitution. Ramaphosas ANC has been in power for the 30 years since apartheid rule ended in South Africa. From 2007 to 2018, Zuma headed the ANC, leading Africas most advanced economy. In 2018, Zuma was forced to step down amid corruption allegations that he is still reckoning with today. Ramaphosa succeeded him with plans to clean up the party, and the two have clashed ever since. Zuma is being tried on multiple corruption charges for an incident that occurred when he was deputy president more than 20 years ago. The charges pertain to a multibillion-dollar arms deal between the South African government and French weapons manufacturer Thales. Zuma has pleaded not guilty to all counts and has insisted the trial is politically motivated. Despite the fraud allegations, Zuma still retains some support in South Africa. After he was sent to prison in 2021 for refusing a court order to provide evidence, mass protests ensued, leaving more than 300 people dead. The ANC is now facing a difficult election year amid rising poverty, increasing unemployment and claims that the party has failed to deliver on its promise of a better life for South Africans. The party may be forced to join a coalition as polls suggest it might fall below 50% of the national vote for the first time in its history. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. French President Emmanuel Macron was welcomed Tuesday with pomp and ceremony at the start of a two-day state visit to Sweden during which he will meet Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and the Scandinavian countrys monarch, King Carl XVI Gustaf. Macron and his wife, Brigitte, were greeted by the king in the inner courtyard of the downtown Stockholm royal castle that is the official residence of the Swedish royals. There, Macron and Carl Gustaf reviewed members of the Grenadier Guards that had lined up. Macron noted that it had been too long since a French president visited Sweden the last time was in 2000, when Jacques Chirac traveled to the Scandinavian country. My visit is therefore first and foremost to renew our friendship, our partnership in the European Union, and as Sweden prepares to join NATO, our alliance, Macron said. Later Tuesday, Macron is to discuss the future of European security at a military academy in Stockholm, together with Kristersson and the king. Russia's war on Ukraine and Swedens NATO application are likely to be on the table. After more than a year of delays, Turkey earlier this month completed its ratification of Swedens bid to join NATO, meaning Hungary is now the last member of the military alliance not to have given its approval. All NATO countries must agree before a new member can join the alliance. Following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Sweden and neighboring Finland abandoned their traditional positions of military nonalignment to seek protection under NATOs security umbrella. Finland joined the alliance last year. On Wednesday, Macron and his wife are to travel to Malmo, the third-largest city, in southern Sweden, where they will visit a European multidisciplinary research facility under construction and visit a company to discuss green technologies. At home, Macron's government faces angry farmers who have camped out around Paris. They demand better pay, fewer constraints and lower costs. On Monday, they encircled Paris with traffic-snarling barricades, using hundreds of tractors and hay bales to block highways leading to the capital. The French president initially was to travel to Sweden in late October, but the visit was postponed due to the Gaza war that began with Hamas attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7. In this article, we will take a look at the 30 best cardiology hospitals in the US. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the US hospital facilities market, you can go directly to 5 Best Cardiology Hospitals In the US. Hospitals and healthcare facilities play a key role in safeguarding our health and well-being. These institutions of medical expertise provide a wide range of services, from life-saving emergency care to specialized treatments for complex conditions. Additionally, hospitals and healthcare facilities also serve as centers of research and education, constantly pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge while also introducing innovative treatments and procedures. The US Hospital Facilities Market: An Analysis The hospital facilities market is an important sector in the healthcare industry, focusing on providing quality patient care and integrating advanced technologies. Hospital facilities offer various services, such as acute care, cancer care, cardiac care, and more to cater to different patient needs. According to a report by Research and Markets, the US hospital facilities market was estimated to have reached a value of $1.41 trillion in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% during 2023 to 2030, pushing the hospital facilities market to reach above $2.54 trillion by the end of the forecasted period. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, stroke, and heart disease, is leading to a growing demand for improved healthcare infrastructure and facilities. According to estimates by the US Census Bureau, the population of individuals aged 65 years or older grew from the years 2010 to 2020 at the fastest rate since the years 1880 to 1890, and reached 55.8 million in 2020. The aging population in the US is driving demand for healthcare services and facilities, as older individuals tend to consume more healthcare services. The integration of advanced technologies in hospitals and healthcare facilities is helping improve patient care, diagnostics, and treatment, which is further augmenting market growth. Moreover, medical advances are also contributing to the growing demand for healthcare facilities and services, as new treatments and procedures become available. Story continues What are Some of the Biggest Companies in the US Hospital Facilities Market Up To? Some of the most notable names in the US hospital facilities market are Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHC), Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CYH), and Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:THC). Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:THC) is a diversified multinational healthcare services company. It operates more than 60 acute care and specialty hospitals and over 100 other outpatient facilities. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:THC) has a care delivery network that also includes United Surgical Partners International (USPI), the largest ambulatory platform in the US, which operates or has ownership interests in over 480 ambulatory surgery centers and surgical hospitals. On November 17, 2023, Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:THC) announced that it has agreed to sell three of its hospitals and related operations in South Carolina to Novant Health for approximately $2.4 billion in cash. This definitive agreement includes East Cooper Medical Center in Charleston County, Coastal Carolina Hospital in Jasper County, and Hilton Head Hospital in Beaufort County, as well as affiliated physician practices and other related hospital operations. However, ambulatory facilities operated by United Surgical Partners International (USPI) in these markets will remain with Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:THC). Subject to customary regulatory approvals, clearances, and closing conditions, the transaction is expected to be concluded in the first quarter of 2024. Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHC) is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services across the US. It operates a network of 253 behavioral healthcare facilities with more than 11,000 beds in 39 states and Puerto Rico. Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHC) provides behavioral healthcare services to patients in a variety of settings, including specialty treatment facilities, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers and outpatient clinics. On December 14, 2023, Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHC) announced the grand opening of its newest acute care hospital, Coachella Valley Behavioral Health, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This state-of-the-art, 80-bed hospital is being prepared to deliver essential inpatient and intensive outpatient behavioral healthcare services to the residents of Indio and its neighboring communities, addressing a significant need for such services in the region. Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CYH) is one of Americas largest healthcare providers. It develops and operates healthcare delivery systems in 40 distinct markets across 15 states. Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CYH) and its subsidiaries own or lease more than 70 affiliated hospitals with approximately 12,000 beds. The company operates over a thousand sites of care, including physician practices, urgent care centers, freestanding emergency departments, occupational medicine clinics, imaging centers, cancer centers and ambulatory surgery centers. On December 1, 2023, Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CYH) reported that certain subsidiaries of the company have completed the divestiture of three of its hospitals in Florida to Tampa General Hospital and its affiliates for approximately $294 million in cash, inclusive of estimated working capital and other purchase price adjustments. The transaction, which took effect on December 1, 2023, includes Bravera Health Brooksville (120 licensed beds), Bravera Health Spring Hill (124 licensed beds), and Bravera Health Seven Rivers (128 licensed beds), along with their associated assets, physician clinic operations, and outpatient services. Now that we have looked at whats going on in the US hospital facilities market, lets take a look at the 30 best cardiology hospitals in the US. 30 Best Cardiology Hospitals In the US Jirsak/Shutterstock.com Methodology To compile a list of the best US cardiology hospitals, we first consulted the U.S. News & World Report list of the best hospitals for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery for 2023-2024. This database ranked the top 50 cardiology hospitals in the US after evaluating more than 750 different hospitals. We looked at each hospital separately and then ranked the 30 best cardiology hospitals in the US based on their average Google ratings. For our list, we only considered hospitals that had at least 250 reviews on Google. The average Google rating is our primary metric and the number of reviews is our secondary metric. In the case where multiple cardiology hospitals had the same average rating, tie-breaking was done on the basis of number of reviews. The 30 best cardiology hospitals in the US are ranked below in ascending order of their average Google ratings and number of reviews. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 30 Best Cardiology Hospitals In the US 30. Duke University Hospital Average Google Rating: 3.3 Number of Reviews: 744 Duke University Hospital is an academic tertiary care facility that ranks among the 30 best cardiology hospitals in the US. This teaching hospital for the Duke University Health System is located in Durham, North Carolina. Duke University Hospital delivers a comprehensive range of diagnostic, medical, and surgical services in a variety of specialties, including cardiology and heart surgery. 29. Vanderbilt University Medical Center Average Google Rating: 3.3 Number of Reviews: 925 The Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a medical provider that has academic affiliations with Vanderbilt University. The Vanderbilt University Medical Center has multiple hospitals in Nashville, Tennessee, and its health system sees over 3 million patients a year. The Vanderbilt University Medical Center has multiple care locations throughout Middle Tennessee and it has some of the best-trained, most experienced cardiology experts in the region on board. 28. Advocate Christ Medical Center Average Google Rating: 3.3 Number of Reviews: 962 Advocate Christ Medical Center is a teaching hospital that ranks among the best cardiology hospitals in the US. Located in Oak Lawn, Illinois, this medical center is a part of Advocate Health, which is one of the largest nonprofit integrated health systems in the US. Advocate Christ Medical Center boasts a highly experienced team of heart specialists who diagnose and treat all types of heart and vascular conditions and diseases. 27. Mount Sinai Hospital Average Google Rating: 3.4 Number of Reviews: 796 Founded in 1852, the Mount Sinai Hospital is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected hospitals in the US. Located in East Harlem in the city of New York, the Mount Sinai Hospital is well known in all facets of cardiology care, cardiac surgery, and advanced research. 26. Johns Hopkins Hospital Average Google Rating: 3.4 Number of Reviews: 873 The Johns Hopkins Hospital is one of the best cardiology hospitals in the US. As the teaching hospital and biomedical research facility of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, the hospital is located in Baltimore, Maryland. The Johns Hopkins Hospital and its medicine school are considered to be the founding institutions of modern American medicine and over the years several medical specialties have been founded at the hospital, including the first successful palliative pediatric cardiac operation by Alfred Blalock. 25. Rush University Medical Center Average Google Rating: 3.4 Number of Reviews: 968 Rush University Medical Center, also sometimes referred to as simply Rush, is an academic medical center in the Illinois Medical District neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Offering a variety of invasive and noninvasive cardiovascular services including prevention, treatment and research for heart-related conditions, Rush University Medical Center ranks among the top 25 on our list of best cardiology hospitals in the US. 24. Houston Methodist Hospital Average Google Rating: 3.5 Number of Reviews: 757 Houston Methodist Hospital is located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Houston Methodist has a dedicated Department of Cardiology at the DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, which performs world-renowned cardiovascular care and research. Recognized for significant cardiology advancements, Houston Methodist Hospital ranks among the best cardiology hospitals in the US. 23. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Average Google Rating: 3.5 Number of Reviews: 1,263 Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is a nonprofit teaching hospital that is located in Los Angeles, California. With a team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and specialized caregivers that are at the forefront of discovery and improving patient outcomes, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is one of the top cardiology hospitals in the US. 22. UCSF Medical Center Average Google Rating: 3.6 Number of Reviews: 280 The UCSF Medical Center is a research and teaching hospital in San Francisco, California. Affiliated with the UCSF School of Medicine, the UCSF Medical Center is the medical center of the University of California, San Francisco. Home to a world-class team of cardiologists, heart surgeons, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists and other specialists, the UCSF Medical Center provides high-quality care for all heart conditions. 21. Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla Average Google Rating: 3.6 Number of Reviews: 420 Located in San Diego, California, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla is a high-performing hospital in a number of specialty areas. The Prebys Cardiovascular Institute of the Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla offers some of the most advanced heart care and surgery available in the US. 20. Virginia Mason Medical Center Average Google Rating: 3.6 Number of Reviews: 461 Virginia Mason Medical Center is an integrated hospital, training and research facility that ranks among the top 20 on our list of best cardiology hospitals in the US. Located in Seattle, Washington, Virginia Mason Medical Center is home to a dedicated and experienced team of cardiologists who diagnose and treat the full range of heart conditions from arrhythmia to heart failure. 19. University of Kansas Hospital Average Google Rating: 3.6 Number of Reviews: 609 The University of Kansas Hospital, also known as KU Med or the University of Kansas Health System, is an academic medical center located in Kansas City, Kansas. The University of Kansas Hospital provides high-quality care and promotes the latest innovations in cardiovascular disease treatment and prevention through progressive research. 18. Lenox Hill Hospital Average Google Rating: 3.6 Number of Reviews: 665 Lenox Hill Hospital is a tertiary, research and academic medical center located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. Owned by Northwell Health, the hospital serves the tri-state area. Lenox Hill Hospital is one of the best cardiology hospitals in the US featuring a dedicated team of cardiac experts, advanced electrophysiology laboratories, and state-of-the-art catheterization labs and techniques. 17. Mayo Clinic Florida Average Google Rating: 3.6 Number of Reviews: 824 Mayo Clinic Florida in Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the best cardiology hospitals in the region. Mayo Clinic Florida has an experienced team of cardiologists who diagnose and treat thousands of adults and children each year, including those with serious, rare and complex heart conditions. 16. Cleveland Clinic Average Google Rating: 3.6 Number of Reviews: 870 Cleveland Clinic is an academic multispecialty medical center based in Cleveland, Ohio. As one of the top cardiology hospitals in the US, Cleveland Clinic has physicians in every cardiovascular specialty working to provide the latest medications and interventional heart disease procedures. 15. Northwestern Memorial Hospital Average Google Rating: 3.6 Number of Reviews: 886 Northwestern Memorial Hospital is an academic medical center located on Northwestern University's Chicago campus in Streeterville, Chicago, Illinois, with physicians, surgeons and caregivers representing a wide range of medical specialties. Offering highly specialized heart and vascular care, Northwestern Memorial Hospital ranks among the top 15 on our list of best cardiology hospitals in the US. 14. NYU Langone Hospital Average Google Rating: 3.7 Number of Reviews: 385 NYU Langone Hospital is an academic medical center located in New York City that is devoted to patient care, education, and research. NYU Langone Hospital boasts an experienced team of cardiologists who are experts in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular conditions. 13. Stanford Hospital Average Google Rating: 3.7 Number of Reviews: 388 Stanford Hospital, or Stanford Medical Center, is a medical complex which includes Stanford Health Care (SHC). Located in Stanford, California, it serves as the primary teaching hospital for the Stanford University School of Medicine and ranks among some of the best hospitals in the US. Stanford Hospitals dedicated team of expert cardiologists provides precise diagnosis, targeted treatments, and highly specialized care. 12. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside Average Google Rating: 3.8 Number of Reviews: 261 UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is a research and academic hospital located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As one of the top cardiology hospitals in the US, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside offers comprehensive cardiovascular care and a wide variety of services ranging from non-invasive diagnostic techniques to advanced invasive procedures, surgery, and rehabilitation services. 11. UCLA Medical Center Average Google Rating: 3.8 Number of Reviews: 687 UCLA Medical Center, also known as Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, is one of the best hospitals in the US state of California. Located on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), UCLA Medical Center provides advanced, world-class cardiovascular care. It also has one of the largest heart transplant programs in the US while also being a leading center in treating and managing heart failure. 10. Massachusetts General Hospital Average Google Rating: 3.8 Number of Reviews: 796 Massachusetts General Hospital, also referred to as Mass General, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, Harvard University and it ranks among the top 10 on our list of best cardiology hospitals in the US. Located in the West End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, Massachusetts General Hospital has a dedicated team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiac radiologists, and nurses that specialize in specific forms of heart disease, and work together to offer leading treatments and preventive care for cardiac conditions. 9. Mayo Clinic Rochester Average Google Rating: 3.9 Number of Reviews: 542 Mayo Clinic Rochester is the original and largest Mayo Clinic campus. Located in the heart of Rochester, Minnesota, it is an academic medical center focused on integrated health care, education, and research. Mayo Clinic Rochester has a team of experienced cardiologists who diagnose and treat thousands of adults and children each year. 8. Mayo Clinic Arizona Average Google Rating: 4 Number of Reviews: 522 Mayo Clinic Arizona located in Phoenix, Arizona, is the third Mayo Clinic campus on our list of 30 best cardiology hospitals in the US. The cardiology team at Mayo Clinic Arizona offers high-quality and comprehensive care to patients. In addition to general cardiology, the cardiology department also offers a wide variety of specialty services. 7. St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center Average Google Rating: 4.1 Number of Reviews: 315 St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center is a teaching hospital located in Roslyn, New York. As a specialty-designated cardiac center, St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center ranks among the best cardiology hospitals in the US. 6. Keck Medical Center of USC Average Google Rating: 4.1 Number of Reviews: 372 The Keck Medical Center of USC, also known as Keck Hospital of USC, is a private teaching hospital of the University of Southern California (USC). As one of the best cardiology hospitals in the US, the Keck Medical Center of USC provides noninvasive treatments and specialized surgical therapies for a variety of cardiac or vascular conditions and diseases. Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Cardiology Hospitals In the US. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 30 Best Cardiology Hospitals In the US is published on Insider Monkey. The drone that killed three U.S. soldiers near Jordan was mistaken for a U.S. drone returning to base. Israel claims 190 UNRWA employees are part of anti-Israeli militant groups. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is in Washington to meet with members of Congress about funding for Ukraine. Israeli forces killed three Palestinian militants Tuesday inside a hospital in the occupied West Bank, including one that Israels military said was a Hamas member planning an imminent attack. Palestinian health officials said Israeli forces shot and killed the three men after storming Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin. Video said to be from a surveillance camera at the hospital appeared to show about a dozen undercover troops wearing civilian clothes or dressed in hospital scrubs and white lab coats carrying guns and moving through a corridor of the hospital. Reuters, which obtained the video, said hospital signs, as well as the color and design of the door and walls in the video, match its own previous footage from the hospital. The Gaza Health Ministry called on international institutions to pressure Israel to halt operations in health facilities. Israel has accused Hamas of operating in hospitals and in tunnels underneath health facility sites to hide weapons and use civilians as shields. The Israeli military identified one of the people killed Tuesday as Mohammed Jalamneh, saying he had links to Hamas and planned to carry out an attack inspired by the October 7 Hamas assault that Israel says killed 1,200 people. About 370 people in the West Bank have been killed by Israelis, mostly by Israeli forces, since October 7. In the Gaza Strip, Israels counteroffensive has killed more than 26,700 people, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, while also destroying vast swaths of Gaza and displacing nearly 85% of the territory's people. Israeli strikes continued Tuesday across Gaza, including airstrikes in the Khan Younis area. Israels military said airstrikes also hit launchers in central Gaza that had been used to fire rockets at central Israel on Monday. Hostage talks Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said Tuesday the group had received a cease-fire proposal that would include a six-week halt in fighting and the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians jailed by Israel. Haniyeh said that Hamas would study the proposal, and that he would visit Cairo to discuss it. But he emphasized the militants long-time demand for a permanent cease-fire and an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. The priority is ending the unjust aggression on Gaza and the complete withdrawal of the occupations forces, Haniyeh said. He also said Hamas was seeking the reconstruction of Gaza, the lifting of a yearslong Israeli blockade on Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The outline for a possible new agreement came out of talks in Paris among U.S., Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian officials. As Secretary [Antony] Blinken noted yesterday, the proposal on the table is strong and compelling, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield told reporters Tuesday. It envisions a longer humanitarian pause than we saw in November, which would provide an opportunity to get more hostages out and lifesaving humanitarian assistance in: food for the hungry child, medicine for the elderly woman in need, shelter for the family that has been displaced multiple times. More than 100 hostages were released during the weeklong November cease-fire in exchange for 240 Palestinians jailed by Israel. Hamas is believed to still be holding another 100 or so hostages. Palestinian aid U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is to meet with representatives from 35 donor states and the European Union later Tuesday after several major donor countries suspended financial assistance for the United Nations relief agency for Palestine refugees following Israeli allegations that a dozen UNRWA staffers may have been involved in the October 7 terror attack. We expect the secretary-general to brief member states on the actions taken on the allegations regarding some UNRWA staff, and we will, of course, listen to their concerns, his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, told reporters. The secretary-general will again underscore the importance of the humanitarian work that UNRWA does every day in Gaza and in the region. More than a dozen countries, including the top donor, the United States, said they are suspending financial support to UNRWA while an investigation is carried out. UNRWA says the suspensions amount to $444 million in revenue. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters on Tuesday that about $300,000 is currently frozen in funds designated for UNRWA. Future funding this year would depend on the outcome of the investigation and steps taken at UNRWA. We need to see fundamental changes before we can resume providing funding directly to UNRWA, Thomas-Greenfield told reporters. And as you know, we shouldn't let that cloud the great work that UNRWA does. Sigrid Kaag, the U.N.s new senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, told reporters following her first meeting with the Security Council on Tuesday that currently, There is no way any organization can replace or substitute the tremendous capacity, the fabric, of UNRWA, their ability and their knowledge of the population in Gaza. UNRWA employs 13,000 mainly Palestinian staff in Gaza. It has continued to work since October 7 to provide some relief to nearly 2 million displaced Palestinians. More than 150 UNRWA staff have been killed in the fighting between Israel and Hamas. But the U.N. says aid could soon be in jeopardy if funding is not resumed. Of the dozen staffers implicated by Israel in the deadly attacks, the U.N. immediately fired nine of them, one was confirmed dead, and officials are clarifying the identity of two others. The U.N. immediately opened an internal investigation. Israel has criticized UNRWA for years, alleging that the schools the agency operates have been used by Hamas for terrorist activities and that they promote an anti-Israel curriculum. Since the October 7 attacks, Israeli officials have accused some agency staffers of celebrating the attacks on social media. Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and others. UNRWA has provided basic services, including medical care and education, for Palestinian families who fled or were driven out of what is now Israel during the 1948 war surrounding the country's creation. They now live in built-up refugee camps in Gaza, the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. In Washington, a congressional subcommittee held a hearing on the agencys work Tuesday. Republican Representative Brian Mast accused UNRWA of directly and indirectly supporting Hamas and other terrorist organizations in multiple different ways, including allowing Hamas tunnels and rocket launchers under their schools and other facilities a charge UNRWA has denied. Democratic Representative Susan Wild agreed that the agency is facing an unprecedented crisis of credibility but said it is important that the population of Gaza, which is in a dire humanitarian crisis, does not pay a steeper price because of the action of a dozen bad individuals. Several protesters were in the hearing room, including from the group Code Pink, and shouted as the legislators spoke. Some protesters wore blue shirts that said, Ceasefire Now and held up their hands that were coated in a red substance meant to resemble blood. VOA correspondent Margaret Besheer reported from the United Nations, and VOAs Nike Ching contributed reporting from the State Department. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. The Malawi government and the World Health Organization launched a new COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Monday in 10 of the countrys 29 districts. This is partly in response to new cases confirmed in the past three weeks in several districts across the country. Nsanje District in southern Malawi currently leads in the number of COVID-19 cases recorded this year. George Mbotwa, spokesperson for the district health office, said the district has registered 17 new cases in the past three weeks and some are health workers. Initially there were two, but we had up to eight cases that were health workers, he said. Some of them have now been confirmed as negative, and others are being followed up to ensure that they are fully recovered before they can resume work. By Monday, Malawi cumulatively recorded 89,202 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 2,686 deaths, since the first cases were confirmed in the country in April 2020. Malawis Ministry of Health says the new vaccination campaign will help boost the number of people getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination rates in some areas of Malawi are as low as 40%. It also says the WHO-funded campaign would help avoid waste of the vaccine as was the case in 2020 when the government destroyed nearly 20,000 expired AstraZeneca doses. Many of those doses expired due to vaccine hesitancy amid concerns of its safety and efficacy. However, recent government public health campaigns on the importance of COVID-19 shots have helped defeat that hesitancy. Mary Chawinga, a mother of two of Machinjiri Township in Blantyre, said she has had the vaccine and is awaiting a booster. And I am ready to take my children, because prevention is better than [a] cure they say, Chawinga said. You never know how the wave will be like this time around considering the way it was way back in 2020. We have had it in 2021, and now this is 2024. Another mother of two, Habeeba Nyasulu, said she received the COVID-19 doses during the first campaign and encourages others to get the shot. I know that we are not safe until everyone is safe, she said. So, let others also receive the vaccine. I know that the vaccine does not prevent us from getting infected, but it helps us when we contract it not to be critically ill. Maziko Matemba is a community health care ambassador in Malawi, said the COVID-19 threat is still present in the country. Malawi didnt vaccinate a required number of people against COVID-19, because the targeted population was about 11 million Malawians, Matemba said. But we were less than half about 2 or 3 million Malawians who were able to get vaccinated. Matemba said the country now needs to have the vaccine in the right places and encourage more people to get vaccinated. The Ministry of Health says the new campaign targets 10 of the countrys 29 health districts that have recently recorded new cases. These include Machinga, Blantyre, Dowa, Mzimba and Nsanje districts. A Ukrainian filmmaker has described his Oscar nomination for best documentary as a bittersweet moment. The Academy Awards in January announced Mstyslav Chernovs film 20 Days in Mariupol as among the nominees for best documentary. Produced by The Associated Press and PBS Frontline and directed by Chernov, the documentary covers Russias siege of the city of Mariupol in the first three weeks of the war in Ukraine in early 2022. Chernov, along with photographer Evgeniy Maloletka and producer Vasilisa Stepanenko, had arrived in the Ukrainian city about an hour before Russia began its bombardment. In the following days, they captured images of the physical and humanitarian effect of the attack, from the death of a 4-year-old girl and the bombing of a maternity hospital to scenes of freshly dug mass graves. Several film critics have praised the film for its relentless look at the invasion. In an interview with VOAs Ukrainian Service, Chernov said the documentary is bigger than just what happened in Mariupol and tells the story of all the cities devastated by Russias attacks. The following transcript has been edited for length and clarity. VOA: Congratulations on being nominated. What was your reaction when you found out about your nomination? Mstyslav Chernov: My first thought was, Oh my God, there is so much more work to do, and it's [an] even bigger responsibility. And that's exactly how we feel, because it is a bittersweet moment, a moment to acknowledge that the world cares. And at the same time, the moment to acknowledge that this all happened, and this film exists because of the huge tragedy. VOA: As the first Ukrainian Oscar nominee, what does this mean for you and for Ukraine? Chernov: Again, it means more responsibility, because now I am tasked to not only carry the memory of [the] citizens of Mariupol but also to represent Ukrainian cinema. And I wish I could represent it in a much better, more peaceful way, but this is what it is now. We are the country at war. We are the country that was attacked, and our cinema will be inevitably telling the story of that war. It's just become so much more than just the story of Mariupol. It became [the] story of all the Ukrainian cities that got destroyed by Russian bombs. And it became a symbol of the impact of war on the civilian population, far beyond Ukraine. VOA: The people in Mariupol right now are under Russian occupation. As you show this film, what do you want to tell those in Mariupol? Chernov: When residents of Mariupol who lost their city and became IDPs [internally displaced persons] saw the film and spoke to me after, I always found a lot of hope in them. It's about a feeling of community. And also, this hope is there because they lost so much. They don't have [the] means to explain to people exactly how terrifying, how painful, this experience was for them. And this film is a tool for them to carry these thoughts and to show what they lived through. I'm just trying to be as truthful as possible to what we felt and to what they felt. And if we win, it's going to be a miracle. The fact that we survived Mariupol is already a miracle. The fact that we made this film is a miracle. The fact that so many people around the world saw this film and didn't walk away and understood the pain of Ukrainians is a miracle. [This is] definitely for the people of Mariupol. This story is about them. It's not about us. This nomination is about them. This interview originated in VOAs Ukrainian Service. Pressure to approve Swedens accession to NATO is mounting on Hungary, the last member state yet to ratify Stockholms application. The Hungarian and Swedish prime ministers are due to meet on the sidelines of a European Union summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the issue. Sweden and Finland applied simultaneously to join NATO in May 2022, three months after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Finland officially joined in April of last year, becoming the 31st member of the Western military alliance. Sweden, however, is still waiting. Turkish lawmakers finally gave their approval for Swedens bid on January 23, after Ankara resolved a long-running dispute with Stockholm over purported Swedish support for Kurdish separatists. That left Hungary as the only NATO member state yet to ratify Swedens accession, despite a pledge by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban that his country would not be the last member to approve the bid. Speaking to reporters in Washington on Monday following talks with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Budapest to act quickly. Sweden brings tremendous capabilities to the alliance in every domain. Hungary now will have to act in order to complete the process, Sweden's accession. But I fully anticipate that will happen in the weeks ahead when Hungary's parliament returns, Blinken said. Hungarian lawmakers from Prime Minister Viktor Orbans Fidesz party have repeatedly stalled voting on Swedens NATO bid since the application was submitted in 2022. Last week, however, in an apparent policy reversal, Prime Minister Orban said he supported Swedens NATO accession and that he would advise MPs to vote for its accession when they reconvene in mid-February following a winter recess. Opposition lawmakers on Monday demanded an extraordinary session of parliament in order to hold the vote, although the motion was not expected to succeed. Laszlo Kover, the Hungarian parliament speaker and a founding member of the Fidesz party, said on January 25 that he saw no urgency in holding a vote. Moreover, I do not think there is an extraordinary situation, Kover told the Hungarian news website Index. Senior Fidesz MPs have voiced anger at Sweden for criticizing a backsliding of democracy in Hungary. Balazs Orban, who is Prime Minister Viktor Orbans political director but of no relation, told Hungarian television last week that the way that the Swedish political elite has been attacking Hungary for the last 10 years creates a basis for Hungary to ask for further political consultations from the Swedes, since this is about us getting committed to a joint military alliance. Hungary is trying to flex its diplomatic muscle on the global stage, said analyst Zoltan Pogatsa, a political economist at the University of West Hungary. I think Viktor Orban wants to remind Western countries every now and then: Don't criticize us because we do have cards, we are not sitting at the table without cards, we do have our cards. So be careful when you try to criticize us for corruption, for rule of law issues, or the quality of our democracy, Pogatsa told Reuters. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson last week rebuffed an invitation from his Hungarian counterpart to begin negotiations in Budapest on Swedens NATO application. "No demands that are related to NATO membership that's not on the table," Kristersson told Sweden's TV4. But, he added, the two countries have much to discuss, including cooperation inside NATO, Hungary's upcoming EU presidency, and support for Ukraine. The two leaders are due to meet at a European Union summit in Brussels Thursday. In a letter to Orban, Kristersson said, I agree with you that a more intensive dialogue between our countries would be beneficial. Meanwhile, Russia said earlier in January that it would take retaliatory measures if Sweden joins the alliance. Sweden's membership in NATO will have an extremely negative impact on the level of stability in northern Europe and the Baltic region, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters in Moscow on January 26. We will take retaliatory measures of a political and military-technical nature in order to stop threats to the defense capability of our country. Pressure is growing on Hungary to approve Swedens accession to NATO, the last member state yet to ratify its application. As Henry Ridgwell reports from London, the Hungarian and Swedish prime ministers are due to meet on the side-lines of a European Union summit in Brussels on Thursday. With more aid for Ukraine stalled in Congress, U.S. spy chief William Burns says in a new assessment that it would be a self-inflicted mistake of historic proportions for the United States to walk away from its support for Kyiv in its nearly two-year war with Russia. A congressional vote on $60 billion in new aid for Ukraine has been linked with legislation to tighten immigration controls at the U.S. border with Mexico. But details of the new immigration law have yet to be resolved and the overall legislation has been caught up in the politics of the 2024 presidential campaign, leaving more Ukraine aid in doubt. But Burns, in an essay published Tuesday in Foreign Affairs magazine, said, Keeping the arms flowing will put Ukraine in a stronger position if an opportunity for serious negotiations emerges" to end the war. "It offers a chance to ensure a long-term win for Ukraine and a strategic loss for Russia," the Central Intelligence Agency director said. At less than 5% of the U.S. defense budget, it is a relatively modest investment with significant geopolitical returns, he said. He characterized Russian President Vladimir Putins February 2022 invasion of Ukraine as "Putin's folly. "At least 315,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded, two-thirds of Russias prewar tank inventory has been destroyed, and Putins vaunted decades-long military modernization program has been hollowed out, Burns said. Yet, Burns said Putin is unlikely to pull back from the attack on neighboring Ukraine. "It is always a mistake to underestimate his fixation on controlling Ukraine, Burns said. Without that control, he believes it is impossible for Russia to be a great power or for him to be a great Russian leader." Burns said the war "is quietly corroding his power at home, but said that "he continues to bet that time is on his side, that he can grind down Ukraine and wear down its Western supporters." He called on Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian-controlled territory. "Ukraines challenge is to puncture Putins arrogance and demonstrate the high cost for Russia ... not just by making progress on the front lines but also by launching deeper strikes behind them," Burns said. Latest Russian attacks Meanwhile, on the battlefront, Ukraine said Tuesday that Russias military attacked overnight with 35 drones and two guided missiles targeting multiple regions of the country. Ukraines air force said air defenses destroyed 15 of the drones, including intercepts over the Mykolaiv, Sumy, Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kherson and Kyiv regions. The air force said part of Russias attack was focused on hitting fuel and energy sector infrastructure. Russia said Monday its air defenses thwarted attacks by 21 Ukrainian drones. Russian news agencies reported the military intercepted or destroyed Ukrainian drones over the Russia-annexed Crimean Peninsula, as well as the Russian regions of Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga and Tula. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Monday that Ukraines defensive war against Russia was at risk without a new round of aid approved by Congress. Without it, simply put, everything that Ukrainians achieved and that weve helped them achieve will be in jeopardy, Blinken said at a joint news conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Washington. The NATO chief expressed confidence that the U.S. will continue to support Ukraine, saying it is in the interest of the U.S. to ensure that Russia does not win in Ukraine. Stoltenberg also said that aiding Ukraine is a joint effort with NATO allies and that it is not viewed as charity but as an investment in our own security. Russia-Belarus alliance Putin met Monday with his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko, to discuss expanding their alliance, which has already seen the deployment of some of Russia's nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus. Putin emphasized the two countries strategic partnership as part of their 25-year union agreement involving political, economic and military ties between the two nations. It's important that amid an unprecedented foreign pressure, Russia and Belarus have closely cooperated on the international arena and have offered unfailing support to each other as true allies, Putin said at the start of the talks in St. Petersburg that involved senior officials from both countries. Lukashenko has relied on Russian subsidies and political support to rule the one-time Soviet-bloc nation with an iron hand for nearly three decades. Moscow's backing helped Lukashenko survive months of major protests of his reelection in a 2020 vote that the opposition and the West saw as rigged. Lukashenko allowed Russia to use Belarusian territory to send troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Hungary-Ukraine talks Hungary indicated Monday that it is ready for a compromise allowing a proposed European Union aid package of $54 billion for Ukraine to be financed from the bloc's budget ahead of an emergency summit on Thursday. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been a vocal critic of the EU's financial and military support for Kyiv and maintained close ties with the Kremlin since the Russia invasion of Ukraine. If Hungary does not agree on the package, EU leaders have proposed an alternative plan involving a deal between 26 members and Ukraine, which would also deny Budapest access to linked EU funds. Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Szijjarto met with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, in Kyiv to discuss the aid and to address restrictions on the rights of the ethnic Hungarian community in the western Ukrainian region of Zakarpattia to study in their native language. Hungary has an expectation that the members of the Hungarian national community will regain their rights that already existed in 2015, the Hungarian official said, adding, We still have a long way to go, but we on the Hungarian side are ready to do this work. Kuleba said he considered the question of the Hungarian minority fundamentally resolved, but that a joint committee will be established to examine how Kyiv can address Budapest's further demands concerning Ukraine's Hungarian community and present those findings to the respective governments in 10 days. This was Szijjartos first visit to Ukraine since Russias invasion in February 2022 and the only official bilateral meeting between the two officials in the last two years. Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. February 1 will mark three years since Myanmar's military toppled the country's democratically elected government, setting off a bloody civil war that continues to tear apart the country of 54 million people. It will also be just over three months since the launch of Operation 1027, a major offensive by some of the armed groups arrayed against the junta. The campaign has handed the military an unprecedented string of losses and redefined the war. "When we talk about where we are today after three years, we're really talking about where we are today three months after 1027," Richard Horsey, a senior adviser on Myanmar to the International Crisis Group, told VOA. Since the start of the offensive on October 27, opposition forces have seized several towns in northeast Myanmar's Shan state next to China, taken control of key roads to the border, and forced hundreds of junta soldiers to surrender. The military has responded with punishing air and artillery strikes but so far failed to retake lost ground. That has emboldened other rebel groups across Myanmar to pounce, compounding the junta's losses. "Across many different parts of the country, ethnic armed groups and resistance forces have gone on the offensive since the 27th of October," Horsey said. "It's people looking at the situation and saying, 'Wow, the Myanmar military has an awful lot on its hands right now and it's looking incredibly weak,' so it's giving confidence to these groups to go on the attack." The International Institute for Strategic Studies, a British research group keeping track of the fighting, has recorded a rise in violence since June, with well over 1,000 events in both November and December. Min Zaw Oo, an adjunct fellow at the nongovernmental Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, spent a month traveling across Myanmar late last year, speaking with junta battalion commanders and others. He told VOA he found a military ill-prepared to reverse its losses after decades of mismanagement. Down but not out Min Zaw Oo said the military has failed for more than a generation to invest in the strategies and equipment needed to protect its fighters on the ground from attack. Fighting one or two rebel groups at a time, the military could muddle through in the past. Facing steady pressure on multiple fronts since the coup, though, has brought a fundamental flaw to the fore. Under Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who led the putsch, he added, the military has also been promoting more senior commanders with little to no practical battlefield experience. Min Zaw Oo sees none of that changing any time soon, to the boon of the resistance. "Under the current leadership, I think the military is not likely to make the fix to remedy their predicament," he said. "They're going to still ... fall short of strategic solutions." All that is prompting predictions that resistance groups could actually prevail over one of the region's largest and most battle-hardened militaries, especially since the onset of Operation 1027. What once seemed like a long shot is now looking, to some, inevitable, even imminent. Analysts, though, say prophesies of the junta's impending defeat or collapse are overblown. "Given gains on the battlefield and the losses inflicted on the Sit-tat [military], there's a momentum that's building up that people can see if we just keep going we can actually topple the military," David Mathieson, an independent Myanmar analyst, told VOA. "But I do think that any kind of forecast of how imminent that's going to be has to be very conservative. People after 1027 were saying the military will fall in three to six months. You don't know that," he added. Much of the ground the junta has lost since Operation 1027 started includes stretches of border with India, Bangladesh and, most critically, China, Myanmar's main trade partner. A key trade route with Thailand has also been coming under increased attack from resistance groups. Mathieson, though, said the junta may plan to hang on even without controlling the borders by consolidating in the central plains around the largest cities, including Yangon and its seaport, and by holding the main military bases and weapons factories nearby along with the roads connecting them all. Even with just that, he said, "They've still got the capacity to supply their military with the tools that they need to fight the war." Divided we stand While a steady stream of desertions and the recent surrender of whole battalions have sapped the military's strength, analysts also point out that junta soldiers have not been defecting and joining resistance groups en masse, suggesting that morale, even if down, has not crumbled. The military is also fighting a deeply divided opponent. Despite the sophisticated coordination on show by the rebel armies behind Operation 1027, the country remains a patchwork of resistance groups without a single central command, many pursuing their own narrow goals. "So, it's very difficult at this point to say what the resistance means," said Min Zaw Oo. As the disparate factions scramble for territory, even some loosely allied groups have been tussling among themselves. Min Zaw Oo noted two rebel groups in the east that have started arguing over which of them gets to tax locals, and another two in the west among the ethnic minority Chin that recently clashed. "That is the tip of the iceberg," he said, adding that, with time, "We will see a lot more problems coming up." Analysts say resistance groups may find future gains against the junta increasingly tough as the military pulls back from weaker positions and concentrates on defending a few key areas. Min Zaw Oo said one bellwether for the future of the resistance will be whether groups in the east can manage to sever the highway connecting Yangon and Mandalay, Myanmar's two largest cities, both still firmly in the junta's grasp. And as the junta continues to lose ground, they warn that it could turn even more violent, especially against civilians, as it has in the northeast in response to Operation 1027. Of the 2.3 million people displaced by the fighting across Myanmar since the coup, the United Nations says, one-third have fled their homes in the past three months alone. "The military might not have the ability to vanquish its opponents, but it retains an enormous capacity for violence, especially against civilian targets," said Horsey. "It could get a lot, lot messier, and it could actually drag on for a long time," Mathieson agreed. Among his sources in Myanmar and its rebel armies, he added, "even the most optimistic ones don't think this is going to be over easily." Global efforts to curb public sector corruption are stalling, even reversing in some regions due to armed conflicts and dysfunctional justice systems, a leading corruption watchdog said on Tuesday. Berlin-based Transparency Internationals annual report paints a grim picture, revealing that most countries have made negligible or no progress in tackling corruption. Both authoritarian regimes and democratic leaders undermining justice contribute to increasing impunity for corruption and, in some cases, even encourage it by removing consequences for wrongdoers, the company said in a statement. Even while it repels the Russian invasion, Ukraine has made steady progress in reducing corruption by reforming the justice system and enhancing its anti-corruption body, Transparency International says. In 2021, Ukraine was ranked 122 among 180 countries in the organizations Corruption Perceptions Index. In 2022, it moved up to 116, and to 104 in 2023. Nevertheless, the report says, the war created fertile ground for corruption, creating the risk of unraveling hard-fought gains in transparency and accountability across the globe. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States and its Western allies have poured over $100 billion in military, humanitarian and financial assistance into Ukraine, according to data from the Kiel Institute. Armed conflicts in several Middle Eastern countries also pose formidable challenges to anti-corruption efforts. Recent reports show emerging corruption practices, such as the payment of fees on the border for those fleeing the war. Not only does this have serious impacts on the most vulnerable, but it adds another layer of injustice and reinforces power imbalances, Transparency International spokesperson Marko Kovacevic told VOA in an email. Least, most corrupt For the sixth year, Denmark is considered the least-corrupt state in the world, according to Transparency International. Joining it at the top of the index are Finland and New Zealand, with Norway and Singapore close behind. High levels of prosperity, education and open governance are considered key drivers of European success in combating corruption. Somalia remains in the lowest position for the second year in a row. Joining it at the bottom of the index are Venezuela, Syria and South Sudan, highlighting persistent public sector corruption challenges in these countries. While Europe is traditionally reported as the least-corrupt continent, some cracks may be appearing in its anti-corruption ranking. Several European countries, including Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, have seen their rankings slip for the second consecutive year. The United States ranked 24th on the index for the second consecutive year. China, the worlds second-largest economy and the second-most populous country, experienced a significant drop in its ranking, plummeting from 65 to 76 in one year. Under the Taliban, Afghanistan has reportedly seen a marked return to corruption, with its ranking slipping from 150 in 2022 to 162 in 2023. The U.S. government handed over 66 secondary schools that it built for students in rural Malawi under the USAID-funded Secondary School Expansion for Development project, or SEED. The project is a partnership of the U.S. government through the United States Agency for International Development and the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Amy Diaz, deputy ambassador at the U.S. Embassy in Malawi, said the $90 million project started in 2019 with an initial plan to build 200 schools across Malawi. That number was reduced to 89 because of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which created many challenges, including a rise in the cost of building materials. "When the costs increased, we worked with the ministry of education to narrow down the new school construction sites to the areas of greatest need in each district. With a handover of 66 schools today, we are on track to complete construction of 89 new rural schools by the end of this year," Diaz said. About 27,000 students will now have access to secondary school education. The new schools have reduced the distance many learners have to walk to get to classes, with some living 10 kilometers away. President Lazarus Chakwera presided over the televised handoff ceremony Monday in the Salima district of central Malawi. He called the event a milestone in Malawi's partnership with the U.S. "A partnership that produces 66 brand new secondary schools, serving communities across 20 districts, is no ordinary partnership. A partnership that expands access to secondary education for tens of thousands of our youths is no ordinary partnership," Chakwera said. Education analysts say it is Malawi's government that needs to improve the quality of education and stop vandalism of public schools. Several government secondary schools were closed recently due to vandalism by angry students. "We have a scenario here where the government is unable to renovate the vandalized infrastructure, thereby keeping the students out of learning," said Benedicto Kondowe, an education expert and executive director for the Civil Society Education Coalition in Malawi. "Therefore, the extent of school vandalism that we have had presented a very dangerous course in this country. Once we do not take care of the infrastructure that we have, chances are high most people will be kept out of the education system." Kondowe said he also hopes construction of the new schools will help reduce unemployment among teachers, who have long held protests pushing the government to hire them. Chakwera said his administration will recruit 5,000 secondary school teachers following the construction of the U.S.-funded schools. "This is why my administration has invested heavily by expanding the teacher base by increasing the teaching staff by 50%, adding 13,000 teachers to the staff roll," he said. "Apart from increasing the quantity, we also want to increase the quality of teaching. And that includes improving the condition of service for teachers and school administrators." Willie Malimba, president of the Teachers Union of Malawi, said 5,000 teachers are just the tip of the iceberg in a country with a massive shortage of professional educators, and that existing schools may remain understaffed. "If those 5,000 teachers are adding up to already existing secondary schools, we could say at least it's a little bit better," Malimba said. "But now, we are going to have 66 additional secondary schools. This means these 5,000 will be directly absorbed by the 66 additional secondary schools. Which means shortfalls that are already there in some secondary schools, they are still there." The education ministry has announced plans to add more structures to the newly constructed secondary schools, including a laboratory block, a library, eight teachers' houses and an administration section. It says this is in line with the newly introduced minimum package required for the country's secondary school infrastructure. In this article, we look at the 30 most air polluted cities in the world. You can skip our detailed analysis on companies that are taking measures to combat pollution and head over directly to the 10 Most Air Polluted Cities In The World. A report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in March 2023 highlighted that global carbon emissions reached an all-time high of 36.8 Gt in 2022 having increased 0.9% compared to the previous year. Vehicle emissions, smoke from manufacturing in factories, chemical production, coal power plants, and the use of natural gas to provide heating at homes are the primary sources of pollution and trigger global warming, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. A study by Climate Central in September last year found that 98% of the worlds population was exposed to global warming and experienced hotter temperatures between June and September 2023 due to carbon dioxide pollution. Several notable corporations have committed themselves to tackling air pollutants over the last few years. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) has been scaling investments in carbon removal technologies (CDR). In May last year, the company announced that it had signed two separate agreements worth over $200 million with Climeworks and CO280 Solutions, Inc. to purchase CDRs, which JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) expects to remove and store 800,000 metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere. The investment is part of the companys sustainable development targets announced in 2021, which includes spending up to $2.5 trillion by 2030 to address climate change, and $1 trillion for green initiatives. These measures have received acclaim from JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)s investors. ClearBridge Sustainability Leaders Strategy made the following comment in its Q3 2023 investor letter: In addition to business models that support biodiversity, it is also important to provide financing for efforts to improve biodiversity. Large financial firms such as ClearBridge holding JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) have a key role here through green bond underwritings that support natural capital protection. In 2021 JPM announced a target to finance and facilitate $1 trillion toward green initiatives by 2030 as part of its broader $2.5 trillion sustainable development target. The green initiatives include biodiversity-linked areas such as water management, circular economy and waste management, in addition to conservation and biodiversity, which focuses on improving terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity ecosystems or forests. As part of this target, in 2022 JPM served as the lead underwriter for a $350 million green bond issued by The Nature Conservancy, the largest green bond issuance by a conservation nonprofit ever. The issuance is expected to help The Nature Conservancy avoid or sequester 3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), and conserve 650 million hectares of healthy land, 30 million hectares of freshwater and 4 billion hectares of oceans. Story continues Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has also announced investments in direct air capture (DAC) technology to clean the atmosphere from emissions. In September 2023, the company said it was going to purchase 250,000 tonnes of removal credits from 1PointFive over a period of 10 years, which is about the same amount of carbon that is stored across at least 290,000 acres of forest land across the United States. The move is part of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)s goal of net zero emissions by 2040. According to a report in Reuters, carbon removal credits per metric tonne can cost in the range of mid-to-high-triple digits. In addition to this, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is also making an investment in CarbonCapture, another prominent climate technology company that is known for its DAC systems. The financial aspects of the deal are not known. In return, CarbonCapture will be providing Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) 100,000 tonnes of removal credits, which the company plans on making available for its partner, customers, and suppliers as well along with its own business units. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) also announced in 2020 to purchase sustainable aviation fuel credits from SkyNRG and supply them to Alaska Airlines to operate flights between Seattle 15 miles from Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)s head office in Redmond and San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose. The reasoning behind the companys decision is the hope that this would help in reducing pollution caused by commercial flights taken by its employees. A year earlier, the companys fact sheet showed that travel made up 3% of all carbon emissions made by Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) in 2019. 30 Most Air Polluted Cities In The World Jorg Hackemann/Shutterstock.com Methodology The 30 most air polluted cities in the world are ranked in ascending order of their Air Quality Index (AQI) scores based on live-time data being updated on IQAir. The list was created on January 29, 2024 at 20:00 GMT. AQI scores come in six categories 0-50 (Good), 51-100 (Moderate), 101-150 (Unhealthy for sensitive groups), 151-200 (Unhealthy), 201-300 (Very unhealthy), and 301+ (Hazardous). If interested, you can also take a look at the 30 Most Air Polluted Countries in the World. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. Lets now head over to the list of the most polluted cities in the world for air quality. 30. Incheon, South Korea AQI US: 117 Incheon is one of the most polluted cities in the world in terms of air quality, with a PM2.5 concentration of 43 g/m 8.6 times higher than WHO guidelines. 29. Shenzhen, China AQI US: 117 The air quality in Shenzhen is unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to IQAir. Health experts advise people in the city to reduce outdoor activities or wear a mask when outside. 28. Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR AQI US: 118 Hong Kong is among the most air polluted cities in the world, with a high concentration of air pollutants in the atmosphere. Its PM2.5 concentration is 40.8g/m with a PM10 of 51.4g/m. 27. Guangzhou, China AQI US: 119 Guangzhou had an AQI of 149 around the end of 2020. Over the last few years, the city has taken strides in improving air quality, but still much needs to be done. Guangzhou is home to over 25 million with large economic activity which triggers pollution. 26. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina AQI US: 129 Cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina are plagued with air pollution due to the countrys dependency on coal for internal heating and electricity generation. Its capital, Sarajevo, is one of the most air polluted cities in the world. 25. Hanoi, Vietnam AQI US: 133 Hanois air quality fluctuates between 101-200 on a regular basis, from being unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy for everyone. According to IQAir, 500 tonnes of charcoal and 700 tonnes of waste are burnt every day in the Vietnamese capital which is a primary source of the pollution there. 24. Krakow, Poland AQI US: 135 Krakow is among the most polluted cities in Europe. The Polish government has been actively working to improve air quality by delivering financial assistance to citizens to change their home heating systems, but a lot of more work still needs to be done. 23. Karachi, Pakistan AQI US: 137 Transport and industrial emissions are the major causes of pollution in Pakistans largest city, Karachi. On December 4, it was ranked as the most polluted city in the world by IQAir with the AQI recorded at 244. 22. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia AQI US: 145 Ulaanbaatar is among the most air polluted cities in the world, with a PM2.5 concentration of 55.9g/m. According to IQAir, air quality in this Mongolian city has been hovering around the same dangerous levels since 2018. 21. Bangkok, Thailand AQI US: 153 The air quality in Bangkok is deemed unhealthy for all people present there, due an AQI score in excess of 150. The city has a PM2.5 concentration of 53.5g/m which is more than 10 times higher than WHOs guidelines. 20. Kaohsiung, Taiwan AQI US: 153 Kaohsiung is one of the most polluted cities in the world for air quality. To combat the challenge, Taiwans government in 2019 announced to replace all coal power plants at the Hsinta Power Plant in Kaohsiung with natural gas-powered units by 2025. 19. Belgrade, Serbia AQI US: 155 Belgrade in Serbia is home to five of the fifteen most polluted districts in Europe, according to a report in The Guardian. Coal plants and emissions from old vehicles are the primary sources of air pollution in the city. 18. Kathmandu, Nepal AQI US: 155 The air quality in Nepals capital Kathmandu is unhealthy for all residents living in the city, with an AQI score of 155 and a PM2.5 concentration of 71.2g/m 14 times higher than WHOs standards. 17. Chongqing, China AQI US: 156 Chongqing, located in southwestern China, is among the most air-polluted cities in the world, with a PM2.5 concentration of 65g/m and PM10 concentration of 102g/m according to IQAir. 16. Beijing, China AQI US: 157 Next on the list is Chinas capital, Beijing, where air pollution is primarily caused by the use of coal to produce electricity, and emissions from manufacturing at factories and old vehicles. 15. Baghdad, Iraq AQI US: 159 Military conflicts in Iraq are one of the reasons for air pollution in Baghdad. With wars destroying much of the countrys energy infrastructure, 30% of its electricity now comes from private diesel generators. 14. Chengdu, China AQI US: 161 The air pollution levels in Chengdu are unhealthy for people of all age groups, according to IQAir. PM2.5 is the main air pollutant in this Chinese city and its concentration is 19 times higher than WHOs air quality guidelines. 13. Wuhan, China AQI US: 163 Another Chinese city on the list is Wuhan, where air pollution is continuously deteriorating, despite government measures to control carbon emissions. The city has a PM2.5 concentration of 75g/m and PM10 concentration of 86g/m. 12. Hangzhou, China AQI US: 163 Hangzhou is one of the most air polluted cities in the world due to a large population of over 10.6 million people who commute daily for work, resulting in increased carbon emissions. 11. Kabul, Afghanistan AQI US: 166 Kabuls air quality is unhealthy, according to IQAir. The primary reasons behind air pollution in Afghanistans capital is poor fuel quality, old cars, burning of trash in public, industrial brick kilns, and no check on carbon emissions from factories. Click to continue reading and see the 10 Most Air Polluted Cities in the World. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 30 Most Air Polluted Cities In The World is originally published on Insider Monkey. The United States is taking new steps to cut off efforts by the Islamic State terror group to grow its virtual, self-declared caliphate. Washington on Tuesday unveiled sanctions against two Egyptian nationals accused of providing IS leaders with cybersecurity training so they could move funds via cryptocurrencies and expand the terror group's recruitment efforts. Al-Mawji Mahmud Salim and his business partner, Sarah Jamal Muhammad Al-Sayyid, are accused of creating an IS-affiliated online platform known as the Electronic Horizons Foundation (EHF). In a statement, the U.S. Treasury Department said Al-Mawji "has provided technical support on computer applications" to IS leaders while also using the platform to help guide the terror group's supporters on how to evade law enforcement scrutiny and raise money. The statement accused Jamal of helping her partners by recruiting IS members to join the EHF platform and by procuring web servers needed to keep the platform online. "Today's actions disrupt ISIS's ability to move funds, including through the use of cryptocurrency, and leverage its online presence to recruit and promote its terrorist ideology," said Treasury Department Undersecretary Brian Nelson, using another acronym for the terror group. The department also levied sanctions against Faruk Guzel, a Turkey-based financial facilitator who helped funnel money to IS operatives in Syria. In a separate statement on Tuesday, the U.S. State Department said the new designations and the resulting sanctions reinforce Washington's commitment to work with the more than 80 countries that are part of the Counter ISIS Finance Group, which aims to disrupt the organization's global financial networks. Earlier this month, IS launched a new campaign of violence called "And Kill Them Wherever You Find Them," which coincided with a double suicide bombing that killed nearly 90 people near the tomb of a slain Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander in Kerman, Iran. The most recent U.S. intelligence assessments estimate IS leadership in Iraq and Syria has access to about $25 million in cash reserves, down from as much as about $300 million following the collapse of its physical caliphate in 2019. A separate report from the Pentagon's inspector general this past November said the IS leadership in Iraq and Syria is "unable to meet its financial obligations, particularly payments to family members of deceased and imprisoned ISIS personnel." "ISIS also paid its leaders sporadically, probably several hundred dollars a month, while missing payments for fighters, likely to extend its limited financing," the report said. Vietnam and the Philippines agreed on Tuesday to boost cooperation between their two coast guards to prevent incidents in the South China Sea, waters claimed in their entirety by Beijing. Both Southeast Asian nations dispute Chinas claim to the resource-rich maritime territory that is a major shipping route, and each nation has had tense run-ins with China in the strategic waterway. The two memoranda of understanding on maritime cooperation were announced during a state visit to Hanoi by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and are aimed at strengthening the understanding, mutual trust, and confidence between the two parties," his office said in a statement. The deals cover "incident prevention in the South China Sea" and "maritime cooperation" among coast guards, according to a Vietnamese official at a formal ceremony in the country's presidential palace. Marcos and Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong also agreed to strengthen existing maritime cooperation mechanisms, notably the Joint Commission on Maritime and Ocean Affairs at the deputy-minister level. They will also enhance communication between coast guard commands and adopt other measures to ensure the safety and security of fishermen from both countries, as well as to solve amicably any unexpected incidents at sea, Viet Nam News reported. The two countries also agreed to boost trade and investment and signed a key deal on rice. Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to requests for comment made by VOA Vietnamese. Chinas state-run Peoples Daily Online said on Tuesday, If Vietnam and the Philippines cooperate in certain areas to the detriment of China's interests in the South China Sea, it will only irritate the situation in the South China Sea and make the risk of conflict higher. Ha Hoang Hop, an associate senior fellow at the Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, called the agreements an important step forward, affirming the interest of both the Philippines and Vietnam to use all peaceful means to respond to China's gray zone strategy. Ha was referring to Beijings activities that are designed to avoid the threshold of triggering major conflict. He spoke to VOA Vietnamese in a telephone interview Tuesday from. China will continue to cause tension and harassment against the Philippines and Vietnam, said Ha. But these two agreements between the Philippines and Vietnam are completely consistent with international law, the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. So, China's reactions will have no effect. Marcos raised his concerns over the long simmering disputes and cited increasingly aggressive actions by the Chinese coast guard in a call Tuesday to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. There continue to be unilateral and illegal actions that violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction and exacerbate tensions in the South China Sea, Marcos said. Transcripts of his remarks were issued by the presidential office in Manila. Hoang Viet, an expert on South China Sea disputes at the Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City, was skeptical when asked whether the agreements amount to the two countries forming a united front against China. If Vietnam and the Philippines really created a united front to fight China, China would find every way to respond strongly, he told VOA Vietnamese in a telephone interview on Tuesday. But with the two sides only signing memoranda of understanding, it is not enough to form a united front to fight China. Vietnam has also tried to avoid this, because Vietnam does not want to create confrontation with China at this time, Hoang said. Some material for this report came from Reuters and The Associated Press. The White House says its not seeking war with Iran, amid President Joe Bidens vow to respond to a drone strike that killed three U.S. service members in Jordan, an act Washington blames on Iranian-backed militias. Congress is pressuring the White House to strike back, which is likely to further escalate and expand the conflict sparked by Hamas October 7 attack on Israeli citizens. VOAs Anita Powell reports from Washington. The World Health Organization warns that defunding UNRWA, the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, threatens to worsen the already dire situation of more than 2 million civilians in Gaza, many of whom are facing starvation, ill health and the threat of death from the spread of infectious diseases. More than a dozen countries, including the United States, suspended funds to UNRWA following allegations that some of the agencys staff members participated in the invasion of Israel by Hamas militants October 7. Criminal activity can never go unpunished, said WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier on Tuesday, but that discussion right now is a distraction from what is really going on every day, every hour, every minute in Gaza. It is a distraction from the more than 27,000 deaths right now, of which 70% are women and children, he said. It is a distraction from preventing an entire population from access to clean water, food, shelter. It is a distraction from preventing electricity from coming into Gaza for more than 100 days. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to countries to resume their assistance to UNRWA to at least ensure continuity of its vital humanitarian operations. This appeal was echoed by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus who said, Cutting off funding will only hurt the people in Gaza who desperately need support. A statement issued Monday by 20 NGOs expressed dismay that some of the countries that had called for an increase in aid in Gaza have now suspended funds to UNRWA. We are shocked by the reckless decision to cut a lifeline for an entire population," they said. "UNRWA is the largest humanitarian agency in Gaza and their delivery of humanitarian assistance cannot be replaced by other agencies working in Gaza. WHO spokesperson Lindmeier said, UNRWA provides vital support to the population of Gaza, including in the health sector. He noted that before the conflict, UNRWA provided care for some 100,000 individuals with diabetes and hypertension, and for 40,000 pregnant women annually. The escalation of hostilities in Gaza made the continuation of such care extremely difficult, as daily life itself became untenable, he said, observing that the regular food supply and fresh water supply has been cut off Gaza for more than 100 days. He said people are forced to drink water that is mixed with wastewater as the pumping stations partially are not working for lack of fuel. The population is at the border of famine, he said, and it is not getting better. It is getting worse by the day. Lindmeier warned that a malnourished population cramped together in overcrowded makeshift shelters is highly susceptible to disease and infection. In such situations, he said infections, rashes, and diseases can spread like wildfire. Despite all the difficulties, Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that UNRWA has not stopped working. UNRWA continues to work. It is the pipeline of funding that is in danger while it is irreplaceable in the humanitarian operation. In its latest report, OCHA describes the intense Israeli bombardment across much of the Gaza Strip, calling hostilities "particularly intense in Khan Younis, with heavy fighting reported near Nasser and Al Amal hospitals. The agency noted that Hamas rocket fire from Gaza into Israel has continued as well. Spokesman Lindmeier said getting humanitarian aid into Gaza was becoming increasingly difficult due to security issues and logistics, explaining that two of three missions to Nasser Hospital on Monday were delayed and eventually failed to arrive. The aborted missions were carrying food for internally displaced people, patients and health workers, as well as critically important fuel for the hospital, he said. A third mission bringing medicines was allowed to go ahead. Another convoy on Tuesday morning tried to reach Nasser Hospital with food for patients and health care staff but was intercepted by people on the street. [They] basically took the supplies which only shows how dire the needs are, Lindmeier said. It describes the terrible situation of the people, of the population, to stop U.N. convoys, to stop any truck, to try to get anything to eat, to get fresh water. On January 23, the United Nations Human Rights Council, or UNHRC, launched its Universal Periodic Review, a mechanism that will scrutinize the human rights records of 14 countries, including China. That same day, Chinas state-owned Global Times newspaper published a news report saying Chinas development-oriented human rights concept is more inclusive than the Western liberal-based human rights perspective. The piece quoted Mao Junxiang, executive director of the Human Rights Center of Central South University in China, as saying: In the past five years, the human rights cause in China has made remarkable progress, particularly in the areas of poverty alleviation and the successful fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. That is partly false. China has indeed made considerable progress in terms of poverty alleviation in the past five years. However, Chinas fight against the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be deemed as successful, given that draconian control measures have undermined peoples rights to develop and survive, which Beijing sees as core human rights. The false part: Three years of zero-COVID For nearly three years from early 2020 until December 2022 China maintained a zero-COVID strategy, a set of draconian pandemic control measures to prevent the diseases spread. The government abandoned this signature policy of President Xi Jinping only after protests erupted across the country. The essence of the zero-COVID policy was to keep infection cases as close to zero as possible. To achieve this, the country implemented mass PCR testing, mandatory quarantines, compulsory hospitalizations, aggressive contact tracing and citywide snap lockdowns. These measures were not out of line at the beginning, since other countries were doing similar things to contain the then-unknown virus. The Lancet Infectious Diseases said that during the initial outbreak, China managed to control the pandemic rapidly and effectively while the rest of the world was losing thousands of lives to the virus daily, unable to limit its spread. Yet even then, the Chinese government was not fully transparent in what it shared with others about the outbreak. A whistleblowing doctor who later died from COVID-19 was educated by the police to not spread rumors after he tried to share his concerns about the virus with the outside world. While other countries saw the extremely tight health safety regulations as temporary, China stuck to zero-COVID restrictions even after vaccines became widely available. Yanzhong Huang, a senior fellow for global health at the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations, said in a testimony before a U.S. congressional committee that zero-COVID was imposed from the top down without any institutionalized negotiation with the people who are directly affected by the policy. Snap lockdowns and the mandatory "health code" system, built around an app tracking an individuals travel and contact history directly through their smartphone, enabled the government to restrict peoples mobility at will. Infected people, even with very mild or no symptoms, were immediately isolated at designated hospitals, often against their will. The Chinese governments constant trumpeting of the COVID-19 danger to justify the zero-COVID policy led to widespread stigmatization of infected people. At one time, companies publicly rejected job seekers who had recovered from COVID. With strict contact tracing, Chinas government justified the wide use of intrusive surveillance techniques to monitor and track peoples movements, thereby violating peoples privacy and civil liberties. Media reports exposed local authorities who used the mandatory "health code" system to restrict the movement of people protesting on unrelated issues. Moreover, the prolonged implementation of the zero-COVID policy has aggravated a mental health crisis in China. [S]tringent and persistent implementation of zero-COVID not only raises concerns over human rights and civil liberties violations, but also has the unintended result of put[ting] peoples overall health and well-being in harms way, thereby undermining the rights to develop and survive, which the government considers the core of human rights, the Council on Foreign Relations Huang said in his congressional testimony. Lawrence Gostin, a public health law professor at Georgetown University Law Center and director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law, told Polygraph.info that Chinas COVID policy is far from successful. China literally shut down the country, causing immense damage to its economy while trampling civil liberties and human rights. China has censored dissidents and made it nearly impossible to express dissatisfaction with the government, including on its COVID policies, he said. The true part: Ending extreme poverty In February 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that his country had ended extreme poverty. All 98.99 million people who are the poor rural population have been taken out of poverty, he said at a ceremony celebrating poverty reduction in 2021. China considers anyone in rural areas earning less than $2.30 a day living in poverty, while the World Bank defines the international poverty line as $1.90 per day. Xi set the goal of eradicating extreme poverty when he took office in 2012. The World Banks 2022 joint report with the Chinese government says Chinas success in alleviating poverty is driven by a strategy that focuses on the growth in agricultural productivity, progressive industrialization, rapid and managed urbanization and the expansion of infrastructure investments. In 2013 under Xis leadership, China launched the Targeted Poverty Alleviation program, aimed at delivering tailored aid projects to poor areas. The Stanford Center on Chinas Economy and Institutions reported that under the program, productive private firms participated in the efforts, receiving preferential financing options from state banks to expand production. These combined efforts led to a successful poverty alleviation campaign. Over the past 40 years, China has lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty, according to World Bank data. Rutendo Mawere The United States says it has stopped participating in a critical program for restructuring Zimbabwes US$17.7 billion debt due to lack of progress on democratic reforms, alleged voter fraud and political violence targeted at opposition parties. But the ruling Zanu PF has dismissed America's move, saying it should stop meddling in the affairs of the southern African nation. In an exclusive interview with VOA Zimbabwe Service, Charge d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Harare, Ms. Elaine French, said America paused its participation in the Zimbabwe Structured Dialogue Platform on Debt Clearance with creditors and development partners following President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government's failure to conduct free, fair and credible elections last year and the brutalization of opponents. In the dialogue the government of Zimbabwe committed to taking on reforms, but we havent seen the statements translating to actions especially when it comes to elections. We did not see those reforms before, during and after elections. Because of the poor conduct around 2023 elections the United States Mission Embassy had decided to press pause on our involvement in the AFDB dialogue. USA, the African Development Bank, representatives of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, Zimbabwean government and several others are part of the debt clearance program, which has so far seen the convening of four meetings in Harare in an attempt to clear an external debt of US$12.7 billion and internal debt amounting to US$5 billion. Ms. French also said relations between Zimbabwe and USA remain strained due to lack of democratic reforms. Since the August 2023 elections and even before that, I would characterize the relationship as strained between Government of Zimbabwe and the U.S. partly due to lack of progress on democratic reforms on behalf of the government of Zimbabwe exemplified in the August 2023 elections. America imposed targeted sanctions on ruling party elite in 2003, citing human rights violations and electoral fraud. As of February 2020, there were 86 individuals and 56 companies on the sanctions list, including Sakunda Holdings, a business entity owned by Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a close associate of President Mnangagwa and his inner circle. Tagwirei is accused of allegedly siphoning state funds through shady deals but he denies these accusations. French says lack of visible reforms demanded by the West over the years led to Zimbabwe's disputed elections last year. She says her nation is not happy over the outcome of the polls and the current political violence gripping Zimbabwe that has resulted in the death of an opposition activist. We are deeply disturbed by some of the events that have happened since elections in particular some of the violent acts against opposition members and their supporters some of which have been injured and others killed. Our message is very clear to the government of Zimbabwe. We urge them to take meaningful steps towards open accountable and democratic governance reforms. But the Zimbabwean government has dismissed French's remarks saying USA should stop meddling in the affairs of the African nation. Zimbabwe's international communications director, Richard Mahomva, says his country conducted free, fair and credible elections last year contrary to America's belief that the polls were fraudulent. The Americans has never at any point endorsed any election outcome as long as it is in favour of the Zanu PF government that has perennially drawn its mandate from the people. Zimbabwe has made it clear that it is willing to interact with any state, it is willing to play an inclusive role with other multilateral institutions so Zimbabwe will still maintain that position. Mnangagwa got almost 53% of the presidential vote while former opposition Citizens Coaliition for Change leader Nelson Chamisa garnered about 44%. The opposition rejected the outcome of the election saying Zanu PF stole the vote. However, Zanu PF's director of information Farai Marapira says the U.S. is annoyed that the ruling party won the elections. Our doors remain open, the President has been very clear, we are friends to all and an enemy to none. We remain friends with Americans; we are not their enemies. We simply await them should they choose to reconsider and re-engage and come back to the table as equals, the door as President E.D Mnangagwa has always said its open. Director for Youth Platform Claris Madhuku, a non-governmental advocacy organization, says Zimbabwe should implement democratic reforms in order to improve relations with the West. Zimbabwe has shown willingness to mend relations with other nations in terms of its policy to say Zimbabwe is open for business, Zimbabwe is a friend of all and an enemy to none. When you get this feedback from America, it is something Zimbabwe must take seriously. It shows Zimbabwe needs to work on its own institutions and work on itself to ensure its people has processes they are participating freely and people feel they are part of Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe sanctions program implemented by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) began on March 7, 2003, when then President George Bush issued an Executive Order imposing restrictive measures against specifically identified individuals and entities in the country. Former presidents Barrack Obama and Donald Trump also maintained the sanctions regime during their term of office. The International Court of Justice, presided over by former U.S. State Department official Joan Donoghue, has issued a protective order in the case between South Africa and Israel. Unsurprisingly, the Court took exactly the same decision as the United States: Israel must do everything in its power to prevent genocide, while continuing its war against Hamas. International justice is still in its infancy The Court is an embryo of international justice within the United Nations. It replaces the Permanent Court of International Justice, which was created in 1922 within the League of Nations. The system is only a century old. Its aim is to ensure that each State applies the commitments it has entered into. However, since 1942, the Anglo-Saxons, who accepted this court in 1945, have been seeking not to apply international law, but to establish their governance over the world. When they signed the Atlantic Charter, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt asserted, in the name of their states, that they alone should decide disputes between states in the post-war world. This was the original cause of the Cold War and todays conflicts. Consequently, contrary to the image we have of it, the International Court of Justice is not a finished court, but a battlefield where the Anglo-Saxon unipolar project of the world confronts the multipolar project of most other states. This is how we should interpret the Gaza massacre order. The only means of pressure on governments available to the Court is not an army, but public opinion in each country. No government accepts the idea of being presented to its people as a criminal. It is therefore particularly important to understand the Courts decisions. Magistrates have to say whats right, but theyre not all that independent The Courts fifteen permanent magistrates are nominated by their own governments and elected by all. They must use legal reasoning to justify their decisions. However, their decisions generally reflect their national prejudices. It is very rare for judges chosen by their own government to rule against it. Two additional magistrates are appointed by the two parties to the conflict. They come to defend their country and look for legal arguments to back up their case. I also remember that, when I was advising Muamar Gaddafi, the corruption of international judges was notorious. In the context of a judgment on the legality of NATOs war against his people, the Libyan leader ordered that the "gifts" received by the international judges be compensated by offering them equivalent ones. In this case, only two judges voted against all or some of the Courts decisions. Of course, the ad hoc judge representing Israel, Aharon Barak. He took part in the Camp David Accords alongside the revisionist Zionist Menachem Begin. When he was President of the Supreme Court, he interpreted the fundamental laws in such a way as to give himself the power to censure the Knesset; an implausible system on which Israeli democracy was built and which Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to overturn. In his rulings, he systematically defended the interests of Israel against the Palestinians, thus forbidding the latter to lodge complaints about the damage caused to them by the IDF. According to him, you cant make an omelette without breaking eggs, and examining these situations would force the IDF to reveal the confidential details of its operations. Or, in Israeli law, it was he who authorized the construction of the "Separation Barrier", which the ICJ declared illegal. He opposed four of the six provisional measures. He opposed the general injunction to take all measures to prevent the commission of genocide, the injunction to preserve evidence of potential acts of genocide, and the injunction requiring Israel to report on its methods. He also opposed any limitation on IDF action. On the other hand, he agreed that Israel should prevent its politicians from calling for genocide, and that it should provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. The other judge to oppose the Court is Julia Sebutinde from Uganda. For her, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is political and cannot be judged by a court of law. Above all, as the acts allegedly committed by Israel were not, in her view, accompanied by genocidal intent, South Africa had not demonstrated that the provisional measures requested were necessary. Finally, as Hamas is not a party to these proceedings, it would be unrealistic to impose limits on one of the belligerent parties but not on the other. First of all, no one has asked the Court to judge the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and international law has nothing to do with politics. Secondly, South Africa was careful not to accuse Israel of genocidal intent, but it did cite enough genocidal statements by Israeli leaders to call for provisional measures, an argument which the Israeli judge considered valid. Finally, lets come to the last point: the absence of Hamas from the proceedings cannot authorize Israel to allow genocide to be perpetrated. Julia Sebutindes position casts doubt on her previous positions at the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Adonia Ayebare, Ugandas Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said: "Judge Sebutindes decision before the International Court of Justice does not represent the Ugandan governments position on the situation in Palestine (...) She has already voted against Ugandas case on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)". The fact that Judge Sebutindes reasoning is abstruse and that she is disowned by her own government suggests that she may have been corrupted. The Court did not rule on South Africas other demands, which could not be dealt with as a matter of urgency, but exclusively on the merits: reparation measures for Palestinian victims and the condemnation by Israel of individuals guilty of genocide. Above all, it did not say that "the Israeli State must immediately suspend its military operations in and against Gaza". This order is in line with that in Gambia v. Mynamar. It enacts the same provisional measures as those used to halt the genocide of the Rohingas. However, it cannot be compared with the case of Ukraine v. Russian Federation, insofar as the latter does not concern the genocide of Ukrainians by Russians, but the use by Russia of the argument of genocide committed by Ukraine against its own Russian-speaking population. Provisional order does not prejudge judgment on the merits The Courts order is binding not only on Israel and South Africa, but also on the 151 other States that have signed the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Depending on their situation, each of them is obliged to associate itself with the provisional measures. Some could interpret this as justifying an embargo on all armaments, or prohibiting their dual nationals from taking part in this potentially genocidal war. Algeria has already requested a meeting of the Security Council on January 31, so that it can clarify the binding effects of the Courts ruling. Obviously, it is unlikely to threaten Israel with military intervention, but it could decide on an arms embargo, for example. In any case, this order will be cited before other courts in accordance with Anglo-Saxon law. For example, there is already a case in the Northern California District Court between Defense for Children International and Joe Biden, Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin, and another in London between Global Legal Action Network and the British government. Both are based on the premise that supplying arms to Israel at this time is participation in the massacre in Gaza. They now have a chance to succeed. It could also be brought before the International Criminal Court, which could be called upon to judge certain Israeli leaders. Several countries have already referred the case to the Court. Moreover, this order is only precautionary until the Court has ruled on the merits of the case. However, we must not dream: the Court may shy away and declare itself incompetent. In that case, there will never be a ruling on the merits of the case, and the protective measures will lapse. This is the most likely outcome. Yet the Court itself has already dismissed the argument that South Africas previous approaches to Israel would not have given it time to respond. It could still nitpick over "genocidal intent". In the event of the complaint being deemed inadmissible. The massacre could resume. We must not delude ourselves about the International Court of Justice. It represents a major step towards international law, but is still a long way off. Shue (look familiar?) and Fiebig. Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Jason Mendez/Getty Images, Leigh Vogel/FilmMagic One year ago today, ABC removed T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach from the anchor desk of GMA3, silencing two TV hosts in love who just happened to be married to different people. Robach and Holmes opened up about their relationship for the first time on their new podcast, Amy & T.J. But somehow, thats not close to the wildest news in their saga. The couples exes that is, Melrose Place star Andrew Shue and attorney Marilee Fiebig now seem to be dating as well. They were spotted together as recently as January 27 at the JFK airport. Page Six first reported the relationship news last month, with People confirming. A source told Page Six the pair had bonded after their spouses alleged affair, but it turned into something else, and theyre connected over their values. In other words, they pulled a Shania Twain. Shue and Fiebig knew each other for years through their exes work. Robach previously told People that the four had gone on tons of double dates and that her children would babysit Holmes and Fiebigs. According to Page Six, the exes have been dating for about six months. Funny enough, just over six months ago, Fiebig helped a friend launch the company Axis Hats New York, which includes Shue on the board. Maybe this news comes as payback for Holmes and Robach denying on their podcast that they had ever cheated. Both hosts claimed they had been working through their divorces for months and were no longer living with their spouses by the time they were pictured together in fall 2022. Still, the Page Six source was sure to use the A-word in their quote, saying Shue and Fiebigs relationship is bigger than the affair now. (Neither has ever explicitly called their ex a cheater, but Fiebig did previously criticize Holmess lack of discretion, respect, and sensitivity during their split.) Even more pointedly, the source added, Theyre not heartbroken and sad. Everyone has moved on. Except for those of us who just got a whole lot more excited about Holmes and Robachs next episode. This post has been updated. Well, at least now we know that the red herrings Death and Other Details throws our way arent going to be complete wastes. If they arent going to affect the plot in some way, they will at least have a real story to them. Sure, Rufus and Imogene have a murder to solve, but at the moment, the show seems to be moving at a leisurely pace toward answers. Its clearly not afraid to take a detour. Depending on what you want out of your ensemble murder-mystery show, this could be a good or bad thing four episodes in, and we havent gotten a ton of clues about the mystery at hand, but we have gotten a lot of information about our cohort of possible suspects. Im more of a lets cut to the chase kind of girl a real Hilde Eriksen, as it were but Im also more than happy to stare at gorgeous clothes for several weeks, so Im rolling with this shows chosen mode of operation, for now. Surprise! Jules isnt on the S. S. Varuna to do some light murdering although it turns out he does have a long list of aliases and an even longer one of previous crimes committed. No, as he reveals to Imogene, hes there to [checks notes] help a family of Ukrainian refugees get to freedom. See what I mean about the red herrings? We learn that six months ago, Jules (or whatever his real name is) staged a mugging to get into Sunils good graces and tricked him into believing it was his idea to hire Jules as head of security. He played him for a fool! Although, if thats how youre going to go about hiring your head of security for your multimillion-dollar business, maybe you deserve to be played. When Imogene learns the truth and realizes that the young daughter of the Ukrainian family, Eva, might have some intel on the night Danny was murdered thanks to her obvious proclivity for spending time in the vents of the ship, she strikes a deal with Jules: Let her and Rufus interrogate Eva and she will do everything she can to help this family get to safety. When Rufus arrives down below, he doesnt come alone Sunil and Teddy follow him, and they are not pleased to learn about the situation; if refugees are found onboard, their business is, well, sunk. Furthermore, Sunil doesnt seem too pleased to learn that Imogene is Juless alibi for the night of Dannys murder. Sunil has it bad! Regardless, Imogene and Rufus finally get time to chat with Eva, and she does have some information from the night in question for them. While in the vents, she heard a man scream and then silence. Could it have been Danny? After Rufus gives Imogene a very confusing lesson in asking a witness the right questions without leading them, Eva remembers another detail: The woman in the room was wearing black heels with gold spikes. The exact shoes that Teddy is currently wearing. But this, of course, is once again not what we think. When Eva spotted Teddys shoes, Teddy wasnt moments away from harpooning Danny; nope, Teddy was simply showing our creepy lawyer Llewellyn whos boss because [checks notes] Teddy is a dominatrix. I mean, sure? Why not, I guess. Lest you think this is yet another dead end, Imogene and Rufus really are becoming a crack team, and while chatting with Teddy, they make a few important connections. First, they correctly assume that Teddy keeps her side hustle to herself. No one, not even her sister Winnie, knows about it, which means that before when Teddy and Winnie were initially interrogated and named each other as their alibi, someone was lying. Since Teddy would never tell her sister the truth, Rufus and Imogene also correctly assume that Winnie asked her to lie for her. A lot of this deducing is based on a slight cheek twitch that Imogene spots while talking to Teddy, which is some really good detective work for someone who has only been on the job for three days. Now that Winnie has moved up to the top spot in Rufus and Imogenes suspect leaderboard, they lay a trap. They make a big deal about spreading the word that Teddy has been arrested for Dannys murder. Winnie cant stand to let her sister take the fall for her, so she turns herself in. She confesses to Dannys murder. She gives a big speech about how rich people deserve to be punished and how they may own towers and ships, but they will never own us. Which, honestly, feels a little bigger than harpooning a guy because he yelled at you for spilling a drink on him. Anyway, Winnie is put in a cell, and aside from some paperwork Hilde has to fix up, the case is closed. Hmmm, it turns out solving murders on boats is, like, insanely easy. BUT IS IT A LITTLE TOO EASY? Babes, you know it is. This is only episode four! Of ten! There is much more going on here than Winnies confession would have you believe. Imogene makes good on her promise to Jules. Jules offers himself up as a distraction to keep Hilde and Interpol occupied while Imogene gets Eva and her parents off the boat and to the meeting point Jules had set up. Sunil, although still heated from learning the truth about Jules, begrudgingly agrees to help is this because he is a good person or because he doesnt want to get caught with refugees on his ship? I dont know, maybe both? As Jules sends the two off, he tells Sunil that he sees the way Imogene looks at him and to not fuck it up. This is the fastest-moving love triangle in the history of love triangles. Everyone is so horny on this ship, and I dont hate that. Anyway, Imogene and Sunil successfully get Eva and her parents off the Varuna, and we do, indeed, get a shot of Imogene taking in Sunil. A full-on makeout seems imminent. Hilde arrests Jules and tosses him in another jail cell thank goodness this cruise ship has so many jail cells, right? and Rufus seems pretty pleased as he goes down below deck to make sure Imogene & Co. are safely headed for land. But then Rufus hears some rustling. Lo and behold, who should pop out of the nearby cabinet but Leila. Leila! Remember, friends, the whole reason Imogene found that secret door to where Jules and the refugees were hiding was because she was tailing a suspicious-looking Leila. Leila knows a lot more than youd expect for someone who has been written off as a paranoid freak and has been holed up in a cabinet for seemingly an entire day. Earlier in the episode, Anna begins to suspect her wife might have something to do with the murder. We flash back to the night Danny was killed and watch as Anna informs Leila as to whats going on that Keith Trubitsky, the man across the hall, was killed. Leila has an oddly stoic reaction. When Anna notes that she woke up in the middle of the night and Leila wasnt there, Leila simply says she was on a walk and refuses to give more details, insulted that Anna might be insinuating something. But, after Leilas conversation with Rufus, she doesnt seem like a suspect at all. She seems like the one person who might have a clue as to whats going on here. When Rufus tells her that shes safe because they caught the killer, oh boy, does Leila have some news for him. She correctly guesses that the person they caught was someone young and tech-savvy, someone with a motive that doesnt add up. Thats because they didnt catch the killer they caught one of the real killers followers. Then she does two very important things: She refers to Danny by his real name, which none of the other passengers know, and she asks Rufus how much he knows about Viktor Sams. Im no detective, but it seems like it might be a good time to finally get Leilas side of the story. The Aforementioned Other Details What is up with the governor of Washington? Alexandra looks sicker and sicker by the hour, and after she confronts Katherine about suspecting Lawrence of setting her up for the murder for not helping him with a zoning issue, Alexandra gets a threatening email. Its full of photos of her and Tripps cocaine-fueled trysts, and the email reads, PUT YOUR STRINGS BACK ON OR WE RELEASE THESE. This seems very bad all around. Surprising no one, while stuck together during the ships lockdown, Anna and Eleanor give in to the sexual tension thats been bubbling since they boarded the Varuna and have sex. Okay, well, maybe it would surprise Leila if she were ever to find out. Should we be tracking how much Anna is popping pills? Please, please, please do not make Celia Chun the Big Bad. She is a star, an icon, my mentor, even though I havent told her yet. There she is, casually sucking down caviar during lockdown, letting Father Toby know she is completely hip to his affair with Katherine and, yes, is very much going to use that knowledge to blackmail him for information. She fears nothing! What a baller. Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Penguin Random House, Tor Books, Simon & Schuster, Blue Box Press, Bloomsbury, Entangled, Context Literary Agency, Macmillan, Bloom Books Fantasy romance existed long before BookTok. The key to enjoying this genre is finding the specific combination of magical lore, a brooding daddy type, and spiciness that most speaks to you as a reader. Happily, romantasy offers a broad selection of options. Here are some of the most popular creators of sexy fantasy worlds. . Known for: Dragonriders of Pern (19672012), about a planet where people have a unique mental bond with dragons, whose fire protects human settlements from a destructive locust-like swarm called threads. The dragons elaborate mating rituals spark similar lusty feelings between their riders. Creatures: Dragons. Smut factor: Maybe you werent ready to have sex with this guy you were inevitably destined for, but both of your dragons are getting it on! This can, at times, get a little rape-y. Generally, the narration cuts off right as the dragons get down to it. Writing sample: The mating passion of the two dragons at that moment spiraled wide to include Lessa. A tidal wave rising relentlessly from the sea of her soul flooded Lessa. With a longing cry she clung to Flar. She felt his body rock-firm against hers, his hard arms lifting her up, his mouth fastening mercilessly on hers as she drowned deep in another unexpected flood of desire. Dragonflight (1968) . Known for: Mists of Avalon (1983), a retelling of the Arthurian legend from the perspective of its women, mainly Morgan le Fay, a.k.a. Morgaine, a witch who gets tricked into a pagan ritual with her half-brother, the future King Arthur, and gets pregnant. Creature: Witch. Smut factor: While it includes cave sex and a royal threesome, Mists of Avalon is overall on the chaster side by contemporary standards lots of taking a lover into ones arms that leaves room for imagination. Controversies: In 2014, 15 years after Bradleys death, her daughter, Moira Greyland, accused her of serial sexual abuse. Turns out Bradleys ex-husband Walter Breen was a convicted pedophile who died in prison. Writing sample: He undid her clothing. She had grown used to the cold it did not matter to her that it was cold on the grass here, that she was naked under his body. She touched him; he was warm, his body warm, his strong male member hot and strong, his hands opening her thighs were strong and eager. Her whole body welcomed him as hungrily as a virgin; she moved with him and she felt the rhythm of the pulsing tides of the earth around her. Mists of Avalon (1983) . Known for: Outlander (1991present), in which a married WWII nurse time-travels to 18th-century Scotland and must marry a brawny Highlander for her own protection. Creatures: None here just some rocks scattered around the world that transport humans into the past. Smut factor: Our romantic leads get a real kick out of pleasuring each other with regularity. A healthy, vanilla sex life! Writing sample: And then, he said, interrupting, since ye will, according to the plan, be naked, and provided Ive done it right so far possibly willing as well Oh, just possibly, I said. My lips were still tingling from step one. then I shall spread open your thighs, take down my breeks, and He paused, waiting. And? I said, obligingly. The grin widened substantially. And well see what sort of noise it is ye dont make then, Sassenach. Voyager (1993) . Known for: Kushiels Universe (2001present), in which protagonist Phedre is born with the mark of the deity Kushiel, fating her to a life of pleasure and pain forever entwined. Creatures: Descendents of angels who dabble in magic and view sex as a religious act. Smut factor: Full-on BDSM fantasy: whips, chains, upside down, upside down in chains, degradation you name it. Writing sample: May your patrons have the joy of breaking you, he murmured. Ive no interest in it. But Ive taken a fee to ensure youll not go to them in complete ignorance. Come here. He beckoned me to a cabinet and began pointing out items. We provide all manner of accessories, of course; collars, blinds, gags, belts, whatever the patron might wish. Rings, pleasure-balls, aides damour, pincers I was raised in Cereus House, I reminded him, wondering if he thought I was so green Id never seen a shaft-ring or a carven phallus. Kushiels Dart (2001) . Known for: The Shadowhunter Chronicles, including The Mortal Instruments (200714) and The Dark Artifices (201618), about Emma Carstairss fiery forbidden romance with sex god Julian Blackthorn. (The pair are parabatai, or bonded fighting partners, a sacred relationship which prohibits romance.) Creatures: Angel descendents the titular Shadowhunters who ally with Downworlders, including faeries, warlocks, werewolves, and vampires, to protect the mundanes (mortals) from demons. Smut factor: Theres mainly kissing in the early novels, but sex is crucial to the spinoffs; Clare also releases extended-cut sex scenes on her blog. Controversies: Clares been fighting plagiarism charges since 2001, when she got kicked off FanFiction.net for the similarities between her Draco Malfoy series and The Hidden Land, a 1986 book written by Pamela Dean. Writing sample: When the world had gone white behind her eyes several times, he rose up over her and brushed her damp hair away from her face. Now, he whispered, and covered her mouth with his own as he joined their bodies together. Queen of Air and Darkness (2018) . Known for: A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015present), about a human named Feyre whisked away to the faerie lands of Prythian after accidentally killing a faerie in the guise of a wolf. Creature: Faeries Smut factor: What seems to be the setup for a vanilla sex life with a perfectly bland, overbearing faerie lord instead becomes the groundwork for absolutely mind-blowing aerial sex with an enemy-to-lover who connects with Feyre on a level thats so much more than just physical. But its also very physical. Controversies: Maas has been accused of being problematic in every conceivable way, including, but not limited to: gender dynamics being both too retrograde and too girlbossy, age gaps, racial stereotypes about particular fae communities with darker skin types, lack of queer representation, and killing off a non-white character to save the white protagonist. Writing sample: I bowed off the table as my climax shattered through me, splintering my consciousness into a million pieces. He kept licking me, fingers still moving. Rhys, I rasped. Now. I wanted him now. But he remained kneeling, feasting on me, that hand pinning me to the table. A Court of Mist and Fury (2016) Read about how Sarah J. Maass books became so popular here. . Known for: The Bridge Kingdom (2018present), Malediction (201417), and Dark Shores (201924), all of which explore palace intrigue and political conflicts through alternating perspectives between two people who dont initially like each other but eventually discover they very much want to have sex. Creatures: Witches, Norse/seafaring gods. Smut factor: Most of the early books in each series have one or two sex scenes and then everything ramps up by book three or four. (The Inadequate Heir, the third installment in The Bridge Kingdom, finds plenty of opportunity to use the word cock.) Many men initially seen as enemies, or at least assholes, turn out to be very, very hot. Writing sample: I love you, he said, his lips grazing against hers. And I will love you, no matter what the future brings. No matter how hard I need to fight. I will always love you. The words undid her, broke her apart completely, then forged her into something new. Something stronger. Something better. The Bridge Kingdom (2018) . Known for: Blood and Ash (2020present), about Poppy, who rebels against her destiny to serve the gods as a virgin when she falls for a man tasked with protecting her. Together, Poppy and her love interest go on a quest to overthrow the Ascended vampires, basically who seek to feed on and enslave mortals. Creatures: Vampires, werewolves, and sorcerers. Smut factor: Consistently tops lists as the smuttiest of these franchises. Controversies: Like more than one author in this space, Armentrout loves to describe some characters as tawny, leading to accusations that shes trying to be inclusive while also dodging issues of race. The male lead also proceeds in sexual circumstances with dubious consent. Writing sample: Something about his features softened even though stark need shone through the thin slits of his eyes. Just move. His hands went to my hips. He lifted me up a few inches and brought me back down. A deep sound radiated from him. Like that. You cant do anything wrong. How have you not learned that yet? I wasnt sure what he meant by that, but I mirrored his movement, moving up and down as snow fell across his shirt. My palm slipped, angling me forward. A spot deep in me was touched, sending out bolts of intense pleasure in waves. Like that? I breathed. His hands tightened on my hips. Just like that. From Blood and Ash (2020) . Known for: The Hades x Persephone saga (2019present), a contemporary retelling of the relationship between the goddess of spring (a journalism student trying to blend in among the mortals of New Athens) and the god of the underworld (a nightclub owner who profits off making deals with mortals). Creatures: Greek gods. Smut factor: Reads like Greek-mythology fan fiction these two are endlessly horny for each other. There have been complaints of too much sex. Writing sample: I see your sex life is vibrant. Persephone stiffened and then narrowed her eyes. How do you know that? I can smell it, Aphrodite said. Hades is all over you. Must have been a wild night. Makeup sex? Thats a horrific power, Persephone said, and Aphrodite shrugged. A Touch of Ruin (2021) . Known for: The Scholomance trilogy (202022), about a school for the magically inclined. Student Galadriel Higgins knows that shes powerful but also that her powers only work well when she does heinously evil magic. The guy she most loathes, Orion, is a do-gooder Harry Potter type. Creature: Maleficaria gruesome demons who take on different forms and are intent on physically and mentally torturing students. Smut factor: This franchise puts more emphasis on world-building and self-knowledge, so the sex scenes register as more tender than steamy. Watching Galadriel and Orion eventually admit theyre into each other is remarkably satisfying. Controversies: Complaints of racist stereotypes, including a passage in which one of the schools many nightmarish monsters are described as insectlike pests that live in students dreadlocks, which Novik vowed to remove from future editions. Writing sample: I stood up and let the dress fall the rest of the way off me. He stood up to meet me, and we got straight back to kissing while I unbuttoned his jeans and shoved them down off him, and then we stopped again to grab my dress and spread it out on a thick patch of grass in the sunlight, and we lay down together, and with his body against mine, so unbelievably warm and good, I said, gulping for air, You absolute bastard, I could kill you, because we could have been doing this, we could have been here together, in the sunlight and the grass and the world, instead of the horrors hed put himself and me through. The Golden Enclaves (2022) . Known for: Crowns of Nyaxia (2022present), specifically The Serpent & the Wings of Night and The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King, in which Oraya, a human raised by vampires, tangles with Raihn, her vampire ally in the Kejari a competition that grants the winner a wish from the vampire goddess Nyaxia. Creatures: Vampires. Smut factor: Theres a Should I kill him or fuck him? slow burn that pays off for an entire chapter. Writing sample: People did all kinds of nonsensical things when blinded by good sex. And Raihn looked like he was probably very good at sex Serpent and the Wings of Night (2022) . Known for: The Empyrean series (2023present), about Violet, whose mother forces her to go to war college. Shes the weakest but bonds with the strongest dragon there. Also, shes dating the son of her familys sworn enemy, and her dragon is mated to his dragon. Creature: Lotta dragons! Smut factor: Violet and her enemy-to-lover dont fuck often, but when they do, she makes lightning crack and fires start. Writing sample: Fuck, that feels good. Every touch of his mouth to my heated skin is flame to kindling, and I suck in a sharp breath when he lingers on a sensitive spot, taking his time. But then he stills again, his breath hot and wet against the side of my neck. Fourth Wing (2023) AsiaVision / iStock.com Small businesses are anything but small when it comes to their collective impact on the U.S economy. More than 33 million small businesses operate in the United States and together account for 99.9% of all American businesses, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Small businesses are credited with creating nearly two-thirds of the countrys new jobs over the past eight years or so. See: 10 Tips To Start a Business With Very Little Money, According To Entrepreneurs More: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 The U.S. Small Business Association notes that as soon as you start accepting or spending money as your business, you should open a business bank account. The most common business bank accounts are similar to what youll find with personal bank accounts. The main difference is that most business bank accounts offer perks that dont come with a standard personal bank account. These include: Protection against personal liability by keeping your business funds separate from your personal funds. Payments that go to your business instead of directly to you. The ability to authorize employees to handle day-to-day banking tasks on behalf of the business. Bank lines of credit for your business that can be used as needed, such as if you need to buy a new piece of equipment or cover some other unexpected expense. The process of opening a business bank account is pretty straightforward. In most cases you can open one online, though if you prefer to do it in person you can visit a branch. Not all small businesses need the same bank accounts, but all should have these four: checking, savings, credit card and merchant accounts. Heres a look at why each is important. Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. Checking Account One of the main advantages of setting up a business checking account is that it lets you separate your business finances from your personal finances. This is the account youll use to make day-to-day transactions such as purchases, bills, and deposits. Story continues Check Out: 8 Things Frugal People Never Do at the Start of a New Year Savings Account Business savings accounts come in handy when you have profits left over that dont need to be used immediately. Youll get a higher APY with savings accounts, but also more restrictions. Some banks limit you to six fee-free withdrawals per month. In addition, most business savings accounts dont let you write checks or use an ATM card to directly withdraw cash. Many banks also limit the number of deposits you can make to business savings accounts each month, including cash deposits. A regular savings account is a must for small businesses, though you can also put your money into business CDs and Money Market accounts. Merchant Account With a merchant bank account, businesses can accept and process electronic card transactions, making these accounts a necessity if you sell products directly to consumers. In fact, any business that accepts credit cards or other forms of electronic payments from consumers for its products and services must have a merchant account. These accounts create an agreement between the business, their bank, and their credit processor stating how the business will receive money after a transaction is processed. Merchant account providers require a monthly or annual payment for the use of their services and charge the business per transaction. Business Credit Card Small businesses should also open a business credit card account to give them more payment options. A business credit card is also important in terms of keeping your business and personal expenses separate. Business credit cards let you monitor your spending and streamline your recordkeeping to free up more time to grow your business. Plus, many business credit cards come with perks such as rewards points or airline miles. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The 4 Types of Bank Accounts All Small Businesses Should Have House of Flame and Shadow is out January 30. Illustration: Nicole Rifkin Over 500 pages into A Court of Mist and Fury, the second book in Sarah J. Maass wildly successful A Court of Thorns and Roses series, the protagonist, Feyre, finally hooks up with Rhysand, an ancient Fae lord with batlike wings and a deep well of emotional trauma. Rhysand ravages Feyre on a table covered in her art supplies then scoops her up and carries her to a bathtub, where they wash off the paint theyre now covered in. Maas narrates from Feyres point of view: Rhys picked up a bar of that pine-tar smelling soap and handed it to me, then passed a washrag. Someone, it seems, got my wings dirty. My face heated, but my gut tightened. Illyrian males and their wings so sensitive. As she starts washing Rhys, she glances over his shoulder into the bathtub. At least the rumors about wingspan correlating with the size of other parts were right, she tells him. This scene, like most sex scenes taken out of context, reads as baffling or laughable or both. The bathtub. The innuendo. The wings! Within the full arc of ACOTAR, though, it represents the culmination of an epic fairy-tale transformation. Feyre begins the series absolutely in love with a different man, a golden faerie named Tamlin, and its only after intense trauma and a grueling effort to rebuild herself that she realizes protective, possessive Tamlins all wrong for her. It takes her nearly a full book to accept that she belongs with Rhysand the kind of faerie who has tattoos on both knees to remind him he kneels to no one. Until, of course, he gets on his knees for Feyre. Maass work has been a fixture of the fantasy aisle for over a decade she published her first novel, Throne of Glass, in 2012. Recently, though, she has become unavoidable. Her books have sold more than 13 million copies and are both regular No. 1 New York Times best sellers and the subject of endless social-media discourse, Goodreads analysis, and YouTube explications. (More than one Maas superfan has knee tattoos to match Rhysands.) The author has now published eight full-length Throne of Glass novels and five A Court of Thorns and Roses books and three installments of her most recent series, Crescent City the latest book, House of Flame and Shadow, is out today. While the Throne of Glass books were always popular within YA and fantasy spaces, ACOTAR was the series that broke through thanks to its combination of a slower fantasy-world build, Beauty and the Beastinspired framing, and a surge of BookTok attention. All of these novels are behemoths, regularly approaching 200,000 words and often filled with half a dozen groups of characters who wander across fantasy landscapes in pursuit of love and destiny and prophecy and revenge. Elements repeat from one series to the next: There are faeries. There are humans who could become faeries. There is a threat of authoritarianism, violence, and the suppression of the heros magic. There is a heroine who must come into her own power in order to save her lover (and the world). That lover is often hundreds of years older than her, mourning the loss of a previous partner, and powered by immense dark magic (and he usually has wings). While Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses are often shelved as YA, both series include more explicit sex than is typical of that marketing tier. Ideally, the sex happens with someone who could be the heroines mate, a true forever partner, and their transcendent bond goes beyond simple intimacy. Vulture Guides 12 Romantasy Authors to Know Here are some of the most popular creators of sexy fantasy worlds. See All Now, Maas is leading the pack for romantasy the romance-plus-fantasy genre that is exploding as writers like Jennifer L. Armentrout, Carissa Broadbent, Rebecca Yarros, and many more turn out blockbusters. The majority of the most popular writers are white women. Some of their tales lean more dragon than faerie. Some are inclined toward vampires. These kinds of novels have been around since at least the 1960s, when Anne McCaffrey started writing books about dragons whose ecstatic mating rituals spark similar feelings between their riders. (McCaffrey preferred for her Dragonriders of Pern series to be called science fiction, not fantasy; litigating the distinction would require a long tangent about spaceships.) The quality these stories share is an emphasis on a happily-ever-after ending within a fantasy world and as much focus on fantasy plotting as on the romantic arc. The two are twined together, equally crucial to the endgame: a simultaneous orgasm of structural devices. One of Maass innovations has been to glue it all together with a trauma plot. Trauma and its integration into the self are as fundamental to her books as, say, the need to stop an evil king from destroying all humanity. Its a prominent feature of Throne of Glass, in which dispossessed faerie queen Aelin inks tattoos of her lost friends onto her back to help her live with her grief. Feyre continually loops through her memories of past pain, experiences that fuel both her romantic awakening and her ability to decode the enormous plot unspooling around her. In Crescent City, the half-human, half-Fae protagonist, Bryce, must come to grips with her best friends murder (which she does by uncovering the corruption in her city while also falling in love with her angelic, winged investigative partner). At a cultural moment when the trauma plot feels so familiar, its no wonder a series that treats it as a lingua franca has become so widely read. Fantasy has a surfeit of Chosen One narratives; in Maass work, the Chosen One needs to learn to Choose Herself. Maas has been working toward this moment for decades. Now 37, she grew up in New York, where she went to Dalton and studied creative writing and religious studies at Hamilton College. She started writing Harry Potter fanfic as a young teenager; at 16, she began drafting the book that would become Throne of Glass, posting chapters on the forum FictionPress before eventually selling the novel to a traditional publisher. She now does very little press, but in 2016 she spoke about her early influences on a podcast. Buffy and Sailor Moon, those were my two favorite shows. I think it was because they were about these young women, these very unlikely heroines, she said. Getting to see these women who were like me: not that great at school, girlie girls who loved feminine things and then turn into these badass warriors where their feminine qualities dont cancel out their strengths. Feyre begins ACOTAR as a determined, desperate young woman trying to save her family from starvation. Like all of Maass protagonists, shes quickly thrust into a world of magical conflict and comes to both love it and be changed by it. After she realizes she no longer wants to be with brooding magical daddy Tamlin, the chief obstacle over the next hundreds of pages wont just be another evil ruler who threatens her and her loved ones it will also be the grief and trauma that hold her back from being her best self. Maas devotes significant real estate to each stage of healing. Although Rocky-esque training sequences with stern yet loving mentors are often involved, the focus is on how physical transformation is mirrored by emotional resilience. While writers like Broadbent and Danielle L. Jensen also play with trauma and healing, Maas is the queen of this mode: Her novels may have all the sprawling maps and battle scenes and legendary swords and surprise betrayals of a hundred epics before them, but their highest priority is feelings, a constant throbbing heartbeat. Maass fans approach all of this with Talmudic attention. Her lore spurs on readers who obsess over close readings and speculate about crossover: Are the bat-winged people from ACOTAR actually demons from the world of Crescent City? Two characters from two separate series both have eyes that look like leashed lightning are they related? The emphasis on fated mates fuels the shipper communities, who theorize about future pairings: Will the next ACOTAR book be about Feyres sister Elain? Who is Azriels mate? Are Hunt and Bryce really mated, or is it different if one of them is an angel? It helps that Maass sentences are short and full of repetitive and replicable themes and tropes. (For example, magical back tattoos Bryce, Feyre, and Aelin all have them.) Her work can easily be clipped for illustration or titillation her 1.5-million-follower Instagram account is populated with quotes from her books that are designed to heighten audience anticipation for upcoming releases: After so many brushes with death, it was only a matter of time before it stuck. Never again would she be weak. Never again would she be at someones mercy. His laugh was like dark velvet. Where would you like me to lick you, Quinlan? It hardly matters that Maass world-building can be inconsistent. ACOTAR seems to be set in a preindustrial time until the second book, when Feyre suddenly vomits in what appears to be a modern toilet. There are plenty such opportunities for confusion. If Crescent City, which has computers and guns and elevators, runs on magical immortality energy, does that mean there is no electricity? And in that case, how did they invent the chips in their cell phones? Why cant faeries, who have remarkable healing knowledge and the ability to survive catastrophic injuries, perform a C-section? These unresolved questions come to feel like dares or deliberate traps. Why get hung up on rules when you could give yourself over to emotion? So much about these books is mediated by their overwhelming length. When theyre really hitting, and the culmination of some longed-for sexual pairing arrives just before the final battle, they take on a delicious anesthetic quality, accompanied by a beautifully empty, absorbed acceptance. Maass work taps something down deep. They promise true love, remixing fairytale archetypes into relationships with contemporary contours. They dwell on found families and depict women facing deep stress and overcoming it. The endless descriptions of power structures and subspecies, the catalogues of swords and cauldrons and Dread Troves and prophetic books: Its all built to sustain post after post of speculation and comparative close reading. And yet the dominant experience for those who are onboard for sex scenes in which people keep growling Youre mine is some middle space. Maass work thrives when youre so immersed youre beginning to develop a theory about why she keeps using the word gossamer or at least to accept that its a world where gossamer is omnipresent. Reading her requires a direct conduit to a younger self who would stay up late and dog-ear all the sexy bits to show friends the next day at school. It requires an abandonment of the ironized mind while some soft, tender part of you breezes through page after page of descriptions of a spunky heroine who is the only one who can rescue her dark faerie lord. Retailers have protested against Rishi Sunak's decision to scrap the VAT break for tourists - Paul Grover Jeremy Hunt must abolish the ludicrous tourist tax before the Paris Olympics or risk Britain missing out on a European spending boom, luxury retail bosses have warned. In an open letter to the Chancellor, retail chiefs warned that France is poised to lure spending away from the UK this summer during the Olympics unless Mr Hunt reintroduces tax-free shopping for tourists in his upcoming Budget. Sacha Zackariya, chief executive of tax refund group Prosegur ChangeGroup, said: It was ludicrous to introduce this penalty on the sector just as it desperately needed to recover from the pandemic, and it has held back thousands of businesses who rely on tourism. This damaging tax must be eradicated at the Budget in March and the previous simple tax refund solution brought back before this summers Olympics in Paris. The letter was signed by more than 400 business leaders, including the designer Sir Paul Smith and the chief executives of the Royal Opera House, Burberry, Harvey Nichols and Jimmy Choo. Mr Zackariyas comments came as the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) published new estimates that suggested Britain has been dealt a greater-than-expected blow from the tourist tax. The think tank said the policy cost Britain 11.1bn in lost GDP last year, 400m more than previous expectations of 10.7bn. Tom Athron, chief executive of Fortnum & Mason, warned in November that the retailer was preparing for a difficult summer. He said tourists who might have chosen to come to London during the Paris Olympics for a shopping trip without the tourist tax were now likely to choose to buy their designer goods on the Continent. Unlike in the UK, tourists can still claim back VAT on purchases in countries including France, Italy and Spain. It comes after recent research revealed tourists were still coming to Londons shopping hubs but were not spending. Earlier this month, Mulberry blamed the tourist tax for contributing to a slump in revenues after it closed its Bond Street store last year. Story continues The Treasury has previously argued that restoring VAT-free shopping would cost Britain around 2bn a year at a time, thwarting moves to pay down debt. However, Mr Hunt recently said he would continue to accept representations and consider this new information carefully, amid concerns British brands are being hardest hit by the measure. Insiders suggested this could be taken to mean that the Treasury would be looking again at the policy for the spring Budget. A Treasury spokesman said: We keep all taxes under review and recognise the value that retailers bring to Britain. That is why we announced a 4.3bn business rates package at Autumn Statement to support businesses and the high street. VAT-free shopping remains available for all non-UK visitors buying items in store and having them sent directly to their overseas address. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. John Cabot University presents its Graduate Studies programs in Rome with an Open Day on 17 February from 17.00 to 19.00, including a networking aperitivo. The event, which can also be attended online via Zoom, takes place in the university's Aula Magna on Via della Lungara 233 in the Trastevere quarter of Rome. "Our MA programs draw on JCUs strengths as a globally-oriented American liberal arts university in Rome" - the university says - "Dynamic, small-class-size seminars, mentorship by dedicated faculty, a vibrant student body from 75 countries, and a genuine English-speaking learning environment are all hallmarks of JCUs educational approach." The Open Day event will offer details about the university's programmes as well as a chance to meet with Directors, Career Services Counselors and Admissions staff, students, and alumni. The programme includes introductions to: Masters in International Affairs: Academic program & Career opportunities Masters in Art History: Academic program & Career opportunities Networking Aperitivo I was advantaged because I didn't have money to fall back on: Billionaire David Rubenstein explains why and where to invest for different age groups David Rubenstein is a billionaire investor and philanthropist who knows a thing or two about growing wealth. He is the co-founder of one of the world's largest private equity firms, The Carlyle Group, the author of multiple books, including How To Invest: Masters of the Craft," and chairman of the Economic Club of Washington. Last year, Erika Kullberg, host of the Erika Taught Me Podcast, interviewed Rubenstein and asked him about his own personal story of how he went from being a lawyer to being a self-made billionaire and his advice on investing. Dont miss Started from the bottom In the interview, Rubenstein shared that he didnt actually enjoy practicing law. He felt because he didnt enjoy it, he wasnt good at it. He said, If you are going to be great at something, you have to love it. So, he quit law and in 1987 took a gamble by starting The Carlyle Group. He recruited people with financial experience, and a friend of his helped him raise $5 million to get the business off the ground. Today, the company manages nearly $400 billion. Its safe to say that the risk paid off. Rubensteins success has proved to be an inspiration for many, especially since he had humble beginnings. His father worked at the post office as a file clerk until his retirement at 55. Rubenstein thinks his background probably motivated him. "Because when you don't have money you have to work harder, you have to do things for yourself. And so in hindsight I probably wasn't disadvantaged, I was advantaged because I didn't have money to fall back on, a father that was famous or able to help me open doors," he said. Story continues At one point in the interview, Kullberg asked Rubenstein how he manages to maintain his humility. As a philanthropist, Rubenstein has given away a lot of money but he laughs at her question and points out that one could argue that hes not that humble because even though he gives away his money, he still gets his name put on buildings. I put my name on buildings in part to tell people, you too can do this, he said. So, how can you do it? Rubenstein shares the following tips for those looking to invest. Read more: This Pennsylvania trio bought a $100K abandoned school and turned it into a 31-unit apartment building how to invest in real estate without all the heavy lifting Advice for Investing For the retail or amateur investor, Rubenstein suggests index funds. He points out that the average person doesnt have the time to follow and track the stock market while keeping up with their job. He advises leaving that to the professionals and choosing index funds so you can focus on your own daily life. Just make sure to choose wisely. He advised doing your research by looking at factors like the fund manager's track records, fees, the stability of the organization, whether information is given out on a timely basis, and whether the investment choices align with your personal values. For those in their 20s, Rubenstein suggests worrying less about retirement and instead concentrating on learning about the investing world. There is a lack of financial education and literacy, so this is the time to learn about money and take some bolder risks. When people get to their 30s, they then tend to have families and young children and need to be more risk-averse. He added that your asset allocation should suit your net worth and income. If you're not going to make a lot of money in your line of work, it's smarter to be risk-averse and choose safer assets. But remember, he said. The most important rule about investing is dont lose what you have. He also emphasized that to be successful, you need to know where your money is and what it is doing. He said, Make sure you know as much about what you're putting your money into as your profession. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Consulting giant EY was complicit in systematic fraud in which one of the worlds biggest coal companies, Peabody Energy, exaggerated the quality of Australian coal it sold to customers, a whistleblower has claimed. The whistleblower, a former employee of Peabody Coaltrade Australia, alleges Peabody, along with two testing laboratories, falsified records by manually upgrading the certified quality of coal after it was tested but before it was shipped. Coal quality affects the amount of energy coal releases and how cleanly it burns. Credit: Getty Images The claims were made in a partially redacted submission uploaded to a parliamentary committees website last year and then removed. EY and Peabody have both strongly denied the allegation contained in the confidential submission to federal parliaments inquiry into ethics in the accounting industry in the wake of the PwC tax scandal. It takes me a while to find Kabul Social, which is tucked away in the tunnels of Wynyard station. We claim a table covered in beautiful blue tiles at about 11.30am to beat the weekday rush and stay talking as the crowd of office workers flows and then ebbs around us. Christie-David and I share a mixed plate with crinkle-cut fries, Kabuli salad, cabbage and pickled onions, Borani Bajan eggplant, Afghan charcoal chicken and lamb chapli kebabs, as well as a plate of the Aushak garlic chive dumplings with tomato and lentil sauce and Afghan mint yoghurt. The mixed plate at Kabul Social. Credit: Peter Rae Halfway through lunch, he pulls out his phone to show me a picture of one of his nieces getting ready for her dance recital. He is not sure if he will ever have children, but he loves being an uncle. He scrolls forward, pointing out the next picture is Nehad Jerada, the 50-something Palestinian chef making traditional pastries for the Anything but Humble bakery in Alexandria. I take it as a sign of how he sees the staff at his business as akin to family. Christie-David says it took a mate to explain that in creating a business with a purpose besides profit, he had founded a social enterprise. It just feels like its how businesses should operate. Profit is important, but people are more important, Christie-David says. The garlic chive dumplings at Kabul Social. Credit: Peter Rae A lot of migrant businesses are by default social enterprises. They employ people from communities, they do community outreach, they do things that are bigger than just a business, and thats how I was brought up. These principles were put to the test in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as he had founded Colombo Social in late 2019. There were a few Sri Lankan restaurants at the time, but the authentic ones were all in the western suburbs, with good food but not nicely designed. As someone who straddles two cultures, Christie-David said that didnt feel like him. He now lives in St Peters in the inner west and he wanted a restaurant that was cool somewhere he wanted to go and could bring clients, friends, and girls he was dating. He had no experience in hospitality, so banks would not lend to him. His parents dipped into their retirement savings to get him started, and within a few months he built a pumping business with lines out the door. Shaun Christie-David behind the counter at Kabul Social. Credit: Peter Rae It all threatened to come crashing down during the first national lockdown, especially since his staff of refugees and international students were not eligible for JobKeeper. He asked his employees to name a dollar figure that they needed to pay rent and buy food, and committed to put the money in their bank accounts by the end of the day, dipping into savings to do so. Within days, charities and corporate sponsors called, offering to pay the business to provide meal donations. He kept the people who were eligible for Medicare - so they could be treated if they fell seriously ill with the scary new virus working on site, while paying for others to stay home. Loading When the restaurant reopened, he incorporated meal donations into the business model, so every meal sold funds one or two more. Between customer-funded meals and the continuing corporate and charity partnerships, Plate it Forward has provided 450,000 meal donations in Australia and another 110,000 in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Ukraine since 2020. Christie-David was born in Canterbury and then moved further west to Fairfield and Edensor Park. He credits his mother with the fact that he and his two older brothers went to school already knowing how to read and write, and went on to university and professional careers. Cramming for the selective school test paid off, and Christie-David won a place at Hurlstone Agricultural High School, one of the states four agricultural high schools like James Ruse but not as smart, as he puts it. On his first day, he arrived early and was waiting just inside the gates, when a boy on the street started yelling at him, calling him the N-word. He was worried it was a sign of what he could expect from his next six years at school, but it turned out the bully was from the juvenile detention school down the road. Christie-David speaks highly of his school days, saying racism wasnt bad for his cohort. He has stayed in touch with his mates who including day boys from all over the world via western Sydney and boarders from country towns like Wagga Wagga and Mudgee. Hurlstone Agricultural is one of three public boarding schools in NSW. Loading With his place at a selective school secured, Christie-David admits his naughty streak won out for a time, and he was frequently thrown out of classes for being disruptive. In year 11, his legal studies teacher a young guy in his first job challenged him about why he was wasting his potential. Christie-David knuckled down and achieved a good result in year 12. He went on to study business and finance at university and then to work for organisations including Royal Bank of Canada, Perpetual and Macquarie Bank. Racism was far worse in the corporate world than school. Christie-David said the north shore private school boys were cliquey and made it clear he did not belong. I remember going to work, and theyd call me all these different names, and they started to call me Tamil Tiger, he recalls. And I was like hey man, its a terrorist organisation creating havoc in my country, its not cool. But that just made it funnier, so that was my nickname. When Barack Obama was elected US president, a wealthy client in Perth told him over the phone that he couldnt believe that Americans had elected a n-r. Christie-David was told to ignore it. He had gone to Sri Lanka with his family when he was five, but the civil war meant he could not go again until he was 28. His mother had always told him he was lucky, but he didnt understand until he saw the poverty in Sri Lanka as an adult. Loading He remembers getting a suit made for about $60 and being measured up by boys aged about 15 or 16. They were like where from? and I said Sydney and they were treating me like some kind of hero because I could afford to buy a tailored suit, and I was from another country, he says. It made me feel really uncomfortable because if my parents hadnt left, that would have been me or worse, recruited into the army. (Bloomberg) -- Rebellions Inc. secured $124 million from investors including KT Corp. to accelerate the development of a next-generation AI chip, underscoring growing interest in the hardware that drives artificial intelligence. Most Read from Bloomberg The South Korean startup closed a Series B financing led by the wireless carrier at a valuation of more than $650 million. Singapores Pavilion Capital, KTs datacenter subsidiary KT Cloud Co. and Shinhan Venture Investment Co. took part in the financing, the company said in a statement. New backers that joined the deal included Koreyla Capital from France and Japans DGDV. Rebellions is one of several emergent players trying to break into the market for semiconductors that train and run AI, competing against fellow startups from California-based Groq Inc. to Torontos Tenstorrent Inc. as well as established leader Nvidia Corp. Global capital is flowing toward firms from the US to China that are building advanced AI, a wave of activity galvanized by the advent of OpenAIs ChatGPT. Read more: Nvidia Warns of Product Snags From Tightening US Chip Rules The Korean startup plans to use the new capital to ramp up hiring and accelerate the development of Rebel, its next-generation AI chip designed for running large language models, with Samsung Electronics Co. South Korea has earmarked about 826 billion won ($618 million) to back homegrown AI chip designers through 2030, seeking to build a foundation beyond the memory semiconductors that Samsung and SK Hynix Inc. now dominate. Rebellions and its peers design silicon that focuses on specialized tasks such as computer vision and chatbots, while Nvidia workhorses still do the heavy lifting in terms of training large language models. At home, it competes with FuriosaAI, backed by search leader Naver Corp. and the state-run Korea Development Bank. Sapeon Inc., backed by SK Telecom Co. and SK Hynix, is another Korean challenger. Story continues Rebellionss existing backers include Korea Development Bank and internet conglomerate Kakao. Founded in 2020, its turning to Samsung to fabricate its chips, taking advantage of its 4-nanometer technology. (Updates with startups valuation in the second paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Foundation to offer the transport of up to 100 humanitarian containers to Americares in 2024 STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Americares has joined CMA CGM Foundation's Containers of Hope program, which will transport humanitarian aid for the health-focused relief and development organization for one year. Workers in Americares Global Distribution Center in Connecticut prepare 6 tons of medical aid for the Dominican Republicone of the organizations first donated shipments through the Containers of Hope program. Photo courtesy of Americares. Under this new partnership, the Foundation will leverage the CMA CGM Group's assets in maritime, air and logistics solutions to transport up to 100 Americares containers of essential medicine and medical supplies in 2024. The donated aid shipments20-foot equivalent sea containers (TEUS)will support Americares mission to save lives and improve health for people affected by poverty or disaster. The freight will support Americares emergency response program as well as its ongoing medicine security work in locations served by the CMA CGM Group such as Cambodia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Liberia and Tanzania. The Foundation will mobilize the CMA CGM Group's expert staff members to support Americares international supply chain and work alongside Americares logistics staff to coordinate the donated shipments. "Our new partnership with the CMA CGM Foundation will expand access to life-changing medicines and medical supplies for disaster survivors and children and adults in poverty," said Americares President and CEO Christine Squires. "We expect to increase humanitarian aid shipments to the 4,000 hospitals and health centers Americares supports worldwide as a result." Americares first shipment through the Containers of Hope program is on the way to Ghana, where Americares partners with a local organization to support 250 hospitals, clinics and health centers. The shipment contains more than 15 tons of medical aid, including antibiotics, intravenous fluids and medical supplies. In addition, Americares has aid shipments headed to the Dominican Republic, Lebanon and Liberia thanks to the Containers of Hope program. Story continues "These first shipments are an example of our Foundation's commitment to humanitarian efforts. We are pleased to put the CMA CGM Group's assets at the service of Americares and help improve the health of those affected by poverty or disaster," said CMA CGM Foundation President Tanya Saade Zeenny. Americares previously benefited from donated freight from CMA CGM subsidiary, American President Lines (APL), receiving free transport for more than 250 containers from 2012 to 2021. Americares helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; increase accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of medicine and medical supplies; improve and expand health services; and prevent disease and promote good health. Since it was established more than 40 years ago, Americares has provided $22 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States. Since its inception in 2012, the CMA CGM Foundation Containers of Hope program has developed a real expertise in humanitarian logistics and has shipped more than 35,000 tons of aid to 70 countries at no cost to nonprofit partners. About Americares: Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster. Each year, Americares reaches 85 countries on average, including the United States, with life-changing health programs, medicine, medical supplies, and emergency aid. Americares is one of the world's leading nonprofit providers of donated medicine and medical supplies. For more information, visit americares.org. About the CMA CGM Foundation: Established in 2005, the CMA CGM Foundation is chaired by Tanya Saade Zeenny. It is committed to working for "Education for All," has supported since its inception close to 400 projects, which have benefited tens of thousands of children. With its focus on humanitarian and societal challenges facing many countries, it has also run the Containers of Hope operation since 2012. Thanks to this massive transport operation, major humanitarian organizations are able to ship equipment for humanitarian relief at no cost via the CMA CGM Group's lines. Learn more: CMA CGM Foundation. Follow on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . MEDIA CONTACTS: Jacqueline Serna, Americares jserna@americares.org Jennifer Petrisko, CMA CGM eru.jpetrisko@cma.cgm.com media@cma-cgm.com CMA CGM Foundation Logo Americares Logo Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americares-joins-the-cma-cgm-foundations-containers-of-hope-program-302048010.html SOURCE CMA CGM Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.'s (NYSE:AJG) periodic dividend will be increasing on the 15th of March to $0.60, with investors receiving 9.1% more than last year's $0.55. Although the dividend is now higher, the yield is only 1.0%, which is below the industry average. See our latest analysis for Arthur J. Gallagher Arthur J. Gallagher's Payment Has Solid Earnings Coverage Even a low dividend yield can be attractive if it is sustained for years on end. The last dividend was quite easily covered by Arthur J. Gallagher's earnings. This indicates that a lot of the earnings are being reinvested into the business, with the aim of fueling growth. Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast to rise by 128.1% over the next year. If the dividend continues along recent trends, we estimate the payout ratio will be 23%, which is in the range that makes us comfortable with the sustainability of the dividend. Arthur J. Gallagher Has A Solid Track Record The company has an extended history of paying stable dividends. Since 2014, the annual payment back then was $1.40, compared to the most recent full-year payment of $2.20. This means that it has been growing its distributions at 4.6% per annum over that time. While the consistency in the dividend payments is impressive, we think the relatively slow rate of growth is less attractive. The Dividend Has Growth Potential The company's investors will be pleased to have been receiving dividend income for some time. Arthur J. Gallagher has impressed us by growing EPS at 5.2% per year over the past five years. Shareholders are getting plenty of the earnings returned to them, which combined with strong growth makes this quite appealing. We Really Like Arthur J. Gallagher's Dividend In summary, it is always positive to see the dividend being increased, and we are particularly pleased with its overall sustainability. The company is easily earning enough to cover its dividend payments and it is great to see that these earnings are being translated into cash flow. All in all, this checks a lot of the boxes we look for when choosing an income stock. Investors generally tend to favour companies with a consistent, stable dividend policy as opposed to those operating an irregular one. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. As an example, we've identified 4 warning signs for Arthur J. Gallagher that you should be aware of before investing. If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of high yield dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Plans for a greenway on the Western Rail Corridor (WRC) in Sligo have been firmly shot down by the chief executive of Iarnrod Eireann, Jim Meade, who told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport that Iarnrod Eireann supports keeping the railway from Collooney to Claremorris for rail traffic and "not for anything else". Mr Meade also indicated that the next phase of the rail corridor will require a lead-in period of two years for planning and preparation at an estimated cost of 7m to 12m and that it will then require a three-year construction period. Speaking to the Committee on Transport on Wednesday last, Mr Meade said: We know its an ambition of our own Minister to reinstate it (the WRC) if he can. Its called out in the Strategic Review. We have started doing some vegetation works on it recently to keep the line clean and open, some de-vegetation. But particularly for a freight corridor, the review is saying its very viable for a freight corridor and you would do it probably in stages from Athenry to Claremorris. Beyond Claremorris, we certainly would support the ambition to keep that for rail traffic, not for anything else, and in time if the decision is made to connect to Collooney, so be it. His comments were welcomed by Cllr Michael Connolly, Chair of the Western Inter-County Railway Committee. "The 47 miles of existing railway from Claremorris to Collooney is an extremely valuable piece of state-owned public transport infrastructure, passing an international airport (Ireland West) and connecting many towns, which would cost many hundreds of millions to acquire today," Cllr Connolly told a meeting of the Western Inter-County Railway Committee in Sligo City Hall. "To build an equivalent line to the Mayo-Sligo section from scratch could potentially cost 15m/km or close to 1.5bn. It is therefore essential that the rail alignment is protected for future rail use. "The likelihood that the Galway line is soon to reopen as far north as Claremorris offers an important opportunity for Sligo as it means that the Sligo-Galway line will then be more than 60% in operation. Mayos industries will then be able to use the WRC line for moving raw materials and finished products, saving time and money and reducing their carbon footprint. The same opportunity needs to be afforded to Sligo," he concluded. High Court reporters A solicitor who received 75,000 and an apology over defamatory press releases issued by the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) has received a second High Court apology and damages over a letter ISME sent to the Minister for Justice. In November 2022, Limerick solicitor Gerard O'Neill settled an action over the comments in ISME press releases about a personal injuries action in which he represented two people involved in a traffic accident. In a High Court judgment in 2019, a judge dismissed one of those claims as probably fraudulent and dismissed the other because evidence was misleading and exaggerated. Arising out of that judgment, ISME issued three statements in 2019 - on September 23rd, December 11th and December 16th - which wrongly suggested Mr O'Neill had been guilty of professional misconduct. A complaint by ISME to the Law Society about him was rejected. Mr O'Neill, practising as O'Neill &Co Solicitors, Glentworth Street, Limerick, issued High Court defamation proceedings against the ISME company in 2020. Before the case went to trial, the parties settled it in November 2022 with an apology read out in the High Court in which ISME acknowledged the statements it had made about the defamation case were untrue and had paid Mr O'Neill compensation. The information about the 75,000 was revealed in a letter ISME sent on October 19th, 2022, to the Minister for Justice referring to the defamation proceedings by Mr O'Neill. That letter led to more proceedings by Mr O'Neill and the case, set down for trial before a jury over three days, was settled on Tuesday on the basis of an apology which was read out by Thomas Hogan SC, with Roland Rowan BL, on behalf of the defendant. The apology stated that the October 19th, 2022, letter suggested that the defamation proceedings had not been genuinely brought to protect Mr O'Neill's good name. "ISME wishes to acknowledge that this is also wholly untrue and deeply unfair to Mr O'Neill and has caused him upset and distress. "ISME wishes to take this opportunity to apologise unreservedly to Mr O'Neill and his family for its remarks and has agreed to pay him damages and his legal costs". It has also agreed not to publish further defamatory statements concerning him. Paul O'Higgins SC, with Peter Shanley BL, asked that the matter be put back for implementation of the terms of the settlement. Mr Justice Alexander Owens adjourned it for three weeks. By PA Reporters The return of Stormonts powersharing institutions with Sinn Feins Michelle ONeill as first minister will be a moment of very great significance, party leader Mary Lou McDonald has said. The Sinn Fein president also said she believed that Irish unity was now within touching distance as she said change was happening across the island of Ireland. The end of the two-year Stormont blockage was signalled when DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson secured the backing of his party executive for British government proposals aimed at addressing his partys concerns over Brexits so-called Irish Sea border. Mr Donaldson has expressed hope that the executive could be back in place within days. DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson during a press conference in Ballynahinch, Co Down, after the party executive held a private meeting about returning to Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA) Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said he now believes that all the conditions are now in place for Stormont to return. The parties eligible to participate in a revived ministerial executive are meeting to discuss the next steps. Speaking to the media, Mrs McDonald said the return of a functioning Assembly had been a long time coming. She said: We are almost two years away from the last assembly election. I very much welcome the fact that the DUP have now moved to explicitly recognise and respect the outcome of that assembly election. We look forward now to getting the job done, getting ministers in place, having MLAs return to the chamber and Michelle ONeill taking up position as first minister. That will be a moment of very great significance; not simply because we havent had government for so long but because it will be the first time that we will have a Sinn Fein first minister, a nationalist first minister. So, a mark of the extent of change that has occurred in the north and indeed right across Ireland. Ms ONeill said it was a day of optimism. She said: I think the next number of days are going to be crucial to get us to the actual, real, live point where we actually go into that chamber and nominate first and deputy first ministers, put ministers into positions and lets get down to business. (left to right) Sinn Fein representatives MLA Conor Murphy, president Mary Lou McDonald and vice-president Michelle ONeill, speak to the media in Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA) Mrs McDonald also spoke about the potential for Irish unity. She said: The historical turning of the wheel and the electoral place we are at I think signifies that what we talk about is possible now. As a matter of fact, in historic terms, it is within touching distance and I think that is a very exciting thing and I hope people will find that a very welcoming conversation. DUP leader Mr Donaldson has made clear his partys return to Stormont is dependent on the UK government implementing the various legislative assurances and other measures it has offered. It is understood the British government will introduce two statutory instruments at Westminster to give legislative effect to the commitments it has made on trade and sovereignty. The return of Stormont will also see the UK government release a 3.3 billion (3.8 billion) package to support under-pressure public services in the North. The financial package includes money to settle the demands of striking public sector workers in the region this year. The DUP has been using a veto power to block Stormonts devolved institutions for two years in protest at the post-Brexit arrangements that have created trade barriers between Britain and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris speaks to the media in London on Tuesday (Victoria Jones/PA) Speaking at Westminster, Mr Heaton-Harris said he would publish on Wednesday proposals to secure Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market and to strengthen the union. He said: I believe that all the conditions are now in place for the assembly to return. I look forward very much to the restoration of the institutions as soon as possible. There was a financial package worth over 3 billion offered to the parties before Christmas. This will absolutely be available to an incoming executive. The parties entitled to form an executive are meeting today to discuss these matters and I hope we will be able to finalise this deal with those parties as soon as possible and move forward. Mr Donaldson said the deal to restore Stormont powersharing will remove all post-Brexit checks on goods moving into Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. For the movement of goods within the United Kingdom, the protocol of course imposed severe restrictions on the movement of those goods, these new arrangements remove those restrictions, he told BBC Radio Ulster. Zero checks, zero customs paperwork on goods moving within the United Kingdom. That takes away the border within the UK between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and that is something thats very important. Now, are these proposals perfect? Have we achieved everything that we wanted to achieve? No, we havent, I will be honest with people about what weve been able to deliver, the substantive change. Mr Donaldson announced his conditional support for a Stormont return at post-1am press conference in Co Down on Tuesday. That came after he had secured what he said was the decisive backing of the 130-strong party executive during a five-hour meeting on Monday night. He said DUP party officers, a key 12-strong decision-making body, had also mandated him to move forward on the basis he was proposing. During the powersharing impasse, the DUP used seven tests to measure any proposals designed to address its concerns on the trading arrangements. Mr Donaldson said the package on the table represented progress across all seven tests. Support for the deal is not unanimous within the DUP and several senior figures remain fiercely opposed to the proposed agreement to restore powersharing. Asked about the potential for dissent within the party, Mr Donaldson added: I am confident that all members of the party will accept what was a decisive move by the party executive. Today Partly sunny, breezy, and noticeably colder; gusty winds add a chill. A sprinkle or flurry possible, mainly north and west. Tonight Partly cloudy, windy, and cold. Brisk winds add a chill. There could be an early flurry, especially north and west. Tomorrow Partly sunny but brisk and chilly with wind chills near or below freezing for much of the day. A sprinkle or flurry possible, mainly north and west. Illinois' election board kept former President Donald Trump on the state's primary ballot Tuesday, a week before the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on whether the Republican's role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol disqualifies him from the presidency. READING, Pa. The Berks County Board of Commissioners voted at an operations meeting Tuesday morning to place a resolution on the agenda for its Feb. 1 meeting to declare an emergency declaration as it relates to a crisis in youth detention. Larry Medaglia, deputy chief operations officer, explained there is desperate need in Berks County and in the entire state to house complex cases of kids who are in youth services custody. The county previously operated a youth detention center in Bern Township, but closed it in 2012. "Among them (the reasons for closing) was a significant change in the approach in the juvenile justice system," Medaglia said. "One was a goal to place defenders in the least restrictive environment possible." "The end result was a declining need for detention bed space," Medaglia continued. "The detention center had become a large cost to the county, and it was being underutilized." "Unfortunately, today, we're seeing a significant uptick in illegal activity of juveniles who need to be detained, as they're creating a safety risk in our communities," Medaglia said. He said that when the detention center was closed, the county relied on providers from the private sector, specifically the Abraxas Academy near Morgantown. "It's no longer a viable option, as the problems with the riots and escapes have been well documented in the media," Medaglia said. "They're not a reliable partner at this point. They no longer house females. Beyond that, we're down to three beds available to us." Medaglia said the county has had to take drastic measures, which have included housing juvenile offenders overnight and on weekends in offices on the 10th floor of the Berks County Services building. While the existing building had some problems with it when it closed, it suffered $1.25 million in damages when a frozen pipe burst in December 2022. "We cleaned up the mess that was created, but we're now left with the shell of a building that's really in a state of disrepair," Medaglia added. Medaglia recommended a declaration of an emergency to alleviate some of the constraints that the county faces in the public procurement process. Several county officials weighed in on the gravity of the situation. Dan Heydt, chief probation officer, said the philosophy of juvenile probation has changed drastically over the past decade. "If we make the decision to detain a juvenile, it's because they pose a safety risk to either the community or themselves, so we don't take that lightly," Heydt said. "We make every effort possible to keep them in their homes. Currently, there are 354 operational licensed beds across the entire state of Pennsylvania." Heydt said there have been significant increases in juvenile arrests in the years following COVID-19. "Last year, we had 525 new referrals compared to 366 the year prior," Heydt said. "That's a 43% increase in the number of juveniles referred to our agency." Whenever the county has a youth requiring detention and there is no option for placement, Heydt said the youth is placed on an electronic monitor. County District Attorney John Adams said it is clear to him that there has been an uptick in violent juvenile crimes. "Kids with guns don't understand the consequences of pulling the trigger, and lives are lost, and the futures for the offenders are lost," Adams said. "A juvenile who's caught with a gun needs to be placed in a detention facility, and unfortunately, we do not have that facility." "From my perspective, the safety of our community is jeopardized by not having detention beds available," Adams explained. "Our juveniles talk; many are members of gangs, and they know that we don't have the beds and they believe that they can continue to commit crimes with no consequences," he said. "And unfortunately, they're right. We need to have the ability to detain serious offenders." Eleni Dimitriou Geishauser, a Court of Common Pleas judge, said most people do not understand the juvenile justice system. "When a juvenile comes before the court, not only are we concerned with public safety, but we're also concerned with the rehabilitation of the juvenile because these are young kids who eventually will go back into society, and we need to weigh all of those things," Geishauser said. "It is very clear to me that there is an active gang recruitment occurring on the streets of this county, and it is prevailing," the judge continued. "There have been too many instances where I am presiding over a juvenile hearing, and it is clear that for both the safety of the public and the safety of the child, that we need to remove them from their homes, but I am being told repeatedly that there are no beds." "I am seeing kids as reoffenders because I was forced to place them on the electronic monitor," Geishauser said. "They are not adhering to their curfews, and they are going back to the gangs that are actively recruiting them. Christine Sadler, county solicitor, said the emergency declaration would allow the county to speed up bidding requirements that usually take several months. "This would allow us to abbreviate that process," Sadler said. "Certainly, the county likes to be good stewards of the taxpayer dollars so we would look for a qualified contractor to prepare the work." Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach stressed that if the resolution passes on Thursday, it does not mean the detention center will be reopened, but would rather give the county the ability to begin the process of repairing and reconstructing the existing building. Paul L. Bendigo, a member of the school board of the Schuylkill Valley School District, asked the commissioners to consider the costs of educating the detained youth, before ever taking action to reopen the center. "We also have to take into consideration the burden that would be placed on the taxpayers of the Schuylkill Valley School District to cover the education cost for these students," Bendigo said. "Currently, we've been covering any expenses for the education classes at the prison because we are the host school district." Net Income : Soared by 86.1% to $151.8 million in Q2 FY 2024. Diluted EPS : Increased by 94.1% to $2.62 compared to the same quarter last year. Net Interest Income : Grew by 14.4% to $228.6 million. Non-Interest Income : Jumped by 338.2% to $124.1 million, bolstered by a significant gain from the FDIC Loan Purchase. Loan and Deposit Growth : Net loans for investment rose by 22.0% annualized; total deposits increased by 12.6% annualized. Book Value : Increased by 22.6% to $36.53 per share. Capital Allocation: $58.7 million of common stock repurchased at an average price of $36.49 per share. On January 30, 2024, Axos Financial Inc (NYSE:AX) released its impressive second quarter fiscal 2024 results, showcasing significant growth in net income and earnings per share (EPS). The detailed financial performance can be reviewed in the company's 8-K filing. Axos Financial Inc, a bank holding company operating through its subsidiary BofI Federal Bank, has once again demonstrated robust financial health and strategic acumen in the banking sector. Financial Performance Highlights Axos Financial Inc (NYSE:AX) reported a remarkable 86.1% increase in net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, reaching $151.8 million. This growth was accompanied by a 94.1% surge in diluted EPS, which stood at $2.62. Adjusted earnings and adjusted EPS, which exclude non-recurring items, also saw a healthy uptick. The company's net interest income rose by 14.4% to $228.6 million, driven by higher interest income from loans due to increased rates and balances. Non-interest income experienced a dramatic increase, primarily due to a $92.4 million pre-tax gain from the FDIC Loan Purchase. This strategic acquisition not only contributed to income but also expanded the company's loan portfolio at a favorable price. The provision for credit losses was $13.5 million, primarily due to loan growth and the loans acquired in the FDIC Loan Purchase. Non-interest expense increased to $121.8 million, reflecting higher operational costs associated with the company's growth. Story continues Balance Sheet and Capital Strength The balance sheet of Axos Financial Inc (NYSE:AX) expanded, with total assets growing by 6.3% to $21.6 billion. Net loans for investment saw a significant increase, and total deposits grew by 12.6% annualized. The company's capital ratios remained strong, with total capital to risk-weighted assets at 13.79%. The book value per share increased by 22.6% to $36.53, reflecting the company's growing intrinsic value. President and CEO Greg Garrabrants stated, Our record second quarter earnings were driven by strong organic loan and deposit growth, further net interest margin expansion, disciplined expense management and a gain associated with an opportunistic loan purchase from the FDIC." This statement underscores the company's successful strategy and operational efficiency. Looking Ahead Axos Financial Inc (NYSE:AX) continues to demonstrate a resilient credit quality, with annualized net charge-offs to average loans declining year-over-year. The company's strategic initiatives, including the FDIC Loan Purchase, have positioned it well for sustained growth. With a strong capital position and a focus on risk-adjusted returns, Axos is well-equipped to navigate the dynamic banking landscape and capitalize on future opportunities. Investors and analysts interested in further details can join the conference call and webcast scheduled for January 30, 2024. The financial results and the company's strategic direction indicate that Axos Financial Inc (NYSE:AX) is continuing on a path of robust growth and financial strength, making it a noteworthy company for value investors. Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Axos Financial Inc for further details. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. READING, Pa. Reading City Council used its Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night to receive an update of American Rescue Plan Act funds from the city's administration. Finance Director and Deputy Managing Director Jamar Kelly called his presentation "ARPA 101" to review the basics of the federal funds for the three new councilmembers. Kelly said the city has committed all the ARPA funding, but in order to prevent money from having to be returned to the federal government, all projects must be under contract by Dec. 31 of this year. There is an additional two-year window to have the projects completed. "We've committed to these series of projects, and by committing to them, we now are able to create the specifications and the bid documents to put those projects out to bid within the first six months of this year," Kelly said. "That will allow us to make sure we have contracts executed by the end of this year to avoid having to send large sums of money back to the federal government," he said. The city originally received a total of $61 million in ARPA funding. The major allocations of the funds included: The remaining funds have been allocated to city capital improvement projects, with several needed upgrades to the city hall building. The most expensive of those improvements is to upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at an estimated cost of $8 million. Numerous projects throughout the city have also been identified, such as $3 million to refurbish the Pagoda and $7 million to reconstruct the outdoor walls, paths and staircases at the Pagoda. One allocation of $500,000 to demolish the vacant and deteriorating East Reading Pool and replace it with community parking or a splash pad raised an objection from Councilman Jaime Baez Jr., who represents District 2 where the pool is located. "I feel uneasy about that because I think that the community on the south side of District 2 needs something where people can gather and spend time with the family," Baez said. "Do you know what the cost would be to renovate the pool?" Kelly explained the city does not believe that is feasible for several reasons, including the recreation commission does not have sufficient staffing for an additional pool. "The structural integrity of that site is such that it can't be restored as a pool without being completely torn down and rebuilt," Kelly said. "We don't believe we would have success selling that parcel without first removing the pool because that's going to be a significant liability for anyone who wanted to purchase it." Baez said he has an East Reading community meeting scheduled for March 23 at 2:30 p.m. and would be curious to hear opinions from the residents. Kelly said he is happy to have community engaged to discuss any of the projects slated within the city. READING, Pa. - A man is under arrest and is charged with running a drug operation out of his Reading residence. 52-year-old Manuel Gonzalez-Santiago is charged with possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, firearms violations and related offenses. On January 25, police served a search warrant on Gonzalez-Santiago's home in the 200 block of S. 13th Street. According to court documents, a search of the apartment yielded over 1,200 grams of cocaine, approximately $25,000 in U.S. currency, a .40 caliber handgun, drug packaging materials and digital scales. Investigators say because of a previous felony drug conviction, Gonzalez-Santiago is not permitted to possess a firearm. Gonzalez-Santiago was committed to Berks County Jail on $200,000 bail. He has a preliminary hearing set for February 9. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - An area soldier from WWII who was captured and died as a prisoner of war has been accounted for. An announcement Monday from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency reports that U.S. Army Pvt. Earl E.R. Seibert, 23, of Allentown, was accounted for Aug. 10, 2023. A media release from the Accounting Agency says that in late 1941, Seibert was a member of Headquarters Company, 803rd Engineer Battalion (Aviation), when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands in December. Intense fighting continued until the surrender of the Bataan peninsula on April 9, 1942, and of Corregidor Island on May 6, 1942. Thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members were captured and interned at POW camps. Seibert was among those reported captured when U.S. forces in Bataan surrendered to the Japanese, the release continues to say. More than 2,500 POWs perished in this camp during the war. According to prison camp and other historical records, Seibert died July 27, 1942, and was buried along with other deceased prisoners in the local Cabanatuan Camp Cemetery in Common Grave 225. Following the war, American Graves Registration Service personnel exhumed those buried at the Cabanatuan cemetery and relocated the remains to a temporary U.S. military mausoleum near Manila. In 1947, the AGRS examined the remains in an attempt to identify them, officials with the Accounting Agency say. Three of the sets of remains from Common Grave 225 were identified, but the rest were declared unidentifiable. The unidentified remains were buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial as Unknowns. In 2018, the remains associated with Common Grave 225 were disinterred and sent to the DPAA laboratory for analysis. To identify Seiberts remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis as well as circumstantial evidence. Seiberts grave was meticulously cared for over the past 70 years by the American Battle Monuments Commission, officials confirm. Seibert will be buried on a date and location to be determined by the family. BETHLEHEM, Pa. You couldn't find a spare seat inside Bethlehem City Hall at one point Monday evening, as Bethlehem City Council hosted a meeting to inform residents about plans for the former Walnut Street Garage. Stakeholders packed the place to learn more about the plans for what's become a sore subject among some: the future Walnut Street parking garage and potential development proposed right next to it. "As a council, we have not talked about this development," said Councilmember Rachel Leon, who presided over Monday's meeting. "In order for transparency...it felt right to have this conversation together with our community." Board President Michael Colon attended the meeting virtually. People sat in chairs in the rotunda hallway or leaned against the walls to hear what officials had to say about the project. The meeting started at 6 p.m. and by 9 p.m., public comment had not yet started, which upset a few city councilmembers and many residents who waited in the crowd. The meeting was held at the request of the Bethlehem Parking Authority and the administration of Mayor J. William Reynolds. The proposals Proposed by the BPA, two potential plans for the site were presented Monday night by THA Consulting. Both plans call for smaller decks that are shorter in length than the existing garage, but are higher. Both also would include retail and residential space. The proposed plans would have 527 or 590 parking spaces, and would cost $24.1 million and $27 million, respectively. A hypothetical rebuild of the current garage, with 770 parking spaces, comes with a price tag of $35 million, but those against that proposal say it will cost much more in debt. Debt concerns On Monday, Mayor Reynolds talked about how a new, smaller garage could increase the city's vibrancy and save taxpayers money. He said overbuilding another parking garage and putting the city in the position to back the debt that would be incurred with a larger garage was not a preferred option. "It's a bad idea," he said. "Many cities have gotten parking wrong, [and it] ends up in debt," Reynolds said. The parking authority does not have the parking demand in its facilities to generate the revenue to support its repayment of a higher debt, the mayor said, which means the city would have to guarantee the debt, leaving taxpayers to cover the cost. "All 75,000 people (residents), it should scare the daylight out of them thinking of us guaranteeing debt there is no demand to pay for," he cautioned. "This is how Scranton (Parking Authority) went bankrupt. Harrisburg had similar problems." Instead, Reynolds talked about studies that, as a whole, indicated the city's parking needs were being met and that a new parking garage of the same size would be overkill. "We don't need 770 parking spaces" said Reynolds. "We need to look at parking as an integrated system," he added. The current garage that residents know and have long used first opened in 1976. The mayor says it was built with the best of intentions, but it's become a looming financial liability. He says there have been too many vacant spaces during even the busy months December and August and too few dollars generated. Criticism of proposals Others, though, still support more parking spaces. They identified population increases, workers returning to the office post pandemic and several development projects as reasons the city would need more spaces. After the presentations, city councilmembers began their questions and comments. During that, tensions flared. "If we didn't have to spend two hours talking about the past, the history of it," said Bryan Callahan, a city councilmember. "The decision was already made to knock it down. These people are here for two reasons, I think: the white box and the height. We're almost three hours into this, and I applaud all of you for staying tonight." Numerous residents commented on the size of the two proposals, primarily the project's height in the city's historical district. Several residents said the parking garage would be seen from God's Acre, a site being considered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Others questioned how a new garage's appearance could blend with its historic surroundings. Mystery 'white box' The proposed project would only encompass part of the site left by the current Walnut Street Garage, which left some people skeptical about the "mystery box" that will be developed next to the new garage. Now, that mystery white box is going to a building with mixed use. The current Walnut Street Garage property will be subdivided, said Laura Collins, the city's director of community and economic development. On the remaining portion of the parcel, the city discussed plans for retail space and potential housing. However, that project is separate from the garage plans, and city officials not council have heard from four potential parties interested. "This is the kind of project we've been trying to incentivize and create plans and ordinances to support for a very long time," city Planning Director Darlene Heller said of the mixed-use project. Collins said the city and the BPA were in the early stages of any development and are currently evaluating requests for proposals from prospective development partners. "The vision that we're laying out is a continuation of what leaders in the city of Bethlehem hoped for and have been building toward," said Collins. Councilmember Callahan asked several times to have the RFPs shared with the council, to which Collins objected, citing privacy concerns. While most respondents urged council to vote "no" on supporting mixed-use buildings in the historic area, some supported retail space nearby. Neville Gardner, proprietor of McCarthy's Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar on Main Street, said he welcomes retail nearby. "I believe Bethlehem does need more retail," Gardner said. "I think Bethlehem is short of retail." Next steps The Bethlehem Historic Architectural Review Board, an advisory body, rejected the two BPA proposals last week for a new garage that would be shorter in length but taller in height. HARB makes recommendations, but City Council will make the final decision. Council is expected to vote on the parking proposals at its next meeting, scheduled for Feb. 6. Demolition has already started on the garage. It was 48 years old, about the same age as Easton's Pine Street Garage, which lasted 50 years. The proposed garage plans can be viewed via the BPA website. HANOVER TWP., Pa. Travelers flying on American Airlines can go to Lehigh Valley International Airport (LVIA), drop their luggage, and take a bus to Philadelphia International for their flight without the hassles of long lines at the bigger airport. They arrive "airside" that is, on the secure side of the airport, check in at LVIA and are ready to fly when they reach Philadelphia. That service started last July. Lehigh Valley travelers looking for that same convenience on United Airlines flights from Newark Liberty International remain out of luck. They can take a regular bus from LVIA and then check in at the airport, which was ranked worst in its class in the U.S. in 2023 by J.D. Power. When John Hayes, chairman of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, raised the issue Tuesday at a board meeting, LNAA Executive Director Thomas Stoudt had no news on adding airside service with United. "We continue to work through this trial period with American," Stoudt said. The American bus service has been popular, and its buses to Philadelphia sell a higher percentage of seats than United's buses to Newark. When asked about "tarmac to tarmac" service for United to Newark in July, Stoudt said, "We would love for that to happen." The bus service to Philadelphia is provided by Colorado-based Landline. David Sunde, chief executive of the company, said at LVIA last year that the bus service can replace short-haul flights that airports have dropped because of a shortage of staff. Travelers can enjoy the convenience of a local airport but still have access to the many more destinations available at big airports. Todd Quann, director of finance and administration for the authority, went over numbers for 2023 that showed leisure airline Allegiant dominating traffic at LVIA. Allegiant, which takes Lehigh Valley residents to Sun Belt destinations, carried 505,129 passengers in the year, more than all other carriers combined (425,817). Of the 930,946 passengers who passed through LVIA in 2023, 850,645 got on planes (a 0.5% decline from 2022) and 80,301 rode the bus (a 40% increase). LNAA operates Lehigh Valley International Airport, Braden Airpark in Forks Township and Queen City Airport in Allentown. One of the three U.S. soldiers killed when an enemy drone hit a desert base in Jordan had ties to New Jersey. Army Sgt. William Rivers, 46, was from Willingboro in southern New Jersey, said Gov. Phil Murphy in a statement. The governor commended his service and said he would sign an order later in the week to lower flags to half-staff in his honor. New Jersey U.S. Sen. Cory Booker also released a statement, saying Rivers "served with courage, honor, and a deep sense of duty, embodying the best of New Jersey and our nation." Rivers, Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, were killed when Iran-backed militants detonated a drone at an American outpost on the Jordan-Syria border. Officials said the Iranian-backed drone was able to get past American defenses because it was confused for a U.S. drone. The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade in Fort Moore, Georgia. More than 40 others were hurt in the attack. President Joe Biden and the Pentagon have both vowed to strike back. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered a lower appellate court on Monday to reconsider a case that will determine whether Medicaid must cover abortions and that could have far-reaching implications in a post-Roe world. Supporters and opponents of abortion access are closely watching this case, not only because of the Medicaid coverage question, but because some believe the justices could use it to set a precedent as to whether the Pennsylvania Constitution guarantees the right to abortion. The ruling did not resolve either question. However, in five separate opinions, the justices offered key insights into their thinking on the issue. Adam Bonin, a Democratic attorney who frequently litigates cases before the state Supreme Court and is familiar with this one, said one of the most consequential pieces of information in the ruling is that a majority of justices agree that the Pennsylvania Constitution strongly protects against sex-based discrimination something Commonwealth Court will now have to consider in its own ruling. The justices also strongly hinted that they will strike down this exclusion [of Medicaid paying for abortions] down the road, Bonin said. However, the justices did not make a final decision. This is a cautious court, he said. They dont want to decide things that they dont have to. In a 219-page opinion, Justice Christine Donohue ordered that the case, brought by seven reproductive health providers, be reargued in front of the states Commonwealth Court. That court initially dismissed the case, which challenges a statute that prevents the states Medicaid program from paying for low-income peoples abortions in most situations, ruling that the providers lacked standing to challenge the law. The high court unanimously upheld the law in 1985 following a previous challenge. But in her opinion Monday, Donohue argued that the ruling should be revisited in light of the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The government does not bear a constitutional obligation to provide medical care to the indigent, nor is the government required to financially support the exercise of a fundamental right, including a womans exercise of her right to reproductive autonomy, Donohue wrote. However, once the government chooses to provide medical care for the indigent the government is obligated to maintain neutrality so as not to intrude upon the constitutional right to full reproductive autonomy, which includes the right to terminate a pregnancy. Five justices on the seven-member court participated in the decision, and all issued separate opinions concurring or dissenting in part with Donohue. Mondays ruling sets the stage for the case to return to the high court. Justice Kevin Dougherty foreshadowed the possibility in a short concurring opinion, saying that there is little doubt the issue eventually will make its way back to this Court. What will happen then is up in the air. Donouhue and Justice David Wecht agreed that the state constitutions Equal Rights Amendment should be construed to protect the right to abortion. At least two members of the court Justice Sallie Updyke Mundy and Chief Justice Debra Todd did not agree with that particular argument. Mundy in particular expressed her disagreement in a 24-page dissent, arguing that the court should have upheld its precedent. One may therefore wonder how the right to be let alone in making personal decisions can be transformed into the right to receive taxpayer money to fund one decision if the government funds a different decision, Mundy wrote. Two other justices, Kevin Brobson and Daniel McCaffery, did not participate in the case. Signe Espinoza, executive director of Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates, called the ruling the first step toward ending discriminatory access to care, and we remain committed to removing every barrier to abortion. Abortion is currently legal in the commonwealth up to 24 weeks, and pregnancies can also be terminated after that cutoff if a pregnant persons life or health is in danger. Pennsylvanias laws ensuring abortion access arent as strong as those in some other states. It doesnt have language on its books protecting the right to an abortion. By contrast, voters in California, Michigan, and Vermont in 2022 enshrined guarantees of abortion rights in their state constitutions, which constrain future abortion-restricting bills unless those amendments are repealed. Pennsylvania also imposes several other rules on people who wish to end pregnancies. One of them is a requirement for pre-abortion counseling, followed by a 24-hour wait before the person can undergo the surgical procedure or obtain medication. Before a minor can get an abortion, their parent or guardian must also consent unless a judge signs off on a judicial bypass. Other restrictions involve insurance coverage. Along with the prohibition on Medicaid coverage being used for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or a life-endangering health condition, plans for public employees who are paid using state funds include the same conditions. So does coverage under plans in the Affordable Care Act exchange, unless the purchaser buys a rider for additional coverage. Efforts to further restrict abortion access in Pennsylvania, led by legislative Republicans, have been significantly curtailed since 2022 by the party losing both the race for governor and its more than decade-old control of the state House. Since then, the GOP has moved no significant abortion-restricting legislation. Previously, Republican lawmakers had pushed a constitutional amendment that would have constrained future courts from ruling that the state constitution, as it currently stands, protects the right to abortion. While that amendment could still technically move, it hasnt been reintroduced this legislative session and a spokesperson for the GOP-controlled state Senate recently told Spotlight PA that she was unaware of plans to do so. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. PHILADELPHIA Dunkin' of Greater Philadelphia has donated $27,000 to help fight hunger throught the region. According to a press release, the donation came from the company's 13th annual "Roast Hunger" program, which ran from Nov. 23 to Dec. 10, 2023. During that time, the press release said Dunkin's Philadelphia-area franchisees donated $1 per large hot coffee purchased by Rewards Members to the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation. According to the press release, that organziation supports food bank partners seeking to end childhood hunger in the Philadelphia region including Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania. Accodring to the press release, Dunkin' raised $300,000 through the Roast Hunger program in 2023. The program has raised more than $2.5 million since its inception in 2011, the press release said. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Partly sunny, breezy, and noticeably colder; gusty winds add a chill. A sprinkle or flurry possible, mainly north and west. . Tonight Partly cloudy, windy, and cold. Brisk winds add a chill. There could be an early flurry, especially north and west. Gov. Josh Shapiro at the PA Farm Show Jan. 10 2024. (Photo by Commonwealth Media Services) Gov. Josh Shapiro will unveil a new economic development plan for Pennsylvania today that he says will help the state better compete with neighbors like New York and Ohio. The ten-year Pennsylvania Economic Development Strategy will focus on five sectors: agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, and robotics and technology, and include several new initiatives. For too long, Pennsylvanias neighboring states have invested and focused on economic development while our Commonwealth has lacked a targeted game plan and serious investment, Shapiro said in a statement. With this plan, for the first time in nearly two decades, Pennsylvania has a serious economic development strategy that brings together our private and public sectors, our highly skilled workers, and our world-class universities. Shapiro said the plan will focus on five key goals: investing in economic growth to compete, continuing to make government work at the speed of business, opening doors of opportunity to all Pennsylvanians, innovating to win, and building vibrant and resilient regions. Hell announce the plan in Bethlehem, at OraSure Technologies, a global life sciences manufacturing company. The 2024-25 budget proposal Shapiro will present in Harrisburg next week will call for investments tied to this ten-year strategy, and will include a strong call for action for partners across all sectors to join in with their support. Shapiros office provided a glimpse of some parts of the plan ahead of the announcement in a news release; it will include a major investment in site development that Shapiro says will bring more commercial and industrial sites online. The news release notes that after the launch of the PA SITES program last September, which aimed to provide $10 million in grants to conduct site assessments and prepare them for remediation, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) received 102 applications seeking more than $236 million in funding. The demand for investment is clearly there, according to the release. Shapiro will seek $2 million for a Career Connect program to match employers and workers, help create internships, and keep young people in Pennsylvania. Hell also propose an additional $10 million for the Agriculture Innovation Program, along with significant new innovation funding to support startups and entrepreneurs. The budget proposal will also include $3.5 million to launch the new Pennsylvania Regional Challenge, described as being inspired by the federal Build Back Better Regional Challenge. That grant competition created by the American Rescue Plan sought interconnected investments in a given region that had the potential to boost the local economy, expand economic opportunity and create jobs. The Pennsylvania version will include a Regional Hubs Challenge, to provide different geographic regions with state resources to plan and implement local strategies for economic development. The governor will also ask for $25 million for the new Main Street Matters program, which will build upon and expand the Keystone Communities Program, a DCED program that provides grants for local revitalization programs. This story will be updated. The post Shapiro to unveil 10-year economic development strategy for Pennsylvania appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Alumni in the spotlight January 2024 Catch up on a wrap of Witsie appointments, awards and newsmakers from the past two months. Awards Two Wits students, Thompho Netshivhera (BSc Eng 2023) and Rachel Haupt (BSc 2022, BSc Hons 2023) clinched top honours at the Global Undergraduate Awards hosted in Dublin, Ireland. Netshivhera received the Thomas Chucklin Gold Medal for his hydro turbine project. Netshivhera designed an electricity system for rural wastewater purification that solves power outage-related water treatment challenges. Haupt was named the Regional Winner for Africa and the Middle East. Her research focused on the application of optically stimulated luminescence dating to derive ages for coastal dune deposits along the West Coast of South Africa. Prof Judy Bruce (DipNursEd 1981, MSc 1992, PhD 2003), head of the School of Therapeutic Sciences at Wits, was the only African nursing academic inducted as a Fellow of the Class of 2023 by the American Academy of Nursing. It is considered as one of the highest of honours for nurses. Prof Lynn Morris (BSc 1982, BSc Hons 1983) was awarded the DVC of the Year Award by the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education programme for the strides she has made in respect of innovation and promotion of entrepreneurship at Wits. Appointments Air Products South Africa announced that Charles Dos Santos (BSc Eng 1991) will the companys next managing director from 1 February 2024. He joined the company in 1994 and has served in various senior management positions. Since 2016 he has held the position of on-sites general manager. Ipeleng Mabusela (BSc Eng 2011, MBA 2019) will head the strategy and corporate support division at the Retail Motor Industry. Richard Manzini (MM 2019, MBA 2018) has been appointed as new CEO of Daybreak Farms, one of SAs largest poultry producers and owner of established feed milling operations. He was a director on the companys transitional board. Ayabonga Cawe (BCom 2012, BCom Hons 2013, MCom 2014) has been appointed chief commissioner at the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa for a term of five years until 2027. Cawe is a development economist with over 10 years experience in policy research (industrial and competition policy, local government, labour markets and transformation), advisory, media (broadcast and print media) and entrepreneurship. Former executive with mobile operator MTN, Anu Sing (MBA 2000), and co-director of the Centre for Sustainability Transitions at Stellenbosch University, Mark Swilling (BA 1982, BA Hons 1983), were appointed to Eskoms interim board. Reabetswe Motshegare (MBA 2018) was appointed human resources director sub-Saharan Africa at renewable energy solutions provider Scatec ASA. Reddam House Waterfall announced the appointment of Shelly Matthews (PDipEd 1991, BEd Hons 2005) as their new Head of College. She previously served as deputy headmistress of academics at St Peters College since 2011. Newsmakers Darren Isaacs (BCom 2000, BAcc 2001) founder and CEO of Makosi, an auditing and advisory services company, chatted to the Financial Mail. Professor Laura Pereira (BSc 2006, BSc Hons 2007) from the Wits Global Change Institute contributed to the 10 New Insights in Climate Science Report presented at the 28th conference of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. She said: Now is not the time to succumb to a feeling of hopelessness in the face of powerful drivers leading the world towards the edge of a precipice that will see countless lives lost, homes and ancestral lands destroyed, and species never to be seen again. Rather, this is the time to find the transformative pathways that are needed to get onto a better trajectory for people and planet. Dr Makhosazana Xaba (MA 2007) and Jarred Thompson (MA 2022) gave glimpses into their latest fiction: Waiting and Centres of Gravity in the Johannesburg Review of Books. After 25 years as head of Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital's intensive care unit, Rudo Mathivha (PDipHSEd 2016) has been driven by the "Bara" ethos. Sean Christie reflected on this special medics impact. Some of the losses seen by insiders who purchased US$592.2k worth of Belluscura plc (LON:BELL) shares over the past year were recovered after the stock increased by 11% over the past week. However, the purchase is proving to be a costly gamble, since losses made by insiders have totalled US$128k since the time of purchase. Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. View our latest analysis for Belluscura Belluscura Insider Transactions Over The Last Year In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Non-Executive Director David Poutney bought UK450k worth of shares at a price of UK0.25 per share. That means that even when the share price was higher than UK0.20 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock if insiders have bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price. Belluscura insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date! Belluscura is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Does Belluscura Boast High Insider Ownership? Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Belluscura insiders own about UK8.4m worth of shares. That equates to 31% of the company. 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 So What Do The Belluscura Insider Transactions Indicate? The fact that there have been no Belluscura insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Insiders do have a stake in Belluscura and their transactions don't cause us concern. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. To that end, you should learn about the 5 warning signs we've spotted with Belluscura (including 1 which is potentially serious). 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 of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests. 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. BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil ended 2023 with a net creation of 1.484 million jobs, said the Labor Ministry on Tuesday, a result that followed disappointing figures from December. Latin America's largest economy closed 430,159 formal jobs in December, a seasonally negative month due to the termination of workers hired before the holiday period. The figure surpassed the expected closure of 372,341 positions, as indicated in a Reuters poll of economists. The year-end result also fell short of the 2.013 million jobs created in 2022, disappointing the ministry's prior projections of generating around 2 million jobs in the first year of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's new administration. According to the ministry, total formal jobs in the country amounted to 43.928 million in December, reflecting a 3.5% increase in the country's formal workforce from 2022. Brazil has around 40 million informal workers who are not included in this calculation. (Reporting by Marcela Ayres; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) Carlos Ortega Carlos Ortega has been named executive director of Downtown Springfield, Inc. effective Feb. 1. Ortega had been the executive director of Elevate CCIC, Inc., in Mattoon, which is two hours east of Springfield. He previously worked for the Illinois State Senate. "It is an honor returning to my hometown as the executive director of DSI, Ortega said in a statement. I look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of our citizens, small businesses, and community organizations that have called or will call Springfield home. I am eager to bring the lessons I've learned throughout my journey and turn them intoopportunities for growth and prosperity. I look to grow the community and support the development and inclusion of anyone wanting to make Springfield a better place to live." Ortega replaces Kayla Graven who stepped down from DSI's top spot on Nov. 24. She is now the operations coordinator for the city's Office of Planning and Economic Development. She was named DSI executive director in July 2021. Homicides down in Springfield for third consecutive year Former board member Jean Bruner-Jachino had been working in a temporary leadership role while a search was conducted for a new executive director. Board president Blake Pryor said Ortega's experience will help move forward DSI initiatives. Carlos has a demonstrated background of fundraising and I think through his background at Elevate CCIC I really see him taking (initiative) and making it his own while also staying true to DSIs core mission. Ortega's background also includes serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Namibia and Kenya. He was a Peace Corps Fellow at Western Illinois University, where he earned his master's degree in public administration. While at Western Illinois, he served as a graduate assistant for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). For businesses, attracting more people to downtown should be at the top of Ortega's list. Dumb Records owner Brian Galecki wants to see an expansion of affordable housing and retail storefronts downtown. Story continues Just anything that will get people to come downtown to shop, Galecki said. It would be great to see every space filled downtown. It always seems like theres new things coming and new things to be excited about." Cafe Moxo owner Mark Forinash said it's time to fill the gaps in what people are looking for downtown. You go out and you sell downtown to those like-minded businesses," he said. Forinash also hopes DSI can move along projects that build bonds between customers and businesses. Downtown is really the heart of Springfield and thats one of the reasons why I located my restaurant here 18 years ago, Forinash said. "Im in the same boat as (DSI). Our goal is to try and get anybody who really believes in downtown together to make it grow. Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie. Contact Claire Grant: 313-447-8766; clgrant@gannett.com; X: twitter.com/Claire_Granted This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Carlos Ortega is the new head of Downtown Springfield Inc. Dragon-themed ornaments are on display for sale in a specialty store in Beijing, capital of China, Jan 10, 2024. Major brands have launched dragon-featured cultural and creative products as the Year of the Dragon approaches. [Xinhuanet/Liu He] "Where can I buy it?" "Please, I need a surrogate shopper" ... Comments like these take up quite a share in the comment section of a post on Xiaohongshu, a popular lifestyle-sharing social platform in China. What triggers the netizens' impulse to buy? The cover photo reveals the answer. Against the clear blue sky, the golden embossment of a dragon is a sharp contrast to its crimson background, forming an eye-catching lure to Chinese netizens and their purchase intention. According to the comment section, this product is snapped up soon, say within just a few days, and the factory has been working extra shifts for a new batch to meet the surging demands. Many people hashtagged "dragon year cultural products" and posted pictures of the same fridge magnet they had purchased, claiming "going through a lot to buy it," "my cultural product of the year." The Year of the Dragon will start on Feb. 10, 2024. As the lunar new year approaches, the cultural and creative industries have seen a wide range of dragon-themed merchandise flooding into the market: fridge magnets, holiday cards, ornaments, even hats and clothes...From major brands to specialty stores, from online channels to offline shops, the "dragon fever" prevails as Chinese people are preparing for the arrival of China's most important traditional holiday of the year. Meanwhile, major museums have launched promotion schemes for new themed products and achieved impressive sales figures. The cultural and creative product studio of the Palace Museum in Beijing, for instance, has sold more than 20,000 copies of the original dragon-featured calendar on its Taobao flagship store. Dragon patterns, together with other festive elements, made the dragon-themed cultural product a hit among Chinese young people and fans of traditional Chinese culture. Transformations also took place when developing dragon-themed cultural products. The cultural product studio of the Suzhou Museum has launched a new product: a "cute dragon" plush pendant. The august, majestic gold dragon is transformed into a fluffy, adorable companion, winning many consumers at stores and followers on social media. Dragon-themed plush muppets are on display for sale in a specialty store in Beijing, capital of China, Jan 14, 2024. Major brands have launched dragon-featured cultural and creative products as the Year of the Dragon approaches. [Xinhuanet/Liu He] Museums are not alone in their attempt to make dragon-themed cultural products trendy in the New Year market. Stores featuring Chinese homegrown brands, or Guochao specialty stores, and individual designers, are also taking shares in the market. On Wangfujing Shopping Street, a Guochao specialty store that adapts elements of traditional Chinese culture to fit modern fashion trends, has drawn young consumers' attention with an array of dragon cultural products. The holiday boom has attracted an increasing number of customers into the shop to purchase and post on social media. "Our sales start to surge as the lunar new year is close at hand," a sales clerk at a cultural and creative specialty shop on Wangfujing Shopping Street in Beijing told Xinhuanet. "Currently, we can sell more than 100 pieces of New Year-themed products in one weekend. The best seller is out of stock now," she added. On the shelves behind her, more than a dozen dragon-featured fridge magnets are neatly lined up. The shop also sells dragon-shaped ornaments, holiday cards with traditional dragon patterns, and dragon head hats for children. Other than the mere use of dragon patterns, cultural and creative brands have been played with ideas to win over customers. For instance, the sales clerk introduced a hot item to Xinhuanet: a fridge magnet shaped like a dragon robe owned by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. Its delicate pattern of the dragon, its rich cultural connotation and the good wishes it carries, make this product one of the most popular and best-selling items. Dragon-themed plush muppets are on display for sale in a specialty store in Beijing, capital of China, Jan 14, 2024. Major brands have launched dragon-featured cultural and creative products as the Year of the Dragon approaches. [Xinhuanet/Liu He] The Chinese dragon is regarded as an auspicious, noble creature, and is believed to bring good luck and fortune. At the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, many Chinese people expect to refresh themselves with the blessings and positive energy from the dragon. In addition, the cultural significance of the dragon plays an important role in shaping Chinese people's preferences. As an integral part of Chinese culture, portraits of dragons are quite common in ancient Chinese art, literature and customs, offering a diversity of sources of inspiration for designers. "The design concept of mine is quite simple: to convey my gratitude and best wishes for the new year," individual designer San Guai told Xinhuanet. The brand IP by San Guai features a cute cartoon figure wearing a big dragon head hat who participates in various festive activities. Derivative products of this IP, including prints and badges, are sold offline in 15 cities across China. "It may sound simple, but it's the true aspiration of me and my friends," she added. This photo taken on Jan 10, 2024 shows dragon-themed fridge magnets in a specialty store in Beijing, capital of China. Major brands have launched dragon-featured cultural and creative products as the Year of the Dragon approaches. [Xinhuanet/Liu He] This photo taken on Jan 10, 2024 shows dragon-themed fridge magnets in a specialty store in Beijing, capital of China. Major brands have launched dragon-featured cultural and creative products as the Year of the Dragon approaches. [Xinhuanet/Liu He] (Source: Xinhua) With labor shortages subsiding but still concerning, just 4% of CEOs are making return to office a top priority in 2024, according to a recent survey by The Conference Board. "CEOs are throwing their hands up when it comes to getting workers back into the office full time," Diana Scott, human capital center leader at The Conference Board, told Yahoo Finance. "Hybrid work is getting the job done, and they have bigger things to worry about. Attracting and retaining talent is their No. 1 priority for 2024." The Conference Board surveyed more than 1,200 executives, including 630 CEOs, across the United States, Latin America, Japan, and Europe. Executives are increasingly resigned to a scenario where employees don't clock into the physical office every day, as hybrid work arrangements mingling work-from-home and in-office time have become the normal routine for many white-collar workers. Chart courtesy of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (Federal Reserve Bank of SF) Remote work persists After full-time remote work peaked at around 60% during the pandemic, hybrid work has settled in, with about 30% of paid workdays being done remotely. "Over the past six months, weve been seeing the fallout of rigid return-to-office policies on both sides of our business," Gwenn Rosener, co-founder of recruiting and staffing firm FlexProfessionals, told Yahoo Finance. The firm has seen an uptick of job seekers fleeing return-to-office mandates in search of flexible work options, as well as corporate clients digging in their heels while they search for months to land workers willing to work in the office full-time. "Both sides of the tug of war do seem to be compromising more, especially on the business side when rigid in-office policies are killing their ability to retain and attract the employees they need to drive growth," she said. Persistent talent shortages continue to stymy hiring efforts, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. A hefty 7 in 10 employers say they are struggling to find talent with the skills they need, according to the report. Story continues The San Francisco Fed economists found little evidence that the shift to remote and hybrid work has affected productivity neither harming nor helping it. (Getty Creative) (Westend61 via Getty Images) 'Little evidence' that remote work hurts productivity The shift to remote and hybrid work has reshaped society in important ways, and these effects will likely continue to evolve. For example, with less time spent commuting, some people have moved out of cities, and the lines between work and home life have blurred. However, lack of performance and productivity are not what has been dinged, according to a recent survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. The study found little evidence that the shift to remote and hybrid work has affected productivity neither harming nor helping it. And consider this: While some executives insist employees are unproductive and ineffective at home, a University of Pittsburgh study found that office mandates don't improve employees' or companies financial performances, but they can make workers less satisfied with their jobs and work-life balance. An analysis of S&P 500 firms that implemented in-office attendance requirements found that the mandates did not boost financial performance or value, which remained on par with that of companies allowing virtual work. However, researchers did observe "significant declines in employees job satisfaction" perhaps explaining why 80% of employers who forced a return to offices later expressed regret over the decision. These mandates may have less to do with productivity or profits and more to do with "managers using return-to-work mandates to reassert control over employees and blame employees as a scapegoat for bad firm performance," Mark Ma, the author of the report and a University of Pittsburgh business professor, told Yahoo Finance. "Clearly, managers should stop viewing remote work as a threat," Ma said. "Instead of blaming remote employees as not being productive or loyal to their employers, managers should embrace remote work as an opportunity to develop a long-term, flexible workplace strategy that could both encourage high employee performance and foster employee loyalty." Catering to every preference Vivian Reilly, 47, is an accountant in Manchester, N.H., who joined her firm Lekas, Edgar & Co. in August. She has chosen to spend her first year going into the office even though she is only required to come in three days a week. "I would rather go in to learn from my coworkers in person," Reilly told Yahoo Finance. "I think it definitely helps me with my performance. I am new to the field, and I have too much to learn." "Companies today are realizing that hybrid is the best option as it caters to both types of employees ones that want to go in the office, and ones that want to work from home." (Getty Creative) (Mayur Kakade via Getty Images) In fact, recent surveys show that a large proportion of young and new employees like Reilly want to work in the office. "If this is the case, firms can decide the availability of remote work opportunities for different employees," Ma said. "For example, for employees who just join a company, the firm may require a high percentage of these young workers to work in the office and get trained." For Steve Gold, 46, a lawyer with Hurwit & Associates in Newton, Mass., the opportunity to work from home is "a gift," he told Yahoo Finance. "The office is available whenever I'd like to go, but there is no requirement to go in." As a father of two kids one in middle school and another in elementary school having the flexibility not just to attend the occasional school concert, but to spend time with them after school is something Gold "would be willing to trade a lot to have," he said. But with this position, he doesnt have to. "Companies today are realizing that hybrid is the best option as it caters to both types of employees ones that want to go in the office, and ones that want to work from home," AJ Eckstein, a Gen Z career expert and founder of The Final Round career platform, told Yahoo Finance. Pay and promotions take a hit Still unanswered: Will those workers opting to log in from home ultimately feel the brunt of the slew of layoffs announced since the beginning of the year? Workers who worked remotely five days a week were 35% more likely to be laid off in 2023 than their peers who put in office time, according to employment data provider Live Data Technologies. The analysis showed 10% of fully remote workers were laid off last year, compared with 7% of those working in an office full time or on a hybrid basis. Why? Perhaps because when a hiring manager gets news they have to cut staff, its easier to lop off someone they dont have a close face-to-face relationship with. Another shocker finding: Remote workers are 31% less likely to get promoted than in-person counterparts, The Wall Street Journal reported from an analysis of 2 million workers also conducted by Live Data Technologies. The hybrid model takes hold While the return-to-office movement is percolating, many big companies seem to have compromised on three days a week for now. IBM just announced that it's requiring executives and people managers in the United States to be in the office at least three days per week, a company spokesperson told Yahoo Finance. She also confirmed that those who don't take this mandate seriously risk losing their job. "IBM is focused on providing a work environment that balances flexibility with the face-to-face interactions that make us more productive, innovative and better able to serve our clients," she added. Last summer, Google began putting some muscle in its policy by tracking office visits by badge swipes and indicating that in-office attendance would be part of performance reviews, which, in turn, impacts promotions and pay increases. Remote jobs are also becoming less attractive pay-wise, another nudge from employers to more in-person time. While the back-to-the-office movement is percolating, many big companies seem to have compromised on three days a week for now. (Getty Creative) (NickyLloyd via Getty Images) Payscales 2023 Compensation Best Practices Report found that about a quarter of employers surveyed pay employees who dont come into an office less than those who do for the same position. Thats not the case at Reillys workplace. "We do feel in-office provides a lot of learning opportunities among staff and mentoring of the newer staff but understand flexibility is also important," Kerry Lekas, managing partner of Lekas, Edgar & Co., told Yahoo Finance. "Winter in New England, doctors appointments, service work being done at home, kids, pets all of these things are part of life and can create chaos in a schedule," she said. "We find that giving staff the flexibility to deal with and handle these things and work at home creates a positive atmosphere when we are at the office." Kerry Hannon is a Senior Columnist at Yahoo Finance. She is a workplace futurist, a career and retirement strategist, and the author of 14 books, including "In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in The New World of Work" and "Never Too Old To Get Rich." Follow her on X @kerryhannon. Click here for the latest personal finance news to help you with investing, paying off debt, buying a home, retirement, and more Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance This aerial photo taken on April 25, 2023 shows the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province. [Xinhua/Chen Bin] BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) Lying in an oasis at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, Dunhuang was a major stop on the ancient Silk Road, which linked the East and West through vibrant trade. The distinctive culture of Dunhuang is best represented by the Mogao Grottoes, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 4th century, the site features 735 caves carved into a cliff, currently housing more than 2,000 colorful sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals. This extraordinary cultural treasure helps draw visitors to the historical city including Chinese President Xi Jinping. In August 2019, during an inspection tour in Gansu, the president set aside time for his first visit to the millennium-old grottoes, thus realizing a long-cherished wish. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has paid much attention to the protection of cultural relics in Dunhuang over the years, and to the development of Dunhuang's culture. A Fan of Dunhuang During his 2019 tour, Xi made the Mogao Grottoes his first stop. He was particularly captivated by a mural in Mogao Cave 323, recognizing the character of Zhang Qian, an envoy in the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-220 A.D.). Though it was the first time Xi had visited the Mogao Grottoes, he was already very familiar with the cultural relics there, thanks to his long-standing emotional attachment to the site. As early as 1986, Xi visited Gansu when he was serving as deputy mayor of the coastal city of Xiamen, Fujian Province, but he was unable to go to Dunhuang at the time due to a tight schedule and the long distance to the site. Over 30 years later, he still talks of his regret at not making the journey back then. During an academic discussion as part of a research trip at Zhejiang University in 2005, Xi, then Party secretary of Zhejiang Province, recited a list of the achievements of renowned Dunhuang expert Jiang Liangfu. In 2009, when conducting research as a state leader at Lanzhou University in Gansu, Xi encouraged Zheng Binglin, director of the university's Dunhuang Studies Institute, to strengthen and expand the development of Dunhuang studies as a contribution to the country. This undated photo provided by the Dunhuang Academy shows a mural in cave No. 323 of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province. The mural depicts scenes from the journey made to the West by Zhang Qian, an envoy in the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-220 A.D.). [Dunhuang Academy/Handout via Xinhua] Xi has on multiple occasions stressed the value of Dunhuang, calling it "an important historical hub" of Eastern and Western cultures, and one of the "living monuments" to past interactions between different civilizations on the ancient Silk Road. For Xi, the significance of Dunhuang goes beyond its history, with efforts underway to revive and expand cooperation along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. Back in 2013, Xi proposed the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, also known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has been welcomed by the international community as a public good and cooperation platform. "As we are now advancing Belt and Road cooperation, we came back to draw inspiration from the ancient Silk Road," Xi said during his 2019 visit to the caves. A Preserver of Dunhuang In September 2019, at a ceremony in Beijing, Xi presented the national honorary title of outstanding contributor to cultural-relic protection to Fan Jinshi, an archaeologist who has made a lifelong career of protecting and studying the cultural relics of the Mogao Grottoes. While shaking hands with Fan, Xi asked her about the rainfall in Dunhuang. Over a month ago, at a symposium held during Xi's visit to Dunhuang, Fan discussed with Xi a series of natural factors that could affect the preservation of Dunhuang's cultural relics, including water. At the meeting, Xi inquired about issues ranging from the number of tourists to the impact of natural disasters. "The protection of world cultural heritage should be placed above tourism as our top priority. We should not set our eyes solely on selling tickets and pursuing economic benefits," he stressed. "What concerns Xi are the most pressing challenges facing Dunhuang today," Fan said. Through decades of hard work, substantial progress has been made on safeguarding the site's priceless treasures, particularly through the use of advanced technologies. In 2020, a leading laboratory was launched to study the weathering mechanism of the caves, simulating diverse natural environments for targeted protection measures. A Supporter of Dunhuang Culture Xi's Mogao Grottoes tour took him to the Library Cave, where around 60,000 rare cultural relics were unearthed. However, about 40,000 pieces have been lost to more than 10 countries, including Britain, France, Russia and Japan. "Only when the country is strong can its culture prosper," Xi said, reminiscing on how the Library Cave was discovered in 1900, a time when the country was too weak to safeguard its cultural relics. A technician from the Dunhuang Academy's digital preservation team processes images of a mural in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, April 25, 2023. [Xinhua/Chen Bin] Xi has encouraged the Dunhuang Academy to share its cultural and artistic resources digitally on a global scale. In April 2023, a virtual duplication of the Library Cave became accessible to the public through an interactive digital platform. The platform uses advanced digital technology to reproduce historical scenes of the Library Cave. It invites visitors to immerse themselves in the culture of Dunhuang by engaging in role-play and "time travel" to ancient dynasties. Two days after his visit to Mogao Grottoes, when inspecting a publishing company in Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province, Xi again raised the topic of Dunhuang. "Xi noted that the Dunhuang manuscripts are rich in content, serving as valuable historical records," recalled Fu Kangnian, the company's deputy general manager. In response to Xi's call to better utilize historical resources, a significant number of books related to Dunhuang and the Jiandu bamboo or wooden slips that ancient Chinese people wrote on before the invention of paper have been published in recent years. A compilation book series on Dunhuang history was published, after years of hard work, filling gaps in historical records and providing points of reference for Dunhuang studies. Even more remarkable is that the conservation efforts applied to the Dunhuang culture have extended beyond the local boundaries. The ideas and technologies employed to protect the caves have been applied to more than 500 national-level cultural relics protection projects, and introduced to BRI partner countries. (Source: Xinhua) A visitor looks at The Analects of Confucius of different language versions at the National Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 27, 2019. [Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai] Cultural exchanges between China and France have not only spanned the past 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, but have actually already lasted several centuries. BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) The heads of state of China and France celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on Jan. 27, featuring the launch of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism. Cultural exchanges between the two nations have not only spanned the past 60 years, but have actually already lasted several centuries. A copy of the manuscript "Confucius, or the Science of the Princes" has been drawing widespread attention since it was presented by French President Emmanuel Macron to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during his state visit to France in 2019. This precious gift highlighted the cultural exchanges between the two countries during the 17th and 18th centuries, creating a solid foundation for present-day bilateral relations. Olivier Bosc, director of the Arsenal site of the French National Library, views an ancient book in Paris, France, on Nov. 27, 2019. [Xinhua/Han Qian] Emblematic Philosopher Published in 1688, "Confucius, or the Science of the Princes" written by Francois Bernier is the earliest known French version of the Latin work "Confucius Sinarum Philosophus" edited and published in the previous year, systematically encompassing the classical works of the Confucian school. Featuring classic bookbinding styles from the Age of Enlightenment in France, the work sheds light on the political, ethical, and moral ideas of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius, who lived more than two millennia ago. "This is the first French translation. I am struck that Bernier had the insight to want to share it with the French public," said Olivier Bosc, director of the Arsenal Library, which has preserved a manuscript by Bernier since around the 18th century. Bernier lived in an era when Louis XIV paid particular attention to relations with the East, including China. The King sent a delegation to better understand Chinese culture. These scholars translated "The Analects of Confucius" from Chinese into Latin. Having spent years traveling in the East, Bernier translated the work with political aims. He wanted to enlighten readers with the values of balance, morality, and respect, and the work served as a counterpoint to Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince," which emphasized deceit, violence, and cunning. People visit the Oval Room of the Richelieu French National Library in Paris, France, Sept. 17, 2022. [Xinhua/Gao Jing] Explaining Confucius to Louis XIV In 1687, after the Royal Library, now the National Library of France, published "Confucius Sinarum Philosophus," Bernier recognized the need for a French translation. Driven by a belief that introducing Confucianism to France could counter skepticism and bring virtue to politics, Bernier approached his translation from a philosophical instead of a historical perspective, distinguishing him from the Jesuit tradition, said Thierry Meynard, a French philosophy professor at Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou. Bernier's work was more than a translation. It reflected French political life at the time. Bernier dedicated his take on "Confucius, or the Science of the Princes" to French kings or future kings, emphasizing the moral education of the sovereign is the political foundation of a nation. Meynard highlighted Bernier's aspiration to extract universal principles from Confucianism for modern political science, for example, harmony between the monarch and the people, making it pertinent not only to China but to rulers worldwide, including Louis XIV. A contestant creates Chinese painting and calligraphy during the preliminary competition for the 15th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in Rouen, France, May 28, 2016. [Xinhua/Zhang Xuefei] Cultural Exchanges Beyond Confucius In the 17th century, exchanges between France under Louis XIV and China under Emperor Kangxi expanded culturally, commercially, and in the religious domain, said Remi Mathieu, a renowned French sinologist, in a recent written interview with Xinhua. Chinese art, notably Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) artifacts, had a broad impact on the aesthetic life of the French upper class. Chinese-style clocks, sculptures, paintings, carpets, and screens appealed to French nobility and merchants, marking an era of "chinoiseries" in bourgeois salons and royal courts. Furthermore, the imperial examination system, or Keju in Chinese, inspired Louis XV to create the first recruitment competitions, gradually replacing the aristocracy in Louis XIV's France. The tradition of meritocracy still prevails in contemporary France, said Mathieu. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. Regarding his vision of future cultural exchanges between the two countries, Mathieu hopes "the current trend aiming for a better understanding of each other's history and culture will intensify." (Source: Xinhua) Weather Alert ...Elevated Fire Danger Today and Tuesday... ...Hard Freeze Expected Tonight... The combination of very dry air and northwest winds gusting up to 20 mph will create an elevated risk of uncontrolled fire spread this afternoon. Relative humidity values will fall to 20 to 35%, with the lowest humidity levels over the Ozark Foothills of southeast Missouri. A more substantial fire danger is expected Tuesday, as southwest winds increase significantly, with gusts of 25 to 40 mph forecast Tuesday afternoon. Relative humidity values Tuesday afternoon will fall to 25 to 35%. If you are planning outdoor burning today and Tuesday, use extra caution and have fire suppression equipment ready. Tonight, very cold and dry surface high pressure will allow temperatures to drop into the middle and upper 20s throughout the region. Although the growing season has not officially started, tender vegetation could be impacted by these cold temperatures. Please take necessary actions to protect any tender vegetation tonight. Israel responded to the International Court of Justices (ICJ) ruling last Friday, requesting it to take all measures within its power to avoid acts of genocide, by redoubling its efforts to starve the Palestinians and planning for the repopulation of Gaza with Jewish settlements. The same day that the ICJs preliminary findings were issued, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said that Israel had provided the organisation with information alleging that 12 of its employees had taken part in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led incursion and participated in massacres. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini meeting with displaced people in southern Gaza on November 22, 2023, during his second visit in the Gaza Strip since the war started on October 7, 2023. [Photo by Mohamed Hinnawi / CC BY-SA 4.0 One was accused of kidnapping a woman, another of handing out ammunition and a third of taking part in the massacre at a kibbutz where 97 people died. Seven were said to be teachers at UNRWA schools and two worked at the schools in other capacities. Israel initially said that its information on the 12 was the result of its interrogation, i.e. torture, of captured militants. It then changed its story, stating that intelligence services had monitored their cell phones. The move was a carefully planned counterblast to the ICJ. Israel had in fact handed its information to UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini last Sunday, January 21. He flew to New York for discussions with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres before informing donors midweek and then making his announcement on Friday just as the ICJ was delivering its verdict. UNRWA announced it would fire the employees in question and refer them for criminal investigation. Nine were fired and two are reported dead. In sharp contrast to the months of polite appeals for Israel to abide by international law while it has murdered 30,000 Palestinians and reduced Gaza to rubble, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken immediately suspended funds to UNRWA. The was followed in quick succession by the UK, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Romania, Finland, Canada, Australia and Switzerland. The European Union called on UNRWA to investigate all its staff to confirm that they did not participate in the attacks. Israels accusations and attempts to permanently delegitimise UNRWA have escalated since then. The Wall Street Journal and the Jerusalem Post reported that Israel had presented American officials with intelligence estimates that around 1,200 of the 12,000 people UNRWA employs in Gaza (other estimates of UNRWAs employees range up to 30,000) have links to Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, enough to warrant the suspension of funding to UNRWA. And about half have close relatives who belong to the Islamist militant groups. A senior Israeli government official commented, UNRWAs problem is not just a few bad apples involved in the October 7th massacre The institution as a whole is a haven for Hamas radical ideology. This is the answer of Israel and its backers to the meaningless appeal by the ICJ for it to take immediate and effective measures immediately to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. UNRWA handles most of the humanitarian aid to 2 million displaced people in Gaza, part of its providing of services to six million men, women and children in 58 refugee camps spread over Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and East Jerusalem and Gaza. Lazzarini pleaded, I am shocked such decisions are taken based on alleged behaviour of a few individuals and as the war continues, needs are deepening and famine looms. A US statement accepted that UNRWA plays a critical role in providing lifesaving assistance to Palestinians, including essential food, medicine, shelter, and other vital humanitarian support, and that Their work has saved lives. This only confirms that the imperialist powers are working with Israel to starve the Palestinians, kill thousands more and force them into exile. The destruction of UNRWA is a declared goal of Israel and enjoyed the full support of the Trump administration before now being adopted also by Biden. During the Gaza conflict, there have been hundreds of attacks on its facilities, with over 150 UNRWA staff killed and hundreds more civilians sheltering in its facilities. In December, a classified Israeli foreign ministry report was leaked proposing the elimination of UNRWA from Gaza in three steps. The plan began with alleging cooperation of UNRWA staff members with Hamas, followed by a reduction of UNRWA services in Gaza and then the transfer of its duties to whatever entity was left governing Gaza after the end of the warin effect giving Israel a chokehold on the supply of all essentials to the Palestinians. Government officials could not hide their glee. Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who earlier declared that his aims include promoting a policy ensuring that UNRWA will not be a part of the day after, wrote on Twitter/X, We have been warning for years: UNRWA perpetuates the refugee issue, obstructs peace, and serves as a civilian arm of Hamas in Gaza. Ending UNRWAs perpetuating the refugee issue effectively means ending its ability to stop Israel from killing them. The second stage of Israels strategy is to replace the Palestinians starved and bombed out of Gaza. These plans were discussed at a Victory of Israel Conference of fascists on Sunday, subtitled Settlement Brings Security. Organised by the Nachala settler activist group, the event presented maps of six proposed Jewish settlements inside the Gaza Strip, including deep within (the remains of) Gaza City and Khan Younis. Chairwoman Daniella Weiss declared, Millions of war refugees go from country to country around the world, asking rhetorically why only the monsters who grew in Gaza only they should be connected to it? They, specifically, cant move from a land they turned into hell and from where they threaten to destroy Israel? Only the people of Israel will settle the entire Gaza Strip and will rule the entire Gaza Strip. Reporters described a carnival-like atmosphere, with many of the roughly 1,000 participants, some of them visibly armed, literally dancing for joy amid speeches from the likes of Uzi Sharbag, former leader of the far-right terror group Jewish Underground. Among them were 11 cabinet ministers, including five members of Prime Minister Bejamin Netanyahus Likud party, three members of Jewish Power, two members of Religious Zionism and one of United Torah Judaism. Fifteen more non-cabinet members of the Israeli parliament also participated. Six of them, plus Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, signed a Covenant of Victory and Renewal of Settlement pledging to grow Jewish settlements full of life in Gaza. Smotrich told the conference, Without settlement, there is no security. And without security on Israels borders, there is no security in any part of Israel God willing, together we will be victorious. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, speaks with Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich during the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday Jan. 7, 2024. [AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun] Ben Gvir denounced the abandonment of Israeli settlements in Gaza in 2005 as a mistake and part of the sin of the conception that brought upon us October 7. calling for a return to Gush Katif [an evacuated Israeli settlement in the Strip]. Making clear that the genocide in Gaza is conceived of as only the first stage of a war of annihilation against the Palestinians everywhere, he also referenced Samaria, the name used by the Israeli right to refer to the West Bank. The fascist minister demanded a moral and logical solution to the humanitarian problem [the Palestinians still living in Gaza]: encourage emigration and [pass a] death penalty law [for terror convicts]. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud argued similarly, We have an obligation to act, for our sakes and even for the sake of those purported uninvolved civilians, to [bring about] voluntary emigrationeven if this war, which was imposed on us, turns this voluntary migration into a situation of: coerce him until he says, I want to do so. In an implicit appeal to Netanyahu, Ben Gvir declared in his speech that it was the task of brave leadership to take brave decisions. Netanyahu did not attend the conference but indicated his agreement without openly stating it, saying that his ministers were entitled to their opinions. Amid a worsening cost-of-living crisis devastating all working-class households, including the indigenous ones, prominent Aboriginal academic Marcia Langton has doubled down on her agitation for greater corporate and government cultivation of indigenous businesses. Professor Marcia Langton addressing National Press Club of Australia, September 6, 2023. [Photo: Screen shot, National Press Club of Australia] According to Langton, investing in their successes is the way forward following the overwhelming defeat of the Labor governments October 14 referendum to entrench an indigenous Voice assembly at the heart of Australias colonial-era 1901 Constitution. Langton was one of the chief proponents of the Voice proposal, alongside another right-wing pro-business indigenous figure, Noel Pearson. The pair have long been vehement advocates of pushing indigenous people off welfare benefits and into either cheap labour employment or into setting up their own business to exploit the labour power of other indigenous people. Langtons latest call, published in last weekends Saturday Paper, is a continuation of her efforts, and those of the Voice Yes campaign as a whole, to depict race, not class, as the fundamental divide in society. She urged Australian governments, notably the Albanese government to build wealth for indigenous people by investing in Indigenous innovation and engagement. This underscores the agenda behind the Voice project, and one of the primary reasons for its defeat. The Voice was a plan to further elevate a wealthy elite Aboriginal layer of business owners, CEOs and senior university administrators, like herself, further into the capitalist corridors of power. That would be at the expense of working-class and remote community indigenous people, whose social conditions are still rapidly deteriorating under the Labor government, along with those of the working class as a whole. Langton began her comment by again venomously accusing all those who voted against the Voice of racism. She asserted that two out of three Australians voted for racist misinformation peddled by Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton. That is in line with her foul insinuation, during the Voice campaign, that No voters were racist or stupid. Langton also denounced Dutton for criticising big business leaders for supporting the Yes campaign. In reality, the defeat of the corporate-backed Voice referendum was one result of a widening class divide. The schism was, above all, between the more affluent inner-city areas of the country, where Yes votes were concentrated, and the outer suburban working-class suburbs, where peopleincluding the majority of the indigenous populationare experiencing a deepening financial, social and housing affordability crisis. There was also widespread disbelief, notably among indigenous working-class people, that the addition of the Voice to the parliamentary and governmental apparatus would do anything to address the ongoing oppression of Australian capitalism, which began with massacres and land seizures. Most Aboriginal people have gained nothing from all the previous such promisesfrom land rights to official apologies for the Stolen Generations of Aboriginal children forcibly separated from their families. That includes the multi-billion dollar government and corporate procurement programs to favour indigenous businesses. More broadly, the Voice vote became a referendum on the Labor governments entire pro-business and war agenda, which involves a growing commitment to US militarism, from Ukraine to Gaza and China. Not accidentally, soon after the defeat, Langton vociferously backed the Israeli genocide in Gaza. She justified the collective punishment unleashed on the Palestinian people for acts of resistance against the Zionist regime, just as the Australian colonial authorities justified the mass killings of indigenous people after some fought back against their dispossession. In her Saturday Paper column, Langton indirectly alluded to the class basis for the Voice defeat. She said two out of three indigenous Australians had no chance of escaping some of the worst levels of poverty and disadvantage in the world, yet one in three Indigenous Australians have reached economic parity with other Australians. This success for a minority she essentially attributed to her claim that: Refusing to be defeated by the relentless racism, however, Indigenous entrepreneurs and community leaders running non-profit corporations have succeeded in establishing businesses with positive outcomes. Langton boasted of research by herself and others at the University of Melbournes Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership showing that Indigenous businesses contribute at least $4.88 billion to the Australian economymore than the beer industry. The research, she said, found that between 2006 and 2018 there had been a 74-percent increase in the number of Indigenous businesses, that those businesses recorded 115-percent growth in gross income and that the sector created more than 22,000 new jobs. Moreover, in the second report of this research, data revealed Indigenous businesses were thriving across all regions of Australia and all sectors of the economy. Langton termed this economic inclusion. She said it was the result of decades of collaboration between indigenous and corporate leaders, especially from the top 200 corporations, as well as government procurement programs. It was aided also by favourable court rulings on native title, so that more than a third of Australias land mass is subject to Indigenous rights and interests, in formal legal arrangements. Langton added: Many native title claims remain outstanding, but the legislation accords the claimants important legal rights to be consulted and involved in negotiations in many circumstances. Langtons vision highlights how land rights have become a vehicle for business deals, particularly with mining and pastoral conglomerates, rather than for recovering land or overcoming the impact of the atrocities committed by the same corporate empires. Actually, the University of Melbourne research was not so glowing. It found 3,619 indigenous businessesdefined as at least half owned by indigenous peoplealive and active. That was about half the listed indigenous enterprises. On average, counting small businesses, they were larger than non-indigenous businesses, with an average gross annual income of $1.6 million, four times the $400,000 for non-indigenous businesses. The research graded them as only middle-performing for financial performance, however. In other words, these enterprises, even if buoyed by government and corporate programs, operated on the same law of the jungle as other capitalist businesses, surviving by extracting bigger profits from their labour forces than their rivals. A growing class divide The outcome, which Langton avoids mentioning, is a growing class divide among indigenous people, as in the population as a whole. Far from business-accumulated wealth trickling down to the poor, as the capitalist class endlessly asserts, the terrible indigenous poverty to which Langton briefly refers is part of the vast social polarisation that the private profit system is increasingly and inevitably creating. The 2021 Census data for gross weekly personal income of around 460,000 indigenous people over 18 years old revealed that nearly 200,000, or 42.6 percent, had a poverty-level income of less than $499 a week. At the top of the income scale, however, 5,965 individuals, or 1.3 percent, had a weekly income of more than $3,500. Langton has long been in the upper echelon. Since 2000 she has held the Foundation Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies at the University of Melbourne. Since 2017, she has been Associate Provost, which is the deputy to the universitys deputy vice-chancellor. Such posts have secret salaries, but they would exceed $300,000, placing her in the richest 3 percent of the countrys population. Langtons message has been promoted by the ruling class for years. In 2012, she delivered the high-profile Australian Broadcasting Corporations Boyer Lectures, which credited the mining boom, that is, the super-profits accumulated by the billionaires, with leading to the emergence of an Aboriginal middle class based on hundreds of Aboriginal businesses. This process, she claimed, was delivering economic outcomes to communities on an unprecedented scale. In reality, the benefits have gone to a small layer, to the cost of the majority. For such deeds, in 2020 the Morrison Liberal-National government anointed Langton with her second Order of Australia award, promoting her to an officer of the order for distinguished service to tertiary education, and as an advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Her advocacy had included supporting the Northern Territory intervention, a punitive police-military occupation of Aboriginal communities launched by the Howard Liberal-National government in 2007, with the Labor Partys support, on the pretext of protecting Aboriginal children or families from domestic violence, alcoholism, drug abuse and other endemic social problems. It included quarantining or cutting off welfare payments to indigenous people, designed to coercively create a new supply of cheap labour for employers, including indigenous businesses. It also featured the breaking up of communal land ownership to clear the way for private wealth accumulation. Langtons latest response to the Labor governments Voice debacle underlines the entirely pro-capitalist character of the narrow-privileged layer she represents. Their interests are diametrically opposed to those of oppressed Aboriginal workers and youth. This confirms the correctness of the stand taken by the Socialist Equality Party in fighting for an active boycott of the referendum, exposing it as a sham. One of the central aims of the Voice was to further integrate an indigenous elite into the ruling class and its state apparatus. We opposed both the Yes and No camps, equally mired in racialist politics, and charted an independent road forward for the working class as a whole. The Socialist Equality Party opposes all attempts to divide the working class along racial lines. The only means of resolving the appalling situation confronting most Aboriginal workers and youth is through the mobilisation of the entire working class, indigenous and non-indigenous alike, to end the capitalist socio-economic order that has produced it. On Friday afternoon, the Australia Day public holiday, more than sixty black-clad neo-Nazis were stopped by New South Wales (NSW) Police at North Sydney train station and barred from entering the citys central business district. Precisely what they were planning remains unclear, but some sort of public march seems likely. National Socialist Network members in Sydney [Photo: Transport for NSW] The individuals, members of the National Socialist Network (NSN), have previously staged menacing and provocative demonstrations in the neighboring state of Victoria. The attempted Sydney event appeared to be a national mobilisation of their membership, with police and media claiming that a majority of the NSN members were from out of state, most of those from Victoria where the group is headquartered. While the Australia Day incident received the bulk of the headlines, police also prevented the NSN from holding a Saturday meeting at a hall in the suburb of North Turramurra and from assembling in an Artarmon park the next morning. The NSN is a widely reviled organisation, which openly worships Adolf Hitler and is steeped in antisemitism and racism. Over the recent period, it has moved towards a more aggressive and open public presence. Its intimidating actions have been treated with kid gloves by the Victoria Police, provoking public anger. In one instance, Victoria Police watched on as the NSN hunted for Jewish people in the centre of Melbourne on a late weekend evening in October. It is hard to believe that this did not violate laws relating to intimidation and criminal menace. There is nothing remotely progressive about the NSW Police crackdown, however. It served several purposes, all of them reactionary. One was to protect the reputation and optics of Australia Day, a key celebration of Australian nationalism. The public holiday commemorates the 1788 landing of the First Fleet, the beginning of full-scale British settlement of the country and the exterminatory onslaught against the indigenous population. NSW Police, together with the state Labor government, likely wished to avoid the embarrassment of open Nazis encountering or even attending official celebrations of Australia Day, while chanting openly racist slogans. The attempted Nazi mobilisation also provided police with an opportunity to deploy sweeping powers that can be used far more broadly. In footage of the encounter at North Sydney train station, a police officer told Thomas Sewell, the leader of the NSN: I believe your presence in the Sydney City local government area poses a serious risk to public safety. The officer said This is based on your ideological links, including your associates, your previous attendance and ideologically motivated public order incidents, your criminal history of assaulting members of the public and your goal of intimidating and provoking people. That order appears to have been applied to all of the gathered NSN members, who were reportedly threatened with arrest if they did not leave. The directive seems to be based on the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002. In addition to wide-ranging powers for warrantless searches and seizures, the legislation provides senior police with the ability to declare that the presence of the person (or class of persons) concerned at the public event or premises or other area concerned poses a serious risk to public safety or security. There are few constraints, with the senior officer required only to decide that the making of the order is reasonably necessary in the circumstances. These are draconian powers of a police-state character. The reference to Sewells ideological links by the police officer is especially disturbing. Sewell is a Nazi, his ideology abhorrent. But the idea that senior police, themselves committed defenders of the status quo and representatives of the state, can determine which ideologies are acceptable and which are not, is an affront to fundamental democratic rights. If anything, the Saturday incident is even more troubling. The police broke up a gathering of the Nazis at a meeting hall, even though it was not a public or public-facing event. The premises were hired under a false pretext, but that is unlikely to be a police matter. Basic civil liberties related to the freedom of assembly and speech are at play. The possibility of such powers being deployed more broadly is not a hypothetical question. The NSW Police and the state Labor government of Premier Chris Minns have been at the forefront of a nationwide crackdown on opponents of the Israeli genocide in Gaza. For an October 8 Sydney demonstration against the Zionist regimes carpet bombing of civilians, Minns approved extraordinary police powers to stop and search anyone in the vicinity without a warrant. While they were not actually deployed, the clear aim of the powers was to shut down the protest and intimidate participants. On November 21, NSW Police, including from the riot squad, launched a vicious physical attack on pro-Palestinian protesters at Port Botany. The demonstrators had briefly occupied a road leading to the port to oppose the docking of a ship owned by Israeli shipping line Zim, which has collaborated in the Israeli offensive. While the protesters were entirely peaceful, footage showed the police pushing, hitting and dragging them. Twenty-three were arrested and charged under anti-protest laws passed by the Liberal-National Coalition and Labor in 2022. The legislation makes it a criminal offence, punishable by up to two years imprisonment, to conduct protests or any activities that could impede major infrastructure or commercial activities. Civil liberties organisations have denounced them as an authoritarian move to outlaw the right to demonstrate. Minns attacks on Palestinian protesters provoked significant anger. The Nazi gathering has given him an opportunity to rehabilitate the aggressive deployment of the police against political gatherings. Hatred has no place in NSW, Minns declared. If these thugs try to pull a stunt like this again, they will be met with overwhelming force from the NSW Police. Minns has also denounced the fascists over the fact that some of them were wearing face coverings. That goes hand-in-hand with a broader attempt to outlaw attempts to maintain privacy and anonymity at protests and political activities. It also dovetails with the governments let it rip COVID policies, which have included the lifting of all mask-mandates and an attempt to present the wearing of masks, a basic safety measure, as an abnormality. The presentation of the NSN as an oddity, which has appeared from nowhere, is a sham. In reality, they emerged out of a far-right milieu that has been cultivated by the political set-up for over a decade. The predecessor groups of the NSN particularly fed off the official promotion of Islamophobia in the course of the phony war on terror, a racist campaign by the media and capitalist politicians against supposed African gangs, and the whipping-up of a militarist nationalism around the centenary of World War I. A continuous staple, aside from these campaigns, has been an alignment with the anti-immigrant and anti-refugee agitation that is embedded in the DNA of the entire political establishment, including Labor. The Nazis were given a further boost during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which a small right-wing layer was whipped-up and mobilised as a battering ram to justify the profit-driven lifting of COVID restrictions. The positions of the anti-lockdown movement, including of the NSN, are now effectively the policy of all governments, including the NSW Labor administration. This is part of an international process, whereby segments of the ruling elite have promoted fascistic political forces, as part of a lurch towards authoritarianism directed against growing working-class opposition to inequality, austerity and war. This tendency in world politics is epitomised by Donald Trump, an out-and-out fascist and one of the presumptive nominees for this years presidential election. The claim that the police are a bulwark against fascism is likewise a fraud. While the extreme-right has no mass base of support in the broader population, its positions percolate within the state apparatus, which plays an ever-more direct role in the suppression of popular opposition. The NSN has recruited among military veterans, and possibly active-service soldiers. One of its publicly-identified members is the son of a longstanding police officer. Over recent years, there have been several indicators of outright fascist tendencies within the police, including separate instances of a police officer in NSW and one in Victoria flashing a white pride hand signal at left-wing protesters. The fight against the twin threats of increasing state and police authoritarianism and the cultivation of fascistic and far-right forces requires a socialist movement of the working class, directed against the capitalist profit-system, which is spewing up the worst phenomena of the 1930s amid its deep-going crisis. In toxic comments that combine equal parts political blindness and malicious slander, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appeared on national television Sunday morning to declare that the widespread protests against Israeli genocide in Gaza were actually financed and promoted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Nancy Pelosi accuses Gaza protesters of delivering "Mr. Putin's message." January 28, 2024 [Photo: CNN News] Pelosi was responding to a question by host Dana Bash on CNNs interview program State of the Union, about whether young people, Arab Americans and progressives might stay home rather than vote for Biden in November, because of their hostility to US-Israeli actions in Gaza. This exchange followed, according to the transcript posted by the network: PELOSI: Well, let me just say this, because I have been the recipient of their, shall we say, exuberances, and its as recently as in Seattle on Thursday, unfortunately wanted to disrupt our very exciting Democratic meeting there. Theyre in front of my house all the time. So lets address that. But for them to call for a cease-fire is Mr. Putins message, Mr. Putins message. Make no mistake, this is directly connected to what he would like to see. Same thing with Ukraine. Its about Putins message. I think some of thesesome of these protesters are spontaneous and organic and sincere. Some, I think, are connected to Russia. And I say that having looked at this for a long time now, as you know. BASH: You think some of these protests are Russian plants? PELOSI: I dont think theyre plants. I think some financing should be investigated. And I want to ask the FBI to investigate that. Groups opposed to discrimination against Arabs and Muslims, like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), denounced Pelosis comments. CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said, We are deeply disturbed by former House Speaker Pelosis comments. Rep. Pelosis claim that some of the Americans protesting for a Gaza ceasefire are working with Vladmir Putin sounds delusional and her call for the FBI to investigate those protesters without any evidence is downright authoritarian. Sadly, Rep. Pelosis comments echo a time in our nation when opponents of the Vietnam War were accused of being communist sympathizers and subjected to FBI harassment. Hundreds of thousands of Americans, including many young people, progressive activists, and Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, and Black Americans, have been protesting to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Millions more Americans support a ceasefire, including the majority of Democrats, according to mainstream surveys. But there was little reaction to Pelosis McCarthyite smear in the major corporate media. The New York Times published a single brief news article, while the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal did not comment. Only CNN, the network where Pelosi had appeared, reported any negative reaction to her remarks, while the other broadcast and cable networks said nothing. Pelosi made similar remarks in October responding to protesters who were outside her house demonstrating against the Gaza slaughter, shouting Stop the genocide! Stop the holocaust! One woman spoke directly to Pelosi as she entered her car, saying, Democrats want the ceasefire. Pelosi can be heard yelling back, Go back to China, where your headquarters is. (The protesters appeared to be white, not Asian). Not one major figure in the Democratic Party has addressed these comments by someone who was the leading voice of the Democrats on Capitol Hill only 13 months ago. The Biden White House continues to reject appeals for a ceasefire while promoting attacks spearheaded by pro-Trump Republican fascists in the House against advocates of a ceasefire, particularly among college students, who have been branded antisemites because they oppose the mass murder in Gaza. It would be wrong to dismiss these comments as the delusional ravings of an 83-year-old who was notorious for inarticulate word salads even in her days as Democratic leader and House Speaker. (Pelosi stepped down as Democratic leader after the 2022 election, when the party lost its narrow majority in the House). Whatever her limitations in public speaking, Pelosi was a forceful and deeply reactionary figure behind the scenes, with the closest connections to the top levels of the American state machine and its military-intelligence network. She was a longtime member of the House Intelligence Committee before becoming leader of the Democratic caucus, where she was part of the gang of eight congressional leaders regularly briefed about secret US military operations. During her two separate terms as Speaker of the House, 2006-2010 and 2018-2022, she was second in the line of succession to the presidency, behind only the vice president, and played a key role in bipartisan collaboration, first with President George W. Bush, then with President Donald Trump. When she told Dana Bash, I say that having looked at this for a long time now, as you know, she was suggesting that her decades of working with the intelligence agencies had convinced her that the Russian governmentand apparently the Chinese as wellwere intervening actively in American politics and were exploiting or actually creating the political divisions within the United States. The claim that those participating in the protests against Israeli genocide in Gaza are being financed and manipulated by Moscow and Beijing is a reactionary McCarthyite slander. Pelosi would have imbibed such tactics at an early age. She was the daughter of a Democratic congressman from Baltimore, Maryland, and spent much of the 1950s as a student in a Catholic girls high school and college. Pelosi has been particularly associated with anti-Russian and anti-Chinese provocations on behalf of the military-intelligence apparatus in the aftermath of the collapse of Stalinism. She was one of the most fervent advocates of the Democratic Party campaign portraying Donald Trump as a stooge of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and in 2019 gave the green light to the first impeachment of Trump for his phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump was seeking compromising information on Democrat Joe Biden, and delayed US military aid to the Kiev regime briefly in order to put pressure on it. This threatened to undermine longstanding US plans, begun under the Obama administration, to turn Ukraine into a spearhead against Russia. As for China, Pelosi has long backed right-wing Chinese emigre groups influential in San Franciscos Chinatown, one of the largest in the US. In one of her final acts as House speaker, in August 2022, Pelosi traveled to Taiwan, the highest-ranking US official to visit the island in defiance of the Chinese-American One China policy recognizing that Taiwan is part of China, and not a separate country. A spokesperson for the congresswoman referred to this record in indirect terms in explaining Pelosis comments: Informed by three decades on the House Intelligence Committee, Speaker Pelosi is acutely aware of how foreign adversaries meddle in American politics to sow division and impact our elections, and she wants to see further investigation ahead of the 2024 election. As a political smear, the claim that anti-genocide protesters are financed by Moscow and doing Putins bidding is a particularly crude one. While the Russian government has endorsed a ceasefire, it is hardly alone. In December, 153 members of the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. So have 67 members of the Democratic caucus in the House, including 13 members from California alone, as well as the City Council of San Francisco, where Pelosi lives. In last weeks New Hampshire primary, 1,500 Democrats in New Hampshire wrote in ceasefire on their primary ballot, about 1.25 percent of the vote. This would equate, on a national scale, given 80 million Democratic voters, to about a million Democrats supposedly acting as agents of Putin. The smear testifies to both the isolation of Pelosi, Biden and the rest of the Democratic leadership from the genuine feelings of millions of workers and youth, and to their mounting desperation over the clear unpopularity of the Biden administrations actions, both in backing Israeli genocide in Gaza, and more broadly, in Ukraine and the Far East, wherever imperialist war is threatened. Take up the fight for rank-and-file control! Join the Autoworkers Rank-and-File Network by filling out the form below. An autoworker on the assembly line inside the Toledo Jeep plant (Credit: Twitter/@FiatChrysler_NA) [AP Photo] Thousands of autoworkers in the United States and other countries will be thrown out of work in coming weeks as Stellantis, Ford and other global companies lead an accelerating wave of job cuts across the world economy. In Toledo, Ohio, as many as 1,225 Stellantis workersor nearly a quarter of the workforce at the giant Jeep-manufacturing complexare scheduled to be laid off starting February 5. Another 2,455 workers will also be laid off at the Detroit Assembly Complex-Mack plant. The company says the production of Jeep Cherokees at the plant will temporarily be reduced from three to two shifts, but there have been repeated threats to eliminate the third shift. Earlier this month, 539 supplemental (temporary) employees at Stellantis plants in Detroit and Kokomo, Indiana were fired, and United Auto Workers officials say another 1,600 SEs face the same fate in the next few months, if not sooner. The UAW told these workers they would be rolled over to full-time positions once the new labor agreements were ratified, now they are being fired. The worlds third largest automaker is also carrying out 600 job cuts at its Mulhouse plant in eastern France, largely affecting contract workers. Another 2,250 Stellantis workers will be temporarily laid off at its Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, between February 12 and March 3. Ford began laying off 100 workers at the Chicago Assembly Plant this week, with 25 of the lowest seniority workers told not to report to work on Monday. According to UAW Local 551, the layoffs are for three months with the tentative return date on April 29. In addition, Ford is cutting two-thirds of the jobs at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center (REVC) in Dearborn, Michigan, forcing 1,500 workers to transfer to other facilities or take voluntary retirements. Production of the F-150 Lightning pickup truck at the facility is being reduced to just one shift. At the beginning of the month, General Motors laid off 1,300 workers in Michigan. This included 945 workers at its Orion Assembly plant, north of Detroit, where production of the Chevrolet Bolt is being wound down and retooling to manufacture electric trucks has been delayed until 2025. Another 369 GM workers are being laid off at the Lansing Grand River plant with the ending of Camaro production in December 2023. The job cutting occurs just months after UAW President Shawn Fain claimed the union had won record contracts from the Big Three automakers that saved plants and would add jobs. In fact, the UAW-backed deals have paved the way for a massive attack on jobs as the automakers transition to electric vehicles and slash jobs and labor costs to gain a competitive edge in what Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares recently called a bloodbath. After collaborating with the Biden administration to push through the job-cutting deals, the UAW apparatus endorsed the Democratic president, locking arms with the administrations program of expanding war abroad and class war at home. At the Toledo Assembly Complex, UAW Local 12 officials have kept workers completely in the dark about the next months layoffs. In the run up to the contract ratification, local union officials claimed a third shift and new jobs would be added, and all 1,100 supplementals would get permanent jobs. But Stellantis agreed to convert only 900 supplementals at the plant and they will be among the first laid off. Rather than fighting the job cuts, UAW officials are pushing for rolling two-month layoffs, which would allow the company to lay off higher paid senior workers first. The union isnt telling us anything, Alice, a supplemental worker at the plant for nearly four years told the WSWS. Ive filled out the paperwork to get rolled over to full time, but nobody knows whos going to get it. There are workers here who have been temps for six or seven years. These layoffs have got me stressed out; I might be looking for another job in a few weeks. The union told us we would be rolled over with the new contract but there was a lot of hidden words in the deals. I dont trust the union anymore. The strike was phony. We were on the picket line for six weeks while the other plants were working. Nothing has changed. A worker right next to me is bringing home a weekly check of $1,300 and Im getting $700 for doing the same thing. Now, were being laid off and the UAW expects us to keep paying dues, even though they never had our backs. Its like this on every job. Workers all over the world are busting our butts for nothing and everybody is tired of it. You have these people who have all the money and they are wiping us out, a recently fired SE at the Indiana Transmission Plant in Kokomo told the WSWS. They are slithering snakes and I dont trust any of them, she said of the company, the UAW apparatus and Biden. Rank-and-file supplemental workers are fighting to be reinstated with full back pay. Many attended a January 21 emergency meeting sponsored by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) to organize a fight, independent of the apparatuses that control the UAW and other unions. In Kokomo, Stellantis is also planning to close its Tipton Transmission plant, in the first of what could be a wave of plant closures and mass layoffs at transmissions plants in the area as the company begins to buy propulsion systems from Hyundai Transys, Inc., an auto parts subsidiary of South Koreas Hyundai Motor Group. BorgWarner, a major transmission supplier, closed its Kokomo facility earlier this month, permanently laying off the remaining 94 workers at the plant. Facing competition from lower priced Tesla and Chinese manufacturers, Swedish EV manufacturer Polestar announced plans to cut 450 jobs globally, or about 15 percent of its total workforce. In Canada, parts suppliers are also being hit by retooling for EV production. Martinrea International closed its Fabco Metallic plant in Dresden, Ontario earlier this month, after Stellantis ended production of a previous model of the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit and ended output of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger in Brampton, Ontario in December, according to Automotive News Canada. This whole place is closing, Brian Gittens, who worked at the plant for 23 years told the Chatham News, and theres nobody here fighting for our jobs or fighting to see if there are other opportunities. Workers at the plant are ostensibly represented by the Unifor union, which also rammed through sellout deals with the Big Three automakers last year. In Germany, tens of thousands of jobs are being slashed at VW, Bosch, Continental, ZF and other auto and auto parts suppliers, with the full complicity of the IG Metall union apparatus. In addition to the auto industry, mass layoffs are spreading throughout every sector of the US economy. Job cuts are sweeping through newsrooms, including the Los Angeles Times (115 journalists,) Business Insider, Time, and Sports Illustrated, which is laying off all 100 employees and moving to shut down. Staffers at the New York Daily News and Forbes walked out last week to oppose impending cuts. In the first four weeks of 2024, nearly 25,000 tech workers were laid off, according to layoffs.fyi, at Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, TikTok, Salesforce and scores of other companies. This follows the slashing of 260,000 tech jobs last year, the worst since the dot-com bubble burst in the early 2000s. Ebay announced it will slash another 1,000 jobs this year, after cutting 500 in 2023. There is a herding effect in tech, Jeff Shulman, a professor at the University of Washingtons Foster School of Business, told NPR. The layoffs seem to be helping their stock prices, so these companies see no reason to stop its the new normal. On January 25, a panel of judges for Michigans Court of Appeals ruled that Christopher Schurr can stand trial for killing Patrick Lyoya. The decision comes nearly two years after then-Grand Rapids Police Officer Schurr shot Lyoya in the back of the head during a traffic stop on April 4, 2022. Officer Christopher Schurr [Photo: Grand Rapids Police Department] The Court of Appeals has reaffirmed an October, 2022 ruling by 61st District Court Judge Nicholas Ayoub, who ruled that the Kent County prosecutors office had established probable cause to charge Schurr with second-degree murder. Judges Kathleen Feeney, Colleen OBrien, and Brock Swartzle made up the panel that examined Schurrs appeal of Ayoubs ruling. Swartzle dissented, while OBrien and Feeney determined, We agree that there is at least sufficient evidence presented at the preliminary examination to establish probable cause that defendants actions did not satisfy the standards for use of deadly force in self-defense. Lyoya, a 26-year-old refugee from the Congo, was driving with a friend when Schurr stopped him for a problem with his license plate. After Schurr informed him that he was under arrest, Lyoya resisted and a struggle ensued. When Schurr had Lyoya face down on the ground, he drew his gun and shot Lyoya in the back of the head. It was only after residents protested throughout Grand Rapids that the police released chilling footage showing the whole encounter, including when Schurr fired the fatal shot. Schurrs defense team appealed the district courts decision on the grounds that Schurr, as a police officer, had an indisputable right to kill Lyoya. According to the majority opinion, they argued that, because Lyoya was a felon [presumably for resisting arrest], defendant as a police officer had the immediate right to resort to deadly force. Defendant argues that the district court and circuit court erred when they imposed a necessity requirement on the use of deadly force to apprehend a fleeing felon because the element of necessity does not apply to police officers. In their 25-page opinion, Feeney and OBrien demonstrated that, in fact, the police do not have the right to kill with impunity. [Schurrs] argument on its face would suggest that whenever a police officer is met with force in making an arrest, the officer is always justified in using force, including deadly force, in order to effectuate an arrest. We reject this blanket rule, concluding that use-of-force in making an arrest is more nuanced than defendants brief suggests. After a review of the legal precedent, Feeney and OBrien concluded, Defendants claim that the necessity element does not apply to police officers is unsupported by the law. A TV display shows video evidence of Schurr struggling with and shooting Patrick Lyoya [Photo: Grand Rapids Police Department] They cite the decision of the Michigan Supreme Court in People v. Gonsler, a case where a moonshiner shot and killed a man who was robbing his garage. The court ruled that the prosecutor in the case did not violate the law by instructing the jury, Both officers and private persons seeking to prevent a felons escape must exercise reasonable care and it is only where killing him is necessary to prevent his escape, that the killing is justified, and it is for you as jurors to determine from the evidence in this case the existence or absence of the necessity. If the killing is not justifiable, it is either murder of manslaughter. In the Michigan Supreme Court case People v. Doss, where the defendant was a police officer, the court explained that the officer could only use deadly force under the principles applicable to a claim of self-defense and like a private citizen, the police officer who claims self-defense must have reasonably believed himself to have been in great danger and that this response was necessary to save himself therefrom. In the United States Supreme Court case Tennessee v. Garner, the court ruled that a police officer may not seize an unarmed, nondangerous [sic] suspect by shooting him dead and that the officer must have probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a threat of serious physical harm, either to the officer or others. Feeney and OBrien concluded that a police officer would be privileged to use deadly force to apprehend a fleeing felon ifand only ifthe use of deadly force was necessary to prevent the felons escape. Based on a review of all the evidence presented at the probable cause hearing, they found that the district court did not err when it determined that there was evidence presented at the preliminary examination that both supported and refuted defendants claim that he shot Lyoya in self-defense. The district court properly concluded that it was for the jury to resolve any conflicts in the evidence. Schurrs attorneys also argued that his Taser, which was trapped between Lyoya and the ground when Schurr killed him, qualified as a dangerous weapon per se. This would mean that, for legal purposes, a Taser is a dangerous weapon by definition and regardless of the circumstances. Feeney and OBrien pointed out that both Taser probes had been discharged and that there was no evidence that Lyoya had tried to use it against Schurr. Therefore, they concluded, it is up to a jury to decide whether it was a dangerous weapon in this case. It is on this point that Swartzle dissented. According to him, a Taser should be considered a dangerous weapon per se, because it has a drive-stun mode. This is an alternate mode which Tasers have that can stun a person from contact with the weapon without having to fire it. Swartzle did not address the fact that the odds are miniscule that Lyoya would have even known that such a mode existed, or the fact that the Taser was trapped between his body and the ground when Schurr killed him. Despite the ruling, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker advised that this does not imply the case will go to trial any time soon. Becker expects that Schurrs defense team will appeal the decision to the Michigan Supreme Court, which they have 56 days to do. After the Court of Appeals decision was announced Ven Johnson, a lawyer representing Patrick Lyoyas family in a lawsuit against Schurr, told Fox 17, The Lyoya family remains distraught about the cold-blooded killing of their son, and any of these delays adds more insult to injury, as it would with any parent, any family member, of someone wrongfully murdered. He told the Detroit Free Press, The Lyoya family welcomes the news that Christopher Schurr's appeal has been denied, clearing the path for a criminal trial in the murder of Patrick. This marks a positive step towards justice. The family recognizes that there's a substantial journey ahead, remaining distraught over their loved one. They cant help but be reminded that Schurr can enjoy freedom at home on bond while Patrick lies in a grave. As the trial moves forward, the family anxiously awaits their day in court, not only in the criminal proceedings but also in our ongoing civil lawsuit. Mass protests against Israels genocide in Gaza continued in multiple Australian cities over the long weekend. For the 16th successive week, thousands of workers and young people took to the streets to voice their opposition to the Zionist onslaught and the complicity of governments worldwide, including the federal Labor administration in Australia. A section of the Sydney protest on January 28, 2024 In Melbourne, the weekly pro-Palestinian rally was combined with an annual invasion day protest held on Friday against the oppression of Australias indigenous population. The combined event attracted around 100,000 people. In addition to a similar protest in Sydney on Friday, attended by around 10,000 people, the regular weekly anti-genocide rally proceeded on Sunday, with thousands of protesters present. Demonstrators on Sunday were motivated in particular by the International Court of Justice ruling that Israel has a case to answer over a South African charge of genocide, and the response of the Australian Labor government, which has been to double down on its support for Israel and suspend aid to Palestinians. Video interviews with some of the participants at the rallies are presented below. NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg and US Secretary of State A. Blinken at a joint press conference, January 29, 2024 [Photo: CSPAN] The deaths of three US Army reserve soldiers in Jordan Sunday have been used to launch a campaign within the US political and media establishment for military escalation targeting Iran. The Biden administration claimed the attacks were carried out by Kataib Hezbollah, a militia group the US asserts is backed by Iran. Iran has denied any link to the attacks. More than 45,000 US troops are deployed in the Middle East, associated with decades of US wars throughout the region that have collectively killed over one million people. The attack on US troops deployed on the other side of the world is being used to justify long-planned military escalations. Blaming the attack on radical Iran-backed militant groups, President Joe Biden declared, We will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing. Over the past two months, US imperialism has provoked a regional war in the Middle East, launching multiple strikes on Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Now the US military is threatening to directly attack Iran, which would engulf the entire region in a bloodbath. The Biden administration is playing with fire, creating the conditions for a catastrophe. It has systematically provided funding, logistical support and political cover for Israels genocide in Gaza, knowing full well that this would provoke retaliation against US forces deployed throughout the region, whose deaths would be used as a pretext for further military escalation. In response to all criticism of its provocative actions, the Biden administration has responded by declaring that it has no intention of waging war against the countries it is militarily encircling. Asked repeatedly at Mondays White House press briefing whether the US government is actively considering potential attacks inside Iran, White House National Security spokesman John Kirby repeatedly replied, We are not looking for a war with Iran. Notably, on January 12, Kirby used the exact same language with regard to Yemen, declaring, Were not interested in a war with Yemen. And yet, the United States has carried out dozens of missile strikes inside Yemen over the past three weeks, on over half a dozen separate days. It seems that the best predictor of what country the US military will illegally bomb next is the one the US government declares it has absolutely no intention to wage war against. The most ridiculous version of this argument was presented in a White House briefing on January 16. A reporter noted repeated US statements that were not looking to expand this conflict, and asked, How do you square that with US attacks on Yemen that had just been carried out. To this, Kirby made the following response: Its a very simple equation: By removing military capability from the Houthis, we are making it harder for them to conduct these attacks. ... So, the very act of taking these strikes, knocking out their capabilityin some cases before they could use itthat is, by definition, taking the tensions down. In this Orwellian language, any US attack on the military forces of any country is an act of de-escalation. And if the United States military were to attempt to destroy Chinas and Russias military capacity by attacking all of their bases with nuclear weapons, that would be the most de-escalatory act of all. These absurd verbal gymnastics are an attempt to conceal the White Houses far-reaching plans for military escalation from the American population, which overwhelmingly opposes further US military intervention in the Middle East. Asked on Monday why the White House has not informed the American people about its war plans or sought consent from Congress, Kirby bristled at the suggestion, declaring, The commander-in-chief is not looking at polling or considering the electoral calendar. The United States seized upon Hamass October 7 attack on Israel to immediately surge troops, warships and aircraft into the Middle East, in what the US Navys news publication called the largest mass of US ships in the region in decades. This massive military buildup was intended to be used in exactly the way it has been: to carry out a widening series of military attacks throughout the region aimed at reorganizing the Middle East under US domination. Less than 10 days after the October 7 attack, the World Socialist Web Site warned: The dispatch of an armada of over a dozen warships to the Middle East is not simply to threaten Hamas, which has no navy. The United States is preparing for a much broader conflict in the Middle East, including war with Iran. Since then, the United States has bombed Iraq, Syria and Yemen. The US sees the conflict that has now erupted in the Middle East as a critical component of an existential struggle with Russia and China. Significantly, the United States, in the words of a recent article in Foreign Affairs,has taken note of Chinas expanding relationship with Middle Eastern states, in particular, Beijings efforts to broker a rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia. On Monday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, in a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, obliterated any dividing line between NATOs war against Russia and the US conflict with Iran and China, declaring, A Russian victory would embolden Iran, North Korea and China. That matters for Europes security. And it matters for Americas security. The global war that has now been provoked by US imperialism and its allies in London, Berlin and Paris is part of a global counter-revolution in which the imperialist powers are seeking to reestablish direct control over their former colonies. At the same time, US imperialism, beset by massive internal social contradictions, is attempting to channel these internal tensions outward, toward an external enemy. These wars also create the framework for continuous attacks on democratic rights and an effort to delegitimize domestic political opposition. The intensifying US preparations for a potential war with Iran follow last weeks ruling by the International Court of Justice calling on Israel to cease killing civilians in Gaza and restricting the supply of food and humanitarian aid. At the same time, the ICJ refused to call for a ceasefire in Israels war in Gaza, as requested by South Africa in its submission to the court. In response to this ruling, Israel has only increased its bombings of civilians in Gaza, while the United States and other imperialist powers have suspended funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, threatening even further starvation in Gaza. Any belief that the United Nations or the institutions of international law are capable of restraining the eruption of imperialist barbarism has been refuted by these developments. Halting imperialist barbarism requires the mobilization of the working class, uniting the struggle against genocide and war with the fight against inequality, poverty, unemployment and the capitalist system. Much-maligned Citigroup (NYSE:C) stock has rallied more than 40% off of its 52-week low. However, even after this rally, theres still plenty of room for additional upside. Im bullish on shares of the fourth-largest bank in the United States based on its incredibly cheap valuation, above-average dividend yield, and the steady progress the company is making on reducing expenses. Furthermore, several highly-regarded value investors have positions in the stock and seem to support management and its turnaround plans. Signs That a Turnaround Is Underway Citigroup stock wont be winning many popularity contests any time soon. While there were plenty of ups and downs, the stock has treaded water over the past five years, ultimately remaining flat during a time frame in which the broader market has surged. Part of the reason for this lackluster performance is that the bank has produced disappointing results. Citigroups recently-reported fourth-quarter results followed this trend, as the bank posted a $1.8 billion loss, which arose from a smorgasbord of charges related to overseas risks. However, there were also signs of life, and overall, investors and analysts had a positive reaction to the report. For one thing, management expects $80-81 billion in revenue, a 4% increase versus full-year revenue for 2023. Furthermore, the company is targeting significant reductions in expenses and making slow but steady progress toward this goal. Management guided for $53.5-53.8 billion in expenses in 2024, which would represent 1% in savings from last years $54.3 billion. Further out, the company is targeting a more ambitious reduction to $51-53 billion. The company previously announced a program to cut headcount by approximately 10% and has started making layoffs and eliminating leadership roles, so its serious about these goals. The outlook was well-received by analysts. Wells Fargos (NYSE:WFC) Mike Mayo calls Citi his top bank pick in the midst of a multi-year inflection and maintains an Overweight rating and $70 price target on the stock. Meanwhile, Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) maintained its Buy rating on the stock and increased its price target from $60 to $65. Similarly, Oppenheimer maintained its Outperform rating and increased its price target to a more aggressive $93, up from $85. Story continues Big Investors Believe in the Turnaround Several prominent value investors believe in the management team and the turnaround play. During the most recent quarter, Edgar Wachenheim IIIs Greenhaven Associates increased its Citigroup position by 22%, making it the firms third-largest holding. As of the 13F filing, shares of Citigroup accounted for nearly 9% of Greenhavens portfolio. Wachenheim recently told Barrons, We strongly believe that Citigroups shares are deeply undervalued because the bank and its management are much better and stronger than their reputations. Wachenheim went on to say, We hear from a number of sources that Jane Fraser is doing an excellent job as Citis relatively new CEO. Thats a pretty convincing vote of confidence, and Warren Buffett seems to agree. At a recent lunch with Fraser, Buffett reportedly told the new CEO to keep going with her cost-cutting and turnaround plans. Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.B) is a major shareholder that owns over 55 million shares of the bank as of its last 13F filing. Resoundingly Cheap In addition to the turnaround efforts, value investors like Wachenheim and Buffett clearly know that shares of Citigroup are incredibly cheap. Not only do they trade at just nine times projected 2024 earnings, a significant discount to the broader market, but they also trade at a massive discount to book value. Shares of the bank trade at a paltry 0.56 times book value. Its hard to overstate how cheap this is. It means that Citigroup currently trades for slightly more than half of what it would be worth if all of its assets were liquidated today. Citigroup is also far cheaper than its big four banking peers, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), based on this metric. Bank of America shares trade at its book value, while shares of Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase trade above their book values. Some discount to these stocks is certainly warranted as they have produced better results than Citigroup, but the discount illustrates that there is room for upside ahead. This ultra-low price-to-book value ratio gives investors significant potential upside and a nice margin of safety when buying shares. The aforementioned Wachenheim told Barrons that he believes tangible book value will average $105-$110 in 2026 and that if shares merely sell at book value and at 10 times normal earnings, an investor can double his or her money over the next two or so years. Solid Dividend Play In addition to this staggeringly cheap valuation, Citigroup also looks attractive based on its dividend yield. Shares currently yield 3.9%, more than double the yield of the S&P 500 (SPX). Citigroups dividend yield is also higher than any of its big four banking peers, all of which yield below 3%. Citigroup has paid a dividend for 11 years in a row, and the dividend should be safe, as the stocks dividend payout ratio is a conservative 37.2%. Is C Stock a Buy, According to Analysts? Turning to Wall Street, Citigroup earns a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on seven Buys, 10 Holds, and one Sell rating assigned in the past three months. The average C stock price target of $60.47 implies 11.75% upside potential. Looking Ahead Citigroup has been an underperformer, but the stock is picking up momentum, and several prominent investors appear to believe in its turnaround potential. Im bullish on the stock based on these plans, its ridiculously cheap price-to-book ratio, and its above-average dividend yield. Disclosure By Tommy Wilkes and Mathieu Rosemain LONDON/PARIS (Reuters) -The three co-founders of AllianceBernstein's Autonomous research unit have quit, ahead of the U.S. investment firm merging its equities business with French bank Societe Generale. Stuart Graham, a highly regarded banks analyst who joined AllianceBernstein in 2019 after it bought the financial sector-focused research firm he co-founded, is leaving in March to take a six-month break from work, he told Reuters. The other two co-founders of Autonomous, Ed Allchin and Manus Costello, are also leaving, Graham said in an email. Costello was named last week as Standard Chartered's global head of investor relations, starting in April, while Allchin will hand over his responsibilities by April. Reuters has emailed Allchin and Costello for comment. The departures will be a blow to SocGen and AllianceBernstein as they look to close their joint venture, which combines SocGen's expertise in equities trading with Bernstein's in research, in the coming months. Announced in late 2022, the deal was expected to close by the end of 2023, but in an amendment to its registration document last August SocGen said it expected it to close in the first half of 2024, citing pending regulatory approvals. AllianceBernstein did not respond to a request for comment. SocGen had no immediate comment. Graham has been one of the best-known bank analysts since he founded Autonomous in 2009 after leading European banks equity research at Merrill Lynch. He previously covered banks at JP Morgan and HSBC. Under the deal, SocGen is taking an initial 51% interest in the partnership, which will carry the Bernstein name, with an option to take 100% after five years. CEO Slawomir Krupa is trying to revive SocGen's fortunes as it lags rivals and the bank hopes the merger will help it compete better with rival BNP Paribas and expand beyond its core markets in Europe. Bernstein CEO Robert van Brugge told clients in a previously unreported memo in December that Geoff Elliott would take over from Costello as Director of Research, Andreas Vollmer from Allchin as Head of European Sales and Access, and Chris Cant as head of European Banks Strategy from Graham. Autonomous, which has a team of more than 60, will continue to operate as a separate subscription product with its own research team once the joint venture is launched this year, according to the memo seen by Reuters. (Reporting by Tommy Reggiori Wilkes and Mathieu RosemainEditing by Iain Withers and Mark Potter) Carnival Cruise Ship One of the worlds biggest cruise companies has been forced to reroute its around the world trips because of attacks in the Red Sea. Florida-based cruise giant Carnival has changed the itineraries for 12 of its ships following attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on shipping vessels in the region. Carnival ships being diverted include ones operated by P&O Cruises. The company has confirmed that its Arcadia ship will change course on its world cruise after stops including Singapore and take passengers home via the southern coast of Africa instead of through the Suez Canal. P&O offers around the world cruises departing from Southampton that tour the Middle East, including stops in Dubai, Oman and Egypt, before passing through the Suez Canal in the Red Sea to reach the Mediterranean. Tickets for its 53-night Western Circumnavigation cruise start from 9,819 per person. Passengers scheduled to go on trips such as these had grown increasingly nervous in recent weeks following months of drone and missile attacks by Houthi militants protesting Israels invasion of Gaza. One frustrated customer wrote to The Telegraph earlier this month saying he had not had a clear response on whether the trip he booked for his 60th birthday would be cancelled, cut short or rerouted. Prior to announcing plans to avoid the Red Sea, P&O Cruises had advertised transit through the Suez Canal as a selling point on its voyages. It said on its website: As the ship goes through the Suez Canal, guests can be out on deck throughout the transit, as it is one of the worlds most fascinating maritime experiences, creating the bizarre impression that they are sailing right through the dry heart of the desert. Carnival is the latest company to divert its ships as a result of rising tensions in the region. The boss of shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd warned last week that trade disruptions from the Red Sea crisis could last for months even after the conflict has been resolved. The Royal Navy has been patrolling the Red Sea alongside the US Navy in an effort to ensure the safe passage of ships. The British Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that HMS Diamond had to shoot down a drone attack by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. HOLLAND As companies continue to explore the meaning of "office space" post-pandemic, GMB Architecture and Engineering has reopened its newly renovated hybrid workspace in downtown Holland. The space is a step away from a traditional office space, where clients and employees can work and exchange knowledge. CEO and President David Bolt said, as the company continues to grow, its important to reflect changes within the organization. Our newly renovated Learning Hub blends more than 50 years of history with a contemporary environment that embraces the future of work, Bolt wrote in a release. We look forward to welcoming our teams and clients into a dynamic environment that fosters creativity, flexibility and collaboration. GMB Architecture and Engineering has reopened its newly renovated hybrid workspace in downtown Holland. The space located on the second floor of 85 E. Eighth St. includes diverse workspaces with technology throughout to blend in-person and virtual connections. It's available to reserve for clients, students and community education. GMB has been a fixture in downtown Holland since 1968 and has occupied the space on Eighth Street for over 20 years. The company provides planning, engineering, branding and other services to educational institutions. GMB Architecture and Engineering has reopened its newly renovated hybrid workspace in downtown Holland. Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage The company has close to 200 employees. In 2023, GMB announced the acquisition of Up and Up Agency, a South Carolina marketing firm focused on higher education. With that acquisition, GMB has four additional hub locations in Grand Rapids, Royal Oak, Indianapolis and Greenville, South Carolina. Visit gmb.com to learn more. Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: What does 'office space' mean in 2024? Here's what GMB thinks Jill Goddard, 61, was killed and three others were injured in the accident on Saturday afternoon Jill Goddard/Facebook Jill Goddard was killed when a car crashed into a nail salon on Saturday afternoon in Missouri The car's driver, Goddard's friend Kimberly Langley, was reportedly backing up the vehicle closer to the salon so that she and their third friend, Mary Cates, could dash to the car and avoid the rain Langley, Cates, and a 17-year-old receptionist suffered minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals A Missouri woman died and three others were injured when a car backed into a nail salon in a St. Louis suburb on Saturday afternoon. Jill Goddard, 61, and her friend Mary Cates, 52, were paying at the front desk of Pacific Hair & Nails when a Ford Explorer, reportedly driven by their friend Kimberly Langley, 57, crashed into the salon, according to CBS affiliate KMOV-TV and the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP). "Basically the driver of the vehicle was going to move the vehicle to another parking space, Dallas Thompson, MSHP public information officer, told PEOPLE. Put the vehicle in reverse. The vehicle then backed through the front of the nail salon and struck three people inside. Langley reportedly backed the vehicle up closer to the front of the salon so that Goddard and Cates would only have a short run through the rain to get inside. Goddard was trapped underneath the vehicle, while Cates and Langley suffered minor injuries. A 17-year-old receptionist behind the desk was also injured, per KMOV. Related: South Carolina Towns First Black Mayor Dies in Car Crash: 'Everybody Loved Him' All of the victims were taken to local hospitals, but Goddard was pronounced dead shortly after 3 p.m. local time at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri, according to an MSHP accident report. Cates, Langley and Goddard were longtime friends who were enjoying their Saturday first with brunch, and then with a visit to the nail salon in Pacific, Goddards father told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Following the death of her husband, Goddard leaned on her friends, who had helped her venture more outside the home, her father, Alan Mostow, said. Related: Plane Crashes into N.H. Neighborhood, Narrowly Missing Home and Pilot Survives "These are the closest friends you ever saw," Mostow, whom Goddard lived with prior to her death, told the newspaper. "These girls were unstoppable. They brought her out of her shell." Mostow does not hold Langley responsible for his daughters death. On Monday, he spoke with her and told her to get rid of the guilt, per the Post-Dispatch. Related: Car Crashes into New Hampshire Restaurant, Injuring Dozens and Pinning Man Inside Bathroom "Honey ... it's called an accident," Mostow, 83, told Langley. "That is truly an accident." Now, authorities are investigating the circumstances of the tragedy. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. At this point we are still investigating to see if this was driver error or mechanical, MSHPs Thompson said. Did the gas pedal stick? Did [her] foot get caught? Did she press gas and mean to press the brake? This is still an ongoing investigation." According to the Post-Dispatch, Goddard is survived by her father, two children and three grandchildren. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. A rescue sled was pushed over the ice, allowing the five individuals to be pulled back to safety within 47 minutes of the initial rescue call Denmark Fire Department Photo from the scene shared by Denmark Fire Department Five people, including three children, were rescued after their utility task vehicle (UTV) fell through ice on a pond in Maine. The rescue mission began after 5:26 PM on Saturday when the Denmark Fire Department was dispatched to Moose Pond by the Oxford County Regional Communication Center. The department shared in a post on Facebook that they were initially told that there were "three to four people on the ice" but discovered that there were five individuals who needed assistance and were hypothermic after their arrival. "[The vehicle] sank in about seven feet of water, so the five people [could] barely fit standing on top of the roof of the vehicle, and they started yelling for help, and it took, from what we could determine, somewhere around 10 to 15 minutes for the people in the house [nearby] to hear them calling," Denmark Fire Chief Chris Wentworth told News Center Maine. Related: Amelia Earharts Lost Plane May Have Been Found, Says Pilot Who Spent $11 Million to Fund Search Wentworth's team requested assistance from Bridgton Fire & Rescue ice rescue personnel, the Brownfield Volunteer Fire Department, and ambulances from United Ambulance Service and Fryeburg Rescue. Fryeburg Rescue shared in their own Facebook post that the call was"amongst several" 911 calls they received on Saturday, and they were able to assist the department with two ambulances that had both on and off-duty personnel. Related: Woman Divorces Man After His Traumatic Brain Injury and Now Her New Husband Helps Her Care for Him Denmark Fire Department Photo shared by the Denmark Fire Department illustrating how a ice rescue sled functions Thanks to their collaborative efforts, a rescue sled was pushed over the ice, allowing the five individuals to be pulled back to safety within 47 minutes of the initial call. According to the Denmark Fire Department, they were transported to a local hospital for treatment, and the incident remains under investigation by the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. The department ended its Facebook post by thanking the Oxford County Regional Communication Center for "handling multiple calls across the county while simultaneously contacting the other agencies who assisted us." According to the Lakes Environment Association, Moose Pond is "a favorite spot for many anglers, boaters, and swimmers." While speaking to News Center Maine, Wentworth confirmed that those rescued included two adults and three children, and advised his community about getting on the ice. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "I would absolutely caution anyone taking any type of machine out onto the ice right now. In this area, there's constantly water flowing which makes it also difficult for the ice to form unless we have an exceptionally cold winter," he told News Center Maine. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Written, co-produced, and directed by Cameron Crowe, Aloha is a 2015 American romantic comedy film. Bradley Cooper plays Brian Gilcrest, a former US Air Force officer who is sent back to Hawaii to supervise the launch of a privately owned weapons satellite above the Hawaiian Islands. Heres how you can watch and stream Aloha via streaming services such as Starz. Is Aloha available to watch via streaming? Yes, Aloha is available to watch via streaming on Starz. Military contractor Brian Gilcrest (Bradley Cooper) meets up with his former flame Tracy Woodside (Rachel McAdams), who is now married to an Air Force recruit (John Krasinski), while on duty in Oahu, Hawaii. Additionally, he spends time with the tough-minded fighter pilot Captain Allison Ng (Emma Stone), who closely observes his every action. Brian finds himself falling in love with his feisty guide as they traverse the lush terrain, and his chats with Tracy might reveal a startling secret about their past. The film stars Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams, Bill Murray, John Krasinski, Danny McBride, and Alec Baldwin. Watch Aloha streaming via Starz Aloha is available to watch on Starz. Starz, the primary asset of parent company Starz Inc., is an American premium cable and satellite television network owned by Lionsgate. First-run original television series and theatrically released films make up Starzs programming. You can watch via Starz by following these steps: Go to Starz.coms sign-up page. Select either the six-month plan or the monthly plan The standard rate for the six-month plan is $46, excluding any special offers The standard for the monthly plan is $9.99 per month, excluding any special offers Starz is also available as a Prime Video Channel, meaning that subscribers to the Amazon Prime Video service can also receive discounted access to Starz. The discounts offered vary throughout the year. You can sign up here. Alohas synopsis is as follows: A celebrated military contractor returns to the site of his greatest career triumphs and re-connects with a long-ago love while unexpectedly falling for the hard-charging Air Force watchdog assigned to him. NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing. James Gunn and Peter Safrans DC Universe has finally found its Supergirl in the form of House of the Dragon Movies Tyler Treese 9 hours ago When you think of the best animation studios in Hollywood, your mind likely does not go straight to Paramount Animation. Movies Jonathan Sim 10 hours ago Toho Animation has dropped the official trailer for Bones upcoming My Hero Academia The Movie: Youre Next, which will premiere Anime Maggie Dela Paz 11 hours ago In an unfortunate turn of events, WWE superstar CM Punk suffered an injury at the 2024 Royal Rumble, potentially forcing TV Anthony Nash 11 hours ago Read more The post Aloha Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Starz appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Amelia Earhart and her long-lost plane were last seen when they took off from Papua New Guinea in 1937 Getty Amelia Earhart Have the remnants of Amelia Earharts plane finally been found? One crew searching for the long-lost wreckage believes they found it at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Over the weekend, Deep Sea Vision revealed its discovery of what appears to be Earharts Lockheed 10-E Electra," which they found after scanning more than 5,200 square miles of ocean floor. In September 2023, a 16-person crew with Deep Sea Vision launched their search for the wreckage from Tarawa, Kiribati, a port near Howland Island, according to The Wall Street Journal. About 30 days later, the crew captured a sonar image resembling the shape of an airplane within 100 miles of the island, Business Insider and Today reported. Related: Does This Photo Prove Amelia Earhart Survived Her Final Flight? Getty Along with their announcement on Saturday, Deep Sea Vision shared an image of the plane-shaped object on its social media pages. Although it remains unseen if the image seen on sonar really is the wreckage of Earharts missing plane, Tony Romeo, the pilot and real estate investor who led the search, told Today that he is confident the debris is connected to the crash. Theres no other known crashes in the area, and certainly not of that era or that kind of design with the tale that you see in the image, he said. Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan were last seen when they took off from Papua New Guinea on July 2, 1937. The pair was expected to stop refuel at Howland Island before continuing the trip. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Romeo, who also previously worked as a U.S. Air Force intelligence officer, has spent $11 million to fund the search so far, according to WSJ and Today. To find the wreckage, crews used the Kongsberg Discovery HUGIN 6000, which Deep Sea Vision described as the most advanced unmanned underwater drone. This is maybe the most exciting thing Ill ever do in my life, Romeo told WSJ. I feel like a 10-year-old going on a treasure hunt. However, deep sea experts are eager for more evidence, which Deep Sea Vision hopes to obtain during its next expedition. "Until you physically take a look at this, there's no way to say for sure what that is," underwater archaeologist Andrew Pietruszka told the newspaper in a statement. Related: Mysterious 230-Ft Shipwreck Found at Bottom of Baltic Sea Raises Questions: How Did It Get There? The crew plans to return to the site to learn more about the apparent wreckage in the near future. If the plane indeed belongs to Earhart, Romeo told Business Insider the next questions are How do we lift the plane? and How do we salvage it? "I don't think we're there yet, he noted. But I do think Americans want to see this in the Smithsonian; that's where it belongs. Not the bottom of the ocean." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Bundchen's mother, Vania Nonnenmacher, died on Jan. 28 at age 75 Gisele Bundchen/Instagram Gisele Bundchen and mom Vania Nonnenmacher Following her mother's death, Gisele Bundchen has shared a heartfelt tribute. "Beloved mom, It hurts to know that I wont be able to hug you anymore, but I know that you will always be watching over us. You were an angel on earth, always helping everyone around you," Bundchen wrote on Instagram in both Portuguese and English of her mother, Vania Nonnenmacher, who died on Jan. 28 at age 75. "I am so grateful to be your daughter and to have learned from you. Thank you for being the best role model of love, strength, compassion, courage, and grace." Bundchen continued, "I will forever cherish the beautiful memories we shared and will live by the values you taught me. You will live forever through the many lives that you touched. Thank you for giving me five best friends for life. Your love will always guide us. I will see you in my dreams. Love you." Gisele Bundchen/Instagram Gisele Bundchen and mom Vania Nonnenmacher Related: Gisele Bundchen Honors 'Sweetest' Son Ben with Heartfelt Tribute on His 14th Birthday: 'So Lucky' Hospital Moinhos de Vento in Porto Alegre, Brazil, released a statement on Jan. 28 saying that Nonnenmacher had died from cancer after being in the hospital since Jan. 26. Bundchen previously told PEOPLE last September that she had been caring for her ailing parents and it had been "tough" on her and her whole family. It's been a lot in every area of my life," she said. "I feel like whenever it rains, it pours. With all the different twists and turns that life takes, all we can do is the best we can given what happens in our surroundings. Bundchen shared that she was relying on meditation, daily exercise (I work out every single day, she said, noting a mix of walks, yoga and weights) and a dedication to wellness through nutrition to keep her centered during the hard times. I think if I didn't have all the different tools that I have to support me during these times, it would've been very hard, she shared. And I think we all can relate to that, because I think we all have gone through our roller coasters of life. Related: Gisele Bundchen Says She's Gotten 'Pushback' from Her Two Kids amid Changes to Routine After Divorce Gisele Bundchen/Instagram Gisele Bundchen and mom Vania Nonnenmacher Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Bundchen often shared photos and memories of her mother on social media from celebrating her on Mother's Day last May to sharing a family reunion photo on Instagram in September, where she and her siblings posed alongside Nonnenmacher and husband Valdir Bundchen at a round table. In addition to the 43-year-old supermodel, Nonnenmacher is the mother of Bundchen's five siblings, Bundchen's twin sister Patricia, as well as her sisters Rafaela, Graziela, Gabriela and Raquel. Nonnenmacher was a retired bank teller, according to Vanity Fair, and raised her daughter in what the outlet referred to as a "hardworking middle-class family" in the town of Horizontina in Brazil. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Kiltro is a martial arts movie from Chile that was released in 2006. Starring Marko Zaror, the film was written and directed by Ernesto Diaz Espinoza. The plot of the movie follows the leader of a Chilean gang who uses martial arts to protect a girl from a bully. Heres how you can watch and stream Kiltro via streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video. Is Kiltro available to watch via streaming? Yes, Kiltro is available to watch via streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Street tough Zamir has been in love with Kim since he rescued her from rapists, but the only way he can express his feelings is by attacking any man who shows interest in her. Kim tolerates Zamirs infatuation but maintains him at a distance. When Max Kalba reappears in town to exact revenge on Kims father, Zamir attempts to rescue her once more. West Michigan features actors such as Marko Zaror, Caterina Jadresic, Miguel Angel de Luca, Daniela Lhorente, and Luis Alarcon. Watch Kiltro streaming via Amazon Prime Video Kiltro is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Prime Video, also known as just Prime Video, is an American over-the-top (OTT) video-on-demand streaming and rental service that can be accessed alone or as part of an Amazon Prime membership. You can watch via Amazon Prime Video by following these steps: Go to Amazon Prime Video Select Sign in and Create your Amazon account Sign up for a Prime Video membership: $14.99 per month or $139 per year with an Amazon Prime membership $8.99 per month for a standalone Prime Video membership Amazon Prime is the online retailers paid service that provides fast shipping and exclusive sales on products, so the membership that includes both this service and Prime Video is the companys most popular offering. However, you can also opt to subscribe to Prime Video separately. Kiltros synopsis is as follows: Street tough Zamir has been in love with Kim ever since he rescued her from rapists, but the only way that he can express his affection is to attack any man who shows interest in her. Kim tolerates Zamirs infatuation but keeps him at arms length. When Max Kalba arrives in town to take vengeance on Kims father, Zamir attempts to rescue her once again. NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing. James Gunn and Peter Safrans DC Universe has finally found its Supergirl in the form of House of the Dragon Movies Tyler Treese 13 hours ago When you think of the best animation studios in Hollywood, your mind likely does not go straight to Paramount Animation. Movies Jonathan Sim 14 hours ago Toho Animation has dropped the official trailer for Bones upcoming My Hero Academia The Movie: Youre Next, which will premiere Anime Maggie Dela Paz 15 hours ago In an unfortunate turn of events, WWE superstar CM Punk suffered an injury at the 2024 Royal Rumble, potentially forcing TV Anthony Nash 15 hours ago Read more The post Kiltro Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Amazon Prime Video appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Crown Prince Christian, 18, will reportedly act as regent during his absence Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images King Frederik X of Denmark participates in the Danish Parliament's celebration of the succession of the throne on Jan. 15 in Copenhagen. King Frederik of Denmark is packing his bags for his first trip abroad as sovereign. The new King of Denmark, 55, will travel to Poland on Wednesday to lead a Danish business delegation during a three-day stay concluding on Friday. The agenda breaks with past precedent, as the Danish Royal House said its custom for a new sovereign to make their first trips abroad with their spouse to neighboring countries. However, the court specified that the Polish trip had been in the works for a while, maybe meaning that arrangements were before Frederiks mother Queen Margrethe unexpectedly announced plans to abdicate on New Years Eve. On 31 January, HM The King begins an official business promotional campaign visit in Poland. His Majesty will be accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Lkke Rasmussen, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard and Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Jacob Jensen, the Danish Royal House said in a statement, adding that energy efficiency, climate-friendly farming and biogas will be key areas of focus. Related: Queen Mary of Denmark Makes First Solo Engagement Since Becoming Queen Upon King Frederik's Accession The visit, which has been under preparation for quite a long time, takes place partly in Polands capital, Warsaw, where 38 Danish companies will participate in a business promotional campaign, as well as in the port city Szczecin, where The King will visit NATOs regional headquarters and representatives of the Danish and Polish business community in the city, among other things, the court said. According to the official itinerary, the schedule includes a welcome at the Presidential Palace with Polish President Andrzej Duda, a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a Grand Dinner at the Royal Palace and more. MIKKEL BERG PEDERSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty King Frederik X greets the crowd after a church service celebrating the change of reign at Aarhus Cathedral on Jan. 21. Queen Margrethes eldest son became King of Denmark when she abdicated at a Council of State at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen on Jan. 14, two weeks after she used her annual New Years Address to announce that she would step down on the 52nd anniversary of her accession to the throne. The news shocked most Danes as Queen Margrethe, 83, previously hinted that she intended to reign for life, positioning her to be the first Danish sovereign to voluntarily step down from the throne in nearly 900 years, per royal history. In an interesting twist, Lene Balleby, director of communications for The Royal House of Denmark, told Berlingske before abdication day that the Queen gave her sons, the future King Frederik and Prince Joachim, just three days notice before she shared her plans with the world. "I can confirm that the Queen informed both the Crown Prince and Prince Joachim about the decision on 28 December," Balleby told the local outlet on Jan. 10. Keld Navntoft / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty Queen Margrethe used her New Year's address on Dec. 31, 2023 to announce that she would be abdicating on Jan. 14, 2024, the 52nd anniversary of her accession to the throne. Related: Why the New King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark Won't Have a Coronation Like King Charles The official declined to disclose when the court and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen were informed of the huge news. "I can only state that it has been a very short run-up," Balleby said. The transition was made official at Christiansborg Palace on Jan. 14, when Queen Margrethe signed a declaration of her abdication with her two immediate heirs by her side. As Frederik became the new monarch, his 18-year-old son Prince Christian became the new Crown Prince, taking his fathers former title. The change of reign affected the family dynamic forever, as Frederiks wife became the new Queen Mary. Like Crown Prince Christian, the couples three younger children Princess Isabella, 16, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 13, each moved up a spot in the line of succession as well. BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Princess Isabella of Denmark, Prince Christian of Denmark, King Frederik X of Denmark, Queen Mary of Denmark, Princess Josephine of Denmark and Prince Vincent of Denmark wave to the crowd after a declaration of the King's accession to the throne at Christiansborg Palace on Jan. 14. King Frederiks family was front and center on his accession day, and his wife and kids joined him on the balcony of the palace after the prime minister proclaimed his accession to the throne. The new King and Queen even shared a surprise kiss, defusing rumors of an alleged affair that made headlines in the fall. In November 2023, reports swirled that Frederik was having an affair with Mexican-born socialite Geneveva Casanova after they were photographed together during his private trip to Madrid. Casanova denied allegations of a romantic relationship with the royal. JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty King Frederik and Queen Mary share a kiss on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace on Jan. 14. Though he has only been the Crown Prince for two weeks and is still a teenager! Crown Prince Christian will reportedly step up into an elevated royal role is away in Poland. The Danish Royal House confirmed to Ekstra Bladet that Christian will be the regent of Denmark while King Frederik is out of the country, meaning that he could act on his dads behalf as head of state. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Dennis Stenild, Kongehuset Crown Prince Christian, King Frederik and Queen Mary's official portrait by Dennis Stenild on Jan. 14. With no official plans on the calendar, its unlikely that Crown Prince Christian will be tapped for any extra responsibilities, and he could always ask his mom for advice. The court confirmed a few days before King Frederiks accession that Queen Mary, 51, could also act as regent if her husband and eldest son were unable to execute their duties, such as during foreign travel. King Frederik and Queen Mary are expected to visit Sweden and Norway for their first official joint trips of the new reign, and the court said the dates will be disclosed as soon as possible. The Scandinavian royal families are extremely close in both their royal duties and their personal connections, making the visits a natural fit. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Armstrong was convicted in November of the targeted killing of cyclist Anna Moriah Mo Wilson Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman via AP Kaitlin Armstrong Kaitlin Armstrong, who was convicted of killing a bike racer in Austin, was captured in Costa Rica after agents posted ads looking for a yoga instructor. In an interview with 48 Hours, Deputy U.S. Marshals Damien Fernandez and Emir Perez said they flew to Costa Rica in June 2022 to track down Armstrong, who was a suspect in the murder of cyclist Anna Moriah Mo Wilson. Wilson, 25, was found fatally shot at her friend's home on May 11, 2022, the day after she arrived in Austin to compete in the 157-mile Gravel Locos bicycle race. Authorities suspected that Armstrong who a friend testified was bitterly jealous of Wilson targeted the cyclist, who briefly dated Armstrongs on-again, off-again boyfriend Colin Strickland, during a split in the fall of 2021. The day after the killing, the yoga instructor was arrested at her home on May 12 for a misdemeanor theft warrant in which she allegedly had Botox injections at an Austin medical spa in 2018 and left without paying and was questioned by police and released. The day after the interview, on May 13, Armstrong sold her Jeep at a South Austin CarMax dealership for $12,000, prosecutors said. Moriah Wilson/Instagram Mo Wilson Prosecutors said that the day after Armstrong sold her car to CarMax, she flew to Houston before boarding a Southwest flight to New York, where her sister lives. On May 18, Armstrong took United Airlines flight 1222 at 5:09 p.m. from Newark International Airport to San Jose, Costa Rica, with a ticket purchased in her sisters name. The deputy U.S. Marshals told 48 Hours that while they were in Costa Rica they received a tip that Armstrong might be in a quaint tourist town called Santa Teresa. But, once there, they had a hard time tracking her down. They decided to post ads looking for a yoga instructor to see if she would take the bait. Related: Kaitlin Armstrong Convicted: Timeline of Shocking Love Triangle Murder Case "We decided we were gonna put an ad out or multiple ads for a yoga instructor and see -- what would happen," Perez told 48 Hours. However, after they didnt get a response, the Marshals returned to the U.S. Back in San Jose, they were about to board their flight when they got a response. Related: Kaitlin Armstrong Sentenced to 90 Years in Prison for Love Triangle Murder of Professional Cyclist We got a bite, somebody that, um, identified herself as a yoga instructor and said they wanted to meet with us at a particular hostel and we said "This is, this is our chance!' " Perez remembered. The two agents returned to Santa Teresa and began to scope out Don Jon's hostel where Armstrong was staying under the alias Ari. Related: Kaitlin Armstrong 'Said in So Many Words She Wanted To Kill' Romantic Rival, Friend Testifies But, according to Perez, it wasnt that easy to identify her. Armstrong had spent more than $6,000 on facial plastic surgery to alter her appearance. She looked like Kaitlin, but not 100 percent, he said. So I thought, well, how can I approach her or get close enough where I start asking questions where she doesn't suspect something, So, I decided that I was gonna speak to her in Spanish. So I spoke to her in nothing but Spanish." Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. "I got a little closer 'cause I saw that she was trying to get to Google Translate on her phone and she'd raised it up to me and I got even closer, he added. And I noticed that she had a bandage on her nose and possibly her lips were swollen. and I saw her eyes The eyes are the exact same ones that I saw in the picture. And this is her 100 percent." With the help of local authorities, Armstrong was arrested and extradited to Austin where she was charged and later convicted of Wilsons murder. In November, she was sentenced to 90 years in prison. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. He always greeted you with a hug every time, Julie Trapani tells PEOPLE about her brother-in-law Mark Robinette Mark Robinette/Facebook Mark Robinette Mark Robinette, the pastor who died trying to save his two sons from a house fire on Jan. 23, is being remembered for his "loving" nature The pastor's sister-in-law Julie Trapani tells PEOPLE that Mark helped those that others often ignored Liam, one of the two boys killed in the fire, was adopted by the late pastor, Trapani says A pastor who died in a house fire in Ohio last week after saving his wife and two of his children is being remembered for his big heart. The deadly fire broke out at the home on Ballah Road in Orient on Jan. 23, killing three males ages 55, 17 and 10, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce. Haley McGuire later identified the victims on Facebook as Pastor Mark Robinette, her cousin, and his sons Gideon, 17, and Liam, 10. She said Mark was found holding his two sons when their bodies were discovered. Julie Trapani, the pastors sister-in-law, tells PEOPLE many family members have been leaning on their faith as they cope with the sudden loss of three incredible individuals. Our faith is everything, Trapani adds. Related: 11-Year-Old Girl Dies at Hospital, Becoming 6th Sibling to Die After Indiana House Fire Mark founded the Foundation Church in 2000 in Mt. Sterling and was with the ministry for over 20 years, according to the church's website. The late pastor was an adventurous individual who yearned to help others, according to his sister-in-law. He aimed to help those who many would ignore" and never knew a closed door. He always greeted you with a hug every time, Trapani says. He was so, so loving. Related: Boy, 7, and Teen Dead in 'Explosion of Fire' Sparked by E-Bike Battery at N.Y.C. Home: 'Terrible Tragedy' While celebrating Christmas this past year, Trapani says Mark mentioned how thankful he was that some of the people he was helping made some little positive step toward doing right. Trapani tells PEOPLE that Mark was also an amazing storyteller and simply enjoyed talking with others. It's hard to go places with Mark because Mark has a conversation with whoever he's with, she says. At the pastors funeral, Trapani shares that Mark's surviving children vowed to continue what our daddy started, adding, What his dream was will not end." Marks wife, Andrea, sang at the funeral as well. Related: N.J. Firefighter and Father of 3 Dies After Battling Blaze: 'Tragic Loss' She knows this with God, that she can get through this, Marks sister-in-law explains. The family, she adds, is strong in its faith and is currently surrounded by wonderful people. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Liam, who was adopted, was a storyteller and enjoyed writing special letters to his grandmother, Trapani explains. Julie Trapini Gideon and Liam, adopted by Pastor Mark Robinette "He was just really tender," Trapani recalls. "He was just very, very tender, just a special, special little guy." As of Tuesday afternoon, nearly $250,000 has been raised via GoFundMe for the late pastors family. Everyone has been so gracious, Trapani notes, and were very blessed with all of that, so we never want to take that for granted. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Elon Musk's Neuralink business is already said to be worth $5bn - Neuralink/AFP/Getty Images Elon Musk has claimed that the first human has successfully received a computer brain implant from his company Neuralink. On the social media network X, the billionaire wrote: The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well. Mr Musk added that: Initial results show promising neuron spike detection. The statement was made without further detail or third-party verification. Neuralink, a start-up backed by Mr Musk, said last May that it had received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to begin human trials. The company has subsequently been recruiting patients with paralysis, who could potentially benefit from implants to help them communicate and control external electronics. The technology, if it ultimately proves successful, has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of disabled patients. Neuralink has been developing cosmetically invisible implants that are hermetically sealed, powered by wireless charging from outside the body. The company says they process neural signals and transmit them wirelessly to a Neuralink app, which decodes them. It has also developed a robot to insert the implants because the threads of our implant are so fine that they cant be inserted by the human hand. Last June, Reuters estimated that Neuralink, which was founded in 2016, was already worth around $5bn (3.9bn) based on privately traded shares. Mr Musk has spent years overcoming sceptics to grow businesses that many thought would fail. He took on the worlds established carmakers and turned Tesla, a startup, into one of Americas most-valuable companies. A series of entrepreneurial bets has turned him into one of the worlds richest people. But his $44bn (34.6bn) acquisition of Twitter, now X, in 2022 led to mounting criticism of his behaviour and generated concerns that he is spreading himself too thinly. The backlash came to a head in November after the billionaire was accused of supporting an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory in a social media post. Advertisers including Apple, IBM and Disney cancelled their advertising with X. Mr Musk conceded that his post was the worst and dumbest Ive ever done. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. There are calls for the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, to step down from the African Parks board amid allegations of abuse against its rangers. There's an ongoing investigation on claims that the rangers beat and jailed the Baka People of Congo unjustly for trying to access the forest. Prince Harry was informed of the allegations in May 2023 and even responded, but there have been no more updates. African Parks itself has issued a statement in which it emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for abuse and stress. An Abuse Investigation Was Made Public MEGA The Daily Mail recently published shocking allegations against rangers working at African Parks in the Republic of the Congo. According to the news outlet, the guards abused members of the Baka indigenous group (previously known as pygmies), who live in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The allegations include that the rangers used violence to stop the Baka people from accessing the forest, where they have "foraged, fished, hunted and found medicines for millennia." Community activists told the news outlet that a Baka man died from his injuries after being beaten and jailed unjustly. Another woman claimed that she was raped by an armed guard while with her newborn baby. There are more gruesome allegations, including that a man was whipped with a belt and subject to water torture. They also claim that the medical staff at the park were "subject to intimidation to cover up the abuse" against the Baka. Prince Is Being Urged To Step Down From African Parks Board MEGA Amid the abuse allegations, Survival International, a London-based human rights organization that campaigns to protect and defend the rights of indigenous and tribal people, has called for Prince Harry to step down as a member of the African Parks Board. Their campaign director released a statement to The Times, which read, "We hope that his stepping down from the board of directors will give a clear signal to this organization that human rights abuses in the name of conservation are not tolerated anymore." Harry started working with African Parks in 2016, and the following year, he was elected president of the group. In 2023, six years into his tenure, the Duke of Sussex was officially appointed as a member of the Board of Directors, which is the governing body of the organization. Prince Harry Was Previously Informed Of The Alleged Abuse At African Parks MEGA Survival International reportedly wrote to Harry in May 2023 to inform him of the abuse allegations. At the time, he was still president of African Parks and was also sent a video message from Eyaya, a Baka man, in which he spoke about the abuse. At the time, Eyaya said, "The eco-guards are stopping us from going into the forest. I'd like whoever is sending all these people here to hear what it's like. I want the person who is in charge of the eco-guards and gives them their orders to hear this. Now, there is only torture in the forest." According to The Times report, Harry responded to the message with "an initially sympathetic letter" and promised to address their concerns and "escalate the concerns to the most senior ranks of the organization, including the chief executive, Peter Fearnhead." However, Fiore Longo, campaign director of Survival International, told the news outlet that there have been no further updates from Harry since then. He said, "He said he took it seriously, but it didn't achieve the change we had hoped to see. Then, very disappointingly, we learnt that Harry had joined the board of directors." African Parks Has Issued A Statement View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) Amid the controversy of the abuse allegations, African Parks has issued a statement from its CEO and board. In it, they emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for abuse and stress and revealed that there's an ongoing investigation, which is its "highest priority." It read, "We are aware of the serious allegations regarding human rights abuses by eco-guards against local people living adjacent to Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, which have recently received media attention. We became aware of these allegations last year via a Board Member who received a letter from Survival International." African Parks further wrote that there's been poor cooperation from Survival International regarding the sharing of information on the case. They also encouraged anyone with "knowledge of any abuses to report them to us or to the Congolese law enforcement authorities, which will assist with the investigation and ensure that the perpetrators of any abuses are brought to justice." A group of artists in Sweden, this years Eurovision host country, are requesting that Israel be barred from participating in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest over the nations brutal war in Gaza. In an open letter signed by more than 1,000 Swedish musicians published in the Swedish paper Aftonbladet, the artists decried the humanitarian disaster in Gaza in the wake of Israels punishing response to Hamas Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel that saw militants killing more than 1,200 Israelis mostly civilians and taking more than 250 hostages. We who sign this are 1,000 artists who believe in music as a unifying force. The Eurovision song contest began as a peace project with the ambition to unite countries and citizens through music, read the letter. Allowing Israels participation undermines not only the spirit of the competition but the entire public service mission. It also sends the signal that governments can commit war crimes without consequences. Therefore, we appeal to the EBU: Exclude Israel from the Eurovision song contest 2024. More from Billboard Among the signers of the letter published on Monday (Jan. 29) are such acts as Robyn, Fever Ray and First Aid Kit and Malena Ernman, the opera singing mother of teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, as well as hundreds of other dancers, artists, DJs and choreographers. The letter notes that the now 115-day-old war has reportedly led to the deaths of more than 25,000 Palestinians including 10,000 children leading to the destruction of civilian infrastructure, caused inhumane living conditions and forced 85 percent of the population to flee. It noted that the International Court of Justice in the Hague recently took up the case of alleged genocide brought by South Africa, ruling that Israel must act to prevent and punish any public incitements to commit genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, to preserve evidence related to any allegations of genocide in the territory, as well as improve humanitarian conditions for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The fact that countries that place themselves above humanitarian law are welcomed to participate in international cultural events trivialises violations of international law and makes the suffering of the victims invisible, the Swedish letter stated. The missive joins earlier similar requests to exclude Israel from more than 1,400 artists in Finland and Iceland. This years Eurovision contest is slated to take place in Malmo from May 7-11. The earlier Finnish note asked the Finnish Broadcasting Company to boycott the competition and refuse to send a Finnish delegation if the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) which runs Eurovision doesnt weigh in to take action. The various efforts are similar to ones made in 2022 following Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine; Russia was subsequently banned from that years contest after organizers said inclusion would bring the competition into disrepute. That years edition was won by the Ukrainian rap/folk group Kalush Orchestra. On Tuesday (Jan. 30), a spokesperson for Eurovision 2024 provided a statement to Billboard in response to the Swedish letter. The Eurovision Song Contest is a competition between public service media organizations from across Europe and the Middle East that are Members of the European Broadcasting Union, it read. We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East. However, we are committed to ensuring the Eurovision Song Contest remains a non-political event in which broadcasters and artists, not governments, compete. Since its creation in 1956, the Contest has united audiences worldwide through music. As a member-led organization, our governing bodies headed by the Executive Board did review the participants list for the 2024 Contest and agreed that the Israeli public broadcaster KAN met all the competition rules for this year and can participate as it has for the past 50 years. The EBU is aligned with other international organizations, including sports unions and federations and other international bodies, that have similarly maintained their inclusive stance towards Israeli participants in major competitions at this time. The Swedish letter took the opposite stance, with the authors saying, We believe that by allowing Israels participation, the EBU is exhibiting a remarkable double standard that undermines the organizations credibility. According to The Guardian, the EBU previously announced that Israel would not be excluded from this years contest, while emphasizing that the wildly popular, often outrageous musical contest is apolitical and that it is a battle between public service broadcasters, not states. The paper also reported that Icelands national broadcaster, RUV, said its decision on whether to boycott or participate in Eurovision will be made in mid-March by the winner of its song competition, Songvakeppnin. Israel, which has been participating in Eurovision since 1973, has won the competition four times, including in 1978 (Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta, A-Ba-Ni-Bi), 1979 (Milk and Honey, Hallelujah), 1998 (Dana International, Diva) and 2018 (Netta Barzilai, Toy). A recent article in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz noted that despite its track record of wins, Israel is no longer the oddmakers favorite to win Eurovision this year amid the growing calls for a boycott over the Gaza war; the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation and Keshet are in the process of choosing this years Eurovision act via the competition show HaKokhav HaBa (Rising Star). Best of Billboard BERWICK, Maine Untruck'd Street Food Kitchen co-owners Justin Bigelow and Alyssa Rosenberg are partners in life and in business. They are ambitious with multiple menus offered at Untruck'd, where Bigelow serves as chef. The couple invited us into the Untruck'd kitchen for our latest Taste of Local video on Seacoastonline.com and Fosters.com. Bigelow prepared the barbecue-bano sandwich, which sizzles on the grill with ingredients like pulled pork, smoked bacon, honey-dijon aioli, pickles, cheddar and swiss cheese. The eatery offers a grilled cheese menu, a poke bowl menu, a burger menu and a taco menu. Rosenberg said the goal is to provide food that is "affordable and approachable" but "still a little bit sophisticated." Alyssa Rosenberg and Justin Bigelow have opened Untruck'd Street Food Kitchen in downtown Berwick, Maine Bigelow answered our Taste of Local interview questions: Do you have a family? Yes, I live with my amazing girlfriend (and business partner) Alyssa and our adorable dog, Fae. My son, Addison, is a senior at UNH and he works with us at the restaurant as well. Why did you want to become a chef? When I was a senior in high school, the law enforcement class I signed up for was canceled at the last minute. I was randomly placed in a culinary arts course. I hated it at first but by the end of the school year, with encouragement from family, friends and teachers, I decided to pursue a career as a professional chef. What made you want to work in a restaurant in Berwick? Alyssa and I love everything about Berwick: the local businesses, the people, and the small town charm. The one thing missing in Berwick is restaurant options, so we literally created Untruckd to be exactly what the town wants/needs. Untruck'd Street Food Kitchen of Berwick, Maine, offers a variety of burgers, tacos, specialty grilled cheese sandwiches and build-your-own poke bowls. Where did you train and for how long? After high school, I attended The Atlantic Culinary Academy (Le Cordon Bleu program) in Dover, New Hampshire, where I earned an associate degree in just 18 months. What did you learn in your training? I learned the fundamentals of French cuisine. However, the most valuable training would come a bit later through on the job experience, working alongside talented, seasoned professionals. Have you worked in any restaurants previously? If so, where? Yes, Ive worked in many Seacoast area restaurants, most notably as sous chef at The Carriage House in Rye, executive chef at Mombo in Portsmouth, and as a relief chef throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. I was also the chef and co-owner of The Daily Planet in Burlington, Vermont, from 2014-19. Have you won any awards? If so, what award and how did you feeling winning? I absolutely love competition, and have quite a few trophies in storage, including a 4-foot-tall spoon from a Vermont Restaurant Week Best Bite event and a beautiful handcrafted cutting board from the Vermont Fresh Network Annual Forum Competition (which I somehow won two years in a row) and was also named Best New Chef by vermont.com in 2014. Other awards include Best Restaurant on the Seacoast (Mombo) in Taste Magazine 2012 and a top five award for Vermonts best Mac & Cheese in USA Todays 10 Best poll. Are you involved with any community events? Untruckd was created for the Berwick community (and neighboring towns) and we have big plans for the future, including community dinners, guest chef pop-ups, benefit dinners, and so much more. Were also super excited to be involved in Envision Berwicks Bring your Lawn Chairs to the Square event this summer! Alyssa Rosenberg and Justin Bigelow share a laugh at Untruck'd Street Food Kitchen in downtown Berwick, Maine. Is there a fun or interesting fact you'd like to share about yourself? I once had a working interview for a line cook position at a Seacoast area restaurant, and when it came time to show my creative abilities, I completely froze up. Needless to say, I didnt get the job and received an email from the owner that read Unfortunately, the team felt that you still need to develop your creative culinary skills. I was so disappointed in myself that I carried a copy of that email in my wallet for several years as a reminder to take chances and not be afraid to show my creativity to the world. Im inspired by just about everyone Ive ever had the pleasure of working with. Who inspires you? Ive always been inspired by the hard-working and passionate people that I get to work with. At the top of that list are two guys who always treated me like family and taught me how to truly be a great chef and manager. So, Id like to shout out and thank former Carriage House owner Paul Mackey and former Carriage House chef Jimmy Lancaster. More Seacoast chefs featured in Taste of Local videos: This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Untruck'd Street Food Kitchen offers tacos, poke bowls, sandwiches Last week, American Express Centurion announced a new partnership with Watches of Switzerland, which offers an exclusive program to U.S. Centurion Members. On Friday, the pair unveiled the program at a swanky launch party hosted in the Amex Centurion Club in the heart of New York City at 1 Vanderbilt, overlooking the Chrysler building. Here, Centurion Members had the rare opportunity to shop a meticulously curated selection of watches and experience first-hand the kind of bespoke services they can expect from Watches of Switzerland thanks to this new endeavor. According to Bess Spaeth, SVP at American Express, this partnership was a natural next step for Amex to offer its Centurion clients. We know our members she shares, and many of them are very passionate about watches. When we were considering who to partner with to better serve our members who are collectors, of course we thought of Watches of Switzerland, who is so preeminent in this spacethey have such a high degree of care and service orientation with their clients, and thats our same ethos. More from Robb Report Omega Speedmaster Ref. 2915-1 This level of care and service was evident at the launch event. Here, Watches of Switzerland brought a remarkable selection of some of its most exceptional watches and a seasoned team of experts, including director of client relations Kelly Yoch and vice president of vintage and pre-owned timepieces James Lamdin. For a few moments, we got the Centurion Member treatment as Lamdin gave us insight into some of the watches available for purchase and a taste of the services hell be providing to black card holders. What this collection is all about is twofold, explains Lamdin. Its highlighting a little bit of what Analog Shift brings to Watches of Switzerland including vintage, contemporary pre-owned, and neo vintage. But its also pushing the boundaries a bit with some special vintage models showcasing emerging trends like the use of precious metals and interesting dial finishes as well as some high-end independents. Akrivia AK-06 At this point, Lamdin ushered us toward the most rare and expensive timepiece of the bunch: an Akrivia AK-06. Akrivia is the brainchild of rising independent watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi. He founded the brand back in 2012 following an apprenticeship at Patek Philippe and job at F.P. Journe. Within six short years, his name had begun to garner international acclaim and in 2018, he debuted the first watch in his collection signed Rexhep Rexhepi: the Chronometre Contemporain. This marked a new era for the Kosovar watchmaker, prompting him to retire the Akrivia nameplate in favor of his own. The Akrivia AK-06 was part of a limited run of just 50 pieces, half in steel and half in titanium, making this stainless steel model just one of 25 total examples, never to be produced again under the Akrivia moniker. F.P Journe Chronometre a Resonance Quatre Alongside the Akrivia and other more avant-garde makers like Richard Mille and MB&F were a slew of outstanding classics. The curation included models like an Omega Ref. 2915-1 (the very first Speedy), an F.P Journe Chronometre a Resonance Quatre (an off-catalog variant, offered only to Journes longstanding clients), a Portugieser Ref. 325 (one of just a few hundred examples of IWCs first Jumbo), and an AP Royal Oak 5402BA (one of the earliest and most sought after references in existence). IWC Portugieser Ref. 325 The extraordinary launch event between Amex Centurion and Watches of Switzerland merely brushed the surface of whats to come for black card members. According to David Hurley, President of WOS North America, this is just the beginning. This kickoff event tonight is a wonderful start to our partnership, he says, but its what were going to be doing on a day to day basis for Centurion Members that were really passionate about. Our team will facilitate an entirely curated experience depending on the Centurion card holder. Well have a dedicated phone line just for members to connect with one of our experts from 7 a.m. to midnight every day, and theyll have access to special experiences in store at one of more than 50 locations across the U.S. including both multi-brand and mono-brand boutiques. AP Royal Oak 5402BA New York City-based Centurion Members wont have to go far to cash in on this exclusive offering. In March, Watches of Switzerland will be opening its next outpost on the ground floor of 1 Vanderbilt, so card holders could pick up their carefully sourced watch and head straight up to the Centurion Club to show off their new timepiece while sipping a cocktail with other members. If youre not based in NYC dont worry. Hurley assured us that the partnership will only continue to evolve and members can expect events like the launch party to be hosted in other cities in the future. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Emma Stone is coming clean about her relationship with one of her co-stars from the Disney movie Cruella. And let's just say the award-winning actress had a lot of thoughts about Bobby. A behind-the-scene clip from the 2021 film shows Emma palling around with Bobby on set. While some co-stars can't stand each other, that wasn't the case between Emma and the pup, who portrayed Cruella's companion in the movie. Related: Stray Dog Rescued Outside McDonald's in Arizona Given the Most Fitting Name As a video from Disney Studios shows, Emma adored the mixed-breed pup. And what's even more interesting is the Buddy was a rescue pup too. "Buddy is played by a little dog named Bobby, who is a little mutt that was found on the streets of Cyprus and was rescued," a voiceover on the video states. Three days after Bobby was found, he was casted in the Cruella movie. "So from the streets to Hollywood star," the voiceover continues. You know who recognized Bobby's genius immediately Emma Stone. "Bobby is a true superstar. It's like meeting Lassie. I don't even know what to do!" she exclaimed. The clip even shows Emma praising the pup for being a "good boy" while on set. "Good boy, Bobby! Good boy!" she gushed. "I can't live without him," Emma later said. Reality of Stray Dogs in Cyprus Dogs like Bobby are unfortunately not a rare sight in Cyprus. According to president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA) Toula Poyiadji, there are more than 250,000 dogs abandoned every year, Philenews reports. Speaking in 2023, the official said the problem was worse than ever. Shelters in Cyprus are overcrowded, she said, and strays have had to resort to wandering the the mountain areas, villages, buffer zones, and cities. While there, they came in contact with domesticated pets. Malnourished and abused dogs devour moufflons, chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, and even cats, she said. She added that authorities responsible for the welfare of animals are understaffed or non-existent. We call on the new President of the Republic of Cyprus to take this unacceptable and harming situation for our country, very seriously, and provide immediate and drastic solutions, she added at the time. So we guess you could say Bobby is one of the lucky ones. Commenters online were so thankful that he'd had his happy ending. "I love that Hollywood uses rescue dogs," wrote one person. "Did she take him home? I hope. She loves him!" another person praised. "So beautiful," someone else chimed in. These two have the best relationship. We're sure Emma feels lucky that she got to work with the one and only Bobby! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Cottons connection to the climateconsidering its impact on soil and the sheer scale of product produced, given its versatilityhas the textile leaders at an impasse; the industry cannot reach its collective net-zero goals without transforming cotton production. Per 2020 research from McKinsey, fashion is responsible for roughly 4 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually. Around 40 percent of those emissions come from raw material production, according to the World Resource Institute (WRI) and the Apparel Impact Institutes (Aii) 2021 Roadmap to Net Zero report, of which cotton makes up 27 percent by volume. More from Sourcing Journal As such, cotton has been the driving force behind many sustainability initiatives in recent years. Though progress has been made, significant barrierslike convoluted value chains and a deficiency of clear dataare preventing meaningful change from occurring. Not to mention, cotton farmers hoping to move away from the traditional, carbon-intensive practices are met with high upfront costs, yield changes and a lack of financial support. Acknowledging the need for new approaches, the Fashion Pact has released the first report from its Unlock project, which aims to create a climate-friendly future for cotton. The Paris-based nonprofit representing one-third of the global fashion industry committed to mitigating climate changes impact has partnered with the sustainability consultancy 2050.Cloud, which provided capacity-building support and strategic guidance. The pilot phase of Unlock was launched in India and the United States in 2022. It will run until the end of the second quarter of 2024 with the ambition of evaluating and implementing different accounting guidelines and quantification methods for GHG emissions and methods for supporting Scope 3 claims. To do that, Unlock is focused on providing additional incentives to farmers to increase resilience and make more regenerative cotton available as well as supporting brands in connecting with those farmers to make credible Scope 3 reduction claims. Unlock brought together various players throughout the value chain, including 25 brands, soil emissions modeling organizations Indigo Ag and Regrow, and implementation partners Better Cotton, Organic Cotton Accelerator, California Cotton and Climate Coalition, Staple Cotton Cooperative Association, and the Carolinas Cotton Growers Cooperative. This collaboration has allowed us to work with a range of farm types and sizes to identify and implement practice changes, quantify the actual GHG impact (and other impacts), and use these to issue financial incentives to farmers called Unlock Units, the Fashion Pact said. At the same time, we have gathered critical data on farmer livelihoods, biodiversity, soil health and water use and will be publishing a series of papers to share insights and develop Unlock as a long-term solution. The first paper, Comparative analysis of GHG accounting approaches and implications for the cotton value chain, found that smallholder farmers in the Global South, in particular, struggle to quantify their GHG emissions. Per the report, many smallholder farmers in India also dont regularly monitor their practices and inputs in the way required to create robust baselines even though intervention accountingwhich is used to estimate GHG impacts of actions relative to counterfactual baseline scenariosrequires extensive baseline data and causality. Thus, farmers without historical data could go multiple years without financial reward in order to establish the baseline to then build upon with improved practices. The smallholder farmers who do have historical baseline data and those that are already involved in improvement programs, the nonprofit said, create a different challenge regarding double counting. A farmer already certified to a scheme with a global LCA factor would have to be able to show strong evidence they are taking additional steps they would not have taken already to avoid the risk of double counting, the Fashion Pact said. And pertaining to inventory accounting methods, even more barriers exist, such as the need for ongoing monitoring for reversals (when CO2 is released back into the atmosphere from the soil) and traceability. These are much more challenging to implement in a Global South context and the approach to baselining opens up the potential for inflated claims or perverse incentives, the paper said, explaining that using a global average baseline may cause companies to abandon farmers in countries that have emissions worse than the global baseline. Not everyone is pleased with the Fashion Pacts findings or methodolgy. Several industry players took to LinkedIn to voice their concerns. Crispin Argento, managing director at Sourcery, implored the Parisian group to stop treating those that commit their land and livelihoods to growing [cotton] like fungible and faceless commodities. We have to stop treating growers like dirt, he wrote, by asking them to gamble with Mother Nature six months and then Wall Street for another six thereafter and now perform sustainability miracles for free. Brett Mathews, editor at Apparel Insider, called out eyebrow-raising numbers. [The Fashion Pact] stated that almost 40 percent of fashions GHG emissions come from raw material production, he wrote. A 2018 report by Quantis claimed raw materials represent 15 percent of the carbon footprint of fashion. Thats quite a divergence! And Samantha Taylor, founder of The Good Factory, a UK organization at the forefront of sustainable activewear manufacturing, found it hilarious that the Fashion Pacts own website doesnt support the numbers thrown out in the report. Although thats not nearly as problematic as their language around cotton farmers in India and the Global South, who they obviously dont think much of, for a collective of Western organizations, she wrote. While the report claims to acknowledge that many of the challenges revealed throughout the pilot process pertain to the Global South, The Fashion Pact is working with its partners to address these trials. Moorpark loves its food trucks, but the City Council wants to be ready if problems arise. Because of the upcoming High Street Depot and other developments downtown, the council in October asked staff to prepare a workshop on food trucks and the possible need for further regulations to address issues such as parking. But when the workshop took place Jan. 17, owners of brick-and-mortar businesses joined residents in asking the city not to pile on extra rules on food trucks. They praised the trucks for bringing customers to Moorpark. The council agreed, and no new ordinances were proposed, although the door was left open should parking become an issue. Im a big believer in that if theres not an actual problem, lets not overregulate, said Jeff Brodsly, a property owner whos building High Sweet Creamery with Danny Margolis, owner of M on High Restaurant. Unless an ice cream truck parks across the street from High Sweet Creamery, Brodsly told the council, he isn't concerned. When Doug Spondello, the Moorpark deputy community development director, worked as a planner for the city of Oxnard, he saw restaurants complain about food trucks competing with them in the early 2010s. "It was a very different city. That was one of the reasons I was so pleasantly taken aback by the comments at the Moorpark council meeting," Spondello said during an interview Friday. "There is a synergy among the food trucks and brick-and-mortar restaurants." Angel Baker, co-owner of Angry Ferret Brewery, told council members that food trucks, which operate by his pub on Hertz Street, draw visitors to Moorpark. One visitor is Renee Zelnick, a Simi Valley resident who told the council she and her husband, Michael Zelnick, drive regularly to Moorpark to buy food from a truck on High Street and explore the downtown area. Lupe Aguilera, owner of Old Town Liquor, said she allows access to her restrooms so the Mariscos Pericos truck can sell Mexican food throughout afternoons and early evenings on High Street in front of her store. Under a Ventura County Environmental Health Division requirement, a food truck may be parked longer than an hour only if its employees have access to a restroom within 200 feet, said Carlene Saxton, the Moorpark community development director. We have been very supportive of the food truck," Aguilera said. "It's part of working together to support businesses." She questioned the need for concern about food trucks because only two Mariscos Pericos and Chanos Tacos operate on High Street. Its not like we have a lot." Other food trucks have included Taqueria El 14, which has parked east of the 76 gas station on Princeton Avenue. Participants in the workshop discussed parking as a possible concern for the future. "We tend to view the parking on High Street and public lots almost as a shopping center," Spondello, the deputy community development director, said. "We have a limited resource, and we need to ensure it serves the community and businesses." Although the High Street Depot will have on-site parking for tenants of its 79 apartments, stores and restaurants in the mixed-use development will rely on streets and city lots for parking, Spondello said. If parking becomes an issue, the council could look at options such as building a parking structure, City Manager Troy Brown said during the workshop. Under rules Moorpark adopted in 2007, food trucks are allowed to operate between 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, but can't be within a quarter-mile of a school or park between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. when school is in session, said Saxton, the community development director. Trucks can't be within 500 feet of a special event or farmers market, but temporary use permits allow food trucks at city-sponsored events. Dave Mason covers East County for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at dave.mason@vcstar.com or 805-437-0232. This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Moorpark businesses, residents ask city to limit food truck rules NEW YORK (AP) N. Scott Momaday, a Pulitzer Prize-winning storyteller, poet, educator and folklorist whose debut novel House Made of Dawn is widely credited as the starting point for contemporary Native American literature, has died. He was 89. Momaday died Wednesday at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, publisher HarperCollins announced. He had been in failing health. Scott was an extraordinary person and an extraordinary poet and writer. He was a singular voice in American literature, and it was an honor and a privilege to work with him, Momadays editor, Jennifer Civiletto, said in a statement. His Kiowa heritage was deeply meaningful to him and he devoted much of his life to celebrating and preserving Native American culture, especially the oral tradition. House Made of Dawn, published in 1968, tells of a World War II soldier who returns home and struggles to fit back in, a story as old as war itself: In this case, home is a Native community in rural New Mexico. Much of the book was based on Momadays childhood in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico, and on his conflicts between the ways of his ancestors and the risks and possibilities of the outside world. I grew up in both worlds and straddle those worlds even now, Momaday said in a 2019 PBS documentary. It has made for confusion and a richness in my life. Despite such works as John Joseph Mathews 1934 release Sundown, novels by American Indians werent widely recognized at the time of House Made of Dawn. A New York Times reviewer, Marshall Sprague, even contended in an otherwise favorable review that American Indians do not write novels and poetry as a rule, or teach English in top-ranking universities, either. But we cannot be patronizing. N. Scott Momadays book is superb in its own right. Kiowa writer N. Scott Momaday, who won a Pulitzer Prize in 1969 for his groundbreaking novel House Made of Dawn, appears at his home in Santa Fe, N.M., on Nov. 13, 2019. Momaday died Jan. 24 at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, publisher HarperCollins announced. He had been in failing health. Like Joseph Hellers Catch-22, Momadays novel was a World War II story that resonated with a generation protesting the Vietnam War. In 1969, Momaday became the first Native American to win the fiction Pulitzer, and his novel helped launch a generation of authors, including Leslie Marmon Silko, James Welch and Louise Erdrich. His other admirers would range from the poet Joy Harjo, the countrys first Native to be named poet laureate, to the film stars Robert Redford and Jeff Bridges. He was a kind of literary father for a lot of us, Harjo told The Associated Press during a telephone interview Monday. He showed how potent and powerful language and words were in shaping our very existence. Over the following decades, he taught at Stanford, Princeton and Columbia universities, among other top-ranking schools, was a commentator for NPR, and lectured worldwide. He published more than a dozen books, from Angle of Geese and Other Poems to the novels The Way to Rainy Mountain and The Ancient Child, and became a leading advocate for the beauty and vitality of traditional Native life. Addressing a gathering of American Indian scholars in 1970, Momaday said, Our very existence consists in our imagination of ourselves. He championed Natives reverence for nature, writing that the American Indian has a unique investment in the American landscape. He shared stories told to him by his parents and grandparents. He regarded oral culture as the wellspring of language and storytelling, and dated American culture back not to the early English settlers, but to ancient times, noting the procession of gods depicted in the rock art at Utahs Barrier Canyon. We do not know what they mean, but we know we are involved in their meaning, he wrote in the essay The Native Voice in American Literature. They persist through time in the imagination, and we cannot doubt that they are invested with the very essence of language, the language of story and myth and primal song. They are 2,000 years old, more or less, and they remark as closely as anything can the origin of American literature. In 2007, President George W. Bush presented Momaday with a National Medal of Arts for his writings and his work that celebrate and preserve Native American art and oral tradition. Besides his Pulitzer, his honors included an Academy of American Poets prize and, in 2019, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. Momaday was married three times, most recently to Barbara Glenn, who died in 2008. He had four daughters, one of whom, Cael, died in 2017. He was born Navarre Scott Mammedaty, in Lawton, Oklahoma, and was a member of the Kiowa Tribe. His mother was a writer, and his father an artist who once told his son, I have never known an Indian child who couldnt draw, a talent Momaday demonstrably shared. His artwork, from charcoal sketches to oil paintings, were included in his books and exhibited in museums in Arizona, New Mexico and North Dakota. Audio guides to tours of the Smithsonian Institutions Museum of the American Indian featured Momadays avuncular baritone. After spending his teens in New Mexico, he studied political science at the University of Mexico and received a masters and Ph.D. in English from Stanford. Momaday began as a poet, his favorite art form, and the publication of House Made of Dawn was an unintentional result of his early reputation. Editor Fran McCullough, of what is now HarperCollins, had met Momaday at Stanford and several years later contacted him and asked whether he would like to submit a book of poems. Momaday did not have enough for a book, and instead gave her the first chapter of House Made of Dawn. Much of his writing was set in the American West and Southwest, whether tributes to bears the animals he most identified with or a cycle of poems about the life of Billy the Kid, a childhood obsession. He saw writing as a way of bridging the present with the ancient past and summed up his quest in the poem If I Could Ascend": Something like a leaf lies here within me; / it wavers almost not at all, / and there is no light to see it by / that it withers upon a black field. / If it could ascend the thousand years into my mouth, / I would make a word of it at last, / and I would speak it into the silence of the sun. In 2019, he was the subject of a PBS American Masters documentary in which he discussed his belief he was a reincarnation of a bear connected to the Native American origin story around Devils Tower in Wyoming. He told The Associated Press in a rare interview that the documentary allowed him to reflect on his life, saying he was humbled that writers continued to say his work has influenced them. Im greatly appreciative of that, but it comes a little bit of a surprise every time I hear it, Momaday said. I think I have been an influence. Its not something I take a lot of credit for. Former Associated Press writer Russell Contreras contributed to this report from Santa Fe, New Mexico. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Pulitzer Prize winner N. Scott Momaday, Native American author, dead at 89 Your holiday options vary greatly depending on where you live, new Telegraph research reveals, with Londoners enjoying more than double the non-stop flight options as people who live in Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham. The study, using data supplied by OAG, shows all of the destinations you can reach from London compared with the 10 biggest regional airports, based on flight schedules for the summer of 2023 (note that several new routes announced for 2024 will change the picture slightly). It reveals that Londoners (across five airports) have 373 options for their summer holiday destination, Manchester has 170, Edinburgh has 134, Birmingham has 118, Bristol has 106, Glasgow has 76, Newcastle has 69, Leeds-Bradford has 68, Nottingham has 65, Liverpool has 57 and Belfast has 53. There are no surprises that London, with four of the five biggest airports in the country, is better connected than anywhere else. But the data exposes a fleet of surprising destinations that are still only served by the capital, and on the flipside some unlikely spots that are reachable from every corner of the country. The destinations served by every airport If you want to visit one of these 16 destinations, you shouldnt have too much trouble, whether you live in Belfast, Glasgow or the East Midlands: they are accessible from London and all 10 of the regional airports covered in the study. Three are on mainland Spain (Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga), five are Spanish islands (Fuerteventura, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife), while Antalya, Corfu, Faro, Jersey, Kos, Krakow, Malta and Paris make up the rest of the list. Mallorca, served by every major UK airport - Getty The data solidifies what we already know: that Spain is by some margin our favourite holiday destination. In 2019, the last full normal year for travel before the pandemic, 18.1 million UK residents travelled there, while France received 10.3 million Britons and Italy received 5.1 million. The destinations you can only reach from London There are a whopping 179 destinations that you can only reach from London airports. Some are to be expected (particularly long-haul destinations like Tokyo and Perth, Australia), but there are others you would assume you could reach non-stop from at least one regional airport. Lets start with European cities. Biarritz, Ljubljana, Tallinn and Vilnius each brilliant cities, well deserving of a weekend away are only reachable from London airports. Others that connect exclusively to the capital include Zaragoza, Sarajevo, Belgrade and Dortmund. Tallinn, only served by London airports - Rasmus Jurkatam For a winter-sun island escape, the options are limited when you travel from beyond the M25. The Caribbean favourites of Antigua and St Lucia are only accessible from Londons big airports, and its the same story for the Indian Ocean idylls of Mauritius and the Maldives. Across the Atlantic, you can reach New York City, Orlando and Atlanta from London plus Edinburgh and Manchester, while Washington and Chicago are accessible via London and Edinburgh. But you can only get to Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin and Seattle direct from London. Virgin is relaunching its Manchester to Vegas route from June 2024. The surprisingly well (and poorly) connected destinations Verona (who knew?) has connections to London and all of the regional airports in our study except for Liverpool. The same number of major regional airports serve Rome, and fewer connect with Venice. Izmir, Turkeys third largest city, also has connections to eight of the 10 biggest regional airports, whereas only three serve Istanbul. Looking to fly to Bergerac in central France? Youre in luck. Six of the regional airports in our study fly to the town (thats more than the number that serve Bordeaux). Other surprises in the list include Poznan (also with connections to six regional airports), Toulouse (four), Turin (four), Rzeszow (three) and Cluj Napoca (three). As for the surprisingly poorly served destinations? Away from London, only two regional airports (Edinburgh and Manchester) fly to Vienna, one of Europes headline cities. Seville is also only served by those two regional airports, as is Helsinki, and beyond the capital, Gibraltar can only be reached via Bristol and Manchester. Seville, served by only two regional UK airports - Europa Press The postcodes furthest from an international airport In England, you are never too far away from an international airport. Live in central London and you have a choice of five within an hour on public transport. Live in Stoke-on-Trent and you are about an hours drive away from Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and East Midlands airports. One of the corners in the country furthest from an international airport is the Cumbrian coast, around Whitehaven, just to the west of the Lake District. From here your closest airport is Newcastle, which is around 100 miles and more than two hours away by car. Some corners of Scotland are particularly poorly connected to the wider world. The tip of the Mull of Galloway is a good two-and-a-half hour drive from Glasgow Airport. Durness, in the remote northeast of the Highlands, is a similar drive away from its nearest airport, Inverness, as is John OGroats. Grigadale is more than four hours away from Glasgow and Inverness airports by car. The towns along the Welsh coast have a trip on their hands, too. But the most remote, by some margin, are the settlements of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Those who live on the remote tip of the Welsh Llyn Peninsula are more than two-and-a-half hours from the closest airport (Liverpool or Manchester) while Aberystwyth to Cardiff, Liverpool and Birmingham airports will take you about three hours, on a good day. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Where would we be without mobile phones? The UN Security Council was holding a meeting on February 24, 2022 when news started coming through that Russia had invaded Ukraine. The extraordinary moment was captured in the second series of the documentary Putin vs the West (BBC Two). Instead of hearing of the invasion from the Russian ambassador, who was right there in the room, council members were alerted by their phones starting to vibrate in unison and were filmed staring in disbelief at their screens. Until that moment, according to the Ukrainian ambassador, many of my colleagues sincerely believed that full-scale invasion was not possible. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, asked the Russian ambassador what he knew. This is the first I heard, was the reply. Film-maker Norma Percy delivered three episodes of this series last year, covering the decade leading up to the invasion. These two new episodes cover the first year of the war, with world leaders and their advisers among the contributors. It is history as told by the people responsible for making the decisions, and Percys access is impressive. The early consensus was that the Russian army would roll over the Ukrainians in a matter of days and everyone should just wait for the inevitable. Of course, it didnt turn out like that. Ukrainian fighters took the best punch the Russians could give them. They demonstrated that they were still standing, and that made all the difference, said CIA director Bill Burns. We hear details of discussions between nations over economic sanctions and weapons supply. Ben Wallace told how, as defence secretary, he would have whisky-themed, coded conversations about weapons systems with his Ukrainian counterpart because they did not have a sufficiently secure line of communication. Im going to send you some Glenfiddich was a reference to anti-tank missiles, Islay to anti-ship Harpoons. Boris Johnson is the only leader to crack jokes (the UK is represented over this timespan by three prime ministers). Of his talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping, Johnson said: He dead-batted everything that I said. More dead bats than a Wuhan cave. But Chinas power is no laughing matter. Nor is the Russian threat. Vasily Nebenzya, Russias ambassador to the UN, says of Finlands request to join Nato: Their very good relations with Russia were their asset. Which they squandered. We never had any missile directed at Finland But this changed. And of course that will be taken into account in our political and military planning. Quite worrying. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Elon Musks brain chip startup Neuralink has implanted its first device in a human, the billionaire announced Monday evening in a social media post. In a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, Musk said the first human had received a Neuralink brain chip implant on Sunday and is recovering well." Musk said the initial results and data are promising." Neuralink, which is headquartered in Fremont Calif., and has at least two offices in Central Texas, has been working to develop a computer-brain interface that would let people control a computer or mobile device using their minds. Musk said on social media that the companys first product, called Telepathy, will be a part of a clinical trial for six years. According to Neuralinks website, some individuals who have paralysis in all four limbs due to a spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, qualify for the trial. Elon Musk stands next to the Neuralink surgical robot in a screengrab from an online presentation in 2020. Musk's Neuralink on Monday said the company had implanted its first brain chip device in a human. Musk said the device would let people who have lost the ability to use their limbs control their phone, computer or other devices by thinking. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer, Musk said on X. That is the goal. Neuralink has been testing its technology on animals with Bluetooth-enabled brain chip implants that allow them to communicate with computers through a receiver. The companys best-known demonstration of its technology came in 2021, when it shared a video that claimed a monkey using Neuralink's technology was playing Pong with its mind by moving the cursor on screen without a joystick. The companys goal to start human trials has been pushed back several times since 2019, when Musk said the company aimed to start human trials in 2020. The neurotechnology company officially received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration to start human clinical trials in May. But the company has faced regulatory hurdles related to safety concerns in recent years, including the FDA rejecting its application for human trials in March 2023 and an investigation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture over animal welfare allegations. Story continues Elon Musk's brain tech firm Neuralink approved for human trials, Austin's Paradromics close behind What are brain computer interfaces? Brain-computer interface devices are designed to help people with disabilities, such as paralysis, communicate. These types of devices have yet to make it to market, or be used long-term, but industry experts see the devices as having the potential eventually to treat a range of conditions, including mental health disorders, or to help people with spinal injuries walk again. Neuralink is among a handful of promising startups in the emerging industry vying to make such products commercially available. Competitors Blackrock Neurotech and Synchron have already tested the technology on humans. In Austin, Paradromics is also testing similar technology on animals and is angling towards clinical trials. Elon Musk shows the Neuralink disk implant in a video from an online presentation in 2020. Neuralinks technology is considered more invasive than its competitors'. The company uses technology based on flexible threads that enable it to take in more data, but that can make the device more fragile. Musk has described the device as a Fitbit for your skull, with small wires that go into your brain. While Neuralinks initial technology is expected to be used to treat certain conditions, Musk also sees the technology as eventually being used in the general population, including himself. Musk has said the company hopes people will one day be able to upgrade the chips as new versions come out. How does Austin fit in? Neuralink has been building a significant Austin presence in recent years, but, like many of Musk's companies, the company moved into the region with little announcement, making it unclear when Neuralink expanded into Central Texas or what exactly it is up to in the region. During an event in 2022, a Neuralink employee said Austin has become the center of device manufacturing for Neuralink, has a double operating room and planned to build a clinic. Job postings for Austin have also included a range of positions, including those related to brain interfaces, software, engineering, research, surgery, robotics and operations. But the postings have largely mentioned animals, making it unlikely human trials are currently being conducted in Austin. Plans filed with Travis County and acquired by the American-Statesman show the company has been building a campus on Caldwell Lane off Texas 71 near the Colorado River on a 37-acre property not far from its Tesla factory. The plans call for eight buildings, including office space, laboratories and operating rooms. Elon Musk's Neuralink has plans for lab, office facility in Travis County Last year, Walter Issacsons biography on Musk mentioned the existence of a second Neuralink office in a strip mall in Austin, in a building that previously housed an axe-throwing venue and bowling alley called Hatchet Alley. Issacson said the office has lab space, workshops and a glass-enclosed conference room. Based on the description the office is likely near U.S. 183 and Montopolis Drive, not far from some of Musk's other offices in Central Texas. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Elon Musk's Neuralink implanted its first brain chip in a human "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." For nearly six years, NASAs Parker Solar Probe has made increasingly closer approaches to the Sun. That journey will culminate in December of 2024 with its closest ever approach of 3.83 million miles. After this Christmas Eve solar maneuver, the Parker Solar Probe will never again fly by the Sun at such a close proximity. Scientists will keep their eyes peeled for data relating to waves found within solar wind, which could help answer a plethora of helio-based questions. In August o2018, NASA launched an ambitious mission aimed directly at our Solar Systems star. Within a few months, the spacecraft whizzed by the Sun some 26.55 million miles from its surface (the Sun, being a massive ball of gas, doesnt have a true surface). At the time, that distance exceeded the previous record holder, Helios 2, which flew within 27 million miles of the star back in 1976. In the five years since, the Parker Solar Probe has made increasingly closer passes, and in 2021, even touched the atmospherecoming within 8.1 million miles (scientists estimate the atmosphere starts around 4.3 to 8.6 million miles from the surface). On December 24, 2024, NASAs sun chariot will make its closest approach yeta staggering 3.83 million miles from the Suns surface, where itll need to withstand intense radiation and temperatures around 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. We are basically almost landing on a star, Parker project scientist Nour Raouafi told the BBC. According to NASA, this will be the closest that the Parker Solar Probe will ever get to the Sun. And while 3.83 million miles may seem like a lot on Earth, its only 4 percent of the distance between the Earth and the Sunalso known as an astronomical unit (AU). Over the past five years, the probe has used a number of gravity assists with Venus to decrease its orbital perihelion (the point of an orbit closest to the Sun), and the probe will pass Venus for the final time in November, sending it on yet another record-breaking trajectory. The probe survives these close encountersalong with the Suns temperaturesbecause the Suns corona isnt particularly dense. As NASA explains, similar to the way your hand can withstand being in the oven longer than being in a pot of boiling water (dont do either), the Parker Solar Probe wont be subjected to as much heat due to the scarcity of particles. The probe is also protected with a heat shield that keeps the spacecraft in the shade, as well as an onboard cooling system. The probe is also traveling incredibly fastin fact, its the fastest spacecraft in human history. Speeding through space at around 430,000 mph, the Parker Solar Probe could essentially travel from Philadelphia to Washington D.C. in one second. In other words, it wont be around long enough to bear the brunt of the Suns immense radiation and heat. The Parker Solar Probe has already improved our understanding of solar particles, the origin of solar winds, and the energy flows of the outer atmosphere of our star. On this close approach, scientists will keep an eye out for different types of waves in the Suns solar winds. We dont know what well find, but well be looking for waves in the solar wind associated with the heating, NASAs head of science, Nicky Fox, told the BBC. I suspect well sense lots of different types of waves which would point to a mix of processes that people have been arguing over for years. You Might Also Like On January 31, John Lydon will turn 68. Perhaps better known as Johnny Rotten, the frontman for the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd may not be the most obvious choice for last man standing among the epically burnt-out inaugural class of punk rock stardom. After all, its hard to stay angry for seven decades. We should mull over the reasons for his success, which might begin with the fundamental question: Is it a requirement of the genre that a punk must be angry? If were to go by the title of Lydons memoir, "Anger is an Energy," its perhaps true that most punks see their affinity through the lens of anger. As a countercultural movement in the 1970s, both the people and their music have often been characterized this way. The energy is raw, the music is aggressive, and the attitude is defiant. Lydon has even defied himself as of late. While the Sex Pistols had often seemed to favor left-wing political stances, over the past few years, Lydon has raised more than a few eyebrows on both sides of the aisle for giving a rather conservative thumbs up to Donald Trump, Brexit, and even Queen Elizabeth II. These endorsements call to mind that other famous Johnny, of the Ramones, who was a staunch supporter of the Republican Party and hailed Reagan as the greatest president of his lifetime. While Lydons turn toward conservatism seems designed to provoke outrage, it prompts a closer examination of the punk movements ethos, using Lydon and the Sex Pistols as archetypal examples. At first glance, Lydons controversy-stirring soundbites seem disconnected from the philosophical stance of stoicism, an ancient Greek ideology where the energy is controlled, the music is virtuous and the attitude is resilient. However, a closer look at Lydons punk life through the ages must acknowledge the evolving nature of countercultural political positions and their shifting meanings over time. This complex interplay sheds light on Lydons journey, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of his rebellion using the principles of stoicism to point the way toward Lydons fountain of youth. A little over two thousand years before "Never Mind the Bollocks," around 300 BCE, a guy named Zeno of Citium founded the Stoic school of philosophy. He advocated for living in harmony with nature, focusing on only those things in life that we can truly influence and accepting hardships that cannot be changed. The school encouraged people to cultivate virtues that included temperance, courage, justice and wisdom. Well, the Sex Pistols were not exactly role models of moderation and restraint in their consumption habits, but dont those three other stoic virtues sound a lot like punk values? In the tumultuous era of the 1970s, the pioneering punks of the Sex Pistols emerged as a band from a backdrop of social unrest, economic hardship and political disillusionment. Their music and attitude became a voice for expressing the frustrations of their generation as it was caught in a rapidly changing world. Through their rebellious music, they channeled a form of stoicism that was tailored to their historical circumstances. Lydon contributed his unique personality to become an iconic music force that aligned with the stoic ideals of authenticity, resilience and a focus on whats within ones control. First, punk rock encapsulates the stoic notion of living authentically and resisting societal pressures. Stoicism encourages people to be true to themselves and not simply give in to normativity, to mainstream social expectations. The punks rejected majoritarian culture and the constraints it attempted to impose, advocating instead for an individualism that included the freedom to express oneself without compromise. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Second, stoicism emphasizes that adversity and struggle should be met with courage and resilience. In their lyrics and performances, the Sex Pistols often touched on societal and personal hardships. They address topics like unemployment, disenfranchisement and overall disillusionment with systems that seem indifferent to the challenges faced by young people. In doing so, they exhorted their audience to confront these issues head-on, echoing the stoic ideal of facing opposition with fortitude and resilience. Third, stoic philosophy offers a prototype for a circle of influence versus circle of concern, or what we nowadays credit to Stephen R. Coveys best-selling book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." While our thoughts, actions and responses to situations are within our control, other peoples actions and external events are beyond our control. Just like stoicism, the punk movement advocated focusing on acting where change can actually be made. Through their music and activism, the Sex Pistols undermined the status quo, took control of their own destiny, and fought for their rights. This essay will stage dive into the details of these three points, providing detailed examples from their one and only studio album to explain how Lydon and the Sex Pistols represent a stoic form of rebellion. These punks were determined to keep it real as a call to arms against perceived injustices and a rallying cry for each of us to maintain our inner strength when facing external chaos. At their core, the Sex Pistols relentlessly pursued their own principles, becoming an unexpected but fitting ally that brings modern momentum to the ancient philosophy of stoicism. Authenticity and Anarchy Stoicism, a school of philosophy that emerged in ancient Greece, emphasizes the importance of living a life of authenticity and resisting the pressures of conformity. The Stoics believed in aligning one's actions and beliefs with nature and reason, advocating for a life guided by virtue and wisdom rather than being swayed by societal expectations. This commitment to keeping it real and mustering resistance to conformity is deeply ingrained in Stoic teachings, as evident in works such as "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius and "Discourses" by Epictetus. In "Meditations," Marcus Aurelius, the prominent Stoic philosopher best known as an emperor of Rome, reflects on the pursuit of an authentic life. He emphasizes the notion that one should live in accordance with one's own principles and virtues, regardless of societal pressures. Aurelius encourages individuals to stay true to their beliefs, innermost values, and rationality. He suggests that external influences and opinions should not sway one's commitment to living a virtuous life, resulting in the kind of raw and genuine living that can only stem from inner conviction. Epictetus, another influential Stoic philosopher, expounds on the idea of authenticity and resistance to conformity in his "Discourses." Epictetus is fairly punk in his own right. He was born a slave to the secretary of Roman Emperor Nero and became disabled after his master broke his leg. Yet he took what action he could despite all he suffered. Epictetus was permitted to study philosophy and in becoming gradually more educated he managed to raise his social status until he was eventually freed, from which point onward he paid it forward by teaching Stoicism in Rome. He argues that individuals possess the ability to exercise control over their own judgments and reactions, emphasizing the importance of aligning these with reason and virtue. Epictetus stresses the significance of living in harmony with one's inner principles, irrespective of societal expectations or external pressures. By doing so, he believes one can achieve a sense of authenticity that is more or less immune to any external influence. Seeking authenticity and resisting conformity are fundamentally principled actions for leading a good and meaningful life. These commitments form the bedrock of Stoic philosophy and remain a timeless guide for purposeful living, which the Sex Pistols exemplified when they burst onto the music scene with their groundbreaking first (and last) studio album, "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols." This iconic work, full of explicit language and an unapologetic rejection of societal norms, upended the music industry's status quo by encapsulating the ethos of authenticity and a vehement resistance to conformity. Amidst a musical landscape dominated by polished and controlled sounds, these guys represented a breath of raw, unfiltered air. Their defiant stance disrupted the notion of music business as usual, opting for a visceral sound resonating with the frustrations and disillusionment of their generation. This rebellion against the polished and controlled music of the time went beyond mere stylistic choice. It was a rebellion of the highest order against the one size fits all artifice that had permeated the music industry. The album asserted that music should reflect genuine emotions and experiences, not a manufactured product designed to cater to the masses. The track "Anarchy in the U.K." stands as a quintessential embodiment of this rejection of conformity and a resolute embrace of authenticity. Filled with dissatisfaction and rebellion, its lyrics declare disdain for a society characterized by hypocrisy and oppression. Phrases that celebrate anarchy and even the antichrist leave no room for ambiguity. They reflect a deep-seated desire to break free from the stifling expectations of society and to express true selves, regardless of how disruptive or unconventional that might be. Lydons vocals unequivocally confront societal labels and norms imposed on his age group, embodying a fervent rejection of conformity that echoed Stoic philosophy's emphasis on living authentically. The Stoics and the Sex Pistols both believed that authenticity came from aligning one's actions and beliefs with their true self, irrespective of external expectations. As he repeatedly snarls "I wanna be anarchy," the song becomes a battle cry against the constriction of individuality, encapsulating the essence of the punk movement. emerging as a direct response to societal constraints and conventions. Another track from their seminal album is "Submission." It is a defiant anthem against societal pressures to conform. The very title of the song challenges the prospect of bowing down to authority. The lyrics convey a sense of rebellion against being forced into submission. This refusal to yield or surrender aligns with Stoic ideals by emphasizing the importance of aligning one's actions with their true self against mainstream odds. On the track "New York," we see a similar resistance to conformity and an inclination to embrace the unorthodox. The song challenges conventional views, especially about cities and the glamor supposedly associated with them. The Sex Pistols, in their characteristic provocative style, demystify the allure of places like New York City and question the established narratives surrounding urban life. They metaphorize NYC as a crucifix, representing the burdens and pressures that come with big city life, challenging the more romanticized depiction of cities. In challenging conventional views of urbanity, the Sex Pistols demonstrate their willingness to break away from established norms and venture into uncharted territory, both musically and ideologically. This willingness to challenge and question the status quo aligns with the Stoic idea of examining and challenging our beliefs and societal norms to ensure they align with reason and virtue. Throughout the album, the music of the Sex Pistols embodied punks rebellious spirit while inadvertently echoing Stoic philosophy. The ethos of punk and its echo of Stoic ideals extends of course to the band members themselves. Lydon was a prominent figure in the punk movement's rejection of societal norms and embrace of personal authenticity. His Stoic demeanor was evident in his resilience and composure in the face of immense criticism and adversity. Despite the backlash and controversies surrounding the band, he remained unwavering in his artistic vision, displaying the Stoic virtue of courage in pursuing his authentic path, regardless of external judgments and hardships. He was steadfast and determined to stay true to himself. Resilience and Rottenness Stoicism places significant emphasis on resilience and the confrontation of adversity. Stoic teachings encourage individuals to develop inner strength and fortitude in the face of challenges, promoting the idea that we can maintain equanimity and wisdom even amidst life's most difficult circumstances. The writings of Stoic philosophers such as Seneca and Epictetus highlight these themes, emphasizing the power of bouncing back from opposition with courage and wisdom. Seneca, a prominent writer of tragedies and advisor to Emperor Nero, expounds on resilience and the confrontation of adversity in his work "Letters From a Stoic." Seneca advocates for building mental and emotional capacity by preparing for and flexibly confronting the challenges that life presents. He believes that hardships provide an opportunity to test our principles and develop the strength to endure struggle. Seneca's writings often encourage individuals to face trouble head-on, using it to cultivate wisdom and fortify the soul. Epictetus reinforces the theme of resilience and the confrontation of adversity in his "Enchiridion," a handbook of practical advice for Stoics, in addition to the "Discourses" weve already discussed. Epictetus teaches that individuals have control over their own reactions and attitudes toward external events, especially adverse ones. He emphasizes that we should accept what cannot be changed and focus on what can be controlled our own thoughts and actions. Through this approach, one can engage in confrontation with a sense of inner peace and strength. Another Stoic concept generally attributed to Epictetus is amor fati, or the love of fate, which also plays a vital role in resilience and confronting adversity. Stoics believe that accepting and embracing all facets of life, even the challenging parts, is essential to building resilience. By practicing the love of fate, we transform our perspective on suffering, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and a chance to demonstrate resilience in the face of life's trials. Stoicism emphasizes that the invaluable tool of true resilience comes from within each of us. In a surprising intersection with Stoic philosophy, the music of the Sex Pistols often encapsulates these same principles by promoting inner strength and blunt confrontations with adversity. There are four tracks from "Never Mind the Bollocks" where Lydons rotten call-outs are particularly effective: "Bodies," "Holidays in the Sun," Problems and Seventeen. Lets consider these potent examples of his rebellious streak of Stoicism. In "Bodies," the Sex Pistols are tackling the highly controversial topic of abortion and the societal judgment that accompanies any decision to seek one. The lyrics are an unflinching confrontation of the social taboo surrounding this issue, presenting a brutal and often uncomfortable reality that forces listeners to face inconvenient truths. Lydon has said he used details that were given to him by an acquaintance whod had several abortions. At the time of the songs release, critics largely agreed that the song was anti-abortion. Later, Lydon would clarify that he was only seeking to demonstrate all the mixed feelings invested in the gravity of such a decision, and he considers the song neither anti- nor pro-abortion. This confrontational approach in "Bodies," which also included five f-bombs in quick succession during the middle of the song, is a clear embodiment of Stoic resilience. The band does not shy away from addressing such a polarizing issue, even in the face of a predictable backlash from both sides of the political aisles. Stoicism teaches that adversity should be met with courage and a willingness to address uncomfortable truths, and "Bodies" does just that. The song's lyrics and the band's delivery force listeners to grapple with the complexities of the issue, regardless of their personal beliefs. Turning to "Holidays in the Sun," this track offers a less graphic critique of unthinking behaviors than Bodies, instead using consumerist culture and social disillusionment for its targets. The song exposes how shallow it is to seek happiness through materialism, as if possessions are the key to successfully conforming to societal expectations. The song urges listeners to break free of the marketing cycle and find meaning in more authentic sources. By confronting the emptiness of consumerism, the Sex Pistols encourage listeners to get beyond object-oriented, acquisitive pursuits. This call to move beyond materialism and find enduring resilience echoes Stoic ideals by challenging the prevailing notion that material possessions and societal approval are the ultimate sources of happiness. Songs like "Bodies" and "Holidays in the Sun" showcase a unique brand of Stoic resilience because they highlight a stance not defined by indifference but by a willingness to confront adversity openly and to point-blank reject societal normativity. They demonstrate that resilience is not always about unwavering composure but about challenging the status quo, addressing discomforts with candor, and urging listeners to find strength beyond the lures of capitalism. This Stoic resilience reflects the bands confrontational approach, a hallmark of their music and philosophy. Two other tracks, Problems and Seventeen, provide a conduit for rebellion and a voice for those seeking to challenge the status quo. "Problems is a direct confrontation of life's challenges, both personal and societal. The very title of the song demonstrates the essence of Stoic resilience in its unwavering capacity to confront challenges undaunted. The repetition of the word "problems" in the lyrics underscores the relentlessness of struggles that we face daily, both in our own hearts and in connecting to the wider, external world. The band discusses their challenges without being deterred or overwhelmed by their situation, enduring and surmounting life's trials and tribulations with unapologetic grace and determination. The song is an emblem of the band's ethos, demonstrating their fearless approach to life's issues. In the song "Seventeen," we witness a depiction of the challenges and confusion associated with being a young person. Adolescence is a time of immense change and uncertainty, where social expectations often clash with personal identity. The lyrics of "Seventeen" capture this struggle, displaying a determination to confront issues related to the growing pains of young adulthood and the prospect of emerging stronger despite the chaos. The very act of addressing this youthful turbulence through music and lyrics is a Stoic act because it constitutes an assertion of control over one's narrative, irrespective of norms or societal expectations. Both Problems and Seventeen underscore the Stoic ethos of confronting life's challenges with courage, resilience, and an unyielding determination to live authentically in the face of systemic pressures. To write so many tracks with this focus ultimately means that the Sex Pistols themselves remain a symbol of resilience and rebellion, resonating with both the punk movement and the timeless teachings of Stoic philosophy. No Lies, All Vacancy Stoicism places significant emphasis on the idea of focusing on what is within one's control. This fundamental principle forms the cornerstone of Stoic teachings and plays a crucial role in how individuals approach life and make decisions. Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius stressed the importance of distinguishing between what is within our control and what is beyond our control, advocating for a life centered on actions and attitudes that are within our sphere of influence. Epictetus is well-known for articulating this concept in his "Enchiridion" and "Discourses." He repeatedly emphasizes the importance of recognizing what lies within our control and accepting what lies outside of it. According to Epictetus, the only things within our control are our own thoughts, opinions, desires and actions. He urges individuals to focus their attention and efforts on these aspects and to detach from any concerns beyond these, which include external circumstances and the actions of others. He proposes that by aligning our focus with what we can control, we attain a sense of inner peace and resilience. Our affect becomes less impacted by the precarity of external events and instead, we can concentrate on cultivating certain virtues like wisdom, courage, justice and temperance. These are qualities that are wholly within our control and contribute to our well-being and fulfillment. Marcus Aurelius concurs with these sentiments in his "Meditations." He writes about the importance of directing our attention toward our own actions and attitudes, advising that we channel our efforts into fostering virtue and living in accordance with reason, even in the face of challenging external circumstances or the pressures of social expectation. By doing so, he suggests we can achieve a sense of tranquility and purpose regardless of the unpredictable nature of the rest of the world around us. Stoicism emphasizes personal control and resilience in the face of external circumstances. It encourages individuals to take charge of their destinies, question authority, and challenge oppressive systems. The Sex Pistols used their music to express rebellion and defiance against societal norms. Songs like "God Save the Queen" and "Pretty Vacant" not only embody the spirit of punk but also resonate with Stoic philosophy. "God Save the Queen" serves as a scathing critique of the monarchy and mainstream values or propriety, mirroring the Stoic sentiment of questioning authority and challenging power structures. This song debuted about two months after Elizabeth IIs Silver Jubilee, celebrating 25 years on the throne and a high-water mark for pro-monarchy sentiment in the UK. Lydon wanted to tear that down. The lyrics to God Save the Queen provoke listeners to take control of their destinies and not blindly accept oppressive systems like the English monarchy. By criticizing the systems and social pressures that prop up the Queen, the band urges listeners to reflect on their own values and question the authorities governing their lives. Perhaps an actual overthrow of the monarchy was not within the bands control, but whether to show respect for the Queen within their own hearts and minds certainly was something they were empowered to decide on for themselves. Similarly, "Pretty Vacant" conveys the emptiness of a conformist, consumer-driven society that is perpetually out to lunch. They criticize the shallowness of material pursuits and emphasize the need for genuine purpose instead of dismissive mainstream platitudes. The Sex Pistols encourage listeners to focus on what truly matters in life, aligning with Stoic principles of directing energy towards meaningful endeavors within one's control, as true contentment and fulfillment come from focusing on what is within our control. Songs like God Save the Queen" and "Pretty Vacant" channel Stoic philosophy's emphasis on focusing on what's within one's control. This music serves as a rallying cry for questioning authority and societal values, as well as for rejecting the emptiness of material pursuits. The songs of the Sex Pistols, whether critiquing authority or consumerism, inspire us as individuals to assert control over our beliefs and actions, ultimately steering our lives toward authenticity, purpose and resilience. Songs like "No Feelings" and "Liar" drill deeper into this notion by going beyond world politics and marketing to more intimate interpersonal territories, directly engaging with the challenges posed by deceit and emotion. "No Feelings expresses a lack of emotional connection or attachment. The lyrics push away love and its entanglements, encapsulating this detachment by rejecting emotional bonds that can often seem limiting or burdensome. The rejection of love and the desire to avoid being tied down defend and maintain the Stoic territory of what is within one's control. Emotions, being a product of our judgments and reactions to external events, fall within our sphere of control. By discouraging emotional entanglements, "No Feelings" embodies this Stoic ideal, urging individuals to exercise control over their emotional responses and attachments, ultimately leading to a sense of inner peace. The Stoics were not necessarily giving the thumbs down to any type of feeling, but they saw much of negative feeling as the byproduct of useless attachments. In the song "Liar," the Sex Pistols accuse individuals of evasion and falsehood. The repetition of the word "liar" in the lyrics underscores the band's frustration with the proliferation of dishonesty in society. The song is a call for discernment and an urge to question what one is being told, aligning with the Stoic idea of focusing on the beliefs and judgments that are within one's control. Stoicism encourages individuals to scrutinize their beliefs, ensuring they measure up in the eyes of reason and virtue. By accusing others of lying and advocating for truthfulness, the Sex Pistols are calling for discernment and honesty in our judgments and interactions. Lydon's life-long search for authenticity In a world characterized by shifting norms and societal pressures, the quest for an honest rebellion is an enduring pursuit that finds echoes in both Stoic philosophy and the punk movement. The Stoics, with their ancient teachings emphasizing living in harmony with one's true nature and focusing on what is within our control, provide a timeless guide for leading a meaningful life rooted in authenticity. On the other hand, the Sex Pistols, pioneers of the punk rock movement in the 1970s, undermined social normativity and consumerist culture through their music, challenging individuals to break free from the shackles of mindless conformity, regardless of whether that conformity had its roots in liberal or conservative political ideology. This essay has delved into the fundamental principles of Stoicism and the punk ethos, exploring how these seemingly disparate philosophies intersect in the realms of authenticity, resistance to conformity, resilience, and focusing on what is within control. But what is the enduring significance of authenticity, resistance to conformity, and the confluence of Stoicism and punk, especially in the life of old man Lydon? It remains for us to conclude by shedding light on how these principles remain relevant in today's world for us and for the birthday boy. We will explore the implications of these intersecting philosophies for individual well-being, societal transformation, and the pursuit of a more meaningful existence. Our search for authenticity remains a profound and unceasing endeavor. Stoicism, with its emphasis on living in harmony with one's true nature, calls individuals to embrace their inherent rationality and moral compass, allowing them to make choices aligned with their highest values. Living authentically involves acknowledging one's true self, values and principles, while resisting the allure of conformity and external influences. The realization of the strength within our own minds and hearts is a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of Stoicism's call to focus on inner convictions, rather than succumbing to external pressures. The punk movement, exemplified by the Sex Pistols, echoes this sentiment in provocative lyrics with a rebellious spirit that calls individuals to break free from the shackles of expectations, regardless of how disruptive or unconventional that may be. In a world filled with uniformity, authenticity becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery and the pursuit of genuine freedom. In today's context, authenticity remains a potent antidote to the pervasive culture of performance and the pursuit of external validation. Social media has amplified the pressure to conform to curated personas and projected ideals. We dont have to imagine how the Sex Pistols would behave in the age of social media: Lydons official Instagram account has 24,000 followers. He follows no accounts besides his own band and has posted only once. Resistance to conformity, another shared theme between Stoicism and punk, has profound implications for societal transformation and individual empowerment. Stoicism teaches us to resist the pressures of conformity by focusing on what is within our control, particularly our beliefs and actions. This resistance involves questioning societal norms and aligning our choices with our inner principles. In the case of Lydon, this includes sarcastically proclaiming to be an anti-Christ back in the 1970s and proclaiming himself a supporter of Donald Trump today. He provokes listeners to question any opinion achieving a critical mass that props up the status quo and asks us to assert control over our destinies. In today's world, Lydons resistance to conformity remains undeniable, from his formation of the successful anti-rock band ironically called Public Image Ltd to his refusal to attend the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony inducting the Sex Pistols. Both Stoicism and punk philosophy advocate for resilience in the face of adversity. The Stoics believed that by focusing on our internal responses and maintaining inner virtue, we can navigate adversity with grace and wisdom. The Sex Pistols, often faced with self-created controversy and external opposition, exemplified resilience in their confrontational music and public image. They embraced the challenges and backlash that came their way, and their unapologetic stance against conformity and societal norms reflected a resilience that is emblematic of the rebellious punk spirit. In our contemporary context, resilience was probably the most frequently referenced virtue during the global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. For his part, John Lydon spent lockdown caring for his wife of more than 40 years, composing love songs for her, and trying to keep her spirits up before she passed away from Alzheimers complications in 2023. The confluence of Stoicism and punk provides a compelling path to meaning and fulfillment in life. Stoicism offers a framework for individuals to act in accordance with their inner principles and values. The punk ethos encourages individuals to embrace their true selves and challenge societal norms. In a world where the pursuit of material success and external validation often obscures the path to genuine happiness, this call to live in accordance with nature and embrace authenticity stands as a timeless guide. The punk movement advocates for a life of meaning through self-expression, rebellion against the norms of the left and of the right, and a rejection of a conformist mindset. Lydon is a model for each of these three ideals. The intersection of these philosophies invites us to reflect on the choices we make and the lives we lead. Lydon calls us to question whether we are living authentically, resisting conformity and facing adversity with resilience. He urges us to confront normativity and embrace our individuality. In doing so, we embark on a path toward a more meaningful and fulfilling existence, recognizing that true happiness is found in living in accordance with our inner principles and values. In todays world, the lessons from Stoicism and the punk movement resonate deeply, offering hope for a future where we are truly free to be ourselves. Subversive, charismatic, and ultimately tragic, Anthony Bourdain and his respective shows have a tone all their own. Starting as a dishwasher, one of the most influential chefs in American history moved up the ladder before writing the esteemed memoir, "Kitchen Confidential." This gave him enough acclaim that he was able to spearhead a prolific and lucrative career as a host of his own travel shows. His first endeavor was entitled "A Cook's Tour," and, like his subsequent TV series, it followed Bourdain around the world as he experienced culture and food. But while he was the face of the shows, other aspects were just as important. The production enlisted guest guides -- also known as fixers -- to introduce the famous personality to the sides of these countries audiences may not see on other shows. The selection process for the guest guides was of the utmost importance, as Bourdain explained in a Reddit AMA. The "Kitchen Confidential" author was concerned with showing a different side to these culinary destinations and depended on these guides to escort him through these places. Read more: 11 Of The Best Cooking Tips From Bobby Flay The Function Of Bordain's Guides Anthony Bourdain looking at Linh - Travel Channel Anthony Bourdain's shows demonstrate a picture not often portrayed. Anyone can visit Vietnam or Japan and fall into tourist traps. Enlisting local guides ensured that the episodes that aired on shows like "No Reservations" and "Parts Unknown" featured what life is like for locals. "Ideally, I'll go to a place like -- I'll find a little bar in Rio, let's say, some little local place that perfectly expresses the neighborhood," Bourdain explained to NPR. "You know, it's not on the -- it's not a tourist-friendly place. The response I'm looking for is to hear from someone from the neighborhood saying, how did you ever find that place? I thought only we knew about it." To get to these specific places, Bourdain needs local experts with the knowledge and experience to show him the way. And over the years, he has developed close personal kinship with those that appear on these shows.Every time the "Parts Unknown" host has gone to Vietnam, for instance, he is joined by Dinh Hoang Linh. This field coordinator has been friends with Bourdain for many years in one of his favorite locations. Without a guide, Bourdain would not be able to see the local haunts and restaurants that Linh personally convinced to open for their production, as in the Vietnam episode of "No Reservations." Making every episode unique, these guides are integral to making Bourdian's brand so successful. Anthony Bourdain's Long Lasting Friendships Anthony Bourdain looking at companion - CNN Anthony Bourdain returns to Vietnam in Season 2, Episode 3 of "No Reservations" at a moment's notice because Linh asks him. Calling him an "old friend," Bourdain said Linh "has always been my guide on trips to Vientmam so he is someone I owe great loyalty to." He went -- no questions asked.Zamir Gotta was another one of Bourdain's constant companions. The native-born Russian got his start as a translator and field producer, ultimately landing him in the trajectory of Bourdain. He appears in "No Reservations" and "Parts Unknown" as a fixer and friend of the celebrity chef. For Bourdain, these guides were not just co-workers, but close personal friends. As much as he felt their friendship, Bourdain equally impacted the guides. We sadly lost the Food Network star in 2018, and the news hit many of them hard. "Tony's death is a huge loss and I am devastated and heartbroken," Gotta told The Hollywood Reporter. "He really convinced me that personal freedom and dignity are something we should never trade for anything. For me, he created what I can only define as an unbearable lightness of being through food and booze. He swept aside my negative stereotypes about street food. And since meeting him I learned to be bold and fearless in standing up for what I believe is right." These guides were significant to the series, but he was just as important to them. Read the original article on Daily Meal. Going on tour can be a double-edged sword. While it is exhausting and can prove difficult, you also get a chance to try food from all over. Comedian Eric Andre is about to go back on tour with his live show, this time heading down under, and Andre is very much looking forward it. "I go down to Australia," explains Andre, and "I love it down there, and [in] New Zealand." So, in an exclusive interview, we spoke with Andre about his favorite things to eat on tour. When it comes to pre- and post-show snacks, the answer is Drumsticks. Not surprising, considering Andre is in a new series of commercials for the frozen treat brand while campaigning with the company to make the day after the Super Bowl a national holiday. When we asked Andre if a particular food region stuck out to him, he thought about it momentarily, then responded, "Australia rules. They got such good food down there." One of the things he points to in order to prove his point is the diverse options. "Great Vietnamese food in Australia, killer." Read more: US Foods You Surprisingly Can't Find In Canada Why Australian Food Person farming fresh vegetables - Jacob Lund/Shutterstock Eric Andre is likely not the only one who has noticed the different culinary influences. The country has a large immigrant population, and with its proximity to South Asian countries, it's no wonder the food is so diverse and delicious. There are food types from all over the globe there. Of course, the quality might also have something to do with the stand-out produce from the country. As Andre went on to say, "their produce, the vegetables, are so robust." With its pleasant climate, Australia can grow most of its food instead of importing it from other parts of the world. The nation even holds the majority of the world's organic agricultural land. So, it's safe to say that Andre is looking forward to his upcoming tour, with dates in Australia and New Zealand. "It rules down there. I always have a good time." To make Super Bowl Monday a national holiday, sign the #DrumstickMonday petition. Signers will also be entered in the Drumsticks sweepstakes to have their #DrumstickMonday dreams fulfilled. Read the original article on Mashed. The dispute over the British Indian Ocean Territory, otherwise known as the Chagos Islands, is more than a matter of marginal importance. It raises profound questions about the vital work being done by the UK and the United States to support international security, the growing influence of China in the Indo-Pacific region, and misuse of the law by a Commonwealth country for political reasons. The future of the Chagos Islands has long been of interest to me. In 2018, as solicitor general, I represented the United Kingdom at the International Court of Justice in a case brought against this country by the Republic of Mauritius, which claims sovereignty over the Islands. As I stated to the Court then, the legal situation could not be clearer. The Islands had only been connected to the former British Territory of Mauritius for administrative purposes. There were no cultural ties between them. It was clear from the documentary evidence that the creation of the British Indian Ocean Territory in 1965, three years before Mauritian independence, was perfectly lawful and it was well within the UKs remit to do so. In an advisory ruling, the Court overlooked the key evidence presented by the UK in favour of Mauritius specious claim. The government at the time rightly held to its long-standing position: that the islands are British until they are no longer needed for military purposes, as was agreed in 1965. In an increasingly uncertain world, this is a position that we must maintain. In 2021, Mauritius passed legislation that criminalises misrepresenting the sovereignty of Mauritius over any part of its territory. Worryingly, this new law is to be applied to anyone anywhere in the world. It carries a maximum sentence of ten years of imprisonment. This law is clearly intended to intimidate UK politicians, businesses and Chagossian activists who oppose Mauritiuss sovereignty claims into silence. It is a brazen act of intimidation dressed as foreign policy, which frankly merits comparisons with Hong Kongs 2020 National Security Law and is not up to the high standards that we should expect from fellow members of the Commonwealth. Dr Yuan Yi Zhus Policy Exchange paper is a well-timed reminder of this deeply shocking legislation that has inexplicably largely escaped public notice in the UK. It builds on his previous paper for Policy Exchange which addresses the question of sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, providing crucial context around the archipelagos history and the UKs relationship with it, which has endured since 1814. The forced move of the Chagos Islanders from their homes in the 1960s was wrong. The UK has publicly apologised, and reparations to the islanders affected have and are being made. The issue of their return to the Islands is sensitive and requires close consultation, but questions of redress for the Chagossians and of sovereignty itself are completely separate. Many Chagossians actively campaign against the Mauritian claim, given their poor experience of living in that country. In a welcome move, the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 gives British citizenship to the descendants of Chagossian exiles. It is schemes like which will bring justice for the Chagossians, not a transfer of sovereignty. Further, a transfer is not in the interests of the environment (given that the UK currently protects 250,000 square miles of ocean around the Islands) and it is certainly not in the interests of international security in this important region, bearing in mind the troubled situation in the Red Sea and the need for vigilance in the Indian Ocean. The UK Government appears to be listening to the concerns of academics, members of the security services and the Chagossian diaspora and is looking to change course. On a recent visit to the United States, Lord Cameron described the Chagos Islands as vital, and Secretary Blinken reiterated American support for British sovereignty over the islands. I hope that the UK will stand firm on the question of sovereignty and in the face of draconian criminal law that seeks to intimidate those who disagree. That legislation has to be repealed if normal relations are to resume. Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC MP is Conservative MP for South Swindon and Chair of the Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee. He is a former Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Wales and Solicitor General Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. CHICAGO (CBS) -- Former President Donald Trump's name will stay on the ballot in the March primary in Illinois, after the state's election board ruled Tuesday it doesn't have the authority to determine whether he violated the insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment. At a hearing Tuesday morning, the Illinois State Board of Elections agreed with a hearing officer's recommendation that it's up to the courts, and not the board, to decide whether Trump is barred from running for president under the 14th Amendment. A hearing officer for the board retired Republican Kankakee County Judge Clark Erickson, had issued a report finding that while Trump engaged in insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, Illinois Supreme Court precedent prevents the state's Board of Elections from engaging in the "significant and sophisticated constitutional analysis" needed to rule on removing Trump from the ballot. Erickson found Trump was involved in an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, by using false claims that the 2020 election was stolen to inflame his supporters and try to stay in office after losing to Joe Biden. "The evidence shows that President Trump understood the divided political climate in the United States. He understood and exploited that climate for his own political gain by falsely and publicly claiming the election was stolen from him, even though every single piece of evidence demonstrated that his claim was demonstrably false," Erickson wrote. However, Erickson held that the constitutional question of whether Trump violated the 14th Amendment and is not qualified to run for president again is a decision that must be made by the courts and not by the state election board. The eight-member Illinois State Board of Elections, which is split evenly between Republicans and Democrats, ruled unanimously to uphold Erickson's findings and dismiss an objection to Trump's candidacy, meaning Trump will stay on the ballot for the March primary unless a court challenge successfully removes him. One Republican member of the board spelled out her thinking this way: "This Republican believes that there was an insurrection on January 6th. There is no doubt in my mind that he manipulated, instigated, aided, and abetted an insurrection on January 6th. However, having said that, it is not my place to rule on that today," board member Catherine S. McCrory said. Before that vote, Trump campaign attorney Adam Merrill said the former president should stay on the ballot, arguing, "Mr. Trump did not engage in an insurrection." The group who had objected to Trump's candidacy said they plan to appeal the board's ruling in court. Matthew Piers, a Chicago attorney for voters who objected to Trump appearing on the Illinois ballot, said they plan to appeal the board's decision in Cook County Circuit Court later on Tuesday. "We're disappointed, but we always knew that this case was going to be determined in the courts, not in front of the state election board," he said. Piers said he believes the law is clear that the board had the authority to remove Trump off the ballot for violating the 14th Amendment, but wanted to avoid a controversial issue that would have ended up in court no matter how they ruled. "What's happened here is an avoidance of a hot potato issue, and I get the desire to do it, but the law doesn't allow you to duck when a serious matter like this comes before you," he said. Merrill said the Trump campaign is "obviously pleased" with the board's ruling, and would respond to any appeals that might be filed in court, but declined further comment on the ruling. In a post on Truth Social, Trump hailed the board's ruling. "Thank you to the Illinois State Board of Elections for ruling 8-0 in protecting the Citizens of our Country from the Radical Left Lunatics who are trying to destroy it. The VOTE was 8-0 in favor of keeping your favorite President (ME!), on the Ballot. I love Illinois. Make America Great Again!" he wrote. While any decision on an appeal of the board's ruling by a Cook County judge almost certainly would be appealed to the Illinois Appellate Court, and later the Illinois Supreme Court, the U.S. Supreme Court will likely have the final say, according to law professor Martin Redish of Northwestern University, Redish said he sees valid arguments for the court to allow states to remove Trump's name, but that's unlikely. "I find it difficult to believe that the U.S. Supreme Court will allow states to remove him from the ballot," Redish said. "I don't know what offramp they're going to find, but I think they're going to try as a practical matter to avoid reaching that conclusion." The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled Trump isn't eligible to run for his old job in that state. Maine's Democratic secretary of state also has ruled that Trump cannot appear on the ballot in her state. The Colorado court was the first court to apply to a presidential candidate a rarely used constitutional ban against those who "engaged in insurrection." Maine's secretary of state was the first top election official to unilaterally strike a presidential candidate from the ballot under that provision. Similar efforts to remove Trump from the primary election ballot are underway in 17 other states, all making similar claims that he isn't eligible to run for president under the 14th Amendment. All of them could be stopped dead in their tracks if the U.S. Supreme Court rules in Trump's favor. Trump already has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Colorado's ruling removing him from that state's ballot, and there is increasing pressure on the nation's highest court to say clearly: Can Trump still run for president after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol? If the Supreme Court says it would be unconstitutional to bar Trump from the ballot, that would stop efforts to remove his name in all 18 states dead in their tracks. If the court rules Trump ineligible for the ballot because of Section III of the 14th Amendment, the decision to remove him will return to the individual states. The U.S. Supreme Court is slated to hear arguments in early February. How soon they will make a decision will be up to the justices. U.S. troops killed in drone strike identified Mark Zuckerberg apologizes to families of social media victims at Senate hearing FBI Director Wray says China targeting U.S. civilian infrastructure, economic security Jason Thomas Stevens loved his job and had expected to be home before noon on Saturday when he reportedly lost control of his tanker truck and crashed onto state Route 8 in Macedonia and died. Stevens, a 31-year-old from Ashtabula, died of multiple blunt force injuries in the crash that resulted in a fire that has put the Interstate 271 and Route 8 interchange out of commission for several days. The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office established the cause of his death after an autopsy and ruled it was accidental. Jason Stevens and his wife Katie, from Jason's Facebook profile. Driver was familiar with route, says relative Stevens was driving for Jackson Township-based Kenan Advantage Group Inc., where he had worked since October 2020, said his wife's aunt, Cindy Henderson of Conneaut. She said Stevens had expected Saturday to be a short work day. "It was his normal route," she said. "He wasn't out of any ordinary area that he would normally travel. He was just doing his everyday job." A tanker flipped and caught fire on state Route 8 Saturday morning in Macedonia. This photo from a driver shows the truck on fire before emergency responses arrived. "He did the run and he would be back home, you know, with a quick day. It wasn't a long day. He told his wife he was going to be home by 11 a.m. He should be at home by 11 and, you know, 11 came and went." Kenan Advantage Group issued a statement Tuesday expressing condolences to Stevens' friends, coworkers and family. "Our primary concern has always been for the safety and security of our employees, the public, our customers, and the environment. This is an exceedingly difficult time for our organization as this tragedy impacts all of us in the KAG family," the company said. "We have been working closely with local officials and corresponding agencies and will continue to do so in the days ahead. We would like to thank all the first responders for their immediate response to this incident." More: Fundraiser for family hosted by Meal Train Henderson said Stevens started working as a truck driver for Kenan in October 2020, having formerly worked two years as a semi truck driver at another company. He was married in 2018 and had a daughter. Henderson said her niece and Stevens' wife, Katie Stevens, was too distraught to speak but wanted everyone to know how much Jason loved her and their daughter, that he was very family oriented and that he loved people. The couple's daughter, Amelia, will be 2 in April. "He was a happy guy," Henderson said. "He loved working. ... Jason was so confident. He would get behind his truck, and he was confident. He liked his job. He felt good behind the wheel." More: More work, inspections needed after fiery Route 8 tanker crash in Macedonia Interchange remains closed, under evaluation The Route 8 and I-271 interchange closed Saturday morning a little after 9 a.m., when the truck Stevens was driving crashed on the northbound lanes of Route 8 and burst into flames. The truck was believed to have been carrying around 7,500 gallons of petroleum fuel. The Ohio Department of Transportation says the state Route 8 and Interstate 271 interchange will remain closed so more inspections can be done following Saturday's fiery fatal crash. According to the Summit County Sheriff's Office, the truck had been traveling northbound on Route 8 when it attempted to get on I-271 north, then lost control and went over the side of the bridge. The truck landed onto the northbound lanes of Route 8 and subsequently burst into flames. The crash resulted in some damage to the roadways, which is still being evaluated by the Ohio Department of Transportation. The ramp from Route 8 north to I-271 north remained closed Tuesday, as was Route 8 southbound at Highland Road. Multiple fire departments, the Summit County Hazmat team and other agencies responded to the crash, including the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Macedonia and Twinsburg Fire Departments, the Summit County Sheriff's Office and the Macedonia Police Department. The crash is being investigated by the Summit Metro Crash Team. The city of Hudson said six members of the Hudson Fire Department Hazmat team assisted the Ohio EPA for over four hours, installing booms in the streams and at multiple locations to retain spilt fuel. Some repairs needed to Route 8/I-271 interchange The Ohio Department of Transportation announced Sunday more work and inspections need to be done before they can fully open the state Route 8 and I-271 interchange. One lane of the ramp from I-271 south to southbound Route 8 reopened Tuesday afternoon. The Ohio Department of Transportation said the ramp was deemed safe to reopen after inspections found no structural damage. However, cleanup crews continue using the ramp as a staging area, so only one lane of the ramp will be clear for traffic. There is no timetable on when the second lane will open. ODOT said it will likely take several days before the ramps to access Route 8 and I-271 can fully reopen. More: Some roads, ramps still closed after Saturday's fiery tanker accident on Route 8 Safety will always be our top priority. We know that keeping these closures in place is a major inconvenience to thousands of motorists, but we will never trade convenience for safety, said ODOT District 4 Deputy Director Gery Noirot in a statement. Our team will be working hand in hand with contractors to make emergency repairs and reopen the closed roadways and bridges as soon as we deem it safe to do so. The initial inspections have determined that repairs will be needed to the roadway on the southern end of the Route 8 bridge over the Brandywine Creek. ODOT said crews will have to remove the top layer of the bridge and resurface it. The Ohio Department of Transportation says the state Route 8 and Interstate 271 interchange will remain closed so more inspections can be done following Saturday's fiery fatal crash. The preliminary initial inspection of the ramp from I-271 southbound to Route 8 did not find any issues but given the nature of the crash and the ensuing fire, ODOT said, additional more detailed inspections are needed. Crews are also using the ramp as part of the clean up effort to remove contaminated soil. We hope to have all inspections completed and a full plan of action in place by early this week, Noirot said. One of the challenges will be the weather. A tanker flipped on state Route 8 Saturday morning. The city of Hudson said on its X account Monday that the detour was creating traffic congestion on state Route 91. "Motorists should plan on additional time if using SR 91," the city warned. Drivers trying to access I-271 northbound from Route 8 northbound should take state Route 82. Motorists should plan ahead and give themselves plenty of extra time during their commute in the upcoming week, Noirot added. Please continue to check OHGO daily to find the easiest way around these closures. April Helms, Anthony Thompson and Craig Webb contributed to this report. Eric Marotta can be reached at emarotta@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Driver Jason Thomas Stevens killed in fuel truck crash on Rt. 8 On 2 July 1937, Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan took off from Papua New Guinea, nearing the end of their record-setting journey around the world never to be seen again. Until today. Deep Sea Vision found what appears to be Earharts Lockheed 10-E Electra. That message was posted on Instagram by the South Carolina-based underwater exploration company on 27 January alongside a series of yellow sonar photographs of a distinctly plane-shaped object lying 16,000 feet below the waves on the floor of the Pacific Ocean. The Charleston company believes that shape could just be the missing plane in which the legendary American aviatrix Amelia Earhart disappeared 87 years ago, a discovery that promises to solve one of the 20th centurys most enduring mysteries. Deep Sea Visions 16-member team used a state-of-the-art Hugin undersea drone to survey more than 5,200 square miles of the Pacific before it found what it believes to be the wreck of Earharts plane. The companys thrilling discovery if that is what it proves to be was made possible by Tony Romeo, a pilot and former US Air Force intelligence officer, who sold off a commercial real estate portfolio in order to bankroll the $11m hunt for Earhart. This is maybe the most exciting thing Ill ever do in my life, Mr Romeo told The Wall Street Journal. I feel like a 10-year-old going on a treasure hunt. We always felt that a group of pilots were the ones that are going to solve this, and not the mariners. Earhart, who was born in Atchison, Kansas, on 24 July 1897, was a natural adventurer who saw her first plane at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines in 1907, obtained her pilots licence in 1922 and became the first female passenger to cross the Atlantic by air in 1928, just a year after Charles Lindberghs celebrated solo flight. Having been flown out of Trepassey Harbor, Newfoundland, in a Fokker F.VIIb on 17 June by pilot Wilmer Stultz and landed in Pwll near Burry Port in South Wales almost 21 hours later, Earhart quickly became a celebrity, nicknamed Lady Lindy, sponsored by Lucky Strike cigarettes and paid handsomely to undertake a lengthy lecture tour. She was dismissive of her role in the exploit, however, remarking: Stultz did all the flying had to. I was just baggage, like a sack of potatoes... Maybe someday Ill try it alone. Amelia Earharts long-lost plane wreckage may have been found in Pacific. (Getty) She did precisely that four years later, setting out from Newfoundland alone on 20 May 1932 in a Lockheed Vega 5B and arriving in a cow pasture in Culmore, just north of Derry in Northern Ireland. Although she had been aiming for Paris, Culmore was close enough and the achievement brought her worldwide fame and the United States Distinguished Flying Cross, Frances Legion of Honour and the National Geographic Societys Gold Medal for her trouble, as well as the hearty congratulations of President Herbert Hoover. Her disappearance in 1937 alongside Noonan, her navigator, came during an attempt to become the first woman to complete a circumnavigational flight of the globe, setting out from Miami, Florida, on 1 June after a botched first attempt on a journey that would take the duo across South America, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and South East Asia. Earhart and Noonan were last seen at Lae Airfield in New Guinea on 2 July during the penultimate refuelling stop of the attempt before losing contact not long afterwards near Howland Island, en route to Honolulu in Hawaii for the final 7,000-mile leg of her 29,000-mile round trip. Neither Earhart, Noonan nor their Lockheed were found despite the US Navy and Coast Guard mounting the largest search-and-rescue operation in its history. Amelia Earhart is surrounded by a crowd of wellwishers and reporters after crossing the Atlantic in 1932 (Getty) The pair were finally declared dead in absentia on 5 January 1939 but her legacy has remained a source of fascination ever since and inspired songs by Joni Mitchell and The Handsome Family, film biopics starring the likes of Rosalind Russell, Diane Keaton and Hilary Swank and even a Barbie doll in 2018. According to Mr Romeo, Deep Sea Visions submersible has now photographed what the team believes is the missing plane around 100 miles off Howland Island. However, rival experts are preaching caution against what they consider to be over-excitement about the find, given that several competing explanations for Earharts disappearance have also been offered. Ric Gillespie, an expert on the doomed pilots career, told CBS News in 2018 that he believes she actually crash-landed on Gardner Island 350 nautical miles from Howland and spent a week calling out for help before finally expiring when her plane was washed out to sea. Mr Gillespie reported people hearing distress calls believed to be from Earhart as far away as Florida, Texas, Iowa and Canada on ham radio sets. The experts own organisation, the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery, also claims to have found its own evidence, including human bones, to prove its counter-theory, according to CBS. Fort Behavioral Health, a residential treatment center that shut down its adolescent programs after a Star-Telegram investigation into years of abuse and neglect reports, is ending its remaining adult programs, too. The center on Fort Worths southwest side had been providing 24-hour residential treatment to adolescents with autism and other mental health diagnoses, and to both adolescents and adults with substance use diagnoses. But in October, about two weeks after the Star-Telegram published an investigation into years of abuse and neglect claims against the adolescent program, Fort Behavioral shut down the adolescent side of its programming and sent home the minor patients in those programs. The adult program for substance use treatment continued. But now the adult program is shutting down, too, according to multiple sources. The facilitys last day is Jan. 31. This story came from a news tip. Got one? Pass it along to our newsroom. Staff and patients were given little notice about the closure, according to several people. Two laid-off staff members spoke to the Star-Telegram and requested anonymity in fear of retaliation. One said that a patient was admitted into the program as recently as Jan. 21 one or two days before staff were told about the impending closure. She said such a short stay is harmful for patients, because their treatment is cut short and it could be more difficult to get their insurance to approve a second in-patient stay elsewhere. The first rule of thumb in counseling is, Do no harm. And I think they did harm, the staff member said of Fort Behavioral. And had us do harm, not knowing. The closure of the adult program comes one year after problems became evident at Fort Behavioral. Texas state regulators temporarily shut down Fort Behavorials adolescent unit in January 2023 over concerns of abuse and neglect, but then allowed it to reopen 30 days later on a one-year probation. The Star-Telegrams investigation, published in September, showed that Fort Behaviorals adolescent programs had been cited repeatedly by the state for incidents where children were harmed or abused. The center also struggled with underreporting of incidents to the state and with chronic understaffing. When the facility shut down its adolescent programs in October, supervisors said that adolescents would be readmitted in the spring, the two staff members told the Star-Telegram. But with the adult program now closing, too, its unclear whether that will happen. Its traumatizing Alicia Charbonneau told the Star-Telegram that her 17-year-old son, Jayden, was admitted to the adult substance use program on Jan. 11. Less than two weeks later, he called and said he needed to be picked up as soon as possible. Charbonneau picked up her son on Jan. 24, she said, and wasnt given paperwork at the time about the shutdown or about her sons discharge. When she asked a staff member what was going on, she said, he told her that the facility was shutting down for financial reasons. Charbonneau said she worries that the sudden closure so early in Jaydens treatment will have permanent impacts on her son. I think its traumatizing to go into treatment and not get treated, and get kicked out, she said. He was really getting into it, and it pissed me off because they really let him down. The CEO of Fort Behavioral, Stephen Mallick, did not respond to Star-Telegram emails requesting comment. The owner of the facility, billionaire and co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers Bobby Patton, also did not respond to Star-Telegram requests for comment. In September, when the Star-Telegram requested comment from Patton about its investigation into Fort Behaviorals adolescent program, Patton replied, I dont know much except that it doesnt seem very profitable. A person who answered Fort Behaviorals admissions line declined to let a reporter speak with an administrator but said that the facility is not accepting patients, and that patients are being discharged until Jan. 31. I can tell you that it was a business decision, and thats the only information we have at this time, the admissions line worker said. Both laid-off staff members who spoke to the Star-Telegram said that they were not given a reason for the shutdown. They were notified about a week and a half before the closure and were given unemployment paperwork. Both were also told that their health insurance would end Jan. 31 and that they would not be paid for accrued paid time off. This is repeated in an email that facility administrator Tricia Martinez sent to staff, which was obtained by the Star-Telegram. The former employees said that Mallick, the CEO, did not meet with staff about the closure and that they have not seen him since the announcement. We have our backs against the wall, one staff member told the Star-Telegram. This is not right at all. In the all-staff email, Martinez thanked employees for their work and provided a list of other facilities that are hiring. Tiffany Young, a spokesperson for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, said in an email that chemical dependency programs, such as Fort Behaviorals, are required to notify the state prior to or immediately upon closure. As of last week, Fort Behavioral had not notified the state of its program closure, Young said. Young also said that the facility has not relinquished the license for its adolescent program, which closed in October. The facility did, however, notify the state about discharging adolescent patients in order to reassess their programming and staff, Young said. This story was first published on the Benzinga India portal. Elon Musks Starlink satellite network, aiming for a 2024 launch in India, might face delays in obtaining its license due to complications similar to those encountered by Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) in a previous case. This development could hinder Starlinks timely entry into the Indian market. What Happened? The primary issue causing the delay is the Indian governments requirement for complete disclosure of ownership details. Starlink, however, has cited US privacy laws that restrict sharing ownership information of its parent company, SpaceX, reported Indian newspaper The Economic Times. To comply with Indian regulations, Starlink has assured India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that none of its shareholders are from countries sharing a land border with India, a concern that previously arose during Verizons license application. See also: Samsung Will Soon Manufacture Laptops In India: Heres What We Know Verizon Communications India faced a similar challenge last year while renewing its Internet Service Provider (ISP) license. The discovery of shareholders from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong, albeit holding less than one percent of the company, led the Indian government to advise Verizon to apply through the government approval route. This incident prompted the country's Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT) to amend the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy in 2020. In light of the Verizon case, the DoT is now consulting with the DPIIT on whether to consider Starlinks application, causing potential delays. Why it matters? Starlink, which was expected to receive approval by the end of January 2024, faces competition from Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jios satcom venture, both of which have already secured licenses. Additionally, Amazons Project Kuiper is also in the process of seeking permits from the Indian government. Story continues Read Next: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella May Visit India Next Month "ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now! Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Elon Musk's Starlink Hits Roadblock In India: License Approval Hangs In The Balance Amid Ownership Disclosure Issues originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. The Illinois State Board of Elections ruled on Tuesday to keep the Democratic and Republican presidential frontrunners on the primary ballot. In a joint meeting held in Chicago and Springfield, the state election authority's board voted unanimously to overrule objections filed against President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Trump took to social media soon after the ruling, thanking ISBE for the ruling which he said protected "citizens of our country from the radical left". He lost in Illinois in 2016 and 2020 by more than 15 points each time. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) The rulings mean the primary ballots will include Trump in addition to fellow Republicans former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and Ryan Binkley of Texas. DeSantis and Christie have dropped out of the race with DeSantis endorsing Trump. Biden, author Marianne Williamson, Minnesota congressman Dean Phillips, and Frankie Lozada will be on the Democrat ballot. Early voting for the March primary begins on Feb. 8. Avoiding setting precedent The eight-person bipartisan board of four Democrats and four Republicans found Trump had not "knowingly" filed a false statement of candidacy and it lacked jurisdiction to conduct a constitutional analysis. The board took up the recommendation of hearing officer and retired Kankakee County Judge Clark Erickson, who sided with objectors in their argument that Trump knowingly led an insurrection. But determined ruling on the matter required constitutional analysis which was not within ISBE's jurisdiction and should be left to the courts. Former US President Donald Trump leaves Trump Tower for Manhattan federal court to attend his defamation trial in New York on January 26, 2024. Lawyers in the trial are expected to give their closing arguments. Writer E. Jean Carroll is seeking more than $10 million in damages for defamation by Trump in a federal court in New York, which has the power only to impose a civil penalty, not a criminal conviction. Jack Vrett, an ISBE member appointed by Democrat Gov. JB Pritzker and former Republican Illinois House candidate, said a ruling in favor of the objectors would open the door to countless litigation against the state. More: Does the objection to Trump on the Illinois primary ballot have a chance? What we know "The fact is this board sets the legal standard and the procedural standard for all the electoral boards across the state," he said. "And if we allow them, gave them, the authority to say 'Don't just look at the papers, but actually look at the underlying allegations of misconduct,' that would open up the floodgate." Trump objectors based their argument on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, known as the insurrection clause. As president, Trump swore an oath to protect the United States which violators said he violated by inciting an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Attorney Matthew Piers, representing the Trump objectors, called ISBE's lack of authority interpretation "novel," saying the board has applied constitutional analysis in prior rulings. "You may not have anticipated cases of this complexity or this degree of controversy, but that does not change your statutory and constitutional authority," he said from Chicago. Objectors drew evidence in part from the U.S. House Jan. 6 report which recommended criminal charges be filed against the former president. Scott Gessler and Adam Merrill, Trump's legal counsel, contended that report was partisan and urged it not to be considered valid evidence. The provision of the 14th Amendment, they said, also does not apply to presidents but instead to "officers of the United States" as listed in the clause. "Mr. Trump has denied ever participated in an insurrection," said Merrill, a Chicago-based attorney. "He never advocated violence there's nothing in the record that suggests that he did." The possibility remains for the courts in Illinois to issue a ruling. ISBE public information officer Matt Dietrich said objectors have five days to appeal the decision, which would start in circuit court. The nature of the 14th Amendment challenge was the first one he had seen at the state level. "These are highly unusual," Dietrich said following the meeting. "We normally do hear things like candidates don't have sufficient number of nominating signatures." Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., have said the U.S. Supreme Court should rule in a similar case in Colorado that removed Trump from the ballot. A prior ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court has been paused as the nation's high court will hear oral arguments on Feb. 8. Dietrich said it depends on the wording of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling as to whether it would apply to any challenges in Illinois. In the case where Trump is removed from the state ballot, any votes that tallied for the candidate would not be counted and those voters would not have a chance to recast a vote. Local election authorities would be responsible for notifying voters of a candidate's removal. Any effort to inform voters that a candidate has a court case, Dietrich said, would be considered unlawful since it could persuade voter action. Biden objections President Joe Biden speaks to supporters at the SCDP First-in-the-Nation dinner in Columbia, S.C. on Jan. 27, one week ahead of the state's Democratic primary for the 2024 presidential election. Three objections were filed against Biden, all of which were overruled unanimously. The first claimed Biden's nomination papers should be thrown out since they were notarized by a notary public from Washington D.C. Biden's defense cited precedent from a 1996 case involving former President Bill Clinton and the board ultimately ruled that he could use notary publics outside the state. The other challenges asserted Biden had also violated the 14th Amendment by providing "aid and comfort" to enemies of the U.S. Kevin Morphew, representing Biden in the remaining challenges again asserted the challenges were policy disagreements and not based on anything that would make the candidate ineligible to hold public office. This story will be updated. Contact Patrick M. Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois primary ballots will include Trump and Biden MODERN FAMILY STAR Sofia Vergara underwent a dramatic transformation for her new role in Netflix's Griselda, a gritty and gripping six-episode limited series about the life and crimes of the "Godmother of Cocaine," cartel queenpin Griselda Blanco. Based on real people and events, the series follows Blanco's ruthless pursuit of power as she rises through the drug trade of Miami in the '70s and '80s, doing whatever it takes to get ahead and protect herself and her children. While plenty of screen-time is dedicated to Blanco's brutal criminal actions, Griselda also explores her personal motivations, rooting much of her character in her relationship with her four sonsand her third husband, Dario Sepulveda, played by Alberto Guerra. Blanco's first husband Carlos Trujillo, the father of Dixon, Uber and Osvaldo, does not appear in the series, while her second, Alberto Bravo, features only briefly. However, Sepulveda plays a key role in Griselda. In the show, Sepulveda is a hitman who is hired to carry out a contract killing on Blanco, before ultimately falling in love with her. This may be the result of some artistic license, as Insider reports there was "no indication that Sepulveda was initially contracted to murder Blanco before turning and killing his boss" instead. Netflix Other details of Sepulveda and Blanco's tempestuous relationship are informed by the true story of their marriage. These include Sepulveda's infidelity and the subsequent breakup, and his decision to abscond with his and Blanco's son, returning to Colombia where he hoped to shield Michael from Blanco's dangerous way of lifeand protect himself from Blanco's wrath. What happened to Dario Sepulveda? In 1983, while living with Michael in Colombia, Sepulveda was ambushed by assassins and murdered. He was reportedly approached by men dressed as police officers, who shot him in front of Michael. It is believed that his killers were working for Blanco, although she has never been charged with any involvement in his death. "The cops asked Dario to get out of the car. He got out and they handcuffed him, but he started to run. The cops opened fire and shot Dario right in front of the kid," Max Mermelstein, a former associate of Blanco's, told the Sun Sentinel. "Little Michael was screaming and ran over to embrace his father, but by the time he got there Dario was dead. The execution was done on the orders of Michael's mother." You Might Also Like [Source] A 29-year-old male suspect has been arrested in Honolulu for a recent chemical attack on a 25-year-old Chinese woman. What happened: Danying Zhang was walking in the Ala Moana area on Tuesday night when Sebastian Mahkwan allegedly splashed an unknown chemical liquid on her at around 9:15 p.m. local time before fleeing the scene on foot. This resulted in Zhangs skin and clothes being burned. She immediately sought help inside a nearby Planet Fitness gym, where witnesses immediately provided help until paramedics arrived at the scene. Zhang was sent to the hospital in critical condition due to the severity of her burns. Arrest and charges: The case has been classified as second-degree attempted murder. Mahkwan was arrested on Thursday but has not yet been charged. According to police, charges will be sought with the Honolulu Prosecutors Office. Criminal history: Mahkwan reportedly had prior charges in October for assault and drug possession, and he was out on an $8,000 bail bond when he was apprehended on Thursday. He received several citations related to homelessness during the pandemic, including obstruction of a sidewalk in November 2021. Mahkwan, who appears to have moved to Hawaii from South Dakota, had multiple citations between May 2020 and October 2020 for various violations. Trending on NextShark: Michelle Yeoh opens up about divorce with ex-husband About Zhang: The recent victim is a Chinese language teacher at the Maryknoll School in Honolulu. She was reportedly identified by the US-China Peoples Friendship Association, which sponsors her as part of an exchange program. Update on the victim: According to the association, Zhang currently remains hospitalized, but reportedly remains optimistic about her recovery. The association noted that the news of the attack has gained attention in China, with efforts ongoing to establish communication with her parents, who are believed to reside in rural China. However, due to their potential status as farmers, internet access may be uncertain. Vernon Ching of the association also mentioned that Zhang is currently unable to speak and is limited in her ability to use a computer. Trending on NextShark: Eileen Gu reveals passion for quantum physics, movies and inspiring millions She is all bandaged up to cover her wounds right now. She has tubes in her, Ching told Hawaii News Now. She is very upbeat and optimistic. She feels that she is going to get better. GoFundMe campaign: The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help support Zhangs medical expenses, ongoing treatments and the extensive path to her recovery, including rehabilitation and counseling. The fundraiser has received more than $100,000, as of this writing. Chinese Consulates message: The Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles has dispatched a working group to Honolulu to address the incident. The Consul General in Los Angeles, Guo Shaochun, has raised the issue with Hawaii state officials, demanding a thorough investigation and justice for the victim. Chinese citizens are also reminded by the consulate general to be vigilant and enhance self-protection. Trending on NextShark: The Bachelor sparks controversy for tagging wrong Asian American contestant Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! HMS Queen Elizabeth, which has been deployed on a combat mission once before, is one of the two British carriers that could be sent to the Middle East - Matt Cardy/Getty Images Europe Britain is poised to send an aircraft carrier to the Red Sea to counter drone and missile attacks from Houthi rebels. The Royal Navy is preparing to step in to replace USS Dwight D Eisenhower when it returns to America, as the Houthis warned of a long-term confrontation in one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes. James Heappey, the armed forces minister, said on Tuesday that the UK may co-operate with the Americans and step in to plug a gap in the Red Sea. The UK has two aircraft carriers designed to carry F-35 fighter jets. One is HMS Prince of Wales, which would face its first combat operation if it were deployed. The other is HMS Queen Elizabeth, which has been sent into combat once before. On Tuesday, Mohamed al-Atifi, the commander of the Iran-backed Houthi forces, said the group was prepared for a long conflict over the Red Sea, where it has launched dozens of drone and missile attacks against commercial and naval ships since November. The attacks have caused major delays for global shipping, as tankers and container ships are re-rerouted around Africa to avoid the narrow Bab al-Mandab strait, the entry point to the Red Sea between Yemen and Djibouti. Britain and the US have launched two rounds of joint air strikes on Houthi drone and missile sites, using American F/A-18 Super Hornet jets from USS Eisenhower, and the RAFs Typhoons launched from a base in southern Cyprus. However, Mr Heappey said the US carrier, nicknamed Ike, must soon return to the US. The Eisenhower cant stay there forever, and so theres a thing about just maintaining a carrier presence in the region where we might cooperate with the Americans to provide a capability there, he told The House magazine. He said Royal Navy carriers could be used when the Eisenhower goes home if we were needed to plug a gap in US deployments. The plans come after weeks of calls for the UK to deploy one of its 3.1 billion aircraft carriers, which are both based in Portsmouth. The Telegraph revealed this month that HMS Queen Elizabeth was not at optimal readiness for deployment because of a Navy staffing shortage that had affected RFA Fort Victoria, the solid support ship that provides it with ammunition, food and other supplies while at sea. Lord West, the former First Sea Lord, previously said it was absolutely extraordinary that the UK had not deployed a carrier to protect commercial ships, although Mr Heappey said on Tuesday that there was no real need for more carriers to be in the region than the Ike can provide. A sea trial of HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2019 was aborted after the ship sprung a leak. However, a defence source said both carriers were now ready to be deployed if necessary. They stressed the interoperability between US and UK forces, after American F-35B jets took off from the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth during Operation Shader against Islamic State in 2021. The aircraft carriers can serve as a base for F-35s - Harald Tittel/DPA If we make a decision, we will tailor the package from there, the source said. The UK is not set to reach full operating capacity with two squadrons of its own F-35 jets until next year, but each carrier can support up to 36 jets. Cameron open to Palestinian state Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, travelled to Oman on Tuesday, where he is expected to call for stability over the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Earlier, Lord Cameron said Britain was considering whether to formally recognise a Palestinian state. He told a reception of Arab ambassadors in London that the Government had a responsibility to work towards a two-state solution, which would result in an independent Palestinian state coexisting with the nation of Israel. Houthi supporters rally against the USA and Israel at a rally in Sana'a, Yemen - YAHYA ARHAB/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock Most important of all is to give the Palestinian people a political horizon so that they can see that there is going to be irreversible progress to a two-state solution and, crucially, the establishment of a Palestinian state, he said. We have a responsibility there because we should be starting to set out what a Palestinian state would look like, what it would comprise, how it would work and, crucially, looking at the issue of recognising a Palestinian state, including at the United Nations. In Oman, the Foreign Secretary will reiterate Britains commitment to delivering aid to Yemen, and outline the actions the UK is taking to deter the Houthis from targeting ships in the Red Sea. The news came after Joe Biden said he had made a decision on how to respond to Iran-backed militants in Iraq and Syria who fired on an American base in northern Jordan on Sunday killing three US troops. Asked if he believed Iran was responsible for the attack, the president said: I do hold them responsible in the sense that theyre supplying the weapons to the people who did it. Washington pledged a very consequential response to the attacks. John Kirby, the White Houses National Security spokesman, said the US had still not identified the specific group that attacked the US base, but believed the militants had Iranian backing. Were still working through the analysis, but clearly the work has all the hallmarks of groups that are backed by the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] and, and in fact by Hezbollah as well, he said. Irans envoy to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani warned that Tehran would swiftly respond to any attack on its territory, its interests or nationals outside its borders, state media reported on Wednesday. Kataib Hezbollah, the group blamed for the fatal drone attack, said on Tuesday it would halt its attacks on American forces in the Middle East. Were announcing the suspension of our military and security operations against the occupying forces to avoid any embarrassment for the Iraqi government, it wrote on its website. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. A passenger who caused fighter jets to flank an airliner after he privately joked about blowing up the plane was cleared and avoided a $120,000 bill A Spanish judge Thursday cleared Aditya Verma of a public-disorder charge. He had joked about blowing up a plane and faced paying $120,000 after fighter jets were scrambled. The judge said Verma "could not even remotely assume" his Snapchat message would cause such drama. An airline passenger who made a joke about bombing the flight he was on, leading fighter jets to be scrambled, has been cleared and won't have to pay a $120,000 bill, the BBC reported. Aditya Verma was 18 in 2022 when he traveled from London to Spain for a vacation with his friends. The court heard that before boarding the easyJet airliner, he sent a Snapchat message: "On my way to blow up the plane (I'm a member of the Taliban)." British security services flagged the message to Spanish authorities, who sent two F-18 jets to follow the plane until it landed. The plane was searched, but no evidence of any explosives was found. Verma, now a college student studying economics, spent two days in jail before being released on bail. His trial started on January 22 for one charge of public disorder. If he were found guilty, the Spanish Defense Ministry wanted about $103,000 for the cost of scrambling the fighter jets, and he faced a fine of about $17,000. But the judge cleared Verma on Thursday, saying the joke was made "in a strictly private environment," per the BBC. "The accused could not even remotely assume ... that the joke he played on his friends could be intercepted or detected by the British services, nor by third parties other than his friends who received the message," the judge added. One question left unanswered in the case was how the security services saw Verma's Snapchat message. It was previously thought the WiFi network at London Gatwick Airport could have intercepted it, but an airport spokesperson told the BBC it didn't have that capability. According to Reuters, the judge suggested one of Verma's friends in the Snapchat group could have told the police but then that person would have to face the public-disorder charge. Read the original article on Business Insider The US and UK launched airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen earlier this month. The strikes were in retaliation to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea. Photos of the nighttime flights demonstrate the power of the US response. The US and UK launched a series of airstrikes against Houthi militants in Yemen earlier this month. The strikes came in retaliation to the Iranian-backed rebel group's attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which are ongoing despite repeated warnings from the US and its allies. On January 12, armed forces led by the US and UK, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, used more than 100 precision-guided munitions on more than 60 Houthi targets in Yemen. Despite the strikes, Houthi rebels continued to attack commercial shipping vessels. The New York Times reported that the Houthis likely hid most of their missiles and drones before the US-led air attacks, allowing them to retain about 75% of their firepower. A little over a week later, the US launched more unilateral strikes on eight Houthi targets, including an underground storage site and key missile and air surveillance locations. "These precision strikes are intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities that the Houthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of innocent mariners," the US, UK, and its allies said in a joint statement following the strikes. Photos and video footage show the flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, ahead of the intense strikes. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Atlantic Ocean during Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7's fly-off. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan D. McLearnon/Released The Carrier Wing 3, one of the oldest air wings in the Navy, operates aboard the Ike, a nuclear-powered Nimitz-class aircraft carrier . The air wing includes aircraft like the F/A-18 Super Hornet, E-2 Hawkeye, and EA-18G Growler. Ready for takeoff An F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet takes off on the flight deck of USS Eisenhower. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kaitlin Watt Videos showed the aircraft blasting from the flight deck of the Eisenhower in the dead of night. F/A-18 Super Hornet An F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet takes off on the flight deck of USS Eisenhower. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Elmore Among the aircraft aboard the Eisenhower is the F/A-18 Super Hornet, a twin-engine supersonic fighter jet that can be armed with air-to-surface missiles and bombs. The combat jet can travel at Mach 1.8 (about 1,380 mph) and fly a range of 1,275 nautical miles and altitudes higher than 50,000 feet. There are two versions of the Super Hornet a two-seater F model and a single-seat E model, like the one shown above. A US official told Fox News that over 15 Super Hornets were used in the strikes out of a total of 22 fixed-wing aircraft from the aircraft carrier, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. E/A-18G Growler An E/A-18G Growler prepares to take off from the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Elmore The E/A-18G Growler, a variant of the F/A-18 Superhornet, was also used in the airstrikes. The US Navy is the sole operator of the Growler, though it is sometimes cooperatively operated by Australian armed forces. The two-seater electronic warfare jet can reach altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and has a range of 850 nautical miles with its full payload. It can carry two Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), up to three radar jamming pods, and three air-to-surface tactical missiles. It can also carry two 480-gallon external fuel tanks. E-2C Hawkeye An E-2C Hawkeye on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. US Central Command Public Affairs courtesy photo The E-2C Hawkeye is an all-weather, twin-turboprop tactical aircraft dubbed the "eyes of the fleet." It can carry up to five crewmembers and has a massive radar above its fuselage that helps the aircraft to serve airborne early warning and battle management tasks. First operational in 1973, the Hawkeye was the first carrier-based aircraft "designed from the outset for the all-weather airborne early warning and command and control mission," according to the US Navy. The newest variant of the E-2C, the Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, celebrated its 15th anniversary since its first flight in August 2022. Read the original article on Business Insider Street artists worldwide are showing solidarity with photojournalists who are risking their lives covering Israels war on Gaza. Shepard Fairey of Barack Obama HOPE poster fame is among the dozens of artists whove joined the Unmute Gaza project that is amplifying the work of local photojournalists on the ground amid Israels continued ban on international media from entering the territory. Fairey and others have recreated some of the harrowing images emerging from Gaza as paintings and sketches, with a mute symbol in the middle. The artworks are downloadable for free from the projects website. People are urged to print them out and paste them on walls in their own cities and towns to raise awareness of the conflict. Images that were taken by Belal Khaled were reimagined by street artist Ernest Zacharevic and are now on display in Penang, Malaysia. Images that were taken by Belal Khaled were reimagined by street artist Ernest Zacharevic and are now on display in Penang, Malaysia. By creating artworks based on the images of these professional photojournalists, we wish to build a bridge between our community of artists and those facing death every second in Gaza, the Unmute Gaza collective, whose members are donating their time and resources freely, wrote on Instagram. Its a simple way to support while showing the truth of what is happening, it added. Fairey was compelled to join the initiative because Im a pacifist, he wrote on his website. I was inspired to work from Belal Khaleds photo of a young boy who is crying out in pain from his injuries as blood runs down his face, he said. An image like this (and thousands of others) can strip away the superficial overlay of country, ethnicity, and religion and illuminate the basic human suffering that is happening in Gaza. Street artist Shepard Fairey's reworking of a photograph by Belal Khaled. Street artist Shepard Fairey's reworking of a photograph by Belal Khaled. The campaign went public in November 2023 when Unmute Gaza members unfurled banners featuring Spanish street artist Escifs recreations of photos that were taken by Khaled and Mahmoud Bassam from the third floor of the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. The stunt temporarily forced the museum to close its entrance, HyperAllergic reported at the time. Since then, artists reworked images have appeared in 80 cities across 29 countries from Bogota, Colombia to Bristol, England. Unmute Gaza members unfurled banners in the Guggenheim Museum in New York to draw attention to their campaign. Unmute Gaza members unfurled banners in the Guggenheim Museum in New York to draw attention to their campaign. Last week, environmental activist organization Greenpeace joined Unmute Gaza to unfurl a gigantic banner featuring Faireys interpretation of Khaleds image on Madrids Reina Sofia Museum, the home of Pablo Picassos Guernica painting which shows the horrors of the Nazi German bombing campaign on the Spanish town of the same name. Picassos haunting painting is a symbol of the suffering of civilians in war, Greenpeace executive director Eva Saldana said in a statement sent to HuffPost. Unmute Gaza teamed up with Greenpeace to unfurl a gigantic banner on the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, Spain. Unmute Gaza teamed up with Greenpeace to unfurl a gigantic banner on the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, Spain. There is no better place to denounce what is happening in Gaza, to reconnect with our humanity in order to put life before everything else, to demand respect for current international law and to call for a ceasefire through the work of two great artists, Saldana added. Israel launched its war on Gaza in response to Hamas surprise Oct. 7 attack in which 1,200 people many civilians were killed. Israels retaliation has, to date, killed more than 25,000 Palestinians. Some 85% of the territorys 2.3 million residents have been forced from their homes. Pablo Picasso's Pablo Picasso's "Guernica" depicts the horrors of the Nazi German bombing of the northern Spanish town of the same name. On its website, the Unmute Gaza group condemned Hamas Oct. 7 attacks yet also slammed the disproportionate response of the Israeli government for creating mass humanitarian suffering, adding the violence stemmed from deeply rooted causes that can be traced back to the XIX century. The group wrote, Explaining the root causes of violence is under no circumstance a justification for it. We believe violence begets violence. Only peaceful, non-violent, and equitable measures will break the ongoing spiral of violence. It added, We see ourselves as humanitarians. We stand in solidarity with all oppressed people, including the Palestinian people, and advocate for peoples inherent dignity. Related... Congresswoman Cori Bush of Missouri confirmed on Tuesday that she was the subject of multiple investigations into her use of campaign funds for the hiring of her husband to provide private security, and brushed off the probes as baseless. In a lengthy statement that was released shortly after Punchbowl News broke the story, Ms Bush confirmed that the Department of Justice, House Ethics Committee and Federal Election Commission were all probing her use of campaign donations and her hiring of her husband to provide security. She also noted that the Office of Congressional Ethics, an independent body that refers cases to the House Ethics Committee for investigation, had already conducted an investigation and cleared her of wrongdoing. Cori Bush speaks in a 2021 interview (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) In recent months, right-wing organizations have lodged baseless complaints against me, peddling notions that I have misused campaigns funds to pay for personal security services. That is simply not true, said the congresswoman. I have complied with all applicable laws and House rules and will continue to prioritize the rules that govern us as federal elected officials. Her full statement went on to say that she look[s] forward to being cleared by the above authorities. NEW: Rep. Cori Bush says she is "fully cooperating" with a DOJ investigation into her campaign's spending on security. Says the Office of Congressional Ethics already voted to dismiss the case and "I look forward to this same outcome from all pending investigations." pic.twitter.com/wCOfDjjt9x Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) January 30, 2024 A short time after issuing a written statement, Ms Bush spoke with reporters on the Capitol steps and delivered the same statement. She did not take further questions. The Missouri Democratic congresswomans use of private security had previously been reported in various conservative news outlets including the right-wing New York Post. She is a second-term member of the House of Representatives, having first taken office in 2021. Formerly, she was an activist with the Black Lives Matter movement, which gained national prominence in her backyard after the 2014 killing of Michael Brown by police in Ferguson, a suburb of St Louis. During her time as a member of the House, she has become known for her progressive stances and alignment with The Squad, a grouping of some of the lower chambers youngest and most left-leaning members. Like other members of the Squad, she has been targeted for criticism by conservative groups for her stance on the brutal Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip; some have even faced efforts by those groups to pour money into long-shot primary challenges against the incumbent legislators. Ms Bush, who has called the Israeli militarys efforts an ethnic cleansing campaign, is currently facing a primary challenge from Wesley Bell, a local prosecutor who has taken a sharply pro-Israel stance. One person who can change the national conversation on immigration and border security lives in Middle Tennessee Congressman Mark Green, R-Clarksville, who chairs the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee. Green, a doctor, Army combat veteran, and three-term incumbent, now represents a significant portion of Nashville since the 2022 redistricting. He has visited the U.S.-Mexico border and is a firm critic of the Biden Administration. In fact, he is leading the charge by House Republicans to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing him of dereliction of duty for not securing the southern border given the recent record number of undocumented immigrant encounters. Having exhausted all other options to hold Secretary Mayorkas accountable, it is unmistakably clear that Congress must exercise its constitutional duty and impeach him, Green posted on X on Sunday. Having exhausted all other options to hold Secretary Mayorkas accountable, it is unmistakably clear that Congress must exercise its constitutional duty and impeach him. pic.twitter.com/t8MpwAQ0tE Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) January 28, 2024 House Committee Homeland Security Chairman Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., talks during a committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in Washington. This is not a surprise. The question is: Will Green also push for action on providing the president authority to better secure the border? This is a both/and situation as there is an imperative from the public to demand accountability while also doing everything possible to protect United States interests. Those interests include securing the border and also passing needed reforms to modernize a broken system. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testifies during a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill, Nov. 8, 2023, in Washington. Recent history shows that partisan politics will dictate that only one of these can be done at a time, but that is a disservice to the American public. Congress and Green, in particular, as a chairman and House leader should rise above to try. Counterpoint: Marsha Blackburn: Why Republicans unlike Democrats stand for the rule of law at the border Dont waste momentum on a bipartisan immigration deal Immigration is a top domestic political issues for Americans, according to recent polling from USA TODAY and Suffolk University. House GOP begins impeachment hearings for Alejandro Mayorkas House legislation passed in 2023 appears to have no future in the Senate. A Senate bipartisan deal, which recently emerged, is favored by President Joe Biden, but it appears to be dead-on-arrival in the House at the urging for former President and 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump. But this is shortsighted. On Sundays Face the Nation television program on CBS, Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, discussed the pros of the deal, saying while it would benefit Biden, it would also benefit Trump should he win in November. So if he (Trump) were to be president, this would be new authorities that he had actually asked for when he was president before, Lankford told host Margaret Brennan. Lankfords good faith efforts, however, were punished by the Oklahoma Republican Party, which censured him Sunday. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., speaks to reporters in the Senate subway at the U.S. Capitol on January 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. Characterized falsely as open border deal, the censure resolution shows this is purely about politics, not achieving results for the benefit of the American public. Mayorkas impeachment saga will result in political theater The last time a Cabinet secretary was impeached was in 1876 in the Ulysses Grant administration. Secretary of War William Belknap was accused of financial impropriety. He was impeached in the House, though he was acquitted in the Senate because the necessary two-thirds vote threshold was not met, according to the U.S. Senates website. The slim House Republican majority assures that Mayorkas will be impeached, but the Senate will acquit him given the 50-50 Democratic-Republican makeup, making this an exercise in theatrics and rhetoric. Critics of Mayorkas potential impeachment raise the issues that the accusations against him may be more about policy disagreements that fail to meet the high crimes and misdemeanors impeachment standard. On Sunday, The Wall Street Journal published a guest opinion column by President George W. Bushs Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff advocating against impeaching his successor. Federal appeals court judge Michael Chertoff speaks during President Bush\'s announcement of Chertoff\'s nomination to be the new secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Tuesday in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. AP photo While he acknowledged that he has disagreements with the Biden administration, Chertoff also contested Republican claims about an open border. Since Mr. Mayorkas took office, the majority of migrants encountered at the Southwest border have been removed, returned or expelled ... The truth is that our national immigration system is outdated, and DHS leaders under both parties have done their best to manage our immigration system without adequate congressional support," he wrote. Congress must do more than blame the Biden administration and must act if border security really is the crisis politicians claim it is. Inaction now seems like dereliction of duty. Mark Green has the chance to show the nation that Congress can do two very important things at the same time. David Plazas is the director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. He is an editorial board member of The Tennessean. He hosts the Tennessee Voices videocast and curates the Tennessee Voices and Latino Tennessee Voices newsletters. Call him at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or tweet to him at @davidplazas. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mayorkas impeachment, bipartisan border deal are both possible Military and police officials present 22 tons of drugs seized after an operation in Quevedo, Ecuador, on Jan. 22, 2024, part of a government response to what president Daniel Noboa called an internal armed conflict. At her house in Ecuadors third-largest city, its colonial buildings framed by the Andes mountains, LaRahna Hughes phone buzzed repeatedly with messages from relatives and friends back in the United States. Are you OK? Are you getting out of the country? It was early January, and Ecuadors president declared that the nation had entered an internal armed conflict, and mobilized the military to fight drug gangs. The violence had reached a boiling point. There had been bombings. Prison guards were taken hostage. Masked gunmen took over a live TV broadcast. In Ecuador long regarded one of Latin Americas safest nations for Americans seeking to retire abroad many people fielded similar calls of concern. But Hughes reassured loved ones that the attacks hadnt targeted Cuenca. Its nearly a four-hour drive from the epicenter of the violence in Guayaquil, the port city that has emerged as a new trafficking hub for cocaine from neighboring Peru and Colombia. I feel safe here, she told USA TODAY. She views the violence as more localized within Ecuador for residents and retirees alike than news headlines tended to suggest. LaRahna Hughes, 51, decided to move to Ecuador, where she could have an early retirement that wouldnt have been possible in the United States. Still, growing crime in recent years hadnt left all her fellow retirees untouched. Many adjusted to a nighttime curfew or adopted new safety measures. A few months earlier, one retiree who lives on the Pacific coast said she sped away from an attempted carjacking that left bullet holes in her vehicle. Experts and retirees said there were no signs of a major exodus. Most lived in areas where they felt safe enough to remain, even as some watch the ramped-up crackdown on gangs warily. You're always asking that question, said Michele DeWolfe, who lives in Olon, Ecuador, after moving from Colorado with her husband, a retired land surveyor, about 12 years ago. Are you underreacting or overreacting? And at what point is it too much? The tumult in Ecuador has highlighted the uncertainties and difficult choices that can accompany any overseas crisis for the increasing number of Americans who choose to retire abroad. Foreign countries often beckon with lower costs that equal a higher quality of life. And Ecuador for years been on the top 10 list of the retire-abroad publication International Living. Though the country shouldnt be written off, said editor Jennifer Stevens, the current situation, however, gives us pause on the safety front. The U.S. State Department gives Ecuador a Level 2 travel warning, to Exercise Increased Caution. Some areas within the country have a Level 3, or Reconsider Travel warning, and some have a Level 4, meaning Do Not Travel. Is it the best time in history to head off to retire in Ecuador? Perhaps not, Stevens said. Perhaps best to wait a month or so and see how all this plays out. Why Americans retire abroad Frances Hogg Lochow, 69, spent decades as a legal aid attorney in Detroit before moving to a small town on New Yorks Hudson River when her husband retired. The couple looked for a place outside the U.S. where they could live more affordably without his income. She said they visited Mexico and Turkey and finally settled on Ecuador, a country the size of Nevada filled with jungles and beaches and mountains. Frances Hogg Lochow, 69, and her husband sold their U.S. home and bought a retirement house in Cuenca, Ecuador. They sold their home in the U.S. and bought a house in Cuenca, a historic city perched at 8,200 feet. They were charmed by its climate, architecture and costs that allow the couple to live comfortably on Social Security alone with money left to travel. Its like 70 degrees every day. You can get an apartment for $600 a month. Doctor appointments are 30 bucks. Drugs are less expensive, she said. Its a very healthy place to live. The people are really friendly. And it's a cultural center. A couple can live comfortably on $2,000 a month and together pay about $95 a month for government health care, according to International Living. Hughes, 51, was operating a farm and a farm-to-table cafe in South Carolina when in 2022 she decided to move to Ecuador, where she could have an early retirement that wouldnt have been possible in the United States. The economics of Cuenca let me retire, she said. Edward Lindquist, originally from California, now publishes the English-language Cuenca Expat Magazine. He says his publication estimates as many as 20,000 native English speakers live in Ecuador. The biggest chunk are U.S. expatriates and retirees. Stevens said its a function of the growing interest in retiring abroad. More: Think you'll work past 70? Good luck. Why most of us retire earlier. As of December 2022, 450,156 retired workers were receiving Social Security payments abroad, more than double the 219,504 in 1999, according to the Social Security Administration. Those figures dont include retirees who have their checks deposited in the U.S. but live abroad, or who dont claim Social Security. Driven by rising housing and health care costs and inadequate retirement savings, the trend was further buoyed by the growth of remote work that allows some retirees or spouses to earn supplemental income, and online groups offering tips and information making overseas retirement increasingly mainstream, Stevens said. It used to be like, Oh my God, my crazy grandfather went to Costa Rica, she said. In addition, because people are living longer, many are eager to figure out ways that they can have an adventure in that second chapter. Those clusters of new Americans can boost the local economy and in some instances draw criticism from locals for pushing up housing prices. Her publications 2024 Annual Global Retirement Index, a ranking based on cost, lifestyle and safety, puts Costa Rica at the top, followed by Portugal, Mexico, Panama, Spain, Ecuador, Greece, Malaysia, France and Colombia. While predicting instability is difficult, whether it be a coup in Thailand or cartel violence in Mexico, often such events do not directly affect retirees. But some events can push residents to relocate or leave temporarily, Stevens said. Some left Nicaragua to see how things played out after President Daniel Ortegas growing crackdown on opponents, which began in 2018 and went on to suppress clergy, media and civil society. In recent years, Stevens said, many have returned. She suggests people consider countries that have a long history of stability and of policies designed to attract expats, such as Costa Rica; as well as to join expat Facebook groups to hear from people on the ground and follow news while understanding that the drama in reporting from afar tends to be applied to a whole country, which paints neither a fair nor accurate picture of what's happening on the ground in specific communities. More: Nicaragua lost press freedom. Other countries are too Ecuador shaken by drug-fueled violence Police run a search operation that led to three people being detained in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Jan. 27, 2024. More than a decade after retiring, Janet Meinke, 58, and her 79-year-old husband, David, live on the beach in Punta Blanca, Ecuador a country they chose in part because of its reputation as one of the regions safest. But that ranking has changed in recent years as drug gangs began using the country as a shipment point between some of South Americas largest cocaine producers. Crime and murder rates have soared. Killings, kidnappings, robberies and other crimes became part of Ecuadorians everyday life, The Associated Press reported last year. In the fall, gangs assassinated a presidential candidate, Fernando Villavicencio, and set off car bombs in front of government buildings. Earlier this month, Meinke came out of her weekly Tuesday movie to find the malls shops closing and people hustling home. Whats going on? she asked. Janet Meinke, 58, and her 79-year-old husband, David, chose to retire in Ecuador in part because of its reputation as one of the regions safest countries. President Daniel Noboa, part of a family that had made a fortune in the banana trade, declared a national state of emergency, a measure that lets authorities suspend peoples rights and mobilize the military in places like prisons, saying the county had entered an internal armed conflict, the AP reported. An 11 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew was enacted. Starting on Jan. 8, criminal groups shot civilians, looted stores, and set off car bombs and other explosions in the capital Quito and Guayaquil, according to the International Crisis Group. It followed the escape from prison of two key criminal leaders, including the head of one of Ecuadors most powerful drug gangs, Los Choneros. Masked gunmen stormed a Guayaquil TV studio during a live news broadcast, and rioting inmates overran a number of the countrys prisons, holding more than 150 prison guards hostage for almost a week, the group said. The president ordered national security forces to neutralize 22 armed groups classified as terrorists. By Jan. 25, the government had detained 3,611 people. DeWolfe, the former Coloradoan, said the spike came amid already rising crime, including widespread extortion. Two towns down, their school bus was held for ransom. A couple of days ago, two of the women who run the orphanage here were shot at and robbed, DeWolfe said. People are just tired of it. Last fall, Atlanta native Bobbi de Winter told the The Wall Street Journal she and her husband intended to sell their house on the Pacific Ocean near Manta after nearby killings and a large cocaine stash for trafficking found at a beach close to them. Her husband once had to swerve his car to avoid a man who had been shot, she told the newspaper. I had to let go of my dream, she said. One retiree who asked that her name not be used in connection to her experience in Ecuador so she would not alarm American relatives told USA TODAY that several months ago she was driving a woman considering moving to the country to view housing options near the coast when a car braked in front of them. Two men got out and started shooting at them. She turned the car around and sped off, unhurt but shaken from the possible carjacking attempt. She feels safe enough to remain in the country but said the risk shouldnt be dismissed. Its definitely riskier, she said. By Jan. 16, the U.S. Embassy said in a statement that Ecuadorian media reported relative calm in major cities and no major attacks as security forces continued their operations, with all hostages having been released. Maite Duran, an Ecuadorian who runs Gringo Visas, a business helping American retirees move to Ecuador, says that only a few of her clients have delayed moves and many are continuing to consider the county. Those in Ecuador continue to renew their visas, she said. I believe that things had to get worse before they get better," she said. "And that's in the stage that we're in right now. Despite uncertainties, many retirees vow to stay In Cuenca, where the biggest population of retirees live, Hughes had noticed a military presence in town but says most residents are going about our daily life. Residents are walking dogs and going to the market, restaurants and jobs. Theres a curfew, but most retirees said theyre usually in bed by 11 p.m. anyway. Hogg Lochow, who was recently making earrings for a pet shelter as part of her volunteer work, said shes still encouraging her family to come to visit. At the same time, many are using greater caution, avoiding dangerous parts of the country, choosing restaurants with guards, and avoiding public buses and being out after dark. Steven McKay and LaShon Holt-McKay, from Newport News, Virginia, moved to Ecuador two years ago to stretch their pension income. In Salinas, Steven McKay, 46, a retired juvenile justice worker from Newport News, Virginia, who moved to Ecuador two years ago with his wife to stretch their pension, said that in expat groups most are vowing to remain. For those aspiring to retire there? It will definitely discourage people, he said. Lindquist said the long-term economic consequences are unknown. In Cuenca, he said, U.S. retirees contribute millions to the local economy through rentals, restaurants and other services. I just hope the country didn't get too big of a black eye, he said. Many are watching how Ecuadors crackdown plays out and how closely it may resemble one in another Latin American country. El Salvador President Nayib Bukeles 2022 crackdown on street gangs was controversial, sparking allegations of human rights violations amid mass arrests, but popular because it significantly reduced crime. McKay and others said they hope Ecuador's efforts will curtail the violence, if not banish drug gangs. Theyre never going be able to get rid of it completely. But they can at least get it to a manageable place, kind of like Colombia did. I do have faith theyre going to solve it, he said. Hughes is sticking around now rooted in a country and community whose future feels connected to her own. Even though we're immigrants, this is our home for many of us. So much of expat sentiment has been, we're good. We're not leaving, she said. And if they throw an earthquake in tomorrow, we're still not leaving. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Retiring in Ecuador offered stability. Now Americans weigh new unrest Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Mobotix fair value estimate is 1.31 Mobotix's 1.54 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate Mobotix's peers are currently trading at a discount of 37% on average How far off is Mobotix AG (ETR:MBQ) 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 expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present 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. 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. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for Mobotix The Model 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. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 5.90m 3.30m 2.10m 1.57m 1.30m 1.14m 1.04m 983.6k 945.6k 921.4k Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -36.28% Est @ -25.26% Est @ -17.54% Est @ -12.14% Est @ -8.36% Est @ -5.72% Est @ -3.86% Est @ -2.57% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 10% 5.3 2.7 1.6 1.1 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 14m 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 (0.5%) 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 10%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = 921k (1 + 0.5%) (10% 0.5%) = 9.3m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 9.3m ( 1 + 10%)10= 3.4m The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is 17m. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 1.5, 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 The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the 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 Mobotix 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 10%, which is based on a levered beta of 2.000. 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 Mobotix Strength Debt is well covered by earnings. Weakness No major weaknesses identified for MBQ. Opportunity Expected to breakeven next year. Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows. Good value based on P/S ratio compared to estimated Fair P/S ratio. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Next Steps: 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. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Mobotix, we've compiled three fundamental items you should assess: Risks: Case in point, we've spotted 4 warning signs for Mobotix you should be aware of, and 1 of them doesn't sit too well with us. Future Earnings: How does MBQ's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. You are the owner of this article. 'Hometown of fireworks' lights up the sky 08:26, January 30, 2024 By Zou Shuo ( China Daily A worker makes fireworks in Liuyang, Hunan province. YANG HUAFENG/CHINA NEWS SERVICE To celebrate the arrival of 2024, Li Chao traveled from Shanghai to Liuyang, Hunan province, to watch a fireworks display. Liuyang is known as the "hometown of fireworks", but the 23-year-old was unable to obtain a ticket to see a fireworks show at Sky Theatre, because they had sold out. She and her friends, along with people from across China, settled on watching the display, which was also livestreamed, from an open playground. To witness the pyrotechnic delights on Dec 31, more than 160,000 people traveled to Liuyang, which boasts a population of 1.4 million and is situated about 70 kilometers from Changsha, the capital of Hunan. Li said: "I had never seen anything like these fireworks before. The evening was romantic, mesmerizing and festive. More important, after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone in the large crowd was ready to celebrate." She added that the fireworks were like stars shimmering against the dark canvas of the night sky. After watching the display, which lasted more than an hour, Li said that the fireworks show she had seen at Shanghai Disney Resort seemed small in comparison. The entire event on New Year's Eve lasted more than four hours, but Li and her friends returned to their hotel early to avoid traffic. Wang Biao, head of Sky Theatre, said the show was livestreamed on short video platforms trending on Douyin and Kuaishou two of the largest such platforms in China, with more than 600 million views. The theatre is located alongside the Liuyang River, with the stage for the display set against a backdrop of mountains. Wang said the show featured a combination of water, mountains and fireworks, as well as a dance performance, adding that such displays can also be staged at other tourist sites or amusement parks. A total of 50 fireworks shows were livestreamed at the theater last year during weekends and festivals, and people now know that such displays are held in Liuyang on Saturday nights, Wang said. "People come to the city because it is the hometown of fireworks and showcases their aesthetic appeal," he said. Wang said the theater can seat about 10,000, so for occasions such as New Year's Eve, spectators need to be creative in finding locations to watch the fireworks, such as from rooftops or balconies of apartment buildings near the theater. Villagers set up small lounge chairs in hills near the theater, charging 100 yuan ($14) for each seat, he added. Yi Xin, who also works at the theater, said rehearsals are staged for the fireworks shows to ensure they are eye-catching. Nearly 80 percent of audiences at the theater are younger than 50, and most of them are either in the 21-30 age bracket, or married couples aged 31 to 40, who also bring their children or parents to watch the shows, he said. Yi added that the displays are happy occasions at which people bond with one another, and there have been no bad reviews for the shows. Wang said the theater plans to show more than 50 fireworks displays this year to bolster its brand image and provide a venue for people to spend their weekends. Historical ties The Hunan cities of Liuyang and Liling, and the counties of Shangli and Wanzai in neighboring Jiangxi province, are China's four major fireworks-producing areas. Ties between Liuyang and fireworks date to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), when Li Tian, a Liuyang native, is believed to have filled sections of bamboo with black powder, inventing the world's first firecrackers to drive away evil spirits. Liuyang is the world's largest production hub for firecrackers and fireworks. Its domestic sales of fireworks account for 50 percent of the national total, and its export value for fireworks comprises 60 percent of this total. Fireworks from the city light up birthdays, weddings and independence day celebrations in more than 100 countries worldwide. Data from the Liuyang Firecrackers and Fireworks Industry Development Center show the 50 fireworks shows held in the city last year attracted more than 3.8 million visitors, including over 10,000 from other countries and regions. The center, a government institution that oversees the city's firecrackers and fireworks industry, said the shows last year generated tourism revenue of more than 11 billion yuan. In Liuyang, 431 enterprises are involved with manufacturing fireworks and firecrackers, 658 with related operational, wholesale and storage businesses, and more than 400 enterprises package these devices. The city's pillar industry provides jobs for more than 300,000 people and generates almost 1 billion yuan in annual tax revenue, the center said. Last year, the total output value of fireworks and firecrackers in Liuyang reached 50.89 billion yuan, a rise of nearly 69 percent from a year earlier, it added. Government efforts to curb pollution have led to bans on fireworks in many cities nationwide. However, late last year, the National People's Congress Standing Committee's Legal Affairs Commission ruled that it is illegal for local governments to enact complete bans on selling and setting off fireworks. On Jan 9, the authorities in Changsha said they would allow the public to set off fireworks for more than 10 days during Spring Festival and Lantern Festival. Ten days later, the authorities in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province, said fireworks could be set off by people for eight days during the two festivals. In Dayao township, Liuyang, which produces 70 percent of the raw materials used to make fireworks in China, an international trading center houses more than 400 fireworks stores. Gu Jun, president of Liuyang Junzi Fireworks Trade Co, which is located at the center, said he welcomes the regulation on fireworks being loosened. Busy times As Spring Festival approaches, employees at his company have been busy keeping up with orders from different areas. Fireworks are generally not used as much abroad as they are in China, and as the export process is complicated, Gu said the 700-plus products his company makes are sold in 26 provincial areas of China. He added that many fireworks companies have "gone domestic-only" due to the growing market in China, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. "Fireworks are a big part of Chinese people's lives and are used for important occasions such as birthdays, weddings or funerals," he added. "After the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in 2022, nearly all the fireworks in Liuyang sold out, because people needed to express their feelings and desire for happiness," Gu said. While safety is the most important consideration for fireworks businesses, Gu's company also focuses on making its products more environmentally friendly, such as ensuring they leave no waste after being lit. A worker carries fireworks made at a factory in the city. YANG HUAFENG/CHINA NEWS SERVICE Young customers Great efforts have been made to upgrade the packaging of fireworks to make it more appealing to young customers, Gu said, adding that his company is at the forefront of producing trendy packaging for its products. He said the company expects its sales revenue for last year to have risen by 20 percent from 2022, to stand at tens of millions of yuan. With more cities introducing friendlier policies toward fireworks, and the strong public demand for them, the industry is witnessing a resurgence, he said. He Rongqiang, general manager of Yinyang Fireworks Group, said the company's sales revenue has grown by 30 to 50 percent annually in recent years due to strong domestic demand. Production at some of the company's factories is now automated, significantly reducing the accident rate, he said. Fireworks are a family business, and He's father also works in the industry. People in Liuyang have a special feeling for fireworks, and you can see them trying out new varieties on the streets, He added. "It seems that anytime in Liuyang is a good time to set off a few fireworks," he said. The company has made great efforts to promote its products on social media platforms to attract young people, He said. It has also tried to make setting off fireworks a fun social event, so people can invite their friends to watch them together. "We want more young people to fall in love with fireworks and for the public to enjoy them more often," he said. "It does not have to be a special occasion or celebration to mark a festival. You can set fireworks off after you finish work, while always paying attention to the safety of yourself and those around you," He added. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) IYKYK- Stanley cups are all the rage right now. They are flying off the shelves. The popular brand of steel vacuum-insulated water bottles has seen a $676 million increase in sales the past four years, according to CNBC. The Stanley Valentine's Day cup sold out within hours on Dec. 31 and its Starbucks version of its pink cup sold out immediately in January. Now, thanks to Fisher-Price, moms obsessed with their Stanleys have the perfect lookalike cup for their littles too. Fisher-Price releases baby 'Stanley cup' The Fisher-Price Wake Up & Learn Coffee Mug may not be marketed as a Stanley but is Mattel's response to the growing trend, Fisher-Price said in statement given to Scary Mommy. Baby shown playing with Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Wake Up & Learn Coffee Mug Are you obsessed with the most buzzed-about tumbler as much as the rest of the internet?" the statement reads. "Excited to share that Fisher-Price is launching its own playful version of the viral stainless-steel mug for young ones. The best part: it involves no overnight campouts at Target and chaotic matchups to get it! Fisher-Price dropped the mug this past fall, and it sold out quickly both online and in stores, just like the original Stanley cup. The product will be back in stock on Amazon and coming to Wal-Mart again very soon, a representative with Mattel told USA TODAY Tuesday. Consumers can purchase the kid-friendly toy cup, that looks just like moms," Fisher-Price's statement says. People are crazy over Stanley cups: What made them so popular? Moms react Stanley-crazed moms have left excited reviews underneath the lookalike toy. Here's what some parents have to say about the Fisher-Price Wake Up & Learn Coffee Mug. "So cute! Now your little can have their own 'Stanley!'" one mom wrote. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Wake Up & Learn Coffee Mug Baby & Toddler Toy with Music & Lights "The cutest mini 'Stanley' cup! We were running errands yesterday and several moms asked where I got it from. Not only is it cute but it entertains my 10-month-old. She loves the songs and teething rings. My little girl has her own cup just like mommy!" another mom said in her review. Story continues Fisher-Price's version of the "Stanley cup" sells for just $10 online but can be found for $30 to $60 dollars on sites like eBay and Poshmark. The interactive baby toy features colorful lights and more than 20 songs and phrases. "This rattle is super on trend and looks like a little Stanley mug," another review reads. "Beyond the cuteness, it also has catchy ABC and 123 button learning songs and handlebar fidgets! Perfect little rattle toy!" The goal of Laugh & Learn line is to "introduce early academics in context through early role play items that they see their caregivers interact with daily," Mattel told USA TODAY. The line encourages fine motor skills, curiosity and pretend play. The toy brand saw how much kids enjoy playing with items around the house, so the line includes things like mugs, earbuds and controllers, all things that appear in the home. 'Like A Boss' activity center: Mom calls out Fisher-Price for 'annoying' phrases on new toy This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baby 'Stanley cup' toy restocking soon, Fisher-Price says Ford has redesigned and renamed dozens of its Lincoln stores u0022vitrine dealerships,u0022 derived from French for glass display case. This image was taken at the Sanderson Lincoln Boutique in Scottsdale, Arizona. Lincoln is reducing the number of its sites nationally. Ford Motor Co. is trimming its number of Lincoln dealerships through buyouts as it redesigns its luxury experience for customers in an attempt to be more competitive. The automaker is requiring those dealerships to exist as separate boutiques that include intimate cafes, shopping and personal service. The Dearborn, Michigan-based company is working to reach its goal this year of cutting more than 40% of its Lincoln dealerships over four years, Lincoln spokeswoman Anika Salceda-Wycoco recently told the Detroit Free Press. "They are not just stand-alone Lincoln dealerships, but are brand-exclusive facilities that are designed around the client experience and our brand DNA," she said. Between 2021 and 2023, Ford reduced its Lincoln dealerships from 685 to just over 500, Salceda-Wycoco said. The goal is to cut that number down to about 400 by December, she said. She declined to provide dollar amounts associated with the buyouts. Concept car: Lincolns Star concept EV tests design, features coming soon to production vehicles Ford has redesigned and renamed dozens of its Lincoln stores "vitrine dealerships," derived from French for glass display case. This image was taken at the Sanderson Lincoln Boutique in Scottsdale, Ariz. Lincoln is reducing the number of its sites nationally. "We will continue to work together with our retailers to make sure we have the right representation in the top luxury markets," Salceda-Wycoco said. The automaker is working to get away from dealerships that sell both Ford and Lincoln because the Lincoln brand gets lost, she said. The newest Lincoln facilities are inspired by a vitrine, derived from French for a glass display case, the company said. Salceda-Wycoco described the vitrine dealerships this way: The new layout moves away from the traditional transaction space to one that is centered on the client experience and allows for flexibility based on the dealership's needs. Equipped with either two-, four- or six-vehicle displays, vitrine adds a cafe, boutique retail space, new car delivery suites and ample room for new technology demonstrations. Dealers can opt for a boutique showroom design that will allow clients to experience the Lincoln brand in a premium lifestyle environment, like in Scottsdale, Arizona, the company says. Story continues The new, open design features a serene sanctuary as a sales pavilion, which provides clients with a personalized, one-on-one sales and service experience. By the end of 2023, the company had 164 brand-exclusive Lincoln dealerships, or stand-alone sites, including 91 vitrine dealerships, Salceda-Wycoco said. This year, 23 vitrine dealerships are in progress, she said. Ford has redesigned and renamed dozens of its Lincoln stores "vitrine dealerships," inspired by the French word for glass display case. This image was taken at the Sanderson Lincoln Boutique in Scottsdale, Ariz. Lincoln is reducing the number of its sites nationally. The retailer consolidation is part of a multiyear strategy focused on making sure there are fewer locations for the premium car brand. The design and mission reflect what competitors have done for years, including complimentary coffee bars and luxury shopping inside the dealership. 'It does make sense' The Lincoln move is smart and necessary, branding experts told the Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. "A luxury brand, by its very nature, has to feel unique and distinctive from the regular offerings. It requires more control, more scarcity, a more curated experience," said Marcus Collins, a marketing professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and author of "For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want To Be." Fewer dealerships will deliver a better experience, he said. It's like buying a Rolex at Macy's, which wouldn't make it feel very special, rather than a specialty jeweler. "This is necessary for any brand that warrants a price premium." Marcus Collins, a professor at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, is an expert in digital advertising, social marketing, and brand strategy. He is also co-director of the Yaffe Digital Media Initiative. David Aaker, a San Francisco-based global brand strategist who wrote, "The Future of Purpose-Driven Branding" book praised the Lincoln strategy too. "You look at Apple, and a good portion of the Apple success is the stores," he said. "They give them a sense of modernity and competence and energy. Its amazing what the stores have done for the Apple image. With Samsung, you go into some AT&T store somewhere. Apple is so differentiated. Thats kind of the role model, especially when Lincoln is competing with Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes has got stand-alone stores. Lincoln has to play catch up." This latest initiative is unrelated to electrification or market adjustments in that area. Ford has redesigned and renamed dozens of its Lincoln stores "vitrine dealerships," derived from French for glass display case. This image was taken at the Sanderson Lincoln Boutique in Scottsdale, Ariz. Lincoln is reducing the number of its sites nationally. Contact Phoebe Wall Howard: 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. Follow her on X at @phoebesaid This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Why are more Lincoln car dealerships closing in 2024? Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. Politica externa americana: militarism, ipocrizie, lacomie Timp de multe decenii, la Washington a existat un consens bipartizan in materie de afaceri externe. Acest consens a fost aproape intotdeauna gresit. America isi mentine hegemonia globala cu interventii dupa bunul plac. Fie ca a fost vorba de razboaiele din Vietnam, Afganistan [citeste mai departe] Barcelona, tun de 220 de milioane de euro Barcelona este fata in fata cu o oferta de nerefuzat. Catalanii pot incasa instant 220 de milioane de euro. MARCA a citat surse anonime conform carora Barcelona a primit o propunere din partea unui brand de echipamente, aflat in rivalitate cu Nike. Conducerea Barcelonei se intereseaza in aceasta perioada de un nou furnizor [citeste mai departe] Stiri pe aceeasi tema - Four men were detained for 24 hours for poaching, the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police (IGPR) announced on Saturday. According to a press release from the IGPR, sent to AGERPRES, during the day on Friday police officers from the Calarasi IPJ and from the Weapons, Explosives and Dangerous - The Ministry of National Defence (MApN) informs, on Saturday, that the F-16 aircraft of the Turkish Air Force from Air Base 86 in Fetesti left the ground at around 1:15 a.m. to carry out air research missions, in the context in which the Russian forces carried out drone attacks on the Ukrainian port - The Ministry of Finance (MF) is planning to raise this February RON 5.5 billion from commercial banks, to which another RON 705 million may be added through additional non-competitive bidding sessions related to bond auctions.The total amount of RON 6.205 billion is RON 115 million less than the - Romania's Railway Reform Authority (ARF) and the Polish rolling stock manufacturer Pojazdy Szynowe Pesa Bydgoszcz Spolka Akcyjna (PESA) will sign today a contract for the purchase of 62 electric multiple units (EMUs).Attending the signing ceremony at the headquarters of the Ministry of Transport - The Ministry of Finance (MF) borrowed on Monday 343.1 million RON from the banks, through an issue of benchmark state bonds, with a residual maturity of 169 months and an average return of 6.43% per year, according to data made public by the National Bank of Romania (BNR).The nominal value of the - Mai multi barbati inarmati si cu cagule au patruns marti, 9 ianuarie, in studioul televiziunii publice TC din orasul Guayaquil, sud-vestul Ecuadorului, si au amenintat jurnalistii, in timpul unei emisiuni in direct. Un cameraman a fost impuscat in picior, iar alt angajat a suferit o luxatie la umar - Costin Iordache will be the new interim general director of TAROM as of January 9, 2024, the company informed on Monday.He will replace Bogdan Popescu, who resigned at the end of December 2023, agerpres reports. "The Board of Directors of the TAROM airline decided on Friday, January 5, 2024, to appoint - The Romanian police and partners from the states of the European free movement area detected, between December 15-21, 858 people, 63 vehicles and 37 documents that were the subject of alerts introduced in the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Romanian Police informs.Thus, 647 persons who are The city of Fort Collins will launch NoCoBiz Connect, a bilingual sustainable business program, on Thursday. The city selected Monarca Group of Erie to help run the program, which is designed to build on the city's ClimateWise program that sunset in 2019. It will partner with Colorado Green Business Network to reach local businesses where they are. While ClimateWise was focused heavily on environmental sustainability, NoCo Biz Connect will include social sustainability, economic and environmental sustainability, said Peter Iengo, the city's senior community engagement specialist. Monarca focuses on triple bottom line solutions in those areas to help clients communicate effectively with diverse communities. The program kicks off Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Lyric, 1209 N. College Ave., with breakfast, music, networking, giveaways and a short presentation about the program. "NoCoBiz Connect takes what everyone knew about the sustainability program and worked to make it more accessible," Iengo said. The program offers personalized support to businesses and creates space for businesses to get together and talk about challenges and barriers around sustainability. Partnering with Monarca increases accessibility to Spanish-speaking businesses to help them manage and build sustainability programs. "Businesses are all unique and where they are in the journey differs ... they all have different interests," Iengo said. Monarca Group wants to focus on underserved business owners, President Berenice Garcia Tellez said. "Sometimes you have to use social economic strategies to make them feel an interest around sustainability." A food truck or restaurant, for example, can save money by replacing lights with LED lights, she said. "By doing that, they save money, save energy and they're helping the planet." Monarca will be reaching out to underserved businesses, knocking on doors and spreading the word. Story continues "We understand with underserved business owners there can be a barrier" between trust in the government, said Javier Echeverria, a senior financial analyst with the city. The city managed ClimateWise, but the state is now offering those same programs for the city, he said. Businesses can log into a website and reach different levels of achievement. "We are the regional partners that can have personalized engagement with businesses and help them. With some it might be a light touch, like rebates for replaced lights with LED. Some may need more hand-holding," Echeverria said. The program is free and will include all materials in English and Spanish, support, networking opportunities, workshops, and tailored financial incentives to facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices, Iengo said. To register for NoCoBiz Connect's launch party, visit nocobizconnectlaunch.eventbrite.com. For more information about the program, visit www.NoCoBizConnect.com. This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins launches bilingual sustainable business program Marion Merricks books are the only first-hand account written by a westerner of what it was like to live and work in communist Hungary, and then in the aftermath of the 1989 change of regime. Now You See It, Now You Dont and House of Cards have been included as part of the Open Society Archive dedicated to this period in the CEU. You can read a serialisation of them here on Xpatloop. You can also buy the dual-volume book on Kindle as well as in Stanfords London. Book 2, chapter three: Neighbours Part 6 Taxis blockade Budapests bridges and Hungarys borders Tamass doctor brother came to see us to collect the final months rent and to say goodbye. He was not surprised that we had decided to make our home in Hungary. Everythings different now, he said. Youll see, Hungary will be just like Austria in a few years. Life will be better for everyone. October 23rd, the anniversary of the 1956 uprising, always referred to as a counter-revolution in communist times, was the final ghost to be laid. It had never been advisable to talk of it except in whispers among friends, and a tangible tension hung in the air every year as its anniversary approached. But on this 23rd of October, walking home in the dark, I saw candles glowing forth from many windows of the blocks of flats. At first, I was mystified, but then I remembered the date. This was a first tentative step towards an official acknowledgement of a day that had changed the course of Hungarys history and many of its citizens lives. October was drawing to a close. The Acs-es could only move into their new flat in November as the building was still not completed. I had a telephone call from a film studio on the other side of town asking if I would do a voice-over. I enjoyed such work and agreed. Since it was an evening job and likely to end late. I decided to drive. On my way to Moszkva ter I noticed long queues outside a petrol station. I realised that the price must be about to increase but I was not unduly worried I had a full tank and hardly ever drove further than the Margaret Island. The work went well, though the film was long and we realised it could well be midnight before we finished. I was sitting outside the small studio waiting for someone else to finish their part when a woman burst into the ante-room. Do any of you live in Pest? she asked breathlessly. Yes, I do, I said. Then youd better leave right now. The taxis are blockading the bridges because of the petrol price rise and you wont be able to get home. As I gathered my belongings and made for the door she called after me, Well ring you about when you can come and finish the recording. Pedestrians cross Budapests bridges on foot The door slammed behind me as I ran to the car. I reasoned that the blockade would surely start with the most used bridges, Lanchid, Margit hid, so if I drove up the river to Arpad hid I might still get across. As I neared the bridge a long queue stretched ahead of me. Cars had been abandoned on the pavement, their drivers obviously deciding to walk to the tram stop, or to cross the longest bridge in Budapest on foot. I sat in the unmoving line of vehicles trying to decide on the best course of action. Suddenly the car in front accelerated noisily and shot out of the queue, over the pavement-like area separating road and tramway, thus avoiding the taxis that blocked the road itself, and along the tram lines towards the bridge. Without stopping to think, I followed him. The car bumped over the concrete, then slid to left and right as the tyres failed to gain a hold of the tram lines, but I was on my way. Looking back in my rear-view mirror I saw some taxis move into position on the rails to prevent any other motorists following suit. However, I would not be able to leave the bridge on its blocked Pest side ahead, so I took a road leading from the middle of it and found my way home by another route. The whole country was brought to a standstill The following day the whole country had been brought to a standstill. Taxis had blockaded every road border crossing from neighbouring countries as well as roads leading to and from the airport. People were obliged to walk across the bridges to get to work; many did not bother. There was the unnatural silence of a city paralysed. Tense negotiations between government representatives and taxi drivers were broadcast live on television. Meanwhile, below our windows we could see the glow of a fire lit at the foot of Arpad hid where taxi drivers maintained their blockade and alternately spoke and argued with those who had opinions to voice. Three days later compromises had been made and the virtual siege ended. Yet no doubt was left in anyones mind of the determination of ordinary people to now take an active role in the running of the country. As the end of the year approached, we prepared for our move to Zuglo. The Acs-es could only now move in December, thus we too would have to wait. The first snows came early, already in November, but melted again. Raw winds howled around the house, the bleak haunting sounds of winter. As I stood at the bitterly cold Arpad hid tram stop after my evenings teaching at Lingua, I thought back over the year: next door, Suli and his family had left where to, no-one knew. The landlady came one day, and on learning from the man on the eighth floor that I had been his interpreter, invited us both in to share her horror at what she had found. The bathroom stood an inch or two deep in water, towels lay soaking in the dirty pool, the glass shelf above the basin was broken. The kitchen was a mess of unwashed plates and food remnants on the floor, cutlery was missing, crockery broken. Evi and Feri had already moved to their new home in Lovolde ter. Their flat now lay dark and silent. Eva, without whose help we would never have been able to buy our own flat, would inevitably miss us as surely as we would her. To a small degree we had alleviated some of the loneliness of her first year without her husband; her friendship, meanwhile, had transformed our apprehension at living in a panel flat into regret at having to leave. Though I would still teach her group, I could no longer cross the corridor at night and sit with her in her dressing-gown, drinking whatever she happened to find in the kitchen, nibbling whatever she had in the fridge, and talking late into the night. Attila had visited us to say that he and his wife were now divorced. He had moved out to Zsambek where he had bought a totally derelict house from a kindly alcoholic. He looked drawn and had started smoking again. Caroline was also in the throes of a separation, and I worried about Virginia. The wind had died down. I shivered in the damp air. A yellow-grey fog was descending on the river, diffusing the dim lights of the city and obscuring the hills. I could just make out the building that housed Lingua on this side of the bridge, and the blocks where we lived on the other. Looked at from where I now stood on this November night, nothing had visibly changed in the eight years since we had arrived in Budapest. Yet the lives of the people behind the facades had been altered irrevocably, and they remained in limbo between their safe pasts and their uncertain futures, between one bank of the river and its opposite side. Click here for earlier extracts Main photo: 1990 Taxi Blockade - Courtesy Fortepan/ Peter Zaray Encouraging steps have been made to restore an atmosphere of trust between Hungary and Ukraine, though the road ahead "is long and much work will need to be done", the foreign minister said after talks in Uzhorod. Hungary is ready for this, Peter Szijjarto told a joint press conference after talks in Uzhorod (Ungvar) with Ukrainian counterpart Dmitro Kuleba and Andrij Yermak, the head of the presidential office. Bilateral ties, he said, had deteriorated because the rights of Transcarpathian Hungarians have been curbed again and again since 2015, He added that ties had been dominated by unresolved issues rather than good relations. He said the law adopted by the Ukrainian parliament last December undoubtedly stopped this negative spiral but the government expected the rights afforded to the Transcarpathian Hungarian community to be restored to what they were in 2015. I want to emphasise that Hungary wants no special treatment; we want nothing we didnt have before Szijjarto said. Hungary, he added, has prepared an 11-point list of requests, including restoring the status of schools for ethnic minorities, the opportunity to sit school-leaving exams in Hungarian, as well as the unrestrained use of Hungarian in higher education, culture, public services and community life. Szijjarto: Steps Taken to Rebuild Ties A Budapest court has sentenced a foreign man who carried out organised armed attacks in Budapest last February as part of the Antifa movement, to three years in a maximum security prison for attempted battery. The Budapest Municipal Courts first-instance ruling also ordered the man to be expelled from Hungary for a period of five years on completion of his prison sentence, the courts press department said in a statement on Monday, adding that another man and a woman are co-defendants in the case. According to the indictment, the defendants, all foreign nationals, were members of an organisation of young adults sympathising with far-left ideologies who had planned on taking the ideological fight to militant far-right sympathisers who espoused fascist views by carrying out violent attacks and taking part in demonstrations and protests. The court determined that the defendants had planned to assault their victims with deadly weapons so that the humiliation they felt over the unexpected attacks would cause them mental anguish and act as a deterrent to representatives of far-right movements. They said the defendants had travelled to Hungary to take part in coordinated attacks. At Mondays preparatory hearing, the secondary co-defendant pleaded guilty to the charges and waived his right to a trial. The court accepted the plea and sentenced the man to three years in a maximum security prison and expelled him from Hungary for five years. Prosecutors had sought an 11-year prison sentence for the primary defendant and 3.5-year sentences for the two co-defendants. They also wanted the primary defendant expelled from Hungary for 10 years and the other defendants for 5 years each. Both the prosecution and the defence are appealing the verdict. You're welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more via our Facebook news page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews And via XpatLoops group: Budapest Expats - The International Community in Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! The parliamentary group of the opposition Jobbik-Conservatives party on Monday held a protest against the import of foreign guest workers to Hungary in front of the prime ministers office in Budapests Castle District. Laszlo Gyorgy Lukacs, the partys group leader, said the import of cheap Asian migrant workers had picked up lately as the government was letting tens of thousands of guest workers into the country, where they carried out low-wage labour. He said the government itself was partly responsible for financing the guest workers since its policies supported factories from the East setting up in Hungary, and such companies preferred to employ cheap labour from abroad instead of valuing the well-trained Hungarian workforce. In effect, he added, the government was sponsoring a population exchange given that people struggling to find work in Hungary were forced to emigrate. Meanwhile, the opposition Democratic Coalition party on Monday also expressed its support for paying Hungarian workers a proper wage rather than importing underpaid guest workers. Under a draft bill drawn up by the prime ministers cabinet office, companies that employ at least 60% non-EU guest workers would reap generous tax breaks, Ferenc Varga, a DK politician who sits as an independent, told an online press briefing, adding that the measure was a betrayal of Hungarians. He said sacking a Hungarian employee to make way for a non-EU guest worker instead should be prohibited. You're welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more via our Facebook news page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews And via XpatLoops group: Budapest Expats - The International Community in Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! Grow with Lilly events is organizing its 1st Charity Fundraiser for the Szent Istvan Hospital in Budapest on the 25th of May, 2024 at the Kempinski Corvinus Hotel. At the event, you can enjoy a 3-course dinner including drinks, fantastic dancers from Vienna, Austria called Vienna Heels. Before the event there will be a beautiful photography exhibition to admire different women. Thanks to the sponsors during and before the event you can participate in a charity auction where you can get great pitems or even a one-night stay at a Kempinski Hotel. Schedule 5:00PM Welcome (Opening of the photo exhibition from Dominika Kurucz photographer, Sparkling wine and orange juice) 5:30PM Keynote Speaker 6:00PM Dinner (3-course dinner, including red and white wine, beer, soft drinks and coffee / tea) 8:00PM Charity Auction (Get some great items from our sponsors, by participating on the auction and supporting the hospital) 9:00PM Closing Remarks Tickets: Early bird until 31st of January, 2024 - 35,000 HUF Normal ticket - 45,000 HUF Early bird table for 10 people until 31st of January, 2024 - 320,000 HUF Normal table for 10 people - 430,000 HUF All ticket prices include entrance to event, 3-course dinner including drinks. All the money collected from tickets and auction will go to the hospital. This is a non-profit event. Tickets are limited, so make sure to get yours as soon as possible on www.growwithlillyevents.com or send a mail to growwithllilly2023@gmail.com Editors Note The following article is one of a four-part series, highlighting each of the four main pillars of the Nebraska Corn Board including communication, education, market development and research and how each one works for the betterment of Nebraskas corn farmers. Im a traveler; whether in my pickup, a plane or a combination of the two, Im always on the move. I fill up my gas tank with the highest blend of ethanol I can find, because I know its better for my wallet, the environment and our economy. The Nebraska Corn Board focuses on ethanol and trade, growing the demand for Nebraskas corn industry, so fueling with ethanol is one way I can contribute to my operation. This past year, NCB took a trade mission to California to see E85 as a top purchased fuel and how our funding has helped to increase demand by 55% since 2021 with over 120 million gallons of E85 sold just last year, in partnership with Pearson Fuels. Thats the equivalent of over 36 million bushels of corn. We produce corn, and often more than we can keep in the state, but with California as the top consumer of E85, its a prime opportunity to raise demand. In addition to the domestic trade missions, we have farmers attend international trade missions. Each one provides us with a valuable opportunity to experience and meet with cooperators from around the globe while promoting Nebraska corn and corn products. While there, learning from international peers helps to build knowledge to bring back to Nebraska. The conversations I have may change an entire countrys purchase and willingness to buy from Nebraska. NCB has a steady relationship with livestock groups and A-FAN, with the goal of accelerating the purchase of our corn for livestock feed. Whether beef, pork, dairy or poultry, we need them to consume the corn we grow with the potential to bring over $68 million into Nebraska. Ethanol, livestock and trade dont just happen, it takes a team, and NCB is working to ensure new markets are opened, existing relationships are maintained and the ROI on each dollar we invest comes back greater to us. Brandon Hunnicutt Farmer from Giltner, Nebraska District 3 Director and Vice Chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) Q1 2024 Earnings Call Transcript January 29, 2024 Franklin Resources, Inc. beats earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $0.65, expectations were $0.57. BEN isn't one of the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds at the end of the third quarter (see the details here). Operator: Welcome to Franklin Resources Earnings Conference Call for the Quarter Ended December 31st, 2023. Hello, my name is Joanna and I will be your call operator today. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded and at this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. I would now like to turn the conference over to your host, Selene Oh, Chief Communications Officer and Head of Investor Relations for Franklin Resources. You may begin. Selene Oh: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today to discuss our quarterly results. Statements made on this conference call regarding Franklin Resources, Inc. which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These and other risks, uncertainties and other important factors are described in more detail in Franklin's recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the Risk Factors and the MD&A section, of Franklin's most recent Form 10-K and 10-Q filings. Now I would like to turn the call over to Jenny Johnson, our President and Chief Executive Officer. Jennifer Johnson: Thank you, Selene. Hello everyone, and thank you for joining us today to discuss Franklin Templeton's results for the first fiscal quarter of 2024. I'm joined by Matt Nicholls, our CFO and COO; and Adam Spector, our Head of Global Distribution. We're happy to answer any questions you have in just a few minutes, but first I'd like to call out some notable highlights from the quarter. Our first fiscal quarter results reflect ongoing momentum in a number of significant areas across asset classes, investment vehicles and geographies. Our efforts are always focused on meeting the varied investment needs of our diverse global client base across market cycles while staying at the forefront of the asset management industry. Story continues Driven by increased expectations of interest rate cuts by the Fed and other central banks amidst disinflation, the 2023 market rally was particularly concentrated in the last quarter of the calendar year. Regardless of the market environment, investors remain cautious. According to Morningstar, global money market assets stood at $7.7 trillion as of December 31st, 2023, the highest level since Morningstar started collecting the data in 2007. Broadly speaking, our specialist investment managers see recession risks moderating and expect the global economy to slow over the course of 2024. But even as the economy slows, there are many opportunities for investors to put that cash to work into risk assets. Specific to the equity markets, last year, we saw a small group of stocks dominate market returns with the top five stocks representing 23% of the S&P 500's total market cap. Compare that to the height of dotcom bubble in March 2000, when that number was 18%. While our investment professionals regard companies like the Magnificent Seven as market leaders, the level of relative outperformance for these stocks is likely unsustainable. We believe that this backdrop has created an opportunity for active managers like Franklin Templeton that offer a full range of investment capabilities across public and private markets, spanning geographic boundaries in vehicles of our clients' choice. With greater clarity on interest rates in 2024 and as investors look to deploy cash on the sidelines, we believe Franklin Templeton is well positioned. In short, 2024 is likely to be a year in which balance and diversification are once again rewarded. During the most recent quarter, our clients gravitated towards alternatives, multi-asset, equity, ETFs, and SMAs, which all saw positive long-term net flows. Continued client interest in private market strategies led to net inflows for our three largest alternative managers. Additionally, we continued to see aggregate positive net flows in non-US regions. We were pleased to announce that our acquisition of Putnam Investments closed on January 1st with $148 billion in assets under management. Putnam adds complementary investment capabilities and a track record of strong investment performance. In fact, 87% or higher of Putnam's mutual fund AUM outperformed peers over the one-year, three-year, five-year, and ten-year periods. The transaction also enhances our presence in the attractive retirement and insurance markets. The addition of Putnam brings Franklin Templeton's AUM to approximately $1.6 trillion. In addition, Great-West Lifeco, a member of the Power Corporation group of companies, has become a long-term shareholder in Franklin Resources, consistent with its ongoing commitment to asset management. We are delighted to have the talented team at Putnam join us and pleased to have Great-West as a key stakeholder. Turning now to specific results for the quarter, starting with assets under management. Ending AUM increased by 6% to $1.46 trillion from the prior quarter and increased by 5% from the prior year quarter, primarily due to market appreciation. Average AUM declined by 2% from the prior quarter to $1.39 trillion and increased by 3% from the prior year quarter. Our specialist investment managers continued to produce competitive investment returns across a broad array of strategies. Investment performance this quarter resulted in 61%, 46%, 60% and 61% of our strategy composites AUM outperforming their respective benchmarks on a one-year, three-year, five-year and 10-year period. Notably, investment performance for the five-year period jumped from 47% in the prior quarter to 60% in the recent quarter, primarily due to certain taxable fixed income strategies. With interest rates at current levels, fixed income opportunities are considered more attractive now and going forward may provide a better total return option over high-yielding cash equivalents. On the mutual fund side, the majority of AUM beat their peer groups and improved percentile rankings quarter-over-quarter in the one-year, three-year and 10-year periods. A close-up of an investor making a transaction, with a financial graph reflecting the market trend. One of our largest funds managed for yield was the primary driver of the decline in five-year performance. Turning to flows, long-term net outflows inclusive of reinvested distributions were $5 billion compared to net outflows of $7 billion in the prior quarter and net outflows of nearly $11 billion in the prior year quarter. Reinvested distributions were $11 billion compared to almost $3 billion in the prior quarter and $12 billion in the prior year quarter. Alternative net inflows were $2.7 billion, driven by growth into private market strategies, which were partially offset by outflows in liquid alternative strategies. Our three largest alternative managers, Benefit Street Partners, Clarion Partners, and Lexington Partners, each had net inflows in the current quarter with a combined total of $3.8 billion. Client interest was strong across a number of alternative strategies on wealth management platforms under the alternatives by Franklin Templeton brand in the US. Earlier this month, Lexington Partners announced the closing of its latest flagship global secondary fund with $22.7 billion of total capital commitments. Fund X ranks among the largest funds raised to-date and significantly exceeded Lexington's prior secondary fund, which closed with $14 billion in 2020. Fund X attracted a diverse group of over 400 investors, including public and corporate pensions, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies and wealth channel distribution partners, globally. We are delighted that approximately 20% of the capital raised in the fund came from the wealth management channel, which demonstrates the power of our coordinated global distribution network. We successfully brought together the alternatives expertise of Lexington and our alternatives by Franklin Templeton's specialist sales team and leveraged our generalist sales team, who have deep relationships across the advisor market. Also this month, Benefit Street Partners closed its fifth flagship private credit fund with $4.7 billion of total capital commitments. Reflecting the strong demand for the asset class, BSP exceeded its fundraising target. We believe the current market opportunity and backdrop for US direct lending is attractive and BSP has significant underwriting experience, loan structuring expertise and focus on deep due diligence, which provides us with a significant competitive advantage. BSP also announced the completion of the merger between Franklin BSP Lending Corporation and Franklin BSP Capital Corporation business development companies. BSP believes this transaction will be immediately accretive to its shareholders and unlock nearly $700 million of capital that can be deployed into a very attractive origination environment. For further context, alternative assets now represent 18% of our AUM and comprise approximately 25% of our total adjusted investment management fees for the last 12 months. In terms of other areas of activity during the quarter, multi-asset net inflows were $500 million, driven by Canvas, our Custom Indexing Solution platform, and Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions. Canvas has achieved net inflows each quarter since the platform launched in September 2019, and AUM has more than doubled to approximately $6 billion since the close of the acquisition. This quarter, Canvas generated net inflows of approximately $400 million and continues to garner client interest across retail and institutional channels. Equity net inflows were $200 million, including reinvested distributions of $8 billion. While active equities continued to be impacted industry-wide by the risk-off environment, we saw positive net flows into all cap growth, smart beta, all cap value, equity income, large cap value, and small cap core strategies, among others. Although fixed income net outflows were $8.4 billion, client interests drove positive net flows into tax-efficient global opportunistic mortgage-backed securities and multi-sector strategies. From a regional perspective, we continue to benefit from a regionally focused distribution model, which resulted in aggregate positive net flows in non-US regions for the third consecutive quarter. For context, we now manage approximately $450 billion in non-US markets, including emerging markets that are poised to grow. Although the US saw long-term net outflows, we were pleased to see our US gross sales, excluding reinvested distributions, improve by approximately 15% from the prior quarter. We continue to see the benefit of offering investors strategies in a range of investment vehicles. ETFs, for instance, generated net inflows of approximately $1 billion, representing the fifth consecutive quarter with net flows of approximately $1 billion, resulting in over a 40% increase in ETF AUM from the prior year quarter. Including Putnam, ETF AUM is approximately $20 billion. Importantly, we now offer ETFs from a dozen different specialist investment managers, truly bringing the best Franklin Templeton has to offer to the market. Earlier this month, we launched one of the industry's first bitcoin ETFs, consistent with our emphasis on innovation and staying ahead of disruptive technologies. SMAs continue to grow in popularity industry-wide as individual investors look to customize their portfolios. According to Cerulli Associates, SMAs represent about $2 trillion in assets and are expected to reach $2.9 trillion by 2026. Our SMA AUM ended the quarter at $125 billion and generated positive net flows for a third consecutive quarter. We continue to make progress with SMA strategies across platforms with Canvas, muni ladder and Franklin income strategies, each in a positive flow territory for the quarter. Our institutional pipeline saw increased level of fundings this quarter, bringing one but unfunded mandates to over $13 billion. The pipeline remains diversified by asset class and across our specialist investment managers. Turning briefly to financial results, adjusted operating income declined by 18.5% to $417 million from the prior quarter and increased by 5.5% from the prior year quarter. We continue to focus on strong expense discipline and our net cash and investments position allows us to continue to invest in growth and innovation for the benefit of clients, shareholders, and employees. Finally, in December, Franklin Templeton was recognized as one of the best places to work in money management by Pension and Investments. This recognition is a source of pride for us and the credit goes to all of our employees around the world who work tirelessly on behalf of our clients. I'd like to sincerely thank them for their hard work and dedication to our organization. Now let's open it up to your questions, operator. See also 25 States with Highest Average Salary in America and Top 19 Industries That Are Hiring Right Now. To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here. A passenger was arrested in Mexico after he opened the emergency door of an Aeromexico plane and walked onto the wing. This incident occurred on a Guatemala City-bound flight that had been delayed for hours on the tarmac at Mexico International Airport, with no air conditioning or water provided to the passengers. The airport confirmed that the situation was handled without any harm, and the passenger was turned over to the police. In a surprising twist, fellow passengers expressed their support for the man's actions. They released a joint statement explaining that they backed his decision, believing it was a necessary measure for everyone's safety due to the dangerous conditions on board caused by the delay and lack of air. The incident took place last Thursday at around 11:30 AM, a significant delay from the flight's original schedule. According to an incident report, the delay was due to a maintenance issue, which ultimately led to the need for a plane change after the passenger's unexpected move. As of now, it's unclear whether the man is still in custody or what charges he may face. However, his fellow passengers viewed his actions in a positive light. They collectively stated in a handwritten note, shared on social media, that the man's decision to open the emergency window was to protect everyone on board. The note emphatically claimed, "He saved our lives," and was signed by several passengers In a surprising turn of events, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has decided to temporarily halt the dispatch of select diesel-powered models from its popular lineup, including the Hilux, Innova Crysta, and Fortuner. This decision comes in the wake of irregularities discovered in horsepower output certification tests conducted on three diesel engine models. Toyota Certification Test Irregularities: Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), an affiliate of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), revealed that the irregularities specifically pertain to the 'smoothing' of power and torque curves. However, it is crucial to note that these irregularities did not result in any overstatement or false claims regarding powertrain-related values. Toyota is actively working with relevant authorities to re-confirm the data used for the certification of the affected vehicles. Temporary Suspension: As a precautionary measure, the dispatch of the impacted vehicles - Hilux, Innova Crysta, and Fortuner - will be temporarily suspended. This move aims to address the discrepancies in certification tests and ensure the accurate representation of the vehicles' performance. Meanwhile, Toyota will continue to accept fresh orders for these models. For vehicles that have already been dispatched but not yet delivered, Toyota assures customers that they will be promptly informed about the situation. Only after customer confirmation will these vehicles be registered and subsequently delivered. This proactive approach demonstrates Toyota's commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction. Also Read: Indian Railways: Dense Fog Delays 19 Delhi-Bound Trains - Check List Here Toyota Motor Corporation, in a statement on January 29, acknowledged the violations in output tests for the three diesel engine models. Toyota Industries has taken the decision to temporarily suspend shipments of the affected engines, aligning with Toyota's decision to halt shipments of vehicles equipped with these engines. The company plans to provide detailed explanations to the authorities and undertake necessary measures, including conducting witness tests. While this temporary suspension may cause some disruption, customers can expect open communication and resolution as Toyota works collaboratively with authorities to rectify the situation. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is all set to unfurl a bouquet of eight new flight routes for Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, starting from 1st February 2024. This thoughtful initiative seeks to weave a network of connections, linking Ayodhya with the bustling cities of Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, Darbhanga, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Beyond mere flight paths, these routes represent a bridge of possibilities, connecting hearts and fostering a sense of community for those seeking solace and spirituality in Ayodhya. It's not just about destinations; it's about creating a shared journey of faith and connectivity. To boost air connectivity for Ayodhya and facilitate the arrival of pilgrims, Ministry of Civil Aviation is set to launch 8 new flight routes for Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on 1st February 2024. The new flight routes will connect Ayodhya with Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, pic.twitter.com/10DcJyIU3G ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2024 New Ayodhya Flight Routes Starting with Ayodhya-Delhi route the flight will operate on all days except Wednesday, and it will take-off from Ayodhya at 0840 hrs, while the flight will depart from Delhi on its way back at 1040 hrs. Second route on the list is Chennai-Ayodhya flight, which will fly from Chennai at 1240 hrs to reach Ayodhya by 1515 hrs, and it will take-off from Ayodhya at 1600 hrs. The flight will operate daily. Next on the list is the Ahmedabad-Ayodhya flight, which will also operate on a daily basis, except Wednesday. Also Read - Donald Trump's Custom Lamborghini Diablo Auctioned, Fetches 1.1 Million USD: Check Pics Another daily flight on the list is from Mumbai. It will depart from Mumbai at 0820 hrs, while for coming back to Mumbai, it will take off from Ayodhya at 1115 hrs. Other routes include - Jaipur-Ayodhya, Patna-Ayodhya, and Darbhanga-Ayodhya. These flights will only operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Bengaluru-Ayodhya and Ayodhya-Bengaluru flight will only operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The Jewar-based Noida International Airport is all set to be operational by the end of this year. Currently in phase 1 of development, the airport is being developed at a cost of Rs 10,056 crore. In a new revelation by officials, it is confirmed that 70 per cent of this budget is already put to use, which comes down to Rs 7,100 crore. The Additional Chief Secretary to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister - SP Goyal, took a review of the development work of the international airport and has directed to ensure that the work is completed by September this year. The first phase of the airport, being developed on 1,300 hectares, is scheduled to open for flight operations by September. Goyal held a review meeting with officials of developer Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a fully-owned subsidiary of Zurich International Airport AG, the concessionaire for the greenfield airport. Also Read - Passenger Opens Emergency Exit, Walks On Wing Of Aeromexico Plane: Heres WHY Kumar Harsh, Director, UP Civil Aviation; Noida Airport's Chief Operations Officer Kiran Jain; OSD Shailendra Bhatia; and Deputy Collector Abhay Singh were present in the meeting, according to a statement. "During the review, the additional chief secretary was informed by YIAPL that the work of terminal building, ATC tower and runway is in progress by EPC contractor Tata Projects as per the development plan for the airport," the statement said. "The concessionaire informed him that machinery and workforce have been increased at the airport site and the construction of the airport will be completed on time. He directed the officials that the development of the airport should be completed on time as per the milestone by September 2024," it added. OSD Bhatia told PTI that an expenditure of Rs 10,056 crore will be incurred in the development of the first phase of the airport. "Of this, expenditures worth around Rs 7,100 crore have been done till now, or over 70 per cent financial expenditures have been completed, which includes land acquisition and development," said Bhatia, who is also the additional CEO of the Yamuna Expressway Authority. In its first phase, the airport which has been given code DXN, will have one runway, a terminal building with a capacity to handle 12 million passengers annually, according to officials. Bihar STET Admit Card 2023: The Bihar School Examination Board will release the third dummy admit card for the Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) 2024 on January 31. Applicants can download it from bsebstet2024.com until February 2, 2024. Applicants who have filled the application form of Secondary Education Eligibility Test 2024 are informed that the third dummy admit card of the said examination will be available on the website of the committee from 31 January 2024 to 8 February 2024, BSEB said in a social media post. Candidates appearing for the STET exam will ensure downloading their dummy admit cards during this time period, it added. The exam will be given in two shifts from September 4 to 15 from 10 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm. It is strongly encouraged that candidates should download their admission cards from the official website. Bihar STET Admit Card 2023: Steps To Download Here 1. Visit bsebstet.com, the official website. 2. Select the link for the admit card on the homepage. 3. A fresh page will load. 4. Complete your registration information and select "Submit" 5. The screen will show your 2023 Bihar STET Admit Card. 6. Download the document and print it out. Candidates with errors in their STET 2024 admit card can rectify them using their user ID and password. This is the final opportunity for corrections, as claims after this period will not be considered valid, as stated by the board. On the day of the exam, candidates must bring their admit card, an original picture ID card, and a passport-size photo. Candidates are not permitted to enter the examination centre with socks, shoes, or watches, according to the BSEB. Pregnancy is one of the most precious times in a woman's life while giving birth is one of nature's wonders. But it's also a time when to-be parents get the maximum advice - from well-meaning relatives, friends, and colleagues; also, in an information-loaded world, many pieces of advice float on the internet. As Dr Geetanjali Ingaale, Consultant Paediatrics, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, points out, "People frequently advise on what to do and what not to do during this time. Some advice is based on science, while others are just myths. Misconceptions often confuse the true nature of birth abnormalities, creating false beliefs that hamper support and understanding." As the doctor points out, it's important to know the difference between myths and facts to encourage the right knowledge in the community. Birth Defects: Myths vs Facts In the US, the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) observes January as Birth Defects Awareness Month. Below are a few myths and facts highlighted by Dr Geetanjali Ingaale that will provide essential information for improved comprehension of birth defects. Myth 1: Birth Defects Are Only Due To Genetics Fact: Genetics plays an important role in birth defects. However environmental factors, infections, and medications during pregnancy also play an important role. Understanding that many different factors contribute to a situation is important for detailed and thorough information. Myth 2: Birth Defects Are Always Visible Fact: Not every birth abnormality is visible; others affect internal organs or cognitive processes. Understanding these subtleties is essential for both early intervention and all-encompassing support. Myth 3: Birth Defects Can Only Show Up As Physical Issues Fact: Some birth defects may damage internal organs or mental abilities and are not always apparent. Understanding these hidden issues is necessary for immediate support and intervention. Myth 4: Miscarriage Is A Consequence Of Eating Papaya Fact: This deeply rooted myth in Indian culture prevents even the most knowledgeable people from eating papaya. The only green papaya with high latex concentrations that resemble labour-inducing chemicals like prostaglandins and oxytocin is the unripe or semi-ripe one. Yet, the latex level lowers as the papaya ripens, making it safe to eat. Therefore, a pregnant woman can safely eat ripe papaya without endangering the unborn child. Papaya regulates and guards against heartburn and constipation. Additionally, it improves gastrointestinal problems and bloating, which are frequent during pregnancy. Preventing Birth Defects: Things to Be Cautious About Dr Ingaale lists the following precautions that to-be parents should take during pregnancy and before: Avoiding prenatal care: Regular check-ups during pregnancy are crucial for monitoring the baby's development and identifying potential issues early on. Skipping appointments may lead to missed opportunities for intervention. Ignoring environmental factors: Exposure to certain substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, and certain medications, can increase the risk of birth defects. It's important to discuss lifestyle choices with healthcare providers to minimise risks. Dismissing genetic counselling: Genetic counselling may provide insightful information to couples with a family history of birth defects or other risk factors. Ignoring this resource could lead to missed chances to take preventative action. Implementing flexible work schedules and promoting work-life balance are effective strategies that can help in stress management at workplace. Regular breaks and mindfulness practices can alleviate stress. By fostering a collaborative approach, employers and employees can work together to create a harmonious workplace that prioritizes mental well-being. "Addressing work-induced stress necessitates a collective and comprehensive approach, involving both managers and employees. To effectively promote mental well-being in the workplace, it is essential to establish a supportive and empathetic environment that encourages open dialogues on mental health," says Abha Dandekar CEO & Founder, Elephant in the Room. Managers play a crucial role in setting the tone, leading by example by prioritizing work-life balance, acknowledging individual well-being, and providing the necessary resources for stress management and resilience building. Psychologist Apurva Singh Verma at Elephant In The Room adds, "In the fast-paced world of work, where demands seem ceaseless, work-induced stress is a significant concern. Addressing this challenge is a necessity and responsibility for both managers and employees. To prioritize mental well-being, practical strategies should empower both sides. For managers, emphasizing psychological safety is crucial in mitigating work-induced stress." Here are some psychologist approved stress management strategies for workplace: 1. Establishing open communication channels is paramount for creating a secure space where team members feel comfortable sharing thoughts and concerns. 2. Realistic goal-setting involves collaboratively defining achievable objectives within the framework of psychological safety. 3. Acknowledging achievements, viewed through the lens of psychological safety, contributes to stress alleviation and fosters a positive work culture. 4. Managers can fortify further by providing resources for stress management workshops, recognizing the nuanced psychological aspects of stressors. 5. Ensuring a healthy work-life balance is integral to nurturing an environment where employees feel their well-being is valued. 6. On the flip side, employees must actively engage in self-care practices, setting clear boundaries, embracing mindfulness, and seeking professional help when needed. 7. The adoption of these strategies in the symbiotic relationship between managers and employees enhances productivity and job satisfaction, mitigating work-induced stress. 8. Prioritizing mental well-being paves the way for a workplace where individuals thrive, creating a positive ripple effect on personal and professional realms. For employees, it is important to focus on practical strategies such as time management, setting healthy boundaries, and creating awareness about mental health resources, thus destigmatizing seeking help when required. New Delhi: Though marriage vows usually end with until death does us part, however in K-dramas there is a twist to the same, it is until contract does us part. A favourite drama trope, the alliances are often motivated by desires to escape family pressures and inheritance issues but sometimes also to exact revenge and settle scores. Until fate waves its wand the couples end up falling in love. Here are 5 Contract Marriage K-Dramas to watch: Perfect Marriage Revenge Han Yi Joo (Jung Yoo Min) is a submissive people-pleaser who is easily manipulated by her family, her husband, and her in-laws. However, she realises the family she so invests in, only has evil intentions towards her and the husband she loves, is actually in love with her sister. A twist in fate leads Yi Joo to right the wrongs in her life. She approaches Seo Do Guk (Sung Hoon) the aloof heir to a vast fortune, to marry her. Incidentally, he is also the man her sister has her sights set on. He gladly complies to help her, and the two set out to wrong the rights in Yi Joos life. Where to Watch: Viki 1% of Anything The OG of the contract marriage trope. A school teacher an elderly man, not realizing that he is a multimillionaire and owner of one of the largest conglomerates in the country. He remembers her selfless deed and bequeaths his inheritance to her in his will, and he writes off his arrogant grandson, who finds the perfect ploy to get his inheritance back Starring Ha Seok Jun and Jeon So Mon 1% of Something gives you all that you need in a rom-com as well as some amazing chemistry. Where To Watch: Viki The Story Of Park Marriage Contract Park Yeon Woo (Lee Se Young) leads a privileged life in the Joseon era. Fate throws her a curve ball, when her husband on their wedding night confesses he has a heart condition and soon passes away. Even before she can reconcile with her fate, Yeon Woo finds herself crash-landing into present-day Seoul, where she meets Kang Tae Ha (Bae In Hyuk) a cold chaebol who saves Yeon Woo. In her he finds the perfect bait to comply with his grandfathers wish to marry him off and secure his inheritance. He asks this strange woman to marry him. The show scored high on ratings for its quirky storyline and chemistry between the leads. Where To Watch: Viki Full House A golden oldie, where an enthusiastic but gullible nouveau writer and a handsome but troublemaker actor get to live together under the same roof. When Han Ji Eun (Song Hye Kyo) loses her home her so-called friends sell it to a matinee star. She has to find a way to convince the womanizing actor Lee Young Jae ( Rain) to sell it back to her, even if it means getting into a fake marriage with him. The brilliant chemistry between a young Rain and Song Hye Kyo makes this drama one of the most memorable in history. Where To Watch: Viki Because This Is My First Life Nam Sae Hee (Lee Min-Ki) is a socially awkward computer designer, whose mundane daily existence is so routine that it is as if he lives on autopilot. Yoon Ji Ho (Jung So Mi ) is an aspiring drama writer, who is homeless. The two meet and decide to get into a contract marriage. It works best for them since Sae Hees parents can stop pestering him to go on blind dates and Ji Ho can look for a job and have a place to live. Though they strike a friendship, they are both aware not to cross their boundaries, until it develops into something intense. A typical slow-burn romance, the drama endears with its simplicity. Where To Watch: Netflix Egypt, with its captivating history and timeless beauty, has attracted the attention of celebrities worldwide. As stars traverse the land of pharaohs and pyramids, their experiences become tales of wonder and admiration. Let's delve into what some notable personalities have to say about their Egyptian adventures. Tom Hanks: The Mystique of the Pyramids Renowned actor Tom Hanks, after exploring the iconic Pyramids of Giza, expressed his awe on social media. "Standing before these ancient wonders is humbling. Egypt's history is truly a treasure for the world to cherish," he shared, emphasizing the profound impact of witnessing the pyramids up close. Beyonce and Jay-Z: Embracing Egyptian Hospitality Power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z chose Egypt for a private getaway. In an interview, Beyonce praised the warmth of Egyptian hospitality, stating, "The people here make you feel like family. It's not just a vacation; it's an immersion into a culture that leaves a lasting impression." Will Smith: A Lesson in Kindness Actor and producer Will Smith, during his visit to Cairo, shared a heartwarming encounter with locals. "The kindness I've experienced here is unparalleled. It's not just about the landmarks; it's about the people who make Egypt unforgettable," he remarked, highlighting the generosity he encountered. Nicole Kidman: A Desert Safari Experience Nicole Kidman, known for her love of travel, embarked on a desert safari in Egypt. She described the experience as "otherworldly," adding, "The vastness of the Egyptian desert is both humbling and breathtaking. It's a journey into the heart of nature's grandeur." George Clooney: Sailing the Nile's Majesty Actor and philanthropist George Clooney shared his enchantment with a Nile cruise. "Sailing on the Nile is like drifting through a living history book. The temples, the landscapes it's a cinematic experience only Egypt can offer," he remarked, emphasizing the historical richness of the Nile's surroundings. Gordon Ramsay: A Culinary Expedition Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay explored Egypt's culinary scene and couldn't contain his excitement. "The flavors here are sensational. From street food to fine dining, Egyptian cuisine is a gastronomic adventure that every food enthusiast should undertake," Ramsay shared, expressing his love for the diverse tastes. Cate Blanchett: Luxor's Timeless Beauty Actress Cate Blanchett, after visiting Luxor, shared her admiration for the city's historic charm. "Luxor is a living museum. The temples, the architecture it's a visual feast that lingers in your memory," she remarked, encapsulating the allure of Luxor's timeless beauty. Importance of insider tips for Indian travelers Egypt, with its rich history and captivating landscapes, is a dream destination for many. As an Indian traveler, diving into the wonders of this ancient land requires some insider knowledge. Understanding the cultural nuances, local traditions, and essential travel tips will make your journey smoother and contribute to a positive interaction with the people of Egypt. Entry Requirements Applying for an e-visa to Egypt through EgyptVisasPro can be a straightforward and efficient process, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your upcoming journey to Egypt. Dress code Respecting the local dress code is crucial. Discover what attire is suitable for different occasions and locations. Religious sensitivity Egypt is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. Familiarize yourself with Islamic practices to show respect in religious settings. Basic Arabic phrases While English is widely spoken, knowing a few basic Arabic phrases will enhance your travel experience. Understanding local laws Stay informed about local laws to ensure a trouble-free journey. Staying in secure areas Choose accommodations in secure areas to prioritize your safety. Bargaining tips Hone your bargaining skills to secure the best deals while shopping for souvenirs. SIM-card options Stay connected with affordable and convenient SIM card options for your mobile phone. Respecting local privacy Capture memories responsibly by respecting the privacy of locals and adhering to photography guidelines. In Conclusion End on a positive note, encouraging travelers to embrace the cultural richness of Egypt for a memorable and respectful journey. As celebrities continue to flock to Egypt, their testimonials reveal a common thread the enchantment of a land that seamlessly blends ancient wonders with modern charm. From the mystique of the pyramids to the warmth of Egyptian hospitality, these stars echo the sentiments of millions who have fallen in love with Egypt's captivating allure. (This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Ltds Consumer Connect Initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility, liability or claims for any errors or omissions in the content of the article. The IDPL Editorial team is not responsible for this content.) New Delhi: The AAP-Congress alliance on Tuesday approached the Punjab-Haryana High Court with a petition challenging the outcome of the Chandigarh mayoral polls, in which BJPs Manoj Sonkar defeated their joint candidate Kuldeep Kumar. The alliance alleged that the BJP resorted to cheating and invalidating eight votes in their favour, and demanded a recount. The court will hear the case on January 31. Ferry Sofat, the lawyer representing the AAP-Congress alliance, told ANI that they had filed a writ petition in the High Court on Tuesday, and mentioned it before the court for an urgent hearing. He said that the BJP had tried to hijack the election and kill democracy, and that they had submitted proper evidence to prove their claim. He said that the whole country had witnessed the cheating by the BJP, which was telecasted on television. He also said that the High Court had earlier ordered that the Chandigarh mayoral polls should be conducted in a free and fair manner, and that the entire voting process should be videographed. He said that the BJP had violated the courts order and manipulated the votes. The Chandigarh mayoral polls were held on Tuesday, after they were postponed due to the illness of the presiding officer on January 8. The polls were seen as a crucial battle between the BJP and the Opposition blocINDIAwhich had formed an alliance to challenge the BJPs dominance in the city. BJPs Manoj Sonkar won the mayoral post by securing 16 votes, while AAP-Congresss Kuldeep Kumar got 12 votes. The presiding officer declared eight votes invalid, claiming that they were marked with a different pen. The AAP-Congress alliance disputed this claim and protested against the result, but their plea for a recount was rejected. The announcement of the result triggered a chaos in the House, as the AAP-Congress councillors accused the BJP of cheating and not following the due electoral process. They also tore the ballot papers and pushed the people around. Manoj Sonkar, the newly elected mayor, dismissed the allegations of the AAP-Congress alliance, and said that they were sore losers who could not accept their defeat. He said that everything was on camera, and that they had won the election fair and square. He also said that the AAP-Congress alliance was incompetent to run a small city, let alone a state. The Chandigarh mayoral polls were held as per the directions of the Punjab-Haryana High Court, which had also entrusted the Chandigarh Police with the security arrangements. The AAP MP Raghav Chadha had described the polls as the first direct electoral contest between the BJP and the INDIA bloc. HousingWire-Cyber-Security Government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) Freddie Mac this week released an industry letter encouraging seller/servicers to take the accelerating pace of cybersecurity threats seriously, and to ensure that processes and tools are maintained to limit exposure to potential security risks. A record number of cybersecurity incidents against Seller/Servicers occurred in 2023, the letter said. These included incidents of social engineering (e.g., phishing, spear phishing) and installation of malware and ransomware. These incidents have resulted in business disruptions at the impacted Seller/Servicers and for Borrowers. Because of this increase in cybersecurity threats, Seller/Servicers are required to maintain robust information security programs to prevent and limit the impact of such incidents, the GSE said. This includes reviewing and updating such systems on at least an annual basis, and incorporating emerging best practices that have become more standard after a series of high-profile cybersecurity incidents have rocked prominent companies in the housing industry. Given recent events and the increasingly sophisticated nature of these cybersecurity incidents, Seller/Servicers are encouraged to accelerate their program reviews to incorporate industry best practices and lessons learned from recent events, the letter said. We are reminding Seller/Servicers that they are obligated to report incidents as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours after discovery. Freddie Mac also aims to remind seller/servicers about their obligations to respond to Freddie Mac inquiries related to a cybersecurity incident and provide information regarding its scope, its containment and the Seller/Servicers resolution of any vulnerabilities to Freddie Macs satisfaction, the letter said. The GSE also advised that it is taking a critical look at its own reporting requirements in light of the current challenges. We are reviewing our Seller/Servicer information security requirements with the intent of enhancing our Counterparty Operational Risk Evaluation reviews of Seller/Servicer programs, refining reporting obligations by Seller/Servicers and increasing threat and incident monitoring using a variety of tools, the letter explained. The new verbiage from Freddie Mac comes as the housing industry has been hit by several prominent cybersecurity breaches in recent months. These include title companies like First American and Fidelity National Financial, and lenders/servicers including loanDepot and Mr. Cooper. Last May, OneMain Financial was forced to pay $4.25 million to New York States Department of Financial Services (DFS) over purported lapses in its cybersecurity posture. NEW DELHI: Ahead of the eagerly awaited Budget Session of Parliament, the Centre has taken a significant step, signaling a potential thaw in the political climate. The suspension of Opposition MPs, a contentious issue looming over the proceedings, is set to be revoked. This move, announced by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, aims to ensure a smoother and more inclusive conduct of the session. #WATCH | When asked about the revocation of suspended MPs, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi says, "All (suspensions) will be revoked. I have spoken with the (Lok Sabha) Speaker and (Rajya Sabha) Chairman, I have also requested them on behalf of the government...This pic.twitter.com/F9xWqohPYg ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2024 Government Initiates Suspension Reversal Process In a decisive move, the government has initiated discussions with the privileges committees of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, urging them to revoke the suspensions of all Opposition members. Minister Pralhad Joshi affirmed the government's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to constructive dialogue by seeking the reinstatement of the suspended MPs. Minister Joshi emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation among parliamentary members for the effective functioning of the session. He conveyed the government's appeal to the Opposition to extend their cooperation, highlighting that the Speaker would take necessary action in case of non-compliance. Background: Winter Session Turmoil The decision to revoke suspensions comes against the backdrop of a tumultuous winter session marred by unprecedented suspensions of 146 opposition MPs. The session witnessed heightened tensions, exacerbated by security breaches and contentious debates, leading to the suspension of lawmakers. Responding to inquiries regarding the INDIA alliance, Minister Joshi expressed skepticism, labeling the coalition as "brain dead." His remarks underscore the prevailing political dynamics and the challenges facing opposition unity. Upcoming Budget Session Agenda The Budget Session, slated to commence with the President's address on January 31, followed by the interim budget presentation on February 1, holds significant importance. With the session concluding on February 9, the focus remains on facilitating meaningful debates and ensuring participation from all MPs. Efforts are underway to ensure comprehensive participation in the session, with plans to facilitate debates on the President's speech and the Vote of Accounts. A spokesperson from the Rajya Sabha Privileges panel reiterated the commitment to allowing all MPs to engage in deliberations and heed the President's address. The upcoming Budget Session presents a crucial opportunity for parliamentary discourse and deliberation, with the decision to revoke suspensions offering a glimmer of hope for a more collaborative and productive legislative environment. Hours after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that the suspension of 11 opposition MPs in Rajya Sabha would be revoked on the government's request, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar revoked their suspension allowing them to attend the Budget session. The Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee held 11 suspended opposition MPs guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council of States. The committee submitted the report to Dhankhar, acknowledging the circumstances that the suspended members would be unable to participate in the special address by President Droupadi Murmu to both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, marking the first address in the new Parliament building. In its report, submitted to the Rajya Sabha chairman a day before the session commences on Wednesday, the committee also proposed considering the duration of suspension already served by the members as an adequate penalty for the violation. The MPs are Jebi Mather Hisham, L Hanumanthaiah, Neeraj Dangi, Rajmani Patel, Kumar Ketkar, G C Chandrashekhar, Binoy Viswam, Santhosh Kumar P, M Mohamed Abdulla, John Brittas and A A Rahim. The committee usually submits its recommendations to the House. The sources said the chairman invoked the authority vested in him under the rules of procedure to revoke their suspension enabling the members to attend the special address by the president. The matter of 11 MPs suspended by the chairman during the Winter session of Parliament was referred to the Privileges Committee. RANCHI: With the Enforcement Directorate (ED) tightening its noose around Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the state administration has imposed Section 144 under CrPc within 100 meters radius of his residence, Raj Bhavan and ED office in Ranchi on Tuesday. According to news agency ANI, the order will remain in force till 10 pm. During this period, any kind of protest or demonstration has been banned. "According to the information received, there is information about protests, demonstrations, rallies etc., by various organizations/parties. The possibility of such programs causing disruption in government work, disrupting traffic, creating law and order problems and disturbing public peace cannot be ruled out," the order said. Section 144 CrPc imposed within 100 meters radius of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's residence, Raj Bhavan and ED office in Ranchi pic.twitter.com/0A67WQykf5 ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2024 This comes as the ED officials visited Soren's Delhi home to question him in connection with a money laundering investigation. Will Record Statement Tomorrow: Soren Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Chief Minister, in a letter to the Enforcement Directorate, said he will record his statement before the agency officials at 1 pm on Wednesday at his residence. While accepting to record his statement, the Jharkhand chief minister alleged that questioning him at this time was more political and was meant to disrupt the functioning of his government. "You are well aware that the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly will be held between 2nd and 29th February 2024 and the undersigned will be pre-occupied with preparations for the same apart from other prior scheduled official engagements," the letter written by Soren to ED's Ranchi office said. "In these circumstances, your insistence to record a further statement of the undersigned on or before 31 January 2024 reeks of malice and reveals your political agenda to disrupt the functioning of the State Government and prevent an elected representative of the people from discharging his official duties," Soren's letter to the ED said. ED Seizes Soren's BMW Car On Monday, Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials seized a luxury car belonging to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren from his Delhi residence late on Monday, in connection with the ongoing probe into a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. Sources revealed that the BMW confiscated by the ED on Monday is believed to be acquired from the "proceeds of crime," a significant development in the ongoing probe. Soren reportedly utilized this vehicle during his stays in the national capital, adding to the gravity of the seizure. Besides, the Enforcement Directorate team also recovered Rs 36 lakhs in cash from Soren's Delhi residence, said sources. Section 144 CrPc imposed within 100 meters radius of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's residence, Raj Bhavan and ED office in Ranchi pic.twitter.com/0A67WQykf5 ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2024 Despite repeated summons, Soren has eluded interrogation, raising suspicions about his involvement in the case. He has notably ignored seven summons issued by the ED, with indications that he may contest them legally. Cat-And-Mouse Chase ED officials, determined to locate Soren, have scoured both Jharkhand Bhawan and his father's residence, but to no avail. His chartered plane remained grounded at the Delhi Airport, further complicating the search. In a bid to counter the ED's actions, Soren appears poised to challenge the ED summons in the Supreme Court, underscoring the escalating legal battle between the two parties. The Enforcement Directorate officials visited the residence of Soren in the national capital on Monday night for questioning him in connection with the alleged land scam case and said that the Jharkhand Chief Minister could not be located. What Are The Allegations Against Soren? The money laundering case, amounting to a staggering Rs 600 crore, alleges a widespread conspiracy involving the illicit transfer and sale of government land to developers. Notably, the ED has apprehended 14 individuals thus far, including high-ranking officials like IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan. Conspiracy By BJP: Soren However, Soren has vehemently denied the accusations, attributing them to a concerted effort to malign his reputation. He has rallied support from his party members, vowing to confront the purported conspirators head-on. Political Turmoil In Jharkhand The Jharkhand BJP has seized upon the situation, accusing Soren of evading authorities and undermining the state's integrity. The BJP has now alleged that Soren has "gone missing." "Today, the honour and respect of the people of Jharkhand were destroyed by our Chief Minister Hemant Soren ji, just by going missing," BJP parliamentarian from Jharkhand, Nishikant Dubey, wrote on his X timeline. Reports about Soren's alleged escape from his Delhi residence shrouded in secrecy and speculation, have further fuelled the controversy surrounding his involvement in the case. NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its ongoing probe against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and seized his opulent BMW from his New Delhi residence. This move comes in the wake of Soren's repeated evasion of questioning regarding a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged land fraud case. Sources revealed that the BMW confiscated by the ED on Monday is believed to be acquired from the "proceeds of crime," a significant development in the ongoing probe. Soren reportedly utilized this vehicle during his stays in the national capital, adding to the gravity of the seizure. VIDEO | Visuals of ED team leaving from Jharkhand CM @HemantSorenJMMs residence in Delhi. The ED team can be seen taking away CM Hemant Sorens car and his driver. pic.twitter.com/EB5hQ0V6Kz Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 29, 2024 Despite repeated summons, Soren has eluded interrogation, raising suspicions about his involvement in the case. He has notably ignored seven summons issued by the ED, with indications that he may contest them legally. In response to the ED summon, the Jharkhand CM wrote a lengthy letter to the central agency. " You are well aware that the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly will be held between 2nd and 29th February 2024 and the undersigned will be preoccupied with preparations for the same apart from other prior scheduled official engagements. In these circumstances, your insistence to record a further statement of the undersigned on or before 31st January 2024 rocks of malice and reveals your political agenda to disrupt the functioning of the State Government and prevent an elected representative of the people from discharging his official duties. The undersigned's apprehensions that your acts are malafice and politically motivated stand vindicated. The issuance of summon to the undersigned is wholly vexatious and in the colourable exercise of powers given by the statute," the letter read. Cat-And-Mouse Chase ED officials, determined to locate Soren, have scoured both Jharkhand Bhawan and his father's residence, but to no avail. His chartered plane remained grounded at the Delhi Airport, further complicating the search. In a bid to counter the ED's actions, Soren appears poised to challenge the ED summons in the Supreme Court, underscoring the escalating legal battle between the two parties. What Are The Allegations Against Soren? The money laundering case, amounting to a staggering Rs 600 crore, alleges a widespread conspiracy involving the illicit transfer and sale of government land to developers. Notably, the ED has apprehended 14 individuals thus far, including high-ranking officials like IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan. Conspiracy By BJP: Soren However, Soren has vehemently denied the accusations, attributing them to a concerted effort to malign his reputation. He has rallied support from his party members, vowing to confront the purported conspirators head-on. Political Turmoil In Jharkhand The Jharkhand BJP has seized upon the situation, accusing Soren of evading authorities and undermining the state's integrity. Calls for gubernatorial intervention underscore the escalating tensions and political ramifications of the ongoing saga. Reports of Soren's alleged escape from his Delhi residence shrouded in secrecy and speculation, have further fuelled the controversy surrounding his involvement in the case. In the face of mounting scrutiny and legal challenges, JMM leader Hemant Soren surely finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes battle against law enforcement agencies. New Delhi: In a bold and daring operation in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy's Marine Commandos on board INS Sumitra have successfully thwarted a piracy attempt on the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, Al Naeemi. The vessel, sailing off the East Coast of Somalia, had fallen victim to pirates, endangering the lives of 19 Pakistani nationals who were on board. The Indian Navy, in an official statement, revealed that the successful rescue mission was conducted on Monday. In a major mission, the Indian naval warship INS Sumitra rescued a hijacked fishing vessel Al Naemi with armed pirates around 800 miles off the coast of Kochi. The Marine Commandos of the Indian Navy took part in the operation to rescue the crew of the boat safely. This was the pic.twitter.com/cIAl3sfTtZ January 30, 2024 Swift Action Amid Rising Threats This marked the second rescue operation within a single day for the Indian Navy, underscoring its commitment to maritime security. Earlier, the Navy had saved 17 crew members of another Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, FV Iman, from Somali pirates. The consecutive operations highlight the Navy's vigilance and effectiveness in combating piracy along the East Coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden. Precision And Coordination INS Sumitra swiftly intercepted the distressed vessel and engaged in a meticulously planned operation to locate and neutralize the threat posed by the pirates. Employing established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the Indian Navy ensured the safe release of all 19 Pakistani crew members, along with the fishing vessel. The successful rescue mission exemplifies the Navy's dedication to safeguarding lives at sea. Relentless Efforts Yield Results With remarkable efficiency, INS Sumitra, within less than 36 hours, rescued a total of 36 crew members (comprising 17 Iranians and 19 Pakistanis) from two hijacked fishing vessels in the Southern Arabian Sea. The Navy's swift and persistent actions not only saved lives but also prevented the potential escalation of piracy activities in the region. Unwavering Commitment To Security This recent operation underscores the Indian Navy's unwavering commitment to maintaining maritime security and upholding international laws. Amid escalating threats and challenges, the Navy remains vigilant and proactive, ensuring the safety of vessels and crew navigating these treacherous waters. Prompt Response To Distress Calls In a separate incident earlier this month, the Indian Navy's INS Visakhapatnam demonstrated its rapid response capabilities by addressing a distress call from the Marshall Island-flagged MV Genco Picardy. The timely intervention of INS Visakhapatnam exemplifies the Navy's readiness to provide assistance and support to vessels in distress, further reinforcing its role as a dependable guardian of the seas. New Delhi: Hrudaya Kumar Das, hailing from the picturesque state of Odisha, has emerged as a beacon of inspiration through his remarkable journey from a humble farming background to achieving the prestigious rank of an IRS (Indian Revenue Service) officer. Family Background: Born into a family of farmers in a small village in Odisha, Hrudaya faced the challenges of rural life from an early age. His parents, hardworking and determined, struggled to make ends meet, emphasizing the value of education as the key to a better life for their children. Struggles And Determination: Growing up amidst financial constraints, Hrudaya faced numerous obstacles on his path to education. Despite facing adversity, his determination and perseverance fueled his ambition to break free from the cycle of poverty. Undeterred by the lack of resources, he exhibited a keen interest in academics, leaving no stone unturned to pursue his dreams. Educational Pursuits: Hrudaya's journey took a significant turn when he secured a scholarship that enabled him to pursue higher education. Excelling in his studies, he displayed a relentless commitment to his goals. His academic prowess caught the attention of mentors and teachers, who recognized his potential and guided him towards a career in the civil services. Cracking The IRS Examination: Hrudaya's dream of becoming an IRS officer seemed distant but not impossible. With unwavering dedication, he immersed himself in the rigorous preparation for the civil services examination. His disciplined approach, coupled with a deep understanding of the subjects, proved to be the winning formula. The day he received the news of his success marked a turning point in his life, a testament to his grit and resilience. Inspiration For Aspiring Youths: Today, Hrudaya Kumar Das stands as an inspiration for aspiring youths, proving that socio-economic background should never be a hindrance to one's dreams. His journey underscores the transformative power of education and determination, encouraging young minds to overcome challenges and aim for excellence. Hrudaya Kumar Das' journey from a farmer's son to an IRS officer is a testament to the indomitable spirit that can overcome any obstacle.His story not only reflects personal triumph but also serves as a beacon of hope for countless others facing similar circumstances. In the heart of Odisha, Hrudaya's success resonates as a powerful reminder that dreams, when pursued with passion and perseverance, can indeed come true PATNA: Former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav faced intense questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for approximately nine hours in connection with the Land-for-Jobs scam case on Monday. The prolonged interrogation spurred a strong reaction from his family, notably his daughter Misa Bharti, who lambasted the actions as indicative of Prime Minister Modi's apprehension. PM Modi Is Scared: Misa Bharti Bharti criticized the Centre, insinuating that the probe agency's actions against her father reflected the central government's intimidation tactics. "He (Lalu) cannot eat himself, someone will have to feed him. We do not know whether he has eaten or not. No ED official is ready to speak...Since elections are near, the PM is scared and will do such things only. This government can (arrest) my father also, but what will they get by arresting a sick man," Misa said. Following his interrogation, a significant gathering of RJD supporters congregated outside the probe agency's office in Patna, expressing solidarity with Yadav. With looming elections, Bharti speculated that the PM's purported fear was driving such aggressive actions. She emphasized the futility of targeting ailing individuals for political gain. RJD workers echoed Bharti's sentiments, accusing the government of employing harassment tactics to impede their election strategies for 2024. RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha accused the BJP of orchestrating politically motivated summons, branding them as BJP's actions rather than ED summons. In response, the BJP, now a part of the Nitish Kumar-led state government, pointed fingers at the RJD, alleging deep-rooted corruption within its ranks. "People of the country know that these (Lalu Yadav) are corrupt people. Corruption is a jewel for them. I want to urge Tejashwi Yadav to tell the youth of Bihar the system of how to become millionaires within one and a half years," Bihar BJP unit chief and now state Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chowdhary said. Misa Bharti and other Yadav family members lamented their alleged mistreatment, claiming they were barred from accompanying Yadav during his ED interrogation. Highlighting Yadav's frail health condition, his family emphasized his medical vulnerabilities, particularly following a kidney transplant surgery. "People across the country know that Lalu ji is not well, he has undergone a kidney transplant, he is suffering from many diseases, and the biggest one is the age factor," Misa said after offering prayers at Shakti Dham Temple. Allegations Against Lalu Yadav Yadav is under scrutiny for his purported involvement in the Land for Jobs scam, which allegedly transpired during his tenure as Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. Apart from the RJD national president, the chargesheet also includes the name of the then Railway General Manager. In lieu of getting them appointed in the Railways, Lalu Prasad Yadav allegedly got lands transferred owned by candidates and their family members in the names of his wife Rabri Devi and daughter Misa Bharti for sale consideration, which was much less than the prevailing circle rates as well as the prevailing market rates. The CBI filed the chargesheet in October last year against former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, their daughter Misa Bharti, and 13 others in the land-for-jobs scam. According to the CBI, the people were first recruited as substitutes in Group D posts in the Railways and were regularised when their families made a land deal. The CBI is probing the allegations of taking land for a bribe in lieu of a job in the Railways. At the same time, ED is investigating the case of money laundering. The CBI also filed a chargesheet in this case. The CBI and ED are concurrently investigating the case, with allegations ranging from land-for-job bribery schemes to potential money laundering activities. Chargesheets have been filed against Yadav and several others involved in the alleged scam. Meerut: In a significant development in the Jeeva murder case, the Lucknow Police have intensified their crackdown on the notorious gangster Badan Singh Baddo, who is currently on the run. Baddo, recognized as one of the most wanted criminal in Western Uttar Pradesh, is the prime suspect in the high-profile murder case of Jeeva. The recent police action included the attachment (kurki) of Baddo's property located in Beripuram. This step signifies a major escalation in the efforts to apprehend the elusive gangster, who has been absconding for the past five years after successfully evading police capture. Baddo, who carries a reward of Rs 5 lakh rupees on his head, has been a notorious figure in Western UP's criminal underworld. The police team from Wazirganj station in Lucknow carried out the attachment process at his residence, signaling a determined approach to dismantle his network and resources. The Jeeva murder case, in which Baddo is implicated, has been a high-priority investigation for the police. Baddo's escape five years ago, where he outsmarted the police, only added to his notoriety and the urgency to bring him to justice. This latest move by the Lucknow Police is part of a wider crackdown on organized crime in the region, targeting high-profile criminals like Baddo. The authorities remain committed to ensuring that justice is served in the Jeeva murder case and to curbing the influence of gangsters like Baddo in Uttar Pradesh. AYODHYA: Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, the chief cleric of All India Imam Organization, has claimed that he and his family are being threatened and a 'fatwa' (decree) has also been allegedly issued against him for attending the grand 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The Imam has disclosed that he had been facing threats ever since he attended the Ram Temple event in Ayodhya. He has revealed receiving menacing calls from several unknown callers and has strongly condemned the issuance of the fatwa against him, emphasizing his commitment to fostering harmony and unity in the nation. "I received the invitation from Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra. I contemplated for two days and then decided to go to Ayodhya for harmony and the country. The fatwa was issued yesterday but I had been receiving threat calls since the evening of January 22," stated Ilyasi, according to ANI. #WATCH | Delhi | Fatwa issued against Chief Imam of All India Imam Organization, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi after he attended the Pranpratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla at Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He says, "As a chief Imam, I received the invitation from Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth pic.twitter.com/iVe2bA3s1X January 29, 2024 Not Afraid Of Fatwas: Imam Despite the mounting pressure, Ilyasi stands firm on his decision and has refused to apologize or step down from his position. "They can do whatever they want," he asserted, reaffirming his dedication to his principles. Defending His Actions In a bold stance, the Islamic cleric has defended his actions, asserting that his visit to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony was driven by a message of love and not malice. He called upon those who oppose him to consider relocating to Pakistan if they cannot support his endeavours towards unity and peace. Nation Comes First: Imam Reflecting on the broader significance of his attendance, Ilyasi emphasized the inclusive ethos of modern India, where humanity reigns supreme. "This is the face of new India. Our biggest religion is humanity. For us, the nation is first," he proclaimed. 'Pran Pratishtha' Ceremony The 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony marked a significant milestone in the Ram Temple's journey, with the unveiling of the Ram Lalla idol attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Despite the controversy surrounding his participation in the Ayodhya Ram Temple event, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi remains resolute in his commitment to promoting unity and harmony, undeterred by the backlash he faces from his community. New Delhi: As the fervor of the Lok Sabha elections grips Punjab, the state's political landscape is poised for a pivotal showdown across its 13 parliamentary seats. The Indian National Congress (INC), currently holding 7 seats, braces for a formidable challenge against its rivals - the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with two seats, Shiromani Akali Dal Badal (SAD) also with two seats, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with one, and Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar (SAD-A) also holding one seat. Reflecting on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, a series of victories marked the political arena. GURJEET SINGH AUJLA of INC emerged victorious in the Amritsar constituency, defeating his BJP rival by a margin of 99,626 votes. In Khadoor Sahib, JASBIR SINGH GILL of INC won against the SAD candidate by a substantial margin of 140,573 votes. The Jalandhar seat witnessed SANTOKH CHAUDHARY of INC triumphing over an SAD candidate with a 19,491-vote margin. Manish Tewari of INC secured the Anandpur Sahib constituency, outstripping his SAD opponent by 46,884 votes. RAVNEET SINGH BITTU of INC won the Ludhiana seat, and AMAR SINGH of INC claimed the Fatehgarh Sahib constituency, each defeating their respective rivals with significant vote margins. MOHAMMAD SADIQUE of INC and Preneet Kaur of INC also registered convincing wins in their respective constituencies. The BJP marked its presence with SUNNY DEOL winning the Gurdaspur constituency and SOM PARKASH securing the Hoshiarpur seat, both against INC candidates. SAD's presence was affirmed by SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL and Harsimrat Kaur Badal, winning in Firozpur and Bathinda, respectively. The AAP, represented by BHAGWANT MANN, clinched the Sangrur constituency. The subsequent by-elections saw a dramatic shift, with AAP losing the Sangrur seat but compensating by winning the Jalandhar seat, thanks to Sushil Kumar Rintu's efforts. Simranjit Singh MANN of SAD (A) reclaimed the Sangrur seat, further intensifying the political dynamics. In the 2019 elections, SAD candidates were the runners-up in six seats, followed by five INC candidates, indicating a closely contested political environment. The once allied forces of SAD and BJP, who split in 2020, are now speculated to possibly realign before the 2024 elections. Adding to the intrigue are rumors of a potential INC-AAP alliance, a move that could significantly impact voter decisions. Punjab, witnessed a 40.12% vote share for INC, 27.45% for SAD, 9.63% for BJP, and 7.38% for AAP in 2019. However, the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections demonstrated a remarkable swing in voter preference, hinting at a potential shift in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections opine political experts. Political analysts suggest that while the 2022 state elections reflected regional concerns, the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections may pivot on national issues. This shift could redefine the electoral landscape, making the Punjab elections a critical barometer for gauging the national political mood. The upcoming elections in Punjab are not just a contest of seats but a reflection of the evolving political ethos of the state. As the parties strategize and the electorate weighs its options, Punjab stands on the cusp of a potentially transformative electoral experience. IAS Indra Vikram Singh, who is known for his pro-public works, has been appointed as the DM of Ghaziabad. Singh originally hails from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh and has served in different capacities in many districts including Agra, Lucknow, Gautam Budh Nagar, Shahjahanpur, Ballia and Aligarh. He was born on 15/06/1969 and joined the government services in the year 1994. He was promoted to IAS from PCS in 2010. He served as the Municipal Commissioner of Agra between 2013 to 2017. He was appointed D.M. & Collector of Shamli in 2017, ACEO of Noida in 2018, D.M. & Collector of Shahjahanpur in 2019, D.M. & Collector of Ballia in 2022 and D.M. & Collector of Aligarh in 2022. DM Indra Vikram Singh has an old connection with Aligarh. This journey began in the year 2000 when Vikram Singh served as the SDM of Aligarh's Kol, Atrauli, and Iglas tehsils. Later in 2008, he was appointed as the ADM Finance and Revenue in Aligarh, and subsequently, he remained as the ADM City. Rising through the ranks, he became the Secretary of the Aligarh Development Authority in 2011. Indra Vikram Singh was promoted from PCS to IAS in 2010. After completing his graduation, he started preparing for government job exams. He hails from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. Indra Vikram Singh is known for working with simplicity and is often found engaging in discussions related to his work. He regularly conducts surprise inspections in government offices within his district, earning praise for his working style. A few years back, a photo of Singh went viral on social media. In the viral photo, DM Indra Vikram Singh was seen sitting on the ground, listening to the grievances of a differently-abled person who lost both of his legs. It is reported that both legs of the differently-abled person became useless due to a septic infection, rendering him unable to walk. The individual needed money for treatment and had come to the DM's office seeking help. During this time, District Magistrate Indra Vikram Singh was in his office, and upon learning about the situation, he immediately left his chair, went outside his room, and sat down to listen to the person's grievances. He also handed over a cheque of Rs 13,000 to the Divyang person. In the bustling city of Surat, a revolutionary brand emerged, reshaping the landscape of fitness apparel. FUAARK, a term that resonates with the energy and vibe of the youth, has evolved into a beloved destination for fitness enthusiasts. But what sets FUAARK apart in a competitive market? The answer lies in the unique vision and strategy of its founders, Swati, Rimpy & saket Juneja, who transformed a Rs 4lakh investment into a thriving Rs 30 crore business. ## The Genesis of FUAARK: A Family Affair The journey of FUAARK began with Swati,Rimpy and saket Juneja appearing on Shark Tank Season 2, Swati a Chartered Secretary with a flair for marketing and commerce, and Rimpy, a Delhi University alumnus with a commerce background, were a powerhouse duo. Saket, bringing his experience from Tommy Hilfiger, joined Fuaark as the Product Head. Their mission was clear from the start: to understand and meet the needs of dedicated fitness enthusiasts. In 2017, they noticed a gap in the market for gym gear that was functional yet fashionable. With an initial investment of Rs 4 lakh, they embarked on a journey to fill this gap, which has led them to an impressive annual turnover of Rs 30 crore, aiming for Rs 100 crore in the next two years. ## What Makes Fuaark Stand Out? Rimpy Juneja explains, "Why settle for generic, expensive gym wear when you can have high-quality, trendy designs that enhance your performance?" Fuaark's unique selling proposition (USP) lies in its tailored gym clothing that perfectly fits, boosts performance, and builds confidence. Their range includes a variety of gym wear, designed with precision, to support and motivate individuals on their fitness journeys. This approach has transformed their business from a few weekly orders to a daily deluge of demand, projecting a cool 24 crores in revenue this year, with significant EBITDA growth. ## Fuaark's Innovative Business Model Fuaark cleverly blends direct-to-consumer (D2C) and business-to-consumer (B2C) strategies. About 42-45% of their revenue comes from their website, which allows them greater control over branding and pricing, leading to higher profit margins and stronger customer relationships. Meanwhile, their presence on marketplaces like Myntra, Ajio, Flipkart, and Amazon accounts for 55-58% of revenue, expanding their reach and reducing marketing and logistics costs. ## Competing in the Fitness Apparel Industry Fuaark stands tall among its competitors, ranking in the top 21 of 63 active brands in the fitness apparel sector. Despite the presence of funded competitors like Fancode, Athlos, and Alcis Sports, Fuaark continues to thrive. The overall sector, including Fuaark and its rivals, has raised over $10.2 million across 13 funding rounds, involving 45 investors, as recorded by Tracxn. ## The Future Vision of Fuaark Looking ahead, Fuaark aims to surpass the 100 crore revenue mark within the next three years, maintaining its financial stability. Their vision is to become the preferred athleisure brand for gym enthusiasts, keeping in step with the tastes and preferences of GenZ. As Fuaark continues to grow, they remain dedicated to their core philosophy: "Providing gear that not only enhances performance but instills confidence to show up each day, every day." This commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is the driving force behind their remarkable success story. New Delhi: In a recent Instagram AskMeAnything session, the talented actress Raashii Khanna opened up the doors to her world, sharing insights into her literary preferences, dream collaborations, and exciting career updates. Raashii Khanna opened up about various aspects of her life, shedding light on her camaraderie with co-star Vikrant Massey, daily routines, upcoming projects, and experiences working with fellow actors. Raashii Khanna revealed that mmong her favorite books is the iconic, "The Fountainhead," "112 Ways to Meditate," and a very thoughtful gift from co-star Vikrant Massey, "Midnight Library,". Expressing her desire to collaborate with the charismatic Mahesh Babu, the dynamic Thalapathy Vijay, the King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan, the Greek God Hrithik Roshan, and the stylish Allu Arjun, Khanna let us in into her dream collaborations. Answering her next question, Raashii Khanna envisions herself working under the direction of some of the industry's most celebrated visionaries. From the grandeur of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's sets to the narrative brilliance of Zoya Akhtar, Raju Hirani, Mani Ratnam, to Anurag Kashyap, and last but not least Vidhu Vinod Chopra Khanna's dream directorial lineup is as diverse as her filmography. The actress dropped a tantalizing hint for her fans eagerly awaiting the second season of "Farzi," stating that it is expected to grace screens sometime next year. The success of the first season left viewers wanting more, and the anticipation for what the next chapter holds is palpable. One of the highlights of the AMA was Khanna's discussion about her strong bond with Vikrant Massey. The talented duo has shared the screen in two films, "TME" and "Sabarmati Express," and has been shooting together for the past 6 to 8 months. Khanna expressed admiration for Massey, describing him as a fantastic actor. Known for her love of multiple showers, she humorously answered Massey's question on when she last showered. Khanna also shared her plans for the day, revealing that she is heading to shoot something exciting for her upcoming movie "Yodha," set to release on March 15. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into her professional life creates anticipation among fans, especially those eagerly awaiting her performance in the upcoming film. When asked about her experience working with Sidharth Malhotra in "Yodha," Khanna praised her co-star, stating that Sidharth is great and has put in considerable effort into his action sequences for the film. In another delightful moment, Raashii Khanna fulfilled a fan's request by singing the song "Husn" by Anuv Jain. Khanna's AMA session showcased her willingness to connect with her audience, sharing personal and professional snippets of her life. Targeting Cookies These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. New Delhi: In a recent announcement Microsoft unveiled the introduction of its Voice Clarity feature, utilizing artificial intelligence technology to elevate the video calling experience on Windows 11. Initially exclusive to Surface devices the feature has now been extended to all users through the latest Canary build for Windows 11. The Voice Clarity feature employs advanced AI models to effectively diminish background noise, minimize reverberation, and eliminate echoes in real time, significantly improving audio quality during online interactions. Microsoft highlighted the feature's default activation emphasizing its compatibility with applications utilizing Communications Signal Processing Mode, such as Phone Link and WhatsApp. Notably, no additional hardware is required, with Voice Clarity supported on x64 and Arm64 CPUs. (Also Read: 1st Human Gets Brain Implant From Neuralink, Recovering Well: Elon Musk) Microsoft, headquartered in Richmond, provided insight into the feature via a blog post, stating, "Voice Clarity is a feature that enhances your audio experience on Windows with state-of-the-art AI technology." The company emphasized its real-time capabilities in canceling echoes and suppressing background noise. (Also Read: iQoo Neo 9 Pro AnTuTu Score Revealed Ahead Of India Launch On February 22; Check Expected Price, Key Specs) While particularly beneficial for frequent online meetings, Microsoft emphasized that the Voice Clarity feature will also contribute to a richer audio experience for PC games employing Communications Signal Processing Mode for online communication. The Canary Build for Windows 11 introduces several other features. Users can now access their most recent photos, screenshots, and pictures taken from their Android devices directly in the Snipping Tool on Windows 11. This feature includes notifications on the PC whenever a new photo or screenshot is captured on the connected Android phone. Furthermore, the latest build incorporates support for the USB 80Gbps standard on select devices running on Intel Core 14th Gen HX-series mobile processors such as the Razer Blade 18. This demonstrates Microsoft's ongoing commitment to enhancing both the functionality and user experience of Windows 11 through innovative features and compatibility upgrades. New Delhi: Lenovo-owned brand Motorola has launched its budget smartphone Moto G24 Power in India. The upcoming handset will be available on Motorola.in, Flipkart, and retail stores from February 7 this year. The Moto G24 Power smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset and runs on Android 14 with the company's own My UX custom skin. The budget smartphone will be available in two colour options: Glacier Blue and Ink Blue. Moreover, the handset comes in two storage options: 4GB RAM/128GB and the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant, respectively. The all-new #MotoG24Power is finally here! Packed with an ultra-premium design and a massive 6000mAh battery, see how it lives up to its claim, #DikheMastChaleZabardast. Sale starts on 7th Feb at 8,249. Get yours @Flipkart, https://t.co/azcEfy2uaW, and leading retail stores. pic.twitter.com/SknuszK8m2 January 30, 2024 Moto G24 Power Specifications The smartphone boasts a 6.56-inch HD+ IPS display, offering a crisp resolution of 1612 x 720 pixels and a brightness of up to 500 nits. It is loaded with a 6,000mAh battery supported by 30W turbocharging. Under the hood, it is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G85 12nm processor for efficient performance. Moto G24 Power Camera In the photography department, it showcases a 50MP rear camera, complemented by a 2MP macro camera. Additionally, there is a 16MP front camera dedicated to capturing stunning selfies and facilitating video chats. Moto G24 Power Connectivity For connectivity, the device offers 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, and a USB Type-C port, ensuring a comprehensive range of connectivity options for users. The new #MotoG24Power has all that you need and more. Be it looks or a powerful battery, this is a phone which #DikheMastChaleZabardast. Sale begins on 7th Feb starting at 8,249 @Flipkart, https://t.co/azcEfy1Wlo, and all leading retail stores. pic.twitter.com/oHE6hYFvrw January 30, 2024 Moto G24 Power Price For the 4GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, the phone is priced at Rs 8,999, while the top model with 8GB RAM + 128GB storage is priced at Rs. 9,999. Moto G24 Power Launch Offers The handset includes a Rs. 750 exchange bonus for exchanging old devices. This would bring down the initial price tag to Rs. 8,249. Furthermore, EMI options start at Rs. ISLAMABAD: In a big political development, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been sentenced to 10 years in jail in the Cipher case, just days ahead of the general elections in the country. The Cipher case pertains to a diplomatic document that the Federal Investigation Agencys charge sheet alleges was never returned by Imran. The verdict was announced by special court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain during a hearing held at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, according to Pakistani media reports. PTI founder Imran Khan & Shah Mehmood Qureshi have been given 10-year prison sentences in the Cipher case, reports Pakistan media. (file photos) pic.twitter.com/EieM801kgm ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2024 Verdict Shakes Islamabad: Imran, Qureshi Face 10-Year Jail Term Established under the Official Secrets Act, a special court delivered the verdict on Tuesday, citing the duo's involvement in withholding a crucial diplomatic document. The Federal Investigation Agency's charge sheet alleges Imran Khan failed to return the document, sparking the legal turmoil. PTI's Allegations And General Elections Amidst allegations by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that the document contained a veiled threat from the United States aimed at toppling Imran Khan's premiership, the timing of the verdict, just days ahead of the February 8 general elections, amplifies the political tensions gripping the nation. Notably, the PTI is navigating these turbulent waters sans an electoral symbol, amidst a state-led crackdown on the party. Legal Battle December witnessed the Supreme Court granting post-arrest bails to Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, offering a brief respite. However, their legal battles persisted, with Qureshi's anticipated release thwarted by a fresh legal entanglement on May 9. Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb's intervention temporarily halted the proceedings, citing legal irregularities in the case. Fresh Trial Against Imran, Qureshi The judicial saga took another twist as the special court recommenced the Cipher trial at Adiala district jail last month. Imran and Qureshi, facing indictment for the second time, maintained their innocence, echoing their initial pleas despite mounting legal pressure. The Islamabad High Court's rebuke of the government's handling of the case further underscored the tumult surrounding the trial. Allegations Of Bias And Government Interference As state-appointed counsels assumed responsibility due to the absence of previously designated representatives, Imran Khan decried the trial as a farce, citing concerns of bias with both prosecution and defence teams aligning with the government. Such claims further fueled the contentious nature of the proceedings, amplifying calls for judicial transparency and impartiality. The ramifications of this landmark verdict resonate far beyond the confines of the courtroom, casting a long shadow over Pakistan's political landscape and igniting debates on accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. Gas prices have reversed their downward trend, ticking higher over the past week as oil has also risen in price. The national average at the pump sat at $3.13 per gallon on Tuesday, up $0.05 from a week ago, but still $0.38 lower from exactly one year ago, according to AAA data. Prices at the pump stalled at $3.07 a gallon earlier this month after dropping by more than $0.80 per gallon since September. This week's reversal raises the question of whether drivers can expect higher prices in the coming weeks. The national average for gas will likely maintain a glacial grind higher for the immediate future, Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, said recently. Gasoline has been following the increase in crude oil prices, which have risen about $5 per barrel since the beginning of the year. The prices at a BP gas station in Emporia, Kan., Jan. 24, 2024.(Mark Reinstein/MediaPunch /IPX) (Mark Reinstein/MediaPunch/IPx) "Heightened tensions in the Middle East have the market pricing in a higher probability of a supply disruption," Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, told Yahoo Finance. Although no oil production has been shut in, tankers avoiding transiting through the Red Sea and Suez Canal have added to logistics cost, and the consumer is seeing that in higher gasoline prices, he added. Further upward pressure on prices stemming from cold weather's impacts on refineries has been mitigated by higher-than-expected gasoline stockpiles and weaker-than-expected seasonal demand. "However, in a few short months, refiners will be switching to the more expensive summer grade of gasoline and price[s] will rise $0.20 to $0.30 per gallon by Memorial Day," said Lipow. Crude oil futures for West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) ticked higher on Tuesday, trading above $77 per barrel, while Brent (BZ=F) futures also advanced, exchanging hands north of $82 per barrel. Last week crude gained more than 6% amid continued attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea area and counterstrikes by the US and its allies. Ines Ferre is a senior business reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter at @ines_ferre. Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Key Insights Institutions' substantial holdings in General Electric implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price The top 11 shareholders own 50% of the company Recent sales by insiders To get a sense of who is truly in control of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 76% ownership. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk). Because institutional owners have a huge pool of resources and liquidity, their investing decisions tend to carry a great deal of weight, especially with individual investors. Therefore, a good portion of institutional money invested in the company is usually a huge vote of confidence on its future. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about General Electric. View our latest analysis for General Electric What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About General Electric? Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices. General Electric already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. 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. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see General Electric's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story. Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. General Electric is not owned by hedge funds. Capital Research and Management Company is currently the largest shareholder, with 13% of shares outstanding. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 8.1% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 6.5% by the third-largest shareholder. Story continues Looking at the shareholder registry, we can see that 50% of the ownership is controlled by the top 11 shareholders, meaning that no single shareholder has a majority interest in the ownership. 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. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too. Insider Ownership Of General Electric The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. 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 data suggests that insiders own under 1% of General Electric Company in their own names. As it is a large company, we'd only expect insiders to own a small percentage of it. But it's worth noting that they own US$312m worth of shares. Arguably recent buying and selling is just as important to consider. You can click here to see if insiders have been buying or selling. General Public Ownership The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 24% stake in General Electric. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run. Next Steps: While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for General Electric you should know about. 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. General Motors (GM) reported top and bottom line beats for the fourth quarter and issued 2024 full-year profit guidance that matched its initial forecast for 2023 on Tuesday. Shares of the automaker closed up 7.8%, with the stock hitting its highest levels since August 2023. The upbeat earnings report comes as GM looks to shake off the effects of the UAW strike and recalibrate its electric vehicle rollout, which the company admits has "created some uncertainty." For the quarter, GM reported topline revenue of $42.98 billion, beating the $39.53 billion consensus Bloomberg estimate, although this figure was down compared with the $43.1 billion the company reported in Q4 2022. On the profitability front, GM reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.24 versus the $1.16 estimated on adjusted EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) of $1.757 billion, though that figure dropped 53.8% versus a year ago. For the year, GM earned $12.4 billion in adjusted EBIT. In late November, GM reinstated its full-year outlook, expecting adjusted EBIT of $11.7 billion to $12.7 billion, compared with its previous outlook of $12 billion to $14 billion. And it was last year's initial $12 billion to $14 billion range that GM now sees as its full-year 2024 adjusted EBIT forecast. The company also sees $8.50 to $9.50 in adjusted earnings per share for the year as well. "Consensus is growing that the US economy, the job market and auto sales will continue to be resilient, and at GM, we expect healthy industry sales of about 16 million units with the mix of EVs continuing to grow," GM CEO and chair Mary Barra said in her shareholder letter. EV growth As for EV sales, GM suffered some hiccups in 2023 with its once-aggressive rollout, and some softness is expected this year. In fact, a company spokesperson said GM will have $1.7 billion in reserves for losses relating to existing EV inventory in Q4. "Its true the pace of EV growth has slowed, which has created some uncertainty," Barra said, though she expects GM to become "variable profit positive in the second half of the year" based on our current expectations for EV demand and production growth. Story continues GM CFO Paul Jacobson also reiterated the company's goal for EV profitability in a roundtable call with reporters. "We won't get to low to single-digit profitability [EBIT EV margin] until 2025," he said. GM, which abandoned its goal of building 400,000 EVs through mid-2024, now says it will sell at least 250,000 EVs in 2024, depending on customer demand. The company did not say whether it still expects to have 1 million units of EV capacity by 2025. A GMC vehicle is seen for sale on the Chuck Nash dealership lot on Jan. 3, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) (Brandon Bell via Getty Images) Barra reiterated on the earnings call that the company has the ability to refocus production and "flexibility" to build more hybrids if necessary but that EV growth is the top priority for the company. In addition to reinstating its profit outlook last November, GM revealed a $10 billion accelerated share repurchase (ASR) program with the intention of boosting its common stock dividend by 33% starting in January. As opposed to a traditional staged share buyback, GM says its program will begin immediately. "Everyone on the team is focused on strong execution to sustain our momentum and create shareholder value, and we are deeply committed and accountable to do exactly that," Barra said in her letter. Impact of strikes Despite the UAW work stoppage, GMs sales for Q4 were not dramatically affected, as the company said it had built up sufficient inventory in anticipation of the strike. Earlier in January, GM reported Q4 US sales increased 0.3% compared to the same period a year ago, with roughly 625,176 cars and trucks sold. Overall, GM said sales jumped 14.1% to 2.6 million vehicles for 2023, making it the company's best year since 2019. The automaker also grew its market share by 0.3% to 16.3% overall in the US. GM said it was No. 1 in full-size pickup sales in the US (841,000 units) and No. 1 in full-size SUV sales (245,000 units). GM also forecast total US auto industry sales to hit 16 million in 2024, which would be a strong improvement post-pandemic; only 13.4 million vehicles were sold in 2022, the lowest in a decade. Overseas, however, is a different matter for GM. Jacobson said GM is projecting a loss in China for Q1. Were gonna have a tough first quarter there, he said. Another hiccup for GM involved issues related to its Cruise AV business unit. In November, Cruise paused all autonomous activities across the country after an accident in which a Cruise robotaxi ran over a woman, stopped on top of her, and then dragged her for about 20 feet before pulling over. The woman suffered severe injuries from the accident. A few weeks later, Kyle Vogt, CEO of GMs Cruise autonomous driving division, announced he was resigning from his role and leaving the company. Late last week, Cruise revealed it was under investigation by the Department of Justice and SEC, among other regulatory bodies, concerning the incident with the pedestrian and Cruises actions in the immediate aftermath of the event. At Cruise, we are committed to earning back the trust of regulators and the public through our commitments and our actions, Barra said. "This was an important quarter to help regain Street confidence that has been shaken the last few quarters with the EV vision in flux and Cruise black eye," Wedbush analyst Dan Ives tweeted on Tuesday morning. "GM said it would spend $1 billion less on Cruise than in '23." Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on Twitter and on Instagram. For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance A Pueblo family's hobby has germinated into an urban farm that supplies microgreens to restaurant chefs who go the extra mile to provide locally sourced ingredients for their dishes. It all started when Dylan Addington got a bonsai tree for his birthday from his wife, Randi (Gonzales) Addington. "He got really into it and started studying planting cycles he's very into the science aspect of it," Randi Addington explained. "From there, he figured out the whole microgreen process." The couple became so enamored with growing microgreens they carved out a 20-by-10-foot space in their home where they created a humidity- and temperature-controlled environment, complete with grow lights and HEPA filters to create the perfect setting for cultivating microgreens. When they contemplated taking the hobby to the next step of actually marketing and selling the microgreens, Dylan Addington, who is a full-time information technology software guru, encouraged his wife to take the ball and run with it. Ryan Hill, owner of Union PIzza Co. serves up a microgreen loaded avocado flatbread dish to Randi Addington, owner of Zendo Greens, who grows the the greens on her urban farm in Pueblo. Although Randi Addington also has a full-time job as a regional manager for a podiatry company, she wanted to start the small business in the spirit of her entrepreneur father, the late Rudy Gonzales, who owned Route Auto Specialists and later Summit Auto for 36 years in Pueblo. Her late mom, Rose Gonzales, was the bookkeeper for the businesses and also worked for Pueblo School District 60. "I can remember telling my dad at a very young age that I wanted to be a CEO and he told me, 'Whatever you want to do, do it,'" she recalled. The Central High School grad developed a strong business background thanks to a bachelor's degree from Colorado State University Pueblo and a master's in business administration from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. "I did an analysis and found out that this is a good market for microgreens," she explained. "The closest growers are in Castle Rock and Denver, so the southern Colorado market was untapped." Story continues Zendo Greens sprouts In a nod to the Buddhist dedication to zen meditation, Randi Addington named the company Zendo Greens and the slogan "Consciously Cultivated" was born. "There is something about putting your hands in soil and growing plants that is very meditative," she said. "I try to exercise mindful eating too, where you taste everything and eat with your full attention on how it tastes and feels." "We essentially have this urban farm on our property that is licensed through the city and the state," Randi Addington said. "Our hallmark blend has radish, arugula and broccoli microgreens, and I named it the Bessemer Blend as an homage to the neighborhood where I grew up." The greens are grown in soil and take just seven to 10 days to grow from germination to harvest. "It's like instant gratification," she joked. "But even if you harvest four hours past the peak, the flavor can change." Bessemer Blend microgreens top off avocado flatbread at Union Pizza Co inside the Fuel & Iron Food Hall, 400 S. Union in downtown Pueblo. Selling microgreens to restaurants The business' first customer was Chef Ryan Hill, who moved to Pueblo from Seattle, Washington, five years ago to start Blackbox Cafe with his father. Hill liked adding the Zendo sunflower microgreens to dishes like his chicken salad sandwich. When Vicy Stone opened the Sacred Bean at 209 S. Union, she too requested the microgreens, which she uses on many of her dishes. Later, Hill established Union Pizza Co. at the Fuel & Iron Food Hall, 400 S. Union Ave., and reached out to Addington again to sign up for microgreen deliveries. They star prominently on Hill's flatbread dishes. "It's amazing. I love working with microgreens because they are the staple of high-end dishes. Getting ingredients like Pueblo chiles and microgreens that are grown locally is so important, not only for my dishes but for the growers because the impact is huge on small vendors," Hill explained. "Growers like Randi are a godsend because they offer their products at an affordable price point. I love her Bessemer Blend because it adds this slightly bitter, fresh component to most of my flat breads," he said. The overwhelming customer favorite is the avocado flat bread, which is loaded with "all kinds of nice things and the greens are right on top," Hill said. "The best place to taste the microgreens is on a chef's meal," Randi Addington said. The Sacred Bean, 209 S. Union Ave., uses microgreens on dishes like this artichoke avocado toast. How healthy are microgreens? "They pack a power punch and have more nutrition than the mature vegetables. They have a ton of antioxidants and are loaded with vitamins C, E and K, lutein and beta-ceratine," Addington said. "I don't traditionally like eating salads, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. So I can get my veggie vitamins in very small quantities," Randi Addington said with a laugh. "They have more intense, complex flavors and I just love the color, flavor and texture of microgreens." Canteloupe microgreens are ideal as dessert toppings, including ice cream. What does the future hold for Zendo Greens? Currently, Zendo Greens supplies 12 to 24 ounces of microgreens to local restaurants each week. "It doesn't sound like a lot, but it's manageable," she said. If the business starts to grow, Addington said she would be willing to see where it takes her. "I would love to be the supplier for all southern Colorado restaurants," she said. Among the microgreens she is experimenting with are dessert microgreens like cantaloupe microgreens, which can add a tasty zing to ice cream and desserts. "You can eat microgreens on everything scrambled eggs, nachos you can just experiment with them on so many things," Randi Addington said. To find out more, visit the Zendo Greens Facebook page or Instagram page. To reach Zendo Greens, email zendomicrogreens@gmail.com. More: Thousands of Colorado students to learn about Pueblo chile through statewide ag program Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via X, formerly Twitter, at twitter.com/tracywumps. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com. This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo urban farm grows microgreens for southern Colorado restaurants By Helen Reid LONDON (Reuters) - Swedish fashion retailer H&M is under pressure to prove to investors it can turn its fortunes around and fend off fierce competition from fast-fashion rivals such as Zara, whose sales are rising, and China-founded Shein, set to go public this year. H&M, which sold more than $22 billion in clothing and accessories in its 2023 financial year, aims to reach an operating margin of 10% by the end of 2024. Faced with falling sales, the retailer with around 4,300 global stores is intensifying cost-cutting, prioritising profitability over revenues. When it reports full-year results on Wednesday investors want to be able to see its pathway to that margin goal, against a backdrop of shaky consumer demand. H&M's operating margin improved to 5.9% at the end of the third quarter, from 3.9% a year earlier, but the challenge this year will be to keep increasing margins at a time when many clothing retailers have signaled price cuts. Known for dresses under $15 and $19.99 jeans, H&M could tweak its pricing strategy this year to reach its margin goal, said Andreas Lundberg, analyst at SEB in Stockholm. Its "price mix will be more important," he said. "Although the last 10-15 years have been volume-driven for H&M, volumes are also very expensive to handle internally, in warehouses, in stores," Lundberg said. "In the future you may see fewer volumes." Budget fashion retailer Primark also sees its adjusted operating profit margin recovering to more than 10% this year as sourcing costs fall, enabling it to absorb the higher shipping rates driven by disruptions in the Red Sea. Bernstein analysts see H&M and Primark among the most impacted apparel retailers given their higher reliance on Asian sourcing and high use of sea freight. Given that risk, another key figure investors will watch is H&M's stock-in-trade: the amount of inventory the retailer is carrying. "H&M has managed to decrease this number significantly and the trend continues downwards, meaning they are shortening time from design to production to shipping," said Adil Shah, portfolio manager at Storebrand in Oslo, which holds H&M shares. Story continues H&M's stock-in-trade as a percentage of rolling 12-month sales was 17.1% at the end of the third quarter, down from 21.6% a year earlier. H&M, whose other brands include Arket, Cos, Monki, Weekday, and & Other Stories, has been closing stores and laying off staff. On Friday, it announced a plan to shut more than a fifth of its stores in Spain and lay off as many as 588 workers. H&M had 701 fewer stores by end-August last year compared with the end of 2019, a decline of 13.8%. Its cost-cutting has helped improve investor sentiment. H&M shares are up around 29% from a year ago, but with a price-to-earnings ratio of 18, still trade at a discount to Zara-owner Inditex, whose ratio is roughly 20.8. Reluctant to fire the starting gun on price cuts, mass-market fashion retailers may "wait to see who will move first", said Alex Romanenko, head of retail at pricing consultancy Pearson Ham Group. Bank of America analysts see apparel prices in Europe falling by 2% in 2024, having risen by 4.5% last year. ($1 = 10.4773 Swedish crowns) (Reporting by Helen Reid; Editing by Tomasz Janowski) Before the stock market opened for trading on Monday, it's safe to say few investors or pundits believed struggling electric vehicle (EV) maker Fisker (NYSE: FSR) would have a banner day. Yet that's exactly what happened; the company's share price vaulted nearly 14% higher on Monday to put it within striking distance of the psychologically important $1 per-share level. Much of this had to do with Fisker's latest news about its sales efforts, while bargain-hunting throughout the EV sector also played a role. Were investors right to be so bullish on this manufacturer, though? Dealer open house The immediate catalyst in Fisker's rise was its announcement that it will conduct a dealer open house in its Los Angeles-area headquarters on Tuesday. It seems the EV company, which so far only offers one base model (the Ocean SUV), has a pool of such folks to work with. According to its namesake CEO Henrik Fisker, more than 120 dealers both on this continent and in Europe have expressed interest in selling the company's vehicles. Fisker is currently undergoing a bold shift in sales strategy. It is moving from the direct-sales model that has been favored by upstart EV manufacturers to a more traditional "dealer partnership" regime. This is no-haggle pricing combined with larger proprietary "territories" for dealers to ensure they'll be making good money hawking Fisker vehicles. Broad EV stock rally The Fisker dealer open house coincides with a spate of EV stock bargain-hunting that started on Monday. Like Fisker, many EV companies have slumped in price on the exchange for a number of reasons. These include uninspiring quarterly results from sector leader Tesla and slowing growth in EV sales overall. While the investor reaction to Fisker's news was understandable and the broad rally somewhat justifiable, people should exercise caution here. Not all EV stocks are created equal, and for the most part, the sector remains volatile. Fisker certainly has potential with its strategic shift, but the company still has to prove it can run a viable and thriving business. Story continues Should you invest $1,000 in Fisker right now? Before you buy stock in Fisker, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now... and Fisker wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of January 29, 2024 Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Here's why Investors Are Suddenly Thrilled About Fisker Stock was originally published by The Motley Fool HONG KONG (AP) Hong Kong began public consultation on a local National Security Law on Tuesday, more than three years after Beijing imposed a similar law that has all but wiped out dissent in the semi-autonomous city. The new law could expand the government's ability to prosecute residents for offenses like collaborating with foreign forces to influence legislation or publish misleading statements, and to close down civil society organizations. Some of its provisions threaten criminal prosecutions for acts committed anywhere in the world. Hong Kongs mini-constitution, the Basic Law, calls for the city to enact a national security law, but it's been delayed for decades because of widespread public opposition based on fears it would erode civil liberties. In 2003, an attempt to pass a version of the law sparked street protests that drew half a million people, and the legislation was shelved. But the city's crackdown on political opposition likely clears the way for the bill to pass easily. Since 2020, many of the citys leading pro-democracy activists have been arrested, silenced or forced into exile. Dozens of civil society groups have been disbanded, and outspoken media outlets like Apple Daily and Stand News have been shut down. The draft text will be written later based on input from public consultation, which will begin Tuesday and will end Feb. 28. But the city released a 110-page document Tuesday outlining its plans for the legislation. City leader John Lee called the legislation a constitutional responsibility. We shouldnt wait any longer, he said during a news conference. The threats to national security, they are real. We have experienced all these threats. We have suffered from them badly. Both the Hong Kong and Beijing governments have hailed the previous National Security Law for restoring stability after the massive pro-democracy protests in 2019. Lee said a local version is still necessary to keep Hong Kong safe against potential sabotage and undercurrents that try to create troubles, in particular lurking ideas about Hong Kong independence. Lee also said that some foreign agents may still be active in Hong Kong. Story continues He said other countries, including the U.S., U.K. and Singapore, have similar laws to safeguard security and Hong Kong would draw from them. Critics worry authorities will use a domestic national security law as another tool to crack down on dissidents, further eroding freedoms that were promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The Beijing-imposed security law criminalized subversion, advocating secession, and collusion with foreign forces to intervene in the citys affairs as well as terrorism, but did not cover all the offenses authorities wanted to target. Eric Lai, a research fellow at the Georgetown Center for Asian Law, said that the one-month public consultation was shorter than the three months typical for important laws, saying it appeared to be window dressing. Amnesty Internationals China director, Sarah Brooks, said the proposed legislation could further entrench repression in the financial hub. This is potentially the most dangerous moment for human rights in Hong Kong since the introduction of the National Security Law in 2020," she said. Highlights of the package include a ban on threatening national security by collaborating with external forces to interfere in the affairs of our country or the HKSAR through improper means. The document also suggested that colluding with an "external force" to publish a misleading statement with the intent of endangering national security could be considered an espionage offence. It also bans inciting public officials to abandon the Basic Law or their allegiance to Hong Kong and China, expanding an existing law that only covered members of the police and other security forces. Lee promised that people could still criticize the Hong Kong government and express opinions, as long as they do not intend to endanger national security. The government has already muzzled most dissent using existing laws. Hundreds of people have been arrested under the 2020 law. Some 47 people were charged under it for participating in an unofficial primary election, and two were convicted during the same time under an older sedition law for clapping in court and insulting a judge during a trial. Lee said that the law will not provide for suspects to be transferred to mainland China for trial, unlike the 2020 law. Security chief Chris Tang said the legislation would cover the use of computers and electronic systems to endanger national security, as well as disclosing state secrets and espionage, treason and sedition. The proposal includes an expanded definition of state secrets that covers the economic and social development of Hong Kong, as well as defense and diplomatic activities. The leader of the citys largest pro-democracy party called for clarification about how the law will define state secrets. Democratic Party Chairman Lo Kin-hei asked if journalists could be liable when reporting on inside information from the government in the public interest. The proposal also seeks to revise and update several existing laws covering treason, theft of state secrets and espionage. Parts of the proposed law are to be applied beyond Hong Kongs borders. The government suggested it may use the new law to cancel the passports of fugitives overseas, citing a similar U.S. law. Such laws could affect the many activists who went into exile fearing arrest. The Hong Kong police have offered bounties of 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($128,000) on at least 13 activists abroad, including former lawmakers Nathan Law and Ted Hui, whom they accuse of colluding with external forces to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. The new law could also make it harder for civil society groups to operate in Hong Kong. The city's security chief would gain new powers to shut down such organizations in order to safeguard security. Following the consultation period, the proposed legislation will be drafted as a bill that will be scrutinized by the Legislative Council. Once the proposed law reaches the legislature, lawmakers are expected to pass the domestic national security law without much opposition in the three readings given a lack of opposition lawmakers following an overhaul of Hong Kong's electoral system. Lee did not give a timeline for enacting the law, other than that it should be done as soon as possible. Under Hong Kong's constitution, the city is required to enact laws on its own to prohibit seven types of acts: treason, secession, sedition, subversion against China's central government, theft of state secrets, foreign political organizations conducting political activities in the city, and local political organizations establishing ties with foreign political groups. ___ Soo reported from Singapore. Hyloris Pharmaceuticals SA Hyloris and Purna Female Healthcare Announce Positive Results from Phase 2 Trial in Patients with Acute Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) Both treatment arms with the combination of Miconazole (2%) and Domiphen Bromide (0.14% or 0.29%) demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability Low dose (0.14%) showed significant improvement over active control in clinical and mycological outcome at day 291 Liege, Belgium 30 January 2024, 07:00 AM CET Regulated information Inside information Hyloris Pharmaceuticals SA (Euronext Brussels: HYL), a specialty biopharma company committed to addressing unmet medical needs through reinventing existing medications, today announces positive results for the phase 2 trial of Miconazole Domiphen-Bromide (MCZ-DB) in patients with acute vulvovaginal candidiasis. The phase 2 trial of MCZ-DB was a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, dose finding trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of two doses of MCZ-DB (MCZ 2% combined with 0.14% or 0.29% of DB) administered once per day for 7 days in patients with acute vulvovaginal candidiasis. The study has been conducted in Belgium with a total of 102 patients enrolled. Efficacy was evaluated by assessing the clinical outcome and mycological outcome to the treatment. A positive clinical outcome is a resolution of VVC signs and symptoms whereas the mycological outcome is determined by a vaginal swab indicating the absence of Candida species yeast. Top line results are summarized: At day 29 1 , day 57 and day 85, the low dose (MCZ and 0.14% of DB) demonstrated superior efficacy compared to the active control (MCZ). At day 15, both doses administered demonstrated positive safety and tolerability without significant superiority over the active control. MCZ-DB was well tolerated in both dose cohorts, with no reported serious adverse events. Following the treatments, there was no indication of systemic exposure to Domiphen Bromide. Stijn Van Rompay, Chief Executive Officer of Hyloris, commented: I am thrilled to announce promising outcomes for MCZ-DB, showcasing outstanding safety and tolerability in both cohorts. Additionally, the low dose demonstrated significant superiority over the active control by day 291. The primary objective of this trial was to identify the most effective dosage of DB (0.14% or 0.29%) for treating VVC. With these encouraging findings, we are now prepared to engage in discussions with relevant authorities for further clinical investigations. Story continues About severe and recurring VVC and MCZ-DB VVC is a prevalent vaginal fungal infection primarily caused by the yeast Candida albicans, affecting as many as one in every two women during their life, with about 175 million units (treatments) sold annually worldwide2. Up to 20% of VVC patients develop severe to recurrent VVC characterized by reinfection occurring more than four times per year. These are long-term conditions that cause significant pain and distress, with an estimated economic burden from lost productivity projected up to $14.39 billion annually by 20303. There is a high unmet need for novel treatment options in severe and rVVC as current standard of care treatments have significant drawbacks, including lack of efficacy, the development of drug resistance due to continued use and liver toxicity4. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that the activity of Miconazole (MCZ), the current topical standard of care, when combined with the Miconazole potentiator Domiphen Bromide, can combat the occurrence and recurrence of mucosal biofilm-related vaginal Candida infections5. MCZ and DB work synergistically where DB increases the permeability of the plasma membrane and the vacuolar membrane of Candida spp., and MCZ acting fungicidal, thereby destroying fungal activity and potentially preventing further fungal growth. The synergistic mode-of-action of topical MCZ-DB has the potential to be effective against azole-resistant infections, possibly addressing the high unmet needs in recurring VVC6. About Hyloris Pharmaceuticals SA Hyloris is a specialty biopharma company focused on innovating, reinventing, and optimizing existing medications to address important healthcare needs and deliver relevant improvements for patients, healthcare professionals and payors. The Companys development strategy primarily focuses on leveraging established regulatory pathways, such as the FDAs 505(b)2 pathway in the U.S or equivalent regulatory frameworks in other regions which are specifically designed for pharmaceuticals for which safety and efficacy of the molecule have already been established. This approach can reduce the clinical burden required for market entry, and significantly shorten the development timelines, leading to reduced costs and risks. Hyloris has built a broad, patented portfolio of 18 reformulated and repurposed value-added medicines that have the potential to offer significant advantages over existing alternatives. Two products are currently in early phases of commercialization in collaboration with commercial partners: Sotalol IV for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, and Maxigesic IV, a non-opioid post-operative pain treatment. In addition to its core strategic focus, the Company has 1 approved high barrier generic product launched in the U.S. and 2 high barrier generic products in development. Hyloris is based in Liege, Belgium. For more information, visit www.hyloris.com and follow-us on LinkedIn. About Purna Female Healthcare NV Purna Female Healthcare is a spin-off of Purna Pharmaceuticals, a family-owned Belgian company specialized in the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. With proficiency in every facet of drug development and manufacturing, Purna Pharmaceuticals can seamlessly progress from the initial stages of innovative ideas or technologies to the industrial production of the final product. For more information, contact Hyloris: Stijn Van Rompay, CEO Stijn.Vanrompay@hyloris.com +32 (0)4 346 02 07 Jean-Luc Vandebroek, CFO Jean-luc.vandebroek@hyloris.com +32 (0)478 27 68 42 Disclaimer and forward-looking statements Hyloris means high yield, lower risk, which relates to the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for product approval on which the Issuer focuses, but in no way relates or applies to an investment in the Shares. Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified using forward-looking terminology, including the words "believes", "estimates," "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will", "plans", "continue", "ongoing", "potential", "predict", "project", "target", "seek" or "should", and include statements the Company makes concerning the intended results of its strategy. These statements relate to future events or the Companys future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Companys control, that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements of the Company or its industry to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. 1 p-value <0.05 2 FIOR Markets 2019; Global Info Research; IMS 3 D.W Denning et al.. Lancet Infectious Diseases (2018); D Rosati D et al., An Immunological Perspective, Microorganisms (2020) 4 P.G. Pappas et al., Clinical Infectious Diseases (2016); J.D. Sobel et al., Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy (2018) 5 J Tits., J et al., Antimicrob. Agents Chemother (2020); K. De Cremer et al., Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy (2015) 6 Manuscript for scientific paper submitted Attachment People cross a street near office towers in the Lujiazui financial district, ahead of the National People's Congress (NPC), in Shanghai By Leika Kihara TOKYO (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday projected emerging Asian economies would expand 5.2% this year, slowing from 2023 but revised up from its forecast three months ago on stronger-than-expected growth in China. The region's growth forecast for 2024, which compared with a 5.4% expansion last year, was upgraded 0.4 percentage point from October. In 2025, emerging and developing Asia is expected to grow 4.8%, the IMF said in its upgraded World Economic Outlook. China's growth estimate for this year was revised up by 0.4 percentage point to 4.6% on increased government spending, though it was still slower than last year's 5.2% expansion. The IMF said China's economy could recover faster than expected if Beijing makes additional property-sector reforms, such as restructuring insolvent property developers, or spends more than anticipated to boost consumer confidence. But it also warned of the risk that China's growth could underwhelm expectations if authorities resort to "unintended fiscal tightening" that could hurt consumption. "Absent a comprehensive restructuring policy package for the troubled property sector, real estate investment could drop more than expected, and for longer, with negative implications for domestic growth and trading partners," the IMF said. Growth in India is projected to remain strong at 6.5% in both 2024 and 2025, with an upgrade from October by 0.2 percentage point for both years, on resilient domestic demand, it said. Among advanced economies, Japan's growth is expected to slow to 0.9% in 2024 from last year's 1.9%, as the effect of pent-up demand after the removal of pandemic-related curbs fades, the IMF said. (Reporting by Leika Kihara; Editing by Sonali Paul) One simple way to benefit from the stock market is to buy an index fund. But many of us dare to dream of bigger returns, and build a portfolio ourselves. For example, the RHB Bank Berhad (KLSE:RHBBANK) share price is up 11% in the last three years, clearly besting the market decline of around 0.5% (not including dividends). However, more recent returns haven't been as impressive as that, with the stock returning just 5.9% in the last year , including dividends . Now it's worth having a look at the company's fundamentals too, because that will help us determine if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business. Check out our latest analysis for RHB Bank Berhad While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time. RHB Bank Berhad was able to grow its EPS at 8.8% per year over three years, sending the share price higher. This EPS growth is higher than the 3% average annual increase in the share price. So it seems investors have become more cautious about the company, over time. This cautious sentiment is reflected in its (fairly low) P/E ratio of 8.02. You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values). We know that RHB Bank Berhad has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? This free report showing analyst revenue forecasts should help you figure out if the EPS growth can be sustained. What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). 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 RHB Bank Berhad the TSR over the last 3 years was 33%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! Story continues A Different Perspective RHB Bank Berhad provided a TSR of 5.9% over the last twelve months. But that return falls short of the market. If we look back over five years, the returns are even better, coming in at 6% per year for five years. Maybe the share price is just taking a breather while the business executes on its growth strategy. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand RHB Bank Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with RHB Bank Berhad , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. We will like RHB Bank Berhad better if we see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Malaysian 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. Lake Street institution Soderberg's Floral & Gift is back open after a St. Paul florist acquired the business. "We are trying to save the name and brand," new owner Heather Serr said Monday. "We are not moving. We are not changing anything." Serr reopened the 3305 E. Lake St. shop Friday. She acquired A. Johnson & Sons Florists on Grand Avenue in St. Paul two years ago. She declined to disclose the purchase price of the Soderberg's property, which she bought from Lighthouse Management Group. Serr said she hopes to hire back most of the 30 employees who worked at the business and is planning to ramp up staff for Valentine's Day, even if it's with temporary employees. She's also busy ordering enough roses. "We are trying to make sure we're prepared for Valentine's Day," she said. Soderberg's abruptly closed Dec. 28, devastating customers and ending nearly 100 years on Lake Street in Minneapolis. Thirty workers were out of a job with the closure. Harry Soderberg opened his flower shop down the street in 1925 and moved it to the present location in 1932. Harry and his wife, Mildred, ran the business until 1976, when they sold it to employees Lyle and Carol Blair. The Blairs ran it for 29 years. At the time of last month's closing, officials with Lighthouse Management Group were newly handling affairs for Soderberg's and did not return calls for comment. The most recent owner, Howard O'Neill, ran businesses in St. Cloud for several years. The Soderberg's stretch of Lake Street, like most of the important business thoroughfare, is still recovering from the 2020 riots following the murder of George Floyd by police. The 2020 vandals burned down the Walgreens store one block away. Soderberg's survived, but business slowed as retail customers shied away from the area and the pandemic cancelled many events for 18 months. Neighboring businesses noted that looters shattered windows of the shop. Story continues Owners and employees from Precision Tune, Sonora Grill, Soderberg's and Walgreens said they banded together, hired extra security and worked with residents, all taking turns to guard their street. Customers and community groups noted that Soderberg's buoyed Minneapolis' Longfellow neighborhood, helped nearby businesses survive the 2020 riots, and long supplied flowers to the Minnesota Twins, the University of Minnesota, Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Xcel Center and the Meet Minneapolis convention bureau. Soderberg's is a mainstay on Lake Street, along with longtime businesses Ingebretsen's. Another longtime storefront, western-wear retailer Schatzlein Saddle Shop, closed in fall 2022. America's fleet of robotic drone warships, the Ghost Fleet Overlord, made headlines late last year when four of the vessels wrapped up a six-month tour in the Pacific, including autonomous port visits to Japan and Australia. Last week, the ghost fleet was in the news again, with the announcement that it had grown with the launch of a fifth robotic warship, the Vanguard (designated OUSV 3). Image source: Getty Images. Ahoy, Vanguard! The Vanguard -- built by the Australian shipbuilder Austal's U.S. subsidiary, in cooperation with American defense contractor L3Harris (NYSE: LHX) -- is the last of the Navy's prototype Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV), and the first of a new class of large USVs. Vanguard's predecessors -- Sea Hunter, Seahawk, Ranger, and Mariner -- were all built by privately held Gulf Craft under contract to defense contractor Leidos (NYSE: LDOS). All four are designated as medium USVs, or MUSVs. Vanguard is different. At 205 feet from stem to stern, it barely qualifies for Navy specifications that its LUSVs should range from 200 to 300 feet in length and displace as much as 2,000 tons. It's the largest prototype USV the Navy has built to date. LUSVs built for operational use will be even larger: big enough to carry from 16 to 32 missile launchers, allowing the Navy to spread them out across the sea according to a strategy called "distributed lethality." The idea is to build a lot of cheaper ships, put missiles on all of them, and then spread them out to give a foe more targets to worry about. Vanguard isn't ready for that mission just yet. The vessel doesn't appear to be armed at all, its larger size being mostly devoted to allowing the vessel to carry additional fuel, enabling longer voyages. But its deployment does put the Navy one step closer to its plan to make autonomous warships an integral part of the fleet, buying as many as eight or nine more hulls for a total investment of $2 billion or more. Story continues Leidos or L3Harris? So how do we invest in this plan? I see two primary ways to do it, with an option for a third. As one of the premier providers of warship combat systems, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) serves as an option for investing in just about any expansion of the Navy's fleet. But if you want to invest in the idea of autonomous warships in particular, Leidos and L3Harris are the best pure plays. And of these latter two defense stocks, I think one sails head and shoulders above the other, in terms of giving you a better chance to profit. Leidos L3Harris Market capitalization $15.3 billion $39.2 billion Price-to-sales ratio 1 2.1 Trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio 105 26.6 Forward P/E 14.8 15.4 Price-to-free-cash-flow (P/FCF) ratio 19.2 23 Data sources: Yahoo! Finance; S&P Global Market Intelligence. A few numbers stand out when comparing these two defense stocks. L3Harris is obviously the bigger company at more than twice Leidos' market cap (with a correspondingly higher debt load). L3Harris is also currently priced at a discount to Leidos' triple-digit price-to-earnings ratio, with a 26.6 P/E that's almost exactly equal to the average P/E on the S&P 500 (which is 26.4). But the only reason Leidos currently carries a much larger P/E than L3Harris does is that Leidos took a large asset impairment charge last year -- which ate up more than half the company's operating profit. Once that charge rolls off the back end, though, Leidos' P/E is going to drop right back down again. Based on analyst forecasts for 2024 earnings, Leidos is going to start looking cheaper than L3Harris as soon as this year. In fact, when valued on free cash flow, Leidos is already cheaper than L3Harris. And a new Navy contract that Leidos just won, to maintain and operate Ghost Fleet Overlord for the next three years, should help provide the profits to support those valuations. On top of all that, Leidos is currently only one of two, out of the dozen or so defense companies that I follow, to meet my own fair-value test for defense stocks, by having a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 1 or less. (Only Huntington Ingalls, also a Navy shipbuilder, scores better with a P/S ratio of 0.9.) To me, this makes Leidos the smarter play here. Cheaper on P/S and P/FCF already, and likely to be cheaper on P/E as well within the next 12 months, Leidos is simply the better bargain in autonomous shipbuilding. Should you invest $1,000 in Leidos right now? Before you buy stock in Leidos, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now... and Leidos wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of January 22, 2024 Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. If You Love America's New Robot Navy, Buy This 1 Stock was originally published by The Motley Fool Candice Krasovec Candice Krasovec is a real estate broker and sales agent in Washington state who became financially successful within her first year of working in the industry. In just one year, she met her cap, and became her teams top launch agent and even the top listing agent for several months. Barbara Corcoran: If You Buy a Home Now, Its To Your Advantage See: Pocket an Extra $400 a Month With This Simple Hack Heres how she did it and how she believes other real estate agents can achieve success quickly, too. Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. Join a Team That Will Give You Leads When you are starting out, its important to join a team that will help you find your first leads. If you have to work to get your own leads, do not join, Krasovec said. Do not bring them business. They must be adding value financially that you cannot supply yourself. Escape the Cold on a Budget: The 5 Cheapest Places To Live in Florida Near the Beach Brand Yourself Having a personal brand is essential, Krasovec said. From the get-go, have a clear voice, goal, area and image you are projecting, she said. Do not waste time or money until you have this set up. Become an Expert on Your Area Know your area everything about it, Krasovec said. Pick a small area and focus on that. Its important to get to know the people who live in that area as well they could become potential clients. Door knock, call, e-mail, etc., Krasovec said. Be Genuine Your demeanor toward clients and potential clients could make or break your success. Do not be fake and do not [act like] you know everything, Krasovec said. Be humble but educated. You need to be real, not pushy, and really care about [clients] well-being. That means telling them things they do not want to hear. You need to give them a service and help them make the best choice not just line your pockets. Find Mentors Krasovec recommended seeking out successful agents in your market or brokerage. Figure out what they are doing right, and incorporate the lessons you learn into your own way of doing things. Story continues Dedicate Time Every Day To Finding Leads When you dont have any leads, dedicate two to four hours a day to finding new ones, Krasovec said. I found most of my leads from open houses and meeting folks, she said. I have not sold any homes to someone I personally knew all my transactions came from new people. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im A Real Estate Agent: Heres How I Got Rich Selling Homes in a Year ANNAPOLIS, Md. Densely packed in Lawyers Mall in Annapolis on Tuesday morning, mothers, advocates and policymakers celebrated a decade of legislative wins limiting firearm access and laid out plans to establish civil liability for gun dealers in 2024. Since 2013, the General Assembly has passed legislation mandating universal background checks and requiring gun owners to apply for handgun qualification licenses, banned the sale and possession of ghost guns, implemented red flag laws, created guidelines on safe gun storage, limited who is eligible to receive a concealed-carry license and restricted where guns may be carried. But advocates, and many politicians, say there is still more to do to protect Marylanders from the threat of gun violence especially in the wake of a 4th Circuit Court decision restricting the scope of recently passed gun control legislation. I want you to look around, I want you to soak it in, and I want you to ask yourselves this question: Where is the NRA today? Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Vice Chair Jeff Waldstreicher, a Montgomery County Democrat, said at a rally hosted by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. Bereft. Beleaguered. Bedraggled. Besmirched. And, most importantly, bankrupt. The 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen overturned New Yorks gun licensing policy, which had required applicants for permits to carry guns in public to demonstrate proper cause, and subsequently disrupted similar licensing processes in Maryland, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island. In response to that decision, Marylands legislature passed landmark gun control policies in 2023, limiting who is eligible to receive a concealed-carry license and where those guns can be carried. But the specific law that restricts where handguns can be carried is being challenged in federal court on the basis that it violates the interpretation of the Second Amendment under the Bruen decision. In September, a judge restricted the scope of where guns are prohibited in Maryland, allowing them in establishments that sell alcohol, onto private property without the owners consent and within 1,000 feet of a protest or demonstration. Story continues I am so happy to have [had] the support from so many moms across my district and across the state as we passed meaningful, substantial legislation with regard to firearms in the last legislative session, House Judiciary Committee Chair Luke Clippinger, a Democrat from South Baltimore, told the crowd. Its because of you that we were able to get that work done, and its because of you that were going to continue the work that we need to do here in Annapolis. Not all of 2023s gun control legislation made it across the finish line, however, including a bill sponsored by Waldstreicher that would have allowed the attorney general or individual plaintiffs to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers for not having proper safeguards. Since that bill did not make it out of committee in 2023, Waldstreicher is resurrecting it this year with Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Chair Will Smith. No industry should be immune from lawsuits, Waldstreicher said at Tuesdays rally. Not tobacco, not opioids, not firearms. Waldstreichers Gun Industry Accountability Act of 2024, or Senate Bill 488, would allow the attorney general and individual plaintiffs to be permitted to sue gun dealers and manufacturers if they dont implement reasonable controls to prevent straw purchasers, gun traffickers, people who are prohibited from firearm possession, and anyone they believe has the intent to use a firearm in the commission of a crime from accessing guns. Members of the firearms industry would also be susceptible to lawsuits if they dont take measures to prevent the loss or theft of their products. When you stop caring about how your product is being used by bad actors, you are the bad actor, said Waldstreicher. Senate President Bill Ferguson, a Democrat, said Tuesday morning that he is extremely supportive of the bill, but there are legal questions that need to be evaluated before it moves. Hopefully the [Senate Judicial Proceedings] Committee will be able to work through and find something that can move forward, but, in this constitutional environment around gun regulations, the fact that any potential regulation has to be tied back to the time of muskets and single-use pistols is a challenging reality, he said. --------- (Bloomberg) -- Massachusetts agtech startup Inari Agriculture Inc. said it raised $103 million of new equity at a $1.65 billion valuation. Most Read from Bloomberg Existing investors including Hanwha Impact, Canadian pension giant CPP Investments, Rivas Capital, NGS Super, State of Michigan Retirement System and Flagship Pioneering participated in the round, as did new investors such as the RCM Private Markets fund, an affiliate of Rokos Capital Management. This fundraise comes at an exciting time for the company, helping to further advance our cutting-edge technologies and enter the commercialization phase bringing our breakthrough products into the hands of seed customers, Inari Chief Executive Officer Ponsi Trivisvavet said in an emailed statement. Based in Cambridge, Inari uses technology to develop corn, soybean, wheat and other seeds that require less water, land and fertilizer. Flagship Pioneering Managing Partner Stephen Berenson, whos set to join Inaris board of directors, said the funding round reflects continued confidence in the companys ability to deliver on its nature-positive vision. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. As home ownership becomes elusive for Millennials and Gen Z, Apartment real estate investment trusts (REITs) offer a compelling investment alternative. In this article, well explore two apartment REITs with yields up to 4.5% that could be bought right now. Essex Property Trust Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS) owns and manages a portfolio of 252 apartment communities consisting of approximately 62,000 apartment units across eight major U.S. markets on the West Coast, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, and Seattle. Essex currently pays a quarterly dividend of $2.31 per share, equating to $9.24 per share annually, which gives it a yield of about 3.9% at the time of this writing. Essex is also a serial dividend raiser. It has raised its annual dividend every year since its initial public offering in 1994, resulting in an incredible 29 year streak, and it's very likely that this streak extends to 30 years in 2024. With a high yield and long track record of dividend growth, Essex is one of the most attractive dividend stocks in the real estate industry. Don't Miss: Investing in real estate just got a whole lot simpler. This Dara Khosrowshahi-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100. Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, but few investors have the capital or resources needed to invest in this asset class. A platform backed by industry giant Marcus & Millichap is changing that, allowing individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000. Equity Residential Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR) owns and manages a portfolio of 305 properties consisting of 80,683 apartment units in major cities across the U.S., including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Equity Residential currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.6625, which equates to $2.65 per share annually and gives it a yield of about 4.5% at the time of this writing. The company has also raised its annual dividend for two consecutive years, making it both a high-yield and dividend-growth opportunity for investors. Story continues Arrived Homes You can also gain exposure to the benefits of homeownership through Arrived Homes. Arrived is an alternative investment platform, backed by Jeff Bezos and Dara Khosrowshahi, that allows individuals to easily invest in real estate by purchasing shares of rental properties. Investors on the platform earn passive income through the rental revenue while waiting for the properties they invest in to appreciate in value over time. Read Next: Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, but few investors have the capital or resources needed to invest in this asset class. A platform backed by industry giant Marcus & Millichap is changing that, allowing individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000. Collecting passive income from real estate just got a whole lot simpler. A new real estate fund backed by Dara Khosrowshahi gives you instant access to a diversified portfolio of rental properties, and you only need $100 to get started. Image Credit: Shutterstock "ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now! Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Millennials Should Consider This Investment Strategy Amidst Homeownership Challenges originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2024) - Moonbound Mining Ltd. (CSE: MML) (the "Company") announces that, further to its news releases dated December 15, 2023 and January 5, 2024, it has closed (the "Closing") the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of 1442160 B.C. Ltd. ("NumberCo") from the shareholders of NumberCo (each, a "NumberCo Shareholder") pursuant to a share exchange agreement (the "Share Exchange Agreement") dated January 3, 2024 (the "Acquisition"). Upon Closing, NumberCo became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. About NumberCo NumberCo is a private British Columbia corporation whose wholly-owned subsidiary, Norrabees Lithium (SA) Limited ("Norrabees"), a company incorporated under the company laws of the Republic of Mauritius, is party to a Sale of Shares Agreement (the "Sale of Shares Agreement") dated December 13, 2023 among Norrabees, Dune Resources Proprietary Limited ("Dune"), and SPH Kundalila Proprietary Limited ("SPH"), pursuant to which Norrabees has the right to acquire all of the issued and outstanding share of Dune from SPH (the "Dune Transaction"). In accordance with the Sale of Shares Agreement, the Dune Transaction is to be completed in three parts: part A to be comprised of the sale of 3,124 shares (each, a "Dune Share") in the capital of Dune, constituting approximately 40% of the total issued and outstanding Dune Shares; part B to be comprised of the sale of 3,124 Dune Shares, constituting approximately 40% of the total issued and outstanding Dune Shares; and part C to be comprised of the sale of 1,562 Dune Shares, constituting approximately 20% of the total issued and outstanding Dune Shares. Dune holds 65% of the issued and outstanding shares of Namli Exploration & Mining Proprietary Limited ("Namli"), a private limited liability company under the laws of the Republic of South Africa (the "RSA"), which company holds a mining permit (the "Mining Permit") bearing State Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ("DMRE") reference number NC30/5/3/10950MP, for the minerals lithium ore, nickel, manganese, lead, copper, iron, cobalt, gold, zinc, silver, tungsten, uranium, beryllium, rare earths and tantalum and a prospecting right (the "Prospecting Right"), bearing DMRE reference number: NC30/5/1/1/2/11823PR, for the minerals beryllium ore, copper ore, lead, lithium ore, nickel ore, rare earths, silver ore, tantalum/niobium ore, tungsten ore, uranium ore and zinc ore, both in respect of that portion of the remainder of Farm Steinkopf No. 22, situated in the Magisterial District of Namaqualand, RSA (the "Norrabees Lithium Project"). In connection with the Dune Transaction, Dune will increase its ownership of Namli from 65% to 100% such that it will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dune. Story continues About the Norrabees Lithium Project The Norrabees Lithium Project is located in the Namakwa District Municipality, Northern Cape, RSA, some 80km north of Springbok and directly south of the Orange River and the border with Namibia. Access to the licenced area is gained by following the N7 north from Springbok for 62km and then turning on to a spur road for approximately 21km to the mine site. The Prospecting Right covers the majority of the eastern portion of the Namaqualand Pegmatite belt, extending to a total area of 167,000ha. The Mining Permit covers a total area of 5ha, which has been demarcated to include the Norrabees 1 & 11 projects. Summary of the Acquisition Pursuant to the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding NumberCo Shares from the NumberCo Shareholders and as consideration issued 38,000,000 common shares (each, a "Consideration Share") in the capital of the Company, at a deemed price of $0.30 per Consideration Share, and 19,000,000 common share purchase warrants (each, a "Consideration Warrant") to the NumberCo Shareholders on a pro rata basis. Each Consideration Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Share") at an exercise price of $0.40 for a period of three years after the date of issuance of the Consideration Warrants. Pursuant to the terms of a finder's fee agreement, an arm's length finder (the "Finder") was issued an aggregate of 2,000,000 Shares (collectively, the "Finder's Shares") at a deemed price of $0.30 per Finder's Share in connection with the Transaction. The Finder's Shares are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and a day pursuant to relevant Canadian securities laws. The Company will file a Form 51-102F4 - Business Acquisition Report ("BAR") including the audited financial statements for NumberCo and file a National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects technical report on the Norrabees Lithium Project. The Consideration Shares will be subject to a CSE-imposed hold until the date that is 10 days following the filing of the BAR. Upon Closing, Ann Fehr resigned as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and President of the Company and James Lumley was appointed as the CEO and President in her place. There were no other changes to the existing management or board of directors of the Company. James Lumley James Lumley is an experienced professional in the mining and resource sectors, as well as property investment. Mr. Lumley has held various executive positions, including CEO, Business Unit Head, and Project Director. Mr. Lumley was previously the Business Unit Head of Guinea at TerraCom Resources (now TerraCom Limited (ASX: TER)), where he was responsible for managing and developing potential bauxite and iron ore projects. Previously, he served as CEO at Anglo-African Minerals plc., RAM Resources Pty., and NAMA Resources Limited, successfully securing millions of dollars in funding and managing government relations in multiple countries. Mr. Lumley holds an MBA in finance and business studies and has completed graduate banking and financing exams. He also has a history of building strong working relationships with government bodies, investors, and financial institutions, and has successfully negotiated several major deals and memoranda of understanding throughout the African continent. Private Placement The Company also announces that, further to its News Releases of December 19, 2023 and January 18, 2024, it has completed the first tranche of its private placement offering (the "Offering"), which included an aggregate of 7,000,000 subscription receipts (each, a "Subscription Receipt") at a price of $0.30 per Subscription Receipt for gross proceeds of $2,100,000 and an aggregate of 7,000,000 Shares at a price of $0.30 per Share for gross proceeds of $2,100,000. Each Subscription Receipt was converted into one common share of the Company, at no additional cost, upon completion of the Acquisition. The Company intends on completing a second tranche of the Offering. After the issuance of the Shares in the Acquisition and the Offering, the Company has 82,827,903 Shares issued and outstanding on an undiluted basis. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after closing of the Offering. None of the securities sold in connection with the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The aggregate gross proceeds from the Offering are expected to be used for the payment of costs related to the advancement of the Company's mineral projects, to pay for costs in connection with completion of the Acquisition, for working capital and to repay the loan announced in the press release dated January 16, 2024. About the Company Moonbound Mining Ltd. is a mineral exploration company which currently has two exploration projects and is seeking to acquire additional mineral exploration properties. The current projects include the Yak Property, located in northwestern British Columbia, Canada, and the Strathmore Property, which includes seven mining licenses located in Namibia, South Africa. For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). For more information please contact: James Lumley Chief Executive Officer (604) 908 1679 info@moonboundmining.com Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future, including the statement that the Company will complete a second tranche of the Offering. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable and reflect expectations of future developments and other factors which management believes to be reasonable and relevant, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that investors will have sufficient interest in the Company such that the Company will complete the second tranche of the Offering. Other factors may also adversely affect the future results or performance of he Company, including general economic, market or business conditions, future prices of minerals, changes in the financial markets and in the demand for minerals, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting the mineral exploration industry, as well as the risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and in other filings made by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's SEDAR profile. The ongoing labour shortages, inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, the global financial climate and the conflicts in both Ukraine and Palestine and surrounding regions are some additional factors that are affecting current economic conditions and increasing economic uncertainty, which may impact the Company's operating performance, financial position, and future prospects. Collectively, the potential impacts of this economic environment pose risks that are currently indescribable and immeasurable. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly, are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forwardlooking information whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196107 Key news highlights: Mowilex has established a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) that will further promote innovation and excellence by leveraging the expertise of industry leaders. The Scientific Advisory Board will help strengthen R&D efforts, provide strategic guidance, and position Mowilex at the forefront of emerging technologies and trends. Prof. Raymond Fernando, Ph.D., and Raja Krishnamurthy, Ph.D., MBA, will join the Mowilex Scientific Advisory Board during a January 2024 meeting. JAKARTA, Indonesia, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PT Mowilex Indonesia (Mowilex), a leading producer of premium paints and wood coatings, has formed a new Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) that will elevate the company's research, innovation and industry leadership capabilities. Acting in a non-legally binding advisory role, SAB members will enhance Mowilex research and development (R&D) efforts and reinforce the company's commitment to excellence. (left-right) Raja Krishnamurthy, Ph.D., MBA, and Prof. Raymond Fernando, Ph.D., pictured with Mowilex Head of Research and Development Novina Tjahjadi, will help strengthen R&D efforts and boost innovation as members of the new Mowilex Scientific Advisory Board. The Mowilex SAB, which held its first meeting on January 24, 2024, will provide strategic guidance that promotes continuous improvement according to industry standards and best practices. As it helps advance R&D initiatives, the SAB will provide expertise that keeps Mowilex at the forefront of emerging technologies and industry trends. "The formation of the Scientific Advisory Board represents a significant milestone for Mowilex. By tapping into decades of academic and industry experience, the SAB will provide invaluable insights that foster innovation and enrich our knowledge base. We are proud to strengthen Mowilex's R&D efforts and broaden our position as a leader and innovator in the paint and coatings sector," says SAB Board Chairperson and Mowilex Head of Research and Development Novina Tjahjadi. "This one-of-a-kind advisory body will be an important sounding board for our R&D leadership, and it demonstrates our commitment to quality, innovation and product development," says Niko Safavi, CEO of PT Mowilex Indonesia. "Mowilex R&D has always transformed our passion for quality and excellence into innovative products. With additional support from outside advisors, we will boost our competencies, expand efficiency, maintain a competitive edge, and accelerate time-to-market for dozens of products in our development pipeline." Story continues The Mowilex Scientific Advisory Board will welcome two renowned coatings industry professionals in January, with additional members expected in 2024. Prof. Raymond Fernando, Ph.D., directs California Polytechnic State University's Kenneth N. Edwards Western Coatings Technology Center, and he has held the institution's Arthur C. Edwards Endowed Chair in Coatings Technology and Ecology since 2002. During nearly 40 years in the field, Dr. Fernando has run coatings research and testing services, trained industry professionals, and consulted for companies worldwide. He earned a Ph.D. in polymers and coatings from North Dakota State University and a B.Sc. in chemistry in Sri Lanka. Raja Krishnamurthy, Ph.D., MBA, has broad leadership and technical expertise in material technologies, adhesive technology, industrial and decorative coatings, and application. His product development and R&D career includes nearly three decades of work as a technical advisor, consultant and mentor to major companies across India and the globe. Dr. Krishnamurthy received a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from The University of Akron, an MBA from Queens University in the U.S., and a B.Tech from NIT, Trichy. Learn more about Mowilex ESG programs and products at Mowilex.com . About PT Mowilex Indonesia PT Mowilex Indonesia (Mowilex), a subsidiary of Asia Coatings Enterprises, Pte. Ltd., is a leading producer of premium paints and coatings. Since launching the first Indonesian-made, water-based paints in 1970, the company has expanded its commitment to environmental ethics, equality, community and innovation. PT Mowilex is Indonesia's first and only certified carbon neutral manufacturer, producing zero and low VOC paints in modern colours, and the company regularly wins awards for its corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts. Media Contact: media@mowilex.com SOURCE PT Mowilex Indonesia (Bloomberg) -- Elon Musk said that the first human patient has received a brain implant from his startup Neuralink Corp., a significant step forward for the company that aims to one day let humans control computers with their minds. Most Read from Bloomberg In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Musk said that the patient is recovering well, and that initial results of the procedure were promising. Neuralinks brain implant aims to help people with traumatic injuries operate computers using only their thoughts. In May, the company said it had received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to conduct its first human trials. And late last year Neuralink said it was recruiting patients with quadriplegia due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for the trial. On X, Musk wrote that Neuralinks first product would be called Telepathy. It will enable control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking, he said Monday. Musk added that the products initial users will be people who have lost the use of their limbs. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer, he wrote. That is the goal. Read this next: Elon Musks Brain Implant Startup Is Ready to Start Surgery Musk said that Neuralink had good results for neuron spike detection that means the company is getting recordings from the patients brain, said Kip Ludwig, co-director of the Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering at the University of Wisconsin. Now, Neuralink needs to show it can do more than other leading companies in the area, such as Blackrock Neurotech and Synchron, he said. Story continues In July 2022, Synchron said it had performed the first brain-computer interface implant on a patient in the US. China Brain Implant Stocks Rise on Musks 1st Neuralink Patient Neuralink has already conducted extensive tests on animals. In those tests, monkeys have been able to play computer games using their brains alone. The experiments have raised alarms with some animal rights groups, such as the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, for the companys work with primates. For several years, Musk has said that implanting a human with his device was imminent. In July 2019, he predicted surgery in a human head by years end. Meanwhile, other companies such as Synchron moved ahead implanting their own devices into human brains, opening Neuralink to the suggestion it was falling behind. Mondays news will likely blunt that criticism. The long timetable underscores how tough the task ahead is for Neuralink. The startups chips aim to go just a few millimeters into the brain. Thats still deeper than many other systems, such as the one in development from Precision Neuroscience, which sits on top of the brain tissue. Typically, first-in-human trials, which is the type of study Neuralink just launched, enroll five to 10 people and take around six months. If it goes well, Neuralink can start whats know as a feasibility study, and finally, a pivotal study. Last year, Neuralink said it expected to perform 11 surgeries in 2024. Despite the progress, a commercial brain implant isnt imminent. I do think theres a danger in overhyping it, Neuralink adviser Jaimie Henderson, a neurosurgery professor at Stanford University, said in an interview that took place last week, before Mondays news was announced. Henderson said he was excited about the technology, but added an approved device is still years away. (Updates with reference to Synchron performing first brain-computer interface implant) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term? Typically, we'll want to notice a trend of growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and alongside that, an expanding base of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. So while NEXT (LON:NXT) has a high ROCE right now, lets see what we can decipher from how returns are changing. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. To calculate this metric for NEXT, this is the formula: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.34 = UK960m (UK4.0b - UK1.2b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to July 2023). Therefore, NEXT has an ROCE of 34%. In absolute terms that's a great return and it's even better than the Multiline Retail industry average of 8.7%. See our latest analysis for NEXT roce In the above chart we have measured NEXT's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering NEXT here for free. How Are Returns Trending? On the surface, the trend of ROCE at NEXT doesn't inspire confidence. To be more specific, while the ROCE is still high, it's fallen from 51% where it was five years ago. On the other hand, the company has been employing more capital without a corresponding improvement in sales in the last year, which could suggest these investments are longer term plays. It may take some time before the company starts to see any change in earnings from these investments. On a side note, NEXT has done well to pay down its current liabilities to 30% of total assets. So we could link some of this to the decrease in ROCE. Effectively this means their suppliers or short-term creditors are funding less of the business, which reduces some elements of risk. Since the business is basically funding more of its operations with it's own money, you could argue this has made the business less efficient at generating ROCE. Story continues The Bottom Line On NEXT's ROCE To conclude, we've found that NEXT is reinvesting in the business, but returns have been falling. Although the market must be expecting these trends to improve because the stock has gained 99% over the last five years. Ultimately, if the underlying trends persist, we wouldn't hold our breath on it being a multi-bagger going forward. On a separate note, we've found 3 warning signs for NEXT you'll probably want to know about. 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. Net Sales : Achieved record sales of $3.9 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year. Net Earnings : Soared to $556.6 million, marking a significant 136% jump from the previous year. Earnings Per Share (EPS) : Recorded a record EPS of $3.69, a 144% increase year-over-year. Free Cash Flow : Demonstrated strong liquidity with free cash flow of $598 million, a conversion rate of 107%. 2024 Outlook: Anticipates sales growth of 3% to 5% and EPS between $3.90 and $4.15. On January 30, 2024, A.O. Smith Corp (NYSE:AOS) released its 8-K filing, revealing a year of record-breaking financial achievements. The company, a global leader in water heating and treatment technologies, has reported a significant uptick in its financial metrics, reflecting robust demand and operational efficiency. A.O. Smith Corp (AOS) Announces Record 2023 Earnings and Provides Optimistic 2024 Guidance Company Overview A.O. Smith Corporation is at the forefront of manufacturing and marketing residential and commercial water heaters, boilers, and water treatment products. With a strategic focus on North America and significant operations in the Rest of the World, including key markets in Asia, A.O. Smith has built a reputation for innovation and quality. The company's success is underpinned by a strong distribution network and a commitment to replacing existing products, ensuring a steady demand in the replacement market. Financial Performance and Challenges The company's performance in 2023 was marked by record sales of $3.9 billion, a 3% increase from the previous year, primarily driven by higher water heater volumes. Net earnings saw an impressive surge to $556.6 million, a 136% increase, with diluted EPS climbing to $3.69, up 144%. Adjusted earnings stood at $574.8 million, resulting in an adjusted EPS of $3.81, a 21% increase. This growth is a testament to A.O. Smith's strong market position and operational excellence, particularly in North America. Despite these achievements, the company acknowledges the challenges it faces, including the potential for economic instability and the need to navigate global supply chain complexities. The importance of these challenges lies in their potential to impact future growth and profitability, making it crucial for A.O. Smith to maintain its strategic focus and operational agility. Story continues Financial Achievements and Industry Significance The company's financial achievements are particularly significant in the context of the Industrial Products industry. A.O. Smith's strong operating cash flow of $670 million and free cash flow of $598 million underscore its financial health and ability to generate shareholder value. These metrics are critical for sustaining investment in innovation and growth, as well as for pursuing strategic acquisitions. Segment-Level Performance and Outlook In North America, A.O. Smith experienced a 4% increase in sales, driven by robust demand for water heater products. The Rest of the World segment faced a slight decrease in sales, but local currency sales increased by approximately 4%, highlighting the growth potential in markets like China and India. Looking ahead to 2024, A.O. Smith projects sales growth between 3% and 5% and anticipates EPS to range from $3.90 to $4.15. This guidance reflects the company's confidence in its market position and its ability to capitalize on growth opportunities. Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns The company's strong balance sheet, with cash and marketable securities totaling $363.4 million and a low leverage ratio, provides the flexibility to focus on capital allocation priorities. In 2023, A.O. Smith repurchased 4.4 million shares at a cost of $306.5 million and declared a consistent dividend, marking 84 consecutive years of dividend payments. Conclusion A.O. Smith's record 2023 earnings and positive outlook for 2024 are indicative of its resilient business model and strategic positioning. The company's ability to generate strong free cash flow and return capital to shareholders positions it well for continued success in the dynamic Industrial Products sector. Investors and stakeholders can look forward to A.O. Smith's sustained growth and profitability as it navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead. For a detailed analysis of A.O. Smith Corp's financials and strategic outlook, investors are encouraged to review the full 8-K filing. Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from A.O. Smith Corp for further details. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Customers can opt to get a pump of olive oil added directly into their drink with the new Oleato line. Ever thought of mixing some olive oil into your morning cup of coffee? Even if you haven't, Starbucks has. The coffee chain has announced that its line of olive oil-infused drinks, which first debuted in Italy in February 2023, is available in stores across the U.S. as of Tuesday, Jan. 30. The Oleato beverages are made using Starbucks brand coffee and extra virgin olive oil provided by brand Partanna. According to Starbucks, the drinks were inspired by a trip founder Howard Schultz took to Sicily, where he observed the popular Mediterranean practice of consuming a spoonful of olive oil each morning. Thinking it a similar custom to the cup of espresso or coffee many of us drink each morning, Schultz thought to combine the two, creating new offerings now up for grabs for U.S. consumers. Here's what's on offer from the new line. Oleato Golden Foam Almost any Starbucks cold drink can be customized to add the Oleato cold foam on top. Like other cold foam options, the Oleato Golden Foam can be added to other cold drinks for a custom treat. Made with vanilla sweet cream, the cold foam is also infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil. Depending on the location, expect to pay $1 to $1.25 extra to add a pump of olive oil directly to your drink or the golden foam to the top. Fact check: False claim Starbucks changed its name to 'Vista Coffee' Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut Starbucks Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut. This cold shaken drink comes with blonde espresso, toffee nut flavoring and oat milk, topped with Oleato Golden Foam. Keep in mind that the cold foam does contain dairy along with the oil, if that's something you're sensitive to. Oleato Caffe Latte with Oatmilk Starbucks Oleato Caffe Latte with Oatmilk. Served hot or cold, this drink is made with a blonde espresso roast, oat milk and an infusion of Partanna extra virgin olive oil. You can also ask for a shot of olive oil directly in your drink. Customized drinks with Oleato foam Starbucks is encouraging customers to get creative with the new customization choices, offering inspiration with a few different options: Story continues Iced Chai Tea Latte with Oleato Golden Foam: Chai mixed with milk and ice topped with Partanna extra virgin olive oil-infused cold foam. Iced Matcha Tea Latte with Oleato Golden Foam: Sweetened matcha served with milk over ice and topped with Partanna extra virgin olive oil-infused cold foam. Dragon Drink Starbucks Refreshers Beverage with Oleato Golden Foam: Sweet mango and dragonfruit flavors shaken with coconut milk, ice, a scoop of sliced dragonfruit and topped with extra virgin olive oil-infused cold foam. Paradise Drink Starbucks Refreshers Beverage with Oleato Golden Foam: Pineapple and passionfruit combined with diced pineapple, coconut milk and topped with Partanna extra virgin olive oil-infused cold foam. Fan reactions New BK offerings: Burger King adding new Candied Bacon Whopper, Fiery Big Fish to menu Reactions to the olive oil-infused drinks during past limited rollouts were mixed, according to social media. On TikTok, several videos showed customers holding drinks with a visible layer of separated oil floating on the top, something that turned some content creators and commenters off. "Starbucks Oleato is TRASH," said one video posted in August and viewed 1.6 million times in which the creator can be seen dumping their drink out into a sink. Another post, made in June and boasting 4.8 million views, said that the drink looked "weird" but that it was actually "SO good." The mixed reviews occupy most search results for the drinks across TikTok, X and Instagram, with people both hating and loving the concoction. One common theme in comments and posts across platforms, however, is a warning that the mixture of coffee, which is a known natural laxative, and olive oil, which is high-fat and can likewise serve as effective constipation relief, may cause some issues for people with sensitive stomachs if not consumed in moderation. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oleato Golden Foam among Starbucks' new olive oil-infused drinks This is an op-ed from White House National Economic Adviser Lael Brainard and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. American workers are making themselves heard. But just as workers are starting to lay the foundations for a stable future, the rise of artificial intelligence is creating new uncertainty. American workers are seeing strong wage gains beyond inflation, the longest stretch of an unemployment rate below 4% in 50 years, and historic collective bargaining agreements across the economy. Yet, opinion polls show nearly 4 in 10 Americans saying they dont know how AI will change their jobs. One in 4 express FOBO fear of becoming obsolete. AI holds tremendous promise and potential peril. On the one hand, AI can improve medical diagnoses, make work less burdensome, and increase productivity for workers and companies. On the other, it threatens to exacerbate bias, erode job quality, and displace workers. For example, the use of AI to inform hiring, promotion, or disciplinary decisions, without meaningful oversight, can replicate bias embedded in the data on which it is trained. Similarly, algorithmic management tools that monitor worker performance or allocate work tasks may create risks of injury. And the massive amounts of data these technological tools use can violate workers privacy or jeopardize their ability to organize unions. President Biden has stated his commitment to the safe and responsible development of AI and to both fostering innovation and protecting workers. Simply put, AI is neither safe nor responsible unless it does right by workers. The role of AI in our lives will be the determined by choices that we make as a society and industry, labor, workers, and government all have a role to play. President Joe Biden speaks at South Carolina's First in the Nation dinner at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, S.C., Jan. 27, 2024. The Biden administration will start implementing a new requirement that the developers of major artificial intelligence systems disclose their safety test results to the government. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) As the most pro-union, pro-worker president in history, President Biden has made clear that workers must have a seat at the table as AI is designed and deployed. And, as we just marked the 90-day anniversary of the presidents executive order on the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence, this becomes more imperative. Story continues Labor and industry are already finding win-win solutions that nurture creativity and innovation while safeguarding workers livelihoods. In September, the 20,000 screenwriters of the Writers Guild of America struck a historic collective bargaining agreement, their first ever to address AI. The agreement ensures that writers alone receive writing credits and prevents studios from using AI for scriptwriting while giving writers the choice to use AI as a tool to support their creative work. Similarly, rail workers have negotiated to ensure that workers oversee any AI-enabled technologies used to scan railway cars. Culinary workers in Las Vegas secured commitments of advance notice before new technologies, including robotics, are deployed in the workplace. Modern collective bargaining agreements like these underscore the vital role of unions in building and fortifying the middle class, now and in the future. They also provide positive, replicable models for the broader labor market; whether a union exists or not, industry and labor can establish formal mechanisms to incorporate workers perspectives into AI development and deployment, equip workers with the digital literacy necessary to adapt to an AI-enabled work, and advocate collectively for worker-centric policies. This is exactly what Microsoft has recently done in a newly announced partnership with the AFL-CIO. Importantly, Microsoft has also pledged to maintain neutrality in any future organizing efforts. The Biden Administration is committed to doing its part. This includes embedding worker protections in rules for key grant programs and continuing to promote high-quality jobs and the right to organize through the Department of Labors Good Jobs Initiative. The Department of Labor is also creating a set of principles for the responsible, worker-centric use of AI. These principles will prescribe vital safeguards, such as transparency in the use of AI, careful pre-deployment testing of AI systems, appropriate and meaningful human review of their outputs, and privacy-enhancing technologies. Additionally, the National Science Foundation is investing in critical research around privacy-preserving techniques, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has already released guidance to ensure the use of AI aligns with civil rights laws. We are going further to ensure workers thrive in an AI-powered economy, and can take advantage of benefits that this technology might bring, by supporting inclusive training programs that help all workers access jobs created or changed by AI. The administration is also preparing detailed policy recommendations to protect and support workers against potential AI-related job displacement. After decades of rising income inequality and communities of workers being left behind in previous periods of technological advancements, we need to ensure that any economic windfalls from AI do not come at the expense of displaced workers. Instead, reinvesting gains from AI in workers will help us secure stronger economic growth for decades to come. AI has already proven to be a powerful new technology, but its productive use for the benefit of all of society depends upon us. Employers, industry, and government should only be advancing AI that works for workers because thats the only way AI works for America. Click here for the latest economic news and indicators to help inform your investing decisions. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance HANOI, Vietnam (AP) The Philippines and Vietnam signed agreements Tuesday to prevent incidents in the South China Sea and broaden cooperation between their coast guards in a growing alliance that will likely be frowned upon by China, which claims virtually the entire waters. The agreements, along with discussions on enhancing information-sharing and training exchanges between the Vietnamese and Philippine militaries, were forged during a visit to Hanoi by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Both sides agreed to boost trade and investment and signed a key deal on rice. The Philippines and Vietnam have had especially tense confrontations with China in the strategic waterway and key route for global trade in recent years. Territorial faceoffs in the high seas between Chinese and Philippine ships intensified last year, fueling fears of a wider conflict that could involve Washington, Manilas longtime treaty ally. Although Chinese and Philippine officials agreed earlier this month at a meeting in Shanghai to take steps to deescalate tensions, Marcos while in Hanoi raised his concerns over the long-seething disputes and cited increasingly aggressive actions by the Chinese coast guard. "There continue to be unilateral and illegal actions that violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction and exacerbate tensions in the South China Sea, Marcos said in a call to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Transcripts of his remarks were issued by the presidential office in Manila. The Philippine president cited a water cannon assault by the Chinese coast guard that damaged a Philippine vessel on Dec. 10 near the Second Thomas Shoal and a similar incident in another disputed area, the Scarborough Shoal. We are firm in defending our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction against any provocations, Marcos said. But at the same time, we are also seeking to address these issues with China through peaceful dialogue and consultations as two equal sovereign states. Story continues Marcos said that in his talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in the U.S. last November, he stressed that need to deescalate tensions in the South China Sea, to which he agreed." It was not immediately clear how the Vietnamese premier reacted to Marcos remarks. Chinese officials also did not immediately comment on that, or on the agreements signed by the neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Vietnamese and Philippine officials did not release specific details of their agreements on preventing and managing incidents in the South China Sea and intensifying coordination on maritime issues to promote trust and confidence. "I hope that we can seriously implement this agreement as quickly as we can, Marcos said. The accord on maritime cooperation aims to establish a comprehensive partnership between our coast guards on capacity building, training and personnel and ship exchanges to enhance interoperability operations between our two countries, Marcos said. The Philippine leader said his country was interested in a joint submission to a United Nations commission that deals with the limits of continental shelves of coastal states. The Philippines is willing to work with Vietnam for a joint submission at the appropriate time, Marcos said. The two countries also signed a deal on Tuesday for Vietnam to supply the Philippines with 1.5 million to 2 million metric tons (1.6 to 2.2 million U.S. tons) of rice each year at affordable prices. Vietnamese rice accounts for 85% of imported rice in the Philippines and the two countries agreed to create a framework for ensuring stable supplies. A rice shortage last year, exacerbated by climate change and some major producers halting exports, resulted in prices soaring globally including in the Philippines. Marcos, who arrived in Hanoi on Monday, also met with Pham Nhat Vuong, Vietnam's richest man and the chairman of the sprawling conglomerate Vingroup, which runs the electric vehicle company Vinfast. Vinfast said after the meeting it would open an EV business network in the Philippines and that the investment would start later this year. VinFasts plans to expand in the Philippines are part of its goal of selling EVs in 50 markets worldwide. It is exporting EVs to the U.S. and also building a $4 billion EV factory in North Carolina, where production is slated to begin this year. It has also said it will build factories in Indonesia and India. ___ Gomez reported from Manila, Philippines. Understanding Pinnacle West Capital Corp's Dividend Dynamics Pinnacle West Capital Corp(NYSE:PNW) recently announced a dividend of $0.88 per share, payable on 2024-03-01, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-01-31. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into Pinnacle West Capital Corps dividend performance and assess its sustainability. What Does Pinnacle West Capital Corp Do? Warning! GuruFocus has detected 10 Warning Signs with PNW. High Yield Dividend Stocks in Gurus' Portfolio This Powerful Chart Made Peter Lynch 29% A Year For 13 Years How to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock? Pinnacle West is a holding company whose principal subsidiary is Arizona Public Service, a vertically integrated electric utility that serves 1.4 million customers across a 35,000-square-mile territory in central Arizona, including Phoenix. APS owns or leases more than 6 gigawatts of power generation capacity, including a 29% ownership stake in the largest nuclear plant in the U.S., Palo Verde. About half of the electricity that APS supplies to customers comes from clean energy sources, including nuclear. Pinnacle West Capital Corp's Dividend Analysis A Glimpse at Pinnacle West Capital Corp's Dividend History Pinnacle West Capital Corp has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 1993. Dividends are currently distributed on a quarterly basis. Pinnacle West Capital Corp has increased its dividend each year since 1993. The stock is thus listed as a dividend aristocrat, an honor that is given to companies that have increased their dividend each year for at least the past 31 years. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends. Breaking Down Pinnacle West Capital Corp's Dividend Yield and Growth As of today, Pinnacle West Capital Corp currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 4.92% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 4.98%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Story continues Over the past three years, Pinnacle West Capital Corp's annual dividend growth rate was 4.50%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate increased to 5.30% per year. And over the past decade, Pinnacle West Capital Corp's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at 5.20%. Based on Pinnacle West Capital Corp's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Pinnacle West Capital Corp stock as of today is approximately 6.37%. Pinnacle West Capital Corp's Dividend Analysis The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2023-09-30, Pinnacle West Capital Corp's dividend payout ratio is 0.89, which may suggest that the company's dividend may not be sustainable. Pinnacle West Capital Corp's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Pinnacle West Capital Corp's profitability 7 out of 10 as of 2023-09-30, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported positive net income for each of year over the past decade, further solidifying its high profitability. Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. Pinnacle West Capital Corp's growth rank of 7 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors. Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and Pinnacle West Capital Corp's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Pinnacle West Capital Corp's revenue has increased by approximately 7.40% per year on average, a rate that underperforms approximately 53.7% of global competitors. The company's 3-year EPS growth rate showcases its capability to grow its earnings, a critical component for sustaining dividends in the long run. During the past three years, Pinnacle West Capital Corp's earnings increased by approximately -3.80% per year on average, a rate that underperforms approximately 66.13% of global competitors. Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 1.80%, which underperforms approximately 59.66% of global competitors. Next Steps In conclusion, while Pinnacle West Capital Corp has a commendable history of consistent dividend payments and growth, investors should be mindful of the sustainability concerns raised by the current payout ratio. The company's profitability and growth metrics present a mixed picture, with strong profitability but lagging growth rates in comparison to industry peers. As such, it is essential for value investors to weigh these factors when considering Pinnacle West Capital Corp as a potential investment for steady dividend income. For further research and to find other potential dividend opportunities, GuruFocus Premium users can utilize the High Dividend Yield Screener. This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Generally, when a single insider buys stock, it is usually not a big deal. However, when several insiders are buying, like in the case of Helia Group Limited (ASX:HLI), it sends a favourable message to the company's shareholders. Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. View our latest analysis for Helia Group The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Helia Group Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by CEO, MD & Director Pauline Blight-Johnston for AU$204k worth of shares, at about AU$2.93 per share. We do like to see buying, but this purchase was made at well below the current price of AU$4.88. Because it occurred at a lower valuation, it doesn't tell us much about whether insiders might find today's price attractive. Helia Group insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. 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 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. Does Helia Group Boast High Insider Ownership? Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It appears that Helia Group insiders own 1.6% of the company, worth about AU$23m. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders. So What Do The Helia Group Insider Transactions Indicate? The fact that there have been no Helia Group insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. Insiders own shares in Helia Group and we see no evidence to suggest they are worried about the future. While we like knowing what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. To help with this, we've discovered 4 warning signs (2 don't sit too well with us!) that you ought to be aware of before buying any shares in Helia Group. Story continues But note: Helia Group may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE 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 of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests. 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. Tiger Global and a16z-backed productivity company ClickUp has acquired the calendar app Hypercal to boost its platform offering, TechCrunch has learned. As part of the acquisition, the app's founder Ricardo Clerigo is also joining ClickUp as Head of Calendar. U.K.-based Hypercal was founded in 2022 as an app for Mac and offered integration with different apps such as Notion, OneNote, Apple Notes, Google Docs, Todolist, Apple Reminders, Asana, Things app, Microsoft To-Do, and Slack. Its free plan allowed users to connect with one calendar and one task app. Hypercal also had a paid tier costing $10 per month for unlimited calendar and task integrations. Image Credits: Hypercal ClickUp offers a single platform for companies to chat, collaborate on documents, manage projects, track timelines, ideate on whiteboards, and get insights from analytical dashboards. Zeb Evans, CEO and founder of ClickUp, confirmed the acquisition to TechCrunch in a statement and said that Hypercal will help infuse new AI-powered features into the company's productivity suite. "It has always been ClickUp's goal to create one app to replace them all. We've already eliminated the need for many apps by building docs, whiteboards, dashboards, tasks, and AI natively into our platform. Calendar has been a part of ClickUp's product for the last 5 years and our future vision is to connect Calendar to 'productivity,' by evolving the core feature," he said. "Through our acquisition of HyperCal, we will be able to accelerate our vision for individual productivity, which is largely reliant on how workers schedule their day within a calendar. It will provide users with the context they need for every meeting they join, pulling from tasks, docs, and projects." Last July, ClickUp laid off 10% of its staff (around 90 employees) as part of a restructuring to become more efficient and IPO-ready. In 2022, the startup cut 7% of its workforce. At that time, it said this was a "one-time decision" to achieve profitability. ClickUp last raised $400 million in Series C funding co-led by Andreessen Horowitz and Tiger Global. The company has other investors, including Lightspeed Venture Partners, Meritech Capital Partners, Craft Ventures, and Georgian Partners. The calendar apps space has been busy in the last few months. Last November, Vimcal secured $4.5 million in funding from Altos Ventures to expand its enterprise offering. Earlier this month, Notion launched its stand-alone calendar, based on Cron, which it acquired in 2022. At the same time, France-based startup Amie removed its waitlist and integrated email functionality. On the day that the foundation of Craig Underwoods business collapsed, he was on vacationat the beach with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren in Hawaii. It was November 2016, and the fourth-generation California farmer had just completed a perfect pepper harvestanother high point for a business, Underwood Ranches, that had grown exponentially over three decades on the strength of a single crop. As the sole supplier of the juicy red jalapenos for sriracha, Huy Fong Foods iconic fiery-red chili-garlic sauce, Underwoods empire of peppers had spread from a 400-acre family farm in the 1980s to 3,000 acres across two counties outside Los Angeles. Srirachas rise had by then become the stuff of business legend. That spicy, slightly sweet, good-on-everything sauce, in the instantly recognizable bottle with its white rooster emblem and bright green nozzle, was the brainchild of David Tran, who had first devised the recipe and sold the stuff in L.A. in 1980 as a Vietnamese refugee starting a new life for his family. Trans business motto is make product, and not profit, but Huy Fong had become the No. 3 hot sauce brand in Americaall as a private company, without selling even the smallest share to the countrys Big Food titans. At the time, Trans green-tipped bottles could be found in one in 10 American kitchens and on the International Space Station. David Tran (left) built Huy Fong Foods around his hit sriracha recipe; Craig Underwood was his exclusive chili supplier. Srirachas success grew from the firm ground of Underwood and Trans business partnership: Underwood supplied all Huy Fongs chilies, and Tran was Underwood Ranches only pepper buyer. By 2012, Tran had built a gleaming 650,000-square-foot factory less than two hours from Underwoods Ventura County headquarters. On a tour of the site, he told Underwood that together they would fill it with chilies. The two men came from different worlds, but they had a lot in common: Soft-spoken patriarchs with kind eyes and faces craggy with laugh lines, both had remained workaholics well into their seventies. Over the 28 years theyd been in business, the two had broken bread together with their wives, watched each others children grow up, stood together through hard times and business crises. They had even met up, with their families, to talk about succession. Story continues Just days earlier, after the last truckload of the 2016 harvest had been delivered, Underwood and Tran had sat together and mapped out the 2017 growing season, and what Tran would pay in advance for the tens of millions of pounds of peppers Underwood promised him. As usual, the agreement was verbal, sealed with a nod and a handshake, not contracts or lawyers. Then, on Nov. 10, at his vacation rental on Kauai, Underwood got a call with news that he could barely take in. His farms chief operating officer, Jim Roberts, told him that the relationship had ended, severed in one afternoon by an argument over payment for next seasons crop. Underwood Ranches and Huy Fong Foods would never do business together again. Thats one way to ruin a vacation, Underwood now says ruefully. The schism turned out to be even more catastrophic than either side could have imagined. It left Tran without the peppers he needed to meet the ever-growing demand for his sriracha. Since he lost Underwoods chilies, his massive factory in Irwindale, Calif., has operated sporadically, at a fraction of its capacity. For the first year after the split, Huy Fong got by on stockpiled mash and Mexican chilies, which were cheap because of a glut. But supply has often been spotty since then: In the first half of 2023, Huy Fong had no chilies at all. Underwood, meanwhile, faced financial ruin: The vast swaths of land that he had purchased or leased to grow jalapenos couldnt be planted without a buyer. He was locked into 25-year leases on much of the land he had expanded into, and he didnt have cash on hand to pay his own suppliers. He took out loans, sold some parcels, and laid off 45 workers. Both businesses lost millions. The two men became bitter enemiesand they offer sharply contrasting accounts of what went wrong. At first, Underwood recalls, he was confused and hurt. We were trying to figure out what the hells going on, he tells me when I visit his offices in Camarillo, Calif., in December. Because we were really vulnerable, both in the percentage of our business that he commandedand I guess our belief that we were going to have a long-term relationship. But he soon became convinced, Underwood tells me, that Trans intentions were bad, and had been for some time. Basically, he really was out to destroy me, he says. He didnt give a damn about me or our family or all that wed done together. Over at Huy Fong, feelings were similarly raw. Tran felt betrayed, and blindsided by accusations that he had been underhanded. For most of three decades, he had remained loyal to Underwood as his only pepper producer, and each year he had handed over millions on the promise of a harvest, a gesture that he saw as an act of faith. Now all that trust had collapsed in a petty argument over money. Tran has come to believe that Underwood was trying to drive him to bankruptcy, then steal his sauce business. I helped him because he grew chili for me, he says. He made money, he owned land. But it is not enough. He wanted to take over my business. It felt like being stabbed in the back, adds Donna Lam, Trans sister-in-law and executive operations officer. Tran came to believe that Underwood was trying to bankrupt him: He made money, he owned land. But it is not enough. He wanted to take over my business. Following the 2016 blowup, months of tense negotiations between the two parties to try to resuscitate the business arrangement failed. In 2017, Huy Fong Foods sued to recover an overpayment for the 2016 harvest, and Underwood Ranches countersued, alleging fraud and breach of contract. A jury found in the farmers favor, awarding him $13.3 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages. It also found that Huy Fong had overpaid Underwood $1.4 million for the 2016 growing season, and ordered Underwood Ranches to reimburse that amount. But the legal resolution didnt ease either companys struggles. Meanwhile, the fallout from the breakup continues to leave sriracha lovers scrambling to get their fix. Those once-ubiquitous bottles became scarce and at times disappeared from supermarket shelves. Headlines about the Great Sriracha Shortage led to stockpiling, and the sauce started selling on the online resale market for up to $80 a bottle. Dozens of copycat srirachas have thrived amid the originals scarcity, including versions from the likes of Tabasco and Roland, and generics from supermarket chains. Theres a cruel irony to the predicament of Craig Underwood, whos now 81, and David Tran, 78. One man with thousands of acres of pepper fields, but nobody to buy his peppers. Another with a massive pepper factory, and not enough peppers to keep it running. Meanwhile, an adoring fan base pines for the product the men made together, even as the two remain estrangedvictims, perhaps, of their own runaway success. What makes sriracha special? Trans sauce is a simple uncooked and unfermented puree, made by grinding together fresh red jalapenos, sugar, garlic, vinegar, and two preservatives. And it truly is good on everything, food writer and chili sauce aficionado Matt Gross says: Its just a really great, balanced blend, and it adapts well. Its not too spicy. Its not too garlicky. Its not too vinegary. Trans striking product design helps: The iconography of the rooster picture (to commemorate the year of Trans birth, 1945, in the Chinese astrological calendar) and that jaunty green nozzle make a Huy Fong sriracha bottle hard to miss. It is a gorgeous, gorgeous object, Gross says. Sriracha bottles being filled at Huy Fong Foods' 650,000-square-foot factory in Irwindale, Calif. Though Tran loosely based his sauce on a Thai fermented dip for eggs and seafood, and named it for the coastal Thai town of Si Racha, Huy Fongs sriracha is quite differentthicker and less sweet. Still, its being named for a town meant that sriracha couldnt be trademarked in the U.S.a fact that became significant when other brands began using the product name. Trans timing for launching sriracha was impeccable; it arrived just as American tastes were beginning to broaden and become more adventurous. In 1980, when Tran started bottling his sauce in an industrial space he rented near Los Angeles Chinatown, America was not yet a place of ghost-pepper-eating contests or tattooed hipster chefs touting bespoke chili-sauce brands. I wasnt thinking of selling it mainstream to the Americans, he explained in 2013 for a Vietnamese American oral history project at the University of California, Irvine. I was going to sell it to Chinese or Vietnamese. Huy Fong made three chili sauces, but it was sriracha that really caught on, first in Californias immigrant communities, and then on a much vaster scale. Kara Nielsen, a food trends researcher, remembers first encountering the sauce when she was a pastry chef in the 1990s at a farm-to-table restaurant in Berkeley. Although it wasnt offered to customers, there was always a bottle of the rooster sauce on the table during staff meals, she says: It was used by the Latino and Asian cooks to basically add chili heat to anything. Within a few years, she says, foodies had taken to the product, eagerly squirting it on their Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches in San Franciscos Tenderloin district. As demand ramped up, Trans big challenge was finding a stable source of fresh, red jalapenosthe freshness being, in his view, the key to his sauces flavor. At first he relied upon local supermarkets and wholesalers at L.A.s Central Market. But the supply was inconsistent and the timing was tricky: Most jalapenos are sold when theyre crisp and green, but Trans sauce requires the sweeter, less-grassy version of the fruit, after it ripens to redbut before it overripens and becomes soft. That makes it a finicky product for farmers to grow and transport. The answer to Trans conundrum came in a letter. In nearby Ventura County, Craig Underwood was facing headwinds keeping his family farm going. Californias conventional vegetable farming landscape was changing, and Underwood had pivoted to growing baby vegetables and salad greens. The advent of baby-cut carrots (larger carrots cut to snackable size) threatened that business too. In 1988, a seed supplier mentioned to Underwood that he had heard about a guy pounding the pavement for peppers for chili sauce in L.A., Underwood recalls: I wrote a letter to David and said, Would you like me to grow some peppers? Tran contracted Underwood to grow 50 acresand so began a lucrative relationship for both men. Over the next three decades, they became, if not exactly close friends, at least friendly associates. When the city of Irwindale tried (unsuccessfully) to evict Trans new sauce factory in 2013, saying the chilies were releasing spicy fumes into the surrounding neighborhoods, Underwood testified on his behalf at a city council meeting. Meanwhile, sriracha took off on a scale nobody could have predicted. As the American culinary palate has become more international, Huy Fongs rooster sauce has grown ubiquitous. Huy Fong remained an independent company, turning down offers to buy or invest from large food corporations, and has never spent a penny on advertising. But the brand spread rapidly by word of mouth, creating a fandom that has made the sauce into a kind of identity statement, with festivals, online videos, rooster-branded T-shirts, and streetwear brand collabs. Huy Fong doesnt disclose revenue figures, but according to the market research firm IBISWorld it had sales of $131 million in 2020. INDIO, CA - APRIL 14: Festivalgoer dressed as a Sriracha bottle during day 1 of the Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival (Weekend 1) at the Empire Polo Club on April 14, 2017 in Indio, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images for Coachella) Sriracha has achieved the rare feat of creating its own category of culinary product, a craveable flavor that has shown up in mass-marketed foods from McDonalds chicken sandwiches to Doritos Screamin Sriracha chips, and in the kitchens of Michelin-starred chefs. The lure of Asian authenticity is part of the appeal, the New York Times food writer John T. Edge observed in 2009, describing the polyglot puree beloved by chefs including Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The exclusive, symbiotic relationship that Huy Fong Foods and Underwood Ranches developed was highly unusual in the processing business, Underwood says in a 2013 documentary. But as long as theyre selling more product, we have to be growing it for them. Its a big job. A huge job. That film, Sriracha, now feels like a kind of time capsulea snapshot of the two businessmen flying closer and closer to the sun. The relationship of the sauce maker and the farmer was the emotional heart of the film, and its director, Griffin Hammond, remembers finding the mens relationship beautiful: They both spoke so fondly of each other, he tells me. How did that beautiful relationship fall apart so quickly and brutally? Its a question both Underwood and Tran still puzzle over, and sriracha fans speculate about online. But the basic story is laid out, starkly, in court papers from the lawsuit and countersuit that followed the imbroglio. As Huy Fongs business grew, so too did Trans need for massive quantities of chilies, and Underwood kept increasing the farms pepper fields, reducing his other crops. To reassure the grower that he wouldnt be financially wiped out if one years pepper crop failed, the companies agreed in 2008 to switch to a system of acreage instead of volume, with Huy Fong assuming the risk by prepaying at the beginning of the growing season to cover the costs of seeds, equipment, and labor. Working this way, the two companies kept ramping up yields and production, to a height of 100 million pounds of peppers in 2015. That's the year that trust between the two companies began to erode. Tran started a separate company, ChiliCo, to buy and sell chili peppers. Underwood didnt want to work with ChiliCo because he feared it wouldnt have the assets to guarantee payments. To make matters worse, Underwood says, Tran and Lam made several failed attempts to hire Roberts, his COO, to work for ChiliCo. (Lam says the offers to Roberts were always intended to supplement his income at Underwood Ranches, and not to poach him.) Things came to a head that terrible afternoon in November 2016. Recollections differ, but whats agreed upon is this: On Nov. 9, Roberts drove over to Huy Fongs factory at Trans request, to look at some equipment. Tran and Lam called Roberts into his office for a conversation, which turned contentious. They disagreed about what price Huy Fong should prepay for next seasons peppers, and whether Tran could get those jalapenos cheaper from overseas; whether Roberts should accept Trans offer to work for him; and whether Huy Fong had overpaid for the 2016 season. The row raged on and on. Things were said that couldnt be taken back. And by the time Roberts left a few hours later, a 28-year business relationship was effectively over. Seven years after the rift, both companies are creaking along, doing the best they can to move forward. On a visit to Huy Fongs factory in December, I watched bottles of sriracha being filled, sealed, topped with green nozzles, and packed into boxes to ship out to 26 nations. Workers, mostly dressed in sriracha-themed T-shirts from the factory swag shop, wore hairnets and masks but seemed accustomed to the throat-tickling capsaicin fumes in the air. Ominously, there were no unprocessed chilies on handnone had come in lately. Part of the problem, Tran and Lam explain, is quality control: Freshness is what makes Huy Fongs sauce better than the competition, and Tran says he often has had to turn away truckloads of that delicate red jalapeno because they didnt make the journey from suppliers intact, were not properly refrigerated, or were picked when green. Huy Fongs factory outside Los Angeles converts barrels of chili mash (right) into sriracha; these days, the tanks are often empty. Even with the disruptions in production caused by the ongoing chili supply crisis, Huy Fong hasnt laid off any of its 115 employees, Lam tells me. David paid out of his pocket to keep them there, Lam says. This is not the person that would cheat someone. Meanwhile, an hour and a halfs drive away, Underwood has launched his own chili sauce business. Underwood Ranches has a long way to go before it can put the disaster of the past few years behind it, but its fields are now planted with a mix of tomatoes for canning, potatoes, onions, Brussels sprouts, pumpkins, and other crops. At Underwoods processing facility in Camarillo, the ribbon mixers were churning out the last of a much smaller 2023 pepper harvest to make its own sriracha, known as Dragon Sriracha. Its a brand that hasnt broken through yet, but its growingwith a couple of big distribution deals on the horizon, Underwood says. He recently started shipping his sriracha to 24 Costco branches. However reluctantly, Trans onetime partner is joining his growing field of competitors. The 800-pound gorilla in American hot sauce is, of course, Tabasco, which produces the nations most popular chili sauce. The McIlhenny Company, founded in 1868 on Louisianas Avery Island, launched its own sriracha in 2014. It wasnt until 2022, however, that Tabascos version of Trans sauce really took off, and Lee Susen, McIlhennys chief sales and marketing officer, makes no bones about why: It was the shelf voids that the shortage of Huy Fongs product left, he tells Fortune. Tabasco wasnt going to let Huy Fongs crisis go to waste, so in September 2022 it launched the website srirachashortage.com. LOOKING FOR SOMETHING? it asks in large white block letters as a Tabasco sriracha bottle surges upward, looking at first just like a Huy Fong bottle (though with a nozzle thats olive green rather than bright green). In September 2022, Tabasco launched the website srirachashortage.com, slyly referencing the shortage of Huy Fong Sriracha. Previously the challenge Tabasco faced with its sriracha, Susen says, was that most consumers saw sriracha as a brand. They didnt recognize it as a product type. But when Huy Fongs iconic bottles disappeared and were replaced by various other srirachas, that began to change: It became just another pantry staple. The brand loyalty that had been Huy Fongs economic moatbusiness parlance for a competitive advantage one company holds in its sectorstarted to erode. And thats when the biggest hot sauce brand in America swooped in and took the crown. Tabasco had the bestselling sriracha in the country for the second half of 2023, according to NielsenIQ. Sriracha, the product, is more popular than everits now in one in three U.S. kitchens, according to market research firm Circanabut most of it is not Huy Fongs. Its a very exciting time to be in the hot sauce business, Susen says. And certainly the sriracha business. Tabascos win is Huy Fongs loss. And its an epic comedown for a great American brand, an ignoble ending to a storied American business partnership between a hardworking Vietnamese refugee and a salt-of-the-earth California farmer. Maybe Craig Underwood and David Tran were, on some level, victims of their own success? We hooked onto that wagon and it really took off, Underwood says now. And we never could have predicted it when we started. Indeed, when Tran was grinding chili sauce in his kitchen and Underwood was farming baby carrots, neither could have imagined that theyd one day be managing hundreds of employees and making deals worth millions of dollars. In retrospect, Underwood says, he wishes they had built in more legal safeguards to protect their businesses from the beginning. He wonders whether he should have spread out his risk, instead of treating the arrangement between the two companies as a partnership. He wishes sometimes that he had sold his pepper production operations to Huy Fong Foods (an offer he made at one point) and started afresh. Both Tran and Underwood brought great qualities to the partnership: grit, inventiveness, passion, ambition. But the skills and disposition necessary to make a startup a success are quite different from the competencies that people running large companies need. Thats one reason many founders end up selling or taking investments, says Maurice Schweitzer, a professor of operations, information, decisions, and management at the Wharton School. Doing so can feel like selling out, but bringing in a more experienced partner can also be stabilizing. Nobody can understand what it was like, says Underwood. In this, everybody turned out to be a loser. Its impossible to know for sure, but a change in ownership structure might have made all the difference, Schweitzer says. Human relationships are fraught, and almost always include an element of competitiveness. Unchecked, that competitiveness can grow like a weed and take over, especially when a business is expanding rapidly: Theres going to be some point of friction; theres going to be some miscommunication, Schweitzer says. We need some mechanism to correct that and put it back on track. For instance, when a dramatic leadership crisis erupted last November at the AI startup OpenAI, Microsofts role as a major investor helped force a quick resolution. With Microsoft, theres a grownup in the room, Schweitzer says. They can keep their eye on the ball. But with Huy Fong and Underwood Ranches, Schweitzer points out, its just two people left on their own There isnt, like, some arbitrator or banker; there wasnt a third party to bring them together. Harvesting red jalapeno peppersthe secret to good srirachaat Underwood Ranches. A broken business deal doesnt quite rise to the level of tragedy. But there is something very sad about how David Tran and Craig Underwood were willing to walk away from each other, leaving all that theyd built in peril and untold millions on the table. Once their trust was broken, their enmity grew stronger even than their desire to succeed. With so much at stake and so much opportunity remaining, I ask each man: Would they ever come back together? Absolutely not, Tran tells me. I need chili, but a guy like that? Why? he says. Without his chili, yeah, we make less money. But no. Lam says her family has tried to put the affair behind them. At the end it just got really messy, she says. And David and I, we dont want to talk about it, because whats done, its done. It doesnt matter Whats lost is lost. And thats the sad part about it. Were not going to think about the past. We need to think about the future. Underwood is similarly adamant when I ask whether hed ever work with Huy Fong again. Not with David, he says. If somebody else took over, purchased Huy Fong Foods, yeah, wed certainly want to do business. But not with David. Looking back is hard for Underwood, too, he tells me, and he sometimes wonders how he got through those first few years after the breakup. Nobody can understand what it was like to go through that whole thing, he says. I mean, it was hell. Of course theres one person who probably could understand it. And seven years later, thats one thing the former partners still have in common, as Underwood acknowledges: In this, he says, everybody turned out to be a loser. Jasper Chapman contributed reporting to this story. This article appears in the February/March 2024 issue of Fortune with the headline "Hot Mess." This story was originally featured on Fortune.com This article takes a look at the top 20 places boomers prefer to retire outside the U.S. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on navigating quality of life, cost, and healthcare beyond US borders, you may go to the Top 5 Places Boomers Prefer to Retire Outside the U.S. Navigating Quality of Life, Cost, and Healthcare Beyond U.S. Borders As the baby boomer generation in the US transitions into the retirement age, the notion of redefining their golden years by exploring overseas retirement options has taken on a more pragmatic hue. Five million American retirees have decided to settle overseas, and while the romantic allure of immersing in diverse cultures and picturesque landscapes is undeniably appealing, the decision to retire abroad for Americas retiree population is often rooted in more pivotal causes. The top reasons propelling a growing number of American boomers to seek retirement havens beyond the borders of the United States are the triad of quality of life, cost of living, and healthcare accessibility. From a financial perspective, the statistics paint a compelling picture. A healthy 65-year-old couple contemplating retirement in the United States may find themselves requiring a hefty sum of $300,000 in savings. This figure does not even factor in the high costs associated with assisted living, averaging around $4,500 per month as reported by the Cost of Care survey by Genworth. Moreover, the United States consistently ranks among the most expensive places to live globally. Despite the median retirement savings for boomers standing at $152,000, a concerning one in five retirees claims they have yet to recover from the economic downturn of the recession. The allure of retiring abroad gains further momentum when examining the healthcare landscape in the United States. Unquestionably, the U.S. leads in healthcare costs globally, creating a significant financial burden for retirees. In contrast to many industrialized nations boasting near-universal coverage, the U.S. relies on a non-universal, private insurance system. For this reason, many boomers are now preferring to retire outside the U.S. Moreover, even though 91.4% of Americans are covered by private healthcare insurance, a notable portion of the population remains without any coverage at all. The lucrative nature of the private healthcare insurance industry in the U.S. is underscored by its flourishing business within the country's 'dysfunctional' healthcare system, as outlined by The Economist. This dysfunctionality has contributed to the growth of several private insurance companies, perpetuating a situation where a substantial segment of the population is left grappling with inadequate or no coverage. Story continues The situation gets even more concerning when the stark contrast between the financial gains of such private insurance companies and the struggles of the American people emerges. Major players such as UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH), Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV), and The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) are proudly reporting billions in profits. Specifically, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) achieved an astounding $22 billion in profits in the year 2023. Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV), a prominent player in the US private insurance sector, has not only exceeded its target growth range of 12-15% but has achieved a remarkable compound annual growth rate of nearly 16% since 2018. Their operating revenue also surpassed $170 billion in 2023, which reflects substantial financial success within the private health insurance sector. Additionally, the way these companies operate, especially in denying or underpaying for care, raises ethical questions about their commitment to the well-being of patients. In 2021, a staggering 53% of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shields medical bills for the second quarter went unpaid, totaling $2.5 billion. The tactic of requiring pre-authorization for routine and lifesaving care introduced in early 2023 by UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is another illustration of how health insurers navigate the delicate balance between profits and patient well-being. This announcement to require prior authorization for colonoscopies, a crucial screening tool for colorectal cancer, highlights the lengths to which insurers go to control costs. Enter the appeal of retiring abroad countries that promise a higher quality of life at significantly lower costs. For retirees, this becomes an enticing prospect, offering the potential to stretch their pensions further and enjoy a lifestyle that might be financially burdensome in the United States. As we explore the top 20 places preferred by American boomers for retirement outside the U.S., it becomes clear that financial considerations are a driving force in the quest for a fulfilling and economically sustainable retirement. Retiring Abroad: Top 20 Places Boomers Prefer To Retire Outside the US Arseniy Krasnevsky/Shutterstock.com Methodology In order to come up with a comprehensive list of the top 20 places boomers prefer to retire outside the US, we made a list of countries from multiple sources (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) and picked our top countries using a consensus method. We then filtered them based on cost of living and the healthcare index sourced from Numbeo. To rank these countries, we employed further measures that determine the overall quality of life which include, but are not limited to, the visa requirements, climate, and the percentage of English speaking population and allotted points for each measure. When we encountered a tie, an additional measure was considered (quality of life) to reasonably rank the countries for maximum accuracy. Places have been ranked in an ascending order from the lowest to the highest scores. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. Here are the Top 20 Places Boomers Prefer to Retire Outside the US: 20. Poland Insider Monkey Score: 30 Polands free medical care guaranteed for all citizens is a standout feature when considering this history-rich European gem as your retirement destination. After a temporary economic slowdown, a rebound in the economy is expected with a projected growth of 2.6% in 2024. The Productivity Strategy 2030 reinforces the countrys commitment to fostering digitization and technological advancements. Along with a vibrant job market, it is a haven for budget-conscious retirees. odz, Zakopane, and Lublin are some of the best places to retire in Poland. 19. Italy Insider Monkey Score: 30 Retiring to Italy allows retirees a taste of "la dolce vita," i.e. the sweet life. From indulging in pasta and exquisite wines to exploring the rich culture against breathtaking scenery, it is a fascinating place to retire to. Cities such as Palermo or Padova, known for their unique blend of lifestyle and affordability, offer the perfect retirement option on a budget as low as $1,700. With the country's comprehensive healthcare, including the NHS (National Health Service), retirees can benefit from a well-rounded retirement experience after becoming a citizen. 18. Dominican Republic Insider Money Score: 32.5 While considering retirement, the Dominican Republic stands out as one of the best places to retire in the Caribbean. The country's appeal for retirees lies in its natural beauty, affordable living costs, and favorable climate. The country also boasts a rapidly growing economy, with a 4.9% real GDP increase in 2022, driven by a flourishing services sector, and a 24% growth in the hospitality industry. On the downside, the healthcare quality is lower as compared to the United States, necessitating private healthcare for expats. 17. Mexico Insider Monkey Score: 33 Boasting the largest number of American expats globally, Mexico is one of the best places to retire around the world. Many cities allow retirees to comfortably live on $2,500 or less per month. The strength of the U.S. dollar against the peso presents favorable real estate opportunities, with rental apartments starting at approximately $400 in city centers, according to Numbeo. While safety concerns exist, especially due to violent crime, popular areas are generally secure. Mexico has made significant strides in healthcare, with a notable rise in the Healthcare Access and Quality index rating from 45.5 to 66.3 between 1990 and 2016. 16. Hungary Insider Monkey Score: 35 Retiring to Hungary beckons with affordability, safety, and a wealth of amenities. As one of the cheapest retirement destinations in Europe, Hungary offers retirees a 38.8% lower cost of living compared to the United States, with rent being 73.8% more economical. The country's stunning landscapes, excellent healthcare, and a thriving expat community add to its allure. Permanent residency is attainable for pensioners demonstrating financial security, primarily through property ownership. 15. Ecuador Insider Monkey Score: 36 Ecuador, lauded for its affordability, boasts diverse landscapes from Pacific Ocean beaches to the Andes mountains, Amazon Rainforest, and the Galapagos National Park. Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a genuine Spanish-colonial environment with cultural amenities, mild weather, and an affordable cost of living. Ecuador's infrastructure has improved significantly, including new airports and high-speed internet. Apart from being one of the best places to retire on a budget, the country's healthcare is globally economical. Specialist visits cost as low as $38 and hospital stays start from $60. The use of the U.S. dollar also eliminates exchange rate concerns. Recent legal changes have made it easier to establish residency, with affordable options like the Jubilado visa requiring a minimum income of $800. 14. Romania Insider Monkey Score: 37 Nestled in southeastern Europe, Romania boasts the famed Transylvania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, lush natural parks, and the inviting Black Sea Coast. The country's cost of living is remarkably 48.1% lower than the United States, making it an affordable retirement option outside the U.S. Romania's Global Peace Index stands "high", reflecting a safe environment. Locals are renowned for their friendliness towards Americans. While the country lacks a specific retirement visa, it allows legal stays for up to 90 days after which spring retirees will have to apply for a permanent residence visa. 13. Spain Insider Monkey Score: 38 Retiring to Spain, a highly sought-after European destination, promises a blend of sun, sea, culture, and an alluring lifestyle. With a record 6.5 million foreign residents, Spain's popularity is on the rise, making it one of the best expat retirement countries. The American expat community has grown by 13%, contributing to an 88% surge in property sales to Americans from 2019 to 2021. The country offers diverse climates, a renowned healthcare system, and a rich cultural experience. While challenges like language barriers exist, the vibrant lifestyle, affordability, and top-notch amenities make Spain an enticing retirement haven. 12. France Insider Monkey Score: 38 France offers retirees a high quality of life and top-notch healthcare at an affordable cost. According to International Living, a single person's living costs range from $2,000 to $2,483. The country provides a comfortable lifestyle with state-of-the-art hospitals, well-developed transportation, and a friendly retiree policy. The domestic rail, called SNCF, is easy to navigate and offers a 25% discount for senior travelers. Thanks to the tax treaty between the two countries there is no risk of double taxation in France. 11. Portugal Insider Monkey Score: 39 Portugal's allure for retirees lies in its affordability, robust healthcare, and favorable tax incentives. A growing population of U.S. expatriates, numbering around 7,000, is drawn to the Mediterranean gem for its safety, friendly reputation, and diverse landscapes. With Portugal's Golden Visa program and the D7 visa offering accessible residency options, it is one of the top places boomers prefer to retire outside the U.S. Living costs, 40% lower than in the U.S., make it financially attractive, particularly outside major cities. The Non-Habitual Resident tax regime provides tax exemptions on foreign pensions and incomes, making Portugal a compelling retirement destination. 10. Slovenia Insider Monkey Score: 39 With its picturesque landscapes, from historic castles to mesmerizing caves, Slovenia stands out as an unconventional yet enchanting retirement destination. Expats make up a small but growing community, with around 7,000 U.S. residents, doubling in the past few years. In contrast, the country's overall population is approximately 2 million. The cost of living in Slovenia is significantly lower than in the U.S., with consumer prices about 45% less and rent prices averaging 190% lower. The country's healthcare system, ranked 46th globally, provides quality care and is part of the EU's comprehensive health network. Slovenia, ranking among the safest countries, offers retirees a peaceful haven with scenic beauty and cultural richness. 9. Austria Insider Monkey Score: 40 Ranked as the fifth-safest country globally in the Global Peace Index 2023, Austria boasts low crime rates, top-notch healthcare, and political stability. The nation's pristine landscapes, including lakes, rivers, and mountains, make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite recent economic challenges, Austria remains a strong economy, attracting foreign investment. The housing market faces challenges, but Austria's popularity as a retirement haven endures due to its safety, healthcare, and lower living costs compared to the USA. Retirees can benefit from the settlement permit, making Austria an excellent choice for a culturally enriching retirement experience. Villach, Graz, Bregenz are some of the best places to retire in Austria, where a retiree can live on an average $2,000 per month. 8. Malaysia Insider Monkey Score: 40 For boomers looking to retire outside the U.S. in an English-speaking country, Malaysia is a top destination. Ranked as the 19th most peaceful nation globally by the Global Peace Index 2023, it offers safety and a 57.5% lower cost of living than the US. It is possible for an individual retiree to live a comfortable retirement on $1,500 per month. The retirement visa, Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), provides a 10-year multiple entry visa, with an option to withdraw funds after one year for various purposes. Malaysia's tropical climate, cultural diversity, and robust infrastructure contributes to its appeal. It's high-quality yet affordable healthcare, including screenings starting at $60, ensures the country offers a fulfilling retirement experience at a fraction of Western costs. 7. Greece Insider Monkey Score: 44 Consider retiring to Greece, where a surge in interest for the Residency by Investment scheme reflects its growing appeal. The program, complementing the successful Golden Visa initiative, has attracted over 9,000 investors globally. Greece's comprehensive legislative tax framework aims to attract new residents and investments, resulting in over 1,000 applications from retirees and professionals. With real estate prices and living costs among the lowest in the EU, it is is one of the top places boomers prefer to retire outside the US. 6. Czech Republic Insider Monkey Score: 45 Embark on a distinctive retirement adventure in the heart of Europe by considering the Czech Republic as your ideal destination. This charming country, adorned with old-world castles and medieval towns, is emerging as a sought-after haven for retirees. With a low cost of living, a growing expat community, and Prague's charming architecture attracting over 2.36 million visitors annually, the country stands out as a retirement destination. It is ranked 8th on the Global Peace Index, ensuring a secure retirement as well. It also offers one of the best healthcare systems, ranked 8th in the world. However, expats are advised to buy private healthcare here. Affordable public transport, cheaper apartments than other European capitals, and a well-regarded healthcare system make it an enticing choice for retirees. Click to continue reading and see the Retiring Abroad: Top 5 Places Boomers Prefer to Retire Outside the US. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: none. Retiring Abroad: Top 20 Places Boomers Prefer to Retire Outside the US is originally published on Insider Monkey. It is a pleasure to report that the Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) is up 36% in the last quarter. But that doesn't change the fact that the returns over the last five years have been less than pleasing. After all, the share price is down 48% in that time, significantly under-performing the market. 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 Southwest Airlines 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. Southwest Airlines became profitable within the last five years. That would generally be considered a positive, so we are surprised to see the share price is down. Other metrics may better explain the share price move. In contrast to the share price, revenue has actually increased by 4.8% a year in the five year period. A more detailed examination of the revenue and earnings may or may not explain why the share price languishes; there could be an opportunity. You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). We're pleased to report that the CEO is remunerated more modestly than most CEOs at similarly capitalized companies. But while CEO remuneration is always worth checking, the really important question is whether the company can grow earnings going forward. This free report showing analyst forecasts should help you form a view on Southwest Airlines 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 incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. In the case of Southwest Airlines, it has a TSR of -46% for the last 5 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 Investors in Southwest Airlines had a tough year, with a total loss of 13% (including dividends), against a market gain of about 22%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 8% 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. 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. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Southwest Airlines , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. Of course Southwest Airlines 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. FILE PHOTO: Branded coffee mugs are displayed in Starbucks' outlet at a market in New Delhi FILE PHOTO: Branded coffee mugs are displayed in Starbucks' outlet at a market in New Delhi By Deborah Mary Sophia (Reuters) -Starbucks cut its annual sales forecast on Tuesday as the Israel-Hamas war hurt its Middle East business, while warning that softer demand in January and slow recovery in China were likely to dent its second-quarter performance. The world's largest coffee chain also missed market expectations for first-quarter results, also due to slowing demand for its coffee and cold drinks in the United States. Its shares, however, rose 4% after the bell, as Wall Street analysts and investors were bracing for a bigger hit to sales following weak store traffic in November and December. CEO Laxman Narasimhan said on a post-earnings call that the company saw a "significant impact on traffic and sales" in the Middle East due to the conflict. Its impact also spilled into the U.S., he said, as some consumers launched protests and boycott campaigns asking the company to take a stance on the issue. The company had in a 2023 statement on its website said it is a non-political organization and dismissed rumors that it had provided support to the Israeli government or army. While Starbucks was working to mitigate headwinds in the U.S. through efforts including promotional offers, it would take time for its plans to materialize, the company executives said. The company now expects full-year comparable sales - both globally and in the U.S. - to grow between 4% and 6%, down from its previous range of 5% to 7% growth. While comparable sales in China rose 10% in the quarter ended Dec. 31, improving from a 5% rise in the preceding quarter, Starbucks said the recovery was still slower than its expectations as consumers turn more cautious in spending. Its international segment posted a 7% rise in same-store sales, missing analysts' estimate of 12.07% growth and driving global same-store sales growth of 5% below expectations of a 6.98% rise. "Results were better than feared following the stock's recent selloff ... it sounds like there is a clear plan despite top-line headwinds," said Stephens analyst Joshua Long. (Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar and Arun Koyyur) The building at 2144 S. MacArthur Blvd. is where The State Journal-Register news operations will be located as of Feb. 1. The State Journal-Register will move news operations this week. Beginning Feb. 1, reporters and editors will be based at 2144 S. MacArthur Blvd. The staff previously worked from the Quantum Centre building at 421 S. Grand Ave. West. "No matter where the office is located or who occupies the editor's seat, readers can rest assured that The State Journal-Register will remain committed to providing Springfield and central Illinois with essential local news coverage," said executive editor Leisa Richardson. Last week, Gannett announced Richardson would become executive editor at the Greenville (S.C.) News. A search has started for her replacement. More: SJ-R moving its news offices to the Quantum Centre on South Grand Avenue The former SJ-R office building at Ninth Street between Monroe Street and Capitol Avenue was sold to Sangamon County in 2021. The new workspace is in a building owned by SHP Properties and is home to Patton Financial Group and several other businesses. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: The State Journal-Register moves to new office space For $17.88 an hour, Janelle Chaix changes diapers, helps with homework, provides both practical and emotional support and gets scratched and spit on every so often. Thats part of my job, said Chaix, a paraprofessional, or aide, at Crystal Lake District 47 who works with some students who have autism and are nonverbal. They can lash out in different ways and as a para with these kids, you have to understand them. We dont have the help. We dont have the resources to give them the one-on-one they need or the consistency. Crystal Lake Association of Support Staff, or CLASS, the union representing Chaix and more than 100 paraprofessionals across 12 schools in District 47, filed an unfair labor practice charge with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board in October after district administrators retained a recruiting firm to hire temporary employees. The union said the move was made illegally and without giving them notice. Its a slap in the face and goes to show how much they dont value the current employees they already have, said Stephanie Lierance, union president and a learning resource paraprofessional at South Elementary. Instead of coming up with thoughtful, long-term solutions to address these issues, the district waited until the last minute to bring in temporary help who arent committed to our students and our community apparently they dont have money to pay us, but they do have money to pay a contracted company. Sunbelt Staffing, the agency tapped by District 47, will earn up to $65 for every hour a temporary employee works, according to a contract obtained by the Tribune. The union said the rate is more than four times as much as newly hired, permanent paraprofessionals make. Chaix, who started as a lunchroom supervisor and is now in her fourth year as a paraprofessional at South Elementary, is one of hundreds of paras at the McHenry County district, many of whom report being overworked, burned out and underpaid. Story continues The problem is widespread as schools nationwide struggle to fully staff classrooms with educators and support staff. Chaix works mainly with second and third graders with individualized education plans, which help them access the curriculum in a way tailored to their needs. Because she grew up with a brother who has autism, she developed a passion early on for making a difference in student learning, even if it meant a consistently small paycheck. We dont want to get paid less than a Target employee or a Starbucks employee we can go to all these other places and make more money, she said. We do it because we have a passion for these kids. We love these kids. We want to see them succeed. We love to see them grow. And thats why were sticking this out. And the ones sticking it out want whats better for everyone. The starting pay for newly hired paraprofessionals at District 47 is $16.14 an hour, according to its board of education. The rate will increase to $16.54 next year. But that isnt enough, said Lierance. You cant live on a paraprofessional salary, Lierance said. I make about $20,000 a year. That doesnt even cover the cost of insurance that the district offers us. Im fortunate in the fact that my husband makes a decent living, but I know a lot of parents that have had to leave and go find other full-time jobs because they cant afford to feed their families. The starting pay for the temporary paraprofessionals the staffing agency hires is between $30 and $35 per hour. Mary Ruffino, a single parent with two sons, said she often thinks about leaving District 47, where she has been a paraprofessional for nine years, for a better-paying job. Ruffino supports students at Bernotas Middle School and makes $18 an hour. With me buying clothes for my teenagers, trying to get food on the table, trying to pay auto insurance along with the cellphone bills, its just really hard, Ruffino said. The pay that I have now is the only source of income Ive got. There is a shortage of paraprofessionals across the state. A Senate bill passed in 2022 as part of Gov. J.B. Pritzkers legislative package addressing the nationwide teacher shortage lowered the age requirement for paraprofessionals to 18. The law that went into effect last year provided prospective educators a chance to start their careers earlier and allowed school districts to hire students out of high school. But the needs remain. Anthony Loizzi, attorney for the District 47 Board of Education, said the district was short 30 paraprofessional positions weeks before the 2023-24 school year began. About a dozen of those vacancies were for special education. So those are going to be paraprofessionals that are going to be serving the kids with special needs and where we have legal obligations to provide them with these services through an individualized education plan, or an IEP, Loizzi said. If we were unable to provide those services, we were legally liable for violating their IEP and violating both state and federal law for not providing the services were obligated to provide. Loizzi said the district used Sunbelt Staffing to help fill the special education jobs last-minute. Obviously the school district doesnt want to pay $60 to $65 an hour for paraprofessionals; we would rather hire our own employees, but those positions were for our kids with the highest needs, he said, adding that a labor shortage has the district competing with private sector employers who can quickly increase wages and benefits without having to negotiate with unions. The union believes its easier for the district to contract out hard-to-fill positions because if it increased new hire wages and offered health insurance to attract employees, it would need to apply the same benefits to current staff. This would mean the district has to spend the actual revenue allocated for educational services, verses saving the money like theyre some sort of bank, the union said. According to an indicator portal on the Illinois State Board of Education site thats used to understand a districts fiscal health, District 47 had 327 days of cash on hand. ISBE recommends maintaining a minimum of 180 days, or six months, of cash on hand. Paraprofessionals are typically hourly workers who not only support students with disabilities but also supervise individual or small-group work in elective classes like wood shop. They also help with behavior management and handle setting up and cleaning up classrooms, said Lierance. There is no aspect of a students life that we dont touch, said Debra Ward-Mitchell, a paraprofessional in her 40th year at south suburban Thornton Township High School District 205. From getting them off the bus to making sure they go to lunch, to helping them dress and change for P.E., to getting them to the nurse to administer their medications we are doing even more than whats on paper. Ward-Mitchell, who was the 2022 National Education Support Professional of the Year, said a shortage of support staff has a ripple effect on the entire student body. She said that most of the help goes toward special education classes, leaving other students without assistance. Non-special education classes just dont get a para anymore, she said Were just not available to help them because of the shortage. Ward-Mitchell said 40 years ago, she made $8,000 a year as a paraprofessional and even though she now sits at a higher salary, its not why she does the job. There has always been job security: I had a special needs child at 22 weeks gestation so I needed to have insurance; I needed to know that I was getting a paycheck every two weeks, she said. But the No. 1 reason you stay is the students. When you can touch and make a difference in one life, youve done what you were supposed to do. Meanwhile, in Crystal Lake, Loizzi said the district understands the need for a wage adjustment for the whole bargaining unit, but there have been recent wage hikes and more to come. According to the district, union-represented paraprofessionals received a $1.50 an hour bump last February, when the starting pay was $14.25. The union said those wage increases were negotiated but the district still refused to offer financial assistance toward medical insurance payments, which led to a mass departure of support professionals seeking medical insurance elsewhere after the COVID-19 pandemic. Loizzi said before offering more raises, the district first wants to address the vacancies and replace the contracted employees with full-time paraprofessionals. Kristen Goodman, a learning resource paraprofessional at Coventry Elementary in District 47, said a job starting at $16 per hour is a hard sell for candidates who dont have a vested interest in student learning and growth because a great deal of the work is tending to behavioral needs. In the past few years Ive been hit, Ive been kicked, Ive been bit Ive been spit on, Goodman said. And with the physical things, its more the younger kids in kindergarten or first and second grade, where its more of a behavioral world now than it really is a learning resource world. Goodman said the wage increases have barely made a dent over the six years shes been a paraprofessional. I was making $12.75 an hour. How is it that my teenager got a job at Best Buy making more money than I do? Goodman said. Then, after contract negotiating, I got bumped up to $15 an hour, and again, my teenager was making more money than I was as a licensed paraprofessional. District 47 said the temporary paraprofessionals recruited through Sunbelt Staffing were hired on three-month contracts that ended mid-November. The district extended two of those contracts based on the needs of the classroom to which they were assigned. Had the district approached the union before the school year started, Lierance said, they might have been able to come to some agreement without violating their contract and disrupting the students. I felt bad for the kiddos because its one more thing to work through, said Chaix, the District 47 paraprofessional. I had to train someone for a month, two months, and then they had to leave. Our kids need consistency, and a Band-Aid isnt going to fix the deeper issues we have going on. zsyed@chicagotribune.com Since the U.S. tax season officially began on Monday, January 29, 2024, Americans should begin gathering their tax paperwork and reviewing any credits and deductions in preparation to file. Additionally, taxpayers in Puerto Rico should remember to file for the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon told TheWeeklyJournal.com. Billionaires vs. the Middle Class: Who Pays More in Taxes? Owe Money to the IRS? Most People Dont Realize You Can Do This Today Prior to the American Rescue Plan (enacted in March 2021), parents in Puerto Rico could only claim the Child Tax Credit if they had three or more children. Now, any parent who files U.S. taxes in Puerto Rico can claim up to $1,600 for each qualifying child as a fully refundable tax credit, according to a report from El Pais. Even if you dont owe taxes, you can still receive the credit as long as you dont exceed the income threshold of $200,000. Additionally, if you failed to claim the CTC in recent years (including 2021 when payments were mailed directly to parents with dependent children), you can still claim that money on your 2023 taxes, which you must file by April 15, 2024. Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. Should You Wait to File in 2024? The House Ways and Means Committee recently approved a bill that would expand the CTC to $1,800 in 2023, $1,900 for 2024 and $2,000 for 2025. However, it hasnt passed in Congress yet. As such Puerto Rico residents might be wondering if they should wait to file taxes in case the CTC increases. For now, it is recommended that residents still file now, and then take advantage of the option to file an amended return if and when the credit actually increases. Benefits of Filing Early Filing taxes early has several benefits, including simply having the peace of mind that comes with knowing youve filed and that its done. Further, filing early reduces the risk of fraud. Fraudsters who obtain your personal information can file a tax return in your name and take your refund if you wait too long to file. However, if a thief files after youve already submitted your return, the fraudulent return is more likely to be flagged by the IRS. Story continues Trump-Era Tax Cuts Are Set To Expire: What Retirees Should Know Morever, the most obvious benefit to filing early is that youll receive your refund faster. You can use that money to pay down debt or invest in a high-yield savings account to earn interest rather than letting the government hang onto it. This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Taxes 2024: Politicians Urge Parents to Apply for Child Tax Credit Should You Wait? Investors looking for consistent growth and reliable dividends have long turned to Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE: TD), better known as TD Bank. Shares of the Canadian bank have a proven record of resiliency, navigating previous downturns with ease. They have also produced above-average dividends, with a yield now around 5%. Over the past 24 months, however, TD Bank stock has been in a slump. Shares have lost roughly one-quarter of their value over that period, and while the dividend has remained reliable, some wonder if the high payout is truly sustainable. Is this your chance to buy a blue-chip stock at a discount, or is more trouble still to come? Growth is stagnating With a market cap north of $100 billion and nearly 30 million customers worldwide, TD Bank is a behemoth. By assets, it's the second-largest bank in Canada , a market dominated by a handful of powerful competitors. This size provides many advantages, allowing the company to invest in growth initiatives both domestically and internationally. It also provides enough firepower to outright buy the competition, something TD Bank has done dozens of times in recent decades. Since the start of 2022, however, growth has slowed to a standstill. Assets have flatlined, and because TD Bank's profits are a direct function of total assets, the market has considerably reduced the price it's willing to pay for the stock. Two years ago, shares were priced around 2 times book value. Today, they're valued at just 1.5 times book value -- a 25% reduction, which accounts for the 25% fall in the stock price. Shares have stabilized in recent months, but it seems the market is no longer willing to bet on growth, keeping the valuation under pressure. TD Price to Book Value Chart TD Price to Book Value data by YCharts Slow growth isn't all bad Asset growth at TD Bank can no longer be assumed, but that doesn't mean the bank is in trouble. The company's common equity Tier 1 ratio -- a measurement of a bank's financial strength -- is one of the best in Canada, while internal cash flows remain strong enough not only to support a 5% dividend, but also launch a stock repurchase plan for 30 million shares. The company's net interest income, meanwhile, a profitability metric which captures the difference between a bank's interest-bearing assets and liabilities, is near an all-time high . Growth concerns aside, TD Bank is doing just fine. Story continues What, then, should investors expect of TD Bank stock? At its current valuation, shares are priced near historic lows across several metrics. On a price-to-book basis, for example, shares were a bigger bargain only during the crashes of 2008 and 2020, both of which turned out to be short-term blips in the stock's long-term rise. There would likely need to be a headwind of similar magnitude to pressure the stock further. Even if the days of growth don't return, there's still reason to believe in TD Bank as an investment. The 5% dividend is completely supported with current cash flows, and the share repurchase plan should reduce the total share count by 1% to 2%. According to the bank's CEO, Bharat Masrani, there could be additional share repurchases in the future, too. Between dividends and stock buybacks, total shareholder yield should be around 6% to 7% per year. That's not a terrible return, considering the bank's long-term stability. Should growth tick upward once again, returns could be even higher, especially if the stock's valuation multiples rerate higher toward historical averages. There's no guarantee that a return to growth is around the corner for TD Bank. Last year, it canceled a scheduled takeover of First Horizon, an acquisition that would have meaningfully boosted its growth trajectory in the U.S. market. The failure cast doubt on the bank's ability to continue expanding via acquisition. Still, the stock is hardly priced for perfection. At current levels, shares offer reasonable returns through dividends and share repurchases, with any potential growth offering bonus upside. Should you invest $1,000 in Toronto-Dominion Bank right now? Before you buy stock in Toronto-Dominion Bank, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now... and Toronto-Dominion Bank wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of January 22, 2024 Ryan Vanzo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is TD Bank Stock a Buy? was originally published by The Motley Fool Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda bows during a news conference in Nagoya, central Japan, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. Hours after Japanese transport officials raided the plant of a Toyota group company on Tuesday to investigate cheating on engine testing, Toyoda vowed to steer the company out of scandal and ensure the Japanese automaker sticks to making good cars. (Kyodo News via AP) TOKYO (AP) Japanese transport officials raided a Toyota-affiliated plant Tuesday after the company admitted to cheating on engine testing, as Toyota Motor Corp. reported it sold over 11 million vehicles in 2023 to retain its status as the worlds top car manufacturer. Hours after the probe began at Toyota Industries Corp.'s plant in Hekinan, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, Toyota Chair Akio Toyoda vowed to steer the company out of scandal and ensure the Japanese automaker's group companies stick to making good cars. My job is to steer the way for where the overall group should go, Toyoda said. He apologized, bowing deeply, and stressed the group vision was rooted in the Toyoda founding familys ideas of empowering the genba, or the workers on the plant floor, to make good cars that lead to peoples happiness. The testing scandal comes at a time of otherwise stellar performance for Toyota, which makes the Camry sedan, Prius hybrid and Lexus luxury models. Its group global vehicle sales for 2023 were a record 11.22 million vehicles, up 7% from the previous year and topping Volkswagen AG of Germanys global sales of 9.2 million vehicles. Toyoda spoke in a news conference that was livestreamed from a memorial hall in Nagoya that serves as a museum for the founding family. Sakichi Toyoda invented the automated weaving loom. His son Kiichiro Toyoda, Akios grandfather, founded Toyota Motor Corp. Reporters were called late Monday to Toyotas Tokyo office, where its CEO Koji Sato, who succeeded Toyoda, apologized for the latest mess: flawed testing at Toyota Industries Corp., which makes diesel engines. In April, a whistleblower exposed that Daihatsu Motor Corp., which makes small cars and is 100% owned by Toyota, had been cheating on its testing for decades. In 2022, Hino Motors, a truck maker thats also part of the Toyota group, said it had systematically falsified emissions data dating back as far as 2003. No major accidents have been reported in connection with any of the cheating. But production has been halted on some of the models, including the 10 models affected by the latest cheating. Story continues Japans business daily, Nikkei, reported the alleged violations at Toyota Industries happened because management would not listen to workers who had questioned an overly aggressive development plan for engines. Sato has acknowledged Toyota group companies need better communication and education about the importance of complying with rules. The latest problem affects models including the Land Cruiser and Hilux sport utility vehicles sold in Japan, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, but not in North America. In an unrelated quality problem, Toyota and General Motors Co. told owners of about 61,000 older Corolla, Matrix, RAV4 and Pontiac Vibe models, mostly in the United States, to stop driving them because their Takata air bag inflators are at risk of exploding and hurling shrapnel. The urgent warning Monday covers certain Corolla compact cars and Matrix hatchbacks from the 2003 and 2004 model years, as well as the RAV4 small SUV from 2004 and 2005. Also covered are about 11,000 Pontiac Vibes from 2003 and 2004, which are essentially the same as the Matrix and were made at the same California factory. Missteps at automakers often are related to pressures to bring down costs, said Daisuke Uchida, a professor at Keio University who specializes in corporate governance. Something may have gotten lost in translation in the communication between management and those working on the ground, Uchida said. Analysts say the group companies problems are likely to have a limited impact on Toyotas earnings because their sales and profits are a small fraction of Toyota's overall global earnings. Toyoda did not present a concrete plan for action but instead mused on the humble roots of his family business and the importance of believing in invention. Toyota has weathered turbulent times in the past, he said. We must never lose sight of where we all began. ___ Yuri Kageyama is on X: https://twitter.com/yurikageyama General Motors' Spring Hill workers, along with 45,000 others, who are part of the United Auto Workers Union will receive a profit-sharing check come February, according to the automaker on Tuesday. The Spring Hill GM plant has more than 3,000 members of the UAW employed at the 11 million square foot plant. They could receive up to $12,250. For 2023, GM's North America pretax profits were $12.3 billion, down 5% from $12.9 billion a year ago. The amount of the profit-sharing checks is based on $1,000 per every $1 billion in annual earnings before interest and taxes, or pretax profits for North America, the Detroit Free Press reported. The checks are paid out in increments of $250, which is why it is $12,250 and not $12,300, GM spokesman David Caldwell said. But to make the full payout, an hourly employee must have accrued 1,850 or more compensated hours during 2023. Take a look at how much GM UAW workers have made in the past and more. How much did UAW GM workers make with their profit-sharing check? GM's UAW-represented workers, including more than 3,000 UAW members employed at the Spring Hill plant, received $12,250 this year. Which is not as much as their 2022 payout of $12,750 the highest since 2016 when it was at $12,000 per employee. The payout was not just for full-time permanent employees either. For the first time, GM's union-represented temporary employees and those at GM's battery facilities are now eligible for profit-sharing under the new national agreement the union has with GM, a UAW source confirmed to the Detroit Free Press. Was Spring Hill part of the 2023 UAW strike? On Oct. 28, the plant at Spring Hill, GM's largest assembly facility in the country, walked off the assembly line and joined the strike. The members have spoken. After years of cutbacks, months of our Stand Up campaign, and weeks on the picket line, we have turned the tide for the American autoworker, said UAW President Shawn Fain. The Stand Up Strike was just the beginning." Story continues Just a few days later the strike was suspended. 2023 UAW strikes: How long did it last and what did the union win? The strikes began on Sept 14 and continued for more than two months. The strike forced contract negotiations with Raises from at least 33% to over 160% - After COLA and compounded wage increases, members will recieve raises of at least 33% with some of the lowest-paid workers receiving raises of up to 160%. Tens of thousands of autoworkers will see immediate raises of over 40% upon ratification. Faster progression to top pay - Workers will no longer need to wait eight years before seeing wage progression, the union was able to secure a three-year wage progression to the top pay rate. Blazing the path to a just EV transition - The UAW won commitments at all three automakers that will bring thousands of electric vehicle (EV) and battery jobs. Improvements in retirement security for all active and retired members - For the first time in 15 years current retirees will receive annual bonuses, a $1.25 billion boost in their benefits. Across all three companies, workers hired before 2007 won an increase to their pension multiplier. 401K contribution increases - Although workers hired after 2007 did not win defined benefit pensions, the employer contribution to their 401(k)s increased by 10%, which will double many members annual 401(k) contributions over the life of the contract. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What will GM's UAW members in Tennessee earn in profit-sharing checks Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR), offering a dividend yield of 4.4%, emerges as a compelling investment option within the real estate sector, specializing in self-storage facilities. This niche is highly relevant in todays context, where urbanization and the downsizing trend in living spaces have led to increased demand for storage solutions. The growing need for extra space, driven by lifestyle changes and the decluttering movement, positions Extra Space Storage as a promising choice for investors seeking steady, growth-oriented returns. Don't Miss: Investing in real estate just got a whole lot simpler. This Dara Khosrowshahi-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100. Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, but few investors have the capital or resources needed to invest in this asset class. A platform backed by industry giant Marcus & Millichap is changing that, allowing individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000. A notable feature of investing in Extra Space Storage is its resilience in various economic cycles, making it an attractive option for those looking for stability in their investments. Unlike other real estate sectors that might be more sensitive to economic downturns, the self-storage industry often remains strong, underpinned by the constant need for storage irrespective of economic conditions. The companys adaptability and innovative approach to customer service, such as contactless rentals and state-of-the-art security features, enhance its appeal in a market increasingly driven by convenience and safety concerns. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce has led to a greater need for storage solutions among small and medium-sized businesses, a trend that is expected to persist and expand, offering a steady stream of commercial clients for Extra Space Storage. Furthermore, as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), Extra Space Storage offers investors an appealing income component through regular dividend distributions, which are supported by the companys strong cash flow generated from its lease operations. The commitment to returning value to shareholders, combined with the companys growth strategy through acquisitions and development of new storage facilities, provides a balanced investment opportunity with potential for both income and capital appreciation. In the third quarter of 2023, Extra Space Storage declared a dividend of $1.62 per share, with total dividends paid from January to September 2023 reaching $4.86. Story continues Investing in Extra Space Storage offers more than just a stake in the real estate market; it provides a unique opportunity to capitalize on the enduring need for storage solutions. As people continue to seek extra space for their belongings, driven by lifestyle changes and space constraints, Extra Space Storages role in this sector is likely to become even more integral, potentially enhancing its dividend prospects. This dynamic presents a compelling reason for investors to consider Extra Space Storage as a way to diversify their portfolio and tap into the steady demand in the self-storage market. Read Next: Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, but few investors have the capital or resources needed to invest in this asset class. A platform backed by industry giant Marcus & Millichap is changing that, allowing individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000. Collecting passive income from real estate just got a whole lot simpler. A new real estate fund backed by Dara Khosrowshahi gives you instant access to a diversified portfolio of rental properties, and you only need $100 to get started. Image Credit: Shutterstock "ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now! Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article The Ultimate REIT Hack to Capitalize on Downsized Living: Maximize Space and Profits originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Robert Kirk / Getty Images/iStockphoto There have been 46 presidents in U.S. history, but only a few appear on coins and bills that most people actually see. Thats not going to change anytime soon because you can only have so many denominations. As a way of honoring more presidents, the U.S. Mint began issuing Presidential Dollar coins in the 2000s. Most are worth about face value, but a couple are valued in six figures due to errors. See: Rare Bicentennial Quarter Has Nearly $20K Value Plus 7 More Worth Big Money Discover: How To Get $340 a Year in Cash Back for Things You Already Buy From 2007 to 2016, the Mint issued four Presidential Dollar coins per year, according to its website. Each coin has an image of a president on the front and a common reverse design featuring the Statue of Liberty. The composition of the Presidential Dollar coins is identical to that of the Sacagawea Golden Dollar and Native American $1 coins. Find: 10 Rare Roosevelt Dimes Worth a Lot of Money The Presidential Dollar series includes all presidents except those who are still alive. To be on a coin, a president should have died at least two years before minting, according to the CoinValueLookup website. This means all presidents have been honored except Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden. As previously reported by GOBankingRates, Presidential Dollars have a copper core and manganese brass cladding, so their metal content has little value. Their value is further deflated by what some coin experts describe as a plain look. That doesnt mean collectors cant get a big return from buying Presidential Dollars, however. Although most are worth no more than a few dollars, some are worth hundreds or thousands of dollars and a couple are worth $100,000 and above. Here are the two most valuable Presidential Dollars, as cited by CoinValueLookup: 2007 John Adams (without edge lettering) : This was one of the first Presidential coins to have an error. In this case, the Philadelphia mint struck the coins without the edge lettering. In the highest mint grade, this coin sells for around $141,000. 2007-S John Adams Proof: This coin has zero flaws and is expected to become rarer in the future, according to CoinValueLookup. Versions in pristine condition can fetch up to $100,000. Story continues Another valuable coin in the series is the 2007 George Washington without edge lettering, an error that pushes its value well above other versions. In high-grade condition, this coin can sell for close to $17,700. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: US Presidential Dollar Coins Worth the Most Money You Could Make Up to $141,000 Adonis Norouznia, the owner of Nomas Gastrobar, has been battling to stave off closures - Nomas Gastrobar A vegan restaurant has been forced to introduce meat options to its menu after struggling to attract customers. The owner of Nomas Gastrobar said he had been forced to make the change amid a battle stave off closure. Adonis Norouznia, owner of the Macclesfield-based restaurant, said: We have better prices and better quality, so you have to ask the question why dont we have customers? We have to see the reality of the situation. Its because of the vegan factor. Most people are not vegan. Mr Norouznia said customers had refused to pay for full English breakfasts after failing to spot that bacon and sausages were plant-based, while others were walking straight out after reading its menus. Nomas Gastrobar will now be adding pork sausages, bacon and eggs to menus, as well as serving pork and chicken gyros and beef burgers. The change is expected to come into force in the coming weeks. It comes after The Mango Tree in Taunton, Somerset, also added meat to its vegan restaurant menu in 2022 after being hit by the cost of living crisis. The changes are the latest sign that Britains veganism boom is losing steam, with sales of dairy products and red meat surging in the run-up to Christmas. Figures from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board revealed that spend on meat, fish and poultry was up 11.6pc year on year in the two weeks before Christmas Day. Shoppers spent more than 593m on dairy products in the period, up 2pc on the prior year, while they bought 11pc less in plant-based dairy alternatives. Separately, industry research suggested January had failed to provide its typical uplift in demand for vegan options. In recent years, the segment has been boosted by customers deciding to ditch meat for the month and take part in Veganuary. According to Kantar, sales of own-label plant food was up just 8pc in January compared to December. Story continues Kantars Fraser McKevitt said: Were not seeing as big a spike in health-related categories as we have done in previous years. The latest figures follow months of signs of waning appetite for vegan options, with Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Morrisons reportedly having slashed their vegan ranges by 10pc. Industry figures suggest that sales of meat alternatives are down 13.6pc over the last year. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. VGP NV Regulated Information - Inside Information 30 January 2024, 7:00 a.m. CET, Antwerp, Belgium: VGP NV (VGP or the Group) announces the acquisition of 21 hectares, currently used as a car park, located on part of the Stellantis site in Mulhouse, France. Two years after its arrival on the French market, VGP now has a secure 73-hectare portfolio of land on which to develop almost 350,000 m of industrial, logistics and business premises. At the end of 2024, VGP will complete the first delivery of 40,000 m on the Petit-Couronne site in Rouen. In a dynamic region that is currently experiencing a shortage of industrial and logistics space, this new park will help to meet the growing needs of businesses. Located in the commune of Sausheim, near Mulhouse, the site benefits from an exceptional location and accessibility, at the junction of the A36 and A35 motorways, with direct access to the future park. The future VGP park is located in a cross-border zone with close border proximity to Germany (50 km from Freiburg) and Switzerland (15 minutes from Basel). With a 21-hectare site, the Group plans to rapidly develop a modern business park of around 100,000 m for industrial and logistics companies. Construction work is due to start in the first quarter of 2025, with the first buildings to be delivered by the end of 2025. As with all the Group's projects, this programme will be subject to an ambitious environmental policy. All future buildings will aim for at least BREEAM Excellent certification. Aurelien Coudert, Country Manager of VGP France: "With this new strategic acquisition, VGP confirms its strong ambitions in the French market. Thanks to our hybrid model of developer, investor and manager, we are positioning ourselves as a long-term partner in this region, with a presence from the design phase through to the operation of the buildings. We would like to thank Mulhouse Alsace Agglomeration (m2A) and Stellantis for their confidence and their role in facilitating this project, and look forward to developing this new business park in line with the needs and requirements of our future customers and the local authorities." Story continues With this acquisition, VGP reaffirms the Group's commitment to meeting the needs of businesses and contributing to the sustainable growth of the regions in which it operates. CONTACT DETAILS VGP Investor Relations Tel: +32 (0)3 289 1433 investor.relations@vgpparks.eu Karen Huybrechts Head of Marketing Tel: +32 (0)3 289 1432 ABOUT US VGP is a pan-European owner, manager and developer of high-quality logistics and semi-industrial properties as well as a provider of renewable energy solutions. VGP has a fully integrated business model with extensive expertise and many years of experience along the entire value chain. VGP was founded in 1998 as a family-owned Belgian property developer in the Czech Republic and today operates with around 371 full-time employees in 17 European countries directly and through several 50:50 joint ventures. In June 2023, the gross asset value of VGP, including the 100% joint ventures, amounted to 6.76 billion and the company had a net asset value (EPRA NTA) of 2.2 billion. VGP is listed on Euronext Brussels (ISIN: BE0003878957). For further information please visit: http://www.vgpparks.eu/en Local governments and police departments across the state want to be able to crack down on squatters occupying vacant buildings, and several Hampton Roads cities say a proposal advancing in the General Assembly would help remedy that issue. Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, has introduced Senate Bill 48, which permits any county, city, or town to require, by ordinance, the owner of any building that has been vacant for at least 12 months to register annually. The legislation expands the scope of buildings that could be required to be registered. It says the buildings must meet the definition of either derelict building in relevant law, criminal blight in relevant law, or be in a situation where a locality has determined a person is living without the owners authority. Currently, only cities and a handful of specific towns are permitted to require the owner of any building that has been vacant for at least 12 months and meets the definition of derelict building to register such building annually. This bill expands existing legislation by allowing all cities, counties and towns to require registration. In state code, derelict buildings are defined as those with conditions that endanger the publics health, safety, or welfare, and are vacant, boarded up, and not lawfully connected to water or utility services. The new legislation also allows localities to target criminal blight, which state code defines as a condition existing on real property that endangers the public health or safety of residents of a locality. State code says criminal blight is caused by the regular presence on the property of people in possession or under the influence of controlled substances; illegally possessing, manufacturing, or distributing controlled substances; using the property for engaging in commercial sex acts or the discharge of a firearm that would constitute a criminal act. Failure to register will result in a civil penalty ranging between $200 and $400. Story continues The new law would also enable counties, cities, and towns to better regulate people squatting in buildings, as new language in the bill explicitly refers to a person is living without the authority of the owner or owners. Lockes bill passed the Senate on a 40-0 vote. Del. Joshua Thomas, D-Gainesville, introduced the house version of the bill, HB 1486, which on Friday was reported out of the Counties, Cities, and Towns committee on a 13-7 vote. The bill received some bipartisan support, but all those opposed are Republicans. During a subcommittee meeting on Friday, Thomas said the overall result of his legislation is that localities are able to more effectively monitor blight and that they are able to mitigate risk to the community. Representatives from the Virginia First Cities Coalition, the Virginia Municipal League, the Virginia Housing Commission, and representatives of the cities of Hampton, Portsmouth, and Suffolk all voiced support for the legislation during the meeting. Elizabeth Palen, executive director of the Virginia Housing Commission, said the legislation is needed to enforce public safety. Vacant property registrations are needed to help localities address public safety challenges that are caused by vacant properties, such as properties being illegally occupied and trespassing, she said. We have had officers come in and testify to that fact. Hampton officials have previously expressed support for the legislation, saying they want to have the ability to register any building that has been unoccupied for 12 months or more as vacant. Ed Reed of Two Capitols Consulting, a legislative liaison for Hampton, previously told the Daily Press the city had encountered squatters living in houses that out-of-state owners believed to be vacant. He said some of the homes have been involved in shootings. By requiring them to be registered, Reed said police would know whether anyone should be inside the building. No one spoke out against the legislation during the subcommittee hearing. Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com BERLIN (Reuters) -Volkswagen said it was sticking to its financing timeline for battery unit PowerCo to seek a strategic investor this year, after Bloomberg reported that it was pushing back its plans. "The interest we see from investors remains high," Volkswagen said in a statement. Bloomberg reported earlier on Tuesday that the company was no longer prioritising a stake sale, or a potential listing this year or next, citing people familiar with the matter, who attributed the delay to a poor market for listings. Volkswagen said the company was still preparing to be ready for an investor in 2024 and that an IPO remained a "tangible option in the future." A spokesperson for PowerCo also denied that timings had changed. Volkswagen Chief Financial Officer Arno Antlitz first said in September 2022 that PowerCo could be the next unit of the Volkswagen Group to be split off after the listing of Porsche, first via engaging strategic investors and then potentially a listing, but without providing a timeline. Both Antlitz and Volkswagen's battery chief Thomas Schmall said in 2023 that the unit would be ready for an investor in 2024, with Schmall adding it would be ready in the beginning of the year. A listing could not take place until battery factories were up and running, a source familiar with the matter said. PowerCo is scheduled to begin producing cells from 2025. Antlitz said in September last year that the strategic investor could be a major client and that down the line, there could be several investors. Other options for partners could include a financial investor or someone with know-how of the battery industry, he added at the time. (Reporting by Victoria WalderseeEditing by Madeline Chambers and Sharon Singleton) Good afternoon, and thank you for subscribing to Building Austin, our weekly newsletter focused on real estate, growth and development in the Austin region. I'm Shonda Novak, the American-Statesman's real estate reporter. A developer specializing in multifamily housing has begun leasing a project in Round Rock that will bring 247 rental homes to the fast-growing suburb just north of Austin. Unlike typical apartment living, the single-family rent houses planned for YardHomes Meadow Lake in Round Rock will have fenced-in backyards, giving residents more than 250 square feet of outdoor space. Rents are expected to range from $1,650 a month to $2,830 a month, for homes with one, two and three bedrooms. Located at 3350 College Park Dr., Urban Moment Development says its project illustrates the company's fresh take on multifamily living. It's called YardHomes Meadow Lake, and is set for a grand opening in March. I had occasion to meet up with Jim Campbell, founder and chairman of Urban Moment, back in 2019. At that time, Campbell was helping to pioneer the concept of build-to-rent housing in Austin with a project called Urbana at Goodnight Ranch, which he developed in southeast Austin. We talked about Urbana, and the growing trend around the country of builders constructing single-family homes that are available for rent only. Read more in my article here. In 2019, local real estate consultant Charles Heimsath, who conducted a market study for Campbell, told me: Theres nothing like it exactly in Austin today." Heimsath said Campbell's project had a modern design and bold colors that gave it a different look and feel from some of the other rental home communities in the Austin market. "Its a good tweener between renting a flat in a large apartment community and moving into a single family home, Heimsath said in 2019. This rendering depicts the pool area planned for a development that will bring 247 rental homes to Round Rock. The developer says the homes will combine "the flexibility and convenience of apartment living with the privacy and spaciousness of a single-family home." At YardHomes Meadow Lake, rents will range from $1,650 a month to $2,830 a month, for homes with one, two and three bedrooms ranging in size from 635 square feet to 1,375 square feet. Unlike typical apartment living, residents will have fenced-in backyards, giving each home more than 250 square feet of outdoor space. We're transforming the apartment living experience by presenting an innovative approach to residential housing that seamlessly combines the flexibility and convenience of apartment living with the privacy and spaciousness of a single-family home," Campbell said. Story continues Amenities at the Round Rock project include stainless-steel appliances, granite counters and smart technology, such as Ring doorbells, keyless entry and high-speed Fiber GIG internet service. The community also will have lounge areas with fire pits, grilling stations, pocket parks, a fitness center, a pool, two dog parks and a dog wash station. This rendering shows the modern farmhouse design of what ultimately will be 247 rental homes planned for Round Rock. Urban Moment has two other projects under construction in the Austin region: YardHomes Hero Way in Leander and YardHomes Cottonwood Creek in Hutto. In addition, the company plans to break ground later this year on three more projects, one each in North Austin, Pflugerville and Georgetown. Outside of Austin, the company is gearing up to deliver its first rent homes in San Antonio, Dallas and Houston. Kelly Dwyer, president of Urban Moment, said the projects represent the next generation of the company's trademarked YardHomes brand that it introduced in the past year. The latest version, Dwyer said, features a modern farmhouse design and offers more open space, amenities and enhanced interior finishes. Dwyer said Urban Moment plans to bring YardHomes to all the major metros in Texas. This rendering depicts the interior of one of the 247 rental homes planned for Round Rock by Urban Moment Development. My work isnt possible without Statesman subscribers. If you subscribe, thank you! And if you dont, please consider supporting us today. Have tips or story ideas? Contact me at 512.913.4503, snovak@statesman.com or @snovak999. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: rental housing Round Rock build-to-rent Want to earn some extra cash? Some people are making six figures from side hustles they run from their cell phones, but experts say you need to take three critical steps if you want to be successful. Discover: 10 Tips To Start a Business With Very Little Money, According To Entrepreneurs Learn: Pocket an Extra $400 a Month With This Simple Hack Step One: Figure out what you can monetize. Kathy Kristof, whose blog has reviewed over 500 different side gigs, told CNBC Make It that you must question how to monetize your interests, skills or resources. You can design and sell your own products, earn some cash by delivering food or rent out your home by listing it on a platform like Airbnb. Unless your side hustle is passive, your earnings will also be directly tied to the number of hours you work. For example, renting out your home is much more passive and takes less time than being a delivery driver. Fully passive income side hustles take more time to get off the ground, CNBC Make It noted. There are other ways to [earn] that arent just trading your time directly for money, Cody Berman, who co-runs an online course called Gold City Ventures, explained to CNBC Make It. If you build a digital product that does really well, like a killer blog post or YouTube video or podcast episode you can put the work in once [and get] paid in perpetuity. Side Gig: How I Make $5,000 a Month in Passive Income Doing Just 10 Hours of Work a Year Step Two: Decide if you, or a platform, should run the business. Kristof says you should ask yourself how much of your business do you want to do alone. You can build and manage the business yourself or use a popular platform to help quickly launch your business and connect you to the right customers. However, theres usually a catch. Running a business yourself is typically much more profitable, but it takes time to start generating income. Many platforms, such as the dog-walking app Rover, get a cut of every transaction. Rover keeps 20% of each dog walk. Youll also need to learn the platforms search algorithm, which could change at any moment. Story continues Step Three: Test it. The most important part of starting a side hustle is starting it, Berman said. Most people fail before they even begin. You can test your products by asking friends and family to use your services, providing honest feedback, and leaving positive reviews online, Kristof said. According to a study by Zippia, nearly half of Americans had a side hustle at the start of 2023. Over half of those with a side hustle brought in less than $500 per month, but the gig economy is growing. The percentage of side hustlers earning more than $1,500 per month grew from 5% up to 15% between 2020 and 2021. Growing a business is the biggest challenge side hustlers face, Zippia noted, followed by dealing with limited time, having the right idea to move forward with, having motivation and understanding the technology involved. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Want To Start a Side Hustle? 3 Crucial Steps To Succeed and Build Wealth Shares of Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) jumped as much as 3.2% higher on Tuesday morning before giving up all of the gains and then some. The pharma stock was down by 0.6% as of 12:05 p.m. ET. These gyrations came after Pfizer announced its fourth-quarter and full-year results before the opening bell. The company reported Q4 revenue of $14.2 billion. Although this was a 41% year-over-year decline, it still topped Wall Street's consensus revenue estimate of $13.3 billion. Pfizer posted a Q4 loss of nearly $3.4 billion, or $0.60 per share, based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, the drugmaker recorded adjusted earnings per share of $0.10, which was well above the analysts' average estimate of an adjusted loss of $0.20 per share. Why did Pfizer's shares rise and then fall? Investors initially responded positively to Pfizer's better-than-expected Q4 revenue and earnings. The pleasant surprise came in part from higher sales of its COVID-19 products than anticipated. The analysts' average estimate had been for Comirnaty sales of $4.99 billion in the quarter, according to FactSet. Pfizer reported COVID-19 vaccine sales of $5.36 billion. However, the enthusiasm didn't last long. The most likely reason why is that Pfizer made no changes to the 2024 guidance it had issued in December. For the year, the company still expects revenue will be between $58.5 billion and $61.5 billion, with total COVID-19 sales for Comirnaty and antiviral therapy Paxlovid of around $8 billion. Is Pfizer stock a buy after its Q4 update? There was nothing in Pfizer's Q4 results that would give investors a good reason to buy the stock. I nonetheless think that it's a good pick for income investors, though. Pfizer's dividend yield at its current share price is above 6.1%. The drugmaker faces headwinds for its COVID-19 franchise, and several of its products will lose exclusivity in the coming years. However, Pfizer's new products, new indications for existing products, and business development deals should enable the company to return to growth despite these challenges, in my view. Story continues Should you invest $1,000 in Pfizer right now? Before you buy stock in Pfizer, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now... and Pfizer wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of January 29, 2024 Keith Speights has positions in Pfizer. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Pfizer. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Pfizer Stock Was Jumping Today, but Then Gave Up Its Gains was originally published by The Motley Fool Teresa Ghilarducci is the author of the new book Work, Retire, Repeat: The Uncertainty of Retirement in the New Economy. - University of Chicago Press The Value Gap is a MarketWatch interview series with business leaders, academics, policymakers and activists on reducing racial and social inequalities. Most Read from MarketWatch Teresa Ghilarducci thinks older adults shouldnt have to work in retirement. She wants people to stop feeling shame about the size of their retirement accounts, and envisions a Gray New Deal that creates job and pension improvements for older Americans. Those positions may be surprising for a labor economist. But Ghilarducci is also a professor at the New School for Social Research and an expert on retirement security who explains complicated subjects in an accessible way. She has authored several books and papers, and her latest book, Work, Retire, Repeat: The Uncertainty of Retirement in the New Economy, talks about how employees are laboring in the broken U.S. retirement system. As American society urges people to work longer, this takes a disproportionate toll on middle- and lower-income people who may not have the ability to work longer in physically demanding jobs, Ghilarducci told MarketWatch in an interview. - University of Chicago Press Fifty percent of women and 47% of men between the ages of 55 and 66 have no retirement savings, according to the Census Bureau. Ghilarducci calls for a Gray New Deal as a public-policy imperative. Todays do-it-yourself retirement system in which workers fund their retirement through 401(k)s, savings and sheer grit is not working, she said. This interview has been edited for length and clarity: Story continues MarketWatch: Youve written several books. What did you still want to say in this new book? Ghilarducci: My other books really focused on how to have enough money for retirement. This is a different subject about the policy push to work longer. We have a retirement crisis thats a complex problem and expensive to fix. People retreated to the safe place that we cant fix it. They say, We have to work a little longer, and thats the solution. My experience with the rest of the world was that they did not have this sense that working longer was the solution. Other countries have 25- to 30-year work lives and have a dignified old age. This working-longer idea robs us of a dignified old age, which we deserve. Theres a cost to our bodies and our lives in working longer. MarketWatch: Can you talk about the Gray New Deal, what it entails and how insurmountable it may be to see it come to fruition? Ghilarducci: We have a responsibility to rethink how people work and retire from that work. If you do not ignore the retirement period people are entitled to retire theres got to be new ways to think about it. It has to be part of public policy. It has to be as encompassing as the original New Deal. Ninety percent of workers have no problem embracing this idea of retirement, but 53% of retired people when surveyed say they didnt choose when to retire. They were laid off or their bodies wore out. Workers get it that they wont be able to work until theyre 62, and working to 70 is nearly impossible for most. Policy makers, meanwhile, have better, easier jobs. No ones telling them what to do they are telling other people what to do. It makes them a bit unsympathetic. But if they hear enough from workers theres lots of support for Social Security. Im hopeful. MarketWatch: The demographic bubble known as Peak 65 is happening this year, with a historic number of people turning 65. What will this mean for society, the economy and our culture? Ghilarducci: Peak 55 happened 10 years ago, and people got really nervous about their retirement savings. Now its Peak 65, and all illusions about whats possible are gone. There will be 35 million people realizing that their work lives are over and the money wont stretch. Well have a sea change in views on Social Security. Theres no stomach among voters for benefit cuts. Theres a bill in Congress from [Democratic Sen. John] Hickenlooper, [Republican Sen. Thom] Tillis, [Democratic Rep. Terri] Sewell and [Republican Rep. Lloyd] Smucker that calls for a government match. It gets the individual employer out of it and focuses on the worker and the government. Peak 65 shows me that the population is aging, and older people vote. Theres also an electorate thats younger, and they support Social Security. Theyre struggling with student debt and they are financially sophisticated. Theyre learning about compound interest in high school. Theres a groundswell of concern about their parents. Theres also women in their late 40s and 50s who are having to take care of older parents. Not only are they taking care of older parents, but a lot of the care costs are coming out of their own retirement savings. Theyre also giving a lot of their own time to provide care that they could be using for work, making more money and providing for their own security, and theyre not. MarketWatch: Does increased longevity mean increased senior poverty? Ghilarducci: We started charting higher levels of increased poverty years ago millions of people living in de facto poverty. As the numbers of people go up, the rate and number of people in poverty will go up. The ghoulish good news is that people living in poverty dont live as long. Theres a real inequality in longevity, in that the people with means are living longer. That inequality is real. MarketWatch: In your book, you talk about how working longer weakens political pressure to expand Social Security and employer retirement plans. How so? Ghilarducci: It could cost $1 trillion to bring Social Security up to full benefits. It would be spread out over decades, but its still a lot of money. Workers and employers have to set aside money for retirement. Workers also have to pay for emergency savings, housing, student debt. The urgency on the retirement crisis dissipates when people say everyone can work more years, and by working for more time, they wont draw on Social Security. But thats like saying, Hey, we can afford lunch by not having lunch. And people can just work longer? Thats not realistic. Theres a push to have everyone in the labor pool and a spate of work to end age discrimination. But a lot of that is turning the other way. Its also psychological people making policy didnt want to think of themselves as useless and facing mortality. Its appealing to human beings: Never say die. The do-it-yourself retirement system is false that one can do it themselves. Theres this shame that you didnt save enough. Were a country of very old baristas people are doing jobs that are a lot less than they had before because they have to. But I think people are rising up. People are angry and empowered. Theres all sorts of ways to do that vote for politicians who pay attention. Its hard to talk to 55-year-old women who have no retirement. They should be angry. MarketWatch: What do you see happening to Social Security in 10 years as the trust funds supporting it hit insolvency? Ghilarducci: Social Security is purely a political problem. The country could afford to put more money into the system. We could have a 3-percentage-point increase in payroll tax. It wouldnt mean job displacement or funding taken away from other groups. Its not an economic problem. Its a political problem that will be solved at the last minute, which will make it even more expensive. Any cuts to Social Security will mean more poor older adults. The last time there was a crisis, in 1983, we went to the brink. This time, I think politically there is the will to get something done because no one wants to see benefits cut. MarketWatch: Will you ever retire? And what will that look like? Ghilarducci: I have one of the strangest jobs in the U.S. Im like a medieval priest or something. I have an endowed chair and Im tenured. I have no supervisor. I have a really rare job. Ill only retire when my body or my mind gives out. Im not typical. And those of us with atypical jobs and policy makers are not typical we need to be more humble and realize we are not representative of most people. MarketWatch: Whats the one lesson you want people to take away from your new book? Ghilarducci: I want people to realize that they deserve retirement and a dignified retirement. Its not shameful if they havent been able to save. Its not because they got a divorce or had too much avocado toast in their 20s. Its not their fault. Every American deserves a retirement, and working longer is not the solution. Most Read from MarketWatch Ready to file your taxes and watch that refund check hit your bank account? This year, the Internal Revenue Service promises a new era of easy, inexpensive tax preparation with free tax filing options. While the ability to use online forms to file your taxes has long been an option, most taxpayers needed guidance to navigate the slew of schedules required to prepare and file a typical tax return. This years tax return process has been streamlined with options for free tax filing available either through the IRS or other programs detailed below that allow you to file taxes online for free. Read more: Taxes 2024: Everything you need to file your taxes on time 7 free tax filing options Looking for a filing option that allows you to pay less to pocket a tax refund or pay the taxes you owe? Learn how you can file your taxes for free or at a reduced cost. 1. Qualify for IRS Free File In partnership with the Free File Alliance, the IRS offers IRS Free File to eligible tax filers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) or taxable income of less than $79,000 in 2023. This free federal tax preparation software uses a series of simple questions to help complete your tax return. Its best for those who arent itemizing expenses, dont own a business, and dont require extensive adjustments. Free File also includes access to free state tax returns for some taxpayers. You can check to see if you qualify, calculate your adjusted gross income, and get access to the tax software at IRS.gov. 2. Leverage free or trial versions of tax software If your AGI is above $80,000 or you have other income sources that complicate your tax forms, you can find free options from popular tax brands, including H&R Block, Turbo Tax, Tax Slayer, and TaxAct Free. Like IRS Free File, these software options are best for individuals with straightforward tax filings, and they sometimes include free state tax filing. Free versions of tax software typically allow access to Form 1040 and schedules that enable claiming the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit. A few also support deducting student loan interest, certain types of dividends or savings account earnings, and retirement income. Unlike some of the other offerings, be warned that TaxSlayers Simply Free program does have an income limit of $100,000 and requires that you not claim a dependent. Read more: Everything you need to know to claim the child tax credit and earned income tax credit 3. Use Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a program supported by a federal grant that provides free tax preparation to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. This is a community partnership that staffs sites in libraries, schools, and other convenient sites around the country with IRS-certified volunteers who provide in-person, free tax help. There are a few eligibility requirements, including making $64,000 or less, having a disability, or limited English speakers who need tax filing assistance. You can check for a VITA site near you using the IRS locator tool. 4. Use the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program A sister program to VITA, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) also uses a federal grant to provide free tax preparation services to older taxpayers. Many TCE sites are run in cooperation with the nonprofit AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. Like other free tax filing options listed here, TCE programs are best suited to simple tax returns for those who receive a pension or have retirement-related concerns. While you typically need to be 60 or older to qualify for TCE services, some AARP sites offer tax help to low- to moderate-income filers aged 50 and up. Read more: 3 ways retirees can save on taxes 5. File with MilTax software and tax assistance Military members, their families, and some veterans may qualify to have taxes filed for free through MilTax, the Department of Defenses free tax software offered in partnership with Military OneSource. The software is specifically geared toward concerns such as combat wages, deployment situations, multi-state filings, and housing or rental concerns. There are no income limits to qualify, and Military OneSource offers a call center to provide on-demand personalized tax help. For military members who use the service, the software guarantees 100% accuracy, or youll be reimbursed $10,000. 6. Enroll in the Direct File pilot program If youre an American who resided in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, or Wyoming in 2023, you may be eligible to file your taxes directly with the IRS and get a quicker turnaround on your direct deposit refund through the Direct File Program. Currently, the pilot program only supports certain types of income and deductions, so the Direct File pilot is not an option if you have self-employment income, business income, need to itemize deductions, or plan to claim certain types of credits like the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Read more: Home office deduction: Who can claim it, and how much can you save? 7. File directly with the IRS Remember that even if you dont qualify for one of the free filing programs listed above, you can still do an electronic filing directly on the IRS website using their free, fillable forms. The caveat is that you must create a new account every year to access the online tax forms, and you wont be able to adjust or amend last years tax return. The IRS specifies you should understand how to fill out the income tax return forms via the instructions provided and to review them carefully as you wont be able to change anything once you submit. You should also make sure to print a copy for your records. Read more: Tax credit vs. tax deduction: What's the difference and which is better? Free tax filing frequently asked questions 1. How do I calculate my adjusted gross income? Deciding which free tax filing option is the best fit involves checking your adjusted gross income or taxable income. Fortunately, calculating your adjusted gross income is a fairly simple formula. Total the income youll report such as wages, dividends, and interest from savings accounts, then subtract any deductions, credits, or adjustments youre eligible to take. 2. Do I still need to file a federal tax return if I paid estimated or self-employment taxes quarterly? Yes. Even if youre self-employed and pay estimated taxes quarterly, youll still need to file a tax return with the IRS to ensure youve paid the right amount. Make a detailed reporting of all your sources of income from your W-2 forms, including anything you receive for services or products sold through platforms like PayPal or Venmo. 3. Do any states offer free e-file or free tax filing software? Almost half the states in the United States have some sort of free filing program for state returns in conjunction with the federal government. These states include Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia, plus the District of Columbia. In todays fiercely competitive landscape, setting yourself apart from the crowd is essential for your companys success. One of the most effective ways to stand out is to craft a brand identity that resonates with your target audience. David Brier, author and branding expert, told PostcardMania for a 2022 blog, Branding is the art of differentiation. Exactly what form that differentiation takes depends on your industry, business size, financial resources, and platform. There are many ways to sculpt a strong brand identity; the trick is choosing the most effective strategy for your specific business. Not sure where to start? Several business experts have weighed in on key strategies for identifying and crafting your brand identity in a crowded marketplace. 1. Define Your Brands Core Values Clearly defined core values shape a businesss identity and guide its actions. Spend time defining what your brand stands for, the principles it upholds, and the purpose it serves before crafting a visual identity and marketing assets for your business. These foundational elements will shape every aspect of your brand identity. Core values serve as a compass for decision-making within business leadership, explained Owen Martinetti, Co-Founder of Snoozy. They also contribute to building trust with key stakeholders, including customers, investors, suppliers, and employees. Businesses that invest time and effort in articulating and living by their core values may be better positioned to navigate challenges, foster positive relationships, and achieve long-term success. Defining your core values doesnt just reinforce your brand identity; it positively contributes to your businesss overall health. 2. Know Your Audience Understanding your target audience lets you craft a brand identity that attracts new and repeat customers. Messaging that is too niche limits your reach, while broad and unspecific messaging results in low conversion rates. Most online shopping platforms provide analytics tools that enable owners to get a better understanding of their customer base, said Brianna Bitton, Co-Founder of O Positiv. The demographic data extracted from these tools becomes the foundation for successful strategic marketing and branding initiatives. Conduct thorough market research to identify your audience's preferences, needs, and pain points. Tailor your brand messaging and visual elements to resonate with their interests and aspirations for a higher conversion rate, a more loyal customer base, and a profit boost. 3. Develop a Distinctive Visual Identity Create a memorable visual identity that sets your brand apart even in a crowded online marketplace. Key elements of your visual identity include a unique logo, color palette, and typography that should be unique and consistent. Successful brands almost always have memorable logos, advised Ryan Rottman, Co-Founder and CEO of OSDB. A visual identity is one of the first features customers associate with a business, even beyond the products. Consistency in visual elements across all platforms fosters recognition, making your brand instantly identifiable. Hire a professional designer if needed to ensure a polished and cohesive visual identity. If that feels out of your reach, there are many digital tools and resources available to develop your brands visual identity at a low cost. 4. Craft a Compelling Brand Story Consumers connect with stories and feel drawn toward businesses that fit within a broader narrative. Develop a compelling brand narrative to communicate your journey and tie into your core values for a more effective brand identity. Stories are more memorable than facts or features, explained Sanford Mann, CEO of American Hartford Gold, a company that helps people safeguard their retirement savings with Gold IRAs. This memorability contributes towards word-of-mouth marketing and leads to higher customer acquisition rates. Share stories that evoke emotions and resonate with your audience. A well-crafted brand story adds depth and authenticity, forging a stronger connection with consumers, who are then more likely to make purchases and remain loyal to your business. 5. Maintain Consistent Branding Across Platforms Consistency is key to building a strong brand identity. Ensure your branding elements, including logo, colors, and messaging, are consistent across all platforms, from your website and social media to packaging and promotional materials. Asker A Ahmed, Director of iProcess Global Research, explained why consistent branding is a non-negotiable: Consistency in branding conveys a sense of professionalism and reliability. Inconsistencies may raise questions about a brands legitimacy, while consistency reinforces the idea a brand is stable and trustworthy. Maintaining consistency across branding should be a key responsibility for your marketing and media departments. If this is not already a part of your overall branding strategy, nows the time to incorporate it. 6. Differentiate Through Value Propositions One of the most effective ways to create a strong brand identity is by clearly articulating what makes your brand unique and communicating it through your value propositions. Spend time reflecting on what sets your business apart, such as a unique selling proposition (USP), a particular approach to solving a problem, or exceptional customer service. Value propositions should address the specific needs of a target audience, said Justin Rapoport, Co-Founder of TruHeight. They explain how a product addresses a need, solves a problem, or fills a gap in the customers life. These propositions are what ultimately set a business apart. Highlight the specific benefits and advantages your products or services offer compared to competitors. This attracts customers while establishing a distinct position in the market, safeguarding your future among the competition. 7. Prioritize Customer Experience Exceptional customer experiences set successful brands apart. Invest in providing outstanding service at every touchpoint, from the first interaction to post-purchase support. Even businesses that are not directly customer-facing can benefit from adopting a positive customer service mindset. Happy customers become loyal customers, said Maggie Brown, Founder and CEO of Recess Pickleball. When a business exceeds their expectations, they are more likely to become a repeat customer, as well as advocate for the brand. This can help boost your companys reputation and extend your reach. Consider businesses that are well-known for their customer service. Its likely that exceptional customer experience has translated into increased popularity, higher profits, and a loyal customer base. 8. Embrace Innovation Todays business landscape is more cutthroat and competitive than ever. One key way to stay ahead of the competition is by embracing innovation. The most successful companies support and promote positive risk-taking, advised Jeremy Cai, Co-Founder of Courtly. When employees feel supported enough to try new ideas and take small risks, thats the type of environment that tends to foster creativity and true innovation. Whether it's through product development, technology adoption, or creative marketing strategies, showcasing your brand as forward-thinking and adaptive helps maintain relevance in a rapidly changing marketplace. 9. Engage Authentically on Social Media Social media is a powerful tool for building brand identity. You can practice and promote all the core tenets mentioned above through your businesss social media presence. Engage authentically with your audience, recommended Andrew Chen, Chief Product Officer of CommentSold, a company that specializes in Shopify live selling. Dont be afraid to share behind-the-scenes glimpses, respond to comments, and participate in relevant conversations. Customers want to feel like theyre talking to a human being, not a robot, and social media provides a personal connection for them. Humanizing your brand on social platforms establishes a genuine connection with consumers in a way that can dramatically set your business apart. Invest in a creative and authentic social media presence in order to increase online sales and conversion rates. 10. Seek Feedback and Iterate Feedback is invaluable for refining your brand identity. Actively seek input from customers, employees, and industry experts to identify the factors setting your business apart as well as those blending in with the rest. Constructive feedback is not always easy to take, said Selom Agbitor, Co-Founder of Mad Rabbit, a company known for their tattoo numbing cream. Still, without outside critiques, its too easy to get stuck in a feedback loop. Whether gathering customer satisfaction surveys or feedback on your own personal performance, this is one of the most useful ways to really home in on necessary changes in your business. Its also, unfortunately, probably the easiest step to skip. Use constructive feedback to make informed adjustments to your branding strategy, ensuring your brand remains relevant and resonant in the face of market changes. Identity Is Everything Forming a strong brand identity is not just a marketing strategy; it is the cornerstone of a brand's success. Being able to understand and articulate what makes your brand unique and consistently highlighting those value propositions will help set you apart from the competition time after time. With consistent messaging and strong core values, it becomes easier to take risks and embrace the challenges your business may face, which ultimately leads to greater resiliency. A well-defined brand identity is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment to authenticity, consistency, and customer-centric communication. As your brand evolves, so does the narrative that defines it, ensuring a meaningful and enduring relationship with your audience. Lee Enterprises newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content. Somebody brought up an interesting point during the snowstorm a few weeks ago. City kids have country kids to thank for snow vacation days. The city and town streets may be just fine following a snowstorm, but it is often quite a different story out in the boondocks. Snowplows clear the main streets and roads first, usually making passes at close intervals while the flakes are falling. That, of course, is because the main roads carry more traffic, including commercial and safety vehicles. VDOT gets to the less-traveled back roads only after the primary highways are under control. Consequently, snow builds up and packs down on back roads making them more difficult to clear once the trucks get around to them. Primary roads also get brine, salt and sand while many secondary and side roads often dont. Chemicals cause the snow and ice to melt faster. Some back roads also have low spots that can easily flood during heavy rainstorms or snow melt. Yep, the main roads may be fine and you wonder why there is no school. If you lived on a back road, however, youd understand. Of course, bad back roads dont stop parents from riding to Walmart or McDonalds on days when school is closed due to inclement weather. The difference is that while private vehicles move down icy roads at a constant pace, school buses are constantly stopping and starting, which lends to the possibility of being rear-ended by drivers going too fast for the dangerous conditions. School buses also have morning runs that start early when temperatures are at their lowest and snow melt from the previous day has turned to ice. Then, too, kids can get pretty cold standing in the snow and waiting for the bus in 5-degree weather. So, if you see kids heading for town at noon on a weather day, just remember that conditions may have been far worse six hours earlier. A lot goes into deciding whether or not it is safe to open school on a snowy day. Sometimes it is a really tough call. Older Americans may recollect walking to class in the snow, but likely they went to in-town community schools. It is a different story when children must ride a bus 10 or more miles on icy back roads. So, like the man said, if you are a city kid, thank the kids who live way out in the country for your snow day. What do you do on a snow day? Why, play in the snow, of course. Younger kids cant wait to get out in the snow, but attitudes change as children get older. A friend was telling me how she practically had to force her teenage girls to take a break from their electronic toys and go sledding. They finally agreed, she said, but my 15-year-old refused to go out into the snow until she had put her makeup on. Well, you never know when a good-looking guy might pop out of a snowdrift, I guess. Women! Speaking of snow, the birds have a hard time finding food when there is snow on the ground so Im sure they would appreciate you scattering some bird seed on a bare spot or filling a bird feeder. Raccoons and squirrels are prone to raiding bird feeders because they are hungry, too. The fight for food becomes a constant battle in the dead of winter. This is also the time of year when deer find food scarce and start munching on flowers and shrubs in your yard. Good luck stopping that. Remember, too, that mating season is approaching for many smaller animals. Be especially careful about leaving pets out unsupervised from now on because when coyotes have pups they tend to go after the easiest prey they can find. Cats and small dogs, even as large as beagles, are often on their menu. Keep those pets close, even in the suburbs. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., is demanding answers from the U.S. Postal Service over late delivery of hundreds of cancer screening results from military veterans to the Richmond Veterans Administration Medical Center. Kaine called on the Postal Service to explain why the results of 870 immunochemical screenings for colon cancer arrived late to the VA Medical Center, including an estimated 450 results for tests dating as far back as mid-summer that are no longer usable. The patients send the results of at-home screening to the VA to indicate whether they need to test further for potential signs of colon cancer. "We want to be clear; this is unacceptable," the senator said in a letter co-signed by Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and members of Virginia's congressional delegation and released on Tuesday. "These issues with postal delays have caused unnecessary stress and harm for our constituents and suggest to us that the issues in the region are worse than we thought. We are unsatisfied with the level of urgency and responsiveness the agency has demonstrated with the issues we have raised previously, and this must change with this new revelation." Among the congressional representatives signing the letter are Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, who represents Richmond and much of the region; Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, who represents parts of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties in a district that extends from the Northern Neck through much of tidal Virginia; and Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, a Henrico resident who now represents a Northern Virginia district extending from Caroline County through the Fredericksburg area to eastern Prince William County. Also signing the letter are Reps. Bob Good, R-5th, whose district includes western Hanover, Louisa and Goochland counties, and Jen Kiggans, R-2nd, whose district is based in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Suffolk. Battles over lagging postal deliveries have intensified in the Richmond area in recent months, as Kaine and other members of the state's congressional delegation have expressed frustration over the Postal Service's unwillingness to meet publicly with their constituents over unreliable service. Virginia lawmakers previously have raised concerns about problems with mail delivery in the Charlottesville area. "Among other impacts, these delays have caused people to miss needed medications or to receive billing notices after payment deadlines have passed," Kaine and the congressional representatives said in the letter. "We have shared these with the agency formally and via staff in an effort to identify if these are isolated cases or signs of a systemic challenge with postal delivery in this area." The delayed deliveries of home-screening test results for colon cancer represents "even more alarming consequences" of faulty mail delivery, they said. The Veterans Administration Center in South Richmond, formerly named Hunter Holmes McGuire, a Confederate surgeon, said it recently received postal delivery of about 870 immunochemical test samples, which veterans collected in their homes and returned by mail to detect early signs of colon cancer. For the test results to be valid, the VA Center must receive them within about two weeks of collection. "It is our understanding that upon delivery of this recent batch of tests, more than half of the samples were older than two weeks some dating back to mid-2023 and therefore were unusable by the VA," Kaine and the congressional representatives said. They said the VA Center has been working with the Postal Service "to understand how this could have happened" but has indicated that "precise answers have not yet been forthcoming from USPS." Neither the Postal Service nor the VA Center immediately responded to requests for comment. Kaine and the others requested a timely briefing by the Postal Service "to understand how this could have happened and what is being done to keep it from happening again." They also asked to tour the USPS facility that processed the mailed samples "to see firsthand the operational challenges." "It is imperative that we understand the systemic issues that are causing these operational challenges on the ground at Virginia postal facilities, so that we may provide the resources and support these facilities require from the federal level in order to prevent further service delays and disruptions," they said. However, Kaine and the others noted that the Postal Service had declined previous requests for meetings and tours to discuss mounting concerns over faulty mail deliveries in the Richmond area. "Postal service customers in Central Virginia deserve transparency and explanation, as soon as possible, regarding these issues," they said. Nearly two years to the week after being singled out for praise by Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg during the 2022 State of the City address, Fremonts former first-ever police mental health co-responder is expected to reach a settlement with the city over her claims of discrimination and retaliation while working at the Fremont Police Department. On Tuesday, Jan. 30, the Fremont City Council is scheduled to hear, possibly debate and potentially make a decision on approving a $45,000 settlement with former FPD mental health co-responder Rachel Wesely. Hired in late 2021, Wesley worked at the Fremont Police Department as a counselor and therapist who responded to police calls that involved people or suspects that may be suffering from a mental health crisis. Her role was created in an effort to better aid the departments officers in dealing with mental health-related incidents and to try to prevent criminal charges if possible. In the Jan. 30 agenda item description, city officials stated that Wesely and city officials had recently engaged in a mediation negotiation session and reached the deal for the $45,000 payment to end claims of discrimination and retaliation made by Wesely against unnamed police department and city officials. Wesley resigned on March 3, 2023, and filed both discrimination and retaliation claims alleging a violation of her rights under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. She filed the complaints with both the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission as well as the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission. As part of the proposed settlement, city officials do not admit to and deny any wrongdoing or guilt, and Wesely will not pursue further legal action. She also agreed to withdraw complaints she had filed with the EEOC and NEOC. The City of Fremont denies the alleged employment discrimination and retaliation claims and this agreement does not constitute an admission of fault by the City of Fremont, the settlement states. The release parties deny that they have done anything improper in regard to (Weselys) employment or termination of employment or the events preceding (Weselys) separation. This release does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of any person, party or entity. Attorneys from the Fiedler Law Firm in Johnston, Iowa, represented Wesely during the claim and negotiations. They did not return a telephone call seeking comment on the case. Weselys role at department was mental health outreach Wesely was first hired in late 2021 after she worked as an interim mental health co-responder in a pilot program in collaboration with Lutheran Family Services. By March 3, 2023, she had resigned her position at the department. That pilot program done in 2018 eventually led to the Fremont City Council approving a new job of mental health crisis advocate at the department. The mental health co-responder would accompany officers on mental-health related service calls. By late 2021, Wesely had been hired full-time at the FPD for the same role, which Spellerberg touted in a February 2023 interview as groundbreaking. Our mental health officer, she has responded to tough situations and it is great we have someone who can help as incidents are occurring, Spellerberg stated on Feb. 8, 2023, only weeks before Wesely submitted her resignation notice. (Wesely) is a uniquely qualified mental health responder who is able to respond to tough situations. In Spellerbergs 2022 State of the City address, he discussed the newly-created position. Wesley had been invited to the speech and attended with Fremont Chief of Police Jeff Elliott. The co-responder will work with our officers to deescalate tough situations and provide service for calls related to mental health, Spellerberg said during his 2022 State of the City speech. This includes those dealing with substance abuse, dementia patients and those with suicidal thoughts. Elliott also praised Weselys work with the department, saying that mental health issues are difficult to cope with without a trained expert to assist police with interactions. Our first job is to keep the peace, enforce the law and then enlist any other services after that, Elliott said in a February 2023 interview. (Wesely) is a mental health professional that can respond on calls with us to mental health situations ... to try to find services for individuals. Elliott also explained that many calls for police response did not involve hardcore criminals, but people suffering from a mental health crisis. The 23rd Street corridor is one of the more frequent areas that FPD officers are called to for mental health-related issues, according to police officials. Weve had a number of calls where we show up, and people say, We called you because we have a need for mental health help, Elliott explained in the 2023 interview. Well, we are not here to help with mental health calls. We are here to keep the peace. However, if we are in a situation where we can assist after we have taken care of the law enforcement aspect of it, that is what the mental health co-responder is there for. Tribune seeks answers Following her resignation, the Tribune made public records requests for emails and communications between Wesely and several city officials. The legal counsel for the city Adams & Sullivan law firm denied the request and did not provide any documents. The details of the alleged discrimination and retaliation were not provided. The city did not provide any comment, and the Tribune was unable to contact Wesely to seek comment on the settlement. The Fremont Police Department has not hired a new mental health co-responder since Weselys resignation. They plan to utilize a prior partnership with Lutheran Family Services on a case-by-case basis. The Fremont City Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30, inside the second floor council chambers at the City Municipal Building, 400 E. Military Ave. The regular council meeting is preceded by the once-a-month public comment period, which begins at 6:30 p.m. A Fremont man's death by a self-inflicted gunshot during an investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff's Office will be investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol. The incident occurred Sunday afternoon in the 2500 block of East 34th Boulevard just outside of Fremont, a spokesman for the Nebraska State Patrol said Monday. The name of the deceased was not immediately released. Deputies were conducting an investigation and attempted to contact the resident, but he initially refused to speak with them, the State Patrol spokesman said. A short time later, another resident allowed the deputies into the home and advised them that the person they were trying to contact had gone upstairs. A preliminary investigation found that before deputies were able to contact the subject, they heard a single gunshot in an upstairs room. Deputies located the man they were seeking inside the room with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. No deputies fired their weapons during this incident and no other injuries occurred. John Street, co-founder and CEO of Greenwood Village-based cloud marketplace Pax8, jokes about his personal leadership style. The truth is, Im kind of a lazy guy, said Street, a Denver native who lives in Colorado Springs. I learned a long time ago that if I hire smart people and let them do their jobs, I dont have to work as much. Scores of Colorado businesspeople who have known Street for decades would vehemently disagree, as would Gov. Jared Polis, who awarded the career business leader with the Governors Citizenship Medal, the states highest civic honor. In partnership with the leadership development organization CiviCO, Polis awarded the Citizenship Medal last week to six noteworthy Coloradans: Street; photographer John Fielder (who was awarded posthumously); Womens Foundation of Colorado CEO Lauren Young Casteel; Steamboat and Ski Resort Corporation CEO Rob Perlman; student Osvaldo Garcia Barron; and civil rights leader (and youngest member of the Little Rock Nine) Carlotta Walls LaNier. Street was also named one of Denver Business Journals Most Admired CEOs of 2023 and ColoradoBiz Magazines CEO of the Year in 2022. It seems like every year, hes collecting awards, said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade in an interview with CiviCO. While he is proud of the accolades, Street is a little uncomfortable talking about them. I dont seek these things, he said. Im proud of the award, and Im happy to get it, but to me its just a validation that if you have a truly altruistic spirit, good things can happen. Founded in 2012, Pax8 is the latest business Street has launched in a career that goes back nearly 40 years. In 1986, at just 29 years of age, he became CEO of Telephone Express and helped turn it into the Rocky Mountain regions biggest long-distance service provider. In 1995 he founded USA.Net, which launched the worlds first web-based email service. He also founded an email/web security firm and an agricultural biotech company. Along the way, Street has endeavored to set his employees up for success and has mentored scores of Colorado businessmen and businesswomen. One such mentee is Colorado Springs current mayor. He sees what other people dont see, Mobolade said. In many ways, I feel like Im a beneficiary of that style of leadership. Here you have a political newcomer, a no-name person many people went, Eh, I dont know. But John went, I actually see something. Street said his mentorship efforts are just his way of giving back. Sign up for free: Gazette Business Receive a weekly roundup of business news around El Paso County. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Featured Local Savings During my career, I had a great mentor who taught me lots of smart things. Ive always thought it was important to pay that forward. I enjoy doing that, and Im happy to help people. According to the Institute for Cultural Evolution, Streets longtime involvement with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic helped transform it from a near-bankrupt enterprise to the growing institution it is today. Thats part of Johns legacy, Mobolade said of the Philharmonic. (He decided) this organization is too important to fail. Not only is it going to survive, its gonna thrive. And it is thriving. Because he prefers to work behind the scenes, Street is one of Colorado's best-kept secrets. "That's who John Street is," Mobolade said. "He's an innovative, driven leader who is not seeking notoriety or any kind of credit for the work that he does." Street said he has never really sought leadership positions; they seem to find him. Ever since I was a kid, I was always in some leadership position, he said. If I was on a team, they would name me captain. My senior year in high school, I was student body president. Im not sure why, but whenever I was part of a group people would turn to me and say, Why dont you lead? Stressing the concept of servant leadership, Street has grown Pax8 into a firm with 1,700 employees in 23 countries. Customer service starts with having happy employees in your organization, he said. People like to say the customer comes first, but I think thats lip service. If you have happy employees, your customers are dealing with people who enjoy their jobs, so theyre bound to have a good customer experience. Streets ability to see things down the road extends to his personal and professional life. At 67, he isnt quite ready for retirement yet, but hes looking at potential leaders in the company with an eye toward selecting a new generation of leaders for his firm when he decides to move on to his next chapter. Im actively working on handing off the company to the next generation of leaders, he said. There are people here, who are smarter than I am, with the ability to move this company forward in ways I might not even think of. For the time being, Street said he intends to keep growing the company, mentoring Colorados future leaders, and serving the community in Colorado Springs and beyond. Lets not kid ourselves, he said. Theres probably three people on planet Earth that are doing anything so meaningful that, hundreds of years from now, people will look at and say Wow, that was really something. For the rest of us, the best we can do is do solid, good work, enjoy ourselves, and invest in our community. And spread a little joy along the way. An immigrant seeking asylum in the U.S. from Nicaragua, Milena carries her son Mateo, 2, from the bus they arrived on after a drive from El Paso, Texas, and into a temporary shelter on Nov. 4 at an undisclosed location in Denver. Brandy Williams has her eyes on El Paso County's future, and she sees fireworks. Williams is running as a Republican in the crowded race to replace outgoing Stan VanderWerf on the Board of El Paso County Commissioners in District 3, promising to prioritize public safety, infrastructure and lower taxes. The county has seen rapid widespread population and economic growth over the last decade, said Williams, 45. Likening its expansion to a mountain climbed, the lifelong resident and former Colorado Springs councilwoman said the county's next step should be continuing that push. "We really have made it to a point that we're doing more with less. We have smooth operations, we're bringing in talent, but it's really taking it to the next level," she said. "It'll be setting off fireworks at the top of the mountain. ... We've been working for the last (decade-plus) to really have a smooth working system. Now that we have that good foundation, we need to build on it." She wants to continue the Pikes Peak region's focus on attracting top talent and businesses. For example, she wants to see a new rail spur and proposed industrial rail park come to fruition, planned to be built on more than 3,000 acres of rural land between Fort Carson and the Ray Nixon Power Plant in Fountain. The project could bring about 6,000 jobs to El Paso County and provide redundancy for the military that would contribute to national safety, she said. Using rail, the Army can move heavy military vehicles and equipment to the nation's coasts, where they can be shipped overseas. Collaboration is key in continuing El Paso County's growth, Williams said. She will draw on her decades of experience as a professional engineer, including for the city of Fountain, and her past leadership on the Colorado Springs City Council and regional boards such as the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments to make and maintain key relationships with the various communities that make up El Paso County. "I've worked with Manitou Springs, Monument, Palmer Lake, the city of Colorado Springs and El Paso County. I've always loved the collaboration and bringing people together. This role seems like I could take the experience that I gleaned on City Council and essentially take it up to a bigger level," Williams said. Featured Local Savings Seeing public safety as a team effort, Williams also wants to maintain good working relationships between the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as those in Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Fountain and Monument. She wants to keep taxes low for residents so they can afford to buy houses and other goods, and can advance in their lifestyles. She praised recent efforts by El Paso County and Colorado Springs to bring property taxes in line with Colorado's Taxpayer Bill of Rights, lessening the property tax burden for property owners. "The more money you have moving in a community, the more ability and potential you have for success," she said. She believes El Paso County's housing crisis high demand and low supply will even out and housing prices will stabilize in the coming years as the county and its municipalities bring more units online to accommodate the influx of new residents. On her campaign website, Williams also said she understands the importance of connectivity and will prioritize safe and reliable roads if elected county commissioner. Williams faces three other Republicans in the race for District 3, including Colorado Springs Councilman David Leinweber, Colorado House District 20 Rep. Don Wilson and James Dunkley, who does not have an online presence. Naomi Lopez, an educator and community advocate, is the sole Democrat in the race to date. VanderWerf cannot run again for the seat because of term limits. He is running as a Republican for election to Senate District 12. For Williams, whose family has roots in El Paso County as far back as the late 19th century, the race for District 3 is personal. "For me, it's giving back," she said of her run for the seat, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes. "I really want to share this place. I think it's gorgeous." Editor's note: Welcome to Border Crossroads, a series of dispatches from America's southern border, where reporter Nico Brambila and multimedia producer Tom Hellauer are chronicling the crisis that is spilling over into Denver and other interior cities. EL PASO, TEXAS Border crossings in El Paso, Texas are down, but officials in this west Texas town do not expect the reprieve to last. While Denver officials are unsure how many of the more than 38,000 immigrants from Central and South America who crossed the border illegally came through El Paso, one thing appears clear the surges in this border town can be felt 600 miles away in Colorados most populous city. Officials here in El Paso are bracing for more arrivals. Releases by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in El Paso correspond to the waves of arriving immigrants to Denver. Just 181 immigrants were released in El Paso Monday, according to the citys dashboard. Denver saw just 42 new arrivals. That's a far cry from the 2,000 El Paso had been seeing daily, which translated to 100- to 200-plus immigrants arriving overnight in Denver. Arrivals are down at the moment, but I wouldnt be surprised if they came back up again soon, said Jon Ewing, a Denver Human Services spokesperson. Denver Human Services has managed the humanitarian response since the city lifted its emergency declarations. Ewing does not know how many of the 38,186 immigrants who have come to Denver over the past 13 months illegally crossed the U.S. border into El Paso, the busiest and closest port of entry to Colorado. To qualify for emergency shelter in El Paso as well as in Denver immigrants must have been processed and released by CBP. While they are allowed to stay in the U.S. for a specific period, pending their asylum case, they do so without the ability to work legally something for which Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has been advocating. The streets in El Paso on Monday had none of the telltale signs Denver residents have grown accustomed a city bursting at the seams with immigrants. There are no popup encampments with tents and trash and homeless immigrants loitering the streets. No immigrants carrying signs looking for work. But that hasnt always been the case. In the weeks leading up to Title 42 sunsetting last May, hundreds of immigrants many who had crossed the border illegally had begun camping in the streets downtown near Sacred Heart Church. (Title 42 was the Trump administration policy to curb the spread of COVID-19 that allowed the U.S. to quickly expel immigrants at the southern border.) Featured Local Savings The church has acted as a refuge for immigrants since El Paso began experiencing an unprecedented surge in border crossings in December 2022, which coincides with the influx in Denver. Officials in El Paso estimated that about 70% of these new arrivals started their journey to the United States in Venezuela, a country of about 33.7 million people on the northern coast of South America. The country has descended into economic, humanitarian and political chaos since Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro assumed power in 2013. Maduro has jailed and banned political leaders, used food distribution as a means of social control and viciously punished his political opponents. More than 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled, according to the United Nations. The roughly 3,000-mile trek necessitates passing through one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world, the Darien Gap, which is the only land-based path connecting South and Central America. The roughly 60-mile hike through the Gap requires crossing rivers through a mountainous rainforest inhabited by criminal gangs. These folks came from very precarious situations and traveled thousands of miles to get here, said El Paso County Commissioner David Stout. The last thing they need is hatred and vitriol and people who are not compassionate. Most, however, wont stay in El Paso. They dont want to be here, said Irene Gutierrez, executive director of El Paso County Community Services. The closer they are to the border they think its easier for CBP or ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to deport them. Theyre afraid to stay here. And so many have pushed into America's major cities, where their arrival has strained resources and compelled local leaders to press for federal action. Both Democrats and Republicans alike agree that the crisis is unsustainable, particularly for cities that are diverting fiscal resources in order to feed, house and transport immigrants. "Healthcare, transportation, and housing are not free in Colorado unless youre an immigrant," U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, a Republican from Colorado, recently lamented on X, the social media platform. "Taxpaying Coloradans cannot continue to shoulder the costs of Bidens border crisis while the tax burden and cost of living in America continues to skyrocket," he added. We are also a city right now that is facing a humanitarian crisis and a fiscal crisis unlike anything weve seen in the last 25 years," said Johnston from across the partisan aisle, offering a different set of prescriptions that include work authorization and infusion of federal cash into Denver and other cities. "And that is the result of what we know is the ongoing influx of migrant arrivals who are seeking asylum in America and the system that is not adequately helping them to succeed. As the sixth most populous city in The Lone Star State, El Paso sits directly across from Ciudad Juarez in west Texas along the Rio Grande River, which serves as a natural boundary between the U.S. and Mexico. These immigrants who often forge friendships on their trek to the U.S. have developed a savvy communications network using social media to pass along vital information about work, shelter and transportation. (The 90 immigrants left to wander downtown in the cold a year ago had used social media to organize and travel to Denver, officials have said.) They also know Gutierrez and others have said which immigration courts will be more friendly for their asylum case. They fear staying on the border and they know theyre not going to get asylum, Gutierrez said. There are more sympathetic judges in the interior of the country than they are here in El Paso. And that makes Denver an attractive alternative. A Colorado Springs man who pleaded guilty to participating in the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and to personally coming into physical confrontation with Capitol Police was sentenced to prison Tuesday. Jonathan David Grace, 49, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $5,000 in fines and $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton. In October, Grace pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers. According to court documents regarding the plea agreement, Grace could have been given up to 30 months in prison and fined up to $95,000 by the judge. The FBI arrested Grace on March 30, 2023, in Colorado. Previous reporting from The Gazette details that Grace joined a mob of rioters who were pushing back against a line of officers in the lower West Terrace and tunnel areas of the Capitol, according to the release. At the end of the tunnel were two sets of doors that opened directly into the Capitol. Featured Local Savings Grace made his way deep into the mob of rioters inside the tunnel, put his head down, and began using his body weight to push in unison with the rioters against police officers," reads a statement from the investigating special agent whose name was redacted. "As Grace and the rioters thrusted their collective body weight into the officers, one officer could be heard screaming in agonizing pain as he was smashed between a shield and a metal door frame." After officers temporarily cleared people from the tunnel, authorities say Grace watched as rioters dragged an officer from the tunnel and brutally attacked him. He then rejoined the rioters at the front of the tunnel as they once again pushed against police inside the tunnel. Grace retreated once an officer sprayed chemical irritants. This case was investigated by the FBI's Denver and Washington field offices, which identified Grace as No. 233 in its investigation to identify people seen in photos and video as taking part in the riot. According to law enforcement sources, at least 19 Coloradans have been charged with crimes stemming from the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol. The U.S. Justice Department states that more than 1,265 individuals have been charged nationwide for crimes related to the riot. The FBI requests anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. The court-martial of a Fort Carson private accused of rape started Monday with the victim taking the stand to recount how she believes the man and two other soldiers assaulted her. Pvt. 1st Class Stedman Bell, a military police officer, is the second man to face a court-martial over an alleged assault that took place during May 2021. During a previous court-martial, Spc. Mariano Rosendo was found guilty of assaulting the woman, a civilian, who was 21 at the time. The woman was called to testify to recount again how she went home with her boyfriend, Spc. Gonzalo Michael Perez, a military police officer, after drinking with friends and the alleged crimes that followed. The woman said she was a bit tipsy, but she was able to make decisions. When she went up to Perez's bedroom she intended to have sex with him and no one else. When Bell, Perez's housemate, first entered the room, she asked Perez to make him leave. "I said 'Tell him to get out," she recalled, during the trail. Speaking in Bell's defense, Capt. Brandon Stumpf said the woman participated in the sexual activity and never told Bell "no." He noted she had handprints on her buttocks found during a sexual assault exam that she could have only gotten if she was changing positions and participated. The woman said it was true she did not scream or fight back after Bell started having sex with her because she was scared. "I already told him to get out and he didn't care," she said. Featured Local Savings So she just lay there, at times pretending to be asleep, she said. Later, Rosendo joined in, forcing his penis into her mouth. Perez took photos of the two men having sex with her that the judge admitted into evidence. Afterward, Perez also had unwanted sex with the woman, she said. When he fell asleep, she went into the bathroom and called her friends to pick her up. She then went outside and hid behind a neighbor's car until four of her friends came to get her. Three of them went to the door to confront the men, but she did not see the exchange. Bell is accused of pointing a loaded gun at the group. After the group left Perez's home, she reported the assault to the police and went to the hospital for an exam. Later this week, the military judge is expected to decide whether Bell is guilty or not and sentence him if necessary. A judge sentenced Rosendo to 12 months in prison, a reduction in rank down to private and a dishonorable discharge. Colorado Springs police are investigating an officer-involved shooting on Saturday that left one man dead. Officers from the Fountain Police Department and the El Paso Sheriff's Office responded to a call at 12:38 a.m. on Saturday of adult male walking south along Security Boulevard in an unincorporated part of the county with a firearm. According to the statement put out Monday by Colorado Springs police, the sheriff's deputies and Fountain officers responded to the scene and made contact with the man. They asked him to drop the firearm, "at which time the suspect refused to comply with their commands." The CSPD statement continues, saying that at one point the suspect pointed his weapon at law enforcement, which was when at least one deputy from the El Paso County Sheriffs Office and at least one officer from the Fountain Police Department fired at the man. The man was injured, and then given medical aid at the scene. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died of his wounds. No member of law enforcement or community member, besides the man, were injured. As of Monday afternoon the El Paso County Coroner's Office has not announced the man's identity. Featured Local Savings The Colorado Springs Police Department Violent Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene around 1:40 a.m. and assumed responsibility for the Investigation. Colorado statute calls for a non-involved law enforcement department to carry out the investigation into any officer-involved shooting. The sheriff's deputies and Fountain police officers identified as having fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave per their department policies. This is still an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information or who is a witness to this investigation is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000, or if you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 719-634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477. For at least the third time in the 15 years since Colorado lawmakers created them, innovation schools have gotten middling marks in a new report meant to measure whether freeing the schools from bureaucracy boosts student test scores. The report by the Keystone Policy Center found that students who attend innovation schools did no better on state math and literacy tests last spring and, in many cases, performed worse than students who attend traditional district-run schools and independent charter schools. The report did find some bright spots, such as students of color performing better on some tests and higher scores in Denvers innovation zones, which have been controversial. State policymakers had hoped innovation would be an effective strategy for turning around low-performing schools. That hasnt necessarily turned out to be the case, as indicated by the reports title: A Decidedly Mixed Bag. Van Schoales, senior policy director at the Keystone Policy Center, said theres nothing particularly new or different about the reports conclusion. Whats different is that this started in 2008, so were now 15 years later and its sort of like a, Meh, Schoales said in an interview. On the spectrum of school autonomy, Colorados innovation schools fall between district-run schools, which are the least autonomous, and charter schools, which are the most. Under state law, innovation schools can waive certain rules to do things such as extend the school day or opt out of granting teachers Colorados version of tenure. The idea is that giving schools more autonomy allows them the flexibility to better meet students needs. While the report says innovation schools academic results last school year were lackluster, innovation supporters argue that its hard to make generalizations. There are more than 100 innovation schools in Colorado and lots of variation between them, from the population of students they serve to the reasons they sought innovation status. While some schools wanted the freedom to grow their own vegetables or focus on the arts, others sought innovation status in the hopes of boosting persistently low student test scores. Innovation is a strategy that has been used across the state in many different contexts and for many different reasons, said Bailey Holyfield, executive director of an innovation zone in Denver called the Luminary Learning Network. As we look at high-level aggregate data, it is unsurprising then in some ways that the data reflects a mixed bag, to quote the authors title. Featured Local Savings What the report found At least two other reports, in 2014 and 2019, concluded that innovation schools fared about the same academically as district-run schools. Those reports were done by different research groups and focused only on Denver, which has more innovation schools than any other district in the state. The Keystone report looks at all innovation schools in Colorado. Among its conclusions: Overall, fewer students at innovation schools met expectations on state math and literacy tests this past spring than students at district-run or charter schools. But there were some bright spots. For instance, Black and Hispanic students in grades three through eight at innovation schools outperformed Black and Hispanic students at district-run schools on the state literacy test. The same was true for students experiencing poverty at innovation schools on both the literacy and math tests. A more robust longitudinal study is needed to figure out whether innovation status is an effective way for a school to boost student test scores. The Colorado State Board of Education has the power to order changes at chronically low-performing schools, and innovation status is considered the least disruptive option. But State Board members have wondered if it works or if harsher options, such as closure, are warranted. Innovation schools face barriers in being innovative. At least some evidence exists that district systems may be slow to evolve, if they do at all, and may functionally prevent innovation schools and zones from fully implementing approved autonomies. Some innovation schools actually arent innovative, either because leaders are simply checking boxes that higher-ups want to see or because higher-ups block ideas they see as too revolutionary. Innovation schools may not actually be empowered to innovate in deeper ways that might truly transform outcomes for students. Read more at chalkbeat.org/colorado/2023/12/22/colorado-innovation-schools-mixed-bag-test-scores-keystone-report/. 7th Annual Culture Day at International School of Laos: A Vibrant Celebration of Asean Unity The International School of Laos hosted the 7th Annual Culture Day on January 20, 2024, at the Vientiane Center, bringing together students, diplomats, and officials for a festive celebration of the diverse cultures within the Asean region. This years event not only aimed to honor the rich cultural heritage of Asean nations but also emphasised the importance of cultural exchange in fostering unity and promoting tourism. The celebration was honored by the presence of distinguished officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Embassy of Indonesia, Embassy of Malaysia, Embassy of Vietnam, Embassy of Brunei Darussalam, and Embassy of the Philippines. Their attendance emphasised the strong diplomatic relations between Asean nations and demonstrated a shared commitment to promoting cultural understanding. The Culture Day showcased a vibrant performances, traditional cuisines, and interactive exhibits, providing a unique opportunity for students to explore and appreciate the diverse cultures within the Asean community. Wearing colorful traditional attire, students took center stage, showcasing their talents in music, dance, and art, creating an energetic and engaging atmosphere. As the day concluded, the International School of Laos extends heartfelt gratitude to all our wonderful participants, esteemed guests, and a special thank you to Vientiane Center for providing the venue for our event. The International School of Laos looks forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come, fostering an environment of global awareness and appreciation. Embark on a journey of academic excellence and personal growth at the International School of Laos. Our globally recognised curriculum, coupled with a team of dedicated educators, creates a nurturing environment for students to flourish. Here, we go beyond traditional learning, encouraging the exploration of individual interests and talents. Secure your childs place today at the International School of Laos and empower them with the gift of a holistic and world-class education. To learn more about our programmes and offerings, please call our admissions office at 021 261 614. Our dedicated team will be more than happy to assist you with any inquiries and guide you through the school process. By Advertorial Desk (Latest Update January 31, 2024) A special, memorable evening on February 14 begins with the dinner decision festive Cajun, elegant Italian or something different? Scattered across Colorado Springs are romantic dinner options with various price ranges, food types and moods. Enjoy your evening with your special someone at one of these alluring restaurants and make sure to reserve a table. $10-20 per entree Pizzeria Rustica $14-18 per entree | 2527 West Colorado Avenue Pizzeria Rustica can be found in historic Old Colorado City, where they make their mozzarella and pizza sauce by hand, according to their website. While a la carte options range from $14-18, they are offering a special for Valentine's Day. The three-course menu includes salad, pizza and a dessert for $59 per person. Visit their website for more information and to make a reservation. Insalata Caprese Pizza Del Giorno Quattro Formaggi Quattro Verdure NaRai Thai Restaurant $14-17 per entree | 805 Village Center Drive From Thai curries to seafood dishes to coconut sticky rice desserts, NaRai Thai offers a well-balanced menu. With a casual and relaxing atmosphere, visiting NaRai is a pleasant dining experience. Visit their website to make a reservation and view the full menu. Chicken Satay Tom Yum Seafood Pineapple Curry Drunken Noodles $20-50 per entree Jake & Telly's Greek Taverna $25-34 per entree | 2616 West Colorado Avenue In Old Colorado City, Jake & Telly's has been serving Greek dishes since 1997. In addition to Greek plates with lamb, pork, chicken and pasta, Jake & Telly's also offers many desserts such as baklava, bread pudding, seragli and a quadruple layer chocolate torte. Visit their website to make a reservation. Oven Roasted Lamb Pork Skewers Shrimp Pasta Chicken in Port Wine Sauce Bonny and Read Seafood $18-50 per entree | 101 North Tejon Street #102 Featured Local Savings Savor coastal tastes at Bonny and Read in downtown Colorado Springs. Inspired by a need for fresh seafood in land-locked Colorado, Bonny and Read offers many kinds of seafood including clams, mussels, crab, oysters, shrimp and lobster. Visit their website to make a reservation. Prince Edward Island Mussels Ahi Tuna Steak Blackened Shrimp Alfredo Cioppino Some early afternoon availability for Valentine's Day. $50+ per entree Phantom Canyon $60 per person | 2 Pikes Peak Avenue Spend Valentine's Day evening at Phantom Canyon with a three-course meal with the option of jumbo shrimp or lamb chops for your main dish. Also enjoy your choice of an appetizer and dessert. Visit their website to make a reservation. Grilled artichokes Beet salad Banana upside-down cake Beer-poached pear with ice cream Tapateria $89 per person | 2607 West Colorado Avenue In special Valentine's Day fashion, Tapateria will be closed for lunch and have two evening seatings on February 14. Those dining can reserve for 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. Included in the notable five-course dinner are amuse, soup, salad, main and dessert courses. Visit their website to make a reservation. Freshly shucked oysters Sopa de Camaron Grilled duck breast Flan de chocolate Restaurants with little to no availability for Valentine's Day dinner: The Gazette inquired at several area restaurants and found that many have already been booked for the most romantic dinner date of the year. These include: The Rabbit Hole Carlos' Bistro Steakhouse at Flying Horse Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher shop Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant The Melting Pot The Peppertree Restaurant MacKenzies Chop House Prime25 Ristorante Del Lago Paravicini's The Margarita at Pine Creek Briarhurst Manor Estate The Famous Steak House Warehouse Restaurant & Gallery Summit at The Broadmoor Ambli Global Cuisine Streetcar520 La Bella Vita Ristorante Italiano Four by Brother Luck Springs Orleans Lumen8 Rooftop Social Walter's Bistro From Tuesday through Thursday, Colorado is forecast to remain warm and dry, similar to weather Sunday and Monday brought, and from what most weather models have been mentioning for multiple days. Come Thursday night into Friday, however, the dry will become wet, sunny skies will become cloudy, and if a lot of moisture funnels up from the Gulf of Mexico, giving Colorado's ski areas, resorts and mountains a lot of snow. For February's first snow storm, the ECMWF high resolution model from Tuesday morning has snow entering southwestern Colorado around sunset Thursday afternoon. The storm is currently forecast to intensify into Friday, particularly in the southern San Juan mountains (Hesperus, Purgatory, and Wolf Creek). Saturday's first-chair potential snow accumulations across the state range between 2-18 inches, and with most of the weather models agreeing the San Juan mountains will see the most snow; 12-18 inches plus piling up. Sunday's and Monday's first-chair potential are greater in the northern resorts, particularly around Steamboat. However, as the storm pushes east and upsloping winds wrap moisture around from north of the Front Range mountains, places like Winter Park, Beaver Creek, Powderhorn and along the Continental Divide can see augmented snow accumulations. Snow is forecast to continue into Sunday morning before tapering off and moving east, favoring the central, northern and eastern mountains. An additional 1-6 inches of snow is possible, with places north of Interstate 70 receiving the highest amounts. On Sunday, the ECMWF high resolution model forecasts winds in western Colorado to blow from the northwest while winds along the eastern plains to blow from the southeast. Southeasterly winds across the Front Range is regularly associated with upslope conditions, and if any moisture is left over in the storm, the potential for it reaching the eastern foothills and areas along the Continental Divide exists. This storm system is warmer than some and snow falling along the Front Range might be more slushy than fluffy. Monday and Tuesday will have clearer skies and dry weather ahead of the second storm, again coming in from the southwest. Snow is likely from Wednesday to Saturday. More details on the second storm as it nears. Today's 24 hour snow total from Colorado resorts: Arapahoe Basin - 0" Aspen Mountain - 0" Aspen Highlands - 0" Beaver Creek - 0" Breckenridge - 0" Buttermilk - 0" Cooper - 0" Featured Local Savings Copper Mountain - 0" Crested Butte - 0" Echo Mountain - 0" Eldora Mountain - 0" Granby Ranch - 0" Hesperus - Closed for season Howelsen Hill - 0" Kendall Mountain - 0", open weekends Keystone - 0" Loveland - 0" Monarch - 0" Powderhorn - 0" Purgatory - 0" Silverton - 0" Snowmass - 0" Steamboat - 0" Sunlight - 0" Telluride - 0" Vail - 0" Winter Park - 0" Wolf Creek - 0" Jimmy Sengenberger is an investigative journalist, public speaker, and host of The Jimmy Sengenberger Show Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on News/Talk 710 KNUS. Reach Jimmy online at Jimmysengenberger.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @SengCenter. This combination of Sept. 29, 2020, file photos shows President Donald Trump, left, and former Vice President Joe Biden during the first presidential debate at Case Western University and Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland, Ohio. A dozen Colorado Springs businesses are among the fastest-growing companies in the nation, earning a spot on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list following two tumultuous years of the pandemic. In the state, 146 companies made the cut for the annual ranking of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S., which was released this week. Together, Colorado-based Inc. 5000 companies generated $7.3 billion in revenue and created 14,285 jobs from 2018 to 2021. The states highest-ranking companies included Harvest Hosts, a Vail-based RV membership club, at No. 70; Matter Made, a Denver-based advertising and marketing firm, at 81; and Integrative Psychiatry Institute, a Longmont company that provides medical education and programs in psychedelic-assisted therapy, at 98. Despite the weird economy, it's been a time of spectacular growth and breathtaking triumph over change, Eric Hagerman, special projects editor at Inc., wrote in an article about the rankings. In the top 500, the median revenue growth rate over the past three years was 2,144% up from 2021s rankings of 1,820%, which measured growth from 2017-2020, Inc. noted. Among the dozen Colorado Springs companies on the list, the highest ranked, at No. 335, was Zap Mortgage, a crypto-friendly company aimed toward younger customers. Other Springs companies on the list are: SOLKOA, Bluestaq, Quantum Metric, Professional Transition Strategies (PTS), ILM Properties, Eternal Ventures, CFG Systems, Borealis Fat Bikes, V3Gate, Steven Rodemer Esq. and Social SEO. It was the third year in a row on the llst for Professional Transition Strategies, a dental practice transition consulting firm. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. "This honor speaks to not only the effort, but also the expertise of our team. Their ability to give doctors the tools and insight they need to accomplish their transition goals is unmatched, and Im proud to have them on my team," Kyle Francis, president and founder of PTS, said in a news release. "Recognition from such a distinguished program like the Inc. 5000 validates the work we put in to help our clients and it shows the growth happening in the dental practice market." In the greater Denver area, 96 companies were recognized by Inc. 5000, including Pax8, a cloud commerce marketplace that has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list five consecutive times, according to a news release from Pax8. "Pax8 continues to exemplify rocketship growth, and it is incredible to earn a top spot on the Inc. 5000 five years in a row, John Street, chief executive officer at Pax8, said in a news release. Our business growth and success can be credited to our people, global expansion of driving the digital transformation with innovative solutions for our partners, and empowering enterprises worldwide with cloud technology." Businesses who apply to be considered for the Inc. 5000 list must meet be independent businesses and not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies, as of Dec. 31, 2021. They must also have been founded and generated revenue as of March 31, 2018, with a minimum revenue of $100,000 in 2018 and $2 million in 2021, Inc. wrote. Rankings are based on the percentage revenue growth from 2018 to 2021 calculated to the fourth decimal place, Inc. wrote. A strength runs through America's small businesses," Hagerman wrote, "that defies the forces twisting our economy into such weird knots." Chinese vice premier stresses promoting rural revitalization Xinhua) 08:42, January 30, 2024 SHIJIAZHUANG, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong Monday stressed efforts to continuously consolidate poverty alleviation achievements and strive for substantial progress in rural revitalization. Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in north China's Hebei Province. The vice premier went to Zhangjiakou City and visited locals lifted out of poverty and cadres stationed in villages. Efforts should be made to implement a mechanism to prevent people from returning to poverty and step up support for them through industrial development and employment expansion, he said. Liu also learned about work related to developing rural industries and building harmonious and beautiful villages. Highlighting the importance of rural revitalization, he called for measures to ensure grain production and improve infrastructure and public services in rural areas. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, took part in the meeting of the General Affairs Council of the European Union, held in Brussels on 29 January 2024. Alexandros Michailidis (from l. to r.) Xavier Bettel, Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Anna Luhrmann, Minister of State for Europe, Federal Foreign Office Alexandros Michailidis (from l. to r.) Raffaele Fito, Minister for European Affairs, Cohesion Policies and the NRRP; Xavier Bettel, Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Alexandros Michailidis (from l. to r.) Adam Szlapka, Minister for the European Affairs; Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Hadja Lahbib, minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Trade and Federal Cultural Institutions EUROPEAN UNION (from l. to r.) Tiago Antunes, State Secretary for European Affairs; Peter Burke, Ministe of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for EU Affairs, Minister of State at the Department of Defence; Xavier Bettel, Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs The agenda included the presentation of the priorities of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, the "Defence of Democracy" legislative package, the annual dialogue on the rule of law, and the European elections. Minister Bettel pointed out that Luxembourg continues to attach great importance to respect for the rule of law within the EU. "The rule of law is one of the fundamental values of the Union", he said, adding: "It is also essential for the protection of all the other fundamental values of the Union, in particular fundamental rights and democracy". As part of the annual dialogue on the rule of law, Minister Bettel also gave a speech on behalf of the Benelux countries. With regard to the "Defence of Democracy" in Europe legislative package, the Minister welcomed the efforts to strengthen the transparency and democratic accountability of interest representation activities on behalf of third countries. In this respect, the Minister reiterated Luxembourg's commitment to an open space for civil society, and stressed the importance of having a clear legal framework that applies to the whole of the EU. Finally, with regard to the European elections, Minister Bettel reiterates that it will be "more important than ever to work towards strengthening our democracies". Luxembourg, for its part, is seeking to increase the rate of participation in European elections by non-Luxembourg residents from another member state. In this context, the government and the European Parliament's liaison office in Luxembourg have launched a campaign called "I can vote". Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Super Tuesday. Politically speaking, not quite. But soon. The accounts about the death of 58-year-old Kenneth Eugene Smith were, for some, hard to read. Alabama, in a dubious first, executed Smith Thursday evening with nitrogen gas, a novel end run around a de facto moratorium on the death penalty imposed by drug manufacturers that wanted no part in state-sanctioned killing. Witnesses reported that Smiths execution took some 22 minutes between the opening and closing of a viewing curtain. Smith breathed in pure nitrogen pumped into his system through a face mask. The nitrogen caused oxygen deprivation, then death. The state maintains that it was a humane death. Critics say otherwise. The official account, per the Associated Press an organization that by default is the official chronicler of executions in the United States put it this way: Smith appeared to remain conscious for several minutes. For at least two minutes, he appeared to shake and writhe on the gurney, sometimes pulling against the restraints. That was followed by several minutes of heavy breathing, until breathing was no longer perceptible. So why does any of that matter here? Aside from questions about morality? Because North Carolina has 136 inmates on death row. And politicians holding their fate could be asked to consider whether to resume putting them to death. The state hasnt executed anyone since 2006 when Samuel Flippen died by lethal injection. Flippen, recall, was sentenced to die twice by juries in Forsyth County. He beat his 2-year-old stepdaughter Britnie Nicole Hutton to death. An autopsy showed that she was hit so hard internal organs ruptured. Evidence showed that Flippen used a small stool and that marks on her skull matched a ring he wore. The hell of it is, had Flippen showed even the slightest sign of remorse, he likely would have been sentenced to life without parole. He maintained until the day he died the toddlers injuries were caused by falling. Prosecutor Eric Saunders, a no-nonsense hard guy who never flinched when asked to pursue a death penalty case, kept that stool in his office. Britnies mom sent Saunders cards on her birthday every year. He kept those, too. I doubt he ever will accept responsibility, Saunders said two days before Flippens execution. Nobody wants to take responsibility for their actions. They just want the consequences to go away I think thats what Flippen wants, too, for it just to go away. Harsh? Cruel and/or unusual? The answer, for most, depends on personal experience. Closure, an eye for an eye, vengeance, religious beliefs all play roles. After Smiths execution, a son of his victim noted that he had been incarcerated almost twice as long as I knew my mom. (Smith killed Elizabeth Sennett in 1988 as part of a murder-for-hire scheme set up by her husband, a preacher who had gotten into deep financial trouble and saw life insurance as a way out. Smith got $1,000.) Nothing happened here today is going to bring Mom back, Sennett told the AP. Its kind of a bittersweet day. We are not going to be jumping around, whooping and holler, hooray and all that, he said. Ill end by saying Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett got her justice tonight. The death penalty, as it pertains to North Carolina, has always been an issue. Polls gradually flipped from strongly in favor to lukewarm support to out of sight, out of mind after Flippens execution. That may well change now that states have a work-around. Legislators, if they so choose, could take up the issue when the General Assembly comes back into session in May. This being an election year and with ambitious politicians eager to prove theyre tough on crime no one should be surprised if the debate is rekindled. A memorable, if disturbing, line from Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Graham in a TV spot underscores that notion. Put em in the ground, Graham intoned in his attempt to establish bona fides. If North Carolinas political class pivots toward capital punishment as an issue, informed citizens would be well-advised to remember the names Britnie Nicole Hutton, Sammy Flippen, Elizabeth Sennett and Kenneth Smith. And one more, too: Henry McCollum, who was convicted in 1984 of raping and murdering 11-year-old Sabrina Buie in Robeson County and sentenced to death. Police coerced a confession and evidence against him was fabricated. DNA evidence, unavailable in 1984, led to his exoneration. He was freed from death row in 2014 and awarded $46 million for wrongful conviction. Parking overhaul weighed GREENSBORO Dont look now, but parking the bane of city officials, daily commuters and occasional weekend visitors has reared its ugly head. Silly as it seems, especially when compared to, say, the death penalty, few issues cause blood to boil for average suburbanites as easily as parking. Perhaps youve seen it, but on Monday city officials released a draft of a plan that would overhaul the way people park. Prime among them is taking away unlimited free parking near Elm Street and south Greensboro near Boxcar and Southend Brewing. Pay meters would be installed limiting the time allowed to park, and enforcement think tiny carts and chalk marks on tires would be increased to Saturdays and nights until 8 p.m. The goal of an overhaul to the way the city approaches parking, officials say, is to make Elm Street more pedestrian friendly and to improve safety in municipal parking garages. Any changes will take years to implement, and the city through its website is still accepting public comment. The petition advocating for the incorporation of Ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy into, the country's public health insurance scheme, was rejected by the. The decision was made by a bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, following the representation of the petitioner, advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay. "Even after Passover, none is present for the petitioner. Dismissed in default", said the bench, also comprising Justice Manmeet PS Arora.On November 2, the high court served notice to the Union ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Ayush, Finance, and Home Affairs, as well as the Delhi government, directing them to submit their counter-affidavits in connection with the public interest litigation. The plea aimed at incorporating ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy into the National Health Protection Mission, specifically Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), commonly known as Ayushman Bharat, with the goal of safeguarding the citizens' right to health.Ayushman Bharat, which was launched in 2018, has two main components - PM-JAY and the Health and Wellness Centres. Under PMJAY, health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year is provided. The plea sought that the scheme be implemented in every state and that Indian healthcare systems be covered under it. Such inclusion, it said, would allow a significant portion of the country's population to avail affordable healthcare benefits and wellness in various serious diseases, without any harm and at low rates, and provide employment to thousands of people in the field of Ayurveda."PM-JAY, that is, Ayushman Bharat predominantly covers and is limited to allopathic hospitals and dispensaries, while India boasts various indigenous medical systems, including ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, Siddha, Unani and homeopathy, which are rooted in India's rich traditions and are highly effective in addressing the healthcare needs of the present time", it said."Unfortunately, due to various policies created by foreign rulers and individuals with a colonial mindset, our cultural, intellectual knowledge and scientific heritage have been systematically eroded. Along with this, these foreigners, motivated by a profit-oriented approach, have thoughtfully implemented many laws and schemes during the time of our country's independence that have slowly undermined our rich heritage and history", the plea, which was dismissed, said. The former chief of Helena West Valley Fire Rescue must appear in federal court March 21 for a status hearing amid charges he participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. Frank Dahlquist must participate via video teleconference before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey of the District of Columbia at 1 p.m., according to court documents. Dahlquist on Jan. 25 waived his preliminary hearing status and requested a speedy trial. A status hearing, according to AmazeLaw.com, is a court session where the judge, attorneys, and involved parties assess the case's progress. It includes reviewing the evidence, discussing pending motions, and setting deadlines for various legal procedures. He was ordered Jan. 25 by Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya to report to supervision to the District of Montana, surrender his passport, stay out of Washington, D.C., except for court and he must notify the District of Montana in advance of any travel outside the district and receive court approval before traveling outside of the United States. He remains under home detention, with conditions. Dahlquist received a personal recognizance bond from the court. He was told to submit to location monitoring technology." Court documents state his signature was waived due to pandemic. Dahlquist, 45, was charged Jan. 11 with felony offenses of civil disorder and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers. He was arrested Jan. 10 by FBI agents. He also faces several misdemeanor offenses, including knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, a U.S. Department of Justice news release states. The actions Dahlquist is accused of happened prior to when he was sworn in November 2022 as the new fire chief of West Valley Fire Rescue. He and his family moved from Monroe, Washington. He has since resigned from the volunteer department. A group of parents from around the Helena Public Schools district have formed a nonprofit organization in light of statements made in early November 2023 by board and SMA Architecture and Design representatives at Hawthorne Elementary School that caused members to fear neighborhood schools may close. Friends of Neighborhood Schools has about 30 members and is led by Hawthorne parent Hanna Warhank, according to the groups nonprofit paperwork submitted to the Montana secretary of state's office. The group said that on the drafts of the master facilities plan, which has not been presented to the board of trustees, Broadwater Elementary School and Hawthorne Elementary School are on the consolidation list. The plan from SMA will be presented to the board at the next full board meeting on Feb. 13, according to the superintendent update from Jan. 12. According to group members Warhank, Angela DeWolf King and Jenny Andersen, they do not want the district to see the group as combative, but collaborative. They want to promote information regarding the district and its plans for the master facilities planning decisions. Warhank said they believe there is no real plan in place in relation to thinking about alternatives for students in schools. Warhank said during a Jan. 9 board meeting that the representatives from SMA said the firm is not considering student outcome in terms of the master plan. According to the organizations website, it believes that small neighborhood schools serve as a cornerstone for community engagement and as a way to connect members of the community, parents and teachers. This close-knit relationship enhances the educational experience, as research has shown that parental involvement can lead to higher academic achievement, better attendance and improved behavior, the website states. Members said they want to work with the board and the district to come up with solutions within the district even though some parents within the group believe transparency is lacking from the district. The facilities master planning process was first referenced in 2022, according to district officials. When discussions began in 2022, a survey was sent out so that the district could receive feedback from the community about how it should approach the plan. Officials said the plan has also been talked about in countless meetings since 2022 that were posted online with the agendas made public on the district's website. "Communication and transparency are high priorities both for me personally and for our district," Superintendent Rex Weltz said. "We encourage family and community engagement in school governance and appreciate all who have shared their input on the Facilities Master Plan." Weltz has said a master plan is common practice for school districts and is usually contracted out to a firm with extensive experience in the facilities planning field. "Think of the 'plan' as a map it will show us our current location on the facilities landscape and provide multiple routes to get to various destinations," he wrote Jan. 23 in his monthly column in the Independent Record. The Friends website mentions potential mill levies the district is planning on presenting in a February board meeting for the boards approval to move forward with the options. Passage of these levies would increase the chances of the neighborhood schools staying open in regards to the SMA facilities master plan drafts that will also be presented in February, according to the website. A section titled what you can do contains a link to the boards calendar to allow viewers to see all upcoming meetings. The group focuses on the elementary school level of the master plan, which is 150 pages long. Warhank cited that in a previous meeting after the passing of the charter school applications Helena Public Schools Superintendent Rex Weltz said the district would be looking at proposing six levies to be voted on in May. King said they believe the district relying on levies and community voters to keep the district operational is not a sustainable option. They added that this comes back to the discussion of the school funding formula on the state level and believes it needs to be reworked to meet the needs of school districts in Montana. In previous board meetings and budget committee meetings, deferred maintenance was a topic of conversation. According to the 2022 deferred maintenance documents from the district, Rossiter Elementary School has the most deferred maintenance out of the elementary schools with about $3.1 million. Rossiter is not on the consolidation list drafts. Smith Elementary School has the most "high and medium" deferred maintenance costs at around $2.8 million and this school is also not on the consolidation list. For parents looking for more information on the group or how to join: https://bit.ly/47VvRrt Faced with monumental growth projections in the coming two decades, the city of Bozeman with the backing of neighboring city Belgrade and Gallatin County are exploring a potential regional water and wastewater authority and available surface water rights, including Canyon Ferry Reservoir. "We have pretty extreme growth projections in the valley," Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown said in an interview Friday. "There is a lot of coordinated planning among our communities happening right now." Brown said that planning is particularly focused on what he called the infill triangle, an area loosely bounded by the Gallatin River, Interstate 90 and the cities of Belgrade and Bozeman, and the infrastructure needed to support development of the about 25-square-mile swath of land. Bozeman boasted a population according to the 2020 census of slightly more than 53,000. Between mid-2021 and mid-2022, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates nearly 20,000 moved to Montana. The state absorbed nearly 10,000 new residents between mid-2022 and mid-2023. A memorandum presented to the Bozeman City Commission Jan. 23 states, "(a) long-range population of 450,000 people is projected to fill this geographic planning area by the year 2070 at current urban densities and growth rates. To adequately serve a population of this magnitude, a new and significant municipal water supply source is required." Bozeman City Manager Jeff Mihelich stressed in an interview Monday that the study commissioned to explore the various options, including a water pipeline from Canyon Ferry serving the Gallatin Valley, is "looking out 50 years." "This is not the immediate future we're talking about; it's very preliminary," Mihelich said. "Our first question was 'is it (a water pipeline serving Gallatin Valley from Canyon Ferry Reservoir) actually possible from an engineering standpoint?,' and the answer is 'Yes.'" From there, he said the participating communities are considering establishing a regional water and wastewater authority to administer and help fund the project. He said they also intend to identify "any and all" communities along the pipeline corridor interested in participating in such a project, meaning those smaller communities would contribute financially and receive water from the pipeline. Mihelich estimated the earliest construction could possibly begin might be in 10 years, but again noted there is no timeline nor funding sources. He said the exploratory process is a benefit in that it "helps create awareness of the situation." "At the very least it's educational," he said. Following about a year and a half worth of due diligence and research via a third-party consultant, the regional water authority planning committee came up with two options, the Yellowstone River and Canyon Ferry, the closest large volume of available surface water rights. Canyon Ferry has been determined to be the preferred option, considering the intent of the reservoir is serving municipal growth, the availability and the cost. Helena-area officials said they were aware of the plans, calling them "very preliminary," and said they would review the proposal at the appropriate time. Brown said the closed basin of Gallatin Valley has little to no unclaimed surface water rights and purchasing pieced together rights from land owners would be cost prohibitive for the local governments. "Buying surface water rights around the valley from farmers is very expensive," Brown said. "Canyon Ferry water rights are cheap comparatively." Montana Bureau of Reclamation Area Manager Ryan Newman, based in Billings, said in an interview Tuesday the Gallatin Valley working group has inquired about the availability of water. Newman said at first blush, without any actual plans in place, the idea appears to be "an alternative worth exploring and evaluating further." The reservoir filled up following the construction of Canyon Ferry Dam more than 70 years ago. The reservoir's water is earmarked for a few different uses irrigation, recreation and support of municipal growth which presents a balancing act encompassing numerous interests. But in order to equitably divvy up the finite resource, the bureau needs to know how much water it actually has in the reservoir. Newman said the bureau is in the early stages of conducting a water availability analysis, which has not been updated in the four years he has held the office and likely "quite a bit longer than that." He said the bureau would like to complete the analysis within a year, but it could take longer. He noted the level of involvement of existing Canyon Ferry Reservoir surface water rights holders will depend on the proposal submitted, but that any process would play out in a public manner. A city of Bozeman presentation on the subject noted 300,000 acre-feet of available water within the reservoir. Though the water may be relatively inexpensive, the infrastructure required to deliver the water the more than 70 miles as the crow flies is estimated to cost anywhere between $1.5 billion and $5.7 billion. Divided among the 450,000 residential water customers, it works out to about $15,000 per residential connection. "The cost is so exorbitant, it doesn't really pencil without federal subsidies," Brown said. "It would probably require massive subsidies from the feds to offset the rates." Brown characterized his county's stance on the proposed district and the consideration of a massive water pipeline as "supportive," calling the city of Bozeman the "main driver." "The county isn't necessarily pushing for this," Brown said. "We're certainly supportive of hashing out long-term solutions with our partners." During an interview Thursday, Belgrade City Manager Neil Cardwell characterized his city's involvement in the planning similarly. Cardwell said Belgrade is anticipating a population growth between 33,000 and 35,000 in the next 10 to 15 years, possibly eclipsing that of Helena. Yet, he said the city believes it has the water capacity to support that nearly 160% increase. "We have enough water to support our growth and likely support it for the next 10 to 20 years," Cardwell said. Belgrade's water supply is entirely ground-based, unlike Bozeman, and Cardwell said the city is interested in exploring long-term water conservation strategies and increasing storage capacity to better meet peak demands before considering entering into a regional water authority that "could encourage more urban sprawl." "It seems early to Belgrade at this time," he said. "We have some concerns about a regional water authority. ... We are not against collaborative regional efforts and believe in working together, but we need more time to make a better decision." Mihelich said Bozeman is also implementing water conservation measures to help stem the tide, including a yard watering ordinance passed about a month ago and a landscaping ordinance in the works. Brown said the authority and pipeline will be a tough sell to the county voters amid "a lot of anti-growth politics." "It's a challenging position to be in particularly for the city of Bozeman," he said. "The politics are pretty tough at the moment." Lewis and Clark County spokeswoman Betsy Kirkeby said in an email Thursday "Lewis and Clark County is aware of the Canyon Ferry Pipeline proposal, but have not been involved in any discussion about the project to this point." Helena Public Works Director Ryan Leland said Friday "the city is sitting very well with water." "Yes, we are aware of it. It's very preliminary," Leland said. "At a time that is appropriate, we will be brought in to see the proposal." Helena primarily sources its water from the Ten Mile Water Treatment Plant, but can supplement with or switch over entirely to its Missouri River plant fed by Canyon Ferry water. "It's a very important water source to the city," Leland said. "We rely on it." Historian and collector Ken Hamlin will present Letters from the Montana Frontier at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Lewis & Clark Library in Helena. In honor of Valentines Day, Hamlin will share historic letters from Montana related to the separation of married couples, families and courtship through the mail. These touching examples and stories come from his book Montana Through the Mail: 1810-1889. Hamlin's presentation is through the Montana Historical Society. The public may attend. The library is at 120 S. Last Chance Gulch. The free program will be recorded and posted on the Montana Historical Society YouTube channel. For more information, email laura.marsh@mt.gov. Two Syrian families will be moving to Helena in February, coming from a war-torn area in hopes of a better life in the Treasure State. Valerie Hellermann, executive director of the nonprofit Hands On Global, said the families are coming from a dire situation that includes a long-running civil war. The families each have five members, she said. One family has parents in their 30s and children who are 15, 16 and 17. The other family has two members in their 50s and 60s and others who are 28, 26 and 17. She said they arrive with the ability to work immediately. One family will arrive Feb. 8 and the other on Feb. 17, Hellermann said. Hands on Global, a nonprofit that provides basic health care to underserved areas and refugee camps, formed the Helena Area Refugee Resettlement Team (HARRT) and brought three Afghan families to Helena in 2022. HARRT, one time known as the Helena Afghan Refugee Resettlement Team, has an agreement with International Rescue Committee in Missoula, which is Montanas resettlement agency, and the State Department to bring two families of Syrian refugees to Helena every six months, as long as there is capacity. Hellermann said capacity will be gauged as the resettlement moves forward. She said the families need apartments and jobs, and the children need to be in school. Hellermann said there have been discussions with schools and they are very excited to have the Syrian kids. She said they all are high school age. HARRT has also been approved to bring refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but it was decided to start with the Syrians because they believe it will be similar to what HARRT experienced working earlier with the Afghan culture. Hellermann said calls from some members of the public about concentrating on sheltering Helenas homeless is a different issue. The first Syrian family is arriving from Amman, Jordans capital. Hellermann said 675,000 Syrians are now in Jordan. The other family is coming from Lebanon, where there were 1.5 million Syrian refugees. Hellermann said there were 3.7 million Syrian refugees in Turkey and 6.9 million in the immigrant visa process in Syria. "Its a pretty dire situation, she said. This civil war in Syria has been going on for 12 years." Syrians complaining about corruption, high unemployment, lack of political freedom began pro-democracy demonstrations in 2011. That has erupted into civil war. The United Nations Human Rights Office estimated that 306,887 civilians, which is 1.5% of the pre-war population, were killed between March 2011 and March 2021 due to the conflict. It has also displaced half of the country's pre-war population. As of 2023, five outside forces operate or maintain military forces in Syria: Russia, Turkey, Iran, Israel and the United States, according to an August report by the Congressional Research Service. Hellermann said while she was there on other charity work in September and October of 2023 Syria was bombed three times: by the United States, Russia and Israel. "I just want our community to know why we are welcoming Syrian refugees, Hellermann said. Both families will stop in Missoula prior to arriving in Helena. She said HARRT has been looking at housing for them in Helena, and Carroll College and Park Avenue Bakery have both offered jobs. Hellermann said one difference between these refugees and the Afghans is that the Afghans were not prepared and it was an emergency resettlement. She said these refugees have left Syria to other places, applied for asylum in the United States and have been vetted over the years. I think it will be easier, Hellermann said, then added: Well see. She said the families have had orientation as to what to expect and arrive with the ability to work immediately. Hellermann said her agency is under a contract for the next 90 days with the IRC to implement a specific case management plan in which they have to help the refugees get benefits, housing, school, medical and find a job. She said after 90 days HARRT will transition to a resources role and offer help. Hellermann said its a challenge for people to resettle. We dont want them to fail. We are here to not let them fail, she said, adding some people have donated funds to help the newcomers. So if it means paying their rent, we do, Hellermann said, adding the refugees are to pay as much they can. We are here to support them so that they can become members of our community, she said. She said she hoped people would come by the HARRT relocation facility and enjoy the new culture. Hellermann said three Afghan families continue to live in Helena. Some of the refugees have moved to other places in the country to live near relatives. She said that was disappointing, but we feel like we launched them. It is bittersweet, she said. Hellermann said they have been told the Syrians have no other ties in the United States, although there are Syrian communities in this country. Its pretty lonely being the only Syrians in town, she said, adding the Afghans love it and that people have become friends with them. Eamon Fahey, deputy director of nonprofit IRC in Missoula, said the resettlements have gone well, noting that there have been nearly 800 people relocated in Missoula since 2016. Its gone very well in Missoula, he said, adding the community has been welcoming and has allowed people to become contributing members of community. He said some are buying homes and going to college. Fahey said he could not assess exactly how it's going in Helena, but the IRC has worked with HARRT when Afghan refugees moved to town. It was a win for our office, a win for the Helena community and a win for Afghans welcomed by a super community, he said. Fahey said the Afghan families have really liked Montana because, No. 1, we are a very welcoming people and in some ways the topography looks a little bit like home. IRC on its website states it was founded "at the call of Albert Einstein in 1933." It says it is now at work in over 50 crisis-affected countries as well as communities throughout Europe and the Americas. It says it delivers "lasting impact by providing health care, helping children learn, and empowering individuals and communities to become self-reliant." Fahey said there have been more Syrians than other populations resettle in Montana in the past two years. He said under then-President Donald Trump, Syrians were banned from being resettled. He said that ban had been lifted by the Biden administration. We so appreciate the Helena community and the fact we can place some folks there in order to help some (people) who have feared for their lives to find a new home. In December, HARRT opened its Community Cultural and Refugee Resource Center at 2712 Billings Ave., focused on helping immigrants to the Helena area acclimate and navigate life in a new country. Nearly 120 people attended its Dec. 10 open house, Hellermann said. Hellermann said they are looking for community support through donations and urges people to volunteer at the HARRT center to help people relocate. They are also looking for furniture donations. You can call or text Hellermann at 406-439-3580 or go to https://handsonglobal.org/category/haart/. DECATUR The changes at HSHS St. Marys Hospital continue with the announcement that its president and CEO will retire this spring. I am honored to have served the patients who put their trust in us, throughout the communities where I have lived and practiced my faith, with the amazing colleague teams I have worked alongside, Theresa Rutherford said in a news release issued Monday evening. Rutherfords last day will be April 1. The release stated that Hospital Sisters Health System officials will conduct a search for her replacement over the coming months. Rutherfords retirement will bring to a close a 45-year career in the health care field that began and will end at the Decatur hospital. Rutherford began her health care career as a nursing assistant at St. Marys in 1979. Her career progressed to becoming a licensed practical nurse, and in 1990 she graduated as a registered nurse from Millikin University. She has served in assistant manager, manager and director roles. In 1999, she started her first senior leadership role as chief nursing officer in Galesburg and followed that by moving to Dubuque, Iowa, to become chief nursing officer/chief operating officer at Finley Hospital. In 2006 she returned to St. Marys in Decatur to serve in a dual role as chief operating officer and chief nursing executive. In 2013 she was promoted to chief executive officer at HSHS St. Anthonys Memorial Hospital in Effingham. She returned to St. Marys in 2021 as the president and chief executive officer. Even in retirement, I will remain an avid supporter of Catholic healthcare and the HSHS team," She said in her statement. "We will see each other around as Decatur is home and my family and I are depending on you for our healthcare needs. God Bless You and your work! The announcement comes at a time of extreme change for the hospital. In June, St. Marys received permission from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to discontinue its in-patient rehabilitation facility, its obstetrics and newborn nursery, pediatrics and inpatient behavioral health services. In October, state regulators approved an $89 million modernization project that will include an up-to-date medical surgical department, intensive care unit, operating rooms and recovery stations and a revamped medical office building. But it also includes cuts in the number of medical/surgical beds and the demolition of much of the iconic main hospital building towering over Lake Decatur. Some 219,000 square feet is due to be demolished while the modernization work will take in 105,000 square feet. Also slated for demolition is a medical building on the back side of the hospital and the walkway that connects it to the main building. PHOTOS: St. Marys Hospital " " Modern movies have made fun of them. Even medieval cartoons made fun of them. So what's the real story behind the chastity belt? 20th Century Fox There's a scene in Mel Brooks' 1993 comedy "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" in which the villainous Sheriff of Rottingham kidnaps Maid Marian, our hero's love interest, and spirits her away to a tall castle tower. His nefarious intentions are clear. His plan, however, is thwarted when he encounters the ultimate defense: her "iron underwear," a padlocked Everlast chastity belt (see above). It's a silly take on a cornerstone of medieval lore. But it might not be too far from the device's actual history. The chastity belt is a lot of things: provocative, misogynistic and deeply absurd. It is also, almost certainly, a myth. Advertisement Chastity belts were supposedly used by men in the Middle Ages to protect their wives' virtue while they were away on business trips. These metal bikini bottoms could be locked around a woman's hips; they featured two openings for latrine purposes, which were occasionally patterned after hearts or flowers. As scholars have pointed out, the entire getup would have been both inhumane and very unsanitary. But were they real? " " This richly decorated metal chastity belt is from the 15th to 16th century. It consists of two panels hinged together. But was it actually used as intended? Nobody really knows. Science & Society Picture Library/SSPL/Getty Images What does Old Johns, a diner on the Upper West Side of New York City, have to do with North Carolina? An article titled The Best Diners Are Still Just Diners in the Jan. 7 edition of The New Yorker praised Old Johns for staying true to its nostalgic ideal. The author, Helen Rosner, celebrates diners that have remained diners. I always read the whole menu at a diner, but I dont really need to. My order is both predictable and unremarkable: a cup of soup, a cheeseburger with fries. Sometimes Ill switch things up and have a Greek salad, with extra feta cheese, or corned-beef hash and scrambled eggs, though the side of fries always remains. A cup of coffee lots of milk and a slice of pie. If I were to scroll back through my life, tallying every diner meal, every fat ceramic mug of watery coffee, I think they might number in the thousands. Rosner reminds me of my regular breakfast order at Suttons in Chapel Hill. Two over easy with bacon and, sometimes, grits. Martha, Hollie, or Elsie, always attentive and smiling, know what I want before I open my mouth. Rosner, who was writing about Old Johns (though she could have been writing about Suttons) said, There are people who think of a diner as just a place to get a meal, and then there are those of us who understand diners, who cherish them, who seek them out and settle into them. We are recharged by time spent in diners in the way that adults who emerged from happy childhoods are recharged by a visit to their parents home. Every diner is different; every diner is exactly the same. The ideal of a diner its promise, its function is not to be great but to be there. To be open when you need a restaurant to be open, to have seats when you need to sit, to exist sufficiently outside of time and space and trend that its reliability is itself reliable. For more than 35 years I have been writing about such diners and other eateries in North Carolina, where locals eat, and visitors are welcome. My readers liked those columns better than my usual ones about politics and books. When I invited them to write about their favorite local haunts, I got enough material for more columns and for a series of magazine articles that featured local eateries near the interstates. All that led to UNC Presss North Carolinas Roadside Eateries: A Travelers Guide to Local Restaurants, Diners, and Barbecue Joints in 2016. Because the book helped readers find North Carolina eateries that were like Old Johns in New York, Roadside Eateries was a great success. But there are problems. Thanks to Covid and changing tastes, more than 30 of the books eateries have closed including the following, listed by nearby interstates: I-26: Wards Grill; Saluda. I-40: Judges Riverside, Morganton; Smith Street Diner, Greensboro; Allen & Son, Chapel Hill; Margarets Cantina, Chapel Hill; Toot-n-Tell Restaurant, Garner; Hollands Shelter Creek Fish Camp, Burgaw. I-73 & 74: Dixie III Restaurant, Asheboro; Hills Lexington Barbecue, Winston-Salem. I-77: Acropolis Cafe & Grill, Cornelius; Carolina Bar-B-Q, Statesville; The Cook Shack, Union Grove; The Lantern Restaurant, Dodson. I-85: Winks King of Barbecue, Salisbury; Tommys Barbecue, Thomasville; Captain Toms Seafood Restaurant, Thomasville; Angelos Family Restaurant, Graham; Bobs Bar-B-Q, Creedmoor; Nunnery-Freeman Barbecue, Henderson. I-95: Sheffs Seafood Restaurant, Pembroke; Candy Sues Restaurant, Lumberton; Fullers Old Fashion Bar-B-Q Lumberton (relocated to Pembroke); Durham; Miss Maudes Cafe, Smithfield; Holt Lake Bar-B-Q & Seafood, Smithfield; Bills Barbecue and Chicken Restaurant, Wilson; Broadnax Diner, Seaboard. Their loss the bad news. The good news is replacements have been found and UNC Press plans to publish an updated edition on April 1. You can find a preview and a new cover at https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://uncpress.org/book/9781469660936/north-carolinas-roadside-eateries-revised-and-expanded-edition/__;!!LvYzicI!mj8FRwLBIUl8TRd_DkGZQlisqRH5uH6hkiQWQwvHGfysIPT0sxv4wWcH_ClB8DsPHztn6QQv6oLIXbmOpjDQfMhdEw$ or Google UNC Press Roadside Eateries. Telecommunications company Optus has introduced Optus ScamWise, a new feature that helps recognise trending scams and prevents future circulation. According to the National Anti-Scam Centre, it has detected an increase in the number of reports of fake websites that look genuine online retail stores belonging to well-known brands. Optus claims it is blocking over two million calls and almost 2.8 million SMS a week. Customers can report suspicious texts to Optus ScamWise by sharing them in the My Optus App. Reported SMS will be analysed by Optus scam team, with inauthentic messages blocked to prevent future circulation of that content across the Optus network. The customer reports will also help to inform Optus SMS blocking rules. The feature is part of Optus efforts to combat scams, it said. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealed more than $3.1 billion was stolen from Australians in 2022. According to Scamwatch, Australians lost $7 million in 2023 due to shopping scams. We are working to better protect our customers and make it harder for scammers to prosper. Optus ScamWise not only helps protect the Optus customer community but also lets them help protect their wider circle too, said Optus managing director of customer solutions Matt Williams. Through a series of initiatives, Optus claimed it has also blocked more than 380 million scam calls and 130 million SMS scam messages since December 2020. Optus ScamWise is available to customers on both pre-paid and post-paid plans free of charge, through the My Optus App. COMPANY NEWS: Aquion , a specialist in value-added software distribution, proudly announces its strategic partnership with global managed cybersecurity leader Trustwave . This collaboration aims to enhance cybersecurity in Australia and New Zealand, leveraging Trustwave's advanced technologies. Stephen Balicki, CEO and Founder of Aquion, states: "As a value-added distributor, we're excited to distribute Trustwave's leading cybersecurity solutions through our partner network, reinforcing our commitment to safeguarding our region against emerging cyber threats." Through Aquion, Trustwave will now provide its security consulting, penetration testing, managed detection and response, co-managed SOC, threat hunting, digital forensics, incident response, database security, and email security to an even broader set of resellers and clients. Rizwan Iqbal, APAC Channel Manager at Trustwave, states: Trustwave is looking forward to extending our cybersecurity capabilities to the channel through this partnership with Aquion. In an industry that is facing skills shortages and frequent and more sophisticated attacks, clients help organisations navigate evolving and complex cyber regulations. This partnership aligns with Aquion's focus on delivering innovative security solutions and driving revenue streams through its enterprise channels. About Aquion: At Aquion, we take pride in identifying and introducing innovative vendors to the market and developing strong revenue streams through our Enterprise channels in Australia, New Zealand and APAC. We specialise in delivering tailored software distribution solutions, catering to specific needs rather than broad, mass-market volume. As a value-added software distributor, our expertise lies in market development, business development, customised sourcing, efficient software licensing management and the seamless management of renewals for our resellers. https://www.aquion.com.au/ About Trustwave Trustwave is a globally recognised cybersecurity leader that reduces cyber risk and fortifies organisations against disruptive and damaging cyber threats. Trustwaves comprehensive offensive and defensive cybersecurity portfolio detects what others cannot, responds with greater speed and effectiveness, optimises its clients cyber investment, and improves security resilience. Trusted by thousands of organisations worldwide, Trustwave leverages its world-class team of security consultants, threat hunters, and researchers and its market-leading security operations platform to decrease the likelihood of attacks and minimise potential impact. Trustwave is an analyst-recognised leader in managed detection and response (MDR), managed security services (MSS), cyber advisory, penetration testing, database security, and email security. The elite Trustwave SpiderLabs team provides industry-defining threat research, intelligence, and threat hunting, all of which are infused into Trustwave services and products to fortify cyber resilience in the age of inevitable cyber-attacks. For more information about Trustwave, please visit: https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/. COMPANY NEWS: The next time you open wide and say, aah, your doctor may be able to detect much more than inflamed tonsils. She may recognise laryngeal cancer. But it wont happen with the doctor peering down your throat with a flashlight. Instead, youll be stretching that universally recognised sound aah for two to three seconds into an app on your phone. Clever artificial intelligence takes over immediately with a medley of Intel-based hardware and software comparing the quality of your voice against scores of trained data and running the results through other complex algorithms. The results exceeding 80% accuracy are returned seconds after youve recorded your voice. This marvel of medical technology has been developed by Taiwan hospitals as a promising proof of concept for how AI technology can save lives. Over the past year, Intel has partnered with Far EasTone Telecom (FET) a leading network provider in Taiwan and Taiwan-based hospitals to build more accurate AI models to support the app and power diagnostics research. By analysing voice data from a network of participating hospitals including the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (FEMH) and Taichung Veterans General Hospital, both in Taiwan, and the United States Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Tennessee, researchers collaborate and contribute toward a common larynx cancer diagnostic AI model. All data is federated and, most important, anonymised to preserve patient privacy. Intels Open Federated Learning allows all healthcare providers participating in larynx cancer detection modeling to contribute to training the model while helping to protect patients' private data, says Intel Taiwan vice president and general manager Grace Wang. With the addition of more partners and more data, the team will continue to optimise the model, and the outcome will benefit more and more people, Wang says, explaining how JelloX Biotech, an Intel ecosystem partner, contributed to the partnership. Early detection saves lives and preserves voices For years, larynx expert Dr Chi-Te Wang, MD, Ph.D, the director of AI Centre of Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, struggled to detect early-stage laryngeal cancer. Dr Wang says there was a huge incentive to diagnose early. By catching laryngeal (throat) cancer early, treatment with surgery or radiation could reach success rates of about 90% and, crucially, preserve a patients voice. Delays in treatment often result in permanent vocal cord damage and, potentially, the loss of ones ability to speak naturally. Interactions with numerous patients soon led Dr Wang to a what-if idea: Could voice-based analysis lead to early cancer detection? But that revelation soon led to a brick wall there was just too much data to process. A two-decade-old problem Thats when Intel stepped in to help. We learnt about Dr Wangs project from our friends at FET, and we realized he was struggling with training an accurate AI model given the vast amounts of data collected across numerous hospitals, explains Intel director of healthcare regional centre of excellence (CoE), sales, and marketing communications group George Tai. We leveraged our broad partner network to bring in tech experts who could help, and we assisted with building the infrastructure from the ground up. That AI model is built on 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors (Sapphire Rapids), FPGA accelerators and two open source software tools: Intels very own OpenVino and the open sourced OpenFL. Previous efforts to detect abnormal voice samples using machine learning began 20 years ago, but the technology was never good enough for clinical scenarios, says Dr Wang, explaining how his experience in the field led him to hypothesize that abnormal voice quality would be one indication of early-stage laryngeal cancer. Thanks to Intels IRTI [Intel Rise Technology Initiative] project, we developed an AI model based on a universal sound: aah. The best advantage of this model is its potential application around the world, no matter what languages we speak. Extending laryngeal cancer detection thanks to 5G Tai adds that the ability to detect early-stage laryngeal cancer extends far beyond packed cities in Taiwan. Thanks to low-latency 5G mobile networks, were able to extend this service to rural areas in Taiwan that are far from major hospitals. All a patient has to do is to say aah into a phone and the inferenced model will return an immediate result, Tai says, adding that a positive result will direct the user to a nearby hospital for physical checkups and, possibly, a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. For its next act, the joint team intends to scale this win broadly across Asia and into other markets. Discussions are underway with interested parties in the US and Vietnam, Tai says. In 2020, as soon as 5G service was launched, Far EasTone introduced 5G telemedicine. Today, we provide services in 12 municipalities and 35 townships across Taiwan, serving over 30,000 people, explains Far EasTone Telecom telecommunications director healthcare products Eric Chen. We are thrilled to work with FEMH and Intel on developing the larynx cancer detection application and we value the cross-vertical partnerships formed. We will continue to leverage our expertise in 5G connectivity, information, and communication technology and integration, making the society better. MATTOON The founding executive director of the Elevate entrepreneur center has accepted a new position as head of Downtown Springfield, Inc. Carlos Ortega, who has led Elevate since its inception in 2019, is set to take on his new role as executive director of Springfield's downtown business association on Thursday, Feb. 1. The Elevate board reported in a news release that Ortega helped grow the idea for this center into Coles Countys first collaborative community for co-working, entrepreneurship, and small business development. Elevate is located in renovated site on the northside of the Cross County Mall that provide a shared workspace, offices, and conference rooms, along with the services, professional networking opportunities, and resources. Since inception, Elevate has served 180 clients, helped establish 17 new businesses, and helped 46 existing companies grow their business," Ortega said. "By networking with other businesses utilizing the space, clients are able to learn from and support each other. That is the additional benefit of a collaborative space." In a recent partnership with Eastern Illinois University, Elevate successfully applied for a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) designation from the Illinois SBDC Network in spring 2023. Blake Pierce, chair of the Elevate board, said in the release that the Illinois SBDC at Elevate provides an additional depth of services that include developing a business plan, financial analysis, market research, and feasibility studies. SBDCs have existed throughout Illinois for decades, but this will be the first location in Coles County," Pierce said. "The board is pleased Carlos and leaders in the School of Business at EIU recognized and pursued the opportunity to bring this important small business resource to the county. Conceived as part of the Mattoon in Motion community planning effort, Elevate was established with support from the community and a $250,000 Google grant. Elevate is also home to Class-E, a dual credit entrepreneurship class for high school students in Coles County. Pierce said Ortega has played a unique role in taking Elevate from an idea to a space that serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurial activity, innovation, and business development. "His passion and enthusiasm laid the foundation for success in our young organization," Pierce said. "The board looks forward to building on that foundation through the partnership with EIU, which will enhance Elevates resources and add a new dimension of opportunities for Coles County." Ortega, a Springfield native, served as a Peace Corps Fellow intern with a focus on community development for the city of Mattoon from 2018-2019 before becoming Elevate's first director. Downtown Springfield, Inc. reported in a press release that Ortega brings with him a skill set geared towards the application of business development programs designed to cultivate economic prosperity. It reported that his commitment to the revitalization of downtown Springfield aligns with the organizations goals. Blake Pryor, president of Downtown Springfield, Inc., said in the release that Ortega "brings many years of leadership and vision in his career that will benefit the organization and our members. Ortega said in the release that it is an honor returning to his hometown as the executive director of this downtown business association. He said he looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of citizens, small businesses, and community organizations there. I am eager to bring the lessons I've learned throughout my journey and turn them into opportunities for growth and prosperity, Ortega said. Photos: 2023 Coles County new businesses Side by Side Gaming family (copy) Defense Depot plans (copy) Winery owner (copy) DHM exterior (copy) CRAFT EMPORIUM 060123-mat-nws-sports-groundbreaking_01.JPG (copy) DECATUR A man called Joe who specializes in housing exotic animals like tigers now has custody of Decaturs wayward serval, a small game African cat. But dont panic, its not that guy known as Joe Exotic, aka The Tiger King of Netflix series infamy. Anyway, Mr. Exotic is currently caged himself, serving 21 years after being convicted of a murder-for-hire plot to kill a rival who was trying to put his lucrative cub-petting traveling show out of business. The Joe who looks after Decaturs escaped serval is 78-year-old Joe Taft, who runs the Exotic Feline Rescue Center located in Center Point, Indiana. Taft is, however, painfully familiar with his nefarious namesake. I quite often get confused with him, he said. And that same guy who made the film about him came out here and filmed for a day and then said Youre not crazy enough to be in my movie. But I do now have several cats that came from him (Joe Exotic). Taft said his operation, based in Center Point since 1991, has a reputation for doing things right when it comes to taking care of big cats, and smaller ones, that dont have a home anywhere else. Over the years weve had probably pushing around 600 cats here, he added. Right now, weve got around 140 animals, from servals to tigers, and our biggest tiger probably weighs 600 pounds or more. Decaturs serval, called Reese, escaped in October from the Decatur apartment of an owner who was keeping it illegally: servals, which grow to more than 30 pounds and are spotted predators native to Africa, are banned as pets in Decatur. Sgt. Ron Atkins, administrator of the Macon County Animal Control and Care Center, said the male owner was cited for violating the city ordinance on keeping servals. Attempts to reach the owner for comment for this story were unsuccessful. His escaped pet had stayed out on the lam until November when it was trapped by a landowner who had spotted it prowling his acreage; it was then turned over to Atkins who had been trying to trap it himself. Once the sergeant had discovered the Exotic Feline Rescue Center and learned it had a solid reputation for doing animal care the right way, he didnt hesitate. It went straight to them after it was captured, he said. They took temporary custody of it while we worked through the legalities of its possession and their taking ownership of it. Atkins said his facility had no suitable accommodation for an exotic predatory cat, even a relatively small one. But he did see Reese long enough to note the animal appeared in good condition and none for the worse for having to hunt and provide for itself in the wilds of Central Illinois instead of the African savanna. And I dont think this thing had to worry about predators like coyotes, added Atkins, noting Reeses size. Taft said servals range all over Africa and are even no strangers up in the snowline of Mount Kilimanjaro. So they can handle our cold climate," he said. "And your serval has settled in here quite well, actually. Reese now lives in a spacious pen in a neighborhood that includes a black leopard and a white tiger. And he doesn't seem phased by any of that, said Taft. The Exotic Feline Rescue Center receives animals that have been confiscated by federal authorities and other law enforcement, the sources ranging from smuggled pets to defunct Las Vegas magic shows. Taft says his staff includes six qualified keepers and the whole place operates on a budget of $1.3 million a year. All of our animals get incredibly good veterinary care and some of that comes from the University of Illinois, he explained. You dont find too many veterinarians who want to treat tigers. On the whole, though, he said he would rather deal with tigers generally than servals, which tend to have very short tempers. And the other thing about servals is they smell very bad, he said. They like to scent-mark their territory and well, its pretty nasty stuff. Smell and temperament aside, it looks like the Land of Lincoln could soon become less friendly turf for servals. Legislation to ban the keeping of the cats as pets has been introduced in Springfield after another one got loose in a Vernon Hills neighborhood and cornered a woman out walking her dog. State Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, proposed the legislation during the first week of the 2024 General Assembly session. Vernon Hills is part of his district. Didech's proposal bans the possession of servals and also caracals, kangaroos, wallabies or any hybrid, intergrade or cross of a dangerous animal, building on current law that bans possession of a lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, bear, hyena, wolf, coyote or nonhuman primate. While Didech doesn't know why servals weren't included in the original statute, he speculated it's because the species is a newer, trending exotic animal being brought into the United States. Didech is working with experts at the Illinois Humane Society and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to update the dangerous animals law. The proposal, known as HB 4446, will be considered during the 2024 legislative session. Didech anticipates it will go before committee sometime in March or April. Two community arts groups will receive grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, according to the office of U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning. Overall, there are three grants and a literature fellowship worth a combined $99,000 awarded to the states Sixth congressional district. The largest grant at $54,000 has been awarded to the N.C. Folk Festival, based in Greensboro Cultural Center. There was no specific project listed. A $25,000 literature fellowship grant will be provided to an individual in the district. A $10,000 grant is being provided to Greensboro Symphony Orchestra Inc. to support a concert for the orchestra, gospel soloists and a community gospel choir. Another $10,000 grant is being provided to Caswell Council for Arts & History Inc., to support a mural project depicting historically significant people from Caswell County. Two Triad museums Reynolda House Museum of American Art and Greensboro Children's Museum will offer free general admission to Bank of America Corp. cardholders on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month for the rest of 2024. The offer is good for the first full weekend each month. The promotion is for Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card holders. Those customers are required to show a photo ID and their card. Non-cardholders who are guests are not eligible for free admission. Reynolda House Museum of American Art is at 2250 Reynolda Road in Winston-Salem, while Greensboro Children's Museum is at 220 N. Church St. The program excludes fundraising events, special exhibitions and ticketed shows. Yoshitomo, a Japanese sushi-ya in Omaha, is among the semifinalists for outstanding restaurant in the 2024 James Beard Awards. Tim Nicholson of the Boiler Room is a semifinalist for best chef in the Midwest region of the competition. The nominees were revealed Jan. 24, and the winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 10 in Chicago. Chef David Utterback operates Yoshitomo, which has been praised from Omaha to Japan and beyond. A Washington Post writer called it one of the best of its kind in the country in a story a few months ago. Utterback was a finalist for best chef in the Midwest region last year. The James Beard Awards exist to recognize exceptional talent in the culinary arts, hospitality, media and broader food system. Theyre coordinated by an awards committee made up of widely known restaurateurs, chefs and others in the industry. Yoshitomo stands out in a category that includes multiple restaurants in Texas and New York. Its nearest competitors for best restaurant are in Denver and Chicago. The 10 longest-running restaurants in Lincoln 1942: Lee's Restaurant 1957: Valentino's 1963: Misty's 1965: Virginia's Travelers Cafe 1976: Ticos 1978: daVinci's 1982: Piezano's 1984: The Isles 1986: Billy's 1988: Hi-Way Diner Gov. Jim Pillen strolled the halls of The Career Academy at Lincoln Public Schools on Tuesday morning, learning about the benefits of the program from the students themselves. Two seniors, Isabel Cressler and Sapphire Guzman, both in the welding and precision machining pathways, led Pillen on a tour around the facility connected to Southeast Community College which houses more than 700 students. The Career Academy is made up of 16 different pathways ranging from culinary to criminal justice to education that juniors and seniors at LPS and non-public school students in LPS attendance area can follow to earn both high school and college credit. Pillen, who saw the spaces for welding, precision machining, construction and health sciences, said the program gives students unique opportunities to find their passions and explore different career paths. By allowing students to study various careers while still in high school, Pillen said the program is opening doors for students and showing them the many opportunities they have, whether that be pursuing higher education or entering the workforce. Its really, really important that we make sure we can lift kids up, he said. He also noted that a program such as this could help attract students to industries in need of more employees, like education, nursing and mental health services. Our futures are about our kids. We can never give up on kids, he said. And career pathways are so important. The Career Academy runs in conjunction with SCC, but Director Josh Jones said its actually a triad, not just a partnership. People from within the business community play a big role in the programs success, too. LPS provides the students and some of the staff, SCC is able to provide instructors skilled in their specific trades and people from within the business community give students opportunities for real-life experiences through field trips, internships and apprenticeships. Its really just all incredible, Jones said. Cressler and Guzman can both attest to how The Career Academy has helped them prepare for their future careers. Guzman plans to continue following the welding track at SCC after high school and also study automotive technologies. Being able to attend The Career Academy full time this school year has helped her get ready for that next step. Its given me a start that four years ago I wouldnt have thought possible, she said. For Cressler, her time in the program has prepared her for her future career in a different way. She plans to attend Hope College in Michigan next fall to study government and politics. With her experience in welding and machining at The Career Academy, she now has a broader perspective on the importance of union and worker advocacy, which she plans to focus on in her studies, she said. I understand that welders and machinists and everyone in between are incredibly hard workers, and they deserve to be compensated for that, she said. So it really kind of put the narrative in my mind of where I want to go when I get this degree. Because of her passion for politics, it was something of a dream come true for Cressler to meet Pillen and be able to show him around her school. Even after the tour was over, she was still ecstatic about the opportunity. Being someone whos already interested in politics, having the opportunity to meet the governor and show them something Im really passionate about was really special, she said. Today is Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. Let's get caught up. Keep scrolling for celebrity birthdays and a look back at this date in history. Plus, check out our daily news podcast: *** President Biden has said he'd shut the US-Mexico border if given the ability. What does that mean? President Joe Biden has made some strong claims over the past few days about shutting down the U.S.-Mexico border as he tries to salvage a border deal in Congress that would also unlock money for Ukraine. The deal had been in the works for months and seemed to be nearing completion in the Senate before it began to fall apart, largely because Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump doesn't want it to happen. A bipartisan bill would be good for America and help fix our broken immigration system and allow speedy access for those who deserve to be here, and Congress needs to get it done, Biden said over the weekend. Itll also give me as president, the emergency authority to shut down the border until it could get back under control. If that bill were the law today, Id shut down the border right now and fix it quickly. A look at what Biden meant, and the political and policy considerations at play: *** Enemy drone that killed US troops in Jordan was mistaken for a US drone, preliminary report suggests U.S. forces may have mistaken an enemy drone for an American one and let it pass unchallenged into a desert base in Jordan where it killed three U.S. troops and wounded dozens more, officials said Monday. Details of the Sunday attack emerged as President Joe Biden faced a difficult balancing act, blaming Iran and looking to strike back in a forceful way without causing any further escalation of the Gaza conflict. *** Israeli undercover forces dressed as women and medics storm West Bank hospital, killing 3 militants Israeli forces disguised as civilian women and medical workers stormed a hospital Tuesday in the occupied West Bank, killing three Palestinian militants in a dramatic raid that underscored how deadly violence has spilled into the territory from the war in Gaza. *** MORE TOP STORIES *** MORNING LISTEN We can't prevent bad weather, but new technology is being developed to keep drivers safer. Learn more on Across the Sky. *** TODAY IN HISTORY Today in history: Jan. 30 In 1933, Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany, and more on this day in history. Today in sports history: Jan. 30 In 2000, the St. Louis Rams held on to beat the Tennessee Titans 23-16 in Super Bowl XXXIV, thanks to a game-saving tackle. See more sports mo *** TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS Celebrity birthdays: Jan. 30 Abdullah II Ann Dowd Carl Broemel Christian Bale Curtis Strange Danielle Campbell Jody Watley King Felipe VI Kylie Bunbury Lena Hall Olivia Colman Phil Collins Vanessa Redgrave Wilmer Valderrama The Hall County Attorneys Office has dropped the criminal case against a former Grand Island teacher who lost his job last year as a result of the sexual assault allegations. Philip Zlomke, 41, had denied the accusations. At a two-day trial in October in Hall County District Court, the jury found Zlomke not guilty of two counts of first-degree sexual assault alleged to have occurred in October 2021 involving an adult woman, according to his attorney, Jon Hendricks. Hendricks said after he and co-counsel, Robert Alexander, got discovery in the second case, where Zlomke was accused of two counts of sexual assault of a minor, prosecutors agreed to file a motion to dismiss it last week. The case since has been sealed. When the allegations came out, Zlomke had been a teacher at a middle school in Grand Island, though the allegations didnt involve Grand Island Public School students, according to the district. Last summer, he had asked the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education to maintain his contract until his court case was resolved, but the board unanimously voted to end his contract effective immediately. On Friday, Hendricks called it a sad deal all around. While Zlomke got his life back and got justice in his case, hes no longer working in the career he loves, he said. Grand Island lost a great teacher, Hendricks said. He said Zlomke had been nominated for teacher of the year 10 years in a row and worked toward a masters degree in teaching while the case was pending. Both of Nebraskas incumbent U.S. senators have formally filed to run for office again, likely ensuring state voters will see familiar names on the November 2024 ballot. Republican Sen. Deb Fischer filed paperwork to run for reelection with Nebraskas Secretary of State early Monday morning, a formal step in her bid for a third term in the Senate, which she was first elected to in 2012. Fischer, 72, announced her filing Monday along with more than 1,000 endorsements, including from Gov. Jim Pillen, the rest of the states entire Congressional delegation and dozens of other current and former Nebraska officeholders. This milestone is a testament to the strong grassroots support for my campaign and our collective commitment to earn each and every vote, Fischer said in a statement Monday. The lengthy list also includes endorsements from officials in Lincoln, including Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon, Sheriff Terry Wagner and Sens. Beau Ballard and Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln. Fischers decision to seek a third six-year term which she made public more than two years ago marks a reversal for the former state lawmaker from Valentine. She pledged to support term limits for members of Congress and pledged to limit herself to two terms in office when she first sought a seat in the Senate in 2012. When she announced in May 2021 that she planned to seek reelection again, she pointed to the importance of her seniority to be effective as a senator. If you want to get things done, seniority matters, she said at the time. Fischer, who in 2018 was reelected by a 133,000-vote margin, is the first U.S. senator from Nebraska to seek a third term in office since Democratic Sen. Jim Exon was reelected in 1990. She will be joined on the ballot by Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, the states former governor whom Pillen appointed to the Senate in January 2023. Ricketts, 59, filed earlier this month to finish the two years remaining in the term he inherited following former Sen. Ben Sasses resignation from the body last January. The opportunity to continue serving Nebraskans has been an incredible honor and privilege, Ricketts said in a statement earlier this month. Im asking for your vote to continue the fight to hold Joe Biden accountable, secure our southern border, stand up to the Chinese Communist Party and defend our God-given rights and freedoms. Ricketts appearance on the May primary ballot wont be his first as a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Nebraska. The former Ameritrade executive ran for Senate in 2006, winning 36% of the vote in his unsuccessful attempt to unseat Sen. Ben Nelson, the last Democrat to win a Senate race in Nebraska. Ricketts political fortunes and the states political leaning have changed in the years since. Ricketts won the governorship in 2014 with more than 57% of the vote and triumphed by a similar margin to win reelection in 2018. He will square off with former Air Force Lt. Col. John Glen Weaver, who has the endorsement of the populist-run Nebraska Republican Party, in Mays primary. The winner of that race will square off with the winner of the Democratic primary, which will pit Preston Love Jr., a longtime civil rights activist from Omaha who is running with the backing of the state Democratic Party, against Todd Newbold, an Omaha man who has filed to run for the seat. Fischer so far does not face a primary opponent in her reelection bid. The deadline for nonincumbents to file to run for federal office this year is March 1. Independent candidate Dan Osborn, a steamfitter, industrial mechanic and Navy and Nebraska Army National Guard veteran who led a strike at Kelloggs in Omaha in 2021, has launched a campaign to challenge Fischer in November. Top Journal Star photos for January 2024 Sometimes a body needs room to roam. And sometimes, that body isnt an individual but a herd or herds of pronghorn antelope. To survive, they may need to move across vast tracts of land to avoid the worst weather and find food. But the miles of fence strung across the western United States to keep cattle in pastures often serve as barriers to the movement of pronghorns and other wildlife. On Thursday, Platte Basin Timelapse, a long-term storytelling project co-founded by Lincoln-based conservation photographer Michael Forsberg, will post a documentary short film that tells the story of one initiative to improve fence lines in the North Platte River Valley along the Colorado-Wyoming border to allow pronghorns and other wildlife to move more freely. In the West, Forsberg said, effectively managing wildlife means managing it on private lands, not just on public parcels. Ranchers, meanwhile, have to balance benefits for wildlife with keeping the ranches profitable. They love wildlife on these ranches, Forsberg said. And they understand the importance of these working landscapes. Under the Wire, which will be posted on the organizations website and its social media channels, is directed by Omaha native Mariah Lundgren. Its one of a series of natural history films Platte Basin Timelapse has produced. Each is centered around a particular wildlife species in locales stretching from the mountains to the plains. Previous films have focused on the American dipper, North Americas only aquatic songbird, and the return of trumpeter swans and bighorn sheep to Nebraska. Forsberg said the groups aim is to tell stories about the Platte River Basin and the relationships that bind the land and the people and the wildlife that live there, with water as the muse. The organization, a partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, also serves as a learning laboratory to train future storytellers like Lundgren to bridge the gap between science, art and communication. A UNL graduate who now lives in the Denver area, she is one of a half-dozen employees. The group, primarily supported by funding from outside the university, also teaches classes and offers internships. The projects other co-founder is Mike Farrell, a veteran of Nebraska Educational Television, now Nebraska Public Media. Lundgren said her job involves taking the photos, video and words Forsberg has collected over the years, rounding them out by capturing more footage and interviews, and turning them into films. The art form offers another way to engage people. Its been reaching a much more diverse audience by having these films in tandem with these photos, stories and essays, she said. The new film isnt just about pronghorn and fences but also focuses on the people ranchers, conservationists and others involved in the project, she said. It highlights the beauty and diversity of the land. Unless you spend time in these places, its hard to really grasp whats out there, especially if youre just driving down the interstate, Lundgren said. Ive heard it called a wasteland before, and thats always stuck with me, because its definitely not. We hope this film shows that. Under the Wire, in fact, started with a project Forsberg got involved in about four years ago. Hed given a talk with a Nebraska rancher about photography and storytelling at a meeting of western landowners in Billings, Montana. Afterward, a ranch manager approached him and invited him to the A Bar A Ranch in southern Wyoming to see the herd of pronghorn that roam the area. The ranch, which also has a hospitality arm, is one of three contiguous family-owned properties that run nearly 30 miles from close to North Park, Colorado, to near Encampment, Wyoming. Pronghorn can sprint faster than 60 mph, but they arent great jumpers, Forsberg said. To cross fences, they often limbo under. But negotiating fence after fence can take a toll. Forsberg said the ranchers had learned through living and working on the land the locations of some crossing points. As part of the project that also produced the film, the team and ranch staff deployed additional cameras across the landscape to pinpoint other places where the animals were crossing and figure out what challenges they faced. Burk Knowlton, an assistant ranch manager featured in the film, said the A Bar A previously had begun replacing some fence with wildlife-friendly fencing when the opportunity arose. Its a process thats occurring across the West and one that will continue. The film focuses on an 8.5-mile conversion that took place in 2022, he said. The local Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District provided the funding, which originated from a number of sources and involved a host of partnerships. While the specifics vary from site to site, Knowlton said, the conversion generally involves replacing the lower strand of barbed wire with smooth wire so pronghorns dont cut their backs when they duck underneath. They also raise it higher off the ground. In most cases, the top strand also is lowered, making it easier for deer, moose and elk to get over, he said. The fences, however, still do their job of keeping cattle in their appointed pastures. Deploying the cameras, however, revealed more than just wildlife movement patterns, Knowlton said. He and another assistant ranch manager developed a part of the ranchs hospitality arm that takes families and other groups on horseback and fishing adventures. They see a lot of wildlife. But the cameras allowed them to capture the animals night moves, as well as their behaviors and interactions. They observed that when birds of prey land on a fencepost to eat a meal, for instance, they leave bits that ground-dwelling animals like weasels later climb up and devour. Spoiler alert: In one scene they captured, a mother bobcat hones her claws on a log, trailed by a cub who perfectly mimics her behavior. You put these game cameras out, Knowlton said, ... and you suddenly have this window into their lives when nobody else is looking, and its so much more intimate. 22 animals to look for in Yellowstone (and your odds of spotting them) Rocky Mountain elk Northwestern gray wolf American bison Grizzly bear Black bear Bighorn sheep Bobcat Canada lynx Coyote Shiras Moose Mountain lion Red fox North American beaver Snowshoe hare White-tailed jackrabbit Jackalope North American porcupine Bald Eagle Golden eagle Great horned owl Trumpeter swan Sandhill Crane 1. Yes. It will be convenient and the fares are cheap. I plan to use the transit system often. 2. Yes. I have a vehicle, but I may still use the service now and then, especially in bad weather. 3. No. I dont use the current bus service, and I dont plan to use the micro-transit service either. 4. No. It may be fine in town, but it still involves a transfer for longer trips. That wont work. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say. It depends on how well the service works once its in place. Vote View Results Killeen, TX (76540) Today Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High near 65F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 41F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. A 26-year-old Onalaska man has been accused of possessing child sex abuse videos that he allegedly recorded while living in St. Paul, Minnesota. Chameng Tommy Xiong was charged in La Crosse County Circuit with a single felony count of possession of child pornography. According to the criminal complaint, authorities in La Crosse County were informed that Xiong was involved in the sexual exploitation of young children while he lived in St. Paul. The complaint says police in St. Paul identified a social media account belonging to Xiong which contained two videos of Xiong assaulting young girls. Police executed a search warrant for cell phones belonging to Xiong and arrested him at his Onalaska residence Jan. 4. Xiong is free on a $1,000 signature bond. He has a preliminary hearing set for Feb. 1. The Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union (Badger) High School Board approved the notice of retirement provided by Principal Jennifer Straus, effective June 30, at their scheduled school board meeting on Monday, Jan. 15. Straus has served as an administrator at Badger High School for 15 years, joining Badger as an associate principal in 2009 and then as principal in 2019. Prior to joining Badger, Straus served as an associate principal and social studies teacher in other Wisconsin School districts. Straus has dedicated 33 years to the field of education. I have enjoyed working with the students, teachers, and staff at Badger High School. My goal has been to be the best principal I can be for the Badger community and to live my life with compassion and kindness, and I believe I have done just that, Straus said in a press release. I want to thank our dedicated teachers and staff, fantastic students and parents, and the great communities for their unwavering support of Badger High School. The school board and Superintendent Peter Wilson thanked Straus for her 15 years of dedicated service to Lake Geneva Schools. Ms. Straus has been an esteemed member of Lake Geneva Schools. We appreciate her years of service and wish her a fantastic retirement, stated Wilson. As we plan for next school year, I am confident we will find a highly qualified and passionate leader to work in partnership with our associate principals, Mrs. Lisa Kendall and Mrs. Jenn Chironis, as well as our teachers and staff, to continue to move Badger forward and do what is in the best interest of all our students. Straus will continue to serve as Badgers principal through June 30. A collaborative process involving students, parents, community members, employees and school board members will be implemented this winter and spring to identify and select the next Badger High School principal. New research provides evidence that attacks by Myanmars military government have damaged religious centers in the country. Religious leaders and human rights workers say the reported attacks are part of a wider campaign to attack religious communities across the nation. A civil war broke out in Myanmar after the military seized power from the elected government of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Human rights agencies and United Nations investigators say they have found evidence of Myanmar security forces targeting civilians. The evidence includes details about bomb attacks, mass executions and detentions and the burning of private homes. One group, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, accuses security forces in Myanmar of killing at least 4,416 people since the 2021 military takeover. The Myanmar Witness project completed the new report on the destruction of religious centers. The project is part of the Britain-based Centre for Information Resilience. Myanmar Witness examined claims of five airstrikes that caused major damage to religious centers over several months in 2023. The attacks happened in Myanmars western Chin state. Religious buildings are given special protection under international law. Another group, the Chin Human Rights Organization, reported that the military has destroyed at least 107 religious buildings in Chin state since 2021. Those included attacks against 67 churches and five Buddhist monasteries, the group said. A 2023 report by the International Commission of Jurists said 94 Buddhist religious centers and 87 Christian ones had been destroyed or damaged nationwide. The Myanmar Witness group collects evidence including pictures, video and witness accounts found on social media services. The group compares this evidence with satellite images or other methods to confirm human rights abuses. Matt Lawrence is director of Myanmar Witness. He said the main goal of the project is to give evidence of atrocities to international groups for further investigation. Many human rights activists have accused the military of aiming for religious buildings. Bombing churches is much more than just collateral damage, wrote Benedict Rogers. He is a former East Asia team leader for the human rights organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide. He wrote in an email to The Associated Press, Targeting them is part of a deliberate strategy. Rogers said the military government discriminates against non-Burmese ethnic minorities and non-Buddhist religious minorities. In 2017, the military carried out a counterinsurgency campaign in Rakhine state. The campaign drove almost 740,000 members of the Muslim Rohingya minority to flee to Bangladesh. The military government offered no immediate comment on the new report. But in the past, military leaders have repeatedly stated that security forces only attack permissible targets of war. Im Bryan Lynn. The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English. _____________________________________________ Words in This Story church n. a building where Christians go to worship monastery n. a building where people live as part of a specific religious group atrocity n. an extremely violent and shocking attack collateral damage n. unintentional deaths, injuries and destruction caused during a war to non-military members deliberate adj. intentional or planned strategy n. a careful plan to complete something or achieve a goal over a period of time counterinsurgency n. a military action taken by a government to prevent attacks by small groups of soldiers or fighters that are opposed to it Gene treatments are being credited with permitting several children born with deafness to hear again. Gene therapy is a medical treatment that aims to change a few of a patients genes to cure a genetic disease. A small study recently published in The Lancet reported improvements in the hearing in five of six children who were treated in China. Around the same time, the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia in the U.S. eastern state of Pennsylvania announced similar improvements in an 11-year-old boy treated there. And earlier, Chinese researchers published a study showing similar improvements in two other children. The experimental methods, or therapies, target only one rare condition. But scientists say similar treatments could someday help many more children with other kinds of deafness caused by genes. Around the world, 34 million children have deafness or hearing loss. And information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says genes are responsible for up to 60 percent of cases. Deafness caused by genes is passed down from parents to children. It is called hereditary deafness. It is the latest condition scientists are targeting with gene therapy. Gene therapy is already approved to treat illnesses such as sickle cell disease and severe hemophilia. Children with hereditary deafness often get a device called a cochlear implant that helps them hear sound. No treatment could reverse hearing lossThats why we were always trying to develop a therapy, said Zheng-Yi Chen of Bostons Mass Eye and Ear, a treatment center for eye and ear problems. He is a writer of the study published in The Lancet. We couldnt be more happy or excited about the results. Treatment results The team recorded videos of patients. One shows a baby, who formerly could not hear at all, looking back in response to a doctors words six weeks after treatment. Another shows a little girl 13 weeks after treatment repeating father, mother, grandmother, sister, and I love you. All the children in the experiments have a condition that is believed to cause two to eight percent of hereditary deafness. It is caused by changes in a gene responsible for an inner ear protein called otoferlin, which helps hair cells send sound signals to the brain. The researchers say that the one-time therapy gives a working copy of that gene to the inner ear during a medical operation. Most of the children were treated in one ear, although one child in the two-person study was treated in both ears. The study with six children took place at Fudan University in Shanghai. Dr. Yilai Shu helped lead the study and trained in Chens laboratory. Chen was involved in the research. Chinese science organizations and biotechnology company Shanghai Refreshgene Therapeutics helped provide financial support. Researchers observed the children for about six months. They do not know why the treatment did not work in one of them. But the five others, who were completely deaf, can now hear a normal discussion, the researchers said. Chen estimated they now hear at a level 60 percent to 70 percent of normal. The therapy caused no major side effects. Early results from other research have shown similar results. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is a biotech company based in New York state. It announced in October that a child under two years old showed improvements six weeks after gene therapy. The results came from a study Regeneron did with support from Decibel Therapeutics, a company in Boston. Columbia Universitys Dr. Lawrence Lustig is involved in the Regeneron study. He said although the children in these studies do not end up with very good hearing, even a moderate hearing loss recovery in these kids is pretty astounding. He added that many questions remain. They include how long the therapies will last and if hearing will continue to improve in the children. Some people question if gene therapy for deafness is ethical. Teresa Blankmeyer Burke is a professor who is deaf and who deals with medical ethics. She teaches at Gallaudet University, a university for deaf people in Washington, D.C. She said that there is no agreement about the need for gene therapy targeting deafness. She also pointed out that deafness does not cause severe or deadly illness. Blankmeyer Burke said that it is important to work with deaf community members about the importance of gene therapy. She added gene therapy is seen by many as a possible threat to signing Deaf communities. However, Chen said: This is real proof showing gene therapy is working. And he added, It opens up the whole field. Im Faith Pirlo. And Im Gregory Stachel. Laura Ungar reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. Quiz - Studies: Gene Treatment Lets Children Deaf at Birth Hear Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________ Words in This Story hereditary adj. passed down from one generation to the next implant n. (medical) something connected to a persons body through a medical operation reverse v. to change (something) to an opposite state or condition excited adj. very enthusiastic and eager about something pretty adv. to a great degree or extent: very astounding adj. causing a feeling of great surprise or wonder ethical adj. following accepted rules of behavior: morally right and good Fifteen American businesses, including semiconductor companies, have expressed interest in investing $8 billion in Vietnam in clean energy projects, a senior U.S. official said recently. However, their interest depends on the countrys progress on renewable energy rules. Vietnam is seeking to bring in computer chip companies. And it wants to build up its renewable energy industries. But it has so far struggled to pass rules that would permit the expansion of renewable energy industries. Those industries include solar and onshore wind and the development of offshore wind farms, of which it has none now. Jose Fernandez is an undersecretary for economic growth at the U.S. State Department. When asked if U.S. companies want to invest in Vietnam, he told reporters in Hanoi last Friday, They are prepared to invest as much as $8 billion. Fernandez did not name the companies. But he noted the investment would deal with clean energy infrastructure. Fernandez said that those companies made commitments to use only renewable energy. So the investment would depend on the progress of rules on renewable energy in Vietnam. He added that the companies were also waiting for permits before they could go ahead with their investment plans. Vietnam is considering rules that would permit factories to negotiate electricity prices directly with producers rather than buy it from the countrys state-owned power network operator. It is also working to pass rules for offshore wind, including creating an area for their operation in the sea. But delays in passing these rules have slowed progress. An increase in renewables in Vietnam has been driven by the widespread use of solar panels and onshore wind farms. But problems connecting the projects to the electrical network, which also needs improvements to deal with the renewable energy, have partly undone this progress. Fernandezs trip to Vietnam is part of U.S. plans to begin agreements reached last September. That was when the two countries officially raised their relationship to Vietnams top diplomatic listing, called comprehensive strategic partnership. Fernandez had meetings with senior Vietnamese officials during the trip, including with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. During those meetings, he mostly discussed chips, critical minerals, and clean energy, he told reporters. Im Gregory Stachel. Francesco Guarascio reported this story for Reuters. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. _________________________________________________ Words in This Story semiconductor adj. a material or object that allows some electricity or heat to move through it and that is used especially in electronic devices renewables adj. restored or replaced by natural processes: able to be replaced by nature chip n. a very small piece of hard material (called silicon) in a computer or other device that contains many electronic circuits infrastructure n. the basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) that are needed for a country, region, or organization to function properly solar panel n. a large, flat piece of equipment that uses the sun's light or heat to create electricity Britains King Charles was treated recently for a medical condition called enlarged prostate. American Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently spent two weeks in a hospital for treatment following an operation for prostate cancer. The 70-year-old Austin did not share any news of his medical condition publicly, at first. He also did not inform President Joe Biden of what the defense department described as a minimally invasive operation on Austins prostate on December 22. On January 1, the defense chief developed severe pain and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. He was placed in the intensive care department with an infection linked to the operation. Austin was released two weeks later. The delay in informing the president and the public led to widespread criticism. A spokesman for Austin said at the time, discussions about (prostate cancer) screening, treatment and support are often deeply personal and private ones. King Charles, however, announced on January 17 that he would undergo a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate. His announcement came on the same day the 75-year-old king learned of his medical condition. On January 29, he left London Clinic after spending the weekend there for treatment. It is unusual for members of the British royal family to share details about their health. However, King Charles decided to share his news publicly to encourage other men to have their prostates checked as called for by medical experts. The palace said the king sought treatment in common with thousands of men each year. What is the prostate? The prostate is a small organ of the male reproductive system. It is about the size and shape of a walnut. It sits below the bladder, an organ that stores urine temporarily. The prostate helps make semen, the fluid that carries sperm cells required for human reproduction. The prostate surrounds part of the urethra, a tube that carries sperm from the testicles or urine out of the bladder through the penis. As a man gets older, the prostate tends to grow larger. Medical experts say it could grow from the size of a walnut to the size of an apricot by the age of 40, and then to the size of a lemon by age 60. The larger prostate then may press against the urethra and cause problems in passing urine. The U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) says men in their 30s and 40s may begin to have problems with passing urine. The agency advises men to seek medical help if they experience any of the four conditions. They are: Passing urine more frequently day and night Having an urgent need to pass urine Having difficulty passing urine or passing urine very slowly Feeling pain or burning while passing urine The NIH says the three most common prostate problems are prostatitis (or inflammation of the prostate), enlarged prostate (also known as BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia), and prostate cancer. Prostatitis Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate that may result from a bacterial infection. It affects at least half of all men at some time during their lives. In the U.S., this condition is most common among younger men. Most cases can be treated with antibiotics medicine. Sometimes, doctors also give drugs to control inflammation and pain. Enlarged prostate (BHP) King Charles was treated for an enlarged prostate or BPH. BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Benign means "not cancer," and hyperplasia means unusual cell growth. BPH is not linked to cancer and does not increase your risk of getting prostate cancer. Those with mild cases of enlarged prostate could simply limit drinking in the evening and use the restroom more often to empty their bladders. Some take drugs that help ease muscles that affect urine flow. People with moderate cases of enlarged prostate could take drugs that help reduce the size of the prostate. The drugs called 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors help shrink the prostate, reduce blockage and limit the need for invasive medical operations called surgeries. In more severe cases, surgery is needed when drug treatment does not work. The most common surgical treatment is to cut away extra prostate tissue using an instrument, radio wave, or laser. In rare cases, when the prostate is very large, doctors might consider a complete removal of the organ. Prostate cancer The American Cancer Society says prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men. Skin cancer is the most common. The group estimates that about 1 in 8 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. The number rises to 6 in 10 among those who are 65 or older. The risk is also higher among those with a family history of prostate cancer and among Black Americans than men of other ethnicities. In 2024, the group estimates there will be 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer with about 35,250 deaths from prostate cancer. Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly compared with most other cancers. Cell changes may begin many years before a tumor gets big enough to cause noticeable signs. In addition to difficulties with passing urine, other symptoms of prostate cancer include: Blood in the urine or semen Painful ejaculation And constant pain in the back, hips or pelvis area There are several screening tests to look for signs of possible prostate cancer. They include urine tests, physical examinations and prostate-specific antigen (or PSA) tests. If symptoms or tests suggest possible prostate cancer, a prostate biopsy is advised. Doctors remove several small tissues from the prostate and examine the material for cancer cells. Any treatment that might follow depends on how far the cancer has developed. Most men who have biopsies after prostate cancer screening exams do not have cancer. In the case of Defense Secretary Austin, doctors said on Jan. 26 that his cancer was treated early and effectively and no further treatments will be needed. I'm Dan Friedell. And I'm Caty Weaver . Hai Do wrote this story for Learning English with information from the National Institute of Health and the American Cancer Society. Additional reporting came from The Associated Press. Quiz - What Are Enlarged Prostate and Prostate Cancer? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ______________________________________________ Words in This Story minimally - adv. very small or slight in sizr=e or amount royal - adj. relating to a king or queen encourage - v. to make someone more likely to do something inflammation - n. a condition in which a part of your body is swollen and painful constant - adj. happening all the time COZAD For Kirk Riley, its time to close the books on his banking career. After 44 years in banking, the longtime CEO of Waypoint Bank is retiring Wednesday. But first things first. Riley is not about to say goodbye without letting Waypoint Bank customers know how much they mean to him. I strive to always remember that I am truly grateful for each and every Waypoint Bank customer, he said. The bank is your partner, and we care about you, your family, your business and the things that are important to you. It seems that Riley, who spent the last 20 years at Waypoint Bank, was born to be a banker. His parents were bankers in Rileys hometown of Shelton, and he started his first banking job in 1980 while still a student at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Community banking has been very rewarding, he said. I could not have chosen a better career for myself or my family. As much as Kirk might miss the everyday connections with customers and colleagues, they will also miss him. His leadership has been instrumental to the success of Waypoint Bank, said Tim Sladek, Nebraska market and Cozad branch president. While Riley is looking forward to the many joys of retirement, such as time with his family (including his wife, Kris, their three children and seven grandchildren), motorcycle rides on his Harley-Davidson with his brothers, and fishing and boating, he will stay plugged into the Waypoint community. He will remain a board member for Waypoint Bank and its holding company, Midwest Banco. Kirk and Kris intend to continue to give back to the Cozad area through their charitable works. Kris and I are not going away, as our family calls Cozad and Dawson County home, he said. Waypoint Bank has provided and will continue to provide me with so many great memories. I am truly grateful for all the friendships Ive made. After 20 years, the people Ive met through the bank and living here have truly become my family. More seats for international passengers are being offered on the bullet train operating on the China-Laos Railway to meet the strong demand for travel between the two nations as the Spring Festival approaches next month, the lines operator, China Railway Kunming Group, said last weekend. Since Friday, the first day of Chinas Spring Festival travel rush, the train has added 50 seats for a total of 350 for cross-border travelers between Kunming, the capital of Southwest Chinas Yunnan province, and Vientiane, capital of Laos. Round-trip service between Kunming and Vientiane is offered daily once a day. The train takes about 9 hours and 30 minutes to travel between the two cities, departing Kunming at 8 am and arriving at Vientiane at about 4:30 pm. Chinas Spring Festival falls on Feb 10 this year. This years Spring Festival travel rush started on Friday and will end on March 5. The national railway network expects to see 480 million passenger trips during the 40-day period. According to the Kunming railway company, there is a strong demand for cross-border travel along the China-Laos Railway during the travel rush. Passengers are advised to make plans in advance. Vannaphone Khamphilom, a Lao student who studies at Kunming University, took the ride from the Yunnan capital to Vientiane for winter vacation this month. The train is always busy, she said, adding that her Chinese friends asked her to buy train tickets for them during Spring Festival. There is a surge in demand during the holiday, and the tickets are hard to get, she said. She said she prefers traveling by train to flying. Since (the international train service) opened, I stopped taking the plane. On the train, I can talk to different people, Lao and Chinese, said Khamphilom, who owns a human resources company. She said such trips are a great opportunity to gather travel information for her mother, who owns a travel company. This years Spring Festival travel rush is the first since the China-Laos Railway began offering international passenger service in April last year. Railway employees along the route are well prepared for the big test of the year. Train conductor Yi Bofeng ensures that arrival cards are issued in Chinese, English and Lao to passengers on the train so they can fill them out before arriving at Mohan, Yunnan, or Boten, Laos, the border cities where passengers must clear immigration and customs. She helps passengers complete the cards in advance to shorten clearance times and make their trip more efficient. Although she can speak four languages Mandarin, English, Lao and the Dai dialect Yi said she was initially nervous when foreign travelers would ask her for help, but now she is more confident. To offer better service to international passengers, we have received tailored training in Lao and English. I also practice my language skills to show my professionalism as a conductor on the international route, she said. She said she and her colleagues are well prepared to offer high-quality service during the Spring Festival travel rush to more passengers. The lines international passenger service has experienced a gradual increase in demand since its operation began. This month, the occupancy rate of the international passenger train has already reached 93.1%, according to China Railway Kunming Group. Because of the winter, the warm and pleasant climates in places such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos, as well as Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture and Puer in Yunnan, has been favored by a large number of tourists from China and Southeast Asian countries. Many tourists are opting to take the China-Laos Railway to visit these places. Wang Lijuan, general manager of the Kunming Merry International Travel Service, an international tourism company, said: Since the opening of the international service, travelers, particularly from northern Thailand, can take the railway to China. In the past, they had to travel to Bangkok to make a transfer before taking the plane to China. Wangs company mainly works with foreign tourists who want to travel to China. She also noted that since the adoption of the visa-free policy between China and Thailand, more inquiries are being made about traveling to China by train. According to China Railway Kunming Group, the international service has so far handled more than 125,000 passenger trips from 75 countries and regions. Most of the passengers hail from China, Laos, Thailand and Singapore. The 1,035-kilometer China-Laos Railway, a landmark project of the Belt and Road Initiative, began operation in December 2021. It has turned Laos from a landlocked country into a land-linked hub in the Indo-China Peninsula. Luo Wangshu, China Daily, China Daily Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is throwing allegations at his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and even raising the prospect of removing him from office, bringing into the open a long-rumored split between the two. In an expletive-laden speech late Sunday, the former populist leader alleged that Marcos legislative allies are plotting to amend the constitution to lift term limits and warned that could lead to him being ousted like his father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Duterte also accused Marcos of being a drug addict. Marcos laughed off Dutertes allegations in comments to reporters before flying to Vietnam for a visit. Marcos said he would not dignify the accusations with an answer, but claimed his predecessor is using fentanyl, a powerful opioid. In 2016, Duterte said he had used fentanyl in the past to ease pain caused by injuries from a motorbike accident. His lawyer, Salvador Panelo, said yesterday that Duterte stopped taking fentanyl before he became president in 2016. I think its the fentanyl, Marcos said. Fentanyl is the strongest pain killer that you can buy. After five, six years, it has to affect him, thats why I think this is what has happened. Members of the House of Representatives have been talking about amending the constitution, and Duterte claimed without offering any evidence that lawmakers who support Marcos, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez, are bribing local officials to amend the 1987 constitution to remove term limits so they can extend their grip on power. Romualdez, who is the current presidents cousin, has denied that claim, saying he wants the constitution amended only to remove restrictions on foreign investment. Marcos has said he is open to altering economic provisions of the constitution but opposes changing a provision that restricts foreign ownership of land and other critical industries like the media. Philippine presidents can serve only a single six-year term. Opponents of opening the constitution to changes include the Senate. It issued a statement last week warning its checks-and-balance role could be undermined if the House of Representatives proceeded with plans to pursue amendments in a joint session rather than by separate voting in the 24-member Senate and the 316-strong House. The Commission on Elections said yesterday it was indefinitely suspending all activities related to the effort to change the constitution, which requires the signed consent of about 8 million registered voters nationwide. The decision temporarily derailed moves to revise the charter. The 1987 constitution, which is laden with safeguards to prevent dictatorships, came into force a year after Marcos strongman father was ousted by an army-backed people power uprising amid allegations of plunder and human rights atrocities during his rule. The speech put credence into months of rumors about a political split with his successor even though Dutertes daughter Sara is Marcos vice president following their landslide election victory in 2022. In recent weeks, Dutertes supporters have been angered by reports of an unannounced visit by International Criminal Court investigators last month who are probing widespread killings during an anti-drug crackdown Duterte launched as president. The reported visit has not been confirmed. Duterte, who became notorious for the harsh crackdown that left thousands of mostly poor suspects dead, claimed in his speech without offering any evidence that Marcos was once on a law enforcement list of suspected drug users. You, the military, you know this, we have a president whos a drug addict, Duterte said to cheers from a few thousand supporters in his southern home region of Davao city. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said yesterday that Marcos was never on such a list, contrary to Dutertes claim. JIM GOMEZ, MANILA, MDT/AP Israel said significant gaps remain after cease-fire talks yesterday [Macau time] with the United States, Qatar and Egypt but called them constructive and said they would continue in the week ahead, a tentative sign of progress on a potential agreement that could see Israel pause military operations against Hamas in exchange for the release of remaining hostages. The U.S. announced its first military deaths in the region since the war began and blamed Iran-backed militants for the drone strike in Jordan that killed three American service members amid concerns about a wider conflict. The statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office on the cease-fire talks did not say what the significant gaps were. There was no immediate statement from the other parties. The war has killed more than 26,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, destroyed vast swaths of Gaza and displaced nearly 85% of the territorys people. Israel says its air and ground offensive has killed more than 9,000 militants, without providing evidence. The Oct. 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and militants took about 250 hostages. With Gazas 2.3 million people in a deepening humanitarian crisis, the United Nations secretary-general called on the United States and others to resume funding the main agency providing aid to the besieged territory, after Israel accused a dozen employees of taking part in the Hamas attack that ignited the war. Communications Director Juliette Touma warned that the agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, would be forced to stop its support in Gaza by the end of February. CEASE-FIRE TALKS TO CONTINUE The intelligence meeting included CIA Director Bill Burns, the head of Israels Mossad intelligence agency, David Barnea, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel. Ahead of the meeting, two senior Biden administration officials said U.S. negotiators were making progress on a potential agreement that would play out over two phases, with the remaining women, elderly and wounded hostages to be released in a first 30-day phase. It also would call for Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. The officials requested anonymity to discuss the ongoing negotiations. More than 100 hostages, mainly women and children, were released in November in exchange for a weeklong cease-fire and the release of 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, speaking to troops, said that these days we are conducting a negotiation process for the release of hostages but vowed that as long as hostages remain in Gaza, we will intensify the (military) pressure and continue our efforts its already happening now. At least 17 Palestinians were killed in two Israeli airstrikes that hit apartment buildings in central Gaza, according to an Associated Press journalist who saw the bodies at a local hospital. One hit a building in Zawaida, killing 13 people, and the other an apartment block in the Nuseirat refugee camp, killing four. On Sunday, 10 Palestinians were killed in a strike that hit a residential building in the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, said Dr. Moataz Harara, a physician at Shifa Hospital, where the dead were taken. Israels military said troops were engaging in close combat with Hamas in neighborhoods of the southern city of Khan Younis, Gazas second-largest. US DEATHS HIGHLIGHT REGIONAL TENSIONS The three deaths announced by Biden were the first U.S. fatalities in months of strikes against American forces across the Middle East by Iranian-backed militias amid the war in Gaza. U.S. Central Command said 25 service members were injured. U.S. officials were working to conclusively identify the group responsible for the attack, but assessed that one of several Iranian-backed groups was responsible. Jordanian state television quoted a government spokesperson as contending the attack happened across the border in Syria. U.S. officials insisted it took place in Jordan, which U.S. troops have long used as a basing point. The U.S. in recent months has struck targets in Iraq, Syria and Yemen to respond to attacks on American forces and to deter Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from continuing to threaten commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The war in Gaza has sparked concerns about a regional conflict. The United States, Israels closest ally, has increasingly called for restraint in Gaza and for more humanitarian aid to be allowed into the territory while supporting the offensive. A GAZA LIFELINE AT RISK OF COLLAPSE U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the abhorrent alleged acts of staff members accused in the Oct. 7 attack must have consequences, but added the agency should not be penalized by the withholding of funding, and the dire needs of the desperate populations they serve must be met. The United States, the agencys largest donor, cut funding over the weekend, followed by eight other countries including Britain and Germany. Together, they provided nearly 60% of UNRWAs budget in 2022. Guterres said that of the 12 employees accused, nine were immediately terminated, one was confirmed dead and two were still being identified. He said they would be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution. UNRWA provides basic services for Palestinian families who fled or were driven out of what is now Israel during the 1948 war surrounding the countrys creation. The refugees and their descendants are the majority of Gazas population. Since the war began, most of the territorys 2.3 million people depend on the agencys programs for sheer survival, including food and shelter, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said. A quarter of Gazas population is facing starvation as fighting and Israeli restrictions hinder the delivery of aid, which has been well below the daily average of 500 trucks before the war. NAJIB JOBAIN, RAFAH, MDT/AP Israel s intention in alleging that 12 staff members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East were involved in Hamas Oct 7 attacks is open to question. The head of Israels Military Intelligence Directorate, Aharon Haliva, met with senior United States officials on Friday, and gave them specific names and which organizations they are affiliated with, whether Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad or others, and what exactly they did on Oct 7, and showed them that we had solid intelligence from different sources, Israeli officials familiar with the matter told the media. The US State Department said it had temporarily paused additional funding to the agency in the wake of the allegations. And Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, the Netherlands and Japan soon followed suit. This means the UNRWA, which is in charge of providing subsistence for millions of refugees in Gaza, who are already struggling with hunger, will soon be put out of operation if no new sources of funding are forthcoming in a short time. It is no secret that Tel Aviv wants to paralyze the agency, if not totally uproot it from the Palestinian enclave. It has viewed the agency as a protective umbrella for anti-Israel forces in Gaza since its founding in the late 1940s, and its disabling has been a key part of Tel Avivs long-term plan to neutralize the Gaza Strip. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz suggested on Friday that Israel will seek to stop the UNRWA from operating in postwar Gaza. But despite Israels allegations, the international community, including the US and its allies, has regarded the UNRWA as an indispensable player in Gaza and beyond over the past more than seven decades, during which it has taken care of about 5.9 million Palestinian refugees that have been displaced from their homes since the war in 1948. The existence of the agency is a testimony to Israels continuous expansion and the grave impacts it has had on Palestinians. With about 13,000 employees, the UNRWA represents one of the few channels that still enable humanitarian assistance to trickle into the besieged Gaza Strip. Over the past more than three months, about 152 employees of the agency have died in Israels self-defense offensive. Thats why not all the US allies, including Norway and Ireland, are following its lead and they insist they will continue to give funding to the agency. That the agency has sacked the suspected members of staff before the UN launches its investigation into the charges conveys the urgency with which the UNRWA is acting in an effort to persuade all funding parties to continue their support. The move should by no means be taken as evidence that the UNRWA admits Tel Avivs allegations are true. It is notable that the Israeli allegations against the UNRWA on Friday came almost at the same time the International Court of Justice issued orders that Israel must act immediately to prevent genocide in Gaza. The timing effectively diverted the worlds attention from the ICJs condemnation of Israels actions in Gaza. Even if Israels allegations are substantiated, as long as the agency takes all necessary measures to solve the problem and plug its loopholes, Israel has no reason to deny the legitimacy of it. Shame on those immediately suspending their support for the Palestinian refugees even before Israels charges are substantiated while talking big about their concern for civilians lives. Editorial, China Daily A seminar was held by the Industrial Association of Macau to familiarize local caterers with requirements in Halal gastronomy The association has invited the Imam at the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong to speak at the seminar. The local Muslim Imam Ding Siaojie was also on the panel. About a year ago, the local Imam underlined in an interview with the Times that it was difficult for Muslims in Macau to access Halal food. The seminar covered information related to the requirements and application procedures of the Halal accreditation. Chui Yuk Lum, president of the organizer of the seminar, explained the necessity of the event by citing the 28 million counts of visitors to Macau last year. He added that despite the direction of developing tourism, leisure and gastronomy, there is not much Halal food in Macau. He also said that the Middle-East will be a major source market to Macau, so the lack of Halal food here should be remedied. Recently, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) led a Macau delegation to a Hong Kong food fair in the attempts to make contact with the Halal community there. Despite the effort, unlike most international airports around the world, the local airport still does not have prayer rooms, which are crucial to Muslims who need to say prayers five times per day. About a decade ago, Grand Coloane Resort was among the first, if not the first, hotel in Macau to run a Halal-accredited restaurant.AL The Public Security Police Force (PSP) yesterday disclosed that iris-facilitated border facilities are planned for six major checkpoints. The six checkpoints will be the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, Macau International Airport, Taipa Maritime Terminal, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, and Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal, as well as the Border Gate, which is the first to have the facility as well as the testing checkpoint for the facility. Expecting usage to rise further, Mui Kin Meng, division head at the PSP, said that the 10 iris channels at the Border Gate have logged over 170,000 registrations and 1.2 million counts of use, as of Jan. 26. Immigration clearance by electronic identity, meanwhile, has logged over 5.6 million counts of use as of end-2023, equating to about 15.6% of all border crossings. Last year, there were 183 million counts of border crossings, an 86% increase year-on-year. The Border Gate accounted for over 55% of all crossings. Some 28.25 million people visited Macau last year, or about 72% of the level in 2019. Similar to all years in the past two decades, mainland residents made up the largest part of the visitor count, accounting for precisely 67%. As for crime figures, last year logged 8,190 cases, a 25% rise year-on-year. Most of the crimes involved unreturned lost property, theft, physical assault and damage to property. Deputy Commissioner Wong Wai Hong of the PSP believes that the rise in crime figures was triggered by the resumption of normal travel, leading to increased people movements. Despite this, rates of serious crime still ran low in Macau. Last year, the police also shut down 106 illegal accommodation facilities. In addition, 530 counts of people were believed to have worked illegally, which equated to 130 cases for investigation. Meanwhile, 81 cases were identified to involve illegal driver-workers. It is suspected that the Macau Academy of Medicine only accepts applicants who have completed intermediate clinical training at the government hospital. Lawmaker Ron Lam has issued a written inquiry to query the matter. The lawmaker cited complaints that he had received as the foundation for his inquiry. Lam revealed that the Academy requires applicants to comply with the stipulation on prior training pursuant to Law No. 18/2020, but he finds it vague as no specific provisions were denoted precisely. Hinting that he was told that the Academy only accepts training conducted by the government hospital, the lawmaker suspects that it could cause inequitable treatment and block medical graduates from outside of Macau. Even worse, it turns the Academy into a private club for doctors within the civil service structure. He cited a law governing registration of medical staff to demonstrate that, in fact, doctors who graduate outside of Macau are entitled to registration, with internship requirements waived. As such, the lawmaker demands the Academy or the Health Bureau clarify their criteria so as to create more fair opportunities. On the categorization of specialist medical staff, the lawmaker pointed out that such registration is only applicable to the government hospital. Even those entering private practice after serving at the hospital are not permitted to refer to themselves as specialist doctors. Sands China Ltd. recently shined a spotlight on Macaos suppliers with a joint event at The Londoner Macao: the Sands Supplier Excellence Awards ceremony and the graduation ceremony for the 13th and 14th cohorts of the Sands Procurement Academy. The Macau SAR has released its first-ever economic diversification roadmap, in which cultivating local SMEs is a pathway to diversification. This is something that Sands China has given attention to since its establishment, with the company having purchased services and products from local businesses, including SMEs, for many years. So far, the number of service or product providers that have cooperated or are in cooperation with the integrated resort operator has reached 2,000, Dr Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said during his speech at the event. Sands China enhanced this years event by inviting representatives from the procurement departments of both Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, fostering direct links with local SMEs. Dr Wong said this demonstrates that Macau SMEs are not only attractive to local enterprises, but they also appeal to purchasers outside of Macau. During the 2023 Sands Supplier Excellence Awards, recognition was conferred upon vendors that have provided commendable services or products throughout the year. There are seven categories: small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME), corporate culture and sustainability, cost management, service excellence, project management, total quality management, and innovation. The winners of the 2023 Awards were Aon Hong Kong Ltd. Macau Branch for corporate culture and sustainability, Angel Macau Ltd. for innovation, YH Engineering Company Ltd. for cost management, Matrix Event Planning and Exhibition Ltd. for quality management, China Construction Engineering (Macau) Company Ltd. for project management, Maxtime Food (Macau) Ltd. for service excellence and Iat Lei Stationery Ltd. for SME. The winner of the Innovation category, Angel Macau Ltd., is a manufacturer of playing cards and other cards. Keijiro Kan, president and board member of the company, described the award as a confidence booster to the company and its team. The award will also help encourage and inspire the companys team members to progress further in their services and products, Kan added. Angel Macau Ltd. has also developed an AI product to digitalize analog signals on card games and chips which Kan believes it is one of the reasons the company won the Innovation award. The company started in Japan as a stationery wholesaler and is now supplying playing cards to gaming establishments around the world, with Macau being the largest market. Service Excellence award winner Maxtime Food (Macau) Ltd. began its relationship with Sands China in 2006 by supplying seafood and associated products. Since then, Maxtime has flexibly adjusted its capacities to meet Sands Chinas needs, especially during the past several years when demand regularly fluctuated, Hermit Chan, administration and sales manager of the supplier, recalled. She said the company has its own warehouse where auxiliary stock is stored, so that when Sands China makes urgent additional orders, supplies can be provided as soon as possible. Sands Procurement Academy: first of its kind Alongside the award ceremony, Sands China also celebrated two cohorts of SMEs graduating from the Sands Procurement Academy. Organized in association with the Macao Chamber of Commerce (MCC) and the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre (CPTTM) since 2017, the academy promotes the development of local SME suppliers by sharing business knowledge and skills. The academys goal is to help SMEs gain experience and capacity for working with large-scale international corporations like Sands China, so that they not only will be on par with Sands Chinas requirements, but will also be prepared to close more deals externally. The academy is a first-of-its-kind industry training academy and initially targeted four categories of local suppliers: small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), micro-enterprises, Macau young entrepreneurs, and Made-in-Macau enterprises. It opened to all local SMEs in Macao in 2017, allowing a broader range of SMEs to benefit from the skills and knowledge offered by the academys professionals. Participating local SME suppliers learn through tailor-made practical training modules, presented by lecturers with diverse areas of expertise. The modules cover logistics management, sustainability, quality assurance, procurement process and system overview, supplier code of conduct, procurement contract basics, and Macao labour law fundamentals. The ceremony saw 69 enterprises graduating from the training program. Dr Wong used the opportunity to thank the MCC and the CPTTM for their support. Since 2017, the academy has trained 524 local SMEs, with 485 having graduated. Victoria Kuan, director-general of CPTTM, said the Sands Procurement Academy has not only turned experience into knowledge for the betterment of local SMEs, but also opened their eyes to the importance of obtaining global accreditations and certifications. Many local SMEs did not understand why their business would not thrive despite their quality products or services, Kuan said. With training from the academy, they started to see the importance of becoming internationally accredited, such as with ISO. U Kin Cho, vice president of the board of directors at MCC, commended Sands Chinas efforts in supporting the local business circle. Echoing Ms Kuans comment, he agreed that Sands China has helped broaden the horizons of local SMEs. During the past several years, local businesses have been heavily impacted by shrunken and unstable demand amid COVID-19 and the cash flow of local SMEs was affected significantly. To assist with the situation, Sands China implemented a policy to shorten the payment terms for local SMEs, which effectively supported the survival of local SMEs. The policy has been implemented during other times of acute need as well, such as in the aftermath of Typhoon Hato and during the COVID pandemic period. Adding to his comment, Mr U concurred with the positive impact on local SMEs brought about by Sands Chinas shortened payment term. It represents great trust from Sands China toward local SMEs, he said. Among the academys two graduating cohorts is Aeternus F Gifts and Design, a small gift supplier with the capacity to provide up to 500 goods in a single order. The companys owner, Connie Lei, said the academys training means a lot to her development. For example, I was not aware of certain global standards for courier packaging. When I delivered orders to clients in the past, I used my own ways of packaging, she said. However, after completing the procurement training program, I know how to better package my goods. Aeternus Fs example demonstrates that Sands China has not only opened the academy for its own business partners and suppliers, but for other enterprises that do not have any business dealings with Sands China. Sands China has always considered environmental friendliness a prominent element in its corporate social responsibility efforts. Another graduate, Hongcai (Macau) New Material Technology Co., Ltd., is an example demonstrating this. Its partnership with Sands China started in 2019, when the integrated resorts purchasers encountered the company at a local commercial exposition. Not only has Sands China sourced utensils from the company, it has also made suggestions on how products could be improved in terms of quality and user-friendliness. Edith Sio, managing director of the company, which supplies biodegradable disposable utensils to Sands China, described the information learnt from the courses as useful. Sustainability is core to many businesses now, not only to those in the eco-friendly industry, Ms Sio said. The academy has opened our eyes [to] obtaining certifications in Hong Kong, so that it helps improve the credentials of our products. Following the two ceremonies, Sands China arranged a cocktail and networking session at the foyer of the Londoner Theatre for representatives of participating SMEs, enabling them to connect directly with purchasers from Sands China, its parent company Las Vegas Sands and its sibling company in Singapore, Marina Bay Sands. Sands China believes such occasions are constructive to the expansion and progress of local SMEs, helping them advance their connections and learn from the experiences of others. As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, Sands China remains committed to procuring locally and helping Macaos SMEs grow 26% of its MOP8.4 billion procurement expenditure last year went to local SMEs. The winners of the 2023 Awards Aon Hong Kong Ltd. Corporate culture and sustainability Angel Macau Ltd. Innovation YH Engineering Company Ltd. Cost management Matrix Event Planning and Exhibition Ltd. Quality management China Construction Engineering (Macau) Company Ltd. Project management Maxtime Food (Macau) Ltd. Service excellence Iat Lei Stationery Ltd. SME A large majority of residents and fellows at Northwestern Medicine hospitals and clinics voted in favor of unionizing, making them the biggest union of medical house staff in the Midwest with nearly 1,300 doctors. The National Labor Relations Boards Chicago office started the ballot count Monday morning and found the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University workers voted 794 to 148 in favor of union representation, Kayla Blado, board spokesperson, said in a statement. The results will be certified by the board in the coming week. The residents, chief residents, fellows and interns at McGaw Medical Center will now be represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents, which represents more than 30,000 residents and fellows across 11 states. In 2011, some 800 residents at the University of Illinois at Chicago were part of the first group of doctors completing residency programs/medical training in Illinois to unionize with the committee, a unit of Service Employees International Union, according to a news release. Doctors at Northwestern regularly work over 80 hours a week and say they are overworked and underpaid, according to the news release from the Committee of Interns and Residents about the results. Having a seat at the table means we can advocate for fair pay and improvements to our working conditions, allowing us to dedicate ourselves fully to our training and to providing the highest quality of care to our patients, Dr. James Hammock, a first-year psychiatry resident at Northwestern Medicine, said in the news release. With union representation, the Chicago doctors will now look to negotiate a new contract with their employer. The group first filed a petition with the labor board to be represented by CIR in December. Throughout this process, we sought to ensure that every one of our residents and fellows had the opportunity participate in a fair election, McGaw Medical Center said in a statement. We respect this outcome and the decision of our residents and fellows. We remain committed to them, and to providing medical training that enhances the future of medicine. Our focus will remain on supporting our residents and fellows and providing excellent care for our patients and communities. Dr. Paige Hackenberger, a fourth-year plastic surgery resident, said the overwhelmingly majority who voted in favor of the union brings so much excitement as the group now prepares to move into collective bargaining. This is the culmination of all those conversations and feelings and effort leading up to today by so many people that want to have a say in what our training environment is like, Hackenberger said. Hackenberger said the historically long training periods of surgical specialties coupled with a lack of transparency and accountability throughout that time led her to want a voice through the union. Theres an understanding that there are so many antiquated elements of the system, and the win today is a reflection that we are optimistic about change in the future of medicine, she said. Better pay and benefits to keep up with increasing cost of living could also be important bargaining points, Dr. Hebron Kelecha, a third-year OB/GYN resident, said, to not only support us during the time were in residency but also support us in the future. Our next steps are to elect a bargaining team and survey the group to figure out what our bargaining priorities are, Kelecha said. This is something thats going to be representative of all of us, so we want to make sure our needs are reflected across the board. Chinas increasingly assertive posture in the South China Sea and escalating violence in Myanmar topped the agenda for Southeast Asian diplomats at their meeting in Laos yesterday, with the Laotian foreign minister expressing guarded optimism that progress could be made this year on both acrimonious issues. Laotian Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith told reporters that Thailand was moving ahead with plans to provide more humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, where more than 2.6 million people have been displaced by civil war. He said it was a good sign that the military leaders who seized control of Myanmar in February 2021 from the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi had for the first time sent a high-level representative to attend the meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in the historic city of Luang Prabang in Laos. We feel a little bit optimistic that the engagement may work, although we have to admit that the issues that are happening in Myanmar will not resolve overnight, Saleumxay said. I think there is probably a small light at the end of the tunnel. Myanmar has been prohibited from sending its foreign minister or any political representative to high-level ASEAN meetings since the end of 2021, when it blocked the groups envoy from meeting with Suu Kyi. Instead, it has sent non-political representatives to lower-level working meetings but has refused to send anyone to high-level meetings. In Laos, however, it sent a Foreign Ministry civil servant, ASEAN Permanent Secretary Marlar Than Htike, which Saleumxay called a positive sign. ASEAN member nations Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei and Laos have a combined population of nearly 650 million and GDP of more than $3 trillion. Landlocked Laos, which has taken over this years rotating ASEAN leadership, is the blocs poorest nation and one of its smallest, and many have expressed skepticism about how much it can accomplish while the crises mount. Still, it is the first ASEAN country that shares a border with Myanmar to serve as chair since the military took control of the country, giving it a perspective different from that of previous chairs. Laos has already sent a special envoy to Myanmar for meetings with the head of the ruling military council and other top officials in an attempt to make progress on ASEANs five-point consensus plan for peace. The plan calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, a dialogue among all concerned parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, provision of humanitarian aid through ASEAN channels, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet all concerned parties. The military leadership in Myanmar has so far ignored the plan, and the violence and humanitarian crisis has been growing at a rapid pace. Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told reporters after the meeting that it was helpful to have a representative from Myanmar attend again, but that he would not say he was optimistic Myanmar would take concrete steps to implement the plan. If you take reference from the past, it can sometimes take a very long time for positive change to occur, he said. I do not want to raise hopes or expectations unrealistically. Saleumxay said ASEAN would continue to push for full implementation of the consensus while also increasing humanitarian support. We think humanitarian assistance is the priority for the immediate period of time when implementing the five-point consensus, he said. We welcome in this regard the efforts by the Thai government to try to create a humanitarian corridor where support and assistance can be provided to all Myanmar people. Communist Laos is one of the ASEAN countries with the closest ties to China, and some have speculated it may look to its giant neighbor for help in dealing with the crisis in Myanmar, where Beijing also wields considerable influence. China has said it will not interfere in the internal affairs of other states, however, and it is also unknown whether it taking on such a role would be acceptable to other ASEAN members. Sea disputes ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei are locked in maritime disputes with China over its claims of sovereignty over virtually of the South China Sea, one of the worlds most crucial waterways for shipping. Indonesia has also expressed concern about what it sees as Beijings encroachment on its exclusive economic zone. An estimated $5 trillion in international trade passes through the South China Sea each year, which has led China into direct confrontations, most notably with the Philippines and Vietnam. The ASEAN meeting in Laos came on the same day that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, was meeting with officials in Vietnam, among other things to discuss the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippines has been looking for more support from its ASEAN neighbors amid increasingly tense hostilities with China, which many worry could escalate into a broader conflict that could involve Washington, Manilas longtime treaty ally. The Philippine government protested the Chinese coast guards use of water cannons, a military-grade laser and dangerous blocking maneuvers that caused minor collisions off Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal. China and ASEAN agreed in 2002 and 2012 to a declaration on conduct in the South China Sea, seeking to enhance favorable conditions for a peaceful and durable solution of differences and disputes, but there has been little sign of adherence to that in recent years. In Luang Prabang, the group underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the declaration, according to a statement issued by Laos after the talks. We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in, and overflight above, the South China Sea, it said. Under last years chair, Indonesia, ASEAN agreed with China on guidelines to accelerate negotiations for a South China Sea code of conduct, but that has yet to produce results. In the talks yesterday, Saleumxay said several ASEAN nations brought up the tensions in the South China Sea and that Laos hoped to have a third reading of the code of conduct with China as soon as possible. That would create an environment where both ASEAN member states, especially the claimant states, and China can build more trust and confidence, he said. Whatever happens in the South China Sea should be resolved in a peaceful manner through dialogue and consultations. Saleumxay said all sides with claims in the South China Sea need to respect the United Nations convention on the law of the sea. Under that convention, a U.N.-backed tribunal ruled in 2016 that Chinas expansive claims in the South China Sea on historical grounds were invalid and that Beijing had violated the right of Filipinos to fish in the shoal. China has refused to participate in the arbitration, rejected its outcome and continues to defy it. DAVID RISING, LUANG PRABANG, MDT/AP * Grande collapse China Evergrande ordered to liquidate after failing to restructure over $300 billion debt * Treasure hunt | YOHO hotel opened 100 brand-shops downtown Macau, and a cineplax * Tourism | Hotel occupancy in 2023 grows to 81.5% amid visitor surge * Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng commends contribution of Macanese community in Macaus socio-economic recovery during Spring Luncheon * Customs police plans to expand iris-facilitated border clearance * Heavy snow to hit Central, East China this week DOWNLOAD PDF Tuesday, January 30, 2024 edition no. 4416 Devotees of St. Brigid celebrated her Sunday with the return of a relic associated with the so-called matron saint of Ireland. The festivities came about a millennium after her remains were removed from the town of Kildare, where she founded a prestigious abbey and inspired a host of colorful, miracle-filled legends. The celebration in her hometown, southwest of Dublin, is part of Brigid 1500 a series of observances across the world centered around the saints feast day of Feb. 1, marking the 1,500th anniversary of her death around the year 524. In a sense, Brigid is on a roll. The commemorations come a year after Ireland began honoring her with an annual public holiday the first Irish woman to be recognized with one. While St. Patrick has long been the saint most identified with Ireland, Brigid has gained a growing following in the 21st century. Devotees draw inspiration from Brigid the saint and from Brigid the ancient pagan goddess, whose name and attributes she shares as emblematic of feminine spirituality and empowerment. This comes amid growing disenchantment with the patriarchal and historically dominant Catholic Church. WHO WAS BRIGID? First question: which Brigid? Brigid was the name of a prominent goddess worshipped by ancient pagan Celts the namesake of the saint who lived in the fifth and sixth centuries. Brigid the goddess was associated with everything from poetry, healing and metal crafting to nature, fertility and fire. She was honored on the mid-winter holy day of Imbolc, still commemorated on Feb. 1, which also became St. Brigids Day. St. Brigids father is said to have been a ruler, her mother enslaved. Though Brigids life story has been embellished by legends, she is believed to have been the abbess of a monastic settlement of men and women that became a center of arts and learning and that gave the town its name, Irish for church of the oak. One legend says that when the local king agreed to give her only enough land for her monastery that could fit under her cloak, she miraculously spread it across the surrounding countryside. St. Brigid traveled, preached and healed. Shes often depicted with images of fire and light and is associated with fertility, care for living things and peacemaking. According to another legend, Brigid gave her fathers jeweled sword to a needy man for him to barter for food. WHAT RELIC HAS BEEN RETURNED TO KILDARE Brigid was believed to have been buried at her monastic church in Kildare. Around the ninth century, her remains were moved to the northern town of Downpatrick in hopes of avoiding the pillages of Vikings and others. That shrine was later destroyed by English troops during the Protestant Reformation. Various churches on the European continent claim to have relics of St. Brigid. This includes a bone fragment from Brigids skull, which tradition says was brought to a church in Portugal by three Irish knights. A fragment of that relic was returned in the 1930s to Brigidine Sisters elsewhere in Ireland and is stored in a small metal reliquary, shaped like an oak tree, an image associated with Brigid. Thats the relic that was returned to Kildare on Sunday. The relics new resting place is the Catholic parish church named for St. Brigid, which plans to display it permanently. WHY DO CATHOLICS VENERATE RELICS? Catholic canon law says the church promotes the true and authentic veneration of saints because of their pious examples. This can involve veneration of relics which can include fragments of bodies of saints, as well as their clothing and other items associated with them. Veneration must be clearly distinguished from adoration and worship, which are due God alone, says the Catechism of the Catholic Church. St. Brigids Day and Imbolc, a pagan holy day associated with the goddess Brigid and heralding the coming of spring, both fall on Feb. 1, although Ireland is observing the public holiday on the following Monday. Brigids moment is happening as many Irish are disillusioned with traditional Roman Catholicism and its patriarchal leadership amid a secularizing culture. Even many devout Catholics are dismayed over scandals including the cover-ups of sexual abuse. Whether devotees honor Brigid primarily as a saint, a goddess or some combination of both, they see Brigid as emblematic of feminine spirituality, environmental care and artistic creation. Brigids Day is an invitation to stop the pointless millennia old war of Christianity versus paganism and see the wisdom and beauty in both lineages, wrote Melanie Lynch, founder of Herstory, which campaigned in support of the new national holiday. HOW IS THE DAY BEING COMMEMORATED? The most dramatic event occurred Sunday with the return of the relic to Brigids hometown, with a short procession to St. Brigids Parish Church from Solas Bhride a Christian spirituality center led by Brigidine Sisters in Kildare with a mission of welcoming people of all faiths and of no faith. The procession was led by three girls riding horses and dressed as the medieval Irish knights who, one tradition says, accompanied the relic to Portugal centuries earlier. Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare & Leighlin preached at the Mass that followed, calling on hearers to practice the welcoming values that Brigid championed, particularly at a time when some are protesting migrants being housed in Ireland including some at institutions named for St. Brigid, he noted. Its too simple to install a relic, Nulty said. Brigid would call us to do much more. She was hospitable. She was a peacemaker. She was a strong woman of the faith. David Mongey, chair of Into Kildare, the local tourism board, said Brigid remains highly relevant. What amazes me is, 1,500 years later, shes still remembered with love in Kildare and Ireland, he said. Her words, her wisdom and her actions mean more today than they ever did, when you think about how we treat our land how we treat each other and how we treat ourselves. Several events are being organized this week by Solas Bhride, Irish for Light of Brigid, including a noontime Pause for Peace on Thursday. Thousands of students plan to mark the pause by making a human formation of a large St. Brigids Cross, shaped by a square with four symmetrical arms. Others around the world are joining in the pause a minutes silence at noon local time said Brigidine Sister Rita Minehan, one of the founders of Solas Bhride. We are sending out a message that we actively oppose warfare in our world and the proliferation of arms, she said. Its rather frightening whats happening in our world. Its sorely in need of peace, and Brigid was renowned as a peacemaker. The group Herstory, which uses arts and education to promote female role models, plans events around Ireland on the holiday and days afterward. These include lightshows in which artistic depictions of Brigid are projected onto historic landmarks. Elsewhere worldwide, Irish-heritage groups plan to mark the day with cultural events. Churches plan Masses in honor of the saint, while Wiccan and other pagan groups plan meditations and other ceremonies in honor of the goddess. PETER SMITH, MDT/AP, MDT/AP A 23-year-old Madison woman died in a hit-and-run crash on the Beltline Friday night, the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office said. Police had received multiple reports of a person walking on the Beltline near Fish Hatchery Road before the victim Jaitaja J. Graham was struck by a vehicle, Cristina Figueroa Soto, director of operations for the Medical Examiner, said in a statement. The suspect vehicle, a Lexus GX 470, was found Saturday afternoon after police asked the public for help in their search. The vehicle hit Graham around 10:20 p.m. on the eastbound Beltline. The Beltline was closed from Todd Drive to Fish Hatchery Road for about 2 hours. Graham died at the scene, authorities said. Madison police have not released any information about the driver of the vehicle. Police spokesperson Stephanie Fryer did not immediately return a request for comment on Monday. Today in history: Jan. 29 1929: The Seeing Eye 1936: Baseball Hall of Fame 1963: Pro Football Hall of Fame 1963: Robert Frost 1984: Ronald Reagan 1995: San Francisco 49ers 1998: Birmingham, Alabama 2002: George W. Bush 2007: Barbaro 2012: I-75 2017: Quebec City shooting 2018: Cleveland Indians The Madison School Board has selected three finalists for district superintendent, including the current superintendent of St. Paul Public Schools who graduated from Madison schools. Joe Gothard grew up in Madison and received his bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in education from Edgewood College. He began his career as an educator in Madison at La Follette High School before relocating to Minnesota. This year, Gothard was also named Minnesota Superintendent of the Year and is one of four finalists for the American Association of School Administrators National Superintendent of the Year. Finalist Yvonne Stokes most recently served as superintendent of Hamilton Southeastern Schools, one of the largest school districts in Indiana. Stokes resigned in September after two years with the district. With degrees from Purdue University and the University of Saint Francis in Indiana, she began her career in Fort Worth, Texas, and has held various positions in school districts around Indiana. The third finalist, Mohammed Choudhury, is the former state superintendent of schools in Maryland, according to the announcement from the district Monday. Choudhury resigned in October and became a senior adviser to the state Board of Education. He formerly served as the chief strategy, talent and innovation officer for the San Antonio Independent School District. He is originally from Los Angeles and has a masters degree in education from the University of California, Los Angeles, and bachelors degrees in English Literature and Chicana/o Studies from California State University, Northridge. The finalists were selected from nearly 60 applicants. Interviews began in early December, and the School Board is scheduled to make its selection by the end of February. In-person interviews The finalists will be interviewed in person on Feb. 6 by two panels. The district said one panel will be made up of students and the other will be made up of parents and caregivers. The public can watch the interviews via livestream and submit feedback to the board. The finalists also will be interviewed on Feb. 7 by teachers, district leaders, students and selected community members, but that interview will not be livestreamed, recorded or open to the public, district spokesperson Ian Folger said. Members of the public could submit nominations or nominate themselves to participate on the interview panels until Jan. 12. Community members also could recommend questions for the interview panels to ask finalists. The superintendent role is a demanding position: The Madison School District is the second-largest in the state, with 25,000 students across 52 schools. The new superintendent will take the helm of a district facing multiple challenges, including a teacher shortage and COVID-19 relief funds running out. The new superintendent will replace Lisa Kvistad, a longtime district educator who has been serving as interim superintendent since June. She stepped in for Carlton Jenkins, who left after about three years with the district. Michael Hertting, special assistant to the superintendent, said Kvistad was not an applicant for the permanent superintendent position. This time around, the board is looking for a superintendent who can lead large-scale change and has a track record of improving outcomes for students of color, according to a job profile drafted and approved in October. The School Board also is looking for someone familiar with Madison. Jenkins came to Madison from Robbinsdale Area Schools in suburban Minneapolis, where he was superintendent. He previously served as the associate principal of Madisons Memorial High School, in addition to other administrative roles in Beloit, Ohio, Michigan, Atlanta and Minnesota. After leaving Madison schools, Jenkins was announced as a semifinalist for the superintendent position with Memphis County Shelby Schools but he is not listed as a finalist on the districts website. Jennifer Cheatham, superintendent of Madison schools from 2013-2019, worked in administrative positions for San Diego City Schools and Chicago Public Schools before coming to Madison. Leadership profile The leadership profile for the current search, developed with the help of Chicago-based consulting firm Alma Advisory Group, also emphasized closing achievement gaps, clear communication and financial responsibility. It required candidates to have at least three years of experience as an educator or in a student-facing role and to have experience working with labor unions and collective bargaining units. In the fall, the district collected survey responses on the superintendent search from about 3,250 students, Madison residents and teachers. Alma also hosted public input sessions and interviewed 45 community members, including union leaders and members of the Madison City Council. We are extremely pleased with the pool of candidates for this position. They each reflect the diverse needs of our community and the competencies that we agreed upon in November, School Board President Nichelle Nichols said in a statement. Our three finalists have exceeded our expectations, and were excited for the community to meet them next week. Who's teaching our kids? These 4 charts break down K-12 teachers by education level, race, and more Who's teaching our kids? These 4 charts break down K-12 teachers by education level, race, and more More than half of school teachers have earned a master's, making teachers among the most well-educated professionals The teaching profession is predominantly white, presenting potential disadvantages to minority students More than two-thirds of teachers are women; nearly 4 in 10 of all teachers have less than a decade of experience Salary increases steadily with experience, but after 20 years it plateaus LA CROSSE A 46-year-old Wausau man convicted for his role in a triple homicide will remain incarcerated until hes at least 80 years old. Khamthaneth Rattanasack was sentenced to life in prison Monday by La Crosse County Circuit Court Judge Elliott Levine. Rattanasack and 36-year-old Nya Thao of Onalaska are accused in the execution-style shooting deaths of 24-year-olds Peng Lor and Nemo Yang and 23-year-old Trevor Maloney. Their bodies were found during the early-morning hours of July 23, 2021, at a quarry north of West Salem. Levines sentence wont allow Rattanasack to petition for early release until he has served 35 years of his sentence. La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke said his office wouldnt object to Rattanasack making the request after 20 years, but Levine said a longer period was necessary due to the nature of the offense. Its hard for me to think that 20 years is enough, Levine said. I want you to be an old man when you get out. Defense counsel Bernardo Cueto asked for 20 years. He said Rattanasack should receive consideration after he agreed to testify against Thao and pleaded guilty, which spared the families of the victims from going through another trial. Gruenke said his office didnt object to 20 years because prosecutors needed Rattanasacks testimony against Thao. Gruenke said Rattansacks conduct in prison would be weighed during an early release hearing. Well see how his conduct is in prison, Gruenke said. Levine said Rattanasack should at least get some credit for admitting (guilt). However, he said, Rattanasack has shown little remorse for the crime, which prosecutors believe was triggered over a perceived theft of $600. Levine described the murders as senseless, ridiculous, God-awful, horrible acts. It was more than simply a homicide, Levine said. It was an execution. Six people presented written victim impact statements. Lindsey Cerva, the mother of Maloneys three children, described the pain of telling her 3-year-old that her father is hurt and isnt coming back. Cerva said Maloney was killed for no reason and had no involvement in what she described as a $600 vendetta. Thaos case went to trial in June 2023 and ended in a hung jury. Prosecutors moved to retry the case, and the second trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection Aug. 5. A Democratic U.S. representative running to unseat President Joe Biden was illegally left off the states April primary ballot, a lawsuit filed directly with the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Friday alleges. The liberal-controlled court hasnt yet decided whether to take up the challenge. But on Monday it asked the Wisconsin Elections Commission and the Wisconsin Presidential Preference Selection Committee to respond to U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips lawsuit allegations against them by Wednesday. Wisconsin voters subsidize the Wisconsin Democratic Partys primary election, and they deserve a true primary, in which they are free to vote for the same nationally recognized candidates who are appearing on other states ballots, the lawsuit states. Phillips recently appeared on the New Hampshire primary ballot. But in many other states, like Florida and North Carolina, he hasnt received ballot access because some state-level Democratic parties have decided only to support Biden as the incumbent. In early January the bipartisan state Presidential Preference Selection Committee selected presidential candidates for the primary ballot based on both major party chairs recommendations. Republican Party of Wisconsin chair Brian Schimming recommended six candidates. Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler recommended only Biden despite Phillips running a national campaign and his campaign staff reaching out to state party leaders seeking ballot access, the lawsuit alleges. Phillips lawsuit alleges the presidential selection committee ignored state law telling them to include candidates whose campaigns are recognized in the national media. The longshot candidate asked the states highest court to decide by Feb. 9 whether he should be on the April 2 ballot. His campaign staff said the only other way to get on the ballot would be to collect 8,000 signatures around the state, something that could cost $300,000. Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson Joe Oslund declined to comment for this story. The Wisconsin Elections Commission didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Phillips is currently polling at around 3% nationwide, behind Democratic candidate Marianne Williamson with 5% and Biden with 70%, according to the polling aggregator FiveThirtyEight. He received just under 20% of the vote in the New Hampshire Democratic primary last week, far behind Bidens 64% despite the presidents name being left off the ballot. That came after he spent almost $2.5 million on television and digital ads in New Hampshire, according to media tracking firm AdImpact. He ran one TV ad across the state comparing Biden to Bigfoot, arguing that both are hard to find. Phillips has been sharply criticized by his colleagues in Congress for mounting a campaign against Biden. His campaign has faced an often bumpy ride. No voters showed up to one recent event he held, leading him to deadpan to reporters, Sometimes, if you build it, they dont come. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Today in history: Jan. 29 1929: The Seeing Eye 1936: Baseball Hall of Fame 1963: Pro Football Hall of Fame 1963: Robert Frost 1984: Ronald Reagan 1995: San Francisco 49ers 1998: Birmingham, Alabama 2002: George W. Bush 2007: Barbaro 2012: I-75 2017: Quebec City shooting 2018: Cleveland Indians Democratic Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a revised version of his legislative maps on Tuesday that Republicans passed in a bid to resolve the fight over the states legislative boundaries before the liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court decides the matter. The veto puts the fight over the states next legislative maps in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, with evaluations of the six proposed maps before it due on Thursday. In a video message, Evers said the maps help make sure Republican-gerrymandered incumbents get to keep their seats. Folks, thats just more gerrymandering. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said in a statement Tuesday he was disappointed but not surprised by the governors veto. His claim that the maps he proposed were responsive to the will of the people, avoided partisan bias and increased competitive legislation seats fell completely apart by a 0.3% change to stop a few politically vindictive incumbent pairings, Vos continued. By signing, he would have gotten 99.7% of the maps hes proposed in court. This was never about fair maps. With the proposal rejected, the state Supreme Court is next in line to decide the states legislative boundaries after the court ruled in December that existing Republican-drawn legislative maps are unconstitutional and ordered that new maps be drawn. Two court-hired redistricting consultants, University of California, Irvine political science professor Bernard Grofman and Carnegie Mellon University postdoctoral fellow Jonathan Cervas, will evaluate the maps by Thursday. Vos said the changes to the maps Evers proposed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court are miniscule and were done to correct maps that Vos and others said sought to punish Republicans by intentionally pitting several GOP incumbents against one another. The governor could have taken yes for an answer and gotten more than 99% of what he wanted, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, said in a statement. Instead, he vetoed his own maps because he is confident that the Wisconsin Supreme Court will trample the constitutional authority of the Legislature. Democratic legislators blasted the proposal as an effort by their GOP colleagues to hold onto their strong majorities. These were not the governors maps, Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton, said in a post on X, the site formerly known as Twitter. These are maps that intentionally moved district lines to protect Republican incumbents and avoid Republican incumbent pairings. THAT is the very definition of political gerrymandering. Republicans unveiled the proposal a week ago as a 169-page amendment to a previous bill which would have implemented a nonpartisan redistricting process in Wisconsin without any opportunity for review by the public or their Democratic colleagues. The amendment was adopted by the state Senate last Tuesday on an 18-13 vote, with Republican Senate President Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, and Sens. Julian Bradley, R-Franklin, and Eric Wimberger, R-Green Bay, joining Democratic lawmakers in opposing the changes. The amended bill passed 17-14, with Sen. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, also opposing the measure. Last Wednesday, it passed the Assembly 64-35, with all Democratic lawmakers opposed. Congressional maps Earlier this month, liberal law firm Elias Law Group asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to toss the states congressional maps now that the court overruled the rationale for choosing them in the first place. If its successful, the motion filed Jan. 16 could have wide-ranging implications for the 2024 election. Maps that favor Democrats more than the current ones could deliver enough extra seats for the party to capture control of the U.S. House of Representatives. The legal challenge could face hurdles given the tight timeline until the 2024 election, with primary elections in less than seven months. Still, the Democratic law group says theres an urgent need for new maps. Conservative law firm Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on Tuesday filed a motion calling on liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz to recuse herself from the case. Attorneys for the firm argue she prejudged the case, citing her past comments criticizing GOP-drawn maps and funds her campaign received from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Protasiewicz, who joined the state Supreme Court in August, shifting the majority to liberal control for the first time in more than a decade, has rejected previous calls for her to recuse herself. A small faction of legislative Republicans now has called for the Legislature to impeach the new justice, though GOP leaders have rejected the proposal. Under conservative control, the Wisconsin Supreme Court two years ago selected Evers congressional maps in a long legal battle after it set the least-change standard, which calls for boundaries that have as few changes as possible from the prior set of maps. The courts liberal majority threw out that standard in a December ruling that found the current legislative maps unconstitutional. They said the least-change approach could run into other legal requirements that must be met in the redistricting process. Majority projections In court filings, the state Department of Justice wrote that Evers maps would have resulted in a 50-49 Republican majority in the Assembly based on projections from the 2020 elections, while Democrats would hold an 18-15 edge in the Senate. A separate review of Evers map by Marquette University Law School research fellow John D. Johnson finds Republicans would hold a 53-46 majority in the Assembly and a 17-16 majority in the Senate, based on results from the 2022 election. Republicans currently hold a 64-35 majority in the Assembly and a 22-11 majority in the Senate. State Journal reporter Mitchell Schmidt contributed to this report. Today in history: Jan. 30 1933: Adolf Hitler 1948: Mohandas K. Gandhi 1968: Tet Offensive 1972: "Bloody Sunday" 1981: Ticker Tape Parade 1993: Los Angeles 2005: Iraq 2006: Coretta Scott King 2017: Donald Trump 2020: Coronavirus I applaud the State Journals attention to police pursuits, even while disagreeing with the editorial boards conclusions in the Jan. 21 editorial, High number of pursuits is troubling. Journalists play a vital role in monitoring policing. Indeed, as a follow-up to the State Journals stories on police pursuits, and since it counterpoised Madisons pursuit policy to the Monona policy, a story on cases when the Madison police do not pursue those suspected of criminal felonies because of a more restrictive pursuit policy would be interesting. Monona experimented with a policy similar to Madisons from February 2020 to late 2022. Dissatisfied with the results, we adopted the less restrictive policy we have today. I would note Monona is not alone. Portland, Oregon, had a pursuit policy similar to Madisons since 2017. Portland was also dissatisfied with the results and, in December 2023, adopted policy revisions loosening pursuit restrictions. The Police Executive Research Forum report your editorial cites includes a recommendation that pursuits should not be initiated even if the officer believes an individual in the suspects vehicle is armed and dangerous. Does that make sense? Is a pursuit more risky than allowing armed and dangerous suspects to flee without police pursuit? Madison police cannot engage in a vehicular pursuit of suspects for felony property crimes, even if they have personally observed the crimes being committed. According to a report by the Pew Research Center using FBI Index Crime statistics, almost six times as many felony property crimes (larceny, theft, burglary and motor vehicle theft) occurred in 2019 as violent felonies. These numbers do not include drug crimes. Driver, not policy, is at fault for tragic accident -- Dan McCausland The State Journal's editorial last Sunday, "High number of pursuits is troubling," seems to miss the point of the recent tragedy involving the Vehicular police pursuits come with risk, sometimes ending in horrific loss of life. As a Monona City Council member, I understood those risks in at least a hypothetical sense. The Jan. 1 crash made those risks all too real. I understand the enormity of the pain that comes with the sudden unexpected death of a young person. Because of that, I supported a temporary restriction in the policy and a sober recheck of the policy. After again reviewing the policy and listening to our police chief, I remain convinced that the harm to the community is greater if the police can only engage in vehicular pursuits of violent felony suspects and not for other serious crimes. The Monona policy requires officers to take into account a minimum of 12 factors in deciding to initiate and continue a pursuit. These factors include: The seriousness of the suspected crime and its relationship to community safety. Balancing the offense and need for immediate capture against the risks to those involved in the pursuit and the public. Whether the suspect represents a serious threat to public safety. The amount of traffic, weather, type of street and speeds. The policy does rely on the judgment of the officers. These are the people the city authorizes to go armed with deadly force and the right to use it when in they judge lethal force is necessary. We rely on the judgment of our officers every day, all day. The Beltline, Broadway, Monona Drive and a small piece of Stoughton Road all go through Monona. They carry significant traffic, and that partially accounts for the proportionally higher number of pursuits by Monona police. Additionally, the way data gets reported and recorded varies between communities. The raw number of reported pursuits may not always accurately capture whats happening. In 2023, Monona police engaged in 59 pursuits. Fifteen of those 59 pursuits, fully one-fourth, were terminated by the officer without apprehension of the suspect. In the 44 pursuits ending with apprehension, 12 firearms were recovered. To state the obvious: Violent felonies are the most harmful crimes to victims and the community. But it does not follow that felony property crimes (and violent misdemeanors) do not cause serious harm to the victims and community. They do. The perceived message is that in Madison (or communities with similarly restrictive pursuit policies), you dont have to stop for cops when they try to pull you over. You might get caught later or you might not. The criminals risk vs. reward calculation changes when they believe they can commit a crime and then run from the cops without consequence. The State Journals editorial refers to joyriding, as if car thefts are just an innocent lark of adolescence. While sometimes cars are indeed stolen just for transportation, cars also are often stolen for parts or to be used in the commission of another crime. Thats because using a stolen car makes it easier for the criminal to conceal their identity. Clinics and law enforcement are increasing mental health prioritization in the community after 27 suicides in the past year not including two that happened this month. Since 2022, suicide rates in the Magic Valley have increased by 28.57%, a large number of them being males in their early 20s. Clinics and law enforcement across the valley are working together some of which are providing free walk-ins through grants to help prevent worsening mental health cases. Lori Stewart, Twin Falls County's victim witness coordinator, and founder of the nonprofit Magic Valley Suicide Awareness and Prevention group, told the Times-News that the nonprofit has been working on putting together a "care package" for awhile now, in English and in Spanish, for when law enforcement gets incoming crisis calls. Experiencing a mental health crisis? If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, Idaho's 988 suicide and crisis lifeline is free, confidential and staffed 24 hours by trained crisis responders who answer every call and text message. Dial 988. "The care package will include a journal, a folder full of information on where you can get resources, a fidget spinner, a "worry" stone for anxiety, and bubbles," Stewart said. "The bubbles slow down your breath and change some of the neurological pathways with the breathing." When law enforcement comes in contact with these people, they sometimes end up in a hospital or a crisis center, Stewart said. But most of the time, they're left at home. The nonprofit hopes the care packages will help give them tools on where they can reach out. "Law enforcement will be tentatively finalizing the care packages in the next two weeks and providing first batches to a few students from Canyon Ridge and Twin Falls High School," Stewart said. Just as law enforcement and the nonprofit are stepping up to provide assistance, clinics in the area are also playing a vital role by allowing emerging mental health concerns seem more manageable and affordable. Crosspointe Family Services is promoting free mental health walk-ins from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays after receiving the Community Health Excellence grant from PacificSource. The clinic will have a maximum of 10 slots each Tuesday and Thursday for walk-ins and will run until November of this year. Each person has a maximum of three sessions and are open to ages 14 and up. Licensed Counselor Melissa Uhl and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Kristan French told the Times-News that at one point their clinic had a waitlist of 1,000 people, something that was commonly occurring across other clinics as well in the Magic Valley. Their goal with the help of the grant is to provide assistance to community members at a more immediate rate. This will alleviate problems while they're still small, especially if those in need don't have the resources or time to commit to therapy. French, however, clarified that these services are often used for situations when the client needs immediate guidance and don't need required long-term therapeutic intervention. "It's not individual counseling," French said. "We're not able to replicate what you would get in intensive counseling. This is more geared toward a new problem or a pattern of behavior a pattern of thinking or a symptom." Uhl added that some people might have some anxiety or depression and just need a few skills that could take them a long way. "Not everybody on those waitlists really need to be in therapy for a long duration of time," Uhl said. "So the single session, or up to three sessions usually, is what we can offer them to work on that one single problem." If in 90 days a new problem pops up, however, patients can go back. Aspen Grove Family Therapy is also providing free mental health walk-ins on Mondays and Wednesdays through a grant with the Magic Valley Suicide Awareness and Prevention. Michael Whitehead, marriage and family therapist at the clinic, said each person has three or four sessions they can utilize to get help with new mental health challenges they may be facing. Although their hours are currently tentative, Aspen Grove Family Therapy is trying to get people scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays. Magic Valley Suicide Awareness and Prevention essentially pays the fees for anybody who walks in, and anybody who walks in is eligible for those services, Whitehead said. Experiencing a mental health crisis? If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, Idaho's 988 suicide and crisis lifeline is free, confidential and staffed 24 hours by trained crisis responders who answer every call and text message. Dial 988. Neither clinics have licensed Spanish-speaking or bilingual providers but are working toward how they can get a grant to help the Hispanic community. "I think long term, definitely one of the goals with the grant that we got was health equity," French said. "In writing our grant, we have been kind of tossing around ideas of, 'How do we include people from all populations?' "Like the LGBTQ+ community, the Hispanic community. We don't have a full-time translator on staff right now. So we've been brainstorming ways we can make sure Spanish-speaking individuals have access to this health benefit." The Hispanic community makes up more than 20% of the Magic Valley, many of whom can receive free therapy or counseling through their employments. The state of Idaho contracts with BPA Health to provide the Employee Assistance Program. The program provides confidential, short-term counseling services for benefit eligible employees and their dependents up to the age of 26 to help handle their concerns. Through the program, counseling is free of cost and allows patients to get services through chats, text, face-to-face, or video telehealth sessions. Many places such as the dairy farms and schools in the Magic Valley area provide these services to their employees. Yet, the language barrier impedes them from recognizing that they have access to these advantages. The limited number of Hispanic social workers also interfere with effective communication. Kristina Tapia, a licensed social worker, told the Times-News that many times, families will receive pamphlets and flyers on how children and adults can get help. But if it's not provided in Spanish, they're not going to understand it, let alone read it. "There's also the cultural piece that's crucial," Tapia said. "A lot of the cultural things come out in therapy and this could be about family immigrating, Spanish artists that they like, Quinceaneras... "Sometimes they'll throw some Spanish words in there too, and you have to be able to follow that so it's really important." Tapia was raised in Burley and returned to the Magic Valley after getting bachelor and master degrees from Boise State University and Northwest Nazarene University in social work. She opened her own practice "Life Balance Counseling" after the COVID-19 pandemic but formerly worked at St. Luke's. With her familiarity of the area, Tapia is aware of the limited number of Hispanic licensed social workers in the area, but believes the mental health conversations are positively shifting in general and within the Hispanic culture. This includes their interest in social work. "I met with CSI not too long ago, with their students, and their social work program and there was a lot of Latino students at least 75% of the class," Tapia said. "I'm hopeful in the next few years we have some more Latino therapists." PHOTOS: Hoping to slow the suicide rate Hoping to slow the suicide rate Hoping to slow the suicide rate Hoping to slow the suicide rate Hoping to slow the suicide rate Hoping to slow the suicide rate Hoping to slow the suicide rate Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Elon Musk is not entitled to a landmark compensation package awarded by Teslas board of directors that is potentially worth more than $55 billion, a Delaware judge ruled Tuesday. The ruling by Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick comes more than five years after a shareholder lawsuit targeted Tesla CEO Musk and directors of the company. They were accused of breaching their duties to the maker of electric vehicles and solar panels, resulting in a waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment for Musk. The shareholders lawyers argued that the compensation package should be voided because it was dictated by Musk and was the product of sham negotiations with directors who were not independent of him. They also said it was approved by shareholders who were given misleading and incomplete disclosures in a proxy statement. Defense attorneys countered that the pay plan was fairly negotiated by a compensation committee whose members were independent, contained performance milestones so lofty that they were ridiculed by some Wall Street investors, and blessed by a shareholder vote that was not even required under Delaware law. They also argued that Musk was not a controlling shareholder because he owned less than one-third of the company at the time. An attorney for Musk and other Tesla defendants did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. But Musk reacted to the ruling on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter that he owns, by offering business advice. Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware, he said. He later added, I recommend incorporating in Nevada or Texas if you prefer shareholders to decide matters. Musk, who as of Tuesday topped Forbes list of the worlds richest people, had earlier this month challenged Teslas board to come up with a new compensation plan for him that would give him a 25% stake in the company. On an earnings call last week, Musk, who currently holds 13%, explained that with a 25% stake, he cant control the company, yet he would have strong influence. In trial testimony in November 2022, Musk denied that he dictated terms of the compensation package or attended any meetings at which the plan was discussed by the board, its compensation committee, or a working group that helped develop it. McCormick determined, however, that because Musk was a controlling shareholder with a potential conflict of interest, the pay package must be subject to a more rigorous standard. The process leading to the approval of Musks compensation plan was deeply flawed, McCormick wrote in the colorfully written 200-page decision. Musk had extensive ties with the persons tasked with negotiating on Teslas behalf. McCormick specifically cited Musks long business and personal relationships with compensation committee chairman Ira Ehrenpreis and fellow committee member Antonio Gracias. She also noted that the working group working on the pay package included general counsel Todd Maron who was Musks former divorce attorney. In fact, Maron was a primary go-between Musk and the committee, and it is unclear on whose side Maron viewed himself, the judge wrote. Yet many of the documents cited by the defendants as proof of a fair process were drafted by Maron. McCormick concluded that the only suitable remedy was for Musks compensation package to be rescinded. In the final analysis, Musk launched a self-driving process, recalibrating the speed and direction along the way as he saw fit, she wrote. The process arrived at an unfair price. And through this litigation, the plaintiff requests a recall. Greg Varallo, a lead attorney for the shareholder plaintiff, praised McCormicks decision to reverse the absurdly outsized Musk pay package. The fact that they lost this in Delaware court, its a jaw dropper, said Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives. Its unprecedented, a ruling like this. I think going in investors thought it was just typical legal noise and nothing was going to come out about it. The fact that they went head to head with Tesla and Musk and the board and voided this, its a huge legal decision. During his trial testimony, Musk downplayed the notion that his friendships with certain Tesla board members, including sometimes vacationing together, meant that they were likely to do his bidding. The plan called for Musk to reap billions if Tesla, which is based in Austin, Texas, hit certain market capitalization and operational milestones. For each incidence of simultaneously meeting a market cap milestone and an operational milestone, Musk, who owned about 22% of Tesla when the plan was approved, would get stock equal to 1% of outstanding shares at the time of the grant. His interest in the company would grow to about 28% if the companys market capitalization grew by $600 billion. Each milestone included growing Teslas market capitalization by $50 billion and meeting aggressive revenue and pretax profit growth targets. Musk stood to receive the full benefit of the pay plan, $55.8 billion, only by leading Tesla to a market capitalization of $650 billion and unprecedented revenues and earnings within a decade. Tesla has achieved all twelve market capitalization milestones and eleven operational milestones, providing Musk nearly $28 billion in stock option gains, according to a January post-trial brief filed by the plaintiffs attorneys. The stock option grants are subject to a five-year holding period, however. Defense attorney Evan Chesler argued at trial that the compensation package was a high-risk, high-reward deal that benefitted not just Musk, but Tesla shareholders. After the plan was implemented, the value of the company climbed from $53 billion to more than $800 billion, having briefly hit $1 trillion. Chesler also said Tesla made sure that the $55 billion compensation figure was included in the proxy statement because the company wanted shareholders to know that this was a heart-stopping number that Mr. Musk could earn. Q: How come Twin Falls County has such an unfriendly street numbering system? All I find are north and east streets, with north streets starting at the south end of the county near Jackpot, Nevada. Where are the west and south streets? I suppose whoever started the street number system is long dead, but county could rectify the situation. Maybe everything west of Blue Lakes Blvd. could be west and all south of Addison could be south? A: Thank you for bringing up your concerns about the street numbering system in the city of Twin Falls and Twin Falls County, said Matthew Long, a Twin Falls city building official. Its understandable that a seemingly one-sided orientation can be confusing for residents and visitors alike. While I dont have specific information on the history of the street numbering system in Twin Falls County, its not uncommon for such systems to be established based on historical development patterns or other local considerations. If youre looking for a resolution or further information on this matter, I recommend reaching out directly to the Twin Falls County Planning and Zoning Department or the County Clerks Office. They would likely have more insight into the history of the street numbering system and whether any adjustments or improvements are being considered, Long said. The addressing system in place is typically designed as a grid to enhance emergency response capabilities, he said. Laura Wilson, a planner with the Twin Falls County Community Development Services, provided documents explaining the process. According to the Twin Falls County addressing standards, Twin Falls County rural addressing originates from the southwest corner of Twin Falls County, the grid system extends north and east with road numbers increasing by 100 for each mile away from the origin. The Twin Falls County Board of County Commissioners adopted the grid address system, an ordinance that was approved in 1992. Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. - Advertisement - The Philippines landmark Vape Law, which supports tobacco harm reduction as a key element of tobacco control, has reignited calls for the World Health Organization (WHO) to re-evaluate its restrictive stance on the issue. While the WHO remains dismissive of harm reduction, the Vape Law, officially known as Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Act of 2022, reflects the Philippine governments position that innovative smoke-free products, proven less harmful than traditional cigarettes, should be regulated as viable options for smokers seeking to quit. The Vape Law reflects the governments position that innovative smoke-free products, proven by scientific research to be far less harmful than traditional cigarettes, should be regulated as options for smokers who wouldnt quit otherwise, said Dr. Lorenzo Mata, president of Quit For Good, a non-profit organization promoting harm reduction to mitigate the damage caused by cigarettes. The law, officially known as Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Act of 2022, regulates novel tobacco products like heated tobacco, oral nicotine and vapes, widely viewed as significantly less harmful than smoking. Countries like the UK, New Zealand and Japan have already adopted these products as tools to demonstrably reduce smokings devastating impact. The Vape Law acknowledges the need for less harmful alternatives for smokers, and Congress, by passing this law, has shown its support for science-based public health policy, said Mata. - Advertisement - Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, a supporter of the Vape Bill before its enactment, underscored the crucial need to provide Filipino smokers with alternatives to combustible cigarettes, stating, Were offering them a better life. This sentiment resonates with international experts. Prof. David Sweanor, chair of the advisory board at the University of Ottawas Center for Health Law, Policy and Ethics, sees the Philippines move as a potential catalyst for a public health revolution, while renowned researcher Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos applauds the achievement in such a difficult region. This regional influence is further noted by Dr. Alexander Wodak, who said that, while other Asian countries are moving towards harm reduction, none are as far advanced as the Philippines. He expressed hope that this will accelerate the move to tobacco harm reduction throughout the region. Roberto Sussman, an associate professor at Mexicos National University, also described the Vape Law as a ground-breaking event with wide-ranging influence. Harm reduction is not a novel concept, but is one of the three pillars of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), alongside demand and supply reduction. Mata, however, criticized the inconsistency between the FCTC and the WHOs current stance, which he sees as dismissive of harm reductions potential. He cited the need to align the Philippines FCTC position with the Vape Law, especially considering the growing global acceptance and promotion of tobacco harm reduction. He cited examples like the UK, where annual reviews by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities demonstrate the reduced risks associated with novel tobacco products compared to smoking. Mata, along with other experts, urged the WHO FCTC to incorporate harm reduction principles, allowing smokers access to safer alternatives. At the same time, he criticized the WHO for seemingly neglecting Article 1(d) of the FCTC preamble, which explicitly mentions harm reduction strategies as a crucial pillar of tobacco control. With representatives from WHO-signatory countries set to convene in Panama for the 10th Conference of the Parties this year, where novel and emerging tobacco and nicotine products will be a major topic, the Philippines Vape Law has injected momentum into the harm reduction conversation. The laws impact is already tangible in the Philippines, with over a million former smokers transitioning to smoke-free products to reduce their exposure to harmful smoke. Mata, drawing on his 40 years of medical experience, underscored the need for such alternatives: For smokers stuck with the deadliest product in the market, less harmful options offer a pragmatic lifeline. I have been a doctor for over 40 years, and I know how difficult it is for smokers when they have no alternatives that are less harmful. They get stuck with the deadliest product in the market, he said. After conducting studies ourselves, we were convinced that the use of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products was definitely less harmful [than smoking combustible cigarettes] and could be considered a pragmatic middle ground to which we should bring our current adult cigarette smokers. The Philippines Vape Law, backed by robust scientific evidence and international support, marks a significant step towards a more nuanced and potentially life-saving approach to tobacco control. Supporters of the law are convinced that vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products (VNNPs) and novel tobacco products should be regulated and taxed differently from cigarettes to encourage adult smokers to switch to these products. - Advertisement - New DelhiIndias navy said Tuesday it had freed an Iranian fishing vessel hijacked by Somali pirates, the second in as many days, after the latest attack on Indian Ocean shipping. The warship INS Sumitra compelled the safe release of the 19 Pakistani crew members and the Iranian-flagged Al Naeemi fishing vessel, the spokesman said. A total of 11 Somali pirates had taken the crew hostage, the navy said. Photographs released by the navy showed Somali pirates wielding AK-47 rifles standing on the boat, and another with a navy helicopter hovering overhead. Further photographs showed commandos boarding the fishing boat in the dark, then standing with rifles over a group of pirates, the men kneeling at their feet with their hands tied behind their backs on the ships deck. - Advertisement - The rescue took place overnight Monday off the Somali coast, some 850 nautical miles (1,574 kilometres) west of the Indian city of Kochi. It came just 36 hours after India said its forces had freed 17 crew members of the Iranian-flagged Iman fishing vessel, also taken by Somali pirates. In a third case, commandos from the Seychelles on Monday freed the Sri Lankan fishing vessel Lorenzo Putha-4 and safely rescued its six-man crew. That boat had been hijacked three days earlier by Somali gunmen about 1,555 kilometer) southeast of Mogadishu, the capital of impoverished and war-ravaged Somalia. The hijackings off Somalia have fueled concerns about a resurgence of Indian Ocean raids by opportunistic pirates, coming on top of a separate surge in attacks launched by Yemens Iran-backed Huthi rebels. Huthi gunmen have launched scores of attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden targeting Israeli-linked vessels in response to Israels war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. International naval forces have been diverted north from the Gulf of Aden into the Red Sea, sparking fears that pirates will exploit the security gap, with the first successful case of Somali piracy since 2017 recorded in December. Pirate attacks off the Somali coast peaked in 2011with gunmen launching attacks as far as 3,655 kilometers from the Somali coast in the Indian Oceanbefore falling off sharply after international navies sent warships and commercial shipping deployed armed guards. Somali pirates previously would use high-powered open skiffs to seize fishing vessels they could then use as motherships to travel far further into the Indian Ocean to attack larger ships. As well as rescuing the crew and freeing the boats, India said its operations were preventing misuse of fishing vessels as motherships for further acts of piracy on larger merchant vessels. Indias navy has been deployed continuously off Somalia since 2008, but in December sent a far larger force including three guided-missile destroyers and P-8I reconnaissance aircraft to maintain a deterrent presence after a string of shipping attacks. India, which has close trade ties with Iran, has not joined the US-led maritime task force in the Red Sea to protect international shipping against attacks by Huthi rebels. In December, Somali pirates hijacked the Malta-flagged bulk carrier MV Ruen. After releasing one injured sailor into the care of the Indian navy, the pirates took the MV Ruen and its remaining 17 crew members to Somalias semi-autonomous state of Puntland. AFP - Advertisement - Stockholm, SwedenFrench President Emmanuel Macron begins a two-day state visit to Sweden on Tuesday, with the Nordic country on the cusp of becoming a NATO member following Russias invasion of Ukraine. Macron left for Stockholm on Monday evening, just as angry French farmers began to set up blockades around Paris. In recent weeks, a slew of protests have rocked the European Unions biggest agricultural producer, with farmers demanding better pay and a relaxation of environmental policies they say undermine their ability to compete with less stringent countries. Images of tractors blocking motorways leading to the French capital will offer a sharp contrast to the pomp and circumstance of the receptions and banquets hosted in the Swedish capital by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Macron is due to speak in Stockholm on Tuesday at a press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, just before his Prime Minister Gabriel Attal presents his general policy statement to the French parliament. - Advertisement - European defense will be a key topic during Macron and Kristerssons meeting, which takes place as the war in Ukraine nears its third year. Renewed threats on the European continent are leading Sweden and France to take concrete steps to strengthen our defence ties. Both through our countries strong defence industries and by becoming NATO allies as soon as possible, Macron and Kristersson wrote in articles published in newspapers Les Echos and Dagens Nyheter. Sweden dropped two centuries of military non-alignment and applied for NATO membership in 2022 in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine. After more than a year of delays, Turkeys parliament ratified Swedens bid last week, leaving Hungary the lone holdout. NATO membership applications require unanimous ratification by all alliance members. Kristersson is expected to discuss the issue with his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban in Brussels on Thursday, on the sidelines of a European Council meeting. Macron, who will visit Ukraine in February, is set to address defense issues in a speech on Tuesday afternoon to Swedish officers at the Military Academy Karlberg. France and Sweden are due to sign a declaration of intent on air defense and air surveillance systems, while arms companies Saab and MBDA are expected to agree on a contract on the development of the Akeron anti-tank missile in the next few days, according to government officials. The two leaders will also sign a new bilateral strategic partnership, according to the French presidency. Macron will then head to the southern Swedish town of Lund on Wednesday for, among other things, a visit to the under-construction European Spallation Source, a scientific neutron research center co-financed by France and 12 other European countries. AFP - Advertisement - Marcos doubts PI role, seeks simpler solutions via bicam system HanoiPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the administration is looking to solve the standoff between the Senate and House of Representatives on the suggested revision of the 1987 Constitution. It is the usual conflict between the House and the Senate, whether to vote together or separately. The best advice that we are getting, the best analysis and interpretation that we have, is that the legislature is of a bicameral nature, President Marcos told reporters during the Kapihan with the President here. Now, what we are trying to figure out is how it can be done so both houses role in this bicameral system is preserved, he added. Asked about the peoples initiative as a mode for Charter change, Mr. Marcos said: We dont know yet. We have not made those decisions yet. I dont know if that is still one of the options that remain for us. The President said he already told the leaders of both houses to come up with simpler solutions and not stir up controversy. - Advertisement - What I really want there are the economic revisions that I have talked about for many, many years already, but its being diverted to other topics and being used for political purposes, this issue, he said. Mr. Marcos assured the public that the government is brainstorming to come up with a possible solution to the issue. Thats what we are asking the former Chief Justices our legal counsel, si Manong JPE (Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile) Thats what we are working on, he said. SCS point of contention The South China Sea remains to be a point of contention, President Marcos said Tuesday during the call with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Ching as part of his two-day visit to Vietnam. The President was expected to return to Manila early morning Wednesday after attending a state banquet in his honor here last night. Mr. Marcos said the Philippines continue to uphold the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. On regional and international issues, the South China Sea remains to be a point of contention. The Philippines position on the South China Sea has been consistent, clear, and firmly anchored in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, he said. The President stressed that there continues to be the undertaking of unilateral and illegal actions that violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, and exacerbate tensions in the South China Sea. He vowed that the Philippines would continue to defend its sovereignty against any provocations in the region, noting that it will continue to address issues with China in a peaceful way. This developed as the Philippines and Vietnam on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to fortify defensive capabilities and enhance maritime cooperation to maintain peace in the South China Sea. During a meeting with Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong, President Marcos highlighted Vietnams role in maintaining peace and security in the region. Vietnam remains the sole strategic partner of the Philippines in the ASEAN region, and I am hopeful that this meeting will provide fresh opportunities to reinforce our bilateral relations with the aim of fostering peace and prosperity between our two countries and in the region, said Mr. Marcos. President Marcos also expressed the intention to collaborate with Vietnam on enhancing maritime security in the region. Seeking a review of the 2010 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Search and Rescue signed with Vietnam, the President said he aimed to improve cooperation, including skills development of coastguards, to conduct a collaborative exercise this year. Moreover, President Marcos called for strengthening the 2011 MOA on the establishment of a hotline communication mechanism using digital platforms. As a strategic partner, the Philippines seeks to sustain the relationship with Vietnam through a series of agreements that would enhance maritime defense and security for both nations, the President said. During his call on Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Ching, Mr. Marcos said the Philippines will continue to uphold the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. On Dec. 10 last year, the China Coast Guard again used a water cannon and damaged a Philippine vessel that was undertaking a legitimate and routine resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal, the President said. This followed a similar incident near Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal. The President said the Philippines is willing to work with like-minded nations, such as Vietnam, in pushing for a rules-based international order in the South China Sea. Earlier this month, China held military drills in the South China Sea as the United States and the Philippines conducted their own joint exercises in the same waters. The drills followed a month of tense standoffs between China and the Philippines in disputed reefs in the area that saw a collision between vessels from the two countries and Chinese ships blasting a water cannon at Philippine boats. Rice agreement During Marcos two-day visit, Vietnam also agreed on a five-year trade commitment to supply up to 2 million tons of white rice to the Philippines to ensure food security amid the impact of climate change, pandemics, and other external events, the statement added. Rice is a basic staple in the Philippines, but the country cannot produce enough for itself and has been one of the worlds top importers of the grain. Prices of the grain soared to decade highs last year. Vietnamese rice accounts for 85 percent of imported rice in the Philippines, according to official data. Marcos also held a private meeting with Pham Nhat Vuong, CEO of Vietnamese carmaker VinFast. The communist states first homegrown car manufacturer said it plans to invest in the Philippines in 2024, beginning with the establishment of a network of electric car and motorcycle dealerships. The Philippines also hopes to participate in the electric vehicle battery supply chain, working with its abundant reserves of cobalt, copper and nickel, Marcos said. In a meeting with the Filipino community in Vietnam, the President emphasized the importance of boosting bilateral relations. The President acknowledged the contributions of the Filipino community in Vietnam, saying that their presence serves as evidence of the strong bond between the two countries. Thats why Im extremely grateful to all of you. It makes my job easier because of the good reputation you are building through your hard work and perseverance here in Vietnam, President Marcos told the Filipino community in Filipino on Monday. With AFP - Advertisement - HanoiPresident Marcos thanked the Filipino community in Vietnam, emphasizing their importance in boosting bilateral relations between the Philippines and their host country. The President acknowledged the contributions of the Filipino community in Vietnam, stating that their presence serves as evidence of the strong bond between the two countries. Thats why Im extremely grateful to all of you. It makes my job easier because of the good reputation you are building through your hard work and perseverance here in Vietnam, President Marcos told the Filipino community in Tagalog on Monday. Mr. Marcos commended the overseas Filipino Workers for earning admiration worldwide, suggesting that it wouldnt be surprising if Vietnamese leaders also praised their outstanding performance. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he assured that his administration, in collaboration with his Cabinet members, remains committed to addressing poverty in the country, particularly amid the backdrop of a strengthening economy. - Advertisement - Vietnam hosts approximately 7,000 OFWs, whose remittances amount to a substantial $13,683,000 in 2022. The formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Vietnam were established on July 12, 1976, and have since endured for 47 years. The two nations elevated their relations to a strategic partnership in 2015. President Marcos two-day visit to Vietnam marks his first state visit of the year, with the primary objective of reinforcing not only the bilateral ties between the Philippines and Vietnam but also enhancing maritime cooperation, trade, and investment relations between the two countries. - Advertisement - HanoiThe Philippines and Vietnam signed various agreements Tuesday related to rice trade cooperation, incident prevention and management in the South China Sea, maritime defense, and other areas in the fields of agriculture and cultural development. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong presided over the signing of separate memoranda of understanding (MOU) and exchanging of documents during the two leaders bilateral meeting. Signed agreements consist of MOUs on rice trade cooperation, agriculture and related fields; maritime cooperation between the Philippine and Vietnamese Coast Guards, incident prevention and management in the South China Sea; and a cultural cooperation program for 2024 to 2029. Addressing concerns related to the South China Sea, both nations have agreed to enhance coordination on maritime issues bilaterally, within the ASEAN framework, and with other dialogue partners. The focus is on promoting trust, confidence, and understanding through dialogue and cooperative activities aimed at preventing and managing incidents in the region. - Advertisement - Simultaneously, the MOU on maritime cooperation seeks to bolster understanding, mutual trust, and confidence through the establishment of a Joint Coast Guard Committee. The committee will facilitate discussions on common issues and interests between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Vietnamese Coast Guard (VCG). Additionally, a hotline communication mechanism will be set up between the PCG and VCG. The MOU on Rice Trade Cooperation establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration between the Philippines and Vietnam. This is to ensure sustainable food supply amid challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and other external events impacting both nations. Within the MOU, Vietnam has committed to a five-year trade agreement, wherein its private sector will supply the Philippine private sector with white rice ranging from 1.5 million to 2 million metric tons (MT) annually, ensuring a competitive and affordable pricing structure. Beyond the scope of rice trade, the agreement outlines provisions for the exchange of information on policies, plans, regulations, and other activities related to rice trade between the two countries. The MOU on agriculture cooperation signifies a deepening collaboration between the Philippines and Vietnam in the fields of agriculture, rural development, and related sectors. Nineteen areas of cooperation have been identified, encompassing high-value crops, livestock, aquaculture, farm management, sustainability, smart agriculture, and aquaculture technology, as well as research training and exchanges of experts. Under the Cultural Cooperation Program, the Philippines and Vietnam will expand cultural exchanges to strengthen friendly relations, aligning with the Cultural Agreement signed between the two nations in 1998. - Advertisement - San Francisco, United StatesSome searches including the terms Taylor Swift on X turned up no results on Monday after the company, formerly known as Twitter, apparently moved to prevent the spread of AI-generated porn videos using the stars likeness. Certain queries attempted by AFP that included the megastars name, such as Taylor Swift AI, triggered messages saying something went wrong. The Verge and other US media reported that X had put a temporary block on searches using Swifts name in the wake of criticism by her fans, the White House, and others over AI-generated porn depicting her being shared on the platform and elsewhere online. X did not respond to a query for comment, but The Verge quoted head of business Joe Benarroch as saying the block on Swift searches was a temporary measure intended to prioritize safety. One fake image of the US megastar was seen 47 million times on X before it was removed Thursday. According to US media, the post was live on the platform for around 17 hours. - Advertisement - It is alarming, said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, when asked about the images on Friday. Sadly, we know that lack of enforcement (by the tech platforms) disproportionately impacts women and they also impact girls who are the overwhelming targets of online harassment, Jean-Pierre added. Deepfake porn images of celebrities are not new, but activists and regulators are worried that easy-to-use tools employing generative artificial intelligence (AI) will create an uncontrollable flood of toxic or harmful content. The targeting of Swift, one of the worlds top-streamed artists whose latest concert tour propelled her to the top of American fame, could shine a new light on the phenomenon with her legions of fans outraged at the development. X is one of the biggest platforms for porn content in the world, analysts say, as its policies on nudity are looser than Meta-owned platforms Facebook or Instagram. In a statement last week, X said that posting Non-Consensual Nudity (NCN) images is strictly prohibited on X and we have a zero-tolerance policy towards such content. The Elon Musk-owned platform said that it was actively removing all identified images and taking appropriate actions against the accounts responsible for posting them. - Advertisement - Pope Francis will visit Papua New Guinea in August, the countrys foreign minister announced Thursday. Justin Tkatchenko said the government had received an official note that Pope Francis will visit PNG in August for a three-day visit. We are working closely with the Apostolic Nuncios office, he added. A team has been assembled and will meet to look into all aspects of the visit. The announcement comes just two weeks after the capital Port Moresby was convulsed by deadly rioting. Pope Francis is expected to visit the capital and one of two coastal cities in the countrys north. - Advertisement - Papua New Guinea is home to more than nine million Christians almost all the population although most Papua New Guineans are protestant and retain many traditional animist or spiritual beliefs. A 400-year-old calf-skin-bound version of the King James bible sits in the centre of the countrys parliament. The last papal visit to the country came in 1995, when Pope John Paul II was met with tribal dancers adorned with exotic birds feathers, grass skirts and loincloths. A papal visit had been planned for 2020 but was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The announcement comes as a major boost to embattled Prime Minister James Marape, who has been called on to resign after riots that killed at least 25 people. On January 11, angry crowds tore through Port Moresby, torching parked cars, ransacking grocery stores and setting fire to buildings. Violence spread to other parts of the country and dozens of citizens were shot, wounded with machetes or burned. The riots were triggered when members of the countrys police force went on strike, walking off the job after their pay was mistakenly docked without explanation. Piedmont Community Services made its case to the Henry County Board of Supervisors last week as to why it should remain the lead provider of substance abuse prevention in Henry County Public Schools. Earlier this month, Henry County schools elected to replace the PCS Too Good for Drugs program with the Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or DARE program, in partnership with the Henry County Sheriffs Office. My purpose is to educate the local government on substance abuse, said PCS Executive Director Greg Preston. PCS was established in 1972 and we are the single point of entry according to the Code of Virginia. According to its website, PCS is one of 40 community services boards in Virginia and acts as an agent of the local community under regulations by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services. PCS serves the city of Martinsville and the counties of Henry, Franklin and Patrick. We have a rich history partnering and collaborating with Henry County schools for 35 years, Preston said. In 2012 we were awarded a grant of $511,000 for substance abuse prevention in Henry County schools. We received another grant for $159,000 and an opportunity to receive up to $400,000. Thats $1.15 million total in services and cost savings to the county. Preston said PCS had provided the children in Henry County with the best support it could provide, but despite the effort, the school system has decided to end the relationship. Henry Countys shift to DARE for students was the result of an initial survey, Preston said. Ill be the first to tell you we dont always bat 100%, but if were lacking, we will fix it. There is a second survey and it shows that the schools were overwhelmingly satisfied with our services. HCPS Superintendent Amy Blake-Lewis had said previously that the negative feedback from teachers concerning the PCS program far-outweighed the positive feedback. The surveys revealed problems with presenters failing to show up, duplicative material from fourth to fifth grades and concern over what some teachers deemed inappropriate content. Preston told board members that the DARE program would be more effective if the PCS program were to remain. We understand that services need to be updated, Preston said. We are hopeful that we can all sit down together and build a robust program. Housing assessment Henry County contracted with Summit Designs in Richmond to conduct a Housing Assessment Study to better understand the housing needs in Henry County, and to develop a prioritized list of projects needed to increase the quality and availability of affordable housing. Planning Department Manager Ann Darby presented the findings of the study to board members on Jan. 23. Henry County has a higher vacancy rate and higher rental rate than the state and the country, said Darby. There are many beautiful homes here, but there are also many in poor condition. Darby recommended that older homes be replaced with new homes, public land be considered for housing projects, zoning ordinances be adjusted to facilitate construction, and a comprehensive plan be developed to identify barriers to new housing. Iriswood District Supervisor Garrett Dillard asked Darby if Henry County had a housing crisis. The United States has a housing crisis and Henry County has a housing crisis, said Darby. In other matters, the board: Awarded a contract to Haymes Brothers, Inc. in the amount of $1.23 million for the construction of phase 6-A2 of the Dick and Willie Passage Trail. Approved an additional appropriation in the amount of $51,732 to the facilities category for Henry County schools. Approved an additional appropriation of $107,679 and awarded a contract in the same amount to Town Police Supply for the purchase of patrol rifles for the Sheriffs Office. Approved an additional appropriation of $28,975 received from an insurance settlement from a damaged tractor. The funds will go toward the purchase of a replacement tractor for the Parks and Recreation Department. Approved the abandonment of 50 feet of undeveloped right-of-way along Oak Level Road. Approved the abandonment of State Route 9199 in the Ridgeway District. Approved an additional appropriation of $4,175,201 for Henry County schools from the Commonwealths All-in-Virginia Initiative. Approved a siting agreement with Shifting Sands Solar, LLC for 376,000. Appointed Barry Jarrett to an unexpired term on the Industrial Development Authority, scheduled to end March 31, 2026. Modern Middle Eastern restaurant Galit, pioneering farm-to-table fine dining chef Paul Virant, and 41-year former Chicago Tribune journalist and restaurant critic Phil Vettel were among the winners announced at the Jean Banchet Awards in Chicago on Sunday. The Banchets recognize culinary excellence in the city and suburbs. The awards were named for chef Jean Banchet, who opened Le Francais in 1973. The larger-than-life late Banchet made his now closed French restaurant in Wheeling an unlikely international dining destination. Jet-setting guests flew their private planes into the small airport up Milwaukee Avenue just for dinner. The Banchet awards made their debut in 2002, with the namesake chef presenting medals to winners. The annual awards skipped 2023 to transform into a nonprofit. Last November they announced a partnership with Chicago Chefs Cook, the nonprofit charitable organization thats raised more than $1 million for humanitarian crises in the community and around the globe. The beneficiary of the $150 ticketed awards event was the Leadership Development Program at Virtue Restaurant, an entrepreneurship program for local young adults of color. Virtue chef and owner Erick Williams won the 2022 Jean Banchet Award for Chef of the Year. At the sold-out event, Vettel received a standing ovation. In his acceptance for the new Culinary Excellence of the Year Award, he said, The only thing more surreal than getting paid to eat in the greatest restaurant city in the country is getting an award for doing it. Here are the winners of the 2024 Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence: Restaurant of the Year Galit James Beard award-winning chef Zach Engels Michelin-starred, Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant in Lincoln Park may perhaps be best known for his hummus, including one currently with brisket, which reflects his background growing up in the South and Jewish. Nominees: Daisies, Jeong, Kyoten Erick Williams, left, and Paul Virant pose during a reception before the Jean Banchet Awards at Venue SIX10 in the Loop on Jan. 28, 2024. Chef of the Year Paul Virant (Vie, Gaijin, Vistro Prime) The chef who originally opened Vie with seasonal cuisine in 2004, Gaijin in the West Loop with okonomiyaki, and Vistro Prime with steak in Hinsdale, adds another well-deserved accolade, while we await a renaissance with Petite Vie back where it all began in Western Springs. Nominees: Paul Fehribach (Big Jones), Tim Flores and Genie Kwon (Kasama), Stephen Gillanders (S.K.Y., Apolonia, Valhalla) Best New Restaurant Indienne Chef Sujan Sarkars Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in River North offers vegetarian and what they call non-vegetarian tasting menus at relatively reasonable prices, and even rarer, a vegan menu with 48-hour advance notice. Nominees: Obelix, Valhalla, Warlord Rising Chef of the Year Trevor Fleming, Emily Kraszyk, John Lupton (Warlord) The chefs have cultivated a fanatic following since opening Warlord in Avondale in April of last year, focused on preservation and live fire, with long lines waiting through record heat and cold. Nominees: Damarr Brown (Virtue), Christian Hunter (Atelier), Margaret Pak (Thattu) Bar of the Year Best Intentions The Tribune once called it the dive bar all other dives try to be, though the establishment in Logan Square facetiously describes itself as a fancy cocktail bar, after quietly reopening last April following a three-year pandemic hiatus (as reported by Block Club Chicago). Nominees: Cherry Circle Room, Meadowlark, Scofflaw Pastry Chef of the Year Tatum Sinclair (S.K.Y., Apolonia, Valhalla) The executive pastry chef created the extraordinary infinite desserts course at Valhalla (temporarily closed while moving to Wicker Park) including her standout signature black marble Pavlova. Nominees: Maya-Camille Broussard (Justice of the Pies), Erin Kobler (Sepia, Proxi), Valeria Socorro Velazquez Lindsten (Loba Pastry) Attendees give an applause during the Jean Banchet Awards at Venue SIX10 in the Loop on Jan. 28, 2024. Sommelier of the Year Christian Shaum (Bazaar Meat) The self-described head wine guy at the steakhouse by chef Jose Andres opened in Chicago with Gibsons. Nominees: Daniel Bennett (Sushi-San), Alex Cuper (El Che Steakhouse & Bar), Amber Pike (Andros Taverna) Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year Pompette Chefs Ashlee Aubin, Aaron Patten and Katie Wasielewski started the Michelin Bib Gourmand friendly all-day cafe and wine bar in Bucktown. Nominees: Boeufhaus, Daisys Po-Boy and Tavern, Torchio Pasta Bar Heritage Restaurant of the Year Rubis on 18th Originally found only at Maxwell Street Market since 1997, the family behind one of the best tacos in Chicago finally opened their own restaurant in Pilsen after 25 years. Nominees: Boonies Filipino Restaurant, Thalaivas Indian Kitchen, Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food Best Counter Service Omarcitos Latin Cafe Chef and owner Omar Cadena started his debut restaurant in Logan Square in a shipping container within a courtyard as a legacy to his Latino family with food that aims to punch you and hug you at the same time. Nominees: Flour Power, JTs Genuine Sandwich Shop, Loaf Lounge Best Hospitality Bronzeville Winery Cecilia Cuff and Eric Williams opened the restaurant and wine bar in its historic namesake neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago after two years of planning, two years ago. Its now led by award-winning chef Lamar Moore. Nominees: Dear Margaret, DeNuccis, Smyth Phil Vettel speaks to Curtis Duffy during a reception before the Jean Banchet Awards at Venue SIX10 in the Loop on Jan. 28, 2024. Best Restaurant Design The Omakase Room at Sushi-San The sushi restaurant within a sushi restaurant in River North is an exclusive dark and moody retreat by Lettuce Entertain You. Nominees: Bistro Monadnock, Fioretta, Warlord Culinary Excellence of the Year Award Phil Vettel Phil wrote about Chicagos culinary community for more than 30 years, launching the careers of many people on this list, said Michael Muser, event organizer and co-owner of the restaurant Ever with chef Curtis Duffy. lchu@chicagotribune.com Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here. The Prime Minister of Mozambique, Adriano Maleiane, defended the countrys commitment to industrialization, through the capitalization of local raw materials, with a view to rapid economic growth. Maleiane was speaking on Saturday January 27 at the meeting of the Dialogue on Prosperity in Africa, held in Accra, the capital of Ghana. We reaffirm Mozambiques determination to continue implementing measures and actions that contribute to increasing national industrial production, favoring the use of local raw materials, stimulating an increase in trade, particularly with African countries, said the Mozambican Prime Minister, in a speech. He pointed out that the intensification of commercial ties between African nations will contribute to the consolidation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and to achieving the goals of the African Agenda 2063. Africa needs to increase trade between the countries of the continent to ensure the rapid development of African countries, said Adriano Maleiane. The Mozambican Prime Minister emphasized the importance of a strong alliance between the continents business community and financial institutions. We believe that in order to promote and strengthen economic and trade relations we must ensure an increasingly vibrant involvement of the business sector and national, regional and international financial institutions, which will allow us to increase investment in technology and innovation, he said. Africa, he continued, needs to create solid and secure foundations for increased production, industrialization by adding value to raw materials. The European Union will fund three new Cape Verdean civil society projects on sustainable tourism in protected areas with 2.7 million euros, to be carried out in Santo Antao, Sao Nicolau and Fogo, it was announced on Monday January 29. In a statement, the European Union delegation in Cape Verde said that the funding, which will be signed this Tuesday, is made available under the Thematic Programme for Civil Society Organizations. This direct support for civil society organizations and partners reinforces the European Unions commitment to sustainable tourism in Cape Verde, said the same source, indicating that joint work will be carried out with the public and private sectors to diversify tourism. The projects, selected under a call for proposals launched in November 2022, will be carried out on the islands by Associacao Amigos da Natureza in Santo Antao, Associacao de Desenvolvimento do Patrimonio de Mertola in Santo Antao and Sao Nicolau, and COSPE on the island of Fogo. In 2021, the European Union and the government signed the Budget Support Financing Agreement 2021-2024, for around 18 million euros, to support the Executive in achieving the goals of eradicating extreme poverty by 2026 and guaranteeing 50% renewable sources in the countrys energy mix by 2030. In 2007, the EU and Cape Verde signed a Special Partnership, the only one of its kind on the African continent, which covers areas such as good governance, security and stability, regional integration, technical and normative convergence, the information and knowledge society, the fight against poverty and development, and Cape Verde has already expressed its intention to introduce other pillars. Businesswoman Isabel dos Santos was summoned to be heard but preferred not to answer the Angolan authorities questions, an official source said, adding that the case involving her management of Sonangol could begin to be tried in March 2024. Deputy Attorney General Pedro Mendes de Carvalho was speaking on the sidelines of a workshop on financial investigations and money laundering taking place this week in Luanda. According to the legal deadlines, the case could go to trial in two or three months, but then it has all the formalities that have to be obeyed, if contradictory instruction is requested, a phase of the process in which both the defense and the prosecution can intervene and in which the defendants can present arguments and evidence. Only then will the case be sent back to court with a decision to indict, which means it will go to trial, or a decision to close the case. Isabel dos Santos, daughter of former President Jose Eduardo dos Santos and who has been living outside Angola for several years, was summoned to be heard, but refused to make a statement. She was notified for this purpose, she had the opportunity to defend herself, she has this step in the process, Pedro Mendes de Carvalho told reporters, stressing that the defendant is free to present [her version] or not, and can answer questions or not. The Angolan businesswoman is accused of 12 crimes in a case involving her management of the state oil company Sonangol between 2016 and 2017. The national director of Investigation and Criminal Action and national director of Prevention and Combating Corruption of the PGR also pointed out that the Angolan authorities maintain good institutional relations with their counterparts, with whom they have been cooperating in judicial matters. South Africas ruling ANC announced on Monday January 29 that it was suspending the countrys ex-President Jacob Zuma, who indicated last month that he would campaign for another movement ahead of the next elections. Zuma and others whose conduct is in conflict with our values and principles will find themselves outside the African National Congress (ANC), said Fikile Mbalula, Secretary General of the ANC, which has been governing the country since the end of apartheid in April 1994. The decision, widely expected, is a further sign of the divisions within the movement ahead of this years general elections the final date has not yet been announced, but they are due to be held between May and August 2024. Spattered by corruption scandals in a gloomy socio-economic context, the ANC, long in a position of strength, could lose its parliamentary majority for the first time in its history, according to opinion polls. Jacob Zuma was the fourth president of democratic South Africa, from 2009 to 2018, but was forced from power by corruption scandals and fell out with the party he once led. In December 2023, Mr. Zuma, 81, said he would campaign for a new small radical party, Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK, or Spearhead of the Nation), named after the ANCs military wing during the apartheid period. Fikile Mbalula added that the ANC would lodge a complaint with the Electoral Court to have the new party deregistered, and launch proceedings to recover its name. The creation of the MK party is no accident, said Mr. Mbalula after a meeting of the ANCs Executive Committee, attended by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. It is a deliberate attempt to use the proud history of armed struggle against the apartheid regime to give credibility to what is a blatantly counter-revolutionary agenda, he denounced. 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: A perspective on the US and EU regulatory system readiness for AI-enabled personalized drug and cell-based therapies in precision oncology. The principal difference in regulatory system readiness is that the U.S. FDA's "non-device" approach for AI-based CDS43 substantially reduces the gap between new technology and the regulatory framework readiness. Credit: npj Precision Oncology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00517-w New, AI-based therapies require a flexible and safe legal framework in order to reach patients quickly and safely. In a new paper, published in npj Precision Oncology, researchers from Dresden, Leipzig, Marburg and Paris provide an overview of possible AI-based applications for personalized cancer medicine and the associated regulatory challenges. They emphasize that the current rigid and slow approval requirements impede technological progress and argue for an adaptation of the existing regulations. The application of AI in precision oncology has so far been largely confined to the development of new drugs and has had only limited impacts on the personalization of therapies. New AI-based approaches are increasingly being applied to the planning and implementation of personalized drug and cell therapies. Therapies can be adapted to individual patients' needsfor example to improve efficacy and dosage, reduce toxicity, develop combination therapies and even personalize preclinical cell therapies regarding their molecular properties. AI-based health care is developing continuously and with increasing speed. It can support doctors with decision-making and therapy planning as well as in early multi-cancer precision diagnostics. Other potential applications include the design of new types of personalized medical products, drug companion apps for patients and the use of so-called "digital twins." The latter use patient data in almost real-time to enable more precise diagnosis by means of simulation and modeling and to adapt treatments to individual requirements. Advancing these products through regulatory pathways is enormously challenging. They combine technologies governed by different legal frameworks and regulatory bodies and are so novel that they are not well dealt with in current legislation. It can already be anticipated that the current approval conditions will make rapid clinical application difficult. Making approval processes more agile in the future The publication identifies two large challenges: Legislators and regulatory bodies underestimate the importance of the developing technologies in this area as well as the extent of required regulatory change to make approval processes more agile in the future. "The current regulations are a de facto blocker to AI-based personalized medicine. A fundamental change is needed to solve this problem," says Stephen Gilbert, Professor of Medical Device Regulatory Science at the Else Kroner Fresenius Center for Digital Health at TU Dresden and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden. The researchers therefore suggest, among other things, updating risk-benefit assessments for highly personalized treatment approaches. Solutions already established in the U.S. could also be adopted in the EU for certain classes of low-risk decision support for doctors. The authors further suggest approaches to allow digital tools on market to be safety adaptable in a more flexible manner and to establish suitable test platforms for on-market monitoring. Multi-layered approaches would help to spread the load of oversight and make evaluation more relevant to patient safety. More information: Bouchra Derraz et al, New regulatory thinking is needed for AI-based personalised drug and cell therapies in precision oncology, npj Precision Oncology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00517-w Journal information: npj Precision Oncology 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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A new research study has examined the results from data generated by citizen scientists using a simple web-based motor test. The big data approach provides researchers with a unique way to explore how people correct for motor control errors. The resulting insights may one day pave the way for personalized physical therapy or tailor an athlete's training routine. The results are available in Nature Human Behaviour. "This exploratory approach does not replace lab based studies, but complements them, asking whether motor behavior can generalize to the greater population," said Jonathan Tsay, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University and first author on the paper. "I see this large-scale approach as a way to democratize motor learning research." Traditionally, motor learning scientists have studied how people learn motor skills in a lab setting using expensive equipment to capture the subtle changes in a person's movement in response to movement errors. These studies often involve a small number of participants. Whether these results generalize to the larger population remains unknown. Tsay wanted to explore motor skills from a new perspective, using big data. To gather the data, he developed a simple motor-learning assessment that people could take online in the comfort of their homes. The result is a dataset of more than 2,000 sessions from a diverse participant population. The study can also evaluate different underlying processes in motor learning, that is, the relative contribution of subconscious, implicit motor learning, and conscious, explicit motor learning. With the data in hand, Tsay was able to examine how demographic variables affect the relative contribution of these two learning styles. The short, at-home test took about eight minutes compared to a normal 80-minute experiment in the lab. Many participants logged back in and contributed multiple sessions to the database, allowing the research team to track changes in motor learning efficiently. The potential of the big data lies in a better understanding of variables, like gender, age, visual impairment and even video game experience, that can impact motor adaptation. Tsay points to age as an example. It may seem obvious that age would be an important factor affecting motor adaptation, but the effect of age has been mixed in laboratory studies. The confusion may be in part due to the small sample size and the focus on extreme age groups (very young and very old). Using big data, Tsay and his colleagues were able to examine age as a continuous variable. The results showed how participants modified their strategies to correct for a motor error across the lifespan, with adaptation peaking between 35 and 45 years of age. These adaptations have been missed by previous studies involving only a limited sample size. "Using machine learning and other techniques, [this approach allowed us] to predict who would be successful at motor learning and what propertiesspeed of movement and reaction timeare good predictors of success in motor learning during a session," said Tsay. "The results we found in this exploratory big data manner can be brought back to the lab to do more hypothesis-driven [studies] to find the mechanism behind the finding we see online." The simple motor learning task was only able to predict about 15% of the variance in the study, which limits the insights that can be drawn from these results. In addition, the motor task was not conducted under an experimenter's supervision or specifically controlling for parameters, like type of technology and internet speed, that might have increased noise in the data. Despite these limitations, Tsay still believes this large-scale approach is able to examine this variability in a detailed manner, drawing insights that can be valuable to the motor research community. "Many, many questions in psychology are amenable to on-line testing, but there are few motor studies," said Richard Ivry, distinguished professor in psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and co-author on the study. "The [Nature Human Behaviour] study further adds to our confidence that on-line studies can be very meaningful for studying motor control, and I know that many labs around the world have taken advantage of these tools." Tsay and Ivry were joined by Hrach Asmerian and Ken Nakayama at University of California, Berkeley, Laura Germine at Harvard Medical School and Jeremy Wilmer at Wellesley College on the study, titled "Large-scale citizen science reveals predictors of sensorimotor adaptation." More information: Large-scale citizen science reveals predictors of sensorimotor adaptation, Nature Human Behaviour (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01798-0 Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour 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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Chantal Panozzo and her husband followed their primary care doctors' orders last year after they both turned 45, now the recommended age to start screening for colorectal cancer. They scheduled their first routine colonoscopies a few months apart. Panozzo said she was excited to get a colonoscopy, of all things, because it meant free care. The couple run a business out of their suburban home near Chicago and purchase coverage costing more than $1,400 each month for their family of four on the exchange, which was created by the Affordable Care Act. By law, preventive servicesincluding routine colonoscopiesare available at zero cost to patients. So Panozzo said she expected their screenings would be fully covered. "This was our chance to get our free preventative care," she said. Their results came back normal, she said. Then the bills came. The Patients: Chantal Panozzo, who uses her maiden name professionally, now 46, and Brian Opyd, 45, are covered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. Medical Services: Two routine colonoscopies (one for him, one for her), as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for patients beginning at age 45. Service Provider: Illinois Gastroenterology Group in Hinsdale. The practice is part of the private equity-backed GI Alliance, which has more than 800 gastroenterologists working in 15 states, including Florida, Missouri, and Texas. Total Bill: For each colonoscopy, the gastroenterology group charged $2,034 before any insurance discounts or reductions. After discounts, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois said it was responsible for paying $395.18 for Brian's screening and $389.24 for Chantal's. But apart from the screening costs, the total included a $600 charge for each patientthough insurance documents did not identify what the charge was for. This left Chantal and Brian each with a $250 bill, the amount allowed by BCBS of Illinois, which was applied to their deductibles. What Gives: Panozzo and her husband's experience exposes a loophole in the law meant to guarantee zero-cost preventive services: Health care providers may bill how they choose as long as they abide by their contracts with insuranceincluding for whatever goods or services they choose to list, and in ways that could leave patients with unexpected bills for "free" care. After their screenings, Panozzo said she and her husband each saw the same strange $600 charge from the Illinois Gastroenterology Group on their insurance explanation of benefits statements. Bills from the gastroenterology group explained these charges were for "surgical supplies." Her insurer eventually told her the codes were for "surgical trays." At first, she was confused, Panozzo said, Why were they receiving any bills at all? The Affordable Care Act requires preventive care services to be fully covered without any cost sharing imposed on patientsprocedures such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and cervical cancer checks. Policymakers included this hallmark protection because, for many patients, cost can deter them from seeking care. A KFF poll in 2022 found that roughly four in 10 adults skipped or postponed care they needed due to cost concerns. Under the law, though, it is the insurer's responsibility to make preventive care available at zero-cost to patients. Providers may exploit this loophole, said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor and co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. "The insurance company is supposed to pay the full claim, but there is no requirement on the provider to code the claim correctly," Corlette said. In this case, BCBS of Illinois covered the full cost of the screenings the couple received, according to its own documents. But those documents also showed that each patient was on the hook for a portion of their separate, $600 charges. Panozzo thought a phone call with her insurer, BCBS of Illinois, would quickly fix the mistake. But she said she spent most of her time on hold and could not get an answer as to why the colonoscopy came with a separate charge for supplies. She said she learned in later communications with her insurer that the $600 was specifically for "surgical trays." BCBS of Illinois declined to comment despite receiving a waiver authorizing the insurer to discuss the case. Panozzo said that she called the gastroenterology practice and was told by a billing representative that the extra charge was part of an arrangement the practice has with BCBS: She recalled being told that the practice was accustomed to keying in a billing code for "surgical trays" in lieu of a separate fee, which was described to Panozzo as a "use cost" for the doctor's office. "I was getting a different story from any person I talked to," Panozzo said. She said she was stuck in "no man's land," with each side telling her the other was responsible for removing the charge. The Resolution: Panozzo went wide with her objections, contesting the total $500 they owed by filing appeals with her insurer; lodging a complaint with the Illinois Department of Insurance; and writing to her elected officials, warning that Illinois consumers were being "taken advantage of" and "ripped off." Ultimately, BCBS approved both appeals, saying neither Panozzo nor her husband was expected to pay the charges. An administrative employee reached by phone at the Illinois Gastroenterology Group location where the couple was treated said they could not comment and directed KFF Health News to contact an executive with GI Alliance, the national group that manages the practice. Neither the executive nor media relations representatives responded to multiple requests for comment. Panozzo said that, in the past, she would have paid the bill to avoid wasting time haggling with the doctor, insurer, or both. But getting hit with the same bill twice? That was too much for her to accept, she said. "If change is ever going to happen, I need to stop accepting some of these bills that I knew were potentially incorrect," Panozzo said. The Takeaway: Medical providers have broad leeway to determine how they bill for care, including by deciding how to identify what goods or services are provided. This means patients may get stuck with charges for unfamiliar or downright bizarre things. And because the law doesn't address how providers bill patients for preventive services, odd charges can crop up even for care that should be fully covered. Research also shows private equity ownership, which has been increasing in specialties like gastroenterology, can lead to higher costs for patients, as well as lower quality care. For patients, "under federal law, there is no recourse," Corlette said. State regulatory bodies may go after these providers for billing patients for covered services, but that can be a mixed bag, Corlette said. Insurers should crack down on this kind of practice with the providers participating in their networks, Corlette said. Otherwise, patients are stuck in the middle, left to contest what should be "free" careand at the mercy of the insurance appeals process. Health plans may not catch billing odditiesafter all, for a major insurer, a charge of $600 may not be worth investigating. That leaves patients ultimately responsible for keeping track of what they're being asked to payand speaking up if something seems suspicious. Panozzo said the experience left her feeling defeated, exhausted, and distrustful of America's health care system. Having lived abroad with her family for almost 10 years, she said, "I could function in a health care system in German better than I could here in English." 2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Rates of routine childhood vaccination hit a 10-year low in 2023. That, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, puts about 250,000 kindergartners at risk for measles, which often leads to hospitalization and can cause death. In recent weeks, an infant and two young children have been hospitalized amid an ongoing measles outbreak in Philadelphia that spread to a day care center. It's a dangerous shift driven by a critical mass of people who now reject decades of science backing the safety and effectiveness of childhood vaccines. State by state, they've persuaded legislators and courts to more easily allow children to enter kindergarten without vaccines, citing religious, spiritual, or philosophical beliefs. Growing vaccine hesitancy is just a small part of a broader rejection of scientific expertise that could have consequences ranging from disease outbreaks to reduced funding for research that leads to new treatments. "The term 'infodemic' implies random junk, but that's wrong," said Peter Hotez, a vaccine researcher at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. "This is an organized political movement, and the health and science sectors don't know what to do." Changing views among Republicans have steered the relaxation of childhood vaccine requirements, according to the Pew Research Center. Whereas nearly 80% of Republicans supported the rules in 2019, fewer than 60% do today. Democrats have held steady, with about 85% supporting. Mississippi, which once boasted the nation's highest rates of childhood vaccination, began allowing religious exemptions last summer. Another leader in vaccination, West Virginia, is moving to do the same. An anti-science movement picked up pace as Republican and Democratic perspectives on science diverged during the pandemic. Whereas 70% of Republicans said that science has a mostly positive impact on society in 2019, less than half felt that way in a November poll from Pew. With presidential candidates lending airtime to anti-vaccine messages and members of Congress maligning scientists and pandemic-era public health policies, the partisan rift will likely widen in the run-up to November's elections. Dorit Reiss, a vaccine policy researcher at the University of California Law San Francisco, draws parallels between today's backlash against public health and the early days of climate change denial. Both issues progressed from nonpartisan, fringe movements to the mainstream once they appealed to conservatives and libertarians, who traditionally seek to limit government regulation. "Even if people weren't anti-vaccine to start with," Reiss said, "they move that way when the argument fits." Even certain actors are the same. In the late '90s and early 2000s, a libertarian think tank, the American Institute for Economic Research, undermined climate scientists with reports that questioned global warming. The same institute issued a statement early in the pandemic, grandly called the "Great Barrington Declaration." It argued against measures to curb the disease and advised everyoneexcept the most vulnerableto go about their lives as usual, regardless of the risk of infection. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, warned that such an approach would overwhelm health systems and put millions more at risk of disability and death from COVID. "Allowing a dangerous virus that we don't fully understand to run free is simply unethical," he said. Another group, the National Federation of Independent Business, has fought regulatory measures to curb climate change for over a decade. It moved on to vaccines in 2022 when it won a Supreme Court case that overturned a government effort to temporarily require employers to mandate that workers either be vaccinated against COVID or wear a face mask and test on a regular basis. Around 1,000 to 3,000 COVID deaths would have been averted in 2022 had the court upheld the rule, one study estimates. Politically charged pushback may become better funded and more organized if public health becomes a political flashpoint in the lead-up to the presidential election. In the first few days of 2024, Florida's surgeon general, appointed by Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, called for a halt to use of mRNA COVID vaccines as he echoed DeSantis' incorrect statement that the shots have "not been proven to be safe and effective." And vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running for president as an independent, announced that his campaign communications would be led by Del Bigtree, the executive director of one of the most well-heeled anti-vaccine organizations in the nation and host of a conspiratorial talk show. Bigtree posted a letter on the day of the announcement rife with misinformation, such as a baseless rumor that COVID vaccines make people more prone to infection. He and Kennedy frequently pair health misinformation with terms that appeal to anti-government ideologies like "medical freedom" and "religious freedom." A product of a Democratic dynasty, Kennedy's appeal appears to be stronger among Republicans, a Politico analysis found. DeSantis said he would consider nominating Kennedy to run the FDA, which approves drugs and vaccines, or the CDC, which advises on vaccines and other public health measures. Another Republican candidate for president, Vivek Ramaswamy, vowed to gut the CDC should he win. Today's anti-science movement found its footing in the months before the 2020 elections, as primarily Republican politicians rallied support from constituents who resented pandemic measures like masking and the closure of businesses, churches, and schools. Then-President Donald Trump, for example, mocked Joe Biden for wearing a mask at the presidential debate in September 2020. Democrats fueled the politicization of public health, too, by blaming Republican leaders for the country's soaring death rates, rather than decrying systemic issues that rendered the U.S. vulnerable, such as underfunded health departments and severe economic inequality that put some groups at far higher risk than others. Just before Election Day, a Democratic-led congressional subcommittee released a report that called the Trump administration's pandemic response "among the worst failures of leadership in American history." Republicans launched a subcommittee investigation into the pandemic that sharply criticizes scientific institutions and scientists once seen as nonpartisan. On Jan. 8 and 9, the group questioned Anthony Fauci, a leading infectious disease researcher who has advised both Republican and Democratic presidents. Without evidence, committee member Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) accused Fauci of supporting research that created the coronavirus in order to push vaccines: "He belongs in jail for that," Greene, a vaccine skeptic, said. "This is like a, more of an evil version of science." Taking a cue from environmental advocacy groups that have tried to fight strategic and monied efforts to block energy regulations, Hotez and other researchers say public health needs supporters knowledgeable in legal and political arenas. Such groups might combat policies that limit public health power, advise lawmakers, and provide legal counsel to scientists who are harassed or called before Congress in politically charged hearings. Other initiatives aim to present the scientific consensus clearly to avoid both-sidesism, in which the media presents opposing viewpoints as equal when, in fact, the majority of researchers and bulk of evidence point in one direction. Oil and tobacco companies used this tactic effectively to seed doubt about the science linking their industries to harm. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania, said the scientific community must improve its communication. Expertise, alone, is insufficient when people mistrust the experts' motives. Indeed, nearly 40% of Republicans report little to no confidence in scientists to act in the public's best interest. In a study published last year, Jamieson and colleagues identified attributes the public values beyond expertise, including transparency about unknowns and self-correction. Researchers might have better managed expectations around COVID vaccines, for example, by emphasizing that the protection conferred by most vaccines is less than 100% and wanes over time, requiring additional shots, Jamieson said. And when the initial COVID vaccine trials demonstrated that the shots drastically curbed hospitalization and death but revealed little about infections, public health officials might have been more open about their uncertainty. As a result, many people felt betrayed when COVID vaccines only moderately reduced the risk of infection. "We were promised that the vaccine would stop transmission, only to find out that wasn't completely true, and America noticed," said Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), chair of the Republican-led coronavirus subcommittee, at a July hearing. Jamieson also advises repetition. It's a technique expertly deployed by those who promote misinformation, which perhaps explains why the number of people who believe the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin treats COVID more than doubled over the past two yearsdespite persistent evidence to the contrary. In November, the drug got another shoutout at a hearing where congressional Republicans alleged that the Biden administration and science agencies had censored public health information. Hotez, author of a new book on the rise of the anti-science movement, fears the worst. "Mistrust in science is going to accelerate," he said. And traditional efforts to combat misinformation, such as debunking, may prove ineffective. "It's very problematic," Jamieson said, "when the sources we turn to for corrective knowledge have been discredited." 2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain This is the time of year when Americans tend to make resolutions to eat better, get in shape, and maybe drop a few pounds. But many will be wondering what number should they aim for on the bathroom scale. For years the thinking was that the body mass index, or BMI, may be the best way to determine what your weight should be. Maybe not entirely. Many Harvard physicians and scholars call for a more holistic approach that sees BMI as just one factor among many that need to be considered when assessing weight and health. And in fact, the American Medical Association adopted a new policy in June that takes the position that BMI is an imperfect way to measure body fat in a clinical setting, in part as it "does not account for differences across racial and ethnic groups, sexes, genders, and age-span." So how did this calculated index that considers height, weight, and sex become so widely accepted? "It really got its origins from a Belgian statistician by the name of Adolphe Quetelet, who sought to initially determine what was considered to be normal weight status for white [Scottish] soldiers in the 1800s," said Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School. "This was not meant to be extrapolated to the population as a whole." Quetelet's goal, Stanford says, was to create an epidemiological tool by determining norms for the population. Besides collecting data on physical size, the statistician and sociologist also compiled numbers on births, deaths, and crime. In search of global averages, he created the "Quetelet Index" now known as the BMI, as a tool to estimate likelihood of serious disease or death based on how far an individual fell outside the average. BMI was first widely adopted, not by doctors, or even other sociologists, but by insurance companies in the 1930s and '40s. Its acceptance grew among health researchers and physicians after American physiologist Ancel Keys popularized the measurement in the 1970s following an expansion of Quetelet's original idea with further data collection. "Its simplicity and ease of collectionbasically weight and heightthose are measures that are pretty standardized and reliable over time," said Walter C. Willett, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "For tracking changes in populations over time, it's pretty much all we've got." However, critics of using BMIs in clinical settings, including Stanford, say the index is too reductive. "Working with an individual patient I say, "Let's look at who you are, as it relates to this number,'" Stanford said. "How does this number relate to your cholesterol values? How does this number relate to your blood sugar? How does this number relate to your liver function tests? How does this number relate to your ability to move and function? I want to get you to the happiest, healthiest weight for you. What is that number? I don't know." Others note that even when it comes to assessing body fat, BMI has significant limitations. "It is not a perfect measure of body fatness because it does not differentiate between fat mass and lean body mass, and it does not provide information on body fat distribution," said Frank Hu, the Fredrick J. Stare Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology and chair of the Department of Nutrition at the Chan School. "BMI should always be interpreted alongside other health parameters such as blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, etc." It's well known that excess body fat contributes to the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and various cancers. But weighing more doesn't necessarily mean higher levels of body fat. Extremely muscular individuals are often quite metabolically healthy despite having BMIs on the upper end of the spectrum. Hu said other methods of measuring body fat, like DEXA, or Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans, may be more suitable than BMI. "However, these alternative methods can be more challenging to obtain and interpret in clinical practice, as they require more time and training and/or special equipment," Hu added. He went on to say that overall, the discrepancies do not impact most of the population. "In an analysis of a nationally representative sample, we observed a strong correlation (0.90) between BMI with DEXA-measured body fat mass, consistent across different age, sex, and race groups," Hu said. For population research and studying large groups' health over time, "It's the basis for how we operate," Stanford said. But that shouldn't stop those considering lifestyle changes from speaking with their doctors about how best to track their own health. "Please compare yourself to no one but yourself," Stanford said. "I think that's the most salient advice that I can give. "There's a lot of stuff outside of our control," she added. "Have I done things to optimize my diet? Focus on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables? No? Maybe I should start thinking about that. Have I figured out what activity or activities bring me joy? Maybe put it in bite-sized pieces so it doesn't feel so big and overwhelming." This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu. 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: Optical coherence tomography angiography showing ocular vascular perfusion in intermediate uveitis: The upper images show the superficial and the lower images the deep retinal blood flow. The initial state is shown on the left and the state after disease worsening is shown on the right. The blood flow density has decreased in both the superficial and deep retinal layers. Credit: Nature Scientific Reports/ DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49926-0 An estimated 5% to 10% of blindness worldwide is due to the rare inflammatory eye disease uveitis. Intermediate uveitis is often associated with a chronic course of the disease and the need for immunosuppressive therapy. Intermediate uveitis primarily causes inflammation of the vitreous body, but blood flow to the retina can also be restricted. Researchers at the Eye Clinic of the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn have tested optical coherence tomography angiography as a new imaging monitoring method. The blood flow in the retinal vessels is associated with the severity of inflammation and allows conclusions to be drawn about the future course of the disease. Accordingly, this method could be used to monitor the disease and identify patients at risk of a future worsening of the disease. The results have now been published in Scientific Reports. Blurred vision and streaks in front of the eyethose affected by the rare disease intermediate uveitis have no pain. "But the consequences can be serious: About 5% to 10% of blindness worldwide is caused by uveitis. It is a rare disease and intermediate uveitis in particular is often associated with a long course of the disease and the need for immunosuppressive therapy," says Dr. Maximilian Wintergerst from the UKB Eye Clinic, who also conducts research at the University of Bonn. There are different forms of the disease. In the case of intermediate uveitis, it is primarily the vitreous body in the eye that becomes inflamed. This is the gelatinous mass that fills the eye. However, the retinal vessels can also be inflamed, as the research group at the UKB and the University of Bonn, among others, was able to show in preliminary work. Early detection of deterioration is important "It is important to recognize an increase in inflammatory activity in good time," says Wintergerst. This allows treatment to be adjusted if necessary, which can preserve visual acuity and prevent further complications. However, there are currently only a few objective parameters that can be used to reliably detect a worsening of the disease. Most criteria for assessing disease activity are based on clinical examination and are comparatively subjective and not always reliable. Therefore, researchers from the UKB Eye Clinic together with colleagues from Medical Biometry at the University Hospital Bonn investigated new high-resolution imaging-based methods to determine disease activity and complications in uveitis. "Objective markers of inflammatory activity could not only improve monitoring in everyday clinical practice, but would also provide additional quantitative endpoints for future randomized clinical trials," adds Wintergerst. "Optical coherence tomography angiography enables non-contact, non-invasive examination of the retina and the underlying choroid. The retina is scanned successively using harmless, weak laser light, which allows tomographic images of the individual retinal layers to be generated," explains Wintergerst. By comparing several images taken in quick succession, the blood flow can be detected, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the blood supply to the retinal vessels. The researchers from the UKB and the University of Bonn then calculated the blood flow density of the central retina and analyzed how this differs between eyes with stable disease, eyes with an increase in disease activity and eyes with a decrease in disease activity. The researchers examined a total of 52 study participants and were able to show that the blood flow density differed between the three groups examined. An increase in disease activity was associated with a decrease in blood flow density, while a decrease in disease activity was associated with an increase in blood flow density. Partial prediction of the future course of the disease possible In addition, the Bonn researchers used a statistical model, which included more than 300 eye examinations, to investigate the predictive power of current blood flow density for the future course of the disease. This showed that a reduced blood flow density was significantly associated with a future deterioration in central visual acuity. "In the future, the data obtained could enable us to identify patients with a high risk of disease progression at an earlier stage, for example in order to monitor them particularly closely," says Prof. Dr. Dr. Robert Finger, co-author of the study and now Director of the Eye Clinic at the University Medicine Mannheim (UMM). "We could use this parameter as an endpoint in future randomized clinical trials in order to potentially generate better evidence for the treatment of this rare disease." "In the current study, we show how objective parameters for disease activity in uveitis can be determined using high-resolution, digital non-invasive imaging," says Prof. Dr. Frank Holz, Director of the UKB Eye Clinic. "This is an important prerequisite for improving the monitoring of uveitis in the future." More information: Vessel density on optical coherence tomography angiography is prognostic for future disease course in intermediate uveitis, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49926-0. iovs.arvojournals.org/article. px?articleid=2787694 Journal information: Scientific Reports Sino-Thai friendship to boost development 09:40, January 30, 2024 By Yang Wanli ( China Daily Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (center) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (third from left), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, jointly attend a ceremony held in Bangkok on Monday for signing an agreement for the export of Thai agricultural products to China. WANG TENG/XINHUA Strengthened friendship and deepened cooperation between China and Thailand will further contribute to regional peace, stability and development, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday while meeting Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in Bangkok. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that China always sees Thailand as a priority in its diplomacy with neighboring countries and also appreciates the kingdom's contribution to peace and development in the region as well as the world. He said Srettha's decision to make China the first country outside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for an official visit after assuming office last year fully reflects the great importance that Thailand attaches to its relations with China, and has brought the traditional friendship even closer while deepening the long-standing tradition that "Chinese and Thais are of one family". "To join hands and accelerate the building of a community with a shared future for mankind will also bring a brighter future to the world," he said, adding that China will further boost tourism and continue to deepen trade and investment with Thailand. Wang also called for speeding up the construction of China-Thailand Railway, expressing expectations on the future of regional development under the improved connectivity. As China and Thailand are comprehensive strategic cooperative partners, the strengthening of mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation between them would provide further guarantee of peace in Asia and impetus for regional development, said Wang. During the meeting, Srettha stressed Thailand's firm commitment to the one-China principle. Referring to the mutual visa exemption agreement signed between the two countries on Sunday, Srettha said the pact will boost people-to-people exchanges and friendship between China and Thailand. "Thailand and China are one family and the mutual visa exemption will bring the ties even closer." High-level exchanges As for celebrating the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations next year, he said plans could be made in advance to maintain high-level exchanges and close cooperation in various fields for greater development of bilateral relations. Wang said China stands ready to maintain high-level exchanges with the Thai side, carry out closer people-to-people exchanges, and take the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries to a new level while looking forward to celebrations next year. During the meeting at the Government House on Monday, two documents on the export of Thai agricultural products to China were also signed. Wang paid an official visit to Thailand from Friday to Monday. During the visit, he also met Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand for the annual consultation, in which both sides reached important consensus on deepening the China-Thailand community with a shared future. He said Princess Sirindhorn is Chinese people's good and old friend, and has been awarded the Medal of Friendship, adding that she has visited China more than 50 times, facilitating deeper mutual understanding between the two peoples, and becoming a symbol of Sino-Thai friendship. On Sunday, Wang and Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of Thailand, co-chaired the first meeting of the consultation mechanism between the ministers of foreign affairs of Thailand and China. The meeting also discussed ways to further promote cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, culture, tourism, people-to-people contact, connectivity facilitation, and security issues. Xinhua contributed to the story. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) At about a dozen high schools across the city Tuesday, Chicago Public Schools students held walkouts to demand aldermen vote in favor of a cease-fire resolution scheduled for the City Council on Wednesday. After a contentious delay last week, the vote is expected to be heated. Co-sponsored by Ald. Rossana Rodriguez, 33rd, and Ald. Daniel La Spata, 1st, the resolution, demands President Joe Biden and the U.S. Congress call for and facilitate a permanent cease-fire to end the ongoing violence in Gaza; call for humanitarian assistance including medicine, food and water, to be sent into the impacted region; and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. About 300 students spilled out of Lane Tech High School at noon, gathering for speeches before marching across a grassy expanse in front of Chicagos largest high school. Sophomore Niani Darden said she was moved by the turnout the largest mobilization of students at the school that shes seen. Obviously theres a problem and were actually acknowledging it, she said. I think the thing thats really important is that a lot of us think that we dont really make a difference, because were in Chicago and were very far from the Gaza Strip. But we definitely can, Darden said of the students demand that aldermen support the cease-fire resolution in City Council Wednesday. CPS high school students sit in the City Hall to call for a cease-fire in Israel-Hamas War on Jan. 30, 2024. Several dozen students gathered outside Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, holding red and green cardboard signs. They marched, circling the campus as they chanted Free Palestine. Other students peered through the windows of their classrooms as the group passed by. Eisha Aly, speaking through a megaphone, offered statistics about the conflict. Weve seen bloody, wounded children, the 18-year-old said. Palestinians live in constant fear of being killed. Senior Eisha Aly leads Whitney Young High School students in chants during a walkout in support of a cease-fire resolution in Israel-Hamas War on Jan. 30, 2024, before a planned City Council vote on Jan. 31. At Jones College Prep in the South Loop, students fixed keffiyehs on one another in the lobby as they prepared to head out the doors for a walkout around 2 p.m. Alexander Huynh, a senior at Jones College Prep, said she was happy to walk out of her study hall period early. Im out here because whats happening is wrong, said Huynh, who turns 18 next week. Theres a genocide going on and we need to stop it. There needs to be awareness about this. Us students, young people we pay attention, Huynh said. More than 20 students from Curie High School marched to Jones College Prep, chanting From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free as they joined forces before heading together to City Hall in hundreds. Students from Lane Tech College Prep High School walk out during the school day to call on their aldermen to vote in favor of a cease-fire in Israel-Hamas War on Jan. 30, 2024. Ald. Ruth Cruz, 33rd, who represents Chicago Academy High School, supports the resolution calling for a cease-fire. Ald. Debra Silverstein, 50th, the councils lone Jewish member, has pushed for changes big and small in support of Israel, including lobbying for the removal of support for a U.N. cease-fire resolution opposed by the federal government. At a City Hall news conference Tuesday, Silverstein shared support for an opposing resolution sponsored by Ald. Raymond Lopez, 15th, calling only for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Outside City Hall, hundreds of high schoolers participating in the walkout marched down LaSalle Street. Roughly 250 protesters entered the building and held an hourlong sit-in on its lower level. Lukas Sheves, an 18-year-old senior at Jones College Prep, said the student-led demonstration speaks to the power young people possess in holding adults in office accountable. It tells them that they need to start paying more attention, Sheves said outside City Hall. I think people forget that Chicago is made up of so many different groups and we have the largest diaspora outside of Palestine of Palestinians in America. We cant just not acknowledge what Palestinians have been experiencing for over 75 years. And that is why we need to have protests like this. That is why we need to stand up like this. More than 26,000 people have died since Israeli airstrikes intensified in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, according to Gaza health authorities and Associated Press reporting. Children are bearing ghastly wounds of war, James Elder, a spokesperson for UNICEF, a United Nations program that provides humanitarian aid to children worldwide, told journalists in December. According to a December UNICEF briefing, at least 1,000 children in Gaza have lost one or both of their legs and deaths of youngsters from disease will likely surpass those from bombardment in the absence of a ceasefire. Without food, water, shelter and sanitation in Gaza, a rampant combination of soaring malnutrition and diarrhea may prove deadly, UNICEF said. Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in November. Ahead of the walkout, CPS sent families an email that the district was working with principals at schools where walkouts were planned to ensure students can express their First Amendment rights safely and to provide materials to guide classroom discussions about the war. At a Monday news conference, the Chicago Teachers Union joined other labor unions in calling for a cease-fire. But the union advised teachers that Chicago Board of Education employees must remain in their assigned divisions or classes during any student-taken civic action unless school leadership determines that staff member supervision might be necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of students, according to an email sent to union members and obtained by the Tribune. Tribune reporter Alysa Guffey contributed. smacaraeg@chicagotribune.com zsyed@chicagotribune.com jsheridan@chicagotribune.com karmanini@chicagotribune.com 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: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Non-Hispanic Indigenous people in the United States die by suicide at higher rates than any other racial or ethnic group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The suicide rate among Montana's Native American youth is more than five times the statewide rate for the same age group, according to the Montana Budget and Policy Center. Montana ranked third-worst among states for suicide deaths in 2020, and 25% of all suicides in the state from 2017 through 2021 were among Native Americans, even though they represent only 6.5% of the state's population. Despite decades of research into suicide prevention, suicide rates among Indigenous people have remained stubbornly high, especially among Indigenous people ages 10 to 24, according to the CDC. Experts say that's because the national strategy for suicide prevention isn't culturally relevant or sensitive to Native American communities' unique values. Suicide rates have increased among other racial and ethnic minorities, too, but to lesser degrees. Systemic issues and structural inequities, including underfunded and under-resourced services from the federal Indian Health Service, also hamper suicide prevention in Indigenous communities. Mary Cwik, a psychologist and senior scientist at the Center for Indigenous Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, said the systemic shortcomings MorningStar has witnessed are symptoms of a national strategy that isn't compatible with Indigenous value systems. "It is not clear that the creation of the national strategy had Indigenous voices informing the priorities," Cwik said. The cause of high suicide rates in Indigenous communities is complex. Native Americans often live with the weight of more adverse childhood experiences than other populationsthings such as emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, substance misuse, mental illness, parental separation or divorce, incarceration, and poverty. Those adverse experiences stack upon intergenerational trauma caused by racial discrimination, colonization, forced relocation, and government-sanctioned abduction to boarding schools that persisted until the 1970s. "There's no way that communities shaped by these forces for so long will get rid of their problems fast by medical services. A lot of people in Indian Country struggle to retain hope. It's easy to conclude that nothing can fix it," said Joseph P. Gone, a professor of anthropology and global health and social medicine at Harvard University and member of the Gros Ventre (Aaniiih) tribal nation of Montana. Most tribal nations are interested in collaborative research, but funding for such work is hard to come by, said Gone. So is funding for additional programs and services. Stephen O'Connor, who leads the suicide prevention research program at the Division of Services and Intervention Research at the National Institute of Mental Health, said, "Given the crisis of suicide in Native American populations, we need more funding and continued sustained funding for research in this area." Getting grants for scientific research from NIMH, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, can be challenging, especially for smaller tribes, he said. Officials at the NIMH and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said that they continue to build research partnerships with tribal nations and that they recently launched new grants and multiple programs that are culturally informed and evidence-based to reduce suicide in tribal communities. NIMH researchers are even adjusting a commonly used suicide screening tool to incorporate more culturally appropriate language for Indigenous people. Teresa Brockie, an associate professor at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, is one of a small but growing number of researchers, many of whom are Indigenous, who study suicide prevention and intervention strategies that respect Indigenous beliefs and customs. Those strategies include smudgingthe practice of burning medicinal plants to cleanse and connect people with their creator. Without this understanding, research is hampered because people in tribal communities have "universal mistrust of health care and other colonized systems that have not been helpful to our people or proven to be supportive," said Brockie, a member of Fort Belknap reservation's Aaniiih Tribe. Brockie is leading one of the first randomized controlled trials studying Indigenous people at Fort Peck. The project aims to reduce suicide risk by helping parents and caregivers deal with their own stress and trauma and develop positive coping skills. It's also working to strengthen children's tribal identity, connectivity, and spirituality. In 2015, she reported on a study she led in 2011 to collect suicide data at the Fort Peck reservation in northeastern Montana. She found that adverse childhood experiences have a cumulative effect on suicide risk and also that tribal identity, strong connections with friends and family, and staying in school were protective against suicide. In Arizona, Cwik is collaborating with the White Mountain Apache Tribe to help leaders there evaluate the impact of a comprehensive suicide surveillance system they created. So far, the program has reduced the overall Apache suicide rate by 38.3 % and the rate among young people ages 15 to 24 by 23%, according to the American Public Health Association. Several tribal communities are attempting to implement a similar system in their communities, said Cwik. Still, many tribal communities rely on limited mental health resources available through the Indian Health Service. One person at IHS is tasked with addressing suicide across almost 600 tribal nations. Pamela End of Horn, a social worker and national suicide prevention consultant at IHS, said the Department of Veterans Affairs "has a suicide coordinator in every medical center across the U.S., plus case managers, and they have an entire office dedicated to suicide prevention. In Indian Health Service it is just me and that's it." End of Horn, a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, blames politics for the discrepancy. "Tribal leaders are pushing for more suicide prevention programs but lack political investment. The VA has strong proactive activities related to suicide and the backing of political leaders and veterans' groups," she said. It is also hard to get mental health professionals to work on remote reservations, while VA centers tend to be in larger cities. Even if more mental health services were available, they can be stigmatizing, re-traumatizing, and culturally incongruent for Indigenous people. Many states are using creative strategies to stop suicide. A pilot project by the Rural Behavioral Health Institute screened more than 1,000 students in 10 Montana schools from 2020 to 2022. The governor of Montana is hoping to use state money to expand mental health screening for all schools. Experts say the kinds of strategies best suited to prevent suicide among Native Americans should deliver services that reflect their diversity, traditions, and cultural and language needs. 2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Does living near a hospital make you more likely to get the health care you need? Even though the federal government requires nonprofit hospitals to regularly assess the health needs of their surrounding communities and publicly post a plan to address those concerns, many people living nearby struggle to get basic health care. We are a political scientist and an urban sociologist who study how hospitals interact with and shape the communities in which they are located. As we explain in our book, "The City and the Hospital," most top-ranked hospitals in the U.S. aren't doing enough in this regard. A paradox for local communities Despite living in the shadow of world-class medical facilities, people residing in these communities often have poor health. We call this the paradox of medically overserved communities. Many nonprofit hospitals amass revenues in the millions and even billions. This economic power, coupled with their stated missions to take care of their local community, positions most of them well to benefit the neighborhoods surrounding their campuses. Urban hospitals tend to be centrally located; residents of these city centers tend to be low income, and many of them are disproportionately Black and Latino. Using census data, we found that the neighborhoods around our case sites were, overall, less white, had lower household incomes, lower property values and greater vacancy rates than the rest of their cities. They also had worse health. Worse off in terms of health To better understand how hospitals serve local populations, we and our colleague, medical sociologist Berkeley Franz, conducted over 200 interviews. We spoke with local residents, hospital administrators, business owners and health care advocates. Our conversations focused on three American hospitals: the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, Hartford Hospital in Connecticut and the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora. Like these three, about half of U.S. hospitals are nonprofits. In all three cities, these neighborhoods had lower rates of health insurance compared with citywide and national averages. And so, when looking at a map, these neighborhoods might appear to have greater access to health care than, for example, those living in rural communities. This is not the case. We found that Americans residing in a census tract next to those three hospitals were actually more likely to be in poorer health than their fellow city dwellers. We examined 12 key health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and mental illness. Local residents were faring worse than city averages 64% of the time and worse than national averages 80% of the time. Vague mandate Nonprofit hospitals get tax exemptions because the Internal Revenue Service recognizes that the promotion of health is a charitable mission that serves the public good. Because for-profit hospitals pay all applicable taxes, they are not subject to these IRS requirements. Nonprofit hospitals save billions every year in federal, state and local taxes. But they are required to spend some of their money to provide what the government calls "community benefit." How much should these hospitals spend? Until now, the authorities have not specified an amount or percentage of a hospital's revenues or profits. The IRS test for community benefit is vague. It requires that hospitals make "investments" that are "broad enough to benefit the community" and must "serve a public rather than a private interest." Although providing charity care isn't the only contribution hospitals make to their communities, it's an important one. And in 2020, when the question was last looked at closely, nonprofit hospitals' charity care totaled US$16 billionduring a year when they got $28.1 billion in tax breaks. Some hospitals do little to nothing to meet this goal. The U.S. Government Accountability Office, a government watchdog, found 30 nonprofit hospitals that got tax breaks in 2016 despite reporting no spending on community benefits at all. And although hospitals are required to report their community benefit activities to the IRS every three years, the government agency "was unable to provide evidence that it did so because it did not have a well-documented process to ensure those activities were being reviewed," the GAO said in 2023. Community benefit People living near hospitals complained, as you might expect, about blaring sirens, helicopters and traffic. We also heard confusion over hospitals' responsibilities toward their local community. Local residents often told us they expected more from hospitals than other neighborhood institutions. As Mansfield Frazier, a Cleveland community advocate, put it, the Cleveland Clinic is "not in the business of making widgets. They're in the business of promoting health." On the other hand, hospital administrators at the three hospitals we studied insist that they spend generously to improve their local communities. One Cleveland Clinic administrator, for example, lamented, "There are some people who think it is our job to repair potholes on their streets." In terms of "how well hospitals invest in community health," a health-focused think tank, the Lown Institute, graded our three hospitals as average: Hartford Hospital earned a B grade, and the University of Colorado Hospital and the vaunted Cleveland Clinic both earned a C. The American Hospital Association has responded to these assessments by criticizing Lown's methods and data. Most notably, it accuses Lown of "cherry-picking," insisting that delivering "life-saving treatments" and educating newly graduated physicians should be considered part of "community benefit." Such activities are generally not considered part of hospitals' broader nonprofit obligations because they are paid for the medical care they deliver and the physicians they train. 'Appetite for land' Residents of the three neighborhoods where we conducted our research often noted their local hospital's prominence. But they also said they felt unwelcome there, using words like "behemoth," "intimidating" and "imposing" when describing them. They also told us they were upset when the hospitals purchased neighborhood homes and other buildings and razed them for new facilities. In Hartford, residents pointed to an example of how the hospital bought a family-run funeral home that had catered to the local Latino community and then turned it into a parking lot. The local community expressed similar concerns about the Cleveland Clinic's "appetite for land," which threatened the future of the neighborhood's historic churches. We also heard concerns over unfair billing practices that echoed what The New York Times has foundthat overcharging patients entitled to free care is perhaps more common than previously believed. In all three communities, people told us they avoided their local, prominent hospitals because of fears of the financial burden a visit would yield. Many local residents said they saw less celebrated hospitals that were farther from home as safer options in terms of what they expected to pay. An unfulfilled promise When Congress passed the Affordable Care Act in 2010, it reasserted the idea that nonprofit hospitals should provide substantial benefits to communities in exchange for their tax exemptions. That hasn't happened. Scholars widely agree there's no evidence that nonprofit hospitals have generally done more to benefit their local communities with the ACA than they did without it. Yet a lack of oversight has meant that hospitals have rarely faced penalties for noncompliance. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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: Linda Perrotti, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at UTA and senior author of the study. Credit: University of Texas at Arlington Previous studies focused on cocaine use have found that women are more likely than men to develop an addiction, try cocaine at a younger age, use larger amounts of the drug, and suffer from overdose. Now, a new study from researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington in the journal Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior finally validates what scientists have long suspected: The female sex hormone estradiol (a synthetic version of the naturally occurring estrogen) is responsible for why women are more susceptible to cocaine addiction than men. "For the first time, we have shown that estradiol enhances the cocaine-conditioned reward," said Linda Perrotti, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at UTA and senior author of the study. "Our research fills a significant gap in the knowledge of drug addiction, and it provides a crucial link to understanding how fluctuating hormone levels can cause females to be more sensitive to the rewarding effects of cocaine." Co-authors include UTA student researchers Ross J. Armant, Blake N. Brady, Houda H. Chamseddine, Adam C. Hoch and Saubabh Kokane, and research technicians Brandon D. Butler, Clinton S. Coelho and Josimar Hernandez Antonio. Using a well-established research technique called conditioned-place preference, researchers found higher levels of sensitivity among females that fluctuated depending on where they were in their reproductive cycles. "In particular, we have now demonstrated that females have a higher sensitivity to the acute rewarding effects of cocaine in relation to where they were in their cycle," Perrotti said. "This research gives us a new understanding of how the brain reacts to cocaine, providing invaluable information on cocaine use and dependence in humans." More information: Saurabh S. Kokane et al, Interactions between estradiol and ERK, but not mTOR, signaling is necessary for enhanced cocaine-induced conditioned place preference in female rats, Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173653 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: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, The BMJ has launched a forward-looking series that highlights the lessons that can be learned from the US's COVID-19 experience and the actions that are needed to prevent the loss of another million citizens in the next pandemic and improve and protect population health. The articles, written by leading clinicians and researchers across the US, explore topics such as how systemic racism and economic inequality contributed to COVID-19 disparities; mass incarceration and poor prison health as a driver of the pandemic; labor market inequalities; and the impact of "the hollowing of the state" (the diminished role of the public sector). The authors call for a set of crucial systemic reforms, which they believe should be central to the manifestos of the 2024 US presidential candidates. Importantly, the aim of the series is not to assign blamethere is plenty to go aroundbut to look to the future and lay out critical steps that need to be taken to transform US public health and preparedness and improve population health more broadly. In an editorial to launch the series, guest editors Gavin Yamey at the Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University and Ana V. Diez Roux at Drexel University Urban Health Collaborative explain how during the devastating global COVID-19 pandemic, the United States suffered "eye-wateringly high" death rates compared to its peer nations. The 1.16 million Americans killed by COVID-19 represent 16% of global deaths in a nation with 4% of the world's population, they write. About 300,000 children are estimated to have lost one or both parents, and there is a substantial burden of long COVID. The series documents the many complex, inter-related causes of the poor US pandemic response, underpinned by two key contexts. The first is the nation's pre-existing structural and systemic features, which contributed to devastating pandemic outcomes. These include gaps in health care and public health systems, the absence of social safety nets and workplace protections, ingrained social inequality, and systemic racism. "These are key reasons why the nation suffered higher COVID-19 mortality rates than its more equal counterparts, and why pandemic death in the US was so closely patterned by social class and race," write the authors. The second is that while the US had many scientific resources, the government showed a troubling inability to generate reliable information, communicate it in a timely and consistent manner, and translate it into sound policy. These failures began at the top, argue Yamey and Diez Roux. President Trump lied frequently about the pandemic, and his suggestion of using bleach to fight COVID-19 "came to symbolize the chaotic presidential communications in the pandemic's first year." Poor communication of existing evidence also contributed to confusion and delayed actions. Such communication missteps is one reason for the partisan difference in how quickly states acted to institute public health protections and in excess death rates during the pandemic, especially in the period since vaccines became available. Poor communication of evidence also led to inappropriate actions, they add. For example, even after studies had shown that transmission by fomites (objects and surfaces) was rare and transmission outdoors was much less common than indoors, some municipalities or states kept parks, playgrounds, and beaches closed. And after research had shown that schools could be reopened safely with basic public health measures, too many jurisdictions kept schools online only. What's more, the communication failures were compounded by federalismthe division of power between the national government and the 50 US stateswhich ensured that the COVID-19 response depended on post code, showing the limits of federalism in the face of a deadly pandemic. Yet despite these failures, they note that the pandemic also showed the US how a different role of government and society in protecting health is possible. For instance, as well as rapid vaccine development, which was publicly funded, strategies such as expanded unemployment benefits, food assistance programs, expanded child health insurance coverage and Medicaid enrollment, and federal funding for public school upgrades, were put in place that helped to curb suffering and death. "Of special relevance to the 2024 US Presidential election, they illustrate how a range of government actions, beyond health insurance, can be critical to protecting health in the next pandemic and beyond," they conclude. In the first article of the series, David Michaels at George Washington University and colleagues consider how COVID-19 affected frontline workers in the US and what needs to be done to ensure they are better protected in future. They argue that COVID-19 disproportionately affected low wage workers who had to leave home and go to work to keep society functioning, and say actions by US occupational and public health agencies fell far short of what was needed to make workplaces safe during the pandemic. They acknowledge that temporary social and economic interventions during the pandemic provided some relief to these workers, but say protecting worker health in the next pandemic requires action now for paid family and medical leave, better social supports, and better workplace protection policies. 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: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain An analysis published in the British Medical Journal examines the risks faced by frontline workers in the United States during the pandemic and suggests reforms that could protect population health and save lives. The piece is the first of a series of articles on US lessons learned during the pandemic. Lead author Professor David Michaels at the George Washington University and his colleagues note that from the onset laws and regulations in the United States inadequately protected frontline workers. The gaps allowed a rapid spread of disease in US workplaces like meat packing plants. At the same time, these essential workers were rarely seen as a population that needed special attention or protections. "The consequences of these failures were appalling and led to tens of thousands of deaths in frontline workers," said Michaels, who is a professor of environmental and occupational health at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. "The risk of exposure was exacerbated by race- and labor-related economic inequality, resulting in disproportionally more of the nation's Black and Hispanic workers being killed or sickened by the virus." Michaels also served as the administrator for the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration from 2009 to 2017, the longest serving administrator in the agency's history. Key findings from the analysis: COVID-19 disproportionately affected workers who had to go to work to keep society functioning Low-wage Black and Hispanic workers who could not work from home were disproportionately affected Actions by US occupational and public health agencies fell far short of what was needed to make workplaces safe during the pandemic Protecting worker health in the next pandemic requires action now for paid family and medical leave, better social supports and better workplace protections The analysis, US workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: uneven risks, protections and predictable consequences, was authored by Michaels, Emily Spieler at Northeastern University School of Law and Gregory Wagner at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. More information: US workers during the covid-19 pandemic: uneven risks, inadequate protections, and predictable consequences, BMJ (2024). Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ) 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: With more than 30 churches in the small cities of Pahokee and Belle Glade alone, this region provided a good fit for testing a faith-based approach to increasing knowledge and reducing risk. Credit: Florida Atlantic University The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) is disproportionately high among rural, racially/ethnically diverse older residents. In fact, they face up to an 80% greater risk of cognitive impairment in older age, and 2.5 times potentially preventable ADRD-related hospitalizations compared to urban dwellers. It is estimated that early and accurate diagnosis in the mild cognitive impairment stage could save up to $7 trillion in patients' health and long-term care costs by 2050. To address these health disparities in rural underserved populations, researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and collaborators employed an innovative study at the Southern tip of Florida's Lake Okeechobee. The "Glades" is comprised of four small farming cities with about 50,000 residents who are primarily African American, Hispanic and Afro-Caribbean. With more than 30 churches in the cities of Pahokee and Belle Glade alone, this region provided a good fit for testing their faith-based approach. Researchers adapted "Faith Moves Mountains," a protocol developed by Nancy E. Schoenberg, Ph.D., used for cancer screening and detection in rural Appalachia, for cognitive decline in rural Floridians. The objective of the study was to increase basic ADRD knowledge, early detection and intervention, and to determine if race/ethnicity, older age, female gender, lower educational levels, and more years lived rurally and alone would predict the number of referrals, new dementia diagnoses and treatment. Results of the study, published in the journal Aging & Mental Health, showed that referrals and years lived rural were significant and positive predictors of new ADRD treatments, respectively, regardless of participant characteristics. Years living in the Glades and African American and Afro-Caribbean ethnicity were significantly related to higher referral rates following screening for cognitive decline. For the study, local faith community members were trained as research assistants to recruit, administer surveys, conduct brief memory assessments, teach brain health strategies, and follow-up with residents. Church leaders introduced the study through the area-wide church council. A church pastoral leader initiated the 20-minute "power-teaching" group sessions with a prayer, which often was accompanied by hymns. Outreaches were offered virtually during the pandemic, then in-person monthly at rotating church sites and repeated one year later. The brief Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Mini-MoCA) instrument was used to screen for mild cognitive dysfunction to test fluency, orientation and recall. Findings showed that ADRD diagnoses increased from 0.9% pre-intervention to 24.3 percent post-intervention. Of the 235 total participants, 55.3% received a referral for additional cognitive testing, diagnosis and treatment as appropriate. African Americans had lower Mini-MoCA recall scores and Afro-Caribbean participants had lower Mini-MoCA fluency scores than non-Hispanic white participants. African American and Afro-Caribbean participants had higher odds of being referred to a primary care provider than white non-Hispanic participants. In addition, there was a substantial increase from pre- to post-test basic knowledge AD, which was significantly different by ethnic group. The largest increase in basic knowledge was seen in Afro-Caribbean participants and the smallest increase was seen in African American participants. "Rural populations are likely to be less informed about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias due to limited access to education, public awareness campaigns and health care as well as limited digital literacy and insufficient access to the internet," said Lisa K. Wiese, Ph.D., senior author and an associate professor, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. Contrary to published evidence that racially and ethnically diverse middle age and older adults are unwilling to participate in cognitive screening, researchers found their faith-based approach was successful in engaging rural residents in learning about risk factors and risk reduction. "There are many benefits of early screening, such as distinguishing symptoms from other potentially preventable causes, allowing for time to initiate medications to manage symptoms that are more effective when started earlier in the disease process, and providing time for long-term care planning," said Christine L. Williams, DNSc, co-author and professor emeritus, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. Importantly, this community-based effort is now being sustained independently of this research, with support by Palm Health Foundation, and a robust group continues to meet weekly to pursue the goals of increasing brain health awareness, educational interventions, chronic disease screenings and follow-up. "An effective faith-based community approach grounded in trust between research teams and rural residents will be particularly important as the rapidly emerging science of ADRD prevention, detection and treatment is expected to produce important breakthroughs," said Wiese. "Ultimately, we need to 'build hope for quality of life while living with ADRD,' particularly in often-forgotten rural settings." More information: Lisa Kirk Wiese et al, Testing the 'Faith Moves Mountains model' to increase Alzheimer's disease awareness, detection, and diagnosis among rural, racially, and ethnically diverse older adults, Aging & Mental Health (2023). DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2294062 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: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Health care providers are learning critical new information to help improve care for patients with long COVID, thanks to a pair of recent studies out of the Post-COVID-19 Program at UT Health Austin, the clinical practice of Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. Over the past several months, UT researchers have edged closer to defining the pattern of symptoms it generates and how it affects patients, as well as developing methods to differentiate patients suffering from long COVID versus other conditions. While consensus around the clinical definition is evolving, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines long COVID as symptoms and conditions of COVID-19 that linger for weeks, months or even years after a person's initial infection. Even people who had no symptoms when they were infected can develop symptoms later. "These research efforts are instrumental for both clinicians and health systems in grasping the complexities of long COVID, and as part of providing the highest possible care for patients," said W. Michael Brode, M.D., medical director of the Post-COVID-19 Program. Brode highlighted that long COVID, which occurs in approximately 10% of COVID-19 cases, remains a challenge. "Our research is not only refining the definition and treatment needs for long COVID, but also demonstrating the effectiveness of innovative testing methods," said Brode, who is also an assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at Dell Med. "These methods are capable of identifying and diagnosing long COVID's common issues, even when traditional tests fall short." Clinical characteristics of long COVID patients Research published in Scientific Reports aims to understand the experiences of long COVID patients to improve services at specialized post-COVID clinics. The study of 252 patients found that they experienced complex and disabling symptoms regardless of the severity of their initial infection, age, gender, or if they had pre-existing health problems. Patients reported a median of 18 new symptoms after recovering from COVID-19 illness. The most common were fatigue (89%), "brain fog" (89%), and difficulty concentrating (77%). Almost half displayed mild cognitive dysfunction on testing, and 65% of patients rated their mental health and 73% their physical health as "fair" or "poor." The disease significantly affected patients' ability to work, with a decrease in full-time employment and an increase in unemployment rates. Metabolic fingerprinting to distinguish long COVID from fibromyalgia Another study, done in collaboration with researchers at Ohio State University, introduces a blood test that can differentiate between patients suffering from fibromyalgia versus long COVID with 100% accuracy. Published in Biomedicines, the study presents a promising approach for differentiating between long COVID and fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping symptoms that tend to overlap with long COVID. Neither condition currently has a diagnostic test. The study involved 100 adult patients, half diagnosed with long COVID and half with fibromyalgia. Researchers found a distinct chemical marker in the blood of fibromyalgia patients, which was absent in those with long COVID. The blood test is quick and could easily be conducted in clinics, potentially leading to quicker and more accurate diagnoses, according to Brode. "We hope findings can not only enhance our understanding of long COVID but also pave the way for targeted diagnostics and interventions," said Brode. "Millions of Americans are still living with the scars of the pandemic, and we hope to translate these insights into tangible health care solutions." More information: Rija Aziz et al, Clinical characteristics of Long COVID patients presenting to a dedicated academic post-COVID-19 clinic in Central Texas, Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48502-w Kevin V. Hackshaw et al, Metabolic Fingerprinting for the Diagnosis of Clinically Similar Long COVID and Fibromyalgia Using a Portable FT-MIR Spectroscopic Combined with Chemometrics, Biomedicines (2023). DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102704 Journal information: Scientific Reports Missoulas former city library is soon to be replaced with a new structure, but developers of the site are still getting public input on what to build next on the block. The Missoula Redevelopment Agency held an open house at the new Missoula Public Library on Monday evening to show off prospective building ideas and give viewers the chance to comment about what should be there. The project could break ground as soon as 2025, according to a timeline given at the meeting. First, the management team must agree on a final design and obtain the appropriate permits. The project will also draw funds from the areas Tax Increment Financing district. The city took over the land in 2019 after the Payne family donated the 300 block of East Main Street. In fall 2023, the city finalized its agreement with the development team, and started working with different city agencies to narrow down options. Annie Gorski, the deputy director of the redevelopment agency, said the door is wide open for ideas on the city block, which is owned by the city and will be developed jointly by the groups Edlen & Co and deChase Miksis. The two developers have largely worked in Portland, Oregon and Boise, Idaho. They will work with local group A&E Architects, who built the Missoula Public Library. Gorski said what is likely set in stone is the demolition of the old library building. With the age of the structure, and the cost to renovate, it just doesnt make sense to keep it, Gorski said, adding that the block is currently zoned to have a 10-story building. Despite the open opportunity to build a Montana-sized skyscraper, Gorski said the development hopes to keep a similar style to that of the surrounding buildings. Portland-based developer Jill Sherman said the pressure is high to deliver a building that people can agree on. It is a pretty big opportunity downtown, especially across the street from (the new library building), Sherman said. Many of the ideas shown at the meeting all images of similar projects by the developers included both mixed-use housing, commercial offices and retail space. Organizers dedicated two boards just for specific home-layout preferences, like a full- or half-bath and in-house laundry. Theres still some big questions to work out, including whether the city will sell or lease the land once a design is finalized. Gorski said that will depend on input from the developer and negotiation with the city. Design could play a part too. For example, if a child care center is in the building, it could need to be kept below market rate and leased, Gorski said. A building with mixed-use development and market-value apartments or townhouses could make a strong argument for selling the land. Whatever the case, the city and developers are still weighing options like affordable housing, businesses, parking, a central grocery store and other ideas brought by area residents. County resident Joe Loos said because the property is owned by the city, it should be a prime location for affordable housing. He added that senior housing could be another option, but he argued selling the land would likely make it more expensive. Resident Zola Kell liked all of the housing options and stressed the importance of building public transportation options downtown. Kell said the city has too long catered to cars and should instead make bus and other transportation options more accessible. This is the urban core of our city, Kell said. We are a better city if we divest from cars as much as possible. Gorski said the final plan for the project is still months out, and the partnership is still accepting comments and recommendations for the final vision. To get more information on the old library block, visit the city website at engagemissoula.com/library-block. The Lolo National Forest is moving closer to pitching ideas to the public and taking feedback on them about how it should revise the overarching plan that guides management of its 2 million acres in western Montana. The U.S. Forest Service is poised to release a proposed action on Wednesday for revising the Lolo's decades-old land management plan, commonly known as a forest plan. The agency stated last week that it planned to release a slew of documents online and in the Federal Register Wednesday, Jan. 31, before kicking off a month of public engagement on the proposed action beginning Thursday, Feb. 1. Wednesday's document release will also mark the beginning of the agency's formal scoping process for plan revision, and it kicks off a 60-day public comment period anticipated to start Thursday. The agency prefers that comments be submitted via the plan revision website at fs.usda.gov/goto/lolo/planrevision. Mailed comments can be sent to Lolo National Forest Supervisors Office, Attn: Lolo Plan Revision Team, 24 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT, 59804. The agency will hold a series of meetings throughout February to help the public understand the proposed action and provide feedback. In a Jan. 19 interview, Lolo National Forest Supervisor Carolyn Upton said that the meetings would help interested parties take a "medium dive" into the documents, primarily to help people navigate them to find the documents or sections that contain material they're interested in. That will help people take deep dives on their own into the topics they're interested in. Meetings begin with a "proposed action orientation webinar" held 57 p.m. Thursday. The online-only event will discuss what materials are contained in the proposed action, how to comment, where the agency is in the plan revision process and what steps come next in plan revision. The agency will hold two in-person meetings and one virtual meeting to review the proposed action itself. The agency will hold a meeting in St. Regis from 46 p.m. on Feb. 13 at the St. Regis Community Center, located at 230 Lobo Loop. Another meeting will be held in Missoula, 57 p.m. Feb. 15 at the University of Montana's Alice Lund Instructional Auditorium inside the Phyllis J. Washington School of Education building on UM's campus. The online meeting will be held 57 p.m. Feb. 20 via Zoom. Online meetings, instructions for attending by phone, meeting archives, documents and other information about the plan revision are also available on the plan revision website, in addition to instructions on how to comment and contact information for the plan revision team. The Lolo's proposed action and progress in overall plan revision comes as a variety of recreation, conservation and wilderness advocacy groups have brought attention to forest plan revision on the adjacent Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, which borders the Lolo over the state line in Idaho. The two forests share the storied Great Burn area west of Missoula and the Hoodoo Recommended Wilderness Area therein. The so-called Nez-Clear is nearing the end of its revision process and could implement a new plan this year. The new Nez-Clear plan released last month would reshape the Idaho side of the Hoodoo RWA to allow snowmobiles and snowbikes in areas they've been barred from since 2012, including some that directly abut the Lolo in Montana. And it would allow mountain bikes on the Stateline Trail that repeatedly crosses between the states and forests along the ridge line that separates the two undoing a similar 2012 prohibition. The Lolo barred winter motorized recreation from its side of the Hoodoo RWA in the 1990s, but, in contrast to the Nez-Clear's 2012 rule on bicycles, the Lolo allows bicycles on its side of the RWA. Critics of the new Nez-Clear plan fear that changes to the Hoodoo RWA's boundary on that forest could force the Lolo to change its side to match. Upton said that cross-boundary continuity is a consideration but it might not happen, and any possible changes to the shape of the Hoodoo RWA on the Lolo or recreation management would be influenced by more than just what the Nez-Clear does on its side. As some wilderness and wildlife advocates gear up to make sure recommended wilderness isn't altered or shrunk on the Lolo, groups advocating for mechanized or motorized recreation access are hoping to at least retain, or possibly regain, access in key areas. The Lolo National Forest envelops the Missoula area and stretches west and southwest to Idaho, making it one of the primary recreation destinations for the area. The forest also contains critical habitat and connectivity areas for the federally protected grizzly bear and bull trout. There's also habitat for wolverine and whitebark pine, two species listed under the Endangered Species Act last year. The Lolo is operating on its original forest plan from 1986 but aims to have a new plan in place in about three years. The revision process began in January 2023. That summer, a regional plan revision team spearheading the process took comments on a draft assessment of possible changes to the plan, and the Region 1 office released a list of species of conservation concern on the forest. A forest plan is the overarching document that outlines objectives and guides decision-making by Forest Service officials. The plan is a framework for how agency officials address everything from plant and animal diversity on the landscape to how a specific area is prioritized for recreation access, logging or conservation. It can guide which areas receive more, or less, active management. The plan is like a zoning code for the national forest; it does not propose, approve or deny specific projects. After releasing a proposed action for revising the plan, the Forest Service then moves to develop alternatives for plan revision. Comments on the proposed action help the agency develop alternatives. The proposed action and alternatives are then scrutinized through an environmental impact statement (EIS). An eventual proposed action that comes out of the EIS process, honed over a year or so of analysis and public input, may include elements of various alternatives. "I dont want to develop alternatives and bring them to the public," Upton said. "I want to develop them with the public or have the public develop them and bring them to me." There are 187 studies on impact of education choice and the results are overwhelming. If you had these odds, youd buy a lottery ticket. This is the week each year that we celebrate education choice. Those across the political spectrum have recognized the need to provide kids with more options, whether they be public, private, religious, charter or magnet. Education choice means all the above. It does not mean shutting down public schools. As of March 2023, there have been nearly 190 studies on the impact of education choice. Researchers have looked at fiscal effects, parent satisfaction, test scores, attainment, civic values, school safety and racial integration. Remarkably, 84% of studies show a positive effect, 10% show no impact, and 6% show a negative result. Studies were completed in red states and blue states, in those rural and urban. With 187 studies now published, we have more information on the impact of education choice than ever before. When it comes to student test scores, researchers across five states and Washington, D.C., produced 17 pieces of analysis. Eleven found that vouchers and scholarships improved test scores for at least some students. Four studies found no effect, while three found that vouchers and scholarships negatively impacted test scores for certain groups. Seven studies across five states and Washington, D.C. examined the educational attainment of students in four voucher programs, one tax-credit scholarship program, and one privately funded scholarship program. Five of these studies found that the programs had a positive impact on educational attainment for some or all participating students, while two studies found no discernible effect. None of the studies uncovered negative outcomes for any student group. Thirty-three studies across thirteen states and Washington, D.C. have examined parent satisfaction with education choice programs. These studies looked at three Education Savings Account programs, seven voucher programs, eight tax-credit scholarship programs, and at least seven privately funded scholarship programs. Of these thirty-three studies, thirty-one found that private school choice programs had positive effects on parent satisfaction, one study found no discernible effect, and two studies found negative effects. Examining the effects of private school choice programs on public school student test scores, 26 of 29 studies across eight states and Washington, D.C. found positive effects. These studies analyzed nine voucher initiatives, one tax-credit scholarship, and one privately funded scholarship. Only one study found no effect, while two studies saw negative effects. The studies examined two voucher programs and at least three privately funded scholarship programs across four states and Washington, D.C.. Of the 11 studies examining the effects of private school choice programs on civic values and practices, six found positive effects, five found no visible effect, and none found negative effects. Examining five voucher programs across three states and Washington, D.C., eight studies found mostly positive effects on racial integration in schools with seven showing integration improvements, one detecting no discernible effect, and none revealing negative consequences. The largest body of research we have is on the fiscal impact of school choice. Researchers have examined 24 voucher programs, 18 tax-credit scholarship programs, three education savings account programs, and one privately funded scholarship program in 23 states and Washington, D.C. Of the 74 studies reviewed, 68 found that these programs generated net savings for taxpayers. Another five studies found the programs to be cost-neutral, while five estimated net costs. However, four of the studies that found net costs also reported net savings over the long term, with only short-term costs. Finally, across four states and Washington, D.C., eight studies examined the impact of five voucher programs and three privately funded scholarship programs on school climate and safety. All eight studies found that educational choice programs had positive effects on school climate and safety, with none finding negative outcomes. The point here is that every program is different. Every state is different. Every child is different. It shouldnt matter what school a child is attending, so long as they are receiving a quality education. Its easy to understand why increasing numbers of Americans support education choice. The facts and the research don't lie. For $17.88 an hour, Janelle Chaix changes diapers, helps with homework, provides both practical and emotional support and gets scratched and spit on every so often. Thats part of my job, said Chaix, a paraprofessional, or aide, at Crystal Lake District 47 who works with some students who have autism and are nonverbal. They can lash out in different ways and as a para with these kids, you have to understand them. We dont have the help. We dont have the resources to give them the one-on-one they need or the consistency. Crystal Lake Association of Support Staff, or CLASS, the union representing Chaix and more than 100 paraprofessionals across 12 schools in District 47, filed an unfair labor practice charge with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board in October after district administrators retained a recruiting firm to hire temporary employees. The union said the move was made illegally and without giving them notice. Its a slap in the face and goes to show how much they dont value the current employees they already have, said Stephanie Lierance, union president and a learning resource paraprofessional at South Elementary. Instead of coming up with thoughtful, long-term solutions to address these issues, the district waited until the last minute to bring in temporary help who arent committed to our students and our community apparently they dont have money to pay us, but they do have money to pay a contracted company. Sunbelt Staffing, the agency tapped by District 47, will earn up to $65 for every hour a temporary employee works, according to a contract obtained by the Tribune. The union said the rate is more than four times as much as newly hired, permanent paraprofessionals make. Chaix, who started as a lunchroom supervisor and is now in her fourth year as a paraprofessional at South Elementary, is one of hundreds of paras at the McHenry County district, many of whom report being overworked, burned out and underpaid. The problem is widespread as schools nationwide struggle to fully staff classrooms with educators and support staff. Chaix works mainly with second and third graders with individualized education plans, which help them access the curriculum in a way tailored to their needs. Because she grew up with a brother who has autism, she developed a passion early on for making a difference in student learning, even if it meant a consistently small paycheck. We dont want to get paid less than a Target employee or a Starbucks employee we can go to all these other places and make more money, she said. We do it because we have a passion for these kids. We love these kids. We want to see them succeed. We love to see them grow. And thats why were sticking this out. And the ones sticking it out want whats better for everyone. Janelle Chaix works as a paraprofessional with high-needs students at Crystal Lakes South Elementary School. We do it because we have a passion for these kids, she said. We love these kids. We want to see them succeed. The starting pay for newly hired paraprofessionals at District 47 is $16.14 an hour, according to its board of education. The rate will increase to $16.54 next year. But that isnt enough, said Lierance. You cant live on a paraprofessional salary, Lierance said. I make about $20,000 a year. That doesnt even cover the cost of insurance that the district offers us. Im fortunate in the fact that my husband makes a decent living, but I know a lot of parents that have had to leave and go find other full-time jobs because they cant afford to feed their families. The starting pay for the temporary paraprofessionals the staffing agency hires is between $30 and $35 per hour. Mary Ruffino, a single parent with two sons, said she often thinks about leaving District 47, where she has been a paraprofessional for nine years, for a better-paying job. Ruffino supports students at Bernotas Middle School and makes $18 an hour. With me buying clothes for my teenagers, trying to get food on the table, trying to pay auto insurance along with the cellphone bills, its just really hard, Ruffino said. The pay that I have now is the only source of income Ive got. There is a shortage of paraprofessionals across the state. A Senate bill passed in 2022 as part of Gov. J.B. Pritzkers legislative package addressing the nationwide teacher shortage lowered the age requirement for paraprofessionals to 18. The law that went into effect last year provided prospective educators a chance to start their careers earlier and allowed school districts to hire students out of high school. But the needs remain. Anthony Loizzi, attorney for the District 47 Board of Education, said the district was short 30 paraprofessional positions weeks before the 2023-24 school year began. About a dozen of those vacancies were for special education. So those are going to be paraprofessionals that are going to be serving the kids with special needs and where we have legal obligations to provide them with these services through an individualized education plan, or an IEP, Loizzi said. If we were unable to provide those services, we were legally liable for violating their IEP and violating both state and federal law for not providing the services were obligated to provide. Loizzi said the district used Sunbelt Staffing to help fill the special education jobs last-minute. Obviously the school district doesnt want to pay $60 to $65 an hour for paraprofessionals; we would rather hire our own employees, but those positions were for our kids with the highest needs, he said, adding that a labor shortage has the district competing with private sector employers who can quickly increase wages and benefits without having to negotiate with unions. The union believes its easier for the district to contract out hard-to-fill positions because if it increased new hire wages and offered health insurance to attract employees, it would need to apply the same benefits to current staff. This would mean the district has to spend the actual revenue allocated for educational services, verses saving the money like theyre some sort of bank, the union said. According to an indicator portal on the Illinois State Board of Education site thats used to understand a districts fiscal health, District 47 had 327 days of cash on hand. ISBE recommends maintaining a minimum of 180 days, or six months, of cash on hand. Paraprofessionals are typically hourly workers who not only support students with disabilities but also supervise individual or small-group work in elective classes like wood shop. They also help with behavior management and handle setting up and cleaning up classrooms, said Lierance. There is no aspect of a students life that we dont touch, said Debra Ward-Mitchell, a paraprofessional in her 40th year at south suburban Thornton Township High School District 205. From getting them off the bus to making sure they go to lunch, to helping them dress and change for P.E., to getting them to the nurse to administer their medications we are doing even more than whats on paper. Janelle Chaix shares breakfast time with sons Gavin, 10, left, and Wesley, 7, before heading to work on Jan. 19, 2024, in Crystal Lake. Chaix is a paraprofessional at South Elementary School, where her children are enrolled. Ward-Mitchell, who was the 2022 National Education Support Professional of the Year, said a shortage of support staff has a ripple effect on the entire student body. She said that most of the help goes toward special education classes, leaving other students without assistance. Non-special education classes just dont get a para anymore, she said Were just not available to help them because of the shortage. Ward-Mitchell said 40 years ago, she made $8,000 a year as a paraprofessional and even though she now sits at a higher salary, its not why she does the job. There has always been job security: I had a special needs child at 22 weeks gestation so I needed to have insurance; I needed to know that I was getting a paycheck every two weeks, she said. But the No. 1 reason you stay is the students. When you can touch and make a difference in one life, youve done what you were supposed to do. Meanwhile, in Crystal Lake, Loizzi said the district understands the need for a wage adjustment for the whole bargaining unit, but there have been recent wage hikes and more to come. According to the district, union-represented paraprofessionals received a $1.50 an hour bump last February, when the starting pay was $14.25. The union said those wage increases were negotiated but the district still refused to offer financial assistance toward medical insurance payments, which led to a mass departure of support professionals seeking medical insurance elsewhere after the COVID-19 pandemic. Loizzi said before offering more raises, the district first wants to address the vacancies and replace the contracted employees with full-time paraprofessionals. Kristen Goodman, a learning resource paraprofessional at Coventry Elementary in District 47, said a job starting at $16 per hour is a hard sell for candidates who dont have a vested interest in student learning and growth because a great deal of the work is tending to behavioral needs. In the past few years Ive been hit, Ive been kicked, Ive been bit Ive been spit on, Goodman said. And with the physical things, its more the younger kids in kindergarten or first and second grade, where its more of a behavioral world now than it really is a learning resource world. Goodman said the wage increases have barely made a dent over the six years shes been a paraprofessional. I was making $12.75 an hour. How is it that my teenager got a job at Best Buy making more money than I do? Goodman said. Then, after contract negotiating, I got bumped up to $15 an hour, and again, my teenager was making more money than I was as a licensed paraprofessional. District 47 said the temporary paraprofessionals recruited through Sunbelt Staffing were hired on three-month contracts that ended mid-November. The district extended two of those contracts based on the needs of the classroom to which they were assigned. Had the district approached the union before the school year started, Lierance said, they might have been able to come to some agreement without violating their contract and disrupting the students. I felt bad for the kiddos because its one more thing to work through, said Chaix, the District 47 paraprofessional. I had to train someone for a month, two months, and then they had to leave. Our kids need consistency, and a Band-Aid isnt going to fix the deeper issues we have going on. zsyed@chicagotribune.com Montana Tunnels mined gold, silver, zinc and lead at its open-pit mine near Jefferson City. But the troubled mine hasnt operated since 2008, and its permit was suspended in 2018 for failure to post an adequate bond. In December 2022, Montana Tunnels filed for Chapter 11 federal bankruptcy protection. At the time, Derf Johnson, deputy director for the Montana Environmental Information Center, described the bankruptcy petition as predictable and appalling. Another shoe dropped Thursday. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality announced it is initiating the bond forfeiture process for the Montana Tunnels mine after the mine failed to make a $1.5 million reclamation bond payment in December that was a court-approved bankruptcy stipulation. Dan Walsh, DEQs mining bureau chief, addressed the bond forfeiture in a news release. DEQ has worked diligently with the current operator to come to a resolution, Walsh said. While this wasnt the outcome we were hoping for via the bankruptcy proceedings, we will take the necessary steps to forfeit the bond and allow other operators to consider the mining permit or well ensure that the site is reclaimed. DEQ holds $23.7 million in bond, and the total required bond for the current site disturbance is $40.9 million. A potential successor would be required to post the difference between the required $40.9 million bond and the bond currently held by DEQ. DEQ said it could use a small portion of the current bond to maintain the mine during the interim period. If a successor operator is not identified or a situation arises where the property would not be viable for a successor operator, DEQ said it will begin the reclamation process. DEQ may hold the suspended permit for up to 5 years before terminating it. According to the bankruptcy stipulation, the operator is required to make payments toward the reclamation bond on scheduled dates. The initial $1.5 million installment due Nov. 30 was paid and accepted by DEQ. A subsequent $1.5 million payment was due Dec. 31, and complete payment toward the full reclamation bond was due by March 31. The operator previously paid $1.5 million toward the delinquent bond in 2022 as part of an agreement with DEQ to bring the mine into compliance. When Montana Tunnels announced its intention to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, it rang familiar bells for many in the environmental community. Bonnie Gestring, Northwest program director for Earthworks, said then that the filing was ominous. Unfortunately, this comes on the heels of a long line of similar bankruptcies at other Montana mines: Pegasus Gold (Zortman/Landusky and Beal Mountain); ASARCO (Mike Horse); W.R. Grace (asbestos in Libby); and Canyon Resources (Kendall Mine), she said. DEQs bond forfeiture and next steps do not affect property ownership of the mine itself. The majority of the land within the operating permit boundary is private property owned by Montana Tunnels Mining Inc. Some land within the operating permit boundary is federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Northern Cheyenne community members will share their stories of stars and constellations passed down through generations at the Montana State University Billings planetarium. These oral traditions will be showcased in the Cheyenne language. There are only about 200 people alive today who are native speakers of the Cheyenne language, one that is increasingly at risk of extinction, according to a press release sent by the university. We are at a crossroads where our culture and language are at risk of disappearing, Rosalia Badhorse, a Northern Cheyenne linguistic scholar, said in a statement. Many Cheyenne speakers are our knowledge keepers, and many are 60 or older. This means that we have maybe one more decade left with our knowledge keepers, and we need to make the most of this time. Knowledge keepers are those within Indigenous communities who hold significant teachings and histories to ensure these valuable oral traditions are preserved for the future. MSU Billings received a grant from Humanities Montana, a nonprofit that supports storytelling work in the hopes of sparking conversation, to finance this project. It will be overseen by Elaine Westbrook, an assistant professor of Educational Theory and Practice, but conducted in close collaboration with Northern Cheyenne neighbors. Indigenous cultures have long turned to the sky to make sense of the natural world. But many of those practices and the learnings gleaned from them have been sidelined in Western science in favor of a version of astronomy rooted in European history. This project, titled "The Stars and Stories: Northern Cheyenne, the Morning Star People," will uplift the generations of star stories told by the Northern Cheyenne Tribe in a space historically reserved for the Western take on astronomy. Westbrook will pair the stories shared by Northern Cheyenne community members with MSU Billings astronomical curriculum and recent discoveries made in space. Her students will research the constellations identified in the star stories shared by Northern Cheyenne knowledge keepers. Once complete, the video will feature Northern Cheyenne stories, subtitles in English and Cheyenne, and illustrations of the constellations created by Northern Cheyenne artists. With the grant, the project team hopes to facilitate whats known as a Two-Eyed Seeing approach. It encourages people to simultaneously view concepts through an Indigenous and Western lens, according to a statement issued by MSU Billings. This approach, first named Etuaptmumk by an elder from the First Nations Mikmaq people in Canada, is achieved when people can entertain both perspectives side-by-side. Proponents of Two-Eyed Seeing say that it could help societies become better stewards of the natural world they inhabit. MSU Billings boasts a portable planetarium with 20-foot ceilings and an open floor space. Once the film is completed, the planetarium and video will be used for public events on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. The video will also be made available on a website created by Chief Dull Knife College in Lame Deer. Despite a Nairobi court ruling against Kenyas plan to deploy police officers to support Haitis security forces, Haitis government has expressed hope for a swift and positive outcome. The ruling on Friday cast uncertainty on the future of a UN-backed multinational force, a long-sought initiative by Haitis government, which has pleaded for international assistance in addressing its escalating security crisis. Kenyas government had announced its readiness to supply up to 1,000 personnel, a proposition that received approval from the United States and other nations that had declined to deploy their forces on the ground. In a statement on Sunday, the government of Haiti said it is following developments in Kenya and anticipates a swift and positive outcome. It added that it would like to thank the many countries that have come forward to offer various types of aid to restore order and security as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the Kenyan government has vowed to challenge the high court ruling. President William Ruto has characterized Kenyas involvement as a mission for humanity, aligning with its extensive history of contributing to peacekeeping missions abroad. A Kenyan man identified as Kevin Kangethe, 40 years old, has been arrested in Nairobi on charges of murder committed at an airport in the United States. Kangethe was apprehended on Monday night in Nairobis Westlands area and is currently detained at Gigiri Police Station as the investigation continues. The case revolves around the alleged murder of a 31-year-old Kenyan-born woman, Margaret Mbitu, who was based in Whitman, Massachusetts. Mbitus body was discovered inside a vehicle at Bostons Logan Airport in November of last year. She was first reported missing by BAMSI, a charitable organization headquartered in Brockton, where she was employed. According to the missing persons report from BAMSI, Mbitu was last seen leaving its premises while driving a white SUV. This is heartbreaking. Mother of 31-year-old Whitman woman found dead in Logan Airport parking garage says homicide detectives notified family in overnight hours. Arrest warrant issued for 40-year-old Kevin Kangethe who police believe boarded flight to Kenya #Boston25 pic.twitter.com/WIfkL9MaR8 Drew Karedes (@DrewKaredes) November 2, 2023 The investigation led authorities to suspect Kevin Kangethe based on evidence found in a vehicle registered under his name. Authorities believe that Kangethe fled to Kenya following the incident. However, the motive behind the suspected murder has yet to be established. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has revealed plans to roll out Judicial services in all Huduma Centres across the country. This follows the successful launch of nine essential judicial services in six pilot Huduma Centres on Monday. These centers include Nairobi GPO, City Square, Makadara, Kibra, Eastleigh, and Kiambu. Consequently, CS Kuria held discussions with judicial and Huduma officials during the meeting. He announced that the Judicial desks at Huduma Centres will be staffed by Judiciary personnel. Today, I met the Steering Committee led by Justice Kanyi Kimondo for an engagement on this new partnership between the Judiciary and Huduma Secretariat, Kuria said. CS Kuria that in due time, the judicial services would be expanded to the remaining 52 Huduma Centres across the country. The judicial services will later be rolled out in all Huduma Jitume Centres in the 290 constituencies once they are constructed under a partnership with MPs, the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy and my ministry, Kuria announced. Available Judicial Services at Huduma Centre A range of critical services will be accessible at these Huduma Centres. These include: The lawyer representing John Matara, the suspect accused of killing Starlet Wahu in a South B apartment in Nairobi, has claimed that an unknown person physically assaulted his client within the court premises. Arguing that Mataras life is in danger, Mr. Samuel Ayora told the court that his client was attacked as he was being escorted to the courtroom at the Makadara Law Courts. Challenging the courts decision to extend the detention of his client for another seven days, following the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) request for an extension to complete investigations, the lawyer argued that Matara continues to be unsafe even while in police custody. Ayora added that during his clients detention at the Industrial Area Police Station, two individuals attempted to forcibly remove him from the police cells. Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti of the Makadara Law Courts granted the orders to detain the suspect on Friday. The investigating officer in the case, Sergeant Alex Chokera, informed the court that he had submitted the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) after completing investigations. However, the ODPP identified new areas that needed to be covered. The court instructed Mr. Ayora to report the assault against his client and other complaints to the police for a thorough investigation to be conducted. The case is scheduled for mention on February 2, during which the DPP is expected to charge the suspect. Bagels and chicken wings could be served up shortly from a new restaurant building under construction at 110 Soscol Ave. in Napa. The exterior of the building has been covered in stucco and windows and lighting installed. An Einstein Bros. Bagels will join a Wingstop restaurant at the site, according to a banner displayed on a fence on Soscol Avenue. A Mighty Quinn smoke shop was the most recent tenant at the future Wingstop and Einstein Bros. space. Before that, the tenant was a gas station. Businesses on either side include Vals Liquors and the Best Western Plus Inn at the Vines. In a 2022 interview, a representative for the project, Waleed Mansour, said his company was excited to be in Napa. According to public records, Mansours company Napaland LLC bought the parcel in 2022 for $1.35 million. According to its website, Einstein Bros. was created by the chain restaurant corporation Boston Chicken (now Boston Market) in 1995, as a way to market breakfast foods. In 1996, Einstein Bros. bought the Noahs Bagels chain of 38 stores for $100 million. Einstein Bros. Bagels is part of Panera Brands, which includes the Panera Bread brand. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Dallas, Wingstop Inc. operates and franchises more than 1,950 locations worldwide, said a news release. PHOTOS: Napa's 2024 Lighted Art Festival begins Art aglow in Napa Lighted Art Festival 2 Lighted Art Festival 3 Lighted Art Festival 4 Lighted Art Festival 5 Lighted Art Festival 6 Lighted Art Festival 7 Lighted Art Festival 8 Lighted Art Festival 9 Lighted Art Festival 10 Lighted Art Festival 11 Lighted Art Festival 12 Lighted Art Festival 13 Lighted Art Festival 14 Lighted Art Festival 15 Lighted Art Festival 16 Lighted Art Festival 17 Lighted Art Festival 18 Lighted Art Festival 19 Napas city Planning Commission on Thursday night will review updated design permits for a previously approved hotel in Napas Oxbow neighborhood, as developers seek to add more rooms and parking spaces. Stratus Development Partners LLC filed updated design and use permits for the First and Oxbow Gateway in October 2022. The new designs include 49 more hotel rooms, a smaller business conference space and 33 additional parking spaces. The project's previous developer JB Leamer had submitted design permits, which the City Council approved in November 2020, for a four story, 74-room hotel with 6,294 square feet of retail space and 121 parking spaces. James B. Leamer currently serves as the manager of the hotel project for owner Foxbow Development LLC. The new designs increase occupancy while removing all retail space from the hotel. In a statement to the Napa Valley Register, Foxbow Development said the choice to remove retail areas will have a positive effect on business in the neighborhood. Based on the location in the Oxbow District and entry to downtown, which already hosts an abundance of retail, Status felt reducing the intensity of the project by removing retail made sense for all, Leamer said. This will help serve the existing local businesses with more foot traffic, and sales. According to Stratus application, more hotel rooms are necessary in order to make this project economically feasible and attract a national franchise firm. Removing retail space allows the developer to add more rooms while keeping the environmental footprint and height of the hotel the same as in the initially approved design. The application states that additional rooms will increase the anticipated hotel revenue to the city from $1.14 million to 2.28 million, effectively doubling profits. The average room cost per night is expected to be $400. In the statement, Foxbow said that the new designs will make a bigger impact. The added rooms in place of the retail will help bring additional TOT tax (Transient Occupancy Tax) to Napa, and ensure the project is financially viable, as costs have risen dramatically since we started the project, the company said. This is a win-win for everyone. The hotel would comprise two buildings separated by the Napa Valley Wine Train railroad tracks at First Street and Soscol Avenue. The initial hotel plan from 2020 inspired contentious discussion within the council and only passed by a single vote. Council members and residents alike worried whether the hotel could change the landscape of a traditionally residential part of town. The city Planning Commission even declined to recommend the project to the council in 2020, citing concerns over its size, which would have been 60 feet tall and almost 200,000 square feet. In the updated proposal, the height of the hotel remains the same while the square footage is reduced by some 30,000 square feet. Stratus, in a statement to the Register, explained how it was able to reduce the square footage. "Staying within the approved exterior to the project, we reduced the size of the westernmost building by designing a setback on the top floor to soften the profile and provide a rooftop amenity for residence and guests," the company said. This is not Stratus development's first project in Napa. The firm previously developed and owned Cambria Hotel Napa Valley, which opened in 2021 and foreclosed in 2023. Choice Hotel and Azul Hospitality then took over ownership and management. In the statement, Stratus said it has been working with the community. "Weve spent the last 20 months meeting with and listening to city departments, our neighbors and stakeholders so we might deliver a beautiful hotel stay that will complement the Oxbow District and downtown Napa," it said. PHOTOS: Sips and snacks in Napa Valley Young Chef Contest The Garden The Garden The Grove The Grove The Haven Nosh Napa The Haven Lenchos Mexican Food The Fink Croccante Wilfred's Lounge Scala The Haven Nosh Napa Croccante Mary's Pizza Shack Burger Truck Ohm Coffee Roasters cupping Sahana Ghosh Researchers in the Himalayas are increasingly turning to environmental DNA, or eDNA genetic material left behind by organisms in air, soil and water to strengthen efforts to protect biodiversity and livelihoods. eDNA-based surveys detect the presence of plants, animals and microorganisms from organic matter such as skin, mucus, hair and feces in samples as small as a cup of river water. Scientists in India, Nepal and Bhutan have been adding these biological castoffs to their survey toolkit which includes camera traps and trawl nets to find out what is already present in sites of intense interest for conservation. Determining the biodiversity of an area at a particular point in time is the first step to designing any effective conservation strategy and environmental impact assessments (EIA) for developmental projects. eDNA can be a game changer for studying Himalayan ecosystems Nakul Chettri, senior biodiversity specialist at the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) eDNAs use has ballooned over recent years. In 2022, it was utilised in a large-scale campaign documenting the biodiversity of Mount Everest. Between September 2022 and April 2023, it was used in a Unesco initiative in which citizen scientists collected eDNA across 22 marine World Heritage Sites. It was also used to measure local differences in biodiversity across ports in Southern California. The technology overcomes key limitations of conventional survey techniques such as trawling where a net is dragged along in a body of water which can be disruptive to animal habitats and often results in lower diversity of species being identified. eDNA can be a game changer for studying Himalayan ecosystems, whose rugged and largely inaccessible terrains make it difficult to cover the sampling range physically, and therefore [leaves it] poorly explored, says Nakul Chettri, senior biodiversity specialist at the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). These underexplored regions include biodiversity-rich areas outside of protected areas, such as tea plantations and agricultural fields on the fringe of Kaziranga National Park in Indias northeastern Assam state in the eastern Himalayas. Applying eDNA technology in such fringe areas is crucial for uncovering biological unknowns, monitoring biodiversity where there is typically less attention paid, and comprehending the intricate relationships shaping ecosystems in the Himalayas, Chettri notes. However, experts say the success of eDNA surveys in the region will be contingent on establishing reference DNA libraries of genetic information from identified species to compare collected eDNA, alongside building capacity to conduct eDNA analyses and standardisation of sampling protocols. Informing mitigative practices for endangered species In Nepal, eDNA-based studies have helped map the comparative impacts of hydropower projects on fish diversity in the dam-riddled Trishuli, as well as Karnali Nepals last remaining dam-free river. Karnali contains more diverse and abundant fish species than Trishuli a drastic difference in diversity that surprised the team at the Centre for Molecular Dynamics Nepal, notes the founder of the centre, genetic scientist Dibesh Karmacharya. Through eDNA, the team discovered the presence of invasive species, such as rainbow trout, even in reasonably pristine rivers like Karnali, and conducted the first eDNA studies of the area to map the total fish biodiversity, through which they discovered the presence of invasive species. They analysed eDNA in different parts of four rivers Karnali, Trishuli, Dodhkoshi and Mahakali which showed presence of endangered species including golden mahseer in different stretches of some of these rivers, revealing the species migratory path. With this knowledge, the team learned that the migratory path of these endangered species could be disrupted by hydropower dams. The group has painstakingly profiled aquatic biodiversity in Trishuli, Karnali, Gandaki, and Mahakali rivers using eDNA, developing extensive datasets to monitor the long-term health of the river systems building the countrys first fish DNA reference database in the process. Before we started working, the fish species database from Nepal was almost non-existent, says Karmacharya. Efforts to build the reference DNA contributed to embedding eDNA in the Trishuli Assessment Tool, a standardised method for sampling freshwater aquatic biodiversity for use in planning hydropower projects, with eDNA providing an image of species that live in the environment in more detail than other methods. Next, the team will be profiling the eDNA of important Nepal glaciers for the first time. Policymakers and ecosystem managers looking to restore the Deepor Beel, a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in the Indian state of Assam, have been relying on eDNA studies to glean a snapshot of its biological diversity, which is rapidly changing due to the effects of climate change and rising anthropogenic pressures including pollution. Understanding the impacts of anthropogenic changes on fish in Deepor Beel has been central to ensuring livelihood security for the 150 families of mostly fishers the wetland supports. The eDNA dataset, which covers fish species and microorganisms in the wetland, is the first collected for any Ramsar-listed wetland in northeastern India. eDNA was the best option because we cant afford to lose time in taxonomically identifying fish species [as new species identification requires specialist knowledge], says Punyasloke Bhadury, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata. Scaling up eDNA surveys eDNA is well-suited to the Himalayan ecosystems, especially transboundary rivers and remote terrains, to understand ecosystem health by using species populations as an indicator, notes Chettri. Biologist Pushpinder Singh Jamwal and researchers at the University of Milano-Bicocca recently tested the results of eDNA surveys that identified the presence of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in the Indus river drainage of Ladakh in the Trans-Himalayas against a traditional field survey that uses direct otter sightings. In their study, otter DNA was found at 73% of the sites, whereas the species was seen at just 53%. Beyond detection, the study provides new insights into the ecology of the Eurasian otter in the Indian Trans-Himalayas, [which is] necessary for framing comprehensive conservation strategies that go beyond mere presence/absence assessments, Jamwal notes, such as developing early warning systems for changes in otter populations or habitat quality. In 2022, a pilot eDNA survey in the Mangdechhu river basin in south-central Bhutan commissioned by the countrys Department of Forests and Park Services uncovered the presence of endangered and vulnerable species including the white-bellied heron, tiger and gaur. The next step is incorporating eDNA into species conservation in Bhutan, says Kezang Yangden, Conservation Director at WWF-Bhutan, which assisted in the survey. However, the lack of capacity to conduct eDNA analyses in Bhutan in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and expertise is a major challenge in advancing the technologys application in the country, she notes. Extreme weather conditions in the Himalayas can also disrupt the research environment, impacting the effectiveness of sampling and the quality of collected samples, adds Jamwal. Limited infrastructure present in many Himalayan areas can hinder the setting up and maintenance of research facilities for such surveys. Chettri likewise emphasises the need for systems for data archiving, sharing, and analysis and interpretation of eDNA findings. Research institutions in the Himalayas still lack the required expertise, and as an emerging tool, the costs of sampling and testing eDNA are still high but is likely to decrease if widely used, he adds. This article originally appeared on The Third Pole. Read the original article here. Mayor Brandon Johnson preempted an outcry from migrants and their supporters Monday, announcing he would not enforce a looming Thursday deadline to start kicking recent arrivals out of city-run shelters. On the eve of a Chicago City Council hearing called to probe conditions at the citys migrant landing zone and shelters and days before thousands were scheduled to be evicted from the shelters, Johnson said that move would be put off again. We have made the decision to extend the shelter stay policy based on original exit dates from mid-January through the end of March, Johnson said at a City Hall news conference. The mayor has held off enacting his controversial deadlines for weeks as Chicago has suffered through a long stretch of wet, cold weather. Migrants who originally had an exit date between Jan. 16 and Feb. 29 will be given a 60-day extension starting from their original exit date, according to Brandie Knazze, head of the citys Department of Family and Support Services. If an individual was scheduled to leave Jan. 16, for example, their new exit date is March 16. There are 5,673 people who fall into that category. The 2,119 individuals who were scheduled to exit between Mar. 1 and Mar. 28 will receive a 30-day extension. Anyone who enters the shelter system starting today will receive the standard 60-day notice. The 5,910 new arrivals who entered the shelter system between Aug. 1 and Nov. 16, 2023, will also receive their 60-day notice starting Feb. 1. Those individuals are eligible for the states three-month rental assistance program. Johnson suggested Chicago was especially generous among the sanctuary cities taking on migrants. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson gives an update on migrant issues at City Hall on Jan. 29, 2024. In Massachusetts, for example, the state government established a statewide limit of 7,500 beds for 100 cities, he said. Denver has instituted a 14-day limit for single individuals and 42 (days) for families, making adjustments for weather, just as we have. On Feb. (5), Denver will be discharging families again after its pause. New York instituted a 60-day limit for families and a 30-day limit for single individuals on October 16 and began discharging migrants from shelters on Jan. 9. But when asked how the city will find space for newly arriving migrants while letting current shelter residents remain, Johnson said he is working with faith groups, donors and other levels of government. However, the mayor provided no details describing when and where new shelter capacity will be added, again putting the onus on state partners. Illinois remains committed to building new shelters, Johnson said. He called on the state to build at any sites it is considering. The process of prepping buildings for shelters is slow, he added. Remember: the state of Illinois committed to 2,200 beds, right? So, so far they have 200. Theyre still committed to 2,000 beds. But again, the goal is of course, is to resettle families as fast as we can to make sure that we are able to handle the flow in the event that it picks up again, he said. The state of Illinois can move today to build a shelter, and Im confident that that will take place. The resettlement effort costs the city $1.5 million each day and has been a weight on our city, Johnson said. The expensive mission is not sustainable for Chicago to handle without federal support, he added. The federal government has to do more. We know that. President (Joe) Biden has put forth a package. Congress needs to act, Johnson said. Late last week, more than a dozen aldermen including mayoral allies called on Johnson to rescind his 60-day shelter limit policy for migrants, arguing it posed a significant threat to the health and safety of new arrivals and that the city should not be in the business of handing out eviction notices. In response to the letter, the administration said last week they would continue to evaluate the 60-day policy and will provide updates as the situation develops. Ald. Andre Vasquez, 40th, chair of the Immigration Committee and one of the co-signers who called for scrapping the shelter plan, applauded the move after Johnsons announcement. Were leading from the front as a city, he told the Tribune, adding that todays announcement shows the rest of the country what it is to be a city that lives the values this country claims. I really appreciate the fact there was collaboration, partnership and listening in a way I hadnt seen under prior Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Even so, Vasquez said he and other members of council have concerns over food, language access and the conditions at shelters. He hopes Tuesdays hearing gives a clear picture of how and whether the city has addressed complaints: how many grievances have been filed, what kind, and how theyve been addressed. The postponement also came on the heels of several aldermen urging oversight of the mayors planned use of federal American Rescue Plan Act spending to respond to the crisis. Johnson administration officials from DFSS and the citys Office of Emergency Management and Communications are expected to provide testimony about shelter and landing zone conditions to the City Councils Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights on Tuesday. Health care specialists have questioned both the conditions and coordination of care across the citys shelter system, citing overcrowding and cleanliness. The Tribune has also reported on a lack of food at the citys landing zone and whether the citys use of warming buses were considered humane shelter. More than 35,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago to date, and about 14,300 are staying in city shelters including about 4,900 children. As of Friday, about 200 others were in staging areas at OHare airport or the citys landing zones, according to a briefing document the mayors office distributed to aldermen. The number of new arrivals dropped drastically in recent weeks, from more than 1,000 the week of Jan. 14 to roughly 200 last week, the briefing document said. Nonetheless, the Johnson administration continues to struggle to meet the demand for warm beds from the asylum-seekers. The crisis has dominated the public discourse since he took office in May, and threatened to overshadow his broader progressive agenda. The shelter policy was already pushed back during a cold spell earlier this month. Overnight temperatures are expected to dip below freezing for the latter half of this week. Further complicating matters for the mayor, he has been publicly at odds with Gov. J.B. Pritzker about how to handle and pay for the situation. Johnson last week suggested the state should be setting up more shelter space, including in the suburbs. Pritzker again emphasized Monday that the city must continue to handle the brunt of responsibility for sheltering and caring for migrants because most of the services they need are in the city, which has a shelter system like none other. (Migrants) expect to be arriving not in Elmhurst, not in the suburbs, but in the city of Chicago, Pritzker told reporters at an unrelated event. Were providing resources to other jurisdictions but the majority part of whats necessary needs to be in the city. But the governor downplayed any tensions between the city and state over the migrant crisis, saying senior staffers from his office and from Johnsons administration, as well as from Cook County, are working together and meet every day. Were getting a lot done, Pritzker said. There are disagreements, and sometimes those leak into the public. But the reality is, we all understand our responsibilities here, and it is to have a humanitarian response to a humanitarian crisis. aquig@chicagotribune.com jsheridan@chicagotribune.com ostevens@chicagotribune.com Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu on Monday expressed concern over rampant earth-cutting in the twin capital cities of Itanagar and Naharlagun advocating a change in the mindset of the citizens. Whenever I fly over the capital city, it pains me to see the hills being bulldozed, trees being cut all over. Why cant we let the hills and greenery remain even while building houses? Khandu wondered in his address during the first Foundation Day celebration of the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) at the DK Convention Centre in Itanagar on Monday. Khandu drew attention to the practices followed by people in other hill states like Sikkim, where they design and build houses according to the terrain without resorting to massive earth-cutting. Khandu said people of the state capital are wasting huge amounts of money on earth-cutting only, which escalates the cost of building a residence to the maximum, sometimes beyond thought. The other problem of rampant earth cutting, Khandu pointed is that people do it in the winter and when summer comes with its rains, sand, gravel and mud from these sites are washed down blocking drains and damaging roads. And then they start blaming the government, he said and advised IMC to create awareness amongst the citizens. Khandu informed that several developmental projects for the state capital are in the pipeline to be executed under the IMC like smart street lights and proper drainage systems in colonies. The hanging and haphazard electricity transmission lines that blot the beauty of the city will be removed and taken underground. One major issue in the capital complex that needs urgent attention and solution, he said, is solid waste management. I am happy that IMC after visiting several waste management projects in other states has zeroed down on the best practices and has come up with a vision plan. Two solid waste management plants are to be developed- one for Naharlagun and one for Itanagar, he said. We need to get these plants going urgently. Depending on their success, we plan to develop similar plants in the districts where waste management issue is no lesser, Khandu said. The chief minister further raised the problem of single-use plastic that poses a serious threat to environmental pollution globally. Single-use plastic needs a serious look. We plan to put in place a stringent policy in this regard and work on it. For short-term practicality we cannot endanger our future, our planet, he said. Reminding IMC of its role in the development of the capital complex, Khandu said, Itanagar is our face and we must further develop the vibrant city. On behalf of the state government, I assure support and handholding to IMC in its journey towards transforming the city. To a request by IMC for the chief ministers intervention in resolving the issue of lack of proper coordination between IMC and government departments, he assured that he would take it up with concerned authorities. A few other issues flagged by Khandu that IMC needs to look into include traffic congestion, parking spaces, regularization and demarcation of weekly haats, etc. The event was also attended by MLAs Tana Hali Tara and Hayeng Mangfi, IMC Mayor Tame Phassang, Corporators, IMC officials and other guests. The fact that 23 Armenian captives are still being held in Azerbaijan, the other factsthe rhetoricthese are perceived negatively by Armenia, and these actions by the leadership of Azerbaijan are getting strict evaluations by Armenia. Vahan Kostanyan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, said this on the air of the Public Television Armenia. "But, nonetheless, the Armenian government continues to take purposeful steps to build peace and stability in the South Caucasus; in particular, to normalize relations with Azerbaijan. And the solution of humanitarian problems has always been discussed during these years during the negotiation process and also in the meetings between the leaders of the two countries. Unlike the Azerbaijani side, which has continuously violated these agreementseven reached in Brussels, the Armenian side is interested in solving humanitarian problems, and we are carrying out our homework in this direction. As you mentioned, new maps have been drawn up, at the same time, we believe that all other humanitarian problems which are currently in the Azerbaijani field, they also shall get their solution," Kostanyan added. The Armenian deputy FM said that another issue that both countries have been raising in the last two years is the issue of finding out the fate of the missing. "We have done some work internally in this direction as well, to find out what information there is that can be collected. The problem of the missing persons is important for the Armenian side, and is painful, too, because since the [19]90s, there are a total of 993 cases related to the 44-day war [in 2020] related to the missing persons, forced disappearances, the finding out of whose fates is of great importance for Armenia and their families," Kostanyan said. Referring to the latest reactions from Azerbaijan, the deputy foreign minister of Armenia noted that the statements by the Azerbaijani foreign ministry raise doubts that the Azerbaijani side is at all interested in the normalization of relations and establishment of peace with Armenia, and confidence-building measures are of great importance in this regard. "Ultimately, Azerbaijan shall answer whether or not they are interested in confidence-building measures and the establishment of peace, because the statements coming from Baku are quite contradictory," Kostanyan added. Hulu to release series about Karl Lagerfeld, starring Daniel Bruhl Czech Rep. parliament speaker sends EU flag to Armenia colleague as token of support Premier on Tavush Province meeting: I also showed here Armenia outline that I showed at press conference Secretary General Stoltenberg's visit to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia is historic NATO says Armenia opposition MP: PM told Tavush Province residents that 4 villages must be handed over to Azerbaijan immediately Videos of Armenia PM Pashinyan's meetings in Tavush Province to be publicized later, spokesperson says (PHOTOS) Kim Kardashian jokes about Kate Middleton, but not everyone likes it Armenian national team training (live) Netflix's new mini-series Supersex becomes target of criticism on social media Young man throws stone at Armenia government building window Armenia premier meets with Kirants village residents of Tavush Province (PHOTOS) RFE/RL: Putin loses in Armenias Yerevan, wins in Gyumri in Russia presidential election High-tech minister on removing Russia TV channels from multiplex: Armenia's dignity is at core of decisions Photos taken by Armenian satellite are used by various departments of Armenia: Minister Kazakhstan FM considers it necessary to increase trade with Armenia Researchers find increased risk of memory problems in children with eczema Apple has already started production of new generation AirPods When will they go on sale? Serie A: All goals of Matchday 29 (video) Armenia, Kazakhstan FMs discuss new logistical opportunities Armenia 2041 Foundation launches Galvanizing Diaspora program Kazakhstan FM notes Armenias Crossroads of Peace projects importance for Middle Corridor Armenia, Kazakhstan FMs sign 2024/25 action plan Armenia PM is in Tavush Province, meeting with residents of Voskepar, Baghanis, neighboring villages Mkhitaryan was not satisfied with the result of match against Napoli (photo) Archaeologists find inscription of King Antiochus I of Armenian Yervanduni Dynasty, in Turkey Kazakhstan FM is in Armenia (PHOTOS) Kim, Kourtney, Khloe Kardashian congratulate brother Rob on birthday: The best brother in the world It works for 744 hours without recharging and costs $96: Blackview introduced Oscal Modern 8 smartphone Armenia boxers win 4 medals in Serbia Rolls-Royce Ghost to be retired and replaced by new Alpina sedan Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback! Celine Dion does not give up, continues to fight rare disease Withdrawal from lawsuits against Azerbaijan in international courts will cause irreparable damage to Armenia, Armenians 165 cases of measles recorded in Armenia so far in 2024 Barely dressed Bianca Censori goes for walk with her mother EU Council to discuss assistance to Armenia, Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization SpaceX is building network of hundreds of spy satellites for US intelligence 7,825 Karabakh residents who left Armenia since September 2023 have not returned, new data say Armenia to submit application for EU membership? Turkey Super Lig: Fenerbahce footballers, Trabzonspor fans clash La Liga: Barca beat Atletico Ligue 1: PSG win 6-2, Mbappe scores hat-trick Serie A: Inter, with Mkhitaryan, play draw with Napoli Archaeologists discover where legendary British warship that disappeared in 17th century sank Large number of Russians came from Georgia to Armenia to vote in presidential election, envoy says Stoltenberg: NATO hopes to have stable peace between Azerbaijan, Armenia "Girona" lost to "Getafe" and 10 points behind Real Madrid (video) "Tottenham" suffered a defeat (video) FA Cup: Manchester City reach the semi-finals (video) Belgorod attacked by two rockets during the day: there are dead and injured Media: Elon Musk's company is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites for US intelligence Premier League: Ten most expensive clubs Shooting in Pennsylvania: at least three dead, gunman took hostages "Real" was stronger than "Osasuna", Vinicius' double (video) MEPs appeal to EU leadership to protect cultural heritage of Artsakh Armenians Bayern's willful victory (video) New talks between Israel and Hamas are scheduled in Qatar on Sunday FA Cup Coventry's sensational win (video) Mobile app that helps prevent diabetic ulcers is developed "Pyunik" defeated BKMA and became the first (video) "Urartu" defeated "Alashkert" (video) India's national elections will be held from 19 April to 1 June Specialised MRI can predict who will develop treatment-resistant schizophrenia - study Aliyev: Azerbaijan and Georgia have always supported each other's sovereignty Iran calls for formation of international coalition against Israel Biden told Aliyev of US commitment to peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan Khachanov and Agassi meet in Glendale (photo) Stoltenberg will meet in Yerevan with the President and Prime-minister of Armenia America's Cup. Levon Aronian advances to the final Turkish Foreign Ministry issues anti-Russian statement on Crimea issue How Armenian Vardavar became topic for Disney? Kathleen Sarnelli Kapukchyan on Mickey Mouse Funhouse's recent episode, her inspirations Zakharova: There is a historical answer to Armenia's doubts about sincerity of Russia's intentions Zakharova: Moscow discusses with Armenia dragging Yerevan into anti-Russian course Zakharova: Armenia's withdrawal from CSTO should be based on real needs of the country, not on "flirting" with West An American man has a tapeworm in his brain Arsen Zakharyan's first goal for Real Sociedad (video) Ronaldo's goal brings victory for Al Nasr (video) Amazon and Microsoft suspend their cloud products in Russia NASA completes tests of 3 lunar probes that will be sent to Moon together with Nova-C module James Webb discovers the first pair of merging galaxies, a phenomenon that should not have happened at the time Hulu to release series about Karl Lagerfeld, starring Daniel Bruhl Czech Rep. parliament speaker sends EU flag to Armenia colleague as token of support Premier on Tavush Province meeting: I also showed here Armenia outline that I showed at press conference Secretary General Stoltenberg's visit to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia is historic NATO says Armenia opposition MP: PM told Tavush Province residents that 4 villages must be handed over to Azerbaijan immediately Videos of Armenia PM Pashinyan's meetings in Tavush Province to be publicized later, spokesperson says (PHOTOS) Kim Kardashian jokes about Kate Middleton, but not everyone likes it Armenian national team training (live) Netflix's new mini-series Supersex becomes target of criticism on social media Young man throws stone at Armenia government building window Armenia premier meets with Kirants village residents of Tavush Province (PHOTOS) RFE/RL: Putin loses in Armenias Yerevan, wins in Gyumri in Russia presidential election High-tech minister on removing Russia TV channels from multiplex: Armenia's dignity is at core of decisions Photos taken by Armenian satellite are used by various departments of Armenia: Minister Kazakhstan FM considers it necessary to increase trade with Armenia Researchers find increased risk of memory problems in children with eczema Apple has already started production of new generation AirPods When will they go on sale? Serie A: All goals of Matchday 29 (video) Armenia, Kazakhstan FMs discuss new logistical opportunities Armenia 2041 Foundation launches Galvanizing Diaspora program Kazakhstan FM notes Armenias Crossroads of Peace projects importance for Middle Corridor Armenia, Kazakhstan FMs sign 2024/25 action plan Armenia PM is in Tavush Province, meeting with residents of Voskepar, Baghanis, neighboring villages Mkhitaryan was not satisfied with the result of match against Napoli (photo) Archaeologists find inscription of King Antiochus I of Armenian Yervanduni Dynasty, in Turkey Kazakhstan FM is in Armenia (PHOTOS) Kim, Kourtney, Khloe Kardashian congratulate brother Rob on birthday: The best brother in the world It works for 744 hours without recharging and costs $96: Blackview introduced Oscal Modern 8 smartphone Armenia boxers win 4 medals in Serbia Rolls-Royce Ghost to be retired and replaced by new Alpina sedan Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback! Celine Dion does not give up, continues to fight rare disease Withdrawal from lawsuits against Azerbaijan in international courts will cause irreparable damage to Armenia, Armenians 165 cases of measles recorded in Armenia so far in 2024 Barely dressed Bianca Censori goes for walk with her mother EU Council to discuss assistance to Armenia, Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization SpaceX is building network of hundreds of spy satellites for US intelligence 7,825 Karabakh residents who left Armenia since September 2023 have not returned, new data say Armenia to submit application for EU membership? Turkey Super Lig: Fenerbahce footballers, Trabzonspor fans clash La Liga: Barca beat Atletico Ligue 1: PSG win 6-2, Mbappe scores hat-trick Serie A: Inter, with Mkhitaryan, play draw with Napoli Archaeologists discover where legendary British warship that disappeared in 17th century sank Large number of Russians came from Georgia to Armenia to vote in presidential election, envoy says Stoltenberg: NATO hopes to have stable peace between Azerbaijan, Armenia "Girona" lost to "Getafe" and 10 points behind Real Madrid (video) "Tottenham" suffered a defeat (video) FA Cup: Manchester City reach the semi-finals (video) Belgorod attacked by two rockets during the day: there are dead and injured Media: Elon Musk's company is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites for US intelligence Premier League: Ten most expensive clubs Shooting in Pennsylvania: at least three dead, gunman took hostages "Real" was stronger than "Osasuna", Vinicius' double (video) MEPs appeal to EU leadership to protect cultural heritage of Artsakh Armenians Bayern's willful victory (video) New talks between Israel and Hamas are scheduled in Qatar on Sunday FA Cup Coventry's sensational win (video) Mobile app that helps prevent diabetic ulcers is developed "Pyunik" defeated BKMA and became the first (video) "Urartu" defeated "Alashkert" (video) India's national elections will be held from 19 April to 1 June Specialised MRI can predict who will develop treatment-resistant schizophrenia - study Aliyev: Azerbaijan and Georgia have always supported each other's sovereignty Iran calls for formation of international coalition against Israel Biden told Aliyev of US commitment to peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan Khachanov and Agassi meet in Glendale (photo) Stoltenberg will meet in Yerevan with the President and Prime-minister of Armenia America's Cup. Levon Aronian advances to the final Turkish Foreign Ministry issues anti-Russian statement on Crimea issue How Armenian Vardavar became topic for Disney? Kathleen Sarnelli Kapukchyan on Mickey Mouse Funhouse's recent episode, her inspirations Zakharova: There is a historical answer to Armenia's doubts about sincerity of Russia's intentions Zakharova: Moscow discusses with Armenia dragging Yerevan into anti-Russian course Zakharova: Armenia's withdrawal from CSTO should be based on real needs of the country, not on "flirting" with West An American man has a tapeworm in his brain Arsen Zakharyan's first goal for Real Sociedad (video) Ronaldo's goal brings victory for Al Nasr (video) Amazon and Microsoft suspend their cloud products in Russia NASA completes tests of 3 lunar probes that will be sent to Moon together with Nova-C module James Webb discovers the first pair of merging galaxies, a phenomenon that should not have happened at the time Dollar, euro lose value in Armenia Armenia deputy FM: There has been considerable regress regarding visa facilitation with EU Deputy FM: As landlocked country, Armenia recognizes vital importance of inclusive connectivity, open borders FM: Armenia made every effort to prevent de-Armenianization in Karabakh Painter Frida Kahlos personal notes used in new documentary about her Brain Communications journal: Improving sleep quality reduces migraine frequency, research shows What should you pay attention to when buying a smartphone? FM to reporters: You will be the first to know when Armenia intends to apply for EU membership Champions League: Quarterfinal pairs are known Ararat Mirzoyan: All Armenia authorities have negotiated on territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Google mocks iPhone for not having Circle to Search feature Jessica Biel prefers to tell sons the truth about periods FM: Deepening of Armenia's relations with the West, EU not directed against Russia Mirzoyan: Unprecedented number of senior French officials visited Armenia in 2023 Ararat Mirzoyan: Armenia, Azerbaijan are close to mutual understanding on recognition of 1991 borders Armenia made very active efforts to have minimal mutually acceptable wording with CSTO partners, FM assures FM: Georgia ready to contribute to process of establishing peace in South Caucasus Armenia FM: Events have occurred that have made it impossible to do certain things Cartier presents carbine watches studded with diamonds Armenia FM: Ultimate goal not materialized yet in relations with Turkey Until this weekend, the roughly 45,000 U.S. troops based in the Middle East were able to insulate themselves from the chaos of the region. Granted, American service members in Iraq and Syria have been attacked more than 150 times by Iran-backed militias since October, but none of those attacks resulted in fatalities thanks to a combination of luck and antimissile defenses. That all changed Sunday, when President Joe Biden broke the news that a drone attack on living quarters had killed three Americans and wounded more than 30. The attack occurred in northeastern Jordan, a stones throw from the Syrian border, at a facility known as Tower 22, which has been used by U.S. forces for years to support U.S. operations in Syria. The Pentagon is clear that an Iran-supported militia perpetrated the attack. War fever is gripping Washington, with longtime Iran hawks using last weekends tragedy as an opportunity to amplify their case for why the U.S. needs to hit Tehran directly. Lawmakers such as U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham, Tom Cotton and John Cornyn have jumped on social media to recommend bombing Iran directly, despite the fact that the U.S. intelligence community still doesnt have a full picture of what exactly occurred and that Iran doesnt have direct command and control over its proxies. Even so, there is no doubt Biden will respond militarily. He was willing to retaliate after militia attacks that injured U.S. forces, and its a guarantee he will strike back now that Americans have been killed. The U.S. bombed Kataib Hezbollah, one of these militias, just last week, destroying facilities in western Iraq and south of Baghdad. The Iraqi government has been increasingly vocal about these U.S. precision strikes, lambasting them as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty that is chipping away at the U.S.-Iraq relationship. The president intimated his response a few hours after releasing his statement about the attack. We had a tough day last night in the Middle East. We lost three brave souls in an attack on one of our bases, Biden said during a stop in South Carolina. And we shall respond. The debate inside the White House revolves around the scope and intensity of that response. It wouldnt be wrong to assume that U.S. retaliation would be far broader than it was during last weeks U.S. strikes in Iraq, if only because of the loss of American lives. Yet the extent of that response matters, for as much as Biden may have the legitimate urge to avenge the deaths of Americans, he also needs to be cognizant about the risk of escalation. Preventing more escalation in the Middle East is purportedly a U.S. policy goal, so any U.S. military action that would undermine it would be self-defeating. There is blood in the water right now. Emotions are raw and after listening to some of the cavalier statements coming from Capitol Hill, we might assume that the U.S. is on the cusp of launching a war of choice against Iran. But responsible policymakers cant afford to let hysteria rule the day. Emotion, whether it be fear, pride or anger, is a terrible basis for good policy. So what should the U.S. do, exactly? In this specific instance, there is no use debating whether the U.S. should use military power. Judging by Bidens words and those of his advisers, the decision has already been made. And military retaliation is perfectly justifiable: U.S. adversaries must understand that they cant shoot at U.S. troops and not be held accountable for it. The U.S. strikes, however, must be proportionate. Militia arms depots, storage facilities and training grounds are all fair game. But striking inside Iranian territory as so many knee-jerk armchair generals are clamoring for isnt smart if your overall objective in the region is to stop the violence from spreading further. Iran, of course, cant compete with the U.S. in a full-fledged war; its conventional military power is pathetic even by regional standards. Yet Tehran does possess the largest missile arsenal in the region, with a range to strike U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf, Jordan, Iraq and Syria. To believe the Iranians would simply roll over and take it on the chin after a U.S. attack would be naive at best and delusional at worst. The U.S. killed one of Irans top generals in January 2020, and Tehran responded days later by sending more than a dozen ballistic missiles into a U.S. base in Iraq. Notably, any U.S. military action should be accompanied with back channel diplomacy. By diplomacy, I dont necessarily mean negotiations but stern communication. The Biden administration must make it crystal clear to the Iranians that while the U.S. will never hesitate to defend its people, it has no intention of starting a wider war and in fact would have preferred not to engage in military action at all were it not for their proxies behavior. A message should be sent to the Iraqi government as well: Start controlling the militias that are technically under your armys purview or prepare yourself for a U.S. aid cutoff and the withdrawal of the remaining 2,500 U.S. forces remaining in the country, although the U.S. should withdraw anyway. Finally, the U.S. ought to come to grips with the fact that our presence in Iraq and Syria is doing more harm than good. War should be a last resort. Its imperative we follow that golden rule. Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. We are always in favor of peace, and in any case when our proposals are not accepted, we make the same proposals. Gagik Melkonyan, a member of the ruling majority Civil Contract Faction and a member of the Standing Committee on Defense and Security of the National Assembly of Armenia, told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am. "Azerbaijan rejects them [i.e. Armenias proposals] because they do not intend to go to peace. If they wanted peace, it would have happened a long time ago; that's why they reject all our proposals. They won't accept our last proposal about overseeing each other's weapons because they will never allow you to oversee their weapons. They can take a simple reason that we have four neighboring countries, and I can start a war with others tomorrow. Who are you to come and oversee my weapons? When we [i.e. Armenia] are sincere in our desires, whereas they [i.e. Azerbaijan] have ulterior motives," said Melkonyan. "Second, we say a mirror withdrawal of troops because we want peace, but they don't want [it]. We say to them to withdraw from the frontline, and let the border demarcation and delimitation work be done; they do not agree. They are in our territories and do not want to go out. We already understood that they do not want to go to peace. No matter what condition we set, they will not agree because they intend to attack our country," stated the Armenian ruling force MP. And because of this, according to Melkonyan, Armenia should restore the military balance, and "find new friends, new allies to be able to ensure our security." We do not foresee an increase in the price of food products. Governor of the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA), Martin Galstyan, told this to a press conference Tuesday. In his assessment, there is a weak external deflationary effect in the food sector. Galstyan noted that there was a tendency to stabilize price dynamics, after which a slight increase in prices was recorded, but now there is a tendency to stabilize again. The head of the CBA added that due to the increase in supply in Armenias labor market, the increase in wages, which was observed in previous years, now has a tendency to moderate. "And these two factors were the basis for the Central Bank Board's decision to reduce the refinancing percentage rate by 0.5 percentage points, which has been set at 8.75 percent," Galstyan emphasized. Emory University has joined a consortium of local universities that will help the City of Atlantas Office of Technology and Innovation define metrics that signal a robust technology ecosystem and implement initiatives to grow that ecosystem. Through its AI.Humanity initiative, the university will play a key role in using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable entrepreneurship and pave the way to making Atlanta one of the top five technology hubs in the country. Co-led by Donnie Beamer (the City of Atlantas senior technology advisor), Joe Sutherland (director of the Center for AI Learning at Emory) and Michael Dixon (director of operations in the Office of Commercialization at Georgia Tech), the Atlanta Collegiate Entrepreneurship Syndicate (ACES) includes Clark Atlanta University, Emory University, Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine and Spelman College. Our participation in this consortium is aligned with President Fenves One Emory: Ambition and Heart strategic framework and is an important part of our mission at the Center for AI Learning. Community partnerships and collaborations with local government, nonprofits and other universities will provide rich opportunities for Emory students to apply AI to some of the most critical challenges facing metro Atlanta, such as income disparity, affordable housing and food insecurity, says Sutherland. In partnership with the Atlanta Tech Hub and as part of ACES, the Center for AI Learning, along with internal partners The Hatchery Center for Innovation and the Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, will supply talent, training and support for AI-related research projects. Two projects are already underway and open to Emory undergraduate and graduate students interested in helping the city achieve its technology entrepreneurship goals. Students can sign up to join the ongoing and future projects. The first project is a chatbot built by Emory students that will direct entrepreneurs to resources including training, venture capital and mentorship. Emory students are also working with Georgia Tech and the Boston Consulting Group on a measurement plan and machine learning-based forecast for startup resources and growth in Atlanta. Linking our students to ACES and the City of Atlanta will open doors to internships, capital for startups, employment opportunities and most importantly, the chance to do something that positively impacts our community, says Sutherland. For the city, Emory is producing top AI talent a workforce that is engaged and ready to thrive in Atlantas tech ecosystem. We are excited to connect our most innovative local resources, academic institutions and scholars like those at Emory to propel Atlantas tech ecosystem into a phase of unprecedented growth, says Beamer. Collectively, we are dedicated to building an environment where emerging tech entrepreneurs have equitable pathways to start, scale and grow their business ventures. The City of Atlanta stands as the unique place where this journey can unfold. Launched in 2023 as part of Emorys AI.Humanity initiative a university-wide initiative to advance AI in service to humanity the Center for AI Learning serves as a community hub for AI literacy and collaboration. The Center facilitates interdisciplinary research, experiential learning and community leadership in AI, bringing Emory students, scholars and staff together with a global community of partners. To learn more about the Center for AI Learning and how to get involved in ACES, contact Joe Sutherland Employee resource groups (ERGs) are relatively new to Emory University, but they have been making a big impact on campus, helping to foster stronger social connections and a sense of belonging within the university community. The ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups established around common interests, purpose and characteristics, typically for underrepresented identities and their allies. They aim to create a supportive and inclusive community at Emory. In 2022, Emory launched its first two ERGs, the Emory Black Employee Network (EBEN) and Emory Pride Employee Network (EPEN), as a pilot project to gauge overall interest. Both ERGs greatly exceeded expectations in terms of membership and programming. Melissa Morgan, senior manager of recognition and engagement, admits she was surprised by the immediate success of the groups. We knew that we wanted to create opportunities for employees with shared identities and experiences to come together, but we did not yet fully understand the need and appetite for these groups, explains Morgan, who serves as coordinator and administrative liaison for the ERGS. We were hoping to start with 25 committed employees for each group, but that quickly multiplied, and today, we have over 340 members in EPEN and 820 in EBEN. Based on this success, Emory established three more ERGs in 2023: Emory Latinx Employee Resource Network (eLERN), Emory Veterans Employee Network (EVEN) and Emory Asian Pacific Islander and Desi Employee Network (eAPDEN). There are plans to develop an additional ERG for employees with disabilities later this year. All the ERGs are led by two voluntary co-chairs who serve two-year terms. The co-chairs are supported by an executive sponsor and their employee-led committees. Each ERG establishes its own mission, vision and values, and determines the program offerings. Its a grassroots effort, Morgan says. ERGs strengthen the campus community in numerous ways. They foster a sense of belonging by providing a safe space where employees feel welcome at work. They create a sense of community by gathering people with similar interests and purposes, which leads to trust and engagement. They also provide opportunities for networking and professional development. Micah Tucker with Emory College and current co-chair of EBEN says his experience with the ERG has allowed him to grow both personally and professionally. I started off as a member within EBEN, then led a sub-committee and now Im serving as a co-chair. Being a part of this ERG has provided me with an opportunity to build community and capacity for myself and others, Tucker says. I have strengthened my delegation and communication skills, collaborated with other employees whom I likely would not have had an opportunity to work with otherwise and I have advanced professionally here at Emory. Looking ahead to 2024 To date, these groups have actively engaged more than 1,300 faculty and staff. Each ERG has robust programming planned for 2024, including social events, volunteer projects, panel discussions and professional development workshops. Here are just a few highlights: We hope that we can create a community where Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi employees feel celebrated and affirmed at Emory, says Amanda Yu-Nguyen of Oxford College and co-chair of eAPDEN. Our community is diverse, and we know that its not one-size-fits-all, so as the newest ERG, we have been taking time to listen to members as we plan for the year ahead. For an up-to-date listing of upcoming events, check out the ERG calendar. How to get involved Emory Universitys ERGs are open to all faculty and staff those who identify with the groups as well as allies. For more information about the ERGs, visit the employee resource groups page. Click the Learn more button for the group youre interested in. Individual group pages share details about the groups mission and vision, co-leaders and events. Click the Get involved button to access the interest form for that ERG. Employees are welcome to join more than one ERG. A new semester at Emory has started, and while the weather may be at its coldest, the opportunities to experience the arts on campus are just heating up. Emory hosts multiple arts festivals in February, centering on jazz, music composition and new theater works. There are also a variety of concerts, lectures, readings and film screenings to enjoy, so see what Emory has to offer this month. Groove to Jazz Fest and CompFest Emory hosts two annual on-campus music festivals this month. Jazz Fest, a three-day festival presented by the Emory Jazz Studies program, kicks off the month with events from Thursday, Feb. 1, through Saturday, Feb. 3. Guitarist Bobby Broom will give a lecture and demonstration on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 2:30 p.m. in Emerson Concert Hall of the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. No registration or tickets are required. Then, on Friday, Feb. 2, head back to Emerson Concert Hall at 8 p.m. to enjoy a concert featuring Broom and the Gary Motley Trio. Tickets are required for this event. On Saturday, Feb. 3, attend a Jazz Clinic in Tharp Rehearsal Hall at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. The clinic includes pianist Gary Motley, bassist Kenny Davis and drummer Kobie Watkins. No tickets are required, and the free event starts at 11:30 a.m. Jazz Fest concludes with a concert featuring the Emory Big Band on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 8 p.m. in Emerson Concert Hall. The event is free, but tickets are required. The following weekend, the Music Composition Program hosts CompFest, a composition festival featuring legendary composer Annea Lockwood, from Thursday, Feb. 8, through Sunday, Feb. 11. This years theme is Ecologies of Sound. On Thursday, Feb. 8, head to Ackerman Hall at the Michael C. Carlos Museum for a Creativity Conversation with composer and sound artist Annea Lockwood, pianist Laura Barger and Emory faculty composer Katherine Young. The event starts at 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Then, on Saturday, Feb. 10, witness the topics of that discussion in action with the Ecologies of Sound concert, starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Studio. The event is free and open to the public. For a full list of CompFest events, and to read more about the visiting artists, visit the CompFest website. Gain new perspectives with the Carlos Museum The Michael C. Carlos Museum hosts a variety of lectures and artist talks this February that you wont want to miss. On Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m., the museum presents the Nix-Mann Endowed Lecture, titled Sounds Wild and Broken: Listening Beyond the Surface, given by David Haskell, professor of biology and environmental studies at the University of the South. Focused on how listening can open us to the interconnections from which life is made, the lecture is held in conjunction with Music at Emorys CompFest and Songs from the Compost: Mutating Bodies, Imploding Stars, on view from Feb. 3-May 19. At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, join Ruth Allen, curator of Greek and Roman Art, for a Gallery Talk in the Recasting Antiquity: Whistler, Tanagra, and the Female Form exhibition. The museum hosts an artist talk and reception with Egle Budvytyte at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, where Budvytyte discusses her video installation, Songs from the Compost, where she combines dance, composition, music and video. Finally, the Carlos Museum closes out the month with two lectures. First, Navigating Power at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, focuses on second-century Indian Buddhist monk Nagarjuna, who is famed for his philosophical treatises on emptiness. The program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. On Thursday, Feb. 29, make the most of Februarys bonus day and head to the London Models: Whistler and the Misses Pettigrew lecture in Ackerman Hall at 7:30 p.m. This illustrated lecture discusses the three Pettigrew sisters, professional London models who posed for many leading Victorian painters. The program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Examine AI through film with Emory Cinematheque The Emory Film and Media Department is back this semester with a new series of film screenings for Emory Cinematheque. The spring screenings focus on A.I. and Film, curated by associate professor Gregory Zinman. The use of AI was a central bargaining point in Hollywoods recent writers and actors guild strikes and remains a hotly debated topic. This series examines the provocative ways that artificial intelligence has been depicted in film an issue that cinema has been wrestling with for decades, stretching all the way back to Fritz Langs Metropolis (1927). AI takes on many forms in cinema: insane supercomputers, killer androids, confused clones and disembodied lovers. These sentient beings are not only intelligent machines, but also often fully embodied humanoids, like clones, cyborgs, copies and droids. AI in movies is deliberately similar to humans in one way or another; their appearance and manner only complicate their status as other. All Cinematheque screenings are on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in White Hall, Room 208, and will be followed by a postscreening Q&A. The films featured in February include Ex Machina on Feb. 7, Her on Feb. 14, Momentum andDemon Seed on Feb. 21 and Another Body on Feb. 28. For more information, including a full list of films being screened this spring, visit the Emory Cinematheque website. Tune into a bevy of other concerts If Jazz Fest or CompFest dont fit into your schedule, plenty of other concerts are happening around campus. The Schwartz Center for Performing Arts presents two concerts this month as part of the 2023-24 Flora Glenn Candler Concert Series. On Thursday, Feb. 8, the nationally renowned St. Olaf Choir will perform in Emerson Concert Hall as part of its winter tour. The concert starts at 8 p.m., and tickets must be purchased in advance. The Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta (ECMSA) presents a number of concerts, including two on Friday, Feb. 9: a Cooke Noontime performance by The Three Graces, happening in the Schwartz Centers Emerson Concert Hall, and at 7 p.m., a pajama concert celebrating the Chinese New Year in Ackerman Hall of the Michael C. Carlos Museum. ECMSAs ever-popular annual Bach Bowl returns on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 4 p.m. The one-hour, free concert before the Super Bowl features organist Alan Morrison and takes place in Emerson Concert Hall. On Wednesday, Feb. 14, the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra performs a free concert featuring the regions finest high school-aged musicians. No tickets are required and the event starts at 8 p.m. in Emerson Concert Hall. On Friday, Feb. 16, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine will perform in Emerson Concert Hall of the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts at 8 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Theodosia Roussos, the 2023-24 Emory Arts Fellow, performs Building Temples on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. The program of music and movement featuring the work of four contemporary women composers takes place in the Performing Arts Studio. A talk-back will be held after the performance. Emorys own Wind Ensemble gives its first concert of 2024 on Friday, Feb. 23, at 8 p.m. The concert takes place at Emerson Concert Hall and is free and open to the public. On Saturday, Feb. 24, Emory artist affiliate Alexandra Shatalova Prior, along with a cohort of musicians, gives an oboe recital at 8 p.m. in Emerson Concert Hall. On Sunday, Feb. 25, ECMSA presents another Family Series performance with Atlantas Young Artists concert, showcasing some of the areas finest pre-college musicians. The event is free and starts at 4 p.m. in Ackerman Hall of the Michael C. Carlos Museum. Finally, on February 27, The Merian Ensemble performs Listen: Works by Women 2024, a chamber concert featuring works by historic and modern female composers including Gipps, Beach, Schwob and others. The event is free and open to the public and takes place in Emerson Concert Hall at 8 p.m. See cutting-edge performances with the Brave New Works Festival This February, the Playwriting Center of Theater Emory presents Brave New Works, a biennial festival dedicated to developing new works of theater from Saturday, Feb. 17, through Saturday, March 2. On Saturday, Feb. 17, the festival kicks off with a Panel Discussion on the New Play Development Process featuring Moses H. McGavin, playwright of Shoot the Duck; Amber Bradshaw, dramaturg; and directors Samantha Provenzano and Addae Moon. The event takes place at 5 p.m. in the Theater Lab of the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. The event is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance. Then, at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, the Playwriting Center of Theater Emory produces a staged reading of Felicity by Emory junior Dylan Malloy. The reading, happening in the Theater Lab, is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance. Learn more about dance and creative writing At 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, Friends of Emory Dance presents its annual lecture, Dancing Around Race Cultivating Racial Equity and Absolute Belonging. The lecture, given by Gerald Casel, a dance artist, equity advocate and antiracist educator, is free and open to the public. No tickets are required for this event, happening in the Dance Studio at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. Later in the month, the Emory Creative Writing program hosts guest poets Jennifer Grotz and Michael Dumanis, who will present together at two public events. On Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 6:30 p.m., enjoy a poetry reading. Then, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, enjoy a colloquium. Both events are free and open to the public. Emory University media scholar Gregory Zinman has been awarded $50,000 from the Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant program to support his next book. An acting associate professor in Emory College of Arts and Sciences Department of Film and Media, Zinman is among 27 writers selected by the Andy Warhol Foundation. The awardees received a collective $935,000 in support of articles, books and short-form pieces to bolster critical writing as a way to engage with the visual arts that address both general and specialized audiences. The foundation selected Zinman for an Arts Writers Grant to support the research and writing of his book, Public Scenes: Media Art Outside the Gallery and Museum. Zinmans proposal says the book will move attention away from traditional art and media-making sources to queer and multiracial public spaces, using social histories while considering the care and preservation of moving-image works to explain how the notion of public is continuously changing. Im grateful to the Warhol Foundation for providing me with the opportunity to show how innovative art-making has long been created and enjoyed in spaces outside of traditional art institutions, from nightclubs to malls, and from concert stages to virtual exhibitions online, Zinman says. My hope is that treating those sites as subjects of scholarship can oer new perspectives on the meaning and signicance of public art, he adds. Since September 2023, Zinman has been curator of Off The Wall @725 Ponce, a free public art series that projects films on the side of an eight-story office tower overlooking Atlantas Beltline Eastside Trail. He had previously programmed film and media art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Museum of the Moving Image and several other museums and festivals. Zinman is the author of Making Images Move: Handmade Cinema and Other Arts and co-editor of We Are Open Circuits: Writings by Nam June Paik. His writing on film and media has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic and the Journal of Cinema and Media Studies. This past fall, during his first semester at Emory, Zinman taught an introductory film course and a course on experimental cinema. This spring, he is teaching a course on artificial intelligence and film and is also curating the Emory Cinematheque film series centered around the topic. Sign up now for Give Kids a Smile Day by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondales Dental Hygiene Program is again hosting its popular annual Give Kids a Smile Day on March 1 to provide free, vital dental services to children. The event is set for 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the SIU Carbondale Dental Hygiene Clinic, west of Banterra Center. Media advisory Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover the annual Give Kids a Smile Day at SIU Carbondale on March 1 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the SIU Dental Hygiene Clinic, west of Banterra Center. For more information, contact Jennifer M. McKinnies, assistant professor and Give Kids a Smile Day coordinator, at 618-453-7206 or Free dental care for kids The program provides a wide variety of services to children from infants to age 15 who do not have regular access to dental care. Included are cleanings, X-rays, sealants and fluoride treatments. Dozens of students and faculty from SIUs Dental Hygiene Program, along with volunteer dentists and hygienists from the region, provide the free care. The goal is to serve children who dont receive regular dental treatment or have regular access to dental care, and the examinations provided fulfill the requirements for the state of Illinois school dental exams. The program, which is part of the SIU School of Health Sciences, is in its 21st year. Since its inception in 2003, it has served hundreds of children. Sign up now Appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis by calling 618-453-8826. For more information, contact Jennifer M. McKinnies, assistant professor and Give Kids a Smile Day coordinator, at 618-453-8825 or jenn10@siu.edu. Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials seized a luxury car belonging to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren from his Delhi residence late on Monday, in connection with the ongoing probe into a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. Meanwhile, the BJP has alleged that Soren has "gone missing." "Today, the honour and respect of the people of Jharkhand were destroyed by our Chief Minister Hemant Soren ji, just by going missing," BJP parliamentarian from Jharkhand, Nishikant Dubey, wrote on his X timeline. The Enforcement Directorate officials visited the residence of Soren in the national capital on Monday night for questioning him in connection with the alleged land scam case and said that the Jharkhand Chief Minister could not be located. As per sources, the ED has issued fresh summons to Soren asked him to be available for questioning on January 29 or 31, or else the agency itself will go to him for questioning. This is the tenth summons issued to the Jharkhand Chief Minister by the ED. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya on Monday said that CM Soren was ready to appear before the central agency on January 31. "CM has gone to Delhi for personal work, and he will return as well. He has been called on January 31. We are ready for January 31. You asked us to tell you the place and time, and we told you the place would be CM's residence on Kanke Road and the time would be 1 pm. Who is creating all the confusion, then? The way the political situation is being presented is against democratic values," Bhattacharya said. On January 20, Soren was questioned at his official residence in Ranchi in the alleged land scam case. Meanwhile, earlier today, BJP's Nishikant Dubey alleged that Soren's wife Kalpana Soren may replace him and that the Jharkhand chief minister has called all allied MLAs to reach Ranchi "with their luggage." Dubey asked how a man who is absconding will protect the people of the state. "A big advice to those who are doing wrong on the instructions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren ji, the CM is proving himself to be a fugitive, running away from facing the investigating agency, the man is facing insults in the country and abroad all day long. How will that man protect the officers or the people of the state?" the BJP leader wrote on X. (ANI) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 30: Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Pvt. Ltd., the leading global provider of B2B data, insights and AI-driven platforms, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Plastics Export Promotion Council (PLEXCONCIL) to create an ecosystem for promoting, aiding and fostering the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) exporters in the country. This partnership will help SMEs in India to increase their visibility, expand access to global markets, find potential customers, uncover new suppliers and channel partners, manage risk and identify growth opportunities. The Indian government has set a target for the country to become a US$5 trillion economy by FY 2025 and SMEs will play a critical role in this growth journey. This segment is expected to contribute 50% of GDP by FY 2025 from the current 30%. To achieve that target, SMEs must contribute 75% to the incremental GDP between today and FY 2025. This represents a significant contribution of SMEs to India's growth and they will require increased support from the government, policy makers and business service providers. Commenting on the collaboration, Avinash Gupta, Managing Director & CEO - India, Dun & Bradstreet, remarked, "For over two decades, Dun & Bradstreet has been dedicated to empowering Indian MSMEs, offering essential business intelligence for their sustained growth. With more than 99% of businesses falling within the Micro, Small, and Medium category in India, and a substantial 94% operating in an unorganized capacity, our collaboration with PLEXCONCIL is poised to be instrumental in propelling the growth of MSMEs, particularly those involved in plastic exports. Through the utilization of Dun & Bradstreet's D-U-N-S RegisteredTM Solution, MSME plastic exporters can fortify their credibility and enhance visibility on a global scale. In the upcoming quarter, we are excited to introduce an ESG seal tailored for our MSME customers, facilitating seamless collaboration with larger corporates. This initiative not only aids MSMEs in aligning with ESG targets but also encourages larger corporations to actively engage with the MSME supply chain, fostering a sustainable and mutually beneficial ecosystem." Hemant Minocha, Chairman, PLEXCONCIL, said, "This collaborative venture with Dun & Bradstreet marks a significant milestone in our proactive initiatives. It is poised to empower SME and MSME members of PLEXCONCIL with diverse D&B services, providing them with essential tools to overcome challenges and propel business growth. Leveraging Dun & Bradstreet's D-U-N-S RegisteredTM Solution, MSME plastic exporters can not only fortify their credibility and visibility on both domestic and global fronts but also gain a competitive edge across various platforms within their industry peers." Sribash Dasmohapatra, Executive Director, PLEXCONCIL, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "I am thrilled to announce that PLEXCONCIL has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dun & Bradstreet for the issuance of the D-U-N-S Number. This distinctive nine-digit identifier is widely recognized by exporters and importers globally, including in the US, Australia, and the European Union. It serves as a valuable tool to establish the legitimacy, ownership, and credit-worthiness of business partners on an international scale." Expanding on the collaboration, he mentioned, "As part of our collaborative efforts, Dun & Bradstreet will provide a comprehensive package, featuring the D-U-N-S Registered seal. This seal can be prominently displayed on websites and incorporated into email signatures, documents, and presentations by members of the council. The tailored package, accessible to PLEXCONCIL's MSME members, is poised to play a pivotal role in nurturing relationships and advancing market development." MSME plastic exporters may refer to these short videos: https://youtu.be/Quh2OzweE1M & https://youtu.be/Rl0PeLsU9TI to know the benefits of having a D-U-N-S Number. About PLEXCONCIL The Plastics Export Promotion Council (popularly known as PLEXCONCIL) sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of Commerce, Government of India, represents the exporting community in the Indian Plastics industry. It is one of several Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) launched by the Government to project India's image abroad as a reliable supplier of high-quality products in order to give a boost to the country's exports. PLEXCONCIL is the apex body of the plastics industry in India and represents over 2,500 exporters who manufacture/trade in plastics products ranging from plastics raw materials to semi-finished and finished items. PLEXCONCIL is committed to support the efforts of its members to achieve export excellence and service the overseas buyers to find appropriate trade partners in the Indian plastic industry. In its pursuit to achieve export excellence, various export promotional activities are undertaken by PLEXCONCIL. These include participation in international trade fairs; sponsoring delegations to target markets; inviting business delegations from the overseas to India; organising buyer-seller meets both in India and the overseas etc. and servicing the needs of its members. The Council also routinely undertakes research and surveys, organizes the Annual Awards to recognize top performing exporters, monitors the development of new technology and shares the same with members, facilitates joint ventures and collaboration with foreign companies and trade associations as well as represents the issues and concerns to the relevant Government bodies. Products from the Indian plastic industry are exported to over 200 countries round the globe with the major trading partners being the United States, European Union, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Nigeria, Indonesia, Egypt, etc. For more information: http://www.plexconcil.org/ About Dun & Bradstreet Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet's Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk, and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. Website: www.dnb.co.inTwitter: @DNB_IndiaLinkedIn: Dun & Bradstreet India Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2314099/DB_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) About a year ago, I went to Gaza with MedGlobal, a medical charity, to work with Gazan doctors. We hoped to share our professional experience and fill in where there was greatest need. Our Palestinian colleagues welcomed us. Even then, life in Gaza was very different than here. Basics such as water, food and fuel were limited, as were certain medications and medical equipment that allowed us to do our jobs albeit, in a restricted capacity. There were no excesses, and every decision was thoughtful and holistic. The medical staff members were not only deeply committed to their professions, but they also knew how to do a lot with a little. So, while I presumed our expertise might be useful to them, I was not prepared for all they had to teach us about resilience professional and personal. Life in Gaza seemed difficult and beautiful. The coastline was stunning, and the beach was full of families. I watched kids climb up rocks and shout to their friends as they cannonballed into the Mediterranean Sea, their friends roaring in laughter as the water splashed back on them. The marketplace was bustling, and the shopkeepers were eager to share a cup of coffee and their commentary on global events, which was undoubtedly followed by a dinner invitation. Hospitality is rooted in Palestinian DNA. As is the ability to quickly adapt. You might be sitting in a cafe, and suddenly the power goes out. But no one seems to notice. They carry on with their conversations, accustomed to such outages and shortages. It is worth noting that even before the war, the Gaza strip was one of the poorest regions in the world, with two-thirds of its 2 million citizens living in poverty. Now, as I check on colleagues in Gaza, many of whom worked at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Im filled with despair. When will my messages get through? Why havent they responded? Are they OK? And then, if they confirm their safety, Im caught in a spiral of shame and frustration because I cannot lift them out of the hell they are enduring. Unlike a natural disaster, the perpetual threat of another bomb means I need to send a message every day or two to keep checking in. Speaking with colleagues in Gaza is agonizing. They describe how al-Shifa was packed with injured patients, with no space left to treat them, and every inch of the hospital occupied. It was even more painful to hear how the hospital was rendered inoperable when the Israeli military raided in November. Many doctors and patients had to flee on foot. Those who could not weather the journey were left to die a slow and painful death. I had expected that doctors, nurses and hospitals would be spared from the intense bombardment in Gaza, but there has been a catastrophic loss of the health care workforce, as the Israeli military has killed more than 300 medical professionals. Palestinians will feel these losses for years to come, and Israels bombing of a Gaza City medical school makes them worse as does a recent World Health Organization report identifying a surge of infectious diseases ravaging overcrowded shelters. This public health nightmare is compounded by the fact that, as of late December, only 13 out of 36 hospitals were partially functioning, and all were in desperate need of essential medicines. I am a descendant of the Palestinian diaspora. My parents immigrated to this country in the 1980s in hopes of a better life. I, like many Palestinian Americans, have a deep sense of survivors guilt, knowing what is taking place in Gaza. Social media platforms are rife with videos depicting the depth of anguish of Gazans. We have watched the grieving mother asking for more time with her slain child, a grandfather hugging his granddaughter tightly and saving her earring as a memory, children begging their dead mother to wake up, a mother arriving at the hospital after an airstrike searching for her son and describing his curly hair. Every day, a new gut-wrenching video captures the personal tragedy of a Gazan. I hope to amplify their stories, and advocate on their behalf by demanding President Joe Bidens administration call for a permanent cease-fire and facilitate the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Dr. Thaer Ahmad is the global health director and assistant residency program director at Advocate Christ Medical Center. Ahmad serves on the Acute Care Committee for MedGlobal, a nongovernmental humanitarian organization. He joined MedGlobals short-term medical intervention in the Gaza strip. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. PRNewswire New Delhi [India], January 30: BOULT, the fastest-growing wearable brand in India, today added another feather to its strategic retail expansion plans by entering Nepal as the part of the global offline retail network. Jagadamba Mobiles Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Shanker group will be the exclusive partners for BOULT in the country and will be driving the national distribution of the products. Earlier in 2023, BOULT continued its bullish growth in India with a strong retail expansion outlay by opening 5000+ stores pan India, strategically reaching customers in diverse regions. Speaking on the occasion, Varun Gupta, Co-founder, BOULT said, "We are thrilled to announce our expansion in Nepal with Jagdamba Mobiles Pvt Ltd. We have been constantly working towards strengthening our omni-channel presence and while we are already present in the US and the UK, it was important for us to continue our global retail expansion journey. This collaboration signifies our shared commitment to delivering cutting-edge wearable technology to the vibrant market of Nepal. Jagadamba Mobiles' extensive reach and dedication align perfectly with our vision of making state-of-the-art tech more accessible to everyone. This marks a remarkable milestone in expanding our global footprint, and we look forward to a successful journey together." Commenting about the partnership with BOULT, Saksham Jatia, Executive Director of Jagdamba Mobiles Pvt. Ltd., said, "We are excited to join hands with BOULT, a brand synonymous with audio excellence. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to offering the latest in technology to our customers. BOULT's range of audio products perfectly aligns with our vision of bringing innovative, top-quality devices to the fingertips of every Nepali consumer. Now they can look forward to choosing from a variety of smartwatches and TWS based on their specific requirements." "In the initial half of 2024, our strategic plan aims to achieve a market penetration of over 60% in Nepal, encompassing key towns and cities. Leveraging the expertise of our partner, Jagdamba Mobiles, who possesses a strong presence in the Nepalese market in terms of sales and distribution, we intend to collaborate on the introduction of a diverse range of products tailored to meet the specific needs of the Nepalese population. Our primary objective is to enhance accessibility to cutting-edge technology, making it more accessible to the people," added Shantanu Singh, the Head of Offline Sales and Distribution, BOULT BOULT will be introducing a host of products in Nepal ranging across smartwatches and TWS earbuds, catering to different consumer needs and preferences. The smartwatch collection, comprising the Ripple, Crown R Pro, Drift 2, Crown, and Dive X, embodies a fusion of sophisticated design and advanced functionality. Each model is meticulously crafted to cater to unique consumer preferences, offering a comprehensive array of features and capabilities. Complementing this, the TWS lineup, featuring Maverick, X10 Pro, K45, K35, K60, X70, and X45, exemplifies the company's commitment to delivering a superior audio experience. These TWS models are anticipated to provide users with a seamless and high-fidelity wireless audio solution, characterized by innovative features and top-tier performance. Boult's journey, which began in 2017 with a focus on e-commerce, has now evolved to cater to the diverse needs of consumers across India. The positive retail expansion outside India is a testament to Boult's commitment to reaching out to customers from all walks of life. In a span of just six years, Boult has risen to become one of India's fastest-growing wearable brands. The brand's online success is characterized by its outstanding sales figures and a remarkable 2 million plus 4+ star ratings on leading e-commerce platforms. Boult has climbed to the #2 spot in market share in the audio industry and secured an impressive #4 ranking in the Indian smartwatches sector in under eight months. About BOULTBOULT is a homegrown, high-end consumer electronic brand that designs and manufactures innovative audio and wearable products. The brand's product portfolio includes headphones, speakers, smartwatches, and other categories of earphones like wireless, Bluetooth, in-ear, and more. BOULT was founded in June 2017 by two brothers, Varun and Tarun Gupta. BOULT is the 2nd largest audio company in India selling a headphone every 5 seconds. BOULT is the only consumer electronics brand in the country with its own design studio, where they conceptualize and meticulously design every product to build masterpieces that are best-sellers on every recognized e-commerce platform in the country, including their own website- www.boultaudio.com. For further inquiries or media-related information, feel free to reach out to us at BOULT - PR@boultaudio.com and boult@prpundit.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boultaudio/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BoultAudio/ Media Contact: Sneha Sharma +91-9571490068sneha.s@prpundit.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) German actor Sandra Huller, who landed a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her performance in the legal drama thriller film 'Anatomy of a Fall' is amazed by the kind of attention she is getting after the announcement, reported People. The 45-year-old talked about winning the Best Actress award for her outstanding performance as Sandra Voyter in Anatomy of a Fall in an interview with Variety. The German actress said, "I find myself giggling in the morning because it is so nice," acknowledging that she is "definitely not" used to the attention that the nod is attracting. "When I walk my dog, people are shouting congratulations at me. People I've never seen before," she added. The 2023 French courtroom drama thriller 'Anatomy of a Fall' is helmed by Justine Triet, based on a screenplay she co-wrote with Arthur Harari. Sandra Huller plays a writer who is attempting to clear her name of any involvement in her husband's passing. The French courtroom drama is also nominated for Best Picture at the 96th Academy Awards, as well as Best Editing, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay by Justine Triet. Huller's performance as Voyter, a novelist on trial for the strange murder of her husband Samuel (Samuel Theis), won her a Golden Globe nomination as well as a nomination for supporting actress at next month's BAFTA Awards. When Huller talked to Variety earlier about creating her made-up character for 'Anatomy of a Fall'. She shared, "I think I wanted to create somebody who would be capable of doing it, I wanted certain people to be a little bit afraid of her. Because why do we always have to be sweet and good victims and all these things? I had a little fun in leaving it in the dark." Meanwhile, Triet told The Hollywood Reporter of her own Oscar nominations, "For best director, I was surprised because there are no more women beside me. So, of course, I'm so, so lucky and very proud of all these things. Most of these people since I was a child I've admired so much, and of course to be involved in this history, it means a lot to me. It was not a dream because I could not imagine." Triet's Best Director nomination marks the ninth time a woman has been nominated in the category. Previous nominees include Sofia Coppola for 'Lost In Translation' in 2003 and Emerald Fennell for 'Promising Young Woman' in 2021, according to People. (ANI) The firm also threatened to take legal action against the fraudsters. "This is to clarify that neither Mr Salman Khan nor Salman Khan Films are casting for any film currently. We have not hired any casting agents for any of our future films. Please do not trust any emails or messages received by you for this purpose. Legal action will be taken if any party is found falsely using Mr Khan's or SKF's name in any unauthorised manner," the statement read. Last year also Salman's company issued a warning against fake casting calls using his name. Salman established his film production and distribution company, Salman Khan Films in 2011. The first film produced under the banner was Chillar Party, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and Vikas Bahl. Reportedly, the money generated from film productions is donated to the Being Human organization. (ANI) Renowned actor Ashok Saraf has been conferred with the Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2023 for his contribution to the field of arts. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) CMO Maharashtra shared the news, which read, "Senior Marathi film and theatre actor Ashok Saraf has been announced by the Chief Minister @mieknathshinde for the year 2023 Mana # Maharashtra Bhushan Award for his substantial contribution to the field of arts. The Chief Minister spoke to Ashok Saraf and congratulated him. While congratulating Ashok Saraf, he has said that not only comedy but also various shades from serious to villainous tendencies have been created through his acting and he has dominated the audience." https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra/status/1752296560980021467? The CM also spoke to Ashok Saraf and congratulated him. Ashok Saraf, who started his career as a child actor in Marathi cinema, has done over 250 films. Apart from the Marathi film industry, Ashok Saraf has also earned a lot of fame and love in the Bollywood film industry. He soon made a transition to Hindi television and one of his most memorable roles was in the very popular sitcom 'Hum Paanch' as the father of 5 daughters. Many 90s kids still find the serial nostalgic. Other television shows in which he appeared include 'Naina O Naina' and 'Yeh Choti Badi Baatein'. Ashok Saraf has worked in more than 50 superhit Hindi films like 'Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya', 'Baazigar', 'Singham', Karan Arjun, 'Koyla'and Gupt among others. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde signed Green Hydrogen Policy MoUs with seven companies. A move that has now made Maharashtra the first state to promote green hydrogen, he said. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said, "Green Hydrogen Policy- MoUs have been signed with seven companies. This is a big achievement. Ours is the first state to promote Green Hydrogen. In this investment worth Rs 2.76 lakh crore is being made. Seven big companies are working on it. It is a flexible & liberal policy. 60,000-70,000 people will get employment through it." He further said that this was the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "This is a huge step by the state government. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has also attended several meetings. ArcelorMittal and Nippon has today signed MOUs worth an investment of 40,000 crores today. More than 20,000 people will get jobs. Maharashtra is industrial-friendly state. When I went to Davos, MOUs worth 3.53 lakh crores were signed," the CM said. He further said that the state has huge potential. "There is connectivity available in the state. Skilled manpower is available and land is also available. Policies are also friendly. Maharashtra is becoming the most favourite destination for industries. This is a huge achievement. PM Modi is also supporting us. Single-window clearance and subsidy will be available for the investors," he added. (ANI) West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar said that he was hopeful that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) would be implemented before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Sukanta Majumdar said, "I am hopeful that the CAA will be implemented before the 2024 elections. We have complete faith in our Union Home Minister. If Amit Shah has said he will implement the CAA, then he will definitely do it. It is not under Mamata Banerjee's jurisdiction." He further said that it is the prerogative of the central government to decide who will be the citizen of the country. "There are refugees in the entire country. Mahatma Gandhi said that if the minority Hindus living in Pakistan had any trouble, then India cannot ignore it," he added. Earlier, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said on Monday that CAA, which has been the demand of Hindu refugees since 1945, is going to be fulfilled. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are committed to its implementation, and the time has come to fulfil it. "Let the rule come out; it will be done immediately. The demand of the Hindu refugees, which has been there since 1945, is going to be fulfilled. Modi ji had promised in Thakur Nagar, and Amit Shah had committed again and again. The time has come to fulfil it; time is knocking on the door," Suvendu Adhikari told ANI. (ANI) The Allahabad High Court has refused to grant relief on the petition filed by a couple demanding security after an inter-religious marriage. The court has said that the marriage of the couple did not comply with the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Religious Conversion Act. Justice Saral Srivastava gave the order rejecting the separate petitions of many petitioners from Moradabad and other districts. The couple had urged the court to ask the family to stop interference in their marital life and demanded security for their safety, citing the threat to their lives. The court said that this was a case of the marriage of a couple of opposite religions. The legal process of religious conversion was not followed before marriage. Therefore, this marriage is not valid under the law, the court said, adding that the anti-conversion law was not followed in this marriage. However, the court said that if the petitioners get married after following due process of law, they can seek protection afresh. The anti-conversion law passed in 2021 prohibits unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion and inducement. Out of the total eight petitions, five Muslim youths had married Hindu women and three Hindu youths had married Muslim women . It is known that petitions challenging the constitutional validity of anti-conversion laws by the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are pending before the Supreme Court. (ANI) Earlier, Anil Bhati was granted bail by the high court. However, the state government moved the Supreme Court challenging the high court order. The apex court stayed the high court order granting the gangster bail in the case. Thereafter, a second bail application was filed before the high court on behalf of the gangster, which was promptly rejected. The bail application was heard by Justice Saurabh Srivastava. The bail petition claimed that the trial against the gangster had been stayed by the high court earlier, adding that since he has been in jail for a long time without a trial, he should be granted bail. However, opposition the bail plea, the additional government counsel Vikas Sahay said the argument of the high court staying the gangster's trial had also been made before the Supreme Court, adding that the apex court rejected the bail plea. The petitioner didn't cite any new facts or evidence to support his argument for bail to the gangster, the advocate said, adding that he is an active member of the Sundar Bhati gang and a known history-sheeter in Gautam Buddh Nagar. The advocate argued further that the gangster is wanted for multiple cases, including murder, robbery, dacoity, and extortion, among others. The court, after considering the arguments from both sides, rejected the application saying there was no basis for bail. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 76th death anniversary at Rajghat in Delhi. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "I pay homage to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi." "I also pay homage to all those who have been martyred for our nation. Their sacrifices inspire us to serve the people and fulfil their vision for our nation.." the tweet added. With Prime Minister, other dignitaries were also present among which were, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Defence Minister Rajnathsingh who paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary at Rajghat in Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to X and paid his tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. "Salute to Mahatma Gandhi ji on his death anniversary who awakened the spirit of Swadeshi in the hearts of the countrymen by following the path of truth and non-violence. Gandhi ji's messages of peace and harmony are relevant even today and his thoughts will continue to inspire countrymen to sacrifice and dedicate themselves to the nation," he said, BJP National President, JP Nadda while paying his tribute said that the paths shown by Bapu are relevant in every era. "I pay my tribute to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, the priest of truth and non-violence, who paved the way for India's independence through Swadeshi and self-reliance, on his death anniversary. The paths shown by Bapu are relevant in every era. His ideals and thoughts will always inspire us," Nadda said on X. In his message Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said "I pay homage to Pujya Bapu on his Punyatithi. The nation will always remain grateful for his contributions. Also, on this day, we pay our tributes to all those who laid down their lives in service to the nation." Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, in Lucknow Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi pays floral tributes to Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, in Chennai. India observes Martyrs' Day every year on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to honour his contribution towards the freedom of the country. On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse at Gandhi Smriti in Birla's house, months after India's independence. (ANI) According to an official press release from the Ministry of Culture, "The tableau, a stunning blend of tradition and innovation, captivated audiences with its masterful use of the anamorphic technique alongside a rich display of Bharat's cultural heritage--often hailed as the mother of democracy." The anamorphic technique, skillfully employed in our presentation, added a contemporary touch, reflecting the dynamism of our culture, it said. This modern twist seamlessly complemented the traditional elements, creating a tableau that stood out for its artistic finesse and cultural resonance. As per the release, the Ministry of Culture takes immense pride in this achievement, showcasing our commitment to preserving and celebrating the diverse tapestry of India. This victory is not just a recognition of our creativity but a testament to the richness of Bharat's cultural legacy, it said. We invite the community to share in our joy and celebrate this momentous occasion. The tableau's success is a testament to the collective effort of our dedicated team and our commitment to presenting Bharat's cultural heritage in an innovative and visually striking manner, it added. Earlier on Monday, the historic Vijay Chowk witnessed the sounds of Indian tunes during the 'Beating Retreating' ceremony, marking the culmination of 75th Republic Day celebrations. (ANI) Some crises are unexpected. Others, such as Gov. J.B. Pritzkers migrant crisis, are invited. Shortly after taking office, Pritzker proudly proclaimed, Let there be no doubt that Illinois is a welcoming state. He sent his invitation around the globe, announcing, As the governor of Illinois, I proudly consent to the continuation of refugee admission to our state. In the years since, he has systematically incentivized noncitizens to come to Illinois through his policies and promotion. Pritzker created and expanded a program that provides free health care to immigrants 42 to 64 years old, regardless of immigration status. Taxpayer-funded free health care is something all Illinois citizens, including those on Medicaid, could only dream of. In addition to free medical care, the governor has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to expand programs and cash assistance for noncitizens and millions more on outreach efforts to advertise his taxpayer-funded perks. Beyond his executive orders, the governor has signed a range of new laws, including legislation that prevents state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, to help cement Illinois as the destination state for noncitizens. In essence, Pritzker has used your tax dollars to make Illinois a noncitizen welfare state. His invitation to the most welcoming state in the nation and the millions in Illinois taxpayer dollars spent to promote his message are getting traction. As thousands of migrants began accepting his invitation in the summer of 2022, Pritzker doubled down when he greeted the first busloads with open arms and promises of assistance. Unfortunately for Illinois taxpayers, and the scores of under-resourced communities in our state, the results of his irresponsible policies have been total chaos. As with so many areas of state government that continue to flounder under his leadership, Pritzkers rhetoric has far exceeded his ability to manage. As this crisis that he invited grows, Pritzker has yet to put forward a meaningful plan. Instead, he has ruled by executive order transferring money and resources, making it almost impossible to put an actual dollar amount on the full scope of his spending. Ultimately, whatever that total is were all paying for it. Im a first-generation American. I understand, on a personal level, that immigrants are a critical fiber to the fabric of our society. My parents came to this country on different boats with the same American Dream. They met each other here, in the great state of Illinois, and together, they built a family, a business and a life they were proud of. This isnt an argument about the value of immigration and the role it has played in building the United States of America. Its a question of reality, of management and of what our already overtaxed residents can afford. The people of Illinois cannot afford the misplaced priorities, radical policies and grandiose promises of a governor seeking attention on the national stage. There is also no question as to who is going to be picking up his tab. Illinoisans with developmental disabilities who cant access critical services are paying for it. Low-income families who rely on programs that help pay for food, shelter and utilities are paying for it. Small businesses that are still struggling from pandemic-related loss are paying for it. Neglected veterans in need of lifesaving mental health services are paying for it. There should be no mistake the Illinois migrant crisis is no accident. Pritzker implemented and advertised radical policies to attract noncitizens to Illinois, and now that his generous invitation has been accepted, he is deflecting blame for his mismanagement. In the coming months, as the governor tries to stick Illinoisans with the ever-increasing bill for his misplaced priorities, we will remind him that this is a crisis that he not just invited but also created. State Sen. John Curran, the Senate Republican leader, represents Illinois 41st District. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Amid the communication gap between the Enforcement Directorate and Jharkhand CM, state Governor, CP Radhakrishnan on Tuesday said that he has no information about the CM and the attitude of the ruling party workers is not good. "Just as no one has information about the Chief Minister, similarly I too do not have information. We are also waiting for the CM's response; the attitude of the ruling party workers is not good," he said. Notably, the state administration has imposed Section 144 in a 100-metre radius of CM's residence and other places in Jharkhand. Section 144 has been imposed at the Chief Minister's residence, Rajbhavan and ED's office. "According to the information received, there is information about protests, demonstrations, rallies etc., by various organizations/parties. The possibility of such programs causing disruption in government work, disrupting traffic, creating law and order problems and disturbing public peace cannot be ruled out," the order said. Meanwhile, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, in a letter to the Enforcement Directorate, said he will record his statement before the agency officials at 1 pm on Wednesday at his residence. While accepting to record his statement, the Jharkhand chief minister alleged that questioning him at this time was more political and was meant to disrupt the functioning of his government. "You are well aware that the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly will be held between 2nd and 29th February 2024 and the undersigned will be pre-occupied with preparations for the same apart from other prior scheduled official engagements," the letter written by Soren to ED's Ranchi office said. "In these circumstances, your insistence to record a further statement of the undersigned on or before 31 January 2024 reeks of malice and reveals your political agenda to disrupt the functioning of the State Government and prevent an elected representative of the people from discharging his official duties," Soren's letter to the ED said. On Monday, Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials seized a luxury car belonging to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren from his Delhi residence late on Monday, in connection with the ongoing probe into a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. The BJP had alleged that Soren has "gone missing." "Today, the honour and respect of the people of Jharkhand were destroyed by our Chief Minister Hemant Soren ji, just by going missing," BJP parliamentarian from Jharkhand, Nishikant Dubey, wrote on his X timeline. The Enforcement Directorate officials visited the residence of Soren in the national capital on Monday night for questioning him in connection with the alleged land scam case and said that the Jharkhand Chief Minister could not be located. As per sources, the ED has issued fresh summons to Soren asked him to be available for questioning on January 29 or 31, or else the agency itself will go to him for questioning. This is the tenth summons issued to the Jharkhand Chief Minister by the ED. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary. The Chief Minister offered floral tributes at the statue of Bapu at GPO in the presence of school children who also paid their respects to the Mahatma through recitation of 'Bhajans'. Remembering Mahatma Gandhi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wrote on his social media handle X and said that his aspirations for Ram Rajya and world peace are engrained in his teachings. "Humble tribute to the unparalleled symbol of humanity, Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, on his death anniversary. The profound thoughts of 'Pujya Bapu' pave the way for the fulfilment of the resolve of 'Ek Bharat - Shrestha Bharat' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. His aspirations for Ram Rajya and world peace are engrained in his teachings," he said. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Mayor Sushma Kharakwal, and MLA Mahendra Singh, among others, also paid their tribute during the program. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 76th death anniversary at Rajghat in Delhi. With the Prime Minister, other dignitaries were also present among which were, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Defence Minister Rajnathsingh who paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary at Rajghat in Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to X and paid his tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. "Salute to Mahatma Gandhi ji on his death anniversary who awakened the spirit of Swadeshi in the hearts of the countrymen by following the path of truth and non-violence. Gandhi ji's messages of peace and harmony are relevant even today and his thoughts will continue to inspire countrymen to sacrifice and dedicate themselves to the nation," he said. India observes Martyrs' Day every year on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to honour his contribution towards the freedom of the country. On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse at Gandhi Smriti in Birla's house, months after India's independence. (ANI) Amid a controversy over the removal of a saffron flag in the Mandya district, Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday accused the BJP leaders and their "masters" in the RSS of placing religion and the party above the nation. "It is extremely obvious that for the @BJP4Karnataka & their masters RSS, it is always self, organization, party & religion above the Nation," Priyank Kharge posted on X. The officials from the Mandya district removed the saffron flag bearing an image of Lord Hanuman from a 108-foot flagpole in Keragodu village on Sunday. The local gram panchayat has said that permission was given to the Sri Gowri Shankar Seva Trust, which erected the flagpole, only to hoist either the national tricolour or the Kannada flag. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) conducted a protest rally from the village to the District Collector's office, demanding that the flag be hoisted back. In his X post, Priyank Kharge quoted BR Ambedkar's final address to the Constituent Assembly, which warned the nation of the consequences of prioritizing creed over the nation. "In his final address to the Constituent Assembly, Babasaheb Ambedkar spoke about prioritizing creed over the nation and issued us a warning," Priyank Kharge wrote in the post. "Will history repeat itself? It is this thought which fills me with anxiety. This anxiety is deepened by the realization of the fact that in addition to our old enemies in the form of castes and creeds. We are going to have many political parties with diverse and opposing political creeds. Will Indians place the country above their creed or will they place the creed above the country? I do not know. But this much is certain if the parties place creed above country, our independence will be put in jeopardy a second time and probably be lost forever. This eventuality we must all resolutely guard against. We must be determined to defend our independence with the last drop of our blood," Kharge quoted Ambedkar. In his response to the issue, Chief Minister Siddaramiah had said that it was not right to hoist the Bhagwa flag instead of the Indian flag. Accusing the BJP of plotting against the state government by intimidating people in the village, the Chief Minister said, "It is no accident that the Hanuman flag is hoisted where the national flag should have been hoisted, deliberately violating the rules and protesting against the government." "This incident is a pre-arranged act of the BJP and Sangh Parivar. Such a situation has been created with the intention of systematically raising the people against the state government. There is no doubt that the plot to create communal riots in Mandya is a preparation for the Lok Sabha elections by the BJP leaders," Siddaramaiah claimed. The Chief Minister said that his government is committed to maintaining peace and order in society. "We are not against any particular caste, religion, or community. Our stand is pro-constitutional. People should not make the mistake of following the words of BJP leaders and taking legal action. It is the duty of all of us to respect the Constitution and the law," he asserted."The opposition parties are playing politics regarding the eviction of Hanumadhwaja in a village in Mandya district. It is not right to hoist the Bhagwa dhwaja instead of hoisting the flag of India. According to the rules, it is not allowed to fly any other flag on the flagpole where the national flag should be flown" the Chief Minister said. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party Karnataka leader CT Ravi on Tuesday attacked Congress, saying that its leaders should be the last ones to talk about BR Ambedkar, chairman of the drafting committee of the Constitution of India. CT Ravi was reacting to Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge's post on X, where he alleged that the BJP placed religion above the nation and quoted Ambedkar's speech warning the nation about political parties having more allegiance towards a particular religion than towards the nation. "Of all the people in Bharat, CONgis should be the last ones to talk about the Father of our Constitution, Dr B R Ambedkar. Bharatiyas will never forget how that Incompetent Dynast Nehru ensured the defeat of Babasaheb in two Lok Sabha elections," CT Ravi posted on X. He said that the people of India will never forgive Congress for "continuously insulting Dr Ambedkar and Dalits while enjoying power for decades." "Those who did not award the Bharat Ratna to Dr Ambedkar should not be lecturing us about the Nation. Every Bharatiya is aware that for the BJP, the Nation comes first, the Party next and the Self last. They are also aware that CONgress will not blink an eye to sacrifice Bharat and its interests for the sake of power. CONgis who cannot think beyond Appeasement and Vote Bank politics should look within before finding fault with others," he posted on X. Priyank Kharge on Tuesday accused the BJP leaders and their "masters" in the RSS of placing religion and the party above the nation. "It is extremely obvious that for the @BJP4Karnataka & their masters RSS, it is always self, organization, party & religion above the Nation," Priyank Kharge posted on X. "In his final address to the Constituent Assembly, Babasaheb Ambedkar spoke about prioritizing creed over the nation and issued us a warning," Priyank Kharge wrote in the post. "Will history repeat itself? It is this thought which fills me with anxiety. This anxiety is deepened by the realization of the fact that in addition to our old enemies in the form of castes and creeds. We are going to have many political parties with diverse and opposing political creeds. Will Indians place the country above their creed or will they place the creed above the country? I do not know. But this much is certain if the parties place creed above country, our independence will be put in jeopardy a second time and probably be lost forever. This eventuality we must all resolutely guard against. We must be determined to defend our independence with the last drop of our blood," Kharge quoted Ambedkar. In his response to the issue, Chief Minister Siddaramiah had said that it was not right to hoist the Bhagwa flag instead of the Indian flag. Accusing the BJP of plotting against the state government by intimidating people in the village, the Chief Minister said, "It is no accident that the Hanuman flag is hoisted where the national flag should have been hoisted, deliberately violating the rules and protesting against the government." "This incident is a pre-arranged act of the BJP and Sangh Parivar. Such a situation has been created to systematically raise the people against the state government. There is no doubt that the plot to create communal riots in Mandya is a preparation for the Lok Sabha elections by the BJP leaders," Siddaramaiah claimed. The Chief Minister said that his government is committed to maintaining peace and order in society. (ANI) Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav performed 'bhoomi pujan' (groundbreaking ceremony) and inauguration of nine projects worth Rs 2,367 crore in Jabalpur on Tuesday. Union Minister Gadkari and CM Yadav also visited the exhibition based on the projects of the National Highway Authority of India organised here on the occasion. Gadkari also administered the oath of 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' to people present in the program. Addressing the program, CM Yadav said, "Our government has taken a pledge for development and under the guidance of Union Minister Gadkari, we will continue to provide new development gifts to the people of the state." The Chief Minister further gave details about the nine road projects. Out of these projects, the inauguration of three road projects worth Rs 265 crores was done and the foundation stone laying of six road projects worth Rs 2102 crores was performed. He also extended congratulations to the public on the occasion. "Mahakoushal (Jabalpur division) is the area where there is maximum potential for development. Therefore, after the formation of the government, our first cabinet meeting was held in Jabalpur, the city of Rani Durgavati. I assure you all that we will leave no stone unturned in the development of the entire area of Jabalpur," the CM said. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we all are not getting good roads via Union Minister Gadkari", CM Yadav added. (ANI) A special CBI court granted bail to Harchand Singh Gill, one of the Directors of Pearl Group, who was deported from Fiji in connection with a multi-crore Ponzi scheme. The bail order read that the accused shall not leave the country without prior permission of this court. He shall surrender his passport to this court if not already deposited in another court. Appearing for Harchand Singh Gill, his counsel Bhanu Sanoriya and Abhir Datt contended that Harchand Singh Gill had not received any "wrongful earning" and he was appointed of PGF Ltd at the end of the year 2003 and the alleged crime was executed before the year 2004. Harchand Singh Gill was allegedly on the run since 2016 and was brought back to India in March 2023. Harchand Singh Gill who is the Director of PGF Ltd was brought from FIJI to Delhi in March 2023 under CBI launched 'Operation Trishul' to bring back fugitives living abroad which was aimed to geolocate proceeds of crimes and fugitives with the help of Interpol and deport them to the country. It was alleged that Harchand Singh Gill aided accused Nirmal Singh Bhangoo and other prime promoters/ directors of accused companies in diverting/ siphoning funds collected from investors through dubious means. As per the CBI, Harchand Singh Gill along with other directors of PGF Ltd and PACL Ltd. entered into a criminal conspiracy and in furtherance of said criminal conspiracy operated investment schemes to induce the investors to part with their funds to cheat them and collected more than Rs 48,000 crores through a collective investment scheme in the garb of sale and development of agricultural land from investors all over the country. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Pithoragarh-Dehradun air service from Naini Saini Airport on Tuesday. The Chief Minister congratulated everyone at the start of the air service and also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Lauding the accomplishments achieved under the BJP regime, the Uttarakhand CM said, "Earlier, it used to take 17 hours to go from Pithoragarh to Dehradun, Delhi. Due to the construction of an all-weather road by the efforts of Modi ji, it takes 11 hours to reach Dehradun and Delhi. After the start of air service in the frontier districts, one can reach Dehradun in one hour," he said. Chief Minister Dhami mentioned the ongoing efforts to elevate Jolly Grant Airport to international standards, including the construction of a new terminal. "The Airport Authority of India has conducted an OLS survey to potentially develop Pantnagar Airport into an international airport. In addition, the government aims to regularize helicopter services initiated between Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, Almora, and Pithoragarh. Furthermore, plans are underway to introduce small aircraft services from Chinyalisaur and Gauchar shortly," he said. He further claimed that the visit of PM Modi to Adi Kailash and Jageshwar Dham has significantly boosted tourist numbers in those locations. "PM Modi is actively contributing to giving a fresh identity to Uttarakhand's tourist destinations, both within the country and internationally," he said.He expressed hope that this air service will prove to be a milestone in promoting tourism in Pithoragarh district. Dhami mentioned that the airline service initiated from Pithoragarh-Dehradun for three days a week, will later it will be expanded to five days. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, while addressing through a virtual medium, said that the double-engine government is committed to making every possible continuous effort for development. Commending the efforts of Dhami, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "Uttarakhand is the land of Gods and is the gateway to North India. I have a deep connection with Uttarakhand. My 5 years have been spent in Uttarakhand only. Both Kumaon and Garhwal have been associated with the airline, so it is a matter of joy for us. Currently, a 19-seater is being operated, which is being run three days a week on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, and will reach Dehradun from Pithoragarh in one hour. This will benefit the local people as well as tourists." (ANI) Eight votes, which were declared invalid in the Chandigarh Mayoral polls have led Opposition leaders to raise allegations of rigging, Congress and AAP attacked the BJP-led central government over the issue. Congress on Tuesday alleged that the BJP 'resorted to hijacking' the polls. The BJP's Manoj Sonkar was declared the Mayor of Chandigarh on Tuesday after he won the mayoral polls with 16 votes against the 12 votes bagged by the Congress-AAP candidate Kuldeep Tita. Eight votes were declared null and void. Congress' General Secretary of Communication Jairam Ramesh in a post on X alleged that the BJP first 'attempted to delay' the Chandigarh Mayoral Elections, 'anticipating defeat' upon the formalisation of the alliance of INDIA parties in the elections. "Anticipating defeat upon the formalisation of the alliance of INDIA parties in Chandigarh, the BJP first attempted to delay the Chandigarh Mayoral Elections. After being forced to conduct the polls by the High Court's intervention, the BJP resorted to hijacking the polls," Jairam Ramesh said. The Congress MP further said that the BJP has done 'injustic' to the court and the people. "The foul play by the BJP in today's Chandigarh Mayoral Election is yet another example of their arrogance, their absolute disregard for Constitutional propriety, and their disdain for democratic processes. We will take the fight against BJP's Anyay to the Courts and to the people. We will fight for NYAY for Chandigarh!" he said. The polling process was held in the presence of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh. Voting, which was scheduled to start at 10 am, began after almost an hour's delay as the deputy commissioner and some BJP councillors arrived late. The polls are considered significant as it is the maiden electoral test of the Opposition's INDIA alliance against the BJP and also saw the first alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress. (ANI) The order specifically gives sanction for "renaming 33 government schools/colleges/roads in Jammu and Kashmir after martyrs and eminent personalities". As per the order, in Jammu district, a high school in Akhnoor will be named after the late Rachhpal Singh, HC. In Udhampur district, a government girl's high school in Mantalai will be named after the late rifleman Yash Paul. In Srinagar district, a boy's high school in Narwara will be named after the late Inspector Masroor Ali Wani. In Poonch district, a high school in Ajote will be named after the late Havaldar Abdul Majid. In Kishtwar district, a high school in Galigarh will be named after the late Rifleman Ravi Kumar. In Ramban district, Ramsoo Chowk will be renamed "Shaheed Irshad Ahmad Chowk" after the late Irshad Ahmad, SgCt. Neel Chowk will be renamed "Shaheed Abdul Rehman Malik Chowk" after the late Abdul Rehman, HC. The order also states that the concerned administrative secretaries shall take immediate steps to implement the changes, including amending their records. The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir/Jammu shall also personally monitor the naming of the infrastructure/assets in their respective divisions. (ANI) Aam Admi Party leader, Saurabh Bhardwaj on Tuesday laid out plans to build the country's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) city in Delhi, along with launching a single window facility for MSMEs. In a bid to promote micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) globally, the CII MSME Summit was held in the national capital, which saw the participation of Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj; advisor to the Delhi Government, Gopal Mohan, and various other prominent industrialists. While addressing the summit, Saurabh Bhardwaj announced the idea of making Delhi an AI city, a first of its kind in India, and shared that the government has taken its first step by approving the outlines and layout for establishing 147-acre eco-friendly technology parks, mainly focusing on electronic design, refurbishment, warehousing, and plug-and-play facilities. He also shared the various key initiatives and future plans to empower MSMEs in Delhi. Gopal Mohan, during the summit, shed light on the industry department's initiatives to launch a single-window facility for Delhi's MSMEs for ease of doing business and increasing transparency in order to deliberate on the challenges faced by the sector. Ranjit Singh, Special Commissioner, Department of Industries, GNCTD, shared about the launch of "Delhi Bazar," a dedicated platform for MSMEs in Delhi to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers without incurring any commission fees. The initiative facilitates market access and empowers MSMEs to reach a wider audience, fostering their economic growth. Furthermore, he also informed about the collaboration with SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) to bolster the financial resilience of MSMEs. This partnership offers a unique funding scheme where SIDBI shoulders 75 per cent of the loan amount, GNCTD contributes 15 per cent, and the MSME unit bears a minimal 10 per cent. The CII MSME Summit in Delhi witnessed the attendance of MSMEs from Delhi and international speakers. The summit saw deliberations on the potential MSMEs have and how they can become more resilient by expanding to international markets, leveraging resources, and innovating to cater to the vision of India@100. MSMEs have traditionally been the major part of the Indian business ecosystem ever since India became independent in 1947. (ANI) Regarding the story Johnson calls for cease-fire in Gaza by Jake Sheridan: Maybe Im simply clueless, but I couldnt help wondering just what significance Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and his opinion plays on a global stage. I dont think Israelis or Palestinians really care what our mayor thinks. Furthermore, it is both laughable and pathetic that the mayor and the City Council took time out of their schedule for this vote when they cant even implement a cease-fire on the streets of this city! Every day, innocent civilians in this city are victimized by criminals who act sometimes unencumbered by any serious consequences. The mayor should protect his constituents. So far, his efforts and results have been a disaster. And every day he neglects Chicagoans, more lives are lost. Josh Talbott, Chicago Mayors call for cease-fire In a world that seems to have lost its moral compass, Mayor Brandon Johnsons call for a cease-fire to stop the massacre in Gaza is a rare act of sanity. The Tribune Editorial Board does not see it that way (Mayor Johnsons posturing on Middle East conflict is alienating Jewish Chicago, Jan. 26). It calls Johnsons statement ridiculous posturing. Strong and provocative words. The board reminds Johnson that he would lose the support of the 300,000 Jewish Chicagoans. The board appears to be horrified that Johnson thinks of the conflict in the terms of the oppressed and oppressor, which alludes to the settler-colonial nature of the country. It is worth noting that the elected Americans who have called for stopping the slaughter in Gaza have been people of color. Even if we leave the occupied West Bank and Israels Green Line apartheid aside, how is turning the Gaza enclave into an open-air prison not oppression? Commenting on the brutality of Israels bombardment of Gaza, observers have pointed out that this is one of the few conflicts in history in which civilians have no place of safety and no escape. In fact, they are being herded to smaller and smaller areas. We should wholeheartedly support Johnson on the cease-fire resolution led by Aldermen Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez and Daniel La Spata. The editorial board should know that truth and justice will bring people together, not cleave them asunder. Javeed Akhter, Oak Brook Johnson is ill prepared No one should be at all surprised by Mayor Brandon Johnsons 69% fair and poor combined performance score in a recent survey funded by the group Stand for Children. He was not, at the time of his election, nor is he now in any way prepared to lead a city of the scope, complexity and size of Chicago. When will the electorate of Chicago ever learn? Our Sweet Home Chicago deserves so much better. Well have another chance for the voters of Chicago to do better in 3 1/2 years. In the meantime, we can only hope that Johnsons learning accelerates quickly. Roberta Kushen, Chicago Make crime top priority I want Mayor Brandon Johnson to be successful, but I hope he leads beyond the Chicago Teachers Union social justice agenda. Johnsons top focus should be reducing neighborhood crime as soon as possible. That means now, not one year or four years from today. One way Johnson could immediately reduce crime is to make public offers to Chicagos criminals. He could offer them a job, mental health counseling or a bus ticket out of the Chicago area to start a new life. The CTU has its agenda, but neighborhood crime needs to be immediately reduced. Marc Sims, Chicago Clemency and hard cases Hard cases make bad law. It is an axiom that every first-year law student learns at the outset. The letters of two Tribune readers on Jan. 23 exemplify the legal reasoning that leads to such results, in the case of Edgar Naranjo under the Illinois felony murder rule. What makes Naranjos a hard case is emphasized by the letter writers one states that he recruited a 14-year-old who died as his partner in crime and the other states that he coerced the teen and cites other understandable outrages. It is tragic that a 14-year-old died at the hands of the police. But, to enable clearer thinking, we can eliminate this hard factor by supposing that the police officer had killed Naranjo instead. Then it would be the 14-year-old whom Illinois law would have held responsible for Naranjos murder. And further, the result for Naranjo would also have been the same even if the dead 14-year-old had been 44 and had been the recruiter. The law applies, regardless of the age of the deceased. The entire basis for the common law rule is one of vicarious liability the idea that one who engages in a felonious act with another is liable for all the criminal acts of the other. But the killing of ones accomplice by a police officer resisting the crime is not a criminal act; it is an act of justifiable homicide. There is no criminal act for which one can conceptually be held to be vicariously liable. In fact, had the 14-year-old been 44, and the case not as hard, some people might be inclined to think he got what he deserved. There would likely be little sympathy for him, and few would consider him a victim of a murder. We live in an era of such high levels of violent crime that we want to hold somebody responsible for a death, any death, that tragically should not have occurred. And few are likely to have much sympathy for Naranjo for the application of the Illinois rule, however tenuous the legal reasoning. So it is not about to change soon. Naranjo served some 20 years for his crime and has apparently undergone the complete rehabilitation that our criminal justice system is said to be designed for. But for some people, that will never be enough. It is for such hard cases that the governors clemency power exists. Frank Stachyra, Oak Park The young in public service Ever wonder why there are so many older people in important government positions? This may be a simplistic answer, but I think its because schools today arent giving students the incentive to go into public service and theyre not giving the students the tools to do it if they want to do it. Someone on a recent current-events Zoom program said that his wife, a law professor, couldnt use one case because the students couldnt read it. Do our schools need higher standards and a society that expects them? Alice Marcus Solovy, Highland Park Democratic process in peril Is letter writer Patrick J. Allen (What if Trump wins? Jan. 25) suggesting that election denial and conspiracy theories could be the new normal moving forward? I certainly hope not. However, considering that there has only been one loser of a presidential election over the last 200 years who has engaged in such activities, we have yet another reason to point the finger at Donald Trump for damaging the democratic process, should this turn out to be the case. Mike Gershbein, Skokie Join the conversation in our Letters to the Editor Facebook group. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday informed the Rouse Avenue Court that it will file a supplementary charge sheet by the end of February 2024. The agency informed the court of Special CBI judge Vishal Gogne while giving a reply on an application moved by RJD leader Ahmed Ashfaq Karim for releasing an amount of cash worth Rs 13 lakh seized during the investigation. Meanwhile, the court has kept the application pending until the filing of the supplementary charge sheet. The matter was listed for February 27. This case is at the stage of scrutiny of documents filed along with a charge sheet against Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members, and other accused. The counsel for Karim submitted that the applicant is not an accused in this case and the cash in question is not evidence, so it may be released immediately.The CBI's special public prosecutor (SPP), D. P Singh filed a reply and submitted that the agency will file a supplementary charge sheet by the end of February next month. He also submitted that the cash amount is unaccounted for. The investigation is at an advanced stage. The nature of the case amount may become more crystallised after filing the supplementary charge sheet. The application may be taken up after the filing of the supplementary chargesheet, the SPP submitted. On the last hearing on January 6, 2024, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought time to file a reply on the applications of Lalu Prasad Yadav and others seeking supply of documents. On December 20, 2023, the Rouse Avenue court sought a reply from the CBI on an application moved by accused persons, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejaswi Yadav, seeking the supply of documents filed along with the charge sheet. Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejaswi Yadav are arrayed as accused in Land for Job Scam. On October 4, the court granted bail to former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, Rabri Devi, and others in relation to a fresh charge sheet in the alleged Land for Job Scam case. According to the CBI, this is the second chargesheet in the designated court against 17 accused, including then Union Minister of Railways Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son, then GM of West Central Railways (WCR), then two CPOs of WCR, private persons, private companies, etc. in a case related to Land for Job Scam The CBI filed a charge sheet in the land for jobs alleged scam case against former Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, including Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav and others. CBI had registered a case on May 18, 2022, against the then Union Minister of Railways and others, including his wife, two daughters, and unknown public servants and private persons. It is alleged that the Union Minister of Railways during the period 2004-2009 obtained pecuniary advantages in the form of the transfer of landed property in the name of his family members, etc., in lieu of the appointment of substitutes in Group "D" Post in different zones of railways. It was further alleged that in lieu thereof, the substitutes, who were residents of Patna themselves or through their family members, sold and gifted their land situated at Patna in favour of the family members of said Minister and a private company controlled by his family members, which was also involved in the transfer of such immovable properties in the name of said family members. It was also alleged that no advertisement or any public notice was issued for such appointments of substitutes in Zonal Railways, yet the appointees who were residents of Patna were appointed as substitutes in different Zonal Railways located in Mumbai, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Hazipur. Searches were earlier conducted at multiple places, including Delhi, Bihar, etc., said the CBI. During the investigation, it was found that the then Union Minister of Railways, with the intent to acquire the land parcels situated at the places where his family was already owning land parcels or the places that were already connected to him, entered into a conspiracy with associates and family members and allegedly derived a design to grab the land of various land owners by offering / providing group D employment in railways, the CBI said. The accused had allegedly collected applications and documents of such candidates through associates and then sent those to West Central Railway for processing and providing jobs in railways, and the general managers of West Central Railways, under the influence and control of the accused, accorded approval for the engagement of candidates. For providing jobs in railways, they allegedly devised an indirect way wherein the candidates were engaged firstly as substitutes and subsequently, were regularised. A hard disc containing lists of candidates who were engaged was also recovered during searches. It was further alleged that a land parcel was purchased in the name of a private company at Rs. 10.83 lakh during 2007, and subsequently, the said land, along with some other land parcels purchased by the said company, were brought into the ownership / control of his wife and son, the then Union Minister of Railways, by way of a transfer of shares at Rs. 1 lakh only. At the time of transfer, the company was allegedly owning land parcels purchased at a total cost of Rs 1.77 crore (approximately), and they were transferred for a mere Rs 1 lakh (approximately); however, the market value of the lands was much higher. Earlier, a chargesheet was filed on July 7, 2022, against 16 accused. "Investigation is continuing," the CBI informed the Court. (ANI) Leaders of various political parties in Punjab hailed the nomination of Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor of Chandigarh University, and Convener of the Indian Minorities Foundation as Members of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. Senior leaders of all political parties, including Congress, the BJP, and Shiromani Akal Dal (Badal), joined in extending congratulations to the educationist and philanthropist from Punjab, Satnam Singh Sandhu, on being nominated by the President to the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Sharing his congratulations, the Leader of the Opposition in Punjab and senior Congress Leader, Partap Singh Bajwa, praised Satnam Singh Sandhu for his contributions to the education sector and termed him a real philanthropist working for society. "My heartfelt congratulations to @satnamsandhuchd for his nomination as a Rajya Sabha member by the President of India, @rashtrapatibhvn. Satnam Singh Sandhu has been a philanthropist and has made an immense contribution to the education sector," he wrote on X. President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday nominated India's leading educationist Satnam Singh Sandhu to the Rajya Sabha. The Ministry of Home Affairs made the announcement in a notification that mentions, "in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (a) of clause (1) of Article 80 of the Constitution of India, read with clause (3) of that article, the President is pleased to nominate Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu to the Council of States to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of one of the nominated members." Having struggled to attain education, agriculturist Sandhu made the creation of a world-class educational institution his life's mission by first laying the foundation of Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC) at Landran in Mohali in 2001 and then going a step forward with the formation of Chandigarh University in 2012. The institute found a place in QS World Rankings 2023, first among private universities in Asia. The son of a farmer, Sandhu, who faced hardships in early life, turns into a staunch philanthropist who has extended financial help to lakhs of students to pursue quality education. The Chandigarh University Chancellor, Sandhu is actively involved in large-scale community efforts to improve health and wellness and also to advance communal harmony through his two NGOs 'Indian Minorities Foundation' and the New India Development (NID) Foundation. Sandhu has made a mark with his efforts for national integration at home and has worked extensively with the diaspora abroad. BJP President Sunil Jakhar also extended his best wishes to Satnam Sandhu through a Facebook post. "Congratulations to Satnam Singh Sandhu on becoming a member of the Rajya Sabha," the BJP leader said. The National General Secretary, BJP, and Incharge Jammu and Kashmir, Telangana, Ladakh, termed Satnam Singh Sandhu a distinguished educationist and social worker. He hailed Sandhu's commitment and efforts towards national integration. In his tweet, Tarun Chugh said that Satnam Singh Sandhu has served the people at the grass-roots level through his social activities. General Secretary Shiromani Akali Dal, Bikramjit Singh Manjthia, also congratulated Satnam Singh Sandhu through his post on X for his nomination to Rajya Sabha. He termed the contribution made by Sandhu in making Punjab an education hub, which has resulted in the global ranking of Chandigarh University. "Congratulations to Sardar Satnam Singh Sandhu on becoming a member of the Rajya Sabha. I saw him for the first time in 1995 at Ajitwal in Moga...Now he has become a Rajya Sabha member, which is a great achievement. We hope that Satnam Singh Sandhu will work hard for Punjab, Punjabi, and Punjabiyat. Congratulations once again with best wishes," he said. Further, the President of the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Parbhdak Committee, H.S. Kalka, also extended his wishes to Satnam Sandhu through a tweet. In his message, Kalka said that the Upper House of Parliament would be enriched with his views and experience. "Delighted to share that our Hon'ble President - Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji has nominated S. Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji (Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Mohali & Convener, Indian Minorities Foundation), to the Rajya Sabha. I congratulate and wish him the very best for this new role," he said, expressing his hope that the entire Sikh community is confident that the Rajya Sabha will be enriched by his views and understanding. (ANI) The Uttarakhand government will present the Uniform Civil Code Bill in the state assembly in February during the special session, said Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday. Dhami also informed that the UCC Committee had completed its work and they would submit their draft (on UCC) to us on February 2. "Committee has given us the date of February 2, when they would submit their draft (on UCC) to us. After that, the formalities that are needed to make it law will be taken up. A meeting of the state cabinet will also be held. We will discuss it there too. The assembly session will begin on 5th February...It is a special session for UCC. The Bill will be introduced during the session and will be passed," Dhami told ANI. According to government sources, state government will present the UCC Bill in the state Assembly on February 6. The Uttarakhand Assembly session will be held from February 5 to 8, according to a notification by the Secretariat of the Assembly. Apart from this, the government will also present a bill in the House for a 10 per cent horizontal reservation in government services for the state agitators and their dependents. Uttarakhand had constituted a panel on the Uniform Civil Code under Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai on May 27, 2022. The UCC was promised to the people of the state in the run-up to the 2022 assembly polls in Uttarakhand. Article 44 of the Constitution of India says that the state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) throughout the territory of India. The UCC proposes a common set of laws dealing with marriage, inheritance, adoption, and other matters. The UCC, which had been a hot topic that had polarised opinions over the last four years, hit the forefront in June last year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for the implementation of uniform legislation in an address in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal. (ANI) Misa Bharti, daughter of former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Tuesday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is indulging in threatening and scaring every opposition leader ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, however, the public is watching the whole scenario and will teach the BJP a lesson. Misa Bharti said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is afraid of his party's performance in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, and this is why the BJP has started targeting opposition leaders. "I think the Prime Minister is very scared for the 2024 elections. Attempts were made to threaten and scare him (Hemant Soren) to get him to their side, but perhaps he did not do that. So, this is being done. An elected CM had given them the time that he would appear before them between January 29-31, but his residence was still raided," Misa Bharti told ANI. Warning the BJP that the public is watching their every move, Misa Bharti said, "This is just the beginning, the PM is scared for the 2024 elections, and attempts are being made to scare all opposition leaders like this. But we won't be scared. The public is watching. BJP and PM Modi will have to bear the brunt of it." Misa Bharti further claimed that the BJP is trying to topple the government in Jharkhand. "You can see what is happening in our neighbouring state, Jharkhand. I suspect that the Centre is playing the same game in Jharkhand that it is playing in Bihar," she said. The former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was questioned for around 8 hours in a land-for-job scam by the Enforcement Directorate in Patna. His father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, was questioned by the central agency for around 9 hours on Monday. Meanwhile, Hemant Soren, who was also summoned multiple times by the central agency wrote a letter to the ED and said that he would record his statement before the agency officials at 1 pm on Wednesday, January 31 at his residence in Ranchi. (ANI) The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached movable and immovable properties amounting to Rs 8.5 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in the case of Dhar Land Scam in Madhya Pradesh on Monday, said an official statement from the ED. The attachment comprises the illegally occupied land parcel belonging to the Madhya Pradesh Government and also Proceeds of Crime generated by Sudhir Ratnakar Peter Das and others by further sale of part of said government land. The attached properties comprise 56 immovable properties and two movable properties (fixed deposits), which are in the name of various persons including the main mastermind, Sudhir Ratnakar Peter Das. ED initiated the investigation based on the FIR registered and the charge sheet filed by Madhya Pradesh Police for the offenses registered under various sections of IPC, 1860. The subject land was given by the then Maharaja of Dhar, Anand Rao Pawar, to Dr (Miss) Margerate O' Hora of the Canadian Presbyterian Mission for the sole purpose of setting up a women' hospital and residential facility for the doctors. After Dr Hora left for Canada in 1927, the said land holding was abandoned and recorded as government land as per Misal Bandobast (government records) of 1927-28 in Dhar. Thereafter, the subject government land was illegally alienated through a conspiracy hatched and executed by Sudhir Ratnakar Peter Das in connivance with various individuals and religious institutions. It involved collusive proceedings before revenue and judicial authorities, obliterating records, manipulating records, etc. in collusion with private individuals as well as public officials. ED investigation revealed that government land with an area of 3.567 hectares located in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh was divided by Sudhir Das in connivance with other persons into various plots and sold to various persons fraudulently by making forged documents with deceitful and dishonest intentions to gain profit. Further investigation is underway. (ANI) During a state-level BJP media workshop, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized the essential role of the media in bridging the gap between the government and the public. Chief Minister Dhami stressed how the media serves as a communication channel between the government and the public. Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the significant role of the media in keeping the public informed about various schemes, spanning from the central to the state governments. He highlighted that the media serves a dual purpose by not only disseminating information about government initiatives but also acting as a crucial intermediary in conveying messages between the government and the public, and vice versa. CM Dhami conveyed that the media's role is important because today it has become easy for people to reach information but it has become difficult to reach the right information. The Chief Minister further expressed that the progress towards transforming Uttarakhand into a prominent state is a result of the effective guidance provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Drawing inspiration from the Prime Minister, Uttarakhand has witnessed significant and challenging decisions in the past two and a half years, surpassing those made in the preceding 23 years. On one hand, the implementation of the nation's most stringent anti-copying law in Uttarakhand was accomplished, while on the other, legislation to curb religious conversion was enacted. Notably, strict measures were taken against 'land jihad' for the first time in Devbhoomi. Apart from this, for the first time in 23 years since the formation of Uttarakhand, strict action was taken against the corrupt. "While we ensured 30 per cent reservation for the women of the state, we also came up with a scheme to provide three free cylinder refills in a year. You people have conveyed all these issues to the public in the right way, and they have to be conveyed further also," said the Uttarakhand CM. He also spoke about implementing the Uniform Civil Code of Conduct in Devbhoomi. "After the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code of Conduct, people will have to be made aware of the benefits of UCC. Special care has to be taken to ensure that no misconceptions spread regarding UCC and correct information has to be provided to the people," he said. Dhami also said that compared to the years after independence, during these nine years of the Central Government, there was tremendous progress in the country on all fronts, and India's image was also strengthened across the world. "India has made all-round and inclusive progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. In these nine years, food security was ensured to 80 crore people. About 50 crore Jan Dhan accounts were opened, and about 3.5 crore houses were built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Tap water was supplied to 8.67 crore houses. Not only this, while on the one hand, six thousand rupees have been given to the farmers every year since 2019 in the form of Kisan Samman Nidhi, on the other hand, the Prime Minister also brought the Crop Insurance Scheme. For women empowerment, 11.72 crore Izzatghars were built in rural areas and more than ten crore Ujjwala connections were given. Apart from this, a campaign of one million recruitments was started by organizing an employment fair," Dhami stated. (ANI) Delhi's Tis Hazari Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Director of the Forensic Science Lab, Delhi and directed him to expedite the FSL results pending in the Swiss woman murder case. The Court also directed him to file an appropriate report before the next date of hearing. The matter is related to the alleged murder of a Swiss woman in the Tilak Nagar area in October 2023. The Delhi police have already filed a charge sheet. This matter is at the stage of arguments on charge and the FSL report is awaited. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Vijay Shankar directed the director of FSL to expedite the results and file an appropriate report. "Issue notice to the Director, FSL, Rohini, Delhi, with direction to expedite the FSL result and file an appropriate report in respect of the FSL result on or before the next date of hearing," ASJ Vijay Shankar ordered on January 30, 2024. The court has also issued notice to the SHO of Tilak Nagar police station with directions to file an appropriate report in respect of the FSL result on or before the next date of hearing. A notice has also been issued to the Investigation Officer (IO) for the next date of hearing. The court has put up the matter for arguments on charge on March 18, 2024. This matter has been assigned to ASJ Vijay Shankar after cognizance of the charge sheet. The court has requested the Secretary, DLSA, West District, Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi, to appoint a legal aid counsel to the accused, Gurpreet Singh, alias Mandeep Singh. During the hearing, accused Gurpreet Singh informed the court that he was not having any counsel and legal aid counsel be provided to him. On January 15, the court took cognizance of the charge sheet filed in the Swiss woman murder case. Delhi police had arrested Gurpreet Singh for allegedly murdering Swiss woman Nina Berger. He was arrested on October 21. The charge sheet has been filed under sections 302, 201, 404, 482, 411 against accused Gurpreet Singh alias Mandeep Singh. Delhi police Police have filed a 1,000-page charge sheet under sections related to murder, destruction of evidence, etc. Delhi police have invoked sections 302 (murder), 201 (disappearance of evidence), 404 (misappropriating or using the property of a deceased person), 482 (punishment for using false property marks), and 411 (found in possession of stolen property). As per Delhi police, an unidentified woman's body found near the wall of an MCD school located in Tilak Nagar was that of a Swiss national, police said on Saturday, adding that the accused has been arrested. The police had also seized the car used in the commission of the crime by the accused. Following the murder, as per police sources, accused Gurpreet dumped the body in the same car on a roadside. During the interrogation, the accused revealed that he had met the woman through a social media networking website four years ago. "The meeting, which took place three to four years ago, turned into a friendship, and the accused fell in love with the girl. However, the girl had another boyfriend, which did not go down well with the accused," police said. "The accused called the girl from Switzerland to India on the pretext of meeting her and then tied the girl's hands and legs with a chain, saying that he would give her a surprise in 10 minutes and choked her to death," police added. According to the police, the accused had purchased a car by showing the ID of another girl and dumped the body in the Tilak Nagar area. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Vichitra Veer had said that they had received a call between 8:45 a.m. and 9 a.m. at Tilak Nagar police station about the incident, and specialised teams reached the spot. "Prima Facie, we thought that it was a murder case. We registered a case under sections 302 and 201 and started an investigation. Nearby cameras showed a suspicious car passing by... We identified the car, it was brought from a second-hand car dealer in Janakpuri with cash. We traced an accused named Gurpreet. He was using the car... We apprehended Gurpreet from Janakpuri last night." "Only initial interrogation has taken place. He is not very cooperative. It is a confirmed fact that the body was dumped in a car. The victim was in touch with the accused for last 8-10 days," DCP Veer added. Police said they have recovered Rs 1.5 crore from the accused, which he had allegedly acquired by selling the property. Earlier, police said they had formed multiple teams after an unidentified woman was found dead near the wall of an MCD school located in Tilak Nagar on Friday morning. (ANI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met with the injured jawans at Balaji Hospital in Raipur on Tuesday, where he said that the double-engine government will put an end to Naxal activities in the state. Three jawans succumbed to their injuries, and 15 remain injured following the exchange of fire with naxals near Jonaguda and Aliguda at the Bijapur-Sukma border. Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai said that naxals were large in number, and today only a security camp was built in Tekalgudem village, and they did not want the security camp. CM Sai said, "The incident occurred near Tekalgudem village in Sukma district. Our jawans gave a befitting reply in the exchange of fire. Since the BJP has formed the government in Chhattisgarh, we are giving the Naxals a befitting reply. Three jawans laid down their lives. The double-engine government will bring an end to Naxals in the coming days." Chhattisgarh DGP Ashok Juneja said that the naxals did not want the security camp in that area. DGP Ashok Juneja said, "There was a fire from the Naxal side. Our soldiers retaliated. There are video footage showing that the Naxalites are picking up the dead bodies of their people. A total of 15 soldiers have been injured, and 3 have lost their lives." He further said that the strategy was to enter the core area, and they would expedite the anti-naxal operation. "We will set up camps and provide access to interior areas. We will provide facilities of the state and central government to the people in the interior areas through these camps so that they get separated from the naxals," he added. According to Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) P. Sundarraj, the incident occurred near Tekalgudem village when a joint team of security personnel was out on a search operation. The injured are now out of danger and are undergoing treatment in Raipur. A team from the 201 battalion of the CoBRA and the 150 battalion of the CRPF was working in the area to establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) when the exchange of fire began around 1 pm. An FOB is a remote camp meant to facilitate security forces operating in core Naxal areas. Notably, as many as 22 jawans were killed in the encounter with Naxals in Chhattisgarh in 2021 during an encounter along the Sukma-Bijapur border. (ANI) Foreign Secretary, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, called on the newly-elected Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, and held crucial discussions with him, reinforcing the enduring bonds between the two nations. Kwatra, who is on Bhutan visit, also met Foreign Minister of Bhutan Lyonpo DN Dhungyel. During his meeting with the Bhutanese PM on Monday, Kwatra reaffirmed the strong friendship shared between India and Bhutan. The Foreign Secretary assured Lyonchhen of India's unwavering commitment to being a reliable partner, aligning closely with the priorities outlined by the Royal Government and the people of Bhutan. "Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatra called on @PMBhutan Lyonchhen H.E. Tshering Tobgay. FS reaffirmed the close bonds of friendship India shares with Bhutan & assured Lyonchhen of India's firm commitment to partner with Bhutan as per the priorities of the Royal Government & people of Bhutan," said the Indian Embassy in Bhutan in a post on X. Continuing his diplomatic engagements, Ambassador Kwatra also met with the Bhutanese Foreign Minister. The discussions between the two sides delved into important bilateral matters of mutual interest, exploring ways to further enhance relations between India and Bhutan across various sectors. In another post, the Indian Embassy shared insights into this meeting, stating, "Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatra called on @FMBhutan Lyonpo D N Dhungyel. The two sides discussed important bilateral matters of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen relations across all sectors," The Foreign Secretary also met his Bhutanese counterpart, Aum Pema Choden, on Monday and held a discussion on multifaceted cooperation between the two nations in development partnership, space, energy, trade, technology, economic ties, and people-to-people ties. In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Bhutan stated, "Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatra held bilateral consultations with Foreign Secretary of Bhutan Aum Pema Choden. A wide ranging discussion on multifaceted cooperation between in development partnership, space, energy, trade, technology, economic ties, and people-to-people ties." Earlier in the day, Vinay Mohan Kwatra arrived in Bhutan for a three-day official visit from January 29-31. Aum Pema Choden welcomed him at Paro. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Bhutan stated, "Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatra was warmly welcomed on his arrival at Paro by Aum Pema Choden, Foreign Secretary of Bhutan for an official visit from January 29-31." "The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, and will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review entire gamut of bilateral ties," it added. During his visit, he will call on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release. He will also meet other senior officials of the Royal Government. In a press release, MEA stated, "The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between Bhutan and India." Notably, diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968 with the establishment of a special India office in Thimphu. The two nations celebrated 50 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 2018. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the party chief, Tshering Tobgay, for their triumph in the parliamentary elections in Bhutan. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Heartiest congratulations to my friend @tsheringtobgay and the People's Democratic Party for winning the parliamentary elections in Bhutan. Look forward to working together again to further strengthen our unique ties of friendship and cooperation." Bhutan's People's Democratic Party (PDP) won the largest number of seats in the parliamentary elections and formed the new government. The PDP won 30 out of the 47 seats in the National Assembly, and the Bhutan Tendrel Party secured 17 seats. This was Bhutan's fourth general election since transitioning from a traditional monarchy to a parliamentary form of government 15 years ago. (ANI) Qatari Prime Minister Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani expressed hope on Monday (local time) for finding a positive solution for the release of the remaining hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. At the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC, the Qatari PM said that there was a "good progess" in talks focused on finding a resolution to release the remaining hostages and establish a lasting ceasefire in Gaza over the weekend. He added that the talks on Sunday have made "good progress to get things back in shape and at least to lay a foundation for the way forward." He outlined the framework emerging from the talks in France as a combination of "what's been proposed by the Israelis and what's been a counter-proposal from Hamas," as reported by CNN. A crucial meeting was held on Sunday to explore a potential second deal between Israel and Hamas, focusing on the release of 136 hostages in Gaza and a temporary cessation of hostilities. The closed-door talks also included key figures such as CIA Chief William Burns, Mossad Chief David Barnea, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, and the head of Egyptian Intelligence Services Abbas Kamel. "We tried to blend things together to come up with some sort of reasonable ground that brings everybody together," Al Thani said in the US. Nevertheless, the Qatari prime minister played down the likelihood of immediate outcomes. He emphasised that the framework still needs to be communicated to Hamas, stating, "we don't know and we cannot predict" the militant group's response. According to Al Thani, Hamas needs to reach "to a place where they engage positively and constructively in the process," CNN reported. Earlier, The Jerusalem Post reported that the Israeli team's objective is to emphasise the need for additional pressure on Hamas to accept what Israel considers a reasonable deal. The meeting aimed to initiate a move, bring forth ideas, and propose solutions to break the current deadlock. Recent reports indicate a potential deal is closer, envisioning a two-month suspension of fighting in Gaza. The release of hostages would occur in two or three phases. In the initial 30-day stage, fighting would cease, and women, elderly men, and sick or injured hostages would be released. Simultaneously, details for the second phase would be finalised during another 30-day suspension of hostilities. The release of female soldiers remains unclear, and the final phase would involve the release of male soldiers and the bodies of deceased hostages. However, a major obstacle lies in Hamas' demand for a complete end to fighting in Gaza, a condition Israel categorically rejects. The proposal for Hamas leaders to leave the Strip is reportedly no longer part of the ongoing discussions, The Jerusalem Post reported. (ANI) Chicagos host committee for this summers Democratic National Convention is seeking representatives from each of citys 77 community areas to spearhead recruiting and volunteering efforts for the convention. These 77 neighborhood ambassadors will each be responsible for recruiting at least 50 volunteers from their neighborhoods to help with a variety of tasks before and during the Aug. 19-22 convention, as well as hosting neighborhood events and serving as liaisons between convention organizers and community groups. One of the reasons Chicago was selected (to host the DNC) is because the diversity of our city really reflects the diversity of the country, said Natalie Edelstein, a spokeswoman for the local host committee. We want to make sure that our volunteer corps matches the diversity of our city. We want to make sure that all of the folks from Rogers Park to Pullman have a say in convention planning, have a stake in the event and feel like theyre being represented. The neighborhood ambassadors themselves will be volunteers and the application can be found online at chicago2024.com/neighborhoodambassadorprogram. The application process will remain open through Feb. 9. Convention organizers also are looking for 23 ambassadors to represent surrounding suburbs. In all, organizers anticipating needing 12,000 volunteers to pull off the convention at which President Joe Biden is expected to receive the national Democratic Partys nomination for a second term. Volunteers, who must be at least 16 years old and able to pass background checks, will work in a variety of roles, from helping delegates and other visitors navigate the citys airports to staffing convention headquarters and helping with communications and media logistics, Edelstein said. Im not kidding when I say we have a job for everyone, she said. The convention, especially the made-for-TV spectacle of prime-time speeches from the floor of the United Center, will bring the national spotlight to the city as it continues grappling with gun violence and the ongoing migrant crisis, which has caused divisions among top Democrats. Communities, particularly on the West Side west of the United Center, are eager to see a boost from the convention, much like communities east of the stadium saw under then-Mayor Richard M. Daley ahead of the 1996 DNC, when the city poured $60 million on beautification efforts. U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. and other West Side leaders told the Tribune last summer that they would be advocating with both convention organizers and City Hall for investments to be made and opportunities to be given to residents there. Aside from recruiting volunteers, part of the role of the neighborhood ambassadors will be to communicate neighborhood-level concerns to convention organizers, Edelstein said. We view it as sort of an open line of communication, she said. We want to know whats going on in the various areas of the city. We want to know what concerns folks have about the convention, and vice versa. In an effort to ensure diversity among contractors and other businesses involved with the DNC, the host committee late last year announced the creation of an advisory council to set diversity spending goals as well as to establish equity practices, community engagement strategies and contract and event execution plans. Earlier this month, the host committee and the Democratic National Convention Committee said theyd hired four major contractors to play key roles in convention operations at the United Center. Among them were Englewood-based Show Strategy, a Black-owned business that will provide exposition services and, with Maryland-based Hargrove, serves as event manager. Organizers also selected Kansas City, Missouri-based Populous as the event architect and a joint venture of longtime Chicago construction firm, McHugh Construction, and Powers & Sons Construction Co., a minority-owned firm, as construction manager. dpetrella@chicagotribune.com Afghanistan's Taliban-appointed Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, met with the ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions of the regional countries of the region, including India. Other diplomats and ambassadors were from Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Indonesia, the Taliban-controlled Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. "Calling the current diplomatic relations of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan with the countries of the region remarkable, FM Muttaqi stressed that regional countries should hold regional peace talks to increase and continue positive interaction with Afghanistan, adding Muttaqi asked the participants to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in Afghanistan based on a region-oriented tradition so as to coordinate in managing the potential threats," the release added. "Underlying on positive engagement with the countries of the region and the world, FM Muttaqi once again reiterated that there remains no need to appoint a new special representatives in the presence of UNAMA and the existence of an independent central government in Afghanistan, urging the participants to convey the message of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's region-oriented initiative to their countries so that Afghanistan and the region can jointly utilise the new opportunities in the region for the benefit of their governments and nations," it also said. In its continued efforts to help Afghanistan, India, on January 23, supplied 40,000 litres of Malathion, a pesticide used to fight locust menaces, through the Chabahar port. The Taliban-controlled Ministry of Agriculture has expressed gratitude for this assistance, highlighting its significance in protecting crops and ensuring food security in Afghanistan. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in Afghanistan also thanked India for supplying 40,000 litres of Malathion, a pesticide used to fight locust menaces. "Good to see we have allies in the struggle against #locusts in Afghanistan; thanks to the support of @IndianEmbKabul," the Food and Agriculture Organization of UN in Afghanistan stated on X. Malathion, known for its efficacy in arid regions and minimal water usage, is considered a crucial tool in locust control. The aid not only addresses the immediate threat in Afghanistan but also serves to prevent the spread of locusts to neighbouring Central Asian countries. "Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is grateful of the Government of the Republic of India and its people for supplying 40,000 liters of chemical material (Malathion) in the agriculture sector, to prevent the locusts menace, that the mentioned assistance arrived today through Chabahar port," the Afghanistan Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock said. The assistance not only helps in preventing locusts in Afghanistan but also prevents locusts from Central Asian countries, especially Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, and is effective on crops in the region. The 40,000 litres of malathion pesticide were supplied in two trucks and officially handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock of the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan government. (ANI) Monday marked Consul General Zha Liyou's last day in office, concluding a five-year tenure in India, particularly in East India. "I feel very excited about the five years I spent in India, especially in East India," he told ANI. Reflecting on his time in India, Consul General Zha Liyou expressed excitement and satisfaction, highlighting successful collaborations in various sectors despite uncertainties and challenges. He thanked friends in the government, politics, bureaucracies, business, and education for their support during his tenure. He emphasised the strong business connections established during his term. "I feel satisfied because I have worked with friends in the communities, states, centre and the local. We have accomplished, given the times of certain uncertainties and difficulties, some very good things, especially regarding business connections," he added. As part of his farewell activities, Consul General Zha Liyou met with colleagues and organised a farewell ceremony, extending New Year wishes to everyone. The event featured a traditional dragon dance, adding a festive touch to the occasion. Guests from political circles, business communities, universities, schools, think tanks, the consular corps, Chinese community, and Chinese companies attended the celebration. Consul General Zha Liyou concluded his remarks by expressing his admiration for India as a great country. "I want to take this opportunity to thank my friends in the government, politics, bureaucracies, business and education, for their support to my office...This is a great country. I wish all my friends a very successful 2024," the outgoing envoy also said. (ANI) Elon Musk, the billionaire founder of Neuralink, announced on Monday that the first human recipient of an implant from the brain-chip startup underwent the procedure on Sunday and is recovering well. Taking to social media, X, Musk posted, "The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well." Neuralink was given clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration last year to conduct its first trial to test its implant on humans. "Initial results show promising neuron spike detection," Musk''s post added. According to Neuralink''s website, it has received approval from the independent institutional review board. The PRIME Study (short for Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) - an investigational medical device trial for fully-implantable, wireless brain-computer interface (BCI) - aims to evaluate the safety of our implant (N1) and surgical robot (R1) and assess the initial functionality of our BCI for enabling people with paralysis to control external devices with their thoughts, according to the company''s website. During the study, the R1 Robot will be used to surgically place the N1 Implant''s ultra-fine and flexible threads in a region of the brain that controls movement intention. Once in place, the N1 Implant is cosmetically invisible and is intended to record and transmit brain signals wirelessly to an app that decodes movement intention. The initial goal of our BCI is to grant people the ability to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone, it also said. The PRIME Study is being conducted under the investigational device exemption (IDE) awarded by the FDA in May 2023 and represents an important step in our mission to create a generalised brain interface to restore autonomy to those with unmet medical needs, it added. Musk and his company have already faced massive criticism for the trial of "brain chips" on lab animals. In February 2022, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine submitted a complaint alleging that Neuralink did "invasive and deadly brain experiments." By December of that year, the company was being investigated by federal authorities for potential violations of animal welfare standards, with documents indicating that the company had murdered around 1,500 animals, including rats, monkeys, pigs, and mice, since 2018. Neuralink fought back against these very serious allegations claiming that the rhesus macaque monkeys under its care were "respected and honoured" by the team. (ANI) Despite government efforts to curtail the protests, hundreds of Israeli protesters made their way to the Kerem Shalom border crossing to demonstrate against deliveries of humanitarian aid to Gaza on Monday. Following five consecutive days of protests, the Israel Defence Forces designated the area as a closed military zone to curtail the now-daily gatherings. Nevertheless, the turnout was larger, but unlike previous days, nobody blocked trucks. Police made 13 arrests, including one army reservist who was protesting in uniform. The passage of aid deliveries is controversial. Israelis say that food, water and fuel are stolen by Hamas once they arrive inside the Strip. Protesters chanted, "Don't feed Hamas." Among the Monday protesters was Noga Alfasi, whose 56-year-old aunt, Maya Goren, was murdered in captivity. "I did not come here to starve the people, and I did not come to abuse the people. And I think I even came here for the Gazans somewhere. If we just go ahead and give aid and spread this whole thing, the war won't end," Alfasi told the Tazpit Press Service. "My aunt was kidnapped from a kindergarten. That's not humanitarian. They murdered her that way and that's not humanitarian," Alfasi noted, stressing that information about her aunt's death came from intelligence and not from Hamas. "And that is not humanitarian," she added. Under the terms of a temporary ceasefire in November, Hamas was supposed to return all the captive women and children alive or dead, but Goren's body remains in Gaza. "If this aid is done out of mercy, then I don't understand who the mercy is for," said Alfasi. Another protester, Rina Ariel, explained to TPS why she traveled from Kiryat Arba to participate. "To come to these protests is the most important contribution us as the home front can do to the war effort," Ariel said. "The hostages must be released, under conditions that shouldn't harm anyone or weaken the State of Israel. Our hearts cry for the hostages, and we are stopping aid to Gaza to make it clear that there will be no aid until they are released." At a Saturday evening press conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters that a degree of aid was necessary to continue the war to free hostages and remove Hamas from control of Gaza. "Without the minimum amount of humanitarian aid, we will not be able to complete the mission and the objectives of the war," Netanyahu said. Humanitarian aid arriving from Egypt or Israeli ports is inspected by Israel at either the Kerem Shalom border crossing where the Israeli, Gaza and Egyptian borders converge, or at the Nitzana border crossing with Egypt, which is 42 km south of Gaza. After inspection, the trucks are routed to Egypt's adjacent Rafah border crossing to enter the Strip. Following Hamas's October 7 attacks, Israel closed Kerem Shalom for security reasons. Israelis have been protesting at Nitzana too. On Sunday, Israeli reporter Elchanan Groner tweeted from Nitzana a photo of a delivery certificate on one of the trucks. It indicating a shipment of flour that arrived in Ashdod with "UNRWA" as the client. The UN Relief and Works Agency, which supports Palestinian refugees, is under fire following revelations that agency staff participated in Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel. Citing Israeli intelligence reports, The Wall St. Journal reported on Monday that as much as 10 percent of the agency's staff have ties to Islamist terror groups. The US and several other Western countries have suspended funding for UNRWA. "On the one hand, Israel is conducting a campaign against UNRWA and on the other hand, it supplies them with flour and supplies for the enemy who massacred us," Groner tweeted. According to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), 88 trucks were inspected at Nitzana on Sunday. That day's deliveries included 70 tons of food, 440 tons of water, 210 tons of medical supplies, and 425 tons of other items. Four tankers of cooking gas and two tankers of fuel designated for the operation of essential infrastructure also entered Gaza. COGAT is a unit within the Israeli Defence Ministry that coordinates civilian issues between the Israeli government, military, international organizations and the Palestinian Authority. Egypt's Rafah crossing is not equipped to handle large numbers of commercial deliveries. Before Oct. 7, commercial deliveries to the Strip were routed directly through Kerem Shalom. The protests have been organized by Order 9. The movement's name is a reference to the Order 8 emergency notice that army reservists receive for mobilization outside the framework of regular reserve duty. At least 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on Oct. 7. The number of men, women, children and soldiers held captive in Gaza by Hamas is believed to be 136. (ANI) Members of Mumbai's Jewish community gathered to commemorate International Holocaust Day, which is observed by the United Nations General Assembly on January 27 Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais also attended the prayer meeting organised by the Jewish Prayer House 'Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue' in Mumbai. The Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed to pay respects to the nearly 6 million Jews killed in Europe during and after the Second World War. Consul General of the United States of America in Mumbai Mike Hankey, Consul General of Germany Achim Fabig, Consul General of Israel in Mumbai Kobbi Shoshani, Chairman of the Jacob Sassoon's Trust Solomon Sopher, members of the Jewish community and diplomats from various countries were present. On the occasion, the Maharashtra Governor Ramesh also unveiled a plaque for Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue as a part of the project "The Jewish Route in Maharashtra". Speaking at the gathering, governor Bais said, "Today we are commemorating the people who lost their lives in the most horrific event in human history... It is remarkable that European Jews not just rebuilt their lives but became among the most successful communities in the world." Israel's Consul General to mid-west India, Kobbi Shoshani, who was present at the event said, "Israel recognises the fact that Jewish people are living in India for more than 2,000 years without any fear of persecution." "27 of January is the international Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating 6 million Jews, one third of the jewish population, were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators between 1933 to 1945," he also said. "This is a painful reminder of the most evil manifestation of antisemitism," remarked Consul General Shoshani. The echoes of history resonated as individuals, much like their ancestors during the Holocaust, were taken away "like animals into the dark tunnels," he continued. The Consul General emphasised that the recent tragedy occurred not in Europe, but within the borders of Israel, turning a spotlight on the urgent need to address the persistence of antisemitism and ensure the protection of Jewish communities worldwide. "It happened not in Europe. It happened in our beloved country, brought us back to our dark history and open up old wounds," Shoshani said. The international community, fueled by the memories of the Holocaust and guided by resolutions such as those passed by the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, had hoped for an end to such atrocities. The Consul General urged the world to stand together, echoing the mantra "Never again. Never forget." (ANI) The man who stole and leaked former US President Donald Trump's and thousands of others' tax records has been sentenced to five years in prison, CNN reported on Tuesday. It reported that 38-year-old Charles Littlejohn pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized disclosure of income tax returns. According to his plea agreement, he stole Trump's tax returns along with the tax data of "thousands of the nation's wealthiest people" while working for a consulting firm with contracts with the Internal Revenue Service. Littlejohn leaked the information to two news outlets, deleted the documents from his IRS-assigned laptop before returning it and covered the rest of his digital tracks by deleting places where he initially stored the information. CNN reported that Judge Ana Reyes highlighted the gravity of the crime, saying multiple times that it amounted to an attack against the US and its legal foundation. "What you did in attacking the sitting president of the United States was an attack on our constitutional democracy," Reyes said. "We're talking about someone who...pulled off the biggest heist in IRS history." The judge compared Littlejohn's actions to those of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, noting that, "your actions were also a threat to our democracy." "It engenders the same fear that January 6 does," Reyes added. Prosecutors said Littlejohn went through great lengths to steal the tax records undetected, exploiting system loopholes, downloading data to an Apple iPod and uploading the information on a private website he later deleted. CNN reported that Reyes was also critical of the Justice Department's decision to only bring one count against Littlejohn. "The fact that he did what he did and he's facing one felony count, I have no words for," the judge said. Prosecutors argued that the one count covers the multitude of Littlejohn's thefts and leaks. "A free press and public engagement with the media are critical to any healthy democracy, but stealing and leaking private, personal tax information strips individuals of the legal protection of their most sensitive data," prosecutors wrote in a court filing recommending Littlejohn be sentenced to the maximum of five years in prison. "I acted out of a sincere misguided belief," Littlejohn said in court Monday, adding that he was serving the country and that people had a right to the tax information. "We as a country make the best decisions when we are all properly informed," Littlejohn said, CNN reported. Littlejohn added that he was "aware of the potential consequences" of his actions and knew he would one day be here, in federal court, facing those consequences. "My actions undermine the fragile faith," in government institutions in the US, Littlejohn said. (ANI) China proclaims itself to be a responsible global player. The truth is, despite insistent proclamations of neutrality, it is biased in the way it relates to international crises such as the current Israel-Hamas conflict. Furthermore, this war is exposing the self- interested, mercantile qualities that China brings to all its foreign relations. China is charting a careful path, simultaneously seeking to undermine the USA and curry favour with Arab states. Its risk-avoidance strategy can perhaps best be described as anti-Western neutrality. Approximately one million Chinese work in the Middle East, while the majority of China's oil imports originate from the Middle East - 87.5 million tonnes in 2022, with Saudi Arabia being the largest supplier of crude. On January, 26-27, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Bangkok. China's readout briefly stated that regional issues like the Middle East were "discussed". That was the limit of it. No mention of the Red Sea or Gaza. In contrast, the USA said it attempted to persuade Beijing to pressure Iran to stop Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. According to a White House official, China agreed to "raise this with the Iranians." Nonetheless, an American official pondered, whether China "chooses to use that leverage in that way, I think that remains to be seen". China has done nothing to curb North Korea's nuclear aspirations, plus it has offered tacit support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Relying on China for anything substantive is a vain hope. China mediated a diplomatic deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March 2023, but Beijing has no real leverage over Teheran and certainly it cannot get it to reign in Hamas. Interestingly, showing which side China really is on, the Houthis said Russian and Chinese ships will not be targeted in the Red Sea. The People's Liberation Army Navy has had anti-piracy task forces in the Gulf of Aden since 2008. However, reports suggest that three Chinese warships, sailing near a merchant ship under attack from Somali pirates and Houthi missiles in late November 2023, refused to respond to its distress calls. On October 15, 2023, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized Israel's killing of civilians. He said Israeli actions had "gone beyond self-defense," describing Israel's campaign as "collective punishment". This slap in the face showed Israel that any previous friendship was simply one of convenience; Beijing has no real affinity with Israel and it sits low among its strategic priorities. Israel said it was "deeply disappointed" by Beijing's response. On the other hand, Wang said on November 20, at the Arab and Islamic ministerial committee on the war in Gaza held in Beijing, that "China is a good friend and brother of Arab and Islamic countries ... We have always firmly safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests of Arab Islamic countries and have always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people". Indeed. Historically, China has always sympathized with Palestine and, from early on, Mao Zedong sent Palestine weapons for use in its struggle against Israel. China is obviously positioning itself on the side of Arab and Muslim countries. But this is quid pro quo, for Beijing will expect their support in international organizations on issues like Taiwan and Chinese global governance. However, Ahmed Aboudouh, a nonresident fellow with the Atlantic Council, an American think-tank, assessed: "Beijing's policy will most likely backfire. China neither has the trust of Israel nor the Palestinians. China's position is at odds with the influential Arab states and lacks credibility and leverage to rein in Iran and its proxies in the region. Israel, the more powerful party to the conflict, no longer sees China as a credible mediator." Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Beijing in June 2023, where the relationship was elevated to a "strategic partnership," the second-highest level. Yet Beijing has offered a miserly USD4 million in humanitarian assistance to Palestine since the conflict erupted, which shows just how strategic Palestine really is to China. Palestine will not be fooled by Chinese verbosity any more than Israel is. Even Israel's Arab neighbours have done more than China in criticizing the Hamas attack. Beijing refuses to blame Hamas or even mention the name of this terrorist organization (which is an acronym for Islamic Resistance Movement). In essence, Beijing has lifted Hamas to the same level as the Palestinian Authority, and by equating Hamas and the Palestinian cause, China reveals its lack of understanding of the complicated dynamics. Furthermore, it incorrectly calls it a "Palestine-Israel conflict" rather than a "Hamas-Israel" one. Aboudouh concluded, "The culmination of all the challenges above creates an unmitigated dilemma for Beijing. On the one hand, if China chooses to change its future policies and play a central role in the conflict, there is no evidence it will be willing to spend much political capital on presenting alternative solutions to the US view of the two-state solution or the Arab Peace Initiative. China doesn't have a vision for a political settlement and is unlikely to offer one soon. This intensifies the credibility deficit that has dominated China's position since the conflict began, which is expected to increase as long as no one in Israel and the Gaza Strip, the West Bank or the wider region takes China's proposals seriously. Although China is interested inexerting pressure on the USA's stance, it has no desire to directly challenge its historical role as the sole interlocutor in the conflict." China issued a position paper on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on November 30, 2023. It stressed the "need for an immediate ceasefire and ending the fighting, ensuring that the humanitarian corridors are safe and unimpeded, and preventing the expansion of the conflict". Beijing's solutions are as follows: implementing a comprehensive ceasefire and ending the fighting; protecting civilians effectively; ensuring humanitarian assistance; enhancing diplomatic mediation; and seeking a political settlement. Undoubtedly, this will be as useful as China's twelve-point position paper on the Russia-Ukraine war, which was promptly forgotten by everyone. China has promulgated a two-state solution since the beginning, although Hamas categorically rejects anything less than the destruction of Israel. A public opinion poll conducted by Tsinghua University in November 2022 showed that only 3.3 per cent of Chinese respondents believed peace in the Middle East should be China's top international priority. In fact, it was the lowest-ranked issue after items such as US- China relations, pandemics and territorial disputes. There is an obvious lack of sympathy for Israel's plight and its legitimate security concerns on China's part. Four Chinese nationals have been killed, six injured and two remain missing since the Gaza conflict broke out on October 7, 2023. Surprisingly, however, this is not widely reported on Chinese social media and correspondingly there is no strong push by the public for the government to take action. Indeed, the conflict is a topic remote from the lives of most Chinese. Noa Argamani, an Israeli woman of Chinese descent, was kidnapped by Hamas and remains a hostage. Her mother pleaded for the Chinese government to intercede in a post that had gathered 260 million views on Sina Weibo by late October, but Chinese officials and state media remain mute. Instead, many hardhearted netizens criticized the mother for being "presumptuous" in asking for Beijing's help. As one op-ed on Baidu, China's equivalent of Google, stated: "After all, like the Israelites, they took a book of scripture and claimed that God asked them to reestablish their country here and to use force to drive away the millions of people who had lived in this land for thousands of years. This kind of folk custom of doves occupying magpie's nests is simply unacceptable to us Chinese people." Of course, one might lay the same charge that this is exactly what China did with territories like Tibet and Xinjiang. Beijing's official stance is that there should be a ceasefire and ultimately a two-state solution. This is reflected in this kind of social media post: "The death of Chinese is unforgivable. Hamas really should not lead Palestine, but Palestine really has no other choice. But that doesn't mean we should go to one-sided support for Israel. We should look at the view of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: armistice negotiations, the implementation of the two-state solution. Let groups like Hamas lose their ground for survival. It is irresponsible that Israel is doing the opposite. Finally, this war in the Middle East will not end in a short period of time. Let's hurry up and evacuate the Chinese." Another common sentiment is that the USA is the instigator and perpetuator of the conflict between Israel and its neighbors. This is a narrative pushed by Chinese state- backed media, and online posts that refer to Palestinian casualties and that support Beijing's official position go uncensored. Chinese social media platforms are rife with anti-Semitism too, despite Chinese law forbidding people from using the internet to promote extremism, ethnic hatred or discriminatory information. Chinese media has not adequately covered Hamas' terror attack, and instead it only fixates on Israel's retaliatory campaign. Conspiracy theories abound too. One writer on Baidu urged, "We Chinese do not owe the Jews anything at all, but now Israel is desperately blaming China. This is a typical case of repaying kindness with enmity. If Israel is unwilling to give us basic respect, then it does not deserve any respect from us." Authors Patricia M. Kim, Kevin Dong and Mallie Prytherch of the Center for East Asia Policy Studies wrote for the Brookings Institute: "...Neither Chinese leaders nor the Chinese public envision a major role for their government in the ongoing crisis." They further suggested, "Beijing will not pass up the opportunity to use the current and future crises to discredit the United States while amplifying its alignment with its non-Western friends. It is likely to remain a nominal power broker in the Middle East by choice for the foreseeable future." Xi has initiated the China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit to foster engagement. As more Arab countries doubt US commitment to Middle East security, more are open to approaches from players such as China. Sine Ozkarasahin, an analyst at the defense research program of EDAM - the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies in Turkey - gives more credit to Chinese influence in the Middle East. She wrote for The Jamestown Foundation: "With a well- planned strategy and a careful exploitation of the gaps opened by US foreign policy shifts, China has successfully increased its role as a strategic actor in the Middle East, including by gaining a foothold in the regional arms market." Ozkarasahin commented, "Although Beijing is known for using infrastructure investment and economic leverage to increase its overseas influence, Sino-Arab relations are not as purely transactional as some argue. On the contrary, they carry the utmost strategic value. With important partnerships in the fields of technology and arms transfers, Chinese influence in the region is already more extensive than many realize. As China improves its relations with once-close US allies, Washington faces two imminent risks. The first risk is economic, whereas the second danger is strategic." "The economic risk is that Washington is already losing its most lucrative arms market to its biggest rival," Ozkarasahin noted. "The second risk relates to geopolitics and has strategic implications. While filling the burgeoning arms market with alternatives to Western suppliers, China is also expanding strategic ties with the leading Arab states, which could reset the balance of power across the region." Sino-Saudi diplomatic relations were established in 1990, but three years before that China supplied the kingdom with DF-3 medium-range ballistic missiles. It appears that China is supporting Saudi Arabia with current ballistic missile programs too. Satellite imagery dating from October 2021 showed that the kingdom had begun manufacturing its own missiles in the town of Dawadmi. Saudi Arabia is China's largest trading partner in the Middle East, plus it participates in the Belt and Road Initiative. But even as ties with Saudi Arabia deepen, this puts China in something of a bind, because Beijing has traditionally been a friend of Iran too. If Riyadh is developing ballistic missiles, that will affect the balance of power with nemesis Iran. China will sit on the sidelines and blame others, instead of positively contributing to a solution. Of course, if the USA is taking the blame, that is sufficient reason not to get involved. Nonetheless, hopes of future Chinese influence in the Middle East are being dashed by this conflict. China's words, without any backup actions, reveal it is in a position of weakness. Self-interest is the bottom line, and China will likely remain risk-averse in the region. (ANI) It reported that 52 people, including women and children, died in the Abyei region during the weekend. Bulis Koch, the information minister for Abyei (disputed region) said that the armed youth from South Sudan's Warrap state carried out raids into neighbouring Abyei on Saturday. Armed youth from rival factions of the Dinka ethnic group have been battling over the location of an administrative boundary in the oil-rich region, claimed by both countries, according to media reports. A Ghanaian peacekeeper from the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was killed when its base in Agok town was attacked amid the violence, the UN force said on Sunday. "Because of the current dire security situation at hand, which has created fears and panic, we have imposed a curfew," Koch said. Tensions have soared amid recent clashes in Abyei between rival factions of the Dinka ethnic group related to the location of an administrative boundary that is a source of significant tax revenues. Koch said Dinka youth from Warrap and the forces of a rebel leader from the Nuer ethnic group carried out the attacks against Dinkas and Nuers in Abyei. Hundreds of civilians are now sheltering at a UNISFA base, Al Jazeera reported William Wol, Warrap state's information minister, said his government would coordinate a joint investigation with the Abyei administration to look into the deadly incident. (ANI) Nepal Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal led his Council of Minsters in paying tribute to martyrs at the Martyrs Memorial in Lainchaur on the occasion of Martyrs' Day on Tuesday. Dahal laid a wreath at the memorial and offered tributes to the known and unknown martyrs. Ministers, high-ranking government officials, people's representatives, members of the security forces and members of musical bands of the security bodies also paid their respects at the memorial. The day is celebrated annually on Magh 16 (End of January), according to the Nepali calendar with various programs in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the establishment and restoration of democracy and freedom. Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel said respect for martyrs would be realized only when the spirit of the Constitution and the Republic were embraced and initiatives were taken for translating aspirations for sustainable peace, good governance, development and prosperity into action. In a message delivered on the occasion of Martyr Day, 2080, he stressed the need for everybody to play their roles honestly to materialize the dream of martyrs'. President Paudel noted that the country has obtained a federal democratic republic as a result of the martyrs' sacrifice. The constitution-envisaged federal democratic republic has set a target of dispensing justice to the helpless and income to the disadvantaged with political, economic, social, religious and cultural freedoms. On the occasion, President Paudel offered homage to four martyrs - Shukraraj Shastri, Dharmabhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand and Gangalal Shrestha along with all known, unknown martyrs for devoting their lives for citizen freedom, establishment of democracy and safeguarding nationality. Similarly, Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal issuing a message of best wishes earlier on Monday morning stated that the martyrs, who fought for the nation, people's rights, and livelihood, are torchbearers and sources of inspiration. PM Dahal expressed the belief that the time has come to resolve to carry out the remaining tasks of the revolution that the martyrs had waged for the country, people's liberation, and change. "The government has paid utmost attention to honouring and protecting the families of those who have sacrificed their lives at different times in history," he said. Dahal also reminded that the present constitution was created against the backdrop of leadership from various classes, cultures, communities, and regions, aiming for their identity and rights. Protecting the achievements made so far and devoting to improvement is a true tribute to the martyrs, said the PM Dahal. He hoped that the day would inspire everyone to contribute to the protection and strengthening of the federal democratic republic. Dahal paid tribute to all known and unknown martyrs and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in movements. Since 2012 BS, under the coordination of the then Kathmandu Municipality, the day in memory of the martyrs has been celebrated on January 30 every year. Martyrs' Day is observed by remembering the struggles and devotion of Shukra Raj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand and Ganga Lal Shrestha as well as contributions of other martyrs to the establishment of democracy in the country. From January 24-30 the country observes the Martyr's week in memory of brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives against the then Rana regime. The Rana rulers had executed Shukra Raj Shastri in Teku-based Pachali, Dharma Bhakta Mathema at Sifal and Ganga Lal Shrestha and Dasarath Chand at Shobha Bhagawati within a week while demanding independence. (ANI) The Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Gopal Baglay along with other staff members of the mission, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 76th death anniversary on Tuesday. Taking to X, the Indian High Commission in Australia said, "On Martyr's Day, High Commissioner and other officials paid homage to Bapu, the Father of the Nation. They recommitted to follow his message of truth and non-violence, which continues to guide us @MEAIndia." Moreover, Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green also remembered Mahatma Gandhi and said that Mahatma Gandhi's principles of freedom, equality and non-violence are an inspiration for many. "A visit to Birla House was an opportunity to learn about Mahatma Gandhi and reflect on his life and legacy. His principles of freedom, equality and non-violence are an inspiration for many. #MartyrsDay #MahatmaGandhi #FatherOfTheNation #Gandhi," Australian envoy posted on X. https://x.com/AusHCIndia/status/1752176277824647226?s=20 The US Embassy in India also paid rich tributes to the Mahatma recalling a quote of civil rights icon Martin Luther King. "Remembering #MahatmaGandhi on the 76th anniversary of his death. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "If humanity is to progress, Gandhi is inescapable. He lived, thought and acted, inspired by a vision of humanity evolving towards a world of peace and harmony." #MartyrsDay" the US Embassy posted on X. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 76th death anniversary at Rajghat in Delhi. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "I pay homage to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi.""I also pay homage to all those who have been martyred for our nation. Their sacrifices inspire us to serve the people and fulfil their vision for our nation.." the tweet added. India observes Martyrs' Day every year on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to honour his contribution towards the freedom of the country. On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse at Gandhi Smriti in Birla's house, months after India's independence. (ANI) A state elections hearing officer agreed with objectors that former President Donald Trump engaged in insurrection at the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, but said he believed it is up to the courts and not the State Board of Elections to decide whether to remove him from the March 19 Illinois primary ballot. The nonbinding recommendation from Clark Erickson, a retired Republican judge from Kankakee County, comes ahead of the state election boards meeting Tuesday to certify the names that will appear on the primary ballot. The objection to having Trump on the ballot was filed by five Illinois voters and backed by Free Speech for People, a group that has been behind efforts to have Trump removed from ballots across the nation under provisions of what is known as the insurrection act of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Section 3 of the post-Civil War era amendment says those who have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution as 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, shall not be able to serve in Congress or hold any office, civil or military if they have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution. Erickson said previous Illinois Supreme Court rulings bar the State Board of Elections from acting on candidate disqualifications based on constitutional analysis. Because of those rulings, he said, the board should reject the Trump ballot objection. It is impossible to imagine the Board deciding whether Candidate Trump is disqualified by Section 3 without the Board engaging in significant and sophisticated constitutional analysis, Erickson wrote. All in all, attempting to resolve a constitutional issue within the expedited schedule of an election board hearing is somewhat akin to scheduling a two-minute round between heavyweight boxers in a telephone booth. But if the board rejects his recommendation, Erickson said the board should remove Trumps name from the primary ballot based on evidence presented at a hearing last Friday that he said proves by a preponderance of the evidence that President Trump engaged in insurrection, within the meaning of Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment. The evidence shows that President Trump understood the divided political climate in the United States. He understood and exploited that climate for his own political gain by falsely and publicly claiming the election was stolen from him, even though every single piece of evidence demonstrated that his claim was demonstrably false, Erickson wrote. He used these false claims to garner further political support for his own benefit by inflaming the emotions of his supporters to convince them that the election was stolen from him and that American democracy was being undermined. He understood the context of the events of Jan. 6, 2021 because he created the climate. At the same time he engaged in an elaborate plan to provide lists of fraudulent electors to Vice President (Mike) Pence for the express purpose of disrupting the peaceful transfer of power following an election. Erickson specifically cited as absolutely damning to Trumps denial of participating in an insurrection the tweet regarding Mike Pences lack of courage while (Trump) knew the attacks were going on. Erickson said Trumps actions were inexplicable. Trump and his campaign have labeled ballot challenges under the 14th Amendment as efforts by Radical Left Communists, Marxists, and Fascists, to again steal an Election. For months, as 14th Amendment challenges to Trumps candidacy were filed around the nation, the Illinois State Board of Elections legal interpretation has been that the board lacked the authority to decide questions of constitutional interpretation. Marni Malowitz, the boards general counsel, said she agreed with Ericksons initial finding that the board lacked jurisdiction to rule based on constitutional issues. But in a list of options to board members, she also suggested they could issue a narrow ruling that keeps Trump on the ballot by rejecting an objection that he knowingly filed a false statement of candidacy attesting that he met the qualifications for the office of president. The eight-member elections board is made up of four Democrats and four Republicans, with a simple majority required to take action. A tie vote on the question of Trumps qualifications would leave him on the ballot, pending a likely court appeal. Already, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear oral arguments on Feb. 8 in an appeal of a 4-3 ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court in December that Trump is disqualified from holding the office of the presidency and blocking his name on the states primary ballot. On Dec. 28, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, the states top election official,ruled Trump ineligible for that states ballot. That decision is being appealed in state court. Illinois is among 10 states where objections to Trumps qualifications are pending. The Illinois objection filed with the State Board of Elections had largely been viewed as a vehicle to move the issue into the Illinois courts. A separate hearing officer, Springfield election attorney David Herman, also recommended the board reject three objections seeking to remove President Joe Bidens name from the primary ballot. The Biden objectors included neo-Nazi and failed past GOP congressional candidate Arthur Jones of Lyons and Peggy Hubbard of Belleville, an internet provocateur and conspiracy theorist who has twice lost bids for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate. One objection contended Biden was ineligible because he used an out of state notary on his candidacy papers, even though that is allowed by law. The objections from Jones and Hubbard contended Biden was disqualified by the Constitutions insurrection clause under its provisions on providing aid and comfort to the nations enemies because of his border and immigration policies. Those that disagree with the immigration policies of the administration of a sitting president are not able to shape a narrative to turn disputed immigration policies and the alleged impact of those policies into a constitutional basis for preventing a candidate to be placed on the ballot, Herman said. Ironically, Herman also said he believed the insurrection clause being used to challenge both Biden and Trump did not apply to the office of president because it is not listed in the hierarchy list of offices set forth in and governed by the amendment. rap30@aol.com ostevens@chicagotribune.com The Maldives Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim called on Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu to formally apologize to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India, Voice of Maldives, a Maldivian digital news outlet, reported. "Regarding any country, especially a neighbouring one, we shouldn't speak in a way that affects the relationship. We have an obligation to our state that must be considered. President Solih did consider this obligation and issued a Presidential Decree banning the "India Out" campaign. Now, Yameen is questioning why Muizzu, who participated with him in the India Out Campaign, has not nullified the Presidential Decree," he said. He added, "The Decree should not be nullified, as it would only result in a loss to the nation. That cannot be done. I would tell Muizzu that it shouldn't be done. Also, I call on President Muizzu to formally apologize to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi regarding his remarks after the China trip." Earlier last year, then Maldives President Ibrahim Solih signed a decree stating that the opposition's 'India Out' campaign is a "threat to national security". This allows security agencies to take down campaign banners and provides constitutional cover to take action against opposition parties. The opposition, led by former president Abdulla Yameen of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) was spearheading an 'India Out' campaign for over the last year propagating the unproven claim that Indian military officers stationed in the Indian Ocean island nation are a violation of Maldives' sovereignty. The campaign's implicit target was then Maldivian President Solih and the Maldivian Democratic Party, both perceived as close to India. Notably, Solih was one of the prominent Maldives leader to condemn the derogatory remarks made by some junior ministers which led to a diplomatic standoff between the two nations.India and the Maldives on January 14 "agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel" from the island nation, according to the Maldives' Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was the main campaign plank of Muizzu's party during the presidential elections. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed On the second day of assuming office, Muizzu officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives. Apart from the call for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, a massive row erupted after a Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging and unsavoury references to Primer Minister Narendra Modi's recent Lakshadweep visit and call to development the Indian archipelago as a global retreat for beach tourism. The Maldives government, however, distanced itself from the remarks. (ANI) In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Congratulate @MihaiPopsoi on your appointment as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova. Look forward to working together to further strengthen India-Moldova ties." Mihai Popsoi took the oath as Moldova's new Foreign Minister in a ceremony held in Chisinau on Monday, Anadolu Agency reported. According to a statement released by Moldovan Presidency, Popsoi stood out for his "intense activity on the platform of parliamentary diplomacy and made an essential contribution to strengthening the support and trust of foreign partners." In the statement, Moldovan President Maia Sandu reiterated that the primary goal of the country's foreign policy officials is Moldova's accession to the European Union, according to Anadolu Agency report. On Monday, Maia Sandu extended a warm welcome to Mihai Popsoi for assuming duties as Moldova's new Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. In a post on X, Maia Sandu stated, "Today, I extend a warm welcome to Moldova's new Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, @MihaiPopsoi. His commitment to diplomacy and dedication to Moldova's interests make him a valuable asset to our team as we navigate the path towards EU membership." Popsoi's appointment comes after Moldova's former Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu announced his resignation from his post and position as Deputy PM on January 24, effective as of January 29. (ANI) The Coast Guard Administration has confirmed that a project of making upgrades to a wharf in Taiwan-controlled Taiping Island in the South China Sea has been completed, and added that the project would allow larger vessels to dock at it, reported Focus Taiwan citing the Central News Agency. On being asked if President Tsai Ing-wen will preside over the reconstructed wharf's inauguration ceremony, the CGA declined to comment. The CGA's confirmation came after a report in the Chinese-language United Daily News (UDN) earlier on Monday, which featured a plea from Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Chen I-hsin for Tsai to visit Taiping to reassert the China's sovereignty over the disputed island, reported Central News Agency of Taiwan. Taiping Island, also known as Itu Aba, is the biggest of the naturally existing Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. It is located 1,600 kilometers southwest of Kaohsiung and is managed as part of the southern Taiwan city's Cijin District. However, the island is also claimed by China, Vietnam and Philippines. Meanwhile, Chen, a member of the Legislature's Foreign and National Defence Committee underlined that Tsai follow in the footsteps of past Presidents Chen Shiu-bian and Ma Ying-jeou and travel to Taiping for the opening ceremony, the CGA said in a statement, reported Central News Agency of Taiwan. Notably, the 1.7 billion New Taiwanese Dollar (USD54.4 million) project to remove dirt and deepen navigation channels would allow 4,000-tonne CGA boats to conduct routine patrols in the seas surrounding Taiping, according to a release. The restoration, which was finished on October 30, 2023 and passed all needed inspections on January 20, also included a reinforcement of typhoon-related disaster mitigation measures, according to the CGA. The Taiping island in the South China Sea currently hosts around 200 coast guardsmen trained by the Marine Corps who conduct regular training. It is one of two areas held by the Taiwanese government in the South China Sea, the other being Dongsha, or Pratas Island, located 450 kilometers southwest of Kaohsiung. (ANI) Despite the restoration of old wheat prices, the sit-in protests continued in Gilgit-Baltistan over the issue of the Finance Bill, Revenue Act, and Health Card, Pakistan vernacular media, Daily K2 reported. After heavy protests against wheat prices, the first round of negotiations between the protestors and the Pakistani authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan in the Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK) region, both parties agreed on restoring the old prices of wheat. A five-member negotiation committee was formed under the chairmanship of Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbarkhan. The first round of negotiations between the government and the dharna leaders started late on Sunday night and continued till 2:30 am (local time). Other protestors who couldn't reach there also joined the meeting via video conferencing. In the initial phase, the Pakistani authorities announced restoring the old prices of wheat, but backed down, on the Finance Bill, Revenue Act, Health Card and other issues. It was agreed to continue the negotiation process, according to vernacular media. In the negotiations, it was decided that the wheat quota for Gilgit-Baltistan would be 15 lakh sacks. However, the Awami Action Committee Gilgit has announced that they won't be ending the sit-in until the Finance Bill Revenue Act is abolished and the health card is restored. Late on Sunday night, the talks between the Pakistan government and protestors in Gilgit Baltistan were attended by provincial ministers Fathullah Shamsul Haque, Lon Haji Rahmat Khaliq, Iman Shah Sarwar Shah, Hussain Shah and others on behalf of the government. Ghulam Hussain Athar, the head of the All-Party Alliance, has congratulated the entire nation on the acceptance of the demands and said that their persistence forced the government to bow down, adding that the Pakistani government has "collapsed" in front of the people's power, Daily K2 reported. He said that the protestors fully support the Charter of Demand of the Awami Action Committee, but warned that if the Charter of Demand is not approved, then there will be sit-ins and demonstrations. The head of the all-party alliance further said that they have given time to the Pakistan government to withdraw the Finance Bill and Revenue Act, vernacular media K2 reported. "The demand for withdrawing the price increase has been met, the rest of the demands have not been met, and we have not ended the sit-in," he added. (ANI) Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Tuesday called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to benefit from his guidance on ways to further deepen ties between the two nations. In a post on social media platform X, the Indian Embassy in Bhutan stated, "An honour to receive the audience from His Majesty the King of Bhutan and benefit from his guidance on ways to further deepen the India-Bhutan unique ties of friendship." Kwatra, who is on an official visit to Bhutan, called on Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. During his meeting with the Bhutanese PM on Monday, Kwatra reaffirmed the strong friendship shared between India and Bhutan. Kwatra assured Lyonchhen of India's unwavering commitment to being a reliable partner, aligning closely with the priorities outlined by the Royal Government and the people of Bhutan. "Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatra called on @PMBhutan Lyonchhen H.E. Tshering Tobgay. FS reaffirmed the close bonds of friendship India shares with Bhutan & assured Lyonchhen of India's firm commitment to partner with Bhutan as per the priorities of the Royal Government & people of Bhutan," said the Indian Embassy in Bhutan in a post on X. Continuing his diplomatic engagements, Kwatra also met with the Bhutanese Foreign Affairs Minister, DN Dhungyel. The discussions between the two sides delved into important bilateral matters of mutual interest, exploring ways to further enhance relations between India and Bhutan across various sectors. In another post on X, the Indian Embassy in Bhutan shared insights into this meeting, stating, "Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatra called on @FMBhutan Lyonpo DN Dhungyel. The two sides discussed important bilateral matters of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen relations across all sectors." Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra held a bilateral meeting with his Bhutanese counterpart Aum Pema Choden on multifaceted cooperation between the two nations. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Bhutan stated, "Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatra held bilateral consultations with Foreign Secretary of Bhutan Aum Pema Choden. A wide-ranging discussion on multifaceted cooperation between in development partnership, space, energy, trade, technology, economic ties, and people-to-people ties." On Monday, Vinay Mohan Kwatra arrived in Bhutan for a three-day official visit from January 29-31. Aum Pema Choden welcomed him at Paro. In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "The visit provided an opportunity for wide-ranging discussions on all aspects of the bilateral relationship including development partnership, 13th Five Year Plan, cooperation in energy, trade, technology, connectivity, infrastructure, economic ties, and people-to-people connections between the two countries." "The visit is in keeping with the well-established tradition of regular exchanges between Bhutan and India, and to further strengthen the existing close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries," it added. (ANI) Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer met Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu in Male on Tuesday, as the latter is on a six-day trip to the Maldives and India. The two leaders, as they met in the Maldives, discussed enhancing cooperation on defence, climate action and the economy between the US and Maldives. In a post on X, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives wrote, "It was a pleasure to meet @State_SCA Assistant Secretary Donald Lu and reflect on the strong ties between the Maldives and the United States." "We discussed further enhancing cooperation in defence, climate action and the economy. The relations continue to grow, especially with frequent high-level exchanges, and we remain committed to building this partnership even further," he added. https://x.com/MoosaZameer/status/1752164307683737765?s=20 The US Department of State in a release last week announced that the top US diplomat will travel to India and Maldives from January 26 to 31. Lu's visit to the two Asian nations comes as New Delhi and Male have locked horns over President Mohammad Muizzu asking New Delhi to withdraw its troops from the Maldivian waters and the outrage and diplomatic sparring over disparaging remarks by junior ministers and government officials against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In India, US diplomat Lu will "lead a US delegation's participation at the India-US Forum in New Delhi," the State Department's release said. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey R Pyatt will also participate in the forum. The delegation will engage with Indian government officials and members of the private sector, academia, and media to discuss and enhance opportunities for partnership between the United States and India, it also said. (ANI) The investigation officer (IO) requested permission from the ATC to question Fawad Chaudhry, who is now imprisoned at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, in connection with the arson of the PML-N office and the burning of a container at Kalma Chowk in Lahore. After hearing the arguments, the ATC permitted the police to interview Fawad Chaudhry in prison. Last week, the court resolved to indict former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry in an alleged fraud case on February 10. According to information, the former federal minister's attorney, Qaiser Imam Mirza Baig, went before the court and requested that the indictment date be extended so that he could review the evidence, according to ARY News. The court then deferred the hearing in the fraud case against Fawad Chaudhry to February 10. Earlier, the Islamabad Accountability Court extended the former federal minister's physical remand for alleged financial violations in building projects, ARY News reported. The session was presided over by Accountability Court Duty Judge Shahrukh Arjumand, during which the NAB sought a 10-day extension of Fawad Chaudhry's physical detention. After hearing arguments from both sides, the duty judge ordered the two-day physical remand and sent former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry to the NAB's custody. (ANI) China's President Xi Jinping has accepted Mawlavi Asadullah's, also known as Bilal Karimi, letter of credence as Taliban-controlled Afghanistan's ambassador and plenipotentiary to the People's Republic of China, according to an official statement. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, posted on his official X handle, "The President of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Xi Jinping, accepted the letter of credence of Mawlawi Asadullah (@BilalKarimi44) as the Ambassador Extraordinaire and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to China." His post added, "Accepting the letter of credence of Mr. Karimi, President Xi welcomed him as the Ambassador to China & wished him success in his tenure." During the ceremony, Karimi also met the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who congratulated him for presenting his letter of credence to the President of China, as reported by Pajhwok Afghan News. Notably, Xi received the credentials of 42 ambassadors to China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xinhua reported. Karimi arrived in Beijing on November 24, 2023, and was received and welcomed by diplomats of Embassy of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan in China and Yue Xiaoyong, the Special Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China for Afghanistan, accompanying a delegation, the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. During the meeting, welcoming the interim Ambassador of Afghanistan, Hong Le called it an important step in the development of relations between China and Afghanistan, adding that China respects the national sovereignty of Afghanistan and the decisions of the people of Afghanistan,and neither does it interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan now nor has it interfered before, the statement also said. (ANI) SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Authorities are searching for suspects after a shooting Monday night in Salt Lake City left a man fighting for his life. The Salt Lake Police Department says the shooting happened around 6:40 p.m. near the intersection of 1400 South and 1200 West, in the citys Glendale neighborhood. What led up to the shooting remains unknown. Crews searching for man who fell through ice near Tooele Responding officers found a wounded man on the sidewalk. Emergency crews brought the man to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. Witnesses told officers that the shooter and an unknown number of people fled the area, police said. Officers initially detained one person near the scene, but officers later determined they were not involved in the shooting. The departments K-9 Squad was tapped to help search for suspects, and the area was put under lockdown. While the lockdown has since been lifted, some roads in the area remained closed as crews investigate. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call 801-799-3000. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. [Source] Schools or college campuses are the third most common location of hate crimes, according to a new FBI report. Key findings: The report, released on Monday, shows an increase from 7,181 hate crime incidents and 8,492 related offenses in 2018 to 11,643 and 13,346 in 2022. After near homes (26.8%) and streets (15.7%), schools or college campuses are the third most common location for hate crimes to occur (10.2%). Of the total reported cases, 4,343 of hate crime offenses occurred in schools, with elementary or secondary schools reporting the highest increase from 327 in 2020 to 890 in 2022. Around 30% of victims and 36% of offenders were juveniles, the report said. Victims: Of 2,624 race-related cases, anti-Black offenses topped the list with 1,690 cases. Meanwhile, there were 105 anti-Asian offenses reported in the same period. Trending on NextShark: Michelle Yeoh opens up about divorce with ex-husband Of the 950 religion-related hate crime offenses, 745 were anti-Jewish. With 342 cases, anti-LGBT (mixed group) saw the most offenses in those related to sexual orientation, followed by anti-gay (male) with 306. Offenses: Intimidation was reported as the most common type of bias-motivated offense, with 1,097 cases in race-related issues and 304 in the sexual orientation category. Meanwhile, the majority of offenses in religion-related hate crimes were destruction/damage/vandalism, with anti-Jewish attacks taking up most of the reports (531 out of 588). Why it matters: This is the first time the FBI and the Justice Department have presented a comprehensive look into hate crime reports in schools. The data is expected to provide a deeper understanding for law enforcement and school administrators so they could work to prevent hate crimes. Trending on NextShark: The Bachelor sparks controversy for tagging wrong Asian American contestant Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Evanston saw a 94% increase in motor vehicle thefts in 2023 compared to 2022, according to a public records request, bringing the number of vehicle thefts up to 295 from 152. Vehicle thefts have increased 278.2% since 2013, up from 78 thefts a decade ago. Police Commander Ryan Glew says the increase comes after a TikTok trend took the nation by storm. Kia and Hyundai car models accounted for roughly over 60% of motor vehicle thefts, Glew told Pioneer Press. This comes after the TikTok Kia Boyz theft method which started in Milwaukee, made its way to Evanston in fall 2022. Especially with Kia and Hyundai (cars), an effective method of how to steal these cars has been disseminated on social media, Glew said. Nearly all of the Kias and Hyundais had their steering columns peeled. This is the Kia Boyz method. The Kia Boyz method uses a USB cable to turn the transmission tumbler, start the car and release the steering lock, according to a video Glew shared with Pioneer Press. Evanston police incident reports describe perpetrators gaining access to vehicles by smashing car windows. Glew says the Evanston Police Department uses license plate recognition systems to alert officers when stolen vehicles are spotted. He says these alerts not only allow officers to find stolen vehicles, but serves as an indicator (of when) additional thefts could be imminent. Alongside utilizing license plate recognition systems, Glew says EPD worked with Kia and Hyundai to distribute wheel locks to car owners. Wheel locks are just one way to combat the increased number of automobile thefts in Evanston. Glew says parking in a well-lit area or locked garage could also help deter thieves. Additionally, Glew suggests putting an Apple AirTag or another form of tracker in cars, and ensuring all vehicle recall notices are taken seriously. After a recovered vehicle theft or attempted theft, the EPD processes the vehicle into evidence with the owners consent. Fingerprints are then taken and sent to a lab, Glew said. Officers also review surveillance footage and follow up on leads until an offender is identified, at which time Glew says EPD would seek to charge the offender in cooperation with the States Attorneys office. The city of Chicago filed suit against the two vehicle manufacturers in August for failing to install engine immobilizers in some models. The lawsuit stated 41% of thefts in the city were Kia or Hyundai models, equating to over 8,800 vehicles. A class-action lawsuit resolved in 2023 will provide cash compensation to customers who incurred theft-related losses or damage that was not covered by insurance as well as reimbursement for insurance deductibles, increased insurance premiums and other losses, according to Kia and Hyundai. Compatible Kia vehicles were offered free software updates to prevent theft and the company is beginning to offer ignition lock cylinder protectors free of charge to those whose vehicles couldnt receive software updates. A veteran food-and-drink presence along downtown Boises popular 8th Street corridor soon will be gone. Juniper, a restaurant and bar at 211 N. 8th St., will close permanently to the general public after a final day on Saturday, Feb. 17. After 10 years of business on 8th Street, our lease is expiring, owner-operator Kacey Montgomery said in a note to customers, and it is time for us to close our doors. Named after the distinctive ingredient used in gin, Juniper opened in 2014 after remodeling the former home of a Mediterranean restaurant. Focusing on Northwest-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails, Juniper debuted in a space that was bursting at the seams with diners who appeared to be curious about the new kid on the block, according to an Idaho Statesman restaurant review. From an upstairs eating area, the bar and ground-floor dining room at Juniper in Boise. As the business evolved over time, it became a reliable dinner destination for everything from a half chicken or rib-eye steak to half a dozen different pizzas. When I last dined there just over a year ago, I savored a delicious spicy linguine with clams. At Juniper, Montgomery wrote in his closure announcement, we strived to be more than a restaurant. Whether it was introducing Idahoans to Idaho wines in Freak Alley, Prohibition Burlesque shows, live music with Hillfolk Noir and friends, chefs tables, wine dinners, housemade tonics and ginger beer, and the largest selection of gin in the state, we were always looking to evolve. To all of the local purveyors who let us showcase their products, thank you. We always strived to put Idaho first and are proud to have done so. We look forward to serving you these next few weeks. Please stop in to say hi one last time. Montgomery and his wife, Shannon Lincoln, continue to operate their other Boise restaurant, Red Bench Pizza, at 1204 S. Vista Ave. So why shutter Juniper? Just getting older, Montgomery explained in an email, adding a laughter emoji. I am happy to focus on Red Bench, coach my kids teams, be in bed by 10, that sort of thing. I spent 16 years on 8th Street, and its time for someone new in that space. I have the equipment and liquor license up for sale. Monmouth College has received a gift valued at nearly $12 million, the second-largest donation in the colleges 171-year history. The gift comes in the form of a 780-acre farm in Mercer County, from the estate of longtime supporter Marilyn Johnston, a 1948 Monmouth graduate. It is valued at $11,929,000, according to a Tuesday college release. Marilyn Johnston was a 1948 Monmouth alum who died in September 2023 at age 98. The Monmouth College community is deeply grateful for Marilyns extraordinary generosity and dedication to the college, said Monmouth president Clarence Wyatt. Maintaining this gift as working farmland will honor Marilyns legacy and further highlights the Colleges role in serving our region. Johnstons gift is yet another sign of the importance of deferred and planned giving arrangements, an area in which our development operation has made great strides in the last few years, said Monmouth Vice President of Development and College Relations Hannah Maher. The Johnston farm will become part of the colleges investments, nearly doubling the size of its farmland holdings, both in acreage and value. The gift will also expand the colleges endowment and investments, which are used to support areas such as scholarships and academic programs. Since 2013, the value of Monmouths endowment has grown by more than $40 million. Johnston was a longtime donor to the college, giving annually for nearly four decades, including a major gift to the Monmouth chaplaincy endowment. Born in Chicago, Johnston grew up in Aledo, and graduated from Aledo High School in 1943. She transferred to Monmouth after completing two years at Stevens College in Missouri and then being asked to leave the University of Michigan to make room for the many returning college-bound in-state World War II veterans. Johnston graduated from Monmouth in 1948 with a degree in general studies and went on to earn a nursing degree from the University of Colorado. She worked as a nurse in Denver for five years before returning to Illinois to care for her aging parents and to serve for 25 years at Mercer County Hospital. She was a missionary nurse from 1955-82 as well as a longtime farmer in the Aledo area. Johnston died in September 2023 at the age of 98 in Washington, Iowa. Johnstons father, the late Robert Currie R.C. Johnston, served on Monmouth College Senate, which preceded the Board of Trustees as the Colleges governing body. The Johnston farm gives Monmouth five working farms that are now part of the Colleges investment portfolio. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. In October 2023, nearly seven years after the deadly Unite the Right white supremacist rally, the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in Charlottesville, Virginia, was melted down. Since then, two more major Confederate monuments have been removed: the Confederate Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery and the Monument to the Women of the Confederacy in Jacksonville, Florida. Defenders of Confederate monuments have argued that the statues should be left standing to educate future generations. One such defender is former President Donald Trump, the likely GOP presidential nominee in 2024. Sad to see the history and culture of our great country being ripped apart with the removal of our beautiful statues and monuments, Trump tweeted in 2017. The beauty that is being taken out of our cities, towns and parks will be greatly missed and never able to be comparably replaced! But since the end of the Civil War, journalists at Black newspapers have told a different story. Despite meager financing and constant threats, these newspapers represented the views of Black Americans and documented the nations shortcomings in achieving racial equality. According to many of these writers, the statues were never designed to tell the truth about the Civil War. Instead, the monuments were built to enshrine the myth of the Lost Cause, the false claim that white Southerners nobly fought for states rights and not to preserve slavery. In 1921, for instance, the Chicago Defender published an article under the headline Tear the Spirit of the Confederacy from the South and called for the removal of the statues from across the country because they lend inspiration to the heart of the lyncher. Lost Cause propaganda For the last several years, Ive studied the history of Confederate monuments by poring over the letters and records of the organizations that campaigned for their construction. My research students and I have also reviewed countless reactions to the monuments published in real time in Black newspapers. What is clear is that from the late nineteenth century until today, Confederate monuments were part of a relentless propaganda campaign to restore the Souths reputation at dedication ceremonies, parades, reunions and Memorial Day events. The dedication in Charlottesville of the Lee monument in 1924 100 years ago this May was one such event. Timed to coincide with a reunion of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the speakers openly bragged about how they were sweeping Northern-authored textbooks out of Southern schools and replacing them with friendlier accounts of the Civil War. Ku Klux Klan members march under a burning cross near Washington in 1925. Bettmann Archive/Getty Images In the weeks leading up to the dedication, members of the Ku Klux Klan paraded down Charlottesvilles Main Street in daylight and burned crosses in the hills at night. The master of ceremonies of that unveiling was R.T.W. Duke, Jr., the son of a Confederate colonel who was a popular orator at events like these. A few years earlier, Duke made his own views of the Civil War plain. He told a crowd gathered at a Confederate cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, that he was still a believer in the righteousness of what some of our own people now call the rebellion. Duke further said that slavery was right and emancipation a violation of the Constitution, a wrong and a robbery. A critical Black press Contrary to the claims of todays defenders of Confederate monuments, a review of Black newspapers going back to the 1870s conducted by my research team shows that Black journalists criticism of these memorials had already begun by the late nineteenth century. The first truly national Confederate monument was the statue of Robert E. Lee in Richmond. It was unveiled before an audience of as many as 150,000 attendees on May 29, 1890, and provoked sharp alarm among Black commentators across the country. In a May 31, 1890, article, Richmond Planet editor John Mitchell, Jr. pointed out that Confederate flags and emblems far outnumbered U.S. flags at the unveiling. John Mitchell Jr. at the Richmond Planet in 1917. Encyclopedia Virginia This glorification of States Rights Doctrine, the right of secession and the honoring of men who represented that cause, fosters in this Republic the spirit of Rebellion and will ultimately result in handing down to generations unborn a legacy of treason and blood, Mitchell wrote. Mitchell further detailed the enthusiasm of the crowd assembled in Richmond. Cheer after cheer rang out upon the air as fair women waved handkerchiefs and screamed to do honor, Mitchell wrote. But the Souths insistence on celebrating Lee serves to retard its progress in the country and forges heavier chains with which to be bound. By reprinting articles from other Black publications, the Planet in 1890 effectively created a forum for commentary on the Richmond Lee statue from around the country. The statue of Robert E. Lee in Richmond, Va., in 1905. Library of Congress/Getty Images An article republished from the National Home Protector, a Baltimore-based Black newspaper, also took aim at the statue. When the unveiling of the monument is used as an opportunity to justify the southern people in rebelling against the U.S. government and to flaunt the Confederate flag in the faces of the loyal people of the nation the occasion calls for serious reflection, the article said. The editors of the newspaper accused white Southerners of trying to use the glorification of Lee to resurrect the corpse of rebellion. Writing truth to power No one knows what the Black-owned Charlottesville Messenger said about the unveiling of the Lee monument in its city in 1924. Only one copy of a single issue still exists. In fact, one of the only things known about the Messenger is that in 1921, the white-dominated Charlottesville Daily Progress reprinted a Messenger article that called for Black civil rights. The Black newspaper later retracted the story after receiving threats from white supremacists. But we do know what other Black newspapers of this period were saying about Confederate monuments. For many Black editors, the monuments had become symbols of the violent backlash against Black citizenship by white Southerners. In 1925, the Pittsburgh Courier, criticized the Confederate carving on Stone Mountain in Georgia, the site of the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan. Taking square aim at the Lost Cause myth, the newspaper called Stone Mountain a living monument of the cause to which white Southerners have dedicated their lives: human slavery and color selfishness. The Confederate monument on the side of Stone Mountain still stands today. Telling the truth about American history requires transforming these memorials into true reflections of the seemingly never-ending battles initially fought during the Civil War. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Donovan Schaefer, University of Pennsylvania Read more: Donovan Schaefer 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. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A 16-year-old has been found guilty of fatally shooting a 24-year-old in South Buffalo in 2022, the Erie County District Attorneys office said Tuesday. A jury found that the teen shot Morrell Buster, Jr. in the neck on the 100 block of Spaulding Avenue in the early-morning hours of June 26, 2022. He was 14 years old at the time of the shooting. The gun, which was illegal, was never recovered. The teen was found guilty of one count of first-degree manslaughter and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The teen is eligible for youthful offender status. If denied that status, he faces from 3 1/3 to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on April 3. Latest in crime news Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. At a Monday morning event, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced up to $160 million in funding for Upstate New York battery research and innovation. The grant comes following the Southern Tier university's New Energy New York earning the designation of Battery Tech Hub last year. Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine, a project led by Binghamton University, secured funding through the U.S. National Science Foundation's Regional Innovation Engines Competition (NSF Engines), a program created by the CHIPS & Science Law. More: Binghamton 'Engine' wins up to $160 million from National Science Foundation What is the goal of Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine? Alongside an initial $15 million in funding, Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine is eligible for up to $160 million over the next 10 years. According to Schumer, NSF Engines was one of 10 programs which won in a field of hundreds, in large part due to the researchers and scientists at Binghamton University and partner schools. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer addresses a crowd at Binghamton University Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, there to announce a funding boost to BU's Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine, courtesy of the National Science Foundation. "Today, the top scientific minds in America, and the federal government are saying loud and clear: 'If you want America to get ahead in battery technology, Binghamton is the best in the class,'" said Schumer. The funding comes following last year's Tech Hub designation, which was preceded by a $113 million contribution to establish the Tech Hub in 2022. More: Binghamton is now a 'tech hub.' How local leaders believe it will shape the future According to a press release sent out by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's office, the state will match up to 20% of funding for the first five years of the project through Empire State Development. In addition, the state will provide additional support through already existing programs. According to Binghamton University Associate Vice President for Innovation and Economic Development Per Stromhaug, the funding will do more than kickstart battery production it will lead to innovation which has the potential to change society. Olga Petrova, director for Binghamton University's Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships, said the work done thus far exemplifies the collaboration between a variety of educational and industry partners. Petrova said the funding will positively influence the Southern Tier community at large, and change the future of the area. "At the end of the day transformational innovation requires collaboration," said Petrova. "All of these elements and partners came together to work as a single engine to really elevate Upstate New York. Together, we can transform our local communities while also driving the battery industry to address the challenges of today and tomorrow." How will this affect the Southern Tier? Schumer said the announcement will lead to increased battery production in the area, and the funding will also help educate future pioneers who will be able to find an industry job without leaving New York. Schumer said the investment was a "once in a generation" opportunity, and would create an economic revival in the region. The funding from NSF Engines, Schumer said, will fill the void left by large companies who left the region with thousands of jobs, and usher in a new age for upstate New York. Over 30 tech startups have already joined efforts in the area, over 650 people have been trained for jobs in the industry and hundreds of student interns have received positions, Schumer said, and NSF Engines funding will help increase the already existing opportunities. This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: NSF Engine funding: What it means for Binghamton U., Southern Tier A 17-year-olds body was found on the side of the road nearly two years ago in Vermont. Now, a man and woman have been arrested in relation to his death, state police announced Jan. 30. Isiah Rodriguez, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was shot to death before his body was located along a road in Danby on Feb. 3, 2022, according to state police. He had several gunshot wounds to his torso, police said. Two residents of Bennington, Ashley Wicks, 32, and Shawn Bulson, 28, were arrested on charges of being accessories after the fact to the shooting that killed Rodriguez, authorities said in a news release. Wicks is also charged with conspiracy to commit murder, according to police. Information regarding their legal representation wasnt immediately available. Wicks and Bulson are the first to be arrested in connection with the killing of Rodriguez, police said. More arrests are expected, according to authorities. After Rodriguez was found dead, a complex, lengthy investigation revealed his death stemmed from an argument over drug trafficking and stolen guns, police said. The dispute involved a group of people, according to police. Both Wicks and Bulson were expected to be arraigned Jan. 30, according to authorities. No additional information is available at this time, police said. Bennington is about 155 miles northwest of Boston. Newborn was found dead in trash bag in 1996. Now parents are identified, Iowa cops say Two women and 13-year-old were killed decades ago, cops say. Now man going to prison High schooler found dead on 1980 spring break trip, Florida cops say. Now man confesses ST. LOUIS A Jefferson County, Missouri, man appeared in federal court on Tuesday to be sentenced for selling drugs and guns in St. Louis and Fenton. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said Donye El Baggo Peace, 19, admitted selling cocaine to undercover ATF agents on multiple occasions in August and September 2022. He also sold a Glock pistol to one of those agents on Sept. 7, 2022 and two additional handguns on Sept. 15, 2022. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Peace pleaded guilty in November 2023 to four counts of distribution of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of dealing firearms without a license. Federal law enforcement and prosecutors said Peaces Instagram account contained a hyperlink to a Telegram group chat called Local Pharmacy, where he offered drugs for sale. He created another Telegram group chat called Local Ammunitions, where he sold firearms. A U.S. District Court judge sentenced Peace to 70 months in federal prison. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Crime Stoppers of Las Cruces-Dona Ana County is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information that helps identify the person or persons responsible for stealing 11 vehicles from Base Auto Sales in January. Base Auto Sales General Manager Jason Alderette said the dealership is offering an additional $500 per vehicle recovered. According to police, seven of the stolen vehicles have been recovered. The following four vehicles are still being sought: 2016 white Dodge Ram 3500 2018 white Jeep Cherokee 2019 black Ford Explorer 2020 gray Chevrolet Trax Find your next car: Electric vehicle rule will be a huge win for the climate - and New Mexico's economy Las Cruces Police Department is also trying to identify the person or persons who initially broke into the business and removed keys to all 11 vehicles. "We got five of the stolen vehicles back pretty quick," Alderette said. "I got with OnStar and tracked those down pretty quickly in the first couple hours. We had police here, which was great. The cars were spread out all over Las Cruces." Other news: Las Cruces woman killed by car crossing Solano Drive According to police, on the evening of Jan. 12 or during the early-morning hours of Jan. 13 the showroom of Base Auto Sales located at 490 N. Valley Drive was broken into. "When my employees walked in the door, one of our bay windows to the showroom was smashed in with a hole four feet high and two feet wide," Alderette said. "They found the key board where keys were hidden and stole the keys. "We've never had an issue like this in the 44 years Base Auto Sales has been around." Alderette said keys to an additional 15 vehicles were stolen. Alderette said the theft has currently cost the dealership $101,155 including window repairs and $10,000 to replace the other 15 stolen keys.Anyone with information that can help identify the person or persons responsible for the burglary and car theft - or anyone who knows the whereabouts of the four vehicles that are still missing is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Las Cruces-Dona Ana County at 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers allows tips to be given anonymously.Tips can also be provided through the Las Cruces Crime Stoppers app, P3 TIPS. The app is available through the App Store on most devices. Jason Groves can be reached at 575-541-5459 or jgroves@lcsun-news.com. Follow him on Twitter @jpgroves. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Car thieves take 11 cars from Las Cruces dealership Base Auto Sales Updated regulations from the Biden administration regarding the display of Native American art and cultural items are causing major museums around the country to remove or conceal certain exhibits. Two Cincinnati museums are following suit. The 34-year-old federal law titled the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) requires the repatriation of human remains, or the return of skeletons, bones or cremains to their tribes. In December, the law was updated to require institutions to obtain consent from tribes in order to display human remains and cultural items. The move was meant to accelerate the repatriation process, which, over the years, tribal officials and repatriation advocates have criticized for moving too slowly, according to The New York Times. The updated legislation went into effect Jan. 12, forcing museums around the country to remove or conceal relevant items pending tribal consent. Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center remove items Even before the NAGPRA update, Cincinnati Art Museum would proactively take "sacred or cultural Indigenous objects off view," Darcy Schwass, the museum's director of marketing and communications, wrote in a statement to The Enquirer. "The Cincinnati Art Museum has a history of working with Indigenous nations and lineal descendants," the statement reads. "We take seriously our responsibility to partner alongside tribal communities to educate about their histories and to respect the sacred nature of many aspects of material culture." Since the updated regulations went into effect, the museum's staff has removed two additional "historical objects" from its galleries, Schwass added. She didn't clarify which two objects were removed. Upon NAGPRA's creation in 1990, the art museum began getting in touch with local tribal communities in accordance with the repatriation process. It has returned items over the years, and as recently as 2017 to the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Schwass said. Briana Mazzolini-Blanchard, the executive director of Cincinnati's Urban Native Collective, said the group is glad the NAGPRA update is motivating museums to be proactive in their "rematriation work." A similar concept to repatriation, rematriation acknowledges Indigenous matrilineal and matriarchal social structures in the process of returning cultural items, Mazzolini-Blanchard explained. "We have been grateful to have a positive relationship with the Cincinnati Art Museum and we acknowledge not only the proactive steps they have taken towards the cataloging and rematriation process, but the work they have done to partner with our Indigenous organization and also amplify contemporary Indigenous artists," she said. Dancing Dragonflies by Carol Lujan is a fused glass piece and sits with more than 100 works of art at the "Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass" exhibit inside Cincinnati Art Museum. The museum's newest exhibit, "Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass," features contemporary work from Native American and Indigenous Pacific-Rim artists. Due to its contemporary nature, this exhibit does not qualify as the "human remains or cultural items removed from Federal or Tribal lands" that NAGPRA protects. Similar to Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center removed three items from its "Shaping Our City" gallery last week. The exhibit explores how rivers, rails and roads have shaped the Greater Cincinnati region. The shell-like objects removed from the gallery were trade items that traveled through the Cincinnati area of the Ohio Valley, according to Bob Genheimer, the Museum Center's archaeologist. He said the Museum Center removed the items because they could be considered Native American funerary objects. "We had some tribal partners with us last week who were touring the museum, and they also indicated that it would be a good idea to at least temporarily remove those or change those (three items) out, so we did," Genheimer said. The items are currently being stored in the Museum Center's collections facility, which is not open to the public. They are still "in the NAGPRA pipeline," Genheimer said, meaning they have not been returned to the tribes yet but the process is underway. The Taft Museum of Art and the Contemporary Arts Center said they don't have any cultural items that fall under NAGPRA regulation. How other U.S. museums are responding Shortly after the update went into effect, the Cleveland Museum of Art covered a number of display cases while sorting out securing tribal consent. "The 30-day period between the time the new requirements were issued and when they went in effect did not provide adequate time to secure consent. Out of respect for the Native American Tribes and NAGRPA, the CMA has covered the display cases that contain items that might fit the new NAGPRA definitions until the appropriate determinations can be made and, if necessary, consents obtained," the statement reads. The museum added that it has concealed three of the six display cases in its gallery of Native North American art. Field Museum in Chicago also covered display cases in response to the NAGPRA update, while institutions like the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York have opted for removing items entirely. The American Museum of Natural History in New York is closing nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibition space in accordance with new federal regulations. New York's American Museum of Natural History one of the most visited museums in the world is closing two major halls exhibiting Native American objects, amounting to nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibition space. The halls we are closing are artifacts of an era when museums such as ours did not respect the values, perspectives and indeed shared humanity of Indigenous peoples, Sean Decatur, the museums president, wrote in a letter to its staff Jan. 26. Actions that may feel sudden to some may seem long overdue to others. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati museums remove Native American items amid NAGPRA update